Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories:

Backburns add to smoke.

Despite smoke and heat, Country Crossings will return.

Ashland man earns Emmy nomination for sound effects.

Full stories at www.mailtribune.com.

Listen to other Mail Tribune podcasts at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts.

Reach web editor Ryan Pfeil at [email protected] or at 541-776-4468. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.