Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 306

Horoscopes Nov. 4, 2024: Matthew McConaughey, don’t limit what you can achieve

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Taylor Tomlinson, 31; Matthew McConaughey, 55; Ralph Macchio, 63; Kathy Griffin, 64.

Happy Birthday: Set goals, press play and continue until you get the desired results. A positive spin, creativity and accumulating information will encourage confidence and success. Sign up for lectures that offer insight into your options, and you will come up with a unique plan and path forward. Don’t limit what you can achieve or let anyone deter you from following your dream. Dig in and flourish. Your numbers are 4, 12, 23, 29, 32, 38, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Tune in to what’s happening around you. Observation and conversation will turn into an opportunity that can change your life forever. Refrain from putting off what you can do now; the momentum you muster up will lead to success. Physical and emotional changes will boost your morale. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep tabs on your expenditures. Impress people with your wisdom, ability to transition from one thing to another and hands-on approach to getting things done on time. Solidify your position, join forces with someone you admire and commit wholeheartedly to whatever you believe. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Agree only to the changes that benefit you. Distance yourself from anyone putting pressure on you to do something that can compromise your position, budget or reputation. Open a dialogue that encourages addressing issues that can come back to haunt you. Clear the air, breathe easy and follow through. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Embrace freedom and use your ingenuity to recognize what’s available and works best for you. Be open about what you want and how you plan to make your dreams come true. Enjoy the ride and establish a foundation that best supports your talents, budget and time frame. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your energy behind your ideas. Go where the action is and step into the spotlight. An aggressive and colorful display will draw attention and encourage positive contributions from people eager to help you reach your goals. Networking events will open doors, and personal gain looks promising. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your thoughts to yourself. Someone will be eager to use what you reveal against you. Dig in and work behind the scenes, perfecting your goals. Dedication and loyalty will bring the highest returns. A meeting, business trip or conference will help determine your next move. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stop procrastinating and start the ball rolling. If you hesitate, you’ll miss out on an opportunity or lose the right to decide for yourself. Embrace life, offer your insight and let your charm, intelligence and connections carry you forward. Be proactive; weakness will attract scammers, liars and cheaters. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A positive transformation will attract attention. Revamping your approach to life, updating your style and appearance, and using your insight to achieve financial gains are all doable if you focus on what you want. Rely on intuition when dealing with negative influences or people trying to derail your progress. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Invest time, talent and money in yourself and what you want to pursue. Take your time; display your skills, reach out to people who show interest or have something to contribute and explore the possibilities of a partnership. Go through the proper channels, and choose a signature over a handshake. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Size up situations and make changes that follow the path that leads to peace of mind. Distance yourself from anyone who doesn’t give back or tries to take advantage of you. Truth and trust matter; stick to those you feel comfortable dealing with, but refrain from sharing secrets. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): An open mind will become the portal to something exciting. Get involved in events that offer insights into a new approach that encourages you to to turn your findings into something unique to you, your situation and your prospects. The possibilities are endless, and love is on the rise. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take a step back, adjust your position and rethink your path. Let go of what’s draining you and embrace what offers peace of mind. Distance yourself from poor influences, indulgent behavior and anyone using emotional manipulation to take advantage of you. Choose to put yourself first. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are entertaining, generous and opportunistic. You are artistic and persuasive.1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Harris, Obamas and voting rights leaders work to turn out Black voters in run-up to Election Day

By MATT BROWN and FREIDA FRISARO, Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — Concerts and carnivals hosted at polling precincts. “Souls to the Polls” mobilizations after Sunday service. And star-studded rallies featuring Hollywood actors, business leaders, musical artists and activists.

Such seemingly disparate efforts all have a single goal: boost Black voter turnout ahead of Election Day.

How Black communities turn out in the 2024 election has been scrutinized due to the pivotal role Black voters have played in races for the White House, Congress and state legislatures across the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who if elected would be the second Black president, has made engaging Black voters a priority of her messaging and policy platform. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump has sought to make inroads with Democrats’ most consistent voting bloc with unorthodox and at times controversial outreach.

A poll worker assists a motorist out of the path the crowd as they marched and sang to the polls during the “Souls to the Polls” event on the last day of early voting on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Miami. (Carl Juste/Miami Herald via AP)

A key strategy in Harris and Democrats’ Black voter outreach includes dispatching the first Black president and his wife, the former first lady, to battleground states where winning may come down to how well the Obamas convince ambivalent or apathetic voters that they must not sit this one out.

Democratic efforts have ranged from vigorous door-knocking campaigns in Atlanta, Detroit and Philadelphia this weekend to swing state rallies. Michelle Obama rallied voters in Norristown, Pennsylvania on Saturday alongside Grammy award-winning artist Alicia Keys while Barack Obama stumped in Milwaukee on Sunday. The former first lady also conducted her own scrupulously nonpartisan rally on Tuesday where speakers evoked the South’s Civil Rights history.

“I’m always amazed at how little so many people really understand just how profoundly elections impact our daily lives,” Michelle Obama said. “Because that’s really what your vote is, it is your chance to tell folks in power what you want.”

Voters and attendees gather around for t-shirts in support of the Harris-Walz ticket at the Joseph Caleb Center during the “Souls to the Polls” event on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, the last day of early voting in Miami. (Carl Juste/Miami Herald via AP)

Efforts to boost Black voter turnout often start at the community level. In Miami, members of local churches gathered Sunday at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center and marched to a nearby early voting center as part of a Souls to the Polls event.

“It helps a lot to encourage others to vote,” said Regina Tharpe, a Miami resident. She had voted earlier, but said people “get excited when they see us walking down the street. It encourages them to get out.”

Sharina Perez, a first-time voter, brought her mother, Celina DeJesus, to vote on the last day of early voting in Florida. She said a number of issues inspired her to vote. “It was for myself, my future, my mom’s future and for the younger generation,” she said.

Miami-Dade residents wait in line to vote at the Joseph Caleb Center during the “Souls to the Polls” event on the last day of early voting Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Miami. (Carl Juste/Miami Herald via AP)

Organizers focused on Black communities say they are often combating exhaustion and cynicism about politics, especially among younger Black voters and Black men. But they are cautiously optimistic that their efforts will bear fruit.

“If you want the people who are going to be most impacted to come out, you have to go where they are,” said Jamarr Brown, executive director of Color of Change PAC, whose campaigns aimed at Black voters included live events in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The group has reached more than 8 million voters in those states through text messaging and digital in the last month, he said.

”We’ve been going to those precincts and communities, those new platforms and websites where there is so often misinformation targeting our communities,” Brown said.

Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Other events have had a more free-flowing structure. The Detroit Pistons, for instance, hosted a “Pistonsland” festival in a majority Black neighborhood featuring musical performances from rappers including Lil Baby, carnival games, food trucks and other fanfare alongside the opportunity to cast a ballot. The nonpartisan carnival was constructed next to an early voting polling place.

“I don’t like neither one,” said Karl Patrick, a Detroit native who attended the festival. He strongly backed Harris, however, “because Trump wants to be a dictator.” Not all of his close friends had come to the same conclusion — at least one of his friends was fervently backing the former president, he said.

Black voters are the most overwhelmingly Democratic voting demographic in the country. But the Trump campaign has made a more concerted pitch to win a greater share of Black voters this year, particularly Black men.

A first-time voter cheers before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Trump campaign has similarly zeroed in on economic arguments. Trump has repeatedly argued that undocumented immigrants take “Black jobs,” despite economists finding the claim unfounded. The campaign believes the former president’s broader pitch on the economy, crime and traditional values has appeal in Black communities.

“If Kamala wanted to turn our country around, then she would do it now,” said Janiyah Thomas, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign. “We deserve more than token gestures — we deserve a leader who respects us, empowers us, and backs it up with action.”

GOP Reps. Byron Donalds and Wesley Hunt have emerged as key surrogates in Trump’s outreach to Black men. The campaign hosted a Black men’s barbershop roundtable with Donalds in Philadelphia in October. The Black Conservative Federation, which hosted a gala Trump attended earlier this year, held a “closing argument” event Sunday with Donalds and Hunt.

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Millions of Black voters, like many Americans, have already cast a ballot in the election, including in Georgia and North Carolina.

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia, spoke about that state’s turnout at a Tuesday brunch and bus tour launch hosted by the Black Music Action Coalition.

“The truth of the matter is that Trump has been advising his people who always vote on Election Day to get out early. So they’re the ones that are making these numbers look so big. On our behalf, Black people, we have been slightly underperforming,” Johnson said.

Early Black voter turnout slightly lagged in North Carolina compared to 2020, though increased turnout at the close of early voting shrunk the gap. Whether Black voter turnout breaks records in 2020 hinges on Election Day. Many veteran Black leaders are confident the myriad strategies will bring voters out.

“Now obviously, there’s always a group of people who still don’t believe that their vote makes a difference and they lag behind,” said the Rev. Wendell Anthony, a Detroit pastor and the president of the city’s NAACP chapter. But so far, he added, “the indicators to us are such that those people are going to turn out. They’re not going to miss this this historic moment.”

Matt Brown reported from Wilmington, Delaware. Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Jeff Amy in Atlanta contributed.

SF Giants’ Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey win Gold Glove Awards

Since becoming the Giants’ president of baseball operations, Buster Posey has constantly stressed his desire to build a fundamentally sound team — a team that plays “strong defense.” Zack Minasian, the team’s new general manager, sang a similar tune during his introductory press conference.

As Posey and Minasian begin building next year’s team, they won’t have to look far for two of baseball’s best defenders.

Third baseman Matt Chapman and catcher Patrick Bailey were both named Gold Glove Award winners on Sunday, the first time the Giants have had multiple recipients in a single season since Posey, second baseman Joe Panik and shortstop Brandon Crawford all captured the hardware in 2016. They are the first Giants to receive the award since Crawford in 2021.

“It means a lot,” Chapman said. “(Nolan Arenado) dominated the National League for a long time. Ke’Bryan Hayes won it last year. A lot of really good defensive third basemen are stacked in the National League. I was able to come over here and win it. I thought that was pretty cool to be able to get one in the American League and the National League.”

Added Bailey: “It’s something I take a lot of pride in. I was obviously a little frustrated not getting it last year, but I got to work and wanted to improve in all aspects and was just really excited to be able to win it this year.”

Mike Yastrzemski was a finalist for the Gold Glove in right field, but the award went to the Brewers’ Sal Frelick. Fremont’s Steven Kwan won his third Gold Glove Award, having taken home the hardware in each of his first three major-league seasons.

For Chapman, who signed a six-year, $151 million extension with San Francisco in September, this marks the fifth Gold Glove of his career, three of which he won with the A’s. The 31-year-old’s defensive résumé also features two Platinum Glove Awards, three Fielding Bible Awards and 109 defensive runs saved, the most by any position player since he made his debut.

For Bailey, arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball, this is the first time in his young career that he has won the gold. The 25-year-old becomes the fourth catcher in Giants history to win the award, joining Posey (2015), Mike Matheney (2004) and Kirt Manwaring (1993).

Given the publicly available defensive metrics, Chapman and Bailey were both the strongest candidates to win at their respective positions.

Chapman led all third basemen in defensive runs saved (17) and was tied with the Brewers’ Joey Ortiz for the most outs above average (11). Bailey, a finalist last year, caught 19 runners attempting to steal second base (most in the NL) in 64 attempts.

He led all defenders in fielding run value (22), as well as all catchers in defensive runs saved (20) and catcher framing runs (16). His pop time of 1.85 seconds was tied with the Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto and the White Sox’s Korey Lee for the best in baseball, and he finished second in caught stealing above average (nine).

When Bailey and Chapman were asked if there was a notable play that the other executed, Bailey quickly pointed to Chapman’s game-saving defensive gem against the Mets in Queens. Chapman couldn’t think of a specific play for his backstop, but spoke generally of Bailey’s ability to throw out runners.

“Watching his quick transfer and his ability to pick balls like he’s a middle infielder and throw guys out at second base, it’s so fun to watch,” Chapman said. “I’m always excited when guys take off to second base and watch Patrick get to throw them out.”

While the Giants boast two of baseball’s best fielders, their defense, as a whole, stands to improve.

Last year, San Francisco’s outfielders combined for -16 defensive runs saved (27th) and -19 outs above average (29th). Those numbers stand to improve when Jung Hoo Lee, limited to 37 games due to a season-ending left shoulder injury in May, returns to patrol center field.

Along with the outfield, Giants shortstops collectively finished with -11 defensive runs saved and -3 outs above average, but they could quickly improve that unit if they manage to sign Willy Adames or Ha-Seong Kim in free agency.

“Obviously, Buster’s pretty busy right now with the hiring of the GM. There’s a lot on his plate, but I told him I’d be as involved as they’d like me to be,” Chapman said. “I want what’s best for this team and that’s going to take bringing guys in, whether that’s trading for guys or signing guys. Whatever it is, I’m all on board. I signed up here because I really enjoy the guys here and enjoy the staff we have and I think that we can win here. So, I’m going to do whatever I can to help bring guys here and help win.”

Federal judge lets Iowa keep challenging voter rolls although naturalized citizens may be affected

By JOHN HANNA, SCOTT McFETRIDGE and MICHAEL GOLDBERG, Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge ruled Sunday that Iowa can continue challenging the validity of hundreds of ballots from potential noncitizens even though critics said the effort threatens the voting rights of people who’ve recently become U.S. citizens.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher, an appointee of President Joe Biden, sided with the state in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in the Iowa capital of Des Moines on behalf of the League of Latin American Citizens of Iowa and four recently naturalized citizens. The four were on the state’s list of questionable registrations to be challenged by local elections officials.

The state’s Republican attorney general and secretary of state argued that investigating and potentially removing 2,000 names would prevent illegal voting by noncitizens. GOP officials across the U.S. have made possible voting by noncitizen immigrants a key election-year talking point even though it is rare. Their focus has come with former President Donald Trump falsely suggesting that his opponents already are committing fraud to prevent his return to the White House.

In his ruling Sunday, Locher pointed to a U.S. Supreme Court decision four days prior that allowed Virginia to resume a similar purge of its voter registration rolls even though it was impacting some U.S. citizens. He also cited the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to review a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on state electoral laws surrounding provisional ballots. Those Supreme Court decisions advise lower courts to “act with great caution before awarding last-minute injunctive relief,” he wrote.

Locher also said the state’s effort does not remove anyone from the voter rolls, but rather requires some voters to use provisional ballots.

In a statement on Sunday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, celebrated the ruling.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for election integrity,” Reynolds said. “In Iowa, while we encourage all citizens to vote, we will enforce the law and ensure those votes aren’t cancelled out by the illegal vote of a non-citizen.”

A spokesperson for the ACLU said the organization did not immediately have a comment.

After Locher had a hearing in the ACLU’s lawsuit Friday, Secretary of State Paul Pate and state Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a statement saying that Iowa had about 250 noncitizens registered to vote, but the Biden administration wouldn’t provide data about them.

Pate told reporters last month that his office was forced to rely upon a list of potential noncitizens from the Iowa Department of Transportation. It named people who registered to vote or voted after identifying themselves as noncitizens living in the U.S. legally when they previously sought driver’s licenses.

“Today’s court victory is a guarantee for all Iowans that their votes will count and not be canceled out by illegal votes,” Bird said in the statement issued after Sunday’s decision.

But ACLU attorneys said Iowa officials were conceding that most of the people on the list are eligible to vote and shouldn’t have been included. They said the state was violating naturalized citizens’ voting rights by wrongfully challenging their registrations and investigating them if they cast ballots.

Pate issued his directive Oct. 22, only two weeks before the Nov. 5 election, and ACLU attorneys argued that federal law prohibits such a move so close to Election Day.

“It’s very clear that the secretary of state understands that this list consists primarily or entirely of U.S. citizens who have exactly the same fundamental core right to vote as the rest of us citizen Iowa voters,” Rita Bettis Austen, the legal director of the ACLU of Iowa, said during a Zoom briefing for reporters after the hearing.

The people on the state’s list of potential noncitizens may have become naturalized citizens after their statements to the Department of Transportation.

Pate’s office told county elections officials to challenge their ballots and have them cast provisional ballots instead. That would leave the decision of whether they will be counted to local officials upon further review, with voters having seven days to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship.

In his ruling, Locher wrote that Pate backed away from some of his original hardline positions at an earlier court hearing. Pate’s attorney said the Secretary of State is no longer aiming to require local election officials to challenge the votes of each person on his list or force voters on the list to file provisional ballots even when they have proven citizenship at a polling place.

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Federal law and states already make it illegal for noncitizens to vote, and the first question on Iowa’s voter registration form asks whether a person is a U.S. citizen. The form also requires potential voters to sign a statement saying they are citizens, warning them that if they lie, they can be convicted of a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Locher’s ruling also came after a federal judge had halted a similar program in Alabama challenged by civil rights groups and the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony from state officials in that case showed that roughly 2,000 of the more than 3,200 voters who were made inactive were actually legally registered citizens.

In Iowa’s case, noncitizens who are registered are potentially only a tiny fraction of the state’s 2.2 million registered voters.

But Locher wrote that it appears to be undisputed that some portion of the names on Pate’s list are registered voters who are not U.S. citizens. Even if that portion is small, an injunction effectively would force local election officials to let ineligible voters cast ballots, he added.

Democrats and Republicans have been engaged in a sprawling legal fight over this year’s election for months. Republicans have filed dozens of lawsuits challenging various aspects of vote-casting after being chastised repeatedly by judges in 2020 for bringing complaints about how the election was run only after votes were tallied. Democrats have their own team of dozens of staffers fighting GOP cases.

Immigrants gain citizenship through a process called naturalization, which includes establishing residency, proving knowledge of basic American history and institutions as well as taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas, and Goldberg, from Minneapolis.

In dash across Michigan, Harris contrasts optimism with Trump’s rhetoric without uttering his name

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, ISABELLA VOLMERT and BILL BARROW, Associated Press

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Two days out from Election Day, Kamala Harris dashed through four stops across battleground Michigan on Sunday without uttering Donald Trump’s name, while urging voters not to fooled by the GOP nominee’s disparagement of the electoral system that he falsely claims is rigged against him.

The vice president said she trusts the upcoming vote tally and urged voters, “in particular people who have not yet voted to not fall for this tactic, which I think includes suggesting to people that if they vote, their vote won’t matter.”

At a Michigan State University rally, Harris got a rousing response when she asked who had already voted and then gave students another job – to encourage their friends to cast ballots in a state that allows Election Day voter registration.

And instead of her usual speech riffs about Trump being unstable, unhinged and out for unchecked power, Harris sought to contrast her optimistic tone with the darker message of the Republican opponent she did not name.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two as she departs Oakland County International Airport in Waterford Township, Mich., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, en route to Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

It was all in service of trying to boost her standing in one of the Democratic “blue wall” states in the Midwest considered her smoothest potential path to an Electoral College majority.

“We have an opportunity in this election to finally turn the page on a decade of politics driven by fear and division,” she said in a oblique reference to Trump. “We are done with that. We are exhausted with that. America is ready for a fresh start, ready for a new way forward where we see our fellow American not as an enemy, but as a neighbor.”

Harris also avoided direct mention of Trump during her 11-minute morning talk at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ. But her comments nonetheless served as a clear juxtaposition with the Republican nominee.

“There are those who seek to deepen division, sow hate, spread fear and cause chaos,” she said. She spoke at the same time Trump was in Pennsylvania declaring the U.S. a “failed nation” and saying that he “shouldn’t have left” the White House after the 2020 election, which he denies losing to Democrat Joe Biden.

As Trump referred to Harris’ party as “demonic,” Harris quoted the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah and told her friendly audience she saw ready to “chart a new way forward.”

Addressing what was a largely student crowd in East Lansing, Harris promised to seek consensus.

“I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy,” she said. “In fact, I’ll give them a seat at the table because that’s what strong leaders do.””

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks to board Air Force Two as she departs Oakland County International Airport in Waterford Township, Mich., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, en route to Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

That was enough for Alexis Plonka, a Michigan State junior who will be voting in her first presidential election. Plonka, who said she has family members who support Trump, applauded the vice president for not referencing the former president directly.

“I think one of the things that turns people off from Trump a lot is the fact that he is so against people that don’t agree with him and that he’s not willing to work with them,” she said.

The approach reflects the wide net Harris has cast since taking the Democratic Party mantle in July after 81-year-old President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid. Casting Trump as erratic and unfit for office, she has attracted supporters ranging from progressive champion Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez of New York to Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Still, Harris is looking to capitalize on core Democratic constituencies — including young voters like those she addressed at Michigan State — in part by emphasizing her support for abortion rights and Trump’s role in ending a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. One of the loudest cheers she received in East Lansing on Sunday evening came when she declared that government should not tell women what to do with their bodies.

Speaking to reporters Sunday afternoon, Harris pushed back at Trump’s characterizations of U.S. elections, charges that the former president elevated again as he campaigned in Pennsylvania. Harris said his latest comments were “meant to distract from the fact that we have and support free and fair elections in our country.” Those “good systems” were in place in 2020, Harris said, and “he lost.”

Harris used her last Michigan swing to acknowledge progressives and members of the state’s significant population of Arab Americans who are angry at the Biden administration for its continuation of the U.S. alliance with Israel as the Netanyahu government presses its war against Hamas in Gaza.

“I have been very clear that the level of death of innocent Palestinians is unconscionable,” Harris told reporters.

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In East Lansing, she addressed the issue soon after beginning her remarks: “As president I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure and ensure the Palestinian people can realize their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination.”

Some students in East Lansing voiced their opposition Sunday with audible calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. At least one attendee was escorted out after those cease-fire calls.

After attending church in Detroit, Harris greeted customers and picked up lunch at Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles, where she had collard greens at the Detroit restaurant owned by former Detroit Lions player Ron Bartell, a Detroit native. Later, Harris stopped by Elam Barber Shop, a Black-owned business in Pontiac, where she took part in a moderated conversation with local leaders and Black men.

As she returned to Detroit at the end of the day, Harris hopped on a Zoom call from the airport tarmac with “Win With Black Women,” the group that jumped into action for her on the night she first joined the race. Harris thanked the women for their organizing work and urged them to make one final push to “mobilize our Facebook groups, our family group chats and everyone we know” to turn out the vote.

Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, is critical to Harris’ fortunes. Barack Obama swept the region in 2008 and 2012. But Trump flipped Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in 2016, prompting considerable criticism from Democrats who said nominee Hillary Clinton took the states for granted. Biden returned the three to the Democrats’ column in 2020.

Losing any of the three would put pressure on Harris to notch victories among the four Sun Belt battleground states: North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada.

Barrow reported from Washington.

Warriors star Steph Curry making progress toward return from ankle injury

WASHINGTON D.C. — Steph Curry got upgraded from out to questionable on the Warriors’ official injury report, signaling a return to the court is near.

Whether he gets back on the court for Monday’s matchup with the Wizards or later this road trip will be determined soon.

At the team’s optional practice at Georgetown on Sunday, head coach Steve Kerr didn’t tip his hand as to whether his superstar point guard will return for the Wizards tilt. Curry got re-evaluated on Sunday and participated in practice.

“He looks good, but it’s all about how he feels after the workout tomorrow, so we’ll see,” Kerr said.

Curry has missed the past three games with a left ankle sprain — officially listed as a left peroneal strain. He injured his ankle in Golden State’s loss to the Clippers — the team’s only defeat so far this season. First, he rolled his ankle fighting through a screen. After exiting the game and stretching it out with a band on the bench, he immediately re-rolled it while trying to set a pick.

In three games played this year, Curry is averaging 18.3 points, 6.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

The Warriors are 3-0 in Curry’s absence, including a thrilling win on Saturday night in Houston.

“The last few years, we probably wouldn’t win those types of games,” Kevon Looney said at practice on Sunday.

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Golden State has already matched their win total in games without Curry from last year, when it went 3-5 with its superstar sidelined. Kerr has reiterated that he believes this group is much more capable of withstanding absences to its best players, including Curry, because of its depth.

Although everyone within the team would rather have Curry healthy and available the Warriors take great pride in competing without him.

“If I’m honest, we’re all sick and tired of hearing that (expletive),” Green said after the win over Houston. “Steph is Steph, and we all know that. But, for some reason, when Steph’s out, everybody acts like we can’t play. We’re all so sick of it. And there’s been added motivation to win these three. If you think that hasn’t been mentioned, you’re out of your mind. We’re all NBA players, we’re All-Stars, first-round picks, you name it. And for some reason, every time Steph goes out, everybody acts like, ‘Oh man, the world has collapsed.’”

The world didn’t collapse for the 5-1 Warriors without Curry. And now a tough stretch against the Wizards, Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder could include him back in the fold.

Local football standings: Pacific Coast Athletic League

Pacific Coast Athletic League

Gabilan Division

y-Soquel (7-2), 5-0

yy-Salinas (7-2), 4-1

yy-Monterey (5-4), 4-2

Aptos (5-4), 2-3

Alvarez (3-6), 1-4

Palma (4-5), 1-4

Hollister (4-5), 1-4

Friday’s games

Soquel 34, Salinas 14

Monterey 27, Palma 20

Alvarez 24. Hollister 10

Bye: Aptos

y-clinched share of league title

yy-clinched playoff spot

Mission Division North

y-North County (6-3), 4-1

Alisal (4-5), 3-2

Monte Vista (5-4), 3-2

St. Francis (6-3), 3-2

Scotts Valley (3-6), 2-3

Watsonville (4-5), 2-3

Seaside (1-8), 1-5

Saturday’s games

North County 34, St. Francis 26

Monte Vista 50, Seaside 7

Watsonville 33, Alisal 26

Bye: Scotts Valley

y-clinched share of league title

Mission Division South

y-Carmel (9-0), 5-0

yy-North Salinas (7-3), 5-1

Soledad (5-4), 3-2

Pacific Grove (6-3), 3-2

King City (4-5), 2-3

Greenfield (2-7), 0-5

Rancho San Juan (0-9), 0-5

Friday’s games

Pacific Grove 35, Rancho San Juan 0

Carmel 31, Greenfield 7

Saturday’s game

North Salinas 19, Soledad 7

Bye: King City

y-clinched share of league title

yy-clinched a playoff spot

Santa Lucia Division

y-Stevenson (6-2), 5-0

San Lorenzo Valley (8-1), 4-1

Pajaro Valley (4-5), 3-2

Gonzales (5-4), 3-2

Santa Cruz (2-8), 2-4

Marina (2-7), 1-4

Harbor (1-8), 0-5

Friday’s games

Santa Cruz 35, Harbor 26

Gonzales 42, Marina 13

Saturday’s game

Stevenson 24, San Lorenzo Valley 14

Bye: Pajaro Valley

y-clinched share of league title

 

Horoscopes Nov. 3, 2024: Colin Kaepernick, build your future around your needs

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Elizabeth Smart, 37; Gemma Ward, 37; Colin Kaepernick, 37; Dolph Lundgren, 67.

Happy Birthday: Solidify your plans and forge ahead with optimism. Trust your instincts instead of relying on others’ opinions. Take the initiative, build your future around your needs and make changes that promote happiness. You have plenty to look forward to if you take the best path and leave nothing to chance. You are your best asset and marketeer; promote who you are, what you can do and what you want in return. Your numbers are 3, 11, 17, 25, 34, 41, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Get up and get moving. You’ll accomplish plenty with forward-thinking and using your skills diversely. Reunite with old friends or travel somewhere that inspires and encourages you to expand your interests. Opportunity knocks; it’s up to you to take advantage of whatever comes your way. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll discover something about yourself and where you are heading if you put your energy into something you enjoy doing. The results you get and the compliments you receive will help you redefine what you can offer for a price. Don’t sell yourself short. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Unusual people, places and forms of entertainment will capture your attention. Be careful not to indulge or make promises you don’t want to keep. Listen carefully and distance yourself from anyone who is putting pressure on you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Romance is apparent. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a break, relax and avoid contact with anyone who riles you. A little time to yourself or doing something that makes you feel good about who you are will be rejuvenating and give you the positive affirmation you require to deal with negative people or situations. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sign up for something enjoyable or spend time with loved ones. Personal gain, growth and gratification are within reach if you do what brings you joy. Do what’s right and best for you, and don’t let anyone guilt trip you into something you don’t want to do. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stop, look, listen and rethink your next move. Make moderation your first choice, and you’ll avoid trouble. Pay attention to what others are going through and only offer what you can. A diversion will distance you from situations, giving you time to gain perspective and find alternative solutions. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind will lead to valuable information and an adventure. Travel, communication and learning are your ticket to new beginnings. Consider what’s important to you and how you can gain access to something that piques your interest. Use your ingenuity to make your dream a reality. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Push forward to put your goals within reach. You are significantly more influential than you realize. Trust your instincts and do what you do best. Refuse to let insecurity stand between you and what you want. Let go of what’s not working for you and replace it with something that does. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Someone will mislead you if you give them the chance. Ask questions, and you’ll dodge a bullet. Information is the key to making the best choice. Do your due diligence and follow the path that keeps you safe and secure mentally, emotionally and financially. Make your opportunities. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Only share what’s necessary. Protect your assets, possessions and reputation from anyone trying to pry into your affairs. Make last-minute changes if they will spare you from an uncomfortable situation. Soothe your soul; do something that requires high energy, competitive drive and satisfies your needs. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get out, share your thoughts and initiate opportunities. It’s up to you to explore and implement change into your routine. A social event will encourage you to meet someone new or develop a closer relationship with someone special. A new look will result in compliments and confidence. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put on the breaks when in doubt. Don’t feel you must make a snap decision or get on board with something that doesn’t fit into your plans. Say no to extravagant plans or indulgent behavior regardless of someone’s persistence. Change only what would benefit you directly. Protect and prevent loss. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are persistent, sensitive and inventive. You are adaptable and demonstrative.1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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PCAL cross country finals

Pacific Coast Athletic League cross country championships

At Palo Corona (3.01 miles)

Boys

Gabilan Division

Team scores

1. Marina 47; 2. Alisal 70; 3. Hollister 71; 4. King City 72; 5. Monte Vista 73.

Individual results

1. Gustavo Perez (Alisal) 16:59; 2. Kevin Azpeitia (Marina) 17:02; 3. Fernando Herrera (Alisal) 17:07; 4. Luis Perez (Hollister) 17:15; 5. Miguel Flores (Marina) 17:17; 6. Tarin Riner (Marina) 17:24; 7. Justin McCullick (Monte Vista) 17:34; 8. Gavin Beckmen (Monte Vista) 17:34; 9. Fernando Merino (King City) 17:37; 10. Andrew Parra (Hollister) 17:42; 11. Bradley Orlando (Monte Vista) 17:45; 12. Michael Briano (Hollister) 17:57; 13. Eduardo Bernal-Samaro (Marina) 17:58; 14. Alvaro Garcia (King City) 18:04; 15. Joaquin Arriaga (King City) 18:07.

Mission Division

Team scores

1. Salinas 53; 2. Carmel 57; 3. North County 69; 4. Stevenson 100; 5. Greenfield 112; 6. Alvarez 162; 7. Watsonville 170; 8. Gonzales 170.

Individual results

1. Mack Aldi (Carmel) 16:21; 2. Giovanni Ochoa (Gonzales) 16:45; 3. Fabian Serrano (Greenfield) 16:53; 4. Tomas Rey-Avila (Salinas) 17:13; 5. Ezekiel Sanchez (Salinas) 17:29; 6. Jasper Bolante (Carmel) 17:31; 7. Leandro Montoya (North County) 17:33; 8. Alessandro De Leo (Stevenson) 18:00; 9. Nain Garcia-Ferria (Watsonville) 18:04; 10. Arthur Abila (North County) 18:04; 11. Nicklas Weidemann (Salinas) 18:08; 12. Zachary Lander (Carmel) 18:11; 13. Timber Mearns (Carmel) 18:12; 14. Marcus Finley (Stevenson) 18:14; 15. Chris Wing (Salinas) 18:14.

Cypress Division 

Team scores

1. Pacific Grove; 2. Kirby 75; 3. Soledad 75; 4. Pacific Collegiate 75; 5. Anzar 116; 6. Oakwood 134.

Individual results
1. Antony Gabrik (Pacific Grove) 17:59; 2. Betinho Zunguze (Pacific Grove) 18:08; 3. Alexander Profumo (Pacific Collegiate) 18:54; 4. Giovanni Bravo (Soledad) 18:55; 5. Roark Anderson (Pacific Grove) 18:59; 6. Tadeo Ortiz (Pacific Grove) 19:12; 7. Shayan Bahrainy (Oakwood) 19:19; 8. Jude Holmlund (Pacific Collegiate) 19:21; 9. Mason Vergho (Kirby) 19:30; 10. Manuel Florean (Kirby) 19:42; 11. Nathan Espinoza (Soledad) 19:55; 12. Milo Nothnagle (Pacific Grove) 19:56; 13. Aidan McFarland-Walton (Pacific Grove) 20:01; 14. Jacob Valladarez (Soledad) 20:12; 15. Alon Teragawa (Kirby) 20:27.

Santa Lucia Division

Teams scores

1. Palma 45; 2. Pajaro Valley 45; 3. York 51; 4. Seaside 80.

Individual results

1. Wells Lilly (Palma) 17:25; 2. Javier Luna (North Salinas) 18:00; 3. Angel Ramirez (Seaside) 18:33; 4. Erik Michi (Pajaro Valley) 18:37; 5. Luis Martinez (Pajaro Valley) 18:39; 6. Ivan Bischoff (York) 18:59; 7. Diego Sanchez (Ceiba) 19:05; 8. Peter Stratton (York) 19:26; 9. Diego Silva-Audelo (York) 19:26; 10. Anthony Toriz (Ceiba) 19:37; 11. Emanuel Delfino (Palma) 19:38; 12. Patrick Lopez (Pajaro Valley) 19:44; 13. Hector Sanchez Figueroa (North Salinas) 20:06; 14. William Cruz-Santos (Pajaro Valley) 20:20; 15. Henry Uhl (Palma) 20:25.

Girls

Gabilan Division

Team scores

1. Alisal 44; 2. North County 56; 3. Hollister 60; 4. Rancho San Juan 79; 5. King City 108.

Individual results

1. Yaretzi Cornelio (Alisal) 20:00; 2 Nadia Anastacio (North County) 20:18; 3. Prienna Chavez (Hollister) 20:27; 4. Gabriela Cardenas (Rancho San Juan) 20:36; 5. Valeria Esqueda (Hollister) 20:59; 6. Angelica Murillo (Alisal) 21:07; 7. Eldi Covarrubias (Rancho San Juan) 21:09; 8. Valeria Pio-Pahua (North County) 21:16; 9. Ana Kaplansky (Hollister) 21:20; 10. Jasmine Jin (Carmel) 21:31; 11. Yahaira Torres (King City) 21:35; 12. Alondra Rios (Alisal) 21:54; 13. Luz Mejia-Martinez (Alisal) 22:14; 14. Victoria Ruiz (North County) 22:17; 15. Erika Castro (Alisal) 22.22.

Mission Division

Team scores

1. Salinas 41; 2. Watsonville 50; 3. Alvarez 80; 4. Monterey 102; 5. Stevenson 136; 6. Greenfield 138; 7. Marina 185; 8. Gonzales 218.

Individual results

1. Katelynn Ruiz (Watsonville) 19:45; 2. Kylie Brunelli (Monte Vista) 20:14; 3. Anna Conca (Monte Vista) 20:50; 4. Izoida Ramirez (Greenfield) 21:22; 5. Crystal Madrigal (Salinas) 21:27; 6. Lucy Crawford (Monterey) 21:38; 7. Emma Beck (Salinas) 21:39; 8. Finley Castro (Monte Vista) 21:40; 9. Lizbeth Gomez Abrica (Watsonville) 21:41; 10. Jenna Partida (Salinas) 21:48; 11. Arely Rubio (Alvarez) 21:53; 12. Lizbeth Maravillo (Alvarez) 22:25; 13. Jennifer Molina (Salinas) 22:27; 14. Azucena Sandoval (Watsonville) 22:36; 15. Landyn Martis (Stevenson) 22:48.

Cypress Division

Team scores

1. Anzar 19; 2. Soledad 36; 3. Santa Catalina 76.

Individual results

1. Iris Paten (Pacific Collegiate) 21:02; 2. Izabella Tejeda (Palma) 21:46; 3. Isabella Briceno-Nicholson (Anzar) 22:24; 4. Kathryn Dill (Palma) 22:35; 5. Evelyn Lopez (Soledad) 22:41; 6. Nika Berezina (Pacific Grove) 22:43; 7. Angelina Tran (Anzar) 23:13; 8. Lesly Perez (North Salinas) 24:04; 9. Alice Gilbert-King (Pacific Collegiate) 22:26; 10. Emily Lopez (Pajaro Valley) 24:40; 11. Rory Kaye (Anzar) 24:43; 12. Lea Bautista (Anzar) 25:00; 13. Gracie Grio (Anzar) 25:45; 14. Siobhan Walls (Pacific Collegiate) 25:45; 15. Alexa Cruz (Seaside) 25.45.

Warriors blow 31-point lead, but avoid late collapse to beat Rockets in overtime

HOUSTON — The Warriors blew a 31-point lead and looked completely out of sorts in the fourth quarter, only to ultimately hold on in overtime.

Facing an upstart Rockets team led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, Golden State hit 12 of its first 20 3-pointers and played smothering defense.

But as dominant as they were in the first half, they collapsed just as hard in the second.

Ball pressure gave Warriors dribblers constant trouble. Offensive possessions became ugly. Houston’s 3-point shots started to fall — just like the Warriors’ did in the first half.

And when they could have sealed the game in regulation, the Warriors gave up a 3 and Draymond Green threw away an inbounds pass. Tari Eason sent the game to overtime with two free throws on a foul that ended Green’s night.

Even though Green had fouled out, and Brandin Podziemski joined him two minutes into the overtime period, the Warriors still had enough juice to win the five-minute nail-biter.

