Ben Bradford

City Produces Another Artistic Endeavor (Flash Mob)

Ben Bradford — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:10:38 +0000

If you’re looking for music and entertainment, the Charlotte Area Transit System might not be the first place that comes to mind. But CATS is becoming quite the producer.

CORRECTION APPENDED

New Details On NC House Budget

Ben Bradford — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:02:44 +0000

North Carolina House Republicans presented Monday afternoon their proposed budget for the next two years. In total, the budget spends $20.6 billion.

“In the first year we spend around $12 million less than the Senate and around $188 million less than the governor,” said Rep. Nelson Dollar, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

NC House Considers Turning MeckLINK Over To An Authority

Ben Bradford — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:58:04 +0000

The state and Mecklenburg County are once again at odds over who should control hundreds of millions of dollars of Medicaid funds for mental health services.

Concord Drug Bust Uncovers 4,000 Lbs. Of Marijuana

Ben Bradford — Thu, 30 May 2013 21:15:31 +0000

A Cabarrus County newspaper has reported one of the largest drug busts in years. According to the Independent-Tribune of Concord, two tons of marijuana were seized in April, as part of an FBI investigation into an international drug ring running through the county.

Lawsuit Against Duke Ash Ponds Is A Reversal For State

Ben Bradford — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:06:02 +0000

A recently shuttered coal plant sits on the Catawba River in Gaston County, and state environmental officials say it’s seeping heavy metals precariously close to Charlotte’s water supply. This week, the N.C. Division of Water Quality added that coal plant to a lawsuit against Duke Energy—the plant’s owner. The state has had evidence of violations for two years, but declined to act until recently.

Charlotte, Future Capital Of Big Data?

Ben Bradford — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:20:04 +0000

When it comes to the technology industry, Charlotte isn't usually listed as a hub. That title goes to places like Silicon Valley, New York, Boston and Seattle. But, Charlotte shows a lot of promise in the emerging technology field known as "Big Data."

Hopes High But Progress Slow At Kannapolis Biotech Campus

Ben Bradford — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:59:25 +0000

When billionaire David Murdock opened the North Carolina Research Campus five years ago, his goal was to create a global biotechnology center in Kannapolis and to replace the thousands of jobs lost when Cannon Mills—formerly the city’s largest employer—closed. Murdock has poured upwards of $600 million into development of the NCRC, but today, there are only a handful of companies and few jobs compared to his sweeping vision. This week, Murdock donated another $50 million to the endeavor. Outside of Murdock’s millions, there are few signs of growth, but many are still betting on it.

Property Tax Hike Included In Carlee's Budget Proposal

Ben Bradford — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:26:32 +0000

Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee wants council to approve a property tax increase to help fund a Capital Improvement Plan.

Otherwise, the budget he proposed Monday night looks pretty much like last year's budget. It totals just just under $2 billion, or 1.5 percent above this past year. That increase accounts for an estimated rise in costs and a slight pay raise for city employees, but otherwise keeps spending the same as last year. Here’s the full breakdown:

Council Scolds Consultant Over Airport Study Findings

Ben Bradford — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:20 +0000

In their fight to retain control of the Charlotte airport, the city council paid Bob Hazel of consulting firm Oliver Wyman $150,000, to study the airport and conclude the best form of governance—the current form of city control or an independent authority, as state lawmakers are pushing for. Hazel said an authority, and the city council didn’t like that answer. They told him so at Monday’s council meeting.

Fracking Commission Delays Chemical Disclosure Rules

Ben Bradford — Sat, 04 May 2013 00:30:42 +0000

One of the most contentious questions about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is what companies should be required to disclose about the mix of water and chemicals pumped into the ground during the process.