🌱 Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty + How To Help Her Family

Charlotte experienced a terrible tragedy on Wednesday, so the digest is dedicated to what happened and how to help the family of a fallen police officer. My heart goes out to Officer Goodwin's loved ones.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 51 Low: 35.

Here are the top stories in Charlotte today:

1. Councilman Creates GoFundMe For Fallen CMPD Officer's Family (Charlotte Patch)
2. Fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin Leaves Behind 3 Children (Charlotte Patch)
3. CMPD Officer Dies After 18-Wheeler Hits Police Vehicles (Charlotte Patch)
4. Crash Shuts Down I-85, Involves Police Vehicle And 18-Wheeler (Charlotte Patch)
5. NC health care systems are fighting a nursing shortage (Spectrum News)

Today's Charlotte Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Charlotte:

• My Kinda Kwanzaa: Virtual Learning and Art Workshop (6:00 PM)
• Peter Mayer (Jimmy Buffett's Guitarist) - Stars & Promises Christmas Tour - Asheville (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: "Our hearts are broken this morning as we learned of the tragic passing of @cmpdhq Officer Mia Goodwin. Although your watch has ended, your good deeds, warm smile and engaging personality will live on." (Facebook)
• Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: "Built in 1935, @OldNo7NoDa represents the economic importance & social vitality of "NoDa," even as it has seen the area evolve from a mill town to a thriving, local historic district. It once housed both a fire company & a jail cell! @Hi..." (Facebook)
• ArtPop Street Gallery: "#FashionHighlight!⁠ ⁠ Meet the creative stylings of Hasan Dirton! These menswear pieces utilize the retired billboard vinyl by #ArtPopCLT artist, Kristen Van Diggelen Sloan, with⁠ models Alana Watkins and Gary Javier in our ArtPop Upcycl..." (Instagram)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department: "#HappeningNow. We are holding a live press conference. Lt. Mitchell from CMPD Special Investigation Bureau and Mary Ward from the Mcleod Center talk about fentanyl overdose death and local resources for those who need them. #CLT #CLTNEWS" (Facebook)
• Charlotte Fire Communications "Fire Alarm": "The men and women of ALARM, extends our hearts and our love to our Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department family. Please know that we stand with you during this sad, difficult time. #RestEasy #NeverForget" (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• center for loss and grief counseling — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Save 15 Percent On FTD’s Christmas Collection (December 25)
• ACT Master Strategies In-Person Class (December 26)
• Add your event

Loving the Charlotte Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at charlotte@patch.com

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.