North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein says he will not oppose a merger between WakeMed, the Raleigh-based hospital system, and Atrium Health, the state's largest healthcare provider. The combination would bring two of the state's major hospital networks together, and the governor's decision removes a significant political hurdle. Observers are watching what the deal could mean for healthcare costs and access across the region.

An environmental group is challenging air quality permits tied to a large Amazon data center project in North Carolina, with Duke Energy supplying power to the facility. The challenge targets regulators' approval of emissions permits for the mega site, raising concerns about pollution and energy demand from rapidly expanding data center infrastructure. The dispute puts a spotlight on how states weigh tech industry growth against environmental standards.

Firefighters in Emerald Isle, North Carolina are responding to an active structure fire on Ocean Drive, according to local officials. Details about injuries, the extent of the damage, or what caused the blaze have not yet been released as crews work at the scene.

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.

Two homes in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, have been declared a total loss after a fire, according to local officials, who confirmed that no injuries were reported. The blaze caused significant property damage in the coastal town, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.