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  • Florida turnovers spark Kentucky victory

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    By  STEVE McCLAIN

    LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky took advantage of four Florida turnovers and Cutter Boley threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns as the Wildcats handled the Gators 38-7.

    Seth McGowan ran for two touchdowns, and Dante Dowdell scored on a 65-yard run in the first home SEC win for Kentucky (4-5, 2-5) since a 33-14 win over Florida on Sept. 30, 2023.

    Gator quarterback DJ Lagway was picked off three times in the first half before being replaced by freshman Tramell Jones Jr. after halftime. Kentucky scored 10 points off the Florida (3-6, 2-4) miscues.

    Boley completed passes to 10 different receivers, including scoring passes of 29 yards to J.J. Hester and 15 yards to Jason Patterson.

    “This whole week, we came with juice, and everybody was excited, and everybody was ready to play,” Boley said. “We had a heartbeat tonight, and it was just really good to see these guys play hard.

    Kentucky led 24-7 at the half and put the game away to start the third quarter with a 13-play drive that took 7:26 off the clock. McGowan ended the drive with his second score of the night, a 5-yard run.

    “That was an enormous drive to start the second half. We mixed it up and had balance,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “Having a long drive and getting seven points out of it is pretty important.”

    The Takeaway

    Florida: The Gator defense came into the game 32nd in the nation in points allowed per game at 20.5. But the turnovers put them in a tough position, and they gave up 401 total yards. It was Florida’s second straight loss after Coach Billy Napier was fired on Oct. 19.

    Kentucky: After consecutive wins, there is a path, albeit a tough one, to the postseason. Kentucky hosts Tennessee Tech, No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll, next Saturday. With a win next week, a victory on the road over No. 15 Vanderbilt or No. 14 Louisville would make the Wildcats bowl eligible.

     

    Calzada makes wrong headlines

    Former Kentucky starting quarterback Zach Calzada has apologized for a social media video he posted showing him flashing $100 dollar bills in response to being criticized. The transfer quarterback hurt his shoulder and then lost his starting job to Boley after two games. After the video went viral Thursday and made national headlines, Calzada posted an apology. The Kentucky athletic department stated, “Zach has taken responsibility for his actions. He has done the right thing and apologized. Now, it’s time to move forward.”

    Comedy of errors

    The two teams combined for four turnovers in the final 35 seconds of the first half.

    The antics started when Wildcat Quay’sheed Scott picked off a Lagway pass at the Kentucky 26 and returned it 55 yards. Boley then fumbled and Aaron Chiles recovered at the Florida 22. Three plays later, Daveren Rayner picked off another Lagway pass. On Kentucky’s first play, Bryce Thornton intercepted a Boley pass.

    Up Next

    Florida: Travels to No. 7 Mississippi.

    UK: Hosts Tennessee Tech.

    ___

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

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    Associated Press

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  • Klubnik’s two scores lead Clemson to 24-10 win over FSU

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    By  PETE IACOBELLI

    CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Dabo Swinney loved seeing the Clemson Tigers he’d gotten used so.

    ‘“I loved their effort, I loved their toughness, I loved their stick-to-it-ness,” coach Swinney said after his team’s first home victory in two months with a 24-10 victory Florida State on Saturday night.

    “It don’t get old to beat the ‘Noles,” Swinney said.

    Cade Klubnik threw for a touchdown and ran for a second to lead the Tigers (4-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) to a win in Death Valley for the first time since defeating Troy on Sept. 6.

    The Tigers and Seminoles (4-5, 1-5) looked like they would have big implications on the ACC race. But both contenders were out of the picture early and left scrambling to salvage lost seasons.

    Clemson was 1-4 at home this season and had lost its past six games against Power 4 programs on its field.

    This time, though, the Tigers took an 18-0 lead and took advantage of nearly all of Florida State’s miscues. They held the league’s top offense to its lowest totals with 360 yards, 110 yards rushing and 10 points.

    “Our record isn’t what we want to be,” Swinney said. “But when you see the resilience, you know what these guys have under the hood.”

