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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.

10 things to do in the Triangle this weekend

Durham Pride, free music, Canes hockey and Weezer headline a packed first weekend of October.

Things to Do

The Triangle will be bustling with activity this first weekend of October, with free downtown music in Raleigh, a Pride parade in Durham and the Canes on home ice. <ul><li>Here are 10 things to do.</li></ul>

Jooselord launches free Durham festival honoring his son

The free Oct. 30 event will fill eight downtown venues with 33 artists, all from North Carolina.

Rapper <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jooselord" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pUedNR8ypWdYTBeaa7FkO" data-vars-content-id="a44b1e19-f259-4f3d-ae54-8c620489dde3" data-vars-headline="Jooselord launches free Durham festival honoring his son" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pUedNR8ypWdYTBeaa7FkO" target="_blank">Jooselord</a> is bringing a new music festival to his hometown of Durham next month.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All Onyx World" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZzg1VyR2nn/" data-vars-content-id="a44b1e19-f259-4f3d-ae54-8c620489dde3" data-vars-headline="Jooselord launches free Durham festival honoring his son" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZzg1VyR2nn/" target="_blank">All Onyx World</a> is designed to honor Jooselord&#x27;s son Onyx, who died this spring of brain cancer. Onyx was 5 years old.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Raleigh, Durham

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

<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.

Your guide to Durham's weeklong Pride celebration

Markets, crafts, a picnic and more lead up to Durham's Saturday Pride parade along Ninth Street.

This year, Durham&#x27;s annual September celebration of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/25/durham-pride-september-explained" data-vars-content-id="c0cd72ec-31f2-4060-86d5-9e5eb6279aa0" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Durham&#x27;s weeklong Pride celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/25/durham-pride-september-explained" target="_self">Pride</a> spans a full week.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ Center of Durham" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lgbtqcenterofdurham.org/program/pride/" data-vars-content-id="c0cd72ec-31f2-4060-86d5-9e5eb6279aa0" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Durham&#x27;s weeklong Pride celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lgbtqcenterofdurham.org/program/pride/" target="_blank">LGBTQ Center of Durham</a> made &quot;Always Forward, Never Straight&quot; this year&#x27;s theme and planned a week&#x27;s worth of activities culminating with a parade.

What shows should you catch this fall in the Triangle

From Jonas Brothers to Beck, there are some great shows coming to the Triangle over the next few weeks.

Fall is a peak time for concerts in the Triangle, with outdoor concerts still going strong and big names coming through our many venues. Here are some of the top shows coming up:

Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin's Key list

Heights House earned one Key as Michelin added four North Carolina properties to its rankings.

The Michelin Guide just updated its hotel rankings for the U.S., bestowing &quot;key&quot; awards on standout properties in Raleigh, Pittsboro and the North Carolina mountains.Why it matters: Michelin Key Hotels are like starred restaurants — both are big international distinctions. U.S. hotels were first considered for keys in 2024. North Carolina restaurants weren&#x27;t added to the guide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until 2025." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="4df46a55-b1ab-43e4-b27d-f5f309c308ab" data-vars-headline="Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin&#x27;s Key list" 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">until 2025.</a>

Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle

Durham gets a 3-on-3 competition Friday, and Zebulon hosts Boom Ball and open tryouts Saturday.

The Triangle is hosting two wacky spins on baseball this weekend.Why it matters: Baseball, long accused of being boring, is embracing weird and fun alternative formats, led by the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sold-out stadium shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" target="_self">sold-out stadium shows</a>.

It's almost 919 Day. Weekend things to do 

Sept. 19 lands on a Saturday this year, with festivals, concerts and more across the Triangle.

We are getting lucky this year — Sept. 19 aka 919 Day falls on a Saturday.<ul><li>There are plenty of unique ways to celebrate where you live. </li></ul>

A jam-packed weekend in the Triangle

Music, football, film, theater and festivals fill the calendar across Raleigh, Durham and beyond.

The Triangle will be buzzing with activity this weekend. Get out and enjoy.

Hopscotch's biggest draws are beyond the main stage

Dozens of club shows will keep downtown stages busy well past midnight.

Downtown Raleigh is gearing up for one of its biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="4c05da03-da28-4586-85b3-980c94e05c52" data-vars-headline="Hopscotch&#x27;s biggest draws are beyond the main stage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" target="_self">annual events</a>: Hopscotch Music Festival. Why it matters: With lesser-known headliners than years past, the festival is relying on its reputation for lively club shows to draw crowds downtown this weekend.

Things to Do 🗓

10 things to do in the Triangle this weekend

Jooselord launches free Durham festival honoring his son

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Raleigh, Durham

Your guide to Durham's weeklong Pride celebration

What shows should you catch this fall in the Triangle