PFAS Accountability: North Carolina and 11 local governments reached a $590 million settlement with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva over PFAS contamination, including $455 million over 15 years tied to Fayetteville Works and a $135 million reserve for compliance. Public Health & Water Safety: State health officials say a Durham teen’s fatal brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) was most likely linked to a water feature at a community mental health center; the feature tested positive and remains closed. Flooding & Land Use: Greenville residents urged caution on a rezoning that could add 500+ homes, warning of worsening flooding and other impacts. Roadless Protections: Western North Carolina conservationists rallied at App State to oppose rescinding the Roadless Rule, arguing it would open national forests to more development and wildfire risk. Water Supply Pressure: Raleigh Water told city leaders demand could double by 2065, pushing costly long-term supply planning after the region’s drought. Dam Safety Funding: NCDEQ awarded the remaining $3.4 million from a Helene dam safety fund to repair three high-hazard dams. Data Centers vs. Communities: A report says local data center moratoriums have surged nationwide, with North Carolina among the states seeing the most restrictions—driven by electricity, grid capacity, and water concerns.