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Extreme Weather and Climate Disasters

Severe winter storms, bomb cyclones, heat waves, flooding, and wildfires intensified by climate change across the US and globally

Texas flooding cuts off Uvalde as deadly flood wave threatens

Illustration accompanying article: Texas flooding cuts off Uvalde as deadly flood wave threatens
  • The National Weather Service warned that a "large and deadly flood wave" was barreling down the same river where two dozen children and counselors died at Camp Mystic in 2025.
  • Floodwaters cut off all road access to Uvalde overnight, with police spokesperson Juli Alvarado telling AP that rescues were ongoing and there was "no way into the city."
  • Emergency crews rescued multiple people trapped in vehicles as storms threatened counties near the Mexico border and the Texas Hill Country.
  • City officials in Kerrville urged residents to shelter at the highest levels of their homes as several tornado warnings were issued.
 2026-07-16 · 3 MIN READ

Heavy rains drench South Texas, flood rescues top two dozen

Illustration accompanying article: Heavy rains drench South Texas, flood rescues top two dozen
  • The National Weather Service issued a rare Level 4 "high" risk of excessive rainfall for parts of South Texas, warning that flash flooding is likely through Thursday.
  • Storms dumped up to 16 inches of rain in some rural areas Tuesday, prompting at least two dozen rescues and road closures near Uvalde.
  • Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 59 counties, deploying rescue teams and helicopters in anticipation of additional flooding.
  • The region's mid-summer tropical weather pattern, which occurs about once every five years, is expected to bring another foot of rain to some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
 2026-07-15 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Firefighting pilot dies when aircraft crashes into Colorado reservoir

Michigan floods reveal gaps in flood insurance access and information

2026-06-22

Tom and Diane Peterman tried to buy flood insurance for their retirement home on Black Lake 14 years ago and were told it wasn't available. John Solum was told his family's cabin wasn't in a flood zone. This spring's historic floods across northern Michigan swamped homes, pushed dams to the brink and washed out roadways, with dozens of counties under a state of emergency.

Tornado kills 2 in southern Illinois, destroys multiple homes

2026-06-22

A tornado killed two people and destroyed at least three homes in Jefferson County, Illinois, on Sunday evening, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Five others were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Tesla crashes into Texas home, Connecticut pool in separate incidents

2026-06-22

A woman was killed in Texas and a driver was rescued from a submerged vehicle in Connecticut in two separate crashes involving Tesla vehicles last week, authorities said. The driver in the Texas crash told investigators the vehicle’s automated driving assistance system was engaged at the time.

Three killed in small plane crash in Bowie, Maryland

2026-06-21

A single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area near a residential neighborhood in Bowie, Maryland, late Saturday, killing all three people on board, authorities said. The plane had departed from Ocean City, New Jersey, and was en route to Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg.

Utah wildfire forces evacuation of Eureka as extreme heat grips US West

2026-06-21

A fast-moving wildfire in central Utah forced the evacuation of the small town of Eureka on Saturday as extreme heat and dry, windy conditions fueled multiple blazes across the western United States. The Iron fire, first detected on Saturday in Juab County, has blackened more than 2,000 acres and remained uncontained as of Sunday.

UK tests low-flying drones on motorways to assess driver distraction

2026-06-20

The UK's National Highways agency is conducting virtual reality simulations to determine whether low-flying drones used for road maintenance distract drivers, as it prepares to deploy smaller and cheaper drones at altitudes of 10 to 20 metres above motorways by early 2027.

Tick season intensifies; deer management eyed as tool to curb spread

2026-06-19

Ticks carry serious diseases, but the tools available to control them have lagged far behind those for mosquitoes, according to a new report. In the Northeast, health officials and researchers are increasingly looking at reducing deer populations—which serve as hosts for mating ticks—along with experimental methods to slow the spread of tick-borne illnesses.

Heat waves drive 42% of Western US wildfire burn area, study finds

2026-06-18

A new study from University of California, Merced researchers has quantified for the first time the role heat waves play in driving Western U.S. wildfires, finding that while heat waves account for only 12% to 15% of warm-season days, they are associated with 42% of all area burned by fires between 2001 and 2024.

Six injured in Jersey City acid attack; minor arrested

2026-06-16

Six people, including three teenagers, were injured in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Monday evening when two suspects on a moped drove past a group and threw an acidic substance at them, police said. A minor has been arrested in connection with the attack, which authorities say appears targeted.

Loose emu's owner remains a mystery in New Jersey

2026-06-16

Authorities in northern New Jersey are seeking the owner of an emu that has been eluding capture for several days, with sightings reported in Byram and Budd Lake. The large Australian bird was first spotted near Waterloo Road in Byram, and the Hopatcong Animal Shelter has asked the public for information.

Vulture droppings prompt North Carolina town to sue couple over feeding

2026-06-16

In Hillsborough, N.C., black vultures have taken over parts of the historic district, covering sidewalks and roofs with foul-smelling excrement. The town filed a civil suit in March against Kenneth and Linda Ostrand, accusing them of feeding large groups of the birds, which has led to noxious conditions that workers found so overpowering they retched when trying to clean up.

King tides kill two along California coast, advisories issued

2026-06-15

Massive waves, coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents are roiling the California coastline this week after king tides killed two people and prompted authorities to urge beachgoers to take precautions. A five-year-old girl was swept out to sea from Treasure Island Beach in Orange County and later found dead, and a woman died in Santa Cruz after being pulled into the water.

Meteor over Massachusetts released 300 tons of TNT energy, NASA says

2026-06-15

A small meteor measuring 3 to 5 feet (1 to 2 meters) across streaked over the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border on May 30 at 42,000 mph (68,000 km/h), NASA analysis showed. The meteor released energy equivalent to 300 tons of TNT before breaking apart roughly 40 miles (60 km) above the surface, with fragments raining into Cape Cod Bay.

12 killed in Missouri plane crash; 11 were skydivers

2026-06-14

Twelve people were killed when a private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, on Sunday, June 14. Eleven of the victims were skydivers and the 12th was the pilot, according to sources cited by local news outlet Fox 4.

Two friends find Minnesota woman trapped in mud pit for days

2026-06-14

Two friends riding all-terrain vehicles through a wooded area in northern Minnesota on June 6 discovered a 68-year-old woman, Kathryn Woessner, almost entirely submerged in a mud puddle, where authorities said she had been trapped for several days after her vehicle became stuck.

How excessive heat kills and tips to stay safe

2026-06-13

Heat is the deadliest of all extreme weather conditions, and the human body's natural cooling system — sweat — has limits. Understanding the science of how extreme heat can shut down vital systems is a growing public health need as summer temperatures rise across the United States.

1 dead as tornadoes hit Midwest; power out for nearly 500,000

2026-06-12

Multiple tornadoes tore across several midwestern states Thursday evening, killing one man in Des Moines, Iowa, and leaving nearly 500,000 customers without power across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan as of Friday morning.

Fire at California medical supply warehouse prompts evacuations

2026-06-12

A fire at a 1 million-square-foot medical supply warehouse complex in Tracy, California, burned out of control early Friday, sending thick black smoke across the region and prompting evacuations of nearby industrial facilities, authorities said. No injuries were reported.

Body of 5-year-old girl swept out to sea near Laguna Beach found

2026-06-12

Orange County authorities recovered the body of a five-year-old girl Thursday morning, ending a nearly 30-hour search after a wave swept her from the shore at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach on Tuesday evening. Two bystanders rescued the girl's mother and brother, but could not reach the child before turbulent waters carried her away.

Fisher catches and releases great white shark off Nantucket

2026-06-11

A fisher caught a great white shark off the south shore of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, on June 7, unhooking and releasing the protected animal back into the ocean in about 15 seconds, according to video footage and the person who recorded it.

El Niño forms in Pacific, forecast to reach historic strength

2026-06-11

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed Thursday that El Niño has formed in the Pacific Ocean, with a 63% chance the natural climate pattern will rank among the strongest since 1950, meteorologists said. Experts forecast it will rival the record 1997 El Niño and could turbocharge extreme weather globally.

Amanda Sloat describes father's teachings on death in personal essay

2026-06-11

Amanda Sloat, a professor of practice in international relations at IE University in Madrid, wrote a personal essay published Thursday in The Guardian reflecting on how her father, a psychologist, taught her to confront death from an early age, a lesson that shaped her life after he died in a car accident in 2019.

Coastal floods once rare now 12 times more likely, study finds

2026-06-10

Extreme coastal floods that historically had a 1% chance of occurring in any given year are now about 12 times more likely, on average, according to new research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Climate Change. Researchers said human-driven climate change has made those events about four times more likely.

FBI searches Garden Grove aerospace facility after chemical tank crisis

2026-06-10

The FBI served a federal search warrant Wednesday at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, where an overheated chemical tank in May forced the evacuation of about 50,000 residents amid fears of an explosion. The warrant, signed by a federal judge last week, authorizes agents to seize records and samples related to the storage and handling of methyl methacrylate, the highly flammable chemical stored in the tank.

Commercial beekeepers lost more than 60% of colonies last winter, researcher says

2026-06-10

Commercial beekeepers in the United States lost more than 60% of their colonies last winter — the worst losses on record — according to Jennie Durant, a bee researcher and author of the new book 'Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Bees and the Fight to Save Them.' In an opinion piece published Wednesday, Durant argued that the real culprit behind the declines is the industrial food system, not isolated threats such as pests or pesticides.

Tropical Storm Cristina puts Central America on high alert

2026-06-09

Tropical Storm Cristina strengthened Monday into the third named storm of the eastern Pacific season, placing Central America on high alert with heavy rainfall, evacuation warnings and reports of five people missing after two boats capsized off Costa Rica.

Hiker recounts grizzly bear attack at Glacier National Park

2026-06-09

A hiker who survived a grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park last month said he feels "extremely lucky" to be alive after the encounter, recounting the moment the bear locked eyes with him and charged. Daniel Crago, 32, was mauled off the Grinnell Glacier Trail on May 28 and suffered a broken forearm before being airlifted for treatment.

Pacoima residents fight hazardous air with hyperlocal sensor network

2026-06-09

Residents of Pacoima, a working-class Los Angeles neighborhood hemmed in by three highways, an airport, and heavy industry, are deploying a network of community-run air quality sensors to document pollution levels that often far exceed those of nearby communities — and to pressure officials for action.

Professor outlines 10 ways 'super' El Niño could hit global economy, food supply

2026-06-09

A 'super' El Niño — marked by a 2°C (3.6°F) or greater increase in sea surface temperatures — is now highly probable this year and could last into 2027, according to Benjamin Selwyn, a professor of international relations and international development at the University of Sussex. In an analysis published by The Guardian, Selwyn warned that the climate phenomenon could trigger drought, disrupt global food supplies, increase wildfire risk, and exacerbate geopolitical tensions, with impacts falling disproportionately on poorer populations.

7.8 quake kills at least 19 in southern Philippines

2026-06-08

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 130, according to local officials.

Truck carrying fireworks explodes on Tennessee highway

2026-06-08

A truck hauling a trailer full of fireworks caught fire and exploded on Interstate 75 in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on June 6, 2026, sending a shower of sparks and rockets across the highway. No injuries were reported, according to the Tri-Community volunteer fire department, which responded to the scene.

Arizona lake closes after drought, dam releases kill all fish

2026-06-08

Arizona officials have closed San Carlos Lake to the public indefinitely after drought conditions and upstream dam releases caused the death of the lake's entire fish population. The San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department announced the closure in a Facebook statement Friday.

USDA confirms two more screwworm cases in Texas; food supply safe

2026-06-08

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas on Monday, bringing the total to at least three detections since the parasite was first found in a calf last week — the first U.S. cases in 60 years. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the nation's food supply is not at risk and described the parasite as treatable.

Indigenous practices reshape wildfire strategy in Brazil's Cerrado

2026-06-07

In the Xerente Indigenous Territory in Tocantins, Brazil, residents are intentionally setting fires as part of a coordinated wildfire prevention strategy, marking a shift from decades of prejudice to government collaboration with Indigenous fire brigades.

Electric Dirt Bikes Surge in U.S., Drawing Young Riders and Police Scrutiny

2026-06-07

Cheap, fast electric dirt bikes known as e-motos have become some of the most popular motorcycles in the United States, drawing a wave of young riders while prompting police crackdowns and new legislation from New York to Illinois. The bikes, many of which are not street-legal, are reshaping the two-wheeled vehicle market and raising questions about how to regulate a category that falls between electric bicycles and full-sized motorcycles.

Eight shot at Toledo summer festival; search for suspect underway

2026-06-06

At least eight people were shot Saturday afternoon at the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, all of whom were transported to the hospital and are expected to survive, authorities said. Police were still searching for one or more suspects as of Saturday evening.

Primavera Sound fans frustrated after weather cancels headline acts

2026-06-05

Severe weather in Barcelona forced the last-minute cancellation of headline acts Doja Cat, Massive Attack, and Bad Gyal at the Primavera Sound festival on Thursday night, leaving fans frustrated over poor communication from organizers, attendees told BBC Newsbeat.

Iowa water pollution threatens health and summer recreation

2026-06-04

An Associated Press report highlights how agricultural runoff contaminating Iowa's waterways is making people sick and disrupting summer recreation. The story focuses on Hannah Ray J Childs, a whitewater kayaker who has gotten ill from the Maquoketa River and now wears protective gear to reduce risk.

Family of Auburn student missing in Japan asks for public's help

2026-06-04

The family of a 20-year-old Auburn University student who vanished in Japan nearly a week ago is appealing to the public for help locating him, his mother said Thursday. Japanese police deployed search dogs, helicopters and dozens of officers to search a muddy hillside area near Kyoto where James 'Weston' Higginbotham was last seen.

Wildfire smoke reverses US ozone progress, study finds

2026-06-04

A study published Thursday in Science found that wildfire smoke has reversed decades of progress toward US ozone air quality standards. Ground-level ozone concentrations, which had been declining, began rising after 2015 as increasingly destructive fires emitted chemicals that form the pollutant hundreds of miles from burn zones.

NTSB: United jet was too slow and too low before Newark landing accident

2026-06-04

The National Transportation Safety Board said the captain of a United Airlines flight from Venice, Italy, was flying too slow and too low before the Boeing 767 struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. None of the 231 people aboard were injured; the truck driver suffered minor injuries.

17 Revolutionary War cannons discovered in Savannah River arrive at museum

2026-06-03

A museum in Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesday received 17 cannons from the American Revolution that experts believe sank to the bottom of the Savannah River during the war and remained undiscovered for nearly 240 years. The artifacts, pulled from the riverbed in 2021 during a dredging project, will go on display at the Savannah History Museum just in time for the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday celebration.

Six sheep loose in North Carolina neighborhood rounded up by deputies

2026-06-03

The Durham County Sheriff's Office rounded up six sheep that were wandering through a neighborhood on Duck Pond Court on Monday, using trash cans and cornhole boards as makeshift barriers. Animal Services deputies captured the five ewes and a black ram, who calmed the group once leashed.

NYPD investigates groups emerging from NYC sewer manholes

2026-06-03

The NYPD is investigating after security cameras recorded groups of people entering and exiting New York City’s sewer system through maintenance holes in Brooklyn and Queens in at least three separate nighttime incidents, according to surveillance footage reviewed by authorities.

Founder surrenders Louisiana zoo after animal escapes, USDA violations

2026-06-02

The founder of a private zoo in Ethel, Louisiana, has donated its remaining 125 animals to a group of employees who are turning the facility into a nonprofit, saying he will never work in the zoo industry again. The move comes after years of animal escapes, USDA infractions and staff complaints about the zoo's conditions, including a missing Nile crocodile, two Indian crested porcupines that escaped (one killed on a highway), and a Marabou stork that was later spotted in Wisconsin.

Elder abuse agencies in Pennsylvania reject cases experts say merit investigation

2026-06-02

Pennsylvania's elder abuse hotline received a call on March 31 about a 65-year-old Allegheny County woman living alone with a collapsed roof, exposed belongings, and electrical hazards, a situation the caller described as 'life-threatening.' Records obtained by Spotlight PA show that while the hotline intake worker agreed the case warranted immediate investigation, the state's system for protecting vulnerable older adults has repeatedly rejected similar cases that experts say should have been investigated.

Scotch bonnet pepper shortage squeezes Caribbean hot sauce producers

2026-05-31

A shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers, driven by extreme weather, disease, and pests, is forcing Caribbean hot sauce manufacturers to cancel orders, raise prices, and scramble for alternative ingredients as demand for the region's signature condiment continues to grow globally.

Rising Lake Turkana waters displace communities and threaten Kenya's El Molo

2026-05-31

Rising waters in Lake Turkana, the world's largest permanent desert lake, have submerged homes, schools, and burial grounds across northern Kenya, displacing thousands of residents and severely disrupting the region's fragile fishing economy. The El Molo indigenous community, numbering only a few hundred, faces the prospect of losing their cultural and economic foundation as submerged buildings become crocodile breeding grounds and stormy weather cuts off children's access to mainland schools.

Puna residents seek answers after three elderly men killed, suspect arrested

2026-05-30

Three men in their late 60s and 70s were found dead in Puna, a remote Big Island community known for its off-grid living, and a 36-year-old suspect was arrested after a massive search, authorities said Saturday. The killings have shocked residents, who are now seeking answers about how the suspect, Jacob Baker, whom they described as increasingly threatening, allegedly targeted the elderly men.

Dallas fire chief: Firefighters were outside apartment building when blast killed 3

2026-05-30

Firefighters responding to reports of a gas leak at a Dallas apartment complex were outside the building — and preparing to evacuate residents — when a massive explosion ripped through the structure on Thursday, killing three people and injuring several more, the city’s fire chief said Friday. Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball said the blast occurred roughly 10 minutes after the first crews arrived, right as they were about to enter the building.

Rescue underway for 4 climbers who fell on Mount McKinley

2026-05-29

Rescue teams are working to reach four climbers who fell high on Alaska’s Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak, the National Park Service said Thursday. The climbers’ conditions were not immediately known after the fall was reported overnight, and rangers were awaiting a weather window to reach the area by helicopter.

Chemical tank rupture kills 11 at Washington paper mill

2026-05-27

A chemical tank rupture at a Washington paper mill killed at least 11 people and left nine others missing — all presumed dead — after it released more than 500,000 gallons of caustic white liquor, authorities said Wednesday. The tank failure at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview occurred during a shift change Tuesday morning, prompting one of the deadliest U.S. industrial accidents in years.

Final evacuation orders lifted for 16,000 near damaged Garden Grove chemical tank

2026-05-27

Southern California officials lifted the remaining evacuation orders Tuesday night, allowing all 16,000 people who lived near a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove to return home. The crisis, which began Thursday when a tank storing methyl methacrylate overheated, had at its peak forced 50,000 people to evacuate across the Orange County city and surrounding areas.

Death toll reaches 11 as crews search for nine missing in Washington paper mill tank rupture

2026-05-27

Rescue crews resumed the search for nine people presumed dead Wednesday after a chemical tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill in Longview, Washington, in one of the deadliest U.S. industrial accidents in years. Authorities said the likely death toll had risen to 11 after another injured person died, and they held no hope of finding survivors.

Fatal Maine lumber mill fire started in silo, was accidental, officials say

2026-05-27

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office said Tuesday that the May 15 fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont that killed a volunteer firefighter and injured a dozen others was accidental and began at the base of a silo. The determination, coming nearly two weeks after the disaster, closes the cause inquiry into a blaze that sent plumes of black smoke over Waldo County and required hundreds of responders.

Hajj pilgrims perform pebble-stoning ritual in intense heat as Eid al-Adha begins

2026-05-27

Huge crowds of Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday to throw pebbles at pillars in a symbolic ritual marking one of the final days of the Hajj, as temperatures soared past 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius). The stoning ceremony coincided with the beginning of Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world.

Cool-water releases from Glen Canyon Dam protect fish but cut hydropower

2026-05-27

Federal water managers are weighing a plan to release cold water from deep inside Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam, a move designed to cool the Colorado River and protect the threatened humpback chub from predatory fish, but one that would slash hydropower output because the dam’s turbines draw from warmer upper waters, according to agency officials and documents reviewed by the Associated Press.

UN: 75% chance global warming breaches 1.5°C in next five years

2026-05-27

The World Meteorological Organization and the United Kingdom's Meteorological Office project a 75% chance that average global temperature between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, smashing the Paris climate accord's threshold, according to new U.N. climate projections.

West Coast chemical emergencies raise questions on regulating safety

2026-05-27

Two major hazardous chemical incidents on the West Coast in a single week — a tank rupture at a Washington state paper mill that killed two workers and left up to nine others missing, and an overheating tank in Southern California that forced the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents — have drawn scrutiny to the nation's oversight of industrial chemical tank safety, an Associated Press review has found.

Washington paper mill chemical tank implosion kills 1, leaves 9 missing

2026-05-26

A chemical tank holding nearly a million gallons of a corrosive industrial liquid imploded and collapsed Tuesday at a Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington, killing at least one worker and leaving nine others missing with no hope for rescue, authorities said. Nine additional workers were injured, some critically, as a flood of caustic white liquor swept through the facility along the Columbia River.

Maine lumber mill explosion kills firefighter, injures 12; fire started at silo base

2026-05-26

A fire and subsequent explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, on May 15 killed 27‑year‑old firefighter Andrew Cross and injured about a dozen others, state investigators said Tuesday. The blaze originated at the base of a sawdust‑filled silo, causing the structure to lift from its concrete foundation and ignite surrounding material. Hundreds of firefighters from dozens of departments responded, battling the flames for hours before the fire was finally contained.

Southern Calif. officials lift final evacuation orders near damaged chemical tank

2026-05-26

Southern California officials lifted the final evacuation orders Tuesday night for residents living near a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove, allowing about 16,000 people to return home. The evacuation began Thursday after officials detected a crack in a tank containing methyl methacrylate at a GKN Aerospace facility.

Officials lift evacuation orders for some residents near damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove

2026-05-25

Emergency officials on Monday lifted an evacuation order for some residents living near a damaged chemical tank at the GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems plant in Garden Grove, Southern California, after tank temperatures fell enough to remove the risk of a catastrophic explosion. Officials said remaining hazards include the possibility of a smaller blast or a fire, and Orange County health officials urged residents returning home to feel safe about contamination. Orange County Fire Authority division chief Craig Covey said authorities still needed to mitigate fire risk, small-explosion concerns and possible spill scenarios.

Oldest Pearl Harbor survivor Freeman Johnson keeps memory alive at 106

2026-05-25

Centerville, Massachusetts, resident Freeman Johnson, who turned 106 in March, survived the Pearl Harbor attack without seeing it. While the Japanese bombing began on Dec. 7, 1941, Johnson was below deck repairing boilers aboard the USS St. Louis and did not witness the fighting as his ship set out to sea.

Crack found on damaged Southern California chemical tank as evacuation continues

2026-05-25

Fire officials in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles, said a damaged chemical tank has a crack that could lower the risk of a catastrophic explosion, but an evacuation order for about 50,000 residents remains in effect with no timeline for when people can return. Capt. Wayhowe Huang of the Orange County Fire Authority said crews had been able to evaluate the tank more closely overnight and discovered the crack.

Evacuation lifted for most after methyl methacrylate tank crack in Garden Grove

2026-05-25

Authorities in Orange County, California, said a damaged tank holding methyl methacrylate no longer poses a risk of a catastrophic explosion, and they lifted evacuation orders for about two-thirds of the roughly 50,000 people who had been told to leave their homes. The tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove overheated last week after valves failed to relieve pressure, officials said.

Evacuations near damaged chemical tank extend into holiday weekend

2026-05-25

Southern California officials ordered evacuations for about 40,000 residents near a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove, Orange County, as firefighters worked to prevent a leak or explosion over Memorial Day weekend. Orange County Fire Authority officials said the tank overheated and began venting vapors Thursday, but a broken or “gummed up” valve has left crews unable to relieve the pressure or remove the chemical.

Pearl Harbor's oldest survivor, 106, keeps memory of attack alive

2026-05-24

Freeman Johnson, a 106-year-old Centerville, Massachusetts resident and the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, was inside a steam drum repairing a boiler on the USS St. Louis on Dec. 7, 1941, unaware of the Japanese bombing unfolding above him.

Pearl Harbor's oldest survivor keeps memory of attack alive at 106

2026-05-24

Freeman Johnson, 106, of Centerville, Massachusetts, has become the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, preserving the account of the December 1941 attack that propelled the United States into World War II while living in a home filled with mementos of his Navy service. With only 11 Pearl Harbor survivors remaining, Johnson stands as a last link to a conflict that claimed more than 2,400 American lives and changed the course of world history.

Evacuation orders lifted for many near damaged Southern California chemical tank

2026-05-24

Orange County, California, officials on Monday partially lifted evacuation orders for roughly 34,000 residents living near a damaged tank of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable liquid, after falling temperatures and a crack in the tank eliminated the risk of a catastrophic explosion at the GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems plant in Garden Grove. While the worst-case scenario is off the table, a smaller blast or fire remains possible, and a spill risk persists, authorities said. They cautioned that the tank, which holds 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of the chemical, must cool further before crews can safely drain it.

California chemical plant evacuation orders lift as explosion risk fades

2026-05-24

Evacuation orders were lifted Monday night for roughly two-thirds of the 50,000 residents displaced by an overheating chemical tank at a Garden Grove aerospace plant, after authorities determined the risk of a catastrophic explosion had passed. The six-day emergency at the GKN Aerospace facility, which involved a tank holding 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, had forced the largest evacuation in Orange County in recent memory over Memorial Day weekend.

Cracked chemical tank triggers evacuation at GKN Aerospace in California

2026-05-24

A chemical tank at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, cracked and sparked an emergency evacuation order, NPR reported. Orange County fire officials said about 50,000 residents remained under the order as emergency responders worked to manage a potentially explosive and toxic situation.

Kill your lawn, plant native flowers

2026-05-24

NPR’s “Life Kit” reports that replacing lawns with native plant gardens could reduce the watering, fertilizer and mowing associated with air and water pollution, while also supporting local wildlife. In a segment aired May 24, the show highlights master gardener Paula Diaz and a Kansas City nonprofit’s guidance on starting small and choosing plants suited to local conditions.

40,000 ordered to evacuate in Southern California after chemical leak

2026-05-23

Authorities in Southern California ordered about 40,000 people to evacuate after a storage tank started venting vapors from a plastics facility in Garden Grove, an Orange County Fire Authority official said. Fire crews worked Friday to prevent the tank from overheating further, with officials warning the tank could fail and crack or explode.

Probe underway after NYC shipyard blast kills 1, injures 30+ firefighters

2026-05-23

Investigators searched a Staten Island shipyard Saturday for the cause of a fire and explosion that killed a civilian and injured more than 30 firefighters and other first responders a day earlier. The blast occurred Friday afternoon after firefighters responded to a fire at the Mariners Harbor facility and found two workers trapped, city Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.

15 years after Joplin tornado, survivors say kindness still endures

2026-05-23

Seventeen years after a massive, multi-vortex tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, NPR revisits how the town’s recovery became known for cooperation and “kindness carries on” long after the storm. The story, published May 23, 2026, includes accounts from residents and social-science researchers who study how disasters can reshape people’s identities and encourage mutual aid.

Fire and second blast injure 36 at NYC shipyard; 1 dies

2026-05-23

One person died after a fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard on Friday, officials said. Firefighters and other first responders were among the injured, and the fire department said a fire marshal and a firefighter were seriously hurt when a second blast hit while they were inside the structure.

Kansas wheat crop could be worst since 1972 amid drought, costs

2026-05-23

Kansas wheat farmers are facing a near-collapse this season as record drought, hotter temperatures, and rising input costs cut yields and quality, with the crop forecast to be the smallest since 1972. Growers in the Plains region also report damage from wheat streak mosaic virus and barley yellow dwarf virus, along with higher fertilizer and diesel costs tied in part to tariffs and global pressures.

Cities test permeable paving and other alternatives to beat heat and runoff

2026-05-23

Parking lots can trap heat and worsen stormwater runoff, especially as climate change intensifies hotter weather and heavier downpours. Now, cities and other groups across the U.S. are testing alternatives to traditional asphalt, including porous materials, vegetation and shading, and designs that help rain soak into the ground. The changes are intended to cool surfaces and reduce polluted runoff that can flow into waterways.

Chemical tank heat scare prompts evacuations for 40,000 in parts of Orange County

2026-05-23

Southern California authorities ordered evacuations extending into the Memorial Day weekend for about 40,000 residents after a chemical tank at a Garden Grove company site overheated and began venting vapors, officials said. Fire officials said valves on the tank were “broken or gummed up,” limiting their ability to remove chemical or relieve pressure as crews tried to cool the tank.

El Nino dampens Atlantic hurricane risk, but raises Pacific storm threat

2026-05-23

NOAA forecast Thursday gives a 55% chance of a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, with fewer named storms and fewer hurricanes expected as El Nino develops in the Pacific. Meteorologists said the outlook does not eliminate risk for the U.S., including Hawaii, because storms can still form and intensify.

Evacuations near overheated chemical tank extend into holiday weekend

2026-05-23

Authorities in Orange County, California ordered about 40,000 residents to evacuate as crews tried to cool an overheated, pressurized chemical tank at a Garden Grove facility. No injuries were reported after the tank began venting vapors Thursday, Orange County Fire Authority said, but officials said valves on the tank were damaged and would not work as they worked through Memorial Day weekend.

Study finds coexistence between Jackson Hole recreation and wildlife

2026-05-23

Jackson Hole’s busiest trails near the town do not appear to create a wildlife “sacrifice zone,” a yearslong study found, using 27 remote cameras in a 36-square-mile area south and east of Jackson. Led by The Nature Conservancy conservation scientist Courtney Larson, the research examined how wildlife such as elk, moose and mountain lions responded to hikers, skiers, mountain bikers and domestic dogs. The study’s findings are set against recent research elsewhere showing recreation can displace wildlife, and come as Bridger-Teton National Forest updates its forest plan.

40,000 ordered to evacuate in Southern California after chemical leak

2026-05-22

Authorities in Southern California ordered evacuations for about 40,000 residents after a chemical storage tank at an aerospace plastics facility in Garden Grove began venting vapors and raised fears it could crack or explode. Officials expanded the evacuation orders Friday to parts of five additional Orange County cities as crews worked to stabilize the tank and contain any spill.

3 dead in New Mexico home after exposure to unknown substance

2026-05-22

Three people died and more than a dozen first responders were quarantined and assessed for possible exposure after responders arrived at a suspected drug overdose at a rural New Mexico home, authorities said Wednesday. Investigators are working to identify the unidentified substance, and New Mexico State Police said there was no threat to the public.

40,000 under evacuation orders after chemical tank leak in Garden Grove

2026-05-22

Authorities in Garden Grove, California, issued evacuation orders for about 40,000 people after a storage tank containing methyl methacrylate overheated and began venting vapors, Orange County fire officials said Friday. Fire officials said the tank could fail and crack or potentially explode, and they expanded evacuations to parts of five other Orange County cities as crews worked to manage the leak.

Fire and blast at NYC shipyard kills 1, injures 36 including firefighters

2026-05-22

One person died after a fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard on Friday that injured 36 people, including most firefighters and first responders, officials said. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said more than 200 firefighters remained on scene as the fire was brought under control, while investigators prepared to begin a comprehensive cause probe.

Study finds coexistence on Jackson Hole trails, not a wildlife sacrifice zone

2026-05-22

A yearslong study using remote cameras around Jackson Hole found that high recreation on nonmotorized trails did not appear to create a “sacrifice zone” for wildlife, researchers said. Led by Courtney Larson of The Nature Conservancy, the study examined 1.9 million images from a 36-square-mile area near the Bridger-Teton National Forest and wildlife refuge and found limited avoidance across most species.

California turns to AI to reduce whale-ship collisions as deaths rise

2026-05-22

Marine officials in San Francisco Bay launched an AI whale-detection network this week to alert ships and ferries to whales and reduce collision risk. The system, called WhaleSpotter, uses sensors to scan for whale blows and heat signatures up to 2 nautical miles away, then sends near-real-time warnings to mariners and posts detections publicly.

Cities adopt cooler, more permeable parking lots as heat worsens

2026-05-22

Cities across the U.S. are testing alternatives to traditional asphalt parking lots to reduce heat buildup and limit stormwater runoff, as climate change worsens both problems, the Associated Press reported. A Hampton Roads planning agency in Virginia replaced a crumbling asphalt lot with a design using porous concrete panels, native plants and recycled materials. Similar efforts are underway or being considered in places including New Orleans, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Denver.

El Niño may curb Atlantic hurricanes, NOAA still warns of damaging storms

2026-05-22

NOAA forecast a below-average Atlantic hurricane season as a developing El Niño pattern weakens conditions for storm formation. The agency put the outlook at a 55% chance of a below-average season, with eight to 14 named storms expected, including three to six hurricanes. Forecasters said El Niño can also shift risk to the Pacific, where they expect a more active period.

3 dead in New Mexico home after exposure to unknown substance

2026-05-21

Three people were killed and more than a dozen first responders were quarantined and assessed Wednesday after they were exposed to an unidentified substance at a rural home in Mountainair, east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, authorities said.

Study finds wildlife coexistence on busy Jackson Hole trails

2026-05-21

A multi-year camera study on nonmotorized trails near Jackson, Wyoming, has found that heavy recreational use does not appear to drive away wildlife, challenging the notion that popular trail networks become ecological “sacrifice zones.” The research, led by Courtney Larson of The Nature Conservancy, analyzed motion-triggered images from 27 cameras across 36 square miles of public land south and east of town.

Texas board suspends Camp Mystic nurse’s license for inaction during deadly flood

2026-05-21

The Texas Board of Nursing has suspended the registered nurse license of Camp Mystic’s co-director and medical officer, Mary Liz Eastland, after finding she failed to help evacuate children during the July 2025 flood that killed 25 girls and two teenage counselors, according to a disciplinary order released Wednesday.

