REDISTRICTING

Redistricting abuses... again. A legal challenge to the redistricting plan approved by the Republican-dominated General Assembly made its first halting crawl through the courts last week, and a three-judge panel has set a date for a hearing next month.

GENERAL

Sunset Beach town council to hold special meeting Wednesday regarding mayor. There's a new mayor in the town of Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, but after just one meeting, the town council has called for a special meeting regarding the rules set for elected officials.

Cary to return money to developers. The town of Cary will refund more than $800,000 to developers and builders months after the N.C. Supreme Court left standing a ruling that the town overstepped its authority by collecting development fees meant to fund new schools.

EDITORIAL: Strong leadership now on display in Pilot Mountain. The residents of Pilot Mountain should take comfort in the fact that, in sharp contrast to the previous leadership regime, the town manager is exhibiting strong leadership in the face of difficult circumstances, and is putting himself on the same level as all town employees in sharing the pain.

GAS TAX

N.C. gasoline tax to rise almost 4 cents in January. As expected, North Carolina’s gasoline tax is going up by almost four cents a gallon starting with the new year.