New Report Ranks Charlotte and Matthews Among The Fastest Declining Rents in NC

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There’s something for everyone in North Carolina, as rent is decreasing all over the state.

According to a new report by Rent.com, in 2020, the average one-bedroom tenant can expect to pay around $1,145 per month, down 5.22 percent from $1,208 over the same period for the previous year. That’s a decrease of $63 a month.

The report uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets. Cities were excluded if they did not have an average of at least 20 units in our available inventory during that time period. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

According to the report, these are the 10 cities in North Carolina where rent is decreasing the most are:

1.       Clayton

  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,078
  • Rent change in the past year: -9.24 percent

2.       Morrisville

  • Rent change in the past year: -6.74 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,065

3.       Chapel Hill

  • Rent change in the past year: -6.05 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,127

4.       Asheville

  • Rent change in the past year: -5.75 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,068

5.       Greenville

  • Rent change in the past year: -5.44 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $774

6.       Durham

  • Rent change in the past year: -5.25 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,178

7.       Mooresville

  • Rent change in the past year: -4.48 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,062

8.       Raleigh

  • Rent change in the past year: -4.46 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,199

9.       Charlotte

  • Rent change in the past year: -3.17 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,342

10.     Matthews

  • Rent change in the past year: -1.97 percent
  • Average 1-BR rental price: $1,070

 

Owner of NC Race Track Offers “Bubba Rope” For Sale

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The owner of a North Carolina racetrack is now coming under fire after he posted a Facebook ad for “Bubba Rope”, referring to the rope that was found hanging in Bubba Wallaces garage at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

Mike Fulp, owner of 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC (about 100 miles north of Charlotte), said in his ad, “Buy your Bubba Rope today for only $9.99 each, they come with a lifetime warranty and work great.”

Here is a screen shot of the Fulp’s post (left), along with a picture NASCAR released of the rope found in Bubba Wallace’s garage (right):

Many of Fulp’s Facebook followers criticized his ad, and some regular speedway patrons even said they would stop attending his races because of the post.

A quick search of Fulp’s public Facebook posts uncovered numerous other racially charged statements and memes:

Fulp recently launched his first political campaign and came close to winning a county commissioner seat in this past election:

According to his Facebook profile, Fulp is the owner of both Hillside Dan River Tubing and 311 Speedway.

His companies regularly sell and promote confederate and right-wing memorabilia:

No one could be reached for comment at the Speedway on Friday morning.

CBD Oil Benefits for Your Fitness: A Complete Guide

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In recent times, CBD oil has become extremely popular across the globe. When it comes to products containing CBD, Cannabidiol, the demand has increased since its legalization in several countries. Majority of its consumers reside in Canada and the USA. 

CBD is often derived from the hemp plant, whose production has been legalized because of containing THC in race amounts. On the other hand, marijuana is the cannabis plant containing THC in abundance, the substance responsible for causing a “high”. Due to this reason, the production and sale of marijuana are illegal in many states. 

Unlike THC, CBD does not result in psychoactive effects. However, it happens to be great for fitness. Many bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts take CBD oil to facilitate their fitness regime. Let’s take about it in detail. 

What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the essential compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBDLife UK’s Vape Juice has been found to be effective in the treatment of many health problems. The plant also contains THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main compound responsible for making a person high. 

However, CBD is extracted from cannabis Sativa plants that have low levels of THC and does not result in any form of dependency. The CBD derived from hemp plants are popular for treating epileptic seizures. 

Most countries have legalized the production of hemp plants. Under favourable conditions with necessary water and light, the plant can be grown easily to meet the demand. 

Benefits of CBD 

CBD derived from hemp strains are known it be extensively used for its therapeutic benefits. As humans, we live in a world where health issues aren’t uncommon. We have to manage health conditions, be it heart disease or anxiety, on a daily basis. The market is filled with so many products that are meant to help deal with these conditions effectively. 

