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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.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Raleigh, Durham

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="82dbbb51-b1a3-435b-bcf9-11d3aef35ed0" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Raleigh, Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to downtown Durham and Raleigh&#x27;s Glenwood neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham

Dampf has been attracting long lines to its truck on Phillips Farm of Cary since 2022.

Food and Drink

Dampf Good BBQ, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="got a nod" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/north-carolina/cary_2986745/restaurant/dampf-good-bbq" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/north-carolina/cary_2986745/restaurant/dampf-good-bbq" target="_blank">got a nod</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" 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">Michelin guide</a>, is expanding to downtown Durham, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its owners said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/p/Ddgxw5jBqS6/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/p/Ddgxw5jBqS6/?hl=en" target="_blank">its owners said</a>. Why it matters: Dampf plans to take over the former Pit Barbecue space on Geer Street, which has sat empty in the heart of Durham&#x27;s nightlife scene since the pandemic began.

North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint

Raleigh entrepreneur Patrick Shanahan is adding another bar to his cocktail empire.

Patrick Shanahan&#x27;s cocktail dominion continues to grow — this time in North Hills. Why it matters: The Raleigh artist-turned-nightlife entrepreneur will open his fifth project in two years when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Saint Cocktail Co." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="41058a74-cdd3-4937-afd4-d509e33e97eb" data-vars-headline="North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" target="_blank">Little Saint Cocktail Co.</a> becomes North Hills&#x27; first standalone cocktail bar next spring.

Katsuji Tanabe's RTP restaurant empire takes shape

KatSushi is the chef's latest RTP opening, with a revival of acclaimed High Horse still to come.

The newest addition at Boxyard RTP opened its doors last month, bringing Japanese hand rolls and bowls to the outdoor food hall.Why it matters: KatSushi comes from chef Katsuji Tanabe, a &quot;Top Chef&quot; alum, and restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, who are betting big on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" data-vars-content-id="735490e8-03eb-4085-8d5e-ee487c7f522a" data-vars-headline="Katsuji Tanabe&#x27;s RTP restaurant empire takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a>.

Two new Durham restaurants will share one home

A coffee and pastry shop will become a wine bar at night, alongside an upscale tasting menu.

Durham is set to get two new restaurants in the spring — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Vinter and The Baker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" target="_blank">The Vinter and The Baker</a>, which will serve coffee and pastries by day and wine and small plates at night, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Cornelia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Cornelia</a>, which will offer evening fine dining.Why it matters: The sister concepts will provide all-day food options in a neighborhood just north of downtown.

Hurricanes' Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue's expansion

Prime STQ is expected to open in Research Triangle Park next Spring.

Fresh off winning a Stanley Cup, Carolina Hurricanes star Jaccob Slavin&#x27;s next career move is to partner in one of the most hotly anticipated restaurant openings in the Triangle. Why it matters: Prieto&#x27;s beloved Knightdale restaurant, Prime Barbecue, is in the process of expanding to the Hub RTP development in Research Triangle Park. <ul><li>The new restaurant, called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime STQ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" data-vars-content-id="a829c80f-8114-48e3-bc9a-4c39a1676845" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes&#x27; Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue&#x27;s expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" target="_self">Prime STQ</a>, is being billed as a combination of a barbecue joint and a classic steakhouse. </li></ul>

The Triangle's 30 best restaurants, right now

Stanbury takes the top spot again as the Triangle's increasingly acclaimed food scene keeps growing.

Creating a list of the Triangle&#x27;s 30 best restaurants keeps getting harder for us here at Axios Raleigh. <ul><li>We see it as a sign of just how vibrant the region&#x27;s cuisine has gotten over the past decade, with longtime institutions going strong and an ever-growing list of exciting newcomers. </li></ul>

Prominent Triangle chefs and leaders share their best meals of 2026

From softshell crab on newspaper to riverside Bangkok cafes, here's what Triangle chefs loved this year.

We asked some of the Triangle&#x27;s best chefs and most prominent people, what their best meal of the past year was — no holds barred. Here&#x27;s what they said:

A golf club without a course opens in North Hills

Intown offers simulator golf bays, a cocktail lounge and dining events.

Intown Golf Club, a private social club for golfers with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.intowngolfclub.com/about" data-vars-content-id="223a2882-9592-4b95-a6cc-fdd2c00ed7fb" data-vars-headline="A golf club without a course opens in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.intowngolfclub.com/about" target="_blank">locations across the country</a>, is now open in North Hills. Zoom in: The Atlanta-based company has built out a 13,000-square-foot space featuring eight golf simulator bays, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor patio. <ul><li>Intown caters to urban golfers who aren&#x27;t members of existing clubs, whether it&#x27;s due to them being too expensive or too far from where they live. </li><li>Membership includes access to food, drinks, member trips and a full calendar of social events. </li></ul>

Lloyd's Full Service opens in downtown Cary

Lloyd's Full Service adds a new option into downtown Cary's surging culinary scene

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lloyd&#x27;s Full Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lloydsfullservice.com/" data-vars-content-id="a56a3cd5-7a82-497e-8ce0-25abd1b7abb6" data-vars-headline="Lloyd&#x27;s Full Service opens in downtown Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lloydsfullservice.com/" target="_blank">Lloyd&#x27;s Full Service</a>, one of the Triangle&#x27;s most anticipated new restaurants, opens in Cary today. Why it matters: Run by the group behind The Durham and The Mayton hotels, Lloyd&#x27;s adds a new option to the growing culinary scene in downtown Cary.

Food and Drink 🍽

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Raleigh, Durham

Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham

North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint

Katsuji Tanabe's RTP restaurant empire takes shape

Two new Durham restaurants will share one home