Julie Rose

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.

The effort to turn the Charlotte airport over to an independent authority has more momentum now that a city-funded study recommends that action. City leaders who commissioned the $150,000 report still urge caution - an idea that elicits laughter from the chief sponsor of legislation to change the airport’s management structure. 

The Charlotte Airport would best be governed by an airport authority, according to a consultant hired by the city to study the issue. 

  U.S. Senators are poised to pass a measure this week that would mean new taxes for South Carolina online shoppers who frequent Amazon. The state granted Amazon an exemption to collecting sales tax until 2016, but that deal would end if Congress passes the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act. 

It's time again for the city of Charlotte to draw up its annual budget – including a renewed push to raise property taxes for capital projects. Last year's capital investment program proved so large – and divisive – that the council and mayor couldn't agree on any plan.  They still can't. And in the interim, those divisions have proven to run deeper than city council politics.  They've shown up across Charlotte and they're the topic of a special WFAE public forum Thursday at 7 p.m. at Spirit Square. 

The chairman of the Charlotte Airport Advisory Committee has been ousted on the recommendation of the majority of the 11-member board. 

Shawn Dorsch was grilled by the city council for 90 minutes Monday night about his behind-the-scenes role in supporting a legislative push to strip the airport from the city’s control.  

  Charlotte taxpayers will pick up nearly two-thirds of the $147 million tab to renovate and maintain Bank of America Stadium.

The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously Monday night to give the Panthers $87.5 million it will collect through a tax on prepared food over the next 10 years. 

In exchange for public money, the Panthers promise to stay in Charlotte for at least six years, with financial penalties that kick in if the team leaves within ten years. City staff call the deal a "tether" that will keep another city from poaching the team.  

Charlotte Airport Advisory Committee Chairman Shawn Dorsch took 90 minutes of questions and sharp criticism from the city council Monday, but declined to answer most queries regarding his role in the controversy over control of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.  

The Panthers have agreed to scale back their stadium renovation plans in order to cut a deal with the city that would pump $87.5 million toward the project. In exchange, Charlotte would be guaranteed to keep the NFL team for at least six years.