Internationally, Australia had one of its worst bushfires of all time, resulting in 173 fatalities and leaving many people and families homeless. At the time, southern Australia was experiencing a significant heatwave and hot tropic air being directed south. This deadly combination allotted for 400 separate, recorded, fires to occur, but firefighters and other first responders were prepared to handle this disaster because of the predictable weather reactions.
Nationally, renowned pop star Michael Jackson passed from an overdose on Propofol, an anesthetic typically used in a hospital setting. Jackson began administration of this medication to cope with insomnia. When Jackson was finally able to sleep, he eventually stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest. His personal physician, in fact, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served 2 years in prison.
Locally, a 17 year old Somerville resident was arrested for committing arson at 5 Spencer St. The young adult, whom officials chose not to identify, was eventually arrested at a friend’s house on Davenport street, from which he was taken into custody at Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.