Plans for demolition of remaining condo structure being finalized; Death toll rises to 24
CBSN
Officials say they are finalizing plans for the demolition of the remaining structure of the Champlain Towers South condominium, following the building's partial collapse in Surfside, Florida. The plans are being made as Tropical Storm Elsa seems to be headed for the state, possibly dealing a blow to rescue efforts in Surfside and impacting the still-standing structure.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a press conference Saturday "it is all of our fervent desire" that the demolition can be done safely before the storm so that officials can direct the demolition. The demolition "would be one that would protect and preserve evidence and allow the maximum search and rescue activity to continue," she said.Ashley White received her earliest combat action badge from the United States Army soon after the first lieutenant arrived in Afghanistan. The silver military award, recognizing soldiers who've been personally engaged by an attacker during conflict, was considered an achievement in and of itself as well as an affirming rite of passage for the newly deployed. White had earned it for using her own body to shield a group of civilian women and children from gunfire that broke out in the midst of her third mission in Kandahar province. All of them survived. She never mentioned the badge to anyone in her battalion.