Beyond the 'Firebird'
Plus: Border Patrol arrests dozens in Charlotte; 'Carolina Business Review' to go on sabbatical; Scout Motors posts jobs paying $100,000+; FAA lifts order that required major airports to cut flights
Good morning! Today is Monday, November 17, 2025. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
Need to subscribe — or upgrade your Ledger e-newsletter subscription? Details here.
Today’s Charlotte Ledger is sponsored by Robinson Bradshaw, an esteemed Carolinas-based corporate law firm committed to providing clients with comprehensive legal services of the highest quality.
Q&A: The Bechtler Museum’s executive director, Todd Smith, on Charlotte’s vibrant cultural scene — and how art brings us together
If you’ve ever walked past the gleaming, mirrored “Firebird” sculpture on South Tryon Street, you’ve already seen the most recognizable ambassador of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
But the Firebird is only a gateway to what the Bechtler fully is — one of Charlotte’s main art museums, situated uptown in a cultural district that includes the Mint Museum and the Gantt Center for African‑American Arts + Culture.
The museums, says Bechtler executive director Todd Smith, are cultural landmarks and tourist destinations. But they’re also platforms for innovation and inclusion, he says, and have helped Charlotte reshape its identity as a creative, globally connected city.
Smith reflected on the significance to Charlotte of the Bechtler — and of other cultural institutions —in a recent wide-ranging discussion on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast with host Steve Dunn.
Here are some excerpts from their conversation, which have been edited for space and clarity:
Q. What is the Bechtler’s mission? What do you do there?
I think most people know us from the “Firebird” that sits in front of our building…
Q. The tall, mirrored sculpture that adorns the corner out there on the street that’s very Instagrammable — is it modern or contemporary?
That would be considered contemporary. And we can get into that in a minute about the definitions there.
But no, it is the most Instagrammed image in Charlotte. Many people know us because of the programming we’ve done over the last 15 years, since we opened in 2010, that brings people into the museum for music programs, and then the collection, which is a world-class collection of European and American modern art.
And that is primarily art from around 1900 to 1970, which is the standard definition of what modern art is. The collection was put together by the Bechtler family in Zurich, Switzerland. Their son, Andreas, came to Charlotte in the late ’70s.
And when the parents passed away, he and his sister inherited the full collection of art. And he brought his half of the collection to Charlotte and was going to open his own museum. And then the city came forward in 2006 to 2008 and put together this great idea that the Bechtler should have a building on South Tryon Street next to the Mint and a block away from the Gantt. And they were off to the races from 2008 to 2010, when all three of us opened our new buildings in uptown Charlotte.
Q. That’s interesting. You’re right across the street.
Spitting distance.
Q. Are you friendly in every respect, or are you competitors in some sense?
I think if you can be both, we are both. We are extremely friendly. We, along with the Gantt and all of our other partners, really do work together to bring exciting things to uptown Charlotte. All of us are free on Wednesday nights, so that really has made a huge difference for us, especially in bringing in new audiences.
But we do compete. We compete for ideas. We compete for support. We compete for visitors. But most visitors that will go to one museum will go to all three.
Q. You describe a friendly collaboration, a community that exists where you’re all physically proximate to each other. You’re all engaged in trying to bring art to people through the mechanism of a museum, and the way that you work together kind of reminds me of this cooperation that we have in Charlotte, where they light up the buildings the same way. Charlotte has this history of business and civic leaders getting together and acting in concert toward some common purpose. I wonder if that’s your experience and how you’ve experienced that compared with the many other places where you’ve lived and worked.
Charlotte is very unique in this. And I think it is because of how most of us came about. We’re a very young arts city. When conversations were happening in the ’90s and the early ’00s about what the future of the arts were going to be in Charlotte, it was very intentional that there needed to be great support for the infrastructure — building new buildings, supporting those. So all three of us are in city-owned buildings.
But they also knew long-term that they have to support us for our programming as well. It wasn’t just for the building. And so this long-term investment is really paying off. And you see all three of us benefiting greatly by the support of the city and the county in very new and innovative ways.
