CorneliusNews.net: Studying Plans For I77: Toll Lanes Ahead?

David Boraks, CorneliusNews.net — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:31:54 +0000

Consultants and other visitors at Wednesday's drop-in workshop at Cornelius Town Hall looked at maps of the proposed I-77 widening project.

The Week In Politics: Running Mates, Cut And Paste Ads, And The 'Charlotte Curse'

Duncan McFadyen — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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It's been a busy week in politics: Mitt Romney has finally chosen his running mate: Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan. The Romney/Ryan kickoff bus tour stopped in Mooresville over the weekend. WFAE political analyst Michael Bitzer joined Duncan McFadyen to talk about all the focus North Carolina is getting in the campaign. MCFADYEN: Let's listen to something they [Rep. Ryan and Gov. Romney] said at that campaign stop: REP. RYAN: We know what this country was built on; we understand its principles.

Gunshot Trackers Activated

Tanner Latham — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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A new gunshot tracking system installed in the city by the CMPD went live Monday. The department is hoping this technology helps it respond faster and more accurately to shootings. The system is called ShotSpotter, and it uses small antennae, these acoustic sensors, that activate as soon as a gunshot is detected. The sensors then triangulate to give a precise location of the gunfire. The CMPD dispatch center is alerted anytime that happens.

Duke Provides Thousands Of Emails, Internal Docs For Investigation

Julie Rose — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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Duke Energy has given thousands of internal documents and emails to North Carolina utility regulators in an ongoing investigation over the company's recent merger with Progress Energy. North Carolina Utilities Commissioners are trying to figure out if Duke Energy misled them in pushing for approval of the merger with Progress Energy and then abruptly ousting the company's would-be-CEO. These documents are the next step in that investigation, though most of them will not be released to the public.

Duke Asks For Rate Cut, Regulators Hire Attorney

Julie Rose — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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North Carolina regulators have hired a veteran federal prosecutor to help investigate whether they were misled about the merger between Duke and Progress Energy. Duke Energy, meanwhile, is moving ahead with plans to pass on to customers the savings resulting from the merger. The rate cut will only amount to about 85 cents a month for the average Duke or Progress customer in the Carolinas. But the company promises this is only the start of bigger savings customers can expect as Duke and Progress begin operating their power plants cooperatively.

UNC Charlotte Teams Up With UNC-Chapel Hill For New Degree Program

Duncan McFadyen — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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Nearly one-third of American workers get fewer than six hours of sleep a night. That's according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And with increasing attention to disorders, especially sleep apnea, the number of sleep centers across the country has increased. In response, UNC Charlotte and UNC-Chapel Hill have teamed up to offer an online degree in neurodiagnostics and sleep science. The schools tout it as the first bachelor's program of its kind in the country.

State Pushes Ahead With Monroe Bypass Despite More Hurdles

Kalie McMonagle — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

Despite another serious regulatory blow, state transportation officials continue to push ahead with planning for the Monroe Bypass. The Federal Highway Administration this week took back their approval of the $700 million toll road designed to ease heavy traffic on Highway 74. North Carolina Department of Transportation spokeswoman Greer Beaty says the state hopes to regain federal approval by fixing problems in the environmental study prepared for the road rather than redoing it entirely. A judge earlier this year ruled that study was not done correctly.

B-Cycle Adds Bikes To Charlotte Streets

Kalie McMonagle — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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Ribbon cutting for B-cycle, a bike sharing program. Photo: Kalie McMonagle. B-cycle, a national bike sharing program, is launching its first Southeast project in Charlotte. Soon, twenty bike stations with 200 bikes will be spread throughout Uptown. The program is designed for short trips. For example you could pick up a bike at Trade and Tryon and ride it to the Government Center on 4th street. Memberships are available for $65 a year, otherwise the bikes are $8 a day.

Charlotte Observer - Vendors: DNC Too Quiet On Sales

Celeste Smith, Charlotte Observer — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

Eight weeks before the start of the Democratic National Convention, some vendors who hope to sell merchandise are frustrated they have no information. Convention organizers asked businesses last fall to sign up with an online directory to hear about opportunities. Some vendors said they hoped they'd hear by now about chances to sell souvenirs during the September event.

New CMS Superintendent Tours Facilities

Kalie McMonagle — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:05:30 +0000

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Heath Morrison visited with CMS employees on first day of job. Photo: Kalie McMonagle. New CMS Superintendent Heath Morrison Monday began his first day on the job with bus drivers and graphic designers. He also visited several schools with summer programs. It's part of his plan to get out of the office and into the schools to find out what they need. Morrison made his first stop at 7 am. He met with graphic production and textbook staff.