ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - January 29, 2026

Episode Date: January 29, 2026

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Everyone coming up next here on eyewitness news at four. We have breaking news in Orange County in the Isaiah Ross murder trial. Within the past hour, a jury found Ross guilty in the death of Devin Clark. But a different decision was reaching the murder of Lyric Woods. What that jury decided and how a judge is now reacting. We're following breaking news out of Johnson County. A car chase ends leading to a massive police presence. Tom George is live at the scene as police investigate. And Central North Carolina gearing up now for a second round of winter weather. Governor Josh Stein declaring a state of emergency ahead of that storm coming our way this weekend. What people are doing right now to get ready for this storm that could bring several inches of snow. I witness new 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 eyewitness news. Right now at four here we go again this afternoon a new state of emergency is declared for a second winter storm. It comes as we're still coping with last weekend's ice storm. Chapperv Eleven over Bethesda Elementary School in Durham today.

And you can see some of the lingering ice in the school parking lot prompting delays for the county today. And now we're focused on the storm coming this weekend. It's now leading to weather alerts. Right now our area is under a winter weather watch and an extreme cold watch and weather warnings are expected to go into effect around here tomorrow. And as the storm quickly approaches, Governor Stein declares another state of emergency. So if you can stay home Friday night and bundle up, we recommend you doing it. And you heard the governor say he's urging everyone to stay at home this Friday if you can. And thank you for joining us for your news at four.

I'm Barbara Gibbs. Hi everyone. I'm Steve Daniels. Amber is off today. All right, so the storm coming this weekend is shaping up to be a lot different from the storm we had last weekend. Let's take a look right now. This time we're expecting more snow than ice. And the first alert weather team is warning it could be a significant snow event. as well. As for the timing, snow could begin falling on Friday night, picking up into Saturday morning and then sticking around on Sunday as well. We have team coverage this afternoon. John

Dowding is in Raleigh at a DOT facility, but first let's check in with meteorologist Don Schweniker for more on what is to come and the timing gone. And good evening to you. Yeah, we'll talk about that in just a moment. Walk you through the watches we have first. We do have that winter storm watch for the entire viewing area. Remember our watch means we're watching the situation, all of the ingredients are there. When they're sure it will happen, they change that to a winter storm morning. We have an extreme cold watch. That means all the ingredients are there to see wind chills below zero Saturday night into Sunday with that cold air in place and that snow in place. So we will be keeping an eye on that. Here's our snow potential, two to four inches up to the north and west. And then we see four to seven inches right through the heart of our viewing area. It could be a little more in spots. And then two to four inches is you. you head down toward the coast and then a bigger burst as you get out toward the coast. But again, this far out, this is our forecast, and I think multiple inches of snow are possible. So let's walk you through the storm risk, accumulating snow, high risk of that, and that's for all of

Central North Carolina. Sleet, freezing rain, almost zero with that. We're just not seeing a big risk for that. Snow covered roads, most of Central North Carolina, high risk for that. I think we will see snow covered roads throughout the day on Saturday into Sunday. Power outages, not a zero. We're not anticipating anything big accumulating on the wires, but wind gust could go in excess of 35 miles an hour as this storm moves by, and that could bring down some branches and cause some localized power outages. Right now, we're clear and dry on the First Alert Doppler Network. We'll stay dry this evening.

If you've got plans this evening across the area, it should be a nice night. You'll want to bundle up as those temperatures fall through the 30s. We'll talk more about that in your first alert forecast. Coming up for you in just a couple of minutes, guys. Okay, Don will see you soon. Thanks. Today, Governor Stein gave us an update on the state's preparations for this next storm, and it comes as NCDOT crews have begun treating the roads with another round of brine. Indeed they have. John Downing is live from an NCDOT facility in Raleigh. John, good afternoon. You were with the governor earlier today, and you've heard firsthand the preparations for the storm.

Hey, good afternoon. Well, evening to you both, I should say, and those preparations are well underway. We've seen all of these brine trucks coming in and out of this facility here, coming here, refueling, getting more brine and pre-treating our roads ahead of. this storm and as the triangle prepares for snow, the governor says they are concerned about impacts along the coasts and dangerous road conditions as this storm gets even closer. It looks like it's going to be snow, not ice this time. That's a good thing, but it's still going to have real impacts on our lives. As NC DOT crews hit the road spreading brine on our major

highways, Governor Josh Stein getting a look at all the action. The governor met with DOT crews at a facility in Raleigh. He thanked them for the work they're doing, but also gave an update about the preparations underway across the state. The governor said he issued another emergency declaration for North Carolina ahead of the storm, signaling a potential need for assistance from the federal government. The governor also asking people at home to be patient when it comes to clearing the roads and to stay home if possible to avoid accidents. We ask people to be patient, to understand that it's Better to not be on the roads if you possibly cannot be. If you have to be on the roads, give a lot of distance to the car in front of you.

Go slower. We want people to be safe. Good advice right there. If you have to be on the roads, definitely keep that extra distance between you and any cars in front or behind you. Now, the governor also said that he's had great communication with the Trump administration over the last week. And if you will remember at home, last week the administration quickly approved the last emergency declaration. The governor declared ahead of the last. storm we had last weekend. So the governor says he's just waiting to hear back from the Trump

administration about whether they'll approve this latest emergency declaration. Now I also spoke with the Secretary of Transportation earlier today. Here the advice he has for drivers coming up right here at five. Live here in Raleigh, I'm John Dowding. ABC 11. I witness news. That's right. John, in fact FEMA has given North Carolina $200 million to help with the storm recovery from last weekend. We may be reaching out for some more help after this coming weekend storm as well. Thank you. And check out this video of Cruz in Raleigh putting Brian on the roadways. of the view from Chopper 11 overhead. The truck's spraying the brine, working to prepare roads in Raleigh for which to come this weekend. In Durham, the Durham Fire Department is encouraging people to prepare for their storm, for their homes.

And round two of this wintry weather, that means having a game plan if the power goes out. The deputy chief says a generator needs to be placed at least 20 feet from the home, and the exhaust should face away from the structure. He also says that people should only use carousine and kerosene heaters. We've had people bring the grill into their house for either warmth or to cook. Don't bring the grill in the house. Again, that's got to stay outside away. Make sure you've got a carbon monoxide alarm and your smoke alarms are working as well. As for the Durham Fire Department, they're going to staff up Saturday night.

An additional firefighter will be assigned to each ladder truck to better respond to emergencies. And as we prepare for this wintry weather, do not forget the tap of the ABC 11. app you can find all the latest weather updates throughout the week as well as the latest watches and warnings you can also check the first alert doppler net and the seven day forecast anytime all right now in folding in johnston county where deputies are investigating a car chase that ended in a fiery crash and then a big search operation it happened in the 3,800 block of east garner road in clayton near the pine hollow golf club that's where we find tom george tom tell us what you're learning so far about this yeah good afternoon a really wild scene playing out right here. I want to kind of walk you through what we're seeing right now. So it appears that this is where that crash happened. It's actually right along Highway 70 heading towards Wake County right when you cross in from Johnson County. So the speed limit 55 miles an hour right here. It looks like this is where the car spun off the road. You see the tire marks right there and then see the burn marks on that tree. That's where that fiery crash happened. And then from there, it appears that the driver got out and ran away on foot. through the woods. So just to give you some perspective, let's take you to some video from Chopper 11. There's about half a mile worth of woods that connect US 70 with the neighborhood and the golf course on the other side of those woods. We could see from that Chopper video, we could see those crews moving in with dogs with long guns at one point as that person ran towards the golf course.

So still we're going to figure out what led up to this. It appears it was some kind of chase possibly involving Clayton Police. We also saw some highway patrol crews as well. But again, a very busy area where we are right now. Again, right on Highway 70, heading in towards Wake County, where this crash happened. Right now, it appears that the scene is clear. All you can see is the damage left behind.

We're still working to learn more about what happened to that driver, what led up to that chase. But obviously a very wild scene here. And it doesn't appear that any other cars were impacted, but that is something we're working. to learn more about. We're also going to be talking to the people at that golf course and in that neighborhood, try and figure out what was going on here. But obviously a very chaotic scene here on a busy road this afternoon. Reporting live, Tom George, ABC 11, Oasis News. Cautic. Indeed. We'll look forward to more information. Tom, thank you. We're also following some breaking news unfolding in Orange County. Today, the jury found Isaiah Ross guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Devin Clark. But when it comes to the murder of Lyric Woods, a deadlock by the jury forced the judge to declare a mistrial. Cindy Bay live now at the courthouse in Hillsborough.

