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The U.S. Department of Education has released a portion of North Carolina's $165 million in education funding frozen by the Trump administration, the state's education department announced Monday night. 

Why it matters: The nearly $36 million in funding released will allow North Carolina's after-school and summer programs to continue operating. 

The programs, which served more than 10,000 K-12 students last year, "provide critical academic support and safe environments for students, particularly those in high-poverty areas," North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction said in a statement. 

Catch up quick: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is one of a dozen attorneys general nationwide who are suing the U.S. Department of Education for withholding more than $6 billion in education funding nationwide. Those funds were expected to be accessible July 1.

North Carolina's portion of that — more than $165 million — made up more than 10% of the state's federal education funding.

The freeze comes amid what the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget called an "ongoing programmatic review" and pointed to initial findings that they said "show that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda," Axios' Avery Lotz reported earlier this month.

Driving the news: Nearly 30 statewide full-time jobs would have been in jeopardy had the federal government not released $36 million as part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports academic enrichment during non-school hours, per data released by North Carolina's Department of Justice.

Wake, Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school districts had not been awarded any funding under that program, according to the data. 

State of play: Around $130 million in K-12 education funding remains frozen and under review, North Carolina's education department said. More than 900 jobs remain at risk. 

Those funds come from four programs, which support migrant children, help students learn English, ensure the "quality and effectiveness of educators," and improve school conditions and the use of technology to improve academic achievement, according to the Learning Policy Institute, which conducts research to improve education policies.

"We'll see them in court for the rest," Jackson said in a post on Facebook Monday.  

Axios' Avery Lotz reported earlier this month

data released by North Carolina's Department of Justice

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Trump administration releases portion of frozen North Carolina education funding

The U.S. Department of Education has released a portion of the North Carolina $165 million in education funding frozen by the Trump administration.

Illustration of the leaves from the Department of Education logo in a pile beneath the logo.

The U.S. Department of Education has released a portion of North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$165 million in education funding frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/15/north-carolina-sues-over-withheld-education-funding" data-vars-content-id="10825271-a499-4efa-9eba-26790cf65a7a" data-vars-headline="Trump administration releases portion of frozen North Carolina education funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/15/north-carolina-sues-over-withheld-education-funding" target="_self">$165 million in education funding frozen</a> by the Trump administration, the state&#x27;s education department announced Monday night. Why it matters: The nearly $36 million in funding released will allow North Carolina&#x27;s after-school and summer programs to continue operating. <ul><li>The programs, which served more than 10,000 K-12 students last year, &quot;provide critical academic support and safe environments for students, particularly those in high-poverty areas,&quot; North Carolina&#x27;s Department of Public Instruction said in a statement. </li></ul>

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Politics

Education

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has taken action on a flurry of legislation in recent weeks, vetoing more than a dozen bills and signing nearly 50 others into law. 

Why it matters: At the same time, Stein, a Democrat, has managed to maintain a seemingly amicable relationship with North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature. 

Driving the news: While Stein has denounced and blocked some key conservative priorities from becoming law, he's also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans as he's celebrated and signed into law bipartisan initiatives spearheaded by the GOP legislature. 

Last Thursday, Stein held a bill signing ceremony for four bills that supporters say will lower prescription drug costs, ease transitions for military families who are relocating, crack down on crimes like reckless driving and make it easier for some domestic violence victims to obtain restraining orders. Republicans joined Stein at the mansion to celebrate the bills becoming law. 

That same day, Stein vetoed three bills, including one that would allow some employees and volunteers to carry weapons at private schools. 

The big picture: Six months into his term, Stein still appears to have a working relationship with GOP legislative leaders, even as Republicans and Democrats at the federal level remain largely divided. 

It comes at a pivotal moment for the state: Western North Carolina still has a long way to go in recovering from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, the state is bracing for federal budget cuts made in Congress' newly passed "Big, Beautiful Bill."

Stein and Republican lawmakers will have to work together to continue to fund Helene recovery efforts and navigate the impact of federal budget cuts on the state's Medicaid and SNAP recipients. 

Flashback: In March, some political observers said Stein was still in a "honeymoon" phase and predicted that his working relationship with the legislature would fall apart when Stein started vetoing Republican bills. 

Even after 14 vetoes, however, that doesn't seem to be the case. 

Zoom in: Stein issued his first vetoes a month ago, blocking "The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act," "Freedom to Carry NC" and the "North Carolina Border Protection Act" from becoming law. 

He steered clear of attacking Republicans directly and instead said two of the bills would make North Carolinians less safe and one, "The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act," was unconstitutional. 

Stein also vetoed legislation changing oversight of charter schools, clarifying the state auditors' power, banning some diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and rolling back some carbon reduction goals for Duke Energy.

After vetoing some of those bills earlier this month, Stein changed his tune, however, calling the bills "mean-spirited" and saying they would "marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education."

"At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us," Stein said in a statement. "I stand ready to work with the legislature when it gets serious about protecting people and addressing North Carolinians' pressing concerns."

What we're watching: Stein's ability to keep his party in line may soon be tested. Republicans no longer have a supermajority in the legislature, so they need just one Democrat in the House to side with them to override a veto. 

One or more House Democrats have voted with the GOP on numerous bills Stein ultimately vetoed, including on immigration, changes to Duke's carbon reduction goals and transgender rights.  

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein's flurry of legislative actions

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has taken action on a flurry of legislation in recent weeks, vetoing more than a dozen bills and signing nearly 50 others into law.

Illustration of a podium with a dogwood flower as the microphone. 

North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Josh Stein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/nc-democratic-governor-josh-stein-republican-legislature-strategy" data-vars-content-id="318d2de0-430e-45a3-a90e-fb7d16427652" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein&#x27;s flurry of legislative actions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/nc-democratic-governor-josh-stein-republican-legislature-strategy" target="_self">Gov. Josh Stein</a> has taken action on a flurry of legislation in recent weeks, vetoing more than a dozen bills and signing nearly 50 others into law. Why it matters: At the same time, Stein, a Democrat, has managed to maintain a seemingly amicable relationship with North Carolina&#x27;s Republican-controlled legislature.

Whether you're craving the perfect latte or searching for an afternoon pick-me-up, the Triangle's coffee scene is bursting with top-notch spots.

With help from readers, we've rounded up a list of the 12 best coffee shops in our region — from bustling cafes to hidden gems — worth adding to your regular rotation.

How it works: We considered a host of factors when putting this ranking together, including quality of the coffee, customer service, the vibe and the cafe's overall non-coffee offerings.

Inside Boulted Bread. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

Not technically a coffee shop, but a bakery with coffee worthy of recognition. 

Boulted Bread's new location opened in May 2023, and it's since become a great place to spend your sleepy weekend mornings or hammer out some work with the help of a flaky croissant or morning bun. 

Plus: You just never know who you might run into, like your neighbor, your favorite local business owner, the mayor or a congressperson. 

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 7am to 4pm 

Inside Pine State. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

Boasting both a shaggy exterior and an off-the-beaten-path location, Raleigh's Pine State offers a welcome refuge between the Mordecai neighborhood and the din of Capital Boulevard.

Pine State shines through its in-house roasted coffee beans and some of the most welcoming staff in the Triangle.

What's next: Pine State has long shared its home with the running store Runologie. But with Runologie shutting down retail operations, Pine State is in the process of expanding areas to sit and lounge.

Inside Cup a Joe. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

A Raleigh favorite for decades — squint and it could still be the '90s inside — Cup a Joe has something for everyone, whether you're a college student in need of a place to study or old friends looking for a spot to catch up. 

It will always be a local icon. If you don't believe us, take comedian Patton Oswalt's word for it. 

What's next: Cup a Joe will open its second location in August at Mission Valley Shopping Center: 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh

Caffe Driade. Photo: Katie Peralta Soloff/Axios

Tucked away in the woods next to Bolin Creek, Caffe Driade's appeal is as much about the landscape as it is the drinks.

While its interiors are small, sitting among the tree-filled patios around Driade is one of the more sublime ways to take an espresso.

Stick around long enough and you can trade your latte for a glass of wine and some live music on the weekends.

Location: 1215-A  E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill

A prime meetup spot in North Raleigh that has far more than just an expansive coffee menu. NoRa also serves build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, Liege waffles made from brioche dough, wine and beer. 

Location: 12333 Strickland Roa., Suite 100

Whether you need a smoothie, lunch or just a quick cup of coffee, Sola has it all. The bustling cafe, which brands itself as a community gathering place, is the place to be any day of the week. 

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 7am to 3pm

Inside The Optimist's location at 1000 Social

Inside WRK by The Optimist. Photo: Lucille Sherman/Axios

Raleigh's The Optimist has taken off since it opened its first location between the Oakwood and Mordecai neighborhoods in 2020. 

The shop has since expanded to North Raleigh and east of North Hills, along with opening a cart at PNC Arena. 

Locations: 1000 Brookside Dr., Suite 109, Raleigh: Monday through Saturday 7am to 5pm, Sunday 8am to 5pm

4509 Creedmoor Road, Suite 104, Raleigh: Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm

1000 Social St., on the first floor of The Exchange: Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm

A cup of Black & White coffee outside its storefront

One of the Triangle's most well-known roasters also has two brick-and-mortar coffee shops, serving creative lattes, a small selection of pastries and quality teas. 

Plus: Black & White's downtown Raleigh location is inside Videri Chocolate Factory, so grab a cup of coffee and some soft serve or chocolates when you need to treat yourself. 

Locations: 327 W Davie St., Raleigh: Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 3pm 

314 S Brooks St., Wake Forest: Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm

Inside Cocoa Cinnamon. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

After originally serving coffee on a bicycle, Cocoa Cinnamon opened its first permanent location in 2013, ushering in a wave of specialty coffee shops across downtown Durham.

Today, it has three locations, each with its own personality, especially its coffee roasting location on Chapel Hill Road. There you can also grab delicious churros with your cappuccino.

Its in-house roastery, Little Waves, has won several awards since its beginning in 2017.

Locations: 420 West Geer St., Durham: Monday through Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 7pm

2627 Hillsborough Road, Durham: Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6pm

2013 Chapel Hill Road, Durham: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 7pm

Inside Joe Van Gogh. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

An OG of the Triangle's specialty coffee scene, Joe Van Gogh has grown into one of the area's biggest roasters over the past three decades.

While its excellent roasts and adventurous seasonal drinks are the main draw, Joe Van Gogh offers one of the best pastry programs among coffee shops as well.

Locations: 1129 AD Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill: Daily 6:30am – 5:30pm

1104 B Broad St., Durham; Daily 6:30am – 5:30pm

4711 Hope Valley Road, Durham: Daily 6:30am – 5:30pm

150 Medical Dr., Chapel Hill: Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm 

211 Shannon Road, Durham: Monday through Friday 7am to 2pm

3109 Poplarwood Ct Suite 115, Raleigh: Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm

The outside of Jubala's North Raleigh location

A tried and true fixture of Raleigh's coffee scene, Jubala's brews and biscuits are some of the best around.  

Locations 8450 Honeycutt Road, Suite 104, Raleigh

2100 Hillsborough St., Suite 100, Raleigh

200 Park at North Hills St., Suite 140, Raleigh

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm 

Owned by Kristin Kulik, Raleigh's Left Hook Coffee has quickly become a crowd favorite in the Triangle's coffee scene. 

Since opening inside Gussie's last spring, Kulik has built out a team with a reputation for slinging unrivaled espresso drinks and next-level customer service — the kind that makes you feel like you're a celebrity when you're grabbing a morning cup of joe. 

What's next: Kulik already has her eye on the next thing: she's roasting coffee out of the old Hargett Street Laundromat, which she hopes to have up and running as a standalone coffee shop by the fall. 

Location: 927 W. Morgan St., Suite 116, Raleigh

up-and-running as a standalone coffee shop by the fall

The best coffee shops in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, ranked

We rounded up a 12 of the Triangle's best coffee shops worth adding to your regular rotation.

A cup of coffee at The Left Hook Coffee in Raleigh

Whether you&#x27;re craving the perfect latte or searching for an afternoon pick-me-up, the Triangle&#x27;s coffee scene is bursting with top-notch spots.<ul><li>With help from readers, we&#x27;ve rounded up a list of the 12 best coffee shops in our region — from bustling cafes to hidden gems — worth adding to your regular rotation.</li></ul>

Food and Drink

While no federal or statewide elections take place this year, your vote could be highly influential in several local elections happening across the Triangle this fall. 

Why it matters: Local elections tend to have low turnout, but their outcomes can shape your day-to-day lives, helping determine tax rates, spending priorities and, increasingly, guiding the growth that is defining the region. 

What's next: Early voting in Wake County starts Oct. 16. 

In Durham, primary early voting starts Sept. 18 and early voting for the general starts Oct. 16.

Durham is set for a crowded primary for its city council and mayor this fall, with 19 candidates filed to run. 

Why it matters: With the mayor and three council members up for re-election, this year's election could have a significant influence on the future direction of the city council. 

Important dates: The primary will be on Oct. 7, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election on Nov. 4. 

Mayor: Incumbent Mayor Leonardo Williams, a former teacher and current restaurant owner who became mayor in 2023, will face five challengers in the primary: 

Anjanée Bell, the daughter of former Mayor Bill Bell and the Arts in the Parks director for the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation. 

Pablo Friedmann, the director of the Multilingual Resource Center at Durham Public Schools.

Ward 1: Incumbent city council member DeDreana Freeman will face five candidates in a primary to represent Ward 1, which stretches from downtown Durham to the northern boundary of the city. 

Elijah King, a Durham native who is the third vice chair for the North Carolina Democratic Party. 

Andrea Cazales, a nurse and health researcher.

Matt Kopac, a member of the city's planning commission and a sustainability consultant.

Sheryl Smith, a local activist against gun violence in Durham.

Samaria McKenzie, who works in marketing.

Ward 2: Mark-Anthony Middleton, a pastor who has served on the Durham City Council since 2017, will have two challengers in Ward 2, which includes some of south Durham and most of the eastern parts of the city. 

Shanetta Burris, a training manager for Supermajority, a group that mobilizes women to vote. 

Ashley Robbins, an assistive technology manager at Wake Technical Community College and a graduate student at N.C. Central University. 

Ward 3: Chelsea Cook, a public interest attorney, is the incumbent city council member in Ward 3, but this will be her first election after being appointed to fill Williams' seat in 2024. She will have three challengers. 

Terry McCann, a math teacher at J.D. Clement Early College.

Durant Long, who recently graduated from UNC-Asheville.

Diana Medoff, an elementary school teacher at Duke School. 

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson is running unopposed on Nov. 4. 

Town council (four seats): Six candidates are vying for four seats: Incumbents Camille Berry and Paris Miller-Foushee, along with Erik Valera, Jon Mitchell, Town of Chapel Hill Planning Commission member Wes McMahon and EPA social science advisor Louie Rivers.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education (three seats): Four candidates are running: Incumbents George Griffin, the board chair, and Riza Jenkins, the board's vice chair, plus Lynnee Argabright and Melinda Manning.

Town council (three seats): Incumbent and mayor pro tem Ed Gray is running for reelection. 

Seven other candidates are also running: Shane Reese, Sue Mu, Andre Powell, Mary Miskimon, TJ Evans, Aditya Ahlawat and Kyrone Nebolisa.

The Town of Cary has three council seats up for grabs on Nov. 4.

At-large: Incumbent Carissa Kohn-Johnson will face Marjorie K. Eastman, a veteran who ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 before losing in the Republican primary.

District A: Mayor pro tem and sitting council member Jennifer Robinson will run for reelection against Brittany Richards.

District C: Bella Huang and Renee Miller will run to replace longtime council member Jack Smith, who has been on the council since 1989. 

Mayor: Incumbent Blake Massengill is running against sitting town commissioner William "Bill" Harris.

Board of Commissioners (two seats): Incumbent Bryan Haynes, Gage Cook, Nolan Ray Perry and Kristopher Vorren

Town council (two seats): Incumbents Kathy Behringer and Gra Singleton are running for reelection. Mike McIver, Patricia Uzzell, Kelvin Stallings and Rex Whaley are also running.

Mayor: Incumbent Mayor Sean Mayefskie faces Mike Kondratick as a challenger. 

Town council: Vying for the three seats available will be Sarah Larson, Tim Forrest (an incumbent), Joe Cuccurullo, Josh Prizer, Kara Foster and Annie Drees (an incumbent). 

Town council: Three seats are up on Knightdale's town council. 

Competing for the spots are: Grady Bussey, Steve Evans (incumbent), Mark Swan (incumbent), Latatious Morris (incumbent), Shannon Russell Hardy

Morrisville will vote for mayor and three council seats on Nov. 4. 

Mayor: Incumbent Mayor TJ Cawley will run against Satish Garimella, Morrisville's current mayor pro tem, and Richard Reinhart.

At-Large: This seat opens up after longtime council member Steve Rao decided to run for the Wake County Board of Commissioners. 

Vying for the at-large seat are Liz Dann, Harrison Kesling, Subba Reddy Madireddy and Pete Martin. 

District 2: Running to replace outgoing council member Donna Fender is Jashi Abhirajan and Ashit Patel.

District 4: In District 4, Patty Cheng is taking on incumbent Vicki Scroggins-Johnson. 

Wake Forest will vote for mayor and its board of commissioners Nov. 4.

Mayor: Incumbent Vivan Jones will take on Ben Clapsaddle, a current member of the town's board of commissioners. 

Board of Commissioners (two seats):  Incumbents Nick Sliwinski and R. Keith Shackleford will be challenged by Jasmine Zavala, Haseeb Fatmi, Thomas Dement and Pam James. 

Board of commissioners (three seats): Incumbent Deans Eatman is seeking re-election, with seven other candidates on the ballot:

Wes Jones, B.J. Barham (of Americana band American Aquarium), Kate Benson, Dustin Ingalls, Jorge Cordova, Philip Tarnaski and Christopher M. Critzer.

Two board of commissioner seats are on the ballot on Nov. 4, along with Zebulon mayor, giving residents the opportunity to elect new leadership after months of turmoil and high-profile resignations.

Mayor: Incumbent Glenn York, who has faced calls to resign, is running for reelection. 

Four other candidates have enetered the race in hopes of unseating him: Two current commissioners, Shannon Baxter and Jessica Daniels Harrison, along with Larry Loucks and Gilbert Todd.

Board of commissioners (two seats): Quentin Miles will seek reelection. Also running: Jesse Brown, Davarus Gardner, George Roa, Milton Robinson and Trenton Schmit.

months of turmoil and high-profile resignations.

A guide to 2025 local elections across the Triangle, from Apex to Zebulon

From Apex to Zebulon, here's who is on the ballot this year

Illustration of the state of North Carolina surrounded by ballot elements. 

While no federal or statewide elections take place this year, your vote could be highly influential in several local elections happening across the Triangle this fall. Why it matters: Local elections tend to have low turnout, but their outcomes can shape your day-to-day lives, helping determine tax rates, spending priorities and, increasingly, guiding the growth that is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defining the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="6be377e6-8784-49ff-a8f6-f96a4639cb45" data-vars-headline="A guide to 2025 local elections across the Triangle, from Apex to Zebulon" 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">defining the region</a>.

The Triangle's food scene is bursting with reliable and familiar fixtures alongside a steady stream of bold and fresh new concepts that can make deciding where to eat a tough task. 

Why it matters: Having an abundance of great options is a good problem to have, of course. Our vibrant culinary landscape is one of our strongest assets, providing rich experiences for locals and shining a spotlight on the Triangle as our chefs rack up national awards.

Driving the news: With excellent options already swirling and countless new spots always popping up, our mission is to help you keep up with our ever-evolving restaurant scene and help you find great new places to eat. 

We dined across the Triangle, consulted industry leaders and got feedback from hundreds of readers to bring you a guide that, we hope, does just that.

How it works: In addition to considering quality of food, we factored in service, vibe, beverage offerings and how long an establishment has been open.

We pay our own way and do our best to dine at restaurants across the region undetected so we're as neutral as possible in our assessments.

You may notice that some restaurants have fallen or risen in the rankings since last year. Those changes mainly stem from the readers' shifting demographics and tastes, rather than a change in the quality of these restaurants. Plus, we've added some newer restaurants to this list. 

The newest Triangle restaurant on this list, Mala Pata earned its place in the top 30 in part because it feels like it made up for something our region's diners didn't know they were missing — until now. 

The Triangle's 30 best restaurants, right now

Our vibrant culinary landscape is of our strongest assets, providing rich experiences for locals and shining a spotlight on the Triangle.

The Triangle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/01/22/triangle-chefs-restaurants-james-beard-semifinalists-2025-durham" data-vars-content-id="a8678fc9-0ec5-43dc-8571-09de2fb87103" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s 30 best restaurants, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/01/22/triangle-chefs-restaurants-james-beard-semifinalists-2025-durham" target="_self">food scene</a> is bursting with reliable and familiar fixtures alongside a steady stream of bold and fresh new concepts that can make deciding where to eat a tough task. Why it matters: Having an abundance of great options is a good problem to have, of course. Our vibrant culinary landscape is one of our strongest assets, providing rich experiences for locals and shining a spotlight on the Triangle as our chefs rack up national awards.

Lucille Sherman

Featured stories

The Triangle's 30 best restaurants, right now

Trump administration releases portion of frozen North Carolina education funding

A guide to 2025 local elections across the Triangle, from Apex to Zebulon

The best coffee shops in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, ranked

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein's flurry of legislative actions