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

Six months following Helene’s impacts on western North Carolina, much work remains. But plans and funding are continuing.
Many communities have held remembrance ceremonies for those lost, cleanup days and gatherings to keep one another together during tough times of recovery.
Following the impact, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has worked to reopen roads, reducing closures from approximately 1,230 to about 190. But recovery efforts will continue for some time, costing the state and federal government billions, according to Gov. Josh Stein.

Your Weather Planner

Friday will be partly to mostly sunny and dry with temperatures well above average. Winds will pick up during the afternoon with gusts of 20-25 mph.

Expect more clouds than sunshine Saturday but still breezy and warm.

Rain overspreads the state Sunday, then showers and thunderstorms are expected Monday.

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


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. 'Rapid fire progression' expected as crews work to contain forest fires in western N.C.

Crews have started to make progress on the Black Cove Complex, which includes the biggest wildfires in Polk County, in the mountains southeast of Asheville. The fire is now listed as the "highest priority fire" in the United States, which gives crews there higher priority to get more resources and people to help fight the blaze.

2. 'Wake-up call': N.C. residents share mixed reactions on 23andMe bankruptcy

Many Americans are questioning the safety of their genetic data after a genetic testing company filed for bankruptcy. 23andMe announced it's entering a voluntary Chapter 11 restructuring and sale process. Some leaders are urging people to delete their data as a safety precaution.

3. High School Scholar aspires to help others with genetic diseases

This week’s High School Scholar, Gwen Peterson, hopes to use her academic prowess to help those who are living with a genetic disease — just like her. Peterson is a senior at Athens Drive Magnet High School in Raleigh. When she’s not hitting the books, she is hitting the court to practice volleyball.

Around The Nation

1. Senators overseeing military request investigation into Signal leak; Bondi deflects question about DOJ probe

2. Department of Health and Human Services will cut nearly 25% of staff

3. Trump executive order on Smithsonian targets funding to programs with 'improper ideology'

Editor's Pick - Service dog helps counselor support students

Michelle McKay, an elementary school counselor in Rowan County, lives with post-traumatic stress disorder. Gigi, a service dog, helps manage her PTSD. McKay recognized how Gigi also helped students who were struggling after returning back to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. McKay and Gigi visited Buncombe County Schools following Helene to offer comfort and service to students, faculty and staff who were struggling.