Cindy, sounds like it was a pretty emotional day for a lot of people inside the courtroom. Yes, Steve, the judge sentenced Ross to at least 20 to 25 years in jail. But because the jury could not agree on a verdict for charges related to Lyric Woods, the judge declared a mistrial for the first degree murder charge related to her. But according to the Orange County District Attorney, it's not over. The jury reached a verdict related to Devin Clark's death just a few hours ago. we then heard victim impact statements from two of Devin Clark's family members before the judge went right into sentencing. I need you to understand, Isaiah, that your actions didn't end Devin's in lyrics last breath.

They echoed through our home, through our hearts, through every moment we now have to live without them. You changed the course of our lives forever. I hope you carried away of that truth. It just hurts to see that he was. In our face, Isaiah was in our faith. In our home, now it just all made a big twist, and I just can't believe it. Words loved ones have used to describe Devin Clark were gentle, giant and alight. Lyrick Woods is also being remembered as a light as well.

And we just spoke with the prosecution attorney as well as the Orange County District Attorney Jeff Neiman about what's next. And so we're going to tell you all of that, plus a recap on everything on our. eyewitness news at five in Hillsborough. Cindy Bath, ABC 11, I witness news. The other big question this afternoon after a mistrial, will there now be a retrial for Isaiah Ross on the Lyric Woods charges? So we'll wait for that answer and hope for more next hour. Cindy, thank you. Now to some of the local headlines in your speed feed. First, a Fayville man is facing charges this afternoon. He's accused of exposing himself inside multiple stores in Smithfield and Selma. Selma police say the incidents happened early this month. Forty-year-old

and Williams is accused of exposing himself to a 17-year-old girl inside an old Navy store in Selma. Smithfield Police say they receive reports that Williams exposed himself to two children ages two and six. While inside the Beale store in Smithfield, he was arrested yesterday and is facing multiple charges. Police believe there may be more victims and urge anyone who's had a similar encounter to call them. Well, right now, an escaped inmate is back in custody in Robeson County and facing additional charges. captured 26-year-old Zion Brit around five this morning at a motel in Lumberton. Officials say Britt escaped from custody Tuesday after posing as another inmate who was scheduled for release. Brits been transferred back to the Columbus County Detention Center in connection with

the 2021 homicide. Authorities are still investigating his escape. In Wake County, this is the scene today on I-540 near Aviation Boulevard. Emergency crews respond to an 18-wheeler carrying mults that appeared to have smoke coming from the bed of its truck. Our crew there on the scene as crews put out the fire, still working to find out more details. And that is your speed feet. Steve, back to me. All right, Barbara, still to come here on eyewitness news after days of mass demonstrations

all across the country, it's possible we could see fewer federal immigration agents on the ground in Minnesota. We'll talk about the new funding package Congress is proposing that would cut funding for the Department of Homeland Security. And sentencing today in Illinois for the former sheriff's deputy convicted of killing Sonia Massey. We've got new reaction from her family members as they celebrate the victory. And First Alert traffic. We're taking a live look at 40, Aven Ferry Road. You can see traffic moving along on both sides just fine. 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. One ease across the region. 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. I see 11 I witness news right now at four days after federal immigration agent shot and killed ICU nurse 37 year old alex prety in minneapolis the senate has now failed to move forward with a government funding package in washington with democrats objecting to the budget for the department of homeland security it comes as president trump's borders are says reducing the number

of agents in minnesota is possible if local leaders stick to their agreement on those federal immigration operations a bc's rena roy has the latest for us On Capitol Hill, Democrats voting unanimously to block a government funding package after the killings of Alex Preti and Renee Good, saying they will not support the Department of Homeland Security budget. This means a partial government shutdown could begin at midnight Friday. Enough is enough. What ICE is doing outside the law is state sanction thuggery and it must stop. People's constitutional rights have been trampled. After days of widespread protests, President Trump's borders are Tom Homan, now saying a drawdown of the 3,000 federal agents currently in Minneapolis, is possible if local leaders agree to cooperate with federal immigration operations. President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made.

