Charlotte Shatters Record With Hottest Christmas Day In Recorded History at 79 Degrees

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Charlotte Shatters Record With Hottest Christmas Day In Recorded History at 79 Degrees

Charlotte just experienced its hottest Christmas Day in recorded history.

At 2:52 pm, temperatures at Charlotte Douglas International Airport reached a record-breaking 79 degrees, surpassing the previous December 25th high of 77 degrees set in 1955 — a record that had stood for nearly 70 years.

via National Weather Service
via National Weather Service

A weak cold front is now set to move in from the northeast on Friday, bringing more clouds and cooler air with highs only in the mid-60s. By Saturday, temperatures will rebound quickly into the upper 70s, flirting with another potential record. Saturday’s all-time high of 77 degrees, set in 2015, could again be challenged.

A stronger cold front is expected early next week. While rain chances remain slim, the front will bring a sharp drop in temperatures, ending the Queen City’s unusually warm holiday stretch.

UNC Charlotte Ranks #1 In North Carolina and #3 In America In New US News Rankings

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UNC Charlotte Ranks #1 In North Carolina and #3 In America In New US News Rankings

UNC Charlotte has just earned the No. 3 spot (tied with University of Illinois–Chicago) in U.S. News & World Report’s new 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees report.

They climbed four spots from their 2024 ranking.

“This recognition reflects UNC Charlotte’s unwavering dedication to creating innovative, accessible education for students across North Carolina and beyond,” said Provost Jennifer Troyer in a press release. “Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional online programs that meet the needs of today’s learners.”

UNC Charlotte now has 10 fully online bachelor’s degree completion programs, including:

  • Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
  • Elementary Education (Teaching Assistant to Teacher)
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Fire and Safety Engineering Technology
  • Professional Studies
  • Sociology
  • Political Science
  • Health Systems Management
  • Business Administration
  • Social Work

UNC Charlotte’s online graduate programs also achieved national recognition in the 2025 rankings:

  • Education: No. 9 (tie)
  • Nursing: No. 21 (tie)
  • Engineering: No. 63 (tie)

The Cato College of Education gained additional prominence in two specialty areas:

  • Special Education: No. 13
  • Curriculum & Instruction: No. 15 (tie)

Expanding Educational Access

Enrollment in UNC Charlotte’s fully online programs has grown 44% over the past five years, contributing to a 5% overall enrollment increase. With over 50 online degree and certificate programs, UNC Charlotte Online offers flexible, high-quality education for a diverse student body. These programs empower professionals to advance their careers while balancing personal responsibilities.

This achievement adds to UNC Charlotte’s growing list of accolades. In September, the university climbed 15 spots to No. 81 (tie) among public universities in the U.S. News 2025 Best Colleges rankings, reaffirming its status as a top-tier research university.

Queen Charlotte Started The Tradition of Decorating The Christmas Tree

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Queen Charlotte Started The Tradition of Decorating The Christmas Tree

Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of King George III and monarch our city was named after, was the first royal to introduce the Christmas tree tradition to Britain. The tradition is thought to have originated in Germany, where it was a popular custom among the upper classes.

The story of Queen Charlotte’s involvement began in 1800 when the King, who was born and raised in Germany, invited his German-born wife to join him in England for Christmas. On the occasion, the King wished to surprise his wife with a Christmas tree and had one specially decorated with lights, tinsel and ornaments.

According to the Royal Trust, the yew tree tree was placed in the center of the room and a feast was laid out around it. After the meal, the King and Queen enjoyed playing with the decorations and exchanging gifts with their guests. The first British Christmas tree thus became a symbol of the King and Queen’s love for each other.

The tradition soon became popular in the British households, with families all over the country following the practice. The Christmas tree was soon regarded as a symbol of joy, unity and peace.

The tradition of the Christmas tree has now become a part of the festive season in many countries. It is celebrated in different ways, with some countries putting up the tree in the center of the room, while others adorn it with lights, ornaments and other decorations.

Queen Charlotte’s influence on the Christmas tree tradition is undeniable. Her love for the holiday and her desire to bring joy to others have made the Christmas tree a beloved tradition in many cultures around the world.

Charlotte Clogged Sewer Line Leads to 1,700+ Gallon Sewage Spill Into Catawba Basin

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Charlotte Clogged Sewer Line Leads to 1,700+ Gallon Sewage Spill Into Catawba Basin

A major wastewater overflow in west Charlotte just sent about 1,785 gallons of raw sewage into Stewart Creek.

Charlotte Water officials said the spill occurred on Centre Street after grease and debris clogged a sewer line, forcing thousands of gallons into the nearby Catawba River watershed.

Crews contained and cleaned the area, but Charlotte Water emphasized that the overflow was entirely preventable. The utility said fatburgs and flushed items that don’t break down continue to strain the sewer system and cause avoidable environmental damage.

Residents were urged to stop flushing wipes, paper towels, hair, cotton swabs, feminine products, dental floss, and food waste. Only toilet paper should be flushed, officials said. In the kitchen, soaps and small food scraps are acceptable, but fats, oils, and grease should be taken to full-service recycling centers.

Charlotte Water said community cooperation remains critical as the city grows and infrastructure faces increasing pressure.

Beloved Gastonia Landmark R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue Announces Sudden Closure After 79 Years

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Beloved Gastonia Landmark R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue Announces Sudden Closure After 79 Years

A beloved Gaston County landmark will soon serve its final plates.

R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue, a 79-year staple in Gastonia, announced it will close its restaurant on Dec. 27, marking the end of one of the region’s most iconic family-owned eateries. The decision, owners said, came after “current and sustained economic factors” made continued operations impossible.

The restaurant opened in 1946 about a mile from downtown Gastonia and quickly became known for something few barbecue joints could claim — slaw so famous it rivaled the meat itself. The recipe, created by co-founder Pearl Black in the 1940s and originally grated by hand in her kitchen, has remained unchanged for decades.

Generations of families made R.O.’s part of their traditions, and the news of the closure spread quickly through Gaston County. One longtime customer said she “wanted to cry,” calling R.O.’s a true local landmark and a gathering place tied to countless memories.

Owners thanked the community in a heartfelt message, writing that customers’ loyalty “meant the world” and expressing deep appreciation for decades of support.

While the restaurant and its food trucks will close, fans won’t lose everything. R.O.’s confirmed that its signature slaw and pimento cheese will continue to be sold in area grocery stores — allowing a piece of the restaurant’s legacy to stay on local tables even after the doors shut for good.

Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Cowans Ford Today

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Mecklenburg County Igniting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at Cowans Ford Today

The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced they will be setting the Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge on fire today at around 10am as part of a controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that smoke will be seen around West Charlotte and Huntersville today between 11 – 2 pm:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around 11AM at Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”

For more information on controlled burns click here.

Hallmark Just Rented The Biltmore to Film New Christmas Movie

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Hallmark Just Rented The Biltmore to Film New Christmas Movie

A new Hallmark Christmas movie is set to begin filming at the Biltmore Estate in January 2026, bringing another time-travel holiday love story to one of North Carolina’s most iconic landmarks.

Holland Roden and Niall Matter will star in the sequel to A Biltmore Christmas, which became a fan favorite during Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas.

The new film expands on the original’s magical premise while showcasing even more of the estate. Along with familiar locations such as the Winter Garden, Banquet Hall and Library, the sequel will feature Biltmore’s Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room, plus scenes at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery.

Hallmark describes the story as a sweeping romance that begins on Christmas Eve 1895. Young Elizabeth befriends Michael after he is caught trespassing in the newly opened Biltmore House. Michael disappears suddenly, only to reappear 20 years later at a Christmas gala—triggering a reunion that bends time itself. A magical hourglass sends Elizabeth into the present day, where she and Michael grow close while hiding her true identity from his family.

As Elizabeth experiences a modern Christmas and their bond deepens, she must choose between returning to her expected life in 1915 or embracing a future in the present.

Filming at Biltmore continues to cement the estate as one of Hallmark’s most beloved holiday backdrops—bringing national attention and renewed tourism to western North Carolina each Christmas season.

The new “A Biltmore Chirstmas” is described by Hallmark:

As Biltmore House opens for the first time on Christmas Eve 1895, 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family are holiday guests. When she notices Michael, a fellow teen caught trespassing by the staff, Elizabeth comes to his rescue by claiming to know him, much to his relief. The two share an instant connection and set out to explore Biltmore but Michael inexplicably vanishes. Twenty years later, Elizabeth is spending Christmas at Biltmore and this time, is accompanied by James, a suitor her Aunt Maysilee is keen for her to wed. When a stranger asks Elizabeth to dance at the Christmas gala, she’s shocked to discover it’s Michael. Thrilled to reunite with her friend, she throws herself into his arms. But the world around her changes in an instant when Elizabeth is transported into the modern world with Michael, a tourist from the present day who had traveled to the past 20 years prior with the help of a magical hourglass in Biltmore’s library. Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation. As Elizabeth experiences life and Christmas in the 21st century, she and Michael become close. When the time comes for her to return to 1915, Elizabeth must decide whether she’ll resume the life that’s been chosen for her or if her heart will lead her down a new path in the present.

Jingle Sells: Over 3.5 Million North Carolinians Prepared to Re-Gift Their Christmas Presents

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Jingle Sells: Over 3.5 Million North Carolinians Prepared to Re-Gift Their Christmas Presents

One of the best things about Christmas, especially when you’re a child, is receiving gifts. Particularly when you’ve carefully crafted your wishlist beforehand. You may not always get everything you want, but by and large, you grow up getting what you asked for.

Often as adults, that slowly stops happening happen. Even if the gifter means well, the end result can be the desire to give it away to someone else, as soon as possible (or — if it’s worth a dollar or three — to sell it instead). Indeed, even if inflation has cooled recently, prices have remained stubbornly high in 2024, offering the average American a financial incentive to regift or resell an unwanted gift — known as the ‘regifting economy.’

To figure out the value of America’s regifting economy, BadCredit.org surveyed 3,000 people to estimate the value of America’s regifting economy*. It turns out it’s pretty significant: the regifting economy is worth a staggering $11 billion for the whole country, with 43% of Americans (over 110 million people) admitting to regifting or reselling unwanted presents. California generates the biggest regifting economy, at $1,377,846,471.

North Carolina’s regifting economy also turns out to be substantial – when interviewed, 42% of North Carolinians say they plan on profiting from gifts received this festive season, equating to 3,521,535 regifters in the state. This means that North Carolina’s regifting/reselling economy is worth $368,000,363.

Christmas Eve Powerball Soars to $1.7B — Could the Carolinas Finally Win Big?

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Christmas Eve Powerball Soars to $1.7B — Could the Carolinas Finally Win Big?

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.7 billion ahead of Wednesday night’s Christmas Eve drawing — one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history. No one matched all numbers in Monday’s drawing, fueling a surge in ticket sales across the Carolinas.

Despite years of heavy participation, North Carolina and South Carolina have never claimed a historic top-tier Powerball jackpot. With recent billion-dollar wins landing in California, Missouri, Texas, and Oregon, many locals are asking whether the odds — however long at 1 in 292.2 million — might finally tilt our way.

The last jackpot was won in September, when two tickets split $1.787 billion. Now, with the fourth-largest prize ever up for grabs, optimism is growing as holiday travelers and last-minute shoppers crowd ticket lines across our region.

Winners can choose a lump-sum payout or a 30-year annuity that increases annually. Tickets cost $2 and are available in 45 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Charlotte-area players will be watching closely when the numbers drop Wednesday at 10:59 pm, hoping the season brings more than holiday cheer.

Top Powerball Jackpots

  1. $2.04B — California (2022)

  2. $1.787B — Missouri, Texas (2025)

  3. $1.765B — California (2023)

  4. $1.7B — Current

  5. $1.586B — CA, FL, TN (2016)*

Lake Wylie’s Last Large Wooded Property Will Be Bulldozed For 500-Home Neighborhood by 2026

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Lake Wylie’s Last Large Wooded Property Will Be Bulldozed For 500-Home Neighborhood by 2026
via Cushman Wakefield

Construction is officially underway on the last major undeveloped properties in Lake Wylie – Taylor Morrison’s The Coves at Lake Wylie.

The 162-acre site will feature nearly 500 fully permitted residential lots, including 365 detached homes and 134 townhomes. Home prices are projected to range from $400,000 to $700,000, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

Taylor Morrison, a nationally recognized homebuilder, operates several brands, including Esplanade and Yardly, which focuses on cottage-style, build-to-rent homes with private backyards.

In 2023, Taylor Morrison completed and sold Yardly Dechman, a 142-unit BTR community in Grand Prairie, Texas, featuring one-story townhomes, a swimming pool, and a pickleball court.

The Coves at Lake Wylie is scheduled for completion by summer 2026.

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