ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - February 6, 2026

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

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Starting point is 00:00:01 Coming up on eyewitness news at four students at Shaw University forced to move out after a slew of issues including no heat, no hot water, and a fire that erupted inside a dorm room. Right now at four, the I-Team uncovers new details about the cause of the fire and why the university is now facing a serious fire code. And Raleigh-Max shooter Austin Thompson will soon learn his fate. The state resting its case today after a week of very emotional testimony. Atlanta Athens is standing by at the Way County Justice Center with more on the new details that came out. in court today. Hundreds of layoffs coming to two Raleigh businesses. We're talking with local economists about the state of the economy and these job cuts. I Witnesses is a four starts right now. Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, keeping you connected to your community,
Starting point is 00:00:50 and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. right now at 4. We have a look outside on this Friday afternoon. There's dawn. Skies are clearing in Raleigh and Durham at this hour. Parts of the viewing area, though, could see some rain late this evening. Yeah, the Doppler net showing some activity to the west of us. So hang on to your heavy coats and your rain jackets because that system is headed our way.
Starting point is 00:01:19 Thank you for joining us for I'm Ivina News at 4. I'm Barbara Gipps. I'm Amber Repenta. Happy Friday as we prepare for those spotty showers tonight. We're also first alerting you to a wind advisory set to go in. new effect tomorrow. All right, Chief Peterologist Don Schwinaker is back with us for a check of the forecast. Hey, Don. And good evening to you. Let's talk about that wind advisory first. Starts four in the morning goes until eight o'clock tomorrow night. We could see wind gusts in excess of 40 miles an hour. And so it's
Starting point is 00:01:42 going to be extremely windy. Wind chills throughout the day staying in the 20s and actually going into the single digits. We're also tracking some showers working through light to moderate rain. This is going to be a quick hitter. It'll be out of here by eight, nine o'clock tonight. But we are seeing some showers out there right now. Your first alert predictor forecast model by six. It's dropping into the sandhills by 9 o'clock. A few leftover showers across the region. And by midnight, it is out of here.
Starting point is 00:02:06 Live look up into Roxborough. We do see some raindrops every now and then on the camera. 41 degree. Oh, just got an update. 39 degrees now on a west-southwest wind at six miles an hour. You got plans this evening. Rain chances early between six and nine. Otherwise looking good if you're headed out to help out a local restaurant.
Starting point is 00:02:22 since they had a couple of bad weekends. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s all the way through 11 o'clock tonight. They're really cold air doesn't pour in until tomorrow. But it arrives and sticks around for the weekend. We'll talk about that and a big warm-up to first alert you about in the seven-day forecast coming up in just a bit. Ladies. Don, thank you. And new here at 4 the I-Team, learning that a space heater is behind a dorm room fire on the campus of Shaw University that forced students to find new housing.
Starting point is 00:02:48 Fortunately, no students are hurt. Akela Davis now joins us live from Shaw with a. and new findings. Akela, this fire is just like the latest issue students in the dorm have been facing? That's right, Barbara. You know, all afternoon we've seen students moving out of Shaw University's DEMPL Newsom dorm.
Starting point is 00:03:06 This comes as the ABC 11I team has learned that a space heater started this fire. There's been a stressful time, not just for the kids in Newsome, Denple Newsome, but also everyone on camp. So I just pray that everyone, everyone, you know, gets home safe, makes it safe and that Shaw just gets their stuff together. Eyewitness News obtained this report for Shaw University's Demple Newsom Living and Learning Center after last night's fire at the dorm.
Starting point is 00:03:34 The report says students were evacuating when they arrived. Firefighters found heavy smoke on the third floor, identifying room 313 as the source for the blaze. Today's students tell us the fire alarm didn't sound. This is the same dorm that students and parents have told eyewitness news doesn't have hot water. or heat. We're learning from the fire department that a space heater powered by an extension cord was the cause. Parents we spoke with are now worried about how their kids will finish this semester. Very concerning, especially with the building being as old as it is. Horrible, horrendous, deplorable conditions.
Starting point is 00:04:14 And the university is saying it's actively arranging housing accommodations for those students who have been impacted by this. ahead at five what the ABC 11 eye team is learning about the last state mandated fire inspection. Reporting live in Raleigh, Akela Davis, ABC 11, eyewitness news. All right, Akela, we'll look forward to your next report. Thank you. Right now, Ed, for Austin Thompson is now one step closer to learning his fate. He is the teen who pled guilty to killing five people in the Headingham mass shooting in Raleigh in 2022. It has been a very emotional week at the Wake County Courthouse. eyewitnesses taking the stand along with spouses of some of the victims and both of Thompson's parents.
Starting point is 00:04:54 During today's hearing, the defense team questioned investigators about any evidence found on Thompson's digital devices right before the shooting. Less than 5, less than 0.5%, that is, of the content found on his phone included assaults and shootings. This is about premeditation here. So Elena Athens joins us now from the Wake County Justice Center where the state has now rested its case. So Elena, tell us more about the testimony that unfolded there today. Well, the state continued setting out to prove that there was premeditation, which would carry a stiffer fine. The judge began this hearing by saying that law requires the court to take into consideration
Starting point is 00:05:32 the defendant's age at the time of the crime when issuing that sentence. So many of the victim's loved ones have been in court every day this week after giving powerful testimony themselves and also hearing from Austin Thompson's family. I cannot even begin to describe the pain we feel every day. We're just trying to do the best we can. We lost both of our children in one afternoon. Austin Thompson's parents apologized to the victim's families and said there were no warning signs ahead of the Heddingham mass shooting. Five people were killed. Lynn Garner and former Raleigh police officer Casey Clark survived. I hear a gunshot and I
Starting point is 00:06:12 I feel what felt like a train going through my knee drops me to the ground. But because who I am and what I believe has given me the grace to forgive the young man who shot me. Yesterday, we were shown and read Thompson's apparent confession letter. The reason I did this is because I hate humans. They are destroying the planet slash earth. The most heartbreaking testimony we heard was from Officer Gabriel Torres's wife, Jasmine. She demanded that Austin Thompson lift his head and look at her as she was reading her victim impact statement and even played a recording from their five-year-old daughter will have her plea to the judge coming up ahead at 5 o'clock.
Starting point is 00:07:00 We're now in Raleigh, Elena Athens, ABC 11, I witness news. Yeah, Elena, it's been really hard to hear people taking the stand, but also interesting to see Austin Thompson with a lot of emotion as we have gone through these proceedings. We'll see you in an hour with more. Elena, thank you. Now to some other local headlines in your speed feed. First, an Orange County High School teacher is suspended after reports that he had a pornographic image and a slideshow. The school system tells eyewitness news that Cedar Ridge High School teacher, Francis Filleclli,
Starting point is 00:07:30 has been suspended with pay as the investigation continues. He's taught at Orange County Schools since 2007. Garner police are investigating a reported armed bank robbery. It happened at the Bank of America on Benson Road. Town official says a firearm was implied during the incident. The suspect left the scene before authorities arrived either on foot or by car. The Wake County Sheriff's Office is helping with that investigation. And a man is in custody after an hours-long hostage situation in Wake Forest.
Starting point is 00:07:59 Town officials say 27-year-old Roman East barricaded himself and a child inside an apartment in New Hope Village on North Allen road after a woman called police late last night after East allegedly made a verbal threat. East surrendered just before seven this morning. He's charged with felony second degree kidnapping and misdemeanor resisting a public officer. We're told the child is not hurt. In Wake County, Chopper 11 over the scene in Apex where an SUV crashed into a building associated with habitat for humanity. It happened at the restore store on East Williams Street. The driver of the SUV went into the front of the building. We're told that driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Starting point is 00:08:36 And that is your speed feed. Amber, back to you. Barbara, thanks. And now at four, Wells Fargo and Bahama Breeze announcing layoffs coming to Raleigh, impacting close to 200 people. And this news comes as ABC News, is reporting applications for jobless benefits
Starting point is 00:08:50 has jumped this month. Let's go to John Downey. He's joining us live from outside the North Carolina Unemployment Office with a closer look. So John, what are local economists telling you about how this is impacting us here in the Triangle? Well, Amber, even though we mentioned those
Starting point is 00:09:05 There is some promising news about the state of things here in North Carolina. New data related to jobless claims as well as job openings in North Carolina serving as a contrast to what's going on nationally. Economists saying our economy right now is good for now. We're in this yellow traffic light. We're not strong go. We're not stopping. Tonight, local economists shedding a light on the state of the economy as two businesses in the triangle announced layoffs. Wells Fargo announcing 112 layoffs at one of their business units here in the triangle,
Starting point is 00:09:38 and Bahama Breeze announcing 75 layoffs at their location in North Hills. News of these layoffs coming at a time when the U.S. saw a jump in applications for jobless benefits. UNC economists say new data also shows job openings have been falling nationwide, but say data in North Carolina is outperforming national trends. Job openings in North Carolina have gone up and jobless claims have gone down. down. Economists say the economy is holding up, but there are some risks. It's hard to know whether these layoff announcements are an indication of something, of things getting worse in the economy, or just kind of general trends and related specifically to
Starting point is 00:10:17 these businesses. So what does this mean exactly for job seekers, especially as those layoffs continue? Coming up at five, we spoke with a career coach about what job seekers can do to make sure they can stand out in a competitive job market. Live here in Raleigh, I'm John Dowell. ABC 11, I witness news. All right, John, we'll see you with more in an hour. Thank you. And as we keep our eye on the economy, the Dow Jones Industrial average crossed 50,000 for the first time ever today. A surge in markets reversed a sell-off that hammered tech stocks earlier in the week.
Starting point is 00:10:52 The Dow soared 1,090 points while the S&P 500 climbed 1.7%. And in a post on social media, President Donald Trump touted the high watermark for the Dow, celebrating the feat saying, congratulations America. Still ahead, our night witnesses is it for a sad update in the search for the son of rapper Little John. Investigator sharing that they believe they have found his body, what we
Starting point is 00:11:13 know right now about that case. And the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of the today's show host, Savannah Guthrie, the emotional new plea from her children as they ask for her safe return. And we're taking a live look at I-40
Starting point is 00:11:29 Aven Ferry Road. And At this point, traffic relatively light out there. We will see some rain working through, though, and that always slows down the evening commute. As we hit a break here, your traffic hotspots brought to you by your first alert weather team. The ABC 11 First Alert forecast team is working to keep you safe. Oneies across the region.
Starting point is 00:11:47 Some cloud cover starting to build. That rain is going to push on through. Cold air coming in. The first alert forecast team. Only on ABC 11, IWitness News. Eyewitness News. We are Local News. weeknights four to six 30 and 11. We're back now with the latest in the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie,
Starting point is 00:12:10 the mother of NBC Today Show, anchor Savannah Guthrie. It is now on its sixth day with few clues as to Guthrie's whereabouts. Her children pleading for her safe return. If she was kidnapped, investigators believe ABC's Alex Stone reports. Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. This is the latest plea from Nancy Guthrie's children. We need you to reach out. and we need a way to communicate with you.
Starting point is 00:12:36 Her son Cameron, Savannah Guthrie's brother, asking her possible captor to give some sign of life if they're holding his mother. The search for Nancy Guthrie now on day six, and investigators say there have been no signs she's alive or dead. The sheriff telling ABC's Aaron Kuterski. Somebody asked, Sheriff, how do you know, can you prove that she's alive?
Starting point is 00:12:57 And I just simply turn it around. Can you prove she's not? Why would I operate from any other position then my team is operating from the same position? She's out there. We're going to find her. An unauthenticated ransom notes sent to media outlets has a deadline that has come and gone without any reported word from captors. The next deadline is Monday. Investigators are focused on this timeline.
Starting point is 00:13:23 There's a 42-minute period between when Nancy Guthrie's front doorbell camera went offline and when the Bluetooth connection between her pacemaker and cell phone disconnected. Between that time, her cameras detected motion, but the recordings were not saved, giving no glimpse into what was occurring at the home. According to the sheriff, blood on the front doorstep came back to Nancy Guthrie. A lot of technology they've thrown into this case, but they haven't gotten anywhere. And now you have this ransom note that the FBI, I think it may have potential, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere, you know, as far as they were.
Starting point is 00:13:58 want proof of life and they haven't gotten it. And now separate from that ransom note that went to the media, a California man has been arrested and charged for allegedly sending a fake ransom demand via text to Guthrie family members. He was arrested this week. Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles. The search for the son of rapper Little John has come to a tragic end. Nathan Smith, who performs under the name of DJ Young Slade, was reported missing earlier
Starting point is 00:14:24 this week after officials say he ran out of his house, leaving behind his personal. personal belongings. Police in Georgia sharing today that they have recovered a body believed to be his. The White House today facing major backlash, even from Republicans, President Trump's truth social account posting a video which ABC News is not showing, portraying former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on the bodies of apes, and it was on his feed for hours. The post was eventually deleted, but only after outrage from some of the president's most staunched Republican allies. The White House now says a staffer erroneously made the post, but earlier today, press secretary Caroline Levitt, pushed back on what she called fake outrage. We'll have more reaction
Starting point is 00:15:06 coming up on eyewitness news at five. Meantime, top U.S. and Iranian negotiators have wrapped up indirect talks in Oman following weeks of escalating tensions and threats by the White House. Tehran is now indicating there may be signs of possible progress. It's the first time both sides have sat down since the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear sites last summer, and it is taking place against the backdrop of an American military buildup in the region. However, the specific topics that we're under discussion are still unknown. President Trump is apparently pushing for his name to be put on two major transit hubs. Sources tell ABC News. The president told New York Senator Chuck Schumer he would unfreeze billions of dollars in federal funding for construction
Starting point is 00:15:46 of a tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey if Schumer would agree to rename New York's Penn Station and Washington's Dulles International Airport for Trump. Schumer rejected the offer. Officials in New York and New Jersey say, if the money isn't freed up by today, the project will stop leaving around 1,000 construction jobs in jeopardy. There's been no comment from the White House on the president's demands and no comment from Senator Schumer's office of his rejection.
Starting point is 00:16:14 Back here at home, ESPN Game Day is setting up shop in Chapel Hill, chopper 11 flying over the Dean. where the show's bus, as you can see, is already parked out front. The show will feature the highly anticipated Tobacco Road showdown of the season. Fourth ranked Duke and 14th ranked Carolina facing off tomorrow night at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. The Blue Devils swept the series last year. They are looking for their fourth straight win over their rivals. A Tar Heel win, though, would hand Duke their first conference loss and just the second defeat of the year.
Starting point is 00:16:46 Should be a good game. Tipoff is at 630 tomorrow. Cooper flagged on the side that was old video I think I'm not sure I was not paying close attention but I will say this the last two weekends it was hard for people to get out and go to supporting events this weekend no excuse no other than it's going to be really windy tomorrow and you're going to want to bundle up wait till we show you some of the wind chills we'll show that in just a moment good evening to you let's show you that wind advisory in effect so make sure your trash cans are secured tomorrow because it's going to get gusty winds could
Starting point is 00:17:18 gusts 40 to 45 miles an hour in the highlighted areas not a day to burn. It's going to be a bad day for that, especially with the drought going on. Now, here's a look at the wind chills tomorrow and look at some of these numbers. This is just with the sustained winds. 21 degrees is what it'll feel like at 9 o'clock, but even by 3 o'clock, just 26. Factor the gusts in and it pushes those feels like temperatures down into the single digits at time. So be ready for a very chilly but dry. Notice all the suns Saturday as you head out and about. Speaking of dry, we're not seeing that. We're seeing a rain. It's very light, but we are seeing some showers. Now up here, the temperatures have dropped a little bit up to North Hampton and Halifax County, so you may see a few snowflakes mixing in. Not a big accumulation with this. It's going to be a very quick hitter. We drive to the south. You'll notice Sanford to Carthage right now, but this will be through Moore County over the next hour. By the time we hit 6, 7 o'clock, most of that is working out of the sand hills. Live look into Roxborough. We did have rain drops earlier, not seeing much now, just cloudy skies on a west-southwest wind at 9.
Starting point is 00:18:21 miles an hour and a live look into Durham, cloudy skies, west-southwest wind at seven. Overnight, we'll go from the 40s into the 20s, another cold night under partly cloudy skies. Winds really don't start to ramp up until we get through the overnight hours until three, four o'clock in the morning. Now looking at the system diving south, it did put some snow down in parts of Virginia, but it's running into warm air. We're in the 40s, so it's changing it all to rain. We zoom it out once this dives through, lots of clear air back here all the way into the Midwest. That's high pressure that builds in. It'll give us sunshine for the weekend, but it also is coming straight out of Canada, so it's going to give us some very cold temperatures. Let's walk
Starting point is 00:19:00 you through your weekend. On your first alert, predictive forecast model, here's the showers working through. Notice by 9, 10 o'clock, they're done. Then as we get into the morning tomorrow, we're in the 20s, windchills, teens to single digits. We stay below freezing in many locations on your Saturday, and Sunday morning just as cold. It just won't be as windy on Sunday, morning. Forecast looks like this for tomorrow. Temperatures across the region topping out in the 30s, just 35 in Raleigh, 35 in Durham. Most of the day will be at or below freezing. 42 down in Fayetteville, no chance for any showers. First alert, seven-day forecast powered by ACUE weather. After that first alert day tomorrow with the wind advisory, Sunday, more cloud, still cold, 37. Monday is 47 and then it warms up. Look at Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 61 on Tuesday. Wednesday. A slight chance of showers. A lot of folks will be taking lunch outside. Thursday, chance late in the day, 53 and 51 on Friday.
Starting point is 00:19:58 And some hints as we go into the Valentine's weekend that it could be cooler, but at this point, dry. Again, they'll be ready for a very cold day tomorrow. Even though it'll look beautiful outside with the blue skies, a cold slap in the face from that wind, gusting 40 miles an hour at times. Ladies. All right. Thank you so much, Don. Still to come.
Starting point is 00:20:17 One-way County Town is in the top for the state for, retirees will tell you where you might want to settle down. If you're looking to retire soon, we'll be back after a short break. I'm Tori Johnson with your ABC's secret savings. We're dropping limited time discounts right now. Grab your phone, get ready to shop. You won't want to miss these deals. Time to show your love for Valentine's Day with ABC's Secret Savings. Will, what did you get me for Valentine's Day? Plenty, Andrew. Flowers are a classic gift for Valentine's Day, but they don't always last long. These faux flower arrangements are just, like your love lasting a lifetime. You'll never believe they aren't the real thing.
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Starting point is 00:22:12 Perfect for news anchors, yeah. There you go. And finally, if you want to juice up your relationship with a partner whose phone is always out of power, this charge card from Aquavalt is compact and portable designed to fit in your wallet. There are versions for iPhone and Android's with built-in charging cables or a wireless design for newer devices. You can save 50% today with our deal. Awesome. And my phone's already dead, so I'm going to make this. All right, scan that QR code on your screen or head now to ABCsecings.com to shop. Those flowers looked real.
Starting point is 00:22:42 I'll get you some. Thank you. I'll get you some too. Coming up here at the bottom of the hour 430, we are learning more about the future of an unfinished multi-million dollar fire station in Fayetteville. Where leaders say the project currently stands and why it might not ever be finished. Plus, runners are taking over NC State's Bell Tower tomorrow. It's all for the annual Krispy Cream Challenge. We are. Investing is all about the future.
Starting point is 00:23:21 So what do you think is going to happen? Bitcoin is sort of inevitable at this point. I think it would come down to precious metals. I hope we don't go cashless. I would say land is a safe investment. Technology companies. Solar energy. Robotic pollinators might be a thing.
Starting point is 00:23:37 A wrestler to face a robot, that will have to happen. So whatever you think is going to happen in the future, you can invest in it at WealthSimple. Start now at WealthSimple.com. Our local news, ABC 11, eyewitness news continues now. And it is 431 to some other headlines in your speed feed this Friday. First, today is the deadline to register if you plan to vote in the March 3rd primary elections. Today is also the deadline for registered voters to change their party affiliation before the primary. If you miss the deadline, you may see.
Starting point is 00:24:10 still register and vote during the early voting period, which runs from February 12th through the 28th. Happening tomorrow, the Frankie Lemon School for Children with Developmental Disabilities is holding its annual Triangle Wine and Food Experience. The fundraiser features local restaurants and winemakers from all across the country sharing their food and wine. These pictures are from previous years our Steve Daniels will be there emceeing that event. Money raised will go towards benefiting Raleigh's Frankie Lemon School for Children with Disabilities. Tomorrow, the annual Krispy Cream Challenge returns to Raleigh. It's a crowd favorite.