Britain uses beavers to curb flooding as climate change worsens storms

2026-05-21

Britain’s conservationists and wildlife officials are resettling beavers in parks and restored waterways as heavier, more erratic rainfall increases flooding risks. In West London, a family of five beavers moved to a 20-acre urban park near the Greenford Tube station, where the animals dammed a creek to slow and absorb stormwater. The approach is also spreading beyond London as other communities look to wetlands and natural water storage to cope with climate-driven extremes.

Dallas World Cup mural dispute: whale artwork replaced after decades downtown

2026-05-21

Dallas has replaced a longtime downtown mural of swimming whales with World Cup-themed art, triggering an outcry from residents and the mural’s artist. The mural, created by Wyland and dedicated in 1999, had covered two walls of a parking garage for nearly 30 years as the city prepared for the World Cup beginning this summer.

Study finds coexistence between recreators and wildlife around Jackson, Wyo.

2026-05-21

Jackson Hole’s busiest trails have not turned nearby habitat into a wildlife “sacrifice zone,” a yearslong study found. Researchers who set 27 remote cameras on trails in a 36-square-mile area south and east of Jackson said they saw “encouraging” signs of wildlife continuing to use the area despite heavy human recreation.

El Niño dampens Atlantic hurricane risk, but increases it in Pacific

2026-05-21

NOAA on Thursday issued its seasonal outlook for the Atlantic, predicting a below-average hurricane season influenced by El Niño. The agency forecast eight to 14 named storms, with three to six becoming hurricanes and one to three reaching major hurricane strength. Forecasters said the same climate pattern is expected to bring a busier, higher-risk storm season in the central and eastern Pacific.

Eastern U.S. swelters again as record heat prompts school changes

2026-05-21

The eastern U.S. endured another early-season heat wave Wednesday, with record high temperatures in parts of Maine and Massachusetts and school districts in Philadelphia shifting some students to remote learning. The National Weather Service said a cold front would bring rain later this week after temperatures were expected to drop sharply on Thursday.

Brooklyn mother Erin Merdy sentenced to 20 years to life for drowning 3 kids

2026-05-21

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Erin Merdy, 34, received a 20-years-to-life sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the 2022 deaths of her three children. The case followed an early-morning search on Sept. 12, 2022, after police received a call from relatives. The children’s bodies were later recovered from the Atlantic shoreline near Coney Island.

Kansas wheat crop could be worst since 1972 amid drought, costs

2026-05-21

Kansas wheat farmers say record drought and hotter-than-average temperatures, plus higher input costs tied to fertilizer, diesel fuel and tariffs, are pushing the region’s wheat crop toward its worst production levels since 1972. In Montezuma, Kansas, Orville Williams, 76, said the season is “not going to be a good year,” while Kansas State agronomist Romulo Lollato said the conditions can raise bread prices or reduce access to overseas markets. Federal estimates project the smallest U.S. wheat crop in terms of production since 1972, at 1.56 billion bushels this year.

Texas suspends Camp Mystic nurse license for inaction during flood

2026-05-21

Texas’ Board of Nursing suspended the nursing license of Camp Mystic co-director Mary Liz Eastland, saying she did not help evacuate children during last year’s July 4 floods that killed 25 girls and two teenage counselors. Eastland, a registered nurse who served as the camp’s medical officer, denies the board’s findings and said she will fight the suspension.

Wind-driven Sandy Fire in Simi Valley forces 17,000+ evacuations

2026-05-20

More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as the wind-driven Sandy Fire threatened suburban homes in Simi Valley, officials said. The fire was reported Monday just after 10 a.m. in Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

3 dead in New Mexico home after exposure to unknown substance

2026-05-20

Three people died and more than a dozen first responders were quarantined and assessed for possible exposure after they responded to a suspected drug overdose at a rural home near Mountainair, New Mexico, authorities said. New Mexico State Police said the substance has not posed a threat to the public, and investigators were working to identify what was involved.

Bees’ ancient name remains a linguistic mystery as World Bee Day nears

2026-05-20

Bees have lived alongside humans for more than a millennium, but the origin of the word “bee” remains uncertain, according to etymology experts cited by NPR. This Wednesday marks World Bee Day, established by the United Nations in 2018 to draw attention to the insects’ vulnerability and the risks to food systems.

Woman dies after falling into uncovered NYC maintenance hole

2026-05-20

A 56-year-old woman died after falling into an uncovered maintenance hole on a busy New York City street near Fifth Avenue and East 52nd Street, police and utility officials said. The woman, Donike Gocaj, parked her SUV Monday night shortly before 11:30 p.m., fell after exiting the vehicle, and was pronounced dead after firefighters pulled her out.

Eastern U.S. bakes in early-season heat after record highs

2026-05-20

Eastern U.S. residents endured another day of early-season heat Wednesday after record highs were broken in cities including Portland, Maine, and Boston, officials said. Philadelphia shifted students at 57 schools to remote learning over concerns including inadequate air conditioning, while New York City opened cooling centers.

Brooklyn mom Erin Merdy sentenced to 20 years to life for drowning 3 kids

2026-05-20

NEW YORK (AP) — Erin Merdy, 34, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder charges in the 2022 deaths of her three young children near Coney Island, prosecutors said Wednesday. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said the sentence reflects the grief of “a seven-year-old, a four-year-old and a three-month-old baby.”

Scientists narrow climate warming futures, but say 1.5°C is slipping

2026-05-20

Scientists are revising global warming projections, saying new scenario work makes the “worst” and “best” extremes less plausible—but also confirms that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement is unlikely without artificial cooling. In interviews, climate researchers said the best-case trajectory would still exceed 1.5°C and that even small additional warming raises risks for ecosystems and extreme weather.

Sandy Fire forces 17,000 evacuations in Simi Valley

2026-05-19

More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders Tuesday as the wind-driven Sandy Fire tore through dry brush in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, the Ventura County Fire Department said. The blaze, reported Monday, had consumed more than two square miles and destroyed at least one home by Tuesday morning.

California races to protect whales as deaths spike

2026-05-19

San Francisco Bay launched an AI-powered detection network this week designed to track whales day and night, as a spike in whale deaths linked to a marine heat wave has pushed California officials and researchers to seek faster ways to prevent ship strikes.

Three young people arrested in series of random weekend Austin shootings

2026-05-19

AUSTIN, Texas — Three young people are in custody following at least 10 random weekend shootings that injured four people, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Sunday. The suspects drove around the city in stolen vehicles, firing at two fire stations, apartment buildings and houses during a string of robberies and shootings that stretched from Saturday afternoon to early Sunday morning.

Texas summer camps close, scale back after state imposes new safety rules

2026-05-19

After nearly 20 years of moving between campgrounds, Orr Family Ministries settled in 2022 on a 12-acre site on a hill in Colorado County, Texas, and established Camp Oak Haven. This summer, the camp will not reopen — its operators sold the land after determining they could not meet sweeping new state safety regulations imposed on the camp industry in the wake of a 2025 flood that killed multiple people at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country.

New Mexico wildfire sparked by medical plane crash spurs evacuations

2026-05-19

A fast-growing wildfire that erupted after a small medical plane crashed before dawn Thursday near Ruidoso has triggered mandatory evacuations for a rural area north of the Capitan Mountains and prompted the closure of portions of Lincoln National Forest, officials said Monday. The aircraft, operated by Generation Jets and Trans Aero MedEvac, was en route from Roswell Air Center to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when it went down, killing all four people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Some plants’ genome duplications may help them weather climate upheavals

2026-05-19

Plants with extra copies of their chromosomes—called polyploids—show evidence of having survived past periods of extreme environmental stress, according to new research. NPR reports that a study led by plant biologist Yves Van de Peer examined ancient whole-genome duplication events across hundreds of plant species and linked them to tumultuous climate eras over the last 150 million years.

Texas camp closures show strain of new safety rules after flood

2026-05-19

Texas summer camps have closed or cut back operations after new state regulations were introduced in the wake of a deadly July 4 Hill Country flood that killed 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic. Orr Family Ministries sold the land for its Camp Oak Haven, citing the costs and practical challenges of complying with requirements that include weather warning systems and broadband access. State health officials have since reached an agreement with 19 camp operators that temporarily lifts a fiber-optic internet requirement, but camp directors say higher licensing fees and other safety mandates are still pushing some rural and urban camps out of business.

Woman dies after falling into uncovered maintenance hole in Midtown Manhattan

2026-05-19

A 56-year-old woman died after falling into an uncovered maintenance hole on a busy street in Midtown Manhattan, police and utility officials said. The woman, Donike Gocaj, parked near Fifth Avenue and East 52nd Street and fell into the open hole shortly before 11:30 p.m. Monday, authorities said.

2 Navy jets collide at Idaho air show; all four crew eject safely

2026-05-19

The U.S. Navy said all four crew members of two EA-18G Growler jets were able to eject and deploy parachutes after the jets collided midair during an air show Sunday at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. One crew member was injured but the injury was not life-threatening, officials said Monday as an investigation into the crash continued.

Sandy Fire evacuation orders top 17,000 as fire spreads in Simi Valley

2026-05-19

Southern California fire officials said more than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders Tuesday as the wind-driven Sandy Fire threatened homes in and around Simi Valley. The blaze, reported Monday just after 10 a.m., had spread to more than 180 acres by Tuesday morning and destroyed at least one home, officials said. The Ventura County Fire Department said the fire was 5% contained and that its cause was under investigation.

New Mexico wildfire grows after fatal medical plane crash near Ruidoso

2026-05-19

The fast-growing New Mexico wildfire triggered by a fatal medical plane crash outside Ruidoso has prompted evacuations for a rural area north of the Capitan Mountains and forced closures in the Lincoln National Forest, officials said Monday. The plane crashed before dawn Thursday, killing four people aboard, and investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the crash.

Navy jets collide midair during Idaho air show; crews ejected safely

2026-05-18

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided in midair during the “Gunfighter Skies” air show Sunday at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, about 57 miles southwest of Boise. All four crew members ejected and deployed parachutes, landing safely in an area away from the wreckage, a Navy spokesperson said. The military said the cause is under investigation.

NTSB hearings probe engine mount cracks that preceded fatal UPS Louisville crash

2026-05-18

The National Transportation Safety Board began two days of hearings Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., examining why a UPS cargo plane’s engine separated from its wing during takeoff last November — a failure that killed all three crew members and 12 people on the ground when the MD-11 crashed in Louisville, Kentucky.

How professional mourners aid the grieving in Kenya

2026-05-18

In western Kenya, a distinctive funeral practice blends ancient Luo tradition with the region's widespread Christian faith. Professional mourners — strangers hired by families of the deceased — wail, sing, and beat leafy branches in a performance meant to honor the dead and comfort the bereaved. The role provides a steady, if modest, income in an economically depressed area where formal employment is scarce.

NTSB holds 2-day hearings on Louisville UPS crash after engine failure

2026-05-18

The National Transportation Safety Board held two days of hearings in Washington on why an engine detached from a UPS cargo plane during a 2025 flight out of Louisville, Kentucky, and why a recurring maintenance and reporting problem was not spotted earlier. The crash killed all three pilots and 12 people on the ground.

Texas camp closures grow after new safety rules; fiber reprieve comes too late

2026-05-18

Texas youth camps have closed or cut back operations after the state of Texas imposed new regulations following last year’s deadly Hill Country floods, according to camp operators and state officials. A Texas campground that served about 100 rural children will not reopen this summer after selling its land. The state later agreed to pause a fiber-optic internet requirement for some camps, but directors say high licensing fees and new safety measures could still push more programs to shut down.

New Mexico wildfire sparked by medical plane crash spurs evacuations

2026-05-18

A fast-growing wildfire in southern New Mexico was sparked by the crash of a small medical plane outside Ruidoso, officials said Monday. The crash killed four people and the blaze, fanned by dry conditions and wind, prompted evacuations north of the Capitan Mountains and closures in the Lincoln National Forest.

Thousands ordered to evacuate as wind-driven Sandy Fire threatens homes

2026-05-18

Thousands were ordered to evacuate Monday in and around Simi Valley, California, as the wind-driven Sandy Fire threatened suburban homes, the Ventura County Fire Department said. The blaze was reported around 10 a.m. in hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and by mid-afternoon had burned more than 500 acres and damaged at least one home.

Scientists revise global warming futures, say 1.5°C goal slipping

2026-05-18

Scientists have revised global warming “worst” and “best” future pathways, saying the most catastrophic scenarios are less likely than before while the most optimistic one now also exceeds the 2015 Paris goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The new set of seven carbon-pollution scenarios, described by climate scientists in a recent study, replaces older extreme cases with a narrower range of possible outcomes by the end of the century. <a href='/articles/2026-05-10-forecasters-warn-strong-el-ni-o-could-bring-heat-drought-and-heavier-rain'>MSI previously reported</a> that El Niño conditions can intensify heat and other extremes.

Rescuers seek homes for 450+ pet rats from Long Island condemned house

2026-05-18

Animal rescue volunteers in New York are racing to find homes for more than 450 pet rats found in a condemned house in the New York City suburbs. The group of about 10 volunteers with the Strong Island Animal Rescue League has spent the past couple of weeks rounding up the domesticated white rodents at the home in Rocky Point, about 70 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island. With about 30 more rats still to catch and a major winter storm quickly approaching, rescuers are accelerating their efforts.

Business jet crashes during Maine takeoff, killing six

2026-05-18

A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on January 27, killing all six people aboard. The plane was en route from Houston to Paris and had stopped to refuel when it crashed around 7:45 p.m. while taking off in winter storm conditions. The aircraft flipped over and caught fire on the tarmac. The cause remains unknown, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, which began investigating immediately.

Fear of flying increases after Washington collision kills 67

2026-05-18

Americans are increasingly anxious about flying following a collision between an American Airlines jet and a helicopter over Washington, D.C., in January that killed 67 people — the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in almost a quarter century. The incident has prompted heightened concern among travelers and aviation professionals about the risks of air travel. Adelynn Campbell, a 30-year-old coffee shop manager in San Diego, has felt the effects directly. She experienced a panic attack on a previous flight. Since the January collision, her anxiety has worsened. "It's definitely spiked my concern about getting on a plane and it's making the whole situation a little more stressful than it used to be," Campbell said.

Austin shooting spree injures 4; teens arrested

2026-05-17

Two teenagers were taken into custody and a third suspect remains at large after a series of seemingly random shootings across Austin, Texas, over the weekend left four people wounded, city officials said Sunday.

Toxic Tijuana River sewage sickens thousands in California

2026-05-17

For decades, billions of gallons of raw sewage flowing from Tijuana have created hazardous air quality in Southern California's Tijuana River valley, sickening residents through exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of sewage laden with industrial chemicals have poured into the Tijuana River, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission. The contamination has created what the Environmental Protection Agency termed one of the nation's worst environmental crises, affecting tens of thousands of people in largely poor, Latino communities near the river.

Negotiators scramble to end LIRR strike ahead of Monday morning rush

2026-05-17

Negotiators for the Long Island Rail Road and five striking unions worked past 10:30 p.m. Sunday, trying to avert a Monday commute disruption for hundreds of thousands of riders, after the nation’s largest commuter railroad shut down early Saturday, the Associated Press reported.

3 arrested in series of random weekend shootings in Austin, Texas

2026-05-17

Austin police arrested three young people after at least 10 shootings over the weekend left four people injured, city officials said on May 18. Officials said the suspects drove through Austin in stolen vehicles and fired at locations including two fire stations.

Pickup truck falls from bridge in Guangxi, 1 dead and 9 missing

2026-05-17

BEIJING (AP) — A pickup truck carrying 15 people fell off a bridge in southwest China’s Guangxi region on Saturday, leaving one person dead and nine missing, state media reported. Five people were rescued, while search and rescue teams continued Sunday for the remaining missing people.

Oakland crash kills 3 and injures several after driver hits pedestrians

2026-05-17

Three people were killed and several others were injured late Saturday night after a driver crashed into a parked car and pedestrians in Oakland, California, authorities said. The crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m., and police said the driver was arrested and is under 18.

4 injured after random weekend shootings in Austin; teens in custody, mayor says

2026-05-17

Austin officials said two teenagers were in custody and a potential third suspect was being sought after at least 10 random shootings over a weekend that left four people injured. Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspects drove around in stolen vehicles, firing at fire stations, apartment buildings and homes from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. The city issued a shelter-in-place order for a large part of the south side, then lifted it after the two suspects were arrested.

Midwest tornadoes leave trail of damage but no deaths

2026-05-17

Powerful tornadoes tore through the Upper Midwest on April 18, leaving substantial damage across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota but no reported deaths or serious injuries, officials said. The storms uprooted trees, damaged homes and buildings, and downed power lines across multiple counties, prompting extensive recovery efforts. "We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury," said Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall of the storm that struck Lena, Illinois.

Maldives suspends search for Italian divers after rescue diver dies

2026-05-16

Maldivian authorities suspended the search for four Italian divers trapped deep inside an underwater cave on Saturday, after a military diver involved in the rescue effort died of decompression sickness. The divers are presumed dead after a fatal dive that exceeded the recreational limit, officials said.

Plane carrying Texas pickleball players broke apart midair, NTSB says

2026-05-16

A small plane carrying a pilot and four passengers to a Texas pickleball tournament suffered icing on its airspeed indicator and broke apart in midair on April 30, according to a preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report released Friday. All five people aboard — Justin Appling, Hayden Dillard, Brooke Skypala, Stacy Hedrick and Seren Wilson — died in the crash near Wimberley, about 40 miles southwest of Austin.

Maine firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, dies in lumber mill explosion

2026-05-16

A 27-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed and at least 11 others were injured when a massive fire and explosion tore through a silo at a lumber mill in rural midcoast Maine on Friday. Andrew Cross, a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, was identified Saturday by the state fire marshal’s office. A procession of dozens of firetrucks and emergency vehicles, stretching 46 miles from Augusta to Belfast, escorted Cross’s remains to a funeral home as communities across the region mourned.

Rescued humpback whale found dead off Denmark

2026-05-16

A humpback whale that gained widespread attention in Germany after a dramatic rescue operation was found dead off a Danish island this week, authorities confirmed Saturday. The whale, nicknamed Timmy, had been released on May 2 after being transported by barge toward the North Sea but was discovered stranded near the island of Anholt in the Kattegat Strait.

Wyoming plans to cut wolf hunt in half to buoy Yellowstone-area numbers

2026-05-16

Wyoming wildlife managers plan to reduce the number of wolves hunters can kill by 50% in 2026 after a canine distemper outbreak pushed the state’s wolf population to the lowest level in two decades. Officials said the proposed 2026 hunting mortality limit would be the fewest available to licensed hunters since wolf hunting resumed in 2012. The state also scheduled public meetings on the draft quotas, with commission action expected in mid-July.

NTSB probes what caused plane crash into Akron home that killed 2

2026-05-16

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what caused a small plane to crash into a home in northeast Ohio and explode into flames, killing both pilots aboard. The crash happened after a training flight out of Akron Fulton Airport, and authorities said they plan to use witness testimony and doorbell camera footage as they work to determine what happened.

Emergency responders tackle fire and explosion at Maine lumber mill

2026-05-16

A massive fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Maine’s midcoast region killed a firefighter and injured at least 11 other people Friday, authorities said. The firefighter was found dead at the mill after flames spread through Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, about 95 miles from Portland. Silo-related damage occurred as part of the response, and state and local crews worked for hours to contain the fire.

27-year-old firefighter dies in Maine lumber mill explosion

2026-05-16

A 27-year-old firefighter, identified as Andrew Cross, was killed in a fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Maine’s midcoast region. Officials said the blast and flames also injured at least 11 others as communities in Morrill honored Cross the day after the incident.

Small farmers in a bind after Hawaii’s worst flooding in 20 years

2026-05-16

Hawaii farmers on Oahu’s North Shore are struggling after back-to-back storms in March brought the state’s worst flooding in two decades, leaving some farms wiped out and reducing what they can sell at farmers markets. The damage threatens local agriculture and the island supply chain, officials said.

Rescued humpback whale “Timmy” found dead off Denmark

2026-05-16

A humpback whale found dead this week off Denmark’s Anholt island has been identified as the same animal released two weeks ago after a contentious rescue effort following repeated strandings along Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, Danish authorities said Saturday. The whale was stranded on Thursday off Anholt in the Kattegat, authorities said, ending weeks of attempts to return the mammal toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Owl stuck in Utah concrete mixer flies free after replacement feathers

2026-05-16

An adolescent great horned owl found stuck in a concrete mixer at a resort construction site in southwestern Utah is recovering and has flown back into the wild, officials said. The bird underwent a feather-replacement procedure after months of care at a sanctuary in Kanab, with staff using a conservation technique known as “imping.”

Warming reduces oxygen in rivers worldwide, study warns

2026-05-16

Global warming is causing rivers to slowly lose oxygen, threatening fish and other life in waterways worldwide, a new study finds. Researchers using satellites and artificial intelligence analyzed oxygen levels in more than 21,000 rivers since 1985 and reported an average 2.1% decline. The study projects that continued deoxygenation could worsen into the range that creates dead zones by the end of the century.

Texas NTSB report says plane carrying pickleball players broke apart midair

2026-05-16

A preliminary federal investigation found that a small plane carrying four pickleball players to a tournament near Austin broke apart midair after freezing-ice issues with instruments during the flight, the NTSB said. The report released Friday described problems with the plane’s anti-icing system, the pilot’s last radio transmission at 10:59 p.m. and a debris field consistent with an inflight breakup near Wimberley.

Black divers honor ancestors at underwater memorial to sunken slave ship

2026-05-15

Black scuba divers and community members made a pilgrimage in early May to the underwater memorial marking the wreck of the Henrietta Marie, a British slave ship that sank off Key West, Florida, in 1700 after delivering 200 enslaved Africans to Jamaica. The group, organized by Underwater Adventure Seekers and Diving With a Purpose, described the visits to the shipwreck site and a nearby African refugee burial ground as acts of devotion and a way to confront a history that some feel is being erased.

Black divers honor history at Florida site of sunken slave ship

2026-05-15

In Key West, Florida, Black divers and community members gathered at a memorial underwater marker for the Henrietta Marie, a British slave ship that sank in the 1700s. The pilgrims said the visit offered a chance to connect with their roots and to process a traumatic history tied to death and suffering. On land, the group also visited a cemetery and memorial for African refugees who died in 1860 after being rescued from slave ships by the U.S. Navy.

Torrential rains flood northern Turkey, sweeping away cars and hospitalizing 12

2026-05-14

Severe flooding triggered by torrential rains struck the Havza district of Turkey's Samsun province late Tuesday, causing rivers to overflow and sending water rushing through streets. The floods swept away vehicles and debris, inundated homes and businesses, and left at least 12 people hospitalized with minor injuries, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency.

Quarantined cruise passenger details isolation after hantavirus outbreak kills three

2026-05-14

Jake Rosmarin, a 30-year-old content creator from Boston, is spending up to six weeks in a specialized quarantine unit in Omaha, Nebraska, after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition ship MV Hondius killed three people and sickened at least nine others. Rosmarin is one of 18 Americans brought to U.S. facilities for observation, most at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit, according to the Associated Press and Rosmarin.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills three; vessel heads to Rotterdam for disinfection

2026-05-14

The operator of a Dutch-flagged cruise ship at the center of the first known hantavirus outbreak on a cruise vessel said Wednesday it expects to determine by the end of the week whether the ship will keep its scheduled Arctic sailings, after three passengers died and nine confirmed cases of the rodent-borne illness were identified. Oceanwide Expeditions told The Associated Press it is awaiting official guidance on disinfection protocols as the MV Hondius sails toward Rotterdam with a skeleton crew, two health workers, and the body of one of the deceased passengers.

Bald eagle hatchlings spotted in Chicago park for first time in over a century

2026-05-14

Two bald eagle hatchlings have been spotted in a nest in a Chicago park in what city officials are calling the raptors' first successful wild breeding in the city in more than a century. The first eaglet was spotted April 28, and a second was confirmed May 7 in Park 597 along the Calumet River on the city's Southeast Side, according to the Chicago Park District.

Disease outbreak cuts Wyoming, Yellowstone wolf numbers to 20-year low

2026-05-14

Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park wolf numbers plunged in 2025 after a flare up of canine distemper that was especially lethal to pups, Wyoming Game and Fish Department wolf biologist Ken Mills said. Mills said the combined minimum count came to 253 wolves and 14 breeding pairs statewide at the end of 2025.

Torrential rains trigger severe flooding in northern Turkey, officials say

2026-05-14

Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in the Havza district of Turkey’s northern Samsun province, officials said. The floods inundated homes and businesses and swept through streets, sending at least 12 people to hospitals with minor injuries, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency.

Ship passenger makes best of quarantine after hantavirus outbreak

2026-05-14

A U.S. passenger quarantined after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius is spending weeks at specialized facilities, where public health officials say the risk of community spread is very low. Jake Rosmarin, 30, said he expects to spend 42 days at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, making the isolation “one day at a time.”

NTSB urges airlines to train pilots for cockpit smoke emergencies

2026-05-14

In a safety recommendation issued Wednesday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board urged airlines to train pilots with realistic simulations for emergencies in which smoke fills the cockpit. The NTSB said pilots on a Southwest Airlines flight in December 2023 told investigators the situation was far more challenging than anything they had experienced in training.

Elk Refuge CWD discovery prompts calls to reduce Jackson herd

2026-05-14

Officials announced the first chronic wasting disease case in an elk on the National Elk Refuge north of Jackson, Wyoming, after samples from an April 15 euthanized cow elk tested positive. The discovery has renewed discussion of a 2021 plan to revisit management of the nation’s largest migratory herd, including feed practices, antler-collection traditions and potential impacts on nearby water use.

Invasive plant threatens livelihoods in Colombia’s largest coastal wetland

2026-05-14

Colombia’s Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta is being choked by an invasive aquatic plant that residents say is cutting off fishing routes and driving up costs for communities that rely on the lagoon. The plant, Hydrilla verticillata, has spread rapidly across the Caribbean wetland since about mid-2025, residents and experts said.

Rescuers recount effort to retrieve 11 survivors from life raft off Florida

2026-05-14

Search and rescue crews found 11 survivors who floated for about five hours on a yellow life raft after a Beechcraft 300 King Air ditched in the ocean off Florida, the U.S. military said. Air Force Reserve officials and a combat rescue specialist described how the survivors lacked a way to call for help and gathered under a tarp as a thunderstorm approached.

Birders spot bald eagle hatchlings in Chicago park, first in 100+ years

2026-05-14

Two bald eagle hatchlings have been spotted in a nest in a Chicago park in what city officials believe is the raptors’ first successful wild breeding in the Windy City in more than a century, the Chicago Park District said. The first eaglet was spotted April 28 and a second was confirmed May 7 in Park 597 along the Calumet River on the city’s Southeast Side.

Operator expects to say by week's end when hantavirus-hit ship will sail again

2026-05-14

The operator of the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius said it expects to have clarity by the end of this week on whether the vessel can restart cruises after a hantavirus outbreak left three passengers dead. Oceanwide Expeditions said about 120 passengers and crew were evacuated to Spain’s Canary Islands and isolated in several countries, and the ship is now traveling to Rotterdam for cleaning and disinfection.

South Africa declares national disaster after deadly floods kill 10, damage thousands of homes

2026-05-13

At least 10 people have died and thousands of homes have been destroyed after torrential rains and flooding swept across six provinces in South Africa since May 4, prompting the government to declare a natural disaster on Tuesday. The flooding hit informal settlements especially hard, with over 10,000 structures damaged around Cape Town alone, local officials said. The Western Cape provincial government ordered schools closed and shut down parts of the Table Mountain tourist attraction as emergency crews responded.

10 rescued after small plane crashes in Bahamian waters off Florida

2026-05-13

All ten people aboard a small plane were rescued Tuesday after the aircraft crashed in Bahamian waters off Florida's coast, officials said. The pilot had declared an emergency before communication was lost, triggering a search-and-rescue operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard and multiple Bahamian agencies.

Ship operator, employee charged in deadly Baltimore bridge collapse

2026-05-13

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday charged a Singapore-based ship operator and a technical superintendent with criminal counts including conspiracy and misconduct causing death, alleging the company deliberately relied on an improper fuel pump that caused the Dali container ship to lose power twice before it struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, killing six construction workers.

South Africa declares national disaster as deadly floods hit six provinces

2026-05-13

South African authorities declared a national disaster as flooding, thunderstorms, high winds and even snowfall affected parts of six provinces since May 4, leaving at least 10 people dead. The disaster declaration allows the government to use emergency funds and other resources for the response.

Small plane crashes off Florida coast; Bahamas officials say all 10 were rescued

2026-05-13

A small plane crashed Tuesday in Bahamian waters about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Florida’s Vero Beach Regional Airport, and all 10 people aboard were rescued, Bahamian officials said. The pilot declared an emergency before communication with the aircraft was lost, the Bahamas’ Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said.

Malaysia searches for 14 missing after migrant boat sinks off Pangkor

2026-05-11

Malaysian authorities searched Tuesday for 14 Indonesians missing after a boat carrying over 30 people sank off the island of Pangkor in Perak state, according to the state's maritime office. A fishing vessel rescued 23 people before dawn Monday, finding them floating at sea.

South Dakota says high gas prices may be ‘silver lining’ for tourism

2026-05-10

South Dakota tourism officials say rising gasoline prices could prove an unexpected boost for the state’s visitor industry, as travelers opt for regional driving trips over expensive flights. The state, which relies heavily on Midwest and neighboring-state tourists, expects a strong summer season anchored by the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, though some operators remain cautious about broader economic headwinds.

Mount Dukono eruption kills one hiker, two Singaporeans missing

2026-05-10

Indonesian rescuers recovered the body of one hiker and searched for two missing Singaporeans after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday, catching a group of 20 climbers who were ascending the volcano in defiance of a government closure order, officials said Saturday.

Forecasters Warn Strong El Niño May Bring Record Heat and Extreme Weather in 2026

2026-05-10

Seasonal forecast models are projecting a powerful El Niño event that could become the strongest on record, fueling extreme weather from heat waves and drought to intensified rainfall, meteorologists and climate researchers said Friday. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed the onset of the warming pattern in the equatorial Pacific and cautioned that while models indicate a strong event, spring forecasts carry higher uncertainty.

Rescue workers battle South Florida wildfires that spread in Everglades

2026-05-10

Crews battled two South Florida wildfires that spread Monday after burning thousands of acres in the Everglades over the weekend, officials said. The Florida Forest Service reported smoky conditions with reduced visibility as containment operations increased. The larger fire had spread to about 5,600 acres and the other blaze, in Miami-Dade County near Homestead, was about 300 acres.

South Dakota tourism leader: High gas prices could hold “silver lining”

2026-05-10

South Dakota tourism officials say higher gas prices could boost road-trip travel as Americans look for shorter, regional vacations. Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen said the state has outperformed others when fuel costs were high or rising, pointing to surveys that show many people plan to travel this summer.

Rescuers recover one body after Mount Dukono eruption; search continues

2026-05-10

Rescuers in Indonesia have recovered the body of an Indonesian woman caught in a volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono on Halmahera island, officials said Saturday. The search continues for two Singaporean climbers after Dukono erupted early Friday, forcing some hikers to be evacuated amid hazardous conditions.

Forecasters warn strong El Niño could bring heat, drought and heavier rain

2026-05-10

Forecasters say a potentially record-strong El Niño event could intensify extreme weather this year, boosting heat and worsening drought in some regions while increasing rainfall and flooding in others. In an interview Friday, WFLA-TV Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli said he expects weather events “we’ve never seen in modern history before,” as the World Meteorological Organization updates its outlook.

11 taken to hospitals after boat explosion near Miami

2026-05-10

A boat explosion near Miami on Saturday sent about a dozen people to hospitals, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. The blast occurred in Biscayne Bay near Haulover Sandbar, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission preliminary information.

California, Nevada and Arizona agree on Colorado River cutbacks through 2028

2026-05-10

California, Nevada and Arizona announced a temporary plan to cut Colorado River water use through 2028, aiming to stabilize supplies in reservoirs including Lake Mead and Lake Powell after the driest winter on record. The states said the proposal would save as much as 1 million acre-feet of river water through 2028, on top of already-announced cuts, for total proposed savings of 3.2 million acre-feet. Arizona lead negotiator Tom Buschatzke said the plan is a short-term fix while talks continue on a longer-term deal.

Foxhounds kick off 85th Iroquois Steeplechase tradition in Nashville

2026-05-10

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Foxhounds wearing GPS collars paraded Saturday to kick off the Iroquois Steeplechase, an 85-year-old steeplechase tradition where horse races and fox hunting remain closely linked. More than 20 hounds—trained to run alongside horses and hunters—were kept on course by huntsmen and the whippers-in as thousands of spectators packed the infield.

Indonesian rescuers recover bodies of three hikers killed in Mount Dukono eruption

2026-05-09

Rescue teams on Indonesia’s remote Halmahera island recovered the bodies of two Singaporean hikers on Sunday, two days after a sudden eruption on Mount Dukono, bringing the death toll to three, officials said. The hikers had been part of a group of 20 who ignored safety restrictions and entered a restricted danger zone before the volcano erupted Friday morning, sending an ash column about 10 kilometers into the air.

Bear attack kills hiker at Glacier National Park; first such fatality since 1998

2026-05-09

The body of a missing hiker has been found in Glacier National Park in what authorities say appears to be the first deadly bear attack at the iconic Montana park since 1998. The hiker, identified as Anthony Pollio, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, disappeared Sunday and his remains were discovered Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail.

Five years after Hurricane Ida, Barataria Preserve begins repairs

2026-05-09

JEAN LAFITTE, La. — Five years after Hurricane Ida flooded Louisiana’s Barataria Preserve with saltwater, shattered its boardwalk trails, and swamped its visitor center, the National Park Service has launched a two-year, federally funded rebuilding effort meant to harden the site against the next storm. The repairs come as scientists warn that without more proactive restoration, the wetlands that buffer this coast could lose 90 percent of their marshland by century’s end — and that even the projects now underway may only slow the loss.

