Nor’easter recovery in NC Outer Banks: High tides and pounding surf have damaged Highway 12, with ocean overwash washing out sections near Hatteras Island and leaving residents stranded; NCDOT has set up emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe with restricted access, while limited ferry routes are resuming south of the damage. Coastal fisheries fight: North Carolina has appealed a court ruling that found the state failed its constitutional duty to protect public coastal fisheries, arguing climate change and budget limits were overlooked as conservation groups warn the appeal could delay fixes. Croatan National Forest roadless rule backlash: Environmental advocates are urging the federal government not to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, warning it could open more than 20,000 acres to logging and road building and threaten rare habitats in eastern NC; public comments run through Oct. 6. Water and flooding planning: Edenton advanced waterfront and harbor repairs, including plans for Filbert’s Creek engineering work and a federal grant application to repair Edenton Harbor breakwater structures. AI and water stress from data centers: Reporting highlights how AI data centers are driving new water and pollution concerns, with cooling methods and PFAS-linked expansion raising fresh pressure on communities and regulators. Fiber expansion in Concord: Kinetic says it added nearly 23% more fiber in the greater Concord area, pushing past 38,000 homes passed, and plans a week of community events.