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

Episode Date: September 25, 2026

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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. Right now at noon on the North Carolina coast, NC12 still closed as ocean overwash covers the road making the coastal highway impossible as the outer banks continues to be hammered by that noreastern. Parts of NC12 is now under four inches of water. Thank you for joining us. For the news at noon, I'm Diane Wilson.

Barbara and Amber have the day off. We want to show you these new pictures of the NCDOT just shared with us these pictures of NC12 on P Island. The DOT says it's impossible for crews to assess the extent of the road damage at this point or give any idea of when the road will reopen. And here's a live look at those large waves slamming the shoreline. Erudanthi water just covering the camera lens. really hard to see out there. Millions of people from the Carolina coast up to the northeast are already feeling some impacts from this northeastern. Steve, gosh, I mean, you know, it's not even like, it's not a hurricane, right? It's just that's just it. I mean, it's not a named system,

right? It's a nor'easter. However, the impacts can be very similar, so to like a weak tropical storm off the coast and that's what we're seeing right now. So devastating out there for those folks, possibly depending on that water. Yeah, and it's going to last a little bit longer, but improving over the weekend, but it'll be going downhill as we go up north. Now down at Wrightsville Beach, it's not bad. I mean, the seas, it's dangerous with the rip currents out there. Folks are walking on the beach right now. Seas are still up a bit, and of course, it's rather breezy.

The leading edge of the clouds is just out to our east. Been cloudy most of the day in our eastern counties, so that's a sharp cutoff. And I wouldn't be shocked if this line tries to advance at us a little bit with some cloud cover as we get into the afternoon. But you can see where the center is right there. That's a classic shape. It almost looks tropical in nature, and that is gonna start lifting off to the north. The upper level low was generated the surface low.

It's gonna pull it back towards New York as we get into Sunday. This is rare for Northeaster folks this time of year. We get 1% of all nor'isters happen in September. And look how it's gonna be really wrapping up, significant wind and waves to the northeast, and we'll see improving conditions around our outer banks. No rain around here anytime soon.

It's gonna be a long dry stretch, Right now we're looking fantastic with clear skies there at North Hills at 65, although it's rather breezy. Guess to around 22 miles an hour and the air's bone dry right now. 61, Oxford, 65 into Burlington. That north breeze is out there. Look how low the dew points are. 39 dew point out in Chapel Hill and Sanford at dew point of 37. If the winds can calm down a little bit, I expect widespread 40s for lows tonight.

Before you head out to the D-PAC tonight in the 60s and breezy, take a light jack. as you head back to the car. Little cool, numbers are going to fall down to the 50s. As we head to next week, we're going to warm up again. More on that coming up with the 70th forecast, Diane. All right, Steve, thank you. And breaking now at noon, we are working to learn more about the dismissal of a detective with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, accused of improperly assessing flock cameras. It comes as a broader security discussion takes place related to flock. Michael Percheck joins us now from the downtown Raleigh-I Witness News Center with those details.

Is Sheriff Kevin White making an announcement all new today that the agency will be indefinitely suspending its use of flock following this incident? In a statement posted online, he acknowledges flock's usefulness but says it can also be weaponized. The sheriff writing on Facebook that a recent audit revealed one of their own detectives was routinely utilizing the flock system to track every movement of a single private citizen. Sheriff White stressing this is unacceptable, unconstitutional, and a complete violation of privacy by someone whose entire career should have been dedicated to protecting the public. That detective has since been fired.

The result of that investigation now being sent over to the district attorney's office. Coming up this afternoon, we speak with an attorney here in North Carolina. The changes he'd like to see as relates to municipalities utilizing flock. In Raleigh, I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11 eyewitness news. All right, Michael, thank you. And breaking now out of noon, fresh video today showing Robert Murphy's first court appearance He's the former director of sports medicine at NC State, now charged with sexually abusing dozens of student athletes. Murphy was arrested in Florida, where he now lives.

Yesterday, he waived extradition back to North Carolina. I'm not going to give you a bond either way, sir. There is zero chance of you getting out of jail. Either you're going to sit in the jail and wait for the paperwork, or you're going to tell North Carolina, to come get you, but you're not getting out of jail. Eyewitness news, also getting a look at body camera video from Murphy's arrest. The video shows the moment officers confronted him before taking Murphy into custody. Take a look.

Mr. Murphy, come out with your hands up. Come out with your hands up. Leave the dog inside. Come on, step out. Hands up. Face the car. Hands behind your back. Hands behind your back.

