When President Trump and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.

Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of this fall's midterms, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans.

State of play: Tracking Trump's and Vance's visits since taking office in 2025 shows they're throwing a lot of energy into appearances at military installations and in the 1st Congressional District.

• Two-thirds of their publicly reported trips have been to Rocky Mount and Fort Bragg, an Axios analysis shows.
• The others were to the mountains after Hurricane Helene and to Concord after a high-profile fatal stabbing.

Between the lines: Politicos are closely watching the U.S. Senate race for the seat Republican Thom Tillis is vacating when he retires, as well as the battle over the 1st, where the Democratic incumbent is newly vulnerable because of redistricting.

Driving the news: Both Trump and Vance have visited Rocky Mount — the largest city in the redrawn 1st District and a short drive to former Gov. Roy Cooper's hometown — to deliver economic messages.

• Vance visited Friday, and his speech veered heavily into crime and immigration.

Flashback: Vance made a couple of stops in the state on Sept. 24.

• The first was a private fundraiser in Lexington. Later, he gave a speech at an airplane hangar in Concord. Vance brought up the previous month's stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the light rail.
• Republicans have used Zarutska's death to push the message that urban crime is spiraling out of control.

Context: Data shows violent crime has dropped significantly since the crime wave of 2020.

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💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Accounting Manager at Charlotte Preparatory School.
2. Director of Children and Youth Ministries at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
3. Senior Accountant at Charlotte Country Club.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

The EpiCentre — ahem, we mean, Queen City Quarter — could be available for purchase soon.

Why it matters: Charlotte newbies may not believe it, but 210 E. Trade St. used to be the hottest nightlife spot in Charlotte. Although it emptied out during the pandemic, it's positioned for a comeback, next to the newly renovated Spectrum Center and connected to hotels.

• Plus, Uptown is on the upswing because of a surge in entertainment, from concerts to (finally) winning sports teams.

The latest: CBRE has confirmed to media outlets that the property will go back on the market, but hasn't shared a date.

What they're saying: We asked our audience — if they had millions of dollars and a knack for flipping troubled real estate assets — what they'd propose for repurposing the space. Most people want one of two things:

• A shopping mall to make up for the lack of retail in Uptown, with trendy stores like Zara.
• Or return the building to its former glory as a bars and clubs destination, with heightened security.

Outrageous responses

💰The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation announced a $250,000 donation to the Charlotte 49ers to support women's athletics. (X)

⛹️ A Charlotte watch party for Queens vs. Purdue will be at Suffolk Punch at SouthPark Mall Friday. (Queens)

• Angry Ale's will also host a watch party.

🏀 Aaron Fearne is out as Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach. It's the first major move of the AD Kevin White era. (X)

🏁 Hendrick Motorsports could expand its campus into Mecklenburg County, documents show. (WBTV)

Fenian's Keep Irish Pub quietly opened in NoDa ahead of St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Why it matters: "I want Fenian's to be part of the rhythm of NoDa ... one more stop for their night out," says owner Kyle Musumeci, who is also behind Brigid's Irish Pub in South End.

Driving the news: The pub's grand opening is Saturday, March 28, at 423 E. 36th St., next to Waterbean Coffee.

What to expect: It fits a little under 60 people inside and is strictly a watering hole, with no food on its menu.

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📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Dive in: Charlotte's Real Estate Market at Room Service tomorrow: Whether you're a first time homebuyer or looking to find your next investment, grab a drink with the Axios Charlotte team and dive into the latest real estate market updates.
• Science on the Rocks: Food Edition at Discovery Place Science Fri: This month's Science on the Rocks serves up molecular gastronomy, luminous drinks and liquid nitrogen ice cream — all powered by science. Sip, savor and explore the science behind every bite. $24+.
• Queen City Performing Arts Presents: Mamma Mia! at Galilee Center Mar 19-21: The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte and the Women's Chorus of Charlotte are joining forces for the ultimate feel-good event of the season. Use code BGS7AX to save $5 off every ticket purchased.
• God of Carnage at Theatre Charlotte Mar 20-Apr 5: Coffee and cake. Good manners. Four parents trying very hard to behave. God of Carnage reveals the chaos lurking beneath as polite conversation spirals into finger-pointing and glorious mayhem. $34.
• Project Hail Mary in IMAX at Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre Mar 20-29: Experience Project Hail Mary at the Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre. Filmed for IMAX. Showing for a limited time on the Carolinas' largest screen. $19+.
• Charlotte's Dog Jog 5K at McAlpine Creek Park Sat: Whether you have a furry friend or not, Charlotte's Dog Jog is the perfect 5K to welcome spring. $45.
• Hop to Midtown at Metropolitan Mar 21: Enjoy free pictures with the Easter Bunny captured by a professional photographer, face painting, a live DJ, crafts, treats and more.
• Run Jen Run 5K & Festival at Symphony Park Sat: Join Go Jen Go for its 14th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival. Following the 5K and Fun Run, enjoy music, food vendors, beverages, an expo area, and a family fun zone. $40-$45.
• Local Block Market at Great Wagon Rd. Distilling Co. Sat: Shop handmade goods from talented vendors, enjoy live DJ tunes, free face painting, a fun DIY jewelry workshop, and chance to win $$ in the SAPO game.
• Farmer's Market Vegetable Tasting Menu at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar Sat: As part of SAVOR, Dogwood Southern Table & Bar hosts a one-night Farmer's Market Vegetable Tasting Menu. Enjoy a five-course farm-fresh vegetable experience for $50 per person.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Our latest Blind Date sent Jackson and Maria to grab drinks at Stylus Soundlounge.

Zoom in: Jackson is a 26-year-old project manager who loves live music, vinyl collections, coffee and cocktails, hiking, any craft and sports.

• Maria, 27, is a sales and event lead who enjoys thrifting, nail art, movies and weightlifting.

Read how the date went

Major artists are returning to headline tours in the U.S. after long breaks from the road.

Why it matters: The trend underscores the growing power of the nostalgia economy, as fans revisit artists from their youth while younger listeners can easily connect with them through streaming and social media.

Zoom in: At least 10 artists or bands will headline tours in the U.S. this year after hiatuses of five years or longer, according to an Axios analysis. Those with Charlotte stops include:

• The Pussycat Dolls at Truliant Amphitheater on July 22.
• Hilary Duff at Truliant Amphitheater on Aug. 1.
• Rush will perform at Spectrum Center on Nov. 20 and 22.

Between the lines: There's a strategic rollout for these tours. Duff's 2026 stadium tour follows a set of smaller shows that sold out immediately. She also released a new album.

• "It's not really a nostalgia victory lap, per se. It's a real comeback," says Michelle Craig, music marketing agent at CAA who represents Duff.

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