Category: <span>Science & Environment</span>

Science & Environment

Florida shooting leaves 1 deputy dead, 2 deputies wounded;…


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A Florida sheriff’s deputy was killed, and two others were wounded Friday in an ambush-style shooting, according to officials.

Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell said at a news conference early Saturday morning that deputies responded to a home on Brookside Drive in Eustis around 8 p.m. regarding a disturbance, according to FOX 35.

“They were ambushed,” Grinnell said. “We lost one tonight.”

ESCAPED FLORIDA FELON WHO ALLEGEDLY FAKED INJURY SCREAMS IN AGONY AS K-9 DRAGS HIM FROM HIDING SPOT IN WOODS

When they arrived at the scene, deputies heard a disturbance coming from inside the home and entered the residence.

The first deputy who entered the home, Master Deputy Bradley Michael Link, was shot and became trapped inside. He succumbed to the injuries, the sheriff said.

Master Deputy Bradley Link

Master Deputy Bradley Link, 28, was killed in the line of duty Friday night in what the Lake County Sheriff calls an ‘ambush.’ (Lake County Sheriff’s Office via X)

Link, 28, was a veteran of the Army Reserves and leaves behind a wife, Brittany.

Another deputy, Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, was shot in the armpit and stomach. According to a statement, “Deputy Gargano was shot numerous times. He underwent surgery overnight and was scheduled for a second surgery this afternoon. His condition was last listed as critical.”

A third deputy, Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, was shot in the shoulder and is in stable condition. Howell has served in Lake County since 2005. Both wounded deputies suffered their injuries as they attempted to rescue Link.

FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS AUTHORIZES DEATH PENALTY FOR 1994 KIDNAPPING AND MURDER

Both Gargano and Howell are being treated at the HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, according to a statement from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, left, Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, right

Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano and Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell were injured while attempting a rescue during an “ambush” Friday night and are currently in critical condition. (Lake County Sheriff’s Office via X)

According to a statement posted to Facebook by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, “Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link died in the line of duty overnight heroically serving his community and fellow deputies after responding to a disturbance call in the northeast portion of our county in rural Eustis, during which two other deputies were also shot.”

“Brad, as our Sheriff’s Office family knew him, touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with him; his contributions and the impact of this loss will not soon be forgotten,” the statement concluded.

Two of the people inside the home were found dead, although it is unclear if they were killed by the deputies or in a murder-suicide, Grinnell said. Another person was transported to the hospital, according to the sheriff.

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No suspects have been arrested thus far, the sheriff’s office said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.

Science & Environment

Desperation behind sharp rise in energy theft, says fuel…


Getty Images A person presses a button on an energy meter in a homeGetty Images

“Desperation” is behind a sharp rise in the number of reports of energy theft or meter tampering, according to a fuel poverty charity.

There has been a nearly 50% increase in reports to Crimestoppers but the charity estimates up to 250,000 cases of energy theft go unreported every year.

“It’s not a surprise. It’s a terrible reality though,” said Adam Scorer, from National Energy Action. “It’s quite a hidden issue driven by desperation, driven by shame.”

The government will “support households to cut their bills and reduce fuel poverty”, a spokesperson said.

Energy theft is when people tamper with a meter, or bypass it completely, so it doesn’t properly record how much energy is being used.

It is extremely dangerous as it can lead to gas leaks, and kills or badly injures 280 people every year, according to Stay Energy Safe. It runs an anonymous reporting line operated by Crimestoppers working with Ofgem and energy suppliers.

Mr Scorer, of National Energy Action, said such practices were “much more likely to be going on under the radar”, which was more concerning due to the dangers posed.

Crimestoppers said there was a 48% increase when comparing the number of reports of energy theft it received between April 2021 and January 2022 and between April 2023 and January 2024.

It said it received an average of more than 900 reports a month in the last 10 months.

Energy prices rose sharply when demand for gas increased when Covid restrictions were lifted. Then Russia invaded Ukraine which disrupted supply and pushed up demand, and therefore the price of gas from other countries.

Energy bills are now at their lowest for two years but are still about £400 higher than they were three years ago.

Fuel poverty

Mr Scorer said as energy prices went “through the roof” and the cost-of-living crisis squeezed household budgets, families were pushed into fuel poverty.

National Energy Action defines fuel poverty as spending 10% of your income to be able to afford a reasonable level of warmth.

