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Largemouth bass now known as Florida bass, 'a distinct species': 'Discovery is crucial'

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Largemouth bass now known as Florida bass, 'a distinct species': 'Discovery is crucial'

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Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish has a new name.

The largemouth bass, commonly found in Florida’s waterways, is now known as the Florida bass, according to a July 17 news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

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Its name change comes after a recent study by Yale University that “used advanced genetic analysis and determined Florida bass to be its own species.”

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The American Fisheries Society agreed, recognizing the Florida bass as a separate species. 

The Maryland-based organization “promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources,” according to its website.

The scientific name for the largemouth bass, previously “Micropterus salmoides,” is now the scientific name for the Florida bass. The scientific name for the largemouth bass is “Micropterus nigricans.”

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The fish formerly known as the largemouth bass, shown here, is now called the Florida bass. The name change comes after a Yale University study “used advanced genetic analysis and determined Florida bass to be its own species.” (Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The names “have been incorrectly applied to the largemouth bass and Florida bass over the past 75 years,” the study said. 

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The research also identified the range of Florida bass to be larger than once believed.

The range includes not only Florida but also parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, the FWC said in its news release.

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“Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective conservation and management of the species.”

“This discovery is crucial because it confirms and enhances our understanding of Florida bass as a distinct species,” Michelle Kerr, a spokesperson for the FWC, told Fox News Digital in an email.

“Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective conservation and management of the species to ensure sustainable fishing and biodiversity preservation.”

The Florida bass, which was incorrectly identified as the largemouth bass for more than 75 years, has a range that includes parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. (iStock)

Black bass, which includes the Florida and largemouth bass, are well-known freshwater fish and considered the most popular for recreational fishing, the FWC said on its website.

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“This new understanding of black bass diversity, distribution and classification provides a critical foundation for better managing and conserving these important and iconic fish,” the FWC said. 

“It will aid in ensuring their continued conservation and sustainable use for future generations.”

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It essentially means that, throughout most of Florida, what was previously known as the largemouth bass is now the state’s very own bass.

One exception is in Florida’s western panhandle. “Ongoing research may further define the western range of this species within the state,” Kerr told Fox News Digital.

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In most of Florida, what was known as a largemouth bass is now called a Florida bass. The exception is in Florida’s panhandle. (iStock)

This new revelation won’t undo Florida’s current largemouth bass fishing record.

The state record for the largemouth bass was set in 1986 in Polk County near Orlando. Billy O’Berry caught what was then known as a largemouth bass weighing 17.27 pounds, according to the FWC.

“The existing record falls within the recognized range of Florida bass,” Kerr said. 

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If an angler were to hook a Florida bass, he or she wouldn’t know the difference.

“Florida bass and largemouth bass are not distinguishable from each other visually,” the FWC said.

Whether a largemouth bass or a Florida bass, the regulation requirements for anglers in the state remain the same. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“Genetic testing must be performed to determine the species.”

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Anglers needn’t worry, however. 

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The FWC said regulations will remain the same for both species in the state.

The Florida Legislature designated the largemouth bass as the official state freshwater fish in 1975.

Whether the name change leads to a demotion in state status remains to be seen.

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Southeast

Repeat offender truck driver charged with bank robbery after claiming C-4 explosives, firing on officers: feds

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Repeat offender truck driver charged with bank robbery after claiming C-4 explosives, firing on officers: feds

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A North Carolina truck driver, who is a repeat offender, has been federally charged following a bank robbery and a shootout with law enforcement, authorities said.

Willie Edward McGee Jr. is charged with bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, according to a complaint.

Authorities said that McGee entered a First Citizens Bank in Zebulon, North Carolina, on Dec. 26, and demanded money from a teller while claiming to have C-4 explosives. The teller gave him $3,234, and McGee fled in a semi-truck, they said.

Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded to an armed bank robbery investigation that led to the arrest of Willie Edward McGee Jr. in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

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Deputies with the Rocky Mount Police Department said that McGee’s truck was found in a Hobby Lobby parking lot following the initial robbery.

According to surveillance and officers at the scene, McGee allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a Ruger AR-style 5.56 rifle and fired at officers.

Police returned fire and struck McGee. No law enforcement officers or civilians were injured. While taking McGee into custody, officers recovered the AR rifle he allegedly used to shoot at officers and a handgun from his waistband.

No officers or members of the public were injured as law enforcement safely took the suspect into custody after a coordinated response in Rocky Mount. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

McGee, according to records reviewed by WRAL-News, has a lengthy criminal history. The local outlet said that the suspect has dozens of charges dating back more than 20 years.

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WRAL reported that he has offenses spanning from Duplin, Wake and Durham counties.

Federal and local law enforcement recovered guns and evidence following the arrest of a suspect charged with armed bank robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina)

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the incident “domestic terror.”

“As alleged, this defendant didn’t just rob a bank — he threatened innocent civilians with explosives and then opened fire on police officers,” Blanche said. “That is not desperation, it is domestic terror. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our law enforcement partners, he is alive, in custody, and facing decades in federal prison.”

