Good morning everyone. It’s the time for leisurely reading. Check out these 10 festive books to get you in the mood for the holidays. Now to the news.

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MUST KNOW

Storm hits the USA

Both coasts of the U.S. will be hit by extreme weather this week as the Franklin Fire burns in Southern California and the East braces for a massive storm system.

The Franklin Fire: The rapidly spreading fire in Malibu has destroyed properties and led to evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000 people, including Dick Van Dyke. As of yesterday evening, the fire had spread to about 3,000 hectares without containment. See photos. (Los Angeles Times)

Storms on the East Coast: A storm system stretching 1,000 miles along the East Coast is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South and Northeast through tomorrow and dump 10 to 20 inches of snow around the Great Lakes by Friday. (fox weather)

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In case you missed it

🏀 Athlete of the Year

Time Magazine named WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark the 2024 Female Athlete of the Year. In her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, she had an 85% shooting success rate. “Wow,” she joked about her stats. “That’s pretty good.” Read the profile. (Time)

🏛️ Updates on Trump cases

New York’s attorney general yesterday rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to throw out his $486 million civil fraud verdict, while Manhattan prosecutors urged a judge in his hush money trial not to dismiss the case . (NBC News)

➡️ Mangione’s expected appeal

A lawyer for Luigi Mangione, who is charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO, denied his involvement in the shooting and said he would plead not guilty to his charges in Pennsylvania. (CNN)

🫘 Lentil lovers, unite

Nutrition experts advising the U.S. government recommended that Americans limit their consumption of red meat and starchy vegetables. What did they say to eat more of it? Beans, peas and my favorite: lentils. If you need recipe inspiration… (AP/Serious Eats)

🎤 The voice winner

After weeks of tough competition The voice crowned a new champion last night in an emotional season finale. See who took home the grand prize. (Note: A rookie judge won.) (Yahoo Entertainment)

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WHAT HAPPENS TODAY

📺 On Netflix: The TV adaptation of One hundred years of loneliness The book was released overnight and is already impressing critics, with one describing it as “epic” and “riveting.” (The week)

🍿 Dream productionsan “emotionally charged” limited series, Coming to Disney+ today. Here’s how it relates to the world of From the inside out. (Yahoo Entertainment)

🏝️ Light the Torches: Part 1 of the season finale of Survivors airs tonight at 8pm ET on CBS. (USA Today)

🎄 The more Motown, the better: A Motown Christmasthe holiday special, featuring appearances from Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and more, airs at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. (Today)

🏀 On the court, the NBA Cup quarterfinals continue with the Warriors taking on the Rockets at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT. (NBC Sports)

☀️ And don’t forget: read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword puzzle. Check the weather forecast for your area.

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TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1978, nearly $6 million worth of cash and jewelry were stolen from a Lufthansa terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. This so-called Lufthansa robbery was the largest cash grab in history at the time and later inspired the film Goodfellas. (Time)

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3 QUESTIONS

…um Queer Eye Season 9

The new season of Queer eye premiered today on Netflix. We asked Yahoo Entertainment reporter David Artavia what to expect.

Jessica: Bobby Berk announced his exit from the show last year. Do we know why?

David: Some believed he left because of a rift between him and Tan France. But he said that while there was “a situation,” he actually left because the cast’s contract had expired and they had no plans to return. By the time they changed their minds, he had already decided on other plans.

Jessica: So what can you tell us about new Fab Five member Jeremiah Brent?

David: He is a successful interior designer who has completed projects alone and with his husband, renowned designer Nate Berkus. He doesn’t seem afraid to get his hands dirty. Earlier this year he said: “I love an installation. I love the stress. I love the pressure.” Sounds like the making of good television to me.

Jessica: What else can we look forward to in the new season?

David: I expect a completely new dynamic in the group against the backdrop of Las Vegas, where the “heroes” will include a former showgirl and a passionate librarian. Bonus: Watch out for the cast, which brings out the green eyeshadow and lots of crab legs!

Can’t get enough? The Fab Five’s live tour also starts today. Here’s what you should know.

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FEEL GOOD MOMENT

When Raquel Benitah stopped at a McDonald’s drive-thru to get a Diet Coke, she didn’t expect to have an “instant connection” with Markelya Skelly, the employee at the window. The two became friends over “Mormon women Soda” and have been best friends ever since. (Today)

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I wish you a wonderful day. See you in the morning!

💡 PS Before you go, your daily advice: The holiday season can be stressful. So, make time for relaxing walks to increase happiness. (Yahoo Life)

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About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.

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