LAS VEGAS — As spring temperatures began to climb in Phoenix, Dr. Jeffrey Johnston prepared for a grim summer trend featuring numerous fatalities.
In the past decade, Johnston, the chief medical examiner for Maricopa County, Arizona, has witnessed an alarming rise in deaths attributed to extreme heat. The heat-related fatalities in the county surged from several dozen in 2014 to 645 in 2023.
“The spike was so severe and prolonged that we approached it as a mass casualty incident,” he commented, referring to the recent summer.
However, Maricopa County—home to the most populated area in the desert southwest—has made significant investments in heat preparedness and mitigation strategies. Cooling centers in Phoenix are now operational every day of the week. The county has scaled up its heat safety communications efforts and appointed a full-time heat mitigation coordinator.
Consequently, there were fewer heat-related deaths last year compared to the previous year, despite experiencing record temperatures for the first time in a decade. With summer concluded, officials are reviewing the year’s achievements, and initial data indicates that the trend of decline is continuing: Maricopa County has reported 185 heat-related fatalities so far, significantly lower than the 284 reported at the same time last year.
Phoenix firefighters provide aid to a homeless individual during a heat wave in Phoenix on May 30, 2024. Matt York/AP File
In contrast, a troubling situation is arising in Clark County, Nevada’s second most populous area, which includes Las Vegas. The fatalities from heatstroke here have more than tripled within three years, reaching a record high of 513 in 2024. While the current year’s death toll is still not finalized, it is expected that the number of heat-related deaths will be in the hundreds.
Ariel Choinard, a scientist at the Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas, noted that last summer’s extreme heat served as a major wake-up call.
“Seeing a 120-degree temperature in Las Vegas made people realize, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really serious,'” she said.
Choinard has been pivotal in local initiatives addressing heat-related fatalities in Clark County and is tracking advancements in Maricopa County. She recognizes there is still work to be done.
“They began tackling the heat issue earlier than we did here, so they have made more progress in several respects,” she remarked.
Heat causes more fatalities in the United States each year than other weather-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, as reported by the National Weather Service. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of heat waves, these two counties in one of the fastest-warming regions of the U.S. exemplify the urgent measures needed to preserve lives in light of this escalating threat and the severe consequences of inaction.
“All of these deaths are preventable.”
Heat disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Individuals lacking access to air conditioning, including those experiencing homelessness or residing in low-income areas or mobile homes, face heightened risks. Outdoor workers, people with pre-existing conditions, and the elderly are also at increased danger.
In Maricopa County last year, 49% of heat-related deaths were linked to homelessness, while 57% were due to substance use. Therefore, strategies aimed at preventing fatalities from extreme heat must prioritize these vulnerable groups.
Maricopa County sought to address this by expanding its network of cooling centers and hydration stations in 2023, especially after experiencing 31 consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures of 110 degrees or higher that led to a rapid increase in heat-related deaths.
Recent reports indicate an increasing risk of assaults on submarine cables supported by Russia and China, which facilitate international internet traffic, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan.
Submarine cables represent 99% of global intercontinental data traffic and have experienced various disruptive incidents allegedly tied to state activities in the past 18 months.
A study conducted by the US cybersecurity firm Recorded Future has highlighted nine incidents expected in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan in 2024 and 2025, suggesting a predictive pattern for further harmful actions.
According to the analysis, while genuine accidents could lead to damage to many submarine cables, the situations in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan suggest a rise in malicious actions attributed to Russia and China.
“The operations linked to Russia in the Baltic region and China in the Western Pacific are likely to increase as tensions elevate,” the firm noted.
The report points to several incidents, including the disconnection of two submarine cables from Lithuania to Sweden in November, with accusations directed at an anchor dragged by a Chinese vessel. Also in December, a Russian oil tanker was detained after severing cables between Finland and Estonia.
In Taiwan, recent incidents include cable damage caused by a Chinese-operated cargo vessel zigzagging over the line to Peng Island in February. One month prior, another Chinese vessel was suggested as a likely source of damage to the Taiwan-US cable.
The analysis states, “While deterring state-sponsored sabotage linked to the Baltic and Taiwan incidents is challenging, such activities align with the strategic goals of Russia and China, as well as observed operations and their existing deep-sea capabilities.”
Recorded Future emphasizes that successful attacks on multiple cables are likely to result in prolonged disruptions, typically requiring intervention in deeper waters and likely involving state-level threat actors due to the complexities of accessing these sites. Such actions may occur prior to a full-scale conflict, the report suggests.
The firm noted 44 distinct cable damages have been recorded over the past 18 months. A significant portion is attributed to “unclear causes,” while nearly a third remains unexplained, with 16% due to seismic activity or other natural events.
Submarine cables installed in the Baltic Sea. Analysts suggest sabotaging these cables is a strategic move, as it can be framed as accidental damage. Photo: Lehtikuva/Reuters
Analysts believe that targeting subsea cables presents a strategic advantage, as such actions can disguise as accidental damage or implicate vessels without direct connections to any suspected attackers.
To mitigate the risk of incidents damaging multiple cables and resulting in “long-term connectivity issues,” Recorded Future recommends enhanced cable monitoring, improved security measures, and robust stress testing of subsea infrastructure.
Notably, despite incidents in the Baltic and Taiwan regions, the most severe cases unfolded elsewhere. In February last year, a missile from Houthi forces struck a ship’s anchor, severely disrupting communications in the Middle East. A month later, in West Africa, an underwater landslide caused significant issues, followed by another critical incident off the coast of South Africa in May 2024 related to cable drifting.
The implications of the Red Sea and African incidents reveal that the longest-lasting disruptions occur in regions with limited alternative cable options and insufficient repair capabilities, irrespective of the specific causes.
In contrast, two cable incidents in the Baltic Sea last November had minimal repercussions due to their relatively low impact and the resilience of European internet infrastructure. However, the report highlights that three EU island nations—Malta, Cyprus, and Ireland—are more susceptible due to their heavy dependence on submarine cables for global communications.
The recent strategic defense assessment from the UK government acknowledged the potential threats to submarine cables and recommended a greater and more coordinated role for the Royal Navy in safeguarding the submarine infrastructure that carries vital information, energy, and goods relied upon by citizens.
In Paterson, New Jersey, over 100 individuals required medical attention during two outdoor graduation ceremonies on Monday, as the heat index soared to 107 degrees. That evening, Mayor Andre Seig declared a state of emergency, leading to the cancellation of all recreational activities due to the extreme heat.
Monday saw record high temperatures exceeding 60 degrees nationwide, with predictions extending from the southeast up to New England throughout the week.
Preliminary daily records were established on Tuesday in New York City (99 degrees), Philadelphia (for the first time since 2012), and Raleigh, North Carolina (100 degrees).
New monthly records for June were set in Boston (101 degrees) and Providence, Rhode Island (100 degrees), while Newark recorded a staggering June high of 103 degrees.
The National Weather Service indicates that the oppressive heat conditions are likely to persist through the evening.
These elevated temperatures are attributed to high-pressure ridges, which are currently parked over the eastern United States. Known as thermal domes, these systems effectively trap heat in the region, leading to prolonged periods of elevated temperatures.
While some relief may arrive towards the weekend, heat and humidity levels are expected to remain elevated over the coming days.
“The most severe cumulative heat impacts are expected on Friday across the eastern Ohio valleys stretching from the Mid-Atlantic to Thursday, resulting in multi-day oppressive heat,” stated the Weather Service.
All individuals are at risk for heat-related illnesses and fatalities, but the excessive heat and humidity—especially over several days—pose a particular risk to children, those with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, and outdoor workers. These health concerns are increasingly pressing as climate change leads to more frequent, intense, and lasting heat events.
While the eastern U.S. battles the heat dome, a severe storm system could impact parts of Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Additionally, heavy rainfall and flooding are likely for much of New Mexico and southwestern Texas.
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IThis April, Daisy Elicek stumbled upon something peculiar while browsing TikTok. She discovered videos featuring her 84-year-old father, George Tsaftarides, who operates a small tailoring business in Ohio. However, the video she encountered did not originate from Tsaftarides’ official page, but rather from an account claiming to be a “sad old man” at risk of losing his cat sanctuary, boasting nearly 41,000 followers.
