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Tag: Orlando

  • NASA sets date for Artemis II fueling test

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — NASA has set the date when it will conduct a fueling test for its Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft that will take four people to the moon.

    What You Need To Know

    • Artemis II will see four astronauts flyby the moon
    • A wet dress rehearsal simulates the launch of the Artemis II moon rocket
    • If an issue is discovered, it may push back the launch

    The U.S. space agency is considering Saturday, Jan. 31, as the earliest date for its wet dress rehearsal, which will simulate the launch of the Artemis II moon rocket.

    “The upcoming wet dress rehearsal is a prelaunch test to fuel the rocket. During the rehearsal, teams demonstrate the ability to load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants into the rocket, conduct a launch countdown, and practice safely removing propellant from the rocket without astronauts inside the spacecraft,” stated NASA in a blog.

    There will be several test runs of this simulated launch that will test the Artemis II team’s ability to put a hold on the launch and resume it.

    “The rehearsal will count down to a simulated launch at 9 p.m. EST, but could run to approximately 1 a.m. if needed. The first run will begin approximately 49 hours before launch when launch teams are called to their stations, to 1 minute 30 seconds before launch, followed by a planned three-minute hold and then countdown resumption to 33 seconds before launch — the point at which the rocket’s automatic launch sequencer will control the final seconds of the countdown,” explained NASA.

    If the team detects any issues or anomalies with either the rocket or capsule, the two craft will be rolled from their home on Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building for work. They were rolled to the launch pad on Saturday, Jan. 17.

    This would also push back the launch if they are rolled back. At the moment, NASA is aiming for a Friday, Feb. 06, launch.

     

    NASA also addressed the cold snap that has attacked the Sunshine State this week.

    “With cold weather sweeping the country and lower than normal temperatures expected in Florida Tuesday, Jan. 27, technicians are taking steps to ensure environmental control systems keeping Orion and SLS elements at the proper conditions are prepared for the cold,” the American space agency stated.

    NASA also revealed that the Artemis II emergency egress system (where baskets will take crew and launch pad personnel from the mobile launcher to the ground) did not work as expected, but has been resolved.

    “… the baskets used to transport the crew and other pad personnel from the mobile launcher in an emergency stopped short of the terminus area located inside the pad perimeter. Since then, the brakes of the system have been adjusted to ensure the baskets fully descend,” NASA commented.

    Artemis II will see four people — NASA’s Cmdr. Gregory Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut mission specialist Jeremy Hansen — go to the moon for a flyby mission.

    The first Artemis I mission in 2022, where the uncrewed rocket and capsule were tested, saw a number of delays.

    It was originally expected to launch on Aug. 29, 2022, but a liquid hydrogen leak and temperature issues with the engine forced the first attempt to be scrubbed.

    A second attempt was scrubbed as a separate liquid hydrogen leak was discovered.

    After other issues and two hurricanes, NASA was not able to launch Artemis I until November of that year.

    It is not uncommon for rockets, even established ones like SpaceX’s Falcon 9, to be sent back for repairs or adjustments after testing has shown that issues were detected.

    Anthony Leone

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  • Donovan Mitchell’s big night leads Cavs over struggling Magic

    (Photo credit: David Richard-Imagn Images)

    Donovan Mitchell scored 26 of his 45 points in the first half and Evan Mobley had 20 points and nine rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the visiting Orlando Magic 114-98 on Monday night, sweeping their home-and-home set.

    Jaylon Tyson, named to the Rising Stars Game at All-Star weekend earlier in the day, had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Jarrett Allen scored nine for the Cavaliers. Cleveland won its fourth straight and is 11-4 since Dec. 29, including a 119-105 victory Saturday in Orlando.

    Paolo Banchero scored 15 points in the third quarter, finishing with a season-high 37 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic in their fourth consecutive loss. Desmond Bane had 19 points and Jalen Suggs dished out six assists.

    Orlando also received 14 points from Anthony Black and nine points, seven rebounds, two defensive three-second technicals and an unsportsmanlike technical from Wendell Carter Jr. The Magic’s last win was Jan. 15 over the Memphis Grizzlies in Germany.

    Mitchell buried a pull-up jumper over Noah Penda at the halftime buzzer, wrapping up his 16-point period and extending the Cavaliers’ advantage to 61-56. It gave Mitchell 53 points in his last four quarters against Orlando.

    Mitchell gave the Cavs command early in the third quarter with eight straight points to push their lead out to 69-60.

    Bane scored 10 points and Black had seven points and three steals in the first quarter, leading the Magic to a 32-22 lead. Mitchell had 10 points and Mobley added eight for Cleveland, which committed six turnovers to none by Orlando in the quarter.

    Magic small forward Franz Wagner missed his third straight game with a left high ankle sprain and is out indefinitely. Suggs played in his second in a row after being sidelined since Jan. 2 with an MCL contusion in his right knee.

    Cavaliers swingman Sam Merrill, who has been out since Jan. 16 with a right hand sprain, was inactive for personal reasons. Small forward De’Andre Hunter did not dress for the second consecutive contest with right knee soreness.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Titusville’s American Space Museum to auction off NASA rocket engine

    TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Who wants a NASA rocket engine? Or signed items from astronauts of the Apollo missions? How about a lunar-dust-stained checklist?

    It can all be yours at Titusville’s American Space Museum’s online auction. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are a lot of various items up for auction, with many from the Apollo missions

    The online auction started on Sunday, Jan. 25, and it will end on Valentine’s Day.

    One of the items up for bid is a NASA Rocketdyne S-3D rocket engine. This particular engine was not used for any of the early Mercury or Apollo missions. It was used for ballistic missiles.

    Some of the other items include:

    • Things signed by Apollo astronauts
    • Items flown on Apollo missions, like the American flag on the Apollo 15 mission
    • Patches from John Young’s space suit from when he was the command module pilot of Apollo 10
    • An Apollo 17 checklist that is stained with lunar dust, signed by Cmdr. Gene Cernan
    • You can see more items with additional information here

    Anthony Leone

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  • Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Senate President Ben Albritton was taken to the hospital early Sunday after experiencing chest pain, his office said Monday.

