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

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.

Frontrunners emerge for Charlotte's next mayor

Mayoral candidates each got two minutes to pitch city council.

More <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="than" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" data-vars-content-id="9ab6ac71-44b8-4b6c-81bc-0894028a9f74" data-vars-headline="Frontrunners emerge for Charlotte&#x27;s next mayor" 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/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" target="_self">than</a> 100 people applied to serve as Charlotte&#x27;s next mayor, but a few names are emerging as serious contenders to fill Vi Lyles&#x27; vacancy.Why it matters: The next mayor will serve out the remainder of Lyles&#x27; term through the 2027 election, guiding America&#x27;s fastest-growing city through defining debates, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/09/charlotte-data-center-moratorium-150-days" data-vars-content-id="9ab6ac71-44b8-4b6c-81bc-0894028a9f74" data-vars-headline="Frontrunners emerge for Charlotte&#x27;s next mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/09/charlotte-data-center-moratorium-150-days" target="_self">data center regulations</a> to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future of the I-77 tolls." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/14/n-c-bill-revives-charlotte-toll-lane-fight" data-vars-content-id="9ab6ac71-44b8-4b6c-81bc-0894028a9f74" data-vars-headline="Frontrunners emerge for Charlotte&#x27;s next mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/14/n-c-bill-revives-charlotte-toll-lane-fight" target="_self">future of the I-77 tolls.</a>

Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium

The vote is coming. But the AI boom isn't waiting

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/08/city-council-data-center-moratorium-construction" data-vars-content-id="b80cd8cc-0db3-4955-9bd1-4b71ec4ae076" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/08/city-council-data-center-moratorium-construction" target="_self">City Council</a> is moving toward a 150-day moratorium on new data centers, potentially giving the city until October to develop regulations before more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="windowless warehouses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/11/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" data-vars-content-id="b80cd8cc-0db3-4955-9bd1-4b71ec4ae076" data-vars-headline="Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium" 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/charlotte-data-center-boom-electric-bills-water-use-noise-concerns" target="_self">windowless warehouses</a> pop up.Why it matters: Despite rising neighborhood opposition, data centers can currently be built &quot;by right&quot; in eight Charlotte zoning districts, including next to homes and in the heart of Uptown, without city approval.

Let the "jockeying" begin for Mayor Vi Lyles' seat

Who could replace Vi Lyles as Charlotte mayor?

While politicians <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="publicly" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/jd4clt/status/2052372261869326403?s=20" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/jd4clt/status/2052372261869326403?s=20" target="_blank">publicly</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="praised" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/SenatorMGraham/status/2052383197153943793?s=20" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/SenatorMGraham/status/2052383197153943793?s=20" target="_blank">praised</a> Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on Thursday following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news about her resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/07/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" data-vars-content-id="c4be72be-7627-48fd-b64b-d51b5875e96a" data-vars-headline="Let the &quot;jockeying&quot; begin for Mayor Vi Lyles&#x27; seat" 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/vi-lyles-resigns-charlotte-mayor" target="_self">news about her resignation</a>, the behind-the-scenes campaigns to replace her are likely already underway.Why it matters: An interim mayor could be the expected Democratic nominee in the 2027 election, compressing what would normally be an aggressive race to lead the country&#x27;s 14th-largest city into a matter of weeks.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign effective June 30, a year and a half before her term ends.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vi Lyles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/10/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal" data-vars-content-id="ac1a9d83-1bae-4e5f-9673-4486d2e0bca0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/10/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal" target="_self">Vi Lyles</a> announced on Thursday that she will resign from office, effective June 30, a year and a half before her term ends.Why it matters: Lyles&#x27; resignation will likely trigger a battle for her interim seat and potentially set up one of the most competitive mayoral races in recent history.

The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers

Questions linger about DHS's 1,300 Charlotte immigration arrests.

Nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="five months" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-charlotte-web-trump" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-charlotte-web-trump" target="_self">five months</a> after the Trump administration surged Border Patrol agents into North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security has shared little about Operation Charlotte&#x27;s Web and its reported <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,300-plus arrests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/operation-charlottes-web-ice-arrests-criminal-illegal-alien-who-killed-15-year-old" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/operation-charlottes-web-ice-arrests-criminal-illegal-alien-who-killed-15-year-old" target="_blank">1,300-plus arrests</a> beyond what lawsuits have revealed.Why it matters: The federal agency that for more than two weeks disrupted daily life, prompting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic upheaval " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/charlotte-business-closures-cbp-ice-raids-business-impact" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/24/charlotte-business-closures-cbp-ice-raids-business-impact" target="_self">economic upheaval </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public school absences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/immigration-crackdown-student-absence-rate-charlotte-schools" data-vars-content-id="fac53f76-daf6-4b05-a25b-8ad3aa244f2e" data-vars-headline="The federal agency that shook Charlotte left behind few answers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/20/immigration-crackdown-student-absence-rate-charlotte-schools" target="_self">public school absences</a>, appears to answer to few, critics say, and may be violating transparency laws fundamental to U.S. democracy.

Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska's murder

Governor seeks mental health funds after light rail stabbing

Democratic Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/09/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-hearing-testimony-north-carolina-lawmakers" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/09/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-hearing-testimony-north-carolina-lawmakers" target="_self">Josh</a> Stein, speaking to an influential Charlotte business audience Thursday, stressed the need for the General Assembly to invest in mental health care following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s fatal stabbing on the light rail.Why it matters: Stein said it wasn&#x27;t just Zarutska who was killed by a suspect with a history of mental illness. He referenced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh teacher who died following an assault in her home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/news/local/zoe-welsh-ravenscroft-teacher-murder-suspect-ryan-camacho-2026/" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/news/local/zoe-welsh-ravenscroft-teacher-murder-suspect-ryan-camacho-2026/" target="_blank">Raleigh teacher who died following an assault in her home</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southport mass shooting." data-vars-click-url="https://www.wect.com/2025/09/30/husband-confirms-his-wife-died-shooting-saturday-southport/" data-vars-content-id="a86e62ba-0354-43a9-8579-eaa66d2cbfe3" data-vars-headline="Gov. Stein urges mental health funding following Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wect.com/2025/09/30/husband-confirms-his-wife-died-shooting-saturday-southport/" target="_blank">Southport mass shooting.</a>

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career.

Sheriff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dba2005-00b3-43eb-afb6-f96e33d7a2d2" data-vars-headline="Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" target="_self">Garry</a> McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration&#x27;s November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Early voting is Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, and Primary Election Day is March 3.

Charlotte-area Democrats and some unaffiliated voters who opt into voting blue will essentially decide many local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="45770166-6a22-4f56-bd09-31cb6e30754e" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">elections</a> in the primaries held over the next few weeks.Why it matters: With so few Republicans running in Mecklenburg County, the nominees for offices like sheriff and most county commission seats will be unopposed in the November general election.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Voters in the Republican primary will only have a few <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="7cf7306c-b778-490a-95d1-3154b8b2bea1" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">decisions</a> to make, but none is insignificant in a county with shrinking red representation.Why it matters: Republicans will want strong candidates to advance to the general to heighten their party&#x27;s chances of electoral success in Democrat-controlled Charlotte.

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say

Charlotte transit crime far above U.S. average

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">Transit</a> Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro is blaming &quot;systemic failures&quot; within the Charlotte transit system for Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s death, as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" target="_blank">new report says</a> the rate of crimes against CATS&#x27; passengers is now three times the national average.Why it matters: A reliable public transit system is crucial for people to reach jobs, health care and climb up the economic ladder. But Charlotte risks losing more riders&#x27; support and federal dollars if it doesn&#x27;t address safety concerns.

Politics 🇺🇸

Frontrunners emerge for Charlotte's next mayor

Ex-Democrats hand North Carolina GOP key votes

Charlotte City Council will vote on 150-day data center moratorium

Let the "jockeying" begin for Mayor Vi Lyles' seat

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign early