704 Unfiltered

Dozens of gas stations across the Charlotte area are out of gas as consumers rushed to fill their tanks Tuesday over fear of a potential gas shortage. According to GasBuddy, 35% of gas stations in the Queen City are out of fuel, with 16% of stores in North Carolina tapped out. FIND GAS NEAR YOU: https://bit.ly/3obelKT

On #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're breaking down how local leaders plan to get the fuel moving again and where you can find gasoline without burning up your supply if you're running low. 

Plus, Carolina Panthers tickets go on sale today as we inch closer to the 2021 NFL season, and Larry Sprinkle says we're in for some unseasonably cool weather with widespread rain in the Carolinas. 

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

Gas prices across the Charlotte area are on the rise as the Colonial Pipeline remains mostly shut down due to a cyberattack. Billie Jean Shaw has details on when experts believe fuel will be moving through the pipeline again and when prices should return to normal. STORY: https://bit.ly/3eyYQZM

Hundreds of Charlotte businesses are looking to fill job openings. Rachel Lundberg breaks down a few of the companies hosting job fairs this week, as well as measures North Carolina lawmakers are urging Gov. Roy Cooper to take to incentivize people going back to work. DETAILS: https://bit.ly/3eAaNyo

Plus, new research shows that simply feeling younger can help you fight aging and parents in Iredell County, North Carolina say it's time for schools to stop requiring masks at all times. 

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

The Colonial Pipeline, which supplies most of the East Coast's fuel supply, remains mostly shut down after a cyberattack. The Pipeline delivers more than 5 million gallons of fuel each day, and now experts say we could see a huge jump in gas prices. STORY: https://bit.ly/3uzrW0P

Billie Jean Shaw details the new schedule for students of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. For the first time in over a year, all students will be in class 5 days a week through the end of this year. Students who are enrolled in virtual classes will remain home until end-of-year testing, which is mandated to be conducted in person by the state. 

Rory McIlroy once again won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow for his first win in nearly 18 months, and this year's win was a little more special than the others, coming on Mother's Day with his wife and baby girl in attendance. STORY: https://bit.ly/3hgRkVg

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join our conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

TGIF! We're counting down to Mother's Day with Larry Sprinkle's forecast. It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend in the Carolinas with highs around 80 degrees on Mother's Day. 

Mecklenburg County is preparing to hold $56 million from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after 25% of the district's schools are considering low performing. Richard DeVayne breaks down where that money would come from, how CMS is responding and what county officials want to see before putting that money back in the budget. STORY: https://bit.ly/2RCC5ve

Rachel Lundberg joins the show to recap a somber day in Watauga County, as the Boone, North Carolina, community said goodbye to fallen deputies Logan Fox and Sgt. Chris Ward. Both officers were killed in the line of duty last week during a welfare check. STORY: https://bit.ly/3h38pBR

There will be multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Charlotte Friday and Saturday. Billie Jean Shaw explains which vaccines will be available, where you can get them and how the county plans to get more people vaccinated as quickly as possible. 

And finally, Krispy Kreme may be coming back to the stock market. With some key upgrades to its brand, North Carolina's iconic doughnut chain could be a sweet investment for those looking to grow their portfolio. Ben Thompson connects the dots on why the company took a five-year break from Wall Street and the timing is right to rejoin the NYSE.

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Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

The Boone, North Carolina community is preparing to say its final goodbyes to two Watauga County deputies who were killed in the line of duty. K-9 deputy Logan Fox and Sgt. Chris Ward were shot and killed during what started as a welfare check last week. Richard DeVayne has details on the funeral service and growing memorials around the Boone downtown community. STORY: https://bit.ly/3h38pBR

Billie Jean Shaw has an update from Mecklenburg County health leaders, as they prepare the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for kids age 12 to 15. Now, the vaccine hasn't yet been approved by the FDA for anyone under 16, but that is expected to change within the next two weeks. Health Director Gibbie Harris says the county is working closely with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to ensure the rollout is as smooth as possible and reaches those eligible children. MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/33hWDf1

South Carolina lawmakers approved a controversial change to its death penalty this week by bringing back use of the firing squad. South Carolina will be one of just four states with firing squad executions, and it would be used as an alternative if lethal injection drugs are not available. The Palmetto State hasn't executed an inmate in 10 years, and the change is expected to be challenged in court. STORY: https://bit.ly/3b7YQhf

Plus, Thursday is National Nurses Day! Rachel Lundberg shares some sweet deals and freebies our health care workers can get today and all week long as the country gives thanks to those fighting the pandemic on the front lines. 

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Before we fire up the margarita mixer, we've got the biggest headlines on Wake Up Charlotte To Go!

Billie Jean Shaw reports on the future of remote learning in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Today is the deadline for parents to weigh in and make the case for full-time remote learning in the district. Even if it is approved, CMS still isn't sure how things would operate. 

Richard DeVayne has details on Mecklenburg County's permanent COVID-19 response team. The county approved hiring more than 20 new workers for the team, as they anticipate dealing with COVID-19 for at least another couple of years. 

Plus, Ben Thompson explains why South Carolina leaders are confident we won't see the usual delays we've come to expect with the Catawba River Bridge construction on I-77. 

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

Happy Star Wars Day! Celebrating we are. 

Billie Jean Shaw joins today's show to discuss the FDA's expected approval of the Pfizer vaccine for kids age 12 to 15. A previous study by Pfizer found zero cases of COVID-19 in fully vaccinated adolescents. This could be a game-changer for reopening schools everywhere in the US and getting life back to normal this summer. 

Richard DeVayne is at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. The 2021 season opens Tuesday with the first game since 2019! Richard has details on what fans can expect if they're going to the game and what protocols the Knights will have for all home events this year. 

The pandemic has changed everything, including how our kids interact each day. But an unexpected side effect is how it's hurting their vision. Ben Thompson connects the dots on why researchers say the pandemic is making more kids nearsighted. 

All that, plus your top Tuesday morning headlines on #WakeUpCLT To Go! Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the PGA's Wells Fargo Championship is back in Charlotte. Richard DeVayne has details on the COVID-19 protocols in place and the economic impact the tournament is expected to have on the Queen City. 

Billie Jean Shaw has details on how local health officials are using vaccination data from Charlotte's neighborhoods to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to communities most in need of the shot and what those events may look like. 

Monday kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how the pandemic has taken to a toll on teachers' mental health and the steps needed to improve their quality of life. 

Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

This morning on #WakeUpCLT:

 

Larry Sprinkle says a warm end to the week is in store, but be mindful of fires today; conditions have much of the viewing area under a Red Flag Warning for Friday.

 

Billie Jean Shaw has the latest from the scene of an early-morning fire at an apartment complex in east Charlotte. Nobody was hurt, but the blaze tore through six units along Coronado Drive.

 

UNC Charlotte holds a day of remembrance this year to reflect, two years after a shooting claimed the lives of two students and left four others hurt. A variety of events are in-person this year, as opposed to last year's virtual memorial events.

 

Tonight, more COVID-19 capacity limits will be lifted at 5 p.m. Masks will also not be required outdoors. There are also more vaccine clinics planned for today.

 

PLUS: Nick Carboni breaks down the Panthers' picks in the NFL Draft, and we Connect The Dots on how a Charlotte camp plans on keeping kids safe amidst the pandemic.

 

These stories and more, online at wcnc.com

Following the conclusion of this morning's Wake Up Charlotte To Go, WCNC Charlotte has confirmed the gunman involved in an hours-long stand-off in Boone is dead after killing himself, his two parents, and two Watauga County sheriff's deputies, according to the county sheriff.

Sergeant Chris Ward died after being flown to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment, while K-9 Deputy Logan Fox died at the scene. The gunman, whose name has not been publicly released, is also accused of killing his parents, whose identities have also not been made public.

This episode updates our earlier version of Wake Up Charlotte To Go, which is available weekday starting at 8 a.m. Catch Ben Thompson and Carolyn Bruck on Wake Up Charlotte starting weekdays at 4:30 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte television.