*By: Madison Alworth*
The hottest month of the year just got a whole lot hotter. Most of the U.S. is being blanketed by a scorching heat wave, with temperatures for half of the lower 48 states exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and feeling even hotter.
"If you go anywhere from Virginia up to Maine, there is no region you can find that doesn't feel like 100 degrees," said Andrew Freedman, science editor at Axios.
What's particularly disturbing for climate scientists, is that in some areas, temperatures didn't fall below 80 degrees at night.
"Climate scientists are looking at warming nights, warming faster than days, and that's consistent with climate change," said Freedman.
Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in effect thanks to a so-called "heat dome," an unusually intense area of high pressure that keeps regions under its influence sunny and storm-free.
And the longer the heat wave lasts, the more dangerous it gets. This one could extend for most of the month, said Freedman.
"The long duration aspect of it has some public health people a little bit concerned. Because the longer you go with the body under such stress, the more likely it is you'll have heat-related illness and possible health-related deaths," he said.
And while the higher temps might be welcome as you hit the pool or beach this holiday week, heat illnesses are no joke.
"Heat is the number one weather killer in a typical year," explained Freedman.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/heatwave-hits-u-s).
Cheddar News checked in from Staten Island to learn more about the Lenape people and how they lived before the Dutch settled in. Luke G. Boyd, director of education and public programs of Historic Richmond Town, discussed their story and showed their typical dwellings.
Elon Musk said his cage fight against Mark Zuckerberg will stream on 'X,' the app formerly known as Twitter.
Restaurant Week in New York City continues through Aug. 20 and Cheddar News checked out some of the most delicious and inspirational dishes at Dagon Restaurant, a Mediterranean-style eatery known for its exquisite cuisine and led by Chef Ari Bokovza.
Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' movie has reached $1 billion in sales at the box office.
Dungeons & Dragons is updating its artists' guidelines and said illustrators will no longer work with artificial intelligence.
Luke G. Boyd, director of education and public programs of Historic Richmond Town, spoke with Cheddar News about Voorlezer's House in Staten Island, NY, the site of one of the oldest schoolhouses in the country. The historic building, which was built around the 1700s, and Boyd explained the history behind the schoolhouse.
After no big winner Friday night, the Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.55 billion.
Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.
In just three weeks in theaters, “Barbie” is set to sail past $1 billion in global ticket sales, breaking a record for female directors that was previously held by Patty Jenkins, who helmed “Wonder Woman.”
Social media influencer Kai Cenat is facing charges of inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering in New York City, after the online streamer drew thousands of his followers, many of them teenagers, with promises of giving away electronics, including a new PlayStation.
