Phoenix, Arizona, is forecast to top its record for 100-degree days in a row. The increasingly common heat in Phoenix contributed to 645 deaths last year. The four of the six hottest summers on record have occurred in the past five years. A heat dome will see temperatures soar as high as 114 degrees on Thursday, potentially beating last year’s 55 110-degree days. (Axios)
An 11-year-old boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two family members in Minden, Louisiana. The victims are an 82-year-old man and his 31-year-old daughter. It’s not clear how the boy is related to them. The boy was found with two firearms and confessed to the shooting. The motive is still unknown. (UPI)
NOAA unveiled a new $100 million high-performance computer system named “Rhea” to enhance weather, climate, and ocean research. The computer will boost AI capabilities for improved forecasting, disaster prediction, and ecosystem modeling. The system aims to strengthen NOAA’s scientific and economic impacts. (UPI)
Hvaldimir, a Beluga whale known for speculation of being a Russian spy, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Admired for his friendly behavior and viral moments, he frequented the Norwegian coast seeking human interaction. Animal rights organizations are investigating, saying Hvaldimir’s passing “was not a natural death.” (NPR)
Costco has increased its annual membership fees for the first time since 2017. The fees for the “Gold Star,” “Business,” and “Business Add-On” plans have gone up by $5 to $65 a year in the US and Canada. The premium “Executive Membership” fee has increased by $10 to $130 a year. The fee hikes are expected to impact around 52 million memberships. (CNN)
