WITH ELECTION NEARING, STATE DEPARTMENT UNDER MOUNTING PRESSURE. The agency is under fire in courtrooms over delays turning over government files related to Hillary Clinton’s tenure as the nation’s top diplomat.
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IN WAKE OF ORLANDO, A SEA CHANGE. More police departments in U.S. cities are exploring technology that would allow 911 emergency dispatchers to receive text messages from people who need help.
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NEW DELHI (AP) – Some of the hostages rescued from the weekend attack on an upscale restaurant in Bangladesh’s capital were being questioned by investigators searching for clues about the possible masterminds behind the attack that left 28 dead, including many foreigners. The prime minister, diplomats and families paid respects at a stadium to three of the victims, including an Emory University student who was a U.S. citizen.
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SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say a 14-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed by his father at a Florida gun range. William Brumby was firing his weapon at the High Noon Gun Range in Sarasota on Sunday when a spent shell casing deflected off a nearby wall and landed inside the back of his shirt. As he removed it with his right hand, which was holding the gun, he accidentally fired the gun at his son, who was standing behind him.
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ An 18-year-old woman has been arrested after police in Florida say she used her infant son to batter her boyfriend. Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Captain Tammy Marris said the 6-month-old boy was taken to a hospital Monday afternoon where he was reportedly doing OK. Officers responded shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday to a beach in Daytona Beach. Marris says responders found Tatyana Allen had battered her boyfriend, also the baby’s father, with the child. Officers arrested Allen on charges of battery and infliction of physical/mental injury on a child. She was being held Monday night without bail.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) – The father of a toddler killed by an alligator at Disney last month told rescue officials there were two alligators involved. According to emails from the Reedy Creek Fire Department, Matt Graves said he was attacked by another alligator as he tried to reach his son after the boy was pulled into the water outside Disney’s upscale Grand Floridian Resort. Capt. Tom Wellons described his interaction with the Nebraska father in emails to his supervisors obtained by The Orlando Sentinel.
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MIAMI (AP) – The pilot of a small plane that crashed in South Florida on Monday was found dead beneath the wreckage of the aircraft, according to authorities. The plane and its pilot were reported missing at 12:19 a.m.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The state has launched a hotline to help residents give updates on the massive algae bloom fouling some of Florida’s southern rivers and beaches. Residents can call a toll-free at 1-855-305-3903 or report information online at www.reportalgalbloom.com. The smelly muck comes just in time for the holiday weekend. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson have asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. The Army Corps started reducing the flow Friday, targeting the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie Estuary. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency over the smelly muck, and politicians and residents are blaming the federal government. Scott says state officials will to conduct routine sampling.
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POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ Fire rescue officials say a 28-year-old man lost three fingers and was severely burned in a fireworks accident in South Florida. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue spokeswoman Sandra King said the man was lighting a firecracker during an early July 4th celebration on Sunday night when it exploded. She says that in addition to losing fingers on his right hand, he also risks having fingers on his left hand amputated. The man also suffered burns to his face, torso and left hand. The agency didn’t release the man’s name. King says the man is in “rough shape.”
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UNDATED (AP) – Forget fanny packs and selfie sticks: Bring your running shoes if you’re visiting the monuments and landmarks that have become new fitness hot spots. From the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. to the “Rocky” steps in Philadelphia and the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., the stairs and wide platforms on these massive public attractions make them ideal for step workouts, jump training and other exercise. And enthusiasts say the views offer perfect inspiration to get their sweat on.
