South Florida Local News

By MIKE CATALINI, JULIE CARR SMYTH and BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets, repeating during a televised debate the type of inflammatory and anti-immigrant rhetoric he has promoted throughout his campaigns.

There is no evidence that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio community are doing that, officials say. But during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump specifically mentioned Springfield, Ohio, the town at the center of the claims, saying that immigrants were taking over the city.

“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said.

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Harris called Trump “extreme” and laughed after his comment. Debate moderators pointed out that city officials have said the claims are not true.

Trump’s comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention this week when Vance posted on social media that his office has “received many inquiries” about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible “all of these rumors will turn out to be false.”

Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims, even as Trump and his allies use them to amplify racist stereotypes about Black and brown immigrants.

While president, Trump questioned why the U.S. would accept people from “s—-hole” countries such as Haiti and some in Africa. His 2024 campaign has focused heavily on illegal immigration, often referencing in his speeches crimes committed by migrants. He argues immigrants are responsible for driving up crime and drug abuse in the United States and taking resources from American citizens.

Here’s a closer look at how the false claims have spread.

How did this get started?

On Sept. 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the person’s “neighbor’s daughter’s friend” seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X. “Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country. Where is our border czar?” he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquires from residents who said “their neighbors’ pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.”

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump “So Haitian immigrants don’t eat us.”

Hours before Trump’s debate with Harris, he posted two related photos on his social media site. One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats.

What do officials in Ohio say?

The office of the Springfield city manager, Bryan Heck, issued a statement knocking down the rumors.

“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Heck’s office said in an emailed statement.

Springfield police on Monday told the Springfield News-Sun that they had received no reports of stolen or eaten pets.

Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, held a news conference Tuesday to address the influx of Haitian immigrants to Springfield. He said he will send state troopers to Springfield to help local law enforcement deal with traffic issues and is earmarking $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary health care to immigrant families.

DeWine declined to address the allegations, deferring comment to local officials. But he repeatedly spoke in support of the people of Haiti, where his family has long operated a charity.

What do we know about a separate case 175 miles (281 km) away?

An entirely unrelated incident that occurred last month in Canton, Ohio, quickly and erroneously conflated into the discussion.

On Aug. 26, Canton police charged a 27-year-old woman with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct after she “did torture, kill, and eat a cat in a residential area in front (of) multiple people,” according to a police report.

But Allexis Ferrell is not Haitian. She was born in Ohio and graduated from Canton’s McKinley High School in 2015, according to public records and newspaper reports. Court records show she has been in and out of trouble with the law since at least 2017. Messages seeking comment were not returned by several attorneys who have represented her.

She is being held in Stark County jail pending a competency hearing next month, according to the prosecutor’s office.

What do advocates for Haitian immigrants say?

The posts create a false narrative and could be dangerous for Haitians in the United States, according to Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a group that supports and advocates for immigrants of African descent

“We are always at the receiving end of all kind of barbaric, inhumane narratives and treatments, specifically when it comes to immigration,” Jozef said in a phone interview.

Her comments echoed White House national security spokesman John Kirby.

“There will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is,” Kirby said. “And they might act on that kind of information, and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt. So it needs to stop.”

What is the broader context of Haitians in Ohio and the United States?

Springfield, a city of roughly 60,000, has seen its Haitian population grow in recent years. It’s impossible to give an exact number, according to the city, but it estimates Springfield’s entire county has an overall immigrant population of 15,000.

The city also says that the Haitian immigrants are in the country legally under a federal program that allows for them to remain in the country temporarily. Last month the Biden administration granted eligibility for temporary legal status to about 300,000 Haitians already in the United States because conditions in Haiti are considered unsafe for them to return. Haiti’s government has extended a state of emergency to the entire country due to endemic gang violence.

Another matter cropping up and raised by Trump in an email Monday is the August 2023 death of an 11-year-old boy after a vehicle driven by an immigrant from Haiti hit the boy’s school bus. After that, residents demanding answers about the immigrant community spoke out at city council meetings.

Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey, and Shipkowski from Toms River, New Jersey.

By WILL GRAVES

PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run blast to reach the 20-homer plateau for the 10th time in his career and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Miami Marlins 6-4 on Tuesday night.

The 37-year-old designated hitter turned on a fastball from Miami’s Adam Oller (1-3) with two on and two out in the fifth inning and sent it into the first row of bleachers in left field to give Pittsburgh a five-run lead.

McCutchen has had eight of his 20-homer seasons with Pittsburgh, the second-most in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Willie Stargell.

Still, McCutchen can’t help but think where he might rank on some of the franchise charts if the team hadn’t traded him to San Francisco in early 2018, sending him on a five-year odyssey that ended with a return to the Pirates before the 2023 season.

“It’s nice to be able to be with those guys and those greats, it’s amazing, but it would be cool if I was here my whole career and then see where I would be at,” McCutchen said.

Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and Bryan Reynolds had two hits apiece for the Pirates, who have won three straight. Joey Wentz (1-2) earned the victory after allowing one run in 2 2/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman survived a rocky ninth to earn his eighth save on a night the Pirates used six relievers behind opener Carmen Mlodzinski.

Jhonny Pereda had three hits for Miami. Kyle Stowers added a pair of doubles for the Marlins.

A year after clinching a surprising wild-card spot at PNC Park, the Marlins are on pace for their first 100-loss season since 2019.

The 29-year-old Oller, one of a major league-record-tying 69 players Miami has used this season, gave up a pair of runs in the first and four more in the fifth when Reynolds laced an RBI single and McCutchen followed two batters later with the 319th homer of his career.

McCutchen has hit 235 of his homers for Pittsburgh, fourth-most in team history and five behind Pirates icon Roberto Clemente. McCutchen plans to keep playing in 2025, most likely in a place the Florida native considers home.

“Hopefully I can just continue to finish strong in the season and be able to showcase that I can be capable and able to do it next year,” he said.

MARLINS MOVES

Miami claimed RHP Michael Petersen off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Petersen, who played for Britain during the World Baseball Classic, went 3-0 with a 6.43 ERA in 11 appearances with Los Angeles. To make room for Petersen, the Marlins designated RHP Brett de Geus for assignment.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: Scratched infielder Connor Norby from the lineup due to left foot soreness. Norby fouled a pitch from Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes on Monday night. Jake Burger filled in for Norby at third.

Pirates: The team isn’t ready to rule 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes out for the season with back soreness, but time is running out. Hayes, who last played on Aug. 17, is not doing any baseball activities.

UP NEXT

The series wraps up with a matinee on Wednesday. Bailey Falter (7-7, 4.45 ERA) gets the start for Pittsburgh. The Marlins have yet to name a starter.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met for the first time face-to-face Tuesday night for perhaps their only debate before November’s presidential election, a high-pressure opportunity to showcase their starkly different visions for the country after a tumultuous campaign summer.

The matchup offeed Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that’s dramatically changed since the last debate in June. In rapid fashion, President Joe Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

Here’s a look at the debate through photos:

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) AFP/GettyUS Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attend a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

 

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, debates Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. president Donald Trump, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Jim Rassol / Sun SentinelRepublican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, debates Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Jim Rassol / Sun SentinelRepublican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Journalists and members of the media watch from the spin room as US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump participate in a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by MATTHEW HATCHER/AFP via Getty Images) People watch the ABC News presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at a debate watch party at The Abbey on September 10, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

People watch the presidential debate during a debate watch party at Penn Social on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump face off in their first debate Tuesday evening at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) People watch the presidential debate during a debate watch party at Penn Social on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump face off in their first debate Tuesday evening at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) People watch the presidential debate during a debate watch party at Penn Social on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump face off in their first debate Tuesday evening at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Republican National Committee Co-Chair Lara Trump is interviewed in the media center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center before the first presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) California Governor Gavin Newsom talks to journalists in the media center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center before the first presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Vivek Ramaswamy talks to journalists in the media center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center before the first presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Democratic National Committee displays signage in support of Vice President Kamala Harris during the Presidential Debate outside of The National Constitutional Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for DNC) A supporter of former US president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sits outside of the National Constitution Center, ahead of the presidential debate between US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills match up in six key areas ahead of Thursday night’s Week 2 game (8:15 p.m., CBS4, Amazon Prime Video):

When the Dolphins run: Miami had a modest ground game in its opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and now the Dolphins’ top two running backs are banged up. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are dealing with chest and ankle injuries, respectively. The rushing attack went for 81 yards on 25 attempts Sunday, a 3.2 average, in the first game of the Robert Jones-Aaron Brewer-Liam Eichenberg interior offensive line combination in 2024.

A bright spot was found late in veteran Jeff Wilson Jr., who had an efficient 26 yards on five carries. Rookie Jaylen Wright, who was a healthy inactive Sunday, could make his NFL regular-season debut if one or both of Mostert or Achane can’t play Thursday night against Buffalo.

The Bills surrendered 5 yards per carry in their opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but that number was inflated by 57 yards allowed to scrambling quarterback Kyler Murray. Buffalo returns the defensive tackle combination of Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones with solid young middle linebacker Terrel Bernard, but remember this unit was vulnerable against the run in 2023. The Miami ground game, though, appears hampered. Edge: Bills

When the Bills run: When Buffalo reeled off a six-game winning streak from the end of the regular season through the wild-card round of the playoffs last season, it leaned on its running game. The Bills stuck to that formula in Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, keeping quarterback Josh Allen to 23 pass attempts while running the ball 33 times as a team.

Running back James Cook, the former Miami Central High product, saw the bulk of that workload, getting 19 carries and going for 71 yards. Allen, always a threat with his legs, rushed for two touchdowns. The Bills no longer have Mitch Morse to anchor the offensive line in the middle, but now have Connor McGovern at center.

The Dolphins didn’t have a great debut against the run, allowing 4.9 yards per carry to the Jaguars, letting Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne both reel off big chunk plays. They did make the game-changing play in run defense, though, albeit while nearly allowing Etienne to run for his second touchdown, when safety Jevon Holland forced the key fumble that shifted momentum. Miami has the personnel to be better at stopping the run, between Sieler, Calais Campbell and linebackers David Long Jr. and Jordyn Brooks. Edge: Even

When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came away from Week 1 like he did the 2023 season, leading the NFL in passing yards. His 338 yards were enough to lead the league in the opening week. He hit some big plays down the field to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, including the 80-yard touchdown to Hill after the fumble recovery. He still was shaky at times in the opener and could find more consistency, when targeting others not named Hill, Waddle or Achane out of the backfield, who had seven catches for 76 yards.

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The Bills secondary seems vulnerable this year after overhauling on the back end. Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are the starting safeties after Buffalo cut ties with its longtime combination of Jordan Poyer (now with the Dolphins) and Micah Hyde. The Bills also released cornerback Tre’Davious White, and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson is out for Thursday’s game, creating a huge hole for Buffalo. The Dolphins’ speedy playmakers should get their opportunities against this secondary.

That said, they did hold Arizona in check through the air in the opener. The pass rush was a big reason. Former University of Miami standout Greg Rousseau sacked Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray three times. Veteran, former star pass-rusher Von Miller had a sack, and they also have A.J. Epenesa on the edge. Tackles Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson will have their hands full, but Tagovailoa gets the ball out quick, regardless. Edge: Dolphins

When the Bills pass: Allen, who has historically torched Miami, was an efficient 18 of 23 for 232 yards and two passing touchdowns to go with his two rushing scores in the opener against Arizona. He is turnover-prone, and did lose a fumble, while not throwing an interception Sunday. The Dolphins know what it’s like to face him, but he also lost a lot in his receiving corps this offseason.

Buffalo no longer has star wide receiver Stefon Diggs or No. 2 option Gabe Davis. Rookie Keon Coleman led the Bills with 51 receiving yards in Week 1. Khalil Shakir had one touchdown, and Mack Hollins had the other. He has strong second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid and can throw to Cook out of the backfield. Playing four days after his 2024 debut on a bad hamstring, the hope is Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is running more comfortably in his second game after giving up a pair of big plays Sunday.

But he and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips surpassed their projected snap counts, as Phillips played his first game coming off the torn Achilles of last November. He had a sack, as did Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah. Miami will need to apply that pressure against Allen against tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, while containing the dual-threat quarterback in the pocket so he can’t devastate you with this legs. Edge: Even

Special teams: Buffalo is always solid in the third phase of the game. Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman knows this, having been there previously and falling victim to a crucial punt return touchdown in last year’s regular-season finale.

But Deonte Harty, who scored that backbreaker the last time the teams squared off, is no longer with the Bills. Former Buffalo gunner and special teams ace Siran Neal is now actually with Miami — and exceptional at downing punts. Miami punter Jake Bailey had a strong season debut, flipping the field consistently on Jacksonville while the Dolphins trailed. And, of course, kicker Jason Sanders kicked a game-winner from 52 yards Sunday, bouncing back from an earlier miss. Edge: Even

Intangibles: The Bills have devastated the Dolphins in recent years, winning 11 of the past 12 pairings. That’s got to create a mental edge. But there has been a lot of turnover on that roster. Many of those players aren’t even there, Allen notwithstanding, of course. The Bills coming back from three games down with five weeks remaining last season feels like the tipping point that starts shifting this rivalry Miami’s way. The Dolphins don’t get the early afternoon sun advantage this trip to Miami Gardens for the Bills, but it’s still going to be plenty hot and humid and the western New Yorkers will be sweating profusely. Plus, visiting teams have an even harder time on the road when playing on a short week. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 27, Bills 23

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami win Thursday night vs. Josh Allen, Bills? | VIDEO

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 10, the 254th day of 2024. There are 112 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 10, 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee opened hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. The proceedings would become a watershed moment in the discussion of sexual harassment when Anita Hill, a law professor who had previously worked under Thomas, came forward with allegations against him.

Also on this date:

In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia.

In 1846, Elias Howe received a patent for his sewing machine.

In 1960, running barefoot, Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the Olympic marathon in Rome, becoming the first Black African to win Olympic gold.

In 1960, Hurricane Donna, a dangerous Category 4 storm blamed for 364 deaths, struck the Florida Keys.

In 1963, 20 Black students entered Alabama public schools following a standoff between federal authorities and Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace.

In 1979, four Puerto Rican nationalists imprisoned for a 1954 attack on the U.S. House of Representatives and a 1950 attempted killing of President Harry S. Truman were freed from prison after being granted clemency by President Jimmy Carter.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II arrived in Miami, where he was welcomed by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the United States.

In 2005, teams of forensic workers and cadaver dogs fanned out across New Orleans to collect the corpses left behind by Hurricane Katrina.

In 2008, the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was powered up for the first time, successfully firing the first beam of protons through its 17-mile-long (27-kilometer-long) underground ring tunnel.

In 2022, King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain’s monarch in a pomp-filled ceremony two days after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Scientist-author Jared Diamond is 87.
• Jazz/funk musician Roy Ayers is 84.
• Singer José Feliciano is 79.
• Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 76.
• Political commentator Bill O’Reilly is 75.
• Rock musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith) is 74.
• Actor Amy Irving is 71.
• Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is 70.
• Actor-director Clark Johnson is 70.
• Actor Kate Burton is 67.
• Film director Chris Columbus is 66.
• Actor Colin Firth is 64.
• Cartoonist Alison Bechdel is 64.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is 61.
• Actor Raymond Cruz is 60.
• Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 56.
• Film director Guy Ritchie is 56.
• Actor Ryan Phillippe (FIHL’-ih-pee) is 50.
• Ballerina Misty Copeland is 42.
• Former MLB All-Star Joey Votto is 41.

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes struck out nine over six solid innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates edged the Miami Marlins 3-2 on Monday night.

The 22-year-old Skenes (10-2) allowed one run on six hits, lowering his ERA to 2.10. Skenes also boosted his season strikeout total to 151, a Pirates rookie record, while winning his fourth straight decision.

The 6-foot-6 right-hander’s fastball hit 100 mph six times while becoming just the fourth rookie ever to reach 150 strikeouts in 20 starts or less, joining Kerry Wood, Dwight Gooden and Mark Prior.

“I think that just goes to the quality of his stuff,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “This kid’s got elite stuff and he’s going to strike out a lot of people throughout his career.”

While Skenes wasn’t particularly efficient — he needed 98 pitches to record 18 outs and retired Miami in order just once — he was able to avoid major trouble to bolster his bid for National League Rookie of the Year.

Skenes’ rapid rise has been one of the bright spots for the Pirates, who saw their hopes of staying in the postseason mix die during a miserable August.

While the team around him has scuffled, Skenes has kept right on going. Though his velocity has dipped slightly since his electrifying debut, he started to lean a little heavier on a repertoire that includes a “splinker” (a mix of a sinker and a splitter) designed to keep hitters off balance. He used a handful of different types of pitches to record a strikeout against Miami.

When he retired Marlins rookie Griffin Conine on a grounder to first to end the sixth, the thin mid-September crowd at PNC Park rose to its feet to laud Skenes in one of his final home starts of the season.

“That’s pretty dang cool every time,” Skenes said. “So, yeah, just keep showing up for the games. And hopefully, I mean, the goal is to keep giving them moments like that.”

Pittsburgh has been spacing out Skenes’ appearances to help him get through his first full year as a professional healthy. The Pirates finish a nine-game homestand with three against the Royals over the weekend. Skenes could potentially start the finale.

While Skenes allowed there “probably is a limit” to the number of innings he pitches this year — he’s at 147 1/3 innings all told between Triple-A and the majors — he doesn’t think he’s going to reach it this year. Besides, he also thinks he’s built to withstand the workload.

“I’m 22, I’m conditioned to throw a lot of innings I think,” he said.

Oneil Cruz hit his 19th home of the season for the Pirates. Bryan Reynolds added a two-run double off Valente Bellozo (2-3) as Pittsburgh won its second straight game. Aroldis Chapman worked around a Cristian Pache RBI-double in the ninth to earn his seventh save.

Xavier Edwards, Jesus Sanchez and Otto Lopez had two hits each for the Marlins, but it wasn’t enough to help Bellozo. The rookie pitched well over 5 1/3 innings, his only real miscue came in the first inning when Cruz sent a 90 mph fastball 444 feet into the bushes beyond the wall in center field to put the Pirates in front.

Miami’s defense handed Pittsburgh the other two runs. The Pirates had no on and two outs in the second when Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards short-hopped a routine throw on a grounder by Alika Williams that Miami first baseman Jonah Bride couldn’t handle.

