* Another popular, longtime North Carolina mayor — Raleigh's Charles Meeker — considers hanging up his hat after this year. Or not.
* Former Sen. John Edwards' political star may have dimmed, but other members of his constellation are shining on in Washington.
* U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell's "Buy American" requirement for Homeland Security uniforms made it into the final version of the stimulus package.
* State Rep. Alma Adams is pushing a bill that would create a two-track system for sex ed: Abstinence-only and comprehensive.
