From a G20 gathering in Chapel Hill to a measles alert and a Triangle restaurant closure, here’s what’s making news across North Carolina.
Read more NC teen indicted after livestreaming San Diego mosque shooting that killed 3, police say
Here’s a digest of top stories from The News & Observer for Aug. 31, 2026.
G20 innovation event hits Chapel Hill. The Carolina Inn on UNC’s campus will host the G20 innovation ministerial from Tuesday, Sept. 1 to Wednesday, Sept. 2, with expected attendees including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Residents should expect heavy police presence, traffic snarls on Columbia Street, West Cameron Avenue and Pittsboro Street, and a student protest planned at the Old Well on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Measles exposure warning in western NC. State and county health officials say a traveler infected with measles passed through an Exxon at 1920 Four Seasons Blvd. in Hendersonville on Aug. 25 and a Holiday Inn Express at 435 Smokey Park Hwy. in Asheville on Aug. 26. More than 2,800 measles cases have been reported nationally in 2026, the highest total since the 1990s.
NC utilities regulator’s undisclosed trips. North Carolina Utilities Commission member Tommy Tucker attended three Regulators Roundtable conferences in 2025 and 2026 — gatherings where corporate “investors” pay $50,000 for private dinners with regulators — but did not initially report the travel expenses to the state Ethics Commission. After publication, Tucker’s attorney said they are working to file an amended report.
Corporate logo coming to Cameron Indoor. Duke University announced a four-year agreement to place an Edward Jones logo on the playing surface at Cameron Indoor Stadium, joining more than 50 high-major NCAA basketball programs with on-court sponsors. The firm will also launch financial education workshops for Duke athletes starting in 2027-28.
Read more NC’s Dan Driscoll resigns Army leadership role as tension grows with Pete Hegseth
Wolfpack stunned in season opener. N.C. State lost 34-8 at Virginia in Week 0, with quarterback CJ Bailey throwing for a career-low 84 yards on a 52% completion rate. Head coach Dave Doeren took the blame and said the team must “improve in every way possible” before facing Richmond on Sept. 11.
Pittsboro comfort food spot closing. Café Root Cellar in Pittsboro will close Sept. 19 after nine years, owners Sera Cuni and Susan White announced. The couple is stepping away to focus on Feed-Well Fridges, their nonprofit that has redistributed more than 350,000 pounds of food since 2023; the separately operated Root Cellar Café & Catering in Chapel Hill will remain open.
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 Developer proposes 321 apartments and townhomes on Durham’s Roxboro Road
This story was originally published August 31, 2026 at 7:53 PM.