WCNC Charlotte To Go

Crews with the Charlotte Fire Department worked to douse the flames on the top level of a condo block Tuesday afternoon. When firefighters searched the building, they reportedly found a dead person inside.More than 60 firefighters responded to the condominium units along West 8th Street near North Graham Street around 1:20 p.m. Crews shared a video to Twitter, showing flames and smoke rising from the top of the building. A WCNC Charlotte viewer shared two photos showing the earlier stages of the fire.No injuries were reported initially from the fire, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release just before 5:30 p.m. that crews had found a person's body during a search of the affected building.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/uptown-charlotte-nc-apartment-fire-local/275-8a2c2cba-b83c-4afe-930d-4e90af0aa6ee A four-day manhunt in Texas for a gunman accused of killing five neighbors ended Tuesday not far from the site of the shooting when authorities, acting on a tip, said they found the suspect hiding underneath a pile of laundry in the closet of a house.Francisco Oropeza, 38, was captured without incident near Houston and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from his home in the rural town of Cleveland, where authorities say he went next door and shot his neighbors with an AR-style rifle shortly before midnight Friday after some of them had asked him to go farther away if he was going to fire rounds in his yard so late. The gunfire was keeping a baby awake, they told him.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/texas-gunman-caught-after-manhunt-mass-shooting/507-69c1df2f-2e0b-4c9a-999c-26715784d8e5Watch 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 new bride was killed and her husband was critically injured in a crash just hours after their wedding in Folly Beach, police said. Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson and her husband, Aric, were riding on a golf cart when the driver hit them going approximately 65 mph, family members said. Samanta died from her injuries. Aric was critically injured and two other people on the cart were hurt. Tradesha Woodard has an update on the tragic case. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/newlyweds-serious-crash-golf-cart-folly-beach-south-carolina/275-c95e2a9e-9147-4b3c-b1b2-2f2f884b2d6dThe man charged with shooting a 6-year-old girl and her parents in Gaston County last month is expected in court Tuesday. Richard DeVayne has details on how authorities found Robert Singletary and the charges he faces in connection with the shooting. Plus, we're connecting the dots on why new data shows North Carolina and South Carolina are among the worst states for teachers to start their careers. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte and join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is making changes to its schedule to provide better service. Starting Monday, May 1, you will only be able to schedule DMV appointments during morning hours. There will be no appointments in the afternoon with the DMV expecting to serve walk-in clients during that time.FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/nc-dmv-changes-walk-in-appointment-schedule-as-of-may-1-2023-faster-line-saturday-hours-license-renewal-online-documents/83-d0452e70-9020-4f3c-93aa-0622cfbf398cPlus, Richard DeVayne joins the show to break down plans for the old Eastland Mall site. It could bring an entertainment venue, athletic fields, and an Esports site. It's named QC East, would involve Charlotte Soccer Academy, Southern Entertainment, and Carolina Esports Hub.FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/concert-venue-soccer-field-proposal-eastland-yards-charlotte/275-d0c3b6aa-88d8-439c-afb2-f6e9fb575e5bWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte and join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

The City of Gastonia will open a social district east to west along Main Avenue from CaroMont Heath Park (west) to Broad Street (east) on April 28. Officials said the purpose of the social district is to increase downtown walkability and exposure to downtown businesses. The social district will open on April 28 and operate Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.Plus on the live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're recapping the Panthers' big night at the NFL Draft. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the team's next franchise player, becoming the first Alabama QB to be taken No. 1 overall in school history. WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni chats with Young about the moment he was taken first overall and what he brings to the table as a franchise player. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/panthers-select-with-no-1-pick-in-2023-nfl-draft-carolina-panthers-charlotte-north-carolina-quarterback/275-6fd9fe2b-30d3-48cc-bf9e-3e1c3f0cf5c9

A fun day turned chaotic after shots rang out at the Chester County Baseball Complex last week.Megan Melton said she was there watching her loved ones play ball when the shots were fired. Her husband had just left the park moments before with their 1-year-old son.“We heard like a gunshot… kind of just looked around and stopped for a minute and it started going off again and again and again and again," Melton said. "We all got the kids and rushed them to the cars and they just evacuated the whole ball field.”The sheriff said they were investigating a deadly shooting elsewhere in the county when the shots were fired at the park.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/shots-fired-chester-county-baseball-complex/275-c2b7bf3f-1ebd-4a21-aa62-3986ce429960Plus on this morning's edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're previewing the NFL Draft! The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 overall pick and all signs are pointing to Alabama quarterback Bryce Young having his name called. But there are a few other players who could make history as the team's top pick, plus we're discussing some Charlotte natives hoping to live out their NFL dreams through the draft.

North Carolina Senate Republicans called Wednesday for the largest expansion of the state's private school voucher program since it was created, saying all families should qualify for at least some money regardless of income.Senate Bill 406 would remove the program’s current income caps, replacing them with a sliding scale that would let any family get a voucher, called an Opportunity Scholarship, of up to $3,246. From there the bill sets up a tiered system with families making less money eligible for larger scholarships, up to $7,213 a year.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/nc-republicans-private-school-education-vouchers/275-a4dd84da-4354-47be-b9f1-287147ee8913 A massive fire caused damage to multiple buildings in downtown Statesville early Tuesday morning. The fire was initially spotted by firefighters, who were responding to a separate call and noticed smoke coming from the downtown area. Once they arrived at the corner of West Broad Street and South Center Street after 2 a.m., they saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the buildings.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/firefighters-battle-major-fire-in-downtown-statesville-overnight-iredell/275-df2ed0b2-17e8-4451-b155-e538f22e954bPlus on our live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're highlighting Bountiful Blessings in Gastonia. This nonprofit is doing amazing work in the community, plus it's a food pantry that does more than collect food. They provide clothing, medical supplies and other essential items to neighbors in need. But they can't do it without your help. Text "Bountiful" to 44321 to learn how you can make a difference or click here --> https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/community/bountiful-blessing-volunteers-doing-good-charlotte-nc/275-75a416b1-d4c8-4fe2-9f00-c1e9ab0c4b90Watch 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!

All of the suspects accused of participating in a Union County mother's murder and kidnapping had court appearances Monday.Alison Thomas, 37, was reported missing from Flint Ridge Road in February. Weeks later, authorities found her body hours away in the woods of Jackson County.Michael Kasminoff, Brandon Kisiah, Amanda Griffin, Shawn Adkins, and William Mulenex are all charged with first degree murder in Thomas' death.“We're still trying to determine why that location, why Jackson County, instead of just, you know, right next door," Lt. James Maye, a Union County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said. "We're still working to determine the motive, and why the suspects did what they did.”While the motive is unclear, investigators have learned more about what may have happened the night Thomas disappeared.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/monroe-nc-county-missing-murder-kidnapping-charges/275-e0bbdc1e-303e-42cc-8c7d-b35e16ec6e76And on the live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're discussing afternoon naps! Yes, you're just starting your day, but it's never too early to start thinking about sleep. And if you do take a daily nap, how long do you rest? If it's more than 26 minutes ... that's bad news. We'll explain why NASA says that's the perfect length for your daily nap and the consequences of oversleeping in the afternoon. 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!

