ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 4pm - January 5, 2026

Episode Date: January 5, 2026

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For Bond denied for the man charged with killing a Raleigh teacher in her home. The latest developments from today's court hearing as the suspect's lengthy criminal record comes into question. New reaction as the community mourns the woman's murder. And legal experts weighing in on new motions filed by attorneys for the teen charge in the Heddingham mass shooting. Why the defense is pushing to block certain information ahead of the trial. Plus a man is dead. A woman is seriously injured after a drive-by shooting in Durham. Police now identifying the man killed as the same. The search for the shooter continues.

IWitness News at 4 starts right now. 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. We begin with new video right now at 4. Our eyewitness news cameras in the courtroom today as the man charged with breaking into a teacher's house and killing her. made his first court appearance. The woman identified pictured here as Zoe Welsh, a teacher, a beloved teacher at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, that suspect Ryan Camacho

now held without bond. Governor Josh Stein reacting in a post on next saying, quote, Zoe Welsh, by all accounts, was a special teacher in person. My heart goes out to her family and students who have suffered a traumatic loss from another senseless act of violence. Thanks for joining us this Monday at 4. I'm Amber Ripenta. And I'm Barbara Gibbs. Police say the 36-year-old, The suspect Ryan Camacho broke into Welch's home Saturday morning. They say he attacked and beat her while she was on the phone with 9-1-1. She later died from her injuries.

Tom George was it in court today, so Tom, what can you tell us about that first court appearance? Yeah, good afternoon. We know that that suspect Ryan Camacho has now officially been denied bond as this case moves forward. As you mentioned, this all started on Saturday morning when the victim in this case, that Raven Evanscroft teacher called 911 saying that someone had broke into her house. It was while she was on the phone with dispatch that she was allegedly beaten. And by the time that officers arrived, she was taken to the hospital where she later died. Now, again, Camacho making his first appearance before that judge this afternoon. And Camacho has a lengthy criminal history. He was brought in person. He was told his charges and what his sentence would be. with the murder of Zoe Welch. You've also been charged with felony breaking and entering. If you were to be convicted of murder,

you could receive life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. And as you just heard there, the maximum sentence could be life without parole or the death penalty. I did speak with District Attorney Lauren Freeman. She says right now they have not decided whether they are going to be pursuing

the death penalty in this case. But we do know also that she says Camacho's mental health and lengthy criminal history will also be factors in that decision. But those prior cases also raising a lot of concern in the community, including some who had had prior run-ins with Camacho in the past. We asked the district attorney about that, and their concerns as to whether Camacho should have even been on the street in the first place, her response to that and that part of the story coming up tonight at 5.

For now we're live. Tom, George, ABC 11, HOTUS News. Tom, a lot of people are going to want to know the answers to those questions. Very critical questions you're asking about this. person and we look forward to hearing those answers. Thank you, Tom, George. Meantime, attorneys representing the alleged mass shooter of the Heddingham murders have filed new motions today asking a judge to block certain cell phone and computer data. Austin Thompson's trial is scheduled to begin next month. Today is the deadline for both sides to file the motions

and the defense submitted several requests Friday, another one today. Lawyers are asking the court to restrict evidence related to the searches on defense. devices attributed to Thompson. A legal expert says the defense's argument has some merit considering when the searches were done in relation to the Headingham shooting. You're talking about the search that was done by a 12-year-old three years before the murders and whether or not it relates back to planning, scheme, that kind of thing. Ahead here on Iwood's news at 5 o'clock. What that expert says are some of the prosecution greatest hurdles in this case.

