Fish Table a Skill Game? North Carolina Authorities Disagree

Charlotte Stories
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Fish Table a Skill Game? North Carolina Authorities Disagree

Almost a decade after North Carolina banned video poker machines, players in the Tar Heel State have found another form of entertainment. Fish game tables are flourishing across the state and operators say that the act of playing these games is not breaking any laws. According to the operators, the money won by playing fish game tables is based on skill and not luck, and therefore doesn’t constitute gambling.

Very popular, but is it legal?

But some North Carolina authorities don’t agree. They believe that fish tables are a form of gambling and in recent months have begun to crack down on arcades offering these games. 

What are Fish Table Games?

Fish table games are large video games mounted on tables. Players use a joystick to shoot at large fish “swimming” around on the giant screens. Each fish has its own odds, and you are rewarded each time you catch/shoot a fish. The rarer your catch, the more points you earn and the higher you’re paid out.  The fish are different from one another and sometimes appear in the form of a sea dragon, whale or monster crab.  

The points that players win the game can be redeemed for real cash, or they can keep them in the form of credits to use for future play.

So is it Illegal or Isn’t it?

Last month, deputies raided an arcade in Salisbury, charging the operators for fronting for an illegal casino. Gaming equipment was seized, including four fish tables, each with 38 terminals.  According to a police report, authorities had kept the facility under surveillance for two months before the raid. They said that arcade operators allowed their patrons to bet on fish table games, therefore violating state laws.

But is it really illegal to play fish table games in North Carolina? The State’s Bureau of Investigation hasn’t been able to clarify whether the games are legal. Nor has the Attorney General’s office. 

This situation has led to a lot of confusion across the board. Some cities have banned fish table games altogether, while others allow arcades to advertise openly.

Salisbury’s authorities made it known that they interpreted the games as a form of gambling. At the beginning of the year, the Rowan County Sheriff’s office informed all arcade operators that it intended enforcing state laws pertaining to illegal gambling. Warnings were issued to arcades and other properties, telling them to shut down their operations by January 20th. 

Salisbury Arcade had a “History”

In the case of the recently raided property in Salisbury, the property was closed following the search.  

Without any connection to the fish table game controversy whatsoever, it is of interest to note that the arcade was the scene of a murder two years ago. In 2018, Albemarle barber, James Christopher Davis was shot at the property and later died. 43 year old Dedric Michelle Mason was charged with second degree murder.

Strange Gambling Laws Abound Around the World

It’s incredible to see how much laws vary when it comes to gambling regulations around the world. Most countries take a rational view on this form of entertainment, allowing it in some form or another with differing levels of regulation. However, some countries and US states take things to the extreme. They do all that they can to make it next to impossible for players to enjoy things as simple as bingo or the lottery. 

These are our all-time favorite strange gambling laws:

  • North Carolina and Bingo: North Carolina gets top-honor since this article is all about the Tar Heel State after all. Despite archaic gambling laws, the state actually does allow charitable organizations to offer bingo, as long as it’s all done in the spirit of fundraising. BUT, there are lots of strange laws surrounding these innocent games of bingo. For example, a single bingo session may not last more than 5 hours, organizations can’t host more than two bingo tournaments in a single week, and tourneys can’t be held on consecutive days.
  • Alabama and Card Games on a Sunday: Alabama has some interesting rules that cover what can and can’t be done on the Sabbath. According to state laws, it’s illegal to do a long list of things on a Sunday, including “shooting, hunting, gaming, card playing or racing.” So, if you go by the dry letter of the law, playing dominoes, Monopoly and obviously poker are definite no-nos for weekend entertainment in Alabama!
  • West Virginia and Outhouse Gambling:  Yes, you read that correctly. Someone, somewhere back in West Virginian history, felt that it was important to specify that tavern or hotel owners are forbidden to host gambling games in their outhouses. Even worse, if you’re caught allowing this sinful behavior, you’re guilty of a misdemeanor and you could be heading to jail for up to four months and losing your business license!

