Renters across the country are starting to see some relief as the typical late-summer slowdown in the rental market takes hold. Apartment List’s newest report shows nationwide rents fell in August, continuing a seasonal trend that experts expect will last through the end of the year.

Nationally, rents declined 0.2% last month, with economists predicting additional month-over-month drops for the next four to five months as moving activity eases. Year-over-year, rents are down 0.9%, the lowest level since December 2023. Seasonal declines are common, but this year’s slowdown appears sharper as demand softens compared to past years.

In Charlotte, the median rent now stands at $1,418, which is 2.1% lower than last year. That local decline outpaces the statewide average of -1.8% and the national average of -0.9%. However, rents in Charlotte are still climbing faster in 2025 than in 2024. From January to August, rents in the city rose 1.3%, compared to just 0.7% growth over the same period last year.

The Local Outlook:

• Rents in Charlotte fell 0.1% in August, compared to a 0.2% decrease nationwide.
• Year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte now stands at -2.1%, up from -3.3% one year ago.
• Today the median rent in Charlotte is $1,290 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,406 for a two-bedroom unit. And the citywide apartment vacancy rate stands at 9%, up 0.9 percentage points from this time last year.

For more national and local insights, check out the latest update in the full Charlotte Rent Report.

Crews are working to contain and clean up a wastewater overflow that spilled into Briar Creek in east Charlotte on Tuesday.

Charlotte Water reported that nearly 2,000 gallons of sewage leaked from a pipe failure at 4013 Rosehaven Drive, near Kilborne Park. Officials confirmed that the sewage entered Briar Creek and eventually reached Lake Wylie downstream.

The utility reminded residents that flushing inappropriate items is a leading cause of pipe blockages. Even products marketed as “flushable,” such as wipes, can clog pipes and contribute to overflows like Tuesday’s incident.

Charlotte Water encourages residents to call 311 or 704-336-7600 immediately if they suspect a sewage spill. The agency said it maintains a 24-hour response team to address wastewater emergencies and limit environmental impacts.

Cleanup efforts will continue until water quality tests confirm bacteria levels have returned to safe conditions.

In an economic landscape that is constantly changing, a city’s prosperity is not only brought by a robust job market, but also by investments in infrastructure, local entrepreneurship, innovation and community.

CoWorkingCafe just cruched the latest economic data across 11 key metrics — including GDP growth, job gains, housing expansion, export strength and infrastructure buildout — all detailed in the methodology section of this study.

Here are a few key details from the 2025 Economic Growth Report:

• Charlotte claimed the 10^th spot among large cities for economic growth.
• The city recorded the second highest unemployment rate drop between 2019-2023 of 1%, while also ranking third in employment rate growth at 1%.
• Population grew by 3.9% over the same period — the fourth-highest increase among large cities — and the GDP surged by 38% and housing by 9%, placing Charlotte fifth nationwide for these metrics.
• Charlotte also saw a 4% increase in educational attainment — the eighth-highest among large cities. The median income in the area grew by 28%, reaching $47,587.
• Other North Carolina cities that faired well were Durham, ranking 13^th among mid-sized cities, with a median income increase of 34% (placing fifth for this metric), and Concord in the 21^st spot among small cities. This city saw a 1% drop in unemployment rate, placing third for this metric.

Full data and methodology: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/top-cities-for-economic-growth

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its list of prohibited items just before one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Travelers heading out for Labor Day should take note, as certain cordless beauty tools are now restricted.

According to the updated Code of Federal Regulations, the following items are no longer allowed in checked luggage:

• Cordless curling irons or flat irons containing gas cartridges

• Butane-filled curling irons or flat irons

• Gas refills (spare cartridges) for hair tools

TSA cracks down on one more common beauty essential https://t.co/5NXv8fI0LH

— TheStreet (@TheStreet) August 27, 2025

TSA clarified that travelers may carry one cordless hair tool powered by hydrocarbon gas, such as butane, in their carry-on bag only. The device must have a fitted safety cover over its heating element. However, spare gas cartridges remain banned in both checked and carry-on baggage.

Traditional hair styling tools that plug into outlets, such as standard curling irons or straighteners, are still permitted in both checked and carry-on bags.

This latest policy update comes as part of ongoing efforts to modernize security regulations. Just last month, TSA removed its longstanding “shoes off” requirement at some checkpoints and signaled possible changes to the liquid rule for carry-ons.

With millions expected to travel over the long weekend, TSA officials urge passengers to review the latest guidelines before arriving at the airport to avoid delays.