Drought Watch: North Carolina’s drought map worsened slightly despite recent rains, with eight counties in “exceptional drought” and dozens more in extreme to severe categories—water systems are urged to follow shortage plans. Water & Wastewater Funding: Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission secured nearly $1 million in CDBG support to replace the Beards Fork force main serving the Clinton area, helping protect daily wastewater service for thousands of customers. Food Safety: South Carolina reported 16 cyclosporiasis cases this year (10 in July), with officials stressing it’s not tied to the larger multistate outbreak—monitoring continues. Public Health Lab Upgrade: South Carolina opened a new Public Health and Environmental Laboratory in Columbia, expanding testing for newborn screening, drinking water, infectious disease, and radiological work. Nuclear Oversight: Environmental groups sued the NNSA over plutonium pit production’s environmental review, arguing key details about whether new pits are needed were missing; public comment runs through July 16. Data Center Debate: Fairfield County residents pressed for a data center moratorium after reports of negotiations, while New York’s statewide data center construction pause is drawing national attention. Heat Alert: South Carolina faces another stretch of intense heat and humidity with triple-digit heat index values possible, plus scattered storms into the weekend. Renewable & Recycling Moves: Best Buy expanded solar installations (including a rooftop community solar garden) and South Carolina lawmakers honored Green Energy Biofuel for turning fats, oils, and greases into renewable feedstocks.