Centene’s $1 Billion Charlotte Headquarters To Become One Of Largest Office Complexes of 2022

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Centene’s $1 Billion Charlotte Headquarters To Become One Of Largest Office Complexes of 2022

One of the largest office complexes to be completed in 2022 is being built right here in Charlotte.

Phase 1 of Centene’s new $1 billion, 2.4 million square foot headquarters broke ground in University City last June and is now set to be completed ahead of schedule this coming Fall.

Here’s a recent drone shot of the sprawling complex’s progress:

The company has already started to hire the first of its 6,000 new employees who will staff the new headquarters.

“Our new state-of-the-art campus and growing Charlotte workforce will enable Centene to drive innovation through technology and continue advancing our mission of serving the most vulnerable populations in North Carolina and across the country,” said Centene CEO Michael Neidorff in a press release. “We are honored to contribute to the economic development of the region and are proud to announce that, over time, we will invest $1 billion in the Charlotte community. We are thankful to our many partners within the city of Charlotte, the county of Mecklenburg, and the state of North Carolina and look forward to continued collaboration and growth.”

For more information or to apply for one of the new positions, you can check out Centene’s career page here.

Charlotte Is About To Witness An Ultra-Rare ‘Super Flower Blood Moon’ This Weekend

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Charlotte Is About To Witness An Ultra-Rare ‘Super Flower Blood Moon’ This Weekend

This weekend stargazers are in for a treat as an ultra rare ‘Super Flower Blood Moon’ lunar eclipse is expected to peak over the Queen City just before Midnight this coming Sunday.

The components of a Blood Moon are not overly rare in themselves, but the combination of the Blood Moon, Super Moon, and Flower Moon on the same night is what will make May 15th an exceedingly special night.

A supermoon is the point of the moon’s orbit when it’s at its closest to Earth – its perigee – when it appears up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter than normal. A calendar year can see up to four supermoons.

A flower moon happens during spring time when the flowers are hitting their peak bloom, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

A blood moon is another name for a lunar eclipse, which happens when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, making it appear slightly reddish in color.

In Charlotte, the penumbral phase of the Super Flower Blood Moon will begin on May 15th at 9:32pm and the eclipse will reach its full totality at exactly 11:29pm when the moon will be 29 degrees above the South-Southeastern Horizon while standing at the corner of Trade and Tryon.

via timeanddate.com

The moon’s totality will end at 12:53 am on May 16th, and the moon passes out of the umbra at 1:55 am The penumbral phase (and the eclipse) will officially end at 2:50 am on Monday morning.

Walk A Mile May 14 to Raise Awareness, Funds for Charlotte Survivors

Charlotte Stories
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Walk A Mile May 14 to Raise Awareness, Funds for Charlotte Survivors

Chiara Callahan of Charlotte understands how difficult and dangerous it is to leave an abusive relationship because she’s lived the experience. She found the strength to escape her abuser, and this year’s she’ll walk at Walk A Mile 2022 on May 14 to help fellow survivors access the resources they need.

“I walk not only for myself as a survivor but for all others to raise awareness about different types of abuse and help survivors find resources to find the strength to leave,” said Chiara, a Charlott.

Help Chiara raise awareness about life-saving resources for Mecklenburg County survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by registering for the May 14 walk at 9 a.m. at NoDa Brewing Company in Charlotte. Your support brings hope and healing to survivors – our mission, and our passion.

We’re also proud to announce this year’s Walk A Mile sponsors:

  • Presenting Sponsor: Covia
  • Stiletto Level: Ally®, Great Clips®, NoDa Brewing Company
  • Platform Level: Charlotte Turks; GM Financial; Jeff and Carol Klein; Moore & Van Allen, PLLC; Scope Anesthesia of North Carolina; Urban Skin RX®; William Blair
  • Exclusive Level: BHL Services, Inc. (Silent Auction); Carolinas College of Health Sciences (First Aid Station); Carolina Custom (Water Station); Herrmann & Murphy, PLLC (1/2 Mile Pit Stop); Modern Legal (Why I Walk Series); Identiti
  • Wedge Level: Childress Klein; Loeback & Brownlee, PLLC; Office Environments; Pulte Mortgage
  • Pump Level: Carolina Door Specialties; The Common Market; High Tide Hospitality; NoDa Company Store; Pop Yachts and RVs; State Building Services

Visit https://walkamile.swell.gives to register to walk and start your fundraising campaign.

New Migration Data: 55% of Charlotte Apartment Hunters are Looking to Move Away

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New Migration Data: 55% of Charlotte Apartment Hunters are Looking to Move Away
Apartment List just released our quarterly Renter Migration Report, providing new data on where renters across the country are looking to move. At the top is an interactive map summarizing the behavior of millions of Apartment List users searching on our platform from January through March of this year. Over 40% are looking for their next home in a new metro, and 27% are searching in a new state, both well above pre-pandemic benchmarks.
Key insights from the report include:
  • 55% of Charlotte apartment hunters are looking for homes outside the metro area. The most popular destinations among these renters are Charleston, Raleigh, and Greenville.

  • In the other direction, 41% of renters looking for apartments in Charlotte are searching from out-of-town. Atlanta, Raleigh, and New York are providing the most inbound search interest this quarter.

You can check out the full migration report for more detailed data and to explore trends for major metro areas around the country.

Can South Carolinians bet on sports?

Sharon Anderson
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Can South Carolinians bet on sports?

Questions surrounding sports betting and its legality in the States have only multiplied in the years following the federal relaxation of igaming laws. This has led to a significant rise in the asking of questions pertaining to different states’ gambling ordinance. While there aren’t many questions being asked in Nevada, for reasons that are fairly obvious, there are still many other states where matters aren’t so clear. South Carolina is an example of such a state.

Much of this uncertainty relates to the difference between it being legal to avail of a service, and it being legal to provide it. While these two matters affect one another – if it’s legal to provide a service, then more people will use it – there are some cases in which it leads to misunderstanding. Does a South Carolinian need to seek out an online casino elsewhere in which to bet, or can they do so with a domestic provider? This, and other questions, will be answered as we read on…

Is it legal to provide sports betting in South Carolina?

At present, sports betting in the Palmetto state is not regulated. This means that there are no domestic providers of sports betting facilities. That doesn’t mean it is illegal to bet within this state – in fact, only in Utah and Hawaii is it objectively not permitted – but it does make things a little more nuanced for bettors living in South Carolina. They can bet with non-domestic casinos, for which more options can be found here. As of this moment, bills to regulate it have been raised in the state legislature, but none have been passed before the end of a congressional session, so as things stand, the legal position is that you can bet in the state, but there are no local betting providers.

So what does a South Carolinan do, if they want to bet?

With sports betting not being regulated in South Carolina, it is effectively not illegal. That kind of nuance does not play into the hands of putative providers of the service, but it does work out fine for those who wish to practice betting. While potential casino companies would need to seek out licences and insurance – and would not get them, because the legal framework does not exist – a potential bettor can bet with a casino that runs out of another state, or elsewhere. It pays to be cautious, though, and to make sure any betting provider is permitted to offer their services to South Carolina residents – because it won’t be the case for all of them.

Will South Carolina fully legalize and regulate betting in the future?

This is a question that’s hard to fully answer until it happens (or doesn’t). The conditions exist for it to happen fairly quickly if it were to be passed at a state level, and there is enough of a push for it to have seen bills raised. A certain amount of negotiation will clearly be required before the latest bill, launched on a bipartisan basis, finds broad enough support to pass state Congress and find favor with Gov. Henry McMaster, but we’ve seen movement happen in other states, most recently in Maine which passed wide-ranging laws this Spring. It still remains to be seen in South Carolina, but it’s certainly possible.

Post-Treatment Care Tips For Bonded Teeth

Sharon Anderson
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Post-Treatment Care Tips For Bonded Teeth

Bonded teeth are teeth that have been treated with a dental adhesive to hold them together. Bonding is a standard treatment for cracked or chipped teeth. Dental bonding is a treatment used to fix cracked, chipped, or misshapen teeth. A resin is applied to the tooth and then cured with a UV light. The resin is then polished to a smooth finish. It can also fill in gaps between teeth, make teeth appear straighter, and improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth.

Once your dental bonding treatment is complete, it is essential to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your dentist to ensure that the bond between your teeth and the bonding material lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your bonded teeth:

Brush twice per day

To keep your bonded teeth looking their best, you should brush them twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to touch all the surfaces of your teeth, including the bonding material. You can also use a mouthwash to help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

Floss

Flossing is also essential for taking care of your bonded teeth. Be sure to floss once per day between your teeth and along the gum line. Flossing will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Visit the dentist for routine cleanings

It is also essential to visit the dentist for routine cleanings. A professional dental cleaning will remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental cleanings will help keep your bonded teeth healthy and looking their best. If you have any questions or concerns about taking care of your bonded teeth, talk to your North York dentist. They will be able to give you specific instructions on how to take care of your teeth so that they last a long time.

Drinking water after every meal

Another important post-treatment care tip for bonded teeth is to drink water after every meal. This will help rinse away food particles and plaque from your teeth and gums. It is also essential to avoid drinking acidic or sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, or sports drinks, as these can damage the bonding material and cause tooth decay. To top that off, according to dentists boynton beach fl, these types of beverages weaken the enamel of your teeth making them more susceptible to damage.

Avoid Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can damage the bonding material and cause tooth decay. It is vital to quit if you smoke, as smoking can damage the bonding material and cause tooth decay.

Reduce habits that can affect composite resin

In addition to following the post-treatment care instructions provided by your dentist, it is essential to reduce any habits that can affect the composite resin material used in bonding. This includes reducing your intake of acidic and sugary drinks, smoking, and drinking alcohol. These behaviors can cause the bonding material to deteriorate and lead to tooth decay.

Avoid products that easily stain your teeth

In addition to following the post-treatment care instructions provided by your dentist, it is essential to avoid any products that can easily stain your teeth. This includes smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, and eating foods that are high in colors, such as berries and dark-colored sauces. These behaviors can cause the bonding material to stain and may require more frequent dental visits to keep your teeth looking their best.

Conclusion

Bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth, and if you follow these post-treatment care tips, you can keep them looking their best for years to come. Be sure to follow the instructions given by your dentist. You’ll have a long-lasting result and maintain your beaming smile by following the after-care tips.

Duke Energy Renewable Energy Growth Soars by 20%

Sharon Anderson
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Duke Energy Renewable Energy Growth Soars by 20%

Duke Energy had its best year ever for adding renewable energy as the company posted a 20% jump in wind and solar power in 2021.

This information, along with large amounts of other data and insights, was detailed in Duke Energy’s comprehensive ESG Report (formerly Sustainability Report), the company’s 16th annual disclosure on environment, social and governance (ESG) topics. (Watch a video about the report.)

“ESG is essential to who we are,” said Katherine Neebe, Duke Energy’s chief sustainability officer and president, Duke Energy Foundation. “Our ESG strategy is focused on how we create value while at the same time mitigate the risks associated with our business. As we lead the most ambitious clean energy transition in our industry, we will continue to track and report our progress.”

One of the company’s goals is to own, operate or contract for 16,000 megawatts (MWs) of renewable energy by 2025. During 2021, the company went from almost 8,800 MWs of wind and solar at the end of 2020 to just over 10,500 MWs by the end of 2021.

The leading states for Duke Energy’s renewable energy increase in 2021:

  • North Carolina – 436 MW
  • Florida – 429 MW
  • Oklahoma – 351 MW
  • Texas – 332 MW

Renewable energy is an important part of Duke Energy’s effort to reduce carbon emissions from electric generation by at least 50% (based on 2005 levels) by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. This trajectory is supported by over 50% of Duke Energy’s generation mix coming from carbon-free resources by 2030.

The company has reduced Scope 1 carbon emissions from electricity generation by 44% since 2005. In addition, earlier this year the company announced expanded 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals to include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions, and to have coal represent less than 5% of the generation mix by 2030 and a full exit by 2035. 

Other report highlights and insights:

  • Duke Energy continues to decarbonize to meet its climate goals. This includes a focus on methane detection and reduction of emissions, using advanced detection methods such as satellites, fixed-wing aircraft and ground-level sensing technology, promoting renewable natural gas and the transition to electric and low-emission vehicles.
  • Duke Energy continues to offer excellent value to customers with high reliability and provide customers with energy efficiency tools. In addition, a team is in place to better aid underserved and low-income customers gain access to assistance needed to help with energy bills.
  • The company’s economic development team helped attract nearly 12,500 new jobs and $6.2 billion in capital investment to its service territories.
  • Environmental justice is a business imperative, fundamental to the company’s operations and a pillar of meaningful stakeholder engagement. The company published the principles that guide its work. In addition, information on how the company navigates the largest planned coal retirement in the industry in a way that is fair, equitable and just for employees, communities and customers is included.
  • Human capital management highlights include: 2021 was the company’s most diverse recruiting year to date with 35% female new hires and 34% people of color new hires. A pay equity study was conducted to ensure pay is fair and competitive and 2021 EEO1 data is included in workforce performance metrics.  
  • The company launched a sustainable financing framework to help attract billions of dollars of investments in eligible green and social projects. Duke Energy has a $63 billion capex plan over the next five years – over 80% of which represents investments toward our clean energy transition and grid modernization.
  • The company has published its second Trade Association Climate Review, linking it within the ESG Report. This report discusses the alignment of our climate position with major federal trade associations.

3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Just Struck South Carolina Between Charlotte and Columbia

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3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Just Struck South Carolina Between Charlotte and Columbia

A 3.3 magnitude earthquake just rattled South Carolina this morning between Charlotte and Columbia.

The quake struck at 01:32am with an epicenter of 34.167°N 80.726°W.

It’s being considered yet another aftershock from the Christmas quake of Elgin, SC, bringing the total number of quakes and aftershocks to 23 in just a few months.

The rumbling of the Palmetto State started when a 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck Elgin, South Carolina (about 50 miles south of Charlotte) the day after Christmas, followed quickly by 2.5, 2.1, and 1.7 magnitude aftershocks.

According to the USGA, the quakes had epicenters roughly halfway between Lugoff and Elgin, SC – all about an hour south of Charlotte.

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.”

Have you felt any of the quakes? 

South Carolina Ranks Among Worst States for Police Officers in America

Steve
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South Carolina Ranks Among Worst States for Police Officers in America

With President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address calling for the nation to “fund the police” with better training and resources, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022’s Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer.

In order to determine the best states to pursue a career in law enforcement, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 key indicators of police-friendliness. The data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per 1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.

South Carolina was found to be the 43rd worst state in America. North Carolina wasn’t much better, coming in at #29 overall.

Best States to Be a Cop

Overall Rank  State Total Score  Opportunity & Competition  Law Enforcement Training Requirements  Job Hazards & Protections 
1 Connecticut 59.91 18 1 7
2 California 57.97 16 2 13
3 Illinois 56.95 5 6 21
4 District of Columbia 56.66 1 3 49
5 Maryland 56.34 13 7 8
6 Massachusetts 55.46 3 12 14
7 Minnesota 52.96 6 18 4
8 Washington 52.88 4 13 20
9 Colorado 52.65 7 8 31
10 Ohio 51.93 26 5 26
11 Maine 50.99 20 17 3
12 Georgia 48.44 28 10 24
13 New York 46.72 2 40 9
14 Tennessee 46.64 37 4 41
15 Delaware 46.57 9 24 19
16 South Dakota 45.53 23 9 38
17 New Hampshire 44.76 11 44 1
18 Texas 44.37 29 11 39
19 New Jersey 44.21 8 39 6
20 Pennsylvania 43.75 27 26 18
21 Iowa 43.58 10 30 16
22 Indiana 43.35 41 14 30
23 Virginia 42.98 24 28 11
24 Rhode Island 42.93 48 21 10
25 Vermont 42.86 31 38 2
26 Michigan 42.73 25 23 29
27 Oklahoma 41.53 32 15 45
28 Utah 41.24 49 25 5
29 North Carolina 40.61 36 27 22
30 New Mexico 39.85 19 16 51
31 Nebraska 39.62 17 46 12
32 Wisconsin 39.52 30 31 25
33 Idaho 39.33 45 20 32
34 Arizona 39.08 22 32 27
35 Missouri 38.70 46 19 33
36 Florida 38.41 33 42 15
37 North Dakota 37.51 21 49 17
38 Kansas 37.46 14 34 37
39 Oregon 36.99 34 41 23
40 Wyoming 36.76 43 22 40
41 Alabama 34.57 15 47 36
42 Kentucky 34.16 40 29 42
43 South Carolina 33.74 35 33 44
44 Louisiana 32.39 12 43 48
45 Montana 31.87 38 35 46
46 Nevada 31.02 39 48 34
47 Mississippi 29.38 50 37 43
48 West Virginia 29.24 47 45 35
49 Alaska 26.91 42 50 47
50 Hawaii 26.03 44 51 28
51 Arkansas 25.56 51 36 50

What do you think we should do to improve law enforcement in the Carolinas?

