Experts say there are many reason victims may not come forward. One reason is stigma, but also the psychological, financial, and emotional ties they have with their

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — State and local officials gathered Tuesday in Charlotte to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness about domestic violence and educate about the resources available to North Carolinians,” Stein’s office said in a written statement Monday. “Already in North Carolina this year, 57 people have lost their lives to domestic violence homicides.”

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The number of domestic violence homicides statewide in 2022 totaled 47 deaths.

Recent data from the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows the number of domestic violence homicides now exceeds the number of such killings committed last year.

“Domestic violence has no place in our homes,” McFadden said. 

Experts say there are many reason victims may not come forward. One reason is stigma, but also the psychological, financial, and emotional ties they have with their abuser.

“The abuser seeks to get total control of their intimate partner,” Stein said. 

On top of that, it’s not always easy to report domestic violence. 

Many organizations in Mecklenburg County want to make the process smoother. 

“It’s an extremely lonely feeling to go into a courthouse, and certainly the loneliest person in a courtroom is a person who has been battered and abused,” Merriweather said. 

Merriweather and others are working to create The Umbrella Center, a family justice center to put resources in one place. It’s a process Rashida Gittens wishes would have been easier. 

“Unfortunately, I was there for nine years, and I almost lost my life,” Gittens said.   

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Gittens doesn’t call herself a survivor of domestic abuse, she calls herself a victor. She encourages others to speak out. 

“You’re priority is your safety, you’re priority is making it out alive,” Gittens said. “You must expose it and tell anyone who will listen.”

According to CMPD, the department responds to an average of 38,000 domestic violence related calls every year. 

“It impacts every aspect of our lives,” Melody Gross, founder of Courageous SHIFT, said. 

Gross is also a survivor of abuse. She now helps other women fight back against domestic violence. 

“No one is immune from it, even if were not directly impacted,” Gross said.

Legal Aid of North Carolina also has attorneys that work to help those fighting the battle, figure out the court system. Stop the Cycle NC | Start here to end abuse.

Safe Alliance provides resources to provide hope and healing for those dealing with these crisis situations by providing a safe haven at the domestic violence shelter. The agency operates a victim assistance court program and the 24/7 Hope Line at 980-771-HOPE.

Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

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WCNC Charlotte reached out to CMS about the route change and were told the district is looking into the change.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Some parents in Matthews have an issue when it comes to a school bus route in their neighborhood. They claim the new route is adding a lot of time and distance to their child’s commute to and from school.

Priscilla Green is one of the parents that has safety concerns over the change. 

“The challenge for me is the safety issue that she has to walk across a hill,” Green said.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. 

Green’s daughter is 5 years old and attends Crown Point Elementary School. She claimed she found out about the change through a teacher. 

Green’s daughter is riding with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools transportation for the first time this school year, and the latest change is moving her bus stop blocks away from the original stop. 

“I was concerned that I was going to miss her or that she would be too scared to get off the bus and walk by herself over here home, if I’m ever not able to get off the bus or a parent or grandparent isn’t able to come on time to pick her up,” Green added. 

The concern with school transportation goes beyond Green and her daughter. 

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“I mean, it’s their safety,” Green said. “My daughter is not the only one. I spoke with a previous parent before, and there was a lot of children that were getting off at that bus stop and now they no longer can. I think is definitely a concern. They’re further away from their homes. And it’s not safe.”

WCNC Charlotte reached out to CMS about the route change and were told the district is looking into the change. 

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

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The country music superstars are here to lend their voice and muscles to Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project to benefit Habitat for Humanity has chosen Charlotte for its 2023 building, bringing in hundreds of volunteers to build 23 new homes at a development near the city’s airport. 

Volunteers began working Monday on the construction of the homes at the Meadows at Plato Price in west Charlotte and work is expected to take all week long. WCNC Charlotte is a proud partner of the Carter Work Project, which is being led by country music superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The couple are lending their voices and their muscles to this year’s project as the organization is seeking solutions to the affordable housing crisis that’s affecting so many American families. 

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“Carter talks about basic human rights and a roof over your head is one of those rights,” Brooks told WCNC Charlotte’s Sarah French.

“This reminds me that we are inherently good and everybody wants to help each other,” Yearwood added.

In 2019, the Carters transitioned their ambassadorship to Garth and Trisha.

“I just think President Carter loves you so much,” Yearwood said. “He loves Garth.” 

“We’re not taking over for them. Nobody can,” Brooks emphasized. “This is the Carter Work Project, and as long as we’re involved, this will be a Carter work project.”

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The country music power couple says they’ve been hooked ever since they first started volunteering with the Carters after Hurricane Katrina. 

“We were impressed,” Yearwood said. “We had to up our game just to keep up with them.”

“Next thing you know you’re out there hammering, you’re talking, ‘What do you do?,'” Brooks explained, “I’m the person moving in here they say, and you’re working right next to them. How cool is that?”

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When all is said and done, 39 new homes will be built in Charlotte. Volunteers are building 23 this week, plus an additional four homes on New Pineola Road. It’s all for families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford houses like this. Brooks and Yearwood will be in Charlotte for the entire week, making sure they’re a part of like like Carters always did. 

“We just want to extend the legacy and honor them,” Brooks explained. “Let’s say 20 years from now, if we are doing a Carter work project, the president and Mrs. Rosalynn will be here.”

WCNC Charlotte’s been covering the Carter Work Project’s new development in Charlotte for several months, including Jimmy Carter’s history of helping in Charlotte and the legacy of the Plato Price School, which was once a centerpiece of Charlotte’s African American community. 

Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Previous stories:

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According to a release from the coroner’s office, the youngest victim was just 2 years old.

YORK, S.C. — A house fire that tore through a home in York on Sunday claimed three lives according to the York County Coroner’s Office. Two of those who died were children under the age of 4 years old.

The coroner’s office said the fire happened along Barron Park in York. The three victims were taken to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where the coroner was called to investigate their deaths.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

The three victims were identified as 27-year-old Bryan Patton Jr., 3-year-old Malayah Patton, and 2-year-old Milani Patton. WCNC Charlotte has asked both the coroner’s office and the York Police Department to confirm if all three victims are related to one another.

The coroner’s office said both autopsy and toxicology reports have been completed, and that the deaths remain under investigation by York police, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the South Carolina State Fire Marshal.

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WCNC Charlotte will update this story with any new information provided by authorities.

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Each month WCNC Charlotte highlights a nonprofit making a difference in our community. Join us in supporting their cause.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Purchase books to donate to children in need

An estimated 60,000 children in Charlotte don’t have access to books to help them grow academicly.  The non-profit Promising Pages is working to elimate the book desert.  Promising Pages collects new and donated books and distributes them to students and organizations.

WCNC Charlotte, along with our partners Wells Fargo Championship, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund, have teamed up with Promising Pages to support Booktoberfest.  It’s a month-long book drive to help collect new and used books for children from birth to high school.

If you have books at your home that you’d like to donate, Promising Pages is in need of children’s books in like new and gently used condition.  Their biggest need is Pre-K through 5th grade books.

The following locations have outdoor donation bins that can be accessed anytime:

The following locations have indoor and outdoor collection bins that can only be accessed when the buildings are open (click on the links for more details):

Compost Central Recycling Center – 140 Valleydale Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214The Cornwell Center – 2001 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207Tillman Insurance Advisors (South Blvd.) – 6407 South Blvd., Suite L, Charlotte, NC 28217Tillman Insurance Advisors (Ballantyne) – 8440 Rea Rd., Suite P, Charlotte, NC 28277Uwharrie Bank – 5231 Piper Station Dr., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277Second Look Books – 4519 School House Commons, Suite 230, Harrisburg, NC 28075Sweet Frog Concord – 8528 Pit Stop Ct., NW #10, Concord, NC 28027Spaces South End – 307 West Tremont Avenue, Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203Spaces Trade and Tryon – 101 N Tryon St., Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28246Regus @ Mooresville-Langtree – 106 Langtree Village Drive, Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28117Le Petit Spa – 12105 Copper Way, Suite 202 Charlotte, NC, 28277The Book Rack – 10110 Johnston Rd #5, Charlotte, NC 28210Corks, Cooks, & Books – 295 Herlong Ave., Suite 401 Rock Hill, SC 29732Tall Stories – 164 S Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732

WCNC Charlotte, the Parham Family Charitable Fund, Steel Skin Realty and the TEGNA Foundation presented a $5,000 check to help Promising Pages.

Donate money to Our Bridge for Kids

=== Our September 2023 spotlight ===

A Charlotte after school program bridges the gap between school and home, helping kids new to America with everything from learning English to learning the culture.

Our Bridge for Kids staff transport and help educate 150 kids after school.  But its more than education and teaching English – it’s a lifeline for many of the kids who have just come to America.

Our Bridge for Kids is a Charlotte based non-profit. They want to expand their mission and continue to provide ESL classes, transportation and food.  They’re looking for support and if you are interested, you can donate here.  Every dollar you give helps make Charlotte a better place by giving local children access to quality academic support in an environment that celebrates our diversity.

WCNC Charlotte teamed up with the Parham Family Charitable Fund, Steel Skin Realty and the TEGNA Foundation to present a $5,000 check to help Our Bridge for Kids and the families they serve.

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=== Our August 2023 spotlight ===

A nationwide campaign to help clear the shelters and find forever homes for as many pets as possible wrapped up at the end of August with many Charlotte-area families finding a new furry friend!

Donate money to help Clear The Shelters

Many area shelters and rescue groups are at capacity, which means there’s no available kennel space.  WCNC Charlotte helped Clear the Shelters by encouraging pet adoptions or donations on Saturday, Aug. 26.

An in-person Clear the Shelters Adoption Event took place at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte. Thanks to the open hearts of several families, 53 pets went home and curled right on up!

Families who adopted a pet on Saturday from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control received an adoption package valued at approximately $425. 

More than 1,500 pets were adopted throughout the campaign from al lof the area shelters and rescues that particpated.

See our full coverage of Clear the Shelters 2023

=== Our July 2023 spotlight ===

Love N Cherish Food Pantry, a small nonprofit that started as an in-home daycare and they served food from the basement to those in need.  Love N Cherish has since grown into a family care center with a mobile food pantry to help feed the hungry. .

Click to donate to Love N Cherish Food Pantry

Mary Roseborough founded Love N Cherish Family Center, Inc  and their mission is to provide quality childcare benefiting the child, the parent, the staff and the community.

Twice a week, those needy people can come to the pantry on Church Road in Rock Hill where a team of volunteers make sure they leave with a generous donation of food. Over 500 to 600 boxes of wholesome food are handed out every week. All of the food at the pantr is donated to her organization with a big portion comin from Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Love N Cherish is always looking for opportunities to help neighbors make a difference. Here are a few ways you can help the organization serve its mission: 

Organize a non-perishable food drive at your chuch, work or business. 

Businesses, churches and other civic organizations can sponsor the organization with monthly, quarterly and yearly monetary donations. Make an individual donation. You can donate gift cards or make monetary donations. Volunteer. Collecting food, organizing donations at the pantry or giving out food on specified days are all great ways to be a volunteer. 

RELATED: York County food pantry making a difference for neighbors in need

Anyone interested in making a difference or learning more information about the Love N Cherish food pantry can call 803-329-2643. 

WCNC Charlotte teamed up with the Parham Family Charitable Fund, Steel Skin Realty and the TEGNA Foundation to present a $5,000 check to help feed those in need.

=== Our April 2023 spotlight ===

If you need help putting food on the table, Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry in Gastonia will help.

Click to donate to Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry

Pastor Rodney Freeman of Mt. Zion Restoration Church says it’s been three years since they were asked by Gaston County to help feed those in need.  Bountiful Blessings served an estimated 300 people a week. In 2020, that jumped to 3,300 during the pandemic.

The numbers dropped since, but they’re going back up. Recently they have been serving an estimated 2,900 people. Freeman says they’re serving more senior citizens. The cost of groceries have increased, but their income hasn’t so they need help putting food on the table.

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Make A Difference: Bountiful Blessings receives $10,000 donation from Junior League

In 2021, WCNC Charlotte shared the story of Bountiful Blessings and how they are makings a difference in the community. Bountiful Blessings received a donated cargo van to help serve and it was all because Halle Toya who saw the story and got motivated to help.  

Because of the good work Bountiful Blessings continues to do in the community, WCNC Charlotte teamed up with the Parham Family Charitable Fund, Steel Skin Realty and the TEGNA Foundation to present a $5,000 check to help feed those in need.

If you would like to help, you can donate money online or you can text BOUNTIFUL to 44321

=== Our March 2023 spotlight ===

Block Love Charlotte is a Charlotte-based nonprofit with a focus on feeding the homeless population.  Every day of the week but Wednesday, Block Love Charlotte works to provide a free meal to those experiencing homelessness with the help of partnerships and donations from local restaurants.

