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Medicaid Expansion For North Carolina Revived In House

A Republican framework for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina is advancing again with bipartisan support in the state House. But it's unclear whether that will change feelings about the concept in the GOP-controlled Senate.

The House Health Committee voted on Wednesday for an expansion measure similar to the bill the panel heard and approved in July but then was idled during the state budget impasse. Speaker Tim Moore said last week that his chamber would consider it again.

North Carolina Lawmakers Taking Another Break From Raleigh

North Carolina legislators are taking more time away from Raleigh during a General Assembly session extended because of a state budget stalemate and redistricting directive from the courts.

House and Senate Republican leaders told colleagues this week there won't be any recorded votes until at least Sept. 30. The chambers will hold perfunctory floor meetings in between.

Sanders Coming To North Carolina For 2-State College Tour

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is visiting North Carolina campuses as part of a two-state college campaign tour, where he'll promote a platform that includes free tuition.

The Vermont senator will speak at rallies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Thursday evening and at Bennett College in Greensboro on Friday afternoon. He'll also spend time at three South Carolina schools heading into the weekend.

High Point University Announces $1 Billion Growth Plan

High Point University has announced a $1 billion growth plan that will keep its current leader on the job for another 10 years and provide scholarships and new construction.

The university says the plan will commit current president Nido Quebein to another decade at the school, and give $700 million in scholarships focused on first-generation students, diversity, academic excellence and veterans.

The other $300 million will go toward a new library, academic building, admissions center and an ice hockey facility.

UNC Hospital Resumes Child Heart Surgeries After Review

An advisory board says the University of North Carolina hospital's pediatric cardiology program can resume performing complex heart surgeries following months in review after it was reported patient deaths were increasing during procedures there.

According to the News & Observer, the outside review board's report was announced Tuesday. It noted ongoing improvements in the unit, though it advised the hospital to consider if patients with complex heart problems along with additional illnesses should be referred to other hospitals.

The pediatric cardiology unit voluntarily paused some surgeries pending reviews by multiple agencies after a New York Times investigation described high death rates and released audio of the pediatric cardiology chief saying the unit was "in crisis."

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