Severe Weather Disrupts Carnival: Antigua’s Met Office warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning that could affect outdoor Carnival events, with residents urged to seek shelter during thunder and avoid open areas. Junior Carnival Rescheduled: The Festivals Commission moved Junior Carnival from Sunday to Wednesday (July 29) at 1 p.m., citing safety concerns from ongoing rainfall and thunderstorm activity. Tropical Wave Rain Alert: A trough/tropical wave brought intense downpours and lightning across Antigua and Barbuda; officials say no flood warning is in place yet, but conditions could worsen. Mangrove Conservation Day: The Blue Economy Department marked International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem with education and a community mangrove mural project, highlighting coastal protection and biodiversity. Chemical Fishing Warning: A Caribbean-focused analysis flags how chemical fishing is hard to detect and can cause lasting reef damage, using lobster as a key example. Soil-to-Health Link: Experts say soil microbiomes shape human health, linking farming practices to chronic disease risk. El Niño Hits Farmers: Farmers are holding off planting and waiting on rain as El Niño looms, stressing water and soil management. Whaling Push Faces Backlash: Local NGOs urge PM Gaston Browne to oppose resuming commercial whaling at IWC70. Queen Conch Closed Season: Fisheries reminds the public the Queen Conch ban runs through Aug. 31, making harvesting and sale illegal.