In addition to the physical needs, Block Love Charlotte also wants to provide resources and a foundation to help unhoused neighbors find stable footing off the streets.

“We also assist with housing navigation and we just help individuals get back on their feet so they can end the cycle of homelessness,” executive director Deborah Phillips said. 

If you would like to help you can send monetary donations via Cashapp at $blockloveclt or donate through PayPal.

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The Charlotte Knights will host their season home opener on Friday, March 31 and all sales can be rounded up at the register to donate to Block Love.

=== Our February 2023 spotlight ===

A Charlotte non-profit is making a differece by working together to push violence out of their communitities.

Click to donate money to Heal Charlotte

“A large percentage of the homicides that are happening are with our youth at the ages of 14-21.  So we want to have programming that assists those people to make smart decisions in the neighborhood,” Greg Jackson, founder of Heal Charlotte said.

Prevention is key for Heal Charlotte. The organization works with kids through mentorship, camps, anti-violence campaigns, and events in the community.

Heal Charlotte is working to stop the violence in the community in a creative way: by getting kids involved to spread awareness about anti-violence action. The group is using the kids’ love for fashion to communicate its message and how they feel about the dangers of gun violence.

Because of the good work Heal Charlotte is doing in the community, WCNC Charlotte teamed up with the Parham Family Charitable Fund, Steel Skin Realty and the TEGNA Foundation to present a $5,000 check to Heal Charlotte.

Jackson said Heal Charlotte is hosting a youth retreat at Camp Thunderbird this spring for about 140 youth from 10 different organizations.

“This is going to be a great contribtion to that weekend. Thank you very much.  I appreciate it,” he said.

The Parham Family Charitable fund and Steel Skin Realty matches WCNC donations to local nonprofits.  They matched the WCNC donation of $2,500 to Heal Charlotte.

“Heal Charlotte is strengthening our community by enabling strong, stable families.  They’re providing our youth with safe spaces where they can learn and thrive.  Greg says I’m just doing my little bit so that nobody has to do a lot.  Well your little bit sir is making an incredible difference in this community,” Claudette Parham said.  “Roger and I at Parham Family Charitable Fund and Steel Skin Realty are honored to support Heal Charlotte.”

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=== Our January 2023 spotlight ===

WCNC Charlotte teamed up once again with Boy Scouts of America to help fight hunger in the community and make a difference through the Scouting For Food drive.  

Click to donate money to Scouting For Food

Scouts with the Mecklenburg County Council, Central NC Council and Palmetto Council went door-to-door on Saturday, Feb. 4 to collect much-needed donations for various food pantries.

Donations were also collected at:

No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. To make an online monetary donation, text the word SCOUT4FOOD to 44321 to support Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays.

Full details with drop-off locations here

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=== Our November and December 2022 spotlight ===

With inflation and the burden of high costs, thousands of families in the Charlotte area community are turning to The Salvation Army for support. Across the viewing area, The Salvation Army expects to provide gifts to more than 15,000 children this year.

Click to donate money to the Magical Toy Drive

To meet the need, WCNC Charlotte teamed up with Belk, Original Mattress Factory and Tropical Smoothie Cafe to help make the holidays magical for everyone with the Magical Toy Drive.

Donation barrels are placed at Charlotte area Belk and Original Mattress Factory stores for new, unwrapped toys to help make sure every child in need has a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning.  

RELATED: Magical Toy Drive drop-off locations

An in person Magical Toy Drive drive-thru event will be hosted by WCNC Charlotte on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside of the Belk at Carolina Place with team volunteers, store associates, and The Salvation Army. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for children in need and say hello to the WCNC Charlotte team.

RELATED: Magical Toy Drive helps kids have a merry Christmas

Donations will be collected inside Charlotte area Belk stores and Original Mattress Factory locations through Friday, Dec. 16. 

Anyone can also donate money online.   

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance this holiday, reach out to The Salvation Army.

From all of us at WCNC Charlotte, thank you for helping make this holiday season a magical one for children in need!

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=== Our October 2022 spotlight ===

For Thanksgiving Hope Street Food Pantry is preparing to serve 300 families that week. In order to make sure everyone in need has enough food for the table, the nonprofit need donations.

DONATE now to Hope Street Food Pantry

Hope Street Food Pantry opened in September 2018, becoming the first food pantry in the 28269 ZIP code. It started as a small pantry, serving out of a basement in an old house. On its opening night, the nonprofit served four families. After three years, Hope Street Food Pantry moved into a new building and has served over 30,000 people. The mission is still the same: To serve anyone in need of food with love and acceptance.

NO ID, referrals, appointments or financial documents are required to receive services from Hope Street Food Pantry.

WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund have donated $5,000 to Hope Street Food Pantry to help put food on the table for those in need this Thanksgiving.

There are three ways you can give:

Donate money onlineShop the Hope Street Food Pantry Amazon Wish ListPurchase food and drop it off at a pantry location (listed below)

The items on their shopping list for Thanksgiving include frozen turkey, instant mashed potatoes, gravy mix, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, canned corn, canned green beans, cake mix and icing. Items can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

Hope Street Food Pantry (main location) – 4100 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC 28269 Mallard Creek Recreation Center – 2530 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC 28269Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center – 2921 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208Southview Recreation Center – 1720 Vilma Street, Charlotte, NC 28208Food Lion – 2201 West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269

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=== Our September 2022 spotlight ===

Therapeutic horseback riding helping kids with special needs

Nearly 1,000 kids have been transformed through the power of therapeutic horseback riding with the nonprofit Mitey Riders, located on 83 acres of land off Providence Road in Union County.

Donate money to Mitey Riders

Twenty-seven years ago, founder Harry Swimmer met a girl with special needs. He invited her to his barn.

“I said, ‘I wonder what she’d be like on a horse,'” Swimmer recalled. “And I put her on a horse. And boy, she lit up. And I said ‘This is for me.'”

Children with special needs are invited to the barn to ride for therapy, free of charge. And once a child starts, they never age out. The Mitey Riders program lets them come for all long as they want, for free.

“Horses are amazing animals,” Swimmer said. “They know what’s going on. I had a great big horse, and I had a child on the horse. And it was in the ring, and I was working the class. All of a sudden, we turned around and looked, and a horse stopped dead in his tracks. And we went over, and the little boy was having a seizure. The horse knew before we did.”

All students ride the horses free of charge thanks to generous donations to the nonprofit Mitey Riders from the community. WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund have donated $5,000 to Mitey Riders. If you’d like to make a difference and donate money to horseback therapy for special needs kids, click here.

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=== Our August 2022 spotlight ===

Donate money to help Clear The Shelters

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control is asking for the public’s help as rising pet intake, staffing shortages and population growth in Charlotte put the shelter in “crisis” mode.

After the COVID-19 lockdown drove intake numbers down and more families to adopt new pets, the center is now facing a perfect storm of straining factors: A rising human population, also bringing new pets to the area, the highest intake numbers in years and staffing shortages.  

RELATED: How to help animal shelters, rescues in the Carolinas

Clear The Shelters is an annual, nationwide pet adoption and shelter donation campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal. Each year, NBCUniversal Local’s NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations, plus affiliated stations, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to host Clear The Shelters events. 

Charlotte Knights fostering dog as WCNC Charlotte launches Clear The Shelters

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

Donate money to help Clear The Shelters

This year, Clear the Shelters was a month-long campaign, finding homes for animals across the Charlotte area who need a forever family. Donations can be made online with 100% of the money going to the shelter or rescue. WCNC Charlotte has teamed up with 13 shelters and rescues to support the annual adoption campaign. 

=== Our July 2022 spotlight ===

Gift wish list items to help families in need

For just a few dollars, you can make a personal hygiene kit for Charlotte area nonprofits to help the homeless.

An estimated 22% of Cabarrus County residents are food insecure and one in five children go hungry. WCNC Charlotte is working with 1CAN, a nonprofit that serves those in need in Cabarrus County. The nonprofit has a total of seven Blessing Boxes in Concord and Kannapolis. A Blessing Box is similar to a little free library, only it is filled with food and toiletry items. Those in need can take the items at no cost.  

Sheryl Kluge founded the nonprofit in 2019 and said the need is even greater now than during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteers with 1CAN restock the boxes, sometimes daily. Their boxes at Rotary Square, Fire Station 4 in Concord and boxes at Cabarrus Health Alliance and Fire Station1 in Kannapolis remain the busiest boxes that serve many people daily. 

1CAN needs donations of food and personal hygiene items. Items can be purchased from their Amazon Smile wish list.

WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund donated $5,000 to 1CAN to help neighbors in need.

WCNC Charlotte also purchased personal hygiene items and assembled them into bags to distribute in Blessing Boxes.

A simple hygiene kit includes the following:

ToothpasteToothbrushSoapShampoo

Items can be sample size or full and should be placed in a sealed Ziplock bag.

Additional suggested items to include:

DeodorantWashclothWipesBand-aidsLotionCombsWomen’s sanitary productsChapstickGlovesSocksHatsQ TipsHand sanitizerDo not include razors since they can be used to hurt someone

The nonprofit also needs help keeping the boxes stocked. They will provide the food, but they need volunteers to go and straighten and stock. It takes about 15 minutes. Those able to volunteer their time can contact Sheryl at 843-330-0525 or sheryl@your1can.org. 

In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families affected by food insecurity skyrocketed, and another three Blessing Boxes boxes were added in other areas within Cabarrus County bringing the total to seven. 1CAN was able to assist families with over 20,000 food and personal hygiene items in 2020.

=== Our June 2022 spotlight ===

Ada Jenkins Center

COVID-19 changed everything, and vulnerable neighbors need help more than ever before. 

The Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, North Carolina, helps prevent food and housing insecurity and provides families with educational, career and financial resources.

Purchase items from the Ada Jenkins Amazon wish list, and the items will be sent directly to the nonprofit.  High-priority items include bug spray, sunscreen, rain ponchos and hats.

WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund donated $5,000 to the Ada Jenkins Center to help neighbors in need.

=== Our May 2022 spotlight ===

Carolinas Metro Reds

Carolinas Metro Reds is a nonprofit in Charlotte that helps underserved youth play baseball. The Carolinas Metro Reds provides a diverse, family environment for underserved youth to develop their baseball, academic and life skills by way of high-level coaching, teaching and mentorship.

Baseball is a national pastime, a team sport that millions of youth have enjoyed and benefitted from for over a century. However, baseball is out of reach for many families in Charlotte as it is no longer affordable. Many families can’t pay the team fees that provide access to baseball fields, equipment, and coaching.  But through Carolinas Metro Reds, hundreds of youth are able to take the field.

A donation of $50 supports one player for a season with Carolinas Metro Reds.

WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund will match up to the first $5,000 donated to Carolinas Metro Reds..

DONATE to Carolinas Metro Reds

Morris Madden, a former MLB left-handed pitcher, is the founder and President of the Carolinas Metro Reds.  For years, Morris noticed a concerning lack of growth among young African-American players in baseball. Not nearly enough kids under the age of eighteen had the awareness or access to the game of baseball and he knew that he had to help. Shortly after his MLB playing career, he decided it was time to take an active role in being a part of the solution.  

There are currently almost 200 players in the organization and additional funding will help additional underserved players and families to participate in baseball, and also benefit from the life skills and education support provided.

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Carolinas Metro Reds tees up west Charlotte kids for success

=== Our April 2022 spotlight ===

Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation

Dozens of teachers in Hickory Public Schools applied for grant money to help meet educational needs in the classroom.  

But due to the pandemic, Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation hasn’t been able to host a fundraiser for the past two years. That means funds are limited.

It’s hard to tell a teacher no when they’re trying to help better student education, but the foundation has been forced to turn down teacher requests.  

The foundation was elated to learn they could say yes to teacher requests thanks to WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund’s donation of $5,000.

But there are more teachers asking for money and that’s where you come in. Donate now to help fund teacher requests through the Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation.

Donate to Hickory Public Schools Education Foundation

Teacher Daniel Ernenwein of Longview Elementary School received grant money so he can purchase books for his bilingual class so kids can go home and exchange from English to Spanish with their parents.

Teachers Laura Marvin and Dorothy Dalton received grant money so both of their classrooms at Oakwood Elementary School could expand on science.

“This money will go for hands-on science that will help students actually touch, feel, manipulate the curriculum,” Marvin said.

All money donated goes toward making a difference in the classroom for students.

=== Our March 2022 spotlight ===

Beatties Ford Road Vocational Center

The Beatties Ford Road Vocational Center has a waitlist of more than 300 people interested in taking their trade classes.  They can’t afford to pay to attend classes, so they’re waitlisted until the nonprofit has enough funding to grant them a scholarship.

DONATE to Beatties Ford Road Vocational Center

Beatties Ford Road Vocational Center provides students who are chronically underemployed or unemployed with skills in traditional and non-traditional trades that will enable them to obtain permanent employment and compete for advancement in the job market.  Make a difference by donating to help young man or woman who has dropped out of high school to get a second chance of getting their high school diploma and a trade.  A $50 donation could help purchase a required training textbook.  

WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, Steel Skin Realty and the Parham Family Charitable Fund will match up to the first $5,000 donated.

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Beatties Ford trade school seeking solutions to help more trade students

=== Our February 2022 spotlight ===

The Academy of Goal Achievers

The Academy of Goal Achievers, a Charlotte-based nonprofit, has impacted the lives of over 500 local high school students by providing mentorship and programming for them to prepare them for life after high school.

DONATE to The Academy of Goal Achievers

The Academy of Goal Achievers helps students learn life skills they don’t usually get in the classroom to help them get to that next level: college or a trade. 

But they can’t do it without your help. Can you volunteer as a career coach? Or do you work for a company that could offer job shadowing or an internship? You can also make a difference by donating money to help fund the program. WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, the Parham Family Charitable Fund and Steel Skin Realty will match up to the first $5,000.

Donations go to support programs to eliminate financial barriers, pay the tuition gap, pay for books and tutoring.  A donation of $35 will support of tutoring session for a student.  

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Charlotte mentorship program wants to change students’ mindsets, increase resources

=== Our January 2022 spotlight ===

Scouting For Food

WCNC Charlotte teamed up with the Boy Scouts of America to help fight hunger in the community through the Scouting For Food drive.  

Scouts collected donations in the following counties: Mecklenburg, York, Lancaster, Anson, Union, Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly. 

In the small town of Clover in York, South Carolina, donations benefited the Clover Area Assistance Center.

DONATE to Clover Area Assistance Center

Karen Van Vierssen is the director of the Clover Area Assistance Center. Tax credits and extra benefits ended Dec. 31, 2021.  Van Vierssen said they’re expecting more people will turn to them this month for help. 

“People don’t want to ask for help, but reality is starting to hit,” she said.

Scouting For Food helped fill their shelves with much-needed donations.  The Clover Area Assistance Center provides food for approximately 180 households a month.

If you would like to donate money instead, make a difference by donating online to the Clover Area Assistance Center. WCNC Charlotte and the TEGNA Foundation will match up to the first $2,500 donated.

SEE OUR COVERAGE:  South Carolina food pantry counting on Boy Scouts to help feed hungry families

=== Our December 2021 spotlight ===

She Built This City

Nearly two million women have dropped out of the labor force amid the pandemic. How will they come back?

A nonprofit based in west Charlotte is trying to make a difference. It’s called She Built This City and was founded by Demi Knight Clark, a residential construction industry executive for over 20 years.  They empower women and girls in the construction and manufacturing trades.

DONATE to She Built This City

You can help by making a donation. $25 provides one youth experience in the explorer kids program to spark interest in construction and maker trades.

A $50 provides one youth with an opportunity to learn 3D printing, virtual reality and other 2030 technology pathways.

WCNC Charlotte and the TEGNA Foundation will match up to the first $2,000 donated.  

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Nonprofit training women in construction: She Built This City

=== Our November 2021 spotlight ===

PATH, Inc.

PATH, Inc. is making a difference in York County by providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need this holiday.  The non-profit needs to distribute a total of 125 boxes of food for Thanksgiving to families in western York County.  But they need donations to help make that happen.

DONATE to PATH to help this Thanksgiving

WCNC Charlotte and the TEGNA Foundation will match up to the first $2,000 donated.  

SEE OUR COVERAGE: York County organization needs help feeding people in need

After Thanksgiving, the nonprofit starts working on distributing food boxes for Christmas.  So no matter how much money you donate, it all goes back to the community.

=== Our October 2021 spotlight ===

Camino Health Center

Camino Health Center is a bilingual and multicultural health center located in west Charlotte that provides excellent and affordable integrated care to underinsured and uninsured populations. Its mission is to equip people to live truly healthy lives.  

DONATE to Camino Health Center

At Camino, they believe nutrition is a key component to living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to food, let alone meals rich in nutrients. It’s through their Food Pantry, called “The Food Farmacy”, that they help alleviate food insecurity in our community. A $25 donation will help feed one person for a week.

SEE OUR COVERAGE:  How to help fight food insecurity in Charlotte

=== Our August and September 2021 spotlight ===

The month-long WCNC Charlotte Clear The Shelters event ended September 18 with a fantastic adoption day.

Making a difference in the Charlotte area, TEGNA Foundation and WCNC Charlotte donated a total of $11,000 to Clear The Shelters. Each shelter and rescue will receive $1,000.  A total of $21,000 was raised and more than 240 pets were adopted.

SEE OUR COVERAGE:  Animals find fur-ever homes on Clear The Shelters Day

There are a variety of shelters in our area that participated. The goal was to make a difference in the animal community to help them adopt all of their animals and raise money to support their shelter.

=== Our June 2021 spotlight ===

Carolinas Metro Reds

Carolinas Metro Reds is a nonprofit in Charlotte that helps underserved youth play baseball.  The Carolinas Metro Reds provides a diverse, family environment for underserved youth to develop their baseball, academic and life skills by way of high-level coaching, teaching and mentorship.

Baseball is a national pastime, a team sport that millions of youth have enjoyed and benefitted from for over a century.  However,  baseball is out of reach for many families in Charlotte as it is no longer affordable.  Many families can’t pay the team fees that provide access to baseball fields, equipment, and coaching.  But through Carolinas Metro Reds, hundreds of youth are able to take the field.

A donation of $50 supports one player for a season with Carolinas Metro Reds.

WCNC Charlotte will match up to the first $2,000 donated to Carolinas Metro Reds.

DONATE to Carolinas Metro Reds

Morris Madden, a former MLB left-handed pitcher, is the founder and President of the Carolinas Metro Reds.  For years, Morris noticed a concerning lack of growth among young African-American players in baseball. Not nearly enough kids under the age of eighteen had the awareness or access to the game of baseball and he knew that he had to help. Shortly after his MLB playing career, he decided it was time to take an active role in being a part of the solution.  

There are currently almost 200 players in the organization and additional funding will help additional underserved players and families to participate in baseball, and also benefit from the life skills and education support provided.

In 2020, WCNC Charlotte and the TEGNA Foundation awarded Carolina Metro Reds a grant, which supported two entire teams for a season of baseball.

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Carolinas Metro Reds tees up west Charlotte kids for success

=== Our May 2021 spotlight ===

Esther’s Heart

Help feed hungry children in the community. Esther’s Heart Backpacks of Hope Program is in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County School Systems. 

DONATE to Esther’s Heart

Esther’s Heart receives applications ongoing throughout the school year and needs support from the community to make this happen continually. Backpacks of Hope provides meals for the entire weekend for the youth.

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Esther’s Heart helps feed children across the Charlotte area

=== Our April 2021 spotlight ===

For The Struggle, Inc.

Help seniors stay in their homes by donating to For The Struggle, Inc, a nonprofit that focuses on advocating for homeowners at risk of losing their property to gentrification.  

DONATE to For the Struggle, Inc.

The Elder Response Initiative provides free services to seniors in historically and predominately black neighborhoods, primarily Charlotte’s Beatties Ford Road corridor.  

The initiative was created by For The Struggle, Inc. because Charlotte has experienced rapid gentrification that has heightened the risk of displacement, particularly on the corridor. The corridor has a large senior population at risk of displacement. As such, the initiative provides seniors with assistance in obtaining critical home repairs; future planning (e.g. wills, powers of attorney); and property tax relief.   

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Charity battling gentrification in Charlotte’s historic Black neighborhoods

=== Our March Spotlight ===

Turning Point

One in four families we know is impacted by domestic violence. It’s a startling statistic. And because of the pandemic, victims are in isolation from their abusers. 

Turning Point is a nonprofit in Monroe that is a safe shelter for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. They’re in need of financial donations. 

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Monroe domestic violence shelter needs your donations

Make a difference and help those trapped in domestic violence. Donate now by texting the word MONROE to 50155 or you go online to donate.

=== Our February 2021 spotlight ===

Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry

WCNC Charlotte is teaming up with the United Way of Gaston County to make a difference for an organization in need.

Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry served about 300 people per week before COVID-19 hit. Now, volunteers are serving nearly 4,000 a week and need upgraded equipment to keep feeding the community. 

SEE OUR COVERAGE: Make A Difference: Bountiful Blessings receives $10,000 donation from Junior League

Donations can be made online or you can text BOUNTIFUL to 71777.

Making a difference

With millions of people turning to charitable nonprofits since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WCNC Charlotte is raising awareness of nonprofits in the Carolinas that are in desperate need of help.  Additional funds are needed in an effort to continue to serve those who need it most. 

Each month, WCNC Charlotte will share information about a nonprofit making a difference in the community. These nonprofits are all 501c3 verified through the IRS. If you are in a position to give, any donation amount can make an impact.

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WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

https://miteyriders.org/donate/ […]

Medic was called to the scene out of an abundance of caution, CMS said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A student used pepper spray during a fight on a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school bus on Tuesday morning, the district told WCNC Charlotte.

The bus was going to Ranson Middle School in northwest Charlotte, CMS said.

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Medic was called to the scene out of an abundance of caution, the district said. All injuries were minor and no one was taken to the hospital from the scene, Medic said.

The following message was sent to Ransom Middle School Families following the incident:

Good morning Raider Family. This is Principal Brown reaching out to inform you about an incident on bus 1692 this morning. As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. A fight broke out among students and Pepper spray was deployed. Out of an abundance of caution medics were immediately called to the scene to assess scholars.

Weapons and disruptive behavior are prohibited in our schools and are a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Any student in violation will be disciplined according to the handbook. An investigation is currently underway.

We ask that you continue to partner with us in creating a safe learning environment for all students by speaking with your scholar about appropriate behavior at school and reminding them about the consequences of their actions. Please ensure that scholars do not bring prohibited items to school. Thank you for your support of Ranson IB Middle School.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. 

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Four people were arrested after North Carolina state troopers found over 150 stolen phones linked to an Ohio music festival.

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Four people from Florida were arrested after North Carolina state troopers found more than 150 stolen cellphones inside their vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 77 in Iredell County last week, the Highway Patrol confirmed. 

The incident happened along southbound I-77 near mile-marker 66 in northern Iredell County on Sept. 25. A state trooper stopped a Dodge Journey for speeding when the trooper determined there was reasonable suspicion to search the vehicle. 

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During the search, North Carolina State Highway Patrol recovered 152 stolen cellphones and some marijuana. The driver and three passengers in the vehicle were all arrested and charged with 20 counts each of possession of stolen property. The driver of the Dodge, identified as 29-year-old Piter Valenzuela, was also charged with possession of marijuana. All four suspects are from Orlando. 

Troopers said at least 20 of the phones were confirmed to be stolen and have been linked to an open case out of Licking County, Ohio. Multiple people reported their phones were stolen during the Lost Lands Music Festival, according to Ohio authorities. Investigators are still working to identify the owners of the remaining phones and confirm when the devices were stolen. 

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office has been in regular contact with North Carolina state troopers to assist with the investigation. The Highway Patrol is also collaborating with other Ohio-based agencies to identify any additional victims. 

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV devices, just download the free WCNC+ app.

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Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.  […]

The city’s CARE Team uses licensed social workers to respond to low-level calls for service instead of police officers.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pilot program in the Queen City is showing promise, while also freeing up resources in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The city’s CARE Team uses licensed social workers to respond to low-level calls for service instead of police officers.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

On Monday, the group gave the City Council’s housing committee an update on the pilot program and how it has expanded since its start.

The CARE Team consists of licensed social workers who go on what would normally be low-risk 911 calls often involving calls with mental health and other types of non-violent crises. There have been more than 260 calls since the start of the program.

 You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app.

They say their goal is to reduce the need for emergency services while providing the appropriate response for people in need. This helps increase the connectivity between first responders and community partners, without using police officers who could then focus on other more urgent calls.

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The new standards were signed into law Monday, which means students will have to take a computer science course if they want to walk the stage.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If high schoolers want to walk the stage, the class checklist just got longer. 

North Carolina is adding one more requirement for high schoolers to graduate. The new standards were signed into law Monday, which means students will have to take a computer science course if they want to walk the stage. 

The new law is timely though, as it comes as jobs in the field are expected to grow. Every year, state researchers look at what jobs are growing the fastest. 

 For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Computer and math-related jobs top the list, and for students who do not want to take this class, maybe this will pique your interest. North Carolina’s Department of Commerce put the median salary for these jobs at more than $98,000 a year. 

Computer science is a broad category but it covers jobs like software developers and support specialists.

And turning to the bill itself. It says the new required lessons should include instruction on software designs, and technology’s impact on society. Signing the bill into law Monday, Governor Roy Cooper said the coding and technology skills kids can learn in these classes are needed.

He went on to suggest requirements to colleges and universities, naming online child safety as a top concern.

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There is another aspect to consider though/ Many of our classrooms and instructors are overworked and underpaid. It’s not clear how this new requirement will impact teachers, and the schools now required to adhere. 

Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Fall leaves are starting to show in the North Carolina mountains. Here’s when you can expect peak color.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — October is here, which means cool weather is right around the corner in the Carolinas. And with it comes the beautiful fall color that so many of us love. 

Millions of people flock to the North Carolina mountains each year to see the fall foliage and with views like you get along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s easy to see why. The picturesque landscape is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list with beautiful orange, red and yellow leaves as far as the eye can see across the peaks and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains. 

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Fall color is behind schedule in 2023

Because of unseasonably warm temperatures in September, fall color is a little behind schedule. Panovich says the fall color is about a week-and-a-half later than you’d expect in the first week of October. But that isn’t to say things are totally green, as Grandfather Mountain shared a photo this week that highlighted some color at high elevations. 

“We’re starting to see some changes up there,” forecaster Larry Sprinkle said. “We’re getting some moderate levels in the higher elevations.”

Sprinkle said areas like Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain are among those locations where you can see some color coming in. As you head west into the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s quite a bit more fall color to be seen. 

Panovich predicts peak fall color at the higher elevations — from 4,500 feet to 5,000 feet — around the weekend of Oct. 14-15. 

Fall color update in the mountains and foothills

With moderate-to-high fall color visible at the highest elevations, you might see a few trees in your neighborhood starting to turn over. This is caused more by our streak of dry weather than the natural transition to fall. But still, there’s a chance some parts of the foothills are getting a touch of autumn. 

Panovich shared the current fall color levels for various parts of the mountains and foothills Monday and there’s at least some color visible from Mount Mitchell all the way to the lower elevations of the mountains. 

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Current leaf color (as of Oct. 3)

Grandfather Mountain: HighBeech Mountain: Moderate to highBanner Elk: LowBoone: LowValle Crucis: LowLenoir: Low to none

When to expect peak fall color in North Carolina

When it comes to generating beautiful fall foliage, there’s nothing better than those cool, crisp nights. It’s also important to keep in mind that peak color forecasts are all dependent upon the elevation and weather, so peak dates can vary from season to season. Fall color lasts a long time in the Carolinas, so we’ll be seeing the beautiful leaves from now until mid-November. 

Here are the average peak fall color dates in North Carolina, according to WCNC Charlotte chief meteorologist Brad Panovich.

Asheville: Oct. 25-30Banner Elk: Oct. 7-12Boone: Oct. 7-13Charlotte metro: After Nov. 5Cullowhee: Oct. 25-30Grassy Creek: Oct. 19-24Hendersonville: Oct. 25-30Hickory: Oct. 31 to Nov. 4Lenoir: Oct. 31 to Nov. 4Morganton: Oct. 31 to Nov. 4Taylorsville: Oct. 31 to Nov. 4

🍁🍁The cool temps are moving in, and the fall color is pretty close behind. Here’s a look at the average peak color…Posted by Brad Panovich Meteorologist on Friday, September 15, 2023

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥

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MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center is offering free screenings to uninsured and underinsured patients aged 40 and above.

LANCASTER, South Carolina — Community members in Lancaster are able to get a free mammogram from MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center for the next two weeks.

MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center rolled out its mobile mammogram unit in the Belk department store on North Main Street in Lancaster on Monday in an effort to increase community accessibility and reduce health disparities.

Screenings are free to uninsured and underinsured patients aged 40 and above. Private changing rooms are alsoavailable.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app.

To register, call 803-286-1284. Walk-ins are also welcome.

You can book an appointment at the clinic from now until Oct. 13. 

Hours for the mobile unit are posted below: 

October 2-6: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.* October 7: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 9-12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 13: 8 a.m. to noon *

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

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Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora  || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte’s parent company TEGNA.Listen to Locked On here. 

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All of WCNC Charlotte’s podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. […]

At a Tuesday night school board meeting, the Union County School Board plans to review policies related to parental involvement and selecting instruction materials.

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County Public Schools is next in a line of North Carolina school districts figuring out how to implement the Parents Bill of Rights law. 

In a school board agenda for Tuesday night, you can see what the district is reviewing. There’s a policy detailing “Parental Involvement.” 

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It’s broken down into several main categories and subcategories including how the school communicates with and notifies parents, what activities require parents’  permission and more. Another item on the school agenda includes a policy on selecting instruction materials, and it includes a highlighted section titled “Parental right to inspect materials.” 

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

RELATED: Parents’ Bill of Rights: Deadline approaching for parents to opt CMS students in for sex education

If adopted, it says that parents can make a request to the principal to inspect and review instruction materials, like those used for reproductive health and safety education. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

In August, CMS was one of the first districts in the state to adopt its own Parents’ Bill of Rights – keeping topics like sexual orientation and gender identity out of the classroom. It was met with mixed reactions from parents and teachers.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

RELATED: CMS Schools fast tracks controversial Parents’ Bill of Rights policies to comply with new state law

WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.

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Charlotte-area natives/longtime residents may associate Huntersville with wealth, but a local food pantry says it serves thousands living just above poverty lines

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Like many smaller towns and cities surrounding Charlotte, the town of Huntersville is not immune to rising rent and equal access to basic needs.

If you drove down Old Statesville Road in Huntersville, you might pass an assuming brick building. It’s in the structure’s basement where a mom and daughter have grown a food pantry. 

Now, they’re leaving that building in the past.

“This was something that God told us to do,” Sandra Marks tells WCNC.

For Marks and her daughter Kenya Joseph, that instruction came about six years ago.

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“We were watching a show on extreme couponing, and I’d never seen the show before and we watched how a family got $200 worth of coupons and bought $200 worth of groceries for a family in the area,” Marks remembers. “And we looked at each other at the same time and that’s why we say it was God because we both had the same idea that we could do this.”

That was in 2017.

Hearts and Hands grew quickly, at times serving nearly 2,000 people a month in the Huntersville area. It’s a part of the greater Charlotte area not often thought of in discussing food insecurity.

