ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - September 11, 2026

Episode Date: September 11, 2026

Eyewitness News at 5am - September 11, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Okay, ready to go at 5 a.m. Good morning. Carolina. Welcome on this Friday. It is September 11th. I'm Joel Brown. And I'm Anna Rivera. Thanks so much for joining us today. Hundreds of people honoring 9-11 victims, survivors, and first responders at a stair climb in Chapel Hill this morning. We'll have live coverage straight ahead. Plus turning tragedy into service. A look at several special events happening across the triangle today, including a food packing program at NC State.

A breathtaking drone show in New York City, recreating the Twin Towers and illuminating the skies as we mark 25 years since that horrific day. Yeah, lots to talk about on a momentous day, but let's do weather and traffic together first at 5 a.m. There is a chance for some spotty storms. You made it a first alert day. Yeah, first alert day because with the storms,

there's a level one severe. threat but there's going to be a lot of dry tide today. Make no speak about that. Also hot and humid again. 96 the high this afternoon for your weekend. Scattered storms on Saturday, Sunday, we'll go back to isolated storm potential, but not as hot this weekend. High temperatures in the upper 80s close to 90. For today, there's that level one risk for severe damaging winds, the main threat. When we talk level one, it's on a scale of one to five. So we'll have that storm chance going up this afternoon, which means your commutes will be dry this morning. We're seeing a bit more cloud cover this morning compared to yesterday, but no showers around extending to South Carolina dry conditions too.

Some rainfall to our north, that's where the frontal boundary is. So by one o'clock today, maybe a stray storm, I think we'll start to build up on that chance through late afternoon and by the evening hours as well. So it could be some disruptions for commutes later today and for your after school activities as well. Here's a live look into downtown Raleigh. We're at 75 degrees. It's much warmer this morning, too, and much more humid. When southwest at five miles per hour, most of us are in the 70s right now. 69 in Oxford 70 in Roanoke Rapids and starting to see more fog too Chatham County down to Lee Harnet County with some of that patchy fog even dense in a few spots Clinton down to seven so as you

get bus stop ready you won't need the umbrella this morning but I would say stashed it in the book bag for the kids today because we'll have a isolated storm chance by the time they get home from school for high school football this evening there could be some spotty storm so maybe some delays happening later 86 at 7 82 at 8 tonight still 81 degrees at 9. get into your weekend forecast. If you're traveling to the beach and the mountains, I'll have that coming up for you as well. Right now, weather and traffic together. Anna, back to you. Quillan, it's really quiet on the roads right now. Of course, we are seeing a little bit of that fog that you were talking about on the map. So just be aware if that's a part of your commute.

Let's take a live look outside of the DOT cameras. This is 40 in Miami Boulevard. Traffic has definitely started to fill in. Today, March 25 years since the September 11th attacks and across North Carolina communities are pausing to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost. survivors who carry that day with them and the countless first responders who answered the call. At UNC Chapel Hill, hundreds are gathering right now for the annual stair climb at Keenan Memorial Stadium. Tamara Scott is there now following this morning's tribute. Tamara, good morning. Hey, good morning, Julia. In just about an hour, the Canaan Stadium here is going to be filled with hundreds of people coming here to not just pay their respects, but take that climb that those first responders took 25 years ago in effort to save lives on September 11. So this morning, it marks 25 years since the attacks. The climb today

represents the stairs that first responders face inside the World Trade Center. Among the 441 first responders killed that day were 343 firefighters. This morning, local firefighters will make the climb in full turnout gear. They'll be joined by hundreds of others, including UNC students who weren't even alive on September 11, 2001. For them, 9-11 isn't a memory. It's history they've learned through their families, classrooms, and moments like this one. And back here at Canaan Stadium, folks already are starting to arrive. We know we just spoke with someone who said they're expecting hundreds of people here, upwards of 1,800 people expected to be here just about an hour to take that climb.

We'll be here throughout the morning and bring you the latest. Back to you. A very large tribute to them, Tamara, thank you. And turning to the memory of this tragic day into a day of service on this 25th anniversary of 9-11, thousands of volunteers in rally will join together to pack hundreds of, hundreds of thousands of meals for those in need. It's part of a larger effort to turn a somber day into one of hope. Sean Coffey is live in Chavez Park with a preview.

