ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - May 18, 2026

Episode Date: May 18, 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. Here we go at 5 a.m. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Monday. It's May 18th. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us today. Breaking News overnight, police in Durham investigating a crime scene at an apartment complex. We'll have a live report straight ahead. Also, breaking overnight two people injured in a shooting in Samson County new video showing the dramatic scene in Clinton. We'll get the update coming up. Temperatures are definitely heating up across our area near record highs will stay with us for a few days before some big changes. And that is where we begin today. Weather and traffic together. Meteorologist Quailan Murphy is here.

Dare I say it felt sultry outside this morning. You know I like that word. I think it's appropriate today. Quaylin Murphy will tell me so. Very warm, very humid this morning, too, and temperatures are in the 70s. Sultry. Sultry, sultry, very sultry out there this morning, Joel. That's it. Temperatures are in the 70s right now.

That's where we'll be as our kids hit the school this morning. Bright skies through the morning and through the afternoon. Lots of sunshine on the way home right around 93 degrees this afternoon. The record at RDU is around the mid 90s, so we'll be close again later today. We have clear conditions overhead, high pressure is offshore once again, and that's why It's a bit more humid this morning and warmer. We're 5 degrees warmer at RDU. It's 71 degrees there with clear skies to do point temperatures in the 60s.

That's because of the winds from the southwest at 6. In Nightdell, Zebulan, 67, Roseville, 69 and Apex 68, 71, Durham Chapel Hill 70. Clayton, good morning. You're at 65 degrees. Mid to upper 60s to around 70 degrees for our northern areas, including South Hill, Pinehurst, 67 or 70 degrees. Vittville, 69 degrees. So bright skies all the way through the afternoon.

9 o'clock 77 at lunchtime 87. It may feel closer to 90 when you factor in that humidity, 93 at 3 o'clock and we're back to the 60s and 70s tomorrow morning. Your first alert that we'll have near record highs all the way through Wednesday in this week. These are airport temperatures at RADU. So the forecast high is 93 tomorrow.

The record 95 forecast high for Wednesday, 94, record is 96. But we do have some relief coming with the heat and also with some rainfall potential later this week as a cold front arrives. the rain could be locally heavy, a good soaking potential on Thursday. We'll talk how long this rain sticks around if it could imp plans for your holiday weekend. That's coming up right now. Weather and traffic together. Anna back to you. Coelan, our crash count sitting at zero.

We're also not seeing any congestion. Nothing to really really slow you down at this point. Let's take a live look outside at the DOT cameras. This is 40 and Wade Avenue. Traffic has started to fill in, but we're not seeing any breaklights yet. Here in the breaking news center, a major crime scene overnight in Durham. from police swarming the Rochelle Manor apartments. This is in the northeastern part of the city. Take a look. This is fresh video from Breaking News 1, showing that heavy police presence on site right now.

Tamara, Scott live on the scene with the very latest. Tamara, what are you seeing? Hey, good morning. Jol Liao, we're here at the Rochelle Manor apartments this morning. We've moved a little bit from the last time you saw me about a half hour ago. We're focusing more on where police are putting a lot of their focus on this morning. They've blocked off several buildings here in this apartment complex in an entire parking lot. But they've been focusing a lot of their energy here on this lawn where you see they are currently using flashlights looking for evidence.

They've also brought in their command center here this morning. The one thing that they are telling us is that they are investigating that someone was shot here earlier this morning. No details yet on when the call came in or who is involved in this. But it's still a very heavy police presence here this morning as we are working to learn more details. and they're working to investigate this scene. So as soon as we learn more information, we'll bring that to you. Back to you. All right, Tamara Scott confirming there was a shooting,

nothing yet on victims or suspects. Tamara, thank you. Also breaking overnight is shooting in Samson County and the gunman is still out there. Deputies say it happened on Samson Acres Drive and Clinton eyewitness news on the scene as Cruz rushed to save the victims overnight. A man shot in the arm,

a woman shot six times. Both airlifted to the hospital. No motive, no suspect in custody. In Moore County, a Sanford woman is facing charges after a bad crash left a one-year-old injured. Authorities say 32-year-old Kendra Snipes fled a traffic stop and crashed into several cars on Saturday. It started in Aberdeen on US One and Magnolia Road and ended a mile later in Southern Pines. Four people were rushed to the hospital. Snipes now being held in the Moore County Detention Center without bond.

