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.

Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1

The revenue is generates will go toward major regional transportation projects, such as the Red Line.

Mecklenburg County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" data-vars-content-id="223ea967-6edd-497b-b345-13824f4f1caa" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" target="_self">new</a> 1% sales tax for transportation takes effect July 1.Why it matters: Shoppers will pay slightly more on clothes, furniture, electronics and other purchases. The revenue is expected to generate nearly $20 billion over 30 years for major regional transportation projects, such as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" data-vars-content-id="223ea967-6edd-497b-b345-13824f4f1caa" data-vars-headline="Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" target="_self">Red Line.</a>

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras.

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/10/04/red-light-runners-keep-evading-charlotte-leaders-priority-list-309772" target="_self">Charlotte</a> drivers who have gotten used to running red lights may soon face a costly reminder to stop.Why it matters: Charlotte will install red light cameras at 10 high-injury intersections as part of a one-year pilot aimed at reducing traffic deaths, following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="34 fatalities" data-vars-click-url="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" data-vars-content-id="90d3b218-0983-497b-a593-ff16e8ff37bc" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tableau.charlottenc.gov/t/Public/views/VisionZeroDashboard/StandardView?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link" target="_blank">34 fatalities</a> in just the first half of this year.

Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

The 6-5 vote directs Charlotte's CRTPO rep to challenge the project.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stunning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/10/new-i-77-renderings-test-charlotte-opposition" target="_self">stunning</a> late-night vote Monday, Charlotte City Council rescinded support for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/06/ncdot-west-end-reconnecting-communities-i77-toll-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> project in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its current form." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">its current form.</a>Why it matters: The 6-5 decision could significantly delay the highly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scrutinized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/13/council-member-graham-on-i-77-designs-tear-it-up" target="_self">scrutinized</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ff58375e-98ab-4670-b8d9-8371d53f1da5" data-vars-headline="Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">state</a> project&#x27;s path forward — or even kill it.

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

NCDOT has real plans to reconnect Charlotte's West End.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">The N.C. Department of Transportation</a> unveiled &quot;feasible&quot; plans to reconnect Charlotte&#x27;s West End across I-77 to the rest of the city, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway cap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/17/charlotte-i77-freeway-cap-parks" target="_self">highway cap</a> and new green spaces. Why it matters: The agency is effectively using those long-sought reconnection projects as a bargaining chip to preserve support for widening the same <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">highway</a> that divided the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically Black neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="d7c8e81f-de3c-423c-be4e-8e7ba2140d8a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">historically Black neighborhoods</a> decades ago.

Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts

City council's transportation committee voted unanimously to hold a separate, deeper discussion with the full body on I-77.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/27/i77-south-toll-lanes-traffic-increase" target="_self">city</a> staff and NCDOT on Monday pitched their case for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">the I-77 South toll lanes</a> — touting new bike lanes, sidewalks and streetlights — as council members signal they may take action against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/06/i-77-south-toll-lanes-express-black-neighborhoods" target="_self">the project</a> soon.Why it matters: Despite staff&#x27;s efforts to frame the project as a rare chance to rebuild interstate crossings, elected officials are clearly ramping up behind-the-scenes efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescind or reconsider support." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" data-vars-content-id="de5493e5-7a3d-4df7-871d-e9019829f342" data-vars-headline="Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/20/i77-south-toll-lanes-pause-north-carolina-ncdot" target="_self">rescind or reconsider support.</a>

NCDOT's own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%

I-77 South widening could increase traffic by 44%.

The N.C. Department of Transportation&#x27;s own projections show that building the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I-77 South toll lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" data-vars-content-id="9348844b-4993-4378-9dc6-24d023eae21a" data-vars-headline="NCDOT&#x27;s own forecast shows I-77 toll lanes could increase traffic up to 44%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/05/ncdot-elevated-i-77-express-lanes" target="_self">I-77 South toll lanes</a> could increase traffic volume on the interstate by up to 44%, according to an email exchange obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The state is moving forward with spending $600 million in public funds for a highway widening that will primarily improve travel times for people who can afford to pay.

Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top

See designs to cap I-77 with parks and development.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="e4233d14-f70c-4d4b-9d54-f1b8906b2160" data-vars-headline="Designers envision I-77 cap with parks on top" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/30/i77-south-toll-lanes-new-designs-charlotte" target="_self">asked</a> to reimagine I-77 South in Charlotte, urban designers pitch &quot;lidding&quot; the highway to free up high-value land around Uptown for parks, mixed-use development, and walking bridges.Why it matters: The N.C. Department of Transportation is embarking on a controversial plan to widen the interstate with toll lanes, largely to drive economic growth. New visuals, submitted as part of a design charrette, help envision other possibilities, which supporters say offer more public benefits.

South End Rail Trail portion closes temporarily

A busy Rail Trail stretch is shutting down temporarily.

A large <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="portion of the Rail Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/04/south-end-light-rail-stop-construction" data-vars-content-id="4bc88653-344c-4129-b07c-290248af03cb" data-vars-headline="South End Rail Trail portion closes temporarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/04/south-end-light-rail-stop-construction" target="_self">portion of the Rail Trail</a> will close, beginning Sunday, April 19, for the South End Station construction.Why it matters: The Rail Trail draws crazy foot traffic in the evenings, especially during these warmer months. But through July, pedestrians and bikers will now have to take detours, directed by signs.

What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride

Waymo's driverless cars are expected to hit Charlotte streets soon.

I rode in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car with no driver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">car with no driver</a> in Austin twice. And by the second trip, it already felt normal.Why it matters: Waymo is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="street-mapping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/waymo-driverless-cars-spotted-uptown-charlotte" target="_self">street-mapping</a> the city with human drivers. Once testing is complete, the company&#x27;s driverless fleet will roll out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in phases." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" data-vars-content-id="ea22c824-e572-42af-a727-2eb55db48d2e" data-vars-headline="What you can expect from a driverless Waymo ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" target="_self">in phases.</a>

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

State continues revisions to I-77 project amid backlash.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" data-vars-content-id="4c154952-8ed4-41d6-b478-b045dde34c97" data-vars-headline="NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" target="_self">N.C. Department of Transportation</a> is trying to ease mounting opposition to the I-77 South toll lanes by opening a new outreach center and revising designs to &quot;minimize&quot; impacts on homes, parks and cemeteries.Why it matters: NCDOT isn&#x27;t backing off on this $3.2 billion public-private highway project that will come up to people&#x27;s property lines and, in some cases, displace families. But it&#x27;s eager to strengthen its case.<ul><li>This is the first time NCDOT has opened a feedback center dedicated to one project, underscoring the magnitude of the project&#x27;s footprint, record-breaking cost and resistance.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Mecklenburg County transit sales tax kicks in July 1

Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras

Charlotte votes to rescind I-77 support. Now what?

NCDOT leverages West End reconnections to gain I-77 support

Charlotte council will call special meeting on I-77 as pressure mounts