    Klubnik had a 3-yard TD run to finish the 75-yard opening scoring drive and holder Clay Swinney — the youngest son of coach Swinney — bolted for a two-point conversion.

    The Tigers cashed in on a fourth-down stop in the second quarter inside Florida State territory with a 34-yard flea flicker scoring pass from Klubnik to Antonio Williams.

     

    Down 24-7 in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles were called for offensive pass interference and unnecessary roughness to push them back.

    The Tiger defense struggled the past two games, allowing 81 points combined in losses to SMU and Duke. Maybe it was a visit by former national championship defensive coordinator Brent Venables or a renewed dedication to finishing strong, but Clemson held strong when it mattered most.

    The Tigers had a fourth-down stop and forced a fumble with Florida State on Clemson’s 8 to end two promising first-half drives by Florida State.

    Florida State finally broke through right before the half on Castellanos’ 7-yard touchdown pass to Lawayne McCoy.

    The Seminoles’ last chance to make things tight ended when Castellanos was chased by cornerback Avieon Terrell and slipped to the ground on fourth down with 2:51 to play.

    Klubnik completed 19 of 26 passes for 221 yards. Castellanos was 20-of-38 passing for 203 yards and an interception to go along with his fumble.

    Clemson circle

    After the Tigers entered the stadium, they came on the field and surrounded the Tiger Paw logo, locked arms and gave thanks for another opportunity to play instead of dwelling on three straight home losses. Offensive lineman Blake Miller said the moment calmed the players down and gave them focus to face the Seminoles. “It was a special moment for us,” said Miller, who started the past 50 games.

    Missed chances

    Florida State coach Mike Norvell said the Seminoles missed too many opportunities, particularly early, to take care of Clemson. The difference, Norvell said, was that the Tigers made the plays that Florida State missed out. “It’s those missed chances that cost us,” he said.

    The takeaway

    Florida State: The Seminoles, ACC champions two seasons ago, need to defeat Virginia Tech, North Carolina State or Florida to qualify for the postseason after missing out last year.

    Clemson: The Tigers were ACC favorites and expected to compete for a national title. Instead, they are also looking to reach a bowl game after a struggling start to the season.

    Up next

    Florida State returns home to face Virginia Tech on Saturday night.

    Clemson has a short week and will play No. 14 Louisville on Friday night.

    ___

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

     

     

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    Associated Press

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  • Fireball seen across Florida likely from old Chinese rocket

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Early Saturday morning, residents in Central Florida witnessed a streak of light across the sky, which was visible from Tampa to Jacksonville and even South Georgia.

    There was speculation initially since it wasn’t from a planned space launch, which was halted just seconds before it was set to occur.

    According to Spectrum News 13 Meteorologist Zach Covey, a review of trajectory maps determined that the fireball likely came from China’s third stage rocket launched in December 2019.

    “We knew today that rocket was losing altitude, coming very close to Earth’s atmosphere,” Covey said. “We’re fairly confident. I’m not going to say 100% until we can verify this, but based off of all the information that I know, I would suspect that this was China’s third stage rocket from a launch back in December of 2019.”


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket for the 2nd time for Mars mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On Sunday afternoon, Blue Origin will be launching its New Glenn rocket for the second time. This time, it will send up NASA’s ESCAPADE mission that will see two satellites head to Mars.


    Called the NG-2 mission, the New Glenn will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin stated.

    The launch time is no earlier than 2:45 p.m. ET, stated the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 65% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being the cumulus cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    If there is a scrub, the next attempt will be Monday, Nov. 10, from 2:40 p.m. ET to 4:08 p.m. ET, stated Blue Origin.

    After the stage separation, the reusable first-stage booster called Never Tell Me The Odds will attempt to land on Blue Origin’s cargo ship Jacklyn.

    New Glenn’s maiden flight

    The first time the New Glenn launched was January of this year, when it sent up Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder, which tested and collected data on its flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities.

    While it was a successful takeoff, the first-stage booster called So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance failed to stick the landing on Jacklyn.

