According to the United Van Lines’ 2017 National Study, North Carolina is officially the #8 most moved-to state in America for 2017 (Charlote was also ranked the #9 most moved-to city in America).

United Van Lines is the biggest moving company in the country, helping tens of thousands of families move all of their belongings each year.

To determine the top cities being moved to, United analyzed their domestic moves during the entire 2017 year.

The Tar Heel State ranked just under South Carolina for the top inbound states of last year;

1. Vermont
2. Oregon
3. Idaho
4. Nevada
5. South Dakota
6. Washington
7. South Carolina
8. North Carolina
9. Colorado
10. Alabama

“This year’s data reflects longer-term trends of movement to the western and southern states, especially to those where housing costs are relatively lower, climates are more temperate and job growth has been at or above the national average, among other factors,” said Michael Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. “We’re also seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West as young professionals and retirees leave California.”

What do you think about all the newcomers moving to our state?

North Carolina has just slipped to 40th in the nation when it comes to public education. Our ranking has been on a continual decline for the past 7 years, ever since we were ranked 19th in the nation back in 2011.

The Tar Heel state received a C- grade and a score of 70.6 out of a possible 100 in the 2018 Quality Counts report that was just released by Education Week. Our score falls below the national average grade of C and score of 74.5.

According to the report, “North Carolina earns a C-plus in the Chance-for-Success category and ranks 31st. The average state earns a C-plus. In School Finance, North Carolina receives a D and ranks 45th. For the K-12 Achievement Index, last updated in the 2016 report, it finishes 33rd with a grade of D-plus. The average state earns grades of C and C-minus in School Finance and K-12 Achievement, respectively.”

South Carolina ranked even lower than North Carolina, coming in 42nd in the nation, with a grade of C- and an overall score of 70.3.

You can find out more about the rankings and methodology here on edweek.org.

What do you think should be done first to improve our schools?

Many enjoyed working from home, most loved the beauty of the snow-covered trees, and every kid was ecstatic to stay home from school, but without a doubt, the greatest benefactors of North Carolina’s historic snow day were our beloved polar bears.

The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro just sent out a press release about the joyous state of their two beautiful polar bears, Nikita and Anana, who were both fed whole fish as a special snow-day treats.

Due to the weather, the zoo was closed to the public, giving the two massive creatures an uninterrupted day to roll around, slide, and play-fight in their temporary winter wonderland.

The beautiful #snowfall made for a special day for our 2 polar bears. Nikita & Anana were fed whole fish as a special #snowday treat! Due to the continuing #winter storm, the #NCZoo will remain closed through Thursday. #ncwx #NCSnow #Snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/nV3sich5ws

— North Carolina Zoo (@NCZoo) January 17, 2018

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The North Carolina Zoo is an official arctic ambassador center in partnership with Polar Bears International, dedicated to the conservation of wild polar bears and their habitat.

The North Carolina Health and Human Services Department has just confirmed another 10 flu-related deaths in North Carolina over this past week.

This is proving to be one of the worst years for the flu outbreak in recent history. There have now been a total of 42 deaths in North Carolina alone from flu-related symptoms since Oct. 1st, 2017.

The NCHHSD warns people who think they might have the flu should contact their doctor immediately to see if they need treatment with an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu or a more natural remedy such as Oscillococcinum. “Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Treatment with a prescription antiviral drug is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness and people who are at high risk of serious flu complications based on their age or health.”

Other precautions people can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses include:

• Staying home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
• Washing hands frequently, preferably with soap and water