WCNC Charlotte To Go

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district is continuing its efforts to revamp long-term academic goals for students over the next few years.Every five years, CMS centers itself around new goals and guardrails that can range from increasing literacy among elementary school students to increasing the number of students post-graduation who get a job. Experts say the hallmark of a good goal needs a few things.It needs to be specific, measurable, achievable, timely, and realistic. These attributes were at the center of the discussion around the goals and guardrails conversation on Tuesday night. CMS Board Member Melissa Easley immediately expressed frustration with the first recommended CMS goal. “There is absolutely no way we can require our staff to have 97% in anything, we're just setting them up to fail," Easley said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-school-board-achievable-realistic-district-goals/275-da8b6dd4-3294-4571-a7ac-753a2965fcd7

All lanes of Interstate 77 at Clanton Road were closed following a shooting. The northbound lanes were closed at Exit 7, but have since reopened. The closure backed up traffic for miles all the way back to the South Carolina state line.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/i77-northbound-closed-charlotte-shooting-police-investigation-traffic/275-f185df0c-2ab3-4fd8-9ca7-3515efcc1be8

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 97 yards and two second-half touchdowns, Jason Myers kicked four field goals, and the Seattle Seahawks pulled away in the second half for a 37-27 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.Walker was a star on a day things didn’t come easily for Seattle’s offense for the first three quarters. But Walker produced big plays both on the ground and in the pass game. Walker’s 36-yard reception midway through the third quarter set up his 1-yard touchdown run after Seattle had settled for field goals every other time it reached Carolina’s side of the field.Walker later restored a two-score lead for Seattle (2-1) when he sprinted untouched on a 7-yard touchdown run with 11:40 remaining.Myers connected on field goals of 43, 35, 33 and 37 yards a week after starting the season just 3 of 6 on field-goal attempts through two games.Seattle quarterback Geno Smith threw his first interception of the season, but still had a solid day in throwing for 291 yards and a 5-yard touchdown pass to undrafted rookie Jake Bobo with 4:17 left. DK Metcalf had six catches for 112 yards.Veteran Andy Dalton started in place of No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who missed the game with an ankle injury suffered last Monday in Carolina’s loss to New Orleans.Dalton did his part in keeping the Panthers (0-3) close, throwing for 361 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown to DJ Chark Jr. in the first half and a 15-yard TD to Adam Thielen with 1:40 left. Thielen had 11 catches for 145 yards.Carolina led 13-9 only to see Seattle score the next 13 points. The Panthers pulled within 22-20 on Miles Sanders' 1-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter but would get no closer. It was Carolina’s 53rd consecutive loss when trailing in the fourth quarter.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/seattle-seahawks-carolina-panthers-andy-dalton-kenneth-walker-iii-adam-thielen/275-a344ef0a-221f-4282-8583-912f84728c46

A middle school student was hit by a driver in a stolen SUV while trying to get on a school bus in southwest Charlotte Thursday morning, police confirmed. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to a crash involving a school bus at West Arrowood Road and Arborgate Drive around 9:30 a.m. CMPD alleged the student was running across the street to the bus when the suspect hit them at a high rate of speed. The suspect then sped away from the scene. The stop arms of the bus were not in operation at the time of the crash, according to CMPD. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cms-student-hit-vehicle-board-bus-district/275-3d461824-55f1-4bcd-bc9d-57c3b6d45cb0

A man charged with entering a residence hall at Belmont Abbey College and sexually assaulting a student faced a judge Tuesday.John Foster Alexander was charged with breaking and entering, trespassing, sexual battery and burglary in connection with the Sept. 3 incident. Alexander, 38, is accused of entering dorm rooms at the St. Michael's Dorm and assaulting a student. He surrendered to police a few days later. Investigators alleged that Alexander only entered dorm rooms that were unlocked. He was released from the Mecklenburg County jail on bond. He was given a $500,000 bond on Tuesday and is still in custody. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/belmont-abbey-college-sex-assault-suspect-court-appearance-john-foster-alexander/275-50f5bceb-cb65-47f7-9f5e-aabec39326a2Watch 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 35-year-old woman was found dead in Salisbury on Sunday morning, police said. Salisbury police responded to reports of a woman being found along Park Avenue about a block from Cannon Park. Investigators say the victim, identified as Nohemy Herndandez-Laines had injuries that were consistent with an assault. First responders attempted life-saving measures but Hernandez-Laines died at the scene, according to police. No arrests have been made and Salisbury police haven't released any suspect information. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Hill at 704-638-5333. Witnesses may also call 704-638-5262 to anonymous speak with detectives. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/salisbury-homicide-investigation-woman-found-dead/275-20c291c5-c0b0-42d0-857d-818c4901b258

The Statesville Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a teen grazed in the head by a bullet early Thursday morning.Police said it happened just before 12:30 a.m. along Forrest Hollow Drive. Officers responded to a report of shots fired and found the 14-year-old victim with a wound to the head.The teen was taken to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The investigation remains ongoing.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/teen-grazed-bullet-shooting-crime-local/275-4c958e08-52fd-4ae0-b58e-fc899b714b78

