The craft beer market's historic decline continued last year, with a 5.1% decrease in production and 2.9% contraction in U.S. breweries amid a slump in consumption, a new report shows.

• Those national trends are being felt in taprooms across North Carolina.

Why it matters: Craft breweries were a growing part of the state's economy throughout the past decade, breathing new life into downtowns throughout the state and making places like Asheville a destination.

• More than 400 craft breweries now operate in North Carolina and had an economic impact of more than $2.2 billion in 2024, according to the Brewers Association.

Driving the news: In North Carolina, beer sales decreased by 9.7% overall between 2021 and 2025, according to the state's Department of Revenue.

• And, beginning in 2024, more breweries began closing in the state than opening, according to the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild.

Zoom in: Last year, 21 breweries closed their doors across the state.

What they're saying: Breweries have been hurt by decreases in in-person socialization after the pandemic, as well as by consumers — especially younger ones — drinking less beer overall, said Lisa Parker, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild.

• At the same time, operating costs after 2020 have gone up significantly, hurting the margins of many small breweries.
• "While opinions vary on any singular cause of this slowdown, it is clear that craft beer has entered a new era," Parker wrote earlier this year.

State of beer: The total number of craft breweries in the U.S. fell to 9,578, as openings declined at a sharp rate and 481 closed shop in 2025, a new report released last week by the Colorado-based Brewers Association revealed.

• The decrease in 2025 production is a new high (outside the pandemic) and follows a 4% slump in 2024.
• 60% of breweries reported reductions in beer-making, while the remainder saw modest growth.

More on the national outlook

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• 🧱 This one's worth building for. Unleash your inner artist and engineer in "Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro." This immersive exhibition by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney opens May 23 at Discovery Place Science.
• Spring activities are in full swing — make sure your kids stay feeling their best. CEENTA is Charlotte's source for comprehensive pediatric ENT care, covering ear infections, allergies, speech pathology and more. Find a provider.

Even if the Iran conflict ended now and the Strait of Hormuz fully opened, don't look for a quick return to pre-war gas prices.

Why it matters: Costlier fill-ups are the most direct and visible economic effect of the war for many Americans, and could sway midterm election races.

Driving the news: Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN Sunday that gas might not drop all the way down to the pre-war level — averaging just under $3 per gallon in the U.S. — until next year.

• But President Trump appeared to contradict him in comments to The Hill on Monday, seeing a faster drop.

The big picture: Researchers and the analysts we've talked to see slower price drops — pretty close to Wright's prediction.

• And the Iran war — and threats to oil supplies — remain so unpredictable that the country could even face more spikes.

By the numbers: As of Tuesday, North Carolina's average of $3.855 per gallon is below the national average of $4.059 per gallon, AAA data shows.

• In Mecklenburg County, the average is $3.732 per gallon.

Keep reading

🏫 Several school districts across North Carolina will not have class on Friday, May 1, as thousands of teachers are expected to join the "Kids Over Corporations" rally in Raleigh. (Axios)

An alleged gunman opened fire on the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday was immediately subdued, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. (Axios)

🗣 Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) says he would no longer block Kevin Warsh's Federal Reserve chair confirmation, removing a key hurdle for President Trump's pick to lead the central bank. (Axios)

🏈 KC Concepcion, a former Julius L. Chambers High standout, was selected No. 24 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. (Akron Beacon Journal)

🏙️ A Bruno Mars x Hello Kitty pop-up will be at 412 W. Palmer St. April 28 -29 from 10am - 6pm ahead of Bruno Mars' concert at Bank of America Stadium on April 29.

⚽️ Carolina Ascent is on a four-game winning streak after their 2-1 win at Tampa Bay. (Axios)

🏒 The Charlotte Checkers' season ended with a 2-1 overtime loss in the playoffs to Springfield. (WBTV)

🥅 The Carolina Hurricanes swept Ottawa in the first-round of the playoffs. (ESPN)

From comedy shows to major concerts, there's plenty to do in Charlotte this week.

🥬 Monday: Shop Carolina produce at Freshlist's Monday market in the Belmont neighborhood. | Free to attend | 2-6pm | Details

🏃 Tuesday: Run with Mad Miles run club at Camp North End. | Free | 6:30pm | Details

🎤 Wednesday: Catch Bruno Mars in concert at Bank of America Stadium. | $243.36+ | 7pm | Details

😂 Thursday: Laugh during a comedy show at Sip City's new event space. | $10 | 7:30pm | Details

🎭 Friday: See Tony Award-winning musical "Kinky Boots" at Belk Theater. | $46.58+ | 7:30pm | Details

The Carolina Panthers made several trades during this year's NFL Draft, including with the Vikings, Jaguars, Bears and Dolphins. They've also reportedly agreed to a deal with quarterback Haynes King — an undrafted free-agent out of Georgia Tech.

Here's a recap of Panthers' picks:

First round: Monroe Freeling | Georgia | Tackle | No. 19 overall

Second round: Lee Hunter | Texas Tech | Defensive tackle | No. 49 overall

Third round: Chris Brazzell II | Tennessee | Wide receiver No. 83 overall

Fourth round: Will Lee III | Texas A&M | Cornerback | No. 129 overall

Fifth round: Sam Hecht | Kansas State | Center |No. 144 overall

• Zakee Wheatley | Penn State | Safety | No. 151 overall

Seventh round: Jackson Kuwatch | Miami (OH) | Linebacker | No. 227 overall

Seemingly Overzealous, a popular local ice cream shop, debuted a new ice cream taco over the weekend.

Context: It's is a nod to the latest exhibit, "Caravaggio | Revolution: Baroque Masterpieces from the Roberto Longhi Foundation," which opened yesterday at the Mint Museum Uptown. The new menu item is called From Malta with Love, which refers to Caravaggio's journey in exile.