1. At least 23 people have been killed, hundreds hospitalized and 170,000 acres destroyed by several wildfires in northern California’s wine country. The fires, which rank among the deadliest in state history, broke out nearly simultaneously on Sunday and exploded from there, destroying some 3,500 homes and businesses and and forcing nearly 20,000 residents to evacuate. At least 8,000 firefighters and support personnel and 124 aircraft are battling the fires. (ABC)
2. Dozens of dogs rescued from Puerto Rico are now in Maine, and next week they will be ready for adoption. The dogs were rescued after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. About 60 of the pups are expected to be available at Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Coastal Humane Society, Animal Welfare Society, Tall Tails Beagle Rescue, and Humane Society Waterville Area. (WGME)
3. Bonny Eagle Youth Cheering is getting reports of a pushy man, dressed like a veteran, deceiving families into giving them their bottles and cans. People in the Buxton area say an older man has been going door-to-door collecting bottles and cans, claiming it’s for his middle school granddaughter’s cheerleading program. But a local PTO says there is no such fundraiser. Buxton Police say they’re investigating. They’re asking anyone who has had contact with the man to give them a call. (WGME)
4. Just four years after leading the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title, manager John Farrell’s roller-coaster tenure with the team is over, despite the fact that he has one year left on his contract. Farrell posted a 432-378 record in his five years as Boston’s skipper, leading the team to three American League East titles—but also two last-place finishes. NESN reports that beloved former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is expected to be a leading candidate to replace Farrell. (ESPN)
5. The Boy Scouts of America will admit girls into the Cub Scouts starting next year and establish a new program for older girls based on the Boy Scout curriculum. Under the new plan, the small unit Cub Scout dens will be single-gender, either all-boys or all-girls. The larger Cub Scout packs will be given the option to remain single gender or welcome both genders. Meanwhile, the program for older girls is expected to start in 2019 and will enable them to pursue the coveted Eagle Scout rank. The Girl Scouts of the USA have criticized the initiative, saying it strains the century-old bond between the two organizations. (AP)
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