Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for January 1, 2025.

Happy New Year to all our listeners. We're starting off the year with a look at what's happening in our city. First off, a reminder that most Mecklenburg County offices and services are closed today for the New Year's holiday[1].

In local news, residents are being cautioned about sophisticated jury scams targeting the area. These scams aim to lure victims into paying large sums of money, and county leaders are urging everyone to be vigilant[1].

On the job front, Charlotte's tech scene is booming. With over 30,000 tech job openings, coding bootcamps like Tech Elevator and UNC Charlotte's Coding Boot Camp are offering intensive programs with job guarantees. Graduates can expect salaries upwards of $80,000, with a 79% employment success rate within six months of graduation[2].

Looking at the broader job market, there are numerous openings across various sectors. Top local employers are hiring for positions such as outpatient therapists, police trainees, and cafeteria managers. Notable companies like Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and the City of Charlotte are also recruiting for various roles[5].

In real estate, while there aren't any major announcements today, it's worth noting that January is the time to list individual and business personal property for tax purposes with the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office. This includes boats, aircraft, mobile homes, and income-producing property[1].

From city hall, Mecklenburg County is launching its 5-year Consolidated Planning process for community development funding. This process is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and invites residents to participate in strategic planning[1].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, but we're expecting a relatively calm day. No significant weather alerts are in place, so it's a good day to get out and enjoy some of Charlotte's outdoor recreation spots, like the National Whitewater Center[3].

In new business activity, while there aren't any major openings or closings to report today, the tech industry continues to drive growth in the city. Major players like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are constantly on the lookout for tech talent, contributing to Charlotte's status as a hub for tech professionals[2].

Upcoming community events include the opportunity to drop off recyclables and waste items at Full-Service Recycling Centers, helping to keep our city clean and green[1].

In local school achievements, KIPP North Carolina is expanding its presence with inclusive school environments and educational opportunities. Additionally, Charlotte Lab School is recruiting substitute teachers for the current academic year[5].

On a feel-good note, Mecklenburg County Senior Nutrition recently surprised homebound seniors with healthy holiday meals, spreading some joy during the holiday season[1].

In today's crime report, we're focusing on public safety alerts. Residents are reminded to be cautious of scams and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. According to recent statistics, while overall crime rates have risen, violent crime has decreased by 5%[3].

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Monday, December 30, 2024.

We're starting off the week with a look at the city's booming job market. Charlotte's tech industry is on fire, with a 21.3% increase in tech employment from 2021 to 2022. Major companies like Bank of America, Microsoft, and Lowe's are driving this growth, and we're seeing a surge in demand for professionals with skills in Python, Java, JavaScript, AWS, and cybersecurity. Software developers are especially in high demand, with average salaries of around $108,000. Over 18,000 new tech roles are projected by 2029, making Charlotte an attractive destination for skilled tech professionals[1][3].

In other job market news, we're seeing a steady pace of hiring, with employment expected to expand by 1.1% in 2024, adding around 15,000 workers. The financial sector remains robust, with companies like Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase expanding their presence in the city. The life sciences industry is also growing, with a 72% increase between 2010 and 2019, driven by developments like the Pearl District innovation hub[3].

Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, we do know that the city's growing population and the attraction of workers from surrounding counties and South Carolina are influencing commuting trends and housing demand[3].

From city hall, we have a reminder about solid waste services. Garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulky waste will be collected on the regular schedule the week of January 1. Also, be on the lookout for a parking scam targeting residents involving the city's on-street parking program, Park It[4].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in Charlotte, but we're expecting a mostly sunny day with temperatures in the mid-50s. No significant weather impacts are expected on today's activities and events.

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, we do know that the city is attracting new investments, such as JP Morgan Chase's plans to expand its presence, adding more than 200 workers and 24,000 square feet of office space[3].

Looking ahead to community events, we don't have any major events scheduled for the next few days. However, we do encourage you to check out local listings for holiday events and activities.

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and athletes.

On a feel-good note, we want to remind everyone about the importance of community spirit and helping those in need, especially during the holiday season.

Finally, in today's crime report, we have a warning about a parking scam, but no other significant incidents or arrests to report from the past 24 hours. The city is urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity[4].

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Monday, December 30, 2024.

We start with breaking news from the past few days. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on October 18, 2024, in the Providence Division. Officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the 100 block of North Sharon Amity Road. The investigation is ongoing[4].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte continues to see robust growth. The January 2024 job market report indicates a low unemployment rate and significant expansion across various industries. Major companies like Bank of America, Microsoft, and Lowe's are driving this growth, particularly in the tech sector. Software developers are in high demand, with salaries averaging around $108,000. The city's tech industry is expected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2024, outpacing the national average[1][3].

In real estate news, while we don't have specific updates on notable property sales or new development projects today, the city's growing tech industry is likely to impact the housing market. We'll keep an eye on weekly median home prices and inventory levels for you.

From city hall, there are no major updates that affect daily life to report today. However, the Office of State Human Resources has approved flexibilities to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, and the State Health Plan has processes in place to help impacted members access their benefits[2].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in Charlotte. We recommend checking the latest forecast for today's activities and events. As of now, there are no significant weather alerts that might disrupt your plans.

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, the tech industry's growth is expected to bring new businesses and opportunities to the city.

Looking ahead to community events, there are no major events scheduled for the next few days. However, UNC Charlotte is hosting various webinars and events, including an HR Power Hour on January 8 to review changes to the EHRA nonfaculty performance management cycle and timeline[2].

In local school achievements, there are no specific updates today, but we'll keep you informed about any notable achievements or sports results.

On a positive note, the Novant Health Breast Center mobile unit was at UNC Charlotte on December 3, offering screenings and promoting health awareness[2].

Moving on to today's crime report, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is focusing on public safety. Besides the ongoing investigation into the fatal pedestrian crash, there are no other significant incidents to report from the past 24 hours[4].

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Sunday, December 29, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. On Friday, October 18, 2024, a fatal pedestrian investigation was conducted in the Providence Division after a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian occurred in the 100 block of North Sharon Amity Road. We'll keep you updated on any developments in this case[1].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Charlotte's tech industry is booming. With a 21.3% increase in tech employment from 2021 to 2022, the city is attracting major tech players and fostering a thriving startup scene. Key skills in demand include Python, Java, JavaScript, AWS, and cybersecurity, with software developers commanding average salaries of $108,000. Major employers like Microsoft, Lowe's, and Bank of America are driving this growth, with over 18,000 new tech roles projected by 2029[2][5].

In other business news, we're seeing significant expansions and hiring announcements. JP Morgan Chase plans to expand its presence in Charlotte, adding more than 200 workers and 24,000 square feet of office space. The city's financial sector remains robust, with companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo leading the way[5].

Let's take a look at our real estate pulse. While we don't have any major property sales or development updates to share today, we do know that the city's growing population and attraction of workers from surrounding counties and South Carolina are influencing commuting trends and housing demand[5].

From city hall, we have some updates on recent decisions that affect daily life. Human Resources at UNC Charlotte is hosting various webinars and workshops to support employees, including sessions on trust strategies and changes to the EHRA nonfaculty performance management cycle[3].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in Charlotte, but we're expecting a mostly sunny day with temperatures in the mid-50s. Perfect weather for getting out and enjoying some of the city's upcoming events.

Speaking of events, we have a few community activities lined up for the next few days. Unfortunately, we don't have specific details to share today, but we encourage you to check local listings for holiday events and activities.

In local school achievements, we're proud to see our schools thriving, though we don't have any specific updates to share today. On the sports front, we're looking forward to some exciting matchups in the new year.