How Online Casinos Work in The Netherlands

Sharon Anderson
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How Online Casinos Work in The Netherlands

The state of online gambling in the Netherlands has not always been the same as it is today. Prior to this time, online gambling was a sensitive issue in the Netherlands. 

However, with the internet and technical devices, gambling online soon became regulated in several parts of the world. As a result, gambling in the Netherlands has now been legalized, which has cleared the path for an entirely new betting experience for nieuwste online casino Nederland fans. By becoming legal, the Dutch e-gaming industry is in line to be blown away with an abundance of licensed and sensational casino sites.

Is Online Gambling Legal In The Netherlands?

Yes, it is. Online gambling was legalized in the Netherlands on October 1st, 2021. Due to the law passed on by the Remote Gambling Act, all online games became legal, and casino operators began opening online versions of their offline establishments.

Types of Gambling in the Netherlands

Though different types of gambling are in existence, only land-based casinos have been accessible to Dutch players for a while. Many of these casinos give players access to a variety of casino games, such as slots, variations of table games, poker tournaments, sports betting, and many more. However, there are now several online gambling Netherlands platforms that players can try out.

Online Casino Gambling in the Netherlands

Online casinos, also called virtual or internet casinos, are the online versions of brick and mortar (traditional) casinos. Online gambling enables customers to play and place wagers on games through the internet. 

With the Netherlands Gambling Authority’s approval, Dutch gamblers can be confident that the best online casino Netherlands operators are legitimate and secure. The local government is quite strict, and the inspection process for each website takes some time so they can ensure that there is no malicious intent and no hidden agendas. 

Like traditional casinos, Dutch online casinos also offer games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, which can be played against the computer or other players. The best thing about online casinos is that they are easy to learn and fun to play.

Dutch Online Sports Betting

Sports betting in Dutch is the act of predicting sports results and placing a bet on the outcome. The majority of bets are placed on American football, basketball, association football, baseball, track cycling, horse riding, mixed martial arts, and boxing; all done at amateur and professional levels. 

Sports betting also received approval in the Netherlands under the Remote Gambling Act. Therefore, along with the casino sections, some of the best online gambling Netherland sites offer sports betting services to their customers. 

If you enjoy sports and betting, this is the time for you to reap the benefits of your sports knowledge. Some casinos also have dedicated sections to live betting, where matches can be tracked live while bets are placed.

Online Poker in the Netherlands

Many Dutch players have ranked poker high in the list of their top favorites, and online poker is merely the traditional card game of poker that is played online. 

Under the Remote Gambling Act, fans are given the right to engage in poker tournaments and RNG games like any other online casino game. Most of the best and most secured gambling sites in the Netherlands feature some of the poker variants available. 

Same as the sports betting platform, some casinos are quite reliable in this field, dedicating an entire section to poker. There, players can participate in tournaments that can bring them great rewards.

Lottery

The Dutch lottery is one of the oldest in the world, and it simply involves drawing numbers at random for a prize. It has been around since 1726 when locals played it. Currently, there are about a dozen legal lottery draws in the country, and they successfully attract crowds for each draw.

Nowadays, you can acquire lottery tickets through authorized retailers, and as more Dutch gambling sites acquire a license from the NGA, the numbers keep growing.

Gambling Licence & Safety in the Netherlands

The first thing to check when using a Dutch casino is the security and legitimacy of the particular casino in question. You must be able to distinguish between the two types of operators available: those based in the Netherlands and those based in other parts of the world. Both function alongside the different regulatory bodies and jurisdictions.

In the Netherlands, no online casino operator can operate legally without obtaining a license from the Netherlands Gambling Authority, whereas outside the country, the main pillars of safe gambling are the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Gambling Commission of Great Britain (UKGC). 

Before engaging with a gambling site in the Netherlands, players must be certain that the casino employs up-to-date security standards. Also, look out for signs of active gambling participation and partnerships with organizations that deal with gambling addiction.

Conclusion

Due to the online casinos in the Netherlands receiving licenses recently, foreign operators are not in a hurry to enter the Dutch market. However, it has been predicted by industry analysts that there’ll be an early recovery in this sector. Therefore, it is safe and secure to play online casino games in the Netherlands.

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