And happening now, crews intensifying their search for a missing kayaker on Roanoke Rapids, Lake. Newly released video from gas and fire and rescue shows authorities pulling a man out of the water on Thursday night. Officials say they responded to reports of a man in the water yelling for help. They found the man who was drifting in the water with the life vest. Stay with us throughout the morning for all of the latest updates. Happening today, Wake County's billion dollar budget back in the spotlight. There's a public hearing that will get underway this afternoon with leaders set to discuss a list of high profile topics, including a property tax hike. Bianca Holman on that story. She's live at the Wake County Justice Center. Bianca, good morning. Hey, good morning, Joel. So the county manager, David Ellis, he presented this proposal and this

proposed budget of recommendations earlier this month. So now this is the second public hearing that's being held and they want people at home residents to weigh in on this. Now the proposal comes because and the increase comes because he blames the increase in property taxes and a mix of local and national pressures on the tax height that is proposed. So he says that the state funded its own, if the state funded its own obligations, tax rates would be 19 cents lower. The proposal includes fully funding the Wake County School District's $823 million request. It adds 16 EMT positions, 92 new detention officers, and leaders say the county's revenue this year actually fell below the expected average and factors such as inflation and the lack of a state budget is creating the shortfall, which is why they say the tax hike is needed. but the budget also includes some cuts to resources like library services.

As we continue to cut budgets and underfund this final resource for our community, it's going to have negative impacts. So again, that public hearing happening this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Back to you. Okay, Bianca, thank you. Meantime, the governor's advisory council for student safety and well-being is also meeting this morning. The group is made up of legislators, educators, mental health professionals and law enforcement. The council has outlined best practices as members, work to find ways to make classroom safer and cell phone free. Today's agenda includes discipline, alternative learning dropout rates. 506 is the time happening today. A Wake County school teacher back in court. Everything we know about Stephen Coles and his ongoing sex crimes case. It's coming

up next half hour. Plus President Trump warns Iran. The clock is ticking until the next round of strikes. We'll take a closer look at his new threat as peace talk stall. Good morning, Quig. Hey, good morning. He cranking up again today with near record. highs through the afternoon. 92 in Broxford this afternoon, 94 Raleigh, 94-Fith. Some changes in the way later this week, including some rainfall. Warned that my forecast. And right now, the road's not looking bad at all. We don't have any to worry about so things are moving nicely.

Now let's take a look at those traffic hotspots brought to you 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. 510. Welcome back on this Monday morning, a live look from RDU.

Nice quiet weather out there, very humid to start. But as you make your way to the airport, no issues with the weather. We have clear skies, which will continue through the afternoon. 70s right now all the way through 8 o'clock. Temperatures by noon will be in the 80s and by the afternoon low to mid-90s for highs from our northern counties all the way to the sandhills. At the coast today, there's a moderate threat of rip currents from Carolina Beach all the way up to Hatteras through the afternoon hours. But plenty of sunshine and temperatures will be in the upper 70s, low 80s. Brighter skies in the mountains approaching 90 in Bryson City, 82 and boom blowing rock.

degrees this afternoon. Tomorrow and Wednesday, pretty much a rinse and repeat, plenty of sunshine, near record highs, temperatures topping out in the 90s through Wednesday. Thursday scattered storm starts to develop. We'll have highs in the mid-80s in the triangle. I think we still get into the low 90s, though, Thursday in the sand hills through the afternoon. Tracking were storms across the century United States, another system working out of the Rockies today, too, producing some snowfall there. But unfortunately, there's a big risk for severe weather for the century United States. or storms riding along that ridge of high pressure and really seeing that target zone for the century United States in the plains. But from Dallas to St. Louis to Chicago, that threat for severe

weather, isolated severe risk, including areas in West Virginia and to areas around Pennsylvania as well through the afternoon hours. Temperatures will be in 90s in Tampa, 84 Miami, 89 in Atlanta, so we'll be hotter than Atlanta this afternoon. Pittsburgh up to 92 this afternoon as well. New Orleans 87 degrees, 89 in Dallas looking at snowfall around the Rockies and temperatures in the upper 70s in Vegas, Phoenix near 90 this afternoon. A little cooler for the weekend, but still temperatures trending above average. We'll talk more about that and rain potential when I come back. Joel back to you.

