🌱 NC Turkeys To Receive Presidential Pardon + Shots Fired In Mall

Hello, hello. It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Charlotte Daily — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Including news about...

• Two turkeys from a North Carolina ranch will receive a presidential pardon today.
• A local soccer coach and youth leader have been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting three teenage boys
• Shots were fired inside SouthPark Mall.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 55 Low: 30.

Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

1. "Two turkeys from a North Carolina ranch will receive a presidential pardon that will prevent the birds from ever winding up on a Thanksgiving table. President Joe Biden will participate in the annual tradition [today] under what are expected to be sunny skies but chilly temperatures in Washington. The National Turkey Federation is heading up the event and chose Circle S Ranch, outside of Charlotte, to provide the animals for the annual tradition ... After this year’s pardoning, the recipients will be transported back to Tar Heel State," New York Post reports. (New York Post)
2. "On Senior Day, the seniors shone – carrying Charlotte to a 26-21 victory over Louisiana Tech in the 49ers season finale, Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Sixth-year senior running back Calvin Camp ran for 111 yards, the first 100-yard rushing game of the year for the 49ers, scored all three touchdowns and cleared 1,000 career rushing yards," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
3. "A soccer coach and youth leader connected to several Charlotte-area churches has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting at least three teenage boys. ... Benjamin Damron, 36, has been charged with one count of sexual battery and nine counts of indecent liberties with a child," WGHP FOX8 Greensboro reports. (WGHP FOX8 Greensboro)
4. "CMPD and other first responders were called to SouthPark Mall after receiving reports of shots being fired inside the mall shortly after 2 p.m. CMPD initially said it was unable to confirm if shots were fired during the incident. In a statement sent just before 4:30 p.m., CMPD said a disturbance inside a store between two people led to the evacuation. Both people were detained by security immediately," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
5. "Shanquella Robinson, the 25-year-old Charlotte woman who mysteriously died in Cabo during a Mexico trip with "friends" was laid to rest Saturday afternoon. A horse-drawn carriage brought Robinson’s casket into Macedonia Baptist Church. Hundreds of people attended her celebration of life service. Loved ones wore pink in her honor, as well as bracelets and pins with Robinson's photo," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)

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Today in Charlotte:

• French for Beginners Conversation Club | Virtual Event (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
• Ballet Level 1 at Chasse Center of Dance (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Winterfest at Carowinds (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" Dinner Tour at Camp North End (6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• Photo Skills: Photography on iPhone at Apple SouthPark (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
• Find Your Muse Open Mic at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• We help families feel at home, even when they can't be, especially during the holiday season. Lots of emotions surface, and RMHC of GC makes every corner of the House reflect the joy of the holidays. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte via Facebook)
• Our German Shepard has been missing since Nov. 15. He was last seen on Nov. 17 near Myers Park Country Club. His name is Milo. If anyone seems him, please call me ASAP at this number: 704-770-1330. (Nextdoor)
• From The Mountains To The Metro: The Fonta Flora Brewery Shares Their Intricate Brews With The Queen City (WCCB Charlotte)
• Men’s Wrestling Handles Queens in Charlotte (Presbyterian College)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. See you all tomorrow for another 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