An unnamed NASA astronaut was flown to a hospital on Friday after returning to Earth from a record-breaking 235-day stay on the International Space Station. The crew of four, which included US astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Friday morning, marking the longest stay in orbit for SpaceX's reusable Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew's return was delayed due to hurricanes in the expected splashdown zones, and the cause of the astronaut's medical issue remains undisclosed.
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is pushing for permanent daylight saving time with the Sunshine Protection Act. In anticipation of the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, Nov. 3, the senator is urging people to "lock the clock" and remember to set clocks back one hour on Saturday, Nov. 2. Rubio believes this change will benefit not only our health and safety, but also our economy. In addition to changing clocks, this is also a good time to change the batteries in smoke detectors.
In a regular feature, News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero helps Orlando-area drivers become better informed about the rules of the road. In this edition, Montiero answers viewer questions about the legality of making U-turns from multiple left-turn lanes and the protocol for yielding to drivers making U-turns. As residents of Florida may have noticed, many vehicles in the area have trailer hitches installed on the back, even when not towing anything. Through this segment, Montiero aims to educate and improve the driving skills of his audience.
After facing accusations of animal neglect from PETA and criticism from the public, SeaQuest Fort Worth, a popular aquarium located in Texas, has shut down. The company, which boasts about two million visitors each year, was accused of harming animals and endangering guests. Three dolphins deaths at a Florida location added fuel to the fire, leading to the closure of the Fort Worth site. The company, known for its hands-on animal interactions, had already faced backlash in the past, but this latest development was the final blow.
Amid fears of a Category 5 storm, thousands have been ordered to evacuate from Florida as Hurricane Milton races towards the state with winds reaching up to 165mph. The storm has already caused chaos with flight cancellations and tourists stranded in the UK. With evacuation orders in place, residents who choose to stay have been warned to be prepared to fend for themselves, as first responders may not be able to reach them during the storm. As Florida braces for impact, the storm has reignited fears in areas still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene just 12 days ago.
Tropical Storm Milton is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday night as it makes its way towards the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center has warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding in the affected areas. Residents in Jacksonville should prepare for tropical storm-force conditions starting Wednesday, with expected rainfall of 5 to 10 inches. Weather experts are closely monitoring the storm's path and intensity to provide more accurate projections for potential impacts in the area.
Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested after being found with a rifle outside President Trump's Florida golf course. This was his second attempt to assassinate Trump in the past few months. Evidence left behind included a loaded rifle and a plan detailing his intentions. Routh faces several charges, including illegal possession of a firearm.
As Hurricane Helene bears down on the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina braces for its potential impact. In the past, the Upstate has seen its fair share of hurricane-related damage, including from storms like Fred, Beryl, and Frances. These hurricanes caused various issues, such as tornadoes, flash flooding, and extensive rainfall, resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages. With Hurricane Helene's expected landfall, it's important to remember the potential effects of hurricanes on our local communities and the need for preparedness.
While Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine continues to develop, forecasters are warning residents along the northern and eastern Gulf Coast to start preparing for a possible hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the storm with the help of the Hurricane Hunters. Although it is too early for specific predictions, residents are advised to prepare for potential storm surge, heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service Tallahassee states that the next named storm, Helene, may arrive on Thursday or Friday. Spaghetti models and top-performing models are being used to make accurate forecasts.
In a thrilling college football game, Alabama's comeback in the fourth quarter secured a victory over South Florida after a tough start to the game. Meanwhile, in women's college basketball news, Angel Reese's record-setting rookie season has come to an unexpected end after only two weeks due to injury.