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Is Black Friday still as popular as it used to be? Let's connect the dots. 

Holiday shopping fever began in 1924 with the original Christmas ad - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - kicking off the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" didn't enter the national conversation until the late 1980s, when retailers turned it into an unofficial holiday.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/black-friday-losing-popularity/275-9a2301f1-5753-45bb-a7af-5717cde473f2

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The Charlotte Rescue Mission will welcome more than 130 volunteers this Thanksgiving Day to help serve hundreds of meals to individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity across the Queen City.

The annual Thanksgiving outreach — one of the organization’s largest events of the year — brings together volunteers from local churches, businesses, and community groups in Charlotte who prepare, plate, and serve hot meals to guests who might otherwise go without a holiday dinner.

“This day is about dignity, love, and making sure everyone knows they have a place at the table,” Donnie Shell, Jr. director of Program Im...

The holiday season arrives in Uptown Charlotte Wednesday evening as thousands prepare to line Tryon Street for the 79th Annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade — a “feast of light” and one of the city’s most cherished traditions.

It kicks off at 5:30 p.m., transforming Uptown into a vibrant corridor of music, color, and community spirit. The route stretches along Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way, drawing families, visitors, and longtime residents eager to kick off the long holiday weekend.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/uptown-firstward-fourthward/uptown-charlotte-annual-thanksgiving-eve-parade-novant/275-ff0768e3-962f...

Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday in the murder trial of two men charged with killing Brooks' Sandwich House co-owner Scott Brooks in December 2019. 

Terry Connor and Steven Staples face murder, kidnapping and robbery charges in the death of Scott Brooks, who was killed at his family's restaurant in NoDa on Dec. 9, 2019. 

On Friday, the state called its final witness to the stand. Dr. James Lozano, a forensic pathologist and medical examiner, performed the autopsy on Brooks. Lozano testified that Brooks had three gunshot wounds on his body: one on his chest, one on hi...

Friday, Nov. 21, marks three years since missing Cornelius girl Madalina Cojocari was last seen in public.

The last known video taken of her shows the then-11-year-old getting off her school bus around 5 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2022. Her mother Diana Cojocari and stepfather Christopher Palmiter did not report her missing for another three weeks, investigators say.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/three-years-madalina-cojocari-last-seen-public/275-0c29161b-5ab3-4a64-af8c-141f45a2acb3

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Protesters gathered in Charlotte's University area on Wednesday, voicing opposition to ongoing Border Patrol operations and sharing personal stories of family members deported to Mexico.

Maria Bautista joined demonstrators carrying signs and chanting "No more CBP," driven by memories of her father, who was deported to Mexico last year.

"I don't want anyone else to feel how I felt and I just feel that this is injustice and it's not ok to be ripping people away from their family," Bautista said.

The demonstration aimed to send a message that members of the Latino...

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will not offer remote learning despite requests from parents fearful of Border Patrol operations in their communities, even as more than 30,000 students stayed home Monday amid heightened anxiety over federal immigration enforcement.

Parents packed a school board meeting Tuesday night, demanding the district provide a hybrid learning option while immigration operations continue in the Charlotte area.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/cms-rejects-remote-learning-requests/275-9bac55fd-81af-4a05-b3a9-5e566ece97dc

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Video shows Border Patrol agents arresting two U.S. citizens in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood Monday morning after accusing them of honking their horn to alert others that troops were in the area, according to witnesses and family members.

Dramatic video captured the moment agents took the two women into custody following a chase down Central Avenue. The women were later released with citations after spending several hours at an FBI facility.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/immigration-news/heavy-handed-border-patrol-arrests-two-us-citizens-in-charlotte-for-allegedly-warning-others-of-operation/275-6d84fd32-0083-4f18-a70e-9fe84d0c3d94<...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents resumed making arrests in Charlotte on Sunday, the second day of Operation "Charlotte's Web."

Commander Gregory K. Bovino posted about multiple arrests on his X feed, stating each person has a criminal history and emphasizing the purpose of CBP's presence in Charlotte.

