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

Learning losses caused by the pandemic have become profound, leading to declines in reading and math scores since 2019. Two educators in Cumberland County — the school district's Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year — have made the best of the challenging environment and are optimistic that public education will recover from the setbacks of COVID-19. 

Your Weather Planner

We will pick up some clouds toward daybreak, and the day will be partly to mostly cloudy with no rain in the forecast. Temperatures will be well above seasonal averages again.

Weekend storms possible

Expect scattered showers Saturday with a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday. We could see strong to severe storms moving through the region.

It’s unclear when things will start, and a lack of fuel could hinder progress until the focus moves to central and eastern North Carolina, possibly Sunday or Sunday night.

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


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Around North Carolina

1. Stein seeks more Helene aid, help for families in legislative address

North Carolina's new Democratic governor gave his first address to a joint General Assembly session Wednesday night, hitting on familiar themes of helping Hurricane Helene victims and focusing on bipartisan accomplishments.

2. What happened to Trump’s FEMA review council?

Nearly seven weeks after President Donald Trump ordered a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it does not appear the council he created to conduct the evaluation has met. Three North Carolina Republican lawmakers said they had been named to the panel.

3. PODCAST: The political impacts of the Raleigh News & Observer, a historic N.C. newspaper

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum talks with author and retired political reporter Rob Christensen. The two discuss Christensen’s newly released book, which tells the fascinating story of the Raleigh News & Observer and its impact on North Carolina’s political history.

Around The Nation

1. NASA, SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 launch due to clamp arm issue

2. Trump, Irish leader kick off annual St. Patrick's Day visit under shadow of growing trade tensions between U.S., Europe

3. EPA head says he'll roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including rules on climate change

Editor's Pick - A dart loaded with a GPS tracker: N.C. sheriff's office tests new tech for high-speed chases

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has launched technology to help reduce risks to officers and motorists. The agency this month debuted a new addition to their deputies’ toolbox — StarChase, which is described as a high-speed pursuit alternative.