 

City Council for Charlotte Considering a $50M Small Business Support Plan

Robert Tilman
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City Council for Charlotte Considering a $50M Small Business Support Plan

The government leaders for Charlotte city are starting to put the wheels in motion for a $50 million federally funded small business payout, which is intended to help small and local businesses bounce back from the current pandemic.

The proposal was introduced last Monday in the afternoon and was presented to the workforce and business development committee for Charlotte City. A recovery task force aimed at helping small businesses met on Tuesday to discuss the matter further. Ultimately, all components of the plan need to be approved by the council and its 11 members.

Initially, $35 million is needed to inject into small business, which will come from the Federal Reserve. Another $15 million is expected to be paid out on top of this, but will not be decided on until after summer. The money will be available to divvy out from September 30.

It’s important to consider all options right now to keep small businesses afloat until the virus has run its course. Personal or car title loans are great ways to keep the bills paid until the doors can open again. Look up ‘car title loans near me‘ for local lenders that want to help small businesses when and where they can.

Charlotte City to Receive Relief Fund As Well

James Mitchell, a council member, says that small businesses need it, and have been suffering as a result of the pandemic since March. The Coronavirus Relief Fund from the Federal Reserve comprises $154 million for Charlotte City, which is one of 36 cities that will benefit. The city manager Marcus Jones said to council members that the money needs to be used for things like expenses that have been created as a result of the pandemic. However, the money is not to be counted as part of the city’s recent budget. 

Assistant city manager Tracy Dodson explained the strategy to council members in the meeting on Monday, but remained vague about specific amounts, and what would be delegated where. Once the package has been decided on by the council by May 26, it will have the room to grow by as much as $35 million. The strategy laid out to council was deliberately broad, as more work is needed to discuss specifics.

Various programs will be required to meet the guidelines laid out by the Federal recovery committee. Other aspects of the city like the city transit system and the airport will receive separate allocations of money from the fed.

Small Business Grants Have a Limit

The city already has as much as $1 million in a grant pool for small businesses. However, these small businesses are defined as not having more than five employees. These funds cap out at $10,000. Already, the city has received as many as 327 applications from small companies who are asking for relief.

The coronavirus pandemic is something that has affected everyone, no matter what demographic they fall into. However, small businesses have been hit particularly hard, as rent and business loans become virtually impossible to keep paying without any money coming through the door.

With city groups coming together and creating surpluses where they can, it shows the human side of governmental bodies as we all collectively continue to combat this issue.

About The Author:

Aqib Ijaz is a digital marketing guru at eyesonsolution.com. He is adept in IT as well. He loves to write on different topics. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore different parts of the world. You can read more of his blogs at eyesonsolution.

3 Benefits of the Hormone Testosterone for Men

Robert Tilman
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3 Benefits of the Hormone Testosterone for Men

Testosterone, which is produced in male testicles, is beneficial for men’s growth and their masculine attributes. Did you know that the production of the male hormones is approximately 30 times greater during puberty and early adulthood? When you cross 30, there might be a one percent drop of testosterone in your body. 

According to an article published on Bbc.com, the correct type of exercise and diet are essential but rectifying hormonal insufficiencies is imperative for the proper growth and development of masculine traits. Here are the three benefits of testosterone for men: 

  1. Strong bones and muscles

Did you know that testosterone plays a pivotal role in maintaining the mineral density of your bones? The density of bones drops as men age and hormone level dips as well. It makes your bones weak and increases the risks associated with osteoporosis. When you have the right testosterone level, you gain strong bones and muscles as well as internal organs to boost your athletic performance. 

Studies indicate that bone density improves with testosterone treatment provided you have the right dosage. As far as clinical trials are concerned, especially, on the impact of the hormone on bone density, it was found that there is an increase in hipbone and spinal bone density. Testosterone also minimizes the risks associated with a bone fracture. 

With testosterone treatment, you will gain more muscle mass. Men who have a leaner physique control their weight better and have more energy than males who are obese. Hormonal therapies, especially when it comes to testosterone, make your muscles strong. 

