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What TSA lines are like at Charlotte's airport amid the partial government shutdown

While viral videos show long airport lines nationwide, Charlotte passengers report quick security screenings.

Travel

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partial federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">partial federal government shutdown</a> continues and passengers face lengthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA screening wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">TSA screening wait times</a>, travelers appear to have been spared the headache of long security lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Why it matters: CLT has long drawn sharp criticism and faced travelers&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/02/charlotte-airport-complaints-american-airlines" target="_self">frustration</a> in the past because of congestion stemming from airport construction. Now that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="construction on its terminal lobby is complete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/22/charlotte-airport-terminal-expansion-complete-destination-clt" target="_self">construction on its terminal lobby is complete</a>, travelers say they are, at least for now, experiencing a modernized space and speedy security screenings — despite a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" data-vars-content-id="855e05a0-2219-4752-8bd2-b514a26a5606" data-vars-headline="What TSA lines are like at Charlotte&#x27;s airport amid the partial government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/2036114315321737305?s=20" target="_blank">shortage</a> of TSA agents.

Capital Group to open Uptown Charlotte hub with 600 jobs

Charlotte lands another big finance company.

News

Capital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" data-vars-content-id="7d79d955-3740-4bb4-bd94-34e89aeba0d4" data-vars-headline="Capital Group to open Uptown Charlotte hub with 600 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/24/office-market-jobs-vacancies-conversions" target="_self">Group</a>, the Los Angeles-based global investment manager with $3.4 trillion in assets, is opening an East Coast hub in Uptown, a $60 million project that will create 600 jobs over 12 years.Why it matters: Although the final office location is unconfirmed, a financial institution choosing Uptown for its expansion is a win. The central business district has struggled with high vacancies as companies have opted for areas like South End and Ballantyne in recent years.

Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival

Events happening March 27–29 include the South End Wine & Hops Fest, the Charlotte Fair, a Hornets game and more.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s time to lean into outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" data-vars-content-id="ba2721a1-1796-4f23-81b1-37c8d6dad6c7" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a wine festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/spring-guide-charlotte-fun-things-to-do-2024" target="_self">spring activities</a> — like a wine festival — but if you&#x27;re avoiding the pollen, there are also indoor options, including an R&amp;B coffee day party and a touring art festival worth adding to your calendar.

Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a Plaza Midwood lot with Bev.

Food and Drink

A slice of the Italian coast is parked in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Midwood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/sip-city-expands-plaza-midwood-event-space-speakeasy" target="_self">Plaza Midwood</a> lot.Why it matters: Bev, a new Prosecco bar in a vintage airstream, lets you channel Euro summer at home, amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel season</a> marked by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring flight prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-war-flight-prices-air-travel-tips-cheaper" target="_self">soaring flight prices</a> and extended <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TSA wait times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" data-vars-content-id="737b0628-60da-4bf3-a7b9-4007a179bf9a" data-vars-headline="Skip the flight: This Plaza Midwood Prosecco bar is serving a Euro summer experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/24/charlotte-douglas-airport-tsa-wait-times-security" target="_self">TSA wait times</a>.

Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

State liquor sales brought in nearly $700M, with Mecklenburg County driving the biggest share.

Business

Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka led North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spirit sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" data-vars-content-id="74eedfcb-2890-4f85-a1dd-e38a8330cc8c" data-vars-headline="Tito&#x27;s Handmade Vodka is North Carolina&#x27;s top-selling spirit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/03/06/fireball-pennsylvania-top-selling-spirit" target="_self">spirit sales</a> in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.Why it matters: Alcohol sales generate revenue that helps support public services, including the state&#x27;s general fund, the Department of Health and Human Services, county and city operations, and local law enforcement.

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

State continues revisions to I-77 project amid backlash.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="N.C. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" data-vars-content-id="4c154952-8ed4-41d6-b478-b045dde34c97" data-vars-headline="NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/10/i77-express-lanes-parks-environmental-concerns" target="_self">N.C. Department of Transportation</a> is trying to ease mounting opposition to the I-77 South toll lanes by opening a new outreach center and revising designs to &quot;minimize&quot; impacts on homes, parks and cemeteries.Why it matters: NCDOT isn&#x27;t backing off on this $3.2 billion public-private highway project that will come up to people&#x27;s property lines and, in some cases, displace families. But it&#x27;s eager to strengthen its case.<ul><li>This is the first time NCDOT has opened a feedback center dedicated to one project, underscoring the magnitude of the project&#x27;s footprint, record-breaking cost and resistance.</li></ul>

Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown

Charlotte's growth is defying national trends.

Charlotte is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="8258d2bd-5eeb-42b0-850a-317e354c000b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">still</a> one of the fastest-growing places in the U.S., even as growth slows dramatically in many metros amid a drop in immigration, new Census data shows.Why it matters: Tighter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/12/us-border-patrol-operation-charlotte-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="8258d2bd-5eeb-42b0-850a-317e354c000b" data-vars-headline="Charlotte growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/12/us-border-patrol-operation-charlotte-north-carolina" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup, but Charlotte is defying the trend thanks to its position in the Sun Belt.

