Northwest Floods Wreak Havoc

(NEWSER) - Fans, ice cream, and AC were in short supply yesterday as Seattle recorded the hottest temperature in its history, a sizzling 103 degrees, and heat records melted across the region, reports the Seattle Times. Relief is still a sweaty few days away as a heat warning remains in effect for much of the state throughout the week. More»

(NEWSER) - A heat wave continues to pummel the Pacific Northwest, the AP reports, though tomorrow will likely bring some relief. Temperatures at Seattle’s airport could easily break the 1994 record of 100 degrees today; yesterday, temps in Portland came within 1 degree of the 1984 record of 107. The region is ill-prepared, and emergency cooling stations have been set up. More»

Microsoft co-founder commits most of his fortune to philanthropy

(NEWSER) - Looks as though Bill Gates' billionaire challenge is paying off: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has pledged to give away most of his $13 billion fortune. He made the vow public a month after Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett urged the world's richest to give away at least half of their wealth. Allen, the 37th-richest person in the world on the most recent Forbes list, hopes to "spur other people to give," a rep tells the Seattle Times . More»

Check of stolen vehicle resulted in one-sided gun fight

(NEWSER) - The death of alleged Washington state cop-killer Maurice Clemmons was attended only by the cop who shot him. Seattle police say an officer on a routine patrol found an empty car with its hood up, checked the plates, and found that is was stolen. Then he saw a man approaching, recognized Clemmons, and ordered him to freeze. The suspect did not, and the officer opened fire. More»

$125K reward for info; more than one gun was used in attack

(NEWSER) - Police in Washington state are hoping the wife of suspected cop-killer Maurice Clemmons can help them find her husband. Officers were warned to today to be on the lookout for Nicole Cheryleen Smith, possibly driving a green 1997 Mazda Millenia to Arkansas. Police have posted a $125,000 reward for information on Clemmons after chasing down numerous leads, including a standoff last night and this morning at the suspect's home that proved fruitless. More»