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Asheville's Helene recovery gets global G20 spotlight

More than 1,000 visitors are expected in the western North Carolina town hit hard by Helene.

Politics

This weekend, a G20 summit in Asheville will draw finance ministers, economic leaders and heavy-hitting CEOs from around the world.Why it matters: Choosing the Blue Ridge Mountains for the summit is a strategic show of support from the Trump administration for a region still healing from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/26/a-year-on-from-helene" data-vars-content-id="b53e4917-633f-44d4-87fe-cc758283547b" data-vars-headline="Asheville&#x27;s Helene recovery gets global G20 spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/26/a-year-on-from-helene" target="_self">Tropical Storm Helene</a>.

UNC Health rebrands startup investment arm, adds $125M

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

Business

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.

America's meetup boom can be seen in Raleigh, too

From birdwatching to mahjong, Raleighites are trying to meet people IRL.

Things to Do

Young people raised on swiping, DMing and streaming are doing something bold: going out.Why it matters: Amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/15/depression-living-alone-national-health" data-vars-content-id="d6a1be1a-794f-4778-b786-ae2e737c2f0f" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s meetup boom can be seen in Raleigh, too" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/15/depression-living-alone-national-health" target="_self">loneliness epidemic</a>, millennials and Gen Zers are craving IRL connection — enough to show up for meetups built around activities once considered solitary, or &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grandma hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" data-vars-content-id="d6a1be1a-794f-4778-b786-ae2e737c2f0f" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s meetup boom can be seen in Raleigh, too" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" target="_self">grandma hobbies</a>.&quot;

UNC displays 500-year-old copy of "The Odyssey"

The rare 1517 edition offers a centuries-old connection to this summer's blockbuster moment.

UNC-Chapel Hill is in possession of a very old, Renaissance-era copy of &quot;The Odyssey,&quot; and the book is now on display in a campus library. Why it matters: The ancient story&#x27;s turn as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer blockbuster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="d06fe4f9-c27e-43e6-a54a-30584573e1f5" data-vars-headline="UNC displays 500-year-old copy of &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">summer blockbuster</a> has brought it back to the forefront of global culture, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 3,000 years after" data-vars-click-url="https://www.history.com/articles/phrases-odyssey-homer" data-vars-content-id="d06fe4f9-c27e-43e6-a54a-30584573e1f5" data-vars-headline="UNC displays 500-year-old copy of &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.history.com/articles/phrases-odyssey-homer" target="_blank">nearly 3,000 years after</a> its debut.

Raleigh to lift water restrictions after rain-soaked July

More than 12 inches of rain has fallen this month.

Climate

Raleigh is set to lift its water restriction on Monday after experiencing significant rainfall this month, the city of Raleigh said Wednesday. Why it matters: Water restrictions have been in place <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since April" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/15/raleigh-to-add-new-water-restrictions-due-to-ongoing-drought" data-vars-content-id="6830750a-2aa3-437f-8da4-33430e698c87" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to lift water restrictions after rain-soaked July" 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/raleigh-to-add-new-water-restrictions-due-to-ongoing-drought" target="_self">since April</a>, after much of the state went into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severe drought to start the year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/09/drought-update-raleigh-driest-start-to-year" data-vars-content-id="6830750a-2aa3-437f-8da4-33430e698c87" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to lift water restrictions after rain-soaked July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/09/drought-update-raleigh-driest-start-to-year" target="_self">severe drought to start the year</a>.

Duke Energy and state reach agreement on lower rate increase request

Duke Energy's proposed residential rate increase has dropped from 18% to 9.5%.

News

After months of hearings with state administrators and receiving feedback from the public, Duke Energy has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reached an agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=79460baa-e4e7-49fc-a207-af41ad81252d" data-vars-content-id="ee105bbe-44a8-4f87-a1a2-05d9ed06f56d" data-vars-headline="Duke Energy and state reach agreement on lower rate increase request" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=79460baa-e4e7-49fc-a207-af41ad81252d" target="_blank">reached an agreement</a> to cut its proposed residential rate increase request from around 18% to around 9.5%. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/05/duke-energy-is-betting-new-battery-storage-facilities-will-help-it-use-more-renewable-energy" data-vars-content-id="ee105bbe-44a8-4f87-a1a2-05d9ed06f56d" data-vars-headline="Duke Energy and state reach agreement on lower rate increase request" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/05/duke-energy-is-betting-new-battery-storage-facilities-will-help-it-use-more-renewable-energy" target="_self">Duke Energy</a> is the dominant supplier of electricity for North Carolina residents, and the rates it charges customers are set through a highly regulated process with the N.C. Utilities Commission.

DNA tests raise questions about Outer Banks shrimp labels

Researchers found only 11 of 22 restaurants accurately labeled wild-caught American shrimp.

Food and Drink

Half the shrimp marketed as &quot;wild-caught American&quot; at Outer Banks restaurants last month was actually imported, according to genetic testing by SeaD Consulting.Why it matters: Consumers often pay premium prices at the coast expecting genuine U.S.-caught shrimp, even as cheaper imported shrimp dominates the wider market.

Yellow-legged hornets have NC beekeepers on alert

The invasive predators haven't reached North Carolina yet, but experts say it's only a matter of time.

Yellow-legged hornets are spreading across the South, leaving North Carolina beekeepers bracing for their arrival.Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s agriculture industry depends on pollinators, and yellow-legged hornets can collapse honeybee colonies essential to food production while preying on native insects.

Raleigh could impose tougher water restrictions sooner

Falls Lake keeps dropping as irrigation demand outpaces conservation despite months of restrictions.

Raleigh could impose tougher water restrictions earlier than planned as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high water demand during the drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/12/drought-deepens-over-triangle" data-vars-content-id="4b82d74e-a8a0-4acc-be3a-f09c096411ed" data-vars-headline="Raleigh could impose tougher water restrictions sooner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/12/drought-deepens-over-triangle" target="_self">high water demand during the drought</a> outpaces conservation efforts.Why it matters: Recent rain and months of Stage 1 water restrictions haven&#x27;t stopped Falls Lake&#x27;s water level from steadily declining.

Fireworks likely despite growing drought

High fire danger is building, but no burn bans are expected to disrupt Triangle fireworks events.

North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deepening drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/09/drought-update-raleigh-driest-start-to-year" data-vars-content-id="2f0f19d2-df27-4fa7-9940-e265e93530ea" data-vars-headline="Fireworks likely despite growing drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/09/drought-update-raleigh-driest-start-to-year" target="_self">deepening drought</a> is raising fire danger ahead of July 4, but no burn bans are expected to disrupt Triangle fireworks shows.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/heat-wave-incoming-for-central-north-carolina-this-july-4-holiday" data-vars-content-id="2f0f19d2-df27-4fa7-9940-e265e93530ea" data-vars-headline="Fireworks likely despite growing drought" 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/heat-wave-incoming-for-central-north-carolina-this-july-4-holiday" target="_self">Extreme heat</a> and dry conditions are increasing wildfire risk, even as holiday celebrations move forward.Zoom in: The state has no burn bans in effect that would prohibit fireworks.

Raleigh is experiencing its driest start to the year ever

Drought conditions have worsened across North Carolina this spring.

Environment

The Raleigh area is off to its driest start in more than 140 years, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina&#x27;s drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" data-vars-content-id="3c78f914-f747-4f59-bfb1-1917fcd91d10" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is experiencing its driest start to the year ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" target="_self">North Carolina&#x27;s drought</a> has become extreme across much of the Triangle, according to data from the National Weather Service. Why it matters: Water restrictions remain in effect to prevent the drinking water supply from dwindling too low.

Raleigh to add new water restrictions due to ongoing drought

Raleigh last had mandatory water restrictions in 2008, according to the city

Raleigh will institute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stage 1 water restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/water-supply-status-and-conservation-stages" data-vars-content-id="514826b7-5102-467c-968a-3f677362d3ea" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to add new water restrictions due to ongoing drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/water-supply-status-and-conservation-stages" target="_blank">Stage 1 water restrictions</a> starting on Monday due to drought conditions affecting its main reservoir at Falls Lake. Why it matters: All of North Carolina is experiencing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severe drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" data-vars-content-id="514826b7-5102-467c-968a-3f677362d3ea" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to add new water restrictions due to ongoing drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" target="_self">severe drought</a> this spring, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh area" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.87946000000005&amp;lon=-78.78709999999995#.Yzbp9OzMJO9" data-vars-content-id="514826b7-5102-467c-968a-3f677362d3ea" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to add new water restrictions due to ongoing drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.87946000000005&amp;lon=-78.78709999999995#.Yzbp9OzMJO9" target="_blank">Raleigh area</a> is not expected to get significant rainfall this week.

North Carolina's drought has no end in sight

Stream levels are at all-time lows as farmers enter the spring planting season.

North Carolina&#x27;s statewide drought is getting worse, and weather forecasters don&#x27;t expect any rain to help ease the strain this week. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soil is extremely dry" data-vars-click-url="https://climate.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NASA_SPoRT-LIS_0-10cm_pctl_2026-03-31.gif" data-vars-content-id="6fe7d53c-354d-4df0-a2b5-3c5c59420759" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought has no end in sight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://climate.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NASA_SPoRT-LIS_0-10cm_pctl_2026-03-31.gif" target="_blank">soil is extremely dry</a> as farmers enter the main <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planting season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/06/central-nc-spring-planting-season-drought-raleigh-wake-durham-chapel-hill-seed-libraries" data-vars-content-id="6fe7d53c-354d-4df0-a2b5-3c5c59420759" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought has no end in sight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/06/central-nc-spring-planting-season-drought-raleigh-wake-durham-chapel-hill-seed-libraries" target="_self">planting season</a>, and as groundwater levels drop, some communities are taking water conservation measures.

North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions

The Oxford-based company is scaling a fast-growing grass product to replace wood panels in homes.

North Carolina company Plantd is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raising big bucks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/04/north-carolina-venture-capital-startup-funding-pitchbook" data-vars-content-id="c711e89b-5692-4303-ae8d-fcf1cc246b86" data-vars-headline="North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/04/north-carolina-venture-capital-startup-funding-pitchbook" target="_self">raising big bucks</a> to scale up production of a carbon-negative building material made with its own crop of fast-growing grasses.Why it matters: Globally, the buildings and construction industry is &quot;by far&quot; the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Nations Environment Programme" data-vars-click-url="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future" data-vars-content-id="c711e89b-5692-4303-ae8d-fcf1cc246b86" data-vars-headline="North Carolina startup Plantd bets on grass to cut construction emissions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future" target="_blank">United Nations Environment Programme</a>.

Climate 🌿

Raleigh to lift water restrictions after rain-soaked July

Duke Energy and state reach agreement on lower rate increase request

DNA tests raise questions about Outer Banks shrimp labels

Yellow-legged hornets have NC beekeepers on alert

Raleigh could impose tougher water restrictions sooner