Quailan, thank you in Wake County. Pool season is just days away. The county's four summer pools will open up May 23rd. That includes the pool at Lake Johnson and West Raleigh. The other three pools are Biltmore Hills, Longview Pool and the Ridge Road Pool. Check the city's website for opening hours. Meantime, public pools in Fayetteville open up Monday. May 25th for Memorial Day Fund. There are four public pools across the city. Chalmers pool, though, remains closed for facility upgrades.

A traffic update for some of you in Raleigh, your morning commute just got a little easier on Western Boulevard. Moments ago, a busy section of the road, plus several ramps near its interchange with the Beltline officially reopened. Construction focused, forced that area to close over the weekend. 513 is the time on your Monday morning, and Governor Stein focusing on preventing opioid deaths across the state. the Gov holding a major event today highlighting ongoing efforts to address that issue. We'll get a preview coming up next half hour. Plus new details on the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda. We'll have an update from the World Health Organization straight ahead.

Staples Preferred Business Membership built for busy business owners, because you've got bigger things to think about. With Staples Preferred, get free delivery. No minimums. Staples Preferred unlocks up to three percent. back. Plus 10% savings on print and exclusive wireless offers. One less thing on your plate. Actually, a lot less. Visit staples.ca slash preferred. That was easy. New this morning, the capital city of Texas on edge this morning. Police in Austin

investigating 10 random shootings from over the weekend. Here's what we know. At least four people injured. Two teenagers have been arrested. And authorities say the alleged shooters were driving stolen cars, targeting fire stations, houses and apartment buildings from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Officials now investigating a possible motive. New this morning, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a high-stakes phone call on the Iran war. Officials say they spoke yesterday amid a global push for a peace deal. The president also posted on social media threatening Iran, quote, they better get moving fast or there won't be anything left of them.

Last week, during his meeting with President Xi Jinping, President Trump said, the two agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Formuz. I could say this with very, very strong conviction. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Not going to happen. President Trump's warning comes as the UAE officials say they repelled a drone strike at a nuclear plant. The World Health Organization is declaring a global health emergency over a deadly Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 80 people are dead with more than 200 suspected cases and climbing.

This strain has no approved vaccine or treatment and officials fear it could spread across borders. The Africa CDC is now calling an emergency meeting to boost surveillance and contain the outbreak. Meanwhile in the Vatican City, Pope Leo is jumping on the 6-7 bandwagon. The Pope was interacting with some children at the Vatican when the kids did the viral gesture. Pope Leo with a smile did it right back before walking away. The trend originated from the song Doot Doot by the rapper Scrilla, which features the recurring lyric 6-7. As far as what it actually means, no one really knows. Pope doesn't know either, but hey, he's the people's Pope.

Vokey 6-7. Even August is saying 6-7. That's right. Yeah, he's only three and he already does it. He's a big Doot-Doo fan. Yeah, loves do-Doot-Dut. It's good jam. Quailin Murphy, here we go.

It is warm. It's getting hot and it's going to get hotter. Yeah, going to get hotter. in the 90s through Wednesday, even Thursday for some of us will be in the 90s as well. Record high as possible through the middle of this week. We're looking at temperatures to start dropping, though, later this week. Thursday, high temperatures, mid 80s. I think we'll still have some 90s, though, around the sandhills. But heading into Friday, you'll notice a cool down into the 70s and then by Saturday we're back to the low 80s. Rain chances do head up late Wednesday night. More so Thursday with a soaking rain.

We'll call it unsettled Friday, Saturday into Sunday of your week. as well. I know it's a holiday weekend, but we do need the rainfall, of course. So we're going to bring that chance up. And that's because of a cold front on the way. Some of the rain Thursday could be locally heavy with a low pressure tracking along that frontal boundary too. This morning, no rainfall, dry conditions, clear skies, high pressure settled offshore. A live look into downtown. It's very muggy outside this morning and very warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s right now. 670. Did I do it? Looking at some breezy conditions, too, teens on those gusts. through the afternoon. 93 and Clinton today in Durham 92 in Roxburgh, Raleigh, 94, along with Fayetteville and Rayford 92. 80 degrees is our normal high, our normal low 58 degrees. So we're well above average of this morning. More 60s in store for early tomorrow morning. So we're going to keep it on the mild side. Rolling into the low to mid 90s again tomorrow afternoon, plenty of sunshine. These arrows representing the winds coming in from the coast. Atlantic influence in golf as well. That's why it's going to be so hot, so humid and prefrontal warming,

continues through Wednesday to ahead of our front. That's what high temperatures will be in the 90s. As we track the rainfall potential through the next five days, we'll see at least an inch or less for most spots. Then of course into the weekend, those totals will climb a little bit higher. 94 in Raleigh today, 60s tonight, low to mid 90s all the way through Wednesday.

