Cam Newton Just Won The 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge

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Panthers QB Cam Newton, who is currently on Injured Reserve, has just won the Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year Award Charity Challenge. The award is given out each year to 1 of 32 nominees from the NFL (1 nominee from each team) who has shown exceptional character and work both on and off the football field.

Newton received more than 600,000 votes to win first place, twice as many as second-place Nick Sundberg.

In the NFL’s description of the winner, they note that Cam has been “motivated by the Bible verse ‘from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked’ (Luke 12:48), Cam has consistently invested in others, dating back to his time before the NFL when he would encourage youth at his local church.”

In a statement, Cam Newton thanked God and his fans for the award:

“I appreciate the fans for showing support in helping Nationwide’s Charity Challenge,” Newton said. “I’m using this platform to enhance programs and grants that will greatly impact the community. To be nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is something that I really appreciate – because it’s bigger than football. God has blessed me and all I’m trying to do is bless others.”

In 2012, the star quarterback established the Cam Newton Foundation, with 3 main pillars of focus: EVERY 1 PLAYS (youth activity, mentoring high school players), EVERY 1 GIVES (donations and community outreach) and EVERY 1 LEARNS (diversity and societal education). Together, they make up the foundation’s guiding principle and Newton’s personal belief of EVERY 1 MATTERS.

Since the organization’s birth, it has provided over $5 million in funding and programming resources to schools and non-profit agencies in Atlanta and Charlotte. Over 12,500 student-athletes and coaches have participated in Newton’s EVERY 1 PLAYS initiative and over 11,850 need-based youth have been provided meals and gifts through Newton’s signature annual programs: “Cam’s Thanksgiving Jam” and “Santa Cam’s Surprise Sleigh.”

Way to go Cam!

North Carolina Ranks 8th in U.S. Racial Progress

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With Martin Luther King Jr. Day around the corner and 58 percent of Americans saying race relations are “generally bad,” the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s States with the Most Racial Progress.

To measure America’s progress in harmonizing racial groups, WalletHub measured the gaps between blacks and whites across 21 key indicators of equality and integration in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data set ranges from median annual income to standardized-test scores to voter turnout.

This report examines the differences between only blacks and whites in light of the high-profile police-brutality incidents that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. We released this report to coincide with the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement to end segregation and discrimination against blacks.

Racial Progress in North Carolina (1=Most Progress, 25=Avg.)

Note: All of the following comparisons refer to the gaps between whites and blacks over time:

  • 18th – Change in Median Annual Income Gap
  • 9th – Change in Labor-Force Participation Rate Gap
  • 25th – Change in Unemployment Rate Gap
  • 14th – Change in Homeownership Rate Gap
  • 7th – Change in Poverty Rate Gap
  • 22nd – Change in Gap in % of Adults* with at Least a High School Diploma
  • 15th – Change in Standardized-Test Scores Gap
  • 4th – Change in Voter-Turnout Gap (2016 Presidential Election)