The inning continued and Nick Gonzales followed with a double to put runners in scoring position. Williams and Gonzales then raced home on a sharp single to right by Reynolds that gave Pittsburgh a three-run lead that proved more than enough for their budding ace.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: LHP Braxton Garrett (left forearm) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday and will work four innings or 60 pitches. … LHP Ryan Weathers (left index finger) is slated for a five-inning rehab start with Jacksonville on Friday.

Pirates: C Endy Rodriguez (elbow surgery) is in Pittsburgh and is expected to begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona on Tuesday.

UP NEXT

The series continues on Tuesday night. Adam Oller (1-2, 4.15 ERA) will get the nod for the Marlins. The Pirates have yet to name a starter.

The Miami Dolphins released a strong statement Monday night, supporting players Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith after their run-in with Miami-Dade police officers on their drive into Hard Rock Stadium for Sunday’s season opener and calling for action against the cops involved.

Sunday morning, Hill, the Dolphins’ star wide receiver was pulled over for a traffic violation that quickly escalated to his detainment and handcuffing.

Smith and Campbell were also driving into the stadium around the same time and went over to check on Hill. Police interactions with them grew aggressive, too, and Campbell was even briefly detained, as well.

Body-cam footage was released by Miami-Dade Police Department on Monday evening, and the Dolphins released their statement hours later.

“We are saddened by the overly aggressive and violent conduct directed towards Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith by police officers before (Sunday’s) game,” the statement said. “It is both maddening and heartbreaking to watch the very people we trust to protect our community use such unnecessary force and hostility towards these players, yet it is also a reminder that not every situation like this ends in peace, as we are grateful this one did. ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’ is a question that will carry with resounding impact.”

Hill posed that question in postgame comments after he scored a touchdown in the Dolphins’ 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“We are proud to have a strong and positive relationship with the Miami-Dade Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and recognize that the vast majority of officers do serve the community with the utmost character and desire to protect all citizens,” the team statement continued. “However, as is on full display in the videos released (Monday night), there are some officers who mistake their responsibility and commitment to serve with misguided power. While we commend MDPD for taking the right and necessary action to quickly release this footage, we also urge them to take equally swift and strong action against the officers who engaged in such despicable behavior.

“We will stand beside Tyreek and our players as they work to use their platform and this situation to make a positive impact in our community. We have always believed that the game of football holds a unique power to bring people together, and we remain hopeful that through the collective work of the players, organization and our community partners, we can create lasting change.”

The statement follows a series of thoughtful and even emotional messages made in the media by Dolphins players and coach Mike McDaniel following Sunday’s events.

The Dolphins have a quick turnaround for their next game, back at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.

The emotion belonged to Mike McDaniel. But it should be everybody’s emotion right now. The words he chose should be everyone’s words when considering Tyreek Hill’s incident with Miami-Dade police now that an officer’s body-camera video has been released.

“Really, the time since (Sunday) to now I think for me personally, it’s been hard for me not to find myself more upset the more I think about it,” the Miami Dolphins coach said Monday.

Everybody loses. That’s the saddest part of this incident. Everybody comes out looking bad or feeling worse because Miami-Dade police overreacted, specifically one unnamed policeman who yanked Hill from his car and, moments later, shoved him to the ground in handcuffs as Hill pointed out his knee just had surgery.

The police lose as a stereotype of overreaction gets underlined. Hill loses for being in the middle of a mess. Teammates lose for getting involved.

The most disturbing part is any common sense could have prevented this. This wasn’t some shadowy setting late at night. This was Sunday morning outside Hard Rock Stadium. Fans are stopping on the road to video the scene as the policeman walks to Hill’s car.

Hill isn’t perfect in being signaled to stop for speeding. He repeatedly tells the officer not to hit his window as he puts it down and hands over his drivers license.

“Give me my ticket so I can get on my way, bro,” Hill says.

He then puts up his window.

“Keep your window down,” the police officer said.

You or me — you put the window down, right? The windows were tinted, too, meaning the policeman couldn’t see into the car and see if there was anything to be wary of.

Hill cracked his window, later saying he didn’t want to open it wide and have fans to start taking video of him. It was too late for that. But that only adds to the larger issue, the one about this not being some threatening scene of danger.

Again, it was Sunday morning outside the stadium, not late at night in some sketchy area.

“Keep your window down or I’ll get you out of your car,” the officer said. “As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”

It was then a second officer came to the car and talked of, “breaking the f—— window.” He opened the car door, pulled Hill out and shoved him to the pavement.

“We’re not playing this game,” one officer said.

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Again, Hill wasn’t perfect. But was there anything to suggest it needed to escalate this moment to this level?Was anyone being threatened in the late morning scene outside Hard Rock Stadium? Was there any sense of danger at all?

Beyond the danger the police brought.

It can be a thankless job, being a policeman. It can be an uplifting one when done properly, too. And then there are moments like this where everyone loses.

The police, who underline a stereotype of angry aggression. Hill, who is embroiled in a mess. Veteran Calais Campbell, too, the former NFL Player of the Year for his good community work who suddenly found himself in handcuffs after coming to, “de-escalate the situation,” as he said.

Instead, when Campbell didn’t get back in his car and drive away, as police told him, he was put in handcuffs.

There are situations where that would be understandable for police to do all of this, to throw their legal weight around. But, again, as you watch the video, was anyone in danger at all? Was no officer able to take the temperature of the moment?

Dolphins issue statement supporting Tyreek Hill, calling for action against cops involved

There’s an Everyman quality to this, too, as Hill related after Sunday’s game in saying, “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?” What if this incident wasn’t recorded by fans driving by or demanding a closer inspection by media?

“Call Drew,” Hill kept saying to Campbell and another teammate, Jonnu Smith.

It’s not clear if he meant his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who was at the game, or the team’s head of security, Drew Brooks. At one point, when pulled from the car, Hill was saying into his phone, “Hey Drew, I’m being arrested.”

Brooks is a former policeman. Another Dolphins employee is a former police chief. The team has hosted events to smooth relations between police and communities. So this isn’t an us-versus-them mentality inside the organization. It’s quite the opposite.

Sports, like the larger society, is full of people who wish they could erase one moment from their lives. Maybe this is that for these involved police officers. Maybe this is something they end up regretting.

Hopefully, someone turns all this bad into something good.

But, first, there are some things to work through. No, Hill wasn’t perfect. But McDaniel’s emotion should be everyone’s emotion. Part of it, he said, was because, “I don’t know exactly what that feels like.”

Most of us don’t. But watching the video you don’t have to be face down on the street, in handcuffs, to wonder why it ever reached that point.

A record-setting performance by Florida’s quarterback of the future and overmatched opponent has given Billy Napier and Gator fans hope. Lagway’s 456 yards passing shattered UF’s single-game standard for a freshman and breathed some hope and excitement back into the Gators. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar reflect on the beginning of the DJ Lagway Era and the Gators’ bounce-back win against Samford.

• Turning point (1:40)
• Thumbs up: DJ Lagway (3:15)
• Thumbs down (5:02)
• Game ball (8:06)
• Biggest concern (9:44)
• Reason for optimism (12:36)
• On the spot (15:29)
• Billie’s banter (17:17)
• Locker room view (21:24)
• Final thought (27:27)
• Jeremy Foley’s Corner: Golf (29:50)
• Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Janice Cohen, of Boynton Beach, refused to wait another four weeks to get an appointment with her primary care doctor. When offered a visit with a physician’s assistant, she reluctantly agreed.

The experience, she says, proved to be a good one. “She took much more time with me than a doctor ever would,” Cohen said.

More often, a medical appointment now involves interaction with a physician assistant, particularly in Florida, where a doctor shortage has led to long wait times.

Also known as physician associates, they see patients in primary care practices and urgent care centers and work for specialists, including cardiologists and pediatricians. They help fill a gap in Florida caused by retiring doctors and a smaller pipeline of medical students available to cater to the state’s aging population. (In fact, the demand for physician assistants is expected to increase 28% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Florida’s 16 master degree-level accredited educational programs are working to meet the need.)

Those in the profession acknowledge that patients often don’t understand their role, even as they seek to push new laws in Florida that remove the requirement for physicians to supervise them in primary care after a set number of years of practice.

“If we do become more independent, it would require marketing,” said Marilyn Suri, the southern region’s director for the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. “Part of the issue we have now is patients don’t know who we are and how capable we are. We have to educate the public a lot more.”

A 2024 Harris Poll of 2,519 adults age 18 and older found many didn’t always understand the role of a physician assistant — but those who do believe PAs play an important role in meeting people’s healthcare needs. Nearly 80% of adults polled rated the medical care they had received from their PA in the previous 12 months as good or excellent, and nearly two-thirds said they would trust a PA to be their primary healthcare provider.

Suri said the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants plans to lobby the Florida Legislature during the next session to allow PAs to independently practice primary care in Florida without a doctor’s supervision. Suri works as a physician assistant in pulmonary critical care at Jackson Health North and said typically physician assistant education is focused on primary care.

“We take a board exam that encompasses primary care knowledge,” she said. “I can’t say I did the same amount of schooling as a neurologist, but I did enough to practice on my own in primary care.”