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a store at the Carolina Place Mall.The Pineville Police Department says the robbery happened at a jewelry store at the Carolina Place mall. Despite initial reports of shots being fired, police say shots were not fired during the robbery.Police also say no injuries were reported during the incident.There are no suspects in custody at this time.Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Pineville Police Department at (704) 889-8477.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/armed-robbery-under-investigation-at-carolina-place-mall-pineville-north-carolina-charlotte-robbery/275-649d6b7f-874e-4d31-97a4-f9e280b761a0Charlotte-based nonprofit Speed for Need said that their trailer with five custom wheelchairs was stolen from a lot near the Costwold area in Charlotte over the weekend.Speed for Need is a nonprofit that seeks to "raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need through participation in fitness events," according to their website.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.WCNC Charlotte spoke with Kevin Young, the co-founder and CEO of Speed for Need, about the theft and has also obtained security footage of the theft occurring over the weekend.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/trailer-five-customized-racing-wheelchairs-stolen-charlotte-nonprofit/275-1e7df5dc-5d91-41dc-abc1-b58493a3a803Watch 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!

Carowinds announced it will now require park visitors who are 15 or younger to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 after 4 p.m. to remain in the park. Any underage guests found in the park without a chaperone will be escorted out for the remainder of the day. Tradesha Woodard has the latest on the new policy, including details on previous incidents Carowinds says led to this change. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say violent crime is down in the Queen City but overall crime is up so far in 2023. New crime statistics released this week show property crime is up 10% in the first quarter of the year and 911 calls are also up. Richard DeVayne joins #WakeUpCLT To Go with information about CMPD's crime stats and measures officials are taking to reduce the number of arrests across the city. And finally, all parents know that getting their kids to eat their veggies is a never-ending struggle. But there could be an easier way that doesn't require much work. New research shows that simply taking more time during meals will actually encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Sarah French connects the dots on why taking a little longer could make a big difference for your child's nutrition. 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 North Carolina House passed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" on Wednesday. House Bill 574 states transgender girls are prohibited from participating in sports that correspond with their gender identity. Wednesday, lawmakers were joined by NCAA Champion Riley Gaines, a D1 swimmer from the University of Kentucky. She spoke out against the idea of transgender women competing in sports. She called the bill common sense and said for her, it hit close to home. “What I’ve been doing is this,” Gaines said. “I’m testifying. That’s why I’m grateful to be in North Carolina -- I’m hopeful they will do the right thing.”Gaines competed against transgender athlete Lia Thomas in the 2022 NCAA Division 1 women's swimming and diving championships. Gaines said Thomas had an unfair advantage.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/nc-bill-ban-transgender-athletes-girls-sports-teams-hearing/275-d4f9b869-3340-4675-9fa9-6172877f3ef8

Netflix is poised to end its once revolutionary DVD-by-mail service that set the stage for the streaming platform to become the name brand for entertainment in the 21st century. The DVD service, which still delivers movies and TV shows to customers in red-and-white envelopes, plans to mail its final discs on Sept. 29. Netflix ended March with 232.5 million worldwide subscribers to its video streaming service, but it stopped disclosing how many people still pay for DVD-by-mail delivery years ago as that part of its business steadily shrank. The DVD service generated $145.7 million in revenue last year, which translated into somewhere between 1.1 million and 1.3 million subscribers, based on the average prices paid by customers.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/entertainment-news/netflix-dvd-by-mail-service-ending/507-42b1a867-e581-4ffa-add3-9676482301ddPolice in Gaston County are looking for a man they say show two people Tuesday. It happened on Grier Street, which is just south of Gastonia. Richard DeVayne has the latest on the search for the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Robert Louis Singletary. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/2-people-shot-in-gaston-county-shooting-police-looking-for-suspect/275-01c013c1-a14c-4ba7-95b6-746a986718b5Researchers say air pollution is targeting communities of color nationwide. A new report from the American Lung Association says despite decades of progress, people of color are nearly four times more likely than white people to live in a county with high pollution counts. The Charlotte metro continues to be among the areas with the lowest air quality, coming in at No. 2 for the Southeast. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/air-pollution-meckelenburg-county-charlotte-nc/275-6824a816-1ef9-43d4-b8d5-44fc8ff0f5b0Watch 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 former West Rowan High School defensive football standout has died, according to his alma mater.Chris Smith, 31, a Salisbury native, died, according to West Rowan Football on Twitter. His cause of death has not been released at this time.Smith graduated from West Rowan High School in 2010 and was a star defensive end on the team. He helped the West Rowan Falcons capture the 2009 3A State Championship and was recruited to play for the University of Arkansas following high school.With the Razorbacks, Smith started games all four years in college and was selected second-team All-Southeastern Conference during his senior year in 2013.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/chris-smith-former-nfl-player-and-west-rowan-football-star-dies-at-31-football-bengals-browns-jaguars-panthers-raiders-texans-football-player-dies/275-afb71a07-954a-40bf-9356-33bfcda58588

The Supreme Court said Friday it was temporarily keeping in place federal rules for use of an abortion drug, while it takes time to more fully consider the issues raised in a court challenge.In an order signed by Justice Samuel Alito, the court put a five-day pause on the fast-moving case so the justices can decide whether lower court rulings restricting the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug, mifepristone, should be allowed to take effect in the short term.The justices are being asked at this point only to determine what parts of an April 7 ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas, as modified by an appellate ruling Wednesday, can be in force while the case continues. The order expires late Wednesday, suggesting the court will decide that issue by then.The court finds itself immersed in a new fight involving abortion less than a year after conservative justices reversed Roe v. Wade and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.President Joe Biden's administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, the maker of the pill, asked the justices to intervene.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Friday evening that the administration continues “to stand by FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone, and we will continue to support the FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/supreme-court-abortion-pill-rules/507-d6394128-e064-42ff-86fd-48800fc6d3c1Watch 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!

Attorneys worried it would be a mess, and they were right. The new computer system, which is called Odyssey or eCourts, was meant to modernize and connect all North Carolinas courts. Since launching in February in Wake, Harnett, Johnston and Lee counties, there have been so many issues that the planned May launch in Mecklenburg County has been delayed indefinitely.In February, WCNC Charlotte broke the story about $100 million would be spent on the technology from Tyler Technology, a manufacturer with a history of technical issues in other locales.The technology was supposed to launch in Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties in May, but the launch in Raleigh has been so troublesome, it’s now been delayed here. The delay could also end up costing taxpayers additional money.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/tech-issues-delay-charlotte-nc-court-computers-criminal-justice/275-d4d40734-2b34-4ba2-b7e4-88cde1e4db83

The U.S. has named a veterinary tranquilizer as an “emerging threat” when it's mixed with the powerful opioid fentanyl, clearing the way for more efforts to stop the spread of xylazine.The Office of National Drug Control Policy announced the designation Wednesday, the first time the office has used it since the category for fast-growing drug dangers was created in 2019.Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the drug policy office, said xylazine (pronounced ZAI’-luh-zeen) has become increasingly common in all regions of the country.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/us-names-xylazine-fentanyl-mixture-emerging-threat/507-dd09af52-08bc-4367-aa95-5cb78eb73b20

