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This year's election includes several local bond decisions

Voters will be asked to borrow money for affordable housing, transit and schools.

Politics

While the Senate race is getting most of the headlines, Triangle residents will also weigh several bond referendums on their ballots. Why it matters: Bond referendums give residents a direct chance to determine whether a city or county should borrow large amounts of money to fund projects or infrastructure. <ul><li>They often come with tax increases, though, which is why city leaders often like to put them up for a vote.</li></ul>

The Triangle's biggest legislative races to watch in 2026

A handful of competitive districts could affect the GOP's ability to override the governor's vetoes.

Early voting is underway in North Carolina and several competitive state legislative races around the Triangle could reshape Republicans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold on power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/24/republicans-north-carolina-veto-override" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/24/republicans-north-carolina-veto-override" target="_self">hold on power</a>.Why it matters: Republicans are defending a near-supermajority, but Democrats are hoping to capitalize on President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s growing unpopularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/trump-republicans-midterm-election-house-senate" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/trump-republicans-midterm-election-house-senate" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s growing unpopularity</a> and gain leverage over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/08/chart-du-jour-opportunity-scholarship-spendings-rise-in-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/08/chart-du-jour-opportunity-scholarship-spendings-rise-in-north-carolina" target="_self">education</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/21/north-carolina-saw-influx-of-out-of-state-travelers-seeking-abortions-post-dobbs-study-finds" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/21/north-carolina-saw-influx-of-out-of-state-travelers-seeking-abortions-post-dobbs-study-finds" target="_self">abortion</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more" 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="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" 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</a>.

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.

Dix Park adds a 23-foot basketball tree

The 23-foot tall statue has 23 basketball hoops.

Things to Do

Dix Park&#x27;s latest art installation is a celebration of one of North Carolina&#x27;s favorite pastimes: basketball. Why it matters: The Dix Park Conservancy has made public art in Dix Park one of its biggest priorities, most notably investing in a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wooden troll sculptures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/23/five-giant-trolls-now-live-in-dix-park" data-vars-content-id="6b219b5e-fd71-464c-8ec7-d74b6fab0c79" data-vars-headline="Dix Park adds a 23-foot basketball tree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/23/five-giant-trolls-now-live-in-dix-park" target="_self">wooden troll sculptures</a> that have become a magnet for visitors.

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.

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.

Raleigh pauses data centers while it writes new rules

City leaders have six months to tackle concerns over noise, water use and pollution.

Business

Raleigh is banning new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/01/data-centers-how-much-power-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="f89381d4-193f-4960-9cf0-fe2945e717fe" data-vars-headline="Raleigh pauses data centers while it writes new rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/01/data-centers-how-much-power-north-carolina" target="_self">data center development</a> for six months. City Council approved the moratorium late Tuesday.Why it matters: The pause gives Raleigh time to rewrite its development rules to address data centers&#x27; impacts, including noise, water use and air and light pollution.

North Carolina eyes gas tax relief with midterms looming

With voters focused on affordability, state leaders are looking at gas taxes for relief at the pump.

North Carolina government leaders are turning their attention to gas taxes as they search for ways to give consumers relief from months of war in Iran.Why it matters: Fuel costs are high on voters&#x27; lists of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordability concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/27/rural-voters-cost-of-living-midterms" data-vars-content-id="6d85af63-93b3-4044-b108-7fe9923856b1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina eyes gas tax relief with midterms looming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/27/rural-voters-cost-of-living-midterms" target="_self">affordability concerns</a> heading into the November midterm elections, but less money from gas taxes could affect state roads.

GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early

Major GOP groups are taking their ad dollars elsewhere as Michael Whatley trails Roy Cooper.

With one month until Election Day, some big GOP spenders are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giving up on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/gop-october-midterms-key-moment?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="5d6f297c-6d1b-4b75-8208-4dce5566032b" data-vars-headline="GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/gop-october-midterms-key-moment?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">giving up on</a> North Carolina and prioritizing other states. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a sign that Republicans believe Michael Whatley can&#x27;t win and that the seat will flip to Democrats, who need <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four pickups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" data-vars-content-id="5d6f297c-6d1b-4b75-8208-4dce5566032b" data-vars-headline="GOP groups retreat from North Carolina Senate race a month early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/senate-ohio-alaska-iowa-texas-kansas-mississippi-nebraska" target="_self">four pickups</a> to regain control of the Senate.

Layoffs deepen at RTI International

The nonprofit is eliminating 200 positions after laying off a third of its workforce in 2025.

RTI International says it will cut another 200 positions this quarter.Why it matters: The Triangle-based research institute has already laid off hundreds of others as the U.S. cuts back on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scientific and humanitarian research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/21/blake-wilson-merkin-prize-million-cochlear-implants-rti" data-vars-content-id="141d9280-2057-42c4-a535-9ba9e780bfab" data-vars-headline="Layoffs deepen at RTI International" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/21/blake-wilson-merkin-prize-million-cochlear-implants-rti" target="_self">scientific and humanitarian research</a> under the second Trump administration.

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.

Inside the finances of NC's 13th District candidates

Both candidates for North Carolina's 13th district call for a stock trading ban.

As Republican Rep. Brad Knott vies for another term representing North Carolina&#x27;s 13th District, he reports holding assets worth between $3.3 million and $13.4 million, according to a financial disclosure report filed in August.Why it matters: Financial disclosure reports are one of the key tools the public has for examining how policymakers in Washington make their money and whether they have potential conflicts of interest.<ul><li>They&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="played a big role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" data-vars-content-id="a56d6f1b-d0df-43d5-8996-04c1f6d522f1" data-vars-headline="Inside the finances of NC&#x27;s 13th District candidates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" target="_self">played a big role</a> in the Senate showdown between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.</li></ul>

Chapel Hill braces for a star-studded G20 gathering

Sam Altman will discuss coming AI advances as global ministers gather on the edge of UNC's campus.

A G20 meeting next week will bring some of the biggest names in tech to Chapel Hill — including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.Why it matters: The high-profile gathering will complicate traffic and increase the police presence around campus Tuesday and Wednesday.

Politics 🇺🇸

The Triangle's biggest legislative races to watch in 2026

This year's election includes several local bond decisions

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

Raleigh pauses data centers while it writes new rules

North Carolina eyes gas tax relief with midterms looming