Ben Bradford
Ben Bradford is a city kid, who came to Charlotte from San Francisco by way of New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Prior to his career in journalism, Ben spent time as an actor, stuntman, viral marketer, and press secretary for a Member of Congress. He graduated from UCLA in 2005 with a degree in theater and from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2012. As a reporter, his work has been featured on NPR, WNYC, the BBC, and Public Radio International.
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The debate over immigration and "sanctuary cities" has escalated. The Trump administration sued California over three laws designed to keep local officials and businesses from helping enforce immigration measures. State officials say they will stand their ground.
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California state legislators are seeking ways to blunt the impact of new federal tax law on their state. The symbolism of their move is politically important in the deep blue state.
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California could get a head start in selecting the nominees for president in 2020. A measure passed by the state Legislature would move primary elections from June to March.
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The state legislature is considering moving up the date of the presidential primary to March from June in order to have more sway over who becomes the Democratic Party's nominee. -
The Confederate flag is again causing controversy after the Charleston church shooting that killed 9 people. The alleged gunman is believed to have been influenced by white supremacists and the flag.
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Lawmakers in South Carolina began debating Monday whether to remove the Confederate flag that flies in front of the State House in Columbia, S.C.
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Two of the biggest dollar stores are merging. Family Dollar shareholders agreed to an $8.7 billion takeover Thursday, choosing not to accept a bigger offer from Dollar General due to antitrust fears. -
Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal, leaked into the Dan River this month, magnifying an ongoing fight. Now the Justice Department is examining how coal ash is stored and regulated in the state. -
An ATM that lets you video chat with a teller hundreds of miles away? It's part of an effort by the banking industry to cut costs: The more ATMs can do, the less banks have to spend on tellers and real estate. But in-person branches still remain the best way for banks to get new business. -
Civilian furloughs have begun at U.S. military installations worldwide. The mandatory days off without pay, prompted by the current round of budget cuts known as sequestration, are looming over Defense Department-run schools that serve the children of military families. For teachers at the nation's most populous Army base, Fort Bragg, cuts mean no new textbooks and a loss of school days.
