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Thad Ogburn

@thadogburn.bsky.social
551 followers 325 following 534 posts

Managing Editor, The News & Observer in Raleigh

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continued today with testimony from her roommate and another UNC student about a possible drop of blood or residue from throwing up a red alcoholic drink. The latest from @virginabridges.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Faith Hedgepeth murder: Witness recalls blood on roommate’s finger
Follow the latest testimony and developments in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial as the case unfolds in a Durham courtroom.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
An "extremely dark day" for Durham. The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social and Kristen Johnson.
newsobserver.com
Durham firefighter killed, 2 injured in roof collapse during blaze. Here’s what we know
Fire crews responded to a 911 call about the flames around 3:15 a.m. Thursday morning.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
After a whirlwind courtship, NC Central University mascots Eddie and Annie Eagle have officially wed. And as @janesartwell.bsky.social reminds us, eagles mate for life. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
newsobserver.com
NC Central mascots Eddie and Annie Eagle got married. Meet Durham’s lovebirds
The avian wedding was part of NC Central’s homecoming celebration. Alumni and students filled the stands, the marching band played Petey Pablo’s ‘Raise Up,’ and the dance team wowed the crowd.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
If I'm Triangle Town Center, I'd extend an invitation to Mr. Beast to come as much as he wants! Story from Josh Shaffer.
newsobserver.com
MrBeast turns struggling Raleigh mall into viral playground with new video
NC’s most famous YouTube influencer goes Beast Mode at Triangle Town Center, creating an unusually large crowd at the North Raleigh mall
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Less than a month from Election Day, the Michael Whatley Senate campaign in North Carolina is reducing its TV ad buy. @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social has details.
newsobserver.com
NC’s Michael Whatley pauses TV ads as campaign rethinks strategy
Senate candidate Michael Whatley’s campaign paused television ads as it rethinks strategy in a final push to November.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We need a soothing Mike Sprayberry news conference.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We're having some 2020 flashbacks in the newsroom with a likely Hurricane Isaias forming. What it could mean for North Carolina. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Tropical Storm Isaias could bring 2-4 inches of rain across NC this weekend
Rain is likely in central North Carolina late Saturday into Sunday, but the heaviest amounts are expected in the mountains and along the coast.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
It's official: Dampf Good BBQ won't come to Durham following swift community backlash because of the owner's past social media posts against the LGBTQ+ community, abortion rights, transgender rights and Critical Race Theory. The latest from Drew Jackson. www.newsobserver.com/living/food-...
newsobserver.com
Dampf Good BBQ ends Durham restaurant plans after community resistance
The pull-out follows swift backlash from the Durham community over past social media posts.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
After a nearly 8-year vacancy, this spot at Crabtree Valley Mall is getting a BIG grand opening for a BIG new retailer. Autumn Coleman has details.
newsobserver.com
100,000+ square-foot store is Crabtree Valley Mall’s biggest opening in years
The store was originally a Sears before it closed permanently in November 2018.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
This week, NC Sen. Thom Tillis is EVERYWHERE promoting his book. @faithwardwell.bsky.social breaks it down, from talk of an "electoral bloodbath" on @60minutes.bsky.social to sparring with Ana Navarro on "The View" about voting for people he later calls unqualified.
newsobserver.com
Sen. Thom Tillis needles White House officials while on media blitz for new book
In appearances on “60 Minutes” and “The View” to promote his memoir, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has ramped up his criticism of the Trump administration. But he does have one regret.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Sounds like kind a violent commotion at Carolina Ale House early this morning, with a Raleigh police detective (now fired) charged with assaulting a manager, customers and law enforcement. Story from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Raleigh police detective fired after alleged off-duty assault at restaurant
The Raleigh Police Department fired Christopher Andre Reed, 32, after he was accused of assaulting a manager at a Carolina Ale House.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
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!
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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...
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
And, of course, the new name is HOTEL Indigo and not HOLIDAY Indigo.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
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."
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Haven't checked out Triangle Saver yet? Looking to save money? Join the conversation and find money-saving tips at @newsobserver.com's new Triangle Saver Facebook group, hosted by affordability reporter @reneeumsted.bsky.social. www.facebook.com/groups/trian...
facebook.com
Facebook
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Interesting Triangle Saver this week from @reneeumsted.bsky.social about car prices, aggressive tactics, risky loans and debt settlement.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Big updates coming to a big Sanford business. The latest from Richard Stradling.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Congratulations to Duke "Genius Grant" winner Felipe De Brigard, and thanks to @dmtwumasi.bsky.social for so adeptly explaining the professor's research.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The State Highway Patrol signs an agreement with ICE that will let officers use immigration powers during traffic stops. Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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
