Raleigh

Raleigh Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Raleigh Partners

Axios Raleigh

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Raleigh.

Axios Raleigh Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Raleigh Members

Membership

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>.

Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger

Berger has led the North Carolina Senate since 2011.

Politics

The behind-the-scenes jostling to replace Phil Berger as leader of the North Carolina Senate is now out in the open, a day after he conceded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary defeat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/13/page-still-leads-after-initial-count-finalized-in-closely-watched-north-carolina-primary" data-vars-content-id="f45998a4-ad73-4bf5-b0a3-e5440e7946b5" data-vars-headline="Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/13/page-still-leads-after-initial-count-finalized-in-closely-watched-north-carolina-primary" target="_self">primary defeat</a> to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.Why it matters: Berger&#x27;s long tenure has shaped Republican power in Raleigh, and his successor will determine whether that influence — and party unity — holds.

How HB2's legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights

It's been a decade since the divisive "bathroom bill" was signed into law.

Ten years ago, House Bill 2 — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;bathroom bill&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/north-carolina-republicans-transgender-rights-bathroom-bill" data-vars-content-id="fca0229e-9746-433c-91ef-f79264cdff20" data-vars-headline="How HB2&#x27;s legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/north-carolina-republicans-transgender-rights-bathroom-bill" target="_self">&quot;bathroom bill&quot;</a> — became law, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="setting off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article68655007.html" data-vars-content-id="fca0229e-9746-433c-91ef-f79264cdff20" data-vars-headline="How HB2&#x27;s legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article68655007.html" target="_blank">setting off</a> years of political and economic shifts in North Carolina.Why it matters: The fallout from the now-repealed measure was marked by widespread corporate pressure and boycotts.<ul><li>HB2, which rankled the power balance between North Carolina&#x27;s GOP-controlled state legislature and a large Democratic-run city, was also a blueprint for modern culture fights.</li></ul>

This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Their visits reveal a 2026 strategy centered on the military and congressional swing districts.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this fall&#x27;s midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">this fall&#x27;s midterms</a>, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans in Congress.

Wiley Nickel wants to significantly expand the Wake County DA's office

Wiley Nickel, the DA in waiting, however, will need to convince local partners to fund it.

Wiley Nickel, Wake County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="district attorney in waiting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/wake-county-primary-results-district-attorney-raleigh-city-council-commissioners" data-vars-content-id="304c4ee0-03d0-46df-8311-495019f26bc1" data-vars-headline="Wiley Nickel wants to significantly expand the Wake County DA&#x27;s office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/wake-county-primary-results-district-attorney-raleigh-city-council-commissioners" target="_self">district attorney in waiting</a>, says he wants to use the next 10 months before he assumes the role of DA to secure more resources for the office. <ul><li>The top priority, he told Axios, is to significantly increase the number of prosecutors working in the state&#x27;s largest county by population — which could help clear case backlogs and keep violent offenders off the streets.</li></ul>

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

Business

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>

Raleigh considers nixing free two-hour parking downtown

The city's relatively new 2-hour free parking program in decks could be changed

A proposal from city staff to the Raleigh City Council to raise rates for parking decks and on-street parking is drawing concern from business groups in downtown. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s facing an $8 million shortfall in its parking operations, which has grown since office use slowed after the pandemic. <ul><li>In reaction, the staff has proposed raising rates, reducing the amount of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/17/the-tea-1-billion-project-delayed" data-vars-content-id="4d63c311-52d6-4146-b704-feb1006163cd" data-vars-headline="Raleigh considers nixing free two-hour parking downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/17/the-tea-1-billion-project-delayed" target="_self">free hours</a> of parking in decks and increasing the number of days parking is enforced. </li></ul>

Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it's recount territory

The unofficial tally shows 1,200 votes separate the candidates, below 1%.

Election

The race between incumbent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Valerie Foushee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Rep. Valerie Foushee</a> and progressive challenger <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nida Allam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Nida Allam</a> was too close to call on election night. <ul><li>The candidates are within 1% of each other in unofficial Democratic primary results for central North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="4th congressional district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">4th congressional district</a>, and that&#x27;s recount territory.</li></ul>Why it matters: Democrats nationwide have looked to the race as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulse check" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" target="_self">pulse check</a> on voter satisfaction with the party under President Trump — especially when it comes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" 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/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" target="_blank">Israel</a> and reining in corporate power.

How Wake County voted in 2026 primaries for DA, Raleigh City Council and county commissioners

The winner of the DA primary is likely to win the November election

Wake County and Raleigh voters cast votes in several important primaries on Tuesday that will decide the makeup of the county&#x27;s district attorney office, the Raleigh City Council and the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Why it matters: Wiley Nickel, a former U.S. Representative who represented parts of Wake County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until his seat was redrawn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/democrat-wiley-nickel-leave-congress-nc-redistricting-teeing-2026-sena-rcna129607" data-vars-content-id="df609117-1447-45bf-8aac-0593ff8ded81" data-vars-headline="How Wake County voted in 2026 primaries for DA, Raleigh City Council and county commissioners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/democrat-wiley-nickel-leave-congress-nc-redistricting-teeing-2026-sena-rcna129607" target="_blank">until his seat was redrawn</a>, is set to become the top prosecutor in the left-leaning county after winning the Democratic primary. (No Republican filed to run in the contest in November.)<ul><li>He would replace outgoing Democrat Lorrin Freeman, who has been the district attorney since 2014. </li></ul>

Phil Berger trails by 2 votes in closely watched primary against Sam Page

State Senate leader Phil Berger, the most influential Republican in the N.C. General Assembly, trails by just two votes in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely watched primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" data-vars-content-id="0273d0f4-874f-44ae-9f07-d9dea68f59d1" data-vars-headline="Phil Berger trails by 2 votes in closely watched primary against Sam Page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" target="_self">closely watched primary</a> on Tuesday against Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, with all precincts reported. <ul><li>The race is too close to call and is likely to go to a recount given its razor-thin margin. </li></ul>Why it matters: A potential Berger loss would change the landscape of Raleigh&#x27;s politics and eventually lead to a leadership transition later this year in the Republican-dominated state Senate.

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Cooper is viewed as Democrats' best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.

Politics & Policy

Former North Carolina Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roy Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" target="_self">Roy Cooper</a>, a Democrat, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Whatley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" target="_self">Michael Whatley</a>, former chair of the Republican National Committee, handily won their primaries Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense and expensive showdown to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican. Why it matters: Cooper, whose folksy eastern North Carolina charm has resonated even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Trump voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">with Trump voters</a>, is viewed as Democrats&#x27; best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.<ul><li>Whatley, whom President Trump endorsed, easily fended off Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer whom embattled former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endorsed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" target="_blank">endorsed</a>. </li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger

How HB2's legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights

This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Wiley Nickel wants to significantly expand the Wake County DA's office

Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group