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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>.

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

Chef Saif Rahman blended Bangladeshi roots with Southern flair in a communal feast.

Food and Drink

Ramadan ends Friday night at sundown, bringing an end to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" data-vars-content-id="9dfc97a4-d4a0-41a6-b188-34d5bdf014d8" data-vars-headline="Raleigh chef&#x27;s creativity shines with Iftar menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" target="_self">Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s</a> unforgettable nightly Iftar feasts, which I hope the year-old restaurant makes a tradition.Why it matters: Peregrine chef and co-owner Saif Rahman drew from his Bangladeshi heritage in crafting the multi-course menu.

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment

The restaurant could relocate if redevelopment of the site occurs

The owners of Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant have filed a rezoning request with the city of Raleigh to potentially make way for more height on its Western Boulevard property. Why it matters: Amedeo&#x27;s has been a fixture of the Raleigh dining scene, especially among the Wolfpack faithful, for six decades. <ul><li>But Western Boulevard is on the cusp of a major transformation as the city eventually hopes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extend its bus-rapid transit system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" data-vars-content-id="11544304-8c32-4b0d-a1d8-e6476a42ff5d" data-vars-headline="Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" target="_self">extend its bus-rapid transit system</a> down the road, and it could potentially mean the relocation of the historic restaurant. </li></ul>

Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington

Brigid Washington, a Raleigh-based author of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two cookbooks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.withbrigid.com/books-brigidw" data-vars-content-id="92546a04-d5f7-4061-80ff-c15744f7c489" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.withbrigid.com/books-brigidw" target="_blank">two cookbooks</a> on Caribbean food, thought her next project would be another cookbook. <ul><li>But instead, her agent convinced her she should write a memoir about her experience in culinary school and an exploration of her Trinidadian roots. </li><li>It&#x27;s already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing interest from critics this spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/books/review/26-nonfiction-books-were-excited-about-this-spring.html" data-vars-content-id="92546a04-d5f7-4061-80ff-c15744f7c489" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/books/review/26-nonfiction-books-were-excited-about-this-spring.html" target="_blank">drawing interest from critics this spring</a>.</li></ul>

Geo's Tavern is coming, but what's the chef cooking now?

The tavern-style restaurant near UNC will spotlight North Carolina seafood and oysters.

Chef Daniel Jackson and restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias are putting the finishing touches on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" data-vars-content-id="38353e1c-e7af-4c3f-b343-dff24ea9c22b" data-vars-headline="Geo&#x27;s Tavern is coming, but what&#x27;s the chef cooking now?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" target="_self">Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar</a>, a new Chapel Hill spot aimed at locals and visitors.Why it matters: This year, the Bakatsias restaurant empire is growing to 20 locations around North Carolina.

Raleigh's pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future

The restaurant has provided more than 350,000 meals since 2018, its founder says

Business

Eight years ago, Maggie Kane founded the nonprofit restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Place at the Table" data-vars-click-url="https://tableraleigh.org/our-team/" data-vars-content-id="dbce0f30-17c7-4bcb-a3db-345274fee576" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tableraleigh.org/our-team/" target="_blank">A Place at the Table</a> with the hopes it could be a part of the solution to Raleigh&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" growing food insecurity and homelessness issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/07/raleigh-durham-homeless-count-increases" data-vars-content-id="dbce0f30-17c7-4bcb-a3db-345274fee576" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/07/raleigh-durham-homeless-count-increases" target="_self"> growing food insecurity and homelessness issues</a>. <ul><li>And after providing more than 350,000 meals, Kane says she remains blown away by the impact of the restaurant on Hargett Street while still worrying about its sustainability. </li></ul>Why it matters: A Place at the Table is Raleigh&#x27;s only pay-what-you-can restaurant, offering warm meals and space for some of the city&#x27;s least fortunate to come during the day while bringing all of the city under one roof.

One of Raleigh's favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro

The barbecue joint will take over the Lune Rotisserie space on Carrboro's Main Street.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longleaf Swine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longleafswine.com/" data-vars-content-id="518ba321-ab80-4da6-9f19-2b69d6b43990" data-vars-headline="One of Raleigh&#x27;s favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longleafswine.com/" target="_blank">Longleaf Swine</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barbecue joint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/01/raleigh-barbecue-joint-plans-expansion" data-vars-content-id="518ba321-ab80-4da6-9f19-2b69d6b43990" data-vars-headline="One of Raleigh&#x27;s favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/01/raleigh-barbecue-joint-plans-expansion" target="_self">barbecue joint</a> that quickly became a city favorite when it opened in Raleigh in 2022, is expanding outside of the City of Oaks for the first time with a location planned in Carrboro.Why it matters: Longleaf Swine&#x27;s expansion is a win for lovers of North Carolina&#x27;s whole hog barbecue tradition. <ul><li>The restaurant has been at the forefront of a new generational take on the state&#x27;s unique culinary ways, but it also serves brisket, weekly specials like steak frites, and an extensive bourbon program. </li></ul>

