Friday, May 15, 2026 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Harriet Sinclair

Morning, everyone. Planning your summer reading? These 11 new novels are fabulous ways to spend a lazy afternoon. I’ve got Villa Coco on my list! Now, on to the news.

Need to know

A couple hold each other amid destruction from a storm.

Sunshine Hills, Kentucky, pictured after a tornado hit. | Michael Swensen/Getty Images

The odds of a so-called “super El Niño” striking again in 2026 are rising. Here’s why that could ultimately fuel the warmest year on record.

What to know: A “super El Niño” weather pattern could turbocharge hurricane activity in the Pacific, resulting in a cooler, wetter winter for the southern U.S. and much warmer weather overall. The National Weather Service yesterday forecast an 82% chance of El Niño taking hold by July, up from 61%. [Yahoo News]
Coming up: Expect thunderstorms across the Great Plains, Mississippi Valley and the Midwest, with threats of high winds, hail and frequent lightning and even tornadoes. Torrential downpours may also lead to flash flooding. See the full forecast. [AccuWeather]
Rain paradox: The world is seeing more rain overall — but it's also getting drier at the same time, according to a new study. Why? Essentially, rainfall is increasingly packed into bigger storms with longer dry spells in between. Here’s why that’s a problem. [USA Today]

In case you missed it

Stephen Colbert stands with his arms outstretched.

Stephen Colbert hosts CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." | Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Colbert’s revenge

Stephen Colbert is out in a week — and his “give-a-darn” is officially broken. In last night’s Late Show episode, Colbert and his predecessor David Letterman commiserated and reminisced, then engaged in “wanton destruction of CBS property.” Here’s what went down. [Variety]

Trump in Beijing

President Trump left China after two days of talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. There were no major breakthroughs on trade or the war in Iran, despite friendly rhetoric from both sides. Behind closed doors, Xi issued a stark warning on U.S. policy on Taiwan. [Reuters]

Iran war defections

The House voted against curbing Trump's military powers in Iran, even as a growing number of Republicans expressed concern about the conflict and some voted with Democrats. Tensions have escalated near the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s the latest. [CBS News/AP]

Abortion pill access

The Supreme Court preserved nationwide access to the abortion pill mifepristone, temporarily blocking a lower-court ruling that would have prevented healthcare providers from mailing it across state lines. Opponents argue that it poses safety risks. [Yahoo News]

The wait is over

The NFL schedule is out! The season opens Sept. 9, with the Seahawks reportedly facing the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. Look out for a Packers vs Rams matchup on Thanksgiving Eve and a slate of international thrillers. See the top 10 most anticipated games. [Yahoo Sports]

What’s happening today

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Now streaming

Calling all fans of Yellowstone: Spinoff Dutton Ranch premieres on Paramount+. Beth and Rip head to South Texas, where a morbid discovery puts them on a crash course with a fellow rancher. Watch the trailer. [Yahoo Entertainment]

Now spinning

Could this be another Drake summer? The Canadian rapper’s first solo release since 2023, Iceman, dropped today — along with two surprise albums. [Pitchfork]

At the box office

Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill star in Guy Ritchie’s heist movie In the Grey. The A-listers play elite undercover operatives out to retrieve a billion-dollar fortune stolen by a ruthless despot. See the teaser. [Hollywood Reporter]

On the court

The NBA playoffs continue on Prime Video with two nail-biter Game 6s. Days after the NBA doubled down on its controversial fourth quarter no call, the Pistons play the Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET, then the Spurs face the Timberwolves at 9:30 p.m. ET. See the current odds. [NY Post Sports/Yahoo Sports]

And don't forget to...

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

Today in history

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

In 1940, the original McDonald’s restaurant was opened by brothers Richard and Maurice “Mac” McDonald in San Bernardino, Calif. The sons of Irish migrants, the brothers had two false starts before hitting upon the idea for the McDonald's restaurant that we know today. [TastingTable]

Feel-good moment

A man and woman celebrate with pink pain in hand and on shirts.

Habiba Abdelall

When Habiba Abdelall and Stephen Palame were planning their gender reveal, they handed the task to their local Home Depot paint team. Two not-so-white T-shirts later, the couple opened their eyes to a wonderful surprise: a baby girl. “It was a very emotional moment for me,” Habiba said. Watch their joyful reveal. [People]