Weekly Wrap: What's old is new again

The controversy over transgender bathroom access was in the news again this week when Gov. Roy Cooper's administration reached a deal to settle a federal lawsuit filed days after House Bill 2 was enacted last year. The deal, which still must be approved by a judge, would allow transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their choice in areas overseen by Cooper's administration, such as highway rest stops, state parks and museums and most state office buildings.

Republican legislative leaders reacted with predictable anger after agreeing with Cooper seven months ago to repeal House Bill 2.

Also making a return appearance this week: voting maps (although, to be honest, they've been in the news one way or another for months).

One three-judge panel heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's congressional district map as overly partisan, while a second three-judge panel is trying to determine whether new legislative district maps fix the racial gerrymanders found in previous maps.