Before the energy crisis the charity estimated four million households were in fuel poverty. Now it believes that number is around 5.6 million households.

Mum-of-four Sam Holland, 41, said she currently lives on £140 a week while she is not working due to disabilities.

“If I was to get into any debt with energy it would scare me,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Stealing Power documentary.

“I don’t have the heating on at all hardly at home. I walk around with my dressing gown on if it’s cold,” she said.

She said she goes to the Intact Centre in Preston, part of the Warm Space programme, with her two younger children four times a week.

National Energy Action is concerned about further pressure on households following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement that around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will stop getting winter fuel payments. The money will no longer go to all pensioners – only those who get pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

“It will leave many pensioners who need support without it. One third of fuel-poor households do not receive benefits. They should not be forgotten,” said Matt Copeland, head of policy at National Energy Action.

Big problem

Ian Spedding, a gas engineer standing outside his van parked in a street

Gas engineer Ian Spedding, from Burnley, who has 47 years’ experience, says he sees meter tampering “two to three times a year”.

“But if I’m just one gas engineer out of a thousand in the region then that’s a big problem,” he said.

Ash Bagnall, who works as a gas inspector for Cadent, said he has to act as a diplomat when inspecting homes where people are suspected of stealing energy.

“Safety is always my number one priority,” he said. “We’re cold calling the properties so I’ll explain who I am.

Gas inspector Ash Bagnall heading down into a cellar beneath a chicken shop to check the meter

“If we have rumbled them in the act of potential theft of gas, sometimes we have to go in gingerly.

“We might just say ‘we need to read your meter’ because if we greet them at the door and say ‘we think you’re stealing gas’, we’re not going to get into that property.

“If there was a potential tamper that is causing a gas leak we need to be able to get in there and fix it because that’s our main goal – keeping everybody safe.”

A spokesperson said the government will “fix our broken energy system by investing in clean power”.

The government will launch a £150 Warm Home Discount scheme in October and “we expect it to support three million households”, the spokesperson added.

Cost of living banner

What should I do if I can’t afford my energy bills?

  • If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, you need to contact your supplier.
  • You can ask for a review of your payments and debt repayments, external, payment breaks or reductions, more time to pay and access to hardship funds.
  • If eligible you could be added to a list of households entitled to extra support, the Priority Services Register
  • Ofgem also recommends asking your supplier to add you to the Network Operator Register, if you rely on energy for medical reasons.
  • Make sure you are claiming relevant benefits and government help. You can check the MoneyHelper benefits guide, external or use the Entitledto, external and Turn2us, external benefits calculators.

Read more: What can I do if I can’t pay my energy bill?

You can listen to ‘Stealing Power’ on BBC Sounds by clicking here.

Follow Dan Whitworth on X (formerly known as Twitter) by clicking here.

Science & Environment

US swim star Katie Ledecky makes history at Paris…


US swim star Katie Ledecky shows her medal. — Geo News/reporter
US swim star Katie Ledecky shows her medal. — Geo News/reporter    

Adding yet another feather in her cap, US swim star Katie Ledecky won 9th gold medal in 800 metres freestyle category during the ongoing Paris Olympics on Saturday.  

Ledecky powered to a fourth straight 800m Olympic freestyle title to equal the record for most gold medals won by a woman athlete in any sport. She equals Soviet Union gymnast Larisa Latynina’s 50 years old record.

With the fresh achievement, Ledecky became the second woman athlete who won nine gold medals in the history of the Olympics.

She has dominated in the 800m since winning the event as a 15-year-old at the London Games in 2012, and while she was pushed all the way by Australian Ariarne Titmus, the defence of her crown never truly looked in danger.

The 27-year-old hit the wall in 8min 11.04sec, ahead of Titmus (8:12.29) and the United States’ Paige Madden (8:13.00)

“I knew Ariarne was going to give me everything she had,” said Ledecky.

“I felt confident coming into it, but it was gonna be tough no matter what all the way down to the finish.

“I just had to stick in the race and trust myself, trust my training, trust that I know how to race that event and I am just kind of relieved that I got my hand on my wall.”

A ninth gold drew her level with former Soviet-era artistic gymnast Latynina as the only women ever to collect that many titles.

The greatest distance swimmer the sport has seen, she had already won the 1500m and earned silver in the 4x200m freestyle relay and bronze in the 400m freestyle in Paris.

