American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to the United States early Friday after being freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange following nearly 10 months in detention in Russia.

The deal, which saw her swapped for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, secured the release of the most prominent American detained abroad and achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden. But the U.S. failed to win freedom for another American, Paul Whelan, who has been jailed for nearly four years.

Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Located in North Carolina, Charlotte is one of the largest cities in the state. It is also a center for banking and the tech industry. As a result, Charlotte offers some of the most favorable employment conditions in the country. Compared to the rest of the country, Charlotte is relatively inexpensive to live in. Its overall livability rating is 72 on a scale of one to 100.

One of the city’s best known attractions is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It celebrates auto racing by featuring interactive exhibits and films.

In addition to auto racing, there is plenty to do in Charlotte. You can visit the Belk Bowl, which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Or you can visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. It is home to 360 acres of gardens and a woodland trail.

Charlotte is also home to several great restaurants. There are sushi and Chinese food options, as well as Middle Eastern cuisine. Some of the top restaurants include Mr. Tokyo, Ru San’s, and Azteca Mexican Restaurant.

Charlotte has plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained. You can find a wide range of musical entertainment at many local venues. There is also a wide selection of beer and wine.

The area is also home to the Belk Theater, which is one of the city’s most popular performing arts venues. The Belk Theater hosts performances from the Charlotte Symphony, the Opera Carolina, and the Charlotte Ballet.