RALEIGH — One down. One to go. The House passed a new district map, and it’s on its way to the Senate.

RALEIGH — It’s time for a break from “summer camp.”

Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson, acknowledged as much Wednesday, Sept. 11, saying the level of trust between N.C. Republicans and Democrats is as “brittle” as he has ever seen.

RALEIGH — The U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 made it optional for states to expand Medicaid, and several immediately signed on. A few resisted, including North Carolina, and have yet to pass an expansion bill. Still others opted for a more Republican-friendly expansion, encouraging competition among health insurers and personal responsibility among enrollees.

RALEIGH — Some N.C. lawmakers are thinking about ways to deal with foster children whose birth parents are struggling with substance abuse.

RALEIGH — This summer, a Canadian grocery store took the war on plastic bags to the next level.

RALEIGH — Jones County residents are still feeling the effects of recent hurricanes. At least one of the county’s three towns remains flooded, and two of its six schools were condemned.

RALEIGH — The N.C. House on Wednesday, Aug. 28, unanimously passed pay raises for state employees.

RALEIGH — Republicans are getting impatient.

RALEIGH — The future of smokable hemp in North Carolina remains unsettled, nearly a month after lawmakers last took it up.

RALEIGH — Small businesses struggling with health-care costs could gain new bargaining power with insurers, after a controversial bill passed the House, 82-32.