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General Daily Insight for September 03, 2024

It’s almost impossible to know what’s what under today’s stars in advance. Energetic Mars is making a difficult square to watery Neptune at 12:10 am EDT, which is going to leave us all feeling like we’re wading through a swamp. Meanwhile, the Moon in Virgo will oppose Saturn, then square Jupiter, making it difficult to know whether to step on the gas or hit the brakes. A final lunar quincunx to Chiron will encourage healing, but it may be a rather confusing process.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Knowing where you’re going isn’t a simple thing, by any means. This cosmic confusion is due to a tough square between Mars and Neptune, making it almost impossible to feel like you’re making genuine progress. With Mars in your communication sector, you’ll want to be especially careful when it comes to using your words. Neptune is very present in this picture, fogging over your view of the details. You could wind up with your foot in your mouth if you aren’t cautious.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

The urge to be your most giving self is strong today, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Mars in your money-focused 2nd house is squaring off against Neptune in your altruistic 11th house. Neptune loves to be self-sacrificing, which could tempt you into making a big donation or even giving away a bunch of your things to a good cause. That’s certainly admirable, but you may give more than is wise, so don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

It’s not your imagination if you feel all out of sorts. You’ve got more energy than normal while Mars is in your busy sign, but using that energy productively or helpfully will be almost impossible as Mars locks into a confusing square with foggy Neptune in your 10th House of Ambition. Don’t have a panic attack if your goals suddenly seem to evaporate or your motivations become far less of a driving force. Things aren’t clear with Neptune involved, so avoid overthinking them.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Every sentence may feel punctuated with a question mark. You’re prone to being a little out of sorts while Mars stumbles through your subconscious sector, but things will become even stranger when it picks a fight with illusory Neptune in your high-minded 9th house. You may feel like you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole toward wonderland, only to keep falling with no destination in sight. That’s okay — when it’s so difficult to get anywhere meaningful, you’re allowed to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Your mind is caught in a game of tug-of-war. Your popularity is undeniable while Mars moves through your social 11th house, but the disagreement between Mars and Neptune in your deeply private 8th house could make you feel like people are expecting too much from you. There’s nothing wrong with taking space for yourself, so be willing to draw a line in the sand if need be. That said, Neptune can blur boundaries, so it may be difficult to decide where that line should be.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You may feel like you have to do it all yourself today. Mars is in your career sector, giving you the impetus to make a name for yourself, but watch out for the red planet’s clash with Neptune in your partnership sector! Someone might not be living up to your expectations. This can be especially frustrating if you can normally rely on this particular person. The more you lean on others at this time, the more likely you are to be disappointed with their efforts.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your responsibilities aren’t exactly taking top priority right now. You’re much more eager to go off on an adventure or dive into a good book while Mars wings its way through your 9th House of Growth, but you may feel like you’re missing something when Mars squares Neptune in your 6th House of Practice. Neptune is a rather confusing planet, however, so even if you try to be your most responsible self, it will be difficult to make any progress. Let yourself daydream instead.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

It’s difficult to know how much of yourself to share with others, at least under the current stars. You’re prone to keeping your cards close to your chest while Mars moves through your concentrated 8th house, but its square to Neptune in your expressive 5th house could make it feel like the spotlight will find you, no matter what. The danger here is oversharing — especially information that involves others — because you might spill a secret without even realizing. Choose your words carefully.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Someone may push your buttons without even understanding the impact of their actions. Mars is stirring up your 7th House of Relationships while currently struggling against mysterious Neptune in your 4th House of Emotions, so be wary of someone saying or doing something that leaves you reeling. That being said, Neptune can obscure the truth, so you may not grasp exactly why you’re so upset — or perhaps you simply don’t know how to react. There’s no need to force a conclusion.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Don’t be surprised if you can’t accomplish a lot right now. You’re more capable than usual as motivator Mars moves through your efficient 6th house, but the red planet will make a difficult alignment to Neptune in your busy 3rd house, which could result in you aimlessly spinning your wheels. Co-workers or other people in your vicinity could prove especially unhelpful or unreliable as well, so try not to expect too much from anyone for the time being — yourself included.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Fun can be free, but it can also come with a price tag. Mars is encouraging you to enjoy yourself while it tours your 5th House of Pleasure, but you’ll need to be wary of throwing your money around when it snaps at Neptune in your income sector. An opportunity could present itself, only for it to wind up costing way more than you originally anticipated, or perhaps a few little indulgences add up to break the bank. A strict budget is your best friend.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Knowing your mind isn’t always easy, especially on a day like this. Mars in your demonstrative 4th house is riling up your feelings, which can be cathartic but also heavy. However, you’ll likely have trouble knowing what to do with all that internal motion when Mars squares Neptune in your sign, casting a veil of confusion and mystery over your soul’s inner workings. Instead of trying to force things, let yourself float around in this place of uncertainty. Certainty will arrive soon enough.

The 49ers placed Ricky Pearsall on the reserve/non-football injury list Monday as he recovers from being shot during an attempted robbery over the weekend, ruling him out for at least the first four games of their season.

Pearsall, 23, will be eligible to come off the list for their Oct. 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals, though the team has given no indication whether he is expected to be ready to play by then.

The 49ers signed offensive tackle Brandon Parker to a one-year deal to take Pearsall’s spot on the 53-man roster.

Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round pick in this spring’s NFL draft, was shot Saturday in San Francisco’s Union Square, police said. He was shot in the chest and the bullet exited his back, according to a Facebook post by his mother, who also said he was “extremely lucky” that his vital organs were not hit. Video from the scene showed Pearsall holding a bandage over an apparent wound on the upper right part of his chest.

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The rookie wide receiver was released from San Francisco General Hospital on Sunday. The attempted robber, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, was also admitted to the same hospital with a gunshot wound after a struggle with Pearsall. Police officers took him into custody at the scene, and his condition is unknown.

The 49ers’ wide receiver corps without Pearsall will include the recently extended Brandon Aiyuk as well as Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell and rookie Jacob Cowing.

San Francisco also signed defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu to its practice squad and released offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez from the squad.

By REGINA GARCIA CANO and JORGE RUEDA

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A Venezuelan judge on Monday issued an arrest warrant for the opposition’s former presidential candidate Edmundo González as part of a criminal investigation into the results of the disputed July election.

The warrant was issued at the request of authorities who accuse Gonzalez, a former diplomat, of various charges including conspiracy, falsifying documents and usurpation of powers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities on Monday sought an arrest warrant for the opposition’s former presidential candidate Edmundo González, just over a month after election officials declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner of a disputed election that his opponents say he lost.

The prosecutor seeking the warrant in its request to a judge focused on terrorism-related crimes cites various charges against González, a former diplomat, including conspiracy, falsifying documents and usurpation of powers.

The request comes after González failed to appear three times to answer questions from prosecutors in a criminal investigation stemming from the disputed election results.

Ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared Maduro the victor of the July 28 election, hours after polls closed. They did not show any detailed results to back up their claim as they had offered in previous presidential elections.

The lack of transparency has drawn international condemnation against Maduro and his allies.

The opposition, however, managed to obtain more than 80% of vote tally sheets, which are printed by every electronic voting machine, and said they show Maduro lost by a wide margin against González.

González was summoned to the prosecutor’s office as recently as Friday. Attorney General Tarek William Saab opened the investigation against González after he and opposition leader María Corina Machado revealed what they said were the results shown in the tally sheets and published them online.