     

     

    Understanding the mission

    The New Glenn will be sending up two payloads: NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere and how solar winds impact the Red Planet.

    The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    He said that two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors — will study Mars’ magnetosphere and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News.

    The second payload is from global communications company ViaSat. Called the Viasat HaloNet Technology Demonstrator, the satellite will help with better communications between Earth and space.

    “Whether supporting Earth observation, scientific payloads, defense missions, or launch operations, HaloNet helps close the space-to-ground connectivity gap through a modular set of capabilities designed for resilience, reach, and responsiveness,” stated Viasat.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket for the 2nd time for Mars mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — On Sunday afternoon, Blue Origin will be launching its New Glenn rocket for the second time. This time, it will send up NASA’s ESCAPADE mission that will see two satellites head to Mars.


    Called the NG-2 mission, the New Glenn will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin stated.

    The launch time is no earlier than 2:45 p.m. ET, stated the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 65% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the concerns being the cumulus cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    If there is a scrub, the next attempt will be Monday, Nov. 10, from 2:40 p.m. ET to 4:08 p.m. ET, stated Blue Origin.

    After the stage separation, the reusable first-stage booster called Never Tell Me The Odds will attempt to land on Blue Origin’s cargo ship Jacklyn.

    New Glenn’s maiden flight

    The first time the New Glenn launched was January of this year, when it sent up Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder, which tested and collected data on its flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities.

    While it was a successful takeoff, the first-stage booster called So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance failed to stick the landing on Jacklyn.

     

     

    Understanding the mission

    The New Glenn will be sending up two payloads: NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere and how solar winds impact the Red Planet.

    The mission’s principal investigator Dr. Rob Lillis shared a bit more about ESCAPADE and how it will help humans once they get to Mars.

    He said that two satellites — called Blue and Gold in honor of the University of California, Berkeley’s colors — will study Mars’ magnetosphere and space weather.

    “The two spacecraft … will be characterizing the magnetic and space weather (i.e. plasma, radiation) environment on their way to Mars, then after they achieve Mars orbit, they’ll be measuring this environment in the solar wind and within Mars’ upper atmosphere, including rates of atmospheric escape,” Lillis explained to Spectrum News.

    The second payload is from global communications company ViaSat. Called the Viasat HaloNet Technology Demonstrator, the satellite will help with better communications between Earth and space.

    “Whether supporting Earth observation, scientific payloads, defense missions, or launch operations, HaloNet helps close the space-to-ground connectivity gap through a modular set of capabilities designed for resilience, reach, and responsiveness,” stated Viasat.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • 3 Brothers Boards brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife on Silver River

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — For more than 10,000 years, humans have been drawn to the serene waters of the Silver River near Ocala — a place where Florida’s ancient past still lingers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 3 Brothers Boards offers guided paddleboard tours on the Silver River, showcasing its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife

    • Visitors frequently encounter manatees and rhesus macaque monkeys, making it a unique eco-tourism destination in Florida

    • The company was founded 17 years ago by Justin Murray and his brothers, who began building their own high-quality paddleboards

    • Each board features the signature of their late brother Jason, honoring his memory and keeping him part of every journey

    When mastodons and giant ground sloths roamed the peninsula, the river was already a source of life.

    While those prehistoric giants have long disappeared, Silver River has become home to a new, unexpected variety of creatures that continue to awe visitors.

    “This river just has a wow factor,” said Justin Murray of 3 Brothers Boards, a Daytona paddleboard outfitter and tour company.

    The water is so clear that few of its aquatic inhabitants can remain hidden — including the gentle manatees often seen grazing beneath the surface.

    “So, the manatees eat hundreds of pounds of grass every single day,” Murray explained.

    Every week, Murray and his team guide guests through this pristine spring-fed waterway, using custom-made paddleboards — some with transparent bottoms offering an unmatched view of the river bottom below.

    “Being able to see them on the paddleboard is definitely way easier than when you’re lower to the water in a kayak,” he said.

    Murray and his brothers began their journey 17 years ago, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them and a growing need for quality paddleboards.

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

    “This is the largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. We have over 550 million gallons of water come out of this spring — every single day,” Murray said.

    Though his younger brother Jason has since passed, his legacy lives on in every board.

    “If you look at the bottom of every board we’ve ever made, we have his handwritten signature that we got off his schoolwork just so he can be part of making the boards and part of that process. Like to think he’s with us every time we hit the water,” Murray said.

    The wildlife visible along the trip on the river is abundant — including deer, birds and pigs.

    In addition to manatees and birds, one unexpected group steals the spotlight: rhesus macaque monkeys. About 400 of them roam the area — descendants of monkeys accidentally released in the 1930s, contrary to the myth that they were part of Tarzan film productions.

    “The monkeys that we have here are rhesus monkeys. And for many years, people believed that the monkeys were here from the Tarzan films,” Murray said. “However, after looking into every Tarzan film that was filmed here, there was never any rhesus monkeys used in those films.”

    For Murray, the river is more than just a tour destination — it’s a sanctuary of natural wonder.

    “Most people who even live in Florida (in) their entire lives have never seen such a diverse array of wildlife in one spot,” he said.

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

    For more on its paddleboard adventures, visit 3 Brothers Boards.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • FAA orders stop of commercial space launches during certain hours

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — Effective on Monday, commercial space launches and re-entries are only allowed during certain hours, according to the FAA.


    The FAA issued an order to restrict commercial space launches and re-entries to 10 p.m. through 6 a.m., starting Monday, Nov. 10, until the order is canceled.

    The order is to “ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System.”

    Spectrum News has reached out to various commercial space companies and U.S. agencies to see how this will impact specific launches.

    No one has yet commented on the FAA’s order.

    According to the Space Launch Delta 45, Florida has seen 92 launches for 2025. In 2024, the Sunshine State saw 93 launches.

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Only in Florida: Watch for falling iguanas next week

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    A strong cold front will push all the way into Florida early next week, bringing the potential for some record cold temperatures. Along with the potential for the first frost and freeze for many, there is another hazard you may have to look out for — falling iguanas. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Iguanas are spotted as far north as Central Florida

    • They can freeze in temperatures as high as 50 degrees

    • Falling iguanas can be a hazard for bypassers


    Iguanas are native to southern Mexico, central Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and parts of the Caribbean. With human help, iguanas were first introduced to the United States in 1966.

    They either hopped aboard a boat coming to the U.S. or were brought in as pets and have since become an invasive species over the years. There’s a reason these large lizards live mainly in tropical climates.

    Being cold-blooded, iguanas cannot survive in colder climates and typically stay in south Florida or the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They have been spotted recently, however, in Central Florida.

    With a warmer-than-average summer, iguanas may have been able to migrate a little further north than usual. This could become a problem this winter as temperatures drop.

    Thanks to a strong cold front bringing some early cold next week, cold air will surge into Florida, where temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s and 40s. 

    These cold-blooded reptiles start to freeze and become sluggish with temperatures only as low as 50 degrees.

    As temperatures continue to fall, they become paralyzed. If this occurs while they are up in a tree, it’s hazardous to unaware passersby below, as the heavy lizards lose their grip and fall from their perches.

    In the past, the National Weather Service in Miami issued a “falling iguana” warning to residents when temperatures dropped into the 40s. 

    Earlier this year, a cold snap in South Florida caused iguanas to freeze. Here’s a video of one in North Miami Beach falling from a tree.


    If you happen upon an immobile iguana, it’s best to keep your distance. Once they thaw out, they can become aggressive and bite or scratch.

    Iguanas over two feet will typically survive a short-lived cold snap. If the cold persists, or if the iguana is smaller, they can have lasting effects or even end up dying.

    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 Mallory Nicholls, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • ULA pushes communications satellite launch to Thursday

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — United Launch Alliance stood down on an attempt to send up its Atlas V rocket that will carry a ViaSat communications satellite on Wednesday.

