Healthcare Investment: UNC Health rebranded Rex Health Ventures as UNC Health Ventures, a corporate venture capital and strategic investment platform aimed at partnering with emerging healthcare companies across North Carolina. Local Governance & Public Safety: New Hanover County commissioners will review a $219,000 Flock Safety contract after residents protested AI-enabled license plate reader surveillance. Tech & Consumer Protection: A multistate trial against Meta over addictive features targeting youth began in federal court, with attorneys general arguing the platforms harmed children’s mental and physical health. Energy & Utilities: Connecticut intervened in the NextEra-Dominion merger review at FERC, warning the deal could raise costs and reduce competition for New England nuclear power. Transportation & Infrastructure: Rowan County held a “crash course” on data centers tied to its moratorium requirements, while Charlotte’s I-485 crash report pointed to risky driving, THC, and an illegally parked tractor-trailer. Business & Jobs: Bridgetown Natural Foods is expanding its Wilson County workforce, with 100 positions still open for its granola bar operation. Food & Recalls: Lidl recalled a specific lot of wok spice mix in nine states plus D.C. after Salmonella was found in a lab sample. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Randleman among 120 NC cities tied for 123rd for scam reports in July.