Good morning. In 2013, scientists first discovered seven different types of PFAS—nicknamed “forever chemicals”—in the Lower Cape Fear River, the drinking water source for several public utilities in the region. The insidious chemicals were eluding traditional water treatment systems and flowing through the taps of hundreds of thousands of people.
The scientists traced many of the compounds to Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant, 80 miles upstream. State and federal documents show that for 40 years Chemours and its predecessor, DuPont, had been quietly tainting the drinking water of a half-million North Carolinians.
For years after that, North Carolina activists persisted in overcoming political and scientific hurdles to convince the EPA to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
But the celebration was brief. Since coming into office, the Trump administration has begun dismantling those environmental protections, including rolling back forever chemical regulations. More in our lead story, published in partnership with The Assembly, WHQR, and Inside Climate News.
Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: A new Cumberland County Animal Services program called “Mutts on the Move” allows volunteers to walk and run with shelter dogs. The group was started to help alleviate the stress being put on both dogs and staff from the overcrowded shelter, giving the pups “some kind of normalcy.” Plus, early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal elections starts in just two days. In case you missed it, head to the polls prepared with our stories mapping the outcomes of the Fayetteville primary.
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Editor-in-Chief
A Short-Lived Win in a Never-Ending Fight Over Forever Chemicals
For seven years, N.C. activists overcame political and scientific hurdles to convince the EPA to regulate PFAS in drinking water. Now they’re confronting a Trump administration intent on quashing their success.
More from CityView
Mutts on the Move volunteer group helps shelter dogs feel a bit of normalcy
The new Cumberland County Animal Services program allows volunteers to walk and run with the animals.
ICYMI: Incumbents, challengers move forward from Fayetteville City Council primaries
Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 had primaries. In November, eight of the nine districts will have competitive races.
ICYMI: Mitch Colvin and Kathy Keefe Jensen advance in race for Fayetteville mayor
The incumbent mayor and council member emerged as the top vote-getters in Fayetteville’s 2025 mayoral primary.
Events
FLOURISH WOMEN’S WELLNESS & HEALTH EVENT
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 4-7 p.m. today
- What: Join us for a free event dedicated to empowering women of all ages to take charge of their health and well-being!
BACKWOODS TERROR RANCH
- Where: Sweet Valley Ranch, 2990 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville
- When: 7:30-11 p.m. today
- What: Backwoods Terror Ranch returns this fall at Sweet Valley Ranch!
TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC BINGO
- Where: 22 Klicks Bar and Grill, 2653 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville
- When: 8-10 p.m. today
- What: Come hang out with Fayetteville Disc Jockey at 22 Klicks Bar and Grill for music bingo!
Obituaries
George Franklin Mitchell Jr.
George Franklin Mitchell Jr., passed away on Saturday, Oct 4.
John Archie Butler
John Archie Butler, 80, passed away on Monday, Oct. 6.
Ms. Greta Raynette Meekins
Greta Raynette Meekins, 67, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Until tomorrow!
✈️ Fayetteville Regional Airport is launching a new art exhibition called “Facets.” An opening reception will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the airport. The exhibit, on display through early February, was curated by artist Collyn Strother and is sponsored by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. It promises to “showcase the stories, traditions, and creativity that define Fayetteville’s identity” through the work of 12 local artists. More details here.
~ Maydha
