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  • USF falls short of 10-win season in Cure Bowl

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    ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns to help Old Dominion beat South Florida 24-10 and win the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Wednesday.

    Henicle carried 24 times for Old Dominion (10-3) and clinched the victory with a 51-yard touchdown run on a third-down play with 2:32 remaining. He also completed 11 of 25 passes for 127 yards.

    Devin Roche finished with 100 yards on 19 rushes as the Monarchs piled up 255 yards on the ground.

    South Florida (9-4) jumped in front on Nico Gramatica’s 28-yard field goal before Henicle scored on a 6-yard run with 42 seconds left to put Old Dominion up 7-3 after one quarter.

    Gaston Moore threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Koger midway through the second to give the Bulls a 10-7 lead at halftime.

    Jerome Carter picked off Moore on South Florida’s first possession of the third quarter and returned it 26 yards to the the Bulls’ 25-yard line. Trequan Jones turned a third-and-7 rush into a 22-yard touchdown and the Monarchs took a 14-10 lead. Nathaniel Eichner added a 24-yard field goal for a seven-point advantage heading to the fourth quarter.

    USF punter Chase Leon threw an interception on a fake punt and the Monarchs took over at their own 28 after they were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play. Henicle scored three plays later to set the final margin.

    Moore completed 20 of 28 passes for 236 yards. He threw two of the Bulls’ four interceptions. Christian Neptune had 10 catches for 102 yards.

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    Associated Press

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  • Holiday shipping deadlines quickly approaching

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The holiday shipping rush is officially underway as USPS, UPS, and other carriers announce their final deadlines to ensure packages arrive on time for Christmas.

    Postal and shipping offices are already seeing longer lines as those cutoff dates approach, so waiting much longer could mean delayed gifts.

    USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

    If you’re using the United States Postal Service, the most affordable options have the earliest deadlines:

    • Today is the last day to ship First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage for Christmas delivery.
    • Thursday, December 18 is the deadline for USPS Priority Mail.
    • Saturday, December 20 is the final day to ship using Priority Mail Express to guarantee on-time arrival.
    •  

    UPS Offers a Few Extra Days

    If you need more time, UPS may be the better option, as their deadlines extend a few days later than USPS.

    At a UPS location in St. Petersburg, manager Tony Morcos says stores are busy, with trucks picking up packages nightly after 6 p.m. UPS locations are also operating with extended holiday hours.

    “The UPS Store is very convenient. We have 5,400 locations, and one of the biggest aspects of our stores is extended hours during the holidays. For example, we’re open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and we’re open Saturday and Sunday,” Morcos said.

    UPS Shipping Deadlines

    • December 19: Deadline for 3-Day Select
    • December 22: Deadline for 2nd Day Air
    • December 23: Final deadline for Next Day Air deliveries

    Skip the Lines by Shipping Online

    More customers are choosing to set up shipping online, which can help avoid long lines at local post offices and shipping centers.

    For a full breakdown of holiday shipping options and deadlines, visit United States Postal Service or UPS Holiday Schedule.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator

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    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator on Wednesday, placing him atop the agency after a monthslong saga where President Donald Trump revoked his nomination as part of a feud with tech billionaire Elon Musk.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jared Isaacman confirmed as NASA administrator by bipartisan Senate vote

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

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


    Isaacman, who has promised to bring a business-minded approach to the space agency, was confirmed in a bipartisan vote, 67-30.

    He will take over after an unusual confirmation process upended by the Republican president’s oscillating and at times tumultuous relationship with prominent tech leaders who backed his campaign, most notably Musk, the Tesla CEO who is a close ally of Isaacman.

    Trump picked Isaacman last year but withdrew the nomination in May after feuding with Musk over the administration’s policies on issues such as electric vehicles and the performance of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

    Musk was the largest contributor of donations to Trump’s 2024 campaign and after the administration took office, he assembled a team for DOGE that blitzed through the federal government’s departments, contracts and critical infrastructure. The monthslong operation led to major cuts to federal contracts focused on foreign aid, global health and mass layoffs of federal workers.

