ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - August 13, 2026

Episode Date: August 13, 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. 5 a.m. We are on the air. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Thursday, August 13th. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us today. Just into the newsroom minutes ago. A big boost for several North Carolina Democrats ahead of the November midterms. Details on the group throwing support behind Roy Cooper, Deborah Ross and several other contenders. And vaccine policy pushback. North Carolina health leaders slamming President Trump over his new childhood vaccine order.

What it means for families as the new school year gets underway. Three people murdered in Moore County. We have new details on the victims. Plus, how officials nabbed a suspect as we await a major update from officials. We will talk about all of those things. But first, a check on weather and traffic together. There is meteorologist Quaylin Murphy. all in white today because it's going to be so hot.

You don't want anything that's going to be attracting this sun. I mean, this is big time heat here. Big time heat is going to be a stretch of days where it feels like temperatures will be in the triple digits. Feels like temperatures today could climb as high as 108. We do have a heat advisory from Morale Point South from 11 a.m. Those of you outside of the advisory, you're still going to have dangerous heat levels through the day today. So we'll get into those upper 80s on fields by 10 into the 90s and triple digits by noon today. certainly by one a four o'clock one o five on the fields so 99 at six just a spotty storm chance today 20% actual temperatures low to mid 90s this afternoon things are nice and quiet for us this morning view more clouds rolling through at this time but dry conditions for you at 74 degrees at rd u there's the mugginess with the dew point at 70 degrees and light winds some 60s abound for sanford siller city oxford louisburg 73 right now in south hill and a little fog showing up visibility down the lowest for now for now

into Harnet County. So your lunchtime temperature around 89 degrees at noon will be in the 90s, certainly through the afternoon hours your evening is still hot 90 at 7 and low 80s at 11 tonight. Tomorrow we do bring in a few storms. It looks like later in the day. So towards the evening hours, there's a level 1 of 5 risk for severe tomorrow. We'll extend that into parts of the area on Saturday to Saturday as well, mainly west of the airport. In the tropics, we have three areas we're watching. Crystal Ball is well out to sea. No concerns there. But these two disturbances here have the higher potential to become our next depressions or storms here in the next few days. We'll talk more about those when I come back in a few.

Right now, weather and traffic together. Anna, over to you. Quailan, I'm trying to get together a graphic really quickly because we do have a serious crash at Forestville Road and Lewisburg Road. We're getting reports that someone is pinned inside that car involved in this crash. So I'm going to try to get more details on that and I'll definitely let you know. But overall picture does look good. Still seeing lots of green on the map.

Let's take a live look outside of the DOT cameras now. Things are moving nicely at 440 and I-87. Traffic is really light. We're new this hour in your voice, your vote. A major boost for several North Carolina Democrats ahead of the November midterms. The country's largest Gen Z voter group, now throwing its support behind key candidates. The group is called Voters of Tomorrow. They are endorsing Senate contender, Roy Cooper and Congresswoman Deborah Ross.

Also getting the nod, Paul Berringer, running for the 13th Congressional District, which covers parts of our viewing. area and in western North Carolina, the group is backing Jamie Ager, who will face Jennifer Bolcom, Chuck Edwards' replacement on the ballot. The announcement comes as a two-day summit kicks off today in Raleigh. And new poll numbers from Elon University show Cooper with an 11-point lead in his race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat. 53% of likely voters backing the former governor, while 42% say they are supporting Cooper's Trump-endorsed Republican opponent, Michael Watley. The scene is being vacated by Republican.

Senator Tom Tillis. And as we approach the November elections, here are some important dates to remember October 9th is the deadline to register to vote. In-person early voting is from October 15th through the 31st. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 20th and November 3rd is election day, which is also the deadline for all absentee ballots. In a stunning move, North Carolina health leaders defying President Trump this morning. They say the state's childhood vaccine requirements will stay the same as the new school year gets underway, despite the president's new executive order on the issue. Cindy Bay, following all of the latest in West Raleigh at the health department's headquarters. So Cindy, what can you tell us? Well, Anna, North Carolina requires 12 core vaccines

