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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>.

Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle

Sluice is part of a burgeoning, alt-country-tinged music scene in Durham

Music

Justin Morris, the songwriter behind the Durham band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sluice" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G2lzG0hD7813EiPyiCC4j?si=C8Z8hM3uTnaOghEFYehfSA" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G2lzG0hD7813EiPyiCC4j?si=C8Z8hM3uTnaOghEFYehfSA" target="_blank">Sluice</a>, may have written the best (and perhaps only) song about surfing real estate listings in the Triangle. <ul><li>On his new song, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUY3pNDo0A" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUY3pNDo0A" target="_blank">Zillow</a>,&quot; Morris reflects on the current state of the region, where a backyard pool house goes for $500,000 and a working-class person has to choose between moving out to Mebane or the house with a flood-prone basement. </li><li>&quot;And where will you live?&quot; he asks.</li></ul>Why it matters: They&#x27;re some of the sharpest lyrics about the Triangle you&#x27;ll find from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qp4suW1Hfo" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qp4suW1Hfo" target="_blank">local artist</a> right now.

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.

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.

North Carolina gardeners kick off spring planting amid drought

After a dry winter, experts say improving weather could steady soon.

Things to Do

If you were considering planting a garden this spring, now&#x27;s the time to put those plans into action.Why it matters: Central North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring planting season" data-vars-click-url="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/central-north-carolina-planting-calendar-for-annual-vegetables-fruits-and-herbs" data-vars-content-id="98779f56-79a0-42cd-94ce-db6e73fe1db3" data-vars-headline="North Carolina gardeners kick off spring planting amid drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/central-north-carolina-planting-calendar-for-annual-vegetables-fruits-and-herbs" target="_blank">spring planting season</a> is getting underway in the midst of a months-long drought, though meteorologists believe weather conditions are improving.

The Newsagent's is a celebration of the analog world in downtown Raleigh

The store is a delightful throwback to the days before we were online every minute of the day.

Stepping into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Newsagent&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://thenewsagentsshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopDwi_Wbt5W-4WSUzfh-55xJjLWvDB-B5lIg3vEOL7yc_XRJdfy" data-vars-content-id="30899223-b43c-46ff-985f-cf664c97014c" data-vars-headline="The Newsagent&#x27;s is a celebration of the analog world in downtown Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thenewsagentsshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopDwi_Wbt5W-4WSUzfh-55xJjLWvDB-B5lIg3vEOL7yc_XRJdfy" target="_blank">The Newsagent&#x27;s</a> new storefront is a delightful throwback to a time before logging onto the internet became a daily occurrence. Why it matters: The new downtown Raleigh store, at 228 Fayetteville St., is a big bet that in a time when every bit of life is saturated by the presence of the online world, a celebration of the analog media can make waves. Driving the news: The Newsagent&#x27;s softly opened to the public this past week, and by the weekend it was already attracting a buzzy crowd. <ul><li>The store, the brainchild of Neetzan Zimmerman and Yulia Shamis, sells everything from pulpy paperback books and vinyl records to vintage magazines, comics and VHS tapes. </li></ul>Zoom in: The Newsagent&#x27;s is also positioning itself as a new hangout spot for Fayetteville Street. <ul><li>The shop features a small coffee bar and plenty of seating around the store, including a cozy mezzanine floor. </li></ul>Between the lines: Don&#x27;t expect anything new in the store. It&#x27;s all used. <ul><li>The Newsagent&#x27;s plans to begin a robust buying program to keep a rotating cast of thrifted goods coming in and out of the store. </li></ul>Stop by: The Newsagent&#x27;s is still operating under soft open hours. The goal is to add more in the coming weeks. <ul><li>Right now, you can shop from noon to 5 p.m. every day of the week but Monday. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Interior of a busy bookstore with wooden shelves filled with books, round white hanging lights, orange patterned wall, tables with green dividers, and people browsing and talking." height="3024" id="1612dabb-1007-49bf-97f8-4ec6a24d440d" src="https://images.axios.com/kI4cxHoQ-f410hTJA9XMOFbNQbg=/2026/02/23/1771860824776.jpeg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Inside The Newsagent&#x27;s in downtown Raleigh. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios</figcaption></figure>

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.

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.

How Dix Park evolved into Raleigh's favorite "third place"

Around 1.7 million people visited the park in 2025, driven by the new Gipson Play Plaza and troll statues.

Ten years ago, Hayes Permar, the owner of the Rialto Theatre in Raleigh, would use Dix Park as his personal driving range, lobbing golf balls across Flowers Field toward the Raleigh skyline. <ul><li>Permar, who visits Dix&#x27;s dog park nearly every day, says that if he did that today, he would be run off with expletives for putting someone in danger of a head injury. </li></ul>Why it matters: The Dix Park of today is woven into the fabric of Raleigh. It&#x27;s more crowded than ever, attracting people across generations, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children playing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/06/raleigh-gipson-play-plaza-opens-this-weekend-dix-park" data-vars-content-id="6b8e394b-20e6-42a2-9676-07a0c5c0a882" data-vars-headline="How Dix Park evolved into Raleigh&#x27;s favorite &quot;third place&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/06/raleigh-gipson-play-plaza-opens-this-weekend-dix-park" target="_self">children playing</a> to adults finding a moment of zen to curious teens admiring local art.

Dreamville Festival successor still lacks 2026 dates

Founder J. Cole, out with a new album today, stepped away from the Raleigh festival last year.

Organizers behind the successor to Raleigh&#x27;s Dreamville Festival still don&#x27;t have 2026 dates.Why it matters: The city is keen to keep Dreamville alive despite the original organizers stepping back last year. The festival draws tens of thousands of people to Raleigh every spring, and attendees inject <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions of dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/02/dreamville-attendees-left-a-big-impact-on-raleighs-economy" data-vars-content-id="fc69aa47-76d5-4599-b537-2bc412ca07b5" data-vars-headline="Dreamville Festival successor still lacks 2026 dates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/02/dreamville-attendees-left-a-big-impact-on-raleighs-economy" target="_self">millions of dollars</a> into the local economy.

Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week

The Raleigh museum's biggest fundraiser attracts thousands of guests each spring.

Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week, and the North Carolina Museum of Art expects <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another sell-out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/03/17/art-in-bloom-artists-florists-kick-off-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="1db0afef-f65a-4db2-90d8-d1f30dd0ba7b" data-vars-headline="Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/03/17/art-in-bloom-artists-florists-kick-off-raleigh" target="_self">another sell-out</a>.Why it matters: The celebration of spring is the Raleigh <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art museum&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/180m-museum-renovation-begins" data-vars-content-id="1db0afef-f65a-4db2-90d8-d1f30dd0ba7b" data-vars-headline="Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/180m-museum-renovation-begins" target="_self">art museum&#x27;s</a> premiere fundraiser, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars and drawing around 18,000 people per year, organizers tell Axios.

The most anticipated Triangle restaurants opening in 2026

From new hotel bars to acclaimed barbecue, here's what's opening across the Triangle

It&#x27;s hard to keep up with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Triangle&#x27;s restaurant scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/25/best-restaurants-triangle-durham-raleigh-chapel-hill-2025" data-vars-content-id="d88b3ed3-196a-4a3d-9152-e5619cf7cda5" data-vars-headline="The most anticipated Triangle restaurants opening in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/25/best-restaurants-triangle-durham-raleigh-chapel-hill-2025" target="_self">the Triangle&#x27;s restaurant scene</a>, which continues to expand and evolve along with the region&#x27;s surging population. Why it matters: Restaurants and bars remain an integral part of the Triangle&#x27;s economy, reinvigorating old spaces and helping make destinations out of new developments. <ul><li>From new barbecue joints to the renovation of an old motor lodge, here are some of the most anticipated openings of 2026. </li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

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

Downtown Durham gets luscious new lounge, Eve

North Carolina gardeners kick off spring planting amid drought