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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>

The questions you should be asking your primary care provider — and why they matter

Patients with a primary care provider they trust have better health care outcomes.

Partners

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/4CJecxx3TgEaWLyJ9p7cy8u4iS0=/2026/03/25/1774474220755.png&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: Amazon One Medical&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>Nearly half of Americans feel anxious before a doctor&#x27;s appointment — and most leave at least one question they forgot or didn&#x27;t feel comfortable asking.Here&#x27;s the deal: The relationship between a patient and their primary care provider (PCP) is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health.Studies show that patients with a PCP they trust have better health outcomes, lower hospitalization rates and higher satisfaction with their care, but the structure of most primary care visits makes that relationship difficult to organically build.

Health care cost illusions still underpin debates

North Carolina's 2026 session could reshape health care affordability statewide.

North Carolinians are feeling the strain of rising healthcare costs — and as the 2026 short session approaches, how lawmakers address affordability could influence what families pay, how employers structure coverage and how providers are reimbursed.Why it&#x27;s important: Health care affordability is shaped by a complex mix of insurance design, pharmaceutical pricing, regulatory decisions, provider costs and patient needs, all interacting within the broader health care landscape.<ul><li>For policymakers, that means reform requires examining how decisions in one part of the ecosystem affect the rest — not just the most visible components of care delivery.</li></ul>

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offers a new way to vibe for any occasion

THC seltzers from local North Carolina brand Delta Beverages are delivering the vibe without the booze and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this holiday season.

Food and Drink

THC seltzers from local North Carolina brand Delta Beverages are delivering the vibe without the booze and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this holiday season.Why it&#x27;s important: The U.S. drinking rate hit a new low this year and more Americans than ever think moderate drinking is bad for your health.

Find space and savings at Copper Ridge

True Homes is helping first-time buyers find quality homes — without leaving the Raleigh area.

Affordability feels increasingly out of reach for many first-time homebuyers in the Triangle. Prices are up, inventory is low and competition for starter homes is fierce.The story: True Homes wants to change that with new home communities like Copper Ridge at Flowers Plantation — a new community just outside Clayton that makes spacious, high-quality living more accessible to Raleigh-area buyers.

📍 REALTORS® know the market — and the map

Raleigh's population is booming — and NC REALTORS® help buyers and sellers keep up.

86% of homebuyers and almost 90% of sellers worked with a real estate professional in 2023 — and with good reason.Here&#x27;s why: North Carolina REALTORS® have the local knowledge and skills you need to keep up with Raleigh&#x27;s breakneck growth.

How EarnIn's Early Pay gives workers more financial flexibility

EarnIn's Early Pay allows workers access to their paychecks up to two days early — no matter the bank.

Many workers face a frustrating reality: bills don&#x27;t wait for payday. When rent, gas or groceries are due before a paycheck arrives, the gap can create unnecessary financial stress.The story: For Imani Brown, a college student and assistant manager in Raleigh, NC, that gap was all too real. Moving from California to attend an HBCU was both exciting and challenging — especially when balancing school, work and financial obligations.

Building your dream home is easier and more affordable than you think

Discover how True Homes can make your dream home a reality.

Real Estate

Staying on budget while home shopping is a challenge on its own — especially in today&#x27;s housing market. Staying on budget while personalizing a brand-new home? It may sound completely out of reach, but it&#x27;s possible with True Homes.

Sunshine is free — here’s how to use it to your advantage

Why get solar now? Prices have dropped significantly — and homeowners save even more money with federal tax credits that offset installation costs.

&quot;Solar and batteries completely changed how I think about using electricity,&quot; says Michael J., a Freedom Solar PowerⓇ customer who &quot;never wants to live in a house without solar energy again.&quot;Why it&#x27;s important: Solar replaces fossil fuels with homegrown renewable energy, so every panel installed lessens the need to burn dirty fossil fuels.This makes a difference by…

4 ways True Homes gives back in Raleigh

True Homes has made it a priority to deliver affordable housing in each of the five metropolitan markets it serves, including in Raleigh.

True Homes has made it a priority to deliver affordable housing in each of the five metropolitan markets it serves, including in Raleigh.