The N.C. Department of Transportation is trying to ease mounting opposition to the I-77 South toll lanes by opening a new outreach center and revising designs to "minimize" impacts on homes, parks and cemeteries.

Why it matters: NCDOT isn't backing off on this $3.2 billion public-private highway project that will come up to people's property lines and, in some cases, displace families. But it's eager to strengthen its case.

• This is the first time NCDOT has opened a feedback center dedicated to one project, underscoring the magnitude of the project's footprint, record-breaking cost and resistance.

Zoom in: The expanded toll lanes will stretch 11 miles between Brookshire Freeway and the South Carolina line.

• The latest design elevates lanes in the Uptown area rather than an at-grade widening. This leaves space for retaining walls between some buildings and the highway.
• Plans no longer take out cemeteries or homes north of the John Belk Freeway. No properties will be affected in the historic Black neighborhoods of McCrorey Heights, Biddleville, Lincoln Heights or the West End.
• But maps show a row of homes on Wilmore's Spruce Street would be wiped out. NCDOT staff would not say how many homes early designs would demolish, but confirmed it's fewer than 100.

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Tito's Handmade Vodka led North Carolina spirit sales in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters: Alcohol sales generate revenue that helps support public services, including the state's general fund, the Department of Health and Human Services, county and city operations, and local law enforcement.

Driving the news: North Carolina generated $696 million in public revenue in FY25, per a recent state audit.

• North Carolina's ABC system generated $713 million in FY24.
• Tito's sold more than 300,000 cases across the two years.

Zoom in: Mecklenburg County led ABC sales in the state with $280 million in FY25 across its 29 stores.

• Wake County followed at $222.3 million across 26 stores.
• Both were the only counties above $100 million.

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💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Educational Technologist: Middle School Faculty and Schoolwide Staff at Charlotte Latin School.
2. Interior Designer at Kathryn Lilly Interiors.
3. Office Engagement Coordinator at Little.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

April in Charlotte is when the city fully shakes off winter and leans hard into festival season.

Here are some of the biggest events happening this month:

🎨 April 3–19: Charlotte SHOUT! returns to Uptown with art, food and live performances. | Times vary | Details

🏉 April 4: Anthem Rugby Carolina hosts its first home match of the season against the Chicago Hounds at American Legion Memorial Stadium. | 4pm | Details

🛍️ April 4: Front Porch CLT kicks off in its new location at FreeMoreWest (Thrift Road). | 11am–4pm | Details

🏀 April 10: The Hornets take on the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. | 7pm | Details

🐼 April 17–19: Panda Fest returns with a new location in Concord. | Times vary | Details

Full list of events

✈️ Spring break travel at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expected to be down 3% from last year. April 2, 3 and 12 are expected to be the airport's busiest days. (Axios)

🍪 La Bonbonniere, a local bakery in Uptown known for its massive stuffed cookies, is opening a second location in Blakeney Town Center. (Instagram)

🚫 Popular South End bar Slingshot permanently closed over the weekend, its owners announced on Instagram.

🌎 Women's travel boutique Voyage is opening a provisions market and a dedicated travel planning space inside its Camp North End storefront April 18. (Instagram)

🚭 A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina due to drought conditions. All 100 counties are experiencing a drought. (ABC11)

🌞 Laurel Park in SouthPark will open its patio April 1 and will offer the restaurant's full menu.

☕️ Drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros opens its first Charlotte-area shop today, along Celanese Road in Rock Hill, S.C. (WBTV)

April is rolling in with big name concerts all month long in Charlotte.

Here are five to keep on your radar:

🎶 April 1: Zara Larsson at The Fillmore

🎤 April 12: Cardi B at Spectrum Center

🎸 April 18: Zach Bryan at Bank of America Stadium

🇲🇽 April 25: Peso Pluma at Truliant Amphitheater

🪩 April 29: Bruno Mars at Bank of America Stadium

Five more April concerts not to miss

News you can use from our partners.

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Uchi opens today in Plaza Midwood.

Why it matters: Reservations for the highly anticipated Japanese restaurant are already booked through this Saturday, with only a few spots open on Sunday, April 5.

Context: Founded in 2003 by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is known for non-traditional Japanese cuisine and its omakase experience.

• I attended the friends-and-family event over the weekend and tried the "chef's omakase special," which featured 10 courses for $300-$400 per person.

💭 My thought bubble: The restaurant is vibey, the food is delicious and the service was spectacular. Expect to be there for 2+ hours if you order a lot of food.

• Everything I tried

What's next: Uchibā, its sister bar upstairs, opens Friday, April 3.