USPS releases Route 66 centennial stamps built from photographer David Schwartz’s trips

2026-05-09

The U.S. Postal Service is releasing eight Route 66 centennial postage stamps, drawn from the work of photographer David J. Schwartz, who has documented the highway on 42 trips. USPS unveiled the stamp series Tuesday in Springfield, Illinois, where Schwartz described the road as “an incredible journey” through prairie, desert and mountains.

Barataria Preserve damaged by Hurricane Ida; repairs begin after 5 years

2026-05-09

Barataria Preserve, a mostly freshwater marsh site about 20 miles south of New Orleans, was badly damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and closed to visitors for long-needed repairs, the Associated Press reported. Five years later, the National Park Service has begun rebuilding work, including removing old boardwalks and replacing them with materials designed to resist flooding.

Bear attack kills hiker found in Glacier National Park, NPS says

2026-05-09

A hiker’s body was found Wednesday in Glacier National Park in Montana, where authorities said the injuries appear consistent with a bear encounter. The National Park Service said wildlife and law enforcement personnel are assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns.

Indonesian rescuers retrieve bodies from Mount Dukono

2026-05-09

Indonesian rescuers on Sunday found the bodies of two Singaporean hikers on Halmahera, officials said, two days after the men became stranded in a volcanic eruption on Mount Dukono. A third hiker, an Indonesian woman, was found dead earlier as teams searched an area in North Maluku province.

Tornadoes Rip Through Mississippi, Damaging 500 Homes But Killing None

2026-05-08

A series of powerful tornadoes ripped across southern Mississippi on Wednesday night, flattening trailer parks, shredding homes, and injuring more than a dozen people — yet for the second time in less than a month, the state reported no fatalities in the face of catastrophic weather.

Climate change threatens tens of thousands of plant species, studies warn

2026-05-08

Scientists project that warming could drive many plant species toward “essentially extinct” status by the end of the century, with losses tied to habitat loss as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift. A separate study by Kew Gardens researchers finds nearly 10,000 flowering plant species are already at high risk, with the loss of evolutionary history and biodiversity falling largely unnoticed.

Tiny kitten rescued from rubble after Mississippi tornado, video shows

2026-05-08

In a predawn search through a tornado-ravaged trailer park in Mississippi, a storm chaser heard a kitten’s faint meow and tracked it to the rubble. The kitten was pulled from insulation between wooden posts and later handed to a volunteer disaster-response group, The Associated Press reported.

Climbers undeterred by unstable serac on Everest trail

2026-05-08

Kathmandu, Nepal — Hundreds of climbers and their Nepali guides are assembling at Mount Everest’s base camp as the climbing season gets under way, despite a warning about an unstable ice block above a key route. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee said the serac has “multiple cracks” and urged “extreme caution” after the Icefall route opened later than usual.

Trees cut extra city heat by half, but not quite fairly, study says

2026-05-08

Trees and other urban vegetation reduce heat from pavement and buildings, but a new study says the cooling benefits fall short in the hottest, poorest cities where extreme heat can be most deadly. Researchers analyzed nearly 9,000 large cities and found that, averaged globally, tree cover offsets about half of the additional heat that creates the urban heat island effect.

Colorado spring snowstorm closes schools, disrupts flights and commutes

2026-05-07

A late spring snowstorm swept across parts of Colorado on Wednesday, closing schools and disrupting travel as slushy roads and slick conditions prompted warnings from the National Weather Service. The storm eased through the day, but officials said winter impacts could continue in the form of additional snow and rain.

Runner dies after medical emergency on Arizona’s 250-mile Cocodona ultramarathon

2026-05-07

A participant in the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon died Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency on trails in northern Arizona, race organizers and local law enforcement said. First responders attended to a woman in her 40s who collapsed at a trailhead in the Groom Creek community south of Prescott in Yavapai County, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

University of Vermont opens weather station to improve flood forecasts

2026-05-06

The University of Vermont opened a new extreme-weather monitoring station in Lyndonville on Tuesday, part of a planned statewide network designed to give more localized data for flood and winter-storm predictions. UVM said the station, the first of about 20 planned, will help the National Weather Service and state emergency managers detect fast-changing conditions earlier, improving evacuation timing and reducing property damage.

Runner dies after medical emergency on Cocodona 250 ultramarathon in Arizona

2026-05-06

A participant in the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon in northern Arizona died Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency on trails near a Groom Creek trailhead south of Prescott, officials said. First responders attended to a woman in her 40s who collapsed, and race organizers confirmed the death on Wednesday.

Late spring snowstorm closes Colorado schools, disrupts flights and roads

2026-05-06

A late spring snowstorm eased across parts of Colorado after closing schools and snarling flights and commutes Wednesday, with crews and residents digging out under a winter storm warning. The National Weather Service said several higher-elevation towns received around 2 feet of snow and expected additional snow in the Denver area and other Front Range cities. Forecasters warned that snow-loaded tree limbs could snap and advised people to avoid parking under trees.

Shooting at lakeside party near Oklahoma City leaves 1 dead, 22 wounded

2026-05-06

EDMOND, Okla. — Police in Edmond said Tuesday that a shooting at a lakeside party near Arcadia Lake left one person dead and 22 others with gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Investigators said the shooting began after a fight erupted at the party on Sunday night, and they have not arrested anyone.

Spring snowstorm to blast Colorado and Wyoming with freezing cold

2026-05-06

Colorado and Wyoming are bracing for a late-season snowstorm that began Tuesday, bringing heavy, wet accumulation north of Denver and into southeastern Wyoming, forecasters said. Denver area conditions shifted from mostly rain to snow by early evening, and additional snowfall was expected into Wednesday. Schools in the region canceled classes Wednesday, and utilities prepared for possible power outages as temperatures dropped.

Two Yellowstone hikers injured in bear attack near Old Faithful

2026-05-06

Two hikers were injured in a bear attack on the Mystic Falls Trail near Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful geyser, park officials said Tuesday. The park temporarily closed an area near the Midway Geyser Basin while it investigated the incident.

Late May snowstorm in Colorado closes schools, disrupts flights and commutes

2026-05-05

A late spring snowstorm swept across parts of Colorado on Wednesday, closing schools, snarling flights and leaving roads slushy for commuters, the National Weather Service and officials said. The storm eased later in the day after dumping up to about 2 feet of snow in higher-elevation towns, while a winter storm warning remained in effect for additional snow into Thursday.

Shooting at Oklahoma lakeside party sends at least 18 to hospitals

2026-05-05

Police in Edmond, Oklahoma, said a weekend shooting at a lakeside park left at least 18 people treated at hospitals in the Oklahoma City area and critically injured at least three. Authorities were still searching Monday for suspects and had made no arrests.

Driver plows into people in Leipzig shopping area, killing 2

2026-05-05

A driver plowed into people in a busy shopping area in central Leipzig, Germany, on Monday afternoon, leaving two people dead, authorities said. Officials said three additional people were seriously injured, and police detained the driver in the vehicle.

Second sloth dies at Florida zoo during rehab after transfer from Sloth World

2026-05-05

Orlando, Florida, zoo officials said a second sloth transferred for rehabilitation from an upcoming tourism attraction has died. Habanero, an adult male, was euthanized Saturday at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens after his condition worsened, following the death of another sloth, Bandit, last week.

United plane avoids catastrophe after hitting truck, light pole in Newark

2026-05-05

A United Airlines jet narrowly avoided catastrophe after it struck a semitrailer truck and a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The bakery delivery truck driver was treated for minor injuries, and all 231 people aboard the Boeing 767 landed safely, officials said.

18 Dead, Thousands Displaced as Heavy Rains Flood Kenya

2026-05-04

Flooding from weeks of intense rainfall across Kenya has killed 18 people in the past week, police said Sunday, with most of the deaths attributed to drowning. More than 54,000 households have been affected nationwide, including 6,000 in the capital, Nairobi, according to the Interior Ministry.

Hoax swatting calls prompt evacuations, closures at U.S. zoos

2026-05-04

Hoax calls involving alleged bomb threats and active-shooter claims have triggered evacuations and closures at multiple U.S. zoos in recent days, authorities say. Police swept the Akron Zoo in Ohio after a threat prompted an evacuation of visitors, and a similar threat led to visitors being evacuated at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Zoo officials said the incidents follow a broader trend in “swatting” calls that divert public safety resources and can lead to federal charges.

Fire prompts evacuation at University of South Florida lab in St. Petersburg

2026-05-04

A fire broke out Saturday evening in a laboratory building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, authorities said. University police and the local fire department ordered an evacuation, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Migrant boat runs aground in northern France, leaving 2 dead

2026-05-04

A small boat carrying migrants trying to cross the English Channel ran aground on a beach in northern France, leaving two people dead and 16 others injured, French authorities said on Sunday. The vessel, carrying 82 people, drifted after its engine failed near Hardelot, south of the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Firefighters battle blaze at University of South Florida lab in St. Petersburg

2026-05-04

Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish a Saturday night blaze at a laboratory on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, officials said. The U.S. marine science lab building could be a total loss, and the school said there were no reported injuries and no hazardous materials released.

Eta Aquarid meteor shower 2026: Bright moon may spoil the show

2026-05-03

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, made of debris from Halley’s comet, is expected to peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, but a bright moon will make the display harder to see. In the Southern Hemisphere, viewers typically see about 50 meteors per hour during the peak, though the moon could cut that number by half, the Associated Press reported. In the Northern Hemisphere, skywatchers are likely to see fewer than 10 per hour.

Rescue team frees stranded humpback whale “Timmy” in North Sea

2026-05-03

German officials on Saturday authorized a private rescue team’s plan to free a humpback whale nicknamed “Timmy,” which had been stranded in shallow waters near the Baltic Sea coast for weeks. The whale was released from a barge in the North Sea, witnesses said, after efforts to coax it back failed and the episode drew livestream attention worldwide.

Explosive devices found after crash at Portland health club killed 1

2026-05-03

The crash happened shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon, authorities said. Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day said one person died in the vehicle and that investigators also found explosive devices, some of which had detonated.

Plane carrying pickleball players crashes in Texas, killing all 5

2026-05-02

A small plane carrying pickleball players crashed in Texas Hill Country late Thursday, killing all five people aboard, authorities said. The crash happened around 11 p.m. near Wimberley, about 40 miles southwest of Austin, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mexico City sinking nearly 10 inches a year, NASA satellite imagery shows

2026-05-02

Mexico City is sinking by nearly 10 inches (about 25 centimeters) a year, NASA said, citing new satellite imagery that shows ground subsidence can be seen from space. The NASA estimates, based on measurements from October 2025 to January 2026, also indicate the sinking is accelerating in places including the main airport and the Angel of Independence.

Chonkers, giant Steller sea lion, draws crowds at San Francisco’s Pier 39

2026-05-02

San Francisco’s Pier 39 has drawn crowds after a giant Steller sea lion nicknamed “Chonkers” arrived and lounged among the smaller resident sea lions. The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito said the animal is likely from the Pacific Northwest and could weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds (680 and 907 kilograms).

Mexico City sinks nearly 25 cm a year, NASA satellite images show

2026-05-02

Mexico City is sinking nearly 25 centimeters (10 inches) per year, according to NASA satellite images released this week. The research, based on measurements taken between October 2025 and January 2026 by the NISAR satellite, shows the sinking can be observed from space and is affecting infrastructure and water supplies.

As drought deepens in the West, experts share water-wise gardening advice

2026-05-01

With most of Colorado in drought and reservoirs low after a winter of record-low snowfall, cities across the U.S. West are imposing outdoor watering restrictions, pushing home gardeners to adopt water-saving techniques. Denver Water announced its earliest-ever drought restrictions on March 25, while Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque already have year-round seasonal rules. Experts say that growing food with less water is still possible by capturing rainwater, improving soil health, and switching to drip irrigation.

Explosion in Queens sends several NYPD officers flying, police say

2026-05-01

A massive explosion at a home in Queens sent several New York City police officers flying through the air early Thursday as officers responded to a call about a man with a knife and the smell of gas, the NYPD said. Police treated eight officers for minor injuries, including burns and at least one head laceration, and said the people inside the building have been accounted for.

How to use water wisely for food gardens during drought

2026-05-01

DENVER—With much of Colorado in drought and Denver Water announcing drought restrictions, gardeners and backyard growers say they are reshaping how they plant and water to conserve supplies. AP spoke with local and regional experts who advise capturing alternative water sources, improving soil, protecting plants from heat and wind, and using deep, infrequent irrigation.

Toxic rare earth mining is poisoning the Mekong, threatening global food

2026-04-30

Perched on the bow of his long-tail fishing boat in northern Thailand, a fisherman said he worries his family’s catch has become harder to sell as people fear contamination in the Mekong River. The Associated Press reported that toxic runoff from rare earth mines upstream in Myanmar is spreading into Mekong tributaries, raising health risks for millions who rely on the river for farms and fisheries.

Weather observatory near Boston keeps analog climate record

2026-04-30

Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center, about 15 miles south of Boston, says it has used largely unchanged instruments to record daily weather for 141 years. Staff and volunteers at the private nonprofit send observation summaries to federal and climate-research data centers and also invite local residents into a “citizen science” program.

Transponders to be installed on New York airport rescue vehicles after LaGuardia crash

2026-04-30

Air traffic investigators are prompting upgrades in vehicle tracking after a March 22 collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots and injured others, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said. The agency said transponders will be installed on fire trucks and other rescue vehicles at LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark Liberty airports so air traffic controllers receive more precise locations. The National Transportation Safety Board cited the lack of transponders in a preliminary report released last week.

Kauaʻi’s Waimea Canyon to get FAA weather cameras for air tours

2026-04-30

Helicopter pilots flying through Kauaʻi’s remote Waimea Canyon will be able to review video and weather data along their flight path before takeoff at Līhuʻe Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The FAA expects the cameras to be operating by the end of the year as part of a statewide network meant to reduce accidents linked to rapidly changing conditions in and around the canyon.

Mail delivered by boat to a German village in Spreewald Forest

2026-04-30

Lehde, Germany, is one of the few places where postal service runs through waterways: during warmer months, mail is delivered by barge along canals of the Spreewald Forest delta southeast of Berlin. Andrea Bunar, a 55-year-old postal worker, rows the route and says the start of the season is “always special” after a winter break. The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the barge route runs from April to October, with deliveries Monday through Saturday.

Missouri hailstorm kills emu at zoo, disrupts flights and damages vehicles

2026-04-30

Springfield, Missouri, was hit Tuesday by a severe hailstorm that knocked out power, damaged hundreds of vehicles and even aircraft, and killed an emu at the Dickerson Park Zoo, officials and witnesses said. The storm also delayed or canceled dozens of flights at the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Isle Royale wolf numbers rebound but moose decline in new survey

2026-04-29

The remote Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior has seen its wolf population rebound, but the animals’ return is coinciding with a steep drop in the island’s moose numbers, according to a new annual survey released Monday. Researchers estimate there were 37 wolves during the winter study period that ran from Jan. 22 through March 3.

Passenger gives birth to baby girl on Delta flight just before landing

2026-04-29

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Portland, Oregon, diverted into emergency childbirth after a passenger went into labor just before landing, the Associated Press reported. Paramedics on board helped the mother give birth to a healthy girl as the plane prepared to touch down Friday night.

Two-colored lobster from Cape Cod captivates New Englanders

2026-04-29

A seafood company on Cape Cod donated a rare two-colored lobster to Woods Hole Science Aquarium, sparing it from being cooked. Fishermen caught the lobster off Cape Cod on April 16, and the aquarium plans to display it when it reopens.

How to prevent sunscreen chemicals from hurting coral reefs

2026-04-29

Most sunscreens can end up in the ocean after swimming, and research cited by the Associated Press links several common chemical UV filters to harm to coral reefs. The story details how consumers can reduce exposure through clothing and shade, and how to choose mineral formulas and apply them in ways that cut runoff.

Camp Mystic director tearfully apologizes for 2025 flood deaths

2026-04-29

A director of Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp in Texas Hill Country where 25 campers and two counselors died in a July 2025 flood, tearfully apologized Tuesday to the families of the victims as lawmakers questioned the camp’s preparations to reopen. Edward Eastland said he and his father, Richard Eastland, were on the property the night of the flood and tried to rescue girls as heavy rain turned the Guadalupe River into a raging current. The apology came during the second day of a special legislative hearing that is examining emergency planning failures before the deaths.

Officials expect long battle as Georgia wildfires top 80 homes damaged

2026-04-29

Officials battling two large wildfires in southern Georgia warned Tuesday that firefighters are bracing for a prolonged battle even after weekend rains boosted containment. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said firefighters “are going to be in this for a while,” as officials reported rapid containment gains on one blaze in Brantley County while a larger fire along the Georgia-Florida line remained only partly contained.

Camp Mystic won’t reopen this summer as regulators probe 2025 flood failings

2026-04-28

Camp Mystic officials have withdrawn their application to operate the camp this summer, saying they will not move forward while families grieve and investigations continue. The Hill Country all-girls Christian camp was forced to halt its reopening plans after regulators and lawmakers highlighted alleged deficiencies in emergency planning ahead of the July 4, 2025, floods that killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors.

Tornadoes, hail and flooding threaten parts of the Midwest

2026-04-28

Fast-moving storms battered parts of the Midwest Monday with hail, strong winds and heavy rain, flooding streets and stranding commuters across several states. Tornado warnings were posted for parts of southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois and northern Arkansas, the National Weather Service said.

Search suspended for crew of Mariana cargo ship overturned in typhoon

2026-04-28

Search efforts have been suspended for five missing crew members of the cargo ship Mariana, which overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, U.S. authorities said Wednesday. The Coast Guard previously recovered one body from the overturned vessel and identified six crew members aboard the 145-foot ship.

Camp Mystic counselors had no emergency training before flood, investigator says

2026-04-28

A Texas legislative committee’s investigator said Camp Mystic counselors at the all-girls Christian camp in the Texas Hill Country were young and lacked emergency training before a July Fourth flood that killed 27 counselors and campers. The investigator told lawmakers that the camp’s “obedience” culture, flood-warning complacency, poor communications and delayed evacuation contributed to the deaths.

FERC orders inspection of Cheboygan Dam powerhouse after flooding

2026-04-28

Federal energy regulators have ordered immediate inspections of the Cheboygan Dam powerhouse in Michigan and other dams after historic flooding threatened failures. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the powerhouse was reactivated as an emergency measure April 17, after a 2023 fire left it offline, and it ordered the owner to submit a report by May 15.

Storms flatten buildings and damage homes in Texas city of Mineral Wells

2026-04-28

A tornado touched down in Mineral Wells, Texas, on Tuesday and tore through buildings, injuring five people and leaving neighborhoods with collapsed structures and missing roofs, officials said. The National Weather Service said the tornado’s winds reached at least 120 mph (193 kph).

Tornadoes hit Runaway Bay and Springtown, Texas, killing at least 2

2026-04-27

A tornado-producing storm swept through northern Texas late Saturday, killing at least two people and displacing at least 20 families in the towns of Runaway Bay and Springtown, authorities said. Wise County officials and local fire officials reported major home damage and difficult access for crews as outages left many residents without power. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado near Runaway Bay and an EF-1 tornado near Springtown.

Heavy rains slow Georgia wildfires, but drought keeps igniting new ones

2026-04-27

Heavy weekend rain slowed the spread of two large wildfires in southern Georgia, but crews responded to new blazes as drought conditions persisted, the Georgia Forestry Commission said. The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County remained only 6% contained, after destroying at least 87 homes, while Georgia’s Pineland Road Fire had scorched more than 50 square miles and damaged at least 35 homes, officials said.

Disease and cold killed nearly 30 sloths at a Florida import warehouse

2026-04-27

Orlando, Florida, officials said disease and low temperatures killed nearly 30 sloths at a wildlife import warehouse in 2024 and 2025. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation inspection report, issued in August, described deaths of sloths imported from Guyana when temperatures dropped into the 40-to-55 degree Fahrenheit range at Sanctuary World Imports.

Fast-growing Georgia wildfire tops 31 square miles; evacuations possible

2026-04-27

NAHUNTA, Ga., officials said a fast-growing Georgia wildfire has surpassed 31 square miles and is only 7% contained, with evacuations possible as winds pick up. Brantley County Manager Joey Cason said the Highway 82 Fire “basically doubled last night” and warned that residents who did not evacuate previously “almost got caught by that fire.”

Georgia, Florida wildfires threaten homes as strong winds approach

2026-04-26

Two wildfires in southeastern Georgia continued to threaten homes and residents on Saturday as officials warned that strong winds could spread the flames. The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned since Monday, has destroyed at least 87 homes, and a second blaze near the Florida line has destroyed at least 35 homes. Officials also said the state faces dozens of other fires across Georgia and Florida.

Tick season off to fast start as CDC warns of more Lyme risk

2026-04-26

Tick season appears to be starting earlier and faster than usual in the U.S., with unusually high numbers of tick bites already reported, according to doctors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some health experts worry this could translate into a bad year for tick-borne diseases as tick activity expands into the spring and summer months.

Camp Mystic warned of safety plan problems as it seeks to reopen

2026-04-26

Texas state health regulators have identified nearly two dozen deficiencies in Camp Mystic’s emergency operations plan as the all-girls Christian camp seeks a late-May reopening, less than a year after a deadly flood killed 27 children and counselors. The Department of State Health Services said the plan’s flood warning, evacuation and training components did not meet requirements in the licensing review process.

Mississippi students stop bus after driver blacks out on highway

2026-04-26

Middle school students in Mississippi stopped a school bus from crashing after the driver blacked out while driving on a four-lane highway, the Associated Press reported. The bus left Hancock Middle School in Hancock County with about 40 children on board when the driver had an asthma attack. Students steered the vehicle onto a median, put it in park, called 911, and administered medication until emergency help arrived.

Storing fresh produce properly can curb food waste and help the planet

2026-04-26

Small changes in how consumers store fruits and vegetables can extend their shelf life by days, reducing household food waste linked to moisture, temperature and airflow, according to Purdue University and other food-safety experts interviewed by the Associated Press. The AP also reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that confusion over “purchase-by” dates contributes to a portion of consumer waste, while environmental advocates tie kitchen trash to methane emissions from landfills.

Podcast reignites 1982 Louisiana cold case, leading to 4 men charged

2026-04-26

Louisiana State Police said a podcast helped investigators solve the decades-old rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp and announced Friday that four men face criminal charges. The 1982 killing in St. Tammany Parish, north of New Orleans, remained unsolved for years until investigators renewed public leads after a six-part series aired last year.

NTSB says firefighter heard “stop, stop” before LaGuardia crash

2026-04-26

Federal investigators said a firefighter’s truck collided with an Air Canada Express jet at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22 after an air traffic controller issued “stop, stop, stop” warnings that the firefighter crew initially did not recognize as meant for them.

Florida zoo celebrates first koala birth and new Outback habitat opening

2026-04-26

A Florida zoo will open its newly renovated Outback habitat to the public Saturday, alongside a major breeding milestone: the first koala birth at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The joey, born last fall to Ellin and Sydney, is still staying in its mother’s pouch as zoo staff monitor her and provide extra food.

Volunteers in Newport, Rhode Island plant native trees to boost equity

2026-04-26

On Newport’s south side, mature trees help cool neighborhoods and support wildlife, while the city’s North End has far fewer trees. On Wednesday for Earth Day, volunteers with the Newport Tree Conservancy worked in Miantonomi Memorial Park to nurture native seedlings and expand the area’s tree canopy.

Alaska Native village seeks community-led polar bear tourism comeback

2026-04-26

Late every summer, hulking polar bears gather outside the Alaska Native village of Kaktovik on the edge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a spectacle that once drew 1,000 or more tourists a year. The COVID-19 pandemic and a federal order in 2021 halting boat tours largely ended the polar bear tourism, but village leaders now want to restart it with new rules.

EF-4 tornado damages dozens of homes in Enid, Oklahoma, no deaths

2026-04-26

Enid, Oklahoma, was hit Thursday night by an EF-4 tornado that damaged about 40 homes, authorities said, with no deaths reported. The tornado, described by the National Weather Service as on the ground for 9 miles and about 500 yards wide, prompted searches for possible trapped residents and repair efforts.

Ice block near Everest base camp delays climbers and guides

2026-04-26

Thousands of climbers and their guides are being forced to delay their planned climb of Mount Everest after an unstable ice block—described as a serac—halted movement on the route just above Everest base camp, Nepal’s mountaineering authorities said. The spring climbing season, which ends at the end of May, is expected to offer only brief weather windows.

Georgia wildfires destroy 120 homes, force evacuations

2026-04-25

Wildfires in southeast Georgia and northern Florida have killed a volunteer firefighter and destroyed at least 120 homes, officials said Friday. Gov. Brian Kemp said two large blazes have triggered evacuations in several Georgia counties, with investigators suspecting a foil party balloon and a welding incident as possible ignition sources.

Wildfires aren’t just out West. Climate change brings blazes East

2026-04-25

Georgia’s latest wildfires have destroyed dozens of homes, underscoring that climate change is helping drive more intense and damaging fires across the eastern United States, fire scientists and officials said. Researchers point to hotter, drier conditions that dry out vegetation, along with drought and storm-linked fuel buildup.

Head-on bus crash near Pentagon stop injures 23, including Defense workers

2026-04-25

Two buses crashed head-on near a Pentagon bus stop in Arlington, Virginia, injuring 23 people, including Defense Department personnel, according to a Pentagon Force Protection Agency press release and local officials. The crash happened shortly before 7:30 a.m. Friday, and the Metro Access Road was closed for an investigation.

Fairfield, Montana, faces worsening water shortage as leaks cut supply

2026-04-25

Fairfield, Montana, is facing an early-season water shortage as decades-old pipes leak and regional drought limits replenishment of depleted wells, threatening tighter limits for residents and irrigation for farmers. The town council has invested in plumbing and imposed restrictions, but officials said more wells going dry could force new emergency steps, such as hauling portable toilets. (AP)

Highway work in Brazil's Amazon leads to digs and new findings

2026-04-24

Archaeological digs tied to road construction along Brazil’s BR-156 highway have yielded new clues about Indigenous life in the Amazon long before European arrival, the Associated Press reported. The discoveries include pottery that may have been funerary urns and small artifacts resembling human faces, found during surveys ahead of paving work in the northern state of Amapa.

Sweden’s secondhand clothing swaps aim to cut environmental waste

2026-04-24

Stockholm’s annual secondhand clothing swap is drawing hundreds of residents to exchange clothes and help extend garments’ life spans. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation says the events are part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental cost of clothing production. Organizers and volunteers said tailoring assistance at the swaps also helps people repair items instead of discarding them.

NTSB urges alcohol detectors in new school buses after West Virginia crash

2026-04-24

The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday recommended that all new school buses be equipped with alcohol detection systems that can disable the bus if they detect the driver might be impaired. The recommendation follows a West Virginia crash in which police found the driver was drunk and a boy later required an amputation.

Report outlines what led to deadly Air Canada crash at New York’s LaGuardia

2026-04-24

Federal investigators said issues involving air traffic control procedures, a fire truck’s equipment and runway lighting contributed to a deadly Feb. 22 collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport between an Air Canada Express regional jet and a fire truck. The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board describes a collision seconds after the plane landed and as crews responded to an unrelated emergency.

Georgia wildfires fueled by drought and Hurricane Helene debris

2026-04-24

NAHUNTA, Ga. — Some wildfires burning through Georgia this week are being fed by persistent drought and by fallen trees and limbs scattered across the South by Hurricane Helene in 2024, officials said. Blustery winds are also helping ignite and expand fires that have prompted air quality warnings in the region, including areas far from the blazes, as evacuations continued near Georgia’s coast.

Michigan cleared of liability in 2020 Edenville dam failure lawsuit

2026-04-24

Michigan was cleared of liability Thursday in a lawsuit tied to the 2020 Edenville Dam collapse that flooded parts of Midland, destroyed more than 100 homes and drained Wixom Lake, according to a Court of Claims ruling. Court of Claims Judge James Redford said torrential rain and a 100-year flood, along with conditions at the privately owned dam, led to the disaster rather than actions taken by the state’s regulators.

Michigan lawmakers weigh dam safety reforms as EGLE budget faces cuts

2026-04-24

Michigan lawmakers are set to consider legislation next week aimed at strengthening dam safety rules and boosting oversight, as state officials remain on alert following recent dam failures and emergency repairs. The proposal would raise flood-control and maintenance expectations for dams, increase inspection frequency, and seek closer coordination between federal and state regulators.

Chemical leak at WV silver recovery plant kills 2, sends about 30 to hospitals

2026-04-23

A chemical leak at a silver recovery business in Institute, West Virginia, killed two people and sent about 30 others to hospitals on Wednesday, officials said. Kanawha County emergency management director C.W. Sigman said a reaction involving nitric acid produced toxic hydrogen sulfide as workers prepared part of the Catalyst Refiners plant for shutdown.

Flooding sends chunks of ice into homes in northeastern Michigan

2026-04-23

Heavy rain and snowmelt swelled rivers and lakes in Cheboygan County, northeastern Michigan, sending large chunks of ice into some homes, officials said. The sheriff’s office said ice and flooding overran area waterways beyond their banks, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for multiple counties.

In climate change fight, doomerism is out. Laughter is in

2026-04-23

People fighting human-caused climate change are increasingly drawing on joy, laughter and community as tools to cope with stress and keep people engaged, including around Earth Day. The Associated Press reports that activists, teachers and psychologists are using seminars, books and classes that emphasize what works psychologically, with laughter, dancing and hugs alongside warnings about warming.

Colorado River managers plan extra releases to keep Lake Powell hydropower

2026-04-23

Water releases meant to shore up drought-depleted Lake Powell’s hydropower are expected to boost flows in eastern Utah this spring, with officials aiming to raise Powell’s level after the region’s driest winter on record. The effort would rely on letting out as much as a third of the water in Wyoming and Utah’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir, but it is also expected to draw down water and electricity options elsewhere in the Colorado River system.

Wildfires in Georgia and Florida destroy homes, force evacuations

2026-04-23

Huge wildfires burning across Georgia and Florida destroyed more than 50 homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. Officials said drought and wind-fueled flames rapidly spread, with Georgia’s forestry commission issuing a burn ban for the first time in its history.

Preschool teacher in Shreveport recounts loss after father kills children

2026-04-22

A preschool teacher in Shreveport, Louisiana, is coping with the loss of a 5-year-old boy, Braylon Snow, who was killed along with other children in an attack by their father on Sunday. Angela Hall, who teaches at Johnnie L. Cochran Head Start, said she learned of the shooting after Sunday church and returned Monday to find families and coworkers grappling in the classroom and at morning drop-off.

Wildfires Burn Across Georgia, Florida Amid Dry Conditions, Destroying Homes

2026-04-22

Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have destroyed over 50 homes and forced hundreds to evacuate as dry and windy conditions fuel the flames. The largest fires are burning near the Georgia coast, with others erupting in northern Florida, which is facing one of its worst fire seasons in decades.

In climate change fight, doomerism is out. Laughter is in

2026-04-22

Activists and psychologists are using laughter, dancing and community-building to help people keep working to curb human-caused climate change, including on Earth Day, according to interviews with seminar leaders and researchers. The approach centers on coping with grief and eco-anxiety while still taking action—rather than focusing on sacrifice alone.

Flooding sends chunks of ice into Michigan homes

2026-04-22

Heavy rain and snowmelt in northeastern Michigan have driven large chunks of ice into homes and other buildings along Black Lake, Cheboygan County, threatening to overwhelm stressed dam systems and forcing evacuations, officials said. The danger has involved ice breaking through windows and doors, while state and county crews have worked to keep debris and ice from clogging the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex as water flows toward Lake Huron.

Japan issues megaquake advisory after 7.7 quake off the northeast coast

2026-04-22

Tokyo said a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off northern Japan triggered a brief tsunami alert and a Cabinet Office/Japan Meteorological Agency advisory that coastal areas face a slightly higher risk of a possible megaquake over the following week, the government said Monday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in 182 towns to verify shelters and evacuation routes and prepare emergency supplies. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said nuclear facilities in the region were intact.

Paris-area wildlife hospital takes in 10,400 wild animals, keeps them wild

2026-04-22

In a suburb southeast of Paris, the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Maisons-Alfort treats injured, sick and orphaned wild animals so they can be returned to their natural habitats. Over the past year, it admitted more than 10,400 wild animals, from birds to European mammals such as foxes, deer and hedgehogs. Last week, volunteers began caring for a female fox cub found alone in a garden on the city’s outskirts.

Hot-then-cold weather impacts flower and fruit farmers

2026-04-21

Cold snaps after unusually warm conditions are frustrating flower and fruit growers across the Northeast, forcing some to harvest early or take steps to protect budding plants. The swing comes after temperatures surged into the 70s and 90s in parts of the region, followed by falls into the 50s and freeze warnings in multiple states.

Test fires help scientists protect homes from climate-change fueled wildfires

2026-04-21

Scientists at a nonprofit research site in Richburg, South Carolina, have burned a series of nearly identical houses to learn how to better protect homes from wildfires as climate change intensifies fire seasons. The controlled burns, conducted in spring conditions and using sensors and cameras, are meant to test what happens when flames breach windows, walls and exterior “defensible space” buffers around homes.

Hot air balloon with 13 aboard makes emergency landing in California yard

2026-04-20

A hot air balloon with 13 people descended safely into a Temecula, California, homeowner's backyard Saturday, made an emergency landing due to low fuel and shifting winds. The vessel touched down on a grass patch only about 10 feet wide without damaging the home or injuring any of the passengers and crew.

Two Southwest planes narrowly avoid collision in Nashville after controller error

2026-04-20

Two Southwest Airlines planes nearly collided over Nashville on Saturday after an air traffic controller directed one pilot to turn directly into the path of a departing aircraft. Both flight crews received alerts from their collision avoidance systems and took evasive action — one climbing while the other descended — to prevent impact, according to air traffic control audio and a Federal Aviation Administration statement.

Six crew members missing from cargo ship overturned near Saipan during typhoon

2026-04-20

Searchers from several countries scoured the Pacific Ocean on Monday for six crew members missing from the cargo ship Mariana, which overturned during Typhoon Sinlaku near the U.S. territory of the Northern Mariana Islands. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Sunday night that an overturned vessel spotted Saturday is the Mariana, a 145-foot dry cargo ship registered in the United States.

