ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 11pm - March 24, 2026

Episode Date: March 25, 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. And right now at 11, we have breaking news on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. Head basketball coach Hubert Davis has officially been fired. It comes following the Tar Hill's historic upset loss to VCU and round one of the NCAA tournament. And tonight, students are weighing in. My take is I needed to happen.

Yeah, on to the next. Tonight we're also hearing from Coach Davis not long after his firing. He says he's grateful and his goal now is to coach again in the near future. Kate Rogerson will have more from campus, but we begin tonight with the war in Iran because hundreds of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne based at Fort Bragg are preparing to deploy to the Middle East. Thanks so much for joining us here for the news at 11. I'm Lauren Johnson.

Hi everyone. I'm Steve Daniels. Yeah, tonight we know about 1,500 soldiers will be part of this deployment. We also know the deployment includes both ground forces as well as a headquarters element. Today's development comes as ABC News has learned Trump administration officials sent a 15-point plan to Iranian leaders to end the war with Iran. That plan included Iran's ballistic missile program and nuclear program as well as maritime routes. But troops are now being deployed as Iran continues to insist no negotiations for a ceasefire are underway with the Trump administration. Jemis Price is live outside the eyewitness News Center in Raleigh, Jemis, U.S. spent the day talking with veterans who say deployments truly leave a lasting impact.

Lauren, Air Force veteran Shadonna McFall, she really describes this feeling of fear, anxiety, and concern when you get that call that you are being deployed. She also told me that once you get the call, the clock is ticking. Once you raised your right hand, there is a strong possibility that you will go whether it's wartime, peace time. Shadonna McFall spent 20 years serving our country in uniform in the United States Air Force. She was called three times. It doesn't get easier. It's just what they say you get better.

Her last deployment was 2010 to Afghanistan. You've got to be ready to go in a matter of three days in a lot of cases. And each time she got the call, there was one thing that never got easier. I think the hardest thing is I know for me it was making that phone call to my mom. Tonight, Shadana is thinking about the Fort Bragg soldiers who are likely making those same phone calls. According to ABC News, troops from the 82nd Airborne are set to deploy to the Middle East as the conflict continues in Iran. The 82nd, they're one of the first units to always leave when things like this happen. And even though it's a specialized unit, usually the first called into combat, Shadana says it can't be easy.

You're in survival mode now, and emotions can get you killed. And for any soldier who may be feeling the uneasiness, she remembers and share this advice. You know what's at stake here. Keep your minds sharp. Keep your emotions out of it. And for the community who often wonders what they can do. Kindness, she says, should come first. We're going to have to give each other grace at work, at home, in the community, because you don't know whose husband or wife, granddaughter, grandchild is deploying and what they're going through. And while Shadana did not have kids during her deployment, we understand that other families may have kids during this time, and that's an added stress during a deployment.

So we checked in with Dr. Mark Pissano. He is a retired school counselor who spent more than four decades in Fort Bragg schools. And during our conversation, one thing really stood out to me. And he said that it's very critical for the parent who, being deployed to make a really close connection with their child who will be back home. Take a listen. I have the service member videotape reading a bedtime story to the children, you know, five minutes or something. That way the child can look at it every night and you know they will.

The other thing would be to have the service member spend some one-on-one time with the child in exchange a gift or something that could be kind of a gift or something that could be kind of a keepsake. And that's an opportunity for that parent and that child to bond. He also suggests that parents let the school know exactly what is happening and that a parent will be deploying. We're live in Raleigh, James Price, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Yeah, we understand so much uncertainty anxiety for the soldiers and their entire families at Fort Bragg right now. Jamies, thank you. Let's get back now to the breaking news unfolding in Chapel Hill tonight. The University of North Carolina has officially moved on from men's basketball coach Hubert Davis to

tonight UNC announced the firing after yet another early exit for the tar heels from the NCAA tournament. The now former head coach went to Instagram to release his thoughts on the firing saying he wanted to stay in the role. He goes on to say, quote, I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. Kate Rogerson joins us live from the campus of Chapel Hill. Kate tonight's firing is a move. A lot of fans say they saw coming. Huber Davis did a lot of good things in five seasons as the head coach of UNC men's basketball. But good isn't great and great is the standard here in Chapel Hill. Tonight, the university has fired Davis after another early exit in the NCAA tournament.

Last week, the Tar Hills were a part of a historic overtime upset loss to VCU. Davis is firing also comes amid a promising season that suddenly lost momentum when star freshman Caleb Wilson suffered a season-ending right thumb injury just before the final Duke game. In a statement from UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, he said, quote, This was not an easy decision because of Hubert's tremendous character and all that he has given to the program. But we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level. In 2022, Hubert Davis led the Targills to a national championship game. Since that, in three of the last four seasons, UNC has failed to make the tournament or advance past the round of 64.

