nathan p. collins 🦇
@nathanpcollins.bsky.social
investigative reporter for The News & Observer
A high-end speaker system delivered to a home, not a town office. A pricey out-of-town dinner classified as a training expense.
These are just some of the items former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall paid for using his town-issued card.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
These are just some of the items former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall paid for using his town-issued card.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
A $500 dinner, high-end sound equipment: A peek into ex-Cary town manager’s spending
Some purchases made by former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall on a government procurement card were delivered to his home, town records show.
www.newsobserver.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:18 PM
A high-end speaker system delivered to a home, not a town office. A pricey out-of-town dinner classified as a training expense.
These are just some of the items former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall paid for using his town-issued card.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
These are just some of the items former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall paid for using his town-issued card.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
from my investigative team colleague in Charlotte @caitmcglade.bsky.social:
Is your child’s NC school protected against measles?
Is your child’s NC school protected against measles?
The measles is going around. Is your child's school protected? I did a ton of data cleaning and analysis to bring you answers, via @charlotteobserver.com. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Measles is spreading: Is your child’s North Carolina school vulnerable?
When the number of vaccinated children drop too low in a school, the risk of infection increases there and in the wider community, experts say.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:26 PM
from my investigative team colleague in Charlotte @caitmcglade.bsky.social:
Is your child’s NC school protected against measles?
Is your child’s NC school protected against measles?
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
The measles is going around. Is your child's school protected? I did a ton of data cleaning and analysis to bring you answers, via @charlotteobserver.com. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Measles is spreading: Is your child’s North Carolina school vulnerable?
When the number of vaccinated children drop too low in a school, the risk of infection increases there and in the wider community, experts say.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:59 PM
The measles is going around. Is your child's school protected? I did a ton of data cleaning and analysis to bring you answers, via @charlotteobserver.com. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
been a whirlwind few weeks for journalism here in North Carolina. i appreciate all yall who’ve been reading the @newsobserver.com coverage, especially with that’s been happening in the town of Cary.
we’ve got much more for yall. stay tuned, and we’ll talk soon.
we’ve got much more for yall. stay tuned, and we’ll talk soon.
January 14, 2026 at 1:28 AM
been a whirlwind few weeks for journalism here in North Carolina. i appreciate all yall who’ve been reading the @newsobserver.com coverage, especially with that’s been happening in the town of Cary.
we’ve got much more for yall. stay tuned, and we’ll talk soon.
we’ve got much more for yall. stay tuned, and we’ll talk soon.
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
The SBI is being asked to launch a criminal investigation into misuse of Cary town funds. The latest from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @virginabridges.bsky.social.
Wake County DA requests criminal probe into spending of Cary town funds
This comes a day after State Auditor Dave Boliek announced that preliminary findings from his office indicate potential criminal activity by former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall.
www.newsobserver.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:08 PM
The SBI is being asked to launch a criminal investigation into misuse of Cary town funds. The latest from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @virginabridges.bsky.social.
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Wake County DA requests criminal probe into spending of Cary town funds. Lorrin Freeman wants the SBI to investigate allegations of misuse of Cary town funds by the former town manager. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social & Virginia Bridges) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #wakepol
Wake County DA requests criminal probe into spending of Cary town funds
This comes a day after State Auditor Dave Boliek announced that preliminary findings from his office indicate potential criminal activity by former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall.
www.newsobserver.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Wake County DA requests criminal probe into spending of Cary town funds. Lorrin Freeman wants the SBI to investigate allegations of misuse of Cary town funds by the former town manager. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social & Virginia Bridges) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #wakepol
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager. A review of procurement card data found “several transactions that are potentially indicative of fraud,” the office announced. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #wakepol
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
State Auditor Dave Boliek says initial forensic analysis conducted by his office’s investigative division prompts his conclusion.
www.newsobserver.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:08 PM
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager. A review of procurement card data found “several transactions that are potentially indicative of fraud,” the office announced. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #wakepol
NEW from @newsobserver.com:
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
State Auditor Dave Boliek says initial forensic analysis conducted by his office’s investigative division prompts his conclusion.
www.newsobserver.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:36 PM
NEW from @newsobserver.com:
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC auditor sees ‘potential criminal activity’ in spending by former Cary town manager
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
The town of Cary paid over $150k to produce and promote a book about former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall’s vision for municipal governance.
The book was published just months before town leaders forced Stegall to resign.
from me and Dan Kane:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...
The book was published just months before town leaders forced Stegall to resign.
from me and Dan Kane:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...
Book lauding Cary’s ex-town manager as ‘change-agent’ cost the town over $150K
Records show Cary paid over $150,000 to write and promote a book about its former Town Manager’s leadership. Not everyone knew about the cost.
www.newsobserver.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:27 PM
The town of Cary paid over $150k to produce and promote a book about former Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall’s vision for municipal governance.
The book was published just months before town leaders forced Stegall to resign.
from me and Dan Kane:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...
The book was published just months before town leaders forced Stegall to resign.
from me and Dan Kane:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Cary spent at least $151,000 on former town manager's "good governance" book. A total of 143 copies were sold between August and December. The town paid for at least 2,800 print copies and for a ghostwriter, records show. The latest from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @dpkane.bsky.social.
Book lauding Cary’s ex-town manager as ‘change-agent’ cost the town over $150K
Records show Cary paid over $150,000 to write and promote a book about its former Town Manager’s leadership. Not everyone knew about the cost.
www.newsobserver.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Cary spent at least $151,000 on former town manager's "good governance" book. A total of 143 copies were sold between August and December. The town paid for at least 2,800 print copies and for a ghostwriter, records show. The latest from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @dpkane.bsky.social.
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Cary residents demand transparency in aftermath of town manager resignation. Council members face calls for investigation after alleged misspending and deals. Town hired a law firm to investigate. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social ) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c... #ncpol #wakepol
Cary residents demand transparency in aftermath of town manager resignation
Amid questions and concerns around how taxpayer money is spent, Cary residents are calling for action.
www.newsobserver.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Cary residents demand transparency in aftermath of town manager resignation. Council members face calls for investigation after alleged misspending and deals. Town hired a law firm to investigate. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social ) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c... #ncpol #wakepol
In post to his blog, Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht called my story about two ADA noncompliant trolleys he said were returned that were not, “misleading.”
Weinbrecht didn’t respond to my calls/emails for comment but ends his post with this:
Weinbrecht didn’t respond to my calls/emails for comment but ends his post with this:
December 22, 2025 at 10:35 PM
In post to his blog, Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht called my story about two ADA noncompliant trolleys he said were returned that were not, “misleading.”
Weinbrecht didn’t respond to my calls/emails for comment but ends his post with this:
Weinbrecht didn’t respond to my calls/emails for comment but ends his post with this:
In 2023, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said two trolleys Cary bought were returned due to ADA noncompliance.
They weren’t. Instead, they were warehoused locally until this summer when they were sold to a California transit agency.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
They weren’t. Instead, they were warehoused locally until this summer when they were sold to a California transit agency.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Mayor said non-ADA compliant trolleys Cary bought were returned. That didn’t happen.
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht wrote on his blog in 2023 that two trolleys had been returned. When the town did get rid of them, it was at a loss.
www.newsobserver.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM
In 2023, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said two trolleys Cary bought were returned due to ADA noncompliance.
They weren’t. Instead, they were warehoused locally until this summer when they were sold to a California transit agency.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
They weren’t. Instead, they were warehoused locally until this summer when they were sold to a California transit agency.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Cary's mayor cites "over-the-top spending," "lack of transparency" and "an unhealthy work environment" in announcing that the town and its manager are parting ways. Great work from @annamroman.bsky.social, @dpkane.bsky.social, @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @vizjourno.bsky.social.
Cary town manager resigns amid scrutiny over spending. Mayor ‘sick, sad and mad.’
The mayor said Sean Stegall was put on leave for over-the-top spending, a lack of transparency and an unhealthy work environment.
www.newsobserver.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Cary's mayor cites "over-the-top spending," "lack of transparency" and "an unhealthy work environment" in announcing that the town and its manager are parting ways. Great work from @annamroman.bsky.social, @dpkane.bsky.social, @nathanpcollins.bsky.social and @vizjourno.bsky.social.
A group of concerned Chapel Hill community members rescued a young disabled woman from harm.
