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Axios Raleigh Thought Bubble

Axios Raleigh

Data: Raleigh Police Department; Chart: Axios Visuals

The death of a 12-year-old girl, killed in a hit-and-run on Hillsborough Street two days after Thanksgiving last year, shook the city of Raleigh and ignited concerns about safety on some of the city's most popular roads. 

Driving the news: Her tragic death was one of many caused by car accidents last year. 2022 saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths in at least eight years, city police data shows. 

Nearly 30 pedestrians were hit and killed by cars as they were trying to cross Raleigh roads last year — nearly double the previous record set in 2019, when 15 pedestrians were killed. 

The big picture: The numbers are yet another painful reminder of the growing pains of a booming city, and an indicator that the city has struggled to adapt to the growing number of pedestrians and drivers on the roads.

What they're saying: "As the city continues to grow, it's definitely a concern that we will have more deaths, more injuries if we do not put the infrastructure in place to keep pedestrians safe," director of the state's Safety, Health and Workers' Compensation division Scarlette Gardner told WRAL in November. 

Data: Raleigh police department, Axios research; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

By the numbers: Cars struck pedestrians crossing Raleigh roads more than 280 times in 2022, killing nearly 1 in 10 people hit. 

November was the deadliest year for crashes. Six people died that month. 

Dozens of those deadly crashes happened on some of the cities' busiest roads: 

Seven people were killed by cars on Capital Boulevard. 

Two died after being struck on Six Forks Road and another two killed, including 12-year-old Samantha Briggs, were hit on Hillsborough Street.

Two more were killed after crashes on S Saunders Street. 

Fatal crashes also occurred on Peace Street, Western Boulevard and Poole Road.  

What we're watching: The City Council recently reduced speed limits in downtown Raleigh in response to safety concerns for pedestrians. It also acknowledged that more can be done to improve pedestrian safety throughout the city, like adding more sidewalks around Dix Park. 

But it wasn't until last year that the city adopted a Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate roadway deaths. 

Raleigh's deadliest year for pedestrians

Nearly 30 pedestrians were hit and killed by cars as they were trying to cross Raleigh roads last year

The death of a 12-year-old girl, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="killed in a hit-and-run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wral.com/family-mourns-12-year-old-girl-killed-in-raleigh-hit-and-run-calls-for-driver-to-come-forward/20602966/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wral.com/family-mourns-12-year-old-girl-killed-in-raleigh-hit-and-run-calls-for-driver-to-come-forward/20602966/" target="_blank">killed in a hit-and-run</a> on Hillsborough Street two days after Thanksgiving last year, shook the city of Raleigh and ignited concerns about safety on some of the city&#x27;s most popular roads. Driving the news: Her tragic death was one of many caused by car accidents last year. 2022 saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths in at least eight years, city police data shows.

News

North Carolina Republicans are eyeing abortion restrictions that go beyond the state's 20-week ban, and for the first time in years, the party has a fair shot at passing them into law. 

But lawmakers have yet to decide how far they'll go. 

Why it matters: Where Republicans end up on the issue could change North Carolina's status as the least restrictive state for the procedure in the South, halting the wave of abortion-seekers who have flocked to the state since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in June. 

The dueling factions of the party, however, may make it difficult for any abortion restrictions to make it to Cooper's desk this year or next. 

"This is going to be one of the hardest bills that we consider this session," said Republican House Majority Leader Rep. John Bell. "We do not have 61 votes to pass any abortion bill right now," he said of the House Republican caucus. 

State of play: Republicans in each chamber have honed in on two potential proposals: One that would restrict abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which Republican House Speaker Tim Moore has publicly backed, and another that would ban them after the first trimester, which Senate leader Phil Berger supports. 

Both leaders are in favor of exceptions for incest, rape and the life of the mother. Incest and rape exceptions are not currently in place with the 20-week ban. 

The big picture: Internal debates over the issue are also unfolding as North Carolina gains national attention for another aspect of the abortion rights fight. 

In one of the first lawsuits since the fall of Roe v. Wade, a North Carolina doctor argues that the state's restrictions on abortion pills run counter to federal law.

