ANNEXATION

Senators announce plan to stop Monkey Junction annexation. State Sens. David Rouzer of Johnston County and Thom Goolsby of New Hanover County plan to introduce legislation that would stop the Monkey Junction annexation. The bill would suspend the annexation while lawmakers work on a bigger package of legislation they say would be harder for cities to fight.

GENERAL

Editorial: The costs of fracking. The potential for an increase in North Carolina’s gross domestic product comes with the potential for additional costs.

Editorial: Cities and towns gaming the system? Sweepstakes operators believe that some sort of fee system is not unreasonable but shouldn’t be very far out of line with what other businesses are charged by municipalities.

Greenville leaders pitch initiatives. Greenville leaders last week presented the city’s legislative initiatives to the area’s local legislative representatives for the May 16 State Legislature short session.

TRANSPORTATION

Spring Lake mayor pushes for better transit options around Cumberland County, Fort Bragg. Spring Lake Mayor Chris Rey says he wishes town residents had better transit options to get around Cumberland County and Fort Bragg.

Leaders look for an alternative route in and out of Southport. Senator Bill Rabon is supporting a way to ease the drive to Southport for many residents and tourists.