704 Unfiltered

Crews with the Charlotte Fire Department worked to douse the flames on the top level of a condo block Tuesday afternoon. When firefighters searched the building, they reportedly found a dead person inside.

More than 60 firefighters responded to the condominium units along West 8th Street near North Graham Street around 1:20 p.m. Crews shared a video to Twitter, showing flames and smoke rising from the top of the building. A WCNC Charlotte viewer shared two photos showing the earlier stages of the fire.

No injuries were reported initially from the fire, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release just before 5:30 p.m. that crews had found a person's body during a search of the affected building.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/uptown-charlotte-nc-apartment-fire-local/275-8a2c2cba-b83c-4afe-930d-4e90af0aa6ee

 A four-day manhunt in Texas for a gunman accused of killing five neighbors ended Tuesday not far from the site of the shooting when authorities, acting on a tip, said they found the suspect hiding underneath a pile of laundry in the closet of a house.

Francisco Oropeza, 38, was captured without incident near Houston and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from his home in the rural town of Cleveland, where authorities say he went next door and shot his neighbors with an AR-style rifle shortly before midnight Friday after some of them had asked him to go farther away if he was going to fire rounds in his yard so late. The gunfire was keeping a baby awake, they told him.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/texas-gunman-caught-after-manhunt-mass-shooting/507-69c1df2f-2e0b-4c9a-999c-26715784d8e5

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! 

A new bride was killed and her husband was critically injured in a crash just hours after their wedding in Folly Beach, police said. Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson and her husband, Aric, were riding on a golf cart when the driver hit them going approximately 65 mph, family members said. Samanta died from her injuries. Aric was critically injured and two other people on the cart were hurt. Tradesha Woodard has an update on the tragic case.

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/newlyweds-serious-crash-golf-cart-folly-beach-south-carolina/275-c95e2a9e-9147-4b3c-b1b2-2f2f884b2d6d

The man charged with shooting a 6-year-old girl and her parents in Gaston County last month is expected in court Tuesday. Richard DeVayne has details on how authorities found Robert Singletary and the charges he faces in connection with the shooting.

Plus, we're connecting the dots on why new data shows North Carolina and South Carolina are among the worst states for teachers to start their careers.

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

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is making changes to its schedule to provide better service. Starting Monday, May 1, you will only be able to schedule DMV appointments during morning hours. There will be no appointments in the afternoon with the DMV expecting to serve walk-in clients during that time.

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/nc-dmv-changes-walk-in-appointment-schedule-as-of-may-1-2023-faster-line-saturday-hours-license-renewal-online-documents/83-d0452e70-9020-4f3c-93aa-0622cfbf398c

Plus, Richard DeVayne joins the show to break down plans for the old Eastland Mall site. It could bring an entertainment venue, athletic fields, and an Esports site. It's named QC East, would involve Charlotte Soccer Academy, Southern Entertainment, and Carolina Esports Hub.

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/concert-venue-soccer-field-proposal-eastland-yards-charlotte/275-d0c3b6aa-88d8-439c-afb2-f6e9fb575e5b

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

The City of Gastonia will open a social district east to west along Main Avenue from CaroMont Heath Park (west) to Broad Street (east) on April 28. Officials said the purpose of the social district is to increase downtown walkability and exposure to downtown businesses. The social district will open on April 28 and operate Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Plus on the live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're recapping the Panthers' big night at the NFL Draft. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the team's next franchise player, becoming the first Alabama QB to be taken No. 1 overall in school history. WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni chats with Young about the moment he was taken first overall and what he brings to the table as a franchise player.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/panthers-select-with-no-1-pick-in-2023-nfl-draft-carolina-panthers-charlotte-north-carolina-quarterback/275-6fd9fe2b-30d3-48cc-bf9e-3e1c3f0cf5c9

A fun day turned chaotic after shots rang out at the Chester County Baseball Complex last week.

Megan Melton said she was there watching her loved ones play ball when the shots were fired. Her husband had just left the park moments before with their 1-year-old son.

“We heard like a gunshot… kind of just looked around and stopped for a minute and it started going off again and again and again and again," Melton said. "We all got the kids and rushed them to the cars and they just evacuated the whole ball field.”

The sheriff said they were investigating a deadly shooting elsewhere in the county when the shots were fired at the park.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/shots-fired-chester-county-baseball-complex/275-c2b7bf3f-1ebd-4a21-aa62-3986ce429960

Plus on this morning's edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're previewing the NFL Draft! The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 overall pick and all signs are pointing to Alabama quarterback Bryce Young having his name called. But there are a few other players who could make history as the team's top pick, plus we're discussing some Charlotte natives hoping to live out their NFL dreams through the draft.

North Carolina Senate Republicans called Wednesday for the largest expansion of the state's private school voucher program since it was created, saying all families should qualify for at least some money regardless of income.

