You can pretend you're on a TV game show with your friends and family at the recently opened Game Show Battle Rooms in Ballantyne.

Why it matters: The new spot brings an immersive, game-show experience to Charlotte, where players can compete in challenges inspired by popular game shows, like "Wheel of Fortune" and "Family Feud."

What to expect: You'll be split into two teams, with a host and producer running the show. A countdown timer runs while you face off in three rounds.

• Sessions last around an hour and are slightly longer for larger groups.
• The winning team gets a photo opp with the golden trophy — and all the bragging rights.

How it works: There are two game-show rooms to choose from — "Classic" and "Primetime." Each has three different games.

In the Classic arena, you'll play:

• "Survey Battles" — think "Family Feud."
• "Spin and Solve" is like "Wheel of Fortune".
• "What's That Cost" is a price-matching game paired with "The Drop," both inspired by games on "The Price is Right."

The Primetime arena is a bit more competitive and physically challenging, with the addition of skill-based games similar to those on "Minute to Win It."

The vibe: The experience is built for groups of six to 32 players.

Take a look around

A $170 million investment into North Carolina's rail lines could significantly improve service on the state's Amtrak lines, the Piedmont and Carolinian, in the coming years.

Why it matters: Amtrak service between Raleigh and Charlotte is growing in popularity, setting record passenger numbers in 2023 — and it's on pace to break that record again this year. But due to existing infrastructure only around two-thirds of trains make it to their destination on schedule.

Driving the news: The U.S. Department of Transportation is granting the N.C. Railroad Company — a private company owned by the state that operates the Morehead City-to-Charlotte train line — $105.6 million to upgrade the rail line, Gov. Roy Cooper's office said.

• The funding is being matched by a $34 million grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation, a $17.8 million investment from the N.C. Railroad Company and $13 million from Norfolk Southern.

Zoom in: The investments into the rail will focus on changes that allow trains to go faster and add more passenger service.

• This includes reconstructing up to 69 miles of rail and adding over five miles of sidings to allow for passenger trains and freight trains to share the line more efficiently, U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross said in a statement.
• Areas that will see improvements include Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Burlington and Greensboro.

What's next: Construction is expected to start next year.

Kristen Miranda, a longtime local TV host, has joined Blumenthal Arts as director of community impact and partnership.

Why it matters: Miranda became a household name in Charlotte during her nearly two decades with WBTV, the local CBS affiliate and our news partner.

What she's saying: "There are so many programs Blumenthal Arts provides that are truly changing lives, and I can't wait to share those things with all of you in our community and beyond," Miranda said in a statement.

🚎 Charlotte Area Transit System will offer free rides on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, to help get people to the polls.

🏈 The Panthers are trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Ravens. (WBTV)

🗳 For the first time, Charlotte has more registered unaffiliated voters than Democrats or Republicans. As of Oct. 26, the North Carolina State Board of Elections is reporting 334,039 registered unaffiliated voters, 331,701 registered Democrats and 162,090 registered Republicans. (Observer)

Two years after Charlotte native Shanquella Robinson died while on vacation, her mother is suing the six friends who were with her in Mexico. (WBTV)

📰 The editorial board of the Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer has endorsed Kamala Harris for president, writing that if Harris wins, "so will North Carolina." (Observer)

• The endorsement comes as other major publications around the country, from the Los Angeles Times to the Washington Post, are facing backlash for ending their endorsements.

💼 See who's looking for talented Charlotteans.

1. Grounds Maintenance at Charlotte Latin School.
2. Registered Nurse at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery.
3. Media Relations Specialist at UNC Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board. 

Hiring?Post a job.

The average cost of attending a four-year public institution in North Carolina is cheaper than just about anywhere else in the country, with the exception of Florida and Wyoming.

• Keep in mind this is for in-state students.

By the numbers: The average cost of in-state tuition and fees is $7,470 in North Carolina, per a recent College Board report. That's below the national average of $11,610.

Between the lines: North Carolina's average in-state tuition is now 16% lower, when adjusted for inflation, compared to the 2019-20 academic year.

📅 Find things to do on our Event Board.

• Mad Masquerade at Norfolk Hall, Suffolk Punch South End tomorrow: Join them on Halloween night in Norfolk Hall for an unforgettable evening of thrilling beats, electrifying drink specials, and costume contests that will keep you guessing.
• The Music of Queen at Belk Theater Fri & Sat: Celebrate one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Elevated by the full power of the Charlotte Symphony, vocalist MiG Ayesa channels Freddie Mercury's signature sound in Queen's greatest songs. $30. 
• 29th Annual Hopebuilders 5K at Truist Field Sat: Run, Walk, and Build HOPE for patients of Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital in Uptown Charlotte.
• Garden to Glass Mixology Class at Juneberry Ridge Sat: Savor a seasonal lunch, explore our greenhouse, and craft cocktails or mocktails featuring fresh autumn flavors like cranberries and pumpkin. This hands-on experience is perfect for all skill levels. $60.
• Birds & Brews: Fall for Raptors at Carolina Raptor Center Sat: Join the Carolina Raptor Center to sample beer, cider, seltzer, and wine from 14 Charlotte area vendors while getting nose-to-beak with avian ambassadors on the Raptor Trail. $75
• Holiday Artisan Market at Woodlawn Community Fellowship Sat: Join WCF for their annual Holiday Artisan Market featuring over 30 artists/crafters offering unique gifts, art, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, soap, vintage items, baked goods, and more.
• Breakthrough T1D Greater Charlotte Walk at U.S. National Whitewater Center Sat: By joining Breakthrough T1D Walk, you will help us create a movement to improve and change life with type 1 diabetes, advancing life-changing breakthroughs on the way to cures.
• Charlotte Metro Out of the Darkness Community Walk at UNC Charlotte - Jerry Richardson Stadium Concourse Sat: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention community walk is an event where those who have been affected by suicide can come together for fellowship, support, hope & healing.  
• PAW Patrol Live, "Heroes Unite" at Ovens Auditorium Sat & Sun: Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. It's up to the pups to catch those clones and rescue Robo Dog. $30-$130.
• Screen Printing 101 at Arts+ Uptown Studios Nov 7-Dec 19: Learn the step-by-step process of creating screen printed works on paper, textiles, and apparel from Eric Ndelo of MacFlyFresh in this 6-week group class for adults. $275.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing. 

The Red Wolf Recovery Program in Columbia, N.C., will soon welcome its first-ever breeding pair of red wolves.

Why it matters: Red wolves are an endangered species under the threat of extinction — there are only about 300 left, and the vast majority live in captivity.

• Eastern North Carolina is the only place in the world where red wolves roam wild due to a reintroduction plan by the government that started in 1987. Only an estimated 17-19 remain in the wild.

Zoom in: The hope with the breeding pair — a 2-year-old male and 5-year-old female — is that they'll mate and produce a litter, symbolizing "a critical step toward securing the future of red wolves," according to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, which called this a "historic moment."

Where to see red wolves

The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall is up at 2023 Greenway Ave. through Nov. 1.

• Each year includes a new word like "harmony" or "gratitude." This year's word is "thrive."

More fun fall things to do