Retail Expansion: Lowes Foods is set to open its converted Lyman, S.C. store Aug. 20 at 8 a.m., after a Kj’s Market remodel and a push to recruit local shoppers for a sneak peek. Local Development: Wilmington’s council approved rezoning for a Wawa near UNCW, clearing the way to replace a vacant Furniture Fair site with a new convenience and fuel station, pending permits. State Policy & Hemp: North Carolina lawmakers sent two election bills to Gov. Josh Stein—one would cut early voting and expand ballot-challenge pathways, while another extends ballot-counting deadlines—while the hemp fight continues as HB 328 faces shifting support after protests and industry warnings. Workforce & Training: Asheville-Buncombe Tech plans a $29.2M “Futures Factory” to train about 800 workers annually by 2035 and build an advanced manufacturing hub with Pratt & Whitney nearby. Energy & Rates: Duke Energy’s Q2 call highlighted a North Carolina rate settlement framework and growing data-center power demand, alongside major infrastructure spending. Business Deals: HBK agreed to acquire Sentech, expanding its embedded sensing portfolio with precision position/speed sensors. Health Funding: PSC Partners Seeking a Cure won PCORI funding to build patient-led research capacity for primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma surveillance.