National (U.S.)

"Sea lions are stranding themselves on a long stretch of the California coast and showing signs that they may have been poisoned by a bloom of harmful algae, experts said Thursday."

"A federal appellate court has effectively blocked EPA from swift enforcement of stricter regulations on a Louisiana synthetic rubber manufacturer that has featured prominently in the Biden administration’s campaign to target pollution in the area often dubbed “Cancer Alley.”

"The Senate on Thursday unanimously reauthorized the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the biennial legislation authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects."

"Biden’s efforts to save mature trees are not getting enough Forest Service support, according to some conservationists"

"Vice President Harris has reversed her position on fracking, signaling a move to the center on the issue. The rightward shift comes as she tries to court swing voters in states like Pennsylvania."

"The U.S. on Thursday confirmed a historic prisoner swap with Russia that included the release of American journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and permanent resident Vladimir Kara-Murza."

"Although health officials say the risk of H5N1 bird flu infection is still low for the general population, they announced on Monday a $5-million plan to offer seasonal flu vaccine to livestock workers."

"Bipartisan legislation aimed at speeding up approvals for new energy projects advanced to the full Senate Wednesday. The legislation, put forward by Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), sailed through committee in a 15-4 vote."

"The coalition of progressive youth and environmental justice groups are confident they can help give the presumptive Democratic nominee a needed edge with the base, even as the Trump team seeks to paint her as a radical."