ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - June 25, 2026

Episode Date: June 25, 2026

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Several stories breaking right now at noon. The U.S. Supreme Court issues two landmark rulings, siding with the Trump administration's immigration policies, what this means for people in this country under temporary protected status from Haiti and Syria. Also breaking right now, the latest inflation report shows prices are now at the highest in three years. And back-to-back, Earthwakes Rock Venezuela, the death toll rising as rescuers search for victims. It is 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. And good Thursday afternoon. Thank you for joining us. I'm Barbara Gibbs. Amber Ropenta has the day off today. It's going to be hot and dry again today. Still in desperate native rain. Today's just released drought report shows no significant improvement.

Still looking to extreme to. exceptional drought status. Meteorologist Quaylon Murphy joins us now with more on this. We've got some rain lately, but just not enough to move the needle. Yeah, just not enough, Barbara. So we're looking at that extreme to exceptional drought. This map looks very similar to last week's drought monitor, too. Here's the deal. Rainfall since January at RDU just over 11 inches, but our deficit is approaching 10 inches right now at the airport. And last year this time, we had nearly 20 inches of rain, so we weren't dealing with any sort of drought conditions here at home. This is the other problem. In the next seven days, our rainfall,

fall totals generally under one inch. This takes us all the way through the end of next week. Dry conditions for you right now. So some decent weather heading out for lunch. A live look from North Hills where we still have mainly cloudy conditions. But temperatures are climbing. Upper Cephanes, low 80s, not only that. Humidity is a little bit higher today. So it feels like the mid 80s in a few spots, especially south of the triangle. And that's because our winds from the south have returned. So that onshore flow is back. Here's the cloud cover overhead, but starting to see some breaks west of the triad and we'll see some sunshine later today. So that'll boost the temperatures.

91 at 4 o'clock, 7. We're still mainly clear 87 degrees. And then tomorrow morning it's going to be a tab bit warmer, 6sies and 70s out the door. With a dry start for your Friday, we do introduce some scattered storm potential for the weekend, introducing the chance for gusty winds and downpours your first alert to that. And hotter next week, not only triple digit feels, but triple digit temperatures on the way next week. and our drought worsens, mainly dry conditions for next week. I'll walk you through the timing of the rain and storm starting Friday coming up in my full

forecast. Barbara, back to you. All right, look it forward to that, Kuland, thank you. Several stories breaking right now. The U.S. Supreme Court today issues two major immigration rulings. The court will allow the Trump administration to end protected status for Syrian and Haitian nationals. Akela Davis joins us live to explain the impact. Akela, good afternoon.

Hi, Barbara, good afternoon. You know, the Supreme Court this morning handing the Trump administration, a major immigration victory, issuing a six to three ruling that could strip thousands of immigrants of their temporary protected status. So this ruling specifically impacts Haitians and Syrians. So it means the Trump administration can cancel their temporary protected status. Now, it's commonly called TPS, and it's supposed to protect eligible people already in the country from deportation while granting them work permits if their home countries are deemed unsafe.

but it's temporary and does not provide permanent resident status or lead to U.S. citizenship. So that said, Haitian and Syrian nationals with temporary protected status, both living and working in the United States will be impacted, including many here in the triangle. Writing for the 6th 3 majority, Justice Samuel Alito said that courts cannot override the federal government's determination about TPS status. Now, the NAACP has condemned the Supreme Court ruling calling it devastating. I'm reaching out to local organizations for comment on how this decision will impact its members. Reporting live in Durham, Akela Davis, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, Akela, thank you. There is breaking economic news.

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge shows prices rising at the fastest pace in three years. John Dowding is live outside the Raleigh, Abundness News. John, I know this information came up before the Strait of Hormuz reopened, but what? What are economists saying about this? Yeah, Barbara, it's not great news for consumers right now. Inflation had been falling in recent months, but tipped up to a three-year high just in May. But economists say, though, it's still not impacting consumer spending habits as much as it would be. But still, economists are saying that are reacting now to the latest inflation numbers we're getting from the Commerce Department.

Commerce Department saying it hit 4.1% year over year just last month. Rising oil price has taken most of the blame. because of that, because of the jump in those prices. But economists say prices on just about everything are still pretty high. The Federal Reserve has a 2% interest rate. Target, we haven't seen inflation at that rate, though, since 2021. But economists say higher prices will hurt consumers, especially heading into the summer months. Prices are rising faster than wages.

And so effectively, your purchasing power is going down. And that means that you're going to likely spend less. because overall because you just can't afford to buy as much. And this is all happening as we're just starting the beginning of summer families, planning trips and vacations and probably trying to think twice about whether they're going to hit the road and have to fuel up or try to find some other way to enjoy the summer, but also to economists out with a warning, really just urging people to just keep in mind. We're going to see these higher prices stick around for longer before we see some relief.

Life here outside the Riley, I Witness News Center. I'm John Dowding. ABC 11, eyewitness news. Right, John, thank you. More breaking news right now. An arrest made in an 11-year-old cold case. The Robinson County Sheriff's Office says an arrest has been made in the Sarah Graham homicide investigation. The 18-year-old was last seen in February of 2015. Investigators say Graham left her home to go to work but never arrived and was never seen again. Authority say more details about the arrest will be released later. Well, new at noon, we are working to find out what led to a crash in Raleigh, Chopper Levin, over the investigation near downtown Raleigh. It is near Old Stage Road.

You see a black SUV flipped on its side, a gray vehicle being towed away, and the front end damage. Authorities have the area taped off, and we'll bring you more updates as we get that. And new information this afternoon, one person is dead in a domestic-related shooting at a Smithfield business. Chopper 11 over that scene this morning at the AAF Flanders plant on Walpat Road. Police say that they arrived to find one person dead at the scene. A suspect was taken into custody. hours later. Belize say the homicide appears to be domestic related. They say there is no ongoing threat to the public. Well, we are learning more about an attempted escape from the Vance County

jail over the weekend. Investigators say Milan-Hibran somehow got his hands on some keys and then made his way to the roof. He then tried to jump over two fences, but he did not make it and wound up hurting himself in the process. Hebron landed in some gravel between the two fences and never got out of the secure perimeter. Hebron is in jail charged with killing his girlfriend, 37-year-old Tiffany Lasseter, and Henderson on Christmas Eve last year. His first attempted escape comes weeks after two other inmates escape from the jail. Investigators are now working to figure out how Hebron got a hold of those jail keys. Happening today, the Cary Town Council will vote on its proposed budget. It includes a property tax increase in quating to an extra $244 on the

average home bill as well as hikes to garbage and utility bills. The town says the money will be used to fund a number of new first responder positions, but some residents have protested this, calling the increases unaffordable. Pughes, Pulpets, and Protection. The Wake County Sheriff's Office reviving a conference that has not happened since 2002 aimed at keeping local faith communities safer. Tamara Scott is live in Raleigh with details on today's important conversation. Hey, good afternoon, Barbara. Yeah, this is a conversation that has not happened in more than 20 years. And now there are more than 200 people inside that representing churches, other places of worship to talk about security and safety for their congregation. So the safe faith conference, it returns today after the last conference back in 2002. Sheriff's office says the timing felt right to bring it back as communities of faith rise concerns. The Anti-Defamation League says anti-Semitic incidents hit a record high last year. And last month, authorities said two teenage gunmen opened from. at an Islamic center in California. After sharing white supremacist views online,

today's conference includes four workshops focused on crime prevention, technology, and how faith leaders can respond if a dangerous situation unfolds on their campus. Attorney General Jeff Jackson was the keynote speaker who talked about scam risks, and one of the leaders in the room listening was Rawley Police Chief Rico Boyce.

Faith leaders need to say, here's how you can expect to hear from us, here's how we will never contact you, just that alone. would prevent a lot of scams. That's one place where everybody comes together and get along is when they go to a place of worship. So being at this conference today is an opportunity to share safety tips, but also to come together and just pray for our peace in our community here in Wake County.

And leaders tell me that they're happy to have brought this back this year and plan on holding more meetings like this in the future. Back to you. Right, Tamara Scott, thank you for that report. Durham leaders are back at the table today searching for ways to stop the violence. stop the violence. City and county officials are partnering with experts for day two of a violence reduction summit. Currently Durham is on track to top last year's homicide count. Researchers cite personal conflicts and drug disputes as new key drivers. The final two days of

the summit are closed to the public with strategies expected in two months. Well the money problems at NC Central University are worse than thought. Our partners at the news and observer reporting the school needs more than $11 million just to get its cash reserves to a healthy level. That's just one of four financial benchmarks. The university is currently failing. The root of the problem, federal COVID money that past leaders used to fund ongoing expenses, and now NC Central stands alone, the only school in the UNC system failing to meet financial health standards. The former deputy convicted of fatally shooting a woman in the kitchen of her home in Illinois is asking to be released early from prison, that story just ahead, and back-to-back

powerful earthquakes rattling Venezuela. The rescue efforts underway to find those trapped in the rubble. That story two minutes away. And the rotissory chicken showdown, new at 1230 were breaking down consumer reports ranking store-bop birds from taste to price. Eyewitness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Now to the devastating earthquakes hitting Venezuela. Officials overnight confirming more than 160 deaths and nearly a thousand injuries. expect those numbers to climb. ABC's Michelle Franzen gives us the latest. In Caracas, a frantic search for loved ones. After powerful back-to-back earthquakes jolted the region, including the capital last night, destroying building after building, sending people running, and apartment

buildings exposed and unstable. An earthquake just shook the entire building minutes ago. It's the heaviest quake felt in Venezuela. A loud crash sent people scrambling for cover, and within seconds, debris crashes to the street below. American Jason Wang was just about to get on a cable car when the quake struck. And the whole building just started shaking. The floor under me was shaking, and then all of a sudden everyone started panicking. Emergency crews now racing to dig through debris, pulling residents to safety, some rushed out on stretchers and one woman rescued with her dog.

At the airport in Caracas, a section of the terminal collapsed. Travelers racing to escape through a plume of dust and debris. The airport is now closed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters in Bahrain, called the response an international effort with the U.S. also sending search and rescue teams. That's their most immediate need right now is search and rescue efforts. They have a much of collapsed buildings. need a lot of help in terms of digging through that.

Secretary Rubio also did not estimate how much aid or money the U.S. would commit to Venezuela, saying it's too soon to tell. Michelle Franzen, ABC News, New York. The arena constructed at the White House for the UFC fight on President Trump's birthday damages the South lawn. We'll have details just ahead. And the California teenager charged with killing two people and what police call a Columbine-type shooting at a public library is in court today.

that story two minutes away. And the free swim lesson offered today in Raleigh by Olympic medal winning instructors. This spring, denim gets a softer, lighter update. Introducing Old Navy's drapey denim wide leg, a new fit that moves with you. It's everything you want denim to feel like for summer. Easy, breathable, and effortlessly cool.

With a fit that creates natural movement and a wide leg that feels modern, not overwhelming. Plus, that signature, wait, for this price, Moment. Old Navy's drapyedem wide leg. A court appearance today for an 18-year-old accused of plotting what police call a Columbine-type attack at a public library. Investigators say Bradley Sayer did a walk-through of the building, then went to his vehicle and got a shotgun. Police say Sayer opened fire in the library, killing two people. Officers took down the shooter before more people were hurt.

They believe that Sayer, who just graduated from high school on June 5th, acted alone and may be linked to an online group that Myers mass killers. Well, crews are battling a massive fire overnight in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Residents near the blaze are being asked to evacuate. Their homes, the six alarm fire started burning at an old commercial building and also spread to a home across the street. Parts of the roof and floors collapsing so far. No entries have been reported. Well, the White House South Lawn was the site of President Trump's big birthday bash on his 80th birthday. That's where the claw, the structure put up for the UFC fight was built. Scott's Miracle Grow, an Ohio-based private company run by Trump's supporter, CEO James Hagerdorn, has promised a $1 million in combination of monetary and product

support, including resodding plans to the restored efforts. The company expects the lawn to be fully restored by the spring of next year. According to the Washington Post, no taxpayer dollars will be used for this restoration. We'll do at Noon Raleigh Parts today hosting a group called the world's largest swim lesson. This was the scene this morning at the Longview Pool on Bertie Drive. The swim lesson featured some special guests from an Olympic gold medalist to the NC State Wolfpack swim team

and the Wolfpack Elite Swim program. If you don't know how to swim, you are not alone. According to the CDC, more than 40 million adults cannot swim. Hopefully some people learn today and by the experts, you know. What a great program. Absolutely. An opportunity. The weather was conducive for swimming.