For a feel-good community story, let's highlight the resilience and community spirit in Charlotte. From relief efforts for Hurricane Helene to ongoing support for those affected by COVID-19, our city continues to come together in times of need[3][4].

Finally, let's take a look at today's crime report. As mentioned earlier, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a fatal pedestrian incident from October. We urge everyone to stay safe and vigilant, especially during the holiday season.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Sunday, December 29, 2024.

We start with breaking news from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. On Friday, October 18, 2024, a fatal pedestrian investigation was conducted in the Providence Division after a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian occurred in the 100 block of North Sharon Amity Road. We'll continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available[1].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte's tech industry is booming. With a 21.3% increase in tech employment from 2021 to 2022, the city is attracting major tech players and fostering a thriving startup scene. Major companies like Microsoft, Lowe's, and Bank of America are hiring hard in Charlotte, with software developers being especially sought after, commanding average salaries of $108,000. Over 18,000 new tech roles are projected by 2029, making Charlotte an attractive destination for skilled tech professionals[2][5].

In real estate news, while we don't have specific updates on notable property sales or new development projects today, the city's growing population and expanding job market are expected to drive demand for housing and commercial spaces.

From city hall, we have updates on various initiatives and policies. Human Resources at UNC Charlotte is hosting webinars and workshops to review changes to the EHRA nonfaculty performance management cycle and timeline, as well as updates to the Fair Labor Standards Act[3].

Weather-wise, we're expecting a mild day today, perfect for outdoor activities. However, we recommend checking the latest forecast for any updates before planning your day.

In new business activity, while we don't have specific openings or closings to report today, the city's diverse economy, including finance, manufacturing, and life sciences, continues to attract new investments and expansions.

Looking ahead to community events, we encourage you to check local listings for upcoming activities and events in the next few days.

In local school achievements, we're proud to see our schools and students excelling in various fields, though we don't have specific updates to share today.

For a feel-good community story, we're highlighting the resilience and community spirit of Charlotte residents, who continue to support local businesses and initiatives.

Moving on to today's crime report, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating various incidents, but we don't have specific updates from the past 24 hours to share at this time. We remind everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Finally, in health news, Mecklenburg County is monitoring COVID-19 cases, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in wastewater samples. The county is also promoting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older[4].

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Saturday, December 28, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. In a recent homicide investigation in the Westover Division, Belton Lamont Platt, 38, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Demond Kente Dixon, 44. The incident occurred on November 28, 2024, in the 2300 block of West Boulevard. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit is still conducting an active investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact them[1].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte is witnessing a steady increase in job opportunities, particularly in tech and finance. The city is a major financial hub, with significant contributions from the tech and healthcare sectors. Recent infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and new business parks, are expected to further boost job opportunities. Major companies like Microsoft, Lowe's, and Bank of America are hiring big time, with average salaries ranging from $92,000 to over $122,000 for roles like software developers and data scientists[2][5].

In real estate news, while there aren't any notable commercial or residential property sales to report today, the city's housing market remains dynamic. Weekly median home prices and inventory levels are stable, but we'll keep an eye on any significant zoning changes or property developments.

From city hall, there are no major updates that affect daily life to report today. However, we do want to remind everyone that health insurance deductions for the 2025 plan year began with paychecks on December 13, 2024, for those enrolled in the State Health Plan[3].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in Charlotte, but we're expecting a relatively calm day. There are no significant weather alerts that would impact today's activities and events.

In new business activity, there are no major openings or closings to report today. However, we do want to highlight the resilience of local businesses and communities, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Child care providers in western North Carolina are still recovering, with several centers closed due to damage. The General Assembly included $10 million for child care in its Helene relief bill, and additional funding is expected to support these critical services[4].

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days, including webinars hosted by UNC Charlotte's Human Resources department. On January 8, there will be an HR Power Hour to review changes to the EHRA nonfaculty performance management cycle and timeline[3].

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and educators.

