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School's back already? Not in most of North Carolina

More districts are defying North Carolina's calendar law, while Triangle schools are complying.

Education

Hundreds of traditional schools in North Carolina are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening this week" data-vars-click-url="https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/TempFolder/Meetings/SBE%20Report%20260513_472619vxikr0nfgubaaxcbuyi5ag1b.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e45bc08d-d67f-4c85-a2cf-a5619264842f" data-vars-headline="School&#x27;s back already? Not in most of North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/TempFolder/Meetings/SBE%20Report%20260513_472619vxikr0nfgubaaxcbuyi5ag1b.pdf" target="_blank">reopening this week</a> despite a state law barring them from starting classes before Aug. 24.Why it matters: America&#x27;s start-of-school season stretches nearly two months. Gone are the days of a shared &quot;back-to-school&quot; moment.

Peek into Fullsteam's new downtown Durham taproom

The brewery has been working on a return to downtown Durham after the original taproom's 2024 closure.

Food and Drink

Fullsteam Brewery plans to open its American Tobacco Campus taproom soon, likely in September. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been nearly two years since Fullsteam&#x27;s original taproom on the other side of downtown Durham <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed amid a dispute with the landlord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/04/fullsteam-brewery-is-relocating-to-the-american-tobacco-campus" data-vars-content-id="8f0a9d88-4ae1-4e93-a185-e5bbf303a7b3" data-vars-headline="Peek into Fullsteam&#x27;s new downtown Durham taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/04/fullsteam-brewery-is-relocating-to-the-american-tobacco-campus" target="_self">closed amid a dispute with the landlord</a>.

These were the Triangle's highest-paid CEOs in 2025

Ari Bousbib, the head of Durham-based IQVIA, was once again the region's highest-paid CEO.

Business

Ari Bousbib of Durham-based clinical research company IQVIA remains the Triangle&#x27;s highest paid CEO, according to an Axios survey of financial filings. The big picture: A majority of the chief executive officers of the Triangle&#x27;s largest publicly traded companies saw their compensation increase last year, bringing in millions of dollars worth of salary, stock options and perks. <ul><li>That mirrored a nationwide trend, with the median compensation of S&amp;P 500 CEOs up 5.9% last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to Equilar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.equilar.com/reports/127-equilar-associated-press-ceo-pay-study-2026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a0beb759-627d-4300-9f58-b4caf018b846" data-vars-headline="These were the Triangle&#x27;s highest-paid CEOs in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.equilar.com/reports/127-equilar-associated-press-ceo-pay-study-2026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">according to Equilar</a>.</li></ul>

15 things to do in the Triangle this summer weekend

Catch baseball, live music, festivals, forest bathing and more across the Triangle this weekend.

Things to Do

Summer isn&#x27;t over yet. <ul><li>Here are some weekend activities worth checking out.</li></ul>

UNC Health rebrands startup investment arm, adds $125M

Founded as Rex Health Ventures, UNC Health's investment arm has invested in 30 companies.

UNC Health is rebranding its investment arm and giving it $125 million in additional capital to put money into more health care startups. Why it matters: The move will give the health care system around $125 million to invest in startups over the next decade, according to Anita Watkins, who leads UNC Health&#x27;s venture capital efforts.

North Carolina's defense boom draws Silentium to Apex

Silentium chose the Triangle over Huntsville as it expands its U.S. defense and aerospace business.

Australian defense contractor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silentium" data-vars-click-url="https://silentiumdefense.com/" data-vars-content-id="1058bd3e-576b-4751-af1e-7e54766dc0ff" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s defense boom draws Silentium to Apex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://silentiumdefense.com/" target="_blank">Silentium</a> is establishing its North American headquarters in Apex.Why it matters: North Carolina is gaining momentum as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defense industry hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/09/north-carolina-views-defense-industry-as-key-growth-area-trump-admin" data-vars-content-id="1058bd3e-576b-4751-af1e-7e54766dc0ff" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s defense boom draws Silentium to Apex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/09/north-carolina-views-defense-industry-as-key-growth-area-trump-admin" target="_self">defense industry hub</a>, and Silentium says that growing ecosystem helped draw it to Wake County.

Highwoods Properties files plans for new office building in downtown Raleigh

The office market has been slow to recover since the pandemic.

Development

Highwoods Properties, Raleigh&#x27;s largest office landlord, has filed plans with the city for a 13-story office building in downtown. Why it matters: The Raleigh office market has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in flux for years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/14/north-carolina-raleigh-office-market-shows-signs-of-life" data-vars-content-id="a96b3996-8c2a-4529-a62d-04ba8df9e3d1" data-vars-headline="Highwoods Properties files plans for new office building in downtown Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/14/north-carolina-raleigh-office-market-shows-signs-of-life" target="_self">in flux for years</a> coming out of the pandemic, as remote work led to many prominent firms decreasing the amount of space they used. <ul><li>Not counting new government buildings from the city of Raleigh and the state government, this could be the first new office building built in downtown since 400H in 2021. </li></ul>

Ukrainian drone maker will open a manufacturing plant in North Carolina

Manufacturing facility in Fayetteville to create more than 160 jobs.

Skyeton, a Ukrainian drone maker, will open its first North American manufacturing facility in Fayetteville, creating more than 160 jobs in the city that is also home to Fort Bragg, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. Why it matters: Ukraine has become one of the most advanced makers of drones since Russia invaded the country, with battlefields there becoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proving grounds for new technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/27/ukraine-drone-strikes-russia-refineries" data-vars-content-id="643a6d99-7c93-41a0-8148-990d0e528560" data-vars-headline="Ukrainian drone maker will open a manufacturing plant in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/27/ukraine-drone-strikes-russia-refineries" target="_self">proving grounds for new technology</a>.

Quantifying a sports-heavy summer for downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh visitations grew up 5.4% in the second quarter of the year.

Sports have given downtown Raleigh&#x27;s economy a welcome boost so far this summer. Why it matters: At a time when many Raleighites flee to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the coast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" data-vars-content-id="a899eb25-dda9-48d1-b059-f905f0a2dee7" data-vars-headline="Quantifying a sports-heavy summer for downtown Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" target="_self">the coast</a> or to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the mountains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/19/bracket-competition-north-carolinas-best-mountain-town" data-vars-content-id="a899eb25-dda9-48d1-b059-f905f0a2dee7" data-vars-headline="Quantifying a sports-heavy summer for downtown Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/19/bracket-competition-north-carolinas-best-mountain-town" target="_self">the mountains</a>, downtown Raleigh visitation grew 5.4% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. <ul><li>That surge was even stronger in the Glenwood South neighborhood, which saw a year-over-year increase in foot traffic of 20.1% in June — around the time when the Hurricanes were on their way to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning the Stanley Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="a899eb25-dda9-48d1-b059-f905f0a2dee7" data-vars-headline="Quantifying a sports-heavy summer for downtown Raleigh" 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">winning the Stanley Cup</a>. </li></ul>

Democrats try to pressure Duke Energy to put data center pledge into writing

Duke Energy says it will continue discussions on new data center rules. Governor wants them now.

Duke Energy, North Carolina&#x27;s dominant utility, has signed onto a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White House-backed pledge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ratepayer-protection-pledge/" data-vars-content-id="b28dbefa-1c5b-4018-a787-dea22e927f63" data-vars-headline="Democrats try to pressure Duke Energy to put data center pledge into writing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ratepayer-protection-pledge/" target="_blank">White House-backed pledge</a> to shield households from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="absorbing any costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/07/23/trump-data-centers-governors-ratepayers-protection-pledge/91013327007/" data-vars-content-id="b28dbefa-1c5b-4018-a787-dea22e927f63" data-vars-headline="Democrats try to pressure Duke Energy to put data center pledge into writing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/07/23/trump-data-centers-governors-ratepayers-protection-pledge/91013327007/" target="_blank">absorbing any costs</a> related to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center building boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/02/nc-data-center-legislation-regulation-noise-water-electrical-costs" data-vars-content-id="b28dbefa-1c5b-4018-a787-dea22e927f63" data-vars-headline="Democrats try to pressure Duke Energy to put data center pledge into writing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/02/nc-data-center-legislation-regulation-noise-water-electrical-costs" target="_self">data center building boom</a>. <ul><li>Now, North Carolina&#x27;s top Democrats want to see that pledge written in legally enforceable writing. </li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" data-vars-content-id="b28dbefa-1c5b-4018-a787-dea22e927f63" data-vars-headline="Democrats try to pressure Duke Energy to put data center pledge into writing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" target="_self">Data centers</a> have become a notable political football in the state, with both Democrats and Republicans responding to rising concern from residents over electricity costs.

