The approval comes after Republicans in the House of Representatives abandoned their push for steep spending cuts. Members of the Senate will need to vote in favor of the bill before it is sent to the desk of President Joe Biden for final approval.

House approves short-term spending bill to keep the government open, heads to Senate for vote

A federal judge on Saturday blocked two portions of North Carolina's new abortion law from taking effect while a lawsuit continues. Nearly all of the restrictions approved by the legislature this year, including a near-ban after 12 weeks of pregnancy, aren't being specifically challenged and remain intact.

Judge blocks 2 provisions in North Carolina's new abortion law; 12-week near ban remains in place

The FDA approved two new COVID vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech for distribution in Fall 2023. The CDC has recommended the vaccine for all people six months and older.

FAQ: What you need to know about the 2023 COVID vaccine, flu & RSV vaccines

Shot, COVID vaccine, flu shot, doctor

Leaf peeping begins in October in the North Carolina mountains and spreads across the state through November.

Best dates and times to see the fall leaves

If you plan to give gifts of homemade goodies this year, check out Martha Stewart's line of gift packaging.

The Martha Stewart Crafts line, which is sold at Michaels craft stores and online, has a box, bag or wrapper for seemingly any edible gift possibility, from goodie bags to cookie boxes.

The products are simple, attractive and assemble quickly. Most also include the sorts of flourishes that add wow-factor to any gift - coordinated labels, ribbons, stickers, cellophane windows, etc.

And on November 2, the line was expanded with various holiday-themed packaging, including red and white baker's twine, cookie boxes with multiple compartments and cookie envelopes (big enough for one or two treats).

The Martha Stewart Crafts packaging ranges from $3.99 to $29.99.

Martha Stewart Expands Gift Box Line

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the brink of a federal government shutdown, the House on Saturday swiftly approved a 45-day funding bill to keep federal agencies open as Speaker Kevin McCarthy dropped demands for steep spending cuts and relied on Democratic votes for passage to send the package to the Senate.

On the brink of a federal shutdown, the House passes a 45-day funding plan and sends it to Senate

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A federal judge on Saturday blocked two portions of North Carolina's new abortion law from taking effect while a lawsuit continues. But nearly all of the restrictions approved by the legislature this year, including a near-ban after 12 weeks of pregnancy, aren't being specifically challenged and remain intact.

Judge blocks 2 provisions in North Carolina's new abortion law; 12-week near-ban remains in place

Abortion_North_Carolina_78579

The state is getting closer to closing the Interstate 540 loop around Raleigh.

4 years of construction nearly complete; three-fourths of I-540 loop around Raleigh will be done in 2024

A homicide investigation is underway in Wilson County after a 5-month-old baby boy died.


5-month-old baby boy dies in Wilson County, homicide investigation underway

5-month-old boy dies in Wilson County

Multiple law enforcement agencies had to break up several fights that broke out at a Triton High School football game Friday night.

Multiple law enforcement agencies break up fight at Triton High School; homecoming dance postponed

Football field, high school football field

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Chris Lea and the WRAL team have highlights from dozens of high school football games in the area on Football Friday.

Football Friday: Week 7

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

Mega Millions Drawing

Videos

Lines started forming at 4 o'clock this morning, with many students and families eagerly awaiting a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some familiar faces up close.

ESPN College GameDay arrives at Duke University 

Signs at College GameDay

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan explained the school's decision to vote for ACC expansion in adding Cal, Stanford and SMU.

NC State AD: 'Came to a different conclusion' after changes to ACC expansion proposal

NC State Wolfpack takes the field

GUIDONIA MONTECELIO, Italy (AP) — Rory McIlroy lost his match at the Ryder Cup. Then he lost his cool.

McIlroy loses match then his temper at Ryder Cup after clash involving Cantlay's caddie

Italy_Ryder_Cup_Golf_79864

Bunn native Tarik Cohen talks exclusively with WRAL

Cohen eager to return to the field after three years of hardship

Tarik Cohen

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — It’s been a year since Chase Elliott won a Cup Series race, a drought that played a role in NASCAR’s most popular driver missing the playoffs in what's guaranteed to be the worst season of his career.