As a consumer, it is our responsibility to find a product that is suitable for your health condition. Hemp-derived CBD is organic, which is not as harmful as the chemicals you will find in the market. 

CBD has also been found useful in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress. People prefer using CBD oil for treating these psychological problems instead of depending on drugs that causes several side effects. However, the prolonged use of any product isn’t good for your health. Therefore, it is essential to keep the safety concerns in mind before using CBD oil for the treatment of any health condition. 

People who work from Monday to Friday every week tend to have a very busy routine, especially who are fitness freaks as well. Having tight schedules can easily lead to mental pressure, fatigue, and stress. Managing home life, work-life, and fitness isn’t an easy task, and can easily lead to a lot of problems when not done right. CBD oil is meant for people who regularly maintain a busy lifestyle and want an organic product to ease things for them. 

A 2008 study illuminated the fact that cannabinoids can be used for treating chronic pain. Many users have also claimed that they have found relief from chronic pain after using CBD oil. Gym goers often tend to use body pains and body aches as excuses to skip their workout regime. However, this problem can be easily solved with the help of CBD oil. 

During old age, sleep seems to be a big issue. In such instances, CBD oil can aid them in having a good night sleep. Currently, researchers are trying to find more pieces of evidence for CBD oil’s role in treating insomnia. 

CBD Oil for Fitness

As mentioned earlier, CBD oil is quite popular among fitness enthusiasts. People who love working out find it easy to reach their fitness goals and target with the help of CBD oil. People who are finding it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle may also benefit from CBD oil. 

There are several factors responsible for making CBD oil so effective in the fitness industry. Let’s understand them better. 

CBD helps in reducing appetite and hunger, which means that you will be eating less. Most fitness enthusiasts find it difficult to deal with food cravings. They might end up eating less food in order to control the urges. In such instances, CBD oil works like a miracle because it can lower the craving without letting you starve. 

CBD oil is also used as a popular post-workout and pre-workout supplement. It may not fill your stomach, but when a few drops reach the bloodstream, it can enhance your ability to perform cardio exercise, weight training, and other workout formats. 

CBD oil is also known to relax the body and mind, which ends up increasing the motivation to perform well. People who have a hectic day can use CBD oil to deal with stress effectively. Therefore, CBD oil is like a stress and energy booster that helps you carry out your fitness regime. 

CBD oil is also an asset for people who have difficultly falling asleep. Peaceful sleep is necessary for the muscles to recover after a heavy workout. Therefore, taking CBD oil can help you sleep better a night, 

After a strenuous workout or exercise, muscles tend to get really sore. Feeling body pains and aches isn’t uncommon. As CBD oil can help in the treatment of pain and inflammation, it can offer great relief to bodybuilders and fitness freaks. 

As you can see, CBD oil acts as a miracle for fitness enthusiasts. If you are interested in trying it out to enhance your fitness lifestyle, buy CBD oils at IHF to make every moment count. 

How to Use CBD Oil?

The best thing about CBD oil is the fact that it is so easy to use. Use a dropper and place a few drops of CBD oil on your tongue and wait for the magic to happen. 

The dosage is critical when you take CBD oil regularly. Therefore, you must consult with a licensed healthcare professional to figure out a dose that suits well for you. Most users would ask you to start with a low dose and move your way upwards till you find the perfect dose for your body. 

Closing Thoughts 

CBD oil is an outstanding product for people who are into fitness. By taking CBD oil, your life will undoubtedly become easier. Unlike other products, CBD oil is pretty easy to use and can be taken anywhere with you. Clinical trials have proven that CBD oil is not harmful to your health. Hence, you can use it to derive the maximum of its benefits. 

 

 

Kratom for Body Building: Everything You Need to Know

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Kratom is a unique herb that has taken the healthcare industry by a storm. Many people are drawn to this herb for its analgesic, sedative-like, stimulant, and mood-enhancing properties. 

Recently, many fitness freaks and health enthusiasts have also found this herb to be valuable in facilitating their fitness regime. Users have claimed that kratom supplements have been quite helpful to them during strenuous exercises and workouts. 

