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By MARCIA DUNN (AP Aerospace Writer)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The sun produced its biggest flare in nearly two decades Tuesday, just days after severe solar storms pummeled Earth and created dazzling northern lights in unaccustomed places.

“Not done yet!” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced in an update.

It’s the biggest flare of this 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its peak, according to NOAA. The good news is that Earth should be out of the line of fire this time because the flare erupted on a part of the sun rotating away from Earth.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the bright flash of the X-ray flare. It was the strongest since 2005, rated on the scale for these flares as X8.7.

Bryan Brasher at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado said it may turn out to have been even stronger when scientists gather data from other sources.

It follows nearly a week of flares and mass ejections of coronal plasma that threatened to disrupt power and communications on Earth and in orbit. An ejection associated with Tuesday’s flare appeared to have been directed away from our planet, although analysis is ongoing, Brasher noted.

NASA said the weekend geomagnetic storm caused one of its environmental satellites to rotate unexpectedly because of reduced altitude from the space weather, and go into a protective hibernation known as safe mode. And at the International Space Station, the seven astronauts were advised to stay in areas with strong radiation shielding. The crew was never in any danger, according to NASA.

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This story has been updated to correct that it is the biggest solar flare in nearly two decades, not nearly a decade.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By DAVID KOENIG and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Boeing has violated a settlement that allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution after two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft more than five years ago, the Justice Department told a federal judge on Tuesday.

It is now up to the Justice Department to decide whether to file charges against Boeing. Prosecutors will tell the court no later than July 7 how they plan to proceed, department said.

New 737 Max jets crashed in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia, killing 346 people. Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department in January 2021 to avoid prosecution on a single charge of fraud — misleading federal regulators who approved the plane. Boeing blamed the deception on two relatively low-level employees.

In a letter filed Tuesday in federal court in Texas, Glenn Leon, head of the Justice Department criminal division’s fraud section, said Boeing violated terms of the settlement by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws.

The determination means that Boeing could be prosecuted “for any federal criminal violation of which the United States has knowledge,” including the charge of fraud that the company hoped to avoid with the settlement, the Justice Department said.

However, it is not clear whether the government will prosecute Boeing.

“The Government is determining how it will proceed in this matter,” the Justice Department said in the court filing. Boeing will have until June 13 to respond the government’s allegation, and department said it will consider the company’s explanation “in determining whether to pursue prosecution.”

Boeing Co., which is based in Arlington, Virginia, disputed the Justice Department’s finding.

“We believe that we have honored the terms of that agreement, and look forward to the opportunity to respond to the Department on this issue,” a Boeing spokesperson said in a statement. “As we do so, we will engage with the Department with the utmost transparency, as we have throughout the entire term of the agreement, including in response to their questions following the Alaska Airlines 1282 accident.”

Boeing has come under renewed scrutiny since that Alaska Airlines flight in January, when a door plug blew out of a 737 Max, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the jetliner. The company is under multiple investigations into the blowout and its manufacturing quality. The FBI has told passengers from the flight that they might be victims of a crime.

Prosecutors said they will meet on May 31 with families of passengers who died in the two Max crashes. Family members were angry and disappointed after a similar meeting last month.

Paul Cassell, a lawyer who represents families of passengers in the second crash, said the Justice Department’s determination that Boeing breached the settlement terms is “a positive first step, and for the families, a long time coming.”

“But we need to see further action from DOJ to hold Boeing accountable, and plan to use our meeting on May 31 to explain in more details what we believe would be a satisfactory remedy to Boeing’s ongoing criminal conduct,” Cassell said.

Investigations into the crashes pointed to a flight-control system that Boeing added to the Max without telling pilots or airlines. Boeing downplayed the significance of the system, then didn’t overhaul it until after the second crash.

After secret negotiations, the government agreed not to prosecute Boeing on a charge of defrauding the United States by deceiving regulators about the flight system. The settlement included a $243.6 million fine, a $500 million fund for victim compensation, and nearly $1.8 billion to airlines whose Max jets were grounded for nearly two years.

Boeing has faced civil lawsuits, congressional investigations and massive damage to its business since the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

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Koenig reported from Dallas.

By JENNIFER PELTZ (Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — For a last hurrah, it was a Sage decision.

A miniature poodle named Sage won the top prize Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, in what veteran handler Kaz Hosaka said would be his final time at the United States’ most prestigious canine event. After 45 years of competing and two best in show dogs, he plans to retire.

Sage notched the 11th triumph for poodles of various sizes at Westminster; only wire fox terriers have won more. The last miniature poodle to take the trophy was Spice, with Hosaka, in 2002.

“No words,” he said in the ring to describe his reaction to Sage’s win before supplying a few: “So happy — exciting.”

Striding briskly and proudly around the ring, the inky-black poodle “gave a great performance for me,” Hosaka added.

Sage bested six other finalists to take best in show. Second went to Mercedes, a German shepherd whose handler, Kent Boyles, also has shepherded a best in show winner before.

Others in the final round included Comet, a shih tzu who won the big American Kennel Club National Championship last year; Monty, a giant schnauzer who arrived at Westminster as the nation’s top-ranked dog and was a Westminster finalist last year; Louis, an Afghan hound; Micah, a black cocker spaniel; and Frankie, a colored bull terrier.

While Sage was going around the ring, a protester carrying a sign urging people to “boycott breeders” tried to climb in and was quickly intercepted by security personnel. Police and the animal rights group PETA said three demonstrators were arrested. Charges have not yet been decided.

In an event where all competitors are champions in dog showing’s point system, winning can depend on subtleties and a standout turn at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

The final lineup was “excellent, glorious,” best in show judge Rosalind Kramer said.

To Monty’s handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, “just to be in the ring with everyone else is an honor.”

“We all love our dogs. We’re trying our best,” she said in the ring after Monty’s semifinal win. “A stallion” of a dog, he’s solid, powerful and “very spirited,” said Bernardin of Chaplin, Connecticut.

So spirited that while Bernardin was pregnant, she did obedience and other dog sports with Monty because he needed the stimulation.

Dogs first compete against others of their breed. Then the winner of each breed goes up against others in its “group.” The seven group winners meet in the final round.

The best in show winner gets a trophy and a place in dog-world history, but no cash prize.

Besides the winners, there were other dogs that were hits with the crowd. A lagotto Romagnolo named Harry earned a chuckle from the stadium audience by sitting up and begging for a treat from his handler, and a vizsla named Fletcher charmed spectators by jumping up on its handler after finishing a spin around the ring.

There were big cheers, too, for a playful great Pyrenees called Sebastian and a Doberman pinscher named Emilio.

Other dogs that vied in vain for a spot in the finals included Stache, a Sealyham terrier. He won the National Dog Show that was televised on Thanksgiving and took top prize at a big terrier show in Pennsylvania last fall.

Stache showcases a rare breed that’s considered vulnerable to extinction even in its native Britain.

“They’re a little-known treasure,” said Stache’s co-owner, co-breeder and handler, Margery Good of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, who has bred “Sealys” for half a century. Originally developed in Wales to hunt badgers and other burrowing game, the terriers with a “fall” of hair over their eyes are courageous but comedic — Good dubs them “silly hams.”

Westminster can feel like a study in canine contrasts. Just walking around, a visitor could see a Chihuahua peering out of a carrying bag at a stocky Neapolitan mastiff, a ring full of honey-colored golden retrievers beside a lineup of stark-black giant schnauzers, and handlers with dogs far larger than themselves.

