Rural Health Access: Four health systems are competing for 92 new acute-care hospital beds in Western North Carolina, with residents warning that distance and ambulance delays can mean worse outcomes. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise blueberry and mixed-berry recalls to its highest risk level after an E. coli outbreak sickened 12 people and hospitalized four; the affected products were sold in NC and should be discarded or returned for refunds. Infectious Disease Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases may be trending down nationally, but the CDC says the summer outbreak has still reached record levels, with thousands of confirmed and probable cases. Local Public Health: A UNC-led tick study found Lyme bacteria in nearly 40% of adult deer ticks in Biltmore Forest, underscoring the need for tick bite prevention and testing. Mental Health Research: UNC eating-disorder expert Cynthia Bulik helped map distinct genetic profiles in binge eating vs. anorexia nervosa, pointing to more tailored treatments. Community Health: Novant Health hospitals in coastal NC earned American Heart Association recognition for heart failure and stroke care. Safety Tragedy: Two Milligan University cyclists were killed and seven injured after a vehicle struck their training ride in Tennessee; the driver was charged. Alzheimer’s Fundraiser: The Alzheimer’s Association Western NC chapter’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Sept. 19 in Pinehurst.