Drought Update: Most of North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought even after weekend rain helped some areas; the state is no longer in “exceptional drought,” but reservoir levels and streamflows are still well below normal, and water demand is higher than inflows. Eastern NC Impacts: Farmers in Beaufort County say the rain offers only short-term relief, with long-term moisture still lacking and crop risk lingering into hot months. Helene Recovery Funding: FEMA announced a combined $97M for North Carolina Hurricane Helene recovery, including more than $38M in additional reimbursements for Western NC damage repair projects. Water Cleanup Hearing: NCDEQ scheduled a public hearing on the Bingham Park Remedial Action Plan in Greensboro (June 9), with written comments due by June 30. Offshore Wind Fallout: U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross pressed the Trump administration over nearly $2M in offshore wind buyout payouts tied to lease exits in North Carolina. Marine Life: NC Division of Marine Fisheries certified a new state record Graysby Grouper caught off Southport. Local Planning: NCDOT released six conceptual designs to reconnect Charlotte’s I-77 South corridor, including cap parks and pedestrian/bike connections.