Thad Ogburn
@thadogburn.bsky.social
Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh
Who will be going to school Monday? Many systems and universities haven't announced yet (though I suspect we can guess.) Bookmark this link that @keunghui.bsky.social will be updating all day.
Triangle school closings and delays: NC State cancels Monday classes after snow
Universities and K-12 schools are announcing their Monday plans after a weekend storm dumped more snow in the Triangle.
www.newsobserver.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Who will be going to school Monday? Many systems and universities haven't announced yet (though I suspect we can guess.) Bookmark this link that @keunghui.bsky.social will be updating all day.
From Murphy to Manteo, every county in North Carolina awoke to snow on the ground this morning. The latest from Josh Shaffer.
When is the last time all 100 NC counties had snow? That and more winter trivia
It’s a banner day in North Carolina, which rarely experiences winter weather from Murphy to Manteo. Here are some interesting snow tidbits
www.newsobserver.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:09 PM
From Murphy to Manteo, every county in North Carolina awoke to snow on the ground this morning. The latest from Josh Shaffer.
Eastern North Carolina and the coast was particularly hard hit by winter weather, with more houses vulnerable to the ocean. The latest from Martha Quillin.
Winter storm drapes Eastern NC in snow; another OBX house collapsed in high surf
Eastern and coastal NC are better suited to deal with hurricanes than heavy snow.
www.newsobserver.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Eastern North Carolina and the coast was particularly hard hit by winter weather, with more houses vulnerable to the ocean. The latest from Martha Quillin.
Live updates from @newsobserver.com staff on Triangle and NC snowfall, extreme cold and what's next.
Dangerous cold across the Triangle Sunday morning. How much snow fell?
Bookmark this page. It will be updated throughout the weekend weather.
www.newsobserver.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Live updates from @newsobserver.com staff on Triangle and NC snowfall, extreme cold and what's next.
Just horrible news about Catherine O'Hara. Home Alone, Beetlejuice, SCTV, all the Christopher Guest movies, The Studio and, of course, the great Moira Rose. Truly a great and underrated comic actor.
January 30, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Just horrible news about Catherine O'Hara. Home Alone, Beetlejuice, SCTV, all the Christopher Guest movies, The Studio and, of course, the great Moira Rose. Truly a great and underrated comic actor.
After lashing out at Homeland Security Security Kristi Noem earlier this week for her performance in Minneapolis, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis criticized her work on a whole different topic Thursday. Story by @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis
Sen. Thom Tillis called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s ouster, saying her policies “inflicted needless pain” on vulnerable people.
www.newsobserver.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:03 PM
After lashing out at Homeland Security Security Kristi Noem earlier this week for her performance in Minneapolis, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis criticized her work on a whole different topic Thursday. Story by @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
One guilty verdict, one mistrial in high-profile Orange County murder case. The latest from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
Orange County jury finds Ross guilty of 1 teen’s murder but splits on 2nd killing
Issiah Ross was charged with first-degree murder in 2022 after Lyric Woods, 14, and Devin Clark, 18, were found in Efland.
www.newsobserver.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:44 PM
One guilty verdict, one mistrial in high-profile Orange County murder case. The latest from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
The NC Court of Appeals overturns a former county commissioner's conviction for indecent liberties with a 12-year-old. He had been reelected after the sex-crime charge but resigned after a jury found him guilty. Story by @virginabridges.bsky.social.
NC court overturns sex-crime conviction of former Johnston County politician
The ruling was released months after the accused settled a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of the girl who said he’d abused her.
www.newsobserver.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:42 PM
The NC Court of Appeals overturns a former county commissioner's conviction for indecent liberties with a 12-year-old. He had been reelected after the sex-crime charge but resigned after a jury found him guilty. Story by @virginabridges.bsky.social.
"They were not happy.” @ncstate.bsky.social basketball Coach Will Wade and the university have an internal debate over those throwback STATE uniforms. Story from @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social.
Why Will Wade and NC State branding office clashed over use of heritage uniforms
The university branding office said “STATE” is not supposed to be used except in reference to the 1974 and 1983 championship teams.
www.newsobserver.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:35 PM
"They were not happy.” @ncstate.bsky.social basketball Coach Will Wade and the university have an internal debate over those throwback STATE uniforms. Story from @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social.
A new logo aims to have all of UNC "speak with a single voice and visual identity.” So what did that cost? Our new higher education reporter, @janesartwell.bsky.social, breaks it down.
UNC ditches Old Well logo. Here’s how much it’s paying for the branding refresh
The interlocking NC logo, once primarily used for athletics, now represents the entirety of the university. That decision didn’t come cheap.
www.newsobserver.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:58 PM
A new logo aims to have all of UNC "speak with a single voice and visual identity.” So what did that cost? Our new higher education reporter, @janesartwell.bsky.social, breaks it down.
One big thing saved us from the crippling ice storm (and power outages) we could have seen over the weekend. Josh Shaffer talked to ABC11's Big Weather about it.
Why wasn’t the Triangle’s winter storm worse? There’s one big reason
The Triangle woke Sunday morning to an underwhelming winter storm: an inch or so on the ground after expecting worse.
www.newsobserver.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:05 PM
One big thing saved us from the crippling ice storm (and power outages) we could have seen over the weekend. Josh Shaffer talked to ABC11's Big Weather about it.
The Triangle is recovering today from its wintry weekend. (Thanks, Sun!) But could a new system of frozen precipitation be brewing? The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
Is another winter storm headed to the Triangle soon? Here’s the forecast
The forecast hints at the potential of another storm. In the meantime, expect freezing temperatures.
www.newsobserver.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:57 PM
The Triangle is recovering today from its wintry weekend. (Thanks, Sun!) But could a new system of frozen precipitation be brewing? The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.