Homan also saying this to those who disagree with the administration's policies. I don't want to see anybody die. But the people out there don't like what I should do. If you want certain laws reformed, then take it up with Congress. I don't agree very much with Mr. Holman, but he's right in saying the epicenter of change has to be Congress, not the executive branch. And change is desperately needed. The two federal officers involved in the killing of Preddy are off duty and on paid administrative leave, according to a DHS spokesperson. DHS investigators say they're reviewing this video that appears to show Preddy,

an altercation with agents 11 days before he was shot and killed. In it, you see a man resembling Prattie, shouting at officers, kicking at a taillight. The Prattie family attorney telling ABC News in a statement that Prattie was violently assaulted by ICE agents despite posing no threat and nothing that happened a full week earlier can justify Alex's killing. Now, Homan did stress that targeted enforcement operations will continue and that they'll be focusing on criminals who are in the U.S. illegally. Rina Roy, ABC News, New York. A former Illinois sheriff's deputy convicted of murdering a woman inside her Springfield area home is sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Sean Grayson was convicted of killing 36-year-old Sonia

Massey in July of 2024. Grayson and another deputy arrived at Massey's home after she called 911 to report a possible intruder. The officers appeared to have a cordial discussion with Massey when she lifted a pot off of boiling water from her stove. There was a confrontation over what to do with the pot, then Grayson shot Massey in the head, claiming that he was afraid she would throw the water on him. The family of Sonia Massey and their attorneys react to the sentencing after today's hearing. This is what justice looks like for this family, for this community, for our country. We should see more of it because it's only fair.

Grayson received the maximum allowed for a second-degree murder conviction. All right. Let's turn back to the first alert weather right now. We want to show you a live look of a very icy Blue Ridge Parkway out in western North Carolina where most of that area remains closed as winter weather continues impacting road conditions across the region. That's from last weekend's trouble. That's right. And you can see why.

Of course, officials are assessing the roads and getting sections reopened. But with additional winter weather expected for the weekend, conditions could change quickly. So let's dive into the details here with Don and the forecast. And this has been a tricky one, as Don has been explaining all week, because the weather models are all over the place right now, which makes it challenging for you to come up with your forecast. And a lot of the issue here is the storm really hasn't come together yet, which makes us challenging.

Yeah, absolutely. By the way, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the video you just showed, they are now under a winter storm morning. So just know that it is going to snow very heavily in the higher elevations over there this weekend. As far as our forecast goes, a couple of the middle range models today actually showed a dry slot, and I saw some netrologist posting, yeah, you're not going to see any snow. Those models have started to fill back in. Okay.

Don't listen to the netorologist. Listen to Don. He's going to call you out. They just want your clicks, and I'm on a rampage. All right. Let's see. No, I'm just kidding. All right.

Let's show what's happening out there. We got that winter storm watch, in effect, entire viewing area that kicks in Friday night and continues to Sunday. Now this is an extreme cold watch. This is new this year. National Weatherists used to have wind show warnings, watches, or things like that. Now it's an extreme cold watch. And this means Saturday night into Sunday morning. The possibility is there that those feels like to go to 5 to 10 degrees below zero. So just know that even with the snow, Sunday morning is going to be extremely cold. Temperatures could be in the teens. Live look on our first alert, Doppler net tonight. We're dry across the region, not seeing any rainfall or snowfall out there. Self-help sky camas we head down into Fayetteville, 38 degrees right now, sunny and a west-northwest wind at five miles per hour. If you're headed out tonight, great night to get out and support your local restaurants.

I mean, they could take another hit this weekend, so if you can help them out tonight. It will be chilly. Temperatures in the 20s, but you won't have to worry about any snow flying. Satellite radar composite shows the clouds working through right now. The low will start to develop down here. Then we'll work its way up the coast. We'll actually see an upper level low that will kind of transfer its energy off the coast to that low pressure. Now this is the tool the National Weather Service uses to determine if they need to issue a winter storm warning. And that's a chance of three inches or snow.

And look at our entire viewing area has an 80% or higher chance of at least three inches of snow. South Hill, Virginia is in that 50 to 80% chance. So this is just one of the many tools we use to help put a forecast together. Let's show your first alert predictor forecast model. And it does show that snow starting to form tomorrow night. Tomorrow morning, you're fine. Friday looks good throughout today. Lots of clouds.

