Comenencia scores Curacao's first-ever World Cup goal

Livano Comenencia makes national history scoring Curacao's first-ever World Cup goal against Germany in their Group E match in Houston.

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Record seaweed invasion leaves beachgoers gagging as fumes raise health fears

A record amount of sargassum seaweed has been washing ashore across South Florida, frustrating beachgoers and creating a growing challenge for coastal communities.

The brown seaweed has piled up along beaches throughout the region, leaving behind large mounds that many visitors say are affecting their beach experience.

Scientists at the University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab reported that sargassum levels reached a record high for the month of May, according to FOX Weather.

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Researchers estimate that at least 4% of the ocean's surface is currently covered by floating mats and clusters of the seaweed — with levels expected to increase further throughout June.

While the seaweed itself can be unsightly, many residents say the odor it produces is an even bigger problem.

As sargassum decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide gas, creating a smell often compared to rotten eggs, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Health officials say the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be especially troublesome for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

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Residents who have discussed the issue online described the smell as one of the most unpleasant aspects of the ongoing seaweed buildup.

"The smell is so noxious where I live from all the decomposing sargassum," one Reddit user wrote. 

"It’s really bad."

Others said the odor has become so recognizable that even photos of the seaweed trigger memories of it.

"I can literally SMELL these photos," another commenter wrote.

Another beachgoer said the seaweed made spending time in the water less enjoyable than usual.

"I was at the beach today, and honestly it was annoying," the commenter wrote. "You can't enjoy the water."

Images shared online showed thick bands of seaweed stretching across portions of the shoreline.

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"Pictures don't really do it justice," one Reddit user wrote. "You had to walk through what felt like a foot of seaweed just to reach the water."

Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown algae found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America, FOX Weather noted.

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While it serves as an important habitat for marine species including sea turtles, crabs, shrimp and fish, unusually large blooms have become a recurring issue region-wide.

Most of the sargassum was historically located in the Sargasso Sea in the western North Atlantic — but in 2011, the geographic range expanded, creating the "Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt," according to the National Ocean Service. 

"A newly established population, driven by shifting wind patterns, is now thriving in the open ocean," the service says. 

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Fight is on for Hamilton as he and Russell reset successfully

Lewis Hamilton says "the fight is on" as he and fellow Briton George Russell prepare to start at the front in the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

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'Top Gun: Maverick' star James Handy's official cause of death revealed as new details emerge in murder case

James Handy's official cause of death has been revealed.

The circumstances surrounding the "Top Gun: Maverick" actor's murder came into sharper focus after new findings revealed the veteran performer died from a stab wound and neck compression, Fox News Digital can confirm.

The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner's office listed Handy's manner of death as homicide.

Michael Gledhill, 44, was charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife, on June 5. Police claimed officers found the 81-year-old actor stabbed in the chest and lying unconscious outside a home in Los Angeles days before. Handy was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.

'JUMANJI' ACTOR JAMES HANDY'S GIRLFRIEND'S SON CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER ACTOR FOUND STABBED TO DEATH

Gledhill did not appear at his arraignment on June 5, where Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered that Gledhill be sent to mental health court and undergo psychological evaluations. Another judge will decide whether he is competent for trial.

Gledhill remained behind bars after the court hearing with bail set at $2 million. He faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted.

Gledhill is the son of Handy's girlfriend of 30 years, Wendy Gledhill. Actor Brian Delate, who knew Handy for over four decades, told The Associated Press that a few times over the past couple of years, Handy mentioned in passing that his girlfriend's son had mental health problems.

"I didn’t think much of it, because he just kind of mentioned it casually," he said.

Handy's girlfriend had fixed up the garage so her son could live there, Delate said. Handy had his own home.

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Gledhill's arrest came after he confessed to the alleged crime. According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

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According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for.

Born in New York, Handy appeared in films and TV shows for decades.

He was known for his role as an exterminator in the 1995 film "Jumanji" and more recently as the bartender Jimmy in the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," according to IMDB. He’s also appeared in some of the top TV crime dramas, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Closer" and "Cold Case."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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'Deranged message' on National Mall sparks police probe as Trump security fears mount

Law enforcement officials responded to Washington, D.C.'s National Mall on Thursday after a giant "8647" message appeared to be etched into the grass, prompting an investigation as federal authorities remain on heightened alert over political threats and violence. 

"The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated," an Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Any threat against the President is taken very seriously by the Department, and our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable."

The marking was etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial. The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.

The administration has previously treated "86 47" messages as threatening, arguing that "86" can mean to get rid of or remove, per restaurant industry slang, while "47" refers to Trump as the 47th president.

EX-FBI CHIEF COMEY’S POST TO ‘86’ TRUMP CONDEMNED BY WHITE HOUSE AS ATTEMPT TO PUT ‘HIT’ ON PRESIDENT

U.S. Park Police responded to the incident around noon, FOX 5 reported. Grass samples were also collected for testing and examination in the area by investigators.

"Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital. "They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head."

The incident took place days before Trump’s birthday on Sunday, which coincides with the UFC Freedom Fight taking place on the South Law, which is expected to attract 4,000 spectators to the White House.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship was set up near the Lincoln Memorial for a weigh-in event on Friday.

America’s 250th birthday brings major events to the nation’s capital as D.C. braces for massive crowds, tight security, road closures and heightened law enforcement presence.

FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT

Trump has repeatedly been targeted by violence, including just in April at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

There were two assassination attempts on Trump’s life in 2024, beginning in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear after a gunman climbed onto a roof during a rally on July 13, 2024.

The incident comes amid heightened administration scrutiny of "86 47" messages after the Department of Justice charged former FBI Director James Comey over a similar message. 

Comey was charged with two federal counts over an Instagram post last year showing seashells arranged to read "86 47," and faces a maximum 10 years in prison if convicted. Comey has denied wrongdoing, saying he did not intend the post as a call for violence and removed it once critics interpreted it as a threat.

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Bellingham set to start, but no Guehi - England's expected team

Jude Bellingham is expected to start England's opening game of the 2026 World Cup, as Marc Guehi could start on the bench.

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Trump nominates Jay Clayton, former SEC chairman, current US Attorney, as intelligence director

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that former SEC Chairman and current U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton will be the next permanent director of national intelligence.

The nomination followed a brief stint by acting Director William Pulte, who took over after Tulsi Gabbard stepped down.

"I am pleased to announce the Nomination of very Highly Respected Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the former Head of Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prominent and successful Law Firms anywhere in the World, and the current United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, importantly, to serve in my Cabinet," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

"Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay," he added.

"I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible," Trump said.

This is a breaking story. Return for updates.

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Counter-terrorism police leading school stabbing inquiry

Two pupils, both 14, and a teacher were hurt in the attack at a school in Manchester.

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How do teams advance in the 2026 World Cup? Tiebreaker rules and Round of 32 format explained

The 2026 World Cup is finally upon us, and while it marks the 23rd edition of the global tournament that takes place every four years, this edition of the event is unlike any of its predecessors.

For starters, the 2026 World Cup marks the first time that the event has been co-hosted by three separate countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico sharing honors. The widely spread-out host sites across North America aren't the only unique factors, however.

The 2026 World Cup will also feature an expanded field of teams, going from the traditional 32-team field to 48. With the addition of 16 teams also comes modified Group Stage play, ways to advance and tiebreaker scenarios that will be worth closely monitoring throughout the tournament.

The top two teams from each of the 12 four-team groups will advance to the knockout stage. During the round-robin Group Stage, teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. This is the same format we've seen in previous World Cups, albeit with 24 teams automatically advancing from the Group Stage rather than 16.

The main difference is that there will be an additional round of knockout matches, as the eight best third-place teams from the group stage will also advance. This turns the traditional Round of 16 into the Round of 32 as the first set of matches of the knockout round.

WORLD CUP PLAYERS WHO COVER THEIR MOUTHS DURING CONFRONTATIONS COULD GET RED CARDS

With the group stage consisting of round-robin play, with each of the four teams playing the other three teams in their group once, ties in the standings will very likely occur.

If two or more teams in a group finish with an equal number of points, the following tiebreaker rules (in order) will determine which country advances:

As for how eight of the eventual 12 third-place finishing teams across the group stage advance into the single-table Round of 32, another set of tiebreaker rules will likely need to be implemented:

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The matchups for the Round of 32 will depend on which groups the eight third-place teams emerge from. From this stage forward, the tournament will feature only single-elimination matches.

The Round of 32 will begin immediately after the completion of the group stage play.

In order for a team to advance to the World Cup Final, it will have to play:

The 2026 World Cup Final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.

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World Cup expected to be the biggest betting event in history

The expansion of the number of games being played is set to drive a surge in the amount of bets placed on this year's World Cup.

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Williams rolls back the years on return at Queen's

Serena Williams rolls back the years at Queen's with a winning performance on her comeback to tennis after 1,375 days away from the sport.

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Significant changes to new GSCEs in Wales likely after burnout concerns

The exams watchdog said it supported the decision to address concerns raised by teachers.

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Hamilton 'feels like I'm reminding people who I am'

Lewis Hamilton says he "feels like I'm having to remind people who I am" after finishing second in the Monaco Grand Prix.

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Witnesses in Karmelo Anthony murder trial confirm Austin Metcalf's words immediately after attack

Harrowing new witness testimony shed light on the desperate final moments of 17-year-old Texas high school athlete Austin Metcalf's life following a fatal April 2025 stabbing at a crowded track meet.

Taking the stand Saturday during the high-profile trial, a recently graduated 18-year-old from Memorial High School broke down in tears as he recounted the chaotic aftermath of the attack, testifying that he heard Metcalf "screaming for help."

A second witness, a 16-year-old Memorial High School student from the class of 2027, told the court that immediately after the attack, some of Metcalf’s final words were, "he f------ stabbed me."

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS FATAL STABBING OF AUSTIN METCALF AT TEXAS TRACK MEET, OFFICIALS SAY

The new emotional accounts build on earlier testimony from another student who recalled hearing Metcalf say, "Oh my God," as the reality of the stabbing set in.

Karmelo Anthony, 19, faces a first-degree murder charge for the death of Metcalf, who was unable to be resuscitated by high school staff who attempted CPR as he lost consciousness. He later died at a local hospital.

Anthony has pleaded not guilty to the charge, with his defense team maintaining that he acted in a "split second of fear and chaos" and stabbed Metcalf in self-defense, Fox News Digital previously reported.

According to background details presented by prosecutors, the deadly encounter was sparked by a dispute over seating at the track meet. 

Multiple witnesses testified that Anthony arrived uninvited and sat down inside the Memorial High School team tent. Fellow students reportedly asked Anthony to leave the tent as many as 15 times, but he allegedly refused.

TRAIN ATTACK VIDEO REIGNITES FURY OVER WITHHELD FOOTAGE OF AUSTIN METCALF KILLING

As the situation escalated, witnesses testified that Anthony warned Metcalf, telling him, "Touch me and find out," and "Touch me, see what happens."

During the confrontation, Anthony sat with a backpack on his lap and one hand inside it, leading some students to warn Metcalf not to touch him because they suspected he was gripping a concealed weapon.

The verbal dispute turned physical when Metcalf reportedly shoved or touched Anthony, prompting Anthony to stand up and stab the high school captain with a 3.5-inch folding knife.

Witnesses on Saturday described Anthony as "the aggressor," noting Metcalf was "unwilling to fight."

ACCUSED AUSTIN METCALF KILLER WON'T FACE DEATH PENALTY OR LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE: DA

Body-camera footage and officer testimony revealed that a cooperative Anthony made admissions to police immediately following the incident. 

"I'm not alleged. I did it," Anthony allegedly told a responding school resource officer.

He then repeatedly defended his actions to the police, saying, "He put his hands on me. I told him not to."

Fox News' Peter Cuddihy and Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

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Russell perplexed by struggles having arrived in Monaco playing mind games

George Russell tried playing a few mind games with Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli but is now the one "scratching my head".

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