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Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation's fastest

Immigration across the country slowed down in the first year of the Trump administration

News

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new U.S. Census data shows.<ul><li>But that isn&#x27;t stopping the Triangle from still being among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="7f345a6e-a50f-44b0-a890-6fedede25457" data-vars-headline="Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation&#x27;s fastest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" target="_self">fastest-growing areas</a> in the country. </li></ul>Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="7f345a6e-a50f-44b0-a890-6fedede25457" data-vars-headline="Growth in the Triangle cools slightly but still among nation&#x27;s fastest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick writes</a>.

Rocky Mount nears rare state financial takeover

Late audits and overspending pushed the city toward insolvency, triggering a final warning from state officials.

Politics

Rocky Mount is at risk of a rare state takeover of its finances after years of overspending and missed audits pushed the city toward insolvency.Why it matters: State takeovers are extremely rare. It&#x27;s only ever happened to 12 local governments, and they&#x27;re all far smaller than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Mount" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/17/where-president-trump-jd-vance-have-been-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="1433d93a-bdd2-464e-80fb-9cfd9a1350eb" data-vars-headline="Rocky Mount nears rare state financial takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/17/where-president-trump-jd-vance-have-been-north-carolina" target="_self">Rocky Mount</a>, a city of around 55,000 about 60 miles east of Raleigh.

Jean's By The Sea brings a new laid-back seafood joint to Durham

The menu jumps from Calabash-style fried baskets and shrimp rolls to raw oysters and crudo.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jean&#x27;s By The Sea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jeansbythesea.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c618f05-bfcf-49bc-a944-baa62c620741" data-vars-headline="Jean&#x27;s By The Sea brings a new laid-back seafood joint to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jeansbythesea.com/" target="_blank">Jean&#x27;s By The Sea</a>, a loving ode to the fish shacks of the coast, is providing a fresh injection of shellfish and seafood into the Durham food scene. Zoom in: Jean&#x27;s, run by local wine and hospitality veteran <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kate Elia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/news/in-other-news-march-2026/" data-vars-content-id="7c618f05-bfcf-49bc-a944-baa62c620741" data-vars-headline="Jean&#x27;s By The Sea brings a new laid-back seafood joint to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/news/in-other-news-march-2026/" target="_blank">Kate Elia</a>, opened last month in a former Wimpy&#x27;s Grill location off Hillsborough Road in the Old West Durham neighborhood. <ul><li>The spot still retains the small and laid-back charm of a roadside grill, but offers ample outdoor seating and a beverage program that punches above its weight.</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.

Education

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>.

Canes chase playoff breakthrough with high hopes in Raleigh

With three home games left, Raleigh fans are fueling a red-hot Canes team eyeing a deep run.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Hurricanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="1fe8079b-8c2e-4c19-9857-de5128bcffb6" data-vars-headline="Canes chase playoff breakthrough with high hopes 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/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" target="_self">Carolina Hurricanes</a> have three regular-season home games left in Raleigh before the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin April 18.Why it matters: For the eighth straight season, the Canes are poised to make a run.

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

Chef Saif Rahman blended Bangladeshi roots with Southern flair in a communal feast.

Ramadan ends Friday night at sundown, bringing an end to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" data-vars-content-id="9dfc97a4-d4a0-41a6-b188-34d5bdf014d8" data-vars-headline="Raleigh chef&#x27;s creativity shines with Iftar menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" target="_self">Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s</a> unforgettable nightly Iftar feasts, which I hope the year-old restaurant makes a tradition.Why it matters: Peregrine chef and co-owner Saif Rahman drew from his Bangladeshi heritage in crafting the multi-course menu.

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment

The restaurant could relocate if redevelopment of the site occurs

Development

The owners of Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant have filed a rezoning request with the city of Raleigh to potentially make way for more height on its Western Boulevard property. Why it matters: Amedeo&#x27;s has been a fixture of the Raleigh dining scene, especially among the Wolfpack faithful, for six decades. <ul><li>But Western Boulevard is on the cusp of a major transformation as the city eventually hopes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extend its bus-rapid transit system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" data-vars-content-id="11544304-8c32-4b0d-a1d8-e6476a42ff5d" data-vars-headline="Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment" 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/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" target="_self">extend its bus-rapid transit system</a> down the road, and it could potentially mean the relocation of the historic restaurant. </li></ul>

Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington

Brigid Washington, a Raleigh-based author of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two cookbooks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.withbrigid.com/books-brigidw" data-vars-content-id="92546a04-d5f7-4061-80ff-c15744f7c489" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.withbrigid.com/books-brigidw" target="_blank">two cookbooks</a> on Caribbean food, thought her next project would be another cookbook. <ul><li>But instead, her agent convinced her she should write a memoir about her experience in culinary school and an exploration of her Trinidadian roots. </li><li>It&#x27;s already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing interest from critics this spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/books/review/26-nonfiction-books-were-excited-about-this-spring.html" data-vars-content-id="92546a04-d5f7-4061-80ff-c15744f7c489" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/books/review/26-nonfiction-books-were-excited-about-this-spring.html" target="_blank">drawing interest from critics this spring</a>.</li></ul>

Geo's Tavern is coming, but what's the chef cooking now?

The tavern-style restaurant near UNC will spotlight North Carolina seafood and oysters.

Chef Daniel Jackson and restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias are putting the finishing touches on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" data-vars-content-id="38353e1c-e7af-4c3f-b343-dff24ea9c22b" data-vars-headline="Geo&#x27;s Tavern is coming, but what&#x27;s the chef cooking now?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" target="_self">Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar</a>, a new Chapel Hill spot aimed at locals and visitors.Why it matters: This year, the Bakatsias restaurant empire is growing to 20 locations around North Carolina.

Raleigh's pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future

The restaurant has provided more than 350,000 meals since 2018, its founder says

Business

Eight years ago, Maggie Kane founded the nonprofit restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Place at the Table" data-vars-click-url="https://tableraleigh.org/our-team/" data-vars-content-id="dbce0f30-17c7-4bcb-a3db-345274fee576" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tableraleigh.org/our-team/" target="_blank">A Place at the Table</a> with the hopes it could be a part of the solution to Raleigh&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" growing food insecurity and homelessness issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/07/raleigh-durham-homeless-count-increases" data-vars-content-id="dbce0f30-17c7-4bcb-a3db-345274fee576" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s pay-what-you-can restaurant charts a sustainable future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/07/raleigh-durham-homeless-count-increases" target="_self"> growing food insecurity and homelessness issues</a>. <ul><li>And after providing more than 350,000 meals, Kane says she remains blown away by the impact of the restaurant on Hargett Street while still worrying about its sustainability. </li></ul>Why it matters: A Place at the Table is Raleigh&#x27;s only pay-what-you-can restaurant, offering warm meals and space for some of the city&#x27;s least fortunate to come during the day while bringing all of the city under one roof.

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.

<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>

A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits

The distillery plans to expand to other spirits after starting with gin and vodka.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boatman Spirits Co." data-vars-click-url="https://www.boatmanspirits.com/" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boatmanspirits.com/" target="_blank">Boatman Spirits Co.</a>, a new restaurant and distillery that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened in downtown Raleigh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/10/seaboard-stations-boatman-spirits-mediterranean-distillery-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/10/seaboard-stations-boatman-spirits-mediterranean-distillery-raleigh" target="_self">opened in downtown Raleigh</a> last year, is now releasing its first spirits made in the City of Oaks. Why it matters: The debut of the company&#x27;s first spirits comes at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Americans are drinking far less than they used to" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="b4a914cc-bcf6-43ab-818a-49ac3de6a49b" data-vars-headline="A downtown Raleigh distillery launches its first spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">Americans are drinking far less than they used to</a>. But Boatman&#x27;s owners are betting that there is still room for products with a strong local story.

Durham's hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine's Day gem

La Recette Patisserie draws weekend crowds with French, Middle Eastern and North African desserts.

Things to Do

Drive around to the very back of an unassuming strip mall 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="e52f9b7a-2a1f-444e-bf90-21d532268339" data-vars-headline="Durham&#x27;s hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine&#x27;s Day gem" 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> any given weekend, and you&#x27;ll find people flocking to the storefront of a Parisian bakery with Middle Eastern and North African flair.Driving the news: La Recette Patisserie has become a destination for elaborate, handcrafted desserts — perfect for a Valentine&#x27;s Day indulgence.

Food and Drink 🍽

Jean's By The Sea brings a new laid-back seafood joint to Durham

Canes chase playoff breakthrough with high hopes in Raleigh

North Carolina restaurant still in running for top James Beard award

Big Cat in Raleigh opening March 25

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu