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Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina's biggest farm industry

Poultry is North Carolina's largest agricultural commodity, and broiler chickens are a particular specialty.

Business

A federal antitrust lawsuit targeting the broiler chicken industry is nearing settlement, putting one of North Carolina&#x27;s biggest agricultural sectors in the spotlight.Why it matters: Chicken is American consumers&#x27; favorite — and typically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheapest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/meat-price-spreads" data-vars-content-id="2e599165-ad11-42a1-8edf-3b54ccfe27d5" data-vars-headline="Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina&#x27;s biggest farm industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/meat-price-spreads" target="_blank">cheapest</a> — source of meat.

It's gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina

New car payments now average $742 per month in North Carolina, according to Edmunds.

News

Even if you put aside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/29/gas-prices-continue-upward-trend-in-triangle" data-vars-content-id="01d62c1e-60c7-4cb1-b846-00beae569de4" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/29/gas-prices-continue-upward-trend-in-triangle" target="_self">rising gas prices</a> for the moment, car ownership in North Carolina has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years. Why it matters: For the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="majority of us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/car-affordability-survey-santander" data-vars-content-id="01d62c1e-60c7-4cb1-b846-00beae569de4" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/car-affordability-survey-santander" target="_self">majority of us</a> in the Triangle, a car is necessary for getting to work and picking up groceries, making the price of car ownership hard to avoid.

Triangle library cuts draw backlash amid budget crunch

Wake, Durham and Orange leaders say slowing revenue growth is forcing difficult choices.

Politics

Proposed cuts to public libraries are starting to draw protests in the Triangle.Why it matters: Libraries are a small slice of county spending, but local leaders hoping to avoid steep tax hikes see a potential for savings.

Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident

Carolina enters the Eastern Conference Finals rested, healthy and carrying Stanley Cup hopes.

Sports

After 11 days of rest, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Hurricanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="e6186b97-2317-43b0-a1f3-43cc8c0b217a" data-vars-headline="Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" target="_self">Carolina Hurricanes</a> return to the ice Thursday to battle the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals. Why it matters: The Canes have another good shot at the Stanley Cup this season, but hockey fans are debating whether the downtime will affect the team&#x27;s rhythm.

WakeMed's CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium

WakeMed says its main campus needs at least $1 billion to be redeveloped.

WakeMed Health&#x27;s leadership said Tuesday that a merger with Atrium Health is needed to ensure the Wake County-based hospital network will be thriving a decade from now. Why it matters: Atrium&#x27;s potential takeover of WakeMed, which was founded by Wake County in 1961 and is a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" safety-net provider," data-vars-click-url="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" target="_blank"> safety-net provider,</a> has been the talk of the town since it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">announced</a> last Friday afternoon. <ul><li>State and local officials, however, have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised strong opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" target="_self">raised strong opposition</a> to the speed and the scope of the deal. </li></ul>

Raleigh e-commerce startup raises $13.6M seed round

The startup is helping companies navigate AI trends in e-commerce.

A Raleigh startup trying to help e-commerce companies navigate new AI-based tech and trends has raised $13.6 million in a seed round from investors. Why it matters: The company, called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ReFiBuy" data-vars-click-url="https://refibuy.ai/" data-vars-content-id="3741b1e7-5ebc-4639-953a-65133f96df66" data-vars-headline="Raleigh e-commerce startup raises $13.6M seed round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://refibuy.ai/" target="_blank">ReFiBuy</a>, is the latest startup from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scot Wingo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/08/16/local-limelight-entrepreneur-investor-scot-wingo-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="3741b1e7-5ebc-4639-953a-65133f96df66" data-vars-headline="Raleigh e-commerce startup raises $13.6M seed round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/08/16/local-limelight-entrepreneur-investor-scot-wingo-raleigh" target="_self">Scot Wingo</a>, a serial entrepreneur and investor who is influential in the Triangle&#x27;s startup scene.

Atrium's acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback

The merger would give Atrium, the state's largest hospital network, a foothold in the Triangle.

A vote on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="dea2f66d-d10e-45c5-b2bc-62f7be2313b7" data-vars-headline="Atrium&#x27;s acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed merger</a> between WakeMed Health and Atrium Health has been delayed after significant pushback from state and local officials. Why it matters: The potential merger would give Atrium Health, the state&#x27;s largest health care provider, a significant foothold in the Triangle.

