Thad Ogburn
@thadogburn.bsky.social
Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh
The long-awaited Asia exhibit at @nczoo.bsky.social will open next year, with more than 50 new species on display. The latest from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
NC Zoo announces opening date for a new Asia exhibit. What animals will it have?
Find out when the state zoo will open its Asia Continent exhibit and what animals the exhibit will feature.
www.newsobserver.com
October 5, 2026 at 10:23 PM
The long-awaited Asia exhibit at @nczoo.bsky.social will open next year, with more than 50 new species on display. The latest from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
NC is one of the only states that still allows "alienation of affection" lawsuits. And the cases, like this one reported by @solomonlexib.bsky.social, can be fascinating. Being very careful with texts and phone calls is key!
Triangle-area oil company executives at center of alienation of affection lawsuit
North Carolina is one of just a few states that still recognizes alienation of affection. In this case, the company’s CFO is accused of having an affair with the CEO while he was married.
www.newsobserver.com
October 5, 2026 at 10:05 PM
NC is one of the only states that still allows "alienation of affection" lawsuits. And the cases, like this one reported by @solomonlexib.bsky.social, can be fascinating. Being very careful with texts and phone calls is key!
An NC Department of Labor employee was dismissed after using her work laptop to look at job listings, houses for sale and her personal finances. She'll now be reinstated and get back pay. Interesting story from Esther Frances.
State worker fired over browsing history. NC judge calls investigation ‘suspect’
The NC Department of Labor says it terminated an employee over personal browsing on her work computer, but a judge decided she should be reinstated.
www.newsobserver.com
October 5, 2026 at 8:48 PM
An NC Department of Labor employee was dismissed after using her work laptop to look at job listings, houses for sale and her personal finances. She'll now be reinstated and get back pay. Interesting story from Esther Frances.
A month out from the election, GOP money that would have gone to NC Senate hopeful Michael Whatley will instead go to Kansas and other states with competitive races. The latest from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
Leading GOP Senate PAC pauses spending on NC candidate Michael Whatley
In a blow to Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, the leading PAC to maintain the Republican majority withdrew from his campaign, while other North Carolina Republicans find their races at ris...
www.newsobserver.com
October 2, 2026 at 8:42 PM
A month out from the election, GOP money that would have gone to NC Senate hopeful Michael Whatley will instead go to Kansas and other states with competitive races. The latest from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.
Back in the day, News & Observer journalists sometimes stayed at downtown Raleigh's old Holiday Inn when severe weather threatened commutes. That top-floor bar has come a LONG WAY. Thanks to Autumn Coleman and Ethan Hyman for the peek at Holiday Indigo and the High Ground Lounge.
This Raleigh landmark got a $36 million makeover and now it’s finally open
The round hotel is officially open, now as Hotel Indigo, after a major renovation that upgrades the interior and keeps the history intact.
www.newsobserver.com
October 2, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Back in the day, News & Observer journalists sometimes stayed at downtown Raleigh's old Holiday Inn when severe weather threatened commutes. That top-floor bar has come a LONG WAY. Thanks to Autumn Coleman and Ethan Hyman for the peek at Holiday Indigo and the High Ground Lounge.
The sweepstakes parlor being shut down was visited by police for "disturbances, assaults, drug violations, stabbings, robberies, weapons violations and assaults involving law enforcement officers," as @faithwardwell.bsky.social reports.
280 calls brought police to Raleigh gambling parlor. Now it’s being shut down
Golden 5 Sweepstakes Parlor in Raleigh is being evicted after nearly 300 police visits. Here’s what we know.
www.newsobserver.com
October 2, 2026 at 4:33 PM
The sweepstakes parlor being shut down was visited by police for "disturbances, assaults, drug violations, stabbings, robberies, weapons violations and assaults involving law enforcement officers," as @faithwardwell.bsky.social reports.
“Right now, there’s no difference in being here or in Mexico, economically." How drought and heat are affecting North Carolina's migrant farmworkers. Good story by Lily Carey and photos by Robert Willett.
Fewer workers, drier fields: What’s happening to North Carolina agriculture
A brutal summer of heat and drought is squeezing North Carolina’s farms — and the migrant workers who make them run.
www.newsobserver.com
October 1, 2026 at 10:28 PM
“Right now, there’s no difference in being here or in Mexico, economically." How drought and heat are affecting North Carolina's migrant farmworkers. Good story by Lily Carey and photos by Robert Willett.
Powerful reporting from my colleague Kristen Johnson on the "almost impossible calculus facing many Black parents across the Triangle: how to advocate for their communities and for their children to have an equitable education."
Public, private, magnet? NC Black parents weigh costs in pursuit of equitable education
The News & Observer talked to six parents in the Triangle about where they decided to send their children to school, and why.
www.newsobserver.com
October 1, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Powerful reporting from my colleague Kristen Johnson on the "almost impossible calculus facing many Black parents across the Triangle: how to advocate for their communities and for their children to have an equitable education."
Interesting Triangle Saver this week from @reneeumsted.bsky.social about car prices, aggressive tactics, risky loans and debt settlement.
Buying a car isn’t cheap. But 1,400 NC drivers will get money back on their loan
Many North Carolinians, and Americans in general, have auto loan or lease debt. Some borrowers are getting relief.
www.newsobserver.com
September 30, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Interesting Triangle Saver this week from @reneeumsted.bsky.social about car prices, aggressive tactics, risky loans and debt settlement.
Big updates coming to a big Sanford business. The latest from Richard Stradling.
Caterpillar announces $1 billion investment in its NC plant. What it means for jobs
The company makes compact track loaders and telehandlers in a factory that opened in Sanford in the late 1990s and employs nearly 2,000 people.
www.newsobserver.com
September 30, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Big updates coming to a big Sanford business. The latest from Richard Stradling.
Congratulations to Duke "Genius Grant" winner Felipe De Brigard, and thanks to @dmtwumasi.bsky.social for so adeptly explaining the professor's research.
Duke professor wins $800K ‘Genius Grant’ to advance research rethinking memory
A Duke professor of philosophy, psychology and neuroscience won the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, the school announced Tuesday.
www.newsobserver.com
September 30, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Congratulations to Duke "Genius Grant" winner Felipe De Brigard, and thanks to @dmtwumasi.bsky.social for so adeptly explaining the professor's research.
Some Glenwood South residents say they're concerned about quality of life. Some businesses say they're being unfairly targeted. And then there is the comparison of the area to a coal mine. This Nolan Wilkinson story has everything.
Glenwood South complaints are more than ‘pearl clutching,’ Raleigh neighbors say
Find out what neighbors said about the “disease of” the nightlife district during a Tuesday night community meeting.
www.newsobserver.com
September 30, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Some Glenwood South residents say they're concerned about quality of life. Some businesses say they're being unfairly targeted. And then there is the comparison of the area to a coal mine. This Nolan Wilkinson story has everything.
The Stanley Cup banner is now up in Raleigh, and Carolina Hurricanes Nation is rejoicing and ready to do it again! The latest from Esther Francis and Robert Willett.
The Canes’ banner rises amid cheers — and Raleigh’s championship memories return
The Carolina Hurricanes raised their banner to celebrate defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final this past June.
www.newsobserver.com
September 29, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The Stanley Cup banner is now up in Raleigh, and Carolina Hurricanes Nation is rejoicing and ready to do it again! The latest from Esther Francis and Robert Willett.
The State Highway Patrol signs an agreement with ICE that will let officers use immigration powers during traffic stops. Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
NC Highway Patrol signs ICE cooperation deal as agencies face Thursday deadline
The requirement stems from a Republican-backed bill that became law in June over Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.
www.newsobserver.com
September 29, 2026 at 9:51 PM
The State Highway Patrol signs an agreement with ICE that will let officers use immigration powers during traffic stops. Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
A few weeks after unveiling its own brand of liquors, UNC is now in the scratch-off lottery ticket business. NC State is, too. Part of the new wild west era of higher education. The latest from @janesartwell.bsky.social
First it was liquor and beer. Now UNC and NC State launch scratch-off tickets
Each game includes a “second-chance promotion” that provides winners with “VIP experiences with their favorite teams.”
www.newsobserver.com
September 29, 2026 at 9:02 PM
A few weeks after unveiling its own brand of liquors, UNC is now in the scratch-off lottery ticket business. NC State is, too. Part of the new wild west era of higher education. The latest from @janesartwell.bsky.social
Dampf Good BBQ may not come to Durham after all, following controversy over owner's past social media comments critical of the LGBTQ community, drag queens, abortion and COVID vaccine policies. Exclusive story from Drew Jackson.
Dampf Good BBQ reconsidering Durham restaurant after community backlash
In a video posted to social media, Dampf’s owner suggested he may back out of plans to open in Durham in response to a wave of online criticism.
www.newsobserver.com
September 29, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Dampf Good BBQ may not come to Durham after all, following controversy over owner's past social media comments critical of the LGBTQ community, drag queens, abortion and COVID vaccine policies. Exclusive story from Drew Jackson.
Take a look inside the new Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, courtesy of Drew Jackson.
7 things to know about the new Fullsteam Brewery opening in Durham’s ATC
A craft beer legend finally returns to Durham. Check out the new Fullsteam ATC.
www.newsobserver.com
September 28, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Take a look inside the new Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, courtesy of Drew Jackson.
