Local

This week’s best photos from News & Observer photojournalists

By Scott Sharpe

May 1, 2026 2:50 PM

Dramatic clouds gather over Raleigh as light rain falls in parts of the city Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026. All 100 North Carolina counties are in moderate to extreme drought conditions, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. — Dramatic clouds gather over Raleigh as light rain falls in parts of the city Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026. All 100 North Carolina counties are in moderate to extreme drought conditions, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Here’s a curated selection of photos from the Triangle and beyond as captured through the lenses of News & Observer photojournalists. This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper, as well as in our online Edition. See it at eedition.newsobserver.com.

Thousands march down N. Salisbury St. in downtown Raleigh during a rally and march to protest for more school funding Friday, May 1, 2026. The North Carolina Association of Educators has mobilized teachers from across the state to march on the Legislative Building to demand higher pay, more school funding and higher taxes on corporations. — Thousands march down N. Salisbury St. in downtown Raleigh during a rally and march to protest for more school funding Friday, May 1, 2026. The North Carolina Association of Educators has mobilized teachers from across the state to march on the Legislative Building to demand higher pay, more school funding and higher taxes on corporations. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Seven-year-old Ellery Irven-Moore, of Durham, joins thousands of demonstrators on the Halifax Mall for the May Day protest on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Raleigh, NC. — Seven-year-old Ellery Irven-Moore, of Durham, joins thousands of demonstrators on the Halifax Mall for the May Day protest on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Raleigh, NC. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Window washers dressed as superheroes Batman, Superman and Spider-Man cheer on patients at WakeMed Children’s Hospital as they rappel down the building during a Superhero Surprise event Tuesday, April 28, 2026. — Window washers dressed as superheroes Batman, Superman and Spider-Man cheer on patients at WakeMed Children’s Hospital as they rappel down the building during a Superhero Surprise event Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

The Oaky Grove Methodist Church was built around 1876 and was once part of what was known as the Walnut Hill community in southeastern Wake County. The church, which is no longer used, was moved to its current location from the nearby Mial Plantation. — The Oaky Grove Methodist Church was built around 1876 and was once part of what was known as the Walnut Hill community in southeastern Wake County. The church, which is no longer used, was moved to its current location from the nearby Mial Plantation. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

Over 100 friends, family, and acquaintances attended a celebration of Grayson Ketchie at Phillips Farm in Cary, N.C., Saturday evening, April 25, 2026. Grayson, the famous and beloved N.C. State superfan, died a little over two months ago at the age of 14 after an ongoing battle with chronic pneumonia and lifelong health challenges. — Over 100 friends, family, and acquaintances attended a celebration of Grayson Ketchie at Phillips Farm in Cary, N.C., Saturday evening, April 25, 2026. Grayson, the famous and beloved N.C. State superfan, died a little over two months ago at the age of 14 after an ongoing battle with chronic pneumonia and lifelong health challenges. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The launch of an United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with Amazon Leo satellites is seen in the eastern skies over downtown Raleigh Monday evening April 27, 2026. According to ULA, the launch successfully delivered 29 satellites.