The academy sees this change in the law as significant for improving healthcare access, allowing PAs to fill the need in some areas of the state where the physician shortage has left gaps in care.

However, medical organizations in the state are likely to oppose the change. The Florida Medical Association has said it opposes expanding the scope of physician assistants’ activities beyond the current law.

Dr. Jason Goldman, immediate past president of the Florida Medical Association, said PAs are a necessary part of the healthcare team but lack the depth of education and training that physicians receive.

“They are there to help physicians in their duties. They do not have the training, skills or ability to practice independently,” said Goldman, who also is president-elect of the American College of Physicians.  “It would be bad for patient care. They don’t know what they don’t know.”

Ray Berry, CEO at Health Business Solutions in Broward County, said health systems are struggling to hire doctors, and PAs help fill the need, but they are not equal to physicians.

Berry said he would rather see more efforts to train and keep medical residents in Florida rather than rely on physician assistants to fill the need.

“They are a stopgap for routine things,” Berry said. “But M.D.s go through a lot of education, so for anything complex I would want an M.D.”

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS?

The profession has been around since 1967 and is one of the fastest-growing in the United States. Physician assistants see patients of all ages in nearly all specialty and primary care areas, diagnosing and treating common illnesses. Below are a few things to know about physician assistants.

Physician assistant Marilyn Suri leaves a patient’s room in the cardiac intensive care unit at Jackson North Medical Center in North Miami Beach on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel) They can do almost as much as doctors.

Physician assistants can perform many routine tasks of a primary care doctor, such as taking medical histories, examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, ordering tests, performing procedures, assisting in surgery, and making rounds at hospitals and nursing homes.

In Florida, they do this under the supervision of a licensed physician. The supervising physician doesn’t need to be in the room when the physician assistant provides care but must be available for consultation. State law now says a physician can supervise up to 10 PAs at a time

Since 2021, the Florida Legislature has given physician assistants the ability to do more, including order Medicaid home healthcare after an examination, prescribe a two-week supply of psychotropic drugs to minors, supervise medical assistants, and bill and receive payments from insurers.

They get a different education than doctors.

Some Floridians admit to being reluctant to see a PA, concerned about the differing level of knowledge.

Edward Cripe, of Fort Lauderdale, said he has seen a physician assistant in his cardiologist’s office and found her helpful. However, he added: “I would prefer to have an M.D. as my primary care doctor.”

“I saw a physician’s assistant at a primary care office to the total exclusion of the actual doctor,” said Judy Ellis, 83, of St. Petersburg, who wrote to the South Florida Sun Sentinel about her experience with healthcare. “At my age, it’s important for the doctor to listen to my heart to see if I’m starting to grow something in the cardiology department that’s going to require specialized attention … And you wonder if the PA has the training and the knowledge to recognize a situation like that.”

So, what is the difference in education?

PAs don’t go to medical school like doctors and they don’t do residency or fellowship programs. Instead, they complete a 27-month master’s degree program that focuses on practical patient-care skills. Then, they get hands-on training by working under a doctor’s supervision. Like primary care doctors, they refer patients to specialists when warranted.

So, overall, doctors receive more education and do more hands-on training in their specialty. A doctor usually gets 11 years of education following high school, while a PA gets six to seven. In Florida, PAs must do 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, while a specialty-trained physician does 9,000 to 10,000 hours of clinical training before being licensed, according to the Florida Board of Medicine.

In Florida, PAs take a board certification exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Those who pass then need a license from the Florida Board of Medicine, which is the same entity that licenses the state’s doctors. To maintain certification, a PA must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) credits every two years and take a recertification exam every 10 years.

They have a different depth of knowledge when they first start out.

Doctors enter their specialty with a deeper understanding of complex medical issues than do PAs, who undergo a shorter, focused training program.

However, Suri said that after 12 years of experience, her knowledge of the specialty in which she works — pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine — is extensive. She said she has learned on the job by working hands-on, side by side with physicians.

“I am still practicing under the supervision of a doctor, but I am extremely confident and I train residents. That speaks volumes in itself,” she said. “I work as a team with physicians.”

Physician assistant Diana Cherkiss speaks with a patient at Memorial Hospital Miramar on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Cherkiss is also the program director for physician assistants at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel) They earn less than doctors.

More than 125,000 PAs were practicing last year in the United States; their median annual pay was $115,390. By comparison, the median annual pay for a family physician in 2020 was $207,380, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

They can work in various settings and also specialize.

Physician assistants practice in a wide range of specialties and work settings, which likely is why a 2023 Harris Poll found more than two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) have seen a PA, and of those, nearly six in 10 (58%) have seen the same PA more than once.

In Florida, PAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities and surgery wards — interacting with orthopedists, obstetricians, pediatricians, dermatologists, and other specialized medicine professionals.

Diana Cherkiss, director of the PA program at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, said students in NSU’s PA programs do a rotation through specialized areas of medicine, can take electives in any specialty they wish to pursue, then undergo training under supervision.

“The same three years an MD is doing residency, PAs are doing training with a supervising physician. It’s almost exactly the same,” said Cherkiss, who is a PA at Memorial Hospital Miramar.

She said PAs know the limitations of their knowledge and refer patients to specialists if needed: “They work collaboratively on any type of complicated case.”

South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

Gregory Scruggs | (TNS) The Seattle Times

If you’re visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in its centennial year — as I was recently — or making a road trip that extends as far as Wyoming or Utah, it’s easy to consider breezing through southern Idaho en route to your destination.

Instead, take the scenic route through this corner of the Gem State, which offers some real diamonds in the rough. There are immaculate hot springs, delightfully odd museums, occasional good eats, hikes with uninterrupted summit views and a breathtaking canyon to explore.

Along the way, you’ll never be too far from the Snake River, which defines this part of Idaho as it winds a whopping 1,080 miles from its headwaters in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks until it merges with the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities. The Snake carves canyons through a swath of southern Idaho that offers big sky vistas of mountain peaks towering over plains and deserts.

Dotting the rural landscape of small towns and farmland, meanwhile, are some decidedly quirky roadside attractions befitting the region that served as the setting for 2004 cult comedy “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Pocatello: Eat, climb, soak Elmer’s is a classic greasy spoon diner in Pocatello, across the street from Idaho State University, and serves up a mean breakfast – like the “looking for the sun” omelet pictured here – that will hold any road tripper over until lunchtime and beyond. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Among southern Idaho’s small cities, I made a detour to Pocatello, curious to check out the college town home to Idaho State University which also claims to be the “U.S. Smile Capital.” I didn’t stick around long enough to vet the friendliness of the locals, but two attractions made me smile.

First was a hearty breakfast at Elmer’s, the midcentury greasy spoon diner of my dreams. The Pocatello location is one of only two in Idaho for this Oregon-based mini-chain (there are also locations in Tacoma and Vancouver, Wash.). The “looking for sun” omelet ($15) laden with cheese, salsa, avocado and sour cream started my day on a decidedly bright note.

Second was the plethora of hiking trails that rise right out of this college town nestled in the mountains. I found plenty of sun, and vistas across the Bannock Range, on the 8-mile round-trip, nearly 2,000 vertical feet climb to the summit of Scout Mountain.

Nothing beats a posthike hot springs soak, a combination Idaho offers in spades. Pocatello was also attractive because it’s just 35 miles from Lava Hot Springs, a small but bustling resort town centered on a clutch of hot mineral pools.

The hot springs facility, beautifully set against a rocky outcropping, was clean and uncrowded on my visit — a solid value at just $3-$12 per session depending on the day of the week and your age.

The waters range from 102 to 112 degrees and, a rare treat, have no sulfurous odor. Try the gravel-bottom pools for a gentle foot massage, or take a break from the mineral baths and stroll through the adjacent sunken garden. With summer hours until 11 p.m. nightly through Sept. 30, a soak under the stars comes highly recommended.

Peckish or thirsty? Lava Hot Springs welcomed Eruption Brewery & Bistro in October, a solid choice for a meal before a soak and a beer for after. (Alcohol consumption before entering a geothermal pool is not recommended.)

Small-town hotels The Harkness Hotel, located in a historic bank building built in 1906, is an unexpected boutique hotel in otherwise blink-and-you’ll-miss-it McCammon, Idaho. The town is conveniently located for visiting Lava Hot Springs, Pocatello and the nearby mountains. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

I’m a sucker for a touch of luxury in an unexpected setting, so I swooned at the prospect of staying at The Harkness Hotel, a bank built in 1906 and converted to a boutique hotel 10 years ago (rooms $134-$279 per night). It’s likely the only reason you’ll stop in McCammon, a speck of a town halfway between Pocatello and Lava Hot Springs.

While the rooms, each with a distinctive decorative style, looked dreamy in photos, I was less enamored upon arrival with the quality of the furniture and finishings in The Ebony. The spartan amenities — an airport lounge-style coffee machine in the lobby and a gift shop in the former bank vault — didn’t encourage me to linger. But in this sparsely populated part of the country, The Harkness is still a cut above a chain motel. On my next swing through the region, I hope to check in at The Drift Inn in Rupert.