  1. Improved male sex drive 

The levels of testosterone increase naturally, with the rise in the response of male sexual activity and stimulation. Men who have more testosterone levels have a higher sex drive and urge for intercourse. Then, as men age, they need more of this hormone for improved libido and penile erection. You can consult with Spartan Medical Associates if you want to improve your sex drive and perform better in bed with hormone replacement treatment. Men who have hypogonadism, boosting testosterone levels will not help their libido. 

  1. Good heart health 

When you have a healthy heart, it pumps blood to your body, thus providing your organs and muscles the required oxygen for the best performance. Testosterone also helps in the production of red blood cells or RBCs via the bone marrow. Then, if you have poor levels of this hormone, it could result in many heart-related health problems.

Studies indicate that men with cardiovascular conditions, who undergone testosterone treatment showed little improvements. Few of them were able to boost their walking performance by 33 percent. Another study showed that hormone treatment helped in widening the healthy arteries in men but had no impact on angina pain. 

Again, a recent study on 83,000 men showed that whose testosterone levels reverted to normal were 24 percent less likely to develop cardiovascular conditions like heart attack and 36 percent less probable to have a stroke. 

Conclusion

Hormonal treatment and the right testosterone levels in men improve heart health, enhance their sex drive, and make their bones and muscles stronger. 

Top Legal Tips and Tricks for Auto Accident Injury Victims

Robert Tilman
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Top Legal Tips and Tricks for Auto Accident Injury Victims

The privilege of moving around is exciting. The freedom to carry on with your daily activities without any difficulties makes life enjoyable. However, emergencies can happen. Imagine being involved in a car accident band sustaining serious injuries. Life can be challenging, right? Well, that’s where compensation comes in. Of course, life might not be the same again. However, compensation can improve life after a car accident. But you need to get it right when filing for compensation to increase your chances of getting the best compensation. Here are tips to leverage when filing an auto accident injury lawsuit.

Never Admit Fault

Don’t admit liability at the accident scene. Don’t make reckless statements. These statements can be used against you in a court of law. Leave everything to experts. Let your lawyer make statements of communication if there is a need. However, you need to cooperate with the police.

Filing Accident Report

Police reports are important sources of evidence when it comes to litigating accident lawsuits. So, be sure to file police reports. Ensure that the report captures every detail. From the offender’s number plates, phone numbers, nature of the accident, injuries sustained, to eyewitnesses, a police report should capture all details regarding the accident.

Report It to Your Insurer

One of the first steps you should take is to report the matter to your insurance company. Filing to promptly report the accident can invalidate your cover. So, report it immediately.

The Benefits Your Policy Carries

After reporting the matter to your insurance company, ask them the benefits you stand to gain under your cover. For instance, an insurance cover can cater for car repair, medical bills, or car rentals. Understanding these benefits will guide you in filing for claims.

Cooperate with Your Insurer

Your insurance company requires all details regarding how the accident occurred. So, be ready to give them your version of the accident. Cooperate with them. If you refuse to cooperate with them, you risk losing your benefits.

Never Sign Any Documents

Avoid signing any document from the side of the other driver’s insurance company. If you have to, seek legal advice from your lawyer first. Remember, any document you sign might have profound legal implications. For instance, it might lead to the loss of valuable legal rights. Don’t let anyone record your voice. People might take your statements out of context and jeopardize your case.

Seek Medication

Seek medication in the shortest time possible. Also, consider following your doctor’s advice to the letter. Failing to stick to the advice from your physician can have negative implications in your claims.

Medical Bills

Be sure to keep receipts of the medical bills. Document them well. They will help you during litigation.

Consult Your Attorney

Hire the services of a Houston lawyer in the shortest time possible. He/she understands how to proceed with the case.

The Bottom-Line

Of course, you can file claims after a car accident. But that doesn’t mean that you will get the best compensation. Remember, car accidents have challenging legal bottlenecks. But you can use the above legal tips and land the best car accident compensation.

Second Litter of Endangered Red Wolf Pups Born at North Carolina Zoo

Charlotte Stories
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Second Litter of Endangered Red Wolf Pups Born at North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo announces the birth of two endangered American red wolves as part of its American red wolf breeding program. The two female pups were born on Monday, May 4 to parents Taylor (female) and Solo (male). This is the second litter for the Zoo this year, which is the first time for two litters in one season for the Zoo’s breeding program. On April 21, five pups were born at the Zoo to parents Piglet (female) and Jewell (male).

All seven pups are all healthy and doing well.

The newest pups were named in honor of former North Carolina zookeeper Jessi Culbertson, 32, who worked with the red wolves for several years before passing away in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The pups are named Arrow, in honor of Jessi’s Native American Cherokee heritage, and May, for the month that both Jessi and the puppies share a birthday.

This litter brings the number of red wolves in the Zoo’s breeding program to 27, making it the second-largest pack in the U.S. after Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.

The pups are being kept in a quiet, non-public viewing area of the Zoo and have minimal contact with staff and keepers. This allows their mother to raise the pups with the least amount of stress in a natural habitat.

Only 15-20 red wolves remain in the wild, and they’re all in eastern North Carolina.

Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources, lauded the Zoo’s efforts to help this critically endangered species survive.

“It’s really a testament the staff’s dedication, teamwork and passion toward helping one of the most endangered canids in the world,” Hamilton said.

Once common throughout the southeastern United States, the wolves were driven to near extinction during the late 1960s, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began an aggressive conservation effort – the American Red Wolf Recovery Program – that led to new ways to track and protect the species.

The Zoo has been part of the American Red Wolf Recovery Program since 1994. With these recent births, the Zoo’s red wolf pack has bred thirteen pups over the past three years and has successfully bred 36 wolves since the program began. Currently, there are about 240 (that number can change daily during the whelping season) red wolves in breeding programs throughout the U.S. Red wolves normally have three to five pups per litter.

The North Carolina Zoo led the successful efforts to have the American red wolf become part of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums SAFE (Saving Species From Extinction) program.

Under this program, the Zoo leads in conserving the species and growing both the population in the wild and the animals under human care. 

AZA SAFE Species programs aim to protect endangered species around the world. For more information, visit https://www.aza.org/aza-safe. 

To learn more about the North Carolina Zoo and our red wolf program please visit www.nczoo.org

Charlotte COVID-19 Response Fund Giving $275,000 to Local Arts Organizations

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Charlotte COVID-19 Response Fund Giving $275,000 to Local Arts Organizations

In a supplemental round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund, $275,500 was awarded to 11 local arts and cultural organizations to support artists, staff and online programming and educational opportunities for children and families.

To date, more than $10 million has been granted to a range of nonprofits – from large institutions to small grassroots organizations – that primarily focus on human services. However, the grants committee has received grant applications from a wide range of nonprofits with compelling circumstances, including local arts groups.

“It’s important as we look to support our local nonprofits that we not overlook the contributions of artists, musicians, educators, professionals and others in our recovery from this pandemic,” said Michael Marsicano, Foundation For The Carolinas president and CEO. “Professional artists and teaching artists play a vital role in our community, and these grants will help support the continuation of their work in unique and interesting ways.”

The latest grants include:

  • $35,000 to ARTPOP to help make media space available to assist selected local artists.
  • $15,000 to Brand the Moth to support artist workshops and stipends for teachers and students in its Meta Mural Residency program.
  • $25,000 to Caroline Calouche & Co. to support artistic and teaching staff, as well as purchase equipment to allow a safe reopening of the program.
  • $40,000 to Charlotte Center City Partners Community Trust to support the Charlotte Music Community COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will aid local musicians who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
  • $10,000 to the Charlotte Art League to support artistic staff and pay expenses to ensure artists have access to creative spaces after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
  • $20,000 to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture to sponsor virtual programming for its “Unmasked” conversation series.
  • $75,000 to Discovery Place to support its digital learning series and maintain its “living collection” exhibits for two months.
  • $28,500 to Goodyear Arts to support local artists who depend upon the organization and help the organization shift to innovative virtual programming.
  • $10,000 to Que-Os to support artists and expand online resources for the community.
  • $7,000 to The Arts Empowerment Project to design and deliver virtual culinary sessions for children at Thompson Child & Family Focus, Safe Alliance and Nazareth Child & Family Connection.
  • $10,000 to Tosco Music to help support local musicians through a reformatted and streaming Tosco Music Party.