Sean, good morning. Yeah, good morning Anna. Where seeing events take place across the triangle today, including here at Chavez Park in Raleigh, but also elsewhere, hundreds of volunteers joining together to turn this into a day of service and remembrance, as you just mentioned. That includes over at NC State as well,

where people are participating in honor through action. where more than 1,000 volunteers are expected to pack an estimated 226,000 meals today for local families in partnership with faith-based organizations and the country's five professional major sports leagues. That event is being hosted by 9-11, which is advocated for the formal establishment of September 11th as a national day of service and remembrance. Today's event over at NC State Wellness and Rec Center will begin at 9 a.m. There's also that event with Activate Good that's taking place here at Chavez Park. later today as well. For more on that and a full list of the events taking place to commemorate the

20th anniversary of 9-11.11.11. You can head over to ABC11.com. Live and Rolla, show coffee, ABC11, eyewitness news. Sean, thank you. We're also tracking several other 9-11 tributes across the area today at Holly Springs and Apex firefighters will hold ceremonies honoring the victims in Garner. And leaders gather at the rec center this morning where they will hear firsthand from a local resident who survived and responded to the attacks. And tonight in Roxborough, the person county vet Council dedicates a new memorial honoring all first responders. That ceremony is set for six at Huck Sandsbury Park. New York Harbor hosted this incredible drone show honoring 9-11 victims. It featured 2,97 lights, one for each person who died in the attacks. It then displayed full-scale outlines of the Twin Towers. Organizers say the art installation was developed with input from members of the 9-11 community, including families, survivors, and first responders.

What a sight over lower Manhattan last night. It is 506 President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, wrapping up the first ever Republican Midterm Convention. We'll get a recap after the break. And new developments in the Lindsay Clancy case details on her lawyer's latest move. Good morning, Quayle. Hey, good morning. We are dry right now. There are some rain showers to our north. We do have a chance for storms this afternoon. It's our first alert day for that level one severe risk. But ahead of that, the heat builds again. 96th the high. Full forecast is coming up. to your Friday morning commute. No crashes you need to worry about. 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 Friday. It's a first alert day. We're tracking some more heat this afternoon, but it's a first alert day because we'll have some storms that could turn a little stronger severe later. The high 96 is going to feel like close to 100 when you factor in that humidity. Here's that level one threat for severe today.

It's for damaging winds, and it'll be this afternoon and evening. So your morning commutes will be dry. lunchtime is still fairly dry for most of us as well. A live look from RDU, those early flights shouldn't have any problems out there. Little fog in spots, but nothing major. As far as clouds are concerned, they're starting to creep back in this morning. We're seeing increasing clouds. We do have the NC State kickoff later this evening. Seven o'clock, the home opener. I can't roll out a stray storm by that time. 86 degrees at kickoff time near 80 degrees by the time the game wraps up partly cloudy conditions by then. North Carolina Central and the Aggies game has been moved up for

tomorrow at noon. We'll do have a chance for spotty storms at kickoff scattered storms as the afternoon continues. Temperatures tomorrow mid to upper 80s for highs across the state today 80s and 90s for high temperatures, a few showers and storms possible. I think we'll see more scattered storm coverage statewide tomorrow as well. Not as hot highs near 90 degrees tomorrow afternoon. This is the front we're tracking into Friday and Saturday with that risk for severe storms. to our west and north today. Also around the plain states there's a risk for severe weather. Atlanta could see some compromised weather around the airport.

87, the high there, Dallas 98, 89 degrees in Los Angeles, Orlando up to 91 degrees today. We need the rainfall, of course. Our deficit continues, but next week looks fairly dry. We'll talk more about that in my full 70 forecast when I come back. Joel, back to you. Thank you, Quaylan. President Trump doubling down on his promise of $5,000 for every American adult, if Republicans hold on to Congress this November.

That's despite pushback from Democrats and even some members of his own party. The president and vice president, J.D. Vance, closed out the final night of the Republicans' midterm convention in Dallas, both trying to brush aside voter concerns over the economy, Iran, and the direction of the country. Lindsay Clancy's lawyer pushing for her acquittal. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington filed a motion yesterday asking a Massachusetts judge to throw out last week's mistrial and prevent a future retrial. He argues prosecutors failed to prove Clancy was criminally responsible for killing her three young children in 2023.

