Thad Ogburn
@thadogburn.bsky.social
Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh
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.
Amid many questions about spending, Cary's town manager resigns. Sean Stegall will get a six-month salary severance, totaling $194,832. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall resigns amid scrutiny over spending
Town officials have not explained why Stegall was put on paid administrative leave in late November.
www.newsobserver.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Amid many questions about spending, Cary's town manager resigns. Sean Stegall will get a six-month salary severance, totaling $194,832. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
President Donald Trump will make a speech this week in the NC congressional district recently redrawn to make it more favorable to Republicans. The latest from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
President Donald Trump is coming to NC’s redrawn 1st district this week
President Donald Trump plans to give remarks this week in Rocky Mount, home of one of the most watched congressional races in North Carolina.
www.newsobserver.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
President Donald Trump will make a speech this week in the NC congressional district recently redrawn to make it more favorable to Republicans. The latest from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
Cary will swear in its interim town manager at a special meeting in a few hours. Town officials aren't commenting to @annamroman.bsky.social on the employment status of manager Sean Stegall, who is on administrative leave.
Cary calls emergency meeting to swear in interim town manager
Town Manager Sean Stegall was placed on paid leave over three weeks ago. Here’s what we know.
www.newsobserver.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Cary will swear in its interim town manager at a special meeting in a few hours. Town officials aren't commenting to @annamroman.bsky.social on the employment status of manager Sean Stegall, who is on administrative leave.
A bill of $3,419.35 for four nights in a luxury hotel? Six staffers staying at a different (and cheaper) hotel? $150 for "premium door-to-door chauffer service" for a 7-mile trip? @annamroman.bsky.social and @dpkane.bsky.social continue to uncover interesting details about the Cary town manager.
Cary town manager said pricey hotel was for staff. The bill tells another story.
Cary town officials are saying little about costs linked to a 2023 trip to a conference in Austin that seven employees attended, including Town Manager Sean Stegall.
www.newsobserver.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A bill of $3,419.35 for four nights in a luxury hotel? Six staffers staying at a different (and cheaper) hotel? $150 for "premium door-to-door chauffer service" for a 7-mile trip? @annamroman.bsky.social and @dpkane.bsky.social continue to uncover interesting details about the Cary town manager.
Wow. Crazy story from @annamroman.bsky.social. The town of Cary paid more than $37,000 toward a council member's master's degree. There was no council vote on the spending and even the mayor says he didn't know.
Town of Cary paid for a council member’s tuition. Why she gave it back.
“Not everybody was aware, and not everybody was on board,” Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush said.
www.newsobserver.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Wow. Crazy story from @annamroman.bsky.social. The town of Cary paid more than $37,000 toward a council member's master's degree. There was no council vote on the spending and even the mayor says he didn't know.
Whether as a kid growing up near Winston-Salem, a college student in Chapel Hill or a young adult in Raleigh, I always appreciated the homey food sanctuary that K&W Cafeteria offered. Josh Shaffer gets it, as he offers in this loving tribute now that K&W is gone for good. More's the pity.
A love letter to K&W Cafeteria: 16 things that made NC dining weirdly great
The cafeteria-style restaurant chain announced Monday it would close all its remaining establishments after 88 years in business
www.newsobserver.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Whether as a kid growing up near Winston-Salem, a college student in Chapel Hill or a young adult in Raleigh, I always appreciated the homey food sanctuary that K&W Cafeteria offered. Josh Shaffer gets it, as he offers in this loving tribute now that K&W is gone for good. More's the pity.
Apple gets more time to meet the goals that were part of the hundreds of millions in incentives it got from North Carolina. The latest from @skyoutbriout.bsky.social.
NC gives Apple 4 additional years to meet hiring, investment goals for RTP campus
Apple had requested more time to build a 3,000-workers campus in Research Triangle Park. North Carolina passed a law this year to allow such an extension.
www.newsobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Apple gets more time to meet the goals that were part of the hundreds of millions in incentives it got from North Carolina. The latest from @skyoutbriout.bsky.social.