Charlotte FBI Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing 11-Year-Old Girl

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte FBI Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing 11-Year-Old Girl

The Charlotte FBI and Cornelius Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 11-year-old girl.

Madalina was last seen wearing jeans, pink/purple/white adidas sneakers, a white t-shirt, and a jacket. She stands 4’10” tall, weighs about 90 lbs, and has brown eyes and brown hair.

Yesterday the Cornelius Police Department arrested the parents of Madalina for failing to report their child was missing.

If you have any information about Madalina Cojocari’s whereabouts, please contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or the North Mecklenburg Crimestoppers at 704-896-7867.

North Carolina Launching New State-Wide Music Friendly Communities Pilot Program

Sharon Anderson
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North Carolina Launching New State-Wide Music Friendly Communities Pilot Program

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) has just announced plans to partner with Hometown Strong and Sound Diplomacy to launch a brand new state-wide initiative – the North Carolina Music Friendly Communities program.

Three cities spread out across our state have been chosen to be part of the pilot program’s first year: Durham, Shelby, and Elizabeth City.

The goal of the program is to develop strategies that strengthen the music-based economies of these pilot cities and eventually designate each city as a North Carolina Music Friendly Community. Local committees will be formed in each city to help steer the program, take inventory of music-related assets, engage stakeholders, review policies, and identify ways to best support the local music industry. Sound Diplomacy, a consultancy firm and global expert in developing music strategies for cities, will provide guidance for each community’s work.

“Music is universal in North Carolina, regardless of where you live in the state,” said NC Hometown Strong director Mary Penny Kelley in a press release. “A vibrant music industry can support job creation, attract culturally diverse talent, and enhance tourism across the state. The Music Friendly Communities Program aims to help North Carolina communities leverage their music-related assets for continued economic expansion.”

The pilot program is building on the work of the Come Hear NC program, which was established in 2019 to celebrate, support, and sustain North Carolina’s contributions to American music. Over 40,000 North Carolinians are employed in the music industry and many more enjoy the art that it produces.

Hometown Strong is an initiative created by Governor Roy Cooper to support small towns and communities across the state. This initiative leverages state and local resources, identifies ongoing projects and community needs, and implements plans to boost the economy, improve infrastructure, and strengthen North Carolina’s rural hometowns.

What do you think about the new program?

Purchasing Power in Mecklenburg County Among Strongest in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
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Purchasing Power in Mecklenburg County Among Strongest in North Carolina

SmartAsset has released its 8th annual study on the Places With the Most Purchasing Power. The study measures the places where average living expenses are most affordable for people living there by measuring the cost of living relative to local income in each county.

According to the study, Mecklenburg County ranked among the places in North Carolina where purchasing power was highest. For a closer look at how the top performing economies in North Carolina compared, check out the table below:

Rank County, State Cost of Living Per Capita Income Purchasing Power – Index
1 Orange, NC $44,550 $67,089 33.96%
2 Chatham, NC $45,061 $66,766 32.95%
3 Mecklenburg, NC $44,540 $65,244 32.25%
4 Wake, NC $46,151 $65,450 30.31%
5 Dare, NC $43,180 $59,240 28.39%
6 Catawba, NC $36,713 $49,193 27.06%
7 Iredell, NC $41,948 $56,201 27.06%
8 Carteret, NC $39,830 $53,276 26.96%
9 Moore, NC $40,862 $54,514 26.82%
10 Guilford, NC $37,439 $49,856 26.72%

 

You can find the full study, methodology and interactive map here: [LINK]

Average North Carolina Driver Consumed Over 178k Calories While Commuting in 2022

Sharon Anderson
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Average North Carolina Driver Consumed Over 178k Calories While Commuting in 2022

The average North Carolina commuter consumed over 178k calories while driving in 2022, according to a new study by the Gunther Group. This is 685 calories alone per commute, or one third of the daily recommended intake. In fact, a study found that 85 million Americans admit to eating fast food every day.

Now that the world has been getting back to normal, more and more employees are returning to the office – and that means the return of the era of the long commute. But it’s all too easy to try and break up a long, boring journey with a distraction – such as food. A person’s likelihood of becoming obese increases by 6% for every hour spent commuting, as well as an increased risk of high blood pressure. Long commute times are linked to factors like insufficient physical activity, and poor sleep habits.

Broken down by state, the Gunther Group found that Nevadans consumed the most calories on their commute this year – a substantial 287k. On the other hand, those in Maine, with perhaps shorter distances to travel, consumed the least – just 65k in 2022. On a national scale, the average driver consumed  199,997 calories this past year.

The study also found the following:

While commuting, drivers say they normally consume chips (32%) – presumably they’re easy to access with one hand, while keeping the other on the steering wheel. This was followed by burgers (30%), fries (24%), burritos (6%), chocolate (4%), tacos (2%) and ice cream (2%).

75% of commuters say that the more time they spend on their commute, the less time they spend exercising when they get home. And despite the potential health detriments, 49% would opt for a higher paying job if it mean they had to commute more.

While there is not a law against eating or drinking in your car per se, it can certainly be a recipe for disaster. Taking your eyes off the road while grabbing the chips from your bag, or unwrapping a burger at the wheel does count as distracted driving. If a police officer believes that you are distracted at the wheel, then you can face penalties or fines. In fact, a recent study found that 18% of all crashes are caused by distracted driving.

Some foods or drinks may be trickier to consumer than others. Coffee for example could be a risky beverage while driving. You might think that the barista put the lid on properly, but if it slips while turning, you could end up with boiling hot coffee on your lap while at the wheel.

Another important factor to consider when eating and driving is that most people feel very sleepy after eating. This is because after a meal your body experiences a drop in blood sugar. After eating sweets or refined carbohydrates, you experience increased levels of insulin, but after a while your blood sugar crashes which results in lethargy, fatigue, cravings and brain fog. As a driver it is important to constantly remain alert and present when driving. Pronounced lethargy from eating could result in a lack of concentration and focus when driving which could result in fatal accidents.

‘Spending a lot of time in the car can clearly encourage unhealthy habits,’ says Joseph Gunther IV. ‘As more and more of us return to pre-pandemic levels of commuting, perhaps now would be a good time to re-set and change eating habits, so we feel healthier generally and more alert behind the wheel.’

*based on a survey of over 3,000 drivers in November 2022.

These 3 Carolina Cities are Among the Best Small College Towns in America

Steve
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These 3 Carolina Cities are Among the Best Small College Towns in America

The Carolinas are topping the charts when it comes to college towns, according to a new study by Preply.

Their study compared 200 college towns in America across the following three categories: wallet friendliness, social environment, and economic opportunity.

“Some people appreciate pleasant climates and awesome recreational opportunities. Others prefer the community culture or the nightlife,” said Amy Pritchett of Preply. “As we researched to discover the best small college towns in the United States, we considered factors most everyone considers essential. These include the cost of living, employment opportunities, and fun things to do.”

Here are America’s 20 best small college towns of 2022, according to Preply:

  1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

  2. St. Charles, Missouri

  3. Newark, Delaware

  4. La Crosse, Wisconsin

  5. Grand Forks, North Dakota

  6. Rochester, Minnesota

  7. Clemson, South Carolina

  8. West Lafayette, Indiana

  9. Asheville, North Carolina

  10. Auburn, Alabama

  11. Coral Gables, Florida

  12. Laramie, Wyoming

  13. Norman, Oklahoma

  14. Brookline, Massachusetts

  15. Ithaca, New York

  16. Oshkosh, Wisconsin

  17. Huntsville, Texas

  18. Wilmington, North Carolina

  19. Richmond, California

  20. Germantown, Maryland

To view more information about ‘America’s 10 Best Small College Towns’, visit: https://preply.com/en/blog/best-small-college-towns.

