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Reports: ICE agent who shot man in North Austin wasn't wearing a body camera

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National

Democrats prod progressives to spend for El-Sayed

Politics & Policy

National gambling group takes firmer stance on prediction markets

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Exclusive: Trump adviser says AI ratepayer protection is a must in permitting deal

Axios Events

Trump orders AI rebrand as "super intelligence"

Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin's Key list

Heights House earned one Key as Michelin added four North Carolina properties to its rankings.

Things to Do

The Michelin Guide just updated its hotel rankings for the U.S., bestowing &quot;key&quot; awards on standout properties in Raleigh, Pittsboro and the North Carolina mountains.Why it matters: Michelin Key Hotels are like starred restaurants — both are big international distinctions. U.S. hotels were first considered for keys in 2024. North Carolina restaurants weren&#x27;t added to the guide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until 2025." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="4df46a55-b1ab-43e4-b27d-f5f309c308ab" data-vars-headline="Raleigh lands its first hotel on Michelin&#x27;s Key list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" target="_self">until 2025.</a>

Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger

WakeMed was founded by the county in 1961 and has operated as independent nonprofit since 1997.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday to give its backing to Atrium Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" data-vars-content-id="9fb8bd4c-b056-4f4a-a1d2-ca080a4a1f7a" data-vars-headline="Wake County commissioners vote to back WakeMed-Atrium merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/01/wakemed-is-seeking-to-combine-with-atrium-health" target="_self">proposed acquisition of WakeMed Health</a>. Why it matters: The acquisition of WakeMed — the third-largest provider of health care in the Triangle and an institution originally founded by the county — has become a political lightning rod since it was announced this spring.

Steve Belichick is leaving his dad's UNC football staff

Steve Belichick will resign next month after a probe also tied to Michael Lombardi's exit.

Sports

UNC-Chapel Hill says defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will resign from the football program next month following an investigation that also cost general manager Michael Lombardi his job.Why it matters: Both men were hand-picked by head coach Bill Belichick, whose time at Carolina has been beset by scandals. <ul><li>Steve Belichick is Bill Belichick&#x27;s son.</li></ul>

Dolly-Durham and your other picks for renaming RDU

Sports icons, musicians and a former governor made the list of possible names for the airport.

News

This week, inspired by Nashville&#x27;s move to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rename its airport for Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/11/nashville-board-votes-in-favor-of-naming-airport-for-dolly-parton" data-vars-content-id="669b6ebb-679e-4651-9594-a181d42c187a" data-vars-headline="Dolly-Durham and your other picks for renaming RDU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/11/nashville-board-votes-in-favor-of-naming-airport-for-dolly-parton" target="_self">rename its airport for Dolly Parton</a>, we asked which notable people could someday inspire a new name for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.The big picture: Readers leaned heavily toward North Carolina sports legends — with a few political and musical alternatives.

Inside the finances of NC's 13th District candidates

Both candidates for North Carolina's 13th district call for a stock trading ban.

As Republican Rep. Brad Knott vies for another term representing North Carolina&#x27;s 13th District, he reports holding assets worth between $3.3 million and $13.4 million, according to a financial disclosure report filed in August.Why it matters: Financial disclosure reports are one of the key tools the public has for examining how policymakers in Washington make their money and whether they have potential conflicts of interest.<ul><li>They&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="played a big role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" data-vars-content-id="a56d6f1b-d0df-43d5-8996-04c1f6d522f1" data-vars-headline="Inside the finances of NC&#x27;s 13th District candidates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/29/whatley-and-cooper-both-back-congressional-stock-trading-ban" target="_self">played a big role</a> in the Senate showdown between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.</li></ul>

Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning

Glenwood South continues to be one of the hottest Raleigh neighborhoods for development.

Development

The owner of a popular bar in Glenwood South is filing a rezoning application to change the allowable height on the property from 7 stories to 40. Why it matters: Glenwood South is one of the hottest spots for new development in all of Raleigh and has seen a wave of developers seeking to building higher — including the 37-story <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/28/turnbridge-highline-glenwood-tower-construction-start-downtown" target="_self">Highline</a> Glenwood, which is under construction, and the planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="30-story tower on Peace Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" data-vars-content-id="ffd54890-60c6-495c-a6c6-6972b04c9209" data-vars-headline="Glenwood South bar owner files for 40-story rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/08/raleigh-city-council-approves-30-story-tower-on-peace-street" target="_self">30-story tower on Peace Street</a>.

Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square

The city is reviewing plans for refreshing the public square.

