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North Carolina lawmakers rush to rewrite hemp legislation

A closed-door deal could determine whether many THC hemp products remain on shelves this fall.

Politics

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are negotiating whether intoxicating hemp products — including gummies, vapes, seltzers and flower — should <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remain legal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/03/north-carolina-thc-business-keep-operating-and-hope-for-a-stop-to-federal-changes" data-vars-content-id="1fb9ed7a-9427-4ed3-9c2d-5fad198e2b4c" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers rush to rewrite hemp legislation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/03/north-carolina-thc-business-keep-operating-and-hope-for-a-stop-to-federal-changes" target="_self">remain legal</a> after new federal restrictions take effect in November.Why it matters: Without a state carveout, many hemp-derived THC products could disappear from North Carolina shelves this fall, threatening businesses across the state.

The RTP 3.0 era officially begins

RTP 3.0 are an ambitious set of land reforms that could bring a mixed-use future to the business park.

Development

A new era is officially underway in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a> after the companies and landowners based in the 7,000-acre campus gave the final approval to its RTP 3.0 land rules. Why it matters: The land-use changes, which had already been approved by Wake and Durham counties, could significantly change the built environment of the Triangle&#x27;s most influential economic engine of the past six decades. <ul><li>Nearly 400 companies are based in RTP, ranging from behemoths like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IBM" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/21/ibm-campus-future-research-triangle-park-moving-employees" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/21/ibm-campus-future-research-triangle-park-moving-employees" target="_self">IBM</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lenovo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/22/lenovos-next-20-years-in-the-triangle-is-all-about-ai" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/22/lenovos-next-20-years-in-the-triangle-is-all-about-ai" target="_self">Lenovo</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biogen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" target="_self">Biogen</a> to hundreds of startups. </li></ul>

North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal

North Carolina has gone more than a year without passing a comprehensive state budget.

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, who lead both chambers of the state&#x27;s General Assembly, have released a long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state spending bill" data-vars-click-url="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewNewsFile/117/S257-CCSNExr-2%20v78" data-vars-content-id="b7d779ee-4024-4e4e-b915-bf522486943a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewNewsFile/117/S257-CCSNExr-2%20v78" target="_blank">state spending bill</a> with hopes of voting on it this week. Why it matters: The state has gone <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than a year without a budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/12/republican-leaders-general-assembly-budget-legislature-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="b7d779ee-4024-4e4e-b915-bf522486943a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/12/republican-leaders-general-assembly-budget-legislature-north-carolina" target="_self">more than a year without a budget</a>, as the N.C. House and N.C. Senate remained at odds over priorities, leaving things like raises for teachers and state employees in limbo.

Pair of bills advancing in North Carolina budget's shadow

While budget talks dominate, lawmakers quickly moved bills on public camping and diaper taxes.

While the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/30/north-carolina-lawmakers-release-full-state-budget-proposal" data-vars-content-id="0af69d69-2ce8-4641-b38b-1b9171e4e670" data-vars-headline="Pair of bills advancing in North Carolina budget&#x27;s shadow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/30/north-carolina-lawmakers-release-full-state-budget-proposal" target="_self">state budget</a> is sucking up most of the air in the General Assembly this week, some other consequential pieces of legislation are advancing quickly.Why it matters: A newly fast-tracked bill rewrites North Carolina&#x27;s homeless policy to align with Trump administration priorities, and a House proposal would eliminate sales taxes on period products, baby wipes and diapers.

Norse Brewing brings Scandinavia to Wake Forest

Norway and Sweden play Tuesday, making this gnome-filled brewery a timely Triangle dining stop.

Food and Drink

Wake Forest&#x27;s locally owned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Norse Brewing Company" data-vars-click-url="https://wakeforest.norsebrewingco.com/" data-vars-content-id="608211e3-01c5-4ba5-95b9-4a4e0e09eafc" data-vars-headline="Norse Brewing brings Scandinavia to Wake Forest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wakeforest.norsebrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Norse Brewing Company</a> is a timely stop for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="608211e3-01c5-4ba5-95b9-4a4e0e09eafc" data-vars-headline="Norse Brewing brings Scandinavia to Wake Forest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a> fans, serving Scandinavian-inspired food and beer in its charming, gnome-filled downtown tavern.Why it matters: Norway and Sweden&#x27;s knockout matches Tuesday make it an ideal time to sample Scandinavian cuisine without leaving the Triangle.

A Michelin-starred chef is bringing Indian fine dining to Chapel Hill

Ayra will open in the East 54 development in Chapel Hill

A Michelin-starred chef is helping open one of Chapel Hill&#x27;s most anticipated restaurants later this summer. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ayra" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ayranc.com/" data-vars-content-id="15597dd1-adce-4211-9958-b8def41706b1" data-vars-headline="A Michelin-starred chef is bringing Indian fine dining to Chapel Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ayranc.com/" target="_blank">Ayra</a>, a partnership between renowned chef Sujan Sarkar and the owners of Lime &amp; Lemon, will bring another Indian fine dining option to the Triangle.

Richmond restaurant group to open a sushi restaurant in Raleigh

Lucky AF is the second restaurant Eat Restaurant Partners will open in Raleigh.

Richmond-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eat Restaurant Partners" data-vars-click-url="https://eatrp.com/" data-vars-content-id="b041342c-4706-4afc-aaea-3de5435b3835" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant group to open a sushi restaurant in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eatrp.com/" target="_blank">Eat Restaurant Partners</a> plans to open a second restaurant in Raleigh early next year.Why it matters: The group is expected to begin construction on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucky AF" data-vars-click-url="https://getluckyaf.com/" data-vars-content-id="b041342c-4706-4afc-aaea-3de5435b3835" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant group to open a sushi restaurant in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://getluckyaf.com/" target="_blank">Lucky AF</a> — short for Asian fusion — at Ridgewood Shopping Center on Wade Avenue in the next few months.

Wake County waterways carry rare warning: Don't eat any fish

Contamination linked to a former transformer company continues to trigger fish warnings.

Environment

In some Wake County waterways, signs announce to anglers that the fish cannot, under any circumstances, be eaten.Why it matters: Eating lots of freshwater fish in North Carolina comes with health risks because of the widespread presence of mercury in the environment. Total bans are uncommon, though. <ul><li>This one is caused by another contaminant: cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).</li></ul>

A Korean-style convenience store is opening in downtown Durham

The store will open in a small, incubator space in downtown.

A Korean-style <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convenience store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/cu-opens-first-korean-convenience-093846110.html" data-vars-content-id="f52ea8bc-3930-4317-98d6-0f9bad6400be" data-vars-headline="A Korean-style convenience store is opening in downtown Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/cu-opens-first-korean-convenience-093846110.html" target="_blank">convenience store</a> is coming to downtown Durham this summer as part of an effort to encourage more women- and minority-owned businesses to open. Why it matters: Korean culture has grown more prominent in the U.S. in the past decade, thanks in part to K-Pop as well as the growth of the Korean-American population. <ul><li>Still, Durham doesn&#x27;t have the same level of accessibility of Korean goods and food that much larger cities like Los Angeles have. </li></ul>

Raleigh's East End Market names several new tenants, including new sushi spot

East End Market has several new tenants opening in the coming months.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East End Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eastendraleigh.com/" data-vars-content-id="f2c59ceb-5d47-4e04-b0e6-e0c3d4e2b5ae" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s East End Market names several new tenants, including new sushi spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eastendraleigh.com/" target="_blank">East End Market</a> in Raleigh will add several new restaurants and fitness studios in the coming months. Why it matters: The area around the intersection of Whitaker Mill Road and Atlantic Avenue continues to attract new retail and restaurant options, especially at the East End Market and Raleigh Iron Works developments.

Chef behind Asheville's Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh

Chef Meherwan Irani won a James Beard award for his work at Asheville's Chai Pani

