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With inflation and the burden of high costs, thousands of families in the Charlotte area community are turning to The Salvation Army for support this holiday season. Across the viewing area, The Salvation Army expects to provide gifts to more than 15,000 children this year.To meet the need, WCNC Charlotte teamed up with Belk and Tropical Smoothie Cafe to help make the holidays magical for everyone with the Magical Toy Drive.An in person Magical Toy Drive drive-thru event will be hosted by WCNC Charlotte on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside of the Belk at Carolina Place, 11009 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134 with team volunteers, store associates, and The Salvation Army. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for children in need and say hello to the WCNC Charlotte team.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/outreach/make-a-difference/donate-to-these-carolina-nonprofits/275-b23cd700-6eb5-4de7-8bc5-c28367bcdb33 Watch WCNC Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m.WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A new report dives into concerning findings of forever chemicals in freshwater fish nationwide and in the Carolinas. KFF Health published a report in USA Today that says many states aren’t warning residents of the toxic chemicals present in waterways and fish. According to the article, North Carolina is one of the 17 states that does notify people, and it’s for good reason. There are concerning levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in the Carolinas' rivers and fish. The report cites a national study from about 10 years ago that found catfish in the Catawba River had high levels of forever chemicals. "It ain’t like it used to be," fisherman Jeff Rudisill said to WCNC Charlotte. "You used to come over here and catch a bunch of fish and cook ‘em and eat ‘em, you can’t do that anymore," he said before fishing on the Catawba River. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/toxic-forever-chemicals-freshwater-fish-regional/275-37bf132f-6026-4b1c-b549-484b116c1bba Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A 19-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 14-year-old Garinger High School basketball player, investigators announced. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to a shooting at a home on Keswick Avenue in north Charlotte around 7:30 p.m. When officers arrived, they found 14-year-old Johnnie McClendon dead from a gunshot wound. McClendon's family confirmed he was a student at Garinger where he played basketball. CMPD identified 19-year-old Myhijee Major as a suspect in the case. Major surrendered to police early Tuesday morning and was taken into custody after an interview. Major was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with McClendon's killing. Major is expected in court on Wednesday. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-two-homicides-sunday-cmpd/275-9d7c3b21-9f13-4816-a736-4bb8694f24a3 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLTWake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A high school student has died and two others are seriously injured after a crash in Mint Hill, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district confirmed. It happened Monday morning near the intersection of Blair Road and Allen Station Drive, about a mile away from Rocky River High School.CMS released the name of the student who was killed in the crash, as 18-year-old Jovany Escamilla-Salinas. A spokesperson said he played for the high school soccer team. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/mint-hill-crash-blair-road/275-56a7e54d-fca5-4f1d-a83d-d28c59f6632e Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating two separate homicides that happened within minutes of each other early Sunday night. Just after 8 p.m., CMPD announced they were investigating a homicide on Snow Lane in east Charlotte. Just 10 minutes later, CMPD announced they were investigating a second homicide, on Keswick Avenue in north Charlotte. At the scene of that deadly shooting, CMPD confirmed the victim was 14 years old.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-two-homicides-sunday-cmpd/275-9d7c3b21-9f13-4816-a736-4bb8694f24a3Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A decade after the federal government began offering expanded Medicaid coverage in states that opted to accept it, hundreds of thousands of adults in North Carolina are set to receive benefits, a development that boosters say will aid hospitals and local economies in addition to the long-term uninsured.North Carolina elected officials agreed this year to expand Medicaid, which will provide the government-funded health insurance to adults ages 19 to 64 who make too much money to receive traditional Medicaid but generally not enough to benefit from public subsidies available for private health insurance. The federal government will pay 90% of the cost, as stipulated under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-medicaid-december-2023/275-00479c73-5d99-4acf-ab0b-c9e05f829a83 Taking a closer look at laws going into effect in North Carolina in December: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-december-1-laws-going-into-effect/275-98f1fc8f-86c8-47ec-b49b-ab3b431fc273Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

American Airlines is joining the race to fight global warming. The iarline is now looking at using sawdust to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how the Charlotte-based airline is working to offset its carbon emissions without impacting travel costs for passengers.Spotify Wrapped 2023 has arrived, delivering a personalized recap of what you listened to this past year. Wake Up Charlotte's Kia Murray breaks down Charlotte's biggest songs and artists and we chat about our most-played songs of 2023. HOW TO FIND YOURS: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/how-to-get-your-spotify-wrapped-2023/507-c2e01cf4-99af-4535-8604-933e912c2fd3Plus, we have the top headlines from across the Carolinas in your morning rush. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

All charges have been dropped against Christina Pierre, the woman seen in a video being punched by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers. When the video was recorded earlier this month, at least four CMPD officers were restraining Pierre on the ground while a fifth officer punched her multiple times. A second video obtained by WCNC Charlotte showed Pierre being searched before she was put inside a patrol car. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-viral-arrest-charges-dropped-cmpd/275-3b7b3fb4-5bdf-476c-835d-706040613c13 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The Carolina Panthers have fired first-year head coach Frank Reich after the team fell to 1-10, losing to the Tennessee Titans 17-10. The Carolina Panthers defense forced the Tennessee Titans to punt on every single drive of the second half, but Bryce Young and the Panthers were unable to put together a game-tying drive.With three minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers had one final chance to tie the game after a big defensive stop. On the would-be clutch drive the Panthers completed three passes without gaining a first down because of a sack that killed any momentum the drive had. Game over.Just last year, Carolina fell to 1-4, had a home stadium takeover by visiting fans and experienced a blowout loss in the not-so-friendly confines of Bank of America Stadium. That loss was the final straw for the Matt Rhule era and he was promptly fired by owner David Tepper. Fast forward one year, and the Panthers went 1-9 after a 33-10 loss to the Cowboys in front of a very pro-Dallas crowd. With fan apathy and rookie quarterback Bryce Young's struggles squarely in the spotlight, it was only a matter of time until Frank Reich was let go. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/frank-reich-fired-carolina-panthers-head-coach/275-148ed95a-6523-49ff-bfd5-603fd9011a5c Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Casey Parsons, the Salisbury, North Carolina woman who pleaded guilty to killing adoptive daughter Erica Parsons, has been transferred from federal custody. She will now begin serving her life sentence in a North Carolina state prison.Records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons show Parsons was taken out of federal custody on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. However, it's not clear which state prison in North Carolina she is being transferred to; as of publication on Saturday, Nov. 25, records for Parsons were not available from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/erica-parsons/erica-parsons-case-casey-parsons-crime-local-regional/275-11f54ba0-ae28-4103-91a4-2e4f872a6d7d Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Mecklenburg County will be getting more money to tackle the problem of teen violence.The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners recently unanimously approved thousands of dollars to fund violence prevention programs.Across the Charlotte region, more kids and teens are involved in shootings this year. City and county leaders are working to combat the issue, and there's hope the new federal funding will help.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/violence-prevention-program-funding/275-053554ab-9266-424a-808a-3ef0aec995c7 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A vehicle speeding toward a U.S.-Canada bridge from the American side crashed and exploded at a checkpoint in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, killing two people and prompting the closing of multiple border crossings for hours. Authorities weren't sure what spurred the wreck but said there were no signs it was a terror attack.The FBI's Buffalo office said late Wednesday that it had concluded its investigation: “A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified,” it said in a statement. “The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.”Much remained unclear about the incident at the Rainbow Bridge, which prompted concerns on both sides of the border as the U.S. headed into the Thanksgiving holiday. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed soon afterward, and Trudeau excused himself from Question Period in the House of Commons to get further information, saying officials were “taking this extraordinarily seriously.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/border-crossing-closed-us-canada-bridge-explosion/507-8a6f7a1c-4586-4188-809b-96463d63fcf5

An effort to seek solutions for those facing substance abuse took shape Tuesday at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.The agency announced a new, free Narcan vending machine will be in its arrest processing center in collaboration with the group Carolinas CARE Partnership, which is providing the products.The goal is to stop opioid overdoses for those recently released from jail before it's too late.“The leading cause of anyone that is being released from incarceration is overdose," Patrice Brown with Carolinas CARE Partnership said. "And so this vending machine will hopefully help, just a little, it'll help that problem."Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/mecklenburg-county-sheriffs-office-unveils-new-narcan-vending-machine/275-c76990f3-6325-4d09-b8e8-36abdb3f6a31 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

