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

The Big Story

Growing mini-brains: How researchers are taking science to the next level

At East Carolina University, a team of researchers is growing miniature brains in order to learn more about brain development.

Most of the cells are taken from human skin cells. Then, under the right conditions and with the right recipe, they are able to turn them into mini-brains. The team's primary focus is on how the connections between the brain cells form. 

While most research of this kind focuses on adult brains, this team at ECU is focusing their research on fetal brains still developing in the womb.

Your Weather Planner

Some patchy fog may impact this morning's commute. Plan for a dry start until showers and storms develop around lunchtime and continue through the afternoon. Highs will reach into the mid-to-upper 80s for many.

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Around North Carolina

1. Long-lost piece of history: Early 19th century African American schoolhouse found

The Historic Cabarrus Association found a small shed that they later learned was a former schoolhouse for descendants of slaves. They believe they've found the last-standing school in the county.

2. Entrepreneur turns hobby into home business during pandemic

From cuckoo clocks to turn-of-the-century clocks, Josh Dupuis restores them all. According to the Peterson Institute, new ventures increased 24% from 2019 to 2020, with more than four million businesses popping up.

3. COVID-19 latest: N.C.'s new cases decrease from end of last week, 50% fully vaccinated

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 359 new cases Monday, compared to 680 new cases reported Friday. It is estimated that 50% of the adult population in North Carolina is now fully vaccinated.

Around The Nation

1. White House: There are 'several paths' for infrastructure package

2. DOJ seized millions in ransom made to Colonial Pipeline hackers: 'Today we turned the tables on DarkSide'

3. FDA approves first Alzheimer’s drug in nearly two decades

Editor's Pick - Weather Roundtable: Effective communication during hurricanes

Tropical storms and hurricanes are complicated to forecast. Helping people understand the forecast and be prepared presents its own challenges, too. Spectrum News meteorologists in hurricane-prone areas share their advice and experiences from covering tropical weather.