Across most of the country, rents trended up again this past month. Nationwide rent growth came in at 0.5%, just shy of last month’s 0.6%.

Meanwhile, here in Charlotte, we saw yet another month of declines, with average rent prices across our city falling by 0.1%.

While demand signals have been strong so far in 2024, supply growth has outpaced it here in the Queen City, especially along the Blue Line.

Some highlights from Charlotte’s full May Rent Report include:

• Rents in Charlotte fell 0.1% in April, compared to a 0.5% increase nationwide.
• Year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte now stands at -3.6%, down from +2.6% one year ago.
• Today the median rent in Charlotte is $1,303 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,421 for a two-bedroom unit. And the citywide apartment vacancy rate stands at 8.2%, up 0.9 percentage points from this time last year.

What do you think about Charlotte’s current rent prices?

Yesterday morning at 2:41 am, a 2.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Charlotte Douglas Airport directly under West Blvd.

According to the USGS, the quake had a specific location of 35.195°N 80.952° and a depth of 3.8 km.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Did you feel yesterday’s quake? 

Duke Energy recently launched a new program to boost renewable energy throughout our state.

The Renewable Advantage program focuses on wind, solar, and biomass energy sources, all certified by Green-e Energy. Duke Energy provides transparency by disclosing details about each certificate.

Additionally, each block of renewable energy purchased results in a 50-cent donation to support solar installations and education in North Carolina K-12 schools through NC GreenPower.

Residential customers of Duke Energy who subscribe to the Renewable Advantage program will see a tree planted in their name, thanks to the One Tree Planted organization. Over 8,000 customers are already part of the program, where each $4 purchase supports the generation of 250 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks of renewable electricity. Customers can buy as many blocks as they need, with the typical residential usage being around 1,000 kWh per month.

Duke Energy emphasizes that they don’t profit from Renewable Advantage, with all fees going directly to acquiring renewable energy certificates (RECs) and program administration.

“More than half of Duke Energy’s generation in the Carolinas is already carbon-free and renewable energy plays an important role in helping further reduce carbon and serve our state’s growing energy needs,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina state president said in a press release. “Renewable Advantage gives customers an easy option to support renewable energy and help reduce your environmental impact related to electric usage.”

The partnership with One Tree Planted has a global impact, as the organization has planted nearly 93 million trees in over 80 countries since 2014. This contributes to reforestation efforts after natural disasters, biodiversity habitat restoration, and watershed stability.

By joining the Renewable Advantage program, customers not only support clean energy but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable world.

As Charlotte’s restaurant selection continues to grow, many establishments are scrambling to attract customers and really letting their health standards slide in the process.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this).

These were the top 10 worst inspection scores in Charlotte for April 2024;

#10 Parr Center Kitchen

2725 SOUTH BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28209
Scored 89 (B) on 4/25/2024 (rescored to 97.5 on 5/2)

They had the following violations;

• Hand washing, cold holding, hot holding, utensil washing, date marking and cooling were not being done properly during inspection.
• Employee observed using cell phone and then donned gloves without washing hands first.
• No paper towels at hand washing sink at dish machine area.
• Deli slicer, most pans and containers, measuring cups, and scoops stored as clean still had grease and food residue on them.
• Gravy measured 156F at 10:30AM that was cooling in walk-in cooler. Gravy then measured 135F when checked at 11:30AM. This rate is too slow to cool from 135F to 70F within 2 hours.
• Chili held on grill using hot holding measured 130F.
• Pizzas held on rack out of temperature control at 67F. Marinara sauces also held out of temperature control at 69F. Establishment must hold items below 41F, or using time as a public health control.
• Chicken, sausage, pizza sauce, cole slaw, cooked peppers, cooked mushrooms, and ham were missing date labels.

#9 Mr Charles Chicken and Fish Too

8006 CAMBRIDGE COMMONS DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28215
Scored 88.5 (B) on 4/23/2024 (rescored to 95 on 4/30)

They had the following violations;

• Observed PIC without knowledge of food temperatures.
• Observed several violations noted on inspections that were not managed by PIC (handwashing, cross contamination, storage order).
• Observed food employee go to pull down someone else’s shirt then go to continue preparing food.
• Observed no soaps at front and back handwashing sink.
• Observed cooked meat, thawing raw salmon and box of raw turkey stored at basin 1 a the 3 comp sink.
• Observed can opener soiled with old food debris.
• Observed rice cooling a rate of .03.
• Observed large bins of chicken in tall reach in 1 holding above 41F.
• Observed 2 containers of fish in tall RI 2 holding above 41F.
• Observed lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms holding above 41F.
• Observed cheese and BBQ pork in low reach in unit holding above 41F.
• Observed burgers, beef and hotdogs holding above 41F.

#8 Cherry House Restaurant

7631 SHARON LAKES RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 88.5 (B) on 4/11/2024 (rescored to 96.5 on 4/24)

They had the following violations;

• Observed PIC not demonstrate and ensure rules met regarding handwashing and cold holding.
• Observed food employee turn faucet off with bare hands.
• Observed employee walk from outside of building and return to kitchen for food preparation and handle clean equipment.
• Observed laundry detergent used for food contact surface detergent per operator.
• Observed employee washing bus tub for food storage at prep sink.
• Observed soup hot held at 117 degrees F from prior day.
• Observed walk in cooler not maintaining TCS foods at required temperature.
• Observed TCS foods held between 44-48 degrees F.
• Operator contacted maintenance to come out within 2 hours to calibrate walk in cooler.
• Observed grill cleaner bottle not labeled.

#7 Teriyaki Express

6434 W SUGAR CREEK RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28269
Scored 87.5 (B) on 4/15/2024

They had the following violations;

• Observed paper towels not at hand sink.
• Observed can opener stored as clean with build up on blade. Also Observed pans and utensils with debris as well.
• Observed inside of microwave with food and debris on inside.
• Observed several food items out of temp.
• Observed food in WIC cooked from previous day without date.
• Observed cooked chicken in (2) pans without discard time.

#6 Philly Corner

8535 HANKINS RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28269
Scored 87.5 (B) on 4/18/2024

They had the following violations;

• Observed facility had multiple Priorities during inspection.
• Observed employee don gloves without handwashing and started handling food.
• Observed employee pick up paper off floor throw it away and continue working.
• Observed 2 hand sink with items in them.
• Observed raw chicken stored over shaved beef.
• Observed beef patty at 43F.
• Observed cooked chicken, turkey and ham without date marking.

#5 Bonchon 

1600 E WOODLAWN RD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28209
Scored 87 (B) on 4/3/2024 (rescored to 92 on 4/26)

They had the following violations;

• Observed food employees with minimal employee health knowledge.
• Observed food employee attempt to wash hands in prep sink.
• Observed food employee wash hands and did not use paper towel barrier to turn off faucet and prevent contaminating hands.
• Observed food employee working and moving trash can, employee then returns to prep top cooler to continue food prep with no hand wash in between.
• Paper towel dispenser not working at the hand sink at the kitchen entrance.
• Observed unwashed produce stored above washed produce inside the WIC.
• Observed peeled onions stored in direct contact with shelving inside the prep unit Reach-in.
• Observed multiple knives with food debris on blade stored as clean on magnetic strip above prep sink.
• Observed pans stored as clean with food debris on food contact surface.
• Observed multiple TCS food items (slaw, cooked spinach, mushrooms) stored above 41F inside the prep unit.
• Observed no date marking on items prepared TCS food items stored inside the prep, also observed no date marking on TCS food items stored inside the WIC.
• Observed chemical spray bottle with no labels.

#4 Hook & Reel

14142 RIVERGATE PY, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 87 (B) on 4/19/2024 (rescored to 96.5 on 4/24)

They had the following violations;

• Observed handwash sink upon entrance with empty soap dispenser.
• Observed tomato sauce in lowboy unit with moderate amounts of mold inside that was also not date labeled.
• Observed one food employee handle raw fish to be fried and not change gloves when heading back to prep line to grab fries to place into another fryer and another food employee wash dishes and not change gloves when heading to prep line to handle tomatoes that were placed into another working container.
• Observed RTE sausage, raw shrimp, raw catfish, and other TCS foods above 41F in both prep tops.
• Observed mutliple containers of RTE sausage, one container of boiled eggs, one container with tomato sauce without date labels.
• Observed cooked corn and potatoes held on time without time label indicating how long they’ve been removed from temperature control, per facility’s written procedures.

#3 Costa Maya 

520 UNIVERSITY CENTER BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28262
Scored 84 (B) on 4/22/2024

They had the following violations;

• Observed PIC unable to answer inspector’s questions related to the operation of the facility.
• Observed cook switch task, leave station and return, and change gloves with out washing his hands.
• Observed utensil in back handwashing sink.
• Observed hand sink on cook line below at 85F. Also observed no cold water at back handwashing sink.
• Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink on cook line.
• Observed oyster tags not dated when taken from empty bags and not in chronological order.
• Observed raw fish in container with crab legs.
• Observed inside of the ice machine has buildup.
• Observed employee washing dishes at 3 comp sink without sanitizer.
• Observed employee actively washing dishes with 3 comp sink not set up wash/rinse/sanitize.
• Observed the dicer and 1 container stored as clean with food debris.
• Observed several cooked TCS foods in the WIC above 41F.
• Observed several cooked TCS foods in the lowboy coolers not date marked. These items only had a “use first” sticker on them.
• Observed house made spicy tomato sauce with an expired date mark (4-17-24). Also observed 2 packs of hot dogs date marked 4-6-24.
• Observed sanitizer bucket on prep table.

#2 Popeyes 

6107 THE PLAZA, CHARLOTTE NC 28215
Scored 83 (B) on 4/16/2024

They had the following violations;

• Observed PIC unable to answer operational questions and had several priority item violations today.
• Observed no CFPM on duty during inspection.
• Observed PIC was not knowledgeable of the health policy or how employees are trained on the health policy.
• Observe 2 open employee drink on prep tables.
• Observed employee change gloves several times when changing tasks without washing her hands and continue to handle food.
• Observed mustard to-go packs open and sticky.
• Several pans, lids, and plastic containers stored as clean with food debris and sticker label residue.
• Observed Buttermilk and Blackened Ranch to-go packets (labeled keep refrigerated) at drive through window at 73F.
• Observed Cole slaw and cooked rice in WIC not date marked.
• Observed employee put wrong date on portioned cups of Cole slaw.

#1 Guate Linda

6016 THE PLAZA, CHARLOTTE NC 28215
Scored 80 (B) on 4/23/2024 

They had the following violations;

• Hot holding, cold holding, proper cooling methods, and Proper thawing methods are not being controlled at the facility.
• Observed employee drinks on prep table when EHS arrived.
• Observed cook wash hands for 10 seconds and turn faucet off with his clean hands.
• Observed cook leave his station and go to outside WIC and then return without washing his hands.
• Observed large open containers of chicken sauce and Mayo in dry storage stored with customer.
• Observed multiple boxes of unwashed produce above RTE food in WIC.
• Observed black beans cooling from yesterday in WIC at 49F.
• Observed refried beans and salsa being HH below 135F. PIC stated that it was just reheated this morning.
• Observed several TCS foods that were prepped or cooked 1 or 2 days ago above 41F.
• Observed multiple pans of TCS foods in the prep unit not date marked.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Charlotte has just been chosen to receive $200 million from the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative.

The new three-year program is designed to boost efforts in reducing emissions and creating equitable, low-carbon communities, with a focus on the buildings and transportation sectors. Our city will be given our own dedicated ‘innovation team’ funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, comprising up to three specialized staff members skilled in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management. This team is designed to enhance the city’s ability to advance climate mitigation efforts and foster equitable results.

The Queen City’s selection was largely due to its ongoing projects like a significant solar initiative reducing carbon emissions, and investments in sustainable transportation and energy efficiency for low-income households. Charlotte aims to leverage over $400 billion available through federal legislation for projects like emission-free buses and electric vehicle charging stations, enhancing local infrastructure and community health.

“Charlotte will lead as a global city by continuously improving, protecting, and preserving the environment, its community, and economy, while ensuring equity and resilience for today’s and future generations,” said Mayor Vi Lyles in a press release. “With the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are empowered to continue tackling the pressing challenges of climate change and racial wealth inequity head-on, furthering the implementation of our Strategic Energy Action Plan in building a resilient, equitable future for all Charlotteans.”

