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INSIDE ▼ CRTPO rescinds support of I-77 South project
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PAGE 2B Friday, May 29, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 21
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Charlotte Squawks returns for another roast CHARLOTTE – Charlotte traffic, airport security lines, social media drama, rising gas prices and the city’s favorite sports teams all have one thing in common: eventually, they become material for Charlotte Squawks. Returning for its 21st year, Blumenthal Arts presents the anticipated return of Charlotte Squawks: Hold My Beer! from June 4 to 28 at Booth Playhouse, featuring a refreshed lineup of
sketches, musical parodies and rapid- fire satire inspired by life in the Queen City. Blending the energy of "Saturday Night Live" and the spectacle of a live musical, the locally written production combines sketch comedy, parody songs and audience interaction into a show that changes every year (sometimes, every week) along with the city itself. Created by Mike Collins and Brian Kahn, Charlotte Squawks
has become a summer tradition for generations of Charlotte audiences, many of whom return year after year to see what – and who – the show targets next. “Somewhere along the way, we hit a nerve,” said Collins, cocreator and director of Charlotte Squawks. “Audiences have grown more loyal every year, and that’s incredibly gratifying. There’s something special about a
Charlotte's beloved musical comedy delivers satire, sketch comedy and parody songs inspired by Queen City quirks and culture. Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
see SQUAWKS, Page 3A
CMS shares updates on 15 bond projects by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CMG file photo
GRADUATION SEASON Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is preparing for graduation season. CMS ceremonies tend to follow the same template. The ceremony will typically start with graduates entering the arena to Pomp and Circumstance and cheers from the crowd. A student speaker tends to acknowledge school leaders and special guests. Schools may sprinkle in musical performances by students. Other speakers may include student government representatives or top academic performers. The principal will offer inspiring words before students are handed their diplomas on stage.
SOUTH CHARLOTTE
UNION COUNTY
NATIONAL TRENDS
June 11 • South Mecklenburg: 3:30 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum • Myers Park: 7 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum June 12 • Ardrey Kell: Noon., Bojangles Coliseum • Providence: 7 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum June 13 • Ballantyne Ridge: 3:30 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum • East Mecklenburg: June 13, Truliant Amphitheater
June 4 • Wolfe School, 5 p.m., CATA auditorium June 5 • South Providence School: 6:30 p.m., June 8 • Monroe High: 8 a.m., stadium • Weddington High, 8 a.m., stadium • Porter Ridge High: 8 p.m., stadium June 9 • Forest Hills High: 8 a.m., Irwin Belk Stadium (Wingate University) • Marvin Ridge High: 8 a.m., stadium • Parkwood High: 8 a.m., stadium • Sun Valley High School, 8 p.m., stadium June 10 • Central Academy of Technology & Arts: 8 a.m., Walter Bickett Stadium • Cuthbertson High: 8 a.m., stadium • Piedmont High: 8 a.m., stadium
Happy dances go too far? Students are going viral for doing dances like the Louisiana Jig right after receiving their diplomas, sparking debate about whether these celebrations are appropriate. Some schools have withheld diplomas. Others have not intervened.
MATTHEWS-MINT HILL June 12 • Providence: 7 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum June 13 • Rocky River: 8:30 a.m., UNC Halton Arena • Butler High: Noon, Truliant Amphitheater • Independence: 3:30 p.m., Truliant Amphitheater
Pick up your feet People say their biggest fear is falling down on stage when their name is called. But a select few grads purposely trip up. They claim a buddy paid them to fall. Stick the landing There are videos of people incorporating gymnastics into their walk across the stage. Some videos show people faceplanting while trying to execute a high kick or a backflip.
CHARLOTTE – CharlotteMecklenburg Schools recently shared updates on 15 construction projects funded through education bonds approved by voters in 2023. Some of the projects have close ties to the South Charlotte area, including replacements for Beverly Woods Elementary, Cotswold Elementary, South Mecklenburg High and the Dilworth paired school program. There’s also a new school in the Ballantyne area underway called Cato Ridge Middle, “The 2023 bond program represents a significant communitysupported investment in the district’s infrastructure,” said Nicole Portee, associate superintendent of operations. “All the projects listed are designed to address capacity challenges, aging facilities and evolving programmatic needs. Collectively, these efforts support enhanced learning environments.” These are just a few of the 30 projects designated for funding. Vincent Spencer, a senior design manager, outlined projects in the design phase with the district's community capital and bond committee on May 15: • Berryhill School: A 54-classroom pre-K-8 school that will serve as an offsite replacement. It is the construction documents phase. It is scheduled to open in August 2028. • Beverly Woods Elementary School: A 45-classroom elementary school that will serve as an onsite replacement. It is in the construction documents and permitting phase. It is scheduled to open in August 2028. • Huntersville Elementary School: A 45-classroom elementary school that will serve as an onsite replacement. It is in the construction documents and permitting phase. It is scheduled to open in August 2028. • Marie G. Davis Middle School see CONSTRUCTION, Page 3A
School board vote paves way for CMS educator community CHARLOTTE – The CharlotteMecklenburg Board of Education has approved an option to lease a dedicated educator community on seven acres of board-owned land adjacent to East Charlotte’s Garinger High School. The decision marks an important step in the next phase of the district’s multi-year At Home in CMS initiative, designed
to retain and recruit high quality educators. When surveyed, 43% of educators said housing may impact whether they remain with CMS. Of those, 97% said housing costs were their most important consideration. “Our CMS educators have cited a lack of attainable housing as one of the top challenges they
face in staying with CMS,” school board chair Stephanie Sneed said. “Addressing the educator housing challenge has been and will continue to be a board priority as every student deserves to be guided by an exceptional teacher who can live in the community they serve and can help our young scholars realize the promise of an exceptional education.”
Housing solutions are a key part of a broader strategy to address retention and recruitment of highquality educators in CMS. Working with community partners, the district has expanded housing opportunities by connecting educators with available rental discounts, homeownership options and financial literacy resources.
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Quick Hits • Pineville Police Chief Michael Hudgins coached a U-10 soccer team to a championship through Hope Soccer Ministries. • The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office emphasized on social media that people that bring guns in the courthouse will be arrested, regardless if it was accidental or one’s permit status.