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Axios Raleigh
Biden campaign has its eye on North Carolina
Standing on the tarmac at Raleigh-Durham International Airport just after midnight Friday, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams knew he needed to spark some energy for the arrival of President Biden after a disastrous debate performance hours earlier.Why it matters: It was a critical moment for Biden. His scheduled Raleigh rally the following afternoon, here in the capital of a swing state his campaign is prioritizing, would be pivotal to prove he still has it in him to run for president.So Williams organized a dance party at 2am on the tarmac. About 200 people, a DJ and a marching band awaited the...
North Carolina's TikTok famous stingray has died
TikTok's most famous stingray, Charlotte, has died. The news comes a little more than a month after the aquarium she calls home announced she had been diagnosed with a reproductive disease. Why it matters: The California round ray gained internet celebrity status in February after the humble Hendersonville aquarium where she lived announced her "miracle pregnancy." It was said to have occcured despite the fact that Charlotte hadn't encountered a male stingray in years.What happened: Questions and concerns about Charlotte's welfare began to mount, however, when her alleged pregnancy continued long past her expected due date. In May, The Assembly,...
Here are 13 of the 4th of July fireworks events happening in the Triangle
You'll have plenty of chances to catch fireworks for July 4th this year, with nearly every town in the Triangle offering a show, from Raleigh's big display in Dix Park to more intimate shows in the suburbs. Here are 13 fireworks shows that you can attend this week.July 2 showsWendell Fireworks ShowWendell, one of Wake County's fastest growing towns, will host a fireworks event two nights before the holiday, and bring out more than a dozen food trucks as well as live music. Location: Wendell Community Park, 601 W. Third St. (Shuttle buses will be running from 108 E. 4th...
NC governor moves to wipe medical debt for 2 million residents
More than two million North Carolinians could be freed of medical debt in the coming years under a newly announced plan from Gov. Roy Cooper and state health department Secretary Kody Kinsley. Why it matters: The move could relieve as much as $4 billion in debt that low- and middle-income North Carolinians owe to the state's hospitals beginning as early as 2025.Doing so would help hospitals as well, state leaders say, by funneling additional federal funds to them that could offset the money they are owed — and in many cases, would not get back in full — from patients."Freeing...
After "disastrous" debate performance, Biden rallies Raleigh
Hours after a debate performance that thrust the Democratic Party into "mass panic," President Joe Biden landed in Raleigh. Why it matters: His rally here Friday was the president's first opportunity for a show of strength at a moment when many are openly questioning his ability to lead the country. What happened: Biden appeared coherent and energetic when speaking to a crowd at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds Friday afternoon, addressing his debate performance and pledging that he's up for the job. "I know I'm not a young man, to state the obvious," he told the crowd. "I don't walk...
Hurricanes get go-ahead to build mixed-use entertainment district around PNC Arena
The Carolina Hurricanes have been given the green light by the Centennial Authority to redevelop the parking lots around PNC Arena into a new campus filled with retail, a hotel, offices, residences and entertainment. Why it matters: The approval — part of a long-term lease to keep the Canes in...
NC looks to regulate AI use in political ads
Disclaimers may soon be required in North Carolina political advertisements that use artificial intelligence under legislation state lawmakers are advancing. Why it matters: We're heading into the first major election cycle in which generative AI will be widely available to voters, governments and political campaigns, Axios' Yacob Reyes wrote when Florida lawmakers began considering similar legislation earlier this year.
NC lawmakers pass emergency stopgap child care funding
North Carolina lawmakers passed a proposal to extend child care stabilization grants, just days before existing federal funding was set to expire. Why it matters: Almost 3 in 10 child care centers throughout North Carolina said they'd be forced to close within six months if state lawmakers didn't step in with financial support, leaving as many as 100,000 children across the state without care.
Weekender guide for the Triangle
Here's a short roundup of happenings across the Triangle this weekend. 🐝 Escape the heat and check out the "Amazing Pollinators" exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, with activities for both adults and children. 🚣 Try an evening kayak exploration of the Eno River on Friday night...
An important future transit hub in Research Triangle Park has landed federal funding
A future transit station in Research Triangle Park that could connect to regional bus rapid transit, passenger rail service and a 17-mile-long bikeway has landed some key federal funding. Why it matters: The Triangle area is one of the most car-dependent regions in the country, straining the region's roads and highways as its population grows. Regional leaders have for years tried to plan better mass transit options for the area, and most recently decided on bus rapid transit as the most viable option.Driving the news: On Wednesday, the future transit center in RTP was awarded a $25 million grant...
Restoration Hardware will open in Raleigh's North Hills by late fall.
Restoration Hardware will open a three-story gallery in Raleigh's North Hills by late fall.Why it matters: This will be the first RH Raleigh. If it's anything like the upscale brand's other locations, we'll likely get a picturesque, sprawling store and a high-demand restaurant with a view.What to expect: The luxury home furniture brand is known for its interior design gallery spaces and rooftop restaurants. The three-level building will also have a wine bar.The closest Restoration Hardware is an outlet in Cary. The popular RH in Charlotte opened in 2021.Between the lines: Stacey Buescher, managing director of operations at Kane Realty,...
