ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - October 12, 2026

Episode Date: October 12, 2026

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Right now at four, recovery efforts stretch from the triangle to the sand hills. Clean up crews spending the afternoon surveying damage and clearing debris after remnants of Hurricane East IEAS impacted Central North Carolina. Several confirmed tornadoes. We have team coverage and new reaction from those impacted by this storm. And flight delays continue this afternoon after the FAA reported a ground stop at RDU, travelers sharing their frustrations with eyewitness news. And two more witnesses take the stand today as the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial enters its third week.

The focus today of the events leading up to the UNC Chapel Hill students' murder. And if you were traveling along I-40 and I-85 today, you may have noticed a large law enforcement presence. We'll have a look at the procession honoring a Durham firefighter killed in the line of duty. I would just use it four starts right now. Right now. Live coverage from your local newsleader, 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. And we begin with travel chaos at RDU Airport.

Nearly 200 flight delays recorded at the airport, and that number is growing by the hour. Thanks for joining us this Monday here for the news at 4. I'm Amber Repenta. And I'm Barbara Gibbs. The FAA says there was a ground stop at RDU for more than an hour today. RDU says it is all because a fiber optic line was cut. This all started around 11 o'clock this morning. Flights have been delayed all afternoon.

Elena, Athens joins us live from the airport now. So Elena, a lot of travelers impacted by this ground stop. What are you hearing from the people there that you spoke with? Yeah, we're still seeing dozens of delays. I want to step out of the shot and give you a live look at this board right now because there's one monitor where all but one of those flights is delayed. There's actually 11 a.m. flight that was delayed until almost 8 o'clock tonight. So people are still working their way and trying to get on board their particular flight.

particular flight and make their way home to wherever that might be after the weekend. I did speak with a carry man right after his flight to Rome, Italy was canceled. He was stressed, says he needs to be across the Atlantic Ocean by tomorrow morning for an important business meeting. It's a mess. We spoke with Bill Hunt after he scrambled to get booked on another international flight and had to figure out transportation to a different airport. They got me on that flight in Charlotte, so I just had to get to it because I couldn't fly from here

to Charlotte. it because everything is canceled. So I had to get a ride, hits a ride down there. Others were delayed at RDU Airport this afternoon because of an FAA ground stop. We spoke with this traveler as he was trying to get back to Cincinnati. It's not what you want, but you know, it's not two hours, it's not three hours, so we'll take it. So there have been more than 190 delays at this particular airport. We live at RDU, Elena, A.A.B.C. 11, eyewitness news. Wow, all right. A lot of frustration there, Elena. Thank you.

New at four, Chopper 11, giving us a closer look at the damage in the northeast area of Raleigh caused by the remnants of Hurricane Isayas. The storm spawning tornadoes, bringing down trees and damaging homes. Yeah, you can see the damage there. The National Weather Service has been out surveying this damage all day in our area. We know there have been at least four confirmed tornadoes in Wake, Chatham, Samson, and Johnston counties. And Governor Josh Stein releasing a statement saying, in part, quote, I am relieved to share that there have been no reported injuries from this weekend storm,

from flood notification sirens to communication systems. Isaias showed the value of continuing to work to make our community safer from future threats. As the cleanup continues, Tamara Scott joins us in Raleigh, speaking with neighbors impacted by the storm. I would just tell everyone if they can to, you know, take heed. And if you do get these alerts, treat them seriously. Garrett says he ignored the first alert, but is glad when he made a move on the second alert that came to his phone Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful, awful sound at the same time. It went from calm to, like they say, a freight train. When he stepped outside, a scene like he had never seen before with trees and debris all over.

Today, cleanup is underway on Blue Blossy Drive. The chainsaws and removal crews are working on clearing the streets and sidewalks. But other homes will take longer. This is inside a man's home who asked not to be on camera. He tells me he was inside, sitting right here when the storm through a tree on his road. roof. He made it out safely with his dog and neighbors like Garrett were back out today helping clear out his yard while they're thankful no one was seriously injured. Unreal. It's unreal. It really opens your eyes to just how strong nature is and how little we are. But I think what's stronger is just seeing the support of people, you know, this all happened around two o'clock. By 20 after two neighbors are walking down the street with saws and you see a lot of trucks coming by and

people just that I've never seen before just digging in and giving a hand and helping out. And I think the community is stronger than the tree. The gentleman I spoke with who was living inside of that home at the time. He's renting. He already talked with his rental company about getting inside of a new home. And again, the most of I've heard from folks, are they just glad that no one was seriously hurt or killed? Tamara, Scott, ABC 11, I would have this news. Tamara, thanks.

