SUMMARY: Tropical Depression 3 is monitored offshore with minimal immediate impacts on northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, mainly high rip current risks and 2-4 ft waves with gusty coastal winds. The system shows increased organization with convection and peak winds near tropical storm strength (30 kt). Its path is uncertain, but forecast models predict a north-northwestward track toward South Carolina, with some eastward adjustments. Modest intensification to 40 kt is expected before landfall Sunday morning, followed by weakening and post-tropical transition within 48 hours. Tropical Storm Watches extended to Cape Fear, NC. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding in coastal Carolinas through Monday, alongside rough surf and rip currents.

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SUMMARY: Florida Democrats attempted to inspect the controversial Everglades migrant detention site, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” expressing concerns over detainee safety and potential inhumane conditions. Citing state law that allows access to prisons and detention centers, they were denied entry by law enforcement, who cited safety issues. The detention center, designed by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, houses migrants with access to legal support, air conditioning, clergy, and laundry services. Uthmeier assured its safety, emphasizing hurricane evacuation plans. Democrats remain determined to pursue legal avenues to gain access, insisting on transparency amid fears of political theater masking real risks to detainees.

A group of Florida Democratic lawmakers was denied access to a newly opened migrant detention and deportation facility in the Everglades, Thursday.

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SUMMARY: A recent tax and policy bill repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a multibillion-dollar green bank established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to finance climate projects. The Trump administration, opposing climate-focused policies, argues the bill authorizes freezing funds and canceling grants, seeking to reverse a federal judge’s ruling favoring nonprofits who sued the EPA over withheld funds. Climate United Fund counters that most money has already been disbursed, disputing EPA’s attempts to rescind funds. The EPA frames the dispute as a contract issue, not a constitutional one. Congressional intent emphasizes deficit reduction and criticizes EPA’s oversight under the Biden administration.

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