The Charlotte Area Transit System's ability to track and enforce bans is facing renewed scrutiny after a man prohibited from using CATS property allegedly stabbed another rider on the light rail on Friday, Dec. 5.

Oscar Solarzano, who was on CATS's banned list, was aboard the rail line when he allegedly committed the attack, raising questions about how the transit agency monitors individuals barred from the system.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cats-exclusion-policy-under-scrutiny-light-rail-stabbing/275-f033ca86-3358-4158-bcde-fd801768c88d

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Charlotte City Council addressed Friday's stabbing on the light rail Monday night, less than four months after the deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska prompted increased security measures on public transportation. Mayor Vi Lyles said she has requested CATS to provide an update on the transit security plan this week.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in Charlotte, and that remains this council's priority," Lyles said during Monday night's meeting, after multiple residents brought up the incident during public comment. "I've asked CATS to provide an update to council this week on the transit security plan as it is enacted over the last several months so that we can all understand where we all are.”

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-city-council-seeks-answers-after-second-light-rail-stabbing-in-four-months/275-eb628091-3219-431a-b0a2-19fc8be15859

WEATHER IMPACT FORECAST: Sunshine returns but cold air remains for Tuesday. Highs back to the 50s Wednesday. Challenging 60 degrees on Saturday. Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy says we should get above freezing by late morning, but another dose of cold weather will bring us below freezing next week. 

FULL FORECAST: https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/forecast/charlotte-weather-forecast-update/275-50501550

Becky Hill, the former Colleton County clerk of court who oversaw the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial, was sentenced to probation after she pleaded guilty Monday to charges tied to misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, and perjury. 

The former clerk admitted in court that she abused her position for financial gain, promoted her book about the Murdaugh trial while serving as clerk, and lied under oath. But she did not admit to allegations that she made improper comments to the Murdaugh jury, and prosecutors said they did not find enough evidence to charge her with jury tampering.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/former-clerk-for-murdaugh-trial-becky-hill-guilty-plea/101-db88c351-8f73-4902-aa46-4a14e1e9415b

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A man is in custody after a reported stabbing on the Charlotte Area Transit System Blue Line light rail early Friday evening, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said.

Medic confirmed it responded around 5 p.m. near the stop along North Brevard Street and East 25th Street. One person was being treated for serious injuries, according to the agency. On Saturday morning, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed detectives identified 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano as a suspect.  

Court records indicate Solarzano was intoxicated on the light rail train and challenged the victim to a fight, and was shouting at others prior to the stabbing. His address was listed as an address matching the Roof Above shelter. Court documents noted that no bond was set for him, saying he is in the country illegally and "has been deported previously."  

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/blue-line-stabbing-incident-12-5-2025/275-e5682664-952f-4b1f-ba66-ea82f6d5e9fe

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As freezing temperatures settle into the region, Gastonia’s warming center is seeing more people walk through its doors, and organizers say they need volunteers to keep up with the growing demand.

This year, the center moved from the Salvation Army to Unity Baptist Church, a new location outside of downtown Gastonia along North Myrtle School Road. While the setup is simple, the space offers essential warmth, safety, and support for people seeking shelter from the cold.

“They come in, and they can get hot chocolate, coffee, snacks,” said Crystal Walls, the Executive Director of HealthNet Gaston. “We have nonperishable food items that we can give out. It’s just a place where our customers can come in, stay warm, and stay out of the cold."

Beyond providing warmth, the warming center also connects people to community services they may desperately need.

“It’s heartwarming to be able to give back and help the most vulnerable. We’re able to provide resources and give them something to eat and drink. It’s a blessing,” Walls added.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gastonia/gastonia-nc-warming-center-12-4-2025/275-0f34e35e-2667-4f62-b382-b683327ad4a6

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Davidson’s Christmas celebration kicks off tonight with big crowds, festive traditions, and a focus on safety as the Giving Tree Village brings the community together.

Every day, WCNC Charlotte is streaming the latest news, weather, traffic and more that impacts you on its streaming platform WCNC+. Download WCNC+ on your TV and watch for free today on your preferred streaming platform like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/about-us/stream-wcnc-plus-now-roku-amazon-fire-apple-tv/275-3d19e8d8-48dd-4036-b3ab-c514ec25b4be

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The message from regional business leaders Tuesday was clear: Charlotte’s economy is strong — and 2026 could be even stronger.

At the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s annual Economic Outlook, CEOs and economic experts said the last several years have laid the foundation for record growth across the region. Robust job creation, major corporate announcements, and the passage of the Mecklenburg County transportation referendum were all highlighted as key drivers shaping the future.

“Economic development in the Charlotte region is on fire. We’ve seen record-breaking growth, major deals, and thousands of new jobs, and the pipeline ahead is even stronger with over 7,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in potential investment on the table,” said Robert McCutcheon, president and CEO of the CRBA.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/economy/charlotte-nc-economic-growth-2026/275-cb935d15-c379-4319-84e5-5cf81899ef9a

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 One of the Queen City’s biggest days of giving is officially underway.  

Giving Tuesday Charlotte, led by SHARE Charlotte, is celebrating its 12th year — and organizers say the movement has already generated more than $52 million in impact for local nonprofits since it began.

The annual day of generosity is part of the global Giving Tuesday initiative, but Charlotte was among the first cities in the country to launch its own local version. 

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/give-back-giving-tuesday-charlotte/275-2dc54f6c-8af7-4aa7-8aa3-a14335e01889

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Charlotte Douglas Airport is packed with delays and cancellations. Some travelers missed flights despite arriving 3 hours early due to hours-long traffic jams.

Every day, WCNC Charlotte is streaming the latest news, weather, traffic and more that impacts you on its streaming platform WCNC+. Download WCNC+ on your TV and watch for free today on your preferred streaming platform like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/about-us/stream-wcnc-plus-now-roku-amazon-fire-apple-tv/275-3d19e8d8-48dd-4036-b3ab-c514ec25b4be

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Is Black Friday still as popular as it used to be? Let's connect the dots. 

Holiday shopping fever began in 1924 with the original Christmas ad - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - kicking off the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" didn't enter the national conversation until the late 1980s, when retailers turned it into an unofficial holiday.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/connect-the-dots/black-friday-losing-popularity/275-9a2301f1-5753-45bb-a7af-5717cde473f2

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The Charlotte Rescue Mission will welcome more than 130 volunteers this Thanksgiving Day to help serve hundreds of meals to individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity across the Queen City.

The annual Thanksgiving outreach — one of the organization’s largest events of the year — brings together volunteers from local churches, businesses, and community groups in Charlotte who prepare, plate, and serve hot meals to guests who might otherwise go without a holiday dinner.

“This day is about dignity, love, and making sure everyone knows they have a place at the table,” Donnie Shell, Jr. director of Program Impact for the Charlotte Rescue Mission, said. “Thanks to our volunteers, we’re able to offer more than just a meal — we offer connection and hope.”

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/life/holidays/charlotte-rescue-mission-thanksgiving/275-15839f0f-e3d5-4f1e-9b00-4fb212474481

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