    “Physicians in the Emergency Room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital discovered a small blood clot in his lung,” a statement from the Office of the Senate President said. “The President remained in the Emergency Room overnight and is currently under observation, awaiting further testing.”

    Albritton’s office said he is “in good spirits and has been in frequent communication with staff via phone and email yesterday and today.”

    “All previously scheduled Senate business will proceed as planned this week,” the statement added.

    Albritton’s office said he hopes to return to work later in the week.

    “The President and Mrs. Albritton would be very grateful for your prayers,” the statement said. 

    No other information about Albritton’s hospitalization and current condition was immediately released.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tax season starts Monday, here’s what’s new this year

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It’s about that time of year that many Americans dread.

    The first day of tax season is Monday, Jan. 26.

    According to Intuit Turbo Tax, nearly half of Americans dislike or hate filing their taxes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Big Beautiful Act has brought new tax provisions

    • New provisions include no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and more

    • Experts said if you are hoping to get your refund quickly, e-filing is your best option

    • Tax season runs from Jan. 26 – April 15, 2026


    After the passage of the Big Beautiful Act, there are many changes this filing season.

    It’s that time of year to start gathering your tax documents to get ready to file.

    “Just don’t overlook the simple stuff. I know folks have not a lot of patience for this process, and you kind of want to be done with it as fast as you can, and it’s worth slowing down just a little bit. Make sure you’ve got everything in place,” said Luke Richardson, associate professor of instruction at the University of South Florida.

    That’s because Richardson said there are more changes than usual this year. The Big Beautiful Act has brought new provisions, including no tax on tips.

    “That doesn’t necessarily mean that tips are not taxable. They remain taxable. What you now have is an opportunity to take a deduction for your tip income that offsets the tip income up to a certain amount,” Richardson said.

    The IRS said you can deduct qualified tips with a maximum deduction of $25,000.

    As for no tax on overtime deduction — if you make time-and-a-half for overtime, then just the half-portion can actually be deducted.

    The max deduction for that is $12,500 for single filers.

    There’s also a new senior deduction and a new no tax on car loan interest. These provisions have eligibility requirements and certain deduction maximums. 

    “Most of the tax software you might be using is going to have all those changes in there,” he said.

    There are free options available to help you file your taxes. There’s the IRS free file, which provides tax software for taxpayers who made $89,000 or less. There’s also the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), which is offering free filing help from Tampa Bay experts. 

    “So, plenty of ways to not pay to file your taxes and those programs are vastly underutilized,” Richardson said.

    Whichever option you choose, federal taxes are due by April 15, 2025.

    According to data from the IRS, over 60% of people who filed taxes last year did get a refund.

    For filers hoping to get that money back quickly, experts said e-filing your return is the best option.

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • View wild birds at Marine Science Center’s expanded aviary in Ponce Inlet

    PONCE INLET, Fla. — Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Marine Science Center, where birds native to Florida find a home to share their stories with visitors. 

    The expanded aviary allows guests to see seabirds up close, including pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds recovering from injury or illness, or those that can no longer go into the wild.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet has expanded its aviary and added a new education center
    • The aviary is home to birds recovering from injury or illness and those that can no longer survive in the wild
    • Visitors get rare, up-close encounters with pelicans, gulls, owls, and other Florida wildlife
    • The center has helped tens of thousands of animals while educating the public about conservation
    • MAP: View more Florida on a Tankful locations


    Nearly every day, education manager Shell Rossi introduces wildlife to guests, turning each visit into a hands-on learning experience.

    “Look what he’s doing with his head,” Rossi said during a presentation. “What’s he doing? Oh, look at that.”

    She encourages engagement, explaining animal behavior in real time.

    “He’s going to grab his food with his claws, and he’s going to squeeze it,” she said. “Everybody, give me your best squeeze.”

    Rossi said the Marine Science Center’s number of rescues speaks for itself.

    “Because we’ve helped 19,000 birds since opening, and 28,000 reptiles,” she said.

    While rehabilitation and release is always the goal, Rossi said some animals can’t return to the wild and instead become ambassadors for education.

    One of them is Bubba the owl.

    Pelicans are among the most common patients at the center’s animal hospital.

    “We get a lot of pelicans that come in — 90% have fishing line injuries,” Rossi said, highlighting the impact humans can have on wildlife.

    The Marine Science Center is more than just a bird sanctuary.

    Inside the new education center, visitors can meet snakes and gopher tortoises, study animals under a microscope, and attend a variety of presentations throughout the day.

    “Try and do animal presentations during the day,” Rossi said. “So, people could spend half an hour or three hours here.”

    Among her favorite moments is feeding the seahorses, and Rossi hopes visitors leave with a deeper connection to wildlife.

    “I hope that people would walk away with a newfound love of an animal that they have never seen before, and never been able to touch before, and then want to continue learning about it and wanting to help it,” she said.

    The Marine Science Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

    Admission is $8 for anyone older than 13, $5 for kids aged 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.

    Randy Rauch

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  • SpaceX’s launch of U.S. Space Force GPS satellite pushed back

    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — SpaceX’s launch of a U.S. Space Force GPS satellite has been pushed back. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Falcon 9 rocket will send up GPS III-9 mission

    The Falcon 9 rocket will send up GPS III-9 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated SpaceX. 

    The launch window will open at 11:34 p.m. ET, Monday, and close at 12:09 a.m. ET on Tuesday. 

    So, SpaceX needs to launch this satellite during that timeframe.

    It was originally going to launch at those times on Sunday going into Monday.

    There has been no word as to why the launch has been pushed back. 

    If the launch is scrubbed, the next attempt will be at 11:38 p.m. ET, Tuesday, stated SpaceX.

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

    Taking the fifth

    This will be the fifth mission for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1096.

    It has experience launching all types of satellites.