The video text expressed, “I poured my love into my life because I couldn’t bear to close the cat shelter,” suggesting that the sanctuary would sell slippers to raise extra funds. This plea resonated with many viewers, leading to comments from millions and tens of thousands of users. One commenter wrote, “I just ordered two! Sending love to these kittens.” Another added, “Thank you for everything you do for these babies.” Others inquired about a GoFundMe link to donate directly to the cat shelters.
Yelichek and her father were taken aback. Tsaftarides does not operate any shelters. The accounts promoting these funding requests appear to be part of scams aimed at selling mass-produced slippers. Some followers who actually ordered the slippers received fuzzy footwear labeled “Made in China,” indicating they were not handmade by an elderly man running a struggling cat sanctuary.
“These individuals are using my identity for profit, but I can’t understand why,” Tsaftarides stated. “It’s theft, it’s dishonest, and it’s wrong.”
Tsaftarides isn’t the only TikTok user to have their likeness misappropriated. Charles Ray, an 85-year-old retiree from Michigan, has also been targeted by accounts using doctored video clips of his portrait. He began his own TikTok account in January to share jokes with his followers.
“At the start of the year, my pastor made a joke about a frog, and I thought, ‘This should make people smile,’ so I found a way to create an account and made a joke, and it took off from there,” he recounted.
Ray’s videos all follow a similar formula. Shot in selfie mode, he delivers a quick joke. He was disheartened to discover his content was used not only to “spread joy” but also to exploit and scam others. In one clip, he appears to be rubbing his eyes, while another repost suggests he is crying. One video uses a clip of a woman sobbing about an unrelated topic, while another includes a user in a hospital bed.
Since Yelichek first identified the misuse of her father’s image, she has cataloged over 100 accounts using unrelated videos to promote mass-produced items like slippers, headphone cases, and blankets. According to a list compiled by Yelichek and analyzed by the Guardian, around 20 accounts can be traced across Instagram and YouTube, employing similar tactics.
At one point, Yelichek reached out to the account, which had manipulated her father’s image, pleading for them to cease their actions. The individual behind the account claimed to be a struggling 17-year-old boy in Greece.
“I understand your situation, but I hope you can understand mine as well,” he responded.
This scam resembles a video trend on TikTok that has successfully promoted sales for small businesses through heartfelt messages about struggling local shops and eateries. A typical post imitates a community appeal for support.
In the case of Yelichek’s viral video, many commenters moved by the fabricated tale attempted to amplify it, mentioning the names of celebrities and generating further engagement that TikTok seems to prioritize. One comment noted, “Fun fact,” regarding another similar video claiming to support a diligent cow sanctuary. “If you engage, you’ll receive more replies! See other popular channels like Chapel Lawn and Taylor Swift to reach more people.” The video states that these accounts also recontextualize clips from genuine TikTok users to create misleading narratives before deleting them, which amassed 1.4 million likes and 26,000 comments.
Tsaftarides feels particularly frustrated, as his own content, which he intended to promote small businesses—including his own—has been co-opted to market mass-produced products.
“We aim to showcase our store and educate people about sewing,” he explained. “I won’t profit from my TikTok account.”
Yelichek mentioned that she and her father filed a police report with the Jackson Township police in Ohio. The local police have been actively working to liaise with social networks to address the issue of identity theft and remove the stolen content. While Yelichek noted that Instagram has removed several of the profiles she reported, TikTok—a platform grappling with a more significant issue—has been less responsive.
“When we comment on [these videos] and label them as spam, our comments are often swiftly deleted, leading TikTok to assert they’re not violating their community guidelines,” Yelichek shared, along with a screenshot of the message.
TikTok users who are wise to the scheme have taken to commenting on the videos to label them as scams. Like Yelichek, some users have noted that TikTok has responded to their reports by claiming the content doesn’t violate community guidelines.
In an official statement, TikTok emphasized that their community guidelines prohibit any accounts or content that infringe upon others’ intellectual property rights. Reports of copyright infringement may require proof of ownership, such as links to the original content or evidence of the infringing material. Meta echoed similar sentiments, stating the same Terms of use on Instagram prohibit posting content that violates intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks, and such infractions can be reported on Instagram. For more information, please visit their Help Page.
