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Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses

In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement.

Business

Rob Belk, 35, grew up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" target="_self">Charlotte</a>, selling ladies&#x27; shoes at the SouthPark mall Belk, his family&#x27;s eponymous department store — a grind that instilled in him an entrepreneurial bug. Earlier this year, he purchased Sales Factory, a Greensboro marketing and insights agency that&#x27;s been around since 1984.Why it matters: In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement — part of a phenomenon dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="silver tsunami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" target="_self">silver tsunami</a>&quot; that&#x27;s resulting in a massive transfer of wealth.

North Carolina farmers are in tariff limbo

Soybean farmers in North Carolina are struggling with rising costs for fertilizer and equipment

North Carolina farmers are grappling with renewed uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down many of the Trump administration&#x27;s sweeping global tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="93bcc260-7408-43cd-a955-bffdb63ae970" data-vars-headline="North Carolina farmers are in tariff limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">struck down many of the Trump administration&#x27;s sweeping global tariffs</a>. Why it matters: North Carolina farmers of soybean and corn, the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two biggest crops by acreage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=NORTH%20CAROLINA" data-vars-content-id="93bcc260-7408-43cd-a955-bffdb63ae970" data-vars-headline="North Carolina farmers are in tariff limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=NORTH%20CAROLINA" target="_blank">two biggest crops by acreage</a>, are stuck in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost-price squeeze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/farmers-challenged-persistent-cost-price-squeeze-dynamics" data-vars-content-id="93bcc260-7408-43cd-a955-bffdb63ae970" data-vars-headline="North Carolina farmers are in tariff limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/farmers-challenged-persistent-cost-price-squeeze-dynamics" target="_blank">cost-price squeeze</a> that has been elevated by tariffs, said Charles Hall, the executive director of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Soybean Producers Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsoy.org/staff" data-vars-content-id="93bcc260-7408-43cd-a955-bffdb63ae970" data-vars-headline="North Carolina farmers are in tariff limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsoy.org/staff" target="_blank">N.C. Soybean Producers Association</a>.<ul><li>In other words, farmers are paying more for equipment and other inputs — in part because of tariffs — than they&#x27;re earning from crop sales.</li></ul>

Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch

The Durham commissioner shares favorite spots in Durham, talks primary rematch.

Politics

Nida Allam says in her three decades in the Triangle, one of the most beautiful things she&#x27;s witnessed is the blossoming of a vibrant community of immigrants.Why it matters: The county commissioner launched a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congressional bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="5d1d3b7f-8de9-4ad7-81a8-8b04ae97b51c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">congressional bid</a> at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="5d1d3b7f-8de9-4ad7-81a8-8b04ae97b51c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">immigration</a> is front and center in American politics.

One of Raleigh's favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro

The barbecue joint will take over the Lune Rotisserie space on Carrboro's Main Street.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longleaf Swine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longleafswine.com/" data-vars-content-id="518ba321-ab80-4da6-9f19-2b69d6b43990" data-vars-headline="One of Raleigh&#x27;s favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longleafswine.com/" target="_blank">Longleaf Swine</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barbecue joint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/01/raleigh-barbecue-joint-plans-expansion" data-vars-content-id="518ba321-ab80-4da6-9f19-2b69d6b43990" data-vars-headline="One of Raleigh&#x27;s favorite barbecue joints is expanding to Carrboro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/01/raleigh-barbecue-joint-plans-expansion" target="_self">barbecue joint</a> that quickly became a city favorite when it opened in Raleigh in 2022, is expanding outside of the City of Oaks for the first time with a location planned in Carrboro.Why it matters: Longleaf Swine&#x27;s expansion is a win for lovers of North Carolina&#x27;s whole hog barbecue tradition. <ul><li>The restaurant has been at the forefront of a new generational take on the state&#x27;s unique culinary ways, but it also serves brisket, weekly specials like steak frites, and an extensive bourbon program. </li></ul>

Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races

Key primaries for U.S. Senate, Congress and Raleigh power players are now underway statewide.

In-person early voting begins Thursday across North Carolina ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March 3 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">March 3 primary</a>.Why it matters: 2026 is a complex election year for North Carolina and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United States" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">United States</a>, and these primaries will set the stage for November&#x27;s fight for control of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">Congress</a>.

A small town North Carolina election is tied — again

For the second time, a candidate for office in Whitakers will have his name placed in a box for a random drawing.

Election

Update: Ford&#x27;s name was drawn on Monday, making him the winner.The small eastern North Carolina town of Whitakers has a tie for one of the spots on its Board of Commissioners, and it&#x27;s being settled Monday by drawing a name from a box.<ul><li>And for one of the candidates, it&#x27;s not the first time this has happened.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_163/GS_163-182.8.html" data-vars-content-id="4faa9525-a1da-4067-ae8a-0ee2959ff8fe" data-vars-headline="A small town North Carolina election is tied — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_163/GS_163-182.8.html" target="_blank">Law</a> dictates that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections in North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/05/triangle-election-results-durham-cary-morrisville-wake-county" data-vars-content-id="4faa9525-a1da-4067-ae8a-0ee2959ff8fe" data-vars-headline="A small town North Carolina election is tied — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/05/triangle-election-results-durham-cary-morrisville-wake-county" target="_self">elections in North Carolina</a> with 5,000 or fewer votes are settled by random chance.

NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority

Come January Republicans will no longer hold the power to override gubernatorial vetoes.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">North Carolina</a> Democrats appear to have broken the GOP&#x27;s supermajority in the state legislature, flipping a key seat an hour east of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/05/north-carolina-election-day-live-results-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/05/north-carolina-election-day-live-results-raleigh" target="_self">Raleigh</a>. Why it matters: Come January Republicans will no longer hold the power to override gubernatorial vetoes, which could force them to negotiate with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Governor-elect Josh Stein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/north-carolina-governor-race-robinson-stein" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/north-carolina-governor-race-robinson-stein" target="_self">Governor-elect Josh Stein</a> in order to pass their biggest priorities.

Meet Raleigh's next City Council

Raleigh's City Council will have a couple new faces

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Raleigh City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/29/raleigh-voters-city-council-election" data-vars-content-id="c33063af-41a7-45d7-9ab2-22d4d65f91c1" data-vars-headline="Meet Raleigh&#x27;s next City Council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/29/raleigh-voters-city-council-election" target="_self">The Raleigh City Council</a> will welcome two new members after Janet Cowell won the mayor&#x27;s race and Mitchell Silver beat an incumbent in District A. Why it matters: The new council will be tasked with working with Mayor-elect Janet Cowell to guide Raleigh through several key issues the fast-growing city faces, including addressing an increasing need for affordable housing and rolling out bus-rapid transit.

5 races we're watching on election night in the Triangle

While the presidential and governor's races will garner the most attention, there are dozens of interesting down-ballot races to watch in North Carolina.

After the polls close Tuesday night, all eyes will be on how North Carolina votes for president as well as its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversy-laden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/23/nc-mark-robinson-governor-campaign-controversy-republicans" data-vars-content-id="735986b4-7a72-43e8-bdbe-1269fc22ab85" data-vars-headline="5 races we&#x27;re watching on election night in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/23/nc-mark-robinson-governor-campaign-controversy-republicans" target="_self">controversy-laden</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gubernatorial race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/19/mark-robinson-cnn-report-nc-scandal" data-vars-content-id="735986b4-7a72-43e8-bdbe-1269fc22ab85" data-vars-headline="5 races we&#x27;re watching on election night in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/19/mark-robinson-cnn-report-nc-scandal" target="_self">gubernatorial race</a>. Why it matters: While those two high-profile races will likely affect how many people vote, dozens of down-ballot races will be worth watching on Election Day.

How to clear your head on Election Day

If you're feeling a little tense heading into Election Day, here are five ways to release stress.

If you&#x27;re anything like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="many Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/04/us/politics/election-anxiety.html" data-vars-content-id="138fc4c9-8af9-4dd4-8110-582ee7b661d6" data-vars-headline="How to clear your head on Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/04/us/politics/election-anxiety.html" target="_blank">many Americans</a>, you&#x27;re probably feeling a little tense heading into Election Day.The anticipation has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/donald-trump-2024-president-run" data-vars-content-id="138fc4c9-8af9-4dd4-8110-582ee7b661d6" data-vars-headline="How to clear your head on Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/donald-trump-2024-president-run" target="_self">building</a> for two years now: Former President Trump announced on Nov. 15, 2022 that he would run for re-election.Why it matters: While the end is in sight, it may be a little longer before we know the results of the presidential election.

