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Today’s Big Story

Seaweed Snake Circles Florida

Apparently the red tides aren’t enough because Florida has a another problem incoming. A 5,000 mile long 10 million ton sargassum seaweed snake is converging on the coast of Florida. To put that into perspective, it’s more than double the width of the U.S.

What is it? Sargassum is a type of buoyant algae that group in open waters. It can pull carbon dioxide out of the air and provide a vibrant ecosystem for many types of marine wildlife. Scientists believe that fertilizer and sewage runoff is likely the main source of fuel for rapid overgrowth of the leafy sea serpent.

So what’s the big deal? The giant seaweed creature becomes problematic once it gets close to the coast by choking out coral reefs and altering the pH balance of the water. When it gets washed ashore, it begins to rot and stink like rotten eggs. As the seaweed breaks down it releases hydrogen sulfide — an irritant that causes respiratory issues.

Big picture: With no real way to dispose of the seaweed, scientists are suggesting the best possible way to deal with the blob is to allow it to remain in the ocean. However, beach towns throughout the Caribbean are feeling the negative economic effects when it collects on their beaches. Barring a miracle in which we stop fertilizing crops and producing waste water, vacationers will have to live with the seaweed snake for the foreseeable future.

Business & Economy

*The rich get richer. T-mobile is acquiring actor Ryan Reynolds’ Mint Mobile for $1.35 billion.

*Check your seal belt. Honda is recalling 448,000 CRVs, Accords, and Odysseys over faulty seat belts.

*Credit Suisse all out of credit. Swiss central bank saves Credit Suisse by providing liquidity after shares fall 30%.

Politics

*Trump and his phone — a cautionary tale. More bad news for the former President as further evidence of election tampering surface.

*Popular abortion pill comes under fire. A Texas judge is considering banning mifepristone after abortion opponents sue FDA over the pill.

Sports

*Cowboys cut ties with Ezekiel Elliot after 7 seasons.

*Ja Morant receives 8-game suspension for flashing a gun and speaking threats during an Instagram live video.

World

*Southeastern African countries still suffering from extreme weather — 16,000 have been affected with 270 confirmed dead.

*Nuclear material disappears. 2.5 tons of natural Uranium goes missing from a Libyan site that is not under government control. 

*New NATO member — Finland likely to receive approval before Sweden.

Extras

*Check out this volcano in space.  

*Ever wonder how lightning rods work? Look no further.

*Watch this guy literally ski through a school. (Via Youtube)