Local Limelight with Omie's owner Addison Yarbrough

Omie's, known for its seasonal drinks, recently turned four years old.

When Addison Yarbrough took over a former tire shop on Roxboro Street four years ago, the place looked like it was covered in an inch of grime, and a drum of waste oil had been left behind. Why it matters: Today that building — now painted blush pink and decidedly less greasy — is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Omie&#x27;s Coffee Shop, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.omiescoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="ed0c709a-4d3d-48f0-be21-c363ba9dadbf" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight with Omie&#x27;s owner Addison Yarbrough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.omiescoffee.com/" target="_blank">Omie&#x27;s Coffee Shop, </a>one of the Triangle&#x27;s most popular spots for adventurous latte flavors and community events. (Even the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jonas Brothers were fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article312710446.html" data-vars-content-id="ed0c709a-4d3d-48f0-be21-c363ba9dadbf" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight with Omie&#x27;s owner Addison Yarbrough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article312710446.html" target="_blank">Jonas Brothers were fans</a>.)

Meet the Duke startup trying to put a satelitte in space

The Durham-based startup is built off more than a decade of research from Duke University.

Backed by more than $7 million in seed funding, a Duke University spinout is hoping to launch a new generation of satellite cameras into space in the next few years.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Extellis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.extellis.com/" data-vars-content-id="9e0c7a4e-4522-4a0c-baf3-36f5d89ebb0d" data-vars-headline="Meet the Duke startup trying to put a satelitte in space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.extellis.com/" target="_blank">Extellis</a> is one of the latest startups to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerge from research at Duke University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/10/18/duke-unc-nc-state-startup-money" data-vars-content-id="9e0c7a4e-4522-4a0c-baf3-36f5d89ebb0d" data-vars-headline="Meet the Duke startup trying to put a satelitte in space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/10/18/duke-unc-nc-state-startup-money" target="_self">emerge from research at Duke University</a>, which is increasingly turning promising advancements in labs into real-world companies growing in the Triangle.

North Carolina's oldest Black-owned bank is merging with a South Carolina bank

M&F Bank, founded in 1907, is the oldest Black-owned bank in North Carolina.

M&amp;F Bank, North Carolina&#x27;s oldest Black-owned bank, said Wednesday it will merge with South Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Optus Bank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.optus.bank/" data-vars-content-id="1ddedd64-c038-43bf-8d00-4fbe43f5264c" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s oldest Black-owned bank is merging with a South Carolina bank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.optus.bank/" target="_blank">Optus Bank</a> in a move that will create the largest Black-owned bank in the country. Why it matters: The merger will lead to big changes for M&amp;F Bank, which was founded as Mechanics and Farmers Bank in 1907 and was a pillar of Durham&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Wall Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncanchor.org/anchor/durhams-black-wall-street" data-vars-content-id="1ddedd64-c038-43bf-8d00-4fbe43f5264c" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s oldest Black-owned bank is merging with a South Carolina bank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncanchor.org/anchor/durhams-black-wall-street" target="_blank">Black Wall Street</a>.<ul><li>After the merger, the combined banks&#x27; headquarters will move to Columbia, S.C., and the M&amp;F Bank name will eventually make way for Optus on its local branches in two years&#x27; time. </li></ul>

Highest-paid CEOs in the Triangle area in 2025

Data: SEC; Jon Stonehouse is now retired from Biocryst; Table: Zachery Eanes/Axios

Business 🏦

UNC Health rebrands startup investment arm, adds $125M

These were the Triangle's highest-paid CEOs in 2025

North Carolina's defense boom draws Silentium to Apex

Highwoods Properties files plans for new office building in downtown Raleigh

Ukrainian drone maker will open a manufacturing plant in North Carolina