Explosion and fire kill mom and 6 children at Pennsylvania home

2026-04-19

An explosion and house fire in central Pennsylvania killed an Amish woman and her six children Sunday morning, authorities said. The victims were trapped inside the home in Lamar Township near Mill Hall, and all seven died despite firefighters’ response.

Shooting near University of Iowa wounds five people

2026-04-19

Five people were shot in a nightlife district near the University of Iowa campus early Sunday, including three students, during a large fight, according to police and university officials. One victim was in critical condition while four others were stable.

Father kills 8 children in Shreveport mass shooting, deadliest in two years

2026-04-19

A 31-year-old Louisiana man fatally shot eight children, seven of his own, in a Shreveport neighborhood Sunday morning, the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years. Two women, including the gunman's wife, were critically wounded. The suspect, Shamar Elkins, died during a police pursuit that ended with officers firing on him.

Record drought spans 61% of US, threatening food and wildfire season

2026-04-18

More than 61% of the lower 48 United States is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, including 97% of the Southeast and two-thirds of the West, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This represents the highest levels of drought for this time of year since the monitor began recording data in 2000. Meteorologists said the severe spring conditions raise concerns about an intensified wildfire season, western water shortages, and rising food prices.

Coast Guard finds overturned vessel in search for ship missing near Saipan

2026-04-18

A U.S. Coast Guard search team spotted an overturned cargo vessel Saturday near Saipan while searching for a missing ship with six crew members, the Coast Guard said. The HC-130 Hercules crew saw the overturned vessel early Saturday, about 100 nautical miles northeast of where the Mariana was last spotted. The vessel matched the description of the Mariana, a 145-foot dry cargo ship registered in the U.S., though the Coast Guard said it could not immediately confirm the vessel's identity.

Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 22-23 with up to 20 meteors per hour

2026-04-18

The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, offering skywatchers a chance to see 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour streaking across the spring sky. The display will be visible across the globe, but views will be best in the Northern Hemisphere. A dim crescent moon that sets before the peak begins will create ideal viewing conditions without light interference.

Wildfire burning season extends 36% in North America due to climate change

2026-04-17

Wildfires are burning longer each day in North America as human-caused climate change extends the warm, dry conditions that fuel them, according to a study published Friday in Science Advances. The number of hours when weather conditions favor wildfires has increased 36% over the past 50 years, with some regions like southwestern New Mexico and central Arizona seeing as much as 2,000 additional burning hours annually.

Years of dam danger warnings ignored before Cheboygan emergency

2026-04-17

Floodwaters pushed Michigan's Cheboygan Lock and Dam to the brink of collapse Thursday — climbing within five inches of the crest — threatening downtown Cheboygan with potential evacuation while evidence emerged that local, state and federal officials had known for years of critical safety deficiencies at a privately owned hydroelectric facility connected to the public dam. The hydroelectric plant — which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said accounts for about 30% of the Cheboygan River's flow to Lake Huron — has been nonfunctional since a fire closed it in September 2023.

Coast Guard searches for 6 missing near Guam following typhoon

2026-04-17

The U.S. Coast Guard was searching for six people aboard a disabled cargo vessel off Guam on April 17 after losing contact with the ship the previous day following Typhoon Sinlaku. The crew of the 145-foot dry cargo vessel Mariana had notified the Coast Guard on April 15 that it had lost its starboard engine and needed assistance. The last known position of the vessel was approximately 140 miles north-northwest of Saipan, according to the Coast Guard.

Mississippi liquor delivery backlog stretches to weeks

2026-04-17

Mississippi retailers are struggling with severe delays in wine and liquor deliveries from the state's monopoly distribution system, with some orders taking up to 17 days to arrive as of mid-April. The backlog, which emerged in January when the state's 40-year-old warehouse transitioned to a new inventory system, has left shop owners dealing with dwindling inventory and reduced sales as they wait for restocked shelves.

Pilot reported high-frequency vibrations before Kauai helicopter crash killed 3

2026-04-17

The pilot of a sightseeing helicopter that crashed off Kauai on March 26, killing three passengers, told investigators that the aircraft experienced intense vibrations and began spinning before plunging into the water, according to a preliminary report released Friday by the National Transportation Safety Board. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries in the crash, which occurred roughly 75 yards off remote Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast.

Brown bear injures 2 soldiers during land navigation training at Alaska base

2026-04-17

Two U.S. Army soldiers were injured Thursday after encountering a brown bear during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, the military said Friday. The soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday; their conditions were not released pending notification of relatives. Both used pepper spray on the bear during the encounter, which is still under investigation.

American chestnut seeks return from extinction through breeding

2026-04-17

Researchers and arborists are working to revive the American chestnut, a tree that once dominated eastern forests before fungal blight and root rot devastated the species by the 1950s. Using selective breeding and DNA sequencing, scientists are attempting to create disease-resistant variants of the chestnut, which was functionally extinct by mid-century.

Health effects tied to toxic hydrogen sulfide from Tijuana River sewage

2026-04-16

SAN DIEGO, California — Residents along the Tijuana River say untreated sewage and industrial wastewater produce a strong odor and health symptoms, including congestion, coughing, headaches and breathing trouble. Researchers documented hydrogen sulfide concentrations in a nearby neighborhood reaching levels far above typical urban values when the river’s nighttime flow peaked.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku batters remote U.S. islands, officials warn

2026-04-15

Super Typhoon Sinlaku pounded the U.S. Pacific territory of the Northern Mariana Islands on April 14, damaging homes and prompting residents to shelter as winds and heavy rain continued overnight. The National Weather Service said the storm’s sustained winds reached up to 150 mph when it made landfall, and the American Red Cross said it was sheltering more than 1,000 people across Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Michigan to issue air quality alerts at “unhealthy for sensitive groups” level

2026-04-15

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is changing how the state issues air quality alerts as wildfire smoke season approaches, including when conditions reach the federal Air Quality Index range labeled “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The state will issue an alert when fine particulate matter or ozone levels rise into the AQI orange range, rather than waiting for the red “unhealthy” category.

Severe storms threaten Plains and Midwest again

2026-04-15

Severe storms with tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds are expected to hit parts of the Plains and Midwest again Tuesday afternoon and evening, forecasters said. A day after storms damaged communities across the region, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan reported impacts ranging from minor injuries and structural damage to power outages and flooding concerns.

12 killed in northwestern Haiti as heavy rains flood homes

2026-04-15

Heavy rains over several days in northwestern Haiti have killed at least 12 people and flooded farmland, authorities said. The rains also damaged more than 900 homes, flooded a local hospital and destroyed a bridge, while roads and crops were damaged in areas including Port-de-Paix, Saint Louis du Nord and Anse-a-Foleur.

Unusual April heat wave threatens records from Georgia to New York

2026-04-15

An unusual April heat wave pushed temperatures into the 80s and 90s across the eastern United States on Wednesday, with major cities from Atlanta to New York City facing potential record highs that the National Weather Service said could persist through Friday. A strong ridge of high pressure fueling moisture into the southern plains drove the unseasonable conditions, the weather service said. Washington, D.C., was forecast to reach 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.9 Celsius) Wednesday and again Thursday; Philadelphia was expected to hit 92 degrees (33 Celsius).

Midwest storms flood Wisconsin streets, damage Ann Arbor ice arenas

2026-04-15

Floodwaters from record rainfall stranded drivers on Milwaukee highways Wednesday as Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, while communities in Michigan's Ann Arbor area worked to recover from powerful overnight storms that tore part of the roof from a university ice arena and forced school closures across the city. At least three tornadoes were confirmed in Wisconsin, and National Weather Service crews were still surveying parts of Michigan to determine whether additional tornadoes had touched down.

Camp Mystic guard testifies early evacuation could have saved lives

2026-04-15

The security guard on duty at Camp Mystic the night of last summer's deadly flood testified Wednesday that an early evacuation order could have saved the lives of campers killed when floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River in the predawn hours of July 4. Glenn Juenke, who directed a group of girls to run uphill on his own initiative, also told the hearing he did not recall camp operators ever training campers, counselors, or staff on where to go in an emergency.

Corpse flower 'Pangy' blooms at Mount Holyoke, drawing crowds to brave the stench

2026-04-15

The rare corpse flower housed at Mount Holyoke College's Talcott Greenhouse in South Hadley, Mass., bloomed overnight Monday, drawing visitors Tuesday who compared its notorious odor to rotting eggs, farm manure, and stinky diapers baking in the sun. The plant, nicknamed "Pangy" and known scientifically as *Amorphophallus titanum*, last bloomed at the college in 2023 and produces the foul smell only briefly and infrequently.

Screen fatigue is real. Experts share tips to find relief

2026-04-14

Cathy Higgins says her eyesight grew so blurry after hours at computer screens that she had to break away during the day and later resumed work at night. In an interview, she described how changing her desk setup—including using a larger monitor and sitting farther back—helped reduce the frequency of her symptoms.

Camp Mystic director testified he didn’t see flood warnings before 2025 storm

2026-04-14

A Texas court hearing Monday featured testimony from the director of Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors were killed in a devastating Guadalupe River flood in 2025. Edward Eastland told the court he did not see flood warnings issued the day before the storm, that staff did not hold meetings about the danger, and that the camp did not order evacuations until it was too late.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku aims at remote U.S. islands in the Pacific

2026-04-14

A super typhoon called Sinlaku is bearing down on the Northern Mariana Islands, with Guam facing heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind gusts hours before the storm’s arrival, the National Weather Service said. The storm is expected to cross near the islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan late Tuesday local time, bringing widespread rain, flooding and destructive winds that could lead to lengthy power outages.

How to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis

2026-04-14

Mental health crises can develop quickly or build over time, and experts say the first step is to notice changes in someone’s feelings or behavior and then start a conversation early. In the United States, the suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, and providers emphasize that people can also ask directly about suicide or self-harm.

Rain prompts flood warnings, watches across Northern Michigan

2026-04-14

Northern Michigan officials issued flood watches and warnings after a period of heavy rain raised concerns for river flooding and dam overflow, including at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Friday at the complex, and crews began work Monday to restore power to a shuttered hydroelectric station and increase pumping. Officials also urged residents and business owners in flood-prone areas to monitor updates and prepare to act.

Water crisis threatens Corpus Christi as drought drains reserves and cuts loom

2026-04-14

Corpus Christi, Texas, is facing a serious water-shortage risk after yearslong drought has pushed key reservoirs to their lowest levels ever, officials said, leaving the city to scramble for groundwater and other supplies. The situation could lead to forced water cutbacks for residents and curtail operations at refineries and petrochemical plants in the Gulf Coast energy hub, where the region supplies fuel for much of the country.

Spring storm dumps more than 3.5 feet of snow on California’s Sierra

2026-04-14

California’s eastern Sierra Nevada received a major spring snowstorm that briefly shut down Interstate 80 and helped extend Mammoth Mountain’s ski season, officials said. The storm dumped more than 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow over the weekend in the mountains around Mammoth Lakes, according to the ski resort and the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab.

Ocean heat waves “supercharge” hurricanes, study finds

2026-04-14

Marine heat waves are making hurricanes and other tropical cyclones more likely to rapidly intensify as they near land, according to a study published in Science Advances. Researchers analyzed 1,600 tropical cyclones making landfall since 1981 and found storms that traveled over exceptionally warm ocean waters were associated with far more billion-dollar disasters.

Scientist use DNA in efforts to help species adapt to climate change

2026-04-14

Climate change is pushing ecosystems to change faster than evolution can, scientists say, and they are increasingly turning to “conservation genomics” to guide restoration. The approach involves sequencing organisms’ genetic blueprints to find individuals or traits that may better survive drought, disease and other climate extremes, researchers say.

Cruises avoid Tracy Arm after landslide; switch to Endicott Arm, Dawes

2026-04-13

Cruise companies visiting southeast Alaska have started skipping Tracy Arm after a massive landslide last summer generated waves that left the area’s slopes unstable, the Associated Press reported. With Tracy Arm’s North and South Sawyer glaciers and wildlife now considered a safety risk, major cruise lines are replacing the stop with Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, officials and cruise operators said.

23-story Miami hotel is no more after controlled implosion on Brickell Key

2026-04-13

Miami officials said demolition experts used controlled implosion Sunday morning to demolish the former Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key, across from downtown, a human-made island at the mouth of the Miami River. The 23-story building collapsed in less than 20 seconds after blasts around 8:30 a.m., as residents within 800 feet were told to stay inside with windows and doors closed.

Typhoon Sinlaku could reach Guam, bringing flooding and high winds

2026-04-12

A typhoon in Micronesia is expected to strengthen this weekend and move northwest toward Guam, the U.S. Coast Guard said, prompting warnings about flooding and high winds. Forecasters said Typhoon Sinlaku could reach the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane as it passes near or just south of Guam early next week.

Drought threatens Ethiopia myrrh tree used in luxury perfumes and livelihoods

2026-04-12

Drought has threatened Ethiopia’s myrrh trees, a resin used in luxury perfumes and in local livelihoods, according to experts who visited harvesting sites in the Somali region. Researchers said trees are producing less resin and that fewer young trees are surviving as rainfall patterns fail and livestock graze near seedlings. The team also explored ways to connect harvesters directly to buyers to improve earnings and reduce the influence of middlemen.

Hawaii flooding likely diluted pesticide risk, but bacteria remain concern

2026-04-11

Residents on the North Shore of O‘ahu cleaned up flood-mud after late-February storms that authorities say are being linked to pesticide and bacterial contamination questions. State health officials have detected pathogens in mud and water in areas affected by the flooding, and the state is still waiting on results for additional bacteria and legacy pesticides. At the same time, experts and officials say the volume of rain would likely have diluted any pesticide residues to levels unlikely to be hazardous—though farmers fear harm to soil, food safety and organic certification.

Cherry blossom crowds spark “tourism pollution” in Fuji mountain town

2026-04-10

A town near Japan’s Mount Fuji says “tourism pollution” has worsened as social media drives more visitors to see cherry blossoms and the mountain’s iconic views. In Fujiyoshida, officials canceled the annual cherry blossom festival this year and increased crowd controls at the start of the season, after complaints that residents faced traffic, litter and other disturbances from tourists.

1 killed, 2 presumed dead after parking garage stairwell roof collapses

2026-04-09

The roof over a stairwell at a parking garage being built at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia collapsed suddenly on Wednesday, killing one person and leaving two others missing and presumed dead, authorities said. Mayor Cherelle Parker said rescue efforts continued as search teams worked amid structural concerns, including reports that search dogs found no signs of life by Thursday.

Omaha sinkhole goes viral, while city logs hundreds more cave-ins

2026-04-09

In Omaha, a sinkhole that swallowed vehicles on Pacific Street in February went viral, but city records show many cave-ins occur with little notice. City Engineer Austin Rowser said crews reported more than 2,100 cave-ins over the past five years, ranging from minor pavement dips to large collapses.

March smashes U.S. heat records as forecasters warn of strong El Niño

2026-04-09

Unseasonable heat pushed March to the hottest March on record across the continental United States, with federal data showing the month ran 9.35 degrees Fahrenheit (5.19 C) above the 20th-century normal. The Associated Press reports the record comes as NOAA data show the warmest 12-month period on record for the Lower 48 and as forecasts call for a strong El Niño later this year.

2 killed in fiery small-plane crash at airport in Marana, Arizona

2026-04-08

MARANA, Ariz. — A Piper PA-32 plane crashed at a small airport in Marana, Arizona, killing two people, officials said Wednesday. City officials said the aircraft went off the runway and burst into flames, and the National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation.

1 dead, 2 presumed dead after Philly hospital parking garage collapse

2026-04-08

Philadelphia officials said one person died and two others were missing and presumed dead after a partial roof collapse at a parking garage under construction at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the stairwell roof collapse triggered a progressive collapse across seven levels, and search efforts continued as crews prepared to deconstruct the unstable structure.

Omaha sinkhole shows how loess and aging infrastructure can cave in roads

2026-04-08

An Omaha sinkhole went viral after a patch of Pacific Street collapsed in February, swallowing vehicles and alarming residents. City and geology officials said the city’s fine-grained loess soil and water leaks into sewer and storm systems can help create the underground voids that lead to cave-ins. They also said most reported cave-ins remain minor and that engineers have procedures for investigating and repairing the underground problem.

Route 66 celebrates 100 years, mixing kitsch, migration and preservation

2026-04-08

Route 66 marked its 100th anniversary this year, drawing travelers to the “Mother Road” for its neon towns, roadside diners and storied past. Despite losing federal status as a main highway decades ago, the 2,400-mile route from Chicago to Santa Monica still pulls people in—and remembers those who were helped and harmed along the way.

Parents charged after toddler injured at Hersheypark zoo wolf enclosure

2026-04-08

Parents of a 1½-year-old boy who was hurt at ZooAmerica in Hersheypark after entering a restricted area near a wolf exhibit have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, Pennsylvania police said. The case stems from an incident Saturday shortly before noon, when the toddler slipped through a fence barrier and reached a chain-link enclosure, police said.

Texas investigating complaints against Camp Mystic as it seeks reopen

2026-04-08

Texas health regulators told Camp Mystic’s owners they are investigating “hundreds of complaints” about the all-girls camp’s 2025 operations as the state considers whether the camp can reopen this summer after last year’s deadly floods. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the Texas Rangers are also helping investigate allegations of neglect linked to the July 4 disaster that killed 27 girls and others, as families and lawyers press for answers.

Panama closes Bridge of the Americas after fuel truck blast kills 1

2026-04-08

Panama authorities closed the Bridge of the Americas over the Panama Canal after a fuel truck exploded at the base of the span, killing one person and injuring two firefighters, according to the Fire Department. The blast occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, and officials said the cause had not been determined as firefighters extinguished the flames and engineers assessed potential damage to the decades-old bridge.

Ford recalls more than 422,000 vehicles over wiper arms that can break

2026-04-08

Ford is recalling 422,613 vehicles because windshield wiper arms can break, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash, the company said. The recall covers certain 2021-2023 Ford Expeditions, 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigators, and 2022-2023 F-Series Super Duty trucks, Ford said.

North Carolina visit: DHS chief Mullin promises FEMA disaster relief progress

2026-04-08

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin toured parts of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene, pledging faster progress on federal disaster assistance during his first official trip in the role. Mullin said the Trump administration would help move forward on pending disaster declaration requests and clear a backlog of FEMA needs ahead of the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Southwest to limit passengers to one portable charger on flights

2026-04-08

Southwest Airlines said it will limit passengers starting April 20 to carrying just one portable charger on flights, and will require that charger to stay accessible during the trip rather than in overhead bins or checked luggage. The airline said the change aims to reduce the risk of lithium-battery fires, which regulators say are increasing as more people carry rechargeable devices.

Route 66 marks 100 years of hardship and hope with road-trip revivals

2026-04-07

Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary this year, with travelers from around the world still flocking to what many call the quintessential American road trip. The highway, now decommissioned as a federal route, still draws visitors to neon-lit towns, roadside food and motels, and preserved stretches from the Midwest to California.

Cruise ship runs aground in Fiji; 30 passengers evacuate safely

2026-04-07

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 6, 2026 — Thirty passengers were evacuated from a cruise ship that ran aground on a reef in Fiji, the ship’s owner said Monday. The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground Saturday near Monuriki Island, the Fiji-based tourism company said.

Extreme weather kills at least 110 in Afghanistan in 12 days

2026-04-07

Heavy rain and storms across Afghanistan have killed at least 110 people, injured 160 and left seven missing over about 12 days, according to the Disaster Management Authority. Authorities also reported widespread destruction, with hundreds of homes completely destroyed and thousands more damaged.

Avalanche experts question decision on deadly California avalanche trip

2026-04-07

Two months after nine backcountry skiers were killed in a California avalanche near Lake Tahoe, an analysis by U.S. avalanche experts says tour leaders should have spaced the group out through dangerous terrain despite avalanche warnings. The report was published Saturday by the Sierra Avalanche Center on the National Avalanche Center website, and it cites “best practice” guidance that larger groups of four or more face higher odds of being caught.

Gasoline tanker truck erupts in flames after Texas collision knocks power lines

2026-04-07

A gasoline tanker truck burst into flames Sunday in the Fort Worth area after colliding with another vehicle and knocking over power lines, Fort Worth authorities said. The driver was hospitalized in critical condition with burns, and firefighters spent hours spraying the tanker and using sand to contain the leaking fuel.

Toddler injured by wolf at Hersheypark zoo after reaching enclosure

2026-04-07

A toddler was lightly injured by a wolf at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, after he crawled under an exterior metal fence and stuck his hand into the wolf habitat, the zoo said Sunday. Zoo officials said the child was not inside the wolf habitat and that the injuries were minor. The zoo described the wolf’s response as consistent with natural animal behavior and said the incident was not a sign of aggression.

Juvenile gray whale dies in Willapa River; hunger suspected

2026-04-07

A juvenile gray whale that swam about 20 miles up a Washington state river was found dead near Raymond, according to a marine research biologist and a nonprofit that tracked the animal. Researchers said the whale appeared thin but was behaving normally, and they suspected hunger may have driven it to follow prey as the species’ eastern Pacific population declines.

Vehicle strikes revelers at Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana

2026-04-06

A vehicle struck revelers during a Lao New Year celebration parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, injuring about 15 people, some seriously, authorities said. The driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving after police said tests showed he had a high blood alcohol level.

Police pursuits lead to 8 deaths nationwide, prompting calls to curb chases

2026-04-06

Police pursuits have led to at least eight deaths across the United States in less than a week, the Associated Press reported, as some law enforcement experts urged agencies to curb risky, high-speed chases. The incidents include a fatal crash on a rural Alabama road during a state trooper pursuit and multiple deadly crashes during police pursuits in Texas and California.

Vehicle strikes revelers at Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana

2026-04-05

Louisiana authorities said a vehicle struck revelers during a Lao New Year parade Saturday in rural Louisiana, injuring about 15 people. Police arrested and charged the driver with impaired driving, and state police said a test showed a high blood alcohol level. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rebecca Melancon said investigators so far found no indication the crash was intentional.

Police pursuits lead to 8 deaths nationwide, calls grow to curb chases

2026-04-05

Police pursuits have led to at least eight deaths around the United States in less than a week, according to the Associated Press. In Alabama, four people were killed after a car pursued by a state trooper left a rural road and hit a tree, and in Texas and California, other pursuits ended in fatal crashes.

Southern California wildfire prompts evacuation orders

2026-04-04

Crews battled a fast-growing wildfire Friday in windy Southern California that forced some residents to evacuate and led a community college to temporarily close. The Springs Fire broke out around 11 a.m. east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, and by Friday evening had grown to about 6.5 square miles, according to Cal Fire and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Vehicle strikes revelers at Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana

2026-04-04

A vehicle struck revelers at a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, injuring several people, authorities said. The driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving, according to police. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he and his wife were praying for those affected.

Police pursuits linked to 8 deaths in separate U.S. incidents

2026-04-04

Police pursuits have resulted in at least eight deaths across the United States in less than a week, according to Associated Press reporting that tied the incidents to separate crashes during police chases. In Alabama, four people died in a pursuit crash involving the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, while Texas and California reported additional fatal crashes during police pursuits. The incidents renewed attention on calls from some policing experts to limit high-speed chases unless suspects pose an imminent threat.

Orcas not previously recorded in Seattle delight whale watchers

2026-04-04

Seattle-area whale watchers have spotted three killer whales that researchers say had not been recorded in the region before, drawing crowds of visitors to Puget Sound waters near downtown over the past month. The Washington-based Orca Conservancy says the pod members have been designated T419, T420 and T421 and appear to be transient whales that likely originated from Alaska.

Helicopter drops thousands of marshmallows in annual Detroit-area event

2026-04-04

WESTLAND, Mich., and Trenton, Mich. — Kids raced at two Detroit-area parks Friday to grab thousands of marshmallows dropped from a helicopter as part of Wayne County Parks’ annual Marshmallow Drop. Organizers held the events about two hours apart, and officials urged participants not to eat the treats because they landed on the grass.

Rescatan a una border collie tras una semana perdida en Nueva Zelanda

2026-04-04

Una excursionista en la Costa Oeste de la Isla Sur de Nueva Zelanda cayó por una cascada de 55 metros y fue rescatada con heridas graves el 24 de marzo, pero su perra border collie, llamada Molly, no estaba con ella. Unos días después, la policía confirmó que la perra seguía desaparecida y la búsqueda se mantuvo, hasta que un helicóptero encontró a Molly el 31 de marzo, tras una semana perdida en el bosque.

Honolulu council grills emergency managers over slow North Shore evacuation

2026-04-03

Honolulu City Council members questioned the city’s emergency management response to North Shore flooding, saying evacuation orders came late and updates were unclear. During a Wednesday council meeting, officials defended their decision-making as complicated by monitoring limits and a focus on whether flooding threatened a key dam area. State agriculture leaders, meanwhile, urged lawmakers to pursue quick federal aid for storm-damaged farms, while Gov. Josh Green said he has sought a presidential disaster declaration.

Saharan dust storm turns Greek sky red as floods, winds leave one dead

2026-04-03

A powerful storm front sweeping across Greece over the past 24 hours brought gale-force winds and flooding, leaving one man dead and disrupting travel in and around Athens. Greek state radio and officials said fire crews responded to hundreds of calls for help as homes and roads were affected, while on islands in the Aegean some bridges and vehicles were damaged or swept away.

Earthquake off Indonesia kills 1 and triggers small tsunami

2026-04-02

An undersea magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck parts of northern Indonesia near the Molucca Sea on Thursday, killing at least one person, damaging buildings and triggering a small tsunami, the Disaster Management Agency and other officials said. The shaking was felt in Bitung and Ternate, and authorities reported aftershocks including one of magnitude 6.2.

Record-low Colorado snow worries cities, ranchers and water talks in US West

2026-04-02

Colorado recorded its worst snowpack since statewide recordkeeping began in 1941, and hydrologists say the early, low mountain snow leaves less water for the drought-stricken US West. The findings come as cities announce new restrictions and ranchers weigh earlier feed cuts, while states negotiate new rules for managing Colorado River shortages before current agreements expire in September.

Italian coast guard finds 19 migrants dead and rescues 58 near Lampedusa

2026-04-02

The Italian coast guard said it found 19 bodies and rescued 58 people after intercepting a dinghy carrying migrants that was in distress about 80 nautical miles from Lampedusa, the Italian island that serves as a major entry point to Europe. The rescue took place Tuesday night in the Libyan search and rescue zone during rough weather, a coast guard spokesperson said.

Warm winters mean more nitrate pollution in drinking water, experts warn

2026-04-02

Warm winter weather linked to human-caused climate change can make nitrate pollution reach drinking-water sources more often, experts say. In Iowa, Des Moines Water Works spent about $16,000 a day in January and February filtering nitrates after rare winter events, the Associated Press reported. Researchers and officials warn that more frequent thaw-and-runoff patterns could raise water-quality and affordability pressures for rural and low-income communities.

How a Hawaii seabird thrived amid Honolulu’s urban sprawl

2026-04-01

HONOLULU — A Hawaii seabird known as the manu-o-Kū, or white tern, has increased in Honolulu over the past decade, with new counts showing the birds thriving in the city’s trees despite threats that have reduced many other native species in the islands. The volunteer group Hui Manu-o-Kū says it documented 691 eggs and chicks in Honolulu trees as of this week, and that a 2023 survey found breeding adults on Oahu rose 1.5 times to 3,600 compared with 2016. Scientists say they are not sure why the birds are doing well in the urban environment.

Finnish Arctic ice-diving class trains next generation of polar researchers

2026-04-01

Finland’s north is hosting a polar scientific diving class that trains divers to study the flora and fauna under Arctic and Antarctic ice. The course, run at the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station, has participants descend through ice cracks and holes to collect observations that researchers say are still hard to replicate with machines.

E-bikes can be powerful: how riders can stay safe and avoid crashes

2026-04-01

Electric bicycles can travel faster than many riders expect, and that speed contributes to injuries when riders and pedestrians share sidewalks and paths, Associated Press reported. A Minnesota woman, Janet Stotko, was struck by a 14-year-old riding an electric bike at about 25 mph and survived after severe head injuries and surgery.

Trial begins over whether Texas prisons need air conditioning to save lives

2026-03-31

Federal court opened a two-week bench trial in Austin on whether Texas prison officials provided insufficient air conditioning, with plaintiffs alleging heat contributed to five inmate deaths. The case follows a March 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman calling the lack of air conditioning “plainly unconstitutional” in sweltering conditions, according to court filings.

NTSB warns Ford Blue Cruise and similar systems aren’t safety features

2026-03-31

The National Transportation Safety Board said systems that let drivers take their hands off the wheel do not improve road safety because they can lead people to pay less attention to driving. Testifying at a hearing on two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the systems function primarily as convenience features rather than safety enhancements.

Neglected North Shore waterways worsened Hawaii floods, residents say

2026-03-31

The U.S. Virgin Islands-based? No. On Oʻahu’s North Shore, residents and farmers say neglected plantation-era irrigation ditches, culverts and drainage infrastructure helped worsen flooding during recent storms. Reporting from Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed by The Associated Press describes disputes over who is responsible for maintaining the patchwork of waterways as the region rebuilds and seeks clearer enforcement.

About 100 Superfund sites are vulnerable to flooding, storms, wildfires

2026-03-31

The EPA’s Office of Inspector General found that about 100 of the federal Superfund sites most contaminated by toxic waste sit in areas vulnerable to flooding and wildfires, according to two new reports. The inspector general said cleanup plans often failed to account for flood damage from sea-level rise, heavy rain, and more frequent storms and wildfires, raising concerns for communities near the sites.

Arctic sea ice shrinks to tie lowest winter level amid record heat

2026-03-31

Arctic sea ice shrank to a tie for the lowest measured winter level as unseasonably warm conditions shattered temperature records across multiple regions, including the United States, Mexico and parts of Europe, according to climate scientists cited by The Associated Press. The winter ice maximum matters because it sets the starting point for the summer melt season that leads to the year’s minimum.

NTSB questions Blue Cruise after fatal crashes in Texas, Pennsylvania

2026-03-30

The National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday that hands-free driver-assistance systems do not improve safety, citing two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the technology functions mainly as “convenience features rather than safety enhancements,” after hearings that included the 2024 crashes in Texas and Pennsylvania that killed three people.

Stranded humpback whale in Germany’s Baltic Sea weakens as return hopes fade

2026-03-30

A stranded humpback whale in Germany’s Baltic Sea is showing signs of further weakening, officials said in a news conference in Wismar on March 29. Rescuers left the whale inside a 500-meter restricted area to rest after earlier attempts to free it, as experts said hopes of an eventual return to the Atlantic are fading.

Revellers flee fire at dance club in Germany near French border

2026-03-30

Hundreds of partygoers fled a dance club in Germany’s Kehl early Sunday after a fire broke out in the early hours, emergency services said. Authorities said none of the club’s roughly 750 guests were injured, though police reported three people were treated at the scene for shock.

Floods, landslide and thunderstorms in Afghanistan leave 17 dead

2026-03-30

Kabul, Afghanistan, severe flooding, a landslide and thunderstorms left 17 people dead and 26 injured over the last 24 hours, according to the country’s National Disaster Management Authority. The agency also said the storms damaged roads, homes and agricultural areas, with more heavy rainfall forecast for parts of the country.

2 students die and at least 7 injured in Tennessee school bus crash

2026-03-29

Huntington, Tenn., officials said a crash involving a school bus and a dump truck on Highway 70 in west Tennessee killed two students and injured at least seven other people on Friday. The bus was carrying students and employees from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville for a field trip, and officials said the cause was under investigation.

Gulf of Mexico oil spill deals blow to fishermen

2026-03-29

VERACRUZ, Mexico — A large oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has stretched more than 373 miles and seeped into seven nature reserves, damaging coastal fishing along Mexico’s Gulf states as Holy Week nears, the Associated Press reported March 28. Fishermen and vendors in Veracruz described empty markets and a near halt to fishing because oil contamination risks spoiling catches.

3 killed in tour company helicopter crash on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast

2026-03-29

A sightseeing company’s helicopter crashed off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on Thursday afternoon, killing three people and injuring two others, authorities said. The Hughes/MD 500 helicopter crashed near Kalalau Beach, a remote area on Kauai’s North Shore, according to the Kauai Fire Department and the National Transportation Safety Board.

5 dead after train and van collide at Mississippi crossing

2026-03-29

Five people were killed when a freight train collided with a van at a rural crossing in south Mississippi on March 28, authorities said. Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said all five who died were in the van, including two daughters of the front seat passenger.

Cleveland’s Whiskey Island salt mine boosts winter road clearing

2026-03-29

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — Beneath Lake Erie, the Whiskey Island salt mine owned by Cargill produces millions of tons of salt each year that helps supply road salt for municipalities across the Northeast and Great Lakes. Cargill says a colder, snowier-than-usual winter has increased demand and driven some cities to exhaust supplies that normally last through spring. The mine opened in the 1960s and operates year-round about 1,800 feet underground.

Hawaii to take over aging Wahiawa dam after flood evacuations

2026-03-29

Hawaii’s state land board voted Friday to acquire irrigation lands from Dole Food Co., clearing the way for the state to take over the aging Wahiawa Dam north of Honolulu after a failure scare during heavy rains last week. The dam is rated a “high hazard,” and authorities ordered thousands of residents in two North Shore communities to evacuate before the orders were lifted Saturday when floodwater receded.

Humpback whale freed off Baltic Sea strand again after failed escape

2026-03-29

A humpback whale freed after becoming stuck for days in shallow water at a Baltic Sea beach resort in northern Germany was stranded again on Saturday, after failing to make its way back to the Atlantic, the German environment ministry and Greenpeace said. Rescuers used an excavator to dig an escape channel earlier this week, and the whale later appeared farther east near Wismar before getting stuck again.

