Skip to main content Skip to header navigation

Rapid Reads: 6 Big stories of the day

It’s just another manic Monday, and the Facebook news feed is already buzzing. Here’s what you need to know about the trending headlines everyone’s talking about today:

1. Burning out of control

If you’re living in the Western U.S. during these dry summer months, watch out. Wildfires are spreading through California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho, devastating the land and taking hundreds of homes and cabins with them. Thankfully, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far, but these fires still desperately need to be contained. The Soda Fire in Idaho, spanning close to 300,000 acres, was only 25 percent contained in last estimates. Central Washington fires in Chelan and McNeil Canyon, burning close to 40,000 acres, were only 30 percent contained. Parts of California are understandably under a red flag watch — having four years of drought makes these fires even more dangerous. — CNN

2. Home run for baseball

History is being made, and baseball is being played. Milwaukee Brewers minor league baseball player David Denson of the Helena Brewers just came out as gay, making him the first openly gay player in active baseball. The 20-year-old first baseman credits his brave announcement in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to the support of his teammates who provided him with the acceptance and confidence he needed to go public. According to Denson, his teammates had the perfect response for what many would consider a controversial announcement, “Your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability. You’re still a ballplayer at the end of the day.” Let’s hope the rest of America is taking notes. — USA Today

More: The Walking Dead‘s first gay male character: What you need to know

3. Open mouth, insert foot

Depending on how you look at politics, Donald Trump might just be the gift that keeps on giving as we approach the next presidential election. The Internet is abuzz after the Donald made his stance on immigration crystal clear in an exclusive NBC interview with Chuck Todd. Trump plans to reverse President Obama’s executive orders on immigration if he is elected, saying of immigrants living illegally in the U.S., “We’re going to keep the families together, but they have to go.” Tell us how you really feel. — NBC News

More: 7 Donald Trump gaffes shaking up his presidential campaign

4. Morgan Freeman‘s tragic loss

Reports have confirmed that Morgan Freeman’s 33-year-old step-granddaughter was stabbed to death on Sunday in New York City. E’Dena Hines, the granddaughter of Morgan Freeman’s first wife, was found lying in the street outside of her New York City home at 3 a.m. with multiple stab wounds on her torso. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene, but police are still continuing their investigation. Freeman released a statement celebrating Hines’ artistry and talent in her short time here on earth. During this difficult time, we hope her family can get some answers. — People

5. Plane crash in Indonesia

Indonesian government officials say an airplane carrying 54 passengers didn’t just “disappear” on Sunday when it lost contact with ground control. Local villagers witnessed the Trigana aircraft crashing into the Tangok Mountain during its flight. Rescuers have headed to the mountain to start a search party, but there’s still no information about survivors on the flight. Even more heartbreaking, five children and three babies were believed to be on the short 42-minute flight that never reached its destination. — Fox News

6. Stock up on sweaters

Summer isn’t even officially over yet, and we’re already hearing about the long and hard winter ahead. Forget shopping for an extra swimsuit — pad your closet with a few more sweaters and a bigger winter coat. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is trending on Facebook because it predicts that this winter is going to be a doozy: You can expect frighteningly cold temperatures with heavy snow throughout much of the country, even in moderate areas like the Pacific Northwest. As if you needed another good reason to enjoy the last of the summer sun. — Associated Press

More: Running in cold weather sucks, but these tips make it easier

Leave a Comment

Comments are closed.