Columns
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Plot Twist Is the Switch-Up That Plaza Midwood Needed
When my bestie hits me with the Love Island classic — “Can I pull you for a chat?” — it’s always welcomed with sheer excitement. But seasoned veterans know that with excitement comes a healthy dose of panic and a warning label. I miss my girl every time we’re apart.…
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How to Transform Your Charlotte Backyard with Three Weekend DIY Projects
Charlotte summers make you want to live outside, but a lot of backyards just aren’t there yet. Maybe your “patio” is a grill on a patch of grass, your garden lives in randomly collected pots, or you’re hopping through mud every time you take the dog out at night. The…
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Johnny Dollars Balances Old-School Dive Vibes with Viral Theme Nights
As someone who recently completed her 36th trip around the sun, I find myself in a constant push and pull when it comes to Queen City nightlife. Some days, I still feel like I’m in my 20s, chasing the kind of adventure that doesn’t end until sunrise, starved for creative…
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Groovers Listening Room Brings Dance Club Energy to South End
If you’d told me at the outset of any given Friday that I’d be sweating out my edges while standing completely still, wearing my full work bag at a bar in South End by the end of the night, I’d have insisted that you read my cards wrong. And yet,…
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ESSAY: Encouraging the Whole Truth on César Chavez Day
A decade ago, when I was teaching fourth grade in Apex, North Carolina, my students were preparing for a wax museum project. Each of them had to choose a historical figure, research their life, and then “become” that person for a day. I remember reviewing the list of approved figures…
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Spanky’s Hangout Fits Well on Storied Corner of Central Avenue
After being a skeptic-turned-lush for dive bars around Charlotte, it’s rare I have had one of those “on a first date, kinda nervous” moments walking into one for the first time. Yet, somehow, I found myself adjusting my leggings and butt cheeks to get spanked at Spanky’s Hangout on Central…
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Horoscope: March 4-10, 2026 | What Is Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You are honest and loyal. People trust you with their secrets. You would make a wonderful counselor or member of the clergy because you know how to listen to the heart, as well as the voice. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A little woolgathering is good…
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Can Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Offer a Path Forward for Iryna’s Law?
The recent tragic murders of Iryna Zarutska and Zoe Welsh highlight the limitations of the public mental health and public safety systems in managing persons with concurrent mental health and criminal legal problems. Two men with serious mental health conditions and criminal legal involvement committed tragic crimes that we hope…
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Frank’s Beer Shop Is the Cozy Bar Commonwealth Park Needed
As if the previous weekend’s icy apocalypse wasn’t enough, Mother Nature stood 10 toes down and dumped 11 whole inches of snow on the Queen City. While most of Charlotte’s weekend hot spots chose survival mode and shut it down early, a fearless few looked outside, shrugged and said, “Well,…
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Horoscope: February 4-10, 2026 | What Is Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: Your sensitivity makes you aware of the needs of others. Have you considered a career as a counselor? ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You need to be certain that all the right conditions are in place before you take the first step. It can’t hurt to…
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Tyber Creek Pub Captures Similar Vibes in a New Space
Pulling up to Tyber Creek Pub’s new location six months after its grand reopening on the first Monday night of the new year felt like an act of blasphemy for a millennial on a school night — especially when the youth of today have happily settled into their resolutions and…
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Editor’s Note: Why We’re Taking Down Our Paywall
Dear Readers, Back in June, I wrote about our decision to implement a $1-per-month paywall to access all of our online content. As I described in an Editor’s Note at the time, we came to that decision reluctantly following a rough six months that saw our advertising revenues drop dramatically. …
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Craft Growler Shop Represents the Grown Side of South End
After initially hitting snooze on an invite to Craft Growler Shop and Tasting Room, I finally committed and quickly realized I’d almost missed out on a long-overdue reunion. Not one, but two of my favorite members of the Dead Dad’s Club would be there. This is a crew of co-workers-turned-family…
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Horoscope: December 10-December 16, 2025 | What is Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You are respected for your honesty and loyalty. You make friends slowly — but with rare exceptions, they’re in your life forever. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Make your holiday preparations one step at time in order to avoid being overwhelmed and leaving things undone. That…
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Horoscope: December 3-December 9, 2025 | What is Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You aim for the truth, and you usually find it. Your honesty earns you the friendship and respect of others. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your curiosity might not be appreciated by everyone. Expect some resistance when getting the answers to your questions. But stay with…
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Horoscope: October 22-28, 2025 | What is Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You like to analyze a puzzling situation before you try to resolve it. This makes you excel at getting things done the right way. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Caution dominates the Sheep’s monetary aspect this week. Rams and Ewes might want to shear their big…
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