The N.C. Department of Transportation's own projections show that building the I-77 South toll lanes could increase traffic volume on the interstate by up to 44%, according to an email exchange obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: The state is moving forward with spending $600 million in public funds for a highway widening that will primarily improve travel times for people who can afford to pay.

Driving the news: Emails between a contractor on the I-77 South project and a homeowner in Clanton Park, which is along the proposed toll corridor, discussed whether the team studied induced demand, the idea that highway widenings incentivize driving and fail to relieve congestion long term.

• "The traffic forecast indicates that within the I-77 project limits, I-77 volumes will be 8% to 44% higher under Build conditions compared to No-Build conditions," the project team member responded.
• The area between the I-485 and I-277/Belk interchanges would see the most increase, according to the contractor in the email exchange.

What they're saying: NCDOT says induced demand generally does not apply to toll lanes, and traffic is expected to increase "with or without this project," exceeding 200,000 cars per day by 2050. Although, the email correspondence noted that regional growth projections were steady in the model.

• NCDOT says it is managing congestion through variable tolling, meaning the paid option has an established minimum speed limit and a "reliable travel time."

Reality check: Not everyone will be able to afford the reliability.

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Charlotte is getting a new rock, indie and alternative music festival this summer.

Why it matters: As multi-day festivals get harder to host and becoming more expensive for fans, Carolina Bloom Music Festival organizer Patrick Wynne wants to offer a more affordable option for the city.

What they're saying: "With how expensive festivals have gotten, we wanted to create something with cool local bands and some higher-level talent that won't blow the budget. This can be an event people feel comfortable paying for and can actually enjoy without stressing about the cost," Wynne said.

What to expect: The festival will take place Aug. 22-23 in The Iron District, featuring local, regional and national acts, with 10 bands per day performing on an outdoor stage.

• There will also be an indoor DJ stage, food trucks and a list of local vendors.

A shifting festival scene

Charlotte Douglas International Airport and UNC Charlotte's Aviation and Innovation Research Institute are working together on a project that will influence the future of runway design.

Why it matters: Soon, CLT will have the only runway in the nation with sensors in it. The roughly $6.5 million project will provide the Federal Aviation Administration with data that neither the FAA nor the airport can currently obtain regarding pavement performance and maintenance needs.

• Data from the sensors will help reduce pavement disruptions, lower maintenance costs and improve safety, UNC Charlotte vice chancellor of research John Daniels told reporters Monday.

Catch up quick: CLT broke ground on its fourth parallel runway in 2023. It's expected to be commissioned in September 2027.

Flashback: UNC Charlotte's William States Lee College of Engineering and CLT established the Charlotte Aviation Innovation and Research Institute (Charlotte AIR) in 2023.

The latest: Charlotte Air has produced a system to imbed sensors into the new runway, as well as the technology needed to collect and analyze the data in real time.

How it works

A south Charlotte mansion just entered the market for $15 million.

Why it matters: The home overlooks Quail Hollow golf course just a week before the Truist Championship — putting it in view of thousands of spectators and potentially a buyer.

Context: The property belonged to the late former CEO of Charlotte-based LendingTree, Doug Lebda, who died in an ATV accident last year.

What to expect: The estate spans 17,843 square feet with six bedrooms, six full baths and six half baths. It was designed by architect Harry Schrader, built by Arcadia Custom Homes and styled by J Layton Interiors.

What's next: Showings begin today.

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News you can use from our partners.

• Reading with your kids helps fast-track their literacy skills. Read Together CLT has tons of advice — like stopping to emphasize unusual words that might not appear in everyday conversation. Get more tips.
• Dr. Ashley Lucas is pulling back the curtain on GLP-1s, natural hormone balance and what it really takes to reach your goals. Spoiler alert: it's not another fad diet, shots or pure willpower. Join her free masterclass on April 29th.

🗳️ Mecklenburg County state Reps. Nasif Majeed and Carla Cunningham have both changed party affiliations from Democrat to unaffiliated after losing their primaries. (WBTV)

🚗 Black Political Caucus leader Raki McGregor said he is disillusioned that Charlotte City Council hasn't moved to stop the I-77 South toll lanes, asking "Where is the decisive leadership?" He said the issue could factor into the organization's influential endorsements in next year's city elections. (WFAE)

🍦 Mr. K's founder Theodore A. Karres has died at age 91.

⚽️ Carolina Ascent has named Margaret Gramann president of business operations, per a release.

✈️ CLT's overlook playground will temporarily close April 28-May 4 for scheduled maintenance. The rest of the overlook will remain open. (Axios)

The nominees and finalists have been announced for the 2026 Blumey Awards.

Why it matters: The region's high school theater awards have produced stars, including Reneé Rapp and Eva Noblezada.

State of play: 59 Charlotte-area schools have submitted a full-length spring musical produced during the academic year for this year's Blumey Awards.

What's next: The 2026 Blumey Awards will be Sunday, May 17, at Belk Theater.

• The Best Actor and Best Actress winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to compete in the Jimmy Awards (National High School Musical Theater Awards — think of this like the Tony Awards for high school).

Full list of nominees and finalists