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Tax season shouldn’t come with panic — or pressure.

This edition of The Queen City Scoop is sponsored by Hayes Meeks Financial.

Right now, Charlotte residents are getting emails, phone calls, letters, and pop-ups — all claiming to be “urgent” and all demanding attention.

Some of them are legitimate.
Many of them are not.

Tax season is when confusion creates opportunity — and not always for the taxpayer.

Hayes Meeks Financial works with individuals, families, and business owners to bring clarity to the process before urgency takes over:

• Understanding what the IRS actually does — and doesn’t — do
• Spotting red flags before sharing personal or financial information
• Reviewing your situation calmly instead of reacting to pressure tactics

Having a trusted professional in your corner makes it easier to slow down, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes — especially during peak scam season.

Early conversations create confidence. Last-minute reactions create stress.

Schedule a financial check-in with Hayes Meeks Financial →

Now, watch this: The Better Business Bureau breaks down the most common tax scams and red flags to watch for right now — and why slowing down is your best defense.

Charlotte health officials are urging vigilance after three measles cases were confirmed in Mecklenburg County, marking an unusual uptick for the area.

Public notices highlight potential exposures at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Chipotle on South Kings Drive, and two local Goodwill stores.

The measles cases are not linked to a single source, and with kindergarten vaccination rates slipping below the recommended 95%, officials warn the wider community is at increased risk.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, especially in young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash.

Residents who may have been exposed are urged to review their vaccination status, watch for symptoms, and call healthcare providers before visiting in person to limit potential spread.

Community cooperation and timely vaccination remain crucial in curbing further cases.

If you or someone in your home is considering career paths or wants a closer look at how local government operates, the City of Charlotte’s paid internship programs stand out as unique opportunities.

These are not just résumé-fillers — interns play real roles inside city departments and contribute directly to Charlotte’s daily operations.

Opportunities span transportation, public safety, technology, communications, engineering, and more, giving participants first-hand experience on essential city projects.

Charlotte’s internships are built around meaningful work and professional growth, allowing interns to collaborate with seasoned mentors, build leadership skills, and explore public-sector career options.

Roles like engineering, IT, human resources, marketing, and emergency management are posted year-round — each providing an inside track on a respected career and a deeper connection to the community.

Applications are open via the city’s Workday portal for students, recent graduates, and career-changers ready to help shape Charlotte’s future.

Chick-fil-A locations in the Charlotte area are teaming up to support local kids this week with a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina.

From Monday through Saturday, February 14, participating restaurants will donate all proceeds from heart-shaped tray sales to the foundation.

Money raised helps grant wishes for children battling critical illnesses in the region.

Popular trays—like Chick-fil-A Nuggets, Chick-n-Strips, Chick-n-Minis, cookies, and brownies—are included, while supplies last.

Trays can be purchased in person or through the Chick-fil-A App, with one tray allowed per guest per account.

This community effort offers Charlotte residents a chance to spread hope and joy to local families during tough times.

"Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still." - Chinese Proverb

Charlotte welcomes a fresh wave of healthy dining with the upcoming launch of Sage & Citrus at Camp North End.

Opening March 2026 at 1801 N. Graham St., Suite 100, this fast-casual spot is the vision of Chef Darius Johnson, a military veteran and former personal chef for professional athletes.

Sage & Citrus will spotlight protein-packed bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups, all crafted for energy and nutrition on the go.

The menu promises health-conscious choices tailored to diverse diets, with plenty of vegan, plant-based, and kid-friendly options.

Partnering with the local wellness community, the eatery aims to be a go-to spot for convenient grab-and-go meals, perfect for fueling pre- and post-workout routines.

Set to operate Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sage & Citrus is ready to energize Charlotte’s food scene this spring.

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