Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration's November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.

Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

• With no Republicans running, whoever wins this primary will effectively take office.

Zoom in: The sheriff is a top elected official in local law enforcement (the CMPD chief is hired).

• He oversees the jail, court and civil processes such as serving warrants and eviction papers.

Meet McFadden's challengers

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Police Telecommunicator at Town of Matthews.
2. Vice President of Accounting and Finance at Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
3. All Back and Front of House Positions at Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

The 2025 Charlotte Music census offers a detailed snapshot of the city's music industry, from working musicians to venues and other industry workers.

Why it matters: Results are in. And the findings will shape how Music Everywhere CLT (a nonprofit backed by Charlotte Center City Partners) supports the city's music scene.

What they found: Many local music professionals can't rely on music alone to pay the bills.

• Nearly 60% of respondents said they depend on non-music jobs for income. That's especially challenging as the cost of living rises and affordable rehearsal and studio space remains limited.
• Artists also flagged concerns about industry regulations and said they want stronger promotion of Charlotte's local music scene.

What's next: The goal is to help local creatives unlock new revenue streams and build more sustainable careers, says Rick Thurmond of Charlotte Center City Partners.

• Music Everywhere plans to release an action plan in the coming weeks based on the report's findings.

Keep reading about the report

It’s the month of Ramadan — a time of prayer, reflection and fasting for Muslims.

Why it matters: During the holy month, Muslims who are able will fast every day from dawn to sunset. Then, they’ll break their fast with an evening meal of halal foods known as iftar.

From iftar buffets to fully halal menus, here are several Ramadan-friendly places to break your fast during the holy month in Charlotte.

🧆 Halal Street Food has locations in MoRa and Camp North End.

🥙 Roz Grill in the Arboretum is offering an Iftar buffet for $35 per person.

🇾🇪 Retaj is a halal restaurant and lounge in east Charlotte, focused on Yemeni and Middle Eastern cuisine.

🍛 Curry Gate offers a fully halal menu of Indian and Nepalese fare at its five locations.

More halal restaurants and resources in our full guide

The Charlotte 49ers have named Kevin White as their eighth director of athletics.

Why it matters: White takes over as the Charlotte 49ers navigate sweeping changes in college athletics and a $70 million football stadium expansion.

Catch up quick: The 49ers parted ways with their last AD, Mike Hill, in October. Hill had been with the 49ers since February 2018 after nearly 25 years with the Florida Gators.

• Under Hill, the program transitioned from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference. They also broke ground on expanding their football stadium in August.
• White joins the 49ers from the Clemson Tigers, where he served as the deputy director of athletics for the last four years, meaning he was second only to the program's AD.

What's next: White will be introduced at a public press conference on campus Thursday, Feb. 26, at 4pm in the third-floor salons at Halton Arena.

Read more about the new AD

News you can use from our partners.

• 🌼 Spring allergy prep starts now. Before Charlotte's foliage is in full bloom, book an appointment for allergy testing, treatment and avoidance at CEENTA. And if you're already suffering, same-day care is available five days a week.

🥳 Charlotte SHOUT!, a 17-day festival celebrating art, music, food and ideas, returns to Uptown April 3-19.

⚾️ Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights and a year-round Uptown destination, is in the running for best Minor League Ballpark. Voting for the USA Today nod is open through March 16. (USA Today)

💍 Ladies of Lineage is now the exclusive Carolina retailer for New York–based designer Danielle Frankel, the Phillips Place bridal shop tells Axios.

✈️ DHS has walked back its plan to suspend TSA PreCheck due to the partial government shutdown. (DHS)

🎗️ Local nonprofit 24 Foundation has launched The HUB, a wellness retreat program for adult cancer survivors. Its first retreat will be on March 21 in Rock Hill.

The EDIT Sale is back this week with thousands of designer pieces.

Why it matters: The semi-annual pop-up designer consignment sale is one of the most popular events for Charlotte fashionistas. This year, it spans across two weeks.

If you go: Parking is about $3 for two hours at 528 N. Brevard St. in Uptown

• Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26 from 10am — 8pm.
• Friday, Feb. 27 from 10am — 6pm.
• Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10am — 5pm.
• Thursday, March 5 from 10am — 8pm.
• Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 from 10am — 5pm.

Go deeper: 5 things to know about the Edit Sale