A North Carolina teenager died from Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba found in warm freshwater. The teen was hospitalized after severe headaches and died on Monday. The amoeba enters through the nose and can cause brain d…
#Water resources
Eco · Open in Mobble · RSS
North Carolina teen dies from brain-eating amoeba infection
Toledo family watches West Bank settler siege from afar
A Palestinian American in Ohio is monitoring the situation in the West Bank, where his brother's home is under siege by Israeli settlers. The brother traveled from the US to his ancestral village to protect his property,…
US and Iran trade military strikes in Strait of Hormuz after months of relative calm
The United States launched airstrikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to fire ballistic missiles at US bases in Jordan and the UAE. A supertanker was reportedly halted …
Democrat introduces bill to block Trump's renaming of Great Lakes
Representative Debbie Dingell plans to introduce the 'Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act' in response to President Trump's executive order renaming Lake Ontario as 'Lake America'. The move escalates tensions in the US-Canada …
Canada counters Trump's lake renaming with symbolic sign
Canada erected a sign reading "Lake Ontario. Now and Always" near Grimsby, Ontario, in response to Trump's executive order renaming the lake as Lake America. Trump posted a video of himself kicking over a sign and replac…
Datacenter opposition reshapes US political landscape
Local opposition to datacenters is uniting Americans across political lines, as seen in Indiana where a proposed Google project drew unanimous resistance. The movement has grown into a nationwide backlash, with politicia…
NYC Tightens Cooling Tower Rules After Legionnaires' Outbreaks
New York lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations and more frequent inspections of cooling towers following two summers of legionnaires' disease outbreaks. The disease is caused by bacteria in poorly maintained air…
Nevada files lawsuit against federal Colorado River plan, citing threat to Las Vegas water
Nevada has become the first state to sue the federal government over its new Colorado River management plan. The state argues the plan could cut Las Vegas's water supply by two-thirds. The lawsuit follows failed negotiat…
President's unilateral renaming of shared lake seen as political diversion
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America on US maps, a move commentators view as a distraction from his administration's troubles. The action follows last year's renaming of the G…
Trump orders federal rename of Lake Ontario, sparking Canadian opposition
President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America on US maps and documents. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the change, emphasizing the lake's In…
Postpartum psychosis explained: a rare mental health condition in the courtroom
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mood disorder with psychotic features that can occur after childbirth, causing hallucinations, delusions, and rapid mood swings. It carries a high risk of suicide and infanticide, and is …
Nevada Sues Over Colorado River Plan, Citing Catastrophic Water Cuts
Nevada has sued the federal government over its ten-year Colorado River plan, arguing that proposed cuts could devastate the state's economy and water supply. The plan would require southern Nevada to lose over 70% of it…
Panama Canal Limits Ships as Drought Threatens Global Trade
The Panama Canal will cut daily ship transits starting in September because of low water in its reservoirs. The drought is linked to El Niño, and climate change may worsen such dry spells. The canal handles 5% of global …
Iran's leverage over Strait of Hormuz wanes as Gulf states build alternative pipelines
Analysts argue that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to Iran is declining as Gulf neighbors construct alternative pipelines and export routes. This could halve the strait's value within three years, leavi…
Paxton proposes restrictions on datacenters to address energy and water concerns
Texas attorney general and Senate candidate Ken Paxton unveiled a 'Texas first' plan to address datacenter impacts, including banning Chinese technology and holding companies liable for AI-related harms. The plan support…
After record 200-day stretch at sea, US carrier finally docks for crew rest
The USS Abraham Lincoln, with about 5,000 sailors and marines aboard, will make a port call in Thailand next week following a deployment in the Middle East that lasted over 200 consecutive days at sea. Family members hav…
Scottish villages rally against massive data centre proposals
A proposed 600MW data centre in Auchtertool, Fife, has drawn 1,600 formal objections from residents, prompting Scottish lawmakers to consider a moratorium on such developments. The facility, which would cover an area lar…
Nevada sues federal government over Colorado River cuts
Nevada filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's plan to cut water supplies to lower basin states by about 20% over two years. The state argues that upper basin states are not required to contribute …
Berlin theatre abandons pool event for Black children after far-right uproar
A planned exclusive swimming afternoon for Black children at a Berlin outdoor pool was cancelled after rightwing and conservative figures condemned it. The Volksbühne theatre had organised the event to address barriers k…
Fatal amoeba infection claims life of Louisiana child after lake swim
An eight-year-old girl from Ruston, Louisiana, has died after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare and usually fatal amoeba, likely from swimming in Lake Claiborne. Lillian Smart passed away on Saturday, one day after h…
Colorado River's Shrinking Flow Endangers Life Across Seven States
The 1922 agreement allocating 15 million acre-feet of Colorado River water to seven states is now obsolete, as the river currently supplies only about 12 million acre-feet. Rapid population growth in cities like Phoenix,…
Drought can fuel some infectious diseases, new research shows
A new review of nearly 100 studies reveals that drought can paradoxically increase the spread of certain infectious diseases like cholera, West Nile virus, and dengue, even though water-borne pathogens might be expected …
Supreme Court temporarily allows White House ballroom construction to proceed
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary order permitting construction of the White House ballroom to continue while the court considers an emergency appeal from the Trump administration. The project, which includes…
Hydropower's Vulnerability to Drought Spreads Across the U.S.
Hydropower supplies a significant portion of U.S. electricity, but persistent drought is shrinking water reserves and jeopardizing generation. The crisis, once largely confined to the West, is now emerging in other parts…
Another set of remains surfaces at shrinking Lake Mead
Authorities discovered human remains at Lake Mead on August 16, the latest in a series of findings as the reservoir's water level falls. The body appears non-criminal, and officials are working to identify the person. Th…
New vocabulary captures the irritations of modern technology
A tech writer has coined the term 'dickover' for intrusive pop-ups and panels that obscure content. The article suggests other new words for tech frustrations, including 'AI-horning' for unwanted AI features and 'Captcho…
Climate Crisis Compounds War's Toll in Northern Iraq's Abandoned Villages
In Sinjar district, many villages remain deserted a decade after Islamic State's onslaught, with only a fraction of families returning. Residents cite extreme heat, drought, and lack of water and jobs as the new obstacle…
US's two biggest reservoirs sink to unprecedented depths amid drought and demand
Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the largest and second-largest US reservoirs on the Colorado River, have both recorded their lowest water levels on record in August 2026. The reservoirs supply municipal water to about 40 mill…
Danube's record low water levels threaten crops and drinking water
A severe drought has caused the Danube River to drop to historic lows, exposing a legendary rock that signals crop failure and hunger. Residents along the river are facing drinking water shortages, and crops have been de…
Lawsuit Challenges Dam Expansion as Climate Pressures Mount on Colorado River
A lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a Colorado water utility questions whether climate change should block a reservoir expansion that would divert more water from the shrinking Colorado River. Environm…
Veterans and experts worry about sailors' wellbeing after long deployment with water issues
The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent nearly nine months at sea supporting US operations in the Middle East. Reports include water shortages, plumbing issues, and attempts to jump overboard. Navy veterans and health experts …
Tragedy prompts demands for improved electrical safety in tourist rentals
Alex McKee, 17, died instantly when picking up a showerhead in an outdoor and rudimentary bathroom on Kimolos. The incident has led to calls for tighter checks on appliances at tourist accommodation.
McIntosh dominates 400m medley to claim Pan Pacs gold after earlier setback
Summer McIntosh of Canada led the entire 400m individual medley race at the Pan Pacific Championships, setting a championship record. Her victory came after a second-place finish in the 200m freestyle earlier in the meet…
Drought Forces Romania to Halt Nuclear Power Plant, Threatening Moldova's Electricity Supply
Romania shut down the final reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear plant after drought caused the Danube River to reach record low levels. This rare move will immediately affect power supplies in neighboring Moldova, which rel…
Fans frustrated by Taylor Swift's refusal to share wedding dress photos despite public relationship details
The author argues that since Taylor Swift has shared extensive details of her relationships publicly, it is unfair that she has not released pictures of her wedding dress. The piece reflects on the public's curiosity and…
Ledecky dominates 1500m freestyle to claim Pan Pacific gold
Katie Ledecky won the 1500m freestyle at the Pan Pacific Championships on August 13, 2026, clocking 15 minutes 36.09 seconds. The American extended her remarkable 16-year winning streak in the event, with fans cheering a…
Corpus Christi Voters to Decide on Higher Industrial Water Rates During Drought
The Corpus Christi City Council has placed a citizen-led referendum on the November ballot that would significantly raise water prices for industrial users during drought conditions. The measure faces likely legal challe…
Settlers and soldiers cut off water and electricity to Palestinian homes in West Bank siege
Israeli settlers and soldiers have besieged two Palestinian families in the West Bank village of Qusra since the weekend, cutting off water and electricity and blocking medical care in an attempt to force them out and ta…
Severe Drought Causes Widespread Drying of Small French Waterways
An ongoing drought across Europe has severely depleted French rivers, with officials reporting that 43 percent of small waterways are now partially or completely dry. The situation highlights the growing strain on freshw…
Corpus Christi City Officials Move to Halt Voter Initiative on Industrial Water Pricing
Corpus Christi is attempting to block a ballot referendum that would raise water rates for large industrial users during droughts. The Fair Water Amendment, backed by nearly 13,000 signatures, was proposed after the city…
Trump Administration Pressures Justice Department to Reinstate Charges Over Lincoln Memorial Pool Incident
The White House has asked the Department of Justice to consider new charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The case was previously dropped by U.S…
University of Michigan Adopts Pass/Fail Grading for Freshmen to Address Mental Health Crisis
The University of Michigan will implement a pass-or-fail grading system for first-semester students instead of letter grades, aiming to curb the mental health crisis among college students. The school announced the pilot…
Global water shortages intensify as drought hits multiple regions
Recent reports highlight severe drought causing water shortages in Puerto Rico and low river levels in Europe. The author argues that the water crisis is preventable with known solutions.
