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North Carolina misses Nolan's ultimate "Odyssey" experience

The state has no 70mm IMAX theaters, though Raleigh's giant-screen theater is still showing the film.

Things to Do

The purest form of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" data-vars-content-id="e5ae0c71-88cd-4d3a-a6c7-0b1c5ef629cd" data-vars-headline="North Carolina misses Nolan&#x27;s ultimate &quot;Odyssey&quot; experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" target="_self">Christopher Nolan</a>&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can only be seen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="e5ae0c71-88cd-4d3a-a6c7-0b1c5ef629cd" data-vars-headline="North Carolina misses Nolan&#x27;s ultimate &quot;Odyssey&quot; experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">can only be seen</a> in the 25 U.S. theaters equipped with 70mm IMAX screens — and none are in North Carolina.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Movie theaters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/2026-box-domestic-office-start" data-vars-content-id="e5ae0c71-88cd-4d3a-a6c7-0b1c5ef629cd" data-vars-headline="North Carolina misses Nolan&#x27;s ultimate &quot;Odyssey&quot; experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/2026-box-domestic-office-start" target="_self">Movie theaters</a> are enjoying their strongest run since COVID — driven in part by major film studios turning major releases into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can&#x27;t-miss events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/live-experience-movies-entertainment-stocks" data-vars-content-id="e5ae0c71-88cd-4d3a-a6c7-0b1c5ef629cd" data-vars-headline="North Carolina misses Nolan&#x27;s ultimate &quot;Odyssey&quot; experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/live-experience-movies-entertainment-stocks" target="_self">can&#x27;t-miss events</a> like Nolan&#x27;s latest.

State Auditor finds questionable spending and intimidating work conditions in Cary

The report comes in the wake of Cary's former town manager resigning.

Politics

A much-anticipated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/investigative/inv-2026-cary" data-vars-content-id="7aa35940-764d-4f17-a52d-395f04293d6d" data-vars-headline="State Auditor finds questionable spending and intimidating work conditions in Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/investigative/inv-2026-cary" target="_blank">report</a> on the town of Cary&#x27;s management and finances found a litany of questionable spending decisions and a hostile work environment. Why it matters: The report comes after the resignation of former Town Manager Sean Stegall, who came under investigation after public records requests <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unearthed several questionable financial decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article313663372.html" data-vars-content-id="7aa35940-764d-4f17-a52d-395f04293d6d" data-vars-headline="State Auditor finds questionable spending and intimidating work conditions in Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article313663372.html" target="_blank">unearthed several questionable financial decisions</a>. <ul><li>Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman says a criminal investigation into the financial management of North Carolina&#x27;s 7th largest municipality is ongoing.</li></ul>

DNA tests raise questions about Outer Banks shrimp labels

Researchers found only 11 of 22 restaurants accurately labeled wild-caught American shrimp.

Food and Drink

Half the shrimp marketed as &quot;wild-caught American&quot; at Outer Banks restaurants last month was actually imported, according to genetic testing by SeaD Consulting.Why it matters: Consumers often pay premium prices at the coast expecting genuine U.S.-caught shrimp, even as cheaper imported shrimp dominates the wider market.

Raleigh's economy keeps on ticking

A wide range of industries are posting growth in the Raleigh area.

Business

Raleigh&#x27;s economy continues to show strength heading into the second half of 2026, even as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hiring growth slows nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/02/jobs-june-trump-federal-reserve" data-vars-content-id="8b078753-86bf-4ac4-a7ed-82bf22d8fc78" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s economy keeps on ticking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/02/jobs-june-trump-federal-reserve" target="_self">hiring growth slows nationally</a>, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pnc.com/content/dam/pnc-com/pdf/aboutpnc/EconomicReports/Regional%20Economic%20Reports/2026/PNC_Regional_Economics_Analysis_Raleigh_July_2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="8b078753-86bf-4ac4-a7ed-82bf22d8fc78" data-vars-headline="Raleigh&#x27;s economy keeps on ticking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pnc.com/content/dam/pnc-com/pdf/aboutpnc/EconomicReports/Regional%20Economic%20Reports/2026/PNC_Regional_Economics_Analysis_Raleigh_July_2026.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a> by PNC Bank&#x27;s regional researchers. Why it matters: Hiring in the Raleigh-Cary metro area grew at the 6th-highest rate among all metro areas to start the year, according to PNC, despite it being only the 50th-largest metro area in the country.

Durham hit-and-run spotlights dangers facing cyclists

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

News

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.

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>

GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle's future

It will be important for cities to prove bus rapid transit works before expanding the system, new CEO Brian Smith told reporters Wednesday.

GoTriangle&#x27;s new CEO Brian Smith says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regional bus rapid transit" 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="75819816-e816-4aa8-9a2b-e2e2dbcc8517" data-vars-headline="GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle&#x27;s future" 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">regional bus rapid transit</a> could be a critical part of the region&#x27;s future, but it will be important for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cities to prove the systems work well" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/28/raleigh-tries-again-to-get-bus-rapid-transit-construction-started" data-vars-content-id="75819816-e816-4aa8-9a2b-e2e2dbcc8517" data-vars-headline="GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/28/raleigh-tries-again-to-get-bus-rapid-transit-construction-started" target="_self">cities to prove the systems work well</a> first. Why it matters: GoTriangle is at an inflection point after its previous CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left the regional transit agency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/27/gotriangle-ceo-departs-resignation-triangle-transit" data-vars-content-id="75819816-e816-4aa8-9a2b-e2e2dbcc8517" data-vars-headline="GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/27/gotriangle-ceo-departs-resignation-triangle-transit" target="_self">left the regional transit agency</a> following the collapse of its commuter rail plans due to funding concerns. <ul><li>Smith, who comes to the Triangle from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hampton Roads Transit" data-vars-click-url="https://gohrt.com/agency/management/brian-smith/" data-vars-content-id="75819816-e816-4aa8-9a2b-e2e2dbcc8517" data-vars-headline="GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gohrt.com/agency/management/brian-smith/" target="_blank">Hampton Roads Transit</a> in Virginia, will be tasked with helping design what the region&#x27;s future connections between cities look like. </li></ul>

Transit 🚗

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

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