Catch up on today’s news with these 4 key stories in Charlotte

Charlotte is making headlines across the board — from courtroom developments tied to last year’s federal immigration operation to a historic stretch for the city’s professional sports teams. Here’s what’s happening around the Queen City.

Here are key takeaways:

• ‘Charlotte’s Web’ case dropped: Federal prosecutors are dismissing the case against Joshua Long, who was arrested while documenting U.S. Border Patrol agents during “Operation Charlotte’s Web” last year. Few charges against activists entangled in the operation have survived the legal system.

• Hornets one win from the playoffs: Charlotte is one victory away from its first NBA playoff berth in a decade, needing a win Friday night in Orlando. If the Hornets advance, it would mark the first time the Hornets, Panthers, Charlotte FC and Hurricanes all made their respective playoffs within a six-month span.

• Charlotte mom heads to Boston Marathon as a pro: Erin Del Giudice, a 32-year-old stay-at-home mom and Davidson College alum, earned one of just 30 pro slots for American women in Monday’s Boston Marathon — training around preschool drop-offs and a three-hour window that starts at exactly 9:03 a.m.

• Best cheap drinks in Charlotte? CharlotteFive is asking readers to share their go-to spots for budget drinks — defined as beers in the $3-$4 range and cocktails under $10 — for an upcoming guide.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists. To learn more about how The Charlotte Observer is using AI in our newsroom, see our policy here.