Wildlife & Water Temperatures: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will delay fall 2026 Delayed Harvest trout stocking after unusually hot summer water temperatures, drought, and Hurricane Helene impacts left hatchery supplies short—staff estimate about 70% of trout lost at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery since June. Air Pollution Oversight: Environmental advocates accuse datacenter developers of dodging tougher EPA review by splitting emissions into smaller “minor” permits; in North Carolina, Amazon and Duke Energy’s diesel generator plan for a hyperscale center is cited as avoiding a major review in a low-income area already hit by pollution. Storm Impacts Beyond NC, With NC Ripples: A powerful nor’easter continues to batter the U.S. Northeast with flooding and outages, while North Carolina’s Outer Banks face ongoing damage and ferry disruptions; N.C. Ferry Division resumes key routes and plans emergency service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe while N.C. 12 remains closed. Conservation Access & Land Use: The U.S. Forest Service is considering a rule shift that would presume many trails open to ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s unless marked closed, drawing criticism from conservation groups over habitat and erosion risks. Community Reuse: Savers thrift opens a new Donation Drop Spot in Salisbury to route reusable items to the American Red Cross, aiming to keep clothing and housewares out of landfills.