With much of the nation in the throes of of sizzling heat wave, few people are hit as hard as the poor. From Texas to Minnesota the misery was widespread, and the east coast is due to feel the pain in the next few days. Seventeen states issued heat watches, warnings, or advisories. The heat index surpassed 100 degrees in many places. The stifling heat was especially cruel to those who cannot afford air conditioning. A large number of the poor have nothing top shield them from the skyrocketing triple digit temperatures. Many found their way to sprinklers and beaches to try and ride out the sweltering heat.

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