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

The Big Story

N.C. House budget proposes more for teacher raises, infrastructure

State House Republicans unveiled a two-year state government spending proposal that would offer sizeable raises for teachers compared to recent years, while earmarking billions of dollars for infrastructure and health care. The House plan comes two weeks after Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper offered his own proposal, which seeks higher pay raises for teachers but that GOP leaders have dismissed as spending too much. Senate Republicans will advance their spending plan in the coming weeks. 

Your Weather Planner

This morning we'll see lows near and just above the freezing mark from the mountains to the foothills, and mid-to-upper 30s and low 40s for most of the rest of the state.

Plenty of sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures are ahead for the afternoon. Most spots will see a 3-5 degree increase in afternoon highs, except for the Outer Banks, which will sit fairly close to their temperatures from Wednesday.

Friday, the warming trend continues with a few showers around, but better rain chances arrive for the start of the weekend.

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

Around North Carolina

1. N.C. sheriffs dropping pistol permit requirements after veto override

The N.C. General Assembly voted Wednesday to override the governor’s veto on a gun bill. Within hours, sheriff’s offices across the state began announcing they would immediately stop requiring people to get permits to buy handguns.

2. Pender County educator says proposed teacher raises are a step in the right direction

Leanne Radabaugh, director of student services for Pender County Schools, says the raises for public school teachers included in the state House's budget plan have been needed for some time.

3. State health officials announce changes to COVID-19 testing and dashboard

The federal public health emergency for COVID-19 will come to an end May 11, and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is ending statewide community testing and changing how statistics are shared.

Around The Nation

1. Fiona and Ian retired from the list of Atlantic storm names

2. Vatican: Pope to be hospitalized for days for lung infection

3. After Nashville shooting, White House and Democrats push for gun safety changes

Editor's Pick - N.C. group honors National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, an official recognition that came decades after the last U.S. soldiers came home. Veterans Cup, a Triad nonprofit that supports veterans and their families, marked the occasion at the Carolina Field of Honor.