🌱 Charlotte's Future + Free COVID Tests + Winter Driving Tips

Rise and shine, Charlotte! Let's get you started this Wednesday with everything you need to know going on today in Charlotte.

First, today's weather:

Becoming cloudy. High: 54 Low: 43.

Here are the top stories today in Charlotte:

1. TSA seizes 254 firearms at North Carolina airports in 2021 (Associated Press)
2. What to do if you test positive for COVID (WCNC.com)
3. Winter Weather driving can be tricky, AAA Carolinas talks tips to keep you safe (WCNC.com)
4. City unveils second draft of Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map (WBTV)
5. How to get free COVID-19 tests in Charlotte (Charlotte Patch)

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Today in Charlotte:

• Chicken Salad Chick - Steele Creek Grand Opening (9:30 AM)
• Top 10 Divorce Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (11:30 AM)
• EOC/CTE Final Exams - 3rd Block - West Charlotte High (12:00 AM)
• 3rd Block EOCs English 2 Math 1 Math 3 STAMP 4S CTE (2:15 AM)
• LACCC Hora Feliz Networking Event - Via Zoom (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "RESCUE/FOSTER Hopper - 2 years/Male Arrived 12/31 A1190457 Had to have back right leg amputated. Recovering well and is on meds. He needs strict bed/kennel rest during the rest of his recovery and will make a wonderful companion for some..." (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "We are OPEN today and still have MANY dogs in need of an adopter, foster, or staycation home as we are still FULL. Please consider coming to visit today! 8315 Byrum Dr http://cltgov.me/petadoption" (Facebook)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department: "Are you considering a future in public service, or are an experienced officer interested in exploring new opportunities? A rewarding career path starts at charlottepolicejobs.org. CMPD has a place for you, and our recruitment team would ..." (Facebook)
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: "Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is pleased to welcome Levine Museum of the New South and DreamKey Partners as partners for Community Read 2022! View the full list of partners and learn more about this year's program --> bit.ly/3BW2Uf5" (Facebook)
• Charlotte Center City: "Devon and Blakely is a great spot for a quick lunch. Check out more Uptown dining options using the link in bio. . . . 📍: 101 S Tryon St Unit 104, Charlotte, NC 28280 📸: @devonandblakely #uptown #uptownclt #charlotte #charlottenc #char..." (Facebook)
• Charlotte Pride: "LGBTQ organizations in Charlotte kick off our MLK Winter Coat Drive this Thursday! We're partnering with Equality NC, Charlotte Black Pride, Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, Stonewall Sports - Charlotte, Transcend Charlotte, POOR NO ..." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Chicken Salad Chick - Steele Creek Grand Opening (January 19)
• Put Cellulite Behind You - Free Educational Event (January 20)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar (January 24)
• SAT Master Strategies In-Person Class (January 30)
• Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow for your next 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.