North Carolina

The North Carolina attorney general is calling on Congress to establish safeguards around artificial intelligence following a series of bot attacks. The appeal urges federal lawmakers to act on AI-driven manipulation, a concern gaining traction among state officials who say they lack tools to address it on their own.

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 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.

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.

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 legally challenging air quality permits tied to a massive Amazon data center project in North Carolina, where Duke Energy would supply power. The group argues the permits do not adequately account for pollution from the energy generation and backup systems needed to run the facility. The case highlights growing scrutiny of how Big Tech's data center boom affects local air quality and utility infrastructure.

North Carolina Highway 12, the main road linking Hatteras Island communities, has been closed near the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe after ocean water washed over the roadway. The closure cuts a key route for residents and visitors on the Outer Banks, and drivers are being told to avoid the area until conditions improve and crews can clear and inspect the road.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says sections of Highway 12, the main route along the Outer Banks, remain closed after ocean water washed over the road. Motorists travelling through the affected stretches face detours until crews can clear sand and water and confirm the roadway is safe. NC12 is regularly vulnerable to overwash during coastal storms and high tides.