By Friday, 9 o'clock, we're starting to see some snow showers off to the north and west. And we will see these snow showers working through. Now, this particular model keeps us a little dry on Sunday morning. But watch, it fills in. And that's what those middle range models were doing today. They start off dry, and that's why you might see people online going. It's not going to snow at all. They were looking at one model.

Now these models, those same models, are starting to fill in as they get more data with this system. How much snow are we talking right now? It looks like two to four Hs up through here, and then four to seven plus right through the heart of the viewing area. This will change as we get more data in, but this far out, this is the best forecast we can give you. And it's a pretty good forecast, I think. We're staying away from those 12 to 16 inch totals you might have heard online as well. Tomorrow, 38 degrees clouding skies, Raleigh, 36 Durham. 44 in Fayetteville. You'll get a little warmer as you get a touch of warm air pushing in there. Seven-day forecast. Powered by ACCA weather, Saturday, first alert day because of the snow flying, especially from lunchtime into the afternoon and evening.

Shuts off by Sunday morning, but look at the temperature Sunday morning, 16 degrees with the feels like temperatures below zero. We clear on Sunday, Monday, 38, but Monday morning, we're at 14. I would not be surprised to see more school closings Monday into Tuesday as that snow starts to melt for Groundhog Day, guys. Those are some temperatures. Yeah, kids can count on maybe some snowball fights at Margaret. Absolutely. Okay, it's better than ice. I will say that.

Yeah, absolutely. Thank you, Don. All right, still ahead. A new Target stores coming to Wake County. After the break, we'll tell you where. Also coming up here on Eyewitness News, Starbucks, of course, has become a morning routine for a whole lot of people, but now they're trying to get you back later in the day.

We'll tell you about the new menu in the afternoon. They're hoping we'll give you a midday boost. We are back now with a little news you can use here on Eyewitness News at 4, and a new Target store is coming to Southern Wake County. a target announcing when that store is opening in a Pukwave Arena. It's in the Goldleave Crossing Shopping Center. It'll have Apple and Disney shops inside, a CVS pharmacy in there, and a Starbucks, too. The official grand opening for the new target is on March the 15th. Home Depot has announced it's cutting 800 Atlanta-based corporate jobs. The cuts mainly affect

remote roles in the store's support center. The home improvement company said the affected employees are getting separation packages, transitional benefits, and also job placement support to help find a new job. The company also announced all of its corporate employees will need to return to the office five days a week starting in April, no more remote working at Home Depot. Starbucks is rolling out a new afternoon menu over the coming weeks. It has some new snack and drink options like tea, macha, and energy drinks too. The coffee chain gave the energy drink trend to go, but then it discontinued it about a year ago. Starbucks says the new energy drinks will derive the caffeine from green coffee extract or unroasted coffee beans instead of using

synthetic ingredients. The new afternoon menu also includes snack options with protein and fiber. Those new items will be available in the morning as well at Starbucks. And that's the news you can use. Barbara, over to you. All right, Steve, thank you. Coming up at the bottom of the hour, DOT crews are back

in full swing today, preparing for a new winter storm in the forecast this weekend. We are checking in as crews start pre-treating the roads. And the push to stop a growing measles outbreak in South Carolina. One state lawmaker there proposes remote learning to stop the spread.

We are local news. ABC 11 eyewitness news continues now. We are back now with a first alert weather report as we're watching this massive storm system heading our way for the weekend. That storm is now leading to weather alerts, including a winter weather watch and an extreme cold watch.

Let's send things over to meteorologist Don Schwinnaker for a full breakdown of when we can expect the storm and maybe some predictions about accumulation. Yeah, we're talking anywhere from two to six inches across the area. We'll show that to you coming up in just a bit. Here are those alerts you mentioned.

We have a winter storm watch entire viewing area. So if you're watching, you're under a winter storm watch, remember a watch means the possibility is there to see a winter storm morning. We also have that extreme cold watch. This is more rare. We don't see these very often. This is new this year. This means you'll have feels like temperature zero to five below, possibly anywhere in the area.

And this is just for Saturday night into Sunday morning. But Sunday morning could be extremely cold. around here. We're not seeing any rain or snow out there tonight. Live look at first alert Doppler net as you head into this evening. If you've got plans maybe to go for a walk, go hit the grocery store, take the dog for a walk. Those temperatures will fall through the 30s into the 20s by 10 p.m. We're down to 25 degrees, but we do stay dry. We'll talk more about those snowfall totals. Take a look at some of the models and your first alert forecast coming up in just a bit, guys. All right, Don, thank you. And as we look ahead to another winter storm, the DOT has started their pre-treatment process on the roads, dropping brine ahead of the expected snow this week. And officials say their initial focus will be on our interstates and then on secondary roadways. And despite the back-to-back weekends of winter weather, the NCDOT feels they are prepared when it comes to the resources they have. We plan ahead of time. We start working on having enough resources back in the fall in the late summer. So we've already done that.

And we bring more in as needed. So that's our engineers. They're great at planning, especially our maintenance engineers that are responsible for clean. clearing the roads. And the DOT has some totals from last weekend. They say they spread more than 800,000 gallons of brine on roadways across North Carolina. And now they're doing more as we get ready for this weekend. And as we prepare for the potential snowstorm,

join us for a streaming special at 630 this evening as we continue to track the storm and its potential impacts. Don will be diving into an extended forecast and we'll have tips on what you can do right now to get ready. We're covering the Carolinas right now and a Davidson County community is, morning the death of a woman who died after a car spun out on an icy road and hit her. Officials say Barbara Hartwell of Lexington was hit by a car that ran off the road as sleet was falling last Saturday night. Investigators believe she was walking on a sidewalk when the car slid down an embankment hitting her.

Police say weather conditions that night made it impossible to pull the vehicle out. It wasn't until Sunday morning that Hartwell's body was found. Lexington police are still talking to the DA's office about possible charges, but investigators say they don't believe anyone in the car realized a pedestrian was hit. In Charlotte, frightening moments play out on board an American Airlines flight after reports of someone pointing a blue laser at the plane near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Happened about 7 o'clock this morning, just about five miles from the airport. The FAA says flight 314 reported being illuminated by a blue laser. Thankfully, the flight landed safely.

The FAA says, shining a laser at an aircraft can endanger both pilots and passengers. It's also a federal crime. The FAA and Charlotte Mecklenburg authorities are now investigating. In South Carolina, lawmakers are now thinking about remote learning options for kids who are unvaccinated in response to the growing measles outbreak in the state. It comes to South Carolina has reported more than 700 cases of measles, raising public health concerns as the outbreak expands beyond state lines. The outbreak, which has now affected both South Carolina and North Carolina, has led state Senator Josh Kimbril to say Spartanburg County there in South Carolina is at an inflection point where public health is at risk. Kimberle comparing the outbreak to the deadly outbreak in Texas where two kids died after getting the measles. And we're going to have to explore some options of e-learning and maybe restricting some extracurriculars until we can get this under control.

We have now surpassed 700 cases. So we're pretty much where Texas was in a much smaller state. And in my opinion is, I don't want to attend a funeral of a kindergartner or a kindergarten teacher. As South Carolina health leaders say they could begin offering adult measer, booster shots pretty soon because of that outbreak in their state. Coming up, but four, a driver is facing charges after police say the driver repeatedly slammed into a synagogue. Coming up after the break, we've got video of the incident. What officials are now saying about that driver? And several countries are on high alert right now after two new

cases of the deadly NEPA virus were detected in India. We'll tell you about the precautions those countries are taking in hopes of stopping the spread. And as we go to break, we're taking a live look right now at the Raleigh Skyline on this Thursday. afternoon the clouds are building in ahead of that snow that we are expecting tomorrow evening into the weekend. Don is tracking it all the details and the first alert forecast coming up. Right now at four, New York City police are investigating a possible hate crime after a driver repeatedly slams into a synagogue in Brooklyn. Officer saw a car slam into the rear entrance, then back up and hit the door again. The 36-year-old driver is now in custody and currently

being treated as an emotionally disturbed person. The Trump had The administration decision to deploy National Guard troops to several different cities across the country came with a pretty hefty price tag for taxpayers. The government spent roughly $496 million between June and December, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The nonpartisan CBO says if the deployments keep going through 2026, the final tally could rise to $1.1 billion. The findings are based on the deployments to Los Angeles, Washington, Memphis, Portland, and Chicago. The cost of sending troops to New Orleans was not included in that data. A White House spokesperson responded to the CBO estimate by saying the deployments helped reduce crime in those cities. Coming up next here on eyewitness news, an annual report card grading state and federal efforts in reducing tobacco use comes with a warning.

