North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein says he will not oppose the proposed merger between Atrium Health, the state's largest healthcare system, and Raleigh-based WakeMed. The combination would create one of the biggest hospital networks in North Carolina, with state regulators and residents watching closely for what it means for healthcare costs and access in the Triangle region.

North Carolina's attorney general is calling on Congress to establish safeguards around artificial intelligence following a series of bot attacks. He argues federal action is needed to protect consumers and elections from AI-driven manipulation, and is urging lawmakers to move on regulation as AI misuse cases mount.

Fire crews in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, are responding to an active structure fire on Ocean Drive, according to local officials. Details about injuries, damage or the cause of the blaze have not yet been released, and residents in the area are watching for updates as emergency crews work the scene.

An environmental group is challenging air quality permits issued for a massive Amazon data center project in North Carolina, with Duke Energy also named in the challenge. The dispute centers on emissions linked to powering the facility. Data centers have drawn growing scrutiny over their electricity demands and pollution footprint.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says sections of Highway 12, the main route along the Outer Banks, remain closed because of ocean overwash covering the road. Overwash happens when waves push seawater and sand across the low-lying highway, making travel unsafe. Drivers in the area are being told to expect delays or use alternate routes while crews assess and clear the affected stretches.

Fire officials in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, report that two homes have been declared a total loss following a fire. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. Details on the cause of the fire and the extent of damage to surrounding properties have not yet been released.

Antawn Jamison's voice carried weight in the decision to hire Michael Malone, thanks to his connections to North Carolina and a long NBA playing career. The former Tar Heels star and 16-year NBA veteran is credited with helping bring the experienced head coach on board, blending his college roots with professional credibility.

Officials in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, have closed Ocean Drive because of an active fire. Emergency crews are responding and residents and visitors are being urged to avoid the area while the situation develops. No details on injuries or damage have been released yet.

North Carolina Highway 12 near the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe has been closed after ocean water washed over the roadway on the Outer Banks. The route, a vital link for Hatteras Island communities, is frequently flooded during coastal storms and high surf. Travelers are being urged to use caution or find alternative arrangements while crews wait for conditions to improve.

North Carolina is appealing a court ruling that found the state mismanaged its fisheries. The decision had found the state failed in its duty to protect and manage fish populations in public waters, a verdict with significant implications for commercial and recreational fishing regulation. State officials are now contesting that finding, and the appeal will determine how much authority the state retains over its fisheries management going forward.

North Carolina's attorney general is calling on Congress to establish national guardrails for artificial intelligence, citing growing safety concerns. The appeal adds to a wider debate among state and federal officials over how to regulate AI technologies as their use expands across the United States.

Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, residents continue to struggle with mental health challenges, according to local reporting. The storm's lasting impact is still being felt as communities rebuild and people cope with loss, displacement and trauma long after the immediate disaster response ended.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says sections of NC 12, the main route along the Outer Banks, remain closed after ocean overwash covered parts of the road. Drivers are being warned to expect disruptions until crews can clear sand and water and confirm the highway is safe to reopen. NC 12 is the only road linking many Outer Banks communities, so closures typically affect residents, visitors and emergency access.