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket will land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas that will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The satellite, officially called Global Positioning System (GPS) III Space Vehicle (SV)09, is named in honor of Col. Ellison Onizuka, who was a U.S. Air Force test pilot and a mission specialist on the space shuttle Challenger mission that blew up, stated the U.S. Space Force.

    On Thursday, NASA held a Day of Remembrance for fallen astronauts.

    The U.S. Space Force shared the following about the satellite.

    “GPS III satellites, equipped with M-Code technology, provide the warfighter with a significantly more accurate and jam-resistant capability. Adding another such satellite to the constellation enhances the system’s robustness and ultimately boosts the warfighting lethality of the Joint Force,” it stated.

    Anthony Leone

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  • College Football Playoff to remain at 12 teams

    IRVING, Texas — The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion.

    What You Need To Know

    • The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion

    • The CFP Management Committee announced Friday the 12-team format would stay the same for the 2026-27 season

    • The decision provides additional time for evaluation and discussion on the current format and potential changes in the future

    • The CFP went from four teams to 12 teams for the 2024 season, and the two most powerful conferences favored further expansion but could not agree on a number

    The CFP Management Committee announced Friday the 12-team format would stay the same for the 2026-27 season. The decision provides additional time for evaluation and discussion on the current format and potential changes in the future.

    The CFP went from four teams to 12 teams for the 2024 season, and the two most powerful conferences favored further expansion but could not agree on a number.

    The SEC pushed for 16 teams, with an emphasis on at-large bids — a format favored by the Power Four leagues other than the Big Ten and most of the smaller conferences that are hoping for access into whatever comes next.

    The Big Ten has pushed for a bracket of up to 24 teams with multiple automatic qualifiers from each conference. It could do away with the need for conference title games and replace them with seeding games to determine, say, two or three of the automatic spots.

    “After ongoing discussion about the 12-team playoff format, the decision was made to continue with the current structure,” CFP executive director Rich Clark said. “This will give the Management Committee additional time to review the 12-team format, so they can better assess the need for potential change. While they all agree the current format has brought more excitement to college football and has given more schools a real shot in the postseason, another year of evaluation will be helpful.”

    The 2026-27 season’s format will feature 12 teams based on conference champions and final ranking by the CFP selection committee. First-round games will be played on campus sites, followed by quarterfinals and semifinals hosted by the CFP bowls, and the national championship game, which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 25, 2027.

    Associated Press

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  • Rink construction begins for NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium

    TAMPA, Fla. — Two outdoor NHL hockey games are being played in the state of Florida this season, with both being a lot different from each other. 

    The NHL Winter Classic was played earlier this month in Miami at loanDepot park, the home of baseball’s Marlins. This was technically an outdoor hockey game because the ballpark’s roof was open at puck drop, but was otherwise completely enclosed.

    What You Need To Know

    • Rink construction is underway for the NHL Stadium Series game

    • The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1

    • NHL facilities workers will begin building the ice on Sunday, which will be protected by a tent all week

    • Refrigeration units will help keep the ice frozen through the warm Florida temps


    Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is not covered and is exposed to the sun and open air. This NHL Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins will be played out in the open, presenting a brand-new experience for hockey players and fans.

    There are naturally some concerns with playing a hockey game completely outdoors in Florida, but the NHL has a plan in place.

    Construction for the rink is underway, beginning with the rink infrastructure, and then on Sunday, they will start to build the ice.


    “We’ve got six days set aside for ice making so once the tent’s up, we’ll have some HVAC units and dehumidification units inside the tent,” NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Derek King said. “Same process as they would do at any other arena, especially here at Benchmark Arena, we’ll probably run a surface of about 2.5 to 3 inches.”

    Refrigeration trucks arrived outside the stadium on Monday and are in charge of keeping the ice at the right temperature. There will be a tent built over the rink to protect it from the sun throughout game week. Then on game day, the tent will come down, and they will keep a tarp on the ice to reflect the sun, keeping the frozen water frozen.

    “If we’re 75 (degrees) at puck drop it will be a bit of a challenge for us,” NHL Senior Manager of Facilities Operations Andrew Higgins said. “That’s why we brought both of our refrigeration units, those will be working hard if we’re 75. But forecast looks like mid to low 60s, which is pretty much perfect for us.”

    Bolts captain Victor Hedman visited the stadium on Tuesday to check out the progress. The Tampa defenseman won’t play in the game, since he is still returning from injury, but he said the guys are just excited to experience NHL history right here in Tampa.

    “It will be a different experience, obviously, but the game is at night, the sun will be down so that’s gonna help a lot,” Hedman said. “I think for us it’s all about experiencing this outdoor game and it’s gonna be a spectacular event for the NHL and Tampa too to host an event like this.”

    Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 1. Many are hoping for some chilly weather like what the Tampa Bay area has had over the last few days, both for ice conditions and to help set an authentic hockey atmosphere around the palm trees of Florida.

    Michael Epps

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  • Exploring The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Pete

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art opened in 2018 in St. Pete. 

    There are nine galleries that show about 500 artifacts in their 4,000-piece collection.

    And currently in their special exhibition space — Edward R. Curtis photographs. Curtis spent 30 years documenting more than 80 Native American communities.

    A gallery inside the Curtis exhibition holds more than 80 portraits — one for each of the communities he visited.

    Associate Curator Caitlin Pendola is working to identify the unknown people in Curtis’ portrait work.

    There are booklets of information available for visitors, with as much information as they have on Native American portraits.

    “So we have QR codes so that the public, if they have information, can write me directly,” said Pendola.

    She acknowledges it may take years, but they’ve already had success through family identification. Her hope is more people see the works. “Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time” is on display through March 29.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • NASA Day of Remembrance solemn time to reflect on lost astronauts

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — Hundreds gather underneath the space shuttle Atlantis attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Thursday, as NASA paid tribute to the 17 astronauts who were killed in three separate tragedies over the years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Family members came to honor their loved ones

    • A ceremony was held where their memories and service to our country in America’s pursuit of space exploration were honored
    • Get more space coverage here  ▶
    • 🔻Scroll down to see the photo gallery🔻

    A ceremony was held where their memories and service to our country in America’s pursuit of space exploration were honored.

    Reflecting on who was lost, and why most believe the country should continue reaching for the stars.

    Twenty-five astronauts and test pilots have died since the U.S. space program began in 1958.

    Three tragic accidents happened over the decades.

    The Apollo 1 launch pad fire killed three astronauts, Roger Chaffee, Virgil ‘Gus’ Grissom and Edward White II on Jan. 27, 1967, at then Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It has since been renamed the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    The crew of the space shuttle Challenger were killed when the orbiter broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 28, 1986.

    Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnick and teacher Christa McAuliffe perished.

    On Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia accident claimed the lives of the seven-member crew: Cmdr. Rick Husband, pilot William McCool, mission specialists Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown and payload specialist Ilan Ramon.

    The orbiter was destroyed over Texas on its way home.

    Alison Smith Balch is the daughter of space shuttle Challenger crew member Michael Smith.

    Forty years later, Smith Balch, her family and others, were here to honor their sacrifice so many years ago.

    “It’s great that our family members are remembered. The way they died was unique because so many people truly are part of the story that was that day,” she told Spectrum News.

    “Daily, daily, it doesn’t go away, he doesn’t go away, he’s still in my heart always, has always been, many, many years,” says Jane Smith Walcott, Smith’s widow.

    Family laid a wreath at the Astronauts Memorial Foundation’s Space Mirror Memorial, which is emblazoned with the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

    Guests placed flowers in honor of the heroes who died to help further America’s exploration of space.

    A somber day as the U.S. presses on to return to the moon once again and, eventually, to Mars.

    Greg Pallone

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  • Some Florida bills could impact seniors

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The legislative session is underway, and many Bay area seniors hoping for lawmakers to address affordability are watching closely. 

    Financial security is a top priority for the aging population. 

    What You Need To Know

    • In a recent AARP survey of Floridians over 45, many said that adequate Social Security benefits are a top concern

    • There are bills in both the House and Senate that would establish a “Florida Retirement Savings Task Force”

    • Another bill would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units

    • There’s also a bill that aims to protect people from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud


    Kathy Donovan, 83, said she doesn’t qualify for food stamps, so she goes to the Love Thy Neighbor food pantry and other food banks throughout the month.

    “Groceries have doubled, taxes and insurance have doubled,” Donovan said.

    In a recent AARP survey of Floridians over 45, nearly all respondents said that having adequate Social Security benefits and enough income to retire are extremely important or very important concerns.

    “If I had to just live on Social Security, if I didn’t have food banks, after I pay my bills, food would be tight,” she said.

    AARP Florida said financial security is one of its priorities during this legislative session. There are bills in both the House and Senate that would establish a “Florida Retirement Savings Task Force.” They would develop recommendations to expand access to retirement savings for residents who lack employer-sponsored retirement plans.

    “How do we set up people for when they retire, they retire comfortably, can continue to own or rent in the state of Florida, afford the cost of living, but also be comfortable,” said AARP Florida Senior Director of Advocacy Zayne Smith.

    AARP is also tracking a bill that would require, instead of authorizing, local governments to adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units, or granny flats, in certain areas.

    “That’s going to open up availability, not only for smaller places, for a lot of times our seniors, or our loved ones to move into, but it also allows for people that are caretakers or maybe seasonal workers that don’t need a big home,” Smith said.

    Donovan is concerned about housing and retirement options for her kids and future generations.

    “Something needs to be done; legislation needs to be done. People get to be a certain age, and they should have a decent place to live. You shouldn’t be homeless, you should have fresh fruits and vegetables and things like that,” Donovan said.

    While she needs the food she gets from the pantry, she also always makes sure to give back by buying something from their thrift store.

    “Live like you’re living in the Depression, live within your means, buy something at a thrift store. Before you buy something, make sure you really need it,” Donovan said.

    AARP is at the State Capitol advocating for seniors.

    Another bill they are watching aims to protect people from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. 

    The bill would require a fraud warning on the kiosk before a transaction can be made. 

    Under the legislation, new customers could only make transactions up to $2,000 a day. 

    AARP said this would empower law enforcement and protect potential fraud victims. 

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Blue Origin launches New Shepard NS-38 manned mission

    TEXAS — After a couple of delays, including unauthorized people on the launch site, Blue Origin sent up six people on its New Shepard rocket.

    What You Need To Know

    • The six are part of the NS-38 mission

    The six are part of the NS-38 mission, Blue Origin’s crewed mission, which took off at 11:25 a.m. ET from Launch Site One in West Texas, stated the Washington-state company.

    All six climbed onboard the R.S.S. First Step spacecraft, and after the launch and stage separation happened, they experienced zero gravity for a couple of minutes before returning to Earth as three parachutes deployed.

    But before the launch, there was a hold while security was collecting people who were not authorized to be on the range. 

    “We are at a hold at just under 3 minutes until launch. We do have an update for you, and that is that there are unauthorized personnel on the range. Our security is currently working to clear that and then we will have NS-38 ready to go across the Karman line,” said Tabitha Lipkin, senior content producer at Blue Origin, during the livestream.

    They traveled beyond the Kármán line, the internationally established edge of space at 62 miles/100 kilometers above Earth’s surface.

    Just like SpaceX rockets, the New Shepard is designed to land autonomously, and the booster touched down on a landing pad.

    Before the stage separation, the rocket booster was going about 2,000 mph/3,218 kph.

    Meeting the crew

    The crew was made up of Tim Drexler, Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Gutiérrez, Jim Hendren, and Dr. Laura Stiles, Blue Origin’s director of New Shepard Launch Operations.

    Andrew Yaffe was originally going to be part of the launch, but had to back out, according to Blue Origin.

    “Blue Origin today announced that one of our NS-38 crew members is no longer able to fly due to illness and will fly on a future mission,” Blue Origin stated on Tuesday.

    Once back on the ground, Stiles said through tears that it was an incredible experience to witness the Earth and moon from space.

    You can learn more about the crew right here.

    Anthony Leone

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  • Filings: Insanity defense set Osceola triple homicide suspect free in 2021 case

    KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Court documents show that a man charged with killing three men in Osceola County over the weekend was charged with attempted murder in 2021, but was released when a judge found him not guilty by reason of insanity.

    Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, has been charged in the shooting deaths of Douglas Kraft, of Columbus, Ohio, Robert Kraft, of Holland, Mich., and James Puchan, of Galena, Ohio, just after noon on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, has been charged in the shooting deaths of Douglas Kraft, of Columbus, Ohio, Robert Kraft, of Holland, Mich., and James Puchan, of Galena, Ohio, just after noon on Saturday
    • The men’s families said they were in town for a car show and were shot and killed while they waited for assistance with their rental car

    • Court records show that Bojeh was charged with attempted murder in 2021, but was found not guilty by reason of insanity
    • State Attorney Monique Worrell responded in a statement after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized her handling of the 2021 case, saying “the court, not the prosecutor, determined the outcome”

    In a joint statement Tuesday, family members of the men said they were getting ready to travel home after attending a car show in Kissimmee, and had been waiting for help with their rental car when they were killed.

    Investigators with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened outside a residence in the Indian Hill subdivision near Kissimmee. They said Bojeh was quickly located after the shooting and has been charged with three counts of premeditated murder. Sheriff’s Office officials have not released any information on a possible motive for the killings.

    Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, though, noted that Bojeh was free despite being charged with attempted murder in 2021. In that case, a judge found Bojeh’s insanity defense compelling and found him not guilty on Dec. 20, 2022. 

    He criticized State Attorney Monique Worrell’s handling of the 2021 case, saying in a post on X: “It appears she didn’t put up a fight to Bojeh’s use of the insanity defense, and he was allowed to go free.”

    Circuit Court Judge Keith Carsten ordered Bojeh to be released on Dec. 21, 2022, as long as he fulfilled conditions, which included getting mental health treatment and complying with all treatment recommendations — including taking prescribed medication — not owning or having access to firearms, and having no contact with the victims or witnesses in the case.

    According to court filings in Saturday’s triple-homicide case, investigators reported finding two handguns hidden under Bojeh’s bed at a residence in the 200 block of Indian Point Circle.

    A filing from his attorney in 2024 shows that after his acquittal, Bojeh was ordered into the Ninth Judicial Circuit’s Problem Solving Courts, which, according to the court’s website, “coordinates with judiciary, criminal justice entities, and treatment providers to address the participant’s underlying issues contributing to their criminal behavior. This is achieved through targeted and supportive services while also holding participants responsible for their actions.”

    Few details were released following the verdict, but in a 2023 filing, a mental health specialist told the court that Bojeh “has attended his psychiatric appointments and has been compliant with taking his medications as prescribed. He has acquired employment at McDonald’s and (is) happy with his job. He attends his appointments with me. He is always on time and has not missed any appointments.”

    Filings from Aug. 15, 2023, and March 12, 2024, indicate he was in compliance with court requirements associated with the case.

    In response to Uthmeier’s accusations, Worrell released the following statement:

    “The Attorney General’s claim shows he fundamentally misunderstands both the facts and the law. This case was fully litigated at trial — where the court, not the prosecutor, determined the outcome after hearing evidence and expert testimony.

    Suggesting that a prosecutor failed to ‘put up a fight’ because a judge ruled a defendant incompetent reflects a fundamental lack of understanding of how the criminal legal system works. Prosecutors argue cases within the confines of the law. Judges decide them.

    The fact that someone running to be the state’s top attorney would seek to politicize the tragic deaths of three people is shameful and further evidence that he is unfit for the role of Attorney General. Prosecutors are obligated to follow the law, not manufacture outcomes to satisfy political narratives. Undermining judicial decisions for political gain weakens public trust in the justice system and disrespects the victims and their families.

    I remain committed to having a serious conversation on how we can address the real issues — and that would be the inadequacies in how the system responds to offenses involving people with severe mental illness, not on misrepresenting court proceedings for political attention.”

    Family Speaks Out

    In their joint statement, family members of victims of Saturday’s triple homicide in Osceola County were described as “beloved husbands, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and friends.”

    “These three wonderful men did not deserve this,” the statement said. “Our families are left with an unexpected, unimaginable loss that cannot be put into words. We ask for privacy, prayers, and respect as we mourn and begin to process this tragedy.

    “We are grateful for the outpouring of concern and for the quick response efforts of local law enforcement, the detectives, the medical examiners, and the various state agencies who are assisting with this investigation. Further details will be shared by our families or official representatives when appropriate. For now, please respect our need for space and time to grieve.”

    Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the investigation into the shootings is ongoing.

    “There is no threat to the community, as a suspect of these horrific and senseless murders and been caught and arrested by Osceola County deputies,” he said in a statement.

    Bojeh is currently being held without bond at the Osceola County Jail. 

    Mark Boxley

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  • The long and winding road of the Rays stadium pursuit

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The winding road that has been the Tampa Bay Rays pursuit of a new stadium in the Bay area, specifically St. Petersburg, reached one conclusion when Stuart Sternberg announced he “cannot move forward” with the previously agreed upon deal. 

    A team sale followed before Jacksonville-based businessman Patrick Zalupski and his group purchased the team for a $1.7 billion sale.

    After spending the 2025 season playing outdorrs in Tampa, the Rays will be back at the repaired Tropicana Field for the 2026. 2027 and 2028 seasons. 

    Beyond that, the team’s future remains to be seen but news of serious talks of a move to Tampa’s HCC site continues to progress. 

    So…how did we reach this point? A quick look:

    January 2026 

    The Tampa Bay Rays’ quest for a new ballpark took a step forward when the Hillsborough College board of trustees voted Tuesday to unanimously approve a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the team for a redevelopment of the school’s Dale Mabry campus that would include a baseball stadium.

    A non-binding memorandum of understanding lays out some of the terms as the Tampa Bay Rays consider the Hillsborough College site as a spot for a new baseball stadium.

