Business Rankings: CNBC’s 2026 “America’s Top States for Business” puts North Carolina in the top tier again, with the state landing near the very top while Michigan is named No. 6—highlighting how infrastructure, workforce, and cost of doing business keep reshuffling the competitive map. Consumer Costs: AAA Carolinas explains why gas prices can jump fast even when the fuel in the ground hasn’t changed—wholesale moves, crude oil swings, refinery maintenance, and summer demand can push retail prices within hours. Housing Crunch: A new look at North Carolina’s shortage puts the gap at 764,000 units by 2029 and shows affordability is worsening, with proposals ranging from zoning changes to tax credits for renovating older homes. Local Business & Food: Zora’s Fresh Seafood Market and Kitchen in Wilmington rolled out a new menu, including signature shrimp and fish options. Community & Culture: Raleigh’s criminal defense firm highlights common post-arrest mistakes for Triangle residents, while local calendars and events keep rolling out across the region. Public Safety Tech: A broader debate continues over audio gunshot sensor systems, with accuracy and privacy concerns driving pushback in multiple cities. Retail Expansion: Costco is planning a new 166,000-square-foot warehouse in Clayton, anchoring a major development and adding a 24-hour gas station. Scam Crackdown: Kansas AG Kris Kobach joins a multistate push urging the FCC to curb robocall scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers, after reports of massive call volumes.