Public safety is critical for Charlotte to remain competitive in hosting major events, according to a local sports executive.

Why it matters: Event promoters are less inclined to bring their events to a city where visitors and residents don't feel safe, which isn't just a bad look; it also hurts local businesses that benefit from additional foot traffic.

• Charlotte has been grappling with its safety image in a national spotlight since last August 2025 after Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on Charlotte's light rail in South End.

Reality check: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police data indicates a 20% year-over-year decline in citywide violent crime.

Yes, but: Local leaders continue to combat a narrative of rising crime amid Charlotte's growth.

Catch up quick: During a recent business panel of Charlotte sports executives, Hornets Sports & Entertainment chief business and revenue officer Mike Behan said public safety should be a priority for Charlotte if it wants to remain competitive in landing major events.

Zoom in: Spectrum Center, where the Hornets play, recently completed a $245 million facelift over the last two NBA offseasons. The team could make the playoffs for the first time in years. They're selling out the arena. There's a lot of buzz around the Hornets.

Yes, but: Across the street is Charlotte Area Transit System's transportation center. CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle said last year that the site was not designed with security in mind.

• To address crime, CATS forced businesses at CTC to close. CTC security found it hard to keep criminal activity out of the center, according to a Federal Transit Administration audit.

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💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Executive Assistant to Head of School at Charlotte Country Day School.
2. Interior Designer at Kathryn Lilly Interiors.
3. Finance and Human Resources Administrator at Westminster Presbyterian Church - North Carolina.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

As the partial federal government shutdown continues and passengers face lengthy TSA screening wait times, travelers appear to have been spared the headache of long security lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Why it matters: CLT has long drawn sharp criticism and faced travelers' frustration in the past because of congestion stemming from airport construction. Now that construction on its terminal lobby is complete, travelers say they are, at least for now, experiencing a modernized space and speedy security screenings — despite a shortage of TSA agents.

State of play: More than a dozen Axios Charlotte readers responded to our newsletter callout asking about their recent experience traveling through CLT.

• None of them experienced long security lines in Charlotte in recent weeks.

Reader travel tips

Heron House Mahjong, a new mahjong studio and boutique, will open this spring near Freedom Park.

Why it matters: Three Charlotte entrepreneurs are turning a demand for places to play the centuries-old Chinese strategy game into a local business.

The latest: The 3,000-square-foot home was built in 1925 and is currently in the buildout phase. Heron House Mahjong owners expect to open by late spring.

What to expect: The new mahjong studio will include 11 tables to start, each of which seats four players. Each room will include three to five tables. The hope is to create an intimate feel.

• Visitors will be able to order wine, coffee, tea, and snacks.
• The boutique will include everything from mahjong sets to gifts.

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🚘 Charlotte City Council has called a special 1pm meeting for today to discuss the controversial I-77 South toll lanes project. People can attend in person at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center or watch live on YouTube.

✈️ Charlotte Douglas International Airport has organized a gift card drive to support TSA employees affected by the partial government shutdown. (CLT)

Longtime state Senate leader Phil Berger, North Carolina's most powerful Republican lawmaker, conceded yesterday afternoon to his primary opponent, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, after recounts failed to change a 23-vote lead. (AP)

🚨 The American Red Cross will host a "Sound the Alarm" event offering free smoke alarm installations, fire safety education and escape planning to help prevent home fire deaths on March 27.

A couple of thousand troops from Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne are being deployed to Iran. (Washington Post)

🏀 UNC fired men's basketball coach Hubert Davis, the university announced Tuesday night.

🎤 OpenTap will host the Charlotte Idol finals Thursday at 7pm. The top five semifinalists will compete for a $1,000 prize. (Instagram)

🖋️ Ace Custom Tattoo's grand opening of its new shop at 875 Belmont Ave. B will include an open house on Sunday, April 12, from 12-7pm.

🌬️ French energy company TotalEnergies relinquished its offshore wind leases near Wilmington. Instead, the federal government will pay it $1 billion to develop a new oil and gas project in Texas. (WUNC)

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Sanctuary Imports 9th Anniversary Psychic Fair at Sanctuary Imports Sat: Sanctuary Imports is turning 9, and they are celebrating with a Psychic Fair. Enjoy intuitive readings and energy work, mini bouquets, special anniversary perks, cake, and refreshments.
• Spring Bridal Showcase at Windsor Jewelers Sat: Top bridal brands Fana, Martin Flyer, Gabriel & Co. & Origin De Beers showcase engagement rings & bands. Enjoy light bites, 36-mo. financing*, Ladies of Lineage fitting, Palm dinner & Krewe giveaways.
• Webinar Class on How to Buy Your First Home in Charlotte Mar 30: Buying your first home in CLT doesn't have to be stressful. Get a step-by-step plan from a local expert. It will cover mortgages, offers, the due diligence process, and much more. Sign up free.
• Midweek Mixtape at Canteen at Camp North End Apr 1-Sep 30: Every Wednesday in the Boileryard from 7 to 9 p.m. for Midweek Mixtape. A rotating lineup of live local bands bringing fresh energy to the patio. Different sound each week. Free.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

The last time I asked for workout recs, a couple of you pointed me to Fuel Bootcamp, so I recently tagged along with a friend to try a class.

What to expect: A women-owned gym in west Charlotte offering group classes that alternate between high and low octane days (think cardio conditioning vs. slower, strength-focused training, respectively).

• We dropped into a low-octane upper-body day and rotated through four stations, each with three exercises (chest flys, barbell floor press, kettlebell rows).
• Plus, a finisher of 15 (!!) pull-ups.

The vibe: A CrossFit-style workout without Olympic lifting (snatches/cleans).

• The space is stocked with free weights, assault bikes, rowers, a few power racks and plenty of turf to spread out.

Cost: $25 for a week trial, $175/month unlimited.

Stop by: 1429 Bryant St B.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will be part of Bank of America's investment in youth soccer, a bank spokesperson confirmed to Axios.

Catch up quick: With the FIFA World Cup coming to North America in June and July, Bank of America is partnering with U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward Foundation to launch Soccer at Schools.

• The organizations described it as "an initiative designed to make soccer accessible to every school across the country by 2030."

What to expect: Initial plans include everything from equipment donations to field investments, plus promotional events with soccer legends.

What's next: A timeline for the program will be determined at a later date.

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