In which @nathanpcollins.bsky.social attempts to get answers from NC officials about this week's prison uprising in which inmates overpowered guards and took hostages.

Fantastic story, photos and video from Luke Bowles and @vizjourno.bsky.social on these frogs seeking a little summer romance. And they are LOUD about it!

At some spots along Falls Lake, the Triangle's drought doesn't look so severe. But it is, as @vizjourno.bsky.social's staggering photos and Josh Shaffer's well-told story show.

Think Pope Leo will proudly wear his special Carolina Hurricanes jersey? Fun story from @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social.

Fascinating story from Nolan Wilkinson on the Forest Park/Cameron Park neighborhood, still grappling with the legacy of its prominent namesake, who was one of NC's largest slaveholders.

The bad blood continues from the rancorous GOP primary in which Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page ousted NC Senate leader Phil Berger. The latest from @kyleingram.bsky.social.

NC's proposed state budget calls for a digital vehicle registration system that would do away with physical cards and stickers. The DMV did not ask for the move. "The DMV is agnostic on this change.” The latest from Esther Frances.

Education policy changes in NC's new budget bill include different tools for math instruction, guaranteed time for religious studies and curbing "lunch shaming." @keunghui.bsky.social has details.

Is NC REALLY getting a budget bill this time or is this just another fake out? It's a YEAR late, so consider us skeptical. The latest from @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social.

From the jaws of an alligator to Independence Day grand marshal. You're a good boy, Strike! This Josh Shaffer column will brighten your Monday.

It's been awhile since I've read an inside journalism story as jaw dropping as this one. Wow.

Horse farm owners seek business model that "supports the long‑term success of the farm." But some neighbors feel under siege. "Our roads shouldn’t be blocked, and our families shouldn’t fear what happens after dark." Fascinating story from @tammygrubb.bsky.social.

A Wake County commissioner says her trip to Israel -- paid for by the Israeli government -- is about culture and economics and not politics. Some critics don't agree. Nolan Wilkinson story.

How an animated discussion about credit card rate caps led Sen. Elizabeth Warren to make chicken noises at Sen. Thom Tillis. (And prompted @newsobserver.com staffers to discuss how best to spell out "bok bok.") @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social story.

Sarah Stevens, the GOP candidate for an NC Supreme Court seat, says she didn't know the criminal background of a backer who hosted a fund-raiser at his home. @kyleingram.bsky.social story.

Seriously ... what more does the Hockey Hall of Fame want Rod Brind'Amour to do? The latest from @chipalexander.bsky.social.

Special T-shirts with @newsobserver.com's coverage of the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes are now available for online order. You can get this year's coveted "Perfect Storm!" front page, the 2006 "It's Ours!" front page, Rod Brind'Amour then and now and more.

A former state employee says her supervisor, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, texted her inappropriate comments such as "I might jump your bones." The State Ethics Commission dismissed her complaint. @dpkane.bsky.social story.

We know today's @newsobserver.com front page, with this amazing Robert Willett photo, sold out very quickly. We will be reprinting the "Perfect Storm!" front page again in our special Stanley Cup commemorative section on Friday.

We have a lot of Carolina Hurricanes celebration coverage at @newsobserver.com, with much more to come, including special print front pages, a commemorative print section, posters and a hardcover book.

The CAROLINA HURRICANES are Stanley Cup Champs for the second time -- 20 years after the team's first one!

Some love the Friday night concerts in downtown Wake Forest. Others think they have gotten out of hand. And then there is the issue of those armed officers on rooftops. @dmtwumasi.bsky.social reports a story that has a lot of people talking.

NC's former state auditor, Democrat Beth Wood, resigned after pleading guilty to a hit-and-run. Now, Auditor Dave Boliek -- a Republican that Wood endorsed -- has hired her back as an independent contractor for the agency. Story by @kyleingram.bsky.social.

No friend-of-the-court filings in NC's James Comey "86 47" seashell case. As @virginabridges.bsky.social notes, it's "an unusual turn in an already unusual case."

It took 37 years for this principal to grow his facial hair. It didn't take long at all to shave it all off, thanks to his students acing their exams. Fun story and video from Josh Shaffer.

NC Democrats take on GOP gridlock in a parody video of Key and Peele's "Obama Anger Translator," complete with bleeped-out expletives. Now, Republicans are calling for those involved in the video to be disciplined. Good story by @ronnibutts.bsky.social.

Really nice story from @faithwardwell.bsky.social and video from @allipardont.bsky.social on @wademinter.com, who has announced EVERY Carolina Hurricanes home game for 11 years. Enjoy that barbecue, coleslaw and sweet tea today before announcing a winning game, Wade.

Great package of stories posted today about senior care and what you need to know. From @annamroman.bsky.social.

New NC State football recruit Colt Hauser has a famous father who the many "Yellowstone" fans will know. Story from @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social.

Some NC lawmakers want to put a $10 cover charge on strip clubs in the state. Story from Esther Frances.

How NC investigators could be using camera data from Lowe's hardware stores. The latest from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social.

Crazy story from @tammygrubb.bsky.social: A Chapel Hill couple took money from the Boilermakers Union for pricey meals and travel -- even to their second home in Ukraine.

Some retirees are going to see higher costs in NC's State Health Plan next year. Story from @lucianaperezu.bsky.social.

Durham's library director tells branches to remove Pride Month displays. That didn't go over well with county commissioners. The latest from Kristen Johnson.

Even the watch parties for Carolina Hurricanes fans at the Lenovo Center come with Ticketmaster frustrations. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.

UNC posted that "The Tar Heels are for everyone" for Pride Month. The post was deleted after officials claim it “violated the UNC System’s Equality Policy, which requires neutrality on political and social issues." Story from @janesartwell.bsky.social.

In which Michael Whatley learns -- as did Cal Cunningham and Mark Walker -- that there's risk in trying to connect with North Carolina voters over sports and food. Story by @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.

A federal judge denies a motion to dismiss an excessive force civil claim against a Raleigh police officer. He allegedly slammed a man face first into a tree root. Details from @virginabridges.bsky.social.

Wondering what the chants of "no means no!" directed at a Vegas Golden Knights player during Tuesday's Hurricanes game meant? @janesartwell.bsky.social and @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social explain.

A Clayton High School graduation speaker sought to urge people to use their voices. Watch as her principal silences her. Story by @nathanpcollins.bsky.social.

It's GAME DAY for the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Finals, and The N&O has you covered. Not lucky enough to have a ticket but looking for a place to gather and watch? @annamroman.bsky.social has details.

What exactly is the Unleaded 88 gas at Sheetz? How much cheaper is it? And what are the cons of using it? @reneeumsted.bsky.social has answers.

A bill that would ask NC voters to enshrine strict abortion rules has sparked social media outrage. Esther frances Esther Frances explains why the proposal is not likely to go anywhere.

During his race for NC governor in 2024, Mark Robinson sued a porn shop clerk for defamation for disclosing Robinson's porn habit. Flash forward to 2026, and Robinson admits a porn addiction. Now, the shop clerk is suing him. Story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.

"I made a difference, but there’s no historical record of me." Twelve students with disabilities are left out of NC school's yearbook. Even more outrageous: this issue has even happened before, reports @tammygrubb.bsky.social.

In the minutes before Friday's shooting of 2 lawyers outside the courthouse, the accused said, "I’m going after you. I’m going completely after you all the way up to the top. I promise you that. And I’m going to get her." The latest from @solomonlexib.bsky.social.

Amid all the shock and confusion in downtown Raleigh, a moment of hope from Josh Shaffer and Ethan Hyman.

The woman charged with shooting 2 lawyers in downtown Raleigh had fought with Rolesville police about video footage for years. Story by @VirginiaBridges.

The latest on the horrible violence outside the Wake County courthouse today.

Headed to watch the Canes in the third round of the NHL Playoffs? It won't be cheap -- starting in the parking lot. @reneeumsted.bsky.social has details.