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

The Big Story

AP: Republican Ted Budd wins North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race

Republican U.S. Rep. Ted Budd has won North Carolina’s open Senate seat, the Associated Press reports. The three-term House member defeated Democrat Cheri Beasley on Tuesday and will succeed the retiring GOP Sen. Richard Burr. 

Your Weather Planner

The seasonably cool weather has returned to the state. Sunshine will dominate the Piedmont and mountains today with increasing clouds for the coastal plain.

Nicole will head our way Thursday into Friday. Nicole's tropical rains will push up from the south Thursday evening and overspread the state through Friday. Portions of central and eastern North Carolina will have to monitor for the possibility of tornadoes Thursday night into Friday.

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

 

Around North Carolina

1. Republicans win majority on N.C. Supreme Court

Tuesday’s elections for two seats on the state Supreme Court will hand control over to Republicans, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections. The new GOP majority could drastically change how state law is interpreted on major issues, including abortion, election rules, school funding and guns.

2. Hines concedes to Nickel in closely watched House race in North Carolina

Democrat Wiley Nickel won the election for N.C.'s 13th Congressional District after Republican Bo Hines conceded just after 11:30 p.m. The House race has been the most competitive in the state and attracted national attention. Nickel won more than 51% of the vote as of 11:45 p.m. His opponent, 26-year-old Hines, had almost 49%.

3. Adams, Jackson projected winners in Charlotte-area House races

Democrat Jeff Jackson is the projected winner in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, according to The Associated Press. Jackson defeated Republican Pat Harrigan with more than 58% of the vote, as of 9:30 p.m. Democratic Rep. Alma Adams is the projected winner in the 12th Congressional District, according to The AP. She has been in the House since winning a special election in 2014.

Around The Nation

1. Election night in America: Live Updates

2. Democrats beat Trump-backed GOP candidates in liberal states

3. VoteCast: Inflation, democracy drive demoralized U.S. voters

Editor's Pick - Kids learn how to vote with a mock polling location

Voting for the first time can be a daunting task. In Craven County, Tiffany Parks, a district learning coach for Craven County Schools, decided to open practice polls. Her goal was to teach kids how to vote even before they reach voting age.