EPA limits ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water, Arizona enforces strict abortion ban and Alyssa Naeher’s penalty saves lift USWNT
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
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Good morning, everyone. A big storm is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to the South Central states today before making its way to the Northeast. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
The EPA’s new 'forever chemicals' rule
For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has established national limits on PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water.
What it means: Water utilities will have to monitor and reduce PFAS in their systems. The EPA estimates the new limits will prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses linked to the chemicals. [NBC News]
Why it matters: PFAS are in everyday items, including nonstick cookware, and don’t fully break down in the body. A study last year found them in nearly half the nation’s tap water. [New York Times]
What else: The new limits come after the EPA said yesterday that more than 200 chemical plants nationwide would have to reduce toxic air emissions that put nearby communities at higher risk of cancer. [Texas Tribune]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
📺 Seacrest’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ promo
Ryan Seacrest appeared in his first promo as the incoming host of Wheel of Fortune. The final episode for Pat Sajak, who’s hosted the show for over four decades, airs on June 7. [TVLine]
⚖️ Arizona tightens abortion law
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a Civil War-era law banning almost all abortions can be enforced, replacing the state’s current 15-week ban. The change goes into effect in two weeks. [Yahoo News]
➡️ Crumbley parents sentenced
Jennifer and James Crumbley, the first parents in the U.S. to be held criminally liable for a school shooting by their child, were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. [USA Today]
🏛️ WIC cash increases
U.S. officials announced that the federal food assistance program known as WIC would make permanent a COVID-era bump in monthly cash vouchers for low-income families to buy fruits, vegetables and other staples. [AP]
⚽ Naeher’s penalty saves
The U.S. women’s soccer team won the SheBelieves Cup on penalty kicks against Canada thanks to several impressive saves from goalie Alyssa Naeher that later went viral. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
☪️ Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is taking place in Muslim communities around the world. [USA Today]
📺 Season 4 of The Challenge: All Stars premiered overnight on Paramount+. Watch the first seven minutes. [Entertainment Weekly]
🏀 In basketball, the Heat play the Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN after a critical win over the Hawks. [Miami Herald]
⚾ In baseball, the Athletics play the Rangers at 8:05 p.m. ET on Fubo after Shea Langeliers’s 3-homer game. [AP]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1912, the RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, on its ill-fated maiden voyage for New York. Here’s why the public’s fascination with its sinking has endured for over a century. [Yahoo News]
3 QUESTIONS
...about tax refunds
Many Americans have received their 2023 tax refunds. I asked Molly Moorhead, our resident personal finance editor, to break down what to do with that money.
Lily: What’s the average tax refund this season?
Molly: Our team reported that refunds are averaging just over $3,000, with a few days left in filing season.
Lily: What are the best ways to use your tax refund wisely?
Molly: Pay off high-interest debt like credit cards, or start an emergency fund or savings. You’ll earn the most interest with a high-yield savings account or high-yield CD. Our team found some paying over 5%.
Lily: Your team laid out a way to turn a $2,827 refund into $20K. How do you do that?
Molly: That’s the power of compound interest. Invest your refund in an IRA, and assuming an 8% return, it can grow to over $20,000 after 25 years.
Figuring out your taxes? Read more from Yahoo Finance.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
A dog named Diamond was reunited with her pregnant canine sister, Erica, at a foster home two days before she gave birth. She helped Erica raise the 11 puppies until they were adopted. The close-knit duo is now looking for their own forever home together. [People]
Have a wonderful day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Gas prices are on the rise. Apps like GasBuddy can show which pumps near you are cheaper. [Los Angeles Times]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.
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