WakeMed is seeking to combine with Atrium Health

WakeMed, previously owned by the Wake County until 1997, has three hospitals in Wake County

WakeMed Health, a nonprofit hospital that has served the Raleigh area since 1961, is moving to combine with Atrium Health, the state&#x27;s largest hospital system, they said in a joint release Friday. Why it matters: WakeMed is the third-largest healthcare provider in the Triangle, giving Atrium a large foothold here, if the combination is approved by regulators.<ul><li>Atrium, which has a significant presence in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/south-charlotte-arts-hub-nonprofit-campus-plan-feasibility-study-funding-theater" data-vars-content-id="0814822d-8981-4ce6-b306-90cfb940f0af" data-vars-headline="WakeMed is seeking to combine with Atrium Health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/29/south-charlotte-arts-hub-nonprofit-campus-plan-feasibility-study-funding-theater" target="_self">Charlotte</a> and the Triad, is part of the nonprofit healthcare company Advocate Health. </li></ul>

Durham and Raleigh's economies went two different directions last year

The Durham-Chapel Hill metro area was impacted by federal research and USAID cuts

While the Raleigh metro area was one of the biggest winners for jobs last year, it was a completely different story in the Durham-Chapel Hill metro. Why it matters: Durham shed around 3,800 jobs in 2025, according to new data from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/web/metro/metro_oty_change.htm" data-vars-content-id="7c539d69-b09d-4021-b088-178ce15f4183" data-vars-headline="Durham and Raleigh&#x27;s economies went two different directions last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/web/metro/metro_oty_change.htm" target="_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. <ul><li>The losses appear to be a direct reflection of the area&#x27;s exposure to federal research cuts. </li></ul>

Data center opposition is growing in North Carolina

Orange County just passed a moratorium and Durham is considering one.

Data center moratoriums continue to expand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="d5ae119a-65ef-4c61-92e1-7fcbbf98ec8d" data-vars-headline="Data center opposition is growing in North Carolina" 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">across the state</a>, according to an analysis by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Data Center Newsletter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/four-new-moratoriums-approved-apex-project-reemerges-vance-muraca-mwkre/?trackingId=6Tvli1J5RCa6lvpSM%2F1JwA%3D%3D" data-vars-content-id="d5ae119a-65ef-4c61-92e1-7fcbbf98ec8d" data-vars-headline="Data center opposition is growing in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/four-new-moratoriums-approved-apex-project-reemerges-vance-muraca-mwkre/?trackingId=6Tvli1J5RCa6lvpSM%2F1JwA%3D%3D" target="_blank">N.C. Data Center Newsletter</a>. Why it matters: As developers race to build data centers to meet a growing demand for computing power for artificial intelligence, residents across the country are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly trying to limit where they can be built" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" data-vars-content-id="d5ae119a-65ef-4c61-92e1-7fcbbf98ec8d" data-vars-headline="Data center opposition is growing in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" target="_self">increasingly trying to limit where they can be built</a>.

Orange County's 10 biggest sources of property tax

Chapel Hill apartment investors, Mebane life sciences companies and utility companies are the biggest players.

Local governments across North Carolina will roll out detailed budget plans in the coming weeks.Why it matters: Property taxes fund core local services, including K–12 education and public safety.

Durham County's 10 biggest sources of property tax

Corporate landowners would likely benefit from the property tax caps being discussed by the General Assembly.

The North Carolina legislature <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is debating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/15/nc-ballot-measure-property-tax-reform-constitutional-amendment" data-vars-content-id="2e15052e-df8f-439d-8d20-d44d7d531767" data-vars-headline="Durham County&#x27;s 10 biggest sources of property tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/15/nc-ballot-measure-property-tax-reform-constitutional-amendment" target="_self">is debating</a> capping property taxes or putting a moratorium on reappraisals this year, and that could be welcome news for some of Durham&#x27;s major private employers.Why it matters: The General Assembly&#x27;s proposed reforms are being framed as ways to keep housing affordable, but the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest corporate landowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/23/north-carolina-property-tax-cap-wake-county-corporate-landowners-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="2e15052e-df8f-439d-8d20-d44d7d531767" data-vars-headline="Durham County&#x27;s 10 biggest sources of property tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/23/north-carolina-property-tax-cap-wake-county-corporate-landowners-housing-affordability" target="_self">largest corporate landowners</a> stand to benefit, too.

Business 🏦

Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina's biggest farm industry

It's gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina

WakeMed's CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium

Raleigh e-commerce startup raises $13.6M seed round

Atrium's acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback