ReportWire

Tag: Orlando

  • USF QB Byrum Brown hits the transfer portal

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida’s do-it-all quarterback Byrum Brown won’t return for a senior season.

    According to multiple reports Monday, Brown is expected to enter the transfer portal. No specific destination has been released, though Auburn may likely be in the mix.

    Former USF coach Alex Golesh took over the Tigers program last month.

    Brown, 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, led the Bulls to a 9-3 regular season and a program-first landing in the college football playoff bracket during the season. A late-season loss to Navy ultimately knocked the Bulls from the CFP.

    USF lost to Old Dominion in the Cure Bowl, in which Brown did not play.

    Brown led the nation in total offense per game in 2025, averaging 347 yards of total offense per game. Also, he threw for 3,158 yards and ran for more than 1,000, becoming just the 12th FBS player to reach those numbers in a single season.

    Brown ends his USF career with 7,690 passing yards and 61 touchdowns and 2,265 rushing yards and another 31 scores on the ground.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • 2025: Weather in Review

    [ad_1]

    As we close out 2025, here’s a look back at the wild weather experienced this year. From snow to wildfires to tornadoes to flooding, 2025 will be one for the record books.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record snow fell in southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, in January

    • A tornado outbreak in May saw an EF3 in St. Louis and an EF4 in south-central Kentucky

    • For the first time in a decade, no hurricane made landfall in the United States



    It didn’t take long into the New Year for Mother Nature to become active.

    First big storm of the season Jan 3. to Jan 6

    On Jan. 3, a storm system moved onshore along the West Coast, producing snow in the mountains of Washington and Montana. The southern side of the storm produced severe weather, including the first tornado of the year in Northern California.

    As it moved east across the Great Plains and Midwest on Jan. 4 and 5, it intensified and pulled in moisture from the Gulf. Parts of Kansas, including the Kansas City metro, saw upwards of 12 to 18 inches of snow, nearly a season’s worth in one storm.

    The St. Louis metro accumulated 8 to over 12 inches, with Weldon Spring, Mo. being the big winner. The snow was so intense at one point, thunder snow was reported.


    Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received 8 inches of snow, a new daily record, leading to canceled flights. At the height of the storm, the pressure dropped to 976 millibars, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

    The southern side of the system on Jan. 5 produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with 17 tornado reports and dozens of wind reports.

    The storm pushed east and was along the East Coast by Jan. 6. From Virginia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, snow accumulated. Richmond, Va. experienced blizzard conditions leading to water outages, which took at least three days to fully restore.

    Southern snow Jan. 21 to 22

    Snow in the south happens, but it’s usually a few flakes, not half a foot or more. A large southern storm system brought big snows to states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida in late January. Pensacola, Florida, shattered its two-day snowfall record, accumulating 8.9 inches of snow.

    New Orleans was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowball fights captured on Bourbon Street. For the first time it their history, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La., issued blizzard warnings.

    People walk around on Bourbon Street as snow falls in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Snow wasn’t the only big weather event in January.

    Los Angeles wildfires

    The Santa Ana winds led to dangerous fires across California. 14 fires burned throughout the entire month, with the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires as the two largest. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, and fatalities are estimated in the hundreds.

    A car travels down East Mendocino Street as a wildfire burns in the hills near Eaton Canyon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

    May 15 to 16 tornado outbreak

    Spring saw bouts of severe weather, with several storms producing destructive tornadoes. 

    In May, a deadly tornado outbreak hit the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, with more than 60 tornadoes reported. An EF3 tornado, with estimated winds of 150 mph, touched down in the Greater St. Louis area on May 16, bringing destruction across the northern part of the city and killing four people.

    Damage in the St. Louis metro after an EF3 tornado touched down on May 16, 2025. (Pic: NWS St. Louis)

    The same storm system produced a large EF4-rated tornado, with winds estimated at 170 mph, across south-central Kentucky. This long-tracked tornado caused 19 fatalities and billions of dollars in damage.

    Texas Hill Country flooding

    Turning to summer—During the early morning hours of July 4, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry combined with Pacific moisture, producing heavy thunderstorms across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall totals ranged from 8 to over 20 inches in just a few hours, leading to the dramatic rise of the Guadalupe River.

    Camp Mystic stands next a creek that feeds into the Guadalupe River, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after flash flooding swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)

    One of the worst-hit areas was in Kerrville, Texas, where Camp Mystic, a girl’s summer camp along the river, flooded. The water rose so quickly that the camp did not have time to evacuate. Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors perished during the devastating floods.

    Tampa hits 100 degrees

    2025 saw its fair share of weather records shattered. On July 28, the Tampa International Airport recorded the first triple-digit temperature since records began in 1890. The area hit 100 degrees!

    Hurricane season 

    Speaking of numbers… This was the first time in a decade that no hurricane had made landfall in the United States. However, in late August, Hurricane Erin brought dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast.

    Numerous houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks fell into the sea because of coastal flooding and erosion.

    Five homes collapsed Tuesday in Buxton along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Although no hurricane made landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Melissa made history as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane and made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph. The storm killed over 100 people and caused at least $10 billion in damage. 

    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 Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • 2025: Weather in Review

    [ad_1]

    As we close out 2025, here’s a look back at the wild weather experienced this year. From snow to wildfires to tornadoes to flooding, 2025 will be one for the record books.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record snow fell in southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, in January

    • A tornado outbreak in May saw an EF3 in St. Louis and an EF4 in south-central Kentucky

    • For the first time in a decade, no hurricane made landfall in the United States



    It didn’t take long into the New Year for Mother Nature to become active.

    First big storm of the season Jan 3. to Jan 6

    On Jan. 3, a storm system moved onshore along the West Coast, producing snow in the mountains of Washington and Montana. The southern side of the storm produced severe weather, including the first tornado of the year in Northern California.

    As it moved east across the Great Plains and Midwest on Jan. 4 and 5, it intensified and pulled in moisture from the Gulf. Parts of Kansas, including the Kansas City metro, saw upwards of 12 to 18 inches of snow, nearly a season’s worth in one storm.

    The St. Louis metro accumulated 8 to over 12 inches, with Weldon Spring, Mo. being the big winner. The snow was so intense at one point, thunder snow was reported.


    Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received 8 inches of snow, a new daily record, leading to canceled flights. At the height of the storm, the pressure dropped to 976 millibars, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

    The southern side of the system on Jan. 5 produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with 17 tornado reports and dozens of wind reports.

    The storm pushed east and was along the East Coast by Jan. 6. From Virginia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, snow accumulated. Richmond, Va. experienced blizzard conditions leading to water outages, which took at least three days to fully restore.

    Southern snow Jan. 21 to 22

    Snow in the south happens, but it’s usually a few flakes, not half a foot or more. A large southern storm system brought big snows to states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida in late January. Pensacola, Florida, shattered its two-day snowfall record, accumulating 8.9 inches of snow.

    New Orleans was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowball fights captured on Bourbon Street. For the first time it their history, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La., issued blizzard warnings.

    People walk around on Bourbon Street as snow falls in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Snow wasn’t the only big weather event in January.

    Los Angeles wildfires

    The Santa Ana winds led to dangerous fires across California. 14 fires burned throughout the entire month, with the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires as the two largest. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, and fatalities are estimated in the hundreds.

    A car travels down East Mendocino Street as a wildfire burns in the hills near Eaton Canyon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

    May 15 to 16 tornado outbreak

    Spring saw bouts of severe weather, with several storms producing destructive tornadoes. 

    In May, a deadly tornado outbreak hit the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, with more than 60 tornadoes reported. An EF3 tornado, with estimated winds of 150 mph, touched down in the Greater St. Louis area on May 16, bringing destruction across the northern part of the city and killing four people.

    Damage in the St. Louis metro after an EF3 tornado touched down on May 16, 2025. (Pic: NWS St. Louis)

    The same storm system produced a large EF4-rated tornado, with winds estimated at 170 mph, across south-central Kentucky. This long-tracked tornado caused 19 fatalities and billions of dollars in damage.

    Texas Hill Country flooding

    Turning to summer—During the early morning hours of July 4, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry combined with Pacific moisture, producing heavy thunderstorms across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall totals ranged from 8 to over 20 inches in just a few hours, leading to the dramatic rise of the Guadalupe River.

    Camp Mystic stands next a creek that feeds into the Guadalupe River, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after flash flooding swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)

    One of the worst-hit areas was in Kerrville, Texas, where Camp Mystic, a girl’s summer camp along the river, flooded. The water rose so quickly that the camp did not have time to evacuate. Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors perished during the devastating floods.

    Tampa hits 100 degrees

    2025 saw its fair share of weather records shattered. On July 28, the Tampa International Airport recorded the first triple-digit temperature since records began in 1890. The area hit 100 degrees!

    Hurricane season 

    Speaking of numbers… This was the first time in a decade that no hurricane had made landfall in the United States. However, in late August, Hurricane Erin brought dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast.

    Numerous houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks fell into the sea because of coastal flooding and erosion.

    Five homes collapsed Tuesday in Buxton along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Although no hurricane made landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Melissa made history as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane and made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph. The storm killed over 100 people and caused at least $10 billion in damage. 

    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 Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • 2025: Weather in Review

    [ad_1]

    As we close out 2025, here’s a look back at the wild weather experienced this year. From snow to wildfires to tornadoes to flooding, 2025 will be one for the record books.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record snow fell in southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, in January

    • A tornado outbreak in May saw an EF3 in St. Louis and an EF4 in south-central Kentucky

    • For the first time in a decade, no hurricane made landfall in the United States



    It didn’t take long into the New Year for Mother Nature to become active.

    First big storm of the season Jan 3. to Jan 6

    On Jan. 3, a storm system moved onshore along the West Coast, producing snow in the mountains of Washington and Montana. The southern side of the storm produced severe weather, including the first tornado of the year in Northern California.

    As it moved east across the Great Plains and Midwest on Jan. 4 and 5, it intensified and pulled in moisture from the Gulf. Parts of Kansas, including the Kansas City metro, saw upwards of 12 to 18 inches of snow, nearly a season’s worth in one storm.

    The St. Louis metro accumulated 8 to over 12 inches, with Weldon Spring, Mo. being the big winner. The snow was so intense at one point, thunder snow was reported.


    Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received 8 inches of snow, a new daily record, leading to canceled flights. At the height of the storm, the pressure dropped to 976 millibars, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

    The southern side of the system on Jan. 5 produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with 17 tornado reports and dozens of wind reports.

    The storm pushed east and was along the East Coast by Jan. 6. From Virginia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, snow accumulated. Richmond, Va. experienced blizzard conditions leading to water outages, which took at least three days to fully restore.

    Southern snow Jan. 21 to 22

    Snow in the south happens, but it’s usually a few flakes, not half a foot or more. A large southern storm system brought big snows to states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida in late January. Pensacola, Florida, shattered its two-day snowfall record, accumulating 8.9 inches of snow.

    New Orleans was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowball fights captured on Bourbon Street. For the first time it their history, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La., issued blizzard warnings.

    People walk around on Bourbon Street as snow falls in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Snow wasn’t the only big weather event in January.

    Los Angeles wildfires

    The Santa Ana winds led to dangerous fires across California. 14 fires burned throughout the entire month, with the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires as the two largest. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, and fatalities are estimated in the hundreds.

    A car travels down East Mendocino Street as a wildfire burns in the hills near Eaton Canyon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

    May 15 to 16 tornado outbreak

    Spring saw bouts of severe weather, with several storms producing destructive tornadoes. 

    In May, a deadly tornado outbreak hit the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, with more than 60 tornadoes reported. An EF3 tornado, with estimated winds of 150 mph, touched down in the Greater St. Louis area on May 16, bringing destruction across the northern part of the city and killing four people.

    Damage in the St. Louis metro after an EF3 tornado touched down on May 16, 2025. (Pic: NWS St. Louis)

    The same storm system produced a large EF4-rated tornado, with winds estimated at 170 mph, across south-central Kentucky. This long-tracked tornado caused 19 fatalities and billions of dollars in damage.

    Texas Hill Country flooding

    Turning to summer—During the early morning hours of July 4, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry combined with Pacific moisture, producing heavy thunderstorms across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall totals ranged from 8 to over 20 inches in just a few hours, leading to the dramatic rise of the Guadalupe River.

    Camp Mystic stands next a creek that feeds into the Guadalupe River, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after flash flooding swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)

    One of the worst-hit areas was in Kerrville, Texas, where Camp Mystic, a girl’s summer camp along the river, flooded. The water rose so quickly that the camp did not have time to evacuate. Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors perished during the devastating floods.

    Tampa hits 100 degrees

    2025 saw its fair share of weather records shattered. On July 28, the Tampa International Airport recorded the first triple-digit temperature since records began in 1890. The area hit 100 degrees!

    Hurricane season 

    Speaking of numbers… This was the first time in a decade that no hurricane had made landfall in the United States. However, in late August, Hurricane Erin brought dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast.

    Numerous houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks fell into the sea because of coastal flooding and erosion.

    Five homes collapsed Tuesday in Buxton along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Although no hurricane made landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Melissa made history as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane and made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph. The storm killed over 100 people and caused at least $10 billion in damage. 

    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 Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • St. Pete Coast Guard crews helping in search for missing boaters

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard in St. Petersburg is helping in the search for two missing boaters off the coast of Fort Myers.

    According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier, left for a fishing trip on Friday and never came back.

    Coast Guard officials said their boat was located about 70 miles offshore. Crews continued their search overnight.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the Coast Guard sector in St. Pete at (866) 881-1392.

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers this week

    [ad_1]

    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • A clipper system brings heavy snow across the Northeast and New England before Christmas

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap this week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes. Southern California remains mostly dry today, but wetter trends ramp up tomorrow.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, with parts of Maine seeing up to 6 to 8 inches. Totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation everywhere else. Out west, rain and snow continues, with heavy rain spilling into southern California.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. Some strong storms are also possible across Southern California. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno resigns

    [ad_1]

    NATIONWIDE — United Launch Alliance CEO and President Tory Bruno has resigned, according to officials on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Under Tory Bruno, the Colorado-based ULA has seen a number of achievements, such as the successful launch of the company’s new Vulcan rocket in 2024

    In a press release to the media, Robert Lightfoot said that Bruno “resigned to pursue another opportunity. We are grateful for Tory’s service to ULA and the country, and we thank him for his leadership.”