Maduro’s ruling party and the National Electoral Council have refused to publish their copies of tally sheets that the electronic voting machines printed after polls closed.

Instead, as international pressure mounts to release a breakdown of results, Maduro asked the country’s high court to audit the electoral process. The Supreme Tribunal of Justice, stacked with Maduro loyalists, concluded on Aug. 22 that the vote counts published by the opposition were false and certified Maduro’s victory.

González, 75, has not made any public appearances since the day after the election. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

González has questioned the prosecutors’ actions for lack of due process guarantees and accused Saab, a longtime Maduro ally, of being a “political accuser” who “condemns in advance.” He rejected the interview summons arguing, among other issues, that they did not specify the condition under which he was expected to appear.

“They have lost all sense of reality,” Machado, referring to Maduro’s government, wrote on X after the attorney general’s office published the warrant request on Instagram. “By threatening the President Elect, they only manage to unite us more and increase the support of Venezuelans and the world for Edmundo González.”

An AP review of the tally sheets released by the opposition indicates that González won significantly more votes than the government has claimed. The analysis casts serious doubt on the official declaration that Maduro won.

The AP processed almost 24,000 images representing the results from 79% of voting machines, resulting in tabulations of 10.26 million votes. The processed tally sheets also showed González receiving more votes on 20,476 receipts compared to only 3,157 for Maduro.

___

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. ___

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Fort Lauderdale is about to lose one of its longest-running drinking, dining and dancing venues — the Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Ballroom — which for decades welcomed patrons who sought to celebrate, commiserate or just chill out on the south bank of the New River.

“Sadly, I must announce the closure of the Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Room, effective October 6,” owner Roger Craft wrote in a Facebook post that took staffers by surprise.

“This decision was not made lightly,” he said. “I carefully weighed the hard facts and numerous complex issues against every possible solution and alternative.  In the end, there just wasn’t a reasonable or viable option to keep the business going at this location. I hope that the legacy of the Downtowner will live on through the fun times, the friendships, the happy guests, and the countless memories we’ve all created.”

The post said his “greatest joy” in owning the establishment was the “incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet, and the friendships formed over the years. As this chapter of the Downtowner and Maxwell Room closes, I sincerely thank you all for your unwavering support, love, and the unforgettable memories we’ve shared together.”

The Labor Day announcement stunned patrons and staff members. The latter declined to comment for the record until they heard the news in person from their boss. He was not available at the restaurant Monday afternoon and did not respond to a voicemail.

But responses to his social media post quickly mounted, with more than 500 posts accumulating by 5 p.m.

“My first Hurricane experience in South Florida was in 2004 when I moved there and it was at the Downtowner,” wrote Dusty Wigmore. “I was amazed how the business stayed open to support the locals and be there when they may have not been able to go home, or didn’t want to venture out far from home. They were amazing and it was a great experience for just getting settled into the neighborhood. Thanks for all the great memories!”

Visitors enjoy the waterfront atmosphere along the New River in front of the Downtowner in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, the day its ownership announced the popular establishment will shut its doors for good in early October. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

But inside the restaurant,  one longtime customer, Brewster Knott, who said he lives in a nearby high rise, was not as charitable.

“I am upset because the staff of this establishment has made every day more powerful and happy for everyone,” Knott said. He vowed to mount a personal campaign to find a job for each employee.

The venue is nestled in a 23,000-square foot riverfront building at 10 South New River Drive E., just east of South Andrews Avenue, near a neighborhood where development has exploded with high-rise residential buildings. To the southeast is a familiar taxpayer-funded gated community, better known as the Main Jail, which is adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse.

Downtowner patrons who dine outdoors have a close-up view of recreational and commercial boats of all sizes as they ease their way along the New River. At one point Monday, one of the vessels represented another symbol of Fort Lauderdale history: a passenger boat belonging to the venerable Jungle Queen tour franchise stopped to wait for the Andrew Avenue drawbridge to rise and allow it to pass through.

To the rear of the restaurant, the Historic Maxwell Room with its wooden dance floor and a history that dates back to the Roaring 1920s, was empty and silent Monday.

A century-old history

According to the venue’s website, the ballroom was named after a developer, Fred Maxwell, and “opened its doors in 1925, showcasing the timeless elegance of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The hurricane of 1926 dealt a devastating blow to the Maxwell Arcade, damaging its iconic electric-lit sign, and much of the structure. Despite the destruction, the arcade endured and now houses both the Historic Downtowner and Historic Maxwell Room.”

The site notes the Downtowner has served the community for more than 30 years. The Maxwell Room hosted weddings, receptions and corporate gatherings while the Downtowner became “a cherished venue for various experiences such as Sunday brunch.”

In 2018, the building changed hands for $5.75 million, with the investor saying he was “just going to hold onto it in the short-term and mid-term and see what happens.” There was no immediate indication that another potential deal is in the offing this time.

One staffer who declined to be be quoted by name wondered Monday what the Downtowner’s customer traffic will be like through October, now that word of the impending closing has gone public.

There is one major event that could serve as a fond farewell for all: a “Craftober Fest,” a street festival with live music, craft beer and food.

It’s scheduled for Sept. 28, according to the restaurant’s Facebook account.

The recent controversy over Florida’s plan to build golf courses and pickleball courts in state parks is not just a state-level issue — it’s happening locally.

Our local parks are under siege, led by our own officials. Fort Lauderdale voters approved a $200 million parks bond, now on your tax bill, to expand and protect our green spaces. Instead, local politicians gave away these parks and now we have to pay to use them.

For example, the city gave away a significant portion of Snyder Park for the private development of 40-plus pickleball courts and a stadium. The same officials pushed for the private development of portions of Holiday Park and Huizenga Park. They also have been at the forefront of efforts to hand over other public lands, like One Stop Shop and Bahia Mar, to private interests.

Even more troubling, environmental groups have endorsed these candidates despite these officials violating everything that these groups stand for. These same politicians, responsible for environmental damage, are once again seeking our votes.

We must elect city leaders who will protect our parks and public lands.

John E. Rodstrom III, Fort Lauderdale

A misuse of money at UF

It’s astounding to read about the tripling of the University of Florida president Ben Sasse’s budget expenses in 17 months.

It included awarding contracts to friends and political allies for amounts far exceeding previous employees in similar positions, and millions in consulting contracts, mostly to his former employer, McKinsey & Company. New hires worked long distances from Gainesville, with additional travel expenses to bring them to UF occasionally.

Now we learn he will be paid an astonishing $1 million per year for four more years with health benefits for Sasse and his family.

It is sad that Sasse’s wife has serious medical issues that forced his resignation. But his record in the U.S. Senate shows he opposed the Affordable Care Act, which removed the ability of insurance companies to deny health care to millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. He further supported cuts of Medicare benefits, which he called a “middle class entitlement,” and Medicaid reimbursements.

I thank the Independent Florida Alligator, which first brought our attention to this outrageous expenditure of public funds. UF is a public university. Someone had to approve this excessive use of public funds, and it must be investigated.

My two daughters graduated from UF. I do not want to see tuition or fees increase for current and future students to compensate for Sasse’s continuing expense entitlement.

Steven Pomerantz, Plantation

Where conspiracy theories lead

Cult leader Jim Jones led more than 1,000 people to drink Kool-Aid laced with cyanide in 1978. He led a cult, like Donald Trump, and I fear that if Trump told his “faithful” to do the same, they would.

Such is the strength of “leaders” like Trump. C’mon, people, wake up, and remember what blindly following a flawed person steeped in conspiracy theories like stolen elections can do.

