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 mostly cloudy tonight with warm and humid conditions. There is a slight chance for a few showers and storms. There is a chance for a shower and storm by Saturday afternoon and evening, with daytime highs touching the 80s and 90s across the region.

There's a very small shower and storm chance Sunday along with a slight drop in temperatures. Scattered shower and storm chances will increase later in the coming workweek.

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

Today's Big Stories

1. N.C. coastal towns warn of Portuguese man o' wars

Officials in Sunset Beach and Emerald Isle on Friday reported multiple sightings of Portuguese man o' wars. Officials urge beachgoers not to touch any jellyfish-like animals, even if they look like they’re dead, and to be aware while swimming or walking. A Portuguese man o' war can deliver a painful sting, even weeks after it washes ashore.

2. Known for shot volume, Hurricanes reach East final by stifling Capitals offense

The Hurricanes are known for putting the puck on net from just about every angle, but Carolina moved on to the Eastern Conference final by keeping the Washington Capitals from doing anything of the sort. The Canes held the Caps to under 20 shots a night, and seven or fewer in 11 regulation periods, over five second-round games.

3. New international service coming to Charlotte airport in 2026

Charlotte Douglas International Airport will add nonstop service to Abu Dhabi starting next May via Etihad Airways. The flight is the first to Abu Dhabi direct from a North Carolina airport. Charlotte Douglas’ international passenger traffic grew 13% in 2024, reaching 2.4 million passengers, from 2.1 million in 2023. 

4. Conservatives block Trump's big bill in stunning setback

House Republicans failed Friday to push their big package of tax breaks and spending cuts through the Budget Committee, as a handful of conservatives joined all Democrats in a vote against it. The hard-right lawmakers are insisting on steeper spending cuts to Medicaid and the Biden-era green energy tax breaks. The failed vote stalls House Speaker Mike Johnson's push to have the package approved next week. But the holdout lawmakers vowed to stay all weekend to negotiate changes.

5. Tying it Together: Long-serving director talks about getting ousted from Republican-controlled elections board

Karen Brinson Bell, who was recently removed as executive director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, talks about her ouster, leading state elections through a pandemic and natural disaster and her own future.

Your Notes for the Weekend

Saturday

  • Third round of PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte
  • WorldPride Washington, D.C.
  • International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
  • Preakness Stakes, second horse race in annual Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing
  • Armed Forces Day

Sunday

  • Pope Leo inauguration Mass
  • 75th anniversary of NATO forming its first governing body
  • Final round of PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte
  • Romania presidential election runoff
  • AIDS Walk New York
This weekend, North Wilkesboro is hosting the NASCAR All-Star Race, and the golf world will have its eyes on Charlotte for the PGA Championship. But if you're trying to steer clear of sports, the Got to be NC Festival may be just for you.