Asheville advances one-year data center moratorium over grid, noise fears
An Asheville committee voted June 16 to advance a one-year data center moratorium to the full council, citing strain on a power grid still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Janeese Lewis George leads DC's first ranked-choice mayoral primary
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George led DC's Democratic mayoral primary with about 53% of first-choice votes to Kenyan McDuffie's 37% as the city's first ranked-choice count went on.
Abbott declares disaster in 101 Texas counties as flood threat builds
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 101 counties, including Harris, as days of heavy rain and a possible Gulf tropical storm threaten flash flooding across much of Texas.
Knicks win first NBA title since 1973; 63 arrested as MSG celebration turns destructive
The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 for their first championship in 52 years, drawing tens of thousands into Manhattan's streets. NYPD said 63 people were arrested and at least 10 officers hurt as celebrations turned chaotic.
Seattle wildfire smoke lab faces closure under Forest Service overhaul
The Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Lab, whose real-time smoke map guides agencies and popular apps, is on a closure list as the West braces for a severe fire season.
FBI searches GKN Aerospace plant behind Garden Grove chemical evacuation
Agents seized records on the methyl methacrylate tank that overheated in May, forcing 50,000 Orange County residents out; the DA has opened its own investigation.
Alabama appeals ruling that nitrogen gas executions are unconstitutionally cruel
Alabama is appealing a federal judge's order permanently blocking nitrogen hypoxia executions, after courts found the method's three-minute loss of consciousness 'intolerable.'
Lombardo and Ford win Nevada governor primaries, setting up marquee fall contest
Gov. Joe Lombardo took 91% of the GOP primary vote and Attorney General Aaron Ford won about two-thirds of the Democratic vote, framing one of 2026’s tightest governor races.
Houston enters final stretch of World Cup prep as first match nears
Houston is finishing road work, fan-festival construction and stadium security upgrades before its first of seven World Cup matches on June 14, with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected.
Atlanta readies Mercedes-Benz Stadium for eight World Cup matches
Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches including a semifinal, swapping artificial turf for grass and opening a downtown fan festival, with more than $500 million in economic impact expected.
Bass and Raman head to November runoff for Los Angeles mayor
Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman advanced to a November runoff for Los Angeles mayor after Raman overtook Spencer Pratt for second in the June 2 primary count. Bass led with about 37%, short of the majority needed to win outright.
California pre-positions crews as fire weather and heat build across the south
Governor Gavin Newsom has pre-deployed firefighting resources to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and other counties ahead of critical fire weather, as the state fast-tracks 400 prevention projects. Officials warn 2026 could be among the worst fire seasons on record.
Flash flood threat soaks Houston as storms stall over the region
A flash flood watch covered the Houston area through the weekend as repeated rounds of tropical downpours flooded streets and threatened the city's Pride parade. Forecasters warned of rainfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour over already saturated ground.
USDA confirms New World screwworm in South Texas calf, triggering quarantine
The US Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of flesh-eating New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, the first such detection in the United States since the parasite began moving north from Central America in 2023. Officials established a 12-mile infested zone, imposed quarantines and expedited releases of sterile flies.
South Florida ramps up security with World Cup days away
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup about to begin, authorities across South Florida are stepping up security around venues and crowds, citing drones among their leading concerns. The Miami area is one of the North American tournament's host regions, and matches will draw large international crowds.