Raleigh and the Triangle have plenty of noteworthy news to follow, from major passenger rail funding and affordable housing progress to new businesses, fall festivals and early voting deadlines. This DoRaleigh roundup brings together updates from Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, along with North Carolina business and community headlines.

Raleigh Development, Transportation and Community News

S-Line passenger rail receives $550 million in federal funding

The Raleigh-to-Richmond passenger rail project has reached another funding milestone. Federal transportation officials announced $550 million for the S-Line, supporting work toward a route expected to reduce travel time between the two cities by up to 90 minutes while increasing service and reliability. The funding advances the project; it does not mark the start of passenger service.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation.

Affordable rental homes take shape in Southeast Raleigh

Southeast Raleigh Promise is making progress on Promise 25, a development bringing 25 affordable rental homes to nine city-owned parcels. The city approved $3.3 million in gap financing for the project, which includes a mix of housing types. Initial homes have been completed, with the full project expected to finish by summer 2027.

Sources: City of Raleigh and WRAL.

Downtown South apartment plans move forward

Kane Realty has filed plans for 350 apartments as the first phase of Downtown South, according to Raleigh Magazine. Construction is planned to begin by the end of 2026, making this a development to watch as Raleigh adds housing.

Durham park improvements face delays

Planned amenities at Durham’s East End and Long Meadow parks will not begin construction this fall as originally expected. INDY Week reports that rising costs and design challenges have pushed the work back by approximately two years while officials pursue $15 million in federal grant funding.

Source: INDY Week.

Wake County receives farmland preservation funding

The Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District received approximately $10 million in state funding tied to farmland protection and agricultural growth, according to CBS 17. The awards include $7.9 million for 12 projects and a separate $2 million award, with more than 600 acres slated for permanent protection.

Raleigh tracks progress toward 24,000 trees

Raleigh’s goal is to reach 24,000 trees planted by 2032. The city’s Every Tree Counts initiative includes trees planted by residents, businesses and community partners, giving private-property plantings a role in the communitywide effort.

Source: City of Raleigh.

Midtown real estate forum set for October 27

The Midtown Raleigh Alliance’s Real Estate Forum takes place Tuesday, October 27. Local real estate leaders will discuss housing trends, neighborhood development and projects shaping North Hills and Midtown, according to Raleigh Magazine.

Raleigh Restaurants, Nightlife and New Businesses

Low Bar Lounge opens beneath Whiskey Kitchen

Low Bar Lounge has opened below Whiskey Kitchen in downtown Raleigh. The underground venue offers cocktails, beer, wine and THC seltzers, with nightly service until 2 a.m. The space draws inspiration from a limousine company that once occupied the property and was previously home to digital art venue IMURJ.

Food industry professionals can also look for Sunday Family Meal, a rotating buffet offered Sundays at 5:30 p.m. for $20. Check with the lounge for current availability and participation details.

Sources: WRAL and Raleigh Magazine.

Sippin’ Santa returns to Wye Hill

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing will host Sippin’ Santa from November 13 through December 31. The seasonal pop-up brings tropical holiday decorations and themed cocktails to the restaurant at 201 S. Boylan Avenue. Reservations are available through Wye Hill’s event page.

Details: Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill.

South Block plans North Hills location

Acai bowl, smoothie and juice brand South Block is coming to 4121 Main at North Hills Street. Founded in Arlington, Virginia, the company plans to open beside bartaco in North Hills’ Main District during the first quarter of 2027.

Source: North Hills.

Raleigh construction executive backs luxury handbag brand

Cooper Tacia General Contractors CEO John Cooper has invested more than $1 million in Dadov, the luxury handbag company he co-founded with designer Islam Dadov, according to Triangle Business Journal. The brand debuted at Paris Fashion Week this fall and is exploring boutiques in Paris and major U.S. cities. A standalone Raleigh store is not currently planned, though Triangle retail placement remains a possibility.

Triangle Business, Technology and Education

Raleigh Founded enters a new chapter

Former executive directors Lauren Romer and Jess Porta are taking the lead through their new venture, Lotos Ventures, as Raleigh Founded’s original ownership group winds down operations at the end of October. The transition encompasses the North Street, Downtown Cary and Centennial Campus locations, continuing the coworking community’s mission of connecting entrepreneurs and businesses.

Source: Raleigh Founded’s announcement.

Loren Gold named next Visit Raleigh president and CEO

Loren Gold will become president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Visit Raleigh, on January 1, 2027. He succeeds Dennis Edwards, who is retiring at the end of 2026. Gold has served as executive vice president since 2007 and brings nearly four decades of hospitality experience.

Source: Visit Raleigh.

NC TECH recognizes industry leaders

NC TECH announced eight recipients of its 2026 Individual Awards, including SAS CEO Jim Goodnight, Vantaca CEO Ben Currin and Charlotte CIO Markell Storay. The honorees will be celebrated November 16 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in the Research Triangle Park area.

Details: NC TECH Awards.

Pendo introduces Floor 404 puzzle game

Raleigh-based Pendo has launched Floor 404, a free daily puzzle game focused on improving AI agents. According to GrepBeat, players solve challenges by supplying virtual agents with better context, illustrating concepts behind the company’s Pendo for Agents platform.

Cary drugmaker announces FDA approval

Asahi Kasei Therapeutics announced FDA approval of Hovilpri, or pritelivir, for mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus lesions that are refractory to standard antiviral treatment in immunocompromised adults. The approval covers lesions with or without resistance to standard treatment. The company expects U.S. availability before the end of 2026.

Source: Asahi Kasei.

Duke and UNC place in WalletHub’s top 25

Duke University ranked No. 14 and UNC-Chapel Hill ranked No. 24 in WalletHub’s 2027 Best Colleges and Universities rankings. The study compares institutions across factors including costs, student selectivity, campus experience and educational outcomes.

Source: WalletHub.

North Carolina ranks fourth for doing business

North Carolina placed No. 4 in Area Development’s 2026 rankings of the best states for doing business. The report highlighted strengths including innovation and research, manufacturing workforce skills, industrial site availability, government responsiveness and business costs.

New Bern entrepreneur wins startup funding

Entrepreneur Dan Spangler won $30,000 in the NC Small Business Center Network’s inaugural startup competition for Rinse-A-Poo, according to Business North Carolina. The ergonomic pet-waste cleanup product will use the funding to move from prototype toward production.

People, Science and Local Learning

Christina Koch takes NASA leadership role

NASA astronaut Christina Koch will become acting deputy chief engineer on November 1, helping oversee engineering across agency programs. Her experience includes the Artemis II mission and a 328-day stay aboard the International Space Station.

Source: NASA.

Wake libraries introduce free STEAM Lab programs

Wake County Public Libraries has launched STEAM Lab for students in third through fifth grades. Free, hands-on activities explore science, technology, engineering, art and math, with topics such as bridge design and geology. Families should check their branch’s calendar for sessions and participation details.

Millbrook staff help welcome a baby

Staff at Millbrook Magnet High School helped a contracted security officer deliver her baby on campus, according to CBS 17. School officials reported that both mother and child were doing well.

Cyclist finishes 22,757-mile journey in Raleigh

Jeff Molby completed a 22,757-mile bicycle journey in downtown Raleigh in October. His ride raised awareness of the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program and the need for transportation assistance for people receiving cancer treatment.

Source: WUNC.

Upcoming Triangle Events and Important Deadlines

Wake County early voting ends October 31

Early voting for the November 3 general election continues through 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31. Wake County voters can use any of the county’s 18 early voting sites. Check official locations, hours and available wait-time information before heading out.

Details: Wake County election information.

Pumpkin Palooza returns to Pullen Park

Pullen Park’s Pumpkin Palooza runs Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The all-ages event features seasonal crafts, games and a digital scavenger hunt compass, with a train ride included. Tickets cost $14, and advance purchase is required.

Tickets and details: City of Raleigh.

Taste of China Festival comes to Cary November 7

The annual Taste of China Festival returns to downtown Cary on Saturday, November 7. The free-to-attend celebration features Chinese food, cultural performances and community activities. Food and other purchases are separate from admission.

Details: Taste of China Festival.

Festifall Arts Market returns to Chapel Hill

The 53rd Festifall Arts Market takes place Saturday, November 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at 100 E. Rosemary Street in downtown Chapel Hill. The free event features handmade goods, local artists and live performances, with pottery, jewelry, soaps, candles and more to browse.

Details: Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture.

Banana Ball returns to Durham in June 2027

The Loco Beach Coconuts and Firefighters are scheduled to play at Durham Bulls Athletic Park June 18–19, 2027. Fans can join the ticket lottery through October 31, 2026, for a chance to purchase tickets. Joining the lottery does not guarantee access.

Details: Banana Ball schedule and ticket lottery information.

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Editor’s note: Opening dates, event details and development plans may change. Check with individual businesses, venues and organizations for the latest information.