Context: Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper would likely veto any measure to restrict abortions. But Republicans won an "effective" supermajority in the legislature in November and would need only the help of one Democrat to override his veto.

Yes, but: Every single Democrat in the legislature has signed onto legislation that would codify Roe v. Wade — an early signal that they intend to stay united on the issue. 

What they're saying: "Although the members of our caucus have varying perspectives on how to approach this issue, all Republican members are united in their desire to enact legislation that protects additional lives and provides additional support to women, children and families," a spokeswoman for Moore said in a statement. "The Speaker is confident this will result in a comprehensive bill they will all support."

Be smart: Both House and Senate Republicans are expected to each propose their own legislation on the issue, but, as of now, the caucuses have yet to vote on which restrictions to propose. 

Lucille's thought bubble: It looks like Republicans are more likely to unite behind a ban after the first trimester of pregnancy, with exceptions, based on chatter I'm hearing from lawmakers, lobbyists and others. 

But the legislative session is just beginning, and the winds could shift.

The bottom line: You may see some extreme abortion restrictions filed this year, too, but if the bill isn't proposing a fetal heartbeat ban or a post-first trimester ban, it probably won't pass. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include details on new legislation from Democrats to codify Roe v. Wade.

North Carolina Republicans weigh their next abortion move

But lawmakers have yet to decide how far they'll go.

Animated gif of two elephants involved in a tug of war with their trunks

Abortion

North Carolina Republicans are eyeing abortion restrictions that go beyond the state&#x27;s 20-week ban, and for the first time in years, the party has a fair shot at passing them into law. <ul><li>But lawmakers have yet to decide how far they&#x27;ll go. </li></ul>

A UNC Health doctor sued North Carolina Wednesday over a law that restricts the use of abortion pills, arguing that its limitations run counter to federal law. 

The lawsuit asks for the courts to block North Carolina's laws around the drug, mifepristone. 

A similar lawsuit was filed in West Virginia the same day.

Why it matters: North Carolina's case is one of the first challenges to abortion laws since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in its Dobbs decision last year.

The case is expected to be watched closely by abortion opponents and advocates alike, as North Carolina has the least restrictive abortion laws in the Southeast.

State of play: UNC OB-GYN Amy Bryant's lawsuit argues that the state should follow Food and Drug Administration guidelines that the drug can be prescribed in person or through telehealth and dispensed by a health care provider or at retail pharmacies so that patients can take the medication where they wish.

North Carolina currently requires patients to obtain the drug from a doctor at a certified surgical facility following a 72-hour wait. 

State Attorney General Josh Stein, who is named as a defendant, told news outlets through a spokesperson he is reviewing the lawsuit. 

Stein, who supports abortion rights, previously recused himself from defending the state's blocked 20-week abortion ban after Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

Republican lawmakers have repeatedly criticized Stein, saying his job is to defend the state's laws.

Go deeper: Pair of lawsuits kick off state-federal battle over abortion pills (Politico)

N.C. doctor sues state over abortion pills restrictions

The lawsuit will try to overturn North Carolina's restrictions on abortion pills.

A UNC Health doctor sued North Carolina Wednesday over a law that restricts the use of abortion pills, arguing that its limitations run counter to federal law. <ul><li>The lawsuit asks for the courts to block North Carolina&#x27;s laws around the drug, mifepristone. </li><li>A similar lawsuit was filed in West Virginia the same day.</li></ul>Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s case is one of the first challenges to abortion laws since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in its Dobbs decision last year.<ul><li>The case is expected to be watched closely by abortion opponents and advocates alike, as North Carolina has the least restrictive abortion laws in the Southeast.</li></ul>

Politics

North Carolina state officials waited six weeks to revoke State Auditor Beth Wood's ability to drive a state vehicle over her December hit-and-run, a spokesperson for the state Department of Administration said Friday. 

Why it matters: The move came Tuesday, nearly a week after Wood's misdemeanor charge for her role in the hit-and-run came to light, rather than right after the incident.

Driving the news: The state's Motor Fleet Management division, which is under the Department of Administration, told Wood Jan. 24 that her vehicle assignment was "temporarily suspended due to the ongoing investigation", the agency spokesperson said in an email. 

