Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Dozens Missing In VA Amid Storms, Flooding
Authorities in southwestern Virginia say dozens of people are unaccounted for – 44 at last check – after the region was hit by heavy rain that triggered major flooding. Over 100 homes sustained damage – some swept off their foundations . Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency. Buchanan County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Eric Breedin says they are attempting to make contact with the missing people, but stressed that they have not been declared missing. “This number reflects the number of people that has been reported to law enforcement by loved ones and family members as being unable to make contact with them,” the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. “This does not mean the person is missing, it means we are attempting to reach and locate the person and check on their wellbeing.”
2 Officials Confirm Two Shark Attacks In NY…In One Day
New Yorkers are on edge as officials have confirmed not one, but two shark attacks yesterday on Long Island. The first happened to a 41-year-old surfer paddling out. He said he felt teeth on his leg and took a punch at it. He also identified a sand tiger shark. Then, around 6pm, Suffolk County Police report that a 49-year-old man wading in waist deep water was bitten by a shark at Seaview Beach on Fire Island. They were the fourth and fifth in a string of attacks in recent weeks. If there’s good news, it’s that everyone is expected to be okay. County Executive Steve Bellone noted it's the second incident at this very beach in ten days, and he called it "unprecedented" while assuring residents officials are constantly monitoring the beach by land, sea and air. Bellone also pointed out that one of the incidents happened before lifeguards were on duty and reminded residents of the dangers of swimming without lifeguards present. "It's a lot. We had one the other week and now again,” Smith Point Beach lifeguard Sam Verdone noted. “We are just doing our best to keep everybody safe.”
3 Inflation hits 40-year-high
Inflation is jumping, and Americans are feeling the squeeze. In June, inflation jumped again on a persistent climb in gas, food and rent costs, notching another 40-year high and likely solidifying the Federal Reserve’s plans for another big rate hike this month. Prices increased 9.1% from a year earlier, up from an annual rate of 8.6% the previous month and the largest gain since November 1981, the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index showed Wednesday. "Ouch," Ian Shepherdson, chief economist of Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note of the latest surge in prices. He, along with other economists, noted June likely marked inflation's peak, though a similar pronouncement in the spring proved premature.