States with the Most Racial Integration

Overall Rank* State Total Score ‘Employment & Wealth’ Rank ‘Education’ Rank ‘Social & Civic Engagement’ Rank ‘Health’ Rank
1 New Mexico 75.62 1 4 2 33
2 Hawaii 75.12 2 12 1 25
3 Wyoming 74.78 8 1 3 47
4 Texas 74.51 4 5 15 7
5 West Virginia 73.98 15 2 16 2
6 Arizona 73.03 3 8 17 13
7 Kentucky 72.28 12 6 12 9
8 Montana 70.21 14 7 5 38
9 Maryland 70.19 6 23 10 19
10 Colorado 70.18 9 31 6 16
11 Delaware 69.22 7 11 20 26
12 Tennessee 68.75 16 9 31 14
13 Virginia 68.67 13 24 7 27
14 Georgia 68.58 17 10 14 22
15 Alaska 67.93 5 13 4 50
16 Washington 67.34 10 14 40 12
17 North Carolina 66.96 18 21 9 30
18 Massachusetts 66.58 23 36 27 3
19 Idaho 66.13 31 3 22 5
20 Florida 65.64 11 27 37 17
21 Utah 64.30 27 25 11 29
22 Nevada 63.97 25 16 13 40
23 Oklahoma 63.79 24 44 8 23
24 Rhode Island 63.14 19 41 35 8
25 New Jersey 63.01 34 28 24 18
26 New Hampshire 62.89 28 15 28 44
27 California 62.86 26 20 30 31
28 Vermont 62.41 20 22 47 1
29 Alabama 62.36 29 26 21 39
30 South Carolina 62.17 21 39 19 35
31 Indiana 61.52 39 17 26 20
32 Arkansas 61.39 30 35 43 11
33 Missouri 61.34 33 18 29 43
34 Oregon 61.03 22 19 50 10
35 New York 60.17 36 40 32 15
36 Ohio 58.68 44 30 23 24
37 Mississippi 58.66 37 33 33 28
38 Kansas 58.44 32 29 38 49
39 Connecticut 57.10 35 42 41 34
40 Maine 56.70 43 46 18 21
41 Louisiana 54.52 40 43 34 46
42 Nebraska 53.74 38 47 25 48
43 Michigan 53.19 46 37 36 42
44 Pennsylvania 52.50 41 34 46 41
45 Minnesota 51.78 49 48 42 6
46 North Dakota 51.57 45 32 44 37
47 Illinois 50.65 47 38 39 45
48 South Dakota 49.26 42 50 48 4
49 Iowa 46.30 48 45 49 36
50 Wisconsin 37.17 50 49 51 32
51 District of Columbia 23.64 51 51 45 51

Charlotte-Area Chick-fil-As, Popeyes, and Zaxby’s Fighting Over Who Can Offer More Free Chicken

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Round 2 of the fast-food chicken wars is officially here.

This time, instead of fighting over who has the best chicken sandwich, 3 Charlotte-area chicken brands are fighting over who can offer the most free chicken to kick off 2020.

The first giveaway was announced by Chick-fil-A yesterday morning.

According to their official press release, Charlotte-area Chick-fil-A is offering a free nugget giveaway that will run from January 13th through the 31st. “All you have to do is simply sign into your Chick-fil-A One™ account on the Chick-fil-A App. Once you’re in, you can find the giveaway offer under your rewards (limit one per customer) and redeem it in the restaurant, drive-thru or when placing a mobile order.”

Just hours after Chick-fil-A’s giveaway was announced, Popeyes tried to outdo them by announcing an even bigger giveaway.

According to Popeyes’ announcement, Charlotte-area locations will offer a free chicken sandwich combo from Jan. 13-19, including a full-sized chicken sandwich, a signature side, and a small drink.

To have the free meal delivered to your door with no delivery fee, enter the code “CHICKENWINNER” at checkout on the DoorDash App.

Not to be left out this time, Zaxby’s joined the battle by offering a free meal to anyone who downloads their new app;

UNC Charlotte Opens the Carolina’s First School of Data Science

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UNC Charlotte has opened the Carolina’s first School of Data Science. The interdisciplinary school allows UNC Charlotte to expand on its programs in the field and open up the growing and diverse field of data science to students with varied career interests. The School of Data Science is planning to offer the state’s only bachelor’s program in data science beginning in fall 2020, pending appropriate state and federal approvals.

School of Data Science.jpgThe opening of UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science responds directly to job demand in Charlotte, throughout the state, and the country, as jobs in data science continue to outstretch the number of qualified candidates. In 2018, the United States experienced a shortage of 151,000 data scientists and by 2025, experts indicate that the gap will increase to 250,000 jobs. A report commissioned by UNC Charlotte to explore the job market for data science graduates in North Carolina revealed that positions requiring competencies in data science more than doubled – from 2,337 to 4,777 – in the last year alone.

