704 Unfiltered

Editor's note: this episode of #WakeUpCLT To Go was published prior to the release of new information from the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. Previously, it was reported one deputy had died during the standoff, and the condition of another wasn't known. During the 9 a.m. hour on Thursday, April 29, we learned that both deputies had died, along with two other victims and the suspect.

 

This morning on Wake Up Charlotte To Go:

 

Larry Sprinkle says Thursday is again a warm one! Enjoy the sunshine and mid-80s temps before the weekend!

 

We're tracking the latest on a deadly shooting in Boone, North Carolina. A Watauga County Sheriff's Office sergeant is dead, and a K9 deputy officer is hurt.

 

Gov. Roy Cooper is loosening more COVID-19 restrictions across North Carolina. Richard DeVayne breaks down what to expect.

 

StarMed is now opening a permanent COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Charlotte. We have the details on where to go and what to expect.

 

Nick Carboni previews the first round of the NFL draft. The big question: can the Panthers take a quarterback now after some key trades?

 

And we Connect The Dots: if you're planning on a post-pandemic road trip, there may be some issues with gas, and it's not a fuel shortage. Ben Thompson breaks it down.

 

Plus: how's your handwashing? And a look at the trend of renting RVs for getaways.

 

All this, and more, online at wcnc.com

This morning on #WakeUpCLT To Go:

 

Larry Sprinkle says Wednesday is aiming to be warm, but with high pollen levels. Highs are in the mid-80s, but get ready for a weekend cooldown!

 

Gov. Cooper is expected to update statewide COVID restrictions later on Wednesday. Richard DeVayne has a look ahead at what could happen.

 

Ben Thompson breaks down the new CDC guidelines for vaccinated people regarding masks outside, along with unvaccinated people.

 

The public in Elizabeth City, North Carolina grows restless as they wait for the release of body-worn camera footage from a recent fatal deputy shooting.

 

NBC News correspondent Tracie Potts previews tonight's address from Pres. Biden, which is expected to be a victory lap for the president and Democrats.

 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has approved a $1.7 billion budget for the next school year. We break down what will go into that budget.

 

We Connect The Dots about an upcoming Supreme Court case: a Pennsylvania student posted an Instagram photo with profanity after not making the varsity cheer team, and the school then removed her from the JV team. The question at hand: how much reach do schools have off-campus?

 

And how likely are shift workers to catch COVID-19? We look at the likelihood of that, and which industries are affected.

 

PLUS: More vacations with grandparents could be a trend post-pandemic. We take a look at "skip-gen" travel.

 

All this, and more, online at wcnc.com

Mecklenburg County is ramping up efforts to get young people vaccinated by holding vaccination clinics at popular hangouts in the Queen City.

Plus, President Biden is expected to announce new suggested guidance on outdoor mask use for vaccinated Americans.

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

The Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine will soon be available again for North Carolinians. State leaders expect to be able to order new doses this wee in the race to get shots into as many arms as possible to help bring a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plus, Charlotte leaders will discuss bringing more affordable housing to the city as the need for it in the Queen City is greater than ever right now.

 

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

A CDC advisory committee will meet Friday to discuss the possible reapproval of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Billie Jean Shaw joins us with a preview of that meeting and the impact it could have on vaccine providers across the Charlotte region. The vaccine was pulled earlier this month after reports of blood clots in some patients. 

Black Restaurant Week kicks off Friday in the Carolinas. After a particularly tough year for the hospitality industry, Rachel Lundberg goes over some Charlotte businesses participating in this year's event and how you can help support the local community. 

Plus, we all know sleep has a major impact on our overall health. From weight to our mood, getting enough rest is important. Now, researchers say you might want to do more to ensure you're getting a good night's sleep, otherwise you may be at risk for dementia later in life. Ruby Durham connects the dots on how much sleep they recommend and why we aren't taking good enough care of our brains. 

And finally, we're gearing up for a wet weekend in the Carolinas. Forecaster Larry Sprinkle has the details about a rainy Saturday with cool temperatures before things get much warmer with summer-like temperatures next week. 

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!

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he anticipates lifting the state's COVID-19 restrictions by June 1. Billie Jean Shaw recaps Cooper's update and how state officials came to the decision that it's time to put the pandemic behind us. 

Brooks' Sandwich House in NoDa will be closed today as family members of slain co-owner Scott Brooks will hope to persuade a judge to deny one of the men suspected of murder. Terry Conner Jr. will face a judge Thursday for a bond hearing more than a year after he was arrested and charged with killing Brooks. Richard DeVayne previews the hearing and explains what's next in the process. 

A record number of small businesses say they've been unable to fill their job openings in the last month, and it's not due to the pandemic, Ben Thompson connects the dots on why some business leaders think President Biden is at fault despite industry experts pointing to something different altogether. 

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

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd last May. On #WakeUpCLT To Go, we have a recap of the trail from Minnesota, as well as reaction from across the Charlotte region, where people are celebrating justice for the Floyd family. 

Now that the verdict has been given and Derek Chauvin is guilty, the next step will be sentencing. While he could serve up to 40 years in prison, Ben Thompson breaks down why Chauvin's defense will get to work weeks before he's sentenced. 

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!

After 45 witnesses and three weeks of testimony, the fate of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin rests in the hands of the jury. Chauvin is facing second-degree and third-degree murder charges, as well as second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd last May. If convicted, Chauvin could face up to 40 years in prison. 

UNC Charlotte will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic Tuesday. While the university said it won't make the vaccine mandatory for students, they are offering incentives for those who choose to get the shot. 

North Carolina lawmakers will discuss two new paid time off bills in the General Assembly, including one that allows workers to "earn" sick time off for hours worked. Rachel Lundberg has details on these two bills and why sponsors say they're a huge benefit for workers statewide. 

Plus, Ben Thompson connects the dots on a new COVID-19 variant found at Texas A&M University. Officials have only found 1 case so far, but they believe this could be a serious strain of the virus if left unchecked. 

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 judge and jury will hear closing arguments in the trial against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin Monday. Chauvin is facing three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody last year. Jay Gray has details on the trial as protests broke out nationwide over the weekend ahead of the verdict. 

A new COVID-19 vaccine clinic will open in Huntersville Monday as Novant Health tries to get more people vaccinated in northern Mecklenburg County. So far, supply of the vaccine has outpaced demand, a trend that concerns Health Director Gibbie Harris. Billie Jean Shaw joins the show with an update on how the county plans to get more people vaccinated. 

Plus, we all know a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and overall health. But we're now learning just how critical it is for teens who have ADHD. Ben Thompson connects the dots on a study that found getting enough sleep means a whole lot more than feeling refreshed in the morning. 

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 COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. Which is why a new Netflix series promises to help us learn how to fall asleep quicker and easier. Seriously! 

Richard DeVayne has details on two homicides impacting Charlotte's transgender residents. Two trans women were killed in Charlotte hotels, and police aren't sure if the killings are linked at this time, but activist groups say it's another obstacle facing the community. 

Plus, Mecklenburg County is hosting a community COVID-19 vaccine clinic this weekend. Billie Jean Shaw has details on how you can schedule your appointment for the clinic.

Speaking of the vaccine, Pfizer's CEO says it's likely we'll need another shot within a year. But we explain why it's not because the first two doses aren't effective. 

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!