SE (AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)

"The water temperature around the tip of Florida has hit triple digits — hot tub levels — two days in a row. Meteorologists say it could be the hottest seawater ever measured, although some questions about the reading remain."

"A federal appeals court said Tuesday that EPA went too far when it subjected an oil refinery in the U.S. Virgin Islands to a costly, multiyear permitting process in order to restart operations."

"The Venus flytrap—a toothy, insect-eating plant native to wet pine forests in the Carolinas—will not be protected under the Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday in a decision that refutes the findings of 26 scientists who petitioned for the plant’s protection."

"When Alicia Griggs steps outside her suburban Fort Lauderdale home, Florida’s latest invasive species comes a-hoppin’ down the street: lionhead rabbits."

"With the EPA review ongoing at the 35th Avenue Superfund site, the Southern Environmental Law Center on Friday threatened new federal litigation against Bluestone Coke for alleged wastewater pollution."

"Rising temperatures in Florida's waters due to climate change have sparked an extreme stressor for coral reefs causing bleaching, which has scientists concerned."

"AAA will not renew home and car insurance for some of its policyholders in Florida, citing increased natural disaster risk that it says makes the policies not worth providing."

"Farmers Insurance will stop offering its policies in Florida, including home, auto and umbrella policies, in a change that will force thousands of people to change their insurance provider."

"Water temperatures in the mid-90s (mid-30s Celsius) are threatening delicate coral reefs, depriving swimmers of cooling dips and adding a bit more ick to the Sunshine State’s already oppressive summer weather. "

"The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced that Alabama had agreed to remediate a sewage crisis in majority-Black Lowndes County."