Business
State sues Duke Energy for coal contamination of water
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The state is suing Charlotte-based Duke Energy for polluting Mountain Island Lake with coal ash, the first time North Carolina has taken action against a utility for its handling of the substance. The lake is a main drinking supply for Charlotte.
Bill would allow limited tolls on I-95
May 22, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House passed a bill Tuesday that will allow limited tolls on North Carolina's highways -- permitting them in new lanes but not existing ones. The measure was prompted by proposals to introduce tolls on Interstate 95, which runs through eight counties from the Virginia to South Carolina borders.
State Senate budget takes aim at fuel-efficient vehicles
May 22, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A provision in the state Senate's proposed budget seeks to raise $1.5 million in the next fiscal year by levying a fee on owners of hybrid and electric vehicles. Electric vehicle owners would owe $100 annually, and hybrid vehicle owners would owe $50.
Charlotte Speedway owner threatens to move fall race
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith threatened to move its fall race from the track, criticizing Cabarrus County officials for raising its taxes. The speedway is in the midst of appealing its property valuation.
N.C. mortgage relief reaches $410M
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
North Carolina mortgage relief under last year's landmark settlement with the nation's largest banks has reached $410 million for more than 9,000 homeowners. Charlotte-based Bank of America has said previously in securities filings that it has "substantially" fulfilled its obligations.
Charlotte Bobcats make name change official
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The Charlotte Bobcats' owner Michael Jordan announced the team has officially asked the NBA permission to revert back to its roots with a name change to the Hornets for the 2014-15 season.
NetApp to lay off workers at RTP
May 22, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Data storage company NetApp is laying off 900 workers across the U.S., and an undisclosed number will come from its 1,500-employee operation in Research Triangle Park. The company must retain 1,450 in RTP to receive incentive payments.
Greensboro company acquiring Fayetteville mortgage servicer
May 22, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
Greensboro-based Cunningham & Co. acquired Fayetteville-based mortgage servicer Carolina Mortgage Co., giving add three branches to its 14 locations and letting it enter the Fayetteville market.
FNB United gets OK to merge its two banks
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
FNB United Corp. got permission to merge its two banks, CommunityOne and Bank of Granite. The Bank of Granite locations will reopen as CommunityOne on June 10.
N.C. Senate plan would defund Rural Economic Development Center
May 21, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Part of the budget proposed by the state Senate this week would strip the Rural Economic Development Center of its state funding, which amounted to $16.6 million last year, and create a division in the Department of Commerce to oversee rural economic development.
