Here's what you need to know today.

The weekend will consist of varying big-name artists, small business vendors and a lot of resources available to the LGBTQ+ community in the Triangle. This year’s sponsors include some bigger companies like Duke Health and Wake Med, as well as some local small businesses like Half Moon, The Great Raleigh Cleanup and Deco Raleigh.

Your Weather Planner

Today will be just about as hot as yesterday, but the chance for storms will be higher late in the day. This afternoon’s highs in the mid-90s will feel more like 100 to 103 with the humidity.

Then after around 4 p.m. storms are expected to track into central North Carolina. As they move from west to east, any of the storms could produce quick downpours and frequent lightning. There’s also a risk for a few severe storms with damaging wind gusts.

Storms should move out of our area by around 10 p.m. Temperatures will only be slightly cooler tomorrow, but the heat builds back across North Carolina leading to dangerously hot conditions by early next week.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. N.C.'s first Medicaid expansion recipient worries about changes in 'big, beautiful bill'

The sweeping Republican tax and spending bill moving through Congress would have major impacts on the Medicaid program. According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, millions of Americans would lose their health insurance. That includes North Carolina, which expanded Medicaid in December 2023.

2. Asheville Academy faces $45,000 in fines after state investigation into child safety violations

State health officials say Asheville Academy violated laws meant to protect children in residential mental health facilities after an investigation that concluded this month. The Weaverville-based school is accused of failing to provide adequate staff supervision, violating client rights and not protecting children from potential abuse.

3. Family-run Shelby restaurant joins N.C. Barbecue Hall of Fame

For 79 years, Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby has been serving up delicious plates and family recipes. And now, it can add Hall of Fame-worthy to the recipe description. “We just got inducted into the North Carolina Barbecue Hall of Fame,” co-owner Natalie Ramsey said. “And so we are just absolutely thrilled.” The honor was good news for the restaurant as it recovers from a devastating fire in the pit room in October.

Around The Nation

1. Heat dome will blanket much of the U.S., with worrisome temperatures in Midwest

2. 'Nobody knows what I’m going to do': Trump leaves door open for U.S. strikes on Iran, says Tehran has reached out

3. FDA approves the world's only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV

The Boonerang arts festival returns to Boone this week. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the event. Businesses are gearing up for the biggest weekend since Hurricane Helene.