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Two Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who fired shots during the deadly shooting of an armed robbery suspect last June were justified in their use of force, the district attorney announced Tuesday. 

CMPD responded to a reported armed robbery at a Food Lion on Tuckaseegee Road around 1 p.m. on June 26. Officers spotted a person matching Kevin Boston's description while en route to the store and attempted to contact him. When officers approached Boston, he allegedly put both bags on the ground and reached toward his pants and pulled out a gun, according to District Attorney Spencer Merriweather.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-police-shooting-officers-justified-district-attorney-says/275-1a4b32be-5037-4cac-bbec-e12d5fef6254

With less than a month on the job, new Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard has his hands full as he tries to recruit more officers to the force.

This is something he acknowledged Tuesday night as he presented some incentives to Gastonia city leaders that he says will help retain and recruit officers.

“Law enforcement is faced with a difficult time in history,” Conard said. “Having adequate staffing has become an issue.”

Gastonia’s police department faces the same challenges that other law enforcement departments do – trying to get officers when it’s even harder to recruit.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/gastonia-police-department-recruitment-employeers-officers/275-6e610499-7fb0-4f11-b446-11e7ade47776

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! 

Plains is sad, in the words of one of Jimmy Carter’s close friends.

it is a small town with big pride for their favorite son. Residents are cherishing their years and decades with Mr. Carter, their neighbor, as they offer prayers for him and his family. And they resolve, they say, to be kinder to people, the way he's always been.

“I thank him so much," said Cicele Terry on Sunday.

She was fighting back tears outside Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

Terry lives in Columbus, Ga. She commutes to and from Maranatha every week -- nearly an hour each way -- all because years ago one Sunday, she was visiting the church, and Jimmy Carter walked up to her and personally asked her to join.

She called that a kindness that she has always treasured, and she is thinking of him now, as he is in hospice care at home in Plains.

“No sorrow, just thankfulness," she said, "just thankfulness, but tears. I’m just thankful for the example and the life that he’s led.”

During Sunday morning services, the congregation said prayers for Mr. Carter.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/jimmy-carter/plains-georgia-jimmy-carter-neighbors-friends-comfort-family/85-2cb1cb34-7c43-48c8-ad7c-b3e20b0e7a15

A Charlotte mom is speaking out after she said her daughter was a victim of racial abuse at a local Chick-fil-A. 

After the mother posted about the incident on Facebook, the post went viral. The family of the daughter held a press conference on Monday afternoon.

The woman said that her daughter went through the drive thru at the Chick-fil-A near Mount Holly-Huntersville Road and Brookshire Blvd on Monday, Feb. 13.

She said that when her daughter received her order, a racial slur was written on the bag and drink order. The mother posted a picture of the order on social media, and it went viral.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/local-chick-fil-a-faces-allegations-racism/275-8039e5a2-9c9f-4ce2-b65c-c5fbfef0472a

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! 

Mooresville Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a house fire that early investigations determined was set intentionally, officials say.

On Saturday, Feb. 18 around 8:30 p.m., Mooresville Fire-Rescue responded to a fire at a vacant single-story house on Brawley School Road.

Moorseville Fire was able to control the fire in a few hours and the Fire Marshall's Office started an investigation. After the investigation showed that the fire was started on purpose, the Mooresville Police Department was brought in to assist.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/mooresville-intentional-house-fire/275-8e3abe52-aa41-4259-b0a4-9d289acad699

The man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase across Charlotte is expected in court Monday afternoon.

Tyler Harding is facing numerous felony charges in connection with the incident, including four counts of vehicle theft, three felony counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of felony hit-and-run. The incident started as a reported break-in, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/tyler-harding-police-chase-in-court-monday-news/275-91952f38-b7e6-4fef-9fa0-a9c29608ca4f

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! 

Boone police are investigating after they say someone waved an anti-Semitic flag in front of the Temple of The High Country.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the Boone Police Department responded to a call about an individual waving a flag with a "swastika" on it in front of the temple. Officers arrived at the temple, only to find the flag left behind after the individual fled the scene.