    But the effort did not lead to significant reductions in the federal budget deficit, the stated goal. Musk also feuded with some senior Cabinet officials and, eventually, Trump himself. Musk is also CEO of the space flight company SpaceX and has ambitions for humans to colonize space.

    Trump nominated Isaacman for the job again in November. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had been serving as NASA’s interim administrator until a permanent head was in place.

    The mysterious turnabout from Trump

    Isaacman is the founder of Shift4 Payments, a payment processing and technology solutions company based in Pennsylvania. He is also the co-founder of Draken International, a Florida-based aerospace company. He has done business with Musk’s Starlink and other ventures tied to the fellow billionaire.

    During Isaacman’s second confirmation hearing in December, Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., pressed Isaacman to “explain what happened to make President Trump reconsider the decision to pull your nomination and what assurances you may have provided with Elon Musk and SpaceX would not create a significant conflict of interest in this role.”

    Isaacman replied that he “wouldn’t even want to begin to speculate why the president nominated and then renominated me.” He said he pledged to be free of conflicts of interest in his role. In a June letter, Isaacman had promised to resign from his private sector posts should he be confirmed as NASA administrator.

    Republicans have welcomed some of Isaacman’s proposals and some new senators strongly advocated for his confirmation. But many Democrats balked at Isaacman and Trump’s plans, including the proposed costs of some projects and overall priorities for the agency.

    “For nearly 70 years, the United States has been at the forefront of space exploration. President Trump knows how critical it is to reinvigorate NASA as we aim to reach new heights in the greatest frontier ever known, and that’s why he chose exactly the right man for the job,” Sen. Tim Sheehy, an aerial firefighter, former Navy SEAL and close ally of Isaacman, said in a statement.

    Sheehy, R-Mont. added that he was confident Isaacman “will work tirelessly to ensure America wins the 21st century space race.”

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    Associated Press

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  • Blue Origin launches New Shepard NS-37 mission

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    TEXAS — Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space exploration company, will launch New Shepard mission 37, or NS-37, on Thursday, Dec. 18.

    The mission is set to launch at 10 a.m. CDT and will send six new astronauts into space.

    Blue Origin has also released the mission patch, 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. 
    • 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 represent the number 201 and “K” are in memoriam of Jason Stansell’s brother. 
    • The shards represent Blue Origin’s commitment to breaking down the barriers to accessing space, including cost, nationality and ability.  

    Mission NS-37 will mark 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, the internationally recognized boundary of space. 

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    Mike D’Alonzo

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  • USF, Old Dominion set to meet Wednesday in Cure Bowl

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    ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of South Florida will face Old Dominion Wednesday in Orlando in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.

    Kickoff is at 5 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN.

    What You Need To Know

    • CURE BOWL: USF vs. Old Dominion

    • Kickoff is at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. ESPN TV 

    • USF quarterback Byrum Brown, just the 12th player in FBS history to post a 3,000-yard passing and 1,000-yard rushing season, will not play in the game. Sixth-year quarterback Gaston Moore will start

    USF (9-3; 6-2 American) will look to capture a third consecutive bowl win for just the second time in program history when it takes on Old Dominion (9-3; 6-2 Sun Belt).

    The Bulls also seek to post a 10-win season for just the third time in program history and the first since going 10-2 in 2017.

    Interim USF Coach Kevin Patrick, leading the team until new coach Brian Hartline and Ohio State finish their playoff run, said the Bulls remain focused heading into their bowl game.

    “We’re working hard and our players are really excited to be playing in this bowl game,’’ said Patrick to gousfbulls.com. “All of these guys — particularly the 30 seniors that we have — have so much pride and love for this program. For a lot of them, it will most likely be their last time going on the field of battle. The heart and soul they’ve poured into this program, the love they have for each other and the respect they have for this game, I don’t think I’ve seen it to that level in the long coaching career I’ve had. I can’t commend these guys enough.’’

     

    USF’s Byrum Brown will not play in the game, meaning sixth-year quarterback Gaston Moore will get the starting nod. The Bulls’ offense enters the postseason ranked No. 2 nationally, posting 501.7 yards per game and No. 4 in scoring at 43 points per game. The Bulls posted a program-record five games scoring 50 points or more in the regular season and seven scoring 48 or more.

     

    Meanwhile, the Monarchs won their final five games to close out the regular season and received votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll. They bring the No. 7-ranked rushing offense (236.9 ypg), No. 16-ranked total offense (460.8 ypg) and No. 20-ranked scoring defense (19.3 ppg) into the Cure Bowl.

    The game will mark USF’s first meeting against ODU.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • CAIR responds after DeSantis declares it ‘foreign terrorist organization’

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    TAMPA, Fla. — (DEC. 16 UPDATE): The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with a law firm and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced the filing of a federal lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

    The suit comes days after the governor declared CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization. 

    According to CAIR, the lawsuit challenges what the organization calls DeSantis’ “blatantly unconstitutional” executive order targeting the Council on American-Islamic Relations, America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its Florida chapter, CAIR-Florida.

    CAIR-Florida plans to host a press conference in Tampa to address Tuesday afternoon to address the lawsuit.


    PREVIOUS STORY: The Florida chapter and the national headquarters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Tuesday they plan to file a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    It comes one day after the governor declared CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.

    The Florida chapter of CAIR says it will fight it out in court. 

    CAIR Florida says it was an attack on their First Amendment rights, that the accusations are baseless and that they look forward to proving that in court. 

    Hiba Rahim, CAIR Florida’s interim director, called the governor’s remarks an attack on the Constitution.


    “If you are truly American, America first, then you have to prioritize fighting against these types of attacks and standing with minority groups,” Rahim said. “Whether they are Muslim community or any other minority group. Because today the Muslims, tomorrow, someone else.”

    She added: “To our Governor, your designation has no basis in law or fact. You do not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally declare any American or an American institution a foreign terrorist group. Nor is there any basis to level this smear against our organization.”

    DeSantis posted an executive order (Florida Executive Order 25-244) to social media Monday night, declaring both CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. The order said CAIR is an unofficial U.S. cover representing the Islamic community to conceal ties to Islamic extremist groups like Hamas.

    At a press conference on Tuesday in Miami, DeSantis said he welcomes the lawsuit.

    “I welcome the lawsuit because what will happen is that will give the state of Florida discovery rights, (to) be able to subpoena the bank records,” he said. “It would give us even more reason, I believe, and so this is something I know our attorney general is ready, willing and able to be fighting on this.”

    Rahim says she worries there will be threats, and that now is the time for all faiths to come together. She said the organization has nothing to hide.

    “We will respond to whatever comes our way — piece by piece, day by day,” she said. “And in the meantime, we will continue to uphold our vision and mission, which is to protect Americans and to enhance people’s understanding of Islam and Muslims and to defend civil rights.” 

    DeSantis says members of the legislature are crafting legislation to stop Sharia Law and that he hopes to codify these protections for Floridians against CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood in future legislation.

    “I think you’re going to see the legislature probably mirror what Texas has done, and ultimately that’ s going be in the best interest of the people,” DeSantis said.

    DeSantis added that CAIR has the right to sue Florida, but that the state’s attorney general has the right to get the financial information Florida needs to uphold the laws here.

     

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    Jeff Van Sant, Spectrum News Staff, Keith Landry

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  • SpaceX plans to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — For anyone hoping to see a morning launch, your Christmas wish has come true. SpaceX is planning to launch another batch of Starlink satellites Wednesday morning. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Starlink 6-99 mission will take off from Launch Complex 39A

    SpaceX stated it is going to send up its Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center for the Starlink 6-99 mission.

    The launch window opens at 7:19 a.m. ET and it is set to close at 11:19 a.m. ET. This means the California-based company has during that time frame to send up its Falcon 9 rocket.

    The 45th Weather Squadron has given a 95% chance of good liftoff conditions.

    The only concern against the launch is the cumulus cloud rule.

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

    Taking the fifth

    The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster for this mission, called B1094, has two crewed launches in its young career.

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket is expected to land on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, which will be in the Atlantic Ocean..

    About the mission

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company, which will see its 29 satellites go to low-Earth orbit.

    Once deployed and in their orbit with the thousands of other Starlinks, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

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

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 9,357 are in orbit
    • 8,026 are in operational orbit

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Brevard pushes for public hearing on Blue Origin’s wastewater dumping permit

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    MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Brevard County is awaiting a response after sending a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requesting to hold a public hearing about concerns over Blue Origin’s wastewater permit.

    The concerns revolve around the company’s plan to dump about 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater daily into the Indian River Lagoon.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brevard County is pushing for a public hearing about Blue Origin’s wastewater permit

    • The permit, which has been in place for five years, allows the company to dump 500,000 gallons of treated wastewater daily into the Indian River Lagoon

    • An online petition against the permit extension has over 40,000 signatures

    Blue Origin officials are hoping to get an extension of the company’s existing permit to continue discharging the treated water, but it’s now in the hands of the Florida DEP whether that will happen.

    Meanwhile, concerns are growing about the health of the lagoon.

    Laurilee Thompson, a founding member of Indian River Lagoon Roundtable, said organization members were not aware Blue Origin was dumping treated wastewater into a ditch at its Merritt Island facility that runs to the waterway. The roundtable identifies itself as a group that looks into “environmental issues that may have an adverse effect on the Indian River Lagoon.”

    The permit was first granted by the Florida DEP in July 2020.

    “There’s a false perception that a healthy estuary can withstand large purges of fresh water,” Thompson said. “It changes the salinity regime. Too much fresh water makes it difficult for seagrass to thrive. It can survive, but we want it to thrive.”

    Over the past few weeks, an online petition against the agreement has received more than 40,000 signatures.

    “The Indian River Lagoon is already fighting for its life,” the petition stated about Blue Origin. “Decades of nutrient pollution, algae blooms, seagrass collapse, habitat loss, and record manatee deaths have pushed this fragile ecosystem to the edge. Now, it faces a NEW threat — and it’s one we cannot ignore.” 

    Blue Origin previously sent Spectrum News a statement saying the permit request is a renewal of an existing agreement that has been in place for more than five years. The spokesperson added that the company is “committed to maintaining responsible and compliant operations.”

    The deadline for public comment on the issue is Thursday, Dec. 18.

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    Greg Pallone

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  • Audience vibes make skaters fly at Christmas Town

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    TAMPA, Fla. — We may live in the Sunshine State, but snow and ice are still part of Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town.

    What You Need To Know

    • Guests can also enjoy festive entertainment, lights and shopping


    Juliana Cannarozzo grew up skating in the Boston area.

    She’s been a part of Christmas on Ice at Busch Gardens since 2009, making the Tampa Bay area her home.

    “It’s been great,” said Cannarozzo. “I met my husband here, I bought a house here. I have my dog here. Someday a family.”

    The Christmas on Ice show — about 30 minutes — runs the gamut from festive to haunting.

    “And we’re on that journey with you. We’re like feeling every emotion and every, every, bit of excitement,” said Cannarozzo.

    It’s part of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, filled with festive lights.

    Cannarozzo’s partner is Christian Reekie.

    “This is my fourth Christmas on Ice,” said Reekie.

    Reekie is from Ottawa, a couple of hours north of the U.S. border, where everybody hits the ice.

    “Around here you say you are going to swimming lessons — your parents throw you into skating lessons,” said Reekie. “And then I never stopped showing up.”

    His dedication has yielded a competitive and professional career in the Sunshine State.

    Both skaters say this show is special.

