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Worried about your teen? Join our conversation about mental health and suicide
Teenagers don’t always show us when they’re struggling. The Charlotte Observer is hosting a talk about what to look for, what to say and how to help.
Charlotte business group’s new growth push looks to leverage ties to the Pearl
Charlotte wants a slice of the action that has been booming in other areas.
UNC basketball coach Michael Malone describes chaotic start with Tar Heels
During a podcast appearance, UNC basketball coach Michael Malone breaks down his chaotic start with the Tar Heels.
A.I. Is Redefining What a Computer Science Education Is For
Warp’s Zach Lloyd explores why the debate over whether A.I. will replace programmers misses a larger transformation already underway. Lloyd argues that computer science is becoming more about culti…
In Gherdëina, Curating a Biennale Around the Politics of the Garden
“The garden is less a physical site than a conceptual space through which we could think about belonging, stewardship, memory and our shared responsibility toward the future,” curator S…
The Next Career Ladder Is Business Ownership
Citizens’ Mark Valentino argues that the next generation of entrepreneurs does not necessarily need to build a company from scratch to own one. Valentino examines the succession wave facing America…
Health records in GOP race for Oklahoma governor could help sway voters, experts say
Gentner Drummond’s push to pressure his opponent into taking a drug test taps into voter concerns over candidates’ health and could tip the outcome of the contentious runoff election for Oklahoma’s Republican nominee for governor, some political observers said.
Raleigh staple Adventure Landing abruptly shuts its doors after 38 years
Known for laser tag and go-kart racing, this business will permanently close its doors after decades on Capital Boulevard.
How Amanda Janoo, a progressive political outsider, won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor
“She represented a more authentic version of change, to enough voters, to give her the victory,” one observer said.
NC’s vaccine requirements won’t change under Trump order, health director says
North Carolina DHHS responds to the president attempting to weaken vaccine requirements through an executive order.
After GOP stalls confirmation, Gov. Stein moves NC public safety chief to new job
This comes after lawmakers passed a bill adding a way for the Senate to thwart a Cabinet appointee.
Gencom Divides Into Two Business Lines With Leadership Promotions
Real estate investment firm Gencom is reorganizing into two different business lines, with new hires and promotions to match.
UNC researchers are using Palantir to build a massive collection of health data
The data collected so far “includes more than 535,000 whole genome sequences.”
Here are The Observer’s top 25 NC football recruits. Where will they play in college?
In all, 16 of the top 25 are headed out of state, including the state’s top player. How many are going to Duke, NC State or UNC?
South Florida celebrity entrepreneur buys Naples apartments for $90M
Grant Cardone’s firm bought a 282-unit apartment community in Collier County.
NC House GOP leader blasts State Health Plan’s new network. Others have concerns
NC lawmakers are “alarmed” by the new network, Majority Leader Brenden Jones says.
Triangle bar concept dedicated to women’s sports gains high-profile backing
Two sports fans aim to open a bar featuring women’s sports, with support from Her Court Collective and Duke’s Kara Lawson.
Volastra Therapeutics Subleases 18K SF at Alexandria Center for Life Science
Volastra Therapeutics signed an 18,120-square-foot lease in the Alexandria Center for Life Science at 430 East 29th Street.
UNC Health says new scheduling system won’t pay nurses less. Why it has critics.
The health system says it is not a “bidding model” and calls those claims “misinformation,” but that hasn’t stopped online outrage.
The Business of Helping the Ultra-Wealthy Vanish From the Internet
A growing industry now sells executives and high-net-worth clients something increasingly difficult to secure on their own: a smaller digital footprint.
Algorithms of Hate: How AI Is Rewriting Identity Politics
Identity-based hatred has evolved into a profitable digital industry driven by social media algorithms, political polarization
Federal judge’s NCAA eligibility ruling sends shockwaves through college sports
Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney ruling would allow athletes from the Class of 2022, who have not redshirted, a fifth year of eligibility. How that impacts N.C. State, UNC, Duke and the rest of the ACC.
SWFL medical device firm, after raising $50M, aims for profitability
Catalyst OrthoScience, in the ongoing effort to turn a profit, leans on market timing and tweaking its products based on surgeons' feedback.
