CMPD Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing Teen

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CMPD Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing Teen

CMPD is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing minor who was last seen in the Elizabeth Neighborhood, just outside Uptown.

According to an official press release from the department:

“Scot Stines, 16, is missing. The CMPD’s Missing Person Unit is asking anyone who sees him to call 911, immediately. Mr. Stines was last seen near the 200 block of Hawthorne Lane wearing a blue shirt with “Victory” in white letters, blue jeans and black shoes.”

Please help spread the word.

Charlotte’s Spinning Metalmorphosis Fountain Is Amazing The World (Video)

Steve
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Charlotte’s Spinning Metalmorphosis Fountain Is Amazing The World (Video)

Czech artist David Černý has made some pretty bizarre creations, from a tank painted pink, to a clan of futuristic babies climbing up Prague’s TV Tower, however, most art fans know him by Charlotte’s now world-famous ‘Metalmorphosis.’

The mammoth undertaking weighs 14 tons, and the “seven-metre tall structure with horizontally-moving stainless-steel plates… form, and re-form, a giant metal head.” Since 2007, it has been on display at the Whitehall Technology Park in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area;

If you want to see what it’s doing right now, you can check out the sculptures live webcam – it has been running 24/7 for over 7 years now.

American Idol Holding North Carolina Auditions This Week

Charlotte Stories
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American Idol Holding North Carolina Auditions This Week

American Idol is looking for the next big singing sensation in the Tar Heel state this week. Auditions for Season 5 will take place for North Carolina on Friday, August 6th.

The show will be conducting both in-person virtual auditions via Zoom and video audition submissions. If you’d like to be considered, you can reserve your live audition spot or submit your video here.

If you are selected to move forward to a callback, you will be contacted by an
American Idol producer via phone or email and will be provided with information on how to register for and attend a virtual audition via Zoom or an in-person audition, if in-person auditions are held. For more information regarding virtual auditions via Zoom, please go to: etribez.com.

NC Farm Contractor Fined Over $20k For Violating Migrant Housing Laws

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NC Farm Contractor Fined Over $20k For Violating Migrant Housing Laws

A North Carolina farm labor contractor that hired temporary workers to pick and pack melons violated federal law when it employed them in jobs not listed in its application to hire foreign guest workers, failed to provide required kitchen facilities or meals, paid insufficient wages and housed workers in overcrowded living quarters, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has found.

Division investigators found Jose Gracia Harvesting Inc., based in Four Oaks, violated several provisions of the H-2A temporary agricultural workers visa program, which allows employers to hire temporary, nonimmigrant workers for seasonal agricultural work.

The investigation led the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges to approve a settlement in which Garcia paid $13,996 in back wages to 47 workers to resolve the wage violations. The contractor has also paid a $6,861 civil penalty.

Specifically, the division found Gracia failed to:

–      Comply with H-2A recruitment requirements by employing workers in supervisor, cook and bus driver positions when the job order listed only farmworkers and laborers positons.

–      Provide kitchen facilities or meals to the workers as required. Instead, the contractor required workers to purchase their meals and the average daily cost of meals exceeded the maximum amount allowed.

–      Pay the wage rate as offered. The contractor paid a piece rate instead of an hourly rate. As a result, total wages did not always meet the required minimum rate of $11.66 per hour.

–      Keep accurate records of employees’ hours and earnings.

–      Provide or secure housing for workers as required. The contractor housed workers in an overcrowded motel that lacked sufficient beds for the workers.

“Farmworkers are among the nation’s most essential workers and unfortunately some of the most vulnerable to unfair and unsafe labor practices,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jim Cain. “This investigation underscores the department’s commitment to using any and all enforcement strategies at our disposal to protect the rights of these employees, and to level the playing field for employers who obey the law. Other employers should use the outcome of this investigation as an opportunity to review their own practices to make sure they comply with the law, and avoid violations like those found in this case.”

Jose Gracia Harvesting Inc. contracts with Melon 1, one of the nation’s largest melon brokers. Once harvested, buyers ship and distribute the melons throughout the country.

For more information about the FLSA, the H-2A program and other laws enforced by the division, contact the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.

Gaston County Protests Fight $840 Million Lithium Mine

Charlotte Stories
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Gaston County Protests Fight $840 Million Lithium Mine
via Piedmont Lithium

A series of in-person and online protests have been fighting plans for a massive $840 million lithium mine in Gaston County, which in turn, may affect Tesla battery production in 2022-2023.

Last week, a large number of Gaston County residents showed up to the Gaston County Commissioners meeting to voice their opposition to the mine.

Last year, Piedmont Lithium signed a contract with Tesla to deliver 160,000 tons of lithium per year for use in Tesla’s new car batteries in the coming years.

According to the official agreement filed with the SEC, Tesla and Piedmont committed to “a start date for spodumene concentrate deliveries between July 2022 and July 2023 based on the development schedules of both parties.”

With the development of the mine still awaiting NC permit approval and Gaston County rezoning, this week Piedmont Lithium told Reuters it will “delay first shipments of lithium chemicals to electric vehicle maker and that it does not have a definitive date for when deliveries could begin.”

What do you think about the Piedmont Lithium mine being built in Gaston County?

UNC Charlotte Launches New School of Professional Studies for Adult Learners

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UNC Charlotte Launches New School of Professional Studies for Adult Learners

UNC Charlotte’s new School of Professional Studies will harness the University’s expertise in delivering high-quality and flexible online learning to become the premier choice for working professionals seeking further education to advance or transition careers or complete their undergraduate education.

UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies.jpgHoused at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, the new school connects professionals to over 90 degrees and graduate certificates with more than 50 available online and 40 available in the evenings and weekends so busy adults can continue their education while working. The school also offers more than 30 professional development certificates and certifications plus many more short-form learning opportunities to help professionals advance their careers. Additional programs are in the works to help more adults complete their undergraduate degrees.

“The School of Professional Studies unites two of the University’s commitments to our city and region’s workforce. We are streamlining the student experience for working professionals to access our large portfolio of programs designed for busy adults through one school that collaborates with each of our academic colleges,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “Additionally, through reimagining and developing online undergraduate degree completion programs, we will further live up to our commitment to accessibility for the nearly one million North Carolinians who hold some college credits but no degree.”

In addition to serving the needs of the individual learner, the school will also provide a resource for businesses and organizations seeking employee development solutions such as customized training, executive education and higher education pathways for employees.

“Just as UNC Charlotte was founded in response to the higher education needs of returning veterans of World War II, today we are meeting the growing demand for professional and continuing education options for working professionals,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “The Charlotte region’s adult population is one of the fastest growing in the nation and we are uniquely qualified to meet the diverse education needs of working adults.”

Through its collaboration with each of the University’s academic colleges, the school will provide programs designed for the varied motivations, preferences and needs of adult learners such as online, weekend and evening programs. The school will support an array of programs including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and certificates, skills-based boot camps, noncredit certificates and certifications, and short-form professional development courses. Additionally, through the school’s easy access along the LYNX light rail line, working professionals will be connected to UNC Charlotte’s main campus for access to its 3.8 million volume library, student labs and other resources.

“For today’s working professionals, education has shifted to ‘just in time’ rather than ‘just one time,’” said Asher Haines, executive director of the School of Professional Studies. “A foundational college experience is the starting platform for a successful career, and adults will need to step on and off this platform multiple times for continuing education and training as they advance in their jobs or switch careers. The School of Professional Studies is here to connect people to the right UNC Charlotte programs at the right time for their personal and professional growth and transformation.”

The school is powered by UNC Charlotte’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Audiovisual Integration and Support for Learning Environments group (AISLE) to develop online and blended learning experiences, enabling adult learners to successfully continue their education while balancing work and personal commitments.

Getting to Know About Crypto

Sharon Anderson
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Getting to Know About Crypto

Crypto sports betting is on the rise. In fact, a vast majority of gambling sites today either accept crypto and cash or crypto only. The reason why most gambling sites are switching to Cryptocurrency is that it is more secure and reliable. In cryptocurrency, every transaction is recorded on a digital ledger, which is copied and stored on a network of multiple computers. This means that if a transaction only shows up in one copy of the ledger, it will be red-flagged immediately. This makes this platform super safe and secure. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about crypto concerning sports betting. For more information about this topic and a list of the best blockchain betting sites.

Why Crypto Betting Sites Are So Popular

They are safer

Crypto betting sites are safer compared to those that use fiat currency. That is why most gambling sites are adopting this technology. The fact that this Cryptocurrency is decentralized means that it is not affected by government policies or geopolitical tensions. Crypto betting sites are safeguarded blockchain technology that makes them super safe. All payments made are recorded and stored in blocks that are well organized and linked in cryptographic proofs, making it difficult to tamper or hack transactions. This means that your hard earned money will be safe if you sign up for a crypto betting site.

Increased privacy

The traditional online betting industry is heavily regulated. Some of the major regulators include UK Gambling Commision and Malta Gaming Authority. They both demand that online casinos uphold the anti money laundering law by implementing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. 

Because of that all account holders need to have their identity verified. In Europe it needs to be done 72 hours after an account is opened or before a withdrawal request has been made. And it will be required to show a copy of the person’s Driver’s License or an Identity Card, and a proof of address.  

Another reason why more and more people are switching to crypto betting sites is because of enhanced privacy. These sites will guarantee your privacy regardless of what you do. Your banking and other important details will not be exposed as is the case when transacting with fiat currency. Your sensitive personal details will remain anonymous. When you take part in cryptocurrency betting sites only your e-mail address will be requested. There will be no need for further verification of your identity. Crypto betting sites do not have to follow the KYC process. This could be a huge advantage that they have over the more traditional online betting sites. 

Instant deposit and withdrawal

In addition to increased safety and privacy, crypto betting sites also allow instant deposits. This means that you don’t have to wait for days in order to deposit money in your account. All transactions are reflected on your account immediately, meaning you can start betting right away. It is the same when you decide to withdraw your funds. There is no verification process. Your identity doesn’t have to be confirmed as with more standard betting sites. Because of that it can be a matter of minutes when the funds will appear in your virtual wallet. 

Increased value

Another reason why most prefer crypto gambling sites is because of the increased value of Cryptocurrency. Although Cryptocurrencies are volatile just like hard currency, they are generally stable and more predictable, meaning that the chances of making losses are significantly low. For example, the value of Bitcoin has increased tremendously over the last couple of years. Even though there was a period where its growth was quite slow, its value has gone way up than what it used to be. This means that you can earn more money when you bet with Cryptocurrency as opposed to betting with fiat currency.

Provably Fair

Provably Fair is a piece of technology used by a number of crypto betting sites. It’s based on Blockchain technology. What it essentially does is to take a seed from the casino, as well as taking a seed from the player.  Using this technology, casino nor the player can see, amend or manipulate the Provably Fair outcome in any way. 

Risks of Crypto Betting Sites

We don’t want to talk only about benefits of using Crypto online betting sites. There are some risks that players should be aware of. Of course all risks could be minimized when players exhibit due diligence, and put time into research. 

Crypto betting sites are not regulated

As we have mentioned before, Crypto betting sites do not have to uphold the KYC process. Players do not have to provide any source of personal identification. They can remain anonymous. The reason that these platforms can do as such is because they are not regulated in any way. This also means that you need to trust that your chosen betting site will operate legitimately. But since there are no actual regulators that they need to answer to. Players are taking the risks for any kind of mistake or accident. You can stick with the major platforms that have already created a sense of trust and respect among their players. That way you will minimize the risk of the site just disappearing one day, or being blocked. 

Monitoring stakes, winnings and loses

When you are constantly dealing with cryptocurrency, you might forget how much the amounts are in dollars, euros or pounds. It can be extremely difficult to monitor how much you are winning or losing at any given point. Even an incorrect entering of a single decimal stake could be fatal for your account. So check if the betting site you are using offers a converter that could give you an idea of your actual winnings or loss based on a current exchange rate. It could save you time and give you an idea on how much you are spending. 

Fluctuating Exchange Rates of Cryptocurrency

You always need to take into consideration the fluctuation of the exchange rate. Especially if there is some time between your deposit and withdrawal. Sometimes the exchange rate will fluctuate and eat at your winnings. But an opposite thing can happen also. But this also add to the uncertainty on how much are you really spending and making, because you will have to calculate it again and again, based on the current exchange rate. 

How do Crypto Betting Sites Work?

Choose an online Betting Site

Of course this would be your first step. The criteria that will lead you on choosing the online betting site would reflect on what you are looking for. We recommend choosing a well known site with good reviews and ranking. You want it to have the sort of games selections that you are specialized in and great customer support. And make sure they support your type of cryptocurrency. 

Open your account

This is a simple step where you only need to submit your username, password and an email address. It would take you less than 30 second to finish it.  

Deposit funds

Depositing your funds based on the type of the cryptocurrency you have chosen. Fund will be transferred from your personal wallet to your virtual wallet in the cryptocurrency stated on the wallet. This step will be done fast also. 

