RTP Clears Path for Mixed-Use Developments

For the first time since it opened in 1959, Research Triangle Park will allow homes, shops, and restaurants to rise alongside its corporate labs.

The Research Triangle Foundation adopted the RTP 3.0 framework and opened development applications last Thursday, capping a roughly five-year planning process that won unanimous approval from the park’s companies and landowners in June.

The 7,000-acre park between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill employs more than 55,000 people across some 385 companies and national labs, but its rules had barred anything but research and development for nearly 70 years.

Wake County approved its rezoning in June 2025, and Durham County followed in November 2025, clearing the way for walkable, mixed-use districts that could eventually include up to 30,000 homes alongside new dining, recreation, and nightlife options.

Congress Weighs College Sports Overhaul

A bipartisan bill that would cap athlete transfers, tighten eligibility, and block a college football super league is heading toward a U.S. Senate floor vote, possibly this month.

The Protect College Sports Act is backed by ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, the chancellors of all of North Carolina’s public Football Bowl Subdivision schools—including UNC, NC State, Appalachian State, Charlotte, and East Carolina—and Republican Sen. Ted Budd, who voted to advance it in committee.

Supporters say it would end the endless lawsuits and annual free agency that followed the 2021 Supreme Court ruling on athlete pay. The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten oppose the bill, arguing it wouldn’t override the patchwork of state laws. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, called it a “federal takeover of college sports.”

One sponsor says the bill likely has the 60 votes it needs. The House has not yet acted.

Four NC Resorts Earn National Nod

Four North Carolina resorts have earned top spots among the South’s best places to stay, according to Travel + Leisure’s annual reader survey. All are nestled in the mountains, highlighting the region’s appeal for luxurious getaways.

Half-Mile Farm in Highlands ranked No. 4, followed by The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville at No. 5. Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands placed No. 7, and Skyline Lodge in Highlands came in at No. 9.

Readers praised the properties for exceptional service, stunning locations, and memorable experiences. Many have rich backstories and entrancing interiors that keep guests returning.

The results underscore Western North Carolina’s growing reputation as a premier destination, with Asheville also ranking highly among Southern cities. View the rankings here.

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➤ Statewide: A Fort Bragg soldier, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, was killed Saturday when Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, was killed in the same attack a day earlier. Both were supporting counter-ISIS operations. (More)

➤ Statewide: Nearly 300,000 North Carolinians have defaulted on their student loans, owing billions, with defaults roughly doubling over the past year as borrowers struggled to resume payments after the federal pause ended in 2024. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Dangerous heat near 98 degrees pushed heat indices past 100 during Usher and Chris Brown concerts at Bank of America Stadium, prompting 20 heat-related medical calls Friday and 40 people treated Saturday. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Lawyers for Christopher K. Carnes, charged with threatening President Trump on social media, filed a motion on Friday seeking a mental competency hearing to determine if he can stand trial. (More)

➤ Calabash: The state Local Government Commission approved a $2 million installment financing deal allowing the town to relocate its town hall to balance workforce capacity with community needs. (More)

➤ Durham Public Schools welcomed its year-round students back to class this week, with teachers, staff, and bus drivers greeting the first arrivals. (More)

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➤ Despite entering the offseason as defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes have made just one minor free-agent signing. General Manager Eric Tulsky says the team is chasing trades over overpriced free agents, with Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin a possible chip. (More)

➤ CJ Bailey, NC State’s junior quarterback, said a host of programs tried to lure him from Raleigh through the transfer portal, but he stayed, citing loyalty to coach Dave Doeren and his staff after a 3,105-yard, 25-touchdown 2025 season. (More)

➤ Rowan County opened American Legion baseball playoffs with a dominant 13-1, five-inning victory over Mocksville, powered by 13 hits and strong pitching from Brant Graham. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA

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➤ Southern Pines-based First Bancorp will buy Florence, South Carolina-based First Carolina Bancshares, parent of Carolina Bank & Trust, in a $166 million stock-and-cash deal. The acquisition will add about $831 million in assets and push First Bancorp past $13 billion. (More)

➤ The Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System broke ground Monday on a 230,000-square-foot outpatient clinic in Jacksonville that will serve more than 42,000 veterans across six southeastern North Carolina counties when it opens in 2029. (More)

➤ Gray Media, parent company of WECT in Wilmington, has agreed to acquire six TV stations—including Wilmington’s Fox affiliate WSFX-TV—from American Spirit Media in a $50 million deal. (More)

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➤ Crews have removed the lantern room and upper works from the 198-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the U.S., as its restoration enters a complex rebuild, with the famous black-and-white spiral due to be repainted before the top is reassembled. (See Photos)

➤ A new ranking of admission rates across the ACC’s 17 schools lists Duke as the most selective at 6%, followed by UNC-Chapel Hill at 15%, Wake Forest at 22%, and NC State at 42%. (See Details)

➤ High Point University art professor Benita VanWinkle highlights the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro in her new book on America’s beautiful pre-1965 hometown movie theaters across all 50 states, which Architectural Digest recently reviewed. (See Photos)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ New research found the low-calorie sweeteners hiding in everyday drinks may be quietly eroding your memory. (Hear Details)

➤ Health officials are working to trace the source of a deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak on New York’s Upper East Side. (Hear Episode)

➤ One of the most notorious figures in Mexico’s drug trade was sentenced to life in prison and ordered to forfeit billions. (Listen Now)

What do you think of the RTP allowing mixed-use developments?

1. It’s about time
2. Not loving it
3. Don’t care either way

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you worried about eating fresh produce during the current cyclospora outbreak?

1. Somewhat: 40%
2. Yes: 31%
3. Not at all: 22%
4. What’s cyclospora? 7%

Which signer of the Declaration of Independence lived in Hillsborough?

Show me the answer