You probably have already put up your Christmas tree and whether it’s real or fake if you are sneezing more than usual could it be the tree?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — ‘Tis the season.

You probably have already put up your Christmas tree and whether it’s real or fake… If you are sneezing more than usual… Could it be the tree?

The Christmas tree sparkle can be beautiful, but could you be allergic to them?

We are getting the facts on if it’s the actual tree that’s causing you to sneeze.

OUR SOURCES:

WHAT WE FOUND:

The study found it might not be the actual pine tree itself. A small sample of Christmas trees carried 50 different types of mold, two-thirds of which could cause hay fever-like symptoms.

“Christmas tree syndrome to us is when people bring in either an artificial or real tree and then they notice some worsening of their allergy symptoms, asthma symptoms, and just you know general irritation of the skin, eyes, nose,” Preston said.

According to UCLA Health, the mold can mess with your respiratory tract triggering breathing issues and causing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, and asthma attacks.

Dr. Preston says the best thing to do to avoid this, shake out your tree before bringing it indoors or dust off the artificial tree. Once inside, you can put an air purifier near the tree to help catch any allergens you missed. Make sure decorations are also dusted.

“Most Christmas decorations, especially if just stored in the attack or the basement, can still be a source of different allergens and irritants that can cause symptoms, so cleaning them off very well before putting them on the tree can be helpful,” Preston said.

When storing an artificial tree and decorations make sure they are in airtight containers. Also, make sure to get rid of real trees soon after the holiday season since mold and dust can continue to build up.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

While officers were responding to a 911 call, there was an “encounter” between police and someone at the scene, according to the police department.

STANLEY, N.C. — One person has died after being shot by a Gaston County Police officer on Saturday, the police department confirmed.

Officers responded to a 911 call on Beau Drive in Stanley around 12:20 p.m. While officers were responding, there was an “encounter” between police and someone at the scene, according to the police department. 

During this time, an officer fired their weapon and hit the person. First responders treated the person, but they died at the scene. 

This is the second police shooting in the greater Charlotte area on Saturday. 

RELATED: Man ‘armed with several knives’ shot, killed during Shelby Police encounter

The police department hasn’t provided further information about the incident, and it’s not clear if the person was armed. The person has not been identified. 

An anonymous neighbor told WCNC Charlotte the person killed was a father to young children. “I feel bad for the little kids you know, growing up without a daddy,” the neighbor said.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave, which is protocol for officer-involved shootings, pending the investigation. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Gaston County Police Department are conducting separate investigations. 

“We understand the public’s concern and are committed to full transparency,” the police department said in a news release. “We will share further information as it becomes available and as the investigation progresses.”

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com. […]

MONROE, N.C. — A 12-year-old who was shot following a “large street fight” on Saturday evening has died, Monroe Police confirmed. 
Monroe Police responded to a reported shooting on Skywatch Lane, which is just off MLK Jr. Boulevard, around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. When officers arrived, they found a 12-year-old who had been shot. The child, identified as Messiah Barrino, was taken to a Charlotte-area hospital where he died from his injuries. 
Officers learned that a 15-year-old was also taken to the hospital before they arrived. The teen remains hospitalized but is expected to survive, Monroe Lt. Morgan Malone confirmed Monday. 
Further details about the shooting and the street fight have not yet been made public. WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more about the investigation. 
Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700. […]

Despite facing her own storm damage and other personal trials this year, Jennifer Triplett has been tirelessly helping others recover from the historic storm.

BOONE, N.C. — Jennifer Triplett, a nurse from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, has been recognized as the latest Hyundai Hometown Hero.

While many in the community said they already knew of her big heart through her efforts caring for her patients, loved ones said she has truly risen to the occasion in the face of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina.

Despite facing her own storm damage and other personal trials this year, Triplett has been tirelessly helping neighbors recover from the historic storm, using social media and her network to collect and distribute critical donations to those impacted. Some of the items she has been able to provide displaced families include appliances, furniture and cold-weather essentials.

RELATED: Federal disaster aid increase to boost North Carolina recovery efforts after Helene

“People are in campers or tents or displaced, and their animals aren’t with them,” Triplett explained, highlighting the community’s challenges as the winter cold has settled into the High Country. “It’s hard to see it, and it’s hard to be in it … It’s heavy, and every day, it almost feels heavier.”

Loved ones told WCNC Charlotte the community views Triplett’s efforts as a beacon of hope. Her cousin, Christy Tester, who nominated Triplett for the Hyundai Hometown Hero honor, praised her work for others, even as Triplett cleaned up from a mudslide at her family’s home; took diligent care of her father, who recently suffered a stroke; and attended school to become a nurse practitioner.