Offbeat museums Pocatello wins the “most unexpected museum award” as the home of the baffling Museum of Clean, a massive brick building from 1916 turned into a multipurpose shrine to hygiene and children’s museum by the so-called “dean of clean” Don Aslett in 2011. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Antique mops, vintage washing machines and the world’s largest collection of vacuum cleaners are among the exhibition highlights at the Museum of Clean in Pocatello ($5-$10 admission).

Cleaning magnate Don Aslett collected thousands of artifacts in his career preaching the gospel of cleanliness, like these vintage vacuum cleaners on display at the Museum of Clean. The museum claims to have the world’s largest collection of vacuums — nearly 1,000, the oldest dating to 1869. (Gregory Scruggs / The Seattle Times)

The haphazardly curated museum is the bizarre brainchild of Don Aslett, who while a student at Idaho State University started a cleaning company in 1957 that he turned into a national brand. Along the way he authored dozens of books on housecleaning — all of which are on prominent display near a larger-than-life statue of a janitor nicknamed “Big Don.”

Evergreen State science and history buffs surely know of our state’s role in the Manhattan Project at the Hanford site in Eastern Washington. But did you know that southern Idaho is arguably the birthplace of atomic energy, the world’s first nuclear power plant to produce in-house electricity?

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) was erected at the Idaho National Laboratory along a lonesome stretch of highway. The facility lasted for a decade before it was replaced by a more advanced reactor. Today it operates as a free museum that feels like an “Oppenheimer” film set, with tours led by national lab docents. Twenty more miles west on Highway 26 and you’ll end up in Arco, the world’s first city powered by nuclear energy.

Views and brews Quench your thirst on a southern Idaho road trip with a stop at Koto Brewing Co, which serves up tasty food and libations in downtown Twin Falls inside a historic property built by Japanese immigrant Tojiro Koto in 1920. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Daredevil Evel Knievel tried and failed to jump the majestic Snake River Canyon in 1974 (stuntman Eddie Braun pulled it off in 2016). There’s a monument to Knievel’s legendary attempt at the foot of the Perrine Memorial Bridge, which crosses the canyon just outside of Twin Falls, another of southern Idaho’s bigger (albeit still quite small) cities — but well worth the detour off I-84.

The bridge is open to pedestrians on both sides and offers sweeping upriver and downriver views. The middle is a popular site for BASE jumpers to launch into the abyss 486 feet above the Snake River (tandem jumps $250). For a river-level view, hike the steep Pillar Falls Trail — just remember, never swim near the falls, where dangerous undercurrents lurk — or rent a kayak or paddleboard from AWOL Adventures and paddle as far as 8 miles upriver from Centennial Park to Shoshone Falls ($40-$45 for six-hour rental).

After ogling the canyon high and low, retreat to downtown Twin Falls for a well-earned refreshment at Koto Brewing Co. A roomy, inviting gathering space with a steady roster of live music and events, the brewery also serves up tasty food and drink. Order an Easy Rider Pilsner done up michelada-style ($6) and tuck into a koto steak sando with housemade miso vinaigrette ($17).

______

If you go

Lava Hot Springs; 430 E. Main, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; 208-776-5221; lavahotsprings.com; $3 for ages 2 and under, $7.50-$10 for ages 3-11, $8-$12 for ages 12-59, $7.50-$10 for ages 60-plus

The Harkness Hotel; 206 Center St., McCammon, Idaho; 208-254-4340; theharknesshotel.com; room with queen bed from $134

Elmer’s Restaurant; 851 S. Fifth Ave., Pocatello, Idaho; 208-232-9114; eatatelmers.com; breakfast items from $10-$20

Koto Brewing Co.; 156 Main Ave. N., Twin Falls, Idaho; 208-933-2570; koto.beer; 16-ounce beer $5.50-$7, appetizers $10-$18, burgers and sandwiches $13-$17

Museum of Clean; 711 S. Second Ave., Pocatello, Idaho; 208-236-6906; museumofclean.com; $5 for age 1, $8 for ages 2-15, $10 for ages 16-plus

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I Atomic Museum; Highway 20/26, 18 miles southeast of Arco, Idaho; 208-526-0050; inl.gov/ebr; free

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©2024 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins came away from Sunday’s 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars with injuries to each of their top two running backs.

Raheem Mostert has a chest injury and De’Von Achane sustained an ankle ailment, the Dolphins’ Monday injury report revealed.

The two will now have statuses to monitor ahead of Thursday night’s divisional game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

While the team did not practice Monday, both Mostert and Achane were deemed they would’ve been non-participants if practice were held, in an estimation on the league-mandated Monday injury report ahead of a Thursday game.

Mostert, the veteran who started the season opener at tailback and received the first rushing attempt Sunday afternoon, only ended up with six carries for 9 yards against Jacksonville. He played 31 offensive snaps, or 44 percent of the plays on offense.

Achane, a second-year running back coming off a sensational rookie season, was more active in his 37 snaps, taking 10 carries for 24 yards and a 1-yard rushing touchdown and hauling in seven receptions for 76 yards.

The Dolphins’ leading rusher Sunday was actually reserve veteran Jeff Wilson Jr., who saw most of his work late as a power runner that went for 26 yards on five attempts.

Rookie running back Jaylen Wright was a healthy inactive for Sunday’s game, but he could be thrust into significant action against the Bills if one or both of Mostert and Achane can’t play against the Bills.

Related Articles

• Miami Dolphins | Dolphins issue statement supporting Tyreek Hill, calling for action against cops involved
• Miami Dolphins | Dave Hyde: No defending police’s handcuffing Tyreek Hill after body-cam video release
• Miami Dolphins | ‘It’s a very common thing in America’: Dolphins players, an emotional coach Mike McDaniel weigh in on Tyreek Hill’s detainment
• Miami Dolphins | Bills QB Josh Allen cleared to play, while DB Taron Johnson ruled out vs. Dolphins on Thursday
• Miami Dolphins | Dolphins poll: What is your biggest takeaway from Miami’s season-opening victory?

Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, who missed Sunday’s opener, was also estimated as if he wouldn’t participate in a Monday practice on the injury report as he deals with an ailing quadriceps.

Jalen and Jaelan

With Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and edge defender Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) on snap count limitations Sunday, they actually surpassed the expected snaps played against the Jaguars.

Ramsey played 41 snaps (77 percent of defensive plays) and Phillips 34 (64 percent).

Coach Mike McDaniel said both he and the two defenders were encouraged by the way they were running on the field.

“The only way that happens is because you’re testing the waters and you feel very good about what’s occurring,” he said of the two each playing more than half the snaps on their side of the ball.

Both were listed as limited participants on Miami’s Monday injury report had the team practiced.

Also limited would have been right guard Liam Eichenberg, for a shoulder ailment.

Long’s injury

Linebacker David Long Jr. was checked out by trainers for a finger injury in Sunday’s game but appears to be fine.

“It’s straight. I’m cool,” Long said of how he felt Monday. “Just a little soreness, that’s all.”

Long sprinted to the locker room holding his hand after hurting it on a third-down stop in the second half Sunday, but he was right back on the field for the next series for the defense and didn’t miss a defensive snap.

On Monday’s injury report, he was estimated as a full participant if the Dolphins would’ve practiced.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple squarely shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its hotly anticipated iPhone 16 along with a slew of new features coming with the next update to the device’s operating system. While the new phone lineup headlined Monday’s showcase, the tech giant also shared updates to its smartwatch and AirPod lineups.

Here are all the biggest announcements from Apple’s “Glowtime” event.

Apple Intelligence

Apple’s core artificial intelligence offerings are being packaged and billed as Apple Intelligence — first revealed at the company’s developers conference in June.

These features include the ability to search for images in your library by describing them, creating custom emojis, summarizing emails and prioritizing notifications. Apple Intelligence will also upgrade Apple’s virtual assistant Siri to get it to better understand requests and give it some awareness of on-screen actions taking place on the phone, hopefully making it more useful.

What sets Apple apart from what’s being offered by rivals Samsung and Google? It is trying to preserve its longtime commitment to privacy by tailoring its AI so that most of its functions are processed on the device itself instead of at remote data centers. When a task requires a connection to a data center, Apple promises it will be done in a tightly controlled way that ensures no personal data is stored remotely.

Most of Apple’s AI functions will roll out as part of a free software update to iOS 18, the operating system that will power the iPhone 16 rolling out from October through December. U.S. English will be the featured language at launch but an update enabling other languages will come out next year, according to Apple.

iPhone 16 and the camera button

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will offer slightly bigger displays and feature variants of the powerful A18 chip, which gives Apple the computing power its devices need to run AI functions on its devices.

The iPhone 16 “has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up,” CEO Tim Cook said during Monday’s event.

On the other end of the spectrum, the biggest physical change to the iPhone 16 lineup comes in the form of a dedicated camera-control button. The button responds to clicks and gestures, allowing users to quickly snap pictures, preview a shot or start video recording.

The button also allows owners to use something called Visual Intelligence, which will tell the iPhone 16 to automatically search on things you take photos of.

The phones will start shipping Sept. 20. The iPhone 16 will retail for $799, with the Plus model going for $899. The iPhone 16 Pro will cost $999, while the Pro Max will sell for $1,199.

Apple Watch upgrades

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger, and brighter, wide-angle OLED display that will allow users to better view the watch at an angle. But Apple focused much of its presentation on the device’s ability to detect signs of sleep apnea.

