Robert Willett
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Articles by Robert Willett
Fair to middling crowd and Cary standoff: Today’s N&O stories Original
From a Cary police standoff to the final numbers from the NC State Fair, here’s a quick look at stories that N&O readers were following on Oct. 26, 2026. NC State Fair attendance falls. About 910,000 people attended this year’s NC State Fair, the second-lowest total of the past 10 years. Rain on the first Saturday of this year’s fair held attendance to roughly 68,000, well below the day’s 10-year average of more than 100,000.
Hurricanes, defenseman Alexander Nikishin finally agree on a new contract
Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes is back -- finally. The defenseman signed a one-year contract with the team Sunday that will pay him $3 million for the 2026-27 season. Nikishin, who helped the Canes win the Stanley Cup last season, was a restricted free agent after last season and had been unable to come to terms with the team and was unable to play. “We’re glad that Alexander is returning to our group,” general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement.
Raleigh car crash and Wendy’s bankruptcy lead to closed restaurants. What to know Original
News of recent closings are reshaping the dining scene in North Carolina. One involves a car crash at a North Raleigh juice café, and the other stems from a national bankruptcy affecting Wendy’s locations across the state. • Kwench Raleigh, a juice café at 9660 Falls of Neuse Road in North Raleigh, will close indefinitely after a car crashed into the building on Sunday, Oct. 12, causing structural damage.
The News & Observer's Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ collapse against Syracuse (Video)
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The News & Observer's Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ collapse against Syracuse (Video)
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary offers analysis of North Carolina’s 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse
The News & Observer's Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ collapse against Syracuse (Video)
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary offers analysis of North Carolina’s 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse
Syracuse ends ACC skid with OT win over UNC. Observations from a thriller Original
The North Carolina football team seemingly had to get just one stop, and the Syracuse gave it a chance to get another. And the Tar Heels didn’t get either in their worst loss of the season. Syracuse scored a fourth-down touchdown and, after electing to go for two, converted on a pass to wide receiver Calvin Russell III to beat the Tar Heels 31-30 on Saturday night at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Photos: UNC Tar Heels vs. Syracuse Orange - Game Day in Pictures
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Tar Heels weekly: McGill TD tops Duke, Keita flashes, hoops stumble at Indiana
What a week to be a Tar Heel. Bill Belichick’s crew finally brought the Victory Bell back to Chapel Hill for the first time since 2023, Sayon Keita gave the frontcourt something real to hang onto, and the Michael Malone era in Smith Center hit its first speed bump with a lopsided exhibition loss in Indianapolis. Here’s your catch-up before Syracuse rolls into Kenan on Saturday night. The box score will show North Carolina 24, Duke 20. The feel of it was closer to escape than victory.
Early morning at the NC State Fair: The News & Observer’s top photos this week
News & Observer photojournalist Robert Willett ventured out to the N.C. State Fair early one morning in search of the moments, color and patterns that he finds so well. Here’s a curated selection of images as seen through his amazing eye. This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper, as well as in our online Edition. See it at eedition.newsobserver.com.
Early morning at the NC State Fair: The News & Observer’s top photos this week
An eight-lane Giant Slide, is shown through a cutout of children for selfies at the attraction on the midway at the N.C. State Fair on Friday, October 16, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com News & Observer photojournalist Robert Willett ventured out to the N.C. State Fair early one morning in search of the moments, color and patterns that he finds so well. Here’s a curated selection of images as seen through his amazing eye. The North Carolina State Fair ends Sunday, Oct. 25.
Early morning at the NC State Fair: The News & Observer’s top photos this week
News & Observer photojournalist Robert Willett ventured out to the N.C. State Fair early one morning in search of the moments, color and patterns that he finds so well. Here's a curated selection of images as seen through his amazing eye. The North Carolina State Fair ends Sunday, Oct. 25. This feature can be seen in Sunday's newspaper, as well as in our online Edition. See it at eedition.newsobserver.com.
Seth Jarvis makes his 2026-27 debut for Hurricanes against Oilers
For the first time since the Stanley Cup Final, Seth Jarvis is back on the ice and playing hockey for the Carolina Hurricanes. The winger, fully recovered from shoulder surgery and cleared to play, made his 2026-27 debut Thursday in the Canes’ road game against the Edmonton Oilers. Jarvis, who led the Canes with 32 goals last season, underwent the surgery soon after Carolina closed out the Vegas Golden Knights to cap their Stanley Cup run in June.
Rare bones, a voting surge, more ‘Thunder’: Top stories today
Top News & Observer stories for Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Here’s what to knowCatch up on the headlines that News & Observer readers are looking at today, from a rare dinosaur discovery arriving in Raleigh to a storm-battered Outer Banks highway. A 75-million-year-old dinosaur in Raleigh. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences has unveiled a “remarkably preserved” ostrich-like theropod skeleton excavated from southern Utah, encased in a 5,000-pound plaster jacket.
Raleigh’s got a new 75-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton. Could it be a new species?
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences has a new tenant — and it’s 75 million years old. An ostrich-like dinosaur specimen arrived in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, a “remarkably preserved” skeleton that scientists believe could lead to the discovery of a new species. “This is exactly the kind of fossil paleontologists dream about,” Lindsay Zanno, the museums’ head of paleontology, wrote in a statement.
Is this UNC freshman the key to a breakout season ?
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary reports on North Carolina center Sayon Keita
Is this UNC freshman the key to a breakout season ?
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary reports on North Carolina center Sayon Keita
Is this UNC freshman the key to a breakout season ?
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A new dinosaur discovery ? Could this be an unknown theropod species ? (Video)
Dr. Lindsay Zanno and the Museum of Natural Sciences staff move a 75-million-year-old, 5,000-pound block, containing a complete skeleton of a potentially new species of theropod dinosaur into the museum
A timeline of Mike Causey’s sometimes-turbulent tenure as NC insurance chief
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, a Greensboro Republican now in his third term, has faced scrutiny over hiring and spending practices; clashes with state legislators; and most recently, complaints about his behavior with women. The following timeline traces events across his political career and time in office.
A politician’s unwanted advances and a viral fair video: Top N&O stories today
From state politics and higher education to a courtroom reckoning and a viral State Fair video, these are the headlines from The N&O drawing attention today. Former campaign worker’s allegations against Mike Causey. A woman who helped Mike Causey’s 2016 campaign for North Carolina insurance commissioner told a private investigator in 2019 that Causey leaned over her car’s console and kissed her on the lips, prompting her to cut off contact.
UNC deal with Trump administration took a year to negotiate. How it came together
UNC-Chapel Hill’s new deal with the Trump administration — which resolves 18 federal investigations into the university, preserves research funding, and requires UNC commit to certain federal priorities — didn’t get ironed out overnight. In fact, it took a full year to negotiate, UNC’s general counsel Paul Newton told The News & Observer in an interview Tuesday.
Where Wake County commissioner candidates stand on data centers
Several Wake County municipalities have imposed or considered temporary moratoriums on large data centers while officials study their potential effects on electricity use, water consumption, noise and surrounding communities. Hyperscale data centers are large facilities that house computer servers and can use substantial amounts of electricity and water. Wake County controls land-use rules in unincorporated areas, while cities and towns control development within their jurisdictions.
Voters keep going to NCDMV to try to register for the midterms. Do this instead.
Can you register to vote at a North Carolina DMV office? Not if you want to vote in the Nov. 3 election. And not if you don’t have other business at the DMV. You can fill out a voter registration application in person at Division of Motor Vehicles offices only while completing another transaction, whether at the counter or at a self-service kiosk. The NCDMV then sends the applications to the board of elections, which does the actual registration.
Former campaign worker says she fended off advance by future NC insurance chief
The Facebook message came out of the blue, from someone she remembered from high school, decades ago. It was Mike Causey, asking if she would help him run for insurance commissioner. She agreed, even though she had never talked with him. It was an opportunity to help a fellow Republican, and it was bound to be an interesting experience. It didn’t turn out how she expected.
UNC men’s basketball out of sorts in lopsided exhibition loss to Indiana
North Carolina coach Michael Malone huddles with his team in the first half against Southern California on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C. The North Carolina men’s basketball team put together a promising start to the Michael Malone era in its first exhibition nine days ago. The second exhibition on Sunday didn’t have the same result. The Tar Heels were dominated by Indiana 76-58 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
UNC men’s basketball out of sorts in lopsided exhibition loss to Indiana
North Carolina coach Michael Malone huddles with his team in the first half against Southern California on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com The North Carolina men’s basketball team put together a promising start to the Michael Malone era in its first exhibition nine days ago. The second exhibition on Sunday didn’t have the same result. The Tar Heels were dominated by Indiana 76-58 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
UNC men’s basketball out of sorts in lopsided exhibition loss to Indiana
The North Carolina men’s basketball team put together a promising start to the Michael Malone era in its first exhibition nine days ago. The second exhibition on Sunday didn’t have the same result. The Tar Heels were dominated by Indiana 76-58 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. UNC shot 34.9% from the field and was outrebounded by the Hoosiers 33-21. The Tar Heels played the game without reserve guard Isaiah Denis, who UNC said is “day-to-day” in a post to Twitter before the game.
Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ rivalry win at Duke
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary offers analysis of North Carolina's 24-20 win over Duke
Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ rivalry win at Duke
News & Observer reporter Michael McCleary offers analysis of North Carolina's 24-20 win over Duke
Michael McCleary breaks down the Tar Heels’ rivalry win at Duke
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Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs
Greetings and welcome to Under the Dome. I’m Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan, and this edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein. Stein, a Democrat, made multiple jobs announcements this past week, from an employee-owned defense contractor in Iredell County to a utility company in Catawba County. • Corvid Technologies is promising to bring 423 new jobs to Mooresville with a $95 million expansion of its current site there.
UNC football looked like it made one mistake too many, but it still won vs. Duke
At a time his North Carolina football team’s 24-20 win over Duke on Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium looked like it could turn to disaster, Belichick simply had his mind on the latest one. The punting game, for a large part of Saturday’s contest, wasn’t strong for the Tar Heels. But after starting punter Aeron Burrell’s “back tightened up” earlier in the game, UNC trotted a freshman in Adam McCann-Gibbs onto the field.
UNC football looked like it made one mistake too many, but it still won vs. Duke
North Carolina running back Jaylen McGill (27) scores the game winning touchdown on a 24-yard carry to give the Tar Heels a 24-20 victory over Duke on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham N.C. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. UNC beat Duke 24-20 after a fourth-down conversion set up McGill's 24-yard TD run. Three UNC fumbles led to 14 Duke points during the Blue Devils' 20 unanswered.
UNC football looked like it made one mistake too many, but it still won vs. Duke
North Carolina running back Jaylen McGill (27) scores the game winning touchdown on a 24-yard carry to give the Tar Heels a 24-20 victory over Duke on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. UNC beat Duke 24-20 after a fourth-down conversion set up McGill's 24-yard TD run. Three UNC fumbles led to 14 Duke points during the Blue Devils' 20 unanswered.
Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein presides over the Council of State meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Corvid Technologies plans 423 Mooresville jobs with a $95 million expansion. Utili-Serve plans 105 jobs and a $24.8 million Catawba County expansion. Corvid won up to $4.4 million, and Utili-Serve secured a $250,000 grant. Greetings and welcome to Under the Dome.
North Carolina and Duke battle in rivalry football action
Check out photos from the rivalry football game action as Duke hosts UNC in Durham, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
North Carolina and Duke battle in rivalry football action
Check out photos from the rivalry football game action as Duke hosts UNC in Durham, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
Photos: UNC battles rival Duke in college football action
Duke fans haze a North Carolina fan before Duke’s game against UNC at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. The North Carolina Tar Heels football team made the short journey to Durham to face the Duke Blue Devils in a rivalry game and control of the Victory Bell. The Blue Devils have won the last three matchups This story was originally published October 17, 2026 at 3:38 PM with the headline "Photos: UNC battles rival Duke in college football action."
Canes begin western road trip without another injured veteran. The latest
The Carolina Hurricanes are headed on a five-game road trip and will do it without captain Jordan Staal and forward Taylor Hall. Staal, the team captain, will be sidelined one or two months as he recovers from a partially torn calf muscle. Hall, whose experience and gritty, effective play helped spur last year’s Stanley Cup run is “week to week” with an upper-body injury, Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Friday after a team practice at Lane Arena.
Canes begin western road trip without another injured veteran. The latest
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) reacts after scoring the game winning goal to secure a 3-2 overtime victory over Philadelphia, in Game 2 on Monday, May 4, 2026, during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. The Hurricanes start a five-game trip without Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall. Jordan Staal will miss one or two months with a partially torn calf muscle.
Early voting begins in North Carolina: Durham activists march to mobilize voters
More than 50 activists march from St. Joseph's AME Church to the early voting site at the NCCU School of Law
A hospital shakeup, a barbecue battle and other top N&O stories on Wednesday, Oct. 14
Here’s a roundup of top stories published by The News & Observer on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. From a courtroom clash over hospital coverage to a lawsuit between barbecue partners, these are the headlines Triangle readers are following. Atrium hospitals pushed out of network.
Is your gas station overcharging? NC attorney general wants you to report it
Days after a bill pausing the state tax on fuel became law, North Carolina’s attorney general is asking the public to help enforce it. Jeff Jackson announced a new online tool, N.C. Fuel Check, to allow drivers to report gas stations they believe aren’t passing along the savings.
Is your gas station overcharging? NC attorney general wants you to report it
North Carolina drivers can report gas stations they believe aren’t abiding by the new gas tax pause to the attorney general using a new online complaint system. rwillett@newsobserver.com Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Jeff Jackson announced N.C. Fuel Check to allow drivers to report gas stations. Stations are expected to pass along savings to drivers, with the gas tax pause. Violators may face damages and civil penalties up to $5,000 per transaction.
Canes will play without Stanley Cup hero Jordan Staal. The latest on his injury
An injury Jordan Staal suffered during pregame warmups Sunday will sideline him for an extended period. Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour announced Tuesday his team will be without Staal, the team’s captain and the Conn Smythe winner during last spring’s Stanley Cup run, for 1-2 months. The 38-year-old Staal tore a calf muscle prior to the Canes’ 4-1 win at Philadelphia.
Canes will play without Stanley Cup hero Jordan Staal. The latest on his injury
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) skates with the Stanley Cup to the delight of fans before raising the Championship banner on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Jordan Staal will miss 1-2 months after suffering a torn calf muscle. Staal suffered the injury during pregame warmups before Sunday's win. Staal scored six goals in the Stanley Cup Finals during Carolina's title run.
Blue Devils want to keep Victory Bell in Durham for a third straight year
Duke coach Manny Diaz has gotten used to having the Victory Bell around the Yoh Football Center the past two years. The Blue Devils won it against North Carolina in Diaz’s first season, erasing a 20-point halftime deficit for a 21-20 victory in 2024. That was Mack Brown’s last season as UNC coach. A year ago, it was Bill Belichick on the UNC sideline in Chapel Hill.
Blue Devils want to keep Victory Bell in Durham for a third straight year
Duke players celebrate their 32-25 victory over North Carolina with the victory bell on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N. rwillett@newsobserver.com Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Duke seeks a third straight Bell win after beating UNC in 2024 and 2026. Duke put the Victory Bell away this week after its first loss, 28-25 at Georgia Tech. UNC enters with a 65-40-4 series lead, while Duke has won the last two meetings.
North Carolina university breeds dogs with bleeding disorders to test medicine
At Duke, dogs play puzzle games to reveal how their minds work. At UNC-Chapel Hill, a colony of dogs is bred to carry bleeding disorders and test medicine that could save lives. NC State uses dogs to train students in its veterinary program. More than 270 dogs are used for research purposes at major research universities in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area, according to animal research reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2025 reviewed by The News & Observer.
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