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Citizens-only voting constitutional amendment will be on NC's 2024 ballot
North Carolinians will vote in November on whether to amend the state constitution to clarify that only citizens can cast ballots, after the state legislature passed a measure late last month to punt the issue to voters. Why it matters: Immigration has been and will continue to be a key issue in this election cycle, and Republican lawmakers' move to put it on the ballot will keep it front and center here.Between the lines: Already, only citizens are allowed to vote in North Carolina, and whether or not a majority of voters approve the amendment in November won't change that....
VinFast won't complete North Carolina plant until 2028 in updated timeline
VinFast's planned North Carolina electric vehicle plant is facing another significant setback, with the Vietnamese automaker delaying the opening of its Chatham County facility until 2028, four years later than its initial goal.Why it matters: The EV maker's $4 billion plant is projected to be one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the state — potentially employing 7,500 people — if it ever gets off the ground.The project, which could earn $1.2 billion in incentives from the state and local governments, has seen a continuous string of delays.State of play: When the company announced it was expanding to North Carolina...
Trump assassination attempt: What to know Monday
America is reeling.The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, 115 days before Election Day, has ushered in a dark new chapter of political violence — and redefined a campaign already laden with historic firsts, Axios' Zachary Basu writes.News of shots fired at Trump during a Butler, Pennsylvania rally Saturday evening has dominated headlines all weekend, and that won't stop Monday.Catch up quick: A bullet pierced Trump's ear during the shooting. Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday that he "felt the bullet ripping through the skin." Two other rally attendees were injured. A former fire chief attending the rally, Corey...
Empty offices in the Triangle: Vacancy rates expected to keep rising until 2025
Office vacancy rates in the Triangle are expected reach their peak next year before slowly beginning to improve. Why it matters: About one-fifth of office space in the Triangle is vacant right now, as the pandemic era's push toward remote work becomes entrenched. That's put a strain on landlords, prevented new construction from getting off the ground and re-shaped office-heavy parts of the region, like its downtown cores. Driving the news: Total vacancy rates in the area hit a record high of 19.8% in the second quarter of this year, according to new data from CBRE. CBRE said a batch...
All of NC is facing dry conditions, drought for the first time in 15 years
For the first time in 15 years, the entire state of North Carolina is either "abnormally dry" or in a drought. Threat level: Drought conditions continue to worsen across North Carolina this week, with nearly 90% of the state now facing moderate, severe or extreme drought, the latest data released Thursday shows. Why it matters: More rain is on the way, but in some places, it will be too late. The state is already seeing widespread crop losses, with 40% of corn crops in "very poor" condition as of earlier this week. "Unfortunately, damage to many crops may already be...
Science Corp. is building a new MEMS chip plant in Research Triangle Park
California-based biotech company Science Corp. is expanding its operations in Research Triangle Park, adding a new production facility that will make micro chips for both its own products and other biotech companies. Why it matters: As medical devices continue to get smaller, they are turning to microelectromechanical systems chips and semiconductors to power them. Science Corp. uses those chips in its own products, including a visual prosthesis that targets two forms of blindness. But it also sees a significant opportunity to manufacture them for other medical device makers. Driving the news: Science Corp. signed an agreement with Durham County this...
Population up, supply down: What's keeping Raleigh home prices up
Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsWith the most fruitful home-selling season in full swing, we're checking out where the market stands in the Triangle.State of play: Real estate prices here have remained relatively stable over the past year, despite elevated mortgage rates continuing to soften the demand from buyers.By the numbers: The median home price in the Raleigh metro area in May was $450,000, according to data from Redfin.That was up 2.3% from $440,000 a year ago.The big picture: Elevated mortgage rates continue to dampen the appeal and affordability of homebuying. They're also keeping many homeowners from listing their homes.The Fed...
Visit Raleigh's new draft-only, no-tip 'Neighborhood' bar
Neighborhood Good Time Bar, brought to Raleigh's Smoky Hollow by the owners of nearby restaurant Madre, opened its doors last month. Two things to expect: There's no tipping, for one. Also, the owners are lining up the occasional local celebrity to bartend. Thursday night, for instance, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin will be slinging drinks starting at 6pm.Catch up quick: Neighborhood replaced the now-shuttered New Anthem taproom, which announced its closing in March — less than a year after it opened the location. Driving the news: Madre's owners saw a need for a laid-back, come-as-you-are neighborhood watering hole — a stark contrast from...
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...
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...
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...
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