It's got a meteorologist Cruz Medina, and I've had a coat this morning, a big one. I have a feeling I'm not going to need that for the next couple of days. Yeah, you might be traded that out for some shorts and short-sleeved shirts over the next few days as we feel those spring-like temperatures arrive in Central North Carolina. So going into tomorrow, it'll already be about 10 degrees above average, but those tipters keep climbing to nearly 20 degrees above average as we go into the middle of the week. and we could see more of those warm temperatures even into this weekend. So big changes on the way, but I could say for today, it's obviously been on the chilly side,

and that's because we've had some thicker cloud cover that has been very stubborn to break across our region. So a live look into downtown Raleigh, you could see how hazy the skies look. It's only 52 there in Raleigh. We've got 50 in Roxburgh and much warmer down in the sandhills at 62 in Fayetteville. So areas along the peripheries of Central North Carolina that had more sun today are obviously. going to be a bit warmer. This is for the triangle. Tipters will be in the low 50s for the next hour or two and then we should fall into the 40s as we go into the rest of this evening. Now overnight, it'll be pretty chilly but not as cold as last night. Tifters will range from

the upper 30s along the North Carolina, Virginia border to around 40 degrees in the triangle and sandhills. And that means the morning hours will obviously be a bit chilly. The afternoon's warming up nice despite cloud cover. And it's a southwest wind that's going to push our tipters into the 60s for tomorrow. Some of the warmer spots, Raleigh 64 and 65 in Fayetteville that hide tomorrow. We'll talk about even warmer days ahead coming up in your seven-day forecast. Barbara. Right, thank you, Cruz.

Well, now to some other local headlines in your speed feed here at four. First, new details on a deadly drive-by shooting in Durham. Police say someone in a car opened fire on another car on Hillsborough Road. The bullets hit a man and a woman in a Chevy Malibu. Both victims were rushed to the hospital. The man identified as 30-year-old Irice Jeffrey of Durham died from his injury. The woman is seriously hurt. We're still working to find out more about her condition.

Police have not named any suspects. New at 4, police in Golsboro announced charges filed against a 15-year-old in a shooting that happened last month. Investigators say the gunshot detection program shot spotter alerted authorities to Lincoln Drive. At least three homes in the area were hit with gunfire. That teenage boy is now charged with a number of charges, including attempted first-degree murder, discharging a firearm into occupied property. The search continues for a gunman in Rocky Mount after a deadly shooting early this morning. It happened just after 1.30 this morning on Sunset Avenue.

Police say they found a man shot. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. Police have not released the victim's identity or any details on the suspect at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rocky Mount Police. And that is your speed feed. Amber, back to you. Barbara, thank you. Developing now in New York, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro defiant as he and his wife appeared before a U.S. in federal court today. The two are facing narco-terrorism charges after being seized by U.S.

forces over the weekend. Prosecutor Save Maduro and his allies partnered with violent and dangerous drug traffickers in Colombia and Mexico to move tons of cocaine into the United States. And we have team coverage. Michael Furchick is in Rale with reaction from local Venezuelans and ABC's Rainer Roy joins us outside the federal court in lower Manhattan with the latest. Yeah, Amber and Barbara, I can tell you that it was a very brief hearing today inside the federal courthouse behind us here. But both Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, used this as an opportunity to proclaim their innocence, Maduro saying, quote, I will be free. A stunning hearing inside a New York City federal court today as ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro faced the judge alongside his wife Celia Flores. Both charged in a four-count indictment, prosecutors accusing Maduro and his co-defendants of working with drug traffickers in Colombia and Mexico to move tons of cocaine into the U.S. over the past 25 years.

In court, Maduro shackled in speaking through a translator saying, I'm innocent, I'm not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still president of my country. Maduro and his wife both pleading not guilty to charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. What the government is alleging is that Maduro used the government of Venezuela to execute on this drug conspiracy. Both obtaining U.S.-based attorneys, Maduro hiring Barry Pollock, who previously represented Julian Assange, neither requesting bail so they were taken back to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they'll be held. The attorney for Celia Flores says she was seriously injured with a potentially fractured

rib after that dramatic capture over the weekend when Maduro and Flores were taken by U.S. forces from their compound in Venezuela in the middle of the night. Outside court today, dozens of protesters from both sides gathering. At one point, the NYPD is separating the two dueling groups. An inside court, someone yelling in Spanish, you will pay in the name of Venezuela. Maduro responding, I am a prisoner of war. I will be free. Now the next court date is set for March 17th, and the judge says that he is open to receiving bail applications in the future. Barbara, Amber. So much, Rina Roy, reporting live for us from ABC News. Rina, thank you. And of course, major questions remain about what role the U.S. will play in

governing Venezuela. President Trump says he wants, quote, total access to Venezuela's oil. The country has the largest oil reserves in the world. Delsi Rodriguez, meantime, has been sworn in as the interim leader of Venezuela. She was Maduro's vice president and says she is open to cooperating with the U.S. In the meantime, a new poll shows Americans are roughly split on the U.S. sending military forces into Venezuela. The Washington Post poll shows 42% of Americans disapprove of the action. 40% of Americans approve.

18% say they are unsure. We're also getting local reaction on the tensions and the tension in the Caribbean. Our Michael Perchick is joining us live now. He's outside the Raleigh-Iwood News Center with more on this. I understand that you spoke with a Venezuelan man who says he fled the country years ago due to the political situation. That's exactly right. Carlos Benucci has been in the U.S. for five years. He worked with the opposition party while in Venezuela.

He says the arrest of Nicolas Maduro could be the start of a new chapter for his home country. He speak with Venezuela. Carlos Benucci is one of an estimated 8 million Venezuelans who have fled the country under the rule of Nicholas Maduro. I had in my team, in my coordination, 10 people, and five of those 10 people are in jail right now. Nucci lives here now in the Triangle. He served as National Youth Coordinator for Vente Venezuela, the party, which many outset observers believe, was victorious in the country's 2024 presidential election. However, the Maduro regime refused to cede power, claiming it won the race, despite widespread allegations of fraud. Maduro has long been accused of human rights violations in Venezuela,

including the targeting of political opponents and excessive use of force. Benucci supports the U.S. operation to arrest Maduro that believes the next steps about who will lead the country are critically important. The elect president is Edmundo Gonzalez, and they won the elections. And yes, absolutely, I think the transition must, maybe not, they have to be part. They must to be part of the transition, you know. The capture of Maduro has drawn questions and a mix of reactions from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

The president isn't supposed to use force without the authorization of Congress against a foreign state. This is fundamentally an act of war to use military force and target the air defenses of a foreign nation and then impose your will. The Trump administration has argued it did have the authority to take action, referring to the legal charges Maduro and his wife are now facing in the U.S. Coming up at five members of North Carolina's congressional delegation reacting to the events. In Raleigh, I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11 eyewitness news. All right, interesting perspective. Michael, thank you. And ABC News will continue to follow the investigation into Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.

You can look for the latest developments coming up here on World News tonight with David Muir at 630 after eyewitness news at 6 o'clock. Coming up next at 4, honoring human trafficking victims and survivors, how state leaders plan to recognize human trafficking prevention months. Plus, the new multi-billion dollar spending plan as Congress looks to avoid another government shutdown at the end of the month. New here at four highlighting human trafficking prevention month. Today, Governor Josh Stein announced a new campaign to raise awareness. Tomorrow is honorary wear blue day for state employees. Eleven state government buildings in downtown Raleigh will all be illuminated with blue lights. This will happen from Wednesday through Sunday in honor of victims and survivors. Stine also declared January 11th as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. He released a statement saying, quote, human trafficking is a crime that thrives in darkness. That's why we must shine a light.

Keeping our eye on the economy, new this hour, lawmakers introduce a new bipartisan budget plan amid concerns over the next government shutdown deadline. It costs about $180 billion. Democrats say they rejected more than $100 billion of proposed cuts during negotiations with Republicans. The package containing funding for energy programs, energy programs and scientific research as well as the Justice Department and other agencies. The next funding deadline is January the 30th. Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walls announced he will not seek a third term in office.

Every minute that I spend defending my own political interest would be a minute I can't spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who pray on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on our differences. So I've decided to step out of this race and I'll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that's in front of me for the next year. His decision comes as he faces criticism over a welfare fraud scandal in his state. Minnesota officials have until Friday to provide the Trump administration with information about providers and parents who receive federal funds for child care. Developing in Washington, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Green is set to resign this week.

