ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - May 14, 2026

Episode Date: May 14, 2026

Eyewitness News at Noon - May 14, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next year on Iwood to Susan, a Wake County teacher charged with child sex crimes dating back to 2005. The new reaction from Broughton High School, where he taught and what the school system is telling us. Deadly stabbing arrest, the man accused of attacking a man on the American Tobacco Trail in court in Durham today. The new details in this investigation. And diplomacy on display in China, President Trump in the country for a high-stakes summit. The warning coming from the Chinese leaders, those talks get underway. News at noon starts now. 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. And right now at noon, we have a live look at Doppler radar here. Those early morning showers have now pushed out. Thanks for joining us this Thursday. I'm Amber Repenta Barbara gives us on assignment today. Extreme drought conditions continue across the viewing area. The new drought monitor just released today showing conditions have not improved over the last week and it could be days before our next chance for rain. So we're all looking for it. Meadoral to Steve Stewart's in the first alert forecast center with the latest on the drought and the potential record heat. Yeah, it's just not good. I mean, we knew we listened. We had two opportunities for rain. Both of them weren't that impressive. Last night, just completely fizzled out. So a few areas got a little damp and that's it. And now we're going to have a long dry stretch. This was last week's drought monitor. Remember we had the category the highest category, exceptional there near Charlotte. Some improvement there. Not much change at all for most of us. We're still in a situation where we need significant amount of rainfall multiple days in a row or at least multiple chances in a week. That's not happening. It's 72 for high today. A little cooler, breezy out there, lots of sunshine. The average is now 80. We hit 81 yesterday. 94 and 39 are the records on this date.

And there's the deficit continuing to grow now. Whatever little tiny showers we have, they're pushed on out. and we're getting brighter skies now. And you look at any rain coming, it's just not there. Really low chances will be with us for a long time. Maybe the end of next week we could change things as maybe a front gets closer to us, but don't expect anything at this point in time. 68 in the North Hills right now with the west breeze at 12 miles an hour. Most of us dealing with temperatures in those upper 60s,

but it's 70 in Raleigh now in lower 70s, even mid-70s down in the sand hills. A little bit warmer there. Again, temperatures are going to be a little bit below average around the, triangle. As we go through the evening hours, numbers falling down to the 60s, a touch breezy through the evening for that walk around the neighborhood, but expect to have fair skies as we go later on this evening. Hot stretch really begins Saturday, but really Sunday all the way into next week. A lot of days in the 90s and little if any rain chances at all. We'll detail that in the 70 forecast, Amber. I know we really could use a good soaker. All right, Steve, see you soon. Thank you. New here at noon, a man charged with a deadly stabbing on the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, making. making his first court appearance this morning. Christopher Caldwell was ordered held without bond. The 64-year-old is accused of killing Howard Reed Jr. on April the 27th. Durham Police have not released a motive for the stabbing.

It was the second deadly stabbing in a month near the American Tobacco Trail. A Wake County school teacher accused of sexually abusing a child is due in court today. Stephen Coles, a 57-year-old career and technical teacher at Broughton High School in Raleigh, facing 13 counts in all, including sexual activity. by a custodian and statutory sex offense of a child by an adult. Elena Athens is on this. She's joining us live at Broughton High School in Raleigh with new reaction on these disturbing charges. Elena? Yes, Amber, so we know that Broughton High School teacher Stephen Coles is not teaching

here at this school right now as he is facing multiple sexual charges. I did speak with a former student who says he was extremely surprised. The principal at Broughton sent out a letter to parents and guardians saying in part that the counts are not related to incidents that occurred on our campus or with our current students. The principal goes on to say, I want to assure you that we take the safety of our students and staff members very seriously. Coles was a career and technical education teacher. The 57-year-old has been suspended but is still receiving pay. According to his arrest warrant, the defendant engaged in a sexual act with a minor.

