Libyan accused in Lockerbie bombing now in American custody
The Justice Department says a Libyan intelligence official accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 in an international act of terrorism has been taken into U.S. custody and will face federal charges in Washington.
Russia to not cooperate with other nations aboard ISS until ‘illegal sanctions’ are lifted, Roscosmos director general says
In a series of tweets posted early Saturday morning, the man in charge of the Russian space agency Roscosmos said the country’s cooperation with other nations aboard the International Space Station will not be restored until “illegal sanctions” from the U.S., Canada, European Union and Japan on Russia are lifted.
Temperatures will continue to warm up this week in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – The heat is still building in Central Florida. For St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, Central Florida is looking at more heat. Thursday the high goes to 90 degrees. Late Thursday, a cold front marches into Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico. By Friday, Central Florida goes right back to partly cloudy sky conditions and dry conditions.
2 Apopka women killed in three-vehicle crash in Volusia County
The FHP says two people were killed in a three-vehicle crash near DeLand. DeLAND, Fla. – Two Apopka women were killed Tuesday morning in a three-vehicle crash in Volusia County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal crash was reported around 7:10 a.m. on New York Avenue at DeLand Crossings Boulevard, east of DeLand. The van driver, a 58-year-old Daytona Beach man, suffered minor injuries, troopers said. Westbound lanes of New York Avenue, which is also State Road 44, were closed in the area.
NASA astronauts conduct fifth spacewalk of 2021 as part of upgrades to ISS
This photo provided by NASA shows US astronaut Kate Rubins outside the International Space Station during a space walk on Friday, March 5, 2021. Rubins and Japan's Soichi Noguchi floated outside to complete unfinished work from Sunday's spacewalk. (NASA via AP)NASA astronauts are conducting the fifth spacewalk of 2021 Saturday as part of improvements to the International Space Station. Expedition 64 Flight Engineers Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover began the spacewalk at 8:14 a.m. with the work expected to last six and a half hours. pic.twitter.com/sLj2CwAqES — NASA (@NASA) March 13, 2021Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com space newsletter, sent every Wednesday afternoon.
Spacewalkers finish solar panel prep for station power boost
More mounting brackets and struts need to be installed for new and improved solar panels due to arrive in June. (NASA via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Spacewalking astronauts completed the first round of prep work Friday for new solar panels, part of a major power upgrade at the International Space Station. NASA’s Kate Rubins and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi installed mounting brackets and struts for the improved solar wings due to arrive in June. The eight solar panels have degraded over time; the oldest were launched 20 years ago. Noguchi, Glover and two other NASA astronauts will fly SpaceX back in late April or May.
Here’s the latest on where things stand with new $1,400 direct payments
Republicans solidly oppose the $15 minimum wage target as an expense that would hurt businesses and cost jobs. “House Democrats believe that the minimum wage hike is necessary. Therefore, this provision will remain in the" bill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said. The relief bill would provide millions of people with $1,400 direct payments. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have state minimum wages that exceed the federal $7.25 hourly floor, with only the District of Columbia currently requiring a $15 minimum.
Ford to go all electric in Europe by 2030
Ford says it will spend $1 billion to modernize its Cologne, Germany, manufacturing center, converting it into a European electric vehicle factory. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)DETROIT – Ford is vowing to convert its entire passenger vehicle lineup in Europe to electric power by 2030 in just the latest sign of the seismic technological changes sweeping the auto industry. Ford expects two-thirds of its European commercial vehicle sales will be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030. “We are going all in on electric vehicles,” Rowley said. The investment is part of Ford's goal of spending at least $15 billion on electric vehicles from now through 2025.
Roller coaster forecast: Front brings cooler temperatures to Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – A front moving brought rain and storms to Central Florida overnight and will drag cooler temperatures into the region Tuesday. A day after setting some record highs -- Melbourne topped out at 89 degrees Monday, besting the record of 88, set in 1939 -- highs will be in the low to mid-70s Tuesday. [MASSIVE WINTER STORM HITS MOST OF US]Orlando should reach a high around 72. The record high is 87, set in 1944. Even with the recent storms, Orlando has a yearly rain deficit of 1.12 inches.