Today, we are going to evaluate how kratom can be useful in the fitness industry.

Kratom – What Is It?

Kratom is an evergreen herb that is grown primarily in the Southeast Asian jungles. It is also referred to as Mitragyna Speciosa, a plant that belongs to the coffee family. The leaves of this plant contain several alkaloids and flavonoids that are known for its relaxing energizing, and pain-relieving properties. 

In the last two centuries, kratom has become very popular all across the globe because of its role in treating several kinds of health conditions. If you want to learn more, you can check a good article on kratom vendors here.

Uses of Kratom

Traditionally, people used kratom as an energy booster. Nowadays, people use it for its medicinal properties. Some of the uses of kratom are – 

  •   Fighting insomnia 
  •   Relaxing 
  •   Coping with opiate withdrawal 
  •   Improving motivation and concentration 
  •   Easing depression symptoms 
  •   Relieving anxiety symptoms 
  •   Relieving pain 

Kratom Use in Fitness 

When people started using this magical herb, they realized that it has great potential in enhancing the energy levels of the body. Due to this reason, people could perform daily activities, like cleaning, washing, walking, and running, with ease. 

As the trend started to develop, people became curious to find out the full potential of the plant and how its uses can be applied to other industries. As a result, people started discovering its benefits in aiding athletes, gymnasts, bodybuilders, and players to achieve better. Due to this reason, kratom became one of the popular pre-work supplements in the market. 

Pre-workout supplements like FitnessVolt are known to contain ingredients that can offer an immediate energy boost. By taking pre-workout supplements before workout or training can provide the perform with increased energy, motivation, high levels of confidence, and an ability to carry out longer workout durations. 

Kratom has the potential to offer these benefits to the human body, making it an excellent pre-workout supplement. When kratom is consumed at the right time and in the right doses, it can aid the person’s workout regime. As it can be tricky to get the dosage right, people prefer consuming Kratom Crazy kratom capsules because they allow you to control the dosage better. 

Benefits of Using Kratom for Bodybuilding 

People might be curious to find out kratom’s role in building muscles. Unfortunately, kratom doesn’t have muscle-building properties. There are a few studies on kratom, but none of them focuses on the role of kratom in bodybuilding. 

The benefits associated with kratom use are known to affect the muscle building and bodybuilding process indirectly. Let’s take a look at these benefits – 

  1.   Pain Relief – Kratom is popular among users because of its analgesic properties. Several users buy kratom supplements to manage pain effectively. As strenuous workout routines can leave your body sore, taking kratom can provide the relief that is necessary to carry on with the next day’s workout. 
  2.   Appetite Control – Taking kratom supplements can be very useful in reducing appetite. Therefore, you are bound to feel less hungry. As most bodybuilders are expected to maintain a strict diet, taking kratom can make it effortless for the person to stick to the diet 
  3.   Motivation – Kratom is also very useful in increasing motivation. Many users have suggested that taking kratom helps them stay motivated, especially when they are so prone to losing interest and motivation to workout regularly. Therefore, taking kratom is bound to make you less lazy. 
  4.   Energy Boost – Kratom is known to give the user an energy boost, which ultimately helps in building stamina. Due to this reason, carrying out workout routines for longer durations becomes easy. Kratom is also considered to be a brilliant alternative to the energy drinks that you might find in the market. Unlike energy drinks, kratom will offer relaxing effects without making you jittery or nervous. 

How to Use Kratom Supplements to Enhance Your Workouts 

There are different ways in which you can take kratom. They include the toss, kratom tea, wash method, and kratom capsules. You can also make yogurt, juice, and smoothies by adding kratom to them. 

There are a few things you need to keep in mind before using kratom as a workout supplement. They include – 

  1.   Kratom is known to act as a stimulant in low doses, but it can offer sedative-like effects at high doses. Because of this reason, it is best to keep the doses low when using it as a workout supplement. 
  2.   The effects of kratom start showing up typically after 30-40 minutes. Hence, you should keep it in mind when you plan to begin your workout. The effects are also known to last for more or less 3 hours, so you shouldn’t take another dose of kratom between your workout. 
  3.   Taking kratom regularly can make you pretty dehydrated. Therefore, it is essential to consume a lot of water. Otherwise, you might experience constipation. 
  4.   White kratom strains are known to be the most energizing strains. Therefore, if you are looking for the best options in white strains, look for White Maeng Da and White Thai. Green strains are also quite popular for its energizing effects. In that case, try to get Green Malay from the market. Avoid red strains of kratom for your workout because they to have sedative-like and relaxing properties. 
  5.   As kratom is an energizing substance, you shouldn’t mix it with another energy product. By combining it with energy drinks, you might find yourself to be jittery. 

Side Effects of Kratom 

Though kratom offers many benefits to the human body, it can also cause many side effects. A 2019 study tried to understand the current perspectives on the full impact of kratom use. 

The frequent intake of kratom can result in the following side effects – 

  •   Loss of libido 
  •   Eye wobbles dehydration 
  •   Stomach upset or nausea
  •   Headaches and dizziness 
  •   Constipation 

It is not necessary for all to experience these side effects. However, the best way to prevent them would be by taking kratom at low doses. 

Closing Thoughts 

Kratom is a miraculous herb and can facilitate your workout regime tremendously. However, just like any other drug, you need to keep the consumption in moderation. If you avoid taking it regularly, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of kratom without developing a tolerance to it. 

 

6 Ways to Become a Web-Designer

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Watch videos on YouTube, take Photoshop lessons in master classes or still enter a specialty at university? Learn how to become a web designer.

Way #1

It is possible to enter the university in the profile “Graphic Design” and get five years of classical education. In addition to special subjects, web design, animation, 3D modeling, there are many general disciplines waiting for you.

You will study design architecture of IX century and a lot of fascinating things, which on the one hand is good: get a powerful theoretical base, you will understand how it all developed and where the modern trends and techniques came from. On the other hand, not everything will come in handy, some information will not be assimilated and the practice will be less time. But to save time, you can always use the paper writing service.

Way #2

Set a goal and become a designer yourself: read literature, blogs, and forums, watch free webinars and tutorials – step by step repeat the author in Photoshop or something else.

For example, you can spend months repeating the actions behind the authors of video lessons. Is it worth your time?

This method is suitable only for beginners – to stuff your hand and find out which button to press in Photoshop. However, in the long term, it does not stand up to the critique.

Way #3

You can sign up for free or budget webinars and masterclasses. This can be the next step after self-study, when you will be tempted by another contextual advertising in Instagram. Often the information in such master-classes is really useful and can be useful in practice.

Way #4

When a newcomer already has some basic knowledge and skills, he can go freelance. The point is: you learn from real tasks, quickly search for information if something is not clear, and thus constantly learn something new.

But there are disadvantages – about the size of a small elephant. At first you have to perform cheap, crazy and not always profile tasks. There’s a risk of getting stuck in them.

Way #5

The alternative to freelancing is an internship in a design studio as a junior. Same internship, but with a mentor who will teach. In addition, you can learn a lot about working in a team, see how the manager communicates with the client and sets tasks for the designer, and the latter – passes the layouts to the programmer.

The main risk here is that it is impossible to know in advance what you will be taught, whether there will be any program at all at the internship. You may have to do a rough job for two months: to reduce a thousand layers or repaint icons in Photoshop. And employment is not a fact at all that will end.

Way #6

You can bet on specialized online education. Unlike the classical one, there is an emphasis on practice: you get an idea of real business tasks and exactly as much theory as you need – and ordered, relevant, from experienced and authoritative teachers.

Even in online universities have homework and a mentoring system. This means that you will surely get feedback, in time to understand your mistakes and do not allow them in the future. 

Panthers’ Head Coach Matt Rhule Says He’d Be Willing To Take A Knee During National Anthem

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The Carolina Panthers’ new head coach Matt Rhule just told fans that he’d be willing to consider kneeling with his players while the national anthem played to support social justice.

During a Zoom conference call with fans and members of the media, the question was posed, “Would you consider taking a knee along side the players?”

This was Coach Rhule’s response:

“I would consider anything as we move forward. I’m supportive of the cause. I’m supportive of the movement. I’m supportive of social justice. I think for every person, coach or player that will be a very personal decision. I think it has to be made at the right time and the right reason for everybody. I will support my players with whatever they do and then when the time comes I will really think deeply about what is the best thing for me and what is the best way I can show my support. I think a lot of this has come from the players so I will wait to see what direction they are leaning, and then I will make my decision.”

You can watch the entire conference call here:

Do you support the idea of Coach Rhule kneeling along with his players during the national anthem?

Why or why not?

New Report: 29% of City Residents More Likely to Move due to COVID

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The coronavirus pandemic is prompting many to rethink where they live. There is much anecdotal talk about remote workers fleeing cities, or young families chasing affordable home prices, but little hard data to predict the near-term implications of COVID-19 on housing markets and city life in general.
Apartment List just released a new report after surveying thousands across the country and found that because of the pandemic: 17% of Americans are more likely to look for a new home this year, while 30% are more likely to stay where they are. Economic uncertainty is the biggest driver on both ends of the spectrum. Many who are facing financial hardship will be forced to move to find cheaper housing, while others who were previously considering a move no longer feel that they are in the financial position to do so.
Other factors that are influencing moving plans include:
  • Homeownership: 25% of renters say they are now more likely to move, compared to just 11% of homeowners, reflecting the flexibility associated with renting.
  • Density: Suburbanization is a real near-term threat to city life. 29% of dense city residents are now more likely to move, compared to just 13% of rural America.
  • Job status: Among the many who have been laid off since March, 32% are more likely to move this year, compared to just 11% of those whose work has been unaffected.
You may view the full report here.

Duke Energy Launches New Program To Let Customers Switch Electric Usage To Renewable

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Duke Energy recently launched a new ‘Renewable Advantage Program that will allow customers to supplement their fossil fuel and nuclear energy use with renewable energy.

For $3 extra a month, residential and small business customers in North Carolina can increase the amount of renewable energy on the Duke Energy power grid. The monthly fee supports the generation of 250 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks of electricity from renewable energy resources. Customers may buy as many blocks as they wish. A typical residential customer uses roughly 1,000 kWh a month.

“More than half of Duke Energy’s generation in the Carolinas is carbon-free. But we know many customers want more,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Renewable Advantage gives them an easy option to customize their own energy mix.”

The $3 fee is used to buy renewable energy and is added to customers’ bills. The company projects Renewable Advantage will consist of 95% solar and 5% biomass. It’s estimated that 25% of the generation will come from North Carolina renewable energy facilities. Renewable Advantage will use the Green-e® certification program to track all purchases. Get more information about the program.

In addition, Duke Energy will donate 50 cents from every $3 block of energy purchased to NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools program.

NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools is open to all K-12 North Carolina schools and was introduced by the nonprofit in 2015 to support educational renewable energy projects in local communities. Each grant recipient receives a 5-kW array with a weather station, data monitoring equipment and a STEM curriculum package. As of the end of 2019, NC GreenPower has impacted nearly 26,000 students at 32 schools in 27 unique counties. In addition to the education benefits, Solar+ Schools provides approximately $700-$800 in annual electricity savings per school.

“We are now in the sixth year of our Solar+ Schools program, supporting 10 more schools in 2020. It’s been a true honor to see firsthand the positive impact the educational projects are having on the students. Without donor support, our program wouldn’t be able to provide this opportunity to schools in our state. We are so grateful for all of our contributors,” said Vicky McCann, vice president of NC GreenPower.

Duke Energy has a history of supporting the Solar+ Schools effort. In 2015-2016, a $300,000 grant from Duke Energy allowed eight schools in the state to install solar panels on school property. Read more.

