Industrial Real Estate: Rocky Mount Industrial Village is taking shape with a new 45,000-square-foot light industrial building near Betts and Peele, built in about seven months and aimed at attracting new tenants. Manufacturing & Jobs: Century Furniture in Hickory added three roles—creative director, product line manager, and upholstery merchandising/creative coordinator—signaling continued investment in design talent. Banking: United Community Banks reported second-quarter results with loan growth and margin expansion, while also pointing to the Peach State Bank acquisition and the planned Navitas equipment finance sale. Workforce & Training: Trane is expanding HVAC technician training with a 45,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Training Center in Davidson, built for large-scale hands-on upskilling. Public Health & Food Supply: North Carolina’s cyclospora situation remains fluid as officials track cases and schools adjust produce handling amid the broader national outbreak linked to Taylor Farms. Energy & Infrastructure: Duke Energy Carolinas reduced its proposed rate hike request in a new settlement, while FEMA approved additional funding for North Carolina Hurricane Helene/Tropical Storm Chantal recovery. Local Community & Development: Canton is drafting a comprehensive plan through 2050 after major flood-related tragedies, with residents pushing for flood-resilient growth and redevelopment. Environmental Science: N.C. State research finds insecticide resistance in Asian tiger mosquitoes is spreading widely—raising questions about how backyard spraying may be shaping survival.