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North Carolina faces a degree shortfall in key industries, report finds

The state has identified nursing, engineering and education as critical need industries

Education

North Carolina is not graduating enough students with degrees in several critical industries to meet a growing demand for workers in the state, a new report from the UNC System says. Why it matters: The report makes the case that the state&#x27;s 16 public universities need to produce 5,000 to 10,000 more degrees every year to meet demand from workers, especially in industries like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" data-vars-content-id="a2d37f6b-599a-47e6-a6cc-ceb42368abdf" data-vars-headline="North Carolina faces a degree shortfall in key industries, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" target="_self">health care</a>, engineering and education.

North Carolina's drought has no end in sight

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

Climate

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.

Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce

The company said the layoffs are needed as the "technology landscape has changed dramatically."

Business

Pendo, one of the few Raleigh tech startups to reach a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="valuation of more than $1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/who-are-the-triangles-unicorn-startups-pendo-epic-teamworks" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/who-are-the-triangles-unicorn-startups-pendo-epic-teamworks" target="_self">valuation of more than $1 billion</a>, is laying off 90 positions, or around 10% of its workforce, a company spokesperson told Axios. Why it matters: Pendo is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest tech company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/06/tech-layoffs-ai-work" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/06/tech-layoffs-ai-work" target="_blank">latest tech company</a> to lay off workers this year, as companies reckon with how AI tools are changing their workforce and strengthening their budgets. <ul><li>Locally, Epic Games also recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced a large round of layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/24/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-as-fortnites-popularity-slows" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/24/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-as-fortnites-popularity-slows" target="_self">announced a large round of layoffs</a>, including more than 200 at its offices in Cary, due to a slowdown in its businesses. </li></ul>

Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills

The new plans comes weeks after the developer won a rezoning from the Raleigh City Council

Development

Roughly two and half months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning its rezoning case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="05b18a84-9f48-4f4b-9d7b-effa6d3b09ea" data-vars-headline="Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">winning its rezoning case</a> at the Raleigh City Council, Kane Realty has submitted plans for a new residential tower in North Hills. Why it matters: The rezoning case proved contentious as some residents pushed back against Kane&#x27;s efforts to build taller buildings along Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads, raising concerns about the area&#x27;s ability to handle increased traffic and shadows cast from new towers.<ul><li>But Kane, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh&#x27;s most prolific developer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/02/whats-next-for-kane-realty-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="05b18a84-9f48-4f4b-9d7b-effa6d3b09ea" data-vars-headline="Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/02/whats-next-for-kane-realty-in-2026" target="_self">Raleigh&#x27;s most prolific developer</a>, argued additional height was needed to handle the city&#x27;s growing population and North Hills&#x27; status as a magnet for newcomers. </li></ul>

North Carolina's top court bows out of public school funding fight

The Leandro case decision comes at a time when North Carolina student performance is still recovering from sharp pandemic-era declines.

The North Carolina Supreme Court has thrown out a $5.6 billion school funding plan put forward after a decades-long fight over public education spending. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leandro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/11/14/a-massive-education-plan-that-could-transform-cms-hangs-in-the-balance-313318" data-vars-content-id="b1266f12-51a3-490c-952c-49e05bda2a72" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s top court bows out of public school funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/11/14/a-massive-education-plan-that-could-transform-cms-hangs-in-the-balance-313318" target="_self">Leandro</a> case decision comes at a time when North Carolina student performance is still recovering from sharp pandemic-era declines in math and reading proficiency. Funding per student <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lags behind the national average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wunc.org/2025-12-16/nc-ranks-dead-last-in-the-country-for-school-funding-effort-new-report-shows" data-vars-content-id="b1266f12-51a3-490c-952c-49e05bda2a72" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s top court bows out of public school funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wunc.org/2025-12-16/nc-ranks-dead-last-in-the-country-for-school-funding-effort-new-report-shows" target="_blank">lags behind the national average</a>.

A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill

Hubert Davis' position as UNC basketball coach seemed secure before a March Madness loss to VCU.

Hubert Davis&#x27; future as the head coach of UNC&#x27;s basketball team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hangs in the balance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48270301/sources-unc-davis-discussing-future-tournament-loss" data-vars-content-id="c6d3c727-73e5-4906-8565-637214235999" data-vars-headline="A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48270301/sources-unc-davis-discussing-future-tournament-loss" target="_blank">hangs in the balance</a>, with the university set to make a decision in the coming days.<ul><li>It&#x27;s a sign of how fast things can change in Chapel Hill, as his position seemed secure until a 19-point lead <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="evaporated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/23/blue-devils-dance-on" data-vars-content-id="c6d3c727-73e5-4906-8565-637214235999" data-vars-headline="A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/23/blue-devils-dance-on" target="_self">evaporated</a> against VCU in the NCAA Tournament last week.</li></ul>

Duke commits $203M to Triangle amid pressure over affordability

Most of that will be spent buying more from local businesses and hiring local construction firms.

Duke University says it will invest $203 million over the next three years to help make living in the Triangle more affordable. Why it matters: The university has been under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/education/higher-education/duke-respect-durham/" data-vars-content-id="d5c9c7c7-9429-41c8-8e92-1f2a265a4472" data-vars-headline="Duke commits $203M to Triangle amid pressure over affordability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/education/higher-education/duke-respect-durham/" target="_blank">increasing pressure</a> to contribute more to the community, especially in Durham, where its land holdings are largely tax-exempt.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures

The 4-3 motion takes Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe off the chopping block.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board voted Thursday to narrow its list of possible <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elementary school closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/13/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-closure-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="2d3fa901-e6ab-47ac-b0b5-336274ea3a92" data-vars-headline="Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/13/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-closure-north-carolina" target="_self">elementary school closures</a> to three: Seawell, Glenwood and Ephesus. <ul><li>The 4-3 motion means Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe won&#x27;t be considered for closure.</li></ul>Why it matters: Facing declining enrollment and possible budget cuts, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders are seeking to &quot;right-size&quot; the district to match its smaller student population.

