ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - June 26, 2026

Episode Date: June 26, 2026

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Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, 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. underway. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Friday. It's June 26th. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us today. The brutal heat is back. We're bracing for attempts in the 90s as well as the possible storm threat heading into the weekend before major heat wave moves in next week. And one of the biggest pride parties in North Carolina kicks off today in downtown Raleigh. Everything we know about the two-day event taking over Fayetteville Street coming up. And new overnight, a last-minute loss for Team USA. But it's not all bad news.

The Americans still advancing to the next stage in the World Cup will have a full recap straight ahead. A little bit of a heartbreaker, but Team USA will move on. And they're still playing great soccer. That's the headline there. Keep the main thing, the main thing. meantime, two straight days in the 80s. Back to the 90s today. Back to the 90s today, but it won't be too bad.

Low 90s is where we should be. Take it easy. Exactly. Yeah, we do have a chance for isolated storms, though. So that chance goes up a little bit today, 30%. And then this weekend, do expect scattered rate in storms. Some of the storms could be a bit strong on Saturday with a damaging wind threat. 94 the high Saturday.

Some storms late day, Sunday, too, with the front closer. 94 degrees, the high temperature. This morning, we're all good. The skies are mainly clear. The front we're tracking for the weekend, still to the north and west of us. It'll gradually push closer as we head into Sunday. But this afternoon, pretty dry to start. And then we'll introduce that spotty storm chance. They could pop up anywhere. We'll just have some instability in a few spots later today. Live look downtown where it's partly cloudy, 72 degrees. Warmer than yesterday, more humid than yesterday morning, too. Temperatures out the door. 60s and 70s all around. That warm wind from the south continues for us.

So near 80 degrees at 9 o'clock, mainly sunny by noon. mainly cloudy, 86 degrees, and we'll have those isolated storms towards three today, 92 degrees with more storms at times this evening for some of you. Back to the 70s, we go late tonight, a little breezy at times today to those gusts approaching 20. Tomorrow is a first alert day. This is why there's a level two risk of severe north and east of Raleigh for Saturday, damaging winds the main threat everywhere else. You have an isolated risk for some damaging winds too. So we'll carry that potential through the weekend. Much hotter though next week. We're talking not only triple digit feels, but triple digit actual high temperatures starting the middle of next week.

That will persist. And we're going to be mainly dry too. So heat and humidity increasing rain chances going down, which means our drought worsens. I'm going to have your full 7A forecast when I come back. Right now, our first check up weather and traffic together. Anna, over to you. Quailin, a quiet start for your Friday morning commute. We haven't seen any crashes that you need to worry about at this point. Also, lots of green on the map. Let's take a live look outside at the DOT cameras. This is 40 and Gardner Road. You can see. traffic has started to fill in. 503 brutal hot and only getting worse.

The heat comes roaring back across the area today with temperatures in the 90s before spiking into triple digits next week. And your AC is gonna feel every bit of it with systems across the region being pushed to their limits. Cindy Bay live in Durham with more. Cindy, good morning. Hey, good morning Joel.

Well, during a stretch of extreme heat, it's important to look out for yourself and others. So here are a few safety reminders. Here are a few safety reminders. Stay hydrated, number one, avoid direct sun during peak heat, limit outdoor activities and take frequent shade breaks and never leave children or pets in a parked car. The heat is also putting extra strain on air conditioners and experts say routine maintenance can help prevent costly repairs. The main thing people can do to protect their units, change the filters. Go outside, find the drain line. If it ain't dripping, it ain't cooling.

Now some other things experts also recommend is to keep indoor humidity in check and avoid big thermostat swings to reduce strain on your system. We'll have more ways to stay safe and keep your home cool ahead on eyewitness news in Durham. Cindy Bay, ABC 11 eyewitness news. Okay, Cindy, thank you. And happening today out Raleigh Pride returns to Fayetteville Street. Thousands of people are expected to attend this two-day event. And ABC 11 is a proud sponsor. Tamara Scott with me now from Delaware.

