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

Your Weather Planner

Another hot and humid day with feel-like temperatures near 100 degrees is on the way Tuesday. Ahead of an approaching cold front, expect higher storm chances beginning late Tuesday. An isolated severe storm is possible that may produce damaging winds and areas of flash flooding.

We'll see higher shower and storm chances Wednesday as a front slowly makes its way into eastern North Carolina. That front will not bring any cooler air, though. Highs will still be around 90 to the low 90s for the Fourth of July.

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

Today's Big Stories

1. 8 charged in $21M Medicaid fraud scheme spanning Carolinas

Federal authorities announced charges Monday against eight suspects in a 7-year Medicaid fraud scheme spanning North and South Carolina that stole more than $21 million. The U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina also announced a Charlotte woman is facing charges of health care fraud and money laundering. The cases are part of a “national health care fraud takedown” that the Justice Department hailed Monday as the largest in history.

2. What does a polar bear do in the N.C. summer? Zookeepers work to protect animals, visitors in the heat

The North Carolina Zoo has shade and hydration stations so guests can see as much of it as possible during their visit, said Jennifer Ireland, a curator at the North Carolina Zoo. The zoo also offers ice treats to its 18,000 animals, which all have different needs, and they can move into air-conditioned habitats instead of staying outside in their usual enclosures.

3. Average N.C. child care costs $22,000. This company now includes it free for employees

Some companies are working to add more child care benefits. Women’s undergarment company Cakes Body is now offering up to $36,000 yearly in child care help to eligible employees. It hopes to see other companies follow suit. 

4. 10 years of marriage equality: N.C. couple reflects on a decade since the Supreme Court decision

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry. Steve Nichols and John Winn tied the knot about 4 months after the landmark decision. Nichols said it was a special day that they thought would never come.

5. Trump to visit 'Alligator Alcatraz' on Tuesday, DeSantis says

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said President Donald Trump was "excited" about the immigration detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" and planned to visit it Tuesday. DeSantis said that the plan for the center was developed by the state and presented to the federal government and that he offered members of the Florida National Guard to act as on-site immigration judges.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • Settlement between NCAA and college athletes set to go into effect, enabling colleges to compensate athletes directly
  • One year since U.S. Supreme Court ruling that presidents have criminal immunity for official acts
  • Job openings and labor turnover survey
  • House and Senate on recess
Nine months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, many farmers are still picking up the pieces. But for hydroponic growers like Kevin and Alicia Stump, the road to recovery has been especially challenging — with few disaster assistance programs that recognize their farming model.