ReportWire

Tag: News

  • How location precision enhances safety and reduces response times in emergencies 

    [ad_1]

    Key points:

    In emergencies, time is the most valuable resource–and it’s often the one in shortest supply. Whether a medical crisis, fire, or security threat, the difference between a quick response and a delayed one can significantly shape outcomes. While training, communication, and coordination are all essential to emergency preparedness, one foundational element is often underestimated: accurate campus mapping.

    At its core, effective emergency response depends on knowing how to get to the right place at the right time and with the right resources. Digital maps turn abstract safety plans into operational reality. When someone needs help, having location specifics, building layouts, and safety assets clearly visualized and shared enables responders to move with confidence rather than hesitation–and that clarity saves time.

    From static plans to real-time awareness

    Many organizations still rely on static floor plans or paper diagrams for their emergency planning. While these may meet compliance requirements, they often fall short when it matters most. Facilities are constantly evolving: Rooms are repurposed, walls are added and removed, equipment is relocated, and temporary changes are made. A map that was accurate six months ago may already be outdated and unhelpful in an emergency response.

    Modern safety preparedness calls for a shift from static maps to living, digital representations of space. Dynamic maps enable organizations to update changes as they happen, ensuring that responders are working from current information. In a crisis, eliminating uncertainty about entrances, exits, room layouts, or asset locations can shave critical minutes off response times.

    Location is the first question and the hardest one to answer

    Ask any emergency responder what information matters most when a call comes in, and the answer is almost always the same: location. Not just the address, but the precise spot within a building or campus where help is needed. Large or multi-building or multi-floor environments, such as schools and hospitals, add layers of complexity that make a street address alone insufficient. According to recent data, nearly 60 percent of school safety incidents happen outside of the classroom. Knowing exactly where an incident is happening is key to getting help on scene fast. 

    Indoor location is especially challenging when emergencies are reported through mobile devices. While Next Generation 911 standards aim to support sub-addressing–down to the building, floor, or even room–broad adoption and consistent implementation are still emerging. Currently, responders are often dispatched with limited spatial detail, forcing them to spend precious minutes on gathering crucial information after arrival, rather than en route.

    The NIH defines Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rapid response as under five minutes. Nationally, average response time varies between seven and 10 minutes, but in rural and historically low-income areas, EMS or fire response can take up to 20 minutes more than average. Police response times can take even longer.

    Mapping addresses the challenge of keeping response times to under five minutes, by providing visual context that traditional dispatch data often lacks. When responders can see the incident location in relation to stairwells, access points, evacuation routes, and nearby safety equipment, they can plan before they arrive. This reduces time spent searching, backtracking, or waiting for clarification once on site.

    Making safety assets visible before they’re needed

    Emergency preparedness is not only about people; it’s also about tools. Automated external defibrillators (AED), fire extinguishers, drug overdose reversal kits, first-aid kits, utility shut-offs, and alarm panels are only effective if responders can find them quickly. In high-stress situations, even familiar environments can become disorienting.

    Mapping plays a critical role by allowing responders to plan before they arrive on the scene, not after. When the locations of life-saving assets are visible in advance – in addition to routes, access points, and building layouts – responders can make decisions on the way: which entrance to use, which equipment to get first, and how to sequence their actions upon arrival. This shifts response from reactive to deliberate, compressing the timeline between arrival and intervention.

    The impact of saved time is especially clear in medical emergencies: in sudden cardiac arrest incidents, every extra minute of response time can lead to a 6% decrease in the likelihood of survival. If EMS is delayed due to distance, traffic, or call time, knowing exactly where an AED is located– and how to reach it the fastest– can make all the difference.

    That’s why mapping safety assets into a shared visual system helps ensure that these resources are visible and easy to locate. The ability to see safety asset locations in real time also supports daily readiness by enabling facilities teams to track inspections, maintenance, and compliance more efficiently. Over time, this creates a feedback loop where preparedness improves not just during emergencies, but through ongoing operations.

    Improving coordination across roles and agencies

    One of the less visible benefits of digital mapping is its impact on coordination. Emergencies rarely involve a single responder or department. Administrators, facilities teams, security staff, medical personnel, and external first responders all work together, often under intense pressure.

    When everyone involved is referencing the same map, misunderstandings decrease, and decision-making accelerates. Clear visuals help align actions, reduce redundant communication–or miscommunication–and most importantly, reduce response time.

    Training, drills, and a culture of readiness

    Preparedness must be built over time through planning, training, and repetition. Incorporating maps into drills helps administrators and leadership internalize layouts, routes, and procedures before they are tested in real life. That way, they’re not only ready with what they know but prepared to pivot and support EMS response if anything changes.

    This familiarity fosters a culture of readiness. When people understand their environment and their role within it, they are more likely to act decisively and calmly. Over time, mapping becomes more than a technical tool; it becomes a shared language for safety.

    Planning for what’s next

    Mapping sits at the intersection of planning and action. It connects people, places, and resources in a way that supports faster response and better outcomes. By investing in thoughtful mapping practices today, organizations can reduce uncertainty tomorrow. And in emergencies, reducing uncertainty is one of the most powerful ways to save time and improve outcomes. 

    Latest posts by eSchool Media Contributors (see all)

    [ad_2]

    Peter Crosbie, CENTEGIX

    Source link

  • School board OKs closings, consolidations to adjust to declining enrollment

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — Tuesday, the Pinellas County Schools board unanimously approved a series of proposals to close and consolidate a handful of schools.

    The move, the district officials say, will help it save money and adjust to declining enrollment.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County school board members voted to approve a number of changes the district says will help it adjust to declining enrollment

    • Disston Academy and Cross Bayou Elementary will close, Bay Point Elementary and Middle will combine to form a K-8, and Oldsmar Elementary will expand to a K-8

    • According to the district, the changes will save $7.7 million in recurring annual expenses

    • Read previous coverage: Final word on Pinellas schools closings and consolidations likely Tuesday


    The board approved combining Bay Point Elementary and Middle Schools into a K-8 and expanding Oldsmar Elementary to eighth grade. Cross Bayou Elementary School and Disston Academy will both close at the end of this school year.

    For some, it was an emotional decision.

    “I’ll only ask you one more time: Please save my school,” said Michael Gerke, a parent of a Cross Bayou student and volunteer at the school.

    Gerke says Cross Bayou Elementary should not be on the chopping block. He previously told Spectrum Bay News 9 the school’s 250-student population makes it easier for educators to know the kids than at a bigger school.

    He also said he doesn’t think the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program should be disturbed.

    In the end, that proposal, like the others, passed with a 7-0 vote from the board. Gerke and his son were visibly upset afterwards, walking out of the meeting and declining an on-camera interview.

    “Any closure is impactful for the communities we serve. We certainly heard from Cross Bayou Elementary School community members who are not happy with this recommendation, and we should expect that,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “Our schools should be places that are loved and remembered fondly. It is my responsibility, though, and obligation to provide our families with excellent academic choices and programs while maintaining a balanced budget.”

    Hendrick told board members Cross Bayou is only at 40% utilization and needs $5 million in maintenance. According to the district, closing it, along with the other changes, can save $7.7 million on recurring annual expenses. Another is expanding Oldsmar Elementary to a K-8.

    One parent told the board he supports it.

    “Three more years, my kids get to be together as siblings. That increases the togetherness, the bond, the psychological safety. Not only, though, is it stability for them, it is stability for my wife and I as parents,” said Oldsmar Elementary parent Curtis Campogni. 

    The superintendent said expanding Oldsmar will take it from 57% utilization up to 95%.

    Board member Eileen Long said she’s heard from parents who asked for closer options for middle school.

    “When your child goes to Carwise and you work until 5 p.m. and then want to go to open house at 6 p.m., a lot of parents didn’t make it. We have a lot of support for this,” Long said.

    The Oldsmar expansion will happen in phases beginning next school year. Bay Point K-8 will begin in 2027-28, and Disston Academy will close at the end of this school year. 

    According to district information, more comprehensive recommendations are expected this fall. They wouldn’t go into effect until the 2027-28 school year.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Final word on Pinellas schools closings and consolidations Tuesday

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Parents and students at a handful of Pinellas County schools should have a final answer Tuesday night on whether their school will be closing or consolidating at the end of the school year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Final answer likely Tuesday on closures and consolidation of a few Pinellas County schools

    • Cross Bayou Elementary is the only elementary school recommended for closure
    • District says the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program, which is run out of the school, would be relocated to Walsingham Oaks K-8
    • Low enrollment, aging building cited as reasons for potential closure 

    • Pinellas County Schools: Planning For Progress (.pdf)

    School board members in Pinellas County are slated to vote Tuesday on five recommendations made by Superintendent Kevin Hendrick and district staff.

    They include closing Cross Bayou Elementary School, closing Disston Academy, combining Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle into a K-8 school, expanding Oldsmar Elementary to a K-8 school, and expanding the employee child care program to McMullen-Booth Elementary.

    Hendrick said the move to close or consolidate schools is in an effort to cut operational costs and reduce the amount of student seats available due to declining enrollment.

    Cross Bayou Elementary is the only elementary school recommended for closure. District staff said the aging building is in need of roughly $5.1 million in capital improvements in the coming years, including a new roof. If approved, the district hopes to sell or lease the property as-is after students depart for the final time in May. They expect to save about $3 million a year by closing the school.

    This school year, Cross Bayou Elementary has 245 students with a maximum capacity of 610 students. This is a big drop from its peak of 427 students during the 2018-2019 school year. The school also houses the district’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing program, which would be relocated to Walsingham Oaks K-8.

    If the closure is approved Tuesday, most students would be rezoned to nearby Pinellas Central and Bardmoor elementary schools.

    During a parent and family meeting earlier this month set at the school, more than 100 parents attended and many pleaded with district staff to keep the school open. They cited concerns with their students entering into larger schools and relocating the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program.

    The school community, parent Jovanniece Morales says, is so accepting of students with different needs. Those students included her young son with vision problems.

    “He’s done great since the teacher found out, and we all found his vision’s gotten worse, everybody’s been very helpful to make him feel welcome,” she said. “Like if we need to raise money to fix the roof, we’ll do that. We’ll raise the money to fix the roof.”

    Parent Michael Gerke is also a school volunteer and says he knows most of the kids at Cross Bayou. He says school board members need to understand how unique Cross Bayou is. 

    “They’re just in a really hard decision right now with what they want to do, and what they think is best,” Gerke said of Tuesday’s decision. “I do think they care — I don’t want to speak ill of them. I just think they picked the wrong school because of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program and everything these kids face with everyday challenges.” 

