What is Under the Dome?

A blog on North Carolina politics and government by the staff of The News & Observer and a regular column in the print edition.

Under the Dome debuted as a regular feature in the N&O on Sept. 3, 1934. With the subtitle, "Capitol News and Comment," it featured campaign gossip, political tidbits and minor government news written without a byline.

On Jan. 10, 1935, it moved to the paper's front page, where it was widely read by political insiders and regular readers who wanted to know the inside scoop. The column moved to the inside of the paper in 1989 and a byline was added in 1999.

It is the longest continually running feature in The News & Observer. (Tar Heel of the Week debuted on Jan. 15, 1950.)

On Monday, April 16, 2007, Under the Dome moved online. The blog covers daily breaking news and analysis of the legislature and state officials as well as the Congressional delegation and North Carolina's role in national politics.

The site also features a regular podcast, profiles of major political figures, transcripts of speeches, electronic copies of public records and frequently asked questions like this one.