The Panthers' rebuild is officially underway, Axios' Katie Peralta Soloff writes.

The team traded beloved star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN first reported and the Athletic confirmed.

• In exchange, the Panthers are getting: a second-round pick in 2023, a third-rounder in 2023, and a fourth-round pick in 2023, and a fifth-rounder in 2024, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

McCaffrey, the Panthers’ No. 8 overall draft pick in 2017, was rumored to be in trade talks ever since the Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule, the Athletic reports.

• McCaffrey is no stranger to the Bay Area — he attended Stanford, after all.

Our thought bubble: McCaffrey is one of the NFL's bona fide superstars — and he's arguably the face of the Panthers. While his departure may not be a surprise at this point, we'll miss seeing him play in Charlotte.

• Also: What'll happen with that lakefront mansion he recently bought?

Girl Tribe Co. will open its latest location on Oct. 29 in SouthPark in the former AIR Aerial Fitness space, Axios' Ashley Mahoney writes.

Why it matters: Brick-and-mortar is far from dead. People still crave in-person experiences that you just don’t get from ordering something online.

• Plus, this expands the local, female-owned brand’s physical footprint into south Charlotte.

Context: Charlotte natives Carrie Baker and Sarah Baucom cofounded Girl Tribe in 2014.

• This store will be their third location, joining their flagship in South End and their Huntersville store Girl Supply Co. in Birkdale Village.

Full story: Girl Tribe Co. sets opening date for SouthPark store

We’re in the midst of election season, with important races on the ballot like county commission and school board, Katie writes.

What's happening: We wanted to step back for a minute to explain who does what in local government because responsibilities are not always obvious.

• For instance, plenty of citizens may take their frustrations about schools to Charlotte’s mayor and city council members, but Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are part of the county’s responsibilities.

Full breakdown: Who does what in local government in and around Charlotte

💼 See which top Charlotte companies are hiring.

1. Regional Marketing Manager at Bojangles.
2. Operations Director / COO at South America Mission.
3. Prep Person at Babe & Butcher.
4. Office Manager, Human Resources (Part-time) at Queens University of Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

We’re very excited to welcome our new lifestyle reporter McKenzie Rankin to the Axios Charlotte team.

Why it matters: McKenzie will spearhead coverage of things to do in Charlotte — where to eat and drink, what to do after work and over the weekend and what people are talking about.

Background: She's originally from Gastonia and moved back to Charlotte in 2020 after spending time in New York City as an NBC page. Before that, she studied communications at UNC Wilmington.

• You might've already seen some of McKenzie's work on TikTok and Snapchat.
• Most notably, she created one of TikTok’s viral lenses— “Toxic Trait,” which has been used by more than 600K people, including celebrities like Hank Green and Camila Mendez.

What she's saying: "I want others (from life-long residents to transplants) to know how good we’ve got it here. Great food, even better people and an unparalleled sense of community are all waiting outside your door."

Go deeper: Content creator McKenzie Rankin joins Axios Charlotte

The Charlotte 49ers are gearing up for their big homecoming game against the FIU Panthers on Saturday.

• The deets: Expect homecoming spirit, the Niner Nine Court and special Cabarrus Brewing offerings.

Even better: Check out the Normbulance on your way into Gate 2. IYKYK. 👀

👷‍♂️ Construction for The Meadows at Plato Price, a future housing development in west Charlotte, began yesterday.

• It's part of a partnership involving the City of Charlotte, several local businesses and Habitat for Humanity and is meant to provide more affordable housing. (WBTV)

⚡️ Arrival, which has its North American HQ in Charlotte, just said it plans to "restructure its business" to focus on electric vans in the U.S. Layoffs are coming— but mostly in the U.K. (Axios)

🛤 Charlotte City Council will decide on Monday on purchasing a portion of the Norfolk Southern railyard for maintenance and storage for the LYNX Silver Line project. (Joe Bruno on Twitter)

🚒 Investigators say that a house fire in NoDa that displaced four people earlier this week was intentionally set and are asking the community for leads. (WBTV)

News you can use from our partners.

