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New research shows there is cause for concern when it comes to the nursing shortage. Nurses are leaving the bedside at an alarming rate. It was an issue before the pandemic and leaders in the industry say it has only gotten worse because of the challenges COVID-19 presented.Nurses spend more time beside a patient than any other healthcare provider.“The healthcare system just cannot exist without the nursing workforce,” Dennis Taylor with the North Carolina Nurses Association told WCNC Charlotte.Unfortunately, that workforce is shrinking.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/new-survey-shows-grim-outlook-for-the-north-carolina-nursing-shortage/275-887323e6-cfaf-4829-81d3-eb76e135d9b2Mecklenburg County Public Health has announced a new medical director this week. Dr. Bonnie Coyle, MD, MS, joins the County as its leading medical professional.“I am very excited to have Dr. Coyle join Mecklenburg County Public Health. Her clinical expertise and public health experience will be a huge contribution to our team and our mission to make the community a healthier place for all of us,” Dr. Raynard Washington, Public Health director, said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/medical-director-mecklenburg-county-health/275-04a71dad-622e-4bdd-ace9-ec88d00e860bWatch 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 York County, South Carolina government has announced a resolution on a settlement with a David Tepper-owned company in the fallout of the failed building project that would have seen the Carolina Panthers headquartered in the city of Rock Hill.In a news release shared Wednesday evening, York County said it would receive $21,165,000 from an affiliate of GT Real Estate (GTRE). That amount has been held in escrow since July 2022 as both York County and GTRE worked to reach the settlement.The county's statement said the receipt of the funds would be "in full and final satisfaction and discharge" of all claims York County had against the company, Tepper, and other related entities. Additionally, York County will withdraw any allegations that any Tepper-linked party involved in its suit violated the Pennies for Progress statute or C-Fund statute, or engaged in any other wrongdoing regarding the payment.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/gt-real-estate-york-county-settlement-money/275-9ce2c04c-5713-4961-85bc-f5fa08f57c24A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer was arrested with DWI early Wednesday morning, Chief Johnny Jennings announced. Officer Peter Lombardo was charged with driving while impaired (DWI) after another CMPD officer found his squad car parked on the grassy shoulder along Interstate 277 near 12th Street, Jennings said. Lombardo was off duty and not in uniform at the time of his arrest, according to Jennings.Lombardo was given a breathalyzer test and it was determined his blood alcohol content was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Lombardo was immediately placed on unpaid leave and will be cited for termination in accordance with CMPD policy, Jennings announced. A final determination about Lombardo's employment status will be made by the CMPD civil service board.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-police-officer-arrested-dwi-interstate-277/275-4cc6a448-40ee-438c-9e3b-190ab044bc14Watch 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 rock that was thrown through a day care window in north Charlotte Monday morning had a message containing hate speech attached to it, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said. Investigators also believe the attack is linked to a shooting at a north Charlotte park last month.CMPD responded to a 911 call at the Marizetta Kerry Child Development Center on Beatties Ford Road a few minutes after 8:30 a.m. CMPD alleges the rock had hate speed and multiple threats toward children on it. The day care is across Beatties Ford Road from Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. No one was hurt during Monday's incident, CMPD said. Staff members and parents are being notified by detectives and the day care. “Panicked and scared," father Daquan Jeter said. “I would have never thought something like this would happen over there.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/marizetta-kerry-child-development-center-hate-speech-attach-linked-to-north-charlotte-shooting/275-a9f737ad-d17b-462b-ae53-26a8c8557a68The city of Charlotte has $75 million to put toward affordable housing initiatives over the next year. On Monday night, city council’s Housing, Safety and Community committee discussed how to spend the money in a focused way to help residents beyond housing. One idea was to invest in affordable housing projects that are built where existing transportation and jobs are to meet several needs of low-income residents.City staff also presented an idea that many members supported called “teamforce” housing. The strategy calls for the city to partner with corporations to fund and build housing for a company’s workforce.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/affordable-housing-crisis/charlotte-city-council-affordable-housing-housing-safety-community-committee/275-3c77a102-6c85-401f-b00f-f5e168d415faWatch 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!

As of Friday afternoon, Iowa is out as the first primary state for Democrats. While a final decision is still to be made, it appears South Carolina will be the first to vote for Democratic presidential primaries.In conversation with the Democratic National Committee on Thursday, President Joe Biden told party leaders privately that he would like to see South Carolina go first to better ensure that voters of color are not marginalized as Democrats choose a presidential nominee.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/regional/democratic-committee-moves-to-make-sc-first-in-primaries/101-a5b9b9e5-2356-4316-98dc-998a8ac28ad7Two kids are dead and an adult is in the hospital after a fire ripped through a home in Salisbury overnight Saturday, according to officials.The Salisbury Fire Department and Rowan County Emergency Services responded to a call about a house fire around 12:30 a.m. along South Church Street, not far from South Main Street. Flames and smoke were showing from the home when firefighters arrived.Fire officials at the scene told WCNC Charlotte the fire originated on the first floor of the home where two adults and two children were located, as well as another adult on the second floor.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/two-children-dead-one-adult-injured-after-overnight-house-fire-in-salisbury-officials/275-14874ff8-0dc9-4c88-bc47-26d27ccf54adWatch 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!

Workers spend much of Thursday putting the final touches on the ACC Fan experience in Romare Bearden Park ahead of Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.On Saturday night, No. 9 Clemson will face No. 24 ranked North Carolina with both schools less than a few hour's drive away from Charlotte. Thousands of Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tarheel fans will make their way into the Queen City for the ACC championship game.The game comes at a time when colder temps might normally keep locals home and others from making a trip to Charlotte, but few things can make customers decide to spend like sporting events.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/acc-championship-game-charlotte-nc-basketball/275-f055f0ea-22d4-4b6c-8470-f01912644e49A juvenile is in custody after a 17-year-old Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools student was hospitalized after being shot on Wednesday.According to CMS, a high school student, identified by family as Rocky River senior Nahzir Taylor, was shot shortly after getting off of a school bus on Wednesday. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded around 2:30 p.m. to the shooting, which they said took place on Lanza Drive near Culver Spring Way.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cms-student-shot-after-getting-off-bus-in-east-charlotte-school-police-shooting-injury-lanza-drive-cmpd-north-carolina-nc/275-a06c952a-8eac-4c91-83e2-0190dbfd874cWatch 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!

