Good morning, Huntersville.

Mecklenburg County will conduct its 2026 Point-in-Time Count on Jan.

22, 2026 when volunteers will survey and help people living unsheltered in the area. Residents can register to volunteer, donate needed items + share this effort to support those experiencing homelessness.

A local radiothon will be livestreamed to support families touched by autism, with organizers aiming to boost awareness and gather resources *more details on the schedule and sponsor coming soon.*

Mecklenburg County is offering low-income energy assistance with one-time payments of $300, $400, or $500.

Adults 60+ and disabled individuals can apply starting Dec. 10 and other households on Jan. 1; applications (with proof of income and ID) are accepted via multiple channels until March 31.

Federal officials recalled Lucky Foods cinnamon powder on Tuesday because of possible lead contamination.

The 40-gram, vacuum-sealed pouches—bearing a best-before date of Sept. 15, 2027—were sold in 14 states including NC, and consumers are advised to discard the product.

Mecklenburg County launched its pilot FACT program to help severely mentally ill residents exit the jail system by offering coordinated mental health care, housing, and job support — enrolling 35 participants by month-end.

Local mental health advocate Fonda Bryant is hosting free suicide prevention training online tomorrow (Dec.

13, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.) to share QPR techniques and simple self-care tips for coping with holiday stress.

Hough faced 13-0 Millbrook at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill on Dec.

11 in the school's first state championship game; both teams showed robust defenses (students opted for a ticket and bus fare and fans attended a free watch party at Torrence and Knox in Shops on the Green).