Thursday scattered storms brings temps down a bit, but still above average, mid 80s, and then Friday were cooler than average with some lingering showers highs in the 70s. Saturday and Sunday, still quite unsettled with isolated storms possible. High temperatures, low to mid 80s with those lows still in the 60s. Weather and traffic together, Anna, back to you.

Okay, Kuelan, so right now the roads look really good. Our crash count sitting at zero. You can see all green on this map. So there are no slowdowns either. Let's take a live look outside of DOT cameras. Now, this is 40 and Jones Sausage Road starting to see those, that traffic fill in just a little bit. But you can see everyone is still going that posted speed limit. 520 and we got an update on that Clayton couple who made this all laugh last year when they appeared on America's funniest home video.

their latest accomplishment coming up. Alerting you first. First alert weather on ABC 11. 523, and a new version of Apple's AI assistant Siri is reportedly getting a new ability, focusing on privacy. Here's ABC Sophie Flay with this morning's TechBites. In today's TechBite, Siri will soon start getting rid of your chats. According to Bloomberg, the iOS 27 version of the app will come with an option to auto-delete chat histories. Users will reportedly be able to keep conversations for 30 days, a year or forever. Next, a treat for Fortnite players.

With the Mandalorian and Grogoo set to hit Featers Friday, the platform is hosting a watch party tomorrow. Players will be able to see 10 minutes of the movie and they'll hear a message from its director. And finally, a new way to avoid a laptop catastrophe. A $3 app for Mac just rolled out to keep cats from wreaking havoc when they walk or pounce on your keyboard. It's called Cat's Lock and it allows you to disable the keyboard. You can also get an audio alert to warn when pause are present. Those are Tech Fights. I'm Sophie Flee. Have a great day. We want to invite you to the Carolina Theater's 100th anniversary celebration. The nonprofit is preparing for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. Dancing like the Carolina stars. It's all happening

Wednesday, May 20th at 5.30 p.m. in Durham. Seven well-known community leaders from local businesses and organizations, including ABC 11 Vice President of Community Engagement, Monica Barnes, will take the stage in a high-energy dance competition all to support the historic theater. Tickets are on sale now. Just visit the Carolina Theater's website. ABC 11 is a proud sponsor of this event. Monica's going to be dancing. Watch out now, go Monica.

Look, we have an update on a Clayton couple featured on America's Funniest Home Videos. They have officially won the show's grand prize, and it's all because of a sassy spouse squabble caught on their front door camera. Take a look. Don't tell me you, fail. No, I'm not here picking weeds. Huh? I'm picking weeds. Oh, yeah, I failed.

What did you think I did? I won't just lay down here picking weeds gets me every time. That's the Bun family. You remember, they previously won $120,000 on America's Funniest Home Videos. Now they have taken home the grand prize on the season finale. What's the grand prize include? a vacation on the Disney Wish Cruise Line. They just keep on winning. Congratulations to the Bucs.

Yeah, so happy for them. Meanwhile, coming up, if you can't get enough of rivals on Hulu and Disney Plus, then you do not want to miss Good Morning America. This morning, David Tennant and the cast of Rivals will be live on the GMA set to talk all about season two and their buzzy show. That's my show. I like rivals. And I was surprised this weekend when I saw the Tio pop up. It's a brand new season. I was like, oh, let's go. There we go. My May is made. 526 now a high stakes meeting will soon be underway in Wake County how you can weigh in on the billion dollar budget we'll have a live report coming up next plus it is going to be hot today temperatures reaching near record highs before some big changes we'll get your first alert forecast coming up straight ahead plus breaking overnight Durham police investigating a major crime scene at an apartment complex we have a crew there following all the latest developments stay with us for the latest after the break