Don't expect relief from the clouds of pollen blanketing the Charlotte region anytime soon.

Why it matters: While the yellowish stuff is a sign of springtime plant reproduction, it's a literal headache for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma.

Zoom in: Pollen season usually begins to wind down in the Carolinas in early May, notes WBTV meteorologist Elissia Wilson.

• "Since trees and plants like warm weather, the pollen will likely increase in the coming days," she told Axios.

Between the lines: Considering its trees, pollution, and longer warm seasons, Charlotte is like a "perfect storm" when it comes to factors aggravating allergies, Bailee Gilchrist, an immunologist with Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, recently told WBTV.

• "Animals can track pollen inside as well," Gilchrist said.

The intrigue: Between 1970 and 2025, nearly 90% of cities analyzed by Climate Central saw longer growing seasons. That's the time between the last and first freeze, used here to represent allergy season.

• Charlotte, however, saw its pollen season shrink by three days over that 55-year period.

Share this story with someone who needs a tissue 🤧

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Office Engagement Coordinator at Little.
2. All Back and Front of House Positions at Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen.
3. Office Operations & Executive Assistant at Gaston Community Foundation.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Capital Group is planning a major expansion into Charlotte, bringing 600 jobs and a $60M investment to a new Uptown office.

Why it matters: The move reinforces Charlotte's momentum as a financial hub, continuing a streak of landing high-profile employers and high-paying jobs.

The details: L.A.-based Capital Group plans to hire 600 employees, with payroll expected to exceed $116 million, per the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

• The roles are expected to average about $194,000 in wages, per a state presentation.

The intrigue: Charlotte beat Indianapolis for the project, signaling continued strength in attracting financial firms, per the Charlotte Ledger.

Keep reading

Leading on Opportunity, the organization formed to respond to Charlotte's dead last economic mobility ranking in a 2014 Raj Chetty study, is shutting down in June.

• Executive director Sherri Chisholm says the nonprofit has struggled to secure funding, especially since an updated 2024 study found that Charlotte was among the top-improving cities. (CBJ 🔐)

👮‍♂️ Ricky Robbins, who ran against Sheriff Garry McFadden in this year's primary, has been named Mecklenburg County's new chief deputy, overseeing key operations starting April 1. (Queen City News)

🎤 Weezer will perform at Spectrum Center on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Weezer)

🛒 Reid's Fine Foods will open its fifth Charlotte-area location in Ballantyne on April 8. (Instagram)

🚈 Extending the Silver Line light rail to Matthews could require a new local sales tax, according to transit planning discussions. (WFAE)

🚁 Atrium Health plans to launch a medical drone delivery program in Charlotte to speed up the transport of certain supplies. (Queen City Nerve)

🇩🇴 La Palma Food Truck, a popular Dominican vendor, will close permanently on Sunday, March 29, its owners announced on Instagram.

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 The Casey and The Ruth.

Driving the news: Construction is expected to start in April on the $2.7 million Parlor project, which is designed to host a range of events — from weddings to corporate gatherings.

The vibe: The Parlor's new 11,000-square-foot space at 1837 N Tryon St. is inspired by old French salons.

• The venue can hold up to 120 guests in its three spaces, including a signature bar, a sun parlor for ceremonies, and a reception space.
• There are also individual rooms that can be used for getting ready spaces or corporate gatherings with 50 guests or fewer.

Zoom in: Rental pricing ranges from $2,000-$5,000. They're also offering a pre-construction discount on the rental rate for events occurring before June 30, 2027.

• You can book an event as early as this October, when it's projected to open to the public.

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📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Group Chat Girlies at The Comedy Club at Duckworth's Sunday: Skylar Schock & Carol Tyner are joined by special guests for a one-of-a-kind night of stand-up comedy, mixed with live, interactive segments made just for the girlies. $15.
• StrEATs Uncorked at Wells Fargo Atrium April 3: This lively, walk-around tasting experience celebrates North Carolina's thriving wine industry, complete with live music and dishes showcasing North Carolina's signature flavors. $75.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

This week's hot homes come with features that meet key criteria on your dream home checklist, from neighborhood walkability to quick access to greenways.

Zoom in: The home pictured above, for example, is on the border of Clanton Park and Roseland neighborhoods.

• Notable features include: A remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wood floors, recently remodeled bathrooms and a shaded back patio.
• At 1,498 square feet, the house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• It's listed for $385,000.

More hot homes

Paris designer Julie de Libran debuted her spring couture collection at The Duke Mansion on Wednesday, paired with live performances by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Why it matters: The couture-meets-classical collaboration was a uniquely Charlotte event where fashion, music and philanthropy intersect.

Zoom in: Pieces are available through the weekend at Capitol, a local boutique in SouthPark, which landed on the New York Times "50 Best Clothing Stores in America" list last year.

• The Times called owner Laura Vinroot Poole "a fashion interpreter."

What's next: Pieces are available through the weekend at Capitol (4010 Sharon Road), including ready-to-wear and couture options.