ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 11pm - March 25, 2026

Episode Date: March 26, 2026

Eyewitness News at 11pm - March 25, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 preparing to deploy. Tonight we're learning new details about the plans for the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, what the White House is saying as the war with Iran continues on. And it comes as the Army makes a major change in recruiting as the number of new recruits reaches a fresh low, what they're now proposing and how you can potentially take advantage of it.

Plus a jury hands down a verdict in a high-profile social media case tonight. We're breaking down the ruling and sharing what it could mean for the safety of your kids. But first year at 11, we begin with life taken far too soon. A family is mourning the loss of a father after he was shot at a Raleigh nightclub. And tonight we're hearing from security experts as the search for the killer now enters its fourth day. Thanks for joining us here for eyewitness news at 11. I'm Steve Daniels. And I'm Lauren Johnson.

Tonight we're learning more about the shooting at that popular nightclub along Newburn Avenue. The victim, 33-year-old Jorge Durantus Karanda, died from his injuries today after he was shot in the early morning hours of Sunday at Patio Nightclub. Jemise Price is live at that club tonight where there's a growing memorial for the father. And Jemise, his death highlights a growing issue there in the Newbern Avenue corridor of Raleigh. Steve, there have been several shootings along this stretch of New Bern Avenue at three separate clubs, including this one here at patio nightclub. As you mentioned, claiming the life of a father and a beloved big brother.

The folks who work in this area, they tell me they are fed up and wish for this club never to open again. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes. Part of a growing makeshift memorial to remember a life lost at the patio nightclub on New Bern Avenue. Today, 33-year-old Jorge Dorontas Karanza

died from his injuries after being shot on Sunday. If they're not going to provide a safe environment for a people to go, people shouldn't go. His death points to a problem that's plagued this stretch of New Bern Avenue, shooting some of those deadly and nightclubs along New Bern Avenue over the past year. Within one mile radius, there's been multiple shootings at Star Bar, touchdown sports bar, and here at patio nightclub. Frank Brostrom is retired from the FBI. He now handles private

investigations and executive protection. We asked Frank how weapons are making it inside clubs if there are security checks to enter the building. If you're using a wand as someone's walking in, how do you not detect that that weapon is on them? Was the gun brought in some other way through a back door by an employee or something like that? The ABC Commission has suspended alcohol permits to night clubs with multiple violent offenses,

but in other cases, the club doors remain open. If you have one incident, even one or two incidents, they need to up their security, bottom line. They need to have the reputation that they're not going to put up with it. If they're known to just let things happen, that's what you're going to find. Now, Raleigh Police still investigating this deadly shooting.

The second victim remains in the hospital. We're in Raleigh tonight. James Price, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, good perspective there, James. Thank you. And we're following some breaking news from Raleigh. Candles were the cause of a back porch to go up in flames tonight. Our crews on the scene after that fire destroyed the backside of a home on center road.

Two people were inside at the time of the fire. We also know a bird cage with four birds inside had. to be removed. At least 35 firefighters responded to that fire. Also new here at 11, we have an update on a deadly shooting investigation in Durham. Durham police say Sequin Bowens has been arrested in charge with murder in the death of Tavares Joyner. Investigator said Joyner was found with a gunshot wound on East Umsted Street just before midnight on February 11 then he later died at the hospital. Bowens is being held at the Durham County Jail without bond. Durham police need your help as they search for a man wanted for murder on the American Tobacco Trail. Police say this man, Laroo Barbee,

and has been charged with first-degree murder. The 46-year-old is accused of stabbing Chesley Lions to death back on March 9th near Fayetteville and Pilot Streets. Lions was pronounced dead there at the scene. Eyewitness news was there as police investigated the stabbing that day. Today police reiterated this does not appear to be a random attack. They also believe there is no ongoing danger to the public. All right, let's turn out of first alert weather and you couldn't ask for a better evening to be outside. Our camera's capturing a lot of people enjoying the cool air during the dinner rush in downtown,

tonight. Don is with us right now. Great evening in the 50s right now. Yeah, let's check your weather headlines as we head through the next several days. Warmer tomorrow, we're talking bright, beautiful temperatures near 80 degrees. Friday we could set a record. We're going to be in the upper 80s flirting with 90 and then it gets very cold as we head into the weekend. We'll talk about that coming up in just a bit. Let's talk about what we're seeing out there tonight. Live look, first alert Doppler net. We always start with the most powerful network of live radars, but it's dry out there. and temperatures out there. Mild, 58 degrees right now,

looking at the Durham Freeway, just a couple of cars on there. Downtown Durham on the Mutual Tower SkyCam. And we'll stay in the 50s, looking at the next 11 hours. Those numbers really not changing that much. By 9 o'clock, we jump to 56. We'll be in the 60s by 10 a.m.

