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City of Charlotte Launching TRAVELSAFELY App Pilot Program in South End

Charlotte

Charlotte Stories

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December 13, 2022 · 8:35 am

Charlotte’s Department of Transportation (CDOT), CMPD, and Charlotte Center City Partners have joined forces to launch a new pilot program in South End using the TravelSafely Smart Phone App.

The goal of the new program is to use AI technology to tie in the movements of drivers, walkers, and bikers with streetlights, crosswalk indicators, and smartphone alerts.

The app will use the data of South End residents to give the following notifications:

Get ready for green – Notifies users when the light is about to turn green.
Red light warning – Warns users approaching a red light if they are approaching the intersection too fast.
Slow speed zone warning – Notifies users if they are traveling too fast in a slow speed zone.
Cyclist ahead warning – Warns motorists if a cyclist is using the app on the road ahead.
Pedestrian ahead warning – Notifies motorists of pedestrians using the app in the crosswalk ahead if it detects the motorist is not going to stop.

“We must work together to improve traffic safety and this app promotes connectivity to each other and to our surroundings,” Charlotte Council Member Victoria Watlington noted. “The app is another tool that will help us improve safety for all people using our roads and I encourage everyone to download the app and use it in the South End pilot project area.”

The app is part of the city’s Vision Zero safety initiative that seeks to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. All information shared on the app is anonymous and protected.

“We are excited to incorporate TravelSafely in Charlotte,” says Justin Carroll, deputy director of CDOT. “It will improve CDOT’s use of cutting-edge technology and connect those who download the app to a network of traffic intersections, pedestrian beacons, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

CDOT has partnered with Charlotte Center City Partners to ensure residents and visitors in the South End area know about the opportunity to participate in the pilot, which will allow staff to evaluate and compare before and after crash data. Collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) was also vital in the implementation of the pilot project and will continue to be instrumental in making Charlotte streets safer for all.

“The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department works hand-in-hand with our partners at CDOT to address transportation safety and we are excited about the potential of the TravelSafely app to make the roads and sidewalks of South End safer places to walk, run, bike and drive,” says CMPD Major Dave Johnson. “Leveraging technology is the future of traffic safety and piloting this app positions Charlotte at the cutting edge.”

South End residents should download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The City of Charlotte is asking residents to give feedback about the user experience and how beneficial the system is.

To learn more and provide feedback, visit PublicInput.com/travelsafelyclt or send an email to travelsafelyclt@PublicInput.com.

Why Tutoring Services in Charlotte Are More Important Than Ever

Business

Sharon Anderson

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December 13, 2022 · 12:34 am

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Why Tutoring Services in Charlotte Are More Important Than Ever

Has Your Child Fallen Behind Since The Pandemic?

Regarding success in the classroom, utilizing all the tools, you have available to give your child a competitive edge is helpful. Unsurprisingly, tutoring services have become an increasingly important part of the equation for many families, as it provides personalized attention that can help achieve tremendous academic success.

Does Tutoring Help Elementary Students?

Tutoring can be an effective way for elementary students to learn and grow. The benefits are many, including:

Tutoring can help students break through barriers to learning by providing personalized instruction and feedback tailored to their individual needs.
Tutoring can help students develop confidence in their abilities, identify areas of strength, and develop specific strategies for overcoming areas of difficulty. For example, a tutor could help a student who is struggling with math by breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable steps.
By providing support and guidance, a tutor can help the student gain insight into their struggles and develop strategies for success.
Tutoring can provide a safe environment where students can explore their academic interests, ask questions, and receive positive reinforcement.
Ultimately, tutoring can help elementary students grow to become confident, independent learners.

For parents and caregivers who struggle with their children when it’s time for homework or reviewing lessons, working with a patient and experienced tutor helps to reduce friction, making learning more natural and comfortable for your child. And less frustrating for parents and care providers, too. As you might imagine, tutoring is a “win-win” situation for everyone involved.

Is Charlotte Good For Education?

When seeking a place to call home, choosing somewhere with a solid reputation for elementary school education is critical for most parents and caregivers.

Those who choose Charlotte, North Carolina, will be glad to know the city is home to many excellent public elementary schools. In addition, several private schools provide excellent instruction and diverse educational experiences for students of elementary school age.

With a solid commitment to supporting the arts and sports, many schools have active music, sports, visual arts, and theater programs.

Activities such as field trips to The Discovery Place Science Museum enrich the learning experience. It’s an excellent way for kids to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. Other popular spots include the Charlotte Nature Museum and the Sea Life Aquarium. The US National Whitewater Center is also an excellent place for kids to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. With many options, Charlotte is a fantastic place for children to learn and grow.

The student-to-teacher ratio for elementary school children in Charlotte, North Carolina, is approximately 16.2 students for every teacher. This ratio is slightly higher than the national average of 15.9 students for every teacher in the United States. However, to ensure that all students receive the best possible education, the district works to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio by hiring additional teachers as necessary.

Regardless of your child’s age, working with a private tutor offers personalized support if your child struggles to keep pace in the classroom.

This article was brought to you by Swan Learning Center, a learning center in the heart of Cotswold that offers professional academic development services.

Sports Betting For Real Money: 7 Tips To Get Started

Gaming

Sharon Anderson

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December 13, 2022 · 12:09 am

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Sports Betting For Real Money: 7 Tips To Get Started

Do you like to take risks and test your luck? Do you have a knack for predicting sports results? If so, sports betting might be the perfect hobby or side gig for you.

Sports betting is a terrific way to get involved in the excitement of a game while also earning some respect by wagering. But to have any chance of winning, you need to understand that gambling is based on more than simply luck alone. Therefore, learning as much as possible about sports betting is important before placing any wagers.

In recent years, the sports betting market has changed so much that bookmakers now perform a thorough job setting the odds, especially when dealing with games affiliated with big-money leagues like the NBA, EPL, NFL, etc. But even with this being the case, there are still plenty of great opportunities to earn money on sports betting.

Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey as a sports bettor:

1. Shop At Different Sportsbooks

Shopping around at different sportsbooks can be important in ensuring you get the best bet deal. Different sportsbooks will offer different odds, so it is important to shop around and compare the lines from multiple bookmakers. This can help ensure that you get the best bet value.

For instance, the best real money casinos in Canada will have different odds for a particular game. As a result, you can easily maximize your winnings and make the best out of available opportunities. The best part is that most online bookies offer complimentary loyalty programs for regular customers who continue their patronage with them.

So check what’s on offer from multiple bookmakers and find one that best suits your need!

2. Have a Gambling Strategy

Having a plan and strategy in place can be essential to successful sports betting. Whether deciding how much money to wager or picking the ideal markets, having a plan of attack before you start placing bets is critical.

Studying past games and looking at the results to develop a strategy can also be helpful. Having an informed approach and understanding of the market is key to success in sports betting.

3. Avoid Drinking Too Much

When you’re placing real money bets, it is important to stay focused and disciplined. Drinking alcohol can impede your judgment and decision-making process, making it more difficult to analyze the betting markets accurately. It might be tempting to have a few drinks while gambling but try not to lose focus and stick with clear-headed decisions.

4. Focus on Beating Smaller Markets

When you’re just starting, it’s best to focus on smaller markets. This means picking fewer mainstream sports and games with more obscure betting options like halftime scores. These might be the better value bets, as the bookmakers may need more information and data to set their lines accurately.

5. Understand The Basic Terminology

The sports betting markets can be full of jargon and complicated terminology. It is important to understand what these words mean before you start placing bets. Otherwise, you may end up making some costly mistakes. Familiarizing yourself with the different gambling options and bet formats will ensure that your betting efforts are successful in the long run!

For example, you should understand the difference between a Moneyline bet and a point spread. Moneyline bets rely more on picking the winner of the game and are typically used in individual games like football, whereas point spreads are used when one team is expected to win by a certain number of points.

6. Specializing In One Sports

Bet only on one sport at first if you’re just getting started. The reason? You will only overextend yourself by betting on multiple sports simultaneously. You can gain an advantage in betting if you try to learn about and wager on only some games.

It’s more than a chore to keep up with a couple of sports happenings, let alone all the leagues and teams. So just stick with one sport until you get the hang of it. Once you feel comfortable with your knowledge, you can also move on to betting on other sports.

7. Place Your Bets Early In The Week

Sports betting can be a tricky business. The lines open up early and move quickly depending on what happens in the game, so getting your bets in as soon as possible is important. It would be best if you placed your bets before the week begins so that you have more time to research and study the odds before the game starts.

This will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success. Also, if you wait until the last minute to place your bets, the lines may have already moved significantly, and you’ll miss out on any value that might have been available earlier in the week.

Conclusion

Sports betting for real money can be a great way to make some extra cash and have fun at the same time. However, it is important to remember that gambling should always be done responsibly, so following these tips will help you get started in the right way. Good luck!

Interim Head Coach Steve Wilks Leads Panthers To Their 5th Win of The Season (His 4th Win)

Charlotte Stories

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December 12, 2022 · 1:09 pm

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Interim Head Coach Steve Wilks Leads Panthers To Their 5th Win of The Season (His 4th Win)

The Panthers just won yet another game under the leadership of interim coach Steve Wilks.

The team traveled to Seattle yesterday to take on the Seahawks and eked out a narrow 30-24 victory.

😀 pic.twitter.com/L4PBwRemE2

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 12, 2022

The Panthers are now 5-8 with 4 of those wins coming under Wilks. Yesterday was our 2nd 200+ rushing game of the season and the first time we had 4 rushers run for over 30 yards since 2018.

Our defense really stepped up, holding the Seahawks to just 46 rushing yards and racking up 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Got it done 💪 pic.twitter.com/1D18alZ7KF

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 12, 2022

What did you think about yesterday’s game?

