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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.

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.

Inside the finances of NC's 13th District candidates

Both candidates for North Carolina's 13th district call for a stock trading ban.

As Republican Rep. Brad Knott vies for another term representing North Carolina&#x27;s 13th District, he reports holding assets worth between $3.3 million and $13.4 million, according to a financial disclosure report filed in August.Why it matters: Financial disclosure reports are one of the key tools the public has for examining how policymakers in Washington make their money and whether they have potential conflicts of interest.<ul><li>They&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="played a big role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" data-vars-content-id="a56d6f1b-d0df-43d5-8996-04c1f6d522f1" data-vars-headline="Inside the finances of NC&#x27;s 13th District candidates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" target="_self">played a big role</a> in the Senate showdown between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.</li></ul>

Chapel Hill braces for a star-studded G20 gathering

Sam Altman will discuss coming AI advances as global ministers gather on the edge of UNC's campus.

A G20 meeting next week will bring some of the biggest names in tech to Chapel Hill — including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.Why it matters: The high-profile gathering will complicate traffic and increase the police presence around campus Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meta settlement gives social media its Big Tobacco moment

North Carolina will get at least $451 million as Facebook and Instagram add protections for kids.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/meta-trial-social-media-children-facebook-instagram" data-vars-content-id="63701f16-5b6c-425c-b3cb-a46e56c27cf3" data-vars-headline="Meta settlement gives social media its Big Tobacco moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/meta-trial-social-media-children-facebook-instagram" target="_self">Meta</a> agreed to settle with U.S. states for up to $16.7 billion in a landmark deal over allegations Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children.<ul><li>The company is calling on its peers to sign on to the pact as well, saying it won&#x27;t work unless they jointly line up behind broad reform.</li></ul>Why it matters: This is social media&#x27;s version of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landmark 1990s tobacco settlement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.naag.org/our-work/naag-center-for-tobacco-and-public-health/the-master-settlement-agreement/" data-vars-content-id="63701f16-5b6c-425c-b3cb-a46e56c27cf3" data-vars-headline="Meta settlement gives social media its Big Tobacco moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.naag.org/our-work/naag-center-for-tobacco-and-public-health/the-master-settlement-agreement/" target="_blank">landmark 1990s tobacco settlement</a>, a settlement that effectively reshapes the industry and the way young Americans experience some of their favorite platforms.

Court ruling could reshape North Carolina coastal fishing

Shrimp trawling and gillnetting face new scrutiny after a judge found decades of state failures.

Climate

North Carolina failed to protect its coastal fisheries, leaving multiple species at risk of collapse, a Wake County judge ruled last week.Why it matters: The ruling found North Carolinians&#x27; constitutional right to harvest fish and shellfish is being violated, potentially requiring the state to overhaul how it manages the coastal ecosystem.

Asheville's Helene recovery gets global G20 spotlight

More than 1,000 visitors are expected in the western North Carolina town hit hard by Helene.

This weekend, a G20 summit in Asheville will draw finance ministers, economic leaders and heavy-hitting CEOs from around the world.Why it matters: Choosing the Blue Ridge Mountains for the summit is a strategic show of support from the Trump administration for a region still healing from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/26/a-year-on-from-helene" data-vars-content-id="b53e4917-633f-44d4-87fe-cc758283547b" data-vars-headline="Asheville&#x27;s Helene recovery gets global G20 spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/26/a-year-on-from-helene" target="_self">Tropical Storm Helene</a>.

Details of Raleigh youth curfew are revealed

olice would investigate complaints involving minors, adults and businesses under the proposal.

Raleigh&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed youth curfew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/17/raleigh-city-council-to-debate-youth-curfew-again" data-vars-content-id="0a58c834-fcd1-4ba7-9074-803b0d743a39" data-vars-headline="Details of Raleigh youth curfew are revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/17/raleigh-city-council-to-debate-youth-curfew-again" target="_self">proposed youth curfew</a> is headed for a City Council vote next month.Why it matters: If the ordinance passes, teenagers — as well as adults and businesses that help them violate the curfew — could face legal action when unsupervised minors are caught out at night.

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

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

Education

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early

Layoffs deepen at RTI International

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

Inside the finances of NC's 13th District candidates

Chapel Hill braces for a star-studded G20 gathering