Tax caps, insurance commissioner accusations and Canes parking: Triangle's top stories
The News & Observer’s top stories on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, span state politics, a major hospital merger, a workplace harassment allegation and Raleigh development news.
Here’s a quick digest of what readers need to know today.
- Property tax cap headed to voters: The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation Wednesday placing a constitutional amendment on November 2026 ballots that would require lawmakers to cap local property tax increases, though the specific levy limit would not be decided until the 2027 session. Legislators also passed a bill that would let voters choose whether to cap the state personal income tax rate at 3.5%.
Read more: NC constitutional amendment to limit property tax hikes will be on 2026 ballots and Constitutional amendment to let voters cap the income tax will be on NC ballots
- Insurance commissioner accused of inappropriate texts: Former N.C. Department of Insurance regional director April Taylor says Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey sent her suggestive text messages, including comments about her appearance. Causey denies sending the messages and says he has no recollection of them. He denies any inappropriate contact with Taylor.
Read more: NC insurance commissioner accused of sending ‘uncomfortable’ texts to ex-staffer
- WakeMed defends Atrium merger: WakeMed leaders held the first of six public hearings Tuesday on a proposed merger that would bring a $2 billion investment from Atrium Health and parent company Advocate Health. CEO Donald Gintzig pushed back on characterizations of the deal as a takeover.
Read more: WakeMed fights back in defense of proposed Atrium merger in first public session
- Fired NC State leader lands at Duke: Jae Edwards, who was fired from NC State’s Pride Center in February after Accuracy in Media posted a recorded conversation about DEI, has landed a new job. He will join Duke University in June as assistant director for training and student development. He has also hired a lawyer to pursue potential litigation against NC State.
Read more: Fired NC State Pride Center leader lands a job. He’s staying in the Triangle.
- Lawsuit over 27-story tower dismissed: A Wake County judge dismissed a lawsuit from Glenwood-Brooklyn neighbors challenging Raleigh’s December rezoning that allows a controversial 27-story building near Peace and West streets. The judge ruled on May 13 that the suit failed to state a claim.
Read more: Judge dismisses suit against Raleigh over 27-story building near Glenwood-Brooklyn
- Playoff parking costs climb again: Fans attending Thursday’s Eastern Conference Final game against the Montreal Canadiens at Lenovo Center will pay $53 in advance for general parking with same-day parking jumping to $75.
Read more: Going to see the Canes and the Canadiens? Parking will be (even) more expensive
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.