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National

Trump announces cheaper drugs for state Medicaid programs

Politics & Policy

Scoop: NRSC spends $46.5 million on coordinated campaigns

Business

Exclusive: House GOP hits record cash advantage over Democrats

"The Axios Show": Piker thinks El-Sayed is making a "mistake"

House GOP's top messenger: Socialism attack line "doesn't really resonate"

Steve Belichick is leaving his dad's UNC football staff

Steve Belichick will resign next month after a probe also tied to Michael Lombardi's exit.

Sports

UNC-Chapel Hill says defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will resign from the football program next month following an investigation that also cost general manager Michael Lombardi his job.Why it matters: Both men were hand-picked by head coach Bill Belichick, whose time at Carolina has been beset by scandals. <ul><li>Steve Belichick is Bill Belichick&#x27;s son.</li></ul>

Inside the finances of NC's 13th District candidates

Both candidates for North Carolina's 13th district call for a stock trading ban.

Politics

As Republican Rep. Brad Knott vies for another term representing North Carolina&#x27;s 13th District, he reports holding assets worth between $3.3 million and $13.4 million, according to a financial disclosure report filed in August.Why it matters: Financial disclosure reports are one of the key tools the public has for examining how policymakers in Washington make their money and whether they have potential conflicts of interest.<ul><li>They&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="played a big role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" data-vars-content-id="a56d6f1b-d0df-43d5-8996-04c1f6d522f1" data-vars-headline="Inside the finances of NC&#x27;s 13th District candidates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" target="_self">played a big role</a> in the Senate showdown between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.</li></ul>

Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store

KIKI opens its Durham store Saturday, Sept. 12.

Charlotte-based jewelry brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KIKI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" data-vars-content-id="4e38c7c4-106c-4c46-8603-2a1eee3cef90" data-vars-headline="Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" target="_self">KIKI</a> is expanding to the Triangle with a new Durham store opening Saturday, Sept. 12.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic side hustle for founder Kris Cox has quickly grown into a multi-location jewelry brand. Durham will be KIKI&#x27;s first store outside Charlotte.

Durham water feature linked to teen's death

Naegleria fowleri DNA was detected at El Futuro but not at the other sites investigators tested.

News

A water feature at the Durham nonprofit El Futuro was the likely source of a rare brain-eating amoeba that infected and killed a local teenager in August, a state investigation found.The big picture: Naegleria fowleri infections are rare but progress quickly and are nearly always fatal, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html" data-vars-content-id="ba70ce22-ef9a-4a8d-8756-8111c0e184db" data-vars-headline="Durham water feature linked to teen&#x27;s death" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. <ul><li>Between 1962 and 2024, 167 infections were documented in the U.S., per CDC data. Only four people survived.</li></ul>

Chapel Hill braces for a star-studded G20 gathering

Sam Altman will discuss coming AI advances as global ministers gather on the edge of UNC's campus.

A G20 meeting next week will bring some of the biggest names in tech to Chapel Hill — including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.Why it matters: The high-profile gathering will complicate traffic and increase the police presence around campus Tuesday and Wednesday.

Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning

Glenwood South continues to be one of the hottest Raleigh neighborhoods for development.

Development

The owner of a popular bar in Glenwood South is filing a rezoning application to change the allowable height on the property from 7 stories to 40. Why it matters: Glenwood South is one of the hottest spots for new development in all of Raleigh and has seen a wave of developers seeking to building higher — including the 37-story <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" target="_self">Highline</a> Glenwood, which is under construction, and the planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="30-story tower on Peace Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" target="_self">30-story tower on Peace Street</a>.

Raleigh and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations

Heritage Park in Raleigh and Forest Hills Heights in Durham will be transformed significantly.

Raleigh and Durham are both on the cusp of seeing major public housing communities redeveloped into large mixed-use and mixed-income projects. Why it matters: The plans aim to provide new affordable units in cities where housing costs have soared while shifting to a public housing model that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="views mixed-income communities" data-vars-click-url="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" data-vars-content-id="63dbc3bf-ed5f-48c3-bf6b-e25443e0ed91" data-vars-headline="Raleigh and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" target="_blank">views mixed-income communities</a> as producing better outcomes than communities dedicated completely to affordable units.

