Briefing for Monday December 7

Charlotte will have a new mayor this evening after Jennifer Roberts is sworn in — the fifth mayor our city has had in three years.

We should all hope she uses her opportunity to substantially address the pressing needs in Charlotte. Education has not really been the purview of the city (mostly handled by the school board and county), but it became an issue in the mayoral campaign and Roberts shouldn’t abandon it. Schools have become increasingly divided by race and income, and a lot of that is on the city’s shoulders based on housing patterns. One solution comes by making our neighborhoods more diverse, and the mayor’s chair is a prime spot to influence that. Batter up.

VITALS

Today’s Weather: 63. Sunny. 0 percent chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: 74,514. Attendance at the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium, a record crowd. Estimates have Clemson fans as 80%+ of the crowd [Spanberg/CBJ].
Today’s Job: Director of Digital Marketing Strategy at Carolinas HealthCare System. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Larry Sprinkle, Charlotte’s most iconic TV weatherman with one of the most apt names in the business.

ORIGINALS

Another new brewery is in the works for Plaza Midwood [Dunn]
Central Avenue could be home to a new brewery next year, according to plans filed with the city. Working name: Central Brewery. Would follow Legion Brewing in the neighborhood.

Poplar Street Cafe & Wine Bar coming soon to Fourth Ward [Levans]
A Queen Anne style home in uptown’s arguably most historic district is being transformed and should open to the public in January. The house is a historic landmark. The original owner was the founder of Davidson College.

The 55 craziest amenities Charlotte apartments have to offer and where to find them [Moore]
Two-story fitness center. Car rinsing station. Free Saturday brunch. Dog spa. Yoga. Hammock garden. Need I list more? Charlotte’s apartments are desperate for renters and they’re willing to shell out for them.

INSIDER: Reid’s SouthPark location targets Thursday, December 10th for opening [Williams]
Everyone’s been asking me when the new Reid’s is opening, and here’s your answer. It’s going to be by the Dick’s Sporting Good and McCormick & Schmick’s by the mall. Patio will be awesome.

Explore craft cocktails all winter long for $5 apiece [Papajohn]
The math is complicated, but if you’re a dedicated cocktail drinker, this passbook is a good way to get discount drinks around the city.

In defense of the EpiCentre [@thetrolleywalk]
I’m not sure where I come down on this debate. Yes, EpiCentre is a vital part of the city. Yes, I don’t really like going there because the Coors Light is too expensive. Send me an email and weigh in.

The Mandrake’s new chef brings “Dirty South” to tapas [Richards]
The restaurant has moved from No. 881 on TripAdvisor to the top spot. Here’s why.

Cribs: Command Partners might just be the most interesting place to work in Charlotte [Williams]
This digital agency is responsible for the success of a product that allows you to fill 100 water balloons in less than a minute. 

TALKING POINTS 

The Panthers’ streak continues. Our Cardiac Cats hit 12-0 and clinched the the division for the third year in a row with a high-scoring victory in New Orleans. I seriously don’t know if my heart can take all of these close games.

Charlotte mall santa makes national news for his compassion [AutismSpeaks.org]. The jolly old elf gets on the floor with a little boy who’s not great with dealing with large crowds and the photos (and experience) are precious. 

Benny Pennello’s is now offering delivery service via Postmates [Instagram]. You can order pizza by the slice, whole pies and even local craft brew from NoDa, Birdsong, OMB and Triple C.

NoDa Farmers Market moves indoors and will serve drinks [Web]. Don’t miss the Bloody Marys and mimosas at the Neighborhood Theatre (511 E. 36th Street). 

Celebrate the lighting of the menorah at Stonecrest [Facebook]. Will be Tuesday. Donuts, latkes and drinks on the menu, plus children’s activities.

CMS magnet lottery is now open [Web]. Get your application in by January 25. This link explains how to do it.

Davidson won’t retire Steph Curry’s number until he gets his degree [ESPN]. Rules are rules. The college won’t budge on its requirement that people honored have graduated even though Curry has put the school on the map like no one else has.

Bulletprufe Denim founder Will Fisher invites Agenda readers to take 20% pants (grab code) [Invitation/Agenda]. Ted wears these pants every day so you should probably take a look at this deal.

I love that so many gas stations in Charlotte now have electronic air pressure machines that fill your tires up to the right level. I’ve used them three times in the past two weeks as the air’s gotten colder, so I’m sure you’ve been there too. Get after it.

– Andrew