Charlotte could lose significant parkland if the I-77 toll lanes project moves forward as proposed.

Why it matters: The implications go far beyond intruding on some locals' backyards. No matter how much NCDOT redesigns the widening, the highway construction will — to some degree — pollute the air, dirty water and cost the city its scarce greenery for pavement.

• Charlotte already seriously lacks green space, and ranks 90th in park access among 100 U.S. cities.

Catch up quick: Intended to manage congestion, NCDOT's $3.2 billion I-77 toll lanes will stretch 11 miles from the Uptown area to the South Carolina line, with construction beginning in the early 2030s.

• In an effort to ease community backlash, NCDOT has proposed a design with elevated lanes built above the existing highway through the Uptown area, rather than an at-grade widening.

Zoom in: Preliminary maps indicate the designs could affect at least 11 park properties. The water quality of several streams could suffer as they are in the immediate area of the project.

The other side: For most of these spaces, NCDOT will need to document that it studied alternatives to destroying the parkland.

• The U.S. Department of Transportation Act prohibits NCDOT from using publicly owned parks, wildlife or historic sites "unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative."
• NCDOT says the current maps are "early-stage conceptual design drawings" and likely show a broader footprint than what will ultimately be constructed.

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💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Weekday School Director at St. John's Baptist Church.
2. Facilities Manager at Discovery Place.
3. Administrative Assistant, Office of Academic Affairs at Queens University of Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are coming to Charlotte this summer.

Why it matters: The Stellar Awards are often compared to the Grammys for gospel music. The annual awards show, which has more than 3.6 million television viewers, will put a global spotlight on Charlotte and draw a large number of people to the city, local boosters hope.

Driving the news: Charlotte was announced as the host city for the 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Tuesday at the Charlotte Convention Center. The awards were hosted last year in Nashville.

What to expect: The Stellar Awards are a multi-day celebration of gospel music and will run Aug. 12-15, bringing some of the biggest gospel artists to town.

• Aug. 12-14 will be the Stellar Plus events. Everything culminates with the main event at Spectrum Center on Aug. 15, when the awards show will be taped.
• Carolina Theatre will also be a host venue during the week, as will historically Black churches around town.

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West Charlotte High School students will soon be able to participate in a program co-founded by music icon Dr. Dre and renowned music executive Jimmy Iovine.

• The school was recently chosen to participate in the Iovine and Young Center, a California-based design, technology, business and communications program.

Why it matters: Iovine and Young Center selection comes with a roughly $2 million grant to use over five years.

What to expect: The center kicks off in the 2026–27 school year at West Charlotte High. The goal is to create the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Between the lines: West Charlotte has not always had the financial resources of other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, whether that meant $28,000 to purchase state championship rings for student-athletes or putting on a musical.

• West Charlotte Principal Paula Cook credits former West Charlotte principal Timisha Barnes-Jones, who performed in the film adaptation of "The Color Purple," with helping reinvigorate the arts at West Charlotte.
• The school has also expanded its IB program, and in 2022, West Charlotte moved into a new $106 million building.

The big picture: There's visible momentum for the school, Cook says.

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Carolina Panthers season ticket prices will rise an average 12% across Bank of America Stadium for the 2026 season, a team spokesperson tells Axios.

Why it matters: Ticket prices are rising across professional sports, but even the most passionate fans hate to see their bill increase.

Driving the news: The Panthers emailed season ticket renewal notices Tuesday. Fans have until May 1 to renew, either by paying in full or by enrolling in a seven-month, interest-free payment plan by April 1.

Reality check: The Panthers remain among the more affordable teams in the NFL, according to the team, ranking 26th in average non-premium ticket price last season. They are projected to rank 23rd for the upcoming season.

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📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Charlotte Checkers St. Patrick's Day Game at Bojangles Coliseum Sat: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Checkers. A package including a ticket and themed t-shirt is available now. $29+.
• The Crown Lacrosse Classic at American Legion Memorial Stadium Sat: The region's premier lacrosse event, 8 teams, 4 matches, 1 day. Local high school girls matchup, DII Men's and Women's powerhouses, a marquee matchup between UNC and Penn State Men's Lacrosse. $20.
• Storybook Ball at Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville Sat: Bring your favorite childhood stories to life at Storybook Ball, a whimsical, family-friendly night with hands-on activities, live performances, character appearances and more.
• Carmina Burana at Dale F. Halton Theater Sat and Sun: A bold fusion of dance and circus transforms the iconic musical masterpiece Carmina Burana. Over 100 performers unite on stage in a monumental collaboration. $35+.
• Violin 101 at Arts+ Community Campus Mar 14-May 2: Explore violin technique, begin to read music, and start learning to play your very own songs in this group class for adults. Choose from two 3-week sessions. $75.
• OSCARS® Viewing Party & Fundraiser at Independent Picture House Sun: Join IPH for their 4th OSCARS® Viewing Party & Fundraiser, an evening of film, live music, food, drinks, trivia, and a silent auction, supporting Charlotte's nonprofit cinema.
• Charlotte Homebuying 101: From Renter to Owner Mar 18: Buying your first home in CLT doesn't have to be stressful. Get a step-by-step plan from a local expert. It will cover mortgages, offers, the due diligence process, and much more. Sign up free.
• Music Production 101 at Arts+ Uptown Studios Mar 18-Apr 29: Learn beat-making, arrangement, and layering of sound to arrange and mix a full short song in this 6-week group class for adults. $295.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

🎬 "The Hunting Wives" was spotted filming in Uptown Tuesday at Connolly's on 5th. The show's second season will be on Netflix later this year.

🧾 Deportations and voluntary departures are rising in the Carolinas' immigration courts. (WFAE)

🌡️ Charlotte is expected to set record daily high temperatures before cooler weather returns. (Observer)

🎓 UNC Charlotte plans to phase out its College of Arts + Architecture Honors Program by fall 2026. (Niner Times)

🏦 Truist has named Eric Lewis its Charlotte market president. (🔒 CBJ)

Ahead of the time change and a weekend full of social plans, I booked a wellness treatment I've been hearing buzz about — an IV hydration drip.

I tried: The "Epic Hangover" IV at Hydrate Medical Dilworth. Think of it as a cocktail for your cells.

How it works: Instead of chugging water and electrolytes, fluids go straight into your bloodstream.

• After a quick health screening, you'll spend about 30 minutes in a recliner while a bag of IV fluids drips in.
• Pricing: $109–$199 (first visit is $99).

My thought bubble: I kept things relatively responsible, so the hangover part didn't get a full stress test.

• But between a few drinks, a couple sweaty workouts, two late nights and the time change, I still felt clear headed, hydrated and energetic the whole weekend.