The new device is also being offered in a titanium finish for the first time, joining a longtime trend in the watch industry of offering a tougher, more lightweight, and perceived higher-quality, alternative to traditional materials.

The Series 10 watch starts at $399 and will be available on Sept. 20.

Airpods lean toward being a listening device

The new AirPods 4 series will come with an upgraded chip for better audio quality, and will feature more active noise cancellation.

If you frequently lose your ear buds, the new AirPods will also play a sound when you locate them through the Find My app.

In a medically focused update to the AirPods Pro 2, Apple said it will upgrade the devices so they can act as an over-the-counter hearing aid. A free software update will provide the upgrade and also include options to help protect hearing and the ability to administer a clinical-grade hearing test.

The AirPod 4 model costs $129, while the version with active noise cancelling will cost $179. They both ship on Sept. 20.

September

8-22 Die, Mommie, Die! by Charles Busch, a comic melodrama starring Kris Andersson (aka Dixie Longate) as ex-pop singer Angela Arden who is trapped in a hateful marriage. Dates and times vary. Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. $40-$55. islandcitystage.org.

8-28 Mounts Botanical Garden’s National Honey Month and Self-Care Awareness Month celebration, horticultural classes and events, such as watercolor painting and tai chi, Dogs’ Day in the Garden, Cacao Ceremony, honey tasting, intro to bonsai and the two-day Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale. Dates, times and costs vary. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. mounts.org/events/month/2024-09.

8-29 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, an adult-themed comedy (age 18 and up) produced by Murray & Peter Present and InnovationArts & Entertainment. Dates and times vary. Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 581 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. $30-$65. browardcenter.org.

8-30 Flavor South Florida, a monthlong promotion featuring prix fixe menus, ranging from $25 to $70, at participating restaurants in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Flavor South Florida is also working with resorts to offer staycation rates throughout the month. Find participating restaurants and resorts at flavorpb.com.

8-30 Dine Out Lauderdale, a showcase of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse culinary offerings with curated, three-course dining options. Prix fixe menus offer dishes for $35 (lunch), $45, $55 or a luxe option for $75, along with discounts on desserts, brunches, happy hours and exclusive culinary experiences. Cooking classes, dinners and wine pairings also are available. Find participating restaurants at visitlauderdale.com.

8-30 Miami Spice, three-course meals are offered at top eateries in Miami and Miami Beach for $30/$35 for lunch/brunch and $45/$60 for dinner. Signature dining events, such as 17-course omakase and Michelin two-star French dining experiences, also are offered. Find participating restaurants at miamiandbeaches.com.

11 “Theodore Pratt: a Florida Writer’s Life,” talk and book signing with Florida Atlantic University literature professor Taylor Hagood about his new book on Boca Raton’s most successful author, Theodore Pratt, known as the “Literary Laureate of Florida.” Part of The Boca Raton Historical Society’s Town Hall Talks. 6 p.m. check-in/refreshments, 6:30 p.m. lecture at The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. $10 nonmembers, free for The Boca Raton Historical Society members. Register at bocahistory.org/town-hall-talks.

12 “Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Miles Davis – The Men and Their Art!” a Thursday Night Speaker presentation by artist Fran Mann Goodman on the paintings and artistic styles of three music icons. Goodman’s own exhibit, “Homage to Color,” is on display at the Downtown Boca Raton Public Library’s lobby gallery through Oct. 11. 6-7:30 p.m. at the library, 400 NW Second Ave., Boca Raton. Free. bocalibrary.org.

14 Plantation Seafood & Music Festival, an inaugural event with food vendors, bands, classic car show, crafts and petting zoo. A portion of ticket sales go to the city of Plantation’s Summer Scholarship Fund. Noon-9 p.m. at Pine Island Park, 320 S. Pine Island Road, Plantation. $15 (14 and up), $10 (ages 9-13) and free for children 8 and under. Veterans and active military receive $5 off admission at the gate. plantationseafoodfestival.com.

17 “The Constitution Today,” a panel discussion presented by Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. The New York Times Magazine staff writer Emily Bazelon and MSNBC show host Katie Phang will talk about the enduring relevance of the U.S. Constitution in the 21st century. 2 p.m. in the Osher Lifelong Learning Society’s Barry and Florence Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. $20. fauevents.com.

18-29 Sidekicked, Boca Stage’s in-depth character play by Kim Powers starring Irene Adjan as American television/theater actress and singer Vivian Vance (famous for her role as Lucille Ball’s sidekick Ethel Mertz in I Love Lucy). Dates and times vary. Cabaret Theatre at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St., Delray Beach. $59-$69. delraybeachplayhouse.com.

18 Soul in the City Jazz Experience: Spirit of Oya, performing jazz, soul and gospel music. Light bites, dinner, drinks and dessert available for purchase. Free popcorn. 7-9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. $30-$45. eventbrite.com.

19 Third annual “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” an Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit presented by History Fort Lauderdale. Works from local artists-in-residence Leonardo Montoya (Colombia), Lifrancis Rojas (Venezuela), Isabel Perez Salazar (Venezuela) and Florencia Clement de Grandprey (Spain) will be on display from Sept. 19 to Oct. 15. Artist meet-and-greet reception and preview from 6-9 p.m. at the New River Inn, 231 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Free. Register at eventbrite.com.

19 Frayabel and the Latin Band, performing the rhythms of salsa and merengue during the Sunset Sounds music series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Bring your own foldable chair or rent one for $5. Food and drinks available for purchase. 5-8 p.m. at Boca Raton Museum of Art Courtyard, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Free. bocamuseum.org.

21 Annual Outrun Hunger 5K, a Feeding South Florida race to raise funds and awareness during Hunger Action Month. An awards ceremony and a raffle will take place after the ceremony. Join as an individual or a team and conduct online fundraising before race day. 6:30 a.m. check-in and 7:30 a.m. 5K start at Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. $25-$250. feedingsouthflorida.org/5kpbc.

21 Annual St. Jude Walk/Run, presented by VoLo Foundation, to raise awareness of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission to help cure childhood cancer. Walkers, volunteers and spectators can participate in-person or virtually. 7 a.m. registration, 7:30 a.m. Kid Dash and 8 a.m. walk at downtown waterfront, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. Fundraising encouraged. stjude.org/walkpalmbeach.

26 Surfing Delray! presented by the Delray Beach Historical Society’s Heritage Lecture Series. Delray Beach Historical Society archive coordinator and Surfing Hall of Famer Tom Warnke will trace the roots of local surfing culture since 1919. 6:30 p.m. at Historic St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $10, free for DBHS members. Registration required at delraybeachhistory.org/events.

26 Charity Poker Tournament, second annual fundraising event for the Fuller Center, which provides affordable childcare programs. Games will include Texas Hold’em, blackjack and roulette along with food, drinks and entertainment. 6-10 p.m. at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 W. Plaza Real, Boca Raton. $150 spectators, $250 players. fullercenterfl.org/event/charity-poker-tournament.

CourtesySinger-songwriter Steven Page, a founding member of the Barenaked Ladies, wlll headline the Ghost Light Society’s 15th Anniversary Soirée presented by UKG on Sept. 28 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale.

28 The 15th Anniversary Ghost Light Society Soirée, an evening of food, drinks, dancing and a performance by Steven Page (formerly of Barenaked Ladies). Hosted by the Broward Center’s young professionals’ group, all proceeds from the event support educational programs for more than 100,000 Broward County students. Limited to 250 attendees. Age 21 and up. 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. performance at Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. $300. browardcenter.org.

28 An Evening with Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Kenny G, discussion on his book Life in the Key of G hosted by the Books & Books Literary Foundation and Miami Book Fair. Each ticket admits up to two guests, and includes one copy of the book and entry into the photo/signing line. 7 p.m. at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus Auditorium, 300 NE Second Ave., Building 1, Room 1261, Miami. $28.99. eventbrite.com.

October

3 Clematis By Night: DeLeon Oktoberfest Band, performing Bavarian heritage music and contemporary Oktoberfest tunes. 6-9 p.m. at the Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/events.

3 Boca Raton Night Market, returning for the season with an evening of food and drinks, art, live music and community. Takes place the first Thursday of each month through May. 6-9 p.m. at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Free. myboca.us/2324/Night-Market.

5 West Palm Beach GreenMarket, opening day of the 30th season with more than 130 vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, coffees and teas, flowers and plants, homemade specialty items and desserts. Takes place every Saturday through April 19 (except March 22). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/events.

Save the Date

Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, coming up Nov. 28 along AIA

Nov. 28 13th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, a 5k run/walk for charity along Fort Lauderdale’s scenic A1A. Novice and elite participants welcome, as are Thanksgiving-themed costumes. The race, sponsored in part by City & Shore magazine, starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. from Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Registration and information, runsignup.com/FortLauderdaleTurkeyTrot

Mark GauertMen of Style returns to the Galleria Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 5.

Dec. 5 Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s BBX Capital Men of Style, presented by the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel. The event, sponsored by City & Shore magazine and in its 18th year, will showcase and raise funds for 12 participating local nonprofits that help improve the quality of life for those they serve, as well as the community at large. 6-9 p.m. at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at Galleriamall-fl.com. For more information, call 954-564-1036.

Mark Gauert also contributed to this list.

Editor’s note: Please confirm events prior to attending. 

