GERRI WILLIS: This Christmas, I keep thinking about family, friends in western NC. America should, too

The first major heatwave of summer is affecting the eastern half of North America, with heat warnings impacting over 160 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast and parts of Canada. Experts caution about increased health risks due to high temperatures and humidity, urging the public to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable individuals as some areas could see record highs, such as New York potentially reaching 101°F (38°C). Need More Context? 🔎

The Fourth of July holiday is projected to see a record 72.2 million travelers, with 5.84 million flying domestically and 61.6 million traveling by car, both increases from last year. Despite the surge, domestic airfare is at a four-year low of $260, and summer gas prices are the lowest since 2021. Need More Context? 🔎

Dog Trainer Charged with Animal CrueltyKwong (Tony) Chun Sit and his girlfriend Tingfeng Liu face multiple charges, including animal cruelty and evidence destruction, after 11 dogs died under Sit's care in California. Investigators found that the couple attempted to conceal the deaths by cremating the dogs without owner consent, with necropsies revealing some died from heat stroke and blunt force trauma. Need More Context? 🔎

Authorities in Washington state are searching for Travis Decker, 32, accused of murdering his three daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—whose bodies were found near his abandoned vehicle. The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office has indicated there is no solid evidence that Decker is alive, and the ongoing search may soon pivot to recovery efforts, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Need More Context? 🔎

Today, federal prosecutors continued to present evidence in Diddy’s trial, showcasing text messages and testimony indicating his alleged orchestration of drug-fueled sexual encounters. The defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, plans to forgo calling witnesses, focusing instead on presenting limited evidence as the prosecution nears the conclusion of its case. Need More Context? 🔎

A federal jury awarded $500,000 to the widow and estate of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide after defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot. The jury found chiropractor David Walls-Kaufman liable for assaulting Smith, ordering him to pay $440,000 in damages, though a wrongful-death claim was dismissed by the judge. Need More Context? 🔎