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Ex-Democrats hand North Carolina GOP key votes

Two Mecklenburg lawmakers helped Republicans advance constitutional amendments and override a veto.

Politics

Two former Democrats gave Republicans in the North Carolina House the three-fifths majority they needed for several votes Wednesday, passing a trio of constitutional amendments that will likely appear on ballots across the state in November.Why it matters: Charlotte state Reps. Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed having joined the Republican majority Wednesday may have long-term effects, given the high threshold for altering the state constitution.

North Carolina sues VinFast to take back control of Chatham County land

The lawsuit is meant to take back control of the Chatham County land VinFast wanted to build on.

Business

N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the Vietnamese car maker VinFast, alleging the electric vehicle company breached its agreement with the state to build a manufacturing facility in Chatham County. Why it matters: Announced with much fanfare in 2022, VinFast&#x27;s promise to build a $4 billion EV plant in Chatham County and employ some 7,500 workers has not materialized, according to the lawsuit. <ul><li>The lawsuit is part of an effort by the state to reacquire the 1,765-acre site from VinFast and begin marketing it to new companies. </li></ul>

Why a Raleigh church is rethinking its parking lot's future

Many churches across the country are now using excess land to add affordable housing.

News

One of Raleigh&#x27;s most historic churches, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edenton Street United Methodist Church" data-vars-click-url="https://www.esumc.org/" data-vars-content-id="9115327a-afae-4966-bbd1-0316fa8cf9e6" data-vars-headline="Why a Raleigh church is rethinking its parking lot&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.esumc.org/" target="_blank">Edenton Street United Methodist Church</a>, is contemplating the future of its downtown parking lot and how it can be best used going forward in a rapidly changing city. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The church&#x27;s 1.2-acre parking lot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.esumc.org/dawsonlot" data-vars-content-id="9115327a-afae-4966-bbd1-0316fa8cf9e6" data-vars-headline="Why a Raleigh church is rethinking its parking lot&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.esumc.org/dawsonlot" target="_blank">The church&#x27;s 1.2-acre parking lot</a> sits in the heart of downtown Raleigh, where the church has been located since the early 1800s.

North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion

The aquarium closes after Memorial Day for a renovation that will add a huge new shark habitat.

<figure><img alt="A shark moves through the screen, its multiple rows of teeth and dead-looking eye nearing the camera lens." height="450" id="10af9e22-a47b-481f-8ca1-65b5730e5a68" src="https://images.axios.com/WCIhcD3MIptV2oxxjZP1B4fDUy0=/2026/05/21/1779378719507.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A sand tiger shark at Fort Fisher Aquarium. Video: Mary Helen Moore/Axios</figcaption></figure>This is the final weekend the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will be open for several years. Why it matters: A lengthy renovation and expansion begins after Memorial Day that will give the already popular destination a new look and make it the state&#x27;s largest aquarium.Zoom in: Today, the aquarium is home to around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="200 species" data-vars-click-url="http://inaturalist.org/guides/1499?page=1" data-vars-content-id="2a2d2d2e-f96d-4944-8fce-fdff17ba1be1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://inaturalist.org/guides/1499?page=1" target="_blank">200 species</a>, many native to North Carolina&#x27;s waters, including sand tiger sharks, an albino alligator and, sometimes, sea turtles. <ul><li>Many of the fish and other animals. including two families of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian small-clawed otters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/NCAquariumFF/posts/1332249242280196?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="2a2d2d2e-f96d-4944-8fce-fdff17ba1be1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/NCAquariumFF/posts/1332249242280196?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">Asian small-clawed otters</a>, will remain on-site throughout construction, aquarium staff said.</li><li>Renovations will add a massive 400,000-gallon shark habitat, new touch tanks and more.</li></ul>Driving the news: Construction breaks ground Tuesday. The state says it will take around 30 months, putting completion in late 2028. <ul><li>North Carolina has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two other state-run aquariums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaquariums.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a2d2d2e-f96d-4944-8fce-fdff17ba1be1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaquariums.com/" target="_blank">two other state-run aquariums</a>, but Fort Fisher is the closest one to the Triangle.</li><li>Fort Fisher&#x27;s Civil War-era historic site and beach access both will remain open.</li></ul>By the numbers: The aquarium had about 474,000 visitors in 2025.If you go: Aquarium entry continues <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9am-5pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaquariums.com/visit-fort-fisher" data-vars-content-id="2a2d2d2e-f96d-4944-8fce-fdff17ba1be1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Aquarium closing for yearslong expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaquariums.com/visit-fort-fisher" target="_blank">9am-5pm</a> through Monday. Adult tickets cost $15.<ul><li>The drive from Wilmington takes about 30 minutes. </li><li>900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach</li></ul><figure><img alt="View of visitors, including many children, as they view various fish in a tank at the Fort Fisher Aquarium, Kure Beach, North Carolina, 1997. " height="3125" id="eb139a25-ff97-4611-841b-fc98a2b44e19" src="https://images.axios.com/dMbGQ11G1AI8i0MxbapijzwHlhA=/2026/05/21/1779385682123.jpeg" width="4800"/><figcaption>The Fort Fisher aquarium in 1997. Photo: Brownie Harris/Corbis via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Why Triangle homebuyers are picking boutique firms