On Nov. 21, 2022, then-11-year-old Madalina Cojocari was last seen at Bailey Middle School in Cornelius, North Carolina, leaving her school bus just before 5 p.m. She has not been seen since.It's been one year since Madalina disappeared. There are no new leads on her whereabouts, and the case remains relatively stagnant. Here's a rundown of what led up to this: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/true-crime/cornelius-madalina-cojocari-missing-diana-cojocari-christopher-palmiter-1-year/275-fb443e04-cd7f-4db1-942c-90322ad9c364Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLTWake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A suspect is in custody after investigators determined an apartment fire in west Charlotte was intentionally set, officials said. The Charlotte Fire Department responded to a fire at the Little Rock apartments just off West Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. When fire crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from a first-story apartment home. The fire was controlled by a team of firefighters in about 10 minutes, according to Charlotte Fire. Investigators say evidence they gathered at the scene indicated the fire was intentionally set. The suspect was taken into custody. WCNC Charlotte has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police for more information. As of 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the suspect has not been identified. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/apartment-fire-arson-investigation-suspect-arrested/275-d44ff1b8-06d0-4ed1-820d-25364043f9da

More and more people in Mecklenburg County are having to move out of homes they can't afford. After a lull during the pandemic, eviction filings by landlords have come flooding back. Experts say it's driven by several factors, like high rents, and a lack of affordable housing. “We have got to do something as a county, as a city, to combat this issue," Jessica Gibson, executive director for the Just Do It Movement, said. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/affordable-housing-crisis/mecklenburg-county-rising-evictions-affordable-housing/275-8e2398a1-d161-46c4-8a52-ffa1486fe91aWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Another person has died from flu complications in North Carolina this week, bringing the state to four deaths this flu season. But it’s not the only respiratory virus to be wary of as we head into the holidays. COVID, the flu and RSV have all been on the rise, according to new state data.Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Questions have been raised after a video showing a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer repeatedly punching a woman in south Charlotte Monday surfaced. The video, posted and shared on Instagram, shows at least four CMPD officers Monday restraining a woman on the ground while a fifth officer can be seen punching the woman multiple times. In the video, another officer can be seen escorting a man away from the woman. In the video, a small crowd can be seen yelling toward officers, who eventually grab the woman by each of her arms and escort her toward a patrol car."It was triggering it reminded me of George Floyd and immediately I began to weep," said Corine Mack, the president of Charlotte Mecklenburg NAACRead more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-cmpd-punch-restrain-resisting-arrest-woman/275-bbbe29fb-ac82-4f17-ba83-d4f486c44022Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLTWake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Five projects to widen a section of NC-73 into four lanes will soon affect the daily commutes of drivers in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Lincoln counties. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is hosting two public meetings in Huntersville on Tuesday, Nov. 14 to answer questions and provide updates on the multi-million dollar projects. Jen Goodwin, communications officer with NCDOT, said Huntersville is just one community that has been vocal about a need for traffic improvements.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/ncdot-public-meetings-huntersville-nc-73-improvements/275-b1c343d3-ab63-478d-a937-f36cf35aedbb Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Parking violations in Charlotte may soon get more expensive.Right now, if you park illegally at certain spots you can be fined $25. On Monday, the city council could raise it to $100.“We are trying to find ways to keep our pedestrians safe,” Dimple Ajmera, a Charlotte City Councilwoman said.This would affect people who park illegally on a sidewalk.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/clt-city-council-to-consider-higher-fines-for-parking-violators-charlotte-north-carolina/275-53670bf4-38ad-4510-a900-b2f7be71a79f Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police launched a new fentanyl awareness campaign Thursday called, "No Cap, Those Pills are Sus," designed to reduce overdose deaths that have been labeled a crisis in the Charlotte area. The campaign's name uses slang in an effort to target young people and their families, according to CMPD. The main goal of this campaign is to prevent overdose deaths through education with younger people who are unaware of the risks of fentanyl. CMPD says it has seen a 20% increase in confirmed fentanyl overdoses this year compared to 2022. The majority of those deaths (60%) are people who were younger than 40. Officers say the message of the campaign is simple: street pills kill. "Our approach of using popular slang is intentional," a CMPD spokesperson said. "Let's be honest, some are more familiar than others about the dangers of using pills purchased on the street. The message is twofold. Any pill not purchased directly from a pharmacy could be a fake and has the potential to kill you. Fentanyl often hides in plain sight and if you buy a street pill, there is a very high probability that it will contain fentanyl. Second, proper disposal of pills is essential." READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/fentanyl-awareness-campaign-charlotte-north-carolina-cmpd-opioids-drug-abuse/275-bcba123c-293b-4af9-8864-a01151530a03

