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Community Corner

🌱 CATS New Contract Averts Strike + Authors Of Color Highlighted

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Charlotte.

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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Good morning, everybody! It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more:

  • Mental health issues in kids continue to be an ongoing challenge.
  • The union representing city bus drivers in Charlotte voted to approve a new contract with the Charlotte Area Transit System on Saturday, averting a possible strike.
  • One local author is continuing to fill in the gaps by highlighting authors of color.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 62 Low: 35.

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

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Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

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

  1. "We're now 55 games deep into the 2022-23 season and the Charlotte Hornets hold a 15-40 record after falling to the Orlando Magic 119-113 Sunday afternoon. Orlando's size affected Charlotte seemingly all afternoon long. They were getting just about every rebound and had several second and third opportunities following a missed shot, finishing with 20 second chance points," Sports Illustrated reports. (Sports Illustrated)
  2. "The Charlotte Fire Department responded to a house fire in Southwest Charlotte Sunday, February 5. Around 10:00 a.m. officials received a call regarding a house fire on Agnew Drive near highway 160. Responders were able to control the fire in approximately 20 minutes. Mecklenburg Emergency Services evaluated house occupants," WCCB Charlotte reports. (WCCB Charlotte)
  3. "Mental health issues in kids continue to be an ongoing challenge. One local school is finding new ways to promote change, using furry friends to boost mental health and academics. Aniesha Jackson, a counselor at Charlotte Lab School, wanted to make some changes to her counseling program. Jackson says that what worked in 2018 and before is different than now, as more and more students are battling with frustration and anxiety," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
  4. "The union representing city bus drivers in Charlotte voted to approve a new contract with the Charlotte Area Transit System on Saturday, averting a possible strike that could have started in mid-February. ... The new contract includes higher wages, double-time for holidays and an additional paid day off for the Juneteenth holiday, according to the release. The financial details of the contract were not immediately disclosed. The new contract also provides for night differential pay and an increase in the pension cap," WFAE reports. (WFAE)
  5. "This weekend wraps up national storytelling week, which is a week that celebrates the power of sharing stories. A book is a gift that you can open over and over again. As the week comes to an end, one local author is continuing to fill in the gaps by highlighting authors of color. Dedrick Moone is a local author, publisher and writer. Moone's goal is to continue celebrating authors of color and their literature," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)

Today in Charlotte:

From my notebook:

  • In a BIG 10th Anniversary surprise, our ArtPop Cities Program artists are on display in Times Square NYC! On the corner of 7th & 48th, this Outfront Media digital display will showcase our Class of 2023 artists. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Instagram)
  • Join Cities Program artist Tina G. Vincent @tinagvincent in her CLT Meck classroom with @SpectrumNews1NC where she talks about her approach to artistic growth in her teaching! Tina is an ArtPop Cities Program Class of 2023 artist. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Instagram)
  • CSO bassoonist Joshua Hood is back on WDAV this month to host Lift Every Voice! Tune in on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy this annual #BlackHistoryMonth program. >> bit.ly/wdavlift (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
  • Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is hosting our 3rd Annual Celebration of the National African American Read-In on Saturday (Feb. 18) from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library via Facebook)
  • Need to make an appointment with a Subject Librarian? To schedule yours, select this link: https://bit.ly/2XhT2Od (UNC Charlotte Atkins Library via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you soon.

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm an East Coast Girl with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Charlotte Patch newsletter? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com

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