Q. I imagine your interest in art probably starts with some formative experiences early in your life of profound beauty and joy. What do you love from an aesthetic standpoint?
I’m completely obsessed with everything. I love going into a museum where I know nothing about what I’m looking at.
Put me inside a museum that’s on 18th-century Korean ceramics, and I know nothing about it, but I will want to spend time there getting to know it. And all of a sudden, you leave the experience and you see things differently.
To me, it’s about curiosity. I’ve always said, “If museums do their job right, art museums especially, we’re helping people achieve a greater understanding of what makes them curious about the world.”
Q. In getting ready for this interview, I read a Charlotte Ledger article by Lindsey Banks about how to look at a work of modern art, how to engage with it. And one of the things I took away from it is you don’t have to “like” it necessarily all the time to gain something from the experience of engaging with it.
Yeah, and it pushes us out of our algorithm-defined worlds right now.
If you walk into a museum that’s been curated by someone with an exhibition that you don’t know much about, you’re getting a look into their thought process, and you’re looking into the institution, what the institution values.
And I think that’s another way of just getting out of our heads and being present.
And one of the things I think museums, libraries and other cultural institutions do is remind us of what it means to be human — and get us out of our camps and our tribes and all of that.
And it’s more about what it is that brings us together versus what separates us.
You can listen to the full conversation on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, where Smith also discusses:
The story of the Bechtler collection — and how it came to Charlotte
What distinguishes modern art from contemporary art
Why the museum’s design intentionally creates a sense of stillness and escape
The rise of Instagrammable art and how artists respond to technology
A program where health care providers prescribe museum visits to combat loneliness
What’s ahead: bringing global exhibitions to Charlotte and telling “global stories locally”
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte’s local bottler and the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S.
Related Ledger article:
“Unlocking modern art” (September 2024)
Today’s supporting sponsor is Landon A. Dunn, attorney-at-law in Matthews:
Surge of immigration enforcement in Charlotte over the weekend leads to dozens of arrests, protests, business closures — what we know, what we don’t
Federal immigration agents made dozens of arrests in Charlotte over the weekend — with images of military-looking U.S. Border Patrol agents flooding social media and sparking protests.
Federal authorities have said little about the operation, which is being called “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” Let’s break down what we know, and what we don’t know:
What we know
Arrests: Images shared with the media and on social media show officers detaining people in east Charlotte, Pineville and along South Boulevard. Arrests included a teenage employee of the Super G Mart in Pineville, a person at an unidentified church off Albemarle Road in east Charlotte and a construction worker at a Lowe’s in Matthews, The Charlotte Observer reported. On Sunday morning, CBP Commander Greg Bovino said on X that agents arrested 81 people in Charlotte on Saturday.
Protests: Protestors gathered in First Ward Park uptown on Saturday to express their solidarity with immigrants. On Sunday evening, dozens of protesters gathered outside a Homeland Security office on Tyvola Road, with some shouting at Federal Protection Service Police members blocking the entrance, The Observer reported.
Politicians weigh in: Local Democratic politicians criticized the stepped-up enforcement, saying in a statement that the operations “are causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in our community.” Republican officials largely praised the move, with a statement from Mecklenburg’s Republican Party saying that “Democrat officials have abandoned their duty to uphold law and order.” Gov. Josh Stein said in a video statement on Sunday that actions this weekend in Charlotte by Border Patrol agents are “stoking fear and dividing our community.”
Business closures: Several businesses along Central Avenue in east Charlotte, which is home to a large Latino population, closed temporarily over the weekend to avoid having large gathering places. Spanish-language publication La Noticia estimated that at least 30 businesses closed.