Warning: Story contains graphic detailsNew information about an alleged Easter Sunday killing at an east Charlotte apartment complex was shared during the suspect's first court appearance just days later.Around 10 a.m. Sunday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers responded to Southwood Oaks Lane, not far from Reddman Road, according to officials. When they arrived, they found 35-year-old Laura Miller dead.MORE NEWS: 15 people hospitalized after crash involving bus, Medic saysCMPD said they later located their suspect, identified as 36-year-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Rasales, when he was found allegedly driving Miller's car. He was then charged with murder, desecrating a body, and auto theft.Speaking to WCNC Charlotte through a translator, José Gonzalez said he called 911 Sunday morning after visiting his brother Gonzalez-Rasales' apartment and finding Miller's body inside. He said she lived nearby and was shocked, adding that it could be mental illness or others involved, but police say Gonzalez-Rasales is the man responsible.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/homicide-investigation-underway-in-east-charlotte-neighborhood/275-a33b170a-8f46-425b-bae0-2a513d4cd2dfThe family of Shanquella Robinson and their attorney will be speaking on Wednesday nearly six months after she died in Mexico.On Wednesday, the Robinson family along with their attorney Sue-Ann Robinson will give an update on their meeting with White House officials from the Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.Robinson's family met with White House officials in early April to speak about the investigation surrounding her death in October 2022.The community has been looking for answers and a bigger involvement from federal authorities ever since Robinson died on vacation in October 2022.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/shanquella-robinsons-family-to-give-update-after-meeting-with-white-house-officials-charlotte-north-carolina-shanquella-death-investigation/275-2077458a-3dc4-4151-bd58-34cbbfcee10fWatch 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!

Governor Henry McMaster and other local officials will meet Tuesday to continue their efforts of combating gun violence."I have been working on gun violence for a number of years since I was a state lawmaker," Nancy Mace, a U.S. congresswoman, said. "I have tried to bridge the divide between the left and the right to find real hardened solutions."The push comes days after a shooting on Isle of Palms, which left six people injured, with a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old facing charges.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/henry-mcmaster-south-carolina-gun-penalties/275-bc29a5fb-86b6-46a8-8cb5-434961a113b8The Charlotte City Council approved new third-party contracts for private security on Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) vehicles and at CATS facilities during its Monday meeting. The goal is to increase safety and security in the city's transit system. As the proposed contracts were awarded, security will change from Allied Universal Security to Strategic Security Corporation and Professional Security Services. Over the next few years, CATS plans to double what it spends on security from $7 million annually to $14 million to staff more guards. The new contracts will cover armed and unarmed security guards.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cats-private-security-charlotte-city-council-transit-system/275-c23f6dfa-4f4e-4b76-aa88-ecc27a007be3Watch 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!

Family and friends will gather Monday to celebrate the life of a prominent Charlottean.The memorial service for Leon Levine is Monday at Temple Israel on Providence Road.Levine founded Family Dollar Stores in 1959 with the first store opening on Charlotte's Central Avenue. And although Family Dollar has grown to over 8,000 stores across the country, Levine is most remembered as a philanthropist who donated millions toward advancing Charlotte's medical resources.According to Atrium Health, Levine is the largest individual donor to the Atrium Health Foundation.His donations to Atrium began in 1987 with a pledge to support the Children's Medical Network. Levine continued to be a big supporter of pediatric health in the area and donated $10 million to establish the Levine Children's Hospital in 2003.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/leon-levine-funeral-temple-israel-charlotte-nc/275-58456181-4ec9-444f-883e-6bc030145f55A homicide investigation is underway after a person died at an apartment complex in east Charlotte on the morning of Easter Sunday.There are conflicting stories, as Medic pronounced this incident as a cardiac arrest, while CMPD says it was a homicide. WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more about the situation and conflicting statements from officials.The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene along Southwood Oaks Lane, not far from Reddman Road, around 10 a.m.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/homicide-investigation-underway-in-east-charlotte-neighborhood/275-a33b170a-8f46-425b-bae0-2a513d4cd2dfWatch 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!

Republican lawmakers say their proposed North Carolina budget addresses inflation with big worker raises while spending cautiously, after the state House approved the two-year plan Thursday.The chamber voted 78-38 for the plan, which now goes to the Senate for consideration. The proposed budget would spend $29.8 billion during the fiscal year starting July 1 and $30.9 billion starting in July 2024.The House backed the measure on an initial vote Wednesday following roughly three hours of debate. In both votes, nine Democrats joined all Republicans present in voting for the bill.The bill would offer teachers a combined average raise of 10.2% over two years and rank-and-file state employee's raises of more than 7.5%.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-house-budget/275-307ad28c-37d0-47f8-b8ba-d10ec6f5839c

North Carolina lawmakers are looking at two bills to restrict high school sports for transgender athletes.Senate Bill 631, known as the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," says sports teams must be designated as either "male, men or boys," "females, women or girls," or "co-ed or mixed."The bill says male students can not partake in athletics designated for women and girls. The sex would be based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.The North Carolina High School Athletic Association allows transgender student-athletes to play sports based on their gender identification upon request.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/nc-legislation-proposed-to-restrict-transgender-student-athletes-north-carolina-transgender-bills-laws-restrictions/275-0cb69ead-536f-4362-bc1d-3aaf4d2d22be

Police are investigating a string of robberies in the first days of April that appear to be targeting the Hispanic community.According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, there have been 11 robberies in east and north Charlotte targeting Hispanic people since April 1.Investigators say the robberies took place late at night and early in the morning in apartment complex parking lots.Officers are working to identify suspects and determine if the robberies are connected.CMPD advises residents to park in well-lit areas and avoid gathering in parking lots late at night.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/hispanic-victims-targeted-in-nearly-a-dozen-robberies-across-charlotte-cmpd-says-investigation-11-robberies-in-april/275-729e2c99-ba43-4b11-b396-7c00b46698dcCharlotte-Mecklenburg School leaders are pushing for more resource officers in every elementary school, but they're facing some challenges including more money and staffing shortages.This comes over a week after a deadly shooting at a school in Nashville and gun laws are more relaxed here in North Carolina.The district said they're not starting from scratch, and they have already made safety investments in their schools. The investments include adding additional cameras, reinforcing entries, and replacing blind spots.CMS said as incidents continue to build over time, they're looking to reevaluate to ensure each and every student is safe.Some CMS leaders are putting together a plan to hire more school resource officers, but not necessarily an officer per school. They say this is a step in the right direction as they continue to grapple with ongoing shortages.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-leaders-school-rescource-officers/275-a36832ba-2b0e-491a-8cd4-f3a41d0fb58bWatch 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!