This initiative builds on Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to supporting U.S. cities in climate action, following successful programs that have already secured over $1 billion in federal funding for local infrastructure projects.

Choosing the right health insurance policy is a smart move that gives you peace of mind and protects your family’s finances in case of medical emergencies. But before you sign up for a plan, make sure to read the fine print and understand the exclusions. This article will cover all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What are Exclusions in Health Insurance? 

Exclusions refer to the list of medical items, treatments, pre-existing health conditions, or other situations that your policy would not cover. These exclusions limit the insurer’s liability in providing coverage for specific treatments or procedures.

Based on their nature, health insurance exclusions are categorised as follows:

1. Permanent Exclusions: As the name suggests, these exclusions remain permanently out of the scope of policy coverage during the entire policy period. A few examples include infertility treatments, refractive eye surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, hearing aids, etc.
2. Temporary exclusions: These exclusions may be covered after you have been continuously insured for a specified period (typically ranges from 30 days to 2 years), also known as the waiting period. Common temporary health insurance exclusions are pre-existing medical illnesses, specified diseases covered for initial years, etc.

Why Health Insurance Policies Have Exclusions?

Exclusions are included in policies to limit their financial risks. It helps them keep health insurance premiums affordable. Some prominent reasons for having exclusions are:

• Contain High Claim-Incurring Risks: By carefully managing coverage for high-risk treatments such as dialysis and mental health services, insurers can mitigate potential losses while maintaining sustainable coverage for essential healthcare needs.
• Ensure Affordable Premiums: Low medical inflation and affordable premiums can be maintained by excluding expensive treatments.
• Prevent Adverse Selection: Customers should not take insurance only when they have an existing condition requiring hospitalisation. Exclusions prevent this. 
• Control Unnecessary Hospitalisation: Some customers tend to over utilise services once insured. Exclusions help to avoid bearing costs for unnecessary hospital stays.

Common Exclusions in Health Insurance Policies

Different health insurance plans have different rules about what they cover and what they don’t. However, there are some things that most insurance plans need to cover. Here are the 10 most common things that are not covered by most health insurance plans:

1. Pre-existing Diseases (PED): Undoubtedly the most common exclusion, pre-existing diseases refer to any condition that the policyholder already has before purchasing the health cover. Based on policy terms, PEDs may be covered after a waiting period of 2-3 years.  
2. Initial Waiting Period: Most health plans have an initial waiting period of about 30 days, during which they do not pay for any hospitalisation. This prevents the misuse of fresh policies for already diagnosed conditions.
3. Dental and Eye Care Treatments: In most cases, dental procedures such as tooth extraction, root canals, dentures, and orthodontic treatments are not covered by accident insurance.
4. Cosmetic Surgery: Unless it is medically necessary after an accident, any cosmetic surgery or beauty treatment aimed at improving physical appearance is not covered.
5. Infertility: Diagnostic tests and treatments undertaken specifically for infertility are excluded under most basic health plans. 
6. Addictions: Alcohol dependence, substance abuse, and associated health conditions do not fall within basic health insurance coverage. 
7. Hazardous Activities: Any accidental injuries arising due to participation in adventure sports, racing competitions, etc., may be excluded as per policy terms.

In addition to the above usual suspects, several other exclusions tag along:

Prominent Health Insurance Exclusion Clauses

Apart from the exclusions list, health plans also contain important exclusion clauses that policyholders must be aware of:

• Maternity & Childbirth: Maternity expenses like pregnancy checkups, delivery, and newborn care are often excluded from base plans. You might need a separate maternity add-on for coverage.
• Outpatient Department (OPD) Expenses: Costs associated with doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines for outpatient treatment might be excluded.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Procedures like plastic surgery, hair removal, or other cosmetic enhancements are generally not covered by health insurance.
• Self-inflicted Injuries: Injuries sustained due to attempted suicide, self-harm, or risky activities are often excluded.
• War & Nuclear Activities: Health insurance plans typically don’t cover medical expenses arising from war, terrorism, or nuclear incidents.

Analysing Policy Exclusions Before Buying

With exclusions limiting plan coverage in place, policyholders must consider the fine print thoroughly at the time of purchase to see what is and what is not covered in health insurance. Key aspects to review include: 

• Directly listed permanent policy exclusions beyond waiting periods
• Applicable waiting period for covering pre-existing illnesses 
• Conditional exclusions that may be covered case-based  
• Disease-wise capping of claims 
• Any co-payments applicable per claim  
• Policy limitations related to room rent  

To find the best health plan, compare exclusions and choose add-ons to fill gaps. Let’s say you need vision care, but the base plan excludes it. This creates a gap in your coverage. You can then choose a vision add-on plan to fill that gap and ensure your eyes are covered. Renew on time to keep pre-existing conditions covered.

Conclusion  

While exclusions restrict health policy coverage to an extent, they create affordable premiums. For policyholders, exclusions should not become ‘deal breakers’ if the plan continues covering key hospitalisation eventualities and major illnesses. But at the same time, understanding exclusions sets pragmatic expectations of what medical expenses would get reimbursed. Hence, analysing policy fine print around exclusions, caps, waiting periods, etc., is invaluable. It empowers you to find and continue with plans that provide adequate protection against financially draining hospital bills.

During this week’s historic United Methodist General Conference in Uptown Charlotte (the first time in 8 years the global congregation has met), nearly 700 delegates voted to officially allow LGBTQ clergy to lead local churches and to remove other same-sex marriage restrictions.

Yesterday afternoon, inside the Charlotte Convention Center, denominational leaders from around the world voted 692 to 51 to stop issuing mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages in UMC churches, to remove a 40-year-old ban on LGBTQ candidates for ministry, and to allow funding for LGBTQ-friendly ministries.

This historic vote follows years of contentious debate within the denomination, which has seen a shift towards more progressive stances as many conservative members have recently left the church. The newly adopted measures also prevent district superintendents from penalizing clergy for their involvement in same-sex weddings, either by performing or refusing to perform them. Furthermore, the church’s Social Principles were amended to no longer describe homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching” and redefine marriage as a union between “two people of faith.”

“I have loved this church, even when it didn’t quite know how to love me back. I loved it because it was a vessel of God’s grace, in spite of its flaws,” said Bishop Karen Oliveto, the denomination’s first openly gay and married bishop, in a press release. “I loved it still even when it suddenly made God’s love conditional through harmful language about LGBTQ people and the way it sought to limit our role in its life and ministry.”

The changes are effective immediately around the world, though they may predominantly affect US congregations due to differing regional policies, particularly in more conservative areas like Africa. The decision marks a pivotal shift for a denomination that has grappled with LGBTQ issues for decades and could lead to further departures from the church, especially from regions with more conservative views on sexuality.

You can watch the full recap of yesterday’s meeting and vote here:

Despite a general slowdown in US office sales, the sector witnessed significant investments, particularly in North Carolina, where over $33 billion in assets were exchanged last year at an impressive average sale price of nearly $200 per square foot.

In North Carolina, and especially within the Charlotte area, rising interest rates and a strong preference for high-quality spaces have introduced challenges to the office market. Nonetheless, the most premium assets in the most desirable locations, including those in Charlotte, have continued to draw substantial investments. To shed light on this trend, we analyzed CommercialEdge office sales data to pinpoint and rank the 100 most expensive office submarkets in America.

Some key findings include:

• North Carolina is home to 4 of the 100 most expensive office submarkets of 2023. In terms of the number of entries on the list, it tied with New York and Virginia.
• The Raleigh – Glenwood Ave submarket ranked #13 — highest among N.C. entries. Here, office space traded for an average price of $297 per square foot last year.
• North Carolina’s other 3 entries are part of the Charlotte market: East Charlotte ranked #45, with an average sale price of $176 per square foot of office space; Southpark ranked #51 ($169 per square foot); and the Charlotte Airport submarket placed #54 ($165 per square foot).
• Considering state-wide transactions (not just in the ranking submarkets), North Carolina office sale prices averaged $204 per square foot, making it one of the eight states (plus D.C.) where this value was above the national average of $193.