<figure><img alt="Proposed park at the corner of Hargett &amp; McDowell: tree-lined plaza with curved walkways, circular shrub beds, benches, and people strolling under dappled sunlight." height="736" id="e610dfa8-d1a9-4f24-875b-07cba0bff240" src="https://images.axios.com/TSmaQwzfq5pCfgyGXreWqjq2uA8=/2026/09/11/1789154415155.png" width="1280"/><figcaption>Rendering: City of Raleigh</figcaption></figure>The city of Raleigh is in the early stages of redesigning Nash Square to make the space more inviting to the public. Why it matters: Nash Square is one of Raleigh&#x27;s five public squares that were laid out in the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="original plan from 1792" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" data-vars-content-id="d40b872d-ba81-4ce0-b2d2-c236c10d413a" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/archive/20829660/" target="_blank">original plan from 1792</a>, and it sits in the heart of downtown next to Raleigh City Hall.

Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store

KIKI opens its Durham store Saturday, Sept. 12.

Charlotte-based jewelry brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KIKI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" data-vars-content-id="4e38c7c4-106c-4c46-8603-2a1eee3cef90" data-vars-headline="Charlotte jewelry brand KIKI opens first Triangle store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-jewelry-water-brook-kiki-south-end" target="_self">KIKI</a> is expanding to the Triangle with a new Durham store opening Saturday, Sept. 12.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic side hustle for founder Kris Cox has quickly grown into a multi-location jewelry brand. Durham will be KIKI&#x27;s first store outside Charlotte.

The state could finally sell the old Rex hospital 

The former Rex Hospital has been owned by the state since 1981

The old Rex Hospital in Raleigh could be sold by the state next year after years of speculation about the future of the Wade Avenue property. Why it matters: The nearly 16-acre property, between the Village District and Hayes Barton, could become one of Raleigh&#x27;s most attractive redevelopment sites. <ul><li>The property currently has an assessed value of $58.3 million, according to Wake County records. </li></ul>

Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System 

UNC-Chapel Hill spent $188 million in 2025 on athletics.

UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State each spent more than $130 million on athletics in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a new report from the UNC System. Why it matters: The report comes as the UNC System, which oversees public universities in the state, takes a closer look at its policies amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic boom in spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" data-vars-content-id="8d89db05-076a-415d-bc60-8819f417065b" data-vars-headline="Ballooning athletics spending is getting a closer look by the UNC System " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/press/dem/release/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows/" target="_blank">historic boom in spending</a> on college sports.

UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now

For nearly 50 years, UNC has sent medical residents to WakeMed for training.

Health

For nearly 50 years, the UNC School of Medicine has had a partnership with WakeMed to train medical students and residents at its hospitals. Why it matters: But WakeMed&#x27;s looming merger with Atrium has put that partnership&#x27;s long-term future into question, especially as Atrium has a close partnership with the Wake Forest School of Medicine and is currently helping it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expand to the Charlotte area" data-vars-click-url="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="3120e77f-2373-43b3-8f25-3685ca74fea9" data-vars-headline="UNC medical residents set to continue at WakeMed for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/about-the-school/facilities-and-environment/learning-environment/charlotte" target="_blank">expand to the Charlotte area</a>.

Barnes & Noble joins Chapel Hill's revamped University Place

The 20,000-square-foot bookstore arrives as the mall adds more reasons for people to stick around.

University Place mall in Chapel Hill is continuing to evolve, with a new alcohol-friendly social district up and running and a Barnes &amp; Noble opening Wednesday. Why it matters: Malls had to change to survive online shopping&#x27;s takeover, and the ones that did are up 13% in value since last year, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wall Street Journal reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/malls-were-left-for-dead-now-they-are-the-top-performer-in-commercial-real-estate-0bf6100f" data-vars-content-id="665f05fd-105a-4e7f-9969-3f8cd6648cd1" data-vars-headline="Barnes &amp; Noble joins Chapel Hill&#x27;s revamped University Place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/malls-were-left-for-dead-now-they-are-the-top-performer-in-commercial-real-estate-0bf6100f" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal reported</a>.

Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham

Dampf has been attracting long lines to its truck on Phillips Farm of Cary since 2022.

