Morning Headlines: Monday, October 19, 2015

Ruling Awaited Over Pair Of NC Congressional Maps

Another panel of judges is considering whether some electoral districts drawn by North Carolina Republicans in 2011 and used in the past two elections are illegal because they placed too many black residents inside of them.

Three federal judges held a trial in Greensboro this past week examining the legality of the 1st and 12th Congressional District lines. They didn't immediately rule. Voters who sued want the districts invalidated and redrawn. The two districts had already consistently elected black Democrats, but lawmakers still increased the black voting-age population of both districts above 50 percent.

State attorneys contend lawmakers had politics and protections from legal challenges in mind when drawing the districts, not discrimination.

The lawsuit is one of at least four that have challenged congressional or legislative districts, or both.

Agency Sends Unencrypted Email With Medicaid Information

Officials with the state Department of Health and Human Services say an unencrypted email sent in August may have compromised the confidential health information of more than 1,600 Medicaid patients.

Agency spokeswoman Kendra Gerlach tells WRAL-TV that even though the security breach occurred Aug. 19, letters weren't mailed to the affected patients until Friday.

She says that's because DHHS "must investigate thoroughly and ensure there is full understanding before determining next steps."

The agency says a DHHS employee inadvertently sent an email to the Granville County Health Department without encrypting it. The email included a spreadsheet containing protected health information for Medicaid recipients.

Gerlach says the agency has no indication the spreadsheet was intercepted.

Time Capsule For NC Forest Service To Be Dedicated

A time capsule containing a collection of North Carolina Forest Service items will be dedicated in honor of the service's 100th anniversary. It's intended to be opened in 2115.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will be on hand for the dedication Monday at the State Fairgrounds, as will Scott Bissette, the forest service's assistant commissioner. The capsule will contain uniform badges and patches, publications, a license plate, photos and a letter from Troxler.

The General Assembly created the state Forest Service in 1915 primarily as a firefighting organization. Over the years, it took on roles related to landowner assistance, tree improvement, forest health and education.

Mocksville Mayor Stepping Down

Davie County is losing a long-time public servant. Mocksville's mayor is stepping down after nearly 20 years.

Francis Slate served stints as both a county commissioner and city councilman before becoming mayor 18 years ago.

He's now 93. The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Slate has decided it's time to step away from local government.

Slate is a native of South Africa. He has lived in Davie County since the 1950s, when he moved here to take a job as a surgeon in the county hospital.

His dual role in city government and medicine earned him the moniker “Dr. Mayor.”

Three people have filed to replace Slate as mayor. Mockville's municipal elections are Nov. 3

Newton Leads Late Carolina Rally For 27-23 Win Over Seattle

Cam Newton threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left and the Carolina Panthers remained unbeaten, rallying for a stunning 27-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Newton led the Panthers (5-0) to touchdowns on their final two possessions after trailing 23-14, the second straight week the Seahawks collapsed in the fourth quarter. Newton found Olsen wide open down the seam as All-Pros Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman looked at each other in confusion.

Newton was 12 of 15 for 162 yards in the fourth quarter and threw for 269 yards overall. He led the Panthers on a pair of 80-yard touchdown drives in the final period as the Panthers improved to 5-0 for the second time in franchise history.

It was the second straight week the Seahawks (2-4) suffered a late defensive meltdown.