Ray, the 85-year-old jokester, also attempted to report the fraudulent video but received a response indicating that the flagged content did not violate TikTok’s community standards. Like Yelichek, he has faced frequent removal of his comments cautioning followers against scams, lamenting that he “hasn’t received any assistance from TikTok” and is unsure how to communicate further with the platform.
In a statement, TikTok reiterated its commitment to combating copyright violations, noting that 94% of content removed for breaching community guidelines regarding fake engagement in the last quarter was removed in response to reports.
Meanwhile, some users are becoming increasingly aware of this specific type of emotional manipulation. In recent viral videos, warnings about fraudulent posts claiming to support cat shelters, cow farms, and other heartbreaking narratives are spreading like wildfire.
While awareness increases, misleading videos continue to circulate. Instead of being disheartened, Ray has opted to create a video, recalling that many of his 13,000 followers express anticipation for his daily posts.
“Everything going on today makes people need a reason to smile,” he stated. “If my followers can smile, even briefly forget their troubles, then that’s all I hope to achieve—making people smile. This isn’t going to stop me.”
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New studies conducted by USGS geophysicist Danny Brothers reveal that the Cascadia subduction zone, stretching along the US west coast from northern California to northern Vancouver Island, may have seen around 30 large earthquakes over the past 14,200 years. On average, a large earthquake could occur in that area approximately every 450 to 500 years.
Despite this history, the Cascadia Volcano has remained dormant for years, as many scientists believe the volcano is mainly “frozen” and under immense pressure. Should the volcano erupt, it could cause a significant shift in the ocean floor, leading to potential tsunamis heading towards the shore.
Washington State Emergency Management Director Robert Ezell has warned that this event could be the most catastrophic natural disaster in the country’s history.
Seismologists are now focused on predicting these potential cataclysms, with research suggesting that faults like Cascadia and Nankai may give off warning signs, such as minor foreshocks or subtle tremors only detectable by specialized sensors (known as slow-slip events).
In a worst-case scenario proposed by Tobin, if the Cascadia Fault were to release such vibrations suddenly, the consequences could be devastating.
A major earthquake in the Cascade Range could leave over 100,000 people injured, lasting for five minutes and generating tsunamis along the coast for up to 10 hours. Liquefaction could occur in inland hills, destroying roads and bridges, with around 620,000 buildings, including hospitals and schools, facing severe damage or destruction.
Ezell emphasized that the state is not adequately prepared for such an event, warning residents to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks following a disaster.
The maps of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates converge to create subduction zones and volcanoes, particularly concern Ezell.
“Over the past few decades, we’ve witnessed major ruptures in all subduction zones’ faults except for Cascadia,” Ezell noted.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Monday that human drivers should always use caution after videos surfaced of people driving Teslas wearing what appears to be Apple’s recently released Vision Pro headset. He said he needed to pay.
Buttigieg responded on Twitter/X to a video that has been viewed more than 24 million times that shows a Tesla driver seemingly gesturing with his hands to manipulate a virtual reality field.
Buttigieg said on Monday that Tesla’s self-driving assist features (Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, Full Self-Driving), despite their names, do not mean the vehicle is fully self-driving. said on social media.
“Be careful – all advanced driver assistance systems available today require a human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times,” Buttigieg said.
Apple’s Vision Pro was released last week and blends three-dimensional digital content with views of the outside world. Apple, which says it should never be used while operating a moving vehicle, did not respond to a request for comment.
Note: All currently available advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times. pic.com/OpPy36mOgC
According to Apple’s Alan Dye, the Vision Pro will work as a headset that allows users to interact with “apps and experiences” in an augmented reality (AR) version of their surroundings or in a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) space. Vice President of Human Interface Design announced in June.
“Apple Vision Pro relies solely on your eyes, hands, and voice,” Dai said in June. “Browse your system just by looking. App icons come to life when you look at them. Just tap your fingers at the same time to select them and scroll them with a light flick.”
“Apple Vision Pro will change the way we communicate, collaborate, work, and enjoy entertainment,” said Apple executive Tim Cook. But the company didn’t intend for Vision Pro to change the way people commute.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Buttigieg previously made similar comments about Tesla’s use of Autopilot. Tesla says its advanced driver features are intended for use by fully alert drivers who “keep their hands on the wheel and ready to take over at any time.”
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