Source: NYTimes

A suspected rhino poacher is killed and two are arrested in a shootout in Kruger National Park in South Africa. Four fresh rhino horns, a hunting rifle and an ax were recovered at the scene, the authorities say. So far, 130 rhinos have been killed in the park this year. [South African Press Association]

A mechanical failure at a wellhead and a delayed response to warning signs led to the blowout last month at a natural gas well in Wyoming operated by Chesapeake Energy, state regulators say after an inquiry. The well vented about two million cubic feet of gas and as much as 31,500 gallons of oil-based drilling mud over nearly three days before workers brought it under control. [Reuters]

National science academies from 15 countries, including the United States, call on world leaders gathering at the Group of 8 summit meeting to focus on the role that science and technology could play in addressing big global problems. Most important, they say, is research on how to meet water and energy needs, develop resilience to disasters and measure countries’ greenhouse gas emissions to make sure they meet their commitments. [EurekAlert]

Prince Charles, known to have an interest in climate change, tries delivering the weather forecast on BBC television in Scotland. [ABC Newcastle]

In a 3-2 vote, California regulators deny Pacific Gas and Electric permission to invest $9.9 million of taxpayers’ money in solar manufacturing. [GigaOM.com]

The Fish and Wildlife Service will consider whether the eastern diamondback rattlesnake should be given endangered species protection because of habitat loss and human predation in the Southeast. [Associated Press]