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North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules

Key registration and early voting deadlines are approaching as the state's first ballots hit the mail.

Election

Welp, it&#x27;s here.<ul><li>On Friday, North Carolina became the first state in the U.S. to mail voters their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 general election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/election" data-vars-content-id="86b383a6-370b-400c-b15b-574db0446103" data-vars-headline="North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/election" target="_self">2026 general election</a> ballots.</li></ul>Why it matters: North Carolina voters who still need to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="register or update their information" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register/voter-registration-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="86b383a6-370b-400c-b15b-574db0446103" data-vars-headline="North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register/voter-registration-deadlines" target="_blank">register or update their information</a> should make a plan now.

Raleigh and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations

Heritage Park in Raleigh and Forest Hills Heights in Durham will be transformed significantly.

Development

Raleigh and Durham are both on the cusp of seeing major public housing communities redeveloped into large mixed-use and mixed-income projects. Why it matters: The plans aim to provide new affordable units in cities where housing costs have soared while shifting to a public housing model that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="views mixed-income communities" data-vars-click-url="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" data-vars-content-id="63dbc3bf-ed5f-48c3-bf6b-e25443e0ed91" data-vars-headline="Raleigh and Durham public housing communities set for huge transformations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theconversation.com/mixed-income-public-housing-mixed-outcomes-mixed-up-concept-36089" target="_blank">views mixed-income communities</a> as producing better outcomes than communities dedicated completely to affordable units.

Summer heat is changing a nearly 50-year-old tradition

Festival for the Eno expects to abandon its July format and shift future events to milder seasons.

Things to Do

This weekend, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Festival for the Eno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.enoriver.org/festival-for-the-eno/" data-vars-content-id="c9dac9b0-405a-4c3a-a88e-8fe0c655c53b" data-vars-headline="Summer heat is changing a nearly 50-year-old tradition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enoriver.org/festival-for-the-eno/" target="_blank">Festival for the Eno</a> is trading its traditional July riverfront gathering for a downtown Durham benefit concert — potentially the first of many.Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s hot and unpredictable July weather is pushing the nearly 50-year-old festival away from its traditional summer format.

Hopscotch's biggest draws are beyond the main stage

Dozens of club shows will keep downtown stages busy well past midnight.

Downtown Raleigh is gearing up for one of its biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="4c05da03-da28-4586-85b3-980c94e05c52" data-vars-headline="Hopscotch&#x27;s biggest draws are beyond the main stage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/04/hopscotch-s-free-day-parties-take-over-raleigh" target="_self">annual events</a>: Hopscotch Music Festival. Why it matters: With lesser-known headliners than years past, the festival is relying on its reputation for lively club shows to draw crowds downtown this weekend.

Raleigh to close GoRaleigh station entrance in response to safety concerns

The Wilmington Street entrance will be covered by a chain-link fence.

News

The city of Raleigh plans to permanently close the Wilmington Street pedestrian entrance to the GoRaleigh bus station next week. Why it matters: The closure of the entrance is part of an effort, city leaders say, to address what they call <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real and perceived safety issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/25/downtown-raleigh-businesses-fret-over-parking-decks-future" data-vars-content-id="12dac532-0f71-4220-a3a3-dd459f0ae9ab" data-vars-headline="Raleigh to close GoRaleigh station entrance in response to safety concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/25/downtown-raleigh-businesses-fret-over-parking-decks-future" target="_self">real and perceived safety issues</a> occurring at the downtown bus station.

Durham hit-and-run spotlights dangers facing cyclists

A rider remains hospitalized after a vehicle crossed the centerline and struck two cyclists.

Two Durham cyclists were injured Saturday in a hit-and-run, leaving one cut and bruised and the other still hospitalized.The big picture: The crash underscores how dangerous the Triangle&#x27;s roads can be for people traveling without cars.

On your left! Triangle group rides highlight road safety gaps

Hundreds of students will ride as advocates push for safer streets after a teen cyclist's death.

Transit

Hundreds of Triangle students are expected to bike to school Wednesday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bike &amp; Roll to School Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/registration/whosbiking.php?sid=NC" data-vars-content-id="e4dcb4fe-712d-4f3c-85a6-1aff3bb0e277" data-vars-headline="On your left! Triangle group rides highlight road safety gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/registration/whosbiking.php?sid=NC" target="_blank">Bike &amp; Roll to School Day</a>.Why it matters: Advocates hope the group rides boost kids&#x27; confidence on the roads and also highlight safety risks tied to gaps in biking infrastructure.

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

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.

Raleigh's R-Line bus service could be on chopping block

Ridership has not recovered on the R-Line since coming back after the pandemic.

After a couple years of subpar ridership, the clock may be ticking on the R-Line, Raleigh&#x27;s downtown bus circulator. Why it matters: The bus stops at Raleigh&#x27;s train station and apartment towers, connecting the city&#x27;s residents to state government offices, the convention center and hotspots for dining, drinking and shopping.<ul><li>But most Raleigh residents just don&#x27;t seem to be interested.</li></ul>

A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle

A step-by-step guide to public transit in the Triangle

With gas prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creeping toward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/28/iran-war-inflation-costs" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/28/iran-war-inflation-costs" target="_self">creeping toward</a> $4 a gallon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the Triangle" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NC" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NC" target="_blank">in the Triangle</a>, it&#x27;s as good a time as any to try out public transit.Why it matters: In Raleigh, car commuters spend an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="42 hours in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" data-vars-content-id="13d9974e-c5e2-4e70-92d0-1fe716eee8a2" data-vars-headline="A step-by-step guide to taking the bus in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" target="_self">42 hours in traffic</a> a year. Navigating by bus and train can help save time and take the edge off.

