ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - September 21, 2026

Episode Date: September 21, 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. And we are underway at 5 a.m. Good morning. Carolina, welcome on this Monday, September 21st. I'm Joel Brown, just you and me for the next half hour and is off this week. We're live on the Faith Hedgepeth case. The final pretrial hearing gets underway at the Durham County Courthouse this week. morning a preview straight ahead. Plus, a high stakes vote happening today on that plan mega merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health. Governor Stein now weighing in, stay with us for an update. First President Trump, now Vice President J.D. Vance. He is heading to North Carolina to campaign for Republicans in this key battleground state. We'll get a preview coming up. First, though, at

501. Time for a first check of weather and traffic together. Meteorologist Quailin Murphy is here. Look, fall coming officially this week. on the calendar, but first you're first alerting us to chance of storms later today. Yeah, chance of storms later today. Still hot today, but that fall feel it's on the way too, Joel. This morning we're tracking mainly clear skies for the bus stop. Tempts in the 70s still quite muggy out there this morning. It's going to be hot this afternoon.

Highs load in mid-90s. I do have isolated storms in the forecast later today. So I would say send the umbrellas with the kits for the afternoon hours through the evening hours. Also a chance for a few showers and storms. We also have the risk for an isolated severe storm too. Damaging winds the main threat primarily from the triangle points north and west. Those of you in the sand hills, maybe a few gusty storms, but overall that's not your concern today. Radar on satellite composite showing dry conditions.

Clouds are hanging on around the triangle points north as well. You're clear to the south and off to the east. But here's the front we're tracking for this week. It's going to come in and kind of stall out over the next few days. That's going to bring us some cool air and also some better rain potential. Dry this morning with that view over downtown. We are warmer than yesterday sitting at. at 74 degrees at RDU.

60s on those dew points because of the winds from the southwest at 5, a mix of 60s and 70s out the door. Just a little fog this morning. I think this will be an issue for us each morning this week, especially as we see more rain. 70s at 9 o'clock, noon today,

mainly sunny, we're up to the upper 80s by that time and lower 90s at 3 o'clock with that isolated storm chance. Overnight we'll dry out. Temperatures will be in the 70s. Your first alert that you'll want the rain gear for pretty much the rest of the week, we look at some rain and storm potential, including some locally heavy rain.

But again, the bigger story this week is going to be the cool down. When you should expect high temperatures in the 60s, Joel, that's coming up right now. Weather and traffic together back to you. Want to hear all about it, Kualaeland. Thank you. Roads are pretty clear. The real-time traffic map, all green at 503 a.m. Here's a look at the DOT camera.

This is I-40 and I-540? Traffic moving fine. 503 and happening today, a high-profile murder case back in the spot. In just hours, the final hearing gets underway in the Faith Hedgepeth case. One week before the accused killer of the UNC Chapel Hill student stands trial. Bianca Holman live at Durham County Courthouse this morning with the latest. Bianca, good morning. Hey, good morning, Joel.

So today's hearing is essentially about the prosecutors saying to the judge to not allow the defense to introduce new evidence that there could be someone else possible and guilty in this case. Now again, you may remember Hedgepass. She was a UNC student. She was found dead in her Chapel Hill apartment in 2012. Following her death, investigators interviewed and took DNA samples from hundreds of people, and it took years to find a potential match. Speaking with those who've been following the case, it wasn't clear how Miguel Seguero Olivares was connected, and because he was also arrested for the murder in 2021.

He was connected through his DNA, but at this point, we don't have any answers about how, he knew to go to the apartment that night at that time to be able to commit this crime and whether he has any other connection with Faith Hedgepeth. So again they expect more information to come out about that during the trial but again the courtroom will be there later on this morning for that hearing and then the trial and jury selection is due to start September 28th. Joel? A week from today Bianca thank you meantime a high-stakes vote happening today in wake County health care access on the line for tens of thousands of people across the area. Wake County Commissioners are expected to vote on that mega merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health.