Months after Huntersville residents first learned of a proposed resort-type project, the developer behind it has told WCNC Charlotte the project is officially ended and no longer happening.Jake Palillo, the man in charge of Bi-Part Development, told WCNC Charlotte reporter Austin Walker that the Lagoona Bay/Waterside development will no longer move forward, claiming it wouldn't work out financially with a reduced plan to meet current zoning regulations. “We decided the Lagoona Bay project at a scaled-back version doesn’t make sense, doesn’t work," Palillo said.Palillo told WCNC Charlotte there were a few reasons behind the decision. There were a slew of changes due to zoning problems with the city, the city didn't approve a zoning change, and Palillo had to adjust his design. He also had to eliminate key items and hundreds of homes. Further, he said the economy has taken a turn. “The economy is scaring us, mortgage rates are 7 ½%," Palillo said. "Business loan failures are going out there.”While he pulled the plug, he said he also lost $800,000.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/lagoona-bay-huntersville-project-over-local/275-b1541003-9ebd-4d08-9a63-28cfae4bbc1d

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district is working to revamp its district goals and guardrails for the next four years.These goals and guardrails range from increasing literacy in elementary school students to improving discipline disparities.For the last six years, CMS has used a list of goals and guard rails to guide policy and how schools run.For example, one of its goals in the past few years is to increase the number of Black and Hispanic students reading at an advanced level.The past state testing scores showed schools in the district saw progress and an increase in testing scores in both math and reading scores, although the gains they made fell short of the academic goals and guardrails the district has set for itself. One example of a goal for CMS is the district's goal of wanting 36% of Black and Hispanic students to be college and career-ready based on English test scores by the end of the 2022 school year. Data showed the district fell short and only hit 15.9% of Black and Hispanic students being college and career-ready based on English test scores.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-goals-guardrails-reflect-past-years/275-a4403c05-d96d-4445-906d-8a81bac6a8d3Watch 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 suspect has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hours-long SWAT stand-off in east Charlotte Monday afternoon, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.CMPD said around 10 a.m., CMPD found an armed man at the intersection of Albemarle Road and East W.T. Harris Boulevard. He had warrants out for his arrest, including for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, CMPD said. He refused to drop his weapon when told to by officers, and positioned himself against a wall of a business. After seven hours, shortly before 5:30 p.m., the suspect put down his weapon. Police said officers then used flash bangs to distract the suspect, but he got his weapon back and police believe he shot himself before officers could get to him. CMPD said no officers fired service weapons.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/swat-situation-east-charlotte-cmpd-north-carolina/275-65da557f-2d21-499a-a2b7-81f381a6ef14 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!

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said a suspect has been taken into custody following an investigation into multiple sexual assault cases.CMPD said the suspect is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, including a case Saturday morning. “We had a case this morning where the victim was able to provide a very accurate timeline and accurate description," Lt. Jim Ivie with CMPD said. Shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers located the suspect's vehicle and took him into custody. Police didn't specify exactly how many cases are believed to be tied to the suspect, but said there have been multiple cases in a span of a few days. Ivie said the crimes happened in south Charlotte within a mile of each other.“The Archdale Drive, Nations Ford Road, Arrowhead Road, South Boulevard, I-77 -- that part of town," Ivie said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cmpd-update-sexual-assault-investigations/275-bb6d169a-ab81-40fd-9fcb-4bb5566a6385The child passenger of a fatal Hickory crash has succumbed to his injuries one day after a Hickory crash involving police also killed the female driver of a minivan.A 38-year-old woman was killed Saturday when a Hickory police officer slammed into her minivan during a chase on Friday, Sept. 8, according to a statement released by the Hickory Police Department on Saturday. The child passenger died from injuries on Sunday, Sept. 10. The identity of the child and his relation to the driver are unknown. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/hickory/woman-dead-child-injured-fatal-crash-involving-hickory-police-officer-car-chase-traffic-speeding-deadly-collision-driver/275-bdd18649-c1cd-49bb-8746-09dc320461afWatch 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!

Students and a school bus driver were evaluated after a crash in northeast Charlotte on Thursday.A school bus was struck by a pickup truck near the intersection of Oak Leigh Drive and University City Boulevard on Thursday around 5:30 p.m., according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Officials say the bus was transporting students from Mallard Creek Elementary School.Medic says four people received minor injuries in the crash. CMS says the bus driver and four students were evaluated. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says none of the students were injured. The crash caused University Boulevard to be closed in the area for two hours., according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/students-injured-after-school-bus-crash-in-university-city-area-charlotte-north-carolina-oak-leigh-drive-cms-bus-crash/275-ec0c9bb7-413b-47d5-a879-81fe05492b94

WCNC Charlotte obtained pictures from Labor Day weekend when cars parked at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport employee parking lots were broken into. Shane Vaughn, chairman for Allied Pilots Association in Charlotte representing 2,000 American Airlines pilots, said the organization received reports of about a dozen break-ins.The parking areas for flight crews are right before you get to the terminal."The last thing anybody needs, whether it's an employee or a passenger, is to go on a trip and then worry about their vehicle, whether it's going to be broken into or, even there," Vaughn said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/car-break-ins-employee-parking-lot-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-flight-crews/275-19146e66-750e-430e-a5ec-78616baf4b52

A crash on Sunday in south Charlotte left a high school student dead. Ella Lukse, a 10th-grade student at Providence High School, was killed after being involved in a car crash on Raintree Lane on Sunday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed on Tuesday.The school's principal sent a message out to parents saying school officials were heartbroken by Luske's death and asked everyone to keep her family and friends in their thoughts. CMS's Crisis Response Team will be at the school to assist with the emotional needs of anyone impacted by the situation.Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say the crash happened around 8:57 p.m. on Raintree Lane. A 2006 Jeep was traveling south when it struck a 2019 Volkswagen. The Jeep then overturned and the Volkswagen struck a tree. Luske was a passenger in the Volkswagen.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/providence-high-school-student-dies-in-crash-teen-driver-arrested-charlotte-north-carolina/275-c0b3e655-fcfb-4da1-81ae-097066fe0d57Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect wanted for the robbery and sexual assault of a handicapped person in north Charlotte last month. The incident happened on Aug. 11 along Catherine Simmons Avenue across from Lincoln Heights Park. CMPD released a photo of the man asking witnesses to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The suspect is described as a Black male and he was last seen wearing a white tank top, black pants or shorts and a baseball cap. Anyone with information about the suspect's identity or whereabouts is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-north-carolina-crime-sex-assault-suspect-wanted-police/275-c7b49757-0aa8-43d3-b653-6ba12602cc9e 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!

The town of Davidson is on a mission to get people safely across the streets.Starting Tuesday, a new town ordinance makes it improper to jaywalk or cross streets outside of sidewalks. Those who are caught improperly crossing the street could be cited.“People will usually just walk across at any part of the streets, and they don’t wait for the crosswalk,” Kelly Brower, a Cornelius resident, told WCNC Charlotte's Jesse Pierre, who visited Davidson Monday.Town and community leaders have been working on initiatives to make the town safer for walkers, bikers and drivers.“What used to be maybe safe to do four or five years ago, now it's become much more difficult,” Kimber Davidson, the police chief of the town with whom he shares a name, explained. “So, we're trying to encourage through voluntary compliance, the use of the crosswalks.”Town Manager Jamie Justice supports this initiative."We want everyone to be safe. There is so much activity in these pedestrian safety zones," Justice said. "We ask that everyone use the approved crosswalks to avoid any more pedestrian injuries or fatalities." Town leaders said they adopted the "improper road crossing ordinance" after three incidents where people were hit and killed in recent years.Over the last month, Davidson police officers have been educating people about the new rule.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/davidson-citing-people-improperly-cross-street-jaywalk-fine/275-c7389180-f0da-44c4-8236-dafcfbbcc8c6Watch 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!

Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man seen entering dorm rooms at Belmont Abbey College.The man entered dorm rooms at St. Michael's Dorm early Sunday morning, according to the Belmont Abbey College Police Department. Police say he only entered dorm rooms that were unlocked. Police did not say if anyone was harmed or if any items were stolen during the incident.The man was later seen getting in an unidentified blue vehicle.Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Belmont Abbey College police at (704) 400-6200.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/police-looking-to-identify-intruder-who-entered-belmont-abbey-college-dorm-rooms-belmont-north-carolina/275-808774fa-a6fd-49b3-b31d-c0d7429d2f3dWatch 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 19-year-old has been charged in connection to a 2021 Charlotte homicide, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He was already in custody in Mecklenburg County for an unrelated murder.WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the severity of the crimes committed. In July of 2021, 33-year-old Michael Camp died from his injuries after being shot in the area of Pressley Road, between Clanton Road and South Tryon Street.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/suspect-charged-2021-homicide/275-97377e8e-9481-4f3e-bcdd-6b335d7fc21d

Tropical Storm Idalia left many coastal communities partially underwater in South Carolina and North Carolina as it dumped heavy rain on the region Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Richard DeVayne joins us from Charleston with the latest update on conditions, where forecaters say the fifth-highest storm surge ever recorded happened during Idalia. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/hurricane-idalia-flooding-rain-carolinas/275-83bf3e09-e95a-497a-86d2-63ae96d4acceStudents at the University of North Carolina return to class for the first time Thursday since a professor was shot and killed on campus. Thousands of people gathered to honor the life of Zijie Yan Wednesday night, with the university's chancellor addressing them during a vigil. Destiny Richards has a report on what students are feeling as they prepare for life after tragedy. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/unc-chapel-hill-bell-tower-professor-honored-killed-in-shooting-zijie-yan/275-efd7f33f-cbde-49d6-82b6-aae6a44f635bPlus, we're going over the biggest headlines to get your day started with 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! Sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter: www.wcnc.com/email

A natural gas leak caused last week's Mooresville home explosion that killed the father of Tennessee Titans player Caleb Farley, Iredell County investigators revealed Tuesday. The Iredell County Fire Marshal's Office said the explosion was triggered by natural gas with an unknown point of origin. While investigators were able to make that determination, the office said the instability of the home's remaining structure prevented them from investigating the cause and origin of the explosion.Robert Farley, 61, died in the explosion while another person at the home, identified as 25-year-old family friend Christian Rogers, suffered a concussion and was treated at a Charlotte hospital.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/mooresville-nc-home-explosion-chris-caleb-farley-local-news/275-e43a78c3-914f-461a-aa4b-2d198c662fc1

The Charlotte City Council was expected to decide at Monday night's council meeting which project proposal it prefers for Eastland Yards. However, instead of voting for one plan, councilmembers voted unanimously to task the developers behind the two final proposals to collaborate on one new vision. The future of the 29-acre site of part of the old Eastland Mall property could finally be determined after what some community members have called a drawn out process. City leaders have previously said they're taking their time to make sure they find the right fit for the site but neighbors are tired of the site sitting vacant. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-city-council-discuss-eastland-yards/275-0a7c246e-e7e5-4457-ad37-134f23c9900cMonday, a Gastonia church closed its encampment where dozens of homeless people lived. Some have been there for months, some even a year.This is the same church in a legal battle with the city of Gastonia.Faith Hope and Love Community Enrichment Ministries said they were between a rock and a hard place. They continued to face fines from the city and with the lawsuit looming, closing the encampment was the only thing they felt they could do.Pastor Moses Colbert is the executive director of the ministry.“It is heart-wrenching because we have all of these people and we have to put them off the property and they have nowhere to go,” Pastor Moses Colbert said.Many people lived in tents on the property. Pastor Moses Colbert said the population reaches over 100 at night. They were all told they had to vacate by Monday morning.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gastonia/gastonia-church-closes-homeless-encampment/275-ffd1377f-d60c-40ba-a93f-e00ef2d89c12Watch 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!

