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Davidson makes tuition free for families earning up to $175K

Davidson College will be tuition-free starting in fall 2027 for families earning up to $175,000.

News

Davidson College has a new tuition structure that will mean free tuition for U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose families earn $175,000 or less.Why it matters: High costs are a major barrier for people looking to earn a college degree, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="c97aca6d-742a-46e2-877a-aa84282412ec" data-vars-headline="Davidson makes tuition free for families earning up to $175K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">Axios</a> has previously reported.

Iron Oak Cigar Lounge opens in Concord with bar and golf simulator

The new lounge offers more than 400 cigars, a whiskey- and bourbon-focused bar, an indoor golf simulator and more.

Things to Do

Iron Oak Cigar Lounge is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" data-vars-content-id="800914f3-5485-4019-a8cc-646ffb4c543f" data-vars-headline="Iron Oak Cigar Lounge opens in Concord with bar and golf simulator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/20/charlotte-new-business-openings-2026" target="_self">now open</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" data-vars-content-id="800914f3-5485-4019-a8cc-646ffb4c543f" data-vars-headline="Iron Oak Cigar Lounge opens in Concord with bar and golf simulator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/19/spend-a-day-in-concord-20-things-to-eat-drink-see-and-do-2-294442" target="_self">Concord</a> with cigars, bourbon and golf.Why it matters: Owner Bjorn Mohaugen says it can take years for a cigar to go from seed to smoke, which is why he wants Iron Oak to be a place where smokers can slow down, learn the story behind each blend and discover smaller brands they might otherwise overlook.

The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine

The club drug once known as "Special K" is becoming an unlikely treatment for depression.

Health

A longtime party drug is finding a new role treating depression and PTSD for hundreds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotteans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/29/charlotte-lonelines-cigna-isolation" data-vars-content-id="43e25325-3326-47c5-9ea0-5c13321f4c12" data-vars-headline="The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/29/charlotte-lonelines-cigna-isolation" target="_self">Charlotteans</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ketamine infusion clinics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/uncertain-future-ketamine-therapy" data-vars-content-id="43e25325-3326-47c5-9ea0-5c13321f4c12" data-vars-headline="The latest mental health treatment in Charlotte: Ketamine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/uncertain-future-ketamine-therapy" target="_self">Ketamine infusion clinics</a> are growing in the city and across the country as research points to the drug&#x27;s mental health benefits.

A giant fort is coming to Charlotte's Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center plans to open phase II of its Wildwoods activity area this September, complete with a fort and nods to the area's history.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. National Whitewater Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/13/whitewater-center-guide" data-vars-content-id="a1f68d4e-f7ad-45a6-aaa6-6a7847b58fba" data-vars-headline="A giant fort is coming to Charlotte&#x27;s Whitewater Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/13/whitewater-center-guide" target="_self">U.S. National Whitewater Center</a> plans to open phase II of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wildwoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/09/whitewater-center-wildwoods-kids" data-vars-content-id="a1f68d4e-f7ad-45a6-aaa6-6a7847b58fba" data-vars-headline="A giant fort is coming to Charlotte&#x27;s Whitewater Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/09/whitewater-center-wildwoods-kids" target="_self">Wildwoods</a> activity area this September, complete with a historic fort, mining cave, event space and expanded treehouse village.Why it matters: Wildwoods will more than double in size to meet the demand for kid-focused space.

The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR's next generation

The Speedway's Summer Shootout series is where many future NASCAR drivers get their start.

Some of the toughest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/07/nascar-ridealong-race-car-charlotte-motor-speedway" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/07/nascar-ridealong-race-car-charlotte-motor-speedway" target="_self">race cars</a> around are being driven by kids as young as 13 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.Why it matters: The Speedway&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer Shootout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/summer-shootout/" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/summer-shootout/" target="_blank">Summer Shootout</a> series is where many future NASCAR drivers sharpen their skills. It&#x27;s also one of Charlotte&#x27;s more affordable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family outings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" target="_self">family outings</a>, with $13 tickets for adults and free admission for kids 12 and under.

We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here's where they are now

We needed closure. So we texted everyone.

Dating

After years of setting Charlotteans up on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blind dates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" data-vars-content-id="03082b9a-1636-4f0e-8d6a-5503adb65503" data-vars-headline="We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here&#x27;s where they are now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" target="_self">blind dates</a>, we wanted to know: What happened next?State of play: We checked back in with dozens of former participants from the last three years to find out whether there was a second date — and where their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dating lives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="03082b9a-1636-4f0e-8d6a-5503adb65503" data-vars-headline="We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here&#x27;s where they are now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" target="_self">dating lives</a> have taken them since.

From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive

$15 High Noons. $1M townhomes. Charlotte's getting expensive.

People <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" data-vars-content-id="ca14b59c-7654-4500-8dff-cecbf4588a48" data-vars-headline="From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" target="_self">are</a> seeing it everywhere: Gas at $4. Cocktails over $20. Rent climbing to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$2,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/26/vivian-apartments-south-end-rent" data-vars-content-id="ca14b59c-7654-4500-8dff-cecbf4588a48" data-vars-headline="From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/26/vivian-apartments-south-end-rent" target="_self">$2,000</a>, and homeownership out of reach.<ul><li>Charlotte is getting expensive.</li></ul>Why it matters: The whole country is feeling the squeeze, but Charlotte faces an extra layer of economic pressure:<ul><li>The rising cost of being a desirable city.</li></ul>

Comedian Matt Rife returns to Charlotte with jokes about the city

The comedian returns to Spectrum Center this June and he has a few jokes to share about Charlotte traffic, sports fans and dating.

Comedian Matt Rife loves Charlotte, but that didn&#x27;t stop him from finding a few things to joke about ahead of his upcoming show this summer.Why it matters: Rife credits Charlotte&#x27;s Comedy Zone as one of the first clubs to give him a shot, and says the city has remained one of his favorite stops ever since.

Charlotte's food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte

Charlotte's food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte.

Food and Drink

Charlotte, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" data-vars-content-id="0e0eacee-48a0-4799-b568-f25cd5a602ba" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" target="_self">once</a> known for steakhouses and company-credit-card dinners, is chasing recognition for its evolving food scene, investing millions in exposure through &quot;Top Chef&quot; and Michelin.Why it matters: There are some criteria for building a food-city reputation that money can&#x27;t buy. Few people can succinctly describe Charlotte&#x27;s culinary identity. The debate sounds awfully familiar.

The duo behind Charlotte's most relatable comedy videos

From I-77 toll lanes to airport confusion, their sketches tap into everyday Charlotte frustrations.

Two Charlotte comedians are turning the city&#x27;s pain points into laughs. Why it matters: Comedians Alex King and Sean Kett roast Charlotte out of love, the same way you&#x27;re allowed to pick on your siblings. But there will be hell to pay if someone from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="c484d6ee-3b4f-4360-9b41-23c1ce904186" data-vars-headline="The duo behind Charlotte&#x27;s most relatable comedy videos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" target="_self">Atlanta</a> or Raleigh talks smack about Charlotte.

Did someone put mattress store signs in the old Soul building to mess with Plaza Midwood?

What's next for the old Soul Gastrolounge building?

We <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="don&#x27;t" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/soul-gastrolounge-noda-opening" data-vars-content-id="64763e44-8cdc-49e9-be5e-bccef15160ba" data-vars-headline="Did someone put mattress store signs in the old Soul building to mess with Plaza Midwood?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/soul-gastrolounge-noda-opening" target="_self">don&#x27;t</a> know if it&#x27;s trolling, a marketing stunt or a harsh reality, but someone put mattress store signs in the long-vacant old Soul Gastrolounge building in Plaza Midwood.Why it matters: The brick corner at Pecan and Central Avenue is one of Charlotte&#x27;s most visible and talked-about storefronts, coming to symbolize the fight to preserve the neighborhood&#x27;s funky character.

The Zyn can has become a Trade Street staple

Zyn cans are a sign of Charlotte's new workplace habit.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" data-vars-content-id="ce0eb4e1-9357-40e9-a11a-a8915f833535" data-vars-headline="The Zyn can has become a Trade Street staple" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" target="_self">small</a> circular imprint of a Zyn can in a khaki pocket is showing up everywhere on Trade Street, a sign of Charlotte&#x27;s new workplace habit.Why it matters: Nicotine pouches are discreet, odorless and easy to tuck between the gum and lip, fueling their rising popularity among white-collar workers who claim the products help them be productive.

The biggest things to do in Charlotte this June

Hello, Charlotte summer. You&#x27;ve been missed.What to expect: June brings food festivals, stadium concerts, major sporting events, Juneteenth celebrations and plenty of reasons to stay out past sunset.

America's fastest-growing city has a message: "We're full"

Americans fled big cities for Charlotte. Then recreated one

As Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barrels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/17/charlotte-population-nears-1-million-after-nation-leading-growth" data-vars-content-id="1420941c-c7f5-4f04-a75a-b87f34528cd4" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s fastest-growing city has a message: &quot;We&#x27;re full&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/17/charlotte-population-nears-1-million-after-nation-leading-growth" target="_self">barrels</a> toward a population of 1 million, the city of transplants and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unicorn natives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/10/charlotte-unicorns-arent-so-rare-305204" data-vars-content-id="1420941c-c7f5-4f04-a75a-b87f34528cd4" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s fastest-growing city has a message: &quot;We&#x27;re full&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/10/charlotte-unicorns-arent-so-rare-305204" target="_self">unicorn natives</a> is uniting behind a common phrase:<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re full.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Charlotte built a reputation as a place to escape more crowded, costlier cities. Now, residents fear rapid growth is recreating what they fled, from the Atlanta-scary traffic to the New York sticker shock.