“She’s just helping one person at a time,” Tester said. “And they’re very gracious. They’re so happy to have even a blanket.”

Chasity James, a friend who has joined Triplett in a mission to serve others, noted that Triplett’s charitable reach started in the hard-hit community of Avery County, but has since spread to other counties dealing with Helene damage.

“Any kind of furniture … fridge, stove, wood … Jen was literally able to get anything,” James said.

In recognition of her selfless work, the Charlotte-area Hyundai dealers surprised Triplett with a brand new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in a manner fitting of her mission.

On Thanksgiving week, Triplett showed up to the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to meet someone she thought was there to share donations for her cause. However, she had no idea her friends and family helped set her up and were waiting behind the building with her new car.

During the surprise presentation, Triplett remained true to what her cousin calls her “servant’s heart,” saying, “I just think we have to be humbled … I think how many other people need this right now.”

Mark Clayton, a member of the Charlotte-area Hyundai dealers, said helping surprise Triplett is a memory he will carry with him.

“We want to make sure that we are out in the community, and we want to make sure that we’re taking care of the community members that take care of us,” Clayton said. “It’s a blessing to see someone that’s really reaching out to the community.”

James said she could not think of a more deserving person for the honor.

“When I found out that she was going to be the recipient of the new car, and that she won, I haven’t been able to sleep,” James said. “I’ve been eagerly waiting for this day and trying to keep the secret from her.”

While Helene’s impact is sure to be felt for months and, even, years to come, Triplett remains committed to her community, promising to continue her relief efforts. James shared how their group is in the process of creating a nonprofit called Local Roots Project, which has a goal of assisting people in times of disaster and crisis.

“We’re all here,” Triplett said. “We’re all together, and this too shall pass. We’ll get through it.”

Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

Two people were airlifted after their small airplane went down along the Little Black River near Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday.

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Two people were rescued after their plane crashed near the Little Black River in South Carolina on Saturday.

The United States Coast Guard lifted the two into a rescue helicopter after the plane went down in a marsh. 

“After arriving on the scene, we quickly located and deployed our rescue swimmer to the downed aircraft to assess the pilot’s condition,” Lt. Cmdr. Jon Sapundjieff, Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircraft commander, said in a released statement. “I appreciate the assistance from the tower controller and the airport crash crew at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for making this case go smoothly.” 

The incident happened around 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A boat from the Chatham County Fire Department had attempted to reach the two people but could not because of shallow water conditions, according to the Coast Guard. 

Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured.

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One of the suspects was out on bond for an unrelated murder case, investigators said.

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Two people were arrested last week in connection with a 2011 homicide in Statesville, Iredell County investigators said. 

On Monday, Sept. 11, 2011, Statesville police responded to a shooting at the Myrtle Place Apartments near downtown. When officers arrived, they found Joey Brewer suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Iredell Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries. 

In November 2013, the Brewer family asked the District Attorney’s Office to hand the investigation over to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. The district attorney honored the request, making the sheriff’s office the lead agency in the case. 

New information uncovered by deputies led them to identify two people as the primary suspects in Brewer’s killing. On Dec. 4, Lt. Donald Clodfelter presented this evidence to a grand jury, which returned indictments against John Lewis Chambers and O’Kiera Donnell Myers for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and additional charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon against Chamber. 

Chambers was already in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service, where he is set to serve time in federal prison for unrelated charges. Myers was arrested by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Ofice on Dec. 6. Before his most recent arrest, Myers was out of jail on a $500,000 bond on charges of first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a felon, stemming from a 2019 investigation. 

“I am profoundly grateful that this case has reached a turning point and that Joey Brewer’s family may finally find a measure of peace,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said. “The strength and perseverance they have shown over the years inspire us all. It has been the relentless determination of the investigators and staff at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, along with the support of partner agencies, that brought us to this moment. Our commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families remains steadfast.”

Campbell said investigators believe there are people with additional information who haven’t yet come forward and urged anyone who knows anything about the killing of Joey Brewer to contact them immediately. 

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

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

Rain overnight helped crews contain the fire, which burned over 700 acres.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Fire crews are battling a 700-acre wildfire at Crowders Mountain State Park, with the blaze now 95% contained as of 3:45 p.m., according to Gaston County officials. 

Scott Hunter Jr., the Gaston County Emergency Management Director, advised Monday that the first, which started Sunday, was 95% contained after 730 acres burned in a “controlled and deliberate manner.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

The U.S. Forest Service and multiple agencies started battling the fire Sunday and into Monday, according to Crowders Mountain Fire & Rescue. Operations created several roadside fires in the surrounding area. Officials say the overnight rain into Monday helped get the fire under control, while additional firefighting personnel were called in to help with the fire line. Crowders Mountain officials said there is “no anticipation” of anything traveling outside the fire lines. 

Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area, specifically for sightseeing purposes, as additional traffic could interfere with emergency operations. Residents may encounter fire crews working along roadsides and are asked to exercise caution when driving through the area to ensure worker safety.

Officials said the fire was an uncontrolled fire fought using a method called back burning, which can be understood as setting controlled fires in order to fight uncontrolled fires. As a result, there are roadside fires in the area.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The community is coming together for a night of compassion, excitement, and generosity to aid families impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. On Dec. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m., Hillside Farms in Lincolnton will host an evening dedicated to providing relief and hope for those who need it most.
HopeMill is a nonprofit organization that started right after Hurricane Helene. They have continued their efforts well after the storm hit communities in western North Carolina. 
The group provides homes, vehicles, and financial assistance for essential bills. 
All proceeds raised during the Winter Gala will directly benefit families whose lives were disrupted by the devastating hurricane. […]

The heaviest rain right now looks to fall late Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Thunderstorms possible Tuesday as well.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Today

After a wet morning, an overcast sky remains. Temperatures will be in the mid 50s this afternoon with southwest winds 10-15 mph and gusts to 25 mph. On and off rain showers are possible this afternoon and evening. An showers will be more prevalent south of I-85 if any. Look for patchy fog overnight with more on and off batches of light rain. Lows will be in the low 50s (matching our high from Saturday).

RELATED: Weather IQ: What causes heavy rain?

The wet pattern

Tuesday starts with some rain, mist and fog. It will be another overcast, gloomy start but the day starts in the low 50s (which is nice). This allows highs to drive into the mid 60s supported by a stronger southwest flow which also drives in more moisture setting the table for heavier rain.  

Up to 1-3 inches of rain could fall in the Western Carolinas Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Right now just a low excessive rainfall impact but this will not be a great weather period. @wcnc pic.twitter.com/VJBGTjfpsy— Chris Mulcahy (@YOURWEATHERMAN) December 9, 2024

There is a chance for thunderstorms starting in the afternoon with a better chance for heading into the evening. Rain will be on and off heavy Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. This is the time to be Weather Aware.

Wednesday morning starts in the upper 50s to the low 60s before another cold front passes. This will cool us down through the day and create a cold wind chill as winds gust up to 30 mph across the Greater Charlotte area. This means it will feel significantly colder by the end of the day.

Wednesday morning will start off wet but warmer. A cold front cools temps down through the afternoon and gusts winds up and over 30 mph. It will feel like the 30s (teens in the Mountains) around sunset. @wcnc pic.twitter.com/RkHf1GvVWk— Chris Mulcahy (@YOURWEATHERMAN) December 9, 2024

Thursday through this weekend

Colder with highs either side of 50 degrees (Thursday through Saturday)Lows starting in the 20sNext chances for rain are overnight Saturday and Sunday where lows return back above freezing

Raising Your Weather IQ

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.

Stay connected to the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team:

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

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

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

Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

It happened on Archdale Drive, near the intersection with Fernhill Drive.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A homicide is under investigation in south Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

It happened on Archdale Drive, near the intersection with Fernhill Drive. That’s near Archdale Park, and just down the road from South Boulevard. 

Just before 6 a.m., CMPD responded to the Highlands Apartment Homes and found a man who had been shot. He was confirmed to have died at the scene. 

Further details about the investigation are limited at this time. WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Unsuspecting Charlotte bus riders could be treated to a free ride if they find the Charlotte Area Transit System’s holiday bus pull up to the curb at their bus stop.
Throughout December, the bus will make unannounced appearances on existing bus routes and schedules. Rides on the bus are free.
The CATS holiday bus runs through December.
The bus is distinctive. It is wrapped in holiday imagery and has no exterior advertising. 
CATS offers the bus as a way to give back to transit riders during the holiday season. […]

Firefighters are responding to a reported fire at a marina along Lake Wylie in Mecklenburg County.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A smoke plume can be seen rising over Lake Wylie and the Catawba River because of an apparent fire and reported explosion at Terry’s Marina along the lake. The fire is burning north of the McDowell Nature Preserve on the Mecklenburg County side of the water.

Shortly after the fire started, the smoke plume is being carried east toward Charlotte by the wind and away from neighboring York and Gaston counties.

It was not immediately known how many boats may be on fire or what caused the fire. 

The Charlotte Fire Department is responding to assist the Steele Creek Fire Department.

