ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - May 14, 2026

Episode Date: May 14, 2026

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Ahead on I would assume at 4 o'clock. A Wake County teacher accused of child sex crimes. ABC 11 in the courtroom today as he went before a judge. The new details we're hearing about the multiple victims and what the man accused of the crimes had to say. An update on the extreme drought impacting most of Central North Carolina. We're talking with one local farmer who says the lack of rain has hit him hard. And a major milestone for Hurricane Helene Recovery with Lake Lure set to reopen tomorrow. We're taking a look at the huge economic impact the region could see. Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, keeping you connected to your community and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11-I Witness News. Right now for another mild day across the triangle, it's a great day for some window washing.

Check out this sure in downtown Raleigh, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. And while the clear skies, of course, are very nice. We are in desperate need of more rain. A new drought report is out, and it shows not much has changed. Thanks for joining us here for eyewitnesses-it-for-this Thursday. I'm Amber Penta. And I'm Barbara Gibbs. Extreme drought conditions continue across Central North Carolina.

The new drought monitor released today shows conditions have not improved over the last week, and it could be days before the next rain chance. We have team coverage tonight. Sean Coffey is in Raleigh with more from one local farmer as he tries to protect his crops. But first, let's go to Chief Meteorologist Don Schwinnaker. in the first alert forecast center. We've gotten some rain, but maybe it's not made much of a dent. No, it really hasn't. As a matter of fact, let's look at the past couple of months. February, the only month we were actually above average, and that was just by a quarter of an inch.

March, we were two and a half inches, over two and a half inches for April behind. And so far for this month, we're almost an inch behind as well. We've got less than 20% of our typical rainfall for the month of May. Now, looking ahead, rain chances, zero all the way until next Thursday. And even that's just a 40% chance of showers. And oh, by the way, we're going to stick heat on top of that as 90s return. Live look on a first alert Doppler net. We did a couple of showers for them up in North Hampton County.

They're sliding out of here. Live look into Durham, 75 sunny and a north-northwest wind at 17. So let's first alert you to the evening ahead. Temperatures falling through the 70s. If you're headed out maybe to have a nice evening of dinner or outside, those numbers will be in the 50s by 10 o'clock. We'll talk more about the rain chances and the lack of them, plus the big heat working in for the weekend in your seven-day forecast coming up in just a bit. Amber. All right. See you soon with more, Don. Thanks in to the ongoing drought conditions now continuing to impact most of North Carolina. Despite that rain last week, roughly 60% of the state is still seeing extreme drought conditions, including nearly 95% of Wake County.

Sean Coffey spoke with the Wake County farmer hit very hard by the lack of rain. So, Sean, what did he have to say? Yeah, Amber, that farmer John Bird has been farming the same land outside Fouqueve Arena for his entire life. He's actually a ninth generation farmer in Way County. He said the dry conditions we have seen throughout the winter and the spring make this really unprecedented. And again, Bert's told us earlier today that it was really not only the lack of rain we're seeing now, but the lack of rain cumulatively over the course of the year so far, including in the winter that has made this so difficult for him and that it's made putting fertilizer down is extremely difficult.

without that he can't grow and sell as much of the hay as he usually would. And the complications are coming at a time when, of course, both fertilizer and gas prices are already pinching his bottom line. It's a really, really a challenge for farmers who are already getting pinched again on fertilizer and fuel. And, of course, the weather's wreaking havoc with us right now. But with the alfalfa, with only about half of the yield, half of my fields died over the winter because it was just too dry. I mean time here in Raleigh, level one water restrictions remain in place due to the dry conditions. And today, Raleigh, water officials tell us they do not expect those restrictions to be lifted anytime. Soon we'll have more on what that means for the people here navigating the current conditions coming up on eyewitness news at Sips.

For now we're live in Raleigh, Sean Coffey, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Wow, ninth generation farmer, so their family has seen a lot and now dealing with this drought. All right, Sean, thank you. as we continue to keep an eye on the drought conditions and the rain heading our way. Now is a good time to download the ABC 11 app. It's a great way to stay up to date on current weather conditions. We're learning new details about a Wake County school teacher accused of sexually abusing children. 57-year-old Stephen Coles in court today.

He's a career and technical teacher at Broughton High School in Raleigh. Elena Athens in court today when Coles went before the judge. She joins us now from the Raleigh-Ovitness News Center with those details. Elena good afternoon. Well, Barbara, the prosecutor said that there are multiple victims, and the defendant admitted yesterday to some of the sexual abuse we did hear from Stephen Coles in court. I don't know. I'm sorry about all this.

Well, don't say, sir, don't, anything that you say will be used against you by the district attorney's office. Prosecutors say brought in high school teacher Stephen Coles engaged in sexual acts with a minor. Police say the abuse happened more than two decades ago, and it was reported earlier this month. Coles is 57 years old and at Broughton was working as a career in technical education teacher. The school's principal sent this message to families saying in part that counts are not related to incidents that occurred on our campus or with our current students. We spoke with two students who were previously in his classes who didn't want to show their faces. Me and a bunch of my friends were extremely surprised.

No idea what to think of it. Not going to lie. They're the people that's in the building around us almost every day, five days a week. So it's kind of shocking. So two young adults were in court for the hearing and told me they know more about Coles' connections to the community. What they share will have that coming up ahead at 5 o'clock. We're now live in the Raleigh, Eyewitness News Center. Elena, Athens, ABC 11 eyewitness news.

All right, Elena, thank you. New at 4. Former FBI Director James Comey has hired Raleigh attorney Joe Zezardski to represent him next month in federal court on charges he threatened the president. Zezarski's practice focuses on individuals and businesses in a broad. range of government investigations and criminal cases all throughout North Carolina and the country. Comey was indicted last month on charges of threatening President Trump after posting a photo of seashells taken on a North Carolina beach. Those shells were positioned as the numbers 86-47, interpreted as a threat by the Trump administration, as 86 is commonly known to mean to nix or remove, and the Trump is the

47th president. Comey has maintained his innocence. The hearing is set for June 30th with the trial tentatively set to begin in July. And breaking now at 4, Michael Banks, the head of U.S. Border Patrol is stepping down. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the news today. Banks' departure is just the latest in what has been a major shakeup of immigration leadership in recent months. In March, the Senate confirmed then-Senator Mark Wayne Mullen to replace DHS Secretary Christy Knoem after President Donald Trump fired her. Also in March, Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino, who oversaw some of the Trump administration's most controversial immigration enforcement operations retired. And ICE director, Todd Lyons,

is expected to retire at the end of the month. A man charged with a deadly stabbing on the American Tobacco Trail in Durham makes his first court appearance. That is the top local headline in your 4 o'clock speed feed today. A judge orders Christopher Caldwell to be held without bond. The 64-year-old is accused of killing Howard Reed Jr. on April 27th. Durham Police have not revealed a motive for the stabbing. It was the second deadly stabbing in a month near the American Tobacco Trail. We're learning more about the victim shot in the Silver Spoon Restaurant on Durham or in Durham on Mother's Day. According to an online fundraiser, the victim is one of the owners of that family-run business. He has said to be in critical condition. Donations are now

being raised to help pay for medical bills. Fifty-five-year-old Samar Salomon al-Hakmood is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. After police say he got into an argument with the owner and that argument escalated. It's being held in the Durham County Jail without bond. This afternoon, many are remembering Richard Jewell, the longtime principal at Broughton High School in Raleigh. Jewel died Sunday at his home. He was 96 years old. He began his leadership at Broughton in 1970, leading the school through integration. He served as principal for 22 years. During his tenure, Broughton was awarded several national recognitions. He has survived by his wife of 71 years, Irene, and his daughters,

daughters and grandchildren. A funeral service will be held next Tuesday at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. And that is your speed feet. Amber. Barbara, happening now at Fort Bragg, the Defense Critical Infrastructure Summit. The event is bringing together local state and national leaders, including United States Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and principal cyber advisor to the Secretary of the Army Brandon Pew. They're talking about strengthening and protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. At its core, the summit focuses on how the military can continue operating if it faces a cyber attack. This is the first event of its kind,

and there are plans to create similar partnerships at other military bases. Coming up here and I would assume at five o'clock and six, Penelope Lopez will share more about the partnership and what this means for the greater Fayetteville area. Still ahead here at four, the high stakes meeting in China, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping

wrapping up the first day of their multi-day summit. The warning China's leader had for Taiwan during that meeting. And we continue to see the impact of the war with Iran, how experts say the conflict in the Middle East could play a role in the November elections. Plus a rare sighting in Fayetteville, a bear spotted wandering through a yard. We have the must-see video after the break. Don? And we're taking a live look at First Alert Doppler net tonight, dry across the region, and it will stay dry for the next several days. You're looking live at I-40 in Airport Boulevard right now.

Traffic's starting to pick up getting a little heavy there on the right-hand side. As we head to break, here, hear your traffic. Hot spots brought to you by your first alert forecast team. The ABC 11 first alert forecast team is working to keep you safe. Wannies across the region. Some cloud cover starting to build. That rain is going to push on through. Cold air coming in. The first alert forecast team. Only on ABC 11 eyewitness news. I witness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Right now at four president Trump visiting China for the first time in nearly a decade, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders discussing trade and deepening their important economic ties.

But the war with Iran loomed large over the summit. Here's ABC's Selena Wang, traveling with the president in Beijing. Barbara and Amber, the president's visit here had all of the pomp and ceremony that you would expect from a meeting between these two world leaders. But despite all of the friendly greetings, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reportedly had a warning on the issue of Taiwan. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapping up the first day of their multi-day summit with a lavish state banquet. The American and Chinese people share much in common. We value hard work. We value courage and achievement. We love our families and we love our countries. Together we have the chance to draw on these values to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation and happiness. Earlier in the day, the president praising the Chinese leader as they sat down.

at the negotiating table. You're a great leader. Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway because it's true. She calling for a closer relationship between the two countries. We should be partners, not rivals. A White House officials saying Trump and Xi had a good meeting,

discussing ways to increase economic cooperation, end the flow of fentanyl in the U.S., and let American companies further into Chinese markets. According to Chinese state media's readout, she delivered a warning to Trump on the issue of Taiwan, which China sees as its territory, but the U.S. does not, saying if handled poorly, the two countries will clash or even come into conflict. Meanwhile, with the Iran war looming large over these talks, Iran says China plays a key role in its security position in the Strait of Hormuz.

China is one of Iran's closest allies buying more Iranian oil than any other country. The White House saying the two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. The current standstill has sent global oil prices skyrocketing. And Friday will include another round of meetings. The White House says the two sides will discuss trade, investment, as well as artificial intelligence. As for future discussions, President Trump has already invited Xi Jinping to the White House this September. In Beijing, Selena Wang, ABC 11, eyewitness news. And as the war with Iran looms over that summit, we wanted to know what kind of tone it sets on the global stage. I spoke with

with ABC News political director, Avery Harper, about just that. I think it really does underscore just how interconnected many of these global issues are. And it shows that the president is looking for help in terms of trying to stem the ongoing issue of what is happening with Iran and what is happening in the strait of Ormuz. And the thing is, he has not found any sort of diplomatic offer. ramp here. And so this is going to have an impact politically, especially as we near midterm elections, when we know that the cost of living affordability issues, things like the cost of gas, are going to be, in part, driving voters to the polls come November. And President Trump says, President,

she wants to help on Iran. More headlines from the high-stakes summit on World News tonight with David Muir here at 630. In our nation's capital, the Senate passes a bipartisan push today to stop senators from getting paid during government shutdowns. This comes after two historic shutdowns this year, including a 48-day federal shutdown and a 76-day Homeland Security shutdown where many federal workers went weeks without pay, but the legislators did not. The measure would take effect after the 2026 mid-term elections. However, there are questions about the bill's constitutionality. The Constitution says lawmakers are to be paid from the Treasury without any exceptions. Florida is expected to wind down its alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility sometime this summer.