“Let this serve as a warning: if you bring violence into our communities or target the men and women who protect them, this Department of Justice will meet you with the full weight of the federal government and ensure you are removed from the streets for a very long time.”

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The investigation remains active. Anyone with further information about the alleged crimes is asked to please call the FBI at (704) 672-6100. Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, for comment.

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Homeless drifter accused of killing Barnes & Noble Christmas shopper blamed ‘fight or flight’ outburst: report

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Homeless drifter accused of killing Barnes & Noble Christmas shopper blamed ‘fight or flight’ outburst: report

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The man accused of fatally stabbing a woman inside a Palm Beach Gardens Barnes & Noble days before Christmas had traveled through several states before entering Florida, authorities said Tuesday.

Palm Beach Gardens police identified the suspect as Antonio R. Moore, 40, and said he is accused of killing 65-year-old Rita B. Loncharich inside the popular bookstore on the evening of Dec. 22.

Investigators said Moore is not a Florida resident and had moved through multiple states, including through Georgia and North Carolina, before coming to Florida. Police said Moore boarded a bus on Dec. 15 from Orlando to Titusville and then traveled onward into Palm Beach County.

Antonio Moore, 40, is facing a murder charge following the alleged stabbing at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Google Maps/Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office)

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According to the arrest affidavit obtained by WFLX Fox 29, Moore entered the bookstore around 7:29 p.m. and Loncharich arrived shortly afterward. Investigators said Moore approached Loncharich in a store aisle and stabbed her in the back with a pocketknife.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Moore allegedly told police a “fight or flight” response overtook him, and he took a fixed-blade knife from his jacket pocket. He reportedly told police that he stabbed Loncharich because she was the closest person to him at the time and said he did not have any prior interaction with her.

A Barnes & Noble location in San Diego, Calif.  (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Bystanders helped the victim until first responders arrived, the local outlet reported. Loncharich was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she died during surgery.

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Police received a 911 call at 7:52 p.m. and located Moore several blocks from the scene minutes later. He was taken into custody without incident.

Moore, who police say is homeless, told investigators he had no prior relationship with the victim and offered no motive for the attack. According to authorities, he admitted to sitting in the store charging his phone just before the stabbing.

Jail records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office show that Moore was booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. He is being held without bond.

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said it is searching for a motive in the Barnes & Noble stabbing. (Palm Beach Gardens Police Department)

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Local family members and community members described Loncharich as a “kind, gentle” person whose life was cut short during what should have been a routine holiday outing.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.

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University of Alabama student suffers ‘severe head injury’ while on family vacation in Caribbean

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University of Alabama student suffers ‘severe head injury’ while on family vacation in Caribbean

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A University of Alabama student reportedly suffered multiple skull fractures and other injuries after he fell while on vacation with his family in the Caribbean. 

A GoFundMe page set up for Matthew Polaski and his family reads, “What should have been a joyful time together quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare.” 

“Mike, Steph, Matthew, and Evan were on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic during the holidays while Matthew was home on winter break from his freshman year at the University of Alabama,” the GoFundMe page added.  

“On December 28th, Matthew suffered a severe head injury after a fall. He was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve swelling on his brain and save his life. He remains in critical care and was placed in a medically induced coma,” it continued. “Once stabilized, Matthew was transported by international medical flight to Miami, where his treatment continues.”

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Matthew Polaski, left, is recovering after suffering a fall while on a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, a GoFundMe page said. (GoFundMe)

The circumstances of the fall were not immediately clear. 

“University staff have been in touch with the family to offer support, and our thoughts are with Matthew and his loved ones during this time,” the University of Alabama told Fox News Digital in a statement.

The GoFundMe describes Polaski as a “hardworking, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics.” 

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“He recently began his college journey at Alabama, joined Sigma Pi fraternity, and has his whole future ahead of him. Mike and Steph have always been unwavering in their support — traveling to countless meets, tournaments, and college visits to help Matthew pursue his dreams,” it added.

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Matthew Polaski was vacationing with his family in the Dominican Republic when he suffered the fall, the GoFundMe page said. (iStock)

An update posted Wednesday on the GoFundMe page described how Matthew Polaski suffered “skull fractures, fractured pelvis and lower back vertebrate fractures.” 

“They reduced sedation and checked motor responses, both arms and legs responded on chest stimulation, another good early sign. Much is still being determined with mostly with the head injury for unknowns,” the update added. “Probably the most emotional update as a parent, Matthew started motion on his own, opened his mouth, and squeezed Steph’s hand in responses. I can’t imagine how many tears Steph had in that moment.” 

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The Robbinsville Police Department in New Jersey said Matthew’s father used to be its chief.

The GoFundMe page said Matthew Polaski’s medical bills in the Dominican Republic have reached nearly $75,000. 

Polaski is a first-year student at the University of Alabama, according to the GoFundMe page. (Getty Images)

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“International medical transport costs alone are estimated between $35,000 and $55,000. Unfortunately, insurance provides very limited coverage for international medical care, and even with insurance, medical expenses in the U.S. add up quickly. This is only the beginning,” it said. 

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