Ocean Monitoring Fight: North Carolina lawmakers joined a push to stop the National Science Foundation from dismantling the $386M Ocean Observatories Initiative, which tracks ocean circulation, ecosystems, climate change and extreme weather, with instruments slated for removal from waters off NC by 2027. Microplastics in Drinking Water: AG Jeff Jackson backed EPA microplastics research but urged required monitoring in public water systems, warning the invisible particles could pose health risks and may rise in concentration over time. Extreme Heat Safety: A Duke expert urged North Carolinians to cool off early, use fans and blinds, and seek cooling centers as heat-related ER visits climbed in recent summers. Invasive Species Alert: A warning spread about hammerhead worms—hard to kill, toxic, and harmful to soil health because they prey on earthworms. Lake Weed Study: A new N.C. State-led study tied to a DEC grant will test how to manage invasive weeds in Chautauqua Lake, aiming to reduce nutrient-driven harmful algal blooms. Local Outdoors Recovery: Grandfather Mountain’s Profile Trail partially reopened after Tropical Storm Helene restoration, with some sections still closed. Main Street Wins: 49 North Carolina communities earned Main Street America accreditation for 2026, highlighting preservation-based revitalization. Project Infinity Site Shortlist: Cobalt Blue and Glomar Minerals narrowed locations for a proposed polymetallic nodule refinery to four sites across Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana.