The News & Observer covered major developments across North Carolina on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, from a congressional ethics finding to a long-awaited murder trial plea.
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Here’s a quick digest of the top stories from around the state.
Edwards faces censure recommendation: The House Committee on Ethics found “substantial reason to believe” Rep. Chuck Edwards violated House rules on sexual harassment and hostile workplaces toward two young female staffers, citing lavish gifts, intimate dinners and vacations. Edwards denies wrongdoing and says the findings exonerate him.
Not guilty plea in Hedgepeth killing: Miguel Salguero Olivares pleaded not guilty Monday to raping and killing UNC-Chapel Hill student Faith Hedgepeth in September 2012. DNA evidence led to his 2021 arrest, and prosecutors will not seek the death penalty ahead of the Sept. 28 trial.
Inside the Comey ‘86 47’ investigation: Newly released court filings reveal how federal agents in North Carolina built their case against former FBI Director James Comey after his May 2025 Instagram post of seashells arranged as “86 47.” Officials interpreted the post as a threat against President Trump. Comey argues the prosecution is politically motivated and violates his free speech rights.
CAM Raleigh selling downtown building: The Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh is selling its 409 W. Martin St. building after operating there about 15 years, citing financial struggles including a $300,000 operating deficit in 2024. The nonprofit has been temporarily closed since 2025 but is not announcing a permanent closure.
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Apartments could replace canceled wet lab: Boston-based developer Redgate has submitted plans for a 95-foot mixed-use building with 225 apartments and ground-floor shops at 306 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. The plan comes after Longfellow Real Estate Partners backed out of a controversial wet lab project due to weak market demand. The Triangle’s life science market has a roughly 15% vacancy rate.
UNC pursues transfer portal centers: After a Colorado judge ruled Friday that high school class of 2022 athletes are eligible for a fifth year of college play, UNC basketball has been linked to Florida transfer Micah Handlogten, South Dakota State transfer Cameron Fens and Villanova transfer Duke Brennan for its final roster spot under coach Michael Malone.
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.
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