1 dead, 6 missing after tornado sinks luxury yacht near Sicily
One body has been recovered, and six people remain missing after a 184-foot luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm on Monday, Aug. 19. According to the Italian coast guard, the yacht was struck by a tornado around 5 a.m. local time while anchored about half a mile from the port of Porticello.
Fifteen people, including a one-year-old child, were rescued from the scene and transported to local hospitals, where all are reported to be in stable condition. The survivors include the yacht’s captain. However, search efforts continue for the six missing individuals, who are believed to be of British, American, and Canadian nationality.
The yacht, named “Bayesian,” was built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and registered under a British flag. The vessel was carrying a mix of British passengers and crew, as well as nationals from the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
Italy’s fire brigade confirmed that divers reached the wreck, now resting 160 feet below the surface. Helicopters have also been dispatched to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The storm that caused the yacht to sink is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting Italy, where heavy rain, floods, and landslides have been wreaking havoc in the northern regions following a period of extreme heat.
Authorities are investigating why the yacht remained anchored despite the adverse weather conditions.
Wildfires rage on the outskirts of Athens, prompting massive evacuations
Wildfires on the outskirts of Athens, Greece, prompted urgent evacuations as the fires killed at least one person and forced thousands from their homes. So far, the fire burned about 100,000 acres. Authorities continue to evacuate affected areas as the fires spread.
Officials reported that fires started in 40 different locations on Monday, Aug. 12, with flames reaching as high as 82 feet in some areas.
On Tuesday, smoke that covered Athens cleared, but a persistent haze remains. Firefighters, battling fatigue, are focusing on extinguishing hotspots, particularly in the northeastern suburbs of Marathon and Penteli. The response is substantial, with more than 700 firefighters, nearly 200 vehicles and 35 aircraft deployed to combat the flames.
Other European countries sent planes, helicopters and additional resources to help Greece combat the wildfires.
Concerns are growing that Greece might face another catastrophic wildfire season similar to last summer. Those fires severely damaged multiple regions and Athens’ heavily forested national park, known as the city’s “lungs.”
CNN reported a rise in missing persons incidents in Greece, potentially tied to the extreme heat.
Several tourists who vanished in June while hiking were later found dead. Authorities are urging the public to recognize the serious risks associated with the intense heat.
7.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Japan, scientists warn bigger one to come
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off of the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, Aug. 8, prompting tsunami worries and concerns a larger quake could happen in the future. Scientists disclosed that after this most recent earthquake, there is a 70%-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake striking the region within the next 30 years.
Japan sits on the infamous Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences around 1,500 earthquakes a year. The country accounts for around 20% of all global earthquakes.
The most recent earthquake on Thursday triggered tsunami warnings that have since been rescinded. Fears over tsunamis have grown since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. However, Japanese government officials said that all 12 nuclear reactors in the area remain safe for now.
The government is reportedly in the process of establishing a task force to coordinate disaster response efforts. In one neighborhood concrete walls were reportedly destroyed and a wooden home was damaged. However, government officials said that initial findings suggest that infrastructure is holding up relatively well to the earthquake.
Japan experienced a much more disastrous earthquake on Jan 1. That earthquake happened in Japan’s north-central region and killed more than 240 people.
Scientists say relentless floods in Vermont may be here to stay, here’s why
Vermont continued to experience historic flooding on Tuesday, July 30, and more rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week. However, scientists warn that while these scenes of devastation may be shocking, this type of catastrophic flooding could soon become the new normal.
Scientists said that climate change is fueling stronger and more saturated storms, and the United States’ East Coast may face some of the worst of the flooding. A recent study found that the East Coast’s precipitation is expected to rise by 52% by the end of the century.
“There’s more moisture available in the atmosphere as the climate warms,” National Weather Service meteorologist Peter Banacos said. “We’re seeing higher dew points. We’re seeing more moisture-laden air masses making it up into our latitude.”
At that rate, experts say that current infrastructure won’t keep up. Some reportedly fear that Vermont’s roads, bridges, culverts and wastewater facilities are in danger of being washed away with more flooding.
Vermont also has mostly older, smaller dams, designed to power textile mills, provide water storage and irrigate farms. However, as intense storms become a more common threat, these dams may no longer be useful. Heavy flooding in the state last year led to five dams failing and around 60 dams overtopping.
Meanwhile, state officials are in the middle of a multidecade project to strengthen infrastructure to endure the effects of climate change. Officials said that the goal is to replace and repair structures and are working on statewide floodplain standards.
As Typhoon Gaemi moves toward Taiwan through the Philippine Sea, the nation is readying itself with advanced early warning systems to protect its citizens and infrastructure. With winds up to 100 mph, Taiwan has recalled fishing boats, canceled flights and implemented extensive safety protocols.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is dealing with the severe aftermath of the same storm system. Enhanced monsoon rains have caused devastating floods and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
At least 12 people have died and more than 600,000 have been displaced. The Philippine government is mobilizing resources and support for affected communities. The Philippine Coast Guard has reported over 350 passengers, cargo truck drivers and workers are stranded in seaports across the country.
Both Taiwan and the Philippines will face significant recovery and rebuilding challenges after Typhoon Gaemi. Taiwan is likely to enhance its already robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
In the Philippines, recovery efforts will be more challenging, with serious implications for housing, agriculture and economic stability. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed all relevant government agencies to quickly aid those affected by the typhoon and severe monsoon conditions.
Blistering heat wave gripping western US won’t stop Death Valley tourists
A dangerous heat wave is gripping parts of the American West as temperatures broke record highs in some areas on Monday, July 8. However, the heat didn’t stop hundreds of tourists from flocking to Death Valley National Park, even in the wake of a motorcyclist’s death attributed to the latest heat wave gripping the park.
The California desert is one of the hottest places on earth but even this heat is extreme for Death Valley with temperatures potentially reaching 130 degrees. Park officials have warned those visiting the tourist attraction to heed caution in the dangerous temperatures and to limit their time outside their vehicles.
From Death Valley to Las Vegas and up the West Coast, heat advisories were in effect for around 146 million people on Monday, July 8, as summer vacations are well underway.
Las Vegas broke its record-high temperature by reaching 120 degrees on Monday but it’s not over yet. A predicted high of 118 is in the forecast for Thursday, July 11.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, authorities said the heat is to blame for four deaths over the weekend of July 6.
However, the heat isn’t just a danger to public health, it’s also creating a wildfire risk. Scorching temperatures along with dry conditions fueled a fire in the Santa Barbara mountains on Monday as more than a thousand firefighters battled the blaze. The fire forced the evacuation of some nearby communities as it grew.
Additionally, some areas not typically accustomed to high temperatures have soared into the 90s. For instance, South Lake Tahoe, California, reached a record-high temperature of 91 degrees.
The early July heat wave comes after global temperatures hit record warms for the 13th straight month in June.
Biden looks to solidify support from Democrats after debate
The White House released President Joe Biden’s next plans to reassure concerned Democrats after last week’s debate. And July 4 holiday travelers are expected to break records on the road amid soaring temperatures. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Biden looks to solidify support from Democrats after debate
President Joe Biden and his team are taking this holiday week to reassure supporters that his decision to remain in the presidential race is the right one after his performance during the June 27 debate left some in his party questioning his candidacy. During a campaign fundraiser event in Virginia Tuesday, July 2, Biden blamed his poor performance on jet lag from back-to-back European trips, telling donors that “he wasn’t very smart” that he “didn’t listen” to his staff.
Reports also said Biden added that he almost “fell asleep during the debate.” To what extent the president was joking is not clear.
Previously, Biden’s campaign had said the president had a cold going into the debate.
On Wednesday, July 3, the president will speak with Democratic governors and party leaders as he looks to calm their fears. The White House reportedly will also be holding an all-staff meeting which the Associated Press describes as a “morale-booster.”
Biden has also agreed to sit down for an interview ABC News on Friday, July 5.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration really wants to turn the page on this topic with Biden heading to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the coming days, but that didn’t stop reporters from pressing the issue.