For a feel-good community story, we want to acknowledge the efforts of local organizations and individuals who are working tirelessly to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. Their dedication and resilience are truly inspiring.

Finally, in today's crime report, aside from the homicide investigation mentioned earlier, there are no significant incidents or public safety alerts from the past 24 hours to report.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Saturday, December 28, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A homicide investigation in the Westover Division has led to the arrest of Belton Lamont Platt, 38, who has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Demond Kente Dixon, 44. The incident occurred on November 28, 2024, in the 2300 block of West Boulevard. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit is still conducting an active and ongoing investigation[1].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte is experiencing a dynamic job market driven by its robust economic growth and diverse industry presence. The tech sector is particularly thriving, with major companies like Bank of America and Microsoft hiring hard in the city. According to recent data, the demand for software developers is expected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2024, significantly higher than the national average. This growth is fueled by the city's financial powerhouses and the expanding fintech and cybersecurity industries[2][5].

In other news, UNC Charlotte employees are reminded that health insurance deductions begin with their December 13, 2024, paycheck. The university is also hosting various webinars and HR Power Hours to discuss changes in policies and benefits[3].

Looking at the real estate pulse, there have been no recent notable commercial or residential property sales or new development projects announced. However, the city's economic growth and infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, are expected to further boost job opportunities and potentially impact the real estate market[5].

From city hall, there have been no recent decisions that directly affect daily life, but residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing projects and initiatives.

Weather-wise, today is expected to be a chilly day with plenty of sunshine, making it a great day to get out and enjoy some of the holiday events happening around the city. Speaking of which, there are numerous holiday performances and events scheduled for this weekend, including the Hornets' game. You can check out the top events happening around the Charlotte area on WCCB Charlotte's CW[4].

In new business activity, the Catawba Nation's Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain recently donated hundreds of toys valued at about $20,000 to two regional Toys for Tots organizations, providing holiday toys to deserving children in York and Cleveland counties[4].

For upcoming community events, be sure to check out the various holiday performances and activities happening around the city this weekend. And in local school achievements, we'd like to give a shout-out to all the students and staff who have worked hard throughout the year.

Finally, in today's crime report, we remind everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is always working to keep our communities safe.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for December 27, 2024.

We're starting off with some exciting news about Charlotte's job market. The city is experiencing a significant boom in tech employment, with a 21.3% increase from 2021 to 2022. Major companies like Bank of America, Microsoft, and Lowe's are driving this growth, with a particular focus on fintech and cybersecurity. Software developers are in high demand, with average salaries reaching $108,000. In fact, over 18,000 new tech roles are projected by 2029, making Charlotte an attractive destination for skilled professionals[1][5].

In other job market news, we're seeing a steady increase in job opportunities across various sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city's diverse industry presence and recent infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, are expected to further boost job opportunities[3].

Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, it's worth noting that the city's growing population and the attraction of workers from surrounding counties and South Carolina are influencing commuting trends and housing demand[3].

From city hall, we have a reminder about the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day corridor cleanups on January 20. Residents are invited to join in the cleanups along the Beatties Ford Road and Freedom Drive corridors[4].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning today, but we're expecting a mostly sunny day with temperatures rising into the mid-50s. Perfect weather for getting out and enjoying some of the city's outdoor activities.

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, it's worth noting that JP Morgan Chase has plans to expand its presence in Charlotte, adding more than 200 workers and 24,000 square feet of office space[3].

Looking ahead to community events, we have the Martin Luther King Jr. Day corridor cleanups on January 20, and we encourage everyone to participate. Additionally, UNC Charlotte is hosting various webinars and events, including an HR Power Hour on January 8 to review changes to the EHRA nonfaculty performance management cycle and timeline[2].

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and educators.

For a feel-good community story, we're highlighting the efforts of local volunteers who are making a difference in our community. From participating in cleanups to supporting local charities, there are many ways to get involved and make a positive impact.

