State lawmakers left Raleigh Thursday and don't plan to return until after November's election. That's prompting worries among Democrats about a possible lame-duck session if Republicans lose seats.

Western North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards ends his reelection bid after a censure recommendation from the House Ethics Committee. Charlotte City Council holds discussions this week on toll lanes, data centers, e-bikes and more. Plus, the state’s hemp industry can chill. House Republicans vote against holding a vote that would have killed the industry.

North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd is pushing for implementation of a federal ban on intoxicating hemp products.

Members of the 11th District Republican Executive Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 10 to select a new GOP nominee.

Vice Chair Leigh Altman criticized a provision in the new state budget during a Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners meeting Wednesday, arguing it could unlawfully undermine local transportation decision-making related to the controversial I-77 toll lanes project.

Anson County has an interim elections director after months of upheaval in its elections office. The appointment comes as state officials investigate allegations made by the county’s former elections director.

The Republican candidate for the 11th district will be chosen by the GOP executive committee and is expected to be named later this month. While Edwards trailed his challenger in fundraising, money from his coffers could go to his successor.

Gov. Josh Stein says he'll veto a bill that would shorten the early voting period in primaries. The change to early voting is part of a wide-ranging elections bill that passed the House Tuesday night along party lines.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined a second lawsuit challenging federal tariffs imposed on imports from dozens of countries.Jackson said the permanent tariffs on imports from 80 countries exceed the administration's legal authority. He argued the tariffs could increase costs for North Carolina households by about $1,100 per year.Jackson also warned that businesses could face layoffs and lower profits as a result of the tariffs.The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general from 22 other states, along with the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Charlotte City Council is preparing to consider new regulations governing e-bikes and similar vehicles after concerns from police and city leaders about how some of the vehicles are classified and used.