ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - December 24, 2025

Episode Date: December 24, 2025

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Next at 4, we're tracking your Christmas forecast. Temperatures climbing into the 70s across Central Carolina today, well we can expect tomorrow. And breaking right now at 4, reports of shots fired inside a Walmart forcing the store to close early on this last day before Christmas. We're live in Wilson with the new details we're learning about injuries. And the rush to get home. It's in its final push as massive storms bear down on Southern California

and the new storm set to Wallop Northeast Travelers after Christmas. And racing against the clock. We're out with last minute shoppers as they wrap up those final gifts. If you still need to head out, we'll run through the store closing hours coming up. And we're Santa right now. We're tracking them live. IWitnesses at 4 is next. Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, keeping you connected to your community

and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11. I Witness News. Thanks for joining us on this Christmas Eve. I'm Bianca Holman. Amber and Barbara are off today. We begin with that breaking news. And Wilson reports of shots fired inside a Walmart on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Tropper 11, you can see right behind me flying over the Walmart as police responded to the scene.

We saw one person being brought out in a wheelchair. So this is the Wilson Super Center Walmart on Forest Hills Road West. And it's closed right now. So Cindy Bay is live there hearing for witnesses who were. inside. Cindy, what do we know now? We know that this was not an active shooter situation, but what more have you learned? No, it is not, Bianca, but police are asking people to avoid the area. And you can see that most of this parking lot is empty as Walmart is closed for the rest of the day. We're still working to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

But here's what we know so far. Police came to the area on Forest Hills Road West this afternoon. And you can see from our Chopper 11, their response, including other agencies such as EMS. And as mentioned, we could see one person being wheeled onto an ambulance. We also saw EMS speaking with another person. We're working to learn if there were any injuries. Meanwhile, we spoke with eyewitnesses who say they were inside when it happened. I froze. Like, for some reason, I froze.

He acted quick. I heard the gunshots and it was like a slow motion movie. I turned and all I saw it was a crowd of people and I just instantly went, okay, this is a scary situation. I need to get me and my mother out of here. Again, it's unclear if gunshots were actually fired, but eyewitnesses tell me that they were evacuated from the back of the building. And Walmart staff have been at the entrances just telling shoppers who came last minute

that it's closed for the rest of the day. And so we're going to continue to work on this developing story and bring you the latest on eyewitness news at 5 and 6 in Wilson. Cindy Bay, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, Cindy Bay, live with us with that reaction from people who are inside the store when this all happened, a scary sight. Cindy, Bay, thank you. And so right now at 4, turning to the other big story of the day,

the weather, no need for those coats and jackets on Christmas Eve. As temperatures soared into the 70s today, people, you can see them out and about, soaking in the sun. Now while there were, of course, there'll be no white Christmas. It's pretty warm outside for us this year. We are getting the gift of warmer weather. So meteorologist Steve Stewart is in for Cruz Medina this afternoon. So you're in the first alert weather center with a look at our Christmas forecast. Are we going to hit a record? No, not, not on our record. But it's nice to get up there, though. If we're not going to have snow, like you said, might as well be nice and pleasant temperature wise. We're looking good to some passing clouds around. We're going to be in this roller coaster for a while, around 70 tomorrow. A big drop on Friday, right back to near 70 Saturday, a little dip as we go into Sunday before a little bit of moderation on Monday. And then the big time drop comes and that's going to last for a while with some cooler temperatures coming. So the up and down continues. We need some rainfall. It's just really not in the cars, really low chances over the course of the next week.

And that's about it. Sun's getting set to go down. 70 right now in North Hills, partly cloudy conditions out there. That dew point around 41. That's six degrees warmer than this time yesterday with widespread. 60s and low 70s. 72 in Smithfield, that's the warmest number there on the map. And 64 in Oxford, one of the cooler spots is still.

That's very pleasant out there. So your Christmas Eve, 56 around seven. Later on around midnight, we only get down to the upper 40s. The clouds will increase and likely with the clouds increasing. We're not going to cool much after that. About 44 degrees tonight. And then another warm one tomorrow, the high temperature around 70 degrees. There could be a spotty little shower.