    Lightfoot is the CEO of Lockheed Martin Space.

    Spectrum News has reached out to Bruno on X — which he is known to answer questions directed to him — and has not yet heard back.

    ULA is a joint Lockheed Martin and Boeing business venture.

    Under the 61-year-old Bruno, the Colorado-based ULA has seen a number of achievements, such as the successful launch of the company’s new Vulcan rocket in 2024 and getting it certified for the U.S. Space Force.  

    And the final launch of the Delta IV Heavy.

    While under Bruno, ULA was able to secure the contract to launch Amazon’s Leo internet satellites.

    However, ULA saw a decrease in rocket launches over the last few years and battling with competitor SpaceX for commercial and national contracts.

    Bruno has had a long career, including working at Lockheed Martin in 1984 and also being the vice president and general manager of FBM and ICBM, according to a ULA bio.

    Lightfoot closed the press release by saying that effective immediately, John Elbon was named as ULA’s interim CEO.

    [ad_2]

    Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Wrapping up 2025 with the winter solstice and a meteor shower

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — This weekend is special for space enthusiasts. Not only is it the winter solstice, but we’ll also be seeing the peak of the Ursid meteor shower. 

    For most people, the winter solstice is just the shortest day of the year. But there’s a little more science behind it. 

    Former NASA rocket scientist and Tampa Bay area native Kevin DeBruin explains what makes both the winter solstice and the Ursid meteor shower unique, and what to expect on our Space Coast for 2026.

    Watch the interview by clicking the video player above.

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Space Florida hopes to advance aerospace industry with proposed state funding

    [ad_1]

    BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his $117 billion proposal for Florida’s next fiscal year budget.

    This includes hundreds of millions of dollars going towards improving the Space Coast, which brings in about $9 billion to the state annually.

    What You Need To Know

    • Space Florida is set to receive $17.5 million for operation costs from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year

    •  One of the recommendations is to use $5 million for wastewater capacity along the Space Coast

    • Environmentalist groups like the Marine Resource Council want to see better infrastructure in place to uphold the growth and protect the Indian River Lagoon 

    • Space Florida says it’s looking forward to working with state and local partners to come up with the best solutions it can


    That recommendation includes money for organizations like Space Florida, as well as about $5 million to go towards wastewater capacity.

    But as the industry grows, and more and more launches lift off from our Space Coast. So does concern from environmentalists for Florida’s waterways, particularly the Indian River Lagoon.

    Gov. DeSantis’ budget proposal includes $93 million through the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) spaceport improvement program, and would set aside $17.5 million into the operating budget of Space Florida.

    “The focus of the funding is to really engage and continue to engage prospective aerospace companies and similar efforts across research and development, as well to really just accelerate the amount of activity we have going on,” explained Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long.

    Space Florida serves as the state’s finance and development authority tasked with helping the aerospace industry grow.

    “The new funding and everything is going to continue to do that and really allow us to accelerate and really put Florida at number one in all of the categories when it comes to the aerospace industry,” Long said.

    But an important piece of this for aerospace funding is using $5 million in startup funding to Space Florida in order to work alongside state agencies and establish additional wastewater capacity for Florida’s commercial launch providers.

    It comes as some Brevard County residents have raised concerns about a draft permit renewal for Blue Origin.

    This would allow the company to dump 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day into the Indian River Lagoon.

    “I do think there’s some restoration work that needs to be done, and there is water quality work that needs to be done with the Blue Origin discharges, just like all of them,” said Marine Resources Council Executive Director Dr. Laura Wilson.

    The Marine Resource Council is a nonprofit tasked with serving, protecting and restoring the health of the Indian River Lagoon.

    And while she wants to see the continued growth of the aerospace industry and wants to work with Space Coast corporations, she feels the use of public funds would be more helpful in the hands of local municipalities.

    “We have spills, we have breaking pipes, we have old infrastructure and a very rapidly growing population that’s going to continue growing,” Wilson said. “And we need to do a better job of looking to the future with our infrastructure rather than just reacting to the present.”

    Wilson said she wants to see actual work behind stormwater infrastructure, low-impact development, green stormwater infrastructure and how the land can be developed responsibly to mimic natural processes as opposed to concreting everything over and plopping in a pond.

    Spectrum News 13 also asked Space Florida about how it hopes to use the funding specifically for wastewater capacity, and it said it’s looking forward to working with state and local partners to come up with the best solutions they can.

    [ad_2]

    Brandon Spencer

    Source link

  • Blue Origin successfully launches New Shepard NS-37 manned mission

    [ad_1]

    TEXAS — After having to scrub its initial launch date on Thursday, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Shepard NS-37 mission from its Launch Site One pad in West Texas on Saturday morning.

