SUMMARY: Sarepta Therapeutics refused the FDA’s request to halt shipments of its gene therapy Elevidys after three patient deaths linked to liver injury. The FDA’s unusual move followed concerns over safety, particularly for older Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Elevidys, the first U.S.-approved gene therapy for this fatal muscle-wasting disease, received accelerated approval despite initial doubts about effectiveness. Sarepta halted sales for older patients but plans to keep the drug available for younger ones. The company confirmed a third death in an experimental trial, prompting the FDA to pause that study. Sarepta faces criticism over transparency and has recently cut 500 jobs amid plummeting stock value.

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SUMMARY: Three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s arson and explosives unit were killed in a blast at the Biscailuz Training Facility. Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was a training accident. These units handle bomb disposal, arson investigations, and threat prevention. Training is rigorous, often through FBI and ATF programs, and includes real-life simulations. Smaller agencies often rely on larger departments for such expertise. Explosives training is inherently dangerous due to unpredictable variables. Past incidents, including a 2021 fireworks explosion in Los Angeles, highlight the risks faced by these specialized teams. The fallen detectives were highly trained and experienced.

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SUMMARY: South Florida faces an intense heatwave through the weekend with triple-digit heat indices, prompting heat advisories due to high humidity levels. Afternoon temperatures will hover in the low 90s, but the “feels like” temperature will soar to 104-109°F, stressing the body and increasing risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Rain chances are low until midweek when 40-50% coverage of afternoon showers and storms, fueled by a surge of tropical moisture from the Atlantic, will provide some relief. The Atlantic remains mostly clear of tropical development due to dust from Africa. Rip currents have eased from high to moderate, but hydration and sun protection remain vital.

CBS News Miami’s Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera says to expect South Florida’s hottest weekend this summer with no rain and …

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