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

Your Weather Planner

Skies will be partly cloudy tonight with a small chance for showers and storms. We’ll see hot weather Friday as parts of eastern North Carolina touch 90 degrees for afternoon highs.

Expect partly cloudy to partly sunny skies Friday with highs in the 80s and 90s and a small chance for a few isolated showers and storms.  Much like in recent days, there is a chance that storms could be strong to severe.

We'll get an isolated storm chance again Saturday, then we'll see a slight drop in temperatures from Sunday into early next week with partly cloudy skies.

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

Today's Big Stories

1. Headless dolphin found on N.C. island, officials offer $20,000 reward to find culprit

An 8-foot bottlenose dolphin that was reported stranded April 15 on Lea-Hutaff Island north of Wilmington was “intentionally mutilated” and decapitated between April 16 and April 18, investigators say. The beheading of the animal is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassment, harming or feeding of wild dolphins.

2. 'We're in a crisis': N.C. lawmaker, advocates call for disability support in budget

Advocates for the disabled and a state lawmaker are seeking more money for a program that provides support for residents with intellectual and physical disabilities. A waitlist for North Carolina’s Innovations Waivers has almost 19,000 people on it, and it's growing.

3. North Wilkesboro sees economic return from All-Star Race comeback

North Wilkesboro’s mayor says hosting three consecutive NASCAR All-Star races has been a huge success. The state and town have made improvements to the North Wilkesboro Speedway that have benefited local businesses and drawn more people to the area. 

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

As the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize federal government continue, some educators are concerned about the future of student financial aid and the role of the Department of Education. Leaders at a North Carolina historically Black college say they’re working to ensure learning continues. Anthony Davis, president of Livingstone College, says about 97% of his students depend on financial aid.

5. Walmart says it will raise prices due to tariff costs after posting solid first quarter sales

The nation's largest retailer posted strong quarterly sales and said it expects sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% in the second quarter. Like many other U.S. companies, however, it did not issue a profit outlook for the quarter because of the uncertain environment, with U.S. tariff policies changing frequently.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • Second round of PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, with tee times beginning about 7 a.m.
  • Qualifying for NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • President Donald Trump concludes trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
  • Sentencing for Nima Momeni, convicted of murder in fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee in 2023
  • WNBA season begins
While golf is known for its rich history, those involved in the sport say a new generation of fans is expanding the game. “Youth golf is the fastest growing segment of golfers by far,” said PGA Tour Superstore general manager Jessica Conlin. During the past five years, her business has seen a 47% increase in children interested in the sport.