    Tuesday’s vote is set to take place at a school board meeting set for 5 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Family of Black man killed by Aurora police intends to sue the city

    [ad_1]

    The family of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield served notice Monday to the city of Aurora that they intend to file a lawsuit in connection with the August shooting death of the unarmed Black man.

    Belt-Stubblefield was 37 when he was shot and killed by an Aurora police officer during an Aug. 30 traffic stop, and his then 18-year-old son witnessed the shooting. A notice of claim — a legal step necessary before suing the city — was filed on behalf of Belt-Stubblefield’s family and a second notice was filed on behalf of his son, Zion Murphy.

    The family, along with their lawyer Milo Schwab, held a news conference to announce the filing and then attended the Aurora City Council meeting where they spoke about a lack of transparency surrounding the shooting and a need for accountability for officer Matthew Neely, who fired the fatal shots. Neely’s name had not been released by the police department.

    “No child should ever have to witness that,” said Erica Murphy, Zion Murphy’s mother. “No child should have to carry the trauma for the rest of their life. Rajon was more than a headline. He was more than a police report. He was a father. He was loved. He mattered.”

    On the night of the shooting, Neely tried to pull over Belt-Stubblefield for speeding and a possible DUI near East Sixth Avenue and Sable Boulevard. Zion Murphy was driving behind his father in another car.

    AURORA, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Family and attorneys of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield hold a press conference at the Aurora Municipal Center to announce legal action concerning Belt-Stubblefield who was fatally shot by Aurora police last August on February 23, 2026 in Aurora, Colorado. After the press conference, the crowd gather inside the Aurora City Council chambers to address the mayor and council members. (Photo By Kathryn Scott/Special to The Denver Post)

    Belt-Stubblefield fled and then rear-ended one car before crossing a median and hitting a second vehicle. He was armed but tossed a handgun into the grass before walking toward the officer, Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain said at the time.

    Belt-Stubblefield ignored orders to stop and raised his hands, and Neely punched him in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, according to Chamberlain’s account in the days after the shooting. Belt-Stubblefield raised his fist and repeatedly asked if the officer was “ready for this,” Chamberlain said.

    The officer shot Belt-Stubblefield as he continued to move toward him, backing Neely into the street, Chamberlain said.

    Belt-Stubblefield died at the scene.

    But the notices of claim filed by Schwab offer a different perspective on what happened.

    Neely pointed his weapon at Belt-Stubblefield as soon as he exited his wrecked car, and Belt-Stubblefield asked the officer not to shoot him as he tossed his gun into the grass. Neely tried to grab Belt-Stubblefield by the neck and take him to the ground, but the officer is the one who fell, according to the notice of claim. Belt-Stubblefield did not take aggressive action and tried to walk away.

    Neely then followed Belt-Stubblefield, shoved him in the back and then as Belt-Stubblefield turned to speak to his son Neely “suckerpunched Mr. Belt-Stubblefield in the back of the head, causing Mr. Belt-Stubblefield to put his fists up to protect his head,” the notice of claim stated.

    Neely backed into the street with his gun and fired three times. The first two shots struck Belt-Stubblefield in the chest, and he stopped and looked at Neely. Neely then fired the third shot into Belton-Stubblefield’s head, killing him at the scene, the notice of claim said.

    Schwab said the city has not communicated with the family in the six months since the shooting, and the officer has not been disciplined for his actions.

    “We’ve given it six months,” he said. “We’re done waiting.”

    The shooting drew national attention, leading prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump to visit with Belt-Stubblefield’s widow and to condemn the fatal shooting.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Neighbors concerned about gas station traffic on St. Petersburg street

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Neighbors in a St. Petersburg neighborhood say drivers are speeding down their residential street to get to and from a gas station and that includes sometimes ignoring speed bumps. 

    Hartford Street runs north-south parallel to 34th St N, just south of 38th Ave N.

    At the north end of the street is a Wawa.

    What You Need To Know

    • Neighbors on Hartford Street in St. Petersburg are concerned about traffic from Wawa

    • They say drivers often ignore speed bumps

    • City says they are working with residents on a solution


    “This street essentially has become Wawa’s driveway,” said one neighbor, who goes by Scotty.

    Even with speed bumps and speed limit signs added – he says drivers often ignore them getting to and from Wawa.

    “I’ll see people not stopping at all for this speed bump,” Scotty said. “Once you get to know this speed bump, you know it doesn’t stop you. And they can’t make it higher because of regulations.”

    He and his neighbor, Ivylyn Harrell, worked with the city of St. Petersburg to install the speed bumps in 2017, three years after the Wawa opened.

    Harrell, who has lived on Hartford Street for decades, says the street used to be a dead end with no traffic. Now – more than 600 cars are on the street every day, according to a city study.  She’s worried about the safety impact.

    “And these cars are driving so fast. I look through my kitchen window. My heart goes in my stomach because I’m afraid one of these kids are going to get hit,” Harrell said.

    The residents are also concerned with growing e-bike use on the road as well.

    They feel the solution is simple: New signs by the Wawa to direct drivers another way to exit instead of speeding down their street.  

    The city also added that traffic can’t be routed a different way now because Wawa was granted the current setup during the formal site plan approval process. Officials say they will continue to work with the residents on Hartford Street.

