What’s still legal, what’s flying off shelves and how vape shops are bracing for impact
It’s time for North Carolina to puff, puff, pass on vapes. Starting July 1, most vapes in NC will become illegal, thanks to a quietly passed bill signed by former Gov. Roy Cooper last year. The ban targets non-FDA-approved products—aka nearly every disposable vape lining smoke shop shelves. So if you’re still clutching your Lost Mary, brace yourself… she’s about to be really lost.
“People are losing their minds,” said a staffer at Tobacco Maxx on Peace Street, who confirmed the scramble is real. “Why change something that hits and risk losing the fan base—and especially when we’re just one state. … We have a guy working on it in the legislature, but at this point it’s not going to go anywhere.”
While the law technically went into effect May 1, the state built in a 60-day grace period—hence the official July 1 start date. Only a very short list of FDA-authorized options will legally allowed to be sold—mostly plain tobacco-flavored pods from brands like NJOY, Logic, Vuse, MyBlu and Crossbar, according to the state’s new vapor certification directory.
In order to even appear on that list, manufacturers have to cough up $2,000 to certify products—plus $500 annually. And that doesn’t include submitting federal documentation proving FDA approval or pending authorization.
Once the ban goes into effect, retailers can expect unannounced inspections, steep fines and even product seizures—plus warnings and mandatory reinspections on first offenses. Come strike two, licenses can be suspended. And strike three? Think fines, revocation and a possible bonfire of confiscated mango mint.
But wait—there is a catch: A major loophole is baked into the law. Vape products that have applied and are waiting for FDA pre-market authorizationare still allowed to be sold—even denied products under appeal can keep hitting shelves. So while the law looks like a crackdown, critics argue it still leaves the door open for many flavored and foreign vapes to stay in circulation.
Locally, parents and teachers are cheering the ban for finally clearing the air—literally. One Raleigh mom, whose kid’s high school deals with constant vape-triggered fire alarms and evacuations, shares, “I couldn’t be more thrilled about this new law. I’m so tired of grown adults vaping in restaurants and bars, acting like no one can see them. It’s out of control.”
But while the state might be tightening the reins, vape loyalists are doubling down. In the lead-up to the ban, shops are reporting panic buying and low stock. Case in point: According to Tobacco Maxx, fan-favorite flavors are flying off the shelves and prices are doubling. We reached out to seven more vape shops across Raleigh, but none were willing to go on the record—adding to the uncertainty around what exactly happens next. We’ll keep you updated as the smoke clears.
Tax hike? Not this time. Raleigh’s newly approved $1.78 billion FY2026 budget delivers big wins for city employees and public services—without raising property taxes.
But fees? Expect to see a ~$4/month bump in water, stormwater and solid waste bills—which mixed with some classic belt-tightening helped fund a $350M boost over last year’s $1.43B budget.
More than lip service, it’s all part of City Manager Marchell Adams-David’s theme for the year: Our Greatest Asset: Our Workforce. A $35M compensation study rollout will overhaul pay for 450+ job types, boosting salaries for 7,000+ city employees. Firefighters, police and telecommunicators will score double-digit bumps, with across-the-board pay hikes baked in for full- and part-time staff.
Take warning—a salmonella scare just hit your local produce section.
Just as tomato season is heating up, a major recall is throwing a wrench in Raleigh’s summer cooking game. From caprese salads to BLTs, your go-to seasonal dishes might be on the chopping block, thanks to potentially salmonella-contaminated tomatoes shipped to NC, SC and Georgia between April 23–28.
In Raleigh, that means your grocery haul from big-box stores to local distributors could be affected. It’s recommended to avoid H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack labels and keep your eyes peeled specifically for lot codes R4467 or R4470, or a three-count package with UPC 033383655048. Don’t second guess it—ditch or return your tomatoes for a full refund, as salmonella is no joke.
Symptoms can hit anywhere from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria, and can last four to seven days (!). All the scaries, from fever and cramps to full-on gastrointestinal regret, are common—and while most healthy folks bounce back in under a week, the illness can be especially dangerous for kids, seniors and anyone with weakened immune systems.
Unfortunately, this round of red flags isn’t the only recall rolling through the region—Ray & Mascari Inc. also recalled vine-ripes recently, affecting states further West and North.
That said, there have been no confirmed cases linked to the tomatoes in NC yet, but stay cautious (no sandwich is worth salmonella!) and take this as your sign to hit the State Farmers Market or your fave fruit and veggie pop-up instead. A summer tomato salad or sandwich is sacred—just make sure yours isn’t a health hazard. For full details, stay tuned to FDA updates.
Picnic like a pro at Koka Booth’s Summerfest series
If you thought Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre was just for symphonic sounds under the stars, think again. For 25 years, the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest series—which kicked off in May and runs weekly through July—has been home to one of the Triangle’s most delightful traditions: the themed picnic contest.
Inspired by the evening’s music—Star Wars, Broadway, A Summer Night in France, the ’70s and so on—these wildly creative setups have evolved into full-blown productions. “It’s definitely gotten grander,” says NC Symphony Assistant VP of Marketing and Sales Emma Wall, who notes the picnics have been a tradition since Koka Booth opened. “People are more into it and we see more and more creative things.”
Photos courtesy of NC Symphony
Each concert draws hundreds of picnics, with everything from Hogwarts-themed spreads showcasing butterbeer and chocolate frogs to tables draped in French flags and croissants. One Broadway night even featured film reels, VHS tapes and director chairs labeled like a movie set.
Roving judges scour the grounds to pick the top three picnics—the winner grabbing a grand prize $100 gift card to Wegmans, with two honorable mentions each scoring a $25 gift card. And, yes, “they do try to bribe the judges with their food and drinks,” jokes Wall.
She describes how picnickers pull out all the stops to win big, transforming even the humblest dish into a showstopper with a little creativity, flair—and a dash of friendly competition. “It could be like a normal everyday potato salad, but they’ve done a little something to tie it to the music being performed,” she says. Think “Susie’s Big Top Potato Salad,” complete with a circus-themed label and paper performer.
And this year’s themes are poised to offer even more inspo to let the imagination soar, from Disco Fever to Tropical Rock for 5 O’Clock Somewhere to The Catalinas. “Everybody wants to win a gift card to the grocery store,” says Wall of the competition—but assures it’s “family-friendly in a beautiful atmosphere… relaxed and fun.”
If you think you have what it takes to be crowned winner, pull out your best spreads and spread out at Koka Booth this summer. The more the merrier!boothamphitheatre.com
From riveting reads to retro finds, these five Triangle gems serve up groovy good vibes.
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Monroe Boutique | Apex Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Monroe (!). Impossibly chic, this Apex boutique is giving serious West Coast energy with its sun-soaked Sofia Richie Grainge-meets-Southern Charm style rooted in luxury and simplicity. Owner and stylist Tiffany Weaver dreamed up the airy, minimalist fashion-forward escape after a soul-refreshing trip down the California coast—and now she’s dressing the Triangle one elevated essential at a time. Be *that girl* via selects like linen layers, quality denim and polished pieces from cult-fave brands like Citizens of Humanity, Agolde and Clare V. Time for a closet cleanout!monroe.boutique
Shinmai Shokudō | Cary This women-owned Japanese eatery is truly a labor of love—and a love letter to the three female owners’ passion for traditional and creative cuisine. Its name representing a place for people to gather over comforting dishes, the hot spot serves up steaming bowls of silky tonkotsu ramen, soul-warming carbonara udon and savory okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes)—plus izakaya-style light bites like seaweed salad, wasabi fries, and gobo (or burdock root) chips. The food is made all the more soul-soothing in the clean, modern aesthetic, inviting diners to slow down, slurp up and savor. P.S. Soon you won’t have to travel so far to get your slurp on, as a second sup spot at Raleigh’s Quail Corners is on deck soon! shinmaius.co
EverLou Coffee Co. | Durham Hold the dairy, keep the delicious via the oat milk-based coffee shop bringing the buzz to Bull City. More than just a caffeine fix, the intimate java haven is a warm and welcoming hub for connection, creativity and seriously good sips (think Fruity Pebbles- and Cinnamon Toast Crunch-inspired lattes). With coffee sourced from Pure Intentions in Charlotte, treats from local bakeries like Little Barb’s Bakery and Lutra Cafe & Bakery, and a come-as-you-are vibe, this is the kind of place where you can settle in, sip slowly and stay awhile. Bonus: Dogs are welcome, so bring your best friend—fur or human.@everloucoffeeco
Alleyway Bookstore | Apex Release your inner bookworm and read sustainably! Part literary escape, part community hub, this treasure trove of a used bookstore is stacked with shelf after shelf of preloved page-turners—from timeless classics to BookTok obsessions—just waiting for their stories to get a second life (and at prices that won’t make your wallet weep to boot). Like your coolest friend’s reading nook crossed with an indie movie scene, the cozy space is warm, welcoming and a little nostalgic, just begging you to get lost in the stacks—then get lost in a good book. Bonus: Bring in a used novel of your own to trade for store credit. alleywaybookstore.com
Wendell Market | Wendell Hyperlocal, heart-filled and full of flavor, downtown’s monthly first-Thursday evening market is as Wendell as it gets. Set against the backdrop of historic brick buildings and shady sidewalks, its market magic ranges from fresh-picked produce and baked bites to handmade goods from local growers, makers and artisans—so you can swap stories with a farmer, score a fresh-out-of-the-oven sourdough and find your new favorite candle all on the same street. Don’t miss themed days also featuring art, food trucks and other entertainment—oh, and part of Campen Street is in the social district! townofwendellnc.gov
