ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - April 1, 2026

Episode Date: April 1, 2026

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Ready for launch, the final countdown is on for the Artemis 2 mission that will take a local astronaut into history. Ride chair driver charged, a local lift driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in Raleigh. We're live with what we know now. And coming home, NC State welcomes back a member of the PAC as the university prepares to introduce a new head men's basketball coach. Right now, live coverage from your local newsleader. Today's top stories you need to know and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11I Witness News.

And good afternoon. I'm Barbara Gibbs. Amber Repenta has the day off. I'm here in the forecast center with meteorologist Cruz Medina. We've been talking about the warm weather and the potential to get some record highs, right? Yeah, so tipsters are going to be near record throughout today. Mid-80s are on the way. So today's definitely a shorts kind of day. Let's check out what's on tap.

So today and tomorrow, just very warm. Today we're forecasting 86 for RDU, the old record 89 set back in 1974. So we'll be close enough to it. And then as we go into tomorrow, forecasting 85, the old record a little warmer, right at 90 degrees set back in 1967. So even if we don't hit or even tie those records for today, it's going to be warm any way you look at it. Here's North Hills. You can see we have a sunny sky right now, so not a cloud in the sky as we look live over Raleigh. It's 77 there.

So already are approaching that 80 mark. 73 and Roxborough and 78 in Fayetteville. Getting outside today, I know many of you have kids that are off for spring break this week. It's going to be a great day to be out, whether that's on the playground, at a local park, walking your dog. Tipters will be in those mid-80s for our highs. That's around 3 or 4 p.m. And then we stay very warm through this evening.

So still at 81 degrees in Raleigh at 7 p.m. So even if you're not able to enjoy the warmth this afternoon, once you get off work, should still be warm for an evening walk. Overnight, we only cool down to 61 and Raleigh. With just a few clouds out there, south winds will still be a bit breezy around 10 miles per hour. But that sets us up for a mild start to your day tomorrow. Tipters will stay in the 60s through about 10 a.m.

And then as we approach the noon hour, we should be well into the 70s. Like I mentioned tomorrow also very warm. So tipter's in Raleigh reaching 85, 84 of the high in Roxborough and 83 in Fayetteville. We're warm heading into Easter weekend as well, but we have some rain chances on the way that are going to cool us down. We'll talk about that coming up in your extended forecast.

Barbara, back to you. Cruz, thank you. Well, I'm in the breaking news center now. We are focusing on a local rideshare driver facing charges of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a passenger in Raleigh. Duan Hogan is live in Raleigh, where the driver is expected to face a judge today. DeWan, what happened? Well, first off, good afternoon to you, Barbara. Early this afternoon, 30-year-old Ryan James Davy will face a judge. Meet a judge for the very first time behind me here at the Way County Justice Center after allegedly committing some crimes in a lift drive yesterday. I want to go ahead and walk you through what we know. First, I want to show you a picture of 30-year-old Ryan James Davy. Now, according to Riley Police, Davy is accused of picking up a Raleigh woman for a lift ride

and then refusing to letter out of his vehicle, prompting a felony kidnapping charge. Now, according to Warrants, police are also charging Davey with sexual battery as the victim says Davey allegedly grabbed her face and tried to force her to kiss him. And at one point during the ride, the victim alleges Davy exposed himself in front of the victim. And when confronted by police, Davy allegedly threw a cup of alcohol on officers as they approached his car, where he allegedly refused to answer any questions by police and told police to take him to jail. Now, we have since reached out to Lyft for comment on this matter. We are waiting to hear back, but here are a few safety tips and features for riders that Lyft currently offers.

You have location sharing while on your ride that you can send to someone that you know. There is audio recording within the vehicle if requested. You can also ask for a scheduled check-in by lift to confirm that you have reached your destination, as well as the ability to block a driver. And there is also the feature called Women Plus Connect, which allows female riders to be paired with women drivers only. Now this afternoon, Davey, he'll be behind me here at the Way County Justice Center for a 130 court appearance, his first court appearance.

We will be in that hearing and bring you the absolute latest, as we learn more. We're live in downtown Raleigh this afternoon. Dwan Hogarth, Abis 11, eyewitness news. Right, Duane, thank you. We have a breaking news update now. A missing one-year-old girl is found safe. You might have gotten an emergency alert on your phone after Macy Thompson was reported missing in Alamance County. We're told that she was taken by her father. Just moments ago authorities told us that the girl was found safe by neighbors. Durham Police, neighboring Durham police, the girl's father was arrested and the child was brought back to Burlington. Also breaking at noon, an update in the civil lawsuit in the case of a Raleigh mass shooter,

Austin Thompson. After nine hours of attempted mediation, a report states that all sides have reached an impasse. The case is now expected to go to trial in July. Earlier this year, a Wake County judge sentenced Thompson to life without parole for killing five people, including his own brother during a shooting spree in the Headingham neighborhood of Raleigh in 2022. is still facing a civil lawsuit from the families of the shooting victims. The lawsuit alleges the shooting could have been prevented by a number of people and companies, including the property management company and the private security firm for the neighborhood. We have a breaking update now to a crash that we brought you live during the 10 o'clock news.

A dump truck flips on its roof and Zebulon on covered bridge road. And you're seeing the picture here from Chopper Levin. We're learning that the driver was killed. No other cars are involved. working to learn more about a crash that injured four people, including two Raleigh police officers. This happened last night near the intersection of Hawkins and Kennedy Streets. Two officers and two people in the other car were taken to the hospital. Everyone is expected to be okay.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. NC State prepares to welcome back. A member of the PAC, former player Justin Ganey, is said to be introduced as the new men's basketball coach. Michael Perchick is on campus ahead of today's exciting announcement. Michael, good afternoon. Good afternoon, Barbara. It has been a whirlwind stretch for the program. A strong season ending with the collapse. The team losing eight of their final 10 games, including that first four loss to Texas in the NCAA tournament. The sudden resignation of now former men's basketball coach Will Wade and claims he was not truthful to school officials as he was plotting his exit and now the hiring of former NC State Star Guard, Justin Ganey, to lead the program moving forward. Ganey's hiring made official yesterday following an emergency meeting of the board of trustees. Ganey played here from 1996 to 2000, later served on Sydney Lowe's staff. Fans grateful for one of their own to be taking the reins.

I think people are going to have kind of a bad taste in their mouth regardless. Looking back at the will wait era, kind of do we trust our athletic department in a sense? But I think it's good to kind of get a returning, you know, alumni of NC State to be here for a fresh start. Ganey is a North Carolina native. You spent the past five season as a key assistant. on Tennessee staff. He's had prior stops at Elon Appalachian State, Santa Clara, Arizona, and Marquette. We are going to have team coverage of this afternoon's press conference taking place at the Lenovo Center. First time we'll be able to hear from Ganey as a new head coach of the Wolfback.

Ian Raleigh. I'm Michael Perchick. ABC 11, eyewitness News. All right, exciting day for the pack. Michael, thank you. Well, another NC State alum is expected to make history today. This is a live look at the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center where Christina Cook is expected to launch into space and become the first woman to travel around the moon as part of NASA's Artemis 2 mission. Sean Coffee live at States Campus as well where excitement is building for that. Hey Sean, good afternoon. Yeah, good afternoon, Barbara. That's right. There is actually going to be a watch party here at Talley Student Union on States campus at 5.30 tonight to support Sabrina, or excuse me, to support Christina Cook as she makes his latest venture into space. She actually already holds the record for the longest single space flight by a woman and the will make more history aboard Artemis II later today, becoming the first woman to travel around the moon and also venture farther away from Earth than any other woman has in history. Cook's former professors here at State Tells she continues to be an inspiration to the next generation of students interested in the sciences.

They also say her drive to break barriers was evident as a student 25 years ago. She took on two of the toughest majors on our campus combined. And so it wasn't a physics problem that she was scared of. She would just dive in and do it. So she had both the skill, the knowledge, but she also had this fearless approach of just, I know I can do it. Eye witness news, we'll be at that watch party here at Talley later on to support Cook. And we will have much more on the news at 5.30.

but it is safe to say that she will have an entire campus and really a city behind her as she now makes this latest venture into space skies. Back to you. That's right. So many people cheering her on. Sean, thank you. Look forward to your next reports. All right, here's a closer look at the Artemis II path on its mission. The 10-day trip will launch from Kennedy's Space Center, of course, in Florida. Three Americans, one Canadian will orbit twice around the Earth and loop around the moon in a figure-eight pattern testing NASA's capability for human exploration of deep space in the future. And ABC News is planning to air a special report tonight

for this launch coverage begins at 6 o'clock right here on ABC 11. Well, protests outside the U.S. Supreme Court where President Trump became the first sitting president to attend arguments in person. The justices are hearing a case on birthright citizenship and whether the president's executive order limiting the practice is constitutional.