Police say the alleged abuse first was reported at the beginning of this month, but investigators say it began Again, more than two decades ago in 2005, the former student we spoke with asked we don't show his face. I was extremely shocked. I had Mr. Coles my sophomore year for automotive and he was a really nice dude. Seemed pretty normal and then, you know, got this news and that was extremely shocking. Coles is facing 13 charges and is being held right now without bond. Live in Raleigh, Elena, Athens, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

Elena, thank you. certainly stay on that case. Meantime, a search is underway for a person police. They tried to run down Fayetteville police and took off after officers fired shots. It went down in a neighborhood off of Frost Drive near Ramsey Street. According to police, the gunfire came at the tail end of a police chase that started at Country Club Drive right near Murkison Road. Police say the driver accelerated towards them, and that is when the two officers opened fire. Neighbors recall hearing multiple rounds of gunfire. It was a lot of gunshot. It wasn't like, like pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop but but you could tell it was like two different guns

the way it was going. There were no reported injuries to officers and it is unknown if the suspect sustained any injuries. Police do want neighbors though to check their ring cameras for any video that could help in this investigation. And new at noon we're learning more about the victim that was shot in the Silver Spoon Restaurant in Durham on Mother's Day. According to an online fundraiser, the victim, is one of the owners of the family-run business.

He is said to be in critical condition, and donations are now being raised to help pay for medical bills. 55-year-old Samar Suleiman al-Makmood is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. After police say he got into an argument with the owner and it escalated, he is now being held in Durham County Jail without any bond. And new at noon cleanup continues this afternoon at the site of that massive sewage spill in Raleigh. Our crews finding workers still out there today. A million gallon sewage spilled near RDU.

The city of Raleigh says a bypass pipe failed dumping more than a million gallons of raw wastewater. That spill was contained, but then a contractor brought in to fix the problem accidentally made it worse, dumping even more sewage into a storm drain, which flows directly into Turkey Creek. And now to that high stakes meeting overseas. President Trump meeting with the president of China overnight. Everything from Iran to trade to artificial intelligence on the agenda. ABC's Olivia Rubin has the very latest. This morning, the lavish state banquet for President Trump,

toasting side by side with President Xi for their first face-to-face meeting in China in nearly a decade. The pageantry following an ornate welcome celebration. Trump praising the Chinese leader as they sat at the negotiating table. You're a great leader. Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway because it's true. And Xi calling for a closer relationship between the two countries. We should be partners, not rivals. But during a two-hour closed door meeting,

she reportedly delivering a stark warning to Trump on the issue of Taiwan, which China sees as its territory. According to a Chinese readout, she telling Trump if the issue is handled poorly, the two countries will collide or even. even clash. Afterwards, a White House officials saying Trump and Xi had a good meeting, discussing ways to increase economic cooperation, end the flow of fentanyl in the U.S., and let American companies further into Chinese markets. Trump, not mentioning Taiwan at all.

How are your talks, sir? It's great. Great place. Incredible. China is beautiful. But the U.S. officials saying they also discussed Iran, a close ally of China. as the war looms large over the trip. The official saying Xi made clear China's opposition to the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz, currently still at a standstill and sending global oil prices skyrocketing. And so far, no word on what concrete steps China might take

when it comes to Iran, though President Trump has previously said he doesn't need their help on the issue at all. Trump also inviting Xi to the White House in September. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, Washington. North Carolina is still the only state without a new state budget, but lawmakers now expressing confidence that they are very close to reaching a deal. House and Senate leadership announced yesterday that they have agreed on a framework which tackled several key issues.

Teachers would see an 8% raise and several layers of law enforcement would also receive double digit percent pay hikes. Overall, state employees would see an average 3% increase and retirees a one-time 2.5% bonus. These new rates would go into effect upon the budget's enactment, not retroactive to the start of the fiscal year. And if passed, this budget would provide a higher floor as well for many workers in the event of another budget delay, but some say the proposed figures still fall short of what's needed. If you were starving and I gave you a morsel of bread and told you you're better off than if I gave you nothing, that probably wouldn't make you feel much better. That's where we are. Lawmakers expect negotiations.

to continue over the next several weeks to hammer out final details before bringing a version to the floor for a vote. For a full explainer of what could be included in the new state budget, be sure to visit ABC11.com. There you'll find a full breakdown right inside our article that is on the front page. Still to come here at noon, the body of a second missing U.S. soldier recovered in Morocco what we're learning about the Florida woman who was only 19 years old. And hauntavirus outbreak, we're hearing from the American who tested positive how he's, doing now. I witness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. The body of the second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco has been recovered. 19 year old specialist disappeared, made a second in waters off Morocco's southern coast. She was from Tavares, Florida,

where thousands of troops were participating in an annual training exercise. The body of lieutenant Kendrick Key Jr. was found Saturday. He was 27 years old. In Air Force plane, we'll bring the soldiers' remains back to the United States. And Georgia is entering the redistricting battle. Governor Brian Kemp has called for a special session to redraw the state's political maps. The governor cited the recent Supreme Court decision that gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in his proclamation. The maps would not be used in the upcoming midterm elections since the state is holding its primaries next week. Instead, they would be used in the 28 election cycle.

The special session will begin June 17th. South Carolina's Republican governor is also expected to call a special session on redistricting. And now to the Haunted virus outbreak, the one American who tested positive for the virus has now been cleared to move out of isolation in Nebraska after testing negative. Dr. Stephen Cornfield, Cornfeld, that is, was a passenger on board the M.V. Honduras, stepping up to serve as the ship's doctor after the original one contracted the virus. Corfield says he felt like he was coming down with the flu later testing positive for Haunted virus himself.

This is a very secure facility. So if I am to get sick and spill virus, there's no way that virus is getting out of this building. He is one of 16 Americans being evaluated now in Omaha. The CDC now urging those in quarantine at the Nebraska Medical Center to remain for the full 42 days. The CDC reports more than 100 officials are working around the call. on this outbreak with nearly a dozen states monitoring at least 18 people worldwide. Meantime, there are 10 confirmed honta virus cases.

All are passengers from that cruise ship. Next at noon, a heads up in Raleigh, the popular lake now closed as preparations get underway for the ACC rowing competition. And a live look at a beautiful Carolina Beach here on this Friday Eve. People there bracing for potential flooding though, and it's not due to the weather. We'll explain. A group of former workers for Spirit Airlines is suing the company for back pay and benefits. Six plaintiffs say the now defunct carrier fired them illegally because it did not give them proper layoff notices.

They also claimed they are still owed money for hours worked and vacation days not taken. The suit says Spirit misled employees by telling them it planned to continue operations and to ignore media reports it was about to shut down. The airline abruptly ceased all operations earlier this month. Comcast says that it has reached a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit over in October 23, 2023 data breach. The company says the agreement requires it to set up a fund of $117.5 million. That is for payments to settlement class members and for other expenses. Comcast says only people who receive notices in December of 2023 can receive money. The lawsuit alleged Comcast had inadequate cybersecurity, which exposed the personal information of millions of

customers. The communications giant denies any wrongdoing. And new research shows the world is getting drier despite getting more rain packed into bigger storms. The study used data to show the reason is that precipitation often comes from large storms. The excess rain surpasses what the soil can absorb, leading to some of that water to evaporate. The research also highlights long dry spells between such storms. Meantime meteorologists are warning the developing El Nino could turn into what is known as a super El Nino by this fall or winter. El Nino is a natural weather pattern which occurs every two to seven years. Its most notable impact is warming the Pacific ocean, which then shifts wind patterns. That triggers weather conditions worldwide. That

lead to droughts and heat waves in some places with floods and others. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is a two and three chance. The current El Nino will be strong or very strong. Some models show it could even become the strongest on record. Powerful El Niños are often followed by La Niinas, which are the opposite and cool the Pacific Ocean. And back in Wake County, a heads up if you plan ahead of Raleigh's Lake Wheeler soon. The park is now closed ahead of the ACC Women's Rowing Championship. The rowing competition is happening this Friday and Saturday. The event is open to spectators and admission is free.

And now let's head to the North Carolina Coast. Always a great place to go. beautiful Carolina Beach. Town officials there warning about the risk of potential king tides. According to the town, elevated flood risks are expected to start today lasting through next Thursday due to a new moon. Officials say some roads may have to be closed due to flooding and police will issue citations to anyone driving around barricades or through flooded areas. And that is a good tee up to meteorologist Steve Stewart who always says turn around don't drown. That is right. Always, always, always.