Vendors at the site were told that detainees will be removed by the start of June and the center will be dismantled in the following weeks. Though the facility embedded deep in the Florida Everglades has been touted by Republicans as a valuable tool in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, the closure follows nearly a year of many legal challenges, mounting operational costs and allegations of inhumane conditions. A popular spot for summer photographs is on the way. The Dix Park sunflower field is planted. And drone 11 over the field today to get a look. Right now, there's not much to see. No sunflower sprouting just yet. Dick's Park says the plants are expected to bloom in mid-July. Now to some musty video here in Fayetteville, a black bear spotted wandering through a yard. You can see the bear there casually walking by. It's kind of dark, but look at that. You can there clearly see that.

Black bears are moving through the area. Just yesterday, Rocky Mountain officials say that a bear was reportedly hit by a bird. car and last week a bear was spotted outside of a Hillsborough home as well and then you may remember this video here from last month when a bear was seen wandering a Durham neighborhood experts say that bear sightings are normal for this time of year all right and that leads us to dawn and the weather and that makes me want to stay inside no they're so cute and cuttly until you get close to one and then they rip your arm off yeah so there you go just stay away they're not pets around here point we are dry out there today live look at first of Doppler net scanning the skies.

We just didn't get much rainfall. Officially a trace last night. And it's going to stay dry the next several days. Live look into North Hills. You can see some high clouds working through 68 right now, partly cloudy at a northwest wind at 14 miles per hour. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s across the region. It's a gorgeous spring day out there.

69 in Raleigh, 75 Fayetteville. Our normal high for this time of year should be 80 degrees. So we are well below average. We're well below where we were yesterday, especially from the Triangle North running about 10 degrees cooler. Tonight will be a chilly night. Normal overnight lows are in the 50s. We'll actually be in the 40s. We don't see any 30s on the board. But it certainly will be a little chilly, 46 Rocky Mount, 45 Durham, 46 Raleigh, 49 Fayville, 47 Clinton, and 47 in Southern Pines. Tomorrow morning, the drive-in will be sunny. You'll definitely need the sunglasses, those temperatures climbing. will be in the 50s by 9 o'clock 58 by 10 o'clock 62 and by lunchtime we are up to 68 degrees

satellite radar we had a little bit of a system kind of work through Virginia and that triggered a few showers up in northampton county those are pushing off to the south and east though and unfortunately we're just not going to get any rain out of that high pressure dominates our weather all the way back into the Midwest tonight and that means clear skies overnight and sunshine tomorrow so let's walk you through it your first alert predictor forecast model as we go through tonight. We'll see temperatures at 11 o'clock down into the mid-50s. You got plans this evening, maybe baseball, soccer, taking the dog to the dog park. Should be a beautiful evening for it.

Then as you head through the overnight, you wake up tomorrow morning, maybe for a walk or run. Temperatures will be in the 40s, so chilly start to the day. We recover quickly. We'll be in the 70s as we go into tomorrow afternoon. Then a few high clouds working through by tomorrow night. But any Friday evening plans look pretty nice, really. If you've got any plans going into Friday, it looks great. It does get a little warmer as we hit through the weekend. Saturday, we've got 86. Here's the high pressure off to the east.

So we get what's called a return flow. When a high slides east of us, it grabs hold of warm air to the south. It pulls it up to the north. A couple things happen. Our temperatures go up. Our humidity goes up. And this could be some of the highest humidity we've seen so far this spring. And then as we head into Sunday, possible record high as we get to 92 degrees, that surge of warm air working in. Notice it extends all the way back into Texas and we are in the hot air for a while. Forecast looks like this for tomorrow. 76 in Durham, 77, Raleigh, 78 in Fayetteville, and then we start to ramp it up. Your first alert, seven-day forecast shows 70s tomorrow, 80s in on Saturday, 90s in on Sunday. And the humidity really starting to work back in Sunday.