By experts are worried that hard-won progress in tobacco use prevention may be at risk. Also charting a course for adventure. We'll introduce you to a woman rolling solo by herself, rowing across the Atlanta. Her inspiring journey across the Atlantic Ocean coming up now. And as we head to a break, here's a checklist of things you might need in your home during a winter storm. Keep at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food in your home. Make sure you have all your meds. Make sure that you have a gallon of water per person per day.

You also may want to have fresh batteries for weather radios and flashlights and make an emergency supply kit for your pet. We will be right back. Watch Joel Brown. Weekday mornings on ABC 11 eyewitness news. All right, we've just heard from the Wake County School System. The kids get to sleep in a little bit more tomorrow, a two-hour delay for Wake County schools for Friday. And they may not be going back to school at the beginning of the week either. Yeah, lots to come between now and now. See what happens.

Yeah, absolutely. All right, we're back now with your health check in several different countries, including Thailand and Nepal, have now increased their surveillance efforts after cases of the deadly NEPA virus were found in India. So far, just two cases have been confirmed among 25-year-old nurses, a woman and a man in West Bengal, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong, all. have tightened up screening for signs of infections from incoming passengers at their borders. Nepa virus is a type of zoonotic disease, meaning it's primarily found in animals and can spread between animals and people. It can cause brain inflammation and there is no vaccine. So far, there have been no reports of any cases in the U.S. All right, there's a brand new report card out on smoking across the country. It's from the American Lung Association. It says smoking rates for adults dropped from just over 23 percent of all adults in 2000.

to below 11% in 2023. Major strides, obviously, but tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease across the country, claiming more than 490,000 lives every year. And the report warns progress could quickly unravel because of changes in tobacco use, prevention efforts, and cessation. I want to see us continue to fight and drive down smoking rates. So nobody has to deal with the consequences. And when it comes to regulation of tobacco products and coverage of treatment to help people quit smoking, the report gives the federal government A D. It received an F for the level of federal tobacco taxes and an I for incomplete on mass media campaigns focused on preventing and reducing use. A B was given for funding for tobacco prevention and control.

As for us here in North Carolina, we earned an F in every category from the American Lung Association except access to smoking cessation. services where we got a D. Well, Americans are living longer than ever. That is according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials there say overall life expectancy in the U.S. rose to 79 years old. That is the highest that age has ever been. And it comes in part to a drop in COVID-19 and drug overdose deaths. The findings also show women can still expect to live a little longer than men. However, the gap between the genders is getting smaller. Female life expectancy inched up to just over 81 years old. All right, it is time now for the part of the four clock news we love to bring it.

It's real news, the top trending stories, and first, a really incredible feat of endurance and will as well. This woman right here is rowing all by herself across the Atlantic Ocean. That's 25-year-old Terran Smith. She spent more than a month out there on the high seas so far. She started in mid-December in Spain, in a place, Lagomera. She shared her journey on Instagram while rowing between 10 and 12 hours every day. Taryn is finishing her adventure sometime today. All right, let's go to California, where a couple is getting a fresh start to their happily ever after.

Before saying I do, Riley and Isaac Anastisu said goodbye to nearly 100 pounds. The bride's Instagram post going viral showing their transformation from engagement party to wedding, and their own guests were absolutely speechless when they saw how much weight they lost. The six months before the wedding, the couple committed to losing weight together, and they both started at about 215 pounds. The before and after really helped tell the story. They said they focused on their diet as well as running and walking more, and they reached their goal.

The couple losing a total together of 95 pounds for their wedding day. All right, let's go to Peabody, Massachusetts, where a police officer had to assert his authority when he came across a herd of cows who believed that Saturday night should keep on going. Come on. All right, that's Detective Deroon. putting his skills to work as he calmly guided those guys, convincing even cows to make a good decision on a busy Saturday night out on the town. The cows did get home safely after enjoying a

night out right there outside Boston of all places. All right, caught on camera in southeastern Michigan. State police found a runaway miniature donkey out on the lamb in the snow. The donkey named Dolly escaped from her home earlier this week through an open gate. Officers spotted her about a mile from her home strolling down a street in Holly Township. Her owners came and picked her up and said, Dolly, you got to get back home. Come on, no roaming around in the cold. That could be dangerous. That is real news. Barbara, over to you. All right, see, thank you. All right, let's turn again to first alert weather. We are not the only ones in the path of this weekend's potential snowstorm. Right now, people in parts of Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, also on high alert. The system

comes as many parts of the country, including Tennessee, are still dealing with large power out of In hard-hit Nashville, officials say some outages will last through the weekend. We know there are still tens of thousands of Nashvilleians without power. We're working hard to get you resources to ensure you have information about available resources, and also our NES crews are out there working 24-7 to make sure power is restored as quickly as it can be. Tennessee, also on the list of states preparing for this weekend storm. Meteorologist Don Schwinnigers here. I know like the south, the deep south got really hit.

I know Oxford, Mississippi, sometimes in northern Mississippi, some of them still in the dark. Wow. And here's the difference. Last weekend, Florida was in the 70s. This Sunday, Miami could see a wind chill of 28. Wow. Yeah, they could go below freezing in Miami for the winchills. South Floridians don't know what to do with that.

Yeah. So that's just how deep this cold air is that's headed in. And because of that, not only do we have the winter storm watch that could become a winter storm morning tomorrow, We also have that extreme cold watch. That cold air will push in across the south. They could wake up to below zero wind chills down in Jacksonville, Florida. We could see him here as well, and that's why that watch is in effect from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Taking a look at snow potential.

I like us for four to seven right through here. There are going to be heavier bands, and there are going to be times it stops. So this could be one of those where somebody says, you said four, and I only got two. But with as cold as it's going to be, we could see some higher snowfall amounts than this. So we'll keep an eye on that as we head through the next several days. Here's the bottom line with this storm. Weekend snow arrives Friday night into Saturday morning. Snow will be off and on all day on Saturday.

The heaviest snow will happen from lunchtime into the afternoon of Saturday, at least at this point. Let's go back to that. We will also see not only heavy snow working in Saturday. We will also have snow covered roads Saturday. and it will be heavy in spots. It's a plowable snow. You'll be able, you won't have to shovel as hard as you did with the heavy sleep we saw. But there will be snow covered roads and bitter cold Sunday morning.

Again, the wind chill 5 degrees below zero to five above. And that's the bottom line because big weather said so. All right, let's find out what else is coming up at 5 o'clock. For more on that, we check in with Lauren Johnson. Don, let's take you to the ice, not inside, or not outside, inside at Lenovo Center, where the Whalers night is happening. The Cains host the Mammoth. expect to see those teams rocking those retro jerseys for their third and final time this season,

Trey Miles will have a live report ahead of the puck drop. North Carolina roads were free of fatalities after last weekend's winter weather, and state leaders want it to remain that way. The DOT Secretary credits the 2,500 workers who are out plowing and breaking apart icy patches, what he's saying about the supplies on hand and plans to get more. Governor Josh Stein handing us a rundown of all the major events coming to North Carolina in 2020. one of them is happening close to us here in the triangle, each of them bringing a big economic boost. We'll talk about that list coming up.

And the president busy posting online after the seizure of 2020 ballots in Fulton County, Georgia. The messages are a series of discredited conspiracy theories about the 2016 and 2020 elections, how officials in Atlanta are responding to the FBI raids of those election offices. And a verdict followed by victim impact statements and then sentencing in the trial of Isaiah Ross. Cindy Bay has been inside this. courtroom since the beginning of the trial. She'll bring us the very latest after he was sentenced to 20 years. Stephen Barbara, back to you. Okay, Lauren, see in a few minutes for the news at five. Sillahead here on eyewitness news at 4 o'clock. NC State's Pohall is once again the center

of a legal battle over the presence of cancer-causing contaminants inside Pohall. And today people now suing the university detailed their personal health battles after claims of exposure in the building.