RALEIGH – In a dramatic turn of events today (Tuesday), the North Carolina Senate voted to pass a state lottery.

The measure, defeated by two votes last week, suddenly returned for debate. After the pros and cons were discussed, a vote was taken, one ending in a 24-24 deadlock.

North Carolina Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue, a Democrat supporting the lottery, cast the tie-breaking vote.

More details, including reaction from the Roanoke-Chowan area's state legislators, will be published in Thursday's edition.