The close ally turned critic of President Trump announced in November that she would resign from office with today, January the 5th, being her final day. With her departure, the partisan breakdown in the House will stand at 219 Republicans with 218 Democrats, with three seats vacant. As a result, Johnson will, Marjorie Taylor Green, will, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, will only be able to lose two Republicans on any party line vote needing the near unanimous support of his party to advance any legislation from here forward happening today more rain is expected to continue in southern California after a soggy weekend on the west coast record-setting king tides hit sections of the golden state causing flash flooding and significant damage some counties saw more than four inches of

rain over a 48-hour period streets as you can see transforming into rivers and that rain is expected thankfully to ease tomorrow they really could use a break wow no doubt about that it's got a I have this feeling, you know, just like, okay, so it's so warm, it's January 5th. Don't get too comfortable though? Right, because I feel like we're going to get it. Yeah, it's very much still winter, and I'll say there are some days in the seven day that look cold, but they're not going to be in the near future. So we're going to be breaking out shorts the next few days.

Wow. And then we won't have to deal with the cold until we get to the back half of this upcoming weekend. Now, in the near term, those tipters will be in the middle to upper 60s most days, but a few of us, like the triangle and the sandhills, could be hitting seven. as early as Wednesday. We could do it again on Friday and Saturday. This weekend, though, there is a rain chance that's mainly going to be throughout the day on Saturday. And then like I mentioned, there is a cool down on the backside of this warm up. And that's going to come as we go into the end of the upcoming weekend. Let's take a live look outside, though. And what you'll see here over North Hills, obviously the sun is setting. And that's going to set right around 516. You also notice a lot of clouds around. So these clouds have kept temperatures on the cool side today. We've only gotten into the low 50. but some encouraging news there. Just mentioned a 516 sunset. The sunsets are going to start getting slowly later in the day

as we go through the rest of this month, and the sunrise is going to happen a little earlier in the month. So in terms of daylight gained throughout this month, we gain about a half hour of daylight, and that will continue to increase as we go forward and closer to the spring equinox. So just a heads up on that. For this evening, though, since the sun is setting here

within the next hour, tipters are going to stay pretty chilly through the evening. If you're stepping out to walk the dog, you'll definitely want some layers on you as you venture outside. First alert predictors shows tomorrow's tipters will start out a little milder, closer to 40 degrees. And despite the cloud cover that we see tomorrow, and it is expected to be a pretty cloudy day, those southwest winds are still going to warm us up into the 60s. So the sun is not going to play as much of a role in why we get warm tomorrow as what we saw today, where the clouds kind of blocked out those tipters completely. But into Wednesday, it keeps

getting warmer. Temperatures will be in the 50 starting out and afternoon highs will be closer to 70. So recapping here tomorrow, some of the coolest areas will be those northern counties near 60 degrees, but we're in the 60s for the triangle and the sand hills. And from there, it keeps getting warmer as the front kind of sags to the south as we go into the middle of the week. So since we're south of that front, our winds will still be out of the southwest. That pushes us to near 70 degrees for the high. And then as we go into the end of the week, we'll be watching not only for the tipters to stay warm, but also a chance of rain. That comes in with the front that moves in this weekend. Once again, that'll keep us warm with some rain chances on Saturday,

but then by Sunday it cools us down in a big way. Hey, if you're just joining us, tipters right now are pretty chilly, so as you step out this evening, dress warm. Tonight, we go down to around 40 degrees in most spots, and tomorrow we should see those highs rising a little more into the 60s across the region. Your first alert, Accuweather 7-day forecast shows the chance of hitting 70s, not only, again on Wednesday, but Friday and Saturday as well. So both of those are warm days. Once again, a chance of rain throughout the day on Saturday. It's not going to be super widespread, but that cools us down into Sunday as that front passes through. We should be in the 50s as we end out

the upcoming weekend. Amber. All right. Up and down continues in this winter. Curse thanks. Coming up here, 4 o'clock, North Carolina could be going red, new data showing a rise in Republican voters. And what you need to know, if you still have not paid your property taxes and during As of today, marks the final day. It's time. It's time now for some news you can use this Monday. The FDA has missed its deadline to propose banning formaldehyde and hair strength straightening products. A proposed rule within the agency had an action date on the last day of December.

Salon workers have been pushing for the ban since 2021. The FDA has missed several deadlines on the rule since 2023. Formaldehyde increases the risk of uterine, fibroids, infertility, and hormone-related cancers. The FDA says the rule is still in the works. The next step for it is to be published in the Federal Register for Public Comment, although the FDA has not said when that will happen. In your voice, your vote, new data about registered voters in North Carolina. Carolina, for the first time in 22 years, the number of registered Republicans has surpassed

the number of registered Democrats. However, the number of unaffiliated voters still outnumbers both parties. The new data from the State Board of Elections comes ahead of this year's midterms. Today is the deadline for Durham County residents to pay their property taxes. So here's what you need to know. To make payments, you can go online, in person, at the administration two building in downtown, or you can call over the phone. Officials Warren, if you don't pay by today, you could face interest, fees, liens, and collection enforcement actions.

And that is news you can use. Barbara, back to you. All right, Amber, thank you. Well, for the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers will host a playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The team clinched the NFC South in dramatic fashion when the Falcons beat the Saints, sliding the Panthers to the top of the division. The Panthers will play the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday afternoon at 430. head coach Dave Canales said that the Panthers are ready to take advantage of a championship moment in front of their fans. Really excited about being back in Bank of America Stadium one more time. You know, we left this stadium after the Seahawks game.

Not sure if we're going to get another opportunity, but to have one more chance in front of our fans with the energy that it was like, you know, especially down the stretch this season. It's a really exciting opportunity for us and we're excited for it. And again, the Panthers will play the Rams Saturday at home. That will be a rematch from a week. A few weeks ago when the cats beat Los Angeles. They hope we can do it again. I know at home too. Well, still ahead here, 4 o'clock.

A game changer for weight loss drugs, Wagovi, now offering a pill form of the drug. Local health experts weighing in on the major breakthrough. And community members telling eyewitness news that they are on edge after shots were fired at a restaurant killing two brothers in Fayette. We continue to follow a deadly shooting at a Fayetteville restaurant. Police say 49-year-old Timothy Nakamoto and his brother, 45-year-old Daniel Nakamoto, were killed in a shooting on Saturday.

Investigators say they believe the shooting was the result of an argument inside the restaurant that escalated to a physical altercation. Akila Davis is in Fayette before she has new reaction from community members as police search for the suspect. There's been a lot of talk in the Fayetteville community since a shooting claimed the lives of two brothers on Saturday at Max Speed Shop. Fairville police tell me they're still reviewing evidence and this remains an active investigation. For something like this to happen, it shocks all of us. It's wild to go back to a spot like that and just, I haven't been there since it happened, but now it's going to feel a little weird going in there knowing that like that happened. Fresh reaction from community members who work near Max Speed Shop. Detectives say the investigation is ongoing as they review evidence.

They tell eyewitness news they identified and interviewed numerous people who were inside the business at the time of the shooting. Investigators identifying the victims as 43-year-old Timothy Nakamoto and his brother, 45-year-old Daniel Nakamoto. Detectives say a person of interest has been identified, but no charges have been filed. Staffers at a nearby business told me they saw the heavy police presence Saturday night when they were getting off work. A max employee confirming that they will be closed until further notice. It's like a huge community that goes there, bikers go there, military goes there, my skate friends, they go there and stuff. And to see it completely barren and empty, nobody in there besides a couple of workers and stuff, it was a little different. Ahead of 530, what police are telling us about the relationship between the victims and person of interest.

I'm in Fairville. Akela Davis, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Akela, thank you. Well, now to some other headlines in your speed feed. First, UNC implements new visitor restrictions. Beginning today, visitors 11 years old and younger, as well as anyone with respiratory symptoms will not be permitted in any inpatient or waiting areas.

UNC Health says the restrictions will ensure safety as cases of the flu and other respiratory illnesses rise across our state. WakeMed and Cape Fear have similar restrictions. Duke Health begins theirs tomorrow. Today, the town of Fukuave Arena is launching its new public transit with MicroLink. MicroLink is Go Raleigh's on-demand transit service. Riders can now request rides through the MicroLink app or by phone.

