The News & Observer week in review

Triangle property taxes surge 60-100% over decade

Triangle homeowners face property tax bills ranging from 60% higher to nearly double what they were a decade ago, significantly outpacing the 40% inflation rate. Raleigh’s median home now carries a combined tax bill about 72% higher than 2016, while Durham’s median home faces more than 70% higher taxes. Rising home values are the primary driver, with Raleigh’s median home value increasing from around $191,000 to $391,000. Despite local governments lowering tax rates, higher assessed values have pushed bills up faster than income growth. Wake County’s population grew from 1 million to 1.25 million, requiring more services. State lawmakers approved a November ballot referendum to potentially cap property tax increases, though local governments warn this could drastically affect budgets and remove local spending control.

Reported by Nolan Wilkinson, Tammy Grubb and Kristen Johnson, published June 1

NC insurance commissioner faces heat over texts

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, a Republican, is facing criticism from Democrats after texts obtained by The News & Observer raised concerns about his treatment of a now-former employee. A former eight-year department employee, April Taylor, shared texts showing Causey making suggestive comments about her appearance, including one reading, “I might jump your bones. Watch out!!!” Causey told the outlet he does not recall sending the texts. Gov. Josh Stein’s spokesperson called the allegations “deeply troubling and inappropriate.” Taylor has asked state officials to investigate the Department of Insurance over alleged improper political activity and procedural failures. Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch called on State Auditor Dave Boliek to act, criticizing his office’s apparent reluctance to investigate a fellow Republican official. Causey has not publicly commented since the story’s publication, with his office citing it as a personnel matter.

Reported by Dan Kane, published June 2

Accused shooter’s folk hero image belies warning signs

Gwendolyn White, 57, is accused of shooting and injuring two attorneys outside the Wake County courthouse on May 22 and has since gained an online following portraying her as a “hero.” But court records and former attorneys describe a woman with a long history of mental health concerns, dozens of dismissed lawsuits, and extraordinary allegations against neighbors and police. A judge previously found her incompetent to stand trial in a stalking case. White also faces allegations of neglecting her elderly mother, for whom a court appointed an independent guardian in 2024. Former attorney Seth Blum said the justice system documented her decline but failed to intervene before the shooting.

Reported by Virginia Bridges, published May 29

GOP officials say party pressured them on voting site

Republican election officials in Jackson County say they faced pressure from their own party and the state auditor’s office to reject an early voting site at Western Carolina University. Board member Jay Pavey, a Republican, sided with Democrats to approve the site, saying he was threatened with removal if he voted otherwise. Board Chair Bill Thompson acknowledged being asked by the auditor’s office to vote against the WCU location. A spokesperson for Auditor Dave Boliek confirmed communication with local boards but stopped short of denying pressure. The dispute now goes to the State Board of Elections after Thompson’s dissenting vote prevented a unanimous decision required by state law.

Reported by Kyle Ingram, published June 3

Canes season ticket holders struggle with Cup ticket sales

Carolina Hurricanes season ticket holders received early access to Stanley Cup Final tickets May 30 but many found only expensive resale options available. Despite the three-hour presale window, face-value tickets quickly sold out, leaving fans with resale seats priced over $1,000 for upper-level sections. One season ticket holder told The N&O she waited in a 22,000-person virtual queue and found the cheapest options at $1,200 each before eventually purchasing standing room tickets for $635. The cheapest Game 1 tickets against Las Vegas Golden Knights were $900 on June 1, with standing room costing over $600. Ticketmaster said it blocks 20 billion bots monthly and fights scalpers, while the Canes limit purchases to four tickets per buyer. Watch parties are planned at Moore Square and the Lenovo Center for fans unable to afford game tickets.

Reported by Renee Umsted, published June 2

NC voucher program to undergo state audit this fall

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek plans to audit the Opportunity Scholarship program, which currently provides taxpayer funding to more than 100,000 students attending private schools. A spokesperson for the State Auditor’s Office confirmed the review, noting they hope to complete it by fall. As of May, a record 106,841 students are receiving $587.5 million this school year, up sharply from $185.6 million for 32,549 students in 2023-24. The program, open to all families since the 2024-25 school year, has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters welcome the transparency, while critics, including Public Schools First NC, call it an “overfunded voucher program” lacking accountability guardrails.

Reported by T. Keung Hui, published May 29, updated May 30

This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 2:09 PM with the headline "The News & Observer week in review."