    “Nobody is complaining about Wawa,” Scotty said. “We all love it. We just wish there is more to be done to divert the traffic away coming out.”

    [ad_2]

    Tim Wronka

    Source link

  • How has the Ukraine war reshaped global security?

    [ad_1]

    Four years in: how the conflict changed warfare and alliances

    The full‑scale invasion launched by Russia has entered its fifth year and, in that time, the war has produced deep and lasting shifts in military practice, alliance politics and global security thinking. The fighting has shown that protracted conventional warfare between major powers can persist and that technological and logistical adaptations matter as much as troop numbers.

    Tactical and technological changes

    • Widespread use of drones: Both sides have deployed drones for reconnaissance, strike missions and improvisational air defenses. Ukraine’s use of interceptor quadcopters to shoot down a meaningful share of incoming threats demonstrates how relatively low‑cost systems can alter air defense calculations.
    • Energy and infrastructure as targets: Attacks on power grids and energy systems have intensified civilian hardship, especially during winter, and have underscored the strategic value of utilities and the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure.
    • Information and irregular warfare: Propaganda, cyberattacks and the targeting of logistics chains have accompanied kinetic operations, widening the war’s effects beyond front lines.

    Strategic and geopolitical effects

    • NATO and European defense: The war renewed political will in Europe for higher defense spending, more integrated deterrence, and questions about deeper European security arrangements. Debates about whether Europe needs a more autonomous military capability have accelerated.
    • U.S. military lessons: The conflict influenced U.S. and allied thinking about expeditionary logistics, the value of precision munitions, and how to assist partners at scale without direct combat involvement.
    • Human and economic toll: Population displacement, demographic impacts and the destruction of infrastructure pose long‑term reconstruction and economic challenges for Ukraine, while sanctions and disrupted trade have lasting global economic effects.

    Why it matters now

    The war has altered how states prepare for and prosecute conflict in the 21st century. Its lessons—about the lethal effectiveness of relatively inexpensive technologies, the centrality of energy security, and the importance of resilient logistics and alliances—will shape defense planning and foreign policy around the world for years to come.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Why did Mexico erupt after ‘El Mencho’ was killed?

    [ad_1]

    What happened and why it sparked violence

    Mexican security forces located and killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), after following leads that included tracking a close associate. U.S. intelligence support played a role in the operation. The death of a figure who built a sprawling, violent criminal network immediately destabilized areas where the cartel held sway.

    The response was swift and brutal. Armed groups loyal to the cartel launched coordinated reprisals: roads were blocked, vehicles and businesses were set on fire, and reports described widespread looting and arson in several cities. Authorities and news outlets reported dozens of fatalities tied to the clashes; some accounts put the death toll much higher, and security forces suffered heavy casualties in the immediate aftermath.

    Key consequences for the region and beyond

    • Public safety and travel: Major tourist hubs and cities experienced enough disorder that U.S. consular guidance and shelter‑in‑place orders were issued for Americans in affected areas. Airports, roads and hotels faced disruptions.
    • Security response: Mexico dispatched thousands of troops and law enforcement to try to regain control. U.S. officials signaled continued cooperation on intelligence and cross‑border issues, and some U.S. states increased border security and emergency preparations.
    • Political and economic ripple effects: The violence has strained local economies dependent on tourism and raised renewed pressure on both Mexico and the United States to coordinate on cartel suppression, intelligence sharing, and protection of civilians.

    What matters now is stabilization and rule of law. Mexican authorities face the dual tasks of cutting off the cartel’s leadership and preventing its networks from splintering into further violence. For the U.S., the crisis highlights persistent cross‑border security risks: protecting American visitors and residents in Mexico, managing spillover crime, and sustaining cooperative pressure on transnational criminal networks.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Citrus County celebrates purchase of Pirate’s Cove with ribbon cutting ceremony

    [ad_1]

    OZELLO, Fla. — Conservation efforts of a secluded corridor in Citrus County got a major boost on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • A special-ribbon cutting ceremony was held by Citrus County officials with the purchase of Pirate’s Cove

    • For years, the 3.6-acre waterfront property has been the topic of construction for developers
    • Citrus County moved to purchase the land, intending to conserve the natural landscape 
    • For many residents, the area serves as a reminder of the old Florida where they grew up


    Citrus County is celebrating the purchase of Pirate’s Cove, a 3.6-acre waterfront property. For years, the area has been the topic of construction for developers. But now the location will remain a spot to preserve Florida’s natural beauty.

    “Pirate’s Cove is now a forever part of the Citrus County story,” said Citrus County Commissioner Jeff Kinnard.

    The recent purchase has one objective in mind: preserving a piece of old Florida.

    “In a county and state that are growing as fast as we are, places like Pirate’s Cove are becoming rare,” said Kinnard. “This property represents the Florida many of us grew up with — the untouched, rugged, and serene landscape that defines our heritage.”

    “This is a big part of my history and who I am,” said Homosassa resident Nicole Williams. “I’ve learned a lot down here.”

    Williams is a lifelong Homosassa resident. She says Pirate’s Cove played a significant role in her childhood. Something, she says, she has passed on to her children.

    “Preserving this historical spot, specifically, has been a big part of raising our kids,” she said. “We’ve used the launch, we’ve fished out here, we’ve done a lot of weekend activities. So just important all the way around.”

    For years, the cove has been the topic of discussion for developers. With interests in construction. But with the county buying the land, Pirate’s Cove will remain as nature intended.

    “I do think it’s important that when you wake up here in Citrus County, you remember why you came here, and that’s because of the beautiful landscape,” said Williams.

    A beautiful landscape now protected for years to come.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Despite some public objections, Palmetto approves teen curfew

    [ad_1]

    PALMETTO, Fla. — Despite some pushback from the community, members of the Palmetto City Commission voted 4-1 Monday to adopt a new curfew ordinance for minors.

    What You Need To Know

    • Despite some pushback from the community, members of the Palmetto City Commission voted 4-1 Monday to adopt a new curfew ordinance for minors

    • Children under 16 will not be allowed out without a parent between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday

    • Some parents and community members spoke against the ordinance, saying they worry teens in minority groups might be targeted

    Children under 16 will not be allowed out without a parent between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

    The city’s ordinance mirrors the ordinance passed by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners in November.

    Some parents and community members spoke against the city’s ordinance, saying they worry teens in minority groups might be targeted.

    “I just don’t want our children ending up caught up into the system or having any fines imposed on them when they’re not the responsible ones for all of that,” said Manatee County NAACP President Tracey Washington.


    Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler said the rule will help protect teens, and they will not be charged criminally for violating it.

    “We enforce the law impartially, effectively,” Tyler said. “This isn’t an ordinance where we’re going to be out there stopping kids. When we encounter kids, we’re trying to get them home. Also, remember that this ordinance and the statute that backs it up, it’s not criminal.”

    Tyler added there could be a $50 fine, but that will be reserved for repeat violations.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • NASA to roll back its Artemis II moon rocket for repairs

    [ad_1]

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — On Wednesday morning, NASA will begin its Artemis II moon rocket’s long march back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to begin repairs after a helium flow issue forced the cancellation of another launch attempt.

    What You Need To Know

    • NASA will use a crawler transporter to move the Space Launch System rocket and its Orion capsule back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
    • This can take up to 12 hours to move about four miles from the launch pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building
    • The reason behind the rollback is because a helium flow issue was discovered

    On Wednesday at around 9 a.m. ET, NASA will use a crawler transporter to move the 322-foot (98.27-meter) Space Launch System rocket and its Orion capsule companion back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, the U.S. space agency stated.

    This can take up to 12 hours as it will make its approximately 4-mile journey to the Vehicle Assembly Building, as the crawler transporter will burn rubber at about 1 mile per hour or less.

    The reason behind the trek is due to a helium flow issue that came up over the weekend.

    “Once back in the VAB, teams will immediately begin work to install platforms to access the area of the helium flow issue. Teams also will take advantage of the time in the VAB to replace batteries in the flight termination system and retest it, and replace additional batteries in the upper stage,” NASA shared.

    The Artemis II moon rocket will be rolled back to NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building for repair work. (Spectrum News file photo/Anthony Leone)

    The Artemis II rocket has had some issues since it was first rolled to its temporary home at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in January.

    During the first wet dress rehearsal — or a prelaunch test — NASA teams filled more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic fuel into the rocket, but they discovered a liquid hydrogen leak, among other issues.

    The teams replaced the seals where the leak was discovered, near the rocket’s tail service mast umbilical interface.

    In the second wet dress rehearsal, the new seals worked fine and all looked good.

    However, over the weekend, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced on X that a helium flow issue was discovered, and the massive moon rocket would need to be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs.

    Hurricane Ian forced NASA to roll the rocket back into the Vehicle Assembly Building during the Artemis I mission in 2022.

    Originally, the Artemis II was going to be launched in February, until the leak pushed that back, and the next attempt was going to be in March.

    Now, the possible next launch attempt will be in April.

    When all is ready, NASA’s Cmdr. Gregory Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut mission specialist Jeremy Hansen will be launched on a flyby mission to the moon.

    Artemis II possible launch dates

     

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Teamwork required to save the world from asteroids at Galacticoaster

    [ad_1]

    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Legoland Florida Resort’s latest indoor offering is out of this world — the Galacticoaster.

    What You Need To Know

    • On The Town at Legoland Florida Resort for the opening of new indoor space coaster

    • Galacticoaster opens Friday, Feb. 27

    • Groups of four create a spaceship to take into space and destroy an “Asteroid of Probable Destruction”

    • $90 million investment for Galacticoaster and Lego Galaxy


    “It’s kind of hard to do space outdoors in Florida,” said Blake Boyter, senior project manager for the indoor coaster.

    Boyter spent four years on Galacticoaster.

    “The weather doesn’t really cooperate with you,” Boyter said. “There’s too much daylight — so we knew we had to put it in a box.”

    The 10-minute experience begins with a warning to guests — Earth is in trouble!

    And only the way to help is to build a spaceship.

    “We are saving ourselves from an asteroid of probable destruction,” said Legoland spokesperson Julie Estrada.

    After a debriefing about the world in peril, guests in groups of four gather around their own kiosk screen to build their plane — there are more than 600 possible combinations — from wings made of hamburgers and disco balls decorations.

    “As soon as you board Galacticoaster and before you turn the corner, you see yourself in the space craft that you designed,” said Estrada.

    It’s all part of a $90 million investment in the family coaster and the surrounding galaxy.

