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

Episode Date: January 6, 2026

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We are in the breaking news center right now at four, two people on the run at this hour after allegedly jumping and running from a traffic stop in Raleigh. Police say one of the suspects shot at officers. We're live on the scene as the search continues for the people involved. And the push to get the Raleigh Convention Center back up and running after the fire that caused millions of dollars in damage. We have new details on the renovations happening now and the timeline just revealed for the weeks ahead. Plus we're hearing from the attorney for one of the three victims allegedly assaulted by a nurse at Duke Health, the latest. the investigation 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 a bcc 11 eyewitness news breaking right now on eyewitness news at four a manhunt underway in raleigh it

comes after raleigh police officers came under fire while conducting a traffic stop police say a passenger in the vehicle shot at officers and then ran away thank you for joining us for use it for. I'm Barbara Gibbs. And I'm Amber Repenta. Here's what we know right now. This happened off of Newburn Avenue and Beacon Lake Drive right around 1 o'clock this afternoon. Police say the driver refused to stop. They say the passenger then shot at officers and took off running. The driver of the car left the scene as well. John Dowding is live for us with more on the police investigation. John, good afternoon to you. What more can you tell us? Hey, good afternoon to you both police. We're on scene here for at least two hours.

and we actually just saw another Raleigh police car just leave the scene as well. This entire investigation focused on that area behind this business here. You see on screen right now on your TV screens, you can see where that fence is. There's the truck with some tires in that area in the back part of this business. That is where all of this went down and where we saw the investigation centered earlier today. Now, again, this is where this all went down before shots rang out, before police say shots rang out. Police say this again happened around one this afternoon. Officers tried to pull over a 2018 white Honda Accord on New Bern Avenue.

Officers say the vehicle would not pull over and went down Beacon Lake Drive. The car went behind the business behind us here. When officers got out of their patrol car to go up to the Honda, that's when they say a passenger got out of the car and fired a shot at the officers. The passenger then ran away and they say the driver of the Honda then backed the car up and left the scene as well. Officers say the vehicle is not stolen and have an idea of who the suspect is. Community members nearby say traffic backed up for a while on Newburn as close to a dozen police vehicles swarm the area. It was a lot. I would say about with the unmarked cars, but with the marked cars, maybe about eight. But like I said, it was all parked in the back on corporation and down this way.

Again, seeing quiet now, but it was a very, very different scene just about an hour ago here. Now, again, though, Riley police saying nobody, thankfully, was injured. They have secured the weapon they believe was involved in this altercation earlier today, but they are also needed your help right now to find that white Honda Accord. So give police a call if you see that out in this area. Again, Riley police saying there is no active threat to the community, but we did speak with a worker nearby who was working inside one of the businesses here when shots rang out. Hear what they say they saw happen earlier today coming up right here at 5 o'clock.

Live here in Raleigh, I'm John Dowding. ABC 11, eyewitness news. Yeah, there was a large police presence and investigation and traffic delays. But of course, as John said, folks around the area as well, I just shocked to see what was going on there. We'll see you at 5 with more. John, thank you. John. Well, today, Raleigh City Leaders update the next steps for the Raleigh Convention Center after fire destroys the roof

in December causing around two million dollars in damage. Elena Athens joins us now live outside the convention center. Elena good afternoon to us tell us about the repair work and any word on when they're going to get back to business. Yeah Barbara we did get a rough timeline this afternoon. The executive director here at the Raleigh Convention Center believes that she should be getting the permit for occupancy either tomorrow or the day after that. Repairs on the administrative offices should also get underway tomorrow and then next Friday a crane will be placed on McDowell Street, and then Cruz will be using that crane to take damage from the fire off of the roof and then down here to the street level to remove that from the convention center.

Beyond that, there's still a lot of other work ahead. The Raleigh City Council took steps today to speed up repairs at the Raleigh Convention Center. The council approved a measure to expand the city manager's authority in approving repairs over $500,000. We found Cruz at the building today working. Events are returning in January after last month's two alarm fire. One of the first big events is a volleyball tournament MLK weekend. A mobile kitchen is going up as a temporary fix.

The city says despite the fire, it's been able to save about $4 million in booked revenue and 28,000 hotel room stays as it works towards permanent fixes. We'll rebuild the permanent kitchen, the back of house walls and tiles and floors, HVAC, and then at the last step, put back on the permanent roof all right so nearby businesses are really anxious for events to return here to the raleigh convention center the financial hardship one small business is working through right now we'll have that coming up all new at six o'clock for now we're live in downtown raleigh elana athens a bc 11 eyewitness names all right good to see things moving forward elena thank you

well good to see springtime weather in the winter if you stepped outside today and you like that sort of thing Don. Two words in the weather center. Gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful out there today. Not seeing anything on first alert Doppler net as we scan the skies. We've got some high clouds working through. Technically mostly cloudy, but a lot of sunshine and those southwest winds pushing in that warm air. They are at 14 miles per hour. Checking on temperatures from across the region all around the triangle. We're in the 60s. 66 Fuqua Varena, Holly Springs, Kerry, Morrisville, 64 out your door in Rollsville. 66 downtown Raleigh, 65 in Siler City, 64 up in South Hill, Virginia, 68 in Clinton, and 66 in Fayetteville. So let's first alert you to that evening ahead.

Maybe you want to head out for a walk tonight, are taking the pups for a walk. Good evening, four at temperatures. We'll stay in the 50s all the way through ABC 11 at 11. As a matter of fact, our overnight low tonight will be near our normal high for this time of year. We'll talk more about this warm air, how long it sticks around. We need the rain too. We'll cover that in your first alert, seven-day forecast. up in just a bit. Barbara. All right. Thank you, Dawn. And now's a good time to download the free

ABC 11 mobile app for the latest watches and warnings. And you can also check Doppler Net and the 78 forecast anytime. A former Duke hospital nurse is now indicted by a by a grand jury for allegedly committing sexual crimes against three patients. A grand jury indicted Jamal Tagato, who is facing a long list of charges including sexual battery. Cindy Bay is live force in Durham with a new detail for learning about the victim. Cindy, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Barbara and Amber, we learned that all three victims are women, two of whom have responded back to eyewitness news with a statement. Now, according to these new court documents, they detail how these three separate incidents allegedly happened in May and December of last year at Duke University Medical Center. Jamal Tugato is formally accused of sex crimes against three patients, new court documents, detailing how three women were allegedly assaulted at Duke University Medical Center. in 2025. One woman who prosecutors say had a mental disability and two who were allegedly

assaulted while they were incapacitated. Eyewitness news reached out to all three victims. In a statement, the attorney for one of the victims says, I have been in touch with Duke University Health System and its legal team regarding my firm's representation of a victim who was recently sexually assaulted at Duke Hospital. While the case is in its early stages, the attorney thanks law enforcement and to Duke and its attorneys who are handling this matter with the gravity and sensitivity it deserves. Our client is truly courageous in making sure her voices heard, as are the other victims who have stepped forward. IWitness News has also heard for the family of another victim. The mother says her daughter hasn't been the same since the alleged incident, saying

in part her daughter was violated while she was vulnerable. Duke Health officials say in a statement that Tugato has been terminated and is no longer employed by Duke Health and is licensed. had been suspended upon his arrest. Now I also spoke with the North Carolina Board of Nursing who says in part that these types of incidents are very rare but taken very seriously. And so I'll tell you what's being done to make sure these events don't happen again in the future.

Ahead on eyewitness news at 5 in Durham. Cindy Bay, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Cindy, see you at 5 with more there from Duke. Thank you. And now to some other local headlines in your speed feed. First, we are learning new details about the criminal history of the man charged in the murder of a Ravenscroft school teacher in Raleigh, 36-year-old Ryan Camacho is being

held without bond after making his first court appearance yesterday. In addition to facing previous charges in Wake County and attempting to escape prison in Salisbury, Camacho also has a criminal record in Durham County as well. As of November, 24, Camacho was convicted of seven misdemeanors in Durham County, with one of the charges being breaking and entering. Camacho is charged with breaking into Zoe Welsh's home in Raleigh on Saturday before allegedly attacking and killing her. Now to a deadly crash in Sampson County involving an SUV and a tractor trailer. This was the scene on the Fayetteville Highway just after 10 o'clock this morning. Investigators say when they arrived on scene, the tractor trailer was in the road leaking fuel.

Further down the roadway, authorities found a black Ford SUV there. It had heavy damage. That SUV was in a ditch. At least one person from the SUV died in this. We're still working to learn about any other injuries and the cause of that crash. To an overnight mobile home fire now in Wayne County, it happened on Lancaster Road near Pikeville. When fire crews arrived on the scene, the home was fully involved with fire spreading to the yard. The cause of that fire is still under investigation. It's not clear right now if anyone was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

And that is your speed feed. Barbara, back to you. All right, Amber, thank you. We'll knew it for Justice Anita Earle's announced that she has been diagnosed. with breast cancer. She made the announcement in a post on X today. She says that her prognosis is positive and that she will stay in the race for reelection to the state Supreme Court. No Democratic Party chair or our Democratic Party chair for the state. Anderson Clayton reacted in a statement saying, quote, Justice Earls has been a fighter her entire life from litigating in the courtroom to protecting civil rights to defending our individual rights

to fighting for equal justice and now fighting breast cancer. She has never backed down." And of quote, Clayton says the party will stand with Earl as she runs for re-election. What happening right now, today is the five-year anniversary of the attack of the U.S. Capitol, and the White House is now accusing Capitol police of escalating tensions that day. The Trump administration claims that the deadly attack was nothing more than a peaceful protest that day. Steve Daniels is here now with more on how this day is being remembered. Yeah, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress met today in Washington to talk through that.

a five years ago. And as we marked the fifth anniversary, the Trump administration has revealed a new webpage detailing some of the day's events, but it changes some of the details that were previously reported. The new web page now claims protester Ashley Pabbitt, who was shot by a Capitol police officer during the attack on the Capitol building was, quote, murdered in cold blood and posed no threat, even if she tried to climb through a barricaded door. The webpage also accuses the Capitol Police of escalating tensions. Democrats in Congress held an unofficial hearing today, they say, sets the record straight. Some people want to rewrite the history of January 6th to ignore what we saw with our own eyes.

Some people want us to forget the lessons of that day, to pretend that we have overcome the threats facing our democracy and the rule of law. We will not allow that to happen. And President Trump also met with Republican members of Congress in Washington today. You might remember five people were killed during the attack, including a Capitol police officer. On Trump's first day back in office, he issued pardons and commutations to more than 1,500 January 6th defendants. And in Washington today, there were several demonstrations as dozens of people marched to the Capitol pushing conspiracy theories about what happened five years ago. They were also met with some counter demonstrators there in Washington today. Amber and Barbara.

All right, Steve, thank you. Coming up here at 4 o'clock, winter weather preparedness, how leaders in Durham are helping the community get prepared for winter storms. And state lawmakers react to Fort Bragg's involvement in the operation in Venezuela following the arrest of the country's president and his wife. And we're taking a live look at I-40 Avent Ferry Road right now. 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. Your first alert that we could have some low visibility. Warmer air working in.

More clouds are out tomorrow. The next chance of rain that we're watching. Always tracking, always alerting. Wind gust will be up around 30 miles an hour. Your first alert forecast team. ABC 11, I Witness News. Right now at 4. Senator Ted Budd is sharing his reaction to the military operation of Venezuela

and the arrest of that country's leader, Nicholas Maduro. Maduro appearing in front of a judge in New York yesterday, facing a number of federal charges in the U.S. for narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering, among other counts. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill voicing mixed feelings on the use of U.S. forces in removing Maduro, as the administration did not seek congressional approval in doing so. Michael Perchuk is joining us live with more now from downtown Raleigh after his conversation with Senator Butt. Michael? Amber, Barbara, the Trump administration, citing the charges Maduro and his wife are now facing, has stated that it did have the unilateral authority to take this action without seeking congressional approval. Today, Senator Ted Butt tells me he believes the process was followed correctly, adding they are set to receive an after-action report. Being from North Carolina and having Fort Bragg and so many from Fort Bragg involved in this operation,