The proposal sparking months of debate and controversy over concerns the move could lead higher costs. Hospital consolidation leads to rising health care costs, usually worse patient care. And from our perspective, Atrium or Advocate Health, which is their parent company, you know, is one of the most expensive systems in the country. And we believe that it will actually make prices go up at Wake Mad and also that patient care could get worse. And now Governor Stein weighing in, saying recent changes have strengthened the proposal and he will not stand in its way. Stein says the companies have agreed to cap price increases for the next five years, boost charity care, and guarantee that a promised $2 billion investment fully funds hospital improvements.

But critics of the merger plan to rally ahead of today's vote. We'll have team coverage through the day. Also today, Kerry Town Council is meeting again to discuss that scathing audit report, exposing how the town was spending your money. The state auditor blasted the town for a culture of extravagance spending and lack of oversight. This all stems from a major investigation into the former town manager who was using taxpayer money for high-end expenses. And a lot of you are weighing in on this story online.

The owners of two popular Glenwood South bars, Teets and Lucky Bees are looking to rezone the properties, which could turn the small, cozy spaces into a massive 40-story tower. Former Keynes player Bates Pataglia and his brother run the bars. There's a neighborhood meeting on the proposal happening tonight at 530. It's at Halifax Community Center. In your voice, your vote, Vice President J.D. Vance hits the campaign trail in Greensboro today. He is rallying for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterms. This comes after President Trump stump for NC Senate nominee Michael Watley last week and Gastonia. But North Carolina is a state that the Republicans need to defend.

Senator Tillis, this is a Republican seat. Senator Tillis is vacating. And there's got to be a message over and over to those Trump voters. We really care about this race. This is important. So Trump comes in one week. J.D. Vance comes in the next week. Whatley is in a tight race against Democratic nominee Roy Cooper.

The latest polls show Whatley trailing the former governor. This Senate race is considered one of the most consequential battlegrounds in the country as Republicans try to hold onto control of Congress. Meanwhile, President Trump meeting with New York City mayors, Zoran Mamdani this afternoon ahead of the UN General Assembly. A spokesperson says they will focus on issues affecting New York City and New Yorkers. The two often get along really well despite their opposite political views. President Trump is also expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron later today, ahead of the president's big speech tomorrow morning. It is 508 an outrage in Austin and nationwide following a new ice shooting. Everything we know about agents shooting and injuring a Venezuelan Doordash driver coming up later this hour.

Plus Patrick Clancy speaking out in a brand new interview following his ex-wife's mistrial. We'll have the latest and the biggest takeaways after the break. First, oh, say good morning, Necuelan. morning. It's going to be hot and humid. It feels like temperatures approaching 100 today. We will see a few showers and storms later. Some of those could be a little strong, maybe severe. More on that and your travel forecast after the break. Now here's your 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. Welcome back, 511 on this Monday morning. We're tracking a few clouds out there, but dry conditions for the early morning commutes. We are looking at a front that will move in later today. That will bring a chance for showers and storms. So far so good at RDU where conditions are nice and quiet for us. We're going to have temperatures in the 60s and 70s at 8 o'clock by noon today.

We're in the mid to upper 80s, so heating up rather quickly. Highs, low to midnoughties from the triangle to the sandhills, upper 80s north, and a few showers in storms by late day. With the severe risk comes the damaging wind threat today, triangle in north, level 1 of 5. For your evening, some lingering showers in storm. Temperatures still in the upper 70s by 9 o'clock, mid-70s by midnight tonight. At the coast today, rip current threat is moderate for areas north. Hatteras to kill double hills and low all the way down to Carolina Beach.