Amelie the 3-limbed sea turtle returns to Atlantic Ocean with tracking tag

2026-03-27

A Florida sea turtle hospital has released Amelie, a three-limbed Kemp’s ridley, back into the Atlantic Ocean with a satellite tracking tag to monitor how the animal copes after losing a forelimb. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute said they used satellite devices to learn how well amputee sea turtles survive and move in the wild.

Rare sperm whale birth video shows mothers coordinating to protect calf

2026-03-27

Rare footage captured in 2023 shows a sperm whale giving birth with female whales from two family lines coordinating to support the labor and lift the newborn calf above the water, scientists say. The video, taken off the Caribbean island of Dominica, shows the delivery taking about 30 minutes and pairs of whales holding the calf above the surface for hours afterward, according to studies published in Scientific Reports and Science.

Honolulu officials delayed evacuation orders as Oahu’s North Shore flooded

2026-03-27

Honolulu officials did not issue evacuation orders as Oahu’s North Shore flooded in the overnight hours of March 19, according to reporting that reviewed the timeline, weather information and communications used that night. The delays left residents describing sudden, fast-rising water and, in some cases, difficulty reaching help. The city’s emergency management director said he accepts responsibility for how the city managed the flood.

Cherry blossoms hit peak bloom in Washington as festival runs

2026-03-27

Washington’s cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom, the National Park Service said, sending a brief wave of pink across the capital. The timing also means the four-week National Cherry Blossom Festival is underway, with events running from March 20 through April 12.

Gas explosions in Jackson linked to Atmos safety gaps and Yazoo clay

2026-03-27

Investigators said federal findings released this week tie two deadly natural gas explosions in Jackson, Mississippi in January 2024 to underground gas pipes that pulled loose from fittings as Yazoo clay soil expanded and contracted. The National Transportation Safety Board said Atmos Energy detected the leaks before the explosions but did not treat them as severe enough for quick repair.

ASDE system fails as fire truck collides with Air Canada jet at LaGuardia

2026-03-26

LaGuardia Airport saw a fatal runway collision on March 25 when an Air Canada jet struck a fire truck that had been cleared to cross the runway. The crash killed the plane’s two pilots and injured dozens of passengers and responders. Investigators say the airport’s ASDE‑X surface detection system did not issue a warning, and the fire truck lacked a transponder that could have improved tracking.

Runway reopens at LaGuardia after collision killed two Canadian pilots

2026-03-26

LaGuardia Airport’s runway reopened Thursday morning after a collision on the tarmac killed two Canadian pilots, the Port Authority said. The airport had been operating at limited capacity all week while investigators examined the wreckage and crews removed debris.

How to help those impacted by Hawaii floods as aid groups collect donations

2026-03-26

Communities across Hawaii are digging out after the worst flooding to hit the state in more than 20 years, with nonprofits and mutual aid groups collecting donations to support households, farmers and animals affected across the islands. Gov. Josh Green said two Kona low winter storm systems unleashed deluges over saturated soil and asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration to speed recovery.

NTSB says LaGuardia controller cleared fire truck 12 seconds before crash

2026-03-25

One of only two air traffic controllers on duty at LaGuardia Airport cleared a fire truck to cross a runway about 12 seconds before an Air Canada flight touched down, the NTSB said. Investigators said the collision Sunday night killed both Air Canada pilots and injured several passengers.

How to help those impacted by Hawaii floods

2026-03-25

Residents across Hawaii are digging out from the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years, following two Kona low winter storm systems that dumped heavy rain on already-saturated ground. Nonprofits, mutual aid groups, and foundations are collecting donations to support affected households, farmers and animals across multiple islands, and Gov. Josh Green has asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration.

Passengers escape after Air Canada jet collides with fire truck at LaGuardia

2026-03-24

New York’s LaGuardia Airport was shut down after an Air Canada jet collided at high speed with a fire truck late Sunday, killing the pilots and injuring a flight attendant who survived outside the aircraft, authorities said. The NTSB is investigating the crash, while passengers reported that they opened emergency exits and helped others escape as fuel and debris remained near the cockpit.

NTSB: Controller cleared LaGuardia fire truck to cross 12 seconds pre-crash

2026-03-24

Federal investigators said a LaGuardia air traffic controller cleared a fire truck to cross a runway just 12 seconds before an Air Canada flight touched down, leaving little time to avoid a collision Sunday night. The NTSB said the investigation is focused on which layers of airport safety failed and how warning systems, runway coordination and vehicle visibility factored into the crash.

Hawaii digging out after surprise downpour floods parts of Honolulu

2026-03-24

HONOLULU — Crews in Hawaii began assessing damage after a surprise downpour sent floodwaters surging through a neighborhood east of downtown Honolulu, the latest bout in a two-week stretch of storms and flooding. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries, but they reported hundreds of damaged homes and extensive damage from reddish-brown mud in the Manoa Valley.

What to know about the LaGuardia Airport runway crash involving an Air Canada flight

2026-03-24

New York investigators are working to determine what caused a deadly collision between an Air Canada regional jet and an airport fire truck on a LaGuardia Airport runway Sunday night, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators said the truck had been cleared to cross the runway shortly before controllers repeatedly told it to stop.

LaGuardia runway crash closes airport after Air Canada collision

2026-03-24

An Air Canada regional jet carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, killing the pilots and injuring several others, officials said. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, and Canada has also sent investigators. The crash shut down the airport and disrupted travel during what the officials said was a messy time at U.S. airports because of a partial government shutdown.

Jet collides with fire truck at LaGuardia, killing Air Canada crew

2026-03-24

A regional Air Canada jet collided with an airport fire truck on the runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, killing the pilot and copilot and injuring several others, officials said. The crash occurred as the truck was crossing the runway to respond to an emergency involving another aircraft, after an air-traffic emergency prompted firefighters to be dispatched. LaGuardia closed after the collision and reopened Monday afternoon with one runway operating and delays.

2 pilots die after Air Canada jet hits fire truck at LaGuardia

2026-03-24

NUEVA YORK (AP) — Un avión de Air Canada que aterrizaba en el aeropuerto LaGuardia chocó con un camión de bomberos a última hora del domingo, dejando la muerte del piloto y del copiloto y heridas en otras personas, según autoridades. El accidente ocurrió mientras el camión de bomberos cruzaba la pista tras recibir permiso para revisar otro avión que había abortado el despegue.

Air traffic controller stress comes into focus after LaGuardia crash

2026-03-24

LaGuardia Airport in New York was dealing with a runway emergency late Sunday when an Air Canada regional jet crashed into a fire truck, killing the pilot and co-pilot from the Montreal flight. Federal and union officials and aviation experts said the incident highlighted long-running staffing shortages, demanding work schedules and aging systems facing U.S. air traffic controllers.

Backyard care is key for Vermonters coexisting with black bears

2026-03-24

Vermonters are being urged to get ahead of black bears as warmer conditions bring the animals out of hibernation earlier, increasing the chance they will look for food near homes. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department said reports of bear incidents have risen over the past decade alongside the state’s growing bear population and earlier spring emergence. Conservation officials said people also can reduce conflict by securing trash, compost and other attractants.

Heat dome still drives record March warmth; Midwest sees next

2026-03-24

The record-smashing heat dome that has baked the U.S. Southwest is continuing into early April and is creeping eastward, meteorologists said. After March records in multiple states, forecasters said temperatures may reach the 90s Fahrenheit in parts of the southern and central Plains by midweek as the broader area of record heat expands.

Worst Hawaii floods in 20 years leave homes damaged and dozens rescued on Oahu

2026-03-24

Hawaii’s worst flooding in two decades has swept away parts of communities on Oahu, damaging hundreds of homes and prompting hundreds of rescues as crews assess damage after torrential rains. Authorities said no deaths had been reported as of Monday, though the state’s emergency response continued in areas hit by flooding earlier this month and in new downpours.

Allergy seasons have been getting worse; here’s how to protect yourself

2026-03-23

Allergy season can leave tens of millions of Americans with runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing, as trees, grass and other pollens trigger symptoms. Experts say climate change is lengthening and intensifying allergy seasons, even as treatments have improved in recent years.

Avalanche kills 2 skiers and injures five in Italy’s South Tyrol

2026-03-22

An avalanche in Italy’s South Tyrol killed two skiers and injured five others, Italy’s mountain rescue service said. The slide struck at about 11:40 a.m. Saturday on slopes near the Austria border, according to the CNSAS emergency center in Bolzano.

Spring still feeling like summer in parts of Southwest US

2026-03-22

Extreme heat warnings returned Saturday across parts of California and Arizona, with temperatures forecast to reach triple digits as far north as Nebraska. The National Weather Service also forecast temperatures in the 90s across Nebraska, followed by a drop into the 50s and 60s Sunday.

Argentina wine industry hits record-low consumption, hurting exports and vineyards

2026-03-22

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s wine industry is in its worst crisis in more than 15 years, as domestic consumption fell to an all-time low in 2025, exports declined and vineyards shrink. Wine producers and industry officials described the downturn as a mix of weaker purchasing power, shifting drinking habits and challenges competing abroad.

Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years as officials warn of dam risk

2026-03-22

Hawaii officials urged evacuations over Saturday due to the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years, after heavy rain from a winter storm left soils already saturated and more rain loomed. Authorities warned a 120-year-old dam could fail as muddy floodwaters smothered parts of Oahu’s North Shore and evacuation orders affected thousands.

Meteorite hunters search Ohio for pieces of 7-ton space rock

2026-03-22

Meteorite hunters fanned out across Ohio after a fireball over Valley City was followed by a sonic boom that rattled buildings, officials said. The meteoroid broke apart around 9 a.m. Tuesday and NASA said it was a near-6-foot (1.8-meter) object about 6 feet in diameter.

Six injured after floor collapse at New Hampshire wedding venue

2026-03-22

A floor collapsed during a wedding at the Preserve at Chocorua in Tamworth, New Hampshire, sending about 70 people into the basement. New Hampshire’s State Fire Marshal’s Office said Saturday that six people were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Over 5,500 ordered to evacuate as flooding threatens Oahu dam

2026-03-21

Severe rains sparked flash flooding on Oahu’s North Shore, with Honolulu officials ordering thousands to evacuate areas downstream of the Wahiawa dam, warning the 120-year-old earthen dam could fail. Gov. Josh Green said more than 230 people were rescued, no deaths were reported and about 10 people were treated for hypothermia.

Photo shows migrating snow geese taking off at Pennsylvania’s Middle Creek

2026-03-21

Robert F. Bukaty, an AP staff photographer, describes how he captured a dense flock of migrating snow geese at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in rural Pennsylvania. He says he initially photographed the birds too far from shore, then returned after learning the geese spent the day feeding in nearby corn fields.

Study disputes age of key Monte Verde site in Chile for earliest Americans

2026-03-21

A new study published in Science challenges the age of Monte Verde, a Chile site long cited as some of the strongest evidence for the earliest human settlement in the Americas. The researchers say volcanic ash layers indicate the Monte Verde site cannot be older than 8,200 years before present. Other archaeologists and researchers disputed the methodology and said the new interpretation does not account for artifacts previously dated to about 14,500 years ago.

Corpus Christi refineries seek alternate water as drought crisis nears

2026-03-21

Corpus Christi-area refineries are seeking alternate water sources as the city warns it could enter a water emergency in as soon as two months, a move that could affect refining output and fuel supplies. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to suspend normal procedures to speed projects as local reservoirs fall below 10% capacity and the city scrambles for options to meet demand.

Extreme heat across the US in 4 graphics

2026-03-21

Temperatures are running far above normal for March across much of the United States, with some places seeing swings of at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit above typical. In four graphics, the Associated Press shows how the unusual early-season warmth is breaking records, largely concentrated in the West but also appearing in pockets across other regions.

Scientists say Southwest March heat shows climate change’s extremes

2026-03-21

Summer heat shattered March records across parts of the U.S. Southwest, with some areas hitting 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 Celsius) as the wave pushed into a month not typically associated with such readings, Associated Press reported March 20. A World Weather Attribution flash analysis said the kind of heat seen this month would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

Arizona desert community hits 110°F in March, breaking U.S. record

2026-03-20

A desert community in southwestern Arizona reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) on Thursday, breaking the U.S. record for the highest March temperature, the National Weather Service said. The record-setting heat wave scorched the Southwest as communities across the region saw record highs for the last day of winter.

Space rocks are constantly bombarding Earth, creating dazzling fireballs

2026-03-19

Millions of people periodically see “fireballs” — bright meteors — streaking across the sky, and the odds of seeing one are rising as more are reported. The latest example involved a fireball near Cleveland that was seen from Wisconsin to Maryland this week, with officials still looking for any fragments.

Nebraska wildfires burn into day 7 as winds ease but danger persists

2026-03-19

Firefighters and volunteers in western and central Nebraska were in their seventh day battling multiple wildfires, including the Morrill County blaze that has burned about 1,005 square miles and is the largest in Nebraska history, the Associated Press reported. Winds are expected to be less than earlier in the week, but authorities warned the fires could still spread quickly if flames cross containment lines.

Marines say “one in a million” round malfunction sent shrapnel on I-5

2026-03-19

A U.S. Marine Corps investigation found that a “one in a million” malfunction during a live artillery demonstration over Interstate 5 at Camp Pendleton last October sent shrapnel onto the freeway and struck two California Highway Patrol vehicles. The Marines said the artillery shell detonated early—before a planned altitude—and that the report found “no definitive answer” for why it happened. The incident occurred during a celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary attended by then–Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Rhode Island high school hockey team wins title after family shooting

2026-03-19

Providence, R.I., March 18, 2026 — Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley Co-op won the Division 2 boys’ state championship 3-2 over Lincoln High School Wednesday after player Colin Dorgan and his teammates advanced through weeks of grief following a fatal ice rink shooting in Pawtucket. Police identified Robert Dorgan as the shooter, and authorities said the attack was targeted and that Dorgan later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Coast Guard investigating after 2 die aboard barge in Alaska

2026-03-19

Two crew members were killed and two others were injured in what the U.S. Coast Guard called a “confined space incident” aboard a freight barge moored in southeast Alaska, officials said. The barge Waynehoe was moored about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Ketchikan when crew members from a tugboat lost contact with them, the Coast Guard said.

Corpus Christi water emergency could come in two months, leaders warn

2026-03-19

Corpus Christi leaders told residents they could be as little as two months away from triggering emergency water measures as drought forecasts show little to no rainfall in the coming summer months. At a 10-hour City Council meeting, the city outlined multiple scenarios that would push it into a level one water emergency by May.

Group screams offer a unique outlet to relieve stress, frustration or grief

2026-03-19

Seattle’s new Scream Club chapter has drawn about a dozen people to meet in West Seattle and release stress with three group screams near Puget Sound. Co-founders Manny Hernandez and Elena Soboleva say the idea began after a couple’s move-in period in Chicago turned a rough patch into a shared, cathartic practice. Health and mental health experts contacted by Associated Press cautioned that primal scream therapy has not been shown to treat mental health conditions, while noting that the practice can still act as a stress-relief outlet.

Warming winters make hunting ice riskier in Alaska and beyond

2026-03-19

As winters warm, ice that used to hold fast is becoming less predictable and more dangerous, the Associated Press reported. In northern Alaska, Elmer Brown and two friends went caribou hunting on frozen water last November; when the ice gave way, one friend drowned and Brown later died of hypothermia.

Las Vegas’ Shark Reef Aquarium feeds sharks hundreds of pounds weekly

2026-03-18

LAS VEGAS — At the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Shark Reef Aquarium, aquarists say they feed 15 species of sharks three times a week inside a 1.3 million gallon tank. Zebra sharks can snatch herring from the aquarists’ tongs within seconds during scheduled feedings, and staff estimate the aquarium uses over 300 pounds of fish in a week.

San Francisco sizzles in March as a winter heat wave bakes the U.S. West

2026-03-18

San Francisco experienced its hottest March in at least two decades this week as a rare winter heat wave pushed unusually warm temperatures across the U.S. West, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Forecasters said parts of Arizona and Nevada could see record-breaking or earliest-ever triple-digit readings for the month, while some water providers urged residents to avoid outdoor watering.

Seven-ton meteor startles Cleveland area with its boom and brightness

2026-03-18

Cleveland-area residents reported a bright fireball and a thunderous boom Tuesday morning, after a suspected 7-ton meteor broke apart over the region. The American Meteor Society said it received reports as far as Wisconsin and Maryland, and NASA later confirmed the object’s size and path.

More flight cancellations, delays due to US storms

2026-03-18

Travel disruptions continued Tuesday in the U.S. as airlines worked to recover from powerful storms that had already snarled flight schedules a day earlier and compounded longer airport security lines during a partial federal shutdown.

Vernal equinox marks spring’s start in Northern Hemisphere

2026-03-15

Spring technically arrives Friday in the Northern Hemisphere with the vernal equinox, which marks the start of the spring season for the north and the fall season for the south. At the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon as the planet’s tilt is neither leaning toward nor away from the sun.

Chemical smell halts flights at four Washington-area airports for over an hour

2026-03-15

Four airports serving Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia, halted all flights Friday evening after a strong chemical smell interfered with air traffic operations, the Federal Aviation Administration said. FAA Secretary Sean Duffy announced the ground stop, affecting Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Richmond International Airport.

Potomac River sewage spill after January pipe collapse raises worries past DC

2026-03-15

The collapse of a sewer pipe in January dumped about 244 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River, prompting an emergency declaration and federal help, according to U.S. and Baltimore-area officials. Bacteria from the spill drifted past Washington for weeks, and experts said the episode underscores broader problems with failing sewer systems. The Associated Press report on the Potomac spill also points to continuing sewage backups into homes and to federal and local funding challenges.

Storms, blizzards and triple-digit heat put over half the U.S. at risk

2026-03-15

Chaotic weather on Monday put more than half the U.S. population in the path of severe conditions, the Associated Press reported, spanning a surprising California heatwave, blizzards in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes, and storms rolling into the East Coast. Airport delays and cancellations piled up in major hubs, while flooding and landslides affected parts of Hawaii and officials in Washington, D.C., postponed votes as agencies told some federal workers to go home early.

Oregon Guard hoists injured logger from Mount Hood after tree pin

2026-03-15

The Oregon Army National Guard on Thursday used a helicopter hoist to lift an injured logger from steep terrain in Mount Hood National Forest, about 60 miles southeast of Portland, after a falling tree pinned him. Estacada Fire District officials said a ground and nearby air-ambulance response were slowed or made unsafe by dense trees and rugged access.

Mezcal boom in U.S. boosts profits in Oaxaca while straining Mexico’s forests

2026-03-15

Mezcal has surged in popularity in the United States, and the global demand is reshaping the landscape of Oaxaca, Mexico, where the agave used to make the spirit is grown and distilled. A study cited by environmental researchers says plantations have expanded rapidly, contributing to deforestation and soil erosion in two major growing regions, while waste from production and heavy water use add to local strain.

Every kind of weather is about to hit the US, forecasters warn

2026-03-15

Storms, heat and Arctic cold are lined up for the United States in a single stretch of March weather extremes that spans from record warmth to heavy snow, dangerous winds and flash flooding, according to meteorologists and NOAA officials cited by the Associated Press. The outlook includes a heat dome over the Southwest, polar-vortex cold pushing into the Midwest and East, and back-to-back snowstorms for parts of the northern tier and Great Lakes, the AP reported. Hawaii is forecast to see downpours and flooding, and Texas is in line for high winds that could worsen wildfire conditions.

Austria’s glaciers retreat as Alpine region feels climate-change impact

2026-03-15

Vienna’s Alpine Club reported Friday that all but two of Austria’s 96 glaciers retreated over the last two years, highlighting accelerating climate change across the Alps. The club’s latest measurements show the Alpeiner Ferner in Tyrol and the Stubacher Sonnblickkees in Salzburg each lost more than 100 meters, and it said glacier tongues are continuing to disintegrate, including at Austria’s largest glacier, the Pasterze.

Japan officially announces start of cherry blossom season in 3 cities

2026-03-15

Tokyo’s weather officials confirmed the first cherry blossom bloom in three Japanese cities on Monday, signaling the official start of the season. The Japan Meteorological Agency examined benchmark Somei Yoshino trees in Kochi, Gifu and Yamanashi and reported the early flowering.

Nairobi building collapses during planned demolition, officials say

2026-03-15

A building collapsed during a planned demolition in Nairobi on Monday, killing at least four people and injuring four others, Kenya’s Interior Ministry said. Rescue workers from the army and other institutions were searching for anyone trapped under the rubble, the ministry said.

Spring’s jet stream chaos brings blizzard, storms, extreme heat, Hawaii rain

2026-03-15

Nearly every kind of wild weather hit parts of the United States on Monday as cold and warm air collided, aided by a jet stream described by forecasters as unusually erratic and by scientists as partly influenced by human-caused climate change. Meteorologists said blizzard conditions struck around the Great Lakes, damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes moved through the Eastern states, and an extreme heat dome was building over the Southwest for later this week. Meanwhile, more than two feet of rain continued to fall in Hawaii, drought persisted across much of the country and a large fire burned in Nebraska.

Storms add to thousands of canceled U.S. flights during shutdown

2026-03-15

Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed Monday across the eastern half of the U.S. as powerful storms hit at the same time a partial government shutdown left airport security screeners under strain. Flight-tracking data cited by the Associated Press showed more than 4,400 flights canceled and about 10,400 delayed. At major airport hubs, FAA ground stops and delays compounded the disruptions.

High winds knock out power in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan

2026-03-15

High winds knocked out power across parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan on Saturday, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity, according to an outage tracker. Farther west, at least one person died in a wind-driven wildfire in Nebraska, where hundreds of square miles had burned by midday.

March forecast calls for heat dome, polar plunge, heavy flooding

2026-03-15

The United States is bracing for a stretch of March extremes that includes record-setting heat in parts of the Southwest, a forecast polar-vortex chill for the Midwest and East, heavy rain and flooding in Hawaii, and late-season snow in the northern Great Lakes region, according to National Weather Service and NOAA forecasts. Meteorologists said weather could swing from warm to cold and back again in many areas.

Mid-March brings blizzard, severe winds, record heat risks across U.S.

2026-03-15

The United States is seeing multiple kinds of extreme weather in mid-March, with meteorologists citing a disturbed jet stream and springtime air-mass clashes. A blizzard dumped heavy snow around the Great Lakes, damaging high winds moved across parts of the East and raised tornado threats, and a Southwest heat wave is poised to break records as more rain fell in Hawaii.

Over half the U.S. faces extreme weather threats from heat to blizzards

2026-03-15

More than half the U.S. population faced some form of extreme weather threats on Monday, with a mix of heat, blizzards and damaging storms affecting regions from the Midwest to the East Coast. The Associated Press reported that airport delays and cancellations piled up in some major hubs, while parts of the Mid-Atlantic saw schools close early due to forecast high winds.

Storms cancel more US flights during partial shutdown affecting TSA

2026-03-15

Powerful storms swept across the eastern half of the United States on Monday, contributing to thousands of flight cancellations and delays as a partial government shutdown affecting airport security screening entered its second month. Flight-tracking data showed more than 4,400 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. were canceled Monday, while about 10,400 were delayed.

King penguins breed earlier as warming climate shifts timing

2026-03-14

King penguin breeding in a sub-Antarctic island chain is starting earlier than it did in 2000, a study published in Science Advances has found. Researchers say the shift has increased breeding success by 40%, even as oceans warm and food webs change.

Powerful storm chain brings blizzard conditions to Upper Midwest

2026-03-14

A broad and erratic patchwork of severe weather rumbled across much of the United States on Sunday, bringing heavy snow in the Upper Midwest and damaging winds across the Plains. Forecasters said a line of severe storms would spread eastward by Monday, with mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C., at greatest risk for high winds and tornadoes.

Thousands celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in South Boston

2026-03-14

Boston held its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston on Sunday, drawing crowds from across Massachusetts and beyond as marching bands, floats and veterans’ groups moved through the neighborhood. Police lined the route while Irish dancers, bagpipers and Revolutionary War reenactors joined the celebration, and organizers adjusted the parade route to manage expected crowds. The parade also comes in a week that includes Evacuation Day, which falls on Tuesday.

Beyond the burn zone: Maui wildfires linked to widespread mental health harm

2026-03-14

Maui wildfires that devastated the island in August 2023 have been linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among residents, including people who were not near the burn zones, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The research from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization and the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study says socioeconomic disruption—especially housing and job insecurity—explains much of the mental-health impact.

Ethiopia declares 3 days of mourning after southern landslides kill 80

2026-03-14

Ethiopia declared three days of mourning after landslides in the country’s south killed 80 people, the government said. Speaker Tagesse Chafo said the mourning would begin Saturday, as authorities recovered at least 80 bodies from the Gamo Zone area and continued search-and-recovery efforts hampered by heavy rain.

Warm conditions hamper Paralympics, sparking talk of moving games earlier

2026-03-14

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Paralympians at the Milan Cortina Games have competed in unusually warm weather, with some athletes saying soft, slow snow has left them at a disadvantage and raised safety concerns. The conditions have prompted questions among athletes about whether the Winter Olympics and Paralympics should be held earlier in the year.

Storm chain brings blizzard conditions to Upper Midwest, threat shifts east

2026-03-14

A broad patchwork of severe weather on Sunday brought heavy snow and damaging winds across parts of the Upper Midwest and Plains, while Hawaii continued to deal with flooding. Forecasters said storms with damaging winds and tornado risk were expected to spread eastward by Monday, including into the mid-Atlantic and the Washington area.

Kilauea lava fountains reach 1,000 feet, close park and parts of Highway 11

2026-03-13

Towering lava fountains from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano reached about 1,000 feet (300 meters) Tuesday, triggering temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and parts of Highway 11 as tephra and ash fell. The episode began Tuesday morning and marked Kilauea’s 43rd fountaining event since it began in December 2024, according to a livestream. Hawaii County opened a shelter at a district gymnasium for residents and tourists affected by the road closure or falling ash, and the National Weather Service issued an ashfall warning.

Landslides in southern Ethiopia kill at least 50, 125 missing

2026-03-13

Disastrous landslides in southern Ethiopia following a week of heavy rains have killed at least 50 people and left 125 others missing, an official said March 12. The landslides occurred in recent days in Gamo Zone districts including Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke, where rescuers pulled one person alive from the mud, officials said.

Reindeer racing thrills spectators in Finland’s north

2026-03-13

Thousands of fans turned out in Finland’s far north for the Salla Reindeer Cup this past weekend, drawing crowds despite frigid subfreezing temperatures near the Russian border. The Salla event, roughly 264 kilometers (164 miles) northeast of Oulu, featured reindeer sprinting across a snow-covered track and pulling their handlers on skis.

Southern California faces unusual March heat wave with 20-degree jump

2026-03-13

Winter heat wave conditions sent temperatures into the 90s across Southern California, with the National Weather Service warning that the mid-March warmth could raise the risk of illness. The weather service said the stretch is expected to run about 20 degrees warmer than normal for much of the week.

What to know about your health as the US springs forward Sunday

2026-03-13

Most of the U.S. “springs forward” Sunday for daylight saving time, losing an hour of sleep at 2 a.m. in most states. Health experts say the shift can disrupt circadian rhythms and worsen sleep for days to weeks, with some studies linking the change to short-term increases in certain medical events.

2 killed as tornadoes smash into northwest Indiana and Kankakee, Illinois

2026-03-12

Severe storms spawned tornadoes that killed at least two people in northwest Indiana and leveled buildings in Kankakee, Illinois, officials said Wednesday. The storms also brought 1 to 2 inches of rain and hail across parts of the region, while tornado watches remained in effect in parts of multiple states.

Large tornado causes significant damage near Chicago and Indiana

2026-03-12

Severe storms produced multiple tornadoes Tuesday across parts of Illinois and Indiana, leveling homes, toppling trees and power lines, and overloading a 911 center south of Chicago with calls, officials said. In Indiana, Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran asked residents not to come to affected areas while crews responded, and Illinois weather officials said damage assessments were still underway.

Southern California braces for sudden heat wave; LA near 93 degrees

2026-03-12

It’s still technically winter, but Southern California is bracing for unseasonably hot weather, with forecasters predicting temperatures near 93 degrees in downtown Los Angeles. The National Weather Service said the warm spell could be about 20 degrees above normal for mid-March, raising the risk of heat illness and prompting officials to urge residents to limit daytime outdoor activity.

Underground pipe rises out of Osaka sewer construction site

2026-03-11

A giant steel pipe rose more than 10 meters out of a construction site in Osaka, Japan, and nearly reached an elevated road overnight, local officials said. Police were notified early Wednesday after a pedestrian saw asphalt pieces falling from the pipe as traffic snarled around the area. By Thursday, firefighters cut a hole in the side of the pipe and injected water to push it back down.

Death Valley blooms with once-in-a-decade superbloom of flowers

2026-03-10

Death Valley National Park in California is seeing a once-in-a-decade superbloom of wildflowers after steady rainfall and warm temperatures helped long-dormant seeds germinate, the National Park Service said. Park ranger Matthew Lamar said the bloom is the best the park has seen since 2016, and ecologists said deserts can still teem with life even when they appear barren.

Georgia teacher Jason Hughes dies in prank gone wrong; teen charged

2026-03-10

A Georgia high school teacher died after what authorities described as a prank turned deadly, and prosecutors have charged a teen with vehicular homicide. Authorities said Jason Hughes, 40, was struck by a pickup truck after he tripped and fell as the students were leaving his home in Gainesville late Friday.

Scrap metal barge fire burns on Delaware Bay; no injuries reported

2026-03-10

A large fire erupted Tuesday morning aboard an unmanned barge loaded with scrap metal on the Delaware Bay and burned into the evening, drawing U.S. Coast Guard responders, fire departments from Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware, and environmental monitors from two states. No injuries were reported.

Green Bay's whitefish refuge anchors Great Lakes fishery as stocks show strain

2026-03-10

Southern Green Bay — once dismissed as too polluted to support commercial fishing — has become the last significant refuge for Lake Michigan whitefish, an iconic species that has nearly vanished from the open lake after invasive mussels stripped away its food supply. Commercial harvests in the bay's Wisconsin waters surged from fewer than 100,000 pounds in 2000 to more than 800,000 pounds in 2024, even as catches from the wider lake collapsed. But population models now show whitefish stocks in the bay have shrunk by roughly half from their mid-2010s peak, and scientists warn that climate-driven ice loss threatens the species' last stronghold in the lower Great Lakes.

Sharks stealing Hawaiʻi fishermen's catch at record rates, studies show

2026-03-10

Sharks are intercepting catch directly off hooks at the highest rates recorded in roughly 20 years of state data collection in Hawaiʻi, with depredation incidents now occurring on at least one in four licensed fishing trips in Hawaiian waters, an aquatic biologist with the state said. The surge has pushed many small-boat fishers who pursue prized bottomfish such as ehu, onaga and opakapaka to the edge of abandoning their livelihoods, according to a fishing industry advocate.

U.S. had its second-warmest winter on record, NOAA says

2026-03-09

Federal meteorologists said the Lower 48 states averaged 37.13 degrees Fahrenheit (2.85 degrees Celsius) from December through February, making the winter the second-warmest on record. NOAA climate monitoring chief Russell Vose said the warmth was driven primarily by conditions west of the Mississippi River, while some parts of the East experienced cold spells.

As heat rises, subway riders’ heat complaints grow in big cities

2026-03-09

A new study finds that complaints about uncomfortable heat in underground subway systems rise as outdoor temperatures climb, reflecting how warmer weather can translate belowground. Researchers analyzed more than 85,000 social media posts and Google Maps reviews from 2008 to 2024 in New York, Boston and London.

Flash floods kill at least 25 in Nairobi, disrupting flights and stranding motorists

2026-03-07

At least 25 people died after overnight flash floods inundated Nairobi on Friday and Saturday, drowning motorists and electrocuting residents as waters submerged vehicles and residential areas across Kenya's capital. George Seda, the Nairobi police chief, said some victims drowned while others were electrocuted, and warned the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue. Kenya Airways diverted flights to the coastal city of Mombasa, and the Kenyan military was deployed overnight to assist emergency services.

Ford recalls 1.74 million vehicles over rearview camera display defects

2026-03-07

Ford has recalled nearly 1.74 million vehicles in the United States over software defects that impair rearview camera displays, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced this week. The two recalls cover six Ford and Lincoln models spanning model years 2020 through 2026. NHTSA said both defects could increase crash risk, though Ford reported no known injuries or accidents tied to either recall.

NTSB: Texas jet exceeded FAA deicing window before crashing in Maine, killing 6

2026-03-07

A private jet that crashed in Bangor, Maine on Jan. 25, killing all six people aboard, remained on the ground 8 minutes longer than Federal Aviation Administration guidelines allow after receiving a deicing treatment, the National Transportation Safety Board said Friday in a preliminary report on the crash. The Bombardier Challenger 600, owned by a Texas law firm and bound for France from Houston, lost control at liftoff during a snowstorm, came down upside down on the runway and burst into flames.

California doesn't track ski deaths, and repeated bids to require reporting have failed

2026-03-07

California has no system to track ski injuries or deaths at its resorts, leaving safety experts, families, and skiers without reliable data to assess slope risk — a gap that has persisted despite multiple fatal incidents this winter and more than a decade of failed legislative attempts to mandate reporting. In February alone, a 21-year-old skier was found dead on a black diamond run at Northstar California Resort, a fatal collision there followed within two weeks, and an avalanche killed nine backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe, according to a CalMatters investigation distributed by the Associated Press. Not one of more than two dozen resorts contacted by the outlet responded with accident, injury, or fatality data.

Heat-triggered droughts spreading faster, covering more land, study finds

2026-03-06

Extreme weather events in which a heat wave triggers a sudden, severe drought have been spreading across the globe at an accelerating pace, according to a study published Friday in the journal Science Advances. Researchers from South Korea and Australia found that by 2023, these heat-first drought extremes covered as much as 16.7% of Earth's land in a given year — up from roughly 2.5% in the 1980s. The rate of increase over the final 22 years of the study period was eight times higher than in the two preceding decades, the authors said.

