Triple-digit heat expected to continue in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — The scorching heat has officials checking on frail and elderly residents of Chicago Housing Authority apartments three times a day.

Spokeswoman Wendy Parks says CHA has completed more than 32,000 such well-being checks since Monday. The triple-digit temperatures are expected to continue through the week.

The strategy may be working. Parks says there have been no heat-related injuries, illnesses or deaths at Chicago Housing Authority properties.

The Cook County medical examiner's office says two deaths Wednesday may be related to the weather, but further investigation is needed to determine the exact causes of the fatalities.

The city stepped up its response to heat emergencies after a 1995 heat wave killed more than 700 people in less than a week and prompted criticism of the way officials handled the crisis.