Update from SouthPark fire + possible raises coming for city workers

Hey, everyone! Zach here. Whether you’re joining us today from this reality or some sort of multiverse, I hope your Tuesday is going swimmingly. And if you’re coming from a multiverse, yes, you are surrounded by several Spider-Men and Women. It’s going to be OK.

1. Men killed in SouthPark fire couldn’t reach exit. Would another way out have saved them?

Victims of the five-alarm fire near Charlotte’s SouthPark Mall couldn’t reach the sole exit. Are more exits needed for buildings under construction? “I wish there was another set of stairs on the other end of that building,” says the man who employed the two victims. “My guys would have had another chance to escape.”

Ames Alexander and Ryan Oehrli on conversations after the deadly blaze.

2. Workers spoke. Did Charlotte listen? City will give some a big boost in pay

Charlotte City Workers Union members marched from Marshall Park to the government center to demand 12% raises last month. It may have worked: The city agreed to a compromise this month to an initially proposed 6% raise and gave its final OK Monday.

Genna Contino with the full story.

3. Yes, it’s both: New Gastonia restaurant serves both soul food and vegan fare

Fried pickles, baked chicken, mac and cheese and family-recipe collard greens can only mean one thing here in the Carolinas: good old-fashioned soul food. Except there’s a twist: This new Gastonia restaurant also offers vegan options.

Denise Casalez explains what foodies can expect.

4. Leaky roof. Exposed wires. Mecklenburg sheriff says county training academy unsafe

“Through these doors walk through the world’s best employees,” stickers spell out at the entrance. Inside, recruits also take heed not to accidentally knock crumbling molding off the wall. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office says it’s worried about the safety of its training academy on Spector Drive in Charlotte.

Genna Contino takes a look inside.

5. Some more stories to read

• Inspection finds dead bugs at concession stand inside Charlotte dine-in movie theater

• Breaking down Panthers’ tight end depth chart: Can Tremble break out under new staff?

• North Carolina is one of the most fun states in America. Here’s why

• See a Charlotte street sign that needs to be replaced? Here’s who to call

• These are the 4 best sushi spots in the Charlotte area. Vote now for your favorite.

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Contact Zach Dennis at zdennis@charlotteobserver.com

This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Update from SouthPark fire + possible raises coming for city workers."