Julie Rose

It's day two on the job for Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee who was sworn in Monday night. But Carlee says he's actually been working for several weeks to get his arms around the many hot button issues facing the city right now.

A federal judge has cleared the city of Charlotte in a lawsuit brought by controversial Concord preacher Flip Benham and his group "Operation Save America," which demonstrates frequently across the country against abortion and homosexuality.  

Reverend Flip Benham has a big voice, but he's spent seven years fighting the city of Charlotte for the ability to be louder. City ordinance requires demonstrators to stay under 75 decibels when using speakers and amplifiers on public sidewalks.

Charlotte's new boss is getting his keys and passwords. Ron Carlee begins work Monday as city manager. He'll be sworn in Monday night at the city council meeting. 

State lawmakers have rebuffed Charlotte officials who hoped to double the local restaurant tax in order to renovate Bank of America Stadium.  Instead, the city will have to rearrange existing restaurant tax revenues to help the Panthers. Visitors to Charlotte may find that good news, since WFAE's Julie Rose reports the city already ranks among the most taxing for tourists.

The Charlotte City Council has given up the fight for permission to raise the local restaurant tax as a way to raise money for Panthers' Stadium upgrades.

Councilman James Mitchell says the measure passed by the state house Wednesday is "the best the city will get." It only gives the city flexibility to use existing restaurant tax revenues for the football stadium.

 The City of Charlotte is scrambling to keep its grasp on Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a group of state lawmakers and influential local figures move to create a regional authority that would oversee the airport. The city's latest tactic involves sending regular emails to the media to set the record straight on various claims made by airport authority backers. But sometimes even the fact check needs a fact check. 

A funding plan for Bank of America Stadium renovations has cleared the state House. On Wednesday afternoon, Representative Ruth Samuelson's measure passed with little debate.

"There are no new taxes; there is no new revenues – state or local," said Samuelson, introducing her bill for debate on the House floor. "There are just two new options for the Charlotte City Council – which has joined us here today – to consider."

The five counties bordering Mecklenburg would suddenly have a voice in Charlotte Airport management if Senate Bill 81 passes. That's the measure sponsored by Matthews Senator Bob Rucho to pry the airport from Charlotte's grasp and place it in the hands of a 13-member regional board.

To date, none of the counties included on that board have taken a clear stance on the move, but that may soon change.

"Proceed cautiously" is the North Carolina treasurer's advice to lawmakers trying to place control of the Charlotte airport in the hands of a regional authority.