Top 10 Charlotte Ledger stories of 2025
Take a look back at the most-read stories of the year
Good morning, and Happy New Years Eve! It’s Lindsey here. Before we ring in the New Year, we wanted to take a look back. In this edition of The Ledger, you’ll find the top 10 stories that were read and shared the most in 2025, based on our website analytics.
Last week, the Ledger team also put together a separate list of our own favorite stories from the year — the pieces we found most compelling or were especially proud to report. You can check out that list here.
A look back at the stories that captured Charlotte’s attention — and the reporting that helped define the year.
It’s been a busy year in Charlotte. From major development stories and transportation debates to neighborhood shifts, small-business profiles and the moments that sparked the most reader conversation, our coverage in 2025 reflected a city in motion. As the year wraps up, we took a look back at the 10 most-read Ledger stories of 2025. These are the articles that were the most shared and most viewed, according to our website analytics.
This list is a snapshot of what mattered most to Charlotte this year, and we’re proud of the reporting behind it. Thanks for reading, subscribing and sticking with us through another year of telling Charlotte’s story.
10. Most likely CATS plan favors rail from airport to Bojangles Coliseum
In January, Charlotte transit leaders rolled out four new ways to spend the (at-the-time) proposed one-cent sales tax, laying out which rail lines could move forward — and which likely won’t — as they pushed toward a possible 2025 voter referendum, which was passed in November.
9. A developer says ‘yes’ to native plants
A Mecklenburg County commissioner’s push for native landscaping helped win approval of tax incentives for the $560M Providence Square redevelopment, marking a rare agreement that could influence how large Charlotte projects approach environmental design.
8. CLT airport’s next building boom
Charlotte Douglas began negotiations earlier this year with American Airlines and other carriers on a new lease starting in summer 2026 — a deal that will shape what the airport builds next as major terminal work wraps up and a fourth parallel runway remains on track for 2027. Future ideas like more gates, possible concourse widening and a second security entrance remain tentative.
7. New tower envisioned for SouthPark
A Houston-based developer proposed a dense mixed-use redevelopment near SouthPark Mall in October that could replace Rooster’s and nearby shops with offices, apartments and retail.
6. Charlotte magazine is shutting down
Charlotte magazine, a longtime glossy covering the city’s culture and lifestyle for nearly 60 years, shut down after its December issue.
5. What if the Silver Line’s route is all wrong?
In January, as Charlotte weighed its long-planned Silver Line transit route, a group of pro-transit advocates urged leaders to consider a major alternative — using an existing CSX freight rail corridor instead of running the line along major roads — arguing it could be cheaper, better connected and less likely to fail at a pivotal moment for the city’s transit future.
4. SouthPark’s Symphony Park is getting an upgrade
New plans announced in April for Symphony Park called for four new buildings by SouthPark Mall’s parking lot and the DoubleTree hotel — part of a project designed to pump new life into the little-used 7.5-acre park.
3. Auto HQ to bring 1,200 jobs to Plaza Midwood
Scout Motors said in November that it is establishing its headquarters in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, bringing 1,200 high-paying jobs and a $207M investment as the Volkswagen-backed electric vehicle company expands its footprint in the Carolinas.
2. Queens U. and Elon U. to merge
Queens University of Charlotte announced plans to merge with Elon University in September, a move leaders said will strengthen Queens’ long-term stability while expanding Elon’s footprint in Charlotte amid growing financial pressures on small colleges.
1. Rift widens at Charlotte Catholic
Tensions at Charlotte Catholic High School escalated earlier this year as some parents criticized school leaders over transparency, accreditation and curriculum changes tied to strengthening Catholic identity. That prompted heated meetings, clergy involvement and a divided community over the school’s direction.
📧 What was your favorite Ledger story from 2025? Email lindsey@cltledger.com and let us know!
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a busy 2026! —Ledger Team
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