Good morning, Huntersville.

Huntersville prepares for holiday cheer with a tree lighting tonight at Veterans Park and family events on Saturday and Sunday, including Breakfast with Santa at Red Rocks Cafe and Brunch with Santa at Harp and Crown (check details for updates).

Join local celebrations around Lake Norman.

The Lake Norman Chamber Foundation raised about $41,000 during its Thanksgiving Breakfast to support local groups like Cornelius Early Scholars and Bridge of Hearts, with check presentations scheduled at a Christmas networking social later this month — additional events include nonprofit roundtables and social gatherings.

Shine Fast Wash, a family-owned car wash on Maruti Avenue, broke ground on Nov.

22 with Mayor Christy Clark present. The car wash (featuring a conveyor belt and cleaning bays) is expected to open mid-summer as part of new development between I-77 and Statesville Road near Gilead Road.

Cybersecurity expert Jeff Lunglhofer from Coinbase warns local shoppers that scammers are working during the holidays to trick buyers with fake emails and urgent requests.

He advises verifying links, using strong passwords, and avoiding public Wi-Fi to keep transactions secure.

CMS has opened the 2026-27 school choice lottery and is now accepting applications for early and middle college programs that offer tuition-free college credits.

Students and parents can contact local CMS offices for more details.

Inchara Gopinath, a junior from North Mecklenburg High School, was chosen as the 2026 student advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (CMS) from 11 finalists and will help ensure student voices guide district decisions.

County official Jeff Smith explains that plastic clamshells and greasy pizza boxes do not go in curbside recycling while paper egg cartons and some food cans can if rinsed.

Huntersville residents should check local guidelines for drop-offs of glass, electronics & batteries.

More than 10,000 writing tablet toys were recalled on Dec.

4 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because of potential safety concerns. Local families should review the recall instructions to ensure their children’s safety.

Tennis star Venus Williams played an exhibition match against Madison Keys at Spectrum Center on Thursday morning, giving fans a rare chance to see the legend up close.

She confirmed plans for the Auckland Classic & likely the Australian Open as she considers retiring soon.