President Trump's push for $2,000 stimulus checks for Americans is all but dead after Senate Republicans rejected a vote on the House approval. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to budge, saying the money would go to too many Americans who don't need it. Despite arguments from several high-ranking Senators, the issue is pretty much done as Americans begin to collect the $600 stimulus payments approved by Congress last week.  As we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, Rachel Lundberg looks at some of the unique New Year's celebrations in the Carolinas, like the Giant Flea (yep, it's real) and of course Mt. Olive's iconic pickle. Speaking of New Year's, how do you plan to celebrate? Health leaders across the region are hoping you'll do so at home, and not at a party. With COVID-19 cases still rising in the Carolinas, curfews are in place to stop the sale of alcohol and to shut down bars and restaurants early. Billie Jean Shaw has the latest on what measures are in place to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. 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!

Secretary Mnuchin said that the U.S. Treasury has delivered a payment file to the Federal Reserve as the next step in getting the aid payments distributed to Americans. Mnuchin said the payments would be delivered via direct deposit and payments would continue into next week. The Treasury secretary said some Americans may begin to see deposits of the stimulus payments in their bank accounts as early as Tuesday.Multiple homes were damaged in a large fire in Charlotte's Steele Creek community early Wednesday morning. Billie Jean Shaw has the latest from the heartbreaking scene. It's hard to believe but 2021 is just two days away -- we want to know how you're ringing in the new year. With Gov. Roy Cooper's 10 p.m. curfew in effect through at least Jan. 8, many businesses and entertainment venues are getting creative in how they welcome 2021. 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 House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would increase the COVID-19 stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000 for most Americans. This comes after President Donald Trump increased his push for more money into the hands of Americans struggling during the holidays and coronavirus pandemic. Now, the bill heads to the Republican-led Senate, where some of Trump's staunchest defenders have a tough choice to make: cut government spending or support one of the president's final acts in office?  The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is being delivered to nursing homes and senior living facilities across the Carolinas with nearly 200,000 doses expected to be shipped this week. Billie Jean Shaw has details on how the vaccine will be rolled out and why the vaccine is giving residents and staff members a beacon of hope heading into the new year.  Plus, we have your top Tuesday morning headlines from the Charlotte area -- CMPD is investigating a pair of deadly stabbings that happened within hours Monday night. So far, no arrests have been made in either case. The Carolina Panthers announced they will reduce attendance for Sunday's season finale against the New Orleans Saints, a beloved Lincoln County teacher died from the coronavirus and experts have a hunch that the most important meal of the day will be trendy in 2021.  Watch Wake Up Charlotte every weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

Health officials are expecting a spike in COVID-19 cases following holiday travel & President Trump signs stimulus bill to send $600 checks to Americans, but not everyone will get one this time around.Those stories and more in your Morning Rush for Monday, December 28, 2020.Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte!SIGN UP FOR OUR MORNING NEWSLETTER: www.wcnc.com/email

President Donald Trump threatened he won't sign the $900 COVID-19 relief bill by Congress until the second stimulus check is increased from a "ridiculously low" $600 to $2,000 for Americans and $4,000 for couples. The second stimulus packaged was overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate Monday. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools voted to transition all students to remote learning through mid-January. Now, parents of one special education student are considering all possibilities, including a lawsuit. They say they don't want to force any parents into sending their kids to school, they just want the choice to give their son the education he needs to succeed. There's an ailment going around this time of year, and it's not COVID-19. It's called Holiday Heart, and it affects a lot of healthy people with no previous conditions. Ben Thompson connects the dots on what it is, what causes it and how you can avoid a trip to the hospital this holiday season. Plus, we have all the top Wednesday morning headlines you missed on Wake Up Charlotte. Watch Wake Up Charlotte from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

After months of battling, Congress overwhelmingly passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill Monday, including a round of $600 stimulus checks for most Americans. The nearly 6,000-page bill came together in short order and now heads to President Trump's desk for signing as many lawmakers urge him to veto over what they call unnecessary spending that's tagged onto the stimulus.  Fallen Concord Police officer Jason Shuping will be laid to rest Tuesday afternoon. The 25-year-old was killed while responding to a carjacking near the Concord Mills Mall last week. The public is invited to line the streets as Shuping is escorted to his final resting place, where he'll be buried with full honors for his sacrifice.  Plus, Christmas spirit is in huge supply this year despite the pandemic. The sale of Christmas lights is up 194% and many stores, including Lowe's and Walmart, are running out of supply. Ben Thompson connects the dots on why this is happening to retailers famous for having more supplies than what's necessary.  Join 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!

Health care providers are preparing for their first shipments of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after it was approved by the FDA. Billie Jean Shaw has details on when the vaccine will be here, who gets it first and how the state plans to distribute treatment to those first in line.  President-elect Joe Biden will get the COVID-19 shot Monday. He follows several other high-profile politicians, including Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We connect the dots on why politicians get to skip the line for the drug and if it's ethical.  Plus, Congress reached an agreement on a new COVID-19 relief bill that includes $600 stimulus checks for most Americans. We've got the latest details from Washington as lawmakers prepare to vote before the Christmas holiday.  Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte. As always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

Hospitals across the Carolinas are preparing to receive their first shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which could be approved by the FDA soon after an advisory board gave its recommendation for the drug to be OK'd. Billie Jean Shaw has details on when that approval could come and what it means for getting more people vaccinated for the coronavirus.  Lana Harris previews a big weekend of COVID-19 testing in Charlotte, as health officials encourage everyone to get tested before any family gatherings for the holidays. Gov. Roy Cooper says a negative test isn't a free pass, but it doesn't make people feel safer before meeting with family or friends.  Rachel Lundberg asks our #WakeUpCLT viewers what their favorite part about living in Charlotte is and the responses might surprise you...From great restaurants to the skyline and everything in between, there's a lot to love about life in the Queen City.  Plus we have all the biggest news and headlines to start your Friday in case you missed our show. As always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!

A Concord Police officer is dead after a shooting near Bruton Smith Boulevard late Wednesday night. Police say the suspect also died and a second Concord officer was injured. We have the latest on the investigation and what police are saying.  Plus, new research suggests all that jolly Christmas music might actually put you in a bad mood and stress you out. And we've got a look at all the top headlines from across the Charlotte area to start your Thursday morning.  Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte. You can also join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT.

A new strain of the coronavirus is behind Europe's major surge in new COVID-19 cases but it's not a cause for panic yet. Ben Thomson explains why researchers say it could be a good thing in the long run.  Billie Jean Shaw has details on how Mecklenburg County plans to distribute its COVID-19 vaccines, and we have information on where Charlotte residents can get a free test this weekend. The FDA could approve the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week and Gov. Roy Cooper says this could be a major breakthrough for the state in getting more people vaccinated quickly.  All that, plus the top stories on #WakeUpCLT To Go! Join 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.