Thad Ogburn
@thadogburn.bsky.social
Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh
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.
What exactly happened in the emergency department that left a hospital police officer dead and a Garner man charged with murder. The suspect's family thinks the release of security footage could provide answers. The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
Loved ones of Garner man charged with killing WakeMed officer demand video release
Benji Martin Jr., 29, is charged with murder in 59-year-old Roger Smith’s shooting. Here’s why his loved ones are calling for answers.
www.newsobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:54 PM
What exactly happened in the emergency department that left a hospital police officer dead and a Garner man charged with murder. The suspect's family thinks the release of security footage could provide answers. The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social.
Great reporting by @chantalallam.bsky.social on "disaster investors" who made money after Tropical Storm Chantal. "Experts warn the line between savvy investing and predatory behavior is thin, and often tested after disasters like Chantal."
In Chantal’s aftermath, ‘disaster investors’ flip Carrboro homes for big profits
Called wholesaling, it’s a murky area of real estate currently not defined or regulated under North Carolina law, and it’s on the rise.
www.newsobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Great reporting by @chantalallam.bsky.social on "disaster investors" who made money after Tropical Storm Chantal. "Experts warn the line between savvy investing and predatory behavior is thin, and often tested after disasters like Chantal."
Think covering a trip by the US first and second ladies sounds glamourous? Eh, not quite. Come for Josh Shaffer's description of what they wore and he wore. Stay for a chicken nugget essay that speaks to all of us. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
6 fun facts about first lady Melania Trump’s visit to North Carolina
The News & Observer tagged along with Mrs. Trump and second lady Usha Vance at Camp Lejeune. Here are some fun tidbits that didn’t make the news.
www.newsobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Think covering a trip by the US first and second ladies sounds glamourous? Eh, not quite. Come for Josh Shaffer's description of what they wore and he wore. Stay for a chicken nugget essay that speaks to all of us. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Welcome to the traffic and parking jungle, Gn'R fans.
Guns N’ Roses will tear through Raleigh in 2026, bringing rock insanity, traffic
Carter-Finley Stadium will host the powerhouse band in what will surely be a spectacle of gridlock for Wake County.
www.newsobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Welcome to the traffic and parking jungle, Gn'R fans.
In a letter sent to The N&O, former NC Rep. Cecil Brockman claims he didn't know alleged victim's age. "He told me he was a legally consenting age and he looked the age he claimed. He was 6’1 (and) muscular.” The latest from @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
In letter from jail, ex-NC Rep. Brockman defends himself against sex crime charges
The letter marks the first time Brockman himself has spoken publicly at length since he was arrested and charged last month with sex crimes with a minor.
www.newsobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:52 PM
In a letter sent to The N&O, former NC Rep. Cecil Brockman claims he didn't know alleged victim's age. "He told me he was a legally consenting age and he looked the age he claimed. He was 6’1 (and) muscular.” The latest from @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Could one of Raleigh's most beloved restaurants make a comeback next year? The latest from Drew Jackson.
Rumors are swirling about a 42nd Street Oyster Bar revival. Here are the facts
We talked to the new owners. Here’s what they said.
www.newsobserver.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Could one of Raleigh's most beloved restaurants make a comeback next year? The latest from Drew Jackson.
Our live updates file on what's happening across the Triangle with the US Border Patrol today. This will be updated throughout the day.
Live updates: US Border Patrol arrives in Raleigh area. Here’s what we know
Agents have been spotted throughout the Triangle on Tuesday, Nov. 18, after a surge in Charlotte this past weekend.
www.newsobserver.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Our live updates file on what's happening across the Triangle with the US Border Patrol today. This will be updated throughout the day.
Immigration agents are expected in Raleigh on Tuesday, following a weekend of arrests and protests in Charlotte. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
Immigration agents expected to come to Raleigh, mayor says. Here’s what we know
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents descended on Charlotte over the weekend.
www.newsobserver.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Immigration agents are expected in Raleigh on Tuesday, following a weekend of arrests and protests in Charlotte. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
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.