As people gather at events across the U.S. to celebrate Juneteenth, former President Barack Obama’s presidential center will open its doors to the public for the first time. The opening of the presidential center for the nation’s first Black president on Friday is part of several days of events to celebrate the grand opening of the sprawling campus on Chicago’s South Side. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. Events are planned across the country to mark the fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are battering parts of the southeastern United States with heavy rain, sparking flash flood and tornado warnings along the Gulf Coast. Building damage, downed trees and power outages are being reported Thursday. The Midwest, meanwhile, is recovering from a line of strong storms that tore through parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky on Wednesday. Tornadoes and high winds slammed some areas of the Midwest, also damaging homes and downing trees and power lines. The National Weather Service says heavy rain is falling in southern Louisiana and Mississippi on Thursday and is expected to move into Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, defeated Rob Kenyon of Reform UK in Makerfield. The victory strengthens Burnham's status as a leading contender to replace Starmer. Starmer's popularity has declined since a landslide victory in 2024, struggling with economic growth and public services. Burnham's win increases pressure on Starmer to resign. Burnham plans to head to London to be sworn in and may seek a meeting with Starmer to discuss leadership.

The death of an Indian teenager in New York's Central Park has intensified calls to ban horse-drawn carriages. The accident happened Wednesday when a horse bolted from its driver. The father of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan told The New York Times that his son jumped out to try to save his mother after she fell out of the carriage. New York City leaders are now pushing to end the 150-year-old industry. The City Council plans to hold a hearing next month. The Transport Workers Union confirmed the driver has been suspended, and the horse retired.