Thursday, July 16, 2026 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Alan McGuinness

Good morning, all. Planning a trip? Here’s how to protect yourself from hotel bed bugs — and where to look. Now, the news.

Need to know

A woman is walking on a busy overpass against a smoky sky.

A woman walks on an overpass in Toronto. | Carlos Osorio/Reuters

Millions of Americans are facing dangerous air pollution from wildfire smoke amid oppressive heat across much of the country. Here’s what to expect.

Smoke advisory: Heavy smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is affecting air quality across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing dangerous air pollution levels to millions. An air quality alert is in place through tomorrow for areas including the Twin Cities metro area. [CBS News]
Heat wave: Parts of the U.S. are facing record-breaking heat this week, after high temperatures began over the weekend in the Southwest and Great Plains and then moved east. Experts recommend staying inside during peak hours and keeping cool by staying in the shade and remaining hydrated. [Time]
The days ahead: Breathe a sigh of relief — a dip in the jet stream will break the heat in the Northeast in the coming days, even as wildfire smoke is likely to remain a problem. Humidity has already begun to drop in parts of upstate New York and northern New England, and the drier air is set to spread southward. [AccuWeather]

In case you missed it

Argentina's Lionel Messi hugs England's Harry Kane at the end of the match. | Dylan Martinez/Reuters

Argentina ousts England

In a heartbreaking turnaround for England fans, Argentina scored two late goals in the World Cup semifinals to secure their spot in Sunday’s final against Spain. One takeaway: As long as Leo Messi draws breath, Argentina will win. [Yahoo Sports]

Blanche's confirmation hearing

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced tough bipartisan questioning in his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the DOJ, as he sought to defend his record on the Epstein files and a major Trump tax settlement. Recap the key moments. [CBS News]

Trump gold coins

The U.S. Mint will produce a $1 coin etched with President Trump’s face in a "gold-like finish” to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. It drew a mixed response from lawmakers across both parties. See the coin. [Time]

Troop testosterone screening

Military personnel aged over 30 will undergo annual testing for testosterone deficiency to operate at their “absolute best,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. Troops with low testosterone levels will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy. [BBC News]

‘The Dog Stars’ trailer

The final trailer for Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is here, ahead of its release in theaters on August 28. Starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, the thriller is an adaptation of Peter Heller's novel about a zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic world. Watch the teaser. [Deadline]

What’s happening today

A man gets off a bus and looks off camera.

Colleen E Hayes/Netflix

Now streaming

Move over, Happy Gilmore, there's another rogue golfer in town: Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, played by Will Ferrell. The Hawk drops on Netflix today, following a once-great athlete who pursues the greatest comeback in history. [Variety]

In the WNBA

The Mystics host the Fire in a much-anticipated Eastern/Western showdown at 7 p.m. ET on Fubo. [AP]

On the diamond

The Phillies play the Mets at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN in both teams’ first game after the All-Star break, as Phillies veteran Aaron Nola looks to find his groove. See the three big questions facing New York in the second half of the season. [NY Post Sports]

On TV

With less than four months to the midterms, Trump is set to make a primetime address on "free and fair elections" at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox. Here’s what he may say. [Time]

And don't forget to...

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword (or the mini). Check the forecast in your area.

Today in history

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Paul Souders/Getty Images

In 1995, Amazon launched as an internet bookseller before growing into the world's largest online retailer. Fun fact: Founder Jeff Bezos got his first job flipping burgers at a McDonald's in Miami. Here’s how he became one of the world’s wealthiest people. [Business Insider]

Feel-good moment

Alyssa Cronin

As soon as Kevin Cronin spotted a massive World Cup soccer ball on display at a sports store, he was obsessed. What followed was a wild, multi-month crusade to bring it home. Here’s how he pulled off the against-all-odds living room upgrade. [People]