Ben Bradford

Few Signs Of Progress 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.

Clean Energy Advocates Inundate Duke Energy Annual Meeting

Ben Bradford — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:24:50 +0000

Duke Energy hosted its annual shareholder meeting in Uptown Thursday, one day before the company releases its first quarter earnings report. CEO Jim Rogers pronounced the company healthy and profitable, but the meeting was also a rare opportunity to berate the CEO.

Speeding Around On Vegetable Oil

Ben Bradford — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:30:01 +0000

High gas prices, the threat of climate change, and new technology have spurred increased looks at alternative fuels, especially hybrids, electric cars and biodiesels. But a community in Charlotte has opted for a less conventional, do-it-yourself solution—they run their fleet on used vegetable oil from area restaurants.

Obama Will Appoint Foxx Transportation Secretary

Ben Bradford and Julie Rose — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:17:24 +0000

White House officials have confirmed that President Obama will appoint Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next Secretary of Transportation--a big leap onto the national stage for the local politician.

Heroin Use On The Rise Among Charlotte's Affluent

Ben Bradford — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:29:56 +0000

Black tar heroin is a crude and relatively cheap form of one of the world’s most addictive drugs, and its use is on the rise in Charlotte. CMPD has said that Charlotte is in the top five in the nation for black tar heroin. Carolinas Healthcare System recently conducted a study of the heroin users in its care, and it might surprise you who they are. WFAE’s Ben Bradford spoke with Robert Martin, the director of substance abuse services for Carolinas Healthcare System.

Is Battery Program Environmentalism Or Profit For AAA Carolinas?

Ben Bradford — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:43:11 +0000

Saturday is Earth Day, so it's the time of year when companies, non-profits, and advocacy groups urge you to do your part to save the environment. One example: AAA Carolinas has an annual promotion called the Great Battery Roundup, where the organization offers $5 for drivers to turn in used or junk car batteries. The program may have environmental benefits, although the going rate for used batteries is often more than double on the open market.

The Carolinas' Divided NFL Loyalties

Ben Bradford — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:08:43 +0000

Nationally, the Panthers aren't one of the NFL's most popular teams. In fact, try 4th least popular, according to an ESPN Sports Poll taken last year--not too surprising, considering the team is only heading into its 18th season of existence.