ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 11pm - December 31, 2025

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, preparing you for tomorrow starting tonight and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. Well, the countdown is on to 2026 and eyewitness news is bringing you all of the excitement. Let's begin right now with the live feed coming in from Brazil because the new year has just arrived in that part of South America. Here is a live look at Copacabana Beach, right in the heart of Rio. Look at all the people lined up on the beach there, and it's the middle of summer. So you know they are having a big time tonight. Most areas of Brazil, Argentina and Chile, just crossed midnight right now at the top of the hour.

All right, back here at home, eyewitness news is live in downtown Raleigh, as hundreds of people are gathered there. They're gathered together to ring in a new year. The iconic acorn will fall at midnight. Tom George is live there talking with all the people who have gathered. to celebrate. And we're also live in Fayetteville, a city celebrating the new year with the cool spring district, New Year's Eve spectacular, Penelope Lopez at Festival Park, and she'll also join us live to show us the celebration. Thanks for joining us on this special edition of eyewitness news on this New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to all of you. I'm Steve Daniels. And I'm

Lauren Johnson. We are bidding farewell to the year that was 2025 looking ahead to start fresh and new. So let's check in with Chief Meteorologist Don Schweniker with a look at the weather tonight and into New Year's Day as we are getting ready to celebrate. Don. And good evening to you. And good Good evening to you. They're seeing flurries and snow head into New York City tonight around here. We are dry. First Alert, Doppler Network, not showing any rain or snowfall out there. We're looking off toward Festival Park out here in the distance in downtown Fayetteville. 39 right now, clear skies. Dew points running at 23, so humidity is really low. And winds are light out of the southwest about eight miles an hour. Temperatures from across the region. Everybody hovering in the upper 30s or low 40s. 37 Lewisburg, 33, Oxford, 38 in Siler City and 40s. down in Clinton and Fayetteville. So let's first alert you to that overnight forecast. If you're out and about, temperatures falling through the 30s, but staying above freezing and you'll wake up to some

sunshine and some cool temps tomorrow. We'll talk more about tomorrow's forecasts and your complete forecast coming up in just a bit, guys. Okay, Don, thanks. Hundreds of people are gathered right now in downtown Raleigh to ring in the new year. Yeah, this was the scene around 7 p.m. this evening. The city dropped that golden acorn, the fireworks went off. That celebration was planned for those who didn't want to wait until midnight.

Perfect for the families and the kids in downtown Raleigh. out to Tom George in the middle of the party as we are now counting down to the next acorn drop at midnight Tom yeah good for people who like to go to bed early too but this is the night owls the party still going strong right now ahead of the main event you can see the golden acorn right there waiting for midnight but we were there earlier when they did their drop at 7 o'clock With fanfare and fireworks ringing in 7 p.m. with the early bird acorn drop. But even before that, some closing out 2025 with food trucks and roller coasters right on Fayetteville Street.

We're going on that roller coaster over there and having fun. Lots of more fun. The good thing here was like we got to do fun stuff. We have spent time with family. This family coming all the way up from Fayetteville, gathering their family all the way from California, spending quality time and sharing their lessons from 2025. You never know when tomorrow's not promised. So take your family, love on them, care on them,

and always, always let them know how much they mean to you, no matter if y'all flushing or frightened. And some sharing their wishes for 2026. New blessings and happiness, you know, better job and stuff like that. Whatever blessings come my way, you know. So as long as the family's happy, I'm happy, kids are happy. I mean, you know, whatever blessings come my way. I love that. As long as your family and friends are happy, blessings on the way and good things on the horizon for 2026. But first, still T minus two hours until the acorn drop. We're going to be enjoying it out here in downtown Raleigh. So last live shot of 2025. We'll send it back to you guys. Yeah. And we will show you that acorn drop at midnight at downtown Raleigh live here on ABC 11 as well. That's right. Tom, happy new year to you. And the Bull City is also celebrating the new year. Our crew was around Main Street where people are out and

about. Some people were heading to restaurants, other people just deciding to be outside and strolling the streets. Durham does not have a city sponsored New Year's Eve celebration, but that did not stop people from hanging out tonight. The party is definitely on in Fayetteville. Yeah, it's the fifth year of the Cool Spring District. New Year's Eve spectacular. And once again this year, we're happy to be sponsoring it at ABC 11. Penelope Lopez live at Festival Park with the celebration underway. Penelope, when we last heard your mic, I heard you say Bubba Sparks was on stage. That's right. Bubba Sparks, it just took this age a couple of minutes ago. And as you can see, there's more people, there's large crowds, everyone excited for the last couple of hours of the 2025 year.

Three, two. The New Year's Eve celebration in Fayetteville is officially in full swing. I'm here with my friends just to have fun just to like, you know, celebrate the New Year's and go into the New Year's with people who are really like right or die for. My girls, man, it's great, like seeing people that you never see before, like celebrities and stuff. So that would be the most exciting part. Taking the stage this year for the fifth annual Fayetteville and Cool Springs District New Year's Eve spectacular Bubba Sparks, Young Junk, and the R&B Group, 702. Along with the powerhouse headliners, the event also features several other bands, performers, food trucks, and activities for the kids. People from across the country, including first-time attendee, Andrea Dawson, made the trip to be part of the celebration.

I'm actually from South Carolina I decided to come up with my son's godmother to just come and we saw the thing and was like okay let's go out to festival park others like Fayetteville natives and Tonya were especially excited to ring in the new year with some 90s classics I think you're on job that's too and of course I had to get in on the fun too You know, I got my shoulders working tonight. Usually I'm not dancing, but it was a great time to be with everyone. Young Jock is expected to take the stage after Bubba Spark. And then, of course, the R&B group, 702, like I mentioned earlier, I added them to my playlist, excited to listen to them when they take the stage. And also, you can't forget the fireworks, and that's expected later tonight. when the clock strikes midnight.

Happy New Year's guys. I know. Happy New Year to you, Penelope, as well. Looks like your moves are just in time for young Jock to hit the stage. I don't know if he's got the grooves going on with everybody else. She's ready. All right, have fun tonight. Penelope, thanks. And we'll take you to more New Year's Eve celebrations across the area straight ahead.

We'll also take you to New York City for the big celebration in the Big Apple. And update tonight in the story of a North Carolina election official charged with putting pills into the ice cream of his two granddaughters. learning in court documents. Also coming up here, an elderly couple falls victim to a violent crime spree here in the triangle today. The details on that next. And an alleged child care funding fraud case that began in Minnesota has now spread all around the nation. The move from the White House to now freeze critical funding for child care nationwide. And Don's checking on the temps outside right now. Yeah, we're in the 30s tonight, but the new year brings warmer air.

60s showed up. We'll show you when in your seven-day forecast. Okay, Don, we'll see you in just a minute and another live look right now at Rio de Janeiro. It is Copacabana Beach. Look at all those people having fun celebrating 2026 on the beach in Brazil right now. I checked it's 80 degrees right there tonight, middle of summer, and they are having a blast ringing in the new year. Eyewitness News continues right after this. Whether it's a pair of running shoes or a new car,

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Read the funds or ETFs prospectus before investing. Funds and ETFs are not guaranteed. Their values change and past performance may not be repeated. Did you know you can save on your Wagovi prescription? Download your savings card at wagovi.ca today. Some exclusions may apply. Drug charges have been dropped against a former North Carolina election official who was charged with putting drugs into the ice cream of his granddaughter and her friend. This is the case in Wilmington involving James Yokely. Back in August, he was charged with child abuse and three drug charges after police say he was seen on camera putting pills into the ice cream of the two teenagers.

New court documents showed the pills were tested and they did not fall under the list of controlled substances. Yokely still faces that child abuse charge. An elderly couple in Johnson County seriously heard after police say a man broke into their home and beat them. The sheriff's office says 39-year-old Thomas Wright from Wendell broke into a home on Devil's Racetrack Road in Four Oaks, and that's where he assaulted an 81-year-old man and his 74-year-old wife. Wright then left the scene and broke into another home. A woman was inside, but she was not hurt. The sheriff's office says a relative of the first couple then located right and fired a gunshot to scare him. That's when police eventually arrived, took right, and to cut him.

custody after a foot chase. They say Wright also tried to steal several cars in the process with that crime spree today. The elderly husband and wife who were attacked are at Wake Med tonight with serious injuries and Wright is facing a long list of charges. The Trump administration is freezing federal child care funding to all states now. It's a move the Department of Health and Human Services says will protect taxpayer dollars from fraud. The announcement comes as the administration looks into fraud and child care funding in the state of Minnesota. The government says funding will be released after states provide and prove the money. is being spent legitimately. We've reached out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to learn more about what the announcement means here at home. North Carolina's Attorney General is suing the Trump administration for canceling $50 million in education grants. A.G. Jeff Jackson says the community school grants was meant for 18 schools, including schools in both Durham and Orange County.

The education department says the cancellation is over DEI reasons. Congress approved the funds during the Biden administration. A.G. Jackson says the termination is illegal and if not reversed, will lead to some schools shutting down programs and laying off staff. All eyes are on the Big Apple right now as we count down to midnight in New York City. Yeah, these are live pictures from Times Square where the famous Waterford Crystal Ball will descend at midnight to us right into 2026. Anthony Carlo with our sister station in New York City joins us now to show us the celebration underway. Well, guys, there's no place like Times Square on New Year's Eve.

And here in New York City, you certainly need a warm mindset headed into 2026 because it is cold out here. But there's about a million people all bundled up and huddled together and wishing the best in the new year. The big hats are out and so are the gloves. So how are you mentally preparing to be out here all night? Oh, I've no idea. Probably just the music giving me up. Even the performers have the big ear muffs on for rehearsals. The crowds have bundled up. Some are fueling up and others saving their energy.

Frederica from Italy says she's too excited to feel the cold. It's her first time in New York City. For me, that I came from a little city. There is, like, few people here, it's, like, you can realize everything, like, every year dream, all your dream here. Happy New Year! A nation built on dreams, confetti will not only help ring in 2026 in Times Square, but a special patriotic toss at 12.4 a.m. will mark the beginning of celebrations for America's 250th birthday. The iconic ball will also light up for a second time.

Wow, you're out here with a sprained ankle? Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. As people from all around the world capture New Year's Eve on the biggest stage. Facebook in direct. The full force of the NYPD is out. And for the first time, conducting additional weapon screening. It's based on what we've learned over the past year and what we've seen throughout the world and the terrorism space.

Securing this space solely for celebrating. What's the adrenaline like for 2026? What's your phrase, stay skinny, stay single, and stay sane. Talk about an epic night and a star-studded list of performers. Music legend Diana Ross is here. Hopefully the outfit makes a little bit more sense now that you've heard about the patriotic features to this New Year's Eve celebration. In Times Square, Anthony Carlo, I'll send it back to you guys. All right, much warmer here in the studio than it is out there, right?

All right, we're seeing the early New Year celebrations around our region. All right, check it out. The town of Mount Olive continues its tradition of dropping that giant glowing pickle to mark the new year. Eyewitness news was there when the glowing pickle came down, the fireworks in the sky. They're at the home of the Mount Olive Pickle Company at cucumber and vine, and of course, they were given away free pickles, too. Of course they were. That is one of the great things happening in our area in the town of Mount Olive. All right, yeah, New York City right now, Don said it is chilly down into the 30s and they're getting some snow right now, so it makes us feel pretty good around here.

I know. Great place to live this kind of year, Don. Absolutely. You're out and about for activities tonight or headed out and about. The good news is it stays dry. We'll start with the seven-day forecast. Won't make you wait for it as we head into the new year. Tomorrow 56, Saturday, Saturday, and rain in here on Saturday. Looking like a better, chance of that drying out on Sunday in mid-60s by next week. Not seeing anything out there on the first alert Doppler net. We always start with the most powerful network of radars and it is dry tonight. Looking live into downtown Fayetteville. We're looking off toward the stage there, 40 degrees right now and partly cloudy. Maniota Murphy tonight, 41 out at the coast, 39 down at ECU as well as Raleigh and Lumberton, 37 in the triad, 32 for you in Boone. We go clear out to Murphy.

They're 26 degrees tonight. Let's talk about the overnight forecast. We'll drop into the mid-30s. Lots of clouds hanging around you. You can see the clouds working through the snow is staying away. Heavy snow flying through the eastern portions of Ohio, mountains of central Pennsylvania, Allegheny Mountains there into upstate New York, and it is all headed toward New York City.

So they will see snow around here. We will see sun and a few clouds working through tomorrow. Typical temperatures topping out in the mid-50s. seven-day forecast powered by ACCA weather on this new year's eve 56 tomorrow 47 saturday sunday that's the better half the weekend 50 degrees we near 60 on tuesday and wednesday 63 warming it up as we head into the first midweek of 2026 all right not too bad right that's a big bounce back coming our way it is happy new year guys happy new year to you too don't still to come here on iway news news we're counting down to midnight right in the heart of the capital city our

crew is live in downtown Raleigh for the acorn drop to us into 2026. If you are watching live from home, we'll tell you how many people are deciding to trade those big crowds from the comfort of their couch. Eye witness news is counting down to midnight. And as we get ready to welcome in 2026, we have crews in downtown Raleigh and Fayetteville as people are gathering right now to celebrate the new year. Okay. So if you're planning on ringing in the new year quietly at home, you're not alone. according to social app sunny 35% of people say they're going to stay home tonight 20% say they're going to go to bed early they won't even make it to midnight Steve Daniels 10% say

they'll be scrolling on social media when the ball drops and 24% of people say they do want to ring in the new year around people that they love friends family or you know just people that they want to be around perfect so for that 35% we got you covered right here on ABC 11 that's right We're going to be. We're going to be. I'm going to be. I don't know a lot of

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We're going to be able to be. We're going to be. I'm going to be. I'm going to be. I'm going to be. I'm We're going to be able to be. I'm going to be able to be.

I'm going to be. I'm going to be. You know, Back nine win seasons for the first time since 2013, 2014, guys, we're going into a new year. A lot of sports turning over. Will Wade looks like he was remaining himself from 2026. I love it.

Yeah, he's got something to say. That's passion. It's true is. Trey, happy New Year to you. Thanks, you too. Trey, thanks. As we count down to the new year here in North Carolina, people in other parts of the world are celebrating 2026. Yeah, the new year has arrived in Doha, Qatar, London and Paris and Tokyo. A lot of fireworks where people are celebrating before us. And we are still waiting for that midnight hour to strike. Raleigh and Fayetteville celebrating pretty big. We're going to wait for that acorn to drop in downtown Raleigh. A lot of people in Fayetteville said they went out for the nostalgia of the entertainment acts out there. So that's cool. Bubba's who's on stage, they're waiting for young jock in 702.

So some music to go with the cold and chilly temperatures while they wait with friends outside. Big night in Fayetteville and downtown Raleigh. And we also have our eye on the big apple for the iconic ball drop where some snow is falling right now. And it is down in the low 30s there in New York City. Oh, thousands of people gathered right now in Times Square to witness that tradition. Don't go anywhere because Dick Clark's New Year's Rock and Eve with Ryan Seacrest is coming up as soon as we are done here. That's going to do it for us tonight. Thanks so much for watching. Have a great new year. Yeah, happy New Year to all of you. And we'll see you back here tomorrow night at 11 o'clock on eyewitnesses. Good night.