🌱 Cam Newton Update + COVID Uptick + Cawthorn Controversy

Happy Tuesday, people of Charlotte! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine, but cold. High: 42 Low: 23.

Here are the top stories today in Charlotte:

1. Charlotte Restaurant Week adapts amid lingering pandemic (WSOC Charlotte)
2. North Carolina voters dispute Cawthorn candidacy over Jan. 6 (Charlotte Observer)
3. Cam Newton 'healthy,' says he can still play at high level as he approaches free agency (ESPN)
4. COVID infections rocket to new highs in Mecklenburg amid holidays, testing shortages (Charlotte Observer)
5. Who's Hiring In The Charlotte Area? See New Local Jobs (Charlotte Patch)

Today in Charlotte:

• Basketball vs Meyers Park (AWAY) - South Mecklenburg High (10:30 AM)
• PTSO Meeting - In Person - East Mecklenburg High (2:00 PM)
• Key Financial Strategies In Divorce – Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (5:30 PM)
• Is Starting a Business Right for You? SCORE Virtual Workshop Series #2 -- #5 (5:45 PM)
• The Art of Submission: From the "Slush" Pile to the "Rush" Pile (6:00 PM)
• Board Meeting - Corvian Community School (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: "While we continue to learn more about this week's devastating blazes in New York and Philadelphia, we know that in every home there are opportunities to prevent fires, and greatly limit their impact should they occur. In honor of those w..." (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "Each picture has more info. Adoptable at 8315 Byrum Dr. Charlotte unless otherwise noted. There's always more adoptable dogs listed at http://cltgov.me/petadoption #ACCpups #ACCadopt" (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "Thank you to Great Charlotte SPCA for taking this big boy." (Facebook)
• Charlotte Pride: "Yes! Go Mj! — Mj Rodriguez becomes first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe! https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/mj-rodriguez-becomes-1st-transgender-actor-win-golden-globe-rcna11560" (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "When you donate to our shelter, you are doing so much more than just providing funding for surgeries and toys for enrichment. You are helping to sustain and save lives. From all of us at AC&C, thank you. #ACCdonate" (Facebook)
• ArtPop Street Gallery: "Supporting local art has never looked so good! ⁠ ⁠ Our line of 'Support Local Art' t-shirts are now available on ShopArtPop.com - link in bio! All proceeds go toward our mission of showcasing local art and making art accessible to all.⁠ ..." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Sol Afri: All Things Natural Pop Up (January 15)
• Put Cellulite Behind You - Free Educational Event (January 20)
• SAT Master Strategies In-Person Class (January 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Cassie Fambro

About me: A Texas-native, I've spent most of my life in Alabama but have recently moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. I have an avid interest in motorsports, so this makes the Carolinas an ideal region to call home. I have a decade of experience in journalism, graduating from the University of South Alabama with honors in journalism with a double major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. I spent roughly five years of my career in front of a camera in TV news but I have spent years in print journalism and even earned a couple of cool awards like an Edward R. Murrow award along the way. I enjoy covering stories in education, healthcare, government and most of all, stories that directly help people and improve their lives in some way. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner Matt, and our two cats, Kenly and Gotenks, going to new restaurants and hanging out at racetracks.