The agency's regulations outline that a vehicle assignment can be recalled if abuse of the vehicle occurs, which includes "reckless disregard for the proper operation of the vehicle," or "if substantiated violations of motor vehicle laws are committed." 

Catch up quick: Wood was charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor for hit-and-run, leaving the scene and property damage on the evening of Dec. 8, when she ran a state vehicle over the hood of another car in downtown Raleigh.

She also received an infraction for unsafe movement. Her next court date is March 23. 

The latest: The accident cost the state nearly $8,000 for towing and repair, the Department of Administration said in an email. 

The department did not immediately respond to a question from Axios on whether Wood was allowed to — or did — drive a state vehicle after the December crash. 

NC auditor's state vehicle privileges revoked after hit-and-run

The move came nearly a week after Wood's misdemeanor charge for her role in the hit-and-run came to light

Photo illustration of Beth Wood with abstract pattern of gavels.

Photo illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios. Photo: North Carolina State Auditor's Office

North Carolina

North Carolina state officials waited six weeks to revoke State Auditor Beth Wood&#x27;s ability to drive a state vehicle over her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="December hit-and-run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/01/19/north-carolina-state-auditor-beth-wood-charged-hit-run" data-vars-content-id="ca4655fc-91bf-4db3-962d-3d22b8a1c035" data-vars-headline="NC auditor&#x27;s state vehicle privileges revoked after hit-and-run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/01/19/north-carolina-state-auditor-beth-wood-charged-hit-run" target="_self">December hit-and-run</a>, a spokesperson for the state Department of Administration said Friday. <ul><li>Why it matters: The move came Tuesday, nearly a week after Wood&#x27;s misdemeanor charge for her role in the hit-and-run came to light, rather than right after the incident.</li></ul>

Every Democrat in North Carolina's legislature has signed onto a pair of identical bills that would codify Roe v. Wade, House and Senate Democrats announced in a release Tuesday. 

Why it matters: Democrats' show of unity is a signal that the party intends to remain united on abortion, even as moderate Democrats face pressure to back the abortion restrictions Republicans propose this session. 

Context: Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to veto any restrictions — beyond the state's current 20-week ban — that come across his desk. 

But Republicans won an "effective" supermajority in the legislature in November and would need only the help of one Democrat to override his veto.

Worth noting: The legislation would also codify Planned Parenthood v. Casey and block the state from restricting abortion before fetal viability.

What they're saying: “Democratic lawmakers across our state know how critical it is to protect your right to privacy and choice,” said Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue. “We stand united in protecting reproductive health care — a right that the majority of North Carolinians support.”

NC Democrats signal they'll uphold Gov. Roy Cooper's veto

Every Democrat in the legislature signed onto legislation that would codify abortion protections.

Illustration of a column wrapped in snakes from a caduceus.

Every Democrat in North Carolina&#x27;s legislature has signed onto a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pair" data-vars-click-url="https://ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H19" data-vars-content-id="ccb52565-1bca-4703-9b77-457fe9d17d97" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats signal they&#x27;ll uphold Gov. Roy Cooper&#x27;s veto" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H19" target="_blank">pair</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identical bills" data-vars-click-url="https://ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/S19" data-vars-content-id="ccb52565-1bca-4703-9b77-457fe9d17d97" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats signal they&#x27;ll uphold Gov. Roy Cooper&#x27;s veto" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/S19" target="_blank">identical bills</a> that would codify Roe v. Wade, House and Senate Democrats announced in a release Tuesday. <ul><li>Why it matters: Democrats&#x27; show of unity is a signal that the party intends to remain united on abortion, even as moderate Democrats face pressure to back the abortion restrictions Republicans propose this session. </li></ul>

Lucille Sherman

Featured stories

Raleigh's deadliest year for pedestrians

NC Democrats signal they'll uphold Gov. Roy Cooper's veto

North Carolina Republicans weigh their next abortion move

NC auditor's state vehicle privileges revoked after hit-and-run

N.C. doctor sues state over abortion pills restrictions