Jonathan Kuminga personally outscored the Rockets 6-2 in overtime, taking advantage of Houston’s switching defense and being aggressive offensively.

“We thought let’s try to get some stops to start overtime, that’s why we had (Andrew Wiggins), JK — we had a big, athletic lineup out there,” Steve Kerr said postgame. “That was the key because we got probably five straight stops to start overtime, and then JK just took over at the other end.”

Behind Kuminga and Buddy Hield (27 points and six 3-pointers) — who has led the Warriors in scoring in five of six games — along with clutch play from Podziemski, Golden State escaped with a 127-121 win.

The bench tallied 71 points and the Warriors, despite getting run off the arc in the second half, hit 15 of their 31 3-pointers.

Even though Golden State’s defense bled buckets in the second half, it bottled up Jalen Green, who entered the night averaging 27.6 points per game, and Fred VanVleet. The Houston starting backcourt finished 4-for-25 for 18 combined points.

With a third straight victory, the Warriors have already won as many games without Steph Curry as they did last season. Right after the game, Draymond Green walked into the visitor’s locker room and said, “Hey, fellas, another win without Steph Curry.”

“If I’m honest, we’re all sick and tired of hearing that (expletive),” Green said postgame. “Steph is Steph, and we all know that. But, for some reason, when Steph’s out, everybody acts like we can’t play. We’re all so sick of it. And there’s been added motivation to win these three. If you think that hasn’t been mentioned, you’re out of your mind. We’re all NBA players, we’re All-Stars, first-round picks, you name it. And for some reason, every time Steph goes out, everybody acts like, ‘Oh man, the world has collapsed.’

“Now, we want him out there, just like everybody else does. But we’re still capable of performing.”Last season, the Warriors went 3-5 without Curry. This year, they’re 3-0. They have much more depth to withstand absences to anyone, even their superstar point guard.

Moses Moody sank a pair of 3s, one from each corner, to key a 13-4, game-opening run. Wiggins, in his first game back after missing the previous two, kept piling on — first with his second 3 of the game and then by hitting Draymond Green with a cross-court advance pass for a bucket.

By the time Rockets head coach Ime Udoka called his second timeout, the Warriors had built a 28-11 lead in eight minutes. Green stopped by midcourt and flexed both arms, screaming with satisfaction toward the visitor’s bench. They hit eight of their first 10 3-pointers, including three straight from Hield off the bench.

The Warriors intend to make defense their identity this season, and it showed in the first quarter when they held Houston to 20 points on 33% shooting. Marry that with blazing-hot shooting and lightning-fast tempo? You get an 18-point lead after 12 minutes.

Hield sank another 3 and sprinted down the court for a fast-break layup. Kuminga provided a jolt off the bench with 10 points in his first eight minutes. Golden State often trapped Jalen Green off pick-and-rolls and threw multiple looks at Sengun on the block.

To expand their lead to 59-31, the Warriors went on an 8-0 run. Kuminga drilled a pull-up 3 after getting work done in the post. Then the fourth-year wing found Gary Payton II in the corner for a transition 3. It was the Warriors’ 11th made 3 in 16 tries.

Shooting both 60% from the field and 3, the Warriors held that 28-point lead steady into halftime.They controlled the tempo of the game, just as they did against New Orleans (twice), Utah and Portland. But those teams were either depleted with injuries or at a significant talent deficit. The Rockets entered the game off a victory over the Mavericks and boast one of the deepest rosters in the league. They’re well-coached, hard-nosed and can win in multiple ways.

They were a big test. And in the second half, they showed as much.

Suddenly, the Rockets stormed back. They hit a bundle of their own 3s in the third quarter to inch within 16. Then a 16-1 blitz to start the fourth quarter had the Warriors reeling.

Everything was working for the Warriors in the first half. Then, nothing was. It resembled so many of Golden State’s lowlights from last season.

Five minutes into the final period, Eason put back his own miss to knot the score at 98. At that point, the Warriors had missed 15 foul shots. It often looked like the Warriors couldn’t even bring the ball over half court against Houston’s ball pressure.

But Hield sank his sixth 3 and Podziemski added a pair of tough buckets inside to reclaim the lead. With two minutes left, Golden State clung to a four-point lead.

A minute later, Podziemski nailed a fading 15-footer to give the Warriors a six-point cushion. He flexed both arms as Udoka called a timeout.

It wasn’t over then, just like it wasn’t at halftime. Jabari Smith Jr. nailed a deep 3 to bring the Rockets within two, then Draymond Green threw away an inbounds pass with 15 seconds left. At the line, Eason tied the game with two free throws, sending the game into overtime.

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But Kuminga took over in overtime. He got a quick turnaround on the post to go, then finished again in transition. Out of a timeout, the Warriors cleared a side for him, and he beat his man off the dribble for a left-handed finish. Kuminga, the closer, scored six of his 23 points in overtime.

“Nobody is going to stop me from where I want to go,” Kuminga said postgame. “It’s not going to happen every time, but the mindset is just getting anybody wherever I want them to go. I was more comfortable getting to the rim than doing other things — why settle when I can get to the rim? That’s the mentality.”

It wasn’t as convincing as it could have been. But even without Curry and De’Anthony Melton (back strain), the Warriors proved that their abundance of capable players can handle a playoff-caliber team. Whether it can hang with the league’s best will be determined later this road trip in Boston, Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

“Great experience,” Kerr said. “To win after Draymond fouls out, to win without Steph, to win on a night where the game just completely flipped. As good as we were in the first half, they basically went small and switched everything and caused us a lot of problems. It’s great to have that game on tape, it’s great to feel it.”