    The company stated it will try again on Thursday with a 44-minute launch window beginning at 10:16 p.m. ET.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission was scrubbed Wednesday and ULA will try again Thursday night to launch the Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41
    • The scrub did not allow for a rare double launch, as SpaceX sent up the Starlink 6-81 mission Wednesday evening

    According to ULA, crews encountered an issue while “cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts” around 10 minutes before a planned 10:24 p.m. liftoff. The launch was put into an unplanned hold state until a scrub was officially announced around 10:50 p.m. ET.


    The launch window for Wednesday night’s launch attempt opened at 10:24 p.m. ET and was set to close at 11:08 p.m. ET.

    A launch window is when the 205-foot-tall (62.5-meter) rocket needs to take off during that time frame.

    The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission will take off on the Atlas V 551 rocket, which stands at 205-feet-tall, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated ULA.

    On Thursday, the 45th Weather Squadron is giving a favorable launch forecast at 80%, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud and the thick cloud layers rules..

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

    In what was supposed to be a rare double launch on Wednesday, SpaceX successfully sent up the Starlink 6-81 mission that same night.

    About the mission

    Global communications company ViaSat’s broadband communications ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite will be sent to a geostationary orbit.

    In fact, the California-based company stated that it will take a couple of months for it to travel to its destinated orbit. But once there at an orbital slot located at 79 degrees west longitude, the satellite will run a series of in-orbit testing before going into service.

    “The ViaSat-3 satellites are each designed to provide coverage over nearly one-third of the Earth and ViaSat-3 F2 is expected to provide services over the Americas to address increasing customer demand. Launched in 2023, the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite will also continue to provide coverage over North America to meet user demand,” ViaSat stated.

    The satellite will provide communications services like free Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, home internet, and connectivity for government and defense mission operations.

    Watch the launch here

     

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Tampa, Orlando, Miami among airports cutting flights during shutdown

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    The Federal Aviation Administration is forcing airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the nation to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown and ensure that flying remains safe.

    Airports in Tampa, Orlando and Miami are all on the list.

    The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work. The move also comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Democrats in Congress to end the shutdown.

    Controllers already have missed one full paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as the shutdown drags on.

    The FAA has been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.

    The cuts will start to take effect on Friday. Travelers should check with their airlines to see if their flight has been cut. Here is a list of airports affected:

    1. Anchorage International in Alaska

    2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in Georgia

    3. Boston Logan International in Massachusetts

    4. Baltimore/Washington International in Maryland

    5. Charlotte Douglas International in North Carolina

    6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International in Ohio

    7. Dallas Love Field in Texas

    8. Ronald Reagan Washington National in Virginia

    9. Denver International in Colorado

    10. Dallas/Fort Worth International in Texas

    11. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County in Michigan

    12. Newark Liberty International in New Jersey

    13. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International in Florida

    14. Honolulu International in Hawaii

    15. Houston Hobby in Texas

    16. Washington Dulles International in Virginia

    17. George Bush Houston Intercontinental in Texas

    18. Indianapolis International in Indiana

    19. John F. Kennedy International in New York

    20. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas

    21. Los Angeles International in California

    22. LaGuardia Airport in New York

    23. Orlando International in Florida

    24. Chicago Midway International in Illinois

    25. Memphis International in Tennessee

    26. Miami International in Florida

    27. Minneapolis/St Paul International in Minnesota

    28. Oakland International in California

    29. Ontario International in California

    30. Chicago O`Hare International in Illinois

    31. Portland International in Oregon

    32. Philadelphia International in Pennsylvania

    33. Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Arizona

    34. San Diego International in California

    35. Louisville International in Kentucky

    36. Seattle/Tacoma International in Washington

    37. San Francisco International in California

    38. Salt Lake City International in Utah

    39. Teterboro in New Jersey

    40. Tampa International in Florida

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    Associated Press

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  • Advocates highlight Lung Cancer Awareness Month in D.C. 

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    WASHINGTON, D.C. — November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and advocates warn that the federal government shutdown is disrupting potentially lifesaving research.

