Tickborne Disease Policy: The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act was signed into law, renewing federal strategy, CDC grants, and Regional Centers of Excellence aimed at Lyme and other tickborne diseases. Innovation & Research Parks: AURP named 2026 Awards of Excellence in Innovation winners, spotlighting leaders and communities turning university research into real-world impact. AI & Cloud Performance: Principled Technologies reported Google Cloud G4 multi-GPU AI inference outpaced AWS EC2 G7e in several scenarios, including faster time to first token. AI for Work in NC: Wilmington startup Augwork AI launched “Certified AI Employees” meant to plug into tools like Microsoft 365, Teams, Slack, Gmail, and QuickBooks for practical business automation. Agritech Breakthrough: N.C. State researchers unveiled “Plant Armor,” a textile cover that more than triples strawberry yields in tunnel trials while letting light, rain, and air through. Public Health in Schools: Colleges are urging faculty to locate measles immunity proof early to prevent campus disruption from a single case. Energy Use & Data Centers: A new study projects AI data centers could reach about 1% of global electricity demand by 2030, with strain likely concentrated in North America and Europe. Healthcare Tech & Access: Alignment Health announced a 2027 Medicare Advantage expansion into new counties across multiple states, including North Carolina. NC Newborn Screening: North Carolina’s newborn screening added two new detectable disorders, marking 60 years of the program. Local Tech & Privacy: Brunswick County commissioners paused new Flock Safety license plate reader purchases amid ongoing privacy concerns and an SBI review.