Closure of Portland's Lloyd Center Ice Rink Marks Decline of Mall Ice Skating in the US
The Lloyd Center shopping mall's ice rink, which opened in 1960 and was a community institution for six decades, is closing. It was the rink where figure skater Tonya Harding first skated. The closure reflects a broader …
Horizontal levees offer dual benefits of flood control and wetland restoration in California
Engineers are testing "horizontal levees" that combine flood protection with wetland habitat restoration. These structures slope gently into the water, allowing marshes to absorb wave energy while shielding coastal commu…
Satellite images reveal alarming drought conditions on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers
Persistent extreme heat and scarce rainfall have driven water levels on major European rivers like the Rhine and Danube to historic lows. The shrinking waterways have exposed vast sandbars and riverbanks, disrupting ship…
Louisiana reports spike in deadly Vibrio vulnificus infections, warns swimmers
Louisiana health officials have confirmed nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, including five deaths, a significant increase over the average of seven cases and one death per year in the previous decade.…
Severe drought grips France: Two-thirds under alerts, nuclear reactors shut, canal at risk
Nearly 66% of France is under drought alerts, with 18% at the highest crisis level, prompting expanding tap water restrictions across 47 departments. To prevent waterways from overheating, several nuclear reactors have b…
US's Largest Reservoir Reaches Unprecedented Low Amid Western Water Shortage
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has dropped to its lowest water level since it was filled about 90 years ago, breaking the previous record set in 2022. The decline highlights the worsening water cr…
Survey reveals Italians and French more likely to reserve sunloungers than Germans
A YouGov poll of European holidaymakers found that Italians and French are more likely to use towels to claim sunloungers, contrary to the stereotype that Germans are the worst offenders. While 51% of Germans and 46% of …
Florida's Poorest Communities Denied Access to Federal Water Assistance
Belle Glade, a majority-Black farmworker community and one of Florida's poorest cities, faces obstacles in accessing federal funding for drinking water improvements. The city's application for the largest source of feder…
Pakistan issues flood alerts as monsoon rains intensify rivers
Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority warned of significantly rising water levels in major rivers between August 2-4, 2026, prompting flood alerts across multiple regions. High-level flooding was recorded in …
Romania blasts Danube riverbed to save nuclear power plant
Extreme drought across Europe has lowered the Danube River to record lows, forcing nuclear plants and hydroelectric facilities to reduce electricity generation and threatening blackouts. Romania is using controlled explo…
Global drought, floods and famines reshape water landscape August 2026
The article surveys multiple water crises unfolding worldwide, including record-low water levels on the Danube River causing energy emergencies in eastern Europe, severe drought triggering food insecurity affecting milli…
Heat wave pushes Hungary's nuclear plant toward emergency shutdown
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides nearly half the country's electricity, is at risk of complete shutdown as Danube water levels fall below safe cooling thresholds. Across Europe, record temperatures and …
Historic river lows disrupt nuclear power and commerce across Europe
The Danube and Rhine rivers have fallen to unprecedented levels, forcing nuclear reactor shutdowns in Hungary and Romania while also disrupting commercial shipping that carries critical goods like grain and coal. The cri…
Danube river drying threatens Europe's electricity supply systems
Persistent drought and successive heat waves have reduced the Danube to record lows in Budapest, forcing Hungary's only nuclear power plant to reduce output to 12 percent of normal capacity. Water levels are expected to …
Eastern Europe energy crisis looms as Danube river hits record lows
Central and Eastern European governments are struggling to conserve electricity as the Danube River reaches historic low water levels that threaten cooling systems for nuclear power plants. Romania conducted controlled e…
California Sets First-Ever Water Supply Target by 2040
California released its updated Groundwater Bulletin 118 detailing statewide monitoring and management conditions, while establishing a historic first statewide water supply target of 9 million acre-feet by 2040. The sta…
USGS Machine Learning Tool Predicts Droughts Three Months Ahead
The U.S. Geological Survey released a machine learning tool that forecasts droughts up to 90 days in advance across the nation. This innovation provides advance warning capability for water resource planning and disaster…