Heat & Power: A dangerous U.S. heat wave is pushing about 238 million people (roughly 70%) under heat alerts, including North Carolina, with officials warning of heat illness and power outages as grid stress rises. Public Safety & Food: With July 4 cookouts underway, USDA-style guidance is urging people to keep coolers at 40°F or below, use food thermometers, and limit how long hot or perishable foods sit out. Construction & Local Economy: Apex shifted its Fireworks Frenzy traditions due to downtown construction, moving events to Hunter Street while residents weigh the tradeoff between traffic disruption and improved sidewalks and pavement. Agriculture Research: NC State, FFAR and Agragene are backing a $300,000 grant to test new ways to suppress New World screwworm in livestock, aiming to speed response compared with older sterile-fly methods. Energy Regulation: Duke Energy Carolinas cut its proposed NC residential rate hike from 18% to 11.6% after objections, with a Utilities Commission decision expected this fall. Workforce/Community: NC Cooperative Extension is taking applications for an Extension Master Food Volunteer training starting Oct. 1 in Lee County, focused on nutrition, cooking, and local food systems. Business/Industry: French contractor Bouygues Construction completed its acquisition of Charlotte-based Vannoy Construction to expand in healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail across the Carolinas and Virginia.