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ACA Deadline Approaching
The deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal marketplace is this Sunday.
The open enrollment period started on November 1st and runs through midnight on December 15th.
About 162,000 North Carolinians have signed up so far, according to the latest data. Dr. Elizabeth Tilson with the state department of Health and Human Services says there's usually a surge in the last few days.
Of the 38 states participating in the federal health insurance exchange, North Carolina has the fourth-highest enrollment numbers.
There are four insurance providers offering plans for 2020 including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Cigna, Ambetter, and Bright Health.
Changes Coming In Next Election
The 2020 election is not here yet but it's fast approaching, with primary early voting starting just two months from Friday.
The primary is the first election in North Carolina where voters will be required to show a photo ID, although court challenges are ongoing.
About 130 types of IDs are valid. Voters without one may still vote provisionally. Most mail-in absentee ballots will also require a copy of a photo ID.
The Triad area is among the most changed by new political districts, both for Congress and the state legislature. Voters who are unsure of their new districts can look up their voter information on the State Board of Elections web site.
Plans Made To Replace 75-Year-Old North Carolina Bridge
Plans are advancing to replace a 75-year-old bridge that serves as one of only three routes between Forsyth and Yadkin counties.
The N.C. Department of Transportation said in a news release that engineers are finalizing designs to replace a bridge on N.C. 67 over the Yadkin River and right of way agents have started property negotiations.
Plans include building the new structure to modern standards with wider lanes, increased weight limits, and additional safety features.
Ship Runs Aground Near Area That Could Have WWII Ordnance
A fishing vessel has run aground along the North Carolina coast near an area that potentially has military ordnance from World War II.
The U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement that the boat Sea Angels ran aground Monday near Browns Inlet. That's about 35 miles south of Morehead City.
The Coast Guard said a unified command has been established to oversee the safe removal of the ship. It has an estimated 15,000 gallons of fuel onboard.