Charlotte

Charlotte Members

Membership

Picture of the Charlotte skyline with CLT written across it.

blue

Axios Charlotte Partners

Axios Charlotte

Standard

Charlotte Alerts

Alert

Axios Charlotte gets you smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in your backyard.

Axios Charlotte Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Charlotte Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend

Events happening May 22-25 include the Water Lantern Festival, Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series, Charlotte FC game, Soul Food Festival, concerts and parties.

Things to Do

Whether you&#x27;re headed to The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coca-Cola 600" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" data-vars-content-id="ac4ba7d7-531c-4280-b13f-e6fa63731293" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" target="_self">Coca-Cola 600</a> or planning to check out the Water Lantern Festival, plenty is happening to keep you busy all three days of the holiday weekend.

4 insanely extra things inside Charlotte's first Wegmans

News

Northeast grocery chain Wegmans expects fans to line up when its massive Ballantyne store opens Oct. 14 at 9am.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t just any supermarket. It&#x27;s what Wegmans calls an &quot;animated&quot; shopping experience, with workers cracking cheese wheels and rolling sushi for an audience.

5-mile hike less than three hours from Charlotte boasts 360 mountain views

A 5-mile Roan Highlands hike offers sweeping views and an summer escape.

Less than three hours from Charlotte is a roughly 5-mile hike with stunning views of the mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. Why it matters: If high flight prices have you rethinking your summer travel plans, there&#x27;s plenty to do in and around North Carolina.

50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte

Whether it’s too hot, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.

Whether it’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" data-vars-content-id="0bd07521-b01a-4015-afb7-fce72218acdb" data-vars-headline="50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" target="_self">too hot</a>, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.Here&#x27;s a list of more than 50 things to do inside in Charlotte to escape the elements, listed in no particular order.

University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms

The West Trade building will become permanent student housing.

Johnson &amp; Wales University is embarking on a $42 million renovation of its former hotel-turned-residence hall in Charlotte&#x27;s Third Ward.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another prominent Uptown building conversion in the works, joining projects like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brooklyn &amp; Church" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/29/brooklyn-church-uptown-office-conversion-housing-construction-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/29/brooklyn-church-uptown-office-conversion-housing-construction-redevelopment" target="_self">Brooklyn &amp; Church</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Johnston Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" target="_self">The Johnston Building</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the former Two Wells Fargo Center" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/alexsands_/status/2047685999149363622?s=20" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/alexsands_/status/2047685999149363622?s=20" target="_blank">the former Two Wells Fargo Center</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400 South Tryon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/uptown-charlotte-400-south-tryon-conversion" data-vars-content-id="157aacde-1c79-4c31-8a3c-41276bbbf394" data-vars-headline="University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/uptown-charlotte-400-south-tryon-conversion" target="_self">400 South Tryon</a>.

CMS: Property tax cap could hurt Charlotte students

North Carolina tax cap could hurt public schools, CMS says

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/12/speaker-hall-north-carolina-can-easily-lead-south-in-teacher-pay" data-vars-content-id="278e09d6-4ae6-4dc8-b578-85863cd17e14" data-vars-headline="CMS: Property tax cap could hurt Charlotte students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/12/speaker-hall-north-carolina-can-easily-lead-south-in-teacher-pay" target="_self">people</a> crunching the numbers for Mecklenburg County public schools&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already-tight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/12/public-education-nc-legislature-opportunity-scholarships-budget-cms-vouchers" data-vars-content-id="278e09d6-4ae6-4dc8-b578-85863cd17e14" data-vars-headline="CMS: Property tax cap could hurt Charlotte students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/12/public-education-nc-legislature-opportunity-scholarships-budget-cms-vouchers" target="_self">already-tight</a> budget are anxiously watching a House committee debate Wednesday on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="possible statewide property tax cap." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/10/nc-property-tax-relief-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="278e09d6-4ae6-4dc8-b578-85863cd17e14" data-vars-headline="CMS: Property tax cap could hurt Charlotte students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/10/nc-property-tax-relief-housing-affordability" target="_self">possible statewide property tax cap.</a>Why it matters: A levy limit would restrict how much local governments could increase revenue to fund police, schools and other priorities.

