The Florida Turnpike is undergoing a large expansion in Lake County that officials hope will ease congestion as the area around Hancock Road in Minneola continues to boom, and the expansion marked a major milestone with the opening of two new lanes of traffic southbound.From the Hancock Road interchange to the State Road 50 interchange, the $162.3 million project has seen the expansion of the Turnpike from two lanes to four.The project is set to wrap up next year, but will continue northbound from Hancock Road to O’Brien Road.”Any time we can ease traffic, I think that’s going to work in favor to everybody,” said driver Jim Ashbaugh. “It’s just too much traffic. Any time you have expansion is great. We do like it now, the more work that’s being done.”As the expansion continues, the area around Hancock Road is booming, with the opening of a new Advent Health hospital this month and thousands of homes recently built and still under construction.”It’s been a lot of work, I know that. There’s been a lot of holdups, the way the traffic has been and everything. But I think it’s for a good thing,” said driver Russell Iglesias.Officials hope all the work will accommodate the thousands of new Lake County residents flocking to the area.”You’ve got a lot more people coming here, moving, so they’re going to look to build houses,” Ashbaugh said. “More and more people coming is going to make that much more traffic, but more jobs, right, more opportunity for people to come and make a little bit more money.”The work to expand from two lanes to four in both directions northbound from Hancock to O’Brien will conclude in 2028.
MINNEOLA, Fla. —
The Florida Turnpike is undergoing a large expansion in Lake County that officials hope will ease congestion as the area around Hancock Road in Minneola continues to boom, and the expansion marked a major milestone with the opening of two new lanes of traffic southbound.
From the Hancock Road interchange to the State Road 50 interchange, the $162.3 million project has seen the expansion of the Turnpike from two lanes to four.
The project is set to wrap up next year, but will continue northbound from Hancock Road to O’Brien Road.
“Any time we can ease traffic, I think that’s going to work in favor to everybody,” said driver Jim Ashbaugh. “It’s just too much traffic. Any time you have expansion is great. We do like it now, the more work that’s being done.”
As the expansion continues, the area around Hancock Road is booming, with the opening of a new Advent Health hospital this month and thousands of homes recently built and still under construction.
“It’s been a lot of work, I know that. There’s been a lot of holdups, the way the traffic has been and everything. But I think it’s for a good thing,” said driver Russell Iglesias.
Officials hope all the work will accommodate the thousands of new Lake County residents flocking to the area.
“You’ve got a lot more people coming here, moving, so they’re going to look to build houses,” Ashbaugh said. “More and more people coming is going to make that much more traffic, but more jobs, right, more opportunity for people to come and make a little bit more money.”
The work to expand from two lanes to four in both directions northbound from Hancock to O’Brien will conclude in 2028.
The most noteworthy thing about Duke’s win Tuesday over Lipscomb was that it gave Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer his 100th career win.
But few could have expected No. 100 to be quite as hard to get.
The No. 3 Blue Devils, coming back from the end-of-semester exam break, took a 97-73 victory over the Bisons in a game that was too ragged, too sloppy at times, for Scheyer’s liking.
The Blue Devils will take an 11-0 record into their game Saturday against No. 19 Texas Tech in New York’s Madison Square Garden. It’s Duke’s best start to a season since 2017-18, when the Devils also won their first 11 games.
The Bisons (6-5), the Atlantic Sun champions last season, had a five-game win streak and a team that didn’t back off or flinch. Forget the final score. They battled defensively and ran their offense smartly much of the time, leading by as many as 10 points in the first half.
The Blue Devils, who oddsmakers made 32-point favorites, led 48-45 at halftime but only after a late-half surge. More alert defense and increased urgency were apparent from the start of the second half as the Blue Devils limited Lipscomb to 33.3% shooting and methodically pulled away to a comfortable-enough victory
Cameron Boozer, like his teammates a slow starter, finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds and Patrick Ngongba also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Evans had 16 points for the Blue Devils with four 3-pointers, and Duke got some energized play off the bench from Darren Harris (11 points) and Maliq Brown (11 points, 9 rebounds).
Duke’s Cayden Boozer drives to the basket past Lipscomb’s Grant Asman and Lipscomb’s Ross Candelino during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
For the record, Scheyer now is 100-22 overall in his fourth season since taking over from Mike Krzyzewski, who again was in his customary sideline seat.
“Taking over from a coach like Coach K, that’s a tough task, but he’s done a great job following him up,” Cameron Boozer said
Another former Duke coach, the late Vic Bubas, held the ACC record for the fastest to 100 wins — doing it in 128 games — but Scheyer has done it in 122.