Nearly 300 retired Mecklenburg County employees burdened by a budget mistake they say the county made are now finally being heard. "When I got that letter in the mail, my heart sank," Karen Hefner, a former Mecklenburg County employee who retired in 2015, said.Back in April of this year, retirees were notified that their dependents’ monthly premiums on medical insurance were never meant to be covered by the county. Now the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners is reversing course so retirees don't have to come up with money for the premiums that had been taken care of for years. A motion was passed Wednesday night that allows eligible retirees to pay the same amount for dependent coverage as current employees for the 2024 plan year. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/retired-mecklenburg-county-employees-relief-medical-benefits/275-7b22ea2e-5fbd-42ae-add5-a1c94650ee9eWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Naming rights opportunities highlighting betting companies wouldn't be allowed under proposed rules put forth Tuesday by the North Carolina Lottery Commission's sports betting committee. The latest set of rules are now open for public comment.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/sports-betting-companies-naming-rights-north-carolina-arenas/275-40c23954-fcd6-475a-b182-18ef475bcff4 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Election Day in North Carolina is Tuesday, and voters will be asked to consider a $2.5 billion bond referendum for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district. As WCNC Charlotte previously reported, this bond referendum marks the largest ask by a school district in North Carolina. But if approved, will taxpayers have to pay more money in the upcoming years? Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/verify/cms-bond-money-referendum-charlotte-nc-verify/275-25897724-8573-4cd5-9099-360304f7e35bVoter guide to local elections in North Carolina and South Carolina: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/municipal-elections-voter-guide-north-carolina-south-carolina/275-781b94d2-d026-4ba7-a1b0-92e3d339744e Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

You can cast your vote in North Carolina on Nov. 7, but what do you need to know before you go? The VERIFY team breaks down what you need to know before you head to the polls.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/verify/dos-donts-voting-north-carolina-south-carolina/275-2e3b6c9c-4613-4bae-b364-23038c0a85ccWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Public officials say they want to redesign a busy interstate interchange in west Charlotte calling it "the most problematic" of any such interchange in all of North Carolina.“All of us who live west of here, we really get to sit in this traffic a lot,” NC House Speaker Tim Moore said. “We see the wrecks that happen, we see the wasted energy that happens and frankly, the encumbrance that it causes people trying to get back and forth.”Speaker Moore was joined by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, North Carolina Department of Transportation and other state and local leaders in West Charlotte to announce a new project to improve the interchange Thursday.For the price tag of $45,000,000, the ramp carrying southbound traffic toward Interstate 85 southbound would be redesigned. The ramp is used daily by commuters from Gaston County - and others traveling from I-85 or US-321.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/charlotte-transportation-announcement/275-031f9c4d-38a6-4d4b-ae30-3d2e315ad9a3Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A 12-year-old cyclist was taken to the hospital after being hit by a truck in Belmont Wednesday morning, police said. The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of McKee Farm Road and Middleton Farm Road, near Belmont Middle School and South Point Road. Police said the driver of a pickup truck was driving on McKee Farm Road toward South Point Road when the child rode into the intersection. The bike's brakes failed, which caused the child to crash into the door of the truck, according to police. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/child-riding-bike-crash-belmont-north-carolina/275-f0a58d79-62e8-453f-8d73-5d75cc53c60b

Last Christmas, about 85 residents at the Magnolia Senior Apartments in north Charlotte were displaced after a pipe burst in their building. For the last 11 months, many of them have been living in hotels. Now, they’re finally moving back home. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/magnolia-apartments-seniors-return-local-housing/275-ecccd1d8-8184-45e9-9640-c4e129c89226 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart

Little ghouls and goblins will fill the streets on Halloween night, hoping to score a jack-o'-lantern full of candy. Kids dressing up and going door for sweet treats is a Halloween staple but why do they do it? How did trick-or-treating become a Halloween tradition? Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/halloween-trick-or-treating-history-origins-connect-the-dots/275-fa8cb327-658f-4e38-a22c-44d7d81e16f4 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Whether you love it or hate it, everyone has a strong opinion on candy corn.Love it or hate it, candy corn is a staple of Halloween. The tri-color triangles bring strong responses from its fans and even stronger reaction from the haters. But whether you can't get enough candy corn or can't wait to throw it in the trash, you probably have a strong take about the iconic sweet.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/candy-corn-haters-lovers-strong-opinions-iconic-halloween-treat/275-2ee4ac4b-61f5-440f-9015-a4dba3f95bc2Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office said a man faces charges for allegedly exposing himself to kids near a stopped school bus on Wednesday.Deputies said neighbors captured video of 52-year-old Terry Lynn Horn dropping the diaper he was wearing, exposing himself to at least four children along Leigh Drive west of Salisbury. Horn was taken into custody and charged with four counts of indecent exposure.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/indecent-exposure-rowan-county-nc-crime-local/275-b1081595-2f25-4d4c-aa8c-c0603950a68a

