Wildfire smoke in the Windy City
Smoke from wildfires in Canada descended upon Chicago. The Supreme Court rejected a theory that could have widely transformed elections. And the next host to helm “Wheel of Fortune” has been named.
👋 Hello pals! Laura Davis here. It’s time for Tuesday’s news.
But first: Mars on Earth? 👩🚀 A crew of four NASA volunteers will be locked in a virtual “Mars” for the next year. Here's what they’re up to.
The Short List is a snappy Paste BN news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
Wildfire smoke from Canada blankets Midwest
The Windy City was no match for wildfire smoke. Weeks after smoke from fires in Canada blanketed much of the East Coast, Chicagoans woke up Tuesday to the worst air quality in the world. Thick smoke clogged the early morning sky in Chicago, with a gray haze limiting visibility, and a faint burning smell filled the air as residents commuted to work. Unhealthy levels of pollutants from the smoke spread across parts of the Great Lakes region, including most of Wisconsin and parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, according to AirNow.gov. Meanwhile, more smoky air is headed back to New Yorkers' way later in the week. Here's what you should know.
SCOTUS rejects GOP call for unchecked power in US elections
Balking at an idea that voting rights groups worried could further erode trust in the nation's elections, the Supreme Court on Tuesday shot down a conservative theory that could have given state lawmakers extraordinary power to set election rules in their states with little oversight from courts. Some experts feared a decision embracing the so-called independent state legislature theory could have led to more election laws that benefit the party that controls the legislature, potentially undermining support in elections. Here's why the ruling had such big implications for elections.
👩⚖️ Also on the docket: 'Creepy' messages. A man sent hundreds of messages to a musician on Facebook and was convicted of stalking. But the Supreme Court says the messages may be protected by the First Amendment.
What everyone's talking about
- Julian Sands' death confirmed: 'A Room With a View' actor's remains identified following long search.
- Prepare to be outraged: These NFL fan rankings are a disgrace.
- Shakira opens up about Gerard Piqué split, how he 'betrayed' her.
- Pink pauses performance to address bag of ashes thrown on stage.
- Looking for help buying a car? Ask ChatGPT. How new plugins can save you time (and money).
The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a Paste BN digital subscriber today.
Ryan Seacrest named new ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host
Ryan Seacrest is taking the wheel. "Wheel of Fortune," that is! The ubiquitous host, who departed from "Live with Kelly and Ryan" earlier this year, is set to be the new host of the popular syndicated game show, Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday. He'll also serve as a consulting producer on the show. On Instagram, Seacrest expressed his excitement and said he is humbled to step into the shoes of "legendary" longtime host Pat Sajak, who is retiring next summer. He will work alongside Vanna White, who remains under contract to continue at "Wheel" for at least another year, but has yet to sign a new deal.
Putin says coup almost triggered 'civil war'
The criminal investigation into a Russian mercenary leader and thousands of his troops was formally closed Tuesday in the wake of their 36-hour armed revolt, which Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged brought his country to the brink of "civil war." Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, said the case won't be pursued because Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group fighters “ceased (criminal) activities," ending an insurgency that revealed deep cracks in Putin's authoritarian rule. Prigozhin, under the terms of the deal with the Kremlin, was allowed to leave Russia for neighboring Belarus. 👉 Follow our live coverage.
A break from the news
- 🌭 It's grilling season! But wait: Are hot dogs bad for you?
- 👩🍳 Save some cash! How to whip up yummy almond butter at home, the easy way.
- ☀️ Planning a Florida vacay? The Sunshine State's best-kept secrets beyond the beach.
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at Paste BN. Send her an email at laura@usatoday.com or follow along with her adventures – and misadventures – on Twitter. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to Paste BN here. This is a compilation of stories from across the Paste BN Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Subscribe to the newsletter here.