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

Your Weather Planner

We'll have clearing skies, and it'll be breezy and cooler overnight. Plenty of sunshine and more seasonable temperatures are in the forecast for Friday as those winds diminish by mid-day.

The weekend looks good with ample sunshine and above average temperatures. 

Monday brings our next chance of rain.

Get your full forecast: Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


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

Today's Big Stories

1. Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department while keeping some core functions

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, advancing a campaign promise to take apart an agency that’s been a longtime target of conservatives.

2. Wildfires grow in Polk County as steep terrain, high winds challenge firefighters

Polk County officials were working to contain two fires in the area Thursday. Voluntary evacuations were called for residents on Scarletts Mountain Road, with 70 firefighters working the area. Officials said terrain and high winds continue to challenge firefighters working to get control of the blaze.

3. Stein outlines $67.9 billion budget proposal for next two years

The proposal, which Gov. Josh Stein calls a budget that “reflects North Carolina’s values,” aims to invest in key areas while freezing planned tax cuts to avoid an anticipated $800 million shortfall in the coming years.

4. Duke 5K race helps fund testing for new cancer treatments

The Duke Cancer Institute 2025 CRUSH Colorectal Cancer 5K is Saturday. The event has raised $511,090 since 2013. All money donated to the cause provides direct funding for Duke’s gastrointestinal oncology, which includes new research tests used in treating colorectal cancers.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • S&P Dow Jones Indices Quarterly Rebalance effective after markets close
  • 15th anniversary of House passing President Obama's landmark health reform bill
  • NOAA National Weather Service announces U.S. Spring Outlook, with predictions for temperature, precipitation, drought and flood risk across the country
  • European Council meeting of European Union heads of state and government, chaired by Council President António Costa
  • World Poetry Day

 

The Western North Carolina Nature Center reopened to the public this week. After Helene, the nature center had downed trees and damage to fences and boardwalks. The site's biggest hurdle to reopen was access to the property, because the storm washed away roads and a bridge nearby.