Hands behind your back. Murphy worked at NC State from 2012 to 2022, eventually becoming director of sports medicine. Since then, 32 male athletes have joined a civil lawsuit saying, they were abused under the guise of medical treatment or subjected to overly intrusive drug tests. A judge dismissed that lawsuit in June on procedural grounds and the decision is now under appeal. In a statement, an NC state spokesperson wrote, sexual misconduct of any kind is unacceptable. The health and safety of students and student athletes is paramount to NC State Athletics and the university. We are aware of the charges filed by Wake County against Robert Murphy.

we will cooperate with law enforcement in this matter. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot comment further at this time. Eyewitness news has also reached out to attorneys who previously represented Murphy, but we have not heard back. More breaking news now just in the past half hour, Amber Alert issued for a missing child. This is 8-year-old David Dempsey reported missing out of Hertford County. That's up near their Virginia border.

Officials say he's believed to be with 40-year-old Makata, see who suffers from schizophrenia and is bipolar. Authorities believe they could be traveling on foot will keep you updated as any new details come in. Right now at noon, eyewitness news is making calls to the Durham Police Department to learn more about the city's latest deadly shooting. The eyewitness news was on the scene along Rigsby Avenue overnight where a man was shot and killed. So far, no word on any motive or any arrests. The shooting comes as Durham police released their second quarter crime report showing violent crime is up from the same period last year. That report follows two deadly shootings on Tuesday, including one involving

young people. Gun safety will be on one of the focuses at a community fun day event tomorrow in Durham. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church will distribute dozens of gun locks during the free event. Health and wellness resources will also be available. Community Fund day is from one to four at 2200 South Alston Avenue. A Durham nonprofit says a bold bet on local small businesses is paying off. Two years ago, Durham County put $750,000 in federal COVID recovery money into its Durham Rising program aimed at helping businesses like just the Couch's fashion tech startup. Get back on your feet. That's a huge deal. I think when it's not coming out of your own pocket and someone gives you $5,000 to put towards your project, I think that changes everything.

Nonprofit Knox Street Studios says it served more than 200 small businesses in Durham County and projects a million dollar return. Later tonight on eyewitness news, we will tell you how Durham County is verifying those numbers and what happens now since the COVID recovery money is all used up. Turning to your voice, your vote, High Point University is out with new polling ahead of the midterm election. The poll looking at the most watched race for U.S. Senate, the poll found that 50% of likely voters would vote for former Governor Roy Cooper while 42% said they would vote for Michael Watley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee. And a new polling from the non-bipartisan grassroots organization Common Cause finds Cooper leading

Watley 51% to 41%. Several other polls, including one from Elon University, shows Cooper leading Watley. New reports claim Republicans are shifting attention from North Carolina to focus on more competitive races in other states, says Watley trails in the polling. We have new video at noon of Watley in Chatham County today. He was at Harvard. River Christian Academy in Pittsburgh for a Protect Our Kids Press Conference. Former North Carolina Volleyball Independent Women's Sports Ambassador Peyden McNabb joined widely. And Democratic worry Cooper also campaigning today, he's taking his makeshift, make stuff

costs less tour to a tobacco receiving station in Wilson. Cooper is expected to focus on lowering costs for North Carolina farmers and families. We will hear from both Senate candidates on eyewitness news beginning at 4 today. Well, nearly two years after Hurricane Home, recovery continues in Western North Carolina. Coming up, what we're learning about, the renewed search for people still missing two years later. And Raleigh launches the new housing dashboard. Coming up, new at noon, we'll explain how this new porter will help families searching for affordable homes. I witness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11.

New at noon, the city of Raleigh launching a new tool to address affordable housing. According to data from NC Housing Coalition, almost 50% of renters and 18% of homeowners have trouble affording their homes. The new city housing production dashboard gives Raleigh residents an easy way to find affordable housing options. Our John Dowding is live in Raleigh. John, good afternoon, and what can you tell us about this new tool? Yeah, hey, good afternoon to you, Diane. So for some context here, we're in front of a new affordable housing development that's going to be coming here to Raleigh. It's called Heritage Park. This sits right here on West South and South Saunders streets here in Raleigh.

This is going to be one of these developments that people will be able to see. It's one that you can actually see right now in that portal, and it's a way for residents here in Raleigh to be connected to affordable housing options across the city. Obviously, this location here, they are way far from being complete here. They still have to get underway with construction. But again, there are several other options and locations that residents can see in that portable, offering affordable housing. locations will also open their doors. That's another thing residents can see in that portal.

Now the portal allows for people to also look at median rent and home values, as well as look at what public transportation options are available near these different locations. Now launching this dashboard is part of the city's plan to not just provide more affordable housing options to residents, but also as a way to try to combat homelessness and housing insecurity here in the city. Again, there's a lot of resources on that portal and on that website. Again, we'll have more details about this on our website, ABC11.com. Live here in Raleigh, I'm John Downey. ABC 11, eyewitness news.

A lot of helpful information there. Thanks, John. And a breaking news update to a story we just told you about moments ago. The Amber Alert already canceled for that eight-year-old boy initially reported missing out of Hertford County. We're working to learn more about where he was found and if any charges will be filed. Next at noon, a new library fee is coming to some Orange County residents coming up. The $65 fee Chapel Hill leaders just approved and why. And a traffic alert, in Fayetteville, several downtown streets closing today ahead of a popular festival.

What you need to know is ahead at noon. New at noon starting next July, some Orange County residents will have to pay to check out books at a Chapel Hill Public Library. This weekend, the unanimous vote, the town council approved a $65 library card fee. For Orange County residents who don't live inside Chapel Hill Town limits, the fee is in response to the Orange County Board of Commissioner's decision to phase out, its financial support for Chapel Hill Public Library. The annual library fee for Orange County residents outside Chapel Hill corporate limits goes into effect July of next year. A library card for residents of any other county will continue to cost $65 per year.

President Trump and Chinese President Xi are wrapping up their second meeting of this year. She says two leaders reach common understanding on many issues. Trump gives Xi tours of his White House renovations, including his new helipad and the future ballroom site. ABC's Karen Travers has more from the White House. President Trump and the First Lady welcoming China's President Xi and the First Lady back to the White House for a tea ceremony. America is very happy about this visit, and I'm sure China's very happy also. It's the third day of this state visit.

Today's events following last night's lavish state dinner, where the president heaped praise on the Chinese leader, calling President Xi Jinping and his wife, quote, truly outstanding amazing people. He even invited them to tour the war. White House ballroom construction. But President Trump making no mention of China's economic and intelligence support for Iran in the war. China is Iran's top trading partner and the largest buyer of Iranian oil. I think the president should make clear that we know that China is collaborating with the Iranian regime and we're prepared to take some sort of action. Attending last night's state dinner, tech giants Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, met as Mark Zucker

and Open AIs Sam Altman. But on the critical issue of artificial intelligence, President Trump still dismissive of calls for greater regulation of the technology, while Xi said AI should always remain under human control. Beyond the pageantry and the pleasantries, it's not clear what was actually accomplished on this visit. The two presidents met behind closed doors for about 90 minutes, but the only real deliverable,

an extension of the trade truce between the U.S. and China, was actually announced before the summit began. Karen Travers, ABC News, the White House. New noon Ukrainian President Volonimoire Zelensky says President Trump has agreed to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles. Zelensky telling reporters there are concrete agreements in place, the two met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Zelensky says the Patriot missile deal is key to Kiev defending off relentless Russian aerial attacks. Trump suggested a similar agreement in July after meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the next. NATO summit, but weeks later, he cooled off on that offer.

New at noon, Pope Leo is now in France, kicking off his four-day visit. During his trip, he'll be meeting with French leaders, as well as holding a prayer service. He'll also be celebrating Mass in Paris's largest public square, where up to a million people are expected. On Sunday, we will mark two years since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina. Two years after the deadly storm, a renewed search is now underway for victims. swept about 40 campers into the South Toe River in Yancey County. Four people died. Two members of

the Webe family are still missing, including their 13-year-old son. FEMA recently gave authorities approval to remove a debris pile near where the family's home once stood. Authorities aren't sure if they'll find the two family members, but they aren't giving up hope. Happening today in Faitville, the International Folk Festival kicks off with food and performances, plus a parade of nations tomorrow. Several downtown streets will be closed this afternoon, including the intersection of Hay Street and Ray Avenue. The 910 Future Fest also continues at Sega Stadium in Fayetteville. Okay. A lot going on. And you know, the big question, what's the weather going to be like? It's really going to be nice. I mean, the mornings are going to be crispy. You're going to want a jacket or a sweatshirt. Yeah. But by the afternoon, a pleasant 79, 80, yeah. No one can complain, hopefully. They will. But that's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's your right to do that. Hey, look how chilly it was this morning.

If you got up early, we had upper 40s and some low 50s. I think we'll see even more 40s for early tomorrow morning. Outer Wrightsville Beach now looking pretty good, still choppy out there. And of course the rip current dangerous elevated, it's really the outer banks where we're having the issues there. And I'll show you that coming up. A clear chilly night tonight, upper 40s and low 50s. This is a gorgeous weekend, sunny seasonable afternoon. Still a bit breezy tomorrow, but the winds will be calming down as the day wears on.