Business journalism studies took her to the White House | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The story by UNC Hussman alumni Brennan Doherty ’19 and video by John Roberts ’16 (M.A.) was originally published on unc.edu. This story is part of a four-part series on Carolina alumni working in Washington, D.C. Soon after her 2015 graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Megan Cassella was an intern for the Reuters news agency, eagerly awaiting and prepping for a special assignment. “Every now and then they needed an intern to run over to the White House last minute,” Cassella said. “You have to send your information the night before, so I started proactively sending my information to the White House every single night to be able to go the next day if they ever needed an intern.” Since then, she’s made many return trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in a career that’s included roles at Reuters, Politico, Barron’s and now CNBC, where she works as an on-air Washington correspondent. A longtime newswriter, Cassella made the move to TV in 2024, appearing on broadcasts multiple times daily to report on the biggest political and business stories. But the keys to doing a good job — knowing how to research, asking insightful questions, building relationships and explaining complex topics to a broad audience — remain the same. Did you know: Outside of the state of North Carolina, the Washington region is home to the largest concentration of Tar Heel alumni in the country. Cassella’s time as a Tar Heel was crucial in sharpening those skills, both in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and through roles at student-run publications like The Daily Tar Heel. She excelled in Carolina’s business journalism program with former professor Chris Roush, which led to an internship at The Charlotte Observer and helped Cassella find her journalistic niche. A data journalism course with Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg taught her how to find stories in numbers, and former professor Paul O’Connor’s reporting class took Cassella to the North Carolina Capitol weekly, where she gained invaluable experience interviewing politicians. “Those hands-on experiences that Carolina gave me really kept my interest and have really benefited me since I’ve been up here in D.C.,” said Cassella. “I have UNC to thank for the fact that I even went into business journalism in the first place.” Megan Cassella ’15 “You’ve got to thrive on adrenaline in this job. You’ve got to do well with last-minute changes, with running by the seat of your pants.” Megan Cassella ’15 ‘There’s nothing else like it’ In recent months, Cassella has reported live from the G7 Summit in Geneva, covered the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and followed changes to trade policy, including tariffs. “Anything in this realm that influences Wall Street, I’ll be covering,” Cassella said. Her working hours are long and variable. After waking up, Cassella immediately checks her phone to see what news broke overnight. By 8:15 a.m., she usually learns which newscasts she’ll be on, and then she heads to the newsroom, White House or wherever her assignment is. “We want you in the 9 a.m. show and the 11, and then the 3 o’clock show wants you, too,” Cassella said, referring to a hypothetical day. If Cassella gets an exclusive or major news breaks, she might be told, “We want that on TV right now.” Within five minutes, she’d be expected to get to the camera, figure out what to say and deliver the news to a live audience. “It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Cassella said. “But there’s nothing else like it.” A well-rounded education Cassella grew up in Maryland, the youngest of four kids. Her oldest brother, Brian Cassella ’05, attended Carolina, became a photojournalist and recently won a Pulitzer Prize. She remembers visiting campus as a young child and loving it. “I just always wanted to go,” she said, and that desire grew when she, like her brother, gravitated toward journalism. But it wasn’t just the journalism school that drew Cassella to Carolina. “It was also the whole liberal arts curriculum,” she said. “Even though I always wanted to be a journalist, I got to college, and I sort of felt I had to think about other things. I had to explore my options and see if that’s what I really wanted.” Did you know: In April UNC-Chapel Hill opened its Carolina in the Capital office in Washington. She combined her journalism schooling with a global studies major and a history minor. That broad range of academic experiences in Chapel Hill molded her, preparing Cassella for a career that’s taken her to the highest levels of political journalism and inside the Oval Office. “When you sit back and remember you’re actually sitting inside the White House and asking questions of the president, it’s a cool feeling,” Cassella said. “No matter who is in office, no matter what administration or party, it’s a privilege to be there.” Megan Cassella on… Being a Tar Heel in Washington: I run into Tar Heels all the time. My husband’s a Tar Heel. We actually met here in Washington, not at Carolina, even though we were the same class. Probably most of our friends are still Tar Heels. Even up here in D.C., we all get together for games and March Madness. And through work, there’s Tar Heels all over the place. It’s often used as a connection. Favorite Franklin Street spot: When we go back, our first stop is always IP3. That’s more my husband’s doing than mine. In college, I was a huge Spanky’s fan. Felt like it was a classic spot. May it rest in peace. Advice to journalism students: Reps, reps, reps! Nothing beats the experience you’ll gain by simply starting to do the work — asking the questions, reporting and writing the stories, doing the TV hits. When you can, go places in person. Talk to more people than you think you’ll need. Read as much as you can, from different sources and on different topics. If you’re not sure how to start your story, that usually means you need more reporting. When you’re not sure, ask.
NC Senate passes elections bill cutting primary early voting days, more tweaks
The North Carolina Senate passed a sweeping elections bill on Tuesday that was months in the making.
