May 1, 2024

Today’s Weather

🪲 They’re here...

Dozens of cicadas sit on the branch of a tree

Cicadas prefer oaks, willows, maples, and ash trees. | Photo via Gene Kritsky

Are you ready for swarms of cicadas to take over a 16-state area?

It’s rare, but occasionally two broods emerge at the same time. Brood XIII (comprising cicadas that emerge every 17 years) and Brood XIX (13-year cicadas) will both reproduce this spring.

Did you know? The last time Broods XIII and XIX emerged simultaneously was 1803.

Enter: the super brood

Does this mean the two broods can reproduce with each other? Will that result in even more cicadas during their next emergences?

We spoke to Dr. Gene Kritsky, a cicada expert at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, to find out. He let us know that since “the broods do not have a wide area of overlap” it is unlikely that they will reproduce with each other. However, he noted, “If there was an overlap, it could satiate the predators more quickly, resulting in generally more offspring from each brood.”

A gif showing the difference between one cicada brood emerging in the south and both emerging in the south and through Illinois and Wisconsin. — Brood XIII (aka Northern Illinois Brood) joins Brood XIX (the Great Southern Brood).
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Map via Gene Kritsky, gif created with Knight Labs

What this means

The good news? There is no overlap of broods in Charlotte, so we are unlikely to see more cicadas due to the super brood. But it’s possible. The majority of overlapping broods are concentrated in Illinois, so most cities are unlikely to see more cicadas due to the super brood, but it’s possible for cities like Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, and Louisville.

However, Brood XIX is coming. Cicadas usually emerge when the soil hits 64 degrees. Currently, our soil is at 71 degrees.

In other words, we’re close to the event these cicadas have been waiting over a decade for.

Cicada Safari map in North Carolina shows 18 sightings in Charlotte, NC — Watch out Rock Hill, the cicadas are coming for you too.
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Screenshot via Cicada Safari courtesy of Gene Kritsky

How you can help

Cicada Safari needs you to track cicada spottings. Mapping cicadas helps experts understand when broods may emerge. Per Dr. Kritsky, it also led to a discovery “that some 17-year cicadas can emerge four years early and may form a new brood.”

Download the free app to track cicada spottings and submit your own photos.

Look for cicadas where there are trees, full sun, and low vegetation. Think: Parks and cemeteries.

Asked

How often do cicadas emerge to mate?

A. Every 221 years
B. Every 17 years
C. Every 13 years
D. It depends on the brood

We love to bug you...

Events

Wednesday, May 1

Spring Plants Sale at Urban District Market | Wednesday, May 1 | 3-7 p.m. | Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | Free | Get your gardens started with plants from a local family of growers.
Sycamore Run Club | Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom, 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte | Free | Run and build community with fitness lovers + reward yourself with a drink.

Thursday, May 2

Matthews Chamber Golf Classic 2024 | Thursday, May 2 | 10:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | 7500 Olde Sycamore Dr., Charlotte | $125 | Enjoy the green while networking with friends in this day-long tournament.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest Welcome Party | Thursday, May 2 | 5-11 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom, 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte | Free | Celebrate the lineup before the inaugural Lovin’ Life Music Fest kicks off in Uptown on Friday.
That’s Novel Books Silent Book Club | Thursday, May 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Hex Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines, 201 Camp Rd., #103, Charlotte | Free | Enjoy socializing + discussing your favorite books with fellow readers.

Friday, May 3

First Friday Fest at Urban District Market | Friday, May 3 | 4-8 p.m. | Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | Free | Shop local at this pop-up market at the UDM patio and courtyard.
Charlotte Ballet: Swan Lake | Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$30 | Enjoy a night at the theater watching the classic ballet tale brought to life on stage.
Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides | Friday, May 3 | 6:04 p.m. | Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $16-$65 | Celebrate a Friday night at the ballpark watching the Knights at home + a spectacular fireworks display after the game.

Friday, May 10

Artisphere presented by TD Bank | Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12 | Main Street, Greenville SC, South Main Street, Greenville | Free | Mark your calendars: Artisphere presented by TD Bank is back for its 20th year in downtown Greenville, May 10-12. Enjoy crafts, delicious food, live painting, street performers, and more.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Cause

An official Go-Fund Me page has been launched to support the families of three US Marshals and a CMPD officer killed in a shooting in east Charlotte on Monday, April 29. Back The Blue NC organized the fundraiser with a goal of $250,000.

Development

82 townhomes are coming to S. Tryon Street. The Pennsylvania-based builder Toll Brothers will construct the homes on a 3.4-acre site between Yorkshire and Blairhill roads. Construction begins in June and homes will be available later this year. (The Charlotte Business Journal)

Coming Soon

Ready to laugh? Comedian + actress Chelsea Handler will take the stage for her stand-up routine at Ovens Auditorium on Saturday, September 14. Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m.

Announced

Gianni’s Trattoria has found a new home in Concord. The longtime Italian concept relocated from downtown Concord to nearby Gibson Mill — just 2.5 miles away. The mill is located at 305 McGill Ave. (WSOC)

Eat

Best Wurst Festival is back this weekend at Old Meck Brewery. Immerse yourself in German culture while indulging in delicious food. The festival runs Saturday, May 4-Sunday, May 5 at 4150 Yancey Rd.

Drink

Dilworth Tasting Room is welcoming the acclaimed NYC bar Employees Only to Charlotte for two takeovers. The takeover on Wednesday, May 8, will be held at DTR SouthPark + the takeover on Thursday, May 9, will take place at Dilworth Tasting Room. Employees Only was listed on the Worlds 50 Best Bars. (The Charlotte Observer)

Giveaway

Cheat’s Cheesesteaks is partnering with Lovin’ Life Music Fest by giving away two three-day General Admission tickets to the upcoming festival. The giveaway ends today at noon.

Community

A wreath laying ceremony was held at the campus of UNC Charlotte. The commemoration honored two students, Riley Howell and Reed Parleer, who died in a school shooting on campus on April 30, 2019.

Ranked

Charlotte ranks in top 10 of 50 US metros for new housing construction, based on a new report from Lending Tree. The publication compared growing metro areas based on how many new housing units are being built. (WCNC)

Sports

What are the remaining needs for the Carolina Panthers following the 2024 NFL Draft? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Shop

Gift giving made easy for mom

Woman standing behind desk in white room with green plant in background, looking at the camera, smiling, and holding a rainbow macrame

Vanessa, a mom and founder of Portland-based brand A Branch & Cord, with her DIY macrame rainbow kit. | Photo by Natalie Kristeen Photography

Don’t let shopping for the mother figure in your life feel like a daunting task. How? By shopping Six & Main’s guide.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Local | Want handmade, but not by your own hands? Shop locally-made gifts.
Small businesses | Find items from businesses that are mom-powered.
Gift sets | We’ve already placed all the items you need — just add to cart.

Check out our favorite items to show your appreciation for the mom(s) in your life.

Start shopping

The Buy

A summer sip. Prepare for a summer by the pool or on the porch with these iced coffee and sparkling tea options.

Answered

Kentucky Derby parties are happening in Charlotte this weekend. On Monday, we asked “What’s your favorite Kentucky Derby tradition?”

This “horse race” of a poll was a photo finish + ended in a three-way tie:

30% — A Derby watch party
30% — The fashion
30% — The unique horse names
10% — Betting on the races
0% — Food + drinks

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jack

From the editor

I had the chance to tour the hidden gem of Wing Haven in Myers Park. It’s 3+ acres of preserved gardens and nature just 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. It felt like I was in the Secret Garden. I highly recommend a trip for everyone.

A honeybee flies above a flower. — Photo by CLTtoday

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