RDU's $2.5B construction projects aim to handle sweeping growth

The $2.5 billion worth of investments will double the capacity of the airport.

Business

Passengers should brace for lots of dust and other disruptions as Raleigh-Durham International Airport forges ahead on four major construction projects. Why it matters: These large-scale projects will double the capacity of RDU over the next decade. Airport officials see the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/17/whats-on-rdus-wishlist-international-destinations" data-vars-content-id="65406e22-2462-49d5-a95b-31e92b87cecd" data-vars-headline="RDU&#x27;s $2.5B construction projects aim to handle sweeping growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/17/whats-on-rdus-wishlist-international-destinations" target="_self">investments</a>, though they may be disruptive, as necessary to handle the anticipated passenger growth.

Taking the bus to RDU is probably easier than you think

A park-and-ride near the airport is also easily reached by bus from Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill.

I&#x27;ve been wondering what it&#x27;s like to take public transit to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh-Durham International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/29/to-go-international-rdu-adds-incentives" data-vars-content-id="d87e0e69-e5a6-42fc-b6f7-d0dd40e3c024" data-vars-headline="Taking the bus to RDU is probably easier than you think" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/29/to-go-international-rdu-adds-incentives" target="_self">Raleigh-Durham International Airport</a>, so on a recent work trip, I gave it a try.<ul><li>It was refreshingly painless.</li></ul>Why it matters: RDU is a major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic driver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/17/whats-on-rdus-wishlist-international-destinations" data-vars-content-id="d87e0e69-e5a6-42fc-b6f7-d0dd40e3c024" data-vars-headline="Taking the bus to RDU is probably easier than you think" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/17/whats-on-rdus-wishlist-international-destinations" target="_self">economic driver</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the most well-liked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/22/why-people-are-loving-rdu" data-vars-content-id="d87e0e69-e5a6-42fc-b6f7-d0dd40e3c024" data-vars-headline="Taking the bus to RDU is probably easier than you think" 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/why-people-are-loving-rdu" target="_self">one of the most well-liked</a> large airports in North America. Millions of people from the Triangle rely on it to access destinations around the U.S. and around the world.<ul><li>But actually getting to the airport can be confusing and expensive.</li></ul>

What's on RDU's international wishlist

RDU is eyeing two regions as priorities for the next decade

Raleigh-Durham International Airport now serves a record 15 international destinations, a number that could continue to grow as RDU eyes new routes to two key regions: Latin America and India. Why it matters: RDU is one of the biggest economic drivers in the region. It helps attract businesses and investment to the area, and provides a key source of transit for millions of people around the Triangle. <ul><li>The airport has viewed adding international flights coming out of the pandemic as a key priority, even offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incentives to land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/29/to-go-international-rdu-adds-incentives" data-vars-content-id="a4ff873f-ead5-4d38-8fbc-11a3cc3d2a93" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on RDU&#x27;s international wishlist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/29/to-go-international-rdu-adds-incentives" target="_self">incentives to land</a> highly competitive routes such as Germany and Ireland.</li></ul>

Durham unveils initial bus rapid transit plans

The route would stretch from Duke hospital through downtown and into East Durham.

Following in the footsteps of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh and Chapel Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="af0e2009-2a5c-45f7-99a0-c4295fdc1702" data-vars-headline="Durham unveils initial bus rapid transit plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" target="_self">Raleigh and Chapel Hill</a>, Durham has unveiled initial plans for adding a bus rapid transit line through the center of the city.Why it matters: With dreams of light rail and commuter rail across the Triangle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seemingly quashed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/26/raleigh-durham-commuter-rail-faces-bleak-funding-outlook" data-vars-content-id="af0e2009-2a5c-45f7-99a0-c4295fdc1702" data-vars-headline="Durham unveils initial bus rapid transit plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/26/raleigh-durham-commuter-rail-faces-bleak-funding-outlook" target="_self">seemingly quashed</a>, officials in the region have increasingly turned their eyes toward bus rapid transit as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="way to improve transit options" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/11/gotriangle-new-ceo-bus-rapid-transit-raleigh-durham" data-vars-content-id="af0e2009-2a5c-45f7-99a0-c4295fdc1702" data-vars-headline="Durham unveils initial bus rapid transit plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/11/gotriangle-new-ceo-bus-rapid-transit-raleigh-durham" target="_self">way to improve transit options</a>. <ul><li>Bus rapid transit is cheaper than rail and similar to traditional bus service, but provides bus-only lanes and preferred traffic lights to improve speed, increases frequency and adds larger stations.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Raleigh to close GoRaleigh station entrance in response to safety concerns

Durham hit-and-run spotlights dangers facing cyclists

On your left! Triangle group rides highlight road safety gaps

As Lenovo Center grows, its transit options should too

Raleigh's R-Line bus service could be on chopping block