Arctic Drilling Push: The Trump administration moved ahead with an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil lease auction, drawing limited interest and reigniting fights over impacts to caribou, polar bears, and migrating birds. Local Water Pollution: A wastewater spill in Horry County flowed into the Intracoastal Waterway after a sewer pump station pipe failed; officials say drinking water wasn’t affected. Wildlife in the Lowcountry: A manatee was spotted swimming in the Waccamaw River near the Conway marina, with SCDNR noting manatees are increasingly reported in the region. Coastal Safety: The National Weather Service issued a rip current risk for South Carolina’s Lowcountry beaches through Wednesday evening. State Parks & Wildlife Awareness: S.C. state parks are seeing more snake encounters as temperatures rise, with guidance urging hikers to stay alert. Marine Life Conservation: Least terns expanded at Huntington Beach State Park, with nests jumping to 137 after habitat changes tied to dredging. Air Quality Alert: A code orange ozone alert was issued for parts of the Charlotte area and nearby Upstate counties. Heat Outlook: Humidity and temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s over the weekend, with scattered storms possible early next week.