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

The Big Story

NASCAR All-Star Race coming to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway

The last NASCAR Cup Series race at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway was in 1996. The speedway, which hangs over U.S. 421 in the North Carolina foothills, fell into disrepair.

The state committed millions from the American Rescue Act to revive the track and bring races back to Wilkes County. The infusion of money and an army of volunteers cleaned up the track and stands.

The speedway reopened in August for its first races since 1996, and now NASCAR is coming back to the historic track with the 2023 All-Star Race in May.

Your Weather Planner

Today should be pretty dry across the state. The mountains and the coast may see a stray shower or two. The majority of high school football games should be dry.

The weekend is looking soggy. Periods of rain are in the forecast for most of the state, but there will be some lulls. 

Get your full forecast:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains

 

Around North Carolina

1. 'A global force for good': N.C. leaders mourn Queen Elizabeth's death

After Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the United Kingdom for more than 70 years, died Thursday, news quickly spread around the globe, and many N.C. politicians and others shared their condolences for the royal family.

2. Crews prepare for N.C. Folk Festival this weekend

More than 150,000 visitors are expected this weekend as the North Carolina Folk Festival returns to downtown Greensboro. The event begins today and runs through Sunday. 

3. Dangerous rip currents expected at N.C. beaches the next few days

If you're spending this week or the upcoming weekend at the beach, you may want to stay out of the water. Swells from Hurricane Earl are reaching the North Carolina coast, creating a high risk for rip currents at many beaches.

Around The Nation

1. Could artificial intelligence stop a shooting before it starts?

2. Bernard Shaw, CNN's 1st chief anchor, dies at 82

3. Blinken, in Kyiv, unveils $2B in U.S. military aid for Europe

Editor's Pick - Hundreds of musicians return for Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh

The Hopscotch Music Festival is back in the Triangle this weekend. In its 11th year, the festival highlights indie artists, many who call North Carolina home. Wilmington native Rebekah Todd is playing solo Friday and playing with her full band at the Mind Under Matter Campout Festival on Saturday. She's looking forward to the performances because music on the road came to an abrupt stop during the pandemic​, leaving musicians to figure out how to make ends meet.