    Master Model Builder Ryan Wood helped design it and install the scenery.

    “And what you are going to see in this new Lego Galaxy is Lego models, fiberglass models,” said Wood.

    That includes the greatest space character of the Lego movie – Benny,  in his retro whip.

    Benny would be proud, because in the 90 seconds of winding, spinning and reversing on the indoor coaster filled with twinkling stars, floating Lego bricks and a fiery asteroid, you do save the Earth. Teamwork makes the dream work.

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • SpaceX launches Starlink satellites into nice skies

    [ad_1]

    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — The weather was mighty fine for a Tuesday evening Starlink launch. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Falcon 9 rocket sent up Starlink 6-110 mission from Space Launch Complex 40

    The Falcon 9 rocket sent up Starlink 6-110 mission from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated SpaceX. 

    The launch window opened at 3:56 p.m. ET and was set to close at 7:56 p.m. ET, which meant SpaceX had during that time period to send up the Starlink company’s satellites.

    The liftoff time was 6:04 p.m. ET.

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 95% chance of good liftoff conditions, with no forecast restrictions against the launch.

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    Double Digits

    This is the 10th mission for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1092.

    Its previous missions include:

    1. Starlink 12-13 mission
    2. NROL-69 mission
    3. Bandwagon-3 mission
    4. GPS III-7 mission
    5. Starlink 10-34 mission
    6. USSF-36 mission
    7. Starlink 10-61 mission
    8. Starlink 6-89 mission
    9. Starlink 6-82 mission

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions that is in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites will be heading to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there.

    Once deployed and in their orbit, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been recording Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 9,779 are in orbit
    • 8,436 are in operational orbit

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • What does the Supreme Court tariff ruling mean?

    [ad_1]

    The ruling and the immediate fallout

    Last week’s Supreme Court decision removed a key legal foundation the White House had used to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs. The court found that the president could not unilaterally rely on that authority to levy the broad set of import duties that had been announced, undercutting the administration’s principal tool for implementing its trade agenda.

    The practical consequences were immediate. Trade policy uncertainty spiked as businesses and markets tried to reconcile the ruling with competing presidential statements about new tariff plans. Shipping and logistics firms signaled potential disruption; global markets reacted negatively amid worries about higher import costs and retaliatory measures.

    Who is acting and what they want

    • Corporations: Several major companies and trade groups moved quickly to protect their interests. One large logistics company has filed suit seeking refunds for tariffs it paid under the now-invalid policy.
    • The White House: The administration has sought new ways to keep pressure on trading partners, including announcing a replacement global tariff framework; that move itself has added to confusion.
    • Congress and courts: Lawmakers face pressure to legislate a durable tariff tool if they want long-term certainty, while courts may become the battleground for refund claims and future limits on executive trade powers.

    Why it matters to the U.S. and global economy

    1. Market volatility: Uncertainty about the rules of trade raises costs for importers and exporters and can dampen investment decisions.
    2. Supply chains: Companies that rely on cross-border inputs may face higher costs or timing disruptions as uncertainty ripples through logistics networks.
    3. Diplomacy and retaliation: Trading partners unsettled by unpredictable U.S. policy may move to protect their own industries or file complaints at the World Trade Organization.

    The near-term picture is a legal and political scramble. Businesses are weighing lawsuits and operational adjustments, markets are pricing additional risk, and lawmakers will be pushed to decide whether to give the executive branch clearer statutory authority or force a political compromise.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How did Mexico locate ‘El Mencho’?

    [ad_1]

    How authorities tracked one of Mexico’s most-wanted

    Mexican security forces say the operation that ended the reign of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader began with traditional investigative work amplified by targeted human intelligence. Officials reported that surveillance of people close to the target — including a romantic partner — produced the lead that pinpointed his whereabouts at a remote rendezvous site.

    That domestic intelligence was reinforced by foreign cooperation. Mexican officials publicly acknowledged that U.S. intelligence agencies provided information that helped confirm the target’s movements and supported the planning phase. The combination of on-the-ground tracking, signals and tip reporting allowed security forces to mount a focused raid rather than a broad, prolonged search.

    The immediate outcome was decisive but chaotic. The operation that killed the cartel boss triggered a wave of retaliatory violence across several Mexican states: armed groups set fires, blocked roads and attacked infrastructure. Local authorities reported multiple security incidents and casualties in the days after the raid.

    Why this matters to the United States

    • Cross-border security: The Jalisco cartel had established trafficking routes into the U.S.; disrupting its leadership can shift flows and spur violent reprisals that spill across the border.
    • Intelligence cooperation: The episode underscores deep operational ties between Washington and Mexico on counter‑cartel work.
    • Regional stability and travel: The violence prompted U.S. travel warnings and shelter-in-place orders for Americans in affected cities, and it briefly disrupted flights and freight.

    What to watch next

    1. Mexican authorities’ plan for follow-on arrests and stabilization in the affected regions.
    2. Whether cartel fragmentation produces more localized violence or a new dominant group.
    3. U.S.-Mexico cooperation statements and any changes to border security or travel advisories.

    It remains unclear how quickly Mexican authorities can restore order in the hardest-hit areas and whether the leadership vacuum will reduce trafficking or simply redistribute it under new commanders.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Commissioner Carol Felts has died, according to a statement by District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann on Tuesday.