Dozens of people came together to honor the life of Shanquella Robinson, the 25-year-old Charlotte woman who was killed in Mexico while on vacation with friends in October 2022.Loved ones are turning this tragedy into purpose. An empowerment brunch was hosted by SBR Helping Hands, a nonprofit named after Robinson. The women behind the group, which includes Shanquella’s sister Quilla Long, said they are determined to keep Shanquella's legacy alive and push initiatives she was passionate about.“With this we [definitely] want to keep her name alive,” Keairra Grier, chief marketing officer of SBR Helping Hands, said.Shanquella’s story touched the hearts of many – many who marched and wrote letters demanding justice for her. SBR Helping Hands said this organization is their way to give back.“The story was just devastating. I'm a mom and there are so many unanswered questions that need to be answered… so why not come and support,” said Caila Jerigan, a guest.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/keeping-shanquella-robinsons-legacy-alive-sbr-helping-hands-kicks-off-with-empowerment-brunch-charlotte-north-carolina-keairra-grier/275-a17204ee-3d55-42e0-b457-0b4c6606865aWatch 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!

Caleb Farley said he received a call he would have never been prepared for. "It didn’t sound good from the start," Farley said recalling the call that told him his father had been killed in a North Carolina home explosion.One person was killed and another was taken to the hospital after a Mooresville home near Lake Norman exploded early Tuesday morning, Iredell County emergency officials confirmed. Multiple agencies responded to the explosion at a home along Barber Loop and Old Arborway Road, which is just off Brawley School Road. It happened right around midnight. When the Iredell County Sheriff's Office arrived, deputies reported a heavy smell of natural gas on the property. Hazmat crews were immediately called to assist with the situation.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/lake-norman-home-explosion-mooresville-iredell/275-67d8d9c6-a294-45e9-ab0c-198c23bde119

A former Burke County teacher who also worked at a church in Morganton is facing charges for alleged crimes against children, investigators announced Wednesday. Aaron Doyle Mirtsching was charged with three counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor by the Burke County Sheriff's Office after deputies received an online tip alleging Mirtsching of misconduct. He was arrested and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, Aug. 24. Mirtsching was a kindergarten teacher at New Dimensions Charter School in Morganton, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn profile. The school confirmed that Mirtsching was a former employee, telling WCNC Charlotte he resigned after the last school year and was not involved with the school when he was arrested. "We are cooperating with all authorities involved with this investigation," the school said in a statement. "At this time, we have not been made aware of any circumstances relating to New Dimensions."Thrive Church in Morganton said Mirtsching was fired from his staff position after being arrested. Church leaders said they were unaware of any ongoing investigation before they were notified of his arrest. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/burke-county-north-carolina-teacher-charged-crimes-against-children-church-employee/275-eb44b92d-712f-4a77-ae88-57216e44fbe1

Caleb Farley said he received a call he would have never been prepared for. "It didn’t sound good from the start," Caleb Farley said. His father, Robert Farley, was killed when his house near Lake Norman in Mooresville exploded around midnight Monday night. Emergency officials said a natural gas leak is the suspected cause of the explosion, which remains under investigation. For Farley, it was another devastating blow. His mother died from breast cancer in 2018. Farley's teammates with the Tennessee Titans, as well as thousands of fans and supporters, offered their condolences online as the Catawba County native copes with the heartbreaking news. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/lake-norman-home-explosion-mooresville-iredell/275-67d8d9c6-a294-45e9-ab0c-198c23bde119Ask any parent and they'll tell you that finding child care is one of the biggest challenges they've faced. And experts say it's only going to get worse. Emergency federal funding that's kept many day care facilities open the last two years will run out in December and it could have devastating consequences. Hundreds of day care centers could be forced to close if a solution isn't found soon. Michelle Boudin shares details on what parents can expect and how industry leaders are pushing lawmakers for money to avoid an imminent crisis. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/child-care-crisis-emergency-funding-runs-out-wheres-the-money-parents-struggling-north-carolina/275-26fdc31b-e147-496f-a8db-118ed8683e8bWatch 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 3-year-old girl was killed and three other people were injured in a rollover crash in the Millbridge community in Rowan County Sunday afternoon, North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Monday. The crash happened along White Road near North Carolina 150, not far from Mill Bridge Speedway, around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. According to state troopers, the driver of a 2004 Scion went off the right side of the road, drove into the ditch and the vehicle flipped over. Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletterTroopers identified the girl who was killed as 3-year-old Ema Gutierrez. No charges have been filed in connection with the crash at this time, Highway Patrol said. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/rowan-county-north-carolina-deadly-crash-kills-3-year-old-child/275-f49d8a03-9d37-4775-99ae-df51b9dbc448Watch 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 person was arrested after a homicide happened Sunday.Gastonia police say the homicide happened around 3 p.m. Sunday at Faith Hope Love on North Oakland Street. No information was given on how the homicide took place or how many victims there were.A suspect was taken into custody at the scene, police said.https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/homicide-under-investigation-in-gastonia-suspect-arrested-north-carolina-oakland-street-faith-hope-love/275-4c80f1f0-b772-429d-9f28-301149f51b9dWatch 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 child is in the hospital after an apparent accidental shooting in Lenoir, according to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.Deputies responded to a home along Rocky Road around 10:40 a.m., responding to a call about an accidental shooting. The child was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries. As of publication, the sheriff's office did not know the child's condition and did not share the child's age.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/child-shot-caldwell-county-nc-local/275-bd78e595-e8b6-4ec0-bb73-cc09c1ea3315