Do you think we should make Wilkes our permanent head coach?

Charlotte-Area Walmarts and Convenient Stores Fined Over $30k For Excessive Price-Scanner Overcharges

Charlotte

Charlotte Stories

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December 12, 2022 · 12:05 pm

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Charlotte-Area Walmarts and Convenient Stores Fined Over $30k For Excessive Price-Scanner Overcharges

Several Charlotte-Area Walmart and convenient stores have been fined over $30,000 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Standards Division Measurement Section (NCDA&CSSDMS).

“Our Standards Division continues to see a significant increase in stores with price scanner errors, as many stores continue to deal with staffing shortages. Overcharges cost consumers so we remain vigilant in inspecting stores in order to protect consumers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “During the holidays especially every penny counts, and we want consumers to pay attention during check out. Over the last year we have seen about 26 percent of price scanner inspections fail. It is always a good practice for consumers to check their receipts as well as the price on the shelf to make sure that they are paying the correct amount and alert managers if they are not correct.”

According to a press release from the NCDA&CSSDMS, the following Mecklenburg County stores were fined in the latest report:

Dollar General at 7322 The Plaza, Charlotte paid $4,130 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 3.33 percent based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four previous inspections. The store passed inspection in November.
Dollar General at 6201 South Boulevard, Charlotte has paid $1,790 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in October.
Circle K at 3424 Matthews Mint Hill, Matthews has paid $1,665 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 4 percent based on six overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store also failed a reinspection in November with an 8 percent error rate based on eight overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store was assessed a $1,490 fine and will be reinspected.
Family Dollar at 7921 Old Statesville Road, Charlotte paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 15.67 percent based on 47 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for two previous inspections. The store will be reinspected.
Sam’s Mart at 10343 Cane Creek Drive, Huntersville paid $930 in fines. An inspection in March found an error rate of 11 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store passed inspection in May.
Walmart Supercenter at 7735 North Tryon St., Charlotte paid $4,780 in fines. An inspection in March showed an error rate of 7 percent based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for two other inspections since November of 2021. The store passed inspection in June.
Walmart Supercenter at 11145 Bryon Town Center, Huntersville paid $3,455 in fines. An inspection in May showed an error rate of 4.67 percent based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for an inspection in March. The store passed inspection in July.
Walmart Supercenter at 9820 Callabridge Ct., Charlotte paid $3,870 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 5.33 percent based on 16 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
Walmart Supercenter at 8180 South Tryon St., Charlotte paid $3,615 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 4.33 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.

Charlotte Ranked Among 2023’s Top Festive Cities in America

Charlotte

Charlotte Stories

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December 12, 2022 · 11:20 am

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Charlotte Ranked Among 2023’s Top Festive Cities in America

Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is glistening, while Mariah Carey serenades shoppers at every department store — it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Which of the 200 biggest U.S. cities most resemble a scene out of a Hallmark movie?

LawnStarter made a list of 2023’s Most Festive Cities and checked it twice. They looked for cities with bags of fun, like holiday festivals and European-style Christmas markets serving delicious goodies.

Of course, no winter wonderland is complete without snow, so we also measured the average snowfall in each city to find the most Instagram-worthy backdrops.

Charlotte ranked as the 9th most festive city in America and the only southern city in the top 10.

2023’s Most Festive Cities in America:


1	New York, NY	82.99	8	1	1	1	1
2	Las Vegas, NV	50.66	131	2	4	4	2
3	Los Angeles, CA	49.96	68	3	2	3	20
4	Chicago, IL	49.18	9	4	8	2	8
5	Denver, CO	39.87	22	5	16	18	7
6	Houston, TX	37.25	126	33	3	8	9
7	San Antonio, TX	35.66	173	9	5	10	14
8	San Diego, CA	33.88	87	13	6	7	16
9	Charlotte, NC	33.53	188	7	14	39	6
10	Philadelphia, PA	32.69	23	6	33	6	44
11	Seattle, WA	31.96	41	8	28	9	23
12	Portland, OR	30.04	59	28	31	13	4
13	Colorado Springs, CO	29.92	79	14	24	61	10
14	Boston, MA	28.86	5	16	143	12	28
15	Austin, TX	28.81	147	19	10	17	25
16	San Francisco, CA	27.85	38	21	34	5	33
17	Albuquerque, NM	27.78	105	18	41	37	5
18	Raleigh, NC	27.65	151	10	35	45	12
19	Honolulu, HI	27.34	71	32	86	20	3
20	Dallas, TX	26.82	121	35	7	16	27
21	Columbus, OH	25.85	65	22	39	23	18
22	Orlando, FL	25.40	155	45	17	11	11
23	Phoenix, AZ	25.39	154	29	9	28	35
24	Washington, DC	25.15	33	11	50	27	53
25	Omaha, NE	24.87	52	61	20	50	13
26	Atlanta, GA	24.21	112	39	12	19	26
27	St. Paul, MN	23.98	19	12	127	59	52
28	Pittsburgh, PA	23.95	18	37	68	22	32
29	Buffalo, NY	23.87	2	40	100	36	74
30	Minneapolis, MN	23.72	10	58	139	31	15
31	Miami, FL	23.49	53	77	13	15	38
32	Louisville, KY	23.34	108	26	18	35	34
33	Jacksonville, FL	22.93	198	20	26	48	19
34	Detroit, MI	22.78	29	15	94	64	61
35	Tampa, FL	22.54	96	89	11	29	17
36	Baltimore, MD	22.50	42	36	74	21	24
37	Cincinnati, OH	21.69	57	44	37	25	36
38	Nashville, TN	21.23	165	23	47	26	22
39	Indianapolis, IN	20.26	83	24	21	40	75
40	Grand Rapids, MI	20.02	4	41	60	79	119
41	Syracuse, NY	19.85	1	93	174	68	97
42	Sacramento, CA	19.73	114	63	19	30	42
43	Rochester, NY	19.66	3	98	120	41	71
44	New Orleans, LA	19.56	88	25	104	14	46
45	Virginia Beach, VA	19.47	115	17	61	63	55
46	St. Louis, MO	19.45	44	27	43	24	93
47	Oklahoma City, OK	19.15	141	56	27	44	31
48	Salt Lake City, UT	18.97	13	92	73	47	47
49	Tucson, AZ	18.79	139	49	25	38	45
50	Reno, NV	17.33	76	66	88	67	29
51	Kansas City, MO	17.30	90	65	30	53	49
52	San Jose, CA	17.22	99	104	15	32	59
53	Worcester, MA	16.94	6	54	183	103	104
54	Providence, RI	16.59	11	80	186	58	66
55	Scottsdale, AZ	16.42	180	55	22	51	64
56	Richmond, VA	16.22	74	34	92	77	69
57	Anchorage, AK	16.10	27	30	154	82	115
58	Memphis, TN	16.08	164	68	80	43	21
59	Boise, ID	15.95	73	82	78	78	40
60	Savannah, GA	15.88	123	64	124	56	30
61	Mesa, AZ	15.74	150	67	29	74	50
62	Fort Collins, CO	15.68	49	59	111	109	67
63	El Paso, TX	15.66	101	128	32	42	39
64	Charleston, SC	15.43	144	62	106	69	37
65	Tulsa, OK	15.31	122	57	44	46	60
66	Cleveland, OH	15.16	12	91	91	34	117
67	Milwaukee, WI	15.12	15	74	145	33	109
68	Arlington, TX	15.01	149	47	52	90	56
69	Akron, OH	15.01	31	75	167	89	68
70	Aurora, CO	14.68	45	84	53	83	78
71	Tacoma, WA	14.53	75	60	163	76	57
72	Madison, WI	14.40	28	52	126	95	127
73	Greensboro, NC	14.10	168	31	66	86	77
73	Lincoln, NE	14.10	64	86	72	108	63
75	Fresno, CA	13.89	124	48	36	70	106
76	Des Moines, IA	13.84	50	76	170	100	65
77	Sioux Falls, SD	13.74	55	50	129	131	100
78	Baton Rouge, LA	13.66	167	70	59	87	48
79	Toledo, OH	13.53	39	51	123	84	139
80	Fort Worth, TX	13.13	162	148	23	49	54
81	Huntington Beach, CA	13.12	82	71	38	134	96
82	Plano, TX	12.75	117	69	48	111	76
83	Anaheim, CA	12.70	85	53	65	73	114
84	Lexington, KY	12.68	95	88	51	72	72
85	Little Rock, AR	12.67	172	43	79	96	84
86	Salem, OR	12.34	107	129	89	107	41
87	Huntsville, AL	12.32	195	72	49	118	51
88	Long Beach, CA	12.05	58	119	45	52	103
89	Alexandria, VA	11.81	40	106	153	116	94
90	Spokane, WA	11.80	26	124	102	55	123
91	Rockford, IL	11.43	51	85	188	153	95
92	Dayton, OH	11.32	62	157	141	75	58
93	Tempe, AZ	11.10	97	42	148	81	152
94	Aurora, IL	11.04	36	120	173	105	102
95	Jersey City, NJ	10.93	7	154	192	102	165
96	Fort Lauderdale, FL	10.71	91	83	58	54	121
97	Orange, CA	10.63	32	181	42	155	135
98	Winston-Salem, NC	10.38	127	86	124	88	79
99	Newark, NJ	10.36	14	145	185	136	155
100	Wichita, KS	10.23	110	103	46	71	107
101	Shreveport, LA	10.09	187	46	69	168	130
102	Torrance, CA	9.92	67	172	83	129	80
103	Eugene, OR	9.87	102	90	177	106	88
104	Jackson, MS	9.73	103	171	194	145	43
105	Henderson, NV	9.69	171	105	56	99	86