You'll notice it. Monday 93, and we might even be talking feels like temperatures, mid-90s, Tuesday. same old, same old, same thing Wednesday. And then by Thursday, it's just a 40% chance of showers and some cooler air. But really, one of the warmest stretches we've seen so far this year, because it's not only hot, we've had 90s, but we're really going to ramp the humidity up as we get into next week. Ladies. Right, Dawn.

Thank you. Coming up, Instagram rolls out a new feature called Instance. It's its latest feature. We'll tell you all about it and how it works after the break. And American Girl Doll is giving fans a special. sneak preview of its 2027 girl of the year. Later in the show, we'll introduce you to the new doll and the story behind her creation. Time now for some news you can use Instagram instance, a new feature that makes it feel a lot like Snapchat. The new feature is called instance.

It allows Instagram users to send disappearing photos, videos, and also do private sharing. Meta just announced the rollout, calling it a casual, low-pressure way to connect with either close friends or mutual followers with one tap. Instance will be testing. in select countries around the world as a standalone app as well. Target is ready to open its stores in Johnston County. The store hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of its grand opening this weekend. Guests got the chance to tour the store. The store is located on St. Mark Avenue in Selma at the Eastfield Development,

a mixed-use project, and it opens this Sunday. A recall of more than 100,000 electric kettles. The company's willing says the kettles could cause burns. The problem is the handles on the kettles can loosen and come off. There have been several reports of that happening with one incident leading to a burn. The company says owners should stop using the kettles immediately. Zwilling.com slash kettle dash recall has instructions for how owners can get a refund. And that's news you can use.

Amber, back to you. Barbara, thanks. New here for the town of Kerry has been named the best place to live in North Carolina. That's according to a new report from niche. Carrie earned top marks for categories for public schools, good for family. and health and fitness. And Carrie is not the only Wake County town on the list. Morrisville earned the third spot. Apex is number four. Next here at four, we have some good news for Western North Carolina. Lake Lour is set to reopen tomorrow. The economic boom

business owners in the region are hoping to see. And Duke is doing away with its lifetime alumni email accounts. What users need to know ahead of that shutdown. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness News continues now. Right now at 4.30 a major milestone in Hurricane Helene recovery set for tomorrow. That's when Lake Lure will officially reopen. Yeah, it comes as the region is looking for an uptick in tourism and support as it continues to rebuild from Hurricane Helene. Michael Perchuk joins us live. Now Michael, he spoke with impacted business owners. Amber, Barbara, we are in the midst of a beautiful stretch of weather, people already making the travel plans for the next few months. And of course, the hospitality sector is so important in Western Carolina

as restaurants and shops there are hoping for a busy season after an unimaginable storm. The progress is clear and so is the message. Nearly 20 months after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, there is need for further support. You still have a huge housing need. You have a lot of people that are in this situation where their house wasn't in a floodplain, now it's in a floodplain. They still have a mortgage. They're not allowed to build back. It's like, how do we help them recover from that. Eric Brinker, owner of the speckled trout and blowing rock, used his restaurant as a relief hub in a lean's aftermath, embodying the spirit of the region. Everybody just really had to come together and figure out what do we do next. How can we help? Now the focus is on extending that

mindset more broadly. Asheville is open. Western North Carolina is open, but we really need to keep telling that story. And emphasizing the importance of the hospitality industry in providing a boost. Summer and fall here are just so instrumental for businesses to survive with with with that tourism influx and just all the activity whether it's camps in the area of families coming up to bring their kids to camps people coming in for the music for the food just for the outdoors and this afternoon governor josh dine visiting canton focusing on access to clean drinking water and strengthening infrastructure coming up at 530 his cause for further support and what we were hearing from leadership in the state house and state senate

about the possibility with another relief round. I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11, High Witness News. More relief is needed, but a big milestone coming tomorrow when Lake Lur reopens. Michael, thanks to you in an hour. Well, new this afternoon, people in Raleigh are mourning the loss of the owner of a popular barbecue restaurant. Old Time Barbecue on Hillsboro Street posted

about the passing of its owner, Jerry Hart. The restaurant also thanked the community for their thoughts and their prayers. Old Time Barbecue has been in business for more than 30 years. In Wake County, a heads up, if you plan to head to Raleigh's Lake Wheeler soon, the park is now closed ahead of the ACC Women's Rowing Championship. The rowing competition is happening Friday and Saturday. The event is open to spectators and admission is free. New at four, Duke graduates will soon lose their lifetime alumni email account.