Small real estate firms like J Patterson Realty can provide white-glove service with deep personalization.

Partners

In the Triangle&#x27;s housing market — spanning Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary — steady demand and shifting inventory are raising the stakes for buyers and sellers.Why it&#x27;s important: For clients navigating big life transitions like relocating, upsizing or investing, property is just one part of the puzzle.<ul><li>These clients require clarity, confidence and a trusted partner throughout the process.</li></ul>

North Carolina GOP lawmakers consider reducing property taxes

Property taxes fund everything from schools to public safety in North Carolina cities and counties

Some North Carolina Republicans are floating the idea of reforming and reducing property tax burdens on homeowners as part of an effort to address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing affordability." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/07/whats-next-for-the-triangle-real-estate-market-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="0aa1070d-a5bf-4a9d-99ac-b56f16ab3f79" data-vars-headline="North Carolina GOP lawmakers consider reducing property taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/07/whats-next-for-the-triangle-real-estate-market-in-2026" target="_self">housing affordability.</a>Why it matters: Property taxes help fund many of the critical functions that local governments perform, from operating public schools and paying police officers and firefighters to building sidewalks and maintaining parks. <ul><li>But after a sharp rise in home prices since 2020, growing property taxes are also a financial pressure for many homeowners and contribute to increased rents as well. </li></ul>

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.

Transfer Co. Food Hall listed for sale

Transfer Co. Food Hall is home to tenants like Benchwarmers Bagels and Burial Beer Co.

Development

Transfer Co. Food Hall, one of downtown Raleigh&#x27;s first food halls, is up for sale, according to owner Jason Queen of Monarch Properties, who told Axios it&#x27;s time for someone else to lead the hall&#x27;s evolution.Why it matters: Since opening in 2018, the food hall has become one of downtown&#x27;s most popular gathering spots. It&#x27;s home to popular tenants like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benchwarmers Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/07/popular-bagel-spot-benchwarmers-second-location-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="d28097e4-1464-4cae-988a-7b875dfb0f47" data-vars-headline="Transfer Co. Food Hall listed for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/07/popular-bagel-spot-benchwarmers-second-location-raleigh" target="_self">Benchwarmers Bagels</a>, Alimentari at Left Bank and Burial Beer Co.

Here's who is interested in Triangle real estate listings

The leading source of views came from the D.C. suburbs.

Real Estate

Triangle counties continue to see a large influx of interest from out-of state homebuyers, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new data from Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/reports/cross-market-demand/" data-vars-content-id="c8bb3a59-46a2-426b-9ddb-549155aa7bd1" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who is interested in Triangle real estate listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/reports/cross-market-demand/" target="_blank">new data from Realtor.com</a>. Why it matters: The Triangle continues to be one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing regions in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/raleigh-durham-population-growth-census-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="c8bb3a59-46a2-426b-9ddb-549155aa7bd1" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who is interested in Triangle real estate listings" 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 regions in the country</a>, and homes listed for sale in the region often attract out-of-state eyes online, according to the data.

