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

Gov. Josh Stein has announced his 2025-27 state budget proposal, outlining a $67.9 billion spending plan focused on education, workforce development, health care and public safety.
The proposal, which Stein calls a budget that “reflects North Carolina’s values,” aims to invest in key areas while freezing planned tax cuts to avoid an anticipated $800 million shortfall in the coming years.

Your Weather Planner

Plenty of sunshine and more seasonable temperatures are in the forecast for Friday as those winds diminish by mid-day.

The weekend looks good with ample sunshine and above average temperatures. 

Monday brings our next chance of rain.

Get your full forecast:
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Around North Carolina

1. Wildfires grow in Polk County as steep terrain, high winds challenge firefighters

Polk County officials were working to contain two fires in the area Thursday. Voluntary evacuations were called for residents on Scarletts Mountain Road, with 70 firefighters working the area. Officials said terrain and high winds continue to challenge firefighters working to get control of the blaze.

2. Some state legislators are introducing a bipartisan bill to stop youth vaping

Some state leaders introduced a bill called "Solly's law" to remember Solomon Wynn, a boy who died from vaping. State leaders say the bill is to protect youth from the harmful effects of vaping and nicotine. The group wants the bill to raise the legal sales age of tobacco products to age 21.

3. 'Feeling clean is a human right': How one Charlotte group works to provide free showers

Project Outpour is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free mobile showers to individuals in need with five shower locations around the Charlotte area every week. The data tools help the organization understand where the gaps are to be able to help more people.

Around The Nation

1. Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department while keeping some core functions

2. Taliban frees American who was abducted while traveling in Afghanistan more than 2 years ago

3. Federal judge blocks DOGE from accessing Social Security personal information for now

Editor's Pick - Duke 5K race helps fund testing for new cancer treatments

The Duke Cancer Institute 2025 CRUSH Colorectal Cancer 5K is Saturday. The event has raised $511,090 since 2013. All money donated to the cause provides direct funding for Duke’s gastrointestinal oncology, which includes new research tests used in treating colorectal cancers.