James Comey, a data breach and school vouchers: The Triangle’s top stories Thursday
From a former FBI director’s court case to a major school data breach, here’s a roundup of the top stories making headlines in North Carolina on May 7, 2026.
Catch up on what readers are following from The News & Observer.
• Comey seeks to cancel NC hearing: Former FBI director James Comey’s attorneys filed a motion Thursday asking a federal judge to cancel a Monday hearing in Greenville, N.C., arguing it would be redundant after his first appearance in Virginia. Comey was indicted April 28 on two charges of threatening President Trump via an Instagram post of seashells arranged as “86 47.”
Read more: Ex-FBI director James Comey asks judge to cancel NC hearing in Trump threat case
• Canvas ransomware threat hits NC schools: Hacking group ShinyHunters breached the Canvas learning management system, demanding ransom by May 12 and exposing personal data for over 275 million students, teachers and staff worldwide. Wake County schools temporarily shut off Canvas access, while UNC and Duke confirmed passwords and financial data were not compromised.
Read more: NC students, school employees receive online ransom threat from data breach
• NC owes public schools $35.8 million: A state report shows 12,252 students left public schools to use taxpayer-funded Opportunity Scholarship vouchers for private schools, leaving public schools owed $35.8 million. Despite lawmakers’ promises to reinvest the funds through a Public School Reinvestment Fund, no money has been deposited.
Read more: NC owes public schools $35.8 million from students using private school vouchers
• Charlotte mayor’s surprise resignation: Five-term Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced she will resign June 30, less than halfway through her current term, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren. The Charlotte City Council will appoint someone to finish her term, which runs through December 2027.
Read more: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces surprise resignation 6 months after reelection
• Cyberstalking charge dropped against TikTok star: The Durham County District Attorney’s Office dismissed a cyberstalking charge against TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard on Wednesday due to insufficient evidence. Kennard had been charged in September 2025 with using an electronic device to cause emotional stress to Akira Montague, who previously won a $1.75 million alienation of affection verdict against her.
Read more: Durham DA drops cyberstalking charge against NC TikTok star Brenay Kennard
Triangle hospital safety grades released: The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades ranked North Carolina tied for 8th safest state for healthcare, down from 5th in fall 2025. Raleigh has two “Straight A” hospitals that have earned A grades for five or more grading rounds.
Read more: These are the Triangle’s best hospitals, report says. See the full 2026 list
Stanley Cup playoffs
Brind’Amour’s line change sparks Canes win: Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour moved Seth Jarvis to Jordan Staal’s line midway through the third period of Game 2, leading to Jarvis’s tying goal and a 3-2 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Carolina now leads the second-round playoff series 2-0 as it heads to Philadelphia.
Read more: Inside Rod Brind’Amour’s pivotal decision that led to a Hurricanes win in Game 2
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.