State Health Plan: The board overseeing North Carolina’s State Health Plan is set to vote Friday on major 2027 coverage changes that could affect nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and families, including a shift toward a preferred provider model that may lower costs for in-network users and raise them for others. Public Safety & Weather: Duplin County’s wildfire is now 525 acres with 40% containment, after evacuations and road closures; officials say no structures were damaged. Health Watch: A CDC-linked surge in cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” cases is driving new concern nationwide, with North Carolina among states seeing rising counts. Consumer/Everyday Life: North Carolina’s new budget guidance will eliminate physical vehicle registration cards and stickers, moving to electronic registration with a tentative Oct. 1, 2026 start. Tech & Rights: A Durham company launched an AI “knowledge clearinghouse” model that pays experts royalties when AI systems access registered expertise. Housing/Community: Weathervane Winery in Davidson County is back in familiar hands as new owners plan growth after buying the business tied to the founders’ legacy.