The News & Observer’s top stories on July 28, 2026, span an international search for a missing Cary woman, legal complications for UNC’s satellite campus plans and fresh maneuvering at the state legislature.
Read more Thousands evacuated from OBX + lightning hits church —This Day in Triangle History
Here’s a quick digest of what readers should know today.
Cary woman missing in Grenada: Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, was last seen swimming at Grand Anse Beach on July 22 and has not been found despite shoreline, underwater and aerial searches. Grenadian authorities are treating the case as a missing person investigation and continue to appeal for information.
Old will complicates Carolina North: UNC-Chapel Hill’s plans for a 230-acre satellite campus are tangled up in a 1940 will from philosophy professor Henry Horace Williams that requires income from the land to fund philosophy fellowships. The university says it may seek court approval to modify the bequest while honoring its original intent.
Budget do-over in the legislature: House Bill 268 shifts appointment power from Democratic officials to Republicans, restores about $3.9 million in vacant position and program cuts and adds $25 million for the 2027 Military World Games and $15 million for film grants. The measure also expands weekly religious instruction time in public schools from one hour to four.
Attire bill targeting trans teachers: State Rep. Erin Paré, a Wake County Republican, says she will file legislation requiring “gender-appropriate professional attire” for public school employees after Wake County schools hired a transgender music teacher. The Campaign for Southern Equality and the ACLU of North Carolina called the proposal discriminatory and likely unconstitutional under Title VII.
Read more Man Accused of Killing Boxer Hannah Rapp Has Bonds Set at Over $1 Million
Fraud victim speaks as Lindberg seeks pardon: Debbie Griffiths, who lost access to $616,000 in annuities purchased through Durham billionaire Greg Lindberg’s company, didn’t recover her savings until December 2025. Lindberg is serving a 12-year federal sentence for an insurance scheme that misused funds from 100,000 people and is now paying lobbyists, including former Trump Organization staffers, to seek a presidential pardon.
Triangle Mediterranean spots earn national nod: Shawarma Stop in Morrisville ranked No. 11 and Boatman Spirits Company in Raleigh ranked No. 21 on Yelp’s July 20 list of the nation’s 25 best Mediterranean restaurants. Yelp based its rankings on the volume and ratings of reviews from its Elite users nationwide.
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 10 burning questions as NC football practice opens: Stars, champs, flag, forecasts
This story was originally published July 28, 2026 at 8:09 PM.