And Sunday looks great. Heating up next week, not. terribly humid, but the numbers are climbing mid to upper 80s as we finish the work week. Due points are climbed to the 60s, not oppressive, but you're definitely going to notice some warmer conditions. There's the low. Doesn't look that impressive right now, but it is a nor'easter. It's developing and it's lifting north. Huge swells going on. Still overwash on 12, probably through the evening hours. That'll start lifting northward. We'll see improving conditions. It'll go downhill farther to the north and big time rains there as well. We're

talking four to six inches of rainfall. They're around Boston, Nantucket, Long Island, New York will get two or three inches. So we'll say the Jersey Shore and Philly get some pretty impressive rain as well. A couple tropical systems out here, Gonzalo and of course, Faye redeveloped. They're not going to do anything staying into open waters and neither one is expected to make it to hurricane strength. Look at the line of clouds. So our eastern county still kind of socked in with cloud cover. Some of those clouds might try and push at us.

Our models hinting at that. I think this is overdone. But don't be surprised if we get a couple of hours at clouds around the triangle and it won't last long whether that happens or not as we're going to go back to clear skies. Fantastic now, but breezy. 65 Augusta 22 out there. And notice that dew point at 40. That is really dry air. 62 now in Oxford. 65 Rocky Mount Wilson. Sanford, dew points are in the 30s here. Really dry air. If the winds calm down enough tonight, we're really going to be chilly early tomorrow morning. Take a sweatshirt for any activities this evening. High school football, good for the players, chilly in the stands with that breeze and temperatures in the 60s during the evening hours. There's the noreaster lifting north on Sunday. We're looking good about 80 degrees. Try to see some clouds that push down from the north.

I think we'll be okay. I'm going to keep it sunny and really a pleasant start to the work week. Got us with those high temperatures mainly at around 80 degrees. Mountains look fantastic. Beaches weather-wise look good. Still breezy tomorrow. But the seas are going to be coming down. If you're heading out to the coast, just keep that in mind.

Around here today, clouds out to the west, or the east rather and sunshine farther to the west. Numbers are going to be in the 70s. And then tonight, look at these chilly temperatures in the 40s to around 50 degrees. So well below average, but a beautiful afternoon. We'll call it sunny and seasonable. Nice on Sunday and Monday. We get a touch warmer next week.

And look at Tuesday, the beginning of the regular season for the Keynes. already here. I was thinking it's already here after all those celebrations all summer. That's right. Looks like a good week though. Really good. Dumpters. Nice to get outside and then beautiful days. Thanks to you. All right, celebrating pride in Durham coming up a look at the week-long events happening in the Bull City beginning this Sunday. Plus the AI altered photo leading to outrage at Stanford University. The apology the school is now making. Durham Pride Week begins a Sunday. This year's theme is always forward, never straight. Preserving history coming home. The official events are listed right there on your screen.

The Pride Vender and Food Truck Rodeo kicks off this week's long celebration at the Durham Central Park. The week culminates with the Pride community protests and parade at Duke East Campus. New fallout after a prestigious university admitted using AI to doctor and image of students on campus, changing one student's race and gender. Here's ABC's Andrea Fiji. Stanford University is apologizing after swapping out a Latino. male student for a black female student in this AI altered promotional photo. I did feel pretty upset with the actions of the university. Billy Ramirez told CNN he first laughed when he saw he had been taken out of this

2024 picture of himself and two other students at a school dining hall. But then he says he realized the implications. It's more about my Latino identity kind of being erased in that photo and how I pride myself in being Mexican. The photo in which AI also changed the appearances of the other two students was placed on banners around campus to advertise school dining options. The student newspaper first reported AI was used, sparking an uproar. They have diversity that they shouldn't need to fabricate it. I think it was weird because obviously there's pictures of different people already out there, so why change stuff with AI? Stanford now acknowledging it did not follow its own AI rules and both the alteration and lack of

disclosure in this case violate that policy. We are working to provide additional training for all staff. All the banners have since been removed. Just a wake-up call for Stanford to increase its diversity rates because if you pride yourself so much in diversity, you have to swap a student who's Hispanic into another race and gender to kind of showcase to the world. It's diverse will actually like you need to take action. Stanford says it's seen a decline in both black and Hispanic enrollment since the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action. It calls the photo alteration a serious error in judgment. Andrea Fugge, ABC News, New York.

It was a long hot summer for local pumpkin growers coming up a look at how the drought impacted their crops and how farmers are now navigating those record high diesel prices. And Governor Josh Stein proclaiming today 925 as Dolly Pardon Day coming up a look at the events happening today in honor of the last. late country singer.