THE BOSS: At least four hometown friends of state Elections Director Gary Bartlett have been hired at the agency he runs. One of those friends, who was in charge of preventing workplace discrimination, was eventually fired after scores of women in the office complained of inappropriate comments. (N&O)
THE EX BOSS: State lottery director Tom Shaheen is leaving his job. (N&O)
LAW WOULD HURT WINERIES: North Carolina's winemakers and merchants will have to change the way they do business for out-of-state customers if federal legislation becomes law. (N&O)