Thad Ogburn
@thadogburn.bsky.social
Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh
A North Carolina jury agrees with a woman who says a TikTok influencer ruined her marriage. North Carolina is one of the few states with an "alienation of affection" law. Breaking news from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
Jury rules in trial accusing NC TikTok star of ruining marriage
Akira Montague accused Brenay Kennard of stealing her ex-husband and flaunting the alleged affair on social media.
www.newsobserver.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 PM
A North Carolina jury agrees with a woman who says a TikTok influencer ruined her marriage. North Carolina is one of the few states with an "alienation of affection" law. Breaking news from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
Rough seas claim more homes on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The latest from Martha Quillin.
Coastal storm sends more NC beach houses tumbling into the ocean. Here’s an update.
A storm’s strong winds and high waves pummeled a Buxton neighborhood Tuesday where dozens of houses have been deemed uninhabitable.
www.newsobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Rough seas claim more homes on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The latest from Martha Quillin.
“The loss we face is unimaginable. The responsibility before us is great.” The latest from Johnston County authorities on the deaths of 4 children and the charges their father faces. Story by @solomonlexib.bsky.social and @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
NC father killed his 4 children over four months, Johnston County sheriff says
Officials didn’t say how the children were killed or how the Sheriff’s Office estimated their times of death.
www.newsobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:24 PM
“The loss we face is unimaginable. The responsibility before us is great.” The latest from Johnston County authorities on the deaths of 4 children and the charges their father faces. Story by @solomonlexib.bsky.social and @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
A streamer and an entertainment company are fighting over a distribution deal, with their customers caught in the middle and frustrated. ... Stop us if you've heard this before. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
YouTube TV customers in NC could soon lose access to ABC & ESPN. Here’s why
Unless an agreement is reached, YouTube TV customers will have to find another place to watch programs such as “Dancing With The Stars.”
www.newsobserver.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:02 PM
A streamer and an entertainment company are fighting over a distribution deal, with their customers caught in the middle and frustrated. ... Stop us if you've heard this before. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
How true is that viral social media post suggesting that North Carolina teachers call out sick next month? @keunghui.bsky.social did some digging.
Viral post encourages NC teachers to call out of work these 2 days. What we know
No one has taken credit for the anonymous viral social media post encouraging teachers to call out of work both days.
www.newsobserver.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:54 PM
How true is that viral social media post suggesting that North Carolina teachers call out sick next month? @keunghui.bsky.social did some digging.
Remains of four children were thought to be in the trunk of a vehicle "for a long period of time." Just a horrific story. The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
Johnston County man arrested after confessing to killing his 4 children, sheriff says
Officials have identified the four children that Wellington Dickens III, 38, is charged with killing. They were found dead in a vehicle in his garage.
www.newsobserver.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Remains of four children were thought to be in the trunk of a vehicle "for a long period of time." Just a horrific story. The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
We're getting our first look at the Raleigh Convention Center expansion. Here's the latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
See what the Raleigh Convention Center expansion will look like
The downtown Raleigh facility is growing by nearly 300,000 square feet. See what it will look like.
www.newsobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:23 PM
We're getting our first look at the Raleigh Convention Center expansion. Here's the latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
The trolls are here, Raleigh folks! Here's a look from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social and Ethan Hyman.
Giant troll installation at Dix Park in Raleigh nears completion
Nearly 500 volunteers helped build the trolls using recycled material from barns, fences, bourbon barrels and shingles.
www.newsobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The trolls are here, Raleigh folks! Here's a look from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social and Ethan Hyman.
JD Vance once officiated the wedding of Kyle Walsh. Now, the Duke professor and close friend of the vice president will head NIH's Research Triangle Park division. Was he properly vetted for the job? @skyoutbriout.bsky.social story.
Duke professor, JD Vance friend named director of NIH’s RTP office. Some see issue.