NC lawmakers already proposing changes in power, cuts and funding in new budget
There’s a new budget bill — yes, already — that makes some changes in policy and funding in the 2026 state budget.
Good Office Design Is Good Business
And this suburban Boston project proves it.
Eating oily fish may have a shocking health benefit for your muscles and grip strength
A study found positive associations between grip strength and intake of oily fish, retinol and magnesium in both sexes.
Photos: Noah Kahan brings his “Great Divide Tour” to Raleigh
The powerhouse that is Noah Kahan packed Raleigh’s Carter-Finley Stadium Saturday night
Charlotte-based technologies supplier buys Canadian HVAC company
The Montreal-based company is now a part of SPX Technologies’ HVAC segment, according to a statement.
Saint Leo University merges business and technology colleges as AI reshapes workforce
The Pasco County university is merging two colleges as employers increasingly seek graduates with both technical and business expertise.
Bank of America Stadium renovation plans don’t include a dome. Here’s why
The newly unveiled, $1.3 billion Bank of America Stadium renovation plans didn’t include a dome. Tepper Sports’ CEO explains.
Frog Tinder. Sweet potato milk. N&O science reporter takes you into the wild
Remember when reading about science was fun? Luke Bowles, the N&O’s summer science writer, takes you behind the scenes and into the labs.
Jonathan Jones confirms CBS Sports departure
CBS Sports will be in need of a new NFL reporter and insider when their coverage of the 2026 season begins this fall as Jonathan Jones is leaving the company. Jones first joined CBS in 2019 after tenures nationally at Sports Illustrated and locally covering the Carolina Panthers for the Charlotte Observer. Earlier this month,…
NC legislators target Kannapolis in latest batch of partisan election changes
The change, which also includes Albemarle and a collection of municipalities in Moore County, follows a trend of similar bills in recent years.
NC House shuts down plans for liquor warehouse after construction dispute goes public
A House spokesperson says there’s not enough money to build. Critics say the House is trying to distance itself from the majority leader’s controversial actions on the project.
51-year-old Sarasota apartment building has sold
The 23-unit community near downtown underwent more than $1 million in improvements since 2022.
Honeywell Technologies completes first acquisition after spin-offs for $1.8B
The automation company bought a business based in a world capital.
What should we take away from Hornets’ NBA Las Vegas Summer League run?
Charlotte concluded 2026 stay in the desert with a 92-90 loss to Memphis Grizzlies.
Tepper Sports is ‘broken’ and favors women, former Charlotte FC employee alleges
The first person hired by Charlotte FC was fired for an email he didn’t send, a discrimination lawsuit says, and women faced no repercussions.
Raleigh’s Hopscotch Music Festival 2026 lineup is here. List of 100+ performers
Plus, festival dates and how to get tickets.
NC elections board approves new rule making it easier to disqualify ballots
The elections board’s Republican majority approved a series of rules in a 3-2 vote, including one on ballots without voter ID.
NC State Health Plan overhauls insurer, hospital network and premiums. What to know
State employees will see numerous changes.
1660 Ringling plan is all business for now
Benderson Development is seeking to expand the footprint and height of the former Sarasota County Administration Center and spruce up the parking lot for Class A office space.
Downtown business owners rail against revised paid parking rules
Only five days after it was implemented, two downtown Sarasota business owners prompt City Commission to reexamine overhauled paid parking program.
Two Triangle hospital systems considered for key State Health Plan status. Who got it?
Duke Health and WakeMed were under consideration for the plan’s new access tier as officials worked to finalize the 2027 network.
Inside the states' case to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
Winning a restraining order will be a crucial test for California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and his group. Some observers see the states' efforts as an uphill climb because the U.S. Justice Department last month approved the merger.
Entertainment venue Level99 now open at Disney Springs
Level99, a new, hands-on, interactive entertainment venue for teens and adults now is open at Disney Springs.
Winder Garden commission considers business tax increase
The City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance that would increase the local business tax rates by 5%.
Back to school at 26: Former UNC two-sport commit returns to college football
Jordyn Adams chose pro baseball over college football in 2018. Eight years later, the former Green Hope High School standout is headed back to school.
Calling all business leaders and innovators: The Trailblazer Awards are open for nominations
For a second year, the Jacksonville Daily Record will honor the boldest, brightest minds and highest achievers in Northeast Florida’s business community.
Open For Business: Sales include $1.2M Bemus Point restaurant
A popular restaurant in Bemus Point has been sold and is now an Italian restaurant. The Post-Journal and OBSERVER have been analyzing real estate sales in Chautauqua County and recently looked at the transactions from April 27-30. The county does not provide transaction information, but real estate documents are available for review at the clerk’s […]
NC’s State Health Plan switching who administers its members’ benefits, again
The State Health Plan announced who won its health and pharmacy benefits contracts.
