ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - July 22, 2026

Episode Date: July 22, 2026

Eyewitness News at Noon - July 22, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Several stories breaking right now at noon. It is a first alert day with the threat of storms this evening. Meteorologist Kualin Murphy will time out when the conditions will change. Also breaking right now a solemn reminder of the toll of war fallen soldiers killed in the war with Iran today, returning home. Also breaking news and the death of the Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells with the family's independent autopsy reveals. And several dozen people gathering for anti-ice protests today outside the state legislative building in downtown Raleigh, message to lawmakers. It's the news at noon. 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 11 eyewitness news. Good Wednesday afternoon. It's a first alert day. I'm Amber Rupenta. And I'm Barbara Gibbs. And a flood watch is now in effect. There's also a chance of storms later this afternoon. Also overnight. Let's get a meteorologist. This is Quaylin Murphy with the latest on the forecast. Hey Quay. Hey, good afternoon. In general, today you're going to have a lot of dry time, but this cold front will slowly sag to the south. We're already seeing some showers and storms out ahead of that. And that's going to lead to at times into tonight and tomorrow, especially, a risk for some risk for a risk for tomorrow, a risk for some areas, a risk for some areas, mainly north of the triangle, and isolated five plus inches, also possible in spots. I want to break down the flood risk for you. And we're talking about a level three of four for some areas. Today, mainly north of the triangle, tomorrow that level three threat is east of the triangle and then on Friday we're looking at a level one to two risk these showers and storms could set up with training rainfall anywhere across the area so we want you to just be ready for that in terms of flash flooding concerns there's also severe weather component it's a bit higher north of raleigh level two level one for all other locations

damaging winds the main concern but there's an isolated tornado risk I think the isolated tornado threat will be best into the early evening hours not so much overnight or tomorrow Here's a look at our radar on satellite composite, dry from the triangle and south, some spotty showers to the east around Halifax County and Warren County. And now some of that locally heavy rainfall beginning to build towards Mecklenburg County. So that's where we'll see our first instances

of some downpours. As we head towards late afternoon early evening, still a chance for some isolated storms around parts of the triangle, but mainly to the north. Those of you south will have a lot of dry time and more heat building through the day. By the evening, still a chance for a few showers

and storms. It's really tomorrow morning as we get If those early morning commutes underway, that's when we'll see more impacts with locally heavy downpours. More on that 70th forecast, and when we see highs in the 70s, that's coming up. Amber and Barbara, back to you. All right, Quay, thank you. And breaking right now, the remains of fallen service members being returned to the United States. Two of those fallen American troops were stationed at Fort Bragg.

President Trump attending the dignified transfer for First Lieutenant Tyler Fian and Sergeant Michael Swinton at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Bianca joins us live with the latest on this. Good afternoon. So those two Fort Bragg soldiers are among the four service members who have arrived at the Dover's Air Force Base earlier this morning. So I want to show you some video of that happened earlier this morning from President Trump. He arrived there at Dover Air Force Base. And this is video of him getting off of the plane, Air Force One, and arriving there at the start of the ceremony. Now video of the dignified transfer has not been released just yet because the ceremony is ongoing. 30-year-old Sergeant Michael Swinton was killed during a controlled. detonation of an Iranian drone. He attended several Cumberland County schools. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Also on the plane, First Lieutenant Tyler Fian, who was stationed at Fort Bragg. He was one of two soldiers killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian

attacks. Both are expected to receive promotions and be awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart and combat action badge. So again, the dignified transfer happening now will of course have continuing coverage throughout the afternoon. Back to you. Bianca, thank you. Also breaking right now an independent autopsy in the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells says the cause of death is quote undetermined pending investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump described the preliminary findings of the private independent autopsy today alongside Wells's parents. Crump says the family is still demanding answers. This is only another part of the puzzle and even though it tells us significant.

information, we still have more questions than we have answers at this time. In the meantime, the official autopsy report from the state medical examiner's office in Mississippi is still pending. The coroner says once that report is complete, it will be provided to the local coroner. The 18-year-old went missing on July 4th after a boat trip with friends to Horn Island off the Mississippi coast. Jackson County Sheriff says his office welcomes the family's independent investigation and so far there's no indication of foul play. Wells was laid to rest on Monday. New at noon, community advocates are gathering outside the General Assembly in Raleigh for a freedom vigil to protest ICE in North Carolina. Organizers say the demonstration is to honor

people who have died in ICE detention or in clashes with ICE. Sean Coffey is live at the rally for us. Sean, what is the latest there? Yeah, good afternoon, Barbara and Amber. Well, protesters here are calling on North Carolina lawmakers to denounce ICE operations here in North Carolina and across the country prevent the expansion of ice offices here specifically in North Carolina you can see there are still dozens of people present outside the General Assembly this event just wrapping up a little while ago today's event included remarks from several organizations and ended in a reading of about 60 names of people who have died in ice detention or

during ice operations around the country again protesters also calling on North Carolina lawmakers to do with the Ken to stop the expansion of ice detention centers and offices and stop any from being established here in North Carolina moving forward Dignity is not earned by citizenship. It is not determined by where someone is born. It is not dependent on immigration status. It is inherent.

We reject to several legislative leaders here in North Carolina for their response. We'll be sure to update you and we hear back from them today. And today's rally comes in the wake of those two deadly ice encounters in both Texas and Maine that have captured national headlines of the course of the last couple of weeks. We'll have more from today's event, which just wrap. up a few minutes ago coming up on eyewitness news at 4. For now, we're live in Raleigh, Sean Coffey, ABC 11. Eyewitness News. Hi, Sean, thank you.

And we're working to get more information on that. And we'll bring it to you as we get it. Well, right now at noon, we're working to get more information on a shooting investigation in Raleigh Police surrounding the Speedway gas station off Jones Sausage Road for hours this morning after a man showed up with a gunshot wound. Police say injuries are not life-threatening. At this hour, there is no one in custody.

Raleigh Police are investigating a possible home invasion. Eyewitness news on the scene at an apartment complex here on Litchford Forest Lane off of Old Wake Forest Road. At least one person was injured amid reports of a potential stabbing. Police are confirming a suspect is in custody. New and noon, Raleigh Police releasing new details about a domestic incident that led to an hours-long standoff overnight. Eyewitness News was on the scene as dozens of officers surrounded a home on Penn Oak Road around 915. Police say the suspect identified as Donovan Privet, assaulted a woman inside the home and refused to let her leave. He eventually surrendered around midnight.

Prevet is facing several charges, including common law robbery, first degree and second degree kidnapping and assault on a female. Durham Public Schools has officially approved a pay bump for classified employees. The move raises the district's minimum wage to 1822 an hour, and it also rolls out a new progressive salary model. It's a hard one victory for classified workers who have pushed for higher wages for years. Teachers are making more money as well. An 8% raise thanks to the newly approved state budget. Both raises hit employees' paychecks starting this month. Well, our recent rainfall has helped the drought situation we're in, but we're far from where we need to be. And now Durham is tapping a new emergency water source starting today.

Tier quarry will begin supplying the city's water system. City leaders say it took about 18 years of rain to fill this 240-foot-deep quarry. crews spent the past six weeks installing temporary pumps to move the water to Williams water treatment plant. Officials say that the quarry could supplement Durham's supply for about 200 days. So right now what you're seeing is a temporary pumping setup as a response to the current drought conditions. We're hoping to access waters contained within tier quarry just to help with the daily demand that our residents require. Now the city says water use is down 12%. It's hoping residents can cut use by 30%.

while the drought continues. Also in Durham state lawmakers want to hear from you about any major issues. They're holding a town hall at the government commissioners chambers on east main street. Lawmakers will give updates from the General Assembly. They'll answer your questions there and address the state budget and legislative wins for Durham. Tonight's town hall starts at six o'clock. All right, it's going to be pretty busy around Carter Finley Stadium and Raleigh the next few days. Two big concerts are expected to bring heavy traffic tomorrow. The legendary hard rock band Guns and Roses will perform, and on Saturday, folk pop singer Noah Khan will take the stage. Back in October, the Chris Brown concert at Carter Finley Stadium, you may remember this, brought traffic

to a standstill. It was so bad that some fans miss the show just trying to get there. So here's what you need to do and to keep in mind if you're headed to either show this week, plan ahead. Parking lots open at 1.30 for both of the shows. Expect heavy traffic from 1230 to 6.30. Arrive early if you can. You're encouraged to arrive well before.

the start of the show and to avoid peak traffic congestion and by parking in advance if you can to expedite entry into parking areas. The widow of the Cosby show actor Malcolm Jamal Warner is suing her mother-in-law over a pre-nup. We'll explain why new at 1230. And from Legionaire's disease to measles to the parasite infection in two minutes, an update on several outbreaks spreading across the country. And the legal battle between two heavyweights will explain why the makers of rival weight loss drugs are now headed to court. Eyewitness News. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Now through the latest outbreak sparking concern, Legionnaires disease has claimed the life

of another person in New York. U.S. measles cases just hit a 35-year record high and more people are being sickened by the parasitic infection that triggered a major lettuce recall. Here's ABC's Lionel Mouise. The CDC has now confirmed more than 40, 100 cases of cyclosporiasis, making 2026 the worst year for the parasitic infection on record. We do have the outbreak under control. Yesterday, Health Secretary RFK Jr. said the outbreak, which has hospitalized more than 300 people since May is under control. We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we've identified the source of the outbreak.

Kennedy pushed back on growing criticism of the CDC ending its mandatory reporting of cyclosporiasis cases last year in one of its surveillance programs. We've had no cuts in our surveillance program. All the states will tell you that we're still doing forensics. We're still doing surveillance in all the states. Another nationwide health concern? A measles outbreak. The United States has had more reported measles cases in the last 18 months than in the previous 20. years combined. Infections already surpassing the total for the entirety of last year,

which was the highest since 1991, health experts linking it to a decline in vaccinations in recent years. Linal Moyes, ABC News, New York. The cyclospora outbreak in parts of the country is having an impact on fast food restaurants. Taco Bell was initially linked to the outbreak over tainted lettuce. It had served to customers. A data analytics performed or platform called Place AI. or Placer AI reports foot traffic at Taco Bell dropped nearly 17% in July on the 15th. And when the federal government publicly identified the chain as a possible cause of the outbreak, foot traffic dropped nearly 19%. Other fast food restaurants like Subway, Chipotle and Panera have all seen a drop in customer

service or customers since the outbreak. Congress racing to avert a possible government shutdown in the coming months. The Senate will take up a massive spending bill after House. lawmakers narrowly passed the measure yesterday. It would fund the government through December 4th and count as a major political boost for Republicans ahead of the November midterms. The Senate has until September 30th to pass the bill. A man is arrested after ramming his car into the home of a power couple, Beyonce and Jay-Z. That story new at 1230. And tracking the tropics. We have a look at the preparations underway on the Gulf Coast. As Tropical Storm Bertha

is set to make landfall, we'll have the latest track from our first alert forecast team. And a cargo plane carrying millions of dollars in U.S. aid today arriving in Cuba. President Trump has approved a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. Sources say the 30-year agreement would involve American companies providing technology and expertise to Saudi Arabia's program. It would also give the country a certain amount of autonomy because it limits what inspectors could be carrying out. The deal is intended for the civilian nuclear power. The deal could be announced as early as today. Israel is long expressed trepidation over Saudi Arabia accessing nuclear technology.

Well, the first of several humanitarian aid flights from the U.S. has arrived in Cuba. The plane brought hygiene kits and pre-packaged food for up to 700 Cuban families. They will be delivered by the charity Catholic Relief Services. The State Department says this is a way of guaranteeing that the aid does not fall into the hands of government officials. The Trump administration has pledged $100 million in a state. to help the residents deal with economic hardships. Bracing for birth of the tropical storm, threatening parts of the Gulf Coast with strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous storm surge. It is expected to make landfall in Louisiana later today.

Warnings and watches are now underway from Florida's panhandle to Alabama and Mississippi all the way to New Orleans. Everybody's nervous. We just went through Arthur. Arthur wasn't supposed to be a whole lot. We ended up with six tornadoes. We ended up with some homes that are flooded. And so people are just gunshot, right? You don't know. One thing gets predicted and then nothing happened. Bertha is expected to weaken later tonight as it heads west towards Texas. I have family on the Gulf Coast near Pensacola, and they said that everybody was a little surprised last night as the wind picked up.

And that has been really the big part of this system. It hasn't been the rainfall. It's been the wind. Wind shear is a big impact on the center. That's why we're not seeing a whole lot of rain around the center of. around the center of birth of circulation, but storm surge is a concern one to four inches for eastward facing areas around the Louisiana coastline back towards Mobile too. There's a center, a little wobbling action happening here because the dry air is working in,

has a west-northwesterly movement right now, but it will pool more to the west as the day continues and landfall is forecast over the next few hours around southeast Louisiana. It will continue to track with maybe some land interaction through Thursday morning, And then it's inland over Texas by Thursday evening, a post-tropical system by Friday. Some of the moisture from Bertha will be pulled along our frontal boundary, which will enhance our rain potential here. Over the next few days, nothing severe right now, but I'm keeping eyes on what's happening to the west. There are some flash flood warnings already west of our viewing area and a newly issued severe thunderstorm warning to the west, too. Some of those stronger storms and downpours with lightning have already moved into Mecklenburg County, Chase City here, with some rainfall rates, easily one.

to two plus inches per hour. So we could see a flash flood warning issued for those areas soon. Still some light rainfall happening around person county in Granville, but there's more heavy rainfall off to the west. So we'll keep an eye on that. And then Halifax County into Northampton, you have some passing light showers for now. Big picture of this system and the impacts over the next 24 to 48 hours will be the damaging wind and flash flooding concerns. There is a tornado threat, but it's on the lower side. It's not zero, though. So we want you to stay weather aware throughout the day. With the flooding being a bit higher. We have a flood watch for the area through Thursday night, possibly under Friday morning for areas south. During this time frame anywhere in the viewing area could

see two to four inches of rainfall with an isolated five to six plus inches possible. So that could show up anywhere. The tornado threat and the wind damage threat is lower for the triangle and south, but a bit higher for areas to the north. Mainly this afternoon into early evening, I think most of that threat for severe storms will wane late tonight. Here's a live look into downtown mainly cloudy skies despite the cloud cover we're heating up into the 80s and low 90s Fayetteville 91 already check out these wind gusts though 20s and 30s these will stick around through the afternoon and evening too so if you have some errands to run and you're in the triangle and south you'll have some dry time i think until around four or five o'clock today scattered

storms possible this evening and then more storms overnight that takes us into thursday i expect a pretty wet day on Thursday off and on through the afternoon and then things settled down late Thursday night. So again, looking at this afternoon, a lot of the activity will be to the north until later in the afternoon. And then overnight rain and storm chances will increase. The coverage could go up a bit of higher as well. That takes us through the day on Thursday. We're looking at those totals to climb. Still unsettled through Friday and Saturday, the front stalling. And then it moves more towards the coast. So if you wanted to squeeze in a quick beach trip this weekend, you'll have some showers and storms around at times. Here's your first

alert 70 forecast powered by acque weather 76 degrees tomorrow with the rain 80 on Friday that's the benefit of the rain and clouds near 90s Sunday we're back to the low to mid 90s next week right now back to you right quailan thank you we are learning more about the death of opera singer jubilant Sykes so look at a newly released autopsy report that's coming up next and tensions rising between New York City mayor mom donnie and the Israeli Prime Minister as Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly plans travel to the big apple soon New here at noon, a just released autopsy report reveals the cause of death from Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes, allegedly at the hands of his own son.

According to the report, the 71-year-old was stabbed 78 times all over his body, including wounds to his face, neck, and legs. According to police, Sykes screamed to his wife who was in the shower to call 911, and she then found her son standing over her husband with a knife in his hand. Cecilia Sykes says her son has a documented history of mental illness. And new at noon, a status hearing for Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife in a federal drug trafficking case. Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys are seeking a June 2027 trial date. The U.S. captured the couple in a nighttime raid back in January, bringing them to the U.S. on narco-terrorism charges. Now Maduro's lawyers may argue whether U.S. courts have the jurisdiction to try him at all. Attorneys may contend a centuries-old Venezuela extradition treaty requires that the dispute be resolved through international arbitration before any criminal proceedings can move forward, and that could halt the case and force Maduro's release.

New York City Mayor Zora Mandani calling Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quote unquote, a war criminal, and he's demanding the U.S. arrest the world leader. Mandani says despite his campaign promised to arrest Netanyahu if he traveled to Manhattan, which he's planned. planning to do. They say that arrest is not possible. He says that his administration found it does not have the independent legal authority to enforce an arrest warrant from the international criminal court. He is not backing down, however, on his strong opposition to the Israeli leader. Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large. While we cannot end the genocide on our own, we can decide whether our silence will become another weapon and we can examine every tool we have to defend the humanity and dignity of all people.

That is my commitment to you. Not everyone has the same opinion about Netanyahu. Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York City when the UN General Assembly convenes in September. Today we're learning more about the injuries of passenger suffered when he was sucked partially out of an airplane window. We'll have that story brand new at 1230. Breaking right now, President Trump today attending the dignified transfer of four service members killed in the Middle East, including two from Fort Bragg.