    The school’s six-member board of trustees held a meeting Tuesday to hear from the Rays and gave its unanimous support to the plan.

    A parking lot on the southwest corner of the property, which faces North Lois Avenue, is where Hillsborough College will build a new tower.

    On the southeast corner – directly across the street from Raymond James Stadium – is where college buildings will be demolished to make room for the new baseball stadium.

    December 2025 

    The last ofthe new Tropicana Field roof panels was installed in December. 

    The last roof panels were replaced late last month, and now some finishing touches are taking place on the field, in the stands and around other areas of the venue.

    Crews are working on drywall and painting the seats, and the air conditioning and lights are working.

    A new stadium sound system will be installed this month and tested in January. 

    Flooring on the Viva deck will also be installed this month, along with backstop netting.

    Officials said there was mold and mildew to contend with as part of repairs. The city is working with Greenfield Environmental, and the Rays also have an industrial hygienist.

    A remediation company has also been on site.

    November 2025 

    Crews with the city have completed the installation of the final roof panel on Tropicana Field Stadium, with city leaders saying the work was done ahead of schedule. 

    The roof was damaged by Hurricane Milton last October. 

    All stadium repairs, including inside, are currently scheduled to be complete by April 2026.

    “This project was a massive undertaking, but we have an outstanding team working on it and making sure we’re prepared for opening day. We look forward to completing the remaining repairs and welcoming fans back for the 2026 season,” said Mayor Ken Welch.

    Internal repairs will include projects like turf installation, audio visual repairs and replacement, sports lighting and more.

    City Council has approved a total of about $60 million for Tropicana Field remediation and repair expenses.

    April 2025 

     St. Petersburg City Council has approved funding to fix the hurricane-damaged roof at Tropicana Field.

    The council voted 7-1 to approve $22.5 million in funding to repair the stadium’s torn-off roof. Councilman Richie Floyd was the lone no vote.

    The city was contractually obligated to make repairs to the facility.

    The council will still have to vote on additional repairs to walls, panels, tiles and electronics inside the stadium.

    March 2025 

    Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Rays officials had not been clear about their intentions. City and officials had encouraged the team to follow through on the previous stadium deal and Historic Gas Plant redevelopment.

    The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP called on the city to honor and move forward with the Gas Plant District redevelopment plan.

    This latest news on the years-long Rays stadium saga comes as multiple groups have come forward in recent days saying they are prepared to purchase the team and pursue a local stadium deal.

    The latest group is being led by Dex Imaging CEO Dan Doyle Jr., who reportedly pulled out of a previous process to buy the Rays in 2023. Attorney Carter McCain is representing another group of investors mostly outside of Florida and former New York Yankees minority owner Joe Molloy is leading a Tampa-based group, according to our partners at the Tampa Bay Times.

    Gas Plant District rendering from Hines-Rays team. Plans are for a new domed stadium to open in time for the 2028 season. (Hines-Rays)

    February 2025

    Mayor Ken Welch spoke about the deal during his State of the City address in February, blaming the holdup entirely on the Rays.

    “The only thing we need to move forward … is for the Rays to honor the agreement that we signed just six months ago,” Welch said. “I remain hopeful that that will happen. I also believe in transparency, so to the citizens of St. Pete, let me be clear: As I’ve stated throughout this process, this plan can only be successful with partnership.”

    December 2024

    Tampa Bay Rays officials say they would like a repaired Tropicana Field being their home for the 2026 season.

    In a Dec. 30 letter to St. Petersburg City Administrator Rob Gerdes, Rays president Matt Silverman said that the team had been open to considering a settlement that would buy the city out of its obligation to repair the ballpark.

    In mid-December, Pinellas commissioners approved bonds to finance a new stadium for the Rays.

    The 5-2 vote unlocks $312 million in funding the county had pledged for the new ballpark. This was the third time the Rays bond vote has gone before the commission since October.

    Dec. 12: St. Pete OKs pre-construction costs for damaged Tropicana Field; County commissioners hold workshop on deal

    Early December:  Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred met Monday with Pinellas County Chairwoman Kathleen Peters and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch to express his desire to resolve recent disputes and keep the team in Tampa Bay.

    the team released a statement in the wake of that meeting.

    “We anticipate that the Pinellas County Commission will authorize the bonds at their next meeting. As we stated in our letter three weeks ago, we remain ready to work with all key stakeholders to fill the funding gap their delay has created,” Rays president Matt Silverman said.

    A look at the Trop damage from Hurricane Milton from inside the stadium. (Courtesy Hennessy Construction Services)

    November 2024

    The Tampa Bay Rays, without Tropicana Field available next season because of Hurricane Milton damage, will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

    A damage report released this week indicates repairs would run past $55 million and not be completed before the 2026 season.

    Nov. 25: ‘Categorically false’: County pushes back against the Rays’ claims and demands a decision

    Nov. 22: ‘This deal doesn’t work anymore:’ Rays future in St. Pete takes more hits with city council votes

    Nov. 21: Rays president says new park deal is dead; St. Pete Council then reverses course on Trop repairs

    Nov.18: PHOTOS: Rays release post-Milton photos of inside Trop

    October 2024

    Oct. 31: City approves $6.5M to clean up and protect Rays stadium after Hurricane Milton

    Oct. 9: Tropicana Field roof damaged by Hurricane Milton

    Aug. 2024

    Citing ‘unintended response,’ St. Pete mayor rescinds bonuses given after Rays deal

    July 2024

    Pinellas County commissioners agree, by 5-2 vote, to help fund new Rays stadium

    2023

    Sept. 19, 2023: ‘Major League Baseball is here to stay’: Rays announce new stadium

    A decade-long odyssey involving the Tampa Bay Rays, the City of St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Major League Baseball and even Montreal, among other parties, appears to be nearing an end. The Rays, joined by officials with the city of St. Pete and Pinellas County, announced on Tuesday plans for a new stadium to be built near the current Tropicana Field. 