The School of Data Science is the next step in UNC Charlotte’s strategic focus on data science research and academic programming. In 2013, the University’s Data Science Initiative was one of six game-changing proposals funded by the North Carolina General Assembly and the UNC Board of Governors. It continues to be a top priority for the University, and faculty engaged in data science-related research have received nearly $20 million in state and industry funding. It now includes Professional Science Master’s programs in Health Informatics and Analytics and Data Science and Business Analytics.

“A central part of UNC Charlotte’s mission is providing access to education and meeting the region’s evolving employment needs by educating our students in competencies that will translate into a broad range of careers,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “The School of Data Science will prepare students for careers across many economic sectors represented in Charlotte by giving students the interdisciplinary depth to understand real-world data and problems and to address them with the tools of data collection, storage, integration, analysis, inference, communication, and ethics.”

UNC Charlotte’s new School of Data Science is a collaboration among the College of Computing and Informatics, the Belk College of Business, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Its interdisciplinary approach recognizes the evolution of data science in many industries and the need for multiple skill sets among business managers, social scientists, government officials, statisticians, health care leaders, and many others to create meaning from data.

“As an urban research university, we are in a unique position to help bring the community forward by assisting with informed decision making and assessment. There are many opportunities for partnerships with the University’s Institute for Social Capital, our academic colleges and community organizations,” said Doug Hague, newly appointed executive director of UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science. Hague was recently named one of the Top 50 Data and Analytics Professionals in the United States and Canada by Corinium Global Intelligence.

To view the history of Data Science at UNC Charlotte, visit this interactive timeline. To learn more about the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science, visit datascience.uncc.edu.

Driving On Dangerous Roads – The Rising Importance Of Road Safety In Charlotte, NC

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North Carolina is among the  worst states for deadly car crashes, following behind Florida, Texas, California and Georgia. However, while the whole state is affected by issues of road safety, the city of Charlotte plays a major part in contributing to the danger – and it’s  not just because of the weather. From drunk driving to speeding and even distractions, the importance and need for road safety in the city cannot be understated.
The facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, a total of 1,412 deaths were reported in 2017 in North Carolina alone, illustrating an overwhelming need for safety improvements. Charlotte plays a major role in these statistics – in fact, the number of fatalities for the city saw an increase in 2017, making for an increase for the 3rd year in a row. With such accidents affecting the lives of many, it’s important to remember that not only the drivers are at risk, but pedestrians and cyclists too. However, the causes for these accidents may shed some light on how these figures can decrease in the future.
While many may be quick to attribute the cause of the number of crashes to the weather, the truth is that many could have been avoided. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around a third of North Carolina’s wrecks were alcohol-related (in 2017). However, this may not come as much of a surprise, considering the fact that  drunk driving arrests have recently plummeted, seemingly due to lack of enforcement in Charlotte, creating dangerous situations for many on the road. Aside from alcohol-related accidents, other major factors in road accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use – all of which are preventable.
Doing your part 
When it comes to preventing accidents and working to decrease the number of fatalities, there are several things that you can do to help make the road a safer place. For example, avoiding the possibilities of drunk driving can be done by drinking responsibly, designating a sober driver, and handing over your keys before you indulge in alcohol. Distracted driving can also be easily prevented by turning your phone onto safe driving mode, or by asking a passenger to take your calls or messages for you. Following the traffic laws and always wearing your seat belt can help to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road as well – however, if you are ever in a traffic accident, there are some things you should keep in mind.
In the event that you find yourself directly affected by a car accident, especially through injury, chances are that you will be quite  stressed out over what to do next. Seeking legal help from a firm that specializes in personal injury or traffic accident cases will not only reduce your stress surrounding the issue, but will also help you get the justice (and compensation) that you deserve.  Lopez Law Group state that aggressive legal representation is necessary for victims of personal injury, and this will ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Finding a solution
The sheer amount of danger on Charlotte’s roads hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, the city is taking measures to help make the roads a safer place for drivers and pedestrians alike. One of the biggest changes implemented includes  the program Vision Zero, which has a goal of completely eliminating fatal crashes in places like Charlotte, and plans to do so through educating the public and making change happen. Through such measures, the hope is to create a safer city for all, and reduce accidents and fatalities in the future.
Accidents and fatalities on the road are a significant problem in Charlotte, proving that action must be taken to ensure road safety. With that said, there are many things you can do to prevent an accident, such as minimizing your distractions, obeying the traffic laws, and avoiding driving if you’ve been drinking.

