ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - October 8, 2026

Episode Date: October 8, 2026

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Coming up on eyewitness News at 4, IWitness who's working to learn more about a Durham firefighter killed while battling an early morning blaze. I'm going to start off by saying how hard of a day this is, obviously to the whole city, but especially Durham Fire Department family. What we know about the building collapse that led to the firefighter's death,

plus how city leaders are paying tribute, all new this afternoon. Plus, eyewitness news keeping you up to date on another top story. More witnesses taking the stand today in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial. The insight they are sharing about the UNC students' death.

North Carolina reporting its first flu death of the season. What we're learning about an uptick in flu and cold cases in our area, how you can protect yourself. 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 11I Witness News. Thank you for joining us for the news at 4. I'm Barbara Gibbs. And I'm Amber Repenta.

And right now at Ford, take a look at this. We are tracking the path of East Aeas, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season. This storm is gaining strength right now as it takes aim at the Gulf Coast, as you can see. Multiple states have now declared state of emergencies as people stock up on food, gas, and sandbags ahead of the storm. Yeah, and the Gulf Coast isn't the only place bracing for impact. The hurricane is expected to bring significant rainfall to Central North Carolina this weekend. We could see at least one to two inches in our area between Saturday and Sunday. It's got a chief meteorologist Don Schwinaker in the First Alert Forecast Center with an update tracking it all. Hey, Don.

And good evening to you. Let's take a look. We're waiting on the 5 o'clock update. As of 2 o'clock, maximum sustained winds. Up to 85 miles an hour, gusts going to 105 moving east-northeast at 10 miles per hour. So that brings it landfall sometime tomorrow night as we get into Friday evening. And this is really looking like Western panhandle of Florida, possibly the eastern tip of Mississippi. But we'll keep an eye on that. And then as we watch it through the weekend, it will travel well west of us, but it will drag a lot of moisture into our region. It will help the droughts a little bit. Look at the rain chances.

If you're wondering when it's going to rain, we start to see those rain chances ramping up on Saturday, especially our south and western counties. But really, the best chance for rain is Saturday night into Sunday morning. And then the rain showers will move out as we head toward Monday. Here's your first alert predictor forecast model. you'll notice by tomorrow night, 6 o'clock times on the title there. We're seeing just clouds work through. But as we get into Saturday by 4 o'clock, the rain is starting to spread across the region, and the heaviest rain will work through into Sunday morning.

Notice there's two different areas. Heavier toward the east coast is bright yellow. Heavier here, it's almost like a field goal, and then right in the middle, that's where the lowest amounts will be. And so the storm prediction center has actually lowered some of the amounts, especially over the north and western counties. they've up the amounts just bit. But again, this thing could wobble either way,

and that would shift the heavier rain west or keep the drier area east. This far out, this is what it's looking like right now. We'll keep an eye on it over the next couple of days. Right now in Durham, live look under a blue sky, 85 degrees, as we head out tonight maybe to walk the pups. Temperatures will be running in the 80s, dropping through the 70s. By the time we go on for ABC 11 or 11, we're down to 69 degrees.

We'll talk more about this warm day. the cooler air headed in and of course that all important seven day forecast coming up in just a bit and now is a good time to download the ABC 11 mobile app we'll send all the weather headlines directly to your devices not only can you check out our seven day forecast at any time but you can also keep up with the track of east a yes all right don thank you and we continue to follow breaking news a durm firefighter killed while battling in a fire early this morning we are expecting to learn more information about that firefighter at any moment. All right, let's get you caught up though first on what we know right now.

This is a story we've been following since about 3.30 this morning when the fire started at a multi-story building on Marley Drive. Chopper 11 showing you the charred remains and the collapsed roof of the building. We're told multiple firefighters were on the roof and inside the first floor during the collapse and that's when one of the firefighters was killed and two others were injured. Those firefighters, the two of them that were injured were treated and released from Duke hospital. Our crew was there as the firefighters brought the body of the deceased firefighter and loaded the body onto an ambulance and that body was taken to the medical examiner's office.

