The men's national rugby team is coming back to Charlotte this summer.

Why it matters: More than two dozen cities across the country, including Charlotte, are vying to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup. A successful turnout during these matches will help make a case for Charlotte as a host city.

Driving the news: USA will take on Zimbabwe on July 11 at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. On July 18, USA will take on Spain at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

• Both matches will be at 7:30pm.
• Tickets go on sale to the public at 10am on April 9.

Zoom in: The games are part of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, which is a collaboration between World Rugby (the sport's international governing body), USA Rugby (the sport's national governing body) and TEG Rugby Live.

Between the lines: Anthem Rugby Carolina, a Major League Rugby team (the nation's top league), plays at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The team is built around being a developmental team for the USA Eagles.

What we're watching: World Rugby and USA Rugby are still evaluating potential host cities for the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

• Between 13-15 host cities are expected to be announced in late 2027.

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💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Executive Assistant at Girls on the Run International.
2. Event Manager at Blumenthal Arts.
3. Director - Avondale Children's Center at Avondale Children's Center.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🍟 For today only, Clark's Snack Bar is adding steak frites to its menu to celebrate their first anniversary.

🦪 Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar will open its first local restaurant at Promenade on Providence in south Charlotte on April 8.

🚔 A suspect has been arrested in Florida and charged in connection with the stabbing of a pregnant woman in a Cotswold parking lot. (WSOC)

🚨 Police arrested 18 people and seized 11 guns during a multi-agency operation in Uptown that included 170 traffic stops in high-traffic areas on March 26. (WBTV)

🏫 Queens University of Charlotte has received a $1.5 million donation from philanthropists Bob and Susan Salvin, establishing the Salvin Impact Fund for the Learning Society, per the university.

🏈 Charlotte-based Big South Conference will add women's flag football in 2027-2028. (Big South)

Lady Funari, a new Italian restaurant, will open in the former Futo Buta space in South End this spring.

Why it matters: The new restaurant on the Rail Trail is the latest venture from B-Side Group, the Charlotte hospitality team behind popular spots such as VINYL and Mi Cariño.

What to expect: Described as a modern pasta bar and cafe, Lady Funari will feature a pasta counter facing an open kitchen. Outside, a European-style patio will face the Rail Trail.

• "Our pasta bar isn't a buffet or build-your-own experience," B-Side culinary director Vince Giancarlo said in a statement. "It's about watching chefs cook and plate in real time. It's an up-close look at the craft."

Dig in: The menu will include homemade pastas and shareable plates, plus seasonal ingredients. Beverages will highlight Italian vermouth, liquors, wine, spirits and espresso.

• To start, it'll serve dinner only. The hope is to add lunch eventually.

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Here are a few of the nearly two dozen highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte:

🥘 Amina: A restaurant fusing East African and Mediterranean flavors in Uptown opens April 3.

🍊 Sage & Citrus: A wellness-forward fast-casual restaurant in Camp North End opens April 4.

🥪 Olivelli Deli: A walk-up deli window in NoDa opens this month.

Full list

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Spring Break at Carowinds Apr 3-12: Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together for Spring Break fun, with high‑speed coasters, family adventures, and sunny spring vibes. From world‑class thrills to Camp Snoopy fun for little ones, it's the perfect place to kick off the season.
• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in IMAX at Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre Apr 3-20: Venture into space with Mario and friends as they explore cosmic worlds and tackle galactic challenges far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. Showing for a limited time on the Carolinas' largest screen. $19+.
• Easter Brunch at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar Sun: Celebrate Easter with family and friends at Dogwood: A Southern Table. Enjoy a festive buffet of seasonal dishes, Southern classics, and brunch cocktails in an elegant, welcoming atmosphere.
• Rise to [Re]Build: HomeSick at UNCC Dubois Center Apr 8: Join Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte for a community dialogue on housing as a social driver of health. $15.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Meherwan and Molly Irani, the Asheville couple behind Chai Pani and Botiwalla, are still in the running for the James Beard Awards' most prestigious prize, Outstanding Restaurateur.

Why it matters: Chai Pani Restaurant Group operates a popular Botiwalla location at Optimist Hall and will open another this spring in Raleigh at Iron Works.

The latest: Several North Carolina chefs, including those in the Triangle and Charlotte, were semifinalists for various awards, but were shut out of the list of finalists announced Tuesday.

• Taylor Montgomery of Montgomery Sky Farm in the mountain town of Leicester is still in the running for Best Chef: Southeast.

What's next: Winners will be announced on June 15 in Chicago.

The fifth annual Greater Charlotte Book Crawl runs April 1-30.

Why it matters: The local initiative helps connect people to local bookstores around the area. This year's lineup includes 25 independent bookstores, up from 22 shops last year.

How it works: Ask for a book crawl passport when you visit one of the participating bookshops or download and print your own. There will also be souvenir passports available for $5.99 after April 1, and some stores will give them away on April 1 (find details about the souvenir passports here).

• Ask for a passport stamp at each participating bookstore you visit.
• The more stamps you collect, the more prizes you're eligible for.
• You'll submit your completed passport on the book crawl's website by April 30 to be eligible for the grand prize.

Between the lines: Independent Bookstore Day is April 25. Several of the participating bookstores will have events to celebrate.

Some of the bookstores you'll visit on the crawl