Shane Jichetti was one of them. Ralphie, the 175-pound (34-kg) great Dane she co-owns, outweighs her by a lot. It takes considerable experience to show so big an animal, but “if you have a bond with your dog, and you just go with it, it works out,” she said.

Plus Ralphie, for all his size, is “so chill,” said Jichetti. Playful at home on New York’s Staten Island, he’s spot-on — just like his harlequin-pattern coat — when it’s time to go in the ring.

“He’s just an honest dog,” Jichetti said.

The Westminster show, which dates to 1877, centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last decade, the club has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs.

And this year, the agility competition counted its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble.

And Kramer, the best in show judge, made a point of thanking “every dog, whether it’s a house dog or a show dog.

“Because you make our lives whole.”

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Associated Press photographer Julia Nikhinson contributed.

While belief in climate change has waned a bit nationally, 90% of Floridians still believe it’s real, according to a recent survey by Florida Atlantic University.

Most Floridians — nearly 70% — want both the state and federal governments to do more to address climate change, the study found. “Floridians support strengthening our resilience to the effects of climate change because they are experiencing it. The urgency to act means debate over causes is largely irrelevant,” said Colin Polsky, director of the FAU Center for Environmental Studies.

Researchers conducted the survey in both English and Spanish on 1,400 Floridians ages 18 and older from March 18 to 21 of 2024.

The 90% belief rate is the same percentage as last fall, when FAU conducted its biannual Florida Climate Resilience Survey.

Nationally, 72% of Americans believe climate change is happening, according to a recent study by Yale University, down from 74% last fall.

Polsky said that Floridian’s acceptance of climate change as real makes sense.

We have climate and weather really in our faces,” he said. “The kinds of climate change effects that we’re expecting – warmer temperatures, stronger storms, more flooding – are happening here and not in Kansas or Wyoming. It’s just more in our faces here.”

Cause of climate change?

Though 9 in 10 Floridians believe climate change is indeed occurring, there is disagreement as to what’s causing it. The FAU survey found that 74% of Democrats believe climate change is largely caused by humans.

In the fall, 45% of Florida Republicans surveyed said they believed climate change was largely caused by humans. That number has dropped to 40%.

The most significant shift in climate change belief, though, came among independent voters and those with no party affiliation. Last fall, when FAU conducted the same survey, only 53% of independents believed climate change was due largely to human activity. That rate has now jumped up to 64%.

FAU started the surveys in fall of 2019. Since then, the overall percentage of Floridians who believe climate change is real and driven by human activity has risen from 56% to 58%.

Age, too, plays a role. Two-thirds of respondents under age 50 believed that human activity is the cause of climate change, whereas only half of those over age 50 thought human impacts drove climate change.

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As for education, 67% of Floridians want climate change taught in schools, including more than half of Republican respondents.

“This abiding majority support for K-12 teaching climate change confirms the premise that Floridians want more climate change awareness and action regardless of the cause,” Polsky said.

Close to 70% of those surveyed said “climate change sparked their concern for the well-being of future generations.”

When asked if they’d be willing to pay $10 a month to strengthen Florida’s infrastructure to weather hazards, less than half, 48%, said yes.

Hotter weather

The FAU findings come as 2023 being the hottest year on record, globally.

Florida also is getting hotter. Since 1985, the average annual temperature of Florida has increased by approximately 1.6 degrees F, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration records.

Additionally, Florida seems to be getting hotter faster than other parts of the world. Since 1950, the average global increase was 2.7 F, but Florida has seen a rise of 3.5 F.

Florida seas are rising as well. Today, sea levels in the state are as much as 8 inches higher than they were in 1950, and are rising faster in the last 10 years than previously, based on NOAA tide gauge data from Virginia Key in Miami.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has until May 15 to sign a bill that would strip some references to climate change from the state’s energy policy. The bill repeals what’s left of a 16-year-old law that lists climate change as a priority when making energy policy decisions. Instead, advocates for the bill said the state would make energy affordability, security and availability its main focus.

DeSantis’ climate policy has focused on resilience as opposed to reducing greenhouse gasses. The state’s $1.8 billion Resilient Florida program invests in preparing communities for storms, rising sea levels and flooding.

When he was a presidential candidate, DeSantis said his national energy policy would focus on energy dominance and would withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty with the goal of slowing climate change, often through the reduction of burning fossil fuels.

Information from The Associated Press was used to supplement this report. 

General Daily Insight for May 14, 2024

Working hard and playing hard are both favored under these alignments. When the enthusiastic Leo Moon trines athletic Mars, we’ll likely have plenty of energy, but we may get even more done if we make our tasks a game. Our inhibitions might prefer that we take things seriously as Luna disagrees with stuffy Saturn. Once the Moon squares sensual Venus at 7:47 pm EDT, we’ll probably err on the side of embracing pure pleasure. Either way, there’s no shame in enjoying the journey!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Greed could run away with you today. As the hungry Moon in your speculative 5th house goads abundant Venus in your finance zone, having a little extra money on hand might inspire you to scheme about turning it into something more. Are you hoping for an achievement that would help you appear impressive to other people? That’s understandable, but watch out — feeding your insecurities can lure you into bad decisions. Get your ego out of the way, then see what still makes sense.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You may need to get away from others and do your own thing for a while. Although you might worry that stating this openly will cause people to think less of you, your conflicted and resentful attitude will probably be obvious if you push yourself to socialize when you’re just not feeling it. As the comfort-craving Moon snuggles up in your cozy 4th house, staying home can be wonderfully nourishing for you. Do whatever is necessary to restore your inner balance.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Keeping secrets could be difficult for you now, so you’re better off being as candid as you can. Still, while the passionate Moon in your communication sector picks at suppressive Saturn in your authority zone, you might have valid reasons to fear getting on the wrong side of a powerful person. The key to moving forward may involve getting clear about what’s legitimately your story to tell. You’re currently positioned to benefit from broadcasting your truth to your social network!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your ambition might set you apart from your friends at the moment. They may wish you’d set practical concerns aside and hang out. On the other hand, while the nervous Moon in your money zone trines motivated Mars in your goal-oriented 10th house, you may feel a sense of urgency to define your bigger picture — and you have a chance to make meaningful progress there. No one else can truly care about your financial well-being for you, so do what you must do.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Making a stand for your beliefs might seem necessary. Unfortunately, as the emotional Moon in your sign conflicts with peace-at-any-cost Venus in your public 10th house, you may not be universally liked for this action. Some alliances of yours could even be disrupted. Even so, it could be wiser to have the truth out as soon as possible. If a person or organization you’re involved with really isn’t compatible with you on a major issue, consider the practical benefits of setting each other free.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You may presently be curious about mysterious or hidden subjects. Although some of what you find might be entertaining, your explorations won’t necessarily stay confined to the safe realm of fun and games. When the deep-diving Moon in your 12th House of Secrets challenges harmonious Venus in your philosophy sector, you could discover information that threatens your commitment to a cherished worldview. You probably don’t have to act on this urgently, but remember that truth can’t hide forever, no matter who finds it upsetting.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Socializing widely could currently be rewarding for you. As the perceptive Moon in your networking zone aligns with assertive Mars in your partnership sector, you’re equipped to identify someone you’d like to get better acquainted with at a large gathering. Even so, don’t spill all your secrets too soon! Divulging something personal to capture the attention of a new companion might succeed in the moment, but you don’t necessarily know what else that person will do with the information. Play it safe for now.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Having it all might not be possible today, Scorpio. As the intuitive Moon in your ambitious 10th house supports dynamic Mars in your productivity zone, a glimpse of your larger goals can motivate you to work hard to achieve them. Unfortunately, while you keep yourself on task, you may need to decline a few opportunities to have fun or connect with loved ones. Be realistic about your limits for the time being, but keep in mind that you’ll have other chances to prioritize pleasure.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Sticking to your routine might seem intolerable at this time. While the spontaneous Moon in your expansive 9th house stirs up pleasure planet Venus in your 6th House of Duty, you may be able to get away with dropping one or two responsibilities to go on an exciting adventure. You’ll have to stay mindful of things at home, though — if there’s anything you can’t shirk, it’s probably there. Your desires matter, but the need to negotiate with reality is unavoidable.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your commitment to your family or loved ones could presently be stronger than normal. However, as the caring Moon in your intimacy sector strains repressed Saturn in your 3rd House of Communication, you may struggle to put your devotion into words. Ask yourself if obsessing over things that trouble you is actually the best use of your time. Throwing yourself into quiet action might accomplish more good with less angst. Also, if you don’t feel qualified to talk, you typically can’t go wrong with listening!

