Fact-checking the Harris-Trump debate, Hurricane Francine to make landfall in La., what to expect at the MTV VMAs
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
Good morning, all. Today marks 23 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Here’s how the victims’ loved ones are keeping their memories alive.
NEED TO KNOW
Fact-checking the Harris-Trump debate
Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met for the only scheduled debate between the presidential candidates so far.
Key moments: Harris reiterated some of her existing policy positions and spent the night goading Trump, who often retreated to talking about immigration and accused her of copying President Biden’s agenda. Here’s a fact-check of their statements. [Yahoo News/CNN]
After the debate: Harris’s campaign asked for another debate, while Taylor Swift endorsed Harris in an Instagram post that was signed “Childless Cat Lady” in reference to comments made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. [Yahoo News/Yahoo Entertainment]
What voters said: Undecided voters are likely to sway the election. After the debate, some said that Harris seemed more presidential but that her promises lacked detail, while others took issue with Trump’s demeanor. [New York Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
?? Hurricane Francine
Tropical Storm Francine became a Category 1 hurricane and is expected to continue strengthening today before making landfall on the Louisiana coast this afternoon or evening. [CNN]
?? Poverty levels grow
A new Census Bureau report found that the number of Americans living in poverty increased last year, even as the median household income rose back to pre-pandemic levels. [USA Today]
?? American death in Israel
The Israeli military said that an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot “unintentionally” by its soldiers. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called their actions “not acceptable.” [AP]
?? Toxic metals in tampons
The Food and Drug Administration announced a new research project to look into the possible effects of toxic metals in tampons after a July study found harmful metals in over a dozen tampon brands. [NBC News]
?? Raygun, the No. 1 breaker
Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who went viral for an eyebrow-raising routine at the Olympics and who failed to score a single point, is now the top-ranked breakdancer in the world. Here’s why. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? Season 7 of the hit reality competition series The Circle premiered overnight on Netflix. [Entertainment Weekly]
? In baseball, the Rays and the Phillies play again at 6:40 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [Yahoo Sports]
?? In women’s basketball, the Aces and the Fever take the court at 7 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass. [IndyStar]
?? The MTV Video Music Awards air at 8 p.m. ET. (More on that below.) [Yahoo Entertainment]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1936, Boulder Dam — later renamed the Hoover Dam — began operating after President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a button in Washington to signal the startup of the dam’s first hydroelectric generator. [AP]
3 QUESTIONS
...about the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
The MTV VMAs are tonight. I talked to entertainment reporter Neia Balao about what to expect during one of the wildest awards shows of the year.
Lily: Who’s hosting this year’s ceremony?
Neia: Rapper Megan Thee Stallion. This will be her first time hosting an awards show, but I’m excited to see how she brings her charisma as an artist to the role.
Lily: Who could be the night’s big winner?
Neia: Taylor Swift leads the night with 10 nods. I think she might even break her own record for consecutive and overall Video of the Year wins.
Lily: Any other big moments that viewers can look forward to?
Neia: There’s been a considerable amount of controversy around Katy Perry’s comeback, so I’m interested to see how the world reacts to her receiving the Video Vanguard Award. Also look out for her performance, as well as Sabrina Carpenter’s and Chappell Roan’s.
Who else is up for an award? Read Neia’s roundup.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
After learning that it’d be difficult for them to have biological children, Elisha and C.J. Hodge began fostering children and, over the course of six years, legally adopted nine. This year, they had a surprise: Elisha was pregnant. “It was 100% a divine miracle,” she said. [Today]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: “Habit stacking” can make incorporating a new habit into your routine less daunting. Here’s how it works. [Yahoo Life]
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