newsobserver.com
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.”
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Take a look inside the new Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, courtesy of Drew Jackson.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“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.
newsobserver.com
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.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
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.
newsobserver.com
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?”
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
My colleague @virginabridges.bsky.social has been reporting on this disturbing story for four years, with accusations moving through the civil court system. These are the first criminal charges.
newsobserver.com
Ex-NC State trainer arrested on 32 charges after athletes accused him of sex abuse
NC State’s former director of sports medicine has been indicted on sexual contact charges. He has denied all the allegations.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Why does UNC-Chapel Hill trail behind NC State and ECU in capital funding from the legislature? Weak advocacy or legislators unhappy with outspoken faculty in Chapel Hill? Story from @janesartwell.bsky.social. #ncpol
newsobserver.com
UNC trustees blame faculty activism and state politicians for a lack of funding
The board reviewed a chart showing how capital projects have been funded within the UNC system since 2011.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
So, @shaboozey.bsky.social, breakout singer of "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," popped into a Triangle barbecue spot this week. As @faithwardwell.bsky.social notes, "someone better have poured him up a double shot of whiskey."
newsobserver.com
Shaboozey got a taste of this Cary barbecue joint ahead of Raleigh concert
Someone better have poured him up a double shot of whiskey.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Chatham County leaders vow to fight natural gas pipeline, but what exactly can they do? The latest from @lilycarey.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Chatham leaders vow to fight Enbridge pipeline, but they legally can’t stop it
Chatham County officials signed a resolution Monday night vowing to oppose Enbridge’s pipeline however they can.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"A whole bunch of things put together ... have made a difference.” Why you don't hear as many people complaining about NC's long DMV lines anymore, from Richard Stradling.
newsobserver.com
Long lines at NC DMV? Not anymore. See average wait times at your local office
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles says several changes have allowed it to cut wait times dramatically in the last year.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
North Carolina's Outer Banks could be in for some rough weather over the next few days. The latest from @annamroman.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Powerful Nor’easter could bring coastal NC flooding, up to 12-foot beach waves
The Flood Watch is in effect for oceanside areas from Duck to Ocracoke.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“He can serve 150 days, and he can move on with his life. We’re going to deal with this the rest of ours.” Relatives of victims say trucker's punishment is inadequate. Story by Richard Stradling.
newsobserver.com
Truck driver will spend 30 days in NC jail for each person killed in I-95 crash
Charles Haskell of Las Vegas pleaded guilty to five misdemeanors in Wilson County District Court for a fatal crash near Kenly two summers ago.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Lobbyists avoid the possibility of a criminal trial in NC probe that all started with reports of lawmaker misbehavior on a Kentucky bourbon tour. (Another reason to not go acting a fool!) The latest from @dpkane.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
NC lobbyists agree to civil fine in deal to drop charge over bourbon tour
The three lobbyists also agreed to cooperate with the continuing SBI probe into Greater Carolina.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Blood-soaked killing fields?" President Trump's over-the-top description of NC cities contradicts his own AG, Todd Blanche, at the same event: "North Carolina is ground zero for exactly what is working." Story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social and Nora O'Neill.
newsobserver.com
Trump claims NC crime among worst in country. His attorney general says otherwise
President Donald Trump painted a gruesome picture of North Carolina as he worked to get votes to GOP Senate nominee Michael Whatley.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
What took Cary so long to send out its water advisory this week? A Reality Check from @andreagalliano.bsky.social.
newsobserver.com
Cary knew water warning was needed at 1 a.m. Emergency alert went out 5 hours later
ReadyWake targeted more than 108,000 contacts after Cary’s water-main break, but thousands were unreachable and some missed the warning.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Sad and powerful reporting and writing from my colleagues @faithwardwell.bsky.social and @dmtwumasi.bsky.social. Not an easy story to read, but a very important one.
newsobserver.com
She lost her son to suicide. After a downtown Raleigh death, she’s sharing his story
Suicide ‘happens in the Black community,’ this Triangle mother says. Many struggle with what can be done.
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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It's shaping up to be quite a day with the soap opera in Chapel Hill. And it's not even noon yet.
newsobserver.com
UNC football player suspended after arrest in traffic stop, university says
Two UNC freshmen wide receivers were involved in a traffic stop on Tuesday night, with one facing a concealed weapon charge.
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