Against long odds, Mecklenburg County passed a monumental transportation package that could reshape how Charlotte moves and grows for decades to come.

When the federal government threatened to pause food assistance for millions, Charlotte food pantry founder Kenya Joseph didn’t wait to see what would happen. She rallied donations, fought for local stopgaps, and cut through the noise.

Charlotte’s next big investment in curiosity is the new $65 million Museum of Nature beside Freedom Park, replacing the 73-year-old building that stood on the same ground. With otters, tree canopies, and even the roots of a fallen ash on display, its future mission is the same as its past.

Mecklenburg’s transportation referendum isn’t just about rails, roads, or buses. It’s a test of trust—trust in the plan’s guardrails, in elected leaders, and in one another.

Sherri Chisholm has carried Charlotte’s economic mobility work through setbacks, doubt, and shifting priorities. Now she and her team are launching into a new decade with a new campaign and data tool. And they’re expanding their efforts to other cities in the state and region, in hopes of ensuring all kids in the Carolinas and beyond have a chance.

What I said as the officiant at a “surprise” wedding in Charlotte

She built Capitol into one of America’s most celebrated boutiques — and a place of care, community, and beauty. This is the story of her family, her vision, and Charlotte’s enduring style.

In a city driven by algorithms and polish, Charlotte’s Access 21 remains a haven for unfiltered creativity. Inside the public-access studio, everyday people find a stage, a crew, and the belief that their voices matter.

It’s bigger than just a merger. It’s a result of Gen Z’s pragmatism, Charlotte’s tradition of partnerships, and the new rules for surviving in higher ed.

In the wake of Iryna Zarutska’s murder, Charlotte faces grief, shame, and scrutiny. What remains is our choice: to splinter, or to grow stronger.