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GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early

Major GOP groups are taking their ad dollars elsewhere as Michael Whatley trails Roy Cooper.

Politics

With one month until Election Day, some big GOP spenders are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giving up on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/gop-october-midterms-key-moment?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="5d6f297c-6d1b-4b75-8208-4dce5566032b" data-vars-headline="GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/gop-october-midterms-key-moment?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">giving up on</a> North Carolina and prioritizing other states. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a sign that Republicans believe Michael Whatley can&#x27;t win and that the seat will flip to Democrats, who need <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four pickups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" data-vars-content-id="5d6f297c-6d1b-4b75-8208-4dce5566032b" data-vars-headline="GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" target="_self">four pickups</a> to regain control of the Senate.

Layoffs deepen at RTI International

The nonprofit is eliminating 200 positions after laying off a third of its workforce in 2025.

Business

RTI International says it will cut another 200 positions this quarter.Why it matters: The Triangle-based research institute has already laid off hundreds of others as the U.S. cuts back on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scientific and humanitarian research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/21/blake-wilson-merkin-prize-million-cochlear-implants-rti" data-vars-content-id="141d9280-2057-42c4-a535-9ba9e780bfab" data-vars-headline="Layoffs deepen at RTI International" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/21/blake-wilson-merkin-prize-million-cochlear-implants-rti" target="_self">scientific and humanitarian research</a> under the second Trump administration.

The Triangle's most popular dog breed

A new report reveals the most popular and trending dog breeds in Raleigh and Durham.

Culture

Raleigh and Durham have the same favorite dog breed: the golden retriever.Why it matters: Golden retrievers are likely a familiar sight at the Triangle&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dog parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/06/dix-park-big-year-play-plaza-record-attendance-trolls" data-vars-content-id="0bb21881-8430-4a2c-9182-35e64237cf71" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s most popular dog breed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/06/dix-park-big-year-play-plaza-record-attendance-trolls" target="_self">dog parks</a> (or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bark Bar in Cary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/05/kid-friendly-activities-triangle-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="0bb21881-8430-4a2c-9182-35e64237cf71" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s most popular dog breed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/05/kid-friendly-activities-triangle-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill" target="_self">The Bark Bar in Cary</a>, perhaps).

The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh

The cost difference between owning and renting in Raleigh has grown.

Development

The average <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh renter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/03/raleigh-new-apartments-get-smaller" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/03/raleigh-new-apartments-get-smaller" target="_self">Raleigh renter</a> pays over $1,700 less a month than someone who owns a home in the region, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/august-2026-rent-report/" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/august-2026-rent-report/" target="_blank">Zillow report</a>.Why it matters: As Raleigh home prices remain sticky amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/mortgage-interest-rates-7-percent" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/mortgage-interest-rates-7-percent" target="_self">high interest rates</a>, it&#x27;s more evidence that renting might be the way to go for some people.

SAS to launch AI think tank at N.C. State 

SAS and N.C. State's relationship goes back to the company's origins.

SAS Institute, the multibillion-dollar analytics company born in the labs of N.C. State, will help launch a new AI think tank at the university, its CEO Jim Goodnight said Thursday. Why it matters: The partnership aims to improve health outcomes and agricultural practices and to create safety frameworks around the use of AI in those areas. <ul><li>SAS&#x27; analytical model was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="originally created at N.C. State" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/01/sas-institute-turns-50" data-vars-content-id="e9f05d4a-d979-477b-bde2-5639814f8024" data-vars-headline="SAS to launch AI think tank at N.C. State " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/01/sas-institute-turns-50" target="_self">originally created at N.C. State</a> to find a better way to analyze agricultural data. Since then, it has evolved into creating analytics software for myriad industries and in recent years has invested heavily in new AI capabilities. </li></ul>

