Here’s a digest of today’s top stories from The News & Observer for May 18, 2026, covering breaking news from across the Triangle and beyond.
Read more NC high school track team seeks review after state championship disqualification
From criminal cases and government spending to a viral commencement speech, here’s what readers need to know.
Read more: Cary spent $85K to send town officials to courses at Harvard, other schools
Read more: Ex-Broughton High teacher could face life in prison if convicted on sex charges
Read more: Former Durham Committee PAC chair indicted in $75K embezzlement case
Read more: Husband gets prison for killing wife in Chatham Co. to escape arranged marriage
Read more Cary spending, Eric Church’s viral speech & faulty gas pumps: The Triangle’s top stories
Read more: Why country star Eric Church’s commencement speech at UNC has gone viral
Read more: Pumps at 12+ Triangle gas stations were recently flagged for problems. Here’s where
Read more: Inside a Carolina Hurricanes defensive duo’s chemistry: Friendship forged in faith
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
Read more Former Durham Committee PAC chair indicted in $75K embezzlement case