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  • It’s Almost Time to Vote Again
  • Our Top Local Songs of 2025
  • Dix Park Is Getting a Coffee Shop
  • ICYMI: Raleigh Housing Lawsuit
  • Give Input on Durham’s Open Space Plan

Good morning, readers.

The 2026 election season is officially underway. 

Friday marked the end of the candidate filing period in North Carolina, which means we now know who is running for a host of elected seats representing the Triangle, from congress and the state legislature, to district attorney and sheriff, to county commissions and school boards. 

It’s a whole lot to keep track of. But not to worry, INDY staff have you covered with details on all of the candidates, which races will be on your ballot, and the local contests that will have the biggest impact. 

A few we’re paying attention to: a three-way Democratic primary to replace Wake County’s longtime district attorney, a matchup between a one-term state senator and a former Durham city council member, and a rematch between a Triangle congresswoman and a county commissioner.

Click below for roundups of who is running for office in the Triangle next year. And stay tuned for our ongoing election coverage ahead of the March 3 primary.

—Sarah W.

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The latest from INDY, plus other stories around the state you’ll want to read. Handpicked every day by INDY Editor-in-Chief Sarah Willets.

Our Top Local Songs of 2025

A non-comprehensive list of local songs we loved this year, from Triangle artists like Reese McHenry, Jooselord, Tre. Charles, Joseph Decosimo, and more. 

Renderings of Flowers Cottage. Photo courtesy of Dix Park Conservancy.

Cottage Industry

Opening next summer, Dix Park’s new amenity will give visitors views, brews, and buzz from a coffee shop and bar in the park’s historic Flowers Cottage, Elliott Harrell writes for the INDY.

Credit: Illustration by Nicole Pajor Moore

House Hunting

City attorneys warn, if successful, a lawsuit against Raleigh’s missing middle housing policies could have implications for thousands of housing units in the pipeline, INDY’s Jane Porter reports.

Sponsored Content

STATE: North Carolina legislators are looking at how blockchain technology could be incorporated into state businesses, from DMV titles to voting online, NC Newsline reports.

STATE: Some local sheriffs are warning that a new law restricting pretrial release and mandating more mental health evaluations will lead to jail overcrowding, North Carolina Health News reports.

STATE: ProPublica takes a deep dive into how Republicans have wrested control from North Carolina’s Democratic governors.

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  • Do you know how to tell if wrapping paper can be recycled? The City of Raleigh shared tips to reduce holiday waste.
  • The City of Durham and Durham County are working on policies for open space, preservation, and land acquisition. Give feedback on the forthcoming open space plan here.
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