Good evening, North Carolina. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories we're following and your weather outlook. 

Your Weather Planner

Cloudy skies continue tonight with a few areas getting light rainfall as a system to the west continues to produce active weather for the Gulf Coast states. Under cloudy skies, temperatures will be warmer tonight with lows in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

There's a slight chance for rain Thursday morning and afternoon, with similar temperatures to what we saw Wednesday afternoon. Scattered storms will develop to the west Thursday and some will survive the trip into central North Carolina in the afternoon and evening. Be prepared as some storms could be severe.

Much of central North Carolina west of Interstate 95 is under a marginal risk for severe weather. That level one out of five threat includes a potential for damaging winds and large hail. Some storms may not arrive until after sunset Thursday with showers and storms lingering through the evening. Additional showers and thunderstorms will be possible Friday with mostly dry weather over the weekend.

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

Today's Big Stories

1. Republican concedes long-unsettled N.C. court election to Democratic incumbent

Republican Jefferson Griffin conceded last November's election for a state Supreme Court seat to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs on Wednesday, two days after a federal judge ruled that thousands of ballots challenged by Griffin must remain in the final tally.

2. Feds indict suspects in alleged kidnapping of woman, baby from Garner home

Masked attackers broke into a Garner house and demanded $1 million before kidnapping a woman and her baby, police said. Three suspects have been charged in the case. 

3. N.C. animal shelter under quarantine due to disease exposure

Transylvania County Animal Services said it will not accept any canine surrenders or adoptions for at least two weeks.

4. Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote

Cardinals took just one round of voting Wednesday evening. After failing to find a winner on the first ballot, they retired for the night and will return to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday morning to try to find a successor to Pope Francis.

5. Tying it Together: RNC Chair Michael Whatley on FEMA review efforts, Trump's first 100 days

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, the North Carolina native was just appointed to a FEMA Review Council, talks about that panel’s efforts and President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • The Carolina Hurricanes face the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. in Game 2 of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Washington, D.C.
  • Russian unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine
  • 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
  • Tony Awards hosts press event with this year's nominees
  • Strong World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees announced
Dozens gathered Tuesday at a Concord church for the 40th annual North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Day ceremony. The names on the North Carolina Honor Roll, which lists fallen officers dating to 1804, were read aloud, and the names of eight more officers killed while serving in 2024 were added.