🌱 CMS Discusses New Express Bus Plan + Local Enters 2023 NFL Draft

Hi all! Alexis Goring here with your Thursday edition of the Charlotte Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. Including updates on...

• Live Nation is offering a lawn pass that will give music fans access to some concerts at PNC Music Pavilion.
• Clemson linebacker and Charlotte native Trenton Simpson will forgo his senior season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
• CMS is discussing its new express bus plan which includes bus routes that are designed to make fewer stops and provide more than 5,000 students express service to schools.

But first, today's weather:

Heavy morning rain; cloudy. High: 52 Low: 35.

Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

1. "Music fans listen up because here's a deal you will not want to miss. Live Nation announced Wednesday the return of its lawn pass, giving fans access to some concerts at PNC Music Pavilion. With the pass, fans will have guaranteed general admission lawn seating and Fast Lane access all summer long for $199 plus a fee for 30+ shows in Charlotte. Each pass holder will receive a custom personalized credential that will serve as their ticket on each show day," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
2. "Clemson linebacker and Charlotte native Trenton Simpson will forgo his senior season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Wednesday. Simpson graduated from Mallard Creek High School in 2020. He was an immediate standout at Clemson, helping the Tigers win the ACC Championship as a true freshman. Simpson was named to third team All-ACC in 2022 and was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He led Clemson with nine tackles against North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
3. "Even though the cost of rent in Charlotte increased more than the national rate this year, the Queen City ranks pretty high for student affordability. Data from the home services site Porch ranks Charlotte No. 8 in the U.S. for most affordable student housing. Its analysis shows the cost of living for college students in Charlotte is 5% less than the national average. Business student Coleson Elliott transferred from the University of Alabama to UNC Charlotte last year and says he’s saving about $100 a month on rent," Spectrum News. (Spectrum News)
4. "CMS is discussing its new express bus plan which includes bus routes that are designed to make fewer stops and provide more than 5,000 students express service to schools. This proposal could mean some extra work for parents with bus stops moving two to three miles, but officials say the new plan could also reduce costs. Adam Johnson is the CMS transportation director and he said with things like lower mileage and less wear and tear on tires, it will fall in line with the adopted budget. He said the express stops will only be offered at high school magnet programs and will reduce the number of stops from 5,000 to 185," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
5. "A Charlotte-based specialty chemicals company will expand its operation in Mecklenburg County, investing millions of dollars and creating 200 new jobs. That was the announcement Tuesday from N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper, which said Albemarle Corporation’s project in Mecklenburg County will create a facility to develop advanced materials research, process improvement approaches and innovations to bring to market the next generation of products in the lithium and battery markets. According to the county, Albemarle will invest $200 million in the University City area to develop the technology park that will focus on the research and development of the products," WBTV reports. (WBTV)

Today in Charlotte:

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Benefitting Levine Childrens Hospital (11:00 a.m.)
• Charlotte Job Fair at University Career Center (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• Gather & Give 2022 at Charlotte Convention Center (11:15 a.m.)
• Light the Knights at Truist Field (5:00 p.m.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" Dinner Tour at Camp North End (6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• Holidays With Take 6 at QC Sound Stage (7:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Hidden dangers of Winter Coats and Car Seats (WCNC.com)
• Latest trend in holiday entertaining | Butter Boards (WCNC.com)
• Delicious cookies for the holidays (WCNC.com)
• Wallet-friendly gifts for the holidays (WCNC.com)
• Week 15 Game Preview: Panthers vs. Steelers (Panthers.com)
• CMPD is honoring victims of domestic violence with the 18th Annual Domestic Violence Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony. Each ribbon on the tree represents a life lost to domestic violence in Mecklenburg County. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• We soared into opening weekend of Nutcracker and enjoyed every moment of it! Thank you to all who joined us for opening weekend. We’re looking forward to sharing this magical performance in Charlotte until Dec. 23! (Charlotte Ballet via Facebook)
• Charlotte City Council is holding its Housing and Jobs Summit on Jan. 9, 2023. We want your input on several key topic areas under the focus of housing and jobs. Your responses here will help the Council identify...(City of Charlotte Government via Facebook)
• THIS WEEKEND: Santa Claus helps make the concert hall merry & bright at Holiday Pops! Plus, holiday favorites with Charlotte Master Chorale, falling snow, & more at Knight Theater. Great seats still available!(Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• Budding gardeners at Paw Creek Elementary School completed a food journey this year, following their efforts from plant to plate and inspiring recipes for others to enjoy. The school was highlighted in Duke Energy’s annual recipe book.(Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Oakdale Elementary School's 1st Grade Scholars were taught essential lessons and skills while building a gingerbread village. Enhancing their knowledge about community helpers, goods and services. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• It's beginning to look very "holly jolly" here at the Library! Check out our favorite lady, Queen Charlotte, who recently visited our West Boulevard and Mint Hill branches in her festive attire. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library via Facebook)
• We're #Hiring! Relief Manager The Relief Manager helps to create a positive and welcoming environment for families and volunteers. During each shift, the Relief Manager ensures the House runs smoothly. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte via Facebook)
• Charleston Toys for Tots Train Needs YOUR help! Local Biz Hosts Toy Party! Good deeds and good fun are on the calendar for Dec. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Nexton Square Shopping Center for Toys for Tots! (Patch Neighbor Posts)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 24hourgutters.com — (Visit website)
• Rosensteel Fleishman, PLLC — (Visit Website)
• CyberMax iPhone Repair — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• ACT Master Strategies In-Person Class (January 1)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— 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 Daily? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com