New Law Aimed At Protecting First Responders
(Tallahassee, FL) --Several new laws are in effect across Florida. One of the measures is aimed at protecting first responders from threats while they are working. Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical officials are allowed to ask people to stay 25 feet away from an active scene. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Halo Law" this past spring. Under the legislation, anyone who interferes with a first responder's ability to perform their duty or threatens them could face up to 60 days in jail.
Woman Killed By Celebratory Gunfire In Osceola County
(Kissimmee, FL)-- A woman is dead after she was shot in Osceola County. It happened yesterday morning in Kissimmee at a home on Gull Court. Kissimmee Police say Carmen Ochoa was hit by a stray bullet fired by someone celebrating the New Year. The 56-year-old was taken to the hospital where she passed away. No arrest has been announced.
Remains Of Missing Brevard County Woman Found
(Melbourne, FL)-- Human remains found in Brevard County could close the case of a missing woman. Sunshine State Sonar Leaders say they found the remains of Katya Belaya in a minivan in a retention pond over a week ago. Belaya went missing in 2014 from her home in Melbourne on Rock Springs Drive. The dive team says the retention pond is less than two miles from her home. The sheriff's office has not confirmed the remains are Belaya as they await the results of a DNA test.
Former Secret Service Agent Discusses New Orleans Incident
(West Palm Beach, FL)-- A former Secret Service agent seems to believe the incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas should serve as wakeup calls. Palm Beach County's Tim Miller talked yesterday about apparent terrorist attacks that killed at least a dozen people. He says for many years Americans have gone where we wanted to without worrying about if the police will be there if we need them. Now, Miller says he would challenge everybody not to have that attitude. He says his advice would be to ask yourself when you go somewhere where you would exit quickly. Miller also tells WPTV watch what people are doing because in many of these attacks, people are acting suspiciously.
Tampa Therapist Offers Tips On Sticking To Resolutions
(Tampa, FL) -- A Tampa therapist has advice on how you can stick to your New Year's resolutions. Stephanie Moir is a licensed mental health counselor, and she says you have to be SMART about your goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. As an example, she says a goal of running a mile in under eight minutes can be good if you're a runner but not realistic if you're not a runner. Moir suggests using longer time frames to achieve your goals, and she also tells ABC Action News having a partner can help you along the way.
Study Analyzes Gut Health And Coffee Drinking
(Undated) -- A new study shows drinking coffee is closely tied to a certain bacterium that has a role in gut health. Researchers in the study published in Nature Microbiology analyzed gut microbiome data from more than 22-thousand people across the United States and the UK. The results show a certain bacterium was significantly more prevalent and abundant in coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers. Authors of the study say by identifying a direct link, the study provides a new framework for understanding how diet impacts gut health.
Today in History
2018, the WHO announced the next Classification of Diseases would classify gaming addiction as a mental health condition.
1995, four years after leaving the office to serve a six month prison sentence for a misdemeanor drug charge, Marion Barry was inaugurated as mayor of Washington, D.C. again.