All eyes are on Charlotte transit leaders as they sort out several issues within CATS. This comes after learning of derailments not properly disclosed to local leaders, past due inspections and several concerns about safety.City leaders laid out an action plan to get operations back in order during the Transportation, Planning and Development committee meeting Monday."This thing is a cancer right and you have to retreat the cancer before it spreads," city council member Malcolm Graham said. "I think you can say it's spreading already because it is not just the derailments, it’s the maintenance, it's all of the other things we are dealing with."Interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle brought to light another issue. "There have been times when CATS has been operating the ROCC [Rail Operation Control Center] with one rail operator at a time... that is certainly not an ideal situation," Cagle said, citing staffing shortages.Cagle said the issue was reported to him by a rail operations manager. However, it was also reported anonymously to the NCDOT SSO which led to an unannounced inspection Friday night where that was the case.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cats-meeting-charlotte-light-rail-transportation/275-02e4a42e-1cbb-4b63-93f9-f54e7aad52dbThe Concord Police Department confirmed two missing boys who were believed to be with their father were found safe in Missouri Monday morning.The 8-year-old and 11-year-old brothers were reported missing on Saturday evening after officers responded to a kidnapping call along Wilshire Avenue Southwest.Police were told the brothers were taken from a neighbor’s yard where they were playing and put into a white vehicle by a Black male adult, who witnesses believed to be their father 35-year-old Aaron Eugene Toliver.Authorities believed Toliver was en route to Texas or Florida, where family members live, however, the boys were eventually found safe at 8:35 a.m. Monday at the Super 8 hotel on US 1301 Highway 136 West in Rock Port, Missouri.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/concord-police-search-missing-brothers-believed-to-be-with-father/275-e16ef2ab-55dd-4582-a6cb-e918440172deWatch 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!

In an effort to have more people in the Charlotte community about lifesaving measures, the Carolina Panthers will be joined by Damar Hamlin to train players and staff on CPR and other skills.The session will take place on April 3 at 10:45 a.m. at the Atrium Health Dome in Charlotte and is hosted by the American Heart Association. According to a release, the CPR automated external defibrillator (AED) course provides the highest level of training in the lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED.Hamlin, Nicole Tepper, and Nancy Brown, the CEO of the American Heart Association, will be special guest speakers at the event.Kevin King, the Panthers' head athletic trainer, along with several Atrium Health and American Heart Association personnel will speak to participants.The event will also be open to Panthers PSL owners.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/damar-hamlin-panthers-teaming-up-to-teach-players-and-staff-cpr-nfl/275-e4f8932b-e79a-4f14-b0b8-9fe03984fc9dWatch 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!

Charlotte's city manager admitted Thursday afternoon that he inadvertently didn't see a text message from former CATS CEO John Lewis about a minor light rail train derailment incident that happened in May 2022. The incident, which was only first revealed to the public this month, has called into question the reliability and transparency of the transit agency that has been under public scrutiny for employee safety, service disruptions, and staff shortages.City manager Marcus Jones, who was joined by interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle and city councilman Ed Driggs during a virtual briefing Thursday, said Lewis had sent him a message about the minor derailment of the LYNX Blue Line on May 21, 2022. No passengers or operators were injured when a middle set of wheels came off the track. Lewis told Jones in the text, which was read aloud during the briefing, that a bus bridge was in place while CATS investigated at the time.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/marcus-jones-cats-charlotte-nc-train-derailment-light-rail-investigation-text-message/275-0302adbb-faf3-401d-a4ad-2bb2802ed6ea

Former North Carolina state Sen. David Hoyle, a powerful force on taxes, economic development and education within state government when Democrats last controlled the General Assembly, died on Wednesday at age 84, his son said.Hoyle died at his home in the Gaston County seat of Dallas, where he had once elected been mayor in his 20s. His health had been declining since he suffered a stroke several years ago, according to his son David Hoyle Jr.Hoyle served nine terms in the Senate, where he was a longtime co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Hoyle and Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand was considered top lieutenants to then-Senate leader Marc Basnight of Dare County.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/former-n-carolina-senator-tax-secretary-david-hoyle-dies-at-84-north-carolina-dallas-nc-general-assebmly/275-5373072d-8bf8-4056-b36e-c844e68b8bd3

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools interim superintendent revealed a $2.2 billion budget recommendation Tuesday night.This money is for the district's operating budget and is funded by both the state and county.This year, the district plans to ask the Mecklenburg County Commission for $38.9 million more than it did last year to fund its portion."We took a look and asked a general question and said to people, 'We don't want you to think about money right now, we will ask a simple question, what systems and initiatives do we need to put in place to ensure the achievement of our goals and guardrails?'" Crystal Hill, CMS interim superintendent, said. The school board restructured how it governs itself in the last few years. It has a set of measurable action items and goals surrounding things like student achievement and test scores. Those goals inform what decisions the board makes and how funding is prioritized.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-billion-dollar-budget-recommendation-teacher-raises-covid-funds/275-4ff550e5-befa-4996-9196-9c5203d788a1Authorities have arrested the third and final suspect in a drive-by shooting from earlier this month in Statesville, police report.The United States Marshals Service, with the assistance of Carolina’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, took Javis Black, 22, into custody in Beckley, West Virginia, according to an update from the police department.Black, Tevin Seymour, and Dakota Michael Duke were all wanted for a March 15 shooting on Goldsboro Avenue. Within two days of the incident, authorities announced they had Seymour and Duke in custody. At the time, Black's whereabouts were unknown.Statesville Police said the three men fired into a home around 10 p.m. on March 15, hitting 19-year-old Zion Sincere Wilder and an unnamed 15-year-old in the head. Police said Wilder died at the scene and the 15-year-old remains in critical condition at the hospital.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/us-marshals-arrest-final-suspect-deadly-statesville-drive-by/275-eec12d9d-458e-4dd9-8d01-ed387223cbbfWatch 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 substitute bus for Hanford Dole Elementary had to stop at the Miller's Ferry Fire Department Monday afternoon after a student got sick on the bus, according to Rowan-Salisbury Schools.The school district said the bus had been on the route for about 10 minutes when it happened. As the bus made it to the fire department, two other students on board said they were feeling sick. The two students were taken to be evaluated at an area hospital, and the remaining students were moved onto another bus for the rest of the bus route.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/second-time-students-sick-hanford-dole-elementary-school-bus/275-439f40ec-85c0-4219-8d40-3df58e02e033Two people were taken into custody after a shooting between bondsmen and a suspect resulted in multiple houses being shot and a bystander being grazed by a bullet.According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, an assault for a deadly weapon call was made around 5 p.m. on Monday on Superior Street near Walker Branch Road. Two people were found in the area suffering from gunshot wounds.Police learned that bondsmen were attempting to serve outstanding warrants on a suspect when the person began shooting at them. The bondsman returned fire toward the suspect.During the course of the shootout, multiple nearby homes were hit by gunfire. An adult bystander was grazed by a bullet. The bystander was not transported to a hospital. Nobody in any of the homes suffered any injuries. Police are working to learn which of the people involved shot these houses.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/bystander-grazed-by-bullet-as-suspect-bondsmen-exchange-gunfire-in-southwest-charlotte-north-carolina-shooting-investigation-arrested/275-5654b31f-4fdd-49e7-9eb3-cf5ffaf2f3e0Watch 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!

Facing a potential indictment, Donald Trump took a defiant stance at a rally Saturday in Waco, disparaging the prosecutors investigating him and predicting his vindication as he rallied supporters in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.With a hand over his heart, Trump stood at attention when his rally opened with a song called “Justice for All” performed by a choir of people imprisoned for their roles in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Some footage from the insurrection was shown on big screens displayed at the rally site as the choir sang the national anthem and a recording played of Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-waco-rally/507-0988abe8-257f-4699-b7b9-48ab06ef1c48North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Saturday he will run for governor in 2024, a bid that will likely require him besting Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to earn the Republican nomination.While Republicans have controlled the Legislature since 2011 and won a majority on the state Supreme Court last November, they have struggled to enter the Executive Mansion. The GOP has won just one gubernatorial general election since 1992, and winner Pat McCrory served for just four years.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/elections/north-carolina-treasurer-running-nc-governor-2024/275-7190fcf7-d1eb-482c-8c87-4cad5aa78bacWatch 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 a panel about equal justice wrapped up on the campus of Livingstone College Thursday afternoon, Shanquella Robinson's family and their attorney have promised to continue to maintain pressure on federal authorities to either prosecute the people responsible for her death or extradite them to Mexico.Ben Crump joined Robinson's family for a news briefing at the Music Room inside the Varick Auditorium on Thursday. Crump was joined by several civil rights advocates as well, who all shared similar demands for intervention at the national level.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/shanquella-robinson-news-briefing-march-23-2023/275-429c3ffd-ec29-4433-8533-6cce401f71d7

The CEO of TikTok will make a high-profile appearance Thursday before a U.S. Congressional committee, where he'll face a grilling on data security and user safety while he makes his own case for why the hugely popular video-sharing app shouldn't be banned.Shou Zi Chew's testimony comes at a crucial time for the company, which has acquired 150 million American users but is under increasing pressure from U.S. officials. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have been swept up in a wider geopolitical battle between Beijing and Washington over trade and technology.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/tiktok-ceo-congress/507-ecfa0fe7-3601-43dc-b991-36782f178d9fNBA legend Michael Jordan's potential majority stake sale of the Charlotte Hornets seems no clearer than when reports initially came out about the possible move last week.On Wednesday, Jordan's family office, Jump Management, released a statement on the matter, saying that it remains unclear if a deal will take place between Jordan and Gabe Plotkin, a hedge fund executive who owns a minor stake in the team.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/michael-jordans-charlotte-hornets-sale-uncertain-family-office-says-nba-basketball-michael-jordan-lamelo-ball-sports-jump-management-gabe-plotkin/275-338fb615-08af-46b0-926c-716607b86469And finally on today's edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're discussing the importance of registering your pets in Mecklenburg County. And we're sharing your pet photos on our website!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!

Fort Mill Schools is pushing for new cameras on school buses to ensure the safety of all students."We ran into several challenges this year," Matt Purvis, the transportation specialist, said. "Our current cameras do not allow you to see what's going on."Purvis said the new bus camera systems would replace the older systems currently in use which are no longer supported by the manufacturer and lack coverage.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/fort-mill-schools-buses-camera-safety-education/275-4d7a4d38-a6de-47fd-8073-d6c2f8617221Police are investigating a scene where one person died on Tuesday.According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, one person was found dead in a home on Malibu Drive near Americana Avenue on Tuesday.Police say a family member came home and found the man dead. It is believed a suspect broke into the home during the homicide.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/1-person-dies-in-northeast-charlotte-homicide-malibu-drive-eastway-investigation-north-tryon/275-f88b2c4d-2c2a-4eaf-a2b9-4dd714c52e0dWatch 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 released bodycam footage of an incident where officers fired their weapons at a man while he was evading arrest.On Monday, CMPD posted the videos to the department's YouTube page. The videos show officers' actions during the incident.According to CMPD, officers located a stolen vehicle on LaSalle Street on Sept. 15, 2022 and conducted a traffic stop on the driver.During the traffic stop, Shaheed Covington, 19, fled the vehicle on foot while armed with a firearm, according to police.Covington then ran into a backyard of a home while still carrying a weapon. Multiple officers then fired their weapons at Covington. According to police, the officers perceived Covington to be an imminent threat.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cmpd-releases-bodycam-footage-of-officers-shooting-at-armed-suspect-shaheed-covington-charlotte-north-carolina-investigation/275-a235db1f-c5ae-4e75-b5d8-309b2df86902Over a month after a woman was reported missing in Union County, three people have been arrested for her death.On Monday, the Union County Sheriff's Office announced that Michael Kasminoff, 51, Brandon Kisiah, 27, and Amanda Griffin, 42, were arrested for the death of Alison Thomas, 37.Thomas was reported missing on Feb. 17. Family members told authorities she was last seen on Feb. 13.On March 9, Thomas was found dead in Jackson County. Authorities labeled Thomas's death as a homicide.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/three-arrested-for-womens-death-in-union-county-north-carolina-alison-thomas-michael-kasminoff-brandon-kisiah-amanda-griffin/275-1802bec1-54ba-4cf3-85c6-59d8d5f61cccWatch 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 claimed on Saturday that his arrest is imminent and issued an extraordinary call for his supporters to protest as a New York grand jury investigates hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.Even as Trump's lawyer and spokesperson said there had been no communication from prosecutors, Trump declared in a post on his social media platform that he expects to be taken into custody on Tuesday.His message seemed designed to preempt a formal announcement from prosecutors and to galvanize outrage from his base of supporters in advance of widely anticipated charges. Within hours, his campaign was sending fundraising solicitations to his supporters, while influential Republicans in Congress and even some declared and potential rival candidates issued statements in his defense.In a later post that went beyond simply exhorting loyalists to protest about his legal peril, the 2024 presidential candidate directed his overarching ire in all capital letters at the Biden administration and raised the prospect of civil unrest: “IT’S TIME!!!” he wrote. “WE JUST CAN’T ALLOW THIS ANYMORE. THEY’RE KILLING OUR NATION AS WE SIT BACK & WATCH. WE MUST SAVE AMERICA!PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!”READ MORE: wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-arrest-post-new-york-hush-money-case/507-1f806115-6973-4654-8ea2-1027aa1a0649Two people are dead after a shooting in east Charlotte on Sunday.According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, two people were pronounced dead after a shooting in a parking lot on The Plaza near Eastway Drive. CMPD and Medic responded to the scene around 9:30 p.m. and located two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.Officers believe the shooting happened during an altercation. They are searching for at least two suspects relating to this deadly shooting.Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or CMPD at (704) 432-8477.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/two-people-die-in-northeast-charlotte-homicide-cmpd-medic-investigation/275-3cc9d64c-fa55-4e25-91c1-35a8caf54744Watch 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 White House Thursday publically addressed the death of Shanquella Robinson for the first time Thursday."Let me just first say our hearts go out to Miss Robinson's family and friends," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "It is devastating what occurred."Earlier this week, attorneys Ben Crump and Sue-Ann Robinson shared a letter they sent to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken that identified a woman who traveled to Mexico with Robinson that they claim was responsible for her death. The letter includes an 18-page packet with her autopsy and unreleased documents from prosecutors and police.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/white-house-shanquella-robinson-death-investigation-mexico/275-a4bb88fd-44d4-4410-8d64-affb44800f9a' Colonial Pipeline is seeking a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater discharge permit, and the public was invited to view and comment on the draft permit Thursday evening in Huntersville.The permit would allow polluted groundwater to be treated in Huntersville and discharged into North Prong Clark Creek in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin. The permit directly relates to the Department's Division of Waste Management's requirement for fuel recovery and groundwater remediation efforts resulting from Colonial Pipeline's August 2020 fuel release in the Oehler Nature Preserve.The pipeline spill in Huntersville was the largest in North Carolina history, releasing more than two million gallons of gasoline into the preserve. Colonial Pipeline was fined $5 million and is forced to clean the mess. Two and a half years later, the nature preserve is still closed as crews extract contaminated groundwater from the site and haul it to a treatment facility in Asheboro.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/nc-dept-of-environmental-quality-public-hearing-colonial-pipeline-wastewater-permit/275-27a766cf-7fe9-4917-afcd-76f2b7dd2a7bWatch 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!

