AI & Elections: The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s push to restrict mail-in voting, setting up a fresh fight over how federal power should shape state election rules. AI in Schools: First lady Melania Trump is visiting Ashe County to highlight classroom technology as national debate over AI regulation heats up. Cancer Tech: UNC Lineberger won $40M from the OpenAI Foundation to help train AI models for more effective personalized cancer vaccines. Real Estate Tech: Hive MLS expanded RealReports across North and South Carolina, giving agents AI-powered property intelligence and new business tools. Healthcare Investment: HCA Healthcare announced $32M in upgrades at Mission Health facilities in western North Carolina, including imaging, surgical and emergency transport improvements. Community Learning: Rocky Mount’s City Council approved leasing the Imperial Centre to the North Carolina Children’s Museum to expand hands-on science and arts programming. Higher Ed & Workforce: North Carolina’s new community college funding model (Propel NC) shifts money toward short-term job training in high-demand fields. Research Funding: UNCW researchers received $1M+ in NIH support for projects spanning stress resilience and marine/psychology work. Manufacturing & Energy: Tark Thermal Solutions is opening a Durham thermoelectric technology center, while Hughes Technical Services and Liburdi Turbine Services expanded support for Alstom gas turbines. Ag Tech: North Carolina’s seed potato program is expanding into export markets, with certified seed shipments to multiple countries.