North Carolina

As NC earns praise for economic performance, some workers feel there are areas for improvement

Published

2 hours ago

September 2, 2024

As NC earns praise for economic performance, some workers feel there are areas for improvement

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — In the past few years, groundbreakings and high-profile job announcements have become routine occurrences in North Carolina, as some of the world’s biggest companies open or expand operations in the state.

“The tech sector in particular likes our higher educational programs because they can rely on a steady stream of people coming into the workforce,” said economist Dr. Michael Walden of NC State University.

Walden added that the state’s efforts to establish partnerships between community colleges and businesses have also paid dividends.

“Businesses that come here, for example, if they need skilled workers, maybe in a factory, our community colleges will set up individualized training programs for them,” said Walden.

North Carolina has earned national praise for its economic performance, being named the top state for business by CNBC in 2022 and 2023, and second-best in 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the statewide unemployment rate of 3.7% is markedly lower than the national rate of 4.3%.

“There’s a little bit of a chicken and egg. There are good jobs to be had here, a high quality of life. And so, I think companies see that talent want to move here and then I think that the state has made investments,” said Dr. Gerald Cohen, Chief Economist of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise.

The state’s comparatively lower cost of living has also been attractive in both enticing workers and keeping talent in state. According to the US Census Bureau, North Carolina saw the third-largest population increase between July 2022 and July 2023, adding nearly 140,000 residents.

“I think we have a very, very well-developed business recruiting model. It’s a combination of a positive public-private sector group that recruits,” said Walden, who said he believes the state will make an effort to attract renewable energy companies moving forward.

Room For Improvement?

Still, there are areas where some feel the state could improve.

“Investing in our K-12 education system so that we’re building out that pipeline, so it’s not that we need people to come from outside the state. It’s having people come from within the state,” said Cohen.

Though the overall business environment has attracted start-ups and entrepreneurs, local funding doesn’t quite stack up compared to other major cities.

“They’ll end up going to the Bay Area to get (Venture Capital) VC financing. So that’s kind of something (where) we have less of an infrastructure at this point,” Cohen explained.

Workers have also expressed concerns. According to a report from StartFleet.io, North Carolina has the second-lowest union participation rate.

“We have that voice and we do use it,” said Grant Welch, NC Legislative Political Director for Communications Workers of America.

Welch has worked in the telecom industry for 25 years. Members of the union are on strike against AT&T, holding a rally in Raleigh last week. The union alleges the company has failed “to bargain in good faith.” In a statement, AT&T wrote in part:

“Our goal is to reach fair and competitive agreements that recognize the hard work our employees do to serve our customers, with market-based pay and benefits tied to cost of living and projected inflation data. This is true for all employees, management and non-management alike.”

In North Carolina, collective bargaining for public sector employees is prohibited. Welch said he believes those efforts limit workers’ rights, as he calls on the state to step up in ensuring safety.

“Our state does not require breaks. It does not require lunch periods. We fall short in that,” said Welch.

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that North Carolina was one of just six states with more than 200 fatal work injuries.

“When you look at everything and you look at some of the tragedies we’ve had over the course of the past few years, especially in the building trades, you know, we’ve had multiple deaths,” said Welch.

Willie Brown, a public works maintenance specialist with the City of Durham, serves as President of the NC Public Service Workers Union, UE Local 150.

“We have a lot of workplace safety concerns (ranging from) heat to COVID (exposure),” Brown said.

Brown said he believes improved working conditions are needed to attract workers and keep up with population growth.

“If you bring in 20,000 more people but don’t hire more people to pick up 20,000 more people’s trash, then what? Because that’s what’s happening,” Brown said. “The city is outgrowing the workforce and that’s what’s happening wherever you go. The work is growing, the pay is not, and the city is growing.”

North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that 1.1% of all hourly workers 16 and older made minimum wage or lower, a drop from 1.3% in 2023. While acknowledging the overwhelming majority of companies pay above that level, Welch would like to see the rate raised, as well as have the state implement more enhanced unemployment benefits.

“We’re not against wealth. We want these companies to succeed. Their success, again, is our success, right? We’re working. We want to be at work,” said Welch.

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North Carolina

NC Wildlife Commission warns killing rattlesnakes can be dangerous and illegal

Published

9 hours ago

September 2, 2024

Press Room

NC Wildlife Commission warns killing rattlesnakes can be dangerous and illegal

NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is asking residents to stop killing rattlesnakes in their areas.

Wildlife officials said they have received photos of people killing snakes and “it’s pretty clear that some folks need some education.”

According to an Instagram post by N.C. Wildlife, killing a rattlesnake is not only dangerous, but is also illegalsome cases. The post said 10 out of the 38 native snakes are listed species and are protected by the state,” including theThe Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Timber Rattlesnake, which the post refers to as “our snakes.”