One person was found shot to death at a northwest Charlotte gas station Wednesday morning. "People just done care anymore," said Lynette Jewel, who lives close by. "A shooting at this time of day -- it could have been anybody."Emergency crews responded to the reported shooting near the intersection of Bellhaven Boulevard and Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road around 10 a.m. Medic confirmed one person was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Crime tape was put up in the parking lot of a QuikTrip gas station at the intersection. The shooting happened near where Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road meets North Carolina 16, near Interstate 485. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, police were pursuing a larceny suspect before the shooting took place. That suspect reportedly fired one shot while driving off. Then, police said the suspect got into an "altercation" with a person at the QuikTrip gas pump. That person drew a firearm before shooting and killing the suspect, according to CMPD. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/northwest-charlotte-deadly-shooting-bellhaven-boulevard-mt-holly-huntersville-road/275-c5dd7c0e-cd10-4507-bfab-484699db0372

Ready to feel old and out of touch? Apparently it's not hip to use "LOL" in texting anymore. So before you ha, ROFL or LMAO, consider giving "IJBOL" a spin. Experts say this term, which stands for "I just burst out laughing," has gained popularity with teens since the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, we're quizzing each other on all the hot new slang, such as drip, stan, Heather and situationship. Wednesday is the first day of school for tens of thousands of kids in the Charlotte area as Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln counties welcome students back to class. Destiny Richards joins us live from Gaston County, where district leaders are working to regain teachers' trust after payroll problems caused many educators to bring home incorrect or no pay at times. And finally we're connecting the dots on self-driving cars. The concept sounds great. You don't have to do the actual driving and you should in theory not be stuck in a traffic. But it turns out that isn't true. Ben Thompson explains why experts say a self-driving car may be safer, but that security will mean more time behind the wheel. 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!

Saturday was a day for prayer at a Charlotte church as loved ones, neighbors, and advocates lifted their voices in prayer for Allisha Watts, the missing Moore County woman who was last seen in Charlotte in the middle of July 2023.Racial Justice Network organized the event at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. The group's president, Dr. Candace Brewer, spoke about the need to continue the search.Watts' sister, Tammy Utley, also attended and thanked everyone for their prayers for her older sister.She said about Watts, "Life is not the same. It's like an empty piece is there for her. It's like we're missing that piece."The missing 39-year old from Moore County woman was last seen on July 16 with her boyfriend, James Dunmore, leaving his Charlotte home.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/allisha-watts-prayer-vigil-charlotte-nc-local/275-2fc4bf86-4c2b-4598-bfa2-a54ac8ccb69f

A plane crash into Lake Hickory left two people dead on Sunday, the Hickory Fire Department says.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.Authorities were called to a plane crash on Lake Hickory near Selkirk Drive in Catwaba County on Sunday around 11:30 a.m. A single-engine Super Petrel Amphibious Plane struck power lines and crashed just after departing the Hickory Regional Airport.A power line was also knocked down due to the crash, initially causing over 18,000 outages shortly before noon. Duke Energy told WCNC Charlotte that they rerouted power in order to restore it quickly. Power was fully restored by around 1:30 p.m.The crash happened in the part of Lake Hickory that is inside Caldwell County, but all of the power outages are inside the City of Hickory in Catawba County. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/plane-crashes-into-lake-hickory/275-ba6d38b3-0573-4daf-ab5e-243dbbc3806aA man is dead after being shot and killed by a Hickory police officer overnight. Shortly after midnight on Sunday, the Hickory Police Department responded to a call about a home being shot into on the 800 block of 5th Avenue SW in Hickory.When officers arrived at the scene, they found the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Timothy Craig Setzer, Jr. Setzer ran from the police after they tried to make contact with him. Police chased Setzer, telling him to stop, but Setzer continued to flee and then turned and pulled a gun from his waistband. At that point, officers shot at Setzer.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/man-killed-officer-involved-shooting-hickory-nc/275-70f6ffbe-940d-4759-b741-151e9e624a30Watch 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!

After being shut down for a month, Carowinds' Fury 325 roller coaster officially reopened Thursday. It's been a lengthy repair procedure for the ride, which was closed all of last month after a guest recorded a video showing a huge crack on one of the coaster's support beams. Now, Carowinds has confirmed repairs, testing and final inspection by the North Carolina Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau have been completed. By 3 p.m. Thursday, riders had returned to the coaster.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/fury-325-reopened-repair-testing-carowinds/275-01fb9797-a583-45ff-8e1a-d51dc7461367Plus, Taylor Swift made a big announced this week when she told fans at a Los Angeles concert that she'll be releasing the "Taylor's Version" of her "1989" album. If you aren't a Swiftie, you may not realize why that's a big deal. It actually has to do with a yearslong legal fight over who actually owns her music as Swift tries to earn her art. And finally there's a new debate taking over social media. Do you shower at night or in the morning? A popular TikTok user shared a video explaining his choice and we can't help but weigh in ourselves. What's your preference and why? Text us at 704-329-3600! 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!

