Charlotte, December 24, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel makes NBA history as the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers, while Chief Meteorologist Eric Thomas announces his retirement after 33 years at WBTV. The community remains committed to addressing important social issues, especially regarding addiction and rehabilitation, showcasing ongoing initiatives that impact lives across Charlotte.
Charlotte
Local Sports Star Sets New NBA Record, While Veteran Broadcaster Announces Retirement Amidst Ongoing Community Initiatives
Charlotte is buzzing with news from the world of sports, an upcoming departure from local broadcasting, and continued efforts addressing vital community challenges. Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel has etched his name into NBA history by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 made three-pointers. This remarkable achievement occurred on Monday night during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Simultaneously, Chief Meteorologist Eric Thomas has announced his retirement after a distinguished 33-year career with WBTV. Meanwhile, community discussions continue around significant social issues, building upon previous in-depth reporting that highlighted personal stories of addiction and paths to recovery.
Knueppel’s Historic Achievement Lights Up the NBA
The city’s basketball fans are celebrating a new record set by Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel. He officially became the fastest player in NBA history to hit 100 three-pointers, achieving this milestone in just 29 games. This feat surpasses the previous record holder, Lauri Markkanen, who reached 100 threes in 41 games during the 2017-18 season. Knueppel secured the record late in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he contributed 20 points, shooting an impressive 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. His consistent performance has been a significant asset for the Hornets, as he averages 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists through 28 games, shooting 40.9% from deep. Drafted fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel has quickly established himself as a key player, starting 28 of the team’s 29 games this season and ranking second in scoring behind Miles Bridges. His rapid ascent positions him as a strong contender in the race for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Veteran Broadcaster Eric Thomas Concludes a Distinguished Career
In local news, Charlotte bids farewell to a familiar and trusted face, Chief Meteorologist Eric Thomas, who is retiring after 33 years with WBTV. Thomas has been a steadfast presence in local broadcasting, providing essential weather information to the Charlotte community for over three decades. His long tenure underscores a career dedicated to public service, ensuring viewers were kept safe and informed, notably during significant weather events like Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Beyond his meteorological duties, Thomas also made a profound impact through his involvement in community initiatives, including his efforts to raise awareness for adoptions in the Charlotte area, which earned him the Dee Lackey Legacy Award in 2020. His departure marks the end of an era for local news coverage in the region.
Ongoing Community Focus on Addiction and Rehabilitation
Charlotte continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing critical social issues, particularly concerning addiction and rehabilitation. This ongoing focus is exemplified by past in-depth reports, such as the “Moms Behind Bars” segment, which provided unprecedented access to a woman’s story of addiction and the support she received. These types of initiatives highlight the community’s dedication to understanding the complexities of addiction and fostering environments that promote recovery and second chances. Organizations within Charlotte offer extensive support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder, including residential recovery programs, counseling, and peer support groups. The focus remains on empowering recovery through various resources, emphasizing that overcoming addiction is often a collective effort requiring a supportive network. Such stories underscore the importance of continuous dialogue and accessible resources to support both those battling addiction and their families within the Charlotte area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who recently set a new record for 3-pointers in Charlotte?
- A: Kon Knueppel, a guard for the Charlotte Hornets, recently became the fastest player to make 100 three-pointers.
- Q: What is significant about Kon Knueppel’s achievement?
- A: Kon Knueppel became the fastest to 100 made 3-pointers while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, notably achieving the feat in just 29 games, surpassing the previous NBA record by 12 games.
- Q: Who is Eric Thomas and what was his recent announcement?
- A: Eric Thomas, a Chief Meteorologist, announced his retirement after 33 years at WBTV.
- Q: What was the “Moms Behind Bars” segment about?
- A: The “Moms Behind Bars” segment explored a woman’s story of addiction and the help she received within the Charlotte community.
FAQ Schema
Key Features Overview
| Event Category | Key Figure / Focus | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Achievement | Kon Knueppel | Became the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 three-pointers in 29 games as a Charlotte Hornets guard. |
| Career Retirement | Eric Thomas | Retired after a 33-year career as Chief Meteorologist at WBTV, a local broadcasting station. |
| Community Interest Story | Addiction and Rehabilitation | Highlighted a woman’s story of addiction and the help she received in Charlotte through the “Moms Behind Bars” segment. |
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