The bill would allow special election primaries so voters can choose their party’s special election candidate, rather than local party leaders deciding.

Last week, a buzz was generated when a sales listing appeared for Concord Mall. Was the end near for the retail mainstay on Concord Pike that opened in the late 1960s? Its owner says not so fast, claiming the listing was a mistake – but the mall seems a shell of its former self these days.This week, contributor Eileen Dallabrida takes a closer look at where things stand with Concord Mall and what could be next for it as many malls around the country face extinction.