Michigan's outdoor economy grew 3.5% in 2024, lagging national pace

2026-03-06

Michigan's outdoor recreation sector added $15.1 billion to the state economy in 2024, up from $14.6 billion the year before, but the 3.5% year-over-year gain fell below the national outdoor recreation average of 4% and trailed 35 other states, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The figures, which lag by a year, arrive as heavy snowfall has delivered one of Michigan's strongest ski seasons in years — a tailwind industry officials say could lift the state's 2025 numbers.

Fishing vessel Yankee Rose sinks off Cape Cod, killing two

2026-03-06

PROVINCETOWN, Mass. — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for survivors Friday afternoon after the commercial fishing vessel Yankee Rose sank off Cape Cod, killing both people aboard. The vessel was found overturned about 3 nautical miles northeast of Race Point in Provincetown on Thursday, just before noon, after Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received a notification of the capsizing.

Tornadoes kill 6 in Michigan and Oklahoma as EF3 confirmed at Union Lake

2026-03-06

Authorities searched through rubble and debris in southern Michigan on Saturday after suspected tornadoes killed four people, including a 12-year-old boy, in a storm system that also claimed two lives in eastern Oklahoma on Friday. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF3 tornado with winds of at least 150 mph struck the Union Lake area near Union City, Michigan, and sent survey teams to assess additional tornado tracks across both states.

Iowa man charged with killing 3 Utah women to steal vehicles, get home

2026-03-05

An Iowa man was charged Thursday with aggravated murder in the deaths of three Utah women after investigators say he killed them to steal their cars and credit cards for a trip back to Iowa. Ivan Miller, 22, of Blakesburg, Iowa, was arrested in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, following a multi-state manhunt that began when two hikers' husbands found their wives shot and stabbed at a rural Wayne County trailhead. Authorities subsequently found a third victim dead in her home in the small farming town of Lyman.

Texas judge orders Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged cabins and grounds

2026-03-05

A Texas judge ordered Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged cabins and other areas of the summer camp after last year’s deadly floods that killed 25 girls and two counselors. The ruling followed a lawsuit from the family of 8-year-old Cile Steward, whose body was not recovered after she was swept away during the July 4 disaster, and it requires the camp to stop demolishing or altering certain areas.

Fire departments tackle heart rate increases with new alarm approach

2026-03-05

In Danbury, Connecticut, the fire department has begun using a new dispatch system that starts with softer alert tones and a computerized voice to describe incoming emergencies. The change aims to reduce stress for firefighters as they respond, with officials pointing to the profession’s heart health risks and citing research on how alarm volume affects heart rates.

Fishing vessel capsizes off Cape Cod; one crew member rescued, one missing

2026-03-05

The commercial fishing vessel Yankee Rose overturned and sank about three nautical miles northeast of Race Point off Provincetown, Massachusetts, on Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard said, leaving one crew member recovered and transported for medical care and a second crew member still missing.

Storm outbreak threatens heartland with tornadoes; 6 million at highest risk

2026-03-05

More than 6 million Americans face the highest risk of severe weather Friday as the season's first major storm outbreak threatens the nation's heartland, with strong tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds expected across Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, the national Storm Prediction Center said Thursday. Another 22 million people face a slightly lesser risk in a zone that includes Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Omaha and Milwaukee. Emergency managers across the affected states urged residents to identify shelter locations and monitor National Weather Service warnings before storms arrive.

Maine lobster catch declines again for fourth straight year

2026-03-05

Maine’s lobster catch declined for the fourth straight year in 2025, state fishing regulators said Friday, citing high operating costs, inflation and a changing ocean. Regulators said the 2025 harvest fell to 78.8 million pounds (35.7 million kilograms), the lowest total since 2008.

Syracuse leads snow response upgrades with GPS, video and AI

2026-03-04

In Syracuse, New York, city officials say upgrades to snowplow operations that combine GPS tracking, dashcams and video analysis have helped reduce public complaint calls by 30% since the new system rolled out. The changes come as more cities across the U.S. seek ways to track where plows have gone and respond faster during blizzards.

In Moorhead, Minn., people line up for Dairy Queen ice cream at 6 degrees

2026-03-04

Moorhead, Minn. residents gathered Sunday for the annual March 1 opening of a 77-year-old Dairy Queen walk-up, despite single-digit cold. The temperature was 6 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 Celsius) when the shop opened, and customers queued for ice cream treats such as milkshakes and Blizzards.

‘Deadliest Catch’ crewman Todd Meadows dies after reported fall overboard

2026-03-04

A deckhand on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” died after being reported to have fallen overboard in Alaska, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard received a notification Feb. 25 from the Aleutian Lady about the incident about 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and recovered Meadows unresponsive about 10 minutes later.

Are electrolyte supplements really beneficial? Experts weigh in

2026-03-04

Electrolyte supplements are increasingly promoted online, with influencers touting health benefits or giving followers advice on DIY mixes. But registered dietitian Julia Zumpano and other medical experts said many broad claims about the drinks are overstated, especially for people who aren’t sweating heavily. Experts also cautioned that supplement products vary widely and that recipes from influencers can carry a margin of error.

Small plane strikes two Phoenix homes, injures three

2026-03-04

A small plane struck two homes in Phoenix on Wednesday before crashing nose-down in a backyard, injuring the student pilot, the flight instructor and a man inside one of the homes, Phoenix fire officials said. One wing of the Piper P-28 was torn off during the impact and came to rest on the roof of the first home the aircraft struck. The plane then landed beside the backyard swimming pool of the second home.

Kenyan lawmaker Johana Ng’eno among 6 killed in Nandi helicopter crash

2026-03-01

NAIROBI, Kenya — A helicopter crashed in Kenya’s Nandi County on Saturday, killing six people, including lawmaker Johana Ng’eno, police said. Police chief Samuel Mukuusi said the helicopter went down minutes after takeoff and burst into flames in a hilly area, and he said an investigation into the cause has begun.

Shoppers in upstate New York find live owl asleep on antique shop shelf

2026-02-28

Shoppers in upstate New York earlier this month found a live owl resting on a shelf inside a local antique store, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said. The agency said the incident occurred Feb. 21 in East Durham, about 127 miles (204 kilometers) north of Manhattan.

Amazon Akuntsu tribe had about three women left; birth brings hope

2026-02-28

In Brazil’s Amazon, the Akuntsu Indigenous community faced extinction with only three women left after the last man died in 2017, according to officials. In December, the youngest woman, Babawru, gave birth to a boy, shifting expectations for the group’s future, an Associated Press report said.

Study finds North American bird populations keep dropping

2026-02-28

Billions fewer birds are flying through North American skies than decades ago, and their population is shrinking faster, a new study in the journal Science found. Researchers linked the accelerating declines to a combination of intensive agriculture and warming temperatures, with the losses becoming more rapid in regions that warm the most.

More snow falls on Northeast U.S. already buried in snow

2026-02-26

Parts of the Northeast remained battered by snow and power outages Wednesday after a massive storm left icy piles across the region from Maryland to Maine, including areas such as Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, officials said record-setting snowfall stranded some residents for a third straight day, while utility crews worked extended shifts to restore electricity as more light snow moved through overnight.

What to know about carbon monoxide risks after student’s death

2026-02-26

A 21-year-old student in Rhode Island died after carbon monoxide poisoning in his car during a major snowstorm and power outage, Newport police said. Police said the exhaust pipe was obstructed by snow after the student used the vehicle to charge his phone. The Associated Press also outlined how carbon monoxide poisoning happens, the symptoms, and safety steps during outages.

Fire at Ohio farm complex kills about 6,000 hogs

2026-02-26

A fire at an Ohio hog farm complex killed about 6,000 pigs and sent smoke visible for miles, officials said Feb. 26. Central Townships Joint Fire District Chief Brian Bennington said two of five large agricultural buildings were heavily involved and the fire took about five hours to control, with no people hurt.

Women's heart attack symptoms can differ; know the risks and signs

2026-02-26

Women can have heart attacks even when they don’t match the “movie” scenario of crushing chest pain in men, according to cardiologists and the American Heart Association. The guidance emphasizes that symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, jaw pain, and lightheadedness—and that people should call 911 if there is “even a chance” a heart attack is happening.

No-parking zone expands near Nancy Guthrie’s home amid complaints

2026-02-26

PHOENIX — Pima County officials expanded a no-parking zone around the home of Nancy Guthrie in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, citing complaints from neighbors about congested roads, trespassing and trash left by journalists and social media streamers. The restrictions take effect Thursday, with authorities saying news crews and streamers can still access the area but must park elsewhere and be dropped off in the neighborhood.

Florida wildfire burns near 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades

2026-02-26

Crews in Florida on Wednesday battled a wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve that had burned more than 25,000 acres near the Everglades immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The state said the fire posed no threat to the jail at the time, with officials attributing the safer conditions to higher humidity and the fire’s direction.

Why do sneakers squeak on basketball courts? Science has an answer

2026-02-26

Harvard materials scientist Adel Djellouli and colleagues say they have pinpointed what makes basketball sneakers squeak as players slide and cut on hard courts. In a Nature study published Wednesday, the researchers linked the high-pitched squeal to rapid, repeated friction pulses at the shoe’s sole that come from the rubber briefly losing and regaining contact with the floor.

California utilities’ planned shutoffs are costing schools time, money

2026-02-26

Planned power outages in California, intended to reduce wildfire risk, have forced multiple districts to close schools or lose attendance during winter wind events, according to reporting on Riverside County districts. Officials said delayed or insufficient notice made it hard to prepare, while state funding rules tied to attendance can magnify the financial impact of disruptions.

Northeast blizzard sets records as experts call it a “classic” bomb cyclone

2026-02-26

The nor’easter that struck parts of the Northeast with nearly 3 feet of snow in some places intensified into a “bomb cyclone” and produced thundersnow and lightning, meteorologists said. By about midday Monday, Providence, Rhode Island, set an all-time snowfall record, while Warwick, Rhode Island, reported more than 3 feet. Forecasters also warned people shoveling the wet, heavy snow to avoid overexertion.

South Africa diamond mine shuts and files for liquidation after mudslide

2026-02-26

Five miners trapped after a mudslide flooded an underground shaft at the Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, South Africa, were described by the mine’s owners as “now presumed deceased,” and the company shut the operation and filed for liquidation, AP reported Feb. 25. The closure also puts about 1,200 jobs at risk, according to the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa.

Fire at Ohio hog farm kills about 6,000 hogs; smoke visible for miles

2026-02-25

A fire at a hog farm complex in London, Ohio killed about 6,000 pigs, officials said, and sent smoke that could be seen for miles across the rural area. Central Townships Joint Fire District Chief Brian Bennington said no people were hurt and about 1,500 hogs survived and were taken elsewhere.

Workers at Mystic Seaport clear snow from historic Charles W. Morgan ship

2026-02-25

Mystic Seaport Museum workers in Connecticut dug out a 113-foot historic wooden whaling ship after a record-breaking Northeast snowstorm, using rubber and plastic shovels to avoid damaging decks and preserving ship materials. Officials said crews also began clearing snow across the museum’s waterfront property as the museum prepared to reopen with limited exhibits.

Greek seaside town’s “flour war” marks start of Lent

2026-02-25

A messy “flour war” broke out Monday in the Greek seaside town of Galaxidi, as revelers pelted each other with bags of dyed flour to mark Clean Monday, which begins the Orthodox Lent season. The annual end-of-carnival festivities turned Galaxidi’s main coastal road into a flour-strewn scene, with many residents and visitors watching from balconies.

Northeast US digs out from brutal snowstorm that shut schools, flights

2026-02-25

Millions across the northeastern United States dug out Tuesday after a major storm blanketed the region with snow, canceled flights and disrupted transit, killing at least one person. While conditions improved in some areas, the National Weather Service warned another storm forming near the Great Lakes could bring more snow as it moves toward the Northeast.

Patrick seeks to block Camp Mystic summer reopening pending flood inquiry

2026-02-24

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the state to block Camp Mystic's summer reopening Monday, saying it would be "naive" to allow the troubled youth camp to resume normal operations before a full investigation into last July's flood deaths. Twenty-eight people died in the disaster — 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp's executive director — according to lawsuits filed the same day. "It would be naive to allow Camp Mystic to return to normal operations before all of the facts are known," Patrick wrote in a letter to Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. "Camp Mystic should have decided on their own to suspend operations this coming summer, but it appears they are planning for camp in 2026."

Nor'easter paralyzes Northeast with record snowfall, thousands stranded

2026-02-24

A massive winter storm struck the northeastern United States on Monday, dumping more than 2 feet of snow across the region and forcing millions of people to stay home under blizzard warnings and road travel bans. The National Weather Service called it a "classic bomb cyclone/nor'easter," the strongest storm in a decade, with wind gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour in some areas. Schools closed across major cities, including New York City, which had its first "old-school" snow day in six years, and more than 5,600 flights were canceled as the storm disrupted transportation along the Eastern Seaboard.

Severe floods in southeastern Brazil kill at least 25, leave 43 missing

2026-02-24

Severe floods in southeastern Brazil have killed at least 25 people and left 43 others missing in the state of Minas Gerais, officials said Tuesday. The torrential rains began Monday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, about 310 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro, forcing about 440 residents to evacuate their homes.

Vermont cuts moose hunting permits as winter ticks devastate herds

2026-02-23

Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Department is reducing moose hunting permits by more than half this year, from nearly 180 to 85, in response to a parasite outbreak that kills calves and weakens adults. The cuts are concentrated in the Northeast Kingdom, where winter ticks—which can infest a single moose by the tens of thousands—have become a serious threat. As climate change shortens Vermont's winters, ticks have gained a longer window to attach to moose in fall and survive through spring, intensifying their ecological impact.

Families sue Texas over Camp Mystic evacuation rule failure

2026-02-23

Families of nine Camp Mystic flood victims filed a federal lawsuit against six Texas Department of State Health Services officials Monday, seeking damages for what they allege was a failure to enforce state law requiring youth camps to have evacuation plans. The state licensed Camp Mystic knowing it lacked an adequate evacuation plan, the suit alleges. The camp's emergency instructions directed children to stay in their cabins during floods, contrary to Texas regulations requiring youth camps to develop disaster evacuation procedures. Twenty-seven Camp Mystic staff members and campers died when heavy rain sent the Guadalupe River flooding into the historic Hill Country camp on July 4, 2025.

Maine policymakers address electricity crisis as winter cold drives costs soaring

2026-02-23

Maine policymakers convened this month to address an electricity affordability crisis triggered by a record winter cold snap and historic natural gas prices. On Jan. 27, natural gas prices on the New England grid hit their highest level since tracking began in 2003, driving wholesale electricity prices to $441.8 per megawatt-hour—more than three times the January 2025 average of $135.08 per megawatt-hour. The surge prompted urgent discussions among state leaders about how to modernize Maine's aging electrical grid and reduce reliance on natural gas for peak demand. Philip Bartlett II, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, described the situation as a crisis of affordability. "The biggest challenge we're facing right now is affordability," Bartlett said at a Feb. 5 legislative forum hosted by the nonprofit E2Tech in Augusta.

Mudslides kill father and son in Peru as floods threaten thousands

2026-02-23

Peruvian authorities recovered the bodies of a father and son killed by a mudslide in Arequipa after intense rains triggered a broader flooding crisis affecting roughly 5,500 homes across the country's southern region on Monday. The deaths mark the first confirmed fatalities from the disaster, which authorities attributed to the El Niño Costero climate phenomenon. The two men were swept away by the mudslide in a neighborhood built directly over an ancient natural watercourse. Experts said the homes were constructed across a path that has carried torrents of water for centuries during periods of heavy rain.

Blizzard warnings threaten East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds

2026-02-22

New blizzard warnings issued by the National Weather Service from New York City to Boston as a rapidly intensifying winter storm approached for Sunday brought preparations from city officials to local businesses. The weather service said 1 to 2 feet of snow could fall in many areas, with damaging winds and possible flooding.

Blizzard warnings cascade across East Coast as winter storm bears down

2026-02-22

New York City and New Jersey announced travel bans, airlines canceled more than 3,500 flights, and Broadway shows were shuttered Sunday evening as a fierce winter storm moved toward the Northeastern United States, prompting blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts. The National Weather Service warned of 1 to 2 feet of snow across many areas, combined with heavy winds and visibility as low as a quarter-mile. Snow began falling across New Jersey and New York as officials urged residents to avoid travel.

Crews recover 9 backcountry skiers killed in California avalanche

2026-02-21

Authorities have completed recovery of all nine backcountry skiers killed by an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, concluding a four-day search and rescue operation hampered by heavy snow and whiteout conditions. The avalanche struck at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday on Castle Peak near Truckee, California, on the final day of a three-day ski tour that the group had decided to cut short to avoid an impending snowstorm.

Blizzard warnings threaten East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds

2026-02-21

Blizzard warnings were issued Saturday for parts of the U.S. East Coast, including New York City, New Jersey and the Boston area, as a rapidly intensifying winter storm was expected to bring Sunday heavy snow and damaging winds. The National Weather Service forecast 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas, along with strong, steady winds that officials said could make travel dangerous or impossible.

Scientists change El Niño label to keep up with warming waters

2026-02-21

The natural El Niño cycle, which can warp weather worldwide, is both adding to and being shaped by a warming climate, meteorologists said. A new study says a recent switch between La Niña and El Niño can help explain why global temperatures spiked to a new level over the past three years. Separately, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is adjusting how it calculates when the Pacific flips into a new phase, a change that is expected to alter how often El Niño versus La Niña is declared.

Two killed, seven wounded in Richmond street shooting

2026-02-21

Two people were killed and seven others were wounded in a shooting that erupted around 2:45 a.m. Saturday in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom entertainment district, Police Chief Rick Edwards said. The shooting occurred during an apparent street fight involving at least two shooters, Edwards said.

6 women killed in California avalanche were among 8 close friends

2026-02-20

Six women were killed in a California avalanche in the Sierra Nevada, and the families of two survivors said the group had been close friends and experienced backcountry skiers. Rescue efforts continued after the Tuesday avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Soda Springs, a Nevada County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said Thursday.

Police find three men dead in Detroit home during missing-person search

2026-02-20

Detroit police said they found the bodies of three men inside a home while searching for a missing person. The men, ages 65, 66 and 72, were found after investigators said they were bludgeoned and stabbed late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Police were seeking tips and searching for a suspect as authorities worked to determine a motive.

Blizzard warnings threaten East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds

2026-02-20

Blizzard warnings issued for New York City, New Jersey and Boston as a rapidly intensifying storm builds ahead of its Sunday arrival, the National Weather Service said. The agency warned that the system could bring 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas and damage from strong winds, with some flooding possible in parts of New York and New Jersey.

Crews use water to reduce avalanche risk while recovering California victims

2026-02-20

Rescue crews worked Friday near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada to lower the risk of additional slides so they could recover people killed in Tuesday’s avalanche. Officials said mitigation efforts were designed to intentionally release unstable snowpack, and they investigated whether controlled explosions were needed after earlier indications. In parallel, authorities said they are looking into the avalanche, including whether criminal negligence played a role.

Deadly California avalanche highlights backcountry risks

2026-02-20

Recovery from Tuesday’s deadly avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada backcountry continued into Thursday after a storm kept lashing the remote area and left more slides a possibility, authorities said. Eight people died and one remained missing as rescuers worked through unstable snow conditions, with six survivors. Experts said the recovery underscored a core backcountry rule for rescuers: do not create more victims while trying to reach others.

Rescue group seeks to save toucan seen flying in Las Vegas desert

2026-02-20

A toucan named Sam escaped its owner in the Las Vegas area in November and has survived on its own for months, prompting a local rescue group to try to capture it before conditions worsen. The group says Sam has been spotted around the Las Vegas desert, including about 50 feet up in a palm tree, and that his health appears to be declining.

Old batteries leak toxins; experts outline safe disposal steps

2026-02-20

Discarded household batteries leak heavy metals like cadmium and nickel into soil and water when they reach landfills. Some can also overheat and cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers. Safely disposing of batteries takes just a few steps, and their materials can be recycled into new products, experts say.

Six in ten Americans say they've experienced extreme cold in past five years

2026-02-20

Six in ten U.S. adults have experienced severe cold weather or extreme winter storms in the past five years, according to a new AP-NORC poll conducted February 5-8, 2026. The finding represents a marked increase from February 2025, when about five in ten Americans reported the same experience.

6 women die in California avalanche; close-knit group, search under way

2026-02-19

Six women were killed in a Tuesday avalanche in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Summit, California, according to families and authorities, as two friends survived and rescuers searched for a ninth person. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said recovery efforts were delayed by dangerous weather and that the agency’s crews could not safely reach victims.

Safety gear, training and avalanche checks key for winter outings

2026-02-19

An avalanche—mass snow moving down a slope—often forms when the snowpack is deep and the slope angle reaches about 30 degrees or more, according to the National Avalanche Center and regional avalanche groups. With each winter, the National Avalanche Center says about 25 people on average die in avalanches in the United States, and it warns that some days are dangerous and some days are not.

Deadly California avalanche underscores backcountry risk as rescuers work

2026-02-19

A deadly avalanche in California’s remote Sierra Nevada backcountry has killed eight people and left one person missing, with six survivors as a storm fueled additional slide risk, authorities said. Recovery efforts were set to resume Friday as rescuers worked to retrieve victims two days after the group was caught in the snow.

Crews work to reduce avalanche risk as they recover CA victims’ bodies

2026-02-19

Officials in California’s Sierra Nevada are using avalanche mitigation techniques to lower the risk of additional slides while they continue efforts to recover the bodies of people killed in a Tuesday avalanche near Castle Peak, northwest of Lake Tahoe. The Nevada County Sheriff’s office and other investigators are also looking into how the deadly storm and decisions by a backcountry tour company factored into the tragedy.

Las Vegas rescue group seeks to save toucan seen for months

2026-02-19

LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas-area rescue group is trying to catch a toucan named Sam after the bird escaped its owner in November and survived for months in the desert. The group says the toucan has been spotted at limited locations, including about 50 feet (15 meters) up in a palm tree, while bird experts warn Las Vegas conditions and the bird’s likely diet could be taking a toll.

Days of fire-prone weather nearly triple globally as climate warms

2026-02-19

The number of days when weather is hot, dry and windy enough to spark extreme wildfires has nearly tripled over the past 45 years around the world, a new study found. Researchers say more than half of the increase is driven by human-caused climate change and that the “synchronous” nature of the risk is expanding, including across the Americas.

Authorities deploy tech to locate wreck of fishing boat near Gloucester

2026-02-19

Gloucester, Massachusetts, authorities are using deep-sea technology to try to locate the wreck of the 72-foot fishing boat Lily Jean, which sank off Cape Ann in late January, killing all seven aboard. Winter weather has slowed the search in waters more than 300 feet deep, officials said Wednesday.

5 dead in Colorado pileup after wind-blown dirt “brown out” on I-25

2026-02-19

5 people died in crashes involving more than 30 vehicles on Colorado’s Interstate 25 near Pueblo after wind-blown dirt reduced visibility, authorities said Tuesday. The Colorado State Patrol said the death toll rose from four after one hospitalized person later died, and it called the airborne dust a “brown out.”

California avalanche kills 8 backcountry skiers, 1 still missing

2026-02-19

Crews in Northern California have found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe and were searching for one more after they were caught in an avalanche during a winter storm, authorities said Wednesday. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said investigators would look into the decision to proceed with the trek despite avalanche warnings issued earlier.

Backcountry skiers hit by avalanche led by tour outfit in California

2026-02-19

A backcountry ski trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides in California’s Sierra Nevada was struck by an avalanche as a winter storm moved into the state, authorities said. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch for the area before the group’s return plan Monday, and it later raised the alert to a warning. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said eight people were killed and one person remained missing.

Surprise shark sighting in Antarctica’s near-freezing deep

2026-02-19

An Australian marine research center says it has video evidence of what it calls the first recorded shark in the Antarctic Ocean. The footage, captured in January 2025 off the South Shetland Islands near the Antarctic Peninsula, shows a sleeper shark cruising at about 490 meters as water temps hovered near freezing.

Authorities say 6 skiers still alive, 10 missing after Northern California avalanche

2026-02-18

Rescue crews on skis and snowcats were racing Tuesday to reach six backcountry skiers trapped after an avalanche in rugged Northern California mountains near Frog Lake in the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe. Officials said 10 other skiers were reported missing as blizzard conditions and the risk of additional slides persisted.

New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras with revelry, parades and costumes

2026-02-18

New Orleans marked Mardi Gras — the culmination of Carnival season and the day before Ash Wednesday — with a parade that drew revelers to wrought-iron balconies along St. Charles Avenue. People lined the route and watched marching bands and floats while donning green, gold and purple costumes, then continued celebrations across the city.

People excited about fungi are helping scientists learn more

2026-02-18

A new campaign is encouraging people to protect mushrooms, lichens and other fungi threatened by climate change and habitat loss. AP visited groups and researchers in California who say citizen scientists and on-the-ground monitoring are helping fill a major knowledge gap about fungi worldwide.

Four dead in Colorado pileup involving more than 30 vehicles after dust

2026-02-18

Four people died in crashes involving more than 30 vehicles, including six semitrailers, on Interstate 25 south of Pueblo, Colorado, after heavy winds blew dirt across the highway and sharply reduced visibility, authorities said. The Colorado State Patrol said 29 people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Olympic skiers warn of accelerating glacier melt at Milan-Cortina Games

2026-02-18

Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and other elite skiers competing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are raising alarm about the accelerating melt of the world's glaciers, saying the warming climate threatens the high-altitude ice where their sport depends. The athletes' warnings come from host city Cortina d'Ampezzo, where glaciers once visible from town have dramatically shrunk, with many reduced to tiny patches of ice at high elevations in the Dolomites.

California braces as winter storm brings high winds, heavy rain and snow

2026-02-17

California was hit Monday by a winter storm bringing high winds, heavy rain and snow, with flash-flood warnings issued across Los Angeles County and evacuation warnings in areas scarred by last year’s wildfires. Forecasters said parts of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and nearby areas could see up to 8 feet of snow before the system moves through late Wednesday.

Firefighters rescue cormorant with fishhook stuck in its beak

2026-02-17

An injured cormorant in Bremen, Germany, pecked at the door of an emergency room at Klinikum Links der Weser until staff noticed and called firefighters, the Bremen fire department said. Medical staff and firefighters removed a triple fishing hook stuck in the bird’s beak and treated the wound before releasing the bird back on the hospital grounds, officials said.

Historians race to find Great Lakes shipwrecks before quagga mussels

2026-02-17

Historians and archaeologists are racing to locate Great Lakes shipwrecks before invasive quagga mussels destroy the sites, the Associated Press reported. The mussels have covered virtually every wreck in the lower Great Lakes, forcing divers and researchers to document what they can before details disappear.

What Phoenix’s lovebirds can teach us about love and partnership

2026-02-16

Phoenix, Arizona, is home to a large, established colony of rosy-faced lovebirds that has survived in the desert by clustering around people and heat sources, and experts say their lifelong bonds may offer a Valentine’s Day lesson about keeping partnerships strong. An AP report describes how the birds formed the city’s best-known colony outside Africa, how they display affection, and what happens when a partner is lost.

Off-trail avalanche kills 2 skiers on Mont Blanc, injures 1

2026-02-16

A Sunday off-trail avalanche in northern Italy on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif killed two skiers and injured another, officials said. The incident occurred in the Couloir Vesses freeride area near Courmayeur and the Val Veny. Authorities said one victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition but later died.

Climate choices on food, cars, shopping and heating can add up fast

2026-02-16

The Associated Press examined what could happen if one in 10 Americans changed everyday habits tied to climate pollution—how people eat, drive, heat homes and buy clothing. In calculations based on federal agency data and other sources, the outlet found that those individual switches could avoid tens of billions of pounds of carbon pollution each year.

Colorado River talks stall as Arizona, California, Nevada press US West

2026-02-16

The seven Western states that rely on the Colorado River missed another deadline to agree on a plan to address record drought and water shortages, according to a joint statement released Saturday by the governors of Arizona, California and Nevada. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo called on Upper Basin states to offer more concessions as negotiations continue.

Rio Carnival survival kit: veterans’ do’s and don’ts for street parties

2026-02-16

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is marked by four days of street celebrations that can test even experienced revelers, who say pacing, hydration and basic hygiene planning matter as much as the festivities. Veterans speaking to The Associated Press offered guidance for people heading to the city’s street parties before the celebrations end on Ash Wednesday.

Shipwreck hunter finds 19th-century steamer Lac La Belle in Lake Michigan

2026-02-16

Searchers have discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a luxury steamer that sank in a Lake Michigan storm in 1872, closing a quest that began nearly 60 years ago. Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn said the ship was found about 20 miles offshore in waters between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Tornado watch issued as storm system hits Mississippi and Louisiana

2026-02-16

A weekend storm system sweeping across the Southeast brought tornado warnings to parts of Mississippi and Louisiana before moving into Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, with tornado watches in place on Sunday, the Associated Press reported. The system also knocked out power in several states and prompted winter-weather and flood preparations farther west and north.

First 2026 “ring of fire” solar eclipse to be visible from Antarctica

2026-02-16

A “ring of fire” solar eclipse will occur Tuesday and be visible over Antarctica, where research stations and wildlife could catch the annular event. Only a small sliver of the sun is expected to remain visible during the eclipse, when the moon’s apparent size is too small to fully cover the sun.

4 dead after small plane crash near Steamboat Springs, Colorado

2026-02-14

Four people died after a small plane crashed early Friday on a mountain near the Colorado ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash involved an Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop plane.

Senators press Mississippi for stronger winter storm disaster response

2026-02-14

North Mississippi senators on Thursday urged Mississippi lawmakers to improve disaster response after a January winter storm left thousands without power nearly three weeks later. Sen. Rita Potts Parks, R-Corinth, told the Senate “we as a state failed them,” pointing to prolonged outages and delays in receiving supplies.

Coalition plants 30,000 trees in Louisiana wetlands to bolster storm barrier

2026-02-14

Across Louisiana wetlands near New Orleans, a coalition of local conservation groups is in the final year of a four-year project to plant 30,000 trees, aiming to restore a natural barrier that helps limit storm surge damage and erosion. The effort follows a loss of wetland habitat after Hurricane Katrina, when saltwater intrusion worsened conditions for native trees.

Surfers rescue six after small motor boat capsizes off Santa Cruz coast

2026-02-13

Surfers at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California, rescued six people after a small motor boat capsized following a collision with waves on Feb. 6, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department. Vince Tuzzi said he saw the fast-moving boat and watched about 10 surfers, including two who were 14, paddle out to help as harbor patrol and ambulances arrived minutes later.

Winter storm watch issued for northern California; major travel impacts expected

2026-02-13

A winter storm watch is in effect for much of Northern California as a cold system approaches, with communities bracing for several feet of snow and potential major travel impacts. The National Weather Service warned travelers to the Sierra Nevada and popular ski resorts to use “extreme caution.” A National Weather Service meteorologist in the Sacramento office said Saturday through Sunday morning is likely the “best travel window” before heavier snow moves in.

Jeanine Pirro sues hometown for $250,000 after trip-and-fall incident

2026-02-13

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, filed a $250,000 negligence lawsuit in New York after saying she tripped and fell while out walking in Rye. She said the fall happened on Aug. 28 when she encountered a large wooden block protruding from a steel plate in the roadway.

Officials identify college baseball player killed in Iowa bus crash

2026-02-13

Authorities in rural Iowa identified Carter Johnson, a 19-year-old college baseball outfielder from South Dakota, as the sole fatality in a bus crash that overturned in a ditch, officials said. The crash injured 32 other members of a community college baseball team, and police said the bus went off the road for “unknown reasons.”

Olympic mascots Milo and Tina at risk as climate change disrupts winter

2026-02-12

The mascots for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games — the stoats Milo and Tina — are threatened as climate change causes them to shed winter-white coats before snow arrives. Environmental researchers say the mismatch between their camouflage and changing conditions can leave them more visible to predators. Organizers say the mascots are meant to convey Italian culture, but officials now say the climate message should be folded into their narrative.

San Francisco parents scramble as teachers strike leaves 50,000 students out

2026-02-12

San Francisco Unified School District schools remained closed for a third day Wednesday as teachers in the district walked out, leaving nearly 50,000 students out of class. Parents said they were scrambling with child care and activities while negotiations between the district and the teachers union continued over wages, health benefits and special-education staffing.

Manatee rescued from Florida storm drain is on the mend

2026-02-12

Multiple fire rescue units and state and academic officials helped pull a 410-pound manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, according to city and wildlife officials. The male manatee is now recovering at SeaWorld Orlando, where staff say he is breathing on his own and showing interest in food.

Camp Mystic parents urge Alabama changes after 2025 flood deaths

2026-02-12

Patrick Marsh returned to the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic and recalled how a 50-yard walk to higher ground could have saved his 8-year-old daughter, Sarah Marsh Heaven, during the July 4, 2025, Texas flood. Now, Marsh and his wife, Dr. Jill Marsh, are pressing Alabama lawmakers to tighten camp safety rules beyond Texas, including emergency planning and weather-warning requirements.

Global warming fuels deadly wildfires in Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia

2026-02-11

Human-caused climate change increased the extremely high conditions that drove deadly wildfires in Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia, a new scientific assessment found. Researchers using the World Weather Attribution approach said the hot, dry and windy weather that fed blazes in central and southern Chile was made up to three times more likely by global warming. They also said fire-risk conditions in southern Argentina were made about 150% more likely.

San Francisco Teachers Strike Shuts Schools, Affecting 50,000 Students

2026-02-11

San Francisco's public school teachers went on strike for a third day Wednesday, closing 120 schools and leaving nearly 50,000 students out of the classroom. The teachers are demanding higher wages, fully funded family healthcare, and more resources for special education. Parents are scrambling to find childcare and adjust their work schedules.

Drive across Estonia’s frozen sea as ice road links Saaremaa, Hiiumaa

2026-02-11

Northern Europe’s deep cold has prompted Estonia officials to open a 20-kilometer ice road across frozen sea linking its two main western islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, the Associated Press reported. Authorities said the route opened Sunday with cars lined up to use it as ferries struggled to keep regular service.

