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

The Big Story

Cybercrime in North Carolina - From Colonial Pipeline to your local doctor, hackers don't discriminate

Part two in our three-part series - Ransomware attacks are a constant threat for companies in North Carolina. Hacking groups, mostly from overseas, will shut down a computer network and demand the victim pay a ransom to get their data back.

Colonial Pipeline was hit with a ransomware attack in May 2021 that shut off much of the fuel supply to the East Coast. Many ransomware attacks do not have that kind of impact but still prove to be major disruptions for businesses of all sizes. In North Carolina last year, ransomware victims included construction companies, health care providers, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County and North Carolina A&T University.

Your Weather Planner

Temperatures will push the 90-degree mark this afternoon in a few locations, with high pressure still in control. Look for the really warm spots across the Sandhills and southeast corner of the state, while most other spots will sit in the low to mid-80s. Cooler locations will be found in the mountains and along the coast.

Temperatures take a small dip Friday as a few more clouds roll in, but we'll stay dry to end the week.

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

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Around North Carolina

1.  Widow of officer killed in Raleigh mass shooting urges change to death benefits

Jasmin Torres, whose husband was killed six months ago in a mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood, says she and her 2-year-old daughter do not qualify for the state’s $100,000 law enforcement death benefits because Gabriel Torres was not slain “in line of duty.” The Gabe Torres Act, House Bill 363, would expand the state’s law enforcement death benefits to include officers killed on their way to work.

2.  As Union County asks for input on intersection projects, Stallings project again delayed

Residents can give input on the county’s critical intersection program through May, and feedback will be compiled into a list of more than a dozen intersections to prioritize for planning and fundraising. A senior planner says pubic involvement was crucial in selecting past projects.

2. Women athletes, college sports leaders gather at Durham summit

The city's first Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit aims to equip women to support each other in an ever-competitive industry. 

3. N.C. mother uses the art of baking to start the conversation on addiction

Susan Hunt owns Keaton’s Kakes, a business named after her son, who died from a drug overdose. Proceeds from her baked goods help fund a recovery resource center in Asheboro that helps those addicted to drugs and alcohol recover — free of charge.

4. Bat infestation closes Charlotte high school

Ardrey Kell High School in Mecklenburg County closed after about 20 bats were found Monday after students and staff returned from spring break. Charlotte-Mecklenburg animal control staff removed the bats and sent them for rabies testing.

Around The Nation

1. Supreme Court temporarily extends access to mifepristone through Friday

2. Producers reboot 'Rust' after fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin

3. Study: Milder autism far outpacing 'profound' diagnoses

Editor's Pick - Farmer frustrated: Lack of infrastructure prevents reliable internet

A Lincoln County farmer says he has been hindered by a lack of broadband internet in his area, but relief may be on the way. Two companies are building a fiber optic cable that aims to expand broadband service. And the U.S. commerce secretary recently stopped by the county on a visit to North Carolina to talk about closing the digital divide faced by millions of families.