gulf of mexico

Tropical Storm Francine gains strength, expected to be a hurricane when it reaches Gulf Coast

By Sara Cline, Jamie Stengle, Associated Press

A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from the border with Texas eastward to Grand Isle, about 50 miles south of New Orleans.

Debby expected to strengthen into hurricane as it barrels toward Florida coast

By Kimberly Chandler, Chris O'Meara, Associated Press

The storm was likely to become a strong Category 1 hurricane before making landfall Monday in the Big Bend region of Florida or the Florida Panhandle, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Baby bull sharks are thriving in warming waters off the coast of Texas and Alabama

By James Marcus Drymon, Lindsay Mullins, Philip Matich, The Conversation

The Gulf Coast has seen an increase in baby bull shark numbers due to warming ocean temperatures. As adults, these are among the most aggressive species of sharks, but the babies aren’t cause for concern, as three scientists explain.

As hurricane season begins, Florida village still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Idalia

By Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press

Almost a year after Hurricane Idalia tore through Florida, many residents of Horseshoe Beach in the north are still recovering.

Beryl expected to regain hurricane strength as it crosses Gulf of Mexico en route to Texas

By Juan A. Lozano, Jim Vertuno, Associated Press

Texas officials Saturday were urging coastal residents to brace for a potential hit by Beryl as the storm is expected to regain hurricane strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Sale of federal oil and gas leases in Gulf of Mexico on hold pending hearings on whale protections

By Kevin McGill, Associated Press

Bidding on the leases had been set for next Wednesday. President Joe Biden's administration announced the sale earlier this year. But it was scaled back by millions of acres as part of an agreement to protect the endangered Rice's whale.

Biden calls for more oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, disappointing all sides

By Matthew Daly, Matthew Brown, Associated Press

Biden is trying to navigate between energy companies that have pressed for greater oil and gas production and environmental activists who have urged Biden to shut down new offshore drilling in the fight against climate change.

$5.6 million bid for one offshore location marks modest start for Gulf of Mexico wind energy

By Kevin McGill, Associated Press

Analysts cited a variety of factors behind the current low interest in federal Gulf waters, including inflation and technical challenges in the Gulf. Still, they noted a growing interest in the region for wind power.

Tropical Storm Idalia predicted to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane this week

By Associated Press

Forecasters say they expect Idalia to become a hurricane later Monday in the Gulf of Mexico, then curve northeast and reach Florida's western coast on Wednesday.

Cleanup workers who became ill after Deepwater Horizon oil spill are suing BP for compensation

By Christopher O’Donnell, Max Chesnes, Tampa Bay Times

About 4 million barrels of crude oil seeped into the Gulf of Mexico and 11 people died in the April 2010 disaster, the largest marine oil spill in history.