According to the CDC, both North and South Carolina are still experiencing very high flu activity. State data updated Wednesday shows the number of reported flu and COVID-19 cases in North Carolina increased over the last week.It’s not even the height of the typical flu season yet, but many people have already caught a respiratory virus.“We’ve seen an increase in flu, we’ve seen an increase in strep, ear infections, some RSV, COVID is still going around,” Natalie Anderson, the pharmacist at Dilworth Drug and Wellness Center, said.Doctors’ offices and hospitals across the region are slammed with patients. Statewide, the number of emergency department visits for flu-like illness is way up compared to the same time in the past two years.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/flu/antibiotic-tamiflu-shortage-early-respiratory-virus-season/275-49840c78-f1e9-4760-9e9b-9dbc5cf402d2 A man has been charged with physical child abuse after police say an infant he was taking care of was found with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull.On Wednesday, Renaldo Demetrius Johnson, 35, was charged with felony physical child abuse for injuries that happened to his girlfriend's four-month-old son, according to the Gastonia Police Department. Police say the child's mother brought the infant to a local hospital on Nov. 26 around 5 p.m. Officers were called to the hospital after medical staff believed the injuries were the product of child abuse.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/gastonia-man-accused-of-fracturing-infants-skull-police-say-north-carolina-nc-child-abuse-renaldo-johnson-investigation-gaston-county/275-0d749333-f3c7-4110-ad9f-f5facb910b79Watch 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 Pineville Police Department announced it has finished its internal investigation of the July 2022 severe injury of a woman that was in its custody. Now, the department is reforming several of its policies. In the early hours of July 17, 28-year-old Morgan Johnson managed to escape from a moving police car while traveling on I-485. Pineville Police reported that Johnson was able to uncuff one of her hands and open the passenger-side rear window. When the officer realized what was happening, she was already hanging halfway out of the window.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/pineville-police-reforming-policies-woman-jumps-out-patrol-car/275-a6892a4c-27b8-4ad8-a48a-00b4d484b647Charlotte City Council is working to make Charlotte more affordable for lower income residents.The council approved more than $20 million to cover additional costs for already approved affordable housing projects on Monday night.This comes as ground broke Tuesday on a new affordable housing apartment complex for seniors in west Charlotte. It's called the Historic Nathaniel Carr affordable housing for seniors. Carr is credited for creating the first neighborhood in the West Boulevard corridor. Right now, the demand for affordable housing is almost impossible to keep up with.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/affordable-housing-crisis/construction-affordable-housing-west-charlotte/275-297c92da-0845-4fa0-8c47-66b648478b10Watch 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 lawsuit has been filed against the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office over the delays regarding gun-purchase permits and concealed-carry handgun permits.Grass Roots North Carolina, Gun Owners of America and three citizens are suing Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, accusing him of obstructionism because of the time it takes the agency to issue concealed carry handgun permits.The agency maintains it is "in compliance with the law" and has also taken steps to make the process more efficient.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/mecklenburg-county-sheriffs-office-sued-delays-gun-permits/275-1bd0172d-2add-4308-8cee-eb1d48bfb718A man has died after a shooting in south Charlotte, police confirmed. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said a homicide investigation is underway at the McDonald's located on South Boulevard near East Arrowood Road. Police said a person was shot and killed right outside the McDonald’s around 8:30 p.m. Monday. The parking lot was blocked off as the crime scene unit investigates.A witness told WCNC Charlotte she was next door when she heard a gun shot and saw a man lying on the ground. She said there was another man standing next to him. Police couldn’t comment on whether an employee was involved or if the suspect and victim knew one another but officials say it was the result of a fight. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cmpd-1-person-killed-south-charlotte/275-9949b65b-a8ba-4d2f-9254-8dda03a1d7cfWatch 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 leaders could make some big decisions on everything from affordable housing to overcrowding at the animal shelter during Monday's City Council meeting. We start this morning's show by breaking down three critical items on the agenda for Monday, Nov. 28. Then we're joined by Richard DeVayne, who breaks down the $21 million multi-family rental affordable housing developments up for consideration. Richard will explain what this could mean for Charlotte residents seeking an affordable place to live and why some leaders say it's necessary. Next, Congress returns to Washington after the Thanksgiving holiday with House Democrats facing a serious time crunch. With only a few working days left until the new Congress takes over -- with Republicans controlling the U.S. House -- Democrats know they have to work quickly to advance numerous bills. Brie Jackson joins Wake Up Charlotte To Go from Washington, explaining how Democrats hope to approve stricter gun measures and further President Biden's agenda before they lose control of the chamber. Tens of thousands of passengers are expected to make their way through Charlotte Douglas International Airport Monday as the Thanksgiving holiday weekend comes to a close. Sarah French speaks with airport officials, who ask everyone traveling to be patient and understanding of delays that are out of airlines' hands. And finally, today is Cyber Monday. Sure it's a great time to catch a good deal online, but you could make a big difference by saving a few bucks for tomorrow: Giving Tuesday. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how you can ensure your donation isn't going to scammers or fraud. You can watch Wake Up Charlotte from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Holiday shopping fever began in 1924 with the original Christmas ad - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - kicking off the holiday shopping season.The term "Black Friday" didn't enter the national conversation until the late 1980s, when retailers turned it into an unofficial holiday.The 2008 recession started the demise of Black Friday. Retailers embraced a new strategy, starting Black Friday sales earlier in the holiday season.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/black-friday-losing-popularity/275-9a2301f1-5753-45bb-a7af-5717cde473f2

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to make their way through Charlotte Douglas International Airport this week as Thanksgiving travel hits its peak Wednesday. Tradesha Woodard joins the show from the airport, where long lines are already formed and officials are asking passengers to be patient. Plus, it's the day before Thanksgiving. And while most folks think of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, those foods probably weren't eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how traditional holiday foods got their start and why the Pilgrims probably even know about cranberry sauce and pie. And finally, we've got your top headlines from across the Carolinas ahead of Thanksgiving. Watch Wake Up Charlotte from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

We're learning more about the victims who were injured or killed in the massacre at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado over the weekend. One of the survivors was a Charlotte man who recently moved to Colorado. He was shot seven times in the back. Miraculously, Barrett Hudson says the bullets missed his vital organs and he's doing "amazing" in his recovery. Tradesha Woodard joins the show with a look at the victims in the shooting, as well as the federal charges the alleged gunman is facing. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/club-q-lgbt-shooting-colorado-update-charlote-native-wounded/275-20b649ce-01cf-4adf-b702-86a70f86fecaNext, we have your top headlines in the morning rush segment. These stories will get you caught up as you begin your day, including an update on a shocking home invasion in Salisbury, President Joe Biden's Thanksgiving visit with North Carolina military families and the death of an 11-year-old girl in Raleigh's Christmas parade. It's no secret the housing market is tough for buyers right now, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your monthly housing costs. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how you can lower your mortgage payment amid rising prices. 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!

