🌱 WBTV Reflects On Reporters' Death + NC Nonprofits Receive $1M

Hello again, Charlotte! It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things happening around town. In today's issue, you'll find updates on:

• The WBTV family reflects on the impact of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag.
• Duke Energy announced the recipients of $1 million in grants for North Carolina nonprofits working to advance social justice and racial equity.
• Speedway Christmas features four million LED Christmas lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 57 Low: 46.

Here are the top four stories today in Charlotte:

1. "WBTV family reflects on the impact of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag. A week following a fatal helicopter crash that took the lives of WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag, support continues to pour in from all over the Charlotte community and beyond for each of the victim’s families. The WBTV family of staff members took a moment to reflect on both the life of Jason and Chip during On Your Side Tonight with Jamie Boll on Wednesday evening, sharing their memories. His positivity and love of people were top highlights of WBTV staff members as they reflected on their time with him," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
2. "A suspect is facing multiple charges in connection with a deadly shooting in southwest Charlotte last weekend. Jaylan Noah Davis, 25, is charged with murder, two counts of shooting into an occupied property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the killing of Arthur Mikulski, who was found shot to death along Skipwith Place near South Tryon Street in southwest Charlotte on Nov. 26," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
3. Duke Energy "announced the recipients of $1 million in grants through the Duke Energy Foundation for North Carolina nonprofits working to advance social justice and racial equity. The $25,000 grants will be distributed to 40 organizations across North Carolina. Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has committed more than $8.6 million to social justice and racial equity organizations, with $7.5 million dedicated to support nonprofits across North Carolina. One example of an organization receiving support in North Carolina for training and policy reform is North Carolina for Community and Justice," PR Newswire reports. (PR Newswire)
4. "It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. From Christmas Town USA to Turn 2, communities across the area are embracing the spirit of the season with magnificent lights, festive trees, all the hot chocolate you could ever hope to drink and visits with Santa. ... Speedway Christmas, presented by Atrium Health, features four million LED Christmas lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. The show is open rain or shine and features synchronized lights to music on 101.3 FM," WBTV reports. (WBTV)

Today in Charlotte:

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
• The Ballantyne Holiday Tea in Charlotte (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Art Lab for Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple SouthPark (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field (5:00 p.m.)
• Winterfest at Carowinds (5:00 p.m.)
• "Christmas at the Library" in The Billy Graham Library (5:00 p.m.)
• Sara Kelly performance at Armored Cow Brewing Co. (6:00 p.m.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" Dinner Tour at Camp North End (6:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Slow down and relax in downtown Lenoir (WBTV)
• Join Famous Toastery for the holidays (WCNC.com)
• Charlotte Area Prospective Homeowners: 5 New Properties For Sale (Charlotte Patch)
• Police looking to identify individual that robbed bank in south Charlotte (WBTV)
• THIS WEEKEND: Experience Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green’s world-renowned interpretation of Handel’s Messiah with the Charlotte Symphony. Dec. 2 - Dec. 4 at Knight Theater. Get tickets >> bit.ly/csomessiah22 (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• Ring in 2023 in Uptown! CLT NYE, presented by Ally, is back on New Year’s Eve beginning at 8:00 p.m. On South Tryon St. at Levine Avenue of the Arts! Celebrate the new year with live music, activations brought to you by Coca-Cola. (Charlotte Center City via Facebook)
• Now until Dec. 26, you can vote for our RMHC of GC gingerbread house at The Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, during the popular Gingerbread Lane event. Entry #10. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte via Facebook)
• Get all the actor's essentials in one class this winter. Students will receive professional headshots, acting resume-building tips, coaching and more in The Business of Acting starting in January for 4th - 12th grade. Register today. (Children's Theatre of Charlotte via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for Dec. 5: The Office of Student Placement will host an enrollment kick-off event to help families prepare for the upcoming school year 2023-2024. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Experience stunning aerial feats, mind-boggling contortions and jaw-dropping juggling acts accompanied by festive favorites from The Nutcracker, Snow Maiden and more at Cirque de Noël! Dec. 21- Dec. 23 at Knight Theater. (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• We are thrilled to say that we have SURPASSED our Giving Tuesday campaign goal with your support. Our total to date is $19,783, which will send 13 scholars to Freedom School next summer! (Charlotte Freedom School Partners via Facebook)
• Do you have plastic bags and don't know what to do with them? Join City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services staff on Dec. 3 or Dec. 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 1200 Otts Street for a plastic bag/paper bag exchange event! (City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services via Facebook)

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Events:

• A Cappella Christmas (December 3)
• Top 10 Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (December 7)
• ACT Master Strategies In-Person Class (January 1)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for 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