The South End dead zone, aka Charlotte's Bermuda Triangle, is a problem that's plagued the neighborhood for years.

What's happening: Texts won't send, calls drop, and apps fail to refresh along South End’s Camden Road corridor.

It's a problem everyone knows exists, but seemingly nobody is taking responsibility.

• South End CLT, an extension of Charlotte Center City Partners, has a dedicated section on its website's FAQs with ways to contact Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint.

Why it matters: It's more than an inconvenience. It's a safety issue, writes Axios' Ashley Mahoney.

• Records show 89 crimes took place this January in zip code 28203, and roughly 25 fell within the dead zone.

Full story: The safety side of South End’s dead zone

HEX Coffee is more than doubling its size in Camp North End by moving to a new space only a short walking distance away.

• The new, 2,700-square-foot spot will be located across the street from Grow and catty corner from Free Range Bar.

Why it matters: It's the latest announcement of Phase II of Camp North End's redevelopment, which includes office and retail space and a parking garage — all of which are expected to be completed by June.

Details: In addition to coffee, HEX will also serve wine, breakfast and lunch.

• The coffee bar and open cafe area will fit about 40 people inside plus additional seating outdoors.

What's next: HEX expects to open its expanded location later this year.

• Cofounder Tanner Morita tells Axios that the current café will continue to operate until the new space is ready.

Full story: HEX Coffee expanding to a larger space in Camp North End

🔥 Fresh openings from our Job Board.

1. Security officer – night shift at Atrium Health.
2. Workshop assistant at AR Workshop Charlotte.
3. Senior director of executive communications at UNC Charlotte.
4. Project facilitator at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Inc.
5. Associate communications manager at Chartwells K12.
6. Financial analyst, decision support at OrthoCarolina.
7. Order specialist at Hearst Television.
8. Sales associates at Social Status.
9. Creative brand manager at Girl Tribe.
10. Talent acquisition specialist at Flexential.
11. Director of capital projects/owner’s representative at Queens University of Charlotte.

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

With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, there comes an inevitable demand for public charging stations.

• Right now there are several hundred in the Charlotte area, but soon there could be a lot more.

Driving the news: The Biden administration announced that states will soon be able to tap into $5 billion over the next five years to expand electric vehicle charging, Axios' Ben Geman writes.

Why it matters: It's an incentive to make electric vehicles the norm.

Yes, but: With the average cost of an electric car ranging from $33,000 to $100,000, the additional $750-$1,500 needed for an at-home charging could be a deal breaker for car buyers.

Zoom in: Last month, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a goal of trying to get 1.25 million EVs on the road by 2030.

• Of note: North Carolina doesn't have any tax incentives for purchasing EVs.

Do you drive an electric vehicle in Charlotte? Is it practical? I want to hear your experience — email me at: [email protected].

🚔 CMPD released photos of the black Honda Pilot that they believe was the suspect's vehicle in the shooting death of CATS bus driver Ethan Rivera. They’re asking for people with information to call CrimeStoppers (704-334-1600).

🛒 Harris Teeter stores will return to previous closing hours (10pm) today. They'd been closing at 9pm to give employees time to restock and clean. (Observer)

👷 The Eastland Mall skatepark will close on March 3 because Eastland project construction on the site will begin soon. (Joe Bruno's Twitter)

Now through next Sunday, head to the Bechtler to see "Isaac Julien: Lina Bo Bardi—A Marvellous Entanglement." 

• It's a nine-screen film installation based on the legendary Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. 

This special exhibition is included in museum admission ($9 for adults).

A Republican debate among U.S. Senate candidates scheduled for Feb. 26 will likely have to proceed without one of the frontrunners.

What's happening: A senior adviser for Rep. Ted Budd tells Axios that the campaign is "happy to consider debate options" closer to the new May 17 primary date.

• But for now, "The simple reality is that hardly anyone will tune in," adviser Jonathan Felts said in a statement.

Why it matters: There's little love between Budd, who received the endorsement of former President Trump, and his top GOP rivals these days.

Between the lines: Former Gov. Pat McCrory, U.S. Army veteran Marjorie Eastman and former Rep. Mark Walker all plan to participate in the debate put on by the Locke Foundation.

• The Feb. 26 date was originally just days before the March primary, but the courts pushed the primary back two months to sort through several gerrymandering cases.

The big picture: Walker, who's fourth in fundraising, brought his campaign tour bus to Charlotte last week to meet with supporters at Community Matters Cafe.

• In an interview with Axios' Michael Graff, Walker said, "If Mr. Budd wants to truly talk about why he's the best candidate, then tell the people."

"It's been a wonderful place to live and we love Uptown," the current owner of the 3,500-square-foot Uptown condo at 139 S. Tryon St. told Axios' Brianna Crane.

Why it matters: The unit in the historic Trust building could be yours for $2.48 million.

Details: It has three beds and three-and-a-half baths.

• It's one of seven units in the Trust building and the only one facing Tryon.
• Notable features include a dreamy walk-in closet, a spa-like bath and a media room.

Full story: Developer Clay Grubb is selling his stylish Uptown condo for $2.48M

News you can use from our partners.

• Looking for a career change? No experience is necessary for Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates’ Ophthalmic Apprenticeship program. The 24-week program is paid and benefit-eligible.
• Happy one year anniversary to Dilworth Tasting Room SouthPark. 🎉 Book a table for your next night out and scope out our favorite dishes before you go. 

Legion Brewing will have two new neighbors at its west Morehead location: Counter- and Biblio.

Context: We first told you about Biblio last summer, when Chef/owner Sam Hart shared his plans with us to open the new restaurant at 700 Tuckaseegee Rd. and to move Counter- right beside it.

• But plans changed. Hart tells us structural issues prevented them from moving into that space.

Yes, but: Now things are moving forward and Biblio is slated to open in August at 2001 W. Morehead.

Details: It's a tapas restaurant that will reverse engineer your wine pairings.

• "Instead of our sommelier pairing a bottle of wine to the food you order," Sam says, "our chef will create a unique, one-of-a-kind dish, that will pair perfectly with the bottle you order from our massive wine list".

Of note: Counter- will reopen behind Biblio a few weeks later.

Full story: Counter-, the Wesley Heights tasting menu restaurant, to expand and add new wine concept

📅 Stay booked and busy, CLT

• Ballantyne Tech Drive at Cabo Fish Taco Parking Lot next Friday: Donate new or used electronics of all conditions to Goodwill’s Dell Reconnect program. Free. 
• Step Afrika Drumfolk at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center tomorrow through Saturday: Enjoy this dance show as it integrates songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. $15+.
• Kidventures: A Family Concert at Myers Park High School on Saturday, March 5: Catch this live performance as it recalls the joy of Saturday mornings cartoons and colorful stories with lots of giggles. Free.
• 2022 N.C. Black Heritage Festival at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center on Saturday: The festival, themed "Past, Present, & Future," features 40 black-owned companies and free giveaways, discounts, culture, and shopping. $0-$75. 
• Grand Re-Opening at Reid's Levine Wine Bar today: Celebrate the grand re-opening with a revamped menu and half-priced wine. Prices vary. 
• TheoEd Charlotte at Sarah Belk Gambrell Center at Queens University on Sunday, February 27: The faith-based speaker series brings together leading thinkers in the church and the academy to discuss God, religion, and the power of faith. $20. 

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