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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.

Politics

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.

Business

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.

The Triangle's most popular dog breed

A new report reveals the most popular and trending dog breeds in Raleigh and Durham.

Culture

Raleigh and Durham have the same favorite dog breed: the golden retriever.Why it matters: Golden retrievers are likely a familiar sight at the Triangle&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dog parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/06/dix-park-big-year-play-plaza-record-attendance-trolls" data-vars-content-id="0bb21881-8430-4a2c-9182-35e64237cf71" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s most popular dog breed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/06/dix-park-big-year-play-plaza-record-attendance-trolls" target="_self">dog parks</a> (or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bark Bar in Cary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/05/kid-friendly-activities-triangle-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="0bb21881-8430-4a2c-9182-35e64237cf71" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s most popular dog breed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/05/kid-friendly-activities-triangle-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill" target="_self">The Bark Bar in Cary</a>, perhaps).

The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh

The cost difference between owning and renting in Raleigh has grown.

Development

The average <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh renter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/03/raleigh-new-apartments-get-smaller" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/03/raleigh-new-apartments-get-smaller" target="_self">Raleigh renter</a> pays over $1,700 less a month than someone who owns a home in the region, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/august-2026-rent-report/" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/august-2026-rent-report/" target="_blank">Zillow report</a>.Why it matters: As Raleigh home prices remain sticky amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/mortgage-interest-rates-7-percent" data-vars-content-id="68d140aa-2c51-4afe-9231-d28115718ac8" data-vars-headline="The cost difference between renting and owning in Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/mortgage-interest-rates-7-percent" target="_self">high interest rates</a>, it&#x27;s more evidence that renting might be the way to go for some people.

A potential boost for Raleigh's MLB bid comes from the Braves

The Braves have long enjoyed exclusive television rights across the Southeast.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Braves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/27/braves-2026-season-opening-day-60th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="e167ccc3-96e9-428b-8615-b07b51465044" data-vars-headline="A potential boost for Raleigh&#x27;s MLB bid comes from the Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/27/braves-2026-season-opening-day-60th-anniversary" target="_self">Atlanta Braves</a>, the juggernaut of Southeastern baseball, appear to be opposed to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville&#x27;s potential bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/23/salt-lake-city-nashville-major-league-baseball-expansion" data-vars-content-id="e167ccc3-96e9-428b-8615-b07b51465044" data-vars-headline="A potential boost for Raleigh&#x27;s MLB bid comes from the Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/23/salt-lake-city-nashville-major-league-baseball-expansion" target="_self">Nashville&#x27;s potential bid</a> for a Major League Baseball team. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" data-vars-content-id="e167ccc3-96e9-428b-8615-b07b51465044" data-vars-headline="A potential boost for Raleigh&#x27;s MLB bid comes from the Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" target="_self">Nashville</a> is seen as one of the biggest rivals to Raleigh&#x27;s bid, and opposition in the form of the Braves could make the City of Oaks more attractive.

Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle

Durham gets a 3-on-3 competition Friday, and Zebulon hosts Boom Ball and open tryouts Saturday.

Things to Do

The Triangle is hosting two wacky spins on baseball this weekend.Why it matters: Baseball, long accused of being boring, is embracing weird and fun alternative formats, led by the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sold-out stadium shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" target="_self">sold-out stadium shows</a>.

Steve Belichick is leaving his dad's UNC football staff

Steve Belichick will resign next month after a probe also tied to Michael Lombardi's exit.

UNC-Chapel Hill says defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will resign from the football program next month following an investigation that also cost general manager Michael Lombardi his job.Why it matters: Both men were hand-picked by head coach Bill Belichick, whose time at Carolina has been beset by scandals. <ul><li>Steve Belichick is Bill Belichick&#x27;s son.</li></ul>

Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System 

UNC-Chapel Hill spent $188 million in 2025 on athletics.

UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State each spent more than $130 million on athletics in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a new report from the UNC System. Why it matters: The report comes as the UNC System, which oversees public universities in the state, takes a closer look at its policies amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic boom in spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" data-vars-content-id="8d89db05-076a-415d-bc60-8819f417065b" data-vars-headline="Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" target="_blank">historic boom in spending</a> on college sports.

Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins

Fans won't get their usual up-close look at the Canes during preseason practices in Morrisville.

Carolina Hurricanes training camp starts next week, but fans won&#x27;t be able to watch the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stanley Cup champions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/15/carolina-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="8166fe2d-6ee5-454d-82a9-396f225899b7" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins" 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">Stanley Cup champions</a> practice.Why it matters: Unlike <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previous years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/15/how-to-watch-carolina-canes-skate-for-free-training-camp-morrisville-lenovo-center" data-vars-content-id="8166fe2d-6ee5-454d-82a9-396f225899b7" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/15/how-to-watch-carolina-canes-skate-for-free-training-camp-morrisville-lenovo-center" target="_self">previous years</a>, preseason skates at the team&#x27;s Morrisville practice rink are closed to the public, though media can watch.

Ashley Sanchez is chasing soccer history with the Courage

Sanchez has a league-best 15 goals with nine games left to chase the NWSL record of 20.

