17M Californians face smoke advisories, Ohio town at center of pet-eating claims gets bomb threats, Trump rejects another debate
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
Good morning, all. If you’re meal prepping this weekend, consider making one of these baked pasta dishes that can last into next week. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
17 million Calif. residents under smoke advisories
Several wildfires in Southern California have burned over 110,000 acres in recent days, prompting evacuations and concerns about the safety of structures and residents’ health.
Bridge Fire: The state’s largest active wildfire, in the mountains north of Los Angeles, has burned more than 51,000 acres. Fire officials said there had been “minimal” growth yesterday, in part due to better weather, but it was still 0% contained. [GMA]
Line Fire: An arson suspect arrested in connection with the Line Fire, which has burned more than 37,000 acres in San Bernardino County over the past eight days, is now thought to have set at least two other fires on the same day. [NBC News]
Health concerns: At least 17 million people in the region are under smoke advisories due to the potentially harmful effects of breathing in the toxic smoke. Here’s what people should do to stay safe. [USA Today]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
?? Bills’ big win
The Buffalo Bills cruised to a 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. It wasn’t the only bad news for the Dolphins: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s season is in question after he sustained another concussion. [Yahoo Sports]
??? Trump rejects debate
Former President Donald Trump confirmed that he won’t participate in another debate against Vice President Kamala Harris before the election, saying he was “successful” in his most recent debates. [ABC News]
?? Ohio bomb threats
An Ohio town at the center of debunked accusations that immigrants are stealing and eating people's pets was forced to close its city hall and other buildings yesterday after it received bomb threats. [New York Times]
?? North Dakota abortion ban
A state judge struck down North Dakota’s abortion ban, arguing that the state’s constitution creates a fundamental right to abortion before a fetus is viable. North Dakota’s GOP attorney general plans to appeal. [AP]
?? ‘Wicked’ Part 2 date
Universal Pictures confirmed that Wicked Part 2 will come out on Nov. 21, 2025. The first film will hit theaters this year on Nov. 22. Watch the latest teaser, which came out this week. [Billboard]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? The horror film Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, is in theaters. [Yahoo Entertainment]
?? The TV adaptation of Three Women premiered on Starz. One critic said it’s better than the book. [TVLine]
?? The new comedy series How to Die Alone dropped its first four episodes overnight on Hulu. [Rolling Stone]
? In baseball, the Red Sox and the Yankees play again at 7:05 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [SNY]
?? In women’s basketball, the Aces and the Fever take the court at 7:30 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass. [USA Today]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1990, Law & Order debuted on NBC, eventually becoming one of the longest-running primetime TV dramas in the U.S. It’s aired over 500 episodes to date and led to numerous spin-off shows, including the fan-favorite series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. [People]
3 QUESTIONS
...about fall travel
Got weekend plans to make some travel decisions for this fall? Travel writer Erin Austen Abbott has a whimsical idea: Head to Rhode Island for a Wes Anderson-inspired weekend. Anthony asked her about it.
Anthony: Why do you think Rhode Island is a great destination for fall?
Erin: I think the weather is perfect for festivals. In Newport, I love the classic games at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair and the locally harvested food at the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival — among other places to sightsee.
Anthony: Where should I go if I want great views of the fall foliage?
Erin: Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge and Stepstone Falls are beautiful for hiking and taking in the fall colors. I love how serene Long Pond Woods is, and the way the trees form a canopy over the water at Stepstone Falls is especially stunning.
Anthony: Any great places to try delicious food and drinks?
Erin: I love the sourdough doughnuts and mushroom toast at Nana’s Westerly. And Matunuck Oyster Bar is extraordinary. Take an oyster farm tour while you’re there.
Want more travel ideas? Erin has plenty of recs around the country. Follow Erin on Instagram.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Kristin and Nick Lammert’s four daughters have something unique in common: They all share the same Aug. 25 birthday despite being born in different years. In fact, their youngest was born a month early this year, just in time to match. “I'm still surprised,” Kristin said. [Today]
Have a great weekend. See you on Monday!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: A dietitian says olive oil and avocado oil are equally healthy, but there’s a couple reasons you’ll want to cook with avocado oil instead. [Today]
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