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.

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.

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.

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.

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.