County officials are mourning the loss of a long-serving commissioner who they say was passionate about the community.Stony Rushing, the Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman, died after battling health issues over the past year, Union County officials said on Tuesday.Rushing was a county commissioner for 13 years. He was first elected in 2002 and served until 2006 before joining the board again in 2014 where he served to the present. Rushing served as the chairman of the board during his second stint."Chairman Rushing loved Union County and was passionate about serving this community," county officials said in a statement. "His contributions to Union County have been immeasurable and will leave a lasting impact."In 2019, Rushing made an unsuccessful bid for North Carolina's 9th congressional district in a special election that was held after voting fraud allegations prevented certification of the 2018 election's winner, Mark Harris, a Charlotte area pastor. Harris chose not to run in the special election and endorsed Rushing.Rushing is survived by his wife, Anne-Marie, and their two children.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/union-county-commissioner-chairman-dies-after-health-complications-stony-rushing/275-7aad7ab4-359a-4b21-b7e1-427bb434b12aA single winning ticket sold in Florida has taken the $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot, the largest in the game's history.Seven tickets that matched five white balls but not the gold Mega Ball were sold, with $1 million winners in California, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia and $2 million winners in Florida and North Carolina. The jackpot now resets to a measly $20 million. It was a long stretch of jackpot futility, but Tuesday night's 32nd straight drawing since the last winner still didn't set a record. The longest run for a Mega Millions jackpot was 36 drawings that ended on Jan. 22, 2021, with someone winning a $1.05 billion jackpot."There’s always an air of excitement around the country when Mega Millions jackpots soar," said Gretchen Corbin, the Mega Millions Consortium lead director and Georgia Lottery CEO, in a release. "The growing jackpot is a source of entertainment and winnings for players while generating important dollars for the good causes supported by each lottery."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/mega-millions-winning-numbers-tuesday-aug-8-2023/507-acb114bf-90f7-4321-8490-8830e4a66aecWatch 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!

Mega Millions is soaring to record heights after nobody won the $1.35 billion jackpot Friday, with a new estimated jackpot of $1.55 billion, the largest Mega Millions prize ever and the third-largest lottery prize overall.Nine tickets matched all five white balls but not the gold Mega Ball; tickets in Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas won $1 million, and two tickets in Michigan and Tennessee are worth $2 million with the Megaplier. A ticket sold in downtown Los Angeles won the $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot last month. "There’s always an air of excitement around the country when Mega Millions jackpots soar," said Gretchen Corbin, the Mega Millions Consortium lead director and Georgia Lottery CEO, in a release. "The growing jackpot is a source of entertainment and winnings for players while generating important dollars for the good causes supported by each lottery."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/mega-millions-winning-numbers-friday-aug-4-2023/507-de7d8974-000f-45b5-84cb-5faf8ffd91e0Watch 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!

The assistant superintendent for Union County Public Schools was arrested and charged with driving while impaired (DWI) and stop sign violation early Sunday morning and has now been placed on paid administrative leave.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.Bashawn Harris, 48, was arrested at Marie Garris Dr. and Guion Ln. in Stallings shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday.Harris is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Union County Public Schools. He was appointed to this position in July 2020 after serving as the School Performance Officer for two years. He has been put on administrative leave for an unknown amount of time.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/assistant-superintendent-arrested-dwi-union-county/275-3ea12fb0-fe68-463d-a94d-e10ba9da48adWatch 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!

Donald Trump is due in federal court Thursday to answer to charges that he sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, facing a judge just blocks from the U.S. Capitol that his supporters stormed to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.In what's by now become a familiar but nonetheless stunning ritual, Trump is expected to be processed by law enforcement, be officially taken into custody and enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge before being released, so he can rejoin the campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.An indictment Tuesday from Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo the presidential election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-arraignment-jan-6-charges/507-290433e7-49c2-420b-9b2a-d4410e13c6cb

Police say a man was arrested after he rammed into six migrant farm workers outside a Walmart in Lincolnton on Sunday afternoon. Lincolnton police responded to a reported crash at the Walmart on North Generals Boulevard around 1:15 p.m. Sunday. Detectives said a man driving a black SUV turned as if he was going to park near a bus, but instead of parking, the driver plowed into a group of migrant workers who were standing outside the store. Six people were taken to the hospital for their injuries and have now been released, according to police. Police said 20 to 30 people were on a grocery run when the six were hit, though it's not clear how many people were standing outside the store at the time of the incident. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/police-searching-for-driver-who-intentionally-hit-six-workers-at-walmart-in-lincolnton-north-carolina/275-e1c9e868-95a3-4039-bcac-4642ef7c02c6A South Carolina judge denied bond for the woman charged with driving drunk and killing a Charlotte bride on her wedding night in Folly Beach earlier this year. Tuesday's hearing was the second time Komoroski asked a judge for bond, according to WCBD. Jamie Komoroski, 25, is facing multiple charges including reckless homicide. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Forensic Services Laboratory report, obtained by WCNC Charlotte, shows Komoroski had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.261%.It's illegal in South Carolina to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/alleged-drunk-driver-folly-beach-crime-bride-killed-golf-cart/275-e306bfb7-b802-43f8-8f64-264fea9ac81f

