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North Carolina Democrats push for early 2028 primary

North Carolina is one of 12 states allowed to bid to be one of the first primary states in 2028.

Politics

North Carolina Democrats are lobbying to make the state one of the first presidential primary contests in 2028, arguing the state reflects the rest of the U.S., given its growing and diverse <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/29/north-carolina-kept-growing-last-year-despite-immigration-slowdown" data-vars-content-id="3aa3de09-b521-4564-befe-543e59dd7aa1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Democrats push for early 2028 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/29/north-carolina-kept-growing-last-year-despite-immigration-slowdown" target="_self">population</a>.Why it matters: If selected, North Carolina could hold a large influence over which candidate ultimately secures the nomination. It could also attract tens of millions of dollars of investments into statewide campaigns.

Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses

In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement.

Business

Rob Belk, 35, grew up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" target="_self">Charlotte</a>, selling ladies&#x27; shoes at the SouthPark mall Belk, his family&#x27;s eponymous department store — a grind that instilled in him an entrepreneurial bug. Earlier this year, he purchased Sales Factory, a Greensboro marketing and insights agency that&#x27;s been around since 1984.Why it matters: In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement — part of a phenomenon dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="silver tsunami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" target="_self">silver tsunami</a>&quot; that&#x27;s resulting in a massive transfer of wealth.

The Triangle's college grad boom

The Triangle's universities continue to power the region's growth

News

The Triangle has been one of the leading regions for adding residents with college degrees since the pandemic, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" data-vars-content-id="49637436-34a4-46c4-b872-bb6949543d3e" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s college grad boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" target="_blank">report</a> from the U.S. Census Bureau finds. Why it matters: The Triangle has long prided itself on how much talent its universities produce, helping make the region one of the biggest areas for job growth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over the past decade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/03/the-top-10-us-cities-for-job-opportunities-and-earning-potential-according-to-new-report.html" data-vars-content-id="49637436-34a4-46c4-b872-bb6949543d3e" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s college grad boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/03/the-top-10-us-cities-for-job-opportunities-and-earning-potential-according-to-new-report.html" target="_blank">over the past decade</a>.

Chapel Hill businesses still dealing with effects of tropical storm flooding

Renovations are ongoing at many businesses, while others have closed completely.

More than seven months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Chantal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/tropical-storm-chantal-north-south-carolina-flood" data-vars-content-id="1cc3490d-4976-4d4f-a3fa-bca1c4e5b2b0" data-vars-headline="Chapel Hill businesses still dealing with effects of tropical storm flooding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/tropical-storm-chantal-north-south-carolina-flood" target="_self">Tropical Storm Chantal</a> significantly flooded parts of Chapel Hill, businesses at the popular Eastgate Crossing shopping center are still working to clean up the mess.Why it matters: The lingering effects of Chantal, which dumped more than 7 inches of rain in 12 hours, have shown just how damaging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fast-forming tropical storms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/tropical-storm-chantal-tropical-weather-triangle-north-carolina-carrboro-chapel-hill-durham" data-vars-content-id="1cc3490d-4976-4d4f-a3fa-bca1c4e5b2b0" data-vars-headline="Chapel Hill businesses still dealing with effects of tropical storm flooding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/tropical-storm-chantal-tropical-weather-triangle-north-carolina-carrboro-chapel-hill-durham" target="_self">fast-forming tropical storms</a> can be amid intensifying climate change.<ul><li>Chantal caused <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than $56 million worth of damage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/orange-county/article310619555.html" data-vars-content-id="1cc3490d-4976-4d4f-a3fa-bca1c4e5b2b0" data-vars-headline="Chapel Hill businesses still dealing with effects of tropical storm flooding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/orange-county/article310619555.html" target="_blank">more than $56 million worth of damage</a> in Orange County, much of that at Eastgate Crossing. </li></ul>

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.

Things to Do

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.

Dreamville Festival successor still lacks 2026 dates

Founder J. Cole, out with a new album today, stepped away from the Raleigh festival last year.

Organizers behind the successor to Raleigh&#x27;s Dreamville Festival still don&#x27;t have 2026 dates.Why it matters: The city is keen to keep Dreamville alive despite the original organizers stepping back last year. The festival draws tens of thousands of people to Raleigh every spring, and attendees inject <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions of dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/02/dreamville-attendees-left-a-big-impact-on-raleighs-economy" data-vars-content-id="fc69aa47-76d5-4599-b537-2bc412ca07b5" data-vars-headline="Dreamville Festival successor still lacks 2026 dates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/02/dreamville-attendees-left-a-big-impact-on-raleighs-economy" target="_self">millions of dollars</a> into the local economy.

Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week

The Raleigh museum's biggest fundraiser attracts thousands of guests each spring.

Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week, and the North Carolina Museum of Art expects <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another sell-out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/03/17/art-in-bloom-artists-florists-kick-off-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="1db0afef-f65a-4db2-90d8-d1f30dd0ba7b" data-vars-headline="Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/03/17/art-in-bloom-artists-florists-kick-off-raleigh" target="_self">another sell-out</a>.Why it matters: The celebration of spring is the Raleigh <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art museum&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/180m-museum-renovation-begins" data-vars-content-id="1db0afef-f65a-4db2-90d8-d1f30dd0ba7b" data-vars-headline="Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/180m-museum-renovation-begins" target="_self">art museum&#x27;s</a> premiere fundraiser, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars and drawing around 18,000 people per year, organizers tell Axios.

The most anticipated Triangle restaurants opening in 2026

From new hotel bars to acclaimed barbecue, here's what's opening across the Triangle

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s hard to keep up with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Triangle&#x27;s restaurant scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/25/best-restaurants-triangle-durham-raleigh-chapel-hill-2025" data-vars-content-id="d88b3ed3-196a-4a3d-9152-e5619cf7cda5" data-vars-headline="The most anticipated Triangle restaurants opening in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/25/best-restaurants-triangle-durham-raleigh-chapel-hill-2025" target="_self">the Triangle&#x27;s restaurant scene</a>, which continues to expand and evolve along with the region&#x27;s surging population. Why it matters: Restaurants and bars remain an integral part of the Triangle&#x27;s economy, reinvigorating old spaces and helping make destinations out of new developments. <ul><li>From new barbecue joints to the renovation of an old motor lodge, here are some of the most anticipated openings of 2026. </li></ul>

New Year's parties happening in the Triangle

All parts of the Triangle have something happening on New Year's Eve.

It&#x27;s not too soon to begin planning what your New Year&#x27;s Eve is going to look like. Or you can stay in some pajamas and watch it all unfold on TV. Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening across the Triangle on New Year&#x27;s Eve.

Canes are racking up OT games with the rest of the NHL

Carolina is currently on top of the Eastern Conference's Metropolitan Division.

Sports

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="00b7c297-ab62-4c74-a84c-89d8034beede" data-vars-headline="Canes are racking up OT games with the rest of the NHL" 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> notched another overtime win this past weekend in an NHL season chock-full of them.Why it matters: The NHL is seeing the most overtime games in the 20-year history of the salary cap era, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Athletic reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6844931/2025/11/28/nhl-red-light-overtime/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_copylink&amp;smid=url-share-ta" data-vars-content-id="00b7c297-ab62-4c74-a84c-89d8034beede" data-vars-headline="Canes are racking up OT games with the rest of the NHL" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6844931/2025/11/28/nhl-red-light-overtime/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_copylink&amp;smid=url-share-ta" target="_blank">The Athletic reported</a>, thanks in part to the highly competitive and evenly matched Eastern Division in which the Canes play.

Taking home these 5 fish triggers new North Carolina rule

The data gives the state a window into a recreational fishing industry that commercial anglers argue is opaque.

Environment

Starting next week, anglers who catch some of North Carolina&#x27;s most popular coastal fish species are required to file reports with the state if they&#x27;re taking those fish home to eat.Why it matters: More than 1 million people fish every year in North Carolina waters, the state reports, and many of them have bristled against the new rule, which applies to flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass and weakfish.<ul><li>Advocates say the data being collected will grant the state new insights into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multi-billion-dollar" data-vars-click-url="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bf5024d9-3ef8-4243-bdb6-9fe52ad7fddb" data-vars-headline="Taking home these 5 fish triggers new North Carolina rule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">multi-billion-dollar</a> recreational fishing industry. </li></ul>

12 places around the Triangle to shop local this holiday season

The list of small business includes stops in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

The holidays are back upon us, and I&#x27;ve been on a mission in recent years to source most of my Christmas gifts from local sellers.<ul><li>It&#x27;s a fun challenge that makes me feel good and results in beautiful gifts that are often one-of-a-kind.</li></ul>Why it matters: Buying local keeps your money circulating through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/07/22/24-hours-in-downtown-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="d1de7800-1264-4692-97dc-6037a2ed11fc" data-vars-headline="12 places around the Triangle to shop local this holiday season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/07/22/24-hours-in-downtown-raleigh" target="_self">North Carolina</a> economy and reduces the distances your goods travel, which is a win for the environment.<ul><li>Keep reading for 12 of my trusty standbys around the Triangle.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

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

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

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

Dreamville Festival successor still lacks 2026 dates

Art in Bloom tickets go on sale this week