The state could finally sell the old Rex hospital 

The former Rex Hospital has been owned by the state since 1981

The old Rex Hospital in Raleigh could be sold by the state next year after years of speculation about the future of the Wade Avenue property. Why it matters: The nearly 16-acre property, between the Village District and Hayes Barton, could become one of Raleigh&#x27;s most attractive redevelopment sites. <ul><li>The property currently has an assessed value of $58.3 million, according to Wake County records. </li></ul>

Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System 

UNC-Chapel Hill spent $188 million in 2025 on athletics.

UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State each spent more than $130 million on athletics in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a new report from the UNC System. Why it matters: The report comes as the UNC System, which oversees public universities in the state, takes a closer look at its policies amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic boom in spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" data-vars-content-id="8d89db05-076a-415d-bc60-8819f417065b" data-vars-headline="Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" target="_blank">historic boom in spending</a> on college sports.

Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins

Fans won't get their usual up-close look at the Canes during preseason practices in Morrisville.

Carolina Hurricanes training camp starts next week, but fans won&#x27;t be able to watch the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stanley Cup champions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="8166fe2d-6ee5-454d-82a9-396f225899b7" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" target="_self">Stanley Cup champions</a> practice.Why it matters: Unlike <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previous years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/15/how-to-watch-carolina-canes-skate-for-free-training-camp-morrisville-lenovo-center" data-vars-content-id="8166fe2d-6ee5-454d-82a9-396f225899b7" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/15/how-to-watch-carolina-canes-skate-for-free-training-camp-morrisville-lenovo-center" target="_self">previous years</a>, preseason skates at the team&#x27;s Morrisville practice rink are closed to the public, though media can watch.

Dolly-Durham and your other picks for renaming RDU

Sports icons, musicians and a former governor made the list of possible names for the airport.

This week, inspired by Nashville&#x27;s move to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rename its airport for Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/11/nashville-board-votes-in-favor-of-naming-airport-for-dolly-parton" data-vars-content-id="669b6ebb-679e-4651-9594-a181d42c187a" data-vars-headline="Dolly-Durham and your other picks for renaming RDU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/11/nashville-board-votes-in-favor-of-naming-airport-for-dolly-parton" target="_self">rename its airport for Dolly Parton</a>, we asked which notable people could someday inspire a new name for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.The big picture: Readers leaned heavily toward North Carolina sports legends — with a few political and musical alternatives.

Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle

Durham gets a 3-on-3 competition Friday, and Zebulon hosts Boom Ball and open tryouts Saturday.

Things to Do

The Triangle is hosting two wacky spins on baseball this weekend.Why it matters: Baseball, long accused of being boring, is embracing weird and fun alternative formats, led by the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sold-out stadium shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" target="_self">sold-out stadium shows</a>.

It's almost 919 Day. Weekend things to do 

Sept. 19 lands on a Saturday this year, with festivals, concerts and more across the Triangle.

We are getting lucky this year — Sept. 19 aka 919 Day falls on a Saturday.<ul><li>There are plenty of unique ways to celebrate where you live. </li></ul>

Raleigh is considering a six-month moratorium on data centers

The pause would last for six months while the city develops new rules around data center construction.

The Raleigh City Council will vote next month on whether to enact a moratorium on any new data center applications in the city while it develops new rules for their construction. Why it matters: Raleigh would join a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wave of cities and counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="82f0a1e5-0e01-4925-b1ba-dc4131d0f9ad" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is considering a six-month moratorium on data centers" 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">wave of cities and counties</a> placing moratoriums on new data center development across the state, as an increasing number of residents express concerns over the electricity costs, water usage, noise levels and visual aesthetics of data centers. <ul><li>Durham and Charlotte have added similar pauses. </li></ul>

Charlotte

TSA's new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU

TSA's new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU.

Travel

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transportation Security Administration&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" data-vars-content-id="8586b667-6588-48ef-ae3f-70f63a3a78df" data-vars-headline="TSA&#x27;s new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" target="_self">Transportation Security Administration&#x27;s</a> new Gateside program is expected to come to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport this fall, a TSA spokesperson tells Axios. Why it matters: The program lets eligible visitors who aren&#x27;t flying meet or accompany friends and relatives at the gate.

Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square

The city is reviewing plans for refreshing the public square.

<figure><img alt="Proposed park at the corner of Hargett &amp; McDowell: tree-lined plaza with curved walkways, circular shrub beds, benches, and people strolling under dappled sunlight." height="736" id="e610dfa8-d1a9-4f24-875b-07cba0bff240" src="https://images.axios.com/TSmaQwzfq5pCfgyGXreWqjq2uA8=/2026/09/11/1789154415155.png" width="1280"/><figcaption>Rendering: City of Raleigh</figcaption></figure>The city of Raleigh is in the early stages of redesigning Nash Square to make the space more inviting to the public. Why it matters: Nash Square is one of Raleigh&#x27;s five public squares that were laid out in the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="original plan from 1792" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" data-vars-content-id="d40b872d-ba81-4ce0-b2d2-c236c10d413a" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" target="_blank">original plan from 1792</a>, and it sits in the heart of downtown next to Raleigh City Hall.

Raleigh-Durham International lands a new airline

Guadalajara will be RDU's third Mexican destination.

Volaris, a low-cost Mexican airline, will launch its first flight out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport in October.Why it matters: The airline will give RDU its first nonstop flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. It is the airport&#x27;s third route to Mexico in addition to Mexico City and Cancun.

How Triangle cities differ on license plate reader cameras

Even police without Flock contracts can tap license plate data from privately owned cameras.

If you were to drive your car across the Triangle today, your license plate could pass dozens of automated license plate readers. <ul><li>Each city you drive through, however, could have a significantly different relationship to the technology. </li></ul>Why it matters: Automated license plate reader cameras are popping up in more and more places, and while the technology has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="helpful in solving crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/man-charged-with-murder-after-woman-found-stabbed-to-death-in-raleigh-home-police-say/" data-vars-content-id="6e5d886d-d06d-4f71-b9fe-37ac8549fd9e" data-vars-headline="How Triangle cities differ on license plate reader cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/man-charged-with-murder-after-woman-found-stabbed-to-death-in-raleigh-home-police-say/" target="_blank">helpful in solving crimes</a>, more residents are raising concerns about mass surveillance and privacy violations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios has reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="6e5d886d-d06d-4f71-b9fe-37ac8549fd9e" data-vars-headline="How Triangle cities differ on license plate reader cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" target="_self">Axios has reported</a>. <ul><li>This rising concern is playing out across the Triangle, especially in smaller towns like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hillsboroughnc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/856/14" data-vars-content-id="6e5d886d-d06d-4f71-b9fe-37ac8549fd9e" data-vars-headline="How Triangle cities differ on license plate reader cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hillsboroughnc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/856/14" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsboro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/news/local/pittsboro-terminates-flock-camera-contract-may-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6e5d886d-d06d-4f71-b9fe-37ac8549fd9e" data-vars-headline="How Triangle cities differ on license plate reader cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/news/local/pittsboro-terminates-flock-camera-contract-may-2026/" target="_blank">Pittsboro</a>, where public backlash led to contracts with Flock, the most prominent of the ALPR companies, being canceled. </li></ul>

A jam-packed weekend in the Triangle

Music, football, film, theater and festivals fill the calendar across Raleigh, Durham and beyond.

The Triangle will be buzzing with activity this weekend. Get out and enjoy.

Where to tailgate, pregame and park for Panthers games

Here’s what you need to know to be game-day ready.

The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2026 season at Bank of America Stadium this weekend.Why it matters: Fans are hungry for football and hopeful for a win to start the season.

Hopscotch's biggest draws are beyond the main stage

Dozens of club shows will keep downtown stages busy well past midnight.

Downtown Raleigh is gearing up for one of its biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="4c05da03-da28-4586-85b3-980c94e05c52" data-vars-headline="Hopscotch&#x27;s biggest draws are beyond the main stage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" target="_self">annual events</a>: Hopscotch Music Festival. Why it matters: With lesser-known headliners than years past, the festival is relying on its reputation for lively club shows to draw crowds downtown this weekend.

Summer heat is changing a nearly 50-year-old tradition

Festival for the Eno expects to abandon its July format and shift future events to milder seasons.

This weekend, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Festival for the Eno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.enoriver.org/festival-for-the-eno/" data-vars-content-id="c9dac9b0-405a-4c3a-a88e-8fe0c655c53b" data-vars-headline="Summer heat is changing a nearly 50-year-old tradition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enoriver.org/festival-for-the-eno/" target="_blank">Festival for the Eno</a> is trading its traditional July riverfront gathering for a downtown Durham benefit concert — potentially the first of many.Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s hot and unpredictable July weather is pushing the nearly 50-year-old festival away from its traditional summer format.

 Your guide to Labor Day weekend fun in the Triangle

From festivals and live music to free paddling, here's how to spend the long weekend in the Triangle.

Labor Day weekend is upon us. <ul><li>Sticking around the Triangle for the holiday? There&#x27;s plenty of fun to be had.</li></ul>

Flounder fishing returns ahead of Labor Day weekend

Anglers can keep one flounder per day through Sept. 14, but they must report their catch.

Flounder is on the menu for local anglers heading toward the coast this Labor Day weekend. The state opened a two-week recreational season Sept. 1-14. Why it matters: Flounder is one of North Carolina&#x27;s most popular fish, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overfishing concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/26/nc-coastal-fisheries-lawsuit-shrimp-trawling-gillnetting" data-vars-content-id="1b09f834-3e02-4070-88e1-36afaf5ebb5f" data-vars-headline="Flounder fishing returns ahead of Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/26/nc-coastal-fisheries-lawsuit-shrimp-trawling-gillnetting" target="_self">overfishing concerns</a> have led state agencies to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tightly limit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wunc.org/environment/2025-09-03/nc-flounder-fishing-recreational-southern-summer-gulf-identification" data-vars-content-id="1b09f834-3e02-4070-88e1-36afaf5ebb5f" data-vars-headline="Flounder fishing returns ahead of Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wunc.org/environment/2025-09-03/nc-flounder-fishing-recreational-southern-summer-gulf-identification" target="_blank">tightly limit</a> recreational and commercial fishing in recent years.

North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint

Raleigh entrepreneur Patrick Shanahan is adding another bar to his cocktail empire.

Food and Drink

Patrick Shanahan&#x27;s cocktail dominion continues to grow — this time in North Hills. Why it matters: The Raleigh artist-turned-nightlife entrepreneur will open his fifth project in two years when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Saint Cocktail Co." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="41058a74-cdd3-4937-afd4-d509e33e97eb" data-vars-headline="North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" target="_blank">Little Saint Cocktail Co.</a> becomes North Hills&#x27; first standalone cocktail bar next spring.

Katsuji Tanabe's RTP restaurant empire takes shape

KatSushi is the chef's latest RTP opening, with a revival of acclaimed High Horse still to come.

The newest addition at Boxyard RTP opened its doors last month, bringing Japanese hand rolls and bowls to the outdoor food hall.Why it matters: KatSushi comes from chef Katsuji Tanabe, a &quot;Top Chef&quot; alum, and restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, who are betting big on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" data-vars-content-id="735490e8-03eb-4085-8d5e-ee487c7f522a" data-vars-headline="Katsuji Tanabe&#x27;s RTP restaurant empire takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a>.

Two new Durham restaurants will share one home

A coffee and pastry shop will become a wine bar at night, alongside an upscale tasting menu.

Durham is set to get two new restaurants in the spring — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Vinter and The Baker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" target="_blank">The Vinter and The Baker</a>, which will serve coffee and pastries by day and wine and small plates at night, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Cornelia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Cornelia</a>, which will offer evening fine dining.Why it matters: The sister concepts will provide all-day food options in a neighborhood just north of downtown.

Hurricanes' Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue's expansion

Prime STQ is expected to open in Research Triangle Park next Spring.

Fresh off winning a Stanley Cup, Carolina Hurricanes star Jaccob Slavin&#x27;s next career move is to partner in one of the most hotly anticipated restaurant openings in the Triangle. Why it matters: Prieto&#x27;s beloved Knightdale restaurant, Prime Barbecue, is in the process of expanding to the Hub RTP development in Research Triangle Park. <ul><li>The new restaurant, called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime STQ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" data-vars-content-id="a829c80f-8114-48e3-bc9a-4c39a1676845" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes&#x27; Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue&#x27;s expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" target="_self">Prime STQ</a>, is being billed as a combination of a barbecue joint and a classic steakhouse. </li></ul>

The Triangle's 30 best restaurants, right now

Stanbury takes the top spot again as the Triangle's increasingly acclaimed food scene keeps growing.

Creating a list of the Triangle&#x27;s 30 best restaurants keeps getting harder for us here at Axios Raleigh. <ul><li>We see it as a sign of just how vibrant the region&#x27;s cuisine has gotten over the past decade, with longtime institutions going strong and an ever-growing list of exciting newcomers. </li></ul>

Prominent Triangle chefs and leaders share their best meals of 2026

From softshell crab on newspaper to riverside Bangkok cafes, here's what Triangle chefs loved this year.

We asked some of the Triangle&#x27;s best chefs and most prominent people, what their best meal of the past year was — no holds barred. Here&#x27;s what they said:

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