ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - March 27, 2026

Episode Date: March 27, 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. Getting your 5 o'clock hour going in the BNC this morning. Good morning. Carolina, welcome on this Friday. It's March 27. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera.

Thanks so much for joining us today. Breaking overnight, a deal in the Senate to fund most of DHS and finally pay TSA workers. Now the House still needs to take action. We'll walk you through what we know. And a tractor trailer crash temporarily shutting down a major interstate in Orange County. What we know about the wreck. Duke men's and women's basketball dancing to the Sweet 16. We'll break down the matchups happening in the NCAA tournament tonight.

Record highs are likely today, but then followed by some showers and storms, which will bring some much colder air tonight and into your weekend. Your forecast is ahead. But let's start with that breaking news. This Senate voting to fund the majority of the department. of Homeland Security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not part of that tentative deal. The House would still need to take action before funding is restored.

Meanwhile, President Trump says he will sign an executive order to pay TSA officers. Some 50,000 employees have gone weeks without a check as the partial government shutdown continues. But there may be some relief inside. ABC's Nicole D' Antonio in Washington with the latest. This morning, relief may finally be in sight for airport workers and travelers. Overnight lawmakers getting one step closer to passing a bill that will fund the Department of Homeland Security. Senators in an overnight Senate session approving a funding package that includes everything except ICE and parts of customs and border protection. The bill now hits to the House for approval.

It comes as President Trump said he would sign an executive order to pay TSA officers for the first time in weeks. TSA workers have been calling out sick in record numbers, triggering some of the highest wait times in TSA history. In Houston, wait times extending more than four hours. I just feel like it's unacceptable. It should not be happening. The Senate agreement largely gives Democrats what they wanted, no funding for ICE and parts of customs and border protection, but lacks the bigger reforms they wanted,

like requiring judicial warrants or requiring agents to unmask. And the House is expected to take up the funding package later today. If approved, it goes to the president for his signature. Nicole D. Antonio, ABC News, Washington. And this announcement comes as TSA officers at Rdu Airport tell eyewitness news they're not getting donations from the public meant to help them. TSA officers say donated gift cards have not been distributed equally. They say some people have gotten several gift cards and others have not gotten any. One TSA worker who spoke with eyewitness news without showing their face said they just want answers about where the gift cards are going.

They say if you're not there, you can't get the gift cards. Well, we've been there and we haven't gotten the gift cards. You bet. IWitness News reached out to the TSA at RDU for a comment about the claims. We are still waiting to hear back. Now let's take a live look outside with the view of downtown Raleigh from our Pendo Skycam at 301 Hillsborough Street. There is a chance for storms later today, but let's enjoy this warm weather while we can, Kowland. Yeah, nice big warm up today. We're talking record highs, but there's the cold front.

It's going to change everything this weekend. Bring in some showers and storms this evening. No rain and storms for those commutes to end from school today. We're going to have really warm conditions this morning. We're in the 60s this afternoon, mid to upper 80s under partly cloudy skies. The rain and storm chance will start to increase gradually towards the evening, 5, 6 o'clock, but really ramping up later this evening and tonight. So this is 4 o'clock today, still mainly dry, just the spotty shower chance.

I think we'll see some storms by 5 o'clock isolated, and then here we are at 7 o'clock. The storm chances start to increase, and that will continue overnight. We do have some clouds working through right now, but these will clear. You'll have some sunshine at times today, too. 64 degrees at RDU, just one degree shy of the record high, low temperature at RDU. It's breezy, though. Temperatures are in the 60s. This is crazy for this time of the year. Our highs should be in the mid-60s right now.

That breeze, though, will continue to kick up. We have some gust at times this morning. But as the front approaches late tonight, you'll see Gus pushing closer to 30-plus miles per hour towards late day. 79 degrees at noon today, 86 at 3 o'clock. There's your storm chance. Temperatures fall behind that front tonight. Your weekend high temperatures. 30 degrees lower, 57 on Saturday, back to the 60s on Sunday.

