ReportWire

Tag: Instagram BN9

  • SpaceX successfully sends up over 20 Starlink satellites

    SpaceX successfully sends up over 20 Starlink satellites

    [ad_1]

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — After a weather delay Friday, SpaceX launched over 20 Starlink satellites late Saturday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 20 Starlink satellites were sent to orbit
    • The liftoff took place at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center


    SpaceX was eyeing for Friday, 7:57 p.m. ET for the mission.  

    But it was suspected that the launch would not happen on Friday evening. The 45th Weather Squadron did call for a 25% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being liftoff winds and the anvil cloud and cumulus cloud rules.

    “Conditions will deteriorate through the day Friday as the Gulf Low moves northeast, bringing gusty winds, showers, and isolated thunderstorms across Central Florida,” the squadron stated.

    Liftoff conditions improved for Saturday night, increasing to 75% chance favorable, stated the squadron, adding that winds and the cumulus cloud rule were the only issues.

    For the launch, the Falcon 9 rocket left Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center and send the Starlink 6-42 mission to low-Earth orbit.

    A little first-stage booster history

    Named B1060, this Falcon 9 first-stage booster for the Starlink 6-42 mission already has an impressive resume with 18 memorable launches.

    After the stage separation, the rocket is expected to land on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed out in the Atlantic Ocean.

    Understanding the mission

    SpaceX plans to send up 23 Starlink satellites, where it will provide internet services with the others already in low-Earth orbit.

    Starlink is a company owned by SpaceX.

    Before the launch, Dr. Jonathan McDowell of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics recorded the following Starlink satellites.

    • 5,634 are in orbit
    • 5,564 in working order
    • 5,154 are in operational orbit

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • New I-275 ramp to 4th Street opens in St. Pete

    New I-275 ramp to 4th Street opens in St. Pete

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – After more than two years of construction, the new 4th Street Bridge in St. Petersburg is now open to traffic in both directions.

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction on the 4th St Bridge in St Petersburg is now complete

    • FDOT opened the I-275 southbound ramp to the bridge this week

    • FDOT officials say the bridge replacement is part of the Gateway Expressway project

    The Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) opened the I-275 southbound ramp to 4th Street on Monday morning, marking the end of the closure there.

    The 4th Street Bridge closed in January 2022 to be replaced, cutting off an access point to and from I-275.

    Northbound lanes to I-275 reopened in the fall.

    The new southbound exit ramp takes drivers over I-275 and onto 4th Street. It’s expected to help with traffic congestion on 9th St N, which had seen more traffic during the road work.

    FDOT photo

    It also gives drivers a new option when driving into Pinellas County from the Howard Frankland Bridge.

    FDOT officials say the bridge replacement is part of the Gateway Expressway project. The Gateway will have elevated toll lanes to connect US 19 and I-275.

    It will also include tolled express lanes on I-275 to ease traffic congestion in the area.

    FDOT says the Gateway is expected to open later this spring. For more information, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/235/433880-1-52-01

    [ad_2]

    Tim Wronka

    Source link

  • Central Florida Presidential Preference Primary results

    Central Florida Presidential Preference Primary results

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — As voters went to the polls Tuesday, elections officials across Central Florida began tabulating those results, and combining them with the ballots submitted by mail. Former President Donald Trump has already garnered enough electoral votes to clinch the Republican nomination, but party members statewide had the opportunity to vote for him and several other candidates who dropped out, but still appeared on the ballot as a result of their prior ballot access actions. 


    Early voting took place from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties were able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19: (Winners will be displayed in bold when their race is called. Percentages will appear next to candidate names)

    Only the Republican primary is present, since the Democratic Primary was canceled because President Joe Biden has enough delegates to clinch his nomination.

    Republican Primary for President

    Ryan L. Binkley

    Chris Christie

    Ron DeSantis

    Nikki Haley

    Asa Hutchinson

    Vivek Ramaswamy

    Donald J. Trump

    City Council seat 3 (Currently held by Kyle Becher)

    • Nadia Anderson
    • Darryl Richardson

    City Council seat 4 (Currently held by Nick Nesta)

    City of Eatonville

    Council Seat 4

    • Marlin Daniels
    • Tarus Mack

    Council Seat 5

    • Wanda Randolph
    • Crystal Short-Bertrand

    Ballot Questions: 

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter, the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    City Commissioner District 4

    • George Oliver III
    • Nate Robertson

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    City of Winter Garden

    City Commissioner District 2

    • Danny “DJ” Culberson Jr.
    • Iliana R. Jones
    • Ron Mueller

    City Commissioner District 3

    • Chloe Johnson
    • Karen McNeil

    City of Winter Park

    Mayor

    • Commissioner Sheila DeCiccio
    • Candidate Michael Cameron
    • Candidate Roland Hotard [withdrew]

    City Commission Seat 2

    • Candidate Jason Johnson
    • Candidate Stockton Reeves
    • Candidate Craig Russell

    Town of Oakland

    Mayor

    • Salvador Ramos
    • Shane Taylor

    Flagler County

    City of Flagler Beach City Commissioner

    • Eric Cooley
    • Bob Cunningham

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Both the City of Maitland and the City of Edgewood have charter amendments or questions only for their voters. 

    City of Maitland

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    City of Edgewood

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used for “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • The spring equinox is here. What does that mean?

    The spring equinox is here. What does that mean?

    [ad_1]

    Spring is almost here — officially, at least.

    The vernal equinox arrives on Tuesday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere.

    What You Need To Know

    • The spring equinox is at 11:06 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19

    • Earth’s axis lines up with the sun so both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight

    • Astronomical seasons differ from meteorological seasons


    But what does that actually mean? Here’s what to know about how we split up the year using the Earth’s orbit.

    What is the equinox?

    As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle.

    For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. That means the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet.

    During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

    The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

    The Northern Hemisphere’s spring — or vernal — equinox can land between March 19 and 21, depending on the year. Its fall – or autumnal — equinox can land between Sept. 21 and 24.

    What is the solstice?

    The solstices mark the times during the year when the Earth is at its most extreme tilt toward or away from the sun. This means the hemispheres are getting very different amounts of sunlight — and days and nights are at their most unequal.

    During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half of the earth is tilted in toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This solstice falls between June 20 and 22.

    Meanwhile, at the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning away from the sun — leading to the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice falls between December 20 and 23.

    What’s the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?

    These are just two different ways to carve up the year.

    Meteorological seasons are defined by the weather. They break down the year into three-month seasons based on annual temperature cycles. By that calendar, spring starts on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on Sept. 1 and winter on Dec. 1.

    Astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the sun.

    Equinoxes mark the start of spring and autumn. Solstices kick off summer and winter.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Trader Joe’s to open new store in Palm Harbor

    Trader Joe’s to open new store in Palm Harbor

    [ad_1]

    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Trader Joe’s has announced that a new location will be opening in Palm Harbor.

    What You Need To Know

    • Trader Joe’s has announced that a new location will be opening in Palm Harbor

    • The store will be located at 33591 US Hwy 19 N.

    • Trader Joe’s officials said crews are working hard to open the new store in 2024

    The store will be located at 33591 US Hwy 19 N.

    This will be the popular grocery store chain’s third location in the Tampa Bay area. The other two stores are located at 3808 W. Swann Ave. in Tampa and 2742 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg.

    The store also has locations in Bradenton and Sarasota.

    “We are proud to be joining the neighborhood, and to continue our commitment to providing nourishment to the surrounding communities through our Neighborhood Shares program,” Trader Joe’s said in a news release.

    An exact opening date has not been announced yet, but Trader Joe’s officials said crews are working hard to open the new store in 2024.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • SpaceX successfully launches Starship but loses spacecraft while in orbit

    SpaceX successfully launches Starship but loses spacecraft while in orbit

    [ad_1]

    NATIONWIDE — SpaceX was able to successfully launch Starship on Thursday morning and while the spacecraft itself was in space for the first time, it was lost while orbiting the planet. Its exact fate is currently unknown after the company stated it was not sending out a signal.         

    What You Need To Know

    • A number of accomplishments were made, stated SpaceX
    • It was the longest Starship test so far; about 51 minutes
    • The launch happened at the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas
    • Scroll down to learn more about the Starship

    The liftoff happened at 9:25 a.m. ET with a mixture of cheers from the Starship team heard over SpaceX’s live feed and the roar of the Starship’s Raptor engines.

    The launch took place at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

    Collectively known as Starship, the first-stage rocket’s 33 Raptor engines, fueled with thousands of tons of sub-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid methane, lit up as it went into the sky.

    The new hot stage separation worked as designed, just like during the second launch attempt in November 2023. While it worked last time, it resulted in the rocket being destroyed. (Please see below for more.)

    The first-stage Super Heavy rocket had a hard-water landing in the Gulf of Mexico, confirmed SpaceX. The damage to it is unknown.

    The Starship spacecraft was doing various tests while in orbit, including the opening and closing of the payload door, affectionately known as the “Pez door”.

    At one point, the Starship was traveling 40 miles (65 kilometers) above the round Earth and moving at 15,973 mph (25,707 kmh).

    The plan was for Starship to have a water landing in the Indian Ocean. However, about 51 minutes after liftoff, SpaceX announced on its live feed, “We are making the call now that we have lost ship 28.”

    The ship’s signal back down to the team was lost and SpaceX confirmed that it would take a “little bit of time” to find out what exactly happened to the ship.

    SpaceX admitted during its live feed that there was always a chance the Starship and the Super Heavy rocket would not survive their splashdowns.

    However, SpaceX considered that the third flight test made some accomplishments, some not seen before:

    • All Raptor engines lighting up
    • The second time the hot stage separation worked
    • The craft’s heat shield being intact
    • The payload doors worked
    • The first time Starship was in space
    • The longest Starship test so far

    SpaceX stated it will review the data that was collected and use that for the next Starship test.

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson called it a “successful test flight” of the Starship on X.

    “Together, we are making great strides through Artemis to return humanity to the Moon—then look onward to Mars,” Nelson stated about NASA’s and SpaceX’s plans.

