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🌱 Patch AM: Why an east Charlotte “house of horrors” is now a crime scene again

Happening soon: Noon Year's Eve on the Charlotte Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Charlotte? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why an east Charlotte “house of horrors” is now a crime scene again
  • How a deadly 1974 crash reshaped flight rules into Charlotte
  • How a last-minute goal lifted the Charlotte Checkers on the road

Also on today's calendar: Noon Year's Eve and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Breezy with a few showers, with a high of 63 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 45, low: 29.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 50 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Home of abused 6-year-old in east Charlotte intentionally set on fire (wsoctv.com) — Neighbors in east Charlotte are reacting after investigators say a home on Gwynne Hill Road, already tied to the horrific abuse and death of a 6-year-old girl, was intentionally set on fire. Police are investigating the blaze as arson, and three adults previously charged in the child abuse case remain in jail while the community grapples with what happened nearby.
   

2. The Crash Of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 (avgeekery.com) — A detailed retrospective revisits the 1974 crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 just short of Charlotte’s then‑Douglas Municipal Airport, explaining how fog, cockpit distraction, and approach procedures led to tragedy. It highlights the investigation, the lives saved by quick crew action, and how the disaster spurred today’s sterile cockpit rule that still shapes flights into Charlotte.
   

3. Vilmanis' Late Goal Propels Checkers Past Bears PHN's Best Shots of the Game (prohockeynews.com) — Charlotte hockey fans can celebrate as the Charlotte Checkers opened a five-game road trip with a tight 3–2 win over the Hershey Bears, capped by a late goal from Sandis Vilmanis. New signee Nate Smith scored his first goal with Charlotte, and goalie Cooper Black continued his strong season with 24 saves, giving the team four wins in its last five games.
   

4. WeLoveU Foundation hosts Adopt a Stream event in north Charlotte (wsoctv.com) — Volunteers spent Monday cleaning trash from Little Sugar Creek in north Charlotte, working near Cullman Avenue and East 36th Street as part of the WeLoveU Foundation’s Adopt a Stream effort. Organizers say they hope to expand participation and are inviting more Charlotte-area neighborhoods to join future cleanups that focus on caring for the environment and each other.
   

5. 2 killed in Clarendon County crash identified; SCHP investigation continues (wltx.com) — A man from Charlotte was one of two people killed in a Sunday morning crash in Clarendon County, South Carolina, when a Dodge Challenger struck a Honda Accord stopped across Plowden Mill Road. State troopers say the Honda’s driver, a 36-year-old Charlotte resident, and his passenger from Manning died at the scene, while three people in the Dodge suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
   

📸 Around Charlotte

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Holiday Gift Outpouring at Kempton of Rock Hill Prompted by Heartfelt Social Media Post —Liberty Senior Living Read on Patch
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 28, 2025 in Charlotte, NC 28203 near Behind Bee Storage Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Revolution Park)
  • Found dogs!
    Still looking for the owners of these two sweet dogs! They seem very used to cuddles and appear to be well groomed so I’d love to get them back to… (Nextdoor Ravenwood)
  • Fatal Crash Investigation in the South Division/... (X: CMPD)
  • What Dave Canales said after the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Seahawks... (X: theobserver)
  • The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Warehouse Maintenance Associate in Charlotte. Apply here.
  • County of Mecklenburg, NC posted a job opening for Part Time Recreation Assistant- Tom Sykes Recreation Center (19hr/week) - No Experience Required in Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlotte here.

Ok Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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