“I’m extremely proud of coach and proud of this team,” Evans said. “I’m just proud to be a part of history.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer talks with Caleb Foster during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game against Lipscomb on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Scheyer now is 54-3 in home games. But that 54th home win had the head coach squirming a bit and working the refs much of the night.
“I got advice right away when I found out I was going to be the next coach,” Scheyer said. “You can worry about a lot of different things but you better get some good players, man. And we’ve had the best players. We’ve had great players.
“It’s not about me. It’s about who you have with you. And you’ve got to scrap and claw for every win.”
What did we learn about the Blue Devils?
Getting the rust off
There were signs of rust and being out of synch for the Blue Devils nearly the entire first half.
Cameron Boozer had the ball stolen off the dribble. Cayden Boozer had a dribble bounce off his sneaker for a turnover. Patrick Ngongba missed a point-blank layup. Nikolas Khamenia stepped out of bounds trying to get off a shot.
Get the idea? It was sloppy basketball. Duke had 16 turnovers – in the first half – that Lipscomb turned into 21 points and finished with 22 turnovers.
“We had a little bit of a rough game, especially turning the ball over,” Cameron Boozer said. “But give props to Lipscomb, too. They’re a great mid-major team and have a chance of making the (NCAA) tournament.”
Duke’s Dame Sarr reacts after turning the ball over during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 97-73 win over Lipscomb on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
With Evans hitting two early 3’s, Duke took a 10-0 lead and it appeared the Blue Devils were primed for the expected wire-to-wire win. But the Bisons kept playing, looking to dribble-drive to the lane and find Duke’s defensive holes.
“They exposed some things that we have to do better,” Scheyer said.
Lipscomb’s Mateo Esmeraldo, a physical 6-1 junior, didn’t back off. Esmeraldo had 12 of his 14 points in the first half and got eight at the foul line after challenging the Devils. Lipscomb was 13 of 14 at the line in the opening half, Esmeraldo finally missing the 14th.
Lipscomb’s guards were willing to pay the price to attack the rim, often crashing to the court as they put up shots. Lipscomb led by as many as 10 points – 26-16 – midway through the half.
Getting more than enough work
The Bisons gave the Devils plenty of work Tuesday – probably more than Duke expected.
Lipscomb opened in 1-2-2 zone, later had some 1-3-1 looks and mixed that in with its man-to-man. Offensively, Lipscomb spread the floor in the half court, used up the clock and kept the Blue Devils in motion.
Lipscomb had a 14-2 run in the opening half – Scheyer calling a timeout – and shot a respectable 45% from the field, hit free throws and had just seven turnovers. And scored 45 points.
“I thought the actions they ran against our (defensive) switching were great,” Scheyer said. “I thought the physicality they played with, the defense … I can’t say enough about them.
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia looks to pass around Lipscomb’s Kellan Boylan and Lipscomb’s Titas Sargiunas during the first half of the Blue Devils’ game on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
“That was a great experience for us. That was a different kind of team than we’ve played because of their shooting, so we had to do some things differently on the defensive end.”
If the Blue Devils were looking for a good post-exam workout to limber back up, they got it. The game was a good ‘tweener between the big road win at Michigan State and Texas Tech.
“It was a trap week,” Cameron Boozer said. “We’ve got to be better, for sure.”
Down but not out
For Duke, it was a scary sight.
Five minutes into the first half, Khamenia was in transition when there suddenly was a loose ball scramble near midcourt. The 6-8 freshman was knocked off balance and fell awkwardly – replays made it appear he might have landed chin-first.
Khamena stayed face down for several moments as the Duke trainers rushed in. He was helped up and taken to the bench, but was left bloodied.
Not that he was out for long. Repairs were made and Khamenia, a crash-and-bang kind of player, was soon back on the floor, ready for more contact.
A few other Duke players took some hard spills in a game with a lot of banging bodies.
“We got a little banged up but I think we’re OK,” Scheyer said.
Lipscomb’s Titas Sargiunas and Duke’s Darren Harris dive after a loose ball during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 97-73 win on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
This story was originally published December 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM.
In more than 40 years at The N&O, Chip Alexander has covered the N.C. State, UNC, Duke and East Carolina beats, and now is in his 15th season on the Carolina Hurricanes beat. Alexander, who has won numerous writing awards at the state and national level, covered the Hurricanes’ move to North Carolina in 1997 and was a part of The N&O’s coverage of the Canes’ 2006 Stanley Cup run.
Caitlin Clark added another milestone to her historic rookie campaign, breaking the WNBA single-season assists record in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Video above: Central Alabama basketball player goes viral singing in front of his coaches and teammatesClark entered the game needing just four assists to match the previous record of 316 set by Connecticut Sun guard Alyssa Thomas in 2023. She set the new mark in the second quarter on an inbounds pass to teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who drove to the paint and knocked down the bucket.Clark finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points in the loss.The accomplishment adds to the 2024 No. 1 pick’s historic season, which includes setting the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 against the Dallas Wings in July and the rookie assists record last month. Clark has also become the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in league history.Indiana trailed 43-35 at halftime before Clark caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and bringing the Fever to within three points. After Damiris Dantas made a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 60-60, the Aces broke out on a 9-2 run to pad their lead.The Fever had an opportunity to tie the game with under 20 seconds left in the game, but Fever star Aliyah Boston missed the 3-point attempt. Aces guard Chelsea Gray made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach.Aces star A’ja Wilson, fresh off of setting the WNBA’s single-season scoring record Wednesday, finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in the victory, while Gray added 21 points and six assists.After the game, Clark was asked about her record-setting night, as well as Wilson’s and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s milestones this season.“I think it definitely just speaks to the whole entire year and how historic it has been for this league and how great the basketball has been for the league,” Clark said.“You know we’re not even to the playoffs yet; I think that’s what is so fun about it is you’re just going to continue to see records be taken down, but also, I think, really good basketball, and that’s why it’s been so fun to watch, that’s why the fans have been showing up, the viewership has been absolutely crushed this year,” she added.“I think everybody is just kind of raising their game, the competition is just getting better and better, and it’s fun as a competitor to show up in this league every night and know you have to bring your best because you know whoever is on the other side of the court from you, they’re going to bring their best and that’s what makes it fun,” Clark said. “It’s been cool to watch everybody really take a step up and elevate, and to be a part of that has been really fun for myself, too.”Though the Fever fell short to the Aces for a second straight game, they remain in sixth place in the standings and have already secured a spot in the playoffs. Indiana will face Dallas on Sunday before wrapping up the regular season against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19.
Caitlin Clark added another milestone to her historic rookie campaign, breaking the WNBA single-season assists record in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Video above: Central Alabama basketball player goes viral singing in front of his coaches and teammates
Clark entered the game needing just four assists to match the previous record of 316 set by Connecticut Sun guard Alyssa Thomas in 2023. She set the new mark in the second quarter on an inbounds pass to teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who drove to the paint and knocked down the bucket.
Clark finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points in the loss.
The accomplishment adds to the 2024 No. 1 pick’s historic season, which includes setting the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 against the Dallas Wings in July and the rookie assists record last month. Clark has also become the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in league history.
Indiana trailed 43-35 at halftime before Clark caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and bringing the Fever to within three points. After Damiris Dantas made a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 60-60, the Aces broke out on a 9-2 run to pad their lead.
The Fever had an opportunity to tie the game with under 20 seconds left in the game, but Fever star Aliyah Boston missed the 3-point attempt. Aces guard Chelsea Gray made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach.
Aces star A’ja Wilson, fresh off of setting the WNBA’s single-season scoring record Wednesday, finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in the victory, while Gray added 21 points and six assists.
After the game, Clark was asked about her record-setting night, as well as Wilson’s and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s milestones this season.
“I think it definitely just speaks to the whole entire year and how historic it has been for this league and how great the basketball has been for the league,” Clark said.
“You know we’re not even to the playoffs yet; I think that’s what is so fun about it is you’re just going to continue to see records be taken down, but also, I think, really good basketball, and that’s why it’s been so fun to watch, that’s why the fans have been showing up, the viewership has been absolutely crushed this year,” she added.
“I think everybody is just kind of raising their game, the competition is just getting better and better, and it’s fun as a competitor to show up in this league every night and know you have to bring your best because you know whoever is on the other side of the court from you, they’re going to bring their best and that’s what makes it fun,” Clark said. “It’s been cool to watch everybody really take a step up and elevate, and to be a part of that has been really fun for myself, too.”
Though the Fever fell short to the Aces for a second straight game, they remain in sixth place in the standings and have already secured a spot in the playoffs. Indiana will face Dallas on Sunday before wrapping up the regular season against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19.
I started at 370lb on March 22nd 2023. I was 24 and had never been below 300lb since middle school. Just a little past the 1 year mark and I’m 25 and almost into the 240s now. My ultimate goal is 185 and it feels more achievable than ever before. It still doesn’t feel real, I can fit into regular Large clothing sizes now, granted they’re still snug but they won’t be in another 20lb or so. A year ago I was almost fitting just right into 4XL.
Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs have become both convenient and worrying, with scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting victims. Authorities in the US and other jurisdictions are now waging a war against crypto-ATM-based scams.
