The News & Observer is tracking major developments across the Triangle today, from severe weather damage to a high-profile federal case.
Read more National drive-thru coffee chain opens first Triangle location
Here’s a roundup of top stories for Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Raleigh lifting water restrictions: The city will end Stage 1 water restrictions on Monday, Aug. 3, after recent heavy rain pushed Falls Lake to 84% capacity.
Read more: Raleigh to lift restrictions as water supply levels improve. Here’s what to know
Deadly supercell hits Triangle: A powerful thunderstorm tore through the area Tuesday night, killing one man when a tree fell on a home on Bartons Enclave Lane and knocking out power to thousands of Duke Energy customers in Wake County.
Read more: Trees and power lines down as deadly supercell storm moved through Triangle
UNC-Chapel Hill weighs cuts: Four graduate degree programs at UNC-Chapel Hill are on pause and under consideration for discontinuation after a review of all 275 degree programs. Five other small programs will be adjusted rather than cut.
Read more: Four degree programs are on the chopping block at UNC-Chapel Hill. See which
Comey seeks case dismissal: Former FBI Director James Comey filed motions Tuesday night asking a federal judge to dismiss the criminal case over his “86 47” seashell Instagram post, arguing he is being vindictively prosecuted as part of a Trump campaign against a critic.
Read more Duke University program faces layoffs after Trump admin cuts teen pregnancy grant
Read more: Former FBI head James Comey alleges Trump vendetta in bid to dismiss ‘86 47’ seashell case
Durham firefighters go viral: A slow-motion video of Durham firefighters sliding down a pole to surprise “walk-up songs” has racked up more than 1 million views on Facebook and Instagram since Friday. The department is using the viral hit as a recruitment tool.
Read more: Durham firefighters set social media on fire in viral ‘walk-up music’ video
Koki closes downtown Durham spot: Puerto Rican restaurant Koki closed its downtown Durham location at 104 City Hall Plaza on July 14 after seven years. Customers can still visit the Morrisville location at 10970 Chapel Hill Road.
Read more: Durham restaurant closes after 7 years, but you can still visit second location
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.
Read more You can’t help but feel Eric Bieniemy’s absence as the Chiefs open camp