Lauren Heath, the 16-year-old who had been missing since Oct. 13 has been found safe. Monroe Police confirmed she is being reunited with her family.Heath was found in Kirkwood, Missouri, according to police. No information was provided on why Heath was over 700 miles away from home. Monroe Police are asking for the public to respect the Heath family as they "heal and recover" now that Lauren is safe. "The response from the public and the assistance from other agencies, law enforcement, public and private entities has been tremendous and immeasurably helpful during this investigation. Our detectives have worked tirelessly to get to this resolution, and I could not be more proud or pleased with their efforts," Monroe Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard said in a news release.Lauren Heath, the 16-year-old who had been missing since Oct. 13 has been found safe. Monroe Police confirmed she is being reunited with her family.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/missing-teenager-monroe-north-carolina/275-b04031bd-0abf-4e49-a428-2ad08c396f38

One person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a shooting at a gas station in north Charlotte late Tuesday night. Richard DeVayne joins the show from Beatties Ford Road, where police are still gathering details on the incident. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/homicide-investigation-underway-in-northwest-charlotte-north-carolina-beatties-ford-road/275-d0ae9d6e-a71d-413b-9870-cab8e65ddc39Plus, it seems like every device is connected to the internet nowadays. But is your smartwatch or thermostat spying on us? National security experts say many devices on the market have been linked to China. Ben Thompson connects the dots won why you should be careful with what your purchase and how connected you are. And we have your top headlines in the morning rush. Destiny Richards has details on CMS' plan to convince voters why the $2.5 billion bond package is good, Gaston County is getting a Fortune 500 grant and we have the latest on a sexual assault that targeted a jogger in Fort Mill earlier this week. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to hire more police officers to meet the demand of a rising 911 call volume.The department's latest class of new recruits began Monday. Recruit Class 196 is comprised of 81 recruits who will embark on a six-month training program. The class is the largest class in the department’s history. "We have made considerable strides in hiring despite the nationwide shortages and we’re incredibly proud of this," CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey previously told WCNC Charlotte.There has been an uptick in property crime and shootings, according to CMPD data released last week. More staffing will allow the law enforcement agency to be more proactive in their response. "That is going to assist us in having more presence in the community," Hulsey said about recruiting more officers."Our 911 calls are up 8%," Hulsey said. "This is an increase of nearly 60,000 calls for service year to date."Overall hiring for the department, including both sworn and non-sworn positions, has increased by 22% in 2023, according to the department. Total sworn trainee applications have increased 18% this year compared to 2022.Reducing violent crime is currently Chief Johnny Jennings' top priority as property crime and shootings are up by 14%.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cmpd-recruitment-hiring-police-officers/275-d5d3d6a4-53b8-4e4a-be2c-6f62b51cc6b9 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Editor's Note: This story discusses domestic violence, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.The Gaston County Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation after an overnight murder-suicide and house fire near Stanly.Around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, officers were called to 220 Brentwood Lane to assist the Gaston County Sheriff's Office with a suspected murder-suicide.The suspect, 48-year-old Russell Blakney, is believed to have intentionally set fire to the house. Gaston County police found Blakney's remains at the crime scene. Blakney's twin children were also in the house at the time. Officers rescued Blakney's 11-year-old daughter from the house and she was taken to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. She is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries from the fire and is in stable condition.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/fire-shooting-gastonia-person-dead-north-carolina/275-88efc93c-1e63-4e72-a436-25a499f26461Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Wednesday, family and friends held a prayer vigil for 16-year-old Lauren Heath, who has been missing since Oct. 13."We don’t know where my baby is," Latanya Heath, Lauren's mom, said. "She wasn’t upset about anything and was getting ready for homecoming on Saturday, she did leave and walk out I just don’t know with who."FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/missing-teenager-monroe-north-carolina/275-b04031bd-0abf-4e49-a428-2ad08c396f38Cash or Card? It's not only a matter of convenience, it could be a matter of saving money. Ben Thompson explains why it might be worth it to carry a little extra cash to use on small transactions. Plus, North Carolina imposed a new law that enforces harsher penalties against people convicted of impaired boating. We connect the dots on how a tragedy that struck a Concord family could make a difference for others moving forward. And finally, we have the biggest headlines to start your morning in the morning rush. Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The South Carolina Court of Appeals has agreed to put Alex Murdaugh's appeal of his murder convictions on hold while his legal team makes claims that there was jury tampering in his high-profile trial.The court issued an order Tuesday that temporarily pauses the appeal made to their court. This procedural move allows Murdaugh to file a motion for a new trial in a lower court by arguing there was jury tampering during his six-week long trial earlier this year. The order says Murdaugh's legal team must give status updates on their efforts every 30 days. If they don't, it could result in his appeal being dismissed. Murdaugh was convicted in March of the June 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul following a six-week-long trial that drew international attention. He is serving two consecutive life sentences for those crimes at an undisclosed prison in South Carolina. Murdaugh maintained his innocence through the trial and during the appeal process. But in September, his attorneys filed a 65-page motion outlining what they say was jury tampering during the trial by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill. They alleged that Hill had private conversations with jurors about the case, asked jurors about their opinions about whether Murdaugh was guilty, instructed jurors not to believe the evidence, lied to the judge to remove a juror who Hill believed was going to vote guilty and pressured the jury to make a decision quickly. They claim several jurors have signed affidavits to back up their claims. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/alex-murduagh-south-carolina-court-appeals-order/101-105dc9fb-c8d6-41a0-b217-fb46bfa5565fWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Three now-released inmates of the York County jail have tested positive for tuberculosis, the sheriff's office said on Monday.The York County Sheriff's Office said all three people were acquaintances and were together prior to being arrested. The first person was taken to jail on Oct. 7 and the second on Oct. 8. The third person was not taken to jail but instead went straight to the hospital after being arrested, according to the sheriff's office.All three people posted bond for their charges and have been released from custody. The sheriff's office did not provide the names of the inmates or say what they were charged with.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/york-county-inmates-test-positive-for-tuberculosis-south-carolina/275-a735905d-2298-4810-a3fb-107f33fc9b71Changes could be coming to the city of Albemarle.On Monday, the Albemarle City Council was set to discuss the treatment of drag shows, reconsidering reclassifying drag shows as a "sexual-oriented business or activity."This comes a few months after two board members of the city's planning and zoning committee were caught using homophobic slurs on a hot mic during a city council meeting about the classification of drag shows in August.Both city leaders resigned a few days after the incident. At the time, Mayor Elbert Whitley told WCNC Charlotte that he does not condone the speech used and it does not reflect the city.Brian Johnson, a pastor with Perfecting Life Global Ministries submitted a form to the council asking for a change. Johnson is requesting for the council to classify drag shows as an "adult cabaret."RELATED: Town of Mooresville holds first pride parade SaturdayAdult cabaret includes: People who appear nude or semi-nude Live performances with exposure to sexual activities Videos that depict or describe sexual activities READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/albemarle-city-council-drag-shows-north-carolina/275-51cf6564-f44a-4d26-be12-508a17439f17 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

