This week on Flashpoint, WCNC Charlotte's Ben Thompson Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman, who also sits on the Metropolitan Transit Commission about the ongoing CATS 'crisis' amid city leaders pushing for a billion-dollar transit plan."If we don't find a way to ensure that CATS is a high-functioning, high-quality organization and go forward with these plans, we will lose billions of dollars in federal money," Altman said.Last week, the interim CATS C.E.O. outlined three derailments in the last year that were previously not disclosed to local leaders. Additionally, at Wednesday night's meeting, MTC members learned that CATS bridge inspections didn't happen in 2021, meaning inspections are two years past due. The last time they were inspected was in 2019. Later, Ben talks with Gaston County State Rep. Donnie Loftis on a bill he sponsored in the NC House that would give NC schools more flexibility over their calendar.Loftis cosponsored a bill filed in the North Carolina House on Feb. 9 that would allow school districts to choose a start date as early as Aug. 10. It also forces districts to end the school year no later than the Friday closest to June 11. "If education is a priority for the future of this state, and we need those bright and best young people to remain here in this state, I'm willing to give them any opportunity that would set them up for success," Loftis said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/gaston-co-lawmaker-sponsors-bill-nc-schools-flexibility-calendar/275-f12bf53c-a94e-4486-b6a3-040e81cf7c17