Warmer tomorrow and really warm on Friday. We'll talk about that, plus the complete weekend forecast coming up for you just a bit. Stephen Lauren. All right, Don, we'll see you soon. Let's turn out of the latest in the war with Iran. And tonight the Trump administration is sharing a strong assessment of its military campaign. It comes as new polls show Americans are increasingly skeptical of the strikes.

According to ABC News, the head of U.S. Central Command says American forces have damaged or destroyed more than two-thirds of Iran's missile, drone and naval production facilities. Admiral Brad Cooper says the U.S. now has hit its one 10,000th target and claims Iran has lost the ability to meaningfully project military power. Today's development comes as Reuters Ipsos poll found 61% disapprove of U.S. military action in Iran. And we also are keeping an eye on Fort Bragg. Tonight, soldiers are preparing to deploy to the Middle East. The Department of Defense shared with ABC News. Some specialized units in the 82nd Airborne's First Brigade Combat Team are going. At the North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville today, we were talking to people who were sharing their feelings about this upcoming deployment.

Many are concerned and feel the deployment could have been avoided, but one man told us it's necessary. It's needed to be done. We need somebody to draw the line and hold the Iran accountable for the last 47 years. I think they need to stay home. My honest opinion is that we really have no business over there. What is over there is for them. President Trump has said he does not plan to put American boots on the ground. Those four Prague soldiers are trained to parachute behind enemy lines.

New at 11, the U.S. Army is now expanding the age for men and women to sign up and serve. The Army raised its maximum enlistment age from 3rd. 35 to 42. It's a move designed to open the door for older Americans to join the ranks. The change brings the Army more in line with other military branches, as leaders say age alone should not be a barrier for qualified recruits. Wake County School leaders backing away from a controversial budget proposal. Yeah, it comes after a lot of strong pushback from school board members and teachers and parents as well. Today the superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor, said he'll no longer move forward with a plan

that would have eliminated 130 special education teaching positions. The proposed cuts were part of an $18 million reduction to the special education budget. It's a plan that spark demonstrations and also a marathon school board meeting this week. I think that there is a huge disconnect between what staff thinks special education looks like in a classroom and what it actually is. And I hope that they work on addressing that piece as well.

And Taylor now says he'll present other options after the school board members made it clear they will not support balancing budget at the expense of special education services. A major update tonight in the case of the graduate student charged with gunning down his professor on UNC's campus back in 2023. Today, an Orange County judge ruled Tiley Shee is competent to stay in trial. Shortly after the shooting, a mental competency test revealed he was unable to be tried for the murder and was likely suffering with undiagnosed schizophrenia. Today, the judge ordered mental health professionals to conduct

another evaluation. She's lawyers say they plan to proceed with an insanity defense. In Granville The Creedmore Police Department has issued warrants for two 17-year-old boys in connection with a fire at a store earlier this month. This is video from the Dollar General Store on South Main Street. Investigators say surveillance video shows the two teens inside the store with one of them setting fire to a piece of clothing and then leaving the store. Both of the boys are charged as an adult for felony burning of an occupied commercial structure. Creedmore Police are now asking for help from the public in fighting those teens. And Graham, new at 11. A pit bull has been seized because police say the dog bit multiple people. Smithfield police say a pit bull linked to two attacks in recent weeks, injured a total of five people.

The most recent incident happened on March 21st on Forbes Drive when a 62-year-old woman was working in her yard. Two others attacked trying to help her. Investigators say the same dog was also involved in an earlier incident on March 5th when two people were injured after the dog broke loose. The owner of the dog has been cited for leash law and animal bite violations. Johnston County Animal Services has now taken custody of those dogs. So to come here at 11, a historic jury decision and a case about social media platforms targeting children. Coming up next, why Meta and YouTube were in court and what it could mean going forward. Plus sending packages could soon cost more money, why the Postal Service is asking for a temporary price hike.

And Don's back with another look at the temps outside right now. Yeah, we're in the 50s tonight compared to the 30s we saw earlier this week, but we're going to be even warmer tomorrow night. We'll talk about that. Big warm up to first alert you about and some rain finally in the seven-day forecast. Talk about that next. And as we go to break, we hope you'll join us in stepping up to fight hunger. The 52nd annual Durham Crop Hunger Walk is happening on Sunday at Duke Chapel. Registration begins at 1.30 p.m. The walk at 2.30 p.m.

The Durham Crop Hunger Walk supports 12 local food pantries with 25% of the money raised. Staying in the Durham community, ABC 11, together is a proud sponsor. We are Local News. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. Now to a verdict in a lawsuit against social media companies, META, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, and YouTube, the landmark case awarding the plaintiff $6 million after a jury agreed meta in YouTube made their apps addictive to children. That decision comes hours after New Mexico jury ordered META to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for also putting kids at risk. ABC's Jacqueline Lee has more from Los Angeles. Landmarked decision in a case that could open the floodgates to more lawsuits against social media giants. Today, a Los Angeles jury found meta and YouTube harmed kids and teens by making their apps addictive and failing to warn users.

There are so many families who've been tragically hurt through the addiction of social media. We've sent a message with this that you will be held accountable. The jury awarding the 20-year-old plaintiff, Kaylee, referred to in court as KGM, a total of $6 million. Kaley testifying she started using social media at age six, spending 16 hours. on Instagram one day and claims it led to depression, anxiety, and body image issues. To take that teenager whose mind is still developing and to be fully aware of how you can use a casino effect, which is what the YouTube documents talk about, using a casino effect on a young developing mind, that's outrageous. In a statement to ABC News, Meta saying, we respectfully disagree

with the verdict and will appeal. Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online. YouTube also planning to appeal saying the case misunderstands it, which is a responsibly built streaming platform. It's kind of a slap in the hand for meta, but you have to start somewhere. And I think other states, I mean, I think parents are fed up and they're organizing and it's got to stop. I think it will, at least be curtailed. I don't know if you can stop it.

Snapchat and TikTok were previously named in the California lawsuit, but settled prior to trial without admitting wrongdoing. Jacqueline Lee, ABC News, Los Angeles. Jacqueline, thank you, New at 11, the U.S. Postal Service asking for approval to temporarily raise prices on popular shipping options. The Postal Service has proposed an 8% surcharge on things like priority mail and USPS ground advantage. It's an effort to offset rising transportation and fuel cost.

The increase would take effect on April 26. would last through January of 2027 pending final approval from regulators. Today, Senate Democratic leaders calling to be included in state budget negotiations. The House and Senate both propose their own version of the budget. There is an impasse among Republican leadership in the chambers. That means the prior budget remains in place, which does not account for now rising cost or differing needs. The North Carolina Budget and Tax Center explains how income tax cuts set to go into effect would add further stress. where we know that underfunding of programs in a high-cost environment is inevitable.

We know that the same dollar that North Carolina spent in 2024 isn't going to buy the same level of services in our communities. That's just what we've all experienced with inflation, and it happens in government too. House Speaker Destin Hall called for passing a budget sooner rather than later, noting the impact. of a deficit if those tax cuts go into effect. Apex did it. And now another way county town is pushing back on data centers. Commissioners in the town of Wendell are proposing a moratorium on the facilities as they study the potential impact. The moratorium would also cover data processing facilities and cryptocurrency mining. A public hearing on that proposed moratorium is scheduled for April 13th in Wendell.

Right now, there are no data centers or other infrastructure proposed within the town of Wendell. Leaders are calling this move proactive. And on Monday, Cumberland County Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on data centers. Residents shared their thoughts and concerns as commissioners work to develop a policy on those facilities. Data centers are facing a lot of backlash because of their massive consumption of energy and water which strains local infrastructure and raises utility bills too. All right.

Don, I heard you say 30s again. I said, Steve, aren't we done with winter? Spring. Right? Yes. Well, and this is why we tell folks, don't plant your plants until after tax day, April 15th. Mother's Day to be safe. Mother's Day to be safe.

Absolutely because we do get these little bursts. We're going to go upper 80s on Friday back into the lower 30s by Sunday. So these 50-degree swings continue. Look at the 7-day. We'll be at 80 tomorrow, 87 on Friday. Friday night into Saturday we dropped to 45, but Saturday night into Sunday, we're down to 34 degrees. That's a 53-degree temperature swing down. And then we go back up to 86 and other 52 degrees.

So basically, over the next week, 104, if my math is correct, there. Over 100 degree swing. It could be quite a week. All right, let's show you a live look. First, Lord Doppler net tonight, scanning the skies. It is dry across the Carolinas. Right now, we'll take a live look. Downtown Fayetteville, self-help sky camp show in 59,

mostly cloudy south wind at six miles an hour. We head live out to RDU, all the planes pulling in for the night, 58, cloudy and a south wind at seven. And overnight, we'll see those temperatures dipping. Mannyota Murphy, still a 60 on the board. Greenville down at DCU checks in at 60 degrees. 58 in Raleigh, 53 in the triad. 50 out in Boone tonight, 54 in Asheville, and 61 in Charlotte.

Overnight, we'll go from the 50s into the 40s, just a few clouds working through. 49, Roxborough, Henderson, you'll hold at 50 in Durham, 52 in Fayetteville, 51 in Clinton. Satellite radar does show some high clouds working through. We're not seeing any moisture out of these clouds, though. We're not seeing any rainfall. We have to go clear up into Pennsylvania, West Virginia to find anything. Shower's also diving through Illinois into southwestern Indiana, but all that rain stays away, at least for the next 24 hours. Your first alert predictor forecast model.

We'll go from tonight into tomorrow morning. You'll wake up in the low 50s, upper 40s. As we get into the afternoon, we're going to top out near 80 degrees. It is going to be beautiful out there on your Thursday. Friday morning starts even warmer with temperatures in the weather. the 60s in spots. Friday afternoon we could set a record as we get in the mid to upper 80s. I'm going to watch Friday evening. Most of it's dry till about 10, 11 o'clock. Then this line will drop through now as it drops through, it weakens and kind of fizzles out. But it does give

us the chance at least at a little bit of rain. And then after that, we are dry for a while again. Forecast looks like this for tomorrow. Temperatures across the region in the 70, 79 in Durham, 80 in Raleigh, 81 in Fayetteville. Sunshine just mixes with a few clouds. Your first alert, seven-day forecast. Shows those temperatures 87 on Friday. That'll be a near record high. Ties the record at 87.

Saturday, we're at 57. And as we get caught between the warmer and the colder, it's going to be very windy on Saturday. Sunday, the winds died down. Temperatures will be in the 60s for the Crop Walk. We hope to see in Durham for that. ABC 11 are proud sponsor. Monday, turning warmer.

74 80 on Tuesday. We're done with March. We start April with 86 degrees. It's going to be awfully warm. A whole lot of 80s and kind of an 80s sandwich with a cool down in between. 80s, 30s, 80s again. Geez, okay, Don, thank you.

It's almost time to get moving for a good cause in less than a month. Thousands will hit the streets of Raleigh for the annual ALS walk. Registration is now open for anyone who wants to join the ABC 11 Stagner Strong Team. The ALS walk takes place on Saturday, April 25th at the Halifax Mall.

Still ahead here on eyewitness, Susan, NBA expansion could be in the works. We'll tell you about the two cities being considered for new teams. New here at 11, the NBA could soon have two new teams. Today, the league's board of governors voted to approve the option to explore new franchises in Las Vegas in Seattle. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the board will need to make a decision by the end of this year. The vote isn't a guarantee that the league would expand to 31 or 32 teams. Instead, this is a survey process that's open for interested bidding. groups. Major League Baseball's opening day is more like two days this year. The first regular

season game happened tonight between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees. Yanks won seven to nothing. The more traditional opening day is tomorrow when 26 teams are set to take the field. Now to a big announcement for the event called the soccer tournament happening in Carrie. Yeah, former U.S. men's national star Landon Donovan is returning to the field. Donovan is the all-time leader in assists and tied for the most goals in U.S. men's national team history. Donovan will be part of a team called Sneaky FC. The 7-on-7 event is happening at the Wakeman Soccer Park and Kerry from May the 27th to June 1st.

They'll have a men's team, a women's tournament, and a mixed tournament as well. The tournament gives each winning team $1 million. Lauren, if we see NC State and UNC have openings at the same time, goodness. It would be amazing. Yeah. Trey, thank you and thank you at home for watching. That's going to do it for us tonight.

We'll see back here tomorrow at 11th. Good night. ABC 11 Eyewitness News is sponsored by Capital Chevrolet. Together, let's drive. Shop capitalshelverlea.com.