The Carolina Panthers ended their contract with Rock Hill for the team's new $800 million headquarters and practice facility, Axios' Ashley Mahoney reports.

• Construction began in summer 2020 and was scheduled to wrap up in 2023.

What's happening: Last month, the Panthers paused work on the 240-acre site.

• A Tepper Sports and Entertainment spokesperson told Axios that their Rock Hill partners have "been unable to contribute to the agreed-upon investment to fund the construction of the public infrastructure."

What they're saying: "We have sent notices to the City to formally terminate the previous agreements. Accordingly, we are prepared to sit down with the City and other interested parties to discuss the significant challenges ahead," TSE's representative in the deal, GT Real Estate Holdings LLC, said in a statement.

• And of course, the internet was quick to make fun of the whole situation. This tweet got a chuckle out of me.

Full story: A timeline of the Panthers' messy relationship with Rock Hill

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board voted 7-2 to terminate the contract of superintendent Earnest Winston, Axios' Michael Graff and Ashley report.

• The longtime CMS employee had been on the job since summer 2019.

Why it matters: The superintendent oversees a district with more than 140,000 students, making it the second-largest in North Carolina.

What they're saying: Before the vote, multiple board members praised Winston's character, but some then said it was time for a change.

• "I can hold two things in my heart and head simultaneously," board member Margaret Marshall said.
• Most reasons were vague, but some members cited persistent achievement gaps between Black and white students.

Not unanimous: Board members Thelma Byers-Bailey and Ruby Jones voted against termination.

• "This is a sad day for me," Byers-Bailey said. Jones added that Winston's dismissal was "ramrodded."

What's next: Scott McCully will be the acting superintendent.

• Hugh Hattabaugh was named interim superintendent and will serve from April 25 through June 30, 2023.

Full story: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent fired

🔥 Fresh openings from our Job Board.

1. ASC clinical education quality nurse specialist at OrthoCarolina.
2. Director of marketing and communications at Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.
3. Police officer (lateral/certified as of 06/2022) at Town of Matthews.
4. Account manager at White Knight.
5. Senior sales associate at Club Pilates Fort Mill.
6. Construction lead at Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte.
7. Property management administrative assistant at The Providence Group.
8. Specialist, donor relations at Foundation For The Carolinas.
9. Banquet supervisor at Charlotte Country Club.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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While congressional lawmakers are taking steps toward decriminalizing cannabis, North Carolina could be moving backward.

• Hemp and CBD products could be made illegal in the state starting July 1, according to a recent report by WECT.

Driving the news: The U.S. House passed a bill decriminalizing the possession and distribution of cannabis earlier this month.

• State lawmakers are also considering a medical marijuana bill, but the language doesn't include hemp.

Between the lines: Hemp and CBD products are legal in North Carolina through the hemp pilot program bill.

• Yes, but: The exceptions created for hemp and CBD expire this summer, and THC testing responsibilities will turn over to the USDA.
• Delta-8 is also legal here and might give you the buzz you're looking for that compares to traditional weed.

State of play: A 2021 Pew study found that 91% of Americans believe recreational or medical marijuana should be legal, up from 41% in 2012.

The bottom line: Whether you choose to partake in the unofficial stoner holiday or not, there are a few events happening around town to celebrate.

• Axios' Alexis Clinton put a list together: 5 things to do in Charlotte this 4/20 holiday.

🏗 SouthPark will get its tallest building following a vote from City Council to replace the Regal theater. (WBTV)

• The 10-story office and commercial tower will be where the movie theater currently sits at Phillips Place.

🥐 Amélie’s will open its new location in NoDa (136 E 36th St.) on Thursday, April 28 at 7am.

• Its flagship at 2424 North Davidson St. will officially close this Friday at 10pm. (Axios)

🚍 Masks are now optional on Charlotte Area Transit System vehicles for customers and employees.

• TSA is not enforcing its mask mandates on public transportation either.

News you can use from our partners.

• The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority recently welcomed 10,000 guests to the city for the T.D. Jakes International Leadership Summit, the largest meeting event in the region since 2014. It’s one of many conventions supporting the tourism industry’s ongoing recovery. 
• There's still time to take advantage of Criswell & Criswell's April specials: Buy 2 get 1 free PCA Peels and $25 off Deluxe Hydrafacials. Learn more.

When Meshugganah’s owner Rob Clement's wife was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year he wrote “my job, my only job, is to be there for her” in a poignant Instagram post.

What’s happening: The Charlotte-area food community agreed and is coordinating a raffle to raise funds for Clement and his family.

• "What I would want in his situation is the time and space to be as present with my family as possible without the distraction of chaotic workdays or the fear of expensive medical bills," Doug Rose, co-owner of Team Rose Bread, wrote.
• More than $16,000 has been raised so far, with the goal of raising $30,000.

How it works: Purchase a raffle ticket to qualify for one of the many prizes — from a seven-course tasting at The Stanley to a dinner for two at Counter-.

• Winners will be drawn on April 29.

Also of note: The Pasta & Provisions family is raising funds to support their assistant pasta maker Thang Sum.

• The eatery hired Sum, a refugee from Myanmar, through the Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency in 2019.
• Sum suffered an accident on Easter and is now paralyzed from the neck down. More details here on how to support him.

Popular Ohio-based, build-your-own-taco restaurant Condado Tacos will open its first Charlotte location on May 12, Axios' Emma Way reports.

Why it matters: They're giving away free tacos and will offer $5 margaritas on opening day.

• Plus, the first 100 people in line will win one free taco every week for an entire year through Condado's "Year of Yum" giveaway.

Menu: Tacos range in price from $3.85 to $5.50 each with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Details: Condado Tacos is located at 1515 S. Tryon St.

• It'll be open 11am-10pm on Sunday-Thursday and 11am-12am on Friday-Saturday.

See inside: New build-your-own-taco restaurant opens in South End this May

🗓 Stay booked and busy, CLT

• Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience at Ovens Auditorium tomorrow: Catch the star of hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, as she shares personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way. $44-$94.
• The Spa at Selenite Grand Opening at Selenite on Friday: Celebrate their grand opening and stop by and shop the 15% off Earth Day Sale, tour the spa during the Open House or enjoy small bites, cocktails, and sound healing at the Grand Opening Party. Free. 
• 7th Annual Richard Sheltra Memorial-10k, 5k and Fun Run in Pineville on Saturday: Click the link for all race registration and volunteer sign ups. $20-$45. 
• Charlotte Earth Day at First Ward Park on Saturday: Celebrate Charlotte Earth Day. This free event is open to the community with 25+Exhibitors, performance Artists and "Earth Passport" activities for ages 5-12 yrs.
• Metropolitan Market at the Metropolitan on Saturday: Join Metropolitan for an open-air market featuring local businesses with one-of-a-kind products ranging from home décor to jewelry and more. Located on The Green. Free.
• 2022 Charlotte Art Collective Spring Show at Family Life Center at Avondale Presbyterian Church next Saturday: Spring into the season and see eye-catching work by local fine artists and craftsmen. Enjoy a wide variety of functional and decorative artwork. Enter a raffle and chance to win a basket filled with original artwork. Free. 
• ONE Fest – Charlotte’s Yoga, Music & Arts Festival at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. on Saturday, May 7: Enjoy 45 classes & workshops, vendors, a full day of kids activities, cacao ceremony, sound healing, live music, food trucks, DJ Glow Yoga party and so much more. $30-$89. 

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board. 

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