Starting Aug. 1, several benefits and exceptions that were made available through the WIC and SNAP food assistance programs during the pandemic will come to an end.According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 1.6 million people in North Carolina receive SNAP benefits and 260,000 North Carolinians are enrolled in WIC, a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.Although the public health emergency ended in May 2023, families tell WCNC Charlotte’s Jesse Pierre that people are still facing higher costs of living, inflation, and other financial expenses and those benefits provided them with relief.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.“Food has risen in cost just like a lot of things have and it’s def been helpful to focus my money, what money I do have on other things instead of having to think am I going to be able to feed my family tonight,” said Alyssa Herrholz, the mother of a two-year-old.Herrholz is enrolled in both programs.“It is something I look forward to every month because it saves us every month in lots of ways,” said Herrholz.For WIC, the changes mean fewer options for families. For example, loosened restrictions are ending that allowed families to make brand substitutions.Crisis Assistance Ministry CEO, Carol Hardison, said the flexibility allowed families to make healthier choices.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/regional/expanded-benefits-wic-snap-programs-pandemic-end-aug/275-b7fb9b0c-fe55-4161-be43-006274a05b52Watch 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 people were treated for injuries after a shooting following a domestic dispute on Sunday. Matthews police say a man was shot by his girlfriend's ex-husband and shot at by his girlfriend's ex-husband's brother at Windsor Park on Sunday around 12:15 p.m. The shooting happened after a domestic dispute regarding a child exchange in the parking lot of the park.The victim and his girlfriend drove toward a local hospital as the suspects followed them before leaving the area. Police say both victims were treated for injuries and released from the hospital. The shooting suspect was found driving near the 7-Eleven gas station on E. Independence Boulevard near Matthews-Mint Hill Road, where he was treated for injuries to his arm. The suspect's brother and two children were also in the car at the time of the shooting, police said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/shooting-matthews-gas-station-injures-one-person/275-2ea212cd-4d5c-4d44-900a-012fa8bbd661

Police are looking to identify three people after a break-in at a jewelry store on early Thursday morning.Officers responded to Fink's Jewelers in Huntersville around 3:25 a.m. on Thursday after a break-in was reported. A witness told police they saw a blue van parked outside of the store, broken glass, and several people inside.The suspects left the store and attempted to drive away in the van, but it broke down so they ran from the area where police believe they were picked up by another car. The three suspects are described as: Large framed man wearing a white button-down shirt, gray pants, a dark baseball hat, sunglasses, an N95-type mask, and gloves Large framed man wearing a light-colored hoodie, black sweatpants, a head covering, sunglasses, gloves, and white sneakers A person who stayed in the van with an unknown description READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/police-investigation-underway-birkdale-village-huntersville/275-71d732ca-8e20-493e-98d1-9af32fa5a89a

Bus lanes along East Independence Boulevard could reopen in early 2024.Wednesday night, Charlotte's Metropolitan Transit Commission approved $550,000 in additional funds to complete the project.The project was initially expected to cost about $750,000 and restore access for buses and emergency vehicles to lanes closed since 2017. According to the resolution set forth by the City of Charlotte, work was expected to be completed by the end of 2022.An NCDOT spokesperson did not say Wednesday night why the project was not finished as planned last year. The project, which is expected to be funded by the CATS Capital Investment Plan, is now expected to cost $1.3 million.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/independence-boulevard-bus-lanes/275-4deb1483-00e5-4a0f-af14-30ba700fa9dd

The Mega Millions jackpot is inching closer to $1 billion after no one won the $820 million prize Tuesday. The jackpot now sits at $910 million for Friday night's drawing.Two players won at least $1 million: a ticket in Maryland matched five white balls but not the Mega Ball, and another in Texas is worth $4 million thanks to the added Megaplier.The prize is now the eighth-largest U.S. lottery prize and the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history. July has been a hot month for lottery prizes after a ticket sold in downtown Los Angeles won the $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot. Mega Millions hasn't seen a grand prize winner since April 18, when a 71-year-old man from New York won the state's largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. Johnnie Taylor of Howard Beach in Queens, New York, won $476 million but opted for the cash option — a lump sum of more than $157 million after taxes.Since mid-April, there have been 28 drawings without a grand prize winner. Winners almost always take the cash option, but they do have a choice to instead get the full amount in regular payments over 29 years. The cash option for Tuesday's drawing is $422 million.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/mega-millions-winning-numbers-tuesday-july-25-2023/507-b22fb8c6-e8df-4539-9a6f-6149863776fbWatch 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!

ESPN's iconic "College GameDay" show will roll into the Queen City for the season-opening matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks, the network announced Monday. The Tar Heels and Gamecocks will face off in the Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. "GameDay" will be held at nearby Romare Bearden Park on Sept. 2, where it's previously welcomed guests for the huge Clemson vs. Georgia game in 2021, as well as ACC championship games. Rece Davis will be joined by Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee, as well as Lee Corso, who will put on a mascot head for the first time in 2023 at the show. Both teams enter the season with high expectations due to experienced quarterbacks. UNC's Drake Maye is one of the preseason Heisman favorites, while South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler showed flashes in wins over Tennessee and Clemson last season. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaaf/espn-college-gameday-charlotte-north-carolina-vs-south-carolina-college-football-2023-romare-bearden-park/275-42e77e50-b46d-4ad8-b651-e59bc8de7383Watch 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 vigil was held at Camp Greene Park on Sunday to remember a woman who was killed nearly a week ago.Family and friends honored Tyra Crosby, the 25-year-old woman who died after being shot on Tuesday, July 18 at a home on Porter Street. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Stephanie Alexander, 51, came home to find Crosby in her home early when she shot and killed Crosby. Crosby's family told WCNC Charlotte that Crosby was invited over by Alexander's husband. One by one, Crosby's loved ones shared stories and memories. They described her as a beautiful soul and an angel that will watch over everyone. “But I am so grateful for whatever god sent her to do, she accomplished that mission," Hoskins said. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/community-holds-vigil-in-honor-of-woman-shot-and-killed-in-northwest-charlotte-north-carolina-tyra-crosby-stephanie-alexander/275-67bcfc7b-dfbf-47fb-a038-d8c6474d030dThe White House on Thursday expressed deep concern about the well-being of a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed North Korea border earlier this week as North Korean officials have yet to respond to U.S. requests for basic information about the AWOL soldier.The history of rough treatment of Americans detained by North Koreans — including the 2017 death of a 22-year-old student after he was flown home in a vegetative state after 17 months in captivity — is top of mind as U.S. officials seek answers about Pvt. Travis King.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/north-korea-us-soldier-across-border/507-a6a73bd3-e0a6-4c33-98d4-f017cdcef368Watch 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!