Worst snow drought in decades grips much of Western U.S.

2026-02-11

A record snow drought paired with unusually warm temperatures is thinning mountain snowpacks across much of the American West, raising concerns about spring water shortages and an earlier wildfire season. Scientists said snow cover and snow depth are at their lowest levels in decades, and at least 67 Western weather stations have recorded their warmest December through early February on record. The Associated Press reported the impacts as winter recreation declines and utilities and water managers prepare for less runoff later in the year.

Climate change makes extreme wildfire conditions in Chile and Argentina up to 3x more likely

2026-02-10

Human-caused climate change made the extreme weather that drove deadly wildfires in parts of Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia up to three times more likely than it would be in a world without global warming, researchers said. The assessment also found human emissions increased the odds of high-fire-risk conditions by making hot, dry and gusty weather more probable, and warned that risk will rise further as greenhouse gases continue.

San Francisco parents juggle work and kids amid teachers strike

2026-02-10

San Francisco Unified School District schools stayed closed for a third day Wednesday as about 6,000 teachers walked out, leaving nearly 50,000 students out of class. Parents said they were scrambling to cover child care and keep children engaged while they wait for negotiators to reach an agreement.

Small plane makes emergency landing on busy Georgia road, strikes 3 vehicles

2026-02-10

A single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a busy Georgia road in Gainesville, striking three vehicles and leaving two people with minor injuries, authorities said. The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane landed on Browns Bridge Road after experiencing engine problems shortly after departure. One of the two pilots told air traffic controllers to let his wife and parents know he loved them.

Climate change leaves Milan-Cortina venues to manage warmer winter conditions

2026-02-10

Olympic fans and organizers in Cortina are adjusting to unusually warm late-winter weather as climate change reshapes snowfall patterns and temperatures, affecting snow quality and visibility for the 2026 Winter Games. The organizing committee has installed sensors and keeps observers to monitor conditions across a widely spread venue footprint, with forecasts indicating more above-average days ahead.

Social media floods posts in search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother

2026-02-08

Social media users are sharing timelines, photos, and theories as authorities continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, who police believe was taken from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, about a week ago. As the search draws national attention, law enforcement officials and experts warn that online speculation can also spread misinformation and harm investigations.

Here's how to start your backyard vegetable garden

2026-02-08

Backyard vegetable gardens can help people eat more fruits and vegetables while also reducing the climate impact of food, experts told the Associated Press. The advice is aimed at people planning now for spring planting, when many areas are still covered in snow.

Car plows into pedestrians at California Safeway, injuring 4 including children

2026-02-07

Truckee police said a 49-year-old man drove into pedestrians at the entrance of a Safeway grocery store in the mountain town of Truckee, Calif., injuring four people, including children, on Saturday afternoon. Town officials said the man, from Coalinga in California’s San Joaquin Valley, was booked on charges including assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism.

Flash floods in Morocco kill 4, including 3 children

2026-02-07

Flash floods caused by storm Marta killed at least four people in northern Morocco, with local officials also reporting one person missing as the country dealt with days of heavy rain, the Interior Ministry said. The deaths included three children, authorities said, while mass evacuations were carried out in areas affected by water releases from overfilled dams.

Truck crash in northern Nigeria kills at least 30, Kano officials say

2026-02-07

A truck carrying passengers crashed in northern Nigeria on Sunday, killing at least 30 people and injuring several others, authorities said. The accident occurred in Kano state’s Gezawa local government area, when the trailer lost control on a highway near Kwanar Barde town, officials said.

Freight train derails in Connecticut; propane cars end up in river

2026-02-06

A freight train derailed Thursday in Mansfield, Connecticut, sending cars carrying flammable liquid propane into nearby water, though officials said they do not appear to be leaking. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within half a mile of the derailment, and hazardous materials teams monitored the area with hazmat booms as a precaution.

Stranded skiers rescued from New York gondola after mechanical failure

2026-02-06

Nearly 70 people were rescued from gondola cabins at Gore Mountain in upstate New York after a mechanical problem forced the ski lift to shut down, leaving skiers stranded for hours, authorities said. Staff and state park rangers climbed lift poles and used rope and body harnesses to lower people to the ground in an operation that took nearly five hours on Wednesday.

Cortina is abuzz for the Winter Olympics, Milan not so much

2026-02-06

Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up for the second Winter Olympics it will host, with snow and Olympic symbols shaping daily life as the 2026 Milan Cortina Games approach. In contrast, Milan—where most Olympics venues are farther out—shows far fewer signs that the Games are about to begin.

Crews evacuate patients after fire at Pennsylvania hospital

2026-02-06

A fire tore through a Pennsylvania hospital campus in Dickson City, authorities said, prompting the evacuation of dozens of patients and a multi-agency emergency response. No injuries were reported as of Wednesday night, and the facility remained closed Thursday while crews assessed damage.

New study links wildfire smoke pollution to about 24,100 U.S. deaths a year

2026-02-05

A new study published in *Science Advances* estimates that long-term exposure to wildfire-smoke particle pollution contributes to an average of 24,100 deaths per year across the lower 48 states between 2006 and 2020. Researchers focused on fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can lodge deep in the lungs and worsen chronic illness.

Avalanche in Slovakia’s High Tatras kills two Hungarian climbers

2026-02-05

An avalanche in Slovakia’s High Tatras mountain range killed two Hungarian climbers, the country’s mountain rescue service said Friday. The service said bad weather prevented the use of a helicopter and the climbers had to reach a valley under Tupa peak on foot.

13-year-old swims hours off Western Australia to save family from sea

2026-02-05

A 13-year-old boy swam for about four hours in cold, choppy waters off Western Australia to reach shore and raise the alarm after his mother and two younger siblings were swept out to sea, police said. Austin Appelbee, 13, swam about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to raise help late Friday and his family was later spotted by a helicopter around 8:30 p.m.

Sewage leak into Potomac river will take weeks longer to fix

2026-02-05

Repairs on a pipe rupture that sent sewage into the Potomac River northwest of Washington will take weeks longer than first expected because of an unexpected blockage inside the collapsed sewer line, DC Water said. The blockage, revealed by video inspection, will require treatment before crews can address the ongoing leak.

Lindsey Vonn plans to ski at Olympics after torn ACL, experts say

2026-02-05

Lindsey Vonn said Tuesday that after a crash left her with a completely ruptured ACL and other injuries, she plans to compete at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Doctors and orthopedic specialists said competing is risky, but they noted that elite athletes sometimes return by using braces and careful management.

Swan rescued by firefighters from frozen Connecticut river

2026-02-05

Firefighters in Norwalk, Connecticut, rescued a swan stuck in the frozen Norwalk River after donning cold-water rescue gear and using ropes to free the bird on Tuesday. The Norwalk Fire Department said the swan was taken to a veterinarian center, where it was reported to be doing well and expected to make a full recovery.

Why this cold snap feels so brutal for many Americans

2026-02-05

Many Americans say this winter cold spell feels unusually brutal, even though experts say it’s not unprecedented. Researchers and climate scientists tied the “shock” to people’s limited recent experience with bone-shattering cold and to a warming climate that has made such extremes rarer in recent decades. The Associated Press spoke with experts about how weather exposure changes perception and behavior, and about the risks posed by prolonged freezing temperatures.

EU announces 300-strong firefighting force to respond to wildfires

2026-02-05

EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced Friday that the European Union will create a continentwide rapid reaction force of 300 firefighters to help respond to wildfires across the bloc. Hoekstra said the firefighters will be deployed “where needed” and that the unit’s creation was decided in the last year.

Mexican long-nosed bats head farther north for agave nectar

2026-02-05

Mexican long-nosed bats are migrating farther north into the United States in search of agave nectar, with new DNA evidence showing the endangered species has moved beyond its previously known roost areas in New Mexico. Bat Conservation International said Tuesday that swabbing agave plants and hummingbird feeders in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest and analyzing the samples confirmed the bats are traveling about 100 miles farther north than researchers had documented before.

Oceanfront Lahaina property owners may get buyouts under revised plan

2026-02-04

Maui County officials are planning a voluntary buyout program for certain oceanfront property owners in Lahaina as part of an updated wildfire disaster spending plan, Mayor Richard Bissen said. The proposal would shift $50 million from other hazard-mitigation projects to help fund buyouts, and county residents have until March 3 to comment on the revised action plan.

Wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia rage, revive Milei austerity backlash

2026-02-04

Wildfires burning in Argentina’s Patagonia have devastated more than 45,000 hectares of native forests in the past month and a half, forcing evacuations of residents and tourists, the Associated Press reported. The fires have intensified criticism of President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, which critics say have cut funding for the country’s wildfire response institutions.

Maine private jet crash kills six en route to France’s Champagne region

2026-02-04

Portland, Maine, police confirmed Tuesday that six people died in a crash of a Bombardier Challenger 600 during takeoff in snowy conditions as the jet stopped in Bangor to refuel on a flight from Houston to France. The victims included a Houston lawyer-turned-concierge entrepreneur Tara Arnold, along with an executive chef, a master sommelier and pilots.

Punxsutawney Phil forecasts 6 more weeks of winter as crowds gather

2026-02-03

Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania, prompting a mix of cheers and boos from thousands who braved single-digit temperatures. In New York, Staten Island Chuck’s ceremony was streamed but closed to the public because of the cold, with Chuck also said to have predicted six more weeks of winter.

School closures stretch into second week across Southeast after storms

2026-02-03

Schools across the Southeast have extended weather-related closures into a second week after winter storms knocked out power and made roads too icy for travel, the Associated Press reported. Some districts turned to limited remote learning while others prepared to add school days to make up lost instructional time.

Fires in Patagonia threaten ancient forests and heritage site

2026-02-03

Argentina’s worst wildfires in decades have ripped through drought-stricken Patagonia, burning thousands of hectares in Los Alerces National Park. The blazes, which erupted in the UNESCO World Heritage site’s 259,000-hectare area, have forced evacuations and renewed criticism of President Javier Milei’s austerity cuts to firefighting and park-protection agencies.

Gas explosion injures 3 firefighters at New Hampshire mental health center

2026-02-03

At least three firefighters were injured Monday when a natural gas leak caused an explosion and fire at a mental health center in Nashua, New Hampshire, authorities said. The Greater Nashua Mental Health facility had about 40 people inside when someone called 911 to report an odor of gas, and all occupants evacuated safely, the State Fire Marshal said.

Winter storm leads to collapsed island homes, frozen Florida crops

2026-02-03

Severe cold and prolonged power outages continued Monday across parts of the eastern U.S., as states from the Carolinas north dug out from snow and ice and more than a week of outages lingered for some households. In North Carolina, four unoccupied homes on Outer Banks islands collapsed into the Atlantic, while farmers in Florida waited for temperatures to rise enough to assess damage to crops.

150 million people in US under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings

2026-02-02

Forecasters warned Monday that dangerous extra-cold conditions are expected to persist across a large swath of the United States, stretching from the Gulf Coast to New England. The warning comes after a weekend bomb cyclone brought heavy snow and disrupted travel, including flight cancellations, prompting advisories for millions more as communities recover.

Lagos demolitions in Makoko displace thousands, families say

2026-02-02

Lagos authorities have carried out demolitions in the waterfront community of Makoko, displacing thousands of residents as homes were torn down and people say there was limited notice, leaving some families sheltering in makeshift setups. An AP account described bulldozers demolishing houses starting in late December and continuing into January, including the home of fisherman Victor Ahansu, whose family now lives on a canoe with his baby twins. Officials from the Lagos state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development declined to comment on the allegations.

Griffin residents told not to drink tap water after airport fuel spill

2026-02-02

Griffin, a city south of Atlanta, advised residents not to drink their tap water after a fuel spill at Atlanta’s airport may have contaminated the Flint River, according to city officials. The city told residents to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth while it tests the water supply and relies on an unaffected reservoir in nearby Pike County, the Associated Press reported.

Bus crash in southern Turkey’s Antalya province leaves 9 dead

2026-02-02

A passenger bus left a road in southern Turkey’s Antalya province on Sunday and overturned on a highway slip road, killing nine people, a senior official said. The provincial governor said 21 people were injured, including seven with critical wounds, and that the driver was among the fatalities.

Doctors urge steps to prevent hypothermia, frostbite after power loss

2026-02-02

Freezing temperatures and long power outages can quickly create medical emergencies, including hypothermia and frostbite, emergency-room doctors warn. In guidance shared with The Associated Press, clinicians urged people without electricity to stay warm in confined spaces, dress in layers, keep dry, and watch for symptoms that require a 911 call.

Grizzly bears on Alaska’s North Slope document their lives with collar cams

2026-02-02

A research team has outfitted 12 grizzlies on Alaska’s North Slope with collar cameras to capture close-up footage of how the bears feed, rest and interact through the year. Washington State University doctoral student Ellery Vincent and Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Jordan Pruszenski said the project is now producing video clips that show post-hibernation feeding and seasonal shifts in diet.

The science behind bomb cyclones and storm intensity

2026-02-02

A storm is described as “bomb cyclone” when it undergoes rapid intensification, dropping its central pressure by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Meteorologists say those fast-strengthening systems can bring blizzard conditions, intense winds and heavy rain that contribute to dangerous impacts such as downed trees and power outages.

Punxsutawney Phil to reveal verdict on Feb. 2, with more winter or early spring

2026-02-02

Punxsutawney Phil is set to deliver his Groundhog Day weather verdict on Monday at Gobbler’s Knob in rural Pennsylvania, with club handlers and a crowd expected to listen for his “groundhogese” cues about what comes next. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says Phil’s annual call traditionally means either six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

Blizzardlike conditions and bomb cyclone bring heavy snow to Southeast

2026-02-01

Blizzardlike conditions from a “bomb cyclone” brought heavy snow to parts of the Carolinas on Saturday, while tens of thousands of homes and businesses in parts of Tennessee and Mississippi remained without power after an earlier ice storm. Temperatures plunged and extended across much of the East Coast as officials warned of dangerously cold conditions, hypothermia and frostbite.

Coast Guard suspends search for 7 after fishing boat sinks off Mass.

2026-02-01

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for seven people after a commercial fishing vessel sank off Massachusetts in rough, frigid waters, officials said. The search began Friday after an alert from the 72-foot Lily Jean, about 25 miles off Cape Ann, and was scaled back Saturday after crews exhausted all reasonable efforts, according to the Coast Guard.

Dangerous cold wave heightens hypothermia risk in Mississippi and Tennessee

2026-02-01

Winter storm conditions and power outages left many residents in the U.S. South facing dangerous cold, with experts warning that hypothermia risk rises after days without heat. As another storm loomed, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he shared “strong concerns” with Nashville Electric Service, and forecasters warned arctic air would push temperatures into the teens in cities such as Nashville.

NTSB: Greg Biffle not flying his plane before fatal crash

2026-01-31

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not flying his Cessna before it crashed last month in North Carolina, according to a preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report released Friday. The report said the pilot at the controls had flight credentials, but the person in the right seat had not been qualified as the copilot, and investigators are still examining what caused the in-flight instrument problems.

Night owl habits linked to higher heart-attack and stroke risk

2026-01-30

Night owls—people who tend to be more active late at night—may have poorer overall heart health than people with more typical schedules, according to a large study tracked over more than a decade. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, showed night owls had a higher risk of a first heart attack or stroke and were less likely to meet key cardiovascular health factors.

Thousands still without power in the South as fresh cold bears down

2026-01-30

The latest wave of dangerous cold is adding urgency to winter-storm recovery in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee, where hundreds of National Guard troops were mobilized to clear debris and help people stranded without electricity. The National Weather Service said arctic air moving into the Southeast will push temperatures into the teens (minus 10 Celsius) Friday night, with tens of thousands of homes and businesses still dark in the region.

Common sense, slowing down key to navigating icy conditions

2026-01-30

As heavy cold and snow pushed across parts of the U.S., doctors, orthopedic specialists, emergency officials and roadside-safety advocates urged people to slow down to avoid slips, falls and ice-related injuries. They also warned that thin lake ice can vary in thickness even after brief stretches of freezing weather.

What to know about eating snow after massive winter storm

2026-01-30

After a massive weekend storm left deep snow and bitter cold across parts of the United States, some people may consider eating snow—such as snow cones, “snow cream” or “sugar on snow.” Doctors and snow scientists say the treats can be safe only with caution, including where the snow came from and what contaminants it may carry. Specialists also warn against eating snow as a survival strategy because it can worsen hypothermia.

Next winter storm may bring bomb cyclone blizzard, but track unclear

2026-01-30

Winter’s brutal grip on the U.S. East continues, with subfreezing temperatures forecast to spread deep into Florida and a powerful coastal winter storm potentially threatening the Atlantic coast this weekend. Meteorologists said the biggest uncertainty is the storm’s track, including whether it will deliver significant snow from the Carolinas northward or veer farther offshore.

Struggling newborn calf gets help during Kentucky’s frigid weather

2026-01-30

The Sorrell family in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, brought a newborn calf inside after it was found frozen in single-digit temperatures, according to Macey Sorrell. After warming and caring for the animal, the calf was able to reunite with its mother the next morning and is doing well, she said.

'Subienda' fish migration tradition faces climate-linked shifts in Colombia

2026-01-30

In Honda, Colombia, the yearly fish migration known as “la subienda” brings artisanal fishers a key window to catch enough fish to pay debts and fund home repairs. But fishers say warmer, drier conditions are changing the river’s behavior, delaying reproduction and shrinking the seasonal fishing that underpins local income.

Galapagos waved albatross spotted off California, researchers puzzled

2026-01-30

Scientists on a research vessel off central California spotted a waved albatross, a bird typically found in the Galapagos Islands, about 3,000 miles away. The sighting, near Point Piedras Blancas, marks only the second recorded observation of the species north of Central America, and marine ornithologists said it raises questions about how and why it strayed so far.

Record cougar reports in Michigan in 2025 include verified cub sightings

2026-01-30

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said cougars were confirmed 31 times in the state in 2025, the highest number of confirmed observations since the animals were wiped out in the early 1900s. The count includes evidence that cougar cubs were discovered in Michigan, indicating at least one family is raising young in the state.

Responders recall grim recovery a year after DC midair collision

2026-01-29

For some families, the memories of the night a passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River are now tied to small items like children’s luggage and ice skates. One year after American Airlines Flight 5342 and the helicopter crashed, emergency responders and officials recalled the search they carried out in near-zero visibility and hazardous river conditions.

Death Valley landmark Scotty’s Castle offers limited tours after flood repairs

2026-01-29

Death Valley National Park in California said Scotty’s Castle will reopen for limited tours after years of flood-recovery work. The National Park Service plans more tours in the coming months, with full reopening “eyed for a few years from now,” according to Abby Wines, the acting deputy superintendent.

Florida braces for frost and possible dusting of snow

2026-01-29

Florida residents are preparing for below-freezing nights and the chance of snowflakes, while a major winter storm system moves east toward the Carolinas this weekend. National Weather Service forecasters in Miami and the Tampa Bay area said a cold front earlier this week has already lowered temperatures, and the region could see record-setting freezes.

Maine plane crash investigation slowed by snow and winter weather

2026-01-29

The federal investigation into the crash of a private jet at Bangor International Airport that killed six people has been hampered by deep snow and other winter conditions, the airport director said Wednesday. The director, Jose Saavedra, said the airport will remain closed until at least 9 a.m. Thursday while authorities work at the scene and medical officials identify the victims.

Anchorage breaks January snowfall record as storm brings 10.6 inches

2026-01-29

Anchorage broke its January snowfall record Tuesday after another winter storm dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the city, leading to early school dismissals and traffic disruptions. By 3 p.m., the National Weather Service office in West Anchorage had measured 10.6 inches of new snow, bringing the month’s total to 39.7 inches, the most ever recorded for January.

Mississippi dispatches 135 snowplows as icy highways trap residents, officials say

2026-01-29

Jackson, Miss., officials said conditions worsened Wednesday as subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages stranded vehicles on major highways in parts of the U.S. South. Mississippi sent 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to clear stretches of Interstates 55 and 22 gridlocked by abandoned cars, while officials warned people at home were running low on food, medicine and fuel.

Huge landslide in Sicily forces evacuation of more than 1,500

2026-01-29

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Niscemi in Sicily on Wednesday after a cyclone triggered a massive landslide that left homes teetering on a newly formed cliff. Authorities have evacuated more than 1,500 people and set up a 150-meter-wide “no go zone” to keep residents away from the unstable area, the Italian Civil Protection said.

Mississippi sends 135 snowplows as subfreezing cold leaves thousands without power

2026-01-29

Subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages stranded drivers and left residents in parts of the U.S. South running low on food, medicine and other essentials, officials said Wednesday. In Mississippi, authorities dispatched 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to help clear ice-clogged Interstate 55 and Interstate 22.

FEMA still has billions for winter storm response even amid shutdown

2026-01-28

The Federal Emergency Management Agency could still support winter storm response even if a partial government shutdown begins at midnight Friday, experts and former FEMA officials said, despite warnings from the Trump administration. They cited a remaining balance of about $7 billion to $8 billion in FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which pays for disaster response and recovery work.

Gas smell reported hours before deadly nursing home explosion

2026-01-28

Staff at a Pennsylvania nursing home reported a smell of natural gas in the basement on the morning of December 23, hours before a deadly explosion ripped through the building, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board released Wednesday. The explosion at Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol, just outside Philadelphia, killed two residents and an employee and injured about 20 people, including a utility worker who had been at the facility investigating the odor. Part of the building collapsed, trapping people inside.

Winter storm deaths rise as outages drag on across eastern U.S.

2026-01-28

Bitter cold and a wide winter storm pushed winter storm deaths higher across parts of the eastern United States as crews worked to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of customers. The cold reached as far south as Tennessee, Arkansas and North Carolina, and forecasters said it was expected to get worse in coming days. The Associated Press reported at least 50 deaths in states dealing with the storm and outages.

NTSB calls deadly DC collision '100% preventable,' cites FAA failures

2026-01-27

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday determined that the midair collision that killed 67 people near Washington, D.C., one year ago was "100% preventable" and resulted from systemic failures at the Federal Aviation Administration. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the FAA ignored repeated warnings about helicopter traffic dangers for years, including a request from a regional supervisor in 2023 to reduce air traffic and documented concerns from a 2013 near miss at Reagan National Airport.

Ten die in New York City's bitter cold amid preparedness questions

2026-01-27

At least ten people died from exposure to extreme cold in New York City since late Friday, as temperatures plummeted to 9 degrees Fahrenheit and raised questions about the city's preparedness to protect its most vulnerable residents. The victims, several of whom were believed to be homeless, were found in different locations across the five boroughs — on park benches in Queens, steps from a Manhattan hospital, and beneath an elevated train line in the Bronx. At least six of the deaths occurred early Saturday, when the temperature in the city fell to minus 13 degrees Celsius.

Mountain lion captured in San Francisco neighborhood after search

2026-01-27

A 77-pound mountain lion that wandered into San Francisco's affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood was captured Tuesday, ending a daylong search that began when the animal was first spotted Monday morning. Officials tranquilized the male cougar in a garden between two apartment buildings and safely transported it for examination and testing before eventual release to the wild.

Winter storm death toll rises as Arctic cold intensifies, power outages persist

2026-01-27

At least 50 people have died as bitter cold and a massive winter storm gripped the eastern United States, with forecasters warning that conditions could worsen significantly this weekend. The storm dumped deep snow across more than 1,300 miles from Arkansas to New England and left parts of the South coated in treacherous ice, leaving more than 410,000 homes and businesses without power Tuesday evening. Freezing temperatures that reached as far south as Tennessee and North Carolina were expected to plunge again overnight, with parts of northern Florida forecast to sink to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter storm kills more than 100, leaves 470,000 without power

2026-01-26

A severe winter storm brought crippling ice to the South and heavy snow to the Northeast, killing more than 110 people and leaving nearly half a million homes and businesses without power or heat as of Tuesday, January 26. More than 130,000 customers remained without power in Mississippi, while more than 110,000 were without electricity in the Nashville, Tennessee, area and about 90,000 more in Louisiana, according to power outage tracking data.

Private jet with 8 aboard crashes at Maine airport during winter storm

2026-01-26

A private jet crashed on takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The Bombardier Challenger 600 was carrying eight people when it went down around 7:45 p.m. There was no immediate word on the conditions of those aboard. The crash occurred as a major winter storm swept across New England and the eastern United States, dumping snow, sleet and freezing rain across the region.

Winter storm likely to cost US economy billions, experts sharply divided

2026-01-26

A major winter storm that grounded 11,400 flights, left hundreds of thousands without power, and killed at least 25 people across much of the American East is likely to cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, but economists sharply disagree over how much. AccuWeather announced a preliminary estimate of $105 billion to $115 billion in damage, drawing immediate pushback from other experts who say the number is far too high and lacks sufficient detail.

Winter storm kills at least 30, leaves 560,000 without power

2026-01-26

At least 30 people are dead from a colossal winter storm that blanketed a 1,300-mile stretch from Arkansas to New England with deep snow and left more than 560,000 without power Monday evening. The National Weather Service said areas north of Pittsburgh received up to 20 inches of snow with wind chills as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and forecasters warned that a fresh influx of arctic air will sustain freezing temperatures in regions already buried in snow and ice.

Maine forest pests poised to expand as winters warm, state officials warn

2026-01-26

Maine's forests face an expanding pest threat as climate change weakens natural defenses against infestations. While recent cold snaps and coordinated pest-control efforts have slowed some prominent insect and disease populations over the past two years, warming winters are likely to allow pests to move inland and establish in forests that had been protected by cold, state forestry officials warned at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show on January 14.

Six die as business jet crashes during Maine takeoff in snowstorm

2026-01-26

Six people died when a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening as a snowstorm moved into the area. The aircraft flipped over and burned about 7:45 p.m. as visibility diminished, according to airport director Jose Saavedra and National Transportation Safety Board officials. All six people aboard the jet were killed, the airport said Monday.

Snow shoveling poses heart attack risk in extreme cold

2026-01-26

Shoveling snow can be hazardous to the heart, particularly during severe winter storms, according to health authorities. Pennsylvania health officials reported three deaths related to snow removal this past weekend in people aged 60 to 84. The American Heart Association warns that the combination of heavy exertion and cold temperatures creates heightened risk for heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Ice storm recovery stretches to a week as Mississippi shivers without power

2026-01-26

Mississippi residents began confronting the consequences of the worst ice storm in more than 30 years on Monday as they huddled in darkened, freezing homes with no clear timeline for restored electricity. Recovery could take a week or more, officials said, leaving tens of thousands without heat or running water across a band stretching from eastern Texas through north Louisiana and Mississippi into Tennessee.

Enorme tormenta invernal cancela más de 11.400 vuelos en EE. UU.

2026-01-26

Una enorme tormenta invernal provocó cancelaciones y retrasos generalizados el domingo en Estados Unidos, con nieve, aguanieve y lluvia helada afectando a millones de viajeros. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional dijo que la amenaza alcanzaba a casi 180 millones de personas —más de la mitad de la población— en un área que va desde el sur de las Montañas Rocosas hasta Nueva Inglaterra.

Winter storm cancels 11,400 flights across US

2026-01-26

A massive winter storm canceled more than 11,400 flights on Sunday as the system swept from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, threatening nearly 180 million people and triggering widespread disruptions at the nation's busiest airports. The worst impacts hit the Northeast, where major hubs including LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington National were forced to ground aircraft. By Sunday afternoon, some airports were closed entirely, with cancellation rates exceeding 90 percent at major terminals.

NTSB details yearlong aftermath of Army helicopter, American jet crash

2026-01-25

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday discussed findings from the investigation into last January’s collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. The crash is also the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001, and Thursday marked its first anniversary.

Winter storm dumps ice, snow across 2,000-mile US span

2026-01-25

A massive winter storm dumped sleet, freezing rain and snow across much of the U.S. on January 25, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and halting air and road traffic. The storm affected areas from New Mexico and Texas to New England—a 2,000-mile stretch—making it unprecedented in geographic scope. About 213 million people were under winter weather warnings as of Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Winter storm cancels 11,400 flights across U.S.

2026-01-25

A massive winter storm swept across the United States on Sunday, January 25, canceling more than 11,400 flights and disrupting travel for millions of passengers. The system threatened approximately 180 million people—more than half the nation's population—spanning from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, according to the National Weather Service.

Thousands of flights canceled as winter storm brings ice, power outages

2026-01-25

Thousands of flights across the United States were canceled as a winter storm brought heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, causing power outages and dangerous icy roadways across parts of the country, the National Weather Service said Saturday night. The storm threatened nearly 180 million people in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England.

Winter storm cancels 13,000 flights, threatens half of US

2026-01-25

A major winter storm canceled more than 13,000 flights and brought dangerous ice and heavy snow to nearly half of the United States over the weekend, threatening about 180 million people across a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, according to the National Weather Service.

FEMA extends housing aid for Maui wildfire survivors until 2027

2026-01-24

U.S. officials have extended federal housing assistance for survivors of catastrophic 2023 wildfires on Maui, granting relief to nearly 1,000 displaced households. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approved Hawaii Governor Josh Green's request on Friday to continue Federal Emergency Management Agency temporary housing assistance until February 2027, more than a year longer than previously scheduled.

Toyota recalls 162,000 Tundra trucks over faulty screens

2026-01-24

Toyota announced Friday a recall of approximately 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after discovering that the vehicles' multimedia displays could malfunction in ways that compromise driver safety. The recall affects the company's 2024-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models. Affected customers are being notified, according to Toyota.

Winter storm cancels 12,200+ flights; here's what airlines owe you

2026-01-24

A major winter storm swept across the United States starting Saturday, canceling 12,200 flights and stranding travelers nationwide. Weather forecasters warned that damage from the storm could rival that of a hurricane, with ice and snow pounding multiple regions.

Deslave en Java occidental deja al menos 8 muertos y 82 desaparecidos

2026-01-24

Un deslave registrado antes del amanecer del sábado en la isla indonesia de Java, provocado por lluvias intensas, dejó al menos ocho personas muertas y 82 desaparecidas, informaron las autoridades. El fenómeno ocurrió en la localidad de Pasir Langu, en el distrito de Bandung Occidental, en la provincia de Java Occidental. Los rescatistas buscaron sobrevivientes mientras trabajaban con lodo espeso y escombros.

Experts recommend alternatives to rock salt for winter de-icing

2026-01-23

Winter snow and ice removal in the United States typically relies on rock salt, but experts say the cheap de-icer has significant drawbacks. Environmental damage, pet safety risks, and temperature limitations have prompted consideration of alternative products. Several alternatives—including calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and newer formulations—offer different trade-offs in cost, effectiveness, and environmental impact.

Weather apps can't handle complex winter storms, experts say

2026-01-23

Smartphone weather apps have significant limitations during complex winter storms because they oversimplify forecast data, according to meteorologists interviewed by The Associated Press. As a multistate winter storm brought heavy snow, ice and subzero temperatures across the United States, experts recommended consulting human forecasters via local news broadcasts, online streams or detailed weather service websites rather than relying on apps' simplified icons and numbers.

Winter storm threatens over half of US with ice, snow and cold

2026-01-23

Freezing rain fell in Texas on Friday as a massive winter storm began a trek that threatened to bring ice, snow, sleet and bone-chilling cold to about half the U.S. population over the weekend. Forecasters warned of potential damage that could rival that of a hurricane, particularly from ice-coated trees and power lines.

Little fire ants reach tipping point on Maui

2026-01-23

Little fire ants have reached a critical tipping point on Maui, with detections surging sharply in 2024 after years of controlled spread, according to the Maui Invasive Species Committee. The invasive species, first discovered on the island in 2009, was found at an average of two new locations per year until 2024, when that pattern shattered with eight new sites identified in a single year.

Sewage pipe rupture sends 40 million gallons daily into Potomac

2026-01-23

A massive sewer pipe ruptured late Monday in Maryland, sending an estimated 40 million gallons of sewage daily into the Potomac River upstream from Washington, D.C., as crews scrambled to contain the overflow ahead of a major winter storm. DC Water, which operates the region's sewer system, is installing pumps to divert the flow around the break while repair work proceeds.

Winter storm threatens millions with power outages and no heat

2026-01-23

An approaching ice storm threatens to cut power to millions of people across the eastern two-thirds of the United States this weekend. In the South, where a majority of homes are heated by electricity, losing power means losing heat — a danger that utility officials say ice storms pose more severely than hurricanes. Electricity heats the majority of homes in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. When ice accumulates on power lines and trees, the added weight brings infrastructure crashing down.

Firefighters in Chile face attacks, drones and arson as blazes rage

2026-01-23

Firefighters and security forces battling deadly wildfires in central Chile have faced attempted attacks, unauthorized drone flights and arson, as the death toll rose to 21. The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) said the fires have destroyed 45,700 hectares (176 square miles) of woodland and a handful of towns, according to its latest report released Thursday.

More than 100 dead as floods hit Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

2026-01-23

Torrential rains and severe flooding across parts of southern Africa have killed more than 100 people in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, authorities said, destroying thousands of homes and damaging infrastructure and crops. Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have faced unusually heavy rains since late last year, with rescue operations continuing as officials expect the death toll to rise.

How winter storms create snow, sleet and freezing rain

2026-01-22

When major winter storms move in, they bring snow, sleet, freezing rain or extreme cold depending on atmospheric conditions. The type of precipitation that reaches the ground is determined by how warm and cold air layers stack in the atmosphere above.

Animal advocates rush to shelter 80 rescued dogs during Mississippi storm

2026-01-22

Animal advocates say they raced to rescue more than 200 dogs from a rural property in Tupelo, Mississippi, before a major winter storm. With 80 dogs left, the group planned to bed them down in a warehouse and wait out the weather, after shelters declined to help because of travel safety.

170 million Americans prepare for catastrophic ice storm this weekend

2026-01-22

Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas prepared Friday for a potentially catastrophic ice storm expected to batter the country through the weekend, the National Weather Service said. The system threatened heavy snow and crippling ice that could knock out power for days and make travel nearly impossible across major metropolitan areas. More than 170 million people — roughly half the U.S. population — were in the path of the storm, according to the agency.