Here’s How to Write an A+ Personal Statement and Enter the University of Your Dream

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There are a couple of very important points in a person’s life. Points that will have a tremendous impact on the entirety of their future lives. 

One such point is, of course, choosing the place to get your degree from. It is a commitment for several years that will more than likely lead you to a lifetime career. You can’t really overestimate the weight of this decision. 

Luckily, there is a wide variety of higher education institutions to choose from and even more information about various jobs and how to get there. The main question that leaves you with is, “how do I get into a college of my choosing?”. 

The competition is fierce, but don’t worry, getting accepted is easier than you may think now. 

Concentrating on the task is important. So if you’re weighed down by some unfinished assignments and paperwork, you better clear them out before you start working on the statement. Online services like EssayPro is an easy way to get on this path.

Let’s look at how to write a kick-ass personal statement for a university of your dreams.

What to Write

A personal statement is supposed to be you telling the university why you are suited to study there. Thus, don’t let your train of thought get derailed. 

It’s your opportunity to show enthusiasm, your strengths, interests, ambitions, and anything else that might help you stand out. Don’t overthink it, just write it how it is. No exaggerations or downplaying yourself, be straight up and sincere.

Think about why you are interested in a particular college, what you want to achieve through the course of your studies and after graduation. 

You’ve spent some time looking for a college and zeroed in on this one. So, coming up with the stuff for a statement should be a cakewalk.

And don’t forget to include any relevant hobbies and activities you were involved in. Volunteering, employment experience, even being a part of some club in high school, will help you score extra points. 

Anything goes well here. Think of your previous achievements and insert them into your statement appropriately.

How to Write

If you want your statement to make a good impression, you will have to compose an enjoyable text that is easy to read. First of all, create some sort of structure. A wall of text is hard to get through, make it nice and organized. 

Consider writing in small paragraphs, each with its own idea. Such kind of material is easy to digest. Make a list of points you’d like to address in your statement and stick to it.

After you’re done with your first draft – proofread it. Look for grammar mistakes, weird sentences, and unfinished thoughts. Give your piece to someone you trust and let them give you some feedback. 

Don’t be afraid of criticism. Usually, it takes several tries before a final paper is born. So take your time, it’ll most likely take some effort before you finalize your statement.

How NOT to Write

Writing a personal statement also involves some common mistakes which you should avoid at all costs. The one that’s the most obvious is, of course, grammar. 

Poor grammar equals poor impression regardless of what you put in your statement. There are tons of tools that will help you fish out technical mistakes, don’t be shy to use them.

Secondly, however, tempting it may be, do not copy the statements of others. Do not use them as examples and do not share your statement with the general public. 

Your paper will likely be compared to those of other applicants, and if any similarities are found, it may be flagged down. This will cost you some points.

Lastly, don’t leave it to the last second. This particular task is worth spending some of your time on. Rushing your statement through the night will not help anyone and least of all you. 

Start working on it as early as possible as it will give you more time to proofread, rewrite, and double-check everything as you should.

Final Words

There’s really nothing to worry about when it comes to applying for a college or university. So don’t be nervous or stress out about it too much. 

Just be thorough, don’t make stupid mistakes, and you’re halfway there. Everything else is your achievements, personality, and passion. Remember:

  • Double-check and proofread the text as many times as possible;
  • Get an opinion from the side;
  • Format your text;
  • Be sincere;
  • Don’t plagiarize.