But Sunday morning, we have concerns for some freeze and fras conditions. I'll have more than that coming up in just a few minutes. Anna, back to you. Coyland Quiet start for your Friday morning commute. Our crash count sitting at zero. Also not seeing any red on the map, which is always a good way to start. Let's take a live look outside at the 45-40 interchange traffic is still really light. Now to the big crash overnight on I-85 in Orange County, a tractor trailer smashing into the median.

and part of the big rig hanging over the barrier. The crash shutting down the southbound lanes of I-85 in Hillsborough. This happened near exit 165 just before the merge with I-40. No word on injuries, but the crash is now clear. Now to the latest in the war with Iran for the second time this week. President Trump extending an ultimatum for Iran to completely open the straight of Hormuz to international shipping traffic, saying peace talks are going very well. The move marks a pullback from Trump's earlier morning, from earlier warning,

that the U.S. would target Iran's energy plants if the crucial shipping lane remains closed. But amid talk of peace, the Wall Street Journal and Axios reporting the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. But the president says he's hopeful a deal to end the war is possible. Meanwhile, part of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg has been ordered to deploy to the region, and it's no secret. Fort Bragg is a major economic engine in Fayetteville. Some small businesses say they're already feeling the ripple effects. Business owners along the Yadkin Road corridor say uncertainty around possible deployments is changing how families spend money. Carrie Moore, a military spouse and daughter of a veteran, runs a dance retail shop.

She says she's seeing customers cut back as they prepare for the possibility of loved ones headed to the Middle East to assist U.S. forces in that region. Carrie's son is stationed at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne, which she says is also an added stress. They'll have to cut back on things. and I think extracurricular activities are going to be something that is going to take a hit, which is going to affect me. What do you do? It's not my choice, you know, and I know it worries my husband. I know it will cause a lot of anxiety just as a parent. A defense official has confirmed elements of the 82nd Airborne Division will deploy to the SETNCOM region,

including countries in the Middle East. A 14-year-old boy is dead shot inside a home in Wilson and police arresting another team for the killing. The shooting happened Wednesday night on Woodside Drive. Wilson police say that's where officers found the 14-year-old shot inside a home. The young victim was rushed to a Greenville hospital where he later died. The 15-year-old suspect now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and possession of a stolen firearm. We have an update on a shooting investigation in Chapel Hill. Police now have a 19-year-old in custody.

Chapel Hill police say Amir James of Meben has been arrested after he allegedly shot at someone on North Robinson Street earlier this month. No one was hurt in that shooting. James was arrested with help from several agencies and he's being held at the Orange County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Friday morning, 507 is the time and a close call in the skies. A plane nearly collides with a military helicopter in Southern California. We'll take a look at the investigation into this near disaster. Raleigh continues to expand. We'll break down how the capital city's population is outpacing other areas of the country. And we have some rain and storms arriving later today, which means we have a lot of time to warm up and you can get that round of golf in today.

Just make sure you're prepared for highs near 90 this afternoon. I'm going to have the timing of the showers and storms coming up after the break. Zero crashes you need to worry about and zero slowdowns. Things looking really good so far for your Friday. Now let's take a look at those traffic hotspots brought 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 ABC11I Witness News. In communities across Canada, hourly Amazon employees earn an average of over $24.50 an hour. Employees also have the opportunity to grow their skills and their paycheck by enrolling in free skills training programs for in-demand fields like software development and information technology. Learn more at aboutamazon.ca.

511, welcome back on this Friday, your first alert to record high temperatures today. 87 is the record at RDU. We'll likely tie that today, possibly breaking it, but we'll have some showers and storms later today, too. That rain and storm chance ramps up towards the evening hour. So if you have some afternoon plans, enjoy the dry conditions, and of course the pollen will be along for the ride too. Here's a light look from RDEU. We could have some turbulence later today with some of those stronger storms. David Spade at Deepak tonight. You'll have rain and storms near 70 before the show, mid-50s afterwards. So a big cool down there. The canes are in play again tomorrow, 5 o'clock. We're going to be cooler in the afternoon, 54-40s after the game.

But sunshine, clear skies right through the evening hours. We're tracking that front now to the north. It's going to bring some colder air here. Warm in Tampa today, 85 degrees, 81 in Miami, Pittsburgh, 50 degrees with showers. Here's seven day. It's coming up. Anna and Joel back to you. Quiland, thank you. This morning, the countdown is on to a Duke double header in the NCAA tournament. Lots to talk about in Duke country. The Duke men gearing up to play St. Johns. That game is in Washington, D.C., tonight at 7.10. Before the Duke women face off against LSU in their own Sweet 16 matchup, Sean Coffey covering it all live on Duke's campus in Durham this morning with more on all the excitement. Sean. Yeah, good morning, Joel and Anna. It's the first time since 2024 that both the Duke men and and women are dancing in the Sweet 16.

An excitement building on campus this morning. Tonight's double header will begin, as you just mentioned, at 710, when the Duke men play St. John's in Washington, D.C. at Capital One Arena. Eyewitness news will be live today from DC ahead of that big matchup as the men try to make it back to back elite eight.

