Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5h

A Harnett County animal sanctuary that includes a barn and a reptile room is for sale. Some animals come with. Story by @chantalallam.bsky.social.

25-acre exotic animal sanctuary hits market near Raleigh, camel and sloth included

The property features a 2,380-square-foot brick home with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and multiple outbuildings.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 1d

The saga of Francine -- the Lowe's store cat who went missing in Virginia -- ends happily in North Carolina. Simone Jasper reports.

Beloved cat living at Lowe’s for 8 years vanished. Then a touching reunion in NC

The cat is a “local celebrity” at a Virginia store.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 1d

Why NC's new law requiring teachers to catalog all their classroom books means fewer reading options for some students. @keunghui.bsky.social reports.

New NC law means teachers are providing fewer books for their students to read

The new state requirement that teachers catalog the names of all the books in their classroom is drawing complaints from educators.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 1d

"I know you! You're the midterm girl!" Josh Shaffer talks to the frustrated UNC football fan who has gone viral.

Is UNC football worse than failing a midterm? A student’s ESPN claim goes viral

Junior Anna Yi’s quote delivered TikTok viral views and an on-air appearance during the Tar Heels’ loss to Clemson.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5d

Two underperforming ACC football teams. A 10 am (yes, 10 AM!) concert by rapper Ludacris. Come for @dmtwumasi.bsky.social's story on what's happening in Chapel Hill on Saturday. Stay for @shelbyswanson.bsky.social and @chapelfowler.bsky.social's Ludacris knowledge.

Why is Ludacris performing at UNC Saturday? What you need to know before you go

The three-time Grammy Award winner is the third artist to perform at UNC’s pregame concert series during the football season.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5d

A Raleigh police officer is fired and facing multiple charges after authorities say he had a sexual encounter instead of conducting a DWI investigation. Story from @annamroman.bsky.social.

Raleigh cop fired, charged with sexual misconduct after vehicle crash

“What has happened is not only troubling, it is disgraceful,” Raleigh Police Chief Boyce said Friday.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5d

An expansive North Carolina crime bill that grew out of the fatal Charlotte transit stabbing has been signed into law. The latest from Avi Bajpai.

NC Gov. Josh Stein signs bipartisan crime bill named for Iryna Zarutska into law

Stein released a video statement explaining his decision on Friday afternoon.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5d

North Carolina's Medicaid cuts started this week. @lucianaperezu.bsky.social breaks down what that could mean and when.

Medicaid cuts take effect in NC. Here’s a look at the expected impacts.

Some organizations are delaying cuts until November, but others are feeling the impacts immediately.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 5d

There's lots of chatter about the government shutdown. @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social is out here doing the lord's work explaining what's true, what's not and what's complicated.

NC lawmakers are saying a lot about the shutdown. What’s true and what’s not?

North Carolina lawmakers have been making statements online and in interviews about what led to the government shutdown. We fact check their claims.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

The pandemic led to a quick exit for this high-concept Raleigh restaurant with a celebrity chef. Now, it's making a comeback. @reneeumsted.bsky.social reports.

Former ‘Top Chef’ star brings back a short-lived Raleigh restaurant. Here’s when

The restaurant, which will blend Mexican, American and Japanese flavors, will include an indoor-outdoor bar and large patio.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

New North Carolina laws take effect today, including stricter immigration enforcement and more protections for children. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social.

New NC laws, including ICE bill, take effect in October. Here’s what they change

One controversial immigration bill became law with the help of a Charlotte Democrat who broke with her party to override the governor’s veto.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 7d

Durham considers wading into a politically divisive firestorm: how to feed birds and other wildlife. (Subtitle: Are squirrels why we can't have nice things?) Kristen Johnson explains.

Squirrel wars: Durham considers rules for feeding birds and other wildlife

“Animals have chewed through metal, wood, plastic, all within a blast zone of neighbors who are feeding the animals,” a resident said.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 7d

UNC has placed a professor on administrative leave while it investigates his alleged ties to an anti-fascist group. He says he hasn't been part of the group since 2018. The group says it disbanded in 2019. Details from @koriedean.bsky.social.

UNC professor on administrative leave over alleged ties to anti-fascist organization

A rally in support of Dixon was planned for Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at UNC.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 7d

“It’s a piece of Chapel Hill’s legacy.” This historic -- but definitely unusual looking -- home is for sale. Details from @chantalallam.bsky.social.

