Utility M&A: Dominion and NextEra have filed with Virginia regulators to approve their $66.8B merger, a deal that would create a giant regulated utility serving about 10 million customer accounts across Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Sports Business: The Carolina Panthers are extending Bank of America’s stadium naming rights in a long-term deal worth more than $1.3B, with major enhancements planned for Bank of America Stadium. AI/Data Centers & Power Costs: Trump’s administration is expanding a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aimed at pushing data-center infrastructure costs onto the companies building them, while local opposition and state-level moratoriums keep the fight hot. Immigration Enforcement: A report says ICE plans to dramatically expand detention on the East Coast, including a 1,400-bed facility in North Carolina by year’s end. Banking: Ally Financial (Charlotte) says dealer credit applications hit a record 4.6M in Q2, driving higher auto originations. Public Health: North Carolina health officials say cyclospora cases likely have multiple sources, even as the Taco Bell-linked outbreak continues to evolve. Food Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of lentil soup nationwide due to a can “easy open tab” defect that could raise spoilage risk. Local Economy/Jobs: Pitt County will hold a public hearing Aug. 3 on a $100,000 state building reuse grant (with local match) tied to Project STRATOSPHERE and at least 13 jobs. Helene Aid: North Carolina’s new state budget includes about $700M for Helene recovery in Western NC.