Friday Wrap: Guns, mixed drinks and Tony Rand

But final votes on the deal have been scheduled in both chambers on Saturday.

One of the main sticking points is a House provision that would allow struggling restaurants to sell mixed drinks with takeout and delivery orders.

Legislative leaders also noted that the loss of tax revenue and the increased aid the state is sending out during the pandemic could blow a $4 billion hole in the state budget.

State Chief Justice Cheri Beasley also said that that the court system would likely remain closed for several more months, but she has created a task force to find ways that some proceedings can move forward and to figure out how best to handle the avalanche of filings once courts do resume.

Meanwhile, a small group of armed protesters gathered near downtown Raleigh early Friday to press for the end of the statewide stay-at-home order, which remains in effect for at least another week,

Finally, longtime Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand died at age 80 after a long battle with cancer. Rand was remembered fondly by politicians on both sides of the aisle.