You asked about the vibes, Steve earlier in the newsroom when we were talking about what it's been like in Chapel Hill and around this team. Following the loss in Greenville as we stood in the tunnel after the lost to VC, you, the mood changed, the vibe changed, the story changed. It wasn't, hey, UNC season is over. It's we're on Hubert Watch. The standard of excellence at this school is to win. It's to win ACC titles. It's to win national titles. And that hasn't happened under head coach Hubert Davis. A lot of frustration came within the administration, the fans, the stakeholders. This isn't what anyone wanted, but it's not what they expected. In tonight's statement, we also learned that the university will pay the full buyout terms of Hubert's contract. That's nearly $5.3 million.

A national search is on to find the next head coach of UNC men's basketball, and signs are pointing that for the first time it will be out of the Carolina family. We'll have more on this coming up in sports. Back to you. And that's such a shift. Hubert Davis was part of the Carolina family, having played his college ball there in Chapal. Yeah, the end of an era tonight. All right, Kate, thank you. And here's a look back at Davis's tenure in five seasons. He went 12 and 125 and 54. In 2024, he was named ACCC coach of the year. He also led the Tar Heels to the National Championship game in his first season. Since then, UNC won just three NCAA tournament games over the past four seasons and missed the tournament once.

The Tar Heels have also not won an ACC tournament title in a decade. Eyewitness News has a full breakdown on how we got here online. Be sure to read the article. It's on the homepage of ABC11.com. We're following breaking news in Fayetteville. An apartment complex has been evacuated because of something suspicious in the building. And we just learned it's something used on a farm. The incident is at the Good Homes Bordeaux, the former Holiday Inn that was converted into apartments.

The building was fully evacuated with crime scene tape stretching from Fire Station 5 on Boone Trail along Owen Drive and down Village Drive. Police now say it was a piece of equipment used to measure ammonia levels on a farm. Riley, police arresting a man on charges, he impersonated a law enforcement officer and court records reveal he's been charged with the same crime in Wake County, at least seven other times, dating back to 2015. And police say in the recent case, his actions led to unwelcome. sexual contact. Raleigh police say they got a report of 33-year-old Meredith Cromarty conducting a fake traffic stop last Thursday. Police say Cromarty then continued to contact the victim and was seen driving near the victim's home. During the investigation, it was found another incident happened the day before when Cromarty allegedly forced the victim into unwanted sexual contact. Yesterday, Cromarty turned himself into the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

He was served with the outstanding charges from Wake County, including impersonating a law enforcement officer, extortion, sexual battery, and kidnapping. Tonight, one of North Carolina's most powerful politicians, Senate leader Phil Berger is conceding his run for re-election. That's after a hand recount of ballots today in his race against Rockingham County, Sheriff Sam Page, showed no change to Page's 23-vote lead. Berger has been in the Senate as president since 2011, and he's been in the legislature since 2001. In a statement today, Berger says, while this is a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory. He says it's been an honor to play a role in the transformation of the General Assembly over the past. 15 years saying he's committed to working with his colleagues in the short legislative session. And Sheriff Page addressed his primary victory too.

It's not all about the money raised. It's about the relationship and the trust that you build in your community. You know, whether you're elected official or sheriff or any other position where you're working as a public servant is you build relationships. And you can build some of some long lasting relationships. And I think that's what we saw. I think our citizen came out. Their trust was there. They showed their support.

And you can look for all the latest developments in that race right now on our website, ABC11.com. We're following new details in a police chase that ended in Lillington. It comes after a suspect fled from deputies and hit multiple vehicles. The Harnock County Sheriff's Office says deputies tried to stop a man around Highway 421 near Prospect Church Road in Irwin. That's when the driver who was identified as Dominic Williams is wanted by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office for assault on a law enforcement officer, refused to stop, took off toward Lillington. During the chase, deputies say Williams hit several vehicles. before a pit maneuver was used, bringing that chase to an end.

Williams then ran but was caught a short distance away. He's now facing multiple charges. So to come here on eyewitness news, reaction to a unique seating option from one of the country's major airlines is not going viral online. Yeah, what they're doing that some say is a complete game changer. Also coming up a rental agreement that proved too good to be true, one woman sharing her story with the I-Team troubleshooter

so you don't get scammed too. Plus a possible path to end the shutdown. It comes as airline travelers continue to feel the strain. what we're hearing about potential TSA funding is next. And Don, it's a chilly night outside tonight. Yeah, we've got numbers in the 40s. It's going to be the coldest night we see for the next few. We do have a big warm-up on the way.

And another cool down to first alert you about. It's almost seven-day forecast coming up. When West Jet first took flight in 1996, the vibes were a bit different. People thought denim on denim was peak fashion. Inline skates were everywhere. And two out of three women rocked, the Rachel. While those things stayed in the 90s, one thing that hasn't is that fuzzy feeling you get when West Jet

welcomes you on board. Here's to Westjetting since 96. Travel back in time with us and actually travel with us at Westjet.com slash 30 years. At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet winds. That's why our annual health assessment offers a physician-led, full-body checkup that provides a clear picture of your health today and may uncover early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer. The healthier you means more moments to cherish. Take control of your well-being and book an assessment today. Medcan, live well for life. Visit medcan.com slash moments to get started. We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. And we have this new tonight from Washington.

There are some signals coming in that Congress might be closer now to a deal to get the TSA officers paid. The officers have been on the job for weeks without paychecks due to a partial government shutdown, limiting funding of the Department of Homeland Security. ABC's Alex Stone reports on the unfolding issues for the air travel industry. A glimmer of hope for a deal that could fund the TSA. For 39 days, TSA officers have been on the job without full paychecks. Lines have been growing at some airports. In Houston, lines have been hours long this week.

It's inhuman. There's no water, no bathrooms. I mean, it's crazy. Republicans are now proposing to fund every agency in the Department of Homeland Security except immigration enforcement. It is essentially what the Democrats have been asking for. And so we're going to have an opportunity to vote on that. But some Democrats say it doesn't go far enough. We need reforms to ice. We need to rain in the violence. President Trump, who lawmakers say at first express support for the deal now is not sold. I guess they're getting fairly close, but I think any of the...

deal they make, I'm pretty much not happy with it. United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, is on his way to Washington to try to convince Congress a deal is vitally important to the country. Kirby telling me, The fix is for our elected representatives to do their job and pass funding to pay the TSA agents. And it comes as Kirby warns airlines need to raise ticket prices to offset higher oil prices due to the war in Iran. Affairs need to go up about 20% to fully cover that. He says as prices go up, they expect fewer people will travel. That's why already airlines are cutting some flights like red eyes and the frequency of other flights to meet expected demand due to looming ticket price increases. Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles. Now to a warning from the I-Team troubleshooter about a rental scam that's

costing Triangle residents thousands of dollars. Marquita Hall thought she found the perfect Fayetteville rental online. She sent text messages. back and forth with a person who claimed to be the landlord and she even got access to the rental home and a key to the place. But then after paying the application fee, the security deposit, the first month's rent, which totaled more than $2,200. She learned it was all a scam. He did not know who the lights were with and him stating to us that he would take care of the utilities for that first month. I actually text him and told him, I know you scam me. And he's still right now to the day, he still texts me and say, I will terminate.

I will send you your money back if you terminate your contract by sending me $500. The home Marquita thought she rented was actually managed by a property management company, not the person she was talking to. So when it comes to rental scams to protect your money, always Google the property address to see if it's offered other places. In Marquita's case, the home is offered for rent online through other agencies for much more money than the $1,000 a month. It was advertised to her.

Also, when she sent the lockbox code, when she received that to get into the home, the text message, had a warning, avoid scammers, do not send money to anyone you have not met in person. Also, just because you get access to a home, it does not mean you're talking to the actual landlord or the owner or the property management company. Marquita is actually not alone. The troubleshooter has heard from six other ABC 11 viewers in the past two weeks who fell for that very same rental scam with different properties.

A North Carolina TikTok star found liable for destroying a couple's marriage was back in court today. In November, a Durham County judge ordered Brne Kinnard to pay more than 1.75. million dollars to Akira Montague. Montague claimed Kinnard had an affair with her husband and bragged about the affair on TikTok to her three million followers. In court today, Kinard said her income has dropped drastically since the original trial and she cannot afford to pay that judgment. She's appealing the judgment, but the judge ordered her to pay $40,000 today towards that $1.75 million. We're learning more about the cause of a big fire at this apartment

complex in North Raleigh. We covered his breaking news last night here at 11 o'clock. The Raleigh Fire Department now as the fire was caused by someone not properly throwing away materials after smoking. Eyewitness News was there as the crews were battling the fire there at the Liv, Six Forks Complex on Shonda Drive. Six apartments were damaged and fortunately no one was hurt. New here at 11, United Airlines is getting a lot of attention on life for a pretty unique seating option in its economy section. So instead of having three seats in a row, customers will feel like they're sitting or lying on a couch. Take a look at the video there on your screen.

