MORNING LINEUP
North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner says hospital consolidation leads to less competition and higher prices. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)
By Clayton Henkel
Less than 24 hours after the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to advance plans to consolidate WakeMed and Atrium Health, North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner says he is “profoundly concerned” that the deal is proceeding.
Briner dismissed claims by merger supporters that Atrium’s latest offer was an improvement.
Rev. Rob Stephens and members of The Patients Union cheer as Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters says that she will not support the WakeMed Atrium merger. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)
By Clayton Henkel
The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 late Monday to approve a controversial merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health.
The vote came after a five-hour public hearing during which deputies cleared protesters from the chambers as commissioners were preparing to vote on the transfer agreement.
Atrium has pledged $2 billion in hospital improvements. WakeMed President and CEO Donald Gintzig has said that funding is vital as the county continues to grow.
A server room in a data center. (Photo by Getty Images)
By Christine Zhu
A Chatham County data center project will move forward despite the county’s moratorium, following a court decision.
In February, Chatham County commissioners enacted a year-long moratorium on new data centers. The ban remains in effect until Feb. 11, 2027, or until new zoning regulations are adopted — whichever comes first.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City on Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump faces a “big decision” to make a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the country, he told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
During a 37-minute speech to his international counterparts including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in New York City, Trump asked, “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?
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NEWS
Trump says US and Iranian officials met shortly after warning he may ‘annihilate’ Iran|APnews.com
Trump’s rural base is feeling squeezed by the cost of living, new AP-KFF poll finds | APnews.com
What’s next for Atrium-WakeMed deal? Inside the next steps and the last-minute fight for concessions |WRAL.com
What challenges could WakeMed-Atrium merger run into as state and feds consider it? | Raleigh News & Observer
Asheville may run short of money to cover all who need homes rebuilt post-Helene|Raleigh News & Observer
NC Supreme Court candidates spar over past rulings, racial equity proposals| WUNC.org
Explainer: The constitutional amendments on the 2026 ballot |
WUNC.orgUNC seeks to use $9 million for athletics; NC State could sell naming rights to dining hall|WRAL.com
Cary town leaders motion to preserve $1M properties purchased by former town manager|WRAL.com
Debris removal brings new search for 2 people still missing after Helene|
WLOS.com2 years after Helene: $2.8B rebuild of Interstate 40, four lanes expected in 2029|WLOS.com
Cabarrus commissioner Larry Pittman resigns, replacement process begins |
WFAE.ORG
COMMENTARY
Draughon Draws: A rush to the hospital merger |WRAL.com
Andrew Dunn: NC’s biggest school districts keep proving their critics right |Raleigh News & Observer
Jacob M. Grumbach: DEI initiatives didn't cost companies. Just the opposite. |USA Today/Raleigh News & Observer
25 years after 9/11, terrorism has entered the AI era — we must adapt |TheHill.com
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