Raleigh

Raleigh Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Raleigh Partners

Axios Raleigh

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Raleigh.

Axios Raleigh Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Raleigh Members

Membership

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>

Sylvan Esso is bringing back its Good Moon festival

Artists performing at the festival includes Sylvan Esso, Tyler Childers and MJ Lenderman.

Things to Do

After a year away, the Durham band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sylvan Esso" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sylvanesso.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f761b9a-0833-460e-9570-b24bcc3fb89e" data-vars-headline="Sylvan Esso is bringing back its Good Moon festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sylvanesso.com/" target="_blank">Sylvan Esso</a> and its music label <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Psychic Hotline" data-vars-click-url="https://psychic-hotline.net/" data-vars-content-id="3f761b9a-0833-460e-9570-b24bcc3fb89e" data-vars-headline="Sylvan Esso is bringing back its Good Moon festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://psychic-hotline.net/" target="_blank">Psychic Hotline</a> are bringing back the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Good Moon music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://goodmoonnc.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f761b9a-0833-460e-9570-b24bcc3fb89e" data-vars-headline="Sylvan Esso is bringing back its Good Moon festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://goodmoonnc.com/" target="_blank">Good Moon music festival</a> to Durham this fall.Why it matters: Sylvan Esso has become one of the most well-known acts to emerge out of Durham in the past decade, and it has used its clout to create its own music festival.

Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand

Gabe Eng-Goetz ran the popular brand Runaway in downtown Durham during the 2010s.

An influential figure in the Triangle&#x27;s creative arts scene is returning to the apparel world with a new clothing brand and print studio in downtown Durham.Why it matters: Before becoming one of the state&#x27;s most prolific public artists — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murals and artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" target="_blank">murals and artwork</a> across North Carolina — Gabe Eng-Goetz led the influential local clothing brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Runaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" target="_blank">Runaway</a>, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ended production in 2019" data-vars-click-url="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" target="_blank">ended production in 2019</a>.

Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark

Tagged fish, like Swim Shady, are helping scientists learn how red drum move between states and coastal waters.

North Carolina researchers tagging and tracking coastal fish have created an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" target="_blank">online tracker</a> that lets anyone see where the fish are pinging.Why it matters: Red drum are hugely popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreational fish" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" target="_self">recreational fish</a>, and yet their movement patterns are somewhat of a mystery.

Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle

Sluice is part of a burgeoning, alt-country-tinged music scene in Durham

Music

Justin Morris, the songwriter behind the Durham band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sluice" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G2lzG0hD7813EiPyiCC4j?si=C8Z8hM3uTnaOghEFYehfSA" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G2lzG0hD7813EiPyiCC4j?si=C8Z8hM3uTnaOghEFYehfSA" target="_blank">Sluice</a>, may have written the best (and perhaps only) song about surfing real estate listings in the Triangle. <ul><li>On his new song, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUY3pNDo0A" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUY3pNDo0A" target="_blank">Zillow</a>,&quot; Morris reflects on the current state of the region, where a backyard pool house goes for $500,000 and a working-class person has to choose between moving out to Mebane or the house with a flood-prone basement. </li><li>&quot;And where will you live?&quot; he asks.</li></ul>Why it matters: They&#x27;re some of the sharpest lyrics about the Triangle you&#x27;ll find from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qp4suW1Hfo" data-vars-content-id="29cd105d-85b2-42ff-bc5e-55aac11e4f68" data-vars-headline="Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qp4suW1Hfo" target="_blank">local artist</a> right now.

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

Chef Saif Rahman blended Bangladeshi roots with Southern flair in a communal feast.

Food and Drink

Ramadan ends Friday night at sundown, bringing an end to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" data-vars-content-id="9dfc97a4-d4a0-41a6-b188-34d5bdf014d8" data-vars-headline="Raleigh chef&#x27;s creativity shines with Iftar menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" target="_self">Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s</a> unforgettable nightly Iftar feasts, which I hope the year-old restaurant makes a tradition.Why it matters: Peregrine chef and co-owner Saif Rahman drew from his Bangladeshi heritage in crafting the multi-course menu.

Geo's Tavern is coming, but what's the chef cooking now?

The tavern-style restaurant near UNC will spotlight North Carolina seafood and oysters.

Chef Daniel Jackson and restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias are putting the finishing touches on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" data-vars-content-id="38353e1c-e7af-4c3f-b343-dff24ea9c22b" data-vars-headline="Geo&#x27;s Tavern is coming, but what&#x27;s the chef cooking now?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/23/giorgios-is-back-with-another-new-business" target="_self">Geo&#x27;s Tavern &amp; Oyster Bar</a>, a new Chapel Hill spot aimed at locals and visitors.Why it matters: This year, the Bakatsias restaurant empire is growing to 20 locations around North Carolina.

North Carolina gardeners kick off spring planting amid drought

After a dry winter, experts say improving weather could steady soon.

