HGTV just pulled back the curtain on its HGTV® Dream Home 2026—a newly built, fully furnished waterfront escape set on a secluded peninsula along Lake Wylie near Charlotte, North Carolina. And yes, the stakes are big: the sweepstakes winner takes home a grand prize package valued at more than $2.4 million, including the home plus $100,000 cash.

Designed to feel equal parts “weekend getaway” and “forever home,” the property leans hard into lake life—panoramic water views, warm natural finishes, and outdoor spaces built for slow mornings and long sunsets.

A lakeside home built for views (and actual living)

Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, HGTV Dream Home 2026 includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, with a layout intentionally oriented to capture Lake Wylie views from nearly every angle.

HGTV describes the home as a calm, curated retreat—where indoor comfort and outdoor beauty are basically in constant conversation. The design palette is rooted in the landscape: earth tones, organic materials, hand-laid stone, custom millwork, classic furnishings, and vintage collectibles that keep the vibe warm and timeless rather than overly trendy.

Some of the standout interior features include:

• A central great room anchored by a reclaimed-wood mantle
• A welcoming dining space with a café-style door
• A chef-style kitchen featuring an over-grouted stone backsplash
• A morning room for casual coffee-and-light moments
• A garage with pantry access plus a dedicated pet wash
• A main bedroom suite with sweeping lake views and a spa-like bath, plus a closet that includes an all-in-one washer/dryer

Outdoor living takes center stage—hello, two-story dock

If the inside is designed for comfort, the outside is designed for the lifestyle. HGTV’s Dream Home 2026 leans into relaxed waterfront living with natural landscaping, laid-back outdoor furnishings, and a pebbled pathway leading to what might be the showstopper: a spectacular two-story dock.

It’s the kind of feature HGTV fans will immediately picture in use—sunrise coffee, sunset watching, and full-on lake days without leaving your property line.

Why Lake Wylie? Location meets laid-back Southern charm

Lake Wylie sits across the North Carolina–South Carolina border and is known for calm waters and an outdoors-first pace. HGTV highlights the lake’s 300+ miles of shoreline and its reputation as a haven for water activities—boating, paddling, and everything in between.

The location also hits that sweet spot of “peaceful but not remote”: it’s about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, and within easy reach of nearby towns like Belmont and Fort Mill.

The team behind the build and design

The home was built by Knotts Builders, with interior design led by Brian Patrick Flynn, who said he aimed to reflect Lake Wylie’s natural beauty while keeping the home “warm, inviting, and effortlessly livable.”

HGTV’s Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer & President, US Networks, added that the home showcases the lifestyle of the Lake Wylie destination—and invited viewers to explore and enter for a chance to make it their own.

Sponsors featured throughout the home

HGTV Dream Home projects are also a showcase for sponsor products integrated into the build and lifestyle experience. This year’s lineup includes:

• Spectrum (connectivity)
• HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams (paint palette)
• Husqvarna (lawn tools)
• SimpliSafe (home security)
• Snuggle (laundry products)
• Stanley Steemer (cleaning)
• Trex (decking/outdoor materials)
• VELUX (skylights and sun tunnels)
• Wayfair (furniture, décor, appliances)

How to enter the HGTV Dream Home 2026 giveaway

The official entry window runs from 9 a.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 through 5 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Eligible fans can enter daily at:

• HGTV.com
• FoodNetwork.com

HGTV notes that both sites will include full details, official rules, and additional home features.

When to watch the HGTV Dream Home 2026 special

Viewers can tune into the one-hour special HGTV Dream Home 2026 on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV, with streaming availability on Max and discovery+ the same day.

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For fans who want a closer look right now, HGTV also has a dedicated Dream Home hub and photo tours online.

Sources:

• https://www.multivu.com/warner_bros_discovery/9364151-en-hgtv-dream-home-2026-sweepstakes
• https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home
• https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home/2026/tour-hgtv-dream-home-2026-pictures

If you tell me which outlet this is for (STM Daily News vs. another publication), I can tighten the lede and SEO it to match that site’s voice (headline options + meta description + suggested tags).

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Metro Board will consider selecting a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This milestone could significantly improve mobility options between the San Fernando Valley and the of Los Angeles.

Proposed Alternative

After a technical evaluation and reviewing more than 8,000 public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) period, Metro staff has proposed Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA. This underground heavy rail line would run between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and the E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station with a key connection to the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard.

