SNAP Funding Shift: A new federal change will make states start paying part of SNAP benefits in fall 2027, with analysts warning it could cost states billions and push some to drop out. Tourism Spending: Small-business owners in tourist areas say more Americans are taking shorter, closer-to-home trips this summer, keeping vacation dollars local. Workforce & Training: Altec in Mount Airy won a statewide ApprenticeshipNC award for its pre-apprenticeship model built with a manufacturing-based school program and Surry Community College. State Budget & Health Plan: Gov. Josh Stein signed North Carolina’s first full budget in more than two years, including major teacher pay raises and Medicaid funding, while the State Health Plan board chose Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC as its third-party administrator starting in 2028. Elections: North Carolina’s elections board chairman accused Gov. Stein of misstatements about early voting site decisions. Data Centers: NC ended a sales/use tax break on data-center electricity while keeping incentives for equipment and other capital investments. Food Safety: Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries were recalled in multiple states after E. coli illness cases. Freight Planning: NCDOT is seeking public input on an updated statewide multimodal freight plan, with meetings in Waynesville, Greensboro and Wilmington.