Play Games

As soon as your funds are deposited you can start playing. Betting sites will have a great variety of games. Once you choose which one you like, you need to input your stakes from your virtual wallet and set up the betting parameters. Once the game has finished your winnings will be automatically added to your account balance in real time. If you had a loss the crypto betting site will keep your stake. 

Withdrawal

Once you are ready to make a withdrawal, you need to manually input the wallet address that you want your funds to be transferred into. Your request should be done in a fast way. 

Crypto Betting Sites is a market that never stops developing and growing. There are hundreds of sites where you can try your luck. As we have already mentioned, you can do that completely anonymously, and there are no regulators. That also adds to the low level of security. In case an accident happens or the site just disappears overnight there are no assurances that your funds will be returned to you. 

But there is also a certain sense of freedom to be able to operate and enjoy games in a modern way using cryptocurrency. There is a great potential of increasing your funds by playing games of just counting different exchange rates. Whichever way you have decided to take, make sure to explore all your options. Carefully select the Crypto Betting Site and do your due diligence. Base your decision on current player reviews on multiple social platforms, and make sure you recognize the software the site is using.  In this way you will be more safe and your funds will be safer too. We wish you all the luck.

Why used-car prices are driving US inflation higher

Samantha jeorge
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Why used-car prices are driving US inflation higher

Inflation is a broad concept that brings every factor of the urban lifestyle into consideration. It is a key concept that describes how much power customers have over the market with their money. Inflation is a financial matter at large, as it best describes how much goods customers can buy with their money. When inflation is rife in the market, it affects the buying power of consumers as well. Inflation is generally described as a percentage increase or decrease in prices over a certain period of time. If the wages can’t cope with the rising levels of inflation, the value of money and the standard of living falls dramatically.

The economy of the United States is the largest in the world, directly influencing the economies of countless other nations as well. Rising inflation in the US directly affects the global stock and trade markets. Recently, the main force driving the rate of inflation in the US to astronomical heights is rising used-vehicle prices. With the help of car-selling portals like CarIndigo and Cars.com that understand the used car market in-depth, we analyze the state of inflation in the overall US market.

How rising used car prices are driving inflation in the US

The used car market is currently booming with business, as used car prices are now touching the sky. The unusual combination of high demand from customers and low supply of in-vehicle inventories are driving the prices of used cars to new heights. 

In June, the government reported that used-car prices had soared by 10.5% in one month alone. This was after similarly strong spikes of 7.3% in May and 10% in April. The spike in June was the biggest surge, ever since the government started keeping a track record during Dwight Eisenhower’s first year of presidency in 1953.

Another shocking fact highlighted the severity of the rising used car prices. As a matter of fact, the surge in used car prices accounted for about 1/3rd of the overall inflation and increase in the cost of living in the US Within the first 6 months of 2021, used vehicle prices are now 32% more than the usual price. However, if you look at the market scene from 2009 to 2019, the cost of used vehicle prices fell by an average of 0.6% every year.

The reason behind rising car prices

The major reason behind this unusual market phenomenon can be attributed to the impact of pandemic on the global automotive supply chain. The problems began when rental car agencies raised the prices of new cars. In response, the automakers cut down their production lines in order to cope with the shortage in manpower and energy. In the days of the pandemic, people used to drive around more as it was the only means of transportation available. The desire for a new car slowly began to creep into the minds of car enthusiasts.

After a year, the global production lines were back and running again. However, this time they faced another crucial crisis, in the form of semiconductor shortage. The semiconductor chips are an essential component of every new vehicle nowadays, as they control the infotainment systems and every other part of the vehicle.

Automakers were pumping out fewer new cars to the market than usual, hence rental car companies had to resort to used cars in order to replenish their inventories. Combine that with the government stimulus money that every American individual got his hands on during the pandemic, the first thing on consumers’ minds was to invest in a new car. Simultaneously, public transportation also began, but Americans were reluctant to travel in public owing to the stringent regulations and the fear of the virus. Similarly, folks who had moved out of cities needed a car to avail their daily groceries and other necessities.

Unsurprisingly, with the crunching demand for used cars, the prices of used cars have soared to new heights. This has directly impacted the rate of national inflation as well.

What aftermath can Americans expect?

The growing rate of inflation could prompt the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, to raise the interest rates. In March, Joe Biden signed an economic relief bill that sent a $1,400 cheque into every American’s bank account. The build-up of savings has prompted Americans to invest more in their favorite goods, thus driving prices higher.

As it stands right now, the semiconductor shortage is slowly easing up. Automakers have also boosted their production lines to bring the balance back between demand and supply. Slowly but surely, used car prices will revert back to pre-pandemic levels. The lowering of used car prices certainly fits in with the claim made by the Federal Reserve, that most of the pandemic bottlenecks will be resolved by the end of this year. This will certainly ease the US inflation levels in the upcoming days.

On the other hand, Americans aren’t in for a respite from inflation for now either. The demand for various consumer goods and services is on the rise, which includes gas, groceries, clothes, and online tickets. We recommend Americans to keep their budgets tight for at least till the end of the year.

Cornhole World Championships Coming To Rock Hill This Week

Charlotte Stories
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Cornhole World Championships Coming To Rock Hill This Week

It’s not just a backyard sport anymore; it’s the real deal. 256 professional cornhole players and over 800 amateurs from across the country will gather in Rock Hill, SC starting Monday, Aug. 2 to attend the American Cornhole League World Championships.

Just 30 minutes south of Charlotte, the event will begin on Aug. 2 and run through Aug. 8. The exact address is 326 Technology Center Way, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

In attendance will be ESPN personalities Ryan McGee and Marty Smith, plus former Carolina Panthers running backs Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert. The four VIP guests will each be paired with an ACL Pro and go head-to-head in a televised cornhole tournament at Friday’s ACL Pro Celebrity event, which will air on ESPN2 at 8:00pm EST for ESPN’s infamous Ocho Day.

Open to the public, the World Championships expect to draw a crowd of approximately 2,500 people to the newly renovated Sports and Events Center in Historic Downtown Rock Hill. Just minutes away from the future Carolina Panthers headquarters, the space is also the newfound headquarters of the American Cornhole League after previously being based in the Queen City.

The national sports organization relocated in late 2020 after experiencing exponential growth despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This growth was largely due to the profound scarcity of televised sporting events once lockdown commenced. Cornhole thrived due to its low-contact nature and flexibility of the sport, making it ideal content for ESPN coverage.

At the World Championships, the 256 ACL Pros will duke it out to claim highly-coveted titles including Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Pro Singles Champion, Pro Doubles Champion, and more.

Guests can enjoy choice food and beverages, play in blind draw tournaments, purchase merchandise from local vendors, visit the new ACL Headquarters, and sit courtside while watching the ESPN-televised broadcasts.

There is no entry fee to attend, but parking is available for $5.00 per car per day.

Chief Marketing Officer Trey Ryder stated, “We couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the ACL World Championships here in our home of Rock Hill, SC! With over 1000 of the best cornhole players in the world flocking to the region, fans will be spoiled with seven days of competitive play, over 40 hours of livestream coverage, and six hours of ESPN television coverage.”

ESPN will cover the following events during the American Cornhole League World Championships:

August 5 – ACL Pro Singles Bracket Finals at 8:00pm EST on ESPN3

August 6 – ACL Pro Celebrity Event at 8:00pm EST on ESPN2

August 7 – ACL Pro Singles Playoff and Co-Ed Doubles Final at 1:00pm EST on ESPN

August 8 – ACL Pro Doubles Playoff and Women’s Doubles Final at 1:00pm EST on ESPN2

For more information, please visit www.iplaycornhole.com/championships.

The 6th Annual CLT Burger Week Is Returning To The Queen City Next Week

Charlotte Stories
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The 6th Annual CLT Burger Week Is Returning To The Queen City Next Week

Ever wondered where the best burgers in Charlotte are?

Next week you can find out during the 6th Annual CLT Burger Week from August 6 – 15.

Local all-time favorite burger joints are joining together for the event to offer even their fanciest burgers for just $6 a pop. During the event, participants will also get to vote for their favorite burger for the title of the “Best Burger in Charlotte” on a mobile friendly website.

There are currently over 35+ participating restaurants all over the Charlotte region including Belmont, Gastonia, Concord Ballantyne, NODA, South End, Uptown, Huntersville, Fort Mill and Rock Hill. In South End, there is The Manchester, and Old Pineville Premium Pub, in Dilworth we have Kid Cashew and Bad Daddy’s Burgers. In the Fort Mill/Rock Hill area we have Time Out Sports, and Burgers & Barley. In Uptown we have French Quarter, Clutch Kitchen, The Local, and Graham Street Pub and over in Elizabeth they can stop by Big Ben’s British Pub & Restaurant.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and to download the official CLT Burger Week passport go to CLTBurgerWeek.com.

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