Time now 512 and new details on a case out of Chapel Hill. Everything we know about a man accused of causing a major scene on campus recently is coming up later this hour. Plus how you can be a part of history at the new Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh, all those details coming up. And a reminder, you can find eyewitness news live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. We are Local News. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. 515 and a high speed chase through two counties ends with a man in handcuffs and two cars torn apart. It started yesterday afternoon in Montgomery County and ended in a tangle of trees off highway 2427 near Robbins in Moore County.

Deputies say 21-year-old Alvin Williams led them on a chase before crashing into the woods. His car and a deputy's cruiser both left mangled. But despite all this damage, no major injuries will you. is now facing charges. Fayetteville police are working to identify more victims of an alleged human trafficking ring involving prostitution. Authorities arrested 33-year-old Mark Presley Jr. in the case, and he's accused of operating a major network involving sex workers in Fayetteville and across the southeast all the way to Florida. Presley allegedly used several aliases and operated out of local motels and short-term rentals. In your voice, your vote, the gloves are off and the race for North Carolina's U.S. Senate.

seat, Roy Cooper firing back at Michael Wattley as the fight to replace Tom Tillis heats up with the midterms on the horizon. The former governor hit the campaign trail in Goldsboro yesterday, firing back after Watley went after his record on crime at the Republican midterm convention. Cooper not holding back. Michael Wattley needs to look in the mirror. He appointed a child molester who served six years in prison for it, was on the sex offender registry and above the objections of many members of the Republican Party appointed him to an important position in the party that gave him access to teenagers and children. And it shows you that he puts politics over public

safety. Watley's campaign firing back, quote, Roy Cooper is the only candidate who has served in an office with the authority to early release violent offenders. And a new poll out this week finds Roy Cooper leading Michael Watley by 11 points. The Democratic candidate was favored by 49% of of likely voters surveyed. 38% said they supported Watley. 8% said they are currently undecided. 54% of registered voters think Cooper will win regardless of who they plan to vote for. A piece of rally history, one step closer to national recognition, the city's historic development commission voting to recommend the Biltmore Hills neighborhood for a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Raleigh was deeply segregated in the 50s and 60s. Biltmore Hills opened the door to black home ownership. And the street names there tell a story of all their own, a tribute to black excellence. Names like Fitzgerald Drive honoring jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. There's Campanella Lane named for baseball pioneer Roy Campanella. And now the National Park Service will have the final say on whether Biltmore Hills earns its place in history.

The Carolina Panthers gearing up for their first home game of the season this Sunday. They'll face off against the Chicago Bears and a major quarterback showdown. It's Bryce Young versus Caleb Williams. Carolina showed signs of progress last year, but the Bears will try to capitalize on their big conference win last season. Kickoff is at noon at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. The Bears will be no push over, but we're pulling for the cats. Yeah, always. Let's go. Let's go. Meantime, level one risk of stormsday? Yeah, and as far as Sunday goes, there's just a stray storm chance in Charlotte in the afternoon. So I think they'll be okay. Here we're looking at drier weather as well. Yeah, today's a level one severe threat.

It's the first alert day. We're gonna see a chance for spotty storms. And with some of those storms could come some stronger and severe storms later today. But ahead of that, the heat builds gonna be another half afternoon at 96 degrees. The high today, more scattered storms on Saturday than Sunday will have just a stray storm chance.

But not as hot this weekend. Still humid though. High temperatures, upper 80s close to 90 degrees. Here's that level one risk for severe today. It's for damaging winds. So again, that will come primarily this afternoon into the early evening hours as well. So your morning commute time will be on the dry side.

Things are nice and quiet for us now. We do have increasing clouds overhead. Some rainfall to our north and west early this morning. That's the front we're tracking to move closer into the weekend. Here's a live look downtown where we're looking at fog-free conditions here. 75 degrees in RDU, 75 in Durham, 70 in Roxburgh and Sanford, low 70s in Goldsboro. Fayville, you're at 75 degrees. Some fog showing up to primarily south of the triangle this morning.

