UP: VIRGINIA FOXX: The freshman Republican congresswoman dodged what might have been her strongest possible opponent when Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines decided not to challenge her in this year's election.

DOWN: SOUTHPORT OFFICIALS: Saw their hopes to purchase the local marina stymied when the Council of State, headed by Southport resident Mike Easley, who also happens to be governor, voted to approve a lease with a local company.

DOWN: FREE SPEECH: A study by the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy found numerous instances on the UNC campuses of rules that impose unconstitutional infringements on free speech.