And it will be from this point forward, Barbara, all the way into the start of July. We had some rainfall in the last seven days. As a matter of fact, one day at RDU, we picked up about an inch and a half of rainfall. It's enough to slow the lake decline, but we still have a lot of ground to try to make up here. And I don't see that happening anytime soon. Falls Lake is running over six feet below full pool. Jordan Lake approaching three feet. And currently, Gaston also continued to drop.

Here's a live look into downtown at this lunchtime hour. A bit more cloud cover, certainly this afternoon. but we will see some late day sun. We're in the low 80s right now for most upper 70s in Roxborough. So enjoy the sunshine when it comes later today. Right now we're enjoying the clouds that's helping to keep our temperatures in check. A bit more thick cloud cover working towards a triangle now. But notice west of Greensboro there's some clear sky on the way. So that's coming our way later today. Highs will be in the upper 80s and low 90s generally close to average, which is as of today 90 degrees. 60s and 70s tonight. So that coolish air we had goes by the way. wayside. Rain and storm chance tomorrow 30% Saturday and Sunday around 40%. So not a washout this weekend. I do encourage you if you have outdoor plans to have plan B and C ready just in case some storms impact your plans. Seven day rain totals really pitiful, one inch or less. That's all we get coming up here. So we're tracking this cold front. It doesn't start to move closer until late Sunday and it doesn't push through. It kind of backdoors the area and it doesn't move through the entire

region. So that's why we're stuck with limited rain opportunities. In the meantime, tomorrow afternoon, will start dry and then by the late day we'll have some isolated storms right into evening as well. Some of these storms can linger until late Friday night. Saturday morning starts dry once again, but then by the afternoon some of the boundaries from the coastline work in. We'll get some of that activity and also more scattered storms developing later in the day with heavy downpour potential, so maybe some minor street flooding. But the other concern is that we have an isolated severe threat on Saturday for damaging winds. It's a level one of five. So it's a low risk, but it's still a risk nonetheless. All good. No disturbance is expected in the next seven days. RIP current threat also low at the coast today. High temperatures, mid 80s, a great beach day today. And nice in the mountains too. More sun on the way for these areas. Upper 70s and low 80s this afternoon. So recapping today, 91, heating up, partly cloudy skies, 70 degrees. Tonight with some 60s to the north. 94 tomorrow. It's going to feel like 99 in the afternoon. Triple digit feels like temperatures all the way through your weekend with feels like temperatures up to around 100 to 104.

We get a little break from the heat, shaving a couple degrees off Monday. We're dry Tuesday. Wednesday, July 1st, 100 degrees. Yep, I pumped up the temperature. And that's where we're going to stay all the way through the first several days of July, Barbara, near 100 degrees, even through July 4th. Wow, hot, hot, hot. Yeah. All right, Quaylin, thank you. Well, a special edition of 2020 will celebrate America's 250th anniversary through the eyes of Disney.

ABC's Deborah Roberts. We'll join us live for that. And the Pentagon appears to be walking back its voluntary flu vaccine policy for members of the military. This comes after an outbreak on an Air Force base. President Trump speaks to the CEO of Live Nation before the antitrust settlement with the Justice Department. A new court filing says the conversation took place just weeks before the landmark trial began. It also revealed the White House Counsel's Office was involved in finalizing the settlement. The news raising questions about whether the president was personally behind the settlement and his involvement in the Justice Department

decisions the court has yet to approve that settlement. Well now to an emergency landing in Boston after a pilot suffers a medical emergency, the Air Canada plane traveling from Newark to Nova Scotia when the pilot suffered a violent seizure. Passengers jumping into help, holding the pilot down for about 40 minutes while the co-pilot landed the plane safely, emergency crews waiting on the ground rushing the pilot to the hospital. Well, two major Supreme Court decisions on immigration today in favor of the Trump administration. We'll have those details. And we are on verdict watch in the Palisades arson fire. Will jurors find the suspect guilty of starting the fire that scorched large swaths of Los Angeles?