Our coverage continues now in the Sandhills. Our crews have been on the ground there as the cleanup efforts continue all around Fayetteville today. is joining us live. She's in the Blanton community right between Bragg Boulevard and Merkison Road. Hi Penelope and I know behind you as we pull back we can see some of those trees and the damage behind you. Hey good afternoon that's right you can see this trail of destruction that was left behind of from the tornado. Look just take a look right here. This massive tree just split in half. The owner who wrote out the storm told me that this tree has been here for more than 200 years. He tells me he's just happy the tree didn't

fall on his home. I'm sitting there just not paying any attention and the TV went off. And then my phone went off and I said, whoa, something crazy about this. Christopher Lejeune says he's never seen anything like this. He's lived in this neighborhood for 23 years. The last time we had anything like this through this area was when Matthew came through. It went back and took and flooded the park and it had water. all the way up to halfway through my yard.

City officials say more than 40 firefighters responded to reports of severe damage around Skybow Road and Bragg Boulevard on Sunday. We're grateful that this incident, while it was a large-scale complex weather response, there were no fatalities and no serious injuries reported. 2,200 PWC customers lost power, but by 5 p.m. Sunday, 95% had it back. Every PWC customer had power restored by this morning. Chopper 11 capture the widespread damage from above. Multiple power poles knocked down and power lines everywhere.

As recovery efforts continue, Lejeune says he's taking it one day at a time. A lot of memories lost, but it's all good. Mother Nature has their ways of retaining what she wants. And recovery efforts are still underway. Coming up in the next hour, we'll show you how strangers are helping. strangers try to get back bounce after the storm. Reporting in Fayetteville on Penelope Lopez, ABC 11. I witness news.

So glad no one was seriously injured. Penelope, thanks. Now take a look at the storm damage at Harnett County here. Chopper 11 was over Rainey Beckway today in the town of Irwin. Several houses damaged, as you can see. Fent is also torn down there and a lot of objects overturned from the high wind. And eyewitness news back in Johnston County. We saw plenty of progress being made in Clayton. Power restored late last night. Those outages affecting traffic signals, businesses, and also homes.

Late this morning, crews reopened Tulip Street, a main road in a neighborhood off of Ence 42 East that saw knock down trees and minor property damage. We spoke with the town's deputy fire chief who explained their response. Met with the local residents, hey, is anybody hurt, anybody damaged. We're looking for power lines down. We were also looking for any gas leaks, anything like that in the immediate area. We had additional resources coming out and as this evolved, it headed this way towards to my right. And so we were doing longer-term damage assessments over there. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries. All right, crews had a very busy Sunday tracking all of the activity, but today what a difference.

Oh, absolutely. We're grateful for the sunshine. And there's a lot of community cleanup going on as a result of yesterday. Thankfully the weather has cooperated. Let's talk about what to expect for the rest of the week because it is thankfully going to be a very quiet week of weather here in central North Carolina, but it's also going to get hot.

And so we're talking for the potential of record temperatures as we go through the middle of the week, particularly Wednesday. That's the day that has my eye to possibly break some records. So we're forecasting 91 in Raleigh on Wednesday. The record high is 86, so we could likely break that. And then by the time we get into the rest of the week, week we're expecting the tipters to stay pretty warm as well Fayetteville could also be near their record live look into rd u obviously we were just telling you about that ground stop right now but you can see from this camera it's a bit breezy out there the camera shaking around we've also got a mostly sunny sky with just a few fair weather clouds out there you'll have a pleasant evening if you're stepping out for a walk tipter staying very warm around 6 p.m near 80 degrees and then dropping into the 70s and eventually the 60s as we get closer to 9 or 10 p.m. With a clear sky overnight we're expecting

Tipters to drop all the way down into the 50s. So it will be a mild start to your morning on Tuesday. And then the afternoon is looking warm just like today was. So we are already near 80 degrees by noon tomorrow. If you like cooler weather, enjoy the morning. Get outside then. It's going to be sunny through the afternoon. That sunshine heats us up all the way into the mid 80s tomorrow.