Do you want your loved ones or friends to do the same and follow Trump off the cliff of reason? All you can do to prevent that is to vote for Kamala Harris. Democracy. Now. Always.

Barbra Nightingale, Hollywood

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. You must include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

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Q: As a 15-year season-ticket holder, I’m as disappointed as I can recall. Seems like they are accepting of mediocrity. – Lily.

A: I’m not sure we can, or should, be making any value judgments until we see what this Miami Heat roster looks like on the floor, during games. The best of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier stands to be pretty good. Now, can or will you get their best? That’s why there has to be a degree of patience. Quality talent and outstanding coaching still can take you a long way in the NBA. We remain at the on-paper portion of this projection, just as we are in projecting out with the Dolphins. So I would reserve any disappointment until disappointing times.

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Q: Ira, the Canes are good. The Dolphins are supposed to be good. So how are the Heat supposed to compete with that? – Richard.

A: Since the Heat aren’t in the NFL or NCAA, they don’t have to. And the reality in these parts for years has been to be ready for the non-football spotlight when that arrives over the second half of the schedule, after the University of Miami football team and the Dolphins do whatever they do. That’s when the greatest inspection arrives.

Q: What’s going on with Alondes Williams? – Hank.

A: Still an unsigned free agent. Still available to be signed by any team or invited to any camp, including the Heat’s.

Today is Monday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2024. There are 120 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 2, 2013, on her fifth attempt, U.S. endurance swimmer Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the help of a shark cage.

Also on this date:

In 1666, the Great Fire of London began, which would destroy more than 13,000 homes and hundreds of additional structures, including St Paul’s Cathedral, over the ensuing three days.

In 1789, the United States Treasury Department was established.

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s forces occupied Atlanta.

In 1935, a Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Florida Keys on Labor Day, claiming more than 400 lives.

In 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II.

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Defense Education Act, which provided aid to public and private education to promote learning in such fields as math and science.

In 1963, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace prevented the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers.

In 1969, in what some regard as the birth of the Internet, two connected computers at the University of California, Los Angeles, passed test data through a 15-foot cable.

In 1998, a Swissair MD-11 jetliner crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 people aboard.

In 2005, a National Guard convoy packed with food, water and medicine rolled into New Orleans four days after Hurricane Katrina.

In 2018, a huge fire engulfed Brazil’s 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, as firefighters and museum workers raced to save historical relics.

In 2019, a fire swept a boat carrying recreational scuba divers that was anchored near an island off the Southern California coast; the captain and four other crew members were able to escape the flames, but 34 people who were trapped below died.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Former Sen. Alan K. Simpson, R-Wyo., is 93.
• Horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas is 89.
• Former United States Olympic Committee Chairman and former Major League Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth is 87.
• Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is 76.
• Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Archibald is 76.
• Actor Mark Harmon is 73.
• Tennis Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors is 72.
• Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson is 64.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is 62.
• Actor Keanu Reeves is 60.
• Boxing Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis is 59.
• Actor Salma Hayek is 58.
• R&B singer K-Ci is 55.
• Electronic music DJ/producer Zedd is 35.

By TIA GOLDENBERG

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A rare call for a general strike in Israel to protest the failure to return hostages held in Gaza led to closures and other disruptions around the country on Monday, including at its main international airport. But it was ignored in some areas, reflecting deep political divisions.

Tens of thousands of Israelis had poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza. The families and much of the public blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war.

But others support Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining relentless military pressure on Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attack into Israel triggered the war. They say it will eventually force the militants to give in to Israeli demands, potentially lead to more successful rescues and ultimately annihilate the group.

Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, called for a general strike for Monday, the first since the start of the war. It aims to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking, health care and the country’s main airport.

Airlines at Israel’s main international airport Ben-Gurion were halting outgoing flights between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Those flights either departed early or were slightly delayed, and travelers were seen lining up at check-in counters despite the limited disruption. Arriving flights were continuing as usual during that time, according to the Israel Airports Authority.

Banks, some large malls and government offices were all closed due to the strike and public transit was limited. Municipalities in Israel’s populated central area, including Tel Aviv, were participating in the strike, leading to shortened school hours and cancellations for public daycares and kindergartens.

Many municipalities, however, including Jerusalem, were not participating in the strike. Israeli media reported that the state appealed to a labor court to cancel the strike, saying it was politically motivated.

The demonstrations on Sunday appeared to be the largest since the start of the war, with organizers estimating that up to 500,000 people joined nationwide events and the main rally held in Tel Aviv.

They are demanding that Netanyahu reach a deal to return the remaining roughly 100 hostages held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead, even if it means leaving a battered Hamas intact and withdrawing from the territory. Many Israelis support this position, but others prioritize the destruction of the militant group over freedom for the hostages.

Netanyahu has pledged “total victory” over Hamas and blames it for the failure of the negotiations, which have dragged on for much of this year.

Israel said Hamas killed all six hostages shortly before Israeli forces arrived in the tunnel where they were being held. Three of them, including an Israeli-American, were reportedly scheduled to be released in the first phase of a cease-fire proposal discussed in July. The Israeli Health Ministry said autopsies had determined the hostages were shot at close range and died on Thursday or Friday.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas, saying “whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal.”

Hamas blamed their deaths on Israel and the United States, accusing them of dragging out the talks by issuing new demands, including for lasting Israeli control over two strategic corridors in Gaza. Hamas has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.

One of the six hostages was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, a native of Berkeley, California, who lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. In April, Hamas issued a video that showed him alive, sparking protests in Israel.

He was one of the best-known hostages, and his parents had led a high-profile campaign for the captives’ release, meeting with President Joe Biden, Pope Francis, and addressing the Democratic National Convention last month.

Biden on Sunday said he was “devastated and outraged.” The White House said he spoke with Goldberg-Polin’s parents and offered condolences.

Some 250 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. Israel now believes about 100 remain in captivity, including 35 who are thought to be dead. More than 100 were freed during a cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Eight have been rescued by Israeli forces. Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were militants.

The war has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times, and plunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian catastrophe.

___

Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

By COLLEEN LONG

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden are co-headlining a campaign event Monday in the marquee battleground state of Pennsylvania as Harris balances presenting herself as “a new way forward” while remaining intensely loyal to Biden and the policies he has pushed.

The pair will attend Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade and offer some remarks, the first time the two have shared a speaking slot on the political stage together since the surprising election shakeup that provided a fresh jolt of Democratic enthusiasm to the 2024 election.

Harris’ campaign has said Pennsylvania voters are newly energized since Harris moved to the top of the ticket six weeks ago, with tens of thousands of new volunteers signed up to canvass for her and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Harris’ and Biden’s appearance at the parade, one of the largest such gatherings in the country, is part of a battleground state blitz with just over two months until Election Day.

Harris, 59, has sought to appeal to voters by positioning herself as a break from poisonous politics, rejecting the acerbic rhetoric of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, while looking to move beyond the Biden era as well. Yet while her delivery may be very different from Biden’s, Harris’ agenda is chock-full of the same issues he has championed: capping the cost of prescription drugs, the Affordable Care Act, the economy and helping families afford child care.

“We fight for a future where we build what I call an opportunity economy, so that every American has the opportunity to own a home, start a business and to build wealth and intergenerational wealth. And a future where we lower the cost of living for America,” she said at a recent rally, echoing Biden’s calls to grow the economy “from the bottom out and the middle up.”

Harris briefly appeared on stage with Biden after the president delivered his remarks on the opening night of last month’s Democratic National Convention, but the two haven’t shared a microphone at a political event since Biden himself was running for office. At that time, the campaign was using Harris mostly as its chief spokeswoman for abortion rights, an issue they believe can help them win in November as restrictions grow and health care worsens for women following the fall of Roe v. Wade.

The pair have appeared at official events and met together at the White House since the ticket-swap.

For more than 3 1/2 years, Harris has been one of Biden’s chief validators. Now the tables are turned, as Harris looks to lean on Biden — a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania — to help win the potentially decisive state. Biden, for his part, has laid low since ending his reelection bid. He was last at the White House on Aug. 19 and has since been vacationing in Southern California and Delaware.

But even as she’s taken on the mantle of leading the Democratic Party, Harris has stood steadfastly at Biden’s side. In her first sit-down interview of her candidacy, Harris delivered an impassioned defense of Biden’s record and ability to do the job, even despite the events of the past two months that ended with her running for the Oval Office and Biden a lame duck.

The 81-year-old president stepped aside in July following a disastrous debate performance with Trump and a growing chorus within his own party for him to make room for a new generation. Harris and Trump will debate on Sept. 10.

“He cares so deeply about the American people. He is so smart and — and loyal to the American people. And I have spent hours upon hours with him, be it in the Oval Office or the Situation Room. He has the intelligence, the commitment, and the judgment and disposition that I think the American people rightly deserve in their president,” she said in last week’s interview.

She added of Trump: “By contrast, the former president has none of that.”

Harris said during the CNN interview that serving with Biden was “one of the greatest honors of my career,” and she recounted the moment he called to tell her he was stepping down.

“He told me what he had decided to do and … I asked him, ‘Are you sure?’ and he said, ‘Yes,’ and that’s how I learned about it.”

The vice president said she didn’t need to ask Biden for his support because “he was very clear that he was going to endorse me.”

Harris has also defended the administration’s record on the southern border and immigration, one of the administration’s most persistent and vexing problems. She notes that she was tasked with trying to address the “root causes” in other countries that were driving the border crossings, though Republicans have tagged her as the “border czar.”

“We have laws that have to be followed and enforced, that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally, and there should be consequences,” Harris said.

Although Harris has appeared more forceful in speaking about the plight of civilians in Gaza, as Israel’s war against Hamas there nears the 11th month mark, the vice president has also endorsed Biden’s efforts to arm Israel and bring about a hostage deal and ceasefire.

Israel said early Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of six hostages captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that ignited the Gaza war, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The revelation prompted tens of thousands of Israelis to demonstrate in the streets demanding a ceasefire deal.

Harris will join Biden on Monday in the Situation Room to meet with the U.S. hostage deal negotiating team to discuss their continuing efforts on a deal that would secure the release of the remaining hostages.

General Daily Insight for September 02, 2024

Transparency is the name of the game. There is a huge focus on being open with our feelings and inner thoughts as messenger Mercury forms a healing trine to wounded Chiron, soothing old hurts and turning them into something much more processable. A New Moon in Virgo will occur at 9:56 pm EDT, crystalizing this energy into a healthily productive vibe. These aspects form an opportunity for us all to make our lives a bit easier, so don’t miss out on the cosmic encouragement.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You get to be your most efficient self today. There is a New Moon setting off tidal waves of energy in your 6th House of Daily Routine, helping you implement strategies to maximize your potential productivity without burning out. Don’t get overwhelmed with trying to make massive changes — focus on small adjustments you can easily adapt to. These little alterations will add up to big results down the line. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t be, either.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You’ve got something to share with the world, so don’t keep holding it in. This expressive energy is thanks to the lovely New Moon in your 5th House of Passion Projects, encouraging you to focus on the things that make you happiest and are the most fulfilling. Whether you love to find the spotlight as often as possible or prefer to hide out in the wings, your contributions to the show deserve to be acknowledged. Step up and take a bow.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your place is potentially the hottest spot in town! Domestic positivity is a true blessing as your homey 4th house hosts a spectacular New Moon. This lunation serves as beauteous inspiration to improve your surroundings. If you’ve been thinking about making any adjustments to your abode, be it redecorating, renovating, or even removing yourself from a home you’ve outgrown, Luna is guiding you to make the right choices in order to find exactly what you’re looking for. Dust off the welcome mat.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

There’s no point in keeping your ideas to yourself. There’s an emphasis on being open and honest as a New Moon electrifies your 3rd House of Communications, making it more important than ever that you interact with others and don’t hide yourself away. Even the smallest interaction can lead to something special, so be open to a little chit-chat with that person next to you in line or a neighbor you’ve never met. Get out and start saying bonjour to people!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You deserve to live a bountiful life. Fortunately, the stars are helping you do that with a New Moon in your 2nd House of Material Security, beginning a fresh chapter of prosperity. Whether you’re looking to earn more money or make wiser financial decisions with your current resources, this is the perfect day to explore your options. The universe has plenty of attractive choices laid out! A little splurge also couldn’t hurt — just make sure you focus on quality over quantity.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

It’s all about you, Virgo! The stars are telling you to put yourself first as a New Moon strikes your intelligent sign, making this the perfect moment to focus on yourself and your needs — especially if you don’t normally do that. Ask yourself what you want, and if you’re not getting it, then start figuring out a way to make it happen. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so start walking toward your happiness.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Let it all go. There’s no need to hold on to things which no longer serve you as your 12th House of Endings receives an extra boost from a potent New Moon. This acts as a wonderful chance for you to eliminate old baggage or drama from your life, allowing your future self to welcome plenty of wonderful experiences. On a more physical note, this is also a good time to make sure you’re getting proper rest. Go catch up on your sleep!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Don’t even think about flying solo right now. Your 11th House of Social Networks is receiving a fresh jolt of energy due to today’s New Moon, making it more important than ever that you work together with others to achieve your goals. Of course, you don’t need to make this about work — fun is absolutely on the table as well. Regardless of your specific plans for the day, keep in mind that this is not the time to do it all by yourself.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Right now, mountains are movable! Your impressive strength is thanks to a remarkable New Moon invigorating your 10th House of Success, reminding you just how capable you truly are when you put in the effort. Whether you’re just starting to climb the career ladder or are already doing your dream job, there’s still room for further achievements. Don’t sit on your laurels just because you can. There is endless potential ahead of you, so you should make the most of it.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

There’s nothing to be gained by imposing unnecessary limitations on yourself. Now more than ever you can explore unfamiliar territory and ideas, thanks to a special New Moon in your 9th House of Expansion, so don’t even think about playing it small right now. Whether you decide to embark on a whirlwind tour of the globe or enter a new course of study that will expand your mind and soul, don’t hesitate to dive into new experiences and embrace the adventure on offer.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Today’s most difficult experiences may turn out to be the most rewarding. Life might send you a complicated matter under today’s New Moon in your intense 8th house, which rules over many extremities like sex, death, and money. Whether you’re dealing with a sense of loss or wrapped up in lots of paperwork with financial ties, there’s a better, more accomplished version of you waiting on the other side. The journey will take time and effort, but you are capable of getting there.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

It only requires one person to drastically improve your life. Happily, that person won’t be easy to miss as your 7th House of Partnerships gets boosted by an ingenious New Moon, kicking off opportunities for connection and collaboration. Contractual agreements are also ruled by this sector, especially those pertaining to equal partnerships. If you’ve been thinking about signing on the dotted line, then know you’ve got the green light from the universe. Don’t ignore it or you might miss out on something special.

Corey Lewandowski, the manager of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and a recently appointed senior adviser to his 2024 campaign, said Sunday that Trump would not change his strategy in the final weeks of a race in which he has lost ground since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket.

“No, absolutely not,” Lewandowski said on Fox News when asked whether the campaign was considering a “pivot.”

“Honestly, I think she’s a much easier opponent,” he added, arguing that Harris was “saddled by and accountable to the American people” for the Biden administration’s economic and immigration policies while also being vulnerable to criticism for changing her positions.

Trump made a similar claim last month. But privately, neither he nor his top advisers believe the race got easier after Biden dropped out. Polls show the opposite: The clear advantage Trump had against Biden has evaporated against Harris.

In the face of that shift, Trump’s campaign is trying to stop his voters from growing pessimistic, while Harris’ campaign is casting her as the underdog to try to guard against overconfidence.

Lewandowski also denied that Trump had spent the past few weeks straying from the policy-focused message allies want him to deliver.

When Fox News host Shannon Bream quoted from two opinion columns chiding Trump for that pattern, Lewandowski said, “Donald Trump has had the opportunity over the course of the last multiple weeks to do very specific policy speeches,” and criticized Harris for not releasing more policy plans.

Lewandowski discounted surveys showing key demographic groups, including Black and Hispanic voters, shifting toward Harris — noting that polls in 2016 showed Hillary Clinton ahead throughout the campaign, and that polls in 2020 showed Biden leading by larger margins than they show now for Harris.

He was also asked about Trump’s own policy shift on abortion.

Trump appointed three of the six Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade — a fact he has boasted about — and led a staunchly anti-abortion administration. But recently, he has tried to publicly redefine himself in the face of evidence that voters are angry about abortion bans, and he has angered some abortion opponents in the process. One activist, Lila Rose, told Politico last week that she wasn’t sure she would vote for Trump anymore.

“If she chooses to stay home, then by tacit endorsement she’s supporting Kamala Harris, who has had a radical position on the issue of abortion,” Lewandowski said of Rose, repeating a common Republican lie that Democrats support abortion “after the baby’s been born.”

“What Donald Trump has said was let’s have the states decide,” he said, adding: “We have seen some relatively or very conservative states go to a position where women are given opportunities that you would not have expected because of that. But those states understand, whether it’s Ohio or Kansas, that women have the opportunity to make their own decisions, and the states are allowing that to happen.”

Kansas and Ohio are two of several states where voters have voted to protect abortion rights since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022. Twenty-two states now restrict abortion more than Roe allowed, including more than a dozen with near-total bans.

Abortion-rights referendums will be on the ballot in 10 states this year, including Florida, where Trump lives. He has made inconsistent statements on how he will vote.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

MIAMI GARDENS — J’Mari Taylor rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns and caught a pass for a score as North Carolina Central waited out a lengthy halftime thunderstorm before dispatching Alabama State 31-24 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

North Carolina Central (1-0) took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 11 plays with Taylor running it in from a yard out for a 7-0 lead. Walker Harris completed all five of his passes for 55 yards on the drive.

Harris connected on his first seven passes and a 34-yard completion to Joaquin Davis gave the Eagles a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line. Taylor ran it in on the next play for a 14-0 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter. Kole Jones picked off a Jonah O’Brien pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-0 just 53 seconds later.

AJ Gates Jr. took the ensuing kickoff and raced 82 yards for a touchdown to get Alabama State (0-1) on the scoreboard.

The Hornets pulled within 21-14 at halftime when Andrew Body finished off a 10-play, 96-yard drive with a 38-yard touchdown run on second-and-18.

Kamari Houze blocked a punt and the Eagles recovered it on the Hornets’ 25-yard line. Six plays later Harris hit Taylor for a 14-yard touchdown and a 31-17 lead with 8:40 left to play.

Keane Lewis blocked a punt and the Hornets jumped on it at the Eagles’ 35. Body raced 39 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-14 to get Alabama State within seven with 3:33 to go.

The Hornets got the ball back with 1:39 remaining, but D.J. Estes picked off O’Brien at midfield to seal the victory.

Harris finished with 119 yards through the air after misfiring on 9 of his final 11 passes.

Body carried 15 times for 135 yards.

It was the first meeting on the football field between the two schools.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

Inmate firefighting crews received a special visit from a major celebrity last week.

Celebrity Kim Kardashian visited Crew 3, Crew 5 and Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp at the Growlersburg Conservation Camp on Thursday to learn more about the fire programs operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Cal Fire’s Amador-El Dorado unit.

“These incredible men are incarcerated firefighters saving our state, homes and communities from fire,” the star wrote in a caption on her Instagram Saturday. The photo shows her and her half-sister Kendall Jenner posing with a group of incarcerated firefighters.

California has long depended on inmates to battle wildfires through its conservation camp programs. Last year, CDCR expanded the Growlersberg program to include inmates aged 18 to 26. Participants earn $6 to $10 a day and may have the opportunity to fully expunge their felony record after their release. The program is also intended to serve as a gateway for those interested in a career in firefighting upon release.

Kardashian, known for her family’s reality show and business ventures, has taken an interest in criminal justice reform in recent years. In April, she met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. Previously, she met with former President Donald Trump to encourage him to commute the sentence of Alice Johnson, a 63-year-old woman serving a life sentence without parole for a nonviolent drug offense.

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©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit at sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By ERIC HE

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kyle Stowers hit a three-run homer, and the Miami Marlins beat the San Francisco Giants 7-5 on Sunday for their first series win in more than a month.

Nick Fortes had three hits and scored two runs for Miami, which won for the third time in four games.

“Everything had to go well, honestly, to beat a team like that in this environment,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “To take two out of three with the three pitchers that they ran out against us, really happy with what our group did.”

San Francisco lost for the fourth time in five games, hurting its sagging chances in the race for the third NL wild card. Miami’s previous series win was at Milwaukee in late July.

“This is probably as bad a loss as we’ve had,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.

Giants ace Logan Webb (11-9) permitted six runs and eight hits in six innings. He struck out four and walked none.

Webb was working on a shutout before he got into trouble with two out in the fifth. Fortes hit an RBI single ahead of Stowers’ third homer — a 439-foot drive to right-center that extended his hitting streak to seven games and lifted the Marlins a 4-2 lead.

Both Melvin and Webb lamented a bad throw by Webb to second base on a comebacker by José Devers that kept the Giants from turning an inning-ending double play in the fifth.

“It’s just a bad play and that leads to runs,” Webb said. “I lost that game today. That was on me today. It just sucks. We scored five runs. We scored early and I feel like I was in a good spot. I had good stuff.”

Webb had a 1.70 ERA over his last six outings coming into the day.

“He’ll be the first to admit he’s got to turn that double play,” Melvin said. “He had good stuff — really good stuff. It just had all the makings of something we haven’t been able to do. And then it just turned on us.”

Stowers, who played collegiately at Stanford and had family in attendance, hit leadoff for the first time. He took two changeups outside before Webb threw him another one that leaked into the strike zone.

“He has such good action on his sinker and such good action on his changeup that you’ve just got to get him a little elevated,” Stowers said. “Because if you play that game below the zone, it’s tough. I was just able to get him a little bit higher than pitches in prior at-bats.”

San Francisco put together a three-run rally in the bottom half, highlighted by Mark Canha’s tying RBI single. But Miami responded with two more runs in the sixth.

