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

The Winston-Salem Fire Department has deployed a new robot designed to assist in underwater rescue and recovery operations.
Firefighters held a demonstration Tuesday to show how they use the Deep Trekker’s REVOLUTION ROV. The fire department recently bought the robot for more than $120,000 with federal funding. The goal is to use it during emergency situations to rescue a person underwater as quickly as possible.

Your Weather Planner

Most locations will be dry Thursday and Friday, and the big weather story will be the building heat.

Highs will push well into the 80s in many locations Thursday, and by Friday afternoon, look for 80s in the mountains. In the Piedmont, highs will be from 87 to 91.

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. Disaster rebuilder group plans to stay in western N.C. for five years

Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders works to help people whose homes were damaged by a disaster. The group brings volunteers to help rebuild and repair homes damaged in Helene. While working with the organization, homeowners are able to decide on the new things happening in their home, such as floor plan changes and paint colors. The repair costs are covered using FEMA funding along with other grants and donations.

2. EPA announces rollback for some Biden-era limits on so-called forever chemicals in drinking water

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. The agency, however, will keep limits on the two most common types, called PFOA and PFOS, although it will offer a two-year deadline extension for utilities to comply.

3. '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.

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

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.