A new study from SmartAsset analyzes the places in North Carolina with the highest per capita wealth, and Mecklenburg County made the list. The study measured the amount of investment income being generated in each county, in addition to the per capita income and median home value to find the wealthiest places.

For a closer look at the top counties in North Carolina, check out the table below:

The study’s methodology and interactive map can be found here.

For the first time in over 20 years, the majority of North Carolina counties will be under a “Code Red” air quality warning due to a massive smoke plume coming from the ongoing Canadian wildfires.

According to the NCDAQ, the smoke arrived in North Carolina yesterday, leading to a sharp rise in particle pollution. By Wednesday, the warning escalated to “Code Red,” affecting the Charlotte metro, the Triangle, northern Mountain regions, and northern Coastal Plain, indicating unhealthy air quality for all residents, not just sensitive groups.

Code RED and Code ORANGE Air Quality Alerts for fine particulate matter have been issued statewide from midnight tonight (6/6/23) through midnight tomorrow (6/7/23) due to impacts from Canadian smoke transport #ncwx #airquality #AQI

For more: https://t.co/Res5iwfwVO pic.twitter.com/j4RIFo5Q5u

— NC Air Quality Forecast Center (@NCDAQ_Forecast) June 6, 2023

A state-wide burning ban is active until the alert concludes. To prevent worsening conditions, residents are also advised to limit driving and usage of gas-powered equipment. Air quality is expected to remain at a high-alert level throughout the week. More than 400 wildfires in Canada, with over 200 out of control, have caused the smoke pollution.

This week’s high temperatures, along with the low air quality increases everyone’s chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – make sure to stay hydrated at all times.

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!

Movie producers are now looking for paid extras for a new film to be shot in several locations around the Charlotte region.

According to IMDB, the new project is a chaotic cross-country journey starring two brothers who unwittingly get entangled in a global conspiracy. “Operation Taco Gary’s” promises a blend of comedy, drama, and mystery with Simon Rex leading the cast. Not only is Rex starring in the project, but he’s also stepping up as executive producer alongside Michael Kvamme, who is making his directorial debut while also contributing his writing talents to the project.

As reported by Deadline, this comedy features an offbeat conspiracy theorist who drags his distant brother along for a road trip with a hidden motive. Simon Rex will bring the character of Danny to life, a man who initially seems like a typical conspiracy theorist, only to reveal a deeper, more intricate persona as the plot unravels.

EXCLUSIVE: Simon Rex is set to star and executive produce Operation Taco Gary’s with Michael Kvamme writing and directing. Matthew Vaughan & Rotten Science will produce the pic https://t.co/1gJGGx8yqg

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 22, 2023

The call for extras is currently open, but they’re only considering individuals living in the Charlotte area since no travel expenses are being covered.

You can read about all the specific extras needed here.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation currently maintains over 27 miles of shoreline at Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie, as well as dozens of ponds and smaller lakes that are stocked for public fishing.

No matter where you live in Mecklenburg County, chances are there’s a fishing hole close by.

Here are 5 of the best spots around our city: 

#1 Freedom Park:

Yes, just a couple of minutes from uptown Charlotte, you’d be surprised what you can pull from the lake at Freedom Park! You’ll find largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill here. A great place for bank fishing with the little ones, and easy access to the playground when their patience fades.

#2 McDowell Nature Preserve:

On the shores of Lake Wylie, McDowell Nature Preserve and Copperhead Island have boat launches for fishing further out, and seven piers for fishing, too! Bass, catfish, and other panfish are plentiful here. Plus, a fantastic shelter, volleyball pit, and fire ring for group outings!

#3 Latta Plantation Nature Preserve:

So much history here, plus kayak and bank access to Mountain Island Lake. You can literally spend all day here, between the Nature Center, hiking and horseback trails, Raptor Center, and historic Latta Plantation home, but you’re here to fish! You can get loaner tackle here, and buy bait.

#4 McAlpine Creek Park:

Renowned by runners, walkers, and those cyclists who love those e-bikes for its Greenway, McAlpine Creek Park is home to a 3-acre lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. There’s a small pier and several bank-side benches. Accessible from all sides, there’s plenty of elbow room here to practice your fly-casting!

#5 Colonel Francis Beatty Park:

This may be one of the hottest ‘in town’ fishing spots. Colonel Francis Beatty Park is 265-acre park. It’s by no means massive, but it has plenty of amenities. The 20-acre pond is deeper than most at 18 feet, and is stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. Open every day from dawn until dusk.

If you’re new to the whole fishing thing, you can borrow a rod and reel at a participating Mecklenburg County Park and Rec Nature Center, including Latta Plantation, McDowell, or Reedy Creek. Latta Plantation even sells bait, so you’ll have everything you need. Call in advance to check for availability, then enjoy the fishing!

Make sure you have a valid A North Carolina Fishing License before you go. You can buy your fishing license online at this link, or call 1-888-248-6834.

Special thanks to Mecklenburg County Park and Rec’s New Blog for compiling this list.