Mudslide losses

Mudslide losses

DARRINGTON, Wash.

Estimated financial losses from the deadly Washington mudslide that has killed at least 24 people have reached $10 million, Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday in a letter asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration.

In seeking additional federal help after one of the deadliest mudslides in U.S. history, Inslee said about 30 families need assistance with housing, along with personal and household goods. The estimated losses include nearly $7 million in structures and more than $3 million in their contents, Inslee’s letter said.

The Snohomish County medical examiner’s office said Monday afternoon that it has received a total of 24 victims, and 18 of those have been positively identified. Previously, the official death toll was 21, with 15 victims identified.

Koreas trade fire

SEOUL, South Korea

North and South Korea fired hundreds of artillery shells into each other’s waters Monday in a flare-up of animosity that forced residents of five front-line South Korean islands to evacuate to shelters for several hours, South Korean officials said.

The exchange of fire into the Yellow Sea followed Pyongyang’s sudden announcement that it would conduct live-fire drills in seven areas north of the Koreas’ disputed maritime boundary. North Korea routinely test-fires artillery and missiles into the ocean but rarely discloses those plans in advance. The announcement was seen as an expression of Pyongyang’s frustration at making little progress in its recent push to win outside aid.

Apple, Samsung back in US court

SAN JOSE, Calif.

The world’s two leading smartphone makers were back in federal court on Monday, accusing each other of stealing ideas and features.

The trial in Silicon Valley, which got underway with jury selection, marks the latest round in a long-running series of lawsuits between Apple Inc. and Samsung.

If Apple prevails in the current case, the cost to Samsung could reach $2 billion. Apple’s costs, if it loses the litigation, were expected to be about $6 million.

Whatever the outcome, it could be the consumer who ends up paying the ultimate price. Experts say the litigation could lead to more-expensive smartphones and devices and slow the overall pace of mobile innovation.

Fatal buggy crash

BURTON

A man driving an SUV was drunk and speeding when he slammed into the back of a buggy carrying an Amish family on a dark road in Northeast Ohio, killing one person and injuring three others, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.

Joseph Byler, 28, died at a Cleveland hospital after the crash about 9 p.m. Sunday near Burton in Geauga County, the patrol said. His 23-year-old sister, Irene; 19-year-old sister, Alma; and 50-year-old mother, Esther, were all taken to hospitals for treatment but are expected to survive.

The father, Eli Byler, who was driving the buggy, refused treatment at the scene.

Associated Press