With just a couple of years into the nonprofit, the two were faced with a challenge no one truly knew how to navigate: COVID-19.

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“That led to starting our delivery service in 2020, which was a huge thing too, because so many people became even more isolated,” Joseph said. “Last year we also added an additional service, which is called Mobile Pantry. So, we partner with other organizations, we partnered with some folks at Atrium to bring a little bit of a smaller version of our overall service directly into neighborhoods that have low food access.”

Cars would line the block for Hearts and Hands. However, the growth does not make the nonprofit immune to local problems.

Housing shortages and rapid growth continue to drive up rent both housing and commercial.

“In May, our landlord came to us and said he wanted to raise our rent, which calculated it out to be 200%,” Joseph said. “We were like, okay, we gotta go.”

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The conversation of expansion had already started, as the network of people Marks and Joseph serve continues to grow. Which brings us to today.

The mom and daughter are getting ready to move into a bigger building, where their vision of future success is expanding in a different way.

“Counseling, mentoring,” Marks said. “We want to help people not just meet that initial need because a lot of people have multiple needs.”

Hearts and Hands’ new location is on Chesapeake Road in Northwest Charlotte. The pantry is closed for now while the duo restocks its shelves, but hope to see you when they reopen their doors in mid-October.

Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

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Sportswear company Fanatics said after Taylor Swift was seen supporting the Chiefs, his jersey sales skyrocketed 400%.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you’ve been near a screen the past couple of weeks, you’ve likely heard that pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas Chiefs star Travis Kelce have a budding romance.

And now we’re seeing the Taylor Swift effect goes way beyond her concerts and tours.

RELATED: Travis Kelce breaks silence on Taylor Swift rumors

Travis Kelce has been a popular NFL for years now, but ever since he started seeing Taylor Swift, he has reached a new level of fame.

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Let’s connect the dots. 

You’re about to see a lot more Kelce 87 jerseys out and about, no matter where you are.

Sportswear company Fanatics said after Taylor Swift was seen supporting the Chiefs, his jersey sales skyrocketed 400%. And the tight-end’s podcast with his brother is also taking off.

RELATED: Taylor Swift at MetLife Stadium to watch Travis Kelce’s Chiefs take on the Jets

In their first episode after Travis Kelce was seen leaving his game with Taylor Swift, the show “New Heights” got nearly 2 million views. And it’s only going up from here.

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After rumors swirled about a special appearance by Taylor Swift at Sunday Night Football in New York where the Chiefs played the Jets, ticket prices soared 175%. 

WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. 

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Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle

Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019

Updated: 3:55 AM EDT October 3, 2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —

Today and Wednesday

Today will be mostly sunny with highs in the low to mid-80s today and tomorrow. with overnight lows in the mid-upper 50s. This will continue the streak of above-average high temperatures. 

Thursday and Friday

It’s more dry weather for the area to end the week.  Highs Thursday and Friday will be in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.  

This Weekend:

Not much in the way of rain but if we are going to see some rain, it will be Saturday with the cold front. Chances are slim near 20%, but it’s the best we have right now. Highs will be in the mid-70s on Saturday but really cool on Sunday in the mid to upper 60s. Morning lows will be dropping into the 40s by Sunday and Monday mornings. 

Fall Color

Patchy-to-low color is being reported above 5,000 feet. Over the next week, more color is expected, starting around the 4,000-foot level and into the first full weekend of October.

RELATED: WEATHER IQ: How weather effects fall foliage

Stay connected to the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team:

Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Contact Chris Mulcahy at cmulcahy@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. […]

The revisions would relax regulations by doing things like extending renewal times and reducing separation requirements.

TEGA CAY, S.C. — Mohamed Alansari is the owner of Cairo Cuisine, a mobile food truck.

“People really love our chicken and lamb over rice, as well as our lamb gyro,” said Alansari.

Alansari has been cooking up special dishes in his mobile food truck for five years, serving hot plates all over South Carolina.

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Nick Cauthen, the manager of planning and development at Tega Cay, is now pushing for more relaxed regulations for mobile food truck vendors like Cairo Cuisine, with the goal of being more friendly to small businesses.

One of the revisions includes reducing separation requirements.

“Tega Cay is a good area and a busy area,” said Alansari.

Right now food trucks are required to be 400 feet from any mobile vendor, residential use, or zoning area. But the planning and development team is hoping to reduce that to 200 feet unless invited by residential amenities.

RELATED: Charlotte leaders look into recriminalizing public drinking and defecation

“After comparing this to other jurisdictions around the state, this seemed excessive based on the direction we heard from the council, so we will reduce that to 200 feet,” said Cauthen.

Cauthen also proposed renewing permits annually rather than 15 days along and allowing some food trucks to have the option to park overnight.

The ideas came with pushback from some city leaders.

“If I give a food vendor permission to park in my driveway but someone across the street a neighbor doesn’t want to see that food truck, shouldn’t he have a say in that,” said a city spokesperson.

Some city leaders shared concerns about liability when leaving a food truck on city property overnight.

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Cauthen says the changes would not allow food trucks to park in residential driveways only in amenity areas as it would violate the 200-foot rule. He also highlighted the concerns for liability issues saying food trucks parking overnight would only apply to private properties, not city properties.

As the discussion continues, city leaders are hoping to open the discussion up to the community with a public hearing set for Oct. 16.

Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Adam Thielen and the Thielen Foundation is helping Harding University H.S. upgrade its weight rooms.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Adam Thielen has already made an immediate impact on the field in his first season with the Carolina Panthers.

He’s also made an immediate impact off of the field, and in the community, too.

On Monday night, Thielen, his wife Caitlin, and their Thielen Foundation hosted their first-ever “TopGolf Classic” in Charlotte.

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All proceeds from the event will help upgrade the weight rooms for all students and athletes at Harding University High School.

The school will receive:

up-to-date, safe equipmentnew flooringbranding on the wallsfive, $1,000 student-athlete leadership scholarships

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“We got connected to them and knew there was an opportunity to make an impact there,” Thielen said. “We call it change through sport, helping make an impact through sports. But not for sport, for life.”

The foundation will make similar contributions to Red Lake High School in Thielen’s native Minnesota, where he spent most of the last decade starring for the Minnesota Vikings.

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Harding and Red Lake mark the fifth and sixth high schools the Thielen Foundation has assisted in this manner.

The Thielen Foundation’s stated mission is “creating programs that will equip and empower kids to reach their full potential in life.”

Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Police posted a video of the burglary on their YouTube page and are hoping someone can identify the suspect.