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Worries about money and other practical matters could be weighing on a close relationship of yours. There’s a chance that you resent these things for stifling your connection. Talking out the different problems can give you a genuine opportunity to solve them. As the devoted Moon in your relationship zone trines decisive Mars in your communication sector, you’re equipped to look for realistic solutions without trampling anyone’s feelings. Sacrificing some comforts may be temporarily necessary, but the larger reward should be worth it.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your desire to make more money could speedily arouse your emotions. While the impressionable Moon in your productive 6th house stimulates competitive Mars in your 2nd House of Resources, you’re probably ready to throw yourself all the way into a valiant effort to improve your finances. There’s nothing wrong with avoiding small talk because you’re keeping your eyes on the prize. That being said, once you’re ever ready for a break, a pleasant chat can give you the rejuvenation you need!

PLANTATION — With a chance to head to states, Talan Holiday wanted the ball in his hands.

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The junior pitched a one-hitter, allowing just three base runners (also one walk and one hit batter), to lift American Heritage to a 2-0 win over Archbishop McCarthy and into the Class 5A state semifinals.

“I just try to go out there and play my game,” said Holiday. “I’m not trying to do too much, let them hit it and I know my defense has me,” said Holiday. “It all comes down to wanting to be in the moment. That’s why I play at Heritage is for these games and these moments.”

Holiday took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, where Bryan Arrieta led off the inning with an infield single. Archbishop McCarthy ended up with runners on first and third with two outs after Stephen Joyce walked, giving the Mustangs a serious threat to tie the game.

But Holiday got Danny Machado to foul out to third on a popup to end the threat. Holiday then pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, sending the Patriots to Fort Myers for the state final four.

“Talan knows how to pitch. He gets people out. Tonight, was a little different than his games he’s had in the past. A lot of first-pitch swings and popups,” said Heritage coach Bruce Aven. “Because he was commanding the strike zone, it forced them to swing early.”

Lucas Ramirez provided most of the offense for the Patriots, going 3 for 3 with a double and a leadoff home run in the fourth inning.

“I saw a first-pitch fastball,” said Ramirez on the home run. “My first at-bat, he threw me a first-pitch baseball in the same location, and I took it. I faced him last game and he was throwing me a lot of fastballs, so I was ready for him.”

Heritage (20-10) scored their first run in the first inning after Sebastian Garavito’s RBI groundout scored RJ Machado.

“Our team has gradually gotten better. I knew it was going to be a tough game,” added Aven. “We were fortunate to come out on top. It could have gone either way, it was a pitchers duel, they kept us off balance. We just came up with a couple hits at the right moments and that was the difference in the game.

Joyce pitched a complete game for Archbishop McCarthy (15-15), going all six innings with six strikeouts.

“I told our guys, ‘Don’t hang your heads, be proud of your season.’ It was a hell of a rebuilding year to make it to a region championship game,” said McCarthy head coach Aaron Vorachek. “To me, this is the toughest region to get out of in 5A. You make it to here, you did something.”

According to FHSAA.com, the Patriots next will play the winner of the Tallahassee Lincoln-Green Cove Springs Clay regional final on Friday at 1 p.m.

Dwyer senior pitcher Dawson Thrush tossed a two-hit shutout and senior infielder Bryce Jackson homered to lift the host Panthers past West Boca 3-0 in a Class 6A regional final on Monday night.

Dwyer (21-7-1) advances to a Class 6A state semifinal in Fort Myers on Thursday. Dwyer had previously reached the state final four in 2021. They fell in the regional final in 2022 and 2023.

Dwyer avenged a 7-4 loss to West Boca in the district championship contest from earlier in the month.

Thrush, an Air Force signee, allowed three walks and had two strikeouts.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” Thrush said. “We have been so close the last few years. It feels great to have one of my best games.”

Thrush also pitched a complete game and hit a home run in a 4-1 regional semifinal victory against West Boca last season.

“Dawson has been one of the driving factors of the whole team from his leadership to his baseball skills,” Dwyer coach Jordan Yamamoto said. “He has been keeping our guys on track and focused. When his name is called, he goes up there and he is clutch.”

The Panthers opened the scoring in the bottom of the first as Jackson ripped a solo home run to right-center.

Jackson, a University of South Florida signee who primarily plays third base, started at shortstop with Thrush on the mound.

“It’s been amazing and it’s no better feeling,” Jackson said. “I love our team and we have worked so hard everyday in practice to get where we needed to be.”

Dwyer pushed across two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Sophomore left fielder Dom Pecoraro hit a bouncer off the first-base bag and into right field for an RBI single to score senior first baseman Trevor Majer to make it 2-0. Junior catcher Max Abrams had an RBI single to left to extend the lead to 3-0.

West Boca (18-12) stranded runners at first and second in the top of the fourth inning on a flyout to right field in foul territory.

The Bulls also stranded a runner at second in the top of the sixth on a groundout to first.

West Boca senior pitcher James Litman, an FAU commit, tossed six innings and allowed four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

West Boca senior shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger, an Appalachian State commit, recorded a single and stolen base in the loss.

Yamamoto, who is in his first season at Dwyer, was a former major league pitcher for the Miami Marlins and New York Mets.

“These boys have worked on getting better since the offseason and came together as a team,” Yamamoto said. “They have been waiting to do this for awhile. I am just proud of them. I’ll put my boys up against anyone in the state with how we play, battle and fight.”

West Boca defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 4-3 in the regional quarterfinal and cruised past South Broward 9-0 to advance to the regional final.

Dwyer defeated Martin County 8-3 in the opening round of the playoffs and rolled past Southwest 11-4 in the regional semifinal.

By DAVE HOGG

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run home run to highlight a three-run outburst in the eighth inning as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 6-5 win over the Miami Marlins on Monday night.

After Miami got a two-run homer from Otto Lopez in the top of the eighth to take a 5-3 lead, Wenceel Pérez doubled off Anthony Maldonado (0-1) with one out and scored on Andy Ibáñez’s base hit. Matt Vierling struck out before Torkelson hit a 1-2 slider a career-long 446 feet over the Miami bullpen in left-center field.

“The guys put together some really good at-bats and I wanted to keep it going,” Torkelson said. “I was hoping to get something up that I could drive and that’s what happened.”

The loss was the first of Maldonado’s eight-game MLB career.

“The slider is (Maldonado’s) out pitch, so he’s got to throw it there,” Marlins manager Skip Schumacher said. “He just failed to expand the zone. It backed up and hung middle-up to a really dangerous hitter and unfortunately, he didn’t miss it.”

The homer came one day after Torkelson, who hit 31 homers last year, got his first of the season in a 9-3 loss to the Houston Astros.

“I feel really good for him — you could see the emotion when he hit it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “This has been a long stretch for him, but he came up big in a big spot.”

The Tigers won for the third time in 10 games, while Miami dropped to 2-8 in their last 10.

Alex Faedo (3-1) got the win despite allowing Lopez’s third homer of the season in the top of the eighth. Jason Foley pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save.

Neither starter was involved in the decision. Detroit’s Matt Manning allowed three runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings, and Marlins starter Sixto Sánchez gave up three runs, all unearned, in 4 2/3 innings.

The Tigers took a 3-0 lead in the second. Javier Baez grounded into a force at second with the bases loaded, and Carson Kelly and Riley Greene followed with RBI singles.

Miami tied the game in the fifth. With two out and a runner on second, Bryan De La Cruz hit an RBI single and scored on Josh Bell’s double. Jesus Sánchez then singled to make it 3-all.

The Tigers scoreboard took some shots at the Marlins in the first inning, with “Player Notes” that included “Only two actual Marlins fans attend games in Miami,” when De La Cruz was at the plate.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: Placed INF Tim Anderson on the injured list with back tightness. Activated LHP A.J. Puk (shoulder fatigue) from the injured list.

Tigers: Placed RHP Shelby Miller (ulnar nerve irritation) on the injured list, retroactive to May 12, and optioned OF Ryan Vilade to Triple-A Toledo. Recalled Manning and RHP Beau Brieske from Toledo.

UP NEXT

The teams continue the three-game series on Tuesday with Detroit RHP Reese Olson (0-4, 2.52) facing LHP Ryan Weathers (2-4, 4.54).

By THOMAS BEAUMONT (Associated Press)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to raise money for former President Donald Trump in the coming weeks, putting into action the commitment he made at a meeting with Trump last month to help his former rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the details have not been finalized and plans could still shift in the weeks ahead. Still, DeSantis is making calls to donors while his finance team works quickly to put together a schedule that would include stops in Florida and Texas, the people said.

DeSantis is taking concrete steps toward a political reconciliation with Trump, who for months taunted his GOP opponent as “DeSanctimonious” as the Florida governor argued Trump’s time had come and gone. The developments also show DeSantis’ effort to offer among his most prized assets — his prolific fundraising network — in a gesture that could pay dividends if he runs for president again in 2028, when Trump would be ineligible to run if he wins this November due to constitutional term limits.

“He’s shown his commitment to the president and that’s why I say we’ll follow his lead, and why I think donors will follow his lead,” said Roy Bailey, a Dallas investor who was a co-chairman of DeSantis’ national finance committee during his presidential campaign, but was not among those to confirm the planning. “We will be focused on past DeSantis donors who have yet to donate to President Trump. We’re going to try to mine those donors for him. That will create a lot of value.”

DeSantis, viewed after his dominant reelection in 2022 as a potentially viable Trump rival, raised more than $183 million toward his ultimately unsuccessful Republican presidential primary campaign. The vast majority, more than $145 million, was raised for the super PAC Never Back Down, which could take unlimited sums. DeSantis also raised more than $200 million toward his 2022 Florida campaign.

“We are actively working on plans to fundraise in support of President Trump, as well as other Republicans up and down the ballot,” DeSantis spokesperson Taryn Fenske said in a text message to The Associated Press.

A 19-year-old Boynton Beach man was arrested in Tennessee on charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash in Delray Beach that killed a 71-year-old man in November.

Trajan Maurice Johnson, originally from Boynton Beach, was arrested on April 18 at his apartment in Tennessee, where he is a freshman in college, according to a motion filed by his defense attorney seeking pre-trial release. He was held in a jail in Madison County until he was booked into the Palm Beach County jail on May 8.

Johnson is facing one count of failing to remain at a crash scene involving death and one count of tampering with evidence stemming from the Nov. 11, 2023, crash in the 1300 block of Southwest 10th Avenue that killed Romeo Della Valle. A witness told police he saw a dark-colored car that was speeding south on Southwest 10th Avenue hit something before the driver immediately turned off the car’s lights and fled on Linton Boulevard, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The witness found Della Valle lying on the sidewalk on Southwest 10th Avenue with a damaged green shopping cart near him. His hat and his shoes were knocked off during the impact, according to the affidavit.

Car involved in Delray Beach hit-and-run crash found, police say; driver still at large

Police said the car crashed into Della Valle and the shopping cart about 7:30 p.m. in the middle of the road, where there is no designated crosswalk, in front of an apartment complex, according to the affidavit. Officers identified the car as a 2013 to 2016 maroon Chevrolet Malibu based on debris and parts from the car left at the scene.

Various license-plate-reader cameras in Delray Beach identified the car involved as a 2016 maroon Chevrolet Malibu, according to the affidavit. Separate cameras at the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue and 12th Avenue captured the car shortly after 10:30 a.m. the next day with a cracked windshield and damage to its front hood and passenger side.

Officers obtained a search warrant after finding the damaged car parked in the driveway of the registered owner’s home in Boynton Beach, the affidavit said. The front bumper had green paint on the front from hitting the shopping cart. Officers also found a fast-food restaurant receipt in the car that was from a purchase made a few hours before the crash.

Johnson was seen driving the Malibu on surveillance video from the fast-food restaurant shortly after 4 p.m. on the day of the crash, and the car’s information system showed it traveled without stopping to a 7-Eleven gas station in the 2900 block of West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale after the crash, the affidavit said.

Surveillance cameras at the gas station showed the Malibu arrive shortly before 8 p.m. and the driver, later determined to be Johnson, get out to inspect the damage, according to the affidavit. Two others were seen on video exiting the Malibu to inspect the damage, and Johnson was seeing wiping the front of the car with a towel.

Johnson’s two passengers were both identified, according to the affidavit. At least one is a minor. It was not immediately clear Monday evening whether either are facing charges.

After leaving the gas station, Johnson and one of his passengers went into a nearby Walmart and were seen on video looking at windshield wiper blades in the auto parts aisle, the affidavit said. Johnson and a relative were seen on camera at another Walmart in Boynton Beach the morning after the crash again looking at windshield wiper blades. Officers noted that the missing windshield wiper had been replaced by the time they seized the Malibu.

Johnson and his attorney met with officers in December when he provided a buccal swab to collect DNA. Test results were returned in early March, which showed that the DNA profile from swabs of the Malibu’s steering wheel and gear shift were most likely from Johnson, according to the affidavit.

Johnson’s attorney did not return an email seeking comment Monday after business hours. His first appearance was held in Palm Beach County court on Friday, where his bond was set at $50,000 on each count. He was ordered not to contact Della Valle’s family or the witnesses and cannot drive or have weapons, according to court records.

Johnson’s next court date is Wednesday.

Broward schools’ latest plan to deal with dwindling enrollment may be to compete rather than close.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn has dropped his proposals to close three schools in 2025 and to remove the Montessori magnet program from Virginia Shuman Young in Fort Lauderdale, to the relief of those who fought against those changes.

His latest proposal would change or reconfigure four schools in hopes of winning back students who have left for charter, private or home school options. District schools have about 54,000 more seats than students due to years of declining enrollment.

The School Board plans to discuss the ideas at a workshop scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Hepburn’s current proposals could generate up to $6.7 million in state funds if the district is able to recapture students from four low-enrolled schools that are proposed for major changes. The proposals were included in the earlier plan, but no dollars figure were associated with them until Hepburn released the newest plan Friday.

Among the ideas still being considered:

— Convert Pines Middle in Pembroke Pines into a 6-12 collegiate academy similar to the successful Millennium 6-12 in Tamarac. The proposal seeks to increase enrollment by 123 students, which could increase revenues by $1.1 million.

— Change Silver Shores Elementary in Miramar from a neighborhood boundary school to a full-choice school with a yet-to-be-determined theme where students would apply to get in. Recapturing 205 students from charter, private or home schools would net $1.85 million.

— Convert Hollywood Central Elementary into a K-8 school. If the district can attract 278 students from non-district schools, that would mean $2.5 million.

— Change North Fork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale from a neighborhood boundary school to a full-choice “commuter school” where parents drop off and pick up their kids before and after work. If the school can increase enrollment by 143 students, it would add nearly $1.3 million in state funds.

“When we bring more students back into our schools it equates to recurring revenues every year, versus trying to close a school when we have an abundance of students we can recapture,” Hepburn said at a town hall last week.

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The new proposal doesn’t give any dollar figures related to attracting students back to the low-enrolled Bennett Elementary in Fort Lauderdale.

Hepburn initially proposed moving the Virginia Shuman Young Montessori program there since Bennett is adjacent to Sunrise Middle in Fort Lauderdale, which also has a Montessori program. That idea faced vocal opposition from about 200 parents at a Fort Lauderdale town hall last week and is no longer being recommended.

The district is still considering a program addition to Bennett but hasn’t provided any details on what that might be.

“I absolutely think with the right program and the right resources and support from the district it’s entirely possible” to attract more students to Bennett and other underenrolled schools, said Erin Gohl, a member of the Fort Lauderdale Education Advisory Board and president of the Virginia Shuman Young PTA.

The superintendent is no longer recommending closing Oakridge Elementary in Hollywood, Olsen Middle in Dania Beach or Broward Estates Elementary in Lauderhill for the 2025-26 school year, although the School Board can make any changes it wants.

The proposals for Olsen and Oakridge drew fierce opposition from parents and elected officials in the area.

They noted that Oakridge is 76% full and didn’t meet the district’s definition of being underenrolled, while Olsen has increased enrollment by about 100 students this year, and 10,000 new housing units have been approved for Dania Beach.

“I am thankful that the School District created opportunity for community feedback, and pivoted once city leadership and the community highlighted factors about Olsen Middle and Oakridge Elementary that the new superintendent may not have been aware of,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Levy said he supports converting Hollywood Central into a K-8.

“In Hollywood, K-8’s are very popular,” he said. “The charters have brought them in very successfully and we have been urging the school district to think about that for our public schools as well.”

Still, School Board member Allen Zeman told the Sun Sentinel he has concerns about agreeing to only select parts of Hepburn’s initial proposal.

He said he opposes turning Hollywood Central into a K-8 without also reducing middle school enrollment elsewhere, and now closing Olsen Middle isn’t a recommendation. Zeman said he thinks some schools will still need to close to deal with the district’s enrollment problem.

“I would have preferred the superintendent bring us a handful of options with the pros and cons of each one,” he said. “The School Board has the statutory authority to close schools or shift programs or repurpose schools. Had we had that information, we could make those decisions on a case-by-case basis that makes greater sense to our community.”

However, Zeman, who is not up for reelection this year, acknowledged Thursday night at a meeting in Hollywood that School Board elections for five seats may make it difficult for the board to close schools.

“It’s difficult to make real big changes at a time when everyone is out campaigning, so it may make sense to take two years of change and do it all next year,” he said Thursday night.

Villager arrested after scheduled home inspection turns ugly  Villages-News

By JENNIFER PELTZ (Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — Less than three years ago, Mary Ann and David Giordano were taking turns lying on the living room floor with their Afghan hound Frankie, hand-feeding the desperately ill dog anything she would eat.

She had developed severe kidney problems after contracting Lyme disease, despite being on medication meant to repel ticks that carry the bacteria that cause it. Veterinarians weren’t sure she would survive.

Yet on Monday, Frankie was at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, healthy and ready to compete. She would face off against over a dozen other Afghan hounds — including Zaida, the winner of last month’s World Dog Show in Croatia — for a chance to advance to the next round of the United States’ most prestigious canine event.

“It was really tough,” Mary Ann Giordano said, her voice halting as she described Frankie’s eight-month ordeal. “But she made it.”

For all the pooch pageantry of Westminster — the coiffed poodles, the top-knotted toy dogs, the formality of dogs trotting around a ring — it’s also an illustration of the bond people form with dogs, and what each will do for the other.

Monday marked the start of the traditional judging that leads to the best in show prize, to be awarded Tuesday night at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Selection of seven finalists began Monday night; each represents a group of breeds, such as hounds or herding dogs.

One is Louis, an Afghan hound that bested Zaida, Frankie, her littermate Belle and others to win the breed.

“This breed’s supposed to be ‘the king of dogs,’ and he knows he is,” handler and co-owner Alicia Jones said.

Other finalists include Sage, a miniature poodle who gave “100%” in the ring, as handler Kaz Hosaka put it; Mercedes, a big-winning German shepherd whose handler, Kent Boyles, led another German shepherd to a best in show trophy in 2017; and Comet, a shih tzu who took the top prize at last year’s huge, televised American Kennel Club National Championship.

“He’s just everything you would want in a shih tzu,” co-owner, breeder and handler Luke Ehricht said after Comet won his breed Monday morning. With a flowing coat like a vanilla-and-caramel ice cream sundae that’s melting onto the table, the dog looked up at his handler with the tender expression that’s prized in the breed.

“He’s a very sweet, loving dog” who knows when it’s time to perform and when it’s time to relax and play, said Ehricht, of Monclova, Ohio.

Three more finalists will be chosen Tuesday night before all seven vie for best in show.

The 2,500-plus first-round entrants range from tiny Yorkshire terriers to towering Irish wolfhounds. There are bushy old English sheepdogs, hairless Xoloitzcuintlis, massive mastiffs, lean Azawakhs and a newly added breed, the Lancashire heeler, represented Monday by a single contestant named Mando.

If he knew a lot was riding on his little shoulders, he didn’t show it as he made a tail-wagging appearance in the televised semifinals. Nor did he appear to mind going it alone earlier in the first-round ring, where someone in the audience yelled, “Yay! History!”

“He just has a rock-star attitude,” handler Jessica Plourde said afterward.

The show also was a first for Alfredo Delgado and Maria Davila, who had traveled from Juncos, Puerto Rico, with their French bulldog, Duncan.

Their path started when Delgado’s brother found a lost Frenchie. It was soon reunited with its owner, but Delgado was intrigued by the breed.

Fast-forward some years, and he was in the Westminster ring as Duncan’s breeder, owner and handler, with Davila cheering him on.

“We made a dream come true to be here,” Davila said afterward. “To share with experienced people in the ring — that was awesome.”

In a nearby grooming tent, Valarie Cheimis petted Csoki, a puli, ahead of ring time.

The Hungarian herding breed sports long, thick cords that form naturally, though owners aid the process by separating them. They become so dense that the dogs can take 24 hours to dry after a bath – and that’s with an array of box fans and sometimes even a portable dehumidifier, Cheimis said.

Why go through all that?

“These are fun dogs. They’re full of personality,” Cheimis said. Sure, they can be stubborn and barky, Cheimis said, but they’re also endearing — Csoki looks after her geese and chickens at home in Kingfield, Maine, even lying down next to the goslings.

Mister, a bloodhound who won a merit award in his breed Monday, also puts his breed’s ancient instincts to work. He’s qualified to trail missing people, though his calls so far have been resolved before he got into the field, said co-owner, breeder and handler Renee Wagner, of Niagara Falls, New York.

The 148th Westminster show kicked off Saturday with an agility competition — won by a mixed-breed dog for the first time since Westminster added the event in 2014. Nimble, the winner, was handled by Cynthia Hornor, who took the trophy with a border collie last year.

The St. Thomas Aquinas girls beach volleyball team had to overcome a lot of adversity and chaos at this weekend’s FHSAA state tournament at the Florida State University beach volleyball courts in Tallahassee.

The tournament was forced to delay matches and eventually had to finish on Mother’s Day, one day later than originally scheduled, due to extreme weather conditions.

St. Thomas coach David Palm said two EF2 tornadoes touched down within a mile of the Raiders’ team hotel on Friday, forcing them to change plans. Their Friday morning game was pushed back to later that evening. They then were able to get in their morning match on Saturday before the semifinals and finals were moved to Sunday.

“We were supposed to play at 11 a.m. on Friday and we wake up around 7 and the wind is blowing and blasting, and the power is out,” Palm said by phone. “We got the outer bands. It’s dark and pitch black, so we gather all of the girls from the hotel and bring them to the lobby. We just hung out there, and slowly but surely they canceled the games and then they projected it might happen, so we squeezed in one that night and the next one on Saturday.

“They pushed the semifinals and finals to Sunday, which created another problem because it was Mother’s Day and the FHSAA generally doesn’t play games on Sundays,” Palm continued. “We were trying to calm down the parents because they were saying, “it’s Mother’s Day, we can’t,” and then we had to get special permission and a one-time exception from the Archdiocese to play on Sunday because we are a private, Catholic school.”

St. Thomas Aquinas (19-1) opened the tournament with 3-1 wins over Merritt Island and Vero Beach before falling 3-1 in the state semifinals to the eventual champion and nation’s No. 2 ranked Gulf Breeze (22-0) in a matchup of undefeated teams. It was the best finish for the Raiders who had bowed out in the first round at state the past two years.

Seniors Zoe Taylor and Zsa Zsa Ferguson picked up the lone point for the Raiders at line 1 against the Dolphins. They did so in dramatic fashion. After losing the first game, 21-19, Taylor and Ferguson rallied to take the second game 21-18. Leading 14-13 in the tiebreaker, Ferguson, using all of her 5-foot, 4-inch frame, dug the ball out to give the Raiders the point.

“It was an amazing feeling for us,” said Taylor, an LSU signee, who along with Ferguson finished 20-0 at line 1 for the season. “We were super excited and had a lot of confidence going in. I think we played well the entire tournament, and I am just proud of us. We knew going in that Gulf Breeze was a good team.”

“It was a huge release when I got that point,” said Ferguson, a University of Louisiana-Monroe signee. “I just try and hustle as hard as I can for every point.”

“I am going to remember the culture that the team had,” added Raiders senior Kristi Talocka, who played line 2 with sophomore Emily Rosinsky. “I’ll also remember the friendships and the desire to push to win.”

Dwyer reaches state quarterfinals

Dwyer (12-2) edged Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) 3-2 in their first-round match at the state tournament before getting tripped up 3-0 by Tampa Berkeley Prep in the quarterfinals.

“It was awesome to get the first win and move into the state quarterfinals,” said Panthers coach Eric Tenlen, whose team was making its state tourney debut. “I thought we could get there. That was one of the goals at the beginning of the year. We just kept pushing. It was amazing.”

The Panthers were led all season by the line 1 play of senior Sam Kepple and sophomore Corinne Cabrera.

General Daily Insight for May 13, 2024

Doing things differently may be especially rewarding today. When the sensitive Cancer Moon squares impulsive Mercury, we might lack patience for anything that doesn’t feel good. The vital Sun then conjoins explosive Uranus at 5:14 am EDT, forcefully launching us out of our ruts. This could come with a bit of drama as the Moon slides into flamboyant Leo. However, pleasant Venus ultimately sextiles steady Saturn, guiding us toward balance. When we take a moderate path, change doesn’t have to set off alarm bells.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A financial decision you make today has the potential to surprise others — and maybe even you. Perhaps it’s better thought out than it appears, though. You could be exploring an approach that’s different from the way you were raised, and it’s understandable if this incites anxiety. You must decide how much upheaval you’re personally able to live with. Keep in mind that you’re in control of the process, so you can (and should) stop if it becomes unbearable for you.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Announcing that something has changed in your personal life might be necessary at any moment. As the prominent Sun meets shocking Uranus in your sign, you’re possibly apprehensive about becoming the center of attention in a disruptive way. Thankfully, leaning on your most grounded friends can cushion the blow. They’re likely still committed to you regardless of whatever happened. Don’t look for the worst in any comments they make — they’re probably trying to help, even if their phrasing is a little awkward.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You could be aware of a lot of excitement going on behind the scenes at the moment. Perhaps you wish that the developing news you’ve got your eye on would hurry up and become public — it may have the potential to improve your finances, which can then raise your standing within your social network. Stay aware of the ways casual talk can escalate beyond what you intend! Play it safe by focusing on what you’re able to say without bending any rules.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your friends could be just the role models you need at this time. Maybe you’re attracted to a unique idea, but you also don’t want to abandon a political or spiritual viewpoint that has shaped you. Although your philosophical commitment is potentially a big part of your identity, some adjustments can actually give you space to live better in line with your values. Look at how others have handled similar challenges, and don’t be afraid to imitate any strategies that seem to be working well.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Seizing the reins might seem necessary today. As the potent Sun conjoins liberating Uranus in your authoritative 10th house, your frustration with a fussy power structure that never gets anything done could boil over. Perhaps your reaction will only be unexpected to those who haven’t been paying attention to the situation — tension has likely been brewing for a while. A key person may secretly approve of your approach, even if they don’t say so out loud. Don’t fear the fallout too much.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Wild ideas are more likely than usual to grab your attention. Sharing them with someone else could be even more exciting! Your confidant might not be as into your latest brainstorm as you are, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing in the long run. If you can get past your initial disappointment, any criticisms they make may turn out to be useful food for thought. You don’t have to admit that right away, though — work toward clarity in private first.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

An unconventional alliance is presently possible. While the friendly Sun unites with bizarre Uranus in your 8th House of Collaboration, you may find yourself joining forces with someone who typically disagrees with you on major issues. The arrangement can work on a practical level — it’s possible that you want the same things, even if you want them for very different reasons. For now, focus on working with your unexpected companion instead of attempting to convince your usual team that this is a good idea.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Someone in your life might seem unstable at the moment, but maybe they’re at least fun. As the passionate Sun joins forces with chaotic Uranus in your relationship zone, you could genuinely enjoy getting swept along with whatever adventure your companion is providing for you! It’s probably more interesting than sticking to your normal routine. Still, you don’t have to surrender responsibility altogether. For a truly transformative experience, consider contributing a few of your ideas to keep the excitement going longer.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Changing your daily routine might be necessary at present. The current needs of someone you live with could be blocking you from carrying out your usual habits. Even if you wouldn’t have chosen the way the situation came about, you may eventually benefit from the opportunity to rethink things. It’s okay to embrace whatever flows easily — the point is to get what’s truly important done, not to prove to the world that you’re being productive every second of the day.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your desire for pleasure could be taking on renewed urgency. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of time explaining this longing to the people around you. Trying to talk your way into a consensus regarding something fun to do together may lead you even further from fulfillment. While the energetic Sun meets electric Uranus in your playful 5th house, you might as well just follow your bliss. Your enthusiasm is likely to be contagious, and that should attract all the companionship you desire!

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Something you believe you need for security could be taken away from you without warning. If you sense a change like this is brewing, you’re better off accepting it than trying to fight it. It’s true that you can’t guarantee exactly what will happen next. Maybe whatever you lost will be quickly replaced with a superior alternative — or maybe resolution won’t immediately appear. Either way, relying on your personal resources can help you ride out the disruption. You are stronger than you think!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Saying something people wouldn’t expect is possible. Still, your grounded attitude can potentially convince your audience to take you seriously. Your initial motivation might involve a desire to express yourself and live in line with your values. Having those longings is fine, but whatever you choose to do with them ultimately has to function in the real world. Pin down the practical details of your big idea before you start demanding others give you a chance to advance it to the next level.

Growing up, Sam Bennett’s dad encouraged him to play like rugged Toronto Maple Leafs scorer Doug Gilmour. Bennett saw his developing game more like another physical producer, Mike Richards, of the Philadelphia Flyers and the Los Angeles Kings

Boston sees him closer to someone else: Satan on skates.

Feels good, doesn’t it, to have a South Florida team so good and a player so on the edge that another city boos him every time he touches the puck? Boston did Sunday in Game 4, except for the most important time Bennett touched it in the Florida Panthers’ 3-2 win.

It happened too quickly. Bennett found a loose puck in the crease, pushed Boston’s Charlie McAvoy out of the way and slapped it in the net and tied the score 2-2 in the third period.

And all Boston broke loose over in the aftermath of a Bennett hit. Again.

He’s played two games since returning from injury and is center stage in two series-shaking controversies. It started earlier Sunday when a reverse-angle replay from Game 3 showed Bennett either raising a right hand to protect himself from Boston captain Brad Marchand’s hit or punching Marchand with the stick in his hand. Marchand went in pain to the bench. He missed the third period. He missed Game 4.

Boston played the victim card. Their fans booed Bennett before Sunday’s game. Boston fourth-line tough guy Pat Maroon challenged Bennett to a fight before Sunday’s game, which was as much for show as Marchand challenging Panthers star Aleksander Barkov to a fight in the opening Game 3 faceoff.

Bennett not only wouldn’t fight Maroon because as a second-line center the talent difference going to the penalty box would be an edge to Boston. But Bennett also couldn’t fight because he just returned the previous game from a broken hand or wrist.

“It was pretty awesome,’’ Bennett said afterward on TNT about the attention. “I never got booed before so it was a new experience. I kind of enjoyed it. It makes the game that much more intense, more exciting for me. So, yeah, bring it on.”

The win really made his night enjoyable. That’s the cover to everything else that happened. The Panthers keep outplaying Boston. They came back from down 2-0 to win Sunday on goals by Anton Lundell, Bennett and Aleksander Barkov. The local narrative is the Panthers are one win from the Eastern Conference finals.

The Boston narrative is they’ve being cheated and cheap-shotted by Bennett. Boston coach Jim Montgomery challenged the goal that started with Bennett pushing Coyle into Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman.It was a legitimate debate of goalie interference, of where the rule book draws that line. The replay reviewers at NHL headquarters in Toronto ruled it a legitimate goal with the idea Bennett gave Coyle a light push and Swayman couldn’t have stopped the puck anyway.

“I believe I’m putting that puck in before (Swayman) is getting across,’’ Bennett said. “I believe that’s why it stood. And that’s why it’s the right call.”

The ensuring furor is Exhibit B on what Bennett has done to the Bruins. Marchand is Exhibit A. Add it up and Bennett has become a magnet of menace — and it’s a wonderful thing for the Panthers, isn’t it? Doesn’t ever contending team have such a player? And when’s the last time anyone from South Florida was considered Public Enemy No. 1 by anyone?

Was it the Dolphins’ Bryan Cox running on the field, middle fingers flying, in Buffalo in the mid-1990s? Or maybe the Heat’s P.J. Brown for flipping the New York Knicks’ Charlie Ward over the baseline? Do we really have to go back three too-empty decades to find a player on a team of consequence that a town hated for how he played?

The difference is the villain role is an accepted actor in playoff hockey. Marchand has made a career of perfecting it. Just last series, Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said there wasn’t another player, “who gets away taking away (Todd) Bertuzzi’s legs the way that (Marchand) does. It’s an art and he’s elite at it.”

The footnote to Bennett’s Game 3 hit of Marchand was iMarchand challenging Barkov to a fight in the pre-game face-off circle. The footnote to that was the Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk punching Boston’s David Pastrnak to the ice and the hitting Pastrnak when he was on his knees. Another victim card from Boston.

On hitting Marchand, Bennett said on TNT, “Obviously, I’m not trying to punch him in the head like everyone’s saying. I’m just bracing myself for him to come and hit me. There’s no time I’d have time to think about punching him in the head. People can think what they want. There’s going to be some hard plays. It’s unfortunate he got it, but it’s a hockey play in my mind.”

It’s a hockey series the Panthers are now in full control of because they’re the better team. That’s how South Florida sees it. Not that we’re the hockey experts like Boston, whose fans are dropping victim cards and turning this series into a morality play centering on Bennett.

“There’s been lots of energy with this, lots of coverage,’’ Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “I think (some media) have lost your mind with this. That’s OK. That’s your right. We’ve been a very disciplined team. We have. It’s gone unnoticed.”

What’s not unnoticed is the Panthers are one game from returning to the conference finals. They come home to Sunrise for Tuesday’s Game 5 where Bennett won’t be Satan on Skates. He’ll be the Hero on Ice. That’s another role he might not be used to playing.

By JIMMY GOLEN (AP Sports Writer)

BOSTON (AP) — One game after Sam Bennett punched Brad Marchand out of the playoffs, the Panthers forward sent the rest of the Bruins to the brink of elimination with an equally controversial shove to Charlie Coyle’s back.

Already drawing boos in the Garden because of a hit on Marchand that the Bruins are calling a sucker punch, Bennett scored the game-tying goal in Game 4 on Sunday night after sending Coyle tumbling into Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman.

The goal was upheld by the NHL replay center in Toronto, and Aleksander Barkov scored the game-winner four minutes later to lead Florida to a 3-2 victory and a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

“I’m putting that puck in before Swayman’s going to be able to get over there, whether Coyle was on him or not. So, I think that’s the reason why it stood,” Bennett said. “And that’s how I saw it, as well.”

A year after Florida knocked out the record-setting Bruins in the first round on its way to the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers won their third straight to send Boston one game from elimination. Florida rallied from a two-goal deficit and took the lead with 13 minutes left when Barkov slipped through three Bruins defenders for the tiebreaking goal.

“It’s so much fun to watch Barky play hockey,” Bennett said. “For anyone else, that’s a career highlight goal. And for him, it’s just another day in the office. Pretty remarkable what he can do.”

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 16 shots and Anton Lundell also scored for Florida, which can advance to the Eastern Conference finals with a victory in Game 5 at home on Tuesday night.

Playing without Marchand, their captain and leading scorer in the postseason, Boston jumped to a 2-0 lead with goals from David Pastrnak and Brandon Carlo. Swayman made 38 saves, but he was covered up by Coyle when Bennett tied the game 3:41 into the third period.

“The fact is that my own player was pushed into me by theirs and I couldn’t play my position,” Swayman said.

According to NHL Rule 69.1, “If a defending player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by an attacking player so as to cause the defending player to come into contact with his own goalkeeper, such contact shall be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, and if necessary a penalty assessed to the attacking player and if a goal is scored it would be disallowed.”

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said he was told by the referees that “the play didn’t interfere with the goal.”

“That’s the explanation I got,” Montgomery said.

Unlike its more popular major North American sports brethren, the NHL does not make referees available to reporters to explain controversial calls. The Bruins said general manager Don Sweeney would address the media on Monday.

For the Bruins, it was a pattern of missed calls that already cost them their captain. Bennett denied on Sunday night that he had tried to hit Marchand, saying he was bracing himself for the collision when he made contact with the Boston forward’s head.

Marchand was scratched from Game 4 and was reportedly in the concussion protocol.

“People can have their opinions. I know it definitely wasn’t intentional,” Bennett said. “It’s unfortunate that he got hurt. Obviously, he’s a heck of a player and a big part of that team. So, it’s unfortunate, but by no means was that an intentional punch in the face.”

Boston, which lost three of its last four games in the regular season to fall one point below Florida in the Atlantic Division, now must win three straight — with two on the road — to remain alive in the playoffs.

Pastrnak had 47 goals this season, but just one on the power play in the final 34 games of the regular season and the first 10 of the playoffs. Boston hadn’t scored at all on the man-advantage in its first 11 tries in the Florida series. But Pastrnak slapped a 92 mph missile past Bobrovsky just off the faceoff after Aaron Ekblad was sent off for interference midway through the first period.

Carlo, who scored in Game 1 just a few hours after his wife gave birth to their son, made it 2-0 with five minutes left in the first on a seemingly harmless wrist shot from the blue line.

But the Panthers kept putting shots on net, outshooting Boston 15-5 in the first period, and it paid off early in the second when Lundell made it a one-goal game five minutes into the second. In all, Florida had a 41-18 advantage in shots.

___

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

UCF softball earned its fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament, with the Knights set to square off against Auburn in the Tallahassee Regional on Friday (2 p.m., ESPNU).

It’s the first time in program history that the Knights (30-23, 12-15 Big 12) have appeared in four straight tournaments. The team wrapped up its first season in the Big 12 and was among the last four teams to make the tournament.

“It was honestly, really nerve-wracking,” said outfielder Chloe Evans. “I had a lot of faith in this team and was just hopeful that you know what we’ve done this season, and just being our first year in the big 12, they were still going to select us.”

First baseman Shannon Doherty added, “I’m beyond thankful that we are one of the final four in and not one left out, but I think it definitely puts a chip on our shoulder, and we have got to put the foot on the gas right now. We can’t be sitting back.”

Host FSU received a No. 15 national seed and will host Chattanooga in their opener.

It’s been an up-and-down season for UCF.

The Knights opened their first Big 12 schedule by losing seven of their first nine games but rallied to win eight of the next nine conference games. However, the team finished the season by winning only two of its last seven games, capped off by a 3-2 loss to Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament.

UCF was 5-11 in games decided by one run, including 3-7 in conference play.

“Some tears started to well up in my eyes because I knew that these women had worked so hard and hadn’t reaped the benefits of the time and effort that they’ve put into this game,” coach Cindy Ball-Malone said of Sunday’s announcement. “The schedule that we’ve put them through, not only games scheduled but preparation in the weight room, in the classroom, in scouting, there’s so much more that’s gone into this year, to be prepared because there is no break. They deserve it. They’ve earned it.”

This is Auburn’s fourth meeting (27-19-1, 9-15 SEC) with UCF, and the Tigers hold a 2-1 edge in the series, including a 5-4 win over the Knights in the Tallahassee Regional in 2021.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

Rich Wallace wondered how his UCF baseball team would struggle to bounce back following an emotional 5-4 win over No. 18 Texas Saturday night.

UCF jumped to a 4-0 lead before hanging on for the win. In the top of the 9th inning, the Knights needed a pair of strikeouts to secure the victory.

On Sunday, the Knights were listless for the first four innings, failing to register a hit as the Longhorns jumped out to what seemed an insurmountable 5-run edge.

But Wallace’s well-timed ejection — his first of the season — fired up his team and the fans as UCF rallied to tie the game at 5 before eventually falling 10-7.

“I don’t know how much I had to do with it,” Wallace said after the game. “They [his players] were tired of how the game was going.”

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Wallace’s ejection came in the top of the fifth inning when he was on the mound meeting with his infielders during a pitching change when home plate umpire Shawn Arthur came out and tossed him from the game. It was the first time he had been ejected this season, and it drew a standing ovation from the home fans.

“It was just a disagreement on balls and strikes and fair and foul,” Wallace said of the reason for his early exit. “Somebody’s got to stand up for the guys at some point.”

Wallace’s ejection fired up his team as UCF (31-17, 12-14 Big 12) scored 5 runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a 2-RBI single by Matt Prevesk.

“It definitely fired us up,” said designated hitter Matt Cedarburg, who finished 2 of 3 with 2 RBIs. “We shouldn’t have to get going after a coach gets thrown out of a game, but it was good that we did. We scored some runs, got some hits and got that started.”

Texas (32-20, 17-10 Big 12) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to an RBI single by right fielder Max Belyeu. The Longhorns followed that up by scoring three runs in the top of the second, chasing starter Wiley Hartley from the game and setting the stage for a challenging day for the Knights’ bullpen.

First baseman Jared Thomas had an RBI single in the fourth to stretch the lead to 5-0 before UCF rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. But Texas tacked on three more runs in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the eighth inning to secure the victory.

UCF entered Sunday’s game in ninth place in the Big 12 standings. Saturday’s victory and a pair of losses by Baylor helped secure a spot for the Knights in their first conference tournament, which will be held May 21-25 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

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Wallace’s team remains two games ahead of Texas Tech for the 10th spot and 3.5 games ahead of Baylor at No. 11. UCF hosts Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday in the home finale before traveling to Waco for a three-game series with Baylor starting on Thursday.

“We’re obviously worried about Bethune and then going on the road and taking the operation to Waco, but we’re getting there, playing UCF baseball, and taking it one game at a time,” said Wallace.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com