Matt O Brien

Microsoft takes over Texas AI data center expansion as OpenAI backs away

April 4, 2026 Matt O Brien

Microsoft is taking over a data center construction project in Texas after OpenAI declined to pursue it, a move that will make the two companies neighbors at one of the nation’s largest complexes for running […]

Capital Group bringing 600 jobs to Charlotte

April 3, 2026 North State Journal Staff

CHARLOTTE — Global investment firm Capital Group plans to establish a major operations hub in Charlotte, bringing about 600 jobs and roughly $60 million in investment to the region. Thes company manages more than $2 […]

The stream: Two doses of Amanda Seyfried, ‘The Housemaid’ with Sydney Sweeney, Jon Hamm robs

April 3, 2026 Dan Reeves

Amanda Seyfried starring in “The Testament of Ann Lee” and Bravo’s hit reality show “The Valley” returning for Season 3 are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near […]

This week in history: April 2 to April 8

April 2, 2026 Dan Reeves

April 2 1792: Congress passed the Coinage Act, authorizing the creation of the U.S. Mint. 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet fled Richmond, Va., after Union troops broke through Confederate lines […]

Famous birthdays this week: April 2 to April 8

April 2, 2026 Dan Reeves

These celebrities have birthdays this week: April 2 Disc jockey Dr. Demento is 85. Actor Linda Hunt is 81. Musician Emmylou Harris is 79. Actor Christopher Meloni is 65. Tennis Hall of Famer Todd Woodbridge […]

Forged in fire: Art with unforgettable flair

April 2, 2026 Melinda Burris

STAR — Starworks has been hosting its annual Firefest Festival since 2013. The two-day event is a celebration of the creativity and handmade craftsmanship that define what the organization dedicates itself to doing year-round. Executive […]

‘Saturday Night Live UK’ aims to take comedy hit across Atlantic

March 28, 2026 Jill Lawless

LONDON— “Saturday Night Live” has crossed the pond with a mild splash. A British offshoot of the 51-year-old U.S. comedy institution has debuted to generally positive reviews, defying doomsayers who doubted the show would survive […]

Landmark trial to decide whether Meta misled users about child safety

March 28, 2026 Morgan Lee

SANTA FE, N.M. — Closing arguments began Monday in a landmark trial in New Mexico where social media conglomerate Meta is accused of misleading its users about how safe its platforms are for children. Jurors […]

Google expands Lenoir data center with $1B investment

March 28, 2026 Dan Reeves

LENOIR — Google is doubling down on its North Carolina footprint with plans to invest $1 billion over the next two years to expand its data center campus in Caldwell County — part of a […]

Trump admin to pay French company $1B to desert US offshore wind leases

March 27, 2026 Jennifer McDermott

The Trump administration will pay $1 billion to a French company to walk away from two U.S. offshore wind leases as the administration ramps up its campaign against offshore wind and other renewable energy. TotalEnergies […]

Articles by Matt O Brien