    St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch speaks during a Sept. 2023 stadium announcement. (Angie Angers/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Early 2023

    Former St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman said that he previously allowed the Rays to search for sites in Hillsborough County because he was confident St. Pete was the best place for a new ballpark and he wanted Sternberg to come to that conclusion too.

    “I felt like a deal couldn’t have gotten done until the Rays believed it too,” he said. “It has been a long road but we’re at the point now because we had to go through that with (Rick) Baker, Foster and me.”

    Former Mayor Bill Foster was the mayor in 2010 when the Rays were pushing for a new waterfront stadium at the Al Lang Field site along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. The former mayor said they never had a term sheet because Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg would not commit to a dollar amount.

    “Mr. Sternberg was non-committal when it came to how much he would pay for a stadium in St. Pete,” he said. “This whole idea with the redevelopment of Al Lang trying to fit this Major League Baseball stadium in five acres where there’s no transportation, no parking, no infrastructure, that was a disaster.”

    2022

    The Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed plan to split the season between Florida and Montreal has been rejected by Major League Baseball.

    Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg announced the news on Thursday.

    “Today’s news is flat-out deflating,” Sternberg said.

    The idea of playing in both the Tampa Bay area and Montreal has been discussed over the past several years after attempts to build a new full-time ballpark locally failed.

    2021

    St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman announced that Midtown Development has been selected to redevelop the 86-acre Tropicana Field site.

    This came after years of talk, rumors and speculation about stadium sites at a variety of locations in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco counties and even some mentioning Orlando.

    July 2019

    The Tampa Bay Rays have been given permission by Major League Baseball to explore splitting future seasons between Tampa Bay and Montreal.

    2018

    July: The Rays announced they would vacate Tropicana Field and relocate to the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, between 15th Street and Channelside Drive from east to west, and between Fourth Avenue and Adamo Drive from north to south.

    By December, the project was called off.

    2009

    May: The idea of a waterfront stadium at the Al Lang site quickly came and went.

    The sail-designed stadium targeted for the Bayshore Drive/1st Street South area was supposed to have a sail style design with an open air  vista down left field to center field. 

    2005

    Since Stuart Sternberg took control of the Rays in October 2005, the once-struggling franchise has been a success on the field but not at the box office.

    Despite reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2020, the Rays have ranked annually near the bottom in attendance. The Rays averaged about 9,500 for home games last season, 28th in the majors and ahead of only Miami and Oakland.

    Sternberg purchased controlling interest in the Rays in May 2004 from original owner Vince Naimoli. He became managing general partner in October 2005.

    Rod Gipson

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  • Crew-11 avoids details of medical episode that cut mission short

    JOHSON SPACE CENTER — During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, the Crew-11 members talked about some of their experiments, but the focus was on the unnamed astronaut who had an unknown medical issue that cut the mission short by a month.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crew-11 and NASA would not identify the astronaut or what the medical issue was.

    “Just to start off, of course, we are back here a little earlier than we were expecting. And just to say up front, we are not going to be identifying the crew member or talking through the differential or any of the details of the medical situation. Thank you so much for respecting our privacy,” Cmdr. Zena Cardman said to the media at the start of the press conference.

    She and fellow NASA astronaut and pilot Michael Fincke, and mission specialists Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov spoke about some of the work they did.

    Almost a week ago, on Thursday, the quartet splashed down in the first medical evacuation in the International Space Station’s 25 years of full service.

    The health episode, which NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman called a “serious medical condition” last week, caused the U.S. space agency to cut the Crew-11 mission short.

    It was set to end in February. The astronauts spent five months on the space station after they were launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in August 2025.

    The medical episode happened the day before a scheduled six-hour spacewalk, where Fincke and Cardman were going to install a modification kit and cables for a future rollout of a solar array on Thursday, Jan. 08.

    Officials stated this was not an emergency de-orbit.

    During a question-and-answer session, Cardman called the shortened mission an “unexpected timeline.”

    “I hope to go back to the ISS for so many reasons. It’s just an incredible experience and I think even though we had an unexpected timeline, there’s so much that we are proud of and so much we did accomplish,” she told Spectrum News.

    But she said that their training served them well during the medical event.

    “As far as things we would do differently, I am very proud to say that we were as well prepared as we possibly could be, and that’s thanks to a lot of really excellent training that we get on the ground. And just being up there with really excellent operators and people who come together as a team really goes a long way. And that’s the crew on orbit as well as our ground support teams,” Cardman explained to Spectrum News.

    She highlighted the research that they conducted and how a lot of cargo came and went from the floating laboratory.

    In a question from another member of the press, Fincke revealed that the International Space Station’s ultrasound equipment was used during the medical episode.

    “And having a portable ultrasound machine helped us in this situation. … So, when we had this emergency, the ultrasound machine came in super handy. So, I’d recommend a portable ultrasound machine in the future for sure, for all space flights. It really helped,” he said.

    In a separate news article, Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chairman of the University of Central Florida’s Aerospace Medicine and associate professor of medicine, shared how each mission on the space station has an astronaut who is assigned as a crew medical officer.

    He went into detail about the type of training and medical equipment.

    Despite everything that has happened, Fincke said that even though Crew-11 will not be on the space station when Crew-12 arrives, they will still share greetings and advice on Earth.

    “Yeah, we wouldn’t want Crew-12 to hit the ground running or hit the space floating, something like that,” he said, adding, “I think my only advice to them, just as we did with  the change of command ceremony, was take time and stop for a group hug.”

    With Cardman chiming in, “Group hugs and selfies.”

    Anthony Leone

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  • ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ arriving at Universal Studios Florida in 2027

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando officials announced on Tuesday a new roller coaster coming to its Universal Studios Florida park.

    “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will join the lineup of Universal Studios Florida coasters in 2027. The ride replaces the “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit” roller coaster, which closed in August 2025.

    Riders will get a “high-octane” experience of 360-degree drifting as they speed through different maneuvers, including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk, officials said.

    With the coming of the new attraction, “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” will permanently close in 2027.

    More information about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be shared at a later date, officials said. 

     

    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Indiana completes undefeated season, wins first title

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title.

