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Hollywood police said Gracie Jai Tellez, 20, and Robert Lee Ingram, 22, were arrested shortly after 2 p.m. last Friday in Jacksonville, Florida, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Jail records show they are both facing charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement.

The charges stem from the death of their 7-week-old daughter, who was found unresponsive at the family’s home in the 2200 block of Farragut Street in Hollywood on Oct. 14, 2025, investigators said.

According to an arrest affidavit, Tellez called 911 at about 11:54 a.m. after the girl appeared “non-responsive, pale and cold to the touch.” Officers said they arrived and performed CPR on the girl until Hollywood Fire Rescue medics took over.

Police said the girl was transported as a trauma alert to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she was eventually placed on life support.

They said the parents initially told investigators the girl had been fed a bottle, fallen asleep and been placed in a bassinet. Authorities said the parents claimed they checked on the girl shortly afterward and found her cold and unresponsive.

The affidavit states that the girl had been considered healthy before the incident. Medical records reviewed by detectives showed no previous injuries or significant health concerns, and she had been seen by a pediatrician on Oct. 8, 2025, where she was reportedly in good health.

But medical testing soon revealed severe injuries.

According to the affidavit, doctors found a diffuse anoxic brain injury, bleeding in both eyes, retinal detachments and fractures to the back of the skull.

The affidavit states that doctors told investigators the injuries were consistent with “non-accidental head trauma,” including blunt-force trauma and acceleration/deceleration forces applied to the girl’s head and body, which the affidavit described as “violent shaking.”

A Broward County medical examiner later determined the girl’s cause of death was “complications of blunt head trauma” and classified the manner of death as homicide, according to the affidavit.

The girl was declared brain dead on Oct. 18, 2025. She remained on a ventilator until her organs could be procured for transplant on Oct. 22, 2025.

The investigation continued for months.

Detectives said obtained search warrants for the parents’ cellphones and reviewed forensic downloads of the devices. The affidavit says both parents had told investigators they sometimes used FaceTime between their phones as a makeshift baby monitor while the girl slept.

However, investigators said the phone records did not support that account.

Instead, detectives said they found the phones were used extensively to play Call of Duty and watch YouTube during the overnight hours and the morning before the girl was found unresponsive.

According to the affidavit, Ingram’s phone was used to play Call of Duty from about 5:12 a.m. to 8:39 a.m. and again from 10:33 a.m. to 11:49 a.m. — just before the baby was found unresponsive.

Tellez’s phone also showed extended periods of Call of Duty use, including from about 10:38 a.m. until 11:52 a.m. The 911 call was made from her phone at about 11:53 a.m.

“These forensic downloads show the information provided by Gracie Tellez and Robert Ingram was not truthful,” the affidavit states.

Investigators also noted that Ingram gave detectives multiple different accounts of the hours leading up to the girl’s injuries. They said his descriptions differed regarding when the baby was fed, when she slept and how many times she was taken in and out of the bassinet.

Investigators said during a later reenactment at the home, Ingram again provided a different timeline.

The affidavit states that neither parent could provide an explanation for how the girl suffered her fatal injuries.

Police said the medical examiner’s investigation also found skull fractures in both sides of the back of the girl’s skull, along with hemorrhages along her spine.

According to the affidavit, the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the girl was well-developed and well-nourished for her age and did not show signs of malnutrition.

Investigators ultimately concluded there was probable cause to believe both parents had failed to provide the care and supervision necessary for their daughter and that their “culpable negligence” contributed to her death.

The affidavit states that the girl was in the care of both parents when her injuries occurred and that investigators found it unlikely they would not have seen or heard the event that caused the injuries given the size and layout of the residence.

Hollywood police spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi said the agency’s investigation led to the arrest warrants for both parents.

As of Friday morning, Tellez was being held without bond at the Broward Sheriff’s Office North Broward Bureau, while Ingram was being held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail.

La Policía de Hollywood dijo que Gracie Jai Tellez, de 20 años, y Robert Lee Ingram, de 22, fueron arrestados poco después de las 2 p.m. del viernes pasado en Jacksonville, Florida, con la asistencia del Servicio de Alguaciles de Estados Unidos y la Oficina del Sheriff de Jacksonville.

Los registros de la cárcel muestran que ambos enfrentan cargos de homicidio involuntario agravado de un menor y negligencia infantil que causó lesiones corporales graves, discapacidad permanente o desfiguración permanente.

Los cargos se derivan de la muerte de su hija de 7 semanas, quien fue encontrada inconsciente en la casa de la familia, ubicada en la cuadra 2200 de Farragut Street en Hollywood, el 14 de octubre de 2025, dijeron los investigadores.

Según una declaración jurada de arresto, Tellez llamó al 911 alrededor de las 11:54 a.m. después de que la niña pareciera “no responder, pálida y fría al tacto”. Los agentes dijeron que llegaron y realizaron RCP a la niña hasta que los paramédicos de Hollywood Fire Rescue se hicieron cargo.

La Policía dijo que la niña fue trasladada como alerta de trauma al Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, donde finalmente fue conectada a soporte vital.

Dijeron que los padres inicialmente les dijeron a los investigadores que habían alimentado a la niña con un biberón, que se había quedado dormida y que la habían colocado en un moisés. Las autoridades dijeron que los padres afirmaron que revisaron a la niña poco después y la encontraron fría e inconsciente.

La declaración jurada señala que la niña había sido considerada saludable antes del incidente. Los registros médicos revisados por los detectives no mostraron lesiones previas ni problemas de salud importantes, y había sido atendida por un pediatra el 8 de octubre de 2025, donde, según se informó, gozaba de buena salud.

Pero las pruebas médicas pronto revelaron lesiones graves.

Según la declaración jurada, los médicos encontraron una lesión cerebral anóxica difusa, sangrado en ambos ojos, desprendimientos de retina y fracturas en la parte posterior del cráneo.

La declaración jurada señala que los médicos dijeron a los investigadores que las lesiones eran compatibles con un “trauma craneal no accidental”, incluido un trauma contundente y fuerzas de aceleración y desaceleración aplicadas a la cabeza y el cuerpo de la niña, lo que la declaración jurada describió como “sacudidas violentas”.

Un médico forense del condado Broward determinó posteriormente que la causa de muerte de la niña fueron “complicaciones de un trauma contundente en la cabeza” y clasificó la manera de muerte como homicidio, según la declaración jurada.

La niña fue declarada con muerte cerebral el 18 de octubre de 2025. Permaneció conectada a un ventilador hasta que sus órganos pudieron ser obtenidos para trasplante el 22 de octubre de 2025.

La investigación continuó durante meses.

Los detectives dijeron que obtuvieron órdenes de registro para los teléfonos celulares de los padres y revisaron las descargas forenses de los dispositivos. La declaración jurada señala que ambos padres habían dicho a los investigadores que a veces usaban FaceTime entre sus teléfonos como un monitor improvisado para bebés mientras la niña dormía.

Sin embargo, los investigadores dijeron que los registros telefónicos no respaldaban esa versión.

En cambio, los detectives dijeron que encontraron que los teléfonos fueron utilizados ampliamente para jugar Call of Duty y ver YouTube durante las horas de la madrugada y la mañana antes de que la niña fuera encontrada inconsciente.

Según la declaración jurada, el teléfono de Ingram fue utilizado para jugar Call of Duty aproximadamente desde las 5:12 a.m. hasta las 8:39 a.m. y nuevamente desde las 10:33 a.m. hasta las 11:49 a.m., justo antes de que la bebé fuera encontrada inconsciente.

El teléfono de Tellez también mostró períodos prolongados de uso de Call of Duty, incluido desde aproximadamente las 10:38 a.m. hasta las 11:52 a.m. La llamada al 911 se realizó desde su teléfono alrededor de las 11:53 a.m.

“Estas descargas forenses muestran que la información proporcionada por Gracie Tellez y Robert Ingram no era veraz”, señala la declaración jurada.

Los investigadores también señalaron que Ingram dio a los detectives múltiples versiones diferentes de las horas previas a las lesiones de la niña. Dijeron que sus descripciones diferían respecto a cuándo fue alimentada la bebé, cuándo durmió y cuántas veces fue sacada del moisés y colocada nuevamente en él.

Los investigadores dijeron que durante una recreación posterior en la casa, Ingram volvió a proporcionar una cronología diferente.

La declaración jurada señala que ninguno de los padres pudo proporcionar una explicación de cómo la niña sufrió sus lesiones mortales.

La Policía dijo que la investigación del médico forense también encontró fracturas de cráneo en ambos lados de la parte posterior de la cabeza de la niña, además de hemorragias a lo largo de su columna vertebral.

Según la declaración jurada, la Oficina del Médico Forense del Condado Broward determinó posteriormente que la niña estaba bien desarrollada y bien nutrida para su edad y no mostraba signos de desnutrición.

Los investigadores concluyeron finalmente que había causa probable para creer que ambos padres no habían proporcionado el cuidado y la supervisión necesarios para su hija y que su “negligencia culpable” contribuyó a su muerte.

La declaración jurada señala que la niña estaba bajo el cuidado de ambos padres cuando ocurrieron sus lesiones y que los investigadores consideraron poco probable que no hubieran visto o escuchado el hecho que causó las lesiones, dada la dimensión y distribución de la residencia.

La portavoz de la Policía de Hollywood, Deanna Bettineschi, dijo que la investigación de la agencia condujo a las órdenes de arresto contra ambos padres.

Hasta la mañana del viernes, Tellez permanecía detenida sin derecho a fianza en la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward, North Broward Bureau, mientras que Ingram permanecía detenido sin derecho a fianza en la cárcel principal del condado Broward.

Monique Jonell Williams, 18, and the two 16-year-olds were taken into custody on Thursday.

According to the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, the theft happened at The Brand Original, located at 18090 Collins Ave., just before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

An SIBPD arrest report states that one of the teens entered the store at around 12:20 p.m., “canvassed” it, then came back along with Williams and the other teen about five minutes later.

Police said one of the teens grabbed the $16,000 Hermes Birkin handbag off the shelf and got into a black Cadillac CT4 with Louisiana tags and took off.

After putting out a be-on-the-lookout notice, authorities said Fort Lauderdale police spotted the sedan at a Wawa gas station at 2620 W. Broward Blvd. on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities said they saw the trio change vehicles and get into a gray Tesla, which officers pulled over nearby at Northwest Fourth Street and 27th Avenue.

They said all three later “confessed to the theft, pointing themselves out in the CCTV (footage) obtained from the scene.”

As of Friday morning, Williams was being held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $2,500 bond. Jail information wasn’t immediately available for the teenagers.

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Wilton Manors police said officers were called to the Manor Grove Apartments for an armed robbery.

Police said the situation escalated when the person of interest refused to leave his unit.

Neighbors said they watched as Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale police officers surrounded the building.

“I’ve lived here about 8 years. It was pretty nerve-racking to see, for sure,” one neighbor said.

Alex Dorsey, a neighbor, said an Amazon worker had come to drop off a package and take a photo of it before picking up the package again.

“Amazon worker came to drop off a package,” Dorsey said. “Take a picture of the package then proceeded to pick up the package right afterwards. Neighbor wasn’t having it, it’s Florida, came out with a gun, you know.”

Another neighbor, Paul Baker, shared video of a man he said was his neighbor. In one clip, a man can be seen walking outside with a firearm in his hand. Later, police can be heard telling him to surrender peacefully.

Baker said he was surprised by what happened.

“I couldn’t believe it. He’s such a nice guy. He’s always been very friendly to me,” Baker said.

Police arrested the man, whom they later identified as 57-year-old George Manuel Mandes, on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and improper exhibition of a firearm.

“I’m just glad that it was all resolved,” said Yarden Ben-David, a WPLG executive producer, who lives nearby.

Sly moved into the Kapuzinerkloster, a Capuchin monastery about 1,550 feet (470 meters) above sea level, 7 1/2 weeks ahead of the Aug. 4 opening of Romeo Castellucci’s new Salzburg Festival production timed for the 800th anniversary year of St. Francis’ death.

Sly climbs the steps from the city center or walks up a road several times daily and sleeps without air conditioning in a summer of record European heat waves.

“Just being here has been extremely important because I’m going to Lauds every morning,” the 37-year-old Canadian bass-baritone said in a reference to Franciscan morning prayers.

“I’ve taken on all these habits that they have here and now I long for it," he said in an interview with The Associated Press outside the monastery on the morning after the first performance. "It’s weird. I’m excited to come back to the monastery and be present for Vespers or for the Eucharist Mass.”

Messiaen, a prolific 20th century French composer, spent nearly a decade creating his only opera, which premiered in 1983, nine years before his death.

His score for the 6-hour, 20-minute, eight-tableaux opus (including a pair of one-hour intermissions) depicts episodes in St. Francis' spiritual journey, including his encounter with a leper and his sermon to birds. The score calls for two raised percussion sections on either side of the stage and three ondes Martenots. The electronic instruments figure prominently in the 45-minute “Sermon to the Birds,” the sixth tableau, reflecting Messiaen's devotion to his Catholic faith.

Conductor Maxime Pascal leads 120 musicians and a chorus of 90 in six performances through Aug. 23. A second conductor in the pit waves a baton capped by a white light, signaling percussion beats at odds with the other instruments’ markings.

“It’s 2,500 pages of music, sometimes very, very complex,” Pascal said. “There is never one transition. It’s a succession of infinity of moments and so each moment, it can be short or long, but each moment is like a work by itself.”

The staging features a peacock, sheep and baking bread

Castellucci’s production features a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, a female peacock and seven sheep who romp across the stage near the end as the roof opens at the Felsenreitschule, a 1,400-seat theater built in the Mönchsberg rock quarry and famous for its appearance in the film “The Sound of Music.”

In the Franciscan tradition of bread for the poor, a pair of MIWE four-level ovens are moved on stage and bake 33 sourdough loaves, their aroma wafting through the audience. Each oven weighs 2,650 pounds (1,200 kilos). The bread is later made available to the backstage crew.

“In the New Testament, often there’s quotes of Jesus saying that the kingdom of God is like yeast,” Sly said.

José van Dam originated the title role at the Paris Opéra, with Seiji Ozawa conducting. Peter Sellars directed a 1992 Salzburg production starring van Dam with Esa-Pekka Salonen leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“Messiaen had these pictures of colors and dimensions of time and space. Pretty exhilarating,” said Sellars, who first heard the music when Ozawa conducted three tableaux in concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1986.

“Most opera is about stabbing the girl in the back," Sellars told the AP. "This is just about what are the revelations in your life, what are the moments when you have another idea of how to live and what it means to be human and what it means to be part of nature.”

Performing the opera for the first time, the Vienna Philharmonic started with five rehearsals back home followed by 12 more in Salzburg. The orchestra is known for Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler and Strauss, not contemporary compositions.

“It’s very important for an orchestra today to play also modern music,” said double bassist Michael Bladerer, the Vienna Philharmonic’s general manager.

Large orchestra and chorus make performances rare

There has been just one major U.S. staged production, by the San Francisco Opera in 2002 starring Willard White with Donald Runnicles conducting. Then-general director Pamela Rosenberg believed the city named after St. Francis should stage the portrayal of him.

“It’s one of the two or three most compelling pieces of the second half of the last century,” she said. “For me it was almost distressing — being dramatic — that it hadn’t been shown in the Western hemisphere yet.”

“He’s just so unique,” she added of Messiaen. “In spite of being part of the spectral music movement, he wasn’t continuing the footsteps of anyone with his musical language and he really created something that had an enormous artistic impetus in the music world.”

White, now 79, sings the shorter role of Frère Bernard in the new production and was able to pass on his experience to Sly.

“It was partly technical but it’s also a mindset,” White said. “I basically said that in this life we got to go from one moment to the next and in the acceptance of the moment that we’re in it actually guides us to the approach of the next moment.”

Soprano Lauranne Oliva (The Angel), tenor Sean Panikkar (The Leper) and baritone Russell Braun (Frère Léon) are part of a standout cast dominated by Sly’s quivering, self-mutilating performance as he gets smothered with dirt and blood.

Pascal thinks Messiaen chose St. Francis as a subject because of their mutual interest in birds and faith, then created the opera as a synthesis of his use of orchestral color.

“Messiaen was convinced while composing the work that it would be his last work," Pascal said. "He thought it was his swan song.”

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According to the SAO, Lyle, 20, was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding at a high speed and reckless driving.

He was released the same day as his arrest after posting a $55,000 bond, prosecutors said.

A spokesperson for the University of Miami told Local 10 News in an email, “We are aware of an incident involving student-athlete Jordan Lyle. As due legal process runs its course, we will have no further comment at this time.”

The Fort Lauderdale native got the start at running back in the 2025 season opening win against Notre Dame, but he wouldn’t make it through the entire game after suffering a leg injury that eventually sidelined him for most of the season.

In the six games he played, Lyle carried the ball 35 times for 108 yards and scored his lone touchdown of the season against Stanford.

Despite the injury and being part of a crowded running back room with Mark Fletcher Jr., Marty Brown and Girard Pringle Jr., Lyle decided to return to the Hurricanes and compete for his spot.

No other details about his arrest were immediately released.

Según la Fiscalía, Lyle, de 20 años, fue detenido acusado de huida y evasión a alta velocidad, así como de conducción temeraria.

Fue puesto en libertad el mismo día de su detención tras pagar una fianza de 55 000 dólares, según informaron los fiscales.

Un portavoz de la Universidad de Miami declaró a Local 10 News en un correo electrónico: «Estamos al corriente de un incidente en el que se ha visto involucrado el estudiante-deportista Jordan Lyle. Mientras el proceso legal sigue su curso, no haremos más comentarios por el momento».

Este jugador, natural de Fort Lauderdale, fue titular como running back en la victoria inaugural de la temporada 2025 contra Notre Dame, pero no pudo completar el partido tras sufrir una lesión en la pierna que acabó dejándolo fuera de juego durante la mayor parte de la temporada.

En los seis partidos que disputó, Lyle corrió con el balón 35 veces para un total de 108 yardas y anotó su único touchdown de la temporada contra Stanford.

A pesar de la lesión y de formar parte de una plantilla de corredores muy concurrida en la que también figuran Mark Fletcher Jr., Marty Brown y Girard Pringle Jr., Lyle decidió volver a los Hurricanes y competir por su puesto.

No se han dado a conocer de inmediato más detalles sobre su detención.

Broward jail records show that Detective Shmueal Mauda, 36, was jailed on an out-of-state hold on five counts of identity theft. According to Friday morning court proceedings, the charges stem from a sealed case out of Washington state.

Further details weren’t immediately available as of Friday morning.

Davie police also arrested a co-defendant, Elisha Mauda, 39. It wasn’t immediately how the detective may be related to him.

In a brief statement, an MSPD spokesperson said that the agency was aware of Shmueal Mauda’s arrest and was “fully cooperating with its law enforcement partners.”

It said Mauda, also known as Sam Mauda, was relieved of duty without pay.

For their part, Davie police said, “This is an ongoing, active investigation so we have no further information to release at this time.”

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Si un restaurante acumula 30 o más infracciones en una sola inspección, creemos que eso merece una mirada más detenida.

Los registros estatales muestran que los inspectores encontraron superficies en contacto con alimentos con crecimiento similar al moho, moho creciendo en los alimentos, moscas vivas posándose sobre los alimentos, cucarachas, carne cruda almacenada encima de alimentos cocidos y alimentos potencialmente peligrosos a temperaturas en las que las bacterias pueden multiplicarse. En un restaurante, los inspectores encontraron alimentos cocidos mantenidos a una temperatura de apenas 87 grados, mientras que otro tenía carne, queso y salsa a una temperatura superior a la segura para mantenerlos fríos durante más de cuatro horas.

Estos restaurantes pudieron haber permanecido abiertos, pero más de 30 infracciones representan muchos problemas en un lugar donde las personas confían en que la cocina mantenga sus alimentos seguros.

**TROPICAL RESTAURANT

652 EAST 9TH ST.

HIALEAH

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 8/7

SE ENCONTRARON 40 INFRACCIONES

“Se observó que el establecimiento operaba y atendía a clientes sin licencia.”

“Se observó aproximadamente 1 insecto volador posándose sobre jamón rebanado y cerdo rebanado dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la máquina de hielo en el mostrador delantero. También se observaron aproximadamente 6 insectos voladores volando en la cocina trasera sobre las mesas de preparación y los equipos limpios. También se observó 1 insecto volador posándose sobre un recipiente metálico limpio en un estante frente al horno grande en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó carne de cerdo cruda y carne de res cruda almacenadas sobre cerdo cocido en un estante dentro del refrigerador de acceso peatonal frente al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina. También se observaron huevos de cáscara crudos almacenados sobre carne de res cocida en un estante dentro del refrigerador de acceso peatonal frente al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó carne de res cruda almacenada sobre carne de cerdo cruda en un estante dentro del refrigerador de acceso peatonal frente al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que la leche dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la máquina de hielo en el mostrador delantero no tenía fecha.”

“Se observó una cucaracha arrastrándose por el piso debajo del fregadero para lavarse las manos junto al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó aproximadamente 1 insecto volador posándose sobre jamón rebanado y cerdo rebanado dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la máquina de hielo en el mostrador delantero.”

“Jamón rebanado (52F - mantenimiento en frío); cerdo rebanado (52F - mantenimiento en frío) dentro de la unidad de mantenimiento en frío en el mostrador delantero junto a la estación de sándwiches. Según el operador, por menos de 1 hora.”

“Chuletas de cerdo (125F - mantenimiento en caliente) dentro de la mesa de vapor en el mostrador delantero. Según el operador, por menos de 2 horas. También se observó arroz (122F - mantenimiento en caliente); guiso de pollo (114F - mantenimiento en caliente) dentro del equipo de mantenimiento junto al horno en el área de la cocina trasera. Según el operador, por menos de 2 horas. También se observaron cebollas cocidas (103F - mantenimiento en caliente) en un estante sobre la estufa frente a la máquina lavavajillas en el área de la cocina. Según el empleado, por menos de 1 hora. También se observaron frijoles negros (87F - mantenimiento en caliente); sopa de pollo (91F - mantenimiento en caliente) sobre una mesa de preparación frente al horno grande en el área de la cocina trasera. Según el operador, por menos de 2 horas.”

“Se observó en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó un abrelatas sucio sobre las mesas de preparación junto al congelador de alimentos del mar en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron residuos de alimentos dentro del fregadero para lavarse las manos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que no había un kit de prueba de cloro disponible al momento de la inspección.”

“Se observó frente a la unidad de mantenimiento en caliente de panceta de cerdo en el mostrador delantero.”

“Se observó un gran contenedor de envío almacenado detrás de la propiedad, lleno de equipos de restaurante.”

“Se observó el interior sucio de la máquina de hielo en el mostrador delantero.”

“Se observó en el piso junto a la freidora en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron el techo y las rejillas de ventilación sucios, con acumulación de polvo y grasa en toda el área de la cocina y el área de almacenamiento trasera. También se observó el techo sucio, con acumulación de grasa sobre la prensa de parrilla en el mostrador delantero.”

“Se observaron espátulas limpias entre la pared y el fregadero de tres compartimentos frente al refrigerador de acceso peatonal en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron varias tablas de cortar con ranuras sobre las mesas de preparación en toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó 1 cucaracha muerta debajo del fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina. También se observaron aproximadamente 3 cucarachas muertas en la trampa debajo del congelador de acceso directo ubicado frente a la unidad de hielo en el área de la cocina. También se observó aproximadamente 1 cucaracha muerta debajo del estante ubicado afuera de la oficina en el área del salón de descanso.”

“Se observaron varios empleados participando en la preparación de alimentos sin protección para el cabello en toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron varios recipientes de alimentos almacenados en el piso dentro del refrigerador de acceso peatonal frente al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó acumulación de grasa en las paredes de toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo en el salón de descanso.”

“Se observó una cuchara para hielo almacenada sobre un recipiente sucio junto a la máquina de hielo ubicada junto al salón de descanso en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que el mango de la cuchara para azúcar tocaba el azúcar dentro del recipiente en el estante de almacenamiento trasero frente al refrigerador de acceso peatonal en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó el interior sucio del microondas sobre la parrilla de preparación en el área de la cocina. También se observó el interior sucio del horno junto a la máquina lavavajillas en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que no había termómetro ambiental dentro de los refrigeradores de acceso peatonal en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que no había bandeja de goteo en los sistemas de campana en toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó una junta sucia con una sustancia similar al moho debajo de las máquinas tostadoras en el mostrador delantero. También se observó el orificio de la boquilla del fregadero de tres compartimentos con acumulación de una sustancia similar al moho en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó que no había rejilla en el ventilador sobre la puerta trasera junto a la freidora en el área de la cocina trasera.”

“Se observaron varios artículos de un solo servicio reutilizados debajo de la mesa de preparación junto al fregadero de tres compartimentos en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron utensilios limpios almacenados en posición vertical dentro de un recipiente junto a la parrilla frente a la máquina lavavajillas en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó en toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observaron estantes de los refrigeradores de acceso peatonal con acumulación de óxido en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó acumulación de grasa en las paredes de toda el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó un paño húmedo para limpiar sobre las mesas de preparación en toda el área de la cocina, no almacenado en una solución desinfectante.”

“Se observó que el recipiente de azúcar no estaba identificado debajo del mostrador junto a la unidad de helado en el mostrador delantero.”

**MANHATTAN CHICAGO REAL PIZZA

12715 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY

PINECREST

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 8/4

SE ENCONTRARON 31 INFRACCIONES

“Se utilizaron recipientes que no son aptos para alimentos para almacenar alimentos, en contacto directo con los alimentos. Se observaron panecillos almacenados en una bolsa negra de basura.”

“Se emitió una orden de suspensión de venta para alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad debido a abuso de temperatura. Se observó un refrigerador de acceso directo al otro lado de la oficina con una temperatura ambiental de 50F; los siguientes alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad estaban almacenados allí durante más de 4 horas: queso mozzarella (56F - mantenimiento en frío); pimientos asados (57F - mantenimiento en frío); salsa (55F - mantenimiento en frío); giardiniera (55F - mantenimiento en frío).”

“Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad mantenidos en frío a más de 41 grados Fahrenheit. Se observó un refrigerador de acceso directo al otro lado de la oficina con una temperatura ambiental de 50F; los siguientes alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad estaban almacenados allí durante más de 4 horas: queso mozzarella (56F - mantenimiento en frío); pimientos asados (57F - mantenimiento en frío); salsa (55F - mantenimiento en frío); giardiniera (55F - mantenimiento en frío).”

“Superficie en contacto con alimentos sucia con residuos de alimentos, sustancia similar al moho o mucosidad. Se observaron rejillas para alimentos secos y vajilla sucias.”

“Óxido superficial que no forma picaduras en equipos en contacto con alimentos. Se observó en rejillas para alimentos secos y vajilla.”

“Se utilizó una brocha para untar que no es apta para alimentos. Se observó en el área de lavado de utensilios.”

“Acumulación de residuos de alimentos/suciedad en las manijas de las puertas de los equipos. Se observaron las manijas de las puertas del microondas y del refrigerador sucias.”

“El techo/losetas del techo muestran daños o están deteriorados. Se observó en todo el establecimiento.”

“Techo/losetas del techo/rejillas de ventilación sucios con acumulación de residuos de alimentos, grasa, polvo o sustancia similar al moho. Se observó en todo el establecimiento.”

“Se utilizó un paño como superficie en contacto con alimentos. Se observó debajo del aceite de ajo y los condimentos.”

“El equipo de mantenimiento en frío no está en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento. No almacene alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad en esta unidad hasta que sea reparada. Se observó un refrigerador de acceso directo al otro lado de la oficina con una temperatura ambiental de 50F; los siguientes alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad estaban almacenados allí durante más de 4 horas: queso mozzarella (56F - mantenimiento en frío); pimientos asados (57F - mantenimiento en frío); salsa (55F - mantenimiento en frío); giardineira (55F - mantenimiento en frío).”

“El moldeado de unión entre el piso y la pared está roto o falta. Se observó en el baño.”

“Los alimentos personales de los empleados no estaban debidamente identificados y separados de los alimentos que se servirán al público. Se observaron alimentos de empleados en el refrigerador encima del queso mozzarella.”

“La puerta exterior tiene un espacio en el umbral que se abre hacia el exterior. Se observó en la puerta trasera.”

“Piso sucio/con acumulación de residuos. Se observó en todo el establecimiento.”

“Faltan losetas del piso y/o están deterioradas. Se observó el piso en mal estado.”

“Alimentos almacenados en el piso. Se observaron cajas de harina, azúcar, refrescos y agua en el piso.”

“Agujero u otro daño en la pared. Se observó debajo de la parte superior del mostrador delantero.”

“Acumulación de hielo en el congelador de acceso directo y/o congelador de acceso peatonal. Se observó en varios congeladores.”

“El interior del horno/microondas tiene acumulación de sustancia negra/grasa/residuos de alimentos. Se observó el interior del microondas sucio.”

“Protector de luz dañado/deteriorado. Se observó afuera del baño y en el área de lavado de utensilios.”

“No había colocado un letrero sobre la maniobra de Heimlich/atragantamiento. No se observó un cartel sobre atragantamiento.”

“No había disponible una copia del informe de inspección más reciente. No se observó ninguna copia.”

“No había un letrero de lavado de manos en un fregadero para lavarse las manos utilizado por empleados de alimentos. Se observó en el fregadero para lavarse las manos.”

“Superficie que no está en contacto con alimentos sucia con grasa, residuos de alimentos, suciedad, mucosidad o polvo. Se observaron juntas sucias en varios refrigeradores. Se observó el exterior de la mayoría de los equipos de la cocina sucio.”

“El interior/los estantes del refrigerador de acceso directo tienen acumulación de residuos de suciedad. Se observó en varios refrigeradores.”

“Los estantes del refrigerador de acceso directo tienen óxido que ha formado picaduras en la superficie. Se observó en el refrigerador de acceso directo.”

“Artículos de un solo servicio almacenados de manera inadecuada. Se observaron cajas de pizza en el piso del área del vestíbulo.”

“Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad descongelados de manera inadecuada. Se observó pollo en agua estancada en el fregadero triple.”

“Los estantes del refrigerador/congelador de acceso peatonal tienen óxido que ha formado picaduras en la superficie. Se observó en el refrigerador de acceso peatonal.”

“Pared sucia con acumulación de grasa, residuos de alimentos y/o polvo. Se observó en todo el establecimiento.”

**SABOR PERU

2927 BISCAYNE BLVD.

MIAMI

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 8/12

SE ENCONTRARON 31 INFRACCIONES

“Acumulación de sustancia similar al moho negro/verde en el interior de la máquina de hielo/depósito. Junto al mostrador delantero.”

“Se utilizó un tazón u otro recipiente sin mango para servir alimentos. Se observó un tazón sin mango almacenado dentro del recipiente de arroz. El empleado lo retiró.”

“Techo/losetas del techo/rejillas de ventilación sucios con acumulación de residuos de alimentos, grasa, polvo o sustancia similar al moho. Se observaron rejillas sucias sobre el fregadero de tres compartimentos y la cocina y el área de preparación.”

“Equipos/vajilla/utensilios limpios almacenados junto al fregadero para lavarse las manos/fregadero de preparación de alimentos, expuestos a salpicaduras. Se observó un fregadero doble en el área de preparación junto a la estación de café sin protección contra salpicaduras.”

“Vasos, tazas, tazones, platos, ollas y sartenes limpios no almacenados invertidos o de manera protegida. Se observaron platos limpios junto al área de almacenamiento sin estar invertidos. El empleado los invirtió.”

“La tabla de cortar tiene marcas de cortes y ya no se puede limpiar adecuadamente. Se observó una tabla de cortar azul que ya no se puede limpiar adecuadamente en el área de preparación de ceviche.”

“Equipos y utensilios no secados adecuadamente al aire: apilamiento húmedo. Se observó apilamiento húmedo de platos y tazones limpios en el área de almacenamiento frente al fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“Equipo en mal estado. Se observaron juntas rotas en el refrigerador de acceso directo a lo largo de la línea de cocina. Se observó el lavavajillas en mal estado junto al área de preparación.”

“El establecimiento cobra una propina automática sin divulgar debidamente la información en el menú y la cuenta. Se observó un cargo por tarjeta de crédito que no aparece en el menú.”

“La puerta exterior tiene un espacio en el umbral que se abre hacia el exterior.”

“Áreas del piso cubiertas con agua estancada. Se observó agua estancada en el piso junto a la cocina. Infracción repetida.”

“Alimentos almacenados en el piso. Se observó aceite de cocina almacenado en el piso junto al fregadero para lavarse las manos en el fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“Agujero u otro daño en la pared. Se observó la pared dañada sobre el congelador blanco.”

“Dispositivo para el control de insectos instalado sobre el área de preparación de alimentos. Se observó el dispositivo de control de insectos almacenado sobre los utensilios junto al área de preparación.”

“No había un termómetro de temperatura ambiental ubicado de manera visible en la unidad de mantenimiento. Se observó en el refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la línea de cocina.”

“Superficie que no está en contacto con alimentos sucia con grasa, residuos de alimentos, suciedad, mucosidad o polvo. Se observaron las campanas sucias en la línea de cocina. Se observó la freidora muy sucia junto a la línea de cocina. Se observaron las juntas del refrigerador de acceso directo sucias en el área de preparación y la cocina. Infracción repetida.”

“El interior/los estantes del refrigerador de acceso directo tienen acumulación de residuos de suciedad. Se observó el fondo interior del refrigerador de acceso directo sucio a lo largo de la línea de cocina.”

“Pared sucia con acumulación de grasa, residuos de alimentos y/o polvo. Se observó la pared sucia junto a la línea de cocina.”

“El empleado no se lavó las manos antes de ponerse guantes para iniciar una tarea relacionada con alimentos. Se observó al empleado ponerse guantes nuevos sin lavarse las manos. Se instruyó al empleado para que se lavara las manos correctamente.”

“Se utilizaron bolsas que no son aptas para alimentos en contacto directo con alimentos. Se observó pollo crudo y vegetales congelados almacenados dentro de bolsas que no son aptas para alimentos en el congelador blanco. Infracción repetida.”

“Alimentos de origen animal crudos almacenados sobre alimentos listos para consumir o no separados adecuadamente de estos. Se observó carne de res cruda almacenada sobre camarones cocidos en el refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la línea de cocina. El empleado los almacenó correctamente. Infracción repetida.”

“Se emitió una orden de suspensión de venta para alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad debido a abuso de temperatura. Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad mantenidos en frío a más de 41 grados Fahrenheit. Se observaron frijoles rojos cocidos (55F - mantenimiento en frío) en el refrigerador de acceso directo junto al congelador blanco. Según el empleado, fueron preparados el día anterior.”

“Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad mantenidos en frío a más de 41 grados Fahrenheit. Se observaron frijoles rojos cocidos (55F - mantenimiento en frío) en el refrigerador de acceso directo junto al congelador blanco. Según el empleado, fueron preparados el día anterior. El empleado los desechó. Infracción repetida.”

“Falta un interruptor de vacío en el grifo del fregadero para trapeadores o en el accesorio/divisor conectado al grifo del fregadero para trapeadores. Se observó una manguera conectada al fregadero para trapeadores.”

“El empleado no ha recibido capacitación adecuada relacionada con sus funciones asignadas, como lo demuestra su incapacidad para responder preguntas básicas de seguridad alimentaria. Se observó que el cocinero no pudo responder cuál es la temperatura mínima de cocción del pollo.”

“El establecimiento no tiene procedimientos escritos para que los empleados sigan en respuesta a un episodio de vómito o diarrea cuando el vómito o la diarrea son expulsados sobre superficies del establecimiento.”

“Superficie en contacto con alimentos sucia con residuos de alimentos, sustancia similar al moho o mucosidad. Se observaron tablas de cortar en el área de preparación de ceviche.”

“Fregadero para lavarse las manos utilizado para fines distintos al lavado de manos. Se observó a un empleado lavando un paño dentro del fregadero para lavarse las manos junto al fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“No había un gerente de servicio de alimentos con certificación vigente en el lugar con cuatro o más empleados participando en la preparación/manipulación de alimentos. Se observó a más de 4 empleados manipulando alimentos sin un gerente en el lugar. Infracción repetida.”

“No se presentó ni aprobó una revisión del plan: se realizaron renovaciones o están en progreso. Se observó un contenedor exterior utilizado como almacenamiento seco con estantes. Se observaron bolsas de harina, cajas de artículos de un solo servicio, frijoles secos y recipientes de aceite de cocina almacenados dentro del contenedor exterior. Según el revisor del plan Robert “Duke” Ivers, el operador debe presentar los planos.”

“Los alimentos listos para consumir cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad, preparados en el establecimiento y almacenados durante más de 24 horas, no estaban debidamente marcados con la fecha. Se observaron frijoles rojos cocidos y vegetales cocidos almacenados dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo junto al congelador blanco sin fecha. Según se indicó, fueron cocinados el día anterior. El empleado etiquetó los vegetales cocidos como sopa.”

MENCIÓN HONORÍFICA

**FRITANGA COQUITO

1255 WEST 46TH ST

HIALEAH

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 8/13

SE ENCONTRARON 29 INFRACCIONES

“Se utilizó un tazón u otro recipiente sin mango para servir alimentos. Se observó en el recipiente de arroz en el área de la cocina.”

“Acumulación de residuos de alimentos/suciedad en las manijas de las puertas de los equipos. Se observó la manija de la puerta del refrigerador de acceso peatonal sucia.”

“El cartón utilizado en el piso como medida antideslizante no se reemplazó todos los días o cuando está muy sucio, lo que ocurra primero. Se observó en el pasillo junto al refrigerador de acceso peatonal.”

“Falta una loseta del techo. Se observaron losetas del techo faltantes en el área de la cocina.”

“El piso no se limpió cuando había la menor cantidad de alimentos expuestos. Se observó en toda la cocina.”

“Alimentos almacenados en el piso. Se observó una bolsa de arroz almacenada en el piso del mostrador delantero; el operador la almacenó correctamente.”

“Utensilio en uso en alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura no es necesario para su seguridad no almacenado con el mango por encima de la parte superior del alimento dentro de un recipiente cerrado. Se observó en el recipiente de azúcar junto al fregadero de 3 compartimentos.”

“Dispositivo para el control de insectos instalado sobre el área de preparación de alimentos. Se observó almacenado sobre el microondas en el área de la cocina.”

“El interior del horno/microondas tiene acumulación de sustancia negra/grasa/residuos de alimentos.”

“No había disponible una copia del informe de inspección más reciente.”

“Superficie que no está en contacto con alimentos sucia con grasa, residuos de alimentos, suciedad, mucosidad o polvo. Se observaron recipientes blancos sucios en el área de la cocina.”

“Tapa del contenedor de basura abierta.”

“No se proporcionaron 10 pies-candela de iluminación a por lo menos 30 pulgadas del piso en el refrigerador de acceso peatonal.”

“Piso de concreto sin sellar en el área de preparación de alimentos, almacenamiento de alimentos, lavado de utensilios o baño. Se observó en el congelador de acceso peatonal.”

“Pared sucia con acumulación de grasa, residuos de alimentos y/o polvo. Se observó una pared sucia en el área de preparación.”

“La solución desinfectante de cloro para los paños de limpieza no estaba en la concentración mínima adecuada. Se observó un cubo de desinfectante (cloro +100 ppm) junto al fregadero de 3 compartimentos.”

“Los recipientes de alimentos retirados de su envase original no estaban identificados con el nombre común. Se observaron recipientes de azúcar y sal sin identificar con el nombre común en el área de la cocina.”

“El empleado comenzó a trabajar con alimentos, manipular equipos o utensilios limpios, o tocar artículos de un solo servicio sin envolver sin lavarse primero las manos. Se instruyó al empleado sobre los procedimientos adecuados.”

“El empleado no se lavó las manos antes de ponerse guantes para iniciar una tarea relacionada con alimentos. Se instruyó al empleado sobre los procedimientos adecuados.”

“Alimentos con crecimiento similar al moho. Consulte la suspensión de venta. Se observó crecimiento similar al moho en dos bolsas de mozzarella rallada dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo en el mostrador delantero; el operador las desechó durante la inspección.”

“Se encontraron insectos voladores pequeños vivos. Se observaron aproximadamente 8 moscas vivas en el área de la cocina, algunas posándose sobre repollos en la mesa de preparación en el área de la cocina. También se observaron 3 moscas muertas dentro del refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la máquina de café.”

“Se utilizaron bolsas que no son aptas para alimentos en contacto directo con alimentos. Se observó cerdo cocido almacenado en bolsas que no son aptas para alimentos.”

“Los huevos de cáscara no se almacenaron a una temperatura ambiental de 45 grados Fahrenheit o menos. Se observaron junto a la mesa de vapor; según el operador, por menos de 3 horas. El operador los trasladó al refrigerador de acceso peatonal.”

“Se emitió una orden de suspensión de venta debido a que los alimentos no estaban en condiciones saludables y adecuadas. Se observaron aproximadamente 8 moscas vivas en el área de la cocina, algunas posándose sobre repollos en la mesa de preparación en el área de la cocina.”

“Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad mantenidos en frío a más de 41 grados Fahrenheit. Se observó leche (56F - mantenimiento en frío) en el refrigerador de acceso directo junto a la máquina de café; el operador la trasladó al refrigerador de acceso peatonal.

Medida correctiva tomada Advertencia”

“Alimentos cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad, distintos de asados de carne enteros, mantenidos en caliente a menos de 135 grados Fahrenheit.”

“Se observó cerdo (126F - mantenimiento en caliente); arroz blanco (99F - mantenimiento en caliente); el operador procedió a recalentarlos.”

“Alimentos procesados comercialmente, listos para consumir, cuyo control de tiempo/temperatura es necesario para su seguridad, abiertos y almacenados durante más de 24 horas, no estaban debidamente marcados con la fecha después de abrirlos.”

“Se observó salsa de tomate procesada comercialmente sin fecha; según el operador, había sido abierta hacía más de 24 horas.”

“No se proporcionó un kit de prueba química al utilizar desinfectante en la máquina lavavajillas de tres compartimentos o para los paños de limpieza. Se observó que no había tiras de prueba de cloro disponibles.”

“No se proporcionaron toallas de papel ni un dispositivo mecánico para secarse las manos en el fregadero para lavarse las manos. Se observó en el área de la cocina; el operador las proporcionó durante la inspección.”

Tens of thousands of houses were damaged or destroyed, according to the government. Authorities have also reported damage to thousands of schools, medical facilities and community centers in more than 400 cities.

“There is no place to live, we lost everything,” Ebert Jonathan Morales, 38, told The Associated Press from a shelter in Cali, one of the hardest-hit cities along with Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo.

Morales is one of the 102,263 people whose lives have been upended by the 7.4 magnitude quake that struck the South American country Monday. The government says more than 280 people died, nearly 4,000 people were injured and hundreds remain missing. Private groups estimate the number of missing is in the thousands.

Like tens of thousands of others, Morales is trying to rebuild his life from scratch with his wife and four children.

“The earthquake destroyed several neighborhoods in the city. Many houses were damaged, and buildings collapsed,” he said. “We are going to stay here until the government gives us some help, some support.”

The government focuses on providing shelter

The devastation has tested Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was inaugurated just days before the earthquake shook the country's west. De la Espriella acknowledged Thursday night that “the situation is complex” and announced a plan to partner with private companies to rebuild the nation, as well as subsidies for families who are homeless.

“We will not overcome this tragedy alone as a government,” he said. “We need the private sector to rebuild Colombia together.”

Monday’s earthquake was the most powerful to hit Colombia this century. Government aid has yet to arrive in some areas, where many people are relying on volunteers and neighbors for help.

“A neighbor is giving me shelter,” Olga Castro, a mother of five, told The Associated Press. “At least we survived, but right now we are practically on the street because we don’t have a home anymore.”

De la Espriella said national and international funds raised in response to the disaster will focus on the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, homes, roads and airports.

But rebuilding the country requires a “serious technical assessment” to determine which buildings can be used, which can be repaired and which must be demolished and rebuilt, said Yezid Alvarado Vargas, a professor in construction engineering at Javeriana University, in Bogota, Colombia.

“Before even discussing reconstruction, we must guarantee temporary housing, food, healthcare, continuity of basic services and economic support for families who lost their homes or livelihoods,” Alvarado said.

National and international aid keeps coming

Local authorities opened schools, parks and public buildings as shelters, providing tents, mattresses and food to the displaced. In other parts of the hardest-hit cities, residents improvised shelters in the streets, while hundreds of volunteers rush to help those in greatest need, particularly in less accessible areas.

“These are isolated, neglected territories, historically lacking in institutional support, already plagued by violence, and now they are hit by an earthquake of this magnitude,” said María Mercedes Liévano, director of Save the Children in Colombia.

“It’s a crisis on top of a crisis, leaving the population in a situation of extreme vulnerability,” she added, citing communities including Buenaventura, the country’s main port, and Chocó, the earthquake’s epicenter.

De la Espriella is expected to visit several cities Friday to track relief efforts and aid distribution, including Quibdo, in the Chocó region, and Pereira. Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting tons of supplies and humanitarian aid from countries that have pledged their support, among them Peru, China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

___

Suarez reported from Bogota, Colombia and Batschke reported from Santiago, Chile.

The forest gave way to giant holes gouged into the earth and filled with opaque, muddy water, gasoline and other chemicals glistening on the surface. Makeshift wooden mining platforms straddled the pools, surrounded by pumps and thick plastic tubes used to suck up and sift through sediment for tiny particles of gold.

As the troops closed in, several miners stood watching from a distance. The officer leading the patrol fired a warning shot into the air. Within seconds, they vanished into the forest.

The raid over several days this week was part of an intensified government campaign against illegal gold mining in Madre de Dios, one of Peru’s most biodiverse regions, as authorities try to stop the activity from advancing into protected areas of the Amazon. Mining has stripped away vast areas of rainforest, leaving behind a scarred landscape of contaminated pools and altered rivers in the hunt for lucrative gold. Mercury used to separate gold from sediment has contaminated waterways, wildlife and people, including Indigenous communities that depend heavily on fish.

Behind them was a camp abandoned in haste. Crushed beer cans and empty liquor bottles littered the ground alongside mattresses, clothes and tools. That day’s lunch — rice and plantain — still sat in plastic containers. Freezers and fuel containers dotted the camp, alongside live chickens and guinea pigs kept for food.

The troops were one of eight patrols, flown by helicopter to separate points along the Malinowski River. The aircraft touched down only long enough to drop each group before lifting off and moving to the next site.

Illegal mining is advancing toward protected areas of the Amazon

Edy Reynaldo Dariquebe, an official with FENAMAD, an Indigenous federation representing communities in Peru’s Madre de Dios region, said criminal groups linked to illegal mining have been operating near or inside protected Indigenous communities. He said mining is destroying forests and contaminating rivers with mercury that accumulates in fish, spreading the impact to communities far from the mining sites.

Ronald Flores Yáñez, a deputy prosecutor for Peru’s Office of the Attorney General, said illegal mining has advanced close to military monitoring points and into protected areas.

“We can attest today that they have already entered the Tambopata National Reserve,” Flores told The Associated Press. “We are inside the reserve and around us we see dredges numbering in the hundreds.”

Illegal mining declined in parts of Madre de Dios after Peru launched a major military and police crackdown known as Operation Mercury in 2019. But miners have since moved back toward protected areas, prompting authorities to intensify operations.

Global Conservation, a U.S.-based nonprofit working with Peruvian authorities, said ongoing operations will combine satellite monitoring, aerial reconnaissance and law enforcement raids over the coming year to identify and dismantle illegal gold mining camps and equipment.

Destroying the motors hits miners where it hurts most

Before setting out Tuesday, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Renato Miranda told troops at a briefing that the mission’s objective was to “neutralize and dismantle” illegal mining activities. Once on the ground, that meant searching for anything that allowed the mines to function: pumps, batteries, fuel, dredging equipment and makeshift infrastructure.

“The most important thing is to destroy the main machinery,” Miranda said. “And the main machinery is the motors.”

The powerful engines are among the most valuable pieces of equipment at a mining site and a key economic pressure point for authorities trying to make it more expensive for miners to restart operations. Miranda said larger engines can cost around $30,000 to $45,000. He estimated that motors targeted in the raids can extract 30 to 50 grams of gold a day. At current gold prices, that would be worth about $4,000 to $7,000.

Officers told AP they had destroyed around 115 motors over the previous three months during operations carried out nearly every week.

The remote sites give miners time to hear approaching boats or helicopters and flee, often hiding motors in sand, behind trees or in muddy pools to recover later. Specialized navy divers search the murky pools for submerged engines, entering water where mercury and other chemicals may be present. When they find one, they attach explosive charges and destroy it.

At one site, as troops prepared to leave, a soldier spotted disturbed sand and began digging. He uncovered a motor, threw it onto a pile with a mattress and chainsaw, doused it with gasoline and set it alight. A dog abandoned at the site fared better: soldiers took a liking to it, bringing it along for the rest of the day’s mission and eventually back to their military base.

Elsewhere, troops used dynamite-like explosives to destroy equipment and burned structures and supplies that could be used to keep the mining camps running.

A 10-minute boat ride away, another, larger camp offered a glimpse of daily life at the mining sites. A chest freezer was packed with meat, while wooden shelves held plates and coffee mugs. Several separate sleeping areas were strewn with personal belongings: a ledger filled with lists of needed supplies, freshly washed underwear hanging from string to dry, bottles of vitamins and even pills marketed as increasing penis size and sexual endurance. All was set alight by the troops. Before moving on, some of the soldiers cooked and ate food they found in the abandoned camp.

The expensive machinery and valuable gold contrasts with the precarious conditions of many living and working in the camps.

During the operation, another patrol encountered a woman with her 1-year-old child at a mining site. Flores told AP she had come to Madre de Dios from Cusco after failing to gain admission to university and, after being left by the father of her child, needed work. She responded to an advertisement seeking a cook and ended up preparing food for illegal miners.

Authorities say raids alone will not stop the mining

The destruction of machinery is intended to hit miners where it hurts most: the cost of restarting. But authorities themselves acknowledge that raids alone are not enough.

Miranda said that with gold prices high and mining highly profitable, operators can acquire another engine, rebuild their equipment and return to the same location or move elsewhere.

“Every day they are advancing more and more and more, and we are being very slow," said Flores, adding that their strategy needs to change.

Prosecutors, he said, are now pursuing two fronts: continuing operations against dredges, motors and other equipment while also following the money behind the mines — identifying the financiers who provide the capital for expensive machinery and tracing the profits generated by the gold.

That approach could be critical to breaking the cycle visible along the Malinowski River: authorities destroy equipment, leave and miners find the money and machinery to start again.

“These operations have to be permanent,” Flores said. ___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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Karyne David, who resides in the county’s West Little River neighborhood, was arrested Monday by the Miami Gardens Police Department following the overnight incident, according to an arrest report.

Jail records show he is facing two counts each of attempted premeditated murder with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a firearm and shooting or throwing a deadly missile.

Polic said the incident began with a domestic violence-related shooting reported Sunday night at a Miami Gardens home, where multiple rounds were fired into the occupied residence.

The arrest report details allegations involving David’s ex-girlfriend, who told investigators the couple had been dating for about a year before their relationship ended in April following “infidelity” issues.

According to the report, the woman said David continued contacting her from different phone numbers after their breakup, making threats and showing up unannounced at her home. She also told investigators that her car had been vandalized several times since June and that she believed David was responsible.

The woman provided investigators with messages between her and David from her cellphone, the report states.

Police said one of those messages from David to his ex-girlfriend stated, “Next time it will be worse so don’t be outside.”

Investigators said they also interviewed two people who were inside the home during the shooting. They said David’s ex-girlfriend told police that she was asleep in her mother’s room because she was already afraid following an earlier shooting at the home that night.

A second person inside the home told police she heard loud sounds striking the residence and attempted to look outside to determine what was happening, according to the report.

As part of the investigation, a MGPD Special Victims Unit detective was conducting surveillance in the area at about 4:15 a.m. Monday, the report states.

The responding detective told investigators he saw a Black Honda Accord parked near the home and later observed David standing in the roadway with a rifle, police said.

The detective told investigators he saw David shoulder the rifle, followed by a muzzle flash and several gunshots. Police said the detective then returned fire.

David then got into the Honda Accord and fled, prompting a pursuit involving the detective and other Miami Gardens officers, police said.

According to the report, the detective and other officers pursued the vehicle, which came to a stop near Northwest 107th Street and 17th Avenue in Opa-locka, where officers took David into custody.

After David’s arrest, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit searched the area and located a Century Arms Draco rifle in the grass near where David was taken into custody, the report states.

Authorities said further testing determined the rifle was a match to shell casings recovered from both the Aug. 9 shooting and the shooting at the home.

Police said David was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

As of Friday morning, David remained in custody at TGK with his bond listed as “to be set.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting involving the Miami Gardens detective. No officers or detectives were injured during the shooting and subsequent pursuit, authorities said.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Friday that the 2028 Midsummer Classic will be at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The 2007 game was played in the picturesque waterfront ballpark, featuring Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki's famous inside-the-park home run that bounced off the tricky wall in right-center field.

“With its passionate fanbase, world-class ballpark, and rich baseball history, San Francisco will be an outstanding host for All-Star Week, which culminates in one of Major League Baseball’s best traditions, the Midsummer Classic,” Manfred said in a statement. "We look forward to bringing the excitement of All-Star Week and the celebration of baseball to the Bay Area.”

This will mark another major sporting event for the Bay Area recently after the Super Bowl and World Cup this year and the NBA All-Star Game in February 2025.

The Giants will host the Midsummer Classic for a fourth time overall after Candlestick Park held the first All-Star Game of the 1961 season and also baseball's summer showcase in 1984.

Oracle Park is set to become the eighth active ballpark to hold the All-Star Game multiple times, joining Fenway Park in 1946, 1961 and 1999, Wrigley Field (1947, 1962, 1990), Angel Stadium (1967, 1989, 2010), Dodger Stadium (1980, 2022), Progressive Field (1997, 2019), Coors Field (1998, 2021) and T-Mobile Park (2001, 2023).

Giants President and CEO Larry Baer said the club is “incredibly honored” and expressed his gratitude.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our organization, our city, and the incredible passion of our fans on baseball’s biggest summer stage,” he said in a statement.

“Hosting the All-Star Game is more than celebrating the game’s brightest stars, it’s a chance to highlight the people, neighborhoods, and culture that make our community so special. Few cities offer the unique combination of sports, culture, innovation, entertainment, and natural beauty that defines San Francisco. We look forward to welcoming players, families, fans, and visitors from around the world for a week that will create lasting memories and have a meaningful impact throughout our region.”

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

The Department of Defense Education Activity operates about 160 schools across 11 countries and educates roughly 70,000 students who are children of active-duty military or civilian service members. Conservatives have eyed the schools — which, unlike most public schools, are run by the federal government — as a testing ground for reshaping education.

The Western civilization course planned for this fall will use a textbook published by Encounter Books, a conservative publishing house. Titled "The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom," it includes suggested lesson plans created in partnership with Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan that has also developed influential materials for K-12 schools.

Historians and educators who reviewed excerpts of the text told The Associated Press it depicts points throughout history in misleading ways, representing Western civilization and Christianity as one and the same and casting Islam as a threat to both.

“You’ve got to wonder a bit whether Western civilization is a Trojan horse for classical Christian education,” said Phil Gorski, a historical sociology professor at Yale University.

The course is part of a wider reshaping of the Defense Department's schools. They have begun hiring classical learning teachers, and the department has brought in new academic chiefs with ties to classical learning charter schools and to Republican-led efforts to promote more patriotic education.

The Pentagon, which was sent a series of questions about the textbook and the broader push for classical learning, did not respond in time for publication.

Classical education broadly refers to a teaching style built on the liberal arts, with an emphasis on critical thinking and citizenship. Students are taught to imitate the rhetoric and style of great thinkers and writers. While some classical educators have pushed to incorporate diverse scholars, critics have argued the movement focuses too heavily on foundational texts from Greek, Roman and other Western writers and gives short shrift to achievements in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Conservatives see classical learning as an antidote to unflattering depictions of US history

Conservative politicians have embraced classical learning, especially as the Trump administration and Republican-led states have pushed schools to emphasize patriotism and put boundaries around how they teach unflattering parts of American history.

In his writing and public remarks since before becoming defense secretary, Hegseth has advocated for parents to embrace classical Christian education.

In his 2022 book “Battle for the American Mind,” Hegseth, a former Fox News host, describes a history of progressives working to remove God and religion from public and private schools. For parents, he writes, not sending their children to classical Christian schools would be to admit defeat.

“It is certainly not sustainable, merely passing the same losing hand to the next generation,” Hegseth writes. “With this approach, we lose. We lose America — and Western Civilization.”

Many classical Christian schools focus on reclaiming Western civilization from external threats. But across the broader field of classical education — including secular private schools — the field is increasingly split on this point, said Susan Wise Bauer, the author of a popular classical homeschooling program. She said there is a range of approaches on which texts are worth studying.

“Whenever you have a system of education where that is the impulse, ... 'This is us, and they are them over there,'” she said, “then the idea of a shared literary heritage becomes a weapon.”

Textbook casts Western civilization as under threat

In the Pentagon's system, high school students can take the new course, Western Civilization to 1500, to fulfill a world history graduation requirement, according to a news release. The course is offered through the department's virtual school.

In the textbook’s introduction, the authors write: “The dangers presented by the neglect of Western history are not trivial.”

“When citizens of Western countries are utterly ignorant of history, as most now are, they are left unarmed against the general hostility to their own tradition that has become so destructive a force in contemporary culture,” they write.

The idea that external forces will displace the dominant culture is a common right-wing political narrative, said Curtis Dozier, a professor of Greek and Roman studies at Vassar College.

"It’s this right-wing idea that when immigrants come to a country, they care more about their own traditions and history and seek to replace the tradition of the place,” he said.

The textbook's authors credit early Christianity with promoting the idea that all people must be treated humanely. It argues that “Christian faith also supported a humane cosmopolitanism."

The book describes Islam as inherently more violent than Christianity. In a chapter on the Middle Ages, the text describes Arabs as resentful or bitter toward Christians and Jews.

In a section titled “Holy War and Martyrdom in Battle,” the book describes wars fought by Christians, such as the Crusades, as intended to defend and protect other Christians. Islam, in contrast, glorifies violence and war, the book says, invoking the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and 9/11.

“In recent decades, Islam as a religion has, understandably, aroused acute hostility from a great many non-Muslims around the world thanks to the behavior of radical Muslim terrorists. Sometimes referred to as Islamists, their atrocities have been applauded by depressingly large numbers of ordinary Muslims,” the book says.

Matthew Gabriele, a history and religion professor at Virginia Tech, said the book's description of the Crusades and the conflicts with the Islamic world strips out important details and context to depict Islam as an aggressive religious tradition and downplays the religious motivations and violence of the Christian church.

“It’s trying to make a contemporary political point by continuously referencing things that happened in the 21st century,” Gabriele said. “The fact that (the book) does this very selectively and only when it suits a particular political project suggests to me that this is not a scholarly history in any kind of real sense.”

The book's publisher, Roger Kimball, said it was peer-reviewed by 15 experts. “As the proud publisher of this incomparable work, I stand behind it in every detail,” he said.

One of the book's co-authors, Harvard emeritus professor James Hankins, said the text does not attempt to characterize Christianity and Western civilization as one. Segments of the book acknowledge the West’s cultural debts to the Islamic world, said Hankins, who now teaches at the University of Florida's Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, a conservative-backed project to teach Western civilization.

An emphasis on the study of Western civilization was standard until the 1970s, Hankins said. He criticized the move away from teaching it, noting that other countries such as China study their own civilization.

“Abandoning it has been foolish in my view, and is one cause of the growing cultural disorientation of the last couple of generations,” he said in an email. “People no longer know where they come from or where they belong in the story of our civilization.”

The Trump administration aligned the military’s education system with its political vision

In speeches and interviews, Hegseth has drawn a line from the country's founding to Western civilization and early Christianity, a religion he describes as under attack by outside forces. He often argues the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and troops should embrace God.

At an event last September recognizing a civics education initiative, Hegseth emphasized the need to teach these values to children early on.

“That type of brilliance didn’t come out of thin air," he said of the Founding Fathers. “It was first inspired by God (and) inspired by an understanding of human history, an understanding of biblical history (and) an understanding of Western civilization philosophy and theology and civics poured into a generation of men and poured into an American experiment — it wasn’t an accident.”

President Donald Trump's administration also has moved to align the military's education apparatus with its broader vision for American schools. Admissions offices at U.S. military academies now accept the Classical Learning Test, a college entrance exam that positions itself as a classical alternative to the SAT. And last year, the ACLU sued the defense school system over its decision to ban hundreds of books that covered topics like race, gender and democracy.

In March, the department abruptly changed the leadership of Department of Defense Education Activity schools, replacing Beth Schiavino-Narvaez with Paul Craft as director. In a news release at the time, Hegseth described Craft as the right leader to reorient the school system "toward patriotic values and classical learning.”

The Pentagon also replaced the education activity's chief academic officer, hiring Tiffany Hoben, who previously worked in the Florida Department of Education under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. In Florida, she oversaw the rollout of a civics curriculum that was criticized for claiming America's founders did not intend for a full separation of church and state.

This summer, the department announced the hiring of Matthew Kirby as the system's Americas regional director. Kirby is the CEO of Liberty Classical Schools, an Atlanta-based network of charter schools.

In an all-hands meeting after his appointment, Craft described classical learning as a priority that came directly from Hegseth.

“He has tasked us with taking the best that we can from the lessons learned from classical learning in a private school setting to say, ‘How do we expose our kids to that in a public school setting like us?’” Craft said.

____

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Joining the S&P 500 is considered an achievement for a company because the index is a widely followed measure of the broader U.S. stock market’s health. A company is selected for the index based on several criteria that demonstrate stability, including market size and consistent profitability.

Reddit's stock surged nearly 14% around midday Friday.

Aside from status, inclusion means more investments. The index tracks 500 of the biggest U.S. stocks, and trillions of dollars in investments benchmark themselves against it. Those investments include mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Essentially, those funds will have to buy the stock once it becomes part of the index that the fund is tracking or mimicking.

Investors are depending more than ever on funds that simply mimic indexes such as the S&P 500. It’s a lower-cost way to invest, allowing savers to keep more of their investments. Partly because of that, such index funds have usually proven to be better performers than funds that try to pick and choose individual stocks.

Reddit will join the benchmark index as of Tuesday. A stock must trade publicly for at least 12 months to join the S&P 500. The operator of the index, S&P Dow Jones Indices, stuck to that guideline recently when it declined to fast-track SpaceX into the index after the space exploration company's massive initial public offering in June.

Reddit's inclusion comes weeks after it posted strong financial results for the second quarter. That included its highest-ever quarterly revenue. The company has been posting profits almost every quarter since it went public in 2024.

Wall Street expects profits to more than double overall in 2026 on a surge in revenue.

Thompson, 50, was shot outside a New York City hotel on Dec. 4, 2024, as he walked to UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference. Mangione was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 233 miles (375 kilometers) west of New York City.

Here is a timeline of key events:

2024

Nov. 24: A man prosecutors say is Mangione arrives in New York City on a Greyhound bus. He takes a taxi to the area of the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson is later shot, then goes to a hostel where he stays until the morning of the shooting. While checking in, prosecutors say, the man presents a fake New Jersey driver’s license bearing the name Mark Rosario.

Dec. 2: Thompson arrives in New York. He is staying at a hotel across the street from the Hilton.

Dec. 4: Thompson is shot and killed. The shooter, later identified by prosecutors as Mangione, waits in the area for about an hour before ambushing Thompson. He then flees through Central Park to upper Manhattan before taking the subway to Penn Station and boarding an Amtrak train to Philadelphia, police say. The shooting is captured on surveillance video.

Dec. 5: In the days after the shooting, police release various images of the suspected shooter, including one showing his face as he checked into the hostel.

Dec. 6: Police find a backpack in Central Park that they say the shooter discarded as he fled. It contains Monopoly money and a black Tommy Hilfiger jacket.

Dec. 9: Altoona police are dispatched to a McDonald’s for a report of a man matching the description of the suspect in Thompson's killing. The man provides a fake ID and name, Mark Rosario, before identifying himself as Luigi Mangione. He is arrested. In his backpack, police find a 3D-printed pistol prosecutors say matches the one used to kill Thompson and a notebook that describes wanting to “wack” a health insurance executive.

Dec. 11: Mangione shouts about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” and writhes in the grip of sheriff’s deputies as they lead him into an Altoona courthouse.

Dec. 19: Mangione is extradited from Pennsylvania and flown to New York. He is led up a Manhattan pier by armed officers in a highly choreographed perp walk in front of news cameras. The mayor at the time, Eric Adams, and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch look on. Mangione is taken to federal court, where he is charged with stalking and murder.

Dec. 23: Mangione is arraigned on state murder and terror charges. He pleads not guilty while his lawyer complains that the dueling federal and state prosecutions had turned him into a “human ping-pong ball.”

2025

April 1: Then-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says she has directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Mangione, calling Thompson's killing “a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America” and “an act of political violence.”

April 25: Mangione pleads not guilty to a federal murder charge as prosecutors formally declared their intent to seek the death penalty against him.

Sept. 16: The judge in the state case, Gregory Carro, throws out Mangione's terrorism charges rejecting the prosecution’s theory that the killing was “intended to evoke terror.” The ruling eliminated the top two charges in Mangione’s state case, sparing him the possibility of a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Carro keeps other charges in place, including second-degree murder.

Dec. 1: A three-week evidentiary hearing kicks off in Mangione’s state case. Prosecutors call 17 witnesses, many of them police officers and other personnel involved in his arrest, and play body-camera footage of officers arresting Mangione and a 911 call from the McDonald's manager about a man resembling “the CEO shooter.” They also reveal notes about a “survival kit” and “intel checkin” and possible escape plans that they say Mangione had with him.

2026

Jan. 30: U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett bars federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against Mangione, dismissing a federal murder charge that enabled them to seek capital punishment. Garnett also rules that prosecutors can use evidence collected from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest.

Feb. 6: Mangione speaks out in court against the prospect of back-to-back trials, telling Carro: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”

May 18: Carro rules that prosecutors in the state case can use the gun, notebook and other items that police found in Mangione’s backpack after his arrest. However, the judge bars items that officers took from the bag before Mangione was taken into custody, including a loaded gun magazine, cellphone, passport and wallet.

June 17: Carro discloses that Mangione plans to assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial, claiming he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbance when he killed Thompson. The next day, Mangione's lawyers reverse course and tell Carro he wouldn't be pursuing a psychiatric defense.

Aug. 14: Mangione pleads guilty in the federal case.

Karyne David, quien reside en el vecindario West Little River del condado, fue arrestado el lunes por el Departamento de Policía de Miami Gardens tras el incidente ocurrido durante la madrugada, según un informe de arresto.

Los registros de la cárcel muestran que enfrenta dos cargos de intento de asesinato premeditado con un arma mortal, agresión agravada con arma de fuego y disparar o lanzar un proyectil mortal.

La policía dijo que el incidente comenzó con una balacera relacionada con violencia doméstica reportada el domingo por la noche en una vivienda de Miami Gardens, donde se dispararon múltiples balas contra la residencia ocupada.

El informe de arresto detalla acusaciones relacionadas con la ex novia de David, quien dijo a los investigadores que la pareja había tenido una relación durante aproximadamente un año antes de que terminara en abril debido a problemas de “infidelidad”.

Según el informe, la mujer dijo que David continuó contactándola desde diferentes números telefónicos después de la ruptura, haciendo amenazas y apareciendo sin previo aviso en su casa. También dijo a los investigadores que su automóvil había sido vandalizado varias veces desde junio y que creía que David era responsable.

La mujer proporcionó a los investigadores mensajes entre ella y David desde su teléfono celular, según el informe.

La policía dijo que uno de esos mensajes de David a su ex novia decía: “La próxima vez será peor, así que no salgas”.

Los investigadores también dijeron que entrevistaron a dos personas que estaban dentro de la vivienda durante la balacera. Dijeron que la ex novia de David les contó a los policías que estaba dormida en la habitación de su madre porque ya tenía miedo después de una balacera anterior ocurrida en la vivienda esa misma noche.

Una segunda persona dentro de la vivienda dijo a la policía que escuchó fuertes sonidos que golpeaban la residencia e intentó mirar afuera para determinar qué estaba sucediendo, según el informe.

Como parte de la investigación, un detective de la Unidad de Víctimas Especiales de MGPD estaba realizando vigilancia en el área alrededor de las 4:15 a.m. del lunes, según el informe.

El detective que respondió dijo a los investigadores que vio un Honda Accord negro estacionado cerca de la vivienda y posteriormente observó a David parado en la calle con un rifle, según la policía.

El detective dijo a los investigadores que vio a David levantar el rifle, seguido de un destello del cañón y varios disparos. La policía dijo que el detective respondió al fuego.

David luego subió al Honda Accord y huyó, lo que provocó una persecución en la que participaron el detective y otros agentes de Miami Gardens, según la policía.

Según el informe, el detective y otros agentes siguieron el vehículo, que se detuvo cerca de Northwest 107th Street y 17th Avenue en Opa-locka, donde los agentes detuvieron a David.

Después del arresto de David, una unidad K-9 de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade registró el área y encontró un rifle Century Arms Draco en el césped cerca del lugar donde David fue detenido, según el informe.

Las autoridades dijeron que pruebas posteriores determinaron que el rifle coincidía con los casquillos recuperados tanto de la balacera del 9 de agosto como de la balacera en la vivienda.

La policía dijo que David fue arrestado y trasladado al Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Hasta la mañana del viernes, David permanecía detenido en TGK, con una fianza indicada como “por establecerse”.

El Departamento de Aplicación de la Ley de Florida está investigando la balacera en la que estuvo involucrado el detective de Miami Gardens. Ningún agente ni detective resultó herido durante la balacera y la posterior persecución, dijeron las autoridades.

If a restaurant racks up 30 or more violations in a single inspection, we think that deserves a closer look.

State records show inspectors found food-contact surfaces with mold-like growth, mold growing on food, live flies landing on food, roaches, raw meat stored above cooked food, and potentially dangerous foods sitting at temperatures where bacteria can multiply. At one restaurant, inspectors found cooked food being held as low as 87 degrees, while another had meat, cheese and salsa sitting above the safe cold-holding temperature for more than four hours.

These restaurants may have remained open, but 30-plus violations is a lot of problems in a place where people are trusting the kitchen to keep their food safe.

**TROPICAL RESTAURANT

652 EAST 9TH ST.

HIALEAH

INSPECTION DATE 8/7

40 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Observed establishment operating and serving customer without a license.”

“Observed approximately 1 flying insect landing on sliced ham and slice pork inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter. Also observed approximately 6 flying insects flying in back kitchen above preparation tables and clean equipment’s. Also observed 1 flying insect landing on clean metal container on shelf in front of big oven at kitchen area.”

“Observed raw pork and raw beef stored over cooked pork on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area. Also observed raw shell eggs stored over cooked beef on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed raw beef stored over raw pork on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed no date marked on milk inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.”

“Observed roach crawling on the floor under hand wash sink next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed approximately 1 flying insect landing on sliced ham and slice pork inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.”

“Sliced ham (52F - Cold Holding); Sliced pork (52F - Cold Holding) inside cold holding unit at front counter next to sandwich station. As per operator for less than 1 hour.”

“Pork chops (125F - Hot Holding) inside steam table at front counter. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Rice (122F - Hot Holding); Chicken stew (114F - Hot Holding) inside hold holding equipment next to oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Cooked onions (103F - Hot Holding) in shelf over stove in front of dishwasher machine at kitchen area. As per employee for less than 1 hour. Also observed Black beans (87F - Hot Holding); Chicken Soup (91F - Hot Holding) over preparation table in front of big oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours.”

“Observed at kitchen area.”

“Observed soiled can opener on preparation tables next to seafood chest freezer at kitchen area.”

“Observed food debris inside hand wash sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.”

“Observed in front of pork belly hot holding unit at front counter.”

“Observed large shipping container stored behind property filled with restaurant equipment.”

“Observed ice machine interior soiled at front counter.”

“Observed in the floor next to fryer at kitchen area.”

“Observed ceiling and vents soiled with accumulation of dust and grease all around kitchen area and back storage area. Also observed ceiling soiled with accumulation of grease over grill press at front counter.”

“Observed clean spatulas between wall and three compartment sink in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.”

“Observed several grooved cutting boards on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area.”

“Observed 1 dead roach under three compartment sink at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 3 dead roaches on trap under reach in freezer located in front of ice unit at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 1 dead roach under shelf located outside of office at break room area.”

“Observed several employees engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint all around kitchen area.”

“Observed several food container stored on the floor inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed accumulation of grease when the walls all around kitchen area.”

“Observed inside reach in cooler at break room.”

“Observed ice scoop stored over dirty container next to ice machine located next to break room at kitchen area.”

“Observed sugar scoop handle touching sugar inside container at back storage shelf in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.”

“Observed microwave interior soiled over preparation grill at kitchen area. Also observed oven interior soiled next to dishwasher machine at kitchen area.”

“Observed no ambient thermometer inside walk in coolers at kitchen area.”

“Observed no drip tray on hood systems all around kitchen area.”

“Observed gasket soiled with mold like substance under toaster machines at front counter. Also observed three compartment sink nuzzle hole with accumulation of mold like substance at kitchen area.”

“Observed not screen on fan over the back door next to fryer at back kitchen area.”

“Observed several reuse single service under preparation table next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.”

“Observed clean utensils stored upright inside container next to grill in front of dishwasher machine at kitchen area.”

“Observed all around kitchen area.”

“Observed walk in coolers shelves with accumulation of rust at kitchen area.”

“Observed grease accumulation on the walls all around kitchen area.”

“Observed wet wiping cloth on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area not stored in sanitizing solution.”

“Observed sugar container not identified under counter next to ice cream unit at front counter.”

**MANHATTAN CHICAGO REAL PIZZA

12715 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY

PINECREST

INSPECTION DATE 8/4

31 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed rolls stored in black garbage bag.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardiniera (55F - Cold Holding).”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardiniera (55F - Cold Holding).”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled dry food and dish racks.”

“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.”

“Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed in ware wash area.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwave and cooler door handles soiled.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout establishment.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout establishment.”

“Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed under garlic oil and seasonings.”

“Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardineira (55F - Cold Holding).”

“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed in restroom.”

“Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee food in cooler above mozzarella cheese.”

“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back door.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout entire establishment.”

“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor in disrepair.”

“Food stored on floor. Observed cases of flour, sugar soda and water on floor.”

“Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed under front counter top.”

“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in multiple freezers.”

“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled.”

“Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed outside of restroom and in ware wash.”

“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster.”

“No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy.”

“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand sink.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled in multiple coolers. Observed exterior of most equipment in kitchen soiled.”

“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in multiple coolers.”

“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler.”

“Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed pizza boxes on floor of lobby area.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken in standing water at triple sink.”

“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout establishment.”

**SABOR PERU

2927 BISCAYNE BLVD.

MIAMI

INSPECTION DATE 8/12

31 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. By front counter.”

“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl no handle stored inside rice container. Employee removed.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vents soiled above three compartment sink and kitchen and prep area.”

“Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed double sink at prep area by coffee station no splash protected.”

“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates by storage not inverted. Employee inverted.”

“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed blue cutting board no longer cleanable at ceviche prep area.”

“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on clean plates bowls at storage across three compartment sink.”

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn across cook line. Observed dishwasher in disrepair by prep area.”

“Establishment charging automatic gratuity without properly disclosing the information on the menu and the bill. Observed charge fee for credits card not in the menu.”

“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.”

“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed floor standing water by kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

“Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor by hand sink at three compartment sink.”

“Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed wall above white chest freezer damaged.”

“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed insect control device stored above utensils by prep area.”

“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed reach in cooler by cook line.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled at cook line. Observed fryer heavily soiled by cook line. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at prep area and kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler interior bottom soiled across cook line.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled by cook line.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee put new gloves without wash hands. Coached employee to wash hands properly.”

“Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken and frozen vegetables stored inside Nonfood-grade bags at white chest freezer. Repeat Violation.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored above cooked shrimp at reach in cooler by cook line. Employee stored properly. Repeat Violation.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked red beans (55F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by white freezer. As per employee prepared a day prior.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked red beans (55F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by white freezer. As per employee prepared a day prior. Employee discarded. Repeat Violation.”

“Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed hose connected at mop sink.”

“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed cook unable to answered the minimum cooking temperature of chicken.”

“Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards at ceviche prep area.”

“Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing a cloth inside hand sink by three compartment sink.”

“No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. Observed more than 4 employees manipulating food no manager on site. Repeat Violation.”

“No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Observed outside container used as a dry storage with shelves. Observed flour bags, Single services boxes, dry beans and cooking oil containers stored inside outside container. As per plan reviewer Robert “Duke” Ivers, operator needs to submit plans.”

“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked red beans and cooked vegetables stored inside reach in cooler by white freezer not dated. As per cooked a day prior. Employee labeled cooked vegetables soup.”

HONORABLE MENTION

**FRITANGA COQUITO

1255 WEST 46TH ST

HIALEAH

INSPECTION DATE 8/13

29 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on rice container at kitchen area.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled walk in cooler door handle.”

“Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed on hallway by walk in cooler.”

“Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles at kitchen area.”

“Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed throughout kitchen.”

“Food stored on floor. Observed a bag of rice stored on floor at front counter, operator stored properly.”

“In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. “Observed on sugar container next to 3 compartment sink.”

“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed stored above microwave at kitchen area.”

“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.”

“No copy of latest inspection report available.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled white bins containers at kitchen area.”

“Open dumpster lid.”

“Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.”

“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom. Observed at walk in freezer.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled wall on preparation area.”

“Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine +100ppm) next to 3 components sink.”

“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar and salt containers not identified with common name at kitchen area.”

“Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Coached employee on proper procedures.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Coached employee on proper procedures.”

“Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed mold like growth on two bag of shredded mozzarella inside reach in cooler at front counter, operator discarded during inspection.”

“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 8 live flies at kitchen area, some landing on cabbages on preparation table at kitchen area. Also observed 3 dead flies inside reach in cooler next to coffee machine.”

“Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked pork stored on nonfood grade bags.”

“Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed next to steam table, as per operator less than 3 hours. Operator moved to walk in cooler.”

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 8 live flies at kitchen area, some landing on cabbages on preparation table at kitchen area.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed milk (56F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler next to coffee machine, operator moved to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.”

“Observed pork (126F - Hot Holding); white rice (99F - Hot Holding) operator proceeded to reheated.”

“Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening.”

“Observed commercially processed tomato sauce not date marked, as per operator was opened more than 24 hours.”

“No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment ware washing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.”

“No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area, operator provided during inspection.”

Police said officers, paramedics and firefighters were at the scene near Wickford train station in Essex, about 30 miles east of London (48 kilometers), after receiving reports that the rear carriages of a train derailed. The carriages were in an “upright position," police said, and no injuries were reported.

National Rail said officials were working to understand what happened, and major disruptions to train services were expected through Friday afternoon.

The incident came less than 24 hours after a train from London to Eastbourne went off the tracks outside the southern English town of Lewes. Three carriages overturned, seriously injuring two people and causing minor injuries for 18 others.

All passengers were evacuated within about three hours, the transport police said.

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Leer en español

A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County and the Big Island in anticipation of hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or higher), while Maui County – including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Kahoʻolawe – is under a tropical storm watch for the possibility of tropical storm winds (winds of 39 mph or higher) as Lala passes to the south.

A rare direct hurricane threat for the Big Island

While the 50^th state is no stranger to brushes from tropical storms and hurricanes, only 2 hurricanes on record (since 1949) – Category 4 Iniki in 1992 and Category 1 Dot in 1959 – have passed directly over any of the main Hawaiian Islands (both struck Kauaʻi in the north).

Only three other tropical storms on record have passed directly over the state – Iselle in 2014 and Darby in 2016 (both striking the Big Island) and Olivia in 2018, the only named storm on record to pass directly over Maui and Lanai.

If Lala’s center crosses the Big Island as a hurricane, it would be the first hurricane on record to cross the island.

Even tropical storms and hurricanes that haven’t struck Hawai’i square on have caused major problems over the years, especially from terrain-enhanced rainfall caused by strong winds forced up the archipelago’s dramatic mountain slopes.

Hurricane Lane in August 2018, whose center passed 150 miles west of the Big Island, dropped an astounding 58 inches of rainfall over eastern parts of the Big Island northwest of Hilo. This is the second-highest rainfall total ever observed from a tropical cyclone in the United States, only eclipsed by Hurricane Harvey the previous August and September (2017), which dumped over 60 inches of rain in the Houston-Beaumont region of southeastern Texas.

What’s in store for Hawai’i from Lala

The most serious inland hazard from Lala will be heavy rainfall, which could top two feet across the Big Island, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain.

While up to 8 inches of rain are possible across the other main islands this weekend, the Big Island and Maui will see the lion’s share of the heavy rainfall, with widespread 8- to 12-inch totals and isolated totals exceeding 20 inches on their wetter windward sides where steep slopes face east toward the prevailing winds.

Meanwhile, hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or stronger) are expected by early Saturday across the Big Island, with tropical storm conditions (winds of 39-73 mph) spreading into Maui County – including Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Kahoʻolawe – by later Saturday local time. Winds at the top of east-facing mountain slopes could be up to 30% stronger than what’s reflected by the National Hurricane’s Center forecast, which estimates only surface winds (for example 75 mph winds at the surface could be as high as 100 mph at elevation).

Additionally, treacherous surf and marine conditions, with large and breaking waves reaching 15 feet or larger, are forecast through the weekend along east-facing shores in Hawai’i.

Seas will stay elevated into early next week, but conditions will generally improve across the island archipelago by Monday as Lala pull away.

Lukewarm Atlantic walks it back

Forecast models continue to walk back their initial interest in two systems we’ve been tracking over the deep tropical Atlantic designated Invest 92L and Invest 94L.

Invest 92L – the westernmost disturbance now located only about 350 miles east of the easternmost Caribbean islands – which had an 80% chance of development only yesterday and was on the brink of becoming the Atlantic’s next named storm faltered on Thursday as it ran into a staunch wall of El-Niño-induced wind shear. NHC quickly peeled back its development odds from 80% Thursday morning to a paltry 20% by Friday morning.

Though it could bring periods of heavy rain and squally weather as it passes through the islands this weekend, 92L’s development odds look to be kaput beyond today as it heads directly into the teeth of the highest ribbon of wind shear ahead.

The disturbance to 92L’s east – designated Invest 94L – was similarly struggling early Friday. A dry and stable environment is limiting thunderstorm organization and this still has some work to do before it clears the formation hurdle.

As we discussed in previous newsletters, this one will outlast 92L but it’s left to be seen if it can muster up enough organization to become a tropical depression or named storm by this weekend or early next week.

In general, models have continued to trend away from development with 94L and our two better-performing modeling systems – the Euro and Google’s DeepMind – have pared back their odds considerably.

We’ll monitor the trends for the northeastern islands of the Caribbean for later next week as 94L or what forms from it will track near or north of the islands. For now, however, our guidance doesn’t suggest a significant threat for the islands next week.

Una advertencia de huracán está vigente para el condado de Hawái y la Isla Grande ante la expectativa de condiciones de huracán (vientos de 74 mph o más), mientras que el condado de Maui, incluidas las islas de Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi y Kahoʻolawe, está bajo vigilancia de tormenta tropical por la posibilidad de vientos de tormenta tropical (vientos de 39 mph o más) mientras Lala pasa al sur.

Una rara amenaza directa de huracán para la Isla Grande

Aunque el estado número 50 no es ajeno a los efectos de tormentas tropicales y huracanes, solo dos huracanes registrados (desde 1949), el huracán de categoría 4 Iniki en 1992 y el huracán de categoría 1 Dot en 1959, han pasado directamente sobre alguna de las principales islas de Hawái (ambos golpearon Kauaʻi, en el norte).

Solo otras tres tormentas tropicales registradas han pasado directamente sobre el estado: Iselle en 2014 y Darby en 2016 (ambas golpearon la Isla Grande) y Olivia en 2018, la única tormenta con nombre registrada que pasó directamente sobre Maui y Lanai.

Si el centro de Lala cruza la Isla Grande como huracán, sería el primer huracán registrado en cruzar la isla.

Incluso las tormentas tropicales y huracanes que no han golpeado directamente a Hawái han causado grandes problemas a lo largo de los años, especialmente debido a las fuertes lluvias provocadas por el terreno, causadas por los fuertes vientos que ascienden por las pronunciadas laderas montañosas del archipiélago.

El huracán Lane en agosto de 2018, cuyo centro pasó a 150 millas al oeste de la Isla Grande, dejó unas sorprendentes 58 pulgadas de lluvia en las zonas orientales de la Isla Grande, al noroeste de Hilo. Esta es la segunda mayor cantidad de lluvia registrada de un ciclón tropical en Estados Unidos, solo superada por el huracán Harvey en agosto y septiembre anteriores (2017), que dejó más de 60 pulgadas de lluvia en la región de Houston-Beaumont, en el sureste de Texas.

Lo que se espera de Lala en Hawái

El peligro más grave tierra adentro de Lala serán las fuertes lluvias, que podrían superar los dos pies en toda la Isla Grande, provocando inundaciones y deslizamientos de tierra potencialmente mortales, particularmente en zonas de terreno escarpado.

Aunque podrían caer hasta 8 pulgadas de lluvia en las otras islas principales este fin de semana, la Isla Grande y Maui recibirán la mayor parte de las fuertes lluvias, con acumulaciones generalizadas de 8 a 12 pulgadas y acumulaciones aisladas de más de 20 pulgadas en sus zonas más húmedas orientadas al viento, donde las pendientes pronunciadas miran hacia el este, en dirección a los vientos predominantes.

Mientras tanto, se esperan condiciones de huracán (vientos de 74 mph o más) desde las primeras horas del sábado en toda la Isla Grande, mientras que las condiciones de tormenta tropical (vientos de 39 a 73 mph) se extenderán al condado de Maui, incluidas Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi y Kahoʻolawe, más tarde el sábado, hora local. Los vientos en la parte superior de las laderas montañosas orientadas al este podrían ser hasta 30% más fuertes de lo que refleja el pronóstico del Centro Nacional de Huracanes, que estima únicamente los vientos en la superficie (por ejemplo, vientos de 75 mph en la superficie podrían alcanzar hasta 100 mph en elevaciones mayores).

Además, se pronostican condiciones marítimas y oleaje peligrosos, con olas grandes y rompientes de 15 pies o más, durante todo el fin de semana a lo largo de las costas orientadas al este de Hawái.

El oleaje seguirá elevado hasta principios de la próxima semana, pero las condiciones generalmente mejorarán en todo el archipiélago de islas para el lunes, cuando Lala se aleje.

Atlántico tibio da marcha atrás

Los modelos de pronóstico continúan reduciendo sus expectativas iniciales sobre dos sistemas que hemos estado siguiendo en las profundidades del Atlántico tropical, designados Invest 92L e Invest 94L.

Invest 92L, la perturbación más occidental, ubicada ahora a solo unas 350 millas al este de las islas más orientales del Caribe, que ayer tenía un 80% de probabilidades de desarrollo y estaba al borde de convertirse en la próxima tormenta con nombre del Atlántico, perdió fuerza el jueves al encontrarse con una fuerte cizalladura del viento inducida por El Niño. El NHC redujo rápidamente sus probabilidades de desarrollo del 80% el jueves por la mañana a un escaso 20% para el viernes por la mañana.

Aunque podría provocar periodos de fuertes lluvias y condiciones de tormenta mientras pasa por las islas este fin de semana, las probabilidades de desarrollo de 92L parecen desaparecer después de hoy, mientras se dirige directamente hacia la zona de mayor cizalladura del viento.

La perturbación al este de 92L, designada Invest 94L, también tenía dificultades a primera hora del viernes. Un ambiente seco y estable está limitando la organización de las tormentas eléctricas y este sistema todavía tiene trabajo por hacer antes de superar el obstáculo para su formación.

Como discutimos en boletines anteriores, este sistema durará más que 92L, pero está por verse si puede alcanzar suficiente organización para convertirse en una depresión tropical o una tormenta con nombre este fin de semana o a principios de la próxima semana.

En general, los modelos han continuado mostrando una tendencia contraria al desarrollo de 94L y nuestros dos sistemas de modelos con mejor desempeño, el europeo y DeepMind de Google, han reducido considerablemente sus probabilidades.

Monitorearemos las tendencias para las islas del noreste del Caribe más adelante la próxima semana, mientras 94L, o lo que se forme a partir de él, se desplaza cerca de las islas o al norte de ellas. Por ahora, sin embargo, nuestros modelos de pronóstico no sugieren una amenaza significativa para las islas la próxima semana.

“No hay dónde vivir, lo perdimos todo”, relató a The Associated Press Morales, de 38 años, en un refugio de Cali, una de las ciudades más afectadas por el sismo de magnitud 7,4 ocurrido el lunes con epicentro en el departamento de Chocó, en el noroeste del país, que cobró la vida de más de 285 personas.

Su casa quedó destruida: se agrietaron las paredes, se derrumbó el piso y se cayó el techo.

Morales es una de las más de 102.000 personas damnificados por el sismo de mayor magnitud registrado en el país en lo que va del siglo. El gobierno calcula que más de 12.800 viviendas quedaron destruidas y otras 73.400 afectadas.

Además de la búsqueda de sobrevivientes, que se dificulta con el paso de las horas, comienza otro desafío: reconstruir la vida de los damnificados como el país lo hizo en 1999 tras un sismo de similar magnitud.

Medidas excepcionales

El terremoto se convirtió en el primer gran desafío para el recién posesionado presidente Abelardo de la Espriella, quien declaró el desastre nacional y la emergencia económica para poder establecer impuestos temporales sin el aval del Congreso.

Los fondos nacionales e internacionales que se recauden irán al “Fondo Milagro”, como lo llamó el presidente, que se destinará a la construcción de hospitales, centros educativos, inmuebles, vías y aeropuertos.

Una estrategia similar fue usada en 1999 tras el terremoto de Armenia, en el oeste, cuando los recursos se concentraron en el Fondo para la Reconstrucción de la Región del Eje Cafetero.

Yezid Alvarado Vargas, doctor en Ingeniería de la Construcción y docente de la Universidad Javeriana, explicó a AP que Colombia debería “diagnosticar bien y reconstruir mejor” y que para eso se necesita saber el estado real de las edificaciones y en la reconstrucción "incorporar la información que nos deja este sismo". Entre ellas mencionó las condiciones “particulares del suelo y una revisión de la vulnerabilidad existente”, dado que Colombia llega al terremoto actual mejor preparada que en 1999.

Refugios y ayuda humanitaria

Morales aseguró que se quedará en uno de los refugios dispuestos en Cali para los damnificados “hasta que el gobierno nos dé una ayuda”. El presidente prometió subsidios de alquiler para quienes perdieron su vivienda y apoyo financiero.

“Hoy venimos donde están dando las donaciones. Nos han dado algo de alimentación, comida, ropitas”, relató a AP Olga Castro, una de las afectadas en Cali, junto a sus cinco hijos. “Por lo menos salimos con vida... una vecina me está dando posada y de ahi vamos a ver qué hacer”, explicó.

Las autoridades de los municipios afectados habilitaron colegios, parques y edificios públicos como refugios, los equiparon con carpas y colchonetas y ofrecen comida; pero en otros casos son los ciudadanos los que improvisan albergues en las calles.

María Mercedes Liévano, directora en el país de Save the Children, dijo a AP que las necesidades de los afectados son apremiantes, especialmente en los lugares de menor acceso como Buenaventura, el principal puerto del país, y Chocó.

“Son territorios aislados, abandonados, con debilidad de oferta institucional histórica, con temas de violencia y además les llega un terremoto de este tipo. Entonces es una crisis sobre una crisis que está dejando a las poblaciones en una situación de vulnerabilidad extrema”, explicó Liévano.

Esto, advirtió, se exacerba en la niñez que está bajo estrés tras el terremoto y que necesita apoyo socioemocional, luego de estar separados de sus familias o enterarse de que han muerto. Lo que se suma a la falta de acceso a la educación, dado que más de 2.200 centros educativos resultaron afectados, según cifras gubernamentales.

El sismo de magnitud 7,4 afectó una amplia franja del oeste de Colombia, desde centros urbanos como Cali y Pereira hasta zonas remotas y escarpadas del departamento del Chocó. Hasta la mañana del viernes, las autoridades habían confirmado más de 280 muertos, miles de heridos y más de 12.000 viviendas destruidas. Los equipos de respuesta han logrado rescatar a unas 350 personas, pero cientos siguen desaparecidas.

El presidente colombiano Abelardo de la Espriella ha prometido una respuesta gubernamental contundente. Pero, con tantas necesidades repartidas en un área tan extensa, los grupos de ayuda también desempeñarán papeles importantes para asistir a quienes necesitan refugio, suministros y apoyo económico.

Para Catalina Vargas, directora de CARE en Colombia, las labores institucionales no eliminan la necesidad humanitaria. Indicó que la zona más gravemente afectada, el Chocó, también es una de las partes más aisladas y desatendidas del país, por lo que, señaló, el acceso sigue siendo la limitación determinante.

Para quienes pueden ayudar, donar dinero en efectivo suele ser lo ideal para dar a los grupos flexibilidad y agilidad, señaló Abe Diaz, jefe de ayuda ante desastres de Amazon, que está proporcionando a sus socios los suministros solicitados.

Díaz resaltó que las donaciones de productos no solicitados abruman a las comunidades y obligan a los equipos de respuesta a desviar recursos de labores vitales sólo para clasificar y almacenar suministros no deseados.

A continuación, algunas organizaciones que están recaudando donaciones para la recuperación tras el sismo en Colombia, incluidos grupos de Estados Unidos que están respondiendo en el área y algunas organizaciones locales que aceptan fondos del exterior.

Grupos con sede en EEUU en el lugar

All Hands and Hearts ha proporcionado herramientas de búsqueda y rescate como martillos neumáticos y picos al cuerpo de bomberos de Pereira, además de mantas y suministros de rehidratación para los afectados. Enlace para donar.

CARE tiene una presencia de larga data en Colombia. Su apoyo inmediato se centrará en asistencia alimentaria mediante efectivo y vales, paquetes de suministros de emergencia y protección y apoyo emocional para las familias afectadas. Enlace para donar.

Direct Relief está financiando a personal médico de respuesta sobre el terreno y se prepara para entregar los medicamentos y suministros de atención sanitaria solicitados. Enlace para donar.

GEM se está uniendo a socios locales para proporcionar kits esenciales con alimentos, agua y artículos de higiene. Enlace para donar.

Operation Blessing está enfocando su respuesta inicial en proporcionar alimentos y agua, así como linternas solares, a las personas desplazadas. Enlace para donar.

Save the Children ha trabajado en Colombia durante más de 40 años y ha iniciado actividades de apoyo psicosocial y habilitado múltiples espacios amigables para la niñez en las zonas afectadas. Enlace para donar.

World Central Kitchen está proporcionando alimentos y agua a personas desplazadas, personal de primera respuesta y voluntarios, incluso en comunidades montañosas más remotas. Enlace para donar.

Marc Anthony encabeza el domingo concierto benéfico para Colombia y Venezuela

Las estrellas de la música latina Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid, Jay Wheeler y muchos más actuarán en un concierto benéfico internacional para Venezuela y Colombia el 16 de agosto a las 6:00 de la tarde, hora del este de Estados Unidos, en el Kaseya Center de Miami. Se transmitirá en vivo por Univision, ViX, WAPA y emisoras de radio de TelevisaUnivision, iHeartLatino y Venevision Play en Venezuela.

Los televidentes pueden donar escaneando los códigos QR en pantalla, enviando un mensaje de texto con la palabra UNIDOS al 707070 o visitando univision.org durante la transmisión. Los ingresos se destinarán a All Hands and Hearts, CARE, GEM, TECHO y World Central Kitchen.

Grupos con sede en Colombia que aceptan donaciones del exterior

Abaco Colombia, una asociación de 26 bancos de alimentos en todo Colombia, está distribuyendo comida a las familias afectadas en las regiones impactadas. Aceptan donaciones en línea, aunque el procesador de pagos requiere un número de pasaporte.

Equipos de la Cruz Roja Colombiana están realizando labores de búsqueda y rescate, ofreciendo atención médica y apoyo psicosocial, y cubriendo otras necesidades. Aceptan donaciones en línea, aunque el procesador de pagos requiere un número de pasaporte.

La Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia apoya iniciativas juveniles, nutrición y salud, y el fortalecimiento comunitario. Está ayudando a entregar suministros de socorro y alimentos a personas desplazadas en Pereira y otros lugares. Aceptan PayPal.

La Fundación Semillas de Oportunidades apoya a jóvenes a través del arte y el deporte desde su base en Quibdó, Chocó. Están apoyando a familias de jóvenes en todo el Chocó. Aceptan PayPal.

Manos Visibles, una red de organizaciones dedicada a la equidad racial y territorial, está colaborando con una escuela local de oficios con el objetivo de restaurar al menos 100 viviendas en la ciudad de Buenaventura. Aceptan donaciones en línea, aunque el procesador de pagos requiere un número de pasaporte.

Presentes Corporation, una organización de 43 años en Colombia enfocada en la resiliencia comunitaria, se está asociando con la organización sin fines de lucro Give to Colombia, con sede en Miami, para facilitar donaciones desde Estados Unidos. Su fondo Colombia Se Levanta acepta donaciones en línea.

Refugio Huellas de Amor en Pereira está apoyando a los animales rescatados que ya están bajo su cuidado, así como a otros animales afectados. Huellitas Callejeras Barranquilla está enviando veterinarios y suministros médicos a las zonas afectadas. Ambos aceptan PayPal.

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La periodista de The Associated Press Megan Janetsky contribuyó a este despacho desde Ciudad de México.

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La cobertura de The Associated Press sobre filantropía y organizaciones sin fines de lucro recibe apoyo a través de la colaboración de la AP con The Conversation US, con financiamiento de Lilly Endowment Inc. La AP es la única responsable de este contenido. Para toda la cobertura de filantropía de AP, visite https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy

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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

Un terremoto de magnitud 7.4 sacudió Colombia el lunes. Terremotos de magnitud 7.2 y 7.5 azotaron Venezuela el 24 de junio.

Francine De La Rosa, miembro ejecutivo de GEM, se encontraba en el almacén de GEM en Doral, donde voluntarios recibieron un camión cargado de ayuda para el occidente de Colombia.

“Realmente necesitamos redoblar los esfuerzos porque se necesita mucha ayuda”, dijo De La Rosa.

GEM también anunció alianzas en Colombia con dos organizaciones sin fines de lucro: Motorrad Angels Foundation, una organización que viaja a zonas de difícil acceso, y Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia, una organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Bogotá, fundada en 1975, con oficinas en Medellín y Córdoba.

Spence Taylor, miembro del equipo de GEM que vivió el terremoto del lunes en Bucaramanga, pasó aproximadamente un mes en el norte de Venezuela y estaba trabajando en la ciudad de Pereira, donde las autoridades reportaron 79 muertos.

“Una cosa que se ve aquí que es fundamentalmente diferente de Venezuela es que el pueblo colombiano y el gobierno son muy fuertes. La respuesta es realmente muy impresionante”, dijo Taylor a CNN. “Entonces, se ven muchos más primeros socorristas, se ve a personas llegando en masa desde las zonas que no fueron afectadas”.

Taylor dijo recientemente a CNN que GEM tenía equipos dirigiéndose a Chocó, una región empobrecida donde se encontraba el epicentro del terremoto, y que había un equipo de GEM en Cali, donde el alcalde reportó 74 muertos. Taylor dijo que los equipos estaban preparando kits familiares.

“Estamos haciendo todo lo posible para conseguirlos aquí en Colombia. Pero en este momento, yo diría a la diáspora colombiana que las donaciones en efectivo son muy útiles”, dijo Taylor a CNN.

El balance oficial del gobierno de Colombia había aumentado a al menos 239 muertos y 3,755 heridos.

El martes, la primera dama de Colombia, Ana Lucie Pineida, incluyó a GEM en Miami-Dade como un punto de entrega autorizado. El miércoles, el presidente de Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, pidió a los donantes actuar con cautela.

“Para quienes quieran ayudar mediante donaciones, existen canales oficiales y puntos de recolección y acopio; no donen a políticos que solo cometen el delito de recaudación ilegal de dinero, especialmente si están asociados con personas involucradas en escándalos de corrupción”, De La Espriella escribió en X en español. “Qué vergüenza que haya personas lucrándose de la tragedia; eso debe ser investigado”.

Representantes de GEM pidieron al público realizar donaciones en persona de equipos nuevos para acampar, artículos de higiene y kits de primeros auxilios con productos que no estén vencidos.

La ciudad de Pembroke Pines, en asociación con Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, también está aceptando donaciones que serán entregadas a GEM.

Los puntos de entrega en Pembroke Pines son:

Estación 33 - 600 SW 72nd Ave.

Estación 69 - 9500 Pines Blvd.

Estación 89 - 13000 SW Pines Blvd.

Estación 99 - 16999 Pines Blvd.

Estación 79 - 19900 Pines Blvd.

Estación 101 - 6057 SW 198 Ter.

El almacén está aceptando donaciones de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. en 1850 NW 84th Ave. en Doral. Para obtener más información sobre cómo donar o ser voluntario, visite esta página.

Historias relacionadas

• Terremoto en Colombia: el gimnasio BOXR organiza carrera benéfica en el centro de Miami
• Más de 43 175 personas se han quedado sin hogar en la región colombiana del Chocó, según informan las autoridades
• La respuesta ante el terremoto pondrá a prueba las relaciones entre EE. UU. y Colombia bajo el mandato del nuevo presidente, según experto

“No, it's not going to be my biggest challenge,” Makhachev said. “He's just good, you know? I give him respect. He has good skills. But everybody knows my game.”

Fight fans know Makhachev as a two-division champion and reigning title holder at 170 pounds.

They might soon know Makhachev as the fighter with the longest winning streak in UFC history.

Makhachev can indeed topple Anderson Silva and set the UFC record for most consecutive wins at 17 should he defeat Machado Garry in the main event title fight at UFC 330 on Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Makhachev (28-1) has not lost since UFC 192 in 2015 and has gone on from that defeat to win the UFC lightweight title in 2022. He made four straight successful title defenses before he surrendered the title. Makhachev won the welterweight crown in his first attempt when he beat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025.

The win put Makhachev on par with Silva, a Hall of Famer who won a championship match in UFC's first Philadelphia show in 2009.

Makhachev joined a short list in UFC history — the company was founded in 1993 — of male fighters who won championships in two weight classes. The others: Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Randy Couture, Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria.

The 34-year-old Makhachev is smart enough to know that, even as a heavy betting favorite to defend his title, Machado Garry is more than “just good."

Machado Garry (17-1) just might be the biggest threat yet to end Makhachev's winning streak and walk out of Philadelphia as the new champion. His only career loss came in a 2024 decision, and he rebounded with two straight wins that thrust the Irishman into a title fight against Makhachev.

“For me to go out there against him, who many consider to be a generational talent, they're starting to talk about him in the GOAT conversation,” Machado Garry said, “for me to go out there and have that as the challenge that I have to go out there and beat to prove I'm not only the champion of the world, but I really truly am the best on the planet, that's what I want.”

Machado Garry lacks a finishing punch but has enough of a versatile skill set to win the bulk of his fights by decision. He is not the near the elite level of wrestler of Makhachev and has to stay on his feet to keep the fight in his favor. Machado Garry does have about 4 inches in height and reach to the challenger.

“He acts like he's a bad boy,” Makhachev said. “We will make him humble. We will make him a good guy.”

Mackenzie Dern defends 115-pound title against Gillian Robertson

Mackenzie Dern (16-5-0) is set for her first title defense after she won the vacant strawweight belt in her last fight at UFC 321.

She already had to make one adjustment as the champ.

“It's definitely a little bit different doing the faceoffs with the belt in my hand,” Dern said. “I'm like, how do I shake her hand? Just getting used to having the belt over my shoulder most of the week during fight week.”

Gillian Robertson (17-8) holds the record for the most UFC submission wins by a woman and has won five straight fights going back to 2024. Robertson has won five straight bouts and six of seven overall since returning to the strawweight division and she is tied with Amanda Nunes for the most overall finishes on the women’s side of the sport with 10.

New kind of Broad Street Bullies set to usher in UFC's return to Philadelphia

UFC is running only its third numbered card in Philadelphia.

UFC 101 was held in August 2009, and UFC 133 was in August 2011.

Justin Gaethje, who won the lightweight title in the main event of the June card at the South Lawn of the White House in front of President Donald Trump, beat Edson Barboza in a 2019 Fight Night event on ESPN.

Barboza is back on Saturday's 330 card and fights Esteban Ribovics in a lightweight bout.

Machado Garry thought his title fight deserved a location more associated with big-time UFC bouts such as Las Vegas. He came around to Philadelphia once he brushed up on the city's fight history — though boxing is more the name of the game, and the city boasts statues of Joe Frazier and the fictional Rocky Balboa.

“Philadelphia is going to have a special place in my heart come Saturday night for the rest of my life because it's where I'm going to win a world title,” Machado Garry said.

One fight of note on the main card includes Dustin Stoltzfus, a native of Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, taking on Mansur Abdul-Malik in a middleweight bout.

“I love this area,” Stoltzfus said. “Less Philadelphia. I'm more of a country bumpkin from Lancaster."

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AP MMA: https://apnews.com/hub/mixed-martial-arts

The Cuban government has realized that efforts to attract investment from U.S. and Cuban-American businesses have largely failed because of the many sanctions imposed by the United States and the fact that the risks still outweigh the opportunities.

However, the Cuban government is trying very hard to attract companies from around the world to take over many operations and businesses in Cuba. With many European hoteliers and other companies having recently left Cuba, it will still be a challenge to attract new investors.

One thing these companies should keep in mind before starting operations in Cuba is that they could be operating in properties that were confiscated by the Cuban government in the early 1960s. They could potentially face legal challenges in the future as a result.

For American companies alone, there are 5,913 businesses and properties that were confiscated and registered with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Aug. 13: Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday prompts reflection on his legacy in Cuba

Thursday marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, a man whose narcissistic personality took control of Cuba after overthrowing Fulgencio Batista on Jan. 1, 1959. He made promises to the Cuban people that he later betrayed for his own selfish ambitions and thirst for power.

At his trial on Oct. 16, 1953, following the failed attack on the Moncada military barracks in Santiago de Cuba, he famously said, “History will absolve me.”

In the end, history will judge him as a ruthless dictator who destroyed Cuba, impoverished its people and inflicted tremendous suffering on an entire nation.

Aug. 12: Cuba poses a tough foreign policy challenge for Rubio

“Who is on first, what is on second, I don’t know is on third.”

The famous comedy routine by Abbott and Costello can be compared to the Trump administration’s foreign policy strategies these days. Diplomatic negotiations are complex and complicated, especially when dealing with countries, governments, and individuals with whom the United States has not had good relationships.

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Reliable sources tell me there are tremendous differences between the staffs at the White House and the Department of State over how to handle negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, Israel-Gaza, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. It does not help when those negotiating on behalf of the United States have limited to no diplomatic experience.

For now, let’s stay within the area of expertise: Cuba. While President Trump thinks Cuba can be resolved in two months, Secretary of State Marco Rubio knows very well, as does his senior staff, that negotiating with Cuba is not easy.

The Cuban government is willing to continue introducing cosmetic changes to its moribund economy without relinquishing political control. The United States can continue to sanction everyone on the island, and the Cuban government could not care less. All the while, the people of Cuba continue to suffer tremendous hardships. Yet the people are unlikely to turn against the government. The consequence of doing so can mean spending years in jail.

Meanwhile, in Miami, the guessing game continues over who will replace Raúl Castro when he dies, along with preparations for possible transition plans for Cuba. A transition to a democratic system of government in Cuba will take time. A civil society cannot be built overnight. It is also important to remember that Cuba did not have a democratic government before 1959.

For Rubio, expectations from the Cuban American community are high. Yet most in the community understand that it will not be easy to get the Cuban government to make political changes short of a U.S. military invasion. However, Rubio needs a win, especially if he is considering another presidential run. The failures of the Trump administration’s foreign policies around the world could affect Rubio’s future presidential campaign.

So, what will be Rubio’s next step on Cuba? The clock is ticking.

Aug. 10: Will the cat catch the mouse this time?

While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues to put pressure on the Cuban government to change, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel went on Cuban television this past weekend and announced to the Cuban people that the government was making major “transformational changes” to the economy.

Díaz-Canel also told the Cuban people that it would take time and patience -- two things the Cuban people do not have anymore. Díaz-Canel went on to say that the benefits of these changes will begin to show by 2029.

Sources in Washington, D.C. have told me that the Trump administration is looking to see if there is someone in the Cuban government, like Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela, to hand over Raul Castro or even take over the current government and be willing to negotiate with the U.S.

The Miami Herald reported this weekend that General Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, currently the Cuban Minister of the Interior, may be acceptable to the U.S. General Casas is considered a hardliner and therefore unlikely to break with the Cuban leadership.

As I have said before, the case of Venezuela is quite different than Cuba. While Raul Castro is alive, I believe the Cuban government will continue in power and make promises to the Cuban people they cannot keep.

Aug. 8: Cuban opposition leader says Cuba’s transformation must include those on the island

According to Cuban opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer, any plans to transform Cuba must include Cubans on the island.

But do Cubans on the island have the capacity and capabilities to participate in such a process? After living for almost 68 years under a totalitarian system that has shaped the population’s personal values and attitudes, it could take time not only to change it but, more importantly, to sustain those changes.

Democracies are not built in one day. It will take time and patience. Let’s also remember that before the Cuban Revolution, Cuba had a dictatorship under Batista.

Aug 6: US announces new set of economic sanctions against Cuba; 2 of Cuba’s top generals also sanctioned

The U.S. State Department announced a new set of economic sanctions against Cuba on Thursday. At the same time, two of Cuba’s top generals were also sanctioned, Alvaro Lopez Miera, Minister of Defense; and General Roberto Sotolongo, head of the armed forces.

Aug. 5: CIA Task Force on Cuba created, per report

The New York Times has reported the creation of a CIA Task Force on Cuba with the purpose of putting additional pressure on the Cuban government to make political and economic changes to their system.

This news will probably be received by Cuba as an additional threat by the U.S.

Aug. 5: Cuban president confirms ongoing conservations between Havana, US

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed today that there are ongoing conversations between Havana and DC for the purpose of avoiding a military confrontation and trying to find solutions to the issues between both nations.

The Cuban government understands that they are running out of options and most likely will need to reach an agreement with the U.S. Will it include regime change?

Aug. 3 update: Rubio speaks about Cuba’s ongoing espionage activities in the US

This past weekend, in an interview with Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio spoke about Cuba’s ongoing espionage activities in the U.S.

Rubio went on to say that Cuban spies continue to infiltrate the U.S. government, financial institutions, organizations, and academic institutions. Rubio claimed that Cuba continues to be a national security threat to the U.S.

Dr. Andy S. Gomez is Local 10’s Cuba Analyst. Gomez is considered one of the leading scholars on Cuba. He worked in higher education for 32 years before retiring from the University of Miami in 2012.

La policía de Wilton Manors dijo que los agentes fueron llamados a Manor Grove Apartments por un robo a mano armada.

La situación se intensificó cuando la persona de interés se negó a salir de su unidad.

Vecinos dijeron que observaron mientras agentes de la policía de Wilton Manors y Fort Lauderdale rodeaban el edificio.

“He vivido aquí unos 8 años. Fue bastante angustiante verlo, sin duda”, dijo un vecino.

Alex Dorsey, un vecino, dijo que un trabajador de Amazon había llegado para entregar un paquete y tomarle una foto antes de recoger nuevamente el paquete.

“El trabajador de Amazon vino a entregar un paquete”, dijo Dorsey. “Tomó una foto del paquete y luego procedió a recogerlo inmediatamente después. Al vecino no le gustó, esto es Florida, salió con un arma, ya sabes”.

Otro vecino, Paul Baker, compartió un video de un hombre que dijo era su vecino. En un clip, se puede ver a un hombre caminando afuera con un arma de fuego en la mano. Más tarde, se puede escuchar a la policía diciéndole que se rindiera pacíficamente.

Baker dijo que estaba sorprendido por lo ocurrido.

“No podía creerlo. Es un tipo muy amable. Siempre ha sido muy amigable conmigo”, dijo Baker.

La policía arrestó al hombre y lo acusó de agresión agravada con un arma de fuego.

“Me alegra que todo se haya resuelto”, dijo Yarden Ben-David, productor ejecutivo de WPLG.

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Angeline Jean Elliott said she was in bed watching TV last week when she suddenly heard a “puff.”

She soon felt pain and heat in her left leg. Then she saw the blood.

Elliott had been shot, but she had no idea how the bullet got into her bedroom.

According to police, her neighbor was cleaning rust off a gun when it accidentally discharged. The bullet first went through a wall before entering Elliott’s home.

The bullet then struck a metal bedpost, slowing it down before eventually hitting Elliott in the leg.

Elliott underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the bullet.

Her neighbor ran over to help her after the shooting. Police classified the incident as an accidental shooting, and no charges were filed.

“I felt bad for him because he was crying,” Elliott said. “According to me, I thought that it wasn’t intentional.”

Elliott, who is a nurse, said she is grateful to be alive.

“Thank you, God and praise him, you know, forever,” she said.

Looking at the path the bullet took, Elliott said she considers herself lucky.

Angeline Jean Elliott dijo que estaba en la cama viendo televisión la semana pasada cuando de repente escuchó un “soplo”.

Pronto sintió dolor y calor en su pierna izquierda. Luego vio la sangre.

Elliott había recibido un disparo, pero no tenía idea de cómo la bala había entrado en su habitación.

Según la policía, su vecino estaba limpiando el óxido de un arma cuando esta se disparó accidentalmente. La bala primero atravesó una pared antes de entrar a la casa de Elliott.

La bala luego golpeó el poste metálico de la cama, lo que redujo su velocidad antes de finalmente impactar a Elliott en la pierna.

Elliott fue sometida a una cirugía el martes para retirar la bala.

Su vecino corrió a ayudarla después de la balacera. La policía clasificó el incidente como una balacera accidental y no se presentaron cargos.

“Me sentí mal por él porque estaba llorando”, dijo Elliott. “Según yo, pensé que no fue intencional”.

Elliott, quien es enfermera, dijo que está agradecida de estar viva.

“Gracias a Dios y alabado sea Él, ya sabes, por siempre”, dijo.

Al observar la trayectoria que tomó la bala, Elliott dijo que se considera afortunada.

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Attorney General James Uthmeier released a court-ordered rewrite Thursday, 10 days after Leon County Circuit Judge David Frank ruled that the original title and summary were biased, misleading and inaccurate.

First reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the new title, “Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments,” replaces “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes,” which Frank called more of a political slogan than a neutral description.

The rewrite also removes claims that the amendment “benefits” taxpayers, “protects small businesses,” “ensures” core services and guarantees “fairness” for Florida residents.

Instead, it spells out the mechanics.

The measure would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments after that. The old language only mentioned the $250,000 exemption, even though it would not take effect until the second year.

The rewrite also makes clear there is no required schedule to eliminate non-school homestead property taxes. Lawmakers would instead create a process allowing local governments to raise the exemption further, potentially up to a home’s full assessed value.

It also says the annual assessment-growth cap would drop from 10% to 5% for all non-homestead property, including rentals, vacation homes and commercial buildings, not just small businesses.

New Florida residents would receive the existing exemption after qualifying for homestead, but would not receive the larger exemption until their fifth year of claiming it.

Former Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a plaintiff in one of the consolidated challenges, welcomed the rewrite.

“Finally, the practicing attorneys took control of the language,” Brandes said in a text. “The text is honest about what the amendment does. I hope Florida voters will dig deeper, ask hard questions, and understand the consequences before they decide the outcome.”

Opponents say the clearer language does not fix what they consider a flawed proposal.

“The revised ballot language in response to the court’s ruling more accurately represents the underlying policy for voters,” Florida Policy Institute CEO Sadaf Knight said. “However, the amendment’s harmful potential impacts remain the same.”

State analysts estimate the measure would eventually reduce recurring local property-tax revenue by nearly $12 billion annually. Opponents warn that could mean service cuts or higher taxes and fees elsewhere.

“The language on voters’ ballots may have changed, but Amendment 3 is still a scam and a tax shift,” said Jackson Peel, communications director for Save Our Services–No on 3.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who pushed the proposal, argues homeowners need relief from rapidly rising local property-tax collections and local governments can rein in spending.

Amendment 3 needs at least 60% support to pass in November. If approved, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

You can read the full amendment below:

Reportada primero por el Tampa Bay Times, la nuevo título, “Aumento de la exención de vivienda; menor límite a los aumentos en las tasaciones de propiedades sin vivienda”, reemplaza a “Salvemos nuestros hogares de los impuestos excesivos a la propiedad”, que Frank calificó más como un eslogan político que como una descripción neutral.

La nueva versión también elimina las afirmaciones de que la enmienda “beneficia” a los contribuyentes, “protege a las pequeñas empresas”, “garantiza” los servicios esenciales y garantiza la “equidad” para los residentes de Florida.

En cambio, detalla cómo funcionaría.

La medida elevaría la exención de vivienda para los impuestos que no son escolares a $150,000 USD en 2027 y a $250,000 USD en 2028, con ajustes por inflación después de eso. El texto anterior solo mencionaba la exención de $250,000 USD, aunque esta no entraría en vigor hasta el segundo año.

La nueva versión también deja claro que no existe un calendario obligatorio para eliminar los impuestos a la propiedad de viviendas que no sean escolares. En su lugar, los legisladores crearían un proceso que permitiría a los gobiernos locales aumentar aún más la exención, potencialmente hasta el valor total tasado de una vivienda.

También señala que el límite anual al crecimiento de las tasaciones bajaría del 10% al 5% para todas las propiedades que no sean viviendas, incluidos alquileres, casas de vacaciones y edificios comerciales, no solo pequeñas empresas.

Los nuevos residentes de Florida recibirían la exención existente después de calificar para la exención de vivienda, pero no recibirían la exención mayor hasta su quinto año de solicitarla.

El ex senador estatal republicano Jeff Brandes, uno de los demandantes en uno de los desafíos consolidados, recibió con beneplácito la nueva versión.

“Finalmente, los abogados en ejercicio tomaron el control del lenguaje”, dijo Brandes en un mensaje de texto. “El texto es honesto sobre lo que hace la enmienda. Espero que los votantes de Florida profundicen, hagan preguntas difíciles y entiendan las consecuencias antes de decidir el resultado”.

Los opositores dicen que un lenguaje más claro no soluciona lo que consideran una propuesta defectuosa.

“El lenguaje revisado de la boleta electoral, en respuesta al fallo de la corte, representa con mayor precisión la política subyacente para los votantes”, dijo Sadaf Knight, directora ejecutiva del Florida Policy Institute. “Sin embargo, los posibles impactos perjudiciales de la enmienda siguen siendo los mismos”.

Analistas estatales estiman que la medida eventualmente reduciría los ingresos recurrentes por impuestos locales a la propiedad en casi $12,000 millones USD anuales. Los opositores advierten que eso podría significar recortes en los servicios o impuestos y tarifas más altos en otros lugares.

“El lenguaje en las boletas de los votantes puede haber cambiado, pero la Enmienda 3 sigue siendo una estafa y un traslado de impuestos”, dijo Jackson Peel, director de comunicaciones de Save Our Services–No on 3.

El gobernador Ron DeSantis, quien impulsó la propuesta, sostiene que los propietarios necesitan alivio ante el rápido aumento de la recaudación de impuestos locales a la propiedad y que los gobiernos locales pueden controlar el gasto.

La Enmienda 3 necesita al menos 60% de apoyo para ser aprobada en noviembre. Si es aprobada, entraría en vigor el 1 de enero de 2027.

Puedes leer la enmienda completa a continuación:

• Atlántico busca romper su silencio esta semana
• Estafador de Miami viajó a Phoenix para embaucar a personas mayores, dicen autoridades
• Roedores roen repollo, cucarachas caminan sobre mesas de preparación de alimentos; ordenan cerrar 13 negocios
• Courtney Clenney se declara culpable de homicidio involuntario por matar a su novio en 2022
• Arrestan a ex profesor de Miami Dade College acusado de llevar a una menor de Jacksonville a hotel en el condado Flagler
• Cuatro republicanos compiten en las primarias por el escaño de Florida en el Senado de EE. UU.
• El complejo de Spirit Airlines en Dania Beach se vende por más de 93 millones de dólares
• Joven de 17 años enfrenta cargos como adulto intento de asesinato en Berry Farms y robo a mano armada en los baños: MDSO
• ¡Un restaurante, 63 infracciones! No creerás lo que encontraron durante la inspección
• Jugador de Illinois gana $1,040 millones en Powerball; boleto vendido en Florida obtiene $1 millón

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• Atlantic looks to break its silence this week
• Miami fraudster flew to Phoenix to scam seniors, authorities say
• Rodents gnaw cabbage, roaches crawl on food prep tables; 13 businesses ordered shut
• Courtney Clenney pleads guilty to manslaughter for killing boyfriend in 2022
• Former Miami Dade College professor arrested for allegedly bringing minor from Jacksonville to Flagler County hotel
• 4 Republicans running in primary for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat
• Spirit Airlines’ Dania Beach campus sells for over $93 million
• Boy, 17, faces adult charges for Berry Farms attempted murders, armed bathroom robberies: MDSO
• 1 restaurant! 63 violations! You won’t believe this inspection!
• Illinois player wins $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot; Florida player wins $1 million

Even as the army took positions around him and the homes of two other families that settlers had blockaded for most of this week, the settlers remained close enough that Abu Rida feared they would again return after the army left and try to take over the home owned by his Palestinian American brother in Ohio.

“I just don’t know when this will end,” he said.

The standoff in Qusra entered a new stage Friday as activists marched toward the besieged homes to try and replenish the families' food and water supply. But Abu Rida said he was growing tired of the pattern, with Israeli forces removing the settlers, only for them to return and reestablish their positions after the troops withdrew.

“It’s like a kids’ game, like cat and mouse,” Ziv Stahl, the executive director of the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, said. “It’s clearly not a matter of capability but a matter of will.”

The siege of the homes is the latest episode in a wave of settler violence convulsing the occupied West Bank, which Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which would make up the main part of a future Palestinian state. Israel's military said the village — roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Palestinian city of Nablus — was a closed military zone.

They did not answer questions about the presence of the settlers. Both Israel’s military and Israel’s police both referred questions arrests in Qusra to the other.

The West Bank has become more dangerous for Palestinians as Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved more than 100 new settlements. Extremist settlers routinely enter Palestinian towns, clashing with villagers, burning homes, mosques and cars.

Netanyahu is courting blocs of ultranationalist voters ahead of what’s expected to be a difficult reelection campaign in October. He and members of his cabinet have largely dismissed concerns about settler violence as overblown and attributed it to fringe groups of a few hundred youths. Yet rights groups and Palestinians say the government's policies have made it more difficult to restrain settlers, who are rarely punished for attacks.

Qusra siege reflects broader violence

The standoff in Qusra began on Sunday when dozens of settlers arrived and blocked the doors to the three houses, preventing occupants from leaving, according to the families inside.

Israeli troops intervened multiple times and arrived in large numbers Thursday.

Abu Rida and his teenage son were temporarily moved by the army on Thursday but allowed to return hours later. He told his brother in Ohio that he planned on staying to defend the home.

For many, the scene unfolding in Qusra — now in its sixth day — reflected broader failures by Israeli authorities to curb the violence in the West Bank.

Itamar Weil, an Israeli human rights activist from the group Bnei Avraham, said the army had threatened to use tear gas against the activists and forced them to leave, even as settlers remained in the valley below Qusra.

“The army used to prevent settlers from carrying out this kind of violence,” he said. “Now, with a government that fully supports them, they’re not doing their job. They should be protecting both sides from violence, but instead they’re removing activists while barely doing anything about the settlers.”

Palestinian officials have reported 1,476 attacks by Israeli settlers in 2026, including several earlier instances in which settlers staged takeovers of Palestinian homes on the outskirts of other West Bank towns.

A total of 87 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers in the West Bank this year, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Health Ministry. Israel says some were involved in terrorism, which it defines broadly to include militancy and rock-throwing. Three Israelis were killed by Palestinians, including two in a July clash during which four Palestinians were also killed.

Katz strips army of enforcement power against settlers

Before calm was restored in Qusra, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that he would transfer all enforcement powers against Israeli civilians in the West Bank from the army to Israel’s police.

“The (Israeli military’s) role is to fight Palestinian terrorism, focus on protecting the borders and settlements against threats, deal with the borders and the territory itself and security threats to the settlements and the State of Israel, and not chase after boys on the hills,” Katz said in a statement.

Historically, the army has been able to arrest Palestinians and bring those accused of crimes before military courts. But when it comes to Israeli civilians, in most circumstances it can only use temporary detention for those suspected of crimes, leaving arrests, investigations and prosecutions to police and civilian courts.

Katz’s move comes after he ended the use of administrative detention against Israeli civilians in November 2024. The military had used the policy as a tool to contain settler violence, allowing it to detain suspects without charge and remove them from the West Bank.

Much like with that move, rights groups said transferring all powers to the police was unlikely to restore order or ensure Palestinian safety.

Some 2.8 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule in the West Bank alongside more than 560,000 Israeli civilians who live in settlements that the international community largely considers illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Though the Palestinian Authority exercises limited autonomy and policing power in the territory’s largest cities, agreements that date back to the 1990s give Israel security control over large swaths of the territory, including agricultural areas and communities such as Qusra.

Stahl, Yesh Din's executive director, said Katz's announcement wouldn't change or help stem the violence because police will still require army escorts to operate in Palestinian areas.

“Unless (Katz) means he’s going to apply Israeli law and have the police control the West Bank, the military is still the main body in charge,” she said.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press highlighted Maisa Lopes Eliaser as one of dozens of spouses or parents of U.S. troops who had been detained after President Donald Trump’s administration rolled back protections for military families amid its push for mass deportations. Following the AP’s reporting, a group of Congressional Democrats launched an investigation into deportations of military service members and their families.

Eliaser was placed on a deportation flight Wednesday to her native Brazil when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on the plane received a phone call about her mid-flight, she told the AP. She said she was then asked by an ICE officer whether she wanted to continue on to Brazil or go back to the U.S.

“Who made the call? We don’t know,” said Eliaser’s husband, Army Staff Sgt. Alexis Jaramillo. “But someone made the phone call, and then she came back.”

While other detainees were led off the plane in Brazil, Eliaser stayed on board and returned to Louisiana. ICE officers told her that she was “famous” because there were videos about her case, she said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DHS previously told AP that Eliaser, 32, had been issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on April 15, after overstaying the tourist visa she used to enter the U.S. in 2019.

Jaramillo, a 43-year-old aviation operations specialist who has served in the Army for more than a decade, took leave of his duties training soldiers in Fort Polk, Louisiana, to care of Eliaser’s 5-year-old son after she was detained on July 8.

Jaramillo said Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy officer, also looked into his wife’s case. Kelly’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

“This family’s reunion is proof of what’s possible when people set politics aside and do right by those who serve,” said Danitza James, president of the organization Repatriate Our Patriots, which supports military families facing deportation and helped with Eliaser’s case. “We won’t stop until every military family facing detention gets the same chance at justice.”

Eliaser, who was detained in July while at an immigration appointment, has another appointment scheduled for Monday in an effort to reopen her case and advance her green card application. Jaramillo is a U.S. citizen and the couple have been married since 2024.

Jaramillo said he has been told that there will be no further issues with Eliaser’s case, but the couple is still concerned.

“We are really, really, really scared about it, but you know, we have to go,” Jaramillo said. “I told the person who gave me the appointment, ‘Hey sir, don’t play with me, I’ve been through a lot.’”

Eliaser said she is still struggling to sleep and is afraid she will be sent back to the detention facility, where she said she was treated like “an animal.”

“It felt like I was in a nightmare,” Eliaser said. “I could not believe what was happening until I returned to my house. Day by day, I’m trying to recover from this trauma.”

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Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

And thus, “A Very Laufey Day” was born. Each year, the Grammy-winning singer curates itineraries for different locations across the globe for her listeners to follow. It's “anywhere I have been and loved,” she says. It allows them to live what she refers to as “a perfect day,” but also to connect with their community offline and in person. And as she approaches its fourth edition, it has only grown larger.

“It became much bigger than I anticipated, really,” she says. She sought to inspire her audience to find “third spaces,” and explore some of her favorite locales: museums, bookstores, cafes, concerts and the like, and foster community in the process. And each year, it has only grown bigger, with fans dressing up in their favorite Laufey-themed vintage fashions to celebrate the unofficial holiday.

And Aug. 23 will mark the fourth annual “A Very Laufey Day.”

“It is a fun puzzle every year,” she says.

‘A Very Laufey Day’ 2026

This year, “A Very Laufey Day” will include experiences in 75 cities across 25 countries, centering on the theme of “A Celebration of the Arts.”

Those include performances spanning symphony orchestras, ballet, jazz, opera and theater as well as events with libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, yogurt/ice cream shops and more. Her concert film “A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl” will be screened at select theaters. And she's partnered with many museums around the world, including New York City's Guggenheim, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, London's Tate Modern and National Gallery, Chile's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Seoul's Daelim Museum and more. At some participating businesses, fans will be able to acquire limited edition merchandise and Laufey-themed specialty drinks.

“This year it was really about focusing on the arts and culture and finding ways to bring this barrier of entry down between my audience — which is mostly Gen Z and Gen A — and these kind of so-called high cultural experiences,” she says. “Whether it’s going to see an orchestra show … museums or galleries, we really want to find ways to connect with those institutions.”

Some of these spaces can be intimidating for younger fans, and Laufey says this year was all about making these rooms, some of her favorites, inviting to her audience.

“It doesn’t have to be this scary thing. And so, I’ve kind of made it my life’s mission to make spaces like that fun and accessible,” she says.

Colón’s death was confirmed in statements by the World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Organization late Thursday.

In October 2015, Colón suffered a brain bleed in a light-middleweight fight against Terrel Williams in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Fairfax, Virginia.

Colón underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and the WBC said he sustained “irreversible neurological damage” because of what the governing body described as “severe, illegal blows to the back of the head.”

He never fought again and was later pictured in a wheelchair. The WBC named him an honorary world champion.

“The ‘Champion of the Heart’ became a global symbol of resilience, faith, and dignity,” said the WBC, which added that the incident involving Colón inspired the governing body to reinforce its safety regulations and implement stricter medical protocols.

The WBC praised his family for its support in “one of the most moving and outstandingly brave battles for life the world has ever witnessed.”

The WBO described Colón as “a warrior until the very end” and said his “courage, strength and fighting spirit transcended the ring.”

“His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family,” the WBO added.

Before the fight against Williams, Colón collected 16 straight wins, including 13 knockouts.

He lost by disqualification against Williams because his cornermen removed his gloves after the 10th round, believing the contest to be over.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

The season itself is in no danger; climate change, mainly caused by the burning of oil, gas and coal, is warming the weather year-round. Viewed this way, summer-like weather is ascendant. It's setting records across the globe — melting Arctic ice, driving droughts, intensifyingwildfires, spinning up storms and endangering millions of people who can't affordair conditioning, time off work or “coolcations.” The heat is so extreme in Asia that Japan has coined a new meteorological category for the danger: kokusho-bi — or “cruelly hot day.”

What seems as dead as the grass in England this year is the summertime ideal — lazy days, warm nights and escape, however temporary, from classes or parents or work or rules. During the Summer of '26, people are grieving that freedom. And perhaps, the versions of ourselves we become when our senses tell us that we are safe.

“I mourn for the way summer used to be,” author Debra Denker, who writes “cli-fi,” or climate fiction, wrote in an essay last month recalling leisurely days and July Fourth block parties of the 1960s. “Unless we change the trajectory we're on, today's children will never know the gentle and balmy summers of my childhood ... I feel sad that they may never know the truly carefree summers that the more privileged among us enjoyed.”

In 2026, summertime is a different kind of blast

No one needs meteorologists to confirm that this summer is different and our rituals are changing. Downwind from wildfires in North AmericaandEurope, the sky turns orange and the air tastes gritty. Life under Paris' famous gray rooftops can be deadly. Nights can be a sullen cycle of sleep, showering and opening a window — only to close it later to block out the urban noise.

Everywhere, life-giving sun hurts during much of the day. Checking the air quality index has become part of the act of stepping outside. We get things done earlier in the day and stay up later at night. And a full day at the beach — or an August holiday in Europe — is more a matter of risk management than it used to be.

A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Americans are more likely to say extreme heat has had either a “major impact” or “minor impact” on their travel or vacation plans, electricity bills, their sleep, their family’s outdoor activities and more parts of their day-to-day life than in July 2024. Research at Oxford University published in July found that the intense heat influences daily behavior globally, with such “everyday adaptations” to daily activities occurring across seven of the countries most at risk of heat waves: Brazil, France, India, Nigeria, Turkey, the U.S. and China.

For some, it's a summer of discontent

Amber Risebrow, a teacher in Britain’s Channel Islands, said she yearned for England’s idyllic warm season — that period when the sunlight lingers.

“I wanted the long light evenings and the sunshine and the not-dark-at-4pm of it all,” she posted recently on Instagram. “What I did not want was to feel like a rotisserie chicken every single time I stepped outside. Slowly rotating. Gently basting. Questioning my life choices by 10am.”

For those who care to look, the data is plentiful and the weight of it is moving toward hotter and stormier summers. This week alone, intense heat hammered the U.K. and France as temperatures soared toward 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). It was the fifth heat wave of the year in a region where air conditioning is sporadic at best. And the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that the contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever in July.

Globally so far, this is the third-hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025, climate statistics show.

But 2026 still has time to catch up. Thanks to the one-two punch of accelerated human-caused global warming and a supersized El Nino — a periodic warming of parts of the Pacific that leads to temperature variations around the globe — there’s an increasing chance that by the end of the year, 2026 could become the hottest year on record, scientists said.

“And it’s not just extreme heat,” the World Meteorological Organization’s Clare Nullis told reporters in Geneva. “We’re also seeing extreme rainfall, tropical cyclones. So we’re not in holiday mode at all.”

Is summer an ‘outdated sham’?

Somewhere deep, there's a sense of acceptance that life-threatening, trip-canceling heat waves and their rippling effects aren't a one-off fluke. So management has ensued, with the hope that escaping hot weather might somehow allow the return of that summertime feeling — for now.

Advisories urging tourists to limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours have become a standard part of trip planning from Cambodia to Cambridge, England. Dog walking is becoming a dawn-or-dusk activity, with governments in high heat zones advising owners against midday walks. Employers and workers are adapting, with work hours especially for agricultural and construction workers shifting to the morning, and policies in some places allowing employees to work from home when the heat becomes extreme.

But home doesn't offer much solace for workers with no air conditioning. Only about 4% of British homes have “air-con,” compared to about 90% of American homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

So achieving old-fashioned summertime bliss is, and perhaps always has been, mostly a matter of privilege.

In “An Open Letter to the Person Who Asked Me What I'm Doing For The Summer As If I Didn't Have to Work,” comedy writer Elizabeth Simone addressed the issue in the Weekly Humorist last year.

“You do know that summer vacation is an outdated sham, right?” she wrote. “Obviously it's because of what summer meant back when we were kids.”

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Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo.

Trump’s solicitor general petitioned the high court to suspend last week’s decision by a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The divided panel ruled last week Trump must stop the White House ballroom’s construction because Congress has not approved the project. The panel’s majority said Trump doesn’t have the unilateral authority to build a 90,000-square-foot (8,400-square-meter) ballroom where the White House’s East Wing stood before he ordered its demolition last fall.

The lower court suspended its own ruling for two weeks to give Trump's Republican administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the Supreme Court to rule on its stay petition before the appeals court panel’s decision takes effect on Aug. 21.

"This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex, including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security,” Sauer wrote.

In April, a district court judge ordered a stop to aboveground construction of the planned ballroom. But the judge stressed that the White House was free to proceed with underground work, including the construction of any bunkers, military installations and medical facilities.

The D.C. Circuit panel’s 2-1 decision upheld an order to pause aboveground construction on the project, siding with historic preservationists who sued to stop construction of the ballroom.

“Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,” wrote the majority's two judges, both appointed by Democratic presidents.

A third judge disagreed, finding that the preservationist group that challenged the project had no legal right to sue.

“The district court elevated the aesthetic displeasure of a single passerby over the government’s security interests in the ballroom,” wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.

The Trump administration argues that the president, not Congress or the courts, has unimpeded authority to renovate the White House. The current state of the project, essentially an open construction site, makes it harder to protect the White House, the Justice Department contends.

The administration also says the National Trust for Historic Preservation does not have the legal right, or standing, to sue over the ballroom, which is part of Trump’s plans to quickly remake Washington. The solicitor general said the ballroom project “should be a matter for the President and the political process, not construction-by-injunction.”

During an appeals court hearing in early June, an administration lawyer defended a broad view of presidential control over iconic public facilities. The government could bulldoze the Statue of Liberty and the White House, Justice Department lawyer Yaakov Roth said in response to a hypothetical question, and the descendants of immigrants who came through Ellis Island and the enslaved people who built the White House would not have standing to sue.

The D.C. Circuit panel upheld a ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush. Leon concluded that a pause wouldn’t jeopardize national security. He also exempted any construction work that is necessary for the safety and security of the White House.

The ballroom has been under construction for 10 months. The administration says the work is roughly 65% finished.

“Given those developments, the injunction promises chaos in service of nothing,” Sauer wrote.

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Officials said they received a 911 call just before 8 a.m. about a vehicle rollover in the 700 block of Northeast Flagler Drive.

When crews arrived, they found two vehicles involved in the crash. One was on its side, while the other had come to rest against a building.

Two people suffered minor injuries, officials said. One person was transported to a hospital, while the other declined transportation.

A building inspector was called to the scene to check the structure for possible damage. No significant structural damage has been reported.

Officials have not said what led to the crash.

Las autoridades indicaron que recibieron una llamada al 911 poco antes de las 8 de la mañana en la que se alertaba de un vuelco de un vehículo en la manzana 700 de Northeast Flagler Drive.

Cuando los equipos de emergencia llegaron al lugar, encontraron dos vehículos implicados en el accidente. Uno estaba volcado, mientras que el otro había quedado apoyado contra un edificio.

Dos personas sufrieron heridas leves, según informaron las autoridades. Una de ellas fue trasladada al hospital, mientras que la otra rechazó el traslado.

Se llamó a un inspector de edificios al lugar para que comprobara si la estructura había sufrido daños. No se han registrado daños estructurales significativos.

Las autoridades no han revelado qué provocó el accidente.

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According to the sheriff’s office, Isabelle Johnson, 38, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Task Force at a house in Cottondale Thursday afternoon in connection with the killing of 43-year-old Jason Coulthart.

Authorities said Coulthart vanished on May 24 in Niceville, in Okaloosa County, and his body was discovered on June 25 in a shallow grave in Walton County.

“The arrest was the result of information developed by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit on Johnson’s whereabouts,” the sheriff’s office posted on social media. “Johnson was brought to the Jackson County Jail and will be extradited to Walton County.”

Since Coulthart’s death, detectives have been searching for Johnson and released surveillance video showing her in Destin.

While Johnson faces a murder charge in connection with Coulthart’s death, several others have also been arrested in the case.

On June 26, detectives arrested Bobbi Wagstaff, 31, on charges of possession of a controlled substance and accessory to a capital felony after the fact.

On July 1, detectives arrested Martin Leaverton and Sandra Leaverton and accused them of helping Johnson. The Leavertons, both 63, each face a charge of accessory to a capital felony after the fact.

On July 10, detectives arrested Michael White and Kathleen Morris and accused them of helping Johnson hide until June 30 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Morris, 59, and White, 74, face charges of obstruction and accessory to a capital felony after the fact.

A motive for the killing remains unclear.

“The investigation on the circumstances landing Johnson in Cottondale is continuing,” the WCSO said. “Additional charges may be forthcoming.”

Según la oficina del sheriff, Isabelle Johnson, de 38 años, fue arrestada por el Grupo de Trabajo de los Alguaciles de Estados Unidos en una casa de Cottondale el jueves por la tarde en relación con la muerte de Jason Coulthart, de 43 años.

Las autoridades dijeron que Coulthart desapareció el 24 de mayo en Niceville, en el condado Okaloosa, y su cuerpo fue descubierto el 25 de junio en una tumba poco profunda en el condado Walton.

“El arresto fue resultado de información obtenida por la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado Walton sobre el paradero de Johnson”, publicó la oficina del sheriff en redes sociales. “Johnson fue trasladada a la cárcel del condado Jackson y será extraditada al condado Walton”.

Desde la muerte de Coulthart, los detectives han estado buscando a Johnson y difundieron un video de vigilancia que la muestra en Destin.

Aunque Johnson enfrenta un cargo de asesinato en relación con la muerte de Coulthart, varias otras personas también han sido arrestadas en el caso.

El 26 de junio, los detectives arrestaron a Bobbi Wagstaff, de 31 años, por cargos de posesión de una sustancia controlada y complicidad después de los hechos en un delito grave capital.

El 1 de julio, los detectives arrestaron a Martin Leaverton y Sandra Leaverton y los acusaron de ayudar a Johnson. Los Leaverton, ambos de 63 años, enfrentan cada uno un cargo de complicidad después de los hechos en un delito grave capital.

El 10 de julio, los detectives arrestaron a Michael White y Kathleen Morris y los acusaron de ayudar a Johnson a esconderse hasta el 30 de junio en Santa Rosa Beach.

Morris, de 59 años, y White, de 74, enfrentan cargos de obstrucción y complicidad después de los hechos en un delito grave capital.

El motivo del asesinato sigue sin estar claro.

“La investigación sobre las circunstancias que llevaron a Johnson a Cottondale continúa”, dijo la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado Walton. “Podrían presentarse cargos adicionales”.

El tiroteo ocurrió alrededor de las 2 a.m. del 10 de junio en la vivienda de Ashley Marie Hosendove, de 32 años, ubicada cerca de Northwest First Court y 16th Street. La mujer había sido arrestada inicialmente por un cargo no relacionado con el incidente.

Según el informe de arresto, la niña, identificada por un familiar como Janova Park, sufrió heridas de bala en el abdomen y el torso y fue trasladada de emergencia al HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, donde posteriormente murió.

Hosendove dijo a agentes de la Policía de Florida City que el hermano de Janova, de 4 años, fue quien apretó el gatillo, según el informe.

“Debido a que [Hosendove] no aseguró adecuadamente el arma de fuego y mostró una indiferencia consciente hacia el bienestar de sus hijos, lo que provocó la muerte de la víctima, fue acusada de un cargo de homicidio involuntario agravado de un menor y un cargo de negligencia culpable”, concluyó en el informe el detective Paulo Klimick Pereira, de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade.

Hasta la mañana del jueves, Hosendove, nacida en Carolina del Sur, permanecía detenida sin derecho a fianza en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight, según los registros carcelarios.

En un comunicado, su abogado, Chad Piotrowski, calificó el incidente como “una tragedia absolutamente desgarradora”.

“Una madre perdió a su hija”, señala el comunicado. “No hay nada que el sistema de justicia penal pueda hacerle a esta mujer que se acerque siquiera a lo que ya está viviendo”.

Piotrowski dijo que su firma actuó “rápidamente” para lograr la liberación de Hosendove y agregó que “mañana por la mañana presentaremos un acuerdo para que pueda regresar a casa con su familia”.

“También existen verdaderas cuestiones legales en este caso”, continuó. “Ella es propietaria legal de un arma. El arma de fuego estaba dentro de una cangurera que había sido colocada en un clóset. Abordaremos esos asuntos ante el tribunal, pero por ahora nuestro objetivo es lograr que esta madre regrese a casa y trabajar rápidamente para resolver el caso”.

The former LSU coach and athletic director passed away in a Baton Rouge hospital, LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette said.

The LSU Tigers, now synonymous with college baseball's elite and known for fielding numerous Major League Baseball prospects, had never won a national title when Bertman, a native of Miami, took over the program in 1983.

The College Baseball Hall of Famer's legacy now includes the current Alex Box Stadium, which opened in 2009, holds about 11,000 and routinely is filled to capacity. The field in the stadium was named for Bertman in 2013. The Tigers also have won three national championships under two of Bertman's successors, most recently in 2025.

Since 2013, the College Baseball Foundation's annual award for the nation's top coach has been named the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award. Bertman won it six times between 1986 and 2000.

Bertman coached a total of 18 seasons, retiring in 2001 with a record of 870-330-3 and 11 College World Series appearances. He then served as Athletic Director until 2008 and Athletic Director Emeritus after that, continuing to live in Baton Rouge, support the university and attend LSU events for the rest of his life.

Bertman coached the Tigers to their first five NCAA College World Series championships in 1991, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’00. His tenure as coach also included seven Southeastern Conference championships. His NCAA Tournament winning percentage of .754 is the highest in the history of the event.

Bertman also was head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, which at that time included only amateur players and won a bronze medal in Atlanta.

Bertman played baseball at Miami before going into coaching, starting at the high school level in Miami Beach. His final job before taking over at LSU was as an assistant at Miami under then coach Ron Fraser.

Bertman was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Lisa.

Funeral arrangements were pending Friday.

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

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FHP officials said three southbound lanes were closed between Commercial Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard as emergency crews responded to the scene.

Four patients were transported to hospitals, including one person who was taken as a trauma alert, authorities said.

An additional crash in the northbound lanes adjacent to the southbound incident blocked one lane and further slowed traffic Thursday night.

Tamarac Fire Rescue, Lauderhill Fire Rescue, Sunrise Fire Rescue and other emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Authorities have not yet released details about what led up to either crash.

Funcionarios de la FHP dijeron que tres carriles en dirección sur fueron cerrados entre Commercial Boulevard y Sunrise Boulevard mientras equipos de emergencia respondían a la escena.

Cuatro pacientes fueron trasladados a hospitales, incluida una persona que fue llevada como alerta de trauma, dijeron las autoridades.

Un accidente adicional en los carriles en dirección norte, junto al incidente en dirección sur, bloqueó un carril y ralentizó aún más el tráfico la noche del jueves.

Tamarac Fire Rescue, Lauderhill Fire Rescue, Sunrise Fire Rescue y otros equipos de emergencia respondieron a la escena.

Las autoridades aún no han divulgado detalles sobre lo que provocó ninguno de los dos accidentes.

Retail sales fell 0.6% last month, marking the biggest decrease since May 2025, compared with a revised gain of 0.2% in June, according to the Commerce Department data released Friday. Economists were projecting a small increase.

The decline followed a notable bump in spending in both April and May as Americans dipped into their generous government tax refunds.

The drop in spending for July, however, raised concern among some economists about the resiliency of consumers who have powered the economy forward despite nagging inflation and soaring gasoline prices. Yet, it may be too early to declare a retreat by one of the strongest and most consistent forces in the U.S. economy of late.

Still, the weak sales report follows unexpectedly sluggish jobs figures last week, and both suggest the economy could be slowing after strong consumer and business spending in the first half of the year.

Consumers are grappling with persistent inflation that has pushed up prices faster than wages and they may have already exhausted generous tax refunds that helped offset rising costs.

Separately, consumers turned more pessimistic about the economy this month, likely driven by stubbornly high prices, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday.

While most economists still expect solid economic growth in the July-September quarter, many have lowered their forecasts in the wake of the retail sales report.

Prices in July, which were not adjusted for inflation, were impacted by falling sales at gas stations. Fuel prices remained low until later in the month when evidence of a stalemate between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz began to grow. Business at gas stations fell 0.9% last month, according to the report.

Gas prices have been rising since the final week of July and ticked higher again overnight to $4.08 per gallon, up from $3.85 a month ago, according to motor club AAA. That's 92 cents more per gallon than Americans were paying last year at this time.

Gas prices typically begin to recede in August as the driving season comes to a close and the AAA said this week that the high cost of fuel for Americans this late in the year is unprecedented.

Excluding sales at gas stations and auto dealers, retail sales in July fell 0.2%.

Business at motor vehicle and parts dealers saw a 1.8% drop from a 1.9% increase in June, which was helped by auto makers' promotion incentives.

Electronics and appliance sales declined 0.5%. Online sales fell 2.2% from June when they were fueled by spending surrounding Amazon’s four-day Prime Day event that began in late June, earlier than previous years.

The drop in online sales weighed heavily on the so-called control group—which excludes food services, autos, building materials and gas station sales and is used to calculate economic growth. That figure fell 0.4% last month.

“American consumers are showing signs of fatigue, “ Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, wrote Friday. “July retail sales were disappointing on all levels.”

But the weak sales seemed to be concentrated in a few areas.

Among some of the bright spots in the report: clothing and accessories stores, furniture and home furnishing stores as well as building material and garden supplies merchants all posted gains last month.

The data offers only a snapshot of consumer spending and doesn’t include activities like travel and hotel stays. But the lone services category – restaurants – registered a healthy 0.5% increase

“Though the latest numbers warrant a downgrade to the spending forecast, it’d be premature to write off the consumer,” Bernard Yaros, lead U.S. economist at Oxford Economics said.

New data this week showed that inflation declined slightly in July as gas and grocery prices slipped, though it is still rising more quickly than before the Iran war.

Consumer prices increased 3.4% in July from a year ago, down slightly from 3.5% in June, the Labor Department said Wednesday. Inflation had fallen to 2.4% before the Iran war. On a monthly basis, prices rose just 0.1% from June to July.

The modest decline marked the second straight decrease after sharply higher gas prices pushed inflation to 4.2% in May, a three-year high.

Given the volatile economic environment, economists are closely watching how families spend behind Christmas.

Shopping has been steady, though Americans have dialed in on sales as they grow more careful with their money.

Off-price retailers, consumer electronics and office supply retailers have had a “strong early start” to the back-to-school season, said Elizabeth Lafontaine, director of research at Placer.ai.

“Consumers have looked to take advantage of early deals to check off their lists,” Lafontaine said.

Walmart, Target and other retailers have been pushing discounts for the fall season, seeking to lure inflation-weary shoppers.

Target, for example, says that 95% of prices for school supplies are at or below last year’s levels.

Retailers begin reporting quarterly earnings next week.

Stephen Yalof, CEO of the outlet mall operator Tanger, noted an increase in foot traffic this summer because of the World Cup festivities.

More Americans were shopping too, Yalof said, because more people are vacationing close to home to save money.

“We’re rewarding with value, and we’re getting customers to come in … and shop more frequently,” Yalof told The Associated Press.

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AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report from Washington.

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“Jakey’s Army is not something to mess with,” said Karen Duque, the boy’s mother, after the statue was found.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded just after 1 p.m. Saturday to the park, located at the intersection of Northwest 154th Street and 89th Avenue, after receiving a report that the statue had been stolen.

Detectives with the agency’s General Investigations Unit said they took over the case and determined that the bronze statue, valued at approximately $8,000, had been removed by “unknown suspects.”

They said the statue remained missing for several days before investigators received information Wednesday about where it was located. With assistance from MDSO’s Robbery Intervention Detail Team, detectives were able to find and recover the statue, authorities said.

Investigators said they arrested 27-year-old Derick Coca on Thursday after he was caught attempting to move the statue to another location.

Officials also arrested 26-year-old Damian De Los Santos, who they said was connected to the theft.

MDSO detectives said they will continue investigating whether other people were involved in the theft.

The statue holds special significance for the Duque family and the Miami Lakes community. Jakey died at age 5 after battling a rare form of cancer.

His parents have said they wanted his memory to remain present in the community and for the statue to serve as a reminder of the young boy’s strength and courage.

“Faith is knowing that no matter what life throws at you, God is going to equip you with what you need,” said Duque. “And that’s what Jakey showed us.”

Neighbors said they were relieved when the statue was returned.

“It has just been a long few days knowing that someone had taken it, something that means a lot to the family and to our community,” neighbor Patty Becerra said.

Becerra said the statue also serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be.

“How life is so very fragile, so very fragile,” she said. “So I’m glad it’s back. It means a lot to all of us.”

MDSO officials shared photographs of the detectives who helped recover the statue alongside Jakey’s father and mother after its return.

Jail records show Coca and De Los Santos are facing one count each of third-degree grand theft.

As of Thursday, both suspects were being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on $2,500 bond.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake affected a large swath of western Colombia, from urban centers like Cali and Pereira to remote and rugged areas in the department of Chocó. As of Friday morning, authorities had confirmed more than 280 dead, thousands injured and over 12,000 dwellings destroyed. Responders have managed to rescue about 350 people, but hundreds remain missing.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised a robust governmental response. But with so much need spread across a large area, aid groups will also play important roles helping those needing shelter, supplies and economic assistance.

“Institutional capacity does not remove the humanitarian need,” said Catalina Vargas, Colombia country director for the humanitarian group CARE. “The most severely affected area, Chocó, is also one of the most isolated and underserved parts of the country, so access remains the binding constraint regardless of the strength of national institutions.”

For those who can help, giving cash is often ideal to give groups flexibility and agility, said Abe Diaz, head of disaster relief for Amazon, which is providing requested supplies to partners.

"Unrequested product donations overwhelm communities and force responders to divert resources from life-saving work just to sort and store unwanted supplies,” Diaz said.

Here are some organizations collecting donations for Colombia earthquake recovery, including U.S. groups responding on the ground and some local organizations accepting outside funds.

U.S.-based groups already on the ground

All Hands and Hearts has provided search and rescue tools like jackhammers and pickaxes to the Pereira fire department as well as blankets and rehydration supplies for those affected. Link to donate.

CARE has a longtime presence in Colombia. Its immediate support will focus on food assistance through cash and vouchers, emergency supply care packages, and protection and emotional support for affected families. Link to donate.

Direct Relief is funding medical responders on the ground and preparing to deliver requested medications and healthcare supplies. Link to donate.

GEM is joining with local partners to provide essential kits with food, water, and hygiene necessities. Link to donate.

Operation Blessing is focusing its initial response on providing food and water, as well as solar lanterns, to displaced people. Link to donate.

Save the Children has worked in Colombia for over 40 years and has begun psychosocial support activities and set up multiple child-friendly spaces in affected areas. Link to donate.

World Central Kitchen is providing food and water for displaced people, first responders and volunteers, including in more remote mountain communities. Link to donate.

Marc Anthony leads Sunday benefit concert for Colombia and Venezuela

Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid, Jay Wheeler and many more will perform at an international benefit concert for Venezuela and Colombia on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. EDT at Miami’s Kaseya Center. It will be carried live on Univision, ViX, WAPA and TelevisaUnivision radio stations, iHeartLatino and Venevision Play in Venezuela.

Viewers can donate by scanning onscreen QR codes, texting UNIDOS to 707070 or visiting univision.org during the broadcast. Proceeds will go to All Hands and Hearts, CARE, GEM, TECHO and World Central Kitchen.

Colombia-based groups accepting outside donations

Abaco Colombia, an association of 26 food banks across Colombia, is distributing food to affected families across the impacted regions. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.

Cruz Roja Colombiana teams are doing search and rescue, offering medical attention and psychosocial support, and filling other needs. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.

Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia supports youth initiatives, nutrition and health, and community building. It's helping deliver relief supplies and food to displaced people in Pereira and other locations. They accept PayPal.

Fundación Semillas de Oportunidades supports youth through art and sport from its base in Quibdó, Chocó. They are supporting families of young people across Chocó. They accept PayPal.

Manos Visibles, a network of organizations dedicated to racial and territorial equity, is collaborating with a local trade school with a goal to restore at least 100 homes in the city of Buenaventura. They accept online donations, though the payment processor requires a passport number.

Presentes Corporation, a 43-year-old organization in Colombia focused on community resilience, is partnering with the Miami-based nonprofit Give to Colombia to facilitate donations from the U.S. Their Colombia Se Levanta fund accepts online donations.

Refugio Huellas de Amor in Pereira is supporting rescue animals already in their care as well as other impacted animals. Huellitas Callejeras Barranquilla is sending vets and medical supplies to affected areas. Both accept PayPal.

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Associated Press staff writer Megan Janetsky contributed reporting from Mexico City.

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia said it was suspending the counting immediately “in view of the security situation and continued threats of violence.” It did not say who might be responsible for the alleged theft.

The commission said it would review the decision in 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, claimed victory and said the delay could lead to “an opportunity for interference with or manipulation of the results.”

Mundubile said he had received information that members of the military had taken control of vote counting stations in at least one town and boxes containing ballots had been taken away from stations in other places. He did not provide any evidence for that claim.

There was no sign of any unrest in the capital, Lusaka.

Zambia, a former British colony, has held largely peaceful elections since it returned to a multiparty democracy in 1991 but there was some criticism of President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of Thursday's election by the opposition and independent rights groups, which said his government was squeezing dissent.

Mundubile’s alliance had accused the government of being behind a law enforcement agency raid on its offices days before the election and claimed the action was designed to hurt the alliance’s election campaign.

The election in the copper-rich southern African country saw Hichilema seeking a second term in office. Results were initially expected to be announced on Monday, according to the electoral commission, though it said they might come sooner.

Hichilema ran against 13 other candidates including Mundubile, the leader of an alliance of opposition parties who is seen as Hichilema’s strongest challenger.

Zambians also voted for members of Parliament and local government councilors. About 8 million people in the country of 22 million were registered to vote at more than 13,500 polling stations.

The election was largely seen as a test of Hichilema’s economic reforms, and whether they were enough to overcome widespread frustration over the cost of living. Hichilema stabilized the economy after a debt crisis in 2020, but critics say those reforms haven't yet benefited ordinary Zambians struggling with a high cost of living and electricity shortages.

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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

The 24-year-old Kolbe, who is white, spoke out Thursday after her semifinal heat in the 800 meters at Alexander Stadium.

“Let me say one thing. I read so many comments and I’m really happy about all the support we’re getting,” Kolbe began, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF.

“But I see some really unbelievable comments under some athletes, and I wish — we’re representing Germany here and getting support from everyone watching — but I expect a little more respect, and I’m delighted that so many people support me, but I don’t want to imagine what it would be like if I wasn’t as white as I am.”

Kolbe, who competed at the University of North Florida, finished sixth in her heat and didn't qualify for Thursday night's final.

“It’s important for me to say this,” Kolbe added, “and I expect everyone watching to give the respect due to celebrate the amazing achievements of our athletes.”

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See full AP coverage of European sports here

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A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Monday in Colombia. The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes hit on June 24 in Venezuela.

Francine De La Rosa, a GEM executive member, was at the GEM warehouse in Doral, where volunteers received a truckload of aid for western Colombia.

“We really need to double up because a lot of help is needed,” De La Rosa said.

GEM also announced partnerships in Colombia with two nonprofits: Motorrad Angels Foundation, a nonprofit that travels to hard-to-reach areas, and Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia, a Bogotá-based nonprofit founded in 1975 with offices in Medellin and Córdoba.

Spence Taylor, a GEM team member who experienced the earthquake on Monday in Bucaramanga, spent about a month in northern Venezuela, and he was working in the city of Pereira, where officials reported 79 dead.

“One thing that you see here that is fundamentally different from Venezuela is the Colombian people and the government is very strong. The response is actually very impressive,” Taylor told CNN. “So, you see a lot more first responders, you see people flooding in from the areas that weren’t affected.”

Taylor recently told CNN that GEM had teams going to Chocó, an impoverished region where the earthquake’s epicenter was, and there was a GEM team in Cali, where the mayor reported 74 dead. Taylor said teams were packing family kits.

“We are doing our best to source those here in Colombia. But right now, I would say to the Colombian diaspora, it is very helpful with cash donations,” Taylor told CNN.

The government’s official toll in Colombia had increased to at least 239 dead and 3,755 injured.

On Tuesday, Colombia’s first lady, Ana Lucie Pineida listed GEM in Miami-Dade as an authorized drop-off point. On Wednesday, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella asked donors to exercise caution.

“For those who want to help by donating, there are official channels and collection and gathering points; do not donate to politicians who only commit the crime of illegal fundraising of money, especially if they come from being associated with people involved in corruption scandals,” De La Espriella wrote on X in Spanish. “What a shame that there are people profiting from the tragedy; that must be investigated.”

GEM representatives asked the public for in-person donations of new camping gear, hygiene supplies, and first-aid kits with items that are not expired.

The City of Pembroke Pines, in partnership with Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, is also accepting donations that will be provided to GEM.

Drop-off locations in Pembroke Pines are:

Station 33 - 600 SW 72nd Ave.

Station 69 - 9500 Pines Blvd.

Station 89 - 13000 SW Pines Blvd.

Station 99 - 16999 Pines Blvd.

Station 79 - 19900 Pines Blvd.

Station 101 - 6057 SW 198 Ter.

You can also drop off donations directly at GEM’s warehouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1850 NW 84th Ave. in Doral. For more information about how to donate to GEM or volunteer in Doral, visit this page.

Related stories

• BOXR Gym hosts fundraising run in downtown Miami
• More than 43,175 people homeless in Colombia’s Chocó region, officials report
• Earthquake response to test U.S.-Colombia relations under new president, expert says

Roughly 97 million people from the central Plains to the Southeast face heat advisories. Dangerous temperatures are expected in more than a dozen states in the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Some places could hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius), forecasters said. But the combination of soaring temperatures and high humidity could make it feel as hot as 115 F (46 C) in portions of the Southeast.

That heat dome effect is created by high-pressure systems sitting above a region, trapping heat and humidity closer to the ground.

And there will be little nighttime relief, with overnight lows predicted to remain in the 70s in many places, forecasters said.

“The nighttime lows are not going to get below about 80 Fahrenheit for a lot of urban areas,” said meteorologist Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections. “So that's really going to bump up the mortality from this heat wave. It's going to be deadly because of all these factors: Long lasting, intense, and high humidity.”

People were urged to stay indoors when possible and keep hydrated.

Early days of the heat wave force workers to cope with risks

In Little Rock, Madi Ramos wore a large straw hat as she shoveled an irrigation ditch outside the state Capitol building on Thursday morning when temperatures had already reached 90 F (32 C).

“This heat is stronger than last year’s,” said Ramos, 21, who works with her stepfather at a landscaping company.

The forecast comes after July became the hottest month on record in the contiguous United States. Extreme heat events are increased and exacerbated by climate change, which comes from the burning of fuels like gasoline, oil and coal.

During a July heat wave, Ramos said she felt nauseous and had to pause for a break. One of her colleagues took three days off after falling ill from heat.

Ramos said she usually drinks seven to eight bottles of water that she sometimes mixes with electrolyte packets during her 12-hour outdoor shifts. She’s preparing for this week’s heat wave by wearing breathable clothing.

But sometimes the heat can be too much and, Ramos said, the company encourages her to take breaks.

“When I feel I can’t take it anymore, I take a break and then I come back,” Ramos said in Spanish.

Communities offer residents places to cool off or stay hydrated

When the heat gets oppressive, communities across the country typically offer public libraries, community centers and senior centers as air-conditioned places to cool down. Other places try to make sure residents are hydrated.

Donna Schillinger expected dozens of visitors to WayStation, a resource center in Rogers, Arkansas, as the heat wave lingers. The center had already provided bags filled with food and bottled water to nearly two dozen people by Thursday afternoon. Schillinger, the executive director of nonprofit Micah 6:8, said the center typically sees six people per day for to-go bags.

“Everybody is commenting about how hot it is outside,” Schillinger said. “I mean it’s just crazy hot.”

Heat arrives with a new school year and sports activities in full swing

The heat wave is coinciding with the start of the new school year in much of the country, forcing discussions about how to keep students comfortable on buses, in classrooms and even on school playground equipment.

In some school districts, parents are urged to send bottled water to school with their students. One Central Arkansas district implemented a policy this year mandating that students remain indoors, including during recess, when the heat index reaches 95 F (35 C).

Young athletes and professionals preparing for a new football season also are having to take precautions against overheating.

In South Carolina, where an extreme heat warning was in place, two school districts canceled a series of football scrimmages involving more than a dozen high schools Friday evening due to the forecast.

Nationwide, at least 58 players died from exertional heat stroke between 1992 and 2024, the latest year available, and thousands more are sickened each year, according to the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut. Most of the deaths involved younger athletes.

The institute is named after the Minnesota Vikings player who died of heat stroke in 2001, prompting changes in safety protocols.

Sweltering heat is ongoing in Europe

Hot weather is taking its toll abroad as well.

The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of the year Thursday, coming during an excessively dry stretch that saw multiple fires break out as an intense stretch of sizzling weather continued to grip Europe.

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Raby reported from Charleston, West Virginia.

Las históricas temperaturas están vinculadas al cambio climático causado por el ser humano y están azotando países más preparados para largas temporadas de frío y mal equipados para este tipo de calor, con un acceso limitado al aire acondicionado.

Más evacuaciones en Francia cuando el fuego afecta más regiones

En Francia, que vive su año más seco jamás registrado, un nuevo fuego se propagó durante la noche por zonas boscosas en la región de Las Landas, en la costa suroccidental. Las llamas obligaron a evacuar a más de 500 personas en la localidad de Luglon y cientos de bomberos se desplegaban en la zona, indicó el viernes el gobierno regional.

Es uno de los varios focos que están arrasando bosques en todo el país esta semana, incluso en áreas del norte y en la Bretaña, normalmente más frescas y húmedas. Un histórico incendio calcinó bosques cerca de Burdeos el mes pasado y obligó a un cuarto de millón de personas a abandonar sus hogares.

Francia también ha apagado seis reactores nucleares en los últimos días debido al calor extremo y la sequía —y por la llegada de una masa de medusas a la costa frente a una central en el Canal de la Mancha—, informó la empresa de servicios públicos EDF. Grandes cantidades de medusas están apareciendo en muchas playas francesas debido a la temperatura inusualmente cálida del mar.

En un comunicado, la empresa señaló que los apagones tuvieron un impacto mínimo en la producción de electricidad de Francia. Aclaró que el clima extremo no plantea riesgos de seguridad para los propios reactores.

Incendios en el Reino Unido en el día más caluroso en Londres

En Stourbridge, poblado en el centro de Inglaterra, donde el jueves se originó un enorme incendio, imágenes de televisión mostraron cómo el fuego devoraba viviendas, muchas de las cuales se quedaron sin tejado cuando las llamas ardían entre los muros carbonizados. Entre 20 y 30 casas quedaron completamente arrasadas, dijo a la BBC Cat Eccles, diputada por la localidad.

Una mujer que fue evacuada de su hogar en Stourbridge narró que la policía llamó a su puerta y la instó a marcharse de inmediato.

“Creían que el fuego estaba cambiando de dirección y no sabían en qué dirección iba” , contó Jane Baxter a BBC Radio. “Así que, literalmente, fue ‘agarra lo que necesites y sal corriendo’”.

Simon Tuhill, jefe del servicio de bomberos de West Midlands, anunció que se abrirá una investigación, pero se cree que el incendio comenzó en una zona de pasto antes de alcanzar las casas.

Diecinueve personas y seis bomberos fueron hospitalizados por inhalación de humo y otras lesiones derivadas de múltiples incendios forestales en la región de West Midlands. En la cercana localidad de Stoke-on-Trent, un hombre de 23 años y una mujer de 24 fueron detenidos el viernes bajo sospecha de haber provocado un gran incendio de vegetación que se propagó rápidamente.

La Met Office, la agencia meteorológica británica, reportó que el jueves se registraron 38,1 grados Celsius (100,6 grados Fahrenheit) en el oeste de Londres, en el que fue el día más caluroso del año. Aunque las temperaturas bajaron ligeramente el viernes, muchas partes del país han recibido poca o ninguna lluvia desde hace semanas. Este julio fue el más seco en Inglaterra y Gales desde que comenzaron los registros en 1836.

España traslada restos de reyes para evitar el fuego

Las autoridades españolas trasladaron el jueves por la noche los restos de tres reyes del siglo XI desde un monasterio en la región nororiental de Aragón, cerca de un incendio forestal activo.

Los restos fueron llevados a un museo a unos 80 kilómetros (50 millas) al sur del monasterio de San Juan de la Peña, del siglo X, que permanecía intacto el viernes, según las autoridades regionales.

Pinturas, objetos litúrgicos y la ropa de un destacado conde español del siglo XVIII estuvieron entre los otros artículos retirados del monasterio.

El incendio forestal aún no estaba contenido al mediodía del viernes, y unos 800 residentes fueron evacuados. Se espera que las temperaturas bajen ligeramente el sábado.

Un incendio forestal separado, mucho más grande, en el sur de España ha quemado más de 300 kilómetros cuadrados (120 millas cuadradas) en la provincia de Huelva, obligando también a evacuaciones.

Bomberos combaten las llamas en Alemania

Los cerca de 1.800 residentes de la aldea de Gey, en el estado alemán de Renania del Norte-Westfalia, fueron evacuados luego que un incendio forestal en el cercano bosque de Hürtgen amenazó con alcanzar sus viviendas. Cerca de 300 hectáreas (1,16 millas cuadradas) de bosque ardían el viernes por la mañana, de acuerdo con las autoridades locales.

La existencia de munición sin explotar de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en el bosque obstaculizó las labores de extinción, reportó la agencia noticiosa alemana dpa.

El fuego avanzó hasta quedar a 300 metros (1.000 pies) de Gey, que se encuentra al borde del bosque cerca de la frontera con Bélgica. Las autoridades aún desconocen el origen del incendio.

Alemania ha establecido un nuevo récord de muertes relacionadas con el calor en lo que va de año, superando el nivel de 2018 para todo el año, afirmó el jueves el Instituto Robert Koch. Se estima que 12.500 personas murieron por causas relacionadas con el calor entre el 1 de enero y el 2 de agosto.

Fuego en Croacia deja 1 muerto y 14 hospitalizados

En Croacia, una persona murió y 14 personas fueron hospitalizadas —y siete de ellas seguían en estado crítico a primera hora del viernes— debido a un incendio desatado durante la noche cerca de la localidad costera de Omis que obligó a más de 1.000 personas a evacuar sus hogares. El cuerpo de la persona fue hallado cuando la policía registraba la zona calcinada.

El fuego comenzó a última hora del jueves en un suburbio de Omis y se propagó rápidamente debido al fuerte viento. Las autoridades marítimas regionales informaron que 194 personas, incluidos niños, fueron rescatadas del mar y de diversas embarcaciones cuando intentaban huir del fuego.

Los bomberos habían sofocado las llamas por la mañana y otros equipos en aviones se dirigían más al sur, hacia la península de Peljesac, donde se declaró otro incendio durante la noche.

Bomberos evitan que el mayor incendio de Albania llegue a viviendas

Albania lleva semanas combatiendo decenas de incendios forestales. El viernes, 11 de ellos todavía se mantenían activos en todo el país.

El más grande está en la zona de Gure-Lure, donde se ha controlado el perímetro más cercano a viviendas residenciales.

Tres personas han sido inculpadas por ese fuego, que envolvió el Parque Nacional de Lura. Se sospecha que no tomaron las medidas necesarias para proteger el territorio bajo su responsabilidad contra el fuego, de acuerdo con las autoridades.

Por otra parte, en el norte de Grecia, más de 300 turistas y residentes fueron evacuados por mar el jueves luego que un incendio arrasara un bosque de pinos y amenazara viviendas junto al mar, señalaron las autoridades.

Se prevé que Bélgica bata otro récord de calor

Bélgica espera alcanzar el viernes su temperatura más alta del verano llegando a los 37 grados Celsius (98,6 grados Fahrenheit) en la capital, Bruselas.

También se prevé que el mercurio alcance los 37 grados Celsius (98,6 Fahrenheit) en los vecinos Países Bajos. El país padece también una grave sequía, con escasez en algunas zonas, pero las autoridades holandesas han evitado declarar una crisis de agua, ya que se espera lluvia en los próximos días.

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Hui reportó desde Londres. Los periodistas de The Associated Press Stefanie Dazio en Berlín; Claudia Ciobanu en Varsovia, Polonia; Zana Cimili en Pristina, Kosovo; Jovana Gec en Belgrado, Serbia; Lorne Cook en Bruselas; y Suman Naishadham en Madrid contribuyeron a este despacho.

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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

A statement from the Italian Carabinieri’s art recovery squad said the artworks were discovered during searches ordered by prosecutors, but no details were given. The investigation is ongoing.

The three recovered artworks are “Fish,” a painting by Auguste Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries,” a pencil and watercolor by Paul Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace,” a color aquatint by Henri Matisse. Authorities said the Cézanne was valued at 6 million euros ($7 million), the Renoir at 3 million euros ($3.5 million), and the Matisse at 20,000 euros ($23,000).

The heist at the Magnani Rocca Foundation, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Parma, took place on the night of March 22-23, with thieves forcing open the entrance door, police said.

Local media reported that the thieves took the paintings in less than three minutes and escaped across the museum gardens.

Established in 1977, the foundation hosts the collection of art historian Luigi Magnani and includes works by Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Monet.

The museum believes a structured and organized gang was responsible for the theft, which the alarm interrupted, local media reported.

The crime followed a series of high-profile heists at major European museums, including the theft in October of French crown jewels and other items valued at 88 million euros ($101 million) from the Louvre in Paris.

Catania’s airport will remain closed until early Saturday, which falls on the Ferragosto holiday that marks the height of the Italian summer holiday season when millions flock to the sea and mountains, deserting Italian cities.

While Etna’s activity often interrupts flights at the airport, located 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of the volcano, this is the longest emergency since 2002.

“Volcanic ash can be a great risk for aircraft,” said Boris Behncke, a researcher at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology’s Etna Observatory. “It can be sucked into the motors, and force them to stall. This is why everyone is so very cautious with aircraft when there is a volcanic ash emission.”

Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. The latest activity has been unusual for its persistence and sustained ash emissions. Northerly winds have spread light amounts of ash to Malta and northern Africa.

“There have been many shorter interruptions — and stronger eruptions — over the past few decades, but this event is different because the ash emission from Etna’s summit has been much more persistent,” Behncke said.

The closure has forced planes to be rerouted to other airports on the island, which has pushed up taxi fares and car rental prices, according to the Corriere della Sera daily. The Codacons consumer association has announced it will file a complaint with Italy’s competition authority following complaints about price gouging.

The SAC airport operator said 36% of nearly 2,000 flights scheduled to arrive in Catania from Aug. 6-12 had been canceled, while more than 600 were diverted to Palermo, Trapani and Comiso in Sicily and Lamezia Terme in Calabria. Flights were able to depart Catania over the weekend, but the airport was officially closed to both incoming and outgoing flights Monday. Comiso also was briefly closed.

The Italian train company Trenitalia has added six trains along the Palermo-Messina-Catania route to help ease the travel pressure.

Italy's federation of travel agencies and tour operators has called for a task force to coordinate responses to disruptions caused by Mount Etna and said it would ask for a review of how airlines handled the cancellations and passenger assistance.

“Operators are working around the clock to provide assistance, cancellations and alternative travel arrangements, but they cannot bear the burden of structural shortcomings and the management responsibilities of others," FIAVET President Gian Mario Pilieri said in a statement.

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The attacks caused no casualties but underlined the dangers faced by vessels moving cargo through the critical waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the open oceans, as Iran keeps a firm grip on the passage.

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East. Full coverage can be found here.

2 oil tankers hit by drones as they transited Strait of Hormuz

Two tankers owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil and gas company ADNOC were attacked Thursday evening while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the company said. It added that the attack caused no injuries and that “the situation has been brought under control.”

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center said two vessels were reported to have suffered minor damage when attacked by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It did not identify them as the ADNOC ships, but it appeared to be the same incident.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry blamed the attacks on Iran and said they were a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations' principles of freedom of navigation.

“Targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail represents acts of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the Foreign Ministry said.

There was no immediate response from Iran.

Activists bring food and water to Palestinians under siege by Israeli settlers

Activists marched through the occupied West Bank, bringing food and water to Palestinians who have been under siege by Israeli settlers for days.

Three Palestinian families in the town of Qusra have been unable to leave their homes for nearly a week after settlers surrounded the area. Israeli troops intervened multiple times, but the settlers have kept returning.

The standoff in the northern West Bank town of Qusra is the latest in a wave of settler violence in the territory, which Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which would make up part of a future Palestinian state.

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the army to prepare a plan to transfer power to the police to enforce civilian-related matters, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Yemen says it disrupted a Houthi attack as fighting continues

Yemen’s military said its forces thwarted Houthi attacks early Friday in southwestern Yemen amid ongoing fighting with the Iran-backed rebels.

Forces affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognized government said in a statement that dozens of Houthis were killed and injured in fighting that disrupted plans to attack military reinforcements in Taiz province with drones, explosives and artillery.

The Associated Press was unable to independently verify that toll.

Recent Houthi attacks on government-held areas across Yemen have raised fears that the country’s civil war could reignite and open another front in the Middle East.

Drone intercepted over Irbil in area home to hotels and consulates

In Iraq, a drone was intercepted over the northern city of Irbil in an area where a number of hotels and consulates are located.

The regional counterterrorism service said in a statement that there were no casualties.

It was not immediately clear who had launched the drone.

Kushner will head to Middle East for talks on Gaza

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and negotiator Jared Kushner will travel to the Middle East next week to try to advance plans for an end to the conflict in Gaza after a deal recently announced by the Trump administration ran into Israeli opposition.

An official with the Board of Peace, the body Trump established to oversee the fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, said Kushner, board high representative Nickolay Mladenov, and executive board member and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would arrive in Israel on Sunday.

The group will then travel to Cairo, where meetings of a Palestinian technocratic group set to assume control of Gaza under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal have been taking place for the past several months, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because planning for details of the trip has not yet been finalized.

The trip was reported earlier by Axios.

— Matthew Lee in Washington

The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021, after it launched an offensive as the U.S. and other NATO troops withdrew from the country after two decades of war. The withdrawal led to chaotic scenes at and around Kabul’s airport with thousands wanting to leave.

“Thank God, the past five years have passed in safety,” said Mohammad Qasim, 30, reflecting on the anniversary that comes against a backdrop of economic hardship in a conflict-stricken country. “Our wish and hope from the government is to create job opportunities for the youth.”

“We, along with the entire nation, call upon the government to create employment opportunities for the youth and to encourage them to pursue education,” he added.

Taliban curbs women's rights despite pledge

Before the takeover, the Taliban stated that, upon assuming power, it would allow women access to education, employment and public participation, albeit in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic principles.

Soon after it seized power, the Taliban imposed an indefinite ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and, a few months later, also banned higher education for women until “further notice.”

Women also were banned from entering gyms, parks and public baths, from taking part in sports and traveling to distant locations without a “mahram,” or male guardian.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has repeatedly said the administration is working to establish conditions under which girls and women can attend classrooms or university campuses in line with Islamic Sharia laws. The restrictions, nevertheless, remain in force.

While the U.N. has acknowledged that the country has become more stable since the takeover, it has warned that lasting stability cannot be possible unless the Taliban rulers — who remain isolated internationally — lift restrictions on women and girls, protect basic rights and address terrorism concerns.

“A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many Afghans and created opportunities to focus on recovery, development and regional economic cooperation,” the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, said in a statement ahead of the anniversary. It added, however, that the restrictions on women and girls impede Afghanistan’s recovery and its reintegration with the international community.

UN says Afghanistan in world's most severe women's rights crisis

In a statement this week, the U.N.'s agency on women’s rights, said Afghan women and girls are living under the world’s most severe restrictions, which not only violate their rights but also threaten the country’s social and economic future.

“Half a decade after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan has systematically dismantled the rights of half its population, making it a global outlier with no parallel in the modern world,” U.N. Women said.

“In the past year alone, this exclusion of women and girls from education, employment, public life, justice systems and healthcare has only intensified, entrenching what remains the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis,” it said.

Fazila Soroush, a 39-year-old Kabul-based entrepreneur and an advocate for women’s rights, said the government had “demonstrated its worth to the people through its actions in every area.”

“We consider it essential that the officials of the Islamic Emirate who had announced the closure of schools and universities until further notice, now make a clear and practical decision regarding this matter,” she said.

In the streets of Kabul, preparations for the anniversary celebrations were underway. Vendors sold the Taliban’s white with black scripted flags while painters were busy writing slogans in praise of Islamic laws on walls, including: “The Islamic system has been achieved at the cost of the martyrs’ blood” and “Our commitment stands firm: Consolidation and implementation of Islamic Sharia.”

Taliban says it brought security and stability

Molvi Hayatullah Mahajar Farahi, deputy minister in the Taliban government for broadcasting at the Ministry of Information and culture, said in the five years the administration has delivered security, stabilized the currency, improved infrastructure and formed industrial parks that have created jobs.

“Naturally, challenges and difficulties exist, yet we can highlight several accomplishments,” Farahi told The Associated Press.

Farahi, when asked, did not address the issue of the education of girls and women but said “the level of investment made in universities surpasses anything seen in the past.

“The Emirate continues its efforts to further organize and improve services for our citizens in the fields of education and other sectors,” he stated.

The deputy minister rejected a U.N. report that documented terrorist networks in Afghanistan, saying “these are merely enemy propaganda, spread to portray the country as unstable.”

Asked to comment about its international isolation, Farahi insisted the Taliban government was engaged with some 40 countries. The Taliban government currently is only formally recognized by Russia.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has fulfilled all the requirements necessary for official recognition. It is now up to the international community and others to step forward and take the appropriate action,” he said.

UN points at broader educational crisis

The bans have left an estimated 2.4 million girls excluded from secondary education, UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, said this week — a 200,000 increase from last year. The restrictions have reversed two decades of progress that Afghanistan had made in education, the agency said.

Pointing at a broader educational crisis, the agency said 53% of primary school-aged children are out of school. Schools lack basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation or heating, while natural disasters have also led to hundreds of school closures.

Meanwhile, the U.N. World Food Program said child malnutrition has reached critical levels in a third of Afghanistan’s provinces and is expected to worsen as funding shortfalls force cuts in food distributions and other support.

In Kabul, Dost Mohammad Khan expressed support for the Taliban administration, saying the past five years have brought stability. He said however, that the country needs trained professionals such as doctors and engineers, urging the authorities to keep “all sectors operational.”

“We also call upon the Islamic Emirate to permit women to attend school under the sharia dress code and we urge the public to heed the directives of the Emirate also,” said the 38-year-old.

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Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey.

The strike came a day after the United Nations said July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the weeks following Moscow's all-out invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago.

At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 wounded last month, the U.N. monitoring mission in Kyiv said, as Russia escalated its bombing of Ukrainian towns and cities. That was 70% higher than in July last year and 30% up on June of this year.

Overall, since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, U.N. human rights monitors say the war has killed at least 16,874 civilians, including 820 children, and wounded 51,273, including 3,126 children.

“Every month this year the number of killed and injured civilians has increased. That trend accelerated sharply in July,” said Danielle Bell, head of the U.N. human rights monitoring mission in Kyiv. “The number of civilian casualties in July was the highest we documented in a single month since March 2022.”

The Russian strike in northern Ukraine’s Sumy region early Friday also wounded four other people, including the dead boy’s father and grandmother, who were hospitalized with severe burns, the regional military administration chief Oleh Hryhorov said.

Russia's top diplomat says Moscow will intensify its aerial attacks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Moscow is planning to escalate its strikes on Ukraine, even as U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war are set to continue.

“We will use much harsher methods to destroy everything that feeds Kyiv’s war machine from the West,” Lavrov said in an interview with Russian state TV broadcast Friday, referring to military aid Kyiv receives from abroad.

Officials in Washington said last month that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s main envoys, would travel to Kyiv sometime in the future. No date for the trip is publicly known, as the U.S. focuses on the Iran war.

Zelenskyy has accepted an unconditional ceasefire demanded by Trump, but Putin has refused, demanding a comprehensive peace agreement first, and Lavrov said that position hasn’t changed.

“We will only stop when there’s a long-term, reliable and sustainable settlement,” he said.

Russian glide bombs hit residential areas near front line

In Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, a Russian glide bomb demolished six floors of a 10-story apartment block, killing one person and wounding 16 others, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Russia is launching around 220 glide bombs every day against settlements near the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in a social media post Friday.

Russian forces crush settlements with the brute force of 3,000-pound (1,300-kilo) glide bombs, artillery, missiles and drones, then send in infantry units to attack the exposed defenders. The tactic has rendered many towns and villages uninhabitable.

In addition, Russian forces struck two tugboats in the Black Sea that were escorting cargo ships carrying Western weapons for Ukraine, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said.

It also said that its drones overnight hit Ukraine’s southern Izmail port’s railway station which it said is used for transporting military cargo and fuel for the Ukrainian armed forces.

In all, Russia attacked 12 Ukrainian regions overnight, wounding dozens of people, Zelenskyy said.

Ukrainian drones strike a major port north of Moscow

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, extended their long-range strike campaign against Russian infrastructure, hitting the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region north of Moscow and starting a brief fire, its governor Alexander Drozdenko said.

Ust-Luga is one of Russia’s largest oil and gas export terminals located more than 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Ukraine.

It has been a frequent target of Ukrainian drone attacks this summer, as Kyiv seeks to undermine Russian oil exports that provide Moscow with vital revenue for its war effort.

Ukraine also launched another attack on the premises of Wildberries, Russia’s biggest online retailer, which Kyiv says helps supply the Russian military.

The attack damaged a wall of a Wildberries warehouse in the Tver region north of Moscow, the region’s acting governor, Vitaly Korolyov, said.

Wildberries reported “insignificant damage” and said the goods stored at the site were not damaged.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday its air defenses overnight intercepted 553 Ukrainian drones over 18 Russian regions, as well as occupied Crimea and the waters of the Azov and the Black seas.

NATO warplanes shoot down a drone over Latvia

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace in the early hours of Friday, the Latvian army and an official for the military alliance said.

Latvian authorities did not say what the origin of the drone was, but said it had entered Latvia “as a result of Russian electromagnetic warfare.”

Several drones have previously crossed the border into Latvia. Most of them are thought to be Ukrainian drones that strayed off course due to Russian electronic jamming.

Two Italian Eurofighter jets were scrambled to tackle the drone and one of them shot it down, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said.

Two Turkish fighter jets were also deployed, she said.

Residents in five municipalities in eastern Latvia were warned about the threat to airspace and told to take shelter.

Also, a drone crashed in woodland in Romania 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the border with Ukraine, the NATO member’s Defense Ministry said Friday.

Military radars did not detect the drone, which landed in eastern Tulcea County, because it was flying at a “very low” altitude, the ministry said. It provided no details about the drone’s origin.

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Associated Press reporters Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Poland, Lorne Cook in Brussels and Stephen McGrath in Leamington Spa, England contributed to this report.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials,” SIM International said in a statement.

He will soon be reunited with his extended family, the statement added.

Rideout was kidnapped in the West African country's capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21 by three armed individuals and was probably driven out of town, according to information provided by a security official at the time.

No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after Rideout's kidnapping warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”

Niger is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities ousted Western partners including the United States, which had soldiers in Niger, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

In June, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey. It was the second attack this year at the airport, a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military’s command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft. It’s also the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa’s Sahel region.

The historic temperatures are linked to human-caused climate change, and are hitting countries more used to long cold seasons and ill-equipped for this sort of heat, with limited air conditioning.

More evacuations in France as fire affects more regions

With France experiencing its driest year ever, a new fire raced through woodlands overnight in the Landes region on the southwest coast. The blaze forced more than 500 people to evacuate their homes in the town of Luglon as hundreds of firefighters deployed to the area, the regional administration said Friday.

It’s one of several fires scorching forests around France this week, including in normally cooler and wetter regions in the north and Brittany. A historic fire devoured forests near Bordeaux last month and pushed a quarter of a million people from their homes.

France also has shut down six nuclear reactors in recent days because of extreme heat and drought — and because a mass of jellyfish washed up outside one power plant on the English Channel coast, utility company EDF said. Large numbers of jellyfish are appearing on many French beaches in connection with unusually warm sea temperatures.

In a statement, the company said the shutdowns had minimal impact on France’s electricity production. It said extreme weather poses no safety risks to the reactors themselves.

UK wildfires come as London records its hottest day of the year

In the central English town of Stourbridge, where a huge blaze started Thursday, TV footage showed the fires consuming houses, with many left without roofs as flames burned inside the charred walls. About 20 to 30 homes were completely destroyed, Stourbridge lawmaker Cat Eccles told the BBC.

A woman who was evacuated from her Stourbridge home said police knocked on her door and urged her to leave immediately.

“They thought the fire was changing directions, and they didn’t know which direction it was going in,” Jane Baxter told BBC Radio. “So, it was literally ‘grab what you need and get out.’”

Simon Tuhill, chief fire officer of West Midlands Fire Service, said an investigation will be launched but the fire was believed to have started in the grassland before spreading to homes nearby.

Nineteen people and six firefighters were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and other injuries from multiple wildfires in the West Midlands region. In nearby Stoke-on-Trent, a 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested Friday on suspicion of arson over a large grass fire that spread quickly.

The Met Office, the official weather agency, said 38.1C (100.6 F) was recorded in west London on Thursday, marking the hottest day of the year. While temperatures cooled slightly on Friday, many parts of the country have seen little to no rain for weeks. This July has been the driest in England and Wales since records began in 1836.

Spain moves kings' remains to avoid fire

Spanish authorities on Thursday night transferred the remains of three 11th Century kings from a monastery in the northeastern Aragón region near an active wildfire.

The remains were taken to a museum about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the 10th-century San Juan de la Peña monastery, which remained unharmed Friday, according to regional authorities.

Paintings, liturgical objects and the clothes of a notable 18th-century Spanish count were among the other items removed from the monastery.

The wildfire was not yet contained midday Friday with some 800 residents evacuated. Temperatures were expected to cool slightly Saturday.

A separate, much larger wildfire in southern Spain has burned more than 300 square kilometers (120 square miles) in the province of Huelva, also forcing evacuations.

Firefighters battle forest fire in Germany

All 1,800 residents of the village of Gey in western Germany were evacuated after a wildfire with shifting winds in the nearby Hürtgen forest threatened to reach their homes. Nearly 300 hectares (1.16 square miles) of forest were ablaze on Friday morning, local authorities said.

Unexploded ordnance from World War II in the forest hampered firefighting efforts, German news agency dpa reported.

The fire advanced to within 300 meters (1,000 feet) of Gey, which sits on the edge of the forest near the Belgian border. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

Germany has set a new record for heat-related deaths so far this year, surpassing the 2018 level for the entire year, the Robert Koch Institute said Thursday. An estimated 12,500 people died from heat-related causes between Jan. 1 and Aug. 2.

Fire in Croatia leaves 1 dead, 14 hospitalized

In Croatia, one person was killed and 14 people were hospitalized, of whom seven remained in life-threatening condition early Friday, from a fire that raged overnight by the coastal town of Omis and forced more than 1,000 people to evacuate their homes. The person's body was found as police combed through the burned-out area.

The fire erupted late Thursday in an Omis suburb and quickly spread because of strong wind. The regional maritime authorities said 194 people, including children, were plucked from the sea and from various boats as they tried to flee the fire.

Firefighters put out the blaze by Friday morning as other crews in planes headed further south toward the Peljesac peninsula, where another wildfire broke out overnight.

Firefighters keep Albania's largest wildfire from spreading to homes

Albania has been battling dozens of wildfires in recent weeks, with 11 active fires reported across the country Friday.

The largest fire is in the Gure-Lure area, where the perimeter near residential homes has been brought under control.

Three people have been prosecuted over that fire, which engulfed Lura National Park. They are suspected of failing to take measures to protect the territory from fire, authorities said.

Meanwhile, in northern Greece, more than 300 vacationers and residents were evacuated by sea Thursday after a wildfire swept through a pine forest and threatened seaside homes, authorities said.

Belgium expected to set another heat record

Belgium was expecting to hit its highest temperature of the summer on Friday, climbing to 37 C (98.6 F) in the capital, Brussels.

The mercury was also set to hit 37 C (98.6 F) in the neighboring Netherlands. The country is suffering from severe drought, with water shortages in some areas, but Dutch authorities have held off declaring a water crisis as rain is expected in the coming days.

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Hui reported from London. Stefanie Dazio in Berlin; Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Poland; Zana Cimili in Pristina, Kosovo; Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia; Lorne Cook in Brussels; and Suman Naishadham in Madrid contributed to this report.

And probably more than anything when it comes to time, most of us try to manage it — in our everyday lives and on a global scale, from the biology of our circadian rhythms to what constitutes a work day. Clocks. Calendars. Pendulums. Hourglasses. Sundials. Time zones.

For something that's been a pretty universal impulse to mark the shift of light and dark, the movement of the stars and the rhythms of the tides, the cycles of summer heat and winter cold, one might assume there's been a universal way of measuring time. That assumption would be wrong.

Take the shifting of the clock twice a year in most of the United States, once forward and then back again, a system that “moves” the time to let people enjoy daylight hours later into the evening.

While people love the light, a lot of them loathe having to make the change. So much so that the House of Representatives last month overwhelmingly passed legislation calling for the shift to become permanent year-round. Its prospects for passage in the Senate aren’t high, and when the country tried it in the 1970s it was wildly unpopular and short-lived. But it continues to be brought up, an indication that the way we keep the clock counts.

The methods different peoples and communities have used to track their lives haven't existed in a vacuum. They've been impacted by culture, by religion, by economics and technology, by the governing principles both within nations and among them.

Turns out, like pretty much anything where people are involved, there’s a politics to time.

Measurements of time are made up, but they matter

“Every measurement of time is arbitrary,” says Elizabeth Cohen, a political science professor at Boston University who has written about how we chronicle time and how it impacts the way people relate to each other. “Every deadline could have been a fraction of a second or a large increment of time different than it was,” she says. “None of it is natural.”

Take calendars. We use them to give a structure to our lives, but the spectrum of what that has looked like is vast through human existence. Some followed the sun, others the moon, and others still a combination of both. Maybe all the months were the same length, maybe they weren’t. What we call a seven-day week might have had four, or six, or some other number of days in other timekeeping systems.

Even today, when the main calendar in use globally is what we know as the Gregorian calendar, with its 12 months and leap years, other calendars are still consulted for religious or cultural purposes in places from Israel to Thailand. And daylight saving time? With its connection to our perceptions of what hours of light become available to us, it reflects “a desire for natural time,” says Michael O’Malley, professor of history at George Mason University.

People “are outside longer, so they feel it as a connection to nature,” he says. “But it only makes sense in a society that’s completely hypnotized by clocks so you think the clock is time.”

The culture of the clock is evolving

It's not just about the how. When we think about how culture evolved around time, there's also the why.

For most of human history, there were ties to the rhythms of the natural world: the phases of the moon, the rising and setting of the sun, the ebb and flow of the tides. And in agricultural societies, the importance of when to plant and when to harvest.

Tracking the sun's journey across the sky was a local endeavor. While the idea of a day broken down into 24 equal segments was important to groups like astronomers or seafarers, daily life was broken into “systems that tended to expand and contract based on the time of year and the location,” says Kevin Birth, a professor of anthropology at Queens College.

“But since people weren’t really traveling back and forth with any great rapidity back," he says, "then it really didn’t matter.”

Industrialization — in the form of the Industrial Revolution that started in 18th-century England and spread — pushed people to shift notions of time. No longer was it about the sun's cycle or the turn of the seasons. Industrial production meant schedules — people paying attention to the clock because they were due for specific shifts.

“It was one of the goals of industrialization to instill in people this regular, unvarying sense of time,” O'Malley says.

Contrast that to a preindustrial farmer, he says. “You could have an ethic of hard work, but that work is not going to be governed by a clock. It’s typically going to be governed by natural cues. The clock establishes this external authority that’s not you."

In the United States, by the mid-1800s, another issue arose: time zones. There were more than 40 based around cities, which O'Malley says forced railroad companies to switch dynamically as trains traveled.

Worried that other entities would standardize the zones and disrupt their businesses, the companies acted. “The American Railway Association got all the American railroads to agree that on Nov. 18, 1883, they would declare a four-zone system in effect in America,” O'Malley says. “And they just announced it.”

Time can be a cudgel

It's hardly the only occasion where the perception of time has involved national or global concerns.

Take the Prime Meridian, the entirely made-up longitude line running from the North Pole to the South Pole, that divides Earth into eastern and western hemispheres and is used as the basis for global timekeeping as well as navigation.

It runs through Greenwich, England, and was selected at an international conference in 1884. Was that because Greenwich was the ideal place? No, Birth says — it simply was established during “a period when the British Empire was one of the dominant empires in the world.”

Time zones themselves “are about politics,” he says, pointing out that they are not divided in a standard format. Countries decide their own, and in the U.S., the individual states can decide if they observe Daylight Saving or not.

A prime example is China, which stretches more than 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) across Asia. It has one official time zone for the country, instituted when the Communist Party took power in 1949 as a form of national unity.

The entire country runs officially on Beijing time, but the reality on the ground when the sun rises in eastern China hours before it rises in western China is people adjust with their own local times for daily life, Birth says.

Time can also be a tool used in a society to manage dissent and protest, Cohen says. She pointed to examples like governments instituting curfews or protesters engaging in slowdowns or strikes.

“Time has a lot of power," she says, “and people are battling over it to try and impose themselves on others or remove the yoke that has been imposed on them.”

The Dodgers took a two-run lead into the ninth inning Thursday night with Diaz, the highest-paid closer in baseball, on the mound. The defending champions left one inning later with a 5-4 loss to the NL-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who wreaked havoc on Los Angeles’ already beleaguered relief corps with a clutch three-run, five-hit rally.

Diaz (2-2) blew a save for the third time in his last four appearances for the Dodgers, giving up four consecutive one-out singles and three runs.

The normally imperturbable Roberts was clearly annoyed after this brutal loss in a game that would have pulled the Dodgers even with the Brewers atop the National League standings. Instead, Los Angeles has lost nine of 13.

When Roberts was asked whether Diaz would be allowed to continue to work through his struggles as the closer, Roberts snapped: “Give me another option.”

“I can’t just say, ‘Change (Diaz) to low leverage,'” Roberts added. “I have to have other options, and to be quite honest, none of those guys really have thrown the baseball great. That’s just kind of the way it is.”

That’s the dilemma facing Roberts, whose bullpen doesn’t currently contain a reliever he completely trusts. While the Dodgers’ overall bullpen statistics aren’t glaringly bad, Diaz’s struggles and a series of poor performances in recent high-leverage situations have clearly taxed Roberts’ problem-solving ability.

“You look back at the last week, and guys have struggled,” Roberts said. “I’m not going to sit here and play carousel and chase my tail ... when a guy is struggling, and then when he doesn’t pitch well, then it’s, ‘Why are you pitching him?’ I don’t do that. Everyone has got a role. They all have jobs to do, and they all have to do their job. That’s it.”

The trumpets that herald Diaz’s entrance into games have sounded more like a dirge lately while his ERA ballooned to 11.57. The three-time All-Star and longtime Mets closer has been frequently awful since returning late last month from a three-month absence for elbow surgery, giving up eight runs and 12 hits in only seven appearances.

“It’s frustrating, because I know my ability,” Diaz said. “I know what I can do on the mound. To not be able to do it (stinks). I've just got to come tomorrow and try to keep getting better.”

Diaz realizes he could be in danger of losing his job as the Dodgers' closer.

“I've just got to see what they want to do,” he said. “I want to do the best thing for the team. At the end of the day, if they give me the ball in the ninth, I will try to do my job. If they give me the ball in another inning, I will try to do my job. Got to get better, be consistent.”

Despite Roberts’ protestations, the clearest option to replace Diaz is left-hander Tanner Scott, who earned 16 saves this season before Diaz returned. But Scott’s miserable 2025 season is still top of many minds in Los Angeles, and his 2026 performance has mildly declined in recent weeks.

Roberts realizes he could consider a closer-by-committee plan, but that’s also difficult when any choice will be concerning.

“We’ve got to get other guys on track to even have that be even a valid conversation, to be honest with you,” Roberts said.

The bullpen’s struggles are magnified because the Dodgers’ talent-laden lineup hasn’t blown out anyone in weeks. Los Angeles has won just two games by more than two runs since July 19, repeatedly putting its relievers into perilous situations.

The Dodgers are trying to become the first NL team to win three straight World Series, and their fans still remember their team barely scraping through last season with a patchwork bullpen that finished 21st in the majors in ERA. In the postseason, LA improbably converted rookie starter Roki Sasaki into a closer.

Diaz was supposed to be the foundation of a return to a strong bullpen for the Dodgers, who hadn’t had a standout closer for years. Instead, he’s the central figure in another mess in mid-August.

Roberts is frustrated, but he’s also got perspective.

“I know people don’t want to hear it, but it’s baseball,” Roberts said. “Offenses go in lulls, and the bullpens go in lulls, and sometimes you get in a run where the starting pitching isn’t there. It is what happens, and it just doesn’t feel good. And it certainly is more highlighted when the ’pen doesn’t throw the baseball well, because it costs you games.”

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Many Christians in Israel, who make up less than 2% of the country’s population, are worried visible signs of their faith will draw harassment, which has increased as multiple conflicts grip the region.

“I’m scared after the sister was beat up,” said Sister Mayela, a Mexican nun who’s lived in Jerusalem on and off for more than two decades. “Before, one could live with more confidence. Some people spat, some said hi. Now we have to live trusting in God.”

She finds resilience in her faith — and in support from Israelis like the volunteers. Even that, though, didn’t prevent a teen from spitting right behind her as they passed a group of ultra-Orthodox Jews recently. The teen said she was only clearing her throat, but the volunteer reported it to police.

Incidents like that are among the challenges for Christians in Israel, particularly since the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, plunged the country back into war and polarization. But interfaith leaders and researchers are encouraged by better policing and prosecution as well as the recent appointment of a government envoy to the Christian world, who is Greek Orthodox.

In northern Israel, many Christians say they feel the state isn’t doing enough to protect them from crime because they’re not Jewish. But those concerns didn’t stop groups of Catholics from joining a recent joyous pilgrimage on Mount Tabor, where the Gospels say Jesus appeared transfigured alongside the Jewish prophets Moses and Elijah.

“In a world where darkness is filling the hearts of people, we need to diffuse God’s light to other people,” said Sister Muna, the nun who led one youth group.

For many Christians and Jews, protecting coexistence in the Holy Land is a moral imperative after their own long histories of religious persecution.

“I don’t want Christians to go out of their house in Jerusalem … and have fear,” said Yisca Harani, the Jewish Israeli educator and activist who escorted Sister Mayela. “I’ve gone through this 2,000 years in my Jewish history. I’m not going to let that happen.”

Occasional flare-ups occur in multifaith Old City

In the Old City, Jewish men in black hats and tzitzit tassels, Muslim women in hijabs and Christian priests in flowing robes walk past each other daily in the maze of stone alleyways. Many are headed to pray at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. These are some of the most sacred sites respectively for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and they are close to each other.

“If you stroll around in your habit, sooner or later you’ll get some spitting next to you,” said the Rev. Alberto Pari, who leads interfaith dialogue and Christian-Jewish relations as secretary to the Custody of the Holy Land, the Catholic order ministering to holy sites across the region. “But it’s important not to generalize, because that unleashes antisemitism.”

Religious Freedom Data Center, the organization that Harani founded to track harassment of Christians, has recorded a near-tripling of incidents in Jerusalem from four years ago to the last three months recorded — about one a day now — virtually all by Jewish religious nationalists.

A Jewish man from a settlement in the occupied West Bank was indicted in the violent attack on the nun in April. The French Biblical and Archeological School of Jerusalem where the nun is a researcher expects “effective prosecution at the criminal and civil levels,” said the school’s director, Friar Olivier Poquillon.

Israel's government tackles anti-Christian incidents

Among those reaching out to Catholic leaders to denounce the attack and offer support was Ambassador George Deek, Israel's new envoy tasked with building what he calls the “special relationship” between Christians and the country, to both keep Christians safe and partner on issues like fighting antisemitism.

“We believe that every incident against Christians is immoral, illegal and should be prosecuted. That’s exactly what we are going to do,” Deek told The Associated Press. “We want to make sure that Israel continues to prosper and grow as a place where Christians can not only survive, but they can thrive.”

Around the time that the nun was attacked, two other incidents drew global condemnation. An Israeli soldier smashed a crucifix in a family garden and another stuck a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, where the military is fighting Hezbollah militants. The soldiers involved received military prison sentences.

Most Israelis find harassment unacceptable. But Jewish religious nationalists, particularly uneducated young men, remain a threat, said John Munayer of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, an interreligious organization in Jerusalem.

Their hostility to Christians is grounded in the history of persecution of Jews in Christian-majority European countries, in faith practices they see as idol-worshipping, and in a “general intolerance” for anyone who’s not Jewish near sacred areas like the Western Wall, Munayer said.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict spills over in Christian-Jewish tensions

Then there’s the overhanging trauma of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, since most local Christians in Israel and the occupied West Bank are Palestinian.

In Taybeh, the last entirely Christian village in the West Bank, Jewish settlers recently cut through house fences and destroyed fruit and vegetable gardens, said the Rev. Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.

“All the people here are afraid,” he said. “Settlers come and go every day.”

Israel’s army declared the village a closed military zone earlier this week to curb the attacks. But concerns about Israel’s ability and willingness to rein in the settlers remain even among evangelicals, who are among the staunchest Christian supporters of Israel.

“What happens in Taybeh is really troubling,” said David Parsons, spokesperson for International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. “Israeli leaders have realized for some time that Christian support for their nation is not only vital, it’s a strategic interest.”

And yet since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, “generalized fear and skepticism” pervaded all interreligious work, Pari said. The interfaith music institute he directs, Magnificat, was invited to play at a peace march in Jerusalem. But when the Palestinian members saw that the stage had been set up by an Old City gate flanked by Israeli flags, they refused to play.

“I felt a real failure,” Pari said. “We think that as Christians, we have a very important role to patch things back together. ... It will be difficult, but we can do it.”

Israeli Christians hold tight to faith and identity

That faith-grounded resilience prevailed among the Mount Tabor pilgrims, who gathered on the mountain to celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration last week. Rising interfaith tensions and crime have driven many of the area’s Christians to emigrate, several said.

“It’s very difficult that we keep our identity as Christians in the Middle East, but it’s the most important,” said John Akleh, 20, who came with Sister Muna’s group.

Ten pilgrims from nearby Nazareth — where Jesus grew up — started the climb at 4:15 a.m. led by the Rev. Fadi Shallufi in a yearly tradition they’ve maintained even in wartime.

“We will have a lot of sacrifice, but you will be sure in this land something will change,” Shallufi told them as he celebrated Mass in the mountaintop basilica.

___

Associated Press journalists Ibrahim Hazboun and Moshe Edri contributed from Jerusalem.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% from its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 113 points, or 0.2%, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.5% lower.

Stocks gave up modest gains from earlier in the morning after oil prices swung higher. The price for a barrel of Brent crude rose 0.9% to $87.88 as uncertainty continues about when the war with Iran will allow oil tankers to freely exit the Persian Gulf again.

Also raising uncertainty was a report showing shoppers spent less at U.S. retailers last month than the month before. That surprised economists, who were forecasting another month of growth.

On the bright side for financial markets, such a pullback in spending could take pressure off inflation. Inflation remains much higher than anyone would like, but reports earlier this week suggested the pace of increases in prices is decelerating.

If inflation keeps trending that way, it could encourage the Federal Reserve to hold off on hikes to interest rates. Higher rates would help keep a lid on inflation, but they do so by intentionally slowing the economy and making it more expensive for everyone to borrow money.

But the downside of such data, including last week’s surprisingly weak report on the U.S. job market, is that they raise the risk of a slowing economy. The Fed has no good tool to fix both a stagnating economy and high inflation at the same time, which is why what’s called “stagflation” is seen as a worst-case scenario.

Some on Wall Street cautioned against overreacting to the weak data on U.S. retail sales, even if it was broad based. It could simply be a snap back after retail sales in earlier months were boosted by unusual factors such as big tax refunds, the World Cup and even an earlier Prime Day event at Amazon, according to Jennifer Timmerman, senior investment strategy analyst at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

U.S. consumers nevertheless appear to be getting more discouraged about the economy. A preliminary survey by the University of Michigan suggested sentiment among them is weakening by more than economists expected.

The survey said drops occurred across the political spectrum and showed up particularly among older, lower-income and other groups who can be hurt most by inflation.

On Wall Street, Reddit jumped 14.2% after learning its stock will join the S&P 500 index on Tuesday. Many professional investors and funds closely track the index, either mimicking it or at least measuring their performance against it. That can push many investors to buy a stock automatically when it enters the index.

Applied Materials fell 5.6% even though the company, whose technology helps make semiconductors, reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Gary Dickerson said global hunger for artificial-intelligence technology helped it deliver another record quarter.

But its stock had already more than doubled this year and built expectations very high, which helped pressure the stock on Friday.

AI stocks in general have been swinging sharply on worries that their prices shot too high because of AI euphoria and that their strong growth in revenue may not be sustainable.

In the bond market, shorter-term Treasury yields edged lower following the retail sales report, suggesting traders see the Fed as less likely to hike interest rates at its next meeting in September.

But the yield on the 10-year Treasury, which moves more on expectations for inflation and economic growth in upcoming years, rose to 4.68% from 4.63% late Thursday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe and Asia.

London’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.2% after Nigel Farage regained the seat in Parliament he quit a month ago, beating trash-can wearing comic candidate Count Binface in a special election.

South Korea’s Kospi again had one of the world’s sharpest moves and jumped 2.4% for its third straight gain of at least that much. Seoul has been at the center of the world’s swings for AI stocks because its market is dominated by two tech giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

___

AP Business Writers Michelle Chapman and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.

Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party who some see as a possible next prime minister, abruptly quit his seat in July amid an investigation into whether he failed to report a 5 million pound ($6.7 million) gift from an overseas crypto billionaire.

He denied wrongdoing and ran again for the seat to prove he had voters’ support, regaining it with 63% of Thursday’s vote in an unusual election on the hottest day of the year. Binface, a serial candidate who has challenged prime ministers past and present, represented a protest vote and finished second in a field of 34 candidates — many of them also jokers — with about 27%, according to the results announced Friday.

Farage hailed the result as an “overwhelming win” that increased his vote share over the last election, but it’s hard to draw broad conclusions from the election given the lack of genuine rivals and the fact that Farage has long been popular in the conservative constituency on the east coast of England.

“Today the voters in Clacton have stuck up two fingers to the entire political establishment,” Farage said, referring to the British equivalent of a crude gesture that employs the middle finger in other cultures.

The result will send him back to the House of Commons, but an investigation by a parliamentary watchdog that was suspended when he stepped down was resumed hours after the result was announced. That means Farage could be forced out of Parliament — and face yet another election.

Farage reshaped UK politics

Farage, the chief cheerleader in getting Britain to vote to leave the European Union a decade ago, has shattered the country's longstanding two-party system by positioning himself to the right of the Conservative Party.

With Farage’s win, Reform has just eight of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, but he has made the party a major political force by drawing on a mix of cultural grievances and a vow to stop what he has called an invasion of migrants crossing the English Channel in inflatable rafts. The party has frequently changed the national conversation and forced the governing center-left Labour Party and the Conservatives, long the dominant parties, to address Reform’s key issues.

But with Farage under scrutiny and a Labour leadership shake-up that installed Andy Burnham as prime minister, there’s room for Labour to regain some ground.

Farage still faces investigation over an undeclared donation

Pressure will continue to mount on Farage as Parliament’s standards watchdog investigates an undeclared donation he got in 2024 from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire. Farage says he didn’t need to declare the money because it was a personal gift he used to fund his security and was made before he was elected.

When he resigned on July 7, he complained of an “establishment hit job” and a media-driven “witch-hunt.”

Farage also faces an investigation into his financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic crypto-gambling entrepreneur who served eight months in a U.S. prison for fraud a decade ago after offering to launder money for undercover agents posing as drug traffickers.

Cottrell remains close to Farage and has reportedly given him money for security and staff. Farage has denied wrongdoing and stood by the man he calls “Posh George.”

Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said the election was no victory for Farage, and he needs to come clean over his finances and relationship with Cottrell.

“The mountain of sleaze and scandal he and Reform are now engulfed in has grown and grown while he’s been trying to distract the public by fighting a by-election against a bin,” Phillipson said.

Farage was a no-show at the vote count

Farage’s gambit to resign and run again backfired when other parties refused to participate and he was left facing a massive field of independent and small-party candidates, including novelty acts such as Howling Laud Hope of The Official Monster Raving Loony Party and Marcus White from the Everyone is God Party.

Farage declared victory in the early morning and blew off the official declaration where he would have had to stand alongside the other candidates — a time-honored tradition in British politics.

“I’m damned if I’m going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory ... and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies,” Farage told supporters at a victory party.

Farage also said he didn’t attend because police told him about an “organized campaign to disrupt and degrade the result.” A spokesperson for Reform said there was a credible threat against him, though police disputed that.

Fiona Byrne, who wouldn’t say who she voted for, said Farage shouldn’t have called the election, which she said was an expensive joke.

“It’s just been a complete waste of money and time for everybody here, and he just needs to face the music,” she said.

But John Fairclough said he was happy Farage won because he’s what the country needs.

“To my mind he hasn’t done anything wrong,” Fairclough said. “He’s a threat to the main media and government who want to just control us and control everything.”

Binface, who ran on a wacky platform that included a vow to “cut your taxes, and raise everyone else’s,” build one affordable home, and nationalize singer Adele, declared himself the "winning candidate of the candidates who bothered to turn up for the results."

Under the black cape, trash can helmet and ample body armor straight out of a low-budget sci-fi film, Binface’s alter-ego is Jon Harvey, a middle-aged comedian who spent most of the campaign doing media interviews and trying to stay cool in the costume during a sweltering summer.

Binface has hinted that if Farage faces another election, he could return to run again.

“Over one in four people in this constituency would rather have Count Binface as their MP than the leader of Reform UK,” Binface said in a video on X. “Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Clacton by-election.” ___

Melley reported from London.

A rescue operation was launched after a sudden rush of water and debris entered the tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in Chamoli district later Thursday night, said top district official Gaurav Kumar.

Of 22 people who were working in the tunnel, 12 have been rescued alive and another three are still missing, the chief minister of Uttarakhand state Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters.

Rescue teams from the national and state Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and fire services are fighting rising water and debris with as they search for the remaining workers, officials said.

“When our team reached the site and started the operation, there was a lot of water inside the tunnel and water was also seeping from the sides. Since then, the water level has increased considerably,” said the commander of the National Disaster Response Force team, Amrit Lal Meena.

Construction accidents are common in India, where rapid infrastructure growth often collides with fragile geology, construction lapses, extreme weather and safety standards.

In the Himalayan region, fragile mountains, seismic activity and unpredictable underground conditions make tunnel projects especially risky. An explosion inside a coal mine in neighboring Meghalaya state in February killed at least 18 workers. In 2023, a tunnel section in northern Uttarakhand state collapsed, trapping 41 workers for 17 days before they were rescued.

The 33-year-old Philadelphia Phillies slugger added another thoroughly Midwestern highlight to his well-decorated career Thursday night, hitting two home runs into an Iowa cornfield.

Schwarber led off the Field of Dreams game with a homer and then connected for a two-run shot in the fourth inning to spark the Phillies in a 7-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

“We all watched the movie as kids, so it was really cool to be able to see exactly where it was and just kind of the full ceremony of it, too,” said Schwarber, who leads the major leagues with 37 home runs. “Just an unbelievable experience.”

After helping the Cubs win the World Series in 2016, making the postseason 10 times in his first 11 years and being selected to four All-Star teams, Schwarber has been building quite the resume. With 377 career home runs and counting, perhaps he'll one day join the club in Cooperstown like the 26 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame who took part in the pregame pomp at the newly constructed ballpark.

For now, Schwarber has an unforgettable night to share with his family forever. His two children are too young to watch or understand the movie now, but he can't wait to watch the 1989 film with them down the road.

“You might not ever get to play another big league baseball game here, so to be able to have that experience, it’s a unique thing for you and it’s something you’re going to bring up to your kids,” Schwarber said. “We’re going to watch that movie together with my kids one day and be able to say, ‘Hey, dad got to play there,’ or, ‘See that house in this movie? I got to see it.’ So it’ll be really cool.”

Twins right fielder Luke Keaschall, who homered in the loss, nearly caught Schwarber's second home run above the wall, but the ball glanced off his glove and into the dark green sea of corn.

“It was up there a while. In a perfect world, I think I should catch it,” Keaschall said. “I didn’t today.”

The Phillies moved a half-game ahead of idle Arizona into the third and final wild-card spot for the NL playoffs. So Schwarber's big swings meant more than just a page in his personal memory book.

“To have a good season a lot of guys have to have good years, but the aircraft carriers have still got to carry you,” Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said. “That just takes pressure off of everyone.”

Having entered the night just 10-15 since the All-Star break, the Phillies needed a bit of a jolt like the magic of the movie site and game location can produce — and their star designated hitter can provide.

“I feel like some people could take that for granted because he’s done it so many times, but we definitely don’t,” Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola said. “There’s no moment ever too big for him.”

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Trump is visiting the Nassau County Police Academy in suburban Long Island, where the White House said he will release new FBI crime statistics showing a decrease in violent crime for 2025.

“President Trump promised to make America safe again and the data proves he has done just that,” White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said. “Unlike Defund-the-Police Democrats, President Trump will always stand with our law enforcement officers and deliver safer American neighborhoods.”

Trump's visit is aimed at boosting Republican candidates in closely contested races across his home state, but just how much his presence will help is in question as he faces lagging approval ratings and a deeply unpopular war in Iran with no end in sight.

Trump narrowly won Nassau County in 2024, flipping it for Republicans for the first time in more than two decades. It's home to two Democratic House seats that Republicans now see as winnable this fall, and it's home turf for Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, the Trump-endorsed Republican challenging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Trump will be joined by Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel in Nassau County, which has one of the largest police forces in the nation.

Crime becoming a theme in New York races

It's the second time this year Trump has visited New York in support of Blakeman and other Republicans. He stopped by the Hudson Valley area in May for a speech in which he said Blakeman would curb “out of control” crime.

Crime has emerged as a significant issue in the governor's race, with both candidates claiming to have the better track record of making New Yorkers safe. Hochul visited a different Long Island police department in July to announce a statewide investment in policing technology.

A statement from Blakeman said he's grateful Trump is visiting “to tour our outstanding, state-of-the-art law enforcement facilities” and pay tribute to law enforcement workers.

In a Fox Business interview Thursday, Blakeman played down concerns that Trump's visit would be unpopular with voters in New York City.

“When the most powerful person in the world comes to visit you and shows that you have a relationship together, I think that’s a very good thing,” Blakeman said, adding that even voters who disagree with Trump might appreciate a governor with a direct line to the president.

Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki said the governor "has invested billions in public safety to protect New Yorkers — ‘MAGA all the way’ Bruce Blakeman is bringing Donald Trump to tour the county where he let violent crime spike to decade highs and Trump’s unaccountable ICE agents abuse their power.”

For GOP, safety is seen as a winning issue

Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist, said Trump's visit stands to boost Blakeman along with Republican challengers looking to unseat a pair of Democratic incumbents in Nassau County districts. Michael LiPetri Jr. is challenging Rep. Tom Suozzi in New York's 3rd Congressional District, while Jeanine Driscoll is opposing Rep. Lauren Gillen in the 4th Congressional District.

The focus on crime is seen as a cornerstone issue for Republicans that appeals to Trump's base along with suburban swing voters, Gorman said.

“On the strategic level, crime is an issue that Republicans feel comfortable going on offense with, where the country kind of broadly agrees with them,” he said.

Trump is touting the issue as he faces low approval ratings on a number of other issues, including the economy and the Iran war. An AP-NORC poll from August 2025 found that Trump’s handling of crime was among his strongest issues, though his approval on the issue had fallen by 10 points by December 2025.

Trump lashes out over report finding he hasn't reduced crime

While many of Trump's recent swing-state speeches have focused on his tax breaks and economic policies, Trump often mentions his effort to curb crime by deploying the National Guard in Washington, New Orleans and other Democrat-led cities.

This week, Trump lashed out at the Center for American Progress and threatened to sue the liberal think tank over a report finding that the National Guard deployments failed to reduce crime. Without giving evidence, Trump said in a social media post that “crime is way down since I took Office, and they know it.”

For Trump, talking about crime reduction during his trip to New York offers a chance to reach voters across political and class divisions, said Jesse Hunt, a Republican strategist.

“The issue of crime and safety is a massive winner for Republicans,” Hunt said. “What we’ve seen from the Trump administration and Republicans in general is a real focus on that issue. And they should highlight the successes.”

The White House said the new FBI statistics will show year-over-year decreases in murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Crime experts often caution against drawing too much from single-year changes and encourage a focus on long-term patterns.

The conservative voter from northeast Iowa said he didn't know Zach Lahn before the political newcomer “came out of nowhere" with a surprise GOP primary win over the candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump. So when Lahn came to his farm last week, Burrack questioned him on his approach to agriculture.

“I hit him pretty hard,” said Burrack, who was considering whether to vote for Lahn in November or not vote at all.

It wasn't the first skeptical audience for the self-described “change candidate” in the state led by Republicans.

Lahn won the June primary even though an “entire establishment was set up against me,” he said. He criticizes politicians in both parties, accusing them of being bought by corporate interests. His bid for governor will test how an anti-establishment conservative fares with a general electorate — and with traditional Republicans — a decade after Trump’s own brand of populism reshaped the GOP.

While Iowa Republicans have an electoral advantage, Lahn entered the general election with a lower public profile than his Democratic opponent, state Auditor Rob Sand. Democrats see an opportunity to win this cycle in once-competitive Iowa, where high costs, health clinic closures, manufacturing job losses and a struggling agricultural economy weigh on voters.

Lahn talks about bringing a “different message” to Iowans who aren't satisfied with the trajectory of Iowa's small towns, public education or cancer rates, even after years of Republican control of state government. But only three months before Election Day, Lahn acknowledged he needs to keep getting out in front of people to address their questions and concerns.

“I think, for the most part, a lot of people just have never heard my message,” Lahn said after the event at Burrack's farm in Arlington. “The more we’ve met with people, the more they understand where our priorities lie, the more they say, ‘We are with you.’”

In farm country, Lahn has to answer for his positions on ‘big ag’

Some of Lahn's ideas challenge the Republican Party's status quo. Among them is his approach to agriculture and embrace of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which has prompted questions in the state that's among the nation's top producers of corn, soybeans, red meat and ethanol. Lahn promotes regenerative farming; emphasizes a link between high nitrate-loaded water and cancer; and questions the safety of agrochemicals.

Before Lahn took the stage in Arlington to talk agriculture, farmer Lance Lillibridge, a former president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, told the couple hundred Iowans there that the goal was to “get the air clear."

In front of a huge American flag and sandwiched between two freshly washed John Deere tractors, Lahn said, “We farm a bit weird” on his own Iowa acres, growing oats, alfalfa and einkorn along with corn and beans.

But he told the crowd he wants to fund farmers’ efforts to diversify their operations, not force Iowans to farm like him. He said targeting “big ag” means filing antitrust lawsuits against corporate conglomerates that sell seed and fertilizer and taxing out-of-state investors consolidating Iowa acres, not stepping on family farms. He wants to see more incentives to improve water quality but wouldn’t try to outright ban agrochemicals.

Burrack, like Lahn, says that they won’t agree on everything. But after talking with Lahn, he called himself a supporter.

Lahn pushes back on claims that he's a ‘part-time Iowan’

At another stop, a few dozen faces crowded at the back of a coffee shop in Hampton, Iowa, just after the lunch rush. Many of them were familiar with each other but less so with the candidate they came to see. Among them were Jay and Sally Van Wert, retired farmer and teacher, who said Lahn seemed like a nice guy, but they didn't know much else.

Several Iowans attending some of Lahn's first publicly advertised events since the primary said they only knew what they’ve seen in advertisements from Sand's campaign. The ads call Lahn a “part-time Iowan" and reference dozens of occasions where Lahn piloted his private plane to and from Kansas since launching his campaign.

“Is he going all the time to Kansas?” asked Larry Streicher, 84, a Republican farmer in the front row in Arlington. “We don’t know anything about him.”

Lahn said he left Iowa for college like so many others but wanted to come home, amplifying a nostalgia for Iowa culture and heritage that resonated with voters, not unlike Trump's “Make America Great Again” message.

He left Iowa again to start a private school funded by the Koch family, which opened in Kansas in 2018. He co-founded the school with his now-wife, Annie, who had been married to Chase Koch, son of conservative billionaire Charles Koch.

Lahn told the crowds he and Annie moved into their Belle Plaine, Iowa, homestead in 2023 after finishing renovations. Lahn bought the farm that had been in his family for a century but sold it after his great-grandmother died.

Douglas Puffett, a farmer from Strawberry Point and member of his county’s GOP central committee, said Lahn's story is like so many other Iowans’ and his vision for Iowa is driven by what drew him back.

“That’s how you inspire the next generation,” said the 40-year-old, who appreciates that Lahn, also 40, is young and has young kids.

Lahn has explained that trips to Kansas are due to his blended family, which includes children from his and Annie’s previous marriages. He doesn't comment on whether he would travel or use taxpayer resources to do so if elected governor, saying it would not impact his ability to govern.

Puffett, who attended Lahn’s Arlington event, thinks 10 years of Republican trifecta have given Sand an opening to appeal to people who might be unhappy with the “Republican establishment,” he said, but Lahn “stacks up really nice” with his calls for reform.

“I think it’s time to kind of roll over the leadership of the Republican Party here in Iowa," he said.

A grassroots campaign receives ‘full embrace’ from the establishment

Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision to not seek a third term gave Republicans their first wide-open primary since 2010, and five candidates were on the ballot. Lahn overtook U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra by less than a percentage point, or about 1,650 more votes.

Lahn told crowds that he only met Reynolds after the primary, a signal of his distance from Iowa politics. Speaking at the state party’s fundraiser in July, he joked about all the donors who “haven’t been returning my calls” all being in one room.

Since his primary win, Lahn has met with party leaders and Iowa's prominent industry groups. His campaign spent the summer ramping up fundraising, staff and organizing infrastructure.

State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, who is the majority leader of House Republicans, said there may be some differences of opinion or “curiosities, not concerns" about Lahn's positions, but added that's always the case.

Kaufmann met Lahn earlier this year, voted for him in June and said there's been a “full embrace” of the nominee. He said Lahn is not a traditional candidate, but that's what makes his campaign energizing for Republicans who are “constantly craving new leadership."

“I think it began back in 2016 with President Trump,” Kaufmann said. “Republicans don’t rest on our laurels."

The program remained secret for decades and in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating Aug. 14 as the official day to honor the Navajo Code Talkers and all Native Americans who served in the war.

A crowd is expected to gather in Phoenix to mark the day. Among them will be Thomas H. Begay, 101, who is among the last two remaining Code Talkers.

In all, the military recruited and trained more than 400 Navajo men to communicate confidential information using their then-unwritten language. It became the largest code-talking program in the military at the time.

Between 1942 and 1945, they sent thousands of secret messages on battle tactics and enemy troop movements and ultimately helped save the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers.

“The U.S. was being defeated. Without that code, that war could have been different," said Dawn Manuelito, a granddaughter of one of the first 29 Navajo Code Talkers. “Our language saved this country."

Navajo soldiers were sworn to secrecy

When the Code Talkers were discharged after the war, they couldn't tell anyone — even family members — about their secret mission. The program remained classified until 1968 and then efforts began to formally recognize the soldiers for their contributions.

In 1971, President Richard Nixon sent a letter of appreciation to the Navajo Tribal Council. Code Talker veterans participated in the bicentennial parade in Washington in 1976 and then Begay and other Code Talkers made a written request for recognition that resulted in a 1982 joint congressional resolution and Reagan's proclamation.

In the proclamation, Reagan also acknowledged that members of the Choctaw, Chippewa, Creek, Sioux, and other tribes used their tribal languages as effective battlefield codes in the two world wars.

At least 20 tribes have had members participate in the code talking programs, according to the National Museum of the American Indian.

During World War II, over 40,000 Native American men and women enlisted in the U.S. armed forces. Of the hundreds of Code Talkers deployed, the Comanches participated in operations in Europe, including the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

Advocates work to keep the legacy alive

Following President Donald Trump’s executive order to end federal diversity and equity programs, the Defense Department deleted thousands of pages honoring contributions by women and minority groups, including the Navajo Code Talkers and other Native American veterans.

Tribes condemned the action. The Pentagon restored some webpages, saying the Navajo Code Talker material was erroneously removed.

Laura Tohe, the Arizona poet laureate and daughter of a Navajo Code Talker, said her father went to a boarding school where students were punished for using their native languages. But when he joined the Army, Tohe said, he and other men were told that the military would use their language to devise a code.

“It's a huge contradiction,” Tohe said. “Despite the complicated and dark history and relationship that we have with the U.S., these men were willing to step up because many of them felt like it was their responsibility to serve."

There's no dedicated museum to honor the group. Attempts to build one on the Navajo Nation haven't come to fruition, but plans were announced last week to establish one in Farmington, New Mexico.

Only two Navajo Code Talkers remain

Begay grew up speaking only the Navajo language with his parents. At 13, like many Native American Code Talkers, he first learned English when he was sent to boarding school.

Begay left the Marines in 1946 but joined the U.S. Army a year later. He worked as a communication specialist and was a paratrooper during the Korean War. The experience in Korea convinced him to leave the military in 1953.

The other surviving Navajo Code Talker is Peter MacDonald. He joined the Marine Corps at 15. He was two years too young, so he lied about his age.

After the war, MacDonald worked as an engineer at a defense contractor company and eventually became a powerful and controversial politician on the Navajo Nation. In November 2017, MacDonald, along with other World War II veterans, met Trump in the Oval Office and shared the history of the Navajo Code Talkers.

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Associated Press writer Savannah Peters contributed from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pirro announced on X that her office was filing two felony charges against Melissa L. Farris. Pirro said the felony charges are “Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials.” The offenses carry penalties of up to ten years in prison.

Farris was expected to be arraigned Friday. The Public Defender’s office said she was not yet listed in the system and had not been assigned an attorney.

The arrest followed the discovery of the vandalism, which included bubbles filling a fountain and “Clean hands dirty $" written in red paint.

“Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom. Those Americans include my father and grandfather,” Pirro wrote.

The vandalism comes weeks after President Donald Trump said the nearby Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was deliberately damaged, without providing evidence. Vandalism charges against multiple people were filed and swiftly dropped after Pirro said the cause of the damage was botched repairs at the pool.

“Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals,” he said on Friday on his Truth Social site. “THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II."

The Interior Department said that the U.S. Park Police were on the scene following the Thursday vandalism and an investigation was ongoing. "The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act,” the department said.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial, a nonprofit organization that helps maintain the site, said: “There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement. A national memorial honoring those who served and those who never returned home should never be used as a canvas for vandalism.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars called the vandalism “an act of profound disrespect, a slap in the face to the veterans who served and sacrificed and to the families who carried that burden at home.”

The World War II Memorial is just east of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the Mall. After a botched repair job earlier this year left the pool with peeling blue sealant and green algae, Trump blamed the issues on vandalism without providing evidence.

“First the Reflecting Pool, now this,” Trump said in his Truth Social post. "We are on their trail! Where do these animals come from???”

A former Olympian was charged in late July with deliberately damaging the Reflecting Pool, but the Justice Department later moved to dismiss that case, saying evidence prosecutors had received refuted the idea that vandals were to blame.

Trump sharply criticized Pirro’s assessment that damage to the Reflecting Pool was the result of shoddy construction and not the work of vandals, as he claimed.

The case dismissal was an embarrassing setback for a Justice Department that had previously echoed Trump’s claims and billed the prosecution as accountability for damage at a Washington landmark, a pet project of Trump. Pirro’s decision to drop the case was also a rare moment during Trump’s second term of an aide or political appointee openly defying him.

Pirro blamed the Interior Department for providing “less than fulsome information at the outset of the case.” It was a jarring turn in position from Pirro, who had claimed the government’s case was built on “tremendous evidence” when she announced the indictment.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a posting on X appeared to push back against Pirro’s criticism, claiming some of the acts of vandalism were captured on video.

Mangione, 28, said he even used a ruse to glean information about the event, contacting the health insurance company ahead of time under the guise of being an investor at a multibillion-dollar firm.

"On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” Mangione told the court as Thompson's wife, Paulette, took several deep breaths and repeatedly wiped tears from her eyes. A supporter put an arm around the wife and held her tight.

Mangione is set for sentencing Dec. 18. When U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett asked whether he understood that he could spend the rest of his life in prison, Mangione answered neutrally: “Yes.”

Mangione entered the plea at a hastily scheduled hearing in Manhattan federal court, resolving one of two cases against him in connection with Thompson’s death. Mangione's lawyers are now seeking to have his separate New York state murder case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds.

“Mr. Mangione has accepted full responsibility for the death of Brian Thompson,” defense lawyer Karen Friedman said outside court, arguing that her client shouldn't face two prosecutions over a “single tragic event.”

Surveillance video of the ambush showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson, 50, from behind. Police say “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims. That detail — and revelations that Mangione's private writings lambasted health insurers as greedy, according to authorities — made the case a fulcrum for debate about the industry and made Mangione a cause célèbre for some of its critics.

Mangione told the court Friday that he pursued Thompson “after years of enduring severe pain from a broken back and navigating the obstacles of the health insurance system.”

Mangione never was a UnitedHealthcare customer, according to police and the company. A University of Pennsylvania graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, he was arrested five days after the shooting, when he was spotted at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It's about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan.

Thompson led one of the United States' largest health insurers, but he wasn't well known outside the industry. Trained as an accountant, he had worked at parent company UnitedHealth Group Inc. for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare, in 2021. He and his wife have two sons, who were in high school when their father was killed.

Both the federal and state cases could lead to a life prison sentence for Mangione. A federal judge earlier this year tossed out additional charges that could have exposed him to a potential death penalty.

Mangione had complained about the prospect of two trials, telling a judge in February: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”

Under New York law, a state prosecution could potentially be barred if the federal case is resolved first.

The state’s double jeopardy protections kick in if a jury has been sworn in a prior prosecution, such as a federal case, or if that prosecution ends in a guilty plea. Mangione’s cases involve different charges arising from the same course of conduct.

In a letter last month, state prosecutors objected to the possibility of a guilty plea in the federal case wiping out the state case.

Garnett has delivered some setbacks to the defense, including ruling in January that prosecutors could use items collected from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest as evidence against him.

They included a 3D-printed pistol that investigators said matched the one used to kill Thompson and a notebook in which authorities say Mangione described his intent to kill an insurance executive.

In June, Mangione’s lawyers said they would pursue a psychiatric defense in the state case but reversed course a day later. The defense, involving claims that he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the killing, isn’t allowed in federal court.

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Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer reported from Washington.

It is just one way officials across the country are trying to tackle the growing issue, while families navigate a patchwork of local laws and guidance on what kind of souped-up cycles and scooters are safe or even legal for their kids to ride.

New York City’s mayor recently sent cease-and-desist notices to dozens of online retailers for selling products marketed as “e-bikes” that aren’t street legal after a 17-year-old died in a crash on an illicit vehicle. In neighboring New Jersey, new regulations require e-bike riders to be at least 15 and obtain a license and vehicle registration.

But do the measures hit the mark? Cycling advocates worry regulations might be too broad — demonizing low-powered e-bikes instead of speedier motos — while some parents question whether localized, piecemeal strategies are enough.

Monica Stafford, a San Francisco-area mother whose teen daughter fractured her skull falling off an e-bike, said officials are “missing the mark” if they’re seeking to lay the blame solely on parents. The San Rafael resident said a unified, national set of rules is needed.

“We’re in a total Wild West of laws,” Stafford said. “Being for common sense laws doesn’t mean that you’re against e-bikes, just like you can be for cars but not think that it’s safe to put keys in the hands of a 10-year-old.”

E-bike injuries disproportionately impact children, experts say

The two-wheeled machines have become nearly ubiquitous in recent years, from packs of teens zipping around California beach towns to the army of delivery drivers dodging traffic on the congested streets of Manhattan.

Hospital visits for injuries from e-bike, e-scooter and other motorized rides have, as expected, soared as they have grown in popularity, study after study has shown. But researchers stress that the more concerning trends are the severity of the injuries and the fact that they’re especially pronounced among children.

“The big takeaway is that people are generally more severely injured than they would be if they were on a traditional, pedal bicycle,” said Dr. John Austin, a doctor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine who led a recently published statewide study. “Overall, these patients tend to be younger, they tend to be unhelmeted and, in turn, be more severely injured.”

Recent youth deaths prompt officials to take action

Most e-bikes are classified as nonmotorized vehicles akin to traditional bicycles under federal law, meaning riders don’t need a license, insurance or to even wear a helmet. Most states, though, have enacted additional requirements for higher powered machines, including minimum age and helmet requirements.

In New York City, the death of the 17-year-old just steps from City Hall has spurred renewed debate about the bikes. Gabriel Nacato had been riding a vehicle advertised as an “e-bike” but wasn't legal on city streets.

Earlier this month, Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned more than 40 online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Target, that they could face fines of up to $2,000 for each sale of an e-bike that exceeds city regulations.

New York state requires riders of all forms of e-bikes to be at least 16, and New York City imposes additional restrictions, including a 15 mph (24 kph) speed limit. California, in contrast, has no statewide minimum age for lower-powered bikes, though riders must be at least 16 to use e-bikes that can go up to 28 mph (45 kph).

New Jersey and Illinois are among the states that have enacted statewide regulations recently, and Massachusetts is weighing measures. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in June vetoed a 10 mph (16 kph) speed limit and other e-bike regulations, saying the measures would lead to “enhanced surveillance” of citizens.

Other jurisdictions seek to hold parents accountable

In Southern California, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer says his office has more than two dozen open investigations against parents after launching a new unit focused on e-bike and e-motorcycle cases involving children.

The office has already brought charges against four, including the mother of a 14-year-old boy accused of killing an elderly pedestrian while riding an e-motorcycle.

That mother’s attorney declined to comment, but Mitchell Krems, the lawyer for another parent, dismissed the charges against his client as “absurd,” suggesting his client was being made a “scapegoat.”

Richard Eyssallenne pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges after prosecutors say he bought his 12-year-old son an e-motorcycle and helped him illegally modify it to make it go faster. The boy ran through a red light and was injured by a car.

Other jurisdictions have also taken steps to hold parents liable. In Ohio, a Columbus suburb recently issued new e-bike rules making it clear that parents who knowingly allow their children to break the rules are subject to the same penalties as the rider.

Cycling advocates blame electronic motorcycles

PeopleForBikes, a national bicycle advocacy group that tracks state e-bike regulations, stressed that many of the problematic vehicles are actually electronic motorcycles with heavy frames, sturdy tires and sizable motors that are falsely marketed as e-bikes.

Lower-powered and pedal-assisted e-bikes have been used safely for decades on U.S. streets and are key to reducing society's reliance on cars, advocates argue.

“Many of the dangerous behaviors people cite — running red lights, riding on sidewalks, not wearing helmets — are already illegal,” added Chloé Lauer, executive director of the San Diego County Bike Coalition. “We’d rather see those laws enforced than add new restrictions that limit mobility for kids who are riding responsibly.”

Anya Dalal, a San Francisco-area high school senior who has been advocating for better safety measures, believes the problem requires multiple solutions, including setting age limits.

“It should be a mix of parental accountability, accountability from the manufacturers and retailers and also education for kids to understand e-bike laws and road rules,” said the 17-year-old Hillsborough resident.

Sharon Franke, a San Diego-area mother, agreed, though she said the first step starts at home, with parents doing their research, accompanying their children on rides and reinforcing safety once they set off on their own.

“We want them to have fun, but we also want them to come back safe and we don’t want them to hurt anybody,” she said as her 15- and 12-year-old sons prepared to attend a safety training last weekend. “How do you balance all of it? It’s just overwhelming right now.”

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Associated Press reporters Amy Taxin and Christopher Weber in California and Anthony Izaguirre in New York contributed to this story.

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Follow Philip Marcelo at https://x.com/philmarcelo

In conversation, she seamlessly slips in and out of that singular voice — a little breathy, a little squeaky, a little lispy, a little New York — that made her “Little Shop of Horrors” heroine an instant icon. It wasn’t a register she’d planned on hitting at the audition. It just came out of her in the moment, and it stuck.

“I didn’t think about it,” Greene, 75, said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “It was weird, I mean, I don’t know where half of this stuff came from.”

Back on tour with ‘Little Shop’

In her long and robust career on the stage and screen, Audrey is perhaps Greene’s defining role. Her tragicomic shopgirl of skid row belted her way into audiences’ hearts off-Broadway in 1982, and then in Frank Oz’s 1986 film opposite Rick Moranis.

The catchy musical about that flesh-eating plant is never too far in the rearview either. Every few years it seems she’s beckoned for an encore. In 2015, she reprised the role for three sold-out shows, with Jake Gyllenhaal playing Seymour.

Starting this weekend, she'll be making stops around the country for the next few months for 40th anniversary screenings, from Seattle (Aug. 18) to Atlanta (Nov. 13). Performances of “Somewhere That’s Green” have been promised too.

'Somewhere That’s Green'

That aching ballad about wanting more, aside from being one of the big showstoppers, holds a special place for Greene. She remembers first listening to it on the unemployment line, waiting to get her check, and quietly singing along.

“I just knew there was an Audrey inside of me waiting to be born,” Greene said.

She carried that feeling to the audition where composer Alan Menken jumped in to play the piano with lyricist Howard Ashman, already her great friend, looking on. When she finished, everyone was in tears.

Getting the role wasn’t any sort of immediate windfall either. When they started at the WPA Theatre in New York, she was being paid $50 a week for a month of rehearsals and two months of shows off-Broadway. But it was a hit. One night, Steve Martin, who would later play Audrey’s abusive dentist boyfriend in the film, even came to see it with Mary Tyler Moore.

On the stage, she performed “Somewhere That's Green” sitting on a trash can. For the film, Ashman wrote the number to be staged like the Leslie Caron and Cyd Charisse numbers they both loved, where a character walks into a room and suddenly they’re in a different outfit for the song.

“You would think I would just have been floored and so excited that he gave me this gift,” she said. “Instead, I call him up and I’m crying my eyes out. And I’m saying, wait for this, ‘Where’s my trash can?’”

Ashman, she said, just laughed and assured her that they’d elicit the same response when the camera pans out to reveal she’s still on skid row. Ironically, this whole exchange happened before she’d even officially been cast in the movie.

How the audience saved Audrey from dying

The story of how the film was made is long and bumpy. John Landis was originally attached to direct, then, briefly, Martin Scorsese, before it found its way to Oz. Greene’s participation was never a given, either. Producer David Geffen wanted to get a “bigger name,” like Cyndi Lauper, on screen.

“I never thought I would have gotten the film,” Greene said.

But it’s hard to imagine anyone else turning in a performance as distinctive. Test audiences loved her Audrey so much that they wholly rejected an ending in which she dies.

“I love that death scene, personally,” Greene said. “But I had an inkling, you see, because Frank directed the Audrey for the screen more heroine-like.”

He’d taken out lines from the play like “you don’t meet nice boys when you live on skid row,” she said in Audrey-speak. She thinks it set her up a little differently. Then at the end, there’s the line “when I die, which should be very shortly.” On stage, she said it to the audience. In the film, she says it to Seymour. It's more intimate and serious.

“Frank thinks it’s because we didn’t take a bow, like in the play, but I think it’s because it’s just the line is interpreted two different ways. One sets it up that this is silly and I’m OK, and the other one is it’s real and it’s touching,” she said.

Oz ultimately relented and they shot a happier conclusion. Now, Greene just likes that they both exist (the original in a director’s cut).

Keeping Howard Ashman's memory alive

Remembering “Little Shop” is also a way to remember Ashman, who died of complications related to AIDS in 1991. Their friendship was one of many laughs, songs and adventures. He even took her on her first trip to Paris.

“We got into my room and he put on a bubble bath, because he knows I love bubble baths. I got into the bath, he gave me Champagne, he gave me caviar, he put on Piaf,” she said. “We had separate rooms, of course, but we were close, so what can you do? And I’m from the theater, so I’m not modest.”

He also looked out for her. When they were drawing up contracts for the “Little Shop” stage run, all she could think about was making sure London was in there. Unbeknownst to her, Ashman had also given her a half point of the profit, “because I created Audrey,” she said.

“That’s how generous and kind he was and how much he loved me,” she said. “Everybody loves Audrey because we, I, loved her first. And everybody loves “Little Shop” because we put so much love in it … I am so grateful and very humble because when they love ‘Little Shop’, they keep it alive, and they keep Howard Ashman alive.”

“I’m not too concerned,” deGrom said following a 7-0 loss to the Angels. “I mean, hopefully I’ll make my next (start). We’ll see. It was tight in the second inning, and it just didn’t want to loosen up, so I don’t know, I haven’t really had this before.”

The 38-year-old right-hander, who has been dealing with a left hip and glute injury since the All-Star break, escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the first but gave up two runs and five hits during a 32-pitch second. He was replaced by right-hander Peyton Gray to begin the third with the Angels leading 2-0.

It was the first time deGrom permitted five hits in an inning since Sept. 5, 2017, with the New York Mets.

“I wasn’t going to risk it once I heard (it was) the triceps,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “Obviously, you don’t want to hear anything arm-related. You pull a guy out in the second inning, it’s concerning. But we’ll figure it out when he gets some imaging. We won’t know until they get in there.”

This seven-game road trip began with the Rangers placing pitcher Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list because of elbow inflammation Monday. Texas beat the Angels 4-1 that night but lost the next three games to fall to 60-62 and two games behind first-place Houston in the AL West.

Now, the Rangers might have to navigate the next few weeks without their two best starting pitchers.

“Our starting pitching has taken a hit, that is reality,” Schumaker said. “With two guys going down, we’ll see what it looks like, but it’s never easy when you’re No. 1 and No. 2 guys are down.”

A two-time Cy Young Award winner, deGrom allowed six hits, struck out three and walked one. He needs two strikeouts to become the ninth active pitcher and 94th in major league history to reach 2,000.

In three starts against the Angels this season, deGrom has yielded 10 earned runs in 10 innings.

“It was very disappointing,” he said of Thursday night's start. “I needed to go out there and give us some length and wasn’t able to do it. I said I could probably keep going, and they said, ‘Well, we’re not going to risk this right now,’ so we’ll just see how it is tomorrow and I’ll go from there.”

One of baseball’s best pitchers when healthy, deGrom made at least 31 starts per season and pitched to a 2.53 ERA across 622 1/3 innings from 2017-19 with the Mets.

He won NL Cy Young Awards with New York in 2018 and 2019 and led the National League with 255 strikeouts in 2019 and 104 strikeouts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

But deGrom made only 35 starts because of injuries from 2021-24 and underwent his second Tommy John surgery in June 2023, which sidelined him for much of his first two seasons with Texas in 2023 and 2024.

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Australia led all but 150 meters of the women's 4 x 200 freestyle relay, with the team of Inez Miller, Lani Pallister, Hannah Casey and Milla Jansen winning in 7 minutes, 42.40 seconds to lower the country's championship mark of 7:44.12 set at the 2018 Pan Pacs.

Katie Ledecky swam the anchor leg for the U.S., but couldn't overhaul Jansen although she got within a body length in the closing meters. Erin Gemmell, Anna Peplowski, Rylee Erisman and Ledecky took silver in 7:43.10, also going under the old championship mark.

“I've kind of struggled with the 200 individually from a flat start over the last couple years, but I always know I'll have something in me for the relay and I'll pull out a good split,” Ledecky said. “I love swimming that anchor leg.”

McIntosh helped Canada earn the relay bronze.

The U.S. team of Luke Hobson, Aaron Shackell, Patrick Sammon and Gabriel Jett won the men's 4 x 200 free relay in a championship record of 6:59.37. The Americans led the entire race, with Jett's explosive turn off the final wall helping him hold off a charging Sam Short of Australia on the anchor leg.

“I just kind of poured everything on,” Jett said. “I swim with my eyes closed, so I didn't know where I was.”

McIntosh briefly dipped under her own world-record pace early in the 400 IM. McIntosh finished in a championship record time of 4:28.01 after qualifying second-quickest for the eight-woman final at the outdoor pool.

McIntosh was disappointed with her time in the 200 free after losing to Pallister of Australia on opening night of the four-day international meet.

“Just trying to forget about it,” McIntosh said.

Jenna Forrester of Australia was second in 4:31.50. Agostina Hein, an 18-year-old from Argentina, took bronze after coming into the final with the fastest time in preliminaries.

Meg Harris of Australia surprised herself with a victory in the women's 100 freestyle from Lane 6. She touched in 52.60 seconds, beating American Gretchen Walsh, who was second in 52.78 after being 0.01 seconds under world-record pace at the turn. Olivia Wunsch of Australia was third.

American Simon Manuel, the 2016 Olympic champion, finished fourth.

The U.S. went 1-2 in the men's 100. Jack Alexy won in 47.14, lowering his championship-record time of 47.40 from the preliminaries. Teammate Patrick Sammon was second at 47.62. Guilherme Caribe of Brazil was third.

American McKenzie Siroky won the 100 breaststroke for her first international medal. She outdueled Tang Qianting of China down the stretch to touch first in 1:05.32. Tang was second in 1:05.46.

The U.S. swept the 50 backstroke events.

Quintin McCarty won the men's race in 24.51, lowering the championship record set by Isaac Cooper of Australia in the prelims. Cooper took silver.

Katharine Berkoff won the women's race in a career-best 26.90, bettering her championship mark set in the prelims. Teammate Regan Smith was second in 27.14.

American Van Mathias earned his third medal of the meet, winning the 100 breaststroke in 58.02, lowering his championship record from the prelims. He took silver in the 50 butterfly and gold in the world record-setting 4 x 100 mixed medley relay Wednesday.

The men's 400 IM was won by Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan in 4:06.75. His time erased American Ryan Lochte's championship mark of 4:07.59 set at the 2010 Pan Pacs, also in Irvine.

“Next time I come back to the U.S. I'm going to get gold again,” a smiling Matsushita said through a translator.

American Carson Foster was second.

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

La Agencia Meteorológica de Japón rebajó su alerta más severa por lluvias intensas en más de una docena de municipios de la prefectura de Chiba, después de que la lluvia amainara el viernes por la mañana, pero pronosticó más precipitaciones más tarde en el día.

En fotos e imágenes de televisión fue posible ver daños generalizados tras el amanecer. Viviendas, autos y partes de las vías del tren quedaron inundadas con agua lodosa.

La Fuerza Terrestre de Autodefensa informó que envió autobuses para recoger a unas 4.000 personas varadas que pasaron la noche en la estación de tren de Soga, una ruta local que también da servicio a Tokyo Disney, una operación que terminó más tarde el viernes. El parque temático no reportó daños.

Miles de personas que quedaron varadas durante la noche en el aeropuerto de Narita, que presta servicio a la región de Tokio, se fueron gradualmente a medida que el servicio de trenes se reanudó parcialmente el viernes por la mañana con retrasos. Los vuelos hacia y desde Narita operaban con normalidad el viernes, y muchas personas regresaban a casa al final de la semana festiva budista de Bon en Japón.

Cientos de personas se refugiaron durante la noche en el edificio del gobierno de la prefectura de Chiba.

La prefectura indicó que cinco personas fueron encontradas muertas y otra está desaparecida. Entre las víctimas estaba un hombre que fue hallado flotando en un camino inundado en la ciudad de Ichikawa, y una mujer que había quedado atrapada en un auto inundado en la ciudad de Sakura. Se presume que dos personas estén muertas después de ser sacadas de autos inundados en la ciudad de Kashiwa y en Chiba.

Más de 170 viviendas se anegaron en la prefectura y más de 300 personas se refugiaban en instalaciones públicas hasta la tarde del viernes, señalaron funcionarios de Chiba.

Las lluvias torrenciales y las inundaciones también dejaron sin electricidad a unas 18 .000 viviendas el viernes por la mañana, una disminución con respecto a las 68.000 previas, según TEPCO Power Grid.

En la ciudad de Chiba cayeron 11,5 centímetros (4,5 pulgadas) de lluvia en apenas una hora, y en Sakura se registraron 9,7 centímetros (3,8 pulgadas) en una hora, lo que también fue un récord. El pronosticador oficial de la agencia meteorológica, Takuya Hosomi, manifestó en una conferencia de prensa televisada de emergencia que se registraron niveles de lluvia sin precedentes.

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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

The Heisman Trophy winner led one touchdown drive for the Raiders (0-1) in four series — not including a kneel-down at the end of the first half — and finished 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a 6-yard TD pass to Jack Bech.

“I thought he led a good scoring drive as far as getting in and out of the huddle and commanding the group and getting the play calls down,” Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said. “I saw the same guy that we’ve seen in practice. I see an ascending player.”

Mendoza was more critical in his self-evaluation.

“Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today,” Mendoza said. “But it's a growing experience, and I feel like we're all growing. It showed me that I need to grow a lot.”

Mendoza became the first top overall draft selection to throw a touchdown pass in his first preseason game since 2018, when Baker Mayfield had two for Cleveland against the New York Giants.

Mendoza just missed a second touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, throwing beyond the reach of Deven Thompkins. He was sharp at times, threading a 19-yard pass in the second quarter between three defenders to fellow rookie Malik Benson.

While noting that everything came together on that play, including his timing with the receiver, Mendoza said some of his throws were a bit off.

“There's other passes I made that did not have great timing and anticipation,” Mendoza said. “But that was one that was a good connection. You see (starter) Kirk (Cousins) is timing and anticipation — boom, boom, boom. So that's an area I've got to grow in.”

The expected rematch of college football national championship quarterbacks didn't happen because the Cardinals (1-1) decided not to play Carson Beck, who has sore ribs. Mendoza led Indiana to a 27-21 victory over Beck and Miami in the title game in January.

“Being the preseason, we just didn't want to risk it,” Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said. “It was kind of a bummer for our fan base and (media) and me and all us because we want to see these guys out there.”

Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby also did not play, which wasn't completely unexpected after Kubiak said Tuesday that his playing status was to be determined. Crosby, who underwent knee surgery in January, has participated in training camp.

Teammate Jermod McCoy, who hasn't played in nearly two years because of a torn ACL, played with the second-team defense at cornerback. He was the primary defender on two Cardinals touchdowns.

Each team's starting quarterback played one series, both resulting in touchdowns.

Las Vegas' Cousins was 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mayer. Arizona's Jacoby Brissett completed all five passes for 44 yards and a 7-yard TD to Marvin Harrison Jr.

Brissett and former Raider Gardner Minshew combined to go 15 of 15 for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the first half to build a 21-14 lead. That string of completions extended 16 early in the second half before Minshew finally threw an incomplete pass on a rollout to the right.

Rookie Jeremiyah Love, drafted third overall by the Cardinals, made his preseason debut and rushed for 58 yards on 11 carries.

Injury report

Cardinals: Rookie right guard Chase Bisontis, who was drafted in the second round, injured his left knee. LaFleur said the injury appears serious. ... LaFleur said he didn't think Love's ankle injury was a major concern.

Up next

Cardinals: Host Dallas on Aug. 22.

Raiders: At Houston next Thursday.

___

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Inspectors recently ordered 13 establishments shut, finding everything from rodent droppings and live roaches, to hundreds of flies, mold-like buildup, filthy equipment and food held at unsafe temperatures.

At Yellow Tail Subs Grill in Homestead, inspectors documented 32 violations, including live roaches crawling across a food-preparation table, among cleaned containers, and even out of a box of parchment paper used to wrap food; more than 100 roach droppings were found on a shelf.

At Pack Supermarket in Miami, inspectors found rodent droppings throughout the store, including 15 or more inside the walk-in cooler, along with gnawed cabbage bags. Records show it was the fourth time the supermarket had been ordered shut over rodent issues since October 2025.

At Pickles Pub Sandbar in Key West, inspectors reported 100 or more live flying insects landing on soda boxes, clean plates, napkins, pitchers and cups, while Tacombi in Miami was cited for dozens of rodent droppings and live flies.

Other shutdowns involved improperly cooled or stored food, unsanitary food-contact surfaces, dirty floors and equipment, and repeated pest problems.

All the places mentioned were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and then a re-inspection.

**TACOMBI

3930 NE 2ND AVE.

MIAMI

INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT

ORDERED SHUT 8/6

11 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 16 droppings at floor by mop sink by water heater room under storage dry rack. Observed approximately 25 droppings on floor under dishwasher and three compartment sink. Observed approximately 10 droppings behind ice machine bar area.”

“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 5 live small flies flying by ware washing area and 3 flies flying around prep area by hand sink front counter.”

“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observe green cutting board By prep area front counter.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at front counter.”

**YELLOW TAIL SUBS GRILL

27275 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY

HOMESTEAD

INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT

ORDERED SHUT 8/6

32 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed at cook line 4 live roaches crawling across floor. Observed at fire suppression extinguisher above reach in cooler, 6+ live roaches. Observed at dish washing area shelf approximately 6+ live roaches crawling between cleaned containers. Observed at prep table in kitchen 2 live roaches crawling on prep table where uncovered hot sauce containers were being prepped. Observed at water heater closet 8 live roaches crawling out of door frame. Observed at dry storage area 4 live roaches crawling on walls and shelves where flour bags are stored. Observed 1 live roach crawling out of box of parchment paper used to wrap food items. Observed 1 live roach crawling from under gyro machine at cook line. Observed 1 live roach crawling on lid of reach in cooler flip top.”

“Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Observed at dish washing area shelf 100+ roach droppings on shelf and metal containers.”

“Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed at drive thru area big zapper with an accumulation of dead fly’s and roaches.”

“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed at drive thru bug zapper stored on top of soda machine. Observed at dry storage area big zapper stored on shelf above bags of flour.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout with dirty build up, dead roaches and cob webs and flies.”

“Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of household roach spray at kitchen prep table.”

“Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Observed at rear dry storage area where flour is stored.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed at all reach in cooler and freezer handles.”

“Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed cook coat raw chicken then proceed to grab raw tilapia and wash off gloves.”

“Stored food not covered. Observed at reach in cooler containers of tilapia, shrimp and conch fritters stored uncovered. Observed at dry storage shelf bucket of dry seasoning stored uncovered.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at cook line table fried chicken (101F - Hot Holding).”

“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee remove soiled gloves then take new pair to replace no hand wash.”

**ELEVENTH STREET PIZZA

9025 SW 72ND PL.

MIAMI

ORDERED SHUT 8/3

13 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 20 + live flies in kitchen area under prep table in bags of red onions.”

“Live, small flying insects found. Observed 20 + live flies in kitchen area under prep table in bags of red onions. Observed 2 live flies at front counter near beer tap.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed meat slicer soiled. Repeat Violation.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed near pizza mixer. Repeat Violation.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed reach in across oven with ambient temp of 55F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (54F - Cold Holding); roasted onions (58F - Cold Holding); mushrooms roasted (72F - Cold Holding); Alfredo sauce (70F - Cold Holding); roasted garlic (55F - Cold Holding). Repeat Violation.”

**PICKLES PUB SANDBAR

511 GREENE ST.

KEY WEST

ORDERED SHUT 8/3

24 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20+ rodent droppings on deli slicer underneath prep table in pizza prep area and approximately 15+ droppings on shelf where pizza boxes are stored.”

“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 100+ live flying insects flying and landing on soda boxes, clean plates, napkins, bottle of grenadine, clean pitchers, and clean cups inside server station near bar.”

“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on stairs leading up to dry storage room.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed storage container heavily soiled with old food debris where clean pizza pans are stored under pizza ovens in pizza area.”

“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine. Repeat Violation.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed all reach in cooler handles soiled. Repeat Violation.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling heavily dusty above bar area. Repeat Violation.”

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken reach in cooler next to fryers, not in use. Observed pizza prep reach in cooler lid broken. Repeat Violation.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor heavily soiled in pizza prep area and floor in server station soiled with slime like substance. Repeat Violation.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shredded cheese (56F - Cold Holding); sausage (55F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (55F - Cold Holding); pizza sauce (54F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at pizza prep area, as per operator for 2 hours. Observed shredded cheese (45F - Cold Holding); shredded lettuce (46F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler across from walk in cooler. Repeat Violation.”

“Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee grab trash can then handle pizza paddle to plate pizza without changing gloves and washing hands.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee handle raw chicken then change gloves and begin to handle clean equipment without washing hands.”

**PACK SUPERMARKET

8235 NE 2ND AVE.

MIAMI

ORDERED SHUT 8/3

25 VIOLATIONS FOUND

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 3/2026 (RODENT ISSUE)

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 12/2025 (RODENT ISSUE)

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 10/2025 (RODENT ISSUE)

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 3 rodent droppings on the floor behind soda reach in cooler, 4 rodent droppings on the floor under 3 compartment sink, 2 droppings on the floor under front counter, 2 droppings on the floor of the stairs by the 3 compartment sink, 15+ droppings on the floor inside the walk in cooler and 3 rodent droppings on the floor under the mop sink. Repeat Violation.”

“Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed gnawed marks on 3 cabbage bags inside the walk in cooler.”

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed gnawed marks on 3 cabbage bags inside the walk in cooler.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed containers of sugar heavily soiled by the coffee machine.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pickles (67F - Cold Holding) stored on top of prep table for 2 hours, as per operator. Operator placed item into reach in cooler.”

“Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Throughout the establishment. Repeat Violation.”

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk in cooler #1 and walk in cooler door in disrepair. Repeat Violation.”

“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Repeat Violation.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed mop sink heavily soiled.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By the mop sink, next to and behind fryer station. Repeat Violation.”

“No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.”

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 8/4

“Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings around inside the walk in cooler floor. Observed behind cook line table 4 rodent droppings.”

**SUGAR BAE

8253 SUNSET STRIP

SUNRISE

ORDERED SHUT 8/7

6 VIOLATIONS FOUND

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 8/2025 (ROACH ISSUE)

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) 6 live roaches inside dishwashing machine dishwashing machine in kitchen. 2) 7 live roaches under chest freezer in kitchen 3) 5 live roaches crawling on wall next to triple sink in kitchen. 4) 6 live Roaches under food warmer in kitchen.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese (50F - Cold Holding); Cooked Potatoes (49F - Cold Holding). Per Manager food items in unit overnight. Items not prepared or portioned today.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese (50F - Cold Holding); Cooked Potatoes (49F - Cold Holding). Per Manager food items in unit overnight. Items not prepared or portioned today.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep Table- Cooked Rice (98-110F - Hot Holding). Per cook food items stored at room temperature less than 2 hours. Cook discarded.”

**RENDEZ-VOUS

1576 EAST OAKLAND PARK BLVD.

OAKLAND PARK

ORDERED SHUT 7/27

10 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 4 rodent droppings on dry storage shelf next to dry pancake mix. 1 rodent droppings on top of box of pancake mix. Operator removed rodent droppings.”

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach under dry storage shelving. Operator exterminated and removed.”

“Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach next to front counter ice machine. 1 dead roach under dish machine. 3 dead under dry storage shelving. Operator removed dead roaches.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. 1. Under dry storage shelving. 2. Under triple sink and dish machine. 3. Behind booths along front windows.”

“Required employee training expired for some employees.”

**GOURMET CREOLE

416 NE 36TH ST.

POMPANO BEACH

INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT

ORDERED SHUT 7/27

13 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings on floor behind fridge in dry storage area. 2. Observed approximately 25 rodents droppings on food storage container packing on bottom shelf of food prep table next to fridge in dry storage area.”

“Dead roaches on premises. 1. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on glue board on floor in closet. 2. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on a glue board under food prep table next to fridge in dry storage area.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Observed Cooked chicken (48F); cooked beef (51F); Pikliz (49F) in two door reach in cooler in kitchen. Not prepared or portioned today.”

“Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. 1. Observed black beans cooling on counter in kitchen at 11:30a at 105F to 91F at 11:59, cooling since 11a. Observed cooling in deep containers. Observed operator covering with plastic and placing container in reach in cooler.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. 1. Observed buildup of spilled dry rice and beans on floors and under tables and equipment in dry storage area.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Observed old food debris on bottom shelf of reach in freezer in kitchen. 2. Hood filters at cookline in kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

**IFRA’S INDIAN KITCHEN

9543 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY

PINECREST

ORDERED SHUT 7/27

23 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor next to mop sink in kitchen area. Observed 1 live roach on reach in cooler in kitchen area across triple sink. Observed 1 live roach on empty container in kitchen area above hand sink. Observed 1 live roach under triple sink next to cook line in kitchen area.”

“Live, small flying insects found. Observed 2 live flies on wall next to mop sink in kitchen area. Observed 1 live fly on wall next to cooler in kitchen area. Observed 2 live flies in restroom on wall behind toilet.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed reach in outside of kitchen with ambient temp of 54F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: lamb (47F - Cold Holding); chicken (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding); cooked potato (45F - Cold Holding); cauliflower cooked (46F - Cold Holding).”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food and dish shelves soiled. Repeat Violation.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Repeat Violation.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling. Repeat Violation.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave and oven soiled. Repeat Violation.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Repeat Violation.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls in kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

“Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in outside of kitchen with ambient temp of 54F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: lamb (47F - Cold Holding); chicken (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding); cooked potato (45F - Cold Holding); cauliflower cooked (46F - Cold Holding).”

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 7/28

“At time of callback inspection observed 6 live flying insects on wall and ceiling in the restroom. Observed 1 live flying insects on kitchen reach in cooler door.”

“At time of callback inspection observed 4 live roaches in kitchen area behind window opening panel and shelf as well as coming out of the floor drain. Observed at lobby dry storage area 3 dead roaches under shelving and on walls.”

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 7/29

“Observed 1 live roach crawling on floor in front of dry storage rack. Observed 1 live roach on kitchen floor. Observed 1 live roach on rack above reach in cooler in kitchen area.”

**LUCKY CAT STREET EATERY

6322 N. ANDREWS AVE,

FORT LAUDERDALE

ORDERED SHUT 7/28

13 VIOLATIONS FOUND

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 11/2023 (ROACH ISSUE)

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Approximately 10 crawling on the floor on wall behind reach in freezer under reach in freezer on cook line next to cooler with food.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Operator left kitchen area into dining room to touched dirty surfaces then touched face then putting gloves and started to make food without washing hands Employee washed hands.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Flip top cooler cooked bamboo at 2:36pm ( 46F cooling) since 10:30am raw breaded chicken at 2:48pm (46F cooling ) since 10:30am Products did not cool to 41F within 4 hours. See stop sale Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple coolers on kitchen with overstocked items, Flip top cooler cook line Hard boil eggs 50F cold holding, over 4 hours. See stop sale tall stainless still fridge in kitchen. Pork stuff bun 52F cold holding.”

“Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Flip top cooler cooked bamboo at 2:36pm ( 46F cooling) since 10:30am raw breaded chicken at 2:48pm (46F cooling ) since 10:30am Products did not cool to 41F within 4 hours. See stop sale Cooked chicken at 1:38pm (52F cooling) since 10:30am at 2:37pm same At this current cooling rate product will not cool to 41F within 6 hours.”

“Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Multiple items like chicken wontons, cooked rice previously frozen not date marking properly.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Sushi cooler Raw fish over cooked salmon Flip top cooler Raw shell eggs over cooked chicken Stainless steel fridge Raw chicken over cooked chicken wontons.”

**LE GENIE RESTAURANT

187 NE 167TH ST.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH

ORDERED SHUT 7/29

33 VIOLATIONS FOUND

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 9/2025 (FLYING INSECT ISSUE)

ALSO ORDERED SHUT 2/2024 (RODENT ISSUE)

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 25+ rodent droppings behind the reach in freezer in the storage room.”

“Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 100+ dead flies in the gaskets of the reach in freezers in the storage room.”

“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 50+ live flies laying on the clean to go containers in the storage room, 10+ live flies on the wall by the reach in freezer in the storage room, 50+ live flies on the wooden pallet in the storage room. Observed 3+ live flies in the dining room.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed pig ear (54F - Cooling); beef (54F - Cooling); turkey (54F - Cooling); chicken (54F - Cooling) stored in the walk in cooler since last night.”

“Food stored on floor. Observed plantains, rice and beans stored on the floor of the kitchen.”

“Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Observed conch (44F - Cold Holding) thawing in room temperature in the prep area no longer frozen.”

“Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed all types of meat and fish mixed with one another in the reach in freezer. Repeat Violation.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed fan covers in the walk in cooler with accumulated dust.”

“Employee used the bathroom and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands upon returning to employee area. Observed employee come back from the bathroom, place gloves on and did not wash her hands.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee not wash their hands before starting to prep plate for customer.”

“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In the kitchen. Repeat Violation.”

“Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.”

“Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.”

FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 7/30

“At the time of the callback observed 3 live flies on the wall in the storage room and 10+ flies laying on soda and juice cases.”

“Observed 15+ dead flies in the gaskets of the reach in freezers in the storage room.”

**FOODEYEZ CARIBBEAN

6268 WEST SAMPLE ROAD

CORAL SPRINGS

ORDERED SHUT 7/30

10 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Approximately 10 live roaches found behind the steam table in the kitchen.”

“Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches found behind the refrigerators at the front counter. 2 dead roaches found next to the flip top cooler on the cook line.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of food debris. Behind the cooking equipment on the cook line.”

“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Behind the cooking equipment on the cook line.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside the cook line flip top cooler, butter (64F - Cold Holding). The item was held above the rails at room temperature. The butter was returned to the refrigerator to chill and cold hold.”

**KENIA PIZZA

14511 SW 266TH ST.

NARANJA

ORDERED SHUT 7/31

15 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 8 rodent droppings on shelf over prep table at kitchen area. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings on bottom shelf next to clean pots at kitchen area.”

“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago.”

**HAAGEN DAZS

SAWGRASS MILLS

12801 WEST SUNRISE BLVD.

SUNRISE

ORDERED SHUT 7/29

7 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) 4 Live roaches in trash bag under triple sinks in preparation area. 2) 3 live Roaches under vacuum cleaner stored under triple sinks in preparation area. 3) 4 live roaches crawling under triple sinks. In preparation area.”

“Dead roaches on premises. Approximately 10 dead roaches in sticky traps under triple sinks.”

“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee put on gloves after using personal phone. Employee proceeded to get a cup to serve drinks to guests without first washing hands.”

“Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. 12-01-2025.”

“Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.”

“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”

The program, dubbed Operation Puppet Master, was aimed at what officials called a network of conspirators helping “violent opportunists and agitators.” The documents were filed in a case involving 15 people charged by federal prosecutors in June with impeding the crackdown, accusing them of conspiring against the federal government through a range of actions, from throwing ice chunks to setting up blockades.

The government documents were released Thursday in connection with a motion from a defense lawyer in the case, Kevin Riach, who requested that officials disclose more material collected during the investigations.

The reality, according to government documents revealed in court motions, was Department of Homeland Security officers infiltrating meetings in churches, schools and parks that were often simply discussions of constitutionally protected protests.

A statement from the department said Homeland Security Investigations doesn’t comment on the existence or status of on-going investigations or investigative methods. The statement referred questions to the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota, which didn’t immediately respond to an after-hours email from The Associated Press.

Puppet Master, and a later operation called Project Whipple Shield, were a “broad and irrational investigation” driven by politics and not criminal conduct, Riach said in a motion filed Thursday.

Take, for example, a Jan. 31 meeting in a Minneapolis library, when a Homeland Security report says an undercover officer identified as “UCA 9833” listened as supporters of a progressive climate group, the Sunrise Movement, discussed sit-ins, de-escalation tactics and “having a police liaison and safety marshal present during events.”

“During the Action meeting, it was made clear that the Sunrise Movement organization focused on ‘peaceful’ protests,” the agent reported.

Dozens of pages of documents describe agents secretly infiltrating meetings, monitoring activist chat groups and using license plate numbers to compile names of people who attended gatherings.

A slide created by Homeland Security’s investigative branch titled “The Conspiracy” shows 18 organizations, from a small Minneapolis bicycle repair collective to the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor groups in the U.S.

The government also obtained years of certain financial records for groups ranging from the Sunrise Movement to major unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Communications Workers of America.

“You are requested not to disclose the existence of this summons for an indefinite period of time,” warned a DHS request to FedWire, a money transfer system operated by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

“It's very disturbing,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Over time, it could deter people from expressing their beliefs, he said.

Many people don’t want to live in a world where expressing their beliefs gives federal agencies the right to investigate them, he said.

“It’s that fear of that creeping police state,” he said.

Groups that the government investigated were furious at the news.

“Our union has become the latest target of a corrupt administration that weaponizes the legal process against law-abiding Americans exercising our Constitutional rights,” CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said in a statement. “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced.”

The AP News Guild, the union that represents many Associated Press employees, is part of the CWA.

On Thursday, a coalition of Minneapolis-area civil society groups defended the protests and criticized the investigations.

The government is “lashing out desperately in hopes of intimidating people and organizations that have shown the power of communities acting together," said a statement distributed by Unidos MN, a local human rights group.

DHS deployed about 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for roughly three months starting late last year in what the department called its “ largest immigration enforcement operation ever.” It led to thousands of arrests, angry mass protests and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said the 15 were part of two groups that he characterized as “antifa,” an umbrella term for a diffuse movement of militant left-wing activists.

Defense attorney Riach said at the time that his client, Isaac Sant, had no affiliation with antifa, which he called “a boogeyman invented by the far-right.”

___

Kelleher reported from Honolulu.

That's all changed this summer, at least in the parts of the world with a passion for sports.

The 41-year-old Kushner and his partner, former Disney CEO Bob Iger, reached a stunning agreement this week to buy the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter at a valuation of $12.5 billion — the highest ever for a team sports sale.

It's been a wild two weeks for the 41-year-old Kushner, who followed up his failed attempt to purchase a stake in future World Cup profits in a much-criticized plan orchestrated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino by acquiring the glamorous Lakers in a shockingly swift deal.

Until this month, many people didn't even know that Jared Kushner — President Donald Trump's son-in-law and his longtime lieutenant in government — had a younger brother with a thriving business empire, a supermodel wife and a passion for basketball.

While Josh Kushner avoids the spotlight and rarely grants interviews, the success of his venture capital investment firm, Thrive Capital, has boosted him to mogul status in the past few years. Forbes estimates Kushner’s net worth at about $5 billion.

Kushner’s partner in this historical venture is no secret to anybody, at least in Los Angeles or the entertainment industry or the larger business world. The 75-year-old Iger ran The Walt Disney Co. for two stints over the past two decades, leading the Hollywood behemoth into the streaming age before he stepped away from the Mouse earlier this year.

Los Angeles is still reeling from the surprise of this deal: Just 10 months after Walter — the owner currently presiding over the renaissance of the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers — formally took control of the Lakers, he essentially flipped them for a possible multibillion-dollar profit to two new owners with none of Walter's sports ownership experience or credibility among Southern California fans.

So who are the two men suddenly in charge of LA's 17-time NBA championship team?

Kushner and Iger were reportedly introduced by their significant others

The son of a real estate mogul, Kushner founded Thrive Capital in 2009 and health insurance company Oscar Health in 2012. Thrive Capital grew with early investments in OpenAI and SpaceX, among other tech companies. He remains close with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Kushner and Iger reportedly first met eight years ago after they were set up by Iger's wife, Willow Bay, and Kushner's then-girlfriend, Karlie Kloss, whom he has since married. What started as a friendly mentorship turned into a business relationship shortly before Iger left Disney for the first time.

Iger joined Thrive Capital in 2022 as a venture partner, with Iger connecting Kushner to the broader business world while Kushner educated Iger on the tech world. Iger left only months later to go back to Disney for another stint, but he stayed in close contact with Kushner, and they teamed up again this year.

The new owners pounced quickly upon hearing about possible sale

Iger confirmed to the California Post on Wednesday that he had teamed with Kushner on pursuing an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, only to pivot dramatically last weekend when they learned Walter might be looking to sell the Lakers.

“We immediately decided that given the value of the franchise and the iconic nature of the team, that we would be really smart to pursue it,” Iger said. “The deal came together in three days. It’s that simple.”

Iger acknowledged that the deal was finalized so quickly that he and Kushner hadn't had time to make any long-term plans for the Lakers.

New owners have basketball backgrounds, but not with the Lakers

Kushner is new to the Lakers, but not to the NBA. He once owned a minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies, but sold it to buy into the Miami Heat. He'll have to sell that stake to complete his purchase of the Lakers. Kushner and Kloss also have been spotted frequently at Knicks games.

Iger is a longtime basketball aficionado — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly introduced him to Bay, a former NBA journalist, 30 years ago — but his particular background makes his Lakers ownership a bit strange.

Iger grew up a Knicks fan, and after he moved to Los Angeles, he decided he couldn't support the rival Lakers — so he became one of the Clippers' most prominent fans, buying season tickets and forming a friendship with former point guard Chris Paul.

Kushner's political beliefs differ from his brother and father

Thousands of Lakers fans in progressive Los Angeles reacted with a raised eyebrow when they learned the name of their team's primary new owner Wednesday, but it's not that simple.

Kushner's surname is indeed among the most politically weighted in the world, but Josh Kushner and Kloss both have publicly said they don't share the conservative beliefs currently espoused by his brother and their father, Charles Kushner.

Josh Kushner has repeatedly donated to progressive political candidates, and he once stated in an interview that “liberal values have guided my life.” Kloss is an outspoken advocate for reproductive rights and other progressive causes.

Iger has described himself as a political independent with progressive personal views. He briefly served in a business advisory forum for Trump in 2017 before resigning over his beliefs in environmental conservation.

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It was just before noon when crews responded to the 1900 block of Rodman Street after receiving reports of a unit on fire.

Officials said 12 dogs died in the fire while one canine was saved by a firefighter giving it CPR.

Owner Andrea Santos was at work when her boyfriend called and asked if she had noticed smoke on their ring camera.

She told Local 10 News she immediately thought of her dogs, five adult dogs and a litter of puppies, who were all trapped inside.

Santos says she took off running to save the dogs, but it would be too late by the time she arrived back at her home.

Officials said the dogs perished due to smoke inhalation.

Santos said she and her family are emotionally destroyed.

“They mean the world,” she said. “I’ve had her since she was born, I’ve had all of them since they were born. It’s a major heartbreak for me and my family.”

Authorities said signs point to an accidental fire, but the investigation remains ongoing.

The American Red Cross is now assisting Santos and her family find a place to stay.

Family members also created a GoFundMe page to help with expenses and vet bills.

Poco antes del mediodía, equipos de emergencia acudieron a la cuadra 1900 de Rodman Street tras recibir reportes de un incendio en una unidad residencial.

Las autoridades informaron que 12 perros murieron en el incendio, mientras que uno logró sobrevivir después de que un bombero le practicara reanimación cardiopulmonar.

La propietaria, Andrea Santos, se encontraba trabajando cuando su novio la llamó para preguntarle si había visto humo a través de la cámara Ring de la vivienda.

Santos dijo a Local 10 News que inmediatamente pensó en sus perros: cinco adultos y una camada de cachorros que estaban atrapados dentro.

Contó que salió corriendo para intentar salvarlos, pero cuando llegó a su casa ya era demasiado tarde.

Las autoridades señalaron que los perros murieron por inhalación de humo.

Santos dijo que ella y su familia están devastados emocionalmente.

“Significan el mundo para mí”, dijo. “La he tenido desde que nació, los he tenido a todos desde que nacieron. Es un dolor enorme para mí y para mi familia”.

Las autoridades indicaron que todo apunta a que el incendio fue accidental, aunque la investigación continúa.

La Cruz Roja Americana está ayudando ahora a Santos y a su familia a encontrar un lugar donde quedarse.

Familiares también crearon una página de GoFundMe para ayudar con los gastos y las facturas veterinarias.

The pregame pomp before the Minnesota Twins played the Philadelphia Phillies — adjacent to the farmland where the 1989 fantasy was filmed — featured 26 members of the Hall of Fame emerging from the outfield corn just as the ghost players did in the movie.

With some of the loudest cheers saved for former Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt and former Twins catcher Joe Mauer, the capacity crowd of about 8,000 at the newly constructed ballpark in northeast Iowa soaked up the surreal atmosphere as the aged stars strolled into the infield for proper introductions.

Fireworks were launched from the cornfield during the national anthem, and Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber followed with his own big bang — a stalk shot to right on Twins starter Taj Bradley's third pitch of the game that set the tone for a 7-1 win on Thursday night.

After stealing the show at the inaugural 2021 event, which was played on the same footprint at a temporary setup that also hosted the 2022 game, Kevin Costner did not appear.

But the star of the film — as the restless farmer Ray Kinsella who reconnects with his late father by playing catch on his front-yard ballfield — narrated the pregame video that helped pump some old-guard nostalgia through the new-school broadcast on global streaming giant Netflix.

Both teams emerged from the corn together to take their places along the lines like on opening day, and Twins All-Star Byron Buxton — who came off the injured list in the afternoon to play — took the microphone to evoke a line from James Earl Jones, who played the author Terence Mann in the movie.

“The one constant through all the years has been baseball," Buxton said before Schwarber followed with a brief script on an idyllic late-summer night after heavy rain moved through the area earlier in the day.

Then came the legends, and living ones at that, unlike those wool-clad lads in the movie.

Schmidt and Steve Carlton wore Phillies uniforms along with Jim Kaat, who played for both teams. Mauer and Bert Blyleven donned Twins jerseys. The others — Andruw Jones, Harold Baines, Fred McGriff, Adrián Beltré, Andre Dawson, Larry Walker, Cal Ripken Jr., Iván Rodríguez, Jim Thome, Scott Rolen, Tony Pérez, Tony La Russa, Jeff Kent, Fergie Jenkins, Joe Torre, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Rollie Fingers, Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman — helped form a half-ring around the diamond to represent about one-third of the Cooperstown contingent that's still alive.

This was the largest such gathering at a ballpark, not including the annual ceremonies at the Hall of Fame in upstate New York, since the All-Star Game in 2008 that feted the final season at old Yankee Stadium.

Phillies manager Don Mattingly relished the brief pregame mingle before the grand entrance, with many in the group contemporaries of his as a player in the 1980s and 1990s and a few others in Jones and Kent he was able to coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“It was definitely good to see the boys,” Mattingly said.

No place evokes baseball and family nostalgia like the Field of Dreams

Before the game, Buxton played catch with his 12-year-old son on the nearby movie site that remains open to the public for no cost on non-event days. Twins manager Derek Shelton did the same with his 78-year-old father, a former educator who coached him on his high school baseball team. Shelton later complained that his arm was in weaker shape.

“You don’t get old enough that an experience like that is not emotional to be able to do something with your father,” Shelton said.

Mattingly, whose son just happens to be the club's general manager, found himself harkening back to Indiana childhood ballgames with his brothers upon arrival on the team bus.

“This place reminds me of when I was a kid,” Mattingly said. "You’d go down a dirt road, and all of sudden you’d see a cornfield and then there’d be a field there."

Both teams wore throwback uniforms — the Twins in home threads from their first season in 1961 and the Phillies in road jerseys circa 1940 — in step with the hand-operated scoreboard in right field.

The permanent ballpark built for all kinds of events — including the opportunity to host MLB games on a recurring basis — also has plenty of amenities with the video board in left field, a state-of-the-art sound system and, of course, indoor plumbing.

The feel of the farm was just as strong as the buzz of the ballpark, with natural sponsor John Deere pledging $100,000 per home run hit to hunger-relief organization Feeding America.

The special environment didn't erase the circumstance of the stretch run of the regular season, though, with both the Twins and Phillies in the thick of their respective wild-card races.

“We’re not in Minnesota for three days," Phillies star Bryce Harper said, "but we’re still playing the Twins three times and we've still got to win some games."

Even in defeat, the Twins enjoyed taking part in something bigger than simply the 123rd game on their schedule.

“As you grow in this game and get older and play more games, the shine of being in the big leagues and walking out on a big league field starts to wear off,” catcher Ryan Jeffers said. “Moments like this kind of bring that excitement and that energy and the goosebumps similar to your debut day.”

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She said thousands of people across the county chimed in.

“Seventy percent of the community expressed a high or very high trust in the sheriff’s office,” she said. “Seventy-seven percent wants faster emergency response, 64% of our community wants to see more deputies in their communities”

Respondents added that they’re seeing too many traffic violations going unnoticed and stressed a need for more patrols in areas near Southwest Eighth Street and Northwest 12th Street.

“They’re absolutely correct people are driving aggressively,” said Cordero-Stutz. “Regards to the areas of patrol, yes those areas are proactively addressed.”

Cordero-Stutz highlighted the reduction in crime across the board and said it hasn’t been an easy job, adding that she’s been fighting for funding to get the job done and keep deputies from going to other higher paying agencies.

She also commented on controversial Amendment 3, which if approved, would raise exemptions on property taxes. Some critics say it would come at the cost of public money for crucial services, like law enforcement.

“The amendment does not clearly identify how public safety will be funded,” she said.

The Florida Sheriffs Association has taken stance against the amendment and Cordero-Stutz was asked if her stance matches the association.

“The sheriffs association is its own place,” she said. “I am a member of the Florida Sheriffs Association. I absolutely work alongside them all the time, but that statement came from the organization.”

Cordero-Stutz added that MDSO is currently short 150 deputies.

The starting annual salary for a deputy is just over $66,000.

Según explicó, miles de personas participaron en el sondeo.

“El 70% de la comunidad expresó un nivel de confianza alto o muy alto en la Oficina del Sheriff”, dijo. “El 77% quiere una respuesta de emergencia más rápida y el 64% de nuestra comunidad quiere ver más agentes en sus vecindarios”.

Los participantes también señalaron que demasiadas infracciones de tránsito pasan desapercibidas y destacaron la necesidad de una mayor presencia policial en zonas cercanas a Southwest Eighth Street y Northwest 12th Street.

“Tienen toda la razón, la gente está conduciendo de manera agresiva”, dijo Cordero-Stutz. “En cuanto a las áreas de patrullaje, sí, esas zonas se atienden de manera proactiva”.

Cordero-Stutz destacó además la reducción general de la delincuencia y aseguró que lograrlo no ha sido una tarea sencilla. Añadió que ha estado luchando por obtener más fondos para mantener las operaciones y evitar que agentes dejen la institución para trabajar en otras agencias que ofrecen mejores salarios.

La sheriff también se refirió a la controvertida Enmienda 3, que, de ser aprobada, aumentaría las exenciones del impuesto sobre la propiedad. Algunos críticos sostienen que la medida podría reducir los recursos públicos destinados a servicios esenciales, como la seguridad.

“La enmienda no identifica claramente cómo se financiará la seguridad pública”, dijo.

La Asociación de Sheriffs de Florida se ha pronunciado en contra de la enmienda y Cordero-Stutz fue consultada sobre si comparte esa postura.

“La Asociación de Sheriffs tiene su propia posición”, respondió. “Soy miembro de la Asociación de Sheriffs de Florida. Trabajo junto a ellos constantemente, pero esa declaración provino de la organización”.

Cordero-Stutz agregó que actualmente a la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade le faltan 150 agentes.

El salario inicial anual para un agente es de poco más de 66,000 dólares.

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The mid-size twin-jet took off at 5:45 p.m. from the Opa-locka Executive Airport to land at 8 p.m. at the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Palmira, according to FlightAware.

“It’s going to be only for rescue teams” in Cali, said Ender Urdaneta, of the Help Land Foundation, a Miami-based nonprofit founded after Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Monday morning in western Colombia. Jose Ecarri, of the Miami Pilots Association, said he was grateful to have been able to borrow the jet.

“I used to fly this plane. I am a pilot too, and I got in contact with the owner,” Ecarri said. “The owner is Colombian, and I told him, ‘Hey, I need a plane to send help to your country.’”

On Thursday evening, the earthquake’s official death toll was at 273 and climbing. Officials estimated there were 3,824 injured and 40,753 families affected.

Juan Rojas, of Legacy Aviation, was the jet’s pilot, and he planned to return to Miami-Dade on Friday morning.

Related stories

• Death toll rises to 273; 3,284 injured
• Miami Beach opens 4 aid drop-off locations
• Rescuers call for silence around earthquake rubble as window for survival narrows in Colombia

El avión ejecutivo bimotor de tamaño mediano despegó a las 5:45 p.m. del Aeropuerto Ejecutivo de Opa-locka y tenía previsto aterrizar a las 8 p.m. en el Aeropuerto Internacional Alfonso Bonilla Aragón, en Palmira, según FlightAware.

“Será exclusivamente para los equipos de rescate” en Cali, dijo Ender Urdaneta, de Help Land Foundation, una organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Miami fundada después del huracán Dorian en 2019.

Un poderoso terremoto de magnitud 7.4 sacudió el oeste de Colombia la mañana del lunes. José Ecarri, de la Miami Pilots Association, dijo estar agradecido por haber podido conseguir prestado el avión.

“Yo solía volar este avión. También soy piloto y me puse en contacto con el propietario”, dijo Ecarri. “El dueño es colombiano y le dije: ‘Oye, necesito un avión para enviar ayuda a tu país’”.

La noche del jueves, la cifra oficial de muertos por el terremoto había llegado a 273 y continuaba aumentando. Las autoridades estimaban que había 3,824 personas heridas y 40,753 familias afectadas.

Juan Rojas, de Legacy Aviation, era el piloto del avión y tenía previsto regresar a Miami-Dade la mañana del viernes.

The warning is typical of the harsh rhetoric that North Korea often deploys ahead of major U.S.-South Korean military exercises and suggests the country could conduct more missile tests in coming days. Experts say North Korea has often used its rivals' drills as a pretext to ramp up its testing activities to expand its weapons arsenals and promote public support for leader Kim Jong Un.

The U.S. and South Korean militaries are to start their major summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises Monday and have described their scope as similar to past years. The allies have said the 11-day exercises are meant to strengthen their readiness against North Korean threats and reiterated that they are defensive in nature.

In a statement carried by state media Friday, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S.-South Korean training “a rehearsal for an aggressive war” that is triggering a different level of instability in the region.

“It is our consistent principle of ensuring security to respond to a new level of a threat with a new level of a deterrent,” the statement said. North Korea “will more clearly express its stance on the enemies to cope with any threats and challenges through the responsible and decisive exercise of the right to legitimate self-defense.”

North Korea also said the drills would be of a “more serious provocative nature and dangerousness than last year” and involve all the military assets and war-fighting modes of the U.S. and South Korea, a claim that those countries haven’t said.

A U.S. military statement issued Friday said U.S. and South Korean forces will practice joint operations in complex scenarios, including a live-fire exercise to test joint precision targeting and maneuver, a wet gap crossing, and distribution of prepositioned military equipment.

North Korea's neighbors detected two ballistic missile launches off the North's east coast in the past week. North Korea hasn’t commented on the launches, but outside experts assess they were likely meant to protest the U.S.-South Korean drills or upgrade its weapons systems.

Kim has ignored the U.S. and South Korea’s offers to resume diplomacy and focused on taking steps to bolster his nuclear arsenal since his diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump broke down in 2019. Experts say Kim will likely eventually aim to use his advancing nuclear program to win greater U.S. concessions such as extensive sanctions relief.

North Korea has expanded cooperation with Russia in recent years by supplying troops and ammunition to support its war against Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance. North Korea has also recently pushed to deepen ties with China, its biggest trading partner.

A través de redes sociales, las autoridades señalaron que el operativo se desarrollaba en el área del complejo Manor Grove Village, en la cuadra 1900 de North Andrews Avenue.

En el lugar se observó a agentes con las armas desenfundadas. Imágenes de Sky 10 también mostraron presencia de la Policía de Fort Lauderdale.

La Policía de Wilton Manors no dio a conocer detalles sobre el “caso de delito violento”.

Las autoridades pidieron a los vecinos permanecer resguardados en sus viviendas y recomendaron al resto de los residentes evitar la zona.

An official with the Board of Peace, the body Trump established to oversee the fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, said Kushner, board high representative Nickolay Mladenov, and executive board member and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would arrive in Israel on Sunday.

The group will then travel to Cairo, where meetings of a Palestinian technocratic group set to assume control of Gaza under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal have been taking place for the past several months, the official said. The trip was reported earlier by Axios.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because planning for details of the trip has not yet been finalized, said the meetings would demonstrate the determination of Trump and the Board of Peace to “see peace, prosperity and sustainable security emerge” in a demilitarized Gaza where Hamas has ceded control to allow reconstruction of the devastated territory.

But Israel has dismissed a recent deal announced by Trump for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from the Palestinian territory, marking a rare public display of friction with the Trump administration. Though Hamas accepted the plan to decommission its weapons, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in recent days that Israel would not withdraw until Hamas has completely disarmed.

The deal had been seen as a potential breakthrough for ending the war in Gaza. The agreement was based on an October ceasefire that ended major military operations and brought about the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza, but it has stalled on other fronts.

The new mandate would likely cost billions of dollars and revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a system that takes more sailors to operate and is more difficult to maintain.

The memo directs the Pentagon and the Navy to present Trump with plans to remove the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, also known as EMALS, within two months. It also says the Ford-class carrier's electromagnetic weapons elevators should be replaced.

The move comes after years of Trump railing against the new, magnetically powered catapult system that shoots fighter jets off the deck of the carriers. It also comes at a time when the U.S. military is trying to find funding from Congress for all its desired equipment and as the Navy is struggling to fill its ships with enough sailors.

Trump's ire with the new technology goes back to at least 2017 in his first term, when he claimed the new system is “not good” and “doesn't have the power” of the older, steam systems in an interview with Time magazine.

“You're going to goddamned steam,” Trump said at the time. The topic has frequently come up since then at rallies and other events.

While Trump is looking to roll back the latest technology, the newest Chinese aircraft carriers employ electromagnetic catapults and France said it plans to use the system on its new carrier.

Trump's memo directs the fourth Ford-class carrier, the USS Doris Miller, to be the first ship to include the new changes. That will leave the USS Gerald R. Ford, as well as the forthcoming USS John F. Kennedy and USS Enterprise, untouched.

However, redesigning an already finalized ship for such a major system change will not be an easy task.

General Atomics, the company that makes EMALS, told The Associated Press in an email that the decision not to proceed with the system on the USS Doris Miller “warrants careful reconsideration.”

Trump's memo that mandates the removal of the system also noted that one of the issues facing shipbuilding is the Navy's constant design changes, “which have resulted in cost growth, delays, and cancellations.”

General Atomics said the work on the Doris Miller's catapults and arresting gear was already halfway complete and said “changing course now would introduce significant cost, schedule, and integration risks."

The move comes as Congress will weigh the necessary budget and funding bills that the Trump administration has said they need to fund the Pentagon and the Iran war.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated last month that the war's cost grew to $37.5 billion as Republicans prepared a $95 billion package to fund the military, along with other White House priorities.

Hegseth said the supplemental war funding is an “urgent, necessary” injection of money, and with Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget a generational investment in the military.

The House narrowly adopted both but the Senate still must act when it returns in September.

Some of the key advantages to the electromagnetic system are its ability to launch aircraft at faster speeds while being easier to maintain, requiring fewer sailors to operate and using less space aboard the ship.

EMALS aboard the USS Ford cut the number of sailors need to operate the catapults from about a dozen to two.

Reverting to a system that requires more people to operate it comes as the Navy has struggled to translate its recruiting successes in the past year to actually filling jobs on warships. At the start of the year, the Navy had about 20,000 unfilled posts across the fleet.

In February, the Navy touted the system in a press release that said it allowed the USS Ford to launch and recover aircraft at a higher rate than its predecessor, the Nimitz-class ships.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been finalized.

Arnold, 23, is facing eight felony charges stemming from allegations he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men in February. He became a free agent in June, when the Detroit Lions released him a few days after the kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy charges were levied.

Prosecutors in Florida said Arnold arranged for the men to be pistol-whipped after he wrongly suspected them of stealing $100,000 in cash and luxury goods from him. Police called him the “primary conspirator” in the Feb. 4 attack, and a judge set his bail at $1 million.

Defense attorney R. Timothy Jansen said in Hillsborough County court earlier this summer that Arnold is “absolutely denying these allegations.” Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, an agency that represents Arnold, said there’s “no credible evidence” against him, only accounts from others who may have an incentive to get a lighter sentence.

Arnold has played in 25 NFL games, including playoffs, since the Lions took him with the 24th pick of the 2024 draft out of Florida State. The Seahawks hosted Arnold on Sunday, two days before he visited the New York Giants.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that Arnold's visit and tryout went well.

“It’s a situation where there’s other things surrounding it as well, we’re aware of that,” Macdonald said. “We’re working through the situation right now. I enjoyed meeting him and he enjoyed being here. We’ll see how it goes.”

The Seahawks fielded arguably the NFL’s best defense last season. No team allowed fewer points per game (17.2), and Seattle finished in the top seven in the league in sacks and interceptions.

Arnold should add depth to a secondary that lost cornerback Riq Woolen to free agency and has been without second-year safety Nick Emannwori, who had offseason ankle surgery, during training camp.

Macdonald said the Seahawks would look into Arnold's background.

“I trust our people to make the best decision for us,” Macdonald said. “We also think this is a great place to come work, too, and that people can be the best version of themselves if given the opportunity. Works both ways.”

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U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz confirmed the tests were negative for meth in a statement to The Texas Tribune, the news organization reported Thursday.

Reitz did not say what the substance actually was, but an attorney for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's family has said it was a homemade electrolyte mixture that Salgado Araujo and his construction crew used to stay hydrated in the grueling summer heat.

Salgado Araujo, 52, was killed July 7 when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in unmarked vehicles chased his white work van through the streets of Houston, then shot him through the window. He had been driving his work crew, including his brother, to a construction site.

Salgado Araujo was a Mexican national who lived without legal status in the U.S. for 35 years, ran a homebuilding business and had never been in trouble with the law.

His death is one of at least 10 during immigration enforcement operations since the start of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, sparking protests in Houston and calls for an independent investigation.

Shortly after the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said Salgado Araujo had “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer,” and that the officer had fired in self-defense. The FBI then executed a search warrant on the van, alleging that officers saw several small bags inside filled with a substance that appeared to be methamphetamine.

But the two men who were riding with Salgado Araujo wrote in statements submitted in court that the ICE officers were never in danger of being run over, and in fact were always to the side of the van, never in front of or behind it.

Reitz revealed last month that the ICE officers were targeting two Guatemalan men who were potentially subject to deportation and who were driving a van that was similar to the one Salgado Araujo was driving the day he was killed.

David Donatti, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas which is representing the Salgado family, said the FBI search warrant was part of a government attempt to create a “false narrative.”

“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should still be alive today, and nothing about the government’s so-called ‘search’ could have changed that fact. That search proved what the Salgado family had said all along: Lorenzo was a hardworking man who made homes for Houston families, and his wife packed him homemade electrolyte mixes to keep him and his crew hydrated under the Texas sun," Donatti said.

“By taking the unusual steps of securing and then unsealing their search warrant, the government has demonstrated that it is more interested in creating a false narrative than in seeking the truth,” he said.

“The Salgados deserve real answers about what happened to their father,” he said.

Kast viajó a la recientemente inaugurada cárcel La Laguna —una de las más grandes de Chile, ubicada a unos 250 kilómetros (155 millas) al sur de la capital chilena, Santiago— para supervisar el traslado, que su gobierno describió como una iniciativa para aliviar el hacinamiento en las prisiones y evitar que líderes de pandillas encarcelados dirijan a distancia sus empresas criminales desde la prisión.

Imágenes difundidas por el gobierno mostraron a los internos apiñados en filas, con la cabeza agachada y los pies encadenados, lo que evocó escenas de El Salvador, donde el presidente Nayib Bukele ha hecho énfasis en difundir en redes sociales sus estrictas medidas de seguridad.

La campaña de encarcelamiento masivo de Bukele ha derivado en una reducción drástica de la violencia, pero ha suscitado denuncias de grupos de defensa de los derechos humanos por detenciones arbitrarias, abusos y el deterioro de las libertades civiles.

El presidente de Chile invoca a Bukele como modelo

Al igual que otros aspirantes presidenciales de derecha en toda América Latina, más recientemente en Colombia y Perú, Kast ha invocado a Bukele como modelo para sus propias promesas de combatir el crimen organizado.

Durante la campaña del año pasado, Kast visitó El Salvador para estudiar las políticas de seguridad de Bukele y recorrer la tristemente célebre megacárcel del país, donde no se permiten visitas, recreación ni educación.

“Es una manera de dar una señal clara a los delincuentes de que la mano cambió, de que los vamos a buscar, los vamos a encontrar, los van a juzgar y los vamos a encerrar, de acuerdo a lo que dice nuestra legislación”, advirtió Kast en una conferencia de prensa sobre el traslado.

La oficina de Kast informó que 298 presos de máxima seguridad fueron trasladados a La Laguna el jueves en la madrugada desde prisiones de todo el país, incluidos 40 presuntos integrantes de organizaciones criminales, nueve de ellos líderes de pandillas.

Cientos de presos más tienen previsto llegar a La Laguna por etapas, a medida que el gobierno avanza para llenar la instalación hasta su capacidad prevista de 2.097 internos en más de una docena de unidades, incluidas alas de máxima seguridad. Está equipada con 1.500 cámaras de vigilancia, escáneres corporales y tecnología diseñada para bloquear señales de teléfonos celulares.

La prisión, presentada como la instalación más moderna y segura de Chile, abrió sus puertas el año pasado bajo el predecesor de Kast, el presidente de izquierda Gabriel Boric, y comenzó a recibir reos meses antes de que Kast —aliado del presidente estadounidense Donald Trump— asumiera el cargo.

Kast vuelve a centrarse en la seguridad tras un inicio vacilante

El intento de Kast de dar publicidad a la medida llega mientras busca cumplir sus promesas emblemáticas en materia de seguridad tras un inicio vacilante.

“Si hay un punto en el cual la ciudadanía nos interpela a todos es mayor seguridad”, expresó Kast el jueves. “Y eso es lo que se está dando ahora, en un traslado seguro y en una señal clara al crimen organizado y al terrorismo”.

Destituyó a su primer ministro de Seguridad poco más de dos meses después de iniciar su gobierno, y ha tenido dificultades para implementar su promesa central de campaña de deportar rápidamente a inmigrantes. Hasta ahora, su gobierno ha deportado a unos 878 de los aproximadamente 300.000 inmigrantes en Chile que carecen de permiso para estar en el país. Otros 7.501 inmigrantes se fueron voluntariamente durante los primeros siete meses de 2026.

Algunos votantes han expresado su frustración de que, hasta ahora, las políticas de seguridad de Kast han diferido poco de las aplicadas bajo Boric, ante lo cual Kast presentó la semana pasada un importante paquete de seguridad que otorgaría al Estado autoridad más amplia para combatir el delito.

Las propuestas, muchas de ellas ya ante el Congreso, contemplan una presencia policial permanente en los barrios más peligrosos de Chile, sanciones más severas por pertenecer a pandillas, y una nueva agencia estatal para incautar y destruir bienes vinculados al crimen organizado.

La legislación también flexibilizaría las normas que rigen el uso de la fuerza por parte de la policía, y modificaría la Constitución para facilitar la declaración de estados de emergencia en respuesta a graves amenazas a la seguridad.

Chile sigue estando entre los países más seguros de América Latina, pero un incremento reciente de los secuestros, la extorsión y el narcotráfico —junto con la expansión de pandillas transnacionales como el Tren de Aragua de Venezuela— ha causado hacinamiento en las prisiones del país y azuzado la ansiedad pública sobre el crimen organizado, lo que ayudó a impulsar a Kast a la victoria electoral en diciembre.

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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.