The order challenges the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which involves those born in the United States to parents who are not. not U.S. or naturalized citizens. Well, the president said to address the nation on the war in Iran. Could there be an end in sight to the conflict? And a judge puts a hold on construction of the president's new White House ballroom, what that means for this massive project. Eye witness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Happening today, President Trump is expected to address the nation about the war with Iran.

It's an update that will be watched closely in the sandhills after thousands of Fort Bragg soldiers were deployed to the Middle East. We know thousands of army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne are arriving in the Middle East after being deployed last week. The Benicon confirms they include specialized units from the First Brigade Combat Team. President Trump previously said he does not plan to put U.S. boots on the ground in Iran, but the 82nd is trained for rapid response, including parachuting into combat zones if needed.

In the meantime, North Carolina families are also feeling the pain at the gas pump. AAA says gas prices jumped another five cents overnight. The national average is now 406 a gallon here in North Carolina. It's 390 on average. The stock market soared yesterday after the president said the war could wrap up within two to three weeks or sooner if a deal is reached. But now attention turns to the president's address tonight for the next update. ABC News will bring you live coverage of President Trump's address on the war starting at 9 o'clock this evening. Well, also new at noon, a federal judge has put President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project on hold.

the judge ruling that the project cannot move forward without approval from Congress, the president has championed the ballroom as a defining addition to the White House and a lasting symbol of his presidency. Well, a proposed Duke Energy rate hike, another change to weigh in on, and the price of parking going up at RDU Airport. We'll tell you about that coming up. When Westcham first took flight in 1996, the vibes were a bit different. People thought denim on denim was peak fashion, inline skates were everywhere,

and two out of three women rocked, the rate. While those things stayed in the 90s, one thing that hasn't is that fuzzy feeling you get when WestJet welcomes you on board. Here's to Westjetting since 96. Travel back in time with us and actually travel with us at westjet.com slash 30 years. New at noon, people are still buying stuff, but the impact of the Ron War threatens to derail spending in some areas. That is, according to a new report, retail sales rose better than expected to 0.6% in February. shoppers spending more particularly on cars and clothes, but there is some concern that the Iran War, which is sending gasoline prices soaring and whose impact wasn't reflected in the retail sales data.

Well, today, the State Utilities Commission will hold another public hearing on that controversial rate hike request from Duke Energy. The company asking for an 18% increase over the next two years, saying that the money is needed to help strengthen the power grid, address infrastructure upgrades, and also population growth. But customers call it, unaffordable. Many with the commission wanting to block that rate hike. Tonight's public hearing is virtual and it starts at 630. Your utility bill just got more expensive if you live in Rocky Mount. Happening today, utility rates jumped 15% after the city council approved the hike on Monday. It's all part of digging out from a financial hole that city leaders say was dug by

a former city manager Keith Rogers and his unchecked spending. The city has already cut 86 jobs and hiked property taxes. Starting today, it will cost you more to park at Raleigh Dermin International Airport. Premier is the most expensive parking and will now run $34 a day. Central will be nearly $2 more per day at 2275, Express is 1850, and economy is three, and it's increasing from $12 to $14.50 a day. These rates are part of the airport's new budget passed in March. Well, your voice, your vote. President Trump is taking executive action in an effort to change the rules for mail-in voting.

He's also looking to create a national list of eligible voters. Legal challenges are already looming. Here's ABC's Lionel Moyes. President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at cracking down on mail-in voting. It would create a federal list of citizens eligible to vote and would change how mail-in ballots are processed. Trump, while signing the order, repeated unfounded claims of election fraud. It's horrible what's gone on. And it's very clearly covered very, very clearly. So I think this will help a lot with elections.

The order would change the design of mail-in ballots to require barcodes from the Postal Service on envelopes to make them easier to track. If you voted by mail, you will have it on the envelope, obviously not on the ballot, but on the envelope. So we will know a million mail-in ballots. There'll be a million envelopes, and you'll be able to know exactly correct.

that citizens voted. Each state would also have to provide a list of eligible voters receiving mail-in ballots at least 60 days before an election. If they don't comply, they could lose federal funding. Critics are already promising to challenge Trump's order in court. The ACLU saying, the Constitution is very clear. Only Congress and the states can make laws regarding our elections. Senator Chuck Schumer saying, see you in court, you will lose. I don't see how they can challenge it. And remember, it's about voter integrity. We want to have honest voting in our country, because if you don't have honest voting, you can't have really a nation. Lionel Moyes, ABC News, New York.

Let's go to meteorologist Cruz Medina with the forecast on this Wednesday halfway there. And boy, we've got some nice warm weather. Oh, yes, we do. There's not a cloud in the sky over Raleigh this afternoon. And it's going to be all the way in the 80s today, Barbara. So that's our forecast for the next several days, too. those 80s will stick around. So today and tomorrow, near records, not necessarily reaching them, but we'll be close enough. Then as we go into this weekend, still warm, but we are expecting

some rain on Easter. So we'll talk about how that could affect your plans in just a moment. Also next week, cooling down with 60s for highs as we go into the start of the week. But let's talk about this rain chance. So leading up to Easter, it's pretty dry. So outside of a spotty shower that we could see throughout the day on Friday, most areas are going to stay absolutely dry. As we go into Sunday, you could see that rain chance does start to come into the picture, and it's mainly for the second half of the day. So I want to give you an idea here. This is first alert predictor. So 8 a.m., this is the European model showing there won't be any rain around, and that rain coming in from the west could take its time getting here. But once again, during the second half

of the day, the afternoon and the evening hours, that's when that rain chance spikes and could linger overnight and into early Monday before exiting out. So here's a general idea. Once we get into the range of 72 hours will start to get some more high resolution data and that'll give us a better idea of the exact timing. But right now, if you're going to do any egg hunts outside, do those for the first half of the day. So I'd say all of the morning's good, maybe even the first hour or two of the afternoon. By the middle and late parts of the afternoon into the evening, you'll definitely want to bring those plans inside as that rain could put a damper on your plans. I'll take you outside this afternoon. So this reminds you of seeing the sun, sparkle on the water but except it's cars in this picture. This is the Sheraton Sky Cam near RTP, and you can see I-40 is busy this afternoon. So we're heading into the lunch hour. Many of you are going to be stepping away in just a moment to go pick up some lunch. But if you're going to sit down at a restaurant, you might even sit outside today. It's going to feel great with those temperatures in the mid-80s, partly cloudy sky and first alert predictor shows us that through tonight,

most of those clouds will fade away until tomorrow morning. 7 a.m. clouds start to overspread the region again. tomorrow morning and for the first half of the day really, we will have a decent amount of cloud cover around. By the time we get to the afternoon, tipter's warm back into those 80s and we'll see a partly cloudy sky. So from start to finish, tomorrow is a mild day, starting out in the 60s, 70s, right around midday, and then for the afternoon, we should be well into the 80s. Here's a different view outside. This is North Hills where tipters and Raleigh are at 77 degrees. Just to recap here tonight, we are only going to see the tipters drop into the 60s. So mild to start out tomorrow, then very warm for the afternoon, what tipter is reaching the mid-80s and a partly cloudy sky. Your first alert, seven-day forecast.

This shows the tipter stay in the 80s all the way through this weekend. Saturday, also very warm. I think that's the pick of the weekend. By the time we get into Easter Sunday, of course, we're watching out for that rain chance for the second half of the day. Still managing to reach around 80 degrees for that high, though. Then going into next week, it'll be cooler. We could have a damp start on Monday with tipter's in the 60s and staying in the upper 60s as we go into midweek. week. Barbara, back to you. All right, Cruz, thank you. Stepping away, Tiger Woods reveals his

next steps after being charged in a DUI crash last week and an update on that military flyby over Kid Rock's Nashville home, the Pentagon responding. Tiger Woods says he is stepping away from golf to focus on his health days after being charged with DUI in Florida. Woods released this statement on social media. It says he understands the seriousness of the situation and he is going to seek treatment. Woods was involved in a rollover crash on Friday and refused a urine test on site, though a breathalyzer showed no alcohol in his system. Court records show Woods entered a not guilty plea yesterday and waived his arraignment. We have an update on the Army helicopter flyover near Kid Rock's home in Tennessee. The Pentagon lifting the suspension of four army pilots involved,

Defense Secretary Pete Hig Seth announcing the reversal saying that there will be no punishment and no further review. Well, a beloved downtown downtown. Durham Music Shop is closing after two decades in business. Bull City Records is shutting down its East Main Street location. The owner, Chaz Martinstein, announced the decision on social media, thanking the community for its support and calling the run an absolute pleasure. The store, known for its wide selection of new and used vinyl, is selling everything this month. Their lease ends in early May. Well, the Raleigh Convention Center Recovery. We are live with the next steps in restoring the building after the devastating fire in December. And let's take a

live look now Cape Canaveral as we count down to the launch the mission that will take an NC state graduate into the record books.