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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.

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>

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

Raleigh's future workforce starts with STEM access.

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>

The AI talent shortage is creating new pathways in tech

Businesses are adopting AI faster than the workforce can keep pace.

Businesses are adopting AI faster than they can find workers with the skills to deploy it.Why it&#x27;s important: The conversation surrounding AI technology is shifting from job replacement to worker adaptation.The World Economic Forum projects AI may displace 92 million jobs globally by 2030, but will simultaneously create 170 million new roles for a net gain of 78 million positions, with technology, data and AI among the fastest-growing roles.<ul><li>Many of those jobs will require workers who understand how AI systems work in real environments.</li></ul>

Why Triangle homebuyers are picking boutique firms

Small real estate firms like J Patterson Realty can provide white-glove service with deep personalization.

In the Triangle&#x27;s housing market — spanning Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary — steady demand and shifting inventory are raising the stakes for buyers and sellers.Why it&#x27;s important: For clients navigating big life transitions like relocating, upsizing or investing, property is just one part of the puzzle.<ul><li>These clients require clarity, confidence and a trusted partner throughout the process.</li></ul>

The questions you should be asking your primary care provider — and why they matter

Patients with a primary care provider they trust have better health care outcomes.

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/4CJecxx3TgEaWLyJ9p7cy8u4iS0=/2026/03/25/1774474220755.png&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: Amazon One Medical&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>Nearly half of Americans feel anxious before a doctor&#x27;s appointment — and most leave at least one question they forgot or didn&#x27;t feel comfortable asking.Here&#x27;s the deal: The relationship between a patient and their primary care provider (PCP) is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health.Studies show that patients with a PCP they trust have better health outcomes, lower hospitalization rates and higher satisfaction with their care, but the structure of most primary care visits makes that relationship difficult to organically build.

Health care cost illusions still underpin debates

North Carolina's 2026 session could reshape health care affordability statewide.

North Carolinians are feeling the strain of rising healthcare costs — and as the 2026 short session approaches, how lawmakers address affordability could influence what families pay, how employers structure coverage and how providers are reimbursed.Why it&#x27;s important: Health care affordability is shaped by a complex mix of insurance design, pharmaceutical pricing, regulatory decisions, provider costs and patient needs, all interacting within the broader health care landscape.<ul><li>For policymakers, that means reform requires examining how decisions in one part of the ecosystem affect the rest — not just the most visible components of care delivery.</li></ul>

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offers a new way to vibe for any occasion

THC seltzers from local North Carolina brand Delta Beverages are delivering the vibe without the booze and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this holiday season.

Food and Drink

THC seltzers from local North Carolina brand Delta Beverages are delivering the vibe without the booze and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this holiday season.Why it&#x27;s important: The U.S. drinking rate hit a new low this year and more Americans than ever think moderate drinking is bad for your health.

Find space and savings at Copper Ridge

True Homes is helping first-time buyers find quality homes — without leaving the Raleigh area.

Affordability feels increasingly out of reach for many first-time homebuyers in the Triangle. Prices are up, inventory is low and competition for starter homes is fierce.The story: True Homes wants to change that with new home communities like Copper Ridge at Flowers Plantation — a new community just outside Clayton that makes spacious, high-quality living more accessible to Raleigh-area buyers.

📍 REALTORS® know the market — and the map

Raleigh's population is booming — and NC REALTORS® help buyers and sellers keep up.

86% of homebuyers and almost 90% of sellers worked with a real estate professional in 2023 — and with good reason.Here&#x27;s why: North Carolina REALTORS® have the local knowledge and skills you need to keep up with Raleigh&#x27;s breakneck growth.

How EarnIn's Early Pay gives workers more financial flexibility

EarnIn's Early Pay allows workers access to their paychecks up to two days early — no matter the bank.

Many workers face a frustrating reality: bills don&#x27;t wait for payday. When rent, gas or groceries are due before a paycheck arrives, the gap can create unnecessary financial stress.The story: For Imani Brown, a college student and assistant manager in Raleigh, NC, that gap was all too real. Moving from California to attend an HBCU was both exciting and challenging — especially when balancing school, work and financial obligations.