Tuesday, August 4, 2026 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Harriet Sinclair

Good morning, everyone. It’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Here are the best deals nationwide. Now, on to the news.

Need to know

A burned car sits among an incinerated neighbourhood in the Old Trails Fire, in Spokane, Wash. | David Ryder/Reuters

Extreme weather on both sides of the Atlantic has caused a summer of wildfires and record-breaking heat. Here’s the latest.

In Spokane: A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly starting the largest of three devastating wildfires in the Spokane, Washington, area. Some 67,000 people are currently under evacuation orders. Smoke is now forecast to move into western Washington and Oregon. [CBS News/Weather Channel]
Across the U.S.: The extreme heat is expected to ease slightly in parts of the nation this week, although temperatures in the Southwest could top 120 degrees. Heavy rain is forecast for northern New England, the northern mid-Atlantic and along Florida's Gulf Coast, potentially causing localized flash flooding. [USA Today]
In Europe: A record-breaking hot, dry summer has led to major wildfires across the continent, including in France and Greece, and to the driest July in the United Kingdom in nearly two centuries, authorities have said. [AP]

In case you missed it

Actors Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the Italian premiere of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" in Rome, Italy. | Francesco Fotia/Reuters

‘Spider-Man’ smashes records

Spider-Man: Brand New Day collected $360 million in North American theaters in its opening weekend — the largest domestic opening weekend for any movie in history. The film stars Jon Bernthal and Mark Ruffalo, alongside returning cast Tom Holland and Zendaya. [USA Today]

Cyclosporiasis deaths

Health officials in Michigan said the deaths of two people, both of whom had prior health conditions, have been linked to an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak. It was not clear how the people contracted the intestinal illness, which is generally not life-threatening. [Reuters]

Tehran’s ‘last chance’

As Iran and the U.S. offered conflicting accounts of whether talks are underway, a British maritime monitoring agency said a cargo ship was allegedly struck overnight in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said negotiations were a "last chance" for Iran to forge a deal. [AP]

States sue over tariffs

Some 25 states sued the Trump administration, alleging that it exceeded its authority in imposing sweeping tariffs last month. The suit alleges that the new duties are an effort by the White House to replace levies that the Supreme Court struck down. [CBS News]

Pochettino’s future plans

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino signed a new contract that will take him through the 2030 World Cup, U.S. Soccer said. No financial details were announced. In this year’s tournament, Team USA won its group but failed to reach the quarterfinals. [Yahoo Sports]

What’s happening today

Hulu

Now streaming

Season 4 of docuseries Betrayal is now on Hulu, pulling back the covers on a marriage rocked by a police officer’s shocking double life. [USA Today]

At the ballot box

Voters in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington state will have their say in congressional primaries ahead of the midterms. Michigan’s race could reveal the direction of the Democratic Party, as a progressive candidate faces an establishment-backed rival. Here’s what else we’re watching. [AP]

On the diamond

After a Cardinals victory in Luis García Jr.’s first outing as a Yankee, New York will face St. Louis for a second game at 7:05 p.m. ET on MLB.TV. [Yahoo Sports]

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: Robert Alexander/Getty Images

In 1987, the Federal Communications Commission voted to abolish the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to present contrasting views on controversial public issues. One related provision that’s still in force is the “equal-time rule,” which you might have heard about in discussions of Stephen Colbert’s final shows. Here is how it works. [AP]

Feel-good moment

California State Parks/Instagram

When Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, Calif., spotted 10-year-old Nathaniel struggling in the water, he acted immediately to get the young boy back to shore. Ryder’s heroic act has now gone viral. His take? “This is my job, and I love what I do.” [People]