Morning News Briefs: Friday, December 9, 2016

NC Governor, President Results Getting Finalized

North Carolina officials are now ready to finalize results from last month's elections, but they'll have to wait a little longer on one race where the statewide recount isn't quite finished.

The State Board of Elections planned Friday morning to double-check numbers from all 100 counties for races like governor and U.S. Senate and certify the outcomes. The meeting also sets the stage for Donald Trump to soon receive the state's electoral votes.

The panel probably won't certify the state auditor's race until next week because some counties have yet to complete a recount. Democratic incumbent Beth Wood is leading Republican Chuck Stuber by 6,000 votes.

Treasurer-Elect Unhappy With Coverage For Sex-Change Surgery

The health insurance plan for North Carolina government employees, teachers, retirees and their families next year will cover some sex change surgeries and hormone therapy, but the next state treasurer isn't happy about the decision.

The State Health Plan's trustee board voted this month to remove previous exclusions and cover the treatments when considered medically necessary.

A spokesman for current Treasurer Janet Cowell, whose office oversees the plan, told The News & Observer of Raleigh the plan risked losing millions of dollars if it didn't comply with new federal regulations and offer the treatments.

Cowell didn't seek re-election. She'll be succeeded next month by Dale Folwell, who says he'll conduct an investigation to examine the true financial and legal implications of the decision, which only applies for 2017.

DC Pizza Shop Suspect's Hearing Delayed

A judge has delayed a preliminary hearing for a North Carolina man accused of bringing a military-style rifle to a Washington pizza shop in a misguided attempt to rescue child sex slaves he thought were inside.

The public defender for 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch of Salisbury requested the delay Thursday, saying she needed more time to investigate the case. Welch will be back in court Tuesday. Welch is being held without bail, and the hearing will give his lawyer an opportunity to argue for his release.

Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountains To Reopen After Fatal Wildfires

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are reopening to the public Friday after wildfires that caused 14 deaths and damaged about 2,500 buildings.

Most of the main tourist area in Gatlinburg was spared by the fires that were whipped into the city by hurricane-force winds the night of Nov. 28, and officials are keen for people to return to the city that draws more than 11 million visitors a year.

Prosecutors have charged two juveniles with starting fires within the park that later spread.

Mount Airy Teacher Receives National Recognition

A Mount Airy teacher is the recipient of a national award that includes a $25,000 prize.

Fourth-grade teacher Amanda Robertson is this year's North Carolina recipient of the Milken Educator Award, one of 35 teachers around the country recognized for excellence in education.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports Robertson is in her ninth year of teaching, and fourth year at Jones Intermediate School.

Robertson was surprised to learn of the award when a school assembly recognizing the accomplishments of Jones' teachers turned out to be a celebration honoring her.

Roberston is also in the running for the state's Teacher Of The Year award.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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