You never know how deep it is and how swift it is and you don't know what's going on. on under there. I know. And it just takes a couple inches to take a whole car. Yeah, yeah, six, six inches of Swiss moving water is where it gets to be an issue. Hey, that El Niño story you did. It's true. And if it is one of the stronger ones we've had, you know, we're not sure exactly

what it means for us. I mean, it can be significant. Don't forget, we get about 20% of our rain from tropical systems. If there's less tropical systems, that means even less rain for us. Now, we're not wishing for a tropical system to come up here, but some tropical rains could be beneficial later in the season, considering how dry it's been, and we're not seeing a lot of hope anytime soon. All right, so after the chilly start tomorrow, it's going to be a fantastic Friday. Hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy it.

Many heat wave really starts on Sunday. We'll get up into the 90s and stay in the 90s for days next week. Any rain on the way? Slim chances, folks. I mean, the next real decent opportunity is the end of next week, not tomorrow, the following Friday. And even that, so far out, the chances seem to be fairly. slim but look at the heat that's coming folks again the average is 80 so a good 12 13 degrees above average for days next week be ready for the heat and slightly a more humid as well not

going to be oppressive but the dew points are going to be in the 60s so it's going to feel a bit sticky and it's not just here it's a huge section of the country that's going to be dealing with this heat as we go into next week meantime we've had three measly days of rain so far we're basically halfway through the month now the deficit starting to grow starting to look like other months. If you go to March, April and May, spring, this is the driest spring we've had on record. Matter of fact, it's a driest year on record on top of that. But in the growing season, this is not what we want to see. We want to get some more rain in here. And as you look at their probabilities, they're just not there anytime soon. So this is going to be another dry stretch coming our way. Sixty-eight into

North Hills right now with the West breeze about 12 miles an hour. Lower 60s in our northern counties, in contrast, lower to middle 70s now down in the sand hills. Heading out for some baseball there in Wilson this evening. A little chilly, take a light jacket, getting down to the 50s later on. Just a touch of a breeze for a military appreciation night there at the Warbird Stadium. 87 on Saturday will be in the mid to upper 80s all across Central North Carolina. And then here come those 90s. And it's a huge section of the country that's dealing with this heat.

And this is going to be a pattern we're kind of locked into. That storm track is going to be well to the north. so no real rain chances and temperatures are going to be well above average. Headed up to the mountains this weekend, quite more. Matter of fact, look at chimney rock flirting with 90 on Sunday, and the beaches both days are looking pretty darn good. Numbers are going to be near 80. Of course, the water temperature is still a bit on the chilly side, at least for me.

60s up in our northern counties, low 70s triangle, mid-70s, maybe some upper 70s in the sandhills. Tonight, chili. So once again, another chili start to the day tomorrow. Kids at the bus stop needing a jacket. When they come home, they'll get rid of. of it in the 70s. Here comes the warmth as we get into Saturday, 87, possible record high on Sunday. Hot, little bit more humid as we go into Monday, rinse and repeat Tuesday. Feels like summer Wednesday. Eventually a front comes. We could get an isolated storm Thursday, Amber. I think

a better chance on Friday, but generally a lot of heat and really no rain coming our way. Yeah, hot and dry. And it's early in the season. Yep. All right. Steve, thanks. New ahead at noon. Civil Rights Leader Reverend William Barber in AMC Theater's result. involving a lawsuit filed over a police confrontation. And a triangle, very popular triangle restaurant, shutting down the challenges that led to Bass Lake Draft House to close its doors. New at noon, we have an update in that legal fight

between civil rights leader William Barber and AMC theaters. According to Barber's attorney, the lawsuit has been resolved. The lawsuit focused on an incident that happened at a theater in Greenville in 2023, when the former president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP was escorted,

out of the theater by police for taking his own stool inside. The lawsuit claimed AMC workers violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not accommodating Barber. And on Sunday, Barbara will attend a private screening of the movie Michael at that same theater he was removed from. Several individuals with disabilities will also join him. Barbara will also be allowed to bring his chair inside the movie theater. Another longtime triangle business has closed in the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic is being blamed. After 23 years in business, Bass Lake Draft House and Holly Springs closed its doors for good earlier this week. In a social media post, the owners thanked

the community for support, especially loyal regulars. But they also noted that the past several years brought many challenges that were difficult to overcome, including recovery after COVID, rising costs and other business realities that created hurdles. Next at noon, the learning recession warning students test scores on the decline. Coming up, we take a look at what's behind the drop and the recommendation to reverse the troubling trend. Plus the push by Durham County educators for better living wages,

the town hall meeting happening tonight.