* Commissioner of Banks reports that absence of payday lending in North Carolina has not hurt residents who face financial shortfalls. (W-SJ)

* Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue visits the Gateway Technology Center in Rocky Mount at the urging of state Rep. Joe Tolson to learn about high-tech training. (Rocky Mount Telegram)

* U.S. Rep. Brad Miller has proposed letting bankruptcy judges amend the terms of home mortgages to stave off foreclosures. (The Nation)

* Gov. Mike Easley writes letter to Congressional leaders asking for them to start making payments on the "Road to Nowhere" in Swain County. (AC-T)