Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Here’s the news to know:
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday, from warnings in the 2026 hurricane forecast to an executive order on mail-in voting allowed to go into effect.
Grave warnings are coming from the nation’s leading hurricane forecasters as the 2026 hurricane season begins. Devastating early season storms can and do occur, even during El Niño, and could happen again.
Hurricane Agnes in 1972 holds lessons for today: Like 2026, a strong El Niño was developing in the Pacific Ocean when Agnes formed in 1972. Agnes became – and remains – one of the costliest storms ever to strike the U.S. mainland.
Agnes also underscores why Ken Graham, National Weather Service director, stresses the dangers of hurricane season this year to the millions who live far inland from the point of landfall.
Take a look
The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee continues Thursday in Washington, DC, with nearly 250 students competing for the title and a $50,000 prize. Meet the contestants.
NBA
New York (and its fans) are scouting their future opponent. Whom should they prefer to face: the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs? Though the Knicks appear likely to enter the NBA Finals as underdogs regardless of opponent, USA TODAY Sports analysis say it should be Spurs. The primary reason is because of San Antonio’s inexperience in the playoffs.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.