In case you somehow missed it, Mark Robinson's gubernatorial campaign is under fire once again after CNN published a bombshell report alleging that a decade ago, the N.C. lieutenant governor referred to himself as a "black NAZI!" and a "perv" on a pornography website's message board.

• He also expressed support for reinstating slavery and said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography, per the report.
• Robinson denies making those comments and says he's staying in the race. The buildup to the story's release drew interest and speculation nationwide.

Why it matters: The news is yet another hit to Robinson's campaign, which has been slipping in polls in recent months due to other incendiary past comments.

• Republican fears are mounting that Robinson's struggles could damage former President Trump in a critical swing state.

What they're saying: "You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race," Robinson said a video denying the allegations before the report was published.

• Robinson's deadline to drop out of the race was midnight yesterday.

Keep reading about what Robinson said, according to CNN

Tosco Music Parties founder John Tosco describes his nonprofit as "one of Charlotte's best-kept secrets." For years, the group has helped foster the growth and vibrance of the city's music scene.

Why it matters: Going on 25 years of existence, the local nonprofit hosts open mic nights and music festivals year-round in Charlotte. It also provides scholarships to musicians of all ages.

The vibe: Tosco Music Parties celebrate musicians of all skill levels and genres and have grown to be much more than jam sessions among friends.

• The shows, which happen four times a year at Knight Theater, "feature an eclectic mix of more than a dozen diverse artists ... and singalongs," Tosco tells Axios.
• The nonprofit hosts Tosco Music Open Mic on the first Tuesday of every month at The Evening Muse in the NoDa.

Go deeper: How living room jam sessions grew tenfold

Speaking of Tosco Music ... its annual "FabFest," a Beatles tribute festival, returns next month at Knight Theater.

What to expect: On Friday, Oct. 4, 18 local and regional acts will perform Beatles music in various musical genres at Knight Theater. Tickets start at $22.50.

• On Oct. 5, FabFest will host a daytime event from 10am-5pm at Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community College. It'll feature Beatles tribute bands, Beatles trivia, an art and exhibition sale, a marketplace, an open mic, yoga, food trucks, yard games and a memorabilia exhibit. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for kids under 5. Some events are free.
• The festival culminates in the main event at 8pm on Oct. 5 with a performance by Beatles tribute band "Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney," led by Tony Kishman, AKA "the world's best McCartney look-alike/sound-alike." Tickets start at $22.50.

Go deeper: More FabFest events

🥇 Our team won three awards at the North Carolina Press Association award ceremony last night in Raleigh:

• 3rd place to Ashley Mahoney for her feature on Johnson C. Smith University, 2nd place for our Instagram page and 1st place for our daily newsletter. Thanks to all of our readers and members!

🍽 Counter- will host a "Clue"-themed tasting menu for Halloween from Oct. 29-Nov. 2. (Counter-)

✡️ YAFO's Rosh Hashanah family meal, which serves five-to-six guests, is now available for pre-order. (YAFO)

💃🏻 The Comunidad is hosting its second annual Hispanic Heritage Market at Resident Culture Plaza Midwood on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 12-6pm. (Instagram)

🛍 Green Jeans Consignment, a pop-up consignment sale with more than 50,000 items, is hosting its fall pop-up at UNC-Charlotte through Sept. 22. (Instagram)

👟 Charlotte-based Black Sheep Skate Shop partnered with Adidas and Charlotte FC to release a sneaker collab available today. (Instagram)

🤑 Tiny Money, a new local media startup by Charlotte Agenda founder Ted Williams, is offering to buy Charlotte Observer for $5M. (Tiny Money)

Legendary Charlotte sports writer Ron Green Sr. died at 95. "Senior," as he was known by coworkers and friends, covered 80 major golf championships, 25 Super Bowls, 26 Final Fours and four Olympics during his career at the Charlotte News and Charlotte Observer, according to his obituary — which, it should come as no surprise, is beautifully written.

💼 See which top Charlotte companies are hiring.

1. Store Manager at Bedside Manor.
2. Registered Nurse, RN - Labor & Delivery at Presbyterian Medical Center at Novant Health.
3. Community Liaison at Center for Emotional Health.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

This home in Elizabeth is a short drive or walk from many bars and restaurants in one of Charlotte's most popular neighborhoods.

Zoom in: At 2,803 square feet, the home has four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

• Notable features include quartz countertops, built-in ceiling speakers, walk-in closets, a balcony and a fenced-in yard.
• It's listed for $1,050,000 and will have an open house this Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11am-1pm.

More hot homes: 5 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $315K to $1.1M

News you can use from our partners.

• Make your golden years the best yet. Residents of Southminster flourish through enriching activities, wellness and exercise classes, lectures, skill workshops, day trips and volunteer opportunities. Explore the possibilities.
• 👻 On Oct. 26, spend a spooky night at Discovery Place Science for Macabre Masquerade. This adults-only Halloween bash features live music, refreshments, a costume contest and interactive exhibits throughout the museum. Get tickets.

A Vibe Called Fresh: Westside Symphony returns tomorrow, Sept. 21, at West Complex near Johnson C Smith University.

What to expect: The family-friendly event is a celebration of Black creatives and culture.

• It'll have a pop-up skating rink, live music from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, karaoke, food trucks, vendors and Black trivia.
• There will also be a live visual art competition, line dancing and prizes.

If you go: The free event is from 2-9pm at 1600 W. Trade St.

• There's a parking deck across from West Complex at Mosaic Village (1601 W. Trade St.), street parking is nearby, or you can take the Gold Line.

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

• Fall Lighting Sale at Modern Lighting Design Store today until Oct 30: Major markdowns on all in-stock and display items. Come in and take advantage of their clearance sale. Chandeliers, vanity lighting, pendant lighting, ceiling fans for both inside and outside.
• 4th Anniversary Party at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. on Sept 21: We're celebrating 4 weird years starting in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic and holding it down in emerging but hidden North End Charlotte and we're ready to party.
• Movies in the Park at Wilmore Centennial Park on Sept 21: Residents, visitors, and families are invited to Wilmore Centennial Park for free activities, music, and movies in the park. September's featured movie is Ella Enchanted.
• Potters Market at the Mint Museum Randolph on Sept 21: Shop works by 50 top NC potters, enjoy live bluegrass, pottery demos, a beer garden, and raffles. Tickets are available online. $20.
• Charlotte Fall Beer Festival at Montford Drive on Sept 21: Unlimited sampling of 50+ varieties of beer and cider from national, local, and regional craft breweries. Plus, enjoy food trucks, local shops and vendors, live music, yard games, and more. $25-$60.
• Central Piedmont Healthcare Open House at Central Piedmont Central Campus on Sept 24: Get engaged and be inspired. Join them at the Central Piedmont healthcare open house. Explore our twenty-one programs and get hands-on with activities like working with manikins in our simulated hospital. See where your future in healthcare can take you.
• Charlotte Film Festival 2024 at Independent Picture House Sept 24-29: Experience the very best of local, regional, national, and international films at our 16th annual Charlotte Film Festival at the Independent Picture House. Come and "DISCOVER DIFFERENT."
• IDK Guitar at Arts+ Community Campus on Sept 25: Start your musical journey in guitar by learning the basics of how to produce a great sound, some fundamental strumming patterns, and the first few starter chords in this 1-day workshop for adults. $45.
• #YPMixerCLT at Lenny Boy Brewing on Sept 25: Meet Charlotte's leading creative and arts nonprofits: Art, Music, Dance, Theatre, DJs, Live Music, Opera, Ballet, Comedy, and Slam Poetry and more! Network and find opportunities to get involved. $30.
• Kirk Franklin - Reunion Tour 2024 at Bojangles Coliseum on Sept 25: The tour features gospel greats Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, and The Clark Sisters, with special guest Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Don't miss this unforgettable night of worship. $52-$249.
• Pink Pint Night at NoDa Brewing Co. on Sept 26: Join Charlotte Radiology & NoDa Brewing for the 13th annual Pink Pint Night! Enjoy live music, online auction, food trucks, and a special "pink" brew. This event supports Levine Cancer's Project PINK. Free.
• City of Charlotte Community Area Planning Workshop at Oasis Shriners on Sept 26: Community Area Planning Workshops, an interactive opportunity for you to help shape the future of Charlotte. These workshops are designed to gather input on projects and programs for future development.
• Piano 101 at Arts+ Community Campus Sept 26 - Oct 17: Get started in piano by learning how the keyboard is arranged, reading your first few notes, and playing your very first songs in this 4-week group class for adults. $85.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Thrash metal legends Metallica are coming to Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2025, as part of their M72 World Tour.

Why it matters: "Nothing else matters," the band's faithful might say. These Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, led by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, redefined heavy metal in the 1980s and 1990s with anthems like "Master of Puppets," "One," and, yes, "Nothing Else Matters."

What's next: Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 27, at 10am.

The last time they were in Charlotte