The Triangle's college grad boom

The Triangle's universities continue to power the region's growth

News

The Triangle has been one of the leading regions for adding residents with college degrees since the pandemic, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" data-vars-content-id="49637436-34a4-46c4-b872-bb6949543d3e" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s college grad boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" target="_blank">report</a> from the U.S. Census Bureau finds. Why it matters: The Triangle has long prided itself on how much talent its universities produce, helping make the region one of the biggest areas for job growth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over the past decade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/03/the-top-10-us-cities-for-job-opportunities-and-earning-potential-according-to-new-report.html" data-vars-content-id="49637436-34a4-46c4-b872-bb6949543d3e" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s college grad boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/03/the-top-10-us-cities-for-job-opportunities-and-earning-potential-according-to-new-report.html" target="_blank">over the past decade</a>.

Why one of North Carolina's top school districts is eyeing closures

CHCCS is considered one of the best school districts in the state, but enrollment is declining.

The board of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools could close up to two elementary schools as the district grapples with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/16/leandro-school-funding-lawsuit-in-limbo-north-carolina-charter-public-private-education" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/16/leandro-school-funding-lawsuit-in-limbo-north-carolina-charter-public-private-education" target="_self">declining enrollment</a> and budget shortfalls.Why it matters: CHCCS is considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article195097919.html" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article195097919.html" target="_blank">one</a> of North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/k12/d/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-nc/rankings/" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/k12/d/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-nc/rankings/" target="_blank">best</a> school districts. But its academic excellence doesn&#x27;t shield it from some of the same headwinds facing public school districts nationwide. <ul><li>School officials say closing a few aging facilities can help the district right-size itself to suit its current student population.</li></ul>

North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before

Christina Koch grew up in North Carolina and went to college at N.C. State.

Aerospace

Christina Koch, an astronaut <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised in North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/04/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-lands-moon-mission" data-vars-content-id="bca5e5e2-1f51-440d-a98f-7be4e7837597" data-vars-headline="North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/04/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-lands-moon-mission" target="_self">raised in North Carolina</a> and educated in the state&#x27;s public schools, is set to fly around the Moon as soon as next month. Why it matters: NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/22/huntsville-artemis-ii-nasa-marshall-sls-hls-lunar-mission" data-vars-content-id="bca5e5e2-1f51-440d-a98f-7be4e7837597" data-vars-headline="North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/22/huntsville-artemis-ii-nasa-marshall-sls-hls-lunar-mission" target="_self">Artemis II mission</a> marks a new era of space exploration, one that envisions a long-term presence on the Moon and trips to Mars.<ul><li>The spaceflight will provide Koch, a noted photographer, and the rest of the crew with a perspective no human has ever seen.</li></ul>

UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome's future is uncertain

The university has held acreage north of campus for decades, and is finally ready to start building.

The leadership of UNC-Chapel Hill is moving forward with plans to develop the Carolina North campus, significantly expanding the university&#x27;s footprint across the town of Chapel Hill. <ul><li>The goal is to break ground on the expansion in 2027 and hopefully line up its opening with the creation of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new bus rapid transit route" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" target="_self">new bus rapid transit route</a> along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts told the university&#x27;s board of trustees on Wednesday.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina North" data-vars-click-url="https://facilities.unc.edu/master-plan/carolina-north/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://facilities.unc.edu/master-plan/carolina-north/" target="_blank">Carolina North</a>, located at the site of the former Horace Williams Airport, has been a top priority for Roberts, who co-founded a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private-equity firm that operates real estate funds" data-vars-click-url="https://sharpvuecapital.com/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sharpvuecapital.com/" target="_blank">private-equity firm that operates real estate funds</a>, since he took on the role in 2024.<ul><li>The university views the land as a solution to several concerns: as a site for housing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing the student body" data-vars-click-url="https://fo.unc.edu/news/2025/08/27/the-finance-and-operations-teams-behind-uncs-enrollment-expansion-supporting-500-new-students/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fo.unc.edu/news/2025/08/27/the-finance-and-operations-teams-behind-uncs-enrollment-expansion-supporting-500-new-students/" target="_blank">growing the student body</a> to match the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s growing population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/03/north-carolina-population-growth-2030" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/03/north-carolina-population-growth-2030" target="_self">state&#x27;s growing population</a>, a place for affordable housing in an expensive town, the home of a future engineering school, and more space for research. </li></ul>

Another year passes with the Leandro school funding lawsuit in limbo

The Leandro lawsuit dates back to 1994, when school districts sued the state over inadequate resources.

The North Carolina Supreme Court has, once again, not made a ruling in the state&#x27;s landmark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leandro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/11/14/a-massive-education-plan-that-could-transform-cms-hangs-in-the-balance-313318" data-vars-content-id="17c44617-9728-428f-b3db-bcf9d1cb9a4a" data-vars-headline="Another year passes with the Leandro school funding lawsuit in limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/11/14/a-massive-education-plan-that-could-transform-cms-hangs-in-the-balance-313318" target="_self">Leandro</a> school funding lawsuit, leaving its outcome in limbo. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been 663 days since justices on the Republican-majority Supreme Court have heard oral arguments in Leandro v. North Carolina, a case that could have billions of dollars on the line for public schools in the state.

Education 📚

North Carolina faces a degree shortfall in key industries, report finds

North Carolina's top court bows out of public school funding fight

A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill

Duke commits $203M to Triangle amid pressure over affordability

Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures