Provisional Ballots Could Decide NC Governor
Tens of thousands of uncounted provisional ballots could decide North Carolina's governor's race, some which wouldn't have been counted if the courts had upheld a Republican-backed law that limited voting access.
With nearly 4.7 million ballots cast, GOP Gov. Pat McCrory trailed Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper by about 5,000 votes — even though Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and Donald Trump secured victories by comfortable margins.
Cooper had declared victory, though the race remained too close to call Wednesday. County boards are supposed to decide by the end of next week which mailed absentee ballots and provisional votes cast during early voting or on Election Day should be added to the race totals. The trailing candidate could then ask for a recount.
Democrat Stein Preparing To Take Over Attorney General's Job
Democrat Josh Stein says he's making preparations to become North Carolina's next attorney general even as his opponent's spokesman indicated Republican Buck Newton isn't conceding the race.
The State Board of Elections said Wednesday that Newton would have to narrow his margin trailing Stein to 10,000 votes or less to request a recount. Unofficial results show Newton behind Stein by more than 20,000 votes, but there are still a number of ballots yet to be counted.
While Incumbents Lose, GOP Keeps Supermajorities
Republicans have kept veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate despite Democratic efforts to cut into GOP advantages.
Tuesday's unofficial results show GOP candidates winning 72 of the 120 House seats and leading in two more races that could end up in recounts. Republicans controlled 75 seats before Tuesday. In the Senate, Republicans won 34 of the 50 seats and led in one more race. GOP senators held 34 seats previously.
The majorities could make it harder for Democrat Roy Cooper to push his agenda should he become governor.
Man Serving Sentence For Assault On Pregnant Woman To Be Released
A judge has ordered the release of a man who served nearly 20 years in prison for the assault of a pregnant woman in a Winston-Salem store in 1995.
Kalvin Michael Smith's sentence was reduced to time served Wednesday after a hearing in Forsyth County court.
The 45-year-old Smith had served nearly 20 years for assaulting Jill Marker, who worked at the former Silk Plant Forest store, in 1995, leaving her with severe brain injuries. She gave birth to a son while in a coma and lives in Ohio under 24-hour care.
Attorney Walter Holton argued in a motion that Smith should be released because Smith's trial attorney didn't present evidence that could have led to a shorter sentence. Smith and supporters have maintained his innocence throughout.
North Carolinians To Get Refund Checks From Pyramid Scheme
Attorney General Roy Cooper says North Carolinians who lost money to a pyramid scheme will get a total of more than $445,000 in refund checks.
A statement from Cooper's office on Wednesday said the checks are being mailed by the Federal Trade Commission to 33,621 North Carolina consumers who bought into the Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing scheme but lost money.
Nationwide, 285,361 checks totaling more than $3.7 million are going to victims of the scheme following a court approved settlement.
Walker's 21 Points Lift Streaking Hornets Past Jazz 104-98
Kemba Walker scored 21 points, and the streaking Charlotte Hornets defeated the Utah Jazz 104-98 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight win.
Walker, the third-leading scorer in the Eastern Conference at more than 24 points per game, struggled with his shot early and finished just 7 of 20 from the field, but made several key baskets down the stretch where he had nine points.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Receive the morning news briefs delivered to your email inbox every morning, click here to sign-up.