WRAL: NC Students, educators no longer required to wear face masks when outside during school
North Carolina students, educators, staff and school visitors don't have to wear masks when they are outside and at school, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday.

THE NEWS AND OBSERVER: NC teachers could stop paying $50 for a sub on personal days-if they give a reason
North Carolina teachers are a step closer to not having to pay for a substitute to cover their classes when they take a personal day. Currently, teachers who use personal leave on days when classes are in session are charged $50 to help schools cover the cost of finding a substitute teacher. But the state House unanimously passed legislation on Thursday that waives the “required substitute deduction” for teachers if they provide a reason to their principal for taking personal leave.

Government

ASSOCIATED PRESS: NC budget slowed as GOP leaders differ on bottom line
A big question within North Carolina state government at the start of the year was whether Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican legislative leaders could agree on a state budget after reaching a negotiating impasse two years ago.

Healthcare

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Most North Carolina adults have gotten a COVID-19 shot
Most North Carolina adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, according to data released by the state Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday.

Politics

WRAL: Top NC lawmaker seeks tougher punishments for people in riots
Republican legislative leaders are backing a bill to make rioting a felony if it causes significant property damage or someone is injured or dies.

Transportation

ASSOCIATED PRESS: North Carolina suspends old license plate replacement
A scarcity of aluminum has forced North Carolina to suspend an effort to replace old license plates. The Division of Motor Vehicles announced this week that the move will help ensure there is enough material to produce first-time plates.