No other woman swimmer has won gold at four different Olympics and Ledecky said that was the record that gave her particular satisfaction.

“I think four times one is the one that kind of means the most to me. I felt like I put a lot of pressure on myself but I’m just really happy that I could get the job done,” she added.

‘Unreal’

Titmus, who beat Ledecky in the 400m freestyle, was full of admiration for the American’s achievement.

“She’s been winning this race since I was 11 years old and I turn 24 next month. That is just remarkable. She’s unreal,” she said.

McIntosh led from Australian Kaylee McKeown after the backstroke before the USA’s Alex Walsh grabbed the advantage at the last turn, following the breaststroke leg.

But McIntosh once again produced the killer final lap to grab a thrilling victory.

American Kate Douglass took silver while McKeown took the bronze after Walsh, who had finished third, was disqualified.

McIntosh was able to enjoy another of her casual strolls around the pool, waving to her fans with a gold medal around her neck.

“It’s pretty surreal. I’m just so proud of myself of how I’ve been able to recover and manage the events because it is a lot,” said the teenager.

Hungary’s Kristof Milak claimed his country’s second swimming gold of these Games with victory in the men’s 100m butterfly.

Canada’s Josh Liendo took silver while his compatriot Ilya Kharun claimed bronze.

It was the second time this week that the Hungarians have been celebrating at La Defense Arena after Hubert Kos took gold in the 200m backstroke.

Milak was a silver medallist in the same event in Tokyo and also took silver in the 200m fly behind Leon Marchand this week.

He now has two career golds in the fly, adding to his 200m success three years ago.

In the mixed 4x100m medley relay, the USA took gold with a world record time to eclipse China and Australia.

Their team of Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Gretchen Walsh and Torri Huske touched in 3min 37.43sec to narrowly better the mark set by Britain at the Tokyo Games.

In the semi-finals of the women’s 50m freestyle, Sweden’s Sarah Sjoestroem set a new Olympic record with her swim of 23.66, the third-fastest time in history.

— Additional input from AFP 

Science & Environment

Doug Emhoff acknowledges reports of an affair during his…



WASHINGTON — Second gentleman Doug Emhoff appeared to acknowledge reports that he had an affair during his first marriage, prior to his relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris.

The allegations about Emhoff’s affair first surfaced in the tabloid Daily Mail, and the second gentleman acknowledged the report in a statement.

“During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions,” Emhoff said in a statement, which was first reported by CNN and later obtained by NBC News. “I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.”

Emhoff’s affair was known to people who conducted the vetting process for Harris as she was considered for Biden’s running mate slot in 2020, according to a person familiar with the situation. The source also said that Harris knew about the affair before she and Emhoff married.

Emhoff’s first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, said in a statement that the two decided to end their marriage “for a variety of reasons, many years ago.”

“He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have built together,” she continued.

The vice president has not yet publicly discussed the reports of the affair.

Harris’ campaign is vetting possible running mates over the weekend. On Tuesday, Harris plans to kick off a seven-state travel blitz with the running mate she chooses.

Science & Environment

Zac Efron hospitalized after swimming incident in Ibiza


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Louise Thomas

Zac Efron has been hospitalized in Ibiza after a swimming incident.

A representative for the 36-year-old actor told TMZ on Saturday that he had a “minor swimming incident” at a villa on the island. Following the incident on August 2, he was taken to hospital as a precautionary meassure.

Efron’s representative told the publication that he was released from hospital on Saturday, and was doing fine. A source later told TMZ that two people working at the villa found Efron in the swimming pool and pulled him out.

The Independent has contacted representative for Efron for comment.

The High School Musical alum has been traveling through Europe this summer. During Martin Garrix’s concert in Ibiza on August 1, fans revealed on X that the DJ brought his close friend, Efron, onto the stage. On July 25, Efron attended the “Prelude To The Olympics” event at the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France.

Efron has yet to publicly address his swimming incident or trip to Ibiza on social media. His latest Instagram post was on July 31, when he gave a sweet shoutout to Simone Biles at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “So incredibly proud of you,” he wrote in his post.

Efron shared three different videos on Instagram in June to advertise his new movie, A Family Affair, which he stars in with Nicole Kidman and Joey King.

Zac Efron on stage at the 49th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award on April 27 in Hollywood

Zac Efron on stage at the 49th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award on April 27 in Hollywood (Getty Images for Warner Bros. Di)

Efron has also previously spoken out about his physical health, revealing in 2022 that the changes to the shape of his jaw – which went viral on social media at the time – were actually the result of an injury. In an interview with Men’s Health, he explained that the change to his face was due to an accident.

According to Efron, he shattered his jaw when he slipped while running through his house in socks. The fall, which resulted in him smashing his chin against the granite corner of a fountain, knocked him out. He told the outlet that when he woke up, his “chin bone was hanging off his face.”

As a result of the injury, Efron said muscles inside his jaw and face had to work harder to compensate. He has been working with a specialist and doing physical therapy.

However, according to the Ironclaw star, when he decided to take some time off from his physical therapy, his masseter muscles, which are used for chewing, “just grew” and “got really, really big.”



Science & Environment

Saturday Sessions: Black Pumas perform


Saturday Sessions: Black Pumas perform “Ice Cream” – CBS News

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Black Pumas are seven-time Grammy nominees. From their new album, “Chronicles of a Diamond,” recorded live at the Brooklyn Paramount, here are Black Pumas with “Ice Cream (Pay Phone).”

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Science & Environment

WATCH: Oklahoma dog ignites house fire after chewing on…


A video released by the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma shows a dog unintentionally starting a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery.

In the video, two dogs and a cat are seen from an indoor monitoring camera in the home’s living room. One dog begins chewing on a lithium-ion battery pack until it explodes and the house catches fire.

The subsequent fire was put out by a quick-acting fire department. All the pets escaped the burning home through a dog door.

FIREFIGHTER INJURED AT SECOND MAJOR DALLAS BAPTIST CHURCH FIRE WITHIN TWO WEEKS: ‘WE SEE GOD WORKING’
 

Dogs watch fire caused by lithium-ion battery

A dog in Tulsa, Okla., inadvertently caused a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery. (Tulsa Fire Department)

According to Tulsa Fire Department public information officer Andy Little, “The outcome could have been much worse if there had been no means of escape or if the family was asleep at the time.”

CALIFORNIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY PUSHING TORCHED CAR DOWN EMBANKMENT, SPARKING MASSIVE FIRE

Little added that lithium-ion batteries are useful for charging mobile devices because they store a “significant amount of energy in a compact space.”

“Many individuals keep these batteries within their homes for convenience, unaware of the potential dangers they pose,” Little said in the video. 

Firefighters put out house fire

Firefighters put out the blaze caused by the lithium-ion battery. (Tulsa Fire Department)

“It is crucial that you adhere to manufacturer guidelines when using lithium-ion batteries, only using approved chargers and storing them out of reach of children and pets.”

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The National Fire Protection Agency recommends all lithium-ion battery users stop charging their devices when the battery is fully charged.

Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com

Science & Environment

Depression becomes Tropical Storm Debby as it aims at…


A front that moved past Cuba overnight has strengthened Saturday into Tropical Storm Debby as it aimed its impacts at the west coast of Florida, impacts that could be hurricane-like, federal forecasters said.

Since Friday, the front developed from a potential tropical cyclone to a tropical depression, and it continues to draw strength from warm, tropical water. Tropical Storm Debby was expected to continue moving north at 15mph and hug Florida’s west coast.

“The center of Debby will move across the southeastern and eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Sunday, reaching the Florida Gulf coast late Sunday night or Monday,” the National Hurricane Center said in an update on Saturday.

The storm was about 70 miles northwest of Havana, Cuba, by 5 p.m. ET, according to center.

Debby is the fourth named storm of the North Atlantic hurricane season.

Forecast cones from the hurricane center show the storm moving ashore roughly from Apalachee Bay to Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.

Fort Myers Beach Tropical Storm Debby
The outer portions of a tropical system, which later became Tropical Storm Debby, saturates Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Saturday. Andrew West / The News-Press via USA Today

“The system is likely to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida Gulf coast,” the center said.

The named tropical storm designation means the front has sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph. Sustained hurricane-force winds are 74 mph and stronger.

Debby comes with a hurricane warning and tropical storm warning for the state’s west coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River, the hurricane center said. A storm surge of 2 to 7 feet is possible in some areas, as well as up to 18 inches of rain.