Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a fatal collision involving two vehicles in the Providence Division. Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of the crash, which happened on December 12[1].

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Charlotte continues to see significant growth and expansion, particularly in the tech and financial sectors. Major employers like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Ally Financial are driving the finance sector, which employs over 90,000 people and is growing steadily. The tech sector is also thriving, with high demand for skills in Python, Java, JavaScript, AWS, and cybersecurity. Software developers can command average salaries of $108,000. Recent developments include JP Morgan Chase's plans to expand its presence in Charlotte, adding more than 200 workers and 24,000 square feet of office space[2].

In real estate news, we're seeing a steady pace of new development projects and construction updates. While we don't have specific numbers on recent property sales or median home prices today, the overall trend indicates a growing and diversifying economy in Charlotte.

From city hall, we're focusing on decisions that affect daily life. The city's growing population and the attraction of workers from surrounding counties and South Carolina are influencing commuting trends and infrastructure projects[2].

Weather-wise, we're expecting rain to return with the remnants of Francine, so make sure to check the forecast before heading out today. Temperatures are expected to stay in the 70s, with overcast skies[4].

In new business activity, we're seeing openings and major changes across the city. The new concourse at Charlotte Douglas International Airport features new eateries and special glass installations, making it a great place to explore[4].

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days. The holiday spirit is alive and well in Charlotte, with events like the rappelling Santa and Grinch at Levine Children's Hospital, which brought joy to many on December 12[3].

In local school achievements, we're proud to highlight the accomplishments of our students and athletes, though we don't have specific updates today. In sports, a Charlotte college football player was tragically killed in West Virginia, and our thoughts are with the family and community[4].

For a feel-good community story, we're sharing the heartwarming tale of a community raising money to help a cow get a bovine friend, showcasing the kindness and compassion of our residents[4].

Finally, in today's crime report, we're focusing on significant incidents from the past 24 hours. A homicide investigation is underway in east Charlotte, and we urge anyone with information to come forward. Additionally, 101 drivers were stopped for speeding in a 35 mph zone, highlighting the importance of road safety[4].

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