ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - May 11, 2026

Episode Date: May 11, 2026

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Several stories breaking right now at noon. A court hearing just wrapping up for the person charged in a shooting at a Durham restaurant on Mother's Day. And right now, we're working to learn more about a deadly house fire in Chapel Hill, including the name of the victim and how that fire started. And it is National Police Week, the ceremony today to honor the police officers killed in the line of duty. And Wake County residents will soon have the chance to speak up for the first time on a recently proposed budget that could hit homeowners in their wallet. It's the news at noon. Right now, live coverage from your local news leader. 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. Breaking news is right out of the gate here this Monday at noon. Fire crews are on the scene of a deadly house fire in Chapel Hill. Cindy Bay is live right now with the very latest. Cindy, what do we know? Yeah, Amber, well, this scene remains active as Chapel Hill fire, continues to investigate. You can see behind me that there are still two fire trucks here. We're also right across the home where firefighters have been in and out of throughout the morning. You can't

see any visible damage from the outside, but neighbors say that they saw heavy smoke earlier as crews rushed to the scene. We also have our tropper 11 that captured this video this morning. Fire officials say the fire started before 7 a.m. near Redbud Lane and Honeysuckle Road. Officials say one person was found dead inside the home, but no other injuries were reported. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of death, and they have not released the identity of the victim, but we have seen a group of people gathered outside the home around this crime scene, or around this tape. Neighbors, and were told some of the victims' family members were here, just visibly emotional, And so we're continuing to find out what more we can learn from the people we spoke with here in this neighborhood about the victim.

And we'll update you in the next half hour. Back to you. All right. Cindy Bay, keep us posted there from that breaking news. A deadly house fire in Chapel Hill. Thank you. And also breaking here at noon, a court hearing today for the man charged in a Mother's Day shooting at a Durham restaurant. 55-year-old Samar Suleiman al-Mak-Mood is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

after police say an argument between two employees of the Silver Spoon escalated. The victim is being treated at the hospital. The suspect was denied bond. And today marks the start of National Police Week. It's a time to honor law enforcement officers, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty. The Raleigh Police Department holding the Wake County Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ceremony. And Tamara Scott is joining us live with more on that. Hi, Tamara.

Hey, good afternoon, Amber. Yase was not just the moment for taking a moment for the recently fallen officers here, but also for officers from several decades ago back in the 1920s had their names read aloud and also memorialized today. In a moment, family members that I spoke with today say that that means the most to them. This morning, the Wake County Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ceremony honored 23 officers from agencies all across Wake County. Chief Orica Voice and Attorney General Jeff Jackson both spoke ahead of the reading of the names in today's ceremony. And each officer's name was read aloud and a white rose placed on their wreath that was accompanied by a ribbon representing their agency like the state highway patrol, Wake Forest Police, Rale Police, and Knightdale Police. This year, Wake Med Police was represented for the first time in honor of Roger Smith, who died in the line of duty as a Wake Med police officer back in 2025.

Now, we spoke with Smith's older brother, T.J., who has also spent his life in service as a firefighter. He says this loss has been the hardest thing he's ever dealt with, and today helps in things. feel loved and supported. He had a servant's heart, but he would have never expected public, the state and the country to turn out the way they have and support him and his death, his service, and this family. That means a lot to me that his name will be forever repeated, will be forever remembered. And I've always had a saying, okay, when you say it, you see it, and you talk about it, you'll never be forgotten. And the earliest officers, that was honored today was Tom Crabtree who worked with the Raleigh Police Department and

dying in the line of service in 1922. Officer Gabriel Torres was also honored today as well as Wake County Deputy Ned Bird. Tamara Scott ABC 11, eyewitness news. Tamara, thank you for that update. Turning now to the weather this Monday, there's a small chance of some showers today and we could use them. Tempts hovering in the 60s and 70s. So a little cooler. Meteor Alge Steve Stewart joins us now with more. We certainly are looking forward to some rain. Yeah, we're not going to get a lot here. We're going to get some in spots today. But when you add it all up, you'll be disappointed when you see the rain gauge.