Raleigh likely being the warmest spot at 87. And then it keeps getting hotter through the middle of the week. We'll talk about a weekend cool down coming up in your seven day forecast. Back to you. Yeah, the up and down continues. All right, Cruz, thank you. Turning now to a somber procession for the Durham firefighter killed in the line of duty last week. 24-year-old Andrew Broke's body was driven from the state medical examiner's office in Raleigh to a funeral home in Burlington. Chopper 11 showing the escort here.

Brookes was killed Thursday after part of a structure collapsed during a building fire in Durham. Durham Fire Truck 5 now has Broke's name on the cabin. According to Durham Fire, a visitation will be held Friday evening from 4 to 7 at Lambs, Chapel. in Burlington, that funeral service will be held the following day at four in the afternoon, and the public is invited to attend. Your voice your vote, looking ahead to the start of early voting. The preparations that are happening now in Wade County Plus, what Durham County election officials want you to know before you cash your ballot?

We're just days away from the start of the state fair. We know a lot of you are excited for the food, so we're getting an early taste of what to expect. All right, it is time for a check of first alert traffic. This is I-40 at Wade Avenue. Just how many cars are out there on the roads right now, but thankfully things are at least moving in both directions at this point. As we had to break, though, here are your traffic hotspots brought to you by West Shore Home. Meet NXA, a luxury bathroom experience engineered for beauty without the upkeep. NXA brings the timeless beauty of natural stone and marble into a new era.

Luxury without compromise. Beauty without the burden. Only available with NXA from West Shore Home. Don't miss out on our fall refresh. offer. We're waiving all insulation costs. Plus, get 36 months, no interest, and no money down. Schedule your free design consultation today. I witness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Now today, four of witness testimony in the murder trial of UNC Chapel Hill student faith hedge path. Today, the state called two witnesses, a sexual assault nurse examiner

and a former Chapel Hill Police Department investigator. Sean Coffey's been in the courtroom for us. all day and Sean's joining us live outside the Durham County Courthouse with the very latest. Sean? Yeah, good afternoon, guys. Well, the state actually just called their third witness of the day. Chapel Hill Police Captain Johnny Britch. He's just beginning her testimony in the last few minutes. But this morning was really all about the focus on faith's injuries, hearing from that expert on sexual assault examination. That expert who works for atrium health was Heather Woleski. She's a sexual assault nurse examiner. who was the state's first witness this morning taking the stand.

The state asked Woleski for her opinion on the autopsy report in photographs compiled by the medical examiner's office. She was not able to provide an opinion on whether a sexual assault actually took place or when DNA evidence found as part of face autopsy could have gotten there in the first place, but also said that there's not always injuries visible following a sexual assault. But your opinion in this case, you can't say as a person, no matter how, expert you are whether or not someone was sexually assaulted. Is that fair? That is fair, correct. And so what I understood your opinion to be is that the absence of injuries also is not

evidence that she was not sexually assaulted. Correct. You can have injuries with a sexual assault and you cannot have injuries and the sexual assault still have occurred and so it is a little bit, we certainly weren't there at the time. So I can't say whether an assault has happened or not, and we do see injuries and consenting patients as well. So I can't make a determination on that. In cross-examination, the defense called into question the procedures followed by medical examiner Lauren Scott during the gathering of DNA swabs and autopsy. They also focused on the timing for DNA evidence gathering, asking Woleski to confirm that she

could not identify whether an assault had taken place or when DNA evidence from a sexual encounter got there. Coming to your opinion in this case, you're not giving an opinion that there was a sexual assault, correct? Correct. Now, after Woleski's testimony, we heard from former Chapel Hill Police Department investigator Brian Walker. Walker specialized specifically on cell phone and computer forensics. They also played part of the interview at the time with Karina Rosario. Of course, that was Faith Hedgepeth's roommate who discovered her the following day in their apartment.

