A Charlotte couple has just taken the top prize on Netflix’s hit competition series What’s in the Box? staring Neil Patrick Harris. 

Joey and Scott Linwell outperformed competitors throughout the season, ultimately opening the Super Box and winning $300,000 in Bitcoin, making them the show’s biggest winners to date.

Their prize haul included major travel experiences, such as a northern Europe holiday featuring the Northern Lights, a Mediterranean cruise, and a $25,000 Paris shopping spree. A key alliance decision also worked in their favor, eventually netting them full-season Carolina Panthers tickets through a late-game prize swap.

In the final episode, the Charlotte-based pair qualified directly for the Super Box challenge. After a tense final round driven by chance and strategy, they secured all three keys and locked in the season’s top prize.

Off camera, Joey and Scott are longtime residents of Charlotte with a fairly big Instagram following who collaborate on real estate, design, and creative projects.

 

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A post shared by It’s Joey, like a baby kangaroo. (@joey_hewell)

Calvary Christian Academy, a long-standing K–9 private school in south Charlotte, announced it will close at the end of the 2025–26 school year after failing to secure a permanent new campus. The school, which is associated with the iconic Calvary Church, had planned to expand into a full K–12 program and rebrand as The Oaks Christian School.

School board members sent out a press release saying they spent months searching for a “permanent, long-term home” that would allow the new K–12 model to grow. However, despite extensive efforts, board members concluded no viable location existed.

The board said it believed “every stone was turned over and every viable option pursued,” but the search ultimately came up short. The board described the decision as “profoundly sorrowful” and emphasized that transparency and stewardship guided the final outcome.

The announcement marks a significant loss for families who hoped the expanded school would continue serving the rapidly growing south Charlotte community. The board thanked parents for their trust and praised faculty and staff for “unwavering and persevering service.”

Leaders also expressed gratitude to Calvary Church, noting the longstanding partnership and shared ministry. The school and church did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment.

The academy plans to operate normally through the end of the 2025–26 year and says it will support families and staff through the transition.

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.

The Christmas Heat Wave produced record breaking max temperatures in Charlotte yesterday with a high of 79°F. This breaks the old record of 77°F in 1955. Records for Charlotte go back to 1878.#cltwx #ncwx pic.twitter.com/Bc3tuXwmM5

— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) December 26, 2025

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 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, 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.

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.