ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - September 22, 2026

Episode Date: September 22, 2026

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Right now here on IWitness News at 4, first alert day on eyewitness news. Rain chances increase in the hours ahead. We have your first alert to flood risk in Pacte's Central Carolina. And WakeMed is sharing new images of the potential changes to its Raleigh campus as the merger with Atrium Health moves forward. And Caniacs return to the Loud House tonight to cheer on the Stanley Cup champs. In the preseason home opener, we have live coverage as we are just three hours away from the puck drop. 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. Right now here at 4, it's a first alert day. We could see some rain moving through in the hours ahead, which could lead to some flooding, especially some ponding out on the roadways. And fall officially arrives tonight, bringing cooler temps to the area. We're not mad about it. I'm not mad. Thanks for joining us here for the news at four i'm mbara bina and i'm barbara givs it starts with meteorologist steve stewart tracking the rain this evening we have the first sort of fall as a that's very fall looking tie going to feel like it too i mean it's going to be a bit of a shock to the system i was this close to putting upper 40s for lows wow so the aces getting a break which is great big break yeah

we need that in a big way this is the hottest september on record to this point just to put that in perspective all right so we have some rain out there right now the triangle not bad That's good news for the most part. Got some heavy bands that are setting up off to our south and east at this time. There's a front also to our north. Now that front is going to be sagging southward, but we could get outflow boundaries from these that can generate showers and thunderstorms. Just be aware if you're going to be out and about this evening,

you could get caught in a heavy downpour. A level two out of four risks for that urban and small stream flooding as we go throughout the evening. And then tomorrow that is whittled away in a big way. And that's mainly early, early in the morning hours as that front's going to be settling in. Most of the day the shower chances are going to be coming down on Wednesday. Thursday low to both days feature 60s for highs, overcast conditions and a little bit of drizzle at times as well. Outside right now we see in the clouds dry in North Hills at 82. Dewpoint at 71. A lot of available moisture in the air for these showers and thunderstorms to tap into. Mainly 80s, but we have 70s up in our northern counties, much cooler there. Again, that front should be settling south later on. Don't be surprised if you're heading out tonight. You get caught in a shower. Deepak tonight, Buena Vista Social Club, 71 when you walk at him in the mid-60s by the time you're heading home. Get ready. We're going to have some chilly mornings in the next few days. More on that coming up in just a few minutes.

I need to break out my dog's little jacket for him for the morning walk. All right, now's a good time to download the ABC 11 app. It's a great way to stay up to date on current weather conditions, and we will send any watches in morning straight to your devices. Plus, you can always check the first alert Dopplernet and the seven-day forecast anytime. Right now for the future of Wake Med, Wake County, Commissioners approve a merger with Atrium Health. That vote happening last night, but the deal still faces regulatory review before it can become final. We do know a key part of that deal is setting aside millions of dollars to support the local community. Elena Athens is joining us live now. She's at WakeMed in Raleigh with more on how that money could be used in the community. Hi, Elena.

Good afternoon to you. Yeah, WakeMed says Atram also plans to make significant investments in improving the aging Raleigham, which is right here. behind me. And now eyewitness news has a look at what those potential changes could be. We did receive renderings on what is possibly on tap. Wakeman Health Care is releasing these images of improvements plan for the Raleigh campus. We're being told the Atrium deal means a tower will be replaced. A spokesperson says the renovation plans include building larger, brighter, and more private operating rooms. The children's emergency department is set to expand. New beds, equipment, infrastructure support, and surgical suites are also in the works. Wake Medan Atrium said in a joint statement, we look forward to fulfilling our commitments.

We recognize that trust is earned and our focus now is to follow through on what we've outlined. Last night during a contentious multi-hour-long meeting or deputies ended up removing some opponents. The majority of Wake County Commissioners voted in favor of the merger. Two commissioners voted against it and this afternoon I met with both of them about their decision. Both say they felt rushed and are worried about the financial impacts on state work. We had credible evidence that Wake Med was not in danger of any collapse within the next three to five years. Wake Med is a profitable hospital. That to me is not what democracy looks like.

