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

The Big Story

New social district in Durham allows drinks to go in ‘The Bullpen’

People in downtown Durham now can take their preferred adult beverage to go from bars and restaurants in the city's new social district called "The Bullpen."

Durham's social district is the latest, and one of the largest, to pass in North Carolina since the state legislature decided to allow cities and towns to create areas where public drinking is allowed.

Your Weather Planner

Another cool day is expected as we round out the workweek.

Mid- to upper 20s will be common in the Piedmont under a clear sky, while temperatures in the mountains this morning will be a little milder owing to clouds. Temperatures east of Interstate 95 will sit in the upper 20s and low 30s, unless you are along the coast, where morning lows will only reach the mid-40s.

Clouds will move in and out through the state, so we’ll call it partly cloudy for the afternoon.

Temperatures will be largely influenced by the clouds, with cooler locations seeing more clouds. Look for mid- to upper 50s almost statewide, except for the southeast coast, where highs will be in the low 60s, and the high country, with top temperatures in the upper 40s.

Rain chances are back in the forecast Saturday as another front moves across the state.

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

Around North Carolina

1. Charlotte facility focused on community and HIV prevention to open in January

A new facility for men of color ages 13 to 34 to get sexually transmitted infection testing, build community and develop professional skills is opening in January. RAIN is a nonprofit in Charlotte committed to ending HIV and providing resources to those with HIV or those at risk.

2. N.C. winter outlook: Warmer than average, but snow is still possible

Cold weather enthusiasts may not be the biggest fans of the winter outlook for North Carolina. December through February will likely be another warmer-than-average winter for the state. There's also a very good chance that it will be drier than normal.

3. Co-pilot's death in fall from small plane heading to RDU ruled accidental

The death of a pilot who fell from a small airplane that was diverted to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in July has been ruled an accident, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The autopsy states that the death of Charles Hew Crooks, 23, was likely the result of falling from the back of the plane while vomiting, The News & Observer reported.

Around The Nation

1. Senate approves House-passed bill to avert nationwide railroad strike

2. Supreme Court to review Biden's student loan forgiveness plan

3. Gaylord Perry, two-time Cy Young winner, dies at 84

Editor's Pick - Annual holiday task force works to keep shoppers safe

The Christmas shopping season is in full swing now that Thanksgiving has passed. Jacksonville Sgt. Paul Ehrler and the police department's holiday task force are here to make sure things run smoothly. He says it’s all about responding quickly, being an active presence and getting to know the community.