ALSO NOTED: Triad/Community merger moves ahead; second BCBS of NC pays P4P bonuses; and much more...

> Shareholders have approved the $5.1 billion sale of Triad Hospitals to Community Health Systems. The combined company will operate more than 140 facilities in 28 states. Article

> Working with the N.C. State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has doled out $800,000 in pay-for-performance bonuses. Article

> Signs of the times: A planned ambulatory surgery center is in the Birmingham, AL metro is facing challenges from no less than five competitors. Article

> Two Ohio universities are joining up to offer a doctor of nursing degree online. Article

And Finally... It's the case of the $54 million pants. (No, I'm not making this up.) Article