News sports and weather for Raleigh, NC | The News & Observer & NewsObserver.com

Featured

Kristin and Aron Robbins, residents of 415 N. Boundary Street, opened up their home to the public this weekend for the 42nd annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour Sunday December 8, 2013 in Raleigh, N.C. The building was originally constructed as a grocery store in the early 1900s and was renovated into a residence in the late 1980s. Kristin and Aron Robbins have lived in the residence for a year and a half and both work out of the home. Each pursuing their passions, Kristin works as a fashion designer for her line Tyger Alexis and Aron owns the Savior Guitar shop where he repairs instruments and gives lessons. The Robbins were invited by neighbors to include their home in this year's Candlelight Tour. "We knew our personal style was so unique and felt it would be a disservice not to share it with the tour," said Kristin Robbins. Grinning at her husband, Robbins added "The house couldn't be any better, it's like it was set up for us."

Holiday Faces 2013

A collection of images by N&O photojournalists featuring people in the area that capture the...

Fans watch the Philadelphia Eagles play the Detroit Lions as snow falls during first-quarter NFL football game action on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Philadelphia Inquirer, Yong Kim)

The Day's Best | 12.08.13

See some of the best photographs from around the world

Sports

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes (R) celebrates his third goal of the game along with Tuomo Ruutu #15 (L) against the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on December 5, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Hurricanes defeated the Predators 5-2.

Canes' Jeff Skinner named NHL’s first star of the week

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been named the NHL's first star of the week for the week ending Dec. 8, the league announced Monday. 2 hours ago

Local/State News

Alexandra Vazquez, 6, waits outside the Sacred Heart Cathedral before the start of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass following the the Guadalupe procession Sunday. A large crowd attended the procession despite cold and rainy weather.

Diverse processional honoring Our Lady Guadalupe defies weather in downtown Raleigh

About 600 people went to Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday, joined by belief to make the traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe procession through downtown Raleigh’s cold and rainy streets.

American Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection and US Airways culminated its long pursuit of a merger partner as the two completed their deal Monday to create the world's biggest airline. 5 minutes ago

Politics

Poll: 68% of Americans expect no budget deal by shutdown deadline

A Congressional budget deal expected this week might not be a grand bargain to solve the country’s long term fiscal woes, but it is largely what Americans want, according to a new McClatchy-Marist Poll.

Obama heads to South Africa for Mandela memorial 5 minutes ago
Congress ready to extend ban on plastic firearms 9 minutes ago
Report: Little tobacco settlement money spent on prevention, cessation 1 hour ago
Lawsuit being filed this week over NC school legislation 2 hours ago

Nation/World News

FILE - In a Saturday, March 5, 2011 file photo, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa watches a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, in Jupiter, Fla. Retired managers Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox were unanimously elected to the baseball Hall of Fame on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, by the expansion era committee.

Torre, La Russa, Cox elected to baseball Hall

Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox, baseball's winningest managers over the past four decades, were unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame on Monday by the expansion era committee. 9 minutes ago