Relay raises $36M from investors to fuel its growth 

The Raleigh-based company now has around 300 employees, mostly in Raleigh.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Relay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;pf=1&amp;ai=DChsSEwiNpYr84pGXAxVJUn8AHYwWLIwYACICCAEQABoCb2E&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak7iu0BKp3vy2kOMo5RggSRfxgF1cLriAHd_luXjXdfuW_sIVH-5OJxoChY4QAvD_BwE&amp;cid=CAASZuRo8_lSUc4IMuEzHB6biQSIbptwbB7YUotaOnKyxcppX6AlmQ9CD4W-O3xHmAOse0xIFOm2PVj3KaBpGROOOKdqHChfXi_5Ggz79E3CM8zRgX6s1MB6UEgTLJfjKDe7VCc5wtu3mg&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_0rR4psKAskkiyMtrFXAEeZ0aKg2g&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl=https://relaypro.com/?utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3D1011129104%26utm_content%3D168631467046%26utm_term%3Drelay%2520pro%26utm_feeditemid%3D%26utm_device%3Dc%26utm_network%3Dg%26utm_adid%3D719869042713%26utm_matchtype%3De%26utm_targetid%3Dkwd-301914306682%26utm_term%3Drelay%2520pro%26utm_campaign%3DBrand%26utm_source%3Dadwords%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26utm_id%3D1011129104%26hsa_acc%3D4867147547%26hsa_cam%3D1011129104%26hsa_grp%3D168631467046%26hsa_ad%3D719869042713%26hsa_src%3Dg%26hsa_tgt%3Dkwd-301914306682%26hsa_kw%3Drelay%2520pro%26hsa_mt%3De%26hsa_net%3Dadwords%26hsa_ver%3D3%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D1011129104%26gbraid%3D0AAAAADEqQBgEPsusVHaXrOgXrYf_mbgRN%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak7iu0BKp3vy2kOMo5RggSRfxgF1cLriAHd_luXjXdfuW_sIVH-5OJxoChY4QAvD_BwE&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFqoX84pGXAxUMGtAFHcE3M6UQ0Qx6BAgOEAE" data-vars-content-id="53e7198a-d111-4bf3-9867-998f05efe183" data-vars-headline="Relay raises $36M from investors to fuel its growth " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;pf=1&amp;ai=DChsSEwiNpYr84pGXAxVJUn8AHYwWLIwYACICCAEQABoCb2E&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak7iu0BKp3vy2kOMo5RggSRfxgF1cLriAHd_luXjXdfuW_sIVH-5OJxoChY4QAvD_BwE&amp;cid=CAASZuRo8_lSUc4IMuEzHB6biQSIbptwbB7YUotaOnKyxcppX6AlmQ9CD4W-O3xHmAOse0xIFOm2PVj3KaBpGROOOKdqHChfXi_5Ggz79E3CM8zRgX6s1MB6UEgTLJfjKDe7VCc5wtu3mg&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_0rR4psKAskkiyMtrFXAEeZ0aKg2g&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl=https://relaypro.com/?utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3D1011129104%26utm_content%3D168631467046%26utm_term%3Drelay%2520pro%26utm_feeditemid%3D%26utm_device%3Dc%26utm_network%3Dg%26utm_adid%3D719869042713%26utm_matchtype%3De%26utm_targetid%3Dkwd-301914306682%26utm_term%3Drelay%2520pro%26utm_campaign%3DBrand%26utm_source%3Dadwords%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26utm_id%3D1011129104%26hsa_acc%3D4867147547%26hsa_cam%3D1011129104%26hsa_grp%3D168631467046%26hsa_ad%3D719869042713%26hsa_src%3Dg%26hsa_tgt%3Dkwd-301914306682%26hsa_kw%3Drelay%2520pro%26hsa_mt%3De%26hsa_net%3Dadwords%26hsa_ver%3D3%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D1011129104%26gbraid%3D0AAAAADEqQBgEPsusVHaXrOgXrYf_mbgRN%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwoOjVBhArEiwAUwDak7iu0BKp3vy2kOMo5RggSRfxgF1cLriAHd_luXjXdfuW_sIVH-5OJxoChY4QAvD_BwE&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFqoX84pGXAxUMGtAFHcE3M6UQ0Qx6BAgOEAE" target="_blank">Relay</a>, a Raleigh-based startup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="making smart communication tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/06/10/raleigh-smart-walkie-talkie-startup-relay-raises-35m-from-investors" data-vars-content-id="53e7198a-d111-4bf3-9867-998f05efe183" data-vars-headline="Relay raises $36M from investors to fuel its growth " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/06/10/raleigh-smart-walkie-talkie-startup-relay-raises-35m-from-investors" target="_self">making smart communication tools</a> for frontline workers, has raised $36 million from investors, the company told Axios.Why it matters: Relay, which spun out of fellow Raleigh tech company Bandwidth, has been one of the fastest-growing startups in the Triangle in recent years.<ul><li>The new funding will help it continue that growth, with plans to hire around 100 workers over the next year, according to Chris Chuang, the company&#x27;s CEO.</li></ul>

N.C. State leans into growth potential of battery technology 

It is working closely with Toyota to create a pipeline of battery engineers

N.C. State University is boosting its bet on teaching battery technology. Why it matters: With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand rising for new-generation batteries " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/battery-storage-utilities-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="8024d0fd-2fba-4267-8a82-d51c5d663612" data-vars-headline="N.C. State leans into growth potential of battery technology " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/battery-storage-utilities-data-centers" target="_self">demand rising for new-generation batteries </a>for electric vehicles, hybrids smartphones and hosts of AI uses, N.C. State is trying to get more students to study the technology and fill the growing pipeline of battery jobs in North Carolina.

Beta Technologies eyes big N.C. expansion

Beta Technologies already has an engineering office in Morrisville.

Beta Technologies, a startup aviation company creating different types of electric aircraft, is considering North Carolina for a significant manufacturing expansion, the company&#x27;s CEO Kyle Clark told Axios. Why it matters: The Vermont-based company already has a significant presence in Morrisville, where it employs around 100 engineers working on the company&#x27;s flight software. <ul><li>That gives North Carolina an edge, Clark said, but the company is still early in the process of site visits and determining the scale of a potential project. Other states could still come into play. </li></ul>

Barnes & Noble joins Chapel Hill's revamped University Place

The 20,000-square-foot bookstore arrives as the mall adds more reasons for people to stick around.

University Place mall in Chapel Hill is continuing to evolve, with a new alcohol-friendly social district up and running and a Barnes &amp; Noble opening Wednesday. Why it matters: Malls had to change to survive online shopping&#x27;s takeover, and the ones that did are up 13% in value since last year, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wall Street Journal reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/malls-were-left-for-dead-now-they-are-the-top-performer-in-commercial-real-estate-0bf6100f" data-vars-content-id="665f05fd-105a-4e7f-9969-3f8cd6648cd1" data-vars-headline="Barnes &amp; Noble joins Chapel Hill&#x27;s revamped University Place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/malls-were-left-for-dead-now-they-are-the-top-performer-in-commercial-real-estate-0bf6100f" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal reported</a>.

A Durham startup making advanced microscopes raises $25M

Ramona Optics uses advanced microscopes and software to deliver images for life sciences companies.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramona Optics," data-vars-click-url="https://www.ramonaoptics.com/" data-vars-content-id="64a4c6a5-02cd-4c89-8dae-eb83e8966bab" data-vars-headline="A Durham startup making advanced microscopes raises $25M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ramonaoptics.com/" target="_blank">Ramona Optics,</a> a Durham startup making advanced microscopes for universities and life sciences companies, has raised $25 million from investors in a Series A round. Why it matters: The funding will allow what has been a scrappy team of around 25 employees to grow and meet demand across the globe for Ramona&#x27;s microscopes and software, Mark Harfouche, co-founder of Ramona, told Axios.

Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin's Key list

Heights House earned one Key as Michelin added four North Carolina properties to its rankings.

Things to Do

The Michelin Guide just updated its hotel rankings for the U.S., bestowing &quot;key&quot; awards on standout properties in Raleigh, Pittsboro and the North Carolina mountains.Why it matters: Michelin Key Hotels are like starred restaurants — both are big international distinctions. U.S. hotels were first considered for keys in 2024. North Carolina restaurants weren&#x27;t added to the guide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until 2025." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="4df46a55-b1ab-43e4-b27d-f5f309c308ab" data-vars-headline="Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin&#x27;s Key list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" target="_self">until 2025.</a>

Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store

KIKI opens its Durham store Saturday, Sept. 12.

Charlotte-based jewelry brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KIKI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" data-vars-content-id="4e38c7c4-106c-4c46-8603-2a1eee3cef90" data-vars-headline="Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" target="_self">KIKI</a> is expanding to the Triangle with a new Durham store opening Saturday, Sept. 12.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic side hustle for founder Kris Cox has quickly grown into a multi-location jewelry brand. Durham will be KIKI&#x27;s first store outside Charlotte.

Raleigh-Durham International lands a new airline

Guadalajara will be RDU's third Mexican destination.

News

Volaris, a low-cost Mexican airline, will launch its first flight out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport in October.Why it matters: The airline will give RDU its first nonstop flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. It is the airport&#x27;s third route to Mexico in addition to Mexico City and Cancun.

Business 🏦

SAS to launch AI think tank at N.C. State

Layoffs deepen at RTI International

Relay raises $36M from investors to fuel its growth

N.C. State leans into growth potential of battery technology

Beta Technologies eyes big N.C. expansion