Edwards investigation, growing cities and Canes: Top stories in the Triangle
Here is a roundup of the top stories from The News & Observer on Thursday, May 14, 2026, covering politics, growth, business and sports across North Carolina.
From a congressional ethics probe to a record-breaking Triangle suburb, here’s what’s making news today.
Edwards ethics probe confirmed: The House Committee on Ethics announced Thursday it is investigating Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Flat Rock Republican, for allegedly creating a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual harassment. Edwards denies wrongdoing and says he welcomes the investigation.
Read more: Ethics committee confirms NC’s Rep. Edwards under sexual harassment investigation
Wendell tops NC growth: New U.S. Census Bureau figures show Wendell is the fastest-growing town in North Carolina, with its population doubling since 2020 to an estimated 19,687 and a 17.3% growth rate in the year ending June 30. Nine of the state’s 15 fastest-growing towns are in the Triangle.
Read more: NC’s fastest-growing town is in Wake County, latest Census numbers show
Judicial speech rules eyed: N.C. Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. has proposed loosening rules that restrict judges’ political speech, according to a December email shared this week by a conservative think tank. The reforms would be based on a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Minnesota ban on judicial candidates’ political speech.
Read more: NC Supreme Court justice proposes loosening political speech rules for judges
Breaking ground: At 25, Samantha “Sam” Roth is managing Phase I of the $3 billion Veridea project in Apex for Samet Corp., overseeing $100 million in active construction and more than 120 workers. Women now make up 10.5% of construction managers nationally, up from 6.7% in 2015.
Read more: Glass ceilings and stereotypes beware: Veridea’s project manager is coming for you
Andretti karting opens soon: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games will open its first Triangle location at 4857 Topgolf Way in Durham on May 19, featuring a 90,000-square-foot space with go-karts, laser tag, arcade games and dining. The opening honors the legacy of late race car driver John Andretti, who died of colon cancer.
Read more: Need for speed? New go-karting venue is coming to the Triangle. Here’s when
Sports
Canes manage long playoff break: The Carolina Hurricanes face a potential 10-day break before the Eastern Conference final after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers, with coach Rod Brind’Amour saying mental rest matters more than physical rest. Defensemen K’Andre Miller and Sean Walker both became new fathers during the playoff run.
Read more: How the Carolina Hurricanes are managing the madness of a long NHL playoff break
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.