🌱 Polar Express Train Rides Return + Sycamore Brewing Opens At CLT

Welcome back, Charlotte! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• Madison Communities has broken ground on 288 units located in West Charlotte
• Polar Express train rides are returning to North Carolina
• Sycamore Brewing, Charlotte’s top beer producer, opens a new location in CLT Airport

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and not as warm. High: 69 Low: 44.

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Here are the top 7 stories today in Charlotte:

1. "North American commercial truck drivers are still in high demand due to a shortage, impacting the ability to get goods, merchandise and other items shipped around the country. The American Trucking Associations says the country needs 80,000 more drivers. In Charlotte, a commercial truck driving school operator said he’s put about 500 drivers on the road the last two and a half years, and is attempting to get more driving," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)
2. "Madison Communities, an affiliate of Madison Capital Group, has recently broken ground on 288 units located in the West Charlotte Submarket at the corner of Wilkinson and West Morehead in Charlotte. ... Madison Ashley Park will feature 253 units incorporated into a four-story building. Project amenities will include luxury unit finishes, integrated clubhouse with fitness center, outdoor lounge with summer kitchen, a resort-style pool and pool deck with grilling stations and cabanas," PR Newswire reports. (PR Newswire)
3. "The Carolinas could feel the effects of subtropical storm Nicole, with rain and wind likely in the Charlotte area by Friday. ... Nicole is expected to approach the Carolina coast by the end of the week as cooler air moves into the Charlotte metro area," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
4. "Hundreds of criminal cases have been dismissed in Mecklenburg County because of a clerical error that has impacted cases for months. The error has affected cases in private warrant court, which involves cases where one person goes to the magistrate and files criminal charges against another person. Court records reveal more than 600 cases have been dismissed or, in some cases, postponed because of the problem," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
5. "Sycamore Brewing, Charlotte’s top beer producer, today announced its new location in partnership with global restaurateur HMSHost at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is open. The brewery’s first venture outside of its original South End taproom is located in Concourse E, the largest of the five concourses, and will serve travelers Sycamore’s beloved beers in addition to an all-new dining menu. To complement the beverages on tap and in cans, the 1,828-square-foot casual concept serves wine and a variety of appetizers, pizza, salads, handhelds and entrée selections," Brewbound.com reports. (Brewbound.com)
6. "The Federal Reserve just hiked interest rates for the sixth time this year, as a means to slow down inflation. The rates are up another 0.75 percentage point, making it costlier for people to take out loans for products like cars and houses. This has some homeowners expressing concerns about the future of the housing market. Robert Custer lives in Indiana. ... He travels to North Carolina frequently for work. In five years, he says he hopes to be living in the Queen City if the mortgage rates are looking right," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)
7. "Inspired by the 2004 film, a couple of Polar Express train rides are returning to North Carolina this month. ... The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer will be offering rides November and December. The 70-minute experience comes with a golden ticket, hot chocolate, cookies and a silver sleigh bell," Kiss951.com reports. (kiss951.com)

Today in Charlotte:

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Atlantic Farmers Market (9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• American Made: Paintings and Sculpture (Exhibition) at Mint Museum Uptown (11:00 a.m.)
• Charlotte Career Fair at Hilton Charlotte University Place (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• Starset performance at The Union (4:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Krispy Kreme will give everyone who stops by their store an original glazed doughnut today. (WCNC)
• Charlotte Job Openings: See Who's Hiring In The Area (Charlotte Patch)
• On Veterans Day, Charlotte Fire honors our Veterans service, dedication, and valor and is forever grateful for their sacrifice. Today, Charlotte Fire led the annual Veterans Day parade to honor the generations of Americans. (Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC via Facebook)
• Join us for an amazing night of music performed by the Charlotte Symphony side-by-side with the students of our Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras! Enjoy works by Dvorak, Bizet and more on Nov. 9 at Knight Theater. (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• Edelweiss Vogel, a visual artist and art educator grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States of America when she was 18. She has a BFA degree in studio arts with a concentration in illustration and K-12 Art. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Facebook)
• Area 49 is hosting a Podcasting Virtual Workshop. Learn about podcasting fundamentals to begin podcasting or to further develop the skills that you already have. (UNC Charlotte Atkins Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (November 12)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you 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