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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>

Duke researcher lands "genius" grant for work on memory

Felipe De Brigard is one of 20 recipients of the MacArthur Foundation fellowship this year.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Felipe De Brigard" data-vars-click-url="https://scholars.duke.edu/person/felipe.debrigard" data-vars-content-id="0293f394-8854-42e0-8b4c-31150be15095" data-vars-headline="Duke researcher lands &quot;genius&quot; grant for work on memory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scholars.duke.edu/person/felipe.debrigard" target="_blank">Felipe De Brigard</a>, a cognitive scientist and philosopher at Duke University, has joined the ranks of geniuses. Why it matters: De Brigard is the latest researcher from the Triangle to win one of the MacArthur Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Genius Grants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/" data-vars-content-id="0293f394-8854-42e0-8b4c-31150be15095" data-vars-headline="Duke researcher lands &quot;genius&quot; grant for work on memory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/" target="_blank">Genius Grants</a>, a prestigious award that comes with an $800,000 stipend that can be used without restrictions.

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.

College offers land before North Carolina seniors apply 

More than 105,000 seniors can claim a community college spot without essays, SAT scores or recommendations.

Education

North Carolina&#x27;s 105,036 high school seniors on track to graduate in 2027 are all receiving letters offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automatic acceptance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfnc.org/nc-college-connect/" data-vars-content-id="73dc6b67-6b38-4ac9-8876-8c9433644610" data-vars-headline="College offers land before North Carolina seniors apply " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfnc.org/nc-college-connect/" target="_blank">automatic acceptance</a> to community college. Why it matters: Bringing in community colleges is a major leap in outreach for the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College Connect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfnc.org/nc-college-connect/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24207070071&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA-Ft7skA6irV1_aovxqvbB9ONimuR&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8c3VBhCsARIsAA_xJ92tKN8Pl6dQ9eAiAMNaF_COo1KBKXM0sjIoeEYwkRGNsZJA7FmCDEAaAn_rEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="73dc6b67-6b38-4ac9-8876-8c9433644610" data-vars-headline="College offers land before North Carolina seniors apply " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfnc.org/nc-college-connect/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24207070071&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA-Ft7skA6irV1_aovxqvbB9ONimuR&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8c3VBhCsARIsAA_xJ92tKN8Pl6dQ9eAiAMNaF_COo1KBKXM0sjIoeEYwkRGNsZJA7FmCDEAaAn_rEALw_wcB" target="_blank">College Connect</a> program, now in its third year offering automatic acceptance at most in-state colleges and universities.

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now

For nearly 50 years, UNC has sent medical residents to WakeMed for training.

Health

For nearly 50 years, the UNC School of Medicine has had a partnership with WakeMed to train medical students and residents at its hospitals. Why it matters: But WakeMed&#x27;s looming merger with Atrium has put that partnership&#x27;s long-term future into question, especially as Atrium has a close partnership with the Wake Forest School of Medicine and is currently helping it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expand to the Charlotte area" data-vars-click-url="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="3120e77f-2373-43b3-8f25-3685ca74fea9" data-vars-headline="UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" target="_blank">expand to the Charlotte area</a>.

Local schools battle HVAC issues in extreme heat

Dozens of schools have reported HVAC issues as voters prepare to weigh an infrastructure bond.

The recent wave of 100-degree days is straining HVAC systems at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/11/nc-school-start-dates-august-calendar-law" data-vars-content-id="751ff627-cb92-4176-87d4-ce67e5bbea06" data-vars-headline="Local schools battle HVAC issues in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/11/nc-school-start-dates-august-calendar-law" target="_self">local schools</a>.Why it matters: That may be impacting student performance.

Closing North Carolina's talent gap starts with early STEM access

Raleigh's future workforce starts with STEM access.

Partners

The Triangle continues to attract college graduates, research investment and companies that need highly skilled workers — but North Carolina&#x27;s next challenge is ensuring that enough young people can eventually enter the industries driving that growth.The story: North Carolina expects to add roughly 260,000 jobs by 2034, but employers could still need 5,000–10,000 more college graduates each year than the state currently produces, according to a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 2026 UNC System workforce study." data-vars-click-url="https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/unc-system-study-finds-growing-workforce-gaps-as-economy-expands/" data-vars-content-id="a97a4371-ed54-4b1f-b5e0-a4ff7c32cdc9" data-vars-headline="Closing North Carolina&#x27;s talent gap starts with early STEM access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/unc-system-study-finds-growing-workforce-gaps-as-economy-expands/" target="_blank"> 2026 UNC System workforce study.</a><ul><li>The state needs to help young people — especially populations who continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields — build the awareness, confidence and skills to pursue these specialized roles.</li></ul>

Christina Koch brings memories of the Moon to Raleigh

Back in Raleigh, the Artemis II astronaut shared what she remembers most about nine days around the Moon.

Nearly five months ago, a spaceship carrying four people thundered past the Moon and farther into space than humans had ever traveled.Why it matters: Everyone aboard earned their spot in the history books, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NASA astronaut Christina Koch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-artemis-ii-moon-mission" data-vars-content-id="322eec51-0144-4a46-a34e-25043ad6f4c5" data-vars-headline="Christina Koch brings memories of the Moon to Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-artemis-ii-moon-mission" target="_self">NASA astronaut Christina Koch</a>, who spent her youth in North Carolina&#x27;s public schools and her college years at N.C. State.Driving the news: And on Monday, Koch came back to Raleigh for an official homecoming trip.

UNC looks to place athletics in an LLC

UNC would join a trend of universities across the country of placing athletics into separate entitites.

Sports

UNC-Chapel Hill trustees are considering putting the university&#x27;s athletics department into a separate entity owned by the school — a move its athletic director said could help maximize revenue. Why it matters: As college sports move into a more professional and expensive direction, some colleges across the country are spinning their athletics into limited liability companies.

School's back already? Not in most of North Carolina

More districts are defying North Carolina's calendar law, while Triangle schools are complying.

Hundreds of traditional schools in North Carolina are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening this week" data-vars-click-url="https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/TempFolder/Meetings/SBE%20Report%20260513_472619vxikr0nfgubaaxcbuyi5ag1b.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e45bc08d-d67f-4c85-a2cf-a5619264842f" data-vars-headline="School&#x27;s back already? Not in most of North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/TempFolder/Meetings/SBE%20Report%20260513_472619vxikr0nfgubaaxcbuyi5ag1b.pdf" target="_blank">reopening this week</a> despite a state law barring them from starting classes before Aug. 24.Why it matters: America&#x27;s start-of-school season stretches nearly two months. Gone are the days of a shared &quot;back-to-school&quot; moment.

Education 📚

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

Duke researcher lands "genius" grant for work on memory

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

College offers land before North Carolina seniors apply

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now