Gas Prices & Politics: With voters focused on cost of living, Republicans are scrambling as diesel and gas pressures loom over key Senate races, including North Carolina, where GOP strategists worry about slipping support. Midterm Anxiety: National coverage highlights a broader GOP panic as candidates distance themselves from Trump amid polling headwinds and anger over tariffs and the Iran war. Electric Aviation in NC: Gov. Josh Stein joined an eLIFT-NC showcase at Raleigh Executive Jetport, flying on an electric aircraft to spotlight faster connections between airports, hospitals, and rural communities. Housing Incentives: Redfin reports home sellers are leaning harder on concessions—often $10,000 to $20,000—to move properties as mortgage rates hover near 7%. Public Health & Opioids: ECU research is expanding free Narcan vending machines across rural counties to improve overdose response readiness. Local Business & Recovery: Two years after Hurricane Helene, western NC businesses are still rebuilding, with one Chimney Rock shop reopening after major damage. Food Safety: USDA recalled meat from a Lucama, NC company after false inspection labels and lack of proper federal inspection. Cyber/Consumer Data: Labcorp reached a $2.3M multistate settlement tied to a 2019 breach affecting 27.5M people, including millions of Labcorp patients. Retail Tech: Lowe’s launched drone delivery in North Carolina with DoorDash and Wing, aiming for small-item drops in about 20 minutes. Local Government/Jobs: North Carolina’s Main Street program reported $500M in new investments, 300 new businesses, and nearly 2,500 new jobs.