The service offers curb to curb riders, and MicroLink will provide service weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. And now to a traffic alert in Wake County. More ramp closures planned and carry this week so crews can test the soil. This closure is happening on the ramp from I-40 eastbound to U.S. 1 South. Tomorrow will be the ramp from the I-440 westbound to I-40 West, and Thursday will be from I-40 West to the Beltline eastbound.

All closures are happening from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Holly Springs, also launching its own local ride share service starting today. The Holly Springs Hopper will offer rides to residents within town limits. Anyone in Holly Springs can request rides from their doorsteps to anywhere within the service area and back for fares that cost less than a cup of coffee. Service hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Coming up on I witness news at 5, we're going to hear from the Holly Springs mayor on how the new service will help with all the growth happening there. And that's pretty cool.

It's your speed fee. Back to you, Amber. I know. Less than a cup of coffee. That's great. Turning now to the major announcement regarding a popular weight loss drug made right here in the triangle. This morning, pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of the popular drug Wagovi. in pill form. Sean Coffey has more on the impact for patients and the triangle. GLP1 drugs have really become a revolutionary tool for many of the clinicians who treat patients with obesity. Today, one of the weight loss drugs that have surged in popularity across the country in recent years, now available in pill form. Obesity experts say it's another major

breakthrough in combating weight-related illness. Some patients just can't tolerate. the injections because of injections like local reactions. So having pill form is a wonderful option. Drug manufacturer Novo Nordus announcing Monday they've received FDA approval for the first ever GLP one drug in pill form. That pill will be made start to finish in the triangle, starting at their facility in Clayton before the drug is formed into pills and packaged at their site in Durham. Simply put, we have the things, the ingredients that companies like Novo need to be successful in delivering their therapies and their innovations going forward. Novo Nordisk employs about 2,000 people in North Carolina making diabetes and weight-related

drugs. Clayton Economic Development Director Joe Stalling says it's proof the company's investment here is paying off. And it says that the town of Clayton and the RTP region in particular is a fantastic epicenter for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the entire world. While doctors say the launch of the drug in pill form will make it more accessible for patients and it will be cheaper than injectable Wagovi. For long-time providers like Dr. Sarah Rowe, it shows how far treatment has come. The only option we had was maybe surgery to get this level of weight loss, but now these medications are almost reaching that level. That is how powerful these medications are. In Clayton, Sean Coffey, ABC 11, eyewitness news. The new Wigobi pill is now available

via prescription at tens of thousands of pharmacies across the country, including CVS and Costco. New at 4, a big lottery win for a local guy in Durham County. Brandon Jeffries of Rougemont won a $100,000 prize on a $3 powerball ticket. Jeffries bought his lucky ticket using online play. He matched the numbers on four white balls and the red power ball to win, $50,000 in December 29th, strong. And because he bought a power play ticket, his prize doubled to $100,000. After required federal and state tax withholdings, he took on more than $72,000. Not bad. Tonight's Powerball Jackpot stands at $86 million, and you can look for the winning numbers tonight on Eyewitness News at 11.

It's a great way to start off 2026. Yeah. It's a great way to start off any day, right? Yeah, I guess that's for sure. Coming up new and all new here at 430, the push to honor Capitol police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6th attack. Plus, we're taking a closer look at the agenda. for Congress as lawmakers return to Capitol Hill. And as we head to break here on this Monday,

a lot of people getting back to their routines, a live look into downtown Raleigh. Don, actually you're keeping an eye out the window. There's downtown. The skies look nice and a warm-ups on the way. Yeah, the cloud's starting to break out there, not seeing any rain on your first alert top of Lernet tonight. As a matter of fact, we're going to dry out and we're going to warm up.

We'll talk about those warm temperatures and your first alert forecasts coming up. New here at four as we approach the fifth anniversary of the 2021 January 6th attack on the Capitol. Some Congress members are now pushing to honor the police officers who defended the Capitol that day with an official plaque. House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to formally unveil the plaque. It comes as the DOJ is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit calling for it to be displayed. Nearly 100 members of Congress, mostly Democrats, have now placed poster board style replicas of the January six plaque outside their office doors. This is a reminder of so when visitors come to the Capitol,

they're reminded of our history, the visual representation of it. And again, to not learn the lessons of history is to repeat the lessons of history. And there's so much here that we should learn from. And this plaque is a visual way of remembering one of the darkest days in American history, the effort to overthrow the free and fair election of 2020. One Capitol police officer was killed. 140 others were injured that day and tomorrow marks five years since the attack. New at four, the Pentagon is censuring Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegeseth made the announcement today saying that Kelly's retirement pay will be reduced. Hegsses said that the move is to punish Kelly, a decorated retired Navy captain, for participating in a video, reminding service members that they must, quote, refuse illegal orders.

