Good morning, North Carolina! Here's what you need to know today.

The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat conceded last November's election to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs on Wednesday, two days after a federal judge ruled that potentially thousands of disputed ballots challenged by Jefferson Griffin must remain in the final tally.
In a statement provided by his campaign to The Associated Press, Griffin said he would not appeal Monday's decision by U.S. District Judge Richard Myers, who also ordered that the State Board of Elections certify results that show Riggs is the winner by 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast in the race.

Your Weather Planner

Highs will generally be in the upper 70s to lower 80s on Thursday.

Scattered storms will develop in the mountains Thursday afternoon, and we'll monitor how those storms manage their trip east. Some could reach Interstate 95, which is where we have a marginal risk for severe weather.

The chance for scattered storms will increase Friday as a cold front comes through. Depending on where the cold front sets up, we'll see the chance for rain drop as we head into the weekend.

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. N.C. election director ousted after Republican power play

The North Carolina State Board of Elections, with a new Republican majority, voted Wednesday to replace its executive director. Karen Brinson Bell, who has been in the role for six years and was widely praised in election circles, was replaced by Sam Hayes, the top lawyer for the Republican state House speaker.

2. Education officials report threatening messages linked to PowerSchool breach

North Carolina public school employees reported getting threatening emails in connection with a data breach first reported early this year. Staff at about 20 agencies received demands for payment in Bitcoin in exchange for data that was taken when the PowerSchool system was compromised.

3. N.C. animal shelter under quarantine due to disease exposure

A North Carolina animal shelter is under quarantine after being exposed to canine influenza and distemper, officials said Wednesday. Transylvania County Animal Services said it will not be accepting any canine surrenders or adoptions for a minimum of two weeks.

Around The Nation

1. Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote

2. Attorneys general sue Trump administration over EV charger funding

3. Federal Reserve leaves key rate unchanged as it sees risk of higher prices and higher unemployment

Editor's Pick - Gilded Age Antiques reopens after Helene causes major damage

For seven years Gilded Age Antiques has been a love for Olivia Daly. She walked inside and knew this is where she belonged. Just six months ago the showroom full of English majolica, designer handbags and other rare pieces looked different. It was full of mud and silt. There was 7 feet of water that left behind so much silt that she was able to touch the ceiling. Now, the other area of the building has been gutted but is not ready to be opened yet.

Guilded Age Antiques has been a love for Olivia Daly. She recently reopened the showroom after it was destroyed by Helene. (Spectrum News 1)