Also, a similar Duke Energy program in North Carolina helps large customers accomplish renewable energy goals. UPM Raflatac’s manufacturing factory in Henderson County was the first manufacturing facility in North Carolina to match its entire energy usage with renewable energy. Read more.

About NC GreenPower

NC GreenPower’s mission is to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. The nonprofit helps to connect consumers with renewable energy and carbon offset providers to create positive environmental and economic impacts for our state. All projects supported by the program are in North Carolina.

In 2015, NC GreenPower launched Solar+ Schools to support solar PV installations at K-12 schools. Since the program’s inception, NC GreenPower donors have supported more than 1,125 renewable energy and carbon offset projects, producing 1 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy and mitigating nearly 78,000 tons of greenhouse gases. Contributions to NC GreenPower are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.ncgreenpower.org.

Governor Cooper Issues New Sweeping Order Requiring Face Masks For All NC Residents

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The Governor of North Carolina has just issued a new executive order that now requires everyone in the State of North Carolina to wear a face mask in public, in addition to extending all current restrictions under Phase 2 of the reopening plan for at least another 3 weeks.

The new order comes amid a continued rise in COVID-19 related cases, hospitalizations, and deaths:

According to Executive Order 147,

New Requirements to Wear Face Coverings.

  • “Face Covering” is defined as:
    1. A covering of the nose and mouth that is secured
      to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the
      lower face. A Face Covering can be made of a variety of synthetic and natural fabrics,
      including cotton, silk, or linen. Ideally, a Face Covering has two (2) or more layers. A
      Face Covering may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or can be improvised from
      household items such as scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. These Face
      Coverings are not intended for use by healthcare providers in the care of patients.
      “Surgical Mask” means American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) Level
      1, 2, or 3 approved procedural and surgical masks. An N95 respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (“NIOSH”) ( or a respirator from another country allowed by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Food & Drug Administration, or the CDC) is not recommended for general public use or use in public settings, as it should be reserved for healthcare providers and other medical first responders in a health care setting. However, ifworn, these respirators would meet both the Face Covering and Surgical Mask requirements of this Executive Order. A face shield that covers the nose and mouth also meets the Face Covering requirements of this Executive Order.
  • Face Coverings are required in the following settings, whether they are inside or outside.
    1. In Retail Businesses. Retail Businesses must have all workers wear Face
      Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In
      addition, Retail Businesses must have all customers wear Face Coverings when
      they are inside the establishment and may be within ( 6) feet of another person,
      unless the customer states that an exception applies.
    2. In Restaurants. Restaurants must have all workers wear Face Coverings when
      they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In addition, restaurants
      must have all customers wear Face Coverings when not at their table, unless the
      customer states that an exception applies.
    3. In Personal Care, Grooming, and Tattoo Businesses. Personal Care,
      Grooming, and Tattoo Businesses must have workers wear Face Coverings
      when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In addition, the
      business must have all customers wear Face Coverings when they are inside the
      establishment and may be within six (6) feet of another person, unless the
      customer states that an exception applies. Customers may take off their Face
      Coverings ifthey are receiving a facial treatment, shave, or other services on a
      part ofthe head which the Face Covering covers or by which the Face Covering
      is secured.
    4. In Child Care Facilities, Day Camps, and Overnight Camps. Child care
      facilities, day camps, and overnight camps must have workers, all other adults,
      and children eleven (11) years or older on site wear Face Coverings when they
      are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person.
    5. In State Government. State government agencies headed by members of the
      Governor’s Cabinet must have their on-site workers wear Face Coverings when
      they are or may be within six (6) feet of another person. Public-facing
      operations of state government agencies under the jurisdiction of the
      undersigned must also follow the requirements for Retail Businesses
      established in this Executive Order.
      All other state and local government agencies are strongly encouraged to adopt
      similar policies that require Face Coverings.
    6. In Transportation. All workers and riders on public or private transportation
      regulated by the State ofNorth Carolina, as well as all people in North Carolina
      airports, bus and train stations or stops, must wear Face Coverings when they
      are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. This provision does not
      apply to people traveling alone with household members or friends in their
      personal vehicles, but does apply to ride-shares, cabs, vans, and shuttles, even
      ifthe vehicles are privately owned.
      Notwithstanding the foregoing, no customer will be removed from or denied
      entry to public transportation for failure to wear a Face Covering.
    7. In Certain High-Density Occupational Settings Where Social Distancing is
      Difficult. Social distancing is inherently difficult where multiple workers are
      together in manufacturing settings, at construction sites, and in migrant farm,
      other farm, and agricultural settings. Therefore, in businesses or operations
      within North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors 311 to
      339 (manufacturing), 236 to 238 (construction), and 111, 112, 1151, and 1152
      (agriculture), all workers must wear Face Coverings when they are or may be
      within six ( 6) feet of another person.
    8. In Meat or Poultry Processing Plants. All workers in any meat or poultry
      processing plant, packing plant, or slaughterhouse must wear Face Coverings
      when they are or may be within six (6) feet of another person, and those Face
      Coverings must be Surgical Masks, as long as Surgical Mask supplies are
      available.
    9. Long Term Care Facilities. All workers in Long Term Care (“LTC”)
      Facilities, including skilled nursing facilities (“SNF”), adult care homes
      (“ACH”), family care homes (“FCH”), mental health group homes, and
      intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
      (“ICF-IID”), must wear Face Coverings while in the facility, and those Face
      Coverings must be Surgical Masks, as long as Surgical Mask supplies are
      available.
    10. Other Health Care Settings. Health care facilities other than L TC facilities
      must follow the Face Covering requirements in the CDC Infection Control
      Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“As the leader of the state’s largest health system, I am pro-health and also 100 percent pro-business. In fact, the two are inextricably connected and I’m very proud of the way business leaders and health experts are working together to keep our economy strong,” said Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health. “Medical science says to reduce the spread of COVID-19 masking works, and my sincere hope is that all the people of North Carolina can join forces to make wearing a mask not something we feel we have to do – but something that we want to do to keep each other, our neighbors, our children and our loved ones healthy and safe”

Businesses can download templates for signs on face coverings here.

You can read Executive Order No. 147 here.

You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about the order here.

What do you think about the new order? 

Mecklenburg and Union Counties Rank Among The Top 10 For Largest Tax Refund Checks

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Tax Day has been moved to July 15th this year to accommodate filers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To find the places where people are generating the largest average refund checks, SmartAsset has released a study analyzing tax refunds in North Carolina.

To determine the counties that received the highest average refunds, the study divided the total amount of money refunded by the IRS by the number of refunds given out to residents in each county.

For a more detailed look at how places in North Carolina compared, check out the table below.

Rank County Number of Taxpayers that Receive Refunds Average Tax Amount Refunded Number of Taxpayers that Owe Taxes Average Tax Amount Owed Taxes Refunded Index
1 Hoke, NC 17,530 $3,228 2,670 $2,847 45.99
2 Chatham, NC 23,020 $3,090 8,980 $7,004 41.68
3 Robeson, NC 40,550 $3,086 5,960 $3,243 41.55
4 Union, NC 72,960 $3,070 23,580 $6,446 41.07
5 Harnett, NC 42,280 $3,053 8,340 $3,308 40.53
6 Moore, NC 31,230 $3,003 10,460 $5,176 38.98
7 Cumberland, NC 116,800 $3,002 21,170 $3,563 38.95
8 Scotland, NC 11,140 $2,988 1,830 $3,910 38.51
9 Mecklenburg, NC 374,090 $2,982 116,130 $6,325 38.32
10 Vance, NC 15,330 $2,902 2,840 $3,220 35.83

 

For more details on the study, including our methodology and interactive map, check here: https://smartasset.com/taxes/tax-return-calculator#northcarolina/taxReturn