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

The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it plans to weaken limits on some so-called forever chemicals in drinking water that were finalized last year, while maintaining standards for two common ones.
The Biden administration set the first federal drinking water limits for PFAS, finding they increased the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and babies being born with low birth weight. Those limits were expected to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water for millions of people.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that don't easily break down in nature. They're found in a wide range of products, including cookware, firefighting foam and stain-resistant clothing.

Your Weather Planner

The area will be mostly dry Thursday morning with temperatures quickly climbing to the 80s in the afternoon. 

Stray showers and thunderstorms will be possible on Thursday, especially in northern parts of the coastal plain. Damaging winds and large hail will be possible with any of these storms, though most of the region will stay dry.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


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

Around North Carolina

1. $23.5 million contract aims to help eroding beaches, offer safeguards to coastal properties

A contract awarded to Norfolk Dredging Co. will help mitigate coastal erosion and protect property against storm damage, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said. Costs will be shared with the towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

2. 'No one should be denied an education': Educators and students concerned about future of federal aid

Many students depend on financial aid to attend college. A recent budget proposal is raising concerns about the future of those dollars for students. This comes as the Trump administration has taken actions to dismantle the Department of Education. A historically Black college in North Carolina shares how it's working to ensure learning continues.

3 New power transformer plant to bring 330 jobs to Wayne Co., Stein says

Prolec-GE Waukesha Inc., one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of power transformers, will spend $140 million to build a second plant in Goldsboro. The move is set to bring 330 new jobs to the region. The 144,000-square-foot facility would be next to its existing plant.

Around The Nation

1. Trump meets with Syria's interim president, a first between the nations' leaders in 25 years

2. RFK Jr. defends Health Department overhaul, sidesteps questions about vaccines during congressional hearing

3. House GOP insists Medicaid won't be cut in 'big, beautiful bill.' Democrats say they're lying

Editor's Pick - 'It’s different than anything': Campers head to North Wilkesboro prior to All-Star Race

Racing fans can start their engines, or campers that is, as campgrounds at North Wilkesboro Speedway open the gates ahead of the All-Star Race. North Wilkesboro will soon welcome thousands of fans for its third year in a row hosting the All-Star Race at the historic track.