Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory joined the crowded race for US Senate in 2022. He's among 5 Republicans jockeying to win the seat that will be vacated by retiring Sen. Richard Burr after his term ends in 2021. The former governor explains why he felt the need to run and why his "homegrown" leadership is needed in Washington. 

Richard DeVayne has the latest on two homicide investigations in Charlotte. Police say two men were killed just hours apart in separate parts of the city. Right now, the cases don't appear to be linked, but no arrests have been made. 

Ben Thompson connects the dots on how regular exercise, just a few minutes every day, can prevent severe COVID-19. Scientists say it has to do with fitness and avoiding pre-existing conditions. 

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!

Vaccine providers nationwide are pressing pause on the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine after the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement saying they're investigating reports of rare but serious blood clots in some patients. Billie Jean Shaw has the latest from Charlotte-area vaccine providers as clinics look to encourage people the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe. 

Richard DeVayne joins the show with details on the private funeral service for victims in last week's Rock Hill shooting. Today, Dr. Robert Lesslie, his wife, Barbara, and their two grandchildren will be laid to rest after a celebration of life at West End Baptist Church. The funeral service is private but the family will have a stream and is encouraging the community to help others to honor the family's legacy. 

Plus, Wednesday marks 100 days until the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. But make no mistake about it, most of the world will be fighting COVID-19 this summer. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how organizers say the games will go down during a pandemic. 

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!

More than 30 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools campuses will implement a new air filtration system that is reportedly 99.9% effective at killing the virus that causes COVID-19. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how this system works and why it's a breakthrough for parents unsure about sending their kids into the classroom. 

Billie Jean Shaw has details on Barringer Academic Center getting a new name. The school's name, which has ties to white supremacy, will be announced at Tuesday's school board meeting. 

Plus, live events are coming back to Charlotte. Rachel Lundberg has details on some of the big events returning to the Queen City this year, including a major music festival at the Whitewater Center. 

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.

Starting Monday, middle and high school students at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will resume Plan A learning, which includes 4 days of in-person classes. Wednesdays will be reserved for virtual classes. Billie Jean Shaw joins #WakeUpCLT To Go with details on the new schedule and when students will have even more in-person learning. 

Plus, a huge wave of COVID-19 vaccination appointments just opened in Mecklenburg County through StarMed HealthCare. Publix also joined the vaccination game, offering the Moderna vaccine at pharmacy locations across North Carolina. 

A sixth victim in the Rock Hill shooting died this weekend. Robert Shook, an HVAC technician who was shot multiple times, died from his injuries, bringing the death toll to six. Rachel Lundberg recaps a prayer vigil held in Rock Hill Sunday where hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to those lost too soon. 

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.

Larry Sprinkle​ has a look at your weekend forecast after a little bit of Friday rain: mostly sunny, warm, and nice going into the coming work week.

The community of Rock Hill continues to reel from a tragic shooting that left five dead along with the gunman. Among the victims: a prominent doctor, his wife, their two grandsons, and an HVAC technician working at the house where gunfire erupted. Richard DeVayne​ is back in Rock Hill looking at the impact this tragedy has.

Meanwhile, there are a lot of unverified claims about how and why the shooting unfolded. The gunman was Phillip Adams, a former NFL player who most recently played with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. On social media, there's speculation drug use or even CTE suffered from football injuries spurred the shooting. Vanessa Ruffes​ works to Verify what we know and don't know.

PLUS: There are more vaccine clinics coming up in our area, and we're breaking down the vaccination numbers in Mecklenburg County and across North Carolina. Where does Mecklenburg County stand?

For the latest news, weather, and more, check out the WCNC Charlotte website and download our mobile app. Follow along the conversation with the hashtag #WakeUpCLT

A well-known South Carolina doctor, his wife and their two grandchildren were among 5 people killed in a mass shooting at their home in York County Wednesday, deputies said. Authorities say there is no threat to the public anymore but haven't released any further details about a suspect in the shooting of Dr. Robert Lessie and his family. 

President Joe Biden is expected to address executive actions he plans to take to cut down on gun violence in the U.S. Those actions include requiring background checks on so-called "ghost guns" and tightening restrictions on pistol braces, like the one used by the alleged shooter in Boulder, Colorado. 

The latest stimulus bill that sent $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans also includes an expanded child tax credit that puts cash money in the pockets of parents. But how much will you get if you qualify? Ben Thompson connects the dots on how much parents will get, when they might see it and why lawmakers decided to give folks some more money this year. 

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!

Goodbye groups! North Carolina has entered its final phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, allowing all adults 16 & older to schedule their vaccination. Billie Jean Shaw joins the show with details on when those appointments will be available and how you can secure your spot in line. 

North Carolina education leaders will address their plan to help teachers get struggling students up to speed with a primary focus on reading at the proper grade level. Richard DeVayne previews the state board's meeting and tells us what ideas they might have in store for schools. 

A so-called "double mutant" variant of COVID-19 has been discovered in the U.S. Experts now say vaccinating Americans is a race against the clock before the virus mutates and spreads even more rapidly in vulnerable communities. 

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.

Keep your jackets handy this Friday morning for cooler temperatures, but look ahead for a pleasant Easter weekend! Larry Sprinkle breaks down the forecast.

Easter travel is kicked up this weekend, with a lot of people leaving Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Billie Jean Shaw has a look inside the airport with masked up travelers preparing to take off.

There's a bill proposed in the North Carolina state legislature that could get kids struggling in school some extra help this summer. Richard DeVayne breaks down the details about what's in the bill and how it would work.

Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine? Ruby Durham shares details on how Atrium Health is scheduling appointments for a vaccination event at Bank of America Stadium.

Plus: South Carolina hits 2 million vaccinations, a milestone for the state.

And, we reflect on legendary UNC basketball coach Roy Williams' career as he announces his retirement. Rachel Lundberg shares the kind messages shared to social media by just about everyone, from hospital systems and athletic leaders to Gov. Roy Cooper and even Duke!

PLUS: Carolyn Bruck Connects the Dots on how companies are making their workspaces more inclusive for employees who live with autism or are neurodivergent.

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!

StarMed Healthcare announced that it will take part in a new trial studying the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in children. More than 6,500 kids will take part, ranging from 6 months to 11 years old. Richard DeVayne has the latest on the trial that could be a breakthrough in the pandemic. 

Billie Jean Shaw joins the show with the latest on a bill that advanced to the South Carolina Senate that would prohibit most employers from making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for workers. There are some exceptions, though, including health care and nursing home employees. 

Plus, we've got the latest forecast for the Charlotte area ahead of a major cooldown and President Biden's set to hold his first cabinet meeting Thursday. 

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!

It's a big day for COVID-19 vaccinations in the Carolinas. First, Billie Jean Shaw has details on South Carolina's rollout, which is now eligible for everyone age 16 and older. This means any previous restrictions on age or health conditions have been lifted. 

North Carolina enters the second phase of Group 4, which includes any front-line workers not already eligible for the vaccine, as well as college students who live in dorms. Next week, April 7, North Carolina will open vaccination appointments to all adults age 16 and older. 

Ben Thompson connects the dots on why you shouldn't hold out for the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The reason from health experts is simple. There aren't enough and the extremely limited supply isn't going to the public at large (yet). 

Plus, more Americans than ever before are embracing cookouts and eating outdoors as a way to maintain their social lives throughout the pandemic. 

All that and more on the Humpday edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go!