WCNC Charlotte has a news crew headed to the location and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Terry’s Marina fire and boat explosion

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man died after a single-car crash in west Charlotte on Sunday morning, according to a report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
A 21-year-old driver in a black 2015 Chevrolet Camaro struck a tree on N. Sharon Amity Road around 3 a.m., police said.
The car was traveling “at a high rate of speed” the report states. 
The driver died at the scene.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

Brooks’ Sandwich House was founded by CT Brooks in 1973. He eventually handed control over to his twin sons, Scott and David.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday, Dec. 9 marks five years since Scott Brooks, the co-owner of beloved Charlotte restaurant Brooks’ Sandwich House, was killed.

He was killed during an armed robbery while he was preparing to open the restaurant for the day, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.  

The restaurant posted a tribute to Scott on its social media Monday morning, honoring his memory.

“Today’s always a tough one, but we’re open,” the post reads. “Some days are harder than others, but I know Scott would want us to keep going ❤️. He loved a cheeseburger ???? almost every morning, and I can’t help but think he’s up there, watching over us, smiling at all the wonderful customers who keep coming through. Do come celebrate Scott’s life and enjoy his presence like we do every day ????.”

A mural was painted on the side of the restaurant just weeks after Brooks’ death in 2019. It features the phrase, “too blessed to be stressed,” which Brooks was known to say often. 

“It was absolutely amazing,” David Brooks, Scott Brooks’ twin brother, previously said. “Words can’t describe the feelings in my heart for people around the NoDa area. They just reached out with both arms around everybody. The memories, they’re never going to be erased, you feel like there’s a time where you have to move on and this is a good memorial to my brother.”

Brooks’ Sandwich House was founded by CT Brooks in 1973. He eventually handed control over to his twin sons, Scott and David. Known for its chili, burgers and hot dogs, Brooks’ Sandwich House has been serving up delicious food for three generations. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Brooks’ Sandwich House named best burger in North Carolina […]

Investigators found Allisha Watts’ body near a cemetery in remote Montgomery County in August 2023. Dunmore was arrested the same day.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — James Dunmore, the man charged with killing Allisha Watts and dumping her body in a remote Montgomery County community in July 2023, is expected to appear in court on Wednesday. 

The appearance comes three months after a judge denied a request by Dunmore’s attorney to dismiss the case. The ruling came after it was revealed that the state violated Dunmore’s constitutional rights by wrongly obtaining confidential medical records. However, the judge ruled it wasn’t enough to dismiss the murder case, and the records in question have since been destroyed. 

Dunmore was charged with murder in August 2023, a little over one month after Watts was reported missing. She was last seen leaving Dunmore’s Charlotte home on July 16, 2023. Family members said she had tickets to a comedy show at Bojangles Coliseum but never arrived. Watts’ autopsy results listed her cause of death as “undetermined.” 

Investigators found her body in a remote area near a cemetery in the town of Norman. 

Dunmore’s been held under a $1 million bond since his arrest. Prosecutors announced in October 2023 that they would not seek the death penalty. 

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

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

The decision is ultimately up to the FAA. If approved by the FAA, the plan will take two years to implement.

Author: Destiny Richards, Julia Kauffman, James Brierton (WCNC)

Published: 9:20 AM EST December 9, 2024

Updated: 9:20 AM EST December 9, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city leaders will vote Monday on a plan that could mean more airport noise for neighbors in west Charlotte. 

Charlotte City Council will discuss proposed changes to flight paths for planes departing Charlotte Douglas International Airport at its Monday meeting. If approved, the change would impact neighbors who live underneath the airspace, as they’d have to get used to the noise.

The proposed changes would spread out and diversify from the paths currently used, according to a map of the proposed changes. This change would allow “departures to disperse aircraft over a wider area,” according to the documentation.

Emily Harvey is used to the noise pollution from the planes.

“It’s expected,” Harvey told WCNC Charlotte of the current flights. “Especially living so close.”

If the changes are approved, residents not used to frequent flyovers are going to have to adjust to the changes.

“We would go from a system where the departing aircrafts follow pretty narrow lanes to a much wider dispersion of departing flights,” Ed Driggs, the Charlotte city council member who oversees the city’s transportation committee, explained to WCNC Charlotte. “Our job is to try to just minimize the inconvenience and disturbance that’s created by this change in routes.”

The decision is ultimately up to the FAA. If approved by the FAA, the plan will take two years to implement.

RELATED: Fourth parallel runway coming to CLT airport

The airport is in the midst of a multi-year expansion project which includes an expanded passenger terminal and the construction of a new runway. The changes would be part of this expansion. 

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app to get the news that impacts you. […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person was hurt in a shooting on North Tryon Street early Monday morning, according to Medic.
It happened near the intersection of North Tryon Street and Dalton Avenue around 1 a.m. Medic said the person was taken to an area hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. 
Details about the investigation are limited, but WCNC Charlotte is working to determine what may have led to the shooting and if any charges have been filed.  […]

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