Cars stopping along the road to pay their respects to the fallen firefighter. This afternoon, we have team coverage. Our Lauren Johnson is in the breaking news center with new reaction from Durham City leaders. But first, let's go to Cindy Bay, live in Durham Forest. Cindy, I know you've been covering this for us all day. A lot of questions remained about the firefighter who was killed what led to the fire. I know we're supposed to get an update. We're still waiting for that. Yeah, that's right, Barbara.

We're still working to learn the identity of the firefighter who died this morning. We know that two other firefighters who were injured were treated and released from the hospital. We actually saw one of them come back to the scene walking on crutches. We're also seeing some of the fire trucks that were part of the procession come back here.

It's unclear exactly. what they're here for, but the crime scene tape is still blocked off. Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos just called it an extremely difficult day for the department. One firefighter is dead after responding to an early morning fire Thursday on Marley Drive in Durham. The structures at two, sorry, multi-story commercial building that appears to be used as a residence as well. Firefighters made entry into the building and immediately started to battle the, battle the blaze and to ensure that all of the residents were out. Firefighters responded around 315 this morning. Officials say heavy smoke and flames were coming from the building. Multiple firefighters were inside and on the roof when a part of the

roof collapsed. Several firefighters were on the first floor were trapped by that collapse and maydays were sounded. As a result, one of our firefighters was killed in the line of duty while trying to save others. Multiple agencies helped lead a procession for the fallen firefighter from Durham to Raleigh for the state medical examiner. The SBI is leading the investigation. Now what you're looking at is that damaged roof that firefighters responded to early this morning. The buildings in this area are primarily auto body and paint shops. That building in particular is a multi-story commercial building that was also residential. We're told that the occupants that were in there were evacuated before firefighters arrived. So no of none of the occupants were injured.

But we're continuing to reach out to people in this area to learn more about what happened, especially trying to figure out the identity of that firefighter in Durham City, Bay. ABC 11, IWitness News. And a lot of people are keeping that firefighter's family in their prayers tonight. Cindy, thank you. I'm Lauren Johnson in the Breaking News Center following the reaction pouring in for this fallen firefighters, so many heavy hearts today. Let's begin with Durham City Council where a moment of silence was held.

Folks were open to it. I would like to actually have a moment of silence at this time for that firefighter and their family and for the fire department and everyone in our emergency services realm. I know that it has been a trying day for them. That moment of silence came after Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson delivered remarks and offered condolences to that fallen firefighter and his loved ones. Ferguson says he met with the family this morning and thanks everyone who has offered their support. This is an extremely dark day for the Durham Fire Department, but I am also extremely proud to have seen the professionalism and the dedication to duty that I witnessed all morning on scene. So thank you, Madam Mayor for time. And the Durham Sheriff's Office expressing their sympathy, saying they quote, stand shoulder to shoulder with you in solemn remembrance during this heartbreaking time.

Are John Dowding also following this breaking story? Here's more on what he'll have in the hours ahead. It's been years since we've seen a tragedy of this skill, a firefighter, losing his life in the line of duty. I'm John Dowding here from the ABC 11I team. Tonight we are digging into the details about exactly what happened here, including looking at building records for where that fire took place earlier today, as well as looking at the owners of the property and also looking more into what could have gone wrong here and learning more about the firefighter who lost his life. We'll have an update here coming up at 5.

All right, John, thank you, and we'll be sure to keep you updated with any new information as we get it. here on eyewitness news. Barbara and Amber. Lauren, thank you. We're also following breaking news in Durham. Several people were rushed to the hospital after a crash that resulted in a car hitting a tree. Chopper 11 over the wreck on Alston Avenue. That's not far from NC Central University.

Details are limited, but we're hearing a number of juveniles may have been inside the car. We will be sure to bring you any updates as we get them both on air and online. And another breaking story in Durham, Chopper 11 over police activity restricting access to Riverside High School At this time, it's not clear what prompted the police response.

We're seeing a number of cars here in the area, but not much more to go on. I Witness News has reached out to Durham Public Schools. We've not heard back yet. But again, if we get more information, we will bring it to you again. Police activity at Riverside High School in Durham blocking off access. More information on this breaking news as we get it. And right now, at four string of witnesses taking the stand today on day two of testimony in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial. The day started with Faith's roommate, Corinna Rosario, back on the stand, followed by a former friend and a security officer.

The jury also heard the 911 called Maid after Faith's body was discovered. Let's go to Akela Davis. She has been following this since the beginning. And Akela, walk us through what you've heard in court today. Well, I'll say that Faith Hatchett's parents, her sister, her brother, her nieces, plenty of loved ones in the courtroom today. Really an emotional day for her family, as they heard from. several witnesses since about 930 this morning. I want to talk about what's happening inside the courtroom and how the day started.

The defense began cross-examining Faith Hedgepest roommate, Harena Rosario. Yesterday, the defense attorney said evidence in this case had been mishandled. Today, they asked Rosario about the bloodstained investigators found on the bathroom doorframe. She said investigators first asked her about it in 2021. That's years after Faith was killed. They also asked about a red stain on the tube top Rosario wore to club thrill that night. Rosario says she couldn't accurately recall many of the details from that day. It's been 14 years. So if you're asking me a question and you're saying, do you today remember this?

I can't say with 100% certainty, I remember a lot of stuff just because it's been so long. All right. Mr. Dia, D.A. is... from today included a man who had a romantic relationship with faith, a security guard who worked at the door at club, thrill, that nightclub, and the 911 operator who took Rosario's call the morning she found Faith in the apartment. We also heard from Jordan McCrary. That's the UNC Chapel Hill soccer player who picked Rosario up the morning Faith was killed. He noticed blood on her hand when she got in the car. I just like pulled in for her to get in. Okay. What happened after she got in the car. After she got in the car, we just drove out, he drove off, and within

like a few seconds, we're just like talking and whatnot. And I had, uh, saw her kind of like playing with her hand. And then she had said that she doesn't know why there's blood on her finger. Now, a forensic evidence technician who was working with the Chapel Hill Police Department at the time just took the stand. I'm stepping back inside. I'll have. more ahead for you on eyewitness news at 5. Reporting live in Durham, I'm Akela Davis, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, we'll see you with more at 5. Akela, thanks.

New at 4, a Johnston County man pleads guilty in the killing of a young boy. According to the Johnston County District Attorney's Office, Tyrone Washington pled guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter in the death of a 12-year-old boy. Officials say last November, Clayton Police responded to a call about a fight involving weapons at an apartment complex on Commodore Street. Police say Washington was handling the gun when it went off killing Kiraill Stewart. Washington will spend between six and eight years behind bars. Still ahead on IWitness News at four just weeks before Election Day, Republican North Carolina Senate nominee Michael Watley's campaign temporarily

pulls all of its TV ads. What his campaign is saying about the move is ahead. And the first hurricane of the Atlantic season forming how people in the Gulf are preparing for Hurricane East IEAS. And we're taking a live look at I-87 and Hodge. And you can see traffic really backing up there on the inbound side so watch out for that as we head to break here your traffic hotspots brought to you by west shore home meet nexa a luxury bathroom experience engineered for beauty without the upkeep next that brings the timeless beauty of natural stone and marble into a new era luxury without compromise beauty without the burden only available with nexa from west shore home don't miss out on our fall refresh offer we're waving

all insulation costs. Plus, get 36 months, no interest, and no money down. Schedule your free design consultation today. Eye witness news. We are Local News weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Now to some local headlines in your speed feed this Thursday first. The state health department today announcing the first flu death of the season. An adult in the central part of North Carolina died due to complications of the flu during the first week of October to protect the privacy of the family, no additional information will be released. During last year's respiratory virus season, North Carolina reported 335 flu-related deaths, including 10 pediatric deaths. A judge today signed off on a partial settlement reached in the civil lawsuit over the Headingham mass shooting in

Raleigh. Five people were killed in the shooting rampage in 2022. Court documents filed last week, asked a Wake County judge to approve confidential settlements involving some parties, including the Headingham Community Association and the Capitol Special Police, a private security company. Terms of the settlement were not released. Convicted shooter Austin Thompson was 15 at the time of the mass shooting. A suit involving the victim's families is still active against the Thompson family and Austin Thompson himself. A January trial date is still on the books. Today marks one year since three E.E. Smith High School students were killed in a crash in Fayetteville. And tonight the community will remember Trevor Merritt, Nicola,

Williams and Jayhan Elliott with a candlelight vigil and walk. It will be at Lafayette Memorial Park and then it will end at the crash site on Rose Hill Road. Police say the driver, Diamond Monroe hit 92 miles an hour while taking the teens to her brother's birthday dinner. They say she was racing her sister when she lost control. Monroe is charged with three counts of an involuntary manslaughter. We'll have live coverage from that vigil coming up here on eyewitness news at 5. Well, with the midterms just weeks away, North Carolina's closely watched Senate race as getting quieter on television. Republican candidate Michael Watley is temporarily suspending his ads. His campaign says it's still confident about a win on Election Day.

That's despite Democrat opponent Roy Cooper dominating recent polls. Just yesterday, we told you Democrats are feeling confident enough to pull ad funding from the race as Cooper maintains his lead. Well, there are now just 26 days to go until Election Day, and here's some important dates to keep in mind. Tomorrow, October 9th is the last day to register to vote in person. Early voting gets underway a week from today on October the 15th on Thursday, and it runs through Halloween. October 20th is the last day to request an absentee ballot, and election day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls in North Carolina are open from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Now it for today marks 10 years since Hurricane Matthew made landfall in South Carolina.

The storm brought devastating flooding, strong winds and record storm surge to the Carolinas. Matthew caused an estimated $4.8 billion in damage in North Carolina alone. Thousands of structures were damaged, roads destroyed, and very sadly, 25 people lost their life. It was the most powerful storm of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season. Well, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season gaining strength right now as it takes aim at the Gulf Coast. It's been named Hurricane Isayas, and millions are preparing for its particular. potential landfall as a category one storm on Friday evening. ABC's Leslie Lopez is in Biloxi, Mississippi. We just moved from Biloxi, Mississippi, down here to Mobile, Alabama. You can see

that the wind is starting to pick up. We're looking off into the distance, still really the calm before the storm, but this is going to change. We know that we're likely going to see a category one hurricane make landfall anywhere from Mobile to Pensacola, 75 mile per wind's, 10 inches of rainfall, and there are preparations being made right now. We did speak to several people earlier today. I own sweetwater property maintenance, but my guys, we're not charging our customers anything. We're going out and we're filling out, filling up sandbags and just trying to help our local community. And in addition to that, we also spoke to an official saying that they are getting preparations in order for any type of shelters and they are pre-positioned to mobilize

even more should they need to. Now, we are waiting till the storm arrives likely Friday evening, so we will keep you updated as that system begins to roll through this area. All right, Barbara, they're in Mobile. They are in Mobile. And yeah, it's one of those things that people on the Gulf Coast expect. But you never know. We always say it takes one bad one to make the season bad. It really does.

And storm surge is always a problem down on the Gulf. So even though this is a cat too, and I know there are people could arrive as a cat too, I know there are people in Gulf Shores and Bayoula Batry who are going to go, that's not that big. But it still could cause some damage. And it's definitely going to bring rain to us. I'll show you the latest on it right now. Live look at our first alert tropical update.

You can see the 2 p.m. update showed maximum sustained winds at 85, but gusts up into the cat 2 variety. And that's going to strengthen, still strengthen over the next couple of days. You'll notice by Friday night, 8 p.m. It's making landfall somewhere in East Mississippi, Alabama, or western Florida. And then it works its way up the mountains and brings us some rain Saturday night into Sunday. Here's the latest satellite radar out of there. Lots of rain from central Florida working off the coast. It's dragging all of this moisture up into the panhandle.

And eventually this will work its way into our region as we head into Sunday. Now, we're not seeing anything on radar tonight. We are dry, live lookout at RDU 85, partly cloudy and winds are light. And tonight we'll see those temperatures staying in the upper 50s. Little warmer than last night. We'll see the high clouds working through 53 tonight in Roxburgh, 61 and Clinton's 61 in Smithfield. Then tomorrow those clouds will limit the sunshine.

Plus we have a weak front to work through. It doesn't have any moisture with it. But instead of being in the 80s, tomorrow we're in the 70s. 78, Raleigh, 78, Durham, 79 in Fayetteville. Your first alert, seven-day forecast, powered by ACUweather. Saturday, late-day showers possible. Looking after four, five, six o'clock, heaviest rain Saturday night into Sunday morning. We could have some thunderstorms.

Sunday afternoon, we start to dry out. 77. At this point, I've taken the rain out for Monday. I think if we see any rain it'll be before sunrise and then we're drying out through the day on Monday, Tuesday, mostly sunny 85, and then another week front works through. Cooling is 76 and oh my on Thursday, first time we've used the State Fair logo there. We kick off the North Carolina State Fair. Yeah, the weather's going to be great and sure it's going to be nice. I can't wait to try all the food. I know. That's the best part, isn't it? My favorite time of year. Great weather. Thank you so much. Here 4 o'clock, we are looking ahead to the 40th annual ABC 11 Together Food Drive.

And today we're highlighting all the people who've helped us make a big difference over the past four decades, including a group of students at one Durham High School. And a reminder, you can find IWitness News live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. Right now at four, more than a million people in North Carolina struggle to put food on the table. In our region alone, one in seven neighbors are unsure where their next meal might come from. But there's a way you can help. ABC 11 Together Food Drive kicks off in just a few weeks now. Steve Daniels is here with more on some of the people right here in the community who've really helped to make a difference.

That's right. Hi, Barbara and Amber, we are counting down to the 40th annual ABC 11 Together Food Drive and we're celebrating the people who have made a big difference over the years, including an amazing effort 15 years ago by the students of the North Carolina School of Science and Math and Durham when they set a world record with their food drive, a record that still stands in the Guinness World Records today. Ryan O'Donnell was one of the student leaders who helped set that record for the largest 24-hour food drive at a single location, nearly 560,000 pounds of food. All the students that they really care about making a difference.

And we had all gotten together, we want to do it. One thing that NCSSM is all about is accepting the greater challenge. So if you're going to do a food drive, we're going to go all out and really do it as big as we possibly can. And as you may know, the donations from our food drive go to our great partner. over at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. All right, coming up here at 5 o'clock, you'll see the record the students wanted to set before changing their mind to the Food Drive record.

The people at Guinness said, no, we're not going to let you do that category. So then they decided to change to a food drive. It'll give you a laugh. It's a fun one. I'll have that for you in about an hour. Yeah, we couldn't do without all our partners. That's right, absolutely. Amazing community-wide effort. And we count on all of you as well to pitch in and help with the food drive.

Coming up, no, no doubt. Thank you, see you. Yeah. All right, our ABC 11 Together Food Drive kicks off November the 18th. The goal is to raise 1.4 million meals. You can learn more ways about how you can donate on our website, ABC11.com. Still ahead here at 4 o'clock, the push for relief at the pump. We're taking a closer look at how the potential gas tax suspension could help drivers.

And we continue to follow the big breaking news of the day out of Durham. A firefighter killed while battling a structure fire early this morning. The latest details in that investigation when we return. local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. And we continue to follow breaking news today. The latest on a fatal fire that killed a Durham firefighter. One firefighter dead, two others injured, treated and released from the hospital. The FBI now investigating. Firefighters responded to an early morning fire on Marley Drive around 3.30 in the morning with heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Multiple firefighters were inside and on the roof of that building when the

roof partially collapsed, trapping a firefighter below. The fallen firefighters' body saluted as it was draped with an American flag loaded into an ambulance, and then a procession then followed from Durham to Raleigh all the way to the state medical examiner's office. Two other firefighters were also injured in this. They were treated and released from the hospital. One was seen walking on crutches with a cast on their leg later this afternoon. ABC 11 confirming that that person with the cast was one of the firefighters, in fact, injured this fire and any moment now officials are expected to release the identity of the fallen firefighter. We'll be sure to update you just as soon as we learn more information here on

eyewitness news. It is rare for first responder to die in the line of duty like this. Here's what we found looking back in our archives. In Durham County in 1970, Assistant Durham Fire Chief Ernest Wilkie died of smoke inhalation while performing a search at a working house fire. Then in 1978, Gary Fletcher died from injuries he suffered while fighting a house fire. He was a public safety officer at the time. In 1996, Bahama firefighter Richard Dorsey was killed during Hurricane Fran when a tree fell on his car. It is important to note that there have been other line of duty deaths reported in more recent years related to things like cancer and COVID complications. And we are following more breaking news at this hour.

The former NC State Director of Sports Medicine is now back in Wake County charged with the sexual abuse of dozens of student athletes. Robert Murphy was arrested two weeks ago in Florida. where he now lives. He was brought back to North Carolina to face charges of sexual contact under the pretext of medical care and sexual battery. Murphy worked at NC State from 2012 to 2022 and eventually became the sports medicine director. Tomorrow, Governor Stein is set to take action on the relief at the Gas Pump Act, a bill passed Wednesday by the General Assembly aimed at lowering fuel costs.

And that includes suspending the state's 41 cent per gallon gas tax through the end of November. The big question now, though, when could drivers start to see the impact of that cut. Michael Perchick is joining us now with Warren Raleigh. So Michael, we know that that could vary station to station. Yeah, that's exactly right. The analysts believe broadly speaking within the next week or so, drivers could start seeing the impacts at gas station like the one behind me from that suspended tax increase. Some pain at the pump could soon be alleviated as lawmakers in Raleigh pushed to spend the state's 41 cent per gallon gas tax. Ohio, for example, passed a gas tax suspension about a week ago.

And in the last week, Ohio is seeing the largest decrease of any state. That's exactly the news. North Carolina drivers are hoping to hear. Patrick DeHan, with gas buddy, says the average station buys fuel every two to four days. So when they last filled up and how often they're needing to do so, could determine when exactly those price drops are passed onto the consumer. Still, he stressed oil is a commodity. And the gas tax suspension, while helpful, is just one factor. If on one hand there's a major gas tax being suspended tomorrow, and on the other hand, there's a major escalation that pushes oil up $10 or $20 a barrel, the tug of war is going to offset those factors, and motors may not see any decrease at all. There are also measures in the bill largely geared towards the state's agriculture industry.

Every little bit helps on that bottom line. North Carolina would also waive the enforcement of civil and criminal penalties for highway use of dye diesel fuel for farming and agricultural purposes through the end of the year. while exempting the motor fuel tax for that diesel for certain users, including farmers, for the rest of 2026. Michelle Pace Davis with Pace Family Farms says the timing is especially important. Harvest time is a busy time, and that's whenever farmers are using the most diesel fuel, and whenever you have record highs of that input cost, that's just eating away at your already tight profit margin. Businesses also closely watching this legislation,

especially as we get close to that holiday sales season coming up at 5. We speak with a local shipping logistics expert. The impact, if any, shoppers could see over the coming weeks. In Raleigh, I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, Michael, with a breakdown of the timeline there. Michael, thank you. Thank you. Covering the Carolinas now, a man accused of being the Southport mass shooter could now face the death penalty.

Former Marine Nigel Edge is charged with murdering three people and injuring several others At a waterfront bar along the coast last year, officials ordered him to undergo psychiatric treatment after being deemed incompetent to stand trial. New at 4, a North Carolina DOT worker is thanking his coworkers after they stepped in to save the day while he was having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Dane Miller says his co-workers in the Ash County Bridge Maintenance Unit did not hesitate to help. My throat closed up. I'm real thankful to have the work with the crew I do. If it wasn't for Tommy and Michael's relationship with the fire department, it's EMS experience, I want to have made it.

Yeah, Miller says that the Beesteing caused him to go into anaphylactic shock. His coworkers drove him to the hospital, which was an hour away, and they have now been awarded the state's Extra Mile Award. Well deserved. Major signs of progress on the Outer Banks, Highway 12 fully reopened. That is according to an update today from the DOT. Cruise rebuilt the protective sand dunes so intermittent traffic stops are not necessary. The road between the Basnite Bridge and Rodanthi was closed due to damage from last month's nor'easter.

The damage cut off access to Hatteras Island. Officials are still urging drivers to be careful. Still head here at 430 calling all job seekers Wake Tech Community College is holding a job fair today. After the break, when and where you can submit your application. And get ready to roll up your sleeves. The state highway patrol is hosting a blood drive. and help save a life. Plus, you may want to check your pantry. Nature's own bread is recalling some of its loaves. What you need to know if you have this brand in your kitchen. Time now for some

news you can use. And if you're looking for a job, Wake Tech is hosting a job fair today. Yeah, it's happening right now at the Southern Wake Campus Building on Fayetteville Road in Raleigh. The college is looking for full and part-time faculty positions in both degree and non-degree programs, as well as select staff openings across the college. The job fair runs through 7 o'clock this evening, so there's still time to get there. Tomorrow you have the chance to roll up your sleeve for a good cause. The state highway patrol is hosting a blood drive in Durham. It's happening at Braggtown Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All donations will go to local hospitals and the patients they serve. Donors will also get a $40 gift card. Now to a recall alert, Flowers Foods has recalled certain nature's own breads due to an undeclared milk allergen. The effective product is nature's own Hawaiian bread in single loaves and two packs. So far, no one's reported getting sick. But people with a milk allergy or a severe milk sensitivity should not eat it. The single loaves have a best if used by date of October the 8th through the 18th. Officials say you can return the bread for a full refund.

And that is your news you can use this afternoon. All right. Up next, flu season starts early after the break, reducing your risk of getting sick. Plus call it an abdominal achievement. Meet the grandmother who just shattered an hours long plank world record. Now to your afternoon health check. Cold and flu season is in full swing and according to a new study from epic research flu rates are off to their earliest start now in five years. Yeah, this comes as North Carolina's Health Department announces the first flu death of

the season. Elena Athens joins us now live in Raleigh. Elena, good afternoon to you. Cold and flu cases on the rise across the country, including right here in the triangle. Yeah, and Barbara, we know that the person who died from a flu related illness is from Central North Carolina and is an adult. but DHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, just here behind me, is not offering any more information beyond that. So right now, there is concern that flu, as well as cold seasons,

are hitting early. Flu cases are off to their earliest start nationwide in the last five years, according to new data published today by Epic Research. It finds rates are hitting levels seven weeks earlier than they did in the past two seasons. UNC Health is reporting an uptick in flu and cold cases at the medical center in Chapel Hill last week. 25 people came through the ER. I have two kids in preschool, and so it's a concern when you send them there, and you're not sure if they're going to bring something back. And we have a three-month-old, so it is concerning. Walgreens data provided exclusively to ABC News shows cold and flu medication purchases are up 21.7% since this time last year,

and cough drops are up 16.6%. This Holly Springs parent tells me flu season hit her family hard in the past. We've had bad rest of crisis. I was just thinking about that, like needing to stock up for what's coming because it always happens. All right. So some allergens in the air are also high right now and causing people to suffer. So I did speak with an allergist and asked about the most cost effective ways that all of us can stay safe and kind of make our way through the allergy season. We'll have his suggestions coming up ahead at 5.30 for now we're live in Raleigh.

Elaine Athens, ABC 11 eyewitnesses. All right. Helping us to breathe a little easier during this rough season. Elena, see you in an hour with more. Thanks so much. And here are some tips on how you can protect yourself from the flu or even a common cold. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you feel sick. Try to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

And be sure to wash your hands as often as possible. Avoid touching your eyes, your nose or mouth and take steps for cleaner air like bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors. Now today's top trending stories in real news. First, a Pilates instructor in Hawaii says her 15-year-old golden retriever has been transformed thanks to a regular workout. Check this out. Julian shares a heartwarming video of her dog's journey from May to September.

She said when her dog, Weasel started to lose his mobility rapidly, she noticed a lot of similarities with his rehab exercises and the Pilates' movements that she teaches humans. And so she brought him to her studio where he's been working out daily ever since. Good for him. Pilates is awesome. All right, well, a grandmother of 12 named Don Jean works and lands a Guinness World Record for the second time. The 61-year-old just broke her own record, becoming the first woman ever to hold a plank for five hours. Five hours. New judges were rotated every hour so they could judge it.

Back in 2024, Donna Jean became the first woman to plank for four hours. hours and 30 minutes. Donna Jean says she's finished with the planking records and now she wants to break the record for doing 1,600 or more push-ups in an hour. She is on a mission. All right, Wisconsin family's annual Halloween tradition has drawn a crowd.

The Vokun family theme is, they're decorating their yard this year to the theme of Harry Potter and take a look at everything they put into their display. The father says he's worked on this all year long. This holiday addition extends a decorating tradition at the home now six years. six years in the running.

Boy, they are into it. Amber, that is real news back to you. I know, it is spooky fun for them. All new here at four, would you try a batch of cookies made from recycled plastics? No. No. A team of researchers working with NASA were challenged to make food from what would be found on board of Mars-bound ship.

So the team worked out a method to break down plastic found in bottles into simple molecules and then feed those simple molecules to a bioengineered, baker's yeast. So they used a form of edible protein mixed with vanilla. They then used a 3D printer to print out the cookies. The team admits they themselves have not even tried the cookies yet, but they say they continue to test to confirm that those cookies made from recycled plastic are safe to eat. Okay. All right. We'll continue to watch some work on that. Yeah. All right, let's go to meteorologist Don Cheneker. Got a lot going on. And Isaias, is a hurricane now.

Wait, did you say cookies? I did. Did you bring cookies? They're plastic. No. That's a no. It's still my trial. So there you go. All right, let's talk about the rain. Tomorrow's going to be fine, beautiful day out there.

Notice Saturday the rain working in. Unlike last weekend where it hit in the afternoon, this is going to be more overnight Saturday night. And last Sunday, we were cloudy, we were cool. We just had some spotty showers. This Sunday, that's when the bulk of the rain will fall. It does move out now as we head toward Monday. Live look at first alert Doppler net tonight's gaining the sky as we are dry.

We'll head live out to the box yard. Gorgeous night to be sitting out there if you've got plans. Temperatures across the region, 84, Out Your Door and Kerry, Raleigh, 85, Morrisville, Durham. 82 for you, Holly Springs, 81 in Fuqua, 86 Lewisburg, 84 Rocky Mount, 82 in Oxford, slide south, 85 Pinehurst, 78, Irwin, 77 in Golesboro. First alert to that evening ahead and temperatures tonight will fall through the 70s. We will see high clouds working through overnight. They're not going to be rainmakers, but those clouds will be around, especially tomorrow. I think the sun will punch through them, 8 o'clock 62 by 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon,

a very mild 76 compared to the 80s we saw today. Rain holds off till Saturday. We'll talk more about ESA-EAS and hopefully have the 5 o'clock update at the top of the hour. Right now, let's find out what else is coming up at 5 o'clock for more on that. We check in with Stephen Lauren. Hi Don, thanks. Coming up at five, we're inside the courtroom in Durham. Emotional testimony continuing today in the murder trial for the man accused of killing UNC student faith Hedgepeth. Various witnesses called to the stand today on the second full day of testimony. And for the very first time, jurors are seeing some graphic crime scene pictures the day her dead body was discovered by her roommate. And our big story today, a Durham firefighter killed in the line of duty after a building collapses during an early morning firefight.

The eye team taking a closer look at that building after the Durham Fire Chief says it was a commercial building. and it's possible someone was living there too. We're checking the tax records and the building permits. After going in circles over a payment received through Square, a local contractor called the troubleshooter with $10,000 in limbo Diane Wilson able to solve that problem. Also coming up here one year later, tonight a community is gathering for a candlelight vigil

to remember three student athletes who died at a tragic car crash. We're hearing from counselors and parents too. And we are on the campus at Duke University at Cameron Indores. Duke tips off its new season. Trey Miles live at the first exhibition game. when we see you at 5 o'clock, Amber and Barbara. All right. We'll see then.

Thank you. Next year at 4, it is homecoming day for the USS Abraham Lincoln after more than 300 days at sea. When we come back, we're hearing from some of the brave men and women station aboard the aircraft carrier for nearly a year. Here's tonight's ABC primetime preview. At 8.7 Central, it's 911.

Following Athena's shooting, the team gathers at the hospital awaiting news. Then at 9-8 Central on 911 Nashville, The 113 rushes in when a Noah Cyrus sound check goes off the rails. Nashville, FD. Hang in there, ma'am. We're here to help. I'm fine. Just help them.

And at 10-9 Central on Gray's Anatomy, after a catastrophic bridge collapse sends dozens of victims to Gray Sloan, the hospital activates its full disaster response. Page OB, what? Page OB. She's pregnant. I need OB down here. That's followed by your,

late local news than Jimmy Kim alive with guests, Michael Douglas and Daisy Edgar Jones.