Charlotte city staff and NCDOT pitched their case for the I-77 South toll lanes yesterday, as council members signaled they may take action on the project soon.

Why it matters: Despite staff's efforts to frame the project as a rare chance to rebuild interstate crossings, elected officials are clearly ramping up behind-the-scenes efforts to rescind or reconsider support.

At the end of the rushed meeting, in which NCDOT ran out of time to fully present, city council's transportation committee voted unanimously to hold a separate, deeper discussion with the full body on I-77.

• At-large council member Victoria Watlington then confirmed she and transportation committee chair Ed Driggs are meeting with UNC Charlotte researchers Tuesday to discuss alternatives to the tolls.

What they're saying: NCDOT's presentation touted that 17 of 22 bridges and overpasses would be replaced during the toll lanes project. Sixteen would get new or upgraded multimodal facilities, such as bike and pedestrian paths. And 12 would get street lighting.

• NCDOT would also give the city $100 million for new streets, road connections and improvements.

What's next: No date was set for the special meeting, but there is pressure to reach a consensus before NCDOT releases a request for proposals in June.

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Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Japanese megabank expanding in Charlotte, has selected 301 South College, the former One Wells Fargo Center, as its second U.S. headquarters.

Why it matters: SMBC will base 2,000 employees in the 42-story tower within six years. The first workers will report there as early as this fall, propelling Uptown's comeback from the struggling office market.

Catch up quick: Since announcing its move to Charlotte last month, SMBC is already hiring for over 70 roles and plans to invest $50.5 million locally by fall 2027.

The big picture: Uptown's business corridor is rapidly transforming, with proposed nearby redevelopments adding nighttime and weekend activities, and big lease signings like SMBC's boosting the 9-to-5 foot traffic.

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The Charlotte Hornets' new practice facility, valued at roughly $180 million, will open next spring.

Why it matters: Charlotte is in the midst of a sports facility renaissance, from stadiums and arenas to practice facilities. For the first time in years, the product on the court and field is beginning to match that investment.

Driving the news: The Hornets held a topping off ceremony Monday. The construction tradition involved raising the final beam to the top of the structure.

Between the lines: When the Hornets broke ground on the Novant Health Performance Center in March 2025, the team was an afterthought. Now they are starting to emerge as a relevant team, co-owner Rick Schnall told reporters Monday.

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The SBI is investigating another in-custody death at the Mecklenburg County jail after a 41-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday, April 25. The cause is unknown. (WCNC)

JetBlue is returning to Charlotte Douglas and launching nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale starting July 9, stepping in after Spirit Airlines shut down. (Ledger)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is holding another budget workshop today as it continues its back-and-forth over a budget to present to the county commissioners. The school board met for three hours on Saturday to discuss shifting dollars around so there's enough to pay staff and provide resources to close achievement gaps. (WFAE)

Land of Oz reopens this fall.

Why it matters: The Beech Mountain "Wizard of Oz" theme park is one of the hottest ticketed fall experiences in North Carolina, selling out quickly each year.

What to expect: Pretend you've slipped on Dorothy Gale's ruby slippers to follow her journey in an immersive theatrical experience.

• The journey starts at a replica of her Kansas home. As you travel the Yellow Brick Road, you meet characters like the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Wicked Witch of the West along the way.
• A new immersive event series called Tea with Dorothy and Aunt Em, features a Kansas-themed performance, a small-group stroll with Dorothy and surprise appearances from the witches.

If you go: The park will be open on weekends in September. Tickets will go on sale this month.

Everything you need to know about the 'Wizard of Oz' theme park

Charlotte has style, and this Met Gala–inspired event proves it.

Catch up quick: The local take on fashion's biggest night gives Charlotte designers and artists a platform to showcase their creativity.

• This year's Uptown event, hosted by organizer and fashion professor Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, was titled "Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art," mirroring the actual Met Gala.
• More than 15 local artists, alongside nonprofit gallery ArtPop, created pieces inspired by the theme. The exhibit remains on view at the Mint Museum through June 2.
• The highlight of the night is the runway show, where designers compete for the top look. Guests also embraced the theme on the red carpet.

See all the standout looks