106	Bakersfield, CA	9.49	178	81	55	66	113
107	Fort Wayne, IN	9.48	69	107	121	149	125
108	Joliet, IL	9.48	47	156	147	112	105
109	Riverside, CA	9.47	142	79	67	80	128
110	Springfield, MA	9.45	20	135	197	169	185
111	Naperville, IL	9.30	34	149	105	141	183
112	St. Petersburg, FL	9.27	138	125	90	62	83
113	Killeen, TX	9.24	48	168	142	192	98
114	Irvine, CA	9.23	111	97	96	91	108
115	Overland Park, KS	9.20	80	140	98	133	90
116	Yonkers, NY	9.20	17	169	199	139	167
117	Norfolk, VA	9.18	89	108	180	177	87
118	Lakewood, CO	9.16	46	117	165	114	161
119	Lubbock, TX	9.08	120	113	40	110	137
120	Oakland, CA	9.05	60	136	171	60	110
121	Bridgeport, CT	9.01	21	146	178	161	189
122	Knoxville, TN	8.98	156	100	63	57	111
123	Grand Prairie, TX	8.89	163	38	193	190	192
124	Pasadena, CA	8.82	66	143	70	101	141
125	Hialeah, FL	8.74	63	196	113	180	92
126	Stockton, CA	8.68	140	94	77	154	118
127	Thornton, CO	8.66	24	134	195	200	199
128	Paterson, NJ	8.45	16	195	198	175	193
129	Birmingham, AL	8.42	184	147	71	65	73
130	Tallahassee, FL	8.40	192	73	76	85	129
131	Irving, TX	8.39	113	99	81	159	146
132	Fullerton, CA	8.28	25	186	161	179	173
133	McKinney, TX	8.27	157	78	64	170	180
134	Fremont, CA	8.20	104	112	93	186	120
135	Mobile, AL	8.06	183	116	122	125	81
136	Springfield, MO	7.90	93	137	75	123	124
137	West Valley City, UT	7.89	35	150	191	197	195
138	Salinas, CA	7.86	43	190	133	135	151
139	Pomona, CA	7.85	37	173	138	164	190
140	Warren, MI	7.82	30	193	158	143	197
141	Augusta, GA	7.73	72	152	115	137	133
142	Santa Ana, CA	7.70	70	177	83	104	136
143	Santa Rosa, CA	7.63	106	110	144	126	134
144	Amarillo, TX	7.51	56	162	155	150	147
145	Glendale, CA	7.50	54	179	109	146	150
146	North Las Vegas, NV	7.48	61	131	166	165	188
147	Garland, TX	7.48	135	95	97	174	175
148	Oxnard, CA	7.20	81	123	160	115	157
149	Vancouver, WA	7.19	116	163	57	122	122
150	Chattanooga, TN	7.11	186	139	131	94	82
151	Chandler, AZ	7.04	158	109	110	93	148
152	Corpus Christi, TX	6.91	159	122	117	113	112
153	Durham, NC	6.90	174	96	156	127	126
154	Bellevue, WA	6.90	92	130	168	132	131
155	Chesapeake, VA	6.87	182	155	103	183	85
156	Clarksville, TN	6.81	190	182	128	187	62
157	Newport News, VA	6.52	129	101	184	188	149
158	Montgomery, AL	6.48	196	111	176	172	99
159	Escondido, CA	6.45	119	164	62	148	160
160	Roseville, CA	6.40	145	141	112	147	116
161	Columbus, GA	6.36	200	121	164	163	89
162	Ontario, CA	6.35	109	127	150	120	174
163	Modesto, CA	6.23	118	161	95	117	140
164	Hayward, CA	6.21	86	191	82	173	153
165	Santa Clarita, CA	6.15	125	159	54	119	196
165	Chula Vista, CA	6.15	98	178	108	92	132
167	Peoria, AZ	6.10	176	102	114	191	184
168	Fontana, CA	5.94	137	133	87	199	186
169	Surprise, AZ	5.91	193	176	179	195	70
170	Garden Grove, CA	5.85	77	197	149	130	172
171	Pembroke Pines, FL	5.82	160	118	137	155	168
172	Fayetteville, NC	5.77	194	115	118	124	138
173	Murfreesboro, TN	5.70	175	170	169	196	91
174	Carrollton, TX	5.68	132	132	136	167	178
175	Macon, GA	5.66	189	151	134	181	101
176	Kansas City, KS	5.63	100	138	151	184	194
177	Elk Grove, CA	5.59	169	126	99	185	182
178	Glendale, AZ	5.58	153	153	116	98	145
179	Denton, TX	5.46	152	114	189	176	169
180	Laredo, TX	5.17	143	165	101	157	166
181	Hollywood, FL	5.16	94	175	187	97	156
182	Frisco, TX	5.06	166	142	107	152	180
183	Sunnyvale, CA	5.02	78	187	196	182	177
184	McAllen, TX	4.94	128	160	172	166	144
185	Corona, CA	4.80	148	185	85	162	171
186	San Bernardino, CA	4.72	136	174	162	138	142
187	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	4.60	134	187	130	158	159
188	Oceanside, CA	4.55	146	167	146	142	176
189	Olathe, KS	4.51	84	194	181	198	191
190	Waco, TX	4.42	179	158	140	144	162
191	Pasadena, TX	4.32	130	198	135	178	170
192	Brownsville, TX	4.12	161	183	152	140	143
193	Hampton, VA	3.94	133	183	182	194	158
194	Mesquite, TX	3.86	170	166	190	151	154
195	Cape Coral, FL	3.79	197	144	159	121	163
196	Moreno Valley, CA	3.36	181	200	132	160	187
197	Lancaster, CA	3.35	185	180	157	128	163
198	Palmdale, CA	3.25	191	192	119	189	179
199	Miramar, FL	2.21	177	199	200	193	200
200	Port St. Lucie, FL	2.03	199	189	175	171	198

Charlotte’s Brightspeed Closes on $7.5 Billion Deal To Become One of America’s Top ILECs

Charlotte

Charlotte Stories

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December 12, 2022 · 7:16 am

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Charlotte’s Brightspeed Closes on $7.5 Billion Deal To Become One of America’s Top ILECs

This past March, we announced that telecom giant Brightspeed was building their new headquarters right here in Charlotte.

The company has now closed on a $7.5 billion deal to acquire the network assets of Lumen Technologies across 20 states, positioning Brightspeed to become one of the largest incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC) in the nation.

They also recently commenced the construction of its state-of-the-art $2 billion fiber optics network, consisting of 1 million new fiber passings across 17 states. When completed, the new network will bring high-speed internet to more than 3 million homes and businesses.

“After more than a year of preparation, we are thrilled to officially begin serving customers as Brightspeed, and to start work to accelerate reliable connectivity for existing and new customers across our footprint,” said CEO Bob Mudge in a press release. “We believe internet equals opportunity for households and businesses alike and are committed to making an impact on the rural-urban digital divide. We are fortunate to have an exceptional strategic partner in Apollo, whose significant investment speaks volumes about the potential of our service area and what fiber technology can do to further the growth and competitiveness of our communities.”

For more information about Brightspeed’s vision and career opportunities, please visit the company’s website, www.brightspeed.com.

What Are The Best Types of Bonuses?

Gaming

Sharon Anderson

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December 12, 2022 · 12:46 am

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Playing at online casinos has become extremely popular in recent years, thanks in large part to the epidemic that drove people to play online games. Every day, hundreds of people register at a brand-new casino. These brands offer real money online casino bonuses in order to attract new players.

A casino bonus is free money offered to players by a casino. There are various types of bonuses available at online casinos. Each offer has distinct requirements set by the casino, therefore it is important to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions before accepting an online casino bonus. In this post, we will look at some common casino bonuses that are available to various types of players.

Bonuses for New Players

New players to a casino primarily take advantage of welcome bonuses. The type and value of these bonuses might vary greatly between brands.

Welcome bonuses are designed to encourage new players to join up and provide them with the opportunity to try out the casino’s games. The majority of welcome bonuses are match bonuses, which means that the casino will double or sometimes triple your initial deposit up to a certain amount.

Certain sign-up bonuses don’t require a deposit and offer free spins or cash rewards. These are referred to as no-deposit bonuses. For no-deposit bonuses, the player only needs to create an account at the casino to receive the no deposit bonus.

These bonuses offer fantastic opportunities for new players, but they also have a few restrictions. The typical cap on this bonus will range from $100 to $150. Additionally, you have limited time to use the bonus before it expires.

In addition, several online casinos provide referral bonuses. Referral bonuses are offered to players who get another member to register at a gambling website and deposit their money.

Bonuses for Returning Players

A returning player is someone who has previously wagered at a casino and has returned to play some more. Reload bonuses are typically offered by casinos to encourage returning players to deposit more money into their accounts and play the games again.

Returning players benefit from reload benefits. For example, if a returning player deposits $80, the casino may match it with a 50% deposit bonus, allowing them to play with a total of $120. As a result, players still get good value for their money and a little more gameplay.

Bonuses for Loyal Players

Loyal players regularly play at the casino. These players receive some form of incentive on the majority of their deposits, as well as token bonuses on their birthdays or possibly for Christmas. Most casinos offer some form of Loyalty program that is usually point-based based on their monthly deposits and wagers.

Bonuses for High Rollers

High rollers are frequent casino visitors who are recognized for making huge deposits and wagers. As you can assume, these VIP players are showered with attention at the casino. These players are given High-roller bonuses, which are significantly larger than standard bonuses and reflect their casino activity. Being an online casino VIP usually entitles you to extra perks such as free slot tournaments, regular cash back, and free spins. In addition to being a VIP, each VIP usually has a dedicated casino manager as well as a dedicated VIP support staff.

Bonuses for Casual Players

Casual gamblers are not frequent players at online casinos. They appreciate having fun and unwinding while playing enjoyable games. Their ultimate goal is not the big win but just to have a little fun. These players are thrilled to take any free bonuses that the casino is offering. In addition, they tend to play at several casino brands.

Final Thoughts

So there are several types of casino player, ranging from beginner to experienced. Because each bonus is unique, it is important to fully understand the terms and conditions before accepting any offer. Whichever promotion you choose, it will certainly boost the amount of gameplay available at an online casino. Playing casino games is enjoyable, and you might also get lucky and win some money along the way. It is essential to pick a reputable casino site and gamble responsibly. Have fun!

God of War: Ragnarok – Everything You Need to Know

Gaming

Sharon Anderson

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December 12, 2022 · 12:39 am

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God of War: Ragnarok – Everything You Need to Know

Today, most trending games have a free version and a premium version. The premium version of the game contains the entire quest till the last level. Paying for these games is hassle-free as the payment getaways are now more secure than ever. You can also buy Shiba and pay for the game. Yes! You heard it right; games can now be purchased using cryptocurrencies. However, there are many free games available for PlayStations.

Speaking of free games, are you looking for guides for God of War: Ragnarok? You are in the right place at the right time. Kratos and Atreus find themselves in a harsher and more challenging version of the nine kingdoms featured in the 2018 soft reboot of God of War: Ragnarok. The game is, as was to be expected, enormous in terms of both its size and its scope, and it will take any player a significant amount of time to experience everything the game has to offer.

Because of this, the game may be intimidating and challenging at times, but overcoming its challenges is not a predetermined necessity. God of War: Ragnarok, the follow-up to the popular action RPG God of War 2018, came out earlier for the Sony PlayStation 5. The story of the main character Kratos and his son Atreus continues in the Norse mythology world sometime after the first game. Here’s what we know about the game so far. When God of War Ragnarok was made, many people thought it would only be for the PlayStation 5. But during a Q&A with Hermen Hulst, the head of PlayStation Studios, it was confirmed that the game would also be available on older consoles.

Sony hasn’t made any statement on the differences between the two versions yet. Still, the God of War Ragnarok website suggests that those with the digital or disc version for PlayStation 4 will be able to pay more to get the digital version for PlayStation 5.

The story of God of Wars: Ragnarok and the pre order benefits

The story follows Kratos as he attempts to avenge Freya’s death. The story’s events take place many years after Kratos travels to Jotunheim and murders Freya’s son Baldur. The reveal trailer gave us a peek at Thor visiting Kratos’ house during this time. Atreus is now well into his teenage years, and he and Freya, together with Thor and Mimir, are facing out against new and more formidable foes. Mimir is on their side in this conflict.

Additionally, Sony has implemented the game’s missing three worlds, which are referred to as Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, and Asgard. The promotional video presents a brand new character, Angrboda, who also happens to be a giant creature. At the end of the promotional video, we also see a glimpse of Odin’s son and Thor’s half-brother, Tyr, who is still alive but is held captive by Odin. Kratos will still have access to his Blade of Chaos, but the teaser for God of War Ragnarok reveals that he will also have access to aerial combat, including the ability to jump and grip objects.

Even though there are many editions to pick from, the most expensive Collector and Jotnar editions have already been depleted in most retail locations. You will receive two in-game cosmetics if you pre-order the Atreus Risen Snow Tunic and the Kratos Risen Snow Tunic. This is regardless of the version you choose to purchase. If you pre-order the standard edition, you will receive the core game and the cosmetic things described thus far. Additionally, individuals who purchase the PlayStation 4 bundle will have the option to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 bundle later.

Those interested in purchasing the digital deluxe edition of God of War: Ragnarok will be eligible for additional bonuses, which will become available at various points throughout the storyline. The PS4 theme is an Avatar set, the digital soundtrack for God of War: Ragnarok, and a digital mini-art book from Dark Horse. It grants access to the Darkdale armor for Kratos and Atreus. Also, the Darkdale blade handles for the Blade of Chaos and the Darkdale axe group for the Leviathan axe.

The God of War Ragnarok Collector edition includes everything in the Digital Deluxe edition, plus a 16-inch replica of Mjolnir Hammer, 2-inch carvings of the Vanir Twins, a Dwarven dice set, and a steel bookcase.

People who want the God of War: Ragnarok Jotnar edition will get everything in the Digital Deluxe edition and Collector edition, plus some exclusive items like a 7-inch vinyl with two tracks, a legendary Draupnir ring in a red cloth bag, Brok’s dice set, a Yggdrasil cloth map, and the Falcon, Bear, and Wolf pin set.

Main quests of Ragnarok

Kratos is strong, but he is not invincible. Now that those two significant steps are done, it’s time to get more specific. Check out our God of War Ragnarok tips to learn more about the game’s first few minutes. Use these tips to stay one step ahead of Odin as you march to war—or, ideally, stop it.

