ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - March 9, 2026

Episode Date: March 9, 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. Welcome on this Monday, March 9th. I'm Bianca. I'm Bianca Holman in for Jill Brown this morning. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us today. Right now, we are tracking fog this morning across our viewing area. Yeah, right now it's pretty dense for many locations. We'll first alert you to have. how long it's going to linger in my forecast. A seventh American service member has died as the war in Iran enters its second week. We'll break down what we know.

Right now, gas prices are skyrocketing as the conflict in the Middle East escalates. We'll take a look at the impacts here in our state. A state auditor set to address Rocky Mount's financial troubles today. We'll walk you through what we know about the investigation. All right, it is time for a first check of weather and traffic together. Meteorologist Clayland Murphy here. We got some fog. I noticed some when I was coming into work.

Yeah, and nice to see we survived the time. change this weekend. Are you dying inside? I'm bad. I'm that. I'm down that. I'm down bad. This morning on top of that you get some fog to deal with two. Partly cloud into mainly cloudy sky still this morning by the afternoon. I think we'll sleep in a little bit more sunshine later on today. 59 degrees of the temperature on the way into school on the way home. 77 degrees. We're finished with the rainfall so you don't have to worry about any rain gear for it today. But again, some of the clouds still linger. the front hasn't passed through just yet.

We're ahead of the front, so we're still seeing lots of moisture. And notice many spots have some dense fog out there, down to a quarter mile or less Silar City, Burlington, Roxborough, one half a mile for Oxford and South Hills. Starting to see some of that fog creeping in the Southern Wake County, too. So areas like Fuqua Vera, Apex, you'll start to see some fog impacts as well. This will likely linger through 10 o'clock this morning before we start to see a vast improvement by later on today.

But another round of fog is likely later on tonight. Here's a live look into downtown Durham. We have mainly cloudy skies right now. Temperatures are in the 50s, north of the triangle, also in the triangle, upper 50s in Clinton and Goldsbrose, Siler City, 52. We are cooler than yesterday right now. We'll be in the 60s through 9 o'clock, upper 60s, close to 70 by noon and mainly cloudy into the sunshine. We go at 3 o'clock, 77 degrees, and skies will be mainly clear tonight into the 50s. Your first alert tomorrow and Wednesday we're looking at record high temperature as possible. Both those days, I'm holding off on rain potential though for most of the midweek time frame as we head into Thursday. We'll see our next best chance for some showers and maybe some rumbles of thunder too. I hope more on that how much we could see coming up right now weather and traffic together. Anna back to you. Cuelan really quiet on the road so far not seeing any crashes. Also not seeing any reason for you have to slow down at all.

In fact, we're not seeing any congestion right now. Of course we're going to keep an eye on that fog. Let's take a live look outside though at the DOT cameras. This is 40 in South Saunders. You can see traffic is still really light. And now to a big development in the war with Iran, the Department of War announcing another U.S. service member that was injured in the Iranian strike on a base in Saudi Arabia a week ago has died. The Department of War identifying that person as National Guardsman, 46-year-old major Sorflay Davies of Queens, New York. They say the soldier was assigned to the headquarters battalion 42nd Infantry Division in Troy, New York.

This comes as Iran names its supreme leader and launches new attacks on the Persian Gulf. Well, here at home, gas prices continue to rise across the country as a direct result of the war with Iran. We're seeing impacts here in North Carolina. And spring break is approaching, so families, they are making travel plans right now. So Tamara Scott, joining us live from Wake County with what you need to know. Tamara. Hey, good morning, Bianca. Yes, experts are saying that it's best to book even your summer plans right now because of the threat of rising grass prices as we can.

continue through this conflict in Iran. Now, gas prices are up 47 cents per gallon in the last week to a national average of $3.45 cents. Now, according to AAA, today's average in North Carolina is $3.27, which is two cents up from just yesterday and up a nearly a dollar from last week.