    “And the audience is different at Christmas — they are more in the spirit,” said Cannarozzo.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • ULA is set to launch nearly 30 Amazon Leo satellites

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — United Launch Alliance is getting ready to launch 30 Amazon Leo internet satellites early Tuesday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Atlas V 551 rocket’s first-stage booster does not land on a droneship or landing zone, like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket

    Formerly known as Kuiper satellites, Amazon made the name change last month. In fact, this will be the first launch under the new name for the satellites.

    ULA’s Atlas V 551 rocket will leave Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated the Colorado-based company.

    The very short launch window will open at 3:28 a.m. ET and close at 3:57 a.m. ET.

    The LA-04 mission was originally set to launch on Monday morning, but it was pushed back due to poor weather conditions.

    At the moment, the 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 95% chance of good liftoff weather for the Tuesday morning mission, with the only concern being the cumulus cloud rule.

    The Atlas V 551 rocket’s first-stage booster does not land on a droneship or landing zone, which is what the better known SpaceX rocket — the Falcon 9 — does. Instead, it will separate and fall into the Atlantic Ocean, where it will get picked up.

    About the mission

    The Atlas V rocket sent up 27 of Amazon’s Leo satellites.

    Like the SpaceX-company Starlink and its satellites that orbit Earth, the Leo satellites will have their own low-Earth orbital satellite network.

    The Leo satellites will provide internet service to customers around the world.

    Before this launch, there were 153 Kuiper satellites in orbit, with Amazon planning more than 3,200, once all is said and done.

    Watch the launch here

    [ad_2] Anthony Leone
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  • Gators’ quarterback Lagway says he’s entering transfer portal

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    FLORIDA — University of Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is leaving the program and entering the transfer portal, he announced Monday on his Instagram account.

    That means the Gators will enter next season with a new starting quarterback and a new head coach.

    In his post, Lagway thanked his family, teammates, coaching staff, Florida’s athletic trainers and other members of the university community for their support.

    “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible program here at the University of Florida,” Lagway said in his post.

    Florida hired Jon Sumrall from Tulane as head coach late last month to replace Billy Napier, who they fired midseason.

    Lagway spent two seasons at Florida, the highest profile recruit of Napier’s coaching stint at Florida.

    In Lagway’s 24 regular-season games as the Gators’ quarterback, Florida went 12-13 and in 2024 went to the Gasparilla Bowl, where Florida defeated Tulane and he was named MVP. He completed 328 of 529 pass attempts for 4,179 yards, 28 touchdown passes, and he threw 23 interceptions. He also carried the football 122 times for 237 yards and one touchdown.

    This past season, the oft-injured Lagway completed 63% of his passes this season for 2,264 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also ran for 136 yards and a score. He missed most of the offseason program while recovering from core-muscle surgery, a sore throwing arm and a strained calf. He also missed time in 2024 with a hamstring injury.

    He looked like a potential star as a freshman at Florida, going 6-1 as a starter. But he seemed out of sorts as a sophomore — evidenced by sloppy mechanics and a clear lack of confidence in the pocket.

    Lagway also was due to make more than $3 million in 2026 at Florida and made millions already through name, image and likeness deals with Gatorade, Jordan Brand, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini Orlando, T-Mobile, Beats by Dre, Chipotle and others.

    After Lagway made the announcement, newly hired LSU coach Lane Kiffin retweeted a link to a news story about Lagway announcing his decision. When Florida sought a replacement for Napier, it reportedly showed strong interest in hiring Kiffin before he accepted an offer for the Tigers’ job.

    The transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Ancient artifacts at MAPS Museum getting immortal lease on life with 3D scanning

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Ancient artifacts on display at the New Port Richey MAPS Museum are getting a new immortal lease on life.

    What You Need To Know

    • New Port Richey’s MAPS Museum is using 3D technology to scan those ancient artifacts on display in the museum

    • Every single artifact on display in the museum is being scanned, creating a 3D, digital twin that will then live in a digital database accessible worldwide

    • A team of research scientists with Global Digital Heritage are performing the scans

    • Those behind the work say they anticipate the work to take three years to finish


    The Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science — or MAPS Museum — is using 3D technology to scan these historical artifacts. It’s creating a digital library and making the collection accessible worldwide. This endeavor is helping protect these rare and fragile pieces for future generations.

    “We normally do, probably, around six to ten positions per object,” said Bart Mcleod, research scientist with Global Digital Heritage.

    Set up in a backroom of the museum, the camera snaps away.

    “Basically, what this does is we use photographs to recreate objects in 3D,” said Mcleod.

    Every single artifact on display in the museum is being scanned, creating a 3D digital twin that will then live in a digital database.

    “We have a three-year agreement with MAPS, and I think it’s going to take every bit of three years to digitize everything that we can,” Mcleod said. “There’s a huge collection of objects and pretty impressive broad range of things, so it’s pretty exciting to work here.”

    Mcleod is part of a two-man team, which includes deputy chief scientist Jeffrey Du Vernay.

    “We’re working primarily with different-sized objects,” said Du Vernay. “For the handheld scanner, which I primarily use, we’ll do slightly larger objects. In the photogrammetry, we’ll do more smaller objects typically.”

    The handheld scanner Du Vernay uses records the surface of the object he’s scanning, and it also records the color.

    “It captures everything within its line of sight,” he said. “And this is what we will have.”

    Creating a raw, 3D scan of data. Once that’s done, the final product is put together and uploaded online.

    “What we’re really doing is creating a 3D digital library of the objects that we’re scanning,” says Du Vernay. “That has advantages not only for documenting the current state of the preservation of the objects, but also making them available online to researchers, educators, students, who maybe aren’t able to come to the museum.”

    It takes hours of work to scan thousands of objects. It’s work that museum director Charles Zidar says makes the art more shareable.

    “It’s really important that other individuals and scholars from around the world can access the collections online,” said Zidar. “So it’s been really helpful to have them here.”

    Helping pique the interest of a new generation of scientists.

    “After seeing them online, maybe they would be more motivated to come and explore what MAPS has to offer,” Du Vernay said.

    Preserving these once forgotten artifacts and helping them live forever in the digital realm.

    Du Vernay says that in between scanning objects at the MAPS Museum, they will be doing other projects around the world. This project with the MAPS Museum will take three more years to finish.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • NASA switches to Boeing for Artemis transport vans after Canoo goes bankrupt

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    NATIONWIDE — A company that was contracted to give a fleet of electric vehicle vans so NASA could use them for its Artemis astronauts has filed for bankruptcy.

    What You Need To Know

    • The three EV vans were supposed to transport Artemis astronauts to the launch pad before going to the moon
    • Canoo Technologies Inc. filed for bankruptcy earlier this year
    • NASA tells Spectrum News the company was “no longer able to meet our mission” needs
    • The space agency will use another transport vehicle, which was built by Boeing and Airstream

    In 2022, Canoo Technologies Inc. was contracted to supply three EV vans, listed as “Artemis Crew Transportation Vehicles.”

    These fully electric vans were supposed to be environmentally friendly and would not produce emissions as they would take Artemis astronauts to the Space Launch Systems rocket to the moon.

    According to the contract, it cost NASA $147,855 for the three vehicles.

    However, the California-based company filed for bankruptcy at the start of 2025.

    In 2023, Canoo Technologies delivered three EVs to NASA, which the U.S. space agency called Artemis astronauts’ “… final Earth-bound leg of their journey to the Moon before boarding their rocket and spacecraft,” in a press release.

    NASA has stated that it will be going with Boeing’s Astrovan instead.

    “As of October, NASA is leasing Boeing’s Astrovan to transport crew to the launch pad for the agency’s associated training exercises and Artemis II launch. This change in providers was necessary as Canoo Technologies was no longer able to meet our mission requirements. NASA will evaluate future transportation options,” Artemis Public Affairs specialist Tiffany Fairley stated to Spectrum News in an email.

    The Astrovan was built in partnership with Airstream and Boeing, and was used for the NASA-Boeing Starliner mission in 2024.