A search is underway for a person that investigators say left the scene of a crash that left a motorcyclist with serious injuries.The crash happened on Providence Mill Road at NC 16 southeast of Newton on Sunday around 10:40 a.m., according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.Authorities say a motorcyclist was struck by a silver Ford Fusion while traveling east on Providence Mill Road. The driver of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and was taken by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital. Their condition was not made available by troopers. The Ford Fusion believed to have been involved in the crash was found abandoned on Little Mountain Road near the intersection of Buffalo Shoals Road. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/hit-and-run-suspect-wanted-after-crash-in-catawba-county-troopers-say-north-carolina/275-fd066cfe-3545-4761-8ee0-94aeccd9f3c0Three Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers are being treated after they were hurt while trying to take a suspect into custody Friday.This happened around noon in north Charlotte in the 9800 block of Spring Park Drive, which is located near Clarks Creek Park off Hucks Road. The street is about half a mile east of Old Statesville Road. WCNC Charlotte spoke to the homeowner, who said her daughter called to alert her that an intruder and police were in the house."I could hear him downstairs, I could also hear the officers with him," the homeowner said. "He was in the house, at least long enough to have helped himself to a drink and was preparing to help himself to another drink."CMPD said they received a call from a neighbor about a suspicious suspect.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/3-cmpd-officers-hurt-north-charlotte/275-5759f053-4a8e-40da-bba6-0406727d22e8Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