Lovely column from Josh Shaffer about 'Will Silver," who used to serve up blues, soul, rock and gospel -- "always do one gospel number" -- from the top-floor lounge of Raleigh's round Holiday Inn.
A tribute to ‘Will Silver,’ flamboyant piano fixture with a bluesy gift from God
Hotel Indigo opens this week inside Raleigh’s former round Holiday Inn, where Silver will be honored for his days playing in the 20th floor bar
www.newsobserver.com
September 28, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Lovely column from Josh Shaffer about 'Will Silver," who used to serve up blues, soul, rock and gospel -- "always do one gospel number" -- from the top-floor lounge of Raleigh's round Holiday Inn.
Nearly 900 stones, with 9.80 carats of diamonds and 1.40 of rubies. The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have some VERY impressive rings on their fingers now. Story from @chipalexander.bsky.social.
Bring on the bling: Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup rings sparkle with symbolic touches
The rings, manufactured by Jason of Beverly Hills, are big and splashy, complete with 9.8 carats of diamonds.
www.newsobserver.com
September 28, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Nearly 900 stones, with 9.80 carats of diamonds and 1.40 of rubies. The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have some VERY impressive rings on their fingers now. Story from @chipalexander.bsky.social.
After yelling racial slurs and attacking UNC students at a "Love Island" watch party, a man whose family says he was experiencing a mental health crisis gets suspended jail sentence and probation, and cannot go on campus. The latest from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
Man who attacked UNC students at watch party pleads guilty, released from jail
Keegan Wilson was looking for food and having a mental health crisis when he lashed out at Chapel Hill students, attorney says.
www.newsobserver.com
September 28, 2026 at 9:16 PM
After yelling racial slurs and attacking UNC students at a "Love Island" watch party, a man whose family says he was experiencing a mental health crisis gets suspended jail sentence and probation, and cannot go on campus. The latest from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.
A North Carolina Democratic candidate who lost the party's support over her past social media posts now says she's a "victim of fake, generated AI.” Story from Esther Frances.
NC candidate says she’s a victim of AI after losing support over social media posts
Shelly Headen, recently dropped by the NC House Democrats over controversial posts, said she is a “victim of fake, generated” artificial intelligence.
www.newsobserver.com
September 25, 2026 at 7:41 PM
A North Carolina Democratic candidate who lost the party's support over her past social media posts now says she's a "victim of fake, generated AI.” Story from Esther Frances.
UNC's chancellor says "nobody made us do an investigation” into the beleaguered football program. He voices support for Coach Bill Belichick. The latest from @michaelmccleary.bsky.social.
UNC chancellor and AD address outcome of football investigation. What they said
An investigation into the Tar Heels football program led to the resignation of two key staffers, with more change to come.
www.newsobserver.com
September 24, 2026 at 10:18 PM
UNC's chancellor says "nobody made us do an investigation” into the beleaguered football program. He voices support for Coach Bill Belichick. The latest from @michaelmccleary.bsky.social.
Sending many prayers and good wishes to Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston and his wife, Rebecca. Baby Payson has so many people from the Triangle in his corner. Story by Autumn Coleman.
Raleigh TV meteorologist shares updates on newborn son’s NICU journey
Documenting his son’s ups and downs for family and friends, the meteorologist realized there were many other families in a similar situation to his.
www.newsobserver.com
September 24, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Sending many prayers and good wishes to Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston and his wife, Rebecca. Baby Payson has so many people from the Triangle in his corner. Story by Autumn Coleman.
“We’ve lost a great member of our Duke family." Basketball coach Jon Scheyer remembers Chris Spatola, former Duke staff member and Mike Krzyzewski's son-in-law. Story by @chipalexander.bsky.social.
Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer ‘heartbroken’ over death of Chris Spatola
Spatola, the son-in-law of former coach Mike Krzyzewski, offered support to Scheyer as a player at Duke and later as the head coach.
www.newsobserver.com
September 24, 2026 at 9:44 PM
“We’ve lost a great member of our Duke family." Basketball coach Jon Scheyer remembers Chris Spatola, former Duke staff member and Mike Krzyzewski's son-in-law. Story by @chipalexander.bsky.social.
UNC-Chapel Hill wants to bring in many more North Carolina students. But where exactly would all these new students go? The latest from @janesartwell.bsky.social.
UNC chases ‘aggressive’ growth. Can campus handle 46% more in-state freshmen?
What would that much growth mean for a university where many facilities are described as “undersized and outdated?”
www.newsobserver.com
September 24, 2026 at 7:16 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill wants to bring in many more North Carolina students. But where exactly would all these new students go? The latest from @janesartwell.bsky.social.