Investigators are continuing to try and find out what happened to Madalina Cojocari, a Bailey Middle School student who went missing in November 2022, but say that reported sightings of her have proved not to be her.The Cornelius Police Department says they have received numerous tips about possible sightings of Cojocari but all have been determined to be false. This announcement comes just two days after search warrants relating to her disappearance were unsealed in Mecklenburg County.In the search warrants, investigators describe a lead on a child that looked like Cojocari with her only known blood relative in the United States. Police also said they were looking into a tip of a possible Cojocari sighting in California earlier this month.However, police doubled down on Thursday, saying that Cojocari was last seen getting off a school bus on Nov. 21, 2022.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cornelius-police-say-reported-madalina-cojocari-sightings-were-not-her-north-carolina-missing-girl-diana-cojocari-christopher-palmiter-disappearance/275-fe3c72d9-746a-49ff-8521-46c7904fb201

A month has passed since a mobile home park in Kannapolis was flooded due to torrential rain. Dozens of residents had to evacuate and power was knocked out for days. The city of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, and the Red Cross asked Camino to help because of its extensive experience working with the Latino community for the last 20 years. The organization has been sending out team members on a weekly basis to check in with neighbors. Deidre John, Camino's director of community outreach and engagement, told WCNC Charlotte they assisted 26 families, or a total of 80 people, to move back home. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/kannapolis-flooding-latino-community-local/275-416eadc1-829a-49a5-b798-08b794e8c20b

Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh is serving out a double life sentence at a South Carolina prison. The disgraced lawyer was convicted of murder in March of this year for the shootings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Hours ago, pictures began circulating online, showing what seems to be selfies Murdaugh has taken while in prison. The images have generated lots of online conversation, with people wondering where these pictures came from. Is it contraband? Is it legal? Is it really Murdaugh? News 19 went searching for answers and found that yes, it’s totally legal. In fact, the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) tells us it’s a service given to all inmates.The pictures of Murdaugh were released after a Freedom of Information Act request was filed, which provides the public the right to request access to federal agency records. The SCDC tells News 19 that every inmate is issued a tablet, which they can use to make monitored telephone calls, take classes, read books, subscribe to entertainment that is pre-approved and receive messages from the institution. The department says they are not connected to the internet or to social media.These tablets are from ViaPath Technologies, the department’s telephone partner, formerly called GTL. According to a statement from the company, it serves more than 2,100 facilities and over 1.6 million inmates in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/photos-circulating-online-inmate-alex-murdaugh-appears-selfies-inside-prison/101-24005ef8-01f5-4e22-9072-47618082b9bfA man was arrested after police say he impersonated a medical professional and performed an illegitimate medical exam on a woman.The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said that a woman reported the incident on Tuesday, July 11. She told officers a person impersonating a medical professional gave her a medical exam at her home on Teal Point Drive. The type of exam given was not released, however, this incident has been labeled as a sexual assault investigation.The impersonator was identified as Daniel Pitti-Casazola, 41. Police said that Pitti-Casazola was working as a Spanish language interpreter with the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department at the time of the incident.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/mecklenburg-county-health-worker-accused-of-sexual-assault-posing-as-medical-professional-charlotte-north-carolina-daniel-pitti-casazola/275-2b83d04a-af61-4c9b-8b73-cbe9aa3c3ea8Watch 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!

Air quality in Charlotte is now "unhealthy" for some members of the general public and not just those who have health-related sensitivities. An Air Quality Alert is in effect through midnight for all North Carolina counties. Smoke from the fires in Canada is once again having an impact on the area. Expect reduced visibility and air quality concerns for sensitive groups. Plus, Richard DeVayne joins the show from east Charlotte, where a child was rescued and a woman was taken to the hospital after a SWAT situation Monday night. When officers were approaching the apartment, a person fired at least one shot inside the apartment, according to CMPD. Officers entered the apartment and saw a woman reaching for a gun, and told the woman to stop moving, according to CMPD. At that point, CMPD says, one officer fired his weapon.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/suspect-barricaded-after-shooting-in-southeast-charlotte-police-say-krefield-drive-independence-blvd/275-5f688463-d5b8-47c9-bcd0-c8e25e7c9ed7Plus, we have the top headlines across the Charlotte area 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!

Alexander Rescue Squad announced the search is over for a missing woman who was swept into Duck Creek Saturday night. Officials said Lisa Riahi, 49, was in a vehicle with a passenger on Dover Church Road when the roadway began to flood. The two people tried to exit their vehicle while it was in the water. The other passenger, officials said, grabbed onto a tree for about 30 minutes when someone passing by spotted him and called 911. The rescue squad was then called out to the scene. The man was rescued at around midnight Saturday evening but they could not find Riahi. The search for the Riahi ended sometime Sunday morning when they recovered her body. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/swept-into-duck-creek/275-f600adf2-542c-42b1-99dd-01ef5e8cf9eb: 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!

Leaders at Union County Public Schools met to discuss increasing the number of school resource officers at Thursday night's Board of Education meeting.Before the meeting, only one deputy was assigned to two elementary schools at Union County Public Schools.Now, the goal is for every school to have an officer, and only six of the 39 Union County officers will have to work at two schools.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/union-county-public-schools-increasing-school-resource-officers/275-2a1f7b8a-2633-4c80-9f88-aeeba4dba090