For the first time in its 150-year history, Mooresville will host a Pride parade on Saturday. Despite support from several businesses and community groups, organizers say there's still quite a bit of pushback in the town. Destiny Richards joins the show from Moorsville with the latest details on the parade and Pride event. Plus, we have the biggest headlines from across the Charlotte area. Get your day started on the right foot with the morning rush. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department bomb squad responded to Pine Mountain Road, not far from Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, after the discovery of "an old, possibly hazardous device."The bomb squad was active at a private home in northwest Charlotte where the device was found.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cmpd-bomb-squad-charlotte-residence/275-412c0b81-6c32-426d-8aef-4dfed13f0f14

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board is getting closer to voting on its upcoming district goals for academic achievement for the next four years.For weeks, the board has debated on what goals the district should set out to both challenge the district and have a guiding light to shape board directives that are student-focused. Every five years, CMS centers itself around new goals and guardrails that can range from increasing literacy among elementary school students to ensuring a safe environment for its students at school activities. CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill made a final recommendation on four goals for the 2024 through 2029 school years. First, students in kindergarten through second grade scoring at or above grade level in early literacy will go from 67% to 91% by 2029. It was previously at 97% percent before board members knocked this goal down at a previous meeting.“There is absolutely no way we can require our staff to have 97% in anything, we're just setting them up to fail," CMS Board Member Melissa Easley said at a previous board meeting.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-academic-goals-guardrails-2024/275-4faa0988-296e-4956-910a-4a615ba85b6eWestern & Southern Open, a tennis tournament sought after by Charlotte officials, will stay in Cincinnati despite a bid for a new stadium and facility in west Charlotte.Beemok Capital, the family office of Charleston-based businessman and philanthropist Benjamin Navarro, announced Tuesday the decision to keep the tournament at the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, just outside Cincinnati, for another 25 years. Instead of paying nearly $300 million on building a new state-of-the-art facility in Charlotte's future River District, Beemok will instead invest $200 million in upgrades to its current Mason facility.“The leaders in Charlotte and the state have been incredible partners as we’ve evaluated our options. This was a very difficult decision, and we are deeply appreciative of the time, energy and resources that were invested alongside us,” Navarro said in a released statement. “We have strong ties to the area and will look for ways to invest in the community and local tennis development in the future.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/tennis/west-charlotte-loses-bid-tennis-tournament/275-9a3520bb-8781-464f-bd47-162a811d2c07Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

There was some confusion at Mecklenburg County’s courthouse Monday morning as a long-delayed computer system rolled out.eCourts, with taxpayers footing its $100 million price tag, has faced hundreds of glitches since first being deployed in Raleigh. Those issues prompted a lot of concern about the rollout in Charlotte.It was very much a Monday morning for hundreds of people who showed up to deal with traffic tickets at the Mecklenburg County courthouse."I came to court this morning and they told me court was canceled," Collins Cornwell said.Traffic Court is canceled all week because of the eCoruts launch but WCNC Charlotte's Michelle Boudin learned the clerk's office didn’t notify hundreds of people."I’m actually feeling some type of way," Celeste May told Boudin Monday morning. "If we knew this was gonna happen we could have prepared the people. We’ve taken off work. Have to take care of our families. He told me it might be February before I can get a court date."eCourts, the new technology meant to digitize and connect the North Carolina courts system, rolled out in Wake and surrounding counties in February. It was delayed in Charlotte because of so many ongoing glitches.The technology has even prompted a class action lawsuit after people were left in jail when their cases were dismissed but the computer systems did not update.Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told Boudin she wants an independent review of the system because there are still major issues on a regular basis.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/ecourts-mecklenburg-county-launch-public-safety-concerns-civil-rights-violations/275-ed1a0b45-a43a-4220-a6db-f8b830cec1e3Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

A man was shot by a security guard in Uptown Charlotte early Sunday, police said. It happened along East Fifth Street, not far from Brevard Street, around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Officers initially responded to a call about a man pointing a gun at a woman. When they arrived, they learned a security guard opened fire at the man. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/assault-treated-injuries-uptown-shooting-confirms-suspect/275-e8098375-dd1b-4831-ae13-3fd6043af319Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

More than nine months after a North Carolina native was found brutally murdered in Nashville, Tennessee, police say an arrest has been made in the case.On Wednesday, the Metro Nashville Police Department announced the arrest of 23-year-old Jordan Christopher Thompson. He is now being held in jail without bond, pending a hearing.Thompson is accused of killing 30-year-old Jamal Moore, who split his time between Charlotte and Nashville. A passerby found him dead in a grassy area not far from the downtown area of Nashville on Jan. 28. MNPD said Moore was stabbed in the neck and had injuries that suggested he was run over by a car.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/nashville-tn-murder-charlotte-man-update/275-8448c848-2a43-476e-bdaa-6e95a208c237

