Extreme weather conditions are gripping the United States, with oppressive heat, wildfires, and flooding impacting millions. A heat wave is sweeping from the Midwest to the East Coast, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas. Health officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated as the heat is expected to persist throughout the weekend.

Travel disruptions are also occurring, particularly in the Northeast, where Amtrak has reported slower train speeds due to the heat, resulting in delays of up to an hour. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, a rapidly spreading wildfire has led to evacuations in the village of Ruidoso, where entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, according to local officials.

In Northeast Iowa, heavy rainfall has caused the Rock River to overflow, displacing residents from their homes.

In other news, an Arkansas man has been charged with capital murder following a grocery store shooting that left three dead and 11 injured in Fordyce. The suspect, Travis Eugene Posey, was apprehended after a gunfight with police that resulted in injuries to two officers.

Internationally, the situation in Gaza has escalated, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in at least 39 fatalities, according to Palestinian officials. The strikes targeted Hamas military sites, as tensions continue to rise in the region. In Tel Aviv, thousands rallied for new elections and to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate the release of hostages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia has launched over 2,400 guided missiles at Ukrainian targets this month, following a deadly day of attacks in Kharkiv that killed three and injured many others. Zelensky emphasized the need for increased support from Western allies.

In a peculiar development, Las Vegas police have removed a mysterious six-foot-four monolith from the Nevada desert, citing public safety concerns. The origins of the structure remain unknown, adding to a series of similar installations that have appeared globally since 2020.

As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, the struggles of renters in Austin, Texas, seeking affordable housing and the environmental impact of big data will be explored in upcoming segments.