The N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services has confirmed a measles exposure in Gaston County
An unvaccinated person passed through the county on Dec. 26, officials said, and visited several areas while infected with the disease
DHHS says anyone who visited Constantine’s Restaurant in Gastonia after 8:30 p.m. on that day has the highest chance of exposure risk and should monitor for symptoms
Health officials say a person traveling through the county was not vaccinated for the disease and had recently visited areas in Spartanburg, South Carolina, linked to an ongoing outbreak in the northern part of the state.
The person passed through Gaston County on Dec. 26, according to DHHS, and visited Constantine’s Restaurant on S. New Hope Road in Gastonia.
Officials say anyone who was at the restaurant after 8:30 p.m. on that day may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms until Jan. 16.
The person also visited Christmas Town USA in nearby McAdenville, North Carolina, between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 26, officials said, but did not visit any indoor places. This makes the risk of transmission to anyone attending around that time low, DHHS said.
Measles symptoms often appear 7-14 days after exposure, DHHS said, but can appear up to 21 days after. Health officials say to watch for the following symptoms:
High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Anyone who comes in contact with the disease and experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical care and contact their local health department.
Health officials also recommend anyone age one year and older who is unvaccinated to get the measles vaccine to help protect themselves and others. NCDHHS also offers a measles immunity checker tool to help those who are unsure whether they are protected against measles.
California’s already wet winter is breaking rainfall records, with another powerful storm moving in this weekend along with the threat of new flooding and mudslides.
After a remarkable dry streak in 2024 that helped fuel last January’s firestorms, this winter is making up for it, with some areas already approaching average rain totals for the entire season.
“It’s been an interesting season,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “We’re way above normal for precipitation.”
The latest storm will usher in gusty wind, more precipitation and possible flooding in burn scar areas.
The cold front moving into the state from the northwest is expected to reach the Los Angeles area by Saturday and bring rain and high-elevation snow through Sunday. In Los Angeles, the rain is expected to be less punishing than the previous storm that triggered significant flooding, road closures and rescues, but it will be heavier along the Central Coast, Wofford said.
The one bright spot is fire conditions. With L.A. about to mark the first anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires, the wet winter offers some protections — at least in the short term.
“The amount of rain that we’ve gotten is likely going to ensure that we’re not going to have any large fires in the next couple of weeks, but beyond that we really can’t say,” said David Acuña, a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “If we were to transition into a dry spell, it does not take very long for those green and brown grasses to dry out completely.”
A lot will depend on how much rain falls in the next several months, he added.
The Los Angeles area has already seen higher-than-normal precipitation this rainy season, which began Oct. 1, with storms soaking the region each month with particularly strong systems hitting over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The final rainy days of 2025 helped pull California almost completely out of drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. And that’s even before the wettest months of the year, traditionally January and February.
The storm system was the first since 2006 to rain on Pasadena’s Rose Parade and ended up being a real doozy — toppling a host of daily rainfall records, several of which were set during that previous storm.
In Oxnard, 1.09 inches of rain fell, breaking the previous New Year’s Day record of 0.83 of an inch set in 2006. In Sanberg, the record of 0.56 of an inch set in 2006 was broken by a whopping 1.25 inches. A record rainfall of 1.32 inches was set at Hollywood Burbank Airport on New Year’s Day, smashing the previous daily record of 0.35 of an inch, also set in 2006.
At Long Beach Airport, a record 1.11 inches of rain fell, breaking the four-decade old record of 0.60 set in 1982. In Lancaster, 0.87 of an inch of rain fell on Thursday, breaking the previous record of 0.24 of an inch set in 2006.
Thursday’s rainfall triggered flooding along the 5 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley, prompting officials to close lanes for several hours. In San Diego, a man and his young daughter were caught in their blue Jeep by fast-moving water and had to be rescued.
In Orange County, the body of a woman was pulled from the Santa Ana River in Fountain Valley on Thursday afternoon. The woman had traveled about two miles in the rushing water before the Orange County Fire Authority’s swift water rescue team arrived. It’s not clear how she ended up in the water.
In Sherman Oaks, hours of heavy rain on Thursday sent mud and debris flowing down a hillside at a residential construction site. No injuries were reported.
The weekend storm is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to coast and valley areas and 3 to 6 inches to the foothills and mountains. Rainfall rates are projected to range from 0.25 to 0.5 inch per hour, but local rates of up to an inch per hour are likely, especially in foothill and mountain areas in Ventura County and farther north, which could cause flooding and mudslides, the weather service said.
Snow levels will remain above 6,500 feet, although a rain-snow mix could drop down to 6,000 feet, especially Sunday night. Forecasters are predicting 2 to 6 inches of snow above 7,500 feet, with 9 to 12 inches possible on the highest mountain peaks.
After heavy intermittent rain, crews work to clear a mud and debris flow that went into the backyard and down the side of a home in the 3900 block of Pacheco Drive in Sherman Oaks on Thursday. Two people were forced to evacuate. Southern California is heading into the new year with another round of rain and renewed flood risk.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The weather service has issued wind advisories for higher-elevation areas of the Ventura and Santa Barbara county mountains, interior San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Those advisories are in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening and will probably be expanded into the Central Coast, forecasters said.
The winds could be sufficiently strong enough to topple trees, given that soils are already saturated from previous storms, especially in the Santa Lucia range where gusts are expected to be the strongest.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials have warned the public to stay out of the water at beaches because of a rise in bacteria levels due to the rain. The advisory, which will be in effect until at least 4 p.m. Monday, could be extended if the rain continues.
Forecasters say another, colder storm system is expected to hit the region between Monday and Tuesday. That storm could bring isolated thunderstorms with brief heavy downpours and hail, as well as snow levels down to 5,000 feet, according to the weather service.
The weekend storm is expected to hit Northern California particularly hard with heavy rain bringing the risk of urban and roadway flooding and rising rivers and streams.
On Friday in Corte Madera, an unincorporated town in Marin County, king tides were already resulting in significant flooding. Video posted on social media showed a resident surveying the damage by kayak.
The start of the water year — from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 — ranks in the top nine wettest for all official climate locations tracked by the weather service. It’s been the wettest ever start to the water year for several places including Oxnard and Santa Barbara.
So far this season, downtown Los Angeles has received 11.64 inches of rain— roughly 82% of its normal rainfall for the entire water year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
Sanberg, in the mountains of northwest Los Angeles County, has had its wettest start ever to the water year dating back to 1934, having received just over 16 inches of rain through Wednesday. Typically, Sanberg sees 13.14 inches over the course of the entire water year, according to weather service data.
“We’re certainly well ahead of the game,” Wofford said. “It does look like after we get through this last storm cycle we’re looking at several days of dry weather after that, perhaps as many as two weeks. So we could be in for a long dry spell.”
The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.
What You Need To Know
The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend
It will one of only three supermoons this year
Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.
January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening.
The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.
Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.
Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.
Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).
The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.
What You Need To Know
The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend
It will one of only three supermoons this year
Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.
January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening.
The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.
Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.
Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.
Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).
The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.
What You Need To Know
The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend
It will one of only three supermoons this year
Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.
January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening.
The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.
Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.
Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.
Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).
The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.
What You Need To Know
The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend
It will one of only three supermoons this year
Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.
January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening.
The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.
Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.
Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.
Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).
The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
An 18-year-old allegedly planned a terror attack for New Year’s Eve in a town near Charlotte, North Carolina, the FBI said Friday.
Federal agents arrested Christian Sturdivant on Dec. 31. The FBI said he planned to attack a Burger King and a grocery story in Mint Hill, a bedroom community just outside Charlotte.
“Sturdivant planned a massacre,” said the FBI’s James Barnacle, the special agent in charge for the FBI in Charlotte.
What You Need To Know
The FBI said agents foiled a New Year’s Eve terror plot inspired by ISIS
Federal officials say an 18-year-old planned to attack a Burger King and a grocery store in Mint Hill, a town just outside Charlotte, North Carolina
Investigators say the suspect discussed his plans with an undercover agent with the New York Police Department
Christian Sturdivant is charged with attempted material support of a foreign terrorist organization and could face 20 years in prison if convicted
Sturdivant, who turned 18 in December, has been charged with attempted material support of a foreign terrorist organization. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
“This investigation unfolded quickly,” Barnacle said. He said Sturdivant had been on the FBI’s radar since 2022, but the investigation into this plot took place over about two weeks during the holidays.
He planned to attack New Year’s Eve shoppers with two hammers and two knifes that investigators found hidden under his bed, according to court records.
The planning came to light when Sturdivant began chatting online with someone he thought was an ISIS member but was in fact an undercover agent with the New York Police Department, according to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
Sturdivant began chatting with the undercover officer on Dec. 12, according to court records.
He then also communicated with a second undercover agent with the FBI, Ferguson said.
“We had to act quickly,” he said. Sturdivant had been planning the attack for a year, the U.S. Attorney said.
“Americans deserve to celebrate New Year’s Eve without worrying about their personal safety,” Ferguson said. “That is why we worked non-stop to thwart this alleged violent terrorist attack. I am proud of the work done here and thankful for the time spent by law enforcement away from their families during the holidays to ensure public safety.”
A chorus of high ranking federal officials praised investigators.
“This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a news release. “The Department of Justice remains vigilant in our pursuit of evil ISIS sympathizers — anyone plotting to commit such depraved attacks will face the full force of the law.”
“The accused allegedly wanted to be a soldier for ISIS and made plans to commit a violent attack on New Year’s Eve in support of that terrorist group, but the FBI and our partners put a stop to that,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
A teenager is dead, another is in the hospital and other teens have been charged as adults after Mooresville town officials said a vape robbery led to deadly violence Monday night.
Mooresville Police Department responded to Mazeppa Park around 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29. There they found two teenagers shot. One person was dead at the scene, and the other was sent to a nearby hospital.
After investigating, police say a group of people were trying to rob another group of THC vape pens. The two groups shot at each other before one drove off. Police later tracked down the car, arrested and charged the following people.
Bryan Fernandez Acevedo, 19, of Statesville
Jovany Jiminez, 17, of Statesville
Jonathan Jiminez, 17, of Statesville
Christopher Chacon Ventura, 16, of Statesville
Christopher Palencia Lazo, 16, of Statesville
All five will be charged as adults with homicide, robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, officials said. Two other adults were charged in relation to the crime as well.
The park is closed as officials continue to investigate the homicide.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The federal government has given western Carolina more than $1 billion in aid since Hurricane Helene hit.
But a lot of people are still waiting to receive help for housing more than a year later.
What You Need To Know
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Under the program, homeowners are able to sell their house to the government
Hundreds in western North Carolina have applied for the grant money, but many have not heard back
For about 10 years, MaryLynn Manns called Riverknoll home.
Now, the home where she planned to live the rest of her life holds only the scaffolding of memories.
“It’s just really sad when I come here, because it used to be a cute little place,” Manns said.
The 45-townhome community in Buncombe County sits along the Swannanoa River.
Manns and her neighbor Betty Doll would walk to each other’s house in pajamas and drink wine.
“This was a really nice neighborhood. And most of these houses on this bottom level are now gutted. And they, you know, no windows, nothing,” Manns said. “And so these people are no longer here.”
Doll’s house sits on the top the hill. The foundation is in danger of falling and can only be repaired if the riverbank is repaired.
Manns’ and Doll’s houses are among the 21 in the neighborhood that are unlivable.
These residents were forced to move from their homes. Now many are paying for their mortgage on top of their expenses for their current home.
“There was so much damage. I think people are really traumatized by it all. And most of the residents are older individuals. And financially, the challenge of that, especially with having to live somewhere else now, depleting retirement savings,” Doll said.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program could help with these costs. The FEMA-funded program would allow the government to buy the homes at whatever the value was before Helene and would work to prevent future damage and losses.
It’s been 14 months since the applications were submitted, but the local government and residents haven’t heard anything from the government about the money. So right now, those applications sit in limbo.
“We wonder where the money is, that’s what we’re wondering,” Manns said. “Where is the money for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program that we applied for?”
They are among hundreds of storm survivors waiting to hear back about the funding.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to FEMA to ask for a reason for the delay, but we have not gotten a response.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A house fire in North Carolina on Sunday has claimed the life of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father and left his mother critically injured, authorities said Monday evening.
What You Need To Know
Officials say the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived
Gaston County officials said Monday that firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story house near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic
Officials say 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin and 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin were found outside the house suffering catastrophic injuries
Dennis Hamlin died from his injuries at a hospital and Mary Lou Hamlin was being treated at a burn center, officials said
Dennis Hamlin, 75, who supported his son’s rise to stardom in the stock car racing series, died from injuries he suffered in the fire Sunday, NASCAR said Monday.
Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, Denny Hamlin’s mother and wife of Dennis Hamlin, was being treated for her injuries at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, Gaston County Emergency Services said Monday evening.
Firefighters arrived at the house on Blacksnake Road in Gaston County, about 20 miles from Charlotte, about 6:27 p.m. Sunday to find it mostly engulfed, with flames emerging from the attic, Gaston County officials said.
Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin escaped the flames but suffered what were described as “catastrophic injuries,” officials said.
Mary Lou Hamlin pulled her husband out of the fire, Lucia Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey said.
They were taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where Dennis Hamlin succumbed to his injuries.
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family,” the stock car series said in a statement. “Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
Firefighters managed to save NASCAR memorabilia that was in the back of the house and at least six cars in the garage.
Dennis Hamlin had been in declining health, Denny Hamlin said as this year’s season was nearing its finish, according to NASCAR. Denny Hamlin dedicated his October victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to his father.
Property records show the house is registered to Won One Real Estate LLC, which state records show is owned by Denny Hamlin.
Denny Hamlin is one of the marquee drivers in NASCAR’s top circuit, having won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times.
The 45-year-old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to win a Cup points championship. He fell short of the title during this season’s final race in Arizona last month.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
On this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating history of North Carolina’s state capitol.
Kara Deadmon, the site administrator, will share the building’s story, from its fiery destruction to its relocation.
She talks about the enslaved who helped build it, and even etchings on a window dating back to the 1800s.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of a driver’s father.
Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis, was killed in a fire at his Gaston County house Sunday night. Hamlin’s mother was critically injured and is being treated at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center.
What You Need To Know
The NASCAR community is reeling from loss
Driver Denny Hamlin’s father died after Hamlin’s mother pulled him out of their burning Gaston County home Sunday night
Hamlin’s mother was badly burned and is still receiving medical treatment
Hamlin is an anticipated Hall of Famer, and his father is credited with helping him establish his career
Firefighters arrived at the house on Blacksnake Road just before 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Video from the fire shows flames engulfing the Hamlins’ home. According to Gaston County officials, when firefighters arrived, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin were already outside.
Chief David Toomey of the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department confirmed Mary Lou Hamlin pulled Dennis Hamlin out of the home to save him.
“I don’t want to get emotional, but you do when you hear that the woman tried to drag her husband out, and he didn’t make it,” Michael Minando, a neighbor, said. “It’s very sad. My heart goes out to them.”
Just two months before Dennis Hamlin died, Denny Hamlin dedicated his 60th cup series race win to his dad. Dennis Hamlin was unable to travel to the race in Las Vegas. His son told the Associated Press his dad was battling a serious illness.
Denny Hamlin celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 29, 2022, in Concord, N.C. (AP File Photo/Matt Kelley)
Denny Hamlin was first introduced to racing by his dad when he was 5. When Hamlin decided to pursue racing professionally, his dad started a family-owned racing team. He took out two mortgages on their house and sold four classic cars to make ends meet.
“Denny’s parents, to me, are the quintessential parents that wanted to help their child reach their dreams,” Winston Kelley, the executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, said. “They did everything, anything and everything that they could to help them get to that point.”
Neighbors said the Hamlins’ home was full of memorabilia from Denny’s NASCAR career, and their garage was filled with classic cars. Toomey said firefighters saved the memorabilia and several cars.
The pain of losing Dennis Hamlin is being felt throughout the NASCAR community.
“Dennis and Mary Lou were always there supporting Denny from the time, you know, he started in the entry levels of NASCAR to be able to support them,” Kelley said. “So they were a part of that family and are and always will be a part of the family.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
NASCAR released the following statement after Dennis Hamlin’s death:
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
The NASCAR community is also still reeling from the loss of retired driver Greg Biffle and his family, who were killed on Dec. 18 when a Cessna C550 plane they were traveling in crashed.
A man flashed a bomb during a bank robbery in Zebulon Friday morning and took off with cash but was later arrested in a store parking lot after getting into a shootout with police, according to officials.
What You Need To Know
On Friday, Dec. 26th, officers responded to reports of an armed robbery at a Zebulon Bank
Willie McGee Jr. flashed an alleged bomb to the bank teller before fleeing with more than $3,200 in a white semi-truck
Officers arrested McGee in a Rocky Mount parking lot after a shootout. Only McGee sustained injuries
On Dec. 26, Willie McGee Jr, demanded a First Citizens Bank teller hand over cash, or he would activate a C- 4 explosive, police said. He was originally facing charges related to just the robbery, but authorities added more over the weekend in connection to the shootout with police, officials said.
“As alleged, this defendant didn’t just rob a bank – he threatened innocent civilians with explosives and then opened fire on police officers,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “That is not desperation, it is domestic terror.”
Willie McGee Jr. shoots at police in a Rocky Mount parking lot after armed robbery of a Zebulon Bank. (USDOJ)
McGee left the Zebulon bank with more than $3,200 in a white semi-truck, police said. But later that day, Rocky Mount Police officers got tips about the truck sitting in a Hobby Lobby parking lot.
Police confronted McGee there, and he climbed out and started shooting at them with an AR 5.56 rifle, authorities said. Officers shot back and hit McGee. His condition was listed as stable on Monday, and he is expected to recover, according to police.
“Thankfully, no law enforcement officers or members of the public were injured during the arrest,” Katie Holcomb Vollmer, public affairs officer, said in a news release.
McGee is charged with bank robbery and discharging a firearm. He is also now charged with two counts of attempted murder and other charges related to firing at police, officials said.
The SBI, ATF and FBI are also investigating and said no explosives were found.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
EDEN, N.C. — In his 11th year teaching at Morehead High School in Eden, director of bands Nathan Hines is getting to check an item off his bucket list.
What You Need To Know
Nathan Hines was selected to be a part of the 350-member Band Directors Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California
The group features music educators from all over as part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project
Hines, one of 12 North Carolina band directors to be selected for this honor, will play trumpet along the parade route
Hines was selected to be a part of the 350-member Band Directors Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. The group features music educators from all over as part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project.
“There’s no better professional development for a teacher than being able to interact with teachers from all around the country and even some from other countries,” Hines said.
Hines, one of 12 North Carolina band directors to be selected for this honor, will play trumpet along the 5.5-mile parade route. He previously played with some of the band members at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and expects a similar experience in California.
“When [the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade] was over, that was two and a half miles, and it felt like it lasted 20 minutes,” he said. “Getting to play in front of millions of people there is pretty, pretty neat.”
Nearly 10% of the students at Morehead High participate in the band program, and many of Hines’ students are excited to see him perform.
“To get that recognition, to put Morehead and Eden on the map, sort of in a sense, that’s pretty cool to be a part of that,” said senior percussionist Enrique Garcia.
“He really cares for everyone in [the] band,” said senior flute player Diana Mor Martinez. “He makes sure everyone here is OK. He likes to remind us that everyone in [the] band is important, no matter how small your part.”
Hines said he hopes his journey will be an inspiration to students.
“I hope actually for my students that they see that and say, ‘Well, you know, he’s still doing these things and maybe I can do that too in the future,’” he said.
This isn’t the first time Hines was selected for the Rose Parade. He got a call to participate in 2021, but that event was canceled due to COVID.
Now, five years later, this will be Hines’ first trip to California, and he’s planning to do some sightseeing on the West Coast.
The Morehead High School Band will perform in Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, in the spring, and the band recently received invitations to play at Pearl Harbor next December and in Ireland in 2027.
Hines also completed a service through music project with the Morehead High band as part of a Saluting America’s Band Directors initiative.
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Workforce opportunities are helping residents in recovery open new career doors
In North Carolina, a partnership is empowering more individuals overcoming substance use disorders through training for high-demand fields
One student shares how the workforce program is helping him
Research shows obtaining and maintaining meaningful work helps establish structure, income and self-esteem, which are linked to better recovery outcomes.
The Charlotte team has trained over 900 people for careers since its opening in 2020.
NCIA VTC Charlotte program director Christine Poltawsky said their reach includes residents identified as low-income, those who are justice-involved transitioning back into the community and people unhoused or in a recovery process.
“What we’re really looking to do is reach anybody that does not have access to education and training,” said Poltawsky.
VTC Charlotte credits partnerships with the county and a local nonprofit for empowering more people facing barriers to education and workforce training.
Mecklenburg County awarded NCIA about $128,000 in opioid settlement funding for employment-related services tied to opioid recovery.
Poltawsky said those dollars are allowing them to expand workforce development reach to residents eligible for tuition-free training and support.
“Most of the people in the county that got the funds – it’s been a lot of treatment centers. So we’re excited that we’re able to target things from a different direction,” Poltawsky said.
“We are recruiting out in the community at all treatment centers, Charlotte Rescue Mission and others. It’s just allowed us to serve a larger number of their clientele because we have a different funding stream that we can bring them in under,” Poltawsky said.
In 2023, VTC Charlotte partnered with the rescue mission, an organization offering residential recovery programs at no cost for individuals at the intersection of homelessness and addiction. This includes individuals overcoming alcohol and drug addiction.
The rescue mission is connecting residents to career training and support at VTC Charlotte.
“We started conversations on how we could refer people in their program, in order for them to continue to build on what they’re working on,” Poltawsky said.
“They have steps they need to follow to move forward. What our program offers to the residents there is a pathway to get some industry-recognized credentials and then make some money so they can start paying the rent and move forward through that step process. Along with everyone else who comes through our doors, we’re just giving second chances,” Poltawsky said.
Since 2023, over 50 rescue mission participants have enrolled in NCIA training programs, thanks to support from the opioid settlement funds. As a result of these partnerships, VTC Charlotte said many of the graduates are now working full-time jobs.
Graduate Kasey Lester was referred through the rescue mission and recently graduated from the HVAC program.
Lester said the workforce training has been a gamechanger for getting a job and for others seeking second chances.
Kasey Lester recently graduated from NCIA VTC Charlotte and credited its partnership with Charlotte Rescue Mission for opening new career doors. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)
“I wasn’t aware of the opportunities that were up to grab, the things I could pursue, do for myself to get me out my regular routine of life,” Lester said. “That I could branch out and have more stability, more freedom, peace, knowledge. Through the Charlotte Rescue Mission, it has opened many doors.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services estimates over 1.4 million adults struggle with a substance use disorder.
From 2000 to 2022, NCDHHS reports over 36,000 North Carolinians died from drug overdoses.
Poltawsky said the data speaks to the importance of connecting those in recovery programs to workforce pipelines, so they can create lasting stability beyond treatment.
“It feels really good to contribute to the good news and changing somebody’s life for the positive,” Poltawsky said.
Walter Boseman is enrolled in VTC Charlotte’s HVAC-R program.
“I have an associate degree in it already, but I got in an accident years ago which led me out of the workforce,” Boseman said. “I’m going back to what I know to get me up to par with new systems being used.”
Boseman was also referred through the Charlotte Rescue Mission.
Boseman said the combination of support and workforce training has helped create a pathway he needed.
“Put me back where God wanted me from the beginning,” Boseman said. “It’s working together just like an air conditioning unit. I’m just moving on up.”
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OLD FORT, N.C. — Many western North Carolina communities will soon see support from state funding for drinking water and wastewater resiliency improvements.
What You Need To Know
The state is allocating $270 million to help with water system resiliency and waste water resiliency improvements
The funding will support 58 water systems in 26 counties
Old Fort will receive $15 million to repair and replace the drinking water line and sewer system lines
Amy Davis is busy filling Christmas family boxes with things like turkey, ham and chili.
“This year a lot of people are able to cook for themselves and we found the need for the family feast went up and the need for the prepared meals went down, which is showing a really good shift in that people have a stable situation,” the co-owner of the Davis Country Store and Cafe in Old Fort said.
Old Fort was one of the hardest hit locations during Hurricane Helene. The town’s wastewater treatment center was 14 feet underwater, and areas of the town didn’t have safe drinking water for more than a month. The family-owned business served as one of the main distribution hubs after the storm.
Now, water service is restored, but Davis says there are still issues with water quality, which affects her restaurant.
“We use water every single day and every single aspect. We’ve had to move to bottled water because the treatment of the water has to be complicated and over the top,” Davis said.
Earlier this month, Gov. Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Old Fort after announcing the $270 million grant. This will support 58 water systems, making infrastructure less vulnerable in the future. Old Fort will receive $15 million to repair and replace the drinking water line and sewer system lines.
“We want to make sure towns in the future will continue to have safe drinking water that people can trust when they turn on their tap, even if there has been a bad storm. And we want to make sure wastewater systems are working so that down-stream communities are having a clean, healthy stream full of healthy clean water towards them,” Wilson said.
Davis says she is thankful for the state’s help as recovery continues.
“Seeing that someone on a federal and state level want to come down here and take care and make sure we are whole again that we can start building back is really important,” she said.
The grant will also support water improvements in Chimney Rock Village, and the towns of Clyde and Crossnore.
The state has $329 million more to allocate. There are two deadlines for towns to apply for funding — one closes Jan. 9, the other March 2.
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We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?
What You Need To Know
Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena
Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth
Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.
The original eight
You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?
But which ones?
If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!
Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.
Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.
Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.
(AP Photo/Malin Moberg)
Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.
In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team.
None of these names are weather-related terms.
No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.
Rudolph leads the way
I think we all know the story of Rudolph.
This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”
In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world.
All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.
This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)
(File Photo)
And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.
Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast
Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.
Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.
My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.
I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”
I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.
The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.
“Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”
Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.
(Gary Stephenson)
In the Christmas Eve sky
So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.
And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.
I’ll finish my story with these final words.
My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?
What You Need To Know
Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena
Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth
Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.
The original eight
You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?
But which ones?
If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!
Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.
Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.
Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.
(AP Photo/Malin Moberg)
Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.
In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team.
None of these names are weather-related terms.
No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.
Rudolph leads the way
I think we all know the story of Rudolph.
This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”
In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world.
All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.
This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)
(File Photo)
And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.
Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast
Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.
Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.
My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.
I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”
I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.
The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.
“Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”
Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.
(Gary Stephenson)
In the Christmas Eve sky
So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.
And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.
I’ll finish my story with these final words.
My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. — Sherry Housley, a 74-year-old cancer survivor, lost everything in Helene.
“I live on Social Security and what little artwork that I can create to bring in extra income,” said Housley. “But I knew I would not be able to rebuild here.”
But once she met Stephanie Johnson with Rebuilding Hollers, that all changed. Housley was picked to be the first recipient of the Mountain Heritage High School’s carpentry class tiny home build after Helene.
What You Need To Know
Sherry Housley’s home was destroyed by floodwaters during Helene
She lost everything, and at 74 years old, she never thought she could rebuild
Stephanie Johnson with Rebuilding Hollers stepped in to help
She partnered with Moutain Heritage High School’s carpentry class to help build a new tiny home for Ms. Sherry
“I think early on it was like, yeah, sure,” said Housley. “But then she showed me. And that just blew me away. And I thought, “there’s no way that’s going to be, that’s going to happen for me.”
The house was delivered to Housley’s family property back in September.
Now, just three months later, she’s able to greet all of those who helped make this house a home.
But as much as Housley loves the house, what she loves even more is how it was put together. From the high school carpentry class, to the local contractors who finished the project.
“I think about all the people that had to come together to do that, make that happen,” said Housley. “I’m trying to convince myself still that it’s mine. It is just mind-boggling.”
A community effort, led by Rebuilding Hollers and Stephanie Johnson.
“It’s all of my dreams coming true for my community,” said Johnson. “Because if I can do it once, I can do it 45 more times or 100 more times, or however many more times I need to get everybody home.”
As for Housley, she’s just grateful.
“It’s a new beginning,” she said. “It’s a total flip from what, you know, I’ve had for the last year.”
Housley’s house marks the 131st finished project for Rebuilding Hollers since the storm hit.
Johnson says that doesn’t mean their work is done. She says they still have 400 more home rebuild and home repair projects across Yancey and Mitchell counties.
She hopes people will continue to give their time and resources to help rebuild the mountains in the new year.
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One person was shot by a Greensboro police officer Tuesday night and taken to the hospital, officials said. The department said the person refused to do what police said and was shot during what police called a “struggle.”
Police got a call about a person having a mental health crisis and “causing a disorder” at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, the department said in a news release.
The department said the officers decided they had probable cause to arrest the person for breaking and entering.
“When informed he was under arrest, the individual refused to comply with lawful commands and a struggle ensued,” police said. “During the struggle, an officer discharged their firearm, striking the individual.”
Police did not say if the person had a weapon.
The shooting happened on Van Allen Circle, a subdivision just north of Piedmont Triad International Airport.
The officer is on administrative duty as the Greensboro Police Department’s Professional Standards Division investigates the shooting.
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