Flyers who choose this option will get a mattress pad, blankets and extra pillows to use. The option allows for more leg room and the ability for you to sleep and even just stretch out, get comfortable. United will offer this new seating arrangement for long flights. The airline calls it United Relax Row, which they claim is ideal for families with small children, solo travelers, and maybe even the couples who need a little extra room at 30,000 miles up.

You can see it there. They're getting all cuddled up. Everyone having a good time, huh? Can I go to the relax? Do you have to buy all three seats? Is that how works? Yeah, you buy all three seats. They say it's going to launch in 2027.

Yeah, you get the whole thing. What do you think about it? You know what? I always feel bad for the people who get stuck next to me because I take up a big seat. That's perfect for you. And you can sleep on the way. I could have a stretch out.

Do you ask them to lift the armrest or do you squeeze in there? No, I squeeze in it. It's rough. I get bruises. That's a later story. All right, let's show what's happening tonight. Live look. First alert, seven-day forecast.

And we're in the 60s tomorrow. We're back near 80 on Thursday. Friday we could break a record. This is, boy, I'll tell you what, folks. This is an up-and-down ride. We'll start in the 30s tomorrow. We go 50 degrees warmer on Friday. We go 50 degrees cooler on Sunday night in,

or Saturday night into Sunday. And then we're back near 80 next week. So that up-and-down ride just continues. Live look on your first alert, Doppler net tonight. We're dry, not much to show you in the way of rainfall. Let me take a live look down into Fayetteville on the self-help sky cam, 41 and clear on a northeast wind at six miles an hour. Mannyota Murphy tonight, the cooler air settling in across the state,

41 down at the coast, 39 at ECU, 39 up in Chase City. And we'll drop into the 30s, really across the region tonight, with overnight lows down into the 30s, 35, Raleigh, 33, Roxburgh, 35 in Clinton and 36 in Lumberton. Satellite radar composite just show some high clouds working through so that'll hold our temperatures up a little bit. We're not seeing any moisture associated with these clouds at the surface though. A couple of showers up through Ohio tonight. Some showers out along the Mississippi River Valley.

But around here, we are dry. And when you're in drought, usually it continues to stay in drought for a while. And we are really dry over the next several days. Your first alert predictor forecast model. Wind start to swing out of the south tomorrow, and that'll push some clouds up into us, but it also pushes the temperatures up. We're in the 60s by tomorrow afternoon. We'll stay in that warmer air tomorrow night, dropping into the 40s. And then as we go into Thursday, we're in the mid to upper 70s.

Forecast looks like this for tomorrow. Temperatures across the region topping out in the 60, 65 Raleigh, 67, or 65 Durham 67, Raleigh, 68 in Fayetteville, with sunshine and some high clouds working through. First alert seven day forecast shows that up and down ride. Almost 80 on Thursday. Friday, 86 degrees. That'll be near record high. Now, there is a chance of a stray shower Friday night into Saturday. Usually we'd see a lot of rain, but with all that dry air in place,

I don't think we're going to see that much. Saturday, 57, 62 on Sunday and back into the 70s next weekend. If you're headed into Durham for the Crop Walk, looking great for that with mild temperatures. All kinds of ups and downs there, huh? Don, thank you. Still ahead. A sweet surprise while you may still have to put out big. money to buy some Easter chocolate next.

This episode is brought to you by FedEx. These days, the Power Move isn't having a big metallic credit card to drop on the check at a corporate lunch. The real Power Move is leveling up your business with FedEx intelligence and accessing one of the biggest data networks powered by one of the biggest delivery networks. Level up your business with FedEx, the new Power Move. Easter is right around the corner. And this year, shoppers may notice some sweet sticker shock.

The cost of Easter chocolate is expected to be higher this year. It comes even as cocoa prices have started to fall. Experts say most Easter candy was made months ago when those prices were still near record highs. That means relief hasn't reached door shells just yet. The National Confectioners Association says about 90% of Easter baskets include chocolate. And despite the higher prices, consumers are expected to spend billions on Easter candy this day. One last thing I want to add, losing your job is never fun, no matter who you are, what you do. Hubert Davis is a person. He is a husband, he is a father.

A lot of people are impacted by this decision as we await what's next here in Chapel Hill. Back to you. And as such deep roots in Chapel Hill. He played his college ball there. He had a great career in the NBA as well, and he says he wants to go on and coach somewhere else now. Yeah, and you can feel Kate the love he has for his players talking about how much he loves the kids. So it's also hard, too, to lose that connection as well. All right.

Kate Rogers reporting for us from the campus of UNC. That's going to do it for us tonight. Thanks so much for watching. Jimmy Kimmel Live is on the way next. And remember the news is always on at ABC11.com. We hope to see you back here tomorrow night at 11. Good night. ABC 11 eyewitness news is sponsored by Capital Chevrolet.

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