ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - March 31, 2026

Episode Date: March 31, 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. Wrapping up the month at 5 a.m. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Tuesday, March 31st. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us. Right now, a statewide burn ban remains in effect. No significant rain in the forecast for the rest of the week. I'll first alert you to one to extend. expect some accumulating rainfall, my forecast. The war with Iran now entering its second month. More than 50,000 American troops are now in the Middle East as President Trump looks to make a deal to bring an end to the war, where negotiations now stand.

And right now a manhunt underway for the person who shot three people at an apartment complex and broad daylight. What police are saying about the shooter. A former NC State basketball legend could be returning to the university as head coach. What we're learning about Justin Ganey, a new reaction from students on campus. 5 a.m. in time for a first check of weather and traffic together meteorologist Quaylin Murphy is here if we had to find any fault with this weather and it's hard because we know we like it. We like it. We like it more. We love it. It's going to be 80 degrees today. We still could use some rain. We definitely need some rainfall. Unfortunately March is going to end up once again down below where we should be for rainfall.

So the deficit continues and we'll carry that into April as well tomorrow. We have a statewide burn ban issued and that continues until further notice. So we have some. some concerns because of our drought severity, also the limited rain potential for the rest of this week, really. All burning permits continue to be canceled and local bands could be issued as well. One of the problem is that we have some really gusty winds in store for today again. So any fire that starts gets ignited could spread rather quickly. Notice the gusts even through 10 o'clock tonight still 20 plus miles per hour. So please, no outdoor burning in open areas. Eighty-one degrees. Your high temperature today, that's about the average high, which is in the upper. 60s. Here's the live look stadium. Durham Bulls is going to be packed this evening for opening night. Temperatures will be in the upper 50s. That's where we are right now out the door 56 in Oxford. Big increase again from yesterday. So we're starting off much warmer. Also we have clear skies around right now to those dry conditions will continue through the day. 10 o'clock this morning, mid-60s by 2 o'clock. We're in the upper 70s. 6 o'clock mainly sunny. Still around 80 degrees at that time. First pitch, 6.45. Temperatures in the low 80s. Afterwards.

73 degrees of some warm conditions. We have a bigger warm up tomorrow. We're talking near record highs, but when I come back, we'll talk about the rain potential and the 7-A forecast in a few. Weather and traffic together. Anna, over to you. Quaila, nice and quiet to start your Tuesday morning.

So far, no crashes you need to worry about. Let's take a live look outside of the DOT cameras. This is 40 in Jones Sausage Road, and traffic is still fairly light in that spot. Cell phones in the classroom. Many educators see them as a distraction, preventing students from learning and paying attention. But what does the data say?

Today lawmakers are meeting to hear from those who study the subject. Bianca Holman is live on Salisbury Street to share more. Good morning. Hey, good morning, Anna. So it's going to be a session, a joint session that's actually going to share this data and this information that really shows just how often these students are on their phones during the school day. So there was an assistant professor from UNC that actually co-authored this study.

It was a study that was actually published in a medical journal and it shows that, and it tracks how middle and high school students and what they do during the school day and their behaviors. So they found that the teens spent one third of the school day on their phones, checking them dozens of times, often for social media and entertainment purposes. So the study shows frequent checking

is actually linked to weaker attention spans, cognitive control, and could be used to shape future policy. There is a new state law that was passed last year that requires all school districts to have a cell phone policies in place. And so districts like Wake County and others, Students must silence and store their phones in their backpacks, lockers during designated times.

And that actually started this past January. So again, that joint session is going to start later on this morning. We hope to have an update. Back to you. Bianca Holman at the legislature this morning. Bianca, thank you. Now to the ongoing war with Iran overnight. The volatility around the street of Hormuz sending gas prices rocketing again. The national average for a gallon of regular, now $4 for the first time in more than three years.

according to AAA. In Israel, an oil refinery catching fire. Israel said it was caused by debris from an intercepted missile barrage. The attacks coming amid a new threat from President Trump, warning the U.S. will be blowing up and completely obliterating Iranian infrastructure and drinking water plants if Iran doesn't make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Still, President Trump insisting a deal to end the war could come soon. Nearly 50,000 U.S. troops are now in the region, including 3,500 sailors and Marines, the president not ruling out a ground invasion. A partial sign of relief as TSA workers, including those at RDU, received partial paychecks. The move to approve partial paychecks is expected to ease up some of the long lines at airports

around the country. While it's not a permanent solution to the shutdown, some travelers say they're glad to see agents getting some relief after having to work without pay. There's a lot of pressure. The economy is not at its best, and I'm sure that. You know, people depend on this job and there's nothing else out there and they have to continue to show up. Hopefully this gets solved. It's no fun for people to work and have, you know, a family to feed at home with no money and no food. The TSA Workers Union is calling on Congress to go back and find a way to provide full funding, but they're on recess until the middle of April.

Meantime, as the funding debate continues in Washington, Verizon is offering flexible payment arrangements for federal workers affected by the shutdown. The phone company saying in part, we want to ensure that employees from the TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and the FAA stay connected during this uncertain time. Federal employees facing hardship can reach out to the company for flexible payment schedules and waive late fees. Right now, police are searching for a gunman in Samson County after three people were shot in broad daylight and apartment complex. I witness news on the scene just after 1245 yesterday afternoon at the Eastover Terrace community in Clinton. Police say three people were shot and rushed to the hospital. No word on their condition. And police say they're still looking for a motive. No arrest so far in the case. In Moore County, two people are dead after being shot on a front porch. It happened on Sunday night in the 100 block of Gaines Street in the Jackson Hamlet area.

Family members say 34-year-old Antonio Brown was killed. Investigators say Brown and the other person who was shot knew each other. And we're told the person of interest has been identified, but is still on the run. This morning, the Army long. Launching a new investigation after two helicopters fly over Kid Rock's mansion will walk you through what we know. Singer Brandy finally gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We'll hear what she had to say during an emotional ceremony. Good morning, Quay. Good morning. Coming up on 507 and we're tracking clear skies. A warm star for you this morning in the 50s with highs today, low 80s and even warmer tomorrow. More on that my forecast. 6-509 is the time on this Tuesday morning. Welcome back. We have increased fire danger once again for today with those gusty way.

and also looking at some lower humidity values too. A live look from North Hills. We love to see this shot when it's nice and calm here on Six Forks Road. A great start to your morning with the clear skies. Temperatures are in the 50s right now, so very mild. We'll be at 61 at 9. By noon today, we're into those low 70s with high temperatures statewide in the 70s and 80s. Low 80s for our region from the triangle to the Sanhills, Charlotte up to 80 degrees today.

There is a chance for some spotty storms in the mountains tomorrow. We'll be looking at some stray shower chances here. in the morning tomorrow. But temperatures on the way up to near record highs from the triangle to Fayetteville, mid to upper 80s. Across the country, we're seeing a bit more unsettled activity. Now we're on the Great Lakes, also around the plain states. That's the front we're waiting on. It doesn't get here until Sunday. I'll have more on that coming up. Anna and Joel, back to you. Okay, so let's head back to the hardwood now. And what could be a big day for Wolfpack fans? Yeah, it's been a roller coaster week for NC State basketball. Head coach Will Wade,

jumping ship, taking the head job at LSU. But a new leader of the The PAC could be confirmed today. Sean Coffey covering the coaching carousel. He's live at Reynolds Arena this morning. Yeah, and Sean has the details on this very important meeting that's happening today. Sean, good morning. Yeah, that's right, Anna, good morning.

This afternoon, NC State's Board of Trustees is set to hold a closed door session in order to discuss what sources say could be the approval of the next head men's basketball coach here at NC State. And Pack fans may recognize the name Justin Ganey. He was a guard here at NC State between 1996 and 2000 before starting his coaching career,

actually here with the Wolfpack in 2006. And he's bounced around in the years since then. He's currently as the associate head coach over at Tennessee under Rick Barnes, where he's been since 2022. But this blooming announcement comes just one day after former NC State coach Will Wade was introduced as the next men's coach at LSU,

where he recently signed a shiny seven-year deal just one year after committing that long-term contract here at state. And that drew some strong backlash from students boosters on campus. Now students say they're excited about the prospect of Ganey as the next head coach. I've said from the start that Ganey is the guy that we would want because we want a guy who's going to be here and is happy to be here. NC State did advance to the postseason in all four years that Ganey played here. He still ranks among the program's all-time assist leaders. Though this would be his first men's basketball head coaching job should he be ultimately approved this afternoon.

But that's not quelling the excitement this morning. A lot of NC State fans pretty pumped about this potential. higher guys back to you yeah wolf pack nation could use some good vibes after that nasty breakup with will way sean thank you happening today south carolina lawmaker jim klyburn is bringing his book tour to durham cliburn was in raleigh last night signing books it art space cliburn's book is titled the first eight a personal history of the pioneering black congressman who shaped a nation jim klyburn has been serving in the house since 1993 and back in twenty twenty four he was awarded the presidential medal of freedom cliburn will be at Durham's HATI Heritage Center today from noon to two.

Happening tomorrow, your chance to learn more about the future of Raleigh's Fred Fletcher Park. A portion of the property is owned by both city and Wake County Schools. They're looking to build a lit softball field, a new outdoor comfort station, and improve the existing playground and picnic shelter. The open house is tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. at the J.C. Park Community Center on Wade Avenue. And make sure you stick around for Good Morning America. Yeah, ahead at 7 o'clock and exclusive look inside one airline's high-tech training center for flight emergencies what you should know before you get on your next flight stay right there and now to kidd rock a well-known

supporter of president trump now defending an army helicopter flyby at his mansion here's abccc's hannah baton this morning the army is reviewing why two military helicopters were seen hovering outside the home of robert james richie better known as Kid Rock. Richie is seen waving and saluting Saturday as helicopters flew just outside his 27,000 square foot home overlooking Nashville. It's modeled after the White House. Richie calls it the Southern White House. A spokesperson for the 101st Airborne based at nearby Fort Campbell, Kentucky, says an administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements.

appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found. He stressed the review is not an investigation. Richie defended the flyby speaking to our Nashville station. I think they're going to be all right. My buddy's commander chief. I mean, what are they looking into? They stopped for, I don't know, seconds, a minute. You know, maybe they were here three, four minutes, you know, just say what's up.

The helicopters were allegedly the same ones spotted nearby, flying over a no-one. King's anti-Trump protest Saturday. Some protesters claim the flyover was an intimidation tactic. The Army insists the choppers were flying for training purposes. And any association with the No King's rally also happening in Nashville that day is entirely coincidental. But a local councilwoman asking they could have chosen any other place, any other time to do a training exercise. So why was it this location specifically? Hannah Bata, ABC News, New York. Another Sin City Super Bowl is on the calendar. Las Vegas selected to host Super Bowl 63 in 2029. NFL owners giving the green light at their annual meeting yesterday. This will be the second Super Bowl in Vegas after the city hosted Super Bowl 58 in 2024. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the city has the capacity and energy to host such a large scale of them. A music icon is making a major return to the stage. to fly oh I'm alive.

That's Celine Dea. She announced a series of comeback concerts this fall in Paris. It'll be her first full run of shows in years. The residency style engagement begins September 12th and runs through mid-October. It comes as the singer continues to manage a rare chronic autoimmune neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome. Singer and actress Brandy, also known as the Vocal Bible. now has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 47-year-old Grammy winner was presented with the iconic honor yesterday. Issa Ray and Kenneth Babyface Edmund spoke at the ceremony. Brandy gave a speech about her determination to make it in Hollywood as a young child. Back then, I was just a little girl with a big dream. But growing up in Hollywood made those dreams feel close enough to touch. Seeing the stars on the Walk of Fame lit something in me. It made me believe It made me affirm over my own life

I'm gonna sing my way onto one of these stars And I did She definitely did Brandy warped the successful Boy Is Mine tour alongside Monica In December Her new memoir called Phases is now officially out today

On the long way Brandy's been a part of our life for quite some time now Moisha Moesha That's right They're putting it down The vocal Bible look I've been following Brandy since the Old Testament, all right?

I mean, I don't know. Early night, you were a little girl, a little thing. She had the break. What's important? She always has to go there. Right, right. Tell me about the weather. Well, I don't want you sitting up in your room today.

There you go. That was my jam. It was good. Right now we're tracking rainfall for later in the week, really on Sunday. That's our next best shot at some showers. I think some spotty rainfall between tomorrow and Friday of this week.

Our statewide burn ban continues your first alert. This is until further notice, so this is really serious. We've had really dry conditions around here. So our drought concerns and the severity of our drought helping to elevate that fire risk danger. We do have limited rain potential, as you saw there. So all burning permits have been canceled

and maybe some local burn bands could be issued too. Unfortunately, we're going to end this month with another rainfall deficit over two inches at RDU and coming in just around two inches in Fayetteville. Some breezy conditions around again today. You'll have a warm breeze through the day. And of course it feels nice. It provides some relief.

But in the case where we have a fire ignition, this would lead to a quick spread of those fires. The deal is over the next seven days, rainfall totals will be mainly under one half of an inch. Most of this will come on Sunday as that cold front approaches. In the meantime, we're tracking a big warm up today. Highs into the 80s this afternoon. Middle 80s tomorrow and Thursday,

low to mid-80s into your weekend. as well. Here's a light look downtown skies are mainly clear. We're mid to upper 50s right now. We should be in the 40s. So we're above average this morning. You have those breezy conditions with the winds coming in from the southwest. Bermuda high offshore. So that's going to help keep this pattern and flow going with that warm moist air building in. So lunchtime today, temperatures low 70s will be around 80 degrees at 3 o'clock this afternoon. And by that time, a few clouds in the sky. Cold front slowly out to the west still keeping the shower and storm chances west of us. as well. But we could see a stray shower in the forecast mainly for tomorrow morning. So this is early 6, 7 o'clock daybreak. We're still dry for the most part. And then by around 8, 9 o'clock, I'll introduce some scattered light showers. These would come to an end by around lunchtime tomorrow. So that's it. Paulyn levels will stay on the high side through the end of the week. High temperatures today, low to mid 80s, average high is the upper 60s. Tomorrow morning will be even warmer near 60 degrees at this time tomorrow morning. Temperatures for April 1st, the high 8th. 66. 60s again at night, mid 80s Thursday. Some nice tail gaining weather ahead of the Keynes game Thursday. Good Friday, 81 degrees. Maybe a stray storm. It's only 20%. Saturday, 84 degrees. Sunday is where that front. So I do have a chance for some late day showers. Temperatures in the low 80s. Monday behind the front. We are much cooler. Upper 60s for highs. And this is the trend that will take us through much of much of next week. Temperatures below average. Sixes to around 70 degrees. Right now weather and traffic together. Anna, back to you. Quailant, pretty quiet. on the roads. We're really not seeing any major issues that could slow you down. We do have one crash. It's coming in as a hit and run. It's at Garner Road and New Rand Road. You can see it is not causing any delays. Let's take a live look outside at the DOT cameras. This is the 45-40 interchange. You can see traffic is starting to fill in a little bit, but everyone's still

going that posted speed limit. 523 now are a growing number of Americans open to the idea of swapping in their human boss for a chatbot manager. You may be surprised by the answer. Straight ahead. The a brand new study. Tech Giant Meta is testing a premium subscription plan on Instagram. We'll take a look at the exclusive features. A paid Instagram subscription service with exclusive features. Here's ABC's Hanna Vitao with this morning's TechBites. In today's TechBites, Instagram Plus, it's a new subscription service that's been confirmed by Instagram's parent company Meta, which also says it's already available in a few countries. Instagram Plus offers a number of story-related features, including the chance to extend a story longer than 24 hours. A growing number of Americans are willing to work for an AI

boss. A new poll shows 15% of those surveyed say they would take a job where their direct supervisor was an artificial intelligence program that assigned tasks and set their schedules. The dating site, OKCupid, will face no financial penalty under a proposed deal with the FTC. The site is accused of sharing the private photos and data of nearly 3 million users with a facial recognition company violating its own private policy. A judge still needs to approve the agreement. Those of your TechBites. I'm Hannah Bataa. Have a great day. A statewide burn ban continues today. Yeah, let's take a live look outside on this Tuesday, that statewide burn ban in effect because it is very, very dry as we take a look at downtown Raleigh and Durham. When could we finally see some rainfall? Quaylin,

has your first alert forecast, bottom of the hour.