Live updates: Hurricane Helene forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 storm

Helene strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday and is expected to strengthen further – potentially becoming a major hurricane – before making landfall over Florida on Thursday. Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, torrential rain, and flooding are possible.

Expanded 'critical' habitat eyed for manatees in Florida

Federal wildlife officials have proposed expanding designations of “critical habitat” for Florida manatees, potentially bolstering protections in areas ranging from Wakulla Springs in Northwest Florida to the upper St. Johns River in Northeast Florida.