An estimated 800,000 people will make their way through Charlotte Douglas International Airport for Thanksgiving, officials said. Tradesha Woodard joins us from the airport, where leaders are asking people to just be patient because the lines will be long and it's going to be jam-packed with travelers. Plus, AAA predicts an extremely busy Thanksgiving on the roads with tens of millions of people expected to drive over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. President Biden and the first lady will be in North Carolina today for a special Friendsgiving event with the military. The Bidens will make a stop at Marine Corps Air Statio Cherry Point as part of the White House's initiative to celebrate the men and women serving our country during the holidays. Sarah French explains how this is just one of many presidential holiday traditions aimed at giving thanks to those on the front lines. And finally, we recap the biggest headlines you need to start your day in your morning rush. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, you can join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

A new report released by the “Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement" shows a 39 percent increase in teacher vacancies in South Carolina at the start of this school year. From last school year to this school year, teacher departures increased by 20%. According to the report, the 2022-2023 school year started with 1,474 teacher vacancies compared to 1,063 the previous year. The state has tried different things to combat the shortage, including raising starting pay for all teachers to $40,000, with local districts increasing pay by even more, but the changes have not had any major impacts on the teacher shortage so far. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/teacher-vacancies-increased-this-year-new-south-carolina-report-shows/275-beb8d875-8d03-4aa4-b775-607d059f0a6e

A prized piece of real estate in Uptown Charlotte just hit the market. Could it be the missing piece for a new Panthers stadium? Richard DeVayne joins Wake Up Charlotte To Go to break down what it means now that the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry will be available. The land has long been rumored as a possible site for a new stadium in Uptown, but how much would it cost? And in the aftermath of the Rock Hill fiasco, who knows? FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-pipe-foundry-for-sale-soon-speculation-panthers/275-d6265b63-2030-4425-979f-e2e2d415870bCharlotte-Mecklenburg police announced that three card skimmers were confiscated from three ATMs in Charlotte. These weren't off-the-radar spots, either. They included a Wells Fargo locatio in Uptown and a Bank of America off Freedom Drive. Tradesha Woodard joins the show with an update on the investigation and clues detectives have to track down the suspects. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-bank-atm-card-skimmers-update-located-bank-of-america-wells-fargo-state-employees-credit-union/275-9dbc0013-a666-441b-b40f-c97b0089bf3fNext, Ben Thompson breaks down why reducing speed limits may not be enough to improve road safety in Charlotte. A recent study from Europe shows that some major steps taken to reduce deaths on the road aren't working the way officials want, but that isn't slowing down their efforts to slow down drivers. So what's a feasible next step? 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!

Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will mount a third White House campaign, launching an early start to the 2024 contest. The announcement comes just a week after an underwhelming midterm showing for Republicans and will force the party to decide whether to embrace a candidate whose refusal to accept defeat in 2020 pushed American democracy to the brink.“In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States,” Trump said to an audience of several hundred supporters, club members and gathered press in a chandeliered ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club, where he stood flanked by more than 30 American flags and banners bearing his “Make America Great Again” slogan.“I am running because I believe the world has not yet seen the true glory of what this nation can be,” Trump said.“We will again put America first,” he added.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-presidential-campaign-launch-2024/507-da4caac8-5f26-4185-a3ed-a921d4b2a5c1One man is in custody after police say he intentionally set an ice cream shop on fire in August.According to the Gastonia Police Department, Marvin McCaskill, 35, was arrested after DNA matched him to an arson committed at Tony's Ice Cream in Gastonia on Aug. 4. McCaskill is charged with attempted murder and other arson-related offenses.Firefighters were called to Tony's Ice Cream on Aug. 4 around 5:45 p.m. to extinguish a fire at the business. A fire was located inside the building which they quickly put out. Investigators said the business sustained minimal smoke and heat damage. An employee working inside of the building at the time of the fire was uninjured.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/gastonia-ice-cream-shop-arson-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder-north-carolina-gaston-county-marvin-mccaskill-tonys-ice-cream-shop/275-99cce9ce-3409-4c60-885e-99ea36d6a18bWatch 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!

One of the victims killed in the University of Virginia shooting was a graduate of Hough High School in Cornelius, officials confirmed. Devin Chandler was one of three University of Virginia football players killed in the overnight shooting. Two others were hurt in the incident. The suspect, identified as UVA student Christopher Darnell Jones, was taken into custody Monday morning, police confirmed.Investigators said the shooting took place on a charter bus at the Culbreth Garage on the University of Virginia campus. Law enforcement said the students were returning from a field trip when the suspect opened fire.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/hough-high-school-graduate-devin-chandler-killed-university-of-virginia-shooting/275-3a570dfa-30d4-4a48-a02d-0c1b55c860ecMatthews leaders held a town hall Monday evening to allow residents to speak on a large proposed development that some neighbors are trying to stop before it gets started. The project, which would be built on Idlewild Road, would include new town homes, apartments, single-family homes and commercial space off Stallings Road. Neighbors first rallied against plans for a town house and single-family community back in 2010. Residents that are against "Sante Matthews" packed into the town hall Monday night and said they want developments in the area to be single-family houses only. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/idlewild-development-matthews-north-carolina/275-657178e1-2529-47b5-a622-61f43d86b113Watch 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 a shooting that left two people injured on Sunday.According to the Salisbury Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call at 416 Messner Street on Sunday around 1:48 a.m. When police arrived, they found a juvenile with gunshot injuries. The child was transported to a nearby medical center for treatment on their injuries.Around 2 a.m., a 20-year-old man arrived at a hospital for a gunshot wound as well. Police determined this man was at the scene of the shooting on Messner Street.Police are continuing to investigate this incident. No suspects have been arrested at this time.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/juvenile-injured-in-salisbury-shooting-police-investigating-north-carolina-messner-street-child-shot-shooting-crime/275-632bc45f-2c9a-4c3b-8eee-48d8f08b42f5Miami hosted the Charlotte Hornets following the Miami Heat's 117-112 overtime win over Charlotte on Thursday. The Hornets hoped to sting in a win Saturday, but the Heat scorched them 132-115.Max Strus scored 31 points, making eight 3-pointers, and the Miami Heat spoiled LaMelo Ball’s return to the Charlotte lineup. Bam Adebayo had 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Heat, who swept a two-game home series with the Hornets and got consecutive wins for only the second time this season. Charlotte lost its eighth straight, extending the longest current slide in the NBA. Jimmy Butler had 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for Miami, while Gabe Vincent scored 20 points. Miami outscored Charlotte 45-25 in the third quarter, tying the sixth-highest scoring quarter in any period in Heat history.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/charlotte-hornets-play-miami-heat-for-second-round-following-overtime-loss/275-492d7416-67b8-417f-aeb7-3c1317543705Watch 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!

Flu activity is continuing to pick up across the country and South Carolina is one of four states experiencing the highest spread right now according to the CDC. North Carolina is also seeing high spread right now.Hospitals and doctors’ offices are swamped with patients, and the biggest rise in flu cases has been in school-age children.“A lot of the kids who are coming in are saying 'we had 10 kids out in my class today,' things like that,” Dr. Rhonda Patt with Atrium Health said.Rock Hill Schools sent a letter home to parents last week, saying it's working closely with SCDHEC to monitor flu conditions in its schools and asked them to be aware of the symptoms and keep their kids home if they’re not feeling well.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/flu-viruses-health-season-local/275-16b32583-6444-47ae-95f1-b5df5f701042 A U.S. judge in Texas on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden's plan to provide millions of borrowers with up to $20,000 apiece in federal student-loan forgiveness — a program that was already on hold as a federal appeals court in St. Louis considers a separate lawsuit by six states challenging it.District Court Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of former President Donald Trump based in Fort Worth, said the program usurped Congress' power to make laws.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/student-loan-forgiveness-unconstitutional/507-f297207c-4c2c-4798-b39e-03e099a7f056Watch 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 investigation into an unknown chemical substance found on a Lancaster County school bus is still ongoing more than two weeks after a student passed out on the bus.The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office provided an update in a news release on Wednesday. Sheriff Bailey Faile said the powdery substance found on the bus carrying Indian Land High School students and staff members was sent to the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for testing. However, Faile noted there was no timeline as to when the results would be back since SLED has to work with evidence from more than 300 agencies in the Palmetto State.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/indian-land-hs-bus-substance-investigation-local/275-80f5c6bc-33d4-4a08-9449-b3f3d0a6ee41Republicans inched closer to a narrow House majority Wednesday, while control of the Senate hinged on a few tight races in a midterm election that defied expectations of sweeping conservative victories driven by frustration over inflation and President Joe Biden’s leadership.Either party could secure a Senate majority with wins in both Nevada and Arizona — where the races were too early to call. But there was a strong possibility that, for the second time in two years, the Senate majority could come down to a runoff in Georgia next month, with Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker failing to earn enough votes to win outright.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/updated-election-results-republicans-house-majority-senate-control/507-8102f5e2-eeca-4488-b21f-6fd04075384dWatch 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 40 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, someone has finally won the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot.One ticket sold in California won the jackpot. According to the California Lottery, it was purchased at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena. That ticketholder isn't the only winner — 22 tickets matched the five white balls to win $1 million. One player in Florida added the Power Play and won $2 million. The tickets worth $1 million were sold in California, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon and Texas. The news follows a dramatic night for Powerball — the Monday drawing was delayed by 10 hours as game officials scrambled to deal with a processing issue in one state. It couldn't commence until all 48 participating lotteries submitted their sales and play data. After the drawing took place, the Minnesota Lottery confirmed it had been the state that caused the delay. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/winning-numbers-powerball-monday-delayed-drawing/507-4b2576a6-5880-491f-8620-eacb5742d7dcAll lanes of Interstate 85 were closed in Kannapolis following a fatal crash, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The lanes have since reopened. Kannapolis Fire responded to the serious wreck on I-85 near Brantley Road. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Kannapolis Fire Department, two people died and multiple people were injured. Their identities are not being released at this time until their families have been notified.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/i-85-southbound-closed-kannapolis/275-f7ebb097-33ad-4169-90a3-4316e782f5ccWatch 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!

Ted Budd win NC’s open seat in the US Senate, Jeff Jackson wins US House District 14. Here's a closer look at key races in the Carolinas.

Monday's Powerball drawing for the largest-ever jackpot was delayed because of a technical issue, the lottery game said during the live broadcast. The results will be posted on Powerball's website as soon as they can conduct the drawing, the host said.In an emailed statement to queries from The Associated Press, the Multi-State Lottery Association said the delay was the result of a participating lottery that needed additional time to process its sales. “We still plan on holding the Powerball drawing tonight,” the statement said, though no timing was provided.Winning numbers still weren't announced as of early Tuesday. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/powerball-winning-numbers-nov-7-2022/507-8b309017-07fc-4d81-8766-67e598432331Investigators are searching for a man wanted for sexually assaulting a woman in southwest Charlotte.According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, a sexual assault report was made on Saturday, Nov. 5 around 10:30 p.m. on Memorial Parkway near the intersection of Arbor Loop Drive.The reporting party, a female employee of a hotel in the area, told police she had been sexually assaulted.The suspect, in this case, is described as a dark-skinned male around 30-45 years old, five feet nine inches with an average build.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-hotel-worker-police-say-charlotte-cmpd-north-carolina-nc-investigation/275-8771a221-5674-44e3-872a-f07b728c9434Watch 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 Powerball jackpot officially broke the record for the largest prize ever offered in a U.S. lottery — and kept growing.Saturday's jackpot soared to $1.6 billion after a strong sales boost. With no big winner, the estimated grand prize is now at a shocking $1.9 billion, according to the California Lottery's website.The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 28-45-53-56-69, Powerball 20 and Power Play 3. The next drawing is on Monday, Nov. 7.Several people woke up millionaires after Saturday's drawing thanks to Powerball's smaller prizes. There were 16 winners of $1 million across Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Dakota, New York, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Only one person in Kentucky won $2 million, thanks to the Power Play option.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/powerball-jackpot-the-winning-numbers-nov-5-2022/507-83eafedf-1ac2-4aab-b1c7-431511cde893One week ago, the Carolina Panthers were on the verge of taking the NFC South lead and seemed to not be one of the NFL's worst teams.On Sunday, though, the Panthers snapped back to reality and were mauled in a 42-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.The Panthers offense and defense seemingly decided to take the first half off and were blanked 35-0 at halftime. Carolina only managed to pick up one first down in the first two quarters.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/carolina-panthers-bengals-look-to-stabilize-after-emotional-losses/275-2c0cfe21-5ddd-4427-95c9-6a19fb23565eWatch 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 recent shooting at the home of GOP congressional candidate Pat Harrigan’s parents and young children caused no injuries but has placed “tremendous stress” on the family in the final weeks of his campaign, Harrigan’s mother said. The firearms manufacturer and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran is running against Democratic state Senator Jeff Jackson for an open U.S. House seat in North Carolina’s new 14th District based in western Charlotte.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/nc-us-house-candidate-family-house-shot-at/83-03e1ac5a-cf0f-4588-933f-cea9c4930199Miles Bridges will serve no jail time after pleading no contest to domestic violence charges after officials said he assaulted his then-girlfriend.Bridges, 24, appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday and pleaded no contest to one count of injuring a child's parent. The two felony counts of child abuse were dismissed.In response to his plea, the judge issued a three-year probation sentence for Bridges.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/miles-bridges-pleads-no-contest-receives-no-jail-time-in-domestic-violence-case-charlotte-hornets-nba-court-case-los-angeles-basketball/275-a6b7077d-59fc-4d27-ac27-3f72854047b5Watch 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!