Grant applications for the next cycle of funding – which is open to all Mecklenburg County 501(c)3 nonprofits providing assistance to individuals and families through education, health and mental health, food security, workforce development, shelter, financial security or other related services – are now being accepted through June 10 at noon. Visit uwcentralcarolinas.org/grants/COVID for eligibility requirements and to apply. A COVID-19 Response Fund Grants Committee was established to review and distribute grants from the fund.

“Thanks to a tremendous community response, we have been able to assist nonprofits across the board in getting assistance to those who need it the most,” said Laura Yates Clark, United Way of Central Carolinas President and CEO. “Every aspect of our community has been touched by the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s essential that the COVID-19 Response Fund looks at all ways in which we can provide help.”

The COVID-19 Response Fund is administered through a partnership between Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas, in close coordination with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Since the fund was launched on March 16, the more than $19 million raised has come from corporations, foundations, individuals and local government.

Donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund have ranged from a two-dollar commitment from an anonymous online donor to $1.3 million from Mecklenburg County. Other major gifts include $100,000 each from the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, the Springsteen Foundation, the Philip L. Van Every Foundation, Kim and Johnny Belk, and Alfred and Amy Levine Dawson; $150,000 each from Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo Championship and Sean & Andrea Smith; $200,000 each from Allstate Insurance and Vanguard; $250,000 each from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, the Weisiger Fleming Family Fund, EY, PwC/The PwC Charitable Foundation, and The Hearst Foundations; $270,000 from BlackArch Partners/The Regions Foundation; $500,000 each from Ally Financial, the Duke Energy Foundation, The Humana Foundation and the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation; and $1 million each from LendingTree, the City of Charlotte, the Howard R. Levine Foundation, Truist Financial Corporation, Bank of America, the David A. Tepper Charitable Foundation, Lowe’s, the C.D. Spangler Foundation/National Gypsum, Coca-Cola Consolidated, the John M. Belk Endowment and Pamlico Capital.

To contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit HelpCharMeck.org.

Updated: North Carolina Is the 8th Most Hit State by Unemployment Claims

Charlotte Stories
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Updated: North Carolina Is the 8th Most Hit State by Unemployment Claims

With 2.1 million more unemployment claims filed this week despite all U.S. states starting to reopen, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the States Hit Most by Unemployment Claims.

To identify which states’ workforces have been hurt the most by COVID-19, the site compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on increases in unemployment claims during the latest week for which we have data (May 18) and overall since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis (March 16). We used this data to rank the most impacted states for both periods.

Increase in North Carolina Unemployment Claims Due to Coronavirus (1=Worst, 25=Avg.):

  • 1,167.85% Increase in Unemployment Claims (May 2020 vs May 2019)
    • 43,221 the week of May 18, 2020 vs 3,409 the week of May 20, 2019
    • 9th highest increase in the U.S.
  • 1,132.07% Increase in the Number of Unemployment Claims (May 2020 vs January 2020)
    • 43,221 the week of May 18, 2020 vs 3,508 the week of January 1, 2020
    • 5th highest increase in the U.S.
  • 3,243.18% Increase in Unemployment Claims Since Pandemic Started
    • 982,456 between the week of March 16, 2020 and the week of May 18, 2020 vs 30,293 between the week of March 18, 2019 and the week of May 20, 2019
    • 7th highest increase in the U.S.