Then the women will face LSU from Sacramento, California, in a game you can find on our sister station, ESPN. That 2-3 matchup is at the tip off at 10 o'clock. And yesterday we caught up with members of the men's team before their game, against the Johnny's. I don't know how the environment is going to be tomorrow. I expect it to be pretty special,

especially in the week's team versus St. John's really good team. Again, eyewitness news will have you covered every step of the way. Tobacco Road allegiances aside, I will not put you guys on the spot. Should be an exciting night. Back to you.

John, thank you. 513 is the time. Make sure you stick around for Good Morning America. Ahead at 7 o'clock, meet the eighth grader with the only perfect bracket left in the country, how he says. He says he did it. Plus 36 hours in Raleigh, the New York Times shining a spotlight on our Capitol City, some of the hottest spots they're sharing with readers across the country.

At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet winds. That's why our annual health assessment offers a physician-led, full-body checkup that provides a clear picture of your health today, and may uncover early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer. The healthier you, means more moments to cherish. Take control of your well-being and book an assessment today. Medcan, live well for life. Visit medcan.com slash moments to get started. At Desjardin, our business is helping yours. We're here to support your business through every stage of growth, from your first pitch to your first acquisition. Whether it's improving cash flow or exploring

investment banking solutions, with Desjardin business, it's all under one roof. So join the more than 400,000 Canadian entrepreneurs who already count on us and contact Desjardin today. We'd love to talk. Business. 16 and yet another close call at a busy airport. Days after a deadly crash in a New York in in New York, another scare this time on the West Coast. ABC's Hannah Bata has more. This morning, the FAA investigating a near disaster in Southern California, a National Guard helicopter on a training mission, crossing in front of a United Airlines plane attempting to land at John Wayne Airport. We're going to be a test.

The jet was carrying 168 passengers and crew. The chopper came so close, it triggered the plane's anti-collision alert system. The alarm that the United Jet got its cockpit was the most serious alarm possible. The United pilots immediately leveling off. Preliminary data showing only 525 feet of vertical separation. It follows that. the deadly crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport Sunday, the NTSB releasing this new video of the wreckage of the Air Canada jet that crashed into a fire truck. Investigators sifting through twisted debris and wires as officials try to determine why the truck was approved to cross the runway. In Florida, a different kind of runway incident, a security breach at Daytona International

Airport. We've got a vehicle on the airport that is doing donuts. Everyone hold your position on the field, no one move. Deputies say a highly intoxicated Brian Parker crashed his blue Mustang through a gate and onto the taxiway, nearly hitting an occupied plane. I was at my house. They had a bunch of drugs cocaine, drinking and smoking pot. So you were doing all kinds of drugs and ran through a gate? Yeah, and I crashed my car. He was spotted running and allegedly boarded two empty planes. Air traffic controllers and pilots watching the scene unfold. You've heard everything we've got going on up here now, correct? Yeah, I wish I could have been it.

Classic Mustang driver right out on for the tax way. Security then managed to stop him. We're definitely making you two for this one. Hannah Bataa, ABC News, New York. Hannah, thank you. Nearly 37,000 new neighbors in one year. The Raleigh Metro area is still one of the hottest metros in the country right now. Yeah, that's according to new census data.

The numbers show the Raleigh-Carry metro area, which includes Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties added nearly 37,000 people in the year leading up to July of 2025. That ranks 10th among the fastest growing metro areas across the country. Overall, the region has grown by more than 12.5% since 2020. And the New York Times is giving the Triangle some love with one of its travel stories, 36 hours in Raleigh. Yeah, the Times highlighted a number of hotspots, including outdoor activities, bars, restaurants, galley. and shops, Dix Park topped the list along with the capital area greenway system in the park at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The Times suggested a stop at the Rialto Theater, the state farmers market, and a number of North Raleigh breweries. As for restaurants, the Times name check Pools Diner, St. Roche fine oysters and bar and Bigulina.

Bigulina down there in the warehouse. I think this is really cool back in my younger days, in my 20s when I would go to a city that I've never been to. I would always look up the New York Times 36 hours in whatever in Los Angeles, in Boston before, and then do those things. Now, Raleigh gets it. And I've recently been to Figuilla, and they just updated their menu so good. So good? Yeah, you guys got to go. I love St. Rock.

They have oysters. That's a tie back to New Orleans. Yeah. The owners there. So St. Rock is a community in New Orleans on Wilminton Street here in Raleigh. Right around the corner from the eye with this news. She feels right at home.

