Uninsured/ Underinsured Accident Injury Attorneys in Durham, NC

Ordering the top employers in Raleigh, Durham, and the greater Triangle can be tricky. Companies aren’t compelled to disclose local headcounts. When asked, some like Cisco and SAS gave general hiring ranges; others like IBM and GlaxoSmithKline declined to share location-specific jobs figures at all.

But while employers don’t have to inform the public how many workers they have in the area, the vast majority do need to tell the government.

Each month, every business, school, nonprofit and government agency in the state that pays unemployment insurance taxes must report their jobs numbers to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Some professions are exempt from this rule — like active military and elected officials — but it applies to more than 95% of jobs nationwide.

The N.C. Commerce Department keeps these hiring totals confidential. However, four times a year, the state uses this data to rank the biggest employers in all 100 counties — No. 1 to No. 25 — and updates the lists online. It also posts the top 300 employers statewide. Walmart is North Carolina’s largest employer, followed by Duke University.

Despite not displaying precise jobs numbers, the county-level rankings still reveal trends: Which companies appear to be hiring faster and which have receded in relative prominence? Since President Donald Trump retook office, these rankings also clarify to what degree federal policies will affect the Research Triangle workforce, from Duke and NC State to RTI International and the Environmental Protection Agency.

So, what company has replaced IBM as the largest employer in Research Triangle Park? Which are Wake County’s top hirers? And who is the biggest employer in Orange County or the No. 2 employer in Johnston County? Let’s explore.

All data is current through the summer of 2024.

A Flourish table

Key takeaways:

Federal actions expected to most impact Duke include a sharp reduction in the proportion of “indirect” costs that the National Institutes of Health would cover for research grants — a change that leaders say could cost the university roughly $194 million per year if it is ultimately enacted. Other proposed or potential actions, such as an increase on taxes for university endowments and cuts to Medicaid and other government-funded health care services, could cost the university an extra $500 million per year, Duke says.

A Flourish table

Key takeaways:

A Flourish table

One key takeaway:

One of Orange County’s rising employers landed just outside the top 10. The supermarket chain Wegmans opened its Chapel Hill location in 2021 and now is the county’s 11th-biggest employer according to state Commerce Department data.

One key takeaway:

The Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is the largest private employer in fast-growing Johnston County. It opened its first Clayton facility in 1993 where it makes injectable finished products (IFPs) like insulin pens. In 2015, the drugmaker announced plans to double its facility space southeast of Raleigh with a $1.85 billion investment, then the largest manufacturing commitment in state history. This project completed in 2020 and was the company’s first facility outside of Denmark to manufacture active drugs.

Propelled in part by demand for its weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk in June announced the state’s largest-ever private life science investment, committing $4.1 billion and 1,000 more jobs to grow its Johnston County facility.

One key takeaway:

Chatham County has yet to see two major manufacturing projects from recent years — one from the electric carmaker VinFast and the other from the chipmaker Wolfspeed — make a dent on its top employers list. After promising upwards of 7,500 jobs near the unincorporated town of Moncure, VinFast has postponed its factory plans until at least 2028, telling The N&O in February that the company had “no updates to the site plan or the timeline.”

On the western side of Chatham County, Wolfspeed is close to opening a massive materials plant near Siler City. However, the financially vulnerable company this month announced it would lay off a portion of its Chatham workforce, citing the need to strengthen its balance sheet in order to eventually achieve its commitment to hire 1,800 workers in the county.

All data is current through the summer of 2024.

N&O reporters Korie Dean and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi contributed reporting.

This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

A lot of you told me to listen to this guy:

@ssilverstone24Jason Isaac’s mastery of accents is unreal #jasonisaacs #thewhitelotus #whitelotus #slytherin???? #raliegh #southernaccent

That’s British actor Jason Isaacs, who’s probably best known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Here he’s playing a rich dude from Durham named Timothy Ratliff, who brings his family to a resort in Thailand in season three of The White Lotus. The joke is that Ratliff went to Duke and his wife Victoria (played by Parker Posey) went to UNC. Oh no! Hijinks ensue. Drug-fueled hijinks.

There is no Cooper Flagg storyline (yet). Outside of the show, though, the storyline seems to be about the Ratliff family accents, which at first seemed to be giving Foghorn Leghorn vibes. But what really got people going was this TikTok from Valentine’s Day, in which Isaacs says no, he’s not doing a Southern accent, he’s doing a specific Durham, North Carolina accent:

It's all in the twang. #TheWhiteLotus #HBO #JasonIsaacs #TimothyRatliff

It’s got two vowels in it, he says, that sound like upper class English. That’s the difference.

Here’s the part where I say this is a work of fiction, and one that’s based on over-the-top version of rich people. Put everything into perspective! There’s a lot going on right now! This is not a big deal.