The university is shutting down the email service that allowed graduates to send and receive mail from a Duke domain for life. Users were initially told that their email accounts would go offline at the end of July, and now that's been pushed. back to 2027. The university says it's due to security inconsistencies and increasing unreliable message delivery. This is a significant disruption for thousands of alumni using these email accounts. Duke officials say that they will send multiple notifications and reminders that the emails are going to be deactivated in January. High school graduation season is around the corner. Commencements begin next Thursday in Wake County. First on deck is Wake County's early colleges and then followed by Nightdell High School and then the following day

Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School will hold its graduation ceremony. The remaining graduations will be held in June most of them are happening at the Raleigh Convention Center. Wake County is reminding families to allow for plenty of time to park downtown and that tickets are required for all guests over the age of two. In Johnston County four high school seniors are surprised with $30,000 scholarships to become future Johnston County public school teachers. The school system posting these photos of the Smithfield-Salma high school students who receive the scholarships. The

Joe Co-Teach scholarships are awarded to seniors graduating with both their high school diplomas and associate degrees from Johnston Community College. Once they graduate college, they will return to Johnston County to teach. Another long-time triangle business has closed and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are being blamed. After 23 years in business, Bass Lake Draft House and Holly Springs closes stores for good earlier this week. In a post on social media, the owners thank the community for support, especially loyal regulars. But they also noted that the past several years brought challenges that were just too difficult to overcome, including recovery after COVID, rising costs and other business realities that created hurdles. Coming up next in four

new details in the stunning reversal in one of the country's most high-profile true crime cases. We are talking about the Alec Murdoch double murder convictions. Prosecutors saying today that they're ready to try the case again. Plus a quiet ending to the lawsuit filed by a civil rights leader, Bishop William Barber, against AMC theaters after a confrontation at a North Carolina theater. What we know about this case. And before we go to break, let's take a live look outside. On a Friday Eve, we've almost made it. The Raleigh Skyline, beautiful skies out there. We're still looking for some rain, though. Don's coming up. Covering the Carolinas now and the Alec Murdoch murder case is now moving toward what could be another high-profile trial. That's right. One day after the South

Carolina Supreme Court throughout Murdoch's murder convictions, and the killings of his wife and son, both prosecutors and defense attorneys are now laying out what comes next. ABC's Ashon Singh has the latest. Today, prosecutors in the Alec Murdoch case making clear they are not backing away. What's best long term for this case and what's best for justice, it's to retry this case and do so as soon as we can. South Carolina's Supreme Court overturning Murdoch's murder convictions this week in the shooting deaths of his wife Maggie and son Paul, ruling he did not. receive a fair trial. Alec Murdoch was entitled to a new trial because he was deprived of his right to a fair trial last time. Justice is focusing heavily on the actions of former court clerk

Becky Hill, who was accused of making comments to jurors during the trial. The court writing that Hill's conduct created improper external influences on the jury. One juror later testifying Hill's alleged comments impacted her view of the case. It felt like she made it seem like He was already guilty. He was denied trying to sway the jury, but later resigned and pleaded guilty to misconduct in office. Now Murdoch's defense team says the ruling validates what they've been arguing for months. Allie didn't get a chance to testify in front of a jury that had not been persuaded by a court official not to believe him. But even with the convictions overturned, prosecutors still believe their core evidence remains strong.

