Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Uptown’s new Creative Lab change opportunities for Charlotte teens?

Be sure to catch Timmy No Brakes on the Charlotte Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Hi there, Charlotte! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Uptown’s new Creative Lab change opportunities for Charlotte teens?
  • Which Charlotte holiday events are still going strong this weekend?
  • Which Charlotte leaders will shape transit decisions for the next four years?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler, with a high of 58 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 73, low: 47.
  • Sunday: Cooler; a morning shower, with a high of 60 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Charlotte's emerging leaders: Kelsey Van Dyke wants us to take young people seriously (charlotteobserver.com) — A Charlotte nonprofit leader is helping launch a 20,000-square-foot Creative Lab in Uptown that will give local teens hands-on access to technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Do Greater Charlotte’s Kelsey Van Dyke shares why putting youth in the center of the city matters, the challenges of doing big work with lean resources, and how she hopes Charlotte will take young people more seriously.
   

2. Your704 Weekender: Here's what's happening in Charlotte Dec 26-28 (wsoctv.com) — Looking for something to do around Charlotte this Dec. 26–28 weekend? From long-running Kwanzaa Charlotte celebrations and a festival at the Gantt to Light the Knights at Truist Field, Panthers game-day fun, and nearby light displays, there’s a full slate of family-friendly outings across the region.
   

3. Mecklenburg County transit authority members select term lengths (wsoctv.com) — Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s new transit authority has finalized staggered two- and four-year terms for its 27 members, shaping who will guide future transit decisions. Local leaders, including former city councilmembers and community advocates, now know how long they’ll help steer regional transportation planning that could impact riders across Charlotte.
   

4. Charlotte's emerging leaders: Meet Jordan Lopez, a voice for Gen Z in Raleigh (charlotteobserver.com) — State Rep. Jordan Lopez, who represents east Charlotte in the N.C. House, is emerging as a young voice pushing for better economic mobility, housing, and education for local families. At 27, he’s balancing low-paid legislative work, a full-time job, and life at home while trying to ensure every Charlotte resident can meet basic needs and access opportunity.
   

5. South Meck grad says Navy offers means to better oneself (thecharlotteweekly.com) — A South Mecklenburg High School graduate who grew up in Charlotte is now serving as a Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer, crediting local mentors for inspiring his drive to improve himself. Lt. Cmdr. Julian Moten shares how his Charlotte roots, family support, and Navy experiences around the world have shaped his commitment to leadership, challenge, and service.
   

📸 Around Charlotte

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Charlotte

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 26
  • Timmy No Brakes
    The Comedy Zone, 900 Nc Music Factory Blvd B3, Charlotte
    7:00 pm

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 24, 2025 in Charlotte, NC 28277 near Lederer Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder,… (Nextdoor Williamsburg)
  • URGENT!!!
    Our newly adopted tabby has escaped. He is yellow,13 lbs. Not an outdoor cat. We live in Montebello.He is microchipped. 704-576-4404 (Nextdoor Montibello)
  • ’Twas the night before Christmas, in the busy airport terminal, Our K9s stood guard, keeping us safe from anything criminal. With noses to luggage,... (X: CMPD)
  • MEDIC: 2 seriously hurt in northwest Charlotte shooting... (X: wsoctv)
  • The Auto Club Group posted a job opening for Roadside Assistance Technician / Tow Driver in Charlotte. Apply here.
  • Charlotte Staffing posted a job opening for Machine Operator in Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlotte here.

Ok Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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