    The launch had been rescheduled earlier in the week after Blue Origin’s launch team “observed an issue with built-in checks prior to flight,” Tabitha Lipkin, of Blue Origin’s communications team, said. 

    The mission sent up six new astronauts into space going beyond the Kármán line, the internationally established edge of space at 62 miles/100 kilometers above Earth’s surface.

    Blue Origin released the mission patch prior to the launch, which includes a nod to each of the travelers. 

    According to the Blue Origin website, a few of the symbols embedded include:

    • The DNA symbolizes the importance and impact of science to Neal Milch. 
    • The hippo represents Michaela (Michi) Benthaus’ favorite animal. Her plush hippo, which comforted her in the hospital after an accident, will join her in space. The tennis ball symbolizes another of Michi’s competitive passions. She is set to be the first wheelchair-bound person in space. 
    • A baobab tree, iconic to South Africa, represents Adonis Pouroulis’ roots. 
    • A spiral galaxy symbolizes Joey Hyde’s astrophysics research. 
    • A dog-bone shape, stars in the crew capsule windows representing the number 201 and “K” are in all memoriam of Jason Stansell’s brother. 
    • The shards are intended to illustrate Blue Origin’s commitment to breaking down the barriers to accessing space, including cost, nationality and ability.  

    Mission NS-37 marked the first manned mission since Oct. 8. 

    The New Shepard spacecraft, named for pioneering Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard who was the first American in space, is a fully reusable, suborbital rocket system that takes passengers on an 11-minute journey to the Kármán line.

    [ad_2]

    Mike D’Alonzo, Anthony Leone

    Source link

  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers next week

    [ad_1]

    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mostly dry weather is on tap across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Saturday

    If you’re traveling Saturday, a weak disturbance will bring some light snow across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast during the afternoon and evening. Heavier snow accumulation should remain into Canada.  Most of the Midwest is looking at dry, sunny weather. 

    Northern California and the intermountain west will continue seeing periods of wet weather.


    Sunday

    Wet weather continues out west on Sunday, especially for parts of Northern Calfornia, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Heavy snow and rain is expected.

    Some snow showers are possible around the Great Lakes and rain across the Southeast, but activity remains light.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap into early next week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, but totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation. Out west, rain and snow continues.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • The Ursid meteor shower arrives, the last of 2025

    [ad_1]

    The last meteor shower of 2025, the Ursid meteor shower, arrives each year around the winter solstice. While it isn’t as impressive as the recent Geminid shower, it’s still worth seeing.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ursid meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22

    • The average number of meteors per hour is 5-10. On rare occasions, there have been bursts near 100

    • The Ursid meteor shower originates from the debris trail of Comet 8P/Tuttle

    What causes most meteor showers?

    Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left over from a comet or asteroid. This debris material is usually no bigger than a large grain of sand. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, leaving bright, sometimes colorful streaks of light in the night sky.

    In the case of the Ursids, the debris trail is left over from Comet 8P/Tuttle. This comet was first discovered in 1790 by Pierre Mechain from Paris, France. Later, in 1858, Horace Tuttle of Harvard University rediscovered the comet when its orbit took it back through the solar system.

    When and where to meet watch

    The Ursids range from Dec. 13 to 24. The peak arrives on the evening of December 21st through dawn. Make sure you dress warmly and find a dark location, away from lights. A country area is ideal. Allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky, which takes up to 30 minutes. The best time to watch the sky is from around 1 a.m. EST until dawn.

    All annual meteor showers have a radiant point from which they originate. With the Ursids, they radiate from the area of the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. (Big Dipper & Little Dipper). More specifically, from the star Kochab in the Little Dipper constellation. Look for the Big Dipper and the star Kochab well to the north-northeast.

    Keep in mind, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant point (near the star Kochab in the Little Dipper); looking about 30 to 40 degrees away often yields longer, more impressive meteor trails across the sky.

    Here is the cloud forecast across the nation during the peak viewing time:

    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 Scott Dean

    Source link

  • The Ursid meteor shower arrives, the last of 2025

    [ad_1]

    The last meteor shower of 2025, the Ursid meteor shower, arrives each year around the winter solstice. While it isn’t as impressive as the recent Geminid shower, it’s still worth seeing.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ursid meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22

    • The average number of meteors per hour is 5-10. On rare occasions, there have been bursts near 100

    • The Ursid meteor shower originates from the debris trail of Comet 8P/Tuttle

    What causes most meteor showers?

    Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left over from a comet or asteroid. This debris material is usually no bigger than a large grain of sand. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, leaving bright, sometimes colorful streaks of light in the night sky.

    In the case of the Ursids, the debris trail is left over from Comet 8P/Tuttle. This comet was first discovered in 1790 by Pierre Mechain from Paris, France. Later, in 1858, Horace Tuttle of Harvard University rediscovered the comet when its orbit took it back through the solar system.

    When and where to meet watch

    The Ursids range from Dec. 13 to 24. The peak arrives on the evening of December 21st through dawn. Make sure you dress warmly and find a dark location, away from lights. A country area is ideal. Allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky, which takes up to 30 minutes. The best time to watch the sky is from around 1 a.m. EST until dawn.

    All annual meteor showers have a radiant point from which they originate. With the Ursids, they radiate from the area of the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. (Big Dipper & Little Dipper). More specifically, from the star Kochab in the Little Dipper constellation. Look for the Big Dipper and the star Kochab well to the north-northeast.

    Keep in mind, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant point (near the star Kochab in the Little Dipper); looking about 30 to 40 degrees away often yields longer, more impressive meteor trails across the sky.

    Here is the cloud forecast across the nation during the peak viewing time:

    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 Scott Dean

    Source link

  • Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in NC plane crash

    [ad_1]

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Federal investigators on Friday will begin sifting through the wreckage of a business jet that crashed in North Carolina and killed all seven people aboard, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family.

    The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground Thursday. It had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte, but soon crashed while trying to return and land, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

    Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. The cause of the crash wasn’t immediately known, nor was the reason for the plane’s return to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions.

    What You Need To Know

    • The plane took off from the airport shortly after 10 a.m.

    • There were six people on the Cessna C550 that crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport

    • The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed

    • The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA were investigating


    Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters and single and multi-engine planes. It wasn’t clear if Biffle was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.

    Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

    “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the joint family statement said.

    Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

    NASCAR called Biffle “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”

    “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport,” NASCAR said.

    The plane, bound for Florida, took off from the Statesville airport shortly after 10 a.m., according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

    Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.

    “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

    A team from the National Transportation Safety Board headed to North Carolina on Thursday to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.

    The Cessna plane, built in 1981, is a popular mid-sized business jet with an excellent reputation, aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said. It has two engines and typically seats six to eight passengers and two pilots.

    In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

    “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.

    Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.

    “He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

    The joint family statement also spoke about Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”

    With 2025 almost over, there have been 1,331 U.S. crashes this year investigated by the NTSB, from two-seat planes to commercial aircraft, compared to a total of 1,482 in 2024.

    Major air disasters around the world in 2025 include the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia’s Far East that claimed 48 lives. Fourteen people, including 11 on the ground, died in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky.

    ___

    Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Jenna Fryer in Charlotte, North Carolina; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Ed White in Detroit; Sarah Brumfield in Washington; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this story.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Pinellas military family serving vets during Season of Giving

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Pinellas County military family has dedicated their lives to service.

    The family patriarch, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran living at a Bay Pines VA assisted living facility, inspired his family to give back.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mr. Harlan Springer served in World War II in the U.S. Navy

    • He now lives at the Bay Pines VA Community Living Center

    • He has inspired multiple generations of his family to give back and serve other veterans like him at Bay Pines


    At 99 years old, Mr. Harlan Springer has lived a remarkable life.

    “I’m thankful for being here because I never expected to live this long,” said Springer.

    Like many of his greatest generation peers, they have many remarkable stories to tell.

    Springer recalled when he enlisted in the Navy during the war, and it was him “having two brothers and a friend in there” that was not about to keep him home.

    The Veterans Health Administration produced a video of Springer documenting time in service.

    Springer was stationed on a destroyer vessel of a carrier fleet in the Pacific theatre of the war. Now, he lives at the Bay Pines VA Community Living Center in St. Petersburg.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 sat down with Springer to learn more about his life story and legacy, like the remarkable date he joined the war.

    “You see, it was June the sixth of 1944, and many years later I found out it was D-Day,” said Springer.

    Stories like Springer’s inspired generations after him, especially hitting closer to home.

    Chelbie Harrison is Springer’s great-granddaughter, and helped push Springer in his wheelchair around the facility for his daily stroll.

    “It’s very often, his name will pop up on the screen, and then my great-grandpa is ready to be picked up,” said Harrison.

    Harrison works at Bay Pines VA as a nursing assistant.

    “I get to see how his day is going and get to tell him about mine,” she said. “And I get to tell him about the newest things happening with his great-great-grands, who he always enjoys hearing about, right, Grandpa?”

    “Oh, yes!” responded Springer excitedly.

    While Cole Long, Harrison’s brother or Springer’s great grandson, is also making the rounds at Bay Pines as a registered nurse.

    Their mom, Christine Long or Springer’s granddaughter, also works at Bay Pines VA.

    Every year she works to organize and participates in the Adopt-a-Veteran program.

    Over the years the combined family has supported hundreds of military families to celebrate the holiday season.

