Midterms & pocketbook pressure: A new AP-KFF poll finds rural voters—many still backing Trump—are increasingly frustrated by higher grocery, gas, and healthcare costs, raising doubts about GOP momentum heading into November. Campaign strategy shift: Republicans are also trying to distance themselves from Trump’s unpopular agenda as approval sinks and “bloodbath” fears grow, including in battleground states like North Carolina. Local business & jobs: Hendersonville says it has secured $72M in grants and low-interest loans to expand and harden its wastewater treatment plant after Hurricane Helene, aiming to support local manufacturing and improve flood resiliency. Life sciences growth: Oxford Biomedica brought GMP viral-vector manufacturing capacity online at its Durham facility, clearing a delay and adding commercial-scale capability. Retail & consumer impact: Costco has resubmitted plans for an Asheville store after earlier withdrawal, moving the project back through city review. Workforce pipeline: Pitt Community College won a $427,415 NSF grant to expand training for quality-control bioanalytical lab technicians in eastern North Carolina. Energy costs: Holiday travel could get pricier as airlines adjust routes amid surging jet fuel costs, with some routes including parts of the Carolinas flagged as lower-margin targets. Food & franchising: A major Wendy’s franchisee filed for bankruptcy protection after Wendy’s moved to terminate its franchise agreement, citing large fee and royalty disputes.