Starting point is 00:24:46 Runners begin at the Memorial Bell Tower on the NC State campus. They run two and a half miles all the way over to the Krispy Cream and Ralee on the corner of Peace and Person Streets. When they get there, they eat a dozen original glazed donuts and then they have to run the two and a half miles back to the Bell Tower. And the race isn't just about fun. It raises money for UNC Children's Hospital. They've raised millions over the years and it all started as a dare for some NC State students. It's grown into such a huge. It's a national story gets a lot of coverage. All right, well as you can see we are both wearing red today. And that's right. It's all for the
Starting point is 00:25:25 National Wear Red Day. People all over the country are supporting the color to raise awareness for the women in their lives. Heart disease is the number one killer of women accounting for one in three deaths every year. That's more than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease and stroke can affect women at any age. It's important to know your risk and talk to your doctor about how you can lower your chances of cardiovascular disease. Whether it's lifestyle changes, food choices, sleep advice being checked for sleep apnea, and then for some it's medications to manage some of the health factors. Dr. Sage's small changes can have an enormous impact over a lifetime, such as eating better, getting more active, getting healthy sleep, and quitting tobacco use.
Starting point is 00:26:11 Still ahead on eyewitness, Susan 4, we're alerting you to a massive M&M recall. The company recalling more than 6,000 packages, including some sold here in North Carolina. We'll tell you why after the break. Plus finding your perfect pet, the special adoption deal. The Wake County Animal Shelter is holding for this Valentine's Day. As we head to break on this Friday, here's a look at the Raleigh skyline and some clouds hanging overhead. looks like there might be a raindrop or two on our camera there. Don has your forecast for a very windy Saturday on the way.
Starting point is 00:26:46 Now for the future of Fayville's unfinished multi-million dollar fire station four, it was built to protect firefighters' health with advanced technology, but now it's at risk of being torn down. Penelope Lopez is in the sand hills with more on the ongoing fire station concerns. The main fire station number four was supposed to be completed nearly two years ago. Now it's just an unfinished building with exposed bricks and many architectural problems. The fate of Fayetteville Fire Station 4 is now in the hands of the city council. The high tech station approved in 2022 and awarded $9.4 million aimed to be a state-of-the-art facility
Starting point is 00:27:25 designed to reduce potential cancer-causing agents. Closer inspection shows the structure has extensive roof failures, unsound walls and mold in the building. The city sued Wilmington-based contractor WB.B. Brawley in 2024, alleging the company failed to complete the project on time and did not build the facility to standard. W.B. Braley responded to the lawsuit in October 24, denying responsibility for the defects. Eyewitness news is working to see comment from them on the situation. Construction consultant appointed by the city recommended tearing down the building. The project had already cost $4.3 million by the time it stopped construction in late 2024.
Starting point is 00:28:11 As for what snacks, that's coming up in the next hour. Reporting Fayetteville, Penelope Lopez, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Time now for some news you can use, and you might want to check your snack cabinet. Chips Ahoy baked bites called Brookies were first recalled in December. The recall has been expanded now. Mondalaz Global says an incorrect mixing process resulted in small clumps of cornsts. starch in the product. The clumps pose a choking hazard, especially for kids and also the elderly. The FDA says the recall is out of an abundance of caution. There have been no reports
Starting point is 00:28:44 of anyone in getting sick. The recall is limited exclusively to Chips Ahoy baked bites brookies, which specific with specific 2026 use by dates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recalling several packages of M&Ms after unidentified allergens were found in repackaged products, distributed in 20 states, including North Carolina. The recall includes 1.3 ounce packs of peanut M&Ms and classic M&Ms sold in various brand promotional packages and more than several packages. Starting tomorrow, the Wake County Animal Shelter is offering a sweetheart adoption special. It's for foster pets who are available for adoption and waiting to meet their forever families. Adoption fees are $25 for dogs and $5 for cats, five months older.
