Author: Sam Walker

Lead Reporter

Lead reporter for WOBX, Sam has been covering news, sports and weather on the radio and online in his native eastern North Carolina for over three decades. During storm events and breaking news on the Outer Banks, he makes regular appearances on The Weather Channel and other outlets around the country. Sam can be reached at sam@wobx.com or 252-202-4511.

Author: <span>Sam Walker</span>

Stories by Author: Sam Walker

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News December 29th, 2023

Evolution of Greater Outer Banks’ gross domestic product since 2018

A new analysis breaks down how much the gross domestic product of the 12 northeastern North Carolina counties, which totaled $9.98 billion in 2022, has changed in the previous five years. Gross domestic product is the dollar amount that measures how many goods and services businesses created in a given time period. It’s measured quarterly…Read More from Evolution of Greater Outer Banks’ gross domestic product since 2018

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BIZ Top Stories December 28th, 2023

Currituck County had the fourth-highest increase in wealth in N.C. in 2023

A new report shows Currituck County had the fourth highest increase in wealth of any county in the state in 2023, while Dare County ranked 17th. This comes after Dare, Currituck and Camden counties ranked among the wealthiest overall in a July report. Financial technology company SmartAsset collected data highlighting the places across the United…Read More from Currituck County had the fourth-highest increase in wealth in N.C. in 2023

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Work December 28th, 2023

Professional & business services lead Nov. job gains in N.C.; Leisure & hospitality third highest

Professional and business services in North Carolina picked up the most employees in November, while the leisure and hospitality industry saw the third highest increases. The North Carolina Department of Commerce reports seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased 13,600 to 4,949,300 in November. Major industries experiencing increases were…Read More from Professional & business services lead Nov. job gains in N.C.; Leisure & hospitality third highest

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Visitor Economy December 27th, 2023

Deadline for 2024 Visit North Carolina Tourism Conference early bird registration is Jan. 8

The 2024 Visit NC Tourism Conference in Greenville will be here before you know it, and the deadline for Early Bird registration is fast approaching. Anyone who registers by January 8 will be entered into a drawing for a Greenville area restaurant gift card. The conference will take place Sunday through Tuesday, March 17 through…Read More from Deadline for 2024 Visit North Carolina Tourism Conference early bird registration is Jan. 8

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GOV Top Stories December 26th, 2023

Who’s running in the 2024 elections across the Greater Outer Banks

With North Carolina again holding party primaries during a presidential election year in late winter, that means filing for the 2024 elections took place in December. The party primaries will be held on Tuesday, March 5. In-person early voting for the begins Thursday, Feb. 15, and runs through 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2. The general…Read More from Who’s running in the 2024 elections across the Greater Outer Banks

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Real Estate December 23rd, 2023

Home values in six Greater Outer Banks communities among fastest growing in N.C. for November

Three communities on the Outer Banks and three on the mainland were among the top 50 in North Carolina for the fastest increases in home values in November when compared to one year ago. Increased mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But most areas across the state are still…Read More from Home values in six Greater Outer Banks communities among fastest growing in N.C. for November

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Work December 23rd, 2023

Fewer people quit a job in North Carolina in October, matching national trend

October was another month of declines in the number of people who left a job in North Carolina, another trend that matches what’s happening across the country. Low pay, minimal opportunities for growth, and disrespectful work environments are just a handful of the top reasons employees quit their jobs, according to a 2021 Pew Research…Read More from Fewer people quit a job in North Carolina in October, matching national trend

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Visitor Economy December 22nd, 2023

Norfolk International Airport sets new passenger record for 10th straight month

For a tenth month in a row, Norfolk International Airport has set a new monthly record for the number of passengers that have flown through the closest international airport to the Greater Outer Banks. ORF reported a 16.2 percent increase in passenger activity for the month of November 2023 with 384,763 passengers, compared to 331,111…Read More from Norfolk International Airport sets new passenger record for 10th straight month

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BIZ Top Stories Work December 20th, 2023

Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City contractor to layoff 92, incoming firm expected to offer positions

A switch in military contracts will result in job losses for more than 90 workers who perform aircraft maintenance on C-130Js at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Elizabeth City. BusinessNC.com reported Tuesday that Chantilly, Virginia-based Amentum filed a notice with the state that it would permanently lay off 92 workers at the base in…Read More from Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City contractor to layoff 92, incoming firm expected to offer positions

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