Good morning, Huntersville.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have cancelled classes on Friday, May 1, to let nearly 2,000 teachers join a rally in Raleigh.

Parents and educators support the decision — saying advance notice helps arrange childcare and substitute coverage for classrooms.

The CMS Board of Education scheduled a teacher workday on Friday, May 1 so educators can join the rally in Raleigh to advocate for improved salaries and increased spending per student.

Officials said that even with the workday, classroom instruction remains above state minimums.

Officials report that the Charlotte region is in its driest six month period since 1971, with rainfall 53 percent below average from October to March.

Extreme drought conditions now affect the area (with a 7.63-inch deficit recorded as of April 23).

Amid dry conditions, both Carolinas are under burn bans while state Forest Service representative Jesse Pierre (explaining updated guidelines) shared details today.

Hundreds of fires sparked during the North Carolina burn ban led local officials in Huntersville to ramp up enforcement today, as firefighters reported a widespread pattern.

Residents are advised to follow burn guidelines to protect community safety.

The Panthers traded up Friday night to select Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter at pick No. 49 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 6'4, 330-pound run stopper, nicknamed *The Fridge*, strengthened the defensive line alongside Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III.

The Lake Norman Charter Knights won the Catawba Shores tennis title with a perfect 10-0 record and swept rival Pine Lake Prep.

The team will begin dual-team playoffs Monday, Apr. 27 — aiming to carry their winning streak into state competition.