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

Your Weather Planner

Mostly clear skies are expected tonight, putting temperatures in the lower 60s by sunrise. Expect a mostly clear to partly cloudy day Thursday. Temperatures will peak in the lower to middle 80s in the afternoon as we remain mostly dry. Winds will gust up to 30 mph in the afternoon, and gusty winds will be possible Friday, as well.

We can look forward to more comfortable temperatures Saturday.

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

Today's Big Stories

1. Wake Tech offers free financial program as student loan repayments return

As the U.S. Department of Education is restarting student loan payments for the first time in about five years, Wake Technical Community College is offering resources for its students, including wellness services, laptop help, a food pantry and coaches to help with study skills. North Carolina has 1.3 million borrowers, with the average student loan around $39,000.

2. Panthers look every bit like reigning Stanley Cup champs in routing Hurricanes to open Eastern final

It didn't matter that the Panthers were playing 48 hours since having to win a Game 7 on the road to reach the Eastern Conference final. Florida jumped on the Carolina Hurricanes and played with an edge befitting their status as reigning Stanley Cup champions in Tuesday night's 5-2 win in Game 1.

3. Wolfspeed stock plunges after reports that it is preparing to file bankruptcy

Wolfspeed stock plummeted Wednesday morning after a report that the semiconductor supplier is preparing to file for bankruptcy within weeks. The silicon carbide chipmaker is pursuing Chapter 11 bankruptcy after efforts fell apart to restructure its pile of debt out of court, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. 

4. Caught on video: PGA champ's son stands for the first time at Quail Hollow's 18th green

Scottie wasn't the only Scheffler to take the spotlight during the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte over the weekend. The PGA champion golfer's son, Bennett Scheffler, stood for what appeared to be the first time while on the 18th green.

5. Justice Department moves to cancel police reform settlements reached with Minneapolis and Louisville

The deals with the two cities calling for an overhaul of their police departments followed the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that sparked nationwide racial injustice protests in summer 2020. The Trump administration also announced it was retracting the findings of Justice Department investigations into six other police departments that the Biden administration had accused of civil rights violations.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • The Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs at 8 p.m.
  • The ACC baseball tournament continues at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  • President Donald Trump holds gala dinner for meme coin purchasers
  • 11th annual Red Nose Day in the U.S., campaign raising money and awareness for children living in poverty
  • Unemployment insurance weekly claims report
  • U.S. Supreme Court convenes for a public non-argument session
Across the country, more Americans face rising costs, loneliness and uncertainty over where and how to turn for support. Spectrum News 1 national mental health correspondent Dr. Nicole Clark and guests examine the state of mental health in America.