Except, of course, to people who know Durham, who either absolutely love it or absolutely hate it. I’m not going to go out and collect the most unhinged posts and TikToks out there. I’ll let you judge for yourself whether it’s a good accent or not. But I am going to give you at least one datapoint: According to Google Trends, nobody in the United States was was really Googling “Durham accent” before that video came out.

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All of this means that during the press tour for The White Lotus, poor Jason Isaacs is constantly getting asked about where he got that accent from, and he has to keep clarifying it. On a morning show in the U.K., he reiterated the two vowels thing (without saying which vowels they were), but also clarified a few things. The biggest thing was that he wasn’t doing a Durham accent per se. Instead, he was talking like a specific guy from Durham. “I don't want to say his name. He might sue me!” Isaacs said. “But I had him in my headphones all the time. He was a local politician from Durham.”

That sent me into overdrive. What Durham politician sounds like that? I was about to fire off a bunch of phone calls and messages until I found this interview from Good Morning America, in which Isaacs admits that he’s talking like Thomas Ravenel.

goodmorningamerica

You may be asking yourself: What part of Durham is Thomas Ravenel from? Trick question! He’s from Charleston. He was South Caroina’s state treasurer for a while. The big bridge down there is named after his dad. And yeah, he was on a reality show called Southern Charm , and once you hear him talk, you sort of get it.

White Lotus showrunner Mike White had the actors in the Ratliff family watch Southern Charm as research for their roles. For what it’s worth, Parker Posey has said her over the top accent comes from a lot of different places, and it’s meant to be funny! Chill out people!

So that explains it. except for that two vowels thing. The fine folks at Indy Week called up Walt Wolfram at NC State, a professor who’s been studying North Carolina accents for decades. He had a theory:

“We’ve done over 3,500 interviews everywhere in North Carolina over the last 30 years. And no one has ever said that there is anything unique about a couple of vowels in Durham,” says the expert. He adds that a dialect coach likely told Isaacs to focus on a few key sounds, since it would be impossible to nail down an entire dialect in a short time.

“Nobody after puberty can just step in and learn a dialect like that,” says Wolfram.

He likes Posey’s accent a little bit better, and he also thinks that it’s accurate that the kids seem to have no Southern accent at all. That’s become more and more of A Thing in the Raleigh area as more and more outsiders move in. So no, the accents aren’t picture perfect. But once again, this proves that people really do care a lot about where they’re from, especially when those places are represented in TV shows and movies.

Anyhow, mystery solved. Except for this T-shirt in the show, which seems to come from a dead bank that was once based on Charlotte. I can’t seem to find anyone else who’s ever had it. Is it real? Or is it just a Durham accent?

The plant will manufacture the HPV vaccines Gardasil and Gardasil 9, while the site as a whole continues to produce vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, among other illnesses.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Drugmaker Merck announced Tuesday the opening of a new facility in North Durham.

The $1 billion plant will manufacture the HPV vaccines Gardasil and Gardasil 9, while the site continues to produce vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, among other illnesses

"This level of investment and commitment speaks so powerfully to the work we do here in Durham," Amanda Taylor, vice president and plant manager at the Merck Manufacturing Division site in Durham, said. "To see the pride and the energy of the people who work here and are helping drive this evolution in our capabilities is just phenomenal."

For at least two decades, Merck has been in the Bull City, producing millions of doses and creating thousands of jobs. Merck said it now employs more than 1,000 workers in Durham.

"We're talking $1 billion expansion," Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams said. "That means more opportunities for more jobs right here in Durham, more training programs that we could actually employ, just more opportunities for them to become a bigger, more impactful corporate neighbor."

ABC11 Eyewitness News spoke with Mayor Williams as he was in D.C. to talk about the economy and its impacts on the Bull City with other leaders nationwide. Williams said the expansion is a "great advantage" at the local level to strengthen the economy.

"If Merck is expanding their footprint, we're expanding opportunities to have more workforce development," Williams said.

The expansion comes as the life sciences industry is "growing dramatically" in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, also known as NCBiotech.Senior vice president for science and business development, Mary Beth Thomas, said in just 2024, there were 25 different company announcements about growth and expansion.

"Of those 25 announcements, there were 4,500 jobs that are proposed to be made, and that ends up equating to over $10 billion of investment from those companies influencing 16 different communities across the state," Thomas said. "So this is really dramatic, but that growth has been really incredibly high here in Durham County."

Despite the uncertainty at the federal level under the Trump Administration, including threats to medical research funding, which is a core aspect of the life sciences industry, the outlook appears healthy, according to Thomas.

"We have a lot of great institutions that have not only gotten started but are actively expanding in North Carolina," Thomas said. "They are significant investments that are not going to go away in just an overnight type of situation. They will continue, and our hope is they will continue to grow here in North Carolina."

SEE ALSO | Durham to be home base for new 'Smart USA' CHIPS manufacturing, a first-of-its-kind

SEE ALSO | Biotech giant Amgen celebrates opening of new campus in Holly Springs

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Explore unique activities in Durham, NC, and experience fun spring adventures. Dive into the local culture and find the next exciting event! Plan your trip now.

Too many people wait until summer to explore Durham, but they're missing out on the best time of year. The city comes alive in spring, with cherry blossoms framing downtown, live music filling the parks, and hiking trails bursting with wildflowers.

The best part? You can enjoy all the activities in Durham, NC, without the heat and humidity that make July feel like a test of endurance.

Spring in Durham is an invitation to sip craft beer on a sun-drenched patio, to catch a Durham Bulls game under the lights, or to hike the Eno River before the summer crowds take over. If you've been waiting for the perfect time to experience the city, this is it. These activities in Durham, NC, will make your spring one to remember.

Outdoor adventures in full bloom

Spring in Durham means longer days, mild temperatures, and plenty of chances to get outside. The city offers an incredible mix of parks, trails, and gardens that are perfect for enjoying the season.

Whether you want a quiet nature walk or something more active, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Durham to explore.

Duke Gardens is one of the most popular Durham attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every spring. Covering 55 acres, it offers walking trails, koi ponds, and endless spots to take in the season's colors. Tulips, cherry blossoms, and daffodils peak in March and April, which makes this the best time to visit.

For those who prefer more movement, Durham's trail system is pretty impressive. The American Tobacco Trail stretches nearly 23 miles, running through Durham and beyond. It's great for cycling, jogging or even a casual stroll.

If you'd rather go for a hike, Eno River State Park has miles of wooded trails, plus spots where you can cool off in the river.

A visit to the Durham Farmers' Market is another way to experience spring in Durham. Located in Durham Central Park, this market runs year-round, but spring weekends bring fresh strawberries, local honey and handmade goods.

Some local favorites to check out at the market include:

Cultural and artsy activities in Durham, NC

Durham's arts and entertainment scene really comes alive in the spring. From art galleries to live performances, there's no shortage of ways to soak in the city's creative side.

Located at Duke University, the Nasher Museum of Art features contemporary and historical collections. It's a great place to check out new exhibitions while enjoying a quiet afternoon indoors. They often host artist talks and events that make the experience even more interesting.

If you enjoy live entertainment, DPAC is a top choice. Spring shows range from Broadway hits to comedy acts and concerts, so there's something for everyone. Tickets sell out quickly for bigger performances, so checking the schedule early is a good idea.

For a mix of shopping, dining, and art, Brightleaf Square is a great stop. Located in historic tobacco warehouses, the area is home to independent boutiques, local artists, and outdoor dining options. The brick-lined walkways and string lights add to the atmosphere, making it a great place to spend an evening.

Seasonal food and drink festivals

Spring means festival season in Durham and food lovers have a lot to look forward to. Local chefs, food trucks, and restaurants bring out their best seasonal dishes, making it a great time to explore the city's diverse food scene.

For over 50 years, the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has honored African American culture, history, and traditions. This free event brings together live performances, cultural dances, and incredible food vendors.

Attendees can experience traditional and modern cuisine that highlights the African diaspora.

If you're looking for family activities in Durham, NC, with great food, this festival is a top pick. It features soul food trucks, live entertainment, and games for kids. This event takes place at Durham Central Park, where there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the day.

Durham's spring weather is perfect for outdoor dining, and many restaurants have patios made for soaking up the sunshine. Some of the best spots include:

Spring events and live entertainment

Spring events in Durham tend to draw big crowds. Whether you're into film, music, or baseball, there's something happening every weekend.

This internationally recognized film festival takes place in downtown Durham every April. It brings together filmmakers and documentary lovers for screenings and discussions. Many of the films shown here go on to win major awards.

Baseball fans look forward to the Durham Bulls season opener every spring. The stadium, located in the heart of downtown, is known for its lively atmosphere and affordable ticket prices.

Live music fans can catch free concerts at Durham Central Park on select weekends. These shows feature a mix of local bands, food trucks, and craft beer vendors, making it a great way to spend an evening outdoors.

Make this spring one to remember

From scenic trails to food festivals and live music, Durham is brimming with ways to celebrate the season. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or looking for the best activities in Durham, NC, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the city this spring.

For the latest on Durham weekend events, family activities in Durham, NC, and everything happening across the Triangle, WRAL has you covered. With real-time updates, exclusive event spotlights, and the most trusted local coverage, WRAL makes it easy to plan your next adventure.

Check out our Out & About section today and get the inside scoop on what's happening in your city.

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Within an hour of trading Friday morning, the Durham semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed had lost half its value. Its shares dove below $2.80 before eventually plateauing around lunchtime. By percentage, it ended up being the biggest single-day decline in Wolfspeed’s 32 years as a public company.

The reason for this drop wasn’t immediately clear.

Unwelcome Wall Street turns have become common for the wobbling North Carolina firm, whose stock sold above $100 as recently as two and a half years ago. At that time, Wolfspeed was well into a transformation under then-CEO Gregg Lowe, divesting its lighting and radio frequency divisions — and ditching its original name, Cree — to exclusively produce a special semiconductor material called silicon carbide.

Wolfspeed both makes silicon carbide, which promises higher efficiency than standard silicon, and fabricates it into chips for electric vehicles, power systems and other industrial applications. In 2022, Wolfspeed opened a fabrication plant in New York State’s Mohawk Valley and announced plans to build a massive materials facility near Siler City in western Chatham County.

But optimism around Wolfspeed’s big semiconductor bet has been replaced by fears over its future. Softer demand for electric vehicles mixed with production delays at its Mohawk Valley facility and looming debt obligations have raised liquidity concerns. In November, Wolfspeed fired Lowe as its top executive. By then, one of Durham’s largest employers had already reduced its staff roughly 20% through layoffs, buyouts and attrition. In early March, it announced additional layoffs as one of several “aggressive steps to strengthen its balance sheet.”

Uncertainties surrounding the company’s outlook resurfaced late last week. Midday Friday, after its stock halved, Wolfspeed released a statement reiterating the belt-tightening steps it would take to strengthen its finances. The release also included news that Wolfspeed had received another $192.1 million in expected tax refunds through a provision of the federal CHIPS and Science Act.

But what happened last week to require this statement? One possibility involves a different portion of the CHIPS Act, the bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to support U.S. semiconductor production.

On Thursday morning, Wolfspeed named long-time semiconductor industry executive Robert Feurle its next CEO. During a press conference discussing the hiring, Wolfspeed board chair and interim CEO Thomas Werner also addressed the company’s prospective $750 million CHIPS Act award, which the Biden administration announced in October but did not finalize before leaving office.

In early March, President Donald Trump called the CHIPS program “a horrible, horrible thing” and advised U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to repurpose what money the office hadn’t already spent.

“I would say that it’s likely that the parameters of CHIP funding ... are likely to evolve some because the company has evolved, and because the CHIPS office is different,” Werner said Thursday.

Some saw the new CEO selection as evidence Wolfspeed won’t see the CHIPS dollars.

“We believe the timing of this appointment raises concerns about WOLF’s ability to have its $750M CHIPS Act grant awarded, especially given Feurle’s lack of CEO experience,” CRFA Research analyst Brooks Idlet wrote in a March 28 note, adding that losing this grant could necessitate “a major restructuring” at the Durham company.

In its statement Friday, Wolfspeed noted it continues “constructive dialogue with the White House” regarding domestic semiconductor production.

Another potential reason for Friday’s selloff involves reporting about the status of Wolfspeed’s debt, which is also linked to its CHIPS funding.

Under its preliminary CHIPS agreement with the Biden administration, Wolfspeed agreed to first restructure $575 million in convertible debt that it owes creditors on May 1, 2026. This is debt the company issued to help fund investments like its Mohawk Valley and Siler City factories.

Convertible bonds give holders the option to be paid back at a future date in company equity or cash with interest. Given Wolfspeed’s suppressed stock price, debt holders would likely elect for cash under the current arrangements.

“Wolfspeed continues to explore alternatives with regard to its convertible notes, in partnership with its advisors, and remains in a dialogue with lenders, including Apollo and Renesas,” the company said in its statement Friday.

But early that afternoon, Bloomberg cited “people with knowledge of the matter” who said Wolfspeed was struggling to refinance this debt. “Based on where the company’s stock is currently trading, a conversion to equity is unlikely unless that price reaches $47.32,” Bloomberg wrote.

“We cannot comment on speculation,” Wolfspeed head of investor relations Tyler Gronbach said in an email Friday.

Wolfspeed overall has issued more than $3 billion in convertible bonds in recent years and has future debt obligations of $750 million in 2028, $1.75 billion due in 2029, and $1.25 billion due in 2030.

On Monday, following its worst market day in history, Wolfspeed shares rebounded 18% to inch the company share price above $3. This still marked its lowest stock price since 1998.

While this is poor news for Wolfspeed shareholders, its good news for those who have made the company one of the market’s most-shorted stocks. And it some cases, the shorters and shareholders may actually be the same people as investment firms short stocks in companies they have lent money to as a hedge.

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The News & Observer

919-861-1238

Brian Gordon is the Business & Technology reporter for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. He writes about jobs, start-ups and all the big tech things transforming the Triangle. Brian previously worked as a senior statewide reporter for the USA Today Network. Please contact him via email, phone, or Signal at 919-861-1238.