    The Airstream-Boeing Astrovan is seen taking the Starliner crew to the launch pad during the second launch attempt in 2024. (Spectrum News file photo/Anthony Leone)

    Spectrum News reached out to Boeing, Airstream and Canoo for comment, with Boeing being the only one who replied, but stated any questions about the Artemis mission should go to NASA.

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    Anthony Leone, Jon Shaban

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  • The earliest sunset isn’t on the winter solstice

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    The winter solstice will occur at 10:03 a.m. ET on Dec. 21 this year, and even though the day of the winter solstice is the shortest of the year, the latest sunrise and earliest sunset do not occur on this day.

    What You Need To Know

    • The solar day impacts sunrises and sunsets

    • A solar day is longer near the winter solstice

    • The sun rises later in the winter and sets later



    Understanding a solar day

    Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The time from one solar noon to the next solar noon is called a solar day.

    The length of a solar day changes throughout the year because of the tilt and position of the Earth. Because of this, a solar day can be more than or less than 24 hours depending on the time of the year.

    The problem is that we count our days as exactly 24 hours. So, with the solar day being more than 24 hours near the winter solstice, this means solar noon will occur at a later time each day. The sun will also rise later and set later.

    If the sun is setting later each day before the solstice, that means the earliest sunset has already happened.

    Since the sun also rises later each day, this means the latest sunrise has yet to occur. The latest sunrise will happen a few weeks after the official start of winter.

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

     

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Weather looking clear for SpaceX’s Starlink launch Thursday afternoon

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    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The weather is looking favorable as SpaceX prepares again for another Starlink launch Thursday afternoon.

    The company will launch its Falcon 9 rocket, carrying over two dozen Starlink satellites.

    SpaceX is targeting 3:26 p.m. for liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    The 45th Weather Squadron shows clear skies over the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday with no weather concerns.

    Sweet Sixteen

    The company said the Starlink Group 6-90 mission will be the 16th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched:

    Following stage separation, the first stage booster will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which is stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites will head to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there once deployed.

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company, where the satellites provide internet service to many areas on Earth.

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

    Before this launch, McDowell documented the following:

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend

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    The Geminid meteor shower peaks heading into this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Geminid meteor shower peaks the night of Dec. 13

    • Up to 150 meteors per hour

    • Known as one of the best meteor showers of the year



    Every year in December, the night sky treats us to one of the best and brightest displays known as the Geminid meteor shower. 

    When to watch

    The Geminids can be viewed in the night sky as early as 9 p.m. The best time to view the Geminid meteor shower will be in the pre-dawn hours between 1 and 3 a.m.

    Tips for viewing

    To see up to 150 meteors in one hour, you will need to be far away from city lights and tall buildings. Ideally, there will be clear skies for viewing on the night of the 13th. 

    After you arrive, avoid bright lights, such as phone screens, for 15–20 minutes so your eyes can adapt to the darkness.

    A waning crescent moon will make viewing conditions even better because there will not be much moonlight to wash out the meteors, which are often bright and vivid.

    Here is the cloud forecast through the weekend across the country. 


    Even though the peak is this weekend, you can still view the Geminid meteor shower through December 21st. 

    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.

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    Meteorologist Ramel Carpenter

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  • CF Montreal acquire D Dagur Dan Thorhallsson from Orlando City

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    (Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)

    CF Montreal acquired defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson from Orlando City on Wednesday, both clubs announced.

    In exchange for the 25-year-old Icelandic international, Orlando receives $500,000 in general allocation money.

    Orlando also retains a sell-on fee and could receive up to an additional $125,000 in conditional GAM.

    Thorhallsson signed a new deal with Montreal through the 2027-28 season with an option for 2028-29.

    ‘Dagur’s a player who we’ve monitored dating to his MLS arrival,’ Montreal senior director of recruitment Luca Saputo said. ‘We expect that he will seamlessly fit the style of play that head coach Marco Donadel wants to implement. His ability to support the attack on the flanks, along with his versatility, will provide different options for our team going forward.’

