PLANET IN PERIL

USA TODAY While most attention has focused on the lingering drought in California, a "flash" drought has spun up in the past few weeks across much of the South, from Texas to the Carolinas. STORY HERE.

Common Dreams Millions of people and billions of dollars depend on healthy oceans, but human actions create complex interactions that endanger oceans. Story here.

bilaterals.org Canadian investors have exploited a controversial mechanism in international investment treaties to challenge public interest regulations in 24 different countries, according to a  study released today  by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).  Story here. RELATED: "Free Trade: Path to Prosperity or Back Road to Corporatism?"

Los Angeles Times It started in October 1997 in Mexico, when a hurricane fueled by El Niño slammed into Acapulco, causing massive flooding and hundreds of deaths.  Details here.

Common Dreams A new reality is setting in in the region – a reality of a changing climate, and the scramble of Big Oil to move in where sea ice is disappearing. Story here. RELATED: Sum    Of + Us This is Shell's dream. The Canadian government just gave it permission to drill for oil off Nova Scotia's cost — and the company doesn't need to cap an oil blowout for 21 days. Please sign!!!

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives People are food insecure when they do not have access to, or enough money to buy safe and nutritious food, preventing them from enjoying a healthy diet.  Food insecurity is a major concern for many low-income Winnipeg families.  Story here.