After $200K price cut, Chapel Hill mid-century ‘masterwork’ on sale for $5.2M

Designed by Sumner Winn, the 7,751-square-foot home sits on a 9.8-acre compound in Chapel Hill’s Lake Forest neighborhood.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 7d

The NC State Fair new food list is out, and @reneeumsted.bsky.social has details on those that sound worth trying (Brown Sugar Hushpuppies, BBQ Doughnut), those that sound like a maybe (Fried Frozen Watermelon) and those that are hard NOs (Pickle Soup, Flaming Hot Cheetos Pickle Pizza).

New 2025 NC State Fair foods include cheese curd tacos & pickle soup. Full list

Some fairgoers have their food staples. But for those wondering what new culinary delights they can sink their teeth into in 2025, here’s a list.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 8d

With a government shutdown likely in just a few hours, @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social writes, "the paychecks of more than 140,000 North Carolinians (are) at risk, along with federally funded programs and services used throughout the state."

A government shutdown is likely. How will North Carolinians be impacted?

Congress seems poised to allow a government funding deadline to expire without action, leading to a government shutdown. Here’s a list of impacts on North Carolina.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 8d

"There are people who have never attended a Hurricanes game who are going to notice if the team signs someone recently on trial for sexual assault." @lukedecock.bsky.social writes about perception, reality and the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Carolina Hurricanes may sign Michael McLeod, no matter what you think

The Carolina Hurricanes are considering signing a player acquitted of sexual-assault charges (but suspended by the NHL). Fans will have a decision to make.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 8d

Under new law, some North Carolinians could go 24 years without having to go to the DMV. The latest from Richard Stradling.

NC Gov. Stein approves driver’s license changes that reduce visits to the DMV

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill that changes rules for online license renewals and for full provisional licenses for teens.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 12d

A former NC GOP leader who has been sharply critical of Sunday voting and wanted limits on early voting was just hired for a newly formed "election integrity" role by the state auditor. Story by @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol

NC auditor hires former GOP director in new ‘election integrity’ oversight role

Dallas Woodhouse, who led the state GOP from 2015 to 2019, will serve as the election liaison in Auditor Dave Boliek’s office.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 12d

NC's congressional maps are heavily skewed toward Republicans now. Senate leader Phil Berger says he'd be open to making them even more red. But he denies claims that he would push redistricting in exchange for a Donald Trump endorsement. @kyleingram.bsky.social story. #ncpol

Top NC Republican floats redrawing congressional map to help GOP

He also rebutted claims that the redistricting effort would be part of a deal to secure President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 13d

The Carolina Hurricanes are interested in two scandal-tainted free agents that the NHL says fell "woefully short of the standards and values" the league demands. Some Canes fans angrily question what the team is thinking. "This is a bridge to far." The latest from @chipalexander.bsky.social.

Why Carolina Hurricanes’ pursuit of controversial free agent angers some fans

Michael McLeod is one of five pro hockey players acquitted of legal wrongdoing after a high-profile sexual assault trial in Canada.

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 13d

Things are getting a little complicated in the Atlantic, as forecasters watch Tropical Storm Humberto. And then there's another system that could become Imelda. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.

Tropical Storm Humberto is expected to strengthen. Will it hit NC?

The eighth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has formed. But another system likely to develop soon could affect the forecast.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 13d

A North Carolina DMV official (since fired) didn't schedule hearings in DWI cases, meaning potentially impaired drivers could get their licenses back without rulings. Important Reality Check journalism from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social. This is a gift link.

Fired NC DMV officer failed to hold 135 DWI-related hearings, records show

The hearing officer was fired July 24 for failing to hold hearings for drivers accused of refusing breathalyzer and other chemical tests.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 14d

Tough talk from columnist @lukedecock.bsky.social on UNC's ever-more-ludicrous football season and the many people who share in the blame. "The Tar Heels have been humiliated by TCU and UCF, and it’s fair to wonder WTF at this point."

Bill Belichick is only embarrassing himself. UNC is embarrassing all of us

North Carolina power brokers and UNC trustees have further debased a public university in feckless pursuit of football futility.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 15d

Durham County isn't sponsoring this weekend's Pride event -- as it usually does -- because of fears of losing federal funding. But a county commissioner hopes to raise money herself for Pride and the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Kristen Johnson reports.

Durham leader raising money for Pride, LGBTQ center after county ends sponsorship

“We are the ones who know how to stand with Durham and stand with our neighbors and show our love,” Chairwoman Nida Allam said.

www.newsobserver.com