    Later after the launch test, Federal Aviation Administration stated that it will be investigating the Starship flight.

    “No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is overseeing the SpaceX-led mishap investigation to ensure the company complies with its FAA-approved mishap investigation plan and other regulatory requirements,” the FAA stated. “The FAA will be involved in every step of the mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions.”

    Getting off the ground

    The launch did not go off on time due to wind concerns and giving boats in the splashdown areas time to get out of the way.

    The 110-minute launch window was originally set for 8 a.m. ET, but SpaceX pushed the time back to 8:02 a.m. ET. Then SpaceX pushed it to 9:10 a.m. ET, so that boats in the splash down zones had time to move out of the area, stated SpaceX.

    On Wednesday afternoon, the California-based company announced that it would be testing its 397-foot-tall stacked Starship for a third time on Thursday from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

    SpaceX was waiting for the FAA to grant its approval for the third flight attempt. The company announced last week that it was aiming for Thursday for the launch date.

    SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk posted on X, stating that “Starship will make life multiplanetary.”

    About Starship

    Starship is where SpaceX’s hopes and dreams are stored. If all goes well, it will take humans back to Earth’s moon and eventually, it will go to Mars.

    It is a two-stage heavy lift launch rocket that will be a fully reusable transportation system to carry humans and cargo into space. The rocket is known as the Super Heavy and the spacecraft is called Starship, but collectively, they are known as Starship.

    Both the Super Heavy rocket, with its 33 Raptor engines fueled by thousands of tons of sub-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid methane, and the Starship are designed to be reusable.

    The Starship is planned to carry 100 crew members and cargo to Earth orbit, the moon and eventually Mars, according to the ship’s user guide.

    What to expect for the third-test flight

    For the third test, SpaceX stated it built on the two previous launches and planned to showoff a series of demonstrations.

    “The third flight test aims to build on what we’ve learned from previous flights while attempting a number of ambitious objectives, including the successful ascent burn of both stages, opening and closing Starship’s payload door, a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stage’s coast phase, the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space, and a controlled reentry of Starship. It will also fly a new trajectory, with Starship targeted to splashdown in the Indian Ocean,” SpaceX explained.

    If things had gone according to plan, this would have been Starship’s flight path.

    Starship’s flight history

    SpaceX’s first launch attempt of Starship happened on April 2023, which saw a series of failures that caused the rocket to explode.

    The FAA issued a series of requirements before the California-based company could try again, which included 63 corrective actions.

    For the second test in November 2023, SpaceX was forced to blow up Starship.

    The new stage separation, called hot stage separation, worked as designed, but it resulted in the Super Heavy rocket’s destruction.

    “Following stage separation, Super Heavy initiated its boostback burn, which sends commands to 13 of the vehicle’s 33 Raptor engines to propel the rocket toward its intended landing location. During this burn, several engines began shutting down before one engine failed energetically, quickly cascading to a rapid unscheduled disassembly of the booster,” SpaceX described.

    SpaceX believed the likely cause of the booster blowing up was a filter blockage where liquid oxygen fuel goes to the engines.

    Minutes later after the hot stage separation, SpaceX could not regain a signal to the Starship spacecraft and the company was forced to destroy it.

    “A leak in the aft section of the spacecraft that developed when the liquid oxygen vent was initiated resulted in a combustion event and subsequent fires that led to a loss of communication between the spacecraft’s flight computers. This resulted in a commanded shut down of all six engines prior to completion of the ascent burn, followed by the Autonomous Flight Safety System detecting a mission rule violation and activating the flight termination system, leading to vehicle breakup,” the company stated.

    SpaceX stated it has corrected the issues (17 corrective actions) that occurred during the second flight attempt.

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Disney’s Star Tours to add ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian’

    Disney’s Star Tours to add ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian’

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — New adventures await in a galaxy far, far away.

    Disney World’s Star Tours ride at Hollywood Studios will soon include characters and locations from Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian,” officials with Disney announced on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Disney World’s Star Tours ride will soon include characters and locations from Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian,” officials with Disney announced

    • Guests can expect to start seeing the new additions on April 5

    • The changes are also coming to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris

    Guests can expect to start seeing the new additions on April 5.

    The changes are also coming to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris.

    “With these additions, you’ll now have an opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Scott Trowbridge in a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. “Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of your next Starspeeder flight. These iconic characters will continue to add to the galaxy of stories aboard Disney’s first Star Wars attraction.”

    Disney officials also stated that at Disneyland California, a ‘Season of the Force’ celebration will take place from April 5 through June 2. Guests can enjoy Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and drinks, merchandise and more. There will also be a new galactic fireworks show that can be seen from within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on select nights.

    [ad_2]

    Anna Wronka

    Source link

  • Disney’s Star Tours to add ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian’

    Disney’s Star Tours to add ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian’

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — New adventures await in a galaxy far, far away.

    Disney World’s Star Tours ride at Hollywood Studios will soon include characters and locations from Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian,” officials with Disney announced on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Disney World’s Star Tours ride will soon include characters and locations from Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian,” officials with Disney announced

    • Guests can expect to start seeing the new additions on April 5

    • The changes are also coming to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris

    Guests can expect to start seeing the new additions on April 5.

    The changes are also coming to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris.

    “With these additions, you’ll now have an opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Scott Trowbridge in a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. “Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of your next Starspeeder flight. These iconic characters will continue to add to the galaxy of stories aboard Disney’s first Star Wars attraction.”

    Disney officials also stated that at Disneyland California, a ‘Season of the Force’ celebration will take place from April 5 through June 2. Guests can enjoy Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and drinks, merchandise and more. There will also be a new galactic fireworks show that can be seen from within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on select nights.

    [ad_2]

    Anna Wronka

    Source link

  • NASA and SpaceX successfully launches Crew-8 mission

    NASA and SpaceX successfully launches Crew-8 mission

    [ad_1]

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — A scrubbed launch did not stop NASA and SpaceX from sending the four-member Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station on Sunday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The launch happened on Sunday at 10:53 p.m. ET
    • Crew-8 members will spend the next months conducting experiments

    Countdown to liftoff

    Watch the launch and hear the sonic boom of the returning first-stage rocket.

    Right as the instantaneous launch window opened at 10:53 p.m. ET, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched NASA astronauts Cmdr. Matthew Dominick, pilot Michael Barratt, and mission specialists Jeanette Epps and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on Sunday, March 2.

    The Falcon 9’s nine Merlin engines roared into the night as it brighten the dark sky like a small sun, creating multiple colors during stage separation between the rocket and the Dragon capsule.

    Space lovers counted down to liftoff as the launch caused spectators to gap in wonder and car alarms to go off.

    The next stop for this crew will be the International Space Station, with the targeted docking time at 3 a.m. ET, Tuesday, March 5, confirmed NASA.

    There was a last minute surprise when a small crack was discovered on the Dragon capsule’s hatch, but the launch team reviewed it and determined that it was OK to continue the launch.

    SpaceX officials stated that the crack should re-seal during re-entry.

    Going to the ISS

    The Falcon’s first-stage booster, B1083, is brand new, meaning the Crew-8 mission is the first one for this little rocket.

    For Florida, this was the 14th launch for the Sunshine State this year. 

    After the stage separation, the first-stage booster landed at Landing Zone 1, that sent a cracking sonic boom that was heard for miles around.

    Not counting this mission, the Dragon capsule named Endeavour has a few missions under its belt. The 26.7-foot-tall (8.1 meters) space taxis that will send the four crewmembers has successfully carried out the following missions.

    “Lifting off from Launch Pad 39A on a Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon will accelerate to approximately 17,500 mph, to dock with the space station,” NASA stated.

    Those are some fast speeds. Learn how NASA astronauts train to deal with them.

    For the Dragon to move that fast, it is all thanks to the 229.6-foot-tall (69.9 meters) Falcon 9 rocket and its nine Merlin engines. Because of those engines, the rocket can lift a payload of 50,265 pounds and send it to low-Earth orbit, which is where the ISS is.

    The Endeavour will dock autonomously with the ISS’s Harmony module, but the crew can take the controls and pilot it themselves, if needed.

    Attempting to launch

    It was set to go up at 11:16 p.m. ET, Saturday, but NASA officials said that they were scrubbing the mission due to unfavorable weather. The forecast was a bit iffy, with a 40% chance of good liftoff conditions, according to the 45th Weather Squadron. The main concerns were the flight through precipitation, thick cloud layer and the cumulus cloud rules.

    This is not the first time Mother Nature has put a hold on this launch. Originally, it was going to be sent up at 12:04 a.m. ET, Friday, but NASA stated that weather conditions were not ideal.

    The squadron gave a 75% chance of good launch weather for Sunday’s flight, with the only concerns being the flight through precipitation and cumulus cloud rule. But later during the night, NASA updated that to 90%.

    If it did not go up on Sunday, the next attempt would have been Monday, March 4, at 10:31 p.m. ET.

    About the mission

    While NASA says that the crew members will spend several months onboard the ISS, usually it is about six months if we look at past crewed missions.

    And they will not be alone. They will belong to the ISS’s Expedition 69 and 70. An expedition means the current crew in the International Space Station.

    Before the Crew-8 joins them, there are currently seven crew members on the floating laboratory. They recently had guests from the Ax-3 mission.

    The Crew-8 will conduct more than 200 experiments and demonstrate technology.

    “Experiments include using stem cells to create organoid models to study degenerative diseases, studying the effects of microgravity and UV radiation on plants at a cellular level, and testing whether wearing pressure cuffs on the legs could prevent fluid shifts and reduce health problems in astronauts,” NASA explained.

    Patrick O’Neil, the public relations officer for the ISS National Lab, explained to Spectrum News about some of the work that is done on the ISS.