    What You Need To Know

    • November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month

    • The LUNGevity Foundation held a press conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday

    • The organization planted 60,000 flags on the National Mall to represent the 120,000 Americans killed by the disease annually


    “A lot of the research that was ongoing or is about to start, or hopefully will start, is brought to a halt. And unfortunately, science isn’t something you can just turn on and off, so it really needs that sustainability and the continuity that federal funding provides to them,” said Andrea Ferris, president and chief executive officer of LUNGevity Foundation.

    On Wednesday, the LUNGevity Foundation held a news conference on the National Mall to advocate for research funding. Terri Ann DiJulio, a member of the LUNGevity Foundation’s board of directors, was first diagnosed with lung cancer when she was just 42 years old. She said early detection is key. 

    “We need research funding, not only to develop better treatment options, but to create better, more accessible detection tools to find lung cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable and when people have the most, greatest chance for a cure,” DiJulio said. 

    The Trump Administration has cut thousands of employees at the Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the National Institutes of Health. Meanwhile, Democrats are seeking an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any government funding deal. 

    “Right now, we’re in the fight of our lives with the extension of the ACA tax credits that provides literal lifesaving health care coverage for health care patients,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said.

    “So, we already have the difficulty and challenge of getting people to be aware of the opportunity to get screened for lung cancer. If you don’t have health care coverage, then you’re not going to be able to have access to that because you won’t be able to afford the cost of it.”

    A group of bipartisan House lawmakers, including Wasserman Schultz, have co-sponsored the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act requiring Medicare to cover more screenings, and the Mobile Cancer Screening Act to expand access to rural and underserved communities. 

    The disease kills roughly 120,000 Americans every year, according to the LUNGevity Foundation. 

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    Corina Cappabianca

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  • Jerry Demings sits down 1-on-1 with Spectrum News

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    Since Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has filed to run for governor in the Sunshine State, many are wondering why he wants Florida’s top job. He sits down with Spectrum News 13’s Ybeth Bruzual to share his thoughts.

    The Orlando native shared memories of the Pulse Nightclub terror attack, how faith and family guided him to run for governor, how the Florida DOGE fueled his fire to run, how he plans to flip a red state blue, plus why his message to Floridians is different from Zohan Mamdani’s, who has won the New York mayor’s race and is a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist.

    “It can’t happen without the people believing that I’m the right person at the right time,” Demings said. “I believe that because of the sum total of my experiences, the relationships that I have across the state, some of the dynamics of the politics is happening within the state right now, we will be able to appeal to a broader, much more diverse audience of voters within our state. And so I’m just excited to go on the campaign trail to be able to talk to people and convince them that I’m the right person at the right time.”

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    Ybeth Bruzual

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  • Could the shutdown impact rocket launch cadence?

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — It’s known that the federal government shutdown is impacting commercial flights, but as it drags on, some are asking how staffing shortages will affect other ways of flying?

    What You Need To Know

    • As the federal government shutdown continues, questions are being raised about how staffing shortages will affect space launches
    • Experts say the high cadence of launches could be disrupted if the government isn’t able to approve launches in a timely manner

    • That could include test launches in Texas for Starship — which is expected to start launching from the Space Coast in the near future

    • Starlink missions could also be impacted if the Federal Communications Commission isn’t able to approve the broadband internet satellite launches


    Experts say the high cadence of rocket launches could be disrupted if the government isn’t able to approve launches due to staffing shortages.

    This potential setback comes as the Space Coast is on the cusp of a record number of launches in a year.

    There were 93 last year — the Space Coast is at 92 right now. 

    But each launch requires an FAA approved license, and those could be delayed if the government shutdown means there’s no one around to sign off on them.

    “There just won’t be personnel at the FAA to be able to grant new licenses and evaluation of any types of new launch applications,” said Don Platt, director of the Spaceport Education Center at Florida Tech. “So even groups like SpaceX may start to be affected by this.” 

    That could include test launches in Texas for Starship — which is expected to start launching from the Space Coast in the near future.

    The tests are much different than proven Falcon 9 launches.

    “Their test launches and doing unusual and different things,” Platt said. “There’s a good possibility we could see delays because of the shutdown.”

    He said a commercial space company trying to make a profit with launches might not be prioritized for approval.

