Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Hundreds Die From Historic Heatwave
The historic heatwave that scorched the Pacific Northwest is responsible for at least five deaths in the United States – and hundreds more north of the border. Amid days of triple-digit temperatures in a region unaccustomed to that kind of heat, a farmworker died south of Portland, Oregon. In Bremerton, Washington, at least four people died from heat-related causes as temps soared to 110. Things were even worse in Canada, where there were at least 230 sudden deaths in British Columbia as the heat stretched north to even the Yukon and Northwest Territories. As David Phillips, a senior climatologist for Environment Canada, notes: “Dubai would be cooler than what we're seeing now.”
2 Surfside Condo Collapse Death Toll Rises To 12
Another body is being pulled from the rubble of the south Florida condo collapse. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told reporters the death toll now stands at 12. She noted 149 people are still unaccounted for after last week's collapse in Surfside. The mayor added they are continuing to make progress in the search – and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reiterated the search wouldn't end until everybody was found. Not surprisingly, several lawsuits have been filed in connection with the collapse. But there are also other legal considerations. A Miami-Dade County prosecutor wants a grand jury to investigate the building collapse that claimed at least a dozen lives. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has issued saying the jury would determine what steps we can take to safeguard residents without jeopardizing safety or possible criminal investigations. Rundle has convened grand juries in the past for non-criminal matters. One looked into the safety of public housing communities.
3 Report: Chauvin In Talks For Plea Deal In Federal Case
A new report out of Minnesota says former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could be close to a plea deal in the federal case against him. CBS TV W-C-C-O cites sources who say Chauvin is close to a deal with prosecutors. If that happens, they also say Chauvin would have to explain what happened when he kept his knee on George Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, which ultimately led to his death. The report adds that Chauvin could get up to 25 years on those charges. This would be served concurrent to the state sentence of 22 ½ years he’s already serving. That means he'd serve that federal and state sentences at the same time. News of a plea deal could explain why Chauvin didn't give a lengthier statement in court last week.