Need 2 Know: Amazon Deforestation, Gridlock Alert

These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.

Amazon Burning: Who's to Blame: The Brazilian government is facing growing outrage around the world for the 80 percent increase in fires that are spreading across the Amazon. The French president called the fires an “international crisis” that should be on the agenda at this weekend’s G7 meeting. Scientists say 99 percent of the fires were set by humans, often as a means of deforestation for business projects. Guardian.

Amazon Burning: Why it Matters: The Amazon rainforest is called the “Earth’s lungs” because it produces 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. It’s the size of India, home to countless animals, and helps regulate the planet’s temperature. CNN.

Gridlock Alert: The average American commuter spends 54 “extra hours” stuck in traffic each year, according to a new study from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute which looked at data from 2017. Commuters in Los Angeles -- the most-congested city -- spent about 119 hours in traffic. See where your city ranks (scroll down): Read it.

Overstock CEO: The longtime CEO of the e-commerce site Overstock.com abruptly resigned, days after issuing a bizarre press release in which he referred to the “deep state” and admitted to having a relationship with the Russian spy Maria Butina, who is currently serving time for trying to influence American politicians. Patrick Byrne’s statement sent shares of the retailer plunging, and he said he felt forced to resign. Overstock shares shot up 10 percent after Byrne said he’d leave. AP.

Sports Illustrated Swim: Sports Illustrated has released photos of the finalists -- a diverse group of women -- for next year’s swimsuit issue. The magazine posted the photos to Instagram. The finalists include a bald dancer with alopecia and a 55-year-old woman with silver hair who says she wants to change how society views women over 50: See pics.

New iPhones: Apple reportedly plans to unveil three new iPhone models at an event next month, including a new “iPhone Pro” that includes a wide-angle camera and would replace the XS. The company is also said to be planning the debut of a new high-end MacBook, entry-level iPad, and noise-cancelling AirPods with a better battery. Bloomberg.

Pats Player Indicted: New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung has been indicted in New Hampshire on charges of cocaine possession. The Patriots said the team won’t comment while his case is pending. Chung has played on the team for nine years, winning three Super Bowls. CBS Boston.

Obama’s New House: The Obamas are reportedly in escrow on a Martha’s Vineyard mega-mansion listed at $14.85 million The estate is currently owned by the owner of the Boston Celtics, who has been renting it to the former first family this summer: See it.

Sarah Sanders on Fox: Both of President Trump’s former press secretaries have new jobs. A day after Sean Spicer’s hiring on Dancing with the Stars generated outrage online, Spicer’s successor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, got a gig as a Fox News analyst. AP.

Swift Mania: A devoted Taylor Swift fan spent 23 hours on line in New York City to get into her free concert in Central Park for Good Morning America, according to 1010 WINS. Swift’s seventh album, Lover, comes out today and she dropped the video for its eponymous track last night: Watch.

Bird or Rabbit?: A viral video has the internet wondering: is that a bird or a rabbit? In the video, a person appears to be scratching the head of a black bird -- perhaps a raven -- or is it a bunny? See for yourself.

Cheddar's Jill Wagner and Baker Machado get into the latest.

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Flights to LAX halted due to air traffic controller shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration says flights departing for Los Angeles International Airport were halted briefly due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility. The FAA issued a temporary ground stop at one of the world’s busiest airports on Sunday morning soon after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that travelers would see more flights delayed as the nation’s air traffic controllers work without pay during the federal government shutdown. The hold on planes taking off for LAX lasted an hour and 45 minutes and didn't appear to cause continued problems. The FAA said staffing shortages also delayed planes headed to Washington, Chicago and Newark, New Jersey on Sunday.

Boeing defense workers on strike in the Midwest turn down latest offer

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