North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles is placing kiosks in grocery stores this fall, Axios' Alex Sands writes. The move is one of many recent changes made in hopes of cutting wait times.

Why it matters: There's been a dash to the DMV office in recent years. By May 2025, Americans need a REAL ID — which you must obtain in person from the DMV — to board a plane. Plus, the state Supreme Court recently ruled that North Carolinians will need a photo ID to vote in the 2023 elections.

How it works: Like the lottery machines you see in your local grocery store, the self-service kiosks will be vertical devices with touchscreens, near the checkout.

• They'll be an alternative for those who can't or don't want to complete services online like printing license plate renewal stickers.
• The kiosks will have a fee, which hasn't been determined yet. The DMV charges $3 for at-home online services.

6 more changes the DMV is making

Canada's worst wildfire season on record is once again sending smoke into the U.S. and blanketing a haze over our region, leaving millions of people under air quality alerts from the West to the Northeast.

Driving the news: A Code Orange air quality alert was in effect for much of North Carolina yesterday, but North Carolina's Division of Air Quality forecasts a downgraded air quality alert to Code Yellow today, indicating our air will be moderately polluted.

Between the lines: That means people who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution should reduce activity levels or shorten the time they are active outdoors.

Why it matters: Breathing in high levels of smoke and other air pollution can increase a person's risk of developing lung and heart conditions, Axios' Jacob Knutson writes.

• It can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions and trigger asthma and heart attacks.

💼 Check out who’s hiring around the city.

1. Security Officer at Ballantyne at Northwood Office.
2. Ticketing Support Specials at Blumenthal Performing Arts.
3. National Partnerships Manager at Heart Math Tutoring.
4. Administrative Assistant & Office Manager at Woodlawn School.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Roughly 61% of homeowners with mortgages in North Carolina have a rate of 4% or lower, per Redfin data shared with Axios.

• That's locking homeowners in place and leaving buyers with few homes to choose from, Axios' Brianna Crane writes.

Why it matters: Mortgage holders are experiencing the "golden handcuffs" phenomenon: They might have a great rate now, but likely can't move without spending a lot more cash, says Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather.

By the numbers: Nearly 9% of homeowners in North Carolina have a rate of 6% or higher; another 10% have rates between 5%-6%; and nearly 20% have rates between 4%-5%.

What they're saying: A combination of increased home prices, high interest rates and low inventory has created affordability challenges for those looking to buy in Charlotte, real estate agent Jeff Clay recently told Axios' McKenzie Rankin.

Zoom out: It's not just a local issue. Nine in 10 U.S. homeowners secured mortgage rates below 6% as of late 2022, per the new Redfin report.

• Meanwhile, mortgage rates have swung between 6% and 7% nationally in recent months.

Yes, but: Buyers are also exploring adjustable-rate mortgages or buydowns in hopes of a lower monthly payment, Fairweather says.

Reality check: Lower rates could loosen up some supply, but not enough to meet demand, Fairweather says.

• New construction isn't keeping up, either. Fairweather predicts it'll take the U.S. a decade to repair its housing shortage.

🚌 Liberty Baptist Church in Charlotte has recovered its bus that was stolen on Saturday. (WBTV)

Newly unsealed search warrants in the case of Madalina Cojocari, the missing Cornelius girl, show that her mother, Diana, floated a theory that Madalina's stepfather, Christopher Palmiter, "gave the girl away for money." (WBTV)

💵 North Carolina lawmakers have called for pay increases for state employees amid high vacancies and higher turnover. (WBTV)

Tora, an Asian fusion restaurant, opened this week in Wesley Heights, where Rocket Pizza used to be, Axios' Alexis Clinton writes.

What to expect: The new restaurant is partially owned by one of the owners of Konnichiwa in Dilworth.

• Tora has more of a modern vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
• The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a blend of Indonesian, Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Of note: Tora is in its soft opening phase and will hold its grand opening event July 22.

Details: The eatery is located at 1213 W. Morehead St.

• It’s open Monday through Saturday 11am-3pm for lunch, and it'll reopen for dinner from 5-10pm. On Sunday it'll operate 12-3pm, then from 5-10pm.

Full story: New Asian fusion restaurant Tora Sushi & Bar opens in Wesley Heights

The Charlotte Knights play The Memphis Redbirds at home this week, and Truist Field is serving up a specialty hot dog to salute the visiting team.

• The "Rock and Roll Dog" is topped with bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and Memphis sweet sauce. Get it at the FRANX stand in section 114.

Tickets.

More than one year since we reported the news of the bakery's anticipated opening, signage is up at the new Sunflour Baking Company near NoDa.

Why it matters: Sunflour is a Charlotte staple, but it hasn’t launched a new spot since its Ballantyne and Harrisburg stores opened in 2017. This will be its fifth location.

• Owner Jack Parrish tells me he's aiming to open in August.

📆 Start planning your days ahead.

• Music at the Met every Thursday until October 5: Join Metropolitan on the patio every Thursday evening for good vibes and live music by local musicians. Enjoy food and drinks from surrounding restaurants. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Free.
• Decoding Homebuying: Real Talk on The Charlotte Real Estate Market at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts tomorrow: Join local Real Estate and Mortgage experts at Heist Brewery for an engaging and informative first-time homebuyer seminar. Designed with a relaxed Q&A style, this event aims to provide answers to your burning questions about the Charlotte real estate market, making your home-buying journey an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Leave with confidence in your personal home-buying journey goals and more. Food and drink provided. Free.
• FabFest-Charlotte’s Beatles Festival at multiple Locations Friday and Saturday: Come together for two nights and one day of unforgettable Beatles music and fun. From live music to memorabilia, Ringo's drummer to John Lennon's lawyer, Beatles yoga to a Beatles art contest, and more. FabFest is a multi-generational, one-of-a-kind experience. Free-$68.50.
• Fitcation 2023 at Matthews Sportsplex on Saturday: Sydney Cummings, a personal trainer on YouTube with 1.48M subscribers invites you to workout at Fitcation. Featuring health + wellness professionals, food trucks, a family fun zone, live DJ, and Ghost Lifestyle. Check link for more details. $30.
• Warehouse Sale and Sell Event at Stork Exchange on Saturday: Want to snag great baby products at an amazing discount? Looking to offload your gently used baby gear? Check out their warehouse sale and sell event on July 22. Visit their website for more details. Free admission.
• Be The Light Tour Mobile Career Fair at Headquarters Building | AvidXchange Music Factory on Saturday: The Tour’s mission is to empower and serve communities by providing direct access to job-readiness resources and career-building strategies. The Be The Light Tour is an indoor and outdoor event. Free.
• Full Moon Paddle at Mt. Holly Boat Landing July 30 - August 1: Join them for an enjoyable kayak trip at sunset beneath the rising moon. Beginners to experienced paddlers welcome. They will provide all equipment and brief instruction. This is a perfect date night or night out with friends. Enjoy a campfire with s'mores and beverages after. $55.

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Restaurant Constance is launching brunch pop-ups starting Sunday, July 30.

Why it matters: The restaurant, which offers seasonal farm-to-table dishes, is one of Charlotte's best eateries.

Details: The four-course menu features starters, salads, entrées and desserts. Coffee, mimosas and sparkling wine are included.

• Tickets are $90 per person (including gratuity), plus tax.
• There will be two sessions, one at 10am and another at noon, with 40 tickets available for each.
• Restaurant Constance is located at 2200 Thrift Rd.