"Canary in the coal mine": Black early voting lags in North Carolina

Black voters are vital to Vice President Kamala Harris' chances of winning the race for president.

Black voter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turnout in North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/18/north-carolina-voter-turnout-hurricane-helene" data-vars-content-id="91234951-9edd-43b0-afed-208a71f79479" data-vars-headline="&quot;Canary in the coal mine&quot;: Black early voting lags in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/18/north-carolina-voter-turnout-hurricane-helene" target="_self">turnout in North Carolina</a> is down 10% among those who cast ballots in person in the first 11 days of early voting compared to the same period in 2020, State Board of Elections data show. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/18/black-men-kamala-harris-swing-states" data-vars-content-id="91234951-9edd-43b0-afed-208a71f79479" data-vars-headline="&quot;Canary in the coal mine&quot;: Black early voting lags in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/18/black-men-kamala-harris-swing-states" target="_self">Black voters</a> are vital to Vice President Kamala Harris&#x27; chances of winning the race for president.

North Carolina: An especially unpredictable swing state

A confluence of factors in recent months has made North Carolina especially important — and unpredictable — in this year's presidential race.

With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Election Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/16/north-carolina-election-voter-guide-2024-wake-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-triangle" data-vars-content-id="6ee692f0-7d30-49f3-8ff9-70d158370f0a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina: An especially unpredictable swing state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/16/north-carolina-election-voter-guide-2024-wake-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-triangle" target="_self">Election Day</a> approaching, North Carolina voters are being pummeled with mail, television ads and visits from former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as candidates make their final pitches to undecided voters here.Why it matters: One of the fastest-growing states in the country, North Carolina has long been considered one of the swingiest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swing states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/08/28/north-carolina-s-now-a-toss-up" data-vars-content-id="6ee692f0-7d30-49f3-8ff9-70d158370f0a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina: An especially unpredictable swing state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/08/28/north-carolina-s-now-a-toss-up" target="_self">swing states</a>.<ul><li>In recent months, however, a confluence of factors has made the state, which Trump almost certainly needs to win the White House, especially important — and unpredictable — in this year&#x27;s presidential race.</li></ul>

NC tweaks voting rules in counties ravaged by Helene

North Carolina's elections board unanimously approved emergency measures Monday that will change some voting rules in 13 western counties ravaged by Hurricane Helene.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina&#x27;s elections board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/01/nc-2024-election-hurricane-helene-aftermath" data-vars-content-id="220aba1c-e5b6-4149-903b-9697ad48d6a7" data-vars-headline="NC tweaks voting rules in counties ravaged by Helene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/01/nc-2024-election-hurricane-helene-aftermath" target="_self">North Carolina&#x27;s elections board</a> unanimously approved emergency measures Monday that will change some voting rules in 13 western counties <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ravaged by Hurricane Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/30/helene-aftermath-north-carolina-southeast" data-vars-content-id="220aba1c-e5b6-4149-903b-9697ad48d6a7" data-vars-headline="NC tweaks voting rules in counties ravaged by Helene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/30/helene-aftermath-north-carolina-southeast" target="_self">ravaged by Hurricane Helene</a>. Why it matters: In much of western North Carolina, roads remain closed, internet and cell service is still sparse, tens of thousands are still without power and the death toll is still climbing.

Voter guide 2024: What's on the ballot in the Triangle

North Carolina voters this year may decide the race for president.

The 2024 election season is underway. From school board races to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presidential race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/us-presidential-house-senate-elections" data-vars-content-id="11632e84-ced0-491f-b251-2bee500f7a28" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2024: What&#x27;s on the ballot in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/us-presidential-house-senate-elections" target="_self">presidential race</a>, you&#x27;ll have quite a few decisions to make on this year&#x27;s ballot.Why it matters: Your vote always matters. But this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina voters may decide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/28/harris-trump-north-carolina-cook-political-report-2024-election" data-vars-content-id="11632e84-ced0-491f-b251-2bee500f7a28" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2024: What&#x27;s on the ballot in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/28/harris-trump-north-carolina-cook-political-report-2024-election" target="_self">North Carolina voters may decide</a> the race for president. Voters could also help decide which party controls Congress and whether Republicans hold onto their supermajority in the state Legislature.

Election 🗳️

Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races

A small town North Carolina election is tied — again

The Tea: Alo Yoga coming to North Hills

Green defeats Morrow in state superintendent race

NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority