WBTV Charlotte

Severe thunderstorms are possible Tuesday in the Charlotte region due to high heat, with feels-like temperatures near 100 degrees. Damaging wind gusts and hail are expected ahead of a cold front, followed by drier, more seasonable conditions by midweek.

Two people were struck by lightning at Shell Island near Wilmington, North Carolina, around 11:45 a.m. on July 25. The CDC notes North Carolina has high lightning-related injuries, though survival rates are nearly 90%. Heavy rainfall occurred in the area during the event.

Tasia Villa, 49, was killed after her Volkswagen sedan hydroplaned, crashed, and became disabled on I-77 in York County. She walked onto the interstate and was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer. Toxicology results are pending, and no charges have been filed.

Evenflo has recalled approximately 60,000 REO by Revolve360 child seats due to a headrest issue that could increase injury risk in crashes. The recall includes six specific models with listed model numbers, and Evenflo will reimburse repair costs from January 1, 2025, to August 1, 2026, while the remedy is under development.

The Atlanta Braves activated outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list after he strained his left hamstring. Outfielder Brewer Hicklen was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. Acuña will join the team in New York for a series against the Mets, and the Braves have a stronger record with him in the lineup.

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been discharged from the hospital but is not yet medically cleared to return to Senate duties. He is undergoing physical therapy and will miss the Fancy Farm picnic in Kentucky.

A motorcyclist was killed in a four-vehicle crash on I-85 in Charlotte after two speeding cars collided with his motorcycle and another vehicle. The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Alex Rodriguez, who was ejected and died at the scene. No charges have been announced, but an investigation is ongoing.

Families plan to spend $130 less on back-to-school shopping this year due to rising living costs, according to a NerdWallet report. Parents are cutting budgets amid higher gas and grocery prices, with some reusing supplies and leveraging sales to save. A quarter of parents cite financial strain, while 43% might go into debt to help children fit in at school.

Carly Simon, 83, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face. She is preparing to release her first album since 2008, 'Comes in Waves,' on August 14, while navigating the challenges of her health conditions.

Police are investigating a shooting on I-77 in Iredell County that injured two people in a crashed black Kia. Authorities are considering road rage as a possible motive and examining reports involving a red truck. The female victim was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.

A 20-year-old man, Damieon Keith Brinson, was killed in an ATV crash near the Gaston-Cleveland County line after colliding with a pickup truck during a four-wheeling event. The incident occurred near a construction site on Sara Lee Access Road in Gaston County, with witnesses reporting Brinson swerved into gravel and struck the truck. Investigations are ongoing.

A South Carolina judge upheld York County's zoning decision, ruling that solar panel manufacturing by Silfab Solar is not permitted under the property’s light industrial zoning. Parents and community groups, including Move Silfab, expressed hope that the ruling could lead to ending manufacturing operations near schools, following concerns over chemical incidents at the facility.

A man is accused of trafficking 11.5 pounds of fentanyl through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Daniel Farfan was arrested in Union County and charged with trafficking opium or heroin and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. Deputies seized the drugs destined for Monroe.

A top UNC football executive is on paid administrative leave. Two individuals were found shot in a crashed car on I-77 in Iredell County. The Lake Norman Little League 12U All-Star team will compete for a World Series berth after winning a state title.

UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, though the reason remains undisclosed. Lombardi joined UNC with Bill Belichick prior to the 2025 season and previously worked with Belichick in NFL front offices. The decision follows a challenging 2025 season for UNC, which finished 4-8 despite Lombardi's NFL experience and Belichick's leadership.

The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation, founded by Sara Knight in memory of her daughter, supports families facing serious childhood medical challenges through care packages, wishes, and encouragement. The organization, based in Virginia and West Virginia, emphasizes finding joy amid hardship and refers to its child recipients as 'Rain Dancers.'

Dennis Kelley survived a cardiac arrest at a bowling alley in Mason City, Iowa, after bystanders including a retired paramedic and off-duty deputy performed CPR and used an AED. An aging expert emphasized the importance of CPR and knowing AED locations in such emergencies.

Sunshine returns Monday after a foggy start in Charlotte, but severe storms are expected Tuesday. The week will see hot and humid conditions with a dip in humidity mid-week and unsettled weather by the weekend.

Two people were injured in a shooting on I-77 southbound near Brawley School Road in Iredell County. A woman was critically hurt and airlifted to the hospital, while a man's condition remains unknown. Police are investigating without a description of the alleged shooter, and the highway was closed, causing traffic delays.

Two people were shot and a car crashed on I-77 in Iredell County, North Carolina. A female was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, while the male's condition remains unclear. The shooting appeared to originate from another vehicle, and no arrests have been announced.