    All three family members are immensely proud of the service they provide, and said they are inspired by their remarkable grandfather and his friends at the VA.

    “I take pride in being able to give back and take care of the veterans who took care of us and fought with their lives to have our freedoms,” said Harrison.

    “They’ve been through a lot so it’s nice to give back to them,” said Cole. “It’s rewarding.”

    As for Springer, it is another Christmas he is celebrating and even crafting gifts for the youngest of the generations, his great-great-grandkids.

    And he is looking forward to another milestone for the holidays.

    “You know I’m 99 and I understand I got a one percent chance to make it to 100…so statistically,” he said. “But I’m going to do it, I’ve decided.”

    He has had 99 remarkable years and now one big reason to be thankful this holiday season.

    Find your local Veterans Health Administration Community Living Center for more information on healthcare and support. 

    [ad_2]

    Roy De Jesus

    Source link

  • 5 things to know about theme park ‘Breakfast with Santa’

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Character breakfasts have always been a big deal at Disney, and it’s no different when Santa Claus is involved.

    1. For the fourth year, the “Breakfast with Santa” experience at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante returns to Disney Springs. Within the Disney Springs entertainment district, guests get to dine on Christmas comforts while interacting with carolers, elves and Santa!

    2. This interactive experience includes takeaway treats, adult beverages, and comfort food fit for the whole family. Benjamin Dovaro is the top chef behind the scenes who makes the magic happen. “It’s the buttermilk that really makes it,” Dovaro said, pointing down at fluffy pancakes he’d demoed for Spectrum News. “We also cook (the pancakes) in butter, giving them that very rich, rich flavor.”

    3. The 2025 Breakfast with Santa experience offers three seating times on select dates, meaning there are only four more mornings (as of this publish date) for families to book a slot.

    4. The last chance to jump on in for the experience is Christmas Eve morning, Dec. 24, 2025.

    5. For more information on the “Breakfast with Santa” experience, visit the Marino & Enzo’s website.

    [ad_2]

    Allison Walker

    Source link

  • Officials say increase of abandoned boats in Florida waters is outpacing cleanup

    [ad_1]

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — State officials say the number of derelict and abandoned boats in Florida waterways is increasing faster than they can be removed, leaving hundreds of vessels scattered around the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida officials say the state is dealing with more than a thousand derelict and abandoned boats statewide
    • Storm damage and high repair costs are driving many owners to walk away
    • Abandoned vessels create navigation hazards, environmental risks, and neighborhood eyesores
    • The state has spent millions removing boats and is urging owners to use a free turn-in program



    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say these boats are more than just unsightly — they pose serious risks to boaters, harm the environment, and frustrate waterfront residents who often have no authority to remove them.

    On the water, the scale of the problem is easy to spot.

    Shonda Kennedy, with Orion Towing, Salvage & Marine and TowBoatU.S., has spent two decades pulling abandoned and damaged boats from Florida waters, from St. Augustine to Titusville.

    Within minutes of heading out, she points out a sunken 27-foot sailboat that she said was left behind after its owner walked away.

    “We are looking at a derelict vessel that has been left to die,” Kennedy said.

    Kennedy said many of the boats she encounters can be nearly impossible to see, especially in low light.

    “At night, you’re not going to see this,” she said, explaining how submerged and partially sunken vessels can become hidden dangers for other boaters.

    Kennedy said others are pushed ashore during storms, turning them into long-term eyesores for nearby homeowners.

    “This vessel came ashore or hit the shoreline at the last storm,” Kennedy said, adding that tracking down the responsible owner is often the biggest challenge.

    “The hardest part is trying to find the original owner,” she said.

    FWC officials said identifying ownership can be complicated, particularly when boats have changed hands multiple times or were acquired cheaply online.

    “Sometimes it’s a challenge to determine, ‘OK, whose boat even is this?’” said FWC public information officer Bradley Johnson.

    According to FWC, there were more than 1,000 abandoned boats statewide at the start of 2025.

    The agency maintains an interactive map to track known derelict vessels, and has removed 478 boats so far this year.


    Storms remain a major factor, but officials say many owners underestimate what it takes to repair and maintain a damaged vessel.

    “You may think you’re able to get that vessel seaworthy again, and then find out it’s a bigger job than you thought,” Johnson said.

    Salvage and towing costs can run into the thousands of dollars, leading some owners to abandon boats rather than fix them.

    Others take on free or deeply discounted boats through social media, unaware of the true cost of making them safe.

    “Now your vessels in that derelict condition, and you may not have the means or the ability to get it off the water,” Johnson said.

    Leaving a derelict vessel behind is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by a $100 fine.

    Repeat offenders can face third-degree felony charges.

    In 2025 alone, the state spent more than $9 million recovering abandoned boats, prioritizing removals based on environmental damage and navigation hazards.

    Kennedy said the problem often starts with unrealistic expectations.

