SUMMARY: Florida, home to over 1,000 freshwater springs sourced from the vast Floridan Aquifer—the state’s primary drinking water supply—is facing threats from agricultural pollution, rapid development, phosphate mining, and climate change. Fertilizer runoff causes algae blooms that harm aquatic life, while urban expansion increases impermeable surfaces and pollution. Climate change alters rainfall and causes saltwater intrusion into coastal springs. Despite billions spent on water projects, legal and political hurdles stall effective protections. Bottling companies pay minimal fees for large water withdrawals. Community volunteers and some officials push for action, but rising demand and environmental pressures endanger the springs’ future and biodiversity.

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SUMMARY: Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina struck the Louisiana Gulf Coast, its impact remains devastating, causing $125 billion in damage—the costliest U.S. storm to date. Meteorologist Bryan Norcross recalls the unexpected failure of New Orleans’ floodwalls, flooding the Lower Ninth Ward, and the ensuing catastrophe. Comparing Katrina to Hurricane Andrew, Norcross emphasizes the crucial lesson: always plan for the worst. Despite knowing potential disasters, adequate preparations weren’t made. Since then, forecasting and emergency management have improved, but Norcross stresses the need for effective on-the-ground response and permanent adherence to these lessons to better protect people in future storms.

On Aug. 28, 2005, an urgent and ominous weather message was sent out by the National Weather Service calling Katrina “a most powerful hurricane with unprecedented strength.” The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has left lasting and devastating impacts across the country. FOX Weather’s Bryan Norcross discusses the hurricane and its effects 20 years later.

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SUMMARY: Israel’s military has suspended mid-day pauses that previously allowed humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza City, labeling the area a “dangerous combat zone.” These pauses had enabled aid to reach displaced populations in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi. The suspension coincides with Israel preparing to expand its offensive, amid reports of strikes and reservist call-ups. Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold with crucial infrastructure, faces severe humanitarian crises. The UN warns half of Gaza’s hospital beds could be lost if Israel invades, while the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declares Gaza City in famine due to blockade, fighting, and displacement. Aid access is increasingly restricted.

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The post Israel declares Gaza’s largest city a combat zone and halts humanitarian pauses appeared first on www.news4jax.com