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Articles by Anna Johnson
How to help prevent pipes from freezing during NC’s upcoming cold snap
Brigitte Blättler/Getty a360 Most of North Carolina will see its first freeze this weekend with temperatures dropping to the 30s and 20s in some locations. Weather officials are warning residents to protect plants, drain hoses and protect exposed pipes to prevent problems during the cold. Here’s what you need to know about how to prepare your home: How can you keep your pipes from freezing? Think back to your elementary school science lessons. Water freezes at 32 degrees, expanding by about 9%.
‘Winter Wonderland’ in NC with snow on the ground Friday: What to expect in Charlotte
Andy Toms of Avery County took this photo early Friday in the Banner Elk-Linville area of western North Carolina. About 2 inches of snow is already on the ground Friday morning in the North Carolina mountains as the region — including Charlotte — will see its first widespread freeze of the season this weekend. A cold front is sweeping across North Carolina, with the coldest temperatures in Charlotte expected to be Sunday night.
Temperatures to plummet in the Triangle. When to expect frost and freeze
A freeze warning and frost advisory was issued for central North Carolina on Nov. 13, 2026, from the National Weather Service. National Weather Service Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. A freeze warning runs 3-8 a.m. Saturday for Durham, Orange and Chatham. Wake and Johnston counties face a frost advisory Saturday morning. A freeze watch spans 1-8 a.m. Sunday across all of central North Carolina.
Are landlords required to provide heat for NC renters? What the law says
An aerial view of homes in the Sweetwater community in Apex on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Many North Carolina residents, including those in the Triangle, are days way from the first freeze of the season, with expected temperature to dip in the low 30s. About one-third of North Carolina residents are renters, and most rely on their landlords to make repairs. As it gets colder, are landlords required to provide heat for their renters?
Another Dreamville Festival could be in the works, public records show
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Organizers filed for a Dreamville Presents festival at Dorothea Dix Park. The application lists April 3 and April 4, 2027, as the event days at Dix Park. A 2026 festival application was filed too, but that event never took place. The organizations behind Dreamville Festival, one of the biggest music events in the area, have submitted plans for a festival to return to Dorothea Dix Park.
Basquiat and Banksy exhibit to open at NC Museum of Art. See it for free
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. NC Museum of Art will open Basquiat x Banksy on Nov. 22 with free admission. The exhibit pairs Basquiat's Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump with Banksy's reply. Basquiat x Banksy runs in the East Building through May 30, 2027. Two world-renowned contemporary artists, whose graffiti and street art broke into the mainstream, will be on display at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Will NC get a snowy winter? Here’s what one state forecast says
The question isn’t whether this year’s winter will have an El Niño pattern. It’s a matter of whether it will be the strongest on record. “The consequences for North Carolina are plentiful, with a pattern change in the cards that could ease our long-running drought, but that could also see more frequent flooding, erosion and coastal overwash,” according to the North Carolina Climate Office’s winter outlook.
Scott Mason, WRAL’s former Tar Heel Traveler, launches new venture
Scott Mason, known as “The Tar Heel Traveler,” signing his books at an event in Sanford in April 2026. Instagram screengrab Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Scott Mason announced a new video podcast debuting Tuesday, Dec. 1. Mason left WRAL in August after nearly 30 years at the station. Mason's new website and TikTok videos use the name Scott Mason Stories.
Basquiat and Banksy exhibit to open at NC Museum of Art. See it for free.
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. NC Museum of Art will open Basquiat x Banksy on Nov. 22 with free admission. The exhibit pairs Basquiat's Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump with Banksy's reply. Basquiat x Banksy runs in the East Building through May 30, 2027. Two world-renowned contemporary artists, whose graffiti and street art broke into the mainstream, will be on display at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Live roaches, no food thermometer: 2 Triangle restaurants get B grades
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Wake County logged 73 inspections Nov. 3-9, with two restaurants receiving B grades. Dum N Grill scored 87 after 17 violations, including no food thermometer. Mamacitas scored 88.5 after 17 violations, including live roaches in dish area. The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots.
