We’re looking forward to another memorable year in the Queen City. | Photo via Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Happy (almost) New Year, Charlotte.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories we followed this year and looking ahead to what we’ll cover in 2026.
That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2026 — any piece of Charlotte life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning cup of coffee in hand.
Want to know where to get the best pho? What’s the construction site on your block going to be? The history of a Charlotte legend, or a piece of art you walk by every day?
Submit your questions below to shape the stories you’ll read in the year ahead, and stay tuned in the new year as we bring you the answers you want most. It’s our New Year’s resolution.
Time is running out for Mecklenburg County residents to pay their 2025 real estate and property taxes. The final day to do so is Monday, Jan. 5. If you miss the deadline, you’ll be charged 2% interest for January, and an additional three-quarters of a percent every month until it’s paid.
Development
A 20-story apartment building is in the works for The Pearl. City filings show the project, called ANOVA, will have 382 apartment units, ground-floor retail, golf simulators, and a rooftop lounge. Wexford Science & Technology hopes to start construction early this year. (The Charlotte Ledger)
Coming Soon
Popular pop-up Hello Uncle is close to opening a more permanent spot at Burial Beer in Plaza Midwood. Uncle’s will serve Southeast Asian-inspired bites, like Thai chicken and rice plates, veggie tofu, and charred cabbage. The owner is targeting a Jan. 7 opening. (The Charlotte Observer)
Announced
Mooresville-based Casa Azteca will open a location in the former King’s Kitchen space in Uptown. The restaurant launched this social media page, sharing its new address. An exact opening date is TBA — we reached out for details.
Number
50,957. That’s the annual cost to live in Charlotte, according to GOBankingRates — compared to the median household income of $78,438. The Queen City ranked 23rd in the survey, which compares median household income, cost of living, livability, and leftover savings across three suburbs. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
Panthers legend Luke Kuechly is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. During his eight-season career, Kuechly was a seven-time All-Pro, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Super Bowl participant. The class will be announced Thursday, Feb. 5 during “NFL Honors” on NBC. (WCNC)
The Word
Betwixtmas. That’s the new word for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — aka a time period that many describe as feeling “meaningless.” If you’re struggling to fill your Betwixtmas, we recommend exploring our events calendar. (KVUE)
Trending
Between the Coldplay concert, T-Swift and Travis Kelce planning to tie the knot, and Jet2 holidays, you might be wondering what made the top news in the Queen City this year — we’ll let you find out.
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Editor’s Pick
Charlotte’s crews are ready to keep the Queen City clean in the new year.
Photo via City of Charlotte
New year, new schedule. City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services is making a few changes to its pickup schedule, not just for the holiday, but for the new year. Here’s what you need to know:
Garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulky waste will be collected on New Year’s Day.
Natural Christmas tree collection begins Monday, Jan. 5 — just place the trees (without lights and decor) at the curb.
Starting in January, collections will not take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day — rather, service will run Tuesday-Friday, and there will be no Saturday collections in those weeks.
The Buy
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