Understanding the status of North Carolina's biggest jobs expansions, from Apple to VinFast
North Carolina has seen a torrent of job expansions since 2020. Companies in industries ranging from electric vehicles to semiconductors have landed millions of dollars in state incentives to create employment here.Yes, but: A lot has changed since the early days of the pandemic. An expected return-to-office surge hasn't fully materialized, and higher interest rates have made construction and raising money more difficult.Between the lines: Corporate relocations slowed significantly last year, according to a report from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Driving the news: On Monday, one of the state's most prized jobs announcements since the pandemic — Apple's...
CData Software, which helps companies manage their data, raises $350 million
CData Software, a Chapel Hill startup that helps companies manage their data across different apps and infrastructures, has raised $350 million from investors. Why it matters: This is one of the largest fundraising efforts from a Triangle startup this year and could lead to significant hiring at the Chapel Hill company, CData CEO Amit Sharma told Axios. Driving the news: The funding comes from the private equity company Warburg Pincus, the venture capital firm Accel and existing investor Updata. CData, which says it is profitable and nearing $100 million in recurring revenue, declined to share how the deal valued...
Without a state budget, NC child care facilities are days away from crisis
Pandemic-era federal funding for child care facilities is days away from expiring, and as many as 100,000 North Carolina children could lose care after it does. Why it matters: The legislature is likely to call it quits and go home at the end of this week without passing a budget, leaving thousands of child care facilities without the funding they need to remain open.
Carrboro is considering converting hundreds of public parking spaces downtown into paid spots
Carrboro is considering converting hundreds of public parking spaces into paid spots in its downtown area to increase turnover and disincentivize long-term parking in the dense, bustling downtown area. Why it matters: While the program would aim to manage parking accessibility, residents have voiced a range concerns about it — from its effect on local businesses to how it could weigh on low-income drivers.Between the lines: Others say the revenue from the program should go toward supporting town services and amenities. Currently, it's slated to pay for the expenses of the enforcement program and rent and maintenance of Carrboro's public...
North Carolina's first "cheese bar" will open this fall
Wedgewood Cheese Bar, a first for the state, will open its doors in Carrboro this fall. Context: The bar is the brainchild of cheesemongers and owners of The Cheese Shop, Michelle and Stevie Webb.It'll be located in the historic Carolina Car Wash building alongside Belltree Cocktail Club.Why it matters: Wedgewood is claiming the title of North Carolina's only stand-alone cheese bar and will serve small plates with local, seasonal produce, cured meats and cheeses from around the world. Wines will be curated by Rocks + Acid Wine Shop sommelier Paula de Pano. A sketch of Wedgewood's planned bar. Photo: Shaun Sundholm, Sundholm StudioWhat's next: The Cheese Shop, which has been operating as a pop-up inside Carrboro's Glasshalfull since 2022, will remain open through the end of this year.
NC State plans Poe Hall renovation after toxic chemicals discovery
N.C. State has a preliminary plan to renovate the university's Poe Hall after the latest round of testing found dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in the building's HVAC system. Why it matters: The university closed the building, which has been home to the school's College of Education and Psychology department, late last year after a group of former workers and students said they'd developed serious illnesses and suspected environmental contaminants in Poe Hall were to blame, WRAL reported.Catch up quick: Well over 100 people who came forward told WRAL they had developed cancer.The university conducted testing, which revealed high levels...
Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk plans major expansion in the Triangle
Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, will build a new manufacturing facility in Johnston County, it announced Monday. Why it matters: The Triangle's prominent role in the company's recent Ozempic-related boom will continue to grow. Novo Nordisk is already one of the region's largest life sciences employers, with nearly 2,500 workers across facilities in Durham and Clayton.Driving the news: The company said Monday it plans to invest $4.1 billion and hire 1,000 more workers in Clayton, calling it the largest single life science investment in state history. The new facility — one of the...
Hoppin', a Charlotte-born self-pour bar beer and wine bar, is expanding to Raleigh in late 2025.
Hoppin', a Charlotte-born self-pour beer and wine bar, will expand to Raleigh in late 2025. Why it matters: Since its 2017 debut, the bar has become a Charlotte destination known for its beer-pouring technology and lively events. The big picture: The Raleigh expansion is part of Hoppin's larger growth plan.The brand, which also has locations in Rock Hill and Greenville, S.C., plans to open nine additional spots by the end of next year, per a recent statement.What to expect: Other Hoppin' locations serve craft beer, wine, hard cider, cocktails and mocktails.The intrigue: The Raleigh expansion is being led by an investment group that a spokesperson declined to identify. The group brings "a wealth of experience in financial and IT consultation, as well as investments in real estate and food industry franchises," per Hoppin'.The group has not yet said where the Raleigh Hoppin' will be.What they're saying: "Raleigh is an ideal fit for Hoppin' due to its vibrant community, populated with young professionals, college students, and a trendy urban crowd eager for unique experiences," per the statement.The company also cited the city's economic growth and high disposable income as reasons it picked Raleigh as an expansion city.
High interest rates sticking around cause sluggish homes sales in the Triangle
Data: CoreLogic 2024; Chart: Jacque Schrag/AxiosHome sales in the Triangle remain down year over year, as higher mortgage rates continue to weigh on new buyers and home sellers. Why it matters: 2024 is looking like another year of sluggish home sales nationwide, according to a recent CoreLogic report.The big picture: Elevated mortgage rates, increased home values and a lack of inventory are dampening the appeal and affordability of buying a home.Pending sales of existing U.S. homes plunged in April to lows not seen since the pandemic shutdowns, Axios' Courtenay Brown reports.Zoom in: Kimberlie Meeker, founder of Carpenter Real Estate Group...
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