The number of speakers during the public comment period in Tuesday's Wake County school board meeting, like autumn days in an old song, "dwindled down to a precious few." But that gave board member Debra Goldman a chance to respond to criticisms that she and others in the board majority had paid little attention to some of the passionate and detailed presentations by opponents of the panel's new direction.
Goldman told the audience that she takes copious notes during the public comment period.
"I may not be making eye contact with you during your entire statement, but it is because I am looking down and writing and writing and writing," Goldman said.
Now that the diversity-based assignment policy followed by previous boards has been disassembled, the next battles will likely come over the drawing of zone lines for the new community-based assignment system, activists said.
Raleigh likes Bud Light
It seems Raleighites favor naming the city's new downtown amphitheater after Bud Light even though the name has vocal critics, including the City Council's Substance Abuse Advisory Commission.
In an online survey conducted by city staff, 55 percent of 1,643 respondents said they wanted the city to pursue having the lower-calorie lager's name attached to the amphitheater.
The amphitheater, which opened with free concerts and entertainment Friday night, is embroiled in a controversy over whether the city can give Anheuser-Busch naming rights.
The beer company and local beer distributor Harris Wholesale would give the city $1.5 million over five years.
The city still needs to get permission for the name from the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which is expected to make a decision this month.
Political trails
Triangle West Young Republicans are changing their meeting place from Nantucket Grill to Mount Zion Christian Church, 3519 Fayetteville St. in Durham. The next meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday in the church's Green Dining Room. For more information, contact t2hicks@twyr.org .
The Wake County Democratic Party is hosting an International Night from 6 to 10 p.m. June 12 at the Busy Bee Cafe, 225 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh. Participants are asked to bring a dish that represents their ethnicity and culture. Cost is $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Make reservations by contacting 828-5656 or info@wakedems.org.
The Wake Democratic Men's Club will meet 6 p.m. June 14 at the Clarion Hotel, 320 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. A $16 dinner will be served, and Bob Hunter, an N.C. Court of Appeals judge and candidate for the state Supreme Court, will speak. Make reservations at 828-5656 or wakedemmen@wakedems.org. Women are welcome.
Staff writers Thomas Goldsmith and Sarah Ovaska
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The N.C. State Bar filed a complaint Friday charging that former Durham District Attorney Tracey Cline spun a string of courthouse lies, behavior that could cost Cline her law license. 
The agreement calls for Rex’s owner, UNC Health Care, to commit $40 million to improve mental health services in Wake County. Leaders of the two hospital systems also vow to not criticize each other publicly. 
The jury has concluded its fourth day of deliberations in John Edwards' trial on charges of violating federal campaign finance law. Deliberations will continue Thursday. 
Following an at times heated two-hour exchange, Wake County school board members agree to meet one-one-one with Superintendent Tony Tata to start their relationship anew. 
But DOT might need permission from the legislature before it can even consider the new alternative route, suggested by a Garner consultant. 
County Manager David Cooke’s budget would give the school system less than half the additional amount requested by the school board. Keep up with the latest political stories with our free daily e-mail newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox!
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