    Watch the launch

     

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • NASA and SpaceX successfully launches Crew-8 mission

    NASA and SpaceX successfully launches Crew-8 mission

    [ad_1]

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — A scrubbed launch did not stop NASA and SpaceX from sending the four-member Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station on Sunday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The launch happened on Sunday at 10:53 p.m. ET
    • Crew-8 members will spend the next months conducting experiments

    Countdown to liftoff

    Watch the launch and hear the sonic boom of the returning first-stage rocket.

    Right as the instantaneous launch window opened at 10:53 p.m. ET, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched NASA astronauts Cmdr. Matthew Dominick, pilot Michael Barratt, and mission specialists Jeanette Epps and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on Sunday, March 2.

    The Falcon 9’s nine Merlin engines roared into the night as it brighten the dark sky like a small sun, creating multiple colors during stage separation between the rocket and the Dragon capsule.

    Space lovers counted down to liftoff as the launch caused spectators to gap in wonder and car alarms to go off.

    The next stop for this crew will be the International Space Station, with the targeted docking time at 3 a.m. ET, Tuesday, March 5, confirmed NASA.

    There was a last minute surprise when a small crack was discovered on the Dragon capsule’s hatch, but the launch team reviewed it and determined that it was OK to continue the launch.

    SpaceX officials stated that the crack should re-seal during re-entry.

    Going to the ISS

    The Falcon’s first-stage booster, B1083, is brand new, meaning the Crew-8 mission is the first one for this little rocket.

    For Florida, this was the 14th launch for the Sunshine State this year. 

    After the stage separation, the first-stage booster landed at Landing Zone 1, that sent a cracking sonic boom that was heard for miles around.

    Not counting this mission, the Dragon capsule named Endeavour has a few missions under its belt. The 26.7-foot-tall (8.1 meters) space taxis that will send the four crewmembers has successfully carried out the following missions.

    “Lifting off from Launch Pad 39A on a Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon will accelerate to approximately 17,500 mph, to dock with the space station,” NASA stated.

    Those are some fast speeds. Learn how NASA astronauts train to deal with them.

    For the Dragon to move that fast, it is all thanks to the 229.6-foot-tall (69.9 meters) Falcon 9 rocket and its nine Merlin engines. Because of those engines, the rocket can lift a payload of 50,265 pounds and send it to low-Earth orbit, which is where the ISS is.

    The Endeavour will dock autonomously with the ISS’s Harmony module, but the crew can take the controls and pilot it themselves, if needed.

    Attempting to launch

    It was set to go up at 11:16 p.m. ET, Saturday, but NASA officials said that they were scrubbing the mission due to unfavorable weather. The forecast was a bit iffy, with a 40% chance of good liftoff conditions, according to the 45th Weather Squadron. The main concerns were the flight through precipitation, thick cloud layer and the cumulus cloud rules.

    This is not the first time Mother Nature has put a hold on this launch. Originally, it was going to be sent up at 12:04 a.m. ET, Friday, but NASA stated that weather conditions were not ideal.

    The squadron gave a 75% chance of good launch weather for Sunday’s flight, with the only concerns being the flight through precipitation and cumulus cloud rule. But later during the night, NASA updated that to 90%.

    If it did not go up on Sunday, the next attempt would have been Monday, March 4, at 10:31 p.m. ET.

    About the mission

    While NASA says that the crew members will spend several months onboard the ISS, usually it is about six months if we look at past crewed missions.

    And they will not be alone. They will belong to the ISS’s Expedition 69 and 70. An expedition means the current crew in the International Space Station.

    Before the Crew-8 joins them, there are currently seven crew members on the floating laboratory. They recently had guests from the Ax-3 mission.

    The Crew-8 will conduct more than 200 experiments and demonstrate technology.

    “Experiments include using stem cells to create organoid models to study degenerative diseases, studying the effects of microgravity and UV radiation on plants at a cellular level, and testing whether wearing pressure cuffs on the legs could prevent fluid shifts and reduce health problems in astronauts,” NASA explained.

    Patrick O’Neil, the public relations officer for the ISS National Lab, explained to Spectrum News about some of the work that is done on the ISS.

    Watch the launch

     

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in. 


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.

    OCOEE

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    MAITLAND

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    EDGEWOOD

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?

    EATONVILLE

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • Intuitive Machines calls IM-1 a successful moon-landing mission

    Intuitive Machines calls IM-1 a successful moon-landing mission

    [ad_1]

    JOHNSON SPACE CENTER — Even though the IM-1 mission’s lunar lander Odysseus tipped over after landing on the moon last week, the company’s CEO called it a “successful mission” during a press conference on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The lunar lander will be put to sleep during the lunar night
    • Once the sun comes back up on the moon, they hope to hear the lander again
    • RELATED ARTICLES:
    • Get more space coverage here  ▶

    During the press conference with Intuitive Machines and NASA officials, the Houston-based company revealed that its 14-foot-tall (4.3 meters) Nova-C class lunar lander is on its side, at about a 30-degree angle, after coming in for its soft landing on the moon.

    In a previous teleconference, co-founder and CEO of Intuitive Machines Steve Altemus said that one of its six legs dug into the lunar soil as it was coming in and it tipped over.

    On Wednesday, Altemus said that despite not landing upright as intended, all the payloads, including the six from NASA, are collecting and sending data back to the IM-1 team.