What your kids need to know about choosing the right college

Charlotte Country Day School hosted author Jeff Selingo to talk on smarter college admissions.

Education

On March 10, Charlotte Country Day School welcomed bestselling author Jeff Selingo for a conversation with Upper School students, faculty and parents about one of the most pressing questions for high schoolers today — how to find the right college without sacrificing their well-being.Why it&#x27;s important: The higher ed landscape is rapidly evolving, with more students applying to a growing number of schools, rising pressure and shifting expectations.<ul><li>For families navigating this complexity, the process can feel increasingly competitive and overwhelming.</li></ul>

Charlotte businesses + Classroom Central = student success

99% of teachers say Classroom Central materials supported a more equal learning environment.

K-12 teachers in North Carolina spend an average of $1,300 every year from their own pockets to fill their classrooms with what their students need to succeed — supplies that 1 in 2 community students lack.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the fourth-highest rate of teacher spend in the nation. 💰</li></ul>A solution: Classroom Central is a 501(c)3 non-profit that lightens the load by distributing free school supplies to thousands of teachers across six Charlotte-area school districts, serving schools where more than half of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Dr. Dre-backed program picks West Charlotte High

Students will gain hands-on experience in design, business and tech starting in 2026.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Charlotte High School" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/26/a-look-inside-the-new-106m-west-charlotte-high-school-306491" data-vars-content-id="0aade4cf-b079-4cc4-9055-08fc36f7d023" data-vars-headline="Dr. Dre-backed program picks West Charlotte High" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/26/a-look-inside-the-new-106m-west-charlotte-high-school-306491" target="_self">West Charlotte High School</a> students will soon be able to participate in a program co-founded by music icon Dr. Dre and renowned music executive Jimmy Iovine.<ul><li>The school was recently chosen to participate in the Iovine and Young Center, a California-based design, technology, business and communications program. </li></ul>Why it matters: Iovine and Young Center selection comes with a roughly $2 million grant to use over five years.

New PBS Kids show promotes literacy — with Charlotte ties

UNC Charlotte professor Kelly Cartwright is helping shape a new PBS Kids TV series called "Phoebe & Jay."

UNC Charlotte professor Kelly Cartwright is helping shape a new PBS Kids television series called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phoebe &amp; Jay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/phoebe-jay-premieres-february-2-2026-on-pbs-kids/" data-vars-content-id="de1cd7c2-c293-4298-b629-f2eafdbbb6ec" data-vars-headline="New PBS Kids show promotes literacy — with Charlotte ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/phoebe-jay-premieres-february-2-2026-on-pbs-kids/" target="_blank">Phoebe &amp; Jay</a>.&quot; Why it matters: The new series is intended to help kids develop literacy skills. Reading is key a key building block in a child&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bu.edu/articles/2025/why-do-so-many-kids-struggle-with-reading/" data-vars-content-id="de1cd7c2-c293-4298-b629-f2eafdbbb6ec" data-vars-headline="New PBS Kids show promotes literacy — with Charlotte ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bu.edu/articles/2025/why-do-so-many-kids-struggle-with-reading/" target="_blank">early education</a>. Locally, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has shown recent early literacy improvements, but it&#x27;s still shy of its goals, WCNC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-literacy-gains-absenteeism-concerns/275-763143f4-f60b-4cf1-84c0-b0517962a5eb#:~:text=Kindergarten:%2077%25%20of%20students%20met,strategies%20to%20address%20attendance%20issues." data-vars-content-id="de1cd7c2-c293-4298-b629-f2eafdbbb6ec" data-vars-headline="New PBS Kids show promotes literacy — with Charlotte ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-literacy-gains-absenteeism-concerns/275-763143f4-f60b-4cf1-84c0-b0517962a5eb#:~:text=Kindergarten:%2077%25%20of%20students%20met,strategies%20to%20address%20attendance%20issues." target="_blank">reported</a>. <ul><li>PBS hopes programing like &quot;Phoebe &amp; Jay&quot; can help bridge that gap. </li></ul>

Charlotte educators laud North Carolina's cell phone ban

The policy, which prohibits students from using their phones during instruction hours, aims to improve educational outcomes.

