The 2026 budget added the Student Lifeline Act, so schools and colleges must put 988 and Crisis Text Line contacts on new student IDs, websites and registration materials statewide.

CarolinaEast struck a short-term pact with UnitedHealthcare to remain in-network through Dec. 31; Blue Cross Medicare Advantage members face out-of-network hospital coverage starting Wednesday.

A Youngsville woman says a copperhead bit her while taking out the trash; after antivenom at two hospitals she faces weeks of recovery and an estimated $800K–$900K medical bill.