Raleigh Local News Updates on Development – Dining – Sports and Community Notes
Raleigh keeps moving. From major rezonings and new restaurant openings to sports headlines and civic updates, here’s a curated roundup of what’s happening across the Triangle—quick hits you can scan and share.
Development
Raleigh City Council approved towers up to 37 stories in North Hills, set to become the tallest buildings Raleigh has ever seen—surpassing PNC Plaza (33 stories). Nearby residents raised concerns about disruption and sightlines. (WRAL)
Empire Properties, which also manages The Pit and Raleigh Times, purchased four downtown parcels on Wilmington and Hargett streets, including the former Taz’s Supermarket site. (Triangle Business Journal)
Kane Realty acquired a Midtown parcel adjacent to North Hills and The Exchange for $72M, signaling further North Hills expansion. (Triangle Business Journal)
Wake County and Marbles Kids Museum announced a $4.7M expansion with new exhibit space and a rooftop courtyard featuring a kid-size racetrack. Construction begins next month.
Openings & Closings
Campo Taco Co. is now open at Rockway near Dix Park, joining Benchwarmers and BK Pilates. Expect street tacos, bowls, birria ramen, and more.
Raising Cane’s opens its first Raleigh location on Hillsborough Street (former Varsity Theater) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Grand opening perks include merch, chicken, and a community check presentation for Second Chance Pet Adoptions and Marbles.
Mac’s Speed Shop closed its Five Points location near Rialto Theatre. (Raleigh Magazine)
Coming soon to Chapel Hill: Géos Tavern and Oyster Bar from restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias, with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Jackson as partner.
Pets & Health
Wake County approved a 54,600-sq-ft animal center in eastern Wake, increasing capacity by 50%. Construction targets 2027. (WUNC)
Wake County Libraries now offer heart monitors at all 23 locations, borrowable for three weeks thanks to a new donation.
Listen
J. Cole drops his seventh album, “The Fall-Off,” on Friday, Feb. 6—with hopes for a new Dreamville Festival announcement. (Billboard)
Streaming changed live albums, but Raleigh’s venues keep the real thing alive—revisit the classics and catch shows around town. (The Guardian)
Sports
NC Courage named Mak Lind head coach. Season opens Saturday, March 14 vs. Racing Louisville.
The Super Bowl gets local: Patriots QB Drake Maye (UNC/Charlotte ties) and Seahawks LB Drake Thomas (Wake Forest/NC State) headline NC connections. (WRAL)
NC State women’s basketball standout Zamareya Jones unwinds by building Lego sets—about 100 and counting. (The News & Observer)
Traffic & Civic
The “peanut-shaped” intersection on Lake Wheeler Road is happening—adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit upgrades to create a complete street near Dix Park. (Raleigh Downtown)
Raleigh will implement new indoor smoking laws in April, expanding authority to prohibit smoking in public places and government-owned buildings and grounds. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Vidrio launches a Chef’s Table dinner series starting Wednesday, Jan. 28, featuring Southern France flavors.
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is Saturday, Feb. 7. Andia’s (Raleigh + Cary) serves café-inspired specials 8–11 a.m.
Ranked & Fun
Raleigh lands No. 5 on the Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities list, buoyed by job growth.
Texas Pete is North Carolina’s most popular hot sauce, per Instacart data.
The Wordle word that stumped the most players in 2025? “Bongo.” Ready for redemption? (TODAY)
Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, Feb. 17—Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing movement, change, and opportunity.
Coming Soon
Activate brings laser rooms and a Mega Grid of LED tiles to Midtown next to the PGA Store. (Triangle Business Journal)
Biz
DraftKings filed a permit for an office at Raleigh Iron Works, adding to the project’s growing tenant mix. (Raleigh Magazine)
Stay in the know
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