JD Vance officiated at his wedding. Now, Kyle Walsh is the director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences after atypical selection process.
www.newsobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
JD Vance once officiated the wedding of Kyle Walsh. Now, the Duke professor and close friend of the vice president will head NIH's Research Triangle Park division. Was he properly vetted for the job? @skyoutbriout.bsky.social story.
NC lawmakers came to Raleigh to redistrict, again. They are leaving the capital without a state budget, again. The House and Senate -- both led by Republicans -- remain deadlocked with no compromise in sight. The latest from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social and @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social. #ncpol
No deal on budget, raises or Medicaid as NC lawmakers leave town
One Democrat called a bill on raises passed by the House “literally just posturing,” as the House and Senate remain locked in stalemate.
www.newsobserver.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:53 PM
NC lawmakers came to Raleigh to redistrict, again. They are leaving the capital without a state budget, again. The House and Senate -- both led by Republicans -- remain deadlocked with no compromise in sight. The latest from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social and @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social. #ncpol
"That little piece of paper doesn’t protect you.” Powerful journalism from @solomonlexib.bsky.social and Kaitlin McKeown about a domestic violence victim who got annual protective orders to halt her ex-husband's harassment. But they were not enough.
She survived domestic violence for 11 years. In one night, he stole her future.
Jill Rohner filed protective orders every year, but that didn’t stop her ex-husband from breaking into her Raleigh home with a shotgun and killing her partner.
www.newsobserver.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"That little piece of paper doesn’t protect you.” Powerful journalism from @solomonlexib.bsky.social and Kaitlin McKeown about a domestic violence victim who got annual protective orders to halt her ex-husband's harassment. But they were not enough.
NC Republicans say they are redistricting to give the GOP a likely 11th congressional district as part of a national "political arms race." Democrats call it "egregious" and "the day fascism came to North Carolina." @kyleingram.bsky.social story. #ncpol
‘Political arms race:’ NC Republicans advance Trump-backed congressional map
NC Republicans explicitly announced their intent to block Democrats from taking over Congress, saying they would “torpedo” Trump’s agenda.
www.newsobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:14 PM
NC Republicans say they are redistricting to give the GOP a likely 11th congressional district as part of a national "political arms race." Democrats call it "egregious" and "the day fascism came to North Carolina." @kyleingram.bsky.social story. #ncpol
A Wake County father has told the school board repeatedly since March that his son was assaulted by a substitute teacher. Now, the school's principal was suspended without pay. @keunghui.bsky.social story.
Wake principal suspended over handling of alleged assault by substitute teacher
The principal is being disciplined as a result of a district investigation of a parent’s complaints.
www.newsobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A Wake County father has told the school board repeatedly since March that his son was assaulted by a substitute teacher. Now, the school's principal was suspended without pay. @keunghui.bsky.social story.
“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.
Yes, what goes on in these cash-only "sweepstakes" parlors is illegal in North Carolina. And many authorities don't seem to care. In-depth reporting by @skyoutbriout.bsky.social.
Part 1: Inside the Triangle’s illegal gaming cafés — where the internet rarely works
Gambling continues at internet sweepstakes cafés in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, even though they violate the law.
www.newsobserver.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Yes, what goes on in these cash-only "sweepstakes" parlors is illegal in North Carolina. And many authorities don't seem to care. In-depth reporting by @skyoutbriout.bsky.social.
NC Republicans unveil a redrawn congressional map aimed at diluting Democratic voters in the state's only district that is now competitive. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social.
NC Republicans unveil new congressional map that could pick up a seat for GOP
North Carolina now joins the national redistricting battle pushed by President Donald Trump, who has asked red states to redraw their maps in Republicans’ favor.
www.newsobserver.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:11 PM
NC Republicans unveil a redrawn congressional map aimed at diluting Democratic voters in the state's only district that is now competitive. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social.
Surplus Sid's -- a Carrboro spot like no other -- is now gone. Story from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
Surplus Sid’s has closed in Carrboro. What’s next for its owner, Barry Keith.
