What happened in the Triangle today: Catch up with Monday’s top 5 stories
From a fatal DWI crash in Durham to a $722 million federal fine against a local energy company, here are the top stories from The News & Observer today.
- DWI charge in fatal crash: Police charged Joseph Savarino, 26, with driving while impaired in a Saturday night crash that killed 15-year-old Jack O’Shea, who was riding his bike on Cole Mill Road in northwest Durham. Savarino had a blood alcohol level of 0.11%, above the legal limit of 0.08%, and bail was set at $100,000.
- Delta suspends RDU-Las Vegas route: Delta Air Lines will suspend flights between RDU and Las Vegas from June 2 until Sept. 8, becoming the first airline to cut service from the airport at least partly due to soaring jet fuel costs tied to the war with Iran.
- Durham energy company fined $722 million: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission penalized American Efficient, LLC for what the agency called “one of the largest and most brazen frauds” in its history, ordering the Durham company to also repay $410 million in past profits. The company denies wrongdoing and says it won’t pay any fines as it fights the case in court.
- UNC’s Trimble enters portal: North Carolina senior guard Seth Trimble entered the NCAA transfer portal with a do-not-contact designation as a precautionary move while he evaluates his professional future. Trimble does not currently have college eligibility remaining.
- Duke’s Ngongba returning: Duke center Patrick Ngongba II will stay with the Blue Devils for another season rather than turn pro. The 6-11 sophomore averaged 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds last season.
Best Italian restaurant
Vote for the Triangle’s best Italian restaurant: The News & Observer’s reader poll is down to the top five Italian restaurants in the Triangle. The contest started with 66 nominees from the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area.
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.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 5:24 PM.
Jessica Banov
The News & Observer