As Florida increases access to COVID-19 vaccine, state reports 7,400 new cases
ORLANDO, Fla. – In efforts to meet the state’s high demand for a vaccine, Florida is working to increase access to a shot. As of Wednesday, Florida leads the nation with the most reports of a single variant reporting nearly 350 cases of the B.1.1.7 mutation. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Central Florida sees uptick in COVID-19 deaths as state reports 7,000 new cases]Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Feb. 10. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 7,458 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,798,280 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health recently began releasing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
UK, EU in spat over diplomatic status of bloc's ambassador
Britain has sparked a post-Brexit spat with the European Union on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 by declining to grant the blocs first-ever ambassador to the country full diplomatic status. David Ake, file)LONDON – Britain has sparked a post-Brexit spat with the European Union by declining to grant the bloc’s first-ever ambassador to the country full diplomatic status. The EU says he should be given the same status as a national ambassador, like the rest of the bloc's 143 envoys around the world. Stano noted that Britain "was cognizant and supportive of this status while it was a member of the European Union. “Nothing has changed since the U.K.’s exit from the European Union to justify any change in stance on the U.K.’s part,” he said.
One year later: Looking back on the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in US
On Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in a man in Washington state. The man returned from Seattle from Wuhan, China on Jan. 15 and began experiencing symptoms, according to the CDC. It took only three days before the second US case was confirmed in Chicago. Since then, Florida has seen more than 1.6 million cases of the disease and more than 24,000 deaths. Over the last year, doctors and public health experts have learned a lot about the virus and its treatment.
Gov. DeSantis looks to AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson vaccines to help expand access for Floridians
Ron DeSantis is looking to the approval of the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines by federal regulators to expand vaccination beyond Florida’s 65 and older population. We may be at the point whereas we get to the end of February, you have a Johnson & Johnson and you have some of these other things. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he feels optimistic that the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines could be fully evaluated by the FDA soon. [CORONAVIRUS BRIEFING: Daily ClickOrlando.com newsletter delivered to your inbox]DeSantis echoed Fauci’s optimism, at least for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Johnson & Johnson is contracted with the US government to supply 100 million doses of its vaccine.
Driver who injured West Melbourne officer caught after crashing Jeep during chase, police say
A man suspected of injuring a West Melbourne police officer flipped a Jeep while fleeing from authorities in Rockledge. WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – Police in West Melbourne say a 32-year-old man driving a stolen Jeep accused of injuring an officer was captured Friday afternoon in Rockledge after he crashed fleeing authorities. West Melbourne Sgt. While running from officers, Blake was holding a bag and continued to reach into it, alarming officers, according to the West Melbourne Police Department. Wanted: West Melbourne police are seeking this man and the Jeep he was driving.
Rep. Val Demings says she went into police mode during capitol evacuation
WASHINGTON – US Representative Val Demings said she was in the gallery of the house chambers when they were told the inside of the capitol building had been breached. Demings said that her goal was to be watchful, but helpful as police worked to move them to another location. — Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) January 7, 2021“I was looking into the eyes of my colleagues and we all were not sure how it would end. Her husband, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that for a brief time during the chaos, he couldn’t reach his wife. “We went through the emotional rollercoaster not knowing if she was safe or not,” Jerry Demings said.
Man commits suicide after confessing to estranged wife’s death, Winter Garden police say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was found slain in her Winter Garden apartment Monday, however, the primary suspect in the case is now also dead after police say he took his own life. [TRENDING: Christmas forecast: Back-to-back cold fronts coming | Florida rolls out daily vaccine report | US prepares to ship second vaccine]Winter Garden police said around 3:15 p.m. officers responded to the Promenade Apartments on Winter Garden Vineland Road for a wellbeing check. Felipe died following an apparent struggle but her cause of death is pending an autopsy, according to police. Police said officers learned Felipe fled to an apartment complex in West Palm Beach. Winter Garden police worked with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and West Palm Beach police to locate Felipe but investigators said he took his own life before officers could apprehend him.
Temps may not reach the 60s on Christmas in Central Florida
[TRENDING: Christmas forecast: Back-to-back cold fronts coming | Florida rolls out daily vaccine report | US prepares to ship second vaccine]The good news? If all you want for Christmas is colder weather, you’ll get your Christmas wish too! Our next weather maker will move on Christmas Eve bringing a few thunderstorms with it. Northern counties will spend a good part of the day in the upper 40s before reaching the low 50s. Lows north of I-4 will reach the low 30s.
Missing man found dead with gunshot wound in parking lot of Altamonte Springs Walmart
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – A missing man was found dead with a gunshot wound in his car in the parking lot of Walmart on State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs, according to police. [TRENDING: Christmas forecast: Back-to-back cold fronts coming | Florida rolls out daily vaccine report | US prepares to ship second vaccine]The Altamonte Springs Police Department said the victim was identified as Anthony Bradford. Bradford was found around 11:40 p.m. Sunday and police said he was previously reported missing by his father on Saturday. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at 407-339-2441. Check back for more updates on this developing story.
Weather whiplash! Blast of cold Christmas Day follows warm, rainy Christmas Eve
By Wednesday afternoon we start another warm up into Christmas Eve. Afternoon high temperaturesA strong cold front looks to slice through the region Christmas Eve bringing rain chances back to Central Florida. Rain chances increase later in the day Christmas Eve. Cold air spills into Central Florida Christmas morning through Christmas Day. Some south of Orlando may start Christmas off mild, but afternoon highs will likely be held in the 50s.
Florida launches investigation into hacking of its servers
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida officials acknowledged Friday that state servers appear to have been compromised by overseas hackers who gained entry by imbedding malicious code into networking software from a Texas-based software company, SolarWinds. The software helps network administrators monitor the performance of their servers and systems. The Florida officials were not prepared to discuss how serious the breach might have been amid conflicting statements and information from some companies involved in investigating the breach. Outside meddling has been an especially sensitive issue in Florida because of previous breaches by Russian hackers. Ron DeSantis ordered his secretary of state to launch a review of election security after revelations that Russian hackers infiltrated election systems in at least two Florida counties.
A little warmer for the weekend, more cold coming for Christmas
Ahead of the front Sunday afternoon, temperatures climb into the low to mid-70s. By Monday and Tuesday, highs will struggle to climb out of the 60s again. Another shot of cold air arrives in time for ChristmasA much bigger cold front arrives Christmas Eve. Once again, ahead of the front, temperatures climb into the mid- to upper 70s both Wednesday and Thursday. Highs will struggle to climb out of the 50s Christmas Day.
Human remains found near International Speedway Boulevard in DeLand, police say
DeLAND, Fla. – DeLand police say they need the public’s help identifying a man who was found dead near International Speedway Boulevard Saturday evening. The human remains were found around 5:30 p.m. in a wooded area near State Road 15A and International Speedway Boulevard, records show. [TRENDING: First doses of vaccine sent across US | OK if drivers can’t see out rear window? | Pilot killed in Fla. gyroscope crash]Authorities have not provided information on the man’s cause of death or whether foul play is suspected. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Bota at 386-626-7422.
1 dead after airboat goes airborne, overturns on Lake Jesup
Officials said a kayaker might be missing in Lake Jesup. OVIEDO, Fla. – A 47-year-old Geneva man died after his airboat went airborne and overturned Sunday on Lake Jesup in Seminole County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. | Pilot killed in Fla. gyroscope crash]Wildlife officers said a witness was driving north on the S.R 417 bridge and saw a 12-foot airboat go airborne. The witness called over another boat, and the victim was found near the overturned airboat, officials said. The good Samaritans took the man to the Lake Jessup boat ramp in Sanford, where Jelkren was pronounced dead.
Temperatures to warm up and return to normal in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando had a low this morning of 39 degrees at the Orlando International Airport, this is the coldest we have been since Jan. 22. | Florida man describes miracle rescue at sea | First COVID-19 vaccines in US will go to these people]Wednesday it will be chilly, but not that cold. Overnight the low in Orlando will drop to 46, well below the norm of 55, but not cold enough for any freeze or frost problems. For Thursday we get almost back to normal. There is no rain in the forecast until Friday.
Florida man wins big money twice in lottery scratch off game
Munib Garvanovic, 56, of Jacksonville won a $5 million top prize in a Florida Lottery scratch-off game three years after winning $1 million in another lottery game, lottery officials announced this week. | Florida man describes miracle rescue at sea | First COVID-19 vaccines in US will go to these people]And he bought both tickets at the same gas station. The big prize came from the 200X the Cash game. Earlier, he had claimed a $1 million prize from the $5,000,000 Gold Rush Doubler game. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket, lottery officials said.
Temperatures will be 17 degrees below normal in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – The low Tuesday morning in Orlando was 44 degrees. | Photos show miracle rescue at sea | Video: Massive gator devours duck]The low in Orlando from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning is going to be 38 degrees. 12/1/20, 4:45PM | According to the US National Weather Service Melbourne Florida temperatures for this evening are... Posted by Brevard County Emergency Management on Tuesday, December 1, 2020This will be 17 degrees below the normal low of 55 degrees. The record low for Dec. 2 is 30 degrees from back in 1910. These temps will lead to widespread Patchy Frost across Central Florida.
Missing 14-year-old Florida girl found safe
WILDWOOD, Fla. – UPDATE: A missing 14-year-old Sumter County girl has been found safe, according to officials. ORIGINAL STORY: A missing child alert has been issued for a 14-year-old Sumter County girl. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued the alert for Miryah Perry, of Wildwood, on Monday. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Miryah is considered a runaway. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-769-2621.