Surplus Sid’s owner Barry Keith worked for the military surplus store’s original owner while at UNC-Chapel Hill in the 1970s.
www.newsobserver.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Surplus Sid's -- a Carrboro spot like no other -- is now gone. Story from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
Do "Wanted" political posters in Durham elections debate lean into racist tropes? Or are they legitimate political criticism? Interesting story from Kristen Johnson.
‘Wanted’ posters of Black Durham leaders spark debate over race and politics
“If they want to get all upset about the poster, good. Hopefully it’ll facilitate some self-awareness and some self-reflection,” said the creator of the posters.
www.newsobserver.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Do "Wanted" political posters in Durham elections debate lean into racist tropes? Or are they legitimate political criticism? Interesting story from Kristen Johnson.
“So many credit reports wiped clean. This is life changing news for so many families." Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
North Carolina wipes out $6.5B in medical debt for 2.5M residents. Here’s how.
North Carolina’s medical debt initiative, announced in 2024, has delivered more relief than initially expected in a state with a high rate of medical debt.
www.newsobserver.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:46 PM
“So many credit reports wiped clean. This is life changing news for so many families." Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
NC Republican leaders say they'll heed Trump's call to redistrict again in attempt to get another GOP seat in Congress. Democrats lambaste move. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol
NC Republicans announce plan to redraw congressional map to pick up GOP seat
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.
www.newsobserver.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:53 PM
NC Republican leaders say they'll heed Trump's call to redistrict again in attempt to get another GOP seat in Congress. Democrats lambaste move. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol
So this story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social has a lot going on in it: pumpkin spice cannabis, "the Buc-ee's of pot" and claims and questions about the "science of teleportation," "ego-driven theatrics" and "casino cartels." (Plus, this image makes me hungry for Count Chocula.)
Sen. Tillis asks AG Bondi to investigate Cherokee marijuana business in NC
Sen. Thom Tillis asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether the Eastern Band of Cherokee is complying with federal laws regarding a marijuana dispensary.
www.newsobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
So this story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social has a lot going on in it: pumpkin spice cannabis, "the Buc-ee's of pot" and claims and questions about the "science of teleportation," "ego-driven theatrics" and "casino cartels." (Plus, this image makes me hungry for Count Chocula.)
The latest from @shelbyswanson.bsky.social about the daily soap opera "As the UNC Football Program Turns" ...
Belichick says he’s ‘fully committed’ to UNC football amid whirlwind week
With buyout rumors flying, Bill Belichick reaffirmed his commitment to UNC and AD Bubba Cunningham showed his support Wednesday night
www.newsobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
The latest from @shelbyswanson.bsky.social about the daily soap opera "As the UNC Football Program Turns" ...
Why have so many houses on the NC coast collapsed into the sea this year? Why were they so near the water anyway? And who cleans up the mess? Martha Quillin answers your questions.
What to know about NC houses tumbling into the ocean, from construction to cleanup
Videos of NC beach houses falling into the ocean are like little movies in which inanimate objects get clobbered by an irresistable force.
www.newsobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Why have so many houses on the NC coast collapsed into the sea this year? Why were they so near the water anyway? And who cleans up the mess? Martha Quillin answers your questions.
What is a King tide and why should the NC coast be wary of it this weekend? The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
King tides & new storm tracking toward NC mean flooding, rain. Latest forecast
There’s uncertainty about rainfall totals from the coastal low system, but coastal flood advisories and watches are in effect this week.
www.newsobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
What is a King tide and why should the NC coast be wary of it this weekend? The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
Shocking story today: An NC legislator is charged with statutory rape and indecent liberties. A magistrate also says the lawmaker “has made attempts to contact the victim in this case and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital." The latest from Avi Bajpai.
NC Rep. Cecil Brockman charged with statutory rape, indecent liberties with child
State Rep. Cecil Brockman was arrested by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
www.newsobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Shocking story today: An NC legislator is charged with statutory rape and indecent liberties. A magistrate also says the lawmaker “has made attempts to contact the victim in this case and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital." The latest from Avi Bajpai.