Gov. Roy Cooper proposed 18% raises Wednesday for public school teachers and principals, saying he wants to take North Carolina to No. 1 in the southeast in teacher pay over the next two years.You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.State employees would get across-the-board raises of 8% over those same two years as part of the budget proposal Cooper announced. Planned corporate income tax cuts, and personal income tax cuts for families making more than $200,000 a year, would be stalled under this proposal.Republican General Assembly leaders are likely to reject much of the Democratic governor’s budget in favor of their own spending plan. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/gov-cooper-education-money-politics/275-5f36df7c-84f0-4371-9d4c-98d817ddad93And finally on #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're discussing a proposed bill that would raise the maximum speed limit on North Carolina highways. If passed, interstate speed limits could be as high as 75 mph in North Carolina. Do you think this is a good idea? Our anchors discuss the potential risks and respond to our audience during the live chat segment. 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!

Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday signed an executive order meant to reduce violence and firearm misuse.The State Office of Violence Prevention will coordinate efforts across various state agencies and local leaders."It requires an all-hands-on-deck approach," Cooper said. "That's what this is about today."The office will offer training, technical assistance and conduct public awareness campaigns.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/guns-firearms-training-awareness/275-c99515b4-5c94-4020-8086-a9b65ea85f23The family of a 5-year-old Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student silently protested during the CMS Board meeting Tuesday night.The family held signs calling out the alleged mistreatment of the 5-year-old student. The family claims the child was sexually assaulted, filed a report with CMS, but ultimately ended up back on the same bus as her alleged attacker. During public comments, the parent of the 5-year-old targeted the district and CMS board members."I am here today to specifically and to purposefully ask for the resignation of Dr. Hill and or the termination," Andrea Higgins, the CMS parent, said. "The reasons why her incompetence to safeguard the students within her district."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/family-silently-protests-cms-board-meeting-handling-assault/275-e9293bfa-dc63-4561-b54a-d5a44252c1cf

Cabarrus County school leaders are working to ramp up mental health resources for students, with data showing the ratio of students to counselors is drastically lagging behind."We're sitting at one social worker to every 1,144 students, and we're supposed to be one to 250," the school district said. "There is a capacity issue."They say the goal is to ensure no students are being left out, and that there are enough psychologists and social workers to evenly cover buildings."The social workers and psychologists can't be there because we don't have enough of them to have them staffed one per school," the district said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cabarrus-county-schools-mental-health-education/275-e477083c-dac9-4e85-8b97-d2e8387d20f3Three people have been convicted in relation to a child's death in December 2022.Hector Mendoza, 23, Savannah Brehm, 23, and Keith Strughill, 21, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and failing to properly secure a firearm that led to the death of Mendoza and Brehm's son, Michael Mendoza, 4, the Gaston County District Attorney's Office said on Monday.Hector Mendoza and Brehm received 36-month probation sentences. Strughill received a 24-month probation sentence. Initially, each of them were given prison sentences of 24 to 41 months but this was later suspended in exchange for the probation sentences.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/parents-sentenced-to-probation-in-relation-to-childs-death-gaston-county-gastonia-north-carolina-michael-mendoza-hector-mendoza-keith-strughill/275-29170158-a3d4-462c-9871-75ed3c086caaWatch 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 U.S. government took extraordinary steps Sunday to stop a potential banking crisis after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank, assuring all depositors at the failed institution that they could access all their money quickly, even as another major bank was shut down.The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, California-based bank to fail could spread. Regulators had worked all weekend to try to find a buyer for the bank, which was the second-largest bank failure in history. Those efforts appeared to have failed Sunday.In a sign of how fast the financial bleeding was occurring, regulators announced that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed and was being seized on Sunday. At more than $110 billion in assets, Signature Bank is the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history.The near-financial crisis that U.S. regulators had to intervene to prevent left Asian markets jittery as trading began Monday. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 sank 1.8% in morning trading, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.7% and South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.8%. But Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.5% and the Shanghai Composite increased 0.4%.In an effort to shore up confidence in the banking system, the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and FDIC said Sunday that all Silicon Valley Bank clients would be protected and able to access their money. They also announced steps that are intended to protect the bank’s customers and prevent additional bank runs.“This step will ensure that the U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles of protecting deposits and providing access to credit to households and businesses in a manner that promotes strong and sustainable economic growth,” the agencies said in a joint statement.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/yellen-no-federal-bailout-silicon-valley-bank-collapse/507-e549942f-8b87-457c-b4a5-fc2730a38442One man is in custody after a shooting in Lowell left one person dead on Sunday.According to the Lowell Police Department, officers were called to a home on South Church Street near West 3rd Street on Sunday around 4:26 p.m. in reference to a shooting.At the home, officers found one man dead from a gunshot wound. After speaking with three other men at the home, police determined that one of them was responsible for the shooting.This man was taken into custody. The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/man-killed-in-shooting-at-home-suspect-arrested-lowell-gaston-county-north-carolina/275-dd6a1771-8b0a-4fc7-a5c3-b3ca10bf8db2And on this edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're recapping the Academy Awards! Indie comedy "Everything Everywhere All At Once" stole the show, bringing home seven Oscars, including best picture! 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 attorneys for convicted double murderer Alex Murdaugh have filed a notice of appeal of his conviction in the high-profile case.The paperwork was submitted with the South Carolina Court of Appeals late Thursday afternoon, nearly a week after he was found guilty on two counts of murder and two weapons charges. Under state law, people have 30 days to file their full appeal of a conviction but his attorneys had said last week they would file this notice first. The document does not give details of why they want an appeal, but by filing this, they now have more time to make that more detailed argument. However, last week Murdaugh's attorneys said the appeal would include their concerns about how law enforcement's actions in the case and Judge Clifton Newman's decision to allow evidence about Murdaugh's financial crimes. Last Thursday, a jury convicted Murdaugh, 54, of killing his wife Maggie and adult son Paul on June 7, 2021 at the family's large estate in Colleton County following a six-week trial. It took the 12 men and women just three hours to render their decision.A day later, Judge Newman sentenced Murduagh to two consecutive life sentences for his crime. He was then taken to the Kirkland Correctional Institution in Columbia to begin serving his time and undergo a 45 evaluation. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/alex-murdaugh-notice-of-appeal-filed/101-5ba52876-261a-43ef-9158-65513d2f2cc6Police are looking for the people behind another car dealership break-in. This time, the break-in happened in Cornelius. Surveillance video shared by Cornelius Police shows people breaking into the dealership around 12:30 a.m. Thursday at the Modern Nissan lot on Statesville Road. Police said the people took two vehicles: a 2015 dark gray Audi RS5 and a 2018 black Dodge Durango.Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact Cornelius Police.This is the third dealership in the Charlotte area that has been hit within the last two months. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department recently shared surveillance video showing suspects making off with luxury cars off a dealership lot in east Charlotte.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/suspects-stealing-cars-cornelius-car-dealership/275-3266f2c3-c5fa-470f-88ef-b2d94e88b789Watch 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 Union County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday on a rule that would require all high school athletes to compete only on teams that are "consistent with the gender on the student's birth certificate." The new rule, which is the latest attempt to legislate transgender athletes, would allow transgender athletes to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity if permitted by NCHSAA rules and regulations.The NCHSAA's transgender policy does allow students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. Schools are required to submit Gender Identity Request Forms on behalf of the student prior to them playing on any team consistent with their gender identity. The requests are based on gender identity for daily life activities in school and the community. Schools may be required to provide additional documentation, including a list of medications and written documents from health care professionals. North Carolina's approval process was established after lengthy reviews of policies from other states, the NCHSAA website says.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/union-county-public-schools-transgender-athlete-birth-certificate-state-rules-north-carolina/275-f18d23e6-0954-4592-a968-0bd30b844dd0North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper unveiled on Wednesday a $1 billion plan to address the state’s mental health and substance abuse needs, which have spiked amid increasing overdose deaths and spiraling rates of suicide among young people.The Democratic governor’s office said his initiatives, which will be outlined in his upcoming state budget proposal, include more behavioral health services for those in schools and in jails. He also wants to spend more on in-patient treatment and supplemental services like mobile crisis units to help people facing psychiatric episodes.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/gov-cooper-mental-health-politics/275-4b8489aa-2d37-42d3-a3df-aeabd595304aWatch 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!

South Carolina's top accountant Richard Eckstrom testified a second time in front of a special Senate Panel Tuesday over a multi-billion dollar accounting error that spanned over a decade. Eckstrom responded to accusations that his office was warned by auditors of the error. He said it's the treasurer's responsibility, not his, to reconcile the state's cash balances. "That makes sense that that agency responsible for cash would be responsible for making sure those cash balances compore with balances shown in the accounting system," said Eckstrom. It comes nearly one week after House Lawmakers filed a Resolution requesting an impeachment inquiry into Eckstrom. Eckstrom told legislators in February that his office noticed the problem at the start of the pandemic. He added that the issue had been corrected and that it shouldn't impact their ability to debate the upcoming budget.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/sc-comptroller-general-testifies-calls-for-resignation-mount/101-7210b354-e562-4bf5-9a07-73b8cb436707Police are searching for a man they say was impaired during a crash that left a man dead in February.According to the Statesville Police Department, the crash happened on Feb. 24, Gabino Hernandez Nunez was driving a 1995 Honda Civic on E. Broad Street when he crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a 2007 Honda Civic.The occupants of both vehicles were transported to a local hospital. Hernandez Nunez was released from the hospital but one of the passengers of his car, Juvencio Mata Carbajal, was pronounced dead two days later.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/man-wanted-after-driving-impaired-during-fatal-crash-police-say-statesville-north-carolina-investigation/275-d5053389-d40f-4756-ae9d-6ca5c87f43feWatch 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!

Four Americans who traveled to Mexico last week to seek plastic surgery were caught in a deadly shootout before being kidnapped by an armed gang, the FBI said. The group was traveling Friday in a white van with North Carolina plates when they came under fire while entering the city of Matamoros from Brownsville, Texas. One of the people is from Myrtle Beach, according to the FBI. Richard DeVayne joins us with the latest on the case. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/four-kidnapped-americans-mexico-health-care/101-654f9684-c4b6-49f1-aa32-7273225fd637Also on this episode, Kia Murray breaks down the future of TikTok in the U.S. as lawmakers continue to push for a ban on the app over national security concerns. The White House says it's up to Congress to decide the app's fate. Federal officials, along with many state and local governments, have already banned the app from government devices over user privacy concerns. And finally on #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're asking how far you'd drive to save money on a flight. Charlotte Douglas International Airport was recently ranked in the top 10 for most expensive airports in the U.S. Many people say they're able to save hundreds of dollars by making a short drive to Raleigh or Greenville, but are you willing to spend extra time in the car to save on your trip? 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!

It's been over eight months since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, giving the power to regulate abortions back to the states. As a result of this decision, state abortion laws since the ruling are all over the spectrum. With many states enacting abortion restrictions or bans since the ruling, the states that still provide access to legal abortion have seen a predictable influx of people traveling from other states to access abortion services. Findings from a study by the Society of Family Planning's #WeCount project show that, between April and August of 2022, North Carolina was the state with the highest increase in abortions, with a 37% increase.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/post-roe-north-carolina-has-become-abortion-landing-place/275-0d5df947-b04c-4e05-b366-b02bf096006bTwo people were found dead at a home on Sunday in what police say was a murder-suicide.According to the Gaston County Police Department, officers were called to Mountain Meadows Drive west of Dallas, N.C. around 5:55 a.m. on Sunday for a shooting call.When they arrived, police found two people dead inside the home. Police identified Michelle Walter and Johnnie Walter, Jr. as the people found dead. Investigators determined Johnie Walter killed Michelle Walter before killing himself.The relationship between Michelle and Johnnie, if any, has not been released at this time.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/murder-suicide-under-investigation-in-gaston-county-dallas-north-carolina-fatal-shooting-death/275-56ff6f3d-1483-41f4-a3ca-eac673a33d4eAnd finally on #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're discussing whether employers should use personality tests for hiring. More and more companies are joining the trend, leaning on the $2 billion personality assessment industry to identify the perfect candidates who will both perform well and stick around the workplace. Did your employer require a personality test during the hiring practice? Tell us by texting 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!

A Charlotte teenager last seen leaving Olympic High School has been reported missing, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Thursday. Leana Lang is described by police as a Black 16-year-old who is about five feet and six inches tall weighing about 120 pounds, according to police. She has braids and dark hair color with brown eyes. Family members have reasons to be concerned for her safety, according to CMPD. It was not known what the teenager was wearing when she was last seen.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-olymipic-high-school-student-teenager-missing/275-47a12810-5d2a-4ee0-a689-b7a17bbcee6eThe Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a suspect that fled from police and was later involved in a deadly crash Wednesday evening. Around 7:30 p.m. officers attempted to stop a vehicle with a fake tag when the driver sped away from police.The officer, following the guidelines of CMPD’s pursuit policy, turned off his lights and siren and did not pursue the fleeing vehicle, police said. A review of body-worn camera footage shows the officer followed protocol in cutting his lights and siren as soon as the suspect fled in an attempt to prevent harm, according to police.The suspect continued driving recklessly for about a half mile before hitting another vehicle at Sharon Amity Road and Tarrywood Lane.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/person-wanted-after-fleeing-from-police-causing-deadly-crash-cmpd/275-946544a7-4f7f-4b31-a318-6d6e2965fe89Watch 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!

