Education & Access: Gov. Josh Stein highlighted NC College Connect at Emsley A. Laney Public High School in Wilmington, touting direct admissions for eligible seniors and more than 23,000 students using the program last year. Public Health: A new American Heart Association report finds only 1 in 5 Hispanic adults has “ideal” heart health, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity driving disparities. Immigration & Schools: DeKalb County School Board approved a policy to protect students from ICE activity in school buildings, requiring identity checks and limiting questioning without proper authority. Local Culture & Learning: Appalachian State’s RECAPP event spotlights faculty research and creativity ahead of a Sept. 18 showcase. Community Support: Orphan Grain Train donated bikes, helmets, and other essentials to local youth and ministries. Tech in the Classroom: First Lady Melania Trump visited Ashe County’s Mountain View Elementary to promote AI tools and STEM learning with Nvidia partnerships. Infrastructure & Environment: Stein addressed the Chemours PFAS settlement and Cape Fear Memorial Bridge funding during a Wilmington visit. School Staffing Pressure: Wake County schools face pay gaps and staffing shortages, according to newly released studies. Health & Safety: 2 Out Rally Foundation is preparing a Sept. 24 naloxone training push to help residents respond to overdoses.