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LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Republican National Committee on Friday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent Nevada from counting mail ballots received after Election Day, as the state’s law currently permits.

The law, passed by Democrats in 2021, permits the tallying of mail ballots received up to four days after Election Day, provided the envelopes are postmarked before the end of the day. The lawsuit says the provision also assumes that envelopes received three days after Election Day that don’t have a postmark indicating otherwise were posted in time.

Republicans contend this violates the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that there be a single day for Election Day.

“Nevada’s ballot receipt deadline clearly violates federal law and undermines election integrity in the state,” RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement. “Ballots received days after Election Day should not be counted.”

The lawsuit comes after Republicans sued to overturn laws permitting the tallying of ballots received after Election Day in Mississippi and North Dakota, and it’s the 83rd election-related suit filed by the party six months before Election Day. That’s a sign of both the increased pace of election-related litigation and the party’s focus on fighting over election rules after former President Donald Trump installedloyalists who have parroted his false claims about the 2020 election being stolen from him.

Nineteen states, including Nevada, allow ballots to be tallied if they’re received after Election Day. Supporters of those rules say they make it easier to vote and ensure that those who cast ballots by mail have as much time to make up their minds as those who vote on Election Day. Opponents contend they slow election results, undermine trust in the system and can be exploited.

“I hope the RNC is putting as much time and energy into educating voters on how to participate in elections as they put into suing the state of Nevada,” the state’s Democratic secretary of state, Francisco Aguilar, said in a statement.

General Daily Insight for May 03, 2024

Our problems are no match for our tenacity and courage today. Once assertive Mars sextiles deep-rooted Pluto at 5:06 am EDT, we’re equipped to take serious and decisive action. Our intuition can help us find information useful to our efforts, as the sensitive Pisces Moon sextiles the vibrant Sun. That being said, while Luna conjoins structured Saturn, reining in excessive sentimentality will probably be necessary in order to achieve the greatest possible outcome. Sometimes compassion just looks like getting things done!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Taking a stand in your community might benefit your reputation with peers. Although you may overall be content with a less public role, your own preferences potentially aren’t the highest priority at this moment. In particular, if someone else has overstepped their bounds, pushing back against their excesses is necessary to restore balance. Fortunately, it shouldn’t take a lot to let them know that you’re a force to reckon with! Focus on finding a positive outcome instead of pitting your ego against theirs.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your lack of visible progress toward a significant goal could stress you out at the moment. While the vulnerable Moon meets strict Saturn in your social 11th house, you might perceive that your peers are judging you harshly for falling behind — whether or not they’re actually doing that. Either way, remind yourself that there’s more to your story than the surface level. Even if the small steps you’ve consistently been taking don’t seem like much, remember that they add up over time!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Joining forces with others could currently encourage you to express your beliefs. When bold Mars in your community zone encourages quiet Pluto in your philosophy sector, hearing someone else say their piece may inspire you to articulate thoughts that have recently started coming together for you. Although your inner critic might not be sure about this move, you’re likely to find strength in numbers. Feel free to learn from your companions — you don’t have to solve every problem on your own!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Forming an alliance with someone else could further your progress toward your present goals. Still, you’ll have to be careful to follow any relevant rules as you set things up. If formal laws aren’t a factor, that’s an even better reason to clarify expectations between the two of you before you proceed any further. Although this process might seem inconvenient, it’ll be a good nudge to think about any important issues you haven’t considered. Take all the time you need to do a thorough job!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Someone else might encourage you to go out on a limb today. This could potentially be the right thing for you to do for your own reasons. Still, as courageous Mars in your adventure sector engages with manipulative Pluto in your 7th House of Partnership, ask yourself why the other person is this involved with your choices before you get locked into anything. Know the difference between a helpful wind beneath your wings and a tornado of whims blowing you this way and that.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You may soon gain a willing collaborator who is happy to assist with your responsibilities. The hard part might be that there are a lot of tasks you do without thinking about them. Unintentionally leaving all that off the table could make finding a fair division of labor difficult — assuming that fairness is what you want. Your companion is probably more competent than you think they are, so don’t be afraid to let them show you just how capable they can be!

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You may have a few tedious tasks on your to-do list today. Although feeling sorry for yourself might be tempting under the circumstances, you also have more rewarding options. While combative Mars in your partnership sector teases intense Pluto in your playful 5th house, adding a little friendly competition to your work could make your grind into a game. Whether you battle against a companion or just your own past achievements, finally conquering your chores can only count as an epic win!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Cleaning up at home could turn into a bigger project than you expect without warning. Even if you think you’re just taking care of a simple task, your efforts will potentially reveal other things that should be addressed. Once you get going, you’ll probably begin to see rewarding results quickly. As the passionate Moon meets disciplined Saturn in your 5th House of Joy, experiencing this pleasure can encourage you to accomplish more. Schedule yourself enough time to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Asserting yourself in conversation is a real possibility. This is great if you have something important you need to say. However, you run the risk of overwhelming your audience even when you don’t mean to. With dynamic Mars in your expressive 5th house drawing out profound Pluto in your communication zone, you simply have a lot of energy! To minimize the chances of others taking your comments too personally, do your best to focus on “I” statements about your specific experiences.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Obtaining a change you want in your present home life is possible, but it likely won’t be merely handed to you. While ambitious Mars in your domestic 4th house aligns with powerful Pluto in your resource sector, using your money or possessions to start working toward your proposed improvements can show the people around you that you’re serious about your plan. This display of your self-confidence may convince your audience more than any words would. Still, they’ll probably listen once you’re ready to talk.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Giving off an intimidating vibe is presently a risk for you. As forceful Mars in your communication sector stimulates brooding Pluto in your sign, people are inclined to hear aggression in whatever you say, whether or not you feel that way. More transparency should reduce the risk of misunderstandings. Asking directly for what you want is often scary because it’s possible you’ll be told no. In this case, even if the answer is no, knowing that will cause fewer problems than beating around the bush.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your serious mood can help you get results today. While potent Mars in your resource zone engages with perceptive Pluto in your 12th House of Secrets, you likely have a thorough understanding of any dynamics going on behind the scenes. This might empower you to take bold actions that otherwise wouldn’t seem reasonable. The current possibilities do have limits, though — your ability to tell the difference between intuition and wishful thinking will be vital to making the most of this opportunity.

TORONTO (AP) — William Nylander scored twice, Joseph Woll made 22 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday night to force a seventh game in the first-round Eastern Conference series.

“We battled and competed,” said Nylander, who sat the first three games of the series because of an undisclosed ailment. “And Woller was incredible.”

Toronto has overcame a 3-1 series deficit, also staving off elimination with a 2-1 victory in overtime in Boston on Tuesday night, to send the series back to Boston for a winner-take-all finale Saturday night. The series winner will face the Florida Panthers.

Morgan Rielly assisted on both goals.

Jeremy Swayman stopped 24 shots for the Bruins, who also blew a 3-1 lead against the Florida Panthers last year in the first round before losing in Game 7 following a record-setting regular season. Morgan Geekie spoiled Woll’s shutout bid with 0.1 seconds left.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery wants to see more from his team in the decider and called out forward David Pastrnak by name.