• The holiday season and fun events are right around the corner, which means formalwear is in high demand. Schedule an appointment with Taylor Richards & Conger to find your perfect fit and check out some of their favorites from Canali.
• Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region has served more than 3,500 families from Pineville to Statesville. Learn more about their work.
• Want to experience the sunset at a private rooftop bar in Uptown? Uptown 550 is offering sunset leasing tours complete with cocktails. Schedule yours.

This home in Oakhurst has a resort-like feel, Axios' Alexis Clinton writes.

• Out back, you'll find a pool surrounded by mounted umbrellas and a pool house. 

Details: For $1,135,000, you'll get four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

• Notable features include: Hardwood floors, wood backsplash, a large walk-in closet and a floating staircase.

More hot homes: 6 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $385K to $1.8M

📆 Find things to do on our Event Board.

• David Cook at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center tonight: Don't miss American Idol Season Seven winner David Cook as he makes a stop on his Fall tour in Charlotte. $24.50+.
• Eric Roberson at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center tomorrow: Enjoy GRAMMY Award-nominee, Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Howard University alum, Eric Roberson as he continues to break boundaries as an independent artist in an industry dominated by major labels, manufactured sounds and mainstream radio. $29.50+.
• Cadwalader’s Finance Forum 2022 at JW Marriott Uptown on October 27: Muggsy Bogues will speak at the 2022 Cadwalader Finance Forum. Join them for a premier networking opportunity and series of panels focused on the foremost issues in commercial real estate, fund finance, middle market lending, securitization, and structured finance. Register now.
• District Games at District 57 on October 28: Enjoy a gameshow-style event where audience members will participate in trivia and skills games. Will you be the 1st District Games champion? You must be at least 16 years old to attend. Free.
• Ghouly Gala: A Science Spooktacular at Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville on October 28: This family-friendly event will be an evening of STEM-inspired fun and hair-raising experiments. Use candy as currency, and stir up your own witches' brew. Tickets are on sale now, Member price $18 Non-member $20.
• Lifestyle of the Dead & Famous Halloween Costume Party and Fundraiser at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts on October 29: Enjoy a costume contest with cash prizes, food catered by Heist Brewery, and a full bar available for purchase. DJ BWood will be spinning until midnight. Ticket proceeds benefit Veterans Bridge Home of Charlotte. $45.
• Nightmare in South End – Halloween Rave at Suffolk Punch Brewing on October 29: Get ready to experience your worst nightmare as ZERO Productions transforms the warehouse into an 8,000-square-foot haunted experience. Enjoy a DJ experience, aerial performers, a costume contest (prizes included $250 to Mood House, Panthers tickets, beer cases, etc.), a new beer release and spooky cocktails. $10.
• Dear Evan Hansen at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center October 25 - 30: A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. $34.50.
• Community Service Grants info session at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Room 267 on November 1: Nonprofits are the beating heart of Mecklenburg County. Community Service Grants are available from Meck County government for nonprofit organizations that help our neighbors. Applications accepted Nov 1 – Dec 5. Learn more here or attend an information session on Nov 1.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

The Charlotte Hornets are the only one of our three major league teams to start the 2022 season 1-0, Ashley writes.

What’s happening: We’re making their home opener interesting with a little bingo.

• They host the New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) at Spectrum Center at 7pm, which is great if you’re a Duke fan, because their former star Zion Williamson will be in town.
• Of note: Charlotte’s All-Star guard LaMelo Ball is recovering from a sprained ankle and won’t play tonight.

Why it matters: For a city that hasn’t been to the playoffs in what feels like forever, we need something to cheer for, even if it’s just a brief moment of being 1-0.

The big picture: Four of the Hornets first five games are on the road.

• They won't come back home until their sixth game: Oct. 29 against Golden State.
• They host Sacramento on Halloween.