We'll be close to 80 at 9 o'clock. Bright skies still, and then mainly sunny skies at noon 90 degrees, but it isolated storm chants by 3 o'clock this afternoon, 94. Some of that potential through early evening, too, and then we'll dry out mainly overnight. Temperatures back to those low and mid-70s. Tomorrow the rain and storm chance climbs. Sunday will be drying out generally just to stray storm in the afternoon,

and then early next week also looks dry for us too. So here's the front. It's not very, it's not looking very strong at this point. So we're looking at rain and storms still long and ahead of it, but it's not going to get the forcing it needs to move through. So that's why we're not looking at a big cool down this weekend because the front's going to weaken and really just become more diffuse as it works through. This is noon today, low to midnights and dry spotty storms by your afternoon. Some of those through evening too. Tomorrow morning is dry to start early.

And then by noon 1 o'clock, we'll have a chance for scattered storms to start developing right through Saturday night. And then Sunday morning, still a few lingering showers early. I think we see a break. and then spotty storms of the afternoon as we get what's left of that front to try to push through on Sunday. In terms of rain potential, locally heavy today and tomorrow at times, there could be some minor street flooding and spots. The totals will mainly be around an inch or less. Heading to the beach this weekend, scattered storm Saturday and Sunday highs in the 80s, in the mountains, 70s and 80s, with some scattered storms possible there as well.

Yesterday was the peak of hurricane season. Today, September 11th, we're tracking dry weather and dry conditions over the tropics with no name. system. So far we've had five names storms, zero hurricanes. So this year we'll make the latest on record with no hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. Here's your first alert 70 forecast power by Accuather. First alert day today for a damaging wind threat with storms, scattered storms tomorrow near 90 near 90 on Sunday and next week high temperatures mainly between the mid 80s and close to 90 degrees with bright skies. Weather and traffic together Anna back to you. Quailan it's a quiet start to your Friday morning commute. A little

bit of that fog that you've been talking about this morning, but our crash count is still at zero. Let's take a live look outside at the DOT cameras. One of our busy spots, 40 and Jones Sausage Road, traffic is filling in, but still moving nicely. It is 521, and we are only days away from the Dancing with the Stars season premiere. And new this morning, we're hearing from the celebrity dancers and their pro partners about what to expect that's straight ahead. And you can now catch up with breaking news and the latest headlines with the ABC 11 eyewitness news podcast. Listen in any time or anywhere. Just follow ABC 11,

eyewitness news wherever you get your podcast. We'll be right back. Alerting you first. First alert weather on ABC 11. Back at 525 in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of new laws aimed at protecting children and teens from social media and AI chatbots.

Here's ABC's Faith the Bullbit with this morning's TechBites. In today's TechBites, California now has a new set of laws aimed at protecting children from the risks linked to AI and social media. The new laws will restrict how minors can interact with chatbots and will ban addictive feeds. Companies in violation could face stiff penalties. A universal music group is entering a multi-year deal with AI audio firm 11 Labs. The company is developing an AI-powered music platform in conjunction with 11 labs for fans to make remixes or mashups of music from participating artists on the label. They say the art.

will be fairly compensated. And Amazon has rolled out another tool to help you buy what you see on Prime Video. Shop the Scene is supposed to make recommendations more prominent and accessible than the previous Shop the Show feature. I'm Faithabube. Those are your TechBites. And we are just a few days away from the Dancing with the Stars season 35 premiere. The Stars, Pros and Judges and Co-hosts attended a special event in Hollywood last night.

The 16 contestants and their pro partners say they are ready to put in the work. to win the iconic Len Goodman mirror ball trophy. What is your strategy? Lifts and tricks. Yeah, definitely that. Enjoy it, you know, work our butts off, and listen to her. If I listen to her, I think I'll be in good shape. I feel very grateful to represent the disabled community,

represent anyone who looks different, and hopefully go out there and do something that nobody expects. To be honest, I've really worked hard. Like, I'm not joking around when I said. I'm like, this is the most I've ever given anything in my life. The Dancing with the Stars two-night premiere begins Tuesday right here on ABC 11 and Disney Plus. Ella Langley, leading the CMA Award nominations, including entertainer, single, song, female vocalist and music video of the year. Her hit shoes in Texas is up for both single and song of the year along with music video of the year.

Miranda Lambert follows Langley with seven noms and Casey Mee. Musgraves earned five. The Country Music Awards air live. Wednesday, November 18th on ABC 11 and Disney Plus. We are coming right back.