Modified Alternative 5 combines the benefits of Alternative 5—high ridership, frequent service, and shorter station construction sites—while avoiding geographic challenges in the Santa Monica Mountains. It also incorporates connectivity advantages from Alternative 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard, reducing the overall project length and anticipated costs, and increasing direct connections to Metro’s growing transit network.

Next Steps

If approved, Metro would advance project development for the LPA, including:

• Evaluating phasing and the Public/Private Partnership (P3) delivery model
• Identifying value engineering opportunities
• Refining designs to allow G Line connection at Van Nuys Boulevard
• Continuing environmental review and community outreach

Public Participation

Residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to provide feedback:

• Attend in person: Sign up on the tablets in the Metro Headquarters lobby before 9:45 AM.
• Email comments: BoardClerk@metro.net (comments received before 5 PM on January 21, 2026, will be sent to the full Board)
• Watch live: boardagendas.metro.net

Why This Matters

The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project will connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside, addressing the natural barrier of the Santa Monica Mountains and relieving congestion on the I-405. It will provide a fast, safe, and reliable alternative to the freeway and strengthen LA’s regional transit network.

Disclaimer: Station locations and construction timelines are subject to change. Project availability may vary. Public input is encouraged before final decisions are made.

Continuing Coverage: STM Daily News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, including Metro Board decisions, environmental review updates, community input opportunities, and the project’s long-term impact on transportation across Los Angeles.

For the latest updates, in-depth reporting, and transportation-focused coverage, visit STM Daily News.

A major Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise operator is heading to bankruptcy court — but the headline does notmean Popeyes corporate is filing, or that every restaurant involved is about to close.

Sailormen Inc., a Miami-based Popeyes franchisee that has operated in the system since 1987, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 15, 2026. The company operates more than 130 Popeyes locations across Florida and Georgia (some industry coverage puts the count at 136), making it one of the chain’s largest franchise groups in the region.

Franchisee filing, not a Popeyes corporate bankruptcy

This case involves Sailormen (the operator) — not Popeyes corporate and not parent company Restaurant Brands International.

In a message referenced in industry reporting, Popeyes leadership said Sailormen’s filing does not reflect the overall health of the Popeyes brand, and that a large majority of Sailormen’s restaurants are expected to remain open while the company restructures.

What pushed Sailormen into Chapter 11

Court-related summaries and industry coverage point to a familiar mix of pressures hitting restaurant operators:

• Inflation and higher operating costs (food, labor, and day-to-day expenses)
• Higher borrowing costs as interest rates climbed
• Liquidity strain, including reports of falling behind on rent and facing pressure from landlords and vendors
• Legal disputes, including vendor-related claims tied to unpaid balances

The failed store sale that worsened the situation

One key detail: Sailormen reportedly tried to sell 16 Georgia restaurants to stabilize finances. That deal fell through, and the company remained responsible for lease guarantees tied to those locations — a liability that can linger even if other stores are performing.

The debt and the lender pressure

Industry reporting describes Sailormen as carrying a heavy debt load — cited at about $130 million overall.

More detailed figures cited in coverage include:

• Over $112 million in unpaid principal loan balance
• Over $17 million in accrued interest and fees

Reporting also points to pressure from BMO (BMO Bank), described as Sailormen’s largest lender. In December 2025, BMO reportedly sought to appoint a receiver, a move that can displace management and take control of a company’s assets. Sailormen’s Chapter 11 filing allows the company to continue operating as a debtor-in-possession while it attempts to reorganize.

Why this matters for “Food” and “Our Economy”

This isn’t just a Popeyes story — it’s a snapshot of what happens when restaurant operators face higher costs, value-conscious consumers, and more expensive debt at the same time.

Chapter 11 is designed to reorganize a business, not automatically liquidate it. For customers, the near-term impact may be limited if most locations stay open.

STM Daily News will follow this story as it develops, including any updates on store operations, restructuring plans, and potential sales of locations.

Sources

• Restaurant Business: “A big Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy” https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/big-popeyes-franchisee-files-bankruptcy
• Restaurant Dive: “Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11” https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/popeyes-frachisee-sailormen-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protections/809854/

For more food business headlines and how they connect to the real economy, follow STM Daily News.

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