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Botiwalla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chaipanirestaurantgroup.com/" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chaipanirestaurantgroup.com/" target="_blank">Botiwalla</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="much-anticipated Indian street food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/botiwalla-grilled-indian-street-food-iron-works-asheville-triangle-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/botiwalla-grilled-indian-street-food-iron-works-asheville-triangle-north-carolina" target="_self">much-anticipated Indian street food</a> restaurant from the chef of Asheville&#x27;s acclaimed Chai Pani, will open in Raleigh Iron Works next Tuesday, June 2. Why it matters: This is the fifth Botiwalla location for chef Meherwan Irani, who won the James Beard Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;most outstanding&quot; restaurant award in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/ashevilles-chai-pani-named-best-restaurant-2022-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/ashevilles-chai-pani-named-best-restaurant-2022-james-beard-awards" target="_blank">&quot;most outstanding&quot; restaurant award in 2022</a>.<ul><li>Botiwalla also has locations in Asheville, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" 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> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta" target="_self">Atlanta</a>, and Irani is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still in the running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/01/north-carolina-restaurant-still-in-running-for-top-james-beard-award" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/01/north-carolina-restaurant-still-in-running-for-top-james-beard-award" target="_self">still in the running</a> for the 2026 Outstanding Restaurateur award from the James Beard Foundation. </li></ul>What to expect: The Botiwalla concept is an homage to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Irani Cafes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2rn0kexxo" data-vars-content-id="988210f9-8c58-4918-94f4-33d3b1fcabab" data-vars-headline="Chef behind Asheville&#x27;s Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2rn0kexxo" target="_blank">Irani Cafes</a>, which are popular in many cities in India.<ul><li>The Persian-inspired eateries are known for their tea and late-night foods, and Botiwalla&#x27;s menu includes dishes like okra fries, lamb burgers, kebab rolls and salad and rice bowls.</li><li>It will also serve a collection of fizzy drinks, slushies, hot chai and lassis, a cold yoghurt-based drink.</li></ul>Zoom in: The Raleigh location is 4,000 square feet and has 80 indoor seats and 30 seats on its patio. Location: 2221 Iron Works Dr., Ste. 120, Raleigh, NC 27604Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11am-9pm<ul><li>Friday through Saturday, 11am-10pm. </li><li>Monday hours are coming later. </li></ul>

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.

Seraphine in Durham shines with flavor and courtyard charm

A Michelin-recognized Durham spot keeps diners coming back with standout pasta, oysters and courtyard vibes.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seraphine" data-vars-click-url="https://seraphinedurham.com/" data-vars-content-id="8cf3a4da-8087-485b-b3a4-c17ae433180d" data-vars-headline="Seraphine in Durham shines with flavor and courtyard charm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seraphinedurham.com/" target="_blank">Seraphine</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin-recognized Durham restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michelin.com/en/publications/products-and-services/michelin-guide-inaugural-american-south-selection" data-vars-content-id="8cf3a4da-8087-485b-b3a4-c17ae433180d" data-vars-headline="Seraphine in Durham shines with flavor and courtyard charm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michelin.com/en/publications/products-and-services/michelin-guide-inaugural-american-south-selection" target="_blank">Michelin-recognized Durham restaurant</a>, delivers Louisiana-inspired cuisine with European influences in a courtyard setting ideal for warm evenings.Dig in: The spot in Durham&#x27;s American Tobacco Campus earned early acclaim and has sustained the buzz since its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 debut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/12/18/the-best-restaurants-that-opened-in-2023-raleigh-durham" data-vars-content-id="8cf3a4da-8087-485b-b3a4-c17ae433180d" data-vars-headline="Seraphine in Durham shines with flavor and courtyard charm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/12/18/the-best-restaurants-that-opened-in-2023-raleigh-durham" target="_self">2023 debut</a>.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve been plotting a return visit all winter, and picked a recent weeknight while the Durham Bulls were playing down the street.</li></ul>

North Carolina craft beer has entered a "new era"

Changing consumer habits and rising costs have hurt breweries in the state.

The craft beer market&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">historic decline</a> continued last year, with a 5.1% decrease in production and 2.9% contraction in U.S. breweries amid a slump in consumption, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">report</a> released Tuesday shows.<ul><li>Those national trends are being felt in taprooms across North Carolina.</li></ul>Why it matters: Craft breweries were a growing part of the state&#x27;s economy throughout the past decade, breathing new life into downtowns throughout the state and making places like Asheville a destination. <ul><li>More than 400 craft breweries now operate in North Carolina. They had an economic impact of more than $2.2 billion in 2024, according to the report, released by the Colorado-based Brewers Association.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

A detour to Portugal in Fuquay-Varina

Norse Brewing brings Scandinavia to Wake Forest

Inside Michael Lee's upscale Korean restaurant

A Michelin-starred chef is bringing Indian fine dining to Chapel Hill

Michelin-starred chef bringing Indian fine dining to Chapel Hill