“Your best players need to be your best players this time of year,” Montgomery said. “I think the effort is tremendous and they need to come through with some big-time plays in big-time moments. “I think (captain Brad) Marchand has done that in the series. Pasta needs to step up.”

Said Pastrnak: “I maybe didn’t get enough shots. I should maybe have a little bit more of a shooting mentality. Usually, that always helps me.”

Toronto was without Auston Matthews for the second straight game after the star center was pulled from Game 4 because of an illness.

Nylander opened the scoring with 54.8 seconds left in the second period. The Swedish winger took a pass from Timothy Liljegren in the offensive zone before weaving away from his check and firing a shot that glanced off Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy in front and beat Swayman on the short-side.

“Big-time stuff,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said. “What you’re looking for from a player of his calibre.”

The goal set off wild celebrations inside an electric Scotiabank Arena — and outside the rink as Maple Leaf Square turned into a mosh pit of blue and white.

Toronto made it 2-0 with 2:13 left in the game when Nylander moved in alone after taking a pass from Matthew Knies and slid a backhander between Swayman’s pads.

“They’re obviously very desperate, fighting for their lives,” Marchand said. “So that’s always the toughest game to get. We know that. But I thought tonight was better than last game. … If someone told us at the start of the season that we’d be Game 7 at home against Toronto, we’d take that all day.”

Woll is the first goalie in NHL history to have each of his first four career playoff starts come in elimination games. Thatcher Demko (2020), Michael Hutchinson (2020) and Manny Fernandez (2003) are the only other netminders to have their first three starts come in win-or-go home contests.

The Bruins had just one shot on target through 27 minutes.

“Gives me a lot of confidence,” Woll said. “Guys were laying out blocking shots and coming up big.”

___

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER (Associated Press)

HONOLULU (AP) — Had emergency responders known about widespread cellphone outages during the height of last summer’s deadly Maui wildfires, they would have used other methods to warn about the disaster, county officials said in a lawsuit.

Alerts the county sent to cellphones warning people to immediately evacuate were never received, unbeknownst to the county, the lawsuit said.

Maui officials failed to activate sirens that would have warned the entire population of the approaching flames. That has raised questions about whether everything was done to alert the public in a state that possesses an elaborate emergency warning system for a variety of dangers including wars, volcanoes, hurricanes and wildfires.

Major cellular carriers were negligent in failing to properly inform Maui police of widespread service outages, county officials said in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in state court against Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Spectrum Mobile and AT&T.

“We continue to stand with the Maui community as it heals from the tragic fires, but these claims are baseless,” T-Mobile said in a statement Thursday. “T-Mobile broadcasted wireless emergency alerts to customers while sites remained operational, promptly sent required outage notifications, and quickly contacted state and local emergency agencies and services.”

A Spectrum representative declined to comment, and the other carriers didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

A flood of lawsuits has come out since the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century ripped through the historic town of Lahaina and killed 101 people.

Maui County is a defendant in multiple lawsuits over its emergency response during the fires. The county is also suing the Hawaiian Electric Company, saying the utility negligently failed to shut off power despite exceptionally high winds and dry conditions.

In Maui’s latest legal action, lawyers for the county say if the county is found liable for damages, then the cell carriers’ “conduct substantially contributed to the damages” against the county.

“On August 8 and August 9, 2023, while the County’s courageous first responders battled fires across the island and worked to provide first aid and evacuate individuals to safety, the County notified those in the vicinity of danger through numerous alerts and warnings, including through direct text messaging to individual cell phones,” the lawsuit said.

The county sent at least 14 alert messages to cellphones, warning residents to evacuate, the lawsuit said. The county later discovered all 21 cell towers serving West Maui, including in Lahaina, experienced total failure.

“As of the date of this filing, the Cell Carriers still have not reported to the County the true extent and reach of the cell service outages on August 8 and August 9, 2023, as they are mandated to do under federal law,” the lawsuit said. “Had the Cell Carriers accurately reported to the County the complete and widespread failure of dozens of cell sites across the island as they were mandated to do by law, the County would have utilized different methods in its disaster and warning response.”

For the first time in its history, the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line will travel from its longtime home at the Port of Palm Beach to a destination beyond the Bahamas.

Since its founding as Bahamas Paradise in 2014, the company has only sailed to one place: Freeport, Grand Bahama. And the cruise line only recently expanded the length of its cruises.

While it spent years exclusively operating quick, two-night trips, it started taking reservations last November for three-night trips out of Palm Beach aboard its ship Paradise that will begin this August.

Last December, the cruise line announced the purchase of a larger ship, called the Islander, that in June will begin sailing four- and five-night trips out of the Port of Tampa to locations in Mexico and Key West.

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The idea of stopping in Key West must have been appealing to the cruise line’s guests and managers, because the island has been added to the Paradise’s itineraries beginning in September.

Key West will mark the first destination beyond Freeport for sailings by Margaritaville at Sea or its predecessor, Bahamas Paradise, out of the Port of Palm Beach.

In fact, it will be the first destination other than the Bahamas for any ship sailing out of the Port of Palm Beach since the 1990s, port spokesman Yaremi Farinas said.

Five voyages will sail on a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Embarkation dates are Sept. 19, Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9.

Fares will start below $200 for interior staterooms on all except the Nov. 25 cruise, which will start at $330.

The cruise line, of course, is part of a vast hospitality company founded by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who died last year at age 76.

Buffett-inspired flourishes can be found all over its ships, from tropical art on the bows and in staterooms to signs that borrow song lyrics like “One Particular Harbour” and “It’s 5 ‘o clock somewhere.”

Key West was Buffett’s home in the early 1970s, when he supplemented his income as a recording artist and performer at the Chart Room Bar and Howie’s Lounge by working on a deep-sea fishing boat.

The Key West stop is being offered as a “limited edition release so that select Paradise guests can also experience (its) laidback charm,” a Margaritaville at Sea spokesperson said.

After the ship sets sail, guests will have to chill out for awhile before getting to the Conch Republic.

After departing on day one, day two will be spent at sea. The ship will arrive in Key West at about 7 a.m. on the third day and depart at about 4 p.m. — leaving about eight or nine hours to visit the Hemingway Home and Museum, the Truman Little White House, the Key West Lighthouse, Mallory Square, the bars on Duval Street, or the first Margaritaville restaurant, which opened in 1987.

Whether the Key West stops from the Port of Palm Beach will continue after December is not yet known. The stops to the place “where it all began for the Margaritaville brand” are expected to be very popular, the spokesperson said, adding, “we are continuing to evaluate our 2025 deployment.”

Michael Meekins, executive director of the Port of Palm Beach, said the port operators are “thrilled” by the addition. “I think it is great the cruise line is offering its cruise passengers different itineraries from Palm Beach, adding more days of fun,” he said Thursday.

Cruise line CEO Christopher Ivy emphasized the “limited capacity” of the Key West plans, saying, “these special sailings give both new and returning guests even more options from the beautiful Port of Palm Beach aboard Margaritaville at Sea.”

For more information, visit margaritavilleatsea.com.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.

 

 

There was not a lot of finesse in the five games the Cavaliers and Magic have played in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, so why expect anything different now?

The Cavaliers grabbed a 3-2 lead in the series on April 30 when they edged the Magic, 104-103, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse without starting center Jarrett Allen, who was a pregame scratch because of bruised ribs. Allen was injured in Game 4 when an Orlando player smacked him in the side with an elbow.

Allen did not practice May 2. He will try to play in Game 6 when the Cavs and Magic meet for a 7 p.m. tipoff at the Kia Center in Orlando. But the simple fact he is dealing with such a painful condition is reflective of how physical the series has been and how physical Game 6 is likely to be.

There is no “smooth” way for the #Cavaliers to win Game 6 because it’s going to be “a fist fight,” says Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. pic.twitter.com/AzB7xogswE

— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) May 2, 2024

“You’re just getting ready for a fist fight,” Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after practice May 2 at Cleveland Clinic Court in Independence. “That’s what it’s going to come down to. It’s going to be a physical game. We expect that, but it’s one of those things where mentally you have to be prepared from the start. There’s no smoothing your way into this one.

“So it doesn’t just start at seven o’clock tomorrow night. It starts with our preparation today. The rest we get, the shootaround (May 3 in Orlando). This is a business trip. You’re going to take care of business. (Allen) is still working through some things, still getting treatment. He’ll be with us on the trip, obviously, and we expect him to give it a go if he can.”

This is the only series among the eight to start the 2024 NBA playoffs in which the home team has won every game — the Cavs three at the FieldHouse and the Magic two in Orlando. If the Magic win at home again, the winner-take-all Game 7 will be 1 p.m. May 5 at the FieldHouse.

“I think it’s the style which both teams play, ” Bickerstaff said. “Obviously playing in front of your home court means a ton, but I think people have just handled business. And when you’re a defensive minded team like both of us are, that gives you an opportunity to win. So we just have to go down there and be ready to do our job and not worry about the crowd.”

The Cavaliers know they have to slow down Orlando forward Paolo Banchero. Banchero scored 39 points in a losing cause on April 30. Banchero scored 31 when the Magic won Game 3, 121-83. He was held to nine points in Game 4, a 112-89 Orlando victory, but Franz Wagner scored 34 points.

Isaac Okoro is ready for the assignment of defending Banchero. He would love to have Allen back in the lineup to help stop the two-headed monster of Banchero and Wagner.

“J,A. is the anchor of our defense,” Okoro said after practice. “He’s out there controlling it, talkin, rebounding. He’s been great during the series, so not having him was tough that game. So everybody has to step up a little bit.

“I’m on the team for my defense, my energy. So I take pride in guarding the best players. Just probably be more physical. (Banchero) not let him get to his shots, making his shots a little more tough.”

Okoro played 23 minutes in Game 5 when Banchero went on his scoring spree. Putting Marcus Morris Sr. on Banchero part of the time is another option for Bickerstaff.

Marcus Morris Sr. could be called up on to help defend Orlando’s Paolo Banchero if Jarrett Allen is unable to play in Game 6 of the Cavaliers-Magic series on May 3. (Tim Phillis – For The News-Herald) Cavaliers at Magic

What: Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Game 6; Cavs lead, 3-2

When: 7 p.m., May 3

Where: Kia Center, Orlando

TV: Bally Sports Ohio, ESPN

Police were under no obligation to re-read a Miranda warning to a hospitalized murder suspect who confessed to killing two people, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday, finding that the defendant’s rights were read to him when he was placed under arrest four weeks earlier.

The decision derailed killer Zachary Penna’s effort to get a new trial in the Nov. 19, 2015, killings of Wayne Dixon, 58, and Freddy Sanchez, 49, inside their Greenacres home.

Prosecutors said Penna later committed other crimes, including robbing a woman, kidnapping a co-worker and stabbing a police dog. He was convicted in 2019. The Fourth District Court of Appeal tossed the conviction in 2022 after determining that incriminating statements Penna made to Brevard County Deputy Michael Nettles should not have been presented to the jury.

“Despite the horrible facts underlying these convictions, we are compelled to reverse these convictions and remand for a new trial due to a violation of the defendant’s Miranda rights,” the appeals court ruled two years ago. “Because those elicited, incriminating responses … undermined the defendant’s insanity defense, the trial court’s errors [in allowing the jury to hear the statements] were not harmless.”

But the Florida Supreme Court took a different view, finding that police had already advised Penna of his rights to remain silent and have an attorney present during questioning. That warning came at the time of Penna’s arrest, four weeks before he spilled his guts to Nettles.

A key issue is that Penna “reinitiated contact” with police, giving his statements because he wanted to even though he was not being interrogated. That amounted to a waiver of the Miranda warnings he had been given previously, the court ruled.

The decision against Penna overturned a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Shelly v. State, holding that police must remind defendants of their rights and give them again under identical circumstances.

That decision, the current court said, was “clearly erroneous.”

The Penna decision returns the case to the Fourth District, which must correct its finding that there was a Miranda violation and decide again whether Penna is entitled to a retrial.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.

By Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service

With David Leitch’s love letter to stunt professionals, “The Fall Guy” hitting theaters, and rumblings of a potential Academy Award for stunts on the horizon (something Leitch has advocated for), it’s the perfect time to fire up some of the best movies with the finest stunts that you can find on streaming. Of course this is in no way a comprehensive list, just some suggestions to get the juices flowing during your pre- or post- “Fall Guy” streaming session.

Plus, stunts were an integral part to the early advent of cinema, over a hundred years ago. Audiences were so startled by the Lumiere Brothers’ film “The Arrival of the Train at the Station,” they ran out of the theater. And filmmakers have been thrilling audiences since then with action-packed feats of derring-do, from Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton to Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves, left, stars in John Wick: Chapter 4.” (Murray Close/Lionsgate/TNS)

It’s always a good idea to start at the beginning, so start with Buster Keaton’s own cinematic train opus, the 1926 silent film “The General,” about a stolen locomotive with his lady love on board. You’ll be dazzled by Keaton’s performance, and witness how modern stunts evolved from, and pay homage to his work. Stream it on Prime Video, Tubi, Kanopy, or rent it on other platforms. Another pioneering stunt performer, Harold Lloyd starred in the 1923 film “Safety Last!” which is streaming on Max, Kanopy, the Criterion Channel and Tubi, so add that to the list as well.

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Of course, modern Hollywood stunts would not be what they are today without the influence of Hong Kong action cinema, especially star Jackie Chan. After a disappointing Hollywood experience, Chan channeled his energy into the “Police Story” franchise, which became a massive blockbuster hit in Asia and Europe. Chan directed the first two films in the franchise, and utilized his Jackie Chan Stunt Team to create some of the most incredible stunts put to film. They are largely considered to be some of the best action films of all time. Stream “Police Story” and “Police Story 2” on Max.

We couldn’t talk about stunts on film without mentioning Tom Cruise and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, which sees Cruise executing more and more daring stunts, including the eye-popping motorcycle mountain jump that he pulled off in the most recent film “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” Stream the entire franchise, all seven movies (it’s so worth it), on Paramount+.

Back in 1999, a stuntman named Chad Stahelski doubled Keanu Reeves on “The Matrix,” an action film that greatly advanced stunt work. Some 15 years later, Stahelski would direct Reeves in the “John Wick” franchise, their own love letter to stunt work, created in partnership with Leitch, who would go on to make his directorial debut with the chilly Cold War actioner “Atomic Blonde” (2017) starring Charlize Theron. Stream “The Matrix” on Netflix and Max, stream the “John Wick” franchise on Peacock and rent “Atomic Blonde” on all digital platforms to see a bit of “The Fall Guy” DNA.

Finally, no mention of stunt movies would be complete without a shout out to what may be the best action movie of the 21st century so far, George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road.” This mad dash across the desert involved hordes of war boys clinging to vehicles tearing across the Namibian landscape, leaping and battling from swinging poles and scaffolding, motorcycle grannies, feisty wives, a steely Theron and a taciturn Tom Hardy. The film won several Oscars and would have no doubt scored a stunt Oscar if that was an option. It’s always the right time to stream “Fury Road,” and it also serves as prep for the prequel, “Furiosa,” which roars into theaters on May 24. Stream “Mad Max: Fury Road” on Max or rent it elsewhere.

Katie Walsh is the Tribune News Service film critic and co-host of the “Miami Nice” podcast.

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Joe Field needed something to write about.

“I came up with the idea for Free Comic Book Day when I was a columnist for an industry trade magazine,” says Field, who is the owner of the Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff store in Concord. “I was scratching for ideas when my deadline was looming, looked out the front window of my shop to see a long line of people and none of them were coming into my shop. They were headed next door to Baskin Robbins for Free Scoop Night.

“I thought ‘comics are cooler than ice cream — let’s do this!’ So I wrote a column outlining the idea.”

That was 2001 and the first Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) was held in 2002. It was a massive hit right from Year One, with hundreds of comic book shops taking place in the promotion of giving out free publications to those who visited the participating stores. It now stands as, by far, the biggest annual event at comic book stores worldwide.

“The first FCBD was on May 4, 2002, so this year’s event, also on May 4, is the 23rd annual Free Comic Book Day,” Field says. “Over the last 22 years, FCBD shops have given away tens of millions of free comic books in more than 2,000 shops in more than 60 countries the world over.”

Yet, this year’s Free Comic Book Day — which just happens to coincide with the annual Star Wars celebration on May 4 (“May the Fourth Be With You”) — will also be the last one that will be held at the place where the idea was first hatched.

To the disappointment of comic book fans all over Contra Costa County, Field’s Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff store, at Treat Boulevard and Oak Grove Road in Concord, is set to close in early 2025.

“This year’s FCBD at Flying Colors will be the final one in the shop where the international pop culture event was founded,” Field says. “When our last lease expired, our landlord would only give us three years and gave no option to renew. That lease expires in January 2025, and I tried to get an extension, but was told the owners of this center really wanted to put in a bagel shop. I can’t tell you how many sleepless nights this has given me and my wife, Libby, the co-owner of Flying Colors.”

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Flying Color Comics owner Joe Field, right, visits with customers at his shop on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Concord, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)

So, what’s the next move? Field says that they are looking for a way to continue on with the business in a new fashion and new location.

“We’re very hopeful and now actually pretty excited by what the future of Flying Colors could be,” he says. “There are a lot of unknowns — like how many of our faithful customers will want to create a new habit of going to a different spot to support us? How many new customers can we cultivate moving to a different spot? How strong will the market for comics and graphic novels be over the next bunch of years? Can we afford to do this when we are already technically past the standard retirement date?

“Our hope, our prayer, really, is that we continue to build community and continue to spread happiness through our comic book business. That’s when everything will be a success.”

Yet, there will be time for planning for “what’s next” in the days to come. Right now, Field has to concentrate on hosting the final Free Comic Book Day at the place where it all began.

“This Saturday’s event will be bittersweet,” he says. “This shop has been our home for more than 35 years, so as the days, weeks and months wind down to the closing of this location, we’ll cherish all the good memories we’ve made here and hope that the next version of Flying Colors will be a fresh start to something wonderful.”

Whatever happens next for Flying Colors, Field’s legacy in the industry he loves so dearly is pretty much set in stone following the unmitigated success of Free Comic Book Day.

“For many stores, it’s their busiest day of the year and one real push for outreach to new customers,” says Ryan Higgins, owner of Comics Conspiracy in Sunnyvale. “If even one out of 100 people who stop by on FCBD picks up comics regularly after that, it’s a huge boon to the shop.

“The industry is forever indebted to Joe for the day.”

Free Comic Book 2024

When: May 4

Where: Celebrated at some 2,000 comic book stores in multiple countries. Check out with your local comic book for details.

Information: freecomicbookday.com

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Flying Color Comics owner Joe Field with a display of graphic novels at his shop on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Concord, Calif.(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)

Beth Dooley | Star Tribune (TNS)

“It’s impossible not to love someone who made toast for you,” Nigel Slater, in “Toast”

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Bruschetta is toast with a fancy Italian name. A wonderful appetizer at cocktail gatherings and backyard barbecues, in our home, it’s way more than finger food. Bruschetta for dinner is a simple and expeditious means of using up that half loaf of good bread topped with the odds and ends of delicious meals, and the last of the half-filled jars of condiments.

Don’t confuse bruschetta with crostini, or “little toasts” in Italian. Crostini are thin slices of baguette that are cooked until very crunchy. Bruschetta — derived from the Italian word “bruscare,” meaning “to roast over coals,” is drizzled with olive oil before toasting over a grill or under the broiler. The slices are typically bigger, thicker and softer than crostini.

While the typical topping for bruschetta is fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil layered over mozzarella cheese, there’s no reason to stop there, especially this time of year, when fresh tomatoes are found wanting. The key to good bruschetta is good bread and good oil.

With bread, ciabatta is my first choice. It has a sturdy crust and light crumb that absorbs the oil. Baguettes also work well; the crumb is denser so the slices are better suited to moist toppings. Sourdough bread has a lovely tang and can be dense and chewy. Whole wheat works wonderfully if the toppings are paired to the nutty flavor of the wheat.

Choose an oil you like. Some are peppery, others are grassy, others are smooth and buttery with hints of artichokes. The oil enriches the flavor of the bread and provides a finishing note.

Bruschetta is a spectacular weeknight dinner that’s as easy as making toast.

Bruschetta for Dinner

Makes 12 pieces.

Here’s the basic recipe with a list of suggested toppings. You can make the bruschetta ahead and store it in an airtight container for up to a week. It’s a handy way to put that odd end of good bread to use and have ready for a hurry-up dinner or unexpected guests. From Beth Dooley.

• 1 loaf ciabatta or baguette
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Coarse salt

Directions

Preheat the broiler or prepare a grill. Slice 12 pieces from the loaf on the bias and drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill or broil the slices until golden brown watching carefully that they don’t burn, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove, allow to cool, and set aside. When ready to serve, top with one of these suggestions, or create your own. After topping, finish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Suggested toppings

• Cream cheese, flaked smoked salmon, drizzle of lemon juice, capers.
• Pitted, chopped green olives, chopped roasted red pepper.
• Chèvre, diced dried apricots, sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Diced avocado, crumbled cotija, spicy corn salsa.
• Smashed cooked white beans, garlic, chopped parsley, more olive oil.
• Sautéed mushrooms and garlic, lots of fresh thyme, serve warm.

Beth Dooley is the author of “The Perennial Kitchen.” Find her at bethdooleyskitchen.com.

©2024 StarTribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

General Daily Insight for May 02, 2024

Inspiration could come to us today, but figuring out what to do with it might require actual effort. When the inquisitive Aquarius Moon squares brilliant Uranus and expansive Jupiter, big ideas may flow a mile a minute. However, slow-moving Pluto turns retrograde at 1:46 pm EDT, reminding us that change typically doesn’t happen overnight. After the Moon shifts into contemplative Pisces, we can relax and let our thoughts settle. Once inner transformation takes root, it should show on the outside soon enough!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Noticing subtle shifts in your recent social life could be immensely informative. Have you seen more or less of certain friends lately? You’ll naturally resonate with people who share your values, so any changing patterns might suggest that there’s a deeper process going on within you. That said, there’s no need to make a dramatic announcement to anyone else about where you stand with them at this point. Just continue to let things unfold while paying attention to your feelings along the way.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

A straightforward path to progress is presently unlikely. As deep-diving Pluto turns retrograde in your ambitious 10th house, it’s possible that your first steps toward an important goal have shown you that the process is more complicated than you’d thought. Acknowledging that doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’ve already learned something, even if you only found out what you don’t want! Whatever you eventually decide to do with this knowledge, embrace the benefits of being an expert on your own experience.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Changes to your belief system could seem inconvenient now. At this point, you might be more aware of what you’re losing than what you stand to gain — you were potentially really committed to a political or spiritual viewpoint that no longer seems to be working. This shift hasn’t necessarily come out of nowhere, but maybe key pieces are finally starting to fit together in your mind. Keep thinking about it, and don’t feel obligated to make a statement before you’re ready.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You may currently be dealing with deeper concerns than usual. Perhaps you’re not as alone as you feel. As the vulnerable Moon in your intense 8th house reaches out to surprising Uranus and benevolent Jupiter in your social sector, someone in your social network could be just the right person to help you process — and it’s probably not who you’d expect. You’ll only find out if you take a risk! Weigh the discomfort of exposure against the potential benefits.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Asserting yourself has the potential to disrupt a dysfunctional relationship dynamic. As perceptive Pluto spins retrograde in your 7th House of Partnerships, your connections might seem especially fraught. Maybe you’ve just suddenly become aware of an ongoing pattern that you used to take for granted. Speaking up could cause drama in the moment, as the other person doesn’t necessarily see what you see. Still, your leadership can make things more comfortable for everyone involved in the long run. Try to be patient.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Pride comes before the fall, Virgo — especially when it comes to important topics like personal health matters. With complicated Pluto turning around in your 6th House of Wellness, some things just don’t have easy answers. Being proved wrong isn’t the worst thing that can happen, though. What you’re learning right now can genuinely help you in the long run, even if questioning your assumptions hurts at first. Focus on what works rather than maintaining loyalty to a particular belief system.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

A creative project might push you to dig deep at the moment. Even if you’re totally fascinated with whatever direction your curiosity is leading you in, perhaps you’re also getting anxious because you’d hoped to have a final product ready sooner. While penetrating Pluto stations retrograde in your artistic 5th house, try to make a point of enjoying the journey instead of rigidly sticking to deadlines. Given enough time to properly unfold, the insights you encounter may turn out to be transformative!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Resolving a home or family matter may take longer than you think it should at this time. Finding the answer is not necessarily all on you — and that’s a good thing. While the open-minded Moon in your domestic zone engages with innovative Uranus and helpful Jupiter in your relationship sector, give someone else the chance to surprise you with their insight. Having had different life experiences, they’re likely able to provide a perspective you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Something you said in the past might come back to haunt you at any moment. When persistent Pluto turns retrograde in your 3rd House of Communication, you may be called upon to deliver on a commitment you made verbally — even if you didn’t think much of it at the time. Keeping the promise could be unexpectedly rewarding. Maybe you’ll learn some useful skills as a result of your efforts! Adventure is everywhere, not just in the most obviously exciting destinations.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Purging your possessions could push you toward clarity today. You may initially be motivated by a desire to clean up your space. Even so, deciding what to keep and what to toss will require some significant decisions. As the sentimental Moon in your resource sector challenges liberating Uranus in your 5th House of Pleasure, you might need to be honest with yourself about which activities you truly enjoy. Admitting you’re over an old hobby will free you to pursue something you like better.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Getting your needs met could presently feel like a high priority. With edgy Pluto turning around in your sign, you’re especially attuned to your longings — and any ways in which your current circumstances aren’t satisfying them. Demanding more from others in your life will probably have risks, though. Changing your attitude toward security might give you room to find what’s comfortable for you. You may need to do something you’re drawn to all by yourself, even if no one else comes along.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Finding a fresh perspective on a troubling incident from your past is possible. While the thoughtful Moon in your 12th House of Secrets winds up disruptive Uranus in your communication zone, your developing insights might edge into more difficult territory than some of the people around you are equipped to deal with. On the other hand, an appreciative audience could provide the validation you seek and even take your inquiry to the next level. Read the room carefully before you spill your guts.

BOSTON — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 118-84 NBA playoff loss to the Boston Celtics:

– So what did we learn about the 2023-24 Heat?

– Not nearly enough.

– If anything.

– Be it because of Jimmy Butler’s indifference to the regular season.

– Or be it because of the injury-depleted state of the roster in the playoffs.

– Yes, there were a few feel-good stories along the way, from the development of Jaime Jaquez Jr. to the emergence of Nikola Jovic.

– But in the end? Only questions.

– And an empty feeling.

– What Boston showed is that no matter the state of this Heat roster, even when healthy, it wasn’t good enough to take down the Celtics.

– Not these Celtics.

– So perhaps better it simply ends, rather than some sort of delusion had the Heat wound up with a more favorable first-round matchup.

– Major work is ahead for Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg and the front office.

– And major decisions will have to be made.

– Including:

–  What next with Butler?

– Whether Bam Adebayo is a leading man.

– Whether Tyler Herro is best as a reserve.

– What to make of Terry Rozier.

– And how to handle the free agency of Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith, after punting in a similar situation with the free agency last summer of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent.

– It was a good run.

– Three Eastern Conference finals the previous four seasons.

– But this past week-plus has been sobering.

– Eye-opening.

– And now, mercifully over.

– With Jaquez out in addition to Butler and Rozier, the Heat this time opened with Adebayo, Jovic, Martin, Herro and Delon Wright.

– Wright started one game during the regular season.

– With Wednesday giving the Heat their 37th lineup when factoring both regular season and postseason.

– For their part, the Celtics opened with Al Horford in place of sidelined Kristaps Porzingis.

– Patty Mills and Highsmith entered together first off the Heat bench, with Highsmith called for two early fouls.

– Duncan Robinson followed.

– With Kevin Love making it nine deep in the opening period.

– Of the Heat plane leaving light for Boston in light of the injury absences, Adebayo said, “It is what it is. It’s part of life. It’s part of the NBA. Guys get hurt.”

– That reality hit home moments after Wednesday night’s opening tip.

– Heat coach Erik Spoelstra went in appreciating the gravity of the moment, but also stressing the gravity of almost all playoff moments.

– “The playoffs are hard,” he said at the morning shootaround. “And that’s what the thing is, you just have to always remind yourself. It doesn’t matter 3-1, 3-2, 2-1. It’s all challenging unless you’re in a sweeping position. But you want to embrace it. You want to embrace the challenges of great competition.”

– It was a challenge ultimately overwhelming.

– Spoelstra entered 13-10 coaching elimination games, the fifth-highest all-time winning percentage in such situations, behind only, in order from top, Red Auerbach, Joe Lapchick, Lenny Wilkens and Phil Jackson.

– So now make it 13-11.

– As could be expected, Spoelstra bristled pregame when asked about his team’s injury absences.

– “We’re not talking about winning an 82-game regular season with this group,” he said.

– The Celtics during the pregame showed Butler’s TNT interview from Game 3 when he talked about too much Celtics praise during this series. Butler was not present, but nonetheless was booed.

– Herro extended his streak of games with at least one 3-pointer to 39, dating to the regular season. Herro’s longest such streak is 53 combined regular-season and playoff games, a run that ended March 2, 2021.

BOSTON — No, they didn’t have enough.

No, there wasn’t a next man up.

And perhaps most significantly, there was no Playoff Jimmy.

So, in the end, a playoff crash and burn for the Miami Heat, their season coming to an end with Wednesday night’s 118-84 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

In retrospect, coming away even with their single win in the best-of-seven opening-round Eastern Conference playoff series probably was a degree of overachievement.

“We’re not going to put this on the fact that we had some injuries,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Let’s not take anything away from Boston. They’ve been the best team in basketball all season long.”

Lacking Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for all five games of the series, and then also without rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. for Game 5, the Heat simply did not have nearly enough against the playoffs’ top seeds, with the Celtics this time getting 25 points apiece from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White and 16 from Jayson Tatum.

“You could sense they wanted this to end right now, tonight,” Spoelstra said.

While Heat center Bam Adebayo fought the good fight in playing every minute of the first three quarters, with 23 points, a 6-of-19 night from the field Heat guard Tyler Herro failed to provide the needed support system.

A year ago, with Butler at his Playoff Jimmy top of his game, the Heat stole away from a Game 7 at TD Garden with the Eastern Conference championship.

“They probably had something to motivate them against us,” Spoelstra said.

This time, Butler (knee), Rozier (neck) and Jaquez (hip) had only a distant view of Wednesday night’s carnage, remaining back in South Florida, where lockers soon will be cleared at Kaseya Center.

With the Celtics jumping to an 18-point lead at the end of the first period and then pushing the margin to the second, it left the Heat’s “we have enough’ and “next man up” mantras feeling as empty as the night and the series – and even the season.

“This,” forward Kevin Love said, “obviously is super painful.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Wednesday night’s playoff game:

1. Game flow: Fresh off his 38-point performance in Monday night’s Game 4 victory, White scored 15 points in the first nine minutes to fuel Boston to a 41-23 lead going into the second period.

The Celtics then pushed their lead to 30 in the second period before going into halftime up 68-45, at 10 of 21 on 3-pointers at the intermission, compared to the Heat’s 3 of 16.

Boston’s lead then again reached 30 early in the third period, forcing Spoelstra to burn a timeout 2:10 into the quarter.

The Heat went into the fourth quarter down 98-86.

“We learned a lot of lessons,” Adebayo said.

Said forward Nikola Jovic, “It’s something that should motivate us.”

2. Another alteration: With Jaquez, Butler and Rozier out, the Heat opened with their 37th lineup (regular season and postseason combined), this time with Delon Wright receiving his second start of the season and first ever in the playoffs.

The Heat rotation was further muddled when Patty Mills entered first off the bench, after being held out of the first two games of the series.

Duncan Robinson then played as the Heat’s third reserve, as he pushed through an ongoing back issue.

It got more complicated from there, with Highsmith called for three fouls in his first 1:50 and Wright retreating to the locker room in the first quarter for stitches to the inside of his lower lip/chin.

Mills then started the second half in place of Jovic.

“I would say we’ve gained a lot of mental toughness going through ups and downs, learning how to win with 50 different starting lineups,” Adebayo said.

The Celtics also had to adjust, with Al Horford starting at center in place of sidelined Kristaps Porzingis.

3. His part: Adebayo was active and aggressive early, playing all 24 minutes of the first half and attempting 17 shots over the first two periods, his career high for any half, regular season or postgame.

He stood with 21 points at the intermission on 9-of-17 shooting, converting his lone 3-point attempt of that first half.

Adebayo closed the first quarter with 12 points, with none of his teammates scoring more than three in the period.

He finished his night 10 of 26 from the field.

“I had every intention of playing him 48 minutes tonight if the game was within reach,” Spoelstra said.

It was Adebayo’s 60th career game scoring in double digits in the postseason. The only Heat players to do it more in the playoffs are Dwyane Wade (166), LeBron James (85) and Chris Bosh and Butler (each at 61).

4. An off night: Herro missed his first seven shots and stood 3 of 12 from the field, including 1 of 7 on 3-pointers, at halftime.

Included in Herro’s uneven night was a first-period technical foul for complaining about a foul call that actually went in the Heat’s favor. He closed 1 of 8 on 3-pointers.

“They definitely got him out of his rhythm,” Adebayo said. “They just took him out of his rhythm.”

The Celtics also continually targeted Herro on the defensive end, particularly Tatum.

“I feel like I’m going to be able to take away a lot from how they guarded me throughout the whole series,” Herro said. “I thought they did a great job, But at the end of the day, it will make me better.”

5. What’s next: The Heat hold the No. 15 pick in the June 26 first round of the NBA draft. Free agency then follows a week later, with Highsmith, Caleb Martin, Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant and Love among those on the season-ending roster eligible to test the market.

NBA teams are free to make trades once their season comes to a close, as is now the case for the Heat.

“We’ll have plenty of time to go through the autopsy on the regular season,” Spoelstra said, with exit interviews expected later this week. “It was super-competitive in both conferences, and two or three wins could have made monumental differences.”

In the end, while speaking about the series, Highsmith just as easily could have been referencing the season, when he said, “We just couldn’t put it together consistently.”

MIAMI (AP) — Roddery Muñoz pitched six strong innings to get his first major league win and the Miami Marlins beat the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Making his second major league start, the 24-year-old Muñoz (1-0) gave up one run and three hits while striking out seven and walking two. After allowing two base runners in the first, Muñoz retired 11 straight before Elehuris Montero’s one-out single in the fifth.

“This is something I have always dreamed of and thank God, I am accomplishing it,” Muñoz said in Spanish. “It is very emotional not only for me but my family.”

Muñoz also had a solid debut, when he allowed two runs in five innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 20 but was optioned to Triple-A after his outing. He was recalled by the Marlins on Tuesday.

“That is normal, one knows how this works,” Muñoz said. “What you do is work even harder to return here.”

Emmanuel Rivera singled twice, walked and was hit by a pitch, while Luis Arraez and Bryan De La Cruz each drove in a run for the Marlins, who won their first series of the season. Dane Myers drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single in the eighth and has five RBIs over the last two games.

“We have a good group of guys, good ball players,” Rivera said. “We go out every time to try to win. Obviously, it is not always going to happen but we always come with that winning mentality.”

The Rockies are the first team since 1900 to have trailed at one point in each of their first 30 games. They lost their fourth straight since scoring six in the eighth and rallying from a five-run deficit to beat San Diego 10-9 April 25.

“We’ve got to keep on fighting,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “I think the youth on this team is being served. They’re learning and they learn that it’s hard in the big leagues with big league pitching. “

Arraez hit a two-out RBI single against Rockies starter Dakota Hudson and scored on De La Cruz’s double to put Miami ahead 2-0 in the fifth.

Elias Díaz’s run-scoring grounder in the sixth got the Rockies to 2-1 after Muñoz walked Brenton Doyle and allowed Ryan McMahon’s double.

Bryan Hoeing relieved Muñoz and got the next five outs. Tanner Scott completed the eighth and Anthony Maldonado closed with a perfect ninth for his first major league save.

“Some really good wins the last couple and it started with the starting pitching,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “Roddery was amazing today. The slider was real. The fastball command was great. Excellent job by Roddery.”

Hudson (0-5) allowed two runs and five hits over 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander walked two, struck out two and hit a batter.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rockies: LHP Kyle Freeland (left elbow strain) is improving and could progress to a throwing session soon.

Marlins: SS Tim Anderson (mild left thumb sprain) was scratched from the original lineup as a precaution. Anderson didn’t start Tuesday but entered as the automatic runner in the 10th inning and scored the tying run in Miami’s 7-6 win.

UP NEXT

RHP Peter Lambert (2-1, 4.67) will start the series finale for the Rockies on Thursday while the Marlins will go with RHP Edward Cabrera (1-1, 5.28).

___

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

UCF continued its impressive showing in the transfer market with a commitment from former East Tennessee State cornerback Sheldon Arnold II.

Arnold, an All-American with the Buccaneers, becomes the eighth transfer commitment for the Knights since the end of spring camp April 12. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound defensive back spent three seasons at ETSU, totaling 57 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble in 30 games.

In 2023, he appeared in 11 games (five starts) and was third on the team in tackles (53), 2 interceptions and a forced fumble.

East Tennessee State capped a 3-8 season, including 2-6 in the Southern Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision last season.

A native of Loganville, Ga., Arnold was a two-sport star for the Red Devils, excelling in basketball and football. He played free safety and receiver on the varsity team, recording 94 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 3 passes defended as a senior.

Arnold’s commitment came at the end of a busy Wednesday, with the Knights securing two other pledges earlier in the day from Toledo running back Peny Boone and Ohio receiver Jacoby Jones. He joins former Cedrick Hawkins and Tre’Quon Fegans as defensive backs to commit to the program during the 30-day spring transfer window, which ended April 30.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

UCF spring transfer commits

Cedrick Hawkins, CB, Ohio StateJack Bernstein, LS, Georgia StateNyjalik Kelly, DE, MiamiTre’Quon Fegans, S, USCJacurri Brown, QB, MiamiPeny Boone, RB, ToledoJacoby Jones, WR, OhioSheldon Arnold II, CB, East Tennessee State

Fans of the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays who watch their teams through Xfinity cable will have to find other options.

A dispute between Diamond Sports Group, parent of Bally Sports, and Xfinity parent Comcast has resulted in the removal of all Bally Sports channels from Xfinity cable systems across the country.

Among the blacked-out channels are Bally Sports Florida, which broadcasts Florida Marlins games, and Bally Sports Sun, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The two channels also broadcast Miami Heat and Florida Panthers regular-season games. Headed into Wednesday night, the Heat were one playoff loss to the Boston Celtics from ending their season and the Panthers are headed to ESPN and TNT exclusively after dispatching the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.

The channels are owned by Diamond Sports Group, which broadcasts 38 teams from Major League Baseball, the NBA and NHL, in cities that include Atlanta, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles.

Comcast is the second-largest cable company in the U.S., with 13.6 million customers.

The Washington Post reported that the impasse could impact Diamond’s ability to emerge from a years-long bankruptcy proceeding and have a significant financial impact on all three leagues.

The Post said that the dispute is focused on Comcast’s desire to place the channels to a more expensive tier, and require subscribers to pay more to get them. Prior to the blackout, Bally Sports channels were available as part of Xfinity’s basic tier.

According to some news reports, the channels went dark in the middle of games in several markets.

The two companies released statements on Tuesday blaming each other for the blackout.

The Diamond statement said: “Comcast has refused to engage in substantive discussions despite Diamond offering terms similar to those reached with much larger distributors of ours. We are a fans-first company and will continue to seek an agreement with Comcast to restore broadcasts.”

The company urged fans to access its networks through streaming platforms Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or by subscribing directly to Bally Sports+, its streaming app.

Comcast’s statement said: “We have been very flexible with Diamond Sports Group for months as they work through their bankruptcy proceedings, providing them with an extension on the Bally Sports Regional Networks last fall and a unilateral right to extend the term for another year, which they opted to not exercise. We’d like to continue carrying their networks, but they have declined multiple offers and now we no longer have the rights to this programming.”

Comcast said it would “proactively” credit customers for the costs associated with the channels. Most subscribers will receive $8 to $10 a month in credits, the company said.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.

 

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper opened his end-of-season news conference Wednesday apologizing for making what he called an inappropriate analogy of putting skirts on goalies.

Cooper after the Game 5 loss that eliminated his team from the playoffs on Monday night vented about two questionable goaltender interference rulings that contributed to Florida’s 6-1 win. The Lightning had two goals disallowed when the NHL situation room deemed a player interfered with Sergei Bobrovsky each time.

The league’s longest-tenured coach said he was sincerely sorry especially as a father of two daughters who play sports and a supporter of women’s hockey.

“It’s one of those minutes if you could just reach back and grab the words back, I would’ve,” Cooper said. “Quite frankly, it was wrong and I’ve got to go and explain myself to my girls. … I sincerely apologize to all I offended. It’s pained me more than the actual series loss itself.”

Jon Cooper opens his presser addressing the “girls in skirts” comment from Monday night.

He says this has been harder than the loss. #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/uilXVpnIeE

— Diandra Loux (@Diandra_loux) May 1, 2024

Tampa Bay has made the playoffs in 10 of his 11 seasons on the job and won the Stanley Cup back to back in 2020 and ’21.

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, so fruit salsas come to mind to complement any dish. This is the perfect time of year to find fresh, ripe, juicy pineapples, mangos, strawberries, and even avocados. Mango seasons tend to be from May through September whereas pineapple seasons tend to be from March through the summer.

Growing up in SoCal, I have eaten many salsas – mostly savory, but some on the sweeter side – but now salsas don’t just equal a tomato or tomatillo-base any more. Fresh in-season fruit is very popular in creating fruit salsas and condiments for dishes. Strawberries that are macerated with a pinch of sugar and salt, with thinly diced bell peppers, makes for a perfect salsa-condiment to add to vanilla or strawberry ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Growing up in SoCal, I was lucky enough to try the best authentic Mexican street food north and south of the border, and what I learned from a young age was an out-of-this-world salsa or marinade pushes a dish from being just good to being amazing and craveable.

Ingredients included in a fruit salsa are like Skittles: You can taste the rainbow. (Esther Kennedy/Contributed)

Macerating strawberries with a pinch or two of granulated white sugar and a pinch of salt creates a beautiful salsa and adding a slight kick from fresh peppers like jalapenos gives the perfect topping for vanilla bean ice cream. Sweet meets a tiny bit of heat is a perfect marriage of flavors. Fruit salsas with mango or pineapple at the forefront are amazing on fish tacos, carne asada burritos, nachos, as well as perfect just dipping chips into the salsa.

Pro tip: As much as homemade chips are used in recipes and fun to make, sometimes keeping it simple and using your favorite store-bought tortilla chips is the way to go.

When making a fresh, fruity salsa, use robust flavors like red or orange bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime zest and juice.

May the fruit salsa be with you!

Live zestier!

Esther Kennedy is a Myrtletown resident. She can be reached at estherthezester@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/estherthezester.

For eight years, supporters of the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale, have been trying to renovate the green-and-white landmark on the New River.

They completed an initial phase in 2018, when they added a patio. They were ready to move into the next phase when COVID-19 hit in 2020.

COVID abated, but more delays followed, including the construction of the city’s Tunnel Top Plaza next door, which limited access to the house for two years. The park finally had its grand opening in December.

So at last, renovations can begin. The house is close to its $2.7 million fundraising goal, with 67% already pledged. The campaign includes a matching grant of up to $100,000 from the Wayne and Lucretia Weiner Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward; the money for that part of the campaign must be raised by Sunday, May 5.

“We’ve been wanting to do this for a really long time,” said Jennifer Belt, the house’s executive director. “There have been so many stall-outs.”

Visitors take a guided tour of Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale on April 25, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The renovations are much-needed, Belt said, to accommodate tourists and local residents seeking to connect with Fort Lauderdale’s early 20th-century history. The house offers tours, field trips and classes, as well as serving as a venue for weddings and other community get-togethers.

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The two-story wooden home, built in 1901, was Fort Lauderdale’s very first structure. Ohio native Frank Stranahan had moved south to transport travelers by ferry from one side of the New River to the other and trade goods with the native Seminole Indians. The house first served as a trading post and community hall, and later as a home for Stranahan and his wife, Ivy. The Stranahans became deeply involved in the life of the city, but in 1926, Florida’s land boom collapsed, creating severe financial difficulties for the couple.

In 1929, depressed and in ill health, Frank killed himself by tying a weight to his leg and jumping in the New River. After his death, Ivy continued to live in the house, moving upstairs and taking in boarders. She died in 1971 at age 90.

In 1973, the house, which is owned by the nonprofit Stranahan House Inc., was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration began in 1980, and it opened as a museum in 1984.

There have been few updates since that 1984 opening, so supporters have had many years to brainstorm the best ways to improve the property while honoring its beginnings.

Stranahan House executive director Jennifer Belt in in the garden area, which will be turned into an event pavilion. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The current campaign will finance several construction projects, including a classroom for field trips and community gatherings and restoration of the 1,300-square-foot wooden front porch, which has suffered from wear and tear as visitors come and go from the main house. A welcome center with a gift shop and museum ticket window also is planned, as well as a catering kitchen and covered event pavilion to accommodate weddings, cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners and other receptions.

Above the catering kitchen, planners envision an archival storage center that will allow the museum to keep historic items and its large collection of Christmas decorations on the property, thus saving money they have been paying for commercial storage unit rent.

The house hosts about 25 weddings and other parties a year, Belt said, and hopes to increase this business in the next few years as a way to reduce appeals to the community for money.

“Once we have a catering kitchen and event pavilion, our rentals will probably double in two to three years,” Belt said. “We’re working toward self-sustainability.”

Historic Stranahan House Museum is at 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is $13 for adults younger than 60, $11 for seniors and $8 for children age 5 to 17. Guided tours only. For more information or to donate, go to stranahanhouse.org.

 

As a Jewish alumnus of Columbia University (class of 1981), the latest news has been surreal.

The video scenes of the 116th Street gates do not drip with nostalgia. I now watch only with sadness.

Columbia is no stranger to student protest. However, when I was a student, the protests were against outside actors. The outside actors were South Africa or the United States government, and there was no distinction whether Democrats or Republicans were in power. Today, university students protest their fellow Jewish students as much as they do Israel.

Moreover, students who protest Israel, amazingly, are supporting Hamas, a terrorist organization that is currently holding American citizens hostage.

Support of an entity holding Americans hostage reveals a staggering difference between students of “my” era and those of today. I vividly recall the nights we spent at McSorley’s Old Ale House (New York’s oldest bar). Everyone drank and chanted epithets against the Ayatollah and Iran.

Supporting an entity holding fellow citizens hostage wasn’t even contemplated.

How the mighty have fallen.

Dr. Gene Klein, Deerfield Beach

A mob mentality

I have no doubt that the great majority of students who are participating in campus protests over Gaza are ignorant dupes who are getting a rush from mob mentality and the youthful experience of defying authority.

The spread of protests from university to university is a clear case of “monkey see, monkey do.”

For those who are truly sincere in their political beliefs, it’s one thing to protest peacefully, but quite another to brazenly call for extermination of Israel and for another Holocaust.

David Shifrin, M.D., Boca Raton 

Where’s the outcry?

There appears to be an organized effort by the far left in funding all the present campus protests, including organizing antisemitic hatred of Jewish students on Ivy League universities, and it seems the epicenter is Columbia University in New York.

Jewish students have been strongly advised to leave the campus for their own safety.

If this had been happening to African Americans or LGBTQ students, there would have been a tremendous outcry from President Joe Biden and the mainstream media. But now, with Jewish lives in danger, we hear only crickets. Only President Donald Trump stood up against antisemitism from his New York City courtroom at a hush money trial, where a Boston University legal scholar, as reported by New York Times, called his trial an embarrassment.

This series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations must be strongly condemned by all Americans. Columbia University’s president should be fired. Demonstrations of antisemitism and violence must end.

David G. Ellenberg, Pembroke Pines

A disingenuous article

It is getting monotonous reading a headline in the Sun Sentinel that has no bearing on reality.

sunsentinel.comThis Associated Press news article irked a Sun Sentinel reader.

The AP news article, “Trump’s minority outreach stalling,” is mostly disingenuous and was written to try and give hope to Joe Biden’s supporters that they will easily control the votes from minorities.

In this article, published April 29, you have to wade through five-and-a-half columns, almost to the end, to read this:

“Polls show that many Black and Hispanic adults are dissatisfied with Biden. According to polls by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Biden’s approval among Black adults has dropped from 94% when he started his term to 55% in March. Among Hispanic adults, it dropped from 70% to 32% in the same period.”

That averages out to around a 45% drop overall.

Bottom line: If Biden loses even 25% of those voters, he’s toast.

This is because Biden’s economic and immigration policies hurt these two groups more than most. The only subject Biden can win on out of the top 10 for these two groups is on abortion, and it’s at the bottom of the issues they care most about.

Mark Goldstein, Boca Raton