If you were considering planting a garden this spring, now&#x27;s the time to put those plans into action.Why it matters: Central North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring planting season" data-vars-click-url="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/central-north-carolina-planting-calendar-for-annual-vegetables-fruits-and-herbs" data-vars-content-id="98779f56-79a0-42cd-94ce-db6e73fe1db3" data-vars-headline="North Carolina gardeners kick off spring planting amid drought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/central-north-carolina-planting-calendar-for-annual-vegetables-fruits-and-herbs" target="_blank">spring planting season</a> is getting underway in the midst of a months-long drought, though meteorologists believe weather conditions are improving.

The Newsagent's is a celebration of the analog world in downtown Raleigh

The store is a delightful throwback to the days before we were online every minute of the day.

Stepping into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Newsagent&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://thenewsagentsshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopDwi_Wbt5W-4WSUzfh-55xJjLWvDB-B5lIg3vEOL7yc_XRJdfy" data-vars-content-id="30899223-b43c-46ff-985f-cf664c97014c" data-vars-headline="The Newsagent&#x27;s is a celebration of the analog world in downtown Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thenewsagentsshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopDwi_Wbt5W-4WSUzfh-55xJjLWvDB-B5lIg3vEOL7yc_XRJdfy" target="_blank">The Newsagent&#x27;s</a> new storefront is a delightful throwback to a time before logging onto the internet became a daily occurrence. Why it matters: The new downtown Raleigh store, at 228 Fayetteville St., is a big bet that in a time when every bit of life is saturated by the presence of the online world, a celebration of the analog media can make waves. Driving the news: The Newsagent&#x27;s softly opened to the public this past week, and by the weekend it was already attracting a buzzy crowd. <ul><li>The store, the brainchild of Neetzan Zimmerman and Yulia Shamis, sells everything from pulpy paperback books and vinyl records to vintage magazines, comics and VHS tapes. </li></ul>Zoom in: The Newsagent&#x27;s is also positioning itself as a new hangout spot for Fayetteville Street. <ul><li>The shop features a small coffee bar and plenty of seating around the store, including a cozy mezzanine floor. </li></ul>Between the lines: Don&#x27;t expect anything new in the store. It&#x27;s all used. <ul><li>The Newsagent&#x27;s plans to begin a robust buying program to keep a rotating cast of thrifted goods coming in and out of the store. </li></ul>Stop by: The Newsagent&#x27;s is still operating under soft open hours. The goal is to add more in the coming weeks. <ul><li>Right now, you can shop from noon to 5 p.m. every day of the week but Monday. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Interior of a busy bookstore with wooden shelves filled with books, round white hanging lights, orange patterned wall, tables with green dividers, and people browsing and talking." height="3024" id="1612dabb-1007-49bf-97f8-4ec6a24d440d" src="https://images.axios.com/kI4cxHoQ-f410hTJA9XMOFbNQbg=/2026/02/23/1771860824776.jpeg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Inside The Newsagent&#x27;s in downtown Raleigh. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios</figcaption></figure>

Durham's hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine's Day gem

La Recette Patisserie draws weekend crowds with French, Middle Eastern and North African desserts.

Drive around to the very back of an unassuming strip mall 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="e52f9b7a-2a1f-444e-bf90-21d532268339" data-vars-headline="Durham&#x27;s hidden Parisian bakery is a Valentine&#x27;s Day gem" 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> any given weekend, and you&#x27;ll find people flocking to the storefront of a Parisian bakery with Middle Eastern and North African flair.Driving the news: La Recette Patisserie has become a destination for elaborate, handcrafted desserts — perfect for a Valentine&#x27;s Day indulgence.

How Dix Park evolved into Raleigh's favorite "third place"

Around 1.7 million people visited the park in 2025, driven by the new Gipson Play Plaza and troll statues.

Ten years ago, Hayes Permar, the owner of the Rialto Theatre in Raleigh, would use Dix Park as his personal driving range, lobbing golf balls across Flowers Field toward the Raleigh skyline. <ul><li>Permar, who visits Dix&#x27;s dog park nearly every day, says that if he did that today, he would be run off with expletives for putting someone in danger of a head injury. </li></ul>Why it matters: The Dix Park of today is woven into the fabric of Raleigh. It&#x27;s more crowded than ever, attracting people across generations, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children playing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/06/raleigh-gipson-play-plaza-opens-this-weekend-dix-park" data-vars-content-id="6b8e394b-20e6-42a2-9676-07a0c5c0a882" data-vars-headline="How Dix Park evolved into Raleigh&#x27;s favorite &quot;third place&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/06/raleigh-gipson-play-plaza-opens-this-weekend-dix-park" target="_self">children playing</a> to adults finding a moment of zen to curious teens admiring local art.

Things to Do 🗓

Sylvan Esso is bringing back its Good Moon festival

Best outdoor concerts in the Triangle this spring at venues big and small

Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand

Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark

Durham band Sluice writes some of the sharpest lyrics in the Triangle