North Carolina educators say students are no longer buried in their phones and are more likely to be social in class, following the recent passage of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cell phone ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/25/cell-phone-use-ban-north-carolina-public-schools-passes-legislature" data-vars-content-id="b9d3634c-8d4e-4f97-8c44-fe09bda6cf33" data-vars-headline="Charlotte educators laud North Carolina&#x27;s cell phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/06/25/cell-phone-use-ban-north-carolina-public-schools-passes-legislature" target="_self">cell phone ban</a> in schools.Why it matters: The policy, which prohibits students from using their phones during instruction hours, aims to improve educational outcomes by minimizing distractions. But opponents have voiced a range of concerns, including the need for student communication during an emergency.

Elon to open a full-time law school at Queens in Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte will be home to Elon University's new full-time law school, Elon officials announced Tuesday.

Queens University of Charlotte will be home to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elon University&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/19/elon-university-school-of-law-charlotte-regional-center-south-end-339802" data-vars-content-id="0a15fb59-0293-42d7-9957-e2d94869ec73" data-vars-headline="Elon to open a full-time law school at Queens in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/09/19/elon-university-school-of-law-charlotte-regional-center-south-end-339802" target="_self">Elon University&#x27;s</a> new full-time law school, Elon officials announced Tuesday.Why it matters: This is a first significant step in the Queens-Elon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/16/queens-university-elon-university-merge-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="0a15fb59-0293-42d7-9957-e2d94869ec73" data-vars-headline="Elon to open a full-time law school at Queens in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/16/queens-university-elon-university-merge-charlotte" target="_self">merger</a>, with Queens providing the property and Elon providing the instruction for Charlotte&#x27;s first full-time law school since 2017.

North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education

North Carolina's education lottery pays winners more and schools less

The North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Education Lottery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/06/north-carolina-education-lottery-school-bonds-referendum-election-construction-cms-mecklenburg-343254" data-vars-content-id="ea35ac0a-c231-4998-bcc3-6bc1fd242918" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/06/north-carolina-education-lottery-school-bonds-referendum-election-construction-cms-mecklenburg-343254" target="_self">Education Lottery</a> is giving a smaller and smaller share each year to education. The reason? Players&#x27; wins are claiming more of the revenue originally meant for schools.Why it matters: Not without controversy, the education lottery was created in 2005 to provide schools a funding boost, especially in rural counties. But despite record sales, the lottery is transferring less to education each year, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state audit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/cpaaudits/cpa-2025-4670/open" data-vars-content-id="ea35ac0a-c231-4998-bcc3-6bc1fd242918" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/cpaaudits/cpa-2025-4670/open" target="_blank">state audit</a> reveals.

How one of Charlotte's top schools is reframing achievement pressure

Country Day is leading impactful shifts in how kids view success and self-worth.

Partners

One of Charlotte&#x27;s top-performing schools is leading the conversation by rethinking what healthy success should look like for students.Why it&#x27;s important: Kids in high-achieving schools are now among the most at-risk group for anxiety, depression and substance abuse — challenges which can follow them into adulthood.

Education 📚

University renovates former Uptown hotel into dorms

10 best signs we saw at Raleigh teachers rally

CMS: Property tax cap could hurt Charlotte students

Speaker Hall: North Carolina can "easily" lead South in teacher pay

North Carolina's top court bows out of public school funding fight