Convenience Big Store: Morning report: SpaceX | Mega Millions jackpot

Orlando Morning Report

Sunday, July 23, 2023

SpaceX | Mega Millions jackpot | Florida Keys coral reefs

Good morning. It's Sunday, July 23. The weather will see a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 92 and low of 76. Click here for more weather.

SpaceX scrubs Saturday attempt, will try Sunday launch from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX looks to send up its next batch of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday after scrubbing Saturday's attempt.

Mega Millions jackpot grows to $820 million with a possible cash payout of $422 million

The Mega Millions top prize has jumped to an estimated $820 million after there was no jackpot winner in the latest drawing. The numbers drawn late Friday night were: 29, 40, 47, 50, 57 and gold Mega Ball 25. The estimated $820 million in the next drawing would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for the next drawing Tuesday night is an estimated $422 million. Mega Millions says the potential jackpot is the fifth largest in the history of the game. Despite the game's long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continue to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grows.

Scientists say Florida Keys coral reefs are already bleaching as water temperatures hit record highs

The coral reefs around the Florida Keys are losing their color early this summer because of record-high water temperatures. Federal scientists say they are already seeing some bleaching in the reefs. That doesn't usually happen until August. That doesn't mean the reefs are dead, but it is a sign that their health is endangered. Water temperatures are six degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal. Even a sustained two-degree increase can harm the coral. The Keys have lost about 90% of their coral over the last 50 years. There are efforts underway to rebuild the reefs, but that will take 20 years.

Two Black farmers get Florida marijuana licenses

TALLAHASSEE — Two Black farmers have received licenses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana, after a new state law helped clear the way for the long-awaited licenses. The Florida Department of Health issued the licenses July 11 to Suwannee County farmer Terry Donnell Gwinn and Bascom-based Shedrick McGriff. The farmers each met a Friday […]

Both short-lived Hurricane Don and Caribbean-bound system losing steam, NHC says

The season's first hurricane didn't last a day while the season's next potential tropical threat has diminishing chances to form on its way to the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Florida county reports its 7th case of locally contracted malaria

Officials say a seventh case of malaria has been documented in a southwest Florida county. The Florida Department of Health reported a new locally acquired case of malaria in Sarasota County during the week of July 9-15. That's in addition to five cases last month and one case in May. Sarasota County, along with Manatee County directly to the north, has been under a mosquito-borne illness alert for nearly a month. Sarasota County officials have been been using aircraft, trucks and ground crews to apply insecticide where malaria cases have been reported. Mosquito control workers are trapping the insects for evaluation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DeSantis, in deeply conservative Utah, says he's driven more by faith in God than by politics

Ron DeSantis is rebuffing concerns about trailing rival Donald Trump and boasting about endorsements and support in Utah as his campaign looks toward states later in the election calendar and aims to reset. DeSantis appeared Friday at the state Capitol with about 17 supportive state lawmakers. He met with Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and was scheduled to attend a fundraiser. In visiting Utah, the Florida governor is prioritizing a state where rival Donald Trump has struggled in the past. In a place where the conservative and religious culture has at times given Trump a chilly reception, there are signs there's an opening for the Florida governor.

Pregnant woman and unborn child killed in murder suicide, sheriff says

A 21-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn baby were killed after an apparent murder suicide on Friday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. The suspect, 26-year-old Riley Groover, fatally shot the pregnant woman multiple times before killing himself, the sheriff's office said. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. outside a home in a neighborhood […]

Nervous Republicans turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump

Weary Republicans across New Hampshire, even inside the governor's office, are desperate to stop former President Donald Trump from winning the first-in-the-nation presidential primary. But for now they're relying on little more than hopes and prayers. More than a dozen high-profile Republican officials are running against Trump. But one after another, they have stumbled in their campaigns to crack the veneer of inevitability that has followed the former president across the states hosting the opening Republican primary contests. Months after entering the race, most are still grasping for an effective strategy. Former Vice President Mike Pence, perhaps more than anyone, has been dragged down by the powerful undertow of Trumpism.