ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 11pm - September 20, 2026

Episode Date: September 21, 2026

Eyewitness News at 11pm - September 20, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, preparing you for tomorrow starting tonight and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. On eyewitness News at 11, we are following the latest on the proposed merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health. It's already gotten a lot of attention and raised questions about the cost of health care. Thanks so much for joining us tonight. I'm Dwan Hogart. Our time, George, is joining us live out. outside of WakeMed Health with the latest on this deal and how Governor Josh Stein is now weighing in. Tom? Yeah, good evening. This is a really big deal because if Wake Med were to merge with Atrium, it would put them under the control of the state's largest health care system. And because of that,

there have been a lot of questions about the cost, what it would mean for patients and how that $2 billion in investment would be included in part of the deal. Now today, Governor Josh Stein weighing in saying after some recent changes were made, he now no longer opposes that deal. As soon as WakeMed announced its deal to merge with Atrium, the largest health care system in the state, some community and health care advocates were concerned about what that would mean for costs. Where one of the states, North Carolina, is one of the most expensive states for health care, and, you know, Wake Med actually has moderate prices, and we want to keep it that way.

There have been multiple town halls as commissioners wanted more time to gather information, but some are still concerned about transparency. We've been able to see the changed articles of incorporation and the transfer agreement. But really, what's actually in the deal is still completely secret and hidden from the public. That's very troubling. The North Carolina Justice Center planning a rally tomorrow protesting the merger ahead of a planned vote by county commissioners. Hospital consolidation leads to rising health care costs, usually worse patient care. And, you know, from our perspective, atrium or advocacy.

health, which is their parent company, you know, it's one of the most expensive systems in the country. And we believe that it will actually make prices go up at WakeMed and also that patient care could get worse. WakeMed has consistently said the merger would mean a $2 billion investment and new jobs. Tonight, Governor Josh Stein weighing in saying some changes were made and that, quote, the proposed transaction between Atrium and WakeMed has improved substantially in recent days. health care costs are too high, so I asked Atrium to cap price increases at WakeMed to not more than one and a half times the annual increase in Medicare costs for the next five years. I'm pleased that Atrium has agreed to my request. The governor also saying Atrium would agree to increase charity care and ensure the $2 billion would fully fund hospital improvements, saying with those changes in place, he would not oppose the deal.

But the big question is how those commissioners will vote throughout this process. we've heard some skepticism from some of those commissioners, but obviously the governor's voice carries a lot of weight in this as well. But in the meantime, those groups opposing this are planning on having a rally tomorrow at 1230 all ahead of that crucial vote among the Wake County commissioners. That's happening tomorrow at 2 p.m. reporting live. Tom, Georgia, ABC 11, Iwoodness News. A lot to discuss, a lot of debate in this ongoing back and forth over the last several months. We'll see how tomorrow plays out. Tom. Again, thanks so much for reporting on this force tonight.

Also tomorrow, Kerrytown, Town Council. is meeting again to discuss that scathing audit report, exposing how the town was spending your money. It comes after the state auditor blasted the town for a culture of extravagant spending and lack of oversight. This all stems from that investigation into the former town manager who has found in that report to have used public funds for high-end expenses. We will also be tracking the final court hearing before the faith hedge path murder trial as it begins tomorrow. A new court filings show the prosecution plans to call six expert witnesses to the stand. They include SBI investigators, forensic scientists, and a sexual assault nurse examiner. Hedgepeth, who was a UNC student, was found dead in her Chapel Hill apartment back in 2012.

Miguel Saligero Alvarez was arrested for the murder back in 2021. A jury selection is expected to start September 28th. Well, now at 11, diesel fuel hitting a new record high today in North Carolina as the war with Iran continues to rage on. The state average now sitting at 627. nationally, the average price for diesel is even higher at 651. The soaring price of diesel hitting customers across the country, and it's also impacting those who help feed our community. The president and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina telling us this

has been a tough time for them. Diesel prices are about double what they were paying this time last year, and the costs don't just impact food prices. It also creates challenges for the fleet of trucks they use to supply the food to those a need across our region. We're doing a combination of things. It is definitely making sure we're looking at our routes, our idle time, how fast the trucks are allowed to go, to be able just to conserve fuel in every way possible.

But at the end of the day, we have to get the food to people. So we are having to look at where we can save some in our budget to be able to spend more. Burrell says they are always looking for support from the community, and they say the financial strain means it doesn't just cost more to supply and transport their food, but because the economy means more people falling on tough times, there's more food insecurity and more need in the community that he used food banks. Well, escalating violence in Middle East is further rocking an already volatile oil market. Regular gas prices jumping 17 cents in just the last week. On this morning, President Donald Trump claiming in a phone interview with Fox News, he is in what

he says is deciding mode on new action. As Iran's parliament speaker vows, the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until conditions they've conveyed are met. Meanwhile, President Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky are set to meet in New York as the UN General Assembly takes place. Today, Zelensky said he had an important conversation with Trump, and in a social media post, he thanked Trump for a recent visit to Kiev by U.S. Special Envoy, Steve Whitkoff, and Jared Kushner. He also thanked Trump for signing a new Russia sanctions bill into law. Well, new tonight, we're learning in ICE agent, shot and injured a man this afternoon in Austin, Texas. The 28-year-old man, who is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was treated for a gunshot wound to the torso.

ABC News reporter Lionel Moise is in New York tonight with the developing story. News is shot fired by an ICE agent. Tonight, the investigation into an ICE agent involved shooting in Austin. Special attention, Travis County units. ICE is currently in pursuit of a blue Toyota Corolla. Officials say the man was shot more than once rushed to the local hospital. One individual was identified, suffering from a gunshot wound. ABC affiliate KVUE capturing images of this blue Toyota Corolla at the scene with bullet holes and damage to the passenger side.

Law enforcement sources telling ABC news the shooting happened during a targeted ice operation and the person shot is believed to be a Venezuelan national illegally in the U.S. with final order of removal. The shooting prompting a protest in Austin with demonstrators demanding answers. I'm extremely unhappy, a person being shot on the streets of Austin by someone purporting to be law enforcement. The mayor also expressing concern over what he says is a recent uptick in ICE activity. We have seen an increase, we believe, in the number of incidents where ICE has detained somebody, stop somebody, those sorts of business. This is a pattern. It's a disturbing pattern, and it's got to stop.

ICE has arrested five-year-olds in Austin in the last few weeks. They've arrested pre-K teachers, and now someone's been shot, and this has to stop. An attorney representing the man who was shot says he was transferred from the hospital into ICE custody. In a statement, Texas DPS says troopers were called to help with the vehicle pursuit, but the person had already been shot when they arrived. The Texas Rangers are now assisting Austin Police with the investigation. Lionel Moyes, ABC News, New York. Well, next at 11, we have new pictures tonight of the family involved in a tragic crash in Granville County this weekend.

A fundraiser, now collecting money to help the sole survivor of that hurt a crash. And in your voice, your vote tonight, Vice President J.D. heading to North Carolina tomorrow. We're taking a closer look at the U.S. Senate race, bringing him here. Bruce? Temperatures tonight are in the 70s, and that's where we could see our highs later this week. Just a reminder, fall is only two days away. That officially begins Tuesday, and obviously we're going to get a taste of that later this week.

You'll see it all coming up in your seven-day forecast. Tonight we're learning more about the three family members from Charlotte who were killed in a crash on I-85 in Granville County early Saturday morning near Mile Marker, 196. This is a picture of the Nye family, shared in an online fundraiser. Jason Nye, his wife, Christina, you see there, their daughter, Corey, all killed when their SUV slammed into a fire truck that was blocking the roadway while responding to an earlier crash. Now, this is the couple's 10-year-old son. This is J. Cian. He survived and was airlifted to Duke University Hospital and critical condition. Funds raised will support his medical expenses, funeral, and memorial costs. The Highway Patrol says the Providence, fire trucks, emergency lights were on when Jason and I failed to reduce speed and hit the truck. No first responders were injured.

In Charlotte, police are looking for the people responsible for the death of a four-year-old boy. Police say young Caleb Flacks was killed by a stray bullet when shots were fired off of Beattie's Ford Road early this morning. At least four houses were hit by the bullets, but no one else was injured. Tonight, Caleb's grandfather, who didn't want to show his face, is reacting to that tragic shooting. Senseless. Just senseless. Senseless. When somebody can go home, they can wake up, and my grandchild can't wake up. It's not fair. It's not fair. At this point, Charlotte-McClemburg police are not saying if they have any suspects in the shooting.