Multiple people were shot at Morgan State University in Baltimore on Tuesday, according to police, who urged students to take shelter on the campus of the historically Black college.The Baltimore Police Department said officers were on the scene for an “active shooter situation." The address given for the shooting appeared to match a residential building that's on the same block as a city police station.“We’re asking everyone to shelter in place and avoid the area,” police said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.Police spokesperson Vernon Davis told the Baltimore Banner that at least four people were shot. Their conditions weren't immediately known.Police spokesperson Amanda Krotki also said “multiple victims” were shot.City Council member Odette Ramos said on X that students and staff were ordered to shelter in place.At the scene Tuesday night, officers were blocking off the south entrance to campus near dorm buildings while a police helicopter circled overhead.The shooting happened amid a week of activities ahead of the school’s homecoming game on Saturday. The coronation of Mister & Miss Morgan State was scheduled for Tuesday night at the Murphy Fine Arts Center, one of the areas the school urged people to avoid.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/morgan-state-university-shooting-multiple-people-shot-baltimore-police-say/507-93973fe7-04de-4c35-a317-60daa4b94ef4Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Mohamed Alansari is the owner of Cairo Cuisine, a mobile food truck."People really love our chicken and lamb over rice, as well as our lamb gyro," said Alansari.Alansari has been cooking up special dishes in his mobile food truck for five years, serving hot plates all over South Carolina.Nick Cauthen, the manager of planning and development at Tega Cay, is now pushing for more relaxed regulations for mobile food truck vendors like Cairo Cuisine, with the goal of being more friendly to small businesses.One of the revisions includes reducing separation requirements."Tega Cay is a good area and a busy area," said Alansari.Right now food trucks are required to be 400 feet from any mobile vendor, residential use, or zoning area. But the planning and development team is hoping to reduce that to 200 feet unless invited by residential amenities."After comparing this to other jurisdictions around the state, this seemed excessive based on the direction we heard from the council, so we will reduce that to 200 feet," said Cauthen.Cauthen also proposed renewing permits annually rather than 15 days along and allowing some food trucks to have the option to park overnight.The ideas came with pushback from some city leaders."If I give a food vendor permission to park in my driveway but someone across the street a neighbor doesn’t want to see that food truck, shouldn’t he have a say in that," said a city spokesperson.Some city leaders shared concerns about liability when leaving a food truck on city property overnight.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/tega-cay-considers-relaxing-regulations-food-trucks-south-carolina/275-7c97c4d3-27ae-406a-90e5-62e84fb8e012Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

New details are expected Monday in the arrest of a man for an attempted sexual assault at McAlpine Creek Greenway last September. Richard DeVayne has the latest report on why investigators said the victim's quick actions helped them identify a suspect in the case. Plus, October is here, which means it's officially spooky season. But did you know there's a scientific reason behind so many people loving scary movies? Ben Thompson connects the dots on the science behind the scream. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

A Cleveland County man is accused of trying to cover up his uncle's murder several months ago, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.Deputies responded to a home in the Waco community along Racine Drive on April 6, 2023, after a person reported finding a victim lying down outside of a home. The victim, identified as Clifford Wade Ward, was found dead with a metal object in his head.As the investigation got underway, the sheriff's office said deputies interviewed the victim's nephew, identified as 53-year-old David Eric Ward. The nephew initially led investigators to believe his uncle was prone to falling and had possibly fallen backward onto the object, leading to the uncle's death.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cleveland-county-murder-cover-up-crime-local/275-4c184017-6c0b-49b2-983a-bae795f56a90

A man has been taken into custody after allegedly leading Union County deputies on a chase in a stolen car with his kids inside. Kirby Faulkner, 32, is accused of fleeing officers on Tuesday, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office. Deputies attempted to stop Faulkner in the Indian Trail area for a bad license plate but he allegedly refused to stop. Deputies initiated a pursuit that ended on the outer loop of Interstate 485 when Faulkner ran over tire spikes. He then ran from the scene, according to investigators, and into the woods. Deputies said Faulkner left his two children in the car, a 1-year-old and an 11-year-old. Both children were unharmed during the incident, according to the sheriff's office. The vehicle was found to have been stolen with a large amount of marijuana inside, according to the sheriff's office.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/man-leaves-children-in-car-after-fleeing-police-chase-union-county-deputies-say-north-carolina-kirby-faulkner/275-0b87a214-1135-4e97-bf95-04fd3644d30f