Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a funding squeeze could reshape Charlotte-Mecklenburg classrooms this year

Spotted on the Charlotte calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston on Strings

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Greetings Charlotte! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a funding squeeze could reshape Charlotte-Mecklenburg classrooms this year
  • How a discarded Charlotte dog became a three-legged neighborhood star
  • Could you be owed part of CarShield’s $9 million refund?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Low clouds, with a high of 69 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; windy, temps: high: 70, low: 51.
  • Sunday: Cooler; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 54 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘We're being completely disrespected': County leaders want more state education funding (charlotteobserver.com) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg County leaders say they must unite with the city of Charlotte to pressure state lawmakers for more education funding, especially for teacher pay. With state and federal dollars uncertain, CMS is eyeing hiring cuts, modest supplement increases, and tough budget choices that could affect classrooms and county finances across Charlotte in the coming year.
   

2. Animals Dogs Neglected dog was tied to a tree a tree and lost a leg – today he is unrecognizable (tag24.com) — A severely neglected dog named Paddy was found tied to a tree outside the Humane Society of Charlotte, so badly injured that one hind leg had to be amputated. After intensive care and a local adopter stepping up, he’s now a happy, energetic three-legged pup who charms people all over Charlotte with his resilience.
   

3. Do you use CarShield or American Auto Shield? You may be getting a refund. (wsoctv.com) — If you live in the Charlotte area and bought a CarShield or American Auto Shield vehicle protection plan, you may automatically get part of a $9 million refund settlement. The FTC says the companies misled customers about what was covered, so just watch your mail, cash any check within 90 days, and never pay anyone to receive your money.
   

4. Hundreds in Charlotte protest deadly Minneapolis ICE shooting (wbtv.com) — Hundreds of residents packed First Ward Park in uptown Charlotte to protest a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis and recent federal immigration operations here. Speakers tied national outrage to local fears after a recent Customs and Border Protection sweep in Charlotte, then marched peacefully through city streets with CMPD blocking traffic for safety.
   

📸 Around Charlotte

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Charlotte

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ​ Liberty Senior Living Launches New Podcast: Liberty Connects —Liberty Senior Living Read on Patch
  • A Brighter Day Outreach Food Pantry will be open on Thursday, Jan.
    8, 2026 from 12-4 PM at 510 Sinclair St. Please Be mindful...We're providing Food Pantry services to over 350 families per week within 4 hours on… (Nextdoor Thomasboro-Hoskins)
  • Kittens looking for a good home 😻
    One of the NoDa neighborhood cats had babies in our neighbor Michael’s yard. He was able to catch them with his hands, bring them inside and he has… (Nextdoor NoDa)
  • Buckle posted a job opening for Freight Coordinator (Full-time) in Charlotte. Apply here.
  • Mauser Packaging Solutions posted a job opening for Machine Operator in Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlotte here.

Ok Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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