🌱 Free Financial Counseling + Domestic Violence Hotline Holiday Help

Hello, Charlotte! It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Charlotte Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more:

• Bank of America will offer free financial counseling to help people who are struggling.
• Bright Healthcare will stop selling Affordable Care Act plans in North Carolina.
• Greater Charlotte Hope Line is still on duty during the holidays, answering calls from domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors and parents who need support.

But first, today's weather:

Showers around in the p.m.. High: 47 Low: 42.

Here are the top six stories in Charlotte today:

1. "The Charlotte metro was recently ranked in the top 10 for the fastest-growing large metros in the U.S. ... The Inspection Support Network examined census data showing the population change among large, small and mid-size metros across the U.S. to rank the fastest-growing areas nationwide. The Charlotte metro, which also includes neighboring cities Concord and Gastonia, came in at No. 6 on the list for large metros," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
2. "Bright Healthcare will stop selling Affordable Care Act plans in North Carolina at the end of this month. The government will automatically transfer your plan to another insurance company. That company should send you a letter, letting you know it’s accepting you as a member and walking you through the details. Coverage will start Jan. 1, 2023. The prices and benefits should be like your Bright Healthcare plan, but they may vary," WSOC Charlotte reports. (WSOC Charlotte)
3. "Bank of America announced it will offer free financial counseling to help people who are struggling with their money. Bank of America's free financial counseling will be offered in 17 U.S. cities, including Charlotte, as part of a partnership with the nonprofit Operation HOPE. The counseling will be offered at 180 banks starting next year following a successful launch in Atlanta and Los Angeles. The new program is designed to help people build savings, reduce debt and improve their credit scores," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
4. "A Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus decked in a festive and wintry design is providing fare-free trips for riders through Jan. 7, 2023. CATS has placed a holiday bus in circulation on routes throughout the greater Charlotte region to enhance riders’ public transit experiences and help them feel the holiday cheer. If the Holiday Bus shows up on your route, you’re in luck. Your ride will be fare-free," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
5. "A nonprofit in Charlotte says the holidays can be a difficult time for people living with abusers, and it anticipates an increase in calls for help. Safe Alliance runs the Greater Charlotte Hope Line, answering calls from domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors and parents who need support. Domestic violence organizations say because the holidays usually mean more financial stress, more time off work and more alcohol, it could be a triggering time. Hinton says having an action plan in place is necessary, and it's one of the things the Hope Line can help with," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)
6. "A new phone app designed to prevent crashes is rolling out across several cities in North Carolina. The TravelSafely app aims to make streets safer for drivers, walkers and cyclists by connecting them to an electronic network of intersection and crosswalk data. The City of Charlotte launched a pilot program of the app in November in the South End neighborhood ... City officials say South End was chosen for the pilot program because of its high volume of pedestrians, bicyclists and cars," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)

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.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" Dinner Tour at Camp North End (6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Last week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's South Division held a 'Coffee with Cops Toy Drive' event in south Charlotte. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• As of Dec. 1, a new North Carolina law will impose harsher penalties for organized retail theft. Criminals who steal more than $50,000 of merchandise over 90 days will face more prison time. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• On Dec. 10, City of Charlotte employees and their families built 75 bikes for students participating in Right Moves for Youth. The Spokes Group donated the bikes. Members of Charlotte’s cycling community. (City of Charlotte Government 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)
• Drop off new unwrapped toys for the Magical Toy Drive at any Original Mattress Factory location (WCNC.com)
• You can once again fly nonstop from Charlotte to Paris on American Airlines (WCNC.com)
• Good etiquette during the holidays (WCNC.com)
• This Is North Carolina's Favorite Cuisine (K104.7)
• Don't Waste Your Money: Soaring Shipping Rates (WCCB Charlotte)
• Charlotte City Council is holding its Housing and Jobs Summit on Jan. 9. 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)
• Our Mini-Camps encourage students to step outside the box and into a world of imagination. Join us next week for snowflakes, snowmen, and sledding at Ice, Ice, Baby! Register for camps on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. (Children's Theatre of Charlotte 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)
• Add live music to your gift list! Three concerts for $99 is the perfect gift for classical lovers or pop music fans to keep the music playing all season long. (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• In this field, two traits are absolutely necessary - brave and relentless. Our final 2022 Changemaker Award is entitled Relentless Warrior to honor the fortitude it takes as an advocate on the issue of sexual violence. (Brave Step via Facebook)
• You can nominate a deserving Charlotte mentor, mentee, or mentoring organization making a difference in the Charlotte community for a 2023 Mayor's Mentoring Alliance (MMA) Award. Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 15. (City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services via Facebook)
• Looking for a fun experience to gift a loved one or treat yourself? JA'dore Nail Boutique can be just that! And, they offer an extensive range of nail polishes that are free of harmful chemicals that are safe for children. (Charlotte Center City via Facebook)
• Join us on the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. for the Mountain Island Library Teen Comic & Manga Club! We will be discussing everything any comics and manga/anime. We will meet in-person at Spandex City...(Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 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)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. 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 Daily? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com