Axios Raleigh
August 17, 2026
1 big thing: Voucher use triples in 3 years
North Carolina is seeing more and more tax money go to private schools now that vouchers are available to all families, regardless of income.
Why it matters: The expansion is reshaping the education options available to North Carolina families, broadening access to private religious schools while substantially increasing the state's financial commitment.
Catch up quick: State lawmakers in 2023 lifted income limits for opportunity scholarships, commonly known as vouchers, and eliminated a requirement for prior public school enrollment.
- In the three school years since, the program surged from around 33,000 vouchers to nearly 107,000, according to state data.
By the numbers: More than half of Wake County's private school students received scholarships in 2025-26, totaling $70 million.
- That was the most of any county. Total spending reached $589 million.
- Of the state's 997 private schools, 100 are in Wake County — 81 of which accept vouchers.
Between the lines: Schools receiving the most money are faith-based, including each Triangle county's top voucher recipient:
- North Raleigh Christian Academy, No. 1 in the state at $6.3 million.
- Trinity School in Durham, $2.2 million.
- St. Thomas More Catholic School in Chapel Hill, $1.4 million.
Zoom in: While private school enrollment has increased following the pandemic, there hasn't been a mass exodus from public schools as voucher funding has risen. At least not yet, UNC Charlotte professor Jason Giersch tells Axios.
- "It's easier to enroll your existing [private school] families into these opportunity scholarships than it is to expand the size of your school," Giersch says.
The big picture: The public is divided on the program, which Republicans have championed in the name of providing families with additional educational choices, Giersch says.
- The long-term effects of expanded voucher access remain unclear.
What we're watching: An audit of the program is expected to be released this year by the state auditor's office.
2. Raleigh furniture store plans cocktail club
Trig Modern, a high-end furniture and design store, plans to add a new cocktail club at the popular Dock 1053 development when it moves into a larger space later this month.
Why it matters: Trig, which has had a store in Raleigh since 2012, hopes Parlor 1053 will create a gathering spot for customers while attracting newcomers to its space at Dock 1053.
- Dock 1053 is one of Raleigh's most successful recent redevelopments. It's home to the Loading Dock co-working space, Lynwood Brewing Concern and restaurants like Wilson's Eatery and Hummingbird.
Driving the news: Trig Modern is in the process of moving into a larger space within the Dock 1053 building. The additional room gave the store's owners — brothers Justin and Ryan Riek — the idea of adding a "jazz social club," Zach Gregory, Trig's marketing specialist, told Axios.
Zoom in: Gregory said the goal is to have Parlour 1053 open around three nights a week with a bartender, starting in October.
- The bar will be small, with around 15 seats, but the hope is that it can become a gathering spot for both designers and clients as well as people just coming through Dock 1053.
- The plan is also to host events in the space or offer it as a rentable venue.
The big picture: Trig Modern's new expanded space comes as Dock 1053's owner, Beacon Partners, invests in a refresh of the property.
- Beacon bought Dock 1053 last year for $35 million. The developer is investing heavily in Raleigh right now and is currently seeking a 20-story rezoning on a warehouse property off Capital Boulevard.
3. The Tea: Plans for data center in Raleigh withdrawn
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4. Parisian-style cafe coming to midtown
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