Today is Monday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2024. There are 113 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 9, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win the U.S. National Championships, which is now known as the U.S. Open.

Also on this date:

In 1776, the second Continental Congress formally adopted the name “United States of America,” replacing the “United Colonies of North America.”

In 1850, California was admitted as the 31st U.S. state.

In 1919, about 1,100 members of Boston’s 1,500-member police force went on strike. The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.

In 1948, the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared.

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights. It also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, taking 42 staff members hostage and demanding improvements to inmate treatment and living conditions.

In 2022, King Charles III gave his first speech to Britain as its new monarch, vowing to carry on the “lifelong service” of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who died a day earlier.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 79.
• Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann is 75.
• Actor Angela Cartwright is 72.
• Musician-producer Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) is 72.
• Actor Hugh Grant is 64.
• Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 61.
• Actor Constance Marie is 59.
• Actor Adam Sandler is 58.
• Actor Julia Sawalha (suh-WAHL’-hah) is 56.
• Model Rachel Hunter is 55.
• Actor Eric Stonestreet is 53.
• Actor Henry Thomas is 53.
• Actor Goran Visnjic (VEEZ’-nihch) is 52.
• Pop-jazz singer Michael Bublé (boo-BLAY’) is 49.
• Actor Michelle Williams is 44.
• Actor Zoe Kazan is 41.
• Soccer player Luka Modrić is 39.
• Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 33.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is demanding that elected Florida Republicans join him in opposition to the proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. And he wants some of their campaign money to help fund the effort to defeat Amendment 4.

DeSantis laid down the political law for Republicans on Saturday night in Broward County: His party’s elected officials must publicly oppose the proposed referendum on the November election ballot. Some haven’t, which DeSantis depicted as a sign of weakness.

“It’s important that all of our political leaders, you know, stand up and be counted. Right now. You know, there’s some people that just, it’s like the political winds. Like if the winds are against you, you run and hide. That’s not leadership, that is not what’s going to make this state great,” DeSantis said. “You’ve got to stand up even when it’s not easy, even when you’re taking the arrows, stand up and do what’s right.”

Speaking to hundreds of activists, donors and elected officials at a Republican Party of Florida fundraising dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, he offered a litany of criticisms of the abortion-rights amendment and another proposed amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults.

His opposition to the amendments isn’t new, but it was intense. Half of his 25-minute keynote address to the party’s Victory Dinner was devoted to the two amendments.

The governor described the marijuana legalization proposal, Amendment 3, as “creating a corporate marijuana cartel.” He labeled the abortion-rights proposal, Amendment 4, the “abortion till birth amendment.” Both are so bad, he said, that even supporters of abortion rights and legalized marijuana should vote “no.”

Calling out Republicans

One element of the speech stood out: his criticism of fellow Republicans.

DeSantis praised Republican elected officials, by name, who are standing with him in opposition to Amendment 4 on abortion rights and contributing financially to the effort aimed at defeating it.

The Republican governor was also sharply critical of Republicans who aren’t publicly opposing the amendment.

“Every one of our elected representatives needs to say where they stand on this. And obviously it would be a ‘no.’ All these people that have run [for office] have all run saying they’re pro-life, right? And so now you have an amendment that is the most extreme in the other direction you can go, and some are not saying anything or not offering to help us to defeat this,” DeSantis said.

At one point, he divided 22 Republican U.S. senators and U.S. representatives into three categories.

Of the 22, he named 10 and praised who he said are publicly opposed to Amendment 4 and have supported the opposition financially. That group included U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez from Miami-Dade County.

DeSantis listed six more who he said are publicly opposing Amendment 4 but haven’t contributed financially, a tier that includes U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Miami-Dade County.

Finally he called out the other six — though he didn’t say their names from the stage at the Republican event — for not declaring public opposition to the abortion-rights amendment. That category would include U.S. Rep Brian Mast, whose district includes northern Palm Beach County, and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio.

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The governor said it is “untenable to just sit here and let George Soros run amendments in our state and not be willing to stand up and say no. Not on our watch. that’s the least you can do as Republicans.”

He also charged that Soros, a wealthy liberal financier, was bankrolling the Amendment 4 effort, something that amendment supporters said Sunday isn’t true. Republicans frequently use Soros as a shorthand to rile up Republican audiences.

Political capital

DeSantis has a lot riding on the outcome of the abortion rights and marijuana referendums.

He’s widely expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 following his unsuccessful candidacy for president this year. If he can’t prevail in his home state on something he’s so clearly staked so much political capital on — defeating the amendments — that could tarnish his image as a master of politics and policy in Florida.

Half the speech was was a recitation of his accomplishments in Florida since he became governor. “On issue after issue, Florida has not only led the way we have delivered over and over again,” he said.

Besides the Soros warning, DeSantis said that if the amendments pass, the stage would be set for ominous, far-reaching changes in Florida.

“If we have a state where one entrenched interest can spend $100 million and amend the Constitution to benefit themselves and their pockets, you’re gonna see more and more people do that,” he said, referring to heavy spending by proponents of the marijuana amendment.

“If Soros can come in and run these amendments and have success, you are gonna see more left wing groups decide to do that. So you end up after three or four election cycles, you end up being California through the back door. Does anybody think that’s good for the state of Florida?”

California is also frequently used as a negative example by Florida Republicans.

Further complicating his efforts are that some leading Republicans — including former President Donald Trump — support the marijuana amendment and have said they’d vote for it.

Polling shows both amendments enjoy the support of majorities of Floridians, including many Republicans. But passage requires 60% of the vote, a difficult threshold to reach, and polls show both are hovering around that threshold.

A survey released Friday by Emerson College Polling/The Hill found the abortion rights amendment was supported by 55% of the state’s voters, with 26% opposed and 20% unsure. Emerson said 30% of surveyed Republicans support the referendum.

The proposal to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults has support of 64% of Florida voters and opposition from 27%, with 9% unsure. The poll found 51% of Republicans support the marijuana referendum.

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Republican Party of Florida’s 2024 Victory Dinner, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald) Abortion

DeSantis said the abortion rights amendment was “intentionally deceptive and misleading.”

“Here’s what’s going on: This is an amendment that will effectively green light abortion all the way to the moment of birth. They do it indirectly, they use loopholes, and that’s obviously very bad,” he said.

DeSantis also outlined several other consequences: that it “may” require taxpayer funding of abortions, would eliminate parental consent for minors to get abortions, and allow any “healthcare provider” to OK an abortion.

“They didn’t use the word physician…. This is any healthcare provider. Well, that could be a chiropractor, that could be a clerk at Planned Parenthood. You are opening Pandora’s box. You’re gonna create a really grisly industry of people that are not trained medically,” DeSantis said.

And, DeSantis warned, if the amendment passes, Florida “will become the No. 1 abortion tourist destination in the United States of America. Is that what we want to be known for in the State of Florida? No.”

Emma Collum, founder of the Reproductive Freedom Coalition of Broward, which collected petition signatures to help get the referendum on the ballot and is now working to win passage, said DeSantis comments amount to “fear mongering and scare tactics” and “flagrant lies” in service of a campaign that “continues to play politics with the women of Florida’s lives.”

“There is not abortion up until birth. There never has been. This is not a platform that anyone has discussed or will be discussed, and the flagrant disregard for women’s health and safety in order to make ludicrous assertions … is disgusting and dishonest,” Collum said Sunday.

Collum said the abortion rights amendment isn’t some kind of plot from Soros or other outside forces. “There is no secret, dark money. It is simply women and allies who want to keep women’s healthcare safe.”

Keisha Mulfort, senior communications strategist of the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida, which supports Amendment 4, said several other DeSantis claims are not true.

She said the assertion that unqualified people would be making health care decisions with women is among the “ridiculous and false claims [that] are only meant to scare voters. We know who performs abortions.”

It’s absurd to think that chiropractors or Planned Parenthood clerks would take the place of physicians, Mulfort said. “You wouldn’t go to a dentist for heart surgery. You would not go to an orthopedist to get your tonsils taken out.”

“It is not true. It actually is really ridiculous,” Mulfort said.

Mulfort also said the amendment does not change parental rights already in the Florida Constitution. To her, the opponents of the abortion rights amendment are the ones standing in the way of parental involvement, because they would prohibit virtually all abortions even when a parent agrees it’s the best course of action.

Mulfort also said there is nothing in the amendment that would require the government to pay for abortions.

Marijuana

DeSantis said it was misleading to depict Amendment 3 as leading to “the legalization of recreational marijuana.” Rather, he said, it is aimed at creating a “corporate weed cartel.”

“This is not about weed as much as it’s about corporate greed,” DeSantis said, adding that one company is trying to “hijack the state of Florida.”

“This amendment is being funded by one weed company, Trulieve. They have put $75 [million], $80 million and counting into getting this on the ballot and to getting it passed and they’re trying to get a 60% threshold,” he said.

“Are they doing that because they care about your rights and your health or are they doing that because they’re gonna be able to profit off of it? Of course,” DeSantis said. “And so they wrote it so that they get basically a benefit from a monopoly and they create a corporate weed cartel…. So you have a right to possess and smoke it, but only if you buy it from them.”

Steve Vancore, a spokesman for Trulieve, said Sunday that DeSantis’ claims aren’t true.