Finally, in today's crime report, we don't have any significant incidents or public safety alerts to report from the past 24 hours. We're grateful for the hard work of our law enforcement agencies in keeping our community safe.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for December 27, 2024. We're starting off the week with a look at the latest developments in our city.

First off, let's talk about the job market. Charlotte is witnessing a steady increase in job opportunities, particularly in tech and finance, which are driving the city's economic growth. Major companies like Bank of America and Red Ventures are hiring for various roles, with a focus on software engineers and cybersecurity analysts. According to recent reports, the tech industry in Charlotte has grown by 22%[1][4]. This growth is expected to continue, with over 18,000 new tech positions projected by 2029.

In other news, the city is gearing up for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Corridor Cleanups on January 20. Volunteers are invited to join in the cleanups along the Beatties Ford Road and Freedom Drive corridors[5].

Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, it's worth noting that Charlotte ranks 14th on the Property Prices rankings in the United States, with a focus on affordability and investment potential[4].

From city hall, we have updates on the upcoming holiday schedule for solid waste services. Garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulky waste will be collected on the regular schedule the week of January 1[5].

Weather-wise, it's looking like a typical winter day in Charlotte today, with no major disruptions expected. However, we always recommend checking the latest forecast before heading out.

In terms of new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, local companies like Red Ventures and AvidXchange are offering remote positions, particularly in tech and marketing[4].

Looking ahead to the next few days, we have several community events lined up. The Charlotte Convention Center will be hosting career fairs and networking events, providing valuable opportunities for job seekers[4].

On the education front, we don't have any specific achievements or sports results to report today. However, we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local schools and students.

In a feel-good community story, we want to mention the efforts of local organizations like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, which offer career development programs and resume workshops to help job seekers in Charlotte[4].

Finally, let's take a look at the crime report. Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 4500 block of Tanager Park Drive in the North Division[3]. We urge everyone to stay safe and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for December 25, 2024.

We start with breaking news: Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 4500 block of Tanager Park Drive in the North Division. This case is ongoing, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available[1].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte continues to see robust growth. The January 2024 job market report showed a healthy addition of new positions across various industries, with some sectors experiencing significant expansion. The unemployment rate remains low, indicating a strong economy. Major companies like Bank of America, Microsoft, and Lowe's are driving this growth, particularly in the tech sector, where software developers are in high demand, with salaries averaging around $108,000[2][5].

In real estate news, while there are no major commercial or residential property sales to report today, the city's development projects and construction updates are ongoing. However, specific details on weekly median home prices and inventory levels are not available at this time.

From City Hall, the Storm Water Advisory Committee held its monthly meeting on December 19, 2024. Upcoming events include a workshop on January 14, 2025, designed to help neighborhood leaders involve people of all ages in community activities, and a wreath-laying ceremony on January 15, 2025, to commemorate the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Marshall Park[3].

Weather-wise, today's activities might be affected by the aftermath of Helene, which has left many in western North Carolina, including those in the Charlotte area, dealing with significant storm damage. The holiday season is particularly challenging for those who lost their homes and belongings. Volunteers and donation centers are working hard to provide support and keep the holiday spirit alive[4].

In new business activity, while there are no major openings or closings to report today, the city's tech industry continues to thrive, with major companies expanding their operations.

Upcoming community events include the panel discussion with local members of the Divine 9, though specific dates are not provided at this time.

In local school achievements, there are no specific updates available today. However, we acknowledge the resilience of families and communities affected by Helene, who are doing their best to maintain normalcy during this holiday season.

Today's crime report focuses on the ongoing homicide investigation mentioned earlier. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any information that might aid in the investigation.

Finally, a feel-good community story: Volunteers at donation centers, like Project Your Home in Marion, are working tirelessly to help those affected by Helene. Their dedication to keeping the holiday spirit alive for families who have lost so much is truly inspiring.

This has been Charlotte Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.