    Thorhallsson appeared in 92 MLS matches (52 starts) with Orlando from 2023-25, contributing seven goals and four assists. He set a career high with three goals in 31 appearances (11 starts) in 2025.

    ‘His dedication to the team, ability to embrace our culture, and knack for bringing every group together made him a joy to have in our locker room,’ Orlando general manager Ricardo Moreira said. ‘We’re grateful for everything he’s given to the club and wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter of his career.’

    –Field Level Media

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  • Massullo rolls to State Senate District 11 seat

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    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Republican Ralph Massullo Jr. has captured the State Senate District 11 seat.

    Massullo saw resistance from Democrat Ash Marwah, but he ultimately came out on top. District 11 covers Hernando, Sumter, Citrus and a small section of northwest Pasco County.


    Massullo, a Lecanto physician who previously served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016, will replace Blaise Ingoglia in District 11. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ingoglia to replace Jimmy Patronis as the state’s Chief Financial Officer, opening the seat.

    DeSantis expressed his support for Massullo early in the race.

    Massullo stressed during his campaign that his experience made him right for the seat.

    He said his platform is highlighted with his work toward protecting families, strengthening Florida’s economy and keeping children safe.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • SpaceX successfully launches U.S. security satellite into orbit

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-77 mission from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 Tuesday afternoon.

    Rocket lovers may have heard a sonic boom, which was expected during SpaceX’s launch of a U.S. national security satellite.

    What You Need To Know

    • The takeoff took place at Space Launch Complex 40
    • This is a top-secret mission for the National Reconnaissance Office and U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command

     

    Going up

    This was the fourth mission for B1096, the name of this Falcon 9’s first-stage booster.

    After the first-stage separation, it landed at Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    And many may have heard it.

    “There is the possibility that residents of Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions,” explained SpaceX in an email to the media.

    How the first-stage Falcon 9 rocket booster lands at Landing Zone 2. (SpaceX)

    About the mission

    There is not much about the mission that can be released since it is a launch for national security.

    “The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) are partnering to launch NROL-77 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. This mission carries a national security payload designed, built, and operated by NRO,” stated the National Reconnaissance Office in a media release.

    This is SpaceX’s second NRO mission, with the first one being in 2017.

    The mission patch is of a flying squirrel, which the NRO has stated is a symbol of hard work and endurance.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Voters head to polls Tuesday in State Senate District 11 Special Election

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    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Voters are heading to the polls today to decide the Florida Senate District 11 Special Election.

    Republican Ralph Massullo Jr. is running against Democrat Ash Marwah for the seat, which became vacant when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Blaise Ingoglia to replace Jimmy Patronis as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. Patronis vacated that office after his election to Congress.

    Special Election Day is Tuesday, Dec. 9 and voting is open to residents in the district, which covers Hernando, Sumter, Citrus and a small section of northwest Pasco County.


    Massullo is a Lecanto physician who served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016. DeSantis has expressed his support for Massullo.

    Marwah is a Democrat from The Villages and is originally from India.

    He is an engineer by trade, and his background includes being an entrepreneur in the Pittsburgh area.

    Marwah and his wife retired to The Villages in 2016. Since moving to the area, he has been affiliated with the Democratic Party of Sumter County, Tutors for Kids, and The Villages Democratic Club.

    Republican Ralph Massullo Jr. (right) is running against Democrat Ash Marwah for the State Senate District 11 seat. (FILE IMAGES)

    He previously ran for the Florida House of Representatives District 52 seat in 2024, where he lost to incumbent John Temple, a Republican.

    In a recent appearance before the League of Women’s Voters, where he took questions along with Massullo, Marwah reiterated his stances in favor of affordable housing, addressing healthcare and increased funding for education.

    Massullo, meanwhile, has stressed during this campaign that his experience makes him right for the seat. He has highlighted his work toward protecting families, strengthening Florida’s economy and keeping children safe. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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