“I think the American people need to get a yes or no answer on this: Does President Biden, at 81 years old, have Alzheimer’s any form of dementia or degenerative illness that would cause these sorts of lapses?” Andrew Feinberg, a reporter with The Independent, said. “And it’s a yes or no question and if you don’t know, why don’t you, as one of his senior staff members, know?”
Jean-Pierre fired back, “I have an answer for you. Are you ready for it? It’s a ‘no’ and I hope you’re asking the other guy the same exact question.”
This all comes as some members of the Democratic party are calling for Biden to step aside.
“I thought it was time for me to speak up, not for any self-gain, but because I think the risk to our country is so great we need to have the strongest candidate possible in order to ensure that the values that we hold for our democracy are not traded for an authoritarian strongman bent on revenge against his opponents,” Doggett told NBC News.
In a Newsweek opinion column, former Ohio congressman and presidential candidate Tim Ryan promoted the idea for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Biden on their party’s ticket.
Speaking to CBS News after leaving a fundraiser in California, the vice president confirmed President Biden remains the Democratic nominee.
“Look, Joe Biden is our nominee,” Harris said. “We beat Trump once and we’re going to beat him again. Period.”
Harris added, “I am proud to be Joe Biden’s running mate.”
Judge delays sentencing in Trump criminal case
Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his New York criminal trial has been pushed back to at least September. The judge’s decision came out Tuesday, July 2, a day after the U.S. Supreme Court handed the former president a big win, ruling he has some immunity from being criminally prosecuted on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
Trump’s sentencing in New York was originally scheduled for next Thursday, July 11. Now, the judge overseeing the trial says Trump will be sentenced on Sept. 18 “if such is still necessary.”
That’s an “if” because Trump’s lawyers say the Supreme Court ruling should not only delay the sentencing but lead to tossing out his conviction completely.
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social after the decision came down, saying the Supreme Court’s decision awarded him “total exoneration” in this and other criminal cases he faces.
Trump became the first former president to be convicted of a felony in May, when a Manhattan jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
The Supreme Court’s decision has cast doubt on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump on election subversion charges, and a trial before the November election is highly unlikely now.
Giuliani disbarred in New York for 2020 election interference efforts
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been disbarred in New York after a Manhattan appeals court found he repeatedly made false statements about former President Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. The court said Giuliani “flagrantly misused” his position.
Giuliani, once a legal adviser to Trump, has been banned from practicing law in “any form” in New York. Giuliani’s lawyer said his legal team was disappointed by the court’s decision.
Island-wide emergency declared in Jamaica ahead of Beryl
As Hurricane Beryl hurtles toward Jamaica, the country’s prime minister preemptively declared the whole island a disaster area. He’s also instated an island-wide curfew for Wednesday, July 3.
Beryl has been downgraded to a Category 4 storm now, but it’s already caused at least six deaths in the Caribbean.
Beryl is forecast to weaken more as it gets closer to Jamaica, but is still expected to be a major hurricane — at least a Category 3 — when it hits, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surge.
Eli Lilly’s drug has been shown in clinical trials to slow a decline in memory and thinking abilities in people in the early stages of the disease. The drug, which will be sold in the coming weeks under the brand name Kisunla, is an infusion given every four weeks that targets a protein buildup in the brain — considered to be the main indicator of Alzheimer’s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million people in the U.S. 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s last year. That number’s expected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060.
Watch for heat, rain, busy roads this July 4 holiday
The July 4 holiday is almost here, and while people get set to celebrate America’s independence, they may find themselves having to face two separate issues — the weather and the roads. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the brief break from the heat in the eastern U.S. is over, with heat and humidity pushing through New England.
In California and portions of the southwest, triple-digit temperatures are expected throughout the holiday week. Meanwhile in the Midwest, NOAA said rain could spoil the cookouts.
Then there’s the jam-packed roadways. AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will drive over the July 4 week. That’s nearly 3 million more than last year and would surpass 2019’s pre-pandemic levels, when around 55 million traveled by car.
Biden admin rolls out proposal to protect workers from excessive heat
As tens of millions of people across the country are under heat advisories, the Biden administration proposed a new rule Tuesday, July 2, that would require workplaces to address excessive heat. If finalized, it would become the first major safety rule of its kind and protect more than 30 million Americans from injuries related to heat exposure while on the job.
Despite increased awareness of the health risks associated with heat, extreme heat protections are not in place for many workers.
Under the Biden administration’s new plan, employers would have to develop emergency response plans related to heat illness and provide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water to employees and develop a plan to help new workers build tolerance to higher temperatures.
Penalties for heat-related violations would also increase significantly to be in line with the penalties workplaces receive for OSHA violations.
Currently, only five states have workplace standards for heat exposure in place. Over the past year, both Florida and Texas passed legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers.
An estimated 2,300 people died in the U.S. from heat-related illness just last year.
Severe flooding, erosion around Minnesota dam causes house collapse
Late Tuesday, June 25, a house on the edge of the Blue Earth River near Minnesota’s Rapidan Dam collapsed due to severe erosion caused by a partial failure of the dam earlier in the week. This incident occurred amid one of the area’s most severe floods on record.
Despite the damage, officials confirm the dam is intact and there are no plans for a mass evacuation.
Caught on camera: A house teetering on the edge of the Blue Earth River near the Rapidan Dam collapsed into the river Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/noqb3uIs4D
The flood swept away an electrical substation along the river’s west bank, near the iconic Rapidan Dam Store, a treasured local landmark managed by the Barnes family for decades. The family also owned the house that was carried away.
The Barnes family evacuated their home just in time, watching it fall into the swollen river after the breach in the dam’s west abutment. The Barnes consider themselves fortunate to have escaped unharmed.
Jenny Barnes, the owner of the Rapidan Dam Store, expressed the severity of the situation.
“That’s our business; that’s our livelihood,” Barnes said. “It’s everything to us. There’s no stopping it. It’s going to go where it wants to go. It’s going to take what it wants to take.”
Blue Earth County Emergency Management reported that the channel around the dam’s west abutment has widened and deepened, with most of the water now bypassing the dam’s gates. Although the water flow has slightly decreased, it remains challenging for emergency mitigation efforts. The focus of emergency services has shifted from the dam to assessing the stability of a nearby bridge.
The Rapidan Dam, more than a century old and previously capable of generating 6 million watts of hydroelectric power, has deteriorated over the years due to regular flooding and aging infrastructure. A 2021 county report presented officials with a critical decision: repair or remove the dam.
Authorities continue to monitor for potential downstream impacts, part of a broader pattern of extreme weather, including torrential rains and flooding, that has caused widespread devastation across the upper Midwest.
Person appears to faint from heat during White House press briefing
The record-breaking heatwave hitting the U.S right now is more than just sweltering — it’s downright dangerous. A scare at the White House in the middle of a daily press briefing is highlighting just how dangerous heat can be, even indoors.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stepped off the podium Tuesday, June 18, after someone can be heard saying, “We have an emergency.” Jean-Pierre then went to check the person who appeared to have overheated, before she returned to the briefing. “Does anybody need water?” she asked the reporters in attendance, agreeing that it was hot in the briefing room.
AccuWeather is reporting the high temperature reached 94 degrees in Washington Tuesday, June 18. It’s also expected to get hotter as the week goes on, with the National Weather Service predicting a potential high of 99 degrees by Saturday, June 22.
The heat in D.C. is part of a bigger heatwave sweeping over the eastern U.S. right now. Meteorologists say around 270 million people will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees this week.
The heat is not the only big severe weather event facing the U.S. right now. At least one person has been confirmed dead in New Mexico as two wildfires continue to burn.
The fires forced thousands to quickly flee their homes and fire officials say more than 500 structures have been destroyed by those fires so far.
However, forecasters said incoming cooler weather and the chance of rain could bring some relief this week to firefighters battling the blazes.
The Texas coast is under a tropical storm watch as what could soon become the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches. The National Hurricane Center said heavy, potentially flooding rain is expected, with as much as 15 inches possible.