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Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina's biggest farm industry

Poultry is North Carolina's largest agricultural commodity, and broiler chickens are a particular specialty.

Business

A federal antitrust lawsuit targeting the broiler chicken industry is nearing settlement, putting one of North Carolina&#x27;s biggest agricultural sectors in the spotlight.Why it matters: Chicken is American consumers&#x27; favorite — and typically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheapest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/meat-price-spreads" data-vars-content-id="2e599165-ad11-42a1-8edf-3b54ccfe27d5" data-vars-headline="Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina&#x27;s biggest farm industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/meat-price-spreads" target="_blank">cheapest</a> — source of meat.

It's gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina

New car payments now average $742 per month in North Carolina, according to Edmunds.

News

Even if you put aside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/29/gas-prices-continue-upward-trend-in-triangle" data-vars-content-id="01d62c1e-60c7-4cb1-b846-00beae569de4" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s gotten more expensive to own a car 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/2026/04/29/gas-prices-continue-upward-trend-in-triangle" target="_self">rising gas prices</a> for the moment, car ownership in North Carolina has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years. Why it matters: For the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="majority of us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/car-affordability-survey-santander" data-vars-content-id="01d62c1e-60c7-4cb1-b846-00beae569de4" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s gotten more expensive to own a car in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/car-affordability-survey-santander" target="_self">majority of us</a> in the Triangle, a car is necessary for getting to work and picking up groceries, making the price of car ownership hard to avoid.

Triangle library cuts draw backlash amid budget crunch

Wake, Durham and Orange leaders say slowing revenue growth is forcing difficult choices.

Politics

Proposed cuts to public libraries are starting to draw protests in the Triangle.Why it matters: Libraries are a small slice of county spending, but local leaders hoping to avoid steep tax hikes see a potential for savings.

Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident

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

Sports

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.

A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill

Hubert Davis' position as UNC basketball coach seemed secure before a March Madness loss to VCU.

Education

Hubert Davis&#x27; future as the head coach of UNC&#x27;s basketball team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hangs in the balance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48270301/sources-unc-davis-discussing-future-tournament-loss" data-vars-content-id="c6d3c727-73e5-4906-8565-637214235999" data-vars-headline="A year of major decisions looms at UNC-Chapel Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48270301/sources-unc-davis-discussing-future-tournament-loss" target="_blank">hangs in the balance</a>, with the university set to make a decision in the coming days.<ul><li>It&#x27;s a sign of how fast things can change in Chapel Hill, as his position seemed secure until a 19-point lead <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="evaporated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/23/blue-devils-dance-on" data-vars-content-id="c6d3c727-73e5-4906-8565-637214235999" data-vars-headline="A year of major decisions looms at UNC-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/2026/03/23/blue-devils-dance-on" target="_self">evaporated</a> against VCU in the NCAA Tournament last week.</li></ul>

High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness

A flashy arena, transfer portal pickups and deep pockets are fueling High Point's tournament rise.

High Point University pulled off a major upset Thursday, knocking off No. 5 Wisconsin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="83-82" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" target="_blank">83-82</a> for the school&#x27;s first NCAA tournament win.Why it matters: March Madness is changing now that colleges can pay players. High Point hasn&#x27;t publicly detailed its NIL strategy, but it is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notoriously wealthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" target="_blank">notoriously wealthy</a> and unveiled a flashy new basketball arena five years ago.

UNC's arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?

Consultants say a new Chapel Hill arena could bring in over $26M a year, even if capacity decreases.

The University of North Carolina still won&#x27;t say whether it&#x27;s going to renovate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existing men&#x27;s basketball arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/11/unc-tar-heels-considering-new-basketall-arena" data-vars-content-id="160b78af-0daa-43d9-a39a-3ed5ef52ff2b" data-vars-headline="UNC&#x27;s arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/11/unc-tar-heels-considering-new-basketall-arena" target="_self">existing men&#x27;s basketball arena</a> or build a new one elsewhere in Chapel Hill, but athletics staff are narrowing the list to three favorites, and this offseason may provide an answer.Why it matters: Athletics staff hope the new (or improved) Dean E. Smith Center will bring in millions more annually, keeping the Tar Heels competitive in recruitment as money <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pours into the once-amateur sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/05/16/unc-bubba-cunningham-belichick-house-settlement-revenue-share" data-vars-content-id="160b78af-0daa-43d9-a39a-3ed5ef52ff2b" data-vars-headline="UNC&#x27;s arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/05/16/unc-bubba-cunningham-belichick-house-settlement-revenue-share" target="_self">pours into the once-amateur sport</a>.

Seth Jarvis gives Hurricanes five players at Olympics

USA, Canada, Denmark and Finland  all have Canes on their rosters.

Carolina Hurricanes star Seth Jarvis is heading to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="d92401e4-278d-4aff-bf45-bfed93eccc97" data-vars-headline="Seth Jarvis gives Hurricanes five players at Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Winter Olympic</a>s as a late replacement on Team Canada, prompted by an injury.Why it matters: The addition of Jarvis gives five <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricanes players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/09/carolina-hurricanes-20th-anniversary-stanley-cup" data-vars-content-id="d92401e4-278d-4aff-bf45-bfed93eccc97" data-vars-headline="Seth Jarvis gives Hurricanes five players at Olympics" 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">Hurricanes players</a> a spot on ice hockey&#x27;s biggest stage.

A Panthers playlist to get you to Charlotte for the playoffs

The Panthers take on the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at 4:30pm.

This weekend&#x27;s playoff game in Charlotte needs a hype crowd for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Panthers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/04/panthers-playoff-game-charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-2026" data-vars-content-id="460b6e04-213b-47d6-9077-ed6c761d8045" data-vars-headline="A Panthers playlist to get you to Charlotte for the playoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/04/panthers-playoff-game-charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-2026" target="_self">Carolina Panthers</a> to have a shot at making it past the first round.Why it matters: The Panthers (8-9) beat their opponent, the Los Angeles Rams (12-5), earlier this NFL season.<ul><li>But the team has struggled offensively lately, and they&#x27;ve grappled with costly mistakes — meaning the Rams are 10.5-point favorites.</li></ul>

Olympics selections and snubs for Carolina Hurricanes players

Team USA, Finland and Denmark will all have Canes hockey players competing in the Milano Cortina games.

Several <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="a9aff479-0c60-4357-91d7-c9434c2a0095" data-vars-headline="Olympics selections and snubs for Carolina Hurricanes players" 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> players will be taking trips to Europe next month to compete in the Winter Olympics. Why it matters: NHL players have been unable to participate in Olympic hockey for more than a decade, meaning few active players have had the opportunity to compete on behalf of their nations, an emotional experience that many athletes cite as the pinnacle of their careers.

Sports 🏅

Canes to return to the ice rested, ready and confident

Meet Adam Lee Decker, the Hurricanes national anthem singer

As Lenovo Center grows, its transit options should too

Why landing an MLB team is an "uphill battle" for North Carolina

USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary