Western-Southern Open may move to Charlotte + Low-paid CLT airport workers vote to unionize

Happy Friday! Tamia here.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday. My parents live in Michigan (my home state) and so I sent my mom her gift which was some perfume.

But if you want to take mom out for a meal, I suggest checking out CharlotteFive’s Mother’s Day meal guide.

Here’s your news.

1. Advantage Charlotte or Cincinnati? Cities battle for a major tennis event

Developers are considering moving the Western-Southern Open, currently held in Ohio, to NC.

The South Carolina-based Beemok Capital proposed Wednesday a $400 million project that would bring the Western-Southern Open tournament and 40 courts across four stadiums to the banks of the Catawba River.

Mary Ramsey has the latest.

2. 500 Charlotte airport workers who earn ‘near poverty’ wages agree to unionize

Citing wages long stuck near the poverty level, nearly 500 workers for an American Airlines ground services provider at Charlotte Douglas International Airport voted Thursday to unionize.

The vote to join the Service Employees International Union represented one of the largest union elections of airport workers in the Carolinas since 1997, SEIU officials said in a statement.

Joe Marusak has the details.

3. In UFC’s return to Charlotte, two main event-worthy bouts top packed daytime fight card

Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts series returns to North Carolina at Spectrum Center in Charlotte on Saturday.

The Spectrum Center will play host to a full slate of 12 bouts, headlined by ninth-ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. No. 12 Jailton Almeida.

UFC Fight Night will air on ABC and ESPN Deportes at 3 p.m., with prelims airing on both ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 11:30 a.m.

Here’s how to watch.

4. Panthers reveal 2023 schedule: Reich era kicks off with back-to-back NFC South clashes

The Panthers announced their 2023 regular-season schedule Thursday.

The Panthers will host their home-opener on Sunday, Sept. 18, against the New Orleans Saints in prime time.

Panthers face Bears, Packers, Seahawks during the 2023 NFL season.

Mike Kaye has more on the Panthers.

5. Some more stories to read

• Coyote sightings are up in North Carolina. How to protect yourself and your pets.

• Earthquake confirmed south of Charlotte Friday. What we know.

• Seeing ads about Camp Lejeune? What to know about the toxic water and deadline to sue

• First look at Marvel Universe exhibit in Charlotte museum offers comics, culture, costumes

• Chef offers review of Charlotte’s restaurant customers: 2 stars (out of 10). Here’s why.

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