North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez is on fire right now, after notching another two goals in the Courage&#x27;s midweek win over Angel City. Why it matters: Sanchez has now scored 15 goals this season, which not only leads the National Women&#x27;s Soccer League but also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breaks the record for most goals in a season for the Courage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nccourage.com/news/ashley-sanchez-breaks-club-record-ties-multiple-league-records-in-win" data-vars-content-id="dc4dd61d-7b27-422b-8091-7eae83acc59b" data-vars-headline="Ashley Sanchez is chasing soccer history with the Courage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nccourage.com/news/ashley-sanchez-breaks-club-record-ties-multiple-league-records-in-win" target="_blank">breaks the record for most goals in a season for the Courage</a>.

A golf club without a course opens in North Hills

Intown offers simulator golf bays, a cocktail lounge and dining events.

Food and Drink

Intown Golf Club, a private social club for golfers with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.intowngolfclub.com/about" data-vars-content-id="223a2882-9592-4b95-a6cc-fdd2c00ed7fb" data-vars-headline="A golf club without a course opens in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.intowngolfclub.com/about" target="_blank">locations across the country</a>, is now open in North Hills. Zoom in: The Atlanta-based company has built out a 13,000-square-foot space featuring eight golf simulator bays, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor patio. <ul><li>Intown caters to urban golfers who aren&#x27;t members of existing clubs, whether it&#x27;s due to them being too expensive or too far from where they live. </li><li>Membership includes access to food, drinks, member trips and a full calendar of social events. </li></ul>

New Raleigh tennis complex will have French red clay courts

Swing Racquet + Paddle will become an exclusive partner with Roland-Garros in the U.S.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swing Racquet + Paddle" data-vars-click-url="https://swingnc.com/" data-vars-content-id="49a16b70-92e8-46df-9963-677c57a3c5d9" data-vars-headline="New Raleigh tennis complex will have French red clay courts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://swingnc.com/" target="_blank">Swing Racquet + Paddle</a>, a massive racquet sports complex being built near Brier Creek in Raleigh, plans to feature something rare in North American sports: red clay tennis courts. Why it matters: Swing said Tuesday it will partner with Roland-Garros, also known as the French Open, to import true European red clay courts to the Raleigh complex when it opens in 2028. <ul><li>Red clay courts are very hard to find in the U.S. and offer a much different experience than the typical asphalt or concrete courts, according to Swing&#x27;s founder Rob Autry.</li></ul>

UNC looks to place athletics in an LLC

UNC would join a trend of universities across the country of placing athletics into separate entitites.

UNC-Chapel Hill trustees are considering putting the university&#x27;s athletics department into a separate entity owned by the school — a move its athletic director said could help maximize revenue. Why it matters: As college sports move into a more professional and expensive direction, some colleges across the country are spinning their athletics into limited liability companies.

How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition

The annual event now attracts Olympians and American record holders in the mile.

Twelve years ago, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sir Walter Miler race" data-vars-click-url="https://sirwaltermiler.com/" data-vars-content-id="73357532-865d-4d7e-8166-4fbdf389cae7" data-vars-headline="How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sirwaltermiler.com/" target="_blank">Sir Walter Miler race</a> started with $3,000 from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kickstarter campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/patprice/sir-walter-miler-august-1-2014" data-vars-content-id="73357532-865d-4d7e-8166-4fbdf389cae7" data-vars-headline="How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/patprice/sir-walter-miler-august-1-2014" target="_blank">Kickstarter campaign</a> and a dream of making a fun race for runners trying to break into a professional career.Why it matters: Nowadays, though, the raucous Raleigh race has become one of the most unique events on the pro running circuit and attracts Olympians and some of the most elite runners in the world. <ul><li>The free-to-attend race has become one of the premier events for the Triangle&#x27;s growing running community, where you can now find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="professional running teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pumaeliterunning.com/" data-vars-content-id="73357532-865d-4d7e-8166-4fbdf389cae7" data-vars-headline="How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pumaeliterunning.com/" target="_blank">professional running teams</a> on the region&#x27;s trails and influential sports companies like Garmin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investing heavily" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/07/24/garmin-cary-expansion-hiring-jobs-gps-tech.html" data-vars-content-id="73357532-865d-4d7e-8166-4fbdf389cae7" data-vars-headline="How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/07/24/garmin-cary-expansion-hiring-jobs-gps-tech.html" target="_blank">investing heavily</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="into the area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/news/local/durham-prepares-tourism-boom-first-ever-garmin-marathon-april-2026/" data-vars-content-id="73357532-865d-4d7e-8166-4fbdf389cae7" data-vars-headline="How the Sir Walter Miler went from kickstarter to elite competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/news/local/durham-prepares-tourism-boom-first-ever-garmin-marathon-april-2026/" target="_blank">into the area</a>. </li></ul>

Axios Charlotte

How to watch Hornets games this season

Charlotte

A bar chart that shows fiscal 2025 athletics spending by UNC System schools. UNC-Chapel Hill spends the most at $188 million, followed by NC State at $134 million. East Carolina is at $68 million. The lowest totals are NC Central at $18 million and Western Carolina at $19 million.

Total athletics spending by UNC System schools

Data: UNC System; Note: Only includes 10 largest expenses by UNC System schools ; Chart: Zachery Eanes/Axios

Sports 🏅

A potential boost for Raleigh's MLB bid comes from the Braves

How to watch Hornets games this season

Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle

Steve Belichick is leaving his dad's UNC football staff

Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System