Dry weather at the coast, though, today high temperatures, mid-80s. In the mountains, some showers and storms, temperatures 70s for our northern areas, mid-80s from Asheville to Bryson City. Across the country, we're seeing more impacts with unsettled weather east of the Rockies. Isolate at risk for severe from D.C. all the way down into parts of Mississippi and Alabama today. 84 in Oak Orlando this afternoon in Miami, Tampa. 89. New York City, 73 and 60s for Pittsburgh. We have six seasons 70s for our high temperatures coming up this week. I'm going to first alert you to that in my full 7-A forecast. Joel,

back to you. Quaylon, thank you. New this morning, Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has died at 27 years old. Medical examiner records reveal he died at a rehab facility yesterday. He was the older brother of model and actress Kyah Gerber. Presley began modeling as a teenager and worked with major fashion brands, including Burberry. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. He had spoken publicly about his mental health and substance use. Also new this morning, Patrick Clancy is speaking out for the first time since his ex-wife's mistrial in a new interview. Clancy described his grief after losing their three children, saying he has forgiven Lindsay and believes her mental illness played a role. He also said he's starting a new family

with his new wife while honoring his family, honoring his children. Clancy also addressed online conspiracy theories, calling them a distraction from perinatal mental mental. health. New details and controversy on President Trump's planned arch. He now says it will double as a military complex. We'll explain after the break. Plus all the highlights from the Panthers epic win against the Falcons. That's straight ahead. And a reminder, you can find eyewitness news live on ABC 11, Disney Plus, and everywhere you stream. Back at 516 in diesel fuel, hitting a new record high in North Carolina. As the war with Iran rages on, the state average now sits at 627, the average price for diesel is even higher at 6.51, the soaring price of diesel hitting customers

across the country. And it's also impacting those who help feed the community. The president and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina telling us this has been a tough time for them. Diesel prices are about double what they were paying this time last year. And the cost don't just impact food prices at all. It also creates challenges for the fleet of trucks they use to supply the food to those in need across the region. We're doing a combination of things. It is definitely making sure we're looking at our routes, our idle time, how fast the trucks are allowed to go, to be able just to conserve fuel in every way possible. But at the end of the day, we have to get the food to people. So we are having to look at where we can save some in our

budget to be able to spend more. Officials also telling us economic issues are causing more food insecurity for families right now. Escalating violence in the Middle East is further rocking an already volatile oil market, regular gas prices jumping, 17 cents just in the last week. President Trump says he's in deciding mode on new action as Iran's parliament speaker vows the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until conditions they've conveyed are met. The war in Iran said to dominate the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. And President Trump says his planned arch will also serve as a military complex for national security purposes. He says it will host drones and ammo and snipers.

The president made similar statements about his newly renovated White House ballroom. All of these upgrades are facing legal challenges. A group of three veterans and an architect historian are suing over the arch. And Panthers head coach Dave Canales and some of his players speaking to reporters today. One day after dominating the Atlanta Falcons 34 to 3, Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns. While the cat's defense forced five turnovers, lineback. Devin Lloyd picked off two passes. The Panthers are now one and one.

Panthers offense yesterday and the week before, putting up some serious numbers. They look good. And the defense looked a whole heck of a lot better. Yeah, as a New Orleans Saints fan, I'm happy to see the Falcons dirty birds lose. Yeah, that's true. Yeah, Falcons lost.

And your Saints did something big yesterday. They did. I mean, just winning the game and then, you know, being a good appointment. Pittsburgh, on the other hand. Oh, come on, Steelers. your Eagles did? Yes, they did. I wasn't going to bring it up. Bring it up. Celebrate your teams, Joel. We're tracking the heat today, but some of you will be celebrating the cooler

air on the way this week. Our average high as of today, 81 degrees. We're going to be over 10 degrees below average. Mid-80s tomorrow and then check out Wednesday all the way through and into your weekend. 60s and 70s for high temperatures. So this is not a test. We're really dropping down as fall arrives tomorrow. Rain chances do climb a little bit higher this afternoon. We'll have a chance for a few showers and storms. Some of those into early evening, too. And with the storms, there's a level one of five risk for severe. Damaging winds the main threat. So this is where the triangle points west and north later today. This morning nice and quiet. We'll have some clouds still hanging overhead for the triangle north. Also back to the west. A few clouds passing

