Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 319

Border arrests fall in September in last monthly gauge before US elections

By ELLIOT SPAGAT

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico fell 7% in September to a more than four-year low, authorities said Tuesday. It was likely the last monthly gauge during a presidential campaign in which Republican nominee Donald Trump has made immigration a signature issue.

The Border Patrol made 53,858 arrests, down from 58,009 in August and the lowest tally since August 2020, when arrests totaled 47,283, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Mexicans accounted for nearly half of arrests, becoming a greater part of the mix. In December, when arrests reached an all-time high of 250,000, Mexicans made up fewer than 1 in 4. Arrests for other major nationalities seen at the border, including Guatemalans, Hondurans, Colombians and Ecuadoreans, have plunged this year.

San Diego was again the busiest corridor for illegal crossings in September, followed by El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.

For the government’s fiscal year ended Sept. 30, the Border Patrol made 1.53 million arrests after topping 2 million in each of the previous two years for the first time.

The White House touted the numbers as proof that severe asylum restrictions introduced in June were having the intended effect, and blamed congressional Republicans for opposing a border security bill that failed in February. Vice President Kamala Harris has used that line of attack against Trump to try to blunt criticism that the Biden administration has been weak on immigration enforcement.

“The Biden Harris Administration has taken effective action, and Republican officials continue to do nothing,” said White House spokesman Angelo Fernández Hernández.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform, a frequent administration critic and advocate for immigration restrictions, attributed recent declines to more enforcement by Mexican officials within their own borders, saying the White House “essentially outsourced U.S. border security to Mexico in advance of the 2024 election — policies that can be reversed at any time that the government of Mexico chooses.”

Arrests fell sharply after Mexico increased enforcement in December, and took a steeper dive after the U.S. asylum restrictions took effect in June. U.S. officials haven’t been shy about highlighting Mexico’s role.

Mexican authorities are encountering more migrants this year while deportations remain relatively low, creating a bottleneck. Panamanian authorities reported an increase in migrants walking through the notorious Darien Gap during September, though numbers are still well below last year.

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“We continue to be concerned about any bottlenecks, we continue to look at those, we continue to address them with our partners,” Miller said at a news conference in San Diego.

The Biden administration has promoted new and expanded legal pathways to enter the country in an effort to discourage illegal crossings. In September, CBP allowed more than 44,600 people to enter with appointments on an online system called CBP One, bringing the total to 852,000 since it was introduced in January 2023.

Another Biden policy allows up to 30,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela with financial sponsors to enter monthly through airports. More than 531,000 people from those four countries have entered that way up through September.

Associated Press writer Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed.

Kurtenbach: A new era of Warriors basketball begins with the team in no-man’s land

SAN FRANCISCO — What do the 2024-25 Warriors want to be?

I’ve heard all the buzzwords this preseason — scrappy, gritty, fast-paced — and I’ve seen those concepts manifest well in exhibition games.

But surely these Warriors, led by NBA champions and Olympic gold medal winners Steph Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr, don’t really see the Warriors that way.

That kind of team sure sounds like an underdog.

And the Golden State Warriors — even in this late-stage dynastic iteration — still see themselves as second to no one. They earned that right.

This conflict between pride and circumstance will define this upcoming Warriors season.

After an offseason of core upheaval — with the exit of Klay Thompson in free agency and the failure to land either of the team’s top two trade targets — the Warriors have, improbably, built a team poised to win regular-season games. They could even be quite good between now and mid-April.

But is that good enough for men with rings on their fingers?

Curry and Green have both spoken openly about the end of their playing careers in recent months. Both would prefer that to happen in the Bay.

But as healthy as that dialogue might be, it’s hardly the Warrior mindset.

Is this just stage one of the slow, graceful fade-out both players desire — a farewell tour that lasts multiple years like Elton John?

Or can this team play well enough to fully shift the duo’s mindset to the opportunity at hand this season?

Is there an opportunity at hand this season?

As Green has been keen to tell us over the years, it’s the games from mid-April onward that truly matter. I doubt he’ll change his tune on that anytime soon.

Yet there’s no guarantee that these Warriors will be playing postseason basketball.

After all, this squad was the last team to qualify for the not-quite-playoffs last season—making the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed—only to be blown out by the Sacramento Kings in a game so lopsided that the Warriors used their entire bench, finishing the season with G League players on the court.

The Warriors will have to use the entire bench quite often this season. Not because of blowouts, but rather because the front office has taken “Strength In Numbers” — the team’s slogan from the salad days — to new heights.

This team has, so far, failed to solve its biggest problem from last season: Curry lacks a bonafide sidekick, the kind of No. 2 that can carry a team if Curry has a bad game (those are more frequent these days) or, heaven forbid, is sidelined.

Meanwhile, Thompson exited stage right, signing with Dallas. Chris Paul has rolled on down to San Antonio. Yes, a few more folks are leaving the Bay for Texas. Like so many, they’ll be back soon enough. (Well, Thompson will for his jersey retirement, anyway.)

But the real issue for the Warriors was that a trade for Paul George fell through and then trade talks for Lauri Markkanen were never serious.

And the Warriors, faced with a crossroads moment, decided to rebuild on the fly by going full Billy Beane and replacing the exiting players in the aggregate. Buddy Hield, now on his third team in 2024, was brought in to replace Thompson’s fading shooting. The Warriors signed DeAnthony Melton to replace Paul. He’ll work in conjunction with Brandin Podziemski, whom the front office believes is a rising star. They also added Kyle “Slo-Mo” Anderson to provide depth and extended Moses Moody to an extension that should ensure he receives more regular playing time this season. They’re banking on a Year Three leap from Jonathan Kuminga, but not literally — they justly passed on extending him this week.

Yes, these Warriors are deep. Figuring out who is in and out of the rotation will make Kerr’s job tough this year.

But are the Warriors tall?

Literally, they are not. This team’s active roster lacks a 7-footer and will face the same rim-protection issues that plagued them last season.

And metaphorically, it’s hard to imagine the Warriors reaching heights anywhere near where this squad was merely two seasons ago. Remember, this team finished last in the Pacific Division last year.

In baseball, depth is vital. In basketball, it’s a trump card among the best teams — the squads with multiple top-end stars leading the way.

The Warriors are still in a position to make a move for that No. 2. But that requires solid play on their end (good enough to justify going all-in), disaster elsewhere in the league (they need a superstar to want out midseason) and a whole lot of luck (other teams want stars, too).

“It’s just hard to do deals,” Dunleavy said in June.

Perhaps.

But it’s unquestionably hard to compete for titles, too.

And right now, it will be hard to convince anyone — perhaps most of all the champions on this roster — that the Warriors can do that this season. Even if both Curry and Green play 70-plus games and the new pieces fit in, this team feels limited.

Perhaps that changes in the months to come.

Perhaps it doesn’t, but the Warriors handle their new ordinariness with class and good humor.

Both options seem equally plausible.

But, of course, there is the third option: an increasing uneasiness that builds up for months, only to burst at the worst possible moment.

Yes, that’s on the table, too.

It might even be the reason to watch. Call it the NASCAR effect: We’re only in it for the crashes.

We’re certainly not watching to see who finishes top-10.

What do the Warriors want out of this months-long race?

If it’s a title, something big and bold will need to happen in the weeks to come.

Then again, if it doesn’t happen, something big and bold might come anyway.

Russia and Iran may fuel violent post-election protests in the US, intelligence officials warn

By DAVID KLEPPER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia and Iran may try to encourage violent protests in the U.S. after next month’s election, senior intelligence officials warned Tuesday, citing two recent examples of foreign intelligence agencies seeking to sow discord ahead of the vote.

The officials, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said both countries could support violent protests either by covertly organizing events themselves or by encouraging participation in those planned by domestic groups. The aim, the officials said, would be to increase division, cast doubt on election results and complicate the transfer of presidential power.

In January, Russian military intelligence tried to recruit an American to organize protests in the U.S., according to a declassified national intelligence memo released publicly Tuesday. The American was “probably unwitting” and did not know he was in contact with Russian agents, the memo said.

The U.S. first accused the Iranian government of covertly supporting protests against American support for Israel during the war in Gaza. Individuals linked to Iran offered to cover the cost of travel to protests this year in Washington, the memo said.

The risk that one of America’s adversaries could encourage political violence after the election is greater this year, officials said, because officials in both nations now have a better understanding of the complicated process the U.S. uses to certify the vote. The Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters also highlighted just how easily false and misleading claims about election results can trigger deadly real-world action.

The period between Election Day and the inauguration of the new president poses special risks as foreign adversaries and domestic extremists could seek to disrupt election certification by exploiting misleading claims or innocent irregularities. Concerns about safety already have prompted election workers in some communities to install bulletproof glass and panic buttons because of the risk of election-related incidents.

Fears of political violence have grown amid concerns about widening polarization and growing distrust, a trend America’s adversaries have tried to accelerate by using online disinformation and propaganda. Besides hoping to shape the outcome of the election, officials say Russia and Iran — as well as China — want to undermine American unity by spreading false and misleading claims about elections, voting and hot-button issues like immigration, the economy or the federal response to recent hurricanes.

For Russia, which aims to erode support for Ukraine, that means favoring former President Donald Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized the NATO alliance. Iran, meanwhile, has sought to hurt Trump’s campaign through disinformation and by hacking into its campaign emails.

Trump’s administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Iran’s leaders to vow revenge.

Russia will likely try to foment protests in the U.S. regardless of who wins the White House, according to an official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who briefed reporters Tuesday on the condition of anonymity under rules set out by the office of the director. Officials said they expect Russia’s response will be more aggressive, however, if Harris defeats Trump.

China also has spread disinformation seemingly designed to mislead and confuse Americans, but intelligence officials say they have no indication that Beijing will seek to encourage violent protests. While China has sought to meddle in down-ballot races for Congress or state and local office, U.S. intelligence officials and private analysts agree that Beijing has expressed no meaningful preference in the presidential race.

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Voting advocacy organizations and civil rights groups have responded to concerns of election violence with public outreach initiatives aimed at increasing resilience to disinformation and at reminding them that Americans agree on more than the current political climate suggests.

“In 2024, voters must know that they will decide the outcome of the election — not a political party, extremist groups or purveyors of disinformation,” said Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, which has launched its own efforts to fight election misinformation and the political violence it could spur. “Democracy requires passionate persistence.”

Russia, China and Iran have all rejected claims that they seek to meddle with the U.S. election. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Iran’s U.N. mission pointed to past statements denying an intention to interfere in American politics. A spokesperson for China’s Embassy in Washington told The Associated Press that U.S. officials’ claims about Chinese disinformation are “full of malicious speculations against China.”

A message left with Russia’s embassy was not immediately returned Tuesday.

FACT FOCUS: Inactive voters on Michigan’s rolls are misrepresented in suggestions of fraud

BY MELISSA GOLDIN

Less than two weeks from Election Day, posts circulating on social media claim that Michigan has 500,000 more registered voters than it has people eligible to vote, a point used to suggest possible fraud in the system. But the claim misrepresents Michigan’s voter registration data, adding inactive voters to the total of those registered to make it appear there is an issue in the crucial swing state.

Here’s a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: Michigan has 500,000 more registered voters than people eligible to vote, which creates the potential for widespread fraud.

THE FACTS: This is missing context. While the state does have more total voter registrations than eligible voters, that number includes voters who are inactive but cannot yet be removed from voter rolls under federal and state laws. The number of active voters is far less than those who are eligible to vote, and experts say there is no reason to believe that widespread fraud will result.

Still, numerous social media users have suggested these numbers are proof that Michigan is trying to cheat in the 2024 election. Among them is billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who has committed at least $70 million in support of former President Donald Trump.

“Jocelyn Michelle Benson, shame on you for blatantly lying to the public!” Musk wrote in an X post directed at Michigan’s secretary of state. “You only plan to remove ineligible voters AFTER this election. That necessarily means that there are far more people registered to vote than there eligible voters.”

The post had been liked and shared approximately 218,400 times as of Tuesday.

Benson responded on X, stating: “Let’s be clear: @elonmusk is spreading dangerous disinformation. Here are the facts: There aren’t more voters than citizens in Michigan. There are 7.2 million active registered voters and 7.9 citizens of voting age in our state. Musk is pushing a misleading number that includes 1.2 million inactive records slated for removal in accordance with the law.”

Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

There were approximately 7.9 million people of voting age in Michigan as of July 1, 2023. This figure is 500,000 fewer than the total registered voters — approximately 8.4 million. But that’s because the total registered voters include 1.2 million voters who are inactive. Those labeled inactive have not voted for six consecutive years or have not responded to a notice confirming their residency. Inactive voters are still eligible to vote.

Under state and federal law, voters are only removed from voter rolls after they have been sent a notice that their registration is subject to cancellation and two subsequent federal election cycles have passed without any response or voting activity. Voter registration cannot be canceled only because of a failure to vote.

This waiting period is why there are more total registered voters than eligible ones in the state.

More than 339,000 voter registrations are slated for cancellation in 2025 and more than 257,000 in 2027. As of March 2024, Michigan had canceled more than 800,000 voter registrations since 2019, including 273,609 for possible changes of residency, 532,513 for deaths and 16,716 at the request of the voter, according to its Department of State.

The Republican National Committee and two individual voters filed a federal lawsuit in March against Benson and Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater for allegedly failing to “maintain clean and accurate voter registration records.” The suit was dismissed on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering, who said the plaintiffs lacked legal standing and, regardless, did not state a plausible claim.

Michigan is hardly the only state with large numbers of inactive voters on its rolls. Every state — aside from the six which are exempt from the National Voter Registration Act — must send voters a cancellation notice and wait two federal election cycles before removing inactive voters.

The large numbers of inactive voters is a sign of robust list maintenance, according to David Becker, the founder and executive director of The Center for Election Innovation and Research, who served as a co-chair on Michigan’s Election Security Advisory Commission.

“You can only have a voter be inactive if you’re really engaged in list maintenance,” he said.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | Harris says she’s ready if Trump tries to prematurely declare victory, isn’t worried about sexism National Politics | Border arrests fall in September in last monthly gauge before US elections National Politics | Russia and Iran may fuel violent post-election protests in the US, intelligence officials warn National Politics | Trump denigrates Harris as ‘lazy,’ invoking a racist trope against Black people National Politics | Georgia Supreme Court rejects Republican attempt to quickly reinstate invalidated election rules States use different methods to determine whether a voter may need to be listed as inactive. In Michigan, for instance, if a voter surrenders their Michigan driver’s license in another state, indicating that they’ve moved, the Michigan Department of State is notified. Election mail returned as undeliverable can also be a sign that a voter has a new residence or has died.

Election experts say it can be difficult for officials to keep track of voters who have moved out of state since there is no federal voter registration database. The Electronic Registration Information System, or ERIC, lets states share data that helps them keep accurate voter rolls and can identify potential illegal voting. But membership is voluntary — ERIC is currently made up of 24 states, including Michigan, and the District of Columbia.

It is unlikely that voters who are on voter rolls in more than one state will try to vote twice, experts say. Becker, who spearheaded ERIC’s development, said “double voting happens extremely rarely.” ERIC is among the safeguards that helps detect such fraud.

Christopher Thomas, who served as Michigan’s director of elections from 1981 to 2017, said that “most people would view voting twice as probably a pretty stiff felony” and therefore not worth the risk.

“Based on attempting to be a rational person and having been in the field for 50 years now and having never seen anybody prove any massive fraud in a presidential election in that time period, I think a rational person would conclude that it’s not going to be a present issue,” he said.

Warriors GM downplays Kuminga’s contract situation after extension deadline passes

Contract negotiations between the Warriors and fourth-year wing Jonathan Kuminga didn’t get far, and the deadline to agree to an extension passed Monday without a deal.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said he doesn’t want to make too much of that result.

“I don’t think much has changed in regard to our hopes for his future with the team,” Dunleavy told reporters on Tuesday after the Warriors’ practice on the eve of their season opener.

“Sometimes these things get done, sometimes they don’t. I don’t want to overreact either way. From that standpoint, (we had) really good communication and conversations over the course of this summer to get to where we got to. Didn’t get a deal done. It’s got to work for both sides. Totally reasonable.”

Kuminga, 22, didn’t sign an extension as many of his draft classmates earned big paychecks. Franz Wagner, Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley each got maximum-level five-year, $224 million deals. Jalen Johnson and Jalen Suggs signed five-year, $150 million deals. Trey Murphy III also earned nine figures with the Pelicans.

Besides Kuminga, relevant players from the 2021 class who didn’t get a deal done include Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey.

The Warriors retain both Kuminga’s rights — he’s set to hit restricted free agency next summer — and the ability to trade him in the short term. What’s best for all parties involved, Dunleavy said, would be another major leap for the forward.

“I think the most important thing for JK is to just have a great year,” Dunleavy said. “I think that’s what’s best for him, the Warriors, the whole deal. I think we’re in great alignment and move forward. Hope to get something done in the offseason.”

Kuminga is likely to be in the Warriors’ starting lineup for the opener Wednesday in Portland, but the most common configuration head coach Steve Kerr has used may not maximize his skill set. In a perfect world, Kuminga would be surrounded by shooters to create driving lanes. Golden State’s roster isn’t necessarily conducive to that, especially since Kerr prefers to keep a non-shooting center next to Draymond Green in the frontcourt.

But Kuminga should have ample opportunity to blossom. He bumped his scoring average from 9.9 to 16.1 last year while maintaining efficiency. Already one of the game’s best going downhill, Kuminga flashed an improved 3-point shot in the preseason.

Asked if the failure to reach an extension could affect Kuminga’s mindset, Dunleavy said that’ll be up to the player.

“I think that approach is up to him,” Dunleavy said. “That’s his call. But I think ultimately, the most important thing is he has a great season. And that should be his only focus. That should be the focus whether he got the extension or not. And so it’s pretty simple and straightforward to me. His motivation shouldn’t change.”

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Dunleavy and the Warriors did strike a deal with Moses Moody. The 14th overall pick in the 2021 class signed a three-year, $39 million contract.

Like Kerr said on Monday, Dunleavy told reporters that he values Moody on and off the court. The game slowed down for him this summer and in the preseason, so the Warriors were comfortable rewarding him with a long-term deal.

“We’re seeing the right signs,” Dunleavy said of Moody. “He’s making the right strides. I’m optimistic about him being a really good player in this league.”

Monterey Council to hear presentation on Path of History expansion plan

MONTEREY – The Monterey City Council will have a special session Wednesday to hear a presentation on expanding the Path of History in Downtown Monterey.

The presentation, led by Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards, will feature a revised Path of History plan with additional sites and resources into the existing route, in addition to generating two new cultural heritage walking routes.

The presentation will also have anthropological research on Dutra Street, a historic road right behind Monterey City Hall.

Additional sites and buildings along the existing Path of History were identified by the city in the 2020 Draft Path of History Master Plan and Update. According to the presentation, many of the sites offer the opportunity to shine light on the stories of multiple disenfranchised communities.

“Many of these proposed stops along the existing Path of History route denote locations specifically significant to previously marginalized, underrepresented, or misrepresented peoples, such as indigenous groups; Hispanic and Latino communities, beyond the traditional lens of Spanish- and Mexican-era development (generally 1770 to 1846); immigrant groups; and Black and African American communities,” the plan reads.

More than a dozen different points of interest were listed in the presentation, including Simoneau House, Miller Adobe, Few House, Ordway Block Building and Freeman’s Mortuary to name a few.

Council members will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission subcommittee feedback.

The next steps for the staff working on this project include:

• Having the Museums & Cultural Arts subcommittee review the recommended new sites and revise descriptions provided in the reports

• Implementing physical (signage, tiles, way-finding kiosks) and digital infrastructure (app, website, historic and current photos)

• Creating advertising by updating Explore Monterey brochures at regional distribution points and updated Path of History maps distributed by See Monterey

• Outreach to Esselen and Rumsien Tribal contacts for additional thematic content

• Research adding way-finding solutions in the community at key locations

• Identify funds and donors to complete these updates

No formal actions will be taken by the council during the session. The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Monterey City Hall, 580 Pacific Street. Watch online via Zoom follow the link https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/16....

PHOTO: Classics in the auto body shop

Horoscopes Oct. 22, 2024: Christopher Lloyd, setting your mind free

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 49; Saffron Burrows, 52; Jeff Goldblum, 72; Christopher Lloyd, 86.

Happy Birthday: Ease into your plans, savor every moment and test your ideas to ensure you get things right on the first attempt. You have more options than you realize, and by setting your mind free to experiment with alternatives, you will come up with results that make you feel good about moving forward. Fretting over money won’t help, but using discipline and ingenuity to develop budget-friendly options will lead to success. Your numbers are 4, 13, 22, 27, 34, 42, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Patience is necessary to complete things correctly and on time. Find a quiet space and delve into whatever you want or must complete. Plan your actions, keep your thoughts to yourself and pursue a path that offers peace of mind and taps into your imagination. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reach out and connect with people who challenge you to think. Let your curiosity lead the way, and allow your questions and ideas to take you in a direction that highlights both your desire to do something you love and your self-discipline to finish what you start. Choose to be happy. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Focus on what’s necessary. By eliminating what’s weighing you down, you’ll gain the confidence to pursue something you’ve only dreamed about in the past. Set high standards, but be realistic regarding what’s possible. Being reasonable and focusing on what you can do will pay off. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take note of how others respond. Doing so will be telltales of what you can expect when you need help. Sincerity and an honest assessment of your expectations will help you summon the right words to attract like-minded people with something worthwhile to contribute. Networking is favored. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A long shot may tempt you, but before taking a risk, protect against scammers; do your research, work alone if necessary and refuse to buy into someone else’s dream. Abundance comes from hard work. It’s what you are willing to do that counts. Rely on yourself. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Participate, network, gather information and set the stage for what you want to pursue. The information and people you connect with will offer alternatives that can make your journey easier. Consider a partnership or investing time and money into raising your qualifications or in learning valuable skills. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take the plunge, participate and learn something new. Be a good listener, and adapt what you hear and experience by adding a unique flavor to your version. Refrain from wasting your energy on anger or dealing with negativity. Surround yourself with upbeat people who fuel your fire. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay attention; you’ll learn valuable information that will help you further your life goals. Your dedication and desire to get things done correctly and on time will put you in a favorable position when faced with competition. Distance yourself from anyone trying to lure you into a debate. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take better care of your health, well-being and reputation. Refuse to get swept into someone else’s misfortune or drama. Stick to the truth; it will be brought to your attention if you exaggerate. Look for opportunities that encourage self-improvement, a better lifestyle and love. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t hold back. If you want to connect with someone, make your move. Open communication will offer insight into the possibilities, allowing you to pursue or move on to your next adventure. It’s up to you to make things happen. A change in routine will be entertaining. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): An optimistic attitude will draw positive attention. Participate in something you enjoy, and you’ll find a place to let off steam and make new friends. Socializing, fitness and a healthy lifestyle will rejuvenate and encourage you to expand your interests, knowledge and friendships. Make romance a priority. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Protect your health and physical well-being. Pursue a creative project. Whether reinventing yourself or updating your skills, qualifications or appearance, a change will be uplifting and well-received by those close to you. Discipline and hard work will pay off, and success will be yours. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are optimistic, curious and changeable. You are passionate and creative.

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.

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49ers’ Monday blues — reviewing Chiefs film, Deebo Samuel hospitalized with pneumonia

The 49ers had the grim task of reviewing another mistake-ridden loss Monday, but Deebo Samuel wasn’t there to see it.

Samuel, who reported for work feeling ill Sunday morning before the 49ers’ 28-18 loss to the world champion Kansas City Chiefs, was in the hospital recovering from pneumonia.

“He had some fluid in his lungs, so technically pneumonia,” Shanahan told local media during a conference call. “He went in last night. It started acting up in the middle of the night Saturday night or early Sunday morning and it kind of evolved as the day went. Once we found out there was fluid in his lungs after the game, they set him (to the hospital). I found out Sunday night when I was home.”

Samuel needed an oxygen mask at one point early in the game, and he was out of uniform for the second half.

Samuel’s illness, combined with a season-ending knee injury to Brandon Aiyuk just before halftime and a hip injury that sidelined Jauan Jennings had the 49ers adjusting their receiving plans on the fly.

It’s conceivable that Samuel and Jennings could be available when the 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, but it’s not a sure thing.

Even with the missing receivers, Shanahan saw enough watching the film to believe the 49ers’ fifth straight loss to Kansas City during his tenure was self-inflicted, much as defeats to the Rams and Cardinals were earlier this season.

The players first met with Shanahan for an overview of all three phases (offense, defense and special teams), then adjourned to position group meetings where plays both positive and negative were examined in detail. Considering the 49ers cut Kansas City’s lead to 21-12 with a chance to draw within one score with plenty of time left, the message was there was the potential for a win rather than another difficult loss.

“It’s always hard to come in after a game like that to watch it,” Shanahan said. “I thought the guys handled it well though. I wanted to show that as bad as it did feel, how many times we had a chance to win. I’m not trying to take anything away from Kansas City, but we hurt ourselves and there are things we dictate.

“We did it at times got close, but made too many mistakes . . . if you don’t correct that stuff, it doesn’t matter who you play. You end up being a .500-type team.

Middle linebacker Fred Warner was eager to move on to Dallas.

“You can do one of two things, You can sulk in defeat or you can see what the reality is, fix it, move on and win a game next week,” Warner said. “There’s so many things that are going to be said about where we’re at, about that team. That’s not going to help us move forward. That’s not going to help us next week. We have to look at the reality of what it is, flush it, move on and win a game.”

THE BROCK TALK

Shanahan made light of a postgame chat with quarterback Brock Purdy at his locker. Purdy had perhaps his worst game as a 49er by going 17-for-31 for 212 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions and a career-low passer rating of 36.7.

The two talked for five minutes in front of a group of reporters.

“I didn’t realize all you guys were standing behind me spying on us,” Shanahan said. “I just happened to be walking back and he was standing right there . . . I didn’t realize everyone was still in there. Then when I looked behind you guys kind of scared me. I didn’t realize everyone was creeping so bad.”

Regarding Purdy’s performance, Shanahan said, “Brock’s having a hell of a year. He didn’t have his best game yesterday.

Christian McCaffery has missed the 49ers’ first six games and probably won’t be ready to play until after the 49ers’ bye week.

POST-BYE REINFORCEMENTS

Running back Christian McCaffery is continuing to make progress as he recovers from Achilles tendinitis in both ankles. He’s a longshot to face Dallas, although he could be included in reinforcements following the bye week in Week 9.

“Christian is still progressing through his rehab,” Shanahan said. “He hasn’t had any setbacks so it’s been all good news so far. I’d be surprised to get him back this week, but hopefully the bye week will go well and we’ll have a much better chance after the bye week.”

Other post-bye additions, although not necessarily in Week 10, include linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) and place kicker Jake Moody (high ankle sprain)

Players who came out of the Chiefs game injured included tight end George Kittle (foot) and wide receiver Chris Conley (ankle).

SNAP JUDGEMENTS

A look at how playing time was distributed in the 49ers’ loss to the Chiefs . . .

70: After missing the Seattle game with a knee injury, Charvarius Ward played every snap along with safety Ji’Ayir Brown, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, Warner and safety Malik Mustapha.

54: Left tackle Trent Williams missed the last nine snaps of the game, giving way to Jaylon Moore after being ejected for throwing punch at the Chiefs’ Bryan Cook. The rest of the starting line, Aaron Banks, Colton McKivitz, Jake Brendel and Dominick Puni played all 63 snaps.

44: Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott played a season high in terms of snaps and had three solo tackles and one assisted tackle.