Tyler Terry and Adrienne Simpson, the suspects in at least four homicide cases in three states and a week-long manhunt in Chester County, pleaded guilty in court Wednesday morning.Terry was charged in connection with at least four homicides in two states before his arrest in May of 2021. He also led Chester County police on a chase that led to an all-out manhunt before he was finally captured. Prosecutors said it was the most extensive manhunt in Chester County's history.“More than 600 law enforcement officers at the state, federal and local level participated in this investigation in the hunt and capture of these individuals," Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey said after the sentencing.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/tyler-terry-murder-suspect-plea-deal-court/275-21cfa1d6-d86a-4846-a125-51f57162c29cNorth Carolina health leaders are reporting the first pediatric flu death of the 2022-2023 season.In a news release Wednesday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said the child was in the eastern part of the state and faced complications from influenza. NCDHHS notes this is the first child flu death since February 2020."We extend our deepest sympathies to this child’s family on this heartbreaking and tragic loss," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. The child's hometown, county, age, and sex are not being released to protect the family's privacy.The death was reported just two days after South Carolina health officials reported their first pediatric flu death of the season. The first adult flu-related death in the state was reported on Oct. 14.NCDHHS is urging people to get their flu shots as the Tar Heel State sees a rapid, early rise in cases. Five adult deaths tied to influenza have thus far been reported in North Carolina as well.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/nc-child-flu-death-2022-health/275-ac4830c0-80dd-48f1-ada5-3264902b2493Watch 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 partnered with federal agencies to crack down on illegal gambling."We just want them to abide by the law," Sgt. Kevin Triola, with CMPD, said. "If they are going to have these machines they need to be for entertainment purposes only."Officials say the number of machines in a facility that contributes to any cash payouts on winnings is illegal.Last week undercover detectives went into a sweepstakes location on Brookshire Boulevard where officers seized numerous video gaming machines and approximately $21,000.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/charlotte-police-illegal-gambling-news-crime/275-89a3af80-9673-4e62-a172-f732411aff32Law enforcement in the Charlotte area has responded to two separate machete assaults in the last week, officials announced Wednesday. The incidents are not believed to be related. A suspect has been taken into custody in both cases. Statesville machete assault On Friday, patrol deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded to Big Forest Drive in Statesville after a report of a fight in the area. Deputies determined the disturbance happened at a home on Big Forest Drive and interviewed multiple victims inside the home.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/gastonia-police-3-men-struck-by-man-with-machete-north-carolina-stabbing-officers-suspect-arrested-bicycle/275-6bf4f4dd-70e0-45ac-a4f5-bdeffa4a9df9Watch 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 transportation leaders are scheduled to hold a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss the proposed Silver Line light rail project. It would connect Belmont to Matthews along US 74, including stops in Uptown Charlotte and at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Wake Up Charlotte's Richard DeVayne joins the show to discuss the project, getting you caught up on what exactly it would entail and how much it might cost to complete.We're now one week away from midterm elections, and it's an important deadline in North Carolina. Voters have until the end of the day on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to request an absentee ballot. If you don't have an absentee ballot request submitted in time, your only option is early voting or in-person on Election Day. 2022 midterm voter guide: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/elections/voter-guide-2022-midterm-election/275-3d54cd63-6ec0-4bcc-b6ee-e853166a1109Plus, we have the latest on the attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The FBI issued new details on the brutal assault and investigators say the suspect's tactics were similar to that of rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 following the 2020 presidential election.And finally, if your kids got too much Halloween candy, you might be wondering how much they should eat. Well, that's a personal choice, but health experts believe you might be better served if you take at least some of it away. There are some alternatives, like buybacks and charity organizations that will help. Ben Thompson connects the dots on why doctors are urging parents to take it easy with their kids' sugar intake for the long haul.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!

For the second time in 2022, there will be a $1 billion jackpot. Powerball's grand prize surged over the milestone figure after no one claimed the jackpot in Saturday night's drawing. Talk about a Halloween trick ... or treat, depending how your tickets turned out. The odds of winning the jackpot are about as long as the number of dollars in the jackpot, but folks are trying their luck with a few dollars hoping to win big. Richard DeVayne joins the show from Concord, where lottery players are crossing their fingers for a Halloween they won't soon forget. Plus, little goblins and ghouls will fill the streets tonight hoping to score a jack-o'-lantern full of candy. But how exactly did trick-or-treating become a Halloween tradition? Sarah French connects the dots on how a spiritual ceremony turned into a rite of passage for kids every October. And finally, it's a Weather Aware day in the Carolinas due to the threat of storms and lightning. One of Larry Sprinkle's close, personal friends -- Count Sprinkula -- stops by the studio with an extra spooky Halloween forecast! 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!

North Carolina has had its first flu death of the season; North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services officials confirmed an adult in the western part of the state died due to complications of influenza during the third week of October.The state will not be releasing the person’s hometown, county, age or gender."This is a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases," State Epidemiologist Zack Moore said. "With flu cases increasing and COVID-19 still with us, it is tremendously important for people to get a flu vaccine this year."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/ncdhhs-first-flu-death-season/275-59746328-35fc-4aaa-a3c5-92ba13cf9ff5

Two schools in Stanly County will be closed the rest of the week due to an increase in respiratory illnesses, administrators said. Richard DeVayne joins Wake Up Charlotte To Go with the latest update on why district leaders felt it was necessary to keep students home and how they plan to use the next few days to keep everyone healthy. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced it won't defy North Carolina state law by starting the school year early and the decision has board members divided. Tradesha Woodard breaks down why some education officials want to get a head start on learning, what CMS wants to hear from parents and how families can impact the new school year calendar. Plus, it might sound like a Halloween attraction, but so-called "ghost forests" and popping up all over North Carolina. Scientists say the state's beautiful coastal communities and wetlands are turning gray due to rising sea levels brought on by climate change. Sarah French connects the dots on how this could have a lasting, drastic impact on North Carolina's wildlife moving forward. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte and join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Two victims were killed and several others were injured after a shooting at a St. Louis high school Monday morning. The suspect was killed.The victims were identified by family members as a teenage girl who was a student at the school and a grandmother who was a teacher at the school.At 9:11 a.m., St. Louis police were called to Central VPA High School at Kingshighway Boulevard and Arsenal Street for an active shooter.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/st-louis-school-shooting/63-64842130-cbbb-4731-9536-7cb66f0e2ae3Millions of Americans will submit their ballots or head to the polls for the 2022 midterm elections in November. While presidential candidates won't be on the ballot, there are plenty of races worth your attention. The midterms typically don't draw as large of a turnout as presidential election years, but the races can make a big impact on national and local politics.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/2022-midterm-elections/507-8cf0e358-e3a4-420b-9c26-6ebe3b5ad167Watch 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 49ers have fired head football coach Will Healy.The move comes one day after the team lost is homecoming game to FIU, 34-15, to fall to 1-7 on the season."We are grateful to Will Healy for the incredible energy and enthusiasm he brought to our program," Director of Athletics Mike Hill said. "Sadly, however, our on-field results have not met expectations."Healy was 15-24 as the second coach in program history.The 37-year-old was hired ahead of the 2019 season to replace Brad Lambert.Healy enjoyed immediate success at Charlotte, finishing 7-6 in 2019 and guiding the team to the first bowl appearance in its history.Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team only played six games in 2020, finishing 2-4.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/unc-charlotte-fires-football-coach-will-healy/275-3df8b9dd-0e8f-42aa-84d1-ffbdcb466cc3A man is facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of a woman who was shot and killed at an ATM in July.On Sunday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced that J'wuan Horton, 24, was arrested for the death of Karen Baker, 48. Horton is charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon.Baker was shot on July 13 at University Plaza on University City Boulevard, near America's Best Wings and Toppers Pizza near Old Concord Road. Police believe it was a random incident.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cmpd-man-arrested-for-murder-accused-of-shooting-woman-at-atm-charlotte-north-carolina/275-65cb80e9-c077-4899-b9ce-c74ae1d64c01Watch 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!

Christian McCaffrey's career with the Carolina Panthers is over. After weeks of speculation about McCaffrey's future with the team, the do-everything running back was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for multiple draft picks. NFL sources said the Panthers will receive three picks in the upcoming draft and one in 2024 in exchange for CMC. Tradesha Woodard has the latest on CMC and the Panthers' future ahead of a difficult stretch of games. Richard DeVayne joins the show from the North Carolina High Country, where falling leaves aren't just a change of seasons: they're big business. Richard explains how the fall foliage is a huge industry with so many small businesses relying on fall tourism to float their bottom lines out of the pandemic. 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!

Charlotte transportation leaders held a meeting Wednesday night to discuss a proposal to add more tolls to Interstate 77, stretching from Uptown to the South Carolina border. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization said the proposal would add two express lanes in each direction from I-277 to I-485. Cintra, the company behind the existing tolls on I-77, sent an unsolicited proposal to North Carolina and Charlotte transportation officials earlier this year. NCDOT said any tolls projects in North Carolina must be requested and approved by the local planning organization, per state law.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/interstate-77-toll-lane-proposal-transportation-meeting-uptown-charlotte-north-carolina/275-318ebb75-31f6-421c-ba50-46116c1cd4c1Early Wednesday was a terrifying night for a family living in northwest Charlotte.Around 1:30 a.m., someone started shooting into the home where a 15-year-old, 5-year-old, and 3-year-old were sleeping along with two others. The family told WCNC Charlotte they now plan to leave the home. They had been renting for the past few months. From top to bottom, there were at least 20 visible bullet holes visible in the home off of Coy Court. Several vehicles were damaged as well.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/shooting-into-northwest-charlotte-home-crime-investigation/275-b4ed9153-54e7-4357-93b7-e5bd40eca142Watch 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!

Gun violence is increasing in Mecklenburg County, and according to county data, homicides doubled in a five-year span. A comprehensive plan has been unveiled by the Office of Violence Prevention in an attempt to address some of the violence.The data gathered by the office shows that there were 64 homicides in Mecklenburg County in 2015 and 126 in 2020. Gun-related assaults also doubled during the same time period."The way forward" is a multi-faceted strategy by the OVP to create safer communities by offering support for families, community engagement, and economic opportunities. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/mecklenburg-county-gun-violence-reduction-plan/275-1ea3c3d7-6d93-4855-88ca-0dd357f8042bPolice are investigating a shooting that occurred in front of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus on Tuesday.According to a release, the shooting took place on West Blvd near Remount Road around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. A CMS school bus was behind the vehicles when the shooting occurred.The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says a road rage incident led to the shooting. A person in a black Dodge Charger fired shots into an occupied vehicle, however, no injuries occurred. Five people were found along with the Dodge Charger around 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Police arrested all five people.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/shooting-happens-in-front-of-cms-bus-charlotte-shots-fired-school-bus-cmpd-police-investigation-education/275-820f131b-c42d-4f1e-b1af-d647371f7d1dWatch 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!

Just over 20% of South Carolina schools received an overall rating of excellent as state education officials monitor the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, report cards issued by the SC Department of Education said. Statewide, 20.6% percent of schools received an overall excellent grade, which is in line with 2019 data. Despite seeing success in many schools, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) and SCDE stressed there is much work ahead for students to reach college and career readiness. "I commend the effort of South Carolina educators and students," EOC Executive Director Matthew Ferguson said. "These results beat all expectations of what was thought possible while living through the COVID disruptions."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/south-carolina-schools-report-cards-released/275-d62d80f6-b16f-4f54-b1fb-13db37118fc9Hornets guard James Bouknight was arrested Sunday on suspicion of DUI, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office confirms.Officials report Bouknight was released early Monday morning from the county jail in Charlotte, North Carolina on an unsecured bond. WCNC sports anchor Nick Carboni confirmed Bouknight was at practice Monday.A search of public records shows Bouknight has other upcoming court appearances for other driving-related offenses, including charges of speeding and reckless driving in both Mecklenburg and neighboring Cabarrus counties.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/hornets-guard-sports-baskeball-arrest-james-bouknight/275-95be489c-378b-4e4e-9b14-1185c87c0576Watch 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!

President Joe Biden first announced the program, which will impact millions of Americans, this summer. It's expected to provide relief for up to $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 a year or as much as $20,000 for eligible borrowers who were also Pell Grant recipients.We have a huge first round victory," Said Melissa Byrnes, with 'We the 45 Million.'Byrnes, who is also a student loan borrower, says this is a historic first step."I'm partly holding my breath, but I'm glad to see the administration moving forward," she said.Applications won't be processed until the website officially opens, but those who apply during the beta testing phase will not need to reapply.This comes as the Department of Education is facing several lawsuits challenging the policy, but along with those challenges - many are left wondering if any money forgiven would be considered taxable income by the state."In those states, you'll have a tax burden that may be the equivalent of a few months. Some of those states are trying to change the laws to make it tax-free, but it seems unlikely it will happen this year," said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert with Cerebly.com.He says people living in certain states, like Minnesota, may want to weigh their options first. "You may want to wait until next year, hoping it becomes tax-free at the state level, however, there's also a reason to apply immediately, there are several legal challenges, and if any are successful, they may block the president's plan," he said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/what-you-need-to-know-student-loan-relief-applications-now-open/89-2abbdbaf-b481-49ce-8b5f-ff1779a385a8A fired head coach, multiple rough losses in a row, and now an embattled receiver are on the list of problems for the Carolina Panthers this season.In another disappointing performance, the Panthers lost 24-10 to the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Steve Wilks's first game as head coach.The Panthers led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a Donte Jackson interception touchdown, but Carolina failed to muster any offensive production in the second half and let the Rams run away with the game.To make matters worse, wide receiver Robbie Anderson was seen visibly arguing with coaches and asked to leave the field by his own team. Anderson headed to the locker room possibly for the last time as a Panther as rumors swirl about the team's trading ventures heading in the coming days.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/panthers-game-sunday-carolina-rams-la/275-71484d71-9501-4616-9ef2-fa19c3ae866bWatch 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!

Five people were killed, including an off-duty police officer, in a mass shooting in Raleigh Thursday. The suspect, only identified as a minor, was taken into custody late Thursday night, police said. We have an update from NBC News in Raleigh, plus reaction from Gov. Roy Cooper, who said "terror has come to our doorstep" while addressing the tragic event. Richard DeVayne joins the show to break down the upcoming midterm elections. Friday, Oct. 14, is the deadline to register to vote in person on Election Day for North Carolina. If you don't meet the deadline, don't worry. North Carolina still has options available for people who aren't registered to vote. Click here for our 2022 midterm election voter guide, which includes information for both North Carolina and South Carolina. Sarah French connects the dots on why CATS is shutting down the light rail and streetcar this weekend. It's nothing bad, just maintenance. City officials say the maintenance will help keep the system efficient and will improve rider experience going forward. And of course we have our Morning Rush, with all of the top headlines across the Carolinas and in the Charlotte area! We preview the Panthers game against the Rams, a major shakeup at CATS and more. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. and join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Help is on the way for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools with overloaded classrooms. District leaders approved $1.3 million for mobile units during Wednesday's board meeting. Tradesha Woodard joins Wake Up Charlotte To Go with details on the funding, as well as the schools that will see relief first. CMS leaders are also seeking input from parents as the district deals with growing pains in a growing metro area.Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released third-quarter crime data Wednesday that showed overall crime is up in Charlotte. If you're looking for a silver lining, CMPD's data shows that aggravated assaults involving guns were down nearly 10% and violent crime is also decreasing from where it was a year ago. Richard DeVayne joins our show to break down this data and we hear from CMPD officials on their efforts to reduce the Queen City's crime numbers.Ben Thompson connects the dots on why school lunches could get a facelift in North Carolina through a new partnership that not only benefits students with tastier meals, but helps small businesses across the state.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!

Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks says the next 12 weeks are about doing everything he can to get the team back on track after a disappointing 1-4 start to the season. During his first news conference as the team's head coach, Wilks said he's confident Carolina has the opportunity to turn things around starting this week against the Los Angeles Rams. "One thing I do know, for sure, they're not canceling our season," Wilks said. "We've got to do a great job of coming together collectively and finding a way to turn this thing around quickly."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/steve-wilks-confident-panthers-turnaround-los-angeles-rams-matt-rhule-fired/275-aa1bb8a8-7030-4dff-ae4f-dc4122265a9cA sleepy section of Uptown is about to get a long overdue makeover.Let's connect the dots.Decades ago, Brooklyn was a thriving African-American neighborhood in Uptown's Second Ward. It was a town within a town with 1,500 homes, shops, restaurants and churches.But in the '60s and '70s, it was all bulldozed in the name of development and replaced by government buildings and Marshall Park.In recent years, a new plan slowly gained traction for a newly reimagined Brooklyn Village. Ditching the current buildings and park and replacing it with 1,200 apartments and condos of all price points. You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.The multi-year, multi-million dollar Brooklyn Village community is set to be smack in the heart of Uptown. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/brooklyn-village-development-uptown-makeover/275-b9dac516-234b-4235-a3e1-4cd30e3276b7Watch 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!

Renting out property through Airbnb or VRBO is now a popular way to make some money. But in Rock Hill, city leaders have put a pause on issuing new permits for short-term rentals, saying more rules are needed to protect neighborhoods.But a property owner who opposes the decision told WCNC Charlotte the decision could put business owners at risk. In the last 20 years, Rock Hill’s population grew by around 78%. In addition to more people moving here, sports tourism is also booming. Earlier this year, Rock Hill leaders put a temporary moratorium in place on new permits for short-term rentals. Leaders voted to extend it through the rest of this year on Monday night.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/rock-hill-consider-extending-short-term-rental-moratorium/275-211a28b2-32b7-4e92-8491-74d6dbf8cdab A teenage girl is shaken up after she said she was face to face with a gunman when a West Charlotte Burger King was robbed over the weekend.The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department still searching for the man involved in that robbery. This is also not the first time that the same fast-food restaurant has been held up this year.Jadyn Carter is 15 years old, and she said she was very excited to have her first job at Burger King.But Friday night was her last shift after she said a masked man came in, waving a gun and demanding money.“I told him the inside [dining room] was closed and he mumbled something, but I didn’t hear him,” Jadyn Carter explained. “So, I said it again and then he just pulled up his shirt and started holding the gun at me."READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/teenager-faced-gunman-burger-king-robbery/275-c4e412d8-49ae-4959-adeb-4d8a87ce2cffWatch 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!

Authorities have issued a swimming advisory at Lake Norman due to a sewage spill that may have leaked into the lake.The Lincoln County Health Department issued the advisory on 11 p.m. on Sunday after a sewage spill occurred on Rivendell Lane in Denver. Authorities say around 900 gallons of wastewater may have leaked into Lake Norman in this area.Officials say a sewer force main break caused the issue and say they have stopped the flow and are testing the water.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/sewage-spill-may-have-leaked-into-lake-norman-lincoln-county-officials-say-north-carolina-denver-rivendell-lane/275-acebca19-7b6f-410e-8c46-3e69c843834bThere are some games where you can look back at the tape and say if just one or two things had went your way, the result would have been way different. Sunday's game between the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers was not one of those games.The Panthers fell to 1-4 after an abysmal 37-15 loss to the 49ers where they were completely outmatched by their opponent. Carolina opened the home match as 6.5-point underdogs to the 49ers, who only had one more win coming into this game.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/baker-mayfield-carolina-panthers-meet-top-ranked-san-francisco-49ers-defense/275-dbda775a-e050-4056-b1b2-cc2aa049fdefWatch 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!