SEE ALSO | Tips on staying safe this snake season: ‘Leave them be’

The post said any of the 38 native species cannot be harmed, harassed or relocated without an endangered species permit, which can be obtained from the Wildlife Commission.

According to the post, residents are encouraged to “keep a safe distance from any rattlesnake they come across as it goes on its merry way.”

“That way, you’ll be safe from the bite-y parts and also safe from a visit from a wildlife officer,” the post said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The featured video is from the story ‘Tips on staying safe this snake season’
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North Carolina

Yelp ranked the Top 100 restaurants in NC. Here are the Top 5.

Published

16 hours ago

September 2, 2024

Press Room

Yelp ranked the Top 100 restaurants in NC. Here are the Top 5.

North Carolina has great food towns and restaurants. So, of course, online reviewers offer their thoughts on which spots are the best. One of Yelp’s latest lists ranks the “Best Restaurants in North Carolina.” Or 100 of them, at least. The review site typically compiles the ratings and number of reviews, and volume of submissions for the rankings.

Here’s a look at the top five, which includes a popular Carolina Beach burger spot.

More: These 9 Wilmington-area restaurants made Yelp’s list of the Top 100 in North Carolina

1. Surfin’ Spoon, 3408 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

Look for cool treats and ice cream sandwiches at this beach shop. The Surfin’ Spoon offers 10 flavors of self-serve soft-serve (like the popular sea salt caramel pretzel frozen yogurt, as well as vegan options and gelato) and a choice of about 50 toppings. As for the sammies, Yelpers like the Lemon Lavberry (a lemon cookie with blueberry-lavender ice cream) and the Classic chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream.

2. Haywood Smokehouse, 403 Haywood Road, Dillsboro

The western part of the state is home to three locations of this barbecue restaurant. (And another one appears on the top 100 list.) They’re known for their brisket and Brunswick stew, sides like burnt-end baked beans, and the bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Yelpers also like their selection of local beer.

3. Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen, 3805 Tinsley Drive, High Point

This family-owned restaurant serves classics like Middle Eastern salad, falafel on pita, chicken shawarma, baba ganoush and beef kafta. Online reviews recommend the desserts, too — tiramisu and baklava.

4. Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill, 1 Page Ave., Asheville

The Asheville area is well-represented on Yelp’s list. But the best in that area is this restaurant that brings a taste of Hawaii to the state. Yelpers say you should brave the crowds to try their huli chicken, poke bowls, macaroni salad and fish tacos.

5. Island Burgers & Bites, 111 Carl Winner Drive, Carolina Beach

Locals already know about this spot. It’s consistently a top contender for best burger in the state. In fact, as one Yelp comment said — “Best burgers in town and everyone agrees.” Top options, according to reviews, are the bacon cheeseburger, the Philly cheesesteak, hot dogs and the chicken bacon ranch sandwich.

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

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North Carolina

J'Mari Taylor scores three touchdowns to guide North Carolina Cental past Alabama State 31-24

Published

24 hours ago

September 1, 2024

Press Room

J'Mari Taylor scores three touchdowns to guide North Carolina Cental past Alabama State 31-24

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — J’Mari Taylor rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns and caught a pass for a score as North Carolina Central waited out a lengthy halftime thunderstorm before dispatching Alabama State 31-24 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

North Carolina Central (1-0) took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 11 plays with Taylor running it in from a yard out for a 7-0 lead. Walker Harris completed all five of his passes for 55 yards on the drive.

Harris connected on his first seven passes and a 34-yard completion to Joaquin Davis gave the Eagles a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line. Taylor ran it in on the next play for a 14-0 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter. Kole Jones picked off a Jonah O’Brien pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-0 just 53 seconds later.

AJ Gates Jr. took the ensuing kickoff and raced 82 yards for a touchdown to get Alabama State (0-1) on the scoreboard.

The Hornets pulled within 21-14 at halftime when Andrew Body finished off a 10-play, 96-yard drive with a 38-yard touchdown run on second-and-18.

Kamari Houze blocked a punt and the Eagles recovered it on the Hornets’ 25-yard line. Six plays later Harris hit Taylor for a 14-yard touchdown and a 31-17 lead with 8:40 left to play.

Keane Lewis blocked a punt and the Hornets jumped on it at the Eagles’ 35. Body raced 39 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-14 to get Alabama State within seven with 3:33 to go.

The Hornets got the ball back with 1:39 remaining, but D.J. Estes picked off O’Brien at midfield to seal the victory.

Harris finished with 119 yards through the air after misfiring on 9 of his final 11 passes.

Body carried 15 times for 135 yards.

It was the first meeting on the football field between the two schools.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

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