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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.

Fresh renderings: Symphony Park construction starts this fall

Construction on SouthPark's Symphony Park is expected to begin this fall and will include a yearlong closure of the park.

Construction on SouthPark&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Symphony Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/07/symphony-park-renderings-restaurants-retail-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="3db3a1b3-c5b9-4d30-92da-2165ae488197" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: Symphony Park construction starts this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/07/symphony-park-renderings-restaurants-retail-charlotte" target="_self">Symphony Park</a> is expected to begin this fall and will require a yearlong closure. Why it matters: The popular park will undergo a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/01/southpark-symphony-park-renovation-trail-loop-access" data-vars-content-id="3db3a1b3-c5b9-4d30-92da-2165ae488197" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: Symphony Park construction starts this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/01/southpark-symphony-park-renovation-trail-loop-access" target="_self">major overhaul</a>. Once completed, it will go from hosting roughly 80 events annually to around 250, Adam Rhew, SouthPark Community Partners president and CEO tells Axios. <ul><li>Events will range from sunrise yoga with perhaps a dozen people to events with thousands of attendees. </li></ul>

Construction starts on long-planned South End affordable housing

Construction finally starts on the first Centre South building.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fallon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/12/uptown-south-end-developments-office-construction" data-vars-content-id="7efa0656-d97a-42f2-9854-ba80793418b5" data-vars-headline="Construction starts on long-planned South End affordable housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/12/uptown-south-end-developments-office-construction" target="_self">Fallon</a> Company began construction Wednesday on its first building at Centre South, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/19/centre-south-fallon-inlivian-affordable-housing-apartments-dilworth" data-vars-content-id="7efa0656-d97a-42f2-9854-ba80793418b5" data-vars-headline="Construction starts on long-planned South End affordable housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/19/centre-south-fallon-inlivian-affordable-housing-apartments-dilworth" target="_self">development</a> announced a decade ago that includes affordable housing at the crossroads of South End, Dilworth and Uptown.Why it matters: Charlotte was quick to tear down the low-income cottages on this site in 2017, soon after this public-private project was announced, but it&#x27;s taken nearly a decade to make up for those lost units.

N.C. bill to end parking minimums statewide poised to pass

Legislation would limit local control over parking mandates.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina General Assembly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/21/parking-lot-reform-north-carolina-water-pollution" data-vars-content-id="a28a94c4-cc63-4727-9461-152f330038af" data-vars-headline="N.C. bill to end parking minimums statewide poised to pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/21/parking-lot-reform-north-carolina-water-pollution" target="_self">North Carolina General Assembly</a> could soon pass a bill that would eliminate off-street parking minimums for developers statewide, overriding local regulations and a longstanding debate in Charlotte and other cities.Why it matters: Supporters say the relaxed regulations could lower housing costs and reduce stormwater runoff by ending excessive paving.

Charlotte YMCA to close Morrison branch, redevelop NoDa location

Mixed-use development planned for part of the NoDa site.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte will sell its Morrison branch in south Charlotte and upgrade several branches, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnston YMCA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/02/johnston-y-will-close-after-selling-iconic-noda-property-328023" data-vars-content-id="17af89fb-3c19-4f55-9a42-70054de13ee6" data-vars-headline="Charlotte YMCA to close Morrison branch, redevelop NoDa location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/02/johnston-y-will-close-after-selling-iconic-noda-property-328023" target="_self">Johnston YMCA</a> in NoDa, the nonprofit announced Wednesday. Why it matters: This marks a pivotal moment for the YMCA as it seeks to modernize both from a facilities perspective and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financially" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article315280372.html" data-vars-content-id="17af89fb-3c19-4f55-9a42-70054de13ee6" data-vars-headline="Charlotte YMCA to close Morrison branch, redevelop NoDa location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article315280372.html" target="_blank">financially</a> in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="post-pandemic world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/01/22/how-charlottes-fitness-industry-evolves-amid-the-pandemic-245523" data-vars-content-id="17af89fb-3c19-4f55-9a42-70054de13ee6" data-vars-headline="Charlotte YMCA to close Morrison branch, redevelop NoDa location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/01/22/how-charlottes-fitness-industry-evolves-amid-the-pandemic-245523" target="_self">post-pandemic world</a>.

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.

City of Charlotte bans new data center construction for 150 days

Charlotte now has a moratorium on new data centers.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/data-center-moratorium-city-council-ai-150" data-vars-content-id="6fd56c05-7fc8-43ca-9de1-53c0818f1c1b" data-vars-headline="City of Charlotte bans new data center construction for 150 days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/data-center-moratorium-city-council-ai-150" target="_self">City</a> of Charlotte is temporarily blocking construction of new data centers for 150 days. Why it matters: The AI boom has these windowless facilities popping up faster than the city can keep up. A moratorium gives officials time to catch up and draw up potential regulations.

New music venue coming to South End

A new music venue called The Auxiliary is coming to South End in 2027.

A new music venue called The Auxiliary is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South End" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/south-end-hideaway-replaces-slingshot-opening-soon" data-vars-content-id="b90eb4b5-ed8d-4306-a8eb-738d6facfe4d" data-vars-headline="New music venue coming to South End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/south-end-hideaway-replaces-slingshot-opening-soon" target="_self">South End</a> in 2027. Why it matters: The South End of today is booming with plenty of places for young professionals to flock, but it has lacked an indoor live music venue that could hold 1,000 people.

All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to Plaza Midwood

Postino WineCafe is the latest addition to the growing Commonwealth development.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Postino WineCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/21/postino-winecafe-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="5e15e0e1-09ae-415c-8601-78c37e066afd" data-vars-headline="All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to 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/2024/05/21/postino-winecafe-ballantyne" target="_self">Postino WineCafe</a>, an all-day restaurant and wine bar, is opening a second Charlotte-area location in Plaza Midwood later this summer.Why it matters: The Phoenix-born wine bar is going into the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Commonwealth development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="5e15e0e1-09ae-415c-8601-78c37e066afd" data-vars-headline="All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to 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/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" target="_self"> Commonwealth development</a>, in the heart of Plaza Midwood, which is quickly becoming one of the city&#x27;s biggest hubs for buzzy national restaurant and retail brands.

7 Charlotte airport projects to watch

CLT's next phase is taking shape with a new runway, lounges and firehouse in the works.

<figure><img alt="Firefighters and other city leaders toss dirt with shovels in a ceremonial groundbreaking for Firehouse 47 at CLT. " height="450" id="3e2aa0fb-0d2e-4ef6-98ed-5a6623c51709" src="https://images.axios.com/IfbgcgTMPt3n9a_yXifzZqbY_I8=/2026/05/27/1779907702965.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Firehouse 47 broke ground on May 27. Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>Charlotte Douglas International <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="ba289a59-997a-40ad-826b-174037f1df03" data-vars-headline="7 Charlotte airport projects to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/03/direct-flights-charlotte-douglas-airport-american-airlines" target="_self">Airport</a> is in the midst of major transformation reaching from the tarmac to the terminal. Why it matters: The airport&#x27;s growth reflects the growth of Charlotte, which is approaching <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="ba289a59-997a-40ad-826b-174037f1df03" data-vars-headline="7 Charlotte airport projects to watch" 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">1 million</a> residents.

New food hall planned for west Charlotte's Savona Mill

Savona Food Works will open with 25 food stalls alongside a full-service restaurant and bar, coffee shop, flower market and more.

A new food hall is coming to Savona Mill, the 27-acre mixed-use development in west Charlotte, near <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stewart Creek Greenway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-greenway-expansion-2025-mecklenburg-county-trails" data-vars-content-id="49ab2ca8-6fd9-48a2-9177-b6b9d8150f3e" data-vars-headline="New food hall planned for west Charlotte&#x27;s Savona Mill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-greenway-expansion-2025-mecklenburg-county-trails" target="_self">Stewart Creek Greenway</a>.Why it matters: Savona Food Works is part of a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major projects reshaping west Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/09/13/5-major-developments-changing-west-charlotte-271518" data-vars-content-id="49ab2ca8-6fd9-48a2-9177-b6b9d8150f3e" data-vars-headline="New food hall planned for west Charlotte&#x27;s Savona Mill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/09/13/5-major-developments-changing-west-charlotte-271518" target="_self">major projects reshaping west Charlotte</a>.

Development 🏗️

Fresh renderings: Symphony Park construction starts this fall

Construction starts on long-planned South End affordable housing

N.C. bill to end parking minimums statewide poised to pass

Charlotte YMCA to close Morrison branch, redevelop NoDa location

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