Senate Bill 406 would remove the program’s current income caps, replacing them with a sliding scale that would let any family get a voucher, called an Opportunity Scholarship, of up to $3,246. From there the bill sets up a tiered system with families making less money eligible for larger scholarships, up to $7,213 a year.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/nc-republicans-private-school-education-vouchers/275-a4dd84da-4354-47be-b9f1-287147ee8913

 A massive fire caused damage to multiple buildings in downtown Statesville early Tuesday morning. 

The fire was initially spotted by firefighters, who were responding to a separate call and noticed smoke coming from the downtown area. Once they arrived at the corner of West Broad Street and South Center Street after 2 a.m., they saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the buildings.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/firefighters-battle-major-fire-in-downtown-statesville-overnight-iredell/275-df2ed0b2-17e8-4451-b155-e538f22e954b

Plus on our live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're highlighting Bountiful Blessings in Gastonia. This nonprofit is doing amazing work in the community, plus it's a food pantry that does more than collect food. They provide clothing, medical supplies and other essential items to neighbors in need. But they can't do it without your help. Text "Bountiful" to 44321 to learn how you can make a difference or click here --> https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/community/bountiful-blessing-volunteers-doing-good-charlotte-nc/275-75a416b1-d4c8-4fe2-9f00-c1e9ab0c4b90

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! 

All of the suspects accused of participating in a Union County mother's murder and kidnapping had court appearances Monday.

Alison Thomas, 37, was reported missing from Flint Ridge Road in February. Weeks later, authorities found her body hours away in the woods of Jackson County.

Michael Kasminoff, Brandon Kisiah, Amanda Griffin, Shawn Adkins, and William Mulenex are all charged with first degree murder in Thomas' death.

“We're still trying to determine why that location, why Jackson County, instead of just, you know, right next door," Lt. James Maye, a Union County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said. "We're still working to determine the motive, and why the suspects did what they did.”

While the motive is unclear, investigators have learned more about what may have happened the night Thomas disappeared.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/wake-up-charlotte/monroe-nc-county-missing-murder-kidnapping-charges/275-e0bbdc1e-303e-42cc-8c7d-b35e16ec6e76

And on the live edition of #WakeUpCLT To Go, we're discussing afternoon naps! Yes, you're just starting your day, but it's never too early to start thinking about sleep. And if you do take a daily nap, how long do you rest? If it's more than 26 minutes ... that's bad news. We'll explain why NASA says that's the perfect length for your daily nap and the consequences of oversleeping in the afternoon.

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! 

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a store at the Carolina Place Mall.

The Pineville Police Department says the robbery happened at a jewelry store at the Carolina Place mall. Despite initial reports of shots being fired, police say shots were not fired during the robbery.

Police also say no injuries were reported during the incident.

There are no suspects in custody at this time.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Pineville Police Department at (704) 889-8477.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/armed-robbery-under-investigation-at-carolina-place-mall-pineville-north-carolina-charlotte-robbery/275-649d6b7f-874e-4d31-97a4-f9e280b761a0

Charlotte-based nonprofit Speed for Need said that their trailer with five custom wheelchairs was stolen from a lot near the Costwold area in Charlotte over the weekend.

Speed for Need is a nonprofit that seeks to "raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need through participation in fitness events," according to their website.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

WCNC Charlotte spoke with Kevin Young, the co-founder and CEO of Speed for Need, about the theft and has also obtained security footage of the theft occurring over the weekend.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/trailer-five-customized-racing-wheelchairs-stolen-charlotte-nonprofit/275-1e7df5dc-5d91-41dc-abc1-b58493a3a803

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! 

Carowinds announced it will now require park visitors who are 15 or younger to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 after 4 p.m. to remain in the park. Any underage guests found in the park without a chaperone will be escorted out for the remainder of the day. Tradesha Woodard has the latest on the new policy, including details on previous incidents Carowinds says led to this change.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say violent crime is down in the Queen City but overall crime is up so far in 2023. New crime statistics released this week show property crime is up 10% in the first quarter of the year and 911 calls are also up. Richard DeVayne joins #WakeUpCLT To Go with information about CMPD's crime stats and measures officials are taking to reduce the number of arrests across the city.

And finally, all parents know that getting their kids to eat their veggies is a never-ending struggle. But there could be an easier way that doesn't require much work. New research shows that simply taking more time during meals will actually encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Sarah French connects the dots on why taking a little longer could make a big difference for your child's nutrition.

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 North Carolina House passed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" on Wednesday. House Bill 574 states transgender girls are prohibited from participating in sports that correspond with their gender identity. 

Wednesday, lawmakers were joined by NCAA Champion Riley Gaines, a D1 swimmer from the University of Kentucky. She spoke out against the idea of transgender women competing in sports. She called the bill common sense and said for her, it hit close to home. 

“What I’ve been doing is this,” Gaines said. “I’m testifying. That’s why I’m grateful to be in North Carolina -- I’m hopeful they will do the right thing.”

Gaines competed against transgender athlete Lia Thomas in the 2022 NCAA Division 1 women's swimming and diving championships. Gaines said Thomas had an unfair advantage.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/nc-bill-ban-transgender-athletes-girls-sports-teams-hearing/275-d4f9b869-3340-4675-9fa9-6172877f3ef8