Now both sides are preparing for what could be another massive court. room showdown, including questions over what evidence can be used, whether Murdoch would testify again and how to see an impartial jury in a case that has drawn years of national attention. What do you think of the verdict? And even if a new murder trial moves forward quickly, Alec Murdoch will remain behind bars while serving lengthy sentences for financial fraud and theft. Ashton Singh, ABC News, New York. Also in South Carolina, the family of Walter Scott is once again fighting for justice. And this time it's over the possible early release of the former police officer.

officer convicted of civil rights violations and his killing. Michael Slager serving a 20-year federal sentence after video showed him shooting Scott in the back during a 2015 traffic stop in North Charleston. But now a legal loophole could allow Slager to get out as early as fall 2027. Scott's family says the case could send the wrong message about police accountability nationwide. We have an update in that legal fight between civil rights leader William Barber and AMC theaters. According to Barbara's attorney, the has been resolved. The lawsuit focused on an incident that happened inside a theater in Greenville in 2023 when the former president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP was escorted out of the theater by police for bringing in his own stool inside the movie theater.

The lawsuit claimed that AMC workers violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not accommodating Barbara. On Sunday, Barbara will attend a private screening of the movie Michael at the same theater where he was removed. A number of individuals with disabilities will join him. Barbara also will be allowed to bring his chair inside the movie theater. Coming up next, if you're looking for summer travel plans, you may not have to look very far. Which triangle city is ranked among the top summer travel destinations. And turning groceries into glamour. Look at this dress. It has the internet eating it up. And North Carolina's number one industry agriculture will be on full display this weekend at the Got to BNC Festival. What you can expect,

from the big event. ABC 11 First Alert Weather on eyewitness news every day. And we're back with some entertainment news. Rob Mack and Ryan Reynolds are kicking things into high gear for the fifth season of their soccer docu-series. Welcome to Rexham. Fifth season already. George Padacchio

has a preview. What do you do after you make history? It's like, well, how do you talk that? And that is the big question that faces Rexham's co-chairman, Rob Mack and Ryan Reynolds, after an historic run by the Red Dragons Football Club.

We are the first team in history to win back to back to back promotions. We are on the precipice of the Premier League. We don't know if it's going to happen this year, but we are very, very close. You can't write this. You can't plan for this. There's nothing we've done that is like a strategically imperative that got us here except getting the hell out of our own way and their way. Season five of Welcome to Rexham explores the race to the top of the league's pyramid and the challenges along the way, including losing fan favorite players. Whenever you're talking about losing a large amount of people, beloved players, you run the risk of the supporters no longer supporting them because they're not following a kit.

They're following a human being. Our mission statement, our maxim as an organization is to make our community proud. If you win and lose your soul along the way, then it will have been for nothing. And conversely, if we don't win, but people still continue to feel a sense of hope and optimism and pride and community, then that really is the ultimate goal of the organization. The community has regained that hope for the team and for the town, and their stories are what make welcome to Rexum special. The thing that I would say we have done well is we've acquired their trust.

We've earned it over the years and that's something that we don't take lightly or take you're granted and you have to have their faith and Trust and it's a it's a huge huge part of all of this for us what's been abundantly Clear and ceaseless since the day we got here was that it's the people this is a football documentary It's not even a it's not a sports documentary football just happens to be the reason that they're gathering on Saturdays aside from that It's just humans being human. The show is renewed for three more seasons, so there's plenty of stories and soccer to come. George Pinocchio for on the red carpet.

Right now for Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. According to AAA, record number of people are expected to travel this holiday. Between this time next week through Monday of May 25th, more than 45 million people are expected to travel. Nearly 40 million of those people are expected to travel by car, 3.6 million are expected to fly to their destinations. Memorial Day is Monday, May 25th. And if you're looking for the perfect summer travel destination, you may not have to travel very far. According to personal finance company Wallet Hub, the Raleigh-Carry metro area is among

the top 20 best places to visit the summer in the country. The area coming in at number 18 on the list, the report compares 100 metro areas across 41 indicators tied to affordability and entertainment. The number one spot in the country is Atlanta. Now to today's top trendy stories. And a fun segment we like around here is called Real News. First, a woman who is proving why she is a real bread winner. A reality star turned baker stunned attendees of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Nigeria when she turned up in this dress made out of loaves of bread.