Union County Public Schools could soon outsource substitute teachers. School board members will vote on allowing a staff management group to hire substitutes during the next meeting on Monday, Oct. 10. It's a possible action the district could take as school districts across the nation scramble to find substitute teachers.“We're all hands-on deck and trying to be creative this year,” district superintendent Andrew Houlihan said.UCPS leaders said over the last year, they've been meeting with potential staffing and management groups to address the need for substitutes. The board of education could vote to approve a substitute staffing company called ESS to fill positions they haven't been able to.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/outsourced-substitute-teachers-union-county-nc-education/275-357b9ee2-b4f4-4af6-8152-19373b5f3ba3President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.Biden's move also covers thousands convicted of the crime in the District of Columbia. He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/biden-pardons-simple-possession-of-marijuana/507-fa1006fe-dbd7-40db-b589-a894bd99130aWatch 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 area shelters say more families are extending their stays due to inflation and rising rents.They say they don't anticipate the issue going away any time soon, and the slow turnaround times have a major impact on the number of families they can help.The Charlotte Housing Authority said as the number of people who are homeless continues to increase, they’re starting to see new trends."We are seeing recently a change in the patterns," Elizabeth Kurtz, with Charlotte Housing Authority, said. "Typically in the past, we have seen most people coming in for help due to evictions due or financial reasons, now we are seeing people pitched into homelessness simply because rent is going up," she said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/affordable-housing-crisis/affordable-housing-money-inflation-families-demand-homes/275-33e9716a-a78e-4ece-a743-28c81fe12e79In the season's penultimate match, Charlotte FC saw their playoff hopes dwindle away, but it wasn't without giving it an intense effort.Charlotte FC (13-18-2) had their last home game of the season with Columbus Crew (11-7-15) end with a 2-2 draw. The Queen City team made a noble effort in the second half to get the win, but it just wasn't met to be.Columbus Crew was the first team to add a point on the scoreboard when Lucas Zelarayán made an insane goal in the 36th minute from near midfield that caught Charlotte FC's defense and goalkeeper by surprise as it soared across the field and landed in the net.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/soccer/charlotte-fc-clinging-on-to-playoff-hopes-ahead-of-final-home-match-columbus-crew-bank-of-america-stadium-soccer-football-game-mls-daniel-rios/275-a859d3fa-b6b6-4e4f-9f27-7159b7e4eab7Watch 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!

Five high school students could face felony charges after officers accused them of assaulting one of their classmates.The Statesville Police Department said a fight broke out on Monday, Oct. 3 inside Statesville Senior High School. The student who was hurt was transported to a Winston-Salem hospital for treatment and was later released.Police said they started a criminal investigation and found video of the group of students hitting and kicking the victim. Investigators then conferred with the District Attorney's Office and said in a news release the department will seek felony assault charges against the five students.The students' names are being withheld due to their juvenile status. WCNC Charlotte has reached out to Iredell-Statesville Schools for further comment.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/assault-satesville-senior-high-school-north-carolina-crime-education-local/275-5199bfcd-538e-4e85-a39e-4838653296caFort Mill Schools is ramping up security and is putting new policies in place to deal with school threats, and some of them are similar to what the secret service uses. This comes just weeks after two students were charged with making threats in the district, and now the district says one of the protocols they will be using is the Behavior Threat Assessment and Management model.They say this model will be used if you know the person who is making the threat, and will now be closely examined in close coordination with law enforcement and other stakeholders to determine the credibility of the threat.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/fort-mill-schools-security-education-wake-up-charlotte/275-bd241287-6c46-417c-9d02-bdd20305eabeWatch 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!

One person was killed and another was seriously hurt in a shooting at the Pilot Travel Center off Statesville Avenue and I-85 in north Charlotte late Monday night, police say. WCNC Charlotte's Richard DeVayne has an update on the shooting and what we know from police and witnesses. So far, no arrests have been made, but it's unclear if police are searching for any suspects.FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/shooting-pilot-truck-stop-charlotte-north-carolina/275-e2ef5e48-e604-4cbe-871e-3aed6bd623abTradesha Woodard joins us from Huntersville, where residents are pushing back against a proposed development that would bring apartments and hotel accommodations to the already crowded Birkdale Village. Neighbors voiced those concerns at a town meeting, saying the traffic is an unwanted nuisance for an already busy area.Plus, Ben Thompson connects the dots on how experts say the COVID-19 pandemic changed everyone's personality and we have your top stories in the morning rush.Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

The Carolina Panthers lost an ugly 26-16 game at home to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving fans frustrated. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was under pressure all game long and the offense struggled to move the ball against the Cardinals' defense.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/carolina-panthers-seek-to-continue-complete-dominance-over-arizona-cardinals/275-d553bcc1-d1ee-4c8d-9de5-45606c01b143Plus, we've got the latest on construction at Charlotte Douglas International Airport that could affect travelers, Cabarrus County district leaders will discuss new recommendations that will allow parents to submit concerns about books with controversial material after outcry over new rules and Lancaster County Schools announced plans for a new bus-tracking app for parents and students.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!

Guidance on who qualifies for Biden's student loan forgiveness program changed weeks before the application is set to open and will affect eligibility for millions of student loan borrowers. Borrowers who had Perkins loans or Federal Family Education Loans are at the center of the most recent change, NPR reported. Federal Family Education Loans, known as FFEL loans, were issued and managed by private banks but were backed by the federal government.The program ended in 2010, but over 4 million borrowers still have FFEL loans, NPR reported. Before Thursday, the Department of Education told borrowers they could consolidate the loans into federal Direct Loans to qualify under the debt relief program. "As of Sept. 29, 2022, borrowers with federal student loans not held by ED cannot obtain one-time debt relief by consolidating those loans into Direct Loans," the website says. Borrowers who applied to consolidate their FFEL and Perkins Loans into Direct Loans prior to Thursday are still eligible for the one-time debt relief through the Direct Loan program, according to the website.It is unclear why the department changed its guidance on FFEL loans.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/education-dept-changes-student-debt-relief-guidance/507-8fc37d55-cb70-4fe7-844a-db7a716e2457Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, stood by the false claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent during an interview Thursday with the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection, the panel's chairman said.“It’s a work in progress,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told reporters after the more than four-hour interview ended. “At this point, we’re glad she came.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/virginia-thomas-jan-6-hearing/507-4eb0d89f-37d7-4135-a065-120aa952961aWatch 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!

Test scores show high school students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are severely underperforming in math. On Wednesday, CMS released data that show just 8.2% of high schoolers are testing at the highest levels of end-of-year exams in this area. The goal for CMS is to have at least 26% of high schoolers scoring a level 4 or 5 on end-of-year math exams by 2024. When students reach this score, this means they’re ready for a job or to head to college. CMS says teachers are no longer tamping down expectations due to the pandemic.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-high-school-math-scores-data-education-local/275-45fb3f92-c391-414b-b29a-cde432b56062The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released bodycam footage of an incident where a 14-year-old shot an officer in December 2021.On Wednesday, CMPD officers released the footage from the shooting that occurred on Dec. 27, 2021, on Winged Elm Court.The video shows CMPD officer Elliot Whitley chasing after a suspect before the teen turns around and shoots Whitley in the shoulder. Whitley fell to the ground after being hit and shot at the suspect, but did not strike the teen.Whitley stays around the area before other officers come to offer aid. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/released-bodycam-footage-shows-teen-shooting-cmpd-officer-elliot-whitley-shot-teen-crime-north-carolina-charlotte-december-2021/275-12f0a2e8-604f-441a-a53d-9119a00bb2d0'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!