    “We have conducted a very successful mission at this point,” he said.

    Last week, Intuitive Machines made history by being the first private company to land on the moon with its IM-1 mission. It was the first time in more than 50 years that the United States was able to return to the moon. The last time was in 1972 during the Apollo 17 mission.

    The IM-1 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.   

    On Wednesday, Dr. Sue Lederer, CLPS project scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, said that the mission lasted six days. She called Odysseus a “scrappy little guy.”

    She said during that time, all the scientific data that has been collected and archived will be used for future moon missions.

    NASA has a fleet of instruments that are designed to help to ensure the safe landing for the Artemis III mission and beyond, Lederer said as she answered Spectrum News’ question during the press conference.

    “All of the data that can be used for Artemis, will be used for Artemis,” she said.

    About the EagleCam

    In addition to data, the lunar lander’s cameras have transmitted photos back to Earth.

    Among the payloads, one of them is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s EagleCam, which was originally meant to be deployed from the lunar lander during its descent, where the camera was going to land on the moon first and take the first photos of a spacecraft landing on the moon from a third-person perspective.

    However, a decision was made to not deploy the camera in order to protect the lander.

    “Our number one priority was to not interfere with landing operations. After group discussions with Intuitive Machines’ mission control, the team decided it would be best for both IM’s and our own mission success to remain powered down,” Andrew Ankeny, an aerospace engineer major and member of the EagleCam team, explained to Spectrum News.

    On Wednesday, Altemus praised the EagleCam team. He said on Wednesday morning, he said they reactivated the EagleCam, powered it up and ejected it 13 feet (4 meters) away from the vehicle.

    However, there is a connection issue with the camera and its Wi-Fi abilities, he said, adding that the EagleCam team is working to resolve.

    But he did call the EagleCam “a wild success” just ejecting itself alone and would “love” to have it for another mission.

    Later in the day, the EagleCam team posted on its Instagram page that the team had been working for days to resolve the issues, but “the technical complications ultimately resulted in an inability to capture images of the Odysseus lander.”

    The data that was collected will be analyzed and published in the near future, the team stated.

    Going to sleep

    Altemus said the IM-1 team will put Odysseus to sleep during the lunar night, which lasts about two Earth weeks. Once the lunar day comes back, the team plans to wake up Odysseus to see if it can get readings from the lunar lander itself and its payloads.

    “We will tuck Odie in for the cold night of the moon,” he said, adding that it is degrading in power.

    Batteries do not respond well and the electronics are not designed to handle the deep cold, about -150 degrees during a lunar night, but the solar panels will power the craft. And the IM-1 team plans to turn the lander back on.

    “Why not try… and see what happens,” Dr. Tim Crain, chief technology officer and co-founder of Intuitive Machines, said.

    Trying to land on the moon

    Both Altemus and Crain, also IM-1 mission chief, said that the data from the lunar lander’s systems gathered will be studied and implemented for the IM-2 mission, which is scheduled for later in 2024.

    Altemus explained why it was hard to land Odysseus on the moon. The Houston-based company’s Nova-C lunar lander was originally set to land at crater Malapert A, near the south pole of the moon.

    But due to an issue with Odysseus’ internal navigation system hours before the soft touchdown, the IM-1 team decided to put it in another orbit around the moon to fix the issue.

    What made it hard to land on the moon now, as opposed to during the Apollo missions all those decades ago, because of a few things, such as landing a brand-new style of vehicle in a different part of the moon.

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Toppled moon lander sends back more images, with only hours left until it dies

    Toppled moon lander sends back more images, with only hours left until it dies

    [ad_1]

    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — A moon lander that ended up on its side managed to beam back more pictures, with only hours remaining before it dies.


    Intuitive Machines posted new photos of the moon’s unexplored south polar region Tuesday.

    The company’s lander, Odysseus, captured the shots last Thursday shortly before making the first U.S. touchdown on the moon in more than 50 years. Odysseus landed on its side, hampering communication and power generation.

    Once sunlight can no longer reach the lander’s solar panels, operations will end. Intuitive Machines expects that to happen sometime between Tuesday afternoon and early Wednesday.

    The mission, part of NASA’s effort to boost the lunar economy, was supposed to last until at least Thursday, when lunar nighttime sets in. NASA has six experiments on board.

    Intuitive Machines is the first private business to land a spacecraft on the moon without crashing. Another U.S. company launched its own lunar lander last month, but a fuel leak doomed the mission and the craft came crashing back to Earth.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    [ad_1]

    The prices for a Dave’s Single, Baconator or classic Frosty dessert could fluctuate based on demand under a new plan that the Wendy’s chief executive mentioned during an earnings call earlier this month.

    The Ohio-based fast food company, which operates about 7,100 restaurants in the U.S., plans to start testing its dynamic pricing menu next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wendy’s will experiment with dynamic pricing on its menu in 2025

    • The fast food chain announced the plan during an earnings call earlier this month

    • The dynamic pricing plan is part of a $20 million investment the company is making in digital menus

    • Wendy’s operates about 7,100 locations in the U.S.

