Ernesto knocks out power to 975K Puerto Ricans, WHO declares mpox global health emergency, Gaza truce talks set to resume

Good morning, all. Sorry we missed you yesterday. We were dealing with some technical issues. (Love when that happens!) Now that those are resolved, let’s get into the news.

NEED TO KNOW

WHO declares mpox a global health emergency: What to know

The World Health Organization declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency for the second time in two years amid an outbreak in central Africa.

What’s happening: A more contagious strain of the virus that first appeared in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to neighboring countries, with over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths this year. [Reuters]

What it means: The risk of infection remains low for anyone outside of central Africa, but experts warn that it could become a “global threat” if it isn’t properly contained given the ease of international travel. You can learn more here. [Yahoo Life]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

?? Ernesto hits Puerto Rico

Two-thirds of Puerto Rico’s homes and businesses (roughly 975,000 people) were without power this morning after downpours from Hurricane Ernesto, which is expected to strengthen before passing over Bermuda. [CBS News]

?? Medication price cuts

The White House announced deals with drug companies to lower the prices for 10 of Medicare’s most popular medications, including ones that help prevent heart failure and manage diabetes. [AP]

?? Gaza ceasefire talks

Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks are scheduled to resume today as U.S. officials say Israel’s chances of fully eliminating Hamas have diminished and that further attacks in Gaza will only increase risks to civilians. [New York Times]

??? Campaign cyber attacks

Google’s cybersecurity division confirmed that an Iran-linked hacking group had attempted to breach President Biden and Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns and that cyberattacks are ongoing. [Politico]

? Judge’s record homers

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit the 300th home run of his MLB career, becoming the fastest player to achieve the feat in league history. He reached the milestone in just 954 games. [Yahoo Sports]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

?? The first five episodes of Emily in Paris Season 4 dropped overnight on Netflix. [Yahoo Entertainment]

?? Jackpot!, an action comedy film starring John Cena and Awkwafina, is now on Prime Video. [Variety]

? In baseball, the A’s and the Mets play again at 1:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [SNY]

?? In the WNBA, the Mercury and the Sky take the court at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video. [Chicago Tribune]

?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1979, Francis Ford Coppola's movie Apocalypse Now was released in theaters. During filming, actor Martin Sheen, who played U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Willard, suffered a heart attack. “If I had known going in that I'd have to endure what I did, I would've passed,” he said in 2022 about the role. “But I have no regrets.” [Yahoo Entertainment]

3 QUESTIONS

...about the WNBA season

The WNBA season ramps back up today. I asked sports reporter Cassandra Negley to break down what we could see in the coming games.

Lily: So, who are the teams to beat at this point?

Cassandra: New York Liberty’s chemistry leads the charge, but the Connecticut Sun just added a sharp shooter in Marina Mabrey. I also believe the fifth-place Las Vegas Aces are still dangerous as the two-time reigning champs.

Lily: Caitlin Clark now has half of a WNBA season under her belt. How’s she faring?

Cassandra: I think Clark is living up to expectations as the league’s assists leader and Rookie of the Year favorite. Hopefully with recent rest she’ll hit more of her logo 3s.

Lily: What’s the one game to watch this week?

Cassandra: I’d say the Liberty-Aces Finals super-team rematch on Saturday [4 p.m. ET on CBS]. It’s the first time they’re meeting this year with point guards Courtney Vandersloot and Chelsea Gray available.

Who else could win Rookie of the Year? Here’s what Cassandra thinks.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

Kayren Spain, 81, recently fulfilled her dream to meet Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. She started posting about it on YouTube in February 2023, and this month, she got to meet him at the team’s training camp. “Dreams really do come true,” she said. [CNN]

Have a great day. See you tomorrow!

?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: School supplies can cost an average of $875 for K-12 students and even more for college students. Buying in bulk is one of a few ways to save. [Yahoo Finance]

About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.

If you start your day with The Yodel, you can keep up with weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less. Sign up.