Renee Umsted

2 days ago | newsobserver.com | Renee Umsted

Nine companies are driving big changes in how the Triangle shops for groceries and essentials. Publix plans three new stores across Wake and Johnston counties, boosting accessibility for growing neighborhoods. Aldi recently picked a new spot in Clayton, joining its fresh presence in Hillsborough, while specialty retailers like Apna Bazar and Bombay Central are opening larger, amenity-rich locations to meet shifting community needs.

2 days ago | newsobserver.com | Renee Umsted

North Carolinians are used to strong storms or hurricanes knocking out power, but wildlife can cause outages, too. It was , in fact, that were responsible for outages affecting thousands of Duke Energy customers across central and eastern North Carolina in the past week, the utility provider told The News & Observer in an email. In three instances since Monday, May 5, a snake came into contact with equipment in a substation, Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks told The N&O in an email.

2 days ago | newsobserver.com | Renee Umsted

A furniture store with roots in the Northeast is expanding into North Carolina this year. The company, Bob's Discount Furniture, announced plans to open six stores across the state, including two in the Triangle, in 2025. They are among 20 new stores expected to open this year, with the remaining 14 located across Virginia, Michigan, Nevada, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California and - a first for the company - Vermont.

1 week ago | newsobserver.com | Renee Umsted

Flautas de papas are pictured during a soft opening of Mala Pata on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C. The restaurant plans to open on May 14 at Raleigh's Gateway Plaza. The News & Observer Years after it was first announced, one of Raleigh's most anticipated restaurants opens soon. The owners have decided to call it bad luck. , a collaboration among a handful of the Triangle's biggest names in food and beverage, will begin serving customers at its Gateway Plaza location on Wednesday, May 14.

1 week ago | newsobserver.com | Renee Umsted

A popular LGBTQ bar in downtown Raleigh has permanently closed after 10 years. Ruby Deluxe, which was located on South Salisbury Street, announced the news in a social media post on Friday, May 2. "Thank you so very much for letting us serve and entertain you for the last 10 years," the post read. "This Saturday's Glitter Hour will be Ruby Deluxe's last night. ... Glitter Hour isn't done though.