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James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner

Sam Diminich will reopen it as Grey's Diner, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Food and Drink

Mattie&#x27;s Diner on The Plaza, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" target="_self">closed last summer</a>, will reopen this spring as Grey&#x27;s Diner. Why it matters: In buying Mattie&#x27;s, James Beard–nominated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chef Sam Diminich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" target="_self">chef Sam Diminich</a> and the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Your Farms Your Table Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" target="_self">Your Farms Your Table Group</a> want to provide Michelin-level hospitality in a space where families, neighbors and regulars can grab a booth without a reservation.<ul><li>The approach aims to challenge the perception that farm-to-table dining is exclusive.</li></ul>

Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market

Events happening Feb. 20-22 include Jurassic Quest, a bridal show, Hornets game, food truck rodeo and indoor skating.

Things to Do

This weekend is filled with family-friendly activities from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jurassic Quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" data-vars-content-id="7354553f-52b9-4f01-b302-71c83bcd96cc" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" target="_self">Jurassic Quest</a> to a South End street market.

Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets

Ballantyne's event calendar is filling up for 2026, with returning festivals, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at The Bowl.

Neighborhoods

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballantyne&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" target="_self">Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> event calendar is filling up for 2026, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returning festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" target="_self">returning festivals</a>, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" target="_blank">The Bowl</a>.Why it matters: As the area keeps growing, its mix of live music, buzzy dining spots and green space is turning this once-corporate corner of south Charlotte into one of the city&#x27;s go-to hangouts.

The evolution of Bank of America Stadium

From site selection in 1989 to what the stadium will look like in 2030, here's a timeline of Bank of America Stadium.

Sports

By 2030, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" data-vars-content-id="e78b5e93-6f6a-4540-af79-e5ade529995b" data-vars-headline="The evolution of Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" target="_self">Bank of America Stadium</a> will have a fresh look. Why it matters: An $800 million renovation will transform the 30-year-old venue, which is among the oldest in the NFL. Tepper Sports &amp; Entertainment&#x27;s deal with the city also keeps its teams — the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC — here through 2045.

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career.

News

Sheriff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dba2005-00b3-43eb-afb6-f96e33d7a2d2" data-vars-headline="Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" target="_self">Garry</a> McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration&#x27;s November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Early voting is Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, and Primary Election Day is March 3.

Charlotte-area Democrats and some unaffiliated voters who opt into voting blue will essentially decide many local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="45770166-6a22-4f56-bd09-31cb6e30754e" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">elections</a> in the primaries held over the next few weeks.Why it matters: With so few Republicans running in Mecklenburg County, the nominees for offices like sheriff and most county commission seats will be unopposed in the November general election.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Voters in the Republican primary will only have a few <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="7cf7306c-b778-490a-95d1-3154b8b2bea1" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">decisions</a> to make, but none is insignificant in a county with shrinking red representation.Why it matters: Republicans will want strong candidates to advance to the general to heighten their party&#x27;s chances of electoral success in Democrat-controlled Charlotte.

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say

Charlotte transit crime far above U.S. average

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">Transit</a> Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro is blaming &quot;systemic failures&quot; within the Charlotte transit system for Iryna Zarutska&#x27;s death, as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" data-vars-content-id="7f7c3b52-97ed-4526-a7c0-5edfb03e7111" data-vars-headline="CATS&#x27; &quot;systemic failures&quot; led to light rail stabbing, feds say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/focused-agency-safety-plan-audit-final-report-charlotte-area-transit-system" target="_blank">new report says</a> the rate of crimes against CATS&#x27; passengers is now three times the national average.Why it matters: A reliable public transit system is crucial for people to reach jobs, health care and climb up the economic ladder. But Charlotte risks losing more riders&#x27; support and federal dollars if it doesn&#x27;t address safety concerns.

Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte

Bokhari, Egleston team up for next move: A lobbying firm

Former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/07/18/burn-the-ships-tariq-bokhari-wants-the-gop-to-take-back-charlotte-265926" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/07/18/burn-the-ships-tariq-bokhari-wants-the-gop-to-take-back-charlotte-265926" target="_self">city</a> council members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston are expanding The Southern Group, a government relations and lobbying firm, to Charlotte.Why it matters: Bokhari, a Republican who served a stint in the Trump administration, and Egleston, a Democrat who&#x27;s remained active in the community, were part of a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young politicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/10/19/the-most-millennial-city-council-in-america-cant-get-along-236374" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/10/19/the-most-millennial-city-council-in-america-cant-get-along-236374" target="_self">young politicians</a> who led Charlotte through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article222423730.html" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article222423730.html" target="_blank">major</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/02/10/uptowns-truist-lights-a-scarlet-letter-or-misunderstood-genius-247620" data-vars-content-id="6a502cae-8370-4656-acbf-bfee4c45a188" data-vars-headline="Former council members Bokhari, Egleston open lobbying office in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/02/10/uptowns-truist-lights-a-scarlet-letter-or-misunderstood-genius-247620" target="_self">business</a> expansions, population growth and the pandemic.

North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education

North Carolina's education lottery pays winners more and schools less

The North Carolina <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Education Lottery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/06/north-carolina-education-lottery-school-bonds-referendum-election-construction-cms-mecklenburg-343254" data-vars-content-id="ea35ac0a-c231-4998-bcc3-6bc1fd242918" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/06/north-carolina-education-lottery-school-bonds-referendum-election-construction-cms-mecklenburg-343254" target="_self">Education Lottery</a> is giving a smaller and smaller share each year to education. The reason? Players&#x27; wins are claiming more of the revenue originally meant for schools.Why it matters: Not without controversy, the education lottery was created in 2005 to provide schools a funding boost, especially in rural counties. But despite record sales, the lottery is transferring less to education each year, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state audit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/cpaaudits/cpa-2025-4670/open" data-vars-content-id="ea35ac0a-c231-4998-bcc3-6bc1fd242918" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Education Lottery is sending less and less money to education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/cpaaudits/cpa-2025-4670/open" target="_blank">state audit</a> reveals.

Challengers launch contests against Democratic Party's problem children

Charlotte Democrats in the hot seat for veto overrides

Challengers have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lined up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="3626f64b-7e9f-46c7-ad93-9297dbc7e236" data-vars-headline="Challengers launch contests against Democratic Party&#x27;s problem children" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">lined up</a> to run against Charlotte-area Democrats who routinely side with the Republican Party, setting the stage for some rare competitive primaries in Mecklenburg County.Why it matters: Charlotte is one of North Carolina&#x27;s Democratic strongholds, but it&#x27;s also the place where blue-elected officials cause headaches for their own party, helping Republicans score weighty wins on politically divisive issues.

Iryna's Law will lead to dangerous Mecklenburg jail overcrowding, sheriff warns

Sheriff: Iryna's Law fuels dangerous jail overcrowding

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden says he is bracing for dangerous jail overcrowding after the passage of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iryna&#x27;s Law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/03/north-carolina-democratic-governor-republican-crime-bill" data-vars-content-id="185e245a-7c9d-432d-9140-96e8bc00341b" data-vars-headline="Iryna&#x27;s Law will lead to dangerous Mecklenburg jail overcrowding, sheriff warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/03/north-carolina-democratic-governor-republican-crime-bill" target="_self">Iryna&#x27;s Law</a>, the state bill enacted in the wake of the fatal August light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.Why it matters: House Bill 307 is intended to keep criminals off the streets, but it does not dedicate new funding for keeping more suspects in custody longer, leading to concerns about the safety of both employees and inmates within the jail&#x27;s walls.

Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte persists with "over 425 arrests"

Border Patrol bumps up its Charlotte arrests, heads to NOLA

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="0637cc43-0146-4dde-b98c-ed58212eaf8b" data-vars-headline="Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte persists with &quot;over 425 arrests&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">Trump</a> administration&#x27;s surge of Border Patrol agents to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/18/ice-border-patrol-north-carolina-triangle" data-vars-content-id="0637cc43-0146-4dde-b98c-ed58212eaf8b" data-vars-headline="Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte persists with &quot;over 425 arrests&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/18/ice-border-patrol-north-carolina-triangle" target="_self">North Carolina</a> has resulted in &quot;over 425&quot; arrests in the Charlotte area, according to a Wednesday update from the Department of Homeland Security.Why it matters: This is the latest of the scant and inconsistent details that the federal government has shared about &quot;Operation Charlotte Web,&quot; which Border Patrol <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/CMDROpAtLargeCA/status/1992287305361670147?s=20" data-vars-content-id="0637cc43-0146-4dde-b98c-ed58212eaf8b" data-vars-headline="Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte persists with &quot;over 425 arrests&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/CMDROpAtLargeCA/status/1992287305361670147?s=20" target="_blank">says</a> aims to target immigrants who &quot;pose a direct threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods.&quot;

Sheriff and Border Patrol send contradictory messages about Charlotte operation ending

The Border Patrol operation that's rocked Charlotte "is not ending anytime soon," DHS says

Politics & Policy

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/19/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-web" data-vars-content-id="5e79d77a-b99c-43af-8a0c-0ce7f6e1ba0b" data-vars-headline="Sheriff and Border Patrol send contradictory messages about Charlotte operation ending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/19/border-patrol-ice-operation-immigration-web" target="_self">Trump administration</a> says it is continuing its &quot;surge&quot; of Border Patrol resources in Charlotte despite local officials stating otherwise.Why it matters: Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday morning that federal officials told him &quot;Operation Charlotte&#x27;s Web&quot; was over. But just hours later, U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent a contradictory message — prompting citywide confusion and uncertainty.<ul><li>&quot;The operation is not over and it is not ending anytime soon,&quot; Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

North Carolina Democrats push for early 2028 primary

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

CATS' "systemic failures" led to light rail stabbing, feds say