A new Charlotte dating app turns everyone into a matchmaker.

Why it matters: Many Charlotte singles say dating feels frustrating and Rivet co-founder Taru Kapoor and Rajat Sahni wanted to replace endless swiping with a more human approach to matchmaking.

The intrigue: Rivet uses what Kapoor calls "social matching," where people in your community weigh in on potential connections. The idea is that people can sometimes spot compatibility an algorithm can't.

• "For most of human history, people met because someone introduced them — a friend, a neighbor. There's something about that human instinct that technology can't replicate," said Kapoor.

Context: Rivet launched earlier this year and has already attracted thousands of users, according to Kapoor. The app is available on Apple and Google Play.

How it works: Users can sign up either as daters or matchmakers.

• Daters create profiles outlining their goals, preferences and dealbreakers. Rivet then turns that information into an introduction written more like a friend describing someone than a traditional dating profile.
• The app identifies potential matches based on mutual preferences, then asks matchmakers whether the two people would actually click.

Read about Rivet's upcoming events

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Director of Programs at TreesCharlotte

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

91-acre Ezell Park is now open in Mint Hill.

Context: When Mecklenburg County acquired the former farm site in 2001, the sale stipulated that the land must be used for either a park or a school.

• While the site has had a community garden for years, it lacked additional park features.

Details: The $8.5 million project focused on preserving its agrarian character. and preserved about 32 acres of woods and 2 ponds.

New amenities include:

• Nature-themed playground
• Sprayground
• Pickleball courts
• Restrooms
• Trails and multi-use paths
• Basketball court
• Multi-use field
• Parking
• Expanded community garden
• "Wings" (art by local artist Meredith Connelly)

Stop by: 4155 Mintwood Dr.

Keep reading

Private backyards and walkable neighborhoods are the theme in this week's hot homes. Case in point: This cozy Wilmore listing.

1726 S Mint St. — $879,000

Zoom in: 3 beds, 2 baths and 1,895 square feet

• Other notable features: Custom tile work, marble walk-in shower, living room with a fireplace, all-brick exterior, walkable to all of South End.

More hot homes to check out

We've made a list of over a dozen drag performances happening in Charlotte through the end of June.

Pro tip: Bring dollar bills to tip and a hand-held fan to hype up the queens.

🏳️‍🌈 Happening Saturdays: Drag Queen shows at Scorpio in South End. | 10pm and 12:30am | $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. | Details

🌈 Friday, June 12 & 19: Fierce Friday Drag Show by The Vanity House & LOC Productions at Bar Argon. | 10pm-2am | No cover

🌈 Saturday, June 13: Dracula Drag Brunch of Terrors at Midtown Tavern | 11am-2pm | $22+ | Details

🏳️‍🌈 Sunday, June 14: "Be Proud" Drag Brunch at The Kounter in Rock Hill. | 11am-2:30pm | $55+ | Details

🌈 Wednesday, June 18: A Pride Party Drag Show at Starlight on 22nd. | 7:30-11pm | $10 | Details

🏳️‍🌈 Saturday, June 20: EuroSummer Drag Brunch by The Vanity House at Catalú. | 12pm | $25+ | Details

Full guide

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Claypool Gold f. Primus, Frog Brigade, The Claypool Lennon Delirium at TD Amp Ballantyne Jun 16: For the first time in his career, Les Claypool is bringing together his three most notorious projects, of course led by the mighty and recently invigorated Primus.
• Juneteenth Art Fest presented by University City partners at The Boardwalk at University City Jun 19: Celebrate Juneteenth with a free day of local art, live music, dance performances, vendors, games, giveaways, and interactive painting activities for all ages to enjoy together!

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

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

🚊 A viral video taken on the light rail over the weekend appears to show a man holding a knife and threatening passengers. (WBTV)

🩺 Mecklenburg County health officials confirmed a rabid coyote in Huntersville after a person and a pet were exposed on June 6. Both are receiving treatment. (Meck County)

🤠 Merchant & Trade in Uptown is hosting a country-themed rooftop brunch ahead of Chris Stapleton's June 20 concert at Bank of America Stadium. (Merchant & Trade)

✏️ North Carolina Superintendent Mo Green is creating a Parent Advisory Council to give families a direct voice in education decision. (WFAE)

🍕 5% of every Zämbies' Great CAT-sby pizza sold will benefit Princeton's Meow, Mac Tabby Cat Café's rescue partner. (Instagram)

Construction has begun on North Carolina's first Buc-ee's travel center, a massive gas station and convenience store slated to open in Mebane in 2027.

Why it matters: The Texas gas station chain has built a devoted following since the 1980s, thanks to its beaver mascot merch, clean bathrooms and endless array of snacks.

Zoom in: The super-sized travel center is being built just west of the Triangle, off Exit 152 from interstates 40 and 85.

• It will open in November 2027, according to Buc-ee's CEO Arch Aplin III, who keeps mispronouncing it "mee-BAYNE." (It's "meh-bin.")

By the numbers: Plans call for 120 spots for cars to refuel and 20-plus electric vehicle charging spaces.

• The store itself will be 74,440 square feet. That's roughly twice the size of a typical U.S. grocery store (35,800 square feet, per Capital One).

Full story