for school children, and that includes MMR, hepatitis A and B, and influenza. Medical and religious exemptions remain permitted. But President Donald Trump's new executive order calls for measles and MMR vaccines to be split into three separate shots and makes flu, COVID-19 and hepatitis vaccines voluntary. But state officials say the federal order does not change North Carolina's immunization requirements or clinical guidance. North Carolina health officials say vaccines remain widely available and accessible for individuals and families throughout the state. And state officials encourage families to talk with their provider about which vaccines are recommended and available to them. Meanwhile, the state also has a dashboard tracking how many K through

fifth grade students are up to date on measles vaccines in each county that you can check. In Wake County, Cindy Bay, ABC 11, IWitness News. No changes in vaccine rules in North Carolina. Cindy, thank you. We are in the breaking news center now with new details on that triple murder in Moore County investigators say a Pine Bluff man killed three people inside of a home in Pine Bluff yesterday. They credit flock cameras with helping lead them to the suspect. Demetrius Agalus is now facing three counts of murder and a burglary charge as we await a major new update from officials today. Elena Athens tracking new developments on the case, including details on the victims. Elena, what's the latest? Good morning to you, Joel. Yeah, I pulled new court documents this morning

and it does show that Demetrius Agalas broke into a home yesterday morning. And according to that court document allegedly killed three people there. Those documents identify the victims as Bobby Ray Ferris, Christina Lynn Aguilis, and Trinity Cheyenne Thomas. Authorities found the victims yesterday morning inside a home on Ryder Cup Boulevard in Pine Bluff. The 40-year-old is facing three counts of first-degree murder and burglary. We're working to learn more about the motive, and the sheriff's office says they continue to investigate this case. I found this morning that the suspect does have a criminal history, and just last month was charged with a probation violation. Live in Raleigh, Elena, Athens, ABC 11, I witness news.

Okay, Elena, thank you. New developments out of Moore County this morning, a shooting suspect arrested in Aberdeen after spending days on the run. Rahim Ewing is now facing a list of charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana. Police say he shot and injured a man at the woodlawn apartments on Magnolia Drive. It's unclear what led to the violence. Ewing is currently being held with no bond. It is 507 in developing in Harnock County, a massive house fire.

Now under investigation, officials trying to figure out what sparked the blaze. We'll get an update coming up later this hour. And Kaniaks get ready. Preseason tickets going on sale today. How you can watch our Stanley Cup champs that's coming up. Good morning, Quay. Hey, good morning. First alert day for the heat advisory for Mali South.

11 a.m. It kicks in through 8 p.m. Those triple digit feels like temperatures is high. high as 108 today. Only spotty storms. Tomorrow we're tracking a better shot for storms. We'll have more in that timing in my forecast. And right now the roads do look good overall, but we do have that one crash that I was telling you about on Lewisburg Road and Forestville Road. Causing a minor delay, we are getting reports of injuries involved with this. Now let's take a look at those traffic hotspots brought to by the Fred Anderson family of dealerships on

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and Fred Anderson, Nissan, all on Glenwood Avenue. 511 and welcome back on this first alert day. We have a heated buy three from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Triple digit feels like temperatures today as 108 degrees possible as high as 108. First alert day into tomorrow as well for a level one severe threat of storms. It's not going to be all day. I think towards the evening hours will see a storm chance, but temperatures will be climbing to around 97 tomorrow afternoon. Some break intensity on Saturday with the heat still 92 degrees and a chance for spotty showers and storms.

Live look from RDU, nice quiet start for those early morning. Flight 60s and 70s cross the region from Myrtle Beach to Charleston, Lumberton, 72. in Greensboro 73, Chase City, 69, 74 in Rawling. This boundary nearby is going to continue lifting north today. It's going to help pull in more warm, moist air through the day. Best chance for storms for the state will be in the mountains this afternoon into early evening. Just a spotty shower or storm chance here at home today. At the coast, the low to moderate threat of rip currents for the afternoon.

Temperatures around 90 this afternoon and partly cloudy skies at the coast. There's a chance for a few storms in the mountains, upper 70s for blowing rock 85 degrees in Asheville. today across the country tracking some early morning storms already in the plain states. Risk for severe from Denver to Chicago, even into St. Louis. 80s for New York City, Chicago 76, 102 in Dallas. When we'll see better rain and storm chances. That's coming up. Joel, back to you.

Quaylin, thank you developing this morning. A high speed police chase that started in Wake Forest ended in a crash 20 miles away in Durham. Eyewitness news on the scene of the dramatic aftermath on Holloway Street, a Wake Forest Police SUV and a Toyota Highlander. both with extensive damage. Highway Patrol now leading the investigation. Stay with us for updates. Happening today, a major hiring event at Fort Bragg.