4 mansions we think Bill Belichick should consider on his house hunt in Chapel Hill

Check out these four dreamy Chapel Hill properties fit for a coach.

Bill Belichick is just weeks from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debuting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/uncs-big-money-bet-on-football-and-bill-belichick" data-vars-content-id="929ab095-ae99-4ba7-83e0-705152681fd6" data-vars-headline="4 mansions we think Bill Belichick should consider on his house hunt in Chapel Hill" 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/uncs-big-money-bet-on-football-and-bill-belichick" target="_self">debuting</a> as UNC Chapel Hill&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="head football coach." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/unc-reportedly-hiring-bill-belichick-to-be-its-next-head-football-coach" data-vars-content-id="929ab095-ae99-4ba7-83e0-705152681fd6" data-vars-headline="4 mansions we think Bill Belichick should consider on his house hunt in Chapel Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/11/unc-reportedly-hiring-bill-belichick-to-be-its-next-head-football-coach" target="_self">head football coach.</a>Why it matters: He&#x27;s under a five-year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$10 million-a-year deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/uncs-big-money-bet-on-football-and-bill-belichick" data-vars-content-id="929ab095-ae99-4ba7-83e0-705152681fd6" data-vars-headline="4 mansions we think Bill Belichick should consider on his house hunt in Chapel Hill" 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/uncs-big-money-bet-on-football-and-bill-belichick" target="_self">$10 million-a-year deal</a>, and his home pick could reveal how long he plans to stay.

📍 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.

Raleigh's wealthiest are increasingly opting out of homebuying

Close to 8% of renters in the Raleigh metro in 2023 made more than $185,000 a year, per Redfin data.

Nearly 8% of renters in the Raleigh metro in 2023 made more than $185,000 a year, up almost 3 percentage points from 2019, per a Redfin analysis of the latest Census Bureau data.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/19/mortgage-rate-state" data-vars-content-id="016bf7f1-f5c9-4387-ba95-260d5f9ebb5a" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s wealthiest are increasingly opting out of homebuying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/19/mortgage-rate-state" target="_self">homebuying</a> costs have climbed faster than rents, renting has become an attractive choice for many — even those with deep pockets.

The number of homes in Raleigh selling below asking price grows

Rising inventory is giving buyers more leverage in some parts of the country, including Raleigh.

Three springs ago, more than 70% of houses that sold in the Raleigh metro area went above asking price, as low interest rates and a surge of transplants led to bidding wars. State of play: In recent months, however, that proportion has flipped, with most homes in the area selling for below asking price, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homes-sold-above-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="b3c14414-1da0-405c-ae6f-95f0a0f60942" data-vars-headline="The number of homes in Raleigh selling below asking price grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homes-sold-above-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">data analysis</a> from Redfin.

Insurance is taking up a larger portion of Raleigh homeownership costs

Raleigh homeowners' monthly payment is increasingly going toward insurance

Home insurance costs made up 8.8% of the average mortgage payment in the Raleigh metro area in December, up from 6.5% a decade earlier, data shows.Why it matters: Rising costs for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="insurance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/20/homeowners-insurance-costs" data-vars-content-id="04040e59-6b10-40b1-ac3d-e5a5cf802e91" data-vars-headline="Insurance is taking up a larger portion of Raleigh homeownership costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/20/homeowners-insurance-costs" target="_self">insurance</a> and property taxes threaten to make homeownership <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unaffordable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/home-insurance-property-tax-vs-mortgage-cost-43ab76ed" data-vars-content-id="04040e59-6b10-40b1-ac3d-e5a5cf802e91" data-vars-headline="Insurance is taking up a larger portion of Raleigh homeownership costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/home-insurance-property-tax-vs-mortgage-cost-43ab76ed" target="_blank">unaffordable</a> for many.

Real Estate 🏠

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Find space and savings at Copper Ridge

Transfer Co. Food Hall listed for sale