Food and Drink

Dampf Good BBQ, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="got a nod" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/north-carolina/cary_2986745/restaurant/dampf-good-bbq" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/north-carolina/cary_2986745/restaurant/dampf-good-bbq" target="_blank">got a nod</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/04/michelin-guide-south-edition-carolina-restaurants-stars" target="_self">Michelin guide</a>, is expanding to downtown Durham, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its owners said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/p/Ddgxw5jBqS6/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="89df5ce7-7152-4523-b981-d078583dd269" data-vars-headline="Cary BBQ restaurant expands to Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/dampfgoodbbq/p/Ddgxw5jBqS6/?hl=en" target="_blank">its owners said</a>. Why it matters: Dampf plans to take over the former Pit Barbecue space on Geer Street, which has sat empty in the heart of Durham&#x27;s nightlife scene since the pandemic began.

A Durham startup making advanced microscopes raises $25M

Ramona Optics uses advanced microscopes and software to deliver images for life sciences companies.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramona Optics," data-vars-click-url="https://www.ramonaoptics.com/" data-vars-content-id="64a4c6a5-02cd-4c89-8dae-eb83e8966bab" data-vars-headline="A Durham startup making advanced microscopes raises $25M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ramonaoptics.com/" target="_blank">Ramona Optics,</a> a Durham startup making advanced microscopes for universities and life sciences companies, has raised $25 million from investors in a Series A round. Why it matters: The funding will allow what has been a scrappy team of around 25 employees to grow and meet demand across the globe for Ramona&#x27;s microscopes and software, Mark Harfouche, co-founder of Ramona, told Axios.

Triangle research helped bring hearing to 1 million people

Duke's Blake Wilson says today's research cuts could put future medical advances at risk.

Duke Hearing Center director Blake Wilson was honored last week with the Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology for his work decades ago developing the modern cochlear implant.Why it matters: The devices help more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing" data-vars-content-id="f2362c6e-ee9d-4787-bf29-e48eddd89149" data-vars-headline="Triangle research helped bring hearing to 1 million people" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing" target="_blank">1 million</a> deaf or nearly deaf people hear, and federal research grants helped spur their invention along.

Raleigh is considering a six-month moratorium on data centers

The pause would last for six months while the city develops new rules around data center construction.

The Raleigh City Council will vote next month on whether to enact a moratorium on any new data center applications in the city while it develops new rules for their construction. Why it matters: Raleigh would join a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wave of cities and counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="82f0a1e5-0e01-4925-b1ba-dc4131d0f9ad" data-vars-headline="Raleigh is considering a six-month moratorium on data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" target="_self">wave of cities and counties</a> placing moratoriums on new data center development across the state, as an increasing number of residents express concerns over the electricity costs, water usage, noise levels and visual aesthetics of data centers. <ul><li>Durham and Charlotte have added similar pauses. </li></ul>

Durham water feature linked to teen's death

Naegleria fowleri DNA was detected at El Futuro but not at the other sites investigators tested.

A water feature at the Durham nonprofit El Futuro was the likely source of a rare brain-eating amoeba that infected and killed a local teenager in August, a state investigation found.The big picture: Naegleria fowleri infections are rare but progress quickly and are nearly always fatal, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html" data-vars-content-id="ba70ce22-ef9a-4a8d-8756-8111c0e184db" data-vars-headline="Durham water feature linked to teen&#x27;s death" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. <ul><li>Between 1962 and 2024, 167 infections were documented in the U.S., per CDC data. Only four people survived.</li></ul>

Charlotte

TSA's new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU

TSA's new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU.

Travel

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transportation Security Administration&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" data-vars-content-id="8586b667-6588-48ef-ae3f-70f63a3a78df" data-vars-headline="TSA&#x27;s new Gateside program is coming to CLT and RDU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/charlotte-airport-expansion-runway-firehouse-lounges" target="_self">Transportation Security Administration&#x27;s</a> new Gateside program is expected to come to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport this fall, a TSA spokesperson tells Axios. Why it matters: The program lets eligible visitors who aren&#x27;t flying meet or accompany friends and relatives at the gate.

Raleigh-Durham International lands a new airline

Guadalajara will be RDU's third Mexican destination.

Volaris, a low-cost Mexican airline, will launch its first flight out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport in October.Why it matters: The airline will give RDU its first nonstop flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. It is the airport&#x27;s third route to Mexico in addition to Mexico City and Cancun.

Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle

Durham gets a 3-on-3 competition Friday, and Zebulon hosts Boom Ball and open tryouts Saturday.

The Triangle is hosting two wacky spins on baseball this weekend.Why it matters: Baseball, long accused of being boring, is embracing weird and fun alternative formats, led by the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/10/savannah-bananas-chapel-hill" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sold-out stadium shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="f06ee32f-dd8d-4090-8b0e-e1621e9ce8d9" data-vars-headline="Two wacky spins on baseball hit the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/savannah-bananas-second-night-charlotte" target="_self">sold-out stadium shows</a>.

