U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its tropical forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a below-normal season, citing a strong El Niño weather pattern, warmer ocean temperatures, and weaker trade winds. NOAA predicts 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, 2026.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its tropical forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a below-normal season, citing a strong El Niño weather pattern, warmer ocean temperatures, and weaker trade winds. NOAA predicts 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, 2026. NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham talked about the importance of preparing for hurricane season early, as well as paying attention to every system and every storm.  He encouraged the public to focus on every system and every storm and the impacts, like flooding and storm surge and tornadoes -- more than the storm name and category.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its tropical forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a below-normal season, citing a strong El Niño weather pattern, warmer ocean temperatures, and weaker trade winds. NOAA predicts 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).  The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, 2026.

SpaceX sent another batch of Starlink satellites into space on Thursday after its Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Kissimmee Police Department arrested Dawn Biggs, 42, and Dana Hutchinson, 42, after discovering 24 malnourished Chihuahua puppies trapped inside a vehicle. Officers responding to a local parking lot found the thin, hairless puppies crowded into crates inside a bug-infested car that was heavily covered in feces and urine. Both women now face felony animal cruelty charges.

Alan Chambers Manning, 54, was released on bond from jail on May 20, days after he was arrested in connection to a multi-month investigation into child solicitation. Chambers is accused of plotting to have sex with a teen boy through social media. 

Jodi Cowan was walking home on Blue Bonnet Drive when she was attacked and killed by two aggressive dogs that had been pacing a fence line. Security footage shows the dogs becoming increasingly agitated before launching a coordinated attack; Cowan’s partner witnessed the tragedy while attempting to save her. While law enforcement responded quickly, Cowan succumbed to her injuries at the hospital; neighbors now report living in fear as the investigation into the owner continues.

Alan Chambers Manning, 54, could be released on bond from the Orange County Jail, days after he was arrested in connection to a multi-month investigation into child solicitation. On May 20, Chambers was charged with solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful materials to minors and unlawful use of a two-way communication device after a judge found probable cause connecting Chambers to these crimes. 

Donnelly Street in Mount Dora is set to reopen with a ribbon cutting on May 21 after months of repairs. The street was damaged after an October storm resulted in a washout of the infrastructure -- leaving a gaping hole in the road.

Now, Orange County officials are revisiting its micromobility devices rules, which current states that e-bikes and e-scooters included must travel no faster than 10 miles an hour. Ashley  LaChance wants to see e-bikes and e-scooters banned for children under the age of 14. "I don't believe these things should even be on our roadways," she said.