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North Carolina lawmakers rush to rewrite hemp legislation

A closed-door deal could determine whether many THC hemp products remain on shelves this fall.

Politics

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are negotiating whether intoxicating hemp products — including gummies, vapes, seltzers and flower — should <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remain legal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/03/north-carolina-thc-business-keep-operating-and-hope-for-a-stop-to-federal-changes" data-vars-content-id="1fb9ed7a-9427-4ed3-9c2d-5fad198e2b4c" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers rush to rewrite hemp legislation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/03/north-carolina-thc-business-keep-operating-and-hope-for-a-stop-to-federal-changes" target="_self">remain legal</a> after new federal restrictions take effect in November.Why it matters: Without a state carveout, many hemp-derived THC products could disappear from North Carolina shelves this fall, threatening businesses across the state.

The RTP 3.0 era officially begins

RTP 3.0 are an ambitious set of land reforms that could bring a mixed-use future to the business park.

Development

A new era is officially underway 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="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" 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> after the companies and landowners based in the 7,000-acre campus gave the final approval to its RTP 3.0 land rules. Why it matters: The land-use changes, which had already been approved by Wake and Durham counties, could significantly change the built environment of the Triangle&#x27;s most influential economic engine of the past six decades. <ul><li>Nearly 400 companies are based in RTP, ranging from behemoths like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IBM" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/21/ibm-campus-future-research-triangle-park-moving-employees" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/21/ibm-campus-future-research-triangle-park-moving-employees" target="_self">IBM</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lenovo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/22/lenovos-next-20-years-in-the-triangle-is-all-about-ai" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/22/lenovos-next-20-years-in-the-triangle-is-all-about-ai" target="_self">Lenovo</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biogen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="46dc624c-56d1-464b-8fc9-73a8726be7fb" data-vars-headline="The RTP 3.0 era officially begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" target="_self">Biogen</a> to hundreds of startups. </li></ul>

North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal

North Carolina has gone more than a year without passing a comprehensive state budget.

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, who lead both chambers of the state&#x27;s General Assembly, have released a long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state spending bill" data-vars-click-url="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewNewsFile/117/S257-CCSNExr-2%20v78" data-vars-content-id="b7d779ee-4024-4e4e-b915-bf522486943a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewNewsFile/117/S257-CCSNExr-2%20v78" target="_blank">state spending bill</a> with hopes of voting on it this week. Why it matters: The state has gone <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than a year without a budget" 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="b7d779ee-4024-4e4e-b915-bf522486943a" data-vars-headline="North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal" 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 than a year without a budget</a>, as the N.C. House and N.C. Senate remained at odds over priorities, leaving things like raises for teachers and state employees in limbo.

Pair of bills advancing in North Carolina budget's shadow

While budget talks dominate, lawmakers quickly moved bills on public camping and diaper taxes.

While the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/30/north-carolina-lawmakers-release-full-state-budget-proposal" data-vars-content-id="0af69d69-2ce8-4641-b38b-1b9171e4e670" data-vars-headline="Pair of bills advancing in North Carolina budget&#x27;s shadow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/30/north-carolina-lawmakers-release-full-state-budget-proposal" target="_self">state budget</a> is sucking up most of the air in the General Assembly this week, some other consequential pieces of legislation are advancing quickly.Why it matters: A newly fast-tracked bill rewrites North Carolina&#x27;s homeless policy to align with Trump administration priorities, and a House proposal would eliminate sales taxes on period products, baby wipes and diapers.

Hurricanes parade shows hockey's rise in North Carolina

Massive crowds celebrated the championship with players and coaches in downtown Raleigh.

Sports

A parade celebrating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Hurricanes&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/01/carolina-hurricanes-stanley-cup-final-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="55caf8f8-a46d-4d1d-a50e-4c427338fe2a" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes parade shows hockey&#x27;s rise in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/01/carolina-hurricanes-stanley-cup-final-raleigh" target="_self">Carolina Hurricanes&#x27;</a> Stanley Cup win brought tens of thousands of fans to downtown Raleigh on Saturday.Why it matters: The celebration underscored how deeply the Hurricanes have embedded themselves in a fast-growing Southern hockey market.<ul><li>This is the second NHL championship for the Canes in franchise history, and their first in 20 years. </li></ul>

What the Hurricanes Stanley Cup run meant to Raleigh

The Stanley Cup buzz is reinforcing the case that the Triangle can support more major-league sports.

News

In a region of divided loyalties and transplants, the Carolina Hurricanes&#x27; run to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning the Stanley Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="d3700a5c-7000-4464-a797-f103cfc48edd" data-vars-headline="What the Hurricanes Stanley Cup run meant to Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" target="_self">winning the Stanley Cup</a> has given the Triangle and its 2.3 million residents something to rally around.Why it matters: You could feel it in the streets, with watch parties and bars from Raleigh to Durham slammed in a way usually reserved for Final Four runs.

Carolina Hurricanes win Stanley Cup

The Carolina Hurricanes win in Las Vegas, securing the franchise's second Stanley Cup.

The Carolina Hurricanes have won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 on Sunday night. Why it matters: It is Raleigh&#x27;s second-ever championship, the last coming 20 years ago.

Your permission to jump on the Carolina Hurricanes bandwagon

New to hockey? Meet the stars, learn the chants and find the best places to watch in Raleigh.

The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from becoming Stanley Cup champs for the first time in 20 years.Why it matters: This team has the talent and experience to win it all, meaning Raleigh could be in for an unforgettable summer. <ul><li>If you haven&#x27;t been paying attention yet, now is the time. We&#x27;ll help you catch up.</li></ul>

Carolina Blaze brings pro softball to Durham

The Triangle is now home to one of just six AUSL teams as women's sports keeps growing.

The Triangle&#x27;s newest pro sports team — softball&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Blaze" data-vars-click-url="https://theausl.com/blaze/" data-vars-content-id="77b68d9b-e8da-4c9d-84eb-f3272c04f729" data-vars-headline="Carolina Blaze brings pro softball to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theausl.com/blaze/" target="_blank">Carolina Blaze</a> — plays its first game in Durham on Tuesday.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s sports is a rapidly growing business, and Durham is one of just six cities with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Athletes Unlimited Softball League" data-vars-click-url="https://theausl.com/news/ultimate-guide-to-every-2026-opening-day-matchup/" data-vars-content-id="77b68d9b-e8da-4c9d-84eb-f3272c04f729" data-vars-headline="Carolina Blaze brings pro softball to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theausl.com/news/ultimate-guide-to-every-2026-opening-day-matchup/" target="_blank">Athletes Unlimited Softball League</a> team.

Time to find your World Cup watch party in the Triangle

Watch parties will be popping up across the Triangle once the U.S. kick off their first match

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="6f406726-1c9c-473b-96d4-c9f59844b196" data-vars-headline="Time to find your World Cup watch party in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off Thursday, starting what will be more than a monthlong celebration of the world&#x27;s game. <ul><li>That includes plenty of watch party opportunities in the Triangle to cheer on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. national team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/team-usa-world-cup-kits-unveiled" data-vars-content-id="6f406726-1c9c-473b-96d4-c9f59844b196" data-vars-headline="Time to find your World Cup watch party in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/team-usa-world-cup-kits-unveiled" target="_self">U.S. national team</a>. </li></ul>

Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident

Carolina enters the Eastern Conference Finals rested, healthy and carrying Stanley Cup hopes.

After 11 days of rest, 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="e6186b97-2317-43b0-a1f3-43cc8c0b217a" data-vars-headline="Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident" 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> return to the ice Thursday to battle the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals. Why it matters: The Canes have another good shot at the Stanley Cup this season, but hockey fans are debating whether the downtime will affect the team&#x27;s rhythm.

Meet Adam Lee Decker, the Hurricanes national anthem singer

Adam Lee Decker details his game day ritual, from singing in the shower to skirting I-40 traffic.

Adam Lee Decker says getting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Hurricanes home crowd" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="622a7b51-dba1-4469-bc82-3b421ef70cf6" data-vars-headline="Meet Adam Lee Decker, the Hurricanes national anthem singer" 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 home crowd</a> going with the national anthem is &quot;one of the coolest gigs&quot; of his career.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s a unicorn gig. It&#x27;s a unicorn song,&quot; Decker tells Axios.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Hurricanes&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sustained playoff success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/02/carolina-hurricanes-playoffs-raleigh-home-games-lenovo-center-sellout-streak" data-vars-content-id="622a7b51-dba1-4469-bc82-3b421ef70cf6" data-vars-headline="Meet Adam Lee Decker, the Hurricanes national anthem singer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/02/carolina-hurricanes-playoffs-raleigh-home-games-lenovo-center-sellout-streak" target="_self">sustained playoff success</a> has turned Decker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anthem performances" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn-qDqWDstg" data-vars-content-id="622a7b51-dba1-4469-bc82-3b421ef70cf6" data-vars-headline="Meet Adam Lee Decker, the Hurricanes national anthem singer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn-qDqWDstg" target="_blank">anthem performances</a> into a nationally televised ritual for millions of hockey fans.

As Lenovo Center grows, its transit options should too

The area around Lenovo Center is set for billions of dollars of investments in the coming decade

Transit

The parking lots around Lenovo Center are packed again for a Stanley Cup playoff series, with thousands of cars paying $50 a spot and traffic on Wade Avenue and Edwards Mill Road grinding to a halt.Why it matters: Avoiding the parking fee or easing the congestion is difficult, however, as only two direct buses stop nearby — and neither has the capacity to serve the arena during games or concerts.

Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments

With pools, golf simulators and more, The Novus is drawing Duke players using NIL income.

NIL money is allowing some Duke basketball players to live in downtown Durham&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most high-end apartment building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/27/see-inside-the-novus-durhams-newest-high-rise" data-vars-content-id="cefe5921-f999-4da2-98f2-922f2d7f84d3" data-vars-headline="Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/27/see-inside-the-novus-durhams-newest-high-rise" target="_self">most high-end apartment building</a>.Why it matters: In the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA&#x27;s new era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/20/high-point-ncaa-upset-wisconsin-nil-money-mid-majors-transfer-portal" data-vars-content-id="cefe5921-f999-4da2-98f2-922f2d7f84d3" data-vars-headline="Forget dorms. In NIL era, some athletes opt for luxury apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/20/high-point-ncaa-upset-wisconsin-nil-money-mid-majors-transfer-portal" target="_self">NCAA&#x27;s new era</a>, Division I athletes have gained access to a lifestyle that just five years ago would have risked sanctions or been reserved for the independently wealthy.

Sports 🏅

Pope Leo's Hurricanes jersey

Where to catch the USMNT game in the Triangle

Hurricanes parade shows hockey's rise in North Carolina

Carolina Hurricanes parade route in downtown Raleigh

Rod Brind'Amour, North Carolina legend