It's almost 919 Day. Weekend things to do 

Sept. 19 lands on a Saturday this year, with festivals, concerts and more across the Triangle.

We are getting lucky this year — Sept. 19 aka 919 Day falls on a Saturday.<ul><li>There are plenty of unique ways to celebrate where you live. </li></ul>

A jam-packed weekend in the Triangle

Music, football, film, theater and festivals fill the calendar across Raleigh, Durham and beyond.

The Triangle will be buzzing with activity this weekend. Get out and enjoy.

Where to tailgate, pregame and park for Panthers games

Here’s what you need to know to be game-day ready.

The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2026 season at Bank of America Stadium this weekend.Why it matters: Fans are hungry for football and hopeful for a win to start the season.

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.

North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint

Raleigh entrepreneur Patrick Shanahan is adding another bar to his cocktail empire.

Patrick Shanahan&#x27;s cocktail dominion continues to grow — this time in North Hills. Why it matters: The Raleigh artist-turned-nightlife entrepreneur will open his fifth project in two years when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Saint Cocktail Co." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="41058a74-cdd3-4937-afd4-d509e33e97eb" data-vars-headline="North Hills set for its 1st standalone cocktail bar with Little Saint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/littlesaintraleigh/?hl=en" target="_blank">Little Saint Cocktail Co.</a> becomes North Hills&#x27; first standalone cocktail bar next spring.

Katsuji Tanabe's RTP restaurant empire takes shape

KatSushi is the chef's latest RTP opening, with a revival of acclaimed High Horse still to come.

The newest addition at Boxyard RTP opened its doors last month, bringing Japanese hand rolls and bowls to the outdoor food hall.Why it matters: KatSushi comes from chef Katsuji Tanabe, a &quot;Top Chef&quot; alum, and restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, who are betting big on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" data-vars-content-id="735490e8-03eb-4085-8d5e-ee487c7f522a" data-vars-headline="Katsuji Tanabe&#x27;s RTP restaurant empire takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/29/research-triangle-park-3-redevelopment-rezoning-land-laws" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a>.

Two new Durham restaurants will share one home

A coffee and pastry shop will become a wine bar at night, alongside an upscale tasting menu.

Durham is set to get two new restaurants in the spring — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Vinter and The Baker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/vintnerbaker/" target="_blank">The Vinter and The Baker</a>, which will serve coffee and pastries by day and wine and small plates at night, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Cornelia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" data-vars-content-id="6b7c319b-0e08-4140-b1c7-78dfa16a2105" data-vars-headline="Two new Durham restaurants will share one home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.corneliadurham.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Cornelia</a>, which will offer evening fine dining.Why it matters: The sister concepts will provide all-day food options in a neighborhood just north of downtown.

Hurricanes' Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue's expansion

Prime STQ is expected to open in Research Triangle Park next Spring.

Fresh off winning a Stanley Cup, Carolina Hurricanes star Jaccob Slavin&#x27;s next career move is to partner in one of the most hotly anticipated restaurant openings in the Triangle. Why it matters: Prieto&#x27;s beloved Knightdale restaurant, Prime Barbecue, is in the process of expanding to the Hub RTP development in Research Triangle Park. <ul><li>The new restaurant, called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime STQ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" data-vars-content-id="a829c80f-8114-48e3-bc9a-4c39a1676845" data-vars-headline="Hurricanes&#x27; Slavin invests in Prime Barbecue&#x27;s expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/18/prime-barbecue-founder-to-open-new-restaurant-in-research-triangle-park" target="_self">Prime STQ</a>, is being billed as a combination of a barbecue joint and a classic steakhouse. </li></ul>

The Triangle's 30 best restaurants, right now

Stanbury takes the top spot again as the Triangle's increasingly acclaimed food scene keeps growing.

Creating a list of the Triangle&#x27;s 30 best restaurants keeps getting harder for us here at Axios Raleigh. <ul><li>We see it as a sign of just how vibrant the region&#x27;s cuisine has gotten over the past decade, with longtime institutions going strong and an ever-growing list of exciting newcomers. </li></ul>

Prominent Triangle chefs and leaders share their best meals of 2026

From softshell crab on newspaper to riverside Bangkok cafes, here's what Triangle chefs loved this year.

We asked some of the Triangle&#x27;s best chefs and most prominent people, what their best meal of the past year was — no holds barred. Here&#x27;s what they said:

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