Good morning, central N.C.! Here's what you need to know today.

Disputed ballots in the still unresolved 2024 race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat must remain in the final count, a federal judge ruled late Monday, a decision that if upheld would result in an electoral victory for Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs.
U.S. District Judge Richard Myers agreed with Riggs and others who argued it would be a violation of the U.S. Constitution to carry out recent decisions by state appeals courts that directed the removal of potentially thousands of voter ballots deemed ineligible. Myers wrote that votes couldn't be removed six months after Election Day without damaging due process and equal protection rights of the affected residents.

Your Weather Planner

A weak cold front will get pushed near the coastline Tuesday, bringing a short break from our recently unsettled weather. Expect mostly sunny skies Tuesday with an afternoon high near 80. Tuesday night will be clear and cool with lows in the mid-50s.

Wednesday will be dry and warm with highs in the low 80s. Rain chances return to the forecast late Thursday and through the day Friday.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. Real ID deadline arrives Wednesday for millions of North Carolinians

Wednesday marks the first day the Real ID Act will be in effect across the country. The Real ID Act requires federal agencies to view a Real ID, U.S. passport or other federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings, such as a federal courthouse.

2. Whooping cough case confirmed in Wayne County school

The Wayne County Health Department says it has confirmed a case of whooping cough in a school. A student at Meadow Lane Elementary School was diagnosed with the respiratory illness.

3. Body found by people fishing on French Broad River, Woodfin police say

Police in Woodfin, a town just north of Asheville, said a body was recovered from the French Broad River over the weekend. They said two people fishing on the bank of the river saw the body Sunday afternoon. Once recovered, officers found the person was wrapped in debris and covered in mud, officials said.

Around The Nation

1. Trump administration says it'll pay immigrants in the U.S. illegally $1,000 to leave the country

2. Education Department resumes referring student loan defaults to collections. Here's what borrowers should know

3. Trump says he knows 'nothing' about the image of him dressed like pope he posted on social media

Editor's Pick - First school in N.C. earns an EL Education School Credential

An elementary school in Holly Springs is the first in North Carolina to earn an EL Education school certification. EL Education is a national nonprofit that partners with schools across the country to provide a specialized curriculum that focuses on academic excellence and character development.