    It’s one component of a $20 million digital menu investment that will enable Wendy’s operators to experiment with altering prices based on how much traffic they have. The company also plans to change its menu based on time of day.

    “We are making a significant investment in technology to accelerate our digital business,” a Wendy’s spokesperson told Spectrum News.

    One of the benefits of the investment “will be the flexibility to change the menu more easily and to offer discounts and value offers to our customers through innovations such as digital menu boards, which will roll out in some U.S. restaurants.”

    The spokesperson said it expects the move to drive traffic by “providing value during slower parts of the day.”

    Starting in early 2025, Wendy’s will also test AI-enabled menu changes and so-called suggestive selling, where customers are offered recommendations based on factors such as weather.

    [ad_2]

    Susan Carpenter

    Source link

  • Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    [ad_1]

    The prices for a Dave’s Single, Baconator or classic Frosty dessert could fluctuate based on demand under a new plan that the Wendy’s chief executive mentioned during an earnings call earlier this month.

    The Ohio-based fast food company, which operates about 7,100 restaurants in the U.S., plans to start testing its dynamic pricing menu next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wendy’s will experiment with dynamic pricing on its menu in 2025

    • The fast food chain announced the plan during an earnings call earlier this month

    • The dynamic pricing plan is part of a $20 million investment the company is making in digital menus

    • Wendy’s operates about 7,100 locations in the U.S.

    It’s one component of a $20 million digital menu investment that will enable Wendy’s operators to experiment with altering prices based on how much traffic they have. The company also plans to change its menu based on time of day.

    “We are making a significant investment in technology to accelerate our digital business,” a Wendy’s spokesperson told Spectrum News.

    One of the benefits of the investment “will be the flexibility to change the menu more easily and to offer discounts and value offers to our customers through innovations such as digital menu boards, which will roll out in some U.S. restaurants.”

    The spokesperson said it expects the move to drive traffic by “providing value during slower parts of the day.”

    Starting in early 2025, Wendy’s will also test AI-enabled menu changes and so-called suggestive selling, where customers are offered recommendations based on factors such as weather.

    [ad_2]

    Susan Carpenter

    Source link

  • Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    Wendy’s will start testing surge pricing on its menu in 2025

    [ad_1]

    The prices for a Dave’s Single, Baconator or classic Frosty dessert could fluctuate based on demand under a new plan that the Wendy’s chief executive mentioned during an earnings call earlier this month.

    The Ohio-based fast food company, which operates about 7,100 restaurants in the U.S., plans to start testing its dynamic pricing menu next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wendy’s will experiment with dynamic pricing on its menu in 2025

    • The fast food chain announced the plan during an earnings call earlier this month

    • The dynamic pricing plan is part of a $20 million investment the company is making in digital menus

    • Wendy’s operates about 7,100 locations in the U.S.

    It’s one component of a $20 million digital menu investment that will enable Wendy’s operators to experiment with altering prices based on how much traffic they have. The company also plans to change its menu based on time of day.

    “We are making a significant investment in technology to accelerate our digital business,” a Wendy’s spokesperson told Spectrum News.

    One of the benefits of the investment “will be the flexibility to change the menu more easily and to offer discounts and value offers to our customers through innovations such as digital menu boards, which will roll out in some U.S. restaurants.”

    The spokesperson said it expects the move to drive traffic by “providing value during slower parts of the day.”

    Starting in early 2025, Wendy’s will also test AI-enabled menu changes and so-called suggestive selling, where customers are offered recommendations based on factors such as weather.

    [ad_2]

    Susan Carpenter

    Source link

  • Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in. 


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.

    OCOEE

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    MAITLAND

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    EDGEWOOD

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?

    EATONVILLE

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • New severe weather alert system hits Clearwater Beach ahead of Spring Break

    New severe weather alert system hits Clearwater Beach ahead of Spring Break

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A new severe weather alert system in Clearwater Beach will help lifeguards clear the water more efficiently when storms roll in.

    The city is establishing six lighting detection and warning systems down the main stretch of Clearwater Beach. The new technology consists of speakers fixed on poles or on top of lifeguard stations that can both detect lightning strikes in the area and give announcement when danger is near.

    What You Need To Know

    • New severe weather alert system in Clearwater Beach will help lifeguards 

    • City installing six lighting detection and warning systems down the main stretch of Clearwater Beach
    • Fully installed ahead of Spring Break

    Through this new system, people visiting the beach will have clear directions on when they must get out of the water, why the order was given, and when it’s safe to return.

    Lifeguard manager Patrick Brafford says they currently rely on a colored flag system and whistles to alert people of danger in the water.

    “The problem is most people don’t know what that means or why they’re exiting the water,” Brafford says.

    Some swimmers also don’t realize the urgency of the situation and don’t take shelter quickly, leaving lifeguards out in dangerous situations for extended periods of time as they work to clear the beach.

    “They don’t know that there’s a storm coming in,” Brafford explained. “They don’t know that there’s lightning present.”

