Good morning. It’s Thursday, July 9th, and this is your briefing from Lucas Dixon for The News & Observer. Today will have a high of 87 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms. In our top story: The General Assembly was back in session, and they again worked to scale back North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s coronavirus executive order that has kept some businesses shuttered. The General Assembly voted on 2 bills yesterday to open gyms and skating rinks in the state.