from downtown Raleigh with a preview. Tamara, good morning. Hey, good morning. Anna, Yakuz will be out on this stretch of Fayetteville Street soon to start preparing for the Out Raleigh Pride. And it returns for the 14th year today, with thousands expected to celebrate not just today, but also into tomorrow. So those who are driving down here, you need to prepare ahead and be prepared for street closers. They're starting at 9 o'clock this morning along Bayetteville Street between Martin in the south end of City Plaza, as well as Davy Street between Salisbury and Wilmington. The closure expands throughout tomorrow. That includes Fayetteville Street between Morgan and Martin, along with Hargett and Martin Street

between Salisbury and Wilmington. And the city is offering free parking and its five city-owned parking garages during the festival so you can find somewhere to park for free. Well, this is true for the two different events happening tonight and tomorrow. Tonight, from 6 until 10, Fayetteville Street will host an adults-only, 18 and up, celebrating. with the live entertainment, vendors, and performances on a smaller two-block footprint that we just talked about. Then Saturday, the festival expands into the family-friendly event filling downtown with live music, local artists, food vendors, and a kids zone, plus a beer garden and community organizations. And again, ABC 11 is proud once again to be a sponsor of this out Raleigh Pride event.

Back to you. Tamara, Scott, downtown Raleigh this morning. Tamara, thank you, developing in Johnston County. The man charged with killing his wife at a Smithfield workplace is due in court today. Jesus Bermudez faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Lorena Caparapaz. It happened early yesterday morning outside AAF Flanders Manufacturing Plant. A motive is still under investigation. Concerns are growing over safety conditions at the Vance County Jail as protests escalate outside of the facility. Former inmates and families say problems inside include overcrowding, staffing shortages, in recent escapes.

One man who spent a night there says he struggled to get help. I kept hollering for the guards to come down. Nobody wouldn't come. I banged on the door. I even kicked on the door lying so they can hear. And it stirred the other inmates. And they try to help by calling. And one of them yelled and told me I might well

forget nobody's coming down here. County leaders say they've approved funding, but now want answers and are pushing for public safety meeting with the sheriff. All right. Coming up on 507 and happening now in Venezuela, a desperate search for survivors buried beneath debris after two earthquakes rattled the region. New details coming up next half hour. And a cold case cracked authorities announcing a major update on a young woman's murder in Robinson County. Details on who's facing charges. Good morning, Kuelan. Hey, good morning. Nice dry start. Cold front moves closer into the weekend. Today we'll see some

isolated storms. The heat returns. Highs load of at 90s. A better chance for storms that could be stronger tomorrow. I'll have more on that my forecast. And right now the roads do look really good. Our crash count's still sitting at zero. Now let's take a look at those traffic hotspots brought by the Fred Anderson family of dealerships on Glenwood Avenue. Fred Anderson Toyota, Fred Anderson Kia, Fred Anderson Nissan, all home of the Fred Anderson family plan, including lifetime oil changes,

lifetime car washes on all new Toyota's Kia's Nissan's and hundreds of used cars. The Fred Anderson family plan saves your family thousands while giving you lasting value with every mile you drive. Thinking of selling or trading. your current vehicle, Fred Anderson wants to pay you more even if you don't buy from us. Get the family plan at Fred Anderson Toyota, Fred Anderson Kia, and Fred Anderson, Nissan, all on Glenwood Avenue. Well, good Friday morning. Welcome back, 510, the time, a live look from RDU, where things are nice and quiet this morning,

a bit more settled. Later today, we'll see some showers and storms could disrupt some of those flights in and out of R&U today. Sixies and 70s, the main stay for temperatures out the door from South Carolina and to our state and up into Virginia to Boone a bit cooler in the 50s right now. You can see the skies have cleared out since late last night, but we will see some clouds at times this afternoon with some showers and storms. Lunchtime still looks pretty nice.

87 degrees. It's going to be very humid by then and just an isolated shower chance. As we head towards peak heating of the day, the rain and storm chances start to climb to around 30 to 40 percent. We'll keep that going through the evening hours too. High temperatures today across most of the state, 80s and 90s with 70s and Boone, Wilmington up to 91 tomorrow will be a little bit hotter around those mid 90s in the triangle in the sand hills low 90s in Charlotte Asheville up to 82 with showers and storms Wilmington

at 90 degrees so pretty much state-wide we'll have a shot at showers and storms there'll be some damaging wind potential that risk a bit higher north and east of the triangle tomorrow level two of five everywhere else level one of five so there's a risk all over the place tracking that front which is still to our north and mainly along of that front we're going to see that risk for severe from D.C. to St. Louis back towards Denver, up into Montana. Also along that boundary, we'll see some training, shower, and storm potential. So flash flooding and a good term for the century U.S. and some red flag warnings out west for those gusty winds that could spread fires.

We'll have your 70 forecast coming up, which includes temperatures hitting the century mark and higher. It's coming up. Anna, back to you. Okay, Quaylin, thank you. And next weekend, join us for the 4th of July party. Raleigh's Dix Park is bringing back its fireworks show and live performances for America's 250th. The fun kicks off in the mid afternoon and runs through the night. Here's what you can expect. A fireworks show, a DJ and live music.

There's craft station lawn games, inflatables, shaded picnic areas and food and beverage vendors, no alcohol allowed. So here's a list of what to bring. Blankets, small coolers, refillable water bottles, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and flashlights. And the bag policy includes small clutches and fanny packs. Bigger bags will need to be clear. and medical and diaper bags are allowed.

ABC 11 is proud to be the presenting sponsor. All right. We'll see you next week. 512 is the time. The Supreme Court siding with President Trump on several major cases. We're going to run those down for you. Plus, a preview of what's to come from the nation's high court.

And cracking down on homeless camps in North Carolina, how state lawmakers are tackling the issue. This spring, denim gets a softer, lighter update. Introducing Old Navy's drapey denim wide leg. a new fit that moves with you. It's everything you want denim to feel like for summer. Easy, breathable, and effortlessly cool. With a fit that creates natural movement

and a wide leg that feels modern, not overwhelming. Plus, that signature, wait, for this price, moment. Old Navy's drapey denim wide leg. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. It is 515 news from the legislature now. State senators advancing a bill that would ban homeless encampments on all public property statewide.

Under the measure, cities and counties could still designate specific areas for people to sleep outside, but only if they provide bathrooms, running water, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment on site. Drug use would be banned in those areas. The bill also creates drug-free zones targeting the homeless population where anyone caught using or selling faces felony charges. The bill now heads to the House. I knew this morning a federal judge ordered the Justice Department. to release more unredacted files tied to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why the information remains secret. The ruling gives officials until July 2nd to justify key redactions, including names in emails and alleged co-conspirators listed in a draft indictment.

One of those documents includes notes from the FBI's interview with a woman who accused President Trump of assault. Those claims were uncooperated and President Trump has denied the allegations. President Trump scoring a double legal victory. The Supreme Court sided with the administration on two major immigration cases yesterday. One of them clears the way for the White House to restart its controversial asylum policy. It allows officials to deny migrants from entering the country, even if they're fleeing political, racial, or religious persecution in their home country. Justice has also ruled on the temporary protected status policy. It lets migrants from certain countries legally live and work in the U.S.

The court ruled the Trump administration could end those. protections potentially impacting millions of people. And the Supreme Court is just getting started. Justices are expected to rule on a number of big cases this term including birthright citizenship, mail-in ballots, transgender sports bans, and independent agency leadership. The next round of rulings could happen as soon as Monday. Developing this morning Detroit Lions cornerback Terry and Arnold facing kidnapping and robbery charges in Florida. The 23-year-old allegedly lured three men into an apartment where prosecutors say

they were robbed, beaten, and held at gunpoint. Authorities believe he planned the attack after accusing the victims of stealing $250,000 in belongings from his Airbnb. Arnold denies all of the allegations. He's currently being held behind bars in Tampa with no bond. The WNBA is suspending Phoenix player, Phoenix Mercury player, Alyssa Thomas, for one game after hitting Caitlin Clark's throat. Happened during a game earlier this week.

Clark had the ball late in the second quarter when she fell and tossed the ball to a teammate. The replay shows Thomas driving her knee into Clark and pressing her fist into Clark's neck. At the time, the refs didn't call it, but the WNBA announced the suspension yesterday. Six World Cup matches kicking off today. Several powerhouse teams are facing off, including Norway versus France, Uruguay versus Spain. Both games will feature star players fighting for critical group stage points. However, we got to talk about last night's USA Turkey game. We may have lost three to two in the final seconds, but it doesn't matter. the USA advances no matter one after winning their first two games in the group stage.

Turkey scored that final goal during the last kick of the game. Stunning the crowd at SoFi Stadium last night. Okay, despite the crushing defeat, the U.S. moves ahead to face Bosnia on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. Turkey, the winners last night, they remain eliminated. All right, so. Well, they were fighting for pride. They were. Fighting for national crime.

USA. That game started at 10 o'clock at night and, you know, that was way past my bedtime. No way. When talked to big game. Said she was going to stay up. Did you stay up? Don't you ever doubt me, though. Exactly. Ever doubt. She's strong. How is she? You know what she's tired. That's what she is. She's strong. Hey, I'm bringing in there. I'm taking in there. Doing okay. Now talk to me around 9 o'clock. Yeah, right. We're tracking our next 10 days and it's going to be brutal next week. Temperatures on the way up.

So through the weekend, we'll be in the 90s. Those light orange bars you see represent the actual temperatures starting next Wednesday. Highs will be at 100 plus will be close still by Friday and even into the fourth. Looking at high temperatures, upper 90s, feels like temperatures triple digits. So we got to get ready for next week. Make sure your HVAC systems are good to go. Hopefully you don't have any problems through this duration. Here's a live look into downtown.

This morning skies are a bit clearer than yesterday. We have 60s and 70s out the door. So we are starting off warmer than yesterday as well. Here's our radar and satellite composite and a good part of your daytime hours will be on the dry side, but we'll see some storms popping up this afternoon and early evening. 83 degrees at 10. We're still dry by 2.92. By this time, I have an isolated shower chance. 5 o'clock, I think we'll see a few thunderstorms with some downpours, 85 degrees, and we'll carry that potential into the evening hours as well. For your weekend, there will be some showers and storms around as our next front draws a little bit closer. It doesn't push into and through the area until late Sunday. into Monday, which is why we'll be drier to start early next week. With tomorrow's storms, there's a risk for severe. It's a level two threat of five north and east of Raleigh. So

the threat's a little bit higher there, level one for all other locations. Here's the front we're tracking still to the north. It takes its time pushing into the region. So again, we're ahead of it today. That's why we're going to be hotter. Spotty showers and storms late afternoon and evening. Those downpours could be a bit intense at times. Most of us should dry out by midnight tonight. Maybe an isolated shower tomorrow morning. Heading into tomorrow afternoon, scattered storms will develop later in the day with the peak heating of the day. And these downpours could lead to some stronger storms with downpours and also those gusty or winds will be dry for most part by late Saturday night. And then Sunday starts dry once again.

That front moves closer. So we'll kit some showers and storms that pop up as well on Sunday. This is the problem, one inch or less on those rainfall totals through the next seven days. Satellite loop here in the tropics shows all quiet conditions. expected in the next seven days. Some of that dry air from the African coast. That's Saharan air layer starting to make its way across the Atlantic basin. Rip current threat for the coast today is low once again. Highs in the 80s with sun in the mountain 70s and 80s. A few showers possible there today. But we're going to have rain and storms around both at

the coast this weekend and in the mountain. So make sure you're planned for that if you have some beach or mountain getaways for yourself this weekend. Here's your seven day forecast. First of our day tomorrow for those gusty or your stories. storms that will be possible. 94 on Sunday. We're at 93 Monday, so still hot, just not as humid. 96 Tuesday that starts our head next heat wave. Wednesday, July 1st, we're up to 100 degrees, 102 Thursday, and we're highlighting those days because the heat will be dangerous kicking through the July 4th holidays. So we want to make sure you're taking extra special care. 522 weather and traffic together back to you. Quaylin, things on the roads looking really good. We're not seeing any issue to slow you down at this point,

which is a great way to start your morning. Let's take a live look outside right now at the DOT cameras. This is US One and Tryon Road. You can see traffic has started to fill in. You won't be alone when you head out, but things looking good. We'll be right back after the break.

525, Apple and Microsoft have announced dramatic price increases for their hardware. Here's ABC's Perry Russell with this morning's TechBites. In today's TechBites, prices are rising because of a shortage of computer chips. Due to AI, Apple says it's increasing the MacBook Pro by $300 and the iPad Air is up $150. Microsoft joining suits, saying by August some Xbox consoles will increase by $150.

The latest version of Chad GPT will soon be released, but Barron Company, OpenAI has announced it has agreed to limit the release to only government-approved customers. According to reports, the Trump administration made the request due to the new versions, advanced capabilities and national security implications. IBM has unveiled the world's first sub-nanometer chip technology. The new technology is said to pack nearly 100 billion transistors onto the chip, the size of a fingernail. The company claims the breakthrough will make chips more powerful and efficient for years to come.

Those are your tech bites on. Perry Russell, have a great day. Perry, thank you. 526 now, and we are gearing up for the NHL draft happening later today. What this means for our Stanley Cup champs, as Kane's coach, Rod Brenda Moore, weighs the team's future. Plus, leaders in Kerry approving a brand. and new budget will break down all the details including higher taxes it's coming up next