over areas in the sand hills as well. But you're going to have a lot of sunshine early in the day today. A live look downtown where we're sitting at 74 degrees warmer than yesterday. Seventy four Raleigh and Durham, 70 and Roxborough. 60s, Sanford, Goldsboro, Fayetteville right now. Patchy fog, I think more of an issue in the mornings to come as we get more rainfall around here. 77 at 9 o'clock, lunchtime, mainly sunny. We're approaching 90 degrees by then 91 at 3 with isolated storm. So some commutes will be impacted later today, including after school.

Overnight will be dry for the most part temperatures in the 70s. So we have a front to our north, and that cold front pushes in and it settles, though, into the area through midweek. So that's going to keep the focus for showers and storms here at home. Still quite hot today into tomorrow. There's the front, a little bit cooler, but Wednesday, that cooler air really gets triggered. So this is 1 o'clock this afternoon. I think we'll have spotty storms towards 2, 3 o'clock.

Some of those linger through late tonight. And then tomorrow morning starts fairly dry. But by the afternoon, rain and storm chances develop. And some of that rain will build in locally heavy at times Tuesday evening and Tuesday night. Wednesday a scattering of showers and storms. There is a risk for some flash flooding between today and Wednesday as well with some locally heavy downpours and spots. Rain chances continue through Thursday and just in time for the weekend. They drop off.

We'll see about an inch and a half or less through the next five days. In the tropics, things are fairly quiet. There's one tropical storm out there. It's Faye southwest of the Azores. Other than that, no impacts to land. 93 today with a few showers and storms, upper 60s tonight and mainly cloudy overnight. 85 tomorrow fall arrives Tuesday evening and the fall feel arrives Wednesday 71 for the high 50s at night 60s on Thursday with more 50s on the way 70 Friday by Friday night upper 40s and low 50s and we keep those 70s going right through the weekend joel with sunshine Saturday and Sunday high's mid 70s so there's fall the feel finally here Joel back to you I see it we welcome it quailan thank you take a look at the real time traffic map at 522 all green no major issues to report.

Here's a look at the DOT camera at this hour, all smooth here on I-87 and New Hope Road through Eastern Wake County. Eyewitness news continues after this. Back at 525, and President Trump is reportedly planning to create an AI force and appoint a new artificial intelligence advisor. Here's ABC's Hannah Battag with this morning's TechBites.

In today's TechBites, plans for an artificial intelligence advisor. President Trump on social media revealing plans to appoint an AI czar and create an AI force. However, he did provide details. The post came days after he called fears about the technology a hoax. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson is revealing the U.S. proposal about a new AI alert system with China.

Besson saying it would offer more transparency between the world's top two AI powers. AI is expected to be discussed when President Trump meets with China's leader on Thursday. And California will now hand out fines to online information. influencers who don't reveal they've been paid to post about politics. The state already had disclosure laws, but until now, no punishments were in place. Each violation will now cost up to $5,000. Those are your tech bites. I'm Hannah Bata. Have a great day. Hannah, thank you. The 4C strong in Los Angeles is the Lucas Museum opens this week.

Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, Melody Hobson, celebrated the achievement with a star-studded celebration over the weekend, celebrities, artists, politicians, getting a glimpse of the museum. It features paintings, photographs, murals, illustrations, comics and film archives. It's a little bit like Georgia's best work as a director and a producer. It breaks the mold, and yet in some way, it also feels resonant. It feels comfortable. It feels familiar. It's just a completely different kind of package and presentation.

It's going to be an enormous draw. As much as people want to come to Southern California and to Los Angeles, This is just another reason to make it a destination. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens to the public tomorrow in Los Angeles. We're coming right back here at 530.