The News & Observer’s top stories on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, span election controversy, a major corporate bankruptcy, severe weather threats and local challenges around homelessness and public safety.
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Here’s a quick digest of what readers need to know today.
Woodhouse texts reveal Sunday voting backlash worry: New text messages show former state auditor’s election liaison Dallas Woodhouse acknowledged that cutting Sunday early voting across North Carolina would draw public backlash, and he urged county boards to add Saturday hours to soften the impact.
Durham energy firm files for bankruptcy: American Efficient, a Durham-based energy company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after federal regulators ordered it to pay more than $1.1 billion in penalties and returned profits over what FERC called a “brazen fraud scheme.” The company listed assets of just $1 million to $10 million.
Flood advisory and storms hit the Triangle: Central North Carolina is under a flood advisory through Thursday, with 2 to 4 inches of rain forecast and a risk of severe thunderstorms. Northern counties, including parts of Durham, face a Level 2 slight risk for damaging wind and possible brief tornadoes.
Durham clears Oakwood Park encampment: Durham officials temporarily closed Oakwood Park after moving all 18 residents of a downtown homeless encampment into interim housing. The move is part of a broader $4 million strategy to reach “functional zero” homelessness by 2031.
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Mother questions hospital discharge before fatal hit-and-run: The mother of Jena Shively who was killed in a hit-and-run on Interstate 40 early Sunday, is questioning why WakeMed Raleigh discharged her 33-year-old daughter two days earlier despite seizures, cognitive deficits and homelessness. WakeMed said patient autonomy is a cornerstone of medical ethics but is reviewing the case.
Heavy traffic expected for Carter-Finley concerts: Guns N’ Roses performs Thursday, July 23, and a sold-out Noah Kahan show follows Saturday, July 25, at Carter-Finley Stadium, with both concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. N.C. State is warning drivers to expect heavy traffic on nearby roads and to plan ahead, especially with rain in the forecast.
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 Facing a $1.1 billion fraud penalty, Durham energy firm files for bankruptcy