PFAS Fallout: North Carolina officials are blasting a $450M Chemours-EPA settlement as being negotiated “behind our backs,” arguing it won’t undo long-running PFAS damage and calling for the deal to be thrown out. Local Food Retail Politics: In New York, independent grocers and bodega owners are pushing back on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan for city-owned stores aimed at cutting prices, warning it could squeeze small operators. NJ Policy & Waste: New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law is now in effect, shifting takeout utensils, napkins, straws and condiment packets to “request only,” with restaurants adapting to the new workflow. Immigration & Voting: NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill says thousands of noncitizens were steered to taxpayer-funded legal help after a voter-rolls software error, while the administration points to the MVC vendor and disputes continue. Health & Food Safety: Philadelphia-area shoppers are watching a cyclospora outbreak, with local grocers saying they’re staying vigilant as confirmed cases rise. Business/Tech Security: Eleven allied governments warn North Korean IT operatives are using real-time deepfakes to pass live interview checks, a threat with major hiring and compliance implications. Entertainment: Vincent Pastore, “Big Pussy” from “The Sopranos,” died at 80.