Now we've hit 70 before multiple times just in the last 10 years. We did it in 21 and in 2015 it was incredibly warm at 74 degrees. It can't last forever though. Winter's coming back next week. More on that coming up in just a few minutes. Bianca. All right, Steve, thank you. Well, that frightening shooting and situation in Wilson coming as thousands of people are out today racing against the clock to get those last minute Christmas gifts. Chavre 11 flying over the streets at South Point Mall in Durham and Crabtree Valley Mall and Raleigh. Both parking lots pretty packed with cars but not too crowded. And this is what it looked like earlier today at Fenton and Cary. Not too busy there, but a good sign that

most people have finished their shopping. But if you still need to grab a gift or two, you definitely have some time to head out to Fitton, but time is running out. Penelope Lopez is live on Skibo Road in Fayetteville with a look at the final shopping rush. You're out there. You know, Penelope, you've been talking with the folks. What are they been saying? That's right. You know, if you're still trying to check off some names on your Christmas list, You're not alone. I spent the morning speaking with a last minute shoppers who are racing the clock trying to get that last minute gift before the store closes. Well, I just got paid last Friday, and then I had a bunch of stuff going on in between the week, so I didn't have time to go shopping until today. Some people plan ahead, and while others are still shopping today.

I left my house at 11. Traffic was terrible, and trying to knock out all my Christmas shopping today. We needed two more Christmas presents for our girls and Christmas presents for man-laws. Squeezing in those final purchases at Target on Sky Bowl Road is Kamaya Scott, a local teacher. I got a bunch of stocking stuffers. I got the girls some lip gloss. I got dolls, give cards, candy, all the shebang. Hopefully everybody likes it, so we'll see. And after the rush, one thing is certain.

Many of these last-minute shoppers say they won't be doing this again. Absolutely not. Absolutely not. It's going to be all online by the 20th next year. And despite the long lines, all of the shoppers said they got everything they needed just on time. Now, the Cross Creek Mall, they close at 5 p.m. And stores like Target on Sky Bowl Road close at 8. Live in Fayetteville, Penelope Lopez, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

All right, Penelope, did you finish your shopping? I still need to. I need to get a wrapping paper. I'll get it right here. afterwards. All right. Well, we're going to wrap up this live shot so you can go ahead and get their wrapping paper. Falunelofi Lofes live for us on Skyvo Road out there.

So here's it goes a look at all the mall hours today. Raleigh, both Crabtree and Triangle Town Center, they're going to be open until 6 o'clock. So you've got about two more hours here. In Durham, streets of South Point will also shut down at 6. And as Penelope just said, in Fayetteville Cross Creek Mall will close a little bit earlier there at 5. And so other stores are staying a little bit open. later than the shopping malls. So if you still need to grab grocery items,

Wegmans, they close at six. Food line, Harris, Teeter, Publix, Lowe's Foods, and Whole Foods Market, they are all open until seven. Grab some eggnog there. And you still have some time to run to Walmart. The retailer is closing at six while Target. We'll stay open a little bit later, not closing until eight tonight.

And if you do need to make a store run tomorrow, many CVS locations will be open on Christmas Day, but they have modified hours. Walgreen stores, will also be open. But pharmacy hours may vary, so be sure to check before you go. And most McDonald's locations are going to be open as well. We turn down to the holiday travel rush as millions of people head home or other destinations before Christmas. A live look right now at I-40 in Waite County. Traffic appearing to be moving just fine. And from this vantage point

that we can see, we're also tracking air travel. A live look at Terminal 2 at RDU International. TSA projects 44 million people will fly from December 19th through January 4th. Today, Jimmy's Price met with a few of those travelers coming from Philly and San Diego and others going to the Bahamas in Peru in the name of family and new Christmas traditions. With one day until Christmas, R.D.U. Welcome travelers rushing to get home for the holidays. So I've been flying all morning, all morning. Tosh Bell took a red eye out of San Diego to get to North Carolina just in time for Christmas. It's long, five hours straight flight, my back hurt, my head hurt, my neck hurt. All worth it though to be with family.

A lot of people probably don't have family for the holidays with things to do, so, but I'm excited to see my family excited to be here. And family is what brought Anthony Barone back home, but last minute changes to his itinerary kept him grounded longer than planned. I just had to switch my flight. I originally had a flight. The flight was full. They asked if anybody would stay back overnight, so I did. But it was nice because I got to spend the night with my best friends in Philly. And now he gets to spend Christmas with his family. And this year, it's extra special. It's my first Christmas with my youngest son

and second with my oldest, so just really excited to start these holiday traditions. A holiday tradition many families are taking part in, traveling out of the country for the holidays. This family of 16 out of Roanoke Rapids is headed to the Bahamas and these two families out of Kerry going to Peru. We're all in different areas and different states, so it's really nice to come together. We've been doing it since you're kids a little grown up, so it's nice to see each other, make memories, eat out, take nice photos. Creating new memories to last a lifetime. We are about to have fun. It means love and care, and we just get to share the times with us and memories. Right, that was our James Price reporting there.

And if you are traveling this holiday season, here are a few tips to make sure it is seamless at the airport. Plan your parking before you get there. Don't forget your ID. Keep your medication, phones, and valuables in your carry-on bags just in case your check bag gets lost. Meantime, extreme weather hitting California just before the holidays. Across Southern California, there's heavy downpours and high winds,

threats of mudslides and rock slides due to the burn scars from the latest. wildfires. Officials warning to drive safely during their holiday travel season out there. ABC news reporter Olivia Rubin has the latest. Today, life-threatening rain and flood slamming parts of the West Coast. More than 41 million people on high alert for catastrophic flooding and strong winds. The National Weather Service issuing a rare high risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding in some areas of Southern California. ABC's Melissa Adon out reporting in the thick of it in Malibu. It is really outstanding this storm.

From what I have covered here in Southern California, it is impressive. You are basically comparing it to a tropical storm that we see out in the east coast to the southeast because we have been getting dust reported of 40 miles per hour. The wind in all of this is really what is outstanding at this hour. So on top of that, that rain is just coming down. Evacuation orders already in effect. some areas. In the mountains northeast of Los Angeles, heavy debris flows in Wrightwood, California, the main mountain highway there impassable. Swift water

rescue crews assisting with evacuating homes immediately impacted. And the biggest concern, those areas ravaged by the wildfires almost a year ago. Altadena and the Pacific Palisades where the burn scarred Earth simply can't absorb the rain and prompting increased fears of mudslides. In the San Fernando Valley, the These drivers forced to drive through flooded roads in Burbank. Up to a foot of rain could fall in some areas. The state's fire and rescue chief with this clear warning. We have intense rain, gusty winds, possible tornadoes.

It's just a mix of the perfect storm. And we're encouraging everybody, stay off the roads, stay out of flooded waterways, you know, stay safe this holiday season. And now California's Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency there, saying he's deploying emergency response resources around the state. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, New York. Well, still ahead at 4, another local hospital system updating its visiting policy as cases of respiratory illnesses increase.

And next at 4, a look at the new guidelines Cape Ver Valley Health is implementing to help protect patients. And we're tracking Santa where the jolly old elf is now as the race across the globe happens to look at where he is as children here in Central Carolina await his arrival. Steve? All right. Hey, it's a little bit of traffic out there for you. I-40 Airport Boulevard moving along just fine out there. A lot of cars, but moving pretty quick. We like to see that. We do have another day of warm temperatures tomorrow on the way, maybe some more 70s before a big drop on Friday. All the details on that coming up. But first, Here's your traffic hotspots brought to you by the first alert weather team. Your first alert that we could have some low visibility. Warmer air working in. More clouds around tomorrow.

The next chance of rain that we're watching. Always tracking, always alerting. Wind gust will be up around 30 miles an hour. Your first alert forecast team. ABC 11 eyewitness news. Welcome back. Another local hospital restricting visitors as respiratory illnesses continue to rise. Starting Friday, Cape Fear Valley Health,

will not allow visitors under 12 years of age. Masks will be required for all patients and visitors in the waiting rooms. Visitors who are not feeling well or who have respiratory symptoms will be asked to postpone their visit. And visitors will not be permitted at all in the emergency department or waiting rooms unless the patient is 65 years or older or has special needs. Kate Fears says the steps are being taken to protect patients, visitors and staff. Happening now at four construction crews working to clear the collapsed walls and roll. roof from a Pennsylvania nursing home. They are trying to help investigators find the cause of an explosion that killed a resident and an employee. It set off a dramatic evacuation amid falling debris

and shooting flames. From this new daylight video, you can actually see clearly the damage. ABC reporter Olivia Rubin has more on the devastation. Today, new pictures from above showing the power of the blast that tore through the nursing home near Philadelphia. Tons of twisted metal tossed on the roof, collapsing into the building. The explosion was really quite catastrophic. Firefighters were already on scene investigating reports of a gas odor at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center

when the blast happened. Silver Lake Nursing home reporting an explosion. Emergency crews racing into the building to evacuate the 120 residents and staff as thick black smoke and flames filled the sky. We got everyone out that we could, that we could find, that we could see. And we exited the building.

Within approximately 15 to 30 seconds of us exiting the building, there was another explosion and fire. First responders pulling residents from windows, stairwells, and elevators. I have a brother-law over there. I have some friends that works there. This guy keep praying for him. Officials also confirming two people died. It's so devastating. And we all, there's like a big family in there.

Officials also saying at least 20 people were injured here too. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, New York. Olivia, thank you. And happening now, NORAD is once again tracking Santa as he delivers presence across the globe. Here goes a live look at the map showing where jolly old St. Nick is. And right now, he's in Libya and Africa on the continent there. Santa starts his journey at the international date line before making his way westward around the world as he tries to be at everyone's homes between 9 p.m. and midnight local time to ensure that children are a

sleep during his visit. And so many children here excited for him to get to the triangle tonight. And before taking off on their flight around the world, one of Santa's reindeer made an early stop at Duke Children's Hospital and during today to make a Christmas wish come true. This special visit came after a 10-year-old patient who's been in the hospital for more than three months, wrote a letter to Santa asking if he could meet a real reindeer. The reindeer arrived at the hospital just in time before its busy night with Santa. And right now at 4, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this video is too. It says the weather was so nice today.

The playground over at Dick's Park was full of kids. Look at that on the swing. Do you would think it was spring or something? They're up there swinging around as I wait for Santa's arrival. A gorgeous Christmas Eve, and we can expect around the same on Christmas Day. So meteorologist Steve Stewart joining us now. Well, can you believe it? You're going to have to say, send the kids outdoors.

Yeah, a couple of those trees still have green leaves on them, too. It's unbelievable. If I have to mow my yard again. No. Don't say that. All right. Listen, we have another warm one tomorrow. Then we're going to see this really crazy up and down roller coaster of temperatures, but enjoy it, though.

It's pretty nice out there at this hour, really nice to a little evening walk around the neighborhood and enjoy that. High's around 70 again tomorrow, so a very warm day, although tomorrow features more clouds around, especially in the morning hours and maybe a spotty shower. Wouldn't be much and be very isolated and hit and miss. Cold on Friday and then right back to 70 Saturday. So up and down and up and down. And how does New Year's Eve look right now? It'll be colder, but it's likely going to be nice and quiet under fair skies.

We're going to get a glancing blow of some Arctic air. The really cold stuff stays to the north, but you're going to notice a big change in our temperature as we ring in the new year. So Christmas Day tomorrow, look at that hour by hour. We'll get up to near 70 of 3 in the afternoon. And during the afternoon, too, features a sun cloud mix. And if we get enough sun, we could even get to some lower 70s. We need a lot of rain. It's just not in the cards.

We're dry for this month, November, October, September was really below average. So things are starting to get a little bit on the worrisome side. We need to get some good rain in here. And I just really don't have it. A spotty shower tomorrow. And then again, Sunday night into Monday. But it doesn't look that impressive at all for bona fide rainfall. Clouds increase overnight tonight.

There could be a sprinkler or a spotty shower tomorrow morning. It'd be very light, though. And then if we get some breaks and thinning of the clouds, we should easily get up to around 70 or so. It's not going to go to full sunshine tomorrow. And even later in the day, there could be a sprinkler too, but don't cancel any plans to get outside and enjoy it. Evening plan, if you want to take a little walk through the neighborhood, even at 7 o'clock, we're in the mid-50s. It's really pleasant. Clouds will increase so later on tonight, and that'll keep us from getting too cold. This front moves to the south. We're in that cold sector, only 50. for a high on Friday. We go right back to the warmth and temperatures will be in the upper 60s near 70s Saturday. Feeling like early April, look at Dallas at 81 degrees for a high temperature and widespread 70s across the south. So it's going to take some time before we get back to more winter weather. A couple showers Saturday up in the mountains, but otherwise if you're heading up there this weekend, pretty good. The beaches look good too with temperatures in the 50s and 60s both days. So your forecast in for tonight becoming mostly cloudy. Low temperatures will be in the

low to mid-40s. And then tomorrow's high again, right around 70 degrees. If we get enough sun in the afternoon, we could get even warmer than that. But the clouds going to hang tough and maybe a spotty light shower in a few areas. Not a big deal, though. Cloudy, much cold or Friday, right back to near 70 Saturday. Sunday, we cool down with more clouds again. And then a wind coming in from the west will boost our temperature to about 63 and some clouds around. sunny and cold on Tuesday. We'll get down to around 42. And you ring the new year in, Bianca, it'll be chilly, but not terrible.

I think around midnight temperature, probably in the upper 30s to ring in the new year, and then we stay cold after that. All right, Steve, thank you. All right, coming up next at 4, a chance to strike it rich for Christmas. The drawing for the $1.7 billion dollar powerball jackpot is tonight. Coming up, we break down just how much you can take home after paying all the taxes and a warning for student loan borrowers who are behind on their payments the federal government could soon go after your paycheck we'll explain

time now for some news you can use this afternoon Toyota is pulling more than 55,000 vehicles in the US according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a bolt inside the inverter may not have been tightened properly leading to safety risk the company is currently working on solutions affected owners will notified. A plan by the struggling U.S. Postal Service to raise cash could cost the agency its biggest customer, Amazon. USPS has a partnership with the online retail giant to deliver some orders to Amazon customers. The contract reportedly brings in about $6 billion a year, which the agency can't afford to lose. But now the post office plans to accept bids from

other shippers for access to the services, distribution centers that they have. And An Amazon spokesperson says the uncertainty might push the company to stop using USPS as much. And happening today, another chance to strike it rich ahead of Christmas. The Powerball jackpot now sitting at a whopping $1.7 billion after 46 drawings without a winner. That's the fourth largest prize in game history. The cash value is just over $781 million. We did the math for you. If you win and take home the large lump sum, after federal and North Carolina State

taxes you would take home just under $460 million. Hey, that's pretty good still. And coming up all new at 5, John Dowding is live at a triangle powerball fever grows here in our area. And he has advice from a financial planner for that lucky winner. Next at 4, navigating the holiday family drama. We know family's already in town with you. So we have some tips to keep topics around the dinner table from turning into holiday chaos. And we are We're following breaking news update right now into reports of shots fired inside a Walmart and Wilson. Moments ago, police released information saying it all started from a fight near the barbershop inside the store. Police say 19-year-old Ashton Pittman and a 30-year-old started fighting when one of them started firing shots.

Moments later, another man who has been identified as 30-year-old Jordan Battle came out the barbershop before getting into a fight and firing shots of his own at Pittman. Police say that's when nearby customers in Walmart stepped in to restrain Pittman. Pitman in battle were both charged and are facing first-degree attempted murder charges. No one was hurt. Cindy Bay has been following the story all day. She'll have more coming up in our next hour. Well, new at 4, the spirit of Christmas in the air at the Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh. And today we were there as the organization's marching band spread some Christmas cheer,

handing out love boxes of food to families in need. They received a turkey, ham, and non-perishable food items. Toys were also given to children. I just love it. I love it. When people think that it's over, we get depressed, this is upper. It's upper for me. It's been anything I can do is just to make this thing work and see the end results of what's happening.

And all the people, people just woke up and bring their child and everybody's involved. And I just, I'm just so happy. She makes it happen every single year. The Helping Hands mission also provided warm clothing and heaters as well to those families. Also happening today, a Christmas toy giveaway in Durham, the Durham Rescue Mission spreading more holiday cheer. Volunteers handed out toys and gifts at the Women's and Children's Campus on East Knox Street. There is also a gingerbread house contest and a Christmas Eve brunch followed by a Christmas service. Well, from an unresolved argument with a relative to a great aunt asked.

When you're getting married or having a baby, when the family gets together this time of year, it can be joyous, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking. In today's health check, Diane Wilson, hears from a clinical psychologist about how to avoid holiday drama this year. It's a time for family, being together, spreading good cheer, but you can love someone and also butt heads. We're living in incredibly stressful times, and family dynamics are not immune to that. Clinical psychologist Adam Borland with Cleveland Clinic says the holidays can be wonderful, but can also bring a tremendous amount of potential stress, anxiety, and fear of falling back into old habits. There can be different views, divisions across a political spectrum, that annoying relative or an unresolved argument. So even when it's cold outside, all those mixed feelings can leave things a little heated.

It's important to go in with a toolbox in terms of how to manage these potential situations. I think you want to first off begin by planning ahead. That means deciding which topics are on and off limits. Borland says that may require maintaining boundaries and displaying assertiveness. So be prepared. Next, remember, you can't control the behaviors of other family members. Only your responses to certain situations. And be aware of your triggers.

It's okay to demand a subject change. I can do my best, and if things get to a point where I don't feel comfortable, it's okay to walk away as well. And finally, Borland says to buddy up with a relative who's more level-headed or calming, someone who will allow you to enjoy your holiday. Let's focus on the good things rather than, you know, that family member that you know knows how to press your buttons and really focus on why are we all together. I'm Diane Wilson, ABC 11, I Witness News. Borland says it's also important to focus on empathy. He says that we might think a family member is being difficult because that's who they are, but we may not know that there's something

that's going on with them or that they're going through, he says, to put yourself in their shoes. And we can't forget our four-legged family members while celebrating the holiday. The American Humane Society is out with tips to help you keep your pets safe. First, they are reminding you to keep an eye on holiday foods that could make your pets sick if consumed. So many popular seasonal ingredients including chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, certain nuts and onions are toxic to pets. So be sure to keep plates and leftovers out of reach and remind guests not to feed pet table, feed your pet the table scraps.

Also, be sure to secure decorations and ornament, tensile, ribbons, ornaments, and string lights. Those can also pose choking hazards if ingested. And several holiday plants, such as poinsettas, mistletoe, and holly. Those can also be harmful if eaten. So opt for pet safe alternatives or just keep those plants out of reach as well. And you should be, of course, cautious of your candles and fireplaces. Open flames can easily be knocked over by curious pets.

Experts recommend that you try using flameless candles when possible. Coming up ahead at four, a big win for a dozen of states just as a judge rules that FEMA cannot withhold emergency preparation funds. Plus, seizing paychecks, the action the Trump administration is set to take on defaulted student loan borrowers when garnishments. could begin. Plus, a heartbreaking update in the death of a retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, the item that's now arriving in mailboxes days after the tragic plane crash. But first, let's go ahead and take a look outside at the Raleigh-Skyline from our Pindale Sky Camp. It's a beautiful day. But Steve, it doesn't feel like winter. Not even close, right? It looks fantastic out there with some high clouds. Look at these temperatures

in the 60s and some low 70s. We could do it tomorrow as well, very similar temperatures. despite more clouds, but the up and down temperatures are coming back. We'll talk about it after the break. New at four, tomorrow marks one week since that fatal plane crash took the lives of Greg Biffel, his wife, two children, and three family friends. The crash happened as the plane was returning to Statesville Airport minutes after taking off. Friends of the retired NASCAR driver are now reporting that the family's holiday card is arriving in mailboxes.

The card features the family of four, smiling with the message, we hope that you are able to slow down and enjoy the magic and joy that is this season has to offer. And we hope that you have a great new year sending you love, Greg, Christina, Emma, and Ryder. The NTSB is investigating last Thursday's crash. Investigators are also still trying to determine who was flying the plane at the time. Three people on board of the plane, including Biffle, had their pilot's license. Newad 4, the Trump administration cannot withhold millions of dollars in emergency preparation funds from the states that haven't proven their population counts. That's what a federal judge in Oregon ruled Tuesday. In October, the federal emergency management agency ordered states to provide updated population numbers and to account for deportations before they can receive any FEMA grant money.

FEMA argued that some states may have been getting inflated payments because most of the grant money is distributed based on U.S. census. data. A group of 11 states sued. Well, now at four, important news for student loan borrowers as the federal government is set to move forward with wage garnishments next month that could impact millions of people. Michael Perchick joins us outside the Raleigh I Witness News Center with those details. Borrowers who are severely delinquent in their payments will start seeing their wages garners in January. It's the latest move by the Trump administration as it looks to overhaul the student loan payment system. More than 40 million Americans are carrying student loan debt. Of that group, about 5 million people have defaulted on their payments, meaning they haven't paid debts for at least 270 days.

I tell borrowers all the time, if you think you can't afford your payments now, wait until you see how unaffordable it's going to be if you default and they do start garnishing your wages. The Department of Education expects wage garnishment notices to be sent out to about 1,000 borrowers in default in early January, with that number set to increase on a month-to-month basis. You're going to want to be proactive, figure out how to get your loan at a default. you can do something called rehabilitation, consolidation, you can get into an income-driven repayment plan, and you should go and talk to your servicers about those options. In total, borrowers hold about $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, a figure that is more than tripled over the past two decades.

Student loan debt is not just a young person's issue. I think that's something that both citizens as well as policymakers don't necessarily understand. Half of all student loan borrowers over the age of 30, a quarter over the age of 45. Coming up at 5.30, changes also coming to the safe plan. What steps borrowers should start considering. In Raleigh, I'm Michael Perchick.

ABC 11, eyewitness news. New at 4, the Afghan refugee accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., is now facing federal charges that could carry the death penalty. Today, he was charged in U.S. District Court in connection with the November 26th ambush-style shooting. He's accused of killing Army Specialist Sarah Bexham and seriously wounding Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. He is now being charged with federal firearms charges. U.S. Attorney Janine Piero says transferring the case to district court allows prosecutors to determine if the death penalty is appropriate. Today, people in Iowa gathered in a show of support as the bodies of two fallen Iowa National Guard soldiers returned home.

As their plane touched down in Des Moines, the Iowa National Guard carrying. out an honorable transfer escorted every step of the way by fellow service members. Staff sergeant Edgar Brian Torres, Tovar, and Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard were killed in Syria on December 13th when a lone gunman opened fire. An interpreter was also killed and three other Iowa National Guard soldiers were wounded. Ahead at four, a family told to take down their holiday lights by their HOA, but they're fighting back what's sparking this Christmas fat. Plus, the realistic holiday decorations that has pastor buyers in a panic. Look at that photo as they race to help what

appears to be a man in trouble. Watch Joel Brown. Weekday mornings on ABC 11, I Witness News. We've got a battle over Christmas lights in Maryland. It's moving from the rooftop to the courtroom. A family says their homeowners association is trying to find them into submission. But for now, the lights are staying up. ABC, Sophia Flay has more. Nothing says Christmas like holiday lights. Everybody come out quick, look at the light. But who decides how many lights are too many? It's definitely like a jaw-dropping like scene, like how why are we getting fine for Christmas lights? Supoly and Pahun Salgado tell us they

look forward all year to decorating their German town, Maryland home. Right around Thanksgiving is when we start decorating the outside of our house. And last year, we had, had a big, big, like, each year we have big displays called the Salgado Family Christmas display. But their homeowners association, Middlebrook Manor South, is saying bah humbug, ordering them to take the lights down or receive a fine of $50 a day. It's out of this world. It's a holiday that's celebrated across the world. How is the HOA is supposed to stop that? The fines started last Christmas when the Salgado's admit they had a much bigger display. They say this year they toned down the display significantly, but it still was too much for the HOA. They warned that if the decorations don't come down, the fine will be going up. And what they're doing is just hate.

But the Salgadoes are not backing down and have hired a lawyer who says the enforcement appears inconsistent and unfair. He says they're going to challenge the fines and is confident they will win. Sophie Fleigh, ABC News, New York. All right. Now to today's top trending stories in real news. First, a spectacular eruption. So take a look.

Hawaii's Kulawaya volcano began erupting. intermittently yesterday, which means it has been erupting off and on for about a year now. So according to the U.S. Geological Survey, both the North and South Bend started erupting simultaneously. The U.S.GS says that these eruptions episodes can last up to 12 hours, and they're typically separated by pauses that sometimes struts beyond two weeks. What a sight. Went out of some Christmas decorations in Alberta, Canada, actually. So it appears to be too realistic, leading to consideration.

concerned neighbors rushing to help what appears to be like a homeowner dangling from a gutter. So check this out. Steve Potter's realistic handmade display of a robotic Clark Griswold from the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I know a few of y'all are going to be watching that today while hanging Christmas lights. It looks so real. It's a reference to that scene from the classic 1989 movie. Later in the video, you can see a man running up to try to check on the man. Are you okay? Holy, moly. Yeah, they were trying to save him.

The man walks off when he realizes it's not a real person, dangling from the gutters. The camera also captured a pair of construction workers that went to go check on the man there. Oh, my goodness. So also happening. Now, NORAD, once again, tracking Santa as he delivers presence across the globe.

Santa's heading to burn. Berlin, Germany right now. As he, get this, he's always delivered nearly $4 billion presents to only the good girls and boys. Oh my gosh, did you see that display, Steve? Oh, my. Well, wait, one more story. We've got to make sure

you tune in on Christmas morning. We're going to get to that in just a second. But that Christmas display, all too real. Yeah, it was. It was so good. That movie is funny. Their hearts pounded, and they get up there, and then they go, okay. They need to put up maybe a little sign and say,

Like just is just this is fake. This is the display. Hey, boy, it's a good day to get outside. It feels amazing. And what about tomorrow? What all the gifts that people are going to get? Tomorrow's going to be a warm one too. Absolutely.

And we're going to see this up and down temperature swing for sure. It's 71 degrees today. The normal's 53 to put things in perspective. And it was even warm yesterday and we beat that. No records or anything like that, but very impressive. Everybody's seeing temperatures mainly in the 70s. Couple spots were in the upper 60s. Very warm.

Maybe not quite. this warm tomorrow, but really close. I got us at 70 tomorrow. Big drop as we go into our Friday right back to near 70 Saturday down and up and the down again. I mean, this is not typical for us to go up and down day after day after day, but we've got a ways to go with this until we get to Tuesday and Wednesday and then we're going to be in the 40s for a while. We need rainfall. We might get a spotty shower around tomorrow and then again Sunday night into Monday, but folks, the chances are really slim and it really doesn't look like there's a lot a moisture to work with anyway. Don't be surprised tomorrow if you get a spotty light shower,

but that's about it. Pretty sunset going on. North Hill's 70 right now. That's six degrees warmer than this time yesterday with widespread 60s and 70s with Oxford getting down to 61 in South Hill, the cool spot at 57 degrees. If you have evening plans, if you're heading out 56 at around 7 o'clock, and then by midnight we'll be only at 48 degrees. The clouds are going to increase at that point in time and then likely not going to get too much colder after that with the clouds thickening up about 44 for the low temperature and then another nice one tomorrow at 70 degrees with maybe a spotty light shower here and there but a quite warm day and it can't last forever though we're going to see some big changes come on our way you look at the last 10 years a couple other times we've touched 70 degrees but it's not the norm we should be in the 50s got your 7 day forecast at 5 o'clock bianca all right steve thank you make sure you tune in on christmas morning for more heartwarming stories that will be featured in the disney's Park's magical Christmas Day Parade. It airs at 10 a.m.

Right here on ABC 11. Well, that will be followed by a full day of NBA games here on ABC 11. All starts at noon. When the cast take on the Knicks, then it's the Spurs and Thunder, Mavericks v. The Warriors, Rockets at Lakers, and then the Timber Rules against the Nuggets. Then join us next Wednesday night as we ring in the new year. Tune in for Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve with Ryan Seacrest. The fun starts at 8 on New Year's.

Eve here on ABC 11. The Christmas spirit is shining very bright down under. Coming up, a look at the over the top Christmas decorations. The lights so bright. The owner needs approval from aviation officials.