California takes a stance on new cryptocurrency laws
The state of California has introduced rules for cryptocurrency transactions. Senate Bill 401, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, means you can only make $1,000 worth of cryptocurrency transactions at ATMs each day, and starting in 2025, the maximum they can charge you is $5, or 15% of the transaction. Whichever is higher.
Initially, some Bitcoin ATMs allowed up to $50,000 in transactions with fees ranging between 12% and 25% above the value of the digital asset. These changes are intended to protect people from scams and high fees, explained Sen. Monique Lemon, one of the co-authors.
Scammers taking advantage of the convenience of Bitcoin ATMs have been a growing concern, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that more than 46,000 people have lost more than $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams since 2021. New transaction limits give victims more time to spot scams before loss of money. But Charles Bell of the Blockchain Advocacy Coalition worries that these rules could hurt the cryptocurrency industry and small businesses.
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FBI Alerts About Bitcoin ATM and QR Code Scams
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has raised the alarm about fraudulent schemes exploiting ATMs for cryptocurrencies and quick response (QR) codes for payments. These schemes take various forms, including online impersonation, romance scams, and lottery fraud, all using cryptocurrency ATMs and QR codes as tools.
QR codes, which smartphone cameras can scan, simplify cryptocurrency payments. However, criminals are now using it to trick victims into paying money. Victims are often asked to withdraw money from their accounts and use a QR code provided by scammers to complete transactions at physical cryptocurrency ATMs.
Once the victim makes the payment, the cryptocurrency is transferred to the scammer’s wallet, making recovery nearly impossible due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies. The FBI offers several tips to protect against these schemes, focusing on caution, verification, and avoiding cryptocurrency ATM transactions that promise anonymity using only a phone number or email.
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Cryptocurrency regulation efforts in California
The passage of Senate Bill 401 in California is part of a broader effort to regulate the cryptocurrency industry while protecting consumers. Another law, scheduled to take effect in July 2025, will require digital financial asset companies to obtain licenses from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. This represents a clear shift towards tightening government regulation and oversight in the world of digital finance.
Gavin Newsom’s decision to sign these bills into law demonstrates California’s commitment to strengthening the cryptocurrency industry and protecting its citizens. Balancing innovation and security remains a challenge, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Bitcoin Depot’s historic debut on the NASDAQ
In July, Bitcoin Depot, a leading bitcoin ATM operator, went public on the Nasdaq. This milestone comes after Bitcoin Depot merged with GSR II Meteora, a blank check company.
The move to go public demonstrates the growing legitimacy and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in major financial markets.
Authorities vs. illegal crypto ATMs
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is taking a strong stance against illegal cryptocurrency ATM operators. Using its power under money laundering regulations, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has carried out raids on cryptocurrency ATMs suspected of illegal activities across England.
The measures, which follow previous operations in east London and Leeds, are part of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) efforts to crack down on unregulated cryptocurrency operations. This highlights global pressure for stronger cryptocurrency regulation, mirroring steps taken in California. The balance between innovation and security remains a fundamental concern for regulatory bodies around the world.
GLEN MILLS, Pa., November 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– National nonprofit Operation Warm is on track to serve its five millionth child this year. As the largest nonprofit of its kind, Operation Warm offers brand-new coats and shoes as a bridge to connect underserved families and their children with the resources they need to thrive.
In 1998, entrepreneur Dick Sanford founded Operation Warm with a simple act of kindness. While driving through his hometown of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, on a freezing winter day, Sanford came across a group of school-aged children waiting at the bus stop without coats, huddled together to stay warm. Compelled to act, he headed to the closest department store and bought 58 coats to give to the children who needed them.
Since that cold winter day, Operation Warm has served 4.6 million children in more than 2,100 communities across North America. This year alone, there are over 640,000 children on their Wish List requesting coats and shoes. This Giving Tuesday, the nonprofit is gathering support to reach its five millionth child served by the end of this year. Operation Warm plans to celebrate this important milestone with a celebratory coat-gifting event in Kennett Square, the town where the organization got its start.
“We are excited to celebrate this upcoming milestone with our team, partners, and many others who have supported Operation Warm over the years,” says Grace Sica, executive director of Operation Warm. “Working together to make a difference in the lives of so many children has been such a rewarding journey.”
“When I gave away those first 58 coats nearly 25 years ago, I couldn’t have guessed that Operation Warm would come this far and touch so many lives,” says Dick Sandford, founder of Operation Warm. “Since then, we have brought hope to thousands of communities across North America, inspired countless volunteers to join our mission, and are now on track to provide our five millionth child with the gift of warmth.”
