It wouldn't have been unusual to see signs for both President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, and N.C. Governor-elect Josh Stein, a Democrat, on the same lawn around this time last month in Huntersville.

Why it matters: Precinct 133 almost exactly mirrored the latest statewide election results. What happened here may explain why the state continues to ticket split, delivering the state to Republican presidents and Democratic governors.

• Like North Carolina overall, it's a place with concentrated fast growth and shifting demographics. Huntersville leans red, but it's swayable.

Between the lines: Precinct 133 is east of 1-77, bisected by Sam Furr Road. It's home to the Northcross Shopping Center, where you'll find chains like Home Goods, Target and Panda Express.

• The busy suburban precinct borders blue areas but is still outer Mecklenburg County, where many Republicans reside.

By the numbers: 50% voted for Trump in Precinct 133, compared to the state's 51%. Fifty-seven percent voted for Josh Stein as governor vs. 55% statewide. Fifty-two percent backed Jeff Jackson for attorney general vs. 51% statewide.

• As was the case statewide, voters in 133 favored Republicans for the labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, state treasurer and auditor offices, showing they were willing to ticket split.

State of play: According to county data, 43% of registered voters in Precinct 133 are unaffiliated, 33% are Republicans, and 23% are Democrats. The population is 80% white.

• In the 2023 municipal election, the Huntersville town government flipped from red to completely blue.

What they're saying

💼 See which top Charlotte companies are hiring.

1. Marketing Director at Lowe's Companies, Inc.
2. Freedom Communities - Family Case Manager at Ascend Nonprofit Solutions.
3. Student Support Coordinator at Augustine Literacy Project.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board. 

Hiring? Post a job.

From festive lights to outdoor skating rinks, there are dozens of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Here are a few:

🛍 Shop for gifts at the Southern Christmas Show.

🎄 Head to a Christmas tree lighting around town.

⛸ Go ice skating at Camp North Pole or the Whitewater Center.

🚙 Drive through a holiday light display at Speedway Christmas.

🚂 Board The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum

Full holiday guide

The Independent Picture House, a nonprofit arthouse movie theater near NoDa known for showing indie and foreign films, plans to open its new 145-seat auditorium on Friday.

Why it matters: It's part of an expansion that nearly doubles IPH in size. The new auditorium is the theater's largest and will allow IPH to serve more people and host more programs.

What to expect: The theater now has four auditoriums: 17-seat, 77-seat, 105-seat and the new 145-seat space.

By the numbers: IPH has raised more than $710,000 for the estimated $795,000 project, which also covered staining and sealing floors throughout the entire theater.

• You can contribute to the project through the end of the year here.

What's next: IPH will also open a new multipurpose space next month, with a grand opening for the full expansion in January.

Stop by: IPH is at 4237 Raleigh St. Find out what's playing here.

What's next for IPH

The Charlotte 49ers have begun a national search for their fourth head coach after firing Biff Poggi (6-16 at Charlotte) Monday night.

Why it matters: The program is investing $70 million into expanding its football stadium. School officials want a winning product to match that type of investment.

State of play: Associate head coach Tim Brewster is serving as the 49ers interim head coach for the final two games of the season. Brewster confirmed to reporters Tuesday he's interested in the role full-time.

49ers rapid growth

News you can use from our partners.

• 🦷 Dentistry on Monroe offers a modern approach to caring for your smile — they put your comfort and health first, using state-of-the-art technology to reduce pain and anxiety in the dentist's chair. That's something to smile about.

🥚 Eggroll Company will open at Camp North End on Saturday, Nov. 23, per a press release.

💰 Charlotte-based Truist is committing $725 million over the next three years to Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. (Axios)

• The initiative includes $25 million for nonprofit grants.

💰 The North Carolina agency tasked with the state's storm recovery efforts is short hundreds of millions of dollars. (Axios)

🫵 North Carolina House Republicans elected current Rules chairman and state Rep. Destin Hall to be the chamber's next House Speaker. Hall will be the youngest House Speaker in modern history.

🪶 One week after 43 monkeys escaped a South Carolina research facility, reports surfaced that two emus have escaped their home in Horry County, S.C. The two incidents are not related and the emus have been on the loose for about three months according to their owners. (WBTV)

• As for the monkeys in Yemassee, most have been recaptured. As of Monday, there were still six on the loose.

🍬 Collier Candy Company has reopened at Optimist Hall next to Archer Paper Goods, per a press release.

📅 Check out what's happening on our Event Board.

• Pre-Black Friday Footwear Sale at Hornets Fan Shop at Spectrum Center Nov 20-23: Shop 35% off regularly priced footwear.
• Larry McCray at Cain Center for the Arts Sat: Rust belt blues shouter and guitar slinger Larry McCray has developed a name for himself with three decades of non-stop touring and recording the best blues rock. $45-$65.
• Ali Siddiq: I Got A Story To Tell at Ovens Auditorium Sat: Ali Siddiq is stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. Ali's unique style of stand-up began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. $30-$125.
• A Celebration of Heroes at Ballantyne Village Sat: Join for night of music and community with 80's band, Kids in America and National Recording artist, Ryan Trotti. All proceeds go to T2T. $20-$80.
• Expand Movement Fall Dance Concert at Open Door Studios Theatre Sat-Sun: Join Expand Movement for their Fall Dance Concert Series. This unique show features performers with and without disabilities dancing together on stage - proving that if you can breathe, you can dance. $15. 
• Thanksgiving $600 Sample Sale at Savvy Bride Boutique Nov 25-Dec 1: Savvy Bride Boutique is hosting a $600 Sample Sale during Thanksgiving Week! Over 250 wedding gowns on sale, sizes 8-28, all for $600. Book online to secure your spot and follow on IG for sneak peeks.
• Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Tryon St. Nov 27: The Annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is back in Uptown celebrating its 78th Year on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m.
• Moana 2 in IMAX at Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre Nov 27-Dec 5: Plan a family-friendly moviegoing experience unlike any other with Moana 2. Feel the power of Oceania on the Carolinas' largest screen. $19+.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board. 

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing

Salt & Souls, a locally owned salt cave and spa, recently opened on The Plaza.

Why it matters: Charlotte's alternative wellness scene continues to grow. This past year, the city has gained contrast therapy studios, viral head spas, and now a spa dedicated to salt therapy.

What to expect: The main feature is the community salt cave, which seats up to eight people. Guests relax in zero-gravity chairs surrounded by Himalayan salt walls and floors.

• No effort is required—just breathe. Sessions last 45 minutes.

Stop by: 2501 The Plaza, next to Summit Coffee.

How it works