Veterans Service members and their families have a chance to connect with potential employers. More than 900 jobs have resulted from this event just in the past year. Be sure to register online before heading in. It kicks off at 11 o'clock at the Iron Mike Conference Center. Time now 513 in the new criminal charge a Raleigh woman is facing

after being accused of working as an unlicensed orthodox dentist. Stay with us. We've got an update on the investigation. Plus Wake County leaders pushing to create affordable housing for teachers, but their plan faces major hurdles. We'll explain after the break. And a reminder, you can find eyewitness news live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. Get your tickets now for the dog stars. It's no surprise how fast civilization can disappear. Go!

Out there. It's a girl or be killed. Jacob Alludey. There are people out there. They need our house. Josh Brolin. Shoot first. And inquire afterwards. Margaret Qualley.

Okay, tough guy. And Guy Peers. Arm up! The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott. In theaters, August 28th. Get tickets now. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now.

516 and from the I-Team troubleshooter this morning, the woman accused of posing as an orthodontist in Raleigh, now facing a new criminal charge. Ebony McBean ran the smiling. face company until her business suddenly closed last year, leaving patients with braces still on their teeth and McBean behind bars. The new indictment reveals she also took nearly $3,000 from one patient for services she was not licensed to perform. She's now facing five charges, including obtaining property by false pretenses and practicing medicine without a license. During our investigation,

McBean admitted she wasn't licensed to do the orthodontic work, but claimed she was working under a doctor's oversight. We also have new details on another I-Team troubleshooter investigation involving a Durham non-profit accused of not paying its workers. CJF America leaders, Courtney Jordan and Nick Gallardo were also charged in a separate case last week involving a high-speed chase and a crash in-person county. New court documents reveal authorities discovered cell phones, suspected illegal narcotics, laptops, money, IDs belonging to other people as well as financial information during a search for evidence. Officials say both men could face more charges.

County and school board leaders in Way County, pushing North Carolina lawmakers to approve a major land swap proposal. They met yesterday to discuss the options. The plan would see the county and the school system trade land. The move with green light affordable housing neighborhoods for school workers. When you don't have an incredibly long commute or you are not spending 50% of your income just on your housing cost that allows you to be more present. and focused on the work that you're doing day to day.

Leaders also discussed a proposed $680 million bond. Voters will decide on in November. The annual tax increase would go towards three new elementary schools plus renovations at nine schools. The money would help improve infrastructure and repairs. College move-in fully underway across the triangle this week. Students head back to NC State and NC Central today. Chapel Hill started move-ins yesterday.

We stopped by to check on parents and kids moving into the dorm. UNC has a number of special events for both new and returning students to begin the fall 2026 semester, including a fall fest this Sunday. Meanwhile at Duke, first year students move in on Saturday, followed by upperclassmen a week later. Welcome back to town. Yeah. We want to be carrying that refrigerator in these temperatures. Right? It's college moving day and all of a hot weather wants to come back.

We were talking about this in the newsroom. You know, you guys were like, it's hot. I said, well, at least it's not raining. Yeah, yeah. But this heat is dangerous. I'm going to be wet enough with sweat. You're right about that. You're right about that.

Lots of sweat, lots of dangerous heat. Take those breaks. Please be safe out there. Heat advisory today, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Raleigh and South 4. Feels like temperatures as high as 108. But even into Durham County and Orange County, we're going to have triple-digit feels like temperatures at times today. So we'll be in the upper 80s on the fields by 10 this morning. 90s by noon.

It's going to feel like around 105 plus at 4 o'clock. And still almost like 100 degrees at 6 p.m. Dry conditions across the state right now. It'll have much rain in the forecast here at home this afternoon. We'll see a mixture of sunshine and clouds, maybe a stray shower storm. That's it. We're focused on the heat though all the way into early next week. With our peak days being likely tomorrow and then as we head into early next week, Monday is going to be really hot.

Near 100 degrees, that's near the record on Monday afternoon. 93 on Tuesday, average high is still around 90 degrees. We need some help with the rainfall. We haven't had much for the start of August so far. And Carl Lake during the worst at this point, approaching seven feet below full pool. Falls Lake, we're still holding pretty steady right around just over three feet below full pool. Today is drop monitor day, and so we do have another mount monitor update coming out later this morning. Last week shows significant improvement.

I don't think we'll see any major changes this week, but we have had a lack of rainfall for the last seven days. Here's a live look into downtown Raleigh temperature at 74 degrees at RDU, Durham 74, 70 in Roxford, upper 60s in Sanford and from Goldsboro to Fayetteville, low to mid 70s, just a little patchy fog right now. 80 degrees at 9, mainly sunny at noon. We're near 90 degrees by 3 o'clock, mainly cloudy skies at 93, and back to the upper 70s into early tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon, we do have a chance for storms and really think towards the evening hours and then Saturday a few storms as well. Both days present a level 1 of 5 threat for severe for damaging winds. So we have this boundary nearby. It's going to be shifting north as we head into today and we'll focus on the heat building through the afternoon.

Tomorrow morning in the 70s to start with partly cloudy conditions. You'll climb into the mid to upper 90s for highs tomorrow afternoon. Maybe a stray shower storm better towards the evening hours with those storms riding around that ridge of high pressure. These are the storms that could present severe into Friday evening. Pretty much 30% on the storm chances through Monday, a little bit higher as we head into Tuesday of next week. Seven-day rainfall totals about one half of an inch or less. Here's Christavon, the tropics, two other disturbances that are between the Middle Atlantic waters and just off the African coast have a moderate to high threat of becoming depressions or storms here in the next seven days. Most of the long range models do carry this

towards the Caribbean Sea, so no concerns for us. Looks like they weaken as they approach as well. So first alert day today, loaded mid 90s for highs, 70s tonight and partly cloudy. There's your first alert 70 forecast. Powered by ACU weather. Level one severe risk tomorrow, mainly towards the evening hours, but the heat is going nowhere. Monday, the hottest day in the stretch, 99 degrees. Weather and traffic together, back to you. Quailan, we've already got issues on the map. We have two crash icons that I want to make you aware of, including this one. We are getting reports of injuries at Lewisburg Road and Forestville Road. In fact, we're getting reports that someone is pinned inside of a car. You can see we are also seeing delays in both directions. I'm trying

to get more details on that. As soon as I have those, I'll definitely let you know. Let's take a live look outside. We're getting reports of a road hazard. at 40 and US 1. At this point, I'm not seeing anything to slow you down as traffic starts to fill in in that spot. Time now, 522 and new details on an effort to raise liquor prices across the state. How the ABC Commission ruled on the plan coming up in our next half hour. 525 and the Pro Libro Smart Pet Featers experienced in outage, causing some animals to go without their scheduled dinner. Here's ABC Sophie Fleigh with this morning's TechBites.

In today's Techbytes, a smart pet feeder that may have been starving cats and dogs. Pet Libro says a service issue caused its smart feeders not to dispense food on schedule and got to work making repairs. The company says service was fully restored last night. Two media groups are suing President Trump for selling faster access to his truth social posts for $100,000 a month. The Freedom of Press Foundation and The Intercepts say the move is corrupt and unconstitutional, violating amendments that Garrison. equal access to the president's announcements. And decades before gamers had Atari, there was this, a two-player arcade cabinet called computer space.

This emerald green machine is one of the rarest in existence, first out in the 1970s. Now it's up for auction and expected to sell for more than $20,000. Those are Techbytes. I'm Sophie Flay. Have a great day. Stunning new images emerging of yesterday's

extremely rare total solar eclipse. It passed over Europe with the the path of totality covering parts of northern Spain, a small corner of northeastern Portugal and some of Iceland. For Spain, it was the country's first total eclipse since 1905. A total solar eclipse is when the moon moves directly between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on our planet and darkening the sky. A partial eclipse also expected in parts of the northern U.S., Canada and northwestern Africa. NASCAR star Ross-Jastain is hitting the track in the triangle today, but he is trading his stock car for a go-cart. He is going to visit rush hour

carting and Garner for a special event highlighting highway safety across North Carolina. Fans can also test their own racing skills by facing off against Chastain on the track. Today's event absolutely free begins at 4 o'clock. 527-hour expanding health care access in southern Wake County. Everything we know about the new UNC Rex Hospital opening in Holly Springs, a straight ahead. Plus it is a first alert day here. is heat threatening the area ahead of possible storms tomorrow. Stay with us. Your first alert forecast coming up bottom of the hour.