    “When people went out and bought these vessels new or used, they had no idea the amount of money and time it takes in order to maintain these vessels,” she said.

    FWC is encouraging boat owners who can no longer afford their vessels to take advantage of the agency’s Vessel Turn-In Program.

    Owners who have received a written citation or warning can apply to have their unwanted boat removed from Florida waters and destroyed at no cost — a step officials say can prevent boats from becoming the next derelict hazard.

    [ad_2]

    Randy Rauch

    Source link

  • Isaacman sworn in as 15th NASA Administrator

    [ad_1]

    WASHINGTON — Jared Isaacman was sworn in on Thursday as NASA’s 15th administrator after being confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jared Isaacman was confirmed as NASA administrator by a bipartisan Senate vote

    • President Donald Trump initially revoked Isaacman’s nomination due to a feud with Elon Musk

    • Isaacman promised to bring a business-minded approach to NASA

    Isaacman is an accomplished pilot, astronaut and has extensive business experience, things he said are necessary to take the agency into the future.

    President Donald Trump nominated him to the post on Nov. 4, and he was confirmed by the Senate this week.

    “It’s a big win for NASA and the space industry right here in Central Florida, because we want to make sure we have people who’ve had the public, private experience to make sure we go to the next level,” Rep. Mike Haridopolos said.

    Isaacman, an Embry-Riddle graduate, founded payment processing company United Bank Card at the age of 16. It was renamed Shift4, which now offers services to companies around the world.

    Isaacman moved into aerospace and co-founded Draken International, which provides training to U.S. military pilots.

    He is an accomplished pilot with more than 8,000 flight hours. 

    Isaacman commanded Inspiration4 and the first all-civilian spaceflight in 2021, which was heralded as a major milestone in commercial spaceflight.

    In 2024, he commanded the Polaris Dawn mission, where he and his crew traveled 900 miles from Earth — the furthest into space humans have gone since Apollo 17 in 1972.

    During that mission, he performed the first commercial spacewalk.

    “We’re launching every few days, and now that Jared can devote all of his time and attention, and have the support of people like Secretary Duffy at the Department of Transportation, should make it a win-win situation as we anxiously look forward to Artemis in February,” Haridopolos said.

    Isaacman has said he will donate his administrator salary to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp to, as he put it, “help prepare the pioneers of tomorrow.”

    “He’s got a unique perspective as a private astronaut and proven business leader that will be incredibly valuable for NASA,” said Space Florida President Rob Long.

    [ad_2]

    Greg Pallone

    Source link

  • DeSantis suggests ending all tolls for Florida residents

    [ad_1]

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped an idea during a Wednesday cabinet meeting that could save Florida residents hundreds of dollars a year — shifting the cost of toll roads to non-residents.

    During the meeting, DeSantis suggested that out-of-towners should be footing more of the bill for Florida’s 700-plus miles of toll roads. 

    DeSantis has given residents toll relief in the past by discounting costs by 50% while drivers hit 35 or more tolls in a single month. His current suggestion would mean a 100% discount for Floridians, and shift the cost completely to non-residents.

    “How long do we keep the tolls? These tolls, they’ve been here since I can remember, like as a kid, the tolls on the turnpike,” DeSantis said Wednesday. “You know, at what point is all this going to be paid off now? Now maybe we have uptake. Look, you could charge the visitors, and they could probably support it all and give our Florida residents a break. I think that would be a really good idea.”

    DeSantis did not give any details on how the toll program would work or how the pricing structure would make up for the funds lost if residents no longer pay tolls.

    In the previous half-off program, state officials said it saved motorists about $400 each in 2023, with a total cost of about $500 million to the state.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Delgado

    Source link

  • Javon Bennett scores 25 in Dayton’s 97-69 win over Florida State

    [ad_1]

    DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Javon Bennett scored 25 points, and De’Shayne Montgomery added 20 in Dayton’s 97-69 win over Florida State on Tuesday night.

    Bennett shot 5 of 14 from the field and a perfect 12 for 12 from the free-throw line. Jordan Derkack added 13 points, Keonte Jones added 11 and Amaël L’Etang and Malcolm Thomas both scored 10. Dayton (9-3) has now won 33 straight home games against non-conference opponents.

    Florida State (5-6) found heavy foul trouble in the second half, with five players fouling out. The Flyers shot 40 of 47 (85%) from the free-throw line.

    Dayton headed into the locker room up 42-31 and continued strong into the second half with an 11-3 run. The Flyers scored 24 points in the second half on free throws alone.

    Kobe McGee scored 15 points for the Seminoles. Lajae Jones added 14, and Martin Somerville scored 11. All three players fouled out. Florida State’s losing streak now extends to five straight games.

    Up next

    The Flyers will host Liberty on Saturday, Dec. 20.

    Florida State will host Mississippi Valley State on Friday, Dec. 19.

    ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link