Vanessa Ruffes, NBC Charlotte

Vanessa Ruffes

NBC Charlotte

Charlotte, NC, United States

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • NBC Charlotte
  • 13WMAZ News
  • 13News Now
  • KING 5 News
  • FOX 13 Tampa Bay
  • Fox5NY
  • FOX 4 NEWS

Past articles by Vanessa:

'It's really hard in Charlotte' | Find dating in the Queen City difficult? Here's why your feelings could be justified

Charlotte ranks low on a list of cities where it's great to be single. The research points to one particular reason. → Read More

North Carolina DMV to add self-service, estimated wait time features, limited online ID renewals

The agency is trying to improve efficiency with changes to service options, operating hours and technology. → Read More

Yes, at-home tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but serial testing is recommended

At-home tests still detect circulating coronavirus variants, but it's important to use the tests correctly since they can be less sensitive to the omicron variant. → Read More

VERIFY: Fake spiderwebs and some other holiday decorations can pose a danger to wildlife

Wildlife experts say, while not as common as run-ins with other items, they do see cases of birds and other creatures bothered or injured by holiday decor. → Read More

Fact-checking 3 things to know before sending kids back in the classroom

As North Carolina families get ready to send their kids back to school, WCNC Charlotte's Verify team addresses some lingering questions about COVID and monkeypox. → Read More

'An opportunity for independence' | Waxhaw group supports veterans with dogs tailored for service

Project 2 Heal aims at cutting down how long veterans have to wait for service dogs. → Read More

No, a monkeypox rash is not always outside the body

Many circulating photos of rashes from monkeypox infections show bumps and blisters on hands, legs, and faces. Doctors say that's not always where the rash emerges. → Read More

Eligible North Carolinians can get monkeypox vaccine in South Carolina

South Carolina has already received 1,500 monkeypox vaccine doses from the federal government, which it distributed to select clinics statewide. → Read More

VERIFY: Yes, at-home tests detect BA.5 subvariant, but possibly with lesser sensitivity

The WCNC Charlotte VERIFY team looked into recent reports of people testing negative for COVID-19 at home, then testing positive at the doctor's office. → Read More

Seven more Charlotte-area stores fined for overcharging, state audit shows

Officials with North Carolina's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said they're catching more stores charging more than advertised. → Read More

VERIFY: Could good Samaritans face charges for trying to help police?

A reckless chase that lasted around two hours all over Charlotte ended in a violent crash in South End Wednesday afternoon. → Read More

VERIFYING heat claims: Dogs eating ice cubes, water poisoning in people

The VERIFY team is tackling some heat-related claims about measures typically taken to stay cool as the Carolinas are set to see another round of major heat. → Read More

Baby formula shortage prompts questions, claims about what's safe for infants

People have been posting claim after claim about how to preserve the precious formula they have, and if there are any alternatives that are safe for babies. → Read More

Yes, renewable energy plants are cheaper to operate than non-renewables

In North Carolina, solar is the top-renewable investment for power companies like Duke Energy. → Read More

VERIFY: Yes, there is a J&J booster, but it's not preferred over other brands

Those getting Johnson & Johnson as both their initial COVID-19 shot and booster may even need to follow up with another booster in a different brand. → Read More

'Charlotte is a great haven for professional sports'

The Queen City is the only U.S. city with NFL, NBA, and MLS teams, but no MLB team. Some hope that changes soon. → Read More

VERIFY: Why the difference in gas prices may be more pronounced right now

Drivers might notice large differences in gas prices from station to station. A gas expert explains why the difference is happening and why it's more noticeable now. → Read More

VERIFY | 4th doses of COVID-19 vaccines are available, but only for this group

The standard vaccine series for Pfizer and Moderna are two doses, three or four weeks apart, followed by a booster shot at least five months from the primary series. → Read More

Where to find those free N95 masks & how the giveaway will work

The U.S. is giving away 400 million N95 masks from the national stockpile, with many going to retailers with the nation's vaccine partner program. → Read More

Moderna's booster still protects against omicron after 6 months, but antibodies wane faster than for original COVID-19

A study shows antibody protection against omicron was six times lower than peak levels after the booster six months after the shot. → Read More