Scientists remain optimistic about a COVID-19 vaccine after early clinical trials, but there's still a lot that has to happen before we get back to normal. Ben Thompson explains a few of the major hurdles still facing doctors. Chloe Leshner has the response from parents and lawmakers as Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools prepare for virtual learning this year, and how it highlights some major inequities in the community. Richard DeVayne reports that teachers and parents have plenty of questions for back to school plans, which are being finalized with students heading back in just a month. Plus, Carolyn Bruck breaks down the Charlotte Major League Soccer team names as we get ready for the team's big announcement Wednesday! Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

Parents and teachers in Gaston County, North Carolina now have a better idea of how schools will look when they reopen next month. Chloe Leshner has details on the district's back to school plan, which is quite different from others in the Charlotte area. Ben Thompson connects the dots on how much kids spread COVID-19, and you might be surprised to learn their age plays a big role in transmitting coronavirus. A new study from South Korea shows kids age 10 and under are only half as likely to spread the virus as teenagers. Why? Well, it boils down to teenagers' poor personal hygiene, for starters. Richard DeVayne has details on a proposed alcohol ban in restaurants after 10 p.m. and why Mecklenburg County leaders say it's the key to slowing the spread of coronavirus in Charlotte. Plus, Larry Sprinkle has details on a scorching hot forecast with a "feels like" temperature well above 100 degrees. Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte!

The upcoming school year is only about 4 weeks away and schools across the Charlotte area are putting their final reopening plans in place. Chloe Leshner has the latest from uptown, where Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is gearing up for more remote learning. Top Republican lawmakers will head to the White House Monday to pitch President Trump on their stimulus proposal. Will the $1 trillion plan be enough to please the president? Tracie Potts has the details from Washington, and Larry Sprinkle has your First Warn Forecast as it's going to be dangerously hot in the Carolinas this afternoon.

There are now more than 1,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in the United States. Top health officials say the country is failing at testing, but President Trump believes the process is going smoothly. NBC's Jay Gray has the latest from Washington, where lawmakers still haven't agreed on a deal that could help more people get tested for the virus. Richard DeVayne has a travel update from Charlotte Douglas airport as Americans scramble to get on flights back home before the travel ban takes effect midnight Friday, and Billie Jean Shaw has the latest from state officials as Charlotte's St. Patrick's Day celebrations have been canceled. Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

It's official: the current strain of the coronavirus infecting the world is now a pandemic. Ben Thompson explains what that means exactly, and why the World Health Organization is hesitant to make such a drastic announcement. Richard DeVayne has an update on the NBA suspending the remainder of its season due to the coronavirus. That announcement was made after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive just minutes before last night's scheduled game vs Oklahoma City. College basketball is also feeling the impact of COVID-19, with the NCAA men's and women's tournaments being played with "essential personnel" only, meaning no fans. Billie Jean Shaw has an update on presumptive positive cases of the virus in the Carolinas, including a woman in Lancaster County being the first case in the Charlotte area. In non-coronavirus news, Apple is working on a feature that could save your friendships, and Carolyn tells us why your sleeping patterns could determine if you're ready to find love. Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency after seven people tested positive for coronavirus across the state. Richard DeVayne previews Cooper's visit to Charlotte Wednesday, where he's expected to address the public's concerns about the virus. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are putting all field trips on hold due to the coronavirus, but not before WCNC Charlotte learned some students were allowed to fly to New York. Billie Jean Shaw explains what the district is doing to help prevent the spread of the virus. Plus, Ben Thompson gives us the psychological reason behind people stockpiling toilet paper and hand sanitizer due to the coronavirus, and Rachel Lundberg has bad news for dog owners...but you'll love your pooch anyway. And whatever you do, don't ever, ever, EVER try to claim Ben's beloved Scout as yours. The consequences could be dire. Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

Health officials are on high alert after five more people tested positive for coronavirus in North Carolina, bringing the total number of cases to seven. Richard DeVayne has a report from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where one of the patients traveled earlier this year. Billie Jean Shaw breaks down the plan local schools are building in the event of a coronavirus outbreak, plus Ben Thompson explains why the coronavirus could mean cheaper gas prices. Carolyn and Ben have learned what it takes to become someone's best friend and the Carolinas love Frosted Flakes...but is it the BEST cereal? Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

Financial experts are bracing for another huge drop in the stock market due to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Billie Jean Shaw joins us from South Carolina, where health officials have identified four new cases of the virus over the weekend. Kendall Morris updates us on the search for the shooter in an apparent drive-by shooting that hurt two people in west Charlotte Sunday, and Larry Sprinkle has the details on another beautiful day in the Carolinas. Plus, we explain why it's so hard to stop touching our faces despite the coronavirus and Carolyn has an elaborate conspiracy theory about Taylor Swift and the lack of sleep we're all facing. Join Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.