Story of the three-day weekend: As preparations for the Democratic National Convention were underway in Charlotte, NAACP head Ben Jealous stopped by this weekend to denounce the state's Voter ID bill. And it seems this year's Labor Day parade had a "political vibe" as well.

City Housing Authority Director Fulton Meachem is leaving, halfway through a five-year contract. He says it's for better money and family down South, and not because of a pending performance audit or some controversies involving security. At least one observer, though, isn't entirely convinced.

If you were hoping you could avoid sales tax forever by purchasing goods online from retailers like Amazon, you may in for a rude awakening.

Sure, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl might not be too pleased with Len Boselovic's accusation that the city is turning a blind eye to pension problems. But the part that's REALLY got to sting? The persistent insinuation that the mayor cheats at golf. Somebody needs to call in Rich Lord!

GOP Senatorial candidate Tom Smith -- he of the contention that sex outside of marriage is "similar" to rape -- demonstrates a patronizing attitude toward women at a campaign event? Go figure.