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

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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.

For the fans: How to maximize your 2026-27 Hornets season

From weeknight games to marquee matchups, there's a plan for every kind of Buzz City fan.

Partners

Hornets fans are already buzzing for next season as the Hornets ride the momentum of 25 consecutive sellouts at Spectrum Center and welcome another talented draft class.What you need to know: With excitement around the team building off of last season&#x27;s momentum, fans hoping to catch more games in person need to plan ahead.

Inside the lakefront community drawing Charlotte-area homebuyers

Charlotte-area buyers are looking farther south for lakeside living — and this community checks all the boxes without breaking the bank.

The Charlotte area&#x27;s growth has made lakefront living feel increasingly exclusive. Between limited inventory and home prices that can climb into the millions around Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, many buyers are looking farther south.The positive news: Affordable lakefront lots haven&#x27;t disappeared completely. Expand your search beyond the best-known lakes and you&#x27;ll find Edgewater — a community by True Homes in Lancaster, South Carolina, along Fishing Creek Lake.<ul><li>Edgewater meets the demand for lake living while remaining attainable for a range of buyers, including first-time homeowners.</li></ul>

Money talks: How Gen Z is cutting back to get ahead

Rising costs impact Charlotteans of all ages, but how Gen Z spends, builds wealth and plans for major milestones could have ripple effects across the local economy.

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z are now in the workforce, and they&#x27;re feeling the pinch of post-grad financial pressures.<ul><li>Key number: 42% of Gen Z say they are living paycheck to paycheck, citing the high cost of living as the top barrier to financial success and a major source of stress.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Rising costs impact Charlotteans of all ages, but how Gen Z spends, builds wealth and plans for major milestones could have ripple effects across the local economy.

A Charlotte dentist is rethinking how patients afford a better smile

A new South Charlotte dental practice offers an alternative to costly cosmetic treatments.

Cost, access and dental insurance limitations can make cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry unattainable for the people who need it most — but a Charlotte dentist is creating an alternative.The background: Dental insurance, not dental clinics, sets fixed prices for in-network care, then caps how much it will actually pay each year, typically around $1,000-$2,500.

Summer starts here: Your guide to South End and Uptown

Whether you're looking for live music, sports, sweet treats or drinks with a view, Uptown and South End are packed with ways to make the most of the season.

Summer in Charlotte comes with a good problem to have: there are almost too many things to do and ways to spend your time.Why it&#x27;s important: This season is fleeting, and there&#x27;s no time for decision fatigue.

Coca-Cola 600 makes real impact, creates lasting memories

Race week at the Coca-Cola 600 delivered support to communities across Charlotte.

The Coca-Cola 600 stretched beyond the speedway this year, turning NASCAR&#x27;s longest race into a mix of community service, military appreciation and sustainability efforts.Why it&#x27;s important: Tied to America&#x27;s 250th anniversary, the race became a way for Coca-Cola Consolidated to give back near Memorial Day, connecting a major event to efforts that support local communities and honor service members.

Lake Lure is back open — here's your trip itinerary

Where to stay, eat and play in Lake Lure, North Carolina

Lake Lure is a Western North Carolina gem — and it&#x27;s fully open this summer for the first time after being heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024.Why it&#x27;s important: Summer tourism is critical to the community&#x27;s ongoing recovery.<ul><li>Visiting for a day trip or weekend getaway supports local businesses and sustains momentum as rebuilding continues.</li><li>Plus, you get to trade city heat and LKN crowds for calm waters and scenic mountain views. It&#x27;s a win-win-win.</li></ul>

Make Memorial Day plans with rides, slides and savings

Build the perfect Memorial Day weekend at Carowinds with two parks in one.

Spring is giving way to summer — and around Charlotte, Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to hotter weather, longer days and cooling off the fun way.What you need to know: Carowinds is leaning into the season with Memorial Day weekend operations from May 22-25 and the official season opening of the Carolina Harbor water park on May 23.<ul><li>Plus, the park&#x27;s Memorial Day Sale is live, offering up to 50% off tickets, passes and more through May 25.</li></ul>

Your itinerary for exploring Charlotte's history during America 250

Discover the people, places and events that shaped Charlotte with this guide to the city's historical sites.

Charlotteans spend a lot of time talking about the city&#x27;s rapid growth, development and innovation, while its rich and influential history often gets overlooked.Why it&#x27;s important: Charlotte&#x27;s past has deep historical significance to the region and the country — from its role in the American Revolution to the Civil Rights movement.

Quick guide to building a long-term health care career in Charlotte

Health care is Charlotte's largest employer. Job seekers, here's how to find your next role.

Charlotte may be known for banking and finance — but the health care industry is Mecklenburg County&#x27;s largest employer, according to Charlotte Works.What you need to know: Whether you&#x27;re just starting out, switching careers or leveling up, the field is ripe with opportunities across hospital systems, research hubs and specialty practices like CEENTA.