Keep this list in mind, and you’ll succeed. Making one paper out of hundreds may seem like a very hard task, but it’s absolutely doable. 

Remember that another person just like yourself will be reading it, so try your best to make the piece interesting. Just don’t overdo it. Not everyone has the same sense of humor. Good luck!

Charlotte Ranked Among The Top 10 Worst Cities In America For ‘White Collar Crime’

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The FBI defines ‘White-collar crime’ as “generally non-violent in nature and includes public corruption, health care fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering, to name a few”.

The team at Summit Defense was interested to learn more about which cities in the U.S. experience the most white-collar crime. They collected 2018 data from the U.S. Treasury to determine the number of white-collar crimes that occurred in the 100 largest cities.

They found that Charlotte ranked #8 in the nation, just slightly better than Orlando (#7) and San Francisco (#6);

Charlotte was also ranked the #3 worst city in America for identity theft;

To view the full analysis, click here.

Cornelius Police Asking For Help In Finding 2 Armed Robbery Suspects

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The Cornelius Police Department is now asking for the public’s help in finding 2 suspects that are wanted in connection with an armed robbery that took place over the weekend.

According to a press release from the department, the robbery occurred at around 1:15 am at the Circle K located at 18636 Old Statesville Rd.

The cashier told police that 2 black men entered the store and asked the cashier for cigars. While the cashier was retrieving the cigars, suspect #1 presented a gold plated handgun. Suspect #1 held the gun to the cashier and ordered him to open the cash register. When the cash register was open, he began taking cash from the till and placing it into a Belk shopping bag that suspect #2 was holding. The two suspects then fled on foot towards Old Statesville Rd.

Suspect #1 is described as a black male approximately 5’6”-5’9” in height, in his 30’s, 150-175lbs, has a mustache, with possible gold teeth, and was wearing a camo hat with a grey bill, a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, black/white sneakers, and carrying the gold plated handgun.

Suspect #2 is described as a black male approximately 30 years of age, 6’2″-6’5″ tall in height, 180-215lbs, and was wearing a black hat with a green bill, black winter coat with brown fur trim, black pants, black sneakers, and carrying the Belk shopping bag.

The Cornelius Police Department is urging local residents to call them at 704-892-1363 or The North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867 if they have any information related to this crime.

Please help spread the word.

What Started As A UNCC Ministry Is Now One of The Fastest Growing Churches in Charlotte

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via Michael Paulino-Alban

What started as a small bible study on the campus of UNC Charlotte has now evolved into one of the fastest growing churches in Charlotte.

In the winter of 2010, 23-year-old Tyson Coughlin met with about 20 students at UNCC to worship together and talk about Jesus. The next week a few more students showed up, and within a couple of months, C4 was born.

Within a year’s time, C4 grew into the largest ministry on campus, entirely led and run by a team of students and adults in their mid- to late 20s. As students whose lives were changed through C4 began to graduate, however, demand grew for a more expansive ministry that would include all ages and walks of life.

Less than 2 years after the birth of C4, Coughlin and few former UNCC students took a massive step of faith and launched Vizion Church in the heart of Uptown Charlotte – in the heart of a bible-belt city once nicknamed “The City of Churches”.

The step paid off – big time.

via Meghan Paulino-Alban

During a time when many churches saw declining numbers and even shutting doors, Vizion Church emerged as one of the fastest growing churches in our city. Coughlin attributed the growth to focusing more on building community than on counting numbers.

“No matter how many people we reach, I always want the church to have a family feel – where people aren’t anonymous – they belong and they are more than a number,” he said, adding that, “I believe as church leaders we shouldn’t make growth our only priority; if we do – we fall victim to pleasing people, and trying to appeal to society rather than to God and His word.”

They now hold 2 services every Sunday morning and were just recognized last week as one of the fastest growing churches in the state;

After renting Uptown Charlotte’s Metro School every Sunday for the past 7 years, Vizion Church is now planning to establish a permanent home with even more space to grow.

Last year, they purchased an old church building at 1134 West Boulevard. Coughlin said they will be renovating the building from top to bottom, doing their best to preserve and highlight as many of the historical aspects of the building as possible.

Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The Church currently meets at 405 S Davidson St. You can find out more info on their website here.

Best Places to Live in Charlotte If You’re a College Student

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Are you a student and looking for the best place to live in Charlotte? If yes, then we have useful information to explore. According to research, 109 folks move to Queen City each day. They need proper info about all neighborhoods so that they can make the correct decision to choose the right place of residence. Moving to Charlotte NC can be a fun experience for students because the city has so many exciting things to offer. The first and foremost thing for a newcomer is to select an ideal place to live. Here we are going to let you know about the best neighborhoods that can help students make the most of this educational city.

University City

This Charlotte neighborhood is located next to the University of North Carolina campus. Situated in the northeast of Charlotte, the University City is surrounded by Concord in the northeast and Harrisburg in the east. Students can have easy access to Charlotte Motor Speedway on the outskirts. The place is best known for being the home to University Research Park. This is one of the largest research parks built in the state of North Carolina. The total population of the University City is 160,000 including Concord and Harrisburg. It is an ideal place for students studying at the University of North Carolina campus.

Uptown

Where to live in Charlotte for the ultimate fun? Uptown is the most happening place in the Queen City. It is home to companies like Duke Energy, Bank of America, and the East Coast Headquarter of Wells Fargo. This particular neighborhood offers a diversified range of hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores, residential places, and museums. Students coming from other areas will not have to look for amenities. Furthermore, it is a wonderful place for students who want to work in order to support their studies. Around 115,000 people are working in different companies located in Uptown. It is believed to be the historic core and the heart of the city. Uptown is segregated into four different wards.

Dilworth

Situated in Mecklenburg County, Dilworth is one of the perfect neighborhoods of Charlotte. It is a calm place for students who want to focus on their studies without so many interruptions and distracting noise. Streets of the neighborhood are adorned with mature oak trees, beautiful parks, sidewalks, and charming bungalows. You can find a lot of offices, coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores on East Boulevard. The Carolina Medical Center, Charlotte’s biggest hospital, is situated in Dilworth. 

Myers Park

Myers Park is a historic neighborhood filled with scenic places and tall trees. It is considered as one of the most prosperous and reputable areas of Charlotte city. Neighboring areas include Sedgefield, South Park, Eastover, Dilworth, and Foxcroft. It is the most tranquil place for students to focus on their research work and educational material. Those who want to write a research paper in a distraction-free environment can find Myers Park an ideal place to live. Even if you are running short of time, you can ask professionals to “write my research paper cheap“ at an affordable price. Many students living in Charlotte get expert educational assistance from a reliable online platform while preserving their confidentiality.

Commonwealth

Another ideal neighborhood which is full of captivating cottages and bungalows. Commonwealth is considered to be one of the best places to live in charlotte. It received a great livability score due to high graduation rates and other standards of living. Students can easily find a suitable apartment or home at an affordable price. The area is filled with people of all ages. You can find all the facilities nearby with extreme convenience.

Foxcroft

This is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Charlotte. It is an ideal place for students looking to live in a scenic environment. Foxcroft has a good number of schools and educational institutions. Many students prefer living here to make the most of their study era. The neighborhood offers all modern facilities to its residents including, parks, medical centers, shopping areas, restaurants, and coffee shops. Students can easily get an affordable apartment to live and continue their studies in a peaceful environment.

Conclusion

Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, has endearing qualities to attract students from all over the world. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best educational destinations in the United States. You will get plenty of private and public education options here. That’s the reason why hundreds and thousands of students make their way to live and study in Charlotte. You can easily find suitable apartments to reside and pursue your educational career. 

Bio – Sandra is a writer and a resident of Charlotte. Her goal is to provide helpful guides to students coming to stay and study in her hometown. She has complete knowledge of Charlotte neighborhoods and educational institutions in the city.