Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 22h

Surplus Sid's -- a Carrboro spot like no other -- is now gone. Story from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.

Surplus Sid’s has closed in Carrboro. What’s next for its owner, Barry Keith.

Surplus Sid’s owner Barry Keith worked for the military surplus store’s original owner while at UNC-Chapel Hill in the 1970s.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 23h

Do "Wanted" political posters in Durham elections debate lean into racist tropes? Or are they legitimate political criticism? Interesting story from Kristen Johnson.

‘Wanted’ posters of Black Durham leaders spark debate over race and politics

“If they want to get all upset about the poster, good. Hopefully it’ll facilitate some self-awareness and some self-reflection,” said the creator of the posters.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 23h

“So many credit reports wiped clean. This is life changing news for so many families." Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.

North Carolina wipes out $6.5B in medical debt for 2.5M residents. Here’s how.

North Carolina’s medical debt initiative, announced in 2024, has delivered more relief than initially expected in a state with a high rate of medical debt.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 2d

NC Republican leaders say they'll heed Trump's call to redistrict again in attempt to get another GOP seat in Congress. Democrats lambaste move. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol

NC Republicans announce plan to redraw congressional map to pick up GOP seat

North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

So this story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social has a lot going on in it: pumpkin spice cannabis, "the Buc-ee's of pot" and claims and questions about the "science of teleportation," "ego-driven theatrics" and "casino cartels." (Plus, this image makes me hungry for Count Chocula.)

Sen. Tillis asks AG Bondi to investigate Cherokee marijuana business in NC

Sen. Thom Tillis asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether the Eastern Band of Cherokee is complying with federal laws regarding a marijuana dispensary.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

The latest from @shelbyswanson.bsky.social about the daily soap opera "As the UNC Football Program Turns" ...

Belichick says he’s ‘fully committed’ to UNC football amid whirlwind week

With buyout rumors flying, Bill Belichick reaffirmed his commitment to UNC and AD Bubba Cunningham showed his support Wednesday night

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

Why have so many houses on the NC coast collapsed into the sea this year? Why were they so near the water anyway? And who cleans up the mess? Martha Quillin answers your questions.

What to know about NC houses tumbling into the ocean, from construction to cleanup

Videos of NC beach houses falling into the ocean are like little movies in which inanimate objects get clobbered by an irresistable force.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

What is a King tide and why should the NC coast be wary of it this weekend? The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.

King tides & new storm tracking toward NC mean flooding, rain. Latest forecast

There’s uncertainty about rainfall totals from the coastal low system, but coastal flood advisories and watches are in effect this week.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

Politicians from both parties in North Carolina call for Rep. Cecil Brockman to immediately step down.

Top NC Democrats and Republicans call on Rep. Cecil Brockman to immediately resign

Gov. Josh Stein said the charges against Brockman “are extremely serious and deeply troubling.” He joined several other political leaders in saying Brockman “should resign immediately.”

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

Shocking story today: An NC legislator is charged with statutory rape and indecent liberties. A magistrate also says the lawmaker “has made attempts to contact the victim in this case and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital." The latest from Avi Bajpai.

NC Rep. Cecil Brockman charged with statutory rape, indecent liberties with child

State Rep. Cecil Brockman was arrested by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 6d

NC Sen. Thom Tillis questions National Guard deployments and rejects notion that Charlotte is unsafe. Story by @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social. #ncpol

Sen. Thom Tillis says he’s struggling to understand some National Guard deployments

Tillis also rejected the idea that Charlotte is unsafe.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 7d

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.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 8d

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.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 8d

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 · 8d

"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.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 11d

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 · 12d

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.

www.newsobserver.com

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Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 12d

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 · 12d

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 · 12d

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 · 12d

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 · 13d

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.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 14d

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.

www.newsobserver.com

Thad Ogburn @thadogburn.bsky.social · 14d

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 · 14d

“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.

www.newsobserver.com