The continued enforcement operations drew protests from residents voicing opposition to the agents' presence in the city.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/immigration-news/charlotte-resident-describes-tracking-border-patrol-operation/275-0862964e-07fa-489b-a7d1-edefd625c7c1

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Leaders from across Mecklenburg County are holding a press conference Friday morning to address reports that Border Patrol agents could be deployed to Charlotte as soon as Saturday.  

The event, taking place at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, is expected to be the first public discussion by local officials seeking clarity on the federal operation.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/local-leaders-address-planned-border-patrol-operations-charlotte/275-39daa9da-000e-4df2-b002-820816e41c77

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Even as President Donald Trump signed legislation ending the government shutdown, experts warned that recovery for federal programs and services won't be immediate.

"There will be some delay in terms of the immediacy," Michael Bitzer, a political science professor with Catawba College, said.

Bitzer said reopening the government is just the first step in a longer process before operations return to normal.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/government-shutodown-has-impacted-millions/275-787bc8f4-3ead-4986-b411-06a8d4d58983

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Now that Mecklenburg County voters have approved a sales tax increase to fund decades of transit improvements, Charlotte City Council is moving forward with selecting members for the new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) Board of Trustees.  

Interviews for council-appointed seats begin Wednesday, Nov. 12, and will continue through Saturday, Nov. 15.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-city-council-interviews-new-transit-board/275-7b623ae2-5196-42c4-8c86-755a4bb7be89

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The Senate officially passed a funding bill Monday night after a decisive final vote, moving one step closer to ending the prolonged government shutdown. The spending package will still need approval from the House and President Trump's signature before the government can reopen.  

We're taking a closer look at how North Carolina lawmakers are reacting. 

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After more than a month of a partial government shutdown, there’s finally movement in Washington.  Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement that would fund the government at its current rate through Jan. 30, and fully fund SNAP benefits through next September. 

While that’s a promising sign for federal workers and programs, travelers are still feeling the frustration at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

As of Monday morning, there was a significant drop in delays and cancellations from the hundreds of disruptions over the weekend, but still a sign of lingering impacts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) c...

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expected to cut flights by 10% after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and announced it would reduce air traffic at 40 of the country's busiest airports due to the federal government shutdown. 

The shutdown, which is now in its 38th day, is the longest in U.S. history. On Wednesday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford cited growing fatigue among air traffic controllers who have worked without pay since the shutdown began Oct. 1. 

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking the...

The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 busy airports beginning Friday, citing growing fatigue among air traffic controllers who have worked without pay since the government shutdown began Oct. 1.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the cuts Wednesday afternoon, saying the move would affect roughly 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/airports-affected-by-faa-service-cuts-full-list/507-c7c2d415-7248-4e0a-88b2-3502aeb26246

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Mecklenburg County residents voted to approve a one-cent sales tax that would fund transit and road projects. The measure passed with 52% in favor of the tax, Tuesday's election results show. The votes will be canvassed at a later date. 

The tax increase has left both city leaders and community members with split feelings about impacts on the Charlotte area — and their pockets — in the long run.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/elections/mecklenburg-county-voters-sales-tax-increase-transit/275-e1f032fd-881c-409f-b49f-258b7413d6ad

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Tuesday marks Election Day in Charlotte, and voters are heading to the polls to make their voices heard in key local races.  

Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, and will remain open until 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte residents are deciding on the mayoral race, four at-large City Council seats, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education, a transit tax referendum and several district council seats. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/voters-charlotte-key-city-council-contests/275-d77fef38-ab6c-460b-b348-42b2d5923e20

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The city of Charlotte announced Friday Estella Patterson will serve as the next Chief of Police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

City Manager Marcus Jones made the announcement in an internal email to CMPD staff, saying the decision followed an extensive search and input from officers and community members. Patterson, who previously served as Chief of Police in Raleigh, will officially begin her new role on Dec. 1.

“Public safety is the most important service our organization provides to our city,” Jones wrote. “Choosing a police chief is one of the most important responsibilities I hold.”

Jon...

Days before Mecklenburg County voters will decide whether to increase the sales tax to fund transit projects, a campaign finance report is revealing which corporations are funding the effort to pass it.

The 30-year plan is projected to generate approximately $19.4 billion to fund road, bus, and rail improvements across the region, including the creation of the Red Line light rail. If approved by voters, it would also provide funding to create a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority which would make decisions about how that funding is spent.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics...

North Carolina lawmakers are weighing options to reduce wait times at Department of Motor Vehicles locations, including a proposal to separate the DMV from the Department of Transportation — a partnership the state auditor calls "dysfunctional."

State Auditor Dave Boliek released a report in August finding long waits are becoming more common, with 13.8% of visits lasting over two and a half hours — a nearly 80% increase since 2019.

Read more: http://wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-dmv-wait-times-ncdot/275-0ccde212-f985-4180-9666-88a063dfd515

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The second day of the Brooks’ Sandwich House murder trial focused on one of the final pre-trial motions before jury selection got underway.

Scott Brooks, co-owner of the beloved NoDa restaurant, was shot and killed in December 2019 while opening the family business early one morning. Nearly six years later, the two men accused of his death - Steven Staples and Terry Conner - are finally standing trial in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/brooks-sandwich-house-murder-jury-selection-10-28-2025/275-c7f33e3c-9a1b-4de...

The Charlotte City Council voted Monday to change ordinances allowing the installation of 30 digital kiosks throughout the city, a plan officials say will cost taxpayers nothing.

The kiosks will offer free Wi-Fi, touchscreen navigation, local business highlights, emergency alerts, and city content such as events and wayfinding. They will also feature ADA-compliant, multilingual displays and advertising screens, with the city receiving a share of the ad revenue.

These will be strategically placed across Corridors of Opportunity and Municipal Service Districts (MSDs).  Proposed locations include Beatties Ford Road, South End, University City, West Boulevard, SouthPark and o...

The Charlotte Metropolitan Transit Commission approved a fare evasion resolution that will increase fare enforcement after the suspect in the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska was on the light rail without a ticket.  

Security on public transit will prioritize checking riders for a ticket or pass as a part of daily duties.

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A violent crime spree that left one person dead and two others wounded ended with Charlotte police fatally shooting a suspect who kidnapped a woman and fired at officers during a car chase on Thursday, authorities said.

The incident began around 4 p.m. when officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired on North Hoskins Road near Brookshire Boulevard in northwest Charlotte. Police found two people wounded by gunfire, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/northwest-charlotte-shooting/275-ffd67a74-acbf-439b-a613-580066ef32eb

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A Charlotte man faces dozens of felony charges in connection with a series of break-ins at businesses that netted more than $65,000 in cash and merchandise over two nights this month, court documents show.

Emil Jafeth Lagos-Herrera, 19, was charged with breaking and entering at 16 separate locations, larceny after break-in at 11 businesses, and 16 counts of felony conspiracy, according to warrants issued Oct. 21 by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/19-year-old-accused-in-charlotte-business-break-ins/275-abfe75c6-2b6f-4a39-9c09-39661f198de8

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Wednesday marks 60 days since the tragic stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's light rail. Now, Republican leaders in the city are demanding more accountability on what they call a public safety crisis.  

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North Carolina state lawmakers moved forward Monday with redrawing the state's congressional maps, with the Senate Elections Committee approving the proposal in its first step toward passage.

The redistricting effort is part of a multi-state push to shift party representation in the U.S. Congress.

In North Carolina, only a simple majority is needed to redraw maps, which Republicans hold easily in both chambers. Additionally, the governor cannot veto redistricting legislation.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-lawmakers-congressional-redistricting-plan/275-eff83ea5-6de4-4afe-a5df-59431ef6684b

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A man was killed in a shooting early Sunday morning in a parking lot on Wilkinson Boulevard, marking the fourth homicide reported in Charlotte in the last 24 hours, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Off-duty officers working in the 4600 block of Wilkinson Boulevard responded to gunfire around 1:25 a.m., police said. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/wilkinson-boulevard-shooting-cmpd/275-ce99b58c-4a80-4af2-9900-df6285406197

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Four months after millions of Americans participated in "No Kings" protests across the U.S. against President Donald Trump, organizers are setting up more demonstrations this weekend.  

On June 14, millions of Americans took to the streets protesting the president's rise to power with signs, music, and dancing. The same day, Trump was planning to celebrate his 79th birthday with a 21-gun military salute, along with a parade. However, the protests "drowned out" the planned festivities with chants and signs that read "No Kings" as demonstrators protested his deportation efforts. 

Organizers at the time said around 5 mi...

Violent crime in Charlotte has seen a significant decrease from this time last year, according to new data released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Wednesday.  

CMPD's third-quarter public safety report found an 8% decrease in overall crime, highlighted by a 20% drop in violent crime. Property crime is down 5%, the department said. The report comes amid growing concerns about violence in Charlotte, including the fallout of the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in South End, which garnered national attention about public safety solutions.

Lt. Crystal Fletcher said Charlotte has seen a 24% r...

Parents are demanding greater transparency from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders following numerous complaints about late buses, wrong drop-offs, and communication breakdowns in the district's transportation system.

Andrew Dunn, a CMS parent with three children in the district, told school board members during a recent meeting that the problems extend far beyond individual incidents.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/parents-urge-transparency-over-school-bus-issues/275-b0ce493e-d755-430f-9a9d-6acc91761e64

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The Charlotte City Council is moving forward on appointing nine members to the proposed transit authority, after delaying a vote last week.    

Of the 27-seat authority, seven will be appointed by the council and two by the mayor. These members would oversee fund spending if a 1% sales tax increase passes in November. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-city-council-transit-authority-appointment-process/275-990f68cc-ab41-4f39-8f76-3105064f368c

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A shooting in north Charlotte left one person dead on Sunday.

The shooting happened in a business on Beatties Ford Road near Sunset Boulevard around 7 p.m. Police say they found a male victim dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.

The victim's name has not been released.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-shooting-north-charlotte/275-75b1fad0-49c1-4134-8443-85f6f86e6917?tbref=hp

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With early voting just a week away, residents packed Matthews Town Hall on Thursday seeking clarity on a proposed one-cent sales tax increase for transportation projects, as confusion and concerns about the measure persist. Leaders say the forum was put in place to ensure people have the whole story and correct information before November's vote.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/matthews-residents-seek-clarity-on-transit-tax/275-eb00e431-ce75-4604-aa84-6b6e2b40cf4e

Plus, we connect the dots on why doctors say despite rising skepticism, getting your children vaccinated at an early...

Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians greeted the news cautiously Thursday as a possible breakthrough in ending the devastating 2-year-old war.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/israel-and-hamas-to-free-hostages-and-prisoners-after-agreeing-to-first-phase-of-trumps-peace-plan/616-92791374-e157-43f8-8e2a-211d6e4ffb93

Plus, we connect the dots on why state governors are dipping into their budgets to keep national parks open amid the government shutdown. 

Nearly two months after the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, new data shows which Charlotte light rail stations have a higher concentration of crime.

City Councilman Edwin Peacock, who requested the data in August, received the information Sunday night, showing incidents over the last three years within one-eighth of a mile of light rail stops.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/six-knife-incidents-light-rail-since-2022/275-a2df4f79-f2a8-43df-b80b-a6cc2d7b79f3

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Charlotte City Council members are calling on the North Carolina General Assembly for additional support to address public safety and mental health concerns following the murder of Iryna Zarutska on the light rail system.

The request came during committee meetings Monday, where the safety committee received updates on current mental health services and what law enforcement officials say they need to prevent similar incidents.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/charlotte-leaders-seek-reform-after-stabbing/275-b2de6501-31b7-4cdb-9758-60c2141c8a56

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As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth day, travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport say operations are still running smoothly, even as concerns grow over how long that will last.

“We were concerned about it, but I haven’t noticed anything,” said Rick Willoughby, who was traveling with his family Saturday. “It’s all just been business as usual for us, at least at this point.”

Willoughby said his family looked up information online before their flight, bracing for potential disruptions.

Despite the steady flow of passengers, federal employees behind the scenes - including...

It's been over a month since the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's light rail, and people are still pushing for more safety initiatives because of what happened to her.

Friday, Charlotte city leaders are expected to announce new security measures for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). WCNC Charlotte's Richard DeVayne shares how with this next step, leaders hope to improve public safety.

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with news that impacts you from the team at...