Good morning, everyone. It’s National Creamsicle Day. If you can’t get one, consider making this 3-ingredient instead. Now, on to the news.
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NEED TO KNOW
Missouri and Arizona approve abortion ballot initiatives
Missouri and Arizona are the latest in a growing number of states to greenlight ballot initiatives that would potentially restore abortion rights in November.
Their goals: Both and measures would protect the right to receive abortion care up until fetal viability (usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy), and would prohibit the government from limiting access to it. [NBC News]
Bigger picture: Voters in six other states — Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York and South Dakota — will decide this November whether to . Montana and Arkansas are also considering ballot measures. [CNN]
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What women say: A new Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that most reproductive-age women in the U.S. whether abortion is legal, regardless of their party affiliation. [The Hill]
The Perseid meteor shower in southeastern Turkey (Emrah Gurel/AP)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
✨ Rare cosmic event
The Perseid meteor shower hit its peak across the northern hemisphere at the same time as the northern lights in some areas yesterday. Here’s a look at the around the world. [Yahoo News]
➡️ Tropical Storm Ernesto
Nearing hurricane strength, Tropical Storm Ernesto is projected to bring heavy rain and cause power outages as it today. It could also bring dangerous rip currents along the East Coast next week. [CNN]
🩺 Biden’s ‘Cancer Moonshot’
President Biden announced $150 million in grants as part of his “Moonshot” initiative to by 50% over the next 25 years. “It’s not just personal,” he said. “It’s about what’s possible.” [AP]
⚖️ Trump, Musk charged
The United Auto Workers against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, alleging that they tried to “threaten and intimidate” workers during their recent conversation on X, which Musk owns. [Reuters]
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📺 ‘AGT’ golden buzzer
America’s Got Talent judge Sofia Vergara pressed the golden buzzer during the quarterfinals to give what she called one of the show’s “most ambitious acts” a direct pass to the final. . [Entertainment Weekly]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🔎 Bad Monkey, a crime dramedy series starring Vince Vaughn, is on Apple TV+. . [TVLine]
📺 The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras premieres at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. Here’s . [TheWrap]
⚾ In baseball, the Yankees and the White Sox at 8:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [USA Today]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily . Play . Check the in your area.
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Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the U.S., ending World War II. Celebrations erupted internationally, but one famous but controversial photo of a sailor in New York City became the enduring symbol of post-war jubilation. [Time]
3 QUESTIONS
…about the WNBA season
The WNBA season ramps back up tomorrow. I asked sports reporter Cassandra Negley to break down what we could see in the coming games.
Lily: So, who are the teams to beat at this point?
Cassandra: New York Liberty’s chemistry , but the Connecticut Sun just in Marina Mabrey. I also believe the fifth-place Las Vegas Aces are still dangerous as the two-time reigning champs.
Lily: Caitlin Clark now has half of a WNBA season under her belt. How’s she faring?
Cassandra: I think Clark is living up to expectations as the league’s assists leader and Rookie of the Year favorite. Hopefully with recent rest she’ll hit more of her .
Lily: What’s the one game to watch this week?
Cassandra: I’d say the Liberty-Aces Finals super-team rematch on Saturday [4 p.m. ET on CBS]. It’s the first time they’re meeting this year with point guards Courtney Vandersloot and Chelsea Gray available.
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Who else could win Rookie of the Year? Here’s .
@twintornadoes92 via Instagram
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
More than 4,000 people recently attended an Ohio festival called Twins Days, which is the for multiples. “You automatically have this very innate connection with other twins,” one person said. “You’re all part of a special club.” [Today]
Have an excellent day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: How much money should you actually save each month? Experts recommend . [Yahoo Finance]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.
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Some mid-Missouri stores and restaurants will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. KOMU 8 News has compiled a list of what’s open on Christmas in 2025.
If you don’t see your establishment listed, please email news@komu.com with your operating hours.
Stores
Walgreens – East Broadway, Columbia
Christmas Eve: Store open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Store open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pharmacy closed
Walmart
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Target – Columbia
Target – Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Aldi
Christmas Eve: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar General
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar Tree
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Gerbes
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Hy-Vee
Christmas Eve: Store open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pharmacy open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Moser’s Food
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Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sam’s Club
Christmas Eve: Store and pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Schnuck’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
IHOP
Christmas Eve: Open 12 a.m. to 7p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed, opens next day at 5 a.m.
Waffle House
7Brew
Christmas Eve: Open 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Scooter’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – Broadway & Fairview in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starbucks – Missouri Boulevard & U.S. 50 in Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Starbucks – Nifong & Buttonwood in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – West Truman & Country Club in Jefferson City
You can get in on Missouri sports betting with a BetMGM welcome offer for college basketball on Thursday.
BetMGM Bonus code NYPDM1500gets bettors a 20 percent first deposit match up to $1500 when in Missouri.
Mizzou is a 22.5-point favorite over Alabama State. The Tigers step back onto its home floor looking to reset after road losses to Notre Dame and Kansas. Alabama State has struggled mightily against high-major opponents.
BetMGM Missouri bonus code NYPDM1500
The BetMGM Bonus Code NYPDM1500 can be used for any sport and market offered at BetMGM. That includes Missouri State vs. Arkansas State in the Xbox Bowl.
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BetMGM’s Missouri promo code is considered one of the highest valued promotions in contrast to other Missouri bonus offers.
If bettors wanted to snag the maximum value of the offer, they would have to deposit $7,500. Otherwise, they get 20 percent of whatever they deposit, i.e., deposit $100, get $20.
New users must be physically present in Missouri when signing up at BetMGM to take advantage of this welcome offer.
How to sign up for BetMGM in Missouri
Select your bonus offer.
Choose your state.
Fill out your login details.
Enter the BetMGM bonus code NYPDM1500
Make a deposit.
Bet responsibly.
What our Post expert thinks about Missouri vs. Alabama State
Alabama State has already dropped its two power-conference tests by an average of 32.5 points, and its defensive profile hasn’t suggested much resistance.
The Hornets bring two of the SWAC’s top scorers in Asjon Anderson and Micah Simpson, they are giving up 81.4 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 45.3 percent from the floor.
Missouri’s rebounding edge should matter — the Tigers pull nearly 40 boards per game while Alabama State is giving up 37.4 a night and just surrendered 18 offensive rebounds to UT Martin.
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Road construction on Springfield’s northside is affecting access to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society.
MoDOT is realigning the intersection of Norton and Melville Road as part of the I-44 overpass project. The bridge work and intersection project are both impacting the animal shelter.
The shelter sits on Norton Road just west of where the work is happening. Visitors can only reach the shelter by taking the long way up West Bypass to Westgate Avenue, then onto Norton Road.
MoDOT says the intersection at Norton and Melville is supposed to be closed for two weeks. The bridge project, as a whole, is supposed to be completed by the end of the year.
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