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Duke Energy strikes deal with data center giants 

The new rules come after widespread public pushback to data centers.

Business

Duke Energy and some of the world&#x27;s biggest companies have reached an agreement over a new large load tariff in North Carolina for data centers and other high-demand energy users.Why it matters: The creation of the tariff — essentially rules that high-use customers have to follow to gain access to electricity — comes as residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly push back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/27/democrats-try-to-pressure-duke-energy-to-put-data-center-pledge-into-writing" data-vars-content-id="5081422e-28d2-4cf1-bc2f-abe4d2b33d09" data-vars-headline="Duke Energy strikes deal with data center giants " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/27/democrats-try-to-pressure-duke-energy-to-put-data-center-pledge-into-writing" target="_self">increasingly push back</a> against the construction of new data centers in the state. <ul><li>Duke Energy is also still in the process of getting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal to raise electricity rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/20/duke-energy-and-state-reach-agreement-on-lower-rate-increase-request" data-vars-content-id="5081422e-28d2-4cf1-bc2f-abe4d2b33d09" data-vars-headline="Duke Energy strikes deal with data center giants " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/20/duke-energy-and-state-reach-agreement-on-lower-rate-increase-request" target="_self">proposal to raise electricity rates</a> in the state approved. </li></ul>

Don't expect full 41-cent gas tax cut at the pump

Stations aren't expected to pass along the entire tax break, and lower prices could take time to appear.

Politics

North Carolina will suspend the 41-cent state tax on gas and diesel through the end of November, pending the governor&#x27;s signature.Why it matters: The money will bring relief from months of high prices, especially to the shipping and farming industries.

Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over

Raleigh's active Chess.com players jumped 67% in a year as the centuries-old game finds new fans.

Culture

Younger adults are now more likely than their elders to play chess, according to recent YouGov <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47760163.39429/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3Vnb3YuY29tL2VuLXVzL2FydGljbGVzLzU0OTQzLXdoYXQtYW1lcmljYW5zLXRoaW5rLWFib3V0LWJvYXJkLWdhbWVzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfcG9ydGxhbmQmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/68c2bf4b2d4e12576f0d465dBc0c3bd91" data-vars-content-id="c5e823b1-3b66-4abe-a883-79ce222e1b89" data-vars-headline="Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47760163.39429/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3Vnb3YuY29tL2VuLXVzL2FydGljbGVzLzU0OTQzLXdoYXQtYW1lcmljYW5zLXRoaW5rLWFib3V0LWJvYXJkLWdhbWVzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfcG9ydGxhbmQmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/68c2bf4b2d4e12576f0d465dBc0c3bd91" target="_self">data</a>.Why it matters: The centuries-old game is becoming a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen Z" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" data-vars-content-id="c5e823b1-3b66-4abe-a883-79ce222e1b89" data-vars-headline="Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" target="_self">Gen Z</a> phenomenon.

Dampf Good BBQ drops plans for Durham location after backlash

The restaurant's owners were facing backlash for a string of conservative political posts a few years ago.

Food and Drink

Dampf Good BBQ, the Michelin-recommended Texas-style barbecue joint, will not expand to Durham after all, its owner, Nick Dampf, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said on social media Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/reel/DeMeHbBA2WL/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="b2ee1a57-1299-4847-b6a1-c12eff98e573" data-vars-headline="Dampf Good BBQ drops plans for Durham location after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/reel/DeMeHbBA2WL/?hl=en" target="_blank">said on social media Wednesday</a>. Why it matters: Dampf has faced mounting backlash over choosing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Durham&#x27;s Geer Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/22/dampf-cary-bbq-restaurant-expands-to-durham" data-vars-content-id="b2ee1a57-1299-4847-b6a1-c12eff98e573" data-vars-headline="Dampf Good BBQ drops plans for Durham location after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/22/dampf-cary-bbq-restaurant-expands-to-durham" target="_self">Durham&#x27;s Geer Street</a> for a permanent location after local residents, activists and social media users discovered a string of conservative <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media posts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/bullcity/comments/1wmykog/trump_loving_lgbtq_women_hating_racist_dampf_good/" data-vars-content-id="b2ee1a57-1299-4847-b6a1-c12eff98e573" data-vars-headline="Dampf Good BBQ drops plans for Durham location after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/bullcity/comments/1wmykog/trump_loving_lgbtq_women_hating_racist_dampf_good/" target="_blank">social media posts</a> made a few years ago. Many of Dampf&#x27;s posts criticized same-sex families, drag shows and things like critical race theory. <ul><li>Geer Street has long prided itself on its LGBT inclusivity, and a previous church-run coffee shop on the street also faced protests due to its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stance on same-sex marriage" data-vars-click-url="https://indyweek.com/news/pioneers-durham-hutchins-showroom-close/" data-vars-content-id="b2ee1a57-1299-4847-b6a1-c12eff98e573" data-vars-headline="Dampf Good BBQ drops plans for Durham location after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyweek.com/news/pioneers-durham-hutchins-showroom-close/" target="_blank">stance on same-sex marriage</a>. </li></ul>

UNC Health breaks ground on Research Triangle Park hospital

UNC Health views the hospital as critical to keeping up with the Triangle's growing population.

Development

UNC Health broke ground Tuesday on a new hospital on the edge of Research Triangle Park. Why it matters: The hospital, expected to open by 2032, is a key part of UNC Health&#x27;s local growth strategy and will add 144 new beds to the area and employ around 1,000 people, according to UNC.

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now

For nearly 50 years, UNC has sent medical residents to WakeMed for training.

Health

For nearly 50 years, the UNC School of Medicine has had a partnership with WakeMed to train medical students and residents at its hospitals. Why it matters: But WakeMed&#x27;s looming merger with Atrium has put that partnership&#x27;s long-term future into question, especially as Atrium has a close partnership with the Wake Forest School of Medicine and is currently helping it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expand to the Charlotte area" data-vars-click-url="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="3120e77f-2373-43b3-8f25-3685ca74fea9" data-vars-headline="UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" target="_blank">expand to the Charlotte area</a>.

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

WakeMed was founded by the county in 1961 and has operated as independent nonprofit since 1997.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday to give its backing to Atrium Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="9fb8bd4c-b056-4f4a-a1d2-ca080a4a1f7a" data-vars-headline="Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health</a>. Why it matters: The acquisition of WakeMed — the third-largest provider of health care in the Triangle and an institution originally founded by the county — has become a political lightning rod since it was announced this spring.

Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina

The number of kindergartners receiving MMR and DTaP vaccines has declined.

News

The vaccination rates of North Carolina kindergartners continues to decrease while the number of students with exemptions grows. The big picture: Vaccination rates among all American kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year for all tracked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" data-vars-content-id="5d1f8a64-f7c8-4bfb-85fe-044ff8e01dd6" data-vars-headline="Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" target="_self">vaccines</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="5d1f8a64-f7c8-4bfb-85fe-044ff8e01dd6" data-vars-headline="Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a> on Monday.<ul><li>Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, growing to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.</li></ul>

Alzheimer's drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks

The treatment can't cure Alzheimer's, but Duke researchers say it can slow the disease's progression.

Duke researchers are finding promise in an Alzheimer&#x27;s drug first approved for patients three years ago. Why it matters: The treatment can&#x27;t cure Alzheimer&#x27;s disease, but it can slow its progression.<ul><li>“This is about buying time in a disease that takes it away,” <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy Liu," data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fneurology.duke.edu*2Fprofile*2Fandrew-john-liu/1/0100019fd8508724-1cec6069-a267-4bff-bf91-88204592e277-000000/OiBaOpMM0sYCuuXNx8ExREcQtzU=473__;JSUlJQ!!Al82Z4c!yZ0RoCabVQtUJO2UDDhzbDaRKSFFZK-DeypMAy8lKW7wr_F9IRKx0_JrvJpJ3Dx-WHF7WTCb99Y0viH-9RfIHaXQ$" data-vars-content-id="74e2d308-0b3c-470c-a081-9c1111eefa36" data-vars-headline="Alzheimer&#x27;s drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:*2F*2Fneurology.duke.edu*2Fprofile*2Fandrew-john-liu/1/0100019fd8508724-1cec6069-a267-4bff-bf91-88204592e277-000000/OiBaOpMM0sYCuuXNx8ExREcQtzU=473__;JSUlJQ!!Al82Z4c!yZ0RoCabVQtUJO2UDDhzbDaRKSFFZK-DeypMAy8lKW7wr_F9IRKx0_JrvJpJ3Dx-WHF7WTCb99Y0viH-9RfIHaXQ$" target="_blank">Andy Liu,</a> an associate professor at Duke University School of Medicine, said in a press release describing new research into Duke patients&#x27; experiences with the drug. </li></ul>

Important nutritional research is being piloted through North Carolina's sewers

Researchers from Duke and UNC have been tracking diet habits through wastewater.

