Kamala Harris in Charlotte + Most of region in ‘severe drought’ status

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It’s Friday Jr., everyone. Kristen here. The weekend approaches, and you might be looking to fill your time with some local art or shopping. Check out Jessica Swannie’s roundup for CharlotteFive of the best things to do in Charlotte Dec. 3 through Dec. 9.

Now, let’s dive into today’s news:

1. Kamala Harris speaks in Charlotte

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Charlotte Area Transit Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Charlotte Area Transit Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Charlotte on Thursday to promote a newly-approved infrastructure spending plan. The plan is a key piece of legislation for President Joe Biden’s administration and will bring billions to North Carolina, as reported by the Observer’s Will Wright.

Harris’ appearance in Charlotte also aimed to garner support for the administration’s $1.85 billion social policy bill, which would focus on reducing the cost of healthcare and child care and address climate change. Harris noted the infrastructure bill was “Part 1 of 2,” with the Build Back Better social bill being Part 2.

“This is our focus with Build Back Better,” Harris said in an interview with the Observer: “Working people right now are finding it very difficult to get through their day given all the burdens that they carry... Let’s make it more affordable.”

2. Most of the Charlotte region now in ‘severe drought’ status as dry conditions persist

Dry conditions and a lack of rain have put the Charlotte region into a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Mecklenburg and most of the surrounding counties are now in a severe drought.

Charlotte saw a quarter-inch of rain on Nov. 22 and a half-inch on Nov. 12, according to meteorologist Robbie Munroe of the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C. The Charlotte area is 6.6 inches below normal for precipitation, he said.

About 86% of North Carolina is under drought conditions, as reported by the Observer’s Jonathan Limehouse.

3. News from around the state

Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain a forest fire at Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina.
Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain a forest fire at Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina.

Here’s what caused ongoing fire that has burned 1,050 acres on Pilot Mountain in NC by Mark Price

  • The blaze has burned 1,050 acres in Surry County, and was listed as 50% contained late Wednesday.

Cooper vetoes election bill that would end grace period for NC’s mail-in ballots by Will Doran

  • The vetoed bill would’ve forced elections officials not to count any mail-in ballots that arrive after polls close.

Meck jail relocating some juveniles to help staffing shortages, Sheriff’s Office says by Jonathan Limehouse

  • The 23 juveniles currently face criminal charges outside of Mecklenburg, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

4. New Korean barbecue fried chicken restaurant opening

bb.q Chicken’s Ddeok-Bokki Rice.
bb.q Chicken’s Ddeok-Bokki Rice.

A new dining option is coming to the Arboretum.

Korean restaurant bbq Chicken will open its first Charlotte location in the Arboretum on Dec. 6.

Diners can expect more than 10 sauce and seasoning options for Korean fried chicken and fingers, along with sides like sweet potato fries, fried dumplings and more.

I’ve personally got my eye on the Ddeok-Bokki — fish cakes and rice cakes cooked in a sweet and spicy red chili sauce.

Learn more about the chain here with CharlotteFive’s Ebony L. Morman.

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