RDU On the Rise: Back to school, big football weekend and pumpkin spice season
Hey, y’all! This is Kaitlin McKeown, visual journalist for The News & Observer.
I craft photo and video stories in every nook and corner of the Triangle, which I wholeheartedly believe is the most beautiful place in the world.
If you’re like me, you’re finding every possible opportunity to be outdoors while summer is still in the air. I love to spend every spare moment soaking in the sunlight of my garden, where I’m currently trying to corral the rambunctious flowers that have grown to be taller than me.
Let’s jump into what’s happening in our communities and beyond.
Back to school
Blanketed by the lingering humidity and summer temperatures, this week marked the return to school for traditional-calendar school students in Wake, Durham, Johnston and Orange counties.
▪ T. Keung Hui’s dispatch from the first day highlighted a sense of normalcy felt by many students, families and educators as schools embrace more relaxed CDC guidelines and no longer require masks. Many school districts continue to face staffing vacancies.
▪ Watch: Sycamore Creek Elementary School music teacher Liz Yardley describes her love for the profession in this video by Robert Willett.
Tasty culinary ideas to energize your fall routine
As Triangle residents get back into the swing of the school year, we’re all thinking through a different lens about the food to fuel our busier fall days. When I’m not working, I’m often buried in a cookbook searching for new ways to use my favorite fruits and vegetables.
▪ While I am certain that it will garner zero acclaim for being the prettiest, here is my first-ever lattice-top peach/raspberry pie that I successfully baked this week. (My first attempt fell on the floor. I’m ecstatic this one made it to the table.)
▪ If you’re in search of a new take on a beloved autumn tradition, look no further than Kimberly Cataudella’s story on how to make your own pumpkin spice latte masterpiece at home.
▪ While you’re at it, dive into Drew Jackson’s thorough report on the best barbecue restaurants in the state, then make your voice heard in the next round of our barbecue bracket by voting for which ‘cue makes your heart sing.
Stories worth a weekend read
As you relax and unwind this weekend, don’t miss out on these compelling stories from The News & Observer and Herald-Sun team.
▪ College football season has arrived in all its glory. Take a look at Robert Willett’s photos from UNC’s 56-24 victory over Florida A&M.
▪ Boone and Western North Carolina locals have been waiting almost 100 years for UNC to visit App State in football. The wait ends Saturday. Let Andrew Carter guide you through the big day.
▪ The NC State Wolfpack are heading to Greenville, hoping to jump start their season with a win over the Pirates. Listen to the latest ACC Now Podcast for a look back at the Pack-Pirates series.
▪ Josh Shaffer reports on a group of volunteers that’s working to uncover thousands of graves at one of the oldest African-American cemeteries in Harnett County.
▪ History enthusiasts, rejoice! Delve into this story by Richard Stradling to learn about the journey to bring one of North Carolina’s oldest houses back to life.
▪ Vice President Kamala Harris stopped by Durham this week to talk health care costs and eliminating the filibuster.
▪ Cary, the third largest city in the Triangle, was named a top-10 real estate market in the U.S. in a new report.
▪ Toyota has a battery factory coming to Randolph County in 2025, but Richard Stradling says the company already plans to expand production.
▪ Some North Carolina universities made Forbes’ Top Colleges of 2022 list — including one in the Triangle.
▪ Staff of The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun won 53 awards during the annual conference of the North Carolina Press Association. Congratulations to all!
▪ Looking for new eats? The Old North State Food Hall opened its doors along I-95 in Johnston County last week, including 10 vendors and a bar built into a cigar humidor. Drew Jackson also reports on Colletta’s debut as the first restaurant in Cary’s Fenton development this weekend.
That’s it for now, folks
It’s been a delight to join you for a wrap-up of this week’s news.
Thank you for being a part of this community — we’re so glad you’re here!
Please tune in for next week’s RDU On the Rise hosted by technology and business reporter Brian Gordon. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
▪ Know someone else who’d like to receive this newsletter? They can sign up here.
▪ Interested in other newsletters? We’ve got all the bases covered. Subscribe to a few here.