President Trump is describing higher fuel prices as a sacrifice saying on truth social in part, it is a very small price to pay for US and world safety and peace. Now, the cost of jet fuel is also increasing from $2.50 a gallon to $3.95 a gallon. A major warning from the United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, telling CNBC the war in Iran is sparking an oil crisis that could soon push airlines to rise ticket prices. Now, leaving a lot of families worried for how they'll afford their future plans. I mean, it definitely makes me planning harder because, I mean, if you're set on a budget and you don't know if your gas price is going to be double, it kind of.

makes you a little hesitant to plan things too far out. I guess just take advantage of when you can find less expensive gas and if you have to spend on the gas, try to save money elsewhere. An experts say it's best to shop around or use an app maybe to find the best price near you. Back to you. All right, Tamara, thank you. And this morning state leaders will provide a much anticipated update on financial issues in Rocky Mount.

State auditor Dave Bullock set to hold a news conference at 9 a.m. to discuss the office's performance audit. And our Sean Coffey is live outside at the Albemara building in downtown Raleigh to explain more. Good morning, Sean. Good morning, Anna and Bianca. Well, this all stems, you may recall, from the town's serious spending questions after it was found that they were spending. Much more than they actually had to spend. And the town acknowledged that they wanted to launch a forensic audit into the spending crisis that existed in Rocky Mountain.

And we actually asked State Auditor Dave Bullock about where this investigation stood when we spoke with him in early January. and he said that the public would receive an update soon. Now this morning we'll be getting his report after it came to light that Rocky Mount spent millions of dollars more every month than it had for several years. That in turn leading to layoffs and utility price hikes as well. The state auditor's audit is set to be released around, I should say, 9 a.m. We are supposed to receive that report before his news conference takes place here at the Albumar Building. We'll have an update for you later this morning on Eyewitness News. back to you. Okay Sean, thank you. And now to a shooting investigation in eastern Wake County,

one person injured and a man now in custody. The shooting happened on Alfreda Court near Wendell just after 1015 yesterday morning. The Wake County Sheriff's Office says a man was shot and rushed to the hospital. 22-year-old Trayvon Hodge is now charged with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon. We're also working to learn more about a shooting in Durham over the weekend. It happened just before 1130 Saturday. night on South Alston Avenue. Police say a man was shot and taken to the hospital. We're told that he's expected to be okay. Police have not released any details about the gunman involved. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police. This morning, a woman is

behind bars after shooting at a pop star home, Rihanna at her home in Los Angeles, what police are saying about this incident. And straight ahead why thousands of people are waiting in long security lines at airports across the country. Good morning, Quay. morning we don't have any major issues out there weather-wise we're drying out we still have some fog out there though this will probably be an issue through 10 o'clock this morning aside from that beautiful day across the state 70s for highest for most of us full forecast is coming up but on the road things looking really good of course quailin is talking about that fog we're keeping an eye on that but our crash count is sitting at zero now let's take a look at this traffic hotspots brought you 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. I witness news. It's never too early to plan your summer story in Europe with WestJet, from rolling countryside to cobblestone streets. Begin your next chapter.

Book your seat at westjet.com or call your travel agent. WestJet, where your story takes off. Well, good morning. Welcome back 510 on this Monday morning. We're tracking near record high potential. for tomorrow. Let's first start with where we're going to be today in terms of temperatures. Not sure why my graphics are not doing what they're supposed to be doing. Anyway, 510 today, 83 degrees. The record hot tomorrow. Record is possible Wednesday, 86 degrees. And then Thursday,

we're going to have some showers with breezy conditions around here. Clearly, we're having some problems. Here we are. Back to RDU. Looking at some fog showing up this morning. So we do have some visibility issues and a few spots. I think we'll have some fog around through 10 o'clock this morning. So don't forget to be. be proper with your driving and also slowing down a bit, leaving some room between you and the car in front of you. 77, the high in the sand hills today. Same for the triangle, 74 degrees for our northern counties this afternoon. As we head into the next few days, we're going to see some big changes. Coltfront comes through into late Wednesday and Thursday. So by Friday morning, the morning

low will be down into the 30s with some frost potential 40s on Saturday. We're back to around 60 for the morning low by next Monday. Full forecast and hopefully a working clicker coming up. Bianca and Anna, back to you. Time change. We'll blame on that. Well, this morning as spring break travel ramps up, chaos begins at multiple U.S. airports. Yeah, travelers facing hours-long delays during this partial government shutdown funding for the Homeland Security Department, which includes the TSA expired last month, meaning TSA officers for the second time in six months are being forced to work without pay, prompting more agents to call out sick. That's causing delays of up to three hours in security lines, including in Houston. We got here at 10 a.m. My flight was departing at 150 and we're not going to make that here. The guy said to me, heads up, it's a mess down there. Man, he was right.

