Vocational Education: Wayne Community College again landed on USA Today’s Top Vocational Schools list, earning top-tier stars for graduation outcomes and career value. College Football (UNC): UNC opens Week Zero in Dublin against TCU, with the international matchup framed as a bigger university showcase and a key test for Bill Belichick’s second season. Public Health: Iredell County issued a potential rabies exposure alert tied to a mobile petting zoo after baby goats tested positive following a skunk incident; officials are urging anyone who attended recent events to contact the health department. Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced $16.8 million for Hendersonville Affordable Housing Corporation repairs to Helene-damaged apartments, aiming to speed residents back into safer homes. Energy & Defense: The Army selected Fort Bragg, NC, as one of five bases for nuclear microreactors under the Janus program, with contractors developing and operating the systems. Utilities: Duke Energy reached an agreement to cut its proposed NC rate increase to 3.4% over two years. Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded into three more states, pushing the total beyond 11,000 illnesses. Elections & Courts: DOJ appealed a court order blocking USPS mail-voting rule changes, keeping the legal fight in motion ahead of November.