Really nice. We have a cold front on the way. Shows and storms come in later this evening. have a lot of dry time today. Five, six o'clock, some spotty storms towards seven o'clock or so. Rain and storm chances will climb, though, increase through the overnight hours, too. Record highs in the meantime today ahead of the storms will likely break the record in Fibb, which is 87. We'll go with 88 for the high today. 87 is the record in RDU. We're going with a tie for that high today.

And then temperatures will drop tomorrow down into the 50s for highs, 60s on Sunday. We're back to the 80s, though, into the start of April next week. Here's a live look downtown. What you'll notice as soon as you'll notice as you'll head out the door is how warm it is. Temperatures are in the 60s right now. You'll probably also notice the breeze to breezy conditions. Here are some of the clouds starting to filter in, still mainly clear to the south around parts of Cumberland and Samson County, but that will change here in the next couple of hours. Overall, you'll have a nice suncloud mix today. You'll be joined by the pollen. Of course, if you do lunch outside at noon near 80 degrees, mid to upper 80s

for high this afternoon, evening showers and storms on the way and temperatures on the way down steadily, 74 at 7 into the 60s by 8 and 50s by 11 o'clock tonight. So there's the front to the north behind it is much colder air. Well, time out the rain and storms for you. Three, four o'clock still dry. Spotty storms towards five, six o'clock by seven. I expect some downpours. Likely some gusty winds too, maybe 30 to 40 miles per hour.

I don't expect any major severe activity, but maybe enough of the gusty winds to promote some spotty power outages. There'll be some small hill potential. I think weakening with the line as it works through. So I really eventually end up with just all occasional light showers towards the morning hours of Saturday. And then we'll have clearing skies. So by noon on Saturday, expect a lot of sunshine, but much colder conditions. The rain total is still coming in mainly under one quarter of an inch.

This is Saturday morning. Your temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s. And then by the afternoon, we're only into the 50s for highs. Sunday morning will be the coldest morning for your weekend, down into the upper 20s, likely into the low mid 30s. So we do have frost and freeze concerns Sunday. morning. Pollin levels will stay high through your weekend and right into the start of next week. I do have some rain potential heading into Thursday and Friday of next week. So we'll watch for that and see how much we can maybe gather around here as far as accumulation goes. Temperatures today, though, climbing into the 80s this afternoon. Overnight lows dropping into the 30s and 40s with those showers and storms coming to an end overnight. 50s, Saturday, 60s on Sunday. We're back to the mid 70s on Monday and then low 80s Tuesday. Your last day of March. April 1st is Wednesday, 86 the high. Back to the 70s on Thursday with those increasing shower chances. Right now, back to you.

So far, so good on the roads, Quailin. We're not seeing any issues to slow you down at this point. Just waiting for some of that overnight construction to clear. Let's take a live look at the DOT cameras. This is 40 and Garner Road. Traffic is still really light. 522 and Netflix is raising prices again. Straight ahead of breakdown on the costs across all of its streaming plans.

Why Apple is discontinuing its Mac Proline after 20 years. That's next in TechBites. Alerting you first When West Jet first took flight in 1996, the vibes were a bit different. People thought denim on denim was peak fashion, inline skates were everywhere, and two out of three women rocked, the Rachel.

While those things stayed in the 90s, one thing that hasn't is that fuzzy feeling you get when West Jetting welcomes you on board. Here's to West Jetting since 96. Travel back in time with us and actually travel with us at westjet.com slash 30 years. First alert weather on ABC 11.

Netflix users are bracing for the second price hike in less than a year. Here's ABC's hand of a top with this morning's TechBites. In today's TechBites, Netflix price hikes. They affect every tier. The least expensive plan is going up by a dollar per month. The premium plan, a $2 increase. It's the streamer's second price increase in less than two years. Netflix says it's investing in content.

English Wikipedia has banned AI-generated articles, the platform saying that using AI to create copy, often violates its core content policies. Editors will still be allowed to use AI on a limited basis to refine their own writing or assist with language translation. Apple has discontinued the Mac Pro. It's high-end desktop that's popular with video editors and photographers. The Mac Pro costs $7,000 in the company's less expensive Mac Studio

now performs many of the same functions. Those are a look at your TechBites. I'm Hannah Batah. Have a great day, everyone. 526 now. We're tracking a chance for showers and storms later today. Yes, take a live look outside on your Friday. A view of downtown Raleigh and Durham.

How much rain can we expect? Meteorologist Quailin-Murphy has the first alert forecast coming up. Bottom of the hour.