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Axios Raleigh
North Carolina legalizes takeout and delivery cocktails
North Carolinians can now get their favorite margarita delivered right to their door — and they can walk around an airport with a drink — after Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law this week the permanent legalization of to-go and delivery cocktails. Catch up quick: The state temporarily allowed to-go and delivery cocktails as part of a pandemic-era exception meant to boost restaurants and bars decimated by sales losses. That legalization ended in 2021.Cooper's recent signature makes to-go and delivery cocktails permanently legal.How it works: To-go and delivery wine and cocktails must be less than 24 ounces, sealed and sold...
Seniors on the rise: Raleigh's 65+ population soars
Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosThe Triangle has experienced one of the largest surges in retirement-age residents in the country since the pandemic, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Why it matters: The growth in residents aged 65-plus places pressures on services targeted toward seniors, including health care. It's also shaping the real estate market, with some seniors relocating after selling homes in more expensive markets. And it's driving more demand for affordable housing for senior residents, with Chapel Hill, Wake County and Durham all adding more affordable units for that demographic. The big picture: The...
Hundreds line up at North Carolina McKay's for used books road trip
Hundreds of people lined up before sunrise outside a used book store in Mebane, North Carolina, on Tuesday to start an epic road trip for dog-eared pages.Why it matters: McKay's, a treasured used book store and music shop in the South, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering fans up to $800 in store credit and swag to anyone who visits all five locations in North Carolina and Tennessee in one day.Between the lines: A sign of enthusiasm for old books in the digital age: The crowds were so large in Mebane that people grew frustrated and the store posted...
North Carolina Youth mental health makes post-pandemic rebound
Youth mental health in North Carolina has made overall improvements after major pandemic dips and nearly a decade of decline, new data shows.Why it matters: The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare students' struggles as well as a fractured system to help them navigate recovery. Youth mental health was already on the downturn before the pandemic, which exacerbated the problem.Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said young people are in a decade-long mental health crisis.State of play: North Carolina was one of seven states identified by Axios where surveys showed lower rates of sadness and hopelessness in published 2023 data.Overall, dedicating...
The Carolina Hurricanes will look different both on the ice and in the front office next season
It's a season of change for the Carolina Hurricanes, who are reshuffling their leadership and roster after six consecutive seasons reaching the NHL playoffs without a title.Why it matters: It might not be quite a rebuilding year for the Canes, but the moves made this summer could determine whether the team continues its dominant run in the Eastern Conference.The big picture: Due to financial constraints — and the lure of new opportunities — the Hurricanes' roster was destined to see significant change this offseason, with the team forced to prioritize some players over others.Catch up quick: The first major dominoes...
NC GOP pours $5.6 million into three swing Senate seats
North Carolina Republicans have reserved an estimated $5.6 million in television and digital advertising over the coming weeks in three of the most competitive state Senate districts, the party tells Axios. Why it matters: It's already the most the party has ever spent in state Senate races, indicating just how important these closely contested seats will be in the GOP's effort to maintain its supermajority in the state legislature.The big picture: The party plans to drop a total of $10 million by Election Day to bolster their candidates in those three seats.Context: Two of the districts, which include New Hanover...
Why property taxes are increasing across the Triangle, from Wake to Orange
Get ready for a higher tax bill this year no matter where you live in the Triangle.Why it matters: Despite continued widespread concern about rising prices, municipalities across the region are making the tough decision to have taxpayers pay more.Driving the news: Wake, Durham and Orange counties all set new property tax rates that will cause owners to pay more. So did every town and city in Wake County, from Raleigh to Zebulon. Of note: The new round of property tax increases comes after Wake County's most recent property valuation, which saw record increases in value, meaning many homeowners' tax...
Local Limelight with tattoo artist Logan Isaacson
Logan Isaacson of Durham's Kings Avenue Tattoo never imagined becoming a tattoo artist.Yes, but: At age 16, the Charlotte native started getting tattooed. Years later, he landed an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop in Boone he frequented, and his career took off from there.Now he's known for his bright and bold traditional, Americana-style and fine-line blackwork tattoos.Driving the news: Isaacson collaborated with Two Roosters Ice Cream last month for their tattoo artist-inspired guest ice cream flavors.His flavor was arguably the best: Frosted animal cracker. We talked with Isaacson about the collaboration and his career in our latest Local Limelight...
Three-fourths of NC is in a moderate to severe drought
Nearly 75% of North Carolina is facing a moderate to severe drought, despite recent rainfall, as high summer temperatures linger with little relief. Why it matters: Dryness is entrenching the soil and leading to widespread crop losses in 10 North Carolina counties currently facing severe drought, according to the latest data released by the state's Drought Management Advisory Council. Most of those worst-hit areas are east of I-95, in a stretch from Wayne to Bertie counties and all around the Pamlico River.Driving the news: Congressman Don Davis is calling for an emergency drought declaration, as much of his district is...
Here are the places Axios Raleigh's reporters enjoyed visiting the most in June
We're back with the places around the Triangle we enjoyed the most in the past month. For June, we're highlighting everything from a lunch in Hillsborough to a dinner in Apex, along with hiking in Orange County and remote working near downtown Raleigh. Here are the places your Axios Raleigh reporters and editor enjoyed the most. Lucille's picks🍕 Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro — Especially its new grilled corn pizza.🍝 Brodeto in Raleigh — One of the Triangle's best new eateries, Brodeto's menu and cocktail list will transport you to the Croatian coast.☕️ Parallax Coffee Lab in Wendell — A new coffee shop...
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 worked with the Biden campaign to organize a dance party at 2am on the tarmac.About 200 people, a DJ and...
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...
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