The rhododendron is a fixture on the sides of hills in the higher elevations of the west, from Tryon to Sparta and on to Murphy. Some of our listeners tell us on the WPTF Weekend Gardener that they have trouble growing rhododendrons. But we grow rhododendrons all over the state and they are actually easy to grow. Many of the rhododendrons we grow are azaleas. But not all rhododendrons are azaleas.… Continue Reading
By Mike Raley I can vividly remember visiting Sunset Nursery in Rocky Mount with my mother, from mypre-teen years well up into my 40’s. She was not an avid gardener, but she so enjoyed hercamellias, azaleas, and annuals. Pansies were her favorite and we made a yearly pilgrimage on afall day to “Sunset” for a…… Continue Reading
Carolina Newsmakers logo (Photo Credit: Curtis Media Group) Anthony DeHart The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was among many college campuses that had major protests and sit-ins this spring related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking on “Carolina Newsmakers” with Don Curtis, UNC-Chapel Hill Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts says a college environment should encourage…… Continue Reading
Healthcare workers (image used under license from shutterstock.com) WPTF Staff The healthcare workforce ecosystem has seen some improvement in North Carolina, but are changes happening quick enough to meet future demand? A new workforce report from RTI International shares the latest healthcare employment trends in our state. Tatyana Kelly, Senior Vice President of Planning, Strategy and…… Continue Reading
Weight loss medication (image used under license from shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell was the guest on this week’s edition of “Carolina Newsmakers,” with Don Curtis, where he gave an update on the state health and pension plans. Folwell says the state health plan continues to be “under siege” from what…… Continue Reading
Entrance of the NC Legislative Building (Photo used under license from shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart Lawmakers will be coming back to Raleigh in a few weeks for the “short session,” primarily to make adjustments to the second year of the state budget. State Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger tells WPTF News several issues will be…… Continue Reading
Medical items with text (Image used under license from shutterstock.com) WPTF Staff Medicaid expansion was recently passed by the North Carolina State Legislature. Beginning on December 1, 2023 adults from age 19 through 64 who earn 138 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines may now be eligible for Medicaid. According to the North Carolina…… Continue Reading
Person with credit card and phone (Image used under license from Shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart Scammers, using tactics ranging from impersonations to investment schemes and AI, appear to be targeting older adults in North Carolina and across the country more than ever. New data from the Federal Trade Commission reveals that Americans lost over $10 billion…… Continue Reading
Shovel and hard hat (Image used under license from Shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart Johnston Community College broke ground for an advanced manufacturing training center earlier this week. Local boosters believe the new building will help more people prepare for jobs after college. Reid Williams, president of the Interstate 40/Interstate 95 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance,…… Continue Reading
Farmer caring for crop (Image used under license from Shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart Shawn Harding, president of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, was the guest on this week’s edition of ‘Carolina Newsmakers’ with Don Curtis, where he discussed the state of Agriculture in North Carolina. Amid a rapidly changing economic landscape, with the decline of traditional…… Continue Reading