Daily editionSaturday, September 12th, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of September.
Community
Thousands (nearly 3,000) joined stair climbs Friday morning at UNC’s Kenan Stadium and Durham Bulls Athletic Park to honor 9/11 victims by climbing 2,076 steps as a community tribute.
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Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos, who served with Virginia Task Force One, recalled his 9/11 rescue at the Pentagon as he displayed his worn lime-green helmet in his office.
His 25-year reflection details a rapid response and enduring memory — a reminder of a mission that shaped his career.
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Environment
Since early August, heavy rains in Sandhills areas like Fayetteville and Raeford eased drought, but RDU, Oxford and Kerr Dam got only one or two inches.
Kerr Lake sits more than 10 feet below full pool (officials say a strong El Niño may bring rain this winter).
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Sports
Host Chris Lea presents Football Friday Week 4, showcasing high school football highlights from across the Triangle while preparing locals for college game day today.
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Accidents
A United Airlines flight from Newark made an emergency landing at RDU on Friday morning around 8:30 a.m.; one passenger was helped off before the plane departed at 9:09 a.m.
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