The Chief of Police notified leaders at the Temple of the High Country of the incident Wednesday evening, officers said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/boone-nc-police-investigating-anti-semitic-flag-waved-outside-jewish-temple/275-fe8a3015-f322-4c42-a2c3-cfc3d1fa29a7

An unknown number of Mecklenburg County speeding cases and tickets could be called into question due to revelations the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department did not calibrate their radar and lidar devices in accordance with state law.

While CMPD equipment was tested, testing was not completed by an appropriately certified employee, the city of Charlotte announced Wednesday. CMPD said technicians were experienced and followed the manufacturer's instructions. However, technicians who were not Federal Communications Commission-certified were responsible for 170 of the department's 230 devices. 

The department says it is possible the problem dates back to 2008 and was prompted by a misunderstanding of state law.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/mecklenburg-da-some-speeding-cases-questionable-after-improper-radar-lidar-calibration-charlotte-police-department-investigation/275-d0fcce3e-cff6-4888-84b1-62a4a3e543d8

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! 

An untold amount of Mecklenburg County speeding cases could be called into question due to revelations about Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's radar and lidar calibration practices.

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office said it learned of the concerns on Tuesday, noting that equipment used to frequently track drivers' speeds have to be tested and certified by a Federal Communications Commission-certified person, per state law.

A statement from the office says, while CMPD equipment was tested, testing was not completed by an appropriately certified employee. CMPD said technicians who were experienced and followed the manufacturer's instructions -- but were not FCC-certified -- were responsible for 170 of the department's 230 devices. 

The department says it is possible the problem dates back to 2008 and was prompted by a misunderstanding of state law.

The full implications of this discovery on drivers with pending speeding cases are still unknown, but the DA said the office will look at each case as it appears in court and determine whether the evidence from radar or lidar equipment is relevant to prosecuting.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/mecklenburg-da-some-speeding-cases-questionable-after-improper-radar-lidar-calibration-charlotte-police-department-investigation/275-d0fcce3e-cff6-4888-84b1-62a4a3e543d8

Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles tore down a home she owns in the historically-Black McCrorey Heights neighborhood, and there are some neighbors who don't like what she's done.

"It’s just sad," neighbor Winston Robinson told WCNC Charlotte. "It’s unfortunate, especially being that Charlotte has the reputation that it has, for not having that reverence for history."

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Others, like Samantha Taylor, said she understands the mayor's position. 

 "It’s not resurrectable," Taylor said. "It’s got a lot of deferred maintenance, and it is what it is."

Permits reviewed by WCNC Charlotte confirm Lyles applied to demolish the home along Madison Avenue on Aug. 10, 2022. The filing came days before the neighborhood's homes were deemed historic on Aug. 15, which was at the time viewed as a tool to push back against gentrification.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/vi-lyles-home-mccrorey-heights-neighborhood-local/275-bdb3fe66-e4bf-471a-b26b-e2e6008d28ec

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 Charlotte high school basketball player required medical attention after collapsing during a game Tuesday night.

A spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed to WCNC Charlotte the collapse happened during the boys' game between Rocky River High School and Butler High School. While specific details about what happened weren't immediately available, CMS confirmed the student received on-site care.

"At this time, we do not have an update on the student's condition but are hopeful for a safe and full recovery," the spokesperson said.

WCNC Charlotte is reaching out to North Carolina athletics officials to determine what's next for the game, what protocols are in place for the player and both teams, and what other actions may be taken as well.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/cms-charlotte-basketball-game-player-collapse-sports-local/275-2cba0906-63ee-4f6d-915b-5e361a692994

After years of complaints over a pervasive rotten egg smell hanging over Catawba, South Carolina, New-Indy Containerboard is facing new legal action over alleged discharge from its facility into nearby waters.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, six plaintiffs are asking for the factory's concerning practices to be curbed, civil penalties and other "relief." The plaintiffs allege New-Indy is releasing "dangerous substances" into the Catawba River.

The court document states that New-Indy "discharges millions of gallons of inadequately treated wastewater per day to the Catawba River, affecting potentially over one million citizens, residents, and workers in South Carolina and North Carolina."

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/new-indy/new-indy-faces-new-suit-complaints-discharge-catawba-river/275-12140fb6-5642-4c5c-a315-b5fe5187f6e4

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! 

Two people were killed in an apparent ambush outside a popular brewery and bar in Charlotte's South End late Monday night, police said. Richard DeVayne has the latest on the investigation, plus we hear from the bar manager about what he saw as customers ran away from gunfire in the street.

Plus, we have the latest on the tragic shooting at Michigan State University. Three people were killed and five were critically injured, according to police. The suspect, a 43-year-old with no clear connection to Michigan State, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, investigators said.

And finally, happy Valentine's Day! If you thought giving your sweetheart some flowers, chocolates and a card is a new idea ... think again. Ben Thompson connects the dots on the history of Valentine's Day as we explain how the romantic holiday earned its reputation.

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! 

Three people were killed and two others were hurt in five separate shootings in Mecklenburg County Sunday. That includes a child who was accidentally shot while playing video games at their home in east Charlotte. Detectives with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the child was playing when they were accidentally shot by someone else in the home. This was one of several shootings in the Queen City Sunday. Richard Devayne joins Wake Up Charlotte To Go with details on the weekend's gun violence.

Next, we've heard all about mass layoffs at some of the country's largest tech companies. But does it mean a recession is looming? Ben Thompson connects the dots on what economic experts believe these layoffs could mean, and the telltale sign they look for when predicting a downturn in the economy.

And finally, we have all your biggest headlines after a busy weekend in the morning rush.

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 Alex Murdaugh double murder resumed Thursday after being interrupted following an evacuation. 

Jurors returned to court just after 3 p.m. Wednesday and testimony immediately began again. 

Around 12:25 p.m., a witness was giving testimony when Judge Clifton Newman interrupted. He first excused the jury, then announced to the court that they were evacuating the building. 

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) later confirmed it was a bomb threat and after doing security checks cleared the building, allowing the trial to continue. 

Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife, Maggie, and adult son, Paul, at the family's large estate in Colleton County in June of 2021. Murdaugh is also facing charges of taking millions from his law firm and clients over several years. 

A car that was pulled out of Lake Norman on Wednesday belongs to a woman who hasn't been seen for nearly 15 years, according to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Human remains were also found inside.

Deputies said they were tipped off to the likelihood of a submerged vehicle on Monday, Feb. 6 in the Mountain Creek area of the lake. A fisherman reported seeing a shape consistent with a car while using a sonar device. Deputies said Sherills Ford-Terrell Fire Rescue deployed an underwater robot into the water, confirming the car was there.

Crews were able to recover the car on Wednesday, further confirming that it was the 1996 Ford Thunderbird driven by Tina Martin. Martin went missing from her Catawba County home in Feb. 2008, and was 43 years old at the time.

Deputies also confirmed human remains were found within, and have notified Martin's next of kin. DNA testing is now being sought; as of publication, the remains have not been positively identified.

The circumstances surrounding Martin's disappearance still remain under investigation.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/catawba-county-missing-woman-tina-martin-2008-north-carolina-local/275-3c145fe3-cff8-4337-ba28-b9222e7067f4

A bill increasing punishments for violent protests following the 2020 demonstrations over George Floyd's murder passed the North Carolina House on Wednesday despite harsh criticism from social justice advocates. Some bipartisan support signals a potential override of any veto by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who issued one that blocked similar legislation two years ago.

Like the 2021 proposal, the new bill was spearheaded by Republican House Speaker Tim Moore, who has cited rioting and looting that he saw firsthand in downtown Raleigh in June 2020 amid otherwise peaceful protests as an impetus for the legislation.

The bill, which has one House Democrat as a chief sponsor, cleared the chamber 75-43 with six Democrats and all Republicans present voting yes. It now heads to the Senate.

Republican gains in both the House and Senate from elections this past November now give the GOP a veto-proof majority in the Senate and put it within one seat of a similar majority in the House.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/bill-raising-riot-penalties-north-carolina-house/275-d0dda4b7-e4d5-489d-8a45-5042c4288ad8

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!