We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook. 

Your Weather Planner

Expect a cool start Tuesday in the upper 50s to low 60s by sunrise. Through the day expect a mix of sun and clouds as temperatures warm to a daytime high in the low to mid-80s.

A few isolated showers and storms may develop after 2 p.m., and there is a low chance of an isolated severe storm. If a severe storm does develop, damaging winds and large hail will be the main hazards along with locally heavy rain.

A cold front moves in Wednesday, continuing the afternoon and evening threat of showers and storms. Wednesday will also feature a low chance of an isolated severe storm.

Get the full forecast for areas across the state: Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains

Today's Big Stories

1. 'Kits4Kids' helping first responders comfort children in crisis

Kits4Kids is a grassroots project that’s grown into a statewide movement thanks to two Charlotte fathers on a mission to ease the trauma children experience during emergency situations. For co-founders James Fisher-Davis and Kevin Gatlin, it began with one question: What if first responders had a tool to comfort kids during their worst moments? The kits contain a toy police car, a Rubik’s Cube, a play pad, Band-Aids and a few words of encouragement.

2. Stein visits Rutherford County to pitch $891 million more for Helene relief

Gov. Josh Stein was in Union Mills in Rutherford County today to highlight his proposal for an additional $891 million in recovery funding. Lawmakers in March approved $528 million to help rebuild from the catastrophic September storm.

3. Drivers say North Wilkesboro Speedway deserves Cup points race after All-Star Race success

In its third edition as host of the NASCAR All-Star Race, North Wilkesboro Speedway produced records for lead changes and green-flag passes for lead as its remarkable rebirth continued from a dilapidated hulk just three years ago. Race winner Christopher Bell was among several drivers who say the short track deserves its first Cup Series points race in 30 years when NASCAR releases its 2026 schedule, which is expected in a few months. 

4. Pence criticizes Trump on tariffs at Raleigh talk with business owners

Tariffs have unexpected downsides, no matter the motive, former Vice President Mike Pence told a business roundtable at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. “The reality is that ultimately American consumers will pay the price when these tariffs take effect,” he said.

5. Trump says Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks will begin immediately following call with Putin

President Donald Trump said today that Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" begin ceasefire negotiations after what he described as an "excellent" call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted more than two hours. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in hopes of making progress toward a ceasefire.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • The Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs at 8 p.m.
  • NBA playoffs conference finals begin
  • NASCAR announces Hall of Fame class
  • Qatar Economic Forum, featuring interview with Elon Musk
  • Fortune Magazine releases annual ranking of the 100 Most Powerful Women in American Business
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies to Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  • Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies at Senate Appropriations budget request hearing
  • Senate Finance Committee considers IRS commissioner nominee
  • Google Input/Output annual developer conference
U.S. Rep. Tim Moore posted a video about a little-known staircase, hidden from public view, in the U.S. Capitol. The stairwell is off the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, down a hallway from the Lincoln Room in the Majority Whip’s Office, in a nondescript alcove. “This one has really gone viral,” Moore said.