Jonah Bride doubled home Jesús Sánchez, and Otto Lopez’s run-scoring groundout gave the Marlins a 6-5 lead.

Xzavion Curry (1-2), who made his MLB debut Saturday night, pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for his first career win. Calvin Faucher handled the ninth for his sixth save of the season.

San Francisco’s Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of Red Sox great Carl Yastrzemski, hit a leadoff drive in the first for his 100th career homer. The Yastrzemskis are the fourth grandson-grandfather duo to both have at least 100 home runs in their MLB careers.

Marlins starter Darren McCaughan, who made his first start of the season and second career start, gave up three earned runs in four innings.

ROSTER MOVES

Marlins: McCaughan was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville along with catcher Jhonny Pereda.

Giants: Catcher/OF Blake Sabol was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. … RHP Tristan Beck, who has not pitched this season after undergoing offseason vascular surgery, was activated off the injured list.

UP NEXT

Marlins: Return home to face the Nationals in a two-game series beginning Tuesday, with RHP Max Meyer (3-4, 5.44 ERA) scheduled to start the first game for Miami.

Giants: Host the Diamondbacks in a three-game series beginning Tuesday. Kyle Harrison (7-6, 4.22 ERA) is scheduled to start the series opener for San Francisco.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Many new people in Florida may have forgotten about Sen. Rick Scott and his history of Medicare fraud. So let’s review the history that he wants everyone to forget.

Scott was involved in a Medicare fraud case at his former health care company. He failed to disclose all his assets and as governor made investments that intersected with his decisions as governor.

So when Scott pours his cash into his U.S. Senate re-election campaign, we have to ask ourselves: Is it really his money — or the public’s?

Remember the past, so it doesn’t repeat itself.

Barbara Morris, Boca Raton

Sheriff’s outrageous spending

I read the Sun Sentinel articles about the new Broward Sheriff’s Office Training Center & Spa.

By your telling, the county auditor identified more than $7 million of unapproved costs directly related to the spa. The sheriff’s explanation was that the county did not approve their request to build a spa in a timely fashion, so they just went ahead and built it anyway.

That’s outrageous, and that alone should have disqualified Gregory Tony from his job.

The auditor also identified money specified for other purposes, notably salaries, diverted to the center. To add insult to injury, there’s now a projected $9 million shortfall, and it’s directly attributable to the sheriff.

From a layman’s perspective, some of these actions would seem illegal. But the most questionable decision in all of this was the Broward Democratic Party endorsing Tony and people voting for him. How do you write about things like this as if it were normal? This looks like criminal behavior.

James Conway, Naples

Leaders for all of us

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz seek to help the middle class rather than delivering retribution to anyone they brand as enemies — unlike Trump.

They will be leaders for all of the people of America instead of just the rich — like Trump. We are so weary of the divisive message of the Republicans, who have become an extension of Trump and his brand of debased fearmongering and amoral criminality.

Jane McElrath, Pompano Beach

Praise for an endorsement

Thank you for your powerful editorial emphasizing the importance of the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office and exposing Adam Frankel’s distortions about Daniel Eisinger, who won the election.

Eisinger’s philosophy is equal justice despite the defendant’s race, age or ability to pay.

For too long, impoverished and minority offenders have been tossed into obscene penal conditions that only exacerbate their problems, especially for juveniles. When they are returned into society, they have no psychosocial skills to integrate successfully.

A talented, experienced public defender like Eisinger will work to get them justice. This is society’s best insurance against recidivism and the extraordinary cost of reincarceration to taxpayers.

The stakes here are enormous. The Prison Policy Initiative reports that Florida has an incarceration rate of 795 people per 100,000, meaning it locks up a higher percentage of its people than any democratic country on earth.

Without a public defender, there is no criminal justice system. Without a qualified public defender, the criminal justice system fails.

June S. Neal, Delray Beach

Finish this thought

I request that you publish the answers to a question I pose to your diehard Trump-supporting subscribers.

Please complete the following single sentence: “The thing I admire about Donald Trump’s character is … ”

We’re listening.

Randy Lifshotz, Fort Lauderdale

Submit a letter to the editor by sending it by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 150 words and must be signed. You must include your email address, city of residence and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

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Today is Sunday, Sept. 1, the 245th day of 2024. There are 121 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 1, 1985, a U.S.-French expedition located the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean roughly 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.

Also on this date:

In 1715, following a reign of 72 years, King Louis XIV of France died four days before his 77th birthday; he was succeeded by his five year-old great-grandson, Louis XV.

In 1897, the first section of Boston’s new subway was opened, creating the first underground rapid transit system in North America.

In 1914, the passenger pigeon, once one of the most abundant bird species on earth, went extinct as the last known example, named Martha, died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo.

In 1923, the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama were devastated by an earthquake that claimed some 140,000 lives.

In 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, an event regarded as the start of World War II.

In 1964, pitcher Masanori Murakami of the San Francisco Giants became the first Japanese baseball player to play in a Major League Baseball game.

In 1969, a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power.

In 1972, American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, as Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union resigned before the resumption of their 21st and final game.

In 1983, 269 people were killed when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the airliner entered Soviet airspace.

In 2004, Islamic terrorists took more than a thousand people hostage in a school in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia; the siege would end three days later in gunfire and explosions, leaving 334 people dead — more than half of them children.

In 2015, invoking “God’s authority,” Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis denied marriage licenses to gay couples again in direct defiance of the federal courts and vowed not to resign, even under the pressure of steep fines or jail. (Davis would spend five days in jail as a result, and is currently appealing a ruling ordering her to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in related legal fees.)

Today’s Birthdays:

• Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 86.
• Comedian-actor Lily Tomlin is 85.
• Singer Barry Gibb is 78.
• Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 74.
• Singer Gloria Estefan is 67.
• TV host-author Padma Lakshmi is 54.
• Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira is 53.
• Fashion designer Rachel Zoe is 53.
• Actor Scott Speedman is 49.
• Composer-producer Ludwig Göransson is 40.
• Actor-singer Zendaya is 28.

General Daily Insight for September 01, 2024

The planets are keeping themselves busy today. The Moon in Leo gets right down to business when it conjoins messenger Mercury. Next, change-maker Uranus spins retrograde in stable-minded Taurus, giving us time to acclimate to any recent changes. Retrograde Pluto will slip back into Capricorn at 8:10 pm EDT. We should contemplate any ongoing projects with Pluto’s power motivating us, as once Pluto leaves Capricorn in November, it won’t return for over 200 years. This productivity is boosted even further by Luna entering efficient Virgo.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You’re not the type to ignore your ambitions, Aries. Their draw is hyped up even more during serious Pluto’s return to Capricorn and your 10th House of Career. Brace yourself! This transit will be the final chapter of a cycle that began back in 2008 when Pluto first arrived in this sector. Pluto has been all about your reputation and professional ambitions during this cycle, so your rewards should match the effort that you’re putting in. This is not the time for slacking off.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

There is still so much of the world for you to explore, and you shouldn’t keep putting it off. The cosmos is emphasizing going beyond what you know as transformational Pluto retrogrades into your 9th House of Expansion, pushing you to explore new territory and broaden your horizons. A certain far-off location, spiritual practice, or academic interest could be a major catalyst for this. Even if you can’t physically travel, you can open your mind by researching your recent interests or desired destinations.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You haven’t yet reached the finish line, but you can see it on the horizon. Pluto is sliding back into your secretive 8th house for the next couple of months, which could feel like the last stage in a major growth spurt that’s been playing out for quite a while. You may need to come to terms with some important people, especially if aspects of their behavior or their expectations of you aren’t healthy. Once that weight is gone, you’ll be able to sprint forward!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Take a second glance at your most significant relationships. They deserve some focused evaluation as Pluto returns to your partnership sector for one last visit this century. This can mean sounding out your current connections or simply working on how you approach various relationships — potential future ones included. You may experience one or two tough power plays in this arena, but this is a necessary lesson in exerting your power. You’re learning when to flex your muscles and when to fold.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

What part of your life could use the most organization? Pluto is retrograding into your 6th House of Daily Work from today into November, reminding you that in order to play hard, you must first work hard. The office (or your usual place of work) may feel rather like a minefield during this time, so step with care. The good news is that you can indeed emerge from this cycle with flying colors, waving the flag of victory. Don’t back down now!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You have so much to offer, so don’t keep it all to yourself! You’re on the receiving end of a major planetary push to put yourself out there as Pluto returns to your 5th House of Creativity for one final burst of energy. A project you’ve been working on may finally be ready for its big reveal. Your efforts can pack quite the punch when you take the time to make sure they’re perfectly polished. An excited audience is waiting!

