The state House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill calling on NCDOT to cancel the I-77 widening project north of Charlotte. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Senate leaders have said they don’t see a need to cancel the project. Read the full story: WFAE.org, House Approves Bill To Kill I-77 Tolls
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has denied Tesla Motors’ application to sell its electric cars at a new store near Charlotte. Liten to my May 27, 2016, coverage at WFAE: N.C. Says Tesla Can’t Sell Cars At Charlotte Store And if you’re looking for background why Tesla can’t sell cars here, listen to my … More NC says Tesla can’t sell cars at Charlotte store | WFAE
On Davidson Town Day May 7, I had a chance to take the town’s ELF for a spin. That’s E-L-F for electric, light and fun, three words that describe the three-wheeled vehicles made by Organic Transit in Durham. These sleek, recumbent bicycles — the kind you sit down to ride – come with pedals, handlebars and … More Trying out an ELF, a solar battery assisted bicycle | WFAE
Tesla wants to sell electric cars from its showroom in Matthews. But dealers have exercised their right under state law to challenge its dealer application. They duked it out at a 2-day hearing in Matthews this week. There’s a lot at stake here. Here’s my coverage on WFAE, including comments from environmentalist/race car driver Leilani … More With Model 3 on the way, Tesla faces a roadblock from other dealers | WFAE
Early environmentalists had some clout. A century ago, state lawmakers designated Mount Mitchell as North Carolina’s first state park. That came after citizens and officials grew worried about increased logging near the peak. Since then, the state park system has grown to 75 protected parks, lakes, beaches, and other natural areas. In my latest feature … More Mt. Mitchell was just the start for NC parks, now 100 years old | WFAE
The nation’s top athletes in canoe and kayak slalom were in Charlotte this past weekend (April 7-9) Saturday competing to represent the U.S. at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio. In interviews for public radio station WFAE-FM, I talked to two athletes with good chances to make the team, as well as a longtime U.S. … More Why Charlotte’s Whitewater Center attracts Olympic hopefuls here | WFAE
The Charlotte Observer is moving to a new office this spring – and that means saying goodbye to the current four-story newsroom and office building on South Tryon Street, which is expected to be redeveloped. On Thursday, a few hundred employees past and present reunited for a couple of hours to reminisce. I once worked there … More Observer’s saying farewell to 600 S. Tryon St. | WFAE
It takes a lot to keep a water system healthy. In Union County this month, public works employees have been cleaning the water mains using an unusual process called “ice pigging.” I went to see how it works. Listen to my report on WFAE.org March 10, 2016, WFAE.org, How Union County Uses An Ice Pig … More How Union County Uses An Ice Pig To Keep Water Pipes Clear | WFAE
Local officials are discussing how to save the Lake Norman Transportation Commission, after three of the four member towns voted to withdraw. LINK: Feb. 29, 2016, WFAE.org, ““Lake Norman Transportation Commission’s Future In Doubt”“
A federal court recently ordered North Carolina’s General Assembly to redraw Congressional district maps, ruling that the 1st and 12th districts were illegally gerrymandered along racial lines. Republicans came up with a new map, but many voters are still unhappy. Supporters of non-partisan redistricting say it’s another example of why there’s a need for a … More Latest Gerrymandering Dispute Motivates Non-Partisan Movement | WFAE
David Boraks 