    Right now,  the guards use a mix of radar and local weather reports to track the fast-moving storms that seem to pop up daily on summer afternoons. The policy is when lightning’s 15 miles away a “watch” is issued internally. Its upped to a “warning” at 10 miles and when strikes hit 5 miles, they close the water and clear the beach.

    Brafford says each year they respond to anywhere from 3 to 5 incidents with lightning on the beach. Some lightning strikes are more serious and direct than others.

    “It’s becoming more of a problem and storms seem to be getting a little worse,” he said.

    The new lightning detection system will be fully installed and operational by the start of spring break.

    Brafford asks that people listen to the warning tones and messages and take the announcements seriously. 

    “We just want to bring safety out here and I think this system will enhance our ability to do that,” he said. 

    In addition to the beaches, the same technology is being installed in parks and by public fields across the city of Clearwater. 

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Donald Trump confirms 6 names on his VP shortlist

    Donald Trump confirms 6 names on his VP shortlist

    [ad_1]

    Former President Donald Trump confirmed at least six names he said are on his shortlist to be his vice presidential pick in this year’s election.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former President Donald Trump confirmed at least six names he said are on his shortlist to be his vice presidential pick in this year’s election

    • In a Fox News town hall on Tuesday night, Trump said his list includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott

    • Trump did not produce the names on his own but was rather presented them by town hall host Laura Ingraham before saying they were all on his shortlist

    • It’s possible other names could also be on Trump’s list

    In a Fox News town hall on Tuesday night, Trump said his list includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

    The front-runner for the GOP nomination, Trump did not produce the names on his own but was rather presented them by town hall host Laura Ingraham, who said audience members suggested them. Ingraham then asked Trump, “Are they all on your shortlist?” Trump answered, “They are.”

    It’s possible other names could also be on Trump’s list. There has been speculation, too, surrounding New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, among others.

    Trump, 77, said the most important quality he’s looking for in a running mate is someone who could be a great president in the event that something happens to him.

    He also said “you would like to get somebody that could help you from the voter standpoint” and added that he’s looking for a running mate who agrees with him on a wide range of issues, including border security, interest rates, electric vehicles, foreign affairs, the need for a strong military and school choice.

    “I always say I want people with common sense because there’s so many things happening in this country that don’t make sense,” Trump said.

    Trump told NBC News in September that he liked the concept of choosing a woman as his running mate, but added, “We’re going to pick the best person.” He did not say anything Tuesday night about his running mate potentially be a woman.

    In another Fox town hall in Iowa in January, Trump said he already knew who his pick would be but did not elaborate. DeSantis and Ramaswamy were still opposing him for the Republican nomination at the time.

    Scott also ran against Trump in the primary but exited the race before the first votes were cast. DeSantis, Ramaswamy and Scott have all endorsed Trump, with Ramaswamy and Scott actively campaigning for the former president.

    Trump praised Scott, who attended the town hall, calling him “a great advocate.”

    “He has been much better for me than he was for himself,” Trump said. “I watched his campaign, and he doesn’t like talking about himself, but, boy, does he talk about Trump.”

    In 2016, Trump chose then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to be his running mate, but the men had a falling out after Pence rebuffed Trump’s demand to block certification of Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election.

    [ad_2]

    Ryan Chatelain

    Source link

  • El Niño likely to fade by late spring

    El Niño likely to fade by late spring

    [ad_1]

    After a wet El Niño winter across Florida, we will see Central Pacific waters cool down again by late spring. 

    What You Need To Know

    • El Niño has been strong all winter

    • Central Pacific water temperatures have already been cooling down

    • Neutral conditions are expected by May

    • La Niña is likely to develop by late summer or early fall

    El Niño results from the relaxed trade winds in the equatorial Pacific, leading to less upwelling off the South American coast.

    With less upwelling, sea surface temperatures warm in the central Pacific, leading to an El Niño pattern.

    These warmer Pacific water temperatures can determine weather patterns across other parts of the world.

    This year, it has led to an unusually wet winter across the state of Florida. 

    Forecast

    Trade winds have already picked back up a bit in the equatorial Pacific, cooling down the Central Pacific waters in January and February after a December peak.

    We are still in a strong El Niño pattern as of Feb. 2024. However, waters are expected to continue to cool with neutral conditions (near normal) likely arriving around May this year.

    In fact, a weak to moderate La Niña could develop by September.

    La Niña

    La Niña is the exact opposite of El Niño. Here, trade winds strengthen over the equatorial Pacific, leading to more upwelling.

    This brings cooler water to the surface, so sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific drop to below normal.

    La Niña can have an influence on the Atlantic Hurricane season and it could arrive just in time for the peak.

    During a La Niña summer and fall pattern, shear increases in the Pacific, but decreases in the Atlantic.

    Shear refers to upper level winds that can inhibit tropical storm and hurricane growth.

    During a typical La Niña hurricane season, above normal activity is expected in the Caribbean.

    Overall, it is still a tough call for this upcoming hurricane season as La Niña is not expected to develop until after the start of the season and it will likely be on the weaker side.

    Other factors, including water temperatures in the Atlantic and Saharan dust, can affect the season. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

    Source link