    Felts represented District 1 after being elected to the post in November 2024.

    McCann called Felts a “true friend to the people.”

    “As the Manatee County Commissioner for District 1, Carol Felts was a devoted public servant, people person, and someone who spoke from the heart,” McCann said.

    Before she took office, she was a regular at county meetings, McCann said.

    She also served on several boards and councils in the county.

    In a news release, the county said: “Throughout her tenure, she worked diligently to represent her constituents, strengthen community partnerships, and advance initiatives that supported the well-being of Manatee County and its residents.”

    Commission Chair Tal Siddique said Felts cared deeply about the people she served.

    “Her commitment to District 1 and to the future of our county was evident in her leadership and service. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, County staff, and the community,” Siddique said.

    The county will formally recognize Felts during its meeting on March 3.

    The cause of her death wasn’t released.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Torrance man gets 4 years in prison for defrauding his own congressional election campaign

    [ad_1]

    LOS ANGELES — A Torrance man who unsuccessfully ran against Rep. Maxine Waters four times was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison for his role in a scheme to siphon $250,000 in campaign cash for his own use.

    Omar Navarro, 37, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to a single federal wire fraud count for defrauding his election campaign.

    After he was sentenced, U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi ordered Navarro immediately remanded into custody. A restitution hearing will be scheduled later.

    “As a candidate for Congress, defendant knew and understood that campaign funds raised by him and others for his campaign were restricted to supporting his election efforts and could not be used for the candidate’s … own personal use or enjoyment,” according to his plea agreement.

    Despite this, Navarro conspired with his mother, Dora Asghari, and a friend to convert campaign funds for their personal use.

    Asghari, 61, of Torrance, pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court to a charge of lying to FBI investigators during an interview. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13.

    Attorneys for Navarro and his mother could not immediately be reached for comment.

    Navarro unsuccessfully ran in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 against Waters, D-Los Angeles.

    An indictment made public in September 2023 outlines a scheme in which Navarro made payments from his campaign to various individuals — including his mother and friend Zacharias Diamantides-Abel, 37, of Long Beach — and then directed the transfer of cash back to himself for personal use.

    Navarro used $100,000 to pay for personal expenses, including trips to Las Vegas and the Northern California wine country, as well as payment of two criminal defense attorneys who helped him when he pleaded guilty to felony stalking in 2020.

    According to the indictment, Navarro later falsely reported these expenditures as campaign expenses to the Federal Election Commission.

    Federal prosecutors said Asghari and Diamantides-Abel concealed Navarro’s misdirection of campaign funds by frequently cashing the checks rather than depositing them into their personal bank accounts. If they deposited the check, they often withdrew the funds shortly thereafter to share with Navarro, the indictment states.

    In total, from December 2017 to June 2020, Diamantides-Abel and Asghari received $49,260 and $58,625, respectively, from Navarro’s campaign, according to checks he wrote or caused to be written to them. According to the indictment, Asghari also created a shell company to facilitate her receipt of these campaign payments and transfers back to Navarro and his own shell company.

    From January 2018 through July 1, 2020, Navarro deposited over $100,000 in cash into his personal accounts, even though he had no other source of income aside from the campaign funds, and he frequently made deposits after Diamantides-Abe or Asghari cashed campaign checks, court papers show.

    Navarro formed a sham charity called the United Latino Foundation as another way to embezzle funds from his campaign for his personal use, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Diamantides-Abel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to a conspiracy charge and was placed in a diversion program.

    The 45-page indictment charged Navarro with 13 counts of wire fraud, 26 counts of falsification of records and three counts of prohibited use of campaign funds. Asghari was charged with six counts of wire fraud. Diamantides-Abel was charged with two counts of wire fraud. All three defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy.

    [ad_2]

    City News Service

    Source link

  • Florida cabinet set to vote on land gift to Hillsborough College

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Cabinet are expected to vote Tuesday on gifting Hillsborough College 22 acres of land.

    The move would give the college the land needed for a proposed Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet are expected to vote Tuesday on gifting Hillsborough College 22 acres of land. The move would give the college the land needed for a proposed Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium

    • Hillsborough College says it is working on plans to allow a quick relocation of the campus, and later a move in to a new permanent home 

    • Local leaders are still conducting economic impact studies on a new Rays Stadium

    • The Rays have told local leaders it wants to be playing in a new stadium by the start of the 2029 MLB season 
    • PREVIOUS STORIES on Rays stadium pursuit

     

    The team is envisioning a mixed-used entertainment district that would include a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people. According to a team release, the entire development would stretch about 130 acres across the campus.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis has publicly signaled support for the project and discussions have been underway behind the scenes for months. The proposal would relocate HC’s oldest campus, a move that carries both promise and uncertainty for thousands of students and staff.

    The Dale Mabry campus is adjacent to Raymond James Stadium. Most of the campus buildings are more than 50 years old, making maintenance increasingly costly.

    Freshman Dania Arauc said she sees opportunity in the proposal but also has concerns.

    “I do think it’s a great opportunity, especially if it means it is going to improve the campus or things like that, like make it more modern and stuff like that,” Arauc said. “The only thing is, how will it look during the transition?”


    That transition is now the focus for campus leadership.

    Campus President Paige Niehaus said HC has been intentional about planning for both temporary and permanent solutions.