A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits

The distillery plans to expand to other spirits after starting with gin and vodka.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boatman Spirits Co." data-vars-click-url="https://www.boatmanspirits.com/" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boatmanspirits.com/" target="_blank">Boatman Spirits Co.</a>, a new restaurant and distillery that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened in downtown Raleigh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/10/seaboard-stations-boatman-spirits-mediterranean-distillery-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/10/seaboard-stations-boatman-spirits-mediterranean-distillery-raleigh" target="_self">opened in downtown Raleigh</a> last year, is now releasing its first spirits made in the City of Oaks. Why it matters: The debut of the company&#x27;s first spirits comes at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Americans are drinking far less than they used to" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">Americans are drinking far less than they used to</a>. But Boatman&#x27;s owners are betting that there is still room for products with a strong local story.

Durham's hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine's Day gem

La Recette Patisserie draws weekend crowds with French, Middle Eastern and North African desserts.

Things to Do

Drive around to the very back of an unassuming strip mall in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" data-vars-content-id="e52f9b7a-2a1f-444e-bf90-21d532268339" data-vars-headline="Durham&#x27;s hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine&#x27;s Day gem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a> any given weekend, and you&#x27;ll find people flocking to the storefront of a Parisian bakery with Middle Eastern and North African flair.Driving the news: La Recette Patisserie has become a destination for elaborate, handcrafted desserts — perfect for a Valentine&#x27;s Day indulgence.

Raleigh's dining scene again recognized by James Beard Awards

Spots in North Carolina are up for national and regional honors.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/01/22/triangle-chefs-restaurants-james-beard-semifinalists-2025-durham" data-vars-content-id="65895ece-4b6b-47be-9929-c7437cde2215" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s dining scene again recognized by James Beard Awards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/01/22/triangle-chefs-restaurants-james-beard-semifinalists-2025-durham" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> just announced their 2026 semifinalists, with chefs in Raleigh and Cary vying for some of the industry&#x27;s top honors. Why it matters: A nod can elevate a restaurant or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dining scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/09/most-anticipated-triangle-restaurants-opening-raleigh-cary-durham-2026" data-vars-content-id="65895ece-4b6b-47be-9929-c7437cde2215" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s dining scene again recognized by James Beard Awards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/09/most-anticipated-triangle-restaurants-opening-raleigh-cary-durham-2026" target="_self">dining scene</a> to national prominence, given the awards&#x27; reputation as the Oscars of American hospitality.

A peek at what's planned for an all-star designed restaurant in Raleigh

Big Cat, located on Brookside Drive, will open in March.

After years of restaurants shuffling through the space at 1000 Brookside Dr., a group of Raleigh culinary luminaries believes they have an idea with staying power. Why it matters: In March, the creative minds behind favorites like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ajja" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/07/29/cheetie-kumar-garland-ajja-raleigh-best-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="a8f81fdf-a349-4b85-b0fe-c2fb1e2350e0" data-vars-headline="A peek at what&#x27;s planned for an all-star designed restaurant 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/2024/07/29/cheetie-kumar-garland-ajja-raleigh-best-restaurant" target="_self">Ajja</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mala Pata" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="a8f81fdf-a349-4b85-b0fe-c2fb1e2350e0" data-vars-headline="A peek at what&#x27;s planned for an all-star designed restaurant 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/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" target="_self">Mala Pata</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Locals Seafood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/05/10/fresh-seafood-market-locals-raleigh-north-carolina-fish" data-vars-content-id="a8f81fdf-a349-4b85-b0fe-c2fb1e2350e0" data-vars-headline="A peek at what&#x27;s planned for an all-star designed restaurant 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/2024/05/10/fresh-seafood-market-locals-raleigh-north-carolina-fish" target="_self">Locals Seafood</a> will launch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Cat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/bigcat.brookside?igsh=eWtvejl2NGk2MHM5" data-vars-content-id="a8f81fdf-a349-4b85-b0fe-c2fb1e2350e0" data-vars-headline="A peek at what&#x27;s planned for an all-star designed restaurant in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/bigcat.brookside?igsh=eWtvejl2NGk2MHM5" target="_blank">Big Cat</a> in the East Mordecai neighborhood, creating a combination of a restaurant, to-go market and neighborhood watering hole.

Food and Drink 🍽

North Carolina restaurant still in running for top James Beard award

Big Cat in Raleigh opening March 25

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment

Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington