Just like everyone, everywhere, we’re watching what’s unfolding in Ukraine.

State of play: More than 150 people gathered in Romare Bearden Park on Thursday afternoon following the invasion by Russian forces.

• Some activists sang the Ukrainian national anthem and chanted, "stop the war."

By the numbers: Charlotte has more than 10,000 Ukrainian residents — more than any other city in the state.

When we look back in 10, 20, 30 years, we may not remember every detail — like what a gloomy day yesterday was — but we will remember how we felt.

• Angry at the rise in gas prices, like WCNC reported yesterday.
• Fearful of another war that could send our loved ones overseas.
• Empathic towards our friends and neighbors who have ties to Ukraine, like the families WBTV spoke to earlier this week.

The bottom line: We know Russia's invasion will have ripple effects around the globe. We just don't know to what extent yet.

• To learn more about what's happening abroad, subscribe to Axios AM, and here's Axios' minute-by-minute updates.

Full story: We talked to two Ukrainians living in Charlotte. Read their take

Charlotte is home to more than 10,000 Ukrainian Americans, according to the 2019 figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

South End is one of two neighborhoods in the country where demand for office supply more than doubled over the last five years.

• The other is Fulton Market in Chicago, Axios' Katie Peralta Soloff writes.

Driving the news: Charlotte Center City Partners released its annual "State of the Center City" report yesterday and here are some key findings:

• Leisure travel is helping fuel the pandemic recovery.
• City boosters are excited about bridging the gap between South End and Uptown.
• Charlotte's apartment boom isn't slowing down.
• COVID accelerated real estate trends in the city.

Why it matters: The report underscores how rapid growth in South End is helping fuel Charlotte's pandemic recovery.

Yes, but: A full comeback for an area like Uptown may not happen until office workers return.

Full story... New report on Charlotte's growth: 'We're really fortunate we're not Atlanta'

🔥Fresh openings from our Job Board.

1. Inventory specialist and associate at Taylor Richards & Conger.
2. Patient service representative at Performance Rehab Associates.
3. Utility maintenance electrician at Union County Government.
4. Line cook at Good Food on Montford.
5. Data & operations specialist at Moishe House.
6. Audiovisual and meeting support technician at Blumenthal Performing Arts.
7. Design assistant at The Pretty Perch Design Company.
8. Team success manager at Next Stage
9. Brand & enterprise content manager at Ally Financial.
10. Manager of diversity, equity & inclusion at Foundation For The Carolinas.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board. Hiring? Post a job. 

From the outside looking in, you wouldn’t know this Victorian home in Dilworth houses jewelry and home goods crafted by survivors overcoming traumatic circumstances like sex trafficking.

• You might not even know it houses a store at all if it weren't for the signage out front.

Driving the news: The local nonprofit has changed its name from "Fashion & Compassion" to "BraveWorks."

• "The name is catching up with the work that we do," executive director Beth Bell tells me.
• The mission to empower women and families overcoming trauma is consistent despite the name change.

How it works: BraveWorks sells handcrafted jewelry, clothes and home goods produced by women in Charlotte and beyond who've escaped traumatic circumstances.

• The nonprofit offers jewelry making classes to survivors and provides them with a space to craft and sell their products, helping them get back on their feet.

Read more... New name, same mission: Fashion & Compassion becomes BraveWorks

⚡️ North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper visited Charlotte yesterday to see an electric vehicle charging station connected to a light pole next to The Ritz at 1201 Beatties Ford Rd. (WFAE).

🗳 Democratic state Sen. Jeff Jackson confirmed yesterday that he's considering a run for U.S. House after redistricting created a new district where he lives.

• Jackson bowed out of the U.S. Senate race in December and the $830,000 in his campaign account can be applied to a House race, which would likely give him an advantage heading into a May 17 primary.

💜 The 2022 Charlotte Memory Gala will take place in person this year at the Mint Museum Randolph on Saturday, May 21.

• Tickets start at $300 and funds go toward the Alzheimer's Association.

👏🏼 In its first month of operation, PARA raised enough money to donate 280 duffle bags to foster kids in North Carolina.

• The South End restaurant donates a portion of each lobster shooter sold to Its4thekids Foundation.

The Bojangler is back. Bojangles’ fish sandwich has a panko-breaded Alaskan Pollock filet seasoned with Bo’s Famous Seasoning and topped with American cheese and tartar sauce. 

Here’s the deal: The Bojangler is here for a good time, not a long time, so don’t miss your chance to reel one in.

This view could be yours for $700,000.

Why we love it: The rooftop terrace, waterfall kitchen island and lower level guest suite, writes Axios' Bri Crane.

Details: The new build has three beds, three-and-a-half baths and 2,170 square feet of space.

• Located in Third Ward, the address is 931 Westbrook Dr., Unit A.
• Contact: Realtor Libby Gonyea at Helen Adams Realty if you're interested.

More hot homes: 5 cool houses for sale in Charlotte starting at $335K

Unlike a real passport, the N.C. state park passport is free, and you can pick it up at a state park office or visitor center, Axios' Ashley Mahoney writes.

• You receive a stamp for each park or rec area you visit — there are 41 spots in all.
• Of note: The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation used to send prizes for every ten parks you visited, but not anymore.

Ashley spoke to two women who collected all 41 stamps in a single year.

• Their advice: Plan ahead.

Full story: Read about their adventure in our latest outdoor guide

Slim Chickens, an Arkansas-based fast-casual chain, is opening in North Charlotte on March 1.

Why it matters: Charlotte dominates the fried chicken food scene, so I had to ask— how will Slim Chickens stack up against its competitors?

• COO Josh Frankel says "the quality of service" and the food itself give the eatery an edge.
• The menu will include southern favorites like chicken tenders and wings, but it'll also have sandwiches, salads, wraps and their signature mason jar desserts.

Details: Slim Chickens is located at 5535 Prosperity Ridge Rd.

• They'll operate from 10:30am to 11pm, seven days a week.

Read more: Fast-casual restaurant Slim Chickens opening in North Charlotte

📅 Stay booked and busy, CLT

• The 4th Annual Queen City Blues Festival at Ovens Auditorium tomorrow: Enjoy live music featuring musicians Tucka, Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, Ronnie Bell, and Theodis Ealey. $64-$130. 
• Craft Brewers For A Cause Beer Festival at Suffolk Punch Brewing tomorrow: Visit this beer festival supporting the family of fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin. With support from over 20 area breweries, enjoy food, coffee, music and more. All proceeds will go to the Goodwin Family through Salute to Heroes. $50. 
• Leaders in Action: Leading in Healthcare During a Pandemic at Sykes Learning Center, Ketner Auditorium on Tuesday: Join on campus for a discussion with Jesse Cureton, MBA ’02, Chief Consumer Officer and Executive VP for Novant. Learn how he is leading during this time of tremendous transformation in the healthcare industry. Free. 
• Mission Remarkable Live Auction at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sunday: Enjoy live and silent auctions in support of their mission partners locally and around the globe. Free. 
• A World of Difference at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Monday: In partnership with Queens University, Covenant will host a conversation with Dr. Yolanda Pierce and Dr. Miroslav Volf. They will discuss how they have navigated racial and cultural differences and how their faith has given them the resources to address this. Free. 
• First-Time Home Buyer Webinar on Tuesday: Join virtually and find out how to go from being a looky-loo, how much you really need for a downpayment, and how to get those keys to your "home sweet home”. Free.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board. Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.