NC State Health Plan approves new premium hikes, picks preferred network hospitals
It’s the latest round of changes for the plan.
Sarasota dance fitness business goes mega-viral with videos
From members to instructors to now owners, Stacey Iltis and Kari Schroeter constantly chase their why at Fly Dance Fitness: to spread the love.
Minority business office & health equity office are abolished in NC’s new budget
Gov. Josh Stein says NC shouldn’t be “blind to the fact that different health concerns impact different populations differently.”
As NC early voting disputes persist, Dems ask Wake to restore NC State polling site
Last month, election officials dropped a longtime early voting site on N.C. State’s campus and replaced it with a separate university site away from main campus.
Atrium Health settles class-action lawsuit in Charlotte alleging it shared patient data
The Charlotte-based healthcare organization agreed to a $1.8 million settlement.
The Hub at Nocatee plans to combine retail, dining and entertainment
Tampa-based Center Connect Development has two similar concepts in the state, but the Hub at Brooklyn is not one of them.
Meet Naomi Osaka’s Business Partners Behind Her Wimbledon Comeback
Naomi Osaka has returned to IMG while continuing to build Hana Kuma, KINLÒ and an investment portfolio spanning sports and startups.
NC’s top business recruiter on rivals, foreign tourism dip and project pipeline
From Trump to Biden to Trump: how Christopher Chung chases jobs as federal policy shifts.
$15M HVAC firm finds a buyer
It can be tricky. But going from solo ownership to being an employee-owned business, an air conditioning company founder recently learned, has some cool benefits.
What one Mass. blueberry bush tells scientists about climate change
The bush has been growing here since the observatory’s founding in 1885, if not longer. For 141 years, without missing a season, observers at Blue Hill have recorded the date when the first berry ripens. Their data provide a unique picture of the effects of a warming climate, and its impact on one of New England’s favorite summer treats.
Sweet Tomatoes plots return after Covid-linked liquidation
Fort Myers is one of two cities nationally that Sweet Tomatoes has chosen for its rebirth after shuttering its 97 restaurants in 2020. And diners are loving it.
America 250 Is Rewriting the Business Case for Made in America
Naturepedic’s Arin Schultz examines why America’s 250th anniversary coincides with a fundamental shift in manufacturing strategy. Schultz argues that tariff uncertainty, supply-chain disruption and…
NC budget includes UNC, NC State athletics for sports betting tax distribution
The state’s two major universities were left out of the previous model, which provided tax revenue to college athletic programs.
Honeywell completes spin-off into three companies. Just one remains in Charlotte.
The three businesses separately focus on advanced materials, automation and aerospace.
Sarasota Business Awards honor innovation, entrepreneurship and the American spirit
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses in the community across 10 categories.
Pols & Politics: Why not make looser drinking laws for World Cup permanent, observers ask
Massachusetts relaxed its rules on public drinking to accommodate World Cup fans. One libertarian magazine is wondering why it isn’t permanent. Plus: Lawsuit to compel audit being considered.
Why Kemba Walker is excited about Hornets’ future, 2026 NBA Draft additions
Charlotte’s player enhancement coach spoke to The Charlotte Observer during grand opening of The Kemba Walker Sports Academy in Concord.
NC Democrats demand lower utility costs + budget talks drag on as deadline nears
Read our Under the Dome newsletter and listen to our Under the Dome podcast to stay up to date on #ncpol.
Bank of America community roundtable highlights sales tax increase, small business struggles
Business and government leaders also discussed hiring trends and the importance of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Smart voices in business react to Apple and Xbox price hikes
After Apple and Microsoft's Xbox raised prices due to a shortage of memory chips, tech observers are not optimistic about future prices.
Senate Democrats announce election observer program
The program will put trained, official observers on the ground to observe activities around polling places
Two NC lawmakers, a Democrat and a Republican, push Congress to delay SNAP changes
Above the federal penalty threshold, NC could owe $140M a year, putting at risk a program that helps over 1.2 million North Carolinians.
Don Toliver expands world tour with first stop at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center
The ‘Octane’ World Tour’s ‘Nitrous’ expansion will kick off at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center.
Business owners, town and chamber discuss 'surviving the summer'
The first Let's Talk Business roundtable included a wide range of business representatives, from luxury resorts to a picnic-friendly mom and pop shop.
Gov. Scott vetoed the Legislature’s latest attempt to lower health insurance costs. What’s next?