    “We’ve been very, very intentional in making sure that what works good here on Dale Mabry Campus and our thriving campus, carries over into a temporary space and then eventually a new permanent home,” Niehaus said.

    Relocating an entire college campus is no small task, especially under a tight timeline. The Rays hope to open a new stadium by the start of the 2029 season. To meet that deadline, construction would need to begin within months.

    “It will probably be a very rapid move into a temporary space,” Niehaus said. “So we are taking all the time that we have now to make sure that we are prepared for when that happens.”

    While the governor has cited ongoing maintenance costs as a reason to support the relocation, college leaders stress the importance of collaboration.

    “I think for not only the Rays to be successful, Hillsborough College Dale Mabry Campus needs to be successful as well,” Niehaus said. “And I think everybody has that in their best interest.”

    Behind the land discussions lies a much larger financial question: How to pay for a new stadium.

    Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa are still conducting economic impact studies to determine funding sources.

    The projected cost of the stadium itself is just over $2 billion. 

    However, some estimates suggest the total cost, including surrounding development, could climb to $8 billion.

    State approval of the land transfer would mark the clearest signal yet that Tampa is positioning itself as the Rays’ long-term home. 

    If the vote goes through today, the team would have five years to start building a stadium, or else the state could take the land back.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • What did the Supreme Court rule on Trump’s tariffs?

    [ad_1]

    The court curbed emergency tariff authority and markets reacted

    The Supreme Court ruled against the executive’s broad use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs unilaterally. The decision undercut the legal foundation for the administration’s prior tariff program and immediately created uncertainty for companies, trading partners and financial markets. Within days of the ruling, major firms and shippers began seeking refunds for duties paid; FedEx filed suit asking for a full refund of tariff payments it said it had made under the now-overturned measures.

    The ruling’s short-term effects were visible in markets and policy rooms: global equities and trade-sensitive stocks slid as investors priced in heightened trade risk and the possibility of retaliatory measures or policy paralysis. Some trade deals and legislative calendars were disrupted — for example, an EU vote on a trade package was postponed amid the fallout — and businesses complained of confusion over tariffs, compliance and potential reimbursements.

    Three practical implications:

    • Legal and financial follow-up: firms that paid disputed duties are pursuing refunds and litigation, and government agencies face administrative work to process claims.
    • Policy uncertainty: the White House has threatened a new unilateral tariff approach (including a proposed global 15% levy), but Congressional leaders signaled reluctance to quickly codify broad tariff authorities, raising the prospect of continued instability.
    • Market and trade impacts: the judgment increased short-term volatility for exporters and importers, complicated supply‑chain planning and pushed some investors toward safe‑haven assets.

    In short, the ruling removed a cornerstone of the administration’s trade tool kit and transferred the debate to Congress, the courts and the marketplace — leaving businesses and allies grappling with near-term confusion and longer-term questions about U.S. trade policy.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Jonte Richardson Steps Down as BAFTA Judge

    [ad_1]

    Photo: BAFTA via Getty Images

    Jonte Richardson says he will no longer serve as a judge in the BAFTAs’ emerging talent category after how they handled the airing of racial slurs at last night’s ceremony. “After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel. The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable,” he wrote on LinkedIn on February 22. “I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.”

    When Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage, John Davidson, the inspiration for the movie I Swear, about his life with Tourette’s, shouted the N-word, and that moment was included in the broadcast. During the show, host Alan Cumming explained what happened. “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight,” he shared. “If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. Tourette’s syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended.” The wording of the initial apology during the broadcast did not feel appropriate, especially because other parts of the show were edited out.

    “However, when an organisation like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour,” Richardson continued. “I hope BAFTA leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.”

    [ad_2]

    Alejandra Gularte

    Source link

  • Why did U.S. forces strike a drug boat?

    [ad_1]

    Intent, context and consequences of the Caribbean strike

    U.S. military forces conducted an airstrike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that they identified as engaged in drug trafficking, killing three people. The Pentagon described the target as an alleged narco‑terror vessel operating along known smuggling routes; U.S. Southern Command has carried out multiple maritime strikes recently as part of a sustained campaign to disrupt transnational drug shipments.

    Officials framed the action as a law‑enforcement and security measure aimed at breaking maritime drug corridors used to move large quantities of illicit drugs toward the United States. The strikes are part of broader cooperation with regional partners and intelligence‑driven operations meant to interdict shipments that authorities say fund violent criminal organizations.

    Key operational and policy takeaways

    • Intelligence‑driven targeting: The strikes rely on surveillance and classified information to identify vessels allegedly involved in smuggling.
    • Part of a larger campaign: This was not an isolated incident; the military has struck multiple suspected narcotics vessels in recent weeks.
    • Legal and diplomatic considerations: Using kinetic force on the high seas raises questions about evidence standards, rules of engagement and coordination with regional governments and maritime authorities.

    Why it matters to the United States

    Disrupting maritime smuggling aims to reduce drug flows that contribute to overdose deaths and criminal violence domestically. But the strikes also carry risks: they can produce civilian casualties, complicate relations with regional partners if coordination is imperfect, and provoke legal or political challenges at home and abroad. U.S. officials must balance the operational benefits of removing key smuggling nodes against the potential for escalation, strained diplomacy and questions over transparently documenting the intelligence that justified lethal force.

    [ad_2]

    Source link