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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.

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.

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.

NC falls in business ranking as growth hurts affordability

CNBC: NC still good for business but faces growth challenges.

North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="060d06cd-210d-412c-8141-aaa1721ada0d" data-vars-headline="NC falls in business ranking as growth hurts affordability" 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">fell</a> from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="060d06cd-210d-412c-8141-aaa1721ada0d" data-vars-headline="NC falls in business ranking as growth hurts affordability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">CNBC&#x27;s</a> No. 1 state for business to No. 2 after losing ground in categories related to affordability, crime and worker protections.Why it matters: North Carolina is still considered one of the best states to do business. But this year&#x27;s ranking comes with a few warning signs for the state as it grapples with rapid growth.

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.

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 dating app lets friends and strangers play matchmaker

Rivet replaces endless swiping with community-vetted introductions and live singles events.

A new Charlotte dating app turns everyone into a matchmaker.Why it matters: Many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte singles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/what-charlotte-singles-say-about-the-local-dating-scene" data-vars-content-id="0952c24a-2cb5-46ea-93c3-9a53e9c73928" data-vars-headline="Charlotte dating app lets friends and strangers play matchmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/what-charlotte-singles-say-about-the-local-dating-scene" target="_self">Charlotte singles</a> say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dating feels frustrating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="0952c24a-2cb5-46ea-93c3-9a53e9c73928" data-vars-headline="Charlotte dating app lets friends and strangers play matchmaker" 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 feels frustrating</a> and Rivet co-founder Taru Kapoor and Rajat Sahni wanted to replace endless swiping with a more human approach to matchmaking.

Blind Date: Jackson and Maria are a strong match on paper. But what about in person?

We're back with another edition of our blind date series.

We&#x27;re back with another edition of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blind Date series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" data-vars-content-id="deabdeec-62ea-4dce-b0bf-8b757083b906" data-vars-headline="Blind Date: Jackson and Maria are a strong match on paper. But what about in person?" 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 Date series</a>. This time, we sent Jackson and Maria to grab drinks at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stylus Soundlounge." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/18/charlotte-craft-cocktails-bob-peters-soul-gastrolounge" data-vars-content-id="deabdeec-62ea-4dce-b0bf-8b757083b906" data-vars-headline="Blind Date: Jackson and Maria are a strong match on paper. But what about in person?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/18/charlotte-craft-cocktails-bob-peters-soul-gastrolounge" target="_self">Stylus Soundlounge.</a>Ready to meet your match this year? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apply here" data-vars-click-url="https://opinionstage.com/page/efa6a0d9-10b1-4a2d-a07a-57a36048a474" data-vars-content-id="deabdeec-62ea-4dce-b0bf-8b757083b906" data-vars-headline="Blind Date: Jackson and Maria are a strong match on paper. But what about in person?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://opinionstage.com/page/efa6a0d9-10b1-4a2d-a07a-57a36048a474" target="_blank">Apply here</a> for an upcoming date and send the application to your single friends. It&#x27;s super easy!

"Married at First Sight" is casting in Charlotte again

The producers behind "Love Is Blind," "The Ultimatum" and "Perfect Match" are now casting Charlotte singles for a new season of "Married at First Sight."

The producers behind &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love Is Blind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/13/biggest-controversies-season-six-love-is-blind-charlotte-netflix" data-vars-content-id="c7611e19-f57a-465d-b036-cf6dc5d6e94f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Married at First Sight&quot; is casting in Charlotte again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/13/biggest-controversies-season-six-love-is-blind-charlotte-netflix" target="_self">Love Is Blind</a>,&quot; &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Ultimatum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/30/19-places-in-charlotte-featured-on-netflix-the-ultimatum-337934" data-vars-content-id="c7611e19-f57a-465d-b036-cf6dc5d6e94f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Married at First Sight&quot; is casting in Charlotte again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/30/19-places-in-charlotte-featured-on-netflix-the-ultimatum-337934" target="_self">The Ultimatum</a>&quot; and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Perfect Match" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/07/quote-du-jour-charlotte-love" data-vars-content-id="c7611e19-f57a-465d-b036-cf6dc5d6e94f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Married at First Sight&quot; is casting in Charlotte again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/07/quote-du-jour-charlotte-love" target="_self">Perfect Match</a>&quot; are now casting Charlotte singles for a new season of &quot;Married at First Sight.&quot;Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s dating scene feels &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="messy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/14/netflix-love-is-blind-cast-interviews-charlotte-dating" data-vars-content-id="c7611e19-f57a-465d-b036-cf6dc5d6e94f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Married at First Sight&quot; is casting in Charlotte again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/14/netflix-love-is-blind-cast-interviews-charlotte-dating" target="_self">messy</a>&quot; and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustrating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="c7611e19-f57a-465d-b036-cf6dc5d6e94f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Married at First Sight&quot; is casting in Charlotte again" 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">frustrating</a>.&quot; Reality TV keeps tapping into that energy, and this show is asking people to take it even further by legally marrying a stranger on camera.

What Charlotte singles are saying about the local dating scene

Many singles graded Charlotte's dating scene an "F," citing frustrations with the dating pool, app culture and a lack of serious intent.

We asked Charlotte singles to share their hot takes on dating in the city, and their pain points ranged from the pool of prospects to dating app culture.Why it matters: More than 100 readers and Instagram followers weighed in — and gave <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the dating scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="801342d9-bd17-42de-80b8-206bb0a2d9b9" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte singles are saying about the local dating scene" 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">the dating scene</a> a solid &quot;F,&quot; a downgrade from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a &quot;C&quot; a decade ago." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2016/10/20/dating-scene-in-charlotte-survey-69426" data-vars-content-id="801342d9-bd17-42de-80b8-206bb0a2d9b9" data-vars-headline="What Charlotte singles are saying about the local dating scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2016/10/20/dating-scene-in-charlotte-survey-69426" target="_self">a &quot;C&quot; a decade ago.</a>

Why dating in Charlotte feels so frustrating right now

Dating is hard everywhere. But in Charlotte, singles say it comes with its own set of frustrations.

Dating is hard everywhere. But in Charlotte, singles say it comes with its own set of frustrations.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s dating disconnect reflects a broader shift: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/11/charlotte-dating-app-for-dog-lovers-frolly-pet-owners" data-vars-content-id="34f89558-6e13-406a-b6b1-0e0c676273eb" data-vars-headline="Why dating in Charlotte feels so frustrating right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/11/charlotte-dating-app-for-dog-lovers-frolly-pet-owners" target="_self">Apps</a> make dating easier to access, but meaningful connections are harder to find.

Burned out on apps, some Charlotte singles are dropping $10K for a matchmaker

A Charlotte matchmaker says young pros know the apps aren't working,  so they're turning to her instead.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" data-vars-content-id="c96604ce-91c5-4612-973d-51cc58582732" data-vars-headline="Burned out on apps, some Charlotte singles are dropping $10K for a matchmaker" 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">Dating</a> in Charlotte is rough. So rough, some younger daters are paying nearly $10K to skip the apps.Why it matters: One local matchmaker hopes her services will help younger singles survive a burnout-heavy dating scene and challenge the idea that matchmakers are only for older, seasoned daters.&quot;

How a Charlotte author turned a situationship into a viral novel — and what's next

After a BookTok breakout, Charlotte author Alissa DeRogatis has a new romcom coming in 2026.

Some heartbreaks get dissected in the group chat. For Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="author" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/17/local-recommended-authors-books-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="53ec3ba4-e7cf-4511-9f24-d5160832d0e5" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte author turned a situationship into a viral novel — and what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/17/local-recommended-authors-books-north-carolina" target="_self">author</a> Alissa DeRogatis, one turned into a novel — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched her career" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@alissaderogatis/video/7381260289855180078" data-vars-content-id="53ec3ba4-e7cf-4511-9f24-d5160832d0e5" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte author turned a situationship into a viral novel — and what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alissaderogatis/video/7381260289855180078" target="_blank">launched her career</a>.<ul><li>DeRogatis went viral for writing about a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="situationship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-a-situationship" data-vars-content-id="53ec3ba4-e7cf-4511-9f24-d5160832d0e5" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte author turned a situationship into a viral novel — and what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-a-situationship" target="_blank">situationship</a> — that familiar almost-relationship stuck somewhere between &quot;just talking&quot; and something real.</li></ul>

Where Charlotte couples say they met their spouses

The places married Charlotte couples say their love stories began — and where to find a life partner in the city.

We recently asked our married Charlotte readers to share where they met their current partner.Why it matters: In a city where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="modern dating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="59727536-7481-49c6-9674-2a4d0e0e3440" data-vars-headline="Where Charlotte couples say they met their spouses" 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">modern dating</a> comes with its own set of challenges, it&#x27;s refreshing to hear the origins of real love stories.