39: Linebacker Dee Winters played a career-high number of snaps while Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles didn’t play on defense but had 16 snaps on special teams.

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36: Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu played a season-high number of snaps. HIs role is ascending in the absence of Yetur Gross-Matos with 19, 24 and 32 snaps in the previous three games coming into the Chiefs.

25: Brandon Aiyuk, after being injured late in the first half, won’t take his next snap until 2025.

5: Cornerback Isaac Yiadom was coming off a game in Seattle where played a season-high 77 snaps (99 percent). Supplanted by Green, the rookie, had a season-low five snaps against the Chiefs.

4: Samuel tried to play but ended up hospitalized.

 

Why Kerr is optimistic about a bounce-back season for Wiggins on Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors started Andrew Wiggins at shooting guard in their last two preseason games, and while nothing is decided quite yet ahead of Wednesday’s regular-season opener, Wiggins appears headed to reprise that role.

In a starting-five with Steph Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green and a center — likely Trayce Jackson-Davis — Wiggins’ ability to space the floor and to defend opposing teams’ best scorers will be paramount.

Coach Steve Kerr believes Wiggins, after missing two weeks of training camp and preseason because of illness, is up to the challenge.

“The conditioning is looking better and better every day,” Kerr said after Monday’s practice. “The rhythm. I trust Wiggs. It’s been a tough year and a half for him for a number of reasons. But he’s a guy who has won a championship and played an enormous role in that championship. Been a 20-point scorer in the league. We know what Wiggs can do, and I think we’re going to get a really good version of him this year.”

Over the past two seasons, Wiggins has missed 56 regular-season games, many of which because of personal reasons. He left the team for roughly two months in the spring of 2023 before returning for the postseason because of a personal matter. Then last season, he missed four games at the end of February — again excused for personal reasons.

The Warriors have supported Wiggins through his issues. This summer, his dad, Mitchell, died.

After Wiggins’ personal trauma, Kerr said he believes the veteran has a renewed sense of focus and engagement.

“I do. I think he feels it,” Kerr said. “He worked really hard in the offseason. There’s a little bit of closure with his dad’s passing. As difficult as everything has been over the last couple years, I just think that when you lose someone, especially after a struggle, there’s a little bit of feeling of relief because that person isn’t struggling anymore. That alone, I think, allows a person to free himself up. And I can speak to that from experience. I think that’s a factor.”

Wiggins never spoke in detail about what he was going through, and the team respected his wishes to keep things private.

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Last season, Wiggins averaged a career-low 13.2 points per game. He attempted just 11 field goals per game, also a career-low.

“I know Wiggs is a very private guy and purposely doesn’t want to open up about this, but I feel comfortable as his coach saying this,” Kerr said. “He’s an incredible human being. Everybody loves him so much. He’s such a great father, great son, and he’s been through a lot. I just think that he’s got some peace of mind in a way. Despite the obvious pain that comes along with it.”

Notable

– One of the reasons Golden State’s practice went so long on Sunday is because they invited Michael McFaul, the former ambassador to Russia. McFaul, who worked in Barack Obama’s administration and currently works at Stanford, is a big Warriors fan. He brought his son, too.

Kerr had befriended McFaul through the years and asked him to speak with the Warriors.

“He was great, couldn’t have been better,” Kerr said. “Our guys were really engaged, asked a lot of questions about what’s going on around the world. It was fantastic. If we can provide experiences like that for our players, then we’ve got to take advantage of that. Because there’s a lot of people like Mike in the Bay Area who are really impressive in their field. And it’s nice to be able to have access to them.”

– Warriors two-way guard Reece Beekman, who played for Tony Bennett at Virginia, said he’s happy for his former coach in the wake of his surprise retirement. Bennett, just 55, announced that he’s stepping away from the program shortly before the college basketball season tips off.

Bennett led the Cavaliers to the national championship in 2019 — one year before Beekman joined the program.

“I was honestly shocked,” Beekman said. “Just because I know him as a person. And just for it to happen that quick. I know how much he loves the game, loves the team. The timing was a little shocking. But I feel like he’s doing what’s best for himself, mentally wise, and then for the team.”