And I'm really worried about state workers. I mean, the state treasurer has said if this deal goes through, healthcare costs are going to go up. So those commissioners actually tell me that they were not shown renderings of the possible renovations here. renovations here at Wake Med's main campus before that vote coming up ahead at 5 o'clock the next steps for this merger deal plus what an advocacy group is saying about the impact for state workers will have that all coming up on eyewitness news for now we're live in raleigh elna a bc 11 eyewitness news all right so much to think about and we'll look forward to your next report elena thank you the Durham public school superintendent is preparing to deliver his state of the district address tonight and it comes as a new study ranks north carolina in the nation for educators, the lowest in the southeast. The Wallet Hub report looked at factors

including teacher pay and per pupil spending. Cindy Babe is live in Durham now. So Cindy, what can you tell us about these findings and the superintendent's address tonight? Well, Amber, tonight we're expecting to hear from Dr. Anthony Lewis as he outlines the district's priorities and shares its progress. But the district like others across the country is still still dealing with teacher vacancies. And this new report highlights some of the challenges districts face when it comes to recruiting and retaining educators. Experts say teachers are often underpaid and underappreciated. A new report from Wallet Hub ranks North Carolina 44th in the nation for educators. Seeing now such a such an integral place that education plays

in our society as a whole, we're really not put in the finances into supporting that. Ron Williams is a former educator who says his pay wasn't enough when he was teaching. North Carolina's latest budget includes an average 8% raise for teachers, but starting pay remains just below the national average. And state data show teacher attrition remains highest among newer teachers at between 14 and 18%. When you go years without a budget, you're not keeping up with inflation, keeping up with the cost of living year after year. And then three years later to call a small pay bump,

a pay increase is disrespectful to educators in particular, our veteran teachers. As calls grow for more support for educators, including higher pay, we'll hear what Durham Public Schools is doing to recruit and retain teachers in Durham. Cindy Bates, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Yeah, a lot to talk about here, Cindy. Thank you. Also happening today, religious exemptions are back before the Wake County School Board. The policy committee is discussing revisions to the new rules passed last week, allowing students to leave school for religious instruction during the day. Board members say the district made the change to comply with state law. Well, now to some other top stories in your speed feed. First, parents in Wake County charged

after a teen accidentally shoots himself. It happened at a home on Hartsfield Drive near Wake Forest. The 16-year-old was treated for his injuries. The teenager's mother and stepfather, 37-year-old Vanessa McCoy and 32-year-old Darius McLean are both charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of storage of firearms to protect minors. New at four, a couple facing felony charges accused of taking taxpayer money. 40-year-old Elizabeth Heath and 43-year-old Lee Heath are both state government employees. The State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services notified the FBI after finding irregularities. Court documents show Elizabeth Heath obtained state-issued credit cards from other people in the state. the department. She is now charged with felony obtaining property by false pretenses. Her husband

is facing conspiracy charges. Well, now to another victory for Attorney General Jeff Jackson aimed at protecting SNAP benefits here in North Carolina. Last fall, Jackson filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over its changes to the program. Jackson argued the 24-hour deadline to implement eligibility changes was impossible and argued that it would put SNAP recipients in danger of losing food assistance. A judge cited with Jackson and several other states saying in part the rule put states, quote, in an impossible situation to timely implement changes to snap throughout contradictory, absent, and misleading messaging. And that is your speed feed. What happening today, hockey back at the Lenovo Center, the Carolina Hurricanes hitting the

ice taken on the Florida Panthers tonight in their second preseason game of the year. Yeah, it's a big night. Another youthful lineup is expected for the reigning Stanley Cup champions as some of the AHL guys compete for some roster spots. No one Hogarths joining us live. He is at the Lenovo Center. Look at that. They're already out there tailgating a lot of excitement for Kane's fans. Duon. Thank you very much. Yeah, and I'll tell you this much, Amber. I think I might look good, but what looks even better is that Stanley Cup right there behind me. And the hundreds of Kaniak fans who are already outside right now taking a live picture with the Stanley Cup. They're going to head inside in just a few moments to watch the team take on the Florida Panthers.

We're inside Lenovo Center. They'll notice some new changes. I'll be honest. I think we have one of the best in-game experiences around. The canes are back for the newest season as Stanley Cup champs. Getting to see and celebrate with thousands of people is something I'll never forget. And while the team looks to beat the Florida Panthers on the ice tonight, Anna Bowles will be on the stands and join some of the new additions off the ice, wider aisles, upgraded bathrooms and family amenities and new seats in the lower bowl. Last year I was 129, and this year I just moved to the other end of the stadium and 110. With some appreciative of what they feel was a much-needed makeover.

Those seats needed to be replaced. I mean, they were upholstered seats, and you know they were never cleaned. So after all those years, I was so glad that they finally did it. And all new, the Lenovo Legend Club and adjacent bunker suites, giving fans a chance to enjoy the game from this elevated bar and private suites with catered foods, fitting for a championship team. You got to expect it. Yeah, and some of these folks outside, they tell me that they have absolutely

no plans to go to the game tonight. They just want to take a picture with the cup. But everybody else that you see here all excited, these Kaniac fans, excited to be inside the arena for the game tonight. Puck drop is at 7 o'clock and that banner that belongs to us that says Stanley Cup Champions 2026 will unveil that tomorrow, excuse me, next Tuesday again against the Florida Panthers. We're live here in Raleigh, outside Lenovo Center and Carter Finland Stadium. Duan Hoggard. NBC 11, eyewitness news. That Stanley Cup so popular. They're having a great time. Lord Stanley. Yeah, it's just about that. Thank you, Duwant.

Thank you. Kate Rogerson, by the way, is going to be at the Lenovo Center for all that action tonight, and she's going to be joining us coming up here live on my witness news at five. All right. But next year for the Raleigh Rescue Mission, expanding access across Wake County, bringing resources to people in need. And we're hearing from President Trump, his message to world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly today. Steve? Hey, y'all outside right now. the clouds around, not a lot of rain around the triangle right now, which is a good news for any rush hour concerns out there.

I-40 Davis Drive right now. You see in all the cars out there, quite a bit of activity. We could get some heavy downpours and spots tonight, though. All the details on that coming up. As we head to break, here, your traffic hotspots brought to you by West Shore home. This is what a bathroom is supposed to look like. No grout lines to scrub. No surfaces to seal. No maintenance every other week. Just a finish that looks beautiful every single day. Introducing Nexha from West Shore Home. This is the new standard in luxury bathroom design. It's our summer send off.

Get 20% off your project. In locking 12 months of no payments and no interest financing. Plus, get started today with no money down. Call 1,800 West Shore or visit westshorebath.com for this limited time offer. Eyewitness News. We are Local News Weeknights 4 to 630 and 11. Today, the Raleigh Rescue Mission is celebrating the grand opening of a new campus in nightday. It is called The Garden and it will serve up to 350 women and children experiencing homelessness.

Community leaders say this is about more than providing a place to stay. The campus includes private living spaces, on-site daycare, life skills training, and job readiness programs, all designed to help families get back on their feet and eventually into stable housing. Well, President Trump takes the global stage in New York City today addressing world leaders as his administration deals with contentious situations around the world, including the Iran War. Trump threatening to annihilate Iran if they don't reach a deal to end the conflict. ABC's Andrew Dembert has the latest. President Trump issuing a stark warning to Iran today as he addressed world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?

Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world. or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? As criticism grows with oil and gas prices rising here at home, Trump arguing the war is necessary to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. This was the reality we had to confront a reality that far too many preferred to ignore. And as Russia continues its war with Ukraine, Trump meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky today. The president also addressing the growing concerns around artificial intelligence, arguing that as a

leader in AI, the U.S. cannot afford to slow down and risk falling behind. The United States also totally rejects any attempt to construct a global scheme to control for the artificial intelligence being spoken of so much now. And we're leading now over China by a lot and everyone else. And we're going to keep it that way. Tech leaders have been sounding the alarm about AI, saying that it could outpace human intelligence. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to call for safety guardrails in a speech tomorrow. Andrew Dimburt, ABC News, New York. And more from the president's remarks coming up on World News tonight with David Muir at 630, following eyewitness news at 6.

Now to travel chaos after an equipment outage yesterday grounded flights at some of the busiest airports in the nation. Flights resumed today, but there are still some delays. At RDU, there have been about at least 40 delays in seven cancellations today. Investigators say a circuit blew at an air traffic control facility in Philadelphia. The FAA says a backup is supposed to immediately kick in, but then officials discovered one of the backup lines was accidentally cut at a construction site in New Jersey. Experts say it's going to take a few days for airports to recover. In total, there were more than 1,000 cancellations and 6,000 delays. nationwide. A lot of headaches. All right. Meteorologist Steve Stewart is in and what we're counting down maybe less than four hours before fall officially is. Oh yeah, you know five. Yeah. And it's going to feel like it. It really will. Not so much this evening, but starting tomorrow. Yeah, in the 60s for high. Wow.

Excited. The jacket's ready. It's wild. It's some big changes. All right. Let's take a peek outside right now. You see the puffy clouds out there. We're mostly clouding and have been pretty much the entire day today. Still warm, but cool. cooler than the mid 90s we had yesterday. We're in the lower to middle 80s out there right now. And we do have some rain around. There's an elevated flood threat. Keep in mind that most areas that are going to see rain is going to be farther off to our south and east. But everyone has that potential this evening. If you're heading out, please just have an umbrella just in case because the rainfall rates are going to be really heavy. Cloudy cooler and breezy for the next two days. Yeah, there'll be some spotty showers at times. But the bigger story is that big drop in our temperatures. And here it comes, sweater weather for sure. Those morning walks. Look at some of these lower 50s have got us at 50 Saturday morning. And this is well below the average low, which is 61 degrees. So this is a bit of a shock to the system. Got some showers out there right now, some heavier rain just off the coast. Take a look at Doppler net. Little shower just popped up there around the belt line. A couple of showers pushing farther to the north as well. Most of the rain that's been heavy is down in Wayne County at this time. But these can start to move in. There's where the front is at this hour.

as that settles to the south overnight tonight. That can help give us a little bit of lift that we need to trigger some of these heavier showers and thunderstorms. And the issue is they're slow movers, so the rainfall rates are going to be really heavy. 82 right now at North Hills with a breeze at 10 miles an hour. That's 12 degrees cooler than yesterday. It's only 70 in Oxford, 73 in Roxburgh, and Fayetteville at 75. Boys are back. Cains in action tonight.

Some preseason matchup against Florida. There could be a shower. Don't be surprised if you get caught. one just be prepared for that getting to the 60s by the time you head home. Cloudy, cool, breezy, spotty showers, 66 high on Thursday. Now this low starts to wrap up and this could turn into a bona fide early season noreaster. It keeps us in the northerly flow and it could be far enough away from us to allow us to clear things out.

That's what we're hoping for. But look at what it's going to do to the swells. Huge early season swells here and we could see some overwash on Highway 12. It wouldn't be surprised. are going to be elevated all the way up to the northeast as we go into Thursday, Friday, and likely Saturday as well. For us tonight, again, showers and thunderstorms around. And with that front moving through, this looks like we could still be unsettled even to the wee hours of the morning, upper 50s and low 60s with mid to upper 60s down in the sand hills. And then for tomorrow,

I've got us in the 60s for highs from 66 in Durham, 63 in the Roxburgh, Smithfield at 68 in Fayville around 71. Not a lot of rain. There'll be. Passing showers at times or the bigger story is that chilly breeze coming out of the north and the east. You can see that in the first alert seven day forecast and even cooler on Thursday at 66. These cold air damming setups are really hard to erode being a little optimistic, clearing us out on Friday and getting some sunshine in low 70s and make some plans for the weekend. That is fantastic. Mid upper 70s, low humidity both days and chilly mornings. It's going to be nice.

That's perfect. It is good. All right. Thank you so much. Sure. Love it. Well, up next, an important recall for people who may be allergic to gluten-wise, certain gluten-free products are now under recall.

And as we had to break a reminder, you can find IWitness News Live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. We are back with some news. You can use this Tuesday. A Nationwide Recall is underway for several products labeled gluten-free. GF Blends is recalling several flour, bread, and pizza mixes. The products were made with plantain flour that had been labeled and certified gluten-free, but third-party testing found gluten in the flour and the products made with it.

No illnesses or reactions have been reported. The products were sold nationwide through online retailers. Fall is here, and many people are already looking ahead to Halloween. The National Retail Federation is estimating Halloween spending will reach $13.5 billion this year. The top selling items are expected to be candy, decorations, and coffee. of course, but it's also predicted that consumers will spend a combined $800 million on Halloween cards and $920 million on costumes for their pets. I help to contribute to that for my pet. Peloton is now doubling down on treadmills today.

The company announced that it will soon release its smallest and least expensive treadmill yet. It's called the Treadflex and it can fold to about half its size. The treadmill price at just over $2,000 features a swivel screen for classes and an AI camera for instant feedback. The Treadflex is just one of three treadmills the company plans to release next month. That's news you can use. Barbara over to you. All right, Amber, thank you. Well, ABC 11 together highlighting ovarian cancer awareness month, and there is a big event this weekend in Raleigh to raise awareness of what is known as a silent killer. The Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk and 5K helps raise money for research and provides support to those battling

the disease. The event is Saturday, September 26th at Sanderson High School in Raleigh. There's still time to join either online or the day. of the event. The run begins at 8.30 in the morning with a walk beginning at 10.30 and ABC 11 is a proud sponsor. Weather looks good for that too. Oh good. Today our first alert day coverage continues next as we watch for rain pushing through the area. And we're following an investigation in Durham after a teenager's arrested charge with firing shots at Durham police. And Duke regional celebrating a major milestone. The hospital marking 50 years in the community. New details on the community celebration that's happening next month. We are local news.

11 eyewitness news continues now. We are back now with a live look at conditions on I-40 here in Wake County. The wipers are just starting. A little bit of rain is starting to come down. But we could see some heavy downpours tonight. Yeah, there's also a risk for flash flooding. I was telling meteorologist Steve Stewart yesterday when we had some of those storms. Yeah.

They were just like you said, isolated and quick, but heavy if you were under them. Yeah. And a lot of these storms, when we call them pulse storms. So they just kind of, they don't really move much. They just rain themselves out. but they can generate little outflow boundaries, which is like a mini cool front and it triggers another storm to pop up. So sometimes we just have to watch and see where they're going to develop. And that's what I'm going to be doing through the evening hours for you.

Outside right now, though, we got the cloudy skies out there and some spotty showers. Most of the activity through the last few hours has been south and east of 95 with some heavy downpours and also out to our west out of our viewing area. But we've got a couple little showers that are popping up now close to downtown, a brief little heavy downpour. We'll probably see more of these as we go through the evening with a frontal boundary just to our north. Not a lot of rain the next couple of days, but there's still opportunities. The bigger story, clouds cool and breezy and significantly cooler. We're going to be in the 60s for highs, folks.

82 right now in North Hills, which is a big drop from yesterday. We're in the mid-90s, a variable breeze at 10 miles an hour. 69 in Oxford, much cooler there. Signs of that front is settling to the south already. 85 in Defeiaville and Goldsboro currently at 80 degrees. have evening plans if you're heading out. Maybe you're going to go to the Deepak, the Buena Vista Social Club. You could get caught in a shower. Don't be surprised if that does indeed happen. As we look ahead, yeah, we've got some chilly mornings. You're going to want the old hoodie, is that take that walk or jog.

Some big changes coming our way. It's been a long time, over 120 days since we've been this cool. Yeah, it's been such a hot September. It's finally about time. It turned fall. Thank you. We're not complaining. Now's a good time to download the ABC 11 app as we usher in fall. It's a great way to stay up to date on current weather conditions will send you watches and warnings straight to your phone. Plus, you can always check the first alert Doppler net at the seven-day forecast. All right. Well, now at four, eyewitnesses going one-on-one with the mayor of Durham to talk about teen violence after authorities arrest a 15-year-old for allegedly firing two gunshots and a scuffle with police officers. Arshon coffee spoke with the mayor and he joins us in Durham now with more. Mayor Leo Williams thanked Durham police for their restraint in those tense moments even after those gunshots had been fired.

This incident taking place just before 430 yesterday when those DPD officers went to arrest this 15-year-old suspect during the course of an investigation for a suspected larceny. When they tried to take that 15-year-old boy into custody, that scuffle ensued and he fired two shots. One officer sustained a minor injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment. It comes as the mayor and city leaders roll out a new youth crime prevention strategy, which was the focus of that three-day summit in Durham this summer. It speaks to the compassionate approach and in patients with our officers, but also at the same time, It speaks to a bigger issue that we have young people that are accessing things, having access to things that they should not have access to. And I hope that we can change that.

That's why I'm doing the public safety work that we're doing now. The teenage suspect is now in custody and petitions have been filed. If we have any updates, we'll be sure to provide them here on eyewitness news. In Durham, Sean Coffey, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Sean, thank you. Just in the past few minutes, we received a statement from Durham's new police chief on that investigation. She says in part, I am thankful. no one was seriously injured and I want to recognize the officers involved for their rapid response

in safely disarming the individual and preventing additional harm to bystanders. Now to some other headlines in your speed feed. First happening today in Wake County Apex Town Council members will vote on grass clippings. The collection could end January 1st because of disposal concerns with town leaders citing capacity issues. Even if the measure is voted down today, finding alternatives will still be a major concern. Officials now urging people to leave clippings in their yard. and use a mulching mower in the process, often called grass cycling. What happening this week, the city of Raleigh will participate in National Save a Life Day. City leaders partnering with the Wake County Drug Overdose Prevention and Coalition

and the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition to raise awareness to substance abuse. There will be an overdose prevention training and resource fair this Thursday, September 24th. The event will help connect residents to local resources, and it will be held at the Greg Poole Jr. All Faith's Chapel on Richardson Drive from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. NC Central University maintains its top HBCU ranking. The university ranked number 13 in the 2027 U.S. News and World Report Fest Colleges report. The rankings come as NCCU celebrates a milestone. Enrollment has surpassed 10,000 students for the first time in the university's history.

Chancellor Kerry Dixon released a statement saying, quote, we're raising the bar by challenging convention and redefining what is possible for the students we serve. End of quote. U.S. Chapel Hill ranked in the top five public universities in the country. And that is your speed feet. Amber, back to you. Barbara, new here for Duke Regional Hospital celebrating 50 years in the community. The hospital is located on North Roxborough Street. Throughout its 50-year history, the hospital has undergone two name changes.

It was first known as Durham County General Hospital, and then it became Durham Regional Hospital in 1990. And in 2013, the name was officially changed to Duke Regional Hospital. Leaders with the health system say the hospital has evolved into a destination for advanced care. Duke Regional is so fortunate to be here in the community as we have I think such purpose you know we go home after a long day of work we're able to care for these patients in Durham County that gives us purpose and happening next Friday October the 3rd the hospital will celebrate its 50th anniversary hosting the Duke Regional Community Care's Day giving back to the community with free health screenings and

family friendly activities it will be held at the Durham County Memorial Stadium Coming up, new reaction from the family of a Mississippi teenager who died over the 4th of July weekend, Nolan Wells, after our grand jury rules no foul play in his death. And Lionel Richie taking some time away from the stage following a health scare. A representative for the award-winning singer is sharing new details about his condition. We'll have it next. The family of a Mississippi teenager who died over the 4th of July weekend is pushing back today after a grand jury in Mississippi finds no charges who'd be brought in the death of their 18-year-old son, Nolan Wells. igniting a fierce debate around the country after Wells's family questioned racial motives after they're somewhat missing following aboding with a group of white friends to Horn Island.

Those friends deny any involvement. ABC's Olivia Rubin has the latest. Today, the heartbroken parents of teen Nolan Wells pushing back a day after a Mississippi grand jury released their findings that there was no credible evidence warranting criminal charges in the death of their son. Last night was a reminder. That our son's life does not matter positions that are supposed to serve and protect the public. A report from a 23-person grand jury finding the 18-year-old's death this summer after he went boating with friends was consistent with drowning. Elmore and I do not believe that Nolan simply and accidentally drowned. Wells was found dead on a remote island off the coast of Mississippi after he went boating.

with friends over the 4th of July. Those friends returned home, but Wells did not. The Wells family and their attorney, Ben Crump, focusing in on an injury indicated in the autopsy report that they say was ignored, trauma to the back of Wells' head. How can a jury come to the conclusion of drowning, despite knowing that there was trauma to his body? That grand jury heard from 43 witnesses

and reviewed physical evidence from the, the scene, police reports, and interviews. The report released yesterday said that bruising on the back of Wells' head was not a fatal injury. The case garnering national attention, his family questioning the racial motives of his friends and those investigating, but the district attorney pushing back. There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan's disappearance in death were racially motivated. And the family asking for the investigation to continue. Meanwhile, that grand jury report, noting there is no statute of limitations for homicide in Mississippi. In Washington, Olivia Rubin, ABC News.

New this hour, music superstar Lionel Richie is taking time off from touring after having a heart procedure. The 77-year-old singer underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation. His representative said in a statement, quote, Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and we'll be back on stage soon. He has been touring with earthwind and fire. Well, tomorrow morning on GMA, Captain Sully Sullenberger sits down with ABC News as Robin Roberts. It's been 17 years since his successful miracle on the Hudson plane landing. You may recall that. Now he's facing another battle, Alzheimer's.

You were initially diagnosed August of 2025. Correct. When did you first notice signs? I think we began to notice that that was changing in a few years before that. That's part of why we wanted to do the interview today, because a lot of what I think people see in the news are late-stage Alzheimer's symptoms. And so in the very beginning, they are so subtle. And my advice to someone would be it's what's unusual for your person. An early diagnosis is so critically important. If you have doubts, get tested. Because the sooner

you act, the more options there are, the better of the outcome. likely to be. And you can watch the full interview tomorrow only on Good Morning America. Hard to believe it was 17 years ago. I know. It's an important conversation too. Absolutely. Well, fall is officially just hours away and with the weather changing seasonal allergies also

on the rise. Coming up next in your health check, what you need to know to protect yourself this fall. All right. Tonight marks the fall equinox and the official arrival of autumn. And while you may look forward to the break from all the heat, fall can also come what a cause for the millions of people who suffer seasonal allergies. Health experts say that there are three ways that allergy sufferers can prepare for and manage those unpleasant symptoms. First, keep the windows closed and the allergens out. And you can also use air purifiers to

help keep clean air flowing. Next, of course, take your allergy meds if you take them. And if symptoms persist, experts recommend seeing an allergist. If your symptoms are still there and you're not feeling significantly better, I would definitely say seeing an allergist can be. be helpful because we can actually identify what you're allergic to. And the doctor says there are several helpful over-the-counter options, including oral medications and nasal sprays. New here for Raleigh ranks among the top boom towns across the country. In a new study by Lending Tree, Raleigh takes the number two spot. The report looked at the largest metro areas where Americans are moving, building and starting businesses. And the weather is one of the reasons for that, I believe.

Oh, yeah. Not a bad one. Oh, good for you. No, they like what we're getting tomorrow. Well, if you've been on I-40 driving, you know that a lot of people are moving here and living here. I know. Goodness gracious. It's crazy, right? It is.

Hey, listen, if you haven't been outside, it still feels really humid and you're gonna see some showers of thunderstorms. If you have plans this evening, I would have an umbrella handy just in case. Some spotty showers here and there. I want you to see this little line there. That is what we call an outflow boundary. It's some cooler air that's coming out of the thunderstorm

and you can actually see it on the radar. We call this an out. outflow boundary that rain cooled air accelerates down. We call it a gust front. And that is cooler, heavy and dense. It hits that warm, buoyant air, forces that to go up and new thunderstorms can develop. That's what I'll be watching as we go through the evening. So with that, there's an elevated flood threat. Not everyone gets rain, but the areas at two, it is going to be heavy. Cloudy, cooler, breezy for the next couple of days, maybe some spotty showers as well. But here it comes, bona fide sweater weather. Look at some of these low temperatures getting down to. to the low 50s. If we get down to 50 on Saturday, it's been 111 days since we've had a morning low that cool. So a little shock to the system. Canes the in action tonight. Preseason if you're heading out, don't be surprised if you get caught in one of those downpours and temperatures are going to be falling down into the 60s. So tonight, watch out for the showers, 50s and lower 60s. And then tomorrow, a shock to the system guys with highs in the 60s. We'll talk more about that coming up in the 5 o'clock. Speaking of five, here's Stephen. Lauren with what's coming up in the news. Steve, thanks very much. They are closing their doors. For 35 years, Legends Nightclub and Raleigh has welcomed everyone inside.

But guess what? It's not a goodbye. It's a grand new reopening and a good beginning. The LGBTQ plus nightclub is moving right up the road after their current building went up for sale. A store called Littles and Kerry, Raleigh and Burlington is now out of business. And former employees and clients, even contractors are making some big claims of being owed a lot of money. The troubleshooter reached out to the owner about those claims, what she just. discovered coming up. And the Stanley Cup champs back on the ice tonight in their season opener

and the fanfare comes with some big changes inside Lenovo. Kate Rogerson joins us live ahead of puck drop. Also Jay Cole wrapping up his North American concert tour in his hometown of Fayetteville tomorrow. The ticket sold out in hours when they went on sale last November. What you need to know before the show so you can get there right on time and not miss a beat. Seriously, you don't want to miss that show. He's good. All right, Travel and Leisure Magazine dropped a list of the best places to buy a home before price is sore. Guess what you? triangle city is on that list in the top spot. We'll talk about it when we see you for the news at we got to buy now. Now. Don't wait. Amber and Barbara, we'll see you a few minutes from the news at five.

All right. It's a hot market. See you soon. Well, Jesse, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Forky and Friends are coming to Disney Plus. All right. After our record breaking run at the box office, Toy Story 5 will now be available for home audiences to stream. Alicia Viterrelli spoke with some of the stars about the film's incredible success and why this fifth installment is one that's resonating with parents and kids alike. Bonnie still leads us. Our time ain't over yet. Has this year just been a complete dream? It's been more than a dream. Seriously, it's been crazy. Michael Michelle Harris and Scarlett Spears are new to the Toy Story franchise as the voices of Bonnie and Blaine. Do you want to play? What I love is the on-screen friendship between Blaze and Bonnie.

What is this friendship? Seriously, I feel like Bonnie and Blaze are the same as Scarlet and I. Like, we're best friends in front. They also feel a personal connection to their characters, growing up in a world of toys versus tech. Do you Forky to Karen Beverly to be your beloved bride? Tony Hale returns as everyone's favorite plastic utensil turned toys. Forky.

Oh, our first dance, honey. When I heard that Forky had a little bit and this new one, I was like, ah, I got excited because, yeah, I want more of Forky. I want more of that wonder. Toy Story 5 broke box office records, bringing in more than $1.3 billion worldwide. I was asked recently just about, were you shocked, you know, by the success? And I was like, so many parents and friends are dealing with that crossroad of technology. I want to talk to you, Devise.

Please, call me Lily. And the way that they just put it out there and were so creative and walked that line of like saying, hey, we're not bashing it. But like nothing's going to replace true connection. So tell me, tell me. What did I miss? That connection is also captured in a new character named Snappy, a digital camera voiced by Shelby-Rabara. Oh, but look, I can show you how first and second grade was.

Joining the Toy Story legacy? Just, wow. It was a dream come true. Honestly, a dream come true. Why are you wearing a dress, Woody? After filling theaters across the globe, the cast says they are thrilled. Fans can now bring Toy Story 5 home. So I think it's just a great movie to watch with your family.

And then you're like, after you're done watching Toy Story, you're like, I'm going to play with my toys. And then they're going to run outside and play. You should watch it. It's awesome. Clear! For On the Red Carpet, I'm Alicia Viterrelli. And Toy Story 5 will begin,

streaming on Disney Plus tomorrow. Here's tonight's ABC primetime preview. At 8-7 Central, it's viral hits week on Dancing with the Stars. The contestants made it through their first dance jitters and are ready for week two. It feels great. I mean, there's no other feeling of people liking what you do. I've never danced the day of my life, never had a lesson. And the fact that he has got me to this point is literally a miracle.

He has pulled me out of my shell. So much. Like, so much. I'm trying my best. Who knows, but I'm trying my best. I'm not giving up. Then at 10-9 Central, R.J. Decker has a run-in with some bodybuilders. Something good here? You want some, too? Is this your boy? People person, huh? That's followed by your late local news.

Then Oscar winners, Jamie Fox and Kiwi Kwan are on Jimmy Kimmel Live.