RECORD HIGH temperatures are are broiling areas of the U.S. (Shutterstock).

Broiling heat is lashing much of the southern United States, with temperatures climbing to 100 and higher.

According to the Associated Press, the highest temperature on Saturday was the Phoenix, Arizona area at 115. Clark County, Nevada (home of Las Vegas) saw the thermometer bob from 105 to 120.

The warm weather is expected to continue right through the Independence Day holiday and beyond in a swath from California to Florida and as far north as Portland, Oregon and Seattle.

The effects – in some areas – will include thunderstorms and hail.

Putin’s problems not over yet?
After 23 years as Russia’s president and strong man, Vladimir Putin’s status looked pretty precarious as angry mercenaries rolled toward Moscow at the same time that Ukrainian forces appeared to be reclaiming some territory which had been held by Russian troops.

YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN

The mercenary leader – Yevgeny Prigozhin – turned back short of the nation’s capital, but The New York Times is speculating that this was just the first act in the drama.

A frequent critic of the conduct of the invasion of Ukraine, Prigozhin could emerge as a rival or successor, or perhaps one of the petroleum billionaires who formed much as Putin’s original cadre of powerful supporters.

Rioting continues in France

Anti-racism protests in France are turning into riots, United Press International is reporting. At least 1,300 people have been arrested and 79 police officers as the government struggled to bring order across the nation.

The shooting death of a 17-year-old Arab youth by police triggered the demonstrations. An estimated 45,000 police, supplemented by armored vehicles fought pitched battles in the streets as political protest mixed with looting and arson for the fourth night.

Halos lose to D-backs; Dodgers fall in KC

A five-run first inning held up for the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, as they defeated the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4.  Julio Urias (5-5), just back from an injury, was roughed up and ended up being pulled after three innings. He was touched with six hits and five earned runs. He struck out two batters and walked two.

At the plate, Mookie Betts remained hot, going 1-for-2 (a double), two walks and an RBI.
With the loss, the Dodgers are 46-36, still in second place in the National League West.

The Los Angeles Angels lost 3-1 the Arizona Diamondbacks. They led 1-0 on Anthony Rendon’s home run in the fourth, but that was all the scoring they could muster in losing their fourth straight. They are now 44-41, still in third in the AL West.

Weather: Peak heat, then cooler

The current modest heat wave for our West Orange County area will peak on Monday and begin a slow retreat into the the 70s and then start ßto climb again. Sunday should be partly cloudy with a daytime high of 81 and an overnight low of 61. Monday should have morning clouds and afternoon sun. The high is expected to hit 82 (62). But Tuesday falls to 81 and Wednesday and Thursday 79 during the day and 60 at night.