Sorry, Charlotte. This pollen isn't going away anytime soon

While the yellowish stuff is a sign of spring, it's a headache for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma.

Climate

Don&#x27;t expect relief from the clouds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pollen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/10/get-ready-for-the-pollening" data-vars-content-id="fd275f40-c157-479a-b1df-e95e9d45dfdc" data-vars-headline="Sorry, Charlotte. This pollen isn&#x27;t going away anytime soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/10/get-ready-for-the-pollening" target="_self">pollen</a> blanketing the Charlotte region anytime soon.Why it matters: While the yellowish stuff is a sign of springtime plant reproduction, it&#x27;s a literal headache for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma.

Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs

Charlotte is using AI as a reason to invest more in tech.

Charlotte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is forging ahead " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/27/ai-economy-artificial-intelligence-workforce-disparities-jobs-brookings" data-vars-content-id="81479a53-4851-414b-9011-45822e25cb80" data-vars-headline="Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/27/ai-economy-artificial-intelligence-workforce-disparities-jobs-brookings" target="_self">is forging ahead </a>with its aspirations to become a tech hub, despite AI fueling uncertainty about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether jobs will last." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/16/bank-america-wells-fargo-ai-job-cuts" data-vars-content-id="81479a53-4851-414b-9011-45822e25cb80" data-vars-headline="Charlotte still wants to be a tech hub, even as AI threatens jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/16/bank-america-wells-fargo-ai-job-cuts" target="_self">whether jobs will last.</a>Why it matters: Charlotte is particularly exposed to AI disruption because its economy relies on banking, insurance, and similar industries that employ the bulk of the region&#x27;s tech workforce.<ul><li>But local leaders say that risk is a reason to keep investing in tech.</li></ul>

New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon

The Parlor is the latest venue from Beau Monde Hospitality expected to open this fall.

Weddings

The Parlor, a new entertainment venue, will open near Uptown this fall. Why it matters: The venue is the latest business from the full-service local hospitality group Beau Monde, which operates popular event spaces such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Casey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/10/event-venue-opens-rehabbed-factory-building-north-tryon" data-vars-content-id="40470e87-6bbd-4361-b4f6-99a967ff6c41" data-vars-headline="New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/10/event-venue-opens-rehabbed-factory-building-north-tryon" target="_self">The Casey</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Ruth." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/15/now-open-wesley-heights-event-space-offers-an-oasis-308199" data-vars-content-id="40470e87-6bbd-4361-b4f6-99a967ff6c41" data-vars-headline="New French-inspired wedding venue near Uptown coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/09/15/now-open-wesley-heights-event-space-offers-an-oasis-308199" target="_self">The Ruth.</a>

Charlotte's safety image seen as key to landing major events

Public safety is critical in order for Charlotte to remain competitive in hosting major events, according to a local sports executive.

Public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/public-safety" data-vars-content-id="3f82bd05-5192-46d1-9d13-b292319f9e0c" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s safety image seen as key to landing major events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/public-safety" target="_self">safety</a> is critical for Charlotte to remain competitive in hosting major events, according to a local sports executive.Why it matters: Event promoters are less inclined to bring their events to a city where visitors and residents don&#x27;t feel safe. That isn&#x27;t just a bad look; it also hurts local businesses that benefit from additional foot traffic. <ul><li>Charlotte has been grappling with its national safety image since August 2025, when Iryna Zarutska was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally stabbed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/11/north-carolina-gop-republican-crime-crackdown-charlotte-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="3f82bd05-5192-46d1-9d13-b292319f9e0c" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s safety image seen as key to landing major events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/11/north-carolina-gop-republican-crime-crackdown-charlotte-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">fatally stabbed</a> on the light rail in South End. </li></ul>

Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium get $25M tune-up amid soaring revenue

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BOplex" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/26/heated-rivalry-fans-head-to-checkers-game-for-book-club-night" data-vars-content-id="4ffaa77b-2bd4-4a30-8043-f49fd5755e7b" data-vars-headline="Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium get $25M tune-up amid soaring revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/26/heated-rivalry-fans-head-to-checkers-game-for-book-club-night" target="_self">BOplex</a> entertainment complex, home of the Charlotte Checkers, secured City Council approval for $25 million for maintenance on Monday.Why it matters: The investment reflects the city&#x27;s desire to keep Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum viable, as the aging venues&#x27; annual revenue has grown from $2.9 million to $19.2 million over the last decade.

News 🗞

Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

NCDOT responds to I-77 toll project backlash with new designs, info center

"No Kings" protestors rally in Uptown Charlotte

SouthPark After 5 returns this April

Things to do in Charlotte March 30—April 3

Axios Charlotte gets a behind-the-scenes look at "Top Chef" filming