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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.

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>.

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

WakeMed was founded by the county in 1961 and has operated as independent nonprofit since 1997.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday to give its backing to Atrium Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="9fb8bd4c-b056-4f4a-a1d2-ca080a4a1f7a" data-vars-headline="Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health</a>. Why it matters: The acquisition of WakeMed — the third-largest provider of health care in the Triangle and an institution originally founded by the county — has become a political lightning rod since it was announced this spring.

Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina

The number of kindergartners receiving MMR and DTaP vaccines has declined.

News

The vaccination rates of North Carolina kindergartners continues to decrease while the number of students with exemptions grows. The big picture: Vaccination rates among all American kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year for all tracked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" data-vars-content-id="5d1f8a64-f7c8-4bfb-85fe-044ff8e01dd6" data-vars-headline="Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" target="_self">vaccines</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="5d1f8a64-f7c8-4bfb-85fe-044ff8e01dd6" data-vars-headline="Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a> on Monday.<ul><li>Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, growing to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.</li></ul>

Alzheimer's drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks

The treatment can't cure Alzheimer's, but Duke researchers say it can slow the disease's progression.

Duke researchers are finding promise in an Alzheimer&#x27;s drug first approved for patients three years ago. Why it matters: The treatment can&#x27;t cure Alzheimer&#x27;s disease, but it can slow its progression.<ul><li>“This is about buying time in a disease that takes it away,” <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy Liu," data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fneurology.duke.edu*2Fprofile*2Fandrew-john-liu/1/0100019fd8508724-1cec6069-a267-4bff-bf91-88204592e277-000000/OiBaOpMM0sYCuuXNx8ExREcQtzU=473__;JSUlJQ!!Al82Z4c!yZ0RoCabVQtUJO2UDDhzbDaRKSFFZK-DeypMAy8lKW7wr_F9IRKx0_JrvJpJ3Dx-WHF7WTCb99Y0viH-9RfIHaXQ$" data-vars-content-id="74e2d308-0b3c-470c-a081-9c1111eefa36" data-vars-headline="Alzheimer&#x27;s drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fneurology.duke.edu*2Fprofile*2Fandrew-john-liu/1/0100019fd8508724-1cec6069-a267-4bff-bf91-88204592e277-000000/OiBaOpMM0sYCuuXNx8ExREcQtzU=473__;JSUlJQ!!Al82Z4c!yZ0RoCabVQtUJO2UDDhzbDaRKSFFZK-DeypMAy8lKW7wr_F9IRKx0_JrvJpJ3Dx-WHF7WTCb99Y0viH-9RfIHaXQ$" target="_blank">Andy Liu,</a> an associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine, said in a press release describing new research into Duke patients&#x27; experiences with the drug. </li></ul>

Important nutritional research is being piloted through North Carolina's sewers

Researchers from Duke and UNC have been tracking diet habits through wastewater.

Environment

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina public officials plumbed the sewers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looking for signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/respiratory-diseases/dashboard/wastewater-testing" data-vars-content-id="50dffb7a-378d-416d-a559-230fd32616b3" data-vars-headline="Important nutritional research is being piloted through North Carolina&#x27;s sewers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/respiratory-diseases/dashboard/wastewater-testing" target="_blank">looking for signs</a> of the virus&#x27; prevalence was in the state. <ul><li>Now, that same infrastructure is being tested as a way to track the diets of entire cities and neighborhoods.</li></ul>Why it matters: The tracking method —  which captures food DNA left behind in sewage — could become an important tool for studying the nutritional health of a community or determine food access disparities by neighborhoods.

Some North Carolina schools still lack AEDs as lawmakers push bill

Advocates say quick access to AEDs can help save students during cardiac emergencies.

Education

North Carolina lawmakers are considering requiring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AEDs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/21/north-carolina-911-drone-defibrillator" data-vars-content-id="1f389ccf-67b0-4f16-b7cb-a5f120894d36" data-vars-headline="Some North Carolina schools still lack AEDs as lawmakers push bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/21/north-carolina-911-drone-defibrillator" target="_self">AEDs</a> on every public school campus.Why it matters: During cardiac arrest, getting a shock from a defibrillator in time can be the difference between life and death.

ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire

The decline comes after enhanced subsidies for the plans expired.

The number of North Carolinians enrolled in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act has fallen significantly this year. <ul><li>More than 200,000 fewer people are getting insurance via the program this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to data compiled by KFF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/marketplace-plan-selections-by-enrollment-type-2/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22north-carolina%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" data-vars-content-id="6e746ba5-e2a7-47be-abd4-253030351780" data-vars-headline="ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/marketplace-plan-selections-by-enrollment-type-2/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22north-carolina%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank">according to data compiled by KFF</a>. </li></ul>Why it matters: The drop came after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enhanced subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/obamacare-marketplace-upheaval-subsidy-extension" data-vars-content-id="6e746ba5-e2a7-47be-abd4-253030351780" data-vars-headline="ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/obamacare-marketplace-upheaval-subsidy-extension" target="_self">enhanced subsidies</a> for the ACA expired, making plans more expensive for many people.

WakeMed's CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium

WakeMed says its main campus needs at least $1 billion to be redeveloped.

WakeMed Health&#x27;s leadership said Tuesday that a merger with Atrium Health is needed to ensure the Wake County-based hospital network will be thriving a decade from now. Why it matters: Atrium&#x27;s potential takeover of WakeMed, which was founded by Wake County in 1961 and is a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" safety-net provider," data-vars-click-url="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" target="_blank"> safety-net provider,</a> has been the talk of the town since it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">announced</a> last Friday afternoon. <ul><li>State and local officials, however, have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised strong opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" target="_self">raised strong opposition</a> to the speed and the scope of the deal. </li></ul>

Atrium's acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback

The merger would give Atrium, the state's largest hospital network, a foothold in the Triangle.

A vote on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="dea2f66d-d10e-45c5-b2bc-62f7be2313b7" data-vars-headline="Atrium&#x27;s acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed merger</a> between WakeMed Health and Atrium Health has been delayed after significant pushback from state and local officials. Why it matters: The potential merger would give Atrium Health, the state&#x27;s largest health care provider, a significant foothold in the Triangle.

WakeMed is seeking to combine with Atrium Health

WakeMed, previously owned by the Wake County until 1997, has three hospitals in Wake County

WakeMed Health, a nonprofit hospital that has served the Raleigh area since 1961, is moving to combine with Atrium Health, the state&#x27;s largest hospital system, they said in a joint release Friday. Why it matters: WakeMed is the third-largest healthcare provider in the Triangle, giving Atrium a large foothold here, if the combination is approved by regulators.<ul><li>Atrium, which has a significant presence in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/south-charlotte-arts-hub-nonprofit-campus-plan-feasibility-study-funding-theater" data-vars-content-id="0814822d-8981-4ce6-b306-90cfb940f0af" data-vars-headline="WakeMed is seeking to combine with Atrium Health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/south-charlotte-arts-hub-nonprofit-campus-plan-feasibility-study-funding-theater" target="_self">Charlotte</a> and the Triad, is part of the nonprofit healthcare company Advocate Health. </li></ul>

Axios Vitals

Axios Future of Health Care

A line chart that shows kindergartner vaccine exemption rates and the U.S. average from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The local rate rose from 0.6% to 3%, with faster gains after 2020. It remained below the national average each year, which increased from 1.6% to 4.2%.

North Carolina kindergartner vaccination exemptions

Data: CDC; Note: Data collection methods can vary from state to state; Brad Jennings/Axios

Health 🩺

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina

Alzheimer's drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks

Important nutritional research is being piloted through North Carolina's sewers