704 Unfiltered

At least three people are dead after a tornado left widespread damage in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Authorities also confirmed 10 people were hurt during the storm. Charlotte's housing crisis has been a problem for years and it impacts more people than those struggling to pay rent. Ben Thompson explains why a housing crisis is bad for the overall economy and for people who don't even live in the Charlotte perimeter. Richard DeVayne has details on Cabarrus County Schools expanding i-person learning this week. With more students in the classroom, teachers are sharing concerns about not being vaccinated for COVID-19. Billie Jean Shaw joins the program to discuss Mecklenburg County's vaccine rollout and a new website designed to help community groups co-host clinics with local health care providers. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte. Join the conversation on social media using #WakeupCLT!

Former President Donald Trump's defense attorneys will make their case in his impeachment trial Friday. Their opportunity comes after two days of compelling, emotional evidence of the Jan. 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol was delivered by House impeachment managers. Starting Friday, teachers in Mecklenburg County will be eligible to book their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Billie Jean Shaw has details on when those appointments are for and why it's important to book as quickly as you can. This weekend is Valentine's Day, that special day of the year when we show how much our partners mean to us. Rachel Lundberg discusses ways to celebrate safely at home if you can't get a reservation at your favorite restaurant. 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!

Teachers in North Carolina got a big win in their fight to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Billie Jean Shaw joins the show with details on Gov. Roy Cooper's pledge to get teachers priority for the next wave of vaccinations this month. Then, Rachel Lundberg has the social media reaction from local lawmakers and teachers across the state. Speaking of Cooper, he signed a COVID-19 relief bill that will distribute federal money across the state for people impacted by the pandemic.Former President Trump's impeachment trial enters Day 2 after House impeachment managers presented shocking video of the Jan. 6 riot at the US. Capitol. It's unclear if senators opposing Trump's conviction have changed their minds after the evidence was brought forth. And if you're having trouble falling asleep at night, Ben & Carolyn have some simple advice for you. Wear socks! 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 Senate voted 56-44 Tuesday evening to move forward with the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Six Republicans joined the Democratic half of the chamber on the vote, as Trump's attorneys tried to argue trying a former president is unconstitutional. Opening arguments will begin today, according to Tracie Potts. South Carolina senators passed a bill Tuesday that would give teachers priority for COVID-19 vaccinations. It now heads to the South Carolina House, but even if it passes, there's a strong likelihood Gov. Henry McMaster would veto. Richard DeVayne breaks down the bill in the Morning Rush. Plus, Ben Thompson and Carolyn Bruck found the five most overused words in work emails and Rachel Lundberg shares how a South Carolina community is dealing with a tragic anniversary. 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.

Former President Donald Trump's historic second impeachment trial begins in Washington Tuesday. NBC's Tracie Potts joins us with a preview of the opening arguments in what Trump's attorneys say is an unconstitutional "political theater" by Democrats. Billie Jean Shaw has a preview of the CMS Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, where the district will vote on its return to in-person learning. The vote comes a week after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he "strongly urged" schools to reopen by the end of the month. But it's not without controversy, as teachers and parents want vaccinations before things are reopened. Richard DeVayne has an update on Charlotte City Council's unanimous vote to rename streets that have ties to the Confederacy or white supremacists. The council voted Monday to make changes based on recommendations made by the Charlotte Legacy Commission. 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!

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crushed the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9, to win Super Bowl LV. The big game capped off a whirlwind season in the time of COVID-19, as Brady won his seventh championship. South Carolina adults 65 and older can begin scheduling their appointments for coronavirus vaccines starting Monday. This comes as the state pushes to reopen schools and Gov. McMaster said seniors should come first for their shots. Plus, we have breaking news from Gastonia, North Carolina, where a woman was injured after being shot by police during a reported overdose call. And if you plan on calling out sick...you aren't fooling ANYONE! The day after the Super Bowl is the most popular day to call in sick, with nearly 17 million people missing work after the big game in 2020. 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.

Novant Health and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools will team up Saturday for a vaccine clinic to get school employees 65 & older vaccinated for COVID-19. Billie Jean Shaw has details on the clinic, which is a response to a CDC report that strongly urged schools to reopen for in-person learning as soon as possible. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper endorsed the report, saying he wants schools open for students by the end of February. We're honoring our very own Larry Sprinkle on National Weatherperson's Day, and he's got some bad news in the forecast...unless you like cold weather. Plus, Ben Thompson connects the dots on Johnson & Johnson's new coronavirus vaccine and why scientists feel it could be a game-changer in the pandemic. Watch #WakeUpCLT every weekday morning on WCNC Charlotte from 4:30 to 7 a.m. and join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Normally this time of year, the flu would be all over the headlines. Instead, we're seeing almost no flu activity. Ben Thompson connects the dots on why it has to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. South Carolina lowered the age requirement for coronavirus vaccines, opening appointments for adults 65 and older starting Monday, regardless of living situation or health conditions. Billie Jean Shaw has the details. A new study found the average person has five foods rotting in their fridge. Gross! Ben and Carolyn Bruck both say that sounds a little extreme, but it might be worth looking in the back of your fridge just to be safe. Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and join our conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he is "strongly urging" schools across the state to reopen for in-person learning by the end of the month. Cooper made the announcement after a CDC report cited a study that found minimal COVID-19 transmission between students and staff in schools over a nine-week span. Billie Jean Shaw joins the show with details on a board of education vote on proposed changes to social studies classes in North Carolina. A group of teachers from the state drafted the proposal, which would teach children about systemic racism in America and how it shaped our society today. Ben Thompson connects the dots on Mecklenburg County's new LGBT non-discrimination resolution, and why the simple, straightforward effort has a controversial past.  Plus, Ben and Carolyn share when experts say is the best time of day to get in your workout. All that and more on #WakeUpCLT To Go!

NEW MASK MANDATE: The CDC now says that by Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, all passengers on public transportation will be required to wear a mask. The pending order from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was announced late Friday as the country startlingly finished its deadliest month of the pandemic so far. Plus,  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced Saturday the detection of the first case associated with the SARS-CoV-2 variant from the United Kingdom. Start your Monday with the biggest headlines on #WakeUpCLT To Go!