Storm Passes, But Many Roads Remain Treacherous
Though a lot of folks were stuck indoors this weekend, things could have been a whole lot worse than they were.
The Piedmont largely missed the piles of snow we were promised in favor of sleet and some freezing rain.
The state and counties across the region responded with plow teams, law enforcement, and the National Guard to help stranded motorists. All told, more than two million gallons of salt brine was spread statewide to fight ice on the roads.
But it wasn't enough in some cases. At least six people died due to weather-related accidents, and thousands of drivers were involved in crashes. One state trooper was injured on duty.
Governor Pat McCrory says while conditions will get better over the next few days, overnight temperatures are expected to be cold, so residents should continue to be careful on the roads.
There are a number of school and business closings and delays. You'll find an updated list here.
Legality Of New Voter ID Mandate Argued In Federal Trial
North Carolina's new voter identification mandate starting with the March primary is on trial in a federal court.
Attorneys for state officials and those for groups that challenged the law were expected in Winston-Salem on Monday for a week or so of testimony and arguments.
The U.S. Justice Department, state NAACP, League of Women Voters and citizens contend the requirement to show photo ID to vote in person is illegal and will make it harder for black and Latino residents to cast ballots. The state's lawyers say there's no evidence anyone will be denied the chance to vote under the rules.
The 2013 law requiring one of six qualifying IDs was scheduled to take effect in 2016. Exceptions for more people having trouble obtaining an ID passed last summer.
Wake Forest Discussion Looks At Medicaid Expansion Prospects
Representatives from think tanks, interest groups, the General Assembly and health industry CEOs are talking about the future of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.
Wake Forest University law school is scheduled to host the discussion Monday evening.
Louisiana this month became the 31st state to accept Washington's offer to pay most or all the cost of expanding Medicaid. North Carolina is part of a cluster of Southeastern states that have rejected the idea.
Monday's panel includes former hospital president and current Republican state Rep. Donny Lambeth of Forsyth County, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina CEO Brad Wilson and representatives of the League of Women Voters and the conservative John Locke Foundation.
Death Sentence Trial, Now Uncommon, Scheduled To Start In NC
A Fayetteville man is going on trial for his life next month, now an uncommon occurrence in North Carolina.
The Fayetteville Observer reports the trial of 48-year-old Shawn Legrand is scheduled to begin Feb. 1. Legrand is charged with killing three people and trying to kill two others in November 2011.
The N.C. Center for Death Penalty Litigation says North Carolina had 57 death penalty trials in 2000, with 18 resulting in death sentences. The state had four capital trials in 2015 and no death sentences.
District Attorney Billy West says he's seeking the death penalty for several reasons, including the number of people killed.
Legrand has asked the court to let him represent himself. Defense lawyer Michael Driver said he and lawyer Lisa Miles are still representing Legrand.
Newton, Panthers Rout Cardinals, 49-15 For NFC Title
Cam Newton threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others, and Carolina's big-play defense stifled Arizona's top-ranked offense in a 49-15 romp Sunday for the NFC championship.
The NFL's new top man at quarterback — Newton is an All-Pro this season — will lead the Panthers against five-time MVP Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl in two weeks.
It will be the first Super Bowl for Newton and the second trip to the big game for the Panthers (17-1), who lost to New England 12 years ago. Denver, of course, has made a habit of going to Super Bowls, reaching it for a record-tying eighth time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.