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New Bern won a challenge against the U.S. Census Bureau, city officials said Thursday.
The city challenged population estimates that the federal agency releases annually, saying they did not accurately reflect the municipality's population.
The census originally showed slowing growth trends for the city in 2021 and 2023 and a negative population estimate for 2022.

Your Weather Planner

We're back in a period of active weather with a cold front moving across the state through Friday evening. These thunderstorms will bring a threat of large hail and damaging winds.

Storms will arrive late in some areas but should taper off early Friday morning. We'll end up in the 60s at sunrise for a warm start to the day. After a brief break in the rain late in the morning, storms will redevelop in the afternoon as temperatures peak in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Showers and storms may not be widespread, so some areas will miss the rain. In any case, however, be prepared for another chance for severe weather as storms move through the afternoon and evening.

In addition to heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, storms will again bring a risk for large hail and damaging winds. These should start to dissipate after sunset.

This will be followed by a cooler weekend with highs in the lower to middle 70s on Saturday and Sunday. Be prepared for the chance for rain to increase Sunday.

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. Fayetteville selfie bank robber convicted on multiple charges

A Fayetteville man has been convicted on multiple charges after robbing a bank with a gun, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday. Court records show 32-year-old Karim Brown went on a month-long serial bank robbery spree spanning from December 2021 to January 2022.

2. Body found in French Broad River identified as missing man, Woodfin police say

Police in Woodfin, a town just north of Asheville, said a body recovered from the French Broad River over the weekend has been identified. Garren Gentry, 42, of Madison County, was reported missing by family in mid-December, according to police. He had last been seen on Union Road on Dec. 8.

3. Unique competition helps utility workers stay safe in the field

Linework is ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the country. The linemen rodeo is a competition where workers compete in events based on task and skill. Tony Hurlocker is the first lineworker in Concord Electric Systems' history to qualify and compete in the national competition.

Around The Nation

1. Robert Prevost, the first pope from U.S. in history of Catholic Church, takes the name Leo XIV

2. Trump pulls nomination of Ed Martin, who defended Jan. 6 rioters, for DC U.S. Attorney

3. Acting FEMA head out after telling Congress the disaster relief agency shouldn’t be eliminated

Editor's Pick - Entrepreneurship, education and service fuel High School Scholar

A Charlotte high school senior who is an entrepreneur passionate about giving back is one of the Spectrum High School Scholars this year. Jade Smith, who is graduating from Charlotte Lab School, hopes to motivate children to follow their dreams. “My intention and overall goal is to speak to kids and get them interested in entrepreneurship,” Smith said.

Charlotte Lab School Grade Level Administrator, Smith's father and state legislator honor Jade Smith for her accomplishments.