We are now nearly 40 days away from November 3rd in the midterm elections, and all eyes are on North Carolina as the U.S. Senate race heats up. Well, just last week, President Trump was in the state here, rallying for Republican Michael Watley. and then tomorrow, Vice President J.D. Vance, scheduled to headline a rally in Greensboro. A political expert is giving R. Bianca Holman insight into why this race is so important for the GOP. But North Carolina is a state that the Republicans need to defend. Senator Tillis, this is a Republican seat. Senator Tillis is vacating. And there's got to be a message over and over to those Trump voters.

We really care about this race. This is important. So Trump comes in one week. J.D. Vance comes in the next week. I witness news speaking with Duke Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, Macquarple, about the midterm elections. The Republican Party striving to influence voters to turn out for the midterm election and cast their ballot on November 3rd.

Michael Wattley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is facing North Carolina former governor and Democrat Roy Cooper in the U.S. Senate race. Cooper has decades of experience with winning statewide races. however, Watley has not held an elected state office. The latest Elon University polls shows Watley trailing Cooper by double digits. The support from national political figures is important. We're seeing from Vice President Vance a certain message different from the president, which is also, at least in some areas, he's been saying,

give us another chance. We're better than the opposition. With high-profile visits like President Trump and Gostonia and Vice President J.D. Vans visiting Greensboro, Professor McCorkel says the strategy seems to be more about turnout rather than persuasion. I think it's overall middle of the state. Greensboro is a way that, you know, cameras can get there. And Greensboro City is, of course, a democratic stronghold outside of Greensboro in what I call the country-politian counties or the less urban counties that will get through. Those who plan to attend the event in Greensboro must register.

in advance. Bianca Holman, ABC 11, eyewitness news. From Bianca, thank you. Meanwhile, spooky season is right around the corner, and we're learning an annual Halloween event in downtown Faneville is not happening this year. The Cool Spring Downtown District posting that this year's Zombie Walk is taking a hiatus after 15 years. And while the event is paused, the Downtown District is expected to transfer control of the zombie walk back over to its creators. There's no word if it will resume next year. The Cool Spring Downtown District is inviting the public to come out on Halloween for trick or treating downtown. Well, ABC 11 is marking National Hispanic Heritage Month, and one of the largest Hispanic cultural events took over downtown Raleigh today.

We are talking La Fiesta del Pueblo. Now, the festival featured music, dancing, food, art, and activities celebrating Hispanic heritage. A&S News is a proud sponsor of the event, and several of our reporters spend their day meeting and greeting people there. who had the chance to attend La Fiesta del Pueblo has been a tradition for more than 30 years. And the coffee shops are now serving their pumpkin-spice lattes. You probably got one yourself now that pumpkin patch season is officially here. I went this news stopping by Page Farms in Raleigh, where we found families enjoying the nice weather today, picking out their pumpkins, and enjoying a ride on the tractor.

All right, so it's already PSL season, and this week marks the official start to fall. Summer was great. It's time for summer to move on out because it's football season. It's fall season. The hoodies are coming back. Yeah, I think right on cue, fall's going to let us know it's here. And so the last weekend of summer came out of nowhere it felt like, but of course we're looking ahead. And we've got lots of cooler temperatures in the forecast. So we're going to start off tomorrow. It's going to be a hot start to the week. Tipters will feel similar to what they did this afternoon. It'll be very warm, very muggy. Tuesday's still kind of summer-like temperatures, but it does cool down quickly. We will barely make it to 70 on Wednesday and Thursday.

Overnight lows, those days could be in the 50s. And then even as we get toward next weekend, it looks like we're going to have a slow going back to getting into normal temperatures. But here is the culprit front. It's going to pass through as we go into tomorrow. That will move in late in the evening hours. So there could be a few storms that develop near the Virginia border. That sags to our south on Tuesday.

But we're going to be caught in what we call a cold air damning setup as high pressure to our north. Banks up air against the Appalachian Mountains. That's going to keep rain, clouds around, and of course it's going to send cooler Canadian air down into the south. So this is beyond just North Carolina that's going to see this fall like weather. It's going to be our neighboring states that see it as well. First alert predictor through the rest of tonight. It'll stay generally quiet. Tipter should be in the 60s as you wake up tomorrow morning.

We'll have a lot of sunshine as well to start the day. Just a few clouds out there. And then at the afternoon, we can see isolated showers or storms popping up. that's kind of just the precursor to what we expect during the evening hours. So most of those storms will be confined across the northern tier and back toward the triad. There is an outside chance of seeing an isolated strong storm. Right now, damaging winds would be possible in this level one out of five risk zone. So that's back to the west of Raleigh.

It does include areas like Chatham County up toward Lewisburg and back toward Roxborough as well. So not everybody's going to see severe weather tomorrow. Not everybody's even going to see storms tomorrow. So there will be a lot of dry time, but nonetheless, it's still going to be a hot day. Tipters reaching around 90 in the sand hills, low 90s and the triangle and upper 80s in our northern counties. Let's walk through the rain chance as we go into Tuesday. So I mentioned that cold air damming setup. Winds out of the northeast, it's going to be very cloudy.

Tipters are going to struggle to rise as a result of the rain and storms coming in. So we will make it into the low 80s in the afternoon. But scattered showers and storms develop as we go into the evening. them. We could see more rounds of those as we go into Wednesday and Thursday as well. So we're looking at the potential here for maybe one to two inches of rain. Some of those higher amounts likely to fall across our northern counties. But of course, if we see any storms on Tuesday, then that could mean isolated higher amounts in certain areas. So make sure you stay plugged into the forecast. Here it is. Your first solar acuether seven-day forecast.

Again, fall begins Tuesday evening. And then we get all of these fall-like tipters through the rest the week. So barely reaching 70 on Wednesday and Thursday. Look at the overnight lows in the 50s. I believe, Dewan, you said earlier, this is hoodie season. Yes, sir. And so the long sleeves, the hoodies, I think they're going to come out of retirement a little later this week. And then we're also, because it's North Carolina, we're going to get that second summer at some point in a few weeks and then we're going to put them back in the closet and then bring right back out again. I could say you right now, beyond what you see on the seven day, there's already that second summer looming.

Okay. All right. Well, don't get too comfortable. All right, thanks, Cruz. All right, as look, as football season kicks off, we're taking a look at the new push to protect young athletes from the long-lasting health impacts caused by head injuries. In Toronto, every arrival is a statement,

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Let's take the Cadillac. Find out more at Cadillac Canada.ca. Luxury sales claim based on S&P Global Mobility, Canadian New Vehicle Total Registrations for calendar year 2025 for the Cadillac definition of luxury. Welcome back. It's week two of the NFL season, and new research is putting the long-term risks of the game back into the spotlight. Scientists are learning more about CTE as well as the potential risk to players may expend far beyond the pros.

NBC's is Dave Osanani reports tonight. The warning is for American football players of every age, Little League, high school college, and of course, the NFL. Scientists are estimating that at least 25% of nearly 900 NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 were sick with CTE, the degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive hits. But their bigger warning comes after looking at the actual brains of 338 of those players donated by their families to the scientists.

93.2% were positive for CTE. It means that hundreds of current NFL players are at risk for developing this. Currently, CTE can only be officially diagnosed after a player dies. Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who spent 17 years in the NFL, is now working with researchers in Boston, helping them search for a way to diagnose the disease in living players. In case, I played quarterback, so the guys in front of me were probably doing more hitting, protecting me in a sense. I think in a way, I feel like this is a way to give back to them. Responding to this, the NFL says it continually strives to make the game of football safer,

including by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts. The researchers have also identified common symptoms that many of these players shared before they died. The scientists are hoping that this might help doctors diagnose CTE while players are still living. Steevos and Sommi, ABC News, Atlanta. Let's go and bring in Kate Rogers in now to talk all things sports. And look, they went down to Atlanta. They handled business. So, you know, we can clomp it up for the Panthers this week.

The Carolina Panthers won. And your team, the Dallas Cowboys won. Say that again. Say it loud. The Dallas Cowboys won. And we will redeem my, what do we want to say? Comments last week. Anyway, coming up in sports, we're going to talk about the Carolina Panthers.

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dot CA slash safety. All right, coming up after this next break, looking ahead to a high stakes meeting in Washington. President Donald Trump is set to host the president of China this week. We'll have the latest on where U.S. and China relations stand ahead of that meeting. Insurance operations today are fragmented, and policyholders expect more. That's why leading insurers run on Adion. From premium collection to claims payout, Adion supports the entire insurance value chain,

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