North Carolina and South Carolina have declared states of emergency in anticipation of a storm system churning in the tropics. Officials say the developing system could affect Charleston and other coastal communities, prompting urgent public advisories.

First Nations chiefs voted on Friday to demand stronger federal action against drug dealers plaguing their communities. They are also calling on the Assembly of First Nations to declare a sweeping state of emergency to address rising fatalities.

For the first time in three years, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency due to severe drought conditions impacting over half of the state’s counties. The declaration underscores the escalating water scarcity issues facing the region.