Scott wants to expand other models of health insurance in Vermont. Observers worry that his veto points to deepening political divisions over how to keep healthcare affordable.
Scientists stumped by bird that “shouldn’t exist”—rare discovery shocks experts - Futura-Sciences
A Bird That Defies the Rulebook In a typically peaceful backyard in Texas, birdwatchers were caught off guard when an unfamiliar bird swooped onto the scene. It baffled observers: clearly neither a typical blue jay nor a full-fledged green jay. What was it? The answer would turn out to be...
Construction set to begin on new dining, entertainment at South End arts hub
The more than 20 existing artist studios will remain in place during construction, and signature community events will continue.
Obsidian Entertainment accused of skimping on salaries
Obsidian Entertainment has faced a lawsuit in the United States. The company was sued by former employees who claim it violated California labor laws.
Tybout House owner highlights local business at Council
Victoria Boehmer, owner of Tybout House on Market Street and a leader in several local community initiatives, shared the story behind her business and its growing impact on the region during Monday night’s Warren City Council meeting. Boehmer described Tybout House as much more than a traditional yarn store. The business works closely with local […]
Tampa medical building tied to philanthropist, investor Patel sold
In the week's top commercial real estate news, a grocery store property sold in Venice, a former beach hotel sold in Clearwater, and a prominent CRE broker makes a move in Fort Myers.
Now two powerful NC politicians say Raleigh would be a good MLB expansion city
MLB in NC has been a topic for years. Now the governor and Senate leader say Raleigh is a desirable location for a team.
NC Senate leader Berger, Speaker Hall now in final talks about overdue state budget
The finish line is in sight on North Carolina’s overdue state budget. Senate leader Berger and Speaker Hall are in final negotiations.
Charlotte mayor finalists on who holds power in city hall: activists or business?
The City Council will select Charlotte’s next mayor from a pool of five finalists amid a changing political landscape.
Small Business Owner and Former Cultural Affairs Commissioner Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin Launches Bid for Culver City Council
Small Business Owner, Former Cultural Affairs Commissioner, and longtime community volunteer Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin today declared her candidacy for the Culver City Council. Wisnosky Stehlin is running to be a voice for residents and community members who want strong, collaborative leadership at City Hall. "People come to Culver City because the...
3 La Grande business could get a helping hand
LA GRANDE — La Grande’s Urban Renewal Agency and Urban Renewal Advisory Commission meet Monday, June 29, for a joint special session to allocate project funding. Mountain West Plaza, Flying […]
Sarasota County tells EDC to refine changes to Business Park zoning
With most requested changes already modified, the Sarasota County Commission tells the EDC to further refine its requests for changes to the Business Park zoning district.
Washington Journalists Offer Insight on 2026 Political Landscape
At the Federal Legislative and Political Forum Sunday, leading political observers talked about the elections, redistricting and the importance of year-round advocacy.
Sarasota business park land sold to investor planning apartments
In the week's top commercial real estate news, a 100,000-square-foot industrial site leased in Tampa, 1,000 homes will be built in Lakewood Ranch, and a grocer-anchored center sells in Seffner.
Initiative to spur business parks underway in Sarasota County
Small businesses that are growing are facing an obstacle in Sarasota County as they look to expand: where to go.
Atrium sells 4 Charlotte-area nursing facilities to Chicago firm new to the market
The deal involves more than 500 skilled nursing facility beds from Atrium Health.
Nintendo was fined 35 million euros due to Joy-Con stick drift
In France, an investigation into Nintendo related to defective Joy-Con controller sticks has concluded. The outcome was not in the company’s favor.
Shepherd's Hope offers free sports and school physicals
The nonprofit is partnering with Nemours Children's Health and Who We Play For to provide physicals for uninsured youth ages 18 and younger.
New Mayo–Microsoft collaboration may mean much for AI in healthcare
When Mayo Clinic and Microsoft announced last week that they’re partnering to develop a frontier AI model for healthcare, observers could see where Mayo’s expertise in advanced digital medicine would interest Microsoft. The Big Tech behemoth has not been coy about its healthcare ambitions.
How a simple mix-up fueled false conspiracies about L.A. vote count
An update of votes for Los Angeles mayor, reported by media outlets, led some observers to believe there was a large batch of votes counted that included zero votes for candidate Spencer Pratt. There was no such batch, but there was a misleading update.
From Hometown Puzzles To Global Entertainment Empire
In 2017, father-and-son team Jeffrey and Blake Stone were proudly showing off their very first business venture in Brandon, a single escape room facility hand-b
Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards
Josh Stacy turned part of his used car dealership into a shop for a different asset, Pokémon cards, after his son Silas helped inspire his interest.