Apple announced that as of Wednesday, the Apple store at the Northlake Mall has permanently closed.Employees from the location will be shifted to work at the Apple Store in the SouthPark area. Apple states the move is "in preparation for a new store we plan to open in the Charlotte area early next year," though, it comes just one day after the third shooting happened at the Northlake Mall in the span of around two and a half months.Apple did not previously announce this location would be closing before Wednesday. The company has not directly stated the shootings are the reason behind the move.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/apple-store-closing-at-northlake-mall-day-after-shootings-at-the-shopping-center-charlotte-north-carolina/275-15a1d0ee-f5af-4ce9-b417-ec21ecb4a1b6The Charlotte Hornets will have to go the rest of the season without their highest-scoring player.On Tuesday, the team announced that LaMelo Ball underwent surgery to address a fracture in his right ankle. Ball will miss the rest of the season after undergoing the successful surgery, according to the team.Ball fractured his right ankle in the third quarter of Charlotte's win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. He has missed over 25 games this season due to injuries on his left ankle.Despite his absent stints, Ball has been a top contributor for the Hornets this season. Ball leads the current roster in points per game (23.3), assists per game (8.4), and rebounds per game (6.4). Mason Plumlee had 9.7 rebounds per game, but he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in February.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/lamelo-ball-to-miss-rest-of-the-season-due-to-ankle-injury-charlotte-hornets-nba-basketball-injury-update-terry-rozier/275-9e4c53cb-4834-43c5-9136-08eec830fe5cWatch 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 second day in a row, China on Wednesday dismissed U.S. suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic may have been triggered by a virus that leaked from a Chinese laboratory.Responding to comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the U.S. intelligence community was evidence enough of the “politicization of origin tracing.”“By rehashing the lab-leak theory, the U.S. will not succeed in discrediting China, and instead, it will only hurt its own credibility,” Mao said.“We urge the U.S. to respect science and facts ... stop turning origin tracing into something about politics and intelligence, and stop disrupting social solidarity and origins cooperation,” she said.In an interview with Fox News that aired Tuesday, Wray said, “The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in (central China’s) Wuhan.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/china-on-covid-19-lab-leak-theory/507-e0abdb45-d321-4f2d-94a8-a67aa02e4224The North Carolina Senate on Tuesday passed a medical marijuana legalization bill 36-10.Tuesday’s voting came at 4 p.m. The bill is largely — but not entirely — the same as the bill that passed last year, when it received ‘Yes’ votes from every Democrat and most Republicans in the Senate.The bill never moved forward in the House last year, despite the broad bipartisan support it received in the Senate. House GOP leaders weren’t convinced to make it law. Sen. Bill Rabon, a top legislative leader, believes there's more support in the House GOP than last year.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-politics-senate-vote-medical-marijuana-legalization/275-15e7e26e-5d0d-4953-92e0-653f74e70b80Watch 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 Supreme Court is about to hear arguments over President Joe Biden’s student debt relief plan, which impacts millions of borrowers who could see their loans wiped away or reduced.So far, Republican-appointed judges have kept the Democratic president's plan from going into effect, and it remains to be seen how the court, dominated 6-3 by conservatives, will respond. The justices have scheduled two hours of arguments in the case Tuesday, though it will probably go longer. The public can listen in on the court’s website beginning at 10 a.m. EST.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/supreme-court-biden-student-loan-forgiveness-case-arguments/507-d2157aff-966d-46ea-b182-063f77aaf316On Christmas weekend, dozens of Charlotte seniors were displaced from their homes following a devastating flood at the Magnolia Senior Apartments on Beatties Ford Road in North Charlotte.For the last two months about 60 of them have been staying at local hotels. The city has been covering the hotel costs, but that will end on Tuesday.Nilka McDonald is trying to come to terms with losing the place she’s called home for the last 3 years.“The whole thing is, it's umm. It's traumatizing,” she said.Her unit and several others at the Magnolia Senior Apartments were badly damaged during the flood. Her lease was eventually terminated, and she has since been living at the Residence Inn like many of her former neighbors.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlottes-coverage-of-hotel-fees-for-seniors-displaced-after-flooding-ending-tuesday-magnolia-senior-apartments/275-d292f86d-124e-4ce6-95f1-7873e6ab8febWatch 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!

On Christmas weekend, dozens of Charlotte seniors were displaced from their homes following a devastating flood at the Magnolia Senior Apartments on Beatties Ford Road in North Charlotte.For the last two months about 60 of them have been staying at local hotels. The city has been covering the hotel costs, but that will end on Tuesday.Nilka McDonald is trying to come to terms with losing the place she’s called home for the last 3 years.“The whole thing is, it's umm. It's traumatizing,” she said.Her unit and several others at the Magnolia Senior Apartments were badly damaged during the flood. Her lease was eventually terminated, and she has since been living at the Residence Inn like many of her former neighbors.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlottes-coverage-of-hotel-fees-for-seniors-displaced-after-flooding-ending-tuesday-magnolia-senior-apartments/275-d292f86d-124e-4ce6-95f1-7873e6ab8febWatch 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!

Anyone who has traveled through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport recently has no doubt noticed all the construction.Destination CLT, the $3.1 billion capital investment into the airport, is made up of many different projects to improve capacity. The one passengers will notice first is the expansion of the terminal lobby.That project started in 2019 and is now halfway done, still on track to open in 2025.Up until now, that work may have been a slight inconvenience, but airport officials are asking for patience as the next phase will impact travel plans.“This part of the project is definitely one of the most challenging for us as far as managing the operation every day, the passengers coming through the building and the construction all at the same time,” Jack Christine, Chief Infrastructure Officer for the airport said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/travel/security-checkpoint-b-at-charlotte-airport-closing-next-month-reopen-after-the-busy-summer-travel-season/275-af2be0c1-7634-43f5-a8c5-2ae36ec8bde3Police are calling a package theft that happened outside a Waxhaw house “strange" and something they’ve never seen before.On Wednesday evening, a victim, who wishes to not be identified, told WCNC Charlotte a thief was able to snag his brand-new iPhone right out of the hands of a delivery driver as they pulled up to his house. The victim's security camera caught the whole exchange on video. He filed a police report with the Union County Sheriff's Office.Neighbors told WCNC Charlotte it's a quiet neighborhood off Rea Road that never has issues with stolen packages. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/police-suspect-thief-knew-stolen-package-arrive/275-44f8dc54-494e-4b78-ab07-b747ff386835Watch 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 has received a slew of reports detailing break-ins in high-end homes in south Charlotte. The department said the break-ins are possibly connected to South American groups with cases in New York and New Jersey, potentially first documented nearly a decade ago. People described the south Charlotte area as their own bubble. It's outside the hustle and bustle of the city center, but this area is being hit with a wave of the unexpected.There have been multiple reports of break-ins and burglaries in the south Charlotte area. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, CMPD hosted a meeting for residents. WCNC Charlotte obtained slides from the department's presentation.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/south-charlotte-break-ins-cmpd-trends/275-f82848e7-bed1-4542-aec9-1bb4f400c783 A total of five witnesses testified today on Wednesday during week five of the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. First up was Mark Ball, the defendant's former colleague.Ball is a partner at Murdaugh's former law firm, now called Parker Law Group, and a family friend of the Murdaughs."Knowing Alex for 30 years, do you develop an assessment of his relationship with his family: Maggie, Paul and Buster?" defense attorney Jim Griffin asked."Well, I will tell you this. The person I thought I knew loved his family or appeared to love his family very much. He would take their calls, he did all those things," Ball testified. "After September the third, I'm not sure I know that person. But he always seemed to be devoted to everything."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/murdaugh-defense-five-witnesses/101-eb203829-0f7a-4eac-b9b5-0d751a342079Watch 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!