Here are the best-rated nursing homes in the Charlotte area, US News says
Most seniors want to spend their remaining years in their homes. But, for many, that’s not always possible. People over the age of 65 are one of the fastest growing demographics in North Carolina, and some will need to rely on nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other senior care centers for help as they age. In 88 North Carolina counties, there are more people over the age of 60 than there are people under the age of 18, according to state data.
‘Coldest air’ of the season headed to the Triangle. When to expect first freeze
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Parts of the Triangle could see frost Tuesday morning, forecasters said. The coldest air of the season will arrive Friday and last through Monday. Central North Carolina could see its first freeze Saturday or Sunday morning. Central North Carolina could see frost and the area’s first freeze of the season this week. Temperatures dipped in the 30s and 40s early Monday, Nov.
Will NC get a cold, snowy winter? Here's what the NOAA forecast says
A very strong El Niño was always going to bring more rain to the area. But will it mean more snow for North Carolina? All of North Carolina is “leaning above” normal temperatures for December, January and February, and “likely above” normal precipitation for the Triangle and Charlotte areas of the state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's winter forecast. The western portion of the state is closer to the “leaning above” normal precipitation, he said.
Will NC get a cold, snowy winter? Here’s what the NOAA forecast says
A very strong El Niño was always going to bring more rain to the area. But will it mean more snow for North Carolina? All of North Carolina is “leaning above” normal temperatures for December, January and February, and “likely above” normal precipitation for the Triangle and Charlotte areas of the state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s winter forecast. The western portion of the state is closer to the “leaning above” normal precipitation, he said.
When will North Carolina's newest elected officials take office? Key dates
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When to see peak meteor showers this November in North Carolina
The Southern Taurids meteor shower peaks Nov. 4-5, 2026. Find out when to watch for shooting stars and bright “Halloween fireballs.” A number of meteor showers are underway in North Carolina, with two nights left to see the peak of fireballs and colorful space dust. The Orionids meteor shower ends Nov. 7, and we’re in the midst of the Southern and Northern Taurids and the Leonids. The Orionids peaked in late October, and the Southern Taurids peaked on Oct. 14 and Nov. 4.
When will North Carolina's newest elected officials take office? Key dates
North Carolina Democrats flipped several federal and state seats in the 2026 General Election, including the open U.S. Senate seat. The results from Tuesday night’s elections are still unofficial until county board of elections can canvass and certify the results. Canvass meetings are set for 11 a.m. Nov. 13. So when do new elected officials take office? It depends on what election they won. When does Roy Cooper take office as North Carolina’s U.S. Senator?
Did you vote in NC? Here’s how to make sure your ballot has been counted
More than 4.1 million votes were cast in North Carolina’s 2026 general election. But while Election Day may be over, the results that came in Tuesday night are still unofficial with some ballots yet to be counted as county board of elections undergo the canvassing and certifying process.
Technical issues delay voting in some North Carolina counties. When will election results come in?
By Anna Roman, The News & Observer (Raleigh) RALEIGH, N.C. - Public election results will be delayed until at least 8:15 p.m. EST in North Carolina after "minor delays" forced the North Carolina State Board of Elections to extend voting times in some precincts. The last polls will now close at 8:15 p.m. in Tabor City. Polls normally close at 7:30 p.m.
‘Technical issues’ cause Election Day delays in 4 NC counties. What voters should know
Four counties experienced “minor delays” on Election Day that could extend the time to vote at those precincts. Some polling places in Hertford, Gates, Lenoir and Wilson counties experienced delays Tuesday “due to various technical issues,” said State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes in an Election Day news conference. The State Board of Elections will meet at 2 p.m. to decide whether to consider extensions in those counties.
Dead bugs, soiled cut cabbage: 3 Triangle restaurants get ‘B’ grades
The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots. Sanitation scores and their corresponding letter grades are used in North Carolina to assess restaurants’ adherence to rules and standards intended to mitigate and prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
A picture-perfect fall backdrop: Mum festival returns to Duke Gardens. How to go
Joan Matthews walked into the Sarah P. Duke Gardens without a plan. Just a five-gallon bucket of chrysanthemums. She asked the volunteer manning the visitor's desk if she'd like one of her exhibit flowers. "And she took one of the blooms and put it in her little vase, and I walked out, and I was so happy because I thought Duke now has mums," Matthews said in an interview with The News & Observer.
Is Election Day a holiday? Do you get the day off work and school in NC?
Early voting is over in North Carolina, and the Nov. 3 Election Day is the final chance for residents to cast their votes in the 2026 election. But finding time to vote between work, daycare drop-off and other responsibilities can be challenging, with some residents wondering if they could have the day off — or even a few hours off — to vote. Is Election Day a federal or state holiday? Do North Carolina employees get time off to vote? Here’s what North Carolina voters need to know.
NC Aquarium welcomes 5 baby otters. Now comes the wait to see them
Five Asian small-clawed otter pups were born at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, boosting the conservation efforts of a vulnerable species. kAmt249 H6:89D 23@FE E96 D:K6 @7 2 >65:F> =6>@?[ 23@FE ga E@ h` 8C2>D[ 3FE 42? 8C@H FA E@ `` A@F?5D] %92E’D 23@FE E96 D2>6 H6:89E 2D 2 42?E2=@FA6]k^Am kAm“(6 H6C6 56=:89E65 H96? H6 7:CDE 962C5 E9C66 5:DE:?4E AFA 49:CAD 4@>:?8 7C@> E96 ?6DE — 2?5 6G6? >@C6 E9C:==65 H96? H6 5:D4@G6C65 7:G6 962=E9J AFAD[” D2:5 @EE6C <66A6C zC:DE6? &AE@? :?
NC Aquarium has new babies, and each one weighs the same as a furry lemon
Five Asian small-clawed otter pups were born at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, boosting the conservation efforts of a vulnerable species. Each weighs about the size of a medium lemon, about 82 to 91 grams, but can grow up to 11 pounds. That's about the same weight as a cantaloupe. “We were delighted when we first heard three distinct pup chirps coming from the nest - and even more thrilled when we discovered five healthy pups,” said otter keeper Kristen Upton in a news release.
NC Aquarium has new babies, and each one weighs the same as a (furry) lemon
Five Asian small-clawed otter pups were born at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, boosting the conservation efforts of a vulnerable species. Each weighs about the size of a medium lemon, about 82 to 91 grams, but can grow up to 11 pounds. That’s about the same weight as a cantaloupe. “We were delighted when we first heard three distinct pup chirps coming from the nest — and even more thrilled when we discovered five healthy pups,” said otter keeper Kristen Upton in a news release.
NC Aquarium has new babies, and each one weighs the same as a (furry) lemon
Five Asian small-clawed otter pups were born at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, boosting the conservation efforts of a vulnerable species. Each weighs about the size of a medium lemon, about 82 to 91 grams, but can grow up to 11 pounds. That's about the same weight as a cantaloupe. "We were delighted when we first heard three distinct pup chirps coming from the nest — and even more thrilled when we discovered five healthy pups," said otter keeper Kristen Upton in a news release.
NC Zoo’s new endangered piglets could have these names. See the options
Six Visayan warty piglets were born at the North Carolina zoo and will be part of the zoo’s new Asia region exhibit, which opens on March 1, 2027. North Carolina Zoo Six critically endangered Visayan warty piglets were born at the North Carolina Zoo. Guests and online followers can help name four, all from the same litter, through an online survey.
What should good Samaritans do if they see someone stranded on an NC highway?
A tow truck operator works the scene of a disabled vehicle on I-40 in Raleigh on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. A 24-year-old man died on NC 540 after stopping to help a crash victim. Highway Patrol says motorists should assess safety and call for help if needed. State Farm and AAA say stranded drivers should use hazards and avoid traffic. A 24-year-old good Samaritan died on NC 540 this weekend, trying to help another driver.
Insects in rice, floating black growth: 3 Triangle restaurants get ‘B’ grades
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Wake County logged 85 inspections Oct. 20-26, with Acacia Tree Asian Cuisine at 87.5. Durham County gave B grades to iHop at 86.5 and Jamaica Jamaica at 80.5. Orange, Johnston and Chatham counties reported only A grades in that period. The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots.
NC Zoo has 6 critically endangered piglets. Now you can help name them.
Six Visayan warty piglets were born at the North Carolina zoo and will be part of the zoo’s new Asia region exhibit, which opens on March 1, 2027. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. The North Carolina Zoo welcomed six critically endangered Visayan warty piglets. Guests and online followers can help name four piglets in the zoo survey. The winning piglet names will be announced Nov. 2 on the zoo's social media.
This year’s NC State Fair saw the second-lowest attendance in 10 years
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. The NC State Fair drew 910,584 attendees, the second-lowest total in 10 years. Rain cut first Saturday turnout to about 68,000, below the usual 100,000-plus. More than 200,000 pounds of food were collected for free admission. The NC State Fair had its second-lowest attendance of the last 10 years, beating only the attendance of 2021’s festivities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NC State Fair ride safety questioned after Georgia death and viral TikTok
Follow NC State Fair ride safety questioned after Georgia death and viral TikTok Fri, October 23, 2026 at 7:00 AM EDT Workers assemble the Wacky Worm ride for the N.C. State Fair in this file photo. Following a fatal roller coaster incident in Georgia and a viral TikTok questioning ride supports, some people raised questions about the safety of the North Carolina State Fair rides. North Carolina officials say the 94 rides at the 2026 NC State Fair are thoroughly inspected.
Can HOAs ban political signs in NC neighborhoods? What the law says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. North Carolina HOAs can ban political signs, but state law sets conditions. Pre-Oct. 1, 2005 HOA restrictions must use the term political sign. State law protects U.S. and N.C. flags unless covenants contain key phrases. Early voting is underway, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Strong Outer Banks nor’easter becomes Subtropical Storm Josephine
The nor’easter that’s flooded parts of North Carolina’s coast and choked the Outer Bank’s travel artery is now Subtropical Storm Josephine. While the storm is moving away from North Carolina and the East Coast, meteorologists warn it could still bring “strong winds, coastal flooding and dangerous marine conditions to the Outer Banks.” And with an approaching King Tide (when the tides are at the highest around Full Moons), the area could see additional flooding, starting on Sunday, Oct. 25.
A viral TikTok shows wood blocks propping up a NC State Fair ride. That's common
A TikTok video showing the wooden blocks underneath a ride at the North Carolina State Fair left some viewers swearing they'd never ride a fair ride again. But those blocks aren't new. And they're pretty common when you know where to look. Some amusement rides have built-in leveling jacks, while others need wood blocks to create a “level, stable foundation,” according to John Waugh, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Soiled containers, undated food: Durham restaurant gets ‘B’ grade
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Thai 55 in Durham scored 84 and received a B grade on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Inspectors cited 19 violations, including undated foods and soiled containers. Wake, Orange, Johnston, and Chatham inspections all resulted in A grades. The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots.
Meteor shower to peak Wednesday night
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No soap, roaches & food at wrong temps: 8 Triangle restaurants reinspected
Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Eight Triangle restaurants improved scores after reinspections last month. State law requires up to four restaurant inspections a year on risk factors. Inspectors cited no soap, roaches and improper food temperatures. Eight Triangle restaurants were inspected last month, all improving their scores after receiving B and C grades.
Strong nor’easter continues to pummel the Outer Banks this week. Latest updates
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Dare County ordered a mandatory evacuation for nonresidents on Hatteras Island. The Weather Service warned Hatteras and Ocracoke residents may be stranded. NCDOT said ferry routes to and from Ocracoke and Currituck-Knotts Island closed.
Soccer Falls to Lindenwood Sunday
Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Mo. 1 p.m. Southeast Missouri State University 4-7-4, 3-1-1 Lindenwood 1 1 2 Southeast Mo. St. 0 0 0 Soccer Falls to Lindenwood Sunday 10/18/2026 5:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri Soccer lost to Lindenwood 2-0 on Sunday. Southeast Missouri put five of its nine shots on goal, exceeding its season average of 3.71 shots on goal, and generated four second-half corner kicks but was held scoreless.
A nor'easter could bring 12-foot waves to the Outer Banks this weekend
A nor'easter is expected to bring strong winds and high waves to parts of the Outer Banks this weekend, but it's unclear how long the coastal storm could last. Forecasters are confident a storm will form along a cold front coming through early Saturday, but it's unclear about where exactly it will form, how strong it will be and when it will end, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.
12-foot waves could hit North Carolina this weekend. A strong El Niño may mean more storms
Rough surf threatened beach homes during high tide Friday morning, Oct. 10, 2025, in Buxton when a nor’easter approached the North Carolina coast. A nor’easter is expected to bring strong winds and high waves to parts of the Outer Banks in North Carolina this weekend, but it’s unclear how long the coastal storm could last.
12-foot waves could hit North Carolina this weekend. A strong El Niño may mean more storms
Follow 12-foot waves could hit North Carolina this weekend. A strong El Niño may mean more storms Fri, October 16, 2026 at 8:14 PM EDT Rough surf threatened beach homes during high tide Friday morning, Oct. 10, 2025, in Buxton when a nor’easter approached the North Carolina coast. A nor'easter is expected to bring strong winds and high waves to parts of the Outer Banks in North Carolina this weekend, but it's unclear how long the coastal storm could last.
NC Zoo breaks record with addition of 6 critically endangered piglets
The North Carolina Zoo has welcomed six new residents: Visayan warty piglets, helping boost the small number of the critically endangered animals. And they have a cool hairdo. The six pigs will be some of the animals on display at the long-awaited Asia exhibit, which opens next year at the zoo. There are just 30 of the pigs in zoos across the United States, and only an estimated 200 pigs live in the wild on two islands in the Philippines.
Raleigh’s popular Holiday Express faces yet another ticketing ‘snafu’ this year
The city of Raleigh oversold tickets for one night of the Holiday Express, a popular event the Raleigh hosts at Pullen Park. The city is still investigating the cause of the “snafu” that oversold tickets for Thursday, Dec. 17 by nearly 2,200 tickets. People who booked tickets for that date will be contacted by the city and given the option of another date, said Julia Milstead, Raleigh’s public information officer. Raleigh is also adding Friday, Dec. 18 as an additional date for people.
Is your license plate being tracked in NC? See if your car was searched on Flock
The use of automatic license plate readers by law enforcement and private businesses have increased in recent years, along with privacy concerns and scrutiny of those cameras. Flock operates one of the largest network of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, and, conservatively, is used by at least 70 law enforcement agencies across North Carolina. The Georgia-based company would not share details about its operations in North Carolina.
A record number of tornadoes formed in central NC this week
By Anna Roman, The News & Observer (Raleigh) Remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought a record number of tornadoes to central North Carolina, with one of the strongest tornadoes traveling more than 5 miles. There were 13 tornadoes across the state on Sunday, Oct. 11, with nine of those in the central part of the state and under the National Weather Service's Raleigh office's coverage area.
Is your license plate being tracked in NC? See if your car was searched on Flock
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. DeFlock maps more than 5,000 ALPR cameras in North Carolina, nearly 90% Flock. Have I Been Flocked says more than 4.6 million license plates were searched. Asheville, Chatham County, Greenville and Hillsborough ended Flock contracts. The use of automatic license plate readers by law enforcement and private businesses have increased in recent years, along with privacy concerns and scrutiny of those cameras.
A record number of tornadoes formed in central NC this week
Remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought a record number of tornadoes to central North Carolina, with one of the strongest tornadoes traveling more than 5 miles. There were 13 tornadoes across the state on Sunday, Oct. 11, with nine of those in the central part of the state and under the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office’s coverage area.
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