Now, her guardian is sounding the alarm and asking why local social services didn’t act on at least two formal reports about the issue.
read my latest report:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Now, her guardian is sounding the alarm and asking why local social services didn’t act on at least two formal reports about the issue.
read my latest report:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
A disabled woman was rescued from harm. Guardian says Triangle agency failed.
After the young woman disappeared from school and activities, a former teacher stepped in. She and others wonder why Orange County DSS didn’t intervene earlier.
www.newsobserver.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A group of concerned Chapel Hill community members rescued a young disabled woman from harm.
Now, her guardian is sounding the alarm and asking why local social services didn’t act on at least two formal reports about the issue.
read my latest report:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Now, her guardian is sounding the alarm and asking why local social services didn’t act on at least two formal reports about the issue.
read my latest report:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Evidence shows DHS didn’t arrest only ‘worst of the worst’ in NC detention surge. CBS News reported that fewer than a third of the people picked up by the Border Patrol during Charlotte's Web had criminal histories. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
Evidence shows DHS didn’t arrest only ‘worst of the worst’ in NC detention surge
DHS alleged it focused on dangerous criminals during operations in NC but has not released proof. Very few names have been made public among hundreds of people seized this month.
www.newsobserver.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Evidence shows DHS didn’t arrest only ‘worst of the worst’ in NC detention surge. CBS News reported that fewer than a third of the people picked up by the Border Patrol during Charlotte's Web had criminal histories. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
DHS claimed immigration authorities arrested “the worst of the worst” during recent NC detention operations.
Evidence shows that wasn’t always the case and federal officials arrested people with no criminal records.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Evidence shows that wasn’t always the case and federal officials arrested people with no criminal records.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Evidence shows DHS didn’t arrest only ‘worst of the worst’ in NC detention surge
DHS alleged it focused on dangerous criminals during operations in NC but has not released proof. Very few names have been made public among hundreds of people seized this month.
www.newsobserver.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
DHS claimed immigration authorities arrested “the worst of the worst” during recent NC detention operations.
Evidence shows that wasn’t always the case and federal officials arrested people with no criminal records.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Evidence shows that wasn’t always the case and federal officials arrested people with no criminal records.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
The NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited declining mental health in a request for a court fee waiver last year.
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited PTSD in court filing last year
Before he was charged with killing four of his children, the Johnston County father cited poor mental health when asking a judge for financial relief.
www.newsobserver.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited declining mental health in a request for a court fee waiver last year.
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
“I don’t want my kids living with fear all the time." Powerful story from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social on a Raleigh husband and father of two teenage daughters who made the decision to self deport.
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
“I don’t want my kids living with fear all the time." Powerful story from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social on a Raleigh husband and father of two teenage daughters who made the decision to self deport.
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms. The Rivera family are among those living in the Triangle who say they're facing the hard decision of whether a loved one should self deport. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms. The Rivera family are among those living in the Triangle who say they're facing the hard decision of whether a loved one should self deport. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
Fidel Rivera lived, worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for 30 years, despite his immigration status.
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Fidel Rivera lived, worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for 30 years, despite his immigration status.
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh. Sen. Norman Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, says he ‘made a regrettable mistake’ and takes responsibility for his actions. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social)
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh
He was also charged with having an open container and failing to obey a traffic officer.
www.newsobserver.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh. Sen. Norman Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, says he ‘made a regrettable mistake’ and takes responsibility for his actions. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social)
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
i was at Elon U today for the Central Carolina J-Day and led a session on where to find good story ideas to a group of (very engaged) hs students.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
October 16, 2025 at 5:39 PM
i was at Elon U today for the Central Carolina J-Day and led a session on where to find good story ideas to a group of (very engaged) hs students.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
before i was a reporter, i was a professional musician. d’angelo is one of like five artists that genuinely, truly impacted my musicianship in a way words can’t describe. i’m heartbroken. rip to THE GOAT.
October 14, 2025 at 10:50 PM
before i was a reporter, i was a professional musician. d’angelo is one of like five artists that genuinely, truly impacted my musicianship in a way words can’t describe. i’m heartbroken. rip to THE GOAT.
hi bsky: i’m on insta (officially) for work now @ ireportnc
give me a follow if you want
give me a follow if you want
October 14, 2025 at 6:24 PM
hi bsky: i’m on insta (officially) for work now @ ireportnc
give me a follow if you want
give me a follow if you want