The crafting menus in Ragnarok are more extensive, and there are many more crafting items than before. It can be hard to keep track of all the different resources you need to find, so we’ve put together a Ragnarok crafting guide with lots of tips to help you on your long, arduous journey.

During that exploration, you will find many kinds of chests, including rune chests that you can only open by solving a puzzle in the environment. The same types of puzzles from the first game are back, like finding and hitting bells quickly, spinning gears to make the proper runes appear, or just breaking runes that match those around you.

If you come across one of these chests, it should be easy to figure out at least the first part of how to open it. This will tell you what kind of puzzle you need to solve to open it, but some puzzles early on can only be solved later. If they can be solved, wait to leave the area until you’ve solved them and taken what’s inside. You will have to be smart about searching the site, but the answer to a chest is always near the chest itself.

What beginners need to know

You may be afraid to invest in early-game Hacksilver and crafting supplies. God of War Ragnarok includes multiple armors and accessories to enhance Kratos and Atreus. Once you reach your first open HUB location, you’ll have enough resources to upgrade anything you like. God of War Ragnarok is complex; even on average, thus hoarding money and materials won’t work.

If you can upgrade your weaponry, do so. You will need more time to buy new skills which will reduce your damage.

Exploration is easy for money. From chests, the ground, adversaries, hanging pots, etc. Zelda fans may still make easy money by shattering vases. Throw your ax at pottery to make a little fast cash. It’s not much per vase, but it adds up quickly.

While buying upgrades and armor, click Sell. You might sell armor you’ll never use, but your collectables are more valuable. Sell your trinkets for quick cash. Once acquired, they’re in your diary and counted; therefore, selling them won’t affect that goal.

I hope this guide helps you clear the levels of this highly intriguing game.

Can You Compare UK and US Online Casinos?

Gaming

Sharon Anderson

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December 12, 2022 · 12:27 am

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Can You Compare UK and US Online Casinos?

Globally, online gambling has taken over the casino sector. To enjoy the online casino experience, all you need is an internet-connected device, no matter where you are in the world. Regardless, there are substantial differences between UK and US online casinos.

While both have benefited from online casinos in terms of revenue generation, both countries have different gambling laws and regulations. Gambling, for example, is controlled in the United Kingdom. In contrast, online casinos in the United States have some leeway.

This post will go over some of the distinctions between UK and US online casinos to help you get a better perspective. Let’s get this party started!

Laws And Regulations

One of the major differences between the UK and US online casinos is the laws and regulations. For instance, online gambling is not a new concept in the UK. The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the UK and was established in 2005. This was in response to the growing online casino culture; thus, all forms of gambling are legal in the UK.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for developing and enforcing gambling laws, issuing licenses to gamblers, and ensuring all adhere to the anti-money laundering regulations. Operators need to have a proper infrastructure, pay taxes, and meet several requirements to get a license.

Moreover, the UK consists of four independent countries; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each can create and enforce its own rules and regulations. For instance, casinos are illegal in Northern Ireland.

In the United States, however, all types of gambling are neither legal nor regulated. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for online casinos that it can enforce and this can be confusing for players. Some states, for example, permit online gambling while others do not. Furthermore, in the United States, you must be 21 to enter a casino, whereas, in the United Kingdom, the legal gambling age is 18.

Online Sports Betting

Although online sports betting is popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States, it is still a relatively new concept in the United States. Online betting has been legal in the United Kingdom since 2005, whereas it only started to become popular in the United States around 2019.

Despite the fact that US sports betting is still in its infancy, it is seeing tremendous growth and promise, leading to some states legalizing and regulating online sportsbooks.

Game Variety

Both US and UK online casinos take pride in offering a variety of alternatives to their consumers. There are a variety of themes to pick from, such as action, adventure, and arcade. There are also new game genres created just for online brands and cannot be found in land-based casinos.

Casino software providers work hard to produce games that are appropriate for both the US and UK markets. They seek to cater to their players by developing games that are culturally appropriate.

Placing Bets

Another notable difference between the two countries is how the bets are placed. In the United Kingdom, the most frequent type of bet is based on a decimal odds scheme. This is where you put money down and if you win, you get your money back plus the odds’ winnings. So, if you bet 1 pound on odds of 4/1, you would win 5 pounds (the stake plus winnings)

The Moneyline bet is a common bet in the United States. This provides odds on the favorite and underdog, denoted by a plus or minus sign. This is also related to the usage of handicaps, or spread bets, in which the favorite is deducted points in order to equal the bet with the underdog. This results in a more even bet. It has recently gained popularity in the United Kingdom as well.

Conclusion

With the enormous growth in traffic to online gambling, analysts anticipate that states in the United States may be obliged to reevaluate their gaming licenses, potentially leading to a relaxation of the rigorous and stringent restrictions governing online gambling. So if you are thinking of playing online casino games, you should check out the laws and regulations of the country you will be playing in before joining up.