Dangerous heat, Missouri flooding and Iran tensions lead U.S. headlines

By ELK GROVE LAGUNA FORUMS NEWS STAFF

WASHINGTON — A dangerous heat wave spreading across much of the country, deadly flooding in Missouri and continued tensions between the United States and Iran were among the top stories across the nation Saturday.

Forecasters warned that a large dome of high pressure could expose as much as two-thirds of the continental United States to dangerously high temperatures during the coming week. Triple-digit readings were expected across parts of the Southwest, Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, with temperatures in some communities forecast to run 15 to 25 degrees above normal.

More than 90 local temperature records could be tied or broken, including several records for unusually warm overnight conditions. Health officials urged residents to drink water, limit strenuous outdoor activity and check on elderly neighbors and others without reliable air conditioning.

Missouri flooding leaves one dead

Recovery operations continued in southeastern Missouri after flash flooding killed at least one person and forced hundreds of rescues.

The Missouri National Guard used helicopters to evacuate more than 200 children and staff members from Camp Taum Sauk near Lesterville. Emergency crews also rescued people from homes, vehicles, trees and a campground building that partially collapsed after being struck by rushing water.

Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency as floodwaters closed roads and damaged communities across the region. Authorities warned residents to avoid flooded roads and recreational waterways while rivers continued to rise.

U.S. and Iran agree to continue talks

President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran had agreed to continue negotiations despite renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

U.S. officials were seeking a public commitment from Iran that commercial ships would be allowed to travel safely through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes. Iranian and Omani officials also discussed arrangements for the safe passage of vessels through the waterway.

The conflict has disrupted energy markets and raised concerns about gasoline prices, inflation and the security of U.S. military personnel in the region.

Inflation concerns remain in focus

The Federal Reserve said inflation increased during the spring as tariffs, higher energy costs connected to the Iran conflict and heavy investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure added pressure to prices.

Inflation remained above the central bank’s 2% target, although the labor market was described as relatively stable. Federal Reserve officials remained divided over whether interest rates would need to increase to prevent inflation from becoming more persistent.

Consumers continued to feel the effects of higher prices at grocery stores and gas stations, while businesses faced rising costs for transportation, energy and imported materials.

World Cup moves toward semifinals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continued to draw national attention Saturday as the tournament entered the final stages of the quarterfinal round.

England defeated Norway 2-1 to advance to a semifinal against the winner of Saturday night’s Argentina-Switzerland match. France and Spain were scheduled to meet in the other semifinal Tuesday.

The tournament is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the championship match scheduled for July 19.

What to watch

Officials will continue monitoring extreme heat, wildfire conditions and the possibility of additional severe storms throughout the weekend.

Attention will also remain focused on U.S.-Iran negotiations, energy prices and upcoming economic reports that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision.

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