Good morning, Huntersville.

On Nov. 20, local groups called on neighbors to donate food and volunteer to help families in need during the Thanksgiving weekend.

The efforts include food pantries and community meal programs run by organizations such as the McIntosh Law Firm, Lake Norman Food Mission, FeedNC, Angels and Sparrows, Bags of Hope, and the Kiwanis Club — uniting the community in the spirit of giving.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill sent a message to families saying every child deserves to feel safe and that CMS will keep offering support, care and resources after a hard few weeks of a government shutdown and immigration enforcement concerns.

The update stressed school staff will continue providing meals, learning spaces and other services — underscoring the district's commitment to its students and their families.

Matt Betz of The Davey Tree Expert Company told Huntersville gardeners that unpredictable fall weather and drought mean planting native trees and shrubs between Thanksgiving and Christmas is best done with proper techniques — like digging a hole two to three times the root ball size — to avoid transplant shock.

Rep. Tim Moore honored Gaston County paramedic Mary Jolly on the Capitol floor—she died on Nov 15 while stopping to help a crash victim on I-95 in Florida.

Her loss, marked by a vigil in Gastonia and messages from first responders, underscores her dedication and impact in the community.

Gov. Josh Stein pardoned two turkeys named Krispy and Kreme on Friday morning ahead of Thanksgiving.

The birds, named after a famous doughnut company based in Charlotte's South End, will live on a farm in southern Wake County.

On Nov. 21, food reporter Cloyd Burke visited Pho Nam and sampled Vietnamese dishes at the cozy restaurant run by John and Brian Tang near Kings Point.

He praised the piping-hot Pho Tai soup for its long-simmered beef broth — noting that generous portions and a standout orange soda complete the experience.