From Gastonia to Charlotte to Concord, leaders are in talks about merging transit under one regional authority.

Why it matters: Charlotte has ambitious goals for an east-west light rail, northbound commuter rail and bus improvements. Advocates say those projects will spark significant economic investment and make strides in sustainability.

• But Charlotte leaders have come to terms, over the last year or so, that they won’t be able to get the state or federal buy-in they need for funding purposes unless they bring the entire region in on their plans.

What's happening: The Centralina Regional Council, a 55-year-old organization that supports local governments in the greater Charlotte area, has organized the Advancing the Plan Committee.

• The group — comprised of the Charlotte mayor, the city and Mecklenburg County manager, small town mayors and various other officials — has been meeting throughout 2023 to discuss establishing a regional transit authority.
• The authority would help push forward Connect Beyond, a 12-county mobility plan that builds on the city of Charlotte's aspirations.

4 takeaways from the committee's discussion

Netflix's messiest reality TV series "The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On" returns to the streaming service Aug. 23 with five new couples, and a few of them are Charlotteans.

Catch up quick: In "The Ultimatum," couples trade partners to see if the grass is greener on the other side.

Zoom in: You’ll want to watch the show just to spot some Charlotte hotspots. In the trailer, one of the couples is shown fighting outside of Hot Taco in South End.

• We spotted film crews outside of Billy Sunday in Optimist Hall last year.

What we know: At least two of the couples in this season are currently living in the Charlotte area. The rest represent the South in one way or another.

Meet the couples

💼 Take your career to the next level and see who’s hiring.

1. Paralegal at Mason Law PC.
2. Director of Youth Ministries at St Stephen UMC.
3. Engineering Project Manager at Town of Matthews.
4. Assistant Director of Children and Family Ministry at Christ Episcopal Church - Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🎤 Tim McGraw will stop at Spectrum Center on Friday, May 17, on his Standing Room Only tour with guest Carly Pearce. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday. (Axios)

🏀 The Charlotte Hornets preseason schedule is out, starting with a trip to to Miami on Oct. 10. (Axios)

🧥 Patagonia is opening a store in South End. (CBJ 🔒)

⚽️ Charlotte FC won again in the Leagues Cup Saturday, but will have to play its next-round game in Dallas instead of at home because of a scheduling conflict at Bank of America Stadium:

• The conflict? Preparations for an Aug. 9 concert performance from little-known, up-and-coming artist Beyoncé.

13 people were hurt Sunday afternoon in a crash on The Plaza, near Cove Creek Drive, involving a truck and a CATS bus. One person was treated for life-threatening injuries and two for serious injuries. (WBTV)

There are more than 20 things going on in Charlotte this week, including a tasting dinner and a music festival. Axios' Alexis Clinton has the full rundown, including:

🏁 Tonight, race against fellow gamers for prizes at Pinhouse's Mario Kart Tournament.

🎶 Tomorrow evening, test your knowledge of tunes for a chance to win a prize at Resident Culture Brewing's music bingo in South End.

🏈 Wednesday night, see the Panthers at Fan Fest at the stadium. Tickets are $12.

🎸 Starting Thursday, Camp North End kicks off a three-day youth music festival.

🎨 On the first Friday of August, take in the local art scene at South End's First Friday gallery crawl.

Full weekday planner

Ah, summer: Pool days, Lake Norman and — swimmer’s ear.

Here’s how the pros at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates recommend getting water out of your ear:

• Tilt your head and let gravity work its magic.
• Use OTC drops to break up moisture.

Read the full list of tips or make an appointment.

Fans of the Marvel universe will love this superhero exhibit at Discovery Place Science in Uptown.

🤳 What to expect: "Marvel: Universe of Superheroes" features more than 300 costumes, props and art from iconic movies like "Spider-Man," "Black Panther" and "The Avengers."

Details: Tickets are $44 and $39 for kids 2-13.

• 📍Discovery Place Science is at 301 N. Tryon St.
• The exhibit ends Sept. 4.

News you can use from our partners.

• July is over, but Taylor Richards & Conger summer sale isn’t (yet!). Save 75% on luxury menswear items like sneakers, sport shirts, shorts and accessories.
• 🍷 You don’t have to wait until Wednesday to wine down. All wines are 50% off at Midtown Tavern on Mondays. See the menu.
• Over the Edge Charlotte participants will rappel down 10 stories in Uptown this October to benefit the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation, which provides students with scholarships. Sign up or support a rappeller.

Elizabeth's food scene is continuing to flourish, with the newest spot from the team behind The Crunkleton.

A Mexican restaurant called Puerta will open in The Stanley's former spot on Friday, Aug. 11, Axios' Ashley Mahoney reports.

• It's the fourth restaurant from 1957 Hospitality Group, which recently opened Rosemont Market and Wine Bar in Elizabeth and Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor last summer.

Details: At Puerta, expect food inspired by the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico. Tequila will be the focal point of the drink menu.

📍 Address: 1961 E. 7th St.

⏰ Hours: Sunday through Tuesday from 5pm-12am and Wednesday through Saturday 5pm-2am.

Full story

N.C. Department of Labor inspectors said they found another "break or a crack" in Fury 325.

Context: Fury 325 has been closed for almost a month after a crack was found in a support beam, per our news partners at WBTV.

• A replacement support beam arrived at the park about two weeks ago and has since been installed.
• After that, Carowinds officials said in a statement that the ride would undergo at least 500 test runs before it reopened.

What they're saying: "These indications do not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the ride," a statement from Carowinds reads about the break or crack found this week.

What's next: Inspectors with the labor department said their investigation is ongoing and they don't have a timeline for when it will start operating again.