Top 5 Reasons To Be Thankful To Live in Charlotte

Steve
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Top 5 Reasons To Be Thankful To Live in Charlotte

I may be a little biased, but to me, the QC is the greatest city in the world.

We have the perfect climate, pro sports without big-city prices and traffic, a growing number of art galleries and museums, tons of concerts, parades, and festivals, amazing food, interesting people, and plenty of nature.

Here are the top 5 reasons to be thankful to live in Charlotte;

#1 Lake Norman

Lazy days spent with your favorite people, doing nothing more than floating around and enjoying the sunshine.

Whether you boated and tubed, or just hung up an Eno in a shady tree on the shore, nothing compares to a sunny day on Lake Norman;

#2 The Sports

In the past few years, the fan bases of the Panthers, Hornets, Charlotte FC, Knights, Checkers, and even Roller Girls have been growing like crazy. Our basketball team recently regained the Hornets name by popular demand, the Charlotte FC is rising fast in the ranks, and the new Knights stadium is now officially the nicest minor league baseball field in America – what’s not to love?

Charlotte not only has the fastest growing fan base – our fans are also some of the coolest people in the world;

#3 The City

When I was still living in New York, I stopped in Uptown Charlotte on random trip down south. After about 15 minutes of walking around the cleanest city streets I’d ever seen – I fell in love. When I moved here, I quickly discovered that half the people I met had similar experiences.

Start walking through the city streets, and you’re bound to stumble on some incredible coffee shops (Smelly Cat, Not Just Coffee, Mugs, etc), someone selling hand-crafted jewelry, or some local art. You’ll constantly be surrounded by welcoming people, fresh local music, and unbelievably good food.

#4 The Growth

Charlotte’s massive growth spurt over the last few decades has allowed for an unparalleled entrepreneurial environment. Our city has seen businesses start from nothing and grow into billion-dollar empires (Bank of America, Red Ventures, Duke Energy).

From construction companies, to tech start-ups, to restaurant franchises – our growth has truly become contagious;

#5 The Community

Charlotte has the perfect balance of Carolina natives and transplants from all over the world (although most still come from NY, Ohio, or Florida). This has caused the development of a truly welcoming spirit – most Charlotteans really do love their neighbors and are always open to meeting new people.

We also have one of the largest number of charities (per capita) of anywhere in America;

Please share if you love Charlotte;

How to Save for a Disneyland Family Vacation

Sharon Anderson
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How to Save for a Disneyland Family Vacation

Every Charlottean who ever had to plan a trip to Disneyland for the entire family knows it’s not something to take lightly. The tickets alone are not exactly cheap, but you also have to consider the trip from Charlotte to Anaheim, the accommodation, and several other expenses that come with this trip. 

And yet, this is one experience you don’t want to miss while the kids are still small and believe in the power of magic. So, even though a family trip to Disneyland is costly, there are ways to cut down the expenses and keep your budget in check.

To make things a bit easier for you, we put together a list of some of the most efficient methods to cut down costs.

Buy Tickets in Advance (for Everything)

The trip from Charlotte to Anaheim can be done via plane, train, bus, or car (if the kids are big enough to go on long rides), so start planning a few months in advance. You can book your train/plane tickets in advance, and if you go by car, you should start setting money aside for gas and the various stops you’ll make on the road. 

Once you know the date of your visit, you should buy your park tickets. First, make sure you buy from the official Disneyland site or authorized dealers (there are quite a few scams online that try to sell fake tickets at lower prices). Second, do your research and book the tickets based on how you want to spend your time there. Disney offers a wide range of passes and extras that let visitors skip lines, hop from one park to the other, and more. 

Lastly, don’t forget about food and accommodation. If your budget is tight, it’s best to stay off-property at one of the many hotels near Disneyland. The same is true about food – restaurants outside the park practice lower prices, and the food is more varied. 

