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Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments

With pools, golf simulators and more, The Novus is drawing Duke players using NIL income.

Sports

NIL money is allowing some Duke basketball players to live in downtown Durham&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most high-end apartment building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/27/see-inside-the-novus-durhams-newest-high-rise" data-vars-content-id="cefe5921-f999-4da2-98f2-922f2d7f84d3" data-vars-headline="Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/27/see-inside-the-novus-durhams-newest-high-rise" target="_self">most high-end apartment building</a>.Why it matters: In the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA&#x27;s new era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/20/high-point-ncaa-upset-wisconsin-nil-money-mid-majors-transfer-portal" data-vars-content-id="cefe5921-f999-4da2-98f2-922f2d7f84d3" data-vars-headline="Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/20/high-point-ncaa-upset-wisconsin-nil-money-mid-majors-transfer-portal" target="_self">NCAA&#x27;s new era</a>, Division I athletes have gained access to a lifestyle that just five years ago would have risked sanctions or been reserved for the independently wealthy.

Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation's fastest

Immigration across the country slowed down in the first year of the Trump administration

News

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new U.S. Census data shows.<ul><li>But that isn&#x27;t stopping the Triangle from still being among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="7f345a6e-a50f-44b0-a890-6fedede25457" data-vars-headline="Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation&#x27;s fastest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" target="_self">fastest-growing areas</a> in the country. </li></ul>Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="7f345a6e-a50f-44b0-a890-6fedede25457" data-vars-headline="Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation&#x27;s fastest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick writes</a>.

Will Wade abandons Wolfpack

Wade might be the most-hated man in Raleigh now.

Will Wade is out as head coach of N.C. State&#x27;s men&#x27;s basketball team. Why it matters: In a stunning move, Wade, who spent his one season in Raleigh promising a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="red reckoning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/26/more-leadership-changes-rumored" data-vars-content-id="e3eb1e98-5d5f-44c2-87df-bccdc4948019" data-vars-headline="Will Wade abandons Wolfpack" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/26/more-leadership-changes-rumored" target="_self">red reckoning</a>&quot; for the ACC, quit to return to Louisiana State University. <ul><li>Wade coached at LSU from 2017 to 2022, before being ousted after an NCAA investigation. </li></ul>

Northgate Mall area's transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments

Some of the new apartments could be set aside as affordable housing

Development

A Charlotte developer has begun construction on a new apartment project that will bring nearly 300 units to the area near the shuttered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northgate Mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="2b4b23e7-a1d9-4c17-a562-68159c339988" data-vars-headline="Northgate Mall area&#x27;s transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">Northgate Mall</a> in Durham. Why it matters: The new apartment project adds more fuel to the large-scale transformation coming to the Northgate area of Durham, where the former mall is set to be partially demolished to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make way for a Target and more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/18/target-will-anchor-major-redevelopment-of-the-now-closed-northgate-mall" data-vars-content-id="2b4b23e7-a1d9-4c17-a562-68159c339988" data-vars-headline="Northgate Mall area&#x27;s transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/18/target-will-anchor-major-redevelopment-of-the-now-closed-northgate-mall" target="_self">make way for a Target and more</a>.

A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle

A step-by-step guide to public transit in the Triangle

Transit

With gas prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creeping toward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/28/iran-war-inflation-costs" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/28/iran-war-inflation-costs" target="_self">creeping toward</a> $4 a gallon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the Triangle" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NC" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NC" target="_blank">in the Triangle</a>, it&#x27;s as good a time as any to try out public transit.Why it matters: In Raleigh, car commuters spend an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="42 hours in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" target="_self">42 hours in traffic</a> a year. Navigating by bus and train can help save time and take the edge off.

Local Limelight: Jesse Lipson on Levitate's big hiring plans

Jesse Lipson is one of the Triangle's most successful tech leaders of the past two decades

Jesse Lipson has been one of the Triangle&#x27;s leading tech entrepreneurs for the past two decades. He founded the Raleigh software company ShareFile, which he sold to Citrix, and he now leads Levitate, a maker of communications and marketing software.Why it matters: Raleigh-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Levitate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.levitate.ai/" data-vars-content-id="cb70fdff-8c02-421c-835f-27091e912d7c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Jesse Lipson on Levitate&#x27;s big hiring plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.levitate.ai/" target="_blank">Levitate</a> recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised $16 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levitate-raises-16m-to-bring-ai-to-relationship-based-businesses-302704595.html" data-vars-content-id="cb70fdff-8c02-421c-835f-27091e912d7c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Jesse Lipson on Levitate&#x27;s big hiring plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levitate-raises-16m-to-bring-ai-to-relationship-based-businesses-302704595.html" target="_blank">raised $16 million</a> from investors, which will help kick off a hiring round of more than 100 new employees. <ul><li>That will take its Raleigh headcount at its Gateway Plaza headquarters to around 300, and help fill out new offices in Toronto and Wilmington. </li></ul>

North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions

The Oxford-based company is scaling a fast-growing grass product to replace wood panels in homes.

Business

North Carolina company Plantd is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raising big bucks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/04/north-carolina-venture-capital-startup-funding-pitchbook" data-vars-content-id="c711e89b-5692-4303-ae8d-fcf1cc246b86" data-vars-headline="North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/04/north-carolina-venture-capital-startup-funding-pitchbook" target="_self">raising big bucks</a> to scale up production of a carbon-negative building material made with its own crop of fast-growing grasses.Why it matters: Globally, the buildings and construction industry is &quot;by far&quot; the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Nations Environment Programme" data-vars-click-url="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future" data-vars-content-id="c711e89b-5692-4303-ae8d-fcf1cc246b86" data-vars-headline="North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future" target="_blank">United Nations Environment Programme</a>.

Epic Games lays off more than 1,000, as Fortnite's popularity slows

Epic Games rode Fortnite's success to be one of the most valuable startups in the country

Epic Games, the Cary-based video game developer, is laying off 1,000 employees amid a slowdown in engagement in Fortnite, its most popular game. Why it matters: After Fortnite was released in 2017, Epic Games rode the game&#x27;s popularity and the success of its Unreal Engine visualization tool to become one of the most valuable privately held companies in the country, and was at one point valued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at more than $30 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/epic-games-ipo-potential-in-2024" data-vars-content-id="c4dc9860-801c-4d10-899a-225a49b0d25f" data-vars-headline="Epic Games lays off more than 1,000, as Fortnite&#x27;s popularity slows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/epic-games-ipo-potential-in-2024" target="_self">at more than $30 billion</a>. <ul><li>It hired thousands of people and ambitiously bought the former Cary Towne Center mall for a future headquarters that has yet to materialize. </li></ul>

High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness

A flashy arena, transfer portal pickups and deep pockets are fueling High Point's tournament rise.

High Point University pulled off a major upset Thursday, knocking off No. 5 Wisconsin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="83-82" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" target="_blank">83-82</a> for the school&#x27;s first NCAA tournament win.Why it matters: March Madness is changing now that colleges can pay players. High Point hasn&#x27;t publicly detailed its NIL strategy, but it is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notoriously wealthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" target="_blank">notoriously wealthy</a> and unveiled a flashy new basketball arena five years ago.

Duke commits $203M to Triangle amid pressure over affordability

Most of that will be spent buying more from local businesses and hiring local construction firms.

Education

Duke University says it will invest $203 million over the next three years to help make living in the Triangle more affordable. Why it matters: The university has been under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/education/higher-education/duke-respect-durham/" data-vars-content-id="d5c9c7c7-9429-41c8-8e92-1f2a265a4472" data-vars-headline="Duke commits $203M to Triangle amid pressure over affordability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/education/higher-education/duke-respect-durham/" target="_blank">increasing pressure</a> to contribute more to the community, especially in Durham, where its land holdings are largely tax-exempt.

Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall

The future redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall in Durham will be anchored by a Target, the retailer and its future landlord Regency Centers told Axios.Why it matters: The redevelopment of the shuttered mall — located on Club Boulevard between Interstate 85 and downtown Durham — has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contentious in the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="f7d4836d-c9ad-428c-b358-957723b5f39f" data-vars-headline="Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">contentious in the city</a>, with nearby neighborhoods objecting to previous plans for the property that didn&#x27;t include affordable housing. <ul><li>But the mall, which had a major influence on the area for six decades, has sat empty and languished for more than five years. </li></ul>

Whole Foods to open a third Cary grocery store

The organic grocery store will replace a now-closed Lowes Foods location

Whole Foods, the Amazon-owned organic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grocery store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/24/popular-grocery-store-raleigh-publix-walmart-harris-teeter-food-lion" data-vars-content-id="fe96aac3-e80f-4088-9af3-dc62528c1e1c" data-vars-headline="Whole Foods to open a third Cary grocery store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/24/popular-grocery-store-raleigh-publix-walmart-harris-teeter-food-lion" target="_self">grocery store</a>, plans to open a third store in Cary, a spokesperson for the grocery store confirmed to Axios. Why it matters: The new location will mean that Cary will now have more Whole Foods locations than its much bigger neighbor, Raleigh.

Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group

The N.C. Blockchain and AI Initiative has already come out in support of a bill to promote cryptocurrencies

Former N.C. Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest is launching a new group to promote the adoption of pro-cryptocurrency and AI policies within North Carolina. Why it matters: The N.C. General Assembly is increasingly having to take on topics related to new technologies shaping the economy, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cryptocurrencies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/business/crypto" data-vars-content-id="defb678a-1afd-4aff-8293-2f90d40bc83b" data-vars-headline="Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/business/crypto" target="_self">cryptocurrencies</a> to the construction of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="defb678a-1afd-4aff-8293-2f90d40bc83b" data-vars-headline="Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" target="_self">data centers</a> that power artificial intelligence models. <ul><li>Forest tells Axios that he wants his new group, the North Carolina Blockchain and AI Initiative (NCB+AI), to have an influential seat at the table for these discussions. </li></ul>

Business 🏦

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Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments

North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions