5 Big News Stories Overnight - Saturday, July 18, 2026

Which mask protects best against wildfire smoke? How to stay safe as Toronto’s air is compared to smoking 4 cigarettes

The Toronto Star reports:

While the skies over Toronto are looking clearer as of Friday morning, Environment Canada still has an orange air quality warning in place, saying “there may be temporary improvement this afternoon however very poor air quality will return to all regions this evening,” and “everyone’s health is at risk.”

As of 9 a.m. Friday, exposure to the air for a 24-hour period carries roughly the same mortality risk as smoking 4.1 cigarettes, according to website How Many Smokes? The calculation is based on research by Berkeley Earth, which suggests breathing in 22 micrograms per cubic metre of fine particulate matter for 24 hours carries approximately the same mortality risk as smoking one cigarette.

In the short term, exposure to the smoke may cause eye and throat irritation, headaches, difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain. Over time and after repeated exposures, the smoke could increase our risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, overall reduced lung function and potentially even developmental issues for children.

As smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario continue to drift across the province, experts urged people to stay indoors and avoid physical exertion outside if possible.

Kuwait says Iran hit second water and electricity plant

France 24 reports:

A ⁠fire ​has broken out ​at a second power generation and water ​desalination ‌plant ⁠in ‌Kuwait after an Iranian ⁠attack, the country's Electricity, Water ​and Renewable ‌Energy Ministry said, ‌adding that ​several power generation units were shut down.

It ​said ​efforts were ​under way to ​contain the fire and carry out repairs.
 

Israeli ministers announce plans for new illegal settlements in Gaza and West Bank

The Guardian reports: 

Israel’s defence and finance ministers announced plans for three illegal settlements in Gaza and more than $400m (£300m) in funding to expand construction in the occupied West Bank, as Israel’s military commander for the region celebrated violent outposts as his “security partners”.

With national elections scheduled for 27 October, Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is racing to expand control of land in occupied Palestine and drive out Palestinians before its mandate expires.

The defence minister, Israel Katz, said he intended to set up three “Nahal” outposts in northern Gaza, a type of military community that for decades has paved the way for Israeli civilian settlements.

The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced 1.3bn shekels (£318m) in funding for dozens of new Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The cabinet allocated the money last month but kept the decision secret because of expected US opposition, Israeli media reported.

Epstein victims blast Trump attorney general nominee Todd Blanche after meeting

CNBC reports:

Victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein blasted Todd Blanche after meeting with the acting attorney general at the Department of Justice, a sit-down Sen. Thom Tillis urged Blanche to have as he seeks Senate confirmation as the permanent U.S. attorney general.

Those victims called Blanche condescending and evasive, saying he seemed motivated to talk to them face-to-face Thursday afternoon solely to get his nomination by President Donald Trump advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“After meeting with Todd Blanche, I feel even more confident in urging senators to vote against his confirmation as the United States’ Attorney General,” Annie Farmer, one of those victims, said in a statement Thursday night.

“I found him abrasive, condescending, and intentionally noncommittal to survivors — a marked contrast to his public testimony during his confirmation hearing,” Farmer said. “While quick to point to the failures of previous administrations, he refused to take accountability for mistakes made under his own leadership.”

Fever's Caitlin Clark records WNBA's 1st 45-point, 10-assist double-double

ESPN reports:

Caitlin Clark was in big trouble for a moment on an evening when she dominated the record books.

The Indiana Fever star had saved a turnover and was scrambling back toward half court as the shot clock ticked away with less than a minute left with the score tied against the Seattle Storm. Then she drove left, stopped on a dime and gave a quick sidestep to shake loose of Flau'jae Johnson.

With just a breath of space and 39.1 seconds left, Clark elevated from 26 feet away and hit nothing but twine. She turned with a flex, stuck out her tongue and let loose an expletive as the crowd erupted into a fit of glee. The Fever never trailed again as they won 110-107 and Clark became the first player in WNBA history with 45 points and 10 assists.

Caitlin Clark's historic night

Here are just some of the record-setting feats Caitlin Clark achieved in her epic 45-point, 10-assist night against Seattle on Friday:

* 1st WNBA player with 40 pts, 10 assists in game

* 1st player to score 45+ pts in fewer than 30 mins

* Franchise pts record for Fever: 45

* Fastest to 200 career 3s: 74th game

* 3rd player to net 45 pts this season

* 4th career game with 30 pts, 10 assists

Source: ESPN Research

"Some nights, like, you know you have it -- even before the ball tips," Clark said. "I felt like it was going to be one of those for me.