Health & Wellness: NCDHHS recognized three North Carolina maternity centers for breastfeeding support, including UNC Health Chatham (five-star), Mission Hospital (four-star), and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Birthplace (two-star). Culture & Community: Appalachia Service Project volunteers from Severna Park United Methodist Church are helping families in the region with home repairs and ramps as part of its long-running summer mission. Public Safety & Accountability: WECT Investigates reports complaints filed with the NC Department of Justice and State Auditor over alleged Medicaid fraud, extortion, and misuse of funds tied to a Pender County commissioner’s nonprofit. Local Education & Youth: Appalachian State band director John Stanley Ross resigned ahead of a planned firing after an internal investigation found a sustained pattern of alleged sexual misconduct. Environment & Daily Life: Drought conditions are easing after rain, but most of North Carolina remains in moderate to severe drought, with reservoirs still below normal and conservation urged. Beauty & Self-Care: Nuvera Aesthetics and Wellness announced adding the Candela Matrix skin renewal platform for non-surgical, personalized treatment. Immigration & the Outdoors: ICE partnered with the Forest Service and local law enforcement in a Pisgah National Forest operation, prompting questions from advocates about why immigration enforcement happened in a national forest. Arts: Piedmont Opera unveiled its 50th anniversary season lineup, including events led by Renée Fleming and multiple North Carolina premieres. Pageantry: Miss North Carolina USA 2026 was stripped from Brittany Boltinhouse after a review, with first runner-up Myla Hadley named as the new titleholder.