What we don’t know
Who was arrested: We don’t know the backgrounds or legal status of those who have been detained. In announcing the operation on Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security said it would “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to the Tar Heel State because they knew sanctuary politicians would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets.” A Border Patrol commander posted photos and backgrounds of a handful of people who he said were arrested in Charlotte, which he said included people with drunk driving arrests and deportation orders, but it’s unclear if those are representative of everyone arrested. Since the operation started, there have also been reports that agents were stopping U.S. citizens and asking them to prove their citizenship.
How long the surge will last: Officials have not said how long Border Patrol agents will be in Charlotte. They were in Chicago for more than a month. National media reported last week that after Charlotte, the Border Patrol will head to New Orleans.
Where agents will target operations: So far, Border Patrol agents have fanned out across the Charlotte region — although many arrests have occurred in east Charlotte communities with have a large Hispanic population, they have not been exclusively there. Agents have also showed up to myriad types of places, including business parking lots, churches and outside of homes. It’s unclear where else operations could take place for the duration of Border Patrol’s presence here. A Charlotte immigration attorney spoke with La Noticia about how employers can prepare for a potential workplace raid by immigration agents.
—Tony Mecia and Ashley Fahey
Long-running ‘Carolina Business Review’ to go off the air on PBS at the end of December; will figure out new direction
After 34 years on the air, the PBS show “Carolina Business Review” is set to end its long run at the end of the year as it figures out its next steps.
The weekly 30-minute show, which runs on PBS stations in North and South Carolina, says it is “the most widely watched source for business, public policy and public affairs across the region.”
Host and executive producer Chris William tells The Ledger that while he loves the show and that PBS and underwriters have been supportive, he’s ready for a break after taping more than 1,600 episodes while also holding a full-time banking job. (He works in wealth management for Wells Fargo.)
“I don’t know if at the beginning of all this I signed up for the idea that I was going to be a small business owner running a small business,” he said. “I just wanted to do a regional dialogue on TV.”
He says the break is a “sabbatical” and will allow him to take six to nine months to hold conversations about the next incarnation of the show, which regularly hosts leaders in business, economic development and education for in-depth discussions of the issues of the day.
“It’s to rethink the program, as it is now: What is the viability of it? What’s the success of it? What do the underwriters say?” he said. “I think there’s a program here, but it is no longer on linear television as we know it.”
Maybe it turns into a podcast or some other format, William says.
He said that while “Carolina Business Review” has hosted plenty of “rock star CEOs,” the fun is in getting beyond their veneers and into the dialogue, as well as forging connections among guests.
William said some of best-known guests over the past 34 years have been fabled investor Warren Buffett, as well as Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the founders of ice cream empire Ben & Jerry’s. (“They were exactly how you would think — smoking weed, coming into the studio and laughing with everybody.”)
In a mostly coincidental twist of fate, one of the guests on what is likely to be the show’s final taping on Dec. 12 will be UNC Charlotte economist John Connaughton — who was a guest on the very first episode of “Carolina Business Review” in 1991. —Tony Mecia
Scout Motors starts posting 6-figure jobs
Charlotte’s new auto company, Scout Motors, has started posting jobs for its upcoming Plaza Midwood headquarters — and many of them come with six-figure salaries.
When the company announced last week that it would establish its global headquarters in Charlotte, with 1,200 jobs here, it said that the average pay would be about $173,000.
But the figure on average salaries doesn’t necessarily say much, as averages can be skewed by extremes. For instance, your company would have a $173,000 average salary if you had nine workers making $50,000 a year and one CEO making $1.28M a year.
The jobs Scout has been posting, though, are legit six-figure jobs. As of Sunday, there were 18 Charlotte positions listed on Scout’s website, including:
Senior specialist, social media, $110,000-$135,000
Specialist, real estate project management, $95,000-$120,000
Senior manager, marketing operations, $150,000-$181,250
Market research lead, $150,000-$181,250
Compensation manager, $120,000-$140,000
Lead, AI infrastructure and governance, $180,000- $220,000
In other words, these jobs are paying enough in Plaza Midwood to perhaps even live in Plaza Midwood. —Tony Mecia
Related Ledger articles:
“Scout Motors will bring more change, and a lot more cars, to Plaza Midwood” (Nov. 14)
“Auto HQ to bring 1,200 jobs to Plaza Midwood” (Nov. 12)
“Is Scout Motors about to sign a massive lease in Charlotte? An auto HQ for Plaza Midwood?” (Real Estate Whispers, Sept. 24, 2025)
It’s the South. It’s almost Christmas. Let’s take a look at the Southern Christmas Show. 🎁
The Southern Christmas Show at the Park Expo and Conference Center runs through Sunday.
The Ledger’s Ava Mikeal checked it out on Friday and produced a video to give you a look at the action:
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY: “Sharon at SouthPark Belmore Information Session.” The Sharon at SouthPark announces Belmore — currently, the only planned new construction of 60+ senior living in SouthPark: 64 independent living apartments ranging from 1,700 to 2,600 square feet. Want to know more? Join us for an information session on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel (two sessions: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) Virtual session on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). Each in-person session is limited to 40 people.
THURSDAY: “South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club,” 8-9:30 a.m., at AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne, 14819 Ballantyne Village Way. Join South Charlotte Partners for an expert panel discussion on its November SCP Breakfast Club topic “South Charlotte Region Economic Development Outlook.” Panelists will share insights on the factors influencing regional growth, emerging business opportunities and the increasing importance of collaboration. $25 in advance. $35 at the door.
SATURDAY: “Holiday Magic at Rea Farms,” 4-8 p.m., at Rea Farms, 9855 Sandy Rock Pl. Enjoy pictures with Santa, Mickey, Minnie and Frozen characters. Other highlights include horse and carriage rides, hot cocoa, cookie decorating and more! The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. Free.
DECEMBER 3: “Winter Holiday Luncheon,” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Maggiano’s Little Italy, Southpark, 4400 Sharon Rd. Join your fellow members for a delicious holiday luncheon and a chance to hear from guest speaker Tony Mecia, Founder and Executive Editor of The Charlotte Ledger. Hear Tony’s thoughts on what’s ahead for Charlotte in 2026 as you feast on chopped salad, fettuccine alfredo and tiramisu. $50/person.
➡️ List your event on the Ledger events board.
In brief:
Commercial airlines can resume normal operations: The Federal Aviation Administration terminated its flight reduction emergency order at 6 a.m. today. The order slashed a percentage of commercial flights at 40 major U.S. airports amid the federal government shutdown, which ended on Wednesday. (FAA)
Developers, bankers to be appointed to transit authority: The Charlotte City Council is expected to confirm several appointments to the new 27-member transit authority at a meeting tonight. Developer Wyatt Dixon and Lucia Zapata Griffith were chosen by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance; developer Peter Pappas was recommended by the Foundation for the Carolinas; and bank executives Charles Bowman and Christy Long were recommended by Mayor Vi Lyles.
No special session on Medicaid: Gov. Josh Stein’s order to call the legislature back to Raleigh for a special session this week to address Medicaid funding shortfalls is unconstitutional, Republican state lawmakers said Thursday, and say they intend to ignore that order. Medicaid is hundreds of millions of dollars short in North Carolina, as Republican lawmakers have failed to pass a new state budget, or any of several proposed standalone Medicaid funding bills. (WRAL)
Record turnout at Charlotte Marathon: A record 11,500 runners participated in this weekend’s 21st annual Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, with the event’s 26.2-mile marathon, half-marathon and 5K drawing runners from 19 countries and all 50 states. Carter Coughlin of Knoxville, Tennessee, was the overall winner, and Jessica Sarnicola of Matthews won the women’s title. (Charlotte Observer, subscriber-only)
State sports betting hits another new record: Sports wagering in North Carolina set a record for the second straight month in October, with more than $800M worth of bets placed, according to new figures compiled by the N.C. State Lottery Commission. Wagers totaled $811M, which is 18% higher than the previous $686M record set in September. (Charlotte Business Journal, subscriber-only)
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website
◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account
◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn