ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - April 22, 2026

Episode Date: April 22, 2026

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Right now, live coverage from your local newsleader, breaking stories from overnight and this morning, and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. Good morning, Carolina, and welcome on this Wednesday, April 22nd. Happy Earth Day. I'm Anna Rivera. And I'm Bianca Holman, in for Joe Brown. Thanks for waking up with us. This morning on eyewitness news, frustration over more budget cuts for Wake County schools. We're hearing from parents and teachers. Durham's May. representing the state of the city what he says about crime and affordable housing and stripped of authority why a triangle town is taking away the power from its mayor it is five o'clock on this wednesday morning halfway through the week it's earth day you got on your yep national geographic pin in honor of earth day today so uh remember to do your part of course and we really need to be mindful of that for us because of the drought conditions around here let's talk the warming trend today high temperatures into the low to mid 80s today we're going to have mainly sunny sky

with some late day clouds arriving. 82 in Roxborough this afternoon, 84 in Raleigh, 86 degrees in Fayetteville today. Increased fire danger threat, so please know outdoor burning. We're gonna have a bit more of a breeze through the afternoon coming in from the south. Here's a live look into downtown where we're at 53 degrees,

a 12 degree increase from yesterday. So no frost concerns this morning. You don't need the heavy coat. I would say maybe that jacket for out the door this morning. Nightdale 46 and Clayton, it's 42. Carrie, you're at 51 degrees. Chapel Hill 52. It's 55 in Durham. Wake Forests 50 degrees. Upper 40s to around the mid 40s from Rocky Mountain Wilson to Oxford and South Hill, Louisburg 49. And in Fayetteville, 47 degrees, Pinehurst, 53 degrees. Tracking that breeze from the southwest today. We're going to have more of that through the afternoon. Some passing clouds for now, but we'll see a bit more sunshine as we roll into the mid to late morning hours today. There is a disturbance to the north. It's around Pennsylvania heading into West Virginia. That's going to bring us some clouds by late afternoon. And maybe a

stray shower areas north of the triangle by early evening, but it's only a 10% chance. Don't expect much out of that. We'll have clearing skies again later tonight. 75 degrees at 8 o'clock. We're still at 70 at 9 tonight and then 67 degrees into 10. Tomorrow morning, even milder temperatures starting off in the 50s, but through Saturday, high temperatures will be in the 80s, so we'll be dry. You'll have a shot to get out, maybe play some golf this week. Weekend rainfall is introduced. Not a washout at this point. We'll talk best timing to see some of that steadier rainfall. That's coming up.

Right now, our first check of weather and traffic together. Anna, back to you. Quaitland, quiet to start off your Wednesday morning commute, no crashes, no congestion. Let's take a live look outside at the DOT cameras right now. This is 440 and Yonkers. You can see that traffic is still light. And this morning, frustrated parents and teachers sounding off in North Carolina's largest school district. Yeah, that's after Wake County schools unveiled more proposed budget cuts.

So our Tamara Scott live outside of the school board headquarters in Kerry, breaking down the key areas that could lose funding. Tamara. Do we have Tamara? I don't think so. Okay. Yeah. We do not have Tamara. Okay, let's move on.

Okay, now to the major agreement ending a month's long standoff over Medicaid. Lawmakers announcing a deal has been struck. Our Sean Coffee live outside of the General Assembly where a vote could happen today. Sean, good morning. Yeah, good morning, guys. Well, that bill, HB 696 covers the full three. $319 million that state health officials have said is necessary to cover the Medicaid rebase, which to remind our viewers is that amount of money that state health officials say they need to

cover rising costs and rising enrollment in the state's Medicaid program. And now a deal has been struck, it sounds like, and a vote on this bill could come as soon as today. It comes on the first day of the year's short legislative session and the same day that Governor Josh Stein released his latest budget proposal as House and Senate Republicans negotiated behind the scenes. Now all eyes will be on this potential vote today, which would officially end a lengthy standoff. HB 696 does not include additional funding for the children's hospital system that's being developed by U.N.C. Health and Duke Health, but it does provide provisions

to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the state's Medicaid program. And our viewers may recall last week, we covered a committee hearing here at the legislature about that very topic as the Attorney General Jeff Jackson and NCDHS Secretary Dev Sang Vi were both pressed by lawmakers about that alleged abuse. We'll have more on that and more. on this potential vote should it happen today throughout throughout today here on eyewitness news back to you guys okay Sean thank you and now back to the story out of Wake County schools this morning frustrated parents and teachers sounding off in North Carolina's largest school district yeah that's after they unveiled more budget cuts so we're going to

send things out to Tamara Scott live outside the school board headquarters breaking down those areas that's losing money Tamara hey good morning Bianca and Anna yes superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor is proposing about 10.5 million dollars in budget adjustments, roughly half of that coming from savings and the rest coming from cuts. And so among them a new funding formula that would reduce assistant principal positions at 11 different high schools. The plan also includes cutting about $500,000 from support for lower performing schools and removing instructional support specialists who often serve as tutors for students. Other reductions include cuts to arts and physical education support, central office positions and district services.

Now, the district would also use $4 million in savings to cover some special education positions for one more year. Way County school leaders say there are no cuts to special ed educators, but it is up to the principals on how they use their allotments. They are now saying that there will not be any special ed cuts. However, what we're hearing from workers and what we're hearing from schools is that there will be cuts in IA positions, special education positions. Now, the school board is planning to vote on this budget as early as May 5th before sending it to county leaders later that month. You can find the full proposal over on ABC11.com. Back to you. All right, Tamara, thank you.

Here this morning, the Cremor Board of Commissioners voting unanimously to strip the mayor of his authority. It comes two months after mayor and Twain Downey was charged with a DWI. So it's his fifth in seven years. Downey will no longer be able to speak on behalf of the city, use city email, or have, access to City Hall outside of meetings or appointments. Also new this morning, the town of Holly Springs approving new rules for e-bikes. As safety concerns continue to grow, the town now setting an age limit of 16 years old for any motorized vehicle that goes over 20 miles per hour. The riders of those faster speed vehicles would be required to have insurance. Holly Springs also improving

penalties of fines and vehicles impoundment for riders who violate the law. And now to the state of the city, Durham Mayor Leo Williams highlighting his vision for Durham as a city that works for everyone. And last night, the mayor touting the city's growth and development while also getting candid about crime and homelessness. He says it's important to strike a balance between supporting the growth and population and jobs coming to the area, but also making sure long-time residents are supported. The mayor also setting a goal of ending homelessness by 2031 and touted the heart program, which helps divert non-critical calls away from police. and getting people in crisis help as a model for cities across the country. And in Raleigh, Police Chief Rico Boys calling out the recent violence in the city in the past 10 days. So Chief Boys holding a press conference Tuesday calling Raleigh a safe city while also commending the crime, condemning the crime that the city has seen in the recent days.

The department also releasing its crime statistics for the first quarter of the year. And overall, crime is trending downward. RPD says they are increasing resources in areas with heavy foot traffic. traffic such as transportation hubs and areas where there's a lot of nightlife. Day three of water restrictions. Yeah, we're checking in with local landscaping businesses to see just how they're navigating the challenges. And wild video, a bear walking through a triangle neighborhood, what you need to know to avoid an unexpected visitor. And quail in tracking our chance for rain. Yeah, it won't be until this weekend. This morning we're looking at a few clouds, but overall expect a lot of sun today and a big warm up on the way into school this morning.

50s on the way home. 80s. We'll talk about how long those 80s will stick around in my forecast. And right now the road's looking good. Crash count sitting at zero. Now let's take a look at those traffic hotspots brought to by the first alert weather team. The ABC 11 first alert forecast team is working to keep you safe. One is across the region. Some cloud cover starting to build that rain is going to push on through cold air coming in. The first alert forecast team. Only on ABC 11 eyewitness news. 511. Welcome back on this Wednesday morning. We take a live look from RDU where we have dry conditions out there. It's much warmer start to the morning. Two, no frost concerns with temperatures in the mid-40s to the low 50s right now from the triangle, both north and also south off to the east. Looking at 50s around South Carolina into Georgia and some 40s into Virginia this morning. We've had some below average days yesterday and Monday. The high temperature around 70 degrees. Our average high as of today is 75 degrees. And today we're climbing. above average. We'll be in the 60s by 10. We're close to 75 by noon, but the temperature will continue to climb this afternoon across our region around the mid 80s for highs, mid 80s and Charlotte,

70s in the mountains, 80 for Wilmington, Greenville up to 83 degrees, even warmer tomorrow, kind of hot too, actually, Fayville approaching 90 degrees, 87 in Raleigh. Our humidity value is still staying on the lower side, too. At the coast today, we're looking at a moderate threat of rip currents from Topsel Beach up to Hatteras this afternoon, a bit higher north of Kill Devil Hills on that current threat. Seventies for highs at the coast. Lots of sunshine today. Definitely seeing that temperature bump this afternoon with high pressure offshore. 78 degrees in Asheville, near 80 in Bryson City in the mountains with bright skies through late day too. So across our state, just beautiful conditions today. Tracking our next weather maker, it's out to the west, producing some

rainfall, even some snow showers, higher elevations out to the west. A few showers down around parts of the Gulf South as well. But we'll be seeing that risk for severe weather from parts of Texas around the panhandle up through the plain states east of the Rockies and also around parts of Indiana and Ohio. There's a fire danger threat not just here at home down into southeast United States but also for the central part of the country drought and windy conditions leading to that enhanced risk for fire danger today. 83 in Atlanta, New York City 54 with some showers, 53 in Salt Lake City with showers and storms. We roll into the weekend with a rather dry start on Saturday. But by Saturday evening and night, those rain chances will climb

as our next system approaches, I think Sunday a bit wetter at this point with a cooler setup as well. We'll talk more about those changes. When I come back, Bianca, and Anna, back to you. All right, Leeland, thank you. We are now in the third day of water restrictions for Raleigh water customers. A landscaping company telling eyewitness news, it had to change the way it does business. Hardison landscaping is based in Raleigh, and we followed along as they installed plants at a few Cueverina property. While watering restrictions weren't at play here, the severe drought is still impacting their work. Raleigh and neighboring towns that rely on the city for water are being told to conserve when watering yards. Artisan landscaping has been keeping plants longer at nurseries.

Logistically, it's been a little bit of a nightmare, so we're picking them up maybe a day before or hours before installation just to prevent that watering restriction. I witness news reached out to Raleigh officials about the city's water use while restrictions are being imposed. There are water fountains and splash pads still operating right now. The city says they recirculate water and are permitted. And you can find all of the details about the water restrictions right now on ABC11.com. The first alert forecast team also keeping you up to date on the drought conditions and our next chance for rain. No death penalty for the Orange County man accused of killing his housekeeper. Why the DA says he's taking that punishment off the table.

Most Mexico takes steps to assure soccer fans their safety after an attack at a popular tourist attraction. And on this earth day, we are learning what American city has the cleanest air. and how many people live in the polluted areas. Some say the bubbles in an arrow truffle piece can take 34 seconds to melt in your mouth. Sometimes the very amount you're stuck at the same red light. Rich, creamy, chocolatey arrow truffle. Feel the arrow bubbles melt. It's mind bubbling.

We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. Taking a live look outside, here's a view of downtown Raleigh from our Pendo SkyCam at 301 Hillsborough Street. We're warming back up into the 80s today, and meteorologist Quailan Murphy is first alerting you to our next chance for rain. In Orange County, the district attorney has taken the death penalty off the table for a Hillsborough man accused of stabbing his housekeeper to death. Matthew Vokmer is charged in the murder of Paula Floyd, who worked for him for years. District attorney Jeff Neiman says the decision is in line with a campaign promise, adding that his office spoke with Floyd's family before making it final. Mexico is boosting security at tourist size ahead of the.

the upcoming World Cup. That's after a man opened fire on tourists at this popular tourist site on Monday. The upgraded security will include increased National Guard presence and enhanced surveillance. Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup along with the U.S. and Canada. We have video proof showing why you must say, weather, not weather aware, bear aware this time of year. Yeah, bear has been spotted on camera roaming in a Durham neighborhood. So take a look. You see this black bear just casually walk. on a driveway in front of a home. This video was taken in a community

adjacent to Sandy Creek Park near Highway 501. Another neighbor reported finding bear poop nearby on the same day. Bear activity increases this time of year all over the state. Experts advise not leaving trash or food even if bird feeders, because it could attract bears.

All right, on this Earth Day, the American Lung Association revealing the city with the cleanest air, and the winter is Bangor Maine. According to the findings, Bangor boasts zero days of unhealthy ozone and short-term particle pollution. It also has the least year-round concentrations of dangerous particle pollution in the nation. According to the ALA, roughly half of the country, about 152 million people live in areas with unhealthy air and significant air pollution. Oh, yeah.

Yeah, we were just talking about how we have to look up what our situation is here. Yeah, and not just here across the country. So, of course, we have the drought conditions. we're concerned with too. But as climate change continues to occur, we're seeing more warming. And of course, more that can lead to more storm activity, but also drought concerns too. So a lot to keep in mind on this Earth Day and a great reminder. I support my national geographic pin in honor of Earth Day today. Seventy five degrees is our average high temperature today. We saw above average by around 10 degrees. We'll be in the 80s all the way

through the end of the week. Friday being our hottest day this week with a high approaching 90 degrees, but then we're in the 70s starting Sunday into Monday as a cold front comes through. I have a stray sprinkle chance for the evening north of the triangle. But overall, we're focused on the weekend where we have the best chances for rain, light rain possible late day, Saturday, but it's really Saturday night and early Sunday that the rain chances look best. And then next week, there'll be more shots at some rain too. I have some rain in the forecast for Monday night, but our pattern shifts. So it looks like the rain chances will go up next week. Here's a live look into downtown Raleigh, just some passing clouds. But

Big story right now is how much warmer we are compared to yesterday. No frost concerns temperatures 40s and 50s out the door. 10 to 20 degrees warmer from the triangle north right now. Winds coming in from the southwest, a bit lighter south and east of the triangle, a bit more of a breeze around parts of the triangle and back towards southern pines. With the breezy conditions, low humidity and gusty winds, dry fuels, we have fire danger risk higher today. So here are the clouds we're looking at passing through right now, a bit of a clear sky set up around ID5 and north. You're seeing some clear skies for now in Samson County, too.

But overall, these clouds will pass by. We'll see some breaks. This is the disturbance to the north that could bring us a stray shower later this evening, but don't get too hung up on that. It's going to be really spotty, mainly north of the triangle, just a few clouds aside from that. We'll have dry conditions today. A lot of sun highs low to mid 80s this afternoon in the 50s, generally tomorrow morning with some upper 40s to the north.

So the century United States, rather quiet. Our next rainmaker that comes in this weekend is just off the west coast. on that arrival by Saturday. But 87 degrees into tomorrow approaching 90 degrees on Friday with that warm flow out of the south and west. And then the front approaches we tap into some of that Gulf moisture, the Atlantic moisture as well. So I have dry weather for now on Saturday through late afternoon. And then by the evening hours and Saturday night, rain chances climb. I think we'll have a shot at some extended rainfall on Sunday, too. The euro a bit more bullish about keeping the rainfall around Sunday, bringing in about one half of an inch of rain. The GFS is. kicks it out a bit sooner and as a result brings us lower rain potential. But we really could use the rain. That's our drought number since last September. The deficit now at RDU over 15 inches. We're looking at high pollen counts through Saturday and 2 until we can get some showers around here.

84 degrees a high today in the 50s tonight. Here's your 70 forecast powered by Accuweather. And boy, do we have a loaded weekend of events. Dogwood Festival starts Friday in Fayetteville. ABC 11, a proud sponsor. The Walk for ALS is Saturday morning. ABC 11, a proud sponsor too. So I think we'll get that walk off without a hitch early Saturday.

Shower chances go up Saturday into Sunday. 70 degrees, 74 on Monday with a chance for some lingering rainfall into Tuesday with scattered storms, highs up or 70s. Weather and traffic together, Anna, back to you. Really quiet on the road still, Kuala, not too much to worry about. We do have a stalled car. It's at Creech Road near Sanderford Road, not causing any delays. Let's take a live look outside at 40 and Rock Quarry Road where traffic has started to fill in. A tech company using its employees to train AI.

Your morning tech news just ahead. Welcome aboard via rail. Please sit and enjoy. Please sit and sit. Play. Post. Taste. View and enjoy.

Via rail, love the way. In today's Techbytes, meta is monitoring its own employees. Reports say it's installing tracking software on workers' computers to capture clicks and keystrokes for use and trend. training its AI models. Meta says safeguards are in place and the collected data won't be used in performance reviews. An endorsement for Anthropics' new AI model.

Mozilla says it used the Claude Methos model to patch more than 270 vulnerabilities in the latest version of its Firefox browser. Anthropic released the model to a limited group of companies warning that hackers could use for cyber attacks. Finally, New York is the latest state to sue prediction markets. The state's Attorney General filing suit. against Coinbase and Gemini claiming they are just unlicensed gambling operations. Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois have also sued prediction market companies.

Those are TechBites. I'm Sophie Flei. Have a great day. 526 now and new developments in the war with Iran. That's next at 530. A ceasefire extended as concerns grow about the security of shifts in this straight of Hormuz. And another triangle community makes a decision on data centers. We'll be right back.