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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.

Scoop: After completing Hotel Indigo, New York developer eyes next project in Raleigh

The New York developer just completed a $36 million renovation of the former Holiday Inn.

Tidal Real Estate Partners, the New York developer that just completed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$36 million renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/08/hotel-indigo-plots-october-opening-in-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="908a7b92-89c9-4713-aebc-f00b24b75573" data-vars-headline="Scoop: After completing Hotel Indigo, New York developer eyes next project 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/2026/07/08/hotel-indigo-plots-october-opening-in-raleigh" target="_self">$36 million renovation</a> of the former Holiday Inn, isn&#x27;t slowing down its work in downtown Raleigh. Why it matters: The real estate company plans to break ground as soon as the next 60 days on a 20-story tower at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="521 S. Wilmington St." data-vars-click-url="https://tidalrep.com/projects/residential/521-s.-wilmington" data-vars-content-id="908a7b92-89c9-4713-aebc-f00b24b75573" data-vars-headline="Scoop: After completing Hotel Indigo, New York developer eyes next project in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tidalrep.com/projects/residential/521-s.-wilmington" target="_blank">521 S. Wilmington St.</a>, Tidal&#x27;s CEO Mick Walsdorf told Axios.

What one family found after trading the Triangle for Greenville

One family passed on a paid move back to the Triangle after comparing life in Greenville.

Partners

When Bria and Adrian Williams had the chance to relocate in 2025, they could have moved back to the Triangle with the cost covered — but instead, they stayed in Greenville.The background: Bria&#x27;s career first brought the couple from the Triangle to Eastern North Carolina in 2021.<ul><li>They explored several communities before choosing Greenville, where they found a place that felt welcoming and left room to build the life they wanted.</li></ul>

Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning

Glenwood South continues to be one of the hottest Raleigh neighborhoods for development.

The owner of a popular bar in Glenwood South is filing a rezoning application to change the allowable height on the property from 7 stories to 40. Why it matters: Glenwood South is one of the hottest spots for new development in all of Raleigh and has seen a wave of developers seeking to building higher — including the 37-story <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" target="_self">Highline</a> Glenwood, which is under construction, and the planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="30-story tower on Peace Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" target="_self">30-story tower on Peace Street</a>.

Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square

The city is reviewing plans for refreshing the public square.

News

<figure><img alt="Proposed park at the corner of Hargett &amp; McDowell: tree-lined plaza with curved walkways, circular shrub beds, benches, and people strolling under dappled sunlight." height="736" id="e610dfa8-d1a9-4f24-875b-07cba0bff240" src="https://images.axios.com/TSmaQwzfq5pCfgyGXreWqjq2uA8=/2026/09/11/1789154415155.png" width="1280"/><figcaption>Rendering: City of Raleigh</figcaption></figure>The city of Raleigh is in the early stages of redesigning Nash Square to make the space more inviting to the public. Why it matters: Nash Square is one of Raleigh&#x27;s five public squares that were laid out in the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="original plan from 1792" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" data-vars-content-id="d40b872d-ba81-4ce0-b2d2-c236c10d413a" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" target="_blank">original plan from 1792</a>, and it sits in the heart of downtown next to Raleigh City Hall.

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 and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations

Heritage Park in Raleigh and Forest Hills Heights in Durham will be transformed significantly.

Raleigh and Durham are both on the cusp of seeing major public housing communities redeveloped into large mixed-use and mixed-income projects. Why it matters: The plans aim to provide new affordable units in cities where housing costs have soared while shifting to a public housing model that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="views mixed-income communities" data-vars-click-url="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" data-vars-content-id="63dbc3bf-ed5f-48c3-bf6b-e25443e0ed91" data-vars-headline="Raleigh and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" target="_blank">views mixed-income communities</a> as producing better outcomes than communities dedicated completely to affordable units.

Raleigh's apartments keep getting smaller

Raleigh is bucking a national trend of apartments getting larger.

The average new apartment shrank in Raleigh during the past decade, according to a new survey from RentCafe.Why it matters: Even though square footage shrank, renters of all apartments in Raleigh are paying more — even accounting for a 39% increase in inflation.

A plan for an elevated walkway to Dix Park gains momentum

The elevated walkway would travel between the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Dix Park.

An ambitious effort to connect downtown Raleigh to Dix Park via an elevated walkway is gaining momentum. Why it matters: For years, city leaders have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="working through ideas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/11/06/raleigh-gondola-connects-dix-park-downtown" data-vars-content-id="49e3b1b9-36d1-41a8-9ff6-0ac520580c98" data-vars-headline="A plan for an elevated walkway to Dix Park gains momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/11/06/raleigh-gondola-connects-dix-park-downtown" target="_self">working through ideas</a> of how to best connect the 300-acre Dix Park to downtown proper. <ul><li>Though the park is just one mile from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh Union Station" data-vars-click-url="https://raleighnc.gov/transit-streets-and-sidewalks/places/raleigh-union-station" data-vars-content-id="49e3b1b9-36d1-41a8-9ff6-0ac520580c98" data-vars-headline="A plan for an elevated walkway to Dix Park gains momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://raleighnc.gov/transit-streets-and-sidewalks/places/raleigh-union-station" target="_blank">Raleigh Union Station</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-lane road" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/08/16/the-western-wall-of-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="49e3b1b9-36d1-41a8-9ff6-0ac520580c98" data-vars-headline="A plan for an elevated walkway to Dix Park gains momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/08/16/the-western-wall-of-raleigh" target="_self">four-lane road</a> makes it tricky for pedestrians and cyclists to get there.</li></ul>

New Raleigh tennis complex will have French red clay courts

Swing Racquet + Paddle will become an exclusive partner with Roland-Garros in the U.S.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swing Racquet + Paddle" data-vars-click-url="https://swingnc.com/" data-vars-content-id="49a16b70-92e8-46df-9963-677c57a3c5d9" data-vars-headline="New Raleigh tennis complex will have French red clay courts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://swingnc.com/" target="_blank">Swing Racquet + Paddle</a>, a massive racquet sports complex being built near Brier Creek in Raleigh, plans to feature something rare in North American sports: red clay tennis courts. Why it matters: Swing said Tuesday it will partner with Roland-Garros, also known as the French Open, to import true European red clay courts to the Raleigh complex when it opens in 2028. <ul><li>Red clay courts are very hard to find in the U.S. and offer a much different experience than the typical asphalt or concrete courts, according to Swing&#x27;s founder Rob Autry.</li></ul>

Development 🏗️

Scoop: After completing Hotel Indigo, New York developer eyes next project in Raleigh

The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh

What one family found after trading the Triangle for Greenville

Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning

Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square