That is Queen Mercy a Tang and a gown made out of 500 loaves of bread from her own bakery. She says she wore the carboh high dress to promote her business. And boy did she ever, very innovative. Let's go to Western North Carolina now where some adorable bear cubs were spotted on camera, turning a backyard into their very own playground in Asheville. David Oppenheimer shared this video of the bear family. You can see there are three little bears siblings running into the backyard, wrestling, tumbling, rolling, exploring, exploring, climbing around a large tree while their mom stays close by.

Oppenheimer said he spotted the same bear family a week before and said the little siblings appear to be growing up fast. And finally, a professional skier in California might have just defied the laws of gravity. This is wild. That is skier Molly Arminino. You see there zooming downhill before skimming across the surface of a pond. She says that it took hours to build an in-run and she skimmed across the lake on her ski. She did say, looking back at the moment, it was super sketchy. So glad she didn't get hurt.

Yeah, that's your real news, Barbara. All right. Well, new at four, as the U.S. prepares for the World Cup this summer, American Girl is capitalizing on the mania. The iconic doll brand just announced the 2027 girl of the year. Daisy Davenport loves soccer and will embark on her first summer sleepaway camp. The doll won't be released until the fall, but her story is coming this month. American girl dolls have been beloved for decades. The company is celebrating its 40th year in 2020. My daughter had one when we lived in Chicago and its arm fell off and we had a ticket to the American Girl Hospital.

Oh, yeah. Oh, wow. And then it came back with a bandage and a health certificate and all kinds of stuff. How does one's doll's arm come off? That's what we couldn't figure out. It just kind of did. So the nice thing is because I had brothers. Well, that's true.

And the nice thing for me is I should pay it off in the next five years. So that's really the best part of that whole thing. All right. Look and first alert Doppler net tonight scanning the sky is not seeing any rainfall out there it's dry let's look live into carry a few high clouds working through 69 partly cloudy winds are light less than five miles an hour temperatures from across the triangles 69 in morseville apex holly springs 70s from fukeway up to zambuline nightdale 68 and wake forest 65 rocksboro 68 ronelconpid 70 rocky mount 67 in siler city 75 favaville clinton and 78 down in lumberton let's first first alert you to that evening ahead. Maybe you're headed out for a walk tonight. Temperatures will continue to fall through the 60s. By the time we go on for ABC 11 at 11, we are in the 50s. Dry weather on the way and it really heats up. We'll talk about that coming up at 5 o'clock. Let's find out what else is coming up at 5 o'clock. For more on that, we check in with LJ.

Hello, big weather. Coming up all new at 5 o'clock. Brought in high school students in court this afternoon. They showed up to a hearing for a teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple victims over several years, what they're saying about the career and technical teacher. And if you're a fan of Abbott Elementary, this story is for you. The tough yet tender teacher taking her talents out of the classroom. Why she says part of her comedy special had to be shot in Philadelphia. And this fall, UNC football turned 100, as you might expect, with a big birthday, comes a big celebration.

And elevating the fan experience is part of the plan to mark that major milestone. All right, let's stay in Chapel Hill, where the women's lacrosse team hoping to advance to the final four. The girls are chasing another championship. Trey Miles will join us live from Doren's Field ahead of the action. And look up billboards and banners up in Raleigh to salute police officers as national police week coverage continues before that week wraps up this weekend. More on those stories and much more when we see you for the news here at 5 o'clock, Barbara and Amber. All right, Lauren, looking forward to that. Thank you.

Well, it's been Bay Week in Durham. People in the Bull City are gathering for a week of events leading up to the annual Bimbe Festival this weekend. Tonight the fund continues with a gathering. Thank you in CCB Plaza on North Corcoran Street. It's a chance to hear local hip-hop artists perform the events free. It kicks off at 7 o'clock tonight. All right. If you're looking for weekend plans in Raleigh, North Carolina's number one industry, agriculture,

will be on full display this weekend. When the got-to-be NC Festival returns to the state fairgrounds in Raleigh, the free event features a daily tractor parade, carnival rides and games, along with classic fair food and music, and much more. Tomorrow it kicks off and runs through Sunday. Coming up next at 4, there is a new report. report card out on student test scores and the news is not good. The alarming decline in testing numbers we're seeing all across the country and how students here in the triangle are doing.