yet not saying what those orders are. President Trump called the video seditious and treasonous. Heggseth also said that the Pentagon has issued a letter of censure. Senator Kelly has not commented on the censure. While makers are returning to Capitol Hill with a pressing to-do list, the Senate convenes today for the second session of the 119th Congress. The House is said to do so tomorrow. That chamber is poised to vote on extending newly expired Obamacare subsidies.

The issue is a priority for Democrats, and some House Republicans have broken ranks to push the matter. Congress also must decide how to respond to President Donald Trump's removal of Venezuela's Nicolas Nicolas Maduro and another government shutdown deadline is also looming at the end of the month. As we highlight National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross is calling on donors to start this year with a life-saving act of generosity. Coming up next, how you can get a chance at winning Super Bowl tickets with your donation. And New Year, new menu, Starbucks announcing new drinks and treats for the winter season.

Find out what's on the menu next here at 4. We are back with a health check now. Experts say sitting for hours at a time, even if you're fit, can take a toll on your vascular health. A new studies suggest that there might be a sweet solution. Coco. Here's ABC's Jacqueline Lee. Before sitting for two hours, 40 healthy young men in the UK drank a cocoa beverage

with high or low amounts of flavonols, a type of antioxidant found in cocoa, tea, and blueberries. The men who had high flavonol cocoa maintained healthy blood and artery function, according to a new research in the Journal of Physiology. But those who drank low flavonol cocoa, their blood sugar went up and their muscles got less oxygen. The takeaway, no matter how fit you are, flavonols can help protect your vascular health from the harmful effects of prolonged sitting. Researchers did not include women in the study due to expected hormonal effects on blood vessel function, so it's not clear if women would see the same benefits. So next time you're parked at a desk or sitting on the

couch, pour yourself a cup of high flavonol cocoa. With this medical minute, I'm Jacqueline Lee. New at 4, January marks National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross is calling for more donors. Officials say the Red Cross is facing a growing risk of blood shortage after the holiday season. And as they push for more blood donations, the organization is offering donors a chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl. Anyone who donates now through January the 25th will be entered to win a trip for two to California for the big game. If you'd like some more information, go to red crossblood.org. Now to today's top trending stories in real news, first actor and comedian Will Farrell dressing up as an NHL referee as he watched. the L.A. Kings take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

You can see Wolf Farrell there attempting to make calls from behind the glass. During a mid-game interview, he said, quote, you never know if one of these guys goes down. I may have to put on the skates and get out there. You know, he probably would do it, too. He probably would. And some lucky diners in Japan might get a taste of some million-dollar sushi. $1 million sushi, check out this massive bluefin tuna. It sold at auction for a record

3.2 million bucks. That huge fish weighs a whopping 535 pounds, but this is really more about bragging rights here, though, than profits as it marks the new year's first tuna. And with the new year comes many New Year's resolutions for some, and if you are looking to change your diet, it might be time to get your keto on. Today is National Keto Day. A ketogenic diet is low-carb, high-fat, and moderate in protein, and in an effort to put your body into ketosis, that is a state in which it burns fat for fuel instead of sugar. The diet was created in the 1920s to treat epilepsy. You can celebrate the day if you want by attempting to start a keto diet or maybe just have a keto meal and you can read up more about eating keto on the internet.

Remember how popular that was, Barbara? That's real news. Back to you. I do. All right, one of the many diets that you can try. All right, just a reminder. that this is the last week to check out the Chinese lantern festival. The popular attraction wraps up next Sunday at Carey's Coker Booth Amphitheater. There are hundreds of handcrafted lanterns on display for its 10th season, and we have more information on ABC11.com. This was my first year to go. You loved it.

It was so cool. It's beautiful. And the kids, my goodness, there was so much for them to do. They had a blast. I wish she was going. I said, you'll get really good selfies. That's the only reason to go, right? It was really pretty. It is. And all new ones this year, too. So very cool and some great weather the next couple of nights if you still want to check it out. Let's talk about First Alert Doppler, not seeing any rainfall out there. Tonight, it's going to stay rain free. We had those clouds hanging tough throughout the day. But they're now moving out of here. You can see the sun filtering through those high clouds. 52 for you under a cloudy sky and a southwest wind at three miles per hour. Over the next four days, we're not seeing any rain chances really here. Could have some up through Virginia, but we stay dry. Your four-day forecast.

at 4 o'clock showing those temperatures in the 60s tomorrow warm air moving in and even warmer on Wednesday 70 degrees Thursday 68 as we see the clouds increase but we're going to hover near 70 the rest of the week talk more about that coming up at 5 o'clock let's find out what else is coming up at 5 for that we check in with Stephen Lauren hi Don thanks very much a movie in the making in the star of the film was a soldier who was once based in Fayetteville alone at dawn will be directed by Ron Howard and explore the heroic life and actions of master sergeant John Chapman Also a new court filing against CJF America. That's the non-profit.

The I-Team Troubleshooter has been investigating for months now after employees and vendors alerted eyewitness news to non-payments. You'll see why the Department of Labor is now involved and what they're looking to do. And we continue to follow the big international story playing out in New York City today. Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura appeared in court today. So what happens next?

We'll have a live report from Washington. Also coming up in Wake County, defense attorneys for the Heddingham mass shooter were in court today. Six motions filed ahead of next month's murder trial. what Austin Thompson's lawyers are asking a judge to omit from that trial. And a North Raleigh business opened for the last 30 years, calling it quits. What the owners are blaming for that closure and when the big out of business sale starts. And the future of Durham is on the mind of city leaders who are trying to strike a balance between growth and charm at the same time.

More on the new master plan presented to Data County Commissioners when we see for the news here at 5. Amber and Barbara. All right. We'll be watching. See at the top of the hour. Thank you. Meantime actor Josh Charles is back on TV in the new series Best Mess. Today, he sat down with the host of The View to talk about more about his role in the show. You're starring in the new comedy Best Medicine, which premiered last night. So much fun. Now, it's great cast, Abigail Spencer, Annie Poss. And you play this.

Jessica Gar, Cree. Yes, and you play Dr. Martin Best. He's caring. He's a talented doctor, but he doesn't seem to necessarily like people. It's an interesting comedic take, but like we know you so well from the good wife, the handmade tale. What's it like to take on this more comedic role? Yeah, well, I mean, I've done comedy in the past, but of late I've done a lot more sort of heavier fare. And so this was part of a desire to want to live in some lighter air for a while.

And this show definitely has that, has a kind of a... I want to live in some lighter air. When you were just saying that, you know, about like sort of an escape from sort of our current sort of world that we're living in. And I think that is kind of the charm of this show. That's sort of the idea behind it. Were you a fan of the original? I didn't know the original when they asked me to the show, but then I became a fan. watching it. Martin Clunes, who plays my character in the original, actually will be a guest

on our show playing my father. So, yeah, later in the season. It's a British show. It's a British import, big hit British show. And so we're taking a lot from them and also Liz DeChillo, our show runoff, sort of bringing a lot of our own stuff into it and sort of making it our own as best as we can. And Josh. Yes. And you can watch The View weekday mornings at 11 a.m. Followed by eyewitness news at noon. Well, happening tomorrow, winter is back at Starbucks. drinks and food items will be available for purchase including a new caramel protein latte and caramel matcha protein latte and the fan favorite pistachio flavor returns in a new customer-inspired ice Dubai chocolate matcha and

ice Dubai chocolate mocha Starbucks also has new truffle mushroom and brie egg bites a Valentine's Day cake pop and ready to eat cloud protein popcorn lots of protein at Starbucks now lots a trend is on Next year for the push to reduce cell phone use in schools. We are hearing from Durham Public School students on the district's new plan to restrict devices.