You'll hear more from Walker's testimony as well as the testimony from Johnny Britt, who again just took the stand a few minutes ago coming up later this afternoon on eyewitness news, guys. Back to you. Right. Sean Coffey, thank you for that update. Your voice, your vote. The midterm election is just three weeks away, and early voting begins this week. And the ballot includes major races and three constitutional amendments. Cindy Bay is live in Durham with what voters need to know. Hi, Cindy. Hey, guys. Well, here in Durham, the Durham County Main Library is one of 10. 10 early voting sites opening this Thursday in Durham County. Election officials expect a strong turnout and voters will face a long ballot. Durham County election officials expect a busy election season.

We expect to see elevated numbers based on just general interest, some of the political vitriol right now and engagement. So I think looking at those numbers, looking at 2024, the political environment, we expect to have incredibly enhanced, out. Registered voters should be ready to provide their name and address and present an acceptable photo ID. The ballot includes three constitutional amendments addressing photo ID, state income tax, and property tax, along with a range of races. Durham voter Justin Bell says he's ready to vote after getting the photo ID he needed.

Just trying to actually find people that we can get into the Senate to actually get work done and actually care about the people. And here in Durham, some local church. Churches are also mobilizing to help get voters to the polls, how they're helping will be ahead on eyewitness news at 530 in Durham. Cindy Bay, ABC 11, eyewitness news. We'll see you at 530 with more. Cindy, thank you. Thank you, Cindy.

Well, Iwitness News will continue to follow local and national races leading up to the midterms just three weeks away. You can find everything you need to know before heading to the polls on our website, ABC11.com. All right. Now it's time to get a check of the weather after a very busy news day. And of course, the National Weather Service is assessing the damage on the ground here. Yeah, so they sent out teams today. And so we're waiting to get final survey results. This could take several days, by the way, but I know they're already planning to send out more crews tomorrow.

At least four confirmations right now. Wow. And we're just grateful for a much quieter weather pattern around here going forward. So here's what we have in the cards for this week. It's going to be a warm one. It's going to feel more like summer throughout the week as tipgers heat up well into the 80s. That's above average, but also we could be near records from Wednesday. all the way through Friday as tipters then could be closer to 90 than 80 and then going into next weekend that's when we finally have a fall cool down. So this could be the strongest fall front that we've seen so far this year. That knocks our tipters down into the 60s and we could even see some areas with frost by Sunday morning. For this evening, it is obviously going to be very warm. Great though for outdoor activities. So even if firing up the grill, tipter stay in the 80s for another few hours and then drop into the 70s later this evening. I highly recommend getting outside the huge.

Humidity is low right now due to north winds and that will rise a little bit in the next few days. So enjoy it while it's not hot and humid, even if it's a little warm outside. First alert predictor walks us through tonight. There will be a few clouds passing through at times. Still by the time you wake up tomorrow, it should be sunny. Tipters will be in the mid to upper 50s heading out the door and you get a lot of sunshine in the morning and the afternoon tomorrow. So enjoy that as well. It'll just be a little warmer.

We do at least reach the mid 80s tomorrow and then we'll cool down a little bit for the evening. So if that's too hot for your liking, you can get outside a little later in the day. It's dry. It's sunny. Temperatures are obviously going to be on a bit of a swing. So 50s in the morning, 80s in the afternoon. It's almost like experiencing both seasons in one day. But still, a dry day, it's nice to get outside while it's nice and dry. Obviously, this weekend, it was hard to get outside with the on and off showers that we had and, of course, the weather on Sunday. Tomorrow evening, though, if you're heading out to the Lenovo Center, you have

great weather for that as well. It's going to be warm for that game. Eighty-one degrees heading into Lenovo and coming out of the Lenovo center, we will be in the 70s. Fast forward to the middle of the week. We'll have an area of high pressure right over our head. This is going to keep tipters very warm. So again, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, those could all be near records. We get a fall front that moves in Friday night and into Saturday. And so we're going to see a blast of cooler air, and this could stick around through the weekend. So we're talking a big tipter swing here, 91 on Wednesday. Again, that could be a record high. The normal high is 74. And then we go all the way down into the 40s by Sunday morning. That temperature change about 50 degrees. And of course, we could see some areas of frost on Sunday as well. So I don't think an area like the triangle sees that, but outlying areas, some sandy soils that cool down quicker. I think those areas have a chance of seeing frost on Sunday morning. Here it is. Your first alert, ACUweather 7-day forecast. Lots of 80s and even some 90s in the mix. Thursday, the start of the state fair.

You can see it is not going to feel much like fair weather. Tipters are going to be closer to 90 than 80. And then if you like cooler weather, of course, we have the weekend forecast to look forward to. Tipters then should be in the 60s and even low 70s possible by the time we get into early next week. So a big change in the forecast, but overall, a pretty decent 70 forecast. Look, a little more cameras. Speaking of big, that's what I was taking a video of. I can see it out of the way a tiny bit.

I can see it in my peripherals. A nice little, a little visitor for eyewitness news. Okay, but what a beautiful sky he's enjoying out there. Wow. All right. We were listening to you. That was very distracting. Very distracting, Cruz.

Thank you. State leaders are warning about online scams targeting millions of people right here in North Carolina. What you need to know as this month marked Cybersecurity Awareness Month. And the push to reduce deadly crashes all across. across the state. We have new details on the safety operation that's underway right now. And a reminder, you can find I Witness News live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. Time now for some news you can use. First, targeting dangerous driving across North Carolina. Operation crash reduction is now underway. State officials will increase patrols to help reduce crashes,

urging drivers to slow down, wear their seatbelts and eliminate distractions while driving. Officials say October historically sees higher rates of serious or deadly crashes compared to other months. In 2025, there were 144 deadly crashes across the state in October alone. The statewide campaign runs through Sunday, October the 18th. New at four, Governor Stein officially declares October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in North Carolina. Steyn is encouraging people to prioritize online safety and protect themselves from online threats and scams. A recent FBI report shows North Carolanians lost more than $431 million to internet crimes in 2025. That is a major increase from the year before.

The State Department of IT says it's working to expand defenses against cybersecurity threats. Americans are losing confidence in the safety of their food. A new Gallup poll finds just 65 percent believe food sold at most grocery stores is safe to eat. That is the lowest level ever recorded, down from 81 percent in 2019. and the federal government's ability to keep food safe has also hit a record low of 47%. In the meantime, nearly three quarters of Americans say they've avoided certain foods because of recalls or safety warnings. And that's news you can use. Amber back to you. All right, Barbara New here at 4. The countdown is now on to the North Carolina State Fair. We're just three days away now. And today it was all about the food. Several vendors showing off their new menu items today from new savory foods to desserts and beverages.

IWitness News was there for the first taste of what fairgoers can expect this year. State fair officials say there are dozens of new food items to choose from. Best time of the year. It's October. This Thursday at noon, we opened the 26th, North Carolina State Fair. We're ready to go. We're ready to welcome large crowds. We're here today sampling some of our great new foods. We've got over 80 new foods this year. It's going to be fantastic. Tomorrow officials will conduct the ride inspections ahead of opening day. The state fair runs Thursday through Sunday, October 25th. Always looks so good.

The food is such a huge draw. It is indeed. All right. Next and four, many communities still cleaning up from yesterday's storms. The IT troubleshooters looking into the impact for homeowners and the next steps you should take after assessing the damage. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. New at four, as homeowners clean up from the storm yesterday, contractors have already hit the streets ready to fix the damage.

But you need to protect your money. Troubleshooter Diane Wilson is in Raleigh with more. After a storm that causes this much damage, it brings out the contractors. But the key is to do your research before you hire anyone. From trees down to damaged homes, there's a lot of work to be done. Try to get three quotes if you possibly can. And don't make any rash decisions. I know unfortunately, you know, when property is damaged, it can be really heartbreaking and really difficult to have a clear head. But when you're trying to give someone thousands of dollars to fix your house, you want to make sure that it's someone who's legitimate.

Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau says, look at reviews from past customers and do a Google search to see what others are saying about their experience. Also as the company you hire for proof of insurance. Remember, any contract over $40,000 in North Carolina must be done by a licensed contractor. Before any work starts, get everything in writing and never pay in full up front. Unfortunately, when natural disasters do occur, fly-by-night contractors oftentimes will come in from other areas and say, oh, you know, I'd love to do this at a reduced price, or I'm helping your neighbor down the road and I can cut you a deal. And if you can pay by credit card, that even offers you more protection. I'm troubleshooter Diane Wilson, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Good tips, Diane. Thank you.

Now to some other headlines in your speed feed this Monday. Today, Durham leaders addressing the rising cost of child care. County commissioners are set to formally establish an early childhood task force and approve its members. The group will analyze the ability and cost of care for children as well as any barriers affecting families and the impacts of improving access. Tonight's meeting begins at 7 o'clock. New this hour, there is a new program in Wake County aimed at helping homeowners rebuild and make major repairs. resilient homes program will provide income qualified residents with financial assistance for repairs of up to $35,000. Officials say the program is part of the county's efforts to create and preserve affordable housing. Applications are now available online and you can learn more right on the county's website.

Happening this week, tickets will be available for Pullen Parks Holiday Express. It's so popular. Tickets go on sale Thursday morning at 9 via Ticketmaster only. They do often sell out within a matter of. of hours. Tickets are $21 a piece plus tax and fees. The dates for this year's Holiday Express are Tuesday, December 1st through Thursday, December 17th from 5 p.m. through 9.30 p.m. We continue to count down to our annual ABC 11 together food drivers celebrating a milestone 40 years of helping our neighbors in need. And we are also highlighting other ways the community is stepping up to help. That includes the Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the North Carolina

state fair. It's coming up on Thursday, October 22nd. If you donate six cans of food that day, you'll get into the fair for free while also making a difference all across the state. We often like to think of hunger as an issue that affects someone else, somewhere else, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. We know that hunger is an incredible issue right here in the place that we call home across the state of North Carolina. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina tells us that the need that they're serving today is even greater than at the height of COVID-19. And so it's no time like the present to come together and make this difference.

And if you can't make it out for Hunger Relief Day, we invite you to join us for the ABC 11 together food driving kicks off November 18th. Now to the personal journey of a member of the ABC 11 Disney family and a long-time anchor at our sister station, WABC in New York, Bill Ritter. For decades, he told other people's stories and today he's telling his own. Ritter stepped away from the anchor desk in June after sharing his early stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. But he's still reporting. In his series, Living with Alzheimer's, Ritter chronicles his experience with the disease while helping others to navigate the questions and resources available for patients and caregivers. I spoke with Bill about his health, his work, and his new mission.

There were so many people who came out and said, we want to hear this guy. We want to know about what's happening. We don't want to be in the closet either anymore. We need to talk about this. So our bosses said we have got to understand that what we have created is bigger than any of us, and we've got to hold on to it and do it. And so it's been really wonderful. I don't want to cry because it's something I have never done.

I've done so many big news stories. Nothing different, nothing like this, nothing like this ever. But it is my job to now to really say, hey, people, talk to people about this. Try to get to your doctors quickly. And you can look for more Alzheimer's resources right now on ABC11.com. And we hope you'll join us next Saturday, October 24th, where the Alzheimer's Association's walk to end Alzheimer's. It's happening at Fayetteville's Segris Stadium. Monday night, football returns here to ABC 11 tonight.

Coming up here at 430 next, we're hearing from one-star player making a difference for young people off the field. And as we count down to the midterm elections, the economy remains a major concern among voters, how the cost of living could impact decisions at the polls. The final report on inflation ahead of the midterms comes out on Wednesday, but economists say Americans are already feeling squeezed in their cost of living. ABC's Raina Roy reports from New York. Among those finding it hard to keep up with the rising cost of just about everything is 79-year-old retiree Thelma Jewel. It makes me angry because I realize there's people out there with a family, and I don't even know how they're surviving. Her main struggle with winter coming on is home heating oil.

It's estimated those who use oil to heat their homes will be paying $460 more this winter compared to last year, according to Moody's analytics. And that's just one of many costs American families are struggling with. Moody's also finds the average U.S. household is paying about $230 more per month on the same goods and services compared to a year ago. Almost $600 more a month than three years ago. And compared to 2021, it's almost $30. $1,400 a month more. Democratic Senator of Connecticut, Chris Murphy, telling CBS, we are in the middle of a war that is a disaster for the American people. I mean, people can't afford food. They can't afford to fill their gas tank. Farms are going bankrupt. Even some

Republicans like Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer saying things are rough. I would say this on that. $4 gas, $6 diesel, entirely unacceptable. We, we Republicans agree on that, but it's not enough to vote for communists. As for Thelma Jewell, I think we have a very greedy government. I have been a Republican all my life. This year, I will be voting independent. Wednesday's inflation report is expected to show a rise of 3.7% in September due to high oil and gas prices. Rina Roy, ABC News, New York. And remember, you can use the ABC price tracker to find out just how much basic necessities are costing you every month from gas prices.

A grocery is go to ABC11.com and search for ABC Price Tracker. Now to the excitement building for one of the most anticipated Monday night football matchups of the season for a lot of folks. It's the Rams hosting the bills. One of the key players in Buffalo's high-powered offense is tackle Dion Dawkins. ESPN's Michelle Beisner Buck sat down with Dawkins and he talked about turning the lowest point in his life when he was arrested in college for alleged assault into a motivation tool. It's just a shirt. It's my mugshot photo.

That's something that I look at every day. And you learn from your lessons and sometimes you learn from your mistakes. I'm just one of those ones that made it out. You know, so I relate and I see y'all. I see y'all for what it is. Like, I get it. And I'm trying at my best to do whatever I can to help in any way. Dawkins was never convicted of a crime.

He says the T-shirt hangs inside of his locker as motivation. The message printed on that shirt says, quote, never let past mistakes crush your future success. And Dawkins now volunteers for an organization that provides assistance to young adults who were either incarcerated or just need extra support. And you can watch Dionne Dawkins in action right here on ABC 11 tonight as the Bills and the Rams face off in LA for Monday night football kickoff is at 815 followed by eyewitness news here at 11. And ABC 11 is also going home for the top college football matchups. It kicks off this Saturday at noon with Florida taking on number seven Texas at 3.30. Number six, Alabama heads to number 14, Tennessee for a southeastern conference showdown.

Then it's game of the week at 7.30, a battle of unbeatens. Number two, Notre Dame versus number eight, BYU. It's all right here on ABC 11 this Saturday. And the Stanley Cup champs off to a hot start after two big wins over the weekend. More on the Carolina Hurricanes winning streak as they defend the Stanley Cup. ABC 11 first alert weather on eyewitness news every day. Right now and for the Carolina Hurricanes celebrating a big, victory over the weekend. Extending their winning streak now to five. The reigning Stanley Cup

champs defeated Chicago and Philadelphia over the weekend and they did it without their captain Jordan Stahl who was ruled out with a lower body injury. The canes are back on home ice tomorrow night and we will have coverage of the game here on Iwoodis News. Now today's uptrending stories and real news. First leaf peepers are taking over Vermont as the fall colors bring out the crowds. Many people are flocking to stow to catch a glimpse of the autumn foliage. The Town is now dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic and parking shortages. Local businesses say peak foliage is their busiest time and this year, the crowds are even bigger than usual, they say. Visitors say catching a glimpse of this year's particularly vibrant colors makes the traffic

headaches worth it. The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon took over the city's streets over the weekend with an estimated 55,000 runners from all over the world. According to organizers, more than 1.7 million people lined Chicago streets to cheer the runners along. A man from Kenya was the first place finisher for the marathon running 26.2 miles in two hours and one minute. The runners represented all 50 states and 130 countries. All right, they take pumpkins seriously in California's Bay Area. There's a week long of festivities leading up to the championship at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival today. Contestants weighed in, and this is the entry from last year's champ Brandon Dawson.

Pumpkin came in at more than 2,300 pounds, just short of the world record set three years ago at 2,749 pounds at the same festival. Whoever submits the most gigantic gourd will receive a cash prize of $9 per pound. And that is real news, Amber back to you. That's a big in. That is a big one. All right. Let's get a check now of the weather. Cruz Medina has had a very busy 24 hours tracking all of those watches and warnings that came through.

but what a difference a day makes beautiful sunshine out there now on this Monday, Cruz. Yeah, that is correct. So we're in a sunny stretch right now. It is going to be warmer as we go forward. So mid-80s expected by Tuesday. Wednesday, we could be near record highs right around 91. And then by Thursday, still in the upper half of the 80s. So thankfully, it is a quiet and dry stretch, but also a very warm one. These temperatures are likely to be much above average for the next five days. For this evening, walking the dog, tipgers will be in the 80s. for another hour or two, then we fall into the 70s, eventually 60s as we get closer to

nine or 10, and then by tomorrow morning, we should be in the 50s. So it's going to be a chilly start to your day tomorrow. You get abundant sunshine. It'll be a little warmer than today during the afternoon hours. Reaching the mid 80s by about 3 p.m. That should be our highs for the day, 85 to about 87 across central North Carolina. Lots of dry time for tomorrow, and that will continue throughout much of the week. So Thursday is the start of the state fair. That's not, necessarily fair weather. 89 degrees, that feels more like the middle of summer. Friday, the same thing.

And then this weekend, that's when we get the fall cool down. Tipters will be in the mid-60s. We could even have some areas of frost outside of metro areas going into Sunday morning. Temperatures then could be in the 30s for many communities. All right, Steve and Lauren, join us now with what's coming up at 5 o'clock. Hey guys.

Hello, Cruz. New at 5 o'clock, teenagers in Raleigh, have their chance to tell the city council what they think about a youth curfew before the council takes a vote on the issue. That discussion comes after Thousands of young people filled the Briar Creek in Glenwood South areas on the 4th of July, resulting in those six separate shootings.

This public hearing for the kids begins at 5 o'clock and will take you there live. Homeowners and renters all around the area sizing up the damage after yesterday's storm. Troubtschewder Diane Wilson shows us what to do before getting damage fixed and what to do if you ever find yourself with storm damage. Also coming up, actress Selma Blair was arrested after police say she had an altercation with the flight attendants. On a Delta Airlines flight going from Los Angeles to New York City, you'll see what her people are saying about that tonight. Yeah, and we're looking ahead to the November elections and bringing you details about a bond referendum in Wake County for the school district valued at $680 million. It includes a property tax increase.

Yeah, we'll see you for the news of five here in just a few minutes. Barbara and Amber. All right, sounds good. See you then. Thank you. Well, the Justice Department today searches the Washington, D.C. home of a sitting congresswoman Democrat Ilhan Omar. A spokesperson for the department says it's part of an ongoing criminal investigation and it comes as the Minnesota representative is up for reelection.

She's Olivia Rubin reports from the White House. Federal agents today searching the Washington, D.C. area home of sitting congresswoman Elon Omar, seem carrying out boxes. The Department of Justice saying it's a criminal investigation. I mean, a criminal are the people running around hijacking and killing people. It's not someone that's quietly in their home like this. Sources say the investigation is related to her immigration paperwork. The Democratic Congresswoman is a Somali immigrant and a natural. U.S. citizen elected in 2018.

She's also a frequent political target of President Trump, who said this just 36 hours earlier. What they've done to Minnesota, these people from Somalia, what they've done to Minnesota, should never be allowed. And let's see what happens. J.D. Vance and our people are looking at it very strongly. President Trump posting earlier this year, Omar, quote, should be in jail and should, quote, be investigated.

Days later, he followed up, writing, quote, the DOJ and Congress are looking at her. Omar denouncing the search today as a quote, attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement, adding, I will not be silenced. The Justice Department in a statement saying they executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice. But the move would appear to go against a longstanding Justice Department practice

known as the 60-day rule. Advising prosecutors not to take certain steps within 60-day. days of an election. Early voting in Minnesota starts this week. And with that clock, counting down to the midterm elections, President Trump out on the campaign trail, rallying in traditionally red states like Montana and Alaska, as polls show Republicans facing headwinds in November. Tonight, he's in Ohio, a state he carried by 11 points in 2024, but Democrats now see as competitive. And now one new poll showing Democrats are essentially tied with Republicans in four states, President Trump won every single time he was on the ballot.

At the White House, Olivia Rubin, ABC News. Well, this could be your lucky day. The Powerball jackpots surpassing half a billion dollars. A prize now sitting at $538 million ahead of tonight's big drawing. That is a cash value of $220.6 million. You can see the winning numbers tonight on eyewitness news at 11. Coming up next, the update from the Vatican. What we're learning about Pope Leo's health status as he prepares for surgery this week. Thank you.