North Carolina's coming winter storm “has the potential to be a massive disruption to people’s lives," Gov. Josh Stein says. The latest from @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social.
Winter storm to impact ‘majority of the state,’ NC Gov. Josh Stein says
North Carolina DOT, National Guard, Highway Patrol ready for major winter storm this weekend. What they’re doing now.
www.newsobserver.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:27 PM
North Carolina's coming winter storm “has the potential to be a massive disruption to people’s lives," Gov. Josh Stein says. The latest from @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social.
Just terrifying and gut-wrenching. The teenage shooter in Raleigh's worst mass murder pleads guilty and a detailed account of the shootings is shared in court. Story from Josh Shaffer and photos from @vizjourno.bsky.social.
Teen pleads guilty in Raleigh's Hedingham mass shooting. Motive remains unknown.
On Tuesday, his attorneys said Austin Thompson can’t explain why he shot and killed his older brother and four other people in a 2022 shooting rampage.
www.newsobserver.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Just terrifying and gut-wrenching. The teenage shooter in Raleigh's worst mass murder pleads guilty and a detailed account of the shootings is shared in court. Story from Josh Shaffer and photos from @vizjourno.bsky.social.
There's now an even BIGGER price tag to repair the worst road damage from Helene in Western North Carolina. Richard Stradling reports.
The costliest NC road repair after Helene got a lot more expensive
The rebuilding of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge is now expected to cost $2 billion.
www.newsobserver.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:46 PM
There's now an even BIGGER price tag to repair the worst road damage from Helene in Western North Carolina. Richard Stradling reports.
A prominent member of UNC's trustees has stepped down. He was the board's leader during a turbulent time. Breaking news from @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social, @shelbyswanson.bsky.social and @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
UNC-Chapel Hill trustee John Preyer steps down from board
“I’ve never felt better about the direction of the University and its leadership,” Preyer wrote in a letter obtained by The N&O.
www.newsobserver.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:40 PM
A prominent member of UNC's trustees has stepped down. He was the board's leader during a turbulent time. Breaking news from @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social, @shelbyswanson.bsky.social and @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
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.
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.
NC definitely has some ridiculously pronounced towns. (Conetoe, anyone?) Raleigh usually isn't one of them. But @brookecain.bsky.social says Ochocinco's take is "so original, so innovative, we’re not even mad about it. ... It’s almost poetic." Fun story.
‘Rah-lee-ah’? Have we been saying ‘Raleigh’ wrong for 200 years? Ocho thinks so
On the Nightcap podcast this week, two former NFL stars hilariously debate the pronunciation of NC’s state capital.
www.newsobserver.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:35 PM
NC definitely has some ridiculously pronounced towns. (Conetoe, anyone?) Raleigh usually isn't one of them. But @brookecain.bsky.social says Ochocinco's take is "so original, so innovative, we’re not even mad about it. ... It’s almost poetic." Fun story.
“You know what makes me cranky? Stupid. What makes me cranky is people who don’t do their homework.” NC Sen. Thom Tillis doesn't hold back on Stephen Miller's Greenland comments. #ncpol
Tillis lashes out at Stephen Miller over Greenland claim, calling it ‘stupid’
Sen. Thom Tillis called White House aide Stephen Miller’s behavior “amateurish” after a CNN interview contending Greenland should be part of the United States.
www.newsobserver.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:32 PM
“You know what makes me cranky? Stupid. What makes me cranky is people who don’t do their homework.” NC Sen. Thom Tillis doesn't hold back on Stephen Miller's Greenland comments. #ncpol
“Have you seen the news lately? It doesn’t seem to me that this is a time to turn our back to the world." Protesters speak out against UNC plan to eliminate 6 centers that focus on international culture, politics and history. Story from
@kyleingram.bsky.social.
@kyleingram.bsky.social.
Hundreds protest planned closure of international study centers at UNC
“Cuts like this are exactly what happens when you appoint a right-wing finance executive with no experience in higher education to run your university,” a student protester said.
www.newsobserver.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:28 PM
“Have you seen the news lately? It doesn’t seem to me that this is a time to turn our back to the world." Protesters speak out against UNC plan to eliminate 6 centers that focus on international culture, politics and history. Story from
@kyleingram.bsky.social.
@kyleingram.bsky.social.
Less than a month ago, a judge ruled that Ryan Camacho was “mentally ill.” But at the same time, the judge declined to involuntary commit Camacho. Now, he's charged in the slaying of a beloved Raleigh teacher. Reporting by Josh Shaffer and @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
Judge deemed NC teacher’s accused slayer ‘mentally ill’ but denied request to commit
District Court Judge Louis Meyer III ruled Ryan Camacho “did not meet the standard” for involuntary commitment one month before murder charge
www.newsobserver.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Less than a month ago, a judge ruled that Ryan Camacho was “mentally ill.” But at the same time, the judge declined to involuntary commit Camacho. Now, he's charged in the slaying of a beloved Raleigh teacher. Reporting by Josh Shaffer and @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
Rest in peace, C'sar. Sad story from Martha Quillin.
C’sar the elephant, the oldest of his kind in the US, has died at the NC Zoo
C’sar came to the N.C. Zoo while the Africa exhibit was still under construction.
www.newsobserver.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Rest in peace, C'sar. Sad story from Martha Quillin.
Jim Hunt, a giant in North Carolina politics, has died.
Former NC Gov. Jim Hunt, a longtime, dominant figure in state politics, has died
Jim Hunt was elected to an unprecedented four terms as governor.
www.newsobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Jim Hunt, a giant in North Carolina politics, has died.
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.