Many communities still operate antiquated water meters that can leave residents with huge bills if a pipe breaks. One Alabama resident had to contend with a nearly $20,000 bill.

A blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move south and hover over many Northeastern cities. Officials have issued many health alerts — warning people to avoid outdoor activities.

Local headlines for Thursday, June 8, 2023

A deadly disease found in wild deer has been discovered for the first time in Oklahoma. Oklahoma wildlife officials have had their eyes peeled for Chronic Wasting Disease for decades.

The 23rd annual deadCenter Film Festival will take place across downtown Oklahoma City from June 8-11.

Despite its weighty, multi-tiered approach — this is not, on multiple levels, an easy read — Darrin Bell's debut graphic memoir is difficult to put down.

Latino stories matter. The NPR One team has podcast recommendations that are as varied and important as the community they come from.

Las historias latinas importan. El equipo de NPR One tiene recomendaciones de podasts que son tan variadas e importantes como la comunidad de la que provienen.

Book bans in schools can violate federal civil rights laws if they create a hostile environment for students. The Education Department will have a new point person to talk to schools about bans.

There's almost nobody better at creating complex musical worlds, but on her new album The Age of Pleasure, Janelle Monáe's aim is to stop thinking. Or at least start thinking about feeling.

The city of Zibo, a couple hours south of Beijing by high-speed train, is being overrun with foodies. The barbecue craze comes at a time when China's economy is struggling to rebound after COVID.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy emerged from his first major fight as speaker with a debt ceiling deal. But it wasn't without controversy — or a big dose of bipartisanship.