    The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.

    Indiana would not be denied.

    “I had to go airborne,” said Mendoza, who had his lip split and his arm bloodied by a ferocious Miami defense that sacked him three times and hit him many more. “I would die for my team.”

    Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 24-14 lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who came to life in the second half behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.

    The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.

    “Took some chances, found a way. Let me tell you: We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done,” Cignetti said.

    Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.

    In a fitting bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.

    That hasn’t happened since, and there’s already some thought that college football — in its evolving, money-soaked era — might not see a team like this again, either.

    “Congratulations to Indiana,” said President Donald Trump, who was in attendance. “Turned out to be a great game. Two great teams, wonderful teams with a lot of talent.”

    Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.

    Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.

    The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.

    Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field and the coach drew up a quarterback draw, hoping the Hurricanes would be in a defense they had shown before.

    “We rolled the dice and said, ‘They’re going to be in it again and they were,’” Cignetti said. “We blocked it well, he broke a tackle or two and got in the end zone.”

    Not known as a run-first guy, Mendoza slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

    Maybe they’ll call it “Hoosiers.” This was a program so bad that a coach once stopped the game early to take a picture of the scoreboard when it read “Indiana 7, Ohio State 6.” The Hoosiers lost 47-7.

    This year, though, they beat Ohio State in the Big Ten title game on their way to the top seed in the playoff.

    They won their first two games by a combined score of 94-25 and Mendoza threw more touchdown passes (eight) than incompletions (five).

    This one was nowhere near as easy.

    Fletcher was a one-man force, hitting triple digits for the third time in four playoff games and turning a moribund offense into something much more.

    His first touchdown run was a 57-yard burst through the right side that pulled Miami within 10-7 early in the third quarter.

    But after forcing an Indiana punt deep into Miami territory, Hoosiers lineman Mikail Kamara slid past the ’Canes’ protectors and blocked the kick. Isaiah Jones recovered to make it 17-7 and Miami was in comeback mode the rest of the way.

    It ended as a one-score game, and the ’Canes — the visiting team playing on their home field — moved into Indiana territory before Carson Beck’s heave got picked off by Jamari Sharpe, a Miami native who made sure the only miracle in this season would be Indiana’s.

    “Did I think something like this was possible? Probably not,” Cignetti said. “But if you keep your nose down and keep working, anything is possible.”

    Associated Press

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  • Indiana completes undefeated season, wins first title

    By  EDDIE PELLS

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title.

    The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.

    Indiana would not be denied.

    “I had to go airborne,” said Mendoza, who had his lip split and his arm bloodied by a ferocious Miami defense that sacked him three times and hit him many more. “I would die for my team.”

    Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 24-14 lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who came to life in the second half behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.

    The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.

    “Took some chances, found a way. Let me tell you: We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done,” Cignetti said.

    Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.

    In a fitting bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.

    That hasn’t happened since, and there’s already some thought that college football — in its evolving, money-soaked era — might not see a team like this again, either.

    “Congratulations to Indiana,” said President Donald Trump, who was in attendance. “Turned out to be a great game. Two great teams, wonderful teams with a lot of talent.”

    Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.

    Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.

    The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.

    Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field and the coach drew up a quarterback draw, hoping the Hurricanes would be in a defense they had shown before.

    “We rolled the dice and said, ‘They’re going to be in it again and they were,’” Cignetti said. “We blocked it well, he broke a tackle or two and got in the end zone.”

    Not known as a run-first guy, Mendoza slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

    Maybe they’ll call it “Hoosiers.” This was a program so bad that a coach once stopped the game early to take a picture of the scoreboard when it read “Indiana 7, Ohio State 6.” The Hoosiers lost 47-7.

    This year, though, they beat Ohio State in the Big Ten title game on their way to the top seed in the playoff.

    They won their first two games by a combined score of 94-25 and Mendoza threw more touchdown passes (eight) than incompletions (five).

    This one was nowhere near as easy.

    Fletcher was a one-man force, hitting triple digits for the third time in four playoff games and turning a moribund offense into something much more.

    His first touchdown run was a 57-yard burst through the right side that pulled Miami within 10-7 early in the third quarter.

    But after forcing an Indiana punt deep into Miami territory, Hoosiers lineman Mikail Kamara slid past the ’Canes’ protectors and blocked the kick. Isaiah Jones recovered to make it 17-7 and Miami was in comeback mode the rest of the way.

    It ended as a one-score game, and the ’Canes — the visiting team playing on their home field — moved into Indiana territory before Carson Beck’s heave got picked off by Jamari Sharpe, a Miami native who made sure the only miracle in this season would be Indiana’s.

    “Did I think something like this was possible? Probably not,” Cignetti said. “But if you keep your nose down and keep working, anything is possible.”

    ___

    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

    Associated Press

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  • Three Saturday lottery hits came from Miami metro, one from the Orlando area

    Of Saturday’s Powerball, Florida Lotto, Cash4Life and Fantasy 5 games, only one had jackpot winners — four of them, in fact.

    The Fantasy 5 midday draw came up 3, 5, 12, 14 and 29, which matched a Quick Pick ticket bought at a Winter Garden Circle K gas station, 14990 Colonial Dr. That bit of luck was worth $58,732.

    The Fantasy 5 evening draw got split between South Florida Quick Pick tickets. The numbers 4, 23, 24, 32 and 33 were on a free Quick Pick tickets spit out at Hialeah’s La Bodeguita De Chacha, 4995 E. 4th Ave., and Best Value Food Store, 1040 NW 47th Ave., in Plantation. The Price Choice Food Market in North Miami-Dade at 2712 NW 95th St. sold the third winning ticket.

    Each ticket is worth $41,496.

    These tickets must be cashed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the nine district offices. The closest one to the Miami-Dade and Broward locations is in Miami Lakes, 14621 Oak Ln., and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be made, but aren’t required. The office can be reached by emailing MIARC@flalottery.com or calling 305-364-3080.

    David J. Neal

    Miami Herald

    Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.

    David J. Neal

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