Environment

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina public officials plumbed the sewers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looking for signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/respiratory-diseases/dashboard/wastewater-testing" data-vars-content-id="50dffb7a-378d-416d-a559-230fd32616b3" data-vars-headline="Important nutritional research is being piloted through North Carolina&#x27;s sewers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/respiratory-diseases/dashboard/wastewater-testing" target="_blank">looking for signs</a> of the virus&#x27; prevalence was in the state. <ul><li>Now, that same infrastructure is being tested as a way to track the diets of entire cities and neighborhoods.</li></ul>Why it matters: The tracking method —  which captures food DNA left behind in sewage — could become an important tool for studying the nutritional health of a community or determine food access disparities by neighborhoods.

Some North Carolina schools still lack AEDs as lawmakers push bill

Advocates say quick access to AEDs can help save students during cardiac emergencies.

Education

North Carolina lawmakers are considering requiring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AEDs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/21/north-carolina-911-drone-defibrillator" data-vars-content-id="1f389ccf-67b0-4f16-b7cb-a5f120894d36" data-vars-headline="Some North Carolina schools still lack AEDs as lawmakers push bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/21/north-carolina-911-drone-defibrillator" target="_self">AEDs</a> on every public school campus.Why it matters: During cardiac arrest, getting a shock from a defibrillator in time can be the difference between life and death.

ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire

The decline comes after enhanced subsidies for the plans expired.

The number of North Carolinians enrolled in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act has fallen significantly this year. <ul><li>More than 200,000 fewer people are getting insurance via the program this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to data compiled by KFF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/marketplace-plan-selections-by-enrollment-type-2/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22north-carolina%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" data-vars-content-id="6e746ba5-e2a7-47be-abd4-253030351780" data-vars-headline="ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/marketplace-plan-selections-by-enrollment-type-2/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22north-carolina%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank">according to data compiled by KFF</a>. </li></ul>Why it matters: The drop came after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enhanced subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/obamacare-marketplace-upheaval-subsidy-extension" data-vars-content-id="6e746ba5-e2a7-47be-abd4-253030351780" data-vars-headline="ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/obamacare-marketplace-upheaval-subsidy-extension" target="_self">enhanced subsidies</a> for the ACA expired, making plans more expensive for many people.

WakeMed's CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium

WakeMed says its main campus needs at least $1 billion to be redeveloped.

WakeMed Health&#x27;s leadership said Tuesday that a merger with Atrium Health is needed to ensure the Wake County-based hospital network will be thriving a decade from now. Why it matters: Atrium&#x27;s potential takeover of WakeMed, which was founded by Wake County in 1961 and is a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" safety-net provider," data-vars-click-url="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/september/safety-net-hospital.html" target="_blank"> safety-net provider,</a> has been the talk of the town since it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">announced</a> last Friday afternoon. <ul><li>State and local officials, however, have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised strong opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" data-vars-content-id="7603ba51-0c04-418d-ac5c-c0e82ec37b27" data-vars-headline="WakeMed&#x27;s CEO makes his case for a merger with Atrium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/04/atriums-acquisition-of-wakemed-receives-significant-pushback" target="_self">raised strong opposition</a> to the speed and the scope of the deal. </li></ul>

Atrium's acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback

The merger would give Atrium, the state's largest hospital network, a foothold in the Triangle.

A vote on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="dea2f66d-d10e-45c5-b2bc-62f7be2313b7" data-vars-headline="Atrium&#x27;s acquisition of WakeMed receives significant pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed merger</a> between WakeMed Health and Atrium Health has been delayed after significant pushback from state and local officials. Why it matters: The potential merger would give Atrium Health, the state&#x27;s largest health care provider, a significant foothold in the Triangle.

Axios Vitals

Axios Future of Health Care

A line chart that shows kindergartner vaccine exemption rates and the U.S. average from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The local rate rose from 0.6% to 3%, with faster gains after 2020. It remained below the national average each year, which increased from 1.6% to 4.2%.

North Carolina kindergartner vaccination exemptions

Data: CDC; Note: Data collection methods can vary from state to state; Brad Jennings/Axios

Health 🩺

UNC Health breaks ground on Research Triangle Park hospital

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

Vaccine exemptions keep rising in North Carolina

Alzheimer's drug gives Duke patients hope — and risks