Cut Costs By Looking For Discounted Tickets

Disneyland and its partners offer a series of discounts for specific groups of people, depending on their affiliation. For instance, if you’re an AAA member, you can get discounted tickets to Disneyland. However, there are a few hoops you must go through to get an actual discount, so make sure to check this guide to AAA Disneyland ticket discounts. 

Also, kids under the age of two don’t need a ticket (they enter the parks for free), and kids under the age of 10 qualify for child tickets. So, if you have a kid that’s about to turn three or one that’s about to turn 10, now is the best time to go to Disneyland before you have to pay full price. 

Avoid Peak Season Visits

Even if it’s something that sounds magical, it’s best to avoid visiting Disneyland for Christmas or New Year’s Day. You can find the same magical atmosphere in Charlotte, especially this year, when Charlotte was ranked as one of the top festive cities in America 

During major holidays and when the kids are on vacation, the parks get crowded, and the ticket prices go up. The same happens for accommodation and food prices since everyone tries to deal with the crowds by bringing in more staff. 

In short, if you and everyone else have a day off work, chances are most people will take advantage of this occasion and get the kids to the parks. 

Key Takeaway

The cost of a family vacation to Disneyland can be scary if you have to pay everything upfront. But, if you start planning a few months ahead and look for discounts, chances are you’ll be able to manage everything and have a good time without worrying you won’t have enough money to pay the bills when you get back home.

$75,000 Reward Now Offered For Information Surrounding Moore County Substation Attacks

Charlotte Stories
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$75,000 Reward Now Offered For Information Surrounding Moore County Substation Attacks

A $75,000 reward is now being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for this past Saturday night’s attack on 2 Moore County electrical substations.

NC Governor Cooper made the announcement yesterday, saying that the $75,000 reward is being offered in 3 parts by the State of NC, Duke Energy, and Moore County.

“An attack on our critical infrastructure will not be tolerated,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “I appreciate the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in finding the criminals who did this and I thank Moore County and Duke Energy for matching the state’s reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”

The FBI also issued the following wanted poster regarding the search for the attackers:

The shooting occurred around 7pm on Saturday night (12/3) around Southern Pines, NC (about an 1 1/2 hours east of Charlotte), knocking out the power to over 40,000 residents.

The timing and location of the attacks seem to surround a highly controversial “Drag Show” that was scheduled to take place at 7pm at the Sunrise Theater in Downtown Southern Pines, NC.

Here is the location of the Drag Show:

Here is the power outage map from Duke Energy:

Early this morning the Moore County Sheriff’s Department visited the home of Emily Moore, the director of ‘Moore County Citizens for Freedom’ group, who posted “The power is out in Moore County and I know why.”

Minutes later she also posted a picture of the lights out at the Sunrise Theater with the caption, “God will not be mocked”.

About 2 hours later, the police came to her home. She then posted the following message on Facebook:

“The Moore County Sheriff’s Office just checked in. I welcomed them to my home.

Sorry they wasted their time. I told them that God works in mysterious ways and is responsible for the outage. I used the opportunity to tell them about the immoral drag show and the blasphemies screamed by its supporters.

God is chastising Moore County. I thanked them for coming and wished them a good night. Thankful for the LEOs service, as always.”

Republican State Delegate Sarah Fields also initially posted seeming support of the attack, using the hashtags #ProtectChildren and #ImOKWithIt in reference to the attack (she soon removed the #ImOKWithIT hashtag after making the post):

Anyone having information concerning this case should contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 947-4444, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL FBI.

7 Ways an Online Loan Can Help You Start a Business

Sharon Anderson
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7 Ways an Online Loan Can Help You Start a Business

Owning a business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but like any endeavor, it takes a lot of financial planning and hard work. An online loan can be invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to take their ideas or current business to the next level. 

With this type of loan, you can benefit from flexible payment options and access to funds without having to wait for traditional financing. But how exactly can an online loan help you? Here are seven ways:

Fast Access to Funds

Traditional business loans take a lot of time and effort to get approved, meaning that if you need cash quickly, they may not be the best option. With an online loan, the application process is much simpler and faster, so you can get the money you need quickly and easily. You must find the right online loans that best fit your needs.

And knowing your options can help you find one more likely to approve your loan. If you’re unsure where to start, checking out online loans from creditninja.com can help you make an informed decision. You’ll get access to the funds you need quickly and easily.

Lower Interest Rates

Online lenders are typically able to offer lower interest rates than traditional banks, meaning you’ll have to pay less over time. It can be especially useful for small business owners who need money but don’t have the cash flow or credit history for more traditional loans.

Online lenders also offer more flexible repayment options, so you can adjust your payments to fit your budget. That makes it easier for business owners with unpredictable cash flows or still in their business’s early stages.

More Accessible for Small Businesses

Banks often require extensive paperwork when it comes to loan applications, and the process can be long and frustrating. With an online loan, you must provide basic information about your business and fill out a short application form. That makes it easier for business owners who don’t have the time or resources to go through a long bank loan application process.

You also don’t need perfect credit to get approved for an online loan, so it’s a great option for entrepreneurs with poor credit who may not be able to get financing from traditional banks. There’s no need to struggle to get a loan because you have bad credit or don’t meet other bank requirements.

Convenience and Flexibility

Online loans are incredibly convenient because they allow you to apply for a loan and receive funds without ever leaving your home. That makes it easy to manage your business finances, especially if you’re running a business from home. You can also easily access funds, so you don’t have to wait for a long approval process.

Plus, online loans offer flexible payment terms and repayment options, so you can customize your loan to fit your budget and cash flow. That makes it easier to manage your business finances without worrying about missing payments or getting behind on your loan.

No Collateral Required

Traditional loans typically require collateral, but you don’t need to put up any assets as security with an online loan. That makes it a great option for entrepreneurs who want a loan but don’t have any property or other assets they can use as collateral.

Online loans also don’t require a personal guarantee, so you won’t have to risk your assets if something goes wrong with the loan. That makes it a great option for business owners who want to access funds without risking their finances.

Flexible Payment Options

Unlike traditional loans, online loans typically offer flexible payment options, allowing you to repay the loan according to your income and budget. It means that you can make payments when it’s convenient for you instead of having a fixed repayment schedule that you may not be able to keep up.

That makes it a great option for business owners who need money now but don’t have the cash flow or credit history for more traditional loans. With an online loan, you can easily access funds and make payments when it works for you.

Secure Transactions

Online lenders take security seriously, so you can rest assured that your personal and financial information is safe. All transactions are encrypted, so there’s no risk of your data falling into the wrong hands. That makes it a great option for business owners who want to access funds without worrying about their safety or privacy.

You just have to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable online lender to ensure that your transactions are safe and secure. Once you find the right lender, you can look forward to a hassle-free loan experience that offers convenience, flexibility, and security.

Final Thoughts

Online loans are a great option for entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or resources to go through a traditional bank loan process. But you need to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable lender to get the best loan terms and rates. That way, you can access the funding you need to grow your business without sacrificing your financial security.

Charlotte Might Finally See A True White Christmas This Year

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Might Finally See A True White Christmas This Year

Weather forecasts for the Charlotte region are now predicting conditions that might finally give the Queen City a true white Christmas (snow on the ground when you look outside your window on Christmas morning).

According to Weather Underground, we could see up to a half-inch of snowfall on Thursday night, and since the highs on Friday and Saturday will both be below freezing, any snow we get should still be on the ground on Christmas morning. We could also see up to an inch of snow fall on Christmas night, starting at around 7pm.

The weather forecast site Ventusky shows up to a half-inch of snow cover blanketing most of the Charlotte region on Christmas morning:

Charlotte’s favorite meteorologist, Brad Panovich, also noted the possibility of “a favorable pattern for wintry weather somewhere in the Carolinas next Thu-Fri…” in a recent Facebook post:

Do you think we’ll be seeing a white Christmas this year?

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