What’s behind Chile’s dangerous wildfire season

2026-01-21

Chile is facing a severe wildfire emergency in its central and southern regions, with deadly, fast-moving fires that have killed at least 20 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Scientists and fire experts say the blazes are being driven by extreme heat, drought and wind, along with how human-shaped landscapes interact with a warming climate. The government has declared a rare “state of catastrophe” to coordinate the response, including military support.

Stretched polar vortex brings winter blast to much of US

2026-01-21

A stretched polar vortex is set to bring dangerous winter weather to much of the United States starting Friday, with forecasters warning of subzero temperatures, heavy snow, and damaging ice across a region spanning from New Mexico to New England. About 230 million people face temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, while approximately 150 million are expected to experience snow and ice, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists trace the system's origins to a warming Arctic and record-low sea ice levels that have disrupted weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.

Winter weather poses multiple dangers; experts advise safety steps

2026-01-21

Winter weather brings serious hazards — including carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and burst pipes — that can threaten lives and homes, according to public safety officials and health experts. With proper preparation, people can substantially reduce their risk, experts say.

Numbers show preparations for potentially catastrophic ice storm

2026-01-21

Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm and heavy snow that forecasters say could knock out power for days. The storm is expected to begin early Friday and continue through the weekend, with Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston facing conditions that could make travel very difficult or nearly impossible.

States from New Mexico to the Carolinas prepare for severe ice storm

2026-01-21

A major winter storm is moving toward the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with officials and utilities warning of widespread power outages, dangerous ice, and bitter cold. Forecasters said the storm could begin Friday in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma, then spread east through the Deep South and toward New England.

Stretched polar vortex to drive winter storm with ice, snow, subzero cold

2026-01-21

A winter storm expected to arrive Friday will bring long-lasting subzero temperatures and damaging ice and snow across much of the United States, meteorologists said. The storm could stretch from New Mexico to New England, with many areas facing temperatures of 20 degrees (minus 7 C) or colder and others hit by snow and ice.

Antarctic penguins breeding earlier as climate warms, threatening extinction

2026-01-20

Three Antarctic penguin species are breeding about two weeks earlier than they did a decade ago, driven by rapid warming in one of the world's fastest-heating regions, researchers reported this week. For two of the species — the chinstrap and Adelie penguins — the timing shift threatens their survival as rising temperatures disrupt the food supply their chicks depend on.

Ice storm set to blanket South from Texas to Carolinas this weekend

2026-01-20

An ice storm is forecast to emerge late this week and continue through Sunday, with forecasters warning of a "potentially catastrophic" weather event that could coat roads, trees and power lines with devastating ice across a wide swath of the South from Texas to the Carolinas. The system will result from arctic air diving south from Canada colliding with moisture streaming up from the Gulf of Mexico, the National Weather Service said Tuesday. "If you get a half of an inch of ice — or heaven forbid an inch of ice — that could be catastrophic," said Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, citing the potential for ice to weigh down power lines and trigger widespread outages.

Geomagnetic storm sends aurora across Alaska, San Francisco and Europe

2026-01-20

Early morning commuters, dog walkers and joggers in Anchorage, Alaska looked up Tuesday to find streaks of green and red light shimmering across the sky as an intense geomagnetic storm produced one of the season's most vivid aurora displays. The light show stretched far beyond Alaska, reaching San Francisco, Chicago, Canada and countries across Europe, the Associated Press reported.

Northern lights forecast to brighten skies across northern U.S., Canada

2026-01-20

The aurora could be visible across Canada and much of the northern tier of U.S. states—and possibly farther south—Monday night following a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center. Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at the center, said the intensity of the current geomagnetic and solar radiation storm has not been seen in more than two decades.

More than 100 vehicles pile up on Michigan interstate amid lake-effect snowstorm

2026-01-19

More than 100 vehicles smashed into each other or slid off Interstate 196 southwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Monday as lake-effect snow reduced visibility and prompted Michigan State Police to close the freeway in both directions. The pileup involved more than 30 semitrailer trucks and produced numerous injuries; no deaths had been reported. Stranded motorists were bused to Hudsonville High School while multiple towing companies worked to clear the wreckage.

Snow dusts Florida Panhandle for second straight year as winter spreads across South

2026-01-19

Snow briefly covered rooftops and lawns across parts of the western Florida Panhandle on Sunday for the second consecutive year, as frigid air following a cold front converted late rain showers into snowflakes, the Associated Press reported. Southeastern Alabama and parts of southern Georgia also reported snowfall, with accumulations reaching the ground in Columbus and Macon. Farther north, New England braced for three to five inches of snow while a blizzard warning covered parts of the upper Midwest.

Wildfires surge in central Chile as Boric declares catastrophe in Biobío

2026-01-19

Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday killed at least 18 people, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of homes, authorities said. Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a “state of catastrophe” for the country’s central Biobío region and neighboring Ñuble region, about 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Santiago.

Michigan cleanup after 100-car pileup on I-196 as winter storm spreads

2026-01-18

More than 100 vehicles crashed on Interstate 196 in western Michigan on Monday after snow from a winter storm blanketed the state, prompting police to close both directions of the highway, authorities said. The Michigan State Police said there were numerous injuries but no deaths were reported. Officials expected the road to be closed for several hours while vehicles were removed.

Elephant seals return to Año Nuevo for winter breeding season, drawing crowds

2026-01-18

About 10,000 elephant seals are returning to California's Año Nuevo State Park this winter for their annual pupping season, when massive bull seals battle for beach territory and mothers nurse newborn 75-pound pups on the sand dunes, drawing wildlife watchers eager for a glimpse of the largest seals on the planet. The spectacle runs from mid-December through March at the park roughly 90 minutes south of San Francisco, according to park docent Laura Stern.

Chile wildfires kill at least 19, force 50,000 evacuations amid heatwave

2026-01-18

Firefighters in Chile are battling wildfires that have killed at least 19 people and forced about 50,000 evacuations after the fires spread across the country’s central and southern regions, the National Service for the Prevention of Disasters said. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe for the Biobio and Ñuble regions, allowing the government to coordinate more closely with the military.

Mozambique floods displace over 300,000; Chapo cancels Davos trip

2026-01-18

Flooding in Mozambique has displaced more than 300,000 people in Gaza province, the governor said Monday. Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, has canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, because of severe flooding affecting central and southern parts of the country.

South Africa declares national disaster after deadly floods and storms

2026-01-18

South Africa declared a national disaster on Sunday over torrential rains and floods that have killed at least 30 people in the country’s north, the government said. The declaration, announced after a declaration by the head of the National Disaster Management Center, allows the national government to coordinate the response to the disaster.

Winter storm brings snow and subfreezing wind chills to Midwest, East Coast

2026-01-17

A winter storm swept across the Midwest and East Coast on Saturday, producing whiteout conditions in northeastern Ohio, sub-zero wind chills from the Plains to the Northeast, and near-freezing temperatures as far south as Florida, the National Weather Service said. The Weather Prediction Center forecast "impactful snowfall" from the western Florida Panhandle to Maine beginning late Saturday, with below-average temperatures expected to persist into early next week.

8-year-old Maleeka Boone found dead on Navajo Nation after Turquoise Alert

2026-01-16

Maleeka Boone, 8, was found dead Friday on Navajo Nation tribal lands in northern Arizona, one day after she was reported missing in the Coalmine Canyon area, authorities said. The FBI and Navajo Police Department are jointly investigating her death; an FBI spokesperson declined to provide details about the circumstances.

Bigg's killer whales breach and tail-slap off Seattle's Alki Beach, drawing dozens to shore

2026-01-16

A pod of Bigg's killer whales breached and slapped their tails for about an hour off Alki Beach in Seattle's West Seattle neighborhood on Friday, drawing dozens of spectators to the shoreline. Whale watchers identified the animals as Bigg's killer whales, a population that hunts sea mammals and inhabits the Salish Sea, and said the pod appeared to be hunting.

Ocean acidification could weaken sharks' teeth, study finds

2026-01-16

German scientists who exposed blacktip reef shark teeth to increasingly acidic water found the teeth developed cracks, holes, root corrosion and structural degradation — raising the possibility that ocean acidification driven by fossil fuel emissions could weaken sharks' grip on their position at the top of the marine food chain. The researchers collected more than 600 discarded teeth from aquarium-held sharks and tested them against both today's ocean acidity and the acidity projected for 2300. Their findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

Nevada snowpack hits 40-year low as warm winter deepens Western water stress

2026-01-15

Nevada closed out 2025 with its lowest snowpack in more than 40 years, as unseasonably warm temperatures pushed precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow across much of the West, federal hydrologists said. The snow drought has left mountain ranges from the Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Rockies far below normal, threatening spring and summer water supplies for farms, cities and the already-strained Colorado River system.

NTSB: Boeing knew of engine-mount part failures years before UPS Louisville crash

2026-01-14

The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that Boeing documented four failures of a critical engine-mounting component on three aircraft as far back as 2011, but at the time concluded the defect would not threaten flight safety — years before a UPS cargo plane lost its left engine during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 4, 2025, killing 15 people.

Highway 1 along Big Sur coast reopens three years after damaging landslides

2026-01-14

A 90-mile section of California's Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast fully reopened Wednesday, three years after a series of landslides and a roadway collapse shut the scenic route connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. The California Department of Transportation said the opening came three months ahead of schedule.

Verizon outage disrupts calls and data for millions, resolved after 10 hours

2026-01-14

Verizon resolved a nationwide outage Wednesday that knocked out cellular voice and data services for millions of U.S. customers for more than 10 hours, the company confirmed. Disruption reports began appearing around noon ET, and Downdetector, which tracks outage complaints, logged more than 1.5 million before 5 p.m. The New York-based carrier said service was fully restored by 10:20 p.m. ET but did not disclose what caused the failure.

California halts search for last two wolves in pack that killed 92 cattle

2026-01-14

California wildlife officials said Tuesday they have stopped actively searching for two juvenile gray wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack, which killed or injured at least 92 calves and cows in Northern California's Sierra Valley over a seven-month period in 2025. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said its expert biologists and law enforcement officers had been unable to locate or approach the animals closely enough to safely capture them.

Climate change blamed for Earth’s near-record hot year in 2025

2026-01-14

Global climate monitoring teams reported that Earth’s average temperature in 2025 hovered among the three hottest on record, with recent years suggesting warming may be accelerating. The groups said 2025 was very close to 2023, and that the past three years are approaching the 1.5 C limit set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Metro-North reaches $182M settlement with victims of 2015 Valhalla train crash

2026-01-13

Metro-North Railroad has agreed to pay more than $182 million to settle lawsuits brought by the families of five passengers killed and roughly 30 others injured in a 2015 commuter train collision in Valhalla, New York, the Associated Press reported Monday. The settlement resolves more than a decade of litigation stemming from a February 3, 2015, evening rush-hour crash in which an SUV became trapped on the tracks at a grade crossing about 20 miles north of New York City. A 2024 jury found Metro-North bore 71 percent of the liability for the passengers' deaths and 63 percent for the death of the SUV driver.

Five ʻalalā survive first year in Maui forests after two decades out of the wild

2026-01-12

Five Hawaiian crows reintroduced to the forests of East Maui in November 2024 have all survived their first year in the wild, researchers with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project said. The birds, known in Hawaiian as ʻalalā, are among roughly 110 of their kind remaining worldwide; the species was declared extinct in the wild in 2002.

Water main break leaves more than 100,000 El Paso residents without service

2026-01-12

A break in a 36-inch water main left more than 100,000 residents in El Paso, Texas, with little to no water service starting late Saturday night, officials with El Paso Water said Sunday. The outage affected about 38,000 customer connections in the border city of roughly 700,000 people and caused more than 15 municipal reservoirs to drain. Authorities issued a boil water notice, set up water distribution centers, and said full restoration was not expected until midweek.

Freezing rain and ice disrupt travel across central and eastern Europe

2026-01-12

Freezing rain and icy conditions disrupted travel across central and eastern Europe on Tuesday, forcing airlines and ground transport to pause or limit service in several countries. Airports in the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary postponed flights, while some rail and bus routes were canceled or delayed.

Railroads and regulators stymie safety fixes, analysis says

2026-01-12

Railroads and federal regulators have failed to implement most recommendations from major rail accident investigations, according to an analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland. The analysis found the Federal Railroad Administration fully implemented only five of 81 National Transportation Safety Board recommendations from 2015 through 2024.

Railroads and regulators thwart safety fixes, analysis finds

2026-01-11

Railroads and federal regulators have failed to implement many safety recommendations from major crash investigations, a new analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland finds. The report says the Federal Railroad Administration has fully implemented only five of 81 National Transportation Safety Board recommendations issued from 2015 through 2024.

Severe cold cancels flights in Finland’s Lapland, trapping thousands

2026-01-10

Thousands of tourists were stranded at Kittilä airport in Finnish Lapland after flights were canceled due to severe cold, the Associated Press reported. The temperature at the airport fell to minus 37 degrees Celsius (minus 34.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday morning, Yle reported.

Wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia burn nearly 12,000 hectares, officials say

2026-01-10

Raging wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia have burned nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and native and planted forests, threatening local communities, according to firefighting authorities. The fires began nearly a week ago in the Andean area of Chubut province and have put a power plant and a school at risk, authorities said.

45 wounded veterans cycle Florida Keys in annual Soldier Ride

2026-01-09

Forty-five wounded veterans and their supporters cycled along Florida's Overseas Highway on Friday in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride, an event organized by the Wounded Warrior Project that combines physical challenge with peer support for service members injured during their military service. The group started the day with a 17-mile ride from a Key Largo VFW post to the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, then traveled another 10 miles — including over the Seven Mile Bridge — before stopping for the night in Big Pine Key. The event continues through the weekend and concludes Sunday at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.

South Dakota's $72 million US 385 rebuild aims to halve crash rate in Black Hills

2026-01-09

South Dakota's Department of Transportation is midway through a $72 million project to rebuild and widen 15 miles of U.S. 385 through the central Black Hills, where the crash rate runs more than double the state average, according to DOT data. The project, which began in 2024 and is scheduled for full completion in 2027, aims to cut that crash rate by 50 percent by eliminating tight curves, expanding sight lines and widening road shoulders from as little as 2 feet to as much as 8 feet.

Workers find calm and focus by weaving nature into the workday

2026-01-08

For office workers confined to windowless cubicles and back-to-back meetings, even small doses of nature — a lunchtime walk to a nearby garden, a potted plant on the desk, or a video call taken on a wooded path — can ease stress and sharpen focus, workers and workplace wellness advocates said.

Two tornadoes strike Oklahoma at sunrise, damaging buildings and knocking out power

2026-01-08

PURCELL, Okla. — Severe storms swept through Oklahoma around sunrise Thursday, spinning off two confirmed tornadoes near Purcell and Shawnee that damaged homes, outbuildings and a hotel, downed trees and power lines, and knocked out electricity across much of Purcell, officials said. There were no immediate reports of major injuries or deaths.

Brown students documented campus shooting on Sidechat 15 minutes before official alert

2026-01-08

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Fifteen minutes before Brown University sent its first active-shooter alert on Dec. 13, students were already documenting the attack on Sidechat, an anonymous campus message board, according to an Associated Press analysis of nearly 8,000 posts from the 36 hours following the shooting. The attack, which killed two students at the Ivy League institution, unfolded during finals week inside Barus and Holley, an academic building on the Providence campus.

Shooting outside Salt Lake City LDS church kills 2, injures 6

2026-01-08

SALT LAKE CITY — Two people were killed and six others were injured in a shooting in a parking lot behind an LDS church Wednesday night while mourners attended a memorial service inside, police said. No suspect was in custody, and authorities said they did not believe the shooting was targeted at a religion. Police are reviewing license plate readers and nearby surveillance video as they search for a suspect.

Drone thermal imaging leads rescuers to shelter dog that fled New Jersey Turnpike rest stop

2026-01-07

Abbie, a 9-year-old golden retriever mix being transported from a South Carolina shelter to a planned new home in Maine, escaped from a New Jersey Turnpike service area early Saturday and wandered roughly 25 miles before a volunteer drone team using thermal imaging located her in a wooded area the following day, according to Final Victory Animal Rescue and Woodbridge Township police. Officers rescued the dog around 2 a.m. Sunday, about 15 miles from where she had bolted during a bathroom break.

Hawaii to revive beach safety task force after 13-year gap as ocean drownings mount

2026-01-07

Hawaii's state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to revive the Beach and Water Safety Task Force, a body charged with placing warning signs at dangerous beaches that has not convened since 2012, according to reporting by Honolulu Civil Beat distributed through the Associated Press. The announcement follows a decade in which about 800 people drowned in the waters off Hawaii's roughly 1,000-mile coastline.

Ice and snow close schools across New England as more storms approach

2026-01-07

Winter storms swept snow, ice and freezing rain across all six New England states on Wednesday, forcing dozens of school districts to cancel classes or delay start times while highway authorities in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts reported numerous accidents and vehicle spinouts. No serious injuries had been reported as of late Wednesday morning, the Associated Press reported.

Storms in Oklahoma bring high winds and two tornadoes, officials say

2026-01-07

Severe storms moved through Oklahoma around sunrise Thursday, producing two tornadoes and high winds that damaged buildings, downed trees and caused power outages, officials said. A tornado rated at least an EF1 struck near Purcell, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Oklahoma City, while another tornado was confirmed by radar in the Shawnee area.

Coast Guard rescues 9 from grounded Alaska crab boat amid near-gale winds

2026-01-07

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued all nine crew members of a commercial crab boat Monday after the vessel lost steering in near-gale conditions and grounded on a remote island in Alaska's Bering Sea, the Coast Guard said. The rescue was completed without injuries, according to the agency.

Dead fin whale found on bow of container ship at New Jersey port

2026-01-07

A dead fin whale was found on the bow of a container ship docked at the Gloucester Marine Terminal in New Jersey, the U.S. Coast Guard reported Sunday, triggering a federal investigation and a removal effort by wildlife rescuers. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a New Jersey-based animal rescue organization, said Tuesday it was working to tow the carcass away so a necropsy could be conducted to determine the endangered animal's cause of death. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed Tuesday that its enforcement office had opened an investigation into the death.

New England school cancellations rise amid ice and snowstorm

2026-01-06

Winter weather brought snow, ice, freezing rain and dangerous driving to New England on Wednesday, prompting school cancellations and delays across the region. Dozens of districts shut for the day or started later because road conditions made it unsafe to run buses during the morning routes. Several hazardous winter-weather advisories were in effect, and highway officials reported numerous accidents and vehicle spinouts.

Winter storm strands more than 1,000 passengers at Amsterdam airport

2026-01-06

Snow and ice grounded hundreds of flights and snarled roads and rail across parts of Europe on Wednesday, leaving more than 1,000 passengers stranded overnight at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, authorities said. In Paris, snow blanketed areas around the Eiffel Tower and Louvre and disrupted travel. In Germany, power was being restored to thousands of households after an outage that authorities said began four days earlier.

Aviation records reveal tightrope warning before Arizona helicopter crash

2026-01-06

A Federal Aviation Administration notice warned pilots about a slackline that would be strung across a mountainous area of Arizona in the days before a deadly Jan. 2 helicopter crash, according to federal aviation records. The crash killed the helicopter pilot and three family members after authorities said it struck the line near Telegraph Canyon, about 64 miles east of Phoenix.

Wildlife officials end Colorado mountain lion search after hiker killed on New Year's Day

2026-01-05

Colorado wildlife authorities ended a four-day search for mountain lions Monday after killing two of the predators near the trail where a Fort Collins woman was fatally attacked on New Year's Day, though a third lion spotted in the area was never found. Kristen Marie Kovatch, 46, died of asphyxia caused by neck compression, the Larimer County Coroner's Office said, with injuries consistent with a mountain lion attack. Her death was ruled an accident.

North Atlantic right whales record 15 calves this winter, but extinction threat persists

2026-01-05

Researchers have identified 15 North Atlantic right whale calves during the current winter birth season off the southeastern United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday — a count higher than two of the last three winters, but far short of what scientists say the species needs to halt its slide toward extinction.

Snow and ice kill in France as Europe travel snarls under cold snap

2026-01-05

Snow and ice hit parts of Europe on Tuesday, causing deadly accidents and widespread travel disruptions, the Associated Press reported. In France, authorities in the Landes region said at least three people died in accidents, while officials in the Île-de-France area reported additional deaths and ordered trucks off the road as snowfall triggered major traffic jams.

Habitat for endangered whooping cranes guarded in new Texas sanctuary

2026-01-05

A new conservation sanctuary in southeast Texas will protect winter habitat for the endangered whooping crane, organizers said. The International Crane Foundation, The Conservation Fund and the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program announced the acquisition of more than 3,300 acres for the birds, which migrate each winter from Canada to Texas.

Pilot killed as small plane crashes, catches fire at Provincetown airport

2026-01-04

A Cessna 172N crashed and caught fire Sunday at Provincetown Municipal Airport on Cape Cod, killing the pilot, the only person aboard, city officials said. Firefighters and other emergency responders extinguished the blaze at the crash site near the seaside community at the very tip of Cape Cod.

More storms forecast for California as flood cleanup continues after King Tide surge

2026-01-04

Crews cleared mud from key California highways Sunday as forecasters warned that more thunderstorms were on the way, after a week of downpours coinciding with record-breaking King Tides caused flooding, road closures, and rescues of people trapped in cars across the San Francisco Bay Area. Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches of additional rain possible through Monday night, the National Weather Service office in Eureka said. A man died in Santa Barbara County after being swept into a creek during the storms, the county sheriff's office said Saturday.

Scientists say 2025 was among three hottest years on record

2026-01-04

Scientists said Thursday that 2025 was one of the three hottest years on record and that human-caused climate change worsened extreme weather during the year. The analysis, released by the World Weather Attribution group, came as people in many countries faced dangerous heat, drought and flooding.

New sanctuary protects whooping cranes’ winter habitat along Texas Coast

2026-01-04

More than 3,300 acres of winter habitat for whooping cranes—one of North America’s rarest birds—was acquired for protection along the Texas coast, conservation groups said. The sanctuary, announced Thursday, is meant to safeguard the cranes’ migration route and support continued recovery of the last self-sustaining wild flock. Officials and scientists said threats such as development and climate change remain.

Suspected fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado follows earlier hiker fight

2026-01-04

The suspected fatal mountain lion attack happened on New Year’s Day on a remote trail in Colorado’s mountain lion habitat east of Rocky Mountain National Park, authorities said. The woman’s body was found on the Crosier Mountain trail, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife said wounds were consistent with a mountain lion attack. Wildlife officials tracked down and killed two mountain lions in the area as they searched for a possible additional animal.

4 killed as helicopter strikes slackline, crashes into Arizona canyon

2026-01-03

A private helicopter crashed Friday morning in a remote mountainous area of Arizona, killing all four people aboard, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said. The crash occurred around 11 a.m. near Telegraph Canyon, about 64 miles east of Phoenix, and may have been caused when the aircraft struck a recreational slackline strung across the mountains.

Heavy rain and king tides flood Northern California; one killed in Santa Barbara

2026-01-03

Heavy rain and what authorities described as the most severe king tides in more than two decades flooded a 15-mile stretch of Northern California roadways on Saturday, prompting car rescues and road closures from the Sausalito area to San Rafael. A man died after being swept into a creek during the same storm in Santa Barbara County to the south.

Flooding concerns rise across Bay Area as more rain and thunderstorms loom

2026-01-03

Rain continued in parts of California as crews cleared mud from highways and officials warned of additional thunderstorms after downpours and high tides caused flooding, road closures and rescues of people trapped in cars, the Associated Press reported. Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches of rain possible through Monday night in already saturated areas.

Suspected fatal mountain lion attack follows earlier encounter on trail

2026-01-03

A solo hiker authorities believe was killed by a mountain lion on a remote Colorado trail on New Year’s Day had “wounds consistent with a mountain lion attack,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. Officials are investigating the death after wildlife tracked down and killed two mountain lions in the area and searched for a possible third.

Rhode Island firefighters rescue dog named Phoenix from icy pond on New Year's Day

2026-01-02

A yellow Labrador named Phoenix fell through the ice on a pond in Westerly, Rhode Island, on New Year's Day and had to be pulled to safety by firefighters wearing ice rescue suits, the Misquamicut Fire Department said Thursday. The dog was out for a walk with his owner when he wandered onto a thin layer of ice and broke through to the center of the pond. Phoenix was declared free of injuries, and both fire departments involved called the rescue "a successful first call of 2026."

Louisiana's Carnival season opens Jan. 6 with Mardi Gras set for Feb. 17

2026-01-02

As residents across much of the country settle back into post-holiday routines, Louisiana is gearing up for its biggest annual celebration: Carnival season, a weeks-long pre-Lenten bash of elaborate parades, feasting and costumed revelry that draws more than a million visitors to New Orleans each year. The season opens Jan. 6 and runs 43 days through Fat Tuesday on Feb. 17, according to the Associated Press.

Disney World worker injured stopping runaway boulder at Indiana Jones stunt show

2026-01-01

A Walt Disney World employee was knocked to the ground and injured Tuesday while trying to stop a 400-pound (181-kilogram) prop boulder that moved off its track and rolled toward seated audience members at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. A second worker stopped the boulder before it reached the spectators, the company confirmed Wednesday.

Weather woes ahead for Rose Parade and New York’s ball drop

2026-01-01

Rain and even thunder are forecast for the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, where organizers said they are making only small changes for a New Year’s Day parade that typically stays dry. Across the country, forecasters also predict wintry cold for New York City’s Times Square midnight ball drop, with snow flurries possible.

Oysters, crab and $400,000 lobster stolen in separate New England thefts

2026-01-01

Oysters, crab and about $400,000 worth of lobster meat were stolen in separate incidents in New England within weeks of each other, authorities and industry figures said. The cases included 14 cages full of oysters taken from an aquaculture site in Falmouth, Maine, and a later lobster theft tied to a shipment arranged for Costco stores.

Disney World worker injured stopping runaway prop boulder at Indiana Jones show

2025-12-31

A Walt Disney World employee was knocked to the ground Tuesday while trying to stop a 400-pound prop boulder that rolled off its track toward seated spectators at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Orlando, Florida, according to Disney. A second worker intervened and stopped the boulder before it reached the audience. Disney said Wednesday it would not disclose the injured employee's condition, citing privacy reasons, and that it was reviewing why the prop moved off its track.

Three Hikers Found Dead on Southern California's Mount Baldy

2025-12-31

Rescue crews discovered the bodies of three hikers, including a 19-year-old man, on Mount Baldy in Southern California on Monday evening. High winds hampered initial rescue efforts, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Open-water swimmer Erica Fox identified as fatal shark attack victim in Northern California

2025-12-31

Open‑water swimmer Erica Fox, 55, was identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack off Davenport Beach in Santa Cruz County, California, after she went missing on Dec. 21 while swimming with the Kelp Krawlers club. Authorities recovered her body Saturday and confirmed her identity through her Garmin watch and a shark‑deterrent band found on her ankle.

What gale warnings mean for U.S. coast and wind advisories

2025-12-31

Gale warnings are issued when high sustained winds or frequent gusts are expected over bodies of water, and they can also create dangerous conditions on land. The National Weather Service typically issues gale warnings when wind speeds are faster than 35 knots, or about 40 mph (64 km/h). Meteorologists say strong winds can raise the risk of capsized boats, damage from flying debris and hazardous driving conditions, and they can make cold weather feel colder through wind chill.

Second New Jersey helicopter pilot dies after midair collision, police confirm

2025-12-30

A midair collision between two helicopters near Hammonton Municipal Airport in southern New Jersey killed two pilots, including one who died after police identified the victims. Authorities on Monday identified the men as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, and said only the pilots were aboard.

Snow and strong winds hit Great Lakes and Northeast as Arctic blast follows bomb cyclone

2025-12-30

Arctic air pushing across the Great Lakes and Northeast brought heavy snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone storm system left tens of thousands of customers without power across the Midwest, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said temperatures could drop below freezing as far south as the Florida panhandle, with blustery winds adding to dangerous wind chills.

Bomb cyclone brings blizzards to the Midwest before turning east

2025-12-30

A strengthening bomb cyclone barreled across the northern U.S. on Monday, bringing blizzard conditions, dangerous travel and power outages to parts of the Midwest before it shifted attention toward the East Coast. Forecasters said the storm intensified rapidly as pressure dropped, sending sharply colder air and strong winds across the Plains and Great Lakes.

Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade kills 52, officials say

2025-12-30

Florida officials say 52 black bears were killed during the state’s first black bear hunt in a decade, which ran from Dec. 6 to Sunday. The hunt was limited to 172 permit holders chosen from more than 160,000 applicants, and critics questioned whether the state’s kill count was accurate amid concerns about limited oversight and transparency.

Midair helicopter crash over Hammonton kills one, critically injures pilot

2025-12-30

HAMMONTON, N.J. — Two helicopters collided midair over Hammonton Municipal Airport on Sunday, killing one pilot and critically injuring the other, authorities said. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said rescuers responded to reports of the crash about 11:25 a.m. and firefighters later extinguished flames engulfing one helicopter.

What gale warnings mean and how to stay safe during high winds

2025-12-30

Gale warnings are issued for areas near oceans, sounds or lakes when high sustained winds or frequent gusts are expected over water. Meteorologist Patrick Saunders of the National Weather Service said gale warnings are typically issued when wind speeds exceed 35 knots, about 40 mph (64 km/h). Weather officials say strong winds can also create hazardous conditions away from shore, including dangerous driving conditions and a higher risk of frostbite in extreme wind chill.

How intense winter storms become bomb cyclones

2025-12-29

When meteorologists warn that a storm could "bomb out," they are describing a specific and potentially dangerous atmospheric process. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines bombogenesis as occurring when a storm's central pressure drops at least 24 millibars within 24 hours — a threshold that, when crossed, classifies the event as a bomb cyclone.

Power outages can turn dangerous fast — experts detail how to prepare

2025-12-29

Power outages triggered by winter storms, heat waves, wildfires, or accidents can turn serious — or even fatal — depending on duration and outside temperature, emergency preparedness experts said. The American Red Cross, the American Public Power Association, and the Consumer Energy Alliance urged U.S. residents to build emergency kits and establish plans before the next outage strikes.

Bomb cyclone unleashes blizzards, extreme cold and power outages across the Midwest

2025-12-29

A rapidly strengthening bomb cyclone barreled across the northern United States on Monday, unleashing blizzard conditions, dangerous wind chills and widespread power outages from the Plains to the Great Lakes before turning east toward the Atlantic coast, the National Weather Service said. Temperatures in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota plunged to as low as minus 30 °F, and more than 220,000 customers were left without electricity, with Michigan alone accounting for a third of the outages, officials reported.

Tyson beef plant closure will lay off 3,200 workers, threatening Lexington

2025-12-29

Tyson Foods plans to close its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, laying off 3,200 workers, the company says it will do next month. The shutdown, which comes after more than two decades of operation, threatens jobs across the town’s restaurants and service businesses as families weigh whether to leave. Workers and residents described a sense of uncertainty spreading through the community ahead of the Jan. 20 closure.

Second pilot dies after midair helicopter collision near Hammonton, N.J.

2025-12-29

Police identified two New Jersey pilots who died after their helicopters collided midair Sunday near Hammonton Municipal Airport in Hammonton, about 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said Kenneth Kirsch, 65, was pronounced dead after being flown to an area hospital, while Michael Greenberg, 71, died at the crash site.

Snow and strong winds hit Great Lakes and Northeast after Midwest bomb cyclone

2025-12-29

An Arctic blast brought heavy snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures to parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone swept through the Midwest and left tens of thousands without power. The National Weather Service said blustery winds pushed temperatures below freezing as far south as the Florida panhandle, and warned of dangerous travel conditions as the system moved toward Canada.

At least 1,500 flights canceled as snow hits Northeast during holidays

2025-12-29

The holiday travel rush turned hazardous as a winter storm brought snow and disruptions across the U.S. Northeast and Great Lakes between Christmas and New Year’s. New York City received about 4 inches of snow, while at least 1,500 flights were canceled Friday night, according to FlightAware. Meanwhile, California reported four deaths related to earlier flooding and mudslides and warned of gusty Santa Ana winds later in the week.

Blizzards, ice and storms expected to intensify across U.S.

2025-12-29

A powerful winter storm is sweeping east from the Plains and is expected to intensify as it moves across the United States, with snow, ice, thunderstorms and strong winds affecting holiday travel areas. The National Weather Service warned of possible whiteout and blizzard conditions in parts of the Upper Midwest and of dangerous wind chills as cold air presses south from Canada. In the South, a sharp cold front is expected to end days of record warmth by bringing rain and much colder temperatures.

Hawaii’s Big Island bans feeding feral cats to protect endangered natives

2025-12-29

Hawaii’s Big Island will ban people from feeding feral cats on county property starting at the beginning of the new year, in a bid to protect endangered native species. The measure targets cat feeding at places such as transfer stations, where cats congregate for food provided by longtime residents who say the cats should not be harmed.

Midair helicopter crash in New Jersey leaves 1 dead and 1 injured

2025-12-29

HAMMONTON, N.J. — Two helicopters crashed midair Sunday in New Jersey, killing one pilot and critically injuring another, authorities said. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said rescuers responded to the aviation crash report at about 11:25 a.m. and that flames were extinguished at the scene.

Southern California braces for more rain, flooding and mudslides

2025-12-29

A new storm hitting already waterlogged Southern California on Christmas Day prompted evacuation warnings in a mountain town and high-surf advisories along parts of the coast, the National Weather Service said. In Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation warning after rescuers freed people trapped in cars during an earlier mudslide.

Winter meal tips: experts urge fruits and vegetables in colder months

2025-12-29

Winter is settling in across much of the U.S., and nutrition experts say you can keep meals flavorful while eating nutritiously by “winterizing” your diet with seasonal produce, pantry staples, and comforting dishes. Dieticians and food experts recommend experimenting with winter produce—fresh, frozen or canned—as well as using herbs and spices to boost flavor without relying on extra salt or fat.