But a better chance, I think we'll get some heavier amounts as we get into Wednesday night. Some showers up in person county right now. You can see that moving on through. And just south of Fayetteville, closer where the front is, we got some heavier rain, even some thunder going on. That's going to clip Samson County. And this is really going to be along the coastal plain there. So if around the triangle, just a chance we'll get a few light showers when you added all up just a few hundreds of an inch. It's really Wednesday evening. We have a decent chance

of getting some rain then. Notice the model really doesn't pick up much in the way of rain at all as we go through the day today. So don't be surprised if you don't get much or just enough to get some of your neighborhoods a little damp. We need soaking. That's not this. Sixty-three degrees at North Hills. The temperature has actually gone down. Variable breeze at 18 miles an hour now gusting over 20 miles an hour. You see the cooler air kind of filtering in now so our numbers might actually start to drop. Still warm though. down in Fayetteville, about 74 degrees. That's where we're seeing that thunder down there.

So as it go through the evening, numbers are going to fall down to the 50s, a little chilly. Skies will start to break as we get later this evening, and it's going to be a cold overnight tonight. But not cold this weekend. More like summer. By Sunday, we could be talking 90 more on that coming up in a few minutes. Yeah, up and down continues. All right, Steve, thank you. Turning now to the budget battle unfolding in Raleigh, as homeowners have their first chance to speak up on the latest county budget proposal.

tonight's public hearing comes as Wake County library workers plan to protest over what they call chronic understaffing and cuts. Sean Coffey is at the Commons building in Raleigh to break it all down. Hi Sean. Yeah, hi Amber. County manager David Ellis's most recent budget proposal does include a 2% tax hike for Wake County homeowners and it does fully fund the Wake County School District's $823 million funding request, but it does also include cuts for the Wake County library system. That's one of the difficult decisions. that Ellis has said are inevitable in the current landscape amid what he called local and national pressures that have led to a budget shortfall. Those pressures, he said, include inflation, the lack of a new state budget, and an increase in property tax appeals. In fact, Ellis said the new expected revenue that Wake County brought in this fiscal year was well below the average. Typically, the county will bring in $40 to $50 million in new revenue per fiscal year. This year,

it's only $8 million. The budget currently being considered, which residents will weigh in tonight for the first time, fully funds the Wake County School District's $823 million request. It also adds 16 EMT positions, reopens the jail annex, and includes funding to hire 92 new detention officers. But it comes at a cost. For reference, that 2% tax hike being proposed means the owner of a $450,000 home in Wake County would pay $90 more in taxes per year. Tonight is just the first of two public budget hearings that will take place at the Commons Building. Again, the first opportunity for Wake County residents to weigh in on all of this. That protest from library workers is scheduled to begin here at 6 p.m.

With the budget hearing scheduled to begin an hour later at 7. You can look for the very latest later this afternoon on eyewitness news. Back to you. Sean, coffee live for us in Raleigh, Sean, thank you. In Wake County, a young man is facing multiple charges this morning after a single vehicle fatal crash in Raleigh. It happened Saturday night in the 400 block of South New Hope Road. Police say the driver of a Toyota RAV-4 was speeding when he traveled into the median and hit a tree. They say that that impact caused the vehicle to slide sideways on the driver's side into a larger tree before overturning.

We're told two passengers in that vehicle died from their injuries. Police say the driver 19-year-old Jonathan DeLora Olmos was taken to the hospital, and he has been charged with driving while impaired and felony death by motor vehicle. Move over or get pulled over. That is the message from the governor's highway safety program. Their new campaign runs today through Sunday to remind drivers about the state's move over law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Not only does it help keep workers safe, but violators could face at least a $250 fine if they fail to obey the law.

Peace talks are back in limbo as President Trump rejects the latest proposal from Iran. the situation causing gas prices to rise even higher. We will take a look at that. And a court hearing today for the man charged in the shooting at the White House correspondent's dinner in two minutes, the plea he entered in court. What do you think, grandma? It's beautiful, really.

Do you believe I fit into your dress? And making incredible memories, the viral trend on social media some brides to be wearing their mother's wedding dress. Hey, y'all, it's Kelly Clarkson with Wayfair. Ever order furniture online and wonder what if, like, what if it doesn't hold up? That sofa was four days old.

You should have ordered from Wayfair. With Wayfair, there's no what if. Just style you love and quality you can trust. Visit Wayfair.ca. Wayfair, every style, every home. Eyewitness News. We are Local News, weeknights four to six 30 and 11. A new court hearing for the man accused of carrying out the third assassination attempt against President Trump.

Cole Thomas Allen appearing in court today to enter his plea for the first time. And as ABC's Olivia Rubin reports, his attorneys argued, changes need to be made to the prosecution. Today, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents dinner, pleading not guilty to the charges against him. Wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with his hands and feet shackled, Cole Thomas Allen looked at the ground as the four federal charges against him were read in court. The California native did not speak during the hearing.

But Allen's defense today, arguing they might seek to have the entire U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. recused. He argued that both Janine Piro, the U.S. attorney for D.C., and the acting attorney general Todd Blanche, were at the dinner and could potentially be victims of the very prosecution they're overseeing. Allen's attorneys also arguing Piro, the U.S. attorney's very public and close relationship with the alleged intended target referring to President Trump could also play a factor in her recusing herself. Law enforcement saying this surveillance video shows Alan charging a security checkpoint armed with multiple guns and knives.

Those shots heard from inside the ballroom where President Trump, Vice President Vance, and thousands of others gathered for the annual dinner causing chaos. Now the government has until May 22nd to respond to the defense's motion. The next hearing is now set for June 29th. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, Washington. Olivia, thank you. President Donald Trump has rejected. Iran's latest response to a ceasefire deal. Iran is asking for war reparations from the U.S., complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to sanctions. The U.S. proposal called

for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange. The U.S. would ease its blockade of Iranian ports for a 30-day period when both sides could negotiate a full deal. With the straits still closed, global oil prices jumping more than 3 percent overnight and stock futures are falling over concern. Higher energy prices could slow the global economy. Right now, the national price of gas is $4.52 a gallon here in North Carolina. You can expect to pay for $0.16 a gallon. That is up $0.8 from last week.

And China is making it official. President Donald Trump will visit the country this week. China's Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the visit Sunday, although the Trump administration had previously released details of the summit between the president and China's president Xi Jinping. The state visit will begin in Beijing on Wednesday and last through Friday. The president's visit comes amidst the U.S. conflict in Iran and continuing economic tensions between the two superpowers.

President Vladimir Putin says the Russia-Ukraine war is coming to an end just ahead here at noon, the person he is requesting to negotiate a peace plan. And a new report shows just how much money the U.S. Postal Service lost in the second quarter. And it may be the wildest video you may see all day. Look at that motorcycle left dangling from a traffic light after a crash. That's new at 1230. Happening this week in Fayetteville, the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum is temporarily closing to the public. The roof is getting replaced as part of a major improvement project.

The museum will be closed today through Friday with a goal of reopening Saturday the 16th. The museum director says the upgrades will help preserve the museum for future generations. And in just a few weeks, public pools across the triangle will officially open for the season. In Wake County, swimming pools open May 26th. Cumberland County pools are set to open May the 25th. Splash pads in the area opened earlier this month. And as of right now, Durham County has not said when their pools will be open, but right around the corner for all those. And not great cool weather today.

It's a little cold for that. This weekend, though, it's going to heat up. Warm up? Oh, yeah, big way. I got 90 on Sunday. Wow. Yeah. And then it may be warmer after that the following Monday and Tuesday.

So we got some heat coming. Not today, as Amber says. She's right. It's chilly out there. We're in the 60s right now. It is warm in the sandals. I'll show you the current temperature is coming up and likely the numbers could fall. I think it's going to be hit and miss showers today.

But the big story, cloudy, cool and breezy is that flow comes in from the north behind the front. Will it be wet on Wednesday? Not so much during the day. We'll start sunny. We'll have clouds increasing. But I think after sunset, it's when we'll probably get some showers and thunderstorms. Fingers crossed this holds because this is our one good chance at everyone getting a decent amount of rainfall. After that, we're going to not only be dry, we're going to heat up. Look at those numbers getting up around 90, even some low 90s for a few days.