    Starlink missions could be impacted if the Federal Communications Commission isn’t able to approve the broadband internet satellite launches.

    And it’s not just launches, but booster landings are part of the licensing process for the trajectory as they come back to Earth.

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    Greg Pallone

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  • Veterans from Polk assemble floats for annual Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of Central Florida veterans is working on a special project together — assembling floats for Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 8

    • This year, the parade is relocating to Lake Nona from downtown and steps off at 11 a.m.

    • Festive Floats, based in Polk County, has a group of veterans who works on floats for the parade


    Bob Collins spent 22 years in the Navy. He enlisted in September 1971 and worked as a boiler operator before retiring in March 1993.

    Collins works for Festive Floats, a company based in Fort Meade in Polk County. This week, he worked on wiring electrical boxes for a float so speakers and lights can get plugged in.

    “After my military days, I’ve been a stationary engineer now for about the last 25 years working in hospitals, doing basically the same thing I was doing in the military,” Collins said.

    This year, Festive Floats co-owner Billy Attix said his team is working on floats for Commissioner Jim Gray and the Orlando Veteran Affairs office.

    “We’ve been working on the Veterans Parade for about three weeks,” Attix said. “We’re customizing some of our floats to make it military-based to honor those who have served, those who have lost their life.”

    The parade is a long-running event for residents to remember and honor those who served our nation.

    “We’re able to give back to the good, give back to humanity, bring that smile that somebody needs. Just an escape for five minutes of your normal life,” Attix said.

    Collins said he enjoys pulling the floats and seeing people have a good time, while connecting with other veterans along the way.

    “It’s kind of an honor, it really is, especially driving in the parade with the veterans on it and the Wounded Warrior people,” Collins said. “They do a lot of good work for the veterans.”

    The long-standing tradition is moving from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona for the first time.

    This year’s Veterans Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday. The route starts at Laureate Park Elementary School and will finish at the Lake Nona Town Center.

    A ceremony and more activities for families will follow.

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    Emma Delamo

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  • Northern lights may be visible in parts of the U.S. due to solar storms

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    NEW YORK — Solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern U.S. states Thursday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Space forecasters say solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern U.S. states

    • The sun burped out a huge burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection that’s currently on its way to Earth

    • Once it gets here, it could cause colorful light displays Thursday night, though that depends on the timing and orientation of its arrival

    • Authorities are monitoring the situation, but do not anticipate major disruptions to radio or communications


    The sun burped out a huge burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection that’s currently on its way to Earth, prompting space weather forecasters to issue a strong geomagnetic storm watch. It’s expected to arrive between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

    How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the solar burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth. If the timing is right, it’s possible auroras will “quite likely spin up overnight,” Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said in an email.

    Authorities are monitoring the situation, but do not anticipate major disruptions to radio or communications signals, said Dahl.

    Auroras could be visible — especially in darker, rural areas — in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and northern parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

    The moon is currently close to Earth and bright in the sky, which could make it harder to spot auroras. Northern lights could be visible on Friday night as well, depending on the solar activity.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays, known as the northern and southern lights, are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major facelift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    Severe storms are capable of scrambling radio and GPS communications.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and caught telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see auroras

    Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

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    Associated Press

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  • St. Petersburg Baroque exhibition offers rare look at Caravaggio paintings

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After more than four centuries, the art of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio continues to take people’s breath away.

    Some experts say the work of Caravaggio heavily influenced the Baroque period of art, and visitors can see his works at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg at its latest exhibition: “In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi.”

    In addition to two Caravaggio works, patrons can see his influences in dozens of others.

    Two of Caravaggio’s early works — “Boy Bitten by a Lizard” and “Boy Peeling Fruit” — are on display.

    The Italian artist was active starting at the end of the 16th century. For context, that’s close to 100 years after Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.

    Some of his works and the other Baroque art are part of the collection of Roberto Longhi, an Italian art historian and collector. Longhi died in 1970, and representatives of his foundation came to the MFA St. Pete to see the work hung.

    Many Baroque paintings depict religious themes, and the exhibition’s large hanging canvasses are filled with dramatic scenery of Jesus’ life and death.

    These solemn scenes are a marked departure from the details of Caravaggio’s personal life, which historians say was filled with brawling, murder and banishment.

    Ironically, the Roman Catholic Church used dramatic interpretations of biblical teachings by artists influenced by Caravaggio to inspire religious devotion.

    “I think it’s important to imagine that during this time period, there was no color print. There were no TVs, no computer screens,” explained Stanton Thomas, the chief curator of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.

    The exhibit’s paintings also show an element Caravaggio used to “up” the drama — “chiaroscuro,” or the sharp and dramatic contrast of light and dark.

    The museum is also hosting an accompanying exhibition “Baroque Continuum,” which shows Caravaggio’s impact on art both is his time and long after.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Stone Crabbers take the claws; leave the crab for sustainability

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Stone crab season is upon us, and the waters off Tampa Bay are teeming with life. 

    And if stone crab season is open — then look for Matt Nuemann on the water — his workspace for more than 20 years.

    He’s checking his stone crab traps one buoy at a time a few miles off Clearwater Beach, looking for claws.

    There are keeper claws and throwback claws.

    Some crabs are too light because they are molting.

    Some crabs are pregnant.

    And some crabs’ claws are too little, measuring under 2 7/8 inches.

    Under or over, they all live and the claws regenerate.

    “And this is the only sustainable industry out here, and it’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of,” said Nuemann.

    Nuemann also discards by-catch like puffer fish, and mother-in-law fish.

    Finally, he reloads bait, replaces the trap and heads in to Hookin’ Ain’t Easy for the boil.

    Nuemann adds gulf water for seasoning and adds the claws when the water boils.

    He brings it back to a boil for eight minutes.

    Then he puts them in an ice bath for thirty minutes.

    “The reason I put them in the ice bath is so they release from the shell,” said Nuemann.

    And then the claws are ready to enjoy.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    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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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    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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  • AARP talks new report on caregiving, including Florida

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    WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to a recent state-by-state report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), there are now more than four million caregivers in Florida assisting loved ones with disabilities or “complex medical conditions.”

    Advocates say as a result of that growing number, Congress should pass legislation to help ease the financial strain. 

    What You Need To Know

    • AARP has a new state-by-state look at caregiving across the country

    • Advocates say Congress should pass legislation to help ease the financial strain on caregivers

    • Some of the measures they support include the Credit for Caring Act and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act


    “We are in a caregiving crisis with 63 million caregivers in this country. And they are increasingly facing helping with medical tasks. We know there’s a huge financial toll on families as well,” said Megan O’Reilly, Vice President for Health and Family, AARP Government Affairs.

    Jessyca Sosa of Miami is what is called a “sandwich” caregiver. She is raising teenagers while also caring for her mother, Grisel, who has been recovering from strokes. 

    “We converted our garage in our house and made like a full apartment for her to live in,” Sosa said. “She has suffered several strokes, which have made the whole caregiving process a little bit more difficult and more taxing.”

    O’Reilly says the financial strain on caregivers is substantial and multifaceted. “On average, family caregivers are spending about $7,200 out of pocket. But, there’s also implications as it relates to, are you having to dig into retirement savings?” O’Reilly said. 

    Advocates are pushing lawmakers in Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to ease that strain. 

    “We have two bills that AARP has advocated for, bipartisan, bicameral — the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a non-refundable $5,000 tax credit to really help family caregivers alleviate some of those financial responsibilities they’re taking on as they care for their loved ones,” O’Reilly said.

    “A second bill, the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, would allow you to use your existing FSA or HSA to help pay for expenses that you’ve paid for your parent or parent-in-law,” she said.

    Sosa says the tax credit is needed.

    “Absolutely, we should have those tax deductions the same way that I get tax credits for my children under the age of 17,” Sosa said. “I should have the same thing when I am the person that is constantly caring for my older parent.”

    So far, the bills haven’t gained enough support to pass either the House or Senate. The government remains in a shutdown.

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    Corina Cappabianca

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