The state Division of Air Quality, a part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is allowing more time for public comment on the controversial Titan Cement Plant planned for Castle Hayne, near Wilmington.

Comments on the draft permit will be accepted until Nov. 20. The original deadline was Oct. 30.

Environmental groups, including the N.C. Coastal Federation and the Southern Environmental Law Center had asked for an extension.

* The Appropriations subcommittee on health proposes "massive" cuts to state programs, some legislators call for tax hikes instead.

* Former Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Mike Munger proposes an alternative way of thinking about the Apple incentives.

* Conservative columnist David Frum takes the rivalry between Carolina and Duke to a whole new level: Tuition. (Hat Tip: Jon Ham)

* Charlotte Observer columnist Jack Betts eulogizes Jim Stephenson, policy analyst for the N.C. Coastal Federation, who died Thursday.