In New Orleans lines stretched through multiple floors and into the parking garage. The partial government shutdown stems from a standoff in Congress. Democrats are demanding changes to immigration enforcement before they approve new Homeland Security funding. An organization representing airlines is urging Congress and the administration to negotiate a deal saying America's Transportation Secretary Workforce is too important to be used as a political leverage. 512 now and make sure you stick around

for Good Morning America. I had 7. One teen's new chance at life after a second heart transplant at just 17 years old. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. 515 on this Monday morning now to Southern California and the emergency outside of Popstar's mansion.

ABC, Sophie Flee, has more. Terrifying. at the home of singer Rihanna. Authorities say the 38-year-old superstar was home in her Beverly Hills mansion when a woman drove up to the house and opened fire. Two shooting just occurred approximately 10 shots. Her BPR believe the shots came from across the street. Officers say a woman in a Tesla started shooting an AR-style weapon around 1-15 in the afternoon.

Multiple bullet holes visible in the side of Rianna's home. We're told none of the bullets penetrated. Suspect number one is a female Hispanic Granted in 30 years. Police using a helicopter to quickly identify the car and followed the driver to a local mall. Carvers out of the vehicle, units are approaching the vehicle.

Copy that. One suspect of custody. Officers then taking the suspect into custody without incident. It's unclear if Rihanna's three young children or her partner, Aesap Raki, were also home. Aesap Raki was acquitted of three criminal charges last year. After being accused of firing

shots at his former friend, Aesap Raleigh. Sophie Flai. ABC News, New York. Authorities are now trying to determine the motive for yesterday's shooting. This morning, new details about a disturbing incident that took place during a protest in New York City. Yesterday, police searched a car just blocks from Mayor's Iran-Mam Dhani's home after someone spotted a suspicious device inside. Investigators say the search is connected to an incident on Saturday when someone tossed in an improvised explosive device at people participating in an anti-Islam protest. That protest attracted about 20 people, but more than 100 people showed up with the counter protest. Police say one of the counter protesters threw the device. Authorities say it had gone off.

If it had gone off, it could have caused serious injuries or even death. This morning we continue to highlight Women's History Month. Yesterday, marked International Women's Day. There was an event held in Durham honoring women who paved the way, featuring a panel discussion, crafts, and activities. Organizers say Women's Day was a great opportunity to celebrate, community here in the triangle. It's just nice to be in community with people, especially in times of like what feels like

global crises and things feel so heavy, trying to find some like joy in community together in Durham. And that event was held at a cafe on South Driver Street. Honoring hometown heroes, the annual Flood Group Image Awards were held last night at Martin Street Baptist Church in Raleigh. Our Jee's Price served as the MC. The event honors locals who have made a difference in Wake County. Each award is each award. Okay. Sorry about that. Okay. Well, we will get back to that

story in just a moment. Let's do weather. Indeed. Warming up this week, record high as possible tomorrow and Wednesday. And then we get ready for some rain and a little cool down later this week. So here's your snapshot average high as 60. Today will be in the 70s, 83 Tuesday, 83 Wednesday and then Thursday and Friday you can see the drop of four attempts start climbing again this weekend. So the record tomorrow is 81 degrees. We'll likely break that record high with a high around the low to mid 80s in the afternoon. Here's a live look into downtown Raleigh. The skies are clearing out now as we watch some drier air start to work in. Temperatures are on the upper 50s in the triangle and Goldsboro Fayetteville 58, 53 and Sanford Rocksboro 51 degrees. We do have some fog. Your first alert, some low visibility. dense fog developing now, especially west and north of the triangle where we have visibility down to a quarter mile in person county, also around Alamans County into Chatham, too. And that extends south into the sand hills, Clinton, Fayetteville, down to one half a mile. We're starting to see a little bit more fog now into southern Wake County as well. I think that will start to lift towards the airport very soon. Overall, done with the fog by around 10 o'clock this morning, but your first alert that into tonight will see another round of fog possible so we could see some patchy to dense fog, basically from the triangle locations. to the east and south, mainly along I-95. Today a little breeze at times, 10 to 15 miles per hour, but overall very pleasant.

We'll have elevated pollen levels again in the days ahead. High temperatures today, around the mid to upper 70s, so will be easily 15 degrees above average this afternoon. Tonight still on the mild side in the 50s in the triangle. Lose to the north will be in the upper 40s under mainly clear skies. So we have the system tracking offshore. The front's still working through right now. Pretty quiet weather across the century, not at states,

but another ridge of high pressure built stronger in the days ahead. We'll see a front from the north starting to approach around areas in the Ohio Valley, but that stays north of us. 83 the high tomorrow, likely the record high broken at RDU. Few more clouds at times on Wednesday. We'll have possible record at RDU Wednesday, too. 85 is the record for now. We're holding at 86 degrees for that high temperature Wednesday afternoon. There will be storms developing out west with this front and then the cooler air arrives Thursday.

With the risk for severe weather today, it's mainly south and west of us into tomorrow's from Chicago all the way down to Dallas. And then into Wednesday, it stretches from the Gulf South up into areas around the northeast. But it does include areas in western half of our state. So Asheville has an isolated severe storm risk on Thursday. That's when our rain chance climbs the highest. That'll be Thursday. And then we are drier Friday into your weekend. As far as rainfall totals go, mainly around three quarters of an inch or less.

That's how we look right now. 77 today with some morning fog, sun and clouds by the afternoon. Tonight we're down into the upper 40s and low 50s under mainly clear skies. There's that 70 forecast power by ACUweather. So great tailgating weather. Tuesday ahead of the Cain's game in the evening. 62 Wednesday night. 86 Wednesday likely tying or breaking the record.

70 Thursday, that's early in the morning. Temps will be falling through the day. So you'll want maybe to add an extra layer Thursday with your rain gear down to 35 degrees Thursday night. 60s on Friday seasonable back to the 70s and dry this weekend. Weather and traffic together. Anna back to you. Kuelan a nice and quiet start to your Monday morning commute. Of course we are tracking that fog throughout the morning.

Just checking on any trouble spots. We'll keep an eye out for those. Let's take a live look outside, though. This is I-40 and US1. You can see traffic is still light and moving nicely. Apple could soon launch more 3D printed products in the near future. We'll break down what we know about the plans underway. And why Sony is listing games at different prices on the PlayStation store.

That's next in TechBites. Alerting you first. First alert weather on ABC 11. Apple is reportedly looking to 3D print some of its products. Here's ABC Sophie Flight with this morning's Techbytes. In today's Techbytes, Apple is reportedly considering a new way to make devices. Bloomberg says the company is exploring ways to 3D print aluminum for use in iPhones and Apple watches, which could lower prices.

It wouldn't be a first. Apple is used 3D printed titanium in the past. An executive at OpenAI has resigned after the company signed a deal with the Defense Department. The former robotics head criticized OpenAI for rushing into the agreement without proper guard. SAWALS. CEO, Sam Altman recently said he would amend the deal to prevent spying on Americans. And finally, Sony seems to be testing dynamic pricing on PlayStation games. That means some games are being offered at different price points to different users.

A site that tracks game prices says the tests are being conducted in Europe and not in the U.S. Those are your tech fights. I'm Sophie Fleigh. Have a great day. The Mega Millions Jackpot has grown to more than a half a billion dollars after no one match to all six numbers to win Friday night's drawing. It's now at an estimated $533 million with a cash option of $244 million. The last time someone won the mega million-ch jackpot was in

December, so this marks the first time the jackpot surpassed $500 million this year. And so the last time it crossed that threshold was back in October. The next drawing will be tomorrow night. This morning we are tracking dense fog across our viewing area. Let's go ahead and take a live look outside. Here's a view of downtown. Raleigh from our Pendo Sky Camp at 3-01 Hillsboro Street. When we can expect the fog to clear out, meteorologist Quailin Murphy has your first alert forecast. At a budget battle brewing at the state capital, Governor Josh Stein's urgent call for state lawmakers to pass a new budget.