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Dynamic energy is bubbling up under your roof — potentially literally. Alchemical Pluto is backing up into your domestic 4th house, where it could stir up complications and conflict within your home and family structures. Whether emotional or physical, this is the home stretch of their active phase. Be prepared for old issues or feelings to come to a conclusion, one way or another. Thankfully, settling things once and for all should be refreshing, even if the process isn’t easy. Stability is waiting for you.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Your communication style is coming under cosmic review. Pluto is retrograding into your talkative 3rd house until mid-November, which is the last time Pluto will occupy this sector for over two centuries. During the next couple of months, it can be easy to wield your words like weapons, but remember that they are tools, first and foremost. Do your best to utilize them in a way that benefits everyone, including yourself. Focus on becoming the most verbally efficient and helpful version of you.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Your relationship to your finances is undergoing a change. Your 2nd House of Material Wealth is receiving potent energy as alchemical Pluto returns to this sector for the next couple of months, guiding you through learning a lesson or two regarding your money and how you value it. You may begin to question certain ideas you’ve always clung to regarding your needs and financial security, and there is nothing wrong with that! Asking questions in the present will lead to greater clarity in the future.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

It’s not your imagination, Capricorn — deep power is rising to the surface within you. Today marks Pluto’s return to your 1st House of Self-Expression, which gives you direct access to Pluto’s transformational energy. No matter how cautious you typically are regarding change, this transit could see some vital shifts culminate in your life. Your very identity may transform, and you’re in charge of this transition — for better or worse. Do your best to make the most of this special yet intense opportunity.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You’ve got some letting go to do. Pluto is returning to your 12th House of Endings, signifying the final section in a major chapter of your life. Quiet doesn’t mean easy, but you must get through this last page before you can begin a fresh one when Pluto returns to your sign in November. There is no need to rush into this, so give yourself permission to hibernate a bit longer. You’ll need all the rest and relaxation you can get!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Today, even the best of your friendships may struggle adapting to necessary changes in the lives of you and your pals. Pluto is retrograding back into your 11th House of Social Networks, centering the transformative impact of major life events on your connections with others. Until it leaves in November, brace yourself for conflict — thankfully, weathering these storms can ultimately strengthen these relationships. This may eliminate people from your life, but trust that if anyone does leave, then it’s for the best.

By ERIC HE

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Griffin Conine hit his first career home run and the Miami Marlins beat the San Francisco Giants 4-3 on Saturday night.

Conine, the son of longtime Marlins stalwart Jeff Conine, made his major league debut Monday and got his first hit Tuesday. His first homer was a two-run shot off the right-field foul pole in the second inning, when he ripped a fastball up in the zone from Giants starter Mason Black to give Miami a 2-0 lead.

Black threw Conine all fastballs in that at-bat, and he hooked the fifth one — clocked at 92 mph — just fair. The ball would have been a homer in just two big league ballparks: Oracle Park and Fenway Park.

“I couldn’t hear anything, and I heard everything at the same time,” Conine said of his emotions when rounding the bases. “I felt like I was floating. It was a dream-like scenario. I’m just trying to replay it in my mind.”

The 27-year-old Conine got the souvenir ball back from the fan who retrieved it in exchange for a bat, a photo and a ball. It had a yellow mark on it from hitting the foul pole, already encased in a glass box.

He had a text waiting for him from his dad — who didn’t make the trip to San Francisco — that read, “Call me.”

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Conine is making the most of his opportunity.

“The guy works his tail off,” Schumaker said. “So it’s not surprising when all the hard work is equaling good luck. I love the demeanor. I love the work ethic. All that stuff is contagious.”

Michael Conforto homered in the eighth for the Giants to cut the deficit to 4-3, but Calvin Faucher retired the side in order in the ninth for his fifth save.

San Francisco (68-69) remained 6 1/2 games out of a National League playoff spot, with four teams to climb over.

Connor Norby, who had his 10-game hitting streak snapped Friday, launched a solo homer in the sixth to put the NL-worst Marlins up 3-1 after the Giants scored a run in the fifth.

Miami added an insurance run in the seventh to make it 4-2 when Otto Lopez scored on a groundout by David Hensley. Lopez led off with a walk, stole second after an umpire ruled that shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald didn’t give him a proper sliding lane, and went to third on a groundball with one out.

“I don’t know how you make that call if it doesn’t affect the play,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s one thing to be sliding into his foot when he’s obstructing the runner. He didn’t.”

Schumaker, meanwhile, contended the umpires “got it right.”

Edward Cabrera (3-6), who lost his previous three starts, held the Giants to one earned run in five-plus innings.

“Their guy is pretty good,” Melvin said. “I know his numbers don’t look good. But when he’s on, he throws the ball. He’s a really good pitcher.”

Fitzgerald had an RBI single in the sixth that trimmed it to 3-2.

Black (0-2) allowed two runs in five innings.

ROSTER MOVES

Marlins: LHP Jonathan Bermúdez was designated for assignment.

Giants: RHP Austin Warren and C Andrew Knapp were optioned to Triple-A Sacramento, and Black was recalled to make Saturday’s start.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: INF Vidal Bruján (right shoulder sprain) was placed on the 10-day injured list. He had been dealing with the injury since spring training and re-aggravated it on Friday. … INF José Devers, the cousin of Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, was selected from Triple-A Jacksonville.

Giants: LHP Robbie Ray (left hamstring), who was placed on the injured list last Sunday, played catch.

UP NEXT

Giants RHP Logan Webb (11-8, 3.24 ERA) is scheduled to pitch the series finale Sunday. Darren McCaughan (0-0, 8.62), selected off waivers by the Marlins in July, is expected to be called up from Triple-A Jacksonville to start.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Suárez scored two goals in a second straight match to spark Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

Inter Miami (18-4-5) led 1-0 at halftime thanks to an own goal by Chicago defender Tobias Salquist in the 25th minute.

Then, Suarez scored in the first minute of the second half for a two-goal lead and the 37-year-old forward made it 3-0 in the 65th minute with his single-season club-record 16th goal in his first season in the league. Diego Gómez notched his seventh assist on the first goal. Defender Jordi Alba earned his eight assist on the second score, while Sergio Busquets tallied his sixth.

Suarez, whose 16 goals trail only Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke and their 17 goals apiece, has played more than 450 fewer minutes than either player. Suarez has played 1,441 minutes while the other two have logged more than 1,900 each.

Chicago (6-13-8) avoided the shutout in the 82nd minute when 20-year-old forward Georgios Koutsias scored for the first time this season. Kellyn Acosta notched his second assist on the goal.

Robert Taylor scored in the third minute of stoppage time to complete the scoring. It was his fifth goal this season. Leo Campana picked up his second assist and David Ruiz snagged his third.

Drake Callender totaled three saves in goal for Inter Miami.

Chris Brady stopped five shots for the Fire.

Inter Miami has a 3-4-1 record all time versus Chicago after also beating the Fire 2-1 at home on July 20.

Inter Miami once again played without superstar Lionel Messi, who has not stepped on the pitch since injuring his ankle while playing for Argentina in the Copa America final on July 14.

Suárez scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over visiting FC Cincinnati last time out as Inter Miami became the third-fastest team to clinch a playoff spot in a 34-match season. Only Los Angeles FC (25 in 2019 and 2022) and Cincinnati (26 in 2023) qualified earlier. He scored the earliest goal in club history when he needed just 30 seconds to find the net against Cincinnati.

 

The Fire will host D.C. United on Saturday. Inter Miami is off until Sept. 14 when it hosts Charlotte FC.

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AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer

The Florida Gators haven’t lost a season-opening game at home since 1989 when, coincidentally, the coach back then — Galen Hall — was fired four games later.

This is not to say Billy Napier will be fired as UF’s coach anytime soon, but Saturday’s humiliating 41-17 blowout opening loss to the 19th-ranked Miami Hurricanes at the Swamp certainly didn’t instill much confidence that Napier’s team will be any better this year than it’s been in his first two losing seasons at UF.

“Miami outplayed us and they outcoached us,” a disappointed Napier said afterward. “It’s embarrassing, to be quite honest. That’s how I feel and that’s how our kids feel. There are no excuses. We need to keep our mouths shut and show up, go to work and get better. We’ve got to get it fixed. We’ve still got a lot of football ahead of us. The sun will come up tomorrow.”

Yes, the sun will definitely come up in Gainesville,  but unfortunately it will just increase the temperature for Napier’s already-simmering hot seat. Personally, I thought all of the “hot seat” speculation about Napier was premature coming into the season, but now I’m starting to think he needs to invest in some fire-retardant coaching britches.

This game was essentially a referendum on the two coaches — Napier and Miami’s Mario Cristobal — who were hired within eight days of each other in December 2021 to revive catatonic programs.

With both coaches beginning their third season Saturday, it appears the Hurricanes have finally risen from the dead under Cristobal while the Gators are still comatose under Napier.

After the cringe-worthy skull-buffing the Gators suffered at the hands of the the ‘Canes, there is no other way to say it: Cristobal’s program is light years ahead of Napier’s at this point. If both programs were cars, Cristobal has transformed the ‘Canes into a sleek and powerful Lamborghini. Napier puttered and sputtered out onto the field Saturday in the Beverly Hillbillies’ old jalopy of a truck.

Miami’s offensive line was better than Florida’s. Miami’s defensive line was better than Florida’s. And, oh my, Miami’s quarterback was much more dynamic than Florida’s.

Miami’s Cam Ward looked like the second coming of Charlie Ward. Florida’s Graham Mertz looked like the second coming of Fred Mertz.

Wisconsin transfer Mertz, who is entering his second season in Napier’s system, dinked and dunked his way to 11 completions in 20 attempts for 91 yards and no touchdowns before leaving late in the third quarter with a concussion. Meanwhile, Ward — the marquee transfer from Washington State — was spreading and shredding UF’s defense by completing 25-of-33 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

Ward was tossing 35-yard downfield darts to his wide receivers while Florida top best receiver Tre Wilson was catching bubble screens behind the line of scrimmage, trying to dodge a minefield of Miami defenders in hopes of gaining 5 yards.

On one play in the third quarter, Ward escaped pressure, rolled left and rifled a perfect strike across the field to Jacolby George in the back of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown — escapability, accuracy and arm strength all on display in one amazing play.

By the time the traditional playing of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” blared throughout the Swamp at the outset of the fourth quarter, the Gators trailed 38-10 and another Tom Petty song seemed more appropriate: “Even the Losers.”

Petty also had a song called “Making Some Noise,” and you better believe there will now be — as embattled former Gators coach Ron Zook used to call it — a cacophony of “noise in the system” moving forward.

This was the one outcome Napier could not afford. A victory over the ‘Canes in the home opener would have been awesome. A close loss would have been acceptable. But suffering the worst season-opening home loss in history and getting embarrassed in front of a sellout home crowd of 90,554 turns Napier’s hot seat into a flaming chair of condemnation.

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) warms up before their college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes players take the field before their college football game against Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) warms up before their college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal talks with his players before their college football game against Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators linebacker Grayson Howard (10) takes down Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Jacolby George (3) during the college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) runs the ball up field during the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) breaks away and scores on a long run during the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) breaks away and scores on a long run during the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) catches a pass for a touchdown on Florida Gators linebacker Grayson Howard (10) during the college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) has his pass blocked by Miami Hurricanes linebacker Chase Smith (41) during the college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) sets up to pass the ball during the second half of the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) has his pass blocked by Miami Hurricanes linebacker Chase Smith (41) during the college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (7) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the college football game against Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators backup quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws a pass upon entering the game during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier coaches his players during the second half of their game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier coaches his players during the second half of their game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) runs the ball up field during the second half of the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier checks on his quarterback Graham Mertz (15) after he was injured in the second half of the college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Two Miami Hurricanes celebrate another touchdown during the second half of the college football game against Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier watches his team play Miami Hurricanes during the second half of the college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier coaches his players during the second half of their game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes defensive back Dylan Day (23) takes the field during the second half of the college football game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

• Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Isaiah Horton (2) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the college football game against Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

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Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) warms up before their college football game against Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

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Not only does Napier once again have to deal with the noxious negativity of angry fans, he’s also having to deal with the passive-aggressive sniping of his UF predecessor, Dan Mullen.

After Florida’s loss on Saturday, Mullen retweeted a social media post from a fan who wrote: “The Florida coach who got fired went to three consecutive New Year’s Six games in his first three seasons. And was let go in his fourth season.”

Said Napier of how his players must deal with the onslaught of negativity surrounding the program: “We’ll have to navigate it. We’ve got to be men and we’ve got to show some maturity. … We can’t control it. It’s part of the job, and it’s part of our responsibility to the team.”

As much as many of us have been preaching patience and have been willing to give the UF coach the benefit of a doubt, it’s looking more and more like Napier is a great coach Sunday through Friday; a good man who has instilled discipline and structure in a program that was bereft of talent and character when he took over from Mullen. But, eventually, there has to be some progress on the scoreboard.

This is Napier’s sixth straight loss dating to last season and he is now 2-10 against ranked teams at UF. Even more troublesome is that this performance came after Napier overhauled his program during the offseason, hiring a new defensive coordinator, a new special-teams coordinator, a new head nutritionist and a new strength and conditioning coach.

Granted, this is only the first game of the season, but the problem is that Miami was supposed to be one of the more winnable games on a brutal UF schedule filled with eight ranked teams, a demanding conference slate and non-conference itinerary that includes UM, UCF and FSU.

Opening the season with such an embarrassing loss is the absolute worst-case scenario for a man who is fighting for his coaching survival.

Can the Gators pick up the pieces and put them back together for a thrilling comeback or is Billy Napier’s career about to make a crash landing?

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen