Attorneys representing Desulme filed the counterclaim to ask the court to reopen the qualification period for a special mayoral election on Dec. 1st. Butchko Sanchez said she denied Desulme’s motion for rehearing and injunctive relief because it was filed too late.

Related story: Judge rules North Miami mayor ‘shall be disqualified as a candidate’

George Morgan, a mayoral candidate who has never held public office, asked the court on Oct. 8 to disqualify Desulme over the way he paid his qualifying fees. Florida election law requires that the fee be paid from a campaign account and signed by the campaign’s treasurer.

“The payment was made with a bank-certified check drawn from my campaign account rather than my campaign check,” Desulme wrote in a statement in reaction to the ruling on Monday.

Miami-Dade County released a “notice to North Miami voters” that the mayoral election was “an unopposed candidate race” and that a “vote cast in this race will not change the outcome as the remaining candidate is deemed by law to be elected.”

Related story: North Miami mayor to appeal judge’s disqualification to run for re-election

Desulme accused Morgan, an engineer, of failing to pay his qualifying fee in full.

Attorney Benedict P. Kuehne, who represents Desulme, wrote that Desulme was in the process of appealing the disqualification, according to the counterclaim.

“The cost, burden, and disruption of having voters cast ballots for an unqualified candidate deprives the North Miami citizens of their right to elect their office holders,” Kuehne wrote, according to Desulme’s counterclaim.

Miami-Dade County’s supervisor of elections sent the vote-by-mail ballots, and early voting started on Monday.

Related story: Competitor wants North Miami mayor off ballot, arguing he didn’t properly qualify

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The girl’s injuries were so severe that she needed surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, according to the information shared with Local 10. Her mother provided pictures of the injuries.

Miami-Dade Animal Services told Local 10 the incident was not reported to the agency. Officials said they did not respond to the call and had no information on the dog.

Diablo’s owner said she had him since he was a few months old. She said she rented a space for him to live comfortably with a mother and her two children.

The owner said she was frustrated that police did not report the incident to animal control and that she initially was not allowed to surrender the dog.

“It was very frustrating. The police did not report it to animal control. They wouldn’t let me surrender,” she said. “I’m a very, very responsible dog owner. That’s why I felt like it was important to do the right thing for him.”

The surrender was emotional for the owner, who said she felt relief knowing Diablo could no longer hurt anyone but was also heartbroken to lose her pet.

“I feel good because I know he can’t hurt anybody anymore. It’s bittersweet because that was my baby. He’s gone,” she said.

When asked what she would tell another dog owner faced with the decision to give up a pet, she said, “You got to do what’s right.”

The area near North 62nd Avenue and Arthur Street remains covered in mud and debris after gas and mud spewed into the air, forcing the Florida Turnpike to close in both directions and nearly 300 homes to be evacuated.

Addarlin Dishmey, who lives in the neighborhood with his wife and two young daughters, spoke exclusively with Local 10 about the aftermath and how his family has been affected.

Dishmey said the company responsible initially sent his family to a motel, but the conditions were unacceptable. He described bugs in the bed and human hair on the pillows.

“There’s no way. Maybe a dog could stay there? Not even a dog,” Dishmey said.

His family is now staying in an Airbnb, which he said is better, but still not great.

The disruption has also affected his daily routine. Dishmey said it now takes him 30 minutes to get to work and another 30 minutes to take his daughter to school.

At home, the damage extends to his backyard, where children’s toys, bikes, the pool area and an outdoor gym have been affected by the mud.

The outdoor gym is covered in mud, leaving Dishmey without a place to work out as he deals with the stress of the situation.

Dishmey also questioned why garbage and debris had not been picked up nearly a week after the incident.

Hollywood Fire Chief Jeff Levy said the response that day, including training and assistance from the Hollywood Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol, made a difference.

Levy said the incident could have been catastrophic if a spark had ignited the gas.

“Could have been catastrophic. If there was a spark, it could’ve caused an explosion. Thankfully, we didn’t have that. What we did have was a large gas vapor,” Levy said.

The gas line stretches from South Miami to South Texas.

Local 10 has reached out to the construction company responsible for the incident but has not received a response.

A social media personality known for promoting extreme devotion to male beauty, Peters, 20, is accused of giving the girl alcohol until she was drunk and then sexually assaulting her when she visited him in Chatham, on Cape Cod, in May 2025.

Peters has denied the allegations through his lawyers, saying the sexual encounter was consensual.

Peters arrived at the courthouse in Orleans, Massachusetts, wearing a dark suit, walking a barking dog on a leash. He spoke only to the dog as he entered the courthouse and ignored reporters’ questions. Peters maintained a neutral facial expression during the brief arraignment.

He has agreed to a $10,000 bail, surrendered his passport and will not contact or post about the woman who has accused him of assault.

He didn’t comment as he left the courthouse. One of his attorneys said in a statement that Peters and the accuser were involved in a “professional and personal relationship” for almost a year.

“At no time did the complainant report anything to the police — or to anyone — because there was nothing to report,” attorney David Meier said.

The case is the latest legal challenge for Peters, who has a million followers on Instagram, and whose hourslong livestreams feature him rating people’s looks and talking about methods of becoming better looking that include surgery and drug use.

Earlier this year, he was charged with misdemeanor battery in Florida after police said he provoked a fight between two women and then posted a video of it online. That charge was later dropped. In a separate Florida case this year, he was sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to a charge that he fired a gun in public.

The woman who accused Peters of rape told police he had been paying her to appear in his “looksmaxxing” videos. She said that during her visit to a Peters family home, he gave her two or three shots of vodka, then livestreamed himself kissing her while she was drunk. She told police that when she woke up the next morning, Peters was raping her.

The woman also described the alleged assault in a lawsuit she filed in Florida in April. In that lawsuit, she also accused Peters of injecting her with a fat-dissolving substance during a livestream without her consent.

Peters’ attorneys have called the lawsuit a “publicity grab.”

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they were victims of sexual assault unless they consent to being identified publicly.

Las fuerzas especiales llegaron un día después de que el presidente salvadoreño Nayib Bukele anunció una operación militar para rescatar a los cuatro técnicos de aviación y amenazó con una respuesta más contundente si no son liberados con vida y sin daños.

Un funcionario del gobierno de El Salvador informó que otros 100 soldados serán desplegados hacia Haití la noche del jueves. El funcionario, quien habló bajo condición de anonimato al no estar autorizado a discutir el tema públicamente, añadió que las autoridades salvadoreñas operan bajo el supuesto de que los cuatro salvadoreños siguen con vida.

En sus primeros comentarios desde el ataque del domingo en Croix-des-Bouquets, el gobierno de Haití informó la noche del miércoles que los cuatro desaparecidos fueron secuestrados. Las autoridades han dicho que los soldados viajaban a bordo de un vehículo blindado que fue atacado por pandillas, las cuales también utilizaron explosivos.

Se trata del primer ataque de estas dimensiones desde que una fuerza internacional de supresión de pandillas comenzó sus operaciones en la nación caribeña en reemplazo de una fuerza encabezada por Kenia, la cual tuvo dificultades para ayudar a la policía haitiana a contener a las pandillas debido a la falta de recursos.

La policía haitiana y la fuerza de supresión de pandillas se han estado enfrentando con hombres armados en la zona desde el ataque. Las autoridades han advertido a los residentes que permanezcan dentro de sus residencias.

The Miami Herald fue el primer medio en informar del despliegue.

La oficina de la presidencia de El Salvador no respondió de momento a una solicitud de comentarios.

La zona donde ocurrió el ataque se encuentra bajo el control de pandillas como Chèn Méchan; Kraze Barye, la cual es liderada por Vitel'homme Innocent; y 400 Mawozo, encabezada por Lanmo Sanjou. Ambos líderes enfrentan sanciones de la ONU y Estados Unidos.

Nadie se ha atribuido públicamente la responsabilidad del ataque.

___

Janetsky informó desde Phoenix, Arizona.

___

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

Gonzalez was carrying his granddaughter when he noticed the lump was getting bigger and more sensitive.

“She would rub up against my breast, my chest, and the lump started getting a little bigger and a little sensitive,” Gonzalez said.

The lump had actually been there for years. About four or five years earlier, he had visited his primary care doctor, who recommended keeping an eye on it to make sure it didn’t grow or become painful.

Dr. Esther Ozeryansky with Memorial Cancer Institute says men, and sometimes even their doctors, can ignore or dismiss breast lumps.

As a mass gets larger and firmer, it may even erode through the skin or spread to the lymph nodes, making it more suspicious, she said. That’s often when men seek medical attention.

Gonzalez was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors warn that delays in detection can mean more men are diagnosed at a later, more dangerous stage.

The risk is much lower for men than for women, but it still exists. A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about one in eight, compared with about one in 800 for a man, Ozeryansky said.

Gonzalez’s mother had breast cancer, and doctors say family history is important. However, male breast cancer, like female breast cancer, is often not genetic.

His message to other men is simple: Don’t ignore a lump just because you’re a man.

“Don’t take it for granted just because we’re men. Don’t let it go. A lump or a small hurt, go to the doctor and get it checked,” Gonzalez said.

Doctors say men are treated for breast cancer the same way women are. Black men have a higher rate of the disease and tend to develop it at a slightly younger age.

But just like with women, when men are diagnosed early, the prognosis is excellent.

Florida Republicans’ efforts to downplay what happened are only drawing more attention to it.

Republicans sued to have a television ad about the diverted public money taken down before dropping the effort.

Now, a new ad doubles down and names names, as does Democratic attorney general candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez.

“What I’m hoping to talk about are $10 million dollars that should be available to the neediest Floridians in the Medicaid program, but through the efforts of my opponent James Uthmeyer, were stolen from the Medicaid program and used for political campaigns,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez promised to open an investigation if he’s elected.

An appeals court threw out a grand jury report labeled as “botched,” but more than a year ago, a Florida House of Representatives committee officially documented the scheme and Uthmeier’s role as its mastermind.

“The efforts of my opponent and his allies include suing television stations to try and prevent them from talking about Hope Florida and the extremely dangerous step of coordinating an effort to have several state’s attorneys send threatening letters to TV stations implying criminal liability,” he said.

Rodriguez is now a target personally for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who lashed out earlier this week.

“I’m just going to say this guy is a huge, huge dirtbag,” said DeSantis. “And I’m going to ensure that he ends up suffering a very stinging defeat in November.”

It is a last resort of sorts for owners along a parking plagued portion of Northwest 22nd Avenue in northwest Miami-Dade County.

Eddie Young is the owner of Famous Car Wash and he says business has been way down, all because of an ongoing Miami-Dade Sewer project that has closed roads, and it’s been going on for more than four years.

“We depend on the customers to come in here to pay our bills,” said Young. “We’re barely paying the water and light bill here man.”

The constant construction is putting the future of his once prized business up in the air.

“This our first time in almost four years asking anyone for help,” he said. “We’re in the process of shutting down man. It’s ridiculous man, and it seems like nobody cares.”

The county is installing 9,200 linear feet of sanitary sewer infrastructure and another 9,500 linear feet of water main and service lines.

However, the project started in 2022 and was supposed to be completed by 2024, but that construction timeline has been extended until at least March of 2027.

The original contract cost also ballooned from $7.2 million to $12.6 million because of unanticipated soil, roadway and underground utility issues.

Some businesses between 79th Street and 90th Street, like the car wash, did receive a grant, but that was well before the project was hit with a five-year timeline.

“It was something to help us, but it wasn’t enough,” Young said.

Friday will feature a mix of clouds and sunshine, with north-northeast winds sustained at 5 to 15 mph. Isolated showers cannot be ruled out, especially along the immediate east coast.

Temperatures will be seasonable, with lows in the low 70s and highs in the low to mid-80s.

Moderate saltwater flooding is also possible in low-lying, typically vulnerable areas along the east coast around Friday’s high tide, expected at approximately 7 a.m.

The filing comes after Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez ruled on Monday that Desulme wasn’t qualified for the Nov. 3rd election.

“Mayor Desulme is in the process of appealing that decision,” Attorney Benedict P. Kuehne, who represents Desulme, wrote, according to the counterclaim.

Desulme accused George Morgan, a mayoral candidate, of not paying the qualifying fee in full. Morgan asked the court to disqualify Desulme over the way he paid his qualifying fees.

“The payment was made with a bank-certified check drawn from my campaign account rather than my campaign check,” Desulme wrote in a statement in reaction to the ruling.

Related story: Judge rules North Miami mayor ‘shall be disqualified as a candidate’

Florida election law requires that the fee be paid from a campaign account and signed by the campaign’s treasurer.

After the judge’s ruling, Miami-Dade County released a “notice to North Miami voters” that the mayoral election was “an unopposed candidate race” and that a “vote cast in this race will not change the outcome as the remaining candidate is deemed by law to be elected.”

Related story: North Miami mayor to appeal judge’s disqualification to run for re-election

The supervisor of elections sent the vote-by-mail ballots, and early voting started on Monday.

“The cost, burden, and disruption of having voters cast ballots for an unqualified candidate deprives the North Miami citizens of their right to elect their office holders,” Kuehne wrote, according to Desulme’s counterclaim.

Related story: Competitor wants North Miami mayor off ballot, arguing he didn’t properly qualify

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As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Matis, 67, of Coral Gables, pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges on Thursday for crashing his Cadillac into Bezy’s home over the summer, killing the senior as he slept inside. He’s now set to spend time in state prison.

It happened on the night of June 24 in the 2900 block of Southwest 57th Avenue, in Miami-Dade’s unincorporated Coral Terrace area, just outside of Coral Gables.

Matis was driving a Cadillac Lyriq on Palermo Avenue when he ran a stop sign and slammed the SUV into the home, crashing through the wall and killing the sleeping Bezy.

Deputies said he a blood alcohol content of more than thrice the legal limit ― 0.245% to 0.29% ― having accelerated to 43 mph without hitting the brakes when he blew through the stop sign.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office body camera video showed a dazed Matis stumbling after the crash and asking what happened.

“I accept responsibility for this,” Matis said during Thursday’s hearing. “I pray to Henri every night. I beg him for forgiveness.”

He received a six-year prison sentence, with two more years on house arrest and then another six years of probation. He’s banned from driving for life.

The plea is little consolation for Bezy’s family.

“It’s been very hard,” Bezy’s 88-year-old sister, Claire Bezy, said after the hearing. “Where there was someone, there’s nothing now. A complete void.”

Claire Bezy was in the house at the time.

“Her house has been destroyed,” Bezy’s friend, Gary Wilcox, said of Claire. “She’s left with the clothes on her back. She has to start over at 88 years old.”

As part of the agreement, Matis will also have to perform community service.

“I’ve been doing this 45 years on both sides,” Bruce Lehr, Matis’ attorney, said. “He showed the most remorse I have ever seen by any defendant.”

Matis will also pay Bezy’s family $250 on every anniversary of the crash.

Como parte de un acuerdo con los fiscales, Matis, de 67 años y residente de Coral Gables, se declaró culpable el jueves de cargos de homicidio involuntario por conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol y homicidio vehicular, después de estrellar su Cadillac contra la casa de Bezy durante el verano, causando la muerte del adulto mayor mientras dormía en el interior. Ahora deberá cumplir una condena en una prisión estatal.

El incidente ocurrió la noche del 24 de junio en la cuadra 2900 de Southwest 57th Avenue, en el área no incorporada de Coral Terrace, en Miami-Dade, justo a las afueras de Coral Gables.

Matis conducía un Cadillac Lyriq por Palermo Avenue cuando se pasó una señal de alto y estrelló la camioneta SUV contra la vivienda, atravesando la pared y causando la muerte de Bezy mientras dormía.

Los agentes dijeron que tenía un nivel de alcohol en la sangre más de tres veces superior al límite legal, entre 0.245% y 0.29%, y que había acelerado hasta alcanzar las 43 millas por hora sin frenar cuando se pasó la señal de alto.

Un video de la cámara corporal de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade mostró a Matis aturdido, tambaleándose después del choque y preguntando qué había sucedido.

“Asumo la responsabilidad por esto”, dijo Matis durante la audiencia del jueves. “Rezo por Henri todas las noches. Le suplico que me perdone”.

Recibió una sentencia de seis años de prisión, seguidos de dos años de arresto domiciliario y otros seis años de libertad condicional. Además, tiene prohibido conducir de por vida.

El acuerdo ofrece poco consuelo a la familia de Bezy.

“Ha sido muy difícil”, dijo Claire Bezy, hermana de la víctima, de 88 años, después de la audiencia. “Donde antes había alguien, ahora no hay nada. Un vacío absoluto”.

Claire Bezy se encontraba dentro de la vivienda en el momento del choque.

“Su casa quedó destruida”, dijo Gary Wilcox, amigo de Claire. “Se quedó únicamente con la ropa que llevaba puesta. Tiene que empezar de nuevo a los 88 años”.

Como parte del acuerdo, Matis también deberá realizar servicio comunitario.

“He estado haciendo esto durante 45 años, en ambos lados”, dijo Bruce Lehr, abogado de Matis. “Él mostró el mayor arrepentimiento que he visto en cualquier acusado”.

Matis también deberá pagar $250 USD a la familia de Bezy en cada aniversario del choque.

“He didn’t know why he was being taken from the prison to Moscow, and he may have thought he was going to his death," Patricia Hubbard Fox said during an interview Thursday in San Antonio, where her brother was taken for evaluation.

“He’s been kind of laughing a lot,” she added. “Like relief laughing. ‘Oh my God, you know, I’m free. This is really happening.’”

President Donald Trump said he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call earlier this month to free Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan. Hubbard was accused of fighting alongside Kyiv’s forces after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. In 2024, he was sentenced in closed court proceedings to nearly seven years in prison.

The U.S. government under the Biden administration had designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained, and his legal team also disputed the Russian allegation, saying he was not involved in any military activity.

Hubbard Fox said her brother was starved and beaten so severely in prison that some of his fellow inmates from Ukraine had to carry him.

“The only English they knew was ‘Die, American. Die,’” she said of the Russian guards. "And that just made him mad enough to not die, you know? ‘I’ll show them.’ I’m so proud of him.”

Hubbard, a U.S. Air Force veteran, taught English overseas and retired in 2012 to Cyprus, where one of his sons is an Orthodox Christian priest. He later moved to Ukraine to be with a woman he had met, his lawyers said, and remained in the country after the relationship ended. He was living there at the time of Russia’s invasion.

Hubbard Fox said she didn't know where her brother was until a woman in Ukraine tracked her down after seeing a prison roster with his name on it.

“God doesn’t answer prayers immediately sometimes, but he always answers my prayer,” Hubbard Fox said. “And I said, ‘Jesus, get him home.’”

She said in a separate interview Wednesday that her brother would probably come live with her in Colorado, and they both were looking forward to a family reunion.

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Peipert reported from Denver.

The IV team went through about 10 needles and tried several IV sites on both arms, attorney Randy Spivey wrote in the document. They even struggled to push saline through the last IV site they established, Spivey wrote.

Pike, 50, was hospitalized after surviving two doses of pentobarbital as the state tried to execute her on Sept. 30 for the 1995 stabbing death of classmate Colleen Slemmer. She was 18 when she tortured and killed Slemmer with her boyfriend, becoming one of the youngest women to be sentenced to death.

State protocol calls for a second dose of pentobarbital if the first doesn’t result in death, but it doesn’t spell out what to do if a person survives the second injection.

After being taken to a hospital, Pike was on a ventilator for several days. At one point, her attorneys did not expect her to survive. She ultimately regained consciousness and returned to prison after being discharged.

The failed execution has brought renewed scrutiny to how Tennessee carries out death sentences.

“Our enemies watch movements in these markets,” Hegseth wrote in a memo dated Tuesday and reviewed by The Associated Press. “When an American Service member, intelligence professional, or other Department civilian engages in a financial transaction on a military outcome, they create a signal.”

The one-page document, which was reported earlier by CBS News, comes months after a U.S. Special Forces soldier involved in the military operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was charged with using classified information about the mission to win more than $400,000 on the prediction market Polymarket.

The memo stresses that troops are forbidden from using both classified and unclassified but nonpublic information to make trades on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. It says violators could be subject to administrative punishment and criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or federal law.

“Beyond operational security, financial stakes can warp judgment,” Hegseth said in the memo. "A logistician with money riding on a strike date has an interest in that date. An analyst with a position on an outcome has an interest in that outcome."

When asked about the new policy, a defense official said the Pentagon had no other information to offer beyond the memo.

In April, 38-year-old Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke was charged by federal prosecutors and federal regulators with using his access as a Special Forces member to place a series of bets that totaled more than $32,500 on when Maduro might be removed from power.

According to the federal complaint in his case, he placed those bets between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2, with the vast majority occurring the night of Jan. 2 — just hours before the first missiles would fall on Caracas.

However, the issue of government officials and employees using their access to place bets on prediction markets is not confined to the Pentagon.

A group of new accounts on Polymarket made highly specific, well-timed bets on whether the U.S. and Iran would reach a ceasefire just before President Donald Trump announced it in April, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits for the new customers. The White House warned staff against using private information to trade on prediction markets the same day the report came out.

Kalshi also fined and suspended three congressional candidates who the company said wagered on the outcome of their own elections in April.

The vaccine was custom-brewed for each patient to match their tumor. Adding it to a standard post-surgery treatment reduced by 42% the risk of melanoma returning two years after surgery, according to the most advanced study to date of this new strategy for fighting cancer.

“The field has been looking for a win and I think this one is a big one,” said Dr. Hussein Tawbi of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, one of the researchers in the international study.

The vaccine, called intismeran, is made with the same Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology that was behind COVID-19 vaccines. Experimental personalized cancer vaccines made with mRNA and some other approaches also are being tested against other types of cancer including lung, kidney and pancreatic.

Experts not involved with the new study say its success bolsters the field.

“This is a new frontier,” said Karen Knudsen, CEO of the Parker Institute, which helps fund cancer immunotherapy research.

“It’s a big step forward for science, for oncology, because this vaccine will apply to many different cancers,” said Dr. Michael Atkins, deputy director of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Moderna and Merck had announced in August that the late-stage trial of intismeran was successful but the detailed results were set to be released Saturday at a meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology in Madrid. Some of the data was leaked publicly late Thursday, prompting a full release ahead of the weekend's scientific presentation.

Most people think of vaccines as preventing an infection, like measles or whooping cough. There are already two cancer-preventing vaccines, the HPV and hepatitis B shots that block infection from those tumor-causing viruses. And research is underway to prevent some types of inherited cancer such as Lynch syndrome-caused colorectal cancer.

But a personalized vaccine designed to block surgically-removed cancer from returning is very different. For the intismeran study, scientists hunted gene mutations unique to each patient’s tumor, mutations that create proteins which shouldn’t be in the body unless those cancer cells start to grow again. The custom vaccine — nine doses given three weeks apart — teaches the patient’s immune system to watch out for and attack those so-called neoantigens.

How did it work? The study included more than 1,100 people with high-risk melanoma that was surgically removed. Everyone was given the standard follow-up therapy: Merck’s immunotherapy named Keytruda. The participants were randomly assigned to also receive custom-brewed vaccine doses or a placebo.

Two years later, 82% of the people in the vaccine group were still living without a recurrence of their cancer compared to 70% who had gotten standard Keytruda alone. The trial is continuing to track participants’ longer-term outcomes.

In 2024, Tony Hout joined the vaccine trial at MD Anderson after seeking care for a spot on his ear that had been bleeding intermittently and wouldn’t fully heal. Doctors recognized melanoma and during surgery discovered it had started to spread.

“I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to be here for my family,” said Hout, 62, who has since moved to Cayuga, Indiana, and travels back to Houston every few months for a study check-up. Scans this week showed he’s still cancer-free.

The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, MD Anderson's Tawbi said.

Moderna and Merck are talking with regulatory authorities about next steps for seeking approval of the vaccine.

Customized medicines generally are very expensive. The drugmakers aren’t discussing what such a cancer vaccine might cost.

But Moderna President Stephen Hoge said the company’s special cancer vaccine manufacturing facility in Massachusetts is providing doses for thousands of people enrolled in multiple studies underway internationally.

Hoge said it takes a few days to brew the vaccine but the whole process, starting with analyzing the tumor genetics to come up with what is essentially a recipe for each patient, can take roughly six weeks, sometimes more. Meanwhile, the melanoma patients had already started their standard Keytruda, a different kind of immunotherapy.

Moderna shares dropped 18% Thursday after the study’s full results were made public, but they remained more than 200% higher than they were in late August before investors were first told of the initial results.

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The Associated Press’ health and science coverage receives financial support from the AP Fund for Journalism and 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

The special forces arrived a day after Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele announced a military operation to rescue the four aviation technicians and threatened a more forceful response if they’re not released alive and unharmed.

An official with El Salvador’s government not authorized to speak on the matter said an additional 100 soldiers were going to be deployed to Haiti on Thursday night. The official said Salvadorean authorities were operating under the assumption that the four missing Salvadoreans are still alive.

Haiti’s government said Wednesday evening that the four missing soldiers were abducted, marking its first comments since the attack that occurred Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets. Authorities have said the soldiers were traveling in an armored vehicle that came under fire from gangs that also used explosives.

It’s the first major attack since the international gang suppression force began operations, replacing a Kenyan-led force that struggled to help Haitian police quell gang violence given a lack of resources and funds.

Haitian police and the gang suppression force have been fighting armed men in the area ever since the attack occurred, and authorities have warned residents to remain indoors.

The Miami Herald first reported the deployment.

El Salvador’s presidential office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

The area where the armored vehicle was targeted is controlled by gangs including Chèn Méchan; Kraze Barye, led by Vitel'homme Innocent; and 400 Mawozo, led by Lanmo Sanjou. Both gang leaders have been sanctioned by the U.N. and the U.S.

No one has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.

___

Janetsky reported from Phoenix, Arizona.

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Alina Garcia, Miami-Dade County’s supervisor of elections, said voters can rip it open and use Scotch tape to seal it before mailing it.

“The important thing is your signature,” Garcia said.

If the envelope is too damaged, voters can deliver their ballot to one of the county’s 28 early voting sites.

“You have to bring your ID,” Garcia said.

As of Thursday, more than 100,000 people had voted by mail in Miami-Dade. Elena Muñoz, a voter, decided to drop off her ballot instead of mailing it.

Thursday is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. Early voting continues from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until Nov. 1st in Miami-Dade.

Related story: Here is everything you need to know about early voting in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe

In a statement, Means did not say why he was leaving. His departure comes as leading voices in the MAHA movement have expressed discontent with what they say is the Trump administration’s lack of progress on a variety of issues, including food security and regulating the weed killer glyphosate.

Means said he “leaves with tremendous respect” for President Donald Trump and Kennedy.

“The past two years have seen historic policy and cultural change to confront the chronic disease crisis and healthcare incentives that profit from us being sick,” Means said. “This movement is in the first inning and just getting started.”

Means was hired as a White House adviser early in the second Trump administration. He used his perch at the Health and Human Services Department to attack the nation’s leading physician groups, federal agencies and government scientists, claiming they only protect their own interests.

White House spokeswoman Allison Schuster said the Trump administration is “grateful” for Means’ time and “he has done a fantastic job for the MAHA movement.” A representative from Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment.

Health activist Kelly Ryerson, a leader of American Regeneration who is also known as Glyphosate Girl on social media, said she is “impressed that he completed over two years at HHS fighting the food battle, despite all of the obstacles presented by corporate interests.”

“At the heart of MAHA is a shared belief that the nation’s health must not be sacrificed to corporate profit, and that a preventable slide into chronic disease is a threat to America itself,” she said.

Means is the brother of wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means, who failed to be confirmed as surgeon general earlier this year after doubts were raised over her vaccine stance.

Means, along with his sister, came to prominence within the MAHA movement by arguing that ultraprocessed foods, additives and pesticides could be blamed for many of the chronic health conditions facing Americans.

Means brought those arguments into the Trump administration and frequently clashed with senior White House officials who worried about alienating the powerful food industry.

At the same time, Means’ emphasis on food was a source of frustration for other figures within the MAHA movement who wanted to see Kennedy focus on “medical freedom” issues. For many, that meant rolling back federal recommendations and approvals for vaccines.

Despite Means’ efforts, the administration’s progress on food reforms has been slow going.

Kennedy had promised the release of a first-ever government definition of ultraprocessed food in April. Instead, FDA’s acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, told a conference that month that defining the class “is really hard.”

In August, Kennedy staffers again suggested an announcement on the issue was imminent. Instead, the announcement focused on a proposal bringing greater scrutiny to food additives. It made only passing mention of ultraprocessed foods.

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It happened at the Corner Wine and Spirits located in the Downtown Doral shopping center.

Surveillance video obtained by Local 10 News shows the car damaging the store’s entrance while breaking through the glass doors and coming to a stop inside the business.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

According to the Doral Police Department, the driver stated she was attempting to use the self-driving mode on the vehicle when it suddenly accelerated and crashed into the store.

Officers said the woman who was behind the wheel was given a citation.

As for the business, it reopened on Thursday with the wooden boards covering the broken glass doors.

Alina Garcia, supervisora de elecciones del condado Miami-Dade, dijo que los votantes pueden abrir el sobre rompiéndolo y utilizar cinta adhesiva transparente para sellarlo antes de enviarlo por correo.

“Lo importante es su firma”, dijo Garcia.

Si el sobre está demasiado dañado, los votantes pueden entregar su boleta electoral en uno de los 28 centros de votación anticipada del condado.

“Tienen que traer su identificación”, dijo Garcia.

Hasta el jueves, más de 100,000 personas habían votado por correo en Miami-Dade. Elena Muñoz, una votante, decidió entregar su boleta personalmente en lugar de enviarla por correo.

El jueves es el último día para solicitar una boleta electoral por correo. La votación anticipada continúa diariamente de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. hasta el 1 de noviembre en Miami-Dade.

Noticia relacionada: Aquí está todo lo que necesita saber sobre la votación anticipada en Miami-Dade, Broward y Monroe.

The short-term rental platform's new rules limit hosts to “reasonable” checkout requests beginning on Nov. 20. Guests can still be asked to leave dishes in the sink, gather used towels and sort trash and recycling, but hosts generally cannot require chores typically handled by professional cleaners.

“Remember to think like a guest and keep in mind what you’d find unreasonable,” Airbnb tells hosts in a video announcing the new policy.

Checkout chores have been a recurring point of contention for Airbnb guests, particularly when they’re also paying cleaning fees. The company has previously acknowledged that those fees can create different expectations between hosts and travelers.

Airbnb said exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as requiring guests to put trash in animal-proof containers in areas with bears.

Hosts must now also disclose all house rules and requests in a designated section of their listing before guests book, according to Airbnb. They can no longer add extra requirements through messages, signs inside the property or other sections of a listing.

As part of the changes, Airbnb said it is standardizing house rules into seven categories, covering topics including overnight guests, quiet hours, pets, smoking and whether guests must lock up at checkout.

The changes build on Airbnb’s broader efforts to make booking a rental more predictable for travelers. In 2023, CEO Brian Chesky acknowledged that the variety of properties on Airbnb creates uncertainty among guests.

“A lot of guests have described booking Airbnb, once they check in, it’s a moment of truth. Is the house exactly what they expected?” he told The Associated Press. “We don’t want this to be a moment of truth. We want you to know exactly what you’re going to get before you book.”

Alina Garcia, supervisora de elecciones del condado Miami-Dade, dijo que los votantes pueden abrir el sobre rompiéndolo y utilizar cinta adhesiva transparente para sellarlo antes de enviarlo por correo.

“Lo importante es su firma”, dijo Garcia.

Si el sobre está demasiado dañado, los votantes pueden entregar su boleta electoral en uno de los 28 centros de votación anticipada del condado.

“Tienen que traer su identificación”, dijo Garcia.

Hasta el jueves, más de 100,000 personas habían votado por correo en Miami-Dade. Elena Muñoz, una votante, decidió entregar su boleta personalmente en lugar de enviarla por correo.

El jueves es el último día para solicitar una boleta electoral por correo. La votación anticipada continúa diariamente de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. hasta el 1 de noviembre en Miami-Dade.

Noticia relacionada: Aquí está todo lo que necesita saber sobre la votación anticipada en Miami-Dade, Broward y Monroe.

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The patients’ medical records included Broward Health System, Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, according to a detective’s arrest report.

Rhodes had filed claims “using altered medical records ... to obtain reimbursement from her supplemental insurance policy” with Securian Financial, a detective wrote, according to an arrest report.

Rhodes, 36, of Plantation, appeared in Broward County court on Thursday. She had been arrested and booked on Wednesday night at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, according to inmate records.

Broward County prosecutors filed a first-degree felony case against Rhodes on Oct. 2, and Broward County Circuit Judge Francis Viamontes issued an order for her arrest, according to court records.

As of Nov. 13, 2025, the Florida Department of Financial Services estimated Rhodes, of Plantation, had received an $18,520 overpayment for the claims in 2023 and 2024, according to a probable cause affidavit.

In one claim, the FLDFS’s criminal investigation division reported Rhodes “endeavored to obtain $11,790 in reimbursement for a traffic crash” with a fake Florida Highway Patrol report and fraudulent medical records, according to the affidavit.

With fraudulent records, in separate claims, Rhodes reported that her son had suffered a right femur fracture and a broken nose, and she had suffered a broken arm and a left tibia plateau fracture to her lower leg, according to the division’s bureau of insurance fraud.

On Thursday, Rhodes faced seven charges: Five counts of criminal use of personal identification information, a second-degree felony; insurance fraud of more than $20,000 and less than $100,000, a second-degree felony; and grand theft, also a second-degree felony.

A spokesperson for the Memorial Healthcare System released a statement on Thursday saying that “Memorial Healthcare System takes the privacy and security of patient information very seriously” and has “policies and safeguards in place to protect patient information and take appropriate action when concerns arise.”

Local 10 News Senior Assignment Editor Frine Gomez contributed to this report.

Narrative of the related affidavit

Los registros médicos de los pacientes incluían los de Broward Health System, Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West y Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, según el informe de arresto de un detective.

Rhodes había presentado reclamaciones “utilizando registros médicos alterados… para obtener reembolsos de su póliza de seguro complementario” con Securian Financial, escribió un detective, según el informe de arresto.

Rhodes, de 36 años y residente de Plantation, compareció el jueves ante un tribunal del condado Broward. Había sido arrestada e ingresada el miércoles por la noche en la cárcel principal del condado Broward, en Fort Lauderdale, según los registros de reclusos.

Los fiscales del condado Broward presentaron un caso por delito grave de primer grado contra Rhodes el 2 de octubre, y el juez del Tribunal de Circuito del condado Broward, Francis Viamontes, emitió una orden de arresto en su contra, según los registros judiciales.

Hasta el 13 de noviembre de 2025, el Departamento de Servicios Financieros de Florida estimaba que Rhodes, de Plantation, había recibido pagos excesivos por $18,520 USD correspondientes a reclamaciones de 2023 y 2024, según una declaración jurada de causa probable.

En una de las reclamaciones, la división de investigaciones criminales del Departamento de Servicios Financieros de Florida (FLDFS) informó que Rhodes “intentó obtener $11,790 USD en reembolsos por un accidente de tránsito” utilizando un informe falso de la Patrulla de Carreteras de Florida y registros médicos fraudulentos, según la declaración jurada.

Mediante registros fraudulentos, Rhodes reportó en reclamaciones separadas que su hijo había sufrido una fractura del fémur derecho y una fractura de nariz, mientras que ella había sufrido una fractura de brazo y una fractura de la meseta tibial izquierda en la parte inferior de la pierna, según la oficina de fraude de seguros de la división.

El jueves, Rhodes enfrentaba siete cargos: cinco cargos de uso delictivo de información de identificación personal, un delito grave de segundo grado; fraude de seguros por más de $20,000 USD y menos de $100,000 USD, un delito grave de segundo grado; y robo mayor, también un delito grave de segundo grado.

Un portavoz de Memorial Healthcare System emitió un comunicado el jueves en el que afirmó que “Memorial Healthcare System se toma muy en serio la privacidad y seguridad de la información de los pacientes” y que cuenta con “políticas y medidas de protección para resguardar la información de los pacientes y tomar las medidas apropiadas cuando surgen preocupaciones”.

Frine Gomez, editora sénior de asignaciones de Local 10 News, contribuyó a este informe.

Relato de la declaración jurada relacionada

Según un informe de arresto de la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward, Raymanda Herring, de 31 años, cuya dirección permanente figura en Miramar, acudió el domingo a una vivienda ubicada en la cuadra 2900 de Northwest Eighth Place, en Fort Lauderdale, donde se encontraba alojado el perro, y descubrió que había orinado y defecado dentro de la casa.

Los agentes indicaron que Herring sacó al perro de la vivienda y lo ató a una cerca de 6 pies de altura utilizando una correa de 6 pies de largo que estaba sujeta al collar del animal.

Según el informe, Herring dejó al perro sin comida, agua ni refugio, y el animal no podía moverse más de un pie del lugar donde estaba atado a la cerca, ni podía acostarse sin que la correa le restringiera el cuello.

Los agentes señalaron que Herring admitió haber dejado al perro solo, sin comida ni agua, y dijo que regresó el martes a las 5:30 a.m. para revisar el correo y aseguró que el animal todavía estaba vivo en ese momento.

Luego volvió a dejar al perro sin comida ni agua y llamó a la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward, donde le recomendaron comunicarse con Control de Animales, según el informe.

De acuerdo con el reporte, Herring nunca se comunicó con Control de Animales y el perro fue encontrado muerto más tarde esa noche, todavía atado a la cerca.

Herring fue detenida el miércoles por la noche bajo cargos de mantener a un animal encerrado o confinado sin suficiente alimento y causar la muerte cruel, dolor y sufrimiento a un animal.

Hasta la mañana del jueves, permanecía detenida en la cárcel principal del condado Broward y se esperaba que compareciera ante un tribunal para una audiencia de fianza más tarde esa mañana o por la tarde.

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Records show Andrew Inserra, 42, was first arrested on warrants by Broward deputies at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday. He was booked into jail in Palm Beach County on Wednesday.

According to a police report, the case stems from a July 9 incident in Boca Raton, one day after Inserra and his girlfriend broke up.

Police said Inserra, in total, sent nearly 200 text messages and made nearly 100 phone calls that day from two different phone numbers. Authorities said some of the text messages included pictures taken from inside the woman’s home, prompting a call to police.

In one expletive-laden text, police said “Inserra also stated he would see her when she gets home and ‘I’m right f---ing here sitting on your f---ing gray couch where the f--- are the police honey cause you’re not on your way here I’m f---ing waiting.”

In one of the phone calls, police said Inserra impersonated a Boca Raton 911 dispatcher in an attempt to speak with her.

Arrest documents indicated that police sought to arrest Inserra on felony charges of aggravated stalking, burglary and impersonating an officer. However, Palm Beach jail records indicate that he’s facing three misdemeanor charges: stalking, trespassing and harassing communication.

Records obtained Thursday show he was being held in the Palm Beach Main Detention Center on a $3,000 bond.

Florida Bar records indicate that he remains in good standing and licensed to practice law.

The U.S. government has been working for years to deny China and other adversaries investments that could help them boost their military power.

That program began in 2023 when then-President Joe Biden signed an executive order putting restrictions on outbound U.S. investments in sectors such as semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence going into China. Treasury later established the Outbound Investment Security Program.

In December 2025, Congress passed a law that codified and expanded the program to target more technologies and more foreign countries, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

The inclusion of Russia in the proposed rule has come days after President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia following a diesel deal with President Vladimir Putin.

The rule announced Thursday would expand the restrictions to cover investments in hypersonic systems (capable of traveling at five times the speed of sound), supercomputing, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, though Treasury used Trump's favored term for AI, “superintelligence" or SI.

The proposed rule “sends an important signal to markets that Washington is tracking where U.S. capital is flowing and what capabilities it is helping build,” said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The screening of outbound investments “recognizes that capital can accelerate military-relevant capabilities just as surely as technology transfer can,” Singleton said.

Jason Chipman, a former Justice Department lawyer who specializes in cybersecurity, investment rules and export controls as a partner at the law firm WilmerHale, said the new rule “will require more substantial compliance programs to manage risk.”

Treasury's rule to implement the 2025 law — the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act — would only apply to investments that exceed $50,000 and would exclude many financial investments, including stock purchases.

Treasury will hear public comments on the proposal before issuing a final rule.

“It’s just the first step in a fairly long process to get to changes which presumably will be more enforcement-minded, to put more teeth behind the outbound investment program,” said former U.S. trade official Ryan Majerus, now a partner at King & Spalding law firm.

Since Trump's first term, the United States and China — the world's two biggest economies — have been locked in an economic and tech rivalry. They've restricted the export of sensitive technology and critical products (China's rare earth minerals, America's advanced computer chips) to each other and slapped tariffs on each other's products. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed last year to ease tensions while they engaged in talks, a temporary truce they last month extended into January.

But the sparring continues. In July, the Treasury Department issued a $200,000 fine against a U.S.-based company for failing to report to the department a $92,500 investment in a Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics company by one of its subsidiaries.

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According to an arrest report from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Raymanda Herring, 31, whose permanent address is listed in Miramar, went to the home in the 2900 block of Northwest Eighth Place in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, where the dog was being housed, and saw that it had urinated and defecated inside the home.

Deputies said Herring then removed the dog from the house and tied it to a 6-foot-high fence using a 6-foot-long leash that was affixed to the dog’s collar.

According to the report, Herring left the dog without food, water or shelter, and it was not able to move more than a foot from where it was tethered to the fence nor could it lay down without neck restraint.

Deputies said Herring admitted to leaving the dog alone without food or water and said she returned at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to check the mail and claimed the dog was still alive at that time.

She then left the dog again without food or water and then called the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which advised her to contact Animal Control, the report stated.

According to the report, Herring never contacted Animal Control and the dog was found dead later that evening, still tied to the fence.

Herring was taken into custody Wednesday night on charges of impounding or confining an animal without sufficient food and causing cruel death, pain and suffering to an animal.

As of Thursday afternoon, she was being held at the Broward County Main Jail on a $25,000 bond. If released, a judge ruled she must have no contact with animals.

“Yeli said it early in the season,” Murphy said after the Brewers completed their NL Championship Series sweep of the Dodgers. “He said, ‘You’d better start believing because we’re going to the World Series,’ and we’re right here.”

There’s only one problem with this narrative. Yelich can’t recall making that proclamation.

“I don’t remember,” Yelich said Thursday, the day before the Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays in their first World Series game since 1982. “He told me I said that. I don’t know. But I think throughout the year, you just believed that. I think you have to believe that and you have to expect to be here. You don’t want to approach it like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe we’re here.’ You should expect to be here, especially with the kind of team we’ve had.”

Whether Yelich actually said it or not, the fact his perceived comment would carry such weight comes as no surprise.

Yelich, 34, and pitcher Brandon Woodruff are the only players who have been on Milwaukee’s roster throughout the Brewers’ run of eight playoff appearances in nine seasons. The Brewers acquired him from Miami in 2018, and he was named NL MVP later that year. Yelich's value in the clubhouse has remained as strong as ever, even as he’s battled injuries over the last several years and a drop in production this season.

Getting selected as Brewers' first captain

Teammates say the Brewers’ decision to name Yelich the first team captain in franchise history on the final weekend of the regular season merely formalized what they already knew.

“He’s been a captain before he got the ‘C,'" outfielder Sal Frelick said. “We all know that.”

He’s one of three active captains in MLB, joining the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge and the Kansas City Royals’ Salvador Perez.

Yelich’s appreciation for Brewers history was evident from the way he reacted to this honor. When the idea was proposed to Yelich, he initially wanted to make sure it was OK with Hall of Fame shortstop Robin Yount, who never had the captain title but is regarded as the best Brewers player ever.

Yount called Yelich’s concern “a very humbling” gesture that “certainly wasn’t necessary.”

“He certainly deserved that, earned that on his own,” Yount said. “The fact that the Brewers chose to actually give a captain’s ‘C’ on his jersey, and all of that. I think it’s great. I think the timing couldn’t have been better for something like this.”

Now Yelich is playing a major role in helping the Brewers get back to the World Series for the first time since Yount led them there during his MVP season of 1982. This hasn’t been a banner season for Yelich, whose .315 on-base percentage and .692 OPS were career lows.

Stepping up in postseason

But he has been coming through lately.

Yelich ended a string of 18 straight postseason games without an RBI when he singled home a run in Game 3 of the NL Division Series at San Diego. He has gone 7 for 24 at the plate this postseason, a .292 average that eclipses his regular-season average of .235.

Murphy says he noticed how much the “C” meant to Yelich.

“It was real for him,” Murphy said. “You can tell when you give someone something or you let somebody know something. It was real for Yelich, in a way that I was even shocked at. Since then, I don’t know the numbers, but I just know this guy is on point. He’s focused.

“He feels that responsibility. And I think it’s an easier responsibility for him to carry, because it’s so natural, than to try to carry the pressure of, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get four hits or I’ve got to do this.’ He’s way more important to this process than anyone knows.”

Yelich has been setting an example to his younger teammates for years.

“He took me under his wing my first big-league camp before I was even in the big leagues,” Frelick said. “Walking me through baserunning stuff. I’m like, ‘This guy has won an MVP. Why is he telling me how tight I have to cut the third-base bag when I’m running home from second?’ It’s because he just knows how to play the game. He cares. He knows that’s how to win baseball games. And he knows that if people hear it coming from him, they’ll then tell other guys how important it is.”

That kind of approach had Yelich and his younger teammates believing they could reach a World Series. Now they’re finally here.

“This is the expectation and the standard we wanted to set going into spring training,” Yelich said. “It isn’t like we woke up and found ourselves here. This was the goal and where we wanted to be.”

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Los registros muestran que Andrew Inserra, de 42 años, fue arrestado inicialmente el viernes por agentes de Broward en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, en cumplimiento de órdenes de arresto. El miércoles fue ingresado en la cárcel del condado Palm Beach.

Según un informe policial, el caso se deriva de un incidente ocurrido el 9 de julio en Boca Ratón, un día después de que Inserra y su novia terminaran su relación.

La policía dijo que Inserra envió en total casi 200 mensajes de texto y realizó cerca de 100 llamadas telefónicas ese día desde dos números de teléfono diferentes. Las autoridades indicaron que algunos de los mensajes de texto incluían fotografías tomadas desde el interior de la casa de la mujer, lo que provocó una llamada a la policía.

En uno de los mensajes de texto cargados de insultos, la policía dijo que “Inserra también afirmó que la vería cuando llegara a casa y “Estoy justo aquí, carajo, sentado en tu maldito sofá gris. ¿Dónde carajos está la policía, cariño? Porque tú no vienes para acá. Estoy esperando, carajo””.

En una de las llamadas telefónicas, la policía dijo que Inserra se hizo pasar por un operador del 911 de Boca Ratón en un intento de hablar con ella.

Los documentos de arresto indicaron que la policía buscaba arrestar a Inserra por cargos graves de acoso agravado, robo con allanamiento de morada y suplantación de un agente. Sin embargo, los registros de la cárcel de Palm Beach indican que enfrenta tres cargos menores: acoso, entrada ilegal a una propiedad y comunicaciones de acoso.

Los registros obtenidos el jueves muestran que permanecía detenido en el Centro Principal de Detención de Palm Beach con una fianza de $3,000 USD.

Los registros del Colegio de Abogados de Florida indican que continúa en regla y mantiene su licencia para ejercer la abogacía.

Los equipos de emergencia acudieron rápidamente al lugar, ubicado en la cuadra 15400 de Southwest 148th Street, en el área de Country Walk del condado.

Sky 10 sobrevoló la escena alrededor de las 11:30 a.m. y observó varios vehículos policiales frente a una vivienda.

Los Bomberos de Miami-Dade informaron que recibieron la llamada como un reporte de balacera.

Posteriormente, los equipos de rescate indicaron que un adulto estaba siendo trasladado al Jackson South Medical Center para recibir tratamiento bajo una alerta de trauma.

Los agentes del sheriff aún no han confirmado detalles sobre el incidente.

El Dr. Marcos Danilo Assuncao-Oliveira, un médico de Brasil, fue arrestado el 23 de agosto por tres cargos de robo mayor en tercer grado, después de que investigadores de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade alegaran que retiró repetidamente maletas de las cintas de recogida de equipaje, sustrajo artículos de ellas y regresó por más.

Según un memorando de cierre del caso obtenido el jueves por Local 10 News, dos víctimas del caso no quisieron presentar cargos y la tercera no se presentó a dos reuniones programadas previas a la presentación formal de cargos.

Un representante que ayudó a Assuncao-Oliveira a regresar a su país de origen dijo a Local 10 News que el médico atravesaba una grave crisis de salud mental en ese momento y que desde entonces se ha reunido con su familia.

Roger Scotton, copropietario y director de Legal Help 4 You, dijo que la publicidad en torno al arresto tuvo un impacto significativo en la reputación del médico.

Según Scotton, las acusaciones circularon ampliamente en los medios de comunicación brasileños y provocaron duras críticas en las redes sociales por parte de personas que desconocían las circunstancias personales de Assuncao-Oliveira.

Scotton dijo que el médico había ejercido la medicina durante casi 40 años y que la información obtenida de su familia y una investigación posterior indicaron que atravesaba graves dificultades de salud mental.

Reportan que médico fue detenido nuevamente en octubre

Scotton dijo que la situación de Assuncao-Oliveira se volvió cada vez más preocupante en las semanas posteriores a su arresto inicial.

Según Scotton, el médico fue detenido nuevamente el 8 de octubre y liberado al día siguiente.

Dijo que la información recopilada posteriormente sugería que Assuncao-Oliveira había estado deambulando por Miami en un estado de confusión y vulnerabilidad, sin acceso constante a documentos de identificación, dinero o pertenencias personales.

Scotton también dijo que su equipo enfrentó dificultades para rastrear las interacciones del médico con las autoridades porque su nombre pudo haber sido registrado incorrectamente durante uno de los encuentros.

La organización todavía intenta determinar cómo se documentó esa detención y si los registros de huellas dactilares la vincularon con su arresto anterior.

Surgen preocupaciones por visita al hospital

Según Scotton, otro incidente habría ocurrido alrededor del 13 o 14 de octubre, cuando la policía de Miami trasladó a Assuncao-Oliveira desde Brickell hasta Mercy Hospital para una evaluación médica.

Según los informes, el médico fue dado de alta varias horas después.

Scotton cuestionó si Assuncao-Oliveira recibió el apoyo adecuado después de la visita al hospital, dada la confusión y vulnerabilidad que presuntamente presentaba.

Dijo que aún quedan preguntas sobre la evaluación médica y qué asistencia, si es que hubo alguna, estaba disponible para el médico al momento de recibir el alta.

Los detalles de la visita al hospital y las circunstancias de su alta no han sido confirmados de manera independiente.

Búsqueda permite reunión con su familia en Brasil

Scotton dijo que su organización trabajó junto con un investigador privado para localizar a Assuncao-Oliveira y organizar su regreso seguro a casa.

Sus esfuerzos incluyeron buscar al médico por todo Miami, conseguir alojamiento temporal, organizar asistencia y coordinar con el Consulado de Brasil en Miami para obtener la documentación de viaje necesaria.

Después de varios días de búsqueda y preparativos, el equipo ayudó a Assuncao-Oliveira a abordar un vuelo a Brasil el 16 de octubre.

Llegó al día siguiente y se reunió con su familia, dijo Scotton.

Según la información proporcionada a Scotton, el médico fue trasladado posteriormente para recibir atención médica y actualmente está recibiendo tratamiento profesional.

Arresto original en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami

El arresto original de Assuncao-Oliveira se produjo tras una investigación sobre denuncias de robos de equipaje en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami.

Según el informe de arresto de agosto, un video de vigilancia mostró a un hombre retirando repetidamente maletas de las cintas de recogida de equipaje en el área de American Airlines, sacando artículos y regresando por más equipaje.

Los investigadores identificaron inicialmente a tres víctimas y estimaron el valor de los bienes presuntamente robados en aproximadamente $1,350 USD.

En ese momento, el informe de arresto indicaba que Assuncao-Oliveira no tenía domicilio fijo en Miami.

The defendant, César Jáuregui, is being held in pretrial detention at a maximum-security prison for allegedly authorizing the agents’ participation in the operation. President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration neither authorized it nor was informed of it.

A state judge will determine Thursday whether to initiate the trial in Chihuahua courts on state charges. The federal judge will decide on Saturday — one week after his arrest — whether or not to indict him in the separate case for treason.

The deaths of the U.S. officials in an opposition-led state fueled speculation about the scope of the Trump administration’s actions on Mexican soil. It also called into question Sheinbaum's strong defense of national sovereignty and her refusal to arrest a former governor from her own party accused of drug trafficking by the United States.

According to Héctor Villasana, one of Jáuregui's defense attorneys, the prosecution’s argument is that an “exemplary punishment” against his client was necessary to prevent a situation in which “the United States could carry out an action similar to the one it undertook in Venezuela when it removed President Maduro.”

The U.S. State Department told The Associated Press that it is aware and watching Jáuregui's case but didn't make a link between the case and the CIA deaths.

These are some key points on how a traffic accident in the mountains of Chihuahua led to a charge of treason — a crime Mexico has not successfully brought to trial in decades despite one recent attempt.

An accident in the Chihuahua mountains

On April 19, the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office reported the dismantling of a synthetic drug lab in the municipality of Morelos, in the mountains of that state. On the way back, a vehicle in the convoy veered off the road and fell into a ravine. Two state agents and two Americans were killed.

The Federal Security Cabinet reported the dismantling of laboratories there during a joint operation by the state prosecutor’s office and the army but did not provide details.

The operation ended without any arrests because the criminals fled.

Treason: a hard-to-prove crime with political undertones

According to the federal prosecutor’s office, Jáuregui endangered national security for allegedly authorizing the participation of U.S. agents in the field operation, a decision that only the federal government can make. Experts say it is a political decision ahead of the 2027 Mexican midterm elections.

The crime could carry from 5 to 40 years in prison and is very difficult to prove.

Carlos Pérez Ricart, a professor at the Mexican university CIDE and author of the book “A Hundred Years of Spies and Drugs,” said that even if the case is ultimately dismissed, its public impact is huge.

Trump has repeatedly said Mexico isn’t doing enough against the cartels. The Mexican political debate centers on whether Sheinbaum's Morena party is properly defending national sovereignty or whether there is a “narco-government,” as opponents of the National Action Party (PAN) that rules Chihuahua claim.

All this debate “sends a very bad signal to Washington” because Mexico is talking about a treason case while the discussion should center on "more or better” collaboration with the U.S., Pérez Ricart said.

Samuel González, a former chief prosecutor for organized crime and an analyst, said that Jáuregui may have failed to fulfill his obligations by not informing the federal government or by allowing the foreign agents to carry weapons in violation of the law — as Sheinbaum confirmed Thursday. But “even if that were the case, it would not constitute treason,” a wartime crime.

Luis Villegas, the former prosecutor’s defense coordinator, said it was unacceptable for the federal prosecution to compare the presence of the agents to a foreign “invasion.”

Official contradictions about the agents' role

Villegas said that the two Americans who died were officials providing training related to intelligence and drones. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson just stated that they were “embassy personnel.” The AP later confirmed that they were CIA agents.

According to Jáuregui’s defense team, the federal prosecutor’s office said the agents were close to the person who led the operation, the Chihuahua investigations chief who was one of two deceased Mexicans.

The day of the operation there were two other U.S. agents in the convoy traveling in another vehicle, who were later expelled from the country. The president said none of them had permission to operate in Mexico and that the military was unaware of the foreigners’ presence.

The next day, Sheinbaum said she was unaware of the operation. Jáuregui clarified that the Americans had joined the group after the operation.

Historical presence of US agencies in Mexico

The presence of U.S. agencies in Mexico has been a constant for decades, although former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–2024) limited their activities, and Sheinbaum amended the Constitution to prohibit field operations without the express authorization and cooperation of the Mexican government. The law does not allow members of U.S. agencies to be armed.

Ricart, the professor, said that, beyond official relations, there have always been anti-drug agents involved in operations of this kind, “often without the federal government’s knowledge.”

“These actions happen, have happened, and will continue to happen” because they are based on U.S. trust with state or local officials and facilitate ongoing collaboration," he said.

“However, since there are no clear rules, they can lead to abuses.”

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First responders rushed to the scene, located along the 15400 block of Southwest 148th Street in the county’s Country Walk area.

Sky 10 was over the scene around 11:30 a.m. and observed several law enforcement vehicles outside a home.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the call was received as reports of a shooting.

Deputies said a man went to the home and shot a woman who lives there after a confrontation between the two escalated. He then turned the gun on himself, according to MDSO.

Medics rushed the woman Jackson South Medical Center in critical condition, while the shooter died, deputies said.

Deputies have yet to reveal the identities of either the suspect or the victim.

“It appears that this situation is domestic in nature, however our homicide detectives are still trying to determine the familial ties,” said MDSO Public Information Officer Danny Castillo.

That's helped them take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series after Wednesday night's 97-71 victory. Game 4 is on Saturday.

Golden State has averaged only 68 points in the Finals — 14 below their regular season mark. After only forcing 10 turnovers in the Game 1 loss, Atlanta has turned up its pressure and that's led to easy points off its opponents miscues.

Rhyne Howard, who has had back-to-back games with at least five steals, knew it just took a little bit for the team to get ready to play on the big stage of the championship series.

“I think just settling in. I think just obviously taking in that this was a big moment for not just me, but for everybody,” she said after the Game 3 win. “At their place, jitters subconsciously or consciously, but I think just locking in and realizing that we can get what we want. We’re No. 1 in a lot of categories, and that first game we didn’t show why. So I think Game 2 and Game 3 we showed why we were No. 1 in those categories not only in the postseason, but in the games leading up.”

When the Atlanta defense is going, it helps spur the offense with layups off the steals. It's also helped them control the paint. The Dream held the Valkyries without a basket for the first 5-plus minutes of the game and then came up with big blocks by Howard and Isobel Borlase in the third quarter that helped keep Golden State at bay.

Atlanta has averaged 20 points better than Golden State in its two wins. The Dream had only a plus-two margin in the loss.

“Defense wins championships and we understand that,” Dream forward DeWanna Bonner said. “I feel like that’s something that we’ve taken very serious since the FIBA break — since I’ve been there. But, when your shot's not falling, you got to rely on something, and that’s always been my defense.”

Bonner went on to say that the first thing the Dream watch on video after games is their defense.

While Atlanta's defense has been in sync the last two games, Golden State admitted they have been uncharacteristically undisciplined. All season long the Valkyries have been able to set the tone defensively in their games. They held teams well below their average and hadn't given up more than 90 points in regulation since late July until Wednesday night.

Golden State coach Natalie Nakase shouldered the blame for the defensive issues.

“If something is being a little bit unclear, then that’s all on me,” she said. "We weren’t in our shifts consistently. We weren’t communicating. We were kind of just late on certain rotations, which was just uncharacteristic.”

Both teams know the series isn't done yet as the WNBA has a best-of-seven format for the second year. If Golden State can solve its defensive and offensive issues on Saturday, the team can head back home with the series tied.

“I think we’re still very positive,” said Valkyries forward Kiah Stokes, who won three WNBA titles with Las Vegas. “We know we can fix (it). A lot of it is dealing with ourselves. So we just got to look in the mirror first and then move forward. But, yeah, this is a long series. I think positivity and energy is still high and we got another chance to steal one on Saturday, and then the series is evened up and then it’s best of three.”

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See AP’s full WNBA coverage here

Dan Bellino, Vic Carapazza, Tripp Gibson and Jim Wolf also will work the Series, Major League Baseball announced Thursday. It will be the third World Series for both Hoye and Wolf, and the second each for Bellino, Carapazza and Gibson.

Lentz made his big league debut in 2016 and at 36 will be the youngest Series ump since Pat Hoberg in 2022.

Morales will be the plate umpire for Friday’s opener, with Lentz at first, Hoye at second, Carapazza at third, Bellino in left and Gibson in right.

Wolf will work the plate in Game 2 and be followed by Lentz, Hoye, Carapazza, Bellino and Gibson.

Bellino will be the crew chief in Game 3, when Hoye is the reserve.

Lentz had a 48.3% overturn rate in the first season of the ABS ball/strike system of robot umpires, ninth-best among 76 umpires with 100 or more challenges, according to taptochallenge.com. Gibson was 19th at 50.4%, Morales 21st at 50.9%, Carapazza 28th at 52%, Hoye 29th at 52.3%, Wolf 39th at 53.7% and Bellino 65th at 59.9%.

Gibson, Hoye, Lentz and Morales had perfect ABS records in the Division Series, each upheld on two challenges. Teams won 2 of 4 against Bellino and 2 of 5 against Carapazza.

Wolf did not have a plate game in the Division Series.

Hoye, 55, also worked the Series in 2019 and 2022, including the plate for Game 4 of the 2019 matchup of Washington and Houston and the 2022 opener between Philadelphia and the Astros.

The 45-year-old Gibson was behind the plate for Game 4 in 2022, only the second no-hitter in World Series history when Houston's Cristian Javier, Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly combined to pitch in a 5-0 victory.

Wolf, 57, also worked the Series in 2015 and 2019. The 48-year-old Bellino worked the Series in 2021 and the 47-year-old Carapazza in 2023.

Wolf made his major league debut in 1999, Hoye in 2003 and Gibson in 2013. Bellino (48) debuted in 2008, Carapazza (47) in 2010 and Morales (42) in 2014.

Alfonso Márquez and D.J. Reyburn will be the video review umpires at the replay operations center in the commissioner’s office in New York.

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here

El presidente izquierdista Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva y su rival de extrema derecha Flávio Bolsonaro tienen enfoques marcadamente distintos para proteger la Amazonía, y la contienda está reñida, según encuestas recientes.

La Articulación de los Pueblos Indígenas de Brasil, conocida como Apib, anunció el jueves que presentó una solicitud urgente ante la Inspectoría General de Justicia para garantizar que los funcionarios electorales actúen con rapidez y ayuden a los indígenas a llegar a los centros de votación.

Y fiscales federales presentaron una demanda el miércoles ante un tribunal federal en Pará, en la que solicitan una orden de alcance nacional para asegurar que los pueblos indígenas puedan votar, mediante la provisión de transporte gratuito por río, tierra o aire, y el financiamiento de alimentos, intérpretes, facilitadores culturales y señalización en lenguas indígenas en los centros de votación.

La demanda de los fiscales cita relatos de comunidades de todo Brasil, incluidas denuncias de que gobiernos municipales negaron transporte por motivos políticos y de que ganaderos impidieron que trabajadores indígenas salieran de las haciendas para votar.

El problema más grave involucra a 43 comunidades indígenas en lo profundo de la selva del norte de Brasil, indicó Apib. El tribunal electoral del estado de Amazonas rechazó una petición de asistencia de transporte presentada por Univaja, una asociación que representa a los pueblos indígenas del Valle del Javari.

Algunos de estos votantes viven a una distancia de 895 kilómetros (556 millas) de sus centros de votación, lo que requiere viajes en barco de tres a cinco días. Las autoridades necesitan usar aeronaves militares para transportar urnas electrónicas y personal electoral a algunos lugares remotos.

“El Estado lleva la urna a la selva, pero no lleva al votante hasta la urna”, declaró Apib.

Las aldeas del territorio del Valle del Javari recibieron sus primeros centros de votación en 2014, gracias a los esfuerzos de Bruno Pereira, un experto en temas indígenas que murió en 2022 mientras cumplía una misión en el Valle del Javari junto al periodista británico Dom Phillips.

La agencia de asuntos indígenas del gobierno brasileño, Funai, dijo a AP que ha consultado a las comunidades sobre las necesidades de transporte pero señaló que las autoridades electorales estatales son responsables de organizarlo.

La protección de los territorios indígenas es vista ampliamente como una de las formas más eficaces de frenar la deforestación en la Amazonía, la selva tropical más grande del mundo y un regulador clave del clima global.

Investigadores advierten que la pérdida continua de bosques podría acelerar el calentamiento global. Un análisis de 2022 de MapBiomas, una red de grupos que monitorean el uso del suelo, encontró que los territorios indígenas en Brasil habían perdido apenas el 1% de la vegetación nativa en tres décadas, en comparación con el 20% en tierras privadas a nivel nacional.

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

Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his far-right challenger, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, a son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, have markedly different approaches to protecting the Amazon, and the race is tight according to recent polls.

The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, known as Apib, announced Thursday that it filed an urgent request for the Justice Inspector General’s Office to make sure electoral officials act quickly to help Indigenous people reach voting centers.

And federal prosecutors filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Para seeking a nationwide order to ensure Indigenous peoples can vote, by providing free transportation by river, land or air, and by funding food, interpreters, cultural facilitators and signs in Indigenous languages at polling places.

The prosecutors’ suit cites accounts from communities across Brazil, including allegations that municipal governments denied transportation for political reasons and ranchers prevented Indigenous workers from leaving farms to vote.

The most serious problem involves 43 Indigenous communities deep in the jungle in northern Brazil, Apib said. On Tuesday, the Amazonas state electoral court rejected a petition for transportation assistance filed by Univaja, an association representing Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley.

Some of these voters live as far as 895 kilometers (556 miles) from their polling places, requiring boat trips of three to five days. Officials need to use military aircraft to transport voting machines and election workers to some remote locations.

“The state brings the ballot box to the forest but does not bring the voter to the ballot box,” Apib said.

Villages in the Javari Valley territory received their first voting centers in 2014, thanks to the efforts of Bruno Pereira, an Indigenous expert who died in 2022 while on assignment in the Javari Valley alongside British journalist Dom Phillips.

The Brazilian government’s Indigenous affairs agency, Funai, told AP it has consulted communities about transportation needs for the runoff but said state electoral authorities are responsible for arranging it.

Protecting Indigenous territories is widely seen as one of the most effective ways to curb deforestation in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest and a key regulator of global climate.

Researchers warn that continued forest loss could accelerate global warming. A 2022 analysis by MapBiomas, a network of nongovernmental groups tracking land use, found Indigenous territories in Brazil had lost just 1% of native vegetation over three decades, compared with 20% on private land nationwide.

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Skerritt died Wednesday of natural causes, his family said in a statement. “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices,” the statement said.

Skerritt was twice nominated for an Emmy — both for “Picket Fences,” winning outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. Other career highlights include playing the patient husband of Shirley MacLaine in “Turning Point,” Sally Field’s husband in “Steel Magnolias” and a scheming opportunist who stands in the way of Jodie Foster’s attempt to communicate with extraterrestrial life in “Contact.”

“A writer once described me as a character actor locked in a leading man’s body, and I’ve always loved that. It’s a nice compliment. I’ve been able to walk the line between television and features,” he told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 1997.

Onstage, he was the narrator in “Our Town” at Seattle’s Intiman Theatre in 2004 and made his Broadway debut in 2013 in an adaptation of John Grisham's “A Time to Kill,” in which The Associated Press wrote he “nicely pulls off a charming disgraced and drunken lawyer.”

Skerritt’s early life

Skerritt grew up in a middle-class Detroit family, his father a small businessman and his mother a housewife. He had two brothers; a sister died as a child.

He spent four years in the Air Force, attended Wayne State University and then switched to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study filmmaking, inspired by a viewing of “Citizen Kane.”

His performance in a Los Angeles theater production of “The Rainmaker” led to his first film role — a supporting role as a sergeant in the 1962 scrappy, $250,000 independent Korean War film “War Hunt.” The movie marked the debuts of Skerritt, Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack and Francis Ford Coppola.

Redford and Skerritt were vying for the same lead role, with the former winning out. Years later, Redford, now directing, paid Skerritt back with compound interest in “A River Runs Through It,” handing him the plum role of the stern Rev. John Maclean, a minister whose governing passions are his faith and fly-fishing. The New York Times was impressed by his “halting, thoughtful manner.”

Redford, who died last year, became a lifelong friend. “There was such a deep connection we made with each other that it matured into a level-headed friendship,” Redford told the Seattle Times in 2007. “His values were close to mine, and he kept his integrity.”

‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun’

After “War Hunt,” however, Skerritt still struggled for screen time, landing a small role in “M.A.S.H.” and “Thieves Like Us” for Robert Altman, and doing a bit part as a motorcycle cop in “Harold and Maude” for Hal Ashby.

Things changed with “The Turning Point,” which earned him a National Board of Review win. Then came “Alien,” with Skerritt playing the beleaguered and doomed captain of the ship Nostromo, crouched in a dark, claustrophobic duct, hunting the alien with a sputtering flamethrower. He told the Seattle Times that what appealed to him in the script was that the lead actor disappeared and “the woman becomes the hero. I really like that idea.”

Things shifted again after that, including a memorable role as Tom Cruise’s instructor in the landmark “Top Gun”: “Gentlemen, you are the top 1% of all Naval aviators. The elite. The best of the best. We’ll make you better,” he told the students. “This school is about combat. There are no points for second place.”

Skerritt achieved perhaps his best notices as the kindly sheriff in “Picket Fences,” a comedy created by David E. Kelley that won 14 Emmy Awards — one for Skerritt — and a Golden Globe over its four-year run from 1992 to 1996.

Skerritt co-starred opposite Kathy Baker, playing his doctor wife in the community of Rome, Wisconsin, a place with bizarre happenings, like having a robber leaving a trail of frogs or the pope becoming the primary witness to a murder.

“It was written by the best writer on television,” he told the A.V. Club in 2019. “That was the magic and brilliance of it. Because I wasn’t trying to do a series, but then they said Kathy Baker was going to do it, and I thought, ‘She’s fabulous — what do they want me for?’”

Also on the small screen, Skerritt played William Walker on ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters,” Jimmy Ford on TNT’s “Leverage” and he had the recurring character Evan Drake on “Cheers.” He starred in the Hallmark movie “What the Deaf Man Heard,” co-starring Matthew Modine, Judith Ivey and James Earl Jones. He also modeled for Guess jeans.

Directing and writing — his initial dream — had been overtaken by a career in front of the camera, though he managed to direct and star in the 1997 television movie “Divided by Hate.”

“Things happen,” he told The Ottawa Citizen in 1992. “You get hired for a film and the roles kept coming for me. I kept telling myself that if I stuck with acting it would be a really good training for what the problems are in directing. Then the family came along and I had to support them. The years flew by and there was a time when I said I would give up acting and really try to get into directing. But it hasn’t worked out that way and I have no regrets.”

He is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.

Los grupos ambientalistas denunciaron la pesquisa como una farsa y presentaron demandas el jueves para solicitar que se anulen las citaciones, que describieron como hostigadoras y excesivamente amplias.

El fiscal general de Virginia Occidental, JB McCuskey, instó a las autoridades federales a investigar y retirar fondos a organizaciones de defensa climática, y señaló que la protección de la industria energética de combustibles fósiles del estado contra lo que caracterizó como políticas liberales de clima y energía que se extralimitan es una de las principales prioridades de su oficina.

Las citaciones buscan registros relacionados con las declaraciones públicas de los grupos sobre clima y energía, sus deliberaciones internas y sus solicitudes de donaciones. En los documentos se ofrecen pocos detalles sobre cualquier supuesto engaño, pero se invocan “posibles violaciones” de la Ley de Crédito y Protección al Consumidor de Virginia Occidental.

“Las citaciones no se emitieron con ningún propósito gubernamental legítimo, sino que son una acción política del fiscal general destinada a sofocar la expresión”, escribió Derek Teaney, abogado de la West Virginia Rivers Coalition y 350.org, en una presentación judicial ante el Tribunal de Distrito de Estados Unidos en Virginia Occidental.

McCuskey no respondió a las solicitudes de comentarios.

El fiscal general del estado aplaudió la decisión que el gobierno de Trump tomó a principios de este año de revocar una determinación científica de la era Obama que, en los últimos 15 años, había sustentado gran parte de la acción de Estados Unidos para regular las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y combatir el cambio climático.

Su oficina también encabezó una impugnación de 22 estados contra la ley climática del “superfondo” del estado de Nueva York, que un juez federal anuló en septiembre. La ley —un intento de obligar a las industrias productoras de combustibles fósiles a aportar a un fondo de 75.000 millones de dólares para compensar daños relacionados con el cambio climático— excedía la responsabilidad del estado, determinó el juez.

David Cole, profesor de Derecho en Georgetown y especialista en la Primera Enmienda, calificó la investigación de Virginia Occidental de “frívola” y afirmó que las citaciones deberían ser anuladas.

“Si los funcionarios del gobierno pueden empezar a procesar a grupos sin fines de lucro porque discrepan de la postura política que adoptan sobre un asunto de interés público, eso enfriaría una enorme cantidad de expresión política protegida”, declaró Cole a The Associated Press. “El lugar adecuado para dirimir esto es el tribunal de la opinión pública y los laboratorios de los científicos, no en investigaciones penales que, en esencia, buscan convertir en arma el brazo penal del estado para tomar partido en un debate político”.

La investigación se produce tras esfuerzos similares en otros lugares por parte de fiscales generales y congresistas republicanos para escrutar el trabajo de grupos de defensa centrados en el clima.

En Florida, el fiscal general republicano James Utheimer anunció en abril que su oficina emitió una citación al Environmental Law Institute (ELI) y a su Climate Judiciary Project, que busca educar a los jueces sobre la ciencia del cambio climático, “como parte de una investigación ante sospechas” de que la organización sin fines de lucro había violado la Ley de Prácticas Comerciales Engañosas e Injustas de Florida. El grupo también ha enfrentado escrutinio de miembros republicanos del Congreso.

La oficina de Utheimer no respondió a una consulta de la AP sobre en qué punto se encuentra el esfuerzo.

Nick Collins, portavoz del instituto, señaló en un comunicado que el ELI había enfrentado durante años “acusaciones sin fundamento” y que había “respondido incontables preguntas y proporcionado miles de páginas de documentos”.

“Pese a estos hechos, ciertos políticos —entre ellos, varios fiscales generales estatales republicanos— siguen atacando los programas del ELI utilizando estas mismas afirmaciones sin fundamento”, señaló.

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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.

If passed by voters in the Nov. 3 election, the measure would levy a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of Californians whose net worth exceeds $1 billion. Zuckerberg is the sixth-richest person in the world with a net worth estimated at more than $220 billion, according to Forbes. That would put his tax liability at more than $11 billion.

Actions announced by the tech giant on Wednesday will keep Zuckerberg as the majority owner of the company — and also give him the ability to sell some of a new class of non-voting shares “for any reason,” including to pay potential bills from the wealth tax.

The compromise came after Zuckerberg told the board he was considering selling his Palo Alto home last month in anticipation of the proposed tax. But he later struck the deal and committed to staying in California for eight years, unless “material unforeseen circumstances” arise that make it “prudent or advisable for him to reside elsewhere,” according to the filings.

A few hundred billionaires live in California, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office. The tax would apply to anyone with a primary residence in the state as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Most of the money would be used to backfill federal funding cuts to healthcare, and 10% of it would go toward education and food-assistance programs. Proponents, including SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, say it would help ensure the ultra-rich pay their fair share.

But opponents, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, have warned it could prompt the state's wealthiest to leave the state. That could cause budget problems down the line because the state relies heavily on the rich for income tax revenue.

SEIU United Healthcare Workers West said the Zuckerberg deal proves opponents wrong.

“This is the nail in the coffin to months of scare tactics claiming that billionaires are fleeing California," Suzanne Jimenez, the union's chief of staff, said in a statement.

Zuckerberg's deal with Meta offers another glimpse into how the ultrawealthy are bracing for the proposed tax, which targets the main way they make money, through their investments, instead of by raising taxes on the paycheck they receive from work. Other billionaires have taken a different approach by starting to cut ties with the state, including Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.

Brin and other tech moguls and venture capitalists have poured millions into a political action committee opposing the proposed tax and backing other ballot measures designed to nullify it. The committee, Building a Better California, has raised more than $333 million, 30% of which has come from Brin. By comparison, the “Yes on 40” campaign has raised $32.7 million.

Zuckerberg has taken a salary of $1 each year since 2013 as Meta’s CEO. In its regulatory filings, Meta maintained that Zuckerberg would not receive additional compensation — and argued that he would “effectively be paying to serve as the Company’s chief executive officer while residing in California” if the state’s wealth tax is enacted. The company said the new stock he will be allowed to sell — representing 10% of his overall economic stake in the company — would help mitigate that.

Beyond securing Zuckerberg’s future in California, Meta’s new class of shares is intended to boost the company’s ability to raise capital for its investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to the filings. Meta also said it established the new shares for employee compensation and acquisitions, among other reasons.

“It will expand our funding tools and give us flexibility to invest behind the unprecedented momentum we’re seeing across every part of our business driven by AI,” Meta Chief Financial Officer Susan Li said on an earnings call.

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Grantham-Philips reported from Chicago.

Fifteen people were charged and so far at least eight were arrested in connection with fraud at substance abuse treatment centers, hospice services and surgeons in California, prosecutors said. At least six of those charged were doctors — including one who is accused of performing unnecessary and invasive surgeries to bill Medicaid for over $130 million.

“If you treat healthcare patients as dollar bills, the Department of Justice is coming for you,” said Colin M. McDonald, assistant attorney general for the National Fraud Enforcement Division. He was flanked by FBI officials and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

The operation is the latest in a recent wave of arrests related to alleged public benefits fraud, an issue that has emerged as a cornerstone of the president's agenda throughout his second term. Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday announced a $25 million program to encourage whistleblowers to report suspected fraud in the U.S. government.

High-ranking federal officials in recent days have touted the crackdowns across the country ahead of a competitive midterm election that will decide the balance of power in the U.S. Congress for the final two years of Trump's second term.

Vance and Attorney General Todd Blanche announced in Cincinnati on Wednesday that the administration had uncovered over $40 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits nationwide since September. Thirteen people in Ohio were indicted as part of that crackdown.

In Missouri, meanwhile, Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe on Thursday announced a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice to “aggressively identify, investigate and prosecute fraud” in Medicaid, SNAP and other federally funded benefits administered by the state.

“Missouri is all-in in the Trump administration’s unprecedented war on fraud,” Kehoe said while flanked by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and two U.S. attorneys.

Hanaway said the endeavor is a continuation of existing antifraud efforts, with improved federal-state cooperation.

In the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning, federal authorities descended on a massive gated house in the upscale residential neighborhood of Tarzana in Los Angeles. There, they arrested Hany Malek, 61, a chiropractor indicted on charges that he posed as a doctor in order to refer patients for medically unnecessary atherectomies — an invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to clear plaque from arteries.

Prosecutors say Malek referred the patients to his business partner and surgeon, Dr. Harold Tabaie, 78, of Anaheim, who sometimes falsely told patients that the initial surgery was unsuccessful in order to justify another. The duo allegedly made roughly $134 million through these unnecessary procedures, prosecutors said.

Both men are charged with four counts of healthcare fraud, and the chiropractor is charged with an additional two counts of bank fraud. No attorneys were listed for either Malek or Tabaie. Efforts to reach both men through phones listed on public records were unsuccessful on Thursday morning.

A network of dozens of fake substance abuse treatment centers raked more than $1.5 billion — the bulk of the roughly $2 billion — for addiction treatment that was never provided.

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Associated Press writer David A. Lieb contributed from Jefferson City, Missouri.

Kohen Wiley's close relatives watched the footage shot during the June encounter in a Walmart parking lot in Senatobia, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Memphis, Tennessee. The video included footage from the camera worn by the Senatobia police officer who shot and killed Kohen.

Kohen would have celebrated his second birthday in early November, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Kohen’s family, said during a news conference Thursday.

Earlier this week, a state investigation cleared Sgt. Hunter Foster of criminal wrongdoing in the shooting that happened as he and other officers chased two women accused of shoplifting. The Mississippi Attorney General's Office said its review found the fatal shooting was a justified use of force.

“The word ‘justified’ has haunted me,” Kohen's maternal grandmother, Veronica Roberson, said during the news conference. “There’s no justification for that.”

Roberson said she found out from reading the news that the state had cleared the officer, and she also saw parts of the video that had been leaked online Wednesday. She called the lack of notice from the attorney general's office and the leak of the footage a “slap in the face” to her family.

The footage is expected to be released to media Thursday afternoon.

Attorney for Kohen Wiley's family says officers' actions were reckless

Crump said the officers' response — running at the vehicle with guns drawn to apprehend alleged shoplifters — was excessive and reckless.

Kohen’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, previously denied that she and her friend stole diapers from the store and they have not been charged, according to state and county court records.

“Diapers are something a mother needs for a child. Diapers should never cost a baby their life,” Crump said. “This decision sends a message that a Black baby boy, his life, is not as valuable as the white diapers that he is wrapped in.”

Martin Zummach, an attorney representing Foster, has said the footage vindicates his client because he was in danger from the moving vehicle and had “no choice” but to fire his gun.

“She came right at Hunter Foster and the other officer and he had to shoot his weapon,” Zummach said.

Vellesiya Wiley has disputed that her friend, who was driving, headed toward the officers.

Crump said the footage shows the fatal shot came from the side of the car, disputing that Foster was in imminent danger. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family concluded the same. An image of the vehicle shows its shattered right front passenger window.

The family's legal team called for the federal government to investigate the shooting.

Leaked video shows multiple angles of the fatal encounter

Portions of the body-worn camera footage from multiple law enforcement officers were published Wednesday by Darkhorse Press, a Mississippi crime and community news outlet with a focus on law enforcement. The organization’s founder is Therese Apel, formerly the communications director for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

The videos show Vellesiya Wiley, holding Kohen, as she and her friend run across the parking lot and enter their vehicle. Five officers approach the parked car with guns drawn. The car reverses away and crashes into a parked vehicle nearby as officers yell for it to stop.

The vehicle then accelerates forward as Foster steps toward it, directly in front, with his gun drawn. The wheels turn away from him, and he appears to put his hands on the hood as he jumps out of the way. He fires his gun, shattering the window of the front passenger side, where Kohen was seated on his mother's lap. The car continues to drive away before the video cuts out.

Experts provide conflicting analysis

Two use-of-force experts reviewed the footage at the request of The Associated Press but provided conflicting assessments, illustrating the complexity of the encounter.

Charles “Joe” Key, a former Baltimore police lieutenant who frequently serves as an expert witness in police use-of-force cases, said that while it is a tragedy a child was killed, the shooting was a split-second decision that Foster made as the vehicle drove toward him and another officer. He said the driver of the car appeared to use the vehicle to commit assault with a deadly weapon. Wiley’s friend, who was driving the vehicle, has not been charged.

“The officer that fired the shots narrowly escaped being run over and appeared to touch the car as he was moving,” Key said. “The shooting was objectively reasonable.”

But John P. Gross, an expert on police use of force against moving vehicles, said Foster had used “really bad tactics.”

“He should never have placed himself in a position where he could have been struck,” Gross said, adding that an accusation of shoplifting did not justify “use of deadly force on a fleeing suspect.”

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump said of James in a social media post sharing the video. “LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed Tuesday at New York's Madison Square Garden. James, starting his first season with Philadelphia, was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.

Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes.

James had not made a public comment or a social media post as of Thursday afternoon about Trump's gripe.

The 41-year-old James, in his record 24th NBA season, was set to make his home debut for the Sixers Thursday night against Cleveland.

Coach Nick Nurse had talked at length since training camp opened about the Sixers' need to tune out outside distractions. Hours before their home opener, the Sixers had to deal with one from the president.

“I think that goes right in with other outside noise we've already had,” Nurse said before the game. “I keep saying the same thing. All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they've had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding.”

Among some of the more notable times James became entangled with the president or politics:

LeBron wears 1 black shoe, 1 white shoe

James was with Cleveland in 2017 when he made a statement with his shoes — one black, one white, with the word “equality” in capital gold letters on the back of each.

Then, after the game, James made a statement about Trump, saying: “This is a beautiful country and we’re never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are.”

James had called Trump “ a bum ” on Twitter and also said earlier that season of the president: “He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything.”

Shut up and dribble

James showed determination to speak out on social issues and the nation’s political climate after Fox News host Laura Ingraham criticized the four-time NBA champion for his 2018 comments about social issues.

“We will definitely not shut up and dribble,” James said. “I will definitely not do that. I mean too much to society. I mean too much to the youth. I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.”

James referenced Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson as athletes who previously spoke up for equality and change with no concerns about the consequences or any rewards.

“We know it’s bigger than us,” James said.

Get people to the polls

James was named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year in 2020 in large part for leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship and helping to persuade many — at the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement — who had never voted to finally head to the polls.

“I still know what I do on the floor and obviously, I give everything to the game,” James said. “But I can make a greater impact off the floor right now, more than I can on the floor. And I want to continue to inspire people with the way I play the game of basketball. But there’s so many more things that I can do off the floor to help cultivate people, inspire people, bring people together, empower them.”

James rejects Ibrahimovic's criticism of activist athletes

AC Milan striker and former LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic blasted socially conscious athletes in a 2021 interview. Ibrahimovic called it “a mistake” for James and other athletes to get involved in political causes, saying they should “just do what you do best, because it doesn’t look good.”

James, naturally, rejected the criticism.

“I would never shut up about things that are wrong,” James said.

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Associated Press writer Collin Binkley in Washington contributed to this report.

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See AP’s full NBA coverage here

Halima Salman, a U.S. citizen born in Brooklyn, was 17 when her father took the family to Turkey in 2017, then put her in a van without saying where they were going and drove into Syria, where the van was surrounded by men with guns, according to her lawyer, Mia Eisner-Grynberg.

There, she became caught up in the Syrian Civil War. She spent three months locked in a room while the sound of bombs striking nearby targets could frequently be heard. Her father, an Islamic State sympathizer, died after he was injured in a bombing in 2018, but not before arranging for her to marry a member of the group when she turned 18. She was then detained in Baghouz, Syria, in 2019 by forces opposed to the Islamic State.

When Salman returned to the U.S. in 2024, she was arrested and charged with willingly undergoing military training with the Islamic State in 2018, when she was 18.

“Find her not guilty,” Eisner-Grynberg told a jury Thursday as Salman used her clothing to wipe away tears. She said Salman had “been through hell and back" since leaving New York, where she had been in the Girl Scouts and studied sewing and craft making.

Prosecutors insist Salman had more agency in Syria than she claims.

In her closing arguments Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Shami portrayed Salman, now 27, as dishonest and manipulative.

She said Salman had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State and sent her then-husband a photograph of her with the group's flag. She had also been filmed by her husband with an assault rifle she had been trained to use. Jurors were shown the brief video clip.

During the trial, Salman took the witness stand and testified that her marriage was bad before she left Syria and divorced her husband. The prosecutor, Shami, disputed that account of a poor marriage, citing two loving text messages Salman sent to her husband.

“Her statements on the stand don't make sense,” Shami said.

Eisner-Grynberg said the government was right to investigate Salman after her time in Syria but should not have brought charges after failing to find anyone who had seen her undergoing weapons training. She said prosecutors could not show that Salman ever took a serious interest in the Islamic State, which has been designated by the United States as a terror group.

“You can come back here in five minutes with a not-guilty verdict,” Eisner-Grynberg told jurors. “This is a grave miscarriage of justice,” she said of the prosecution.

The jury began deliberating Thursday.

Their name didn’t pop up until the last slot, triggering a “we’re going to show you” motivation that ultimately turned a 10th-seeded First Four team into a Sweet 16 party crasher.

“We were very, very blessed with that opportunity last year,” the all-Atlantic Coast Conference guard said.

Stories like those have long been woven into the fabric of March Madness. Only now, the madness has grown with both the men’s and women’s tournaments going from 68 teams to 76 at the end of the upcoming season.

It theoretically increases the chances for memorable moments that live on in tournament lore. What’s unclear is whether it’s better for mid-majors in getting more teams into the mix — including in landing lucrative “units” payouts for tournament success — or if it just means more power-conference bubble teams gobbling up bids despite flirting with .500 league records.

“I might be in the minority here, and I understand why people don’t like tournament expansion,” Minnesota men’s coach Niko Medved said, “but I actually think it’s going to end up being more exciting than people realize in the next couple of years.”

The tournaments have grown for years

On the men’s side, the first tournament in 1939 had eight teams, with Oregon beating Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio State to claim the first title.

It expanded to 16 teams in 1951, doubled by 1975, then again to 64 in 1985 to start its modern era. Growth had been smaller since, first to 65 teams with an opening-round game in 2001 and finally to 68 in 2011 to form the “First Four” games in Dayton, Ohio.

For the women, the first tournament arrived in 1982 with 32 teams, with the first expansions going to 40 (1986) and 48 (1989) before reaching the 64-team mark in 1994. The tournament didn't change again until reaching 68 in 2022 with its own First Four, though games were held at schools hosting opening-week games.

Both are set for 76 in 2027, with 12 opening-round games sending winners into the 64-team bracket.

“I’ve seen the joy of Selection Sunday of a team and a group of kids watching the television and their name comes up,” said Wake Forest men’s coach Steve Forbes, who reached the NCAAs as a head coach at East Tennessee State as well as in assistant stints at Texas A&M, Tennessee and Wichita State.

“I think that’s an unbelievable experience. And then taking them to the open practice and the media the day before, that’s something — win or lose the game — that’s a lifetime memory. So why would we not want that for about 90 other kids?”

How big should the men's tournament be?

The topic of expansion had been frequent over the years on the men's side in particular with Division I having more than 300 programs.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said expansion will improve March Madness. But he acknowledged that push comes amid schools and coaches facing pressure to make good on growing investments in the era of player compensation.

“The investments across the country have never been greater than they are right now,” Phillips told The Associated Press. “And you can only go so long and invest if you're not able to get to what you want to get to, and that's postseason play."

Duke men's coach Jon Scheyer, leading a blueblood never near the tournament's cut line, was open-minded on expansion to add a few more games to the opening rounds. He had one caveat: he didn't want to undermine the buzz from the all-day Thursday first-round games that formerly kicked off the 64-team tournament and still signal the full onset of March Madness.

That meant growing to, say, 96 teams and requiring a full earlier round was a no for him.

“At some point, you have to earn the right to be in it,” Scheyer said. “And I think you have plenty of opportunities for 76. If you can't be one of the 76 teams — and I would say this if we were 77 — then you don't deserve to be in it.”

Expansion on the women's side has benefited from sport's growth

Expansion momentum on the women's side had increased as the sport grew in popularity and viewership. It's been particularly notable in recent years with stars like Iowa's Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese leading LSU to the 2024 national title, and big-name coaches like South Carolina's Dawn Staley.

"I think we’re in a good place right now," Ohio State women’s coach Kevin McGuff said. "I’m not so sure we should go much further beyond where we are right now.”

Yet unlike the men playing at neutral-court sites, the women's tournament has long relied on top seeds hosting opening-week games and trimming the four regional sites to two in 2023 to grow attendance. That now includes the 76-team format's added games.

“I don’t think that we know yet exactly how that’s going to be," said UCLA coach Cori Close, whose Bruins won their first NCAA women's title in April. "My hope is the marketing is really intentional, that we have butts in the seats in the early games. I hope that we have really good coverage and storytelling surrounding some of that. I hope we have great corporate sponsorship that comes alongside those things.

“When you have a big change like that, it’s important that there’s a comprehensive strategy that surrounds it so that we continue to grow our game and we don’t mishandle the growth and the parity that we’re experiencing right now.”

Will mid-majors or power-conference teams grab the extra bids?

The same question hovers over both brackets: will football-playing power conferences gobble up extra bids or will mid-majors see gains? That's particularly pertinent after 2024's realignment with the ACC and Big Ten taking coast-to-coast footprints while the Big 12 and SEC also added schools.

Those leagues had combined for 28 men's bids in 2023 and 27 in 2024, but rose to 33 in 2025 in the first post-realignment tournament and 35 last year. The growth was bigger on the women's side, going from 28 in 2023 and 30 in 2024 to 37 in 2025 and 39 last year.

In the Big Ten, commissioner Tony Petitti made it clear he expects his league — coming off a Michigan-led huge showing in last spring's men's tournament — to benefit from March Madness expansion, pointing to the league's depth and regular-season travel demands.

“Giving those teams access and a chance to acquire more spots is going to be really critical,” he said.

Yet that also explains why UConn's Geno Auriemma, the Hall of Fame women's coach with 12 NCAA titles, has been blunt in criticizing expansion. In May, he called it "strictly a money grab for the Power Four conferences to get teams that finished 6-10 in their conference to get into the tournament.”

“This kind of is the prequel to their only being 86 or 88 or 92 teams in the tournament, and they all come from four conferences,” he said then. “Or the way it's going now, maybe there's only 64 teams and they come from two conferences.”

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AP freelance writer Luke DeCock in Rosemont, Illinois, contributed to this report.

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See AP’s full college sports coverage here

After police officers approached Jones, 34, at about 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday near Northwest 22nd Avenue and 139th Street, he “began verbally and physically challenging” them, and “assumed an aggressive fighting stance,” according to a police officer’s arrest report.

A police officer “issued multiple loud, clear verbal commands while at a low ready position with his firearm, directing him to disarm himself,” but Jones “continued to make several verbal threats ... would not remove his firearm ... maintained an aggressive fighting stance,” according to the arrest report.

Shortly after 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday, police officers “were able to retrieve and disarm the firearm safely” and arrest Jones, who did not have an active armed security license, according to the police officer’s arrest report.

Miami-Dade corrections booked Jones shortly before 1:45 a.m. on Thursday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near Doral, according to county inmate records.

Jones faced four charges: Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, knowingly and willfully threatening a law enforcement officer with death or serious bodily harm, engaging in security services without a license, and carrying a firearm on duty as a security officer.

Local 10 News Senior Assignment Editor Frine Gomez contributed to this report.

La mayor probabilidad de que un miembro ultraderechista de la familia Bolsonaro regresara al poder impulsó una participación sin precedentes en el activismo digital y protestas a una escala que no se había visto en años, mientras la izquierda se movilizaba con la esperanza de asegurar una victoria de Lula.

La enorme movilización en línea marca un giro para este sector político. En Brasil, pero también a escala global, la izquierda ha tenido dificultades para competir con la rápida adopción y el uso hábil de las plataformas digitales por parte de la extrema derecha, algo que, según expertos, ha tenido impacto en el voto.

Muchos izquierdistas están marcados por la presidencia del padre del candidato de derecha, Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022). Recuerdan su mala gestión de la pandemia de COVID-19, el aumento de la deforestación en la selva amazónica y su intento de derrocar la democracia tras su derrota ante Lula en 2022, lo que derivó en una condena de 27 años de prisión.

La reciente oleada de actividad ha producido resultados. Las encuestas indican que la diferencia se ha estrechado. Más de 33 millones de los casi 160 millones de votantes habilitados se abstuvieron en la primera vuelta, lo que representa una reserva de votos que Lula espera aprovechar para revertir la ventaja de Bolsonaro.

El martes, Lula alcanzó 200 millones de interacciones en redes sociales desde el 5 de octubre, mientras que Bolsonaro tuvo 54 millones, según la agencia de datos Projeto Brief en un estudio realizado para el diario local Estadao.

Entre el inicio de la campaña el 16 de agosto y hasta la primera vuelta, Lula y Bolsonaro tuvieron más o menos el mismo número de interacciones, de acuerdo con la empresa de analítica de datos Bites. Pero desde el comienzo de la segunda vuelta, los perfiles del mandatario recibieron alrededor de 111 millones de interacciones frente a los 31 millones de Bolsonaro, indicó el grupo.

“Gane o pierda la segunda vuelta, la izquierda brasileña puede haber iniciado, en estas elecciones de 2026, su proceso de transformación digital”, manifestó el director de Bites, Manoel Fernandes, en un comunicado del 17 de octubre.

El Congreso se ha desplazado hacia la derecha

Millones de personas han salido espontáneamente a las calles de Sao Paulo y Rio de Janeiro, en lo que, según analistas, son las mayores manifestaciones de la izquierda al menos desde 2013.

La movilización de la izquierda en las calles y en internet ha provocado una reacción de los simpatizantes de Flávio Bolsonaro, que han organizado actos presenciales y campañas digitales en respuesta.

El poder judicial y el legislativo serían más favorables a una presidencia de Flávio Bolsonaro que lo que fueron las instituciones durante el mandato de su padre, lo que podría allanar el camino para una poderosa presidencia de extrema derecha que podría transformar de manera duradera el panorama político de Brasil.

El próximo presidente nombrará al menos a tres jueces para el máximo tribunal del país, y Bolsonaro contaría con apoyo en las cámaras baja y alta del Congreso después de que su partido lograra importantes avances en las elecciones del 4 de octubre.

Ese escenario llevó a Carlos Eduardo Covas Costa, un ingeniero de IA de 35 años, a abrazar plenamente el activismo digital por primera vez a principios de este mes.

“No creo que la tecnología vaya a resolver nada, pero multiplica nuestro tiempo, nuestro impacto y nuestra capacidad de recopilar, cruzar y sintetizar información”, señaló Covas Costa, quien afirma dedicar al menos cuatro horas diarias al activismo digital además de su trabajo.

Junto con otros activistas, ayudó a crear la plataforma “Bora Lula” (“Vamos Lula”), que registra actos de apoyo al mandatario en todo Brasil y recomienda protestas cercanas. Los activistas también crean contenido para redes sociales que responde a las necesidades de un municipio en particular a partir del análisis de datos.

El “ejército de Lula” y el “escuadrón de Flávio”

La campaña oficial de Lula también ha intensificado sus esfuerzos en redes sociales desde la primera vuelta. El legislador André Janones reunió lo que él llama “el ejército de Lula”, un canal de WhatsApp en el que da instrucciones para aumentar la visibilidad a sus “soldados”, que ya suman más de 8 millones. En la derecha surgió una iniciativa similar, llamada “el escuadrón de Flávio”, que tiene más de 2 millones de seguidores.

La izquierda ha sido mucho más lenta que la derecha en adoptar el activismo digital debido a una resistencia a las plataformas de las grandes empresas tecnológicas, señaló Carolina Terra, profesora de la escuela de comunicaciones y artes de la Universidad de Sao Paulo.

El activismo en línea ha contribuido al tamaño y la magnitud de las protestas callejeras, pero aún está por verse si son suficientes para que Lula obtenga la victoria, indicó Terra.

“La visibilidad no necesariamente se traduce en votos”, afirmó.

Zeza Barral, doctora en antropología, también recurrió al activismo digital después del 4 de octubre. Creó un perfil en la plataforma de videos cortos Kwai, donde comparte contenido, en parte generado por IA, pero siempre fiel a los hechos, diseñado para aumentar el rechazo a Flávio Bolsonaro. El alter ego de Barral es un abogado, padre de dos hijos y simpatizante del Vasco, el equipo de fútbol de Rio de Janeiro.

“Me da esperanza”, expresó. “No sabemos cuál va a ser el resultado, pero si tengo aunque sea un poco de confianza también es porque estoy haciendo algo al respecto”.

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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.

Jacob Misiorowski brings his record-setting heat to the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night when he throws the first pitch of the best-of-seven championship against the Tampa Bay Rays, a matchup of modest-money marvels who bumped off glamorous rivals with a throwback base-to-base style.

“Forrest Gump, everyone,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Thursday, introducing his ace to the assembled media.

“I'm still fresh to all of this and I have no idea what the hell is going on,” Misiorowski said a few minutes later.

Few predicted this pairing of pennant winners when the season opened March 25. The first World Series with robot umpires is the first since 1980 between teams seeking their first championship and also could be the first with a 104 mph pitch — thanks to Misiorowski — and the first to be played totally indoors.

Milwaukee is in the Series for the second time after a 44-year absence — an appropriate number given that it was the jersey of the Cream City's most famous baseball player, Hank Aaron, who became a star with the Milwaukee Braves in the 1950s and ended his career with the expansion Brewers in the 1970s.

Both teams fell short in previous Series trips, the Brewers losing to St. Louis in 1982 and the Rays to Philadelphia in 2008 and to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Not since the Phillies beat Kansas City in 1980 have two teams met seeking their first title. The time before that was in 1920.

Rays players are excited to display their brand of baseball.

“We love watching those guys cause chaos,” Tampa Bay pitcher Steven Matz said of his team's bunters and speedsters. “Every time it’s first and third and someone lays down a bunt, we are just dying laughing in the bullpen.”

Misiorowski is likely to set a World Series velocity record

Misiorowski, a 24-year-old right-hander in his first full major league season, is a starting pitcher like no other. He threw 1,115 pitches of 100 mph or higher this year — shattering the old high of 673 since tracking began in 2008, by Jordan Hicks in 2018.

His fastest pitch was 105.5 mph to the Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong on June 27, and he appears likely to break the 101.1 mph record for a Series starter by the New York Mets' Noah Syndergaard in 2015 and possibly the overall Series high of 103.2 mph by Cubs reliever Aroldis Chapman to Cleveland's Coco Crisp in Game 2 of 2016.

Misiorowski didn't finish the fifth inning in either of his first two postseason starts this year. Batters have swung at 94 of his 182 postseason pitches and fouled off 51 — 28% of pitches and 54% of swings.

“He hasn’t been as crisp,” Murphy said. “They’re obviously looking at an area. They’re trying to exploit everything. He’s exposed, like all these guys get at some point.”

Martinez a surprise starter for Rays

Nick Martinez will start for Tampa Bay, which gives extra rest to Drew Rasmussen ahead of Game 2 and Freddy Peralta before Game 3.

A 36-year-old right-hander with his fourth major league team, Martinez took the Rays to dinner Wednesday at Carnevor, a top Milwaukee steakhouse. He invites teammates, who have nicknamed him “El Presidente,” to a restaurant in every road city.

“To when I first got to the league, I’ve been around guys that knew how to control a clubhouse and for lack of a better term, knew how to throw a party,” Martinez said. “Getting the guys together is important. Creating that off-the-field chemistry translates to on the field.”

Brewers and Rays have throwback offenses

In an age where power bats usually rule, Milwaukee scored a major league-low 32.1% of its runs on homers and Tampa Bay was second-lowest at 34.4%, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Brewers captain Christian Yelich says “we’ve done a good job of being kind of chameleons.”

“It's cool that you don't have to be the team to hit 170 home runs a game or whatever,” Misiorowski said. “You can win a baseball game so many different ways.”

Rays batters had the fewest strikeouts among the 30 teams and Tampa Bay’s 45 sacrifice bunts were the most among American League teams since 2015.

“If we had a club that was built with a bunch of boppers, we probably wouldn’t be bunting and stealing bases,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “I think we already have made bunting cool.”

After back-to-back Dodgers titles, MLB will have a small-payroll champion

This marks the first time since 1991 that both Series teams are in the bottom half of payrolls: the Brewers were 19th as of Aug. 31 and the Rays 25th. Milwaukee, MLB's smallest market, could become the first small-market champion since Kansas City in 2015. The Rays rank 15th in market size.

To reach the Series, the Brewers swept the deep-pocketed, two-time champion Dodgers in the NL Championship Series and the Rays swept the New York Yankees in an AL Division Series.

Yelich, the highest-paid player in the Series, was 44th overall in the majors on opening day. Yandy Díaz, who earns most among the Rays, ranked 154th.

Robot umps are changing games

Batters have succeeded on 63% of challenges during the postseason in the first year of the Automated Ball-Strike System, winning 40 of 63 appeals to the robot umps. That is up from 49% during the regular season.

Catchers' 58% success rate in the playoffs (58 of 99) is down a tick from 59% during the regular season and pitchers are 1 for 1 — Tampa Bay’s Griffin Jax made the only challenge. The 60% overall rate is up from 54% in the regular season.

Tampa Bay's batters have yet to make a postseason challenge. Milwaukee's have won 4 of 7, including a perfect 2 for 2 by Jake Bauers.

Brewers catcher William Contreras has won 60% (12 of 20) and Rays catcher Liam Hicks 67% (8 of 12).

Rest vs. rust: Extra time off hasn't been helpful in recent years

Milwaukee will have had seven days off going into the opener.

While teams with less rest are 15-15 in the Series since Wild Card Era started in 1995, they are 12-4 since 2009.

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here

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A woman in Sunrise used Papa Pal, and it connected her to Anthony Weaver and James Calvert, who defrauded her out of nearly $6,900, according to a Sunrise detective’s report.

Weaver and Calvert, 36, “assisted her with tasks around her home” at first and “a short time later” had her transfer her life’s savings to new checking accounts, according to the Sunrise detective’s report.

The woman had been diagnosed with brain ischemia, a medical condition where blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain are dangerously reduced, according to the detective.

The condition “impairs her cognitive function,” and she “lacked the capacity to consent to loaning or giving these funds,” the detective wrote, according to the arrest report.

The offense was on Jan. 25, 2022, and Calvert was arrested on Feb. 27, 2023, records show. A Broward judge issued an arrest warrant for Calvert on June 16, according to Broward County court records.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Calvert on Wednesday at the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. Calvert faced a charge of third-degree grand theft of $5,000 or more, but less than $10,000. Weaver remained at large.

Broward County Circuit Judge Thomas J. Coleman was set to preside over Calvert’s case.

Detectives asked anyone with information about this or other cases who wants to remain anonymous to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Local 10 News Assignment Editor Carson Merlo contributed to this report.

Una mujer de Sunrise utilizó Papa Pal, y la plataforma la conectó con Anthony Weaver y James Calvert, quienes la estafaron por casi $6,900 USD, según el informe de un detective de Sunrise.

Weaver y Calvert, de 36 años, inicialmente “la ayudaron con tareas en su hogar” y “poco tiempo después” lograron que transfiriera los ahorros de toda su vida a nuevas cuentas corrientes, según el informe del detective de Sunrise.

La mujer había sido diagnosticada con isquemia cerebral, una condición médica en la que el flujo sanguíneo y el suministro de oxígeno al cerebro se reducen peligrosamente, según el detective.

La condición “afecta su función cognitiva” y la mujer “no tenía la capacidad de dar su consentimiento para prestar o entregar estos fondos”, escribió el detective, según el informe de arresto.

El delito ocurrió el 25 de enero de 2022, y Calvert fue arrestado el 27 de febrero de 2023, según muestran los registros. Un juez de Broward emitió una orden de arresto contra Calvert el 16 de junio, según los registros judiciales del condado Broward.

Agentes de la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward arrestaron a Calvert el miércoles en la Secretaría de los Tribunales del Condado Broward, en Fort Lauderdale. Calvert enfrentaba un cargo de robo mayor en tercer grado por una cantidad de $5,000 USD o más, pero inferior a $10,000 USD. Weaver permanecía prófugo.

El juez del Tribunal de Circuito del Condado Broward, Thomas J. Coleman, estaba previsto para presidir el caso de Calvert.

Los detectives solicitaron a cualquier persona que tenga información sobre este u otros casos y desee permanecer en el anonimato que llame a Broward County Crime Stoppers al 954-493-8477.

El editor de asignaciones de Local 10 News, Carson Merlo, contribuyó a este informe.

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During high tide, most of South Florida’s beaches will be covered with water, and there could be saltwater flooding in some coastal areas.

There is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday, a 60% chance of rain on Sunday, and a 70% chance of rain on Monday. Expect batches of downpours on Sunday and Monday.

A high-pressure system will strengthen northeastern winds, so gusts will range from 30 to 40 mph, with sustained winds reaching 21 mph on Saturday and 26 mph on Sunday.

The conditions will create a dangerous surf with large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet.

For hour-by-hour local forecasts and a live radar, visit this page.

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Durante la marea alta, la mayoría de las playas del sur de Florida quedarán cubiertas de agua, y podría haber inundaciones de agua salada en algunas zonas costeras.

Hay un 50% de probabilidad de lluvia el sábado , un 60% el domingo y un 70% el lunes . Se esperan chubascos intensos el domingo y el lunes.

Un sistema de alta presión intensificará los vientos del noreste, por lo que las ráfagas oscilarán entre 30 y 40 mph, con vientos sostenidos que alcanzarán las 21 mph el sábado y las 26 mph el domingo.

Las condiciones propiciarán un oleaje peligroso con grandes olas rompientes de entre 5 y 8 pies.

Para consultar la previsión meteorológica local hora a hora y ver el radar en directo, visite esta página.

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Dr. Marcos Danilo Assuncao-Oliveira, a physician from Brazil, was arrested Aug. 23 on three counts of third-degree grand theft after Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigators alleged he repeatedly removed luggage from baggage carousels, took items from the bags and returned for more.

According to a closeout memo obtained Thursday by Local 10 News, two victims in the case did not want to press charges and the third failed to appear for two scheduled pre-file conferences.

A representative who helped Assuncao-Oliveira return to his home country told Local 10 News that the doctor was experiencing a serious mental health crisis at the time and has since been reunited with his family.

Roger Scotton, co-owner and director of Legal Help 4 You, said the publicity surrounding the arrest had a significant impact on the doctor’s reputation.

According to Scotton, the allegations circulated widely in Brazilian media and prompted harsh criticism on social media from people unfamiliar with Assuncao-Oliveira’s personal circumstances.

Scotton said the physician had practiced medicine for nearly 40 years and that information obtained from his family and a subsequent investigation indicated he was experiencing serious mental health difficulties.

Doctor reportedly detained again in October

Scotton said Assuncao-Oliveira’s situation became increasingly concerning in the weeks following his initial arrest.

According to Scotton, the doctor was detained again Oct. 8 and released the following day.

He said information gathered afterward suggested Assuncao-Oliveira had been wandering around Miami in a confused and vulnerable state, without consistent access to identification, money or personal belongings.

Scotton also said his team encountered difficulties tracking the doctor’s interactions with law enforcement because his name may have been entered incorrectly during one of the encounters.

The organization is still trying to determine how that detention was documented and whether fingerprint records connected it to his earlier arrest.

Concerns raised over hospital visit

Another incident reportedly occurred around Oct. 13 or 14, when Miami police transported Assuncao-Oliveira from Brickell to Mercy Hospital for a medical evaluation, according to Scotton.

The doctor was reportedly released several hours later.

Scotton questioned whether Assuncao-Oliveira received adequate support following the hospital visit, given his reported confusion and vulnerability.

He said additional questions remain about the medical evaluation and what assistance, if any, was available to the doctor upon his release.

Details of the hospital visit and the circumstances surrounding his discharge have not been independently confirmed.

Search leads to reunion with family in Brazil

Scotton said his organization worked alongside a private investigator to locate Assuncao-Oliveira and arrange for his safe return home.

Their efforts included searching for the doctor throughout Miami, securing temporary accommodations, arranging assistance and coordinating with the Brazilian Consulate in Miami to obtain the necessary travel documentation.

After several days of searching and making arrangements, the team helped Assuncao-Oliveira board a flight to Brazil on Oct. 16.

He arrived the following day and was reunited with his family, Scotton said.

According to information provided to Scotton, the doctor was subsequently taken for medical care and is now receiving professional treatment.

Original arrest at Miami International Airport

Assuncao-Oliveira’s original arrest followed an investigation into reported luggage thefts at Miami International Airport.

According to the August arrest report, surveillance video showed a man repeatedly taking bags from carousels in the American Airlines baggage claim area, removing items and returning for additional luggage.

Investigators initially identified three victims and estimated the value of the allegedly stolen property at approximately $1,350.

At the time, the arrest report listed Assuncao-Oliveira’s address as homeless in Miami.

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Naquon Jahrell Fagan, 25, was arrested Thursday morning after Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigators linked him to the vehicle used in the abduction and obtained surveillance footage showing him purchasing gloves hours before the killing, according to an arrest report.

Fagan faces seven felony charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, armed kidnapping and impersonating a police officer resulting in death.

His arrest comes after 21-year-old Devorise Carl Johnson was taken into custody earlier this month in connection with the same case.

The victim, identified as Eddrick Malik Bethune, was kidnapped early Oct. 4 from the Aliro apartment complex at 14040 Biscayne Blvd. in North Miami.

Suspects allegedly posed as police officers during kidnapping

According to investigators, Fagan, Johnson and three other men arrived at the apartment complex around 9:41 p.m. on Oct. 3 and waited for Bethune to leave his building.

Shortly after midnight, Bethune was walking through the parking lot when the group approached him in a gray 2026 Toyota Camry equipped with flashing red and blue lights, authorities said.

Investigators said two armed men got out of the vehicle wearing baseball caps, black pants and long-sleeved black shirts with the word “POLICE” printed on the back.

The men allegedly ordered Bethune to the ground and handcuffed him.

During the encounter, his apartment keys and cellphone were taken from him, according to the arrest report.

A third man then exited the Camry, threw Bethune’s cellphone across the parking lot and retrieved his keys, authorities said.

Investigators said three members of the group subsequently entered Bethune’s apartment using the stolen keys.

Gunfire erupts inside third-floor apartment

Surveillance footage showed two of the men heading toward the bedrooms while another pointed a gun toward a sofa in the living room, where a second victim was located, authorities said.

After the armed man walked away, the second victim grabbed an AK-47-style rifle.

According to investigators, Johnson then encountered the second victim in the living room and raised his gun.

The second victim opened fire, striking Johnson multiple times, while Johnson also fired at him.

Investigators said the three intruders continued shooting at the second victim before jumping from a third-story bedroom window to escape.

Johnson left blood on the apartment’s floors, walls, curtains, blinds and broken window glass, according to the report.

Video previously obtained by Local 10 News showed two men jumping from the apartment window following the shooting.

Another recording captured the sound of approximately a dozen gunshots.

Meanwhile, investigators said the two men who remained outside forced Bethune into the back seat of the Camry as he tried to escape.

Cellphone video previously obtained by Local 10 News showed two men beating someone believed to be Bethune before forcing that person into the back seat of a gray vehicle.

Victim found shot to death in the Redlands

After the shooting, surveillance cameras captured the three men running back to the waiting Camry, where Bethune was being held, investigators said.

Johnson, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was dropped off at Jackson North Medical Center.

The remaining four men continued driving with Bethune toward the area of Southwest 216th Street and Southwest 189th Avenue in the Redlands.

According to investigators, Bethune was shot multiple times and killed.

A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office captain discovered his body along the roadside near plant nurseries around 7:25 a.m. on Oct. 4.

Investigators said the suspects later attempted to destroy evidence by setting the Camry on fire near Southwest 248th Street and Southwest 157th Avenue.

An autopsy conducted Oct. 5 determined that Bethune died from gunshot wounds. His death was ruled a homicide.

Rental records, surveillance video link second suspect to crime, detectives say

According to Fagan’s arrest report, investigators determined that he rented the gray Toyota Camry used in the kidnapping.

Rental records showed the vehicle was in Fagan’s name from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4, the day Bethune was killed, authorities said.

Investigators said surveillance video and cellphone location records placed Fagan in areas connected to the crime.

During a search of the Camry, detectives discovered a merchandise tag for gloves purchased at a Family Dollar store, according to the report.

Investigators subsequently obtained surveillance footage from the store showing Fagan purchasing black gloves just hours before Bethune’s murder, the report stated.

Cellphone records also placed Fagan’s device near the Family Dollar at the time of the purchase, according to detectives.

Detectives said the footage showed Fagan using the same car while shopping at the store.

Investigators also noted that surveillance footage of the kidnapping showed one of the men getting out of the Camry wearing black gloves.

Additional cellphone location data was consistent with Fagan and the other suspects traveling to the North Miami apartment complex before the kidnapping, authorities said.

Second suspect detained Wednesday, booked into jail Thursday morning

On Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant at Fagan’s home and detained him.

He was transported to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau, where he invoked his Miranda rights, according to the report.

Fagan was subsequently arrested on seven charges:

• First-degree murder/kidnapping
• Attempted first-degree murder
• Kidnapping with a weapon or firearm
• Shooting a deadly missile
• Armed robbery with a firearm
• Falsely impersonating a police officer resulting in death
• Armed burglary with assault or battery

He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Thursday morning. Online jail records listed his bond as “to be set.”

Johnson, the first suspect arrested in the case, faces the same seven charges.

The arrest report does not indicate whether the remaining three suspects have been identified or arrested.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact MDSO Detective J. Rodriguez at 305-471-2400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Naquon Jahrell Fagan, de 25 años, fue arrestado la mañana del jueves después de que investigadores de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade lo vincularan con el vehículo utilizado en el secuestro y obtuvieran imágenes de vigilancia que lo muestran comprando guantes horas antes del asesinato, según un informe de arresto.

Fagan enfrenta siete cargos por delitos graves, incluidos asesinato en primer grado, intento de asesinato en primer grado, secuestro a mano armada y suplantación de identidad de un agente de policía con resultado de muerte.

Su arresto se produce después de que Devorise Carl Johnson, de 21 años, fuera detenido a principios de este mes en relación con el mismo caso.

La víctima, identificada como Eddrick Malik Bethune, fue secuestrada la madrugada del 4 de octubre del complejo de apartamentos Aliro, ubicado en 14040 Biscayne Blvd., en North Miami.

Sospechosos presuntamente se hicieron pasar por agentes de policía durante el secuestro

Según los investigadores, Fagan, Johnson y otros tres hombres llegaron al complejo de apartamentos alrededor de las 9:41 p.m. del 3 de octubre y esperaron a que Bethune saliera de su edificio.

Poco después de la medianoche, Bethune caminaba por el estacionamiento cuando el grupo se le acercó en un Toyota Camry gris modelo 2026, equipado con luces intermitentes rojas y azules, indicaron las autoridades.

Los investigadores indicaron que dos hombres armados salieron del vehículo con gorras de béisbol, pantalones negros y camisas negras de manga larga con la palabra “POLICE” impresa en la espalda.

Los hombres presuntamente ordenaron a Bethune que se tirara al suelo y lo esposaron.

Durante el encuentro, le quitaron las llaves de su apartamento y su teléfono celular, según el informe de arresto.

Un tercer hombre salió entonces del Camry, lanzó el teléfono celular de Bethune al otro lado del estacionamiento y tomó sus llaves, indicaron las autoridades.

Los investigadores señalaron que tres miembros del grupo ingresaron posteriormente al apartamento de Bethune utilizando las llaves robadas.

Se desata balacera dentro de apartamento en tercer piso

Las imágenes de vigilancia mostraron a dos de los hombres dirigiéndose hacia las habitaciones, mientras otro apuntaba con un arma hacia un sofá en la sala, donde se encontraba una segunda víctima, indicaron las autoridades.

Después de que el hombre armado se alejara, la segunda víctima tomó un rifle tipo AK-47.

Según los investigadores, Johnson se encontró entonces con la segunda víctima en la sala y levantó su arma.

La segunda víctima abrió fuego, alcanzando a Johnson varias veces, mientras Johnson también disparó contra él.

Los investigadores indicaron que los tres intrusos continuaron disparando contra la segunda víctima antes de saltar por la ventana de una habitación del tercer piso para escapar.

Johnson dejó sangre en los pisos, paredes, cortinas, persianas y vidrios rotos de la ventana del apartamento, según el informe.

Un video obtenido anteriormente por Local 10 News mostró a dos hombres saltando por la ventana del apartamento después de la balacera.

Otra grabación captó el sonido de aproximadamente una docena de disparos.

Mientras tanto, los investigadores indicaron que los dos hombres que permanecieron afuera obligaron a Bethune a entrar en el asiento trasero del Camry mientras intentaba escapar.

Un video de teléfono celular obtenido anteriormente por Local 10 News mostró a dos hombres golpeando a una persona que se cree era Bethune antes de obligarla a entrar en el asiento trasero de un vehículo gris.

Encuentran a víctima asesinada a tiros en Redlands

Después de la balacera, las cámaras de vigilancia captaron a los tres hombres corriendo de regreso al Camry que los esperaba, donde Bethune permanecía retenido, indicaron los investigadores.

Johnson, quien había sufrido múltiples heridas de bala, fue dejado en el Jackson North Medical Center.

Los cuatro hombres restantes continuaron conduciendo con Bethune hacia el área de Southwest 216th Street y Southwest 189th Avenue, en Redlands.

Según los investigadores, Bethune recibió múltiples disparos y murió.

Un capitán de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade descubrió su cuerpo a un costado de la carretera, cerca de viveros de plantas, alrededor de las 7:25 a.m. del 4 de octubre.

Los investigadores indicaron que los sospechosos intentaron posteriormente destruir evidencia incendiando el Camry cerca de Southwest 248th Street y Southwest 157th Avenue.

Una autopsia realizada el 5 de octubre determinó que Bethune murió a causa de heridas de bala. Su muerte fue clasificada como homicidio.

Registros de alquiler y videos de vigilancia vinculan a segundo sospechoso con el crimen, según detectives

Según el informe de arresto de Fagan, los investigadores determinaron que él alquiló el Toyota Camry gris utilizado en el secuestro.

Los registros de alquiler mostraron que el vehículo estaba a nombre de Fagan desde el 2 hasta el 4 de octubre, día en que Bethune fue asesinado, indicaron las autoridades.

Los investigadores señalaron que los videos de vigilancia y los registros de ubicación del teléfono celular situaron a Fagan en áreas relacionadas con el crimen.

Durante una inspección del Camry, los detectives descubrieron una etiqueta de mercancía correspondiente a unos guantes comprados en una tienda Family Dollar, según el informe.

Posteriormente, los investigadores obtuvieron imágenes de vigilancia de la tienda que mostraban a Fagan comprando guantes negros apenas unas horas antes del asesinato de Bethune, señala el informe.

Los registros del teléfono celular también ubicaron el dispositivo de Fagan cerca de Family Dollar en el momento de la compra, según los detectives.

Los detectives indicaron que las imágenes mostraron a Fagan utilizando el mismo automóvil mientras compraba en la tienda.

Los investigadores también señalaron que las imágenes de vigilancia del secuestro mostraron a uno de los hombres saliendo del Camry con guantes negros.

Los datos adicionales de ubicación de teléfonos celulares coincidían con el desplazamiento de Fagan y los otros sospechosos hacia el complejo de apartamentos de North Miami antes del secuestro, indicaron las autoridades.

Detienen a segundo sospechoso el miércoles y lo ingresan a la cárcel la mañana del jueves

El miércoles, los investigadores ejecutaron una orden de registro en la vivienda de Fagan y lo detuvieron.

Fue trasladado a la Oficina de Homicidios de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade, donde invocó sus derechos Miranda, según el informe.

Posteriormente, Fagan fue arrestado por siete cargos:

1. Asesinato en primer grado durante un secuestro.
2. Intento de asesinato en primer grado.
3. Secuestro con arma o arma de fuego.
4. Disparar un proyectil mortal.
5. Robo a mano armada con arma de fuego.
6. Suplantación de identidad de un agente de policía con resultado de muerte.
7. Robo con allanamiento de morada a mano armada con agresión o lesiones.

Fue ingresado en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight la mañana del jueves. Los registros de la cárcel en línea indicaban que su fianza estaba “por determinar”.

Johnson, el primer sospechoso arrestado en el caso, enfrenta los mismos siete cargos.

El informe de arresto no indica si los otros tres sospechosos han sido identificados o arrestados.

Se solicita a cualquier persona que tenga información sobre el caso que se comunique con el detective J. Rodriguez de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade al 305-471-2400. Se pueden proporcionar pistas de manera anónima llamando a Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers al 305-471-8477.

In an announcement Thursday, the Reds said Benzinger died on Wednesday.

Benzinger played nine seasons in the major leagues, including with the Reds from 1989-91 that included that title run.

In its statement, the team said Benzinger “will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history.” It noted his regular participation in multiple functions such as the Reds Caravan, Reds Fantasy Camp, Reds Legends Remember program and Redsfest.

“Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, but those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember so much more," said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum. "Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, generously participating in our events and sharing his time with fans. We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community.”

Benzinger made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1987 and also had stints with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, his final season in the majors coming in 1995.

Benzinger also worked as manager of Class-A Dayton in 2009-10, and had remained active in youth baseball in New Richmond, Ohio, where he went to high school.

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Según la policía, las imágenes de seguridad captadas en una gasolinera de Miramar muestran a Michael Polanco, de 32 años, y a la niña.

En el video, se observa a Polanco intentando llevarse a la niña de la gasolinera, ubicada en 2840 S. State Road 7.

“Tenemos a una niña caminando hacia su casa y, de repente, un hombre intenta llevársela por la fuerza”, dijo el jefe de policía de Miramar, Delrish Moss.

El video muestra a la niña luchando para escapar, lo que finalmente logró, provocando que un testigo llamara al 911.

“Fue muy inteligente”, dijo Moss. “Se defendió, hizo un escándalo, corrió hacia otras personas para ponerse a salvo y, gracias a eso, pudimos obtener no solo una descripción, sino también atraparlo bastante rápido, a solo unas cuadras de distancia”.

Polanco compareció ante un tribunal del condado Broward a principios de esta semana y se ordenó que permaneciera detenido sin derecho a fianza.

Las autoridades indicaron que Polanco tiene un extenso historial criminal que incluye robo, robo por arrebato, allanamiento de morada, agresión grave y alteración del orden público, entre muchos otros cargos anteriores.

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According to police, the security footage taken from a Miramar gas station shows Michael Polanco, 32, and the girl.

In video footage, Polanco is seen trying to usher the girl away from the gas station, which is located at 2840 S. State Road 7.

“You have a child walking home and suddenly some guy is trying to grab her away,” said Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss.

The video shows the girl fighting to get away, which she did, prompting a witness to all 911.

“She was very smart,” said Moss. “She put up a fight, she made a ruckus, she ran to people for safety, and because of that, we were able to get not only a description, but we were able to catch him in rather quick fashion just a few blocks away.”

Polanco appeared in a Broward County courtroom earlier this week and was ordered to be held without bond.

Authorities said Polanco has a lengthy criminal history that includes robbery, sudden and snatching burglary, felony battery and disorderly conduct, among many of his previous charges.

The decision by President Javier Milei’s government, published Thursday in the official gazette, comes a month after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration expanded its list of Latin American criminal groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations to 21.

Argentina’s new designations include Mexico’s Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel and Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang, both of which are also on the U.S. list.

The measure also targets Colombia’s National Liberation Army, or ELN, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army, or FARC-EP, a name used by dissident factions of the former FARC rebel group that rejected a peace agreement signed a decade ago and remain active. Both have previously been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the United States.

In a statement released Wednesday night, Milei’s office said the five groups were linked to drug trafficking and organized crime.

The government described the Sinaloa cartel as a transnational organization involved in drug trafficking and kidnapping for ransom. It characterized the ELN and FARC-EP as far-left insurgent groups rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology and armed revolution.

It also described Los Tiguerones, which it linked to contract killings and drug trafficking, as one of the region’s most violent criminal groups.

The announcement comes two weeks after Milei’s government said the United States had established a regional unit of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in Argentina. Washington approved $13.35 million to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime.

Argentina has previously designated several other groups as terrorist organizations, including Venezuela’s Cartel of the Suns, Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel and three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood. Those groups were added to a national registry of individuals and entities linked to terrorism and its financing.

Other countries in the region have adopted security policies similar to those of the United States. Ecuador, for example, designated 22 organized crime groups as terrorist organizations in January 2024 after declaring an internal armed conflict.

In October 2025, Guatemala’s Congress amended several laws to designate the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as transnational criminal and terrorist organizations. The measure allows longer prison sentences for gang members.

The Trump administration had previously designated Barrio 18 as a terrorist organization, months after taking similar action against Mara Salvatrucha.

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Associated Press writer Astrid Suárez contributed from Bogota, Colombia.

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

All kinds of films, from big-budget spectacles to art house dramas, are stretching their runtimes. It’s an old saying that a short movie can feel long and a long movie can feel short. But data, not just bathroom runs, shows that runtime inflation is real at the movies.

After analyzing 36,431 movies released theatrically from 1980 to 2025, researcher Stephen Follows found that the average length of a wide-release movie has grown from 106 to 114 minutes.

For most who frequent the movie theater, this isn’t surprising. It’s become a regular feature of the prerelease anticipation of a movie: How long is it? When the official runtime of “The Odyssey” was released (173 minutes), for some it was as if Christopher Nolan had laid down a challenge as intimidating as the Cyclops.

But there’s little evidence that long runtimes are dissuading moviegoers. They may even be a draw. “The Odyssey” is the second-highest grossing movie of the year, with $1.8 billion in ticket sales, and the front-runner for best picture at the Oscars.

Still, the shift has changed the whole ecosystem around movies. Ahead of last year’s Venice Film Festival, festival boss Alberto Barbera noted that movies running 2 hours and 15 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes had become “the new international standard.”

This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film. The festival selection committee, he said, often sees films that would have benefited from being 10-20 minutes shorter.

This year, three films viewed as top Oscar contenders — “The Odyssey,” “La Bola Negra” (159 minutes) and “You Can See Everything” (174 minutes) — all easily run more than 2 ½ hours. It’s far from just the awards movies, though. The upcoming “Hunger Games” movie, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” is 158 minutes long, a new high for the franchise. Any way you cut it, that's a lot of reaping.

The advent of streaming has led the movies to seek larger screens and longer runtimes. When the flat-screen enticements at home are so great, the movies strive to be bona fide events to get people to come out. Bigger is better, or so the thinking goes.

Clocking the ‘Doomsday’ runtime

No one knows this better than Joe and Anthony Russo, stewards of the “Avengers” movies including the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.”

“The moviegoing experience is evolving,” Joe Russo said in a recent interview. “Eventized cinema seems to be the draw to get people out of their homes. That can be premium storytelling, premium moviegoing experience, and length can certainly contribute to the feeling of an experience. In a lot of ways, it’s the feeling of getting your money’s worth.”

“Doomsday” doesn’t yet have an announced runtime, though that hasn’t stopped a sizable cottage industry of coverage committed to pinning down its length. The Russos expect “Doomsday” to be closer to two and a half hours, slimmed down from the three-hour-long “Endgame” and relatively slender given that it contains a sizable portion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For Russo, bigger is good, but not automatically better.

“It doesn’t mean that you can’t pack a punch in a shorter runtime,” Russo said. “It’s whatever the story requires. It’s about squeezing the story into a diamond, and if that diamond ends up three-and-a-half hours, sure. If it ends up two-and-a-half hours, sure.”

For some filmmakers, slowing down is important

The Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi makes movies that are almost the diametric opposite of a superhero film, yet he has arrived at similar runtimes.

Hamaguchi’s films are resolutely human-scaled; they move with the rhythm of life. His 2021 film “Drive My Car,” the first Japanese film nominated for best picture, ran just under three hours. His movies are patient powerhouses that reject conventional movie plotting.

“Storytelling as an action, you’re sort of forcing certain things to happen to make an interesting film,” Hamaguchi said. “Oftentimes, when I watch other films, they say this is how it is and continue to push the plot forward. I find that to be uncomfortable.”

Hamaguchi was speaking in an interview shortly after the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his latest film, “All of a Sudden.” Contrary to its title, it runs 197 minutes. But the film, which Neon will release Nov. 25, is one of the gentlest and most enlightening movies of the year. Fittingly, it's about time.

Virginie Efira stars as the director of a Paris nursing home where she’s introducing a more humane but time-consuming care technique called Humanitude. She encounters resistance from some staff but finds life improves for both the facility’s patients and its employees.

For Hamaguchi, that message applies as much to movies as it does elder care.

“My own values and thoughts around filmmaking come into the film,” he said. “I first learned about Humanitude in a different context and I decided to work within the field of caregiving. But when I started to research about it, I realized there were so many shared issues in common with the film industry.”

The 90-minute movie may be nearly obsolete, but it's not gone

Not everyone shares the feeling that movies need to push closer to the three-hour mark. Polish filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski has made three acclaimed films in a row, all 90 minutes or less. He’s not necessarily against longer-running movies, but he sets out to distill his films down to their most potent elements.

“I love ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’ It felt proportionate to the film and the landscape,” says Pawlikowski of David Lean’s 327-minute 1962 epic. “But nowadays there are films where it’s just too much. There are five endings and it’s just showing off. I won’t mention names but there are some really great directors doing it, too.”

Pawlikowski’s latest, “Fatherland,” is a neat 82 minutes. Yet despite, or possibly because of its concision, “Fatherland” is an uncommonly rich experience, starring Hanns Zischler as the German Nobel Prize-winning novelist Thomas Mann and Sandra Hüller his daughter, Erika. They're on a road trip through Germany in the aftermath of World War II.

Pawlikowski is keenly aware that he’s swimming against the long-movie current.

“It feels a bit controversial what I’m doing,” Pawlikowski says, chuckling. “I’m quite aware that it’s provocative to be so stripped down. I’m all into simplifying life, anyways. Stick to your friends. Like what you like. Try to be honest. If you can do that in film, or any kind of art form, it helps.”

The NFL and the team both said Thursday that the event — at a bar in the Bastille neighborhood — was off.

The announcement came a day after league Commissioner Roger Goodell said he has a high comfort level in the the teams playing in Paris amid recent civil unrest.

More demonstrations could be in store this weekend in the capital and elsewhere around France.

“Following recent events in the Bastille neighborhood, and after careful consideration, we felt it appropriate not to move forward with the planned Steelers House fan event in Paris,” a message sent to fans read.

“Preparations for Sunday's NFL Paris game at Stade de France continue as planned," it added, "with the NFL working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters.”

Nicki Ewell, NFL vice president for global events, said the decision was made by the club. She told The Associated Press at NFL House on Thursday that the NFL distributed the message to fans because they worked together to promote the event.

Ewell added that no NFL fan events have been affected.

An Irish pub called O'Sullivans in the Bastille area had been advertising a “watch party” for Sunday.

The Steelers, in a statement to AP, said: "The NFL, as they do for every game, including international games, is working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. As stated by the NFL, there have been no disruptions or impacts at League sites.

“As a precautionary measure, the Steelers designated bar that had been planned in Bastille — an area that has experienced recent disruptions — will not proceed,” the team's statement added.

On Wednesday, Goodell said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in contact with Parisian and French authorities.

“We’ve made all the preparations,” Goodell said. “Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that’s something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made.”

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See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Scientists who studied the two-century-old core found that the reef’s growth, or lack thereof, closely mirrored what was happening on land. The period they examined, 1760 to 2013, covers the precolonial era, the rise and fall of the sugar-plantation economy and Maui’s development as a tourist mecca.

Their findings, published in the September issue of the scientific journal “Coral Reefs,” offer the “first long-term baseline for understanding ridge-to-reef connectivity on Maui,” according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which originally collected the core in 2013.

The scientists also were able to pinpoint for the first timethat the reef’s growth rate began a steep decline in the late 1960s when the plantation economy boomed.

“There’s been several studies showing a connection between historical sugarcane production and poor water quality,” said Andrea Kealoha, a study co-author. “But nobody has been able to connect that to the decline of reef health.”

The new study is significant given Olowalu’s international reputation as a super reef, a mother reef and even a turtle reef, basically a marine rock star for its unique qualities and important contributions to ocean health.

By revealing how land-use patterns affected the reef, the study provides not only a window into the past but a roadmap for land managers making ridge-to-shore decisions.

Learning From The Reef’s Past

Sam Kekuewa of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program led the research team, which included scientists from University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

After the USGS originally collected the 6-foot-long coral core in 2013, the federal agency conducted some initial analysis, but it wasn’t until Kekuewa came along in 2024 that in-depth research on the core began.

Kekuewa, who said he grew up amid the Hawaiian diaspora of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a chemical oceanographer with a doctorate from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. After graduating with his PhD in 2024, Kekuewa knew he wanted to live and work in Hawaiʻi. He initially came to Maui to work as a postdoctoral fellow with Kealoha, an assistant professor of oceanography at UH Manoa.

Previously, he had helped Kealoha research how West Maui’s water quality and nearshore environment were affected by the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. When he began searching for a new research project a basic Google search brought him to the Olowalu coral core and its data set.

The Olowalu reef spans nearly 1,000 acres off the southwestern coast of Maui, about a 10-minute drive from Lahaina. It is often referred to as a mother reef because it sprays copious amounts of coral larvae into the ocean that currents carry to the neighboring islands of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi for reef building.

It’s also a Mission Blue Hope Spot for its critical importance to ocean health.

Kekuewa’s idea to focus on better understanding the Olowalu reef, given the myriad threats it’s facing, sparked Kealoha’s interest, and a team was soon assembled.

“It’s very timely given all the things that are happening now: climate change, the Lahaina fire, more fires becoming more prevalent, increasing storm frequencies, you know three hurricanes and tropical storms that made landfall in Hawaiʻi this year so far,” Kekuewa said.

The severe storms affecting Hawaiʻi now and into the future driven by climate change will cause “more runoff, more sedimentation,” he said, which can suffocate the reef.

And it’s not just storms. Future fires, new subdivisions or coastal roadways such as Honoapiʻilani Highway, which connects West Maui to the rest of the island, buckling to chronic erosion, storm surges and king tides, can all affect coral health.

That matters because reefs protect coastal communities from powerfully destructive waves. Healthy reefs also provide nursery habitat for fish prized by anglers and snorkelers, and offer cultural significance and spiritual grounding to local residents, according to scientists and reef advocates.

Kekuewa felt it was imperative to learn from the reef’s past to guide actions for future management.

Using Chemistry To Unlock Secrets

Once the research team members gained access to the ancient core, they began to study chemical signatures in the coral’s skeleton.

They analyzed the presence of 18 trace elements and connected them to what was happening on land at the time.

Between the 18th and late 20th century, the ratios of barium-to-calcium, phosphorus-to-calcium and iron-to-calcium jumped between 17% and 55%. The biggest increases took place in the mid-1900s when sugar plantations were going full-bore.

That’s where the ridge-to-reef connectivity comes in as a way to use science to follow these elements through history as they moved from watersheds to the coastline, finally settling on coral reefs.

Maui’s sugar plantations, for instance, required massive amounts of water and fertilizer and altered the landscape and natural hydrology through land privatization, native plant removal, the introduction of an industrial-scale monoculture and construction of a water-diversion ditch system.

Both sediment and nutrient runoff, often associated with agricultural fertilizers, are tough on coral reefs. They can reduce sunlight filtering through the seawater, bury the reef or cause coral abrasions.

By measuring the density of the coral and how much it grew each year, the scientists were able to calculate calcification rates, which tell them how much skeleton the coral builds annually. Higher calcification rates mean the coral is building more skeleton, which is one sign the coral is healthy.

Adding in historical records of land use patterns and large-scale weather patterns such as El Niño helped the researchers understand how the reef responded to environmental stress.

They found that coral calcification increased by about 30% before about 1970 but then declined, leading them to conclude that the dramatic decrease in the reef’s growth that coincided with the sugarcane industry’s peak production slowed as plantations were phased out.

Lessons To Be Learned

Multiple projects are underway to keep reef-killing sediment out of Olowalu’s nearshore waters, to reforest and replant native species, mitigate wildfires and control the negative effects of axis deer, feral pigs and goats on vegetation mauka of the coastline.

The new research provides the long-term context to support and guide that work.

“We don’t really do science for the sake of science. We always want to be improving our coastal ecosystem health in Hawaiʻi,” Kealoha said. “We went into this study with that intention.”

Groups scrambling to study and enhance the reef and the ahupuaʻa it lies within range from government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources to nonprofits, including Hui O Ka Wai Ola, Kipuka Olowalu and The Nature Conservancy.

“We are all working together, working mauka to makai, addressing sedimentation in particular, and just the health of our forests and our coastal areas and ecosystems there,” said Tamara Farnsworth, coastal resilience project manager for The Nature Conservancy in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra.

As part of its work, the conservancy is tapping into ʻike kupuna — the wisdom of elders or traditional ancestral knowledge.

“They help remind us of how conditions used to be, how it used to look, the plants that used to be there, the activities they used to be able to do,” Farnsworth said.

Even though research studies are often conducted by people with years of formal education and PhDs from prestigious institutions, scientists and advocates are increasingly aware that traditional ecological knowledge is critical to answering nature’s most pressing questions and solving many human-caused problems.

The coral study now becomes part of that equation.

“We’ve seen so much damage over the years as evidenced by these core samples,” Farnsworth said. “This is why it’s so important to talk to the people of the place and to work with them and listen to them. We are working with science as well as ʻike kupuna. One is not more important than the other. They’re both important to inform how we work.”

___

This story was originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Both patients are known to have traveled through Uganda's Entebbe International Airport on Oct. 3, said Dr. Wessam Mankoula, head of emergency preparedness and response at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“One of the issues we are currently investigating has been some sort of interaction between the two cases at the airport,” Mankoula said.

Nigerian Health Minister Muhammed Pate said Nigeria's case remains contained and that contact-tracing is in progress. “We are trying to contain it so it doesn’t go out to the communities. Hopefully, it won’t get to that and we are working hard to ensure that,” Pate said.

The current Ebola outbreak emerged in Congo in May and the disease has since been detected in three other African countries, becoming the continent’s most geographically widespread Ebola outbreak in history.

Nigeria announced its first case on Tuesday, saying the patient had travelled from Uganda. Ugandan authorities denied the claim that the patient was exposed in their country and said the patient had travelled to Congo — something now disputed by health officials.

The Nigerian patient, who is a Uganda-born wife of a diplomat in Abuja, had vacationed in Uganda for two weeks in September and had arrived in Nigeria in early October, officials said. Nigeria said it is currently tracing 44 contacts. Mankoula said additional contacts have been identified, but declined to give the new figure.

Uganda recorded 20 cases before declaring itself free of the disease in June. However, the country is now believed to be linked to the new imported cases in Nigeria and Kenya. Kenya has recorded nine cases so far, linked to a traveler who had returned from Congo to Kenya through Uganda.

So far there is no indication that the Nigerian patient traveled to Congo, Mankoula said. Officials from the World Health Organization said the same thing at a separate briefing on Thursday.

“The information supplied to WHO did not include travel to another country during that period, and other accounts about prior travels were not communicated to us,” said Dr. Pavel Ursu, the WHO country representative in Nigeria.

Congo has been struggling to contain the virus, which has infected more than 9,500 people, killing nearly half of them. The virus has spread to eight provinces and 66 health zones across the country’s eastern region.

According to data from the Africa CDC, only 20% of confirmed cases are among known contacts and about 60% of deaths are within the community, outside of treatment centers. Analysts say the disease in some of the hotspots in Congo is out of control.

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Dyepkazah Shibayan contributed to this report from Abuja, Nigeria.

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For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The 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.

But Republicans fear this year could be different, setting the race between Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton on track to be the most expensive in state history.

Hamilton, founder and senior pastor of the nation’s largest United Methodist church, has raised significantly more money than Marshall, who is seeking his second term. Hamilton’s candidacy — and voters’ disapproval of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy — have upended GOP hopes of seeing Marshall coast to victory as the GOP tries to hold its Senate majority.

Kansas, which Trump carried in three presidential races, is an unlikely Senate battleground. Republicans redirected money from the North Carolina Senate race to help Marshall, and Trump flew to Kansas this week to hold a rally for him, calling Marshall “one of the greatest senators in our country." Vice President JD Vance plans to have a rally next week in Topeka after previously headlining one in the Kansas City suburbs in September.

Stalwart GOP voters sensed a serious threat even before Trump announced his rally.

In Topeka, 81-year-old Julie Adamson has been praying about the election, but she's also knocked on doors for Marshall, about 200 by her count. She said if Hamilton wins and Democrats control the Senate, “We’ll see, ‘impeach, impeach Trump.’”

“And nothing will get done for our country,” she added.

A formidable candidate emerged in a tough year for the GOP

Before entering the race, Hamilton already had a public profile in vote-rich suburbs through building his Kansas City-area Church of the Resurrection into a 25,000 member congregation. Churchgoing Protestants also knew him as the author of several dozen books, and he’s honed his speaking skills through weekly sermons.

Hamilton has positioned himself as a moderate and made rising prices, particularly for fuel, a key issue. During a debate Wednesday, both he and Marshall endorsed barring transgender girls and women from female sports teams. Hamilton called for local officials to make such decisions but suggested Marshall and other Republicans have been bullying transgender people by making the issue prominent in campaigns.

Marshall, a mostly retired doctor, portrays Hamilton as too liberal — radical, even — for a state where less than 26% of the 2 million registered voters are Democrats, while more than 44% are Republicans.

During Wednesday's debate, Marshall repeatedly said a Hamilton victory would put Democrats in charge of the Senate and that Hamilton would vote with liberal Democrats.

“We need to remind everybody that control the Senate goes through Kansas,” he said.

There are signs that voter enthusiasm is with the Democrats as advance voting has surged across the U.S. compared to the last midterm. In Kansas, it has more than doubled for the same period.

Amanda Chavez Thomson, who is part owner of a small home-restoration business, said she believes change has been needed “for quite some time.”

“I think we finally have a candidate that can give us that energy and that surge that we need from people who may be on the fence or may not have voted in the past,” she said.

Fundraising emerges as a key concern for Republicans

Since the state's August primary, Republican groups have committed to spending more than $26 million on television and digital advertising to boost Marshall, more than what they spent in his first race in 2020, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. Including Marshall's campaign, total GOP ad spending would exceed $32 million.

But Hamilton and Democratic groups together have committed to spending more than $38 million, according to AdImpact. Total ad spending — involving more than 40 groups outside the campaigns — would be about $71 million, a record for Kansas.

One of the reasons the GOP is pushing money toward Marshall may be that the incumbent has proven a lackluster fundraiser. Between the state's August primary and Thursday, Hamilton has collected more than 10,000 contributions from Kansas residents, while raising $8 million from across the U.S., online campaign finance reports show. Marshall has about 200 contributions from Kansans while raising $905,000 total.

“People are crying out, saying, ‘Come on, Roger Marshall, speak up for us,’” Hamilton said during Wednesday night's debate.

Marshall talking about liberal Democrats and ‘wokeness’

Marshall’s campaign and GOP groups have tried to knock any shine off Hamilton’s public image by attacking how he’s led his church and using snippets of his own sermons to portray him as too “woke.” During Trump’s rally, Marshall called Hamilton “the most radical liberal Democrat to ever get through a Senate primary in the history of Kansas.”

But such attacks aren't resonating with at least a few disaffected Republicans. Don Hineman, a western Kansas rancher and former GOP state House majority leader, said he's tired of “woke” being as an insult.

Hineman, who has signed on to the Republicans for Hamilton group, added that no one “was more ‘woke’ than Jesus Christ.”

Democrats have countered with television ads over Marshall's pursuit of unpaid patient bills from the practice as an obstetrician that he gave up a decade ago. State court records online show that from 1996 through 2016, Marshall or his practice filed at least 700 debt-collection lawsuits, occasionally 10 or more a day.

The New York Times first reported the extent of the litigation. It said that in 81 cases, patients were arrested for missing court dates and quoted two experts who called Marshall's tactics extreme. During Wednesday's debate, Marshall said he's faced a “gross mischaracterization” of his actions.

History and loyalty have been key assets for the Kansas GOP

Democrats can hold out hope for a Hamilton victory because the state has sizable blocs of moderate Republican and independent voters who've regularly swung elections to their candidates for governor and who protected abortion rights in a statewide vote in 2022.

Yet Republicans still have two key assets: Kansas’ political history and the loyalty that even unhappy Republican-leaning voters show to the party.

Not only have Democrats lost every Senate race in Kansas since 1932, no Democrat has come within 10 points of winning since 1974. In both 2014 and 2020, races considered tossups in mid-October fizzled, and Marshall’s predecessor, Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, won.

Leroy Towns, a former Roberts chief of staff, said many Republicans in 2014 who considered voting against Roberts “just couldn’t do it.” Towns — who switched parties because of Trump — is backing Hamilton.

Towns believes Hamilton will win, but added, “That Republican pull at the end of an election is really, really strong in this state.”

___ Cappelletti reported from Washington. Nicholas Ingram in Topeka, Kansas contributed reporting.

El acusado César Jáuregui está en prisión preventiva en una cárcel de máxima seguridad por presuntamente autorizar la participación de los estadounidenses en esa acción que, según la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum, su gobierno no autorizó ni de la que fue informado.

Un juez estatal determinará este jueves si inicia un juicio en su contra por ejercicio ilegal del servicio público y otro decidirá el sábado si lo procesa por el delito de traición.

Analistas afirman que la acusación de traición tiene un claro componente político. La muerte de los estadounidenses avivó las especulaciones tanto sobre el alcance de las acciones del gobierno de Donald Trump en territorio mexicano como sobre la férrea defensa de la soberanía nacional hecha por Sheinbaum, quien se niega a detener a un exgobernador de su partido acusado de narcotráfico por Estados Unidos.

Según Héctor Villasana, uno de los abogados defensores del exfiscal, el planteamiento del Ministerio Público fue que si no había un castigo ejemplar contra Jáuregui, “ Estados Unidos podría llevar a cabo una acción como la que llevaron en Venezuela al momento de extraer al presidente (Nicolás) Maduro".

El Departamento de Estado dijo el jueves a The Associated Press que está al corriente del caso contra el exfiscal de Chihuahua y que lo sigue de cerca, pero no lo vincula con las muertes de los agentes estadounidenses.

Aquí algunas claves de cómo un accidente de tráfico en las montañas de Chihuahua llevó a una acusación por traición, delito por el que México no ha procesado a nadie en décadas.

¿Por qué se acusa al exfiscal de traición a la patria?

Según la fiscalía federal, por poner en peligro la seguridad nacional y presuntamente autorizar la participación de los estadounidenses en el operativo cuando sólo el gobierno federal puede hacerlo. De acuerdo con expertos y abogados, por cuestiones políticas ante las elecciones intermedias mexicanas de 2027.

El delito de traición podría conllevar una condena a cinco a 40 años de prisión y es muy difícil de probar.

Carlos Pérez Ricart, profesor de la universidad mexicana Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), explicó que aunque el caso acabe desestimándose su impacto público es enorme porque ocurre cuando Trump insiste en que México no hace suficiente para combatir al narcotráfico y la discusión en México versa sobre si el oficialismo hace bien en defender la soberanía o si hay un “narcogobierno”, como dicen los opositores del Partido de Acción Nacional —que gobierna Chihuahua—.

Samuel González, exfiscal jefe contra el crimen organizado y analista, señaló que Jáuregui pudo haber incumplido obligaciones al no informar al gobierno federal o permitir que los agentes llevaran armas, pero “ni aunque así hubiera sido, habría traición a la patria”.

Luis Villegas, coordinador de la defensa del exfiscal, consideró inadmisible que la fiscalía equiparara en una audiencia la presencia de los estadounidenses con una “invasión” extranjera a México.

¿Qué pasó en el operativo de la sierra Tarahumara?

La fiscalía de Chihuahua informó el 19 de abril del desmantelamiento de un laboratorio de drogas sintéticas en el municipio de Morelos, en las montañas de ese estado. En el camino de regreso, un vehículo del convoy se salió de la carretera y cayó a un barranco. Murieron dos agentes de la fiscalía estatal y dos estadounidenses.

El Gabinete de Seguridad federal informó el desmantelamiento del laboratorio en una acción conjunta de la fiscalía estatal y el ejército sin dar detalles.

Jáuregui explicó ese día que los extranjeros fallecidos eran “oficiales instructores” de la embajada que murieron al regresar de una operación que llevaba tiempo preparándose y que acabó sin detenciones porque los delincuentes huyeron.

Al día siguiente, Sheinbaum dijo desconocer la acción y Jáuregui aclaró que los estadounidenses no habían participado en la acción sino que se incorporaron al grupo después.

El abogado Villegas dijo que eran funcionarios de capacitación sobre inteligencia y drones y el embajador estadounidense Ronald Johnson afirmó que eran “personal de la embajada”. Posteriormente AP confirmó que eran agentes de la CIA.

Según la defensa de Jáuregui, tenían una relación cercana con el jefe investigador de la fiscalía de Chihuahua, quien dirigía el operativo en el terreno y uno de los dos mexicanos que murieron.

Ese día había otros dos estadounidenses que iban en otro vehículo y luego fueron expulsados del país. La presidenta dijo que todos estaban sin permiso para operar en México y que los militares desconocían la presencia de extranjeros.

¿Cómo operan las agencias estadounidenses en México?

Su presencia ha sido una constante desde hace décadas aunque el expresidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024) puso límites a su actuación y Sheinbaum cambió la Constitución para prohibir intervenciones extranjeras sin la autorización y colaboración expresa del Estado mexicano. La ley no permite que vayan armados.

Pérez Ricart explicó que al margen de las relaciones oficiales, siempre ha habido y habrá agentes antidrogas en operativos de este tipo "muchas veces sin que el gobierno federal lo sepa” porque esas acciones se basan en la confianza de Estados Unidos con funcionarios locales, aunque pueden conllevar abusos al no tener reglas claras.

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El periodista de AP Matthew Lee contribuyó a esta nota desde Washington.

La decisión del gobierno argentino, que fue publicada el jueves en el Boletín Oficial, se produjo al mes siguiente de que creciera a un total de 21 el número de grupos criminales de la región calificados como organizaciones terroristas extranjeras por la administración de Donald Trump.

La resolución argentina incluye, además del cártel mexicano, a la Nueva Familia Michoacana, también de México, y al grupo ecuatoriano Los Tiguerones. Todos integran la lista del gobierno de Trump.

La medida de Milei alcanza asimismo a la guerrilla colombiana Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) y a las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP), que son las disidencias de las extintas FARC que no se acogieron al acuerdo de paz firmado en Colombia hace una década y continúan alzadas en armas. Los dos grupos fueron declarados organizaciones terroristas extranjeras por Estados Unidos años atrás.

Un comunicado de la Oficina del Presidente difundido el miércoles por la noche argumentó que los cinco grupos designados como terroristas están vinculados con el narcotráfico y el crimen organizado.

El gobierno del mandatario libertario describió al Cártel de Sinaloa como una organización transnacional dedicada al narcotráfico y los secuestros extorsivos. A su vez señaló que las FARC-EP y el ELN son organizaciones insurgentes de extrema izquierda basadas en los principios del marxismo-leninismo y de la revolución armada. En tanto, consideró a Los Tiguerones, al que vinculó con el sicariato y el tráfico de drogas, uno de los grupos criminales más violentos de la región.

La decisión se conoce dos semanas después de que el gobierno de Milei anunciara que Estados Unidos creó en Argentina una unidad regional de la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales de Narcóticos y Aplicación de la Ley (INL, por sus siglas en inglés). Con esos fines, el gobierno de Trump aprobó un fondo de 13,35 millones de dólares para fortalecer la lucha contra el narcotráfico y el crimen organizado.

En meses previos el gobierno de Milei declaró a otras organizaciones como terroristas y las incorporó al Registro Público de Personas y Entidades vinculadas a Actos de Terrorismo y su Financiamiento. La medida alcanzó al Cártel de los Soles, originado en Venezuela, al Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación de México y a tres ramas de la Hermandad Musulmana, entre otros grupos.

Las políticas de seguridad estadounidenses son seguidas en la región por otros países como Ecuador, que en enero de 2024 designó como terroristas a 22 organizaciones de delincuencia organizada.

En octubre de 2025 el Congreso de Guatemala reformó varias leyes con el objetivo de designar a las pandillas Barrio 18 y Mara Salvatrucha como grupos criminales organizados transnacionales y terroristas, una medida que permite aumentar las penas de prisión para los integrantes de esos grupos delictivos.

El gobierno de Trump había declarado previamente a Barrio 18 como grupo terrorista unos meses después de tomar acciones similares contra la Mara Salvatrucha.

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En esta nota colaboró la periodista de AP Astrid Suárez desde Bogotá.

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Maynor Jose Jarquin, 22, of Flagami, was originally arrested on 16 felony charges on Oct. 1. Police tacked on even more on Wednesday.

According to the Miami Police Department, the investigation into Jarquin began on Sept. 29 after an 11-year-old boy’s mother said she was “alarmed” by messages between her son and a man named “Maynor” on the boy’s phone, including one in which Jarquin told “her son about them making a deal and asking the child what the child would do for him if he lost the deal.”

Authorities said Jarquin’s mother briefly posed as her son and messaged him but then got police involved.

Detectives said the boy told them that he had met Jarquin at a park “and has seen him approximately 10 times.”

Jarquin, police said, “initially asked the child victim to follow him on social media” and “then gifted the victim a jersey and socks.”

The conversation then shifted to text messages, where police said Jarquin “made a deal with the child victim that he could get him tickets to a sporting event if the child won the deal, but if he lost, he would need something in return from the child.”

“(Jarquin) continued to tell the child the same thing over the course of a couple of days and the victim stated that he felt pressured by the defendant,” the report states.

Detectives said they also saw messages where Jarquin asked the boy how old he was and, after replying that he was 11, Jarquin told him, “I thought you were older. I thought you were 12 or 13.”

“I’m in the sixth grade,” police said the boy replied, to which they said Jarquin replied, “Okay.”

An MPD detective then posed as the boy and documented a litany of explicit messages, according to the arrest report. They said Jarquin sought sexual photos from the boy and offered to send him sexual photos of himself.

Police said he later asked the boy about a video game and told him, in Spanish, “If you behave good and stop being so shy i can give it to you as a gift,” telling him “to stop being embarrassed about sending the picture and that he would have to earn the video game.”

They said Jarquin also sought to have the boy come to his home, telling him, “When you come to my house, I will teach you a lot.”

Authorities would take him into custody at an “undisclosed” location on Oct. 1 and said he later “admitted to having explicit conversations with the child victim and understood it was wrong.”

He was booked on 16 felony charges, including a child trafficking charge carrying a possible life sentence.

According to Jarquin’s latest arrest report, detectives also found chats showing that he was trading child sexual abuse videos online.

In graphic detail, authorities described 15 of the files they said he had on his phone of boys being victimized.

Police said they also found recordings in a hidden folder in which they said Jarquin exposed himself while on video calls with boys who appeared to be 12 to 16 years old.

Authorities said he encouraged the young boys to expose themselves as well.

“Based on the recordings, it appears that these unidentified children reside in countries like Mexico, Cuba and Spain,” the report states.

Jarquin now faces 15 additional felony charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material, bringing his total to 31.

Besides having no bond, the Nicaraguan national also remained locked up in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on an immigration hold as of Thursday morning.

Maynor Jose Jarquin, de 22 años, residente de Flagami, fue arrestado inicialmente el 1 de octubre por 16 cargos graves. La policía le presentó cargos adicionales el miércoles.

Según el Departamento de Policía de Miami, la investigación contra Jarquin comenzó el 29 de septiembre, después de que la madre de un niño de 11 años dijera estar “alarmada” por los mensajes entre su hijo y un hombre llamado “Maynor” en el teléfono del menor, incluido uno en el que Jarquin le hablaba “a su hijo sobre hacer un trato y le preguntaba al niño qué haría por él si perdía el trato”.

Las autoridades indicaron que la madre de Jarquin se hizo pasar brevemente por su hijo y le envió mensajes, pero luego involucró a la policía.

Los detectives señalaron que el niño les dijo que había conocido a Jarquin en un parque “y que lo había visto aproximadamente 10 veces”.

Según la policía, Jarquin “inicialmente le pidió al menor víctima que lo siguiera en las redes sociales” y “luego le regaló una camiseta deportiva y calcetines”.

La conversación pasó entonces a mensajes de texto, donde, según la policía, Jarquin “hizo un trato con el menor víctima en el que podía conseguirle entradas para un evento deportivo si el niño ganaba el trato, pero si perdía, necesitaría algo a cambio del menor”.

“(Jarquin) continuó diciéndole lo mismo al niño durante un par de días y la víctima declaró que se sintió presionada por el acusado”, señala el informe.

Los detectives indicaron que también encontraron mensajes en los que Jarquin le preguntaba al niño cuántos años tenía y, después de que este respondiera que tenía 11, Jarquin le dijo: “Pensé que eras mayor. Pensé que tenías 12 o 13”.

“Estoy en sexto grado”, respondió el niño, según la policía, a lo que Jarquin contestó: “Está bien”.

Un detective del Departamento de Policía de Miami se hizo pasar entonces por el niño y documentó una gran cantidad de mensajes explícitos, según el informe de arresto. Los investigadores indicaron que Jarquin solicitó fotografías sexuales del menor y se ofreció a enviarle fotografías sexuales de sí mismo.

La policía señaló que posteriormente le preguntó al niño sobre un videojuego y le dijo, en español: “Si te portas bien y dejas de ser tan tímido, te lo puedo regalar”, indicándole “que dejara de sentir vergüenza por enviar la fotografía y que tendría que ganarse el videojuego”.

También señalaron que Jarquin intentó que el niño fuera a su casa, diciéndole: “Cuando vengas a mi casa, te enseñaré muchas cosas”.

Las autoridades lo detuvieron en un lugar “no revelado” el 1 de octubre e indicaron que posteriormente “admitió haber mantenido conversaciones explícitas con el menor víctima y comprendía que estaba mal”.

Fue ingresado a la cárcel por 16 cargos graves, incluido un cargo de tráfico de menores que podría conllevar una sentencia de cadena perpetua.

Según el informe de arresto más reciente de Jarquin, los detectives también encontraron conversaciones que mostraban que intercambiaba videos de abuso sexual infantil por internet.

Las autoridades describieron con detalles gráficos 15 de los archivos que, según indicaron, tenía en su teléfono y que mostraban a niños siendo víctimas de abuso.

La policía señaló que también encontró grabaciones en una carpeta oculta en las que Jarquin se exhibía sexualmente durante videollamadas con niños que aparentaban tener entre 12 y 16 años.

Las autoridades indicaron que también alentaba a los menores a exhibirse.

“Según las grabaciones, parece que estos menores no identificados residen en países como México, Cuba y España”, señala el informe.

Jarquin ahora enfrenta 15 cargos graves adicionales relacionados con la posesión de material de abuso sexual infantil, lo que eleva el total a 31.

Además de permanecer detenido sin derecho a fianza, el ciudadano nicaragüense continuaba recluido en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight bajo una orden de retención migratoria hasta la mañana del jueves.

They were joined by Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, Texas forward Madison Booker and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo.

Strong earned 30 votes from the 31-member national media panel that chooses the AP Top 25 each week. Hidalgo and Booker each received 28 votes. Blakes had 27 and Watkins 26. It's the third consecutive year that Hidalgo and Booker were honored as preseason picks.

Strong, the reigning AP Player of the Year, averaged 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.2% from the field as a sophomore forward to help the Huskies reach the Final Four a year after they won their 12th national championship.

“She was national player of the year, you know, and it’s pretty hard to get that much better," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “But it’s not that hard to get better at some things that she wants to get better at. And I think what we’ll see is a much more aggressive Sarah, much more intentional, much more understanding.”

Watkins is coming back after missing last year while recovering from an ACL tear in her right knee that she suffered in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The talented guard earned AP Player of the Year honors that season as a sophomore. Watkins is healthy and ready to go.

“We are obviously excited for JuJu to be back on the court,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “She has worked so hard both on and off the court, and the joy and talent she brings to college basketball is a great thing not only for our team, but for anyone who is a fan of the game.”

Hidalgo has been a fixture on the All-America team and is coming off another fantastic season. The Notre Dame senior guard averaged 25.3 points — third best in the country — and 5.6 steals last season.

“I don’t focus on the numbers ever,” Hidalgo said. “All the numbers I put up last year was never about me saying, ‘OK, I’m going to get this amount of points and this amount of steals.’ I go out every single game and play every game like it’s my last, and the numbers just come with how I play.”

Blakes led the nation in scoring with 27 points per game and was even better in Southeastern Conference play (30.5). She knows the more confidence she helps her teammates build keeps her from being the focal point.

“My role is going to change,” Blakes said. “We have a lot of good scorers this year and really a lot of good players. So I feel like doing whatever the team needs me to do and continue to read defenses really well.”

Booker averaged 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season to help the Longhorns reach the Final Four for a second straight season.

“In my mind, Madison Booker is the best player in the country," Texas coach Vic Schaefer said. "Every night when we take the floor, I feel pretty good about that.”

Strong, Blakes and Booker were all first-team All-Americans last spring while Hidalgo was on the second team. The AP began releasing a preseason All-America team before the 1994-95 season.

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The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 7.32% from 7.40% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.19%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often sought by borrowers refinancing a home loan, also eased this week. That average rate slipped to 6.68% from 6.71% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.44%.

Rates on home loans are influenced by inflation, Federal Reserve policy and bond-market investors’ expectations for the economy, among other factors. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

Mortgage rates have been climbing since late February, when the U.S. war with Iran began, pushing up the price of oil and driving inflation higher. The run-up in rates also reflects heightened bond market volatility, which has pushed up yields on U.S. Treasurys.

The 10-year Treasury yield has been mostly easing the last couple of weeks after climbing to its highest level since 2002. That's caused the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to hold steady after reaching 7.4%, its highest level in nearly three years.

The yield was at 5% at midday on the bond market Thursday. It surged to more than 5.30% earlier this month and remains well above its 3.97% level from before the war with Iran.

U.S. home sales remain stalled this year in large part because of rising mortgage rates, which can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power and prompting many to put off buying a home.

In late February, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage briefly dipped to 5.98%, its lowest level going back to late 2022. The rise in rates since then has added roughly $355 to the monthly cost for a borrower financing a $400,000 home loan, going by the latest average rate.

Depending on a borrower’s income, credit and other factors, they may qualify for a rate on a 30-year mortgage that is below or above the current average.

The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low.

In its latest forecast, mortgage buyer Fannie Mae projects that the rate on a 30-year mortgage will average 7.4% in the final quarter of this year, and average 7.5% in 2027.

U.S. District Court Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin in Oakland found the government's effort is relying on data that is full of errors and that it's leading to intimidation of groups performing voter assistance efforts. She said it should be halted until polls close on Election Day, Nov. 3.

She put her ruling, which was made Wednesday, on hold until Friday to give the administration a chance to appeal.

The ruling applies to investigations in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

It comes as the Trump administration has been hunting for noncitizen voters throughout the country in the months leading into the midterm elections. The administration has signaled that it's a major problem, when in fact it's quite rare, as even its own investigations have shown.

The lawsuit was filed by the California Nurses Association and National Nurses United, along with the Voto Latino Foundation, San Francisco and Santa Clara County.

In response to the ruling, the Department of Homeland Security issued an email statement Thursday saying it's focused on “removing aliens who vote and dilute the votes of U.S. citizens,” while adding, “We have no plans to question or investigate people we believe to be U.S. citizens.”

The judge based the decision to halt the investigation only on the unions’ assertion that the probe is harming voter assistance and mobilization efforts involving citizens. She did not find that union members' right to vote was being infringed because most of them do that by mail and not in person. She said investigations don’t need to target U.S. citizens, use armed agents or intimidate citizens who are urging others to vote.

According to legal filings in the case, investigators were told to target naturalized citizens to see whether they had voted before they became U.S. citizens. The lists of voters to check came from sources that included state and local governments and publicly available information. Martinez-Olguin called them “voluminous and unreliable.”

“Even under the best conditions, there is a high likelihood of error in review because there is no federal database containing citizenship status of U.S. residents,” Martinez-Olguin wrote in her ruling. “The time limitations implemented during the Surge further exacerbate the risk of error.”

The Department of Justice has been demanding detailed and unredacted voter roll data from the states and has sued the 30 states that have refused to turn it over, losing each of those cases so far. The judge noted that for states that refused to share their records, the administration was trying to obtain them through “unreliable commercial versions of voter roll data.”

She said during a “surge” phase of the investigation starting in late August, agents were ordered to complete reviews of flagged individuals taking no more than 12 minutes per person to assess whether they were legally qualified to vote.

In their challenge, the plaintiffs said some U.S. citizens felt they were wrongly identified and investigated as part of the probe. Martinez-Olguin said those fears “are well understood as intimidation” that has chilled people from attending campaign events and working as poll monitors during the election.

Beau Tremitiere, a lawyer representing the unions and voter group, said in a statement that the ruling affirms the groups’ position.

"It was clear from the start that DHS built its lists on bad data, never checked how often it was wrong, and recklessly sent agents to people’s homes weeks before an election," Tremitiere said.

Details of the investigation, known as the "Unlawful Voter Initiative,” came to light last month after Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California released a whistleblower report about it.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Clinton, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Jackson, at about 5 p.m. Wednesday, and multiple wings of the center were on fire, Clinton Mayor Will Purdie said at a news conference.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I share with you that two residents lost their lives in that fire,” Purdie said.

Clinton's fire chief, Levius Buckley, said staff at the Brookdale Clinton center got about 85 residents out of the facility safely and firefighters helped get another 10 to 15 out. He said at least four people were taken to hospitals. All surviving residents were either with relatives or at other facilities on Thursday, Purdie said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Buckley said the center's sprinkler system was working at the time.

The mayor credited firefighters and Brookdale Clinton staff with saving lives. Authorities searched the site through the night to account for everyone.

“Last night, I was once again reminded of the strength of this community through its overwhelming response,” Purdie said. “As they always do in times of adversity, our citizens came together at a moment’s notice to help their friends and neighbors.”

Portions of the center were destroyed by the blaze. Although several wings remain standing, they won't be inhabitable for some time, Buckley said. It took about three hours to get the fire under control, and firefighters remained there into the early morning hours.

Residents who were led to safety were bused to a church, where a crowd of people who appeared to be residents’ family members or loved ones waited outside Wednesday.

WLBT-TV showed images of a handful of older people sitting across the street and watching as bright orange flames and black smoke stretched into the sky. One of them was in a wheelchair and the others had walkers or other mobility aids. One also had a small dog. The roof of the building was partially collapsed, as firefighters sprayed the building.

A spokesperson for Brookdale Senior Living said Thursday that company staff are heartbroken over the deaths of the two residents.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all our residents, their families and our associates, and our priority continues to be supporting those affected by this tragedy and providing continued care to our residents,” spokesperson Kristin Puckett said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to the first responders and local community members who have come together to support our residents and associates.”

The organization’s website says Brookdale Clinton includes independent living spaces, as well as assisted living and memory care services. Brookdale Senior Living says it has more than 500 senior living communities in 41 states.

Their findings indicate that rather than being a product of van Gogh’s imagination, “The Starry Night” may have been inspired by what he saw as he gazed heavenward from his French asylum 137 years ago.

A South Korean team reported Thursday that after years of forensic astronomy and research into the Dutch artist, they have matched his masterpiece to a predawn sky over France’s Saint-Remy de Provence right around July 22, 1889.

That’s a month later than the long-accepted time frame for the postimpressionist painting depicting a crescent moon and Venus surrounded by a sky of swirling stars with a village nestled below and cypress trees looming on one side.

Art historians have long dated the painting to June 1889, soon after Van Gogh checked into the asylum. He’d cut off his left ear several months earlier during an argument with painter Paul Gauguin.

A team led by Elijah Jeong-hyun Kim, the CEO of a Seoul telescope maker, is now disputing that date in a study appearing in the journal Scientific Reports.

The sky that is most similar to the painting occurred around July 22, 1889, said Kim, who is also a doctoral candidate at Kyung Hee University. He noted that the few days before and after could have inspired van Gogh as well.

“No two skies are the same. Something always changes. I believe Vincent noticed those changes and put them into the painting,” Kim said in an email.

He added: “I am confident that July 22 is the better date. I will bet on this date.”

The latest study addresses “a real puzzle” that in mid-June 1889, the moon was not the thin crescent painted by van Gogh, said Jose Luis Aragon at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He has studied “The Starry Night” as a physicist, but did not take part in the new research.

“Still, I would see the July date as an intriguing hypothesis rather than a settled answer,” Aragon said in an email.

Long fascinated by van Gogh’s art, Kim traveled to France in 2019, the first time in mid-June and the second around July 22. He found brilliant stars rising in July’s predawn sky, unlike June.

Kim and his team discovered through further celestial sleuthing that around July 22, 1889, the shape of the moon before dawn appeared like the one in the painting, with the Hyades star cluster in the constellation Taurus rising in the east alongside Venus. The sky should have been clear enough for van Gogh to see all this, based on their weather analyses.

Van Gogh is thought to have suffered a seizure around that time in July. But Kim and his team contend that the seizure occurred later in July, based on their analyses of letters between the painter and one of his brothers. Some of those letters refer to cicadas, another clue that points toward the hotter July, according to Kim.

The researchers tested and verified their methods on night skies in other paintings, making for what Aragon considers “a careful and genuinely interdisciplinary study.”

Since van Gogh painted in a studio at the asylum from sketches and memory, “the sky is likely a composite of many nights as the authors themselves acknowledge," Aragon said.

“What I find most convincing is the broader message: The painting is not pure fantasy. Van Gogh watched the real sky very closely," Aragon said.

Despite all his research, Kim has never seen “The Starry Night” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

“Now that the paper is out, I really have to go and see ‘The Starry Night’ in person, don’t I?” he said.

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Wachter said Knuckles is 6 months old, weighs about 20 pounds, and has been partially potty trained. He is learning to walk on a leash.

“He is super cute. He is unique looking,” Wachter said.

For more information about how to adopt Knuckles or another pet, visit the Humane Society’s website or call 954-989-3977.

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It happened on Wednesday afternoon along the 1500 block of Southwest 122nd Avenue in west Miami-Dade’s unincorporated Tamiami area.

Arriving deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said they spoke with the suspect first, who has since been identified as Alvaro Fonseca.

According to investigators, Fonseca told them he was involved in a verbal dispute with the victim over a gated fence that was being built next to his home.

Deputies then spoke with the victim, who they said is a contractor hired by Fonseca’s next-door neighbor. He told investigators that the homeowner had permission from officials to build the fence and, as he was trying to do so, he and Fonseca began arguing.

That’s when deputies said Fonseca went into his home and “armed himself with a sword” to stop the victim from building the fence before he threatened to ”shoot him in the head twice and cut off his head with the sword."

Deputies said the victim then took out his phone and took a photo of Fonseca armed with the sword.

Deputies said Fonseca “denied making those threats and was inconsistent with the account of the events.”

Ultimately, deputies took him into custody without further incident.

He is facing a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and as of Thursday morning was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $5,000 bond.

El incidente ocurrió el miércoles por la tarde en la cuadra 1500 de Southwest 122nd Avenue, en el área no incorporada de Tamiami, al oeste de Miami-Dade.

Los agentes de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade que llegaron al lugar indicaron que primero hablaron con el sospechoso, quien fue identificado como Alvaro Fonseca.

Según los investigadores, Fonseca les dijo que había tenido una discusión verbal con la víctima por una cerca con portón que estaba siendo construida junto a su vivienda.

Los agentes hablaron entonces con la víctima, quien, según indicaron, es un contratista contratado por el vecino de Fonseca. El hombre dijo a los investigadores que el propietario tenía permiso de las autoridades para construir la cerca y que, mientras intentaba realizar el trabajo, él y Fonseca comenzaron a discutir.

Fue entonces cuando, según los agentes, Fonseca entró a su vivienda y “se armó con una espada” para impedir que la víctima construyera la cerca, antes de amenazar con “dispararle dos veces en la cabeza y cortarle la cabeza con la espada”.

Los agentes indicaron que la víctima sacó su teléfono y tomó una fotografía de Fonseca armado con la espada.

Según los agentes, Fonseca “negó haber hecho esas amenazas y presentó inconsistencias en su versión de los hechos”.

Finalmente, los agentes lo detuvieron sin que se registraran más incidentes.

Enfrenta un cargo grave de agresión agravada con un arma mortal sin intención de matar y, hasta la mañana del jueves, permanecía detenido en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight bajo una fianza de $5,000 USD.

Si los legisladores de derecha y de centro se unen, controlarán una mayoría simple en la Cámara baja, de 513 escaños, e incluso podrían reunir una supermayoría en una amplia alianza para cambiar la Constitución de Brasil. Se espera una dinámica similar en el Senado. Analistas y políticos coinciden en que se podrían producir impactos duraderos en Brasil y en América Latina.

El Partido Liberal de Bolsonaro ganó 23 escaños adicionales en la Cámara baja y casi duplicó sus escaños en el Senado, en su mayoría a costa de partidos centristas. El Partido de los Trabajadores de Lula conservó aproximadamente el mismo número de escaños.

Esas cifras aún podrían cambiar, ya que algunos legisladores cambian de partido después de su elección.

Este es un vistazo a la forma en que este Congreso, inclinado a la derecha, podría remodelar la agenda de Brasil.

Se espera que los cambios en el Supremo Tribunal Federal sean una prioridad

Los aliados de Bolsonaro en el Congreso quieren, ante todo, destituir al juez del Supremo Tribunal Federal Alexandre de Moraes, quien presidió la investigación que llevó al encarcelamiento del expresidente Jair Bolsonaro por su intento de golpe de Estado.

Necesitan 54 votos en el Senado, y muchos de los futuros miembros se postularon precisamente con la plataforma de destituir a De Moraes. El próximo presidente de Brasil podrá nombrar al menos a tres nuevos jueces.

Los legisladores de derecha también han manifestado su deseo de limitar las decisiones individuales de los jueces del Supremo Tribunal Federal, quienes con frecuencia han suspendido leyes, emitido medidas cautelares de amplio alcance y dictado órdenes de gran impacto sin la autorización del pleno. Algunos legisladores también quieren debatir límites de mandato para los jueces.

Incluso legisladores de izquierda respaldan algunas de esas ideas tras un escándalo de corrupción que involucró al tribunal.

Cambios al código penal

Muchos legisladores electos apoyan las propuestas de línea dura de Bolsonaro en materia de seguridad pública. Quieren reducir la edad de responsabilidad penal de 18 a 16 años. Algunos de ellos también respaldan la castración química como pena para violadores y pedófilos condenados.

Algunos de esos legisladores también quieren cambios estructurales en el sistema penitenciario del país, inspirándose en el modelo de encarcelamiento masivo del presidente salvadoreño Nayib Bukele, si Bolsonaro gana y quiere destinar fondos a ese fin.

“Las propuestas de extrema derecha sobre seguridad pública se enfocan más en atender el miedo de la gente que en resolver el problema. Estas propuestas se centran en el castigo”, señaló Melina Risso, directora de investigación del centro de estudios Instituto Igarape.

“Tales medidas son típicas de quienes ni entienden el problema ni desean resolverlo. ¿De qué sirve aumentar las penas cuando solo se resuelve el 36% de los homicidios en el país?”

Las políticas económicas favorecen los recortes del gasto

Muchos legisladores de derecha quieren que Brasil frene el gasto público, pero no dicen qué se recortará, y por ello, legisladores de izquierda intentaron advertir a los votantes que las iniciativas de asistencia social serán su principal objetivo, como lo fueron durante la presidencia de Jair Bolsonaro.

Algunos alineados con Bolsonaro proponen reducir los impuestos corporativos y revertir los cambios al código tributario que entrarán en vigor en enero. El gobierno de Lula considera clave un nuevo impuesto al valor agregado (IVA) en el momento de cada transacción financiera para prevenir el fraude. Los aliados de Bolsonaro sostienen que eso asfixiará a las empresas, y buscan derogar cientos de normas administrativas, decretos y trabas burocráticas para reducir costos a las compañías.

El bloque de Bolsonaro también está compuesto por firmes defensores de la privatización de empresas estatales, quienes insistirán en ayudar al poderoso agronegocio brasileño proporcionando mayor acceso al crédito rural, protegiendo los derechos de propiedad privada de la tierra y permitiendo contratos laborales más flexibles.

Unos pocos legisladores también quieren una mayor distancia de China, el principal socio comercial de Brasil, para alinearse, en cambio, con el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump.

Revertir protecciones de la selva amazónica

Muchos legisladores electos del Partido Liberal de Bolsonaro han hecho campaña a favor de flexibilizar los requisitos de licenciamiento ambiental, debilitar las agencias reguladoras y otorgar amnistías por el acaparamiento ilegal de tierras. Afirman que necesitan fomentar la actividad económica en Amazonía y más allá, para que las poblaciones locales no pasen hambre. Algunas de esas iniciativas dependen de la firma del presidente, y otras pueden ser autorizadas por el Congreso.

“Sumado a un gobierno negacionista bajo Flávio Bolsonaro, esto podría traer un caos ambiental”, señaló Suely Araújo, coordinadora de políticas públicas de la organización sin fines de lucro Observatorio del Clima.

Aproximadamente el 70% de los miembros de la Cámara baja de Brasil y el 80% del Senado son considerados hostiles a las agendas ambiental y climática, según el observatorio.

“Este escenario apunta a cuatro años de un esfuerzo inmenso para quienes trabajan en temas climáticos y ambientales, así como a una profunda preocupación por los graves retrocesos y las terribles consecuencias que todo esto implica para la crisis climática”, agregó Araújo.

Cumplir las promesas de contrarrestar la política progresista

Muchos legisladores de derecha están en posición de ir más allá de la retórica agresiva en redes sociales y emprender acciones legislativas concretas para contrarrestar la política progresista, como prometieron.

Sus esfuerzos se centran en desmantelar medidas de apoyo a las poblaciones transgénero, en particular restringiendo el acceso a baños neutrales en cuanto al género y recortando programas de asistencia social específicos y servicios de salud especializados. Estos legisladores también pretenden asegurarse el liderazgo de comisiones del Congreso para oponerse a iniciativas de lenguaje inclusivo y promover una definición biológica de la condición de mujer.

Se prevé el congelamiento de nuevas demarcaciones de tierras indígenas, bajo el argumento de que reservar territorio obstaculiza la minería, la expansión agrícola y el crecimiento.

Se impugnarán las cuotas obligatorias por mandato estatal y los marcos de acción afirmativa basados en la identidad para el ingreso a universidades y empleos del servicio público. Los legisladores planean impulsar agendas legislativas basadas en la fe para restringir el acceso al aborto y remodelar las protecciones de las libertades civiles.

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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.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said Thursday the 19-year-old Kindel fell ill about 10 minutes after the club left Salt Lake City on Tuesday at the end of a four-game road trip. Team medical personnel attended to Kindel immediately and he quickly regained consciousness.

The plane turned back to the airport for an emergency landing, and Kindel was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for observation before being released on Wednesday.

Kindel had a vasovagal episode, which is marked by a sharp drop in heart rate and blood pressure, according to Dubas. Kindel was undergoing further testing at the team complex in an effort to determine what caused him to faint. Dubas said to his knowledge that Kindel had no previous history of collapsing.

Dubas, who met with Kindel on Thursday morning, described the teenager as “very clearly shaken.”

The Penguins placed the 2025 first-round pick on injured reserve, and while there is no timetable for his return, Dubas added the club is optimistic Kindel could be cleared to work out by the end of the weekend, pending test results.

“We will obviously follow very strict guidelines to ensure a safe return to training and play for Ben,” Dubas said. “That’s our primary goal and paramount to his future and health, so that’s how we will handle it.”

Kindel has two points and two assists in nine games this season for Pittsburgh. He played nearly 19 minutes during a loss to Utah on Monday night.

The Penguins canceled practice on Wednesday while the team provided off-ice resources for the players. The club was back at practice for a morning skate Thursday ahead of a visit by the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena.

“Whether you like it or not, the show goes on tonight,” Dubas said. “And so we have to gear up and get ready for that. And that’s the number one: take care of our people. And the number two: put them in a place to perform.”

Kindel's medical scare marked the latest setback during a particularly difficult stretch for the Penguins both on and off the ice.

Pittsburgh forward Andrei Kuzmenko's father died in a remote part of Russia last month after being attacked by a bear while on a fishing trip. And the Penguins sit at 3-6-1 through 10 games, among the worst records in the Eastern Conference.

While the franchise is no stranger to navigating real-world issues — from Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux's cancer battle in the early 1990s to defenseman Kris Letang dealing with a pair of strokes potentially related to a heart condition more recently — longtime captain Sidney Crosby said there's no “blueprint” for how to handle things.

“I think everyone tries to do their best to support each other and be there,” Crosby said. “You know, it’s one of those things where they try to make the best of difficult situations. And we’re a family here.”

Crosby added it was a relief to see Kindel at the facility on Thursday after the jarring image of one of the team's young cornerstones momentarily losing consciousness.

“It’s one of those things you don’t really see happen that often," he said. “So everyone handled it great and we're happy to be here today getting ready for another game.”

While Kindel could be back in the near future, the Penguins will be without two-time Stanley Cup champion forward Bryan Rust until at least December.

The 34-year-old joined Kindel on injured reserve Thursday with a lower-body injury. Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse said Rust, who has three goals and two assists in seven games, will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

The Penguins filled the open roster spots created by Kindel and Rust's absence by calling up forward Rutger McGroarty and defenseman Chase Pietila from their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

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See AP’s full NHL coverage here

In a Thursday regulatory filing, Quest Diagnostics reported “unauthorized access” to its Quanum Lab Services Manager, a platform where certain clients can place test orders and receive or look up their results. The company said it discovered the hack on Wednesday and notified federal law enforcement.

How many patients and which particular records have been affected is still unknown. Quest Diagnostics said it believes “certain patient records” were accessed in the breach, but that the full scope remains under investigation.

The New Jersey-based company said it's also working with external cybersecurity experts to assist in its response.

Quest Diagnostics has seen hacks impacting patient records before. In 2016, for example, the company said data including lab results and contact information of about 34,000 people was exposed in another online breach. And in 2019, other personal information belonging to about 11.9 million Quest patients was affected after a separate hack at American Medical Collection Agency, a billing collections service provider.

Cyberattacks are on the rise across industries. Beyond healthcare, other breaches have recently disrupted anything from supermarket chains to core education applications.

Governments and companies worldwide are working more broadly on online security updates. Urgency erupted this week, after an AI-assisted discovery of vulnerabilities in a programming language called PHP, which is vital to 70% of websites globally.

Outages and limited service have continued for many as firms rush to patch those risks. But based on the company's investigation, Quest Diagnostics confirmed to The Associated Press Thursday that its cyber breach was not related to the PHP issue.

Not only did Nantz turn out to be fine, although a bit sore, but the Chairman of CBS' and Skydance's Sports Division had better news to deliver. He was making Watt the permanent lead analyst for CBS Sports' NFL coverage.

The announcement was made Thursday morning along with Watt signing a multi-year agreement.

“It’s an incredible honor and it’s humbling,” Watt said in a video he posted on social media. “There’s only five seats that get to do this. I appreciate their trust in me and I have an absolute blast doing it every single week and I cannot wait to continue to do it.”

Watt joined play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson after Tony Romo went on leave following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

CBS announced on Oct. 2 that Romo would not return after the two sides “agreed to part ways.” Romo had been the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017.

Watt and Nantz have already had some memorable moments in the booth. Last week, Watt was showing how players try to protect the football from defensive players attempting the “Peanut Punch,” which is named after former defensive back Charles “Peanut” Tillman. Nantz tried to knock the ball from Watt, but hit his wrist hard on the football and immediately grabbed his hand.

Nantz had an ice pack on after halftime and joked that he broke his wrist, but said during interviews this week nothing was broken. Nantz is probable to be in the booth with Watt for Sunday’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to JJ’s growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career,” Berson said in a statement. “He’s insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage.”

Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on “The NFL Today” following a 12-year career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time All-Pro selection and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

Watt moved to the booth in 2025 and called games on the No. 2 team with Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn before being moved up to the top team this season.

He is only the fourth CBS analyst since 1981. Hall of Famer John Madden held the post from 1981 through 1993, when the network lost the rights to the NFL. Phil Simms moved into the spot when CBS got the rights back in 1998 until 2016 and was followed by Romo.

Watt will also be in the booth when CBS carries Super Bowl 62 in Atlanta in February 2028.

“I’ll see you on Sunday and I’ll see you at the Super Bowl next year,” Watt said to close the video.

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See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Anderson's family announced his death Wednesday on his social media accounts. It didn't provide details, including the cause of death.

“To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives,” the family wrote. “To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special.”

Anderson's death came just days after he attended the latest Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, in Nashville, Tennessee, with new members including Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and the Stanley Brothers. On Thursday, McGraw wrote on Instagram that he was “completely shook” about Anderson's death, adding that the singer “was in such good spirits” at the event.

“We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off,” recalled McGraw, who posted a picture of himself with Anderson.

A native of Apopka, Florida, Anderson moved to Nashville after graduating high school. Before breaking through commercially in 1977 with “I’ve Got a Feelin’ (Somebody’s Been Stealin’)," he worked odd jobs, including helping put the roof on the new Grand Ole Opry House.

Anderson went on to release more than 20 albums and dozens of singles. Along with such peers as George Strait and Ricky Skaggs, he was often identified as a “New Traditionalist,” with a gift for bending notes. His other notable songs included “Straight Tequila Night,” “Seminole Wind” and “I Wish I Could Have Been There.”

Anderson was voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 and into the Country Music Hall a decade later. His other honors included two awards from the Country Music Association: single of the year in 1983 for “Swingin,” and album of the year in 1994 as one of the performers on the Eagles tribute “Common Thread.” (Anderson covered “Heartache Tonight.”)

El incidente ocurrió alrededor de las 6 p.m. del martes dentro y fuera del Miami International Mall, ubicado en el 1455 NW 107th Ave., en Doral.

Según la policía, los agentes acudieron al centro comercial tras recibir reportes de un robo en curso.

Al llegar, encontraron a dos sujetos dentro de una Lincoln Navigator 2024 negra. Pero cuando intentaron detenerlos, el conductor, identificado luego como Stephon Corbett, de 44 años, se negó a detenerse y “manejó el vehículo a alta velocidad por la vía perimetral dentro de la propiedad del Miami International Mall”, de acuerdo con un reporte de arresto.

Los agentes señalaron además que en ese momento “había mucho tráfico de vehículos y peatones en la zona” y que, por la forma en que manejaba, Corbett “condujo el vehículo con total desprecio por la seguridad de las personas y la propiedad, poniendo a los conductores y peatones cercanos en grave riesgo de resultar heridos”.

En un momento dado, según los agentes, Corbett “giró deliberadamente y lanzó su vehículo contra la patrulla identificada”, lo que causó “daños en la barra protectora delantera de la patrulla”.

Mientras huían de la policía, los agentes vieron al pasajero, identificado luego como Gregory Edwards, de 38 años, “lanzando correspondencia desde el vehículo en movimiento”. Más tarde, los agentes determinaron que contenía “un total de treinta y seis (36) tarjetas de crédito y tres (3) cheques”, ninguno a nombre de Corbett ni de Edwards.

Debido al intenso tráfico en la zona, el vehículo de los sospechosos terminó deteniéndose por completo frente al restaurante La Carreta, en la esquina suroeste de la propiedad del centro comercial. Fue entonces cuando, según la policía, los agentes tuvieron que romper la ventana del lado del pasajero para sacar a ambos hombres “debido a que seguían negándose a entregarse”, de acuerdo con un formulario de arresto.

Al comenzar la investigación, la policía habló con agentes de prevención de pérdidas de la tienda Macy’s del centro comercial, quienes dijeron haber visto a Edwards moverse entre el departamento de Finish Line y el de trajes para hombre, “escogiendo trajes rápidamente sin mirar los precios”.

Según la policía, después de que Edwards hiciera varias compras en ambos departamentos y saliera rápidamente de la tienda, los agentes de prevención de pérdidas descubrieron que las transacciones eran fraudulentas y alertaron a las autoridades.

Los agentes indicaron además que, tras detener a ambos hombres, descubrieron que la licencia de conducir de Corbett tenía seis suspensiones activas, y que tenía una orden de arresto judicial vigente emitida por la Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office en noviembre del año pasado, también por un asunto de tránsito.

Una vez en el Doral Police Department, Corbett se acogió a su derecho a guardar silencio, pero Edwards aceptó hablar con los detectives. En un principio, le dijo a la policía que estaba en el centro comercial “con el propósito de reclutar mujeres para que visitaran su restaurante en Miami” y que, al salir, se encontró con Corbett, quien le ofreció llevarlo. Sin embargo, cuando lo interrogaron sobre los objetos que lanzó desde el carro, su declaración fue tachada en un formulario oficial.

Según la policía, Edwards negó al principio haber hecho compras en Macy’s, pero cuando le mostraron un video de seguridad en el que aparece dentro de la tienda, hizo una confesión que también fue tachada en su formulario de arresto.

Con base en el conjunto de la investigación, los agentes arrestaron finalmente a Corbett y a Edwards.

Ambos sospechosos enfrentan varios cargos graves relacionados con las transacciones fraudulentas con tarjetas de crédito de otras personas y con la huida de la policía.

Corbett enfrenta además cargos de agresión agravada contra un agente del orden y de huir o evadir a la policía a alta velocidad, así como de manejar a sabiendas con la licencia suspendida y de manejar sin una licencia de conducir válida.

Edwards también fue acusado de un cargo de manipulación de evidencia física.

Ambos permanecen en el Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, con la fianza “por fijarse” en el cargo de tráfico de tarjetas de crédito falsificadas.

El hombre fue identificado como Michael Polanco, de 32 años.

Según la policía, intentó raptar a la niña en una gasolinera Shell ubicada en el 2840 S. State Road 7.

Local 10 News obtuvo las imágenes de las cámaras de seguridad que muestran el intento de secuestro.

De acuerdo con un reporte de arresto, un testigo les dijo a los agentes que vio a Polanco agarrar a la niña por el cuello e intentar llevársela caminando.

Las autoridades indicaron que, en un principio, Polanco huyó de la gasolinera, pero los agentes lograron localizarlo y detenerlo. Luego, tanto la víctima como el testigo lo identificaron positivamente como el hombre que intentó raptar a la adolescente.

Polanco fue arrestado y trasladado a la Broward County Main Jail por los cargos de agresión con lesiones corporales y secuestro con lesiones corporales o para aterrorizar a la víctima. Tras comparecer ante un juez el martes, se ordenó que permanezca detenido sin derecho a fianza.

Según la policía, Polanco tiene un extenso historial delictivo que incluye robo, robo en propiedad ajena, agresión y exhibicionismo, entre otros delitos.

Brian Louis Sguros, de 35 años, se presentó en la corte con un abogado privado, un día después de su arresto por varios cargos derivados de las acusaciones de que usó su cargo de policía para acceder a la información personal de un hombre fallecido y tomar el control de su propiedad.

Durante la audiencia, el abogado de Sguros le dijo al juez que se había llegado a un acuerdo con la fiscalía sobre la fianza.

El juez también le ordenó a Sguros mantenerse alejado de la propiedad y no tener contacto con la familia involucrada en el caso.

Según la información presentada en la corte, la familia de Sguros planeaba pagar la fianza de $25,000.

Acusan al agente de mudarse a la casa tras un chequeo de bienestar

Las acusaciones se remontan al 11 de julio de 2022, cuando Sguros y otro policía de Lauderhill respondieron a un chequeo de bienestar en una casa en el 4551 NW 12th St.

Una vecina había llamado a las autoridades preocupada por el dueño de la casa, Dennis Ionis West, a quien nadie había visto en unas dos semanas.

Los agentes entraron a la vivienda y encontraron el cuerpo de West en avanzado estado de descomposición.

La autopsia determinó luego que West murió de una enfermedad cardiovascular, y su muerte se declaró natural.

Según una declaración jurada de arresto de 21 páginas de la Broward Sheriff’s Office, Sguros tomó después posesión de la propiedad, se mudó a la casa con su pareja y comenzó a hacerle renovaciones.

Los investigadores afirman que Sguros usó la información de identificación personal de West para hacer mejoras a la propiedad, incluida una solicitud de permiso de construcción presentada más de dos años después de la muerte de West.

El tasador de propiedades del condado Broward, Marty Kiar, le dijo a Local 10 News que las acusaciones son especialmente preocupantes porque Sguros tuvo acceso a la propiedad gracias a sus funciones como policía.

“Uno de esos agentes llamó al médico forense y básicamente le dijo: ‘No creo que tenga herederos’. Se hizo cargo del cuerpo y, al parecer, también se apoderó de la propiedad”, dijo Kiar.

De acuerdo con la declaración jurada, Sguros se identificó como amigo de West al comunicarse con la oficina del médico forense y se ofreció a ayudar con el funeral si no se localizaba a sus familiares.

Sin embargo, los investigadores determinaron después que West tenía familiares vivos y herederos legales.

Según los investigadores, usaron la identidad del difunto para las renovaciones

Según la declaración jurada, Sguros reconoció en documentos judiciales presentados bajo juramento que tomó posesión de la propiedad de West alrededor del 1 de agosto de 2022.

Aseguró haber gastado al menos $214,000 en limpiar, asegurar y renovar la casa, que según sus cálculos llegó a valer unos $500,000 tras las mejoras.

Los investigadores indicaron que también pagó los impuestos a la propiedad y los servicios públicos mientras la casa seguía registrada a nombre del patrimonio de West.

En agosto de 2024 se presentó una solicitud de permiso de construcción para un proyecto de $8,000 destinado a reemplazar ventanas y puertas exteriores de la propiedad.

Según los investigadores, la solicitud señalaba a West como dueño de la casa e incluía los datos de su licencia de conducir y una firma supuestamente suya.

Los documentos también indicaban que West se había presentado ante una notaria, a pesar de que había muerto más de dos años antes.

“Su licencia de conducir, su nombre... aparentemente él firmó el permiso de construcción”, le dijo Kiar a Local 10 News.

Los investigadores señalaron que el número de teléfono que aparecía a nombre de West en la solicitud era en realidad de Sguros.

Según la declaración jurada, una notaria cuyo nombre figuraba en los documentos les dijo a los detectives que no los reconocía y que la firma no era suya.

Las autoridades también acusan a Sguros de haber accedido indebidamente siete veces a bases de datos policiales entre julio de 2022 y enero de 2023 para obtener información sobre West.

Una disputa por la propiedad desató la investigación penal

El caso salió a la luz después de que Equinox Realty Holdings adquiriera los derechos de propiedad de la casa a los herederos de West.

Según los investigadores, representantes de la empresa descubrieron que Sguros estaba ocupando la vivienda, lo que desató una disputa por la titularidad.

Posteriormente, un tribunal del condado Broward reconoció los derechos de los herederos y las transferencias a Equinox.

Sguros terminó entregando las llaves, pero pidió que le reembolsaran las mejoras que asegura haberle hecho a la casa.

En febrero de 2026, presentó una demanda civil para obtener un gravamen equitativo sobre la propiedad.

La disputa derivó finalmente en una investigación en la que participaron el Deed Fraud Task Force de la Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office y detectives de la Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Suspenden al agente sin goce de sueldo

Según la declaración jurada de arresto, los investigadores identificaron cinco presuntos delitos: conducta oficial indebida, uso delictivo de la información de identificación de una persona fallecida, uso delictivo de información de identificación personal, delito contra un usuario de computadoras y uso ilegal de un dispositivo de comunicación bidireccional.

Sguros fue arrestado el martes y desde entonces el Lauderhill Police Department lo suspendió sin goce de sueldo.

Durante la audiencia del miércoles, el juez le ordenó no contactar a la familia vinculada al caso ni regresar a la propiedad.

The order from U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett came as lawyers for the British broadcaster complained that Trump had delayed his appearance in his own lawsuit. Charles Tobin, attorney for the BBC, said that with two months left in the discovery period, “we still haven’t been able to depose the plaintiff.”

Meanwhile, it remained uncertain whether former special counsel Jack Smith would be allowed to sit for a deposition. Federal rules require current and former employees to receive permission from agency heads before testifying in court cases. Smith has requested permission but has not received an answer, and the judge ruled that the department must respond to him by Nov. 2.

In arguments about Trump's deposition, Tobin noted there had been an agreed-upon date of Oct. 16, but Trump had canceled it for a “matter of national importance.” He said the Republican president was in fact campaigning in Georgia that day. “He was participating in party politics and prioritized that over sitting for the deposition,” Tobin said.

Lett said Trump must sit for a deposition by Dec. 11, or face sanctions up to dismissal of his lawsuit — unless the discovery period is extended by the presiding judge.

Discovery, where lawyers for both sides exchange documents and other evidence, is scheduled to end Dec. 18, and the BBC's attorneys want to make sure they have Trump’s deposition before that deadline. Lett said only the presiding judge assigned to the case can alter the trial schedule, and the defense said it would be open to scheduling the deposition at a later time if the trial schedule was also changed.

Trump, who has often avoided depositions, filed his lawsuit against the BBC last December. He accused the publicly funded broadcaster of defamation as well as deceptive and unfair trade practices related to a documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance.”

The BBC acknowledged that filmmakers spliced together quotes from different sections of the speech Trump delivered to his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, before the storming of the U.S. Capitol, to make it seem he was directly urging violence. The broadcaster apologized over the editing, and the head of the BBC and its top news executive both resigned. But the BBC has denied Trump’s claims that it defamed him.

Trump's attorneys also argued against recording his deposition on video, asking for only a court reporter. The judge ruled that the deposition could be recorded on video but only for attorneys, meaning it wouldn’t be released to the public.

It remained unclear whether Jack Smith would be allowed to sit for deposition

To bolster its defense, the broadcaster subpoenaed former special counsel Jack Smith earlier this month. Trump’s lawyers have argued that there is no good reason for Smith, who is not a party to the case, to appear. The BBC has said Smith has extensive knowledge of what happened that day.

At issue in Thursday's hearing, though, was whether Smith had received the legally required permission from the Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Feeley told the judge that Smith had sent a letter to the department saying he would not testify without permission, and the agency had not yet responded. Lett ordered the department to respond to Smith by Nov. 2.

It seems unlikely that the department would grant Smith permission, or that he would move forward without it.

Earlier in the hearing, Tobin, the BBC lawyer, argued that Smith has not objected to being deposed for this case, meaning the only objection is coming from Trump. Tobin said the BBC is not trying to relitigate the events of Jan. 6, but Smith is one of the leading experts in what happened that day, and his deposition could lead the BBC to evidence that could help their case.

“We can argue later on whether his testimony is admissible," Tobin said, “but we are entitled to that deposition.”

Trump's lawyer, Alejandro Brito, said Smith has no personal knowledge of Trump’s Jan. 6 speech or Trump's state of mind when he gave it. All of Smith’s knowledge about the case is secondhand, Brito argued, and the special counsel's report, along with Smith’s testimony before Congress, is all public and available to the BBC’s attorneys.

Judge says the BBC can see membership records for Mar-a-Lago

The judge agreed that the BBC should be allowed to see records for the total number of applications for membership at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida from Jan. 6, 2020, through Jan. 6, 2026, as well as the total cost of membership and initiation fees for new applicants.

Tobin said one aspect of any defamation case is showing actual damages, and the popularity of Mar-a-Lago is a significant indicator of Trump’s reputation. The BBC's lawyer described the private club as “a place where he exhibits his reputation in front of people who are important to him.”

Brito argued that Trump does not actually run Mar-a-Lago, and that his reputation is not associated with the club.

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The agency announced Thursday that it is waiving adoption fees in an effort to find homes for animals currently at the shelter while opening space for additional pets in need of care.

Although adoption fees have been waived, the standard pet registration fee will still apply.

Officials said overcrowding can negatively affect the quality of life of animals staying at the shelter, making it especially important to find permanent homes as quickly as possible.

“Our shelter needs the community’s help now,” said Doug Brightwell, director of Broward County Animal Care. “If you are ready to welcome a pet into your family, please consider adopting. You will give that animal a home and help us make room for another pet who needs care.”

Broward County Animal Care is encouraging residents who have been considering adding a pet to their family to visit the shelter and meet the available animals.

Those who are unable to adopt can still help by sharing information about adoptable pets and spreading the word about the shelter’s urgent need through friends, family and neighbors.

How to adopt a pet

Residents interested in adopting can visit Broward County Animal Care at 2400 SW 42nd St. in Fort Lauderdale.

The shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photos and information about available cats and dogs can also be found online at Broward.org/Animal.

County officials hope the waived adoption fees will encourage more residents to open their homes to animals and help relieve overcrowding at the shelter.

La agencia anunció el jueves que eliminará las tarifas de adopción en un esfuerzo por encontrar hogares para los animales que actualmente se encuentran en el refugio, mientras libera espacio para recibir a más mascotas que necesitan atención.

Aunque se han eliminado las tarifas de adopción, seguirá aplicándose la tarifa estándar de registro de mascotas.

Las autoridades indicaron que la sobrepoblación puede afectar negativamente la calidad de vida de los animales que permanecen en el refugio, por lo que es especialmente importante encontrarles hogares permanentes lo antes posible.

“Nuestro refugio necesita la ayuda de la comunidad ahora”, dijo Doug Brightwell, director del Centro de Cuidado Animal del condado Broward. “Si está listo para recibir a una mascota en su familia, considere adoptarla. Le dará un hogar a ese animal y nos ayudará a liberar espacio para otra mascota que necesita atención”.

El Centro de Cuidado Animal del condado Broward está alentando a los residentes que han considerado incorporar una mascota a su familia a visitar el refugio y conocer a los animales disponibles.

Quienes no puedan adoptar también pueden ayudar compartiendo información sobre las mascotas disponibles para adopción y difundiendo entre amigos, familiares y vecinos la urgente necesidad del refugio.

Cómo adoptar una mascota

Los residentes interesados en adoptar pueden visitar el Centro de Cuidado Animal del condado Broward, ubicado en 2400 SW 42nd St., en Fort Lauderdale.

El refugio está abierto todos los días de 11 a.m. a 6 p.m.

También se pueden encontrar fotografías e información sobre los perros y gatos disponibles en Broward.org/Animal.

Las autoridades del condado esperan que la eliminación de las tarifas de adopción anime a más residentes a abrir las puertas de sus hogares a los animales y ayude a aliviar la sobrepoblación en el refugio.

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Josephine – a hybrid system resembling both a wintertime storm powered by strong jet stream winds from temperature differences in the atmosphere and a tropical system fueled by warm water – will be another short-timer as it accelerates away from the U.S. and quickly transitions into a powerful extratropical storm by Friday.

The subtropical storm is already packing winds of 65 mph but is expected to turn extratropical over cooler waters later today or tonight before its winds reach hurricane strength (74 mph or stronger). So while Josephine is expected to morph into a hurricane-strength extratropical storm, it won’t be classified a hurricane since it’ll lose its tropical characteristics in the process, and strengthening will come from non-tropical processes.

Nevertheless, Josephine will add to the named storm count for the season, but it’ll do little to pick the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season off the mat.

This season remains the only season in the modern, reliable hurricane record (since 1950) with fewer than two hurricanes and, as of this writing, is the 3^rd least active hurricane season – behind only 1994 and 1983 – in at least 75 years.

Nothing of note elsewhere

NHC is tagging a disturbance midway over the open subtropical central Atlantic for low development odds.

Though the European suite of models offers minimal support for development the next day or two, DeepMind doesn’t carry it at all.

Other than this, long-range models have fallen silent and it’s looking likely we’ll close out October quietly across the basin.

Josephine, un sistema híbrido que presenta características tanto de una tormenta invernal impulsada por los fuertes vientos de la corriente en chorro debido a las diferencias de temperatura en la atmósfera como de un sistema tropical alimentado por aguas cálidas, también será de corta duración, ya que se aleja rápidamente de Estados Unidos y se transformará en una poderosa tormenta extratropical para el viernes.

La tormenta subtropical ya registra vientos de 65 mph, pero se espera que se convierta en extratropical sobre aguas más frías más tarde hoy o esta noche, antes de que sus vientos alcancen la fuerza de un huracán (74 mph o más). Por lo tanto, aunque se espera que Josephine se transforme en una tormenta extratropical con fuerza de huracán, no será clasificada como huracán, ya que perderá sus características tropicales durante el proceso y su intensificación se deberá a procesos no tropicales.

No obstante, Josephine se sumará al número de tormentas con nombre de la temporada, pero hará poco para impulsar la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico de 2026, que ha tenido poca actividad.

Esta temporada sigue siendo la única en los registros modernos y confiables de huracanes (desde 1950) con menos de dos huracanes y, al momento de redactar este informe, es la tercera temporada de huracanes menos activa, solo por detrás de 1994 y 1983, en al menos 75 años.

Sin actividad significativa en otras áreas

El Centro Nacional de Huracanes (NHC) está monitoreando una perturbación ubicada en medio del Atlántico subtropical central, en mar abierto, con bajas probabilidades de desarrollo.

Aunque el conjunto de modelos europeos ofrece un apoyo mínimo para el desarrollo durante los próximos uno o dos días, DeepMind no contempla ningún desarrollo.

Aparte de esto, los modelos de pronóstico a largo plazo no muestran actividad y parece probable que octubre termine tranquilamente en toda la cuenca del Atlántico.

The New York-based philanthropy committed Thursday to driving more funds toward the basic building blocks of democracy. The new strategic direction comes less than one year into Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken's tenure at the helm of the social justice funder's $18 billion endowment. In a report to trustees, Gerken — widely recognized as a leading expert on constitutional law and elections — framed the changes in the context of an “emboldened strain of 21st-century authoritarianism."

Seven new programs — focused on democratic governance, inclusive economies, trustworthy information, public safety, gender equality, global cooperation and racial justice — will be detailed throughout next year. Their impact, Gerken suggested, will reach beyond just issues of democracy.

“If you don’t have a rule of law, if you don’t have an election system that functions, all the other values that Ford cares about, all the other projects that Ford has done over the years, fall apart," she told The Associated Press. "So, protecting marginalized communities, pushing forward on equality, protecting the climate, all of these depend on those basic building blocks.”

It's the foundation's largest strategic refresh since immediate past president Darren Walker prioritized inequality in a 2015 overhaul. Already the nation's leading democracy grantor by some counts, the Ford Foundation sees this new approach as a necessary extension of that focus.

A heightened focus at a time of growing philanthropic attention on democracy

The latest changes arrive in the heat of a midterm election cycle that has underscored the strains on American democracy.

Republicans drove unusual levels of partisan redistricting this year and the Supreme Court hollowed out the landmark Voting Rights Act. Fewer U.S. adults said democracy is central to the country's identity in an April survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. International monitors have warned of a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Foundations have fielded recent years' tests to American democracy by increasing support. Foundation funding for democracy broadly tripled from 2016 to 2020, according to the nonprofit research service Candid, and has climbed slightly since a 2021 dip. George Soros' Open Society Foundations pledged $300 million in May toward initiatives intended to defend democratic rights.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's administration has sought to influence nonprofits by withholding funding or threatening investigations. The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society. Trump named billionaire philanthropists Soros and Reid Hoffman last year as he ordered a crackdown on “left-wing terrorism.” His allies in Congress have pushed for federal probes into nonprofits they oppose.

In response to the funding constraints faced by the philanthropic sector, the Ford Foundation vowed to deliver more larger-sized, multiyear general operating support. The most resilient grantees, Gerken said, have been those with more flexible funding. “The last year has confirmed how extraordinarily important it is for philanthropy to work in this way,” she said.

That commitment comes after the Ford Foundation discontinued a program that offered flexible funding for nonprofits' general operations. Nick Turner, the executive vice president for programs, emphasized they are incorporating that effort, known as Building Institutions and Networks, into “the DNA of all of our grantmaking.”

Pro-democracy nonprofits need more sustained, generalized funding “that is less subject to the boom and bust cycle that we know will happen during election years,” according to Democracy Fund vice president Sanjiv Rao. The Democracy Fund, established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, has recently led efforts to support U.S. organizations that knock doors, run hotlines and challenge voting restrictions well in advance of Election Day.

Rao also stressed the need for philanthropy to adopt an expansive definition of pro-democracy work.

“Groups that are galvanizing their communities around issues of shared concern, regardless of what those issues are, are all pro-democracy groups,” he said.

‘Marginalized communities’ remain central to mission

Gerken is also standing firm on the foundation’s support for LGBTQ causes, racial justice and other “work for marginalized communities.” She noted that she used her presidential funds to double the foundation’s immigration budget this year.

“Those are places where not everyone is staying,” she said. “We are staying.”

Such commitments have, in recent years, put the foundation at odds with conservative policymakers including Vice President JD Vance. Speaking as a 2021 U.S. Senate candidate, Vance described the Ford Foundation and others as “cancers on American society” while decrying that “we are actively subsidizing the people who are destroying this country.”

Progressive nonprofits questioned whether major foundations would maintain their support when such critics entered the White House last year. Gerken emphasized that “the most important thing in a moment like this is not to be buffeted.” The Ford Foundation, she noted, defended free speech during the era of McCarthyism and supported civil rights litigation in the 1960s.

“The protection of marginalized communities and their basic rights is central to what we do,” she said. “While I recognize that that work isn’t always a source of common ground, it is incredibly important and it is the right thing to do.”

Gerken also emphasized that the foundation's work is nonpartisan. She pointed to $80 million this year for nonprofits working to safeguard election results including Pillars of the Community. Co-led by a former White House counsel to President Barack Obama and an adviser to multiple Republican presidential campaigns, the nonprofit seeks to build public confidence in voting systems.

While the philanthropic sector has invested heavily in reducing polarization, Gerken plans to focus on another possibility: that polarization will exist well into the future. Without sharing details, she said her team is “thinking hard” about how to bolster democratic institutions "in a world where we're completely polarized.”

Beginning January 2027, Ford Foundation staff will shift to three temporary units to maintain its existing grants while simultaneously transitioning new ones. To pause grantmaking "would be a sin at a moment like this,” Gerken said. A spokesperson estimated the foundation will move $700 million in grants for 2027 — though that figure could increase based on new needs and endowment growth.

The changes do mean other programs will eventually be sunset. Ford Foundation officials declined to share which of its more than 2300 grantees will lose funding; Turner said it's “too early to say." He pledged to exit fields responsibly “with respect and grace and care and support.”

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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.

Trump also denounced Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who criticized the ad as “deeply, deeply troubling.” Acton previously served in DeWine’s Cabinet as state director of health. Her mother lost custody of Acton and her brother after her husband — the children’s stepfather — was indicted for raping Acton when she was 12.

“All I know is Amy Acton’s mother said horrible things about Amy Acton, calling her a liar and other things and unreliable. A lot of very bad things,” Trump told reporters before leaving Washington to campaign for Republican candidates in Iowa. “And I say that she’s fair game.”

Trump questioned DeWine’s loyalty to the Republican candidate.

“He strongly suggested that Vivek should, ‘take down the Ad,’” Trump wrote on social media earlier Thursday. “He probably wants a Dumocrat to win, and certainly doesn’t want someone who will do a much better job than he is capable of doing. I suggested, on the other hand, that Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!”

Trump ignored the news that Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, in a tight race in Ohio, also has said he would not have run the ad.

At a gathering with reporters at the Ohio Statehouse, DeWine recalled the painful experiences of rape victims he dealt with as a county prosecutor and state attorney general.

“It's wrong to run this ad,” he said. “And, even at this late time — my wife, Fran, saw the ad just run this morning on TV — I would just urge the Ramaswamy campaign to take this down.”

The term-limited DeWine’s remarks place him at odds with Ramaswamy, whom he has endorsed. The biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate has said he planned to spend $4 million to broadcast it online and on television.

DeWine stops short of pulling his endorsement

But the governor stopped short of pulling his backing of the Republican for now. DeWine recalled a previous line of attack by the Acton campaign had mentioned Ramaswamy's mother and said that also was wrong — “family members have always historically been off limits” — though he noted it was never used in a multimillion-dollar ad campaign.

That critique from the summer cited an investigative report into Geetha Ramaswamy's role at a pharmaceutical company run by her son, who Acton and Democrats described as “hiring his own mother to manipulate clinical trial data.” The Ramaswamy campaign called those claims “slanderous.”

It also said Ramaswamy is being held to a different standard than Acton and other Democrats who have attacked Republicans’ families, and will not be pulling the ad.

“Governor DeWine is correct that the first and only candidate to attack the mother of her opponent in this race was Amy Acton,” spokesperson Connie Luck said in a statement, adding, "We refuse to accept the media's double standards.”

Ohio Republicans divided over the ad

By chiming in, DeWine has entered the fray among Ohio Republicans over the advertisement — as both the governor's race and a race for U.S. Senate appear far tighter than expected in a state Trump won handily three times. The video features Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, calling her “a liar” and insinuating she has mental health issues.

Acton, Ohio’s COVID-19-era health director, has made no secret of facing homelessness and abuse as a child. Arthur lost custody of her children after their stepfather, Arthur's husband, was indicted on a charge of rape involving Acton. Acton's campaign on Tuesday posted a video of her brother, who supported her backstory about living in a tent and being abused.

Republican Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio native son, expressed disgust during an Ohio campaign swing Wednesday with Republicans “whining” about the ad as low and in poor taste. Husted, who was DeWine's lieutenant governor and is defending his seat from a comeback by Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown, has since said he would not have run the ad, as has Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is running for state auditor.

Another influential Ohio Republican, former U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, posted a lengthy essay on X overnight suggesting that “the floor may have just fallen out from under the Republican campaign for Ohio Governor” and urging every Republican to distance themselves from it.

Amid the turmoil, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou posted what sounded like a warning, or a threat.

“The final days of a tough campaign are always the best time to find out who is really with you and who just posts and pretends,” he wrote. “Yes — we are keeping score.” The quote was followed by a winking-eye emoji.

Ad has faced bipartisan rebukes, support in conservative media

The ad is also dividing Republicans nationally.

Nikki Haley, who sparred with Ramaswamy during the 2024 Republican presidential primary over the personal nature of his attacks, called him “a bad guy” in a social media post Tuesday. “It’s a shame he continues to get away with it,” she wrote.

At the same time, Media Matters for America, a left-leaning media watchdog group, has reported that many within the national conservative media are promoting and praising the ad. Ramaswamy's campaign manager, Jonathan Ewing, characterized it as “a campaign-ending moment for Amy Acton.”

Wayne Allyn Root of Gateway Pundit called it “absolutely hilarious” and Daily Wire host Michael Knowles described it as “brilliant.”

Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy said: “Child abuse and sexual assault should never be weaponized to score partisan points. Governor DeWine is right — Vivek Ramaswamy’s ad is beyond troubling, and he should take it down immediately and apologize to survivors everywhere and all those hurt by this reprehensible attack.”

Police and court records show Cledith Arthur was arrested and charged with the rape of Acton in July 1978, when she was 12, after her biological father lodged a formal complaint against him. The abuse allegedly happened from December 1976 to April 1978. Cledith Arthur failed to show for a court appearance and became a fugitive.

Donna Arthur remained married to him until his death in 2004.

En un mensaje en X, la Fiscalía señaló que durante la madrugada, en conjunto con la policía, ejecutó las órdenes de aprehensión contra tres personas a las que formulará cargos en las próximas horas “por el presunto delito de lavado de activos”. Agregó que se indagan supuestas “inconsistencias en los aportes y el origen ilícito” de unos 500.000 dólares usados para la campaña que no fueron declarados.

La Fiscalía identificó a los detenidos con sus iniciales, entre ellos L.M.G.A., correspondiente a los nombres de Luisa Magdalena González Alcívar. La oficina de prensa de la policía de Manabí —donde reside la excandidata— así como la de su partido Revolución Ciudadana confirmaron a The Associated Press su detención. Ambas declinaron dar más detalles.

El expresidente Rafael Correa (2007-2017) fue el primero en referirse al arresto a través de X. “Apresaron a Luisa González ¡Ya Basta!”, señaló el exmandatario.

Horas más tarde, un comunicado atribuido a González en sus redes sociales señaló: “Hoy me toca a mi ser detenida por una acusación absurda... El ataque a las libertades y la persecución política son una realidad permanente”.

La exdirigente del correísmo enfrenta desde enero una investigación que involucra a otras siete personas, incluido quien en 2023 fue su compañero de fórmula, Andrés Arauz.

La ley penal ecuatoriana sanciona el lavado de activos con penas que van de uno a 13 años de prisión.

Trayectoria política e inhabilitación

González, una abogada de 48 años y abanderada política de Correa, ha intentado sin éxito llegar a la presidencia de Ecuador en dos ocasiones.

Tanto en 2023 como en 2025 superó la primera vuelta electoral y se midió en el balotaje frente al actual presidente Daniel Noboa. En los últimos comicios denunció sin pruebas un “fraude electoral”.

También fue asambleísta por el movimiento correísta Revolución Ciudadana que presidió desde fines de 2023.

Su última aspiración política por la prefectura de Manabí en las elecciones seccionales previstas para el 29 de noviembre fue frustrada por la suspensión de Revolución Ciudadana por parte del Tribunal Contencioso Electoral (TCE).

Tras ello González buscó el auspicio del movimiento indígena Pachakutik, pero el TCE la excluyó por no cumplir el tiempo de militancia requerido. Luego de varios recursos interpuestos el organismo ratificó su inhabilitación.

Movimiento opositor reacciona y anuncia movilizaciones

La presidenta del movimiento Revolución Ciudadana, Gabriela Rivadeneira, rechazó en rueda de prensa la detención de González que, dijo, afronta “un proceso de persecución y tortura implementado por este gobierno” y llamó a sus militantes a movilizarse para exigir su liberación.

Rivadeneira acusó a la administración de Noboa de buscar cubrir la crisis energética, de salud e inseguridad “arriesgando la vida de dirigentes políticos”.

En la Asamblea Nacional, la bancada de la Revolución Ciudadana abandonó el jueves el salón plenario en señal de protesta.

El gobierno no se ha pronunciado sobre la detención de la dirigente opositora.

Duguay for several years has been dating Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, who announced his death after being by his side throughout the illness. A spokesperson for the New York Rangers also confirmed Thursday that Duguay’s family informed the team of his passing.

"It’s with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin posted on social media. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”

Duguay's first six seasons came as a fan favorite with the Rangers, including an appearance in the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, after they selected him with the 13th pick in the '77 draft.

The Sudbury, Ontario, native was an All-Star as a point-a-game producer in 1981-82.

A series of trades led him to spend time with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings with another Rangers stint, as well. Duguay finished his career in the league with 673 points in the regular season and playoffs, then played in Germany and the minors.

“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the club said in a statement. “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated the (Madison Square) Garden faithful, and his skill, tenacity and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Palin and Duguay's daughter, Shay Thomas, posted several times over the past several months asking for prayers for him. His family started a GoFundMe earlier this year to offset the costs of travel and treatments.

The NHL Alumni Association in a post memorializing Duguay called his dedication and passion for hockey unwavering.

“It was a part of who he was, a lifelong love that he carried with pride and shared so generously with others,” the NHLAA said. “He will be remembered not only for the player he was, but for the extraordinary person he was.”

Long after his playing days, Duguay was known to another generation of Rangers fans for his role on broadcasts from 2007-18.

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See AP’s full NHL coverage here

The bigger issue for South Florida will be increasing winds. Gusts are expected to range from 30-40 mph this weekend with the highest winds on Sunday. This will create dangerous surf with large breaking waves of 5-8 feet. During high tide, the majority of our beaches will be covered with water with the potential for significant saltwater flooding. Residents and business owners who are vulnerable to king tide flooding should be preparing now for high water. The highest tides are expected this weekend into the middle of next week.

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Kahlo, a hairstylist, said it was at about 10 p.m. as he walked along Northeast 19th Street, just off Wilton Drive.

“I can’t stop replaying what happened ... I heard something behind me, and then I just see a hand in front of me ... When I saw the hand getting closer to me, I just let my dogs go, and I used my other hand,” Kahlo said.

The attacker who was near the Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve was armed with something sharp, according to Kahlo.

“He got my hand. I didn’t realize he got my neck too, until I made it home,” Kahlo said.

After he called 911, police officers and fire rescue personnel responded and took him to the Broward Health Medical Center, where he got stitches. He said he was still in pain on Wednesday and was also afraid to leave his home.

“I hope they get him so I feel safe again,” Kahlo said.

McKenzie Henderson, who knows Kahlo as a barber who works at Ron’s Barbershop in Fort Lauderdale, set up a GoFundMe fundraiser.

“Gianni needs his hands to work and fears he will lose his business and his clients. He is unable to work,” Henderson wrote.

Wilton Manors detectives asked anyone with information about the attacker to call 954-390-2150 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 to remain anonymous.

Location

Kahlo, un estilista, dijo que ocurrió alrededor de las 10 p.m. mientras caminaba por Northeast 19th Street, cerca de Wilton Drive.

“No puedo dejar de revivir lo que pasó, escuché algo detrás de mí y luego vi una mano frente a mí, cuando vi que la mano se acercaba, solté a mis perros y usé mi otra mano”, dijo Kahlo.

El atacante, que se encontraba cerca del Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, estaba armado con un objeto afilado, según Kahlo.

“Me hirió la mano. No me di cuenta de que también me había herido el cuello hasta que llegué a casa”, dijo Kahlo.

Después de llamar al 911, agentes de la policía y personal de rescate de los bomberos acudieron al lugar y lo trasladaron al Broward Health Medical Center, donde recibió puntos de sutura. Dijo que el miércoles todavía sentía dolor y también tenía miedo de salir de su casa.

“Espero que lo atrapen para poder sentirme seguro otra vez”, dijo Kahlo.

McKenzie Henderson, quien conoce a Kahlo como barbero que trabaja en Ron’s Barbershop, en Fort Lauderdale, organizó una campaña de recaudación de fondos en GoFundMe.

“Gianni necesita sus manos para trabajar y teme perder su negocio y sus clientes. No puede trabajar”, escribió Henderson.

Los detectives de Wilton Manors pidieron a cualquier persona que tenga información sobre el atacante que llame al 954-390-2150 o a Crime Stoppers del condado Broward al 954-493-8477 para permanecer en el anonimato.

Ubicación

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According to the Miami Police Department, investigators determined there was no criminal intent involved in the crash that seriously injured Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, 63.

Police said the decision came after an extensive investigation and consultation with assistant state attorneys.

The driver was issued a traffic summons for improper lane change on Wednesday, police confirmed.

Surgeon seriously injured while cycling

Beauperthuy-Rojas, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, was struck by an SUV while riding his bicycle along the Rickenbacker Causeway in Virginia Key on the morning of Aug. 29.

Miami Fire Rescue crews transported him to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center following the collision.

His brother-in-law, Carlos G. Mendia, previously told Local 10 News that Beauperthuy-Rojas suffered extensive injuries, including damage to his liver and kidneys, cuts throughout his body and a spinal cord injury.

“He has some liver and kidney lacerations. He had cuts all over his body. He has a spinal cord injury. So far, the indications are that he has no movement or ability to move from the waist down,” Mendia said at the time.

Mendia said Beauperthuy-Rojas, an avid cyclist, had been riding alone in the designated bicycle lane when the SUV struck him.

The surgeon remains in the ICU in critical condition, relatives confirmed to Local 10 News Thursday.

Family previously raised concerns about cyclist safety

Following the crash, Mendia spoke about the dangers cyclists face along the Rickenbacker Causeway and urged local officials to address safety concerns.

“It’s extremely dangerous. I plead with the officials, public officials, to find a solution to this,” Mendia said. “This is senseless.”

Mendia, who said Beauperthuy-Rojas introduced him to cycling in 2010, expressed concern about the risks of riding along the busy roadway.

Beauperthuy-Rojas has spent decades treating patients with sports-related injuries and degenerative conditions. He is also a former president of the Miami Orthopaedic Society.

Following the collision, colleagues at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital described him as both a respected physician and a valued member of the medical community.

“They not only describe him as a great physician, but a great person,” hospital spokesman Henry Garcia previously told Local 10 News.

Miami police initially said the driver involved in the collision was cooperating with investigators.

The department’s latest update confirms that “no criminal intent was established.”

Advocates for greater voter identification requirements are pursuing a new approach in some states: a mandate to place driver’s license or partial Social Security numbers on mail-in ballots. Variations of the voter ID proposals are being decided in the midterm elections in California, Colorado and Nevada — three states where conservative activists collected petition signatures to bypass Democratic-led legislatures and place the issue directly before voters.

Trump must sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC by Dec. 11, a federal judge said, after the broadcaster’s lawyers accused him of delaying his testimony. The judge warned that, unless the discovery period is extended, Trump could face sanctions including dismissal of his lawsuit if he fails to answer questions from the BBC’s lawyers under oath.

Here's the latest:

Senators demand answers from Musk, Hegseth over Ukraine

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced a new inquiry into how Space X’s Starlink and Starshield technologies were slowed down for Ukraine’s defense systems, exposing the country to incoming Russian missile attacks they could not quickly deter.

Blumenthal’s letter to Elon Musk and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth come after reporting from the Wall Street Journal about the slowdown.

“Whether that change was directed by the White House, DoD, or SpaceX, the episode raises urgent questions,” he wrote.

Separately, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis implored those involved to “raise your hand” if they were responsible. “Otherwise, let’s get this resolved,” he said on X.

JD Vance plans to return to Kansas as part of Republicans’ efforts to rescue GOP Sen. Roger Marshall

The vice president’s midterm rally is schedule for 4 p.m. Monday at the steel fabricating firm Haas Metal Engineering’s plant in north Topeka, with Vance scheduled to speak at 5:15 p.m., the Republican National Committee said.

Vance’s visit comes a week after President Donald Trump held a rally in Wichita to boost Marshall’s chances of winning a tossup race against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton that’s become the most expensive contest in state history. Vance also headlined a Sept. 14 rally in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe.

Republican groups have so far committed to spending $26 million on television and digital advertising through the election, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. That’s offsetting Marshall’s lackluster fundraising and bringing the GOP’s total to $32 million. However, Hamilton and Democratic groups have committed to spending $38 million, bringing the total ad spending for both sides to $71 million.

The tight contest is even more notable because no Democrat has won a Senate seat in Kansas since 1932. That 94-year streak of one-party dominance is the nation’s longest.

Pentagon issues memo banning use of nonpublic info in betting markets

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reiterating that troops cannot use “nonpublic information” to make bets on prediction markets.

“Our enemies watch movements in these markets,” Hegseth wrote in a memo dated Tuesday and reviewed by The Associated Press. “When an American Service member, intelligence professional, or other Department civilian engages in a financial transaction on a military outcome, they create a signal.”

The document stressed that troops are forbidden from using both classified and nonpublic unclassified information to make trades on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi.

It says violators could be subject to both administrative punishment as well as criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or federal law.

In April, U.S. Special Forces soldier involved in the military operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was charged with using classified information about the mission to win more than $400,000 on Polymarket.

The memo was reported earlier by CBS News.

Trump says Starlink service is once again running at full-speed for Ukraine

The president, during a gaggle with reporters before departing for a campaign rally, confirmed that the military version of the Starlink satellite service offered by SpaceX is once again working at optimal speeds for Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that SpaceX founder Elon Musk agreed to lift restrictions on Starlink for Ukraine. Trump demurred when asked if he requested Musk to lift the cap.

“You know whether I called or whether somebody else called doesn’t make any difference,” Trump said. “I guess the bottom line, he put it back.”

The speed restriction disrupted front-line operations and left Ukraine more exposed to Russia’s jet-powered Shahed drones, which fly at more than 400 kph (250 mph).

State Dept renews several suspended fellowship programs designed to diversify the diplomatic corps

The State Department is renewing three fellowship programs designed to diversify the ranks of the U.S. foreign service that had been partially or fully suspended last year amid deep cuts to the diplomatic corps.

The department and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced Thursday that the Pickering, Rangel and Payne fellowships for graduate students wanting to pursue careers in the foreign service would return with higher stipends and living expense payments than had been previously offered.

The suspension of the programs -- named for six-time ambassador Thomas Pickering and the late former congressmen Charles Rangel and Donald Payne – had been criticized by many in Congress.

The fellowships will resume at a lower level of enrollment and it was not immediately clear from the department’s statements if the criteria for acceptance had substantially changed from those in the past.

Attorney General plans for more voting lawsuits like one against California

Todd Blanche was referring to a lawsuit the administration filed to force Los Angeles County to set aside ballots from 20,000 people across California that the Trump administration says may not be citizens. California officials say that’s impossible at this late date and that their quick checks have shown many appear to indeed be citizens.

Blanche said there may be similar cases in other states. “Whether we’re going to do something before the election, I don’t want to get ahead of the civil lawyers working on those cases,” he added after an appearance in Virginia.

Reporters asked the Attorney General whether the Department of Justice would challenge certification of the election. Blanche said that, while he couldn’t say such a thing could never happen, “it is not DOJ’s intention to and it’s never our intention to improperly interfere with elections or the state certification process.”

Elections official in Arizona’s largest county is sued to restore eligibility for voters wrongly classified as noncitizens

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, both Democrats, filed the lawsuit. They claim Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, a Republican, is refusing to restore voting eligibility to 25 people who investigators have determined are U.S. citizens.

Heap initially suspected them of being noncitizens and revoked their eligibility.

The complaint says that unless those affected have their voter registration status restored immediately, they risk being denied the right to vote in this year’s midterm elections.

In a statement issued Thursday, Heap said his office has been “trying to restore these voters for weeks” but has been denied the proper documentation to do so by Mayes and the county attorney.

The Trump administration and some Republican officials have prioritized finding noncitizens on state voter rolls this year, but many people initially flagged in those investigations have turned out to be U.S. citizens

Trump backs Vivek Ramaswamy on controversial ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for Ohio governor, should keep running a controversial ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton, posting on social media that it was “hitting pay dirt.”

Trump also denounced Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who criticized the ad as “deeply, deeply troubling” earlier in the day. Acton previously served in DeWine’s administration as a health official. Her mother lost custody of Acton and her brother after her husband — the children’s stepfather — was indicted for raping Acton.

“He strongly suggested that Vivek should, ‘take down the Ad,’” Trump wrote. “He probably wants a Dumocrat to win, and certainly doesn’t want someone who will do a much better job than he is capable of doing. I suggested, on the other hand, that Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!”

Hundreds turn out for Ocasio-Cortez rally with Troy Jackson in Maine

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a rally with Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson on Thursday in which hundreds of attendees cheered her calls to expand healthcare and get the U.S. out of Iran.

Ocasio-Cortez is stumping for progressive candidates in the run-up to the midterm elections. Jackson is running against five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He and Ocasio-Cortez dedicated a lot of the event to calls for changing America’s priorities from foreign conflicts to domestic cost of living issues.

Ocasio-Cortez said the nation’s spending priorities are leaving working people behind by focusing on war.

“How are we going to afford Iran, how are we are going afford Gaza, when our people back home can’t eat, can’t afford healthcare, can’t afford to build a bridge to get to work,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

Jackson also took a jab at Collins for appearing with retired Sen. Joe Manchin, a former Democrat who became an independent, in Lewiston on Wednesday.

US slaps travel bans on 61 current and former Bolivian and Colombian officials, judges and lawmakers over alleged narcoterrorism

The Trump administration has hit 61 current and former Bolivian and Colombian officials, judges and lawmakers and their families with travel bans for alleged corruption and narcotrafficking.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday he had taken the step to further efforts by the U.S., Colombia and Bolivia to crack down on drug trafficking throughout the Western Hemisphere. The sanctions will revoke any current visas those targeted may hold and deny any future applications.

They apply to 40 Bolivians, including two sitting members of parliament, a former attorney general and a number of judicial and police officials, and 21 Colombians, including a current mayor and several former lawmakers.

Rubio said the sanctions target foreign nationals “who, through corruption or narcotrafficking activities, undermine democratically elected governments in our hemisphere -- regardless of their political affiliation.”

Darline Graham says ‘private conversation’ needed to discuss Trump’s waiver of Russia sanctions bill

The South Carolina Republican senator says that’s what it will take to express her thoughts to the president about his waiver of the bill named for her late brother, Lindsey Graham.

Trump campaigned in the state for Darline Graham on Wednesday, as she seeks a full term replacing her brother.

She rode back to Washington with the president afterward “because I was asked to” but told reporters Thursday in Columbia that she didn’t bring up the waiver because “there were other people on the plane,” adding, “That’s a private conversation.”

Graham helped ensure Senate passage of the sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, which Trump signed into law but paused last week. On Saturday, she said she intended to discuss Trump’s decision, with which she disagreed.

Top MAHA adviser resigns from Trump administration

Calley Means, a top Make America Healthy Again adviser to the Trump administration, has resigned from his role just days ahead of the midterm elections.

Means said he “leaves with tremendous respect” for Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure.

“The past two years have seen historic policy and cultural change to confront the chronic disease crisis and healthcare incentives that profit from us being sick,” he said. “This movement is in the first inning and just getting started.”

Means was hired as a White House adviser early in the second Trump administration. He used that perch to attack the nation’s leading physician groups, federal agencies and government scientists, claiming they only protect their own interests in the nation’s $4.9 trillion-a-year industry.

Vance leads prayer after person appears to collapse at Nebraska rally

Vice President JD Vance stopped his speech and led the audience in prayer after a person in the risers behind him appeared to collapse on Thursday.

As emergency workers responded during a rally in North Platte, Neb., Vance asked those “who are of the praying type” to join him in prayer. Vance, a Catholic, crossed himself and recited the Lord’s Prayer as some in the crowd folded their hands and joined him. Vance also asked his staff to send a doctor.

“Always in moments like this, I try to pray as the Lord taught us to pray,” Vance said.

After the prayer, Vance walked into the risers and knelt down as the person was being helped. He later returned to the podium to finish his remarks.

Trump rails against LeBron James after NBA star did warm-ups during national anthem

President Donald Trump on Thursday accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States after the NBA star appeared to continue his warm-ups while the national anthem was performed before Philadelphia’s season opener on Tuesday.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump said of James in a social media post sharing the video. “LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot as The Star-Spangled Banner was performed at Tuesday’s game in New York. James, starting his first season with Philadelphia, was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.

Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes.

Judge orders Trump to sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC by Dec. 11

The order came as the BBC’s lawyers complained that Trump had delayed his appearance. Attorney Charles Tobin said that, with two months left in the discovery period, “We still haven’t been able to depose the plaintiff.”

He noted there was an agreed-upon date of Oct. 16, but Trump canceled it for a “matter of national importance.” Tobin said Trump was in fact campaigning in Georgia.

“He was participating in party politics and prioritized that over sitting for the deposition,” Tobin said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett said Trump must sit for a deposition by Dec. 11, or face sanctions up to dismissal of his lawsuit — unless the discovery period was extended past Dec. 18.

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Vance hints at US coordination with Musk on Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine

The Trump administration has faced numerous questions about interruptions to the Elon Musk-made satellite internet system that Ukraine has relied on to counter Russian attacks.

In Cincinnati on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance was asked about Musk’s involvement in the slowdown of Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine and whether it warranted an investigation.

“I think that fundamentally, Elon Musk runs a private corporation,” Vance told reporters. “And I think it’s completely understandable that he doesn’t want to get in the middle of what is a war between two state actors without the United States government effectively directing him on what to do.”

Vance continued: “So I don’t think this is about Elon. I think it’s fundamentally what is America’s policy in Ukraine and Russia going to be.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, have said this week that the U.S. didn’t order or direct any throttling of network access in Ukraine.

Ocasio-Cortez to campaign with Maine Senate candidate Jackson

Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is in Maine on Thursday to campaign for Democrat Troy Jackson, whose Senate bid is critical for the party to take control of the chamber.

Jackson is running against five-term incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. She campaigned with retired former Democratic-turned-independent Sen. Joe Manchin in the state on Wednesday.

Ocasio-Cortez’s event with Jackson is at a theater in Portland on Thursday and is billed as a “Students vs. Billionaires” town hall.

Ocasio-Cortez has also campaigned for Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for Senate in Michigan, another state that's key to Democrats’ efforts to flip the Senate.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine denounces Ramaswamy ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother

Ohio’s governor has denounced a controversial ad featuring the estranged mother of Dr. Amy Acton, taking sides with the Democratic candidate for governor and former member of his Cabinet over her Republican rival, Vivek Ramaswamy.

At a gaggle with reporters at the Statehouse in Columbus, DeWine called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling.”

“It’s wrong to run this ad,” he said. “I would urge Ramaswamy’s campaign to take this down.”

DeWine’s remarks place him at odds with Ramaswamy, whom he has endorsed. The biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate has taken responsibility for the 60-second video, which has drawn bipartisan rebukes, and is spending $4 million to broadcast it online and on TV.

Vance tells Republicans to not ride the pollercoaster

The vice president laid out concerns about horserace polling and urged Republicans to tune them out because it could dampen enthusiasm among Trump voters.

“Obviously, you never know what the final outcome is going to be,” Vance told reporters on Thursday in Cincinnati, adding: “it’s important for everybody to remember that sometimes these polls actually have this, this demotivating effect on our voters.”

He cited some polls in the 2020 and 2024 presidential races that turned out to be highly inaccurate.

“But I talk to people, and I do think they have the effect of demotivating our voters, which is why I encourage people: ignore the polls, run like we’re down, and try to make the best case that we can,” Vance said. “Eventually, of course, the American people make the decision.”

A top Democratic state senator from Virginia is charged with drug trafficking and money laundering, Justice Department says

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state’s most powerful Democrats, was charged on Thursday in connection with what federal authorities alleged was a role leading a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds.

An indictment unsealed on Thursday charged Lucas and six other defendants, including several of her relatives, the Department of Justice said in a statement ahead of a news conference scheduled for 10 a.m.

Lucas surrendered on Thursday, a Justice Department spokesperson said.

The charges came after the FBI searched Lucas’ hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she has a stake in May. At the time of the search, the 82-year-old Lucas — who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration — characterized it as an attempt to intimidate her.

“This is the circus we always expected it to be, and we will wait for further details to have a more specific response,” said Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund.

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