CMS

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill makes her first public appearance since being suspended. A state audit finds CATS has not spent the nearly $2 million set aside for safety improvements. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoes a bill to change the election process by shortening voting periods. And Queen City Nerve ceases publication.

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order that would reduce the number of childhood vaccines recommended for all children by the federal government. We discuss what parents need to know. We’ll also talk with two education reporters about what’s happening around the region.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill is back in the driver’s seat, but we still know little about what led to her suspension. Democrats on City Council are uneasy about CMPD’s push to apply for a federal “Make America Safe Again” grant. We’ll tell you why. Plus, the latest on campaigns in western North Carolina and South Carolina.

This week, the Charlotte City Council appointed Rob Harrington as the next mayor and approved a pilot program to bring red-light cameras back. Meanwhile, the General Assembly overrode four of Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes. The Hornets also traded away guard LaMelo Ball. We discuss it all on this week’s local news roundup.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education made the stunning announcement Wednesday that it is placing Superintendent Crystal Hill on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation into how the school district is run. WFAE’s James Farrell breaks down what it means for the district and its students.

Despite a rising demand for services, slower revenue growth and uncertainty in support from the state and federal government, County Manager Mike Bryant's proposed budget for FY 2026-2027 calls for no reduction to services, no property tax increases and strategic new investments. He joins us to discuss how he came up with it.

On the next Charlotte Talks local news roundup, the CMS board rejects Superintendent Crystal Hill’s proposed budget, leaving her to question how to proceed with little direction. Gaston and Cabarrus County schools join others in canceling classes Friday as teachers protest in Raleigh for higher pay. A bill to protect immigrant students from immigration enforcement is filed in the state House, and Duke Energy proposes a June rate increase.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education will hold a public budget workshop Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Government Center, after the board voted earlier this week against adopting Superintendent Crystal Hill’s $2.1 billion budget proposal.

Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education grilled district leaders about the district’s proposed magnet overhaul plan — expressing particular concern about the district’s efforts to collect community feedback.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill has recommended a $2.1 billion budget — including a $1.97 billion operating budget — for the 2026-27 school year.