States with the Biggest Increases in Unemployment Claims Due to Coronavirus

State Most Affected Last Week  Most Affected Since Start of COVID-19 Crisis
Florida 1 4
Georgia 2 1
Virginia 3 5
Mississippi 4 18
Kentucky 5 3
Oklahoma 6 12
New Hampshire 7 2
North Carolina 8 7
Louisiana 9 6
District of Columbia 10 17
South Dakota 11 9
Indiana 12 8
New York 13 35
Texas 14 34
Maryland 15 23
Delaware 16 27
Alaska 17 49
Tennessee 18 22
Nevada 19 21
New Mexico 20 28
South Carolina 21 10
Alabama 22 20
Arizona 23 44
Washington 24 19
Colorado 25 14
Minnesota 26 13
Wyoming 27 45
North Dakota 28 16
Illinois 29 42
Nebraska 30 26
Hawaii 31 24
Oregon 32 51
Kansas 33 31
California 34 48
Michigan 35 11
Maine 36 15
Massachusetts 37 32
Ohio 38 25
Wisconsin 39 46
Iowa 40 38
Pennsylvania 41 33
Missouri 42 29
Arkansas 43 41
Utah 44 36
West Virginia 45 30
Connecticut 46 50
Montana 47 40
Idaho 48 39
New Jersey 49 43
Rhode Island 50 37
Vermont 51 47

Rank 1 = Most Affected.

To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-biggest-increase-in-unemployment-due-to-coronavirus/72730/.

CMPD Police Tires Slashed and Charlotte Food Lion Looted As George Floyd Protests Turn Violent

Charlotte Stories
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CMPD Police Tires Slashed and Charlotte Food Lion Looted As George Floyd Protests Turn Violent

Hundreds gathered in Charlotte this afternoon to protest the killing of George Floyd. The protests started this afternoon in front of the CMPD station on Beatties Ford Rd. and marched up and down Beatties Ford Rd. into the night.

Here is a video of the march and the the peaceful protest:

At about 8pm, the peaceful protest began turning violent as a handful of instigators started kicking police bikes. Police then ran away from the crowd.

One police SUV drove down the street into the crowd and was quickly blocked in. Instigators surrounded the vehicle and one of them broke out the back window of the police vehicle. The vehicle was able to slowly back out of the crowd and drive away.

via QC Nerve

Several more police SUVs then drove through the crowd and instigators began slashing the tires.

via QC Nerve

Crowds then gathered again in front of the CMPD station where police in riot gear were waiting. Bricks and rocks were thrown into the station, breaking several windows.

via QC Nerve

Police then began shooting tear gas canisters and shooting pepper balls at the crowd. Sam “The Jesus Saves Guy” stood between the police and violent protesters in an attempt to bring peace.

via QC Nerve

Here is live video from QC Nerve that showed the progression (including the window breaking, tire slashing, and attacks at the CMPD station):

Police then declared ‘An Unlawful Gathering’ and ordered everyone home at threat of arrest. They continued moving the police line down the street, shooting tear gas and pepper balls along the way.

via WBTV

At about 9:40 police charged then arrested Charlotte City Council Member Braxton Winston, who was continuing to walk with the police line while wearing a gas mask:

via WBTV

Here is the video of that including the last parts of the protest:

Just after 11:00pm, the Food Lion on Beatties Ford Rd. was broken into and looted.

Dealing With Sexual Harassment In the Workplace

Robert Tilman
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Dealing With Sexual Harassment In the Workplace

Dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace is an incredibly tough situation for the employee who is the victim of this and indeed for the workplace. This kind of situation is made even tougher without evidence, when we see that it is someone’s word against someone else’s. With this being said, if you have been on the receiving end of any kind of sexual harassment then it is absolutely essential that you do all that you can to bring it to light, and to try and resolve the situation. As tough this is going to be, there is absolutely no situation where you should ever accept any type of harassment. 

We spoke to the team at Astor Legal, specialists in this field, to find out what you can do if you are the victim of such harassment. 

Definition

The definition of sexual harassment as set out by the EEOC is as follows:

“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.”

Documentation 

Unfortunately it is very unlikely that someone is going to be able to catch the person who is harassing you in the act, and they may very well ensure that nobody is around for that very reason. This means then that a single incident is unlikely to make it stop which is why you have to document anything that happens. Even if this is just a passing remark, a quid pro quo offer, or perhaps something more sinister like physical contact. As soon as the event has happened, make a note of what happened, where and at what time, all of this information will help eventually. 

Boundaries

Unless you are genuinely fearful for your safety, make a point of telling the person how unacceptable what it is that they are doing, and that any advances are completely unwelcome. When you say this, ensure that you are clear and direct, let them know how their actions make you feel and that you want them to stop. 

Consult a Lawyer 

Before you go to your boss or even to the police about what has been happening to you, it is first best that you consult with a lawyer. The reason for this is that if you really want the harassment too stop, you need to make a compelling case. So many harassment and rape claims disappear because of a lack of evidence or because it is one word against another, and you may run the risk of making an accusation which cannot be substantiated, which of course will make the situation worse. 

If you feel that you genuinely have nowhere to turn and that you cannot prove what has been going on, it may very well be that you move on to somewhere else, no matter how unjust and unfair that feels. 

NC Economic Forecast: Recovery Could Take Years

Charlotte Stories
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NC Economic Forecast: Recovery Could Take Years

Just three months ago, the United States was seeing its longest economic expansion on record, a period of growth that started in 2010 and continued through February 2020.

“Just three months ago, our major worries were whether a looming trade war with China was going to slow the economy down in 2020,” said John Connaughton, Barings Professor of Financial Economics at UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. “For the second quarter of the year, the North Carolina economy, like the U.S. economy, experienced its biggest decline in Gross State Product (GSP) since the Great Depression of the 1930s.”

Connaughton, presenting the quarterly Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast on Thursday, May 28, offered a few scenarios for the remainder of 2020.

“Going forward from the middle of 2020, the No. 1 question is how long before the economy gets back to its 2019 level and when does the unemployment rate again approach full employment,” Connaughton said.

Given the hit the economy took during the second quarter of 2020, it is likely to take until mid-2022 before Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recovers, he said. The unemployment rate will take even longer, another six to nine months, before it drops below 5%, Connaughton added.

North Carolina GSP
Inflation-adjusted real GSP is expected to decrease by 4.4% over the 2019 level, according to the report. Twelve of North Carolina’s 15 economic sectors are expected to experience output decreases during 2020, with the hospitality and leisure services sector seeing the largest decline, at 34.8%.

Other sectors projected to decrease by over 5% are:

  • Other services: -13.4%
  • Construction: -8.8%
  • Durable goods manufacturing: -7.0%
  • Wholesale trade: -6.1%
  • Educational and health services: -5.5%

Only the agriculture and mining sector is expected to experience growth in 2020.

State Employment Numbers
By December, seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in North Carolina is expected to decrease by 6.5% over the employment level in December 2019, a loss of 300,000 net jobs during the year, according to Connaughton.

Twelve of the state’s 14 nonagricultural sectors of the economy are expected to experience employment decreases during 2020.  The sectors with the largest expected employment decreases in 2020 are:

  • Hospitality and leisure services: -25.8%
  • Other services: -7.8%
  • Retail trade: -7.0%
  • Transportation and warehousing: -7.3%
  • Manufacturing: -6.0%

According to the report, the North Carolina unemployment rate is expected to peak at 17.0% in May and be around 9.9% by December.

“Going forward, the one takeaway from this 10-year expansion is that the North Carolina growth rate over the period has trailed the U.S. 10-year average growth rate of 2.3%,” Connaughton said. “This is a consideration as we emerge from the COVID-19 shutdown. So, the big question is whether the North Carolina recovery will again be weaker than the U.S. recovery. This year and 2021 will be very interesting and very uncertain years.”

A Look Back
2019 represented the 10th and final year of the economic expansion following the Great Recession, the longest expansion on record since 1854.

“It is very likely that this expansion would have continued through at least 2020 and probably well into 2021,” Connaughton said. “However, we will never know. We will look back on this 10-year expansion as a positive and interesting decade.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic forecast was presented in a virtual format for the first time in its nearly 40-year history. The full report is available at belkcollege.uncc.edu/forecast. The complete forecast video will be posted by Friday, May 29. Connaughton will release the next Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast report on Sept. 23.

Connaughton is considered one of the top economists in North Carolina. He joined the UNC Charlotte faculty in 1978 and has served as director of the quarterly Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast since 1981.

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