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NEED TO KNOW
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Severe weather across the U.S.
President Trump signed a disaster declaration yesterday after flash flooding devastated Texas over the weekend. Meanwhile, a wildfire is raging in California, and parts of the East Coast are bracing for heavy rain. Here’s the latest.
In Texas: With more rain expected today, search teams in central Texas are scouring the region for dozens of people still missing after flash floods killed at least 82, including children at camp. Here’s what we know about the victims so far. [AP/CNN]
Response: FEMA deployed resources to aid the search and rescue as the National Weather Service defended its warning system amid criticism from local officials, and Trump rejected accusations that staff cuts contributed to the tragedy. [Reuters/NBC News]
On the coasts: Flood watches are in effect from Virginia to New Jersey as Chantal, now a tropical depression, moves up from the Carolinas. Meanwhile, firefighters have contained California’s largest wildfire this year, the Madre Fire, to 30%. [CBS News/Los Angeles Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images
🗳️ Musk’s ‘America Party’
Elon Musk said he formed a new political party, the America Party, which will prioritize cutting debt and excess government spending, and indicated it could target the midterm elections. Trump called the move “ridiculous.” [Time]
➡️ Epstein review
An FBI and DOJ investigation into Jeffrey Epstein confirmed he died by suicide and found no evidence that he kept a “client list” amid suspicions that there were high-profile associates implicated in his crimes. [ABC News]
🩺 New measles record
New data showed that there have been at least 1,277 measles cases in the U.S. this year, more than any other since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. An outbreak in Texas and falling vaccinations are behind the trend. [CNN]
📺 ‘Love Island USA’ shocker
Cierra Ortega became the second contestant on this season of Love Island USA to be removed from the show due to past social media posts that included a racial slur. Her family asked for “compassion” amid the backlash from her post. [Deadline]
⚽ Mexico takes the cup
Mexico’s Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final to help his team beat the U.S. 2-1 and nab a record 10th CONCACAF title. See the goal, which sparked some controversy. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
📺 On the tube: Bachelor in Paradise returns for its 10th season tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Meet the cast. [Entertainment Weekly]
⚾ On the field, the Brewers — whose Brandon Woodruff pitched his first game since 2023 yesterday — play the Dodgers at 7:40 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [Yahoo Sports]
🏀 On the court, the Mercury get a rematch against the Wings at 10 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass. Will Mercury star Satou Sabally be well enough to play her old team? [Athlon Sports]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Corry/Archive Photos/Getty Images
In 1928, sliced bread was sold for the first time by the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri. Though it quickly became the “greatest” thing, the U.S. government temporarily banned it 15 years later. Here’s why. [The Takeout]
3 QUESTIONS…
about U.S. eating habits
Yahoo News and YouGov conducted a poll of more than 1,500 U.S. adults about their eating habits. Reporter Natalie Rahhal stopped by to discuss the findings.
Jessica: What did the survey results show about American eating habits?
Natalie: People by and large said that they want to prioritize certain food or nutrients, but when we asked about their buying and eating habits, there was a mismatch. For example, people support food-dye bans but don’t regularly check food labels to try to avoid artificial coloring.
Jessica: What accounts for that gap?
Natalie: Scientists actually have a name for this: It’s called the intention-action gap, where even when we know what we should do, it’s hard to implement those ideas. That’s particularly true when it comes to food. Just picture a nutritional label; there’s a lot of info on there. That creates a major barrier to eating according to our aspirations.
Jessica: How can people shift their habits to be more in line with what they say they want?
Natalie: Experts gave me several helpful tips, but overall they advised not biting off more than you can chew with your goals. Pick one or two things — for instance, more protein and fewer potato chips — to change at a time. That’s more sustainable than a total overhaul.
Go deeper: Here’s what else the poll found.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Oceans Journal
Scientists have recorded wild orcas engaging in “tongue-nibbling” — a social behavior similar to kissing — for the first time ever. Researchers believe that the action, which is extremely rare, likely reinforces social bonds. See the photos. [People]
Have a great day. See you on tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Notice some grubby scuffs on your wall? This tool that’s probably already in your home can help you brighten up dingy patches. [Real Simple]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.
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