“To be clear, the amendment itself, and I know he’s read it, does not give us exclusive access. In fact, quite the opposite,” Vancore said.

He said there are currently 25 active marijuana licenses in Florida and the governor’s office has the authority to issue 22 more, which is “hardly a monopoly.”

Vancore said DeSantis has “been the one creating impediments to the market, and now he’s the one complaining about the lack of competition in the market. It makes no sense. And it’s flat out untrue.”

DeSantis also said the amendment would immunize the company from civil liability. “So if they sell you reefer and you have seizures, you can’t sue ‘em for that,” he said. Vancore said there’s nothing in the amendment that addresses limits on liability. “It’s untrue,” he said. “There’s nothing the amendment does that immunizes anybody for anything.”

DeSantis said implementation of legalized marijuana under the amendment would be more lax, and worse for Florida, than other states, saying New York City, Denver and San Francisco are models of the disaster that would befall Florida.

“If it passes, you will have rampant public use all across the state of Florida,” he said. “You think that that’s good for tourism? Is that good for families, is that good for all those things?”

“I really don’t care what people are doing in the privacy of their own home, but I do not want to see it near schools, on our beaches, in restaurants or any of these other things,” DeSantis added.

Vancore said it’s “not true” that there would be no restrictions on where people could smoke marijuana. “The Legislature has the authority to implement time, place and manner restrictions,” and the amendment doesn’t change that, he said.

DeSantis attempted to sway people who favor legalizing recreational marijuana to vote no.

“And oh, by the way, this amendment allows [the company] to grow and sell it. But if you want to grow it in your backyard, they don’t let you do that. So what is this about? Is this really about freedom? No, it’s about them,” he said. “If you’re against marijuana generally, obviously you vote no. But even if you’re somebody that’s a little more nuanced or even if you like it, this is a bad amendment.”

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.

Here are the top stories for Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Girl, 14, arrested for making online threats of violence at multiple Broward schools, officials say

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill scores TD in opener vs. Jaguars after being detained by police outside stadium

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Our schools have metal detectors. Some teachers carry guns. Our kids have lockdown drills.

Can you imagine what a seven- or eight-year old child must be thinking? Am I going to die? The trauma cannot be measured. Fear is the unknown. Why can’t we have common-sense gun laws and stronger red flag laws?

The Georgia shooter was on the authorities’ radar.  The Uvalde, Texas shooter was on their radar. Sadly, it was too late. This should not have to be a fact of life. Never!

We don’t need more security in our schools, we need politicians to step up and do what’s right. The answer is right in front of us, and yet we don’t see it. This is not who we should be. We need common-sense gun laws and strong red flag laws.

Pat Eland, Delray Beach

Just keep quiet, JD

There’s an old adage that vice presidential nominee JD Vance should bear in mind: Better to remain silent and let people think you’re stupid than to speak up and forever remove all doubt.

In recent days, Vance made two utterly ridiculous comments related to the Georgia school shooting. His claim that school shootings are “a fact of life” shows how clueless he is. Mass casualty shootings do not have to be a fact of life. Such tragedies are rare in most civilized countries, so why are they so common here?

Along with that lame response was Vance’s claim that Kamala Harris would take away law-abiding American citizens’ guns. This is a scare tactic, perpetrated by the NRA and the MAGA Kool-Aid crowd. I challenge anyone to point to one credible call from Harris to take away guns.

People want responsible gun laws. I’ve never heard a reasonable argument against background checks or simple rules governing gun show sales. I have a number of friends who are avid hunters; not one has used an assault weapon to go hunting. Assault weapons should be for law enforcement and the military only.

Neanderthal thinking clouds rational thought. All we get from these people are “thoughts and prayers,” as more teachers and children are gunned down. If we, as a supposedly civilized country, want to stop this horrific wholesale slaughter, we need to elect politicians with the guts to impose sensible gun laws. No more thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Mark N. Levine, Coconut Creek

RFK’s possible fate

Imagine the fun Donald Trump had getting a Kennedy to endorse him. But it’s nothing compared to the total joy Trump dreams of the day he will tell Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “You’re fired!” soon after Kennedy starts his promised job in a possible Trump administration.

Trump had a revolving door in the Oval Office. He will relish being able to overpower a Kennedy to prove his superiority. How sad and awful for RFK Jr. to make such irresponsible, embarrassing decisions affecting us all. Doesn’t he know Trump for the liar he’s proven to be over and over again?

Elin Shusterman, Boynton Beach

Who’s gullible enough?

Does anyone out there truly believe that our autocratic, book-banning, egomaniacal governor, who has his thumb on everyone and everything in Tallahassee, was not fully aware of the deplorable “half-baked” plan to make our state parks more “user-friendly” by adding golf courses and hotels? If so, I have a bridge in New York I would like to sell you.

Ray Koterba, Miramar

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters should be less than 150 words and must be signed. Please include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

[contact-form]

Q: Ira, when the Dolphins win, do you think it buys the Heat time? – David.

A: There are dual sides to the out-of-sight, out-of-mind equation. Yes, at a time the Heat are looking to regain their footing after an uneven season, there is something to be said about being able to work largely in the shadows. But there also is the danger of becoming something the Heat rarely have been during the Pat Riley era, and that is irrelevant. With the Dolphins projected for success, with the Hurricanes having made their opening football statement, and with the Panthers returning to celebrate a Stanley Cup championship, this is a legitimate crossroads for the Heat. While last season showed the challenges an uneven start can present, this season presents the challenge of simply being tuned out. That’s not to say that such an outcome is projected. That simply is to say that the pressure already was on, and success elsewhere in this sporting market only will enhance that pressure. The Heat talk about embracing challenges. There certainly could be one at hand, even for a team with playoff prospects.

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Q: This is Bam Adebayo’s team along with Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. this year. – Kevin.

A: Wait, did Jimmy Butler go somewhere? Did Tyler Herro? Did Terry Rozier? The masterplan, at least at the moment, is for those three, along with Bam Adebayo to handle the majority of heavy lifting. An off season by any of those four and this could prove to be a house of cards, with all due respect to the growth curves of Nikola Jovic and Jaim Jaquez Jr.

Q: Ira, saw that the Cavaliers brought back Tristan Thompson. The Udonis Haslem role is real. – Eddie.

A: And what is interesting is so many of the teams that bring back such veteran players who are projected for minimal or no minutes actually are speaking in those terms, of a Udonis Haslem role. So, yes, it is a thing. But on a 15-man roster, there also is only room for one. For the Heat this coming season, it will be the role Kevin Love will play, while also still trying to show he still can play. Others who seemingly hold similar roles this season are Patty Mills, DeAndre Jordan and Markieff Morris.

We have experienced first-hand one of the ugliest sides of the housing crisis in Broward County. My name is Anna Henry, and I was homeless for 90 days and nights — even though I was employed. I am Annastacia Robinson, and I know first-hand how challenging it is to find an affordable apartment in Broward.

Anna Henry is a member of Florida Rising. (courtesy, Anna Henry)

Our experiences have made us believe that housing in the communities we call home is a human right, not a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Beyond the unreasonably high rent many big landlords charge to line their pockets, many are creating new rules that give them any excuse to evict us. Then, when we end up in eviction court, only 3% of renters are represented by a lawyer, compared to 81% of landlords on average.

Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, due to the lobbying efforts of these same corporate landlords, the right-wing supermajority has prevented local governments from passing deeply popular, common sense policies like rent stabilization or a tenants’ bill of rights. Lawmakers have even enacted so-called “anti-squatter” laws that chip away at evicion protections without the usual requirements of notification and judicial review. Further, they have criminalized homelessness with a ban on public sleeping, forcing cities and counties to pick up the tab lest they be sued for not complying with the state law.

Annastacia Robinson is a Broward County organizer for Florida Rising. (courtesy, Annastacia Robinson)

We need Broward County to tackle housing as a life-or-death issue, with the same urgency as health care, clean air and water. The county must stand in the gap created by landlords and lawmakers in Tallahassee. This is why we are excited that our county has put $500,000 toward one-time legal assistance services for tenants in its current draft budget. This victory is a direct result of our advocacy as members and organizers at Florida Rising, the state’s largest nonpartisan political organization. If commissioners approve this item for the final budget, some tenants may avoid unnecessary eviction because they will have a fair shot in court.

But don’t get us wrong: half a million dollars helps, but it is far from what we need.

A recent study assessed that $2.7 million is needed in the first year of this program to fully address the needs of nearly 500 families fighting eviction and homelessness. Study after study has shown “evictions increase the probability of applying to a homeless shelter by 14 percentage points, [compared to] 3.4 percent among not-evicted households.” And let’s be clear: Homelessness leads to hopelessness, which leads to mental health issues and more. It is a vicious cycle, nobody should ever go through it, and ultimately, our whole community suffers.

To make a real impact, commissioners have to fully fund this program that would prevent homelessness for renters.

We urge commissioners to cut the red tape and award the funding directly to Coast to Coast Legal Aid, our partners in the fight to help renters keep and enjoy a decent roof over their heads and bring hope to thousands of families like ours.

Anna Henry is a member of Florida Rising and lives in Broward. She has raised four children while working three jobs and going to school. Annastacia Robinson is a Broward County organizer for Florida Rising focused on affordable housing.