Internet gaming cafes continue to gamble for headlines: A lobbying group sent a letter to Gov. Bev Purdue last week asking for her support in turning down a bill that will close the doors on countless sweepstakes cafes around the state by December.

The Entertainment Group of North Carolina said turning down the bill would bring in more than $500 million in possible revenue, which could have a significant impact on the state's budget deficit.

Even though the issue is in the hands of state lawmakers, many local officials are weighing the positives and negatives of the cafes, which allegedly utilize “loopholes” in state gambling laws. www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/gaming-fight-not-yet-over-21857

Family receives highest honor for loved one: The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of North Carolina's most distinguished honors and family received the award Monday for Allen Brown, who died in October.  Brown was selected for the honor by Gov. Bev Purdue for his services to the Nash County Board of Commissioners and Nash Community College Board of Trustees for many years.  www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/local-educator-receives-posthumous-state-honor-21859

Communities learn to watch out for each other: Residents at Tiffany Square Apartments are like many other neighborhoods, which are looking to the Rocky Mount Police Department for guidance in creating a community watch program. Last week's meeting taught residents important lessons from officers about local crime and what can be done to avoid being a victim. www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/community-watch-programs-rise-city-21858

More file for upcoming school board election: More names have filed to get their names on the ballot for the Nash-Rocky Mount school board election on Nov. 2. www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/more-nash-rocky-mount-school-board-filings-21856