Starting point is 00:29:29 Five months and older, the special runs through next Sunday, February. 15th and that is news you can use Amber back to you all right Barbara thank you here is a live look this afternoon this is at the town of Kerry and it appears this town is one of the most ideal places to live according to a new study from smart asset carry is number the number one city in the state for people looking to retire at least 39% of those pre-retirees earned 200,000 dollars or more a year the city ranks 17th over in the country for pre-retirees. Coming up on eyewitness news, Fable Native,
Starting point is 00:30:08 Jay Cole has just dropped what could be his last album ever, according to speculation. After the break, we'll tell you how he's paying homage to his hometown. And the Super Bowl is now just two days away. When we return, we're going to get a live report from Levi's Stadium ahead of that big matchup. ABC 11 First Alert Weather on eyewitness news every day. In entertainment news, Jay Cole fans are listening to news.
Starting point is 00:30:47 music today. The Fayetteville native dropped his long-awaited album, The Fall Off, today. A lot of the album paid homage to North Carolina and Cole's music career when he moved away to New York and then returned to his hometown of Fayetteville years later. Cole also shared that this could be his final album. Abbott Elementary star Cheryl Lee Ralph is gathering with a lot of her friends to support raising health awareness, and you can join them too. Tonight, performing as a part of the 35th Diva's Simply Singing Benefit Concert are Andra Day, Jennifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, and Moore. The event is the longest running HIV and AIDS
Starting point is 00:31:21 benefit concert in the U.S., educating communities about preventing life-threatening conditions. I think that there's healing power in the arts, especially music, music, song, there's a universality in the music. And in a time when a lot of things are just crazy and things are going up and down around in people's worlds. We want to offer them a space, a night to relax and to experience the transformational power of the arts. And you can watch wherever you stream ABC 11. A big honor for Bill Nye,
Starting point is 00:31:56 the Emmy Winning Science Guy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual Children's and Family Emmy Awards. He'll be honored at a ceremony in New York on March the 1st. All right, let's go to California now. Of course, it is Super Bowl weekend this Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks are going to face the England Patriots here at Levi Stadium and Santa Clara. It is going to be rocking. That bunny bringing the halftime entertainment, fans packing the Bay Area for all of that excitement already. ABC's Jacqueline Lee is in the middle of it. She is outside Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California with more.
Starting point is 00:32:29 Hi, Jacqueline. Hey, Amber, look, I mean, it's already rocking here and it's not even officially the weekend yet. There are people pulling up in cars blasting bad bunny. people decked out in their jerseys so excited to be going in Levi Stadium on Sunday. The stage is set. The fans ready for one of the most highly anticipated sports events of the year, Super Bowl 60. The New England Patriots taking on the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California. A rematch from 11 years ago when the Patriots won after intercepting the Seahawks at the goal line. Tom Brady was the Patriots quarterback then. Now it's 23-year-old star quarterback Drake May looking to fill those shoes.
Starting point is 00:33:09 A win would crown the Patriots in NFL best seven Super Bowl titles. You have such a young age to be able to experience the big game and what everybody works for in this NFL league, to experience that at such a young age is a blessing. 28-year-old Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who was written off before the season is now looking for redemption. The Super Bowl is something that you dream of as a kid, but I think you lead on your teammates.
Starting point is 00:33:29 You lean on your coaches. And like I mentioned, I leave on my friends and my family a lot. Fans from all over the world have descended on the Bay Area. Super cool. It's really cool. It's not like the experience. This is called the Super Bowl experience where thousands of fans can fully immerse themselves in all things football. Whether it's practicing their extra point kick, participating in a 40-yard dash, or my very favorite posing with your favorite team.
Starting point is 00:33:54 The Talk of the Town, Bad Bunny performing in the halftime show. I feel more excited about the people than even me, about my family, about my friends, people that I know that they always have believed in me. and they're happy because this mom and the culture. And that's what made this show to me make it special. Security is on high alert. The Department of Homeland Security telling ABC News there will be a substantial law enforcement presence with support from federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, and Coast Guard.
Starting point is 00:34:33 And it's going to be a lot of fun. Now, security officials say they are planning on deploying a helicopter. It will be able to read for any nuclear, technology to make sure just everybody here is safe come Sunday. In Santa Clara, Jacqueline Leigh, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Yes, so much excitement. North Carolina, very well represented on that field. Jacqueline, enjoy covering it. It is a fun thing for reporters to cover. Take care. Thank you. Now today's top trending stories in real news. First, a bride's entrance in India gets interrupted in her wedding by the photographer who slips into the way. Yep, the photographer was trying to capture the bride's
Starting point is 00:35:11 entrance there. When he slips, his camera also taking a tumble. The photographer shared the video of an Instagram writing, quote, her injury was smooth. Mine wasn't. A crowd goes wild for a magician's extremely obvious trick during a 60th birthday party in Decatur, Georgia. Take a look at this, the video of the performer in action. The magician is seen holding a brown cloak over his arms and moving it over a tall chair. He then swiftly moves the material away to show the empty chair before We're placing it back down and revealing a bowl of ice with two bottles of champagne. The video recently went viral on social media with viewers pointing out the magician's trick was obvious and the bowl was not well hidden. All right, a North Hollywood juggler showcases his phenomenal skills with a surreal trick shot and it is on video.
Starting point is 00:35:59 Check this out. It's a slow motion video showing Michael Rayner kicking a foam donut into a spinning parasol and then keeping it rolling as he launches a pillow printed with Nick. Caj's face behind him. The pillow banks into the basket off the board to make the trick complete. Very nice. And that is real news. Amber, back to Heath. I wonder how many times he had to do that to sink the shot. All right, new this afternoon, sharks are on the move again at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Three young tiger sharks arrived at the aquarium last October, but they just made their big debut last week. So right now, they're four feet long. They weigh between 22 and 27 pounds.
Starting point is 00:36:40 They were pretty small when they got here. They each weigh between 10 and 15 pounds when they first arrived at the aquarium. The sharks are on display in the Cape Fear Shoals Habitat. Everyone loves to see the sharks up close. Yeah, fascinated with sharks. That's right. You just don't want to be in the water with them. I don't mind seeing them if there's a glass wall between me and the shark.
Starting point is 00:36:59 That's right. You're seeing them out in the ocean does not fascinate me. Yeah. So there you go. We do have wind to talk about tomorrow. Really tomorrow morning the winds are going to start to crank up across the region. We have a wind advisory. It goes into effect at 4 a.m.
Starting point is 00:37:11 continues basically all day on Saturday for the triangle. And most of our counties under this wind advisory, so just know it's going to be very windy tomorrow. We do have some showers working through live look at our first alert Doppler net. They're light, but they're out there. I just had a call from Roanoke Rapids. One of my friends' uncles said he's got some snow flying up in the road in Oak Rapids area at this hour. This will be quickly moving out, though. mainly south through Wake Forest into Sanford.
Starting point is 00:37:39 Lee County is just about done with the showers, and that's going to continue down through Cumberland County over the next couple of hours. Live look up into person County, and you're not seeing anything in the way of precipitation. Winds are kicking up a little bit, and we head live into carry, and you've got some temperatures there in the 40s.
Starting point is 00:37:55 Let's talk about precipitation, and over the next four days, we don't have any. We've got a moderate to severe drought right now across the region. We need every drop we can get. And snow, even though it looked pretty, didn't have a lot of moisture to it, so we are still behind. Look at your 4-day forecast at 4 o'clock. Tomorrow is the first alert day just with the wind advisory in effect throughout the day.
Starting point is 00:38:16 Otherwise it's going to look pretty out the window, sunny blue skies, but those winds could gusts 40 miles an hour. Sunday, more clouds working through still cold. We're in the 30s. We'd climb into the 40s on Monday, partly cloudy skies. And yeah, that's a 6. 61 degrees as we head into next Tuesday. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, could have three days in a row in the 6th. We'll talk more about that coming up at 5 o'clock. Let's find out what else is coming up at 5 o'clock.
Starting point is 00:38:40 For more on that, we go back to Amber and Barbara. All right, Don, thank you. Let's look at what's coming up tonight on eyewitnesses at 5. A deadly dog attack in Durham County. Police say a woman was killed by her own pet. What we're learning about that incident. Plus, job openings are down, layoffs are up, and it's leading to a lot of frustration for people
Starting point is 00:38:56 looking for work. We're hearing from an expert about some things job seekers can focus on to stand out from the crowd. And highlighting a local legend during this Black History Month, history month, trailblazing track and field coach George Pup Williams sitting down with eyewitness news for a look back at his storied career. And still to come here at 430 swimsuits for everybody. In today's North Carolina made, we introduce you to one local woman diving headfirst into the world of fashion, how her mother inspired the vision behind the
Starting point is 00:39:23 swimwear line.

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