🌱 University Requires Shots + Last Minute Gifts + New BBQ Spot

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

First, today's weather:

A little afternoon rain. High: 44 Low: 34.

Here are the top stories today in Charlotte:

1. Queens University of Charlotte requiring COVID-19 booster shots for students, staff (WBTV)
2. NC State basketball will have to vacate wins, pay a fine and more after NCAA ruling (Charlotte Observer)
3. Federal Jury Convicts Charlotte Man Of Armed Robbery And Firearms Offenses (Department of Justice)
4. Perfect last minute stocking stuffer ideas. (WCNC.com)
5. A familiar barbecue restaurant adding Charlotte-area locations will open a Concord spot (Charlotte Observer)

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Today in Charlotte:

• Holiday Recess - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: "From 1926-1972, Station 4 crews served uptown from N. Graham & 5th St. Now with skyline views from Church St, Charlotte Fire Department - Firehouse 4 aka the "Protectors of the Lair" is known to provide treats for their furry neighbors. ..." (Facebook)
• ArtPop Street Gallery: "We’re getting in the holiday spirit looking through these throwback pictures of our artist friends and their wonderful tree creations during the ArtPop S-Tree-t Gallery Inspiration Project last year in Uptown Charlotte at Truist Center!⁠..." (Instagram)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "This album is dedicated to bringing the good news of daily ADOPTIONS. Click the pictures to see who was adopted." (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "The most rewarding moments for our shelter veterinarian, Dr. Julie, are when “I can tell an owner that we helped their pet, that they don’t have to give them up, that they can go home!” Thanks to your continued support we can offer the b..." (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: "We love to hear from our adopters about how their #ACCalumni pets are doing! Each picture has a caption." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for 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.