Recount on DeBary referendum finds difference of 3 votes
DEBARY, Fla. – The results from a recount on a DeBary for a referendum about budget and extension of the borrowing period found only a difference of a few votes in an already tight decision, according to the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections. Election officials said the first unofficial results showed 49.92% were in favor of approving the referendum and 50.08% were against the referendum. The recount found 5,874 “no” votes (49.94%( and 5,859 “yes” votes (50.06%), a difference of only 15 votes. The Supervisor of Elections said Florida Statue calls for a machine recount if the difference is .5% or less. After the machine recount if there is a .25% or less difference, the next recount will be manual.
Free rapid COVID-19 tests to be offered at Barnett Park through the end of the year
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported 6,257 new cases on Thursday, bringing the state’s overall total to 827,380 cases since March. Orange County Public Safety Director Danny Banks planned ahead in case that rise continues in Central Florida. The announcement comes just two weeks after the state-run testing site at the Orange County Convention Center began offering rapid tests. Beginning today @FLSERT #COVID19 Test Site @OCCCFree Rapid (antigen) test to anyone ages 5+, results in minutes via phone/text/email. “That told us something about the demand in the community.”It appears both sites obtained their rapid tests from the state, which just received more than 6.4 million rapid tests from the federal government in the past month.
Ford recalls SUV’s after faulty part leads to multiple crashes
All rights reserved)ORLANDO, Fla. – Ford is recalling thousands of SUV’s over fears that a part failure could lead to a crash. The recall impacts Explorers built between 2013 and 2017. [TRENDING: Donald Trump wins Florida | US presidential race results | Floridians vote to raise minimum wage to $15/hour]The automaker says a rear suspension toe link could fracture and cause a driver to lose control of the SUV. Ford says more than a dozen crashes have been linked to the suspension problem. The company says drivers will be notified soon about getting a free repair.
Historical Armistice Day Blizzard Has Lasting Impacts
This Veteran’s Day marks 80 years that the Armistice Day blizzard roared through the Midwest, killing over 150 people, changing forecasting efforts forever. Nov. 11, 1940: Nearly 150 deaths were blamed on the Armistice Day Blizzard, which left a path of devastation 1,000 miles wide through the country and generated snowdrifts up to 20 feet tall. Chicago was the forecast hub for the Tri-State area, but after the Armistice Blizzard, the need for more monitoring hours and branch offices was apparent. Twenty-four-hour weather coverage was implemented. All of these changes resulted in more accurate, localized coverage of major weather events in order to ultimately save more lives.
Missing toddler dies after being found in lake, Brevard deputies say
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A missing 3-year-old boy died Tuesday after being found in a lake, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the child wandered away from an apartment complex on Mission Bay Circle around 2:45 p.m. and ended up in the water. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. [TRENDING: Donald Trump wins Florida | US presidential race results | Floridians vote to raise minimum wage to $15/hour]No other details were immediately available. Check back for more updates on this developing story.
Johnny Depp loses UK libel case over 'wife-beater' claims
“They must have been terrifying.”In court, Depp accused Heard of making up her allegations, while acknowledging wide-ranging drug problems. The judge found that 12 of the 14 instances of domestic violence had occurred and said that was sufficient to rule against Depp. Depp and Heard met on the set of 2011 comedy “The Rum Diary” and married in Los Angeles in 2015. “What woman has ever benefited from being a victim of domestic violence?” she asked in court. “Johnny Depp is only going to be able to rehabilitate himself if he accepts this judgment," he added.
UK judge to rule Nov 2 on Depp's libel suit against tabloid
Britains judicial office said Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, that judge Andrew Nicol will deliver his verdict in writing on Nov. 2, ruling on whether Johnny Depp was libelled by a tabloid newspaper that branded him a wife-beater. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos, FILE)LONDON – A British judge will rule next week on whether Johnny Depp was libelled by a tabloid newspaper that branded him a wife-beater — an accusation his lawyer called a “reputation-destroying, career-ending” false allegation. Over several days in the witness box, Depp, 57, branded he allegations a “hoax” and claimed Heard was the aggressor during their volatile relationship. “He has never hit a woman in his entire life — period, full stop, nada,” Depp’s lawyer David Sherborne said in closing arguments. Depp is also suing Heard for $50 million in Virginia over a Washington Post story about domestic violence.
21-year-old killed in double shooting in Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 21-year-old man was killed and another person was wounded Wednesday in a double shooting in Marion County, according to sheriff’s officals. Both victims were rushed to a hospital, where Williams died, officials said. The other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to deputies. Investigators said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident, but no other details, including information about the suspected shooter, have been released. An investigation is ongoing.