So quite a bit of warmth that's going to be coming our way. This is a front that'll get here midweek, probably Wednesday during the late afternoon, early evening hours in a narrow band of showers and maybe some thunderstorms will roll through. Anyone location has a window of two to three hours and that's it. But hopefully we'll get some heavy downpours during that time. Speaking of rain, got some showers up in person county right now, a little moderate shower there, not in the triangle, but farther south, we got some heavier rain, some lightning going on now and pushing into Samson County.

That's closer to the front, so you're going to get most of the action there. I'm really focused on Wednesday night. That's when we're going to get the majority of the rain, because after that, we're going to be dry for a while. Now, how much could we get Wednesday? Well, maybe a half inch to possibly upwards of around three quarters of an inch of rainfall. So that's it, really, other than the spotty showers we're seeing today. And the model not doing a good job initializing here, but generally all the high-resolution data I'm seeing, if you get rain today, it is going to be light amounts.

63 into North Hills right now. Look at the breeze at 18 higher gusts out there, and that makes it feel cooler that chilly air settling in. Temperatures are already dropping now from the 60s early in Roxburgh, now in the 50s. Erwin still 70 and 76 currently Clinton with that thunderstorm nearby. If you have evening plans, it'll be chilly. We'll be mainly in the 50s as we go through your evening hours. Clouds will start to break as we get later in the evening, and it's going to be cold tomorrow morning in some spots, maybe in the upper 30s around Persson County.

Getting to the 70s in the afternoon, we'll watch that front coming our way. Again, starting sunny, we'll end with clouds, but it'll likely hold off in any rain until after sunset. And then once that moves out of here, yeah, it's going to be dry, and we're going to heat things up by the weekend. So, all, already, beyond that. I mean, we're in the 50s in Rocksboro, so that cooler air settling in. We're warmer in the sandhills for today. Some passing showers. And then tonight, the rain comes to an end. And look at these chilly temperatures in the 40s, even maybe some upper 30s there in person county. First of all, seven day then. 74 tomorrow. There could be some clouds early on in the day, but lots of sunshine. We start with sun in with clouds on Wednesday. I think most of the action is going to be in the evening to late evening hours, maybe some thunderstorms around. That moves.

out a little cooler on Thursday. Friday's pretty nice, but then here come the 80s on the Saturday and Sunday up around 90 degrees. So we are going to be heating up. Wow, what a difference a week makes. Yeah. All right. Steve, thanks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegesath moving forward with another investigation against Senator Mark Kelly. That story just ahead here. And we'll explain why a Diet Coke shortage in India is linked to the war with Iran. That's new here at 1230. An investigator is still trying to figure out how a person was struck and killed by a plane during takeoff at the Denver airport. Denver's airport is reviewing security measures after a frontier airline's plane hit a person on a runway during takeoff. Authorities have not yet identified the person who scaled an airport fence Friday night.

The surveillance video shows the person then wandering over to the runway and walking right across it. Authorities say the plane with more than 230 people on board hit that person at, High speed, the impact, sparking an engine fire, filling the cabin with smoke, forcing pilots to slam on the brakes and abort takeoff. Passengers seen evacuating the plane using emergency slides, but some say they were stuck in the cabin for several minutes as it filled with smoke. The FAA and the NTSB are now investigating. Defense Secretary Pete Hegesath says the Pentagon is launching another investigation into Senator Mark Kelly. That's after the lawmakers spoke on CBS about the Iran War's depletion of U.S. munitions. stockpiles. On social media, Hegeseth accuses the retired Navy captain of revealing classified

information. A responding pose from the senator includes a video of the secretary himself discussing stockpiles at a public hearing. The new probe follows two other so far failed recent attempts to punish Kelly. They center on the video he made with other lawmakers urging service members not to obey illegal orders. An appeals court appears poised to side with Kelly in the matter after a grand jury declined to indict him. And breaking right now, a deadly house fire in Chapel Hill. Our Cindy Bay is on the scene with details on what happened. Plus, an American is now one of the 10 confirmed in probable cases of hunter virus from a cruise ship just ahead and update on the efforts to contain that outbreak.

And no court appearance today in North Carolina for former FBI director James Comey will explain why.