Here are some of the stories we're following today:
McCrory Urges Preparation Ahead Of Heavy Rains, Hurricane
Gov. Pat McCrory is urging residents to prepare themselves for flooding as several weather systems converge on North Carolina and Hurricane Joaquin lurks in the Atlantic Ocean.
McCrory issued a statement Wednesday noting that the ground is saturated in many places from the past week's rains, and that the combination of wind and any additional rain from Joaquin could lead to downed trees and cause power outages across the state.
Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said emergency management officials are coordinating with local officials to ensure they have what they need.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh says a large swath of the state starting west of Raleigh and stretching to the coast could get between 7 and 10 inches of rain through Monday.
North Carolina Primaries Now On March 15 With Bill Signing
Gov. Pat McCrory has signed into law a bill moving all of North Carolina's primaries next year to March 15, including the political parties' presidential contests.
McCrory announced his action Wednesday evening. He signed the bill after changes he sought to the legislation were added by the General Assembly before they adjourned.
McCrory and state Republican activists had raised concerns about provisions involving campaign finance.
The signed bill means the candidate filing period for all races, including Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the General Assembly and judges, begins Dec. 1.
Commission Created By North Carolina Chief Justice Meets
A blue-ribbon commission examining how to modernize and streamline North Carolina's court system has officially started its work.
The North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice held its first meeting Wednesday in Raleigh. Chief Justice Mark Martin announced the panel's creation earlier this year. Martin wants a thorough review of the state's judicial branch and a plan to strengthen its courts.
More than 80 people are participating directly in the commission's work. Most are also serving on five committees focusing on civil justice, criminal investigation and adjudication, legal professionalism, public trust and confidence, and technology.
The commission's reports and recommendations are expected to be made public in early 2017.
Farmers To Stage Rally In Raleigh To Defend Hog Industry
Hundreds of eastern North Carolina hog farmers and their supporters are expected to call on Gov. Pat McCrory to increase his support of the state's hog industry.
The North Carolina Farm Families organization announced earlier this week that activists will gather Thursday at noon in Raleigh's Capitol Square to stand up for hog farmers in the face of recent billboard ads erected by the New York City-based environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance.
The activists say they have gathered 11,000 signatures for a petition in which residents affirm their support for the hog farmers.
The farmers say the Waterkeeper Alliance's ads are "false and unfair attacks."
North Carolina Farm Families President Ed Emory says the state's pork industry contributes $11 billion a year to North Carolina's economy and employs more than 46,000 people.
UNC To Honor Late ESPN Broadcaster, Alumnus Scott On Oct. 23
UNC Chapel Hill will honor late ESPN broadcaster and alumnus Stuart Scott as it kicks off the basketball season.
The school says it will induct Scott on Oct. 23 into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame, which is based in the UNC School of Media and Journalism. Jones Angell, the radio play-by-play voice for Tar Heels sports, will emcee an induction ceremony that will include women's soccer player Mia Hamm.
Afterward, the men's basketball program will hold a tribute to Scott during its annual "Late Night With Roy" event, which marks the ceremonial start to the season. Scott first hosted the event in 2001 and did so 10 times.
Scott died in January after a lengthy fight with cancer.
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