US & World News, Friday 6/13

US & World Summary --- FEMA Officials In Iowa (Des Moines, IA) -- Almost 200 federal officials are in Iowa today to help coordinate the response to Iowas devastating flooding and severe weather. FEMA Administrator David Paulison is expected to join Iowa Governor Chet Culver today to tour various flooded communities including Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. FEMA also worked to provide bottled water to Mason City and a mobile 911 system to Cedar Rapids yesterday. --- At Least 30 Dead Due To East Coast Heat Wave Its been intensely hot on the East Coast, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people. The "Philadelphia Inquirer" reports seven more people died in the city yesterday, bringing the total number of heat-related deaths in Philadelphia to 15. In addition, the medical examiners office in New York reports six people have died as a result of the heat wave. The "Virginia Daily Press" reports seven people have died in Virginia due to the hot and humid conditions. --- Bush Meets With Pope Benedict (Vatican City) -- Security in and around the Vatican was tight this morning as President Bush met with Pope Benedict the 16th. The Vaticans head of security, Domenico Giani, told local media two new permanent anti-terrorism units worked with Italian and American security officials to ensure a safe visit. The Pope met Bush in the Vatican gardens and the two then entered the restored St. Johns Tower. A White House spokeswoman says Bush and Benedict had established a good relationship enabling them to talk on a variety of issues. --- More States Report Salmonella Illness (Washington, DC) -- The list of states reporting illness from tomatoes tainted with salmonella has grown. Dr. Ian Williams with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Tennessee and Vermont have been added for a new total of 23 states reporting salmonella illness. The number has risen from 17 states earlier this week. So far, the FDA has not been able to pinpoint a geographic region where the outbreak originated. --- Soaring Jet Fuel Prices Affects Air Passengers (Washington, DC) -- Increasing fuel prices have sparked changes for customers on major airlines. Fliers will be charged for water, soda, and juices on US Airways beginning August 1st. Yesterday, US Airways and United Airlines said they will soon join American Airlines in charging some customers 15-dollars for the first checked bag. The cost of jet fuel has nearly doubled in the past year. David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association told the "Washington Post," quote, "I think that every service that airlines provide -- other than using the lavatory -- can be the subject of fees and charges." --- Mike Tyson Accused Of Putting Up Money For Contract Hit (New York, NY) -- A government witness has testified in court that former boxing champ Mike Tyson put up 50-thousand dollars for a contract to kill two members of a Brooklyn gang that murdered his bodyguard in 2000. The "New York Daily News" reports the former member of the violent Cash Money Brothers gang said Tyson and another man each contributed 50-thousand dollars for the contract. Tysons bodyguard, Darryl Baum, was suspected of shooting rapper 50 Cent nine times. Fifty Cent survived and Baum was shot to death a month later. --- New Jersey Nets Make A Gas Of A Deal To Fans (East Rutherford, NJ) -- The NBAs New Jersey Nets are making an offer to fans to help pay for their way to the Meadowlands next season. The basketball team is offering fans free gas when they buy or renew a full season ticket package. The teams promotion gives 17-thousand dollars in gas money for new subscribers and 35-thousand dollars for renewing ticket holders. The promotion claims part of the season-ticket price will pay for the gas. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-06-13-08 0636CDT