I'm just tremendously thankful for them. The daring overnight capture of Nicholas Maduro, whose regime has faced allegations of human rights violations, sparking a wide array of reactions from elation and joy over his removal to frustration and questions over why the U.S. took this measure. We're safer because of a non-narco-terrorist in Venezuela. And also look at what was being invited into Venezuela, Hamas, Iran, Russia, China. Senator Ted Butt sits on the Committee in Armed Services. He explained while the body was kept aware of development over the past several months, no one was aware of the timing, which he says was to prevent leaks and improve the safety of military personnel involved in the operation, but expecting a briefing on the matter this week. They will tell us how they planned it, how they made the decision

of why, and then what the plan looking forward is. The uncertainty surrounding Venezuela's future looming large, as does the potential of further U.S. involvement. Currently, Vice President Delci Rodriguez is serving as interim president, though it is not clear what, if any, role at Muno Gonzalez, the opposition leader who many outside observers believe won the 2024 presidential election could play as part of a future government. I think that's really the big question is what's ahead for Venezuela. And coming up at five, we speak to the local immigration attorney the impact this could have in asylum cases of Venezuelans and the U.S. Michael Perchick, ABC 11 eyewitness News. Michael, thank you. In the meantime, leaders around the world

or speaking out against President Trump as he boasts about the operation in Venezuela. And the administration's vision of a U.S. superpower with a mission statement of strength force and power. ABC's Reno Roy has the latest. Growing concern around the world as President Trump threatens to exert control

and American dominance in the Western Hemisphere after the capture of now ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. We sort of got him a little by surprise, but it was brilliant, it was brilliant tactically. Trump saying the U.S. will run Venezuela, but it's unclear how that will happen. This is how we get into endless wars.

A one day plan to get rid of Maduro, but no idea of what happens after. Vice President Dulce Rodriguez sworn in as the interim president, as Maduro and his wife sit behind bars in New York City after pleading not guilty to federal narco-terrorism charges. Meanwhile, Trump boasting of what he's labeled the Dunrow Doctrine, after the Monroe Doctrine from the 1800s, when President James Monroe warned against European colonization. in the Americas. Trump's suggesting next he could target Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia. Colombia's foreign ministers saying its military is prepared to defend the country and its people should an aggression be made by the U.S. Trump says he's also eyeing Greenland, a territory of Denmark.

The Danish prime minister saying Trump's threats should be taken seriously, and if the U.S. attacks another NATO country, quote, everything stops. The leaders of Denmark and Greenland now asking the U.S. State Department for a meeting in the near future. And some European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, are standing by Greenland, saying in a joint statement, they will not stop defending the principles of sovereignty. Brena Roy, ABC News, New York. Happening today. An event on storm preparation and recovery explaining insurance coverage, the claims process, and and you can also learn how to protect your home and belongings during and after a storm.

The event begins at 6 o'clock this evening at the South Regional Library. Well, we have some pretty mild temps around here, Don, but it's not going to last. I'll say you can break out the shorts. Well, I did. Today. Yes, and then all my neighbors said to break out their sunglasses because my white legs were so reflective. I can't judge you on that. I know, but yeah, it was gorgeous.

And it's going to stick around for the rest of it. the week and not the rest of the month. We do cool off in the seven day. We'll talk about that coming up. Good evening to you live. Look at first alert Doppler net tonight, scanning the skies dry across our part of the Carolinas. Let's check temperatures across the region. Right now, 63 degrees up in Roan. Oh, crap. It's the only 50 on the board. You've got to look forward as Oxford. 65 out in Carborough this hour and also out in Siler City, 67, Sanford, 66 in Lillington. And Clinton, you're the warm spot at 68 degrees along with Goldsboro. We'll go from the 60s to the upper 40s tonight. Now our normal temperature for this time of year in the overnight is in the 30s. It's 32. Our normal high is 51. So we're going to be close to our seasonal average high just with our low temperature tonight. Lots of sunshine. A few high clouds working through at the moment. The clouds mainly thicken up as you go north. The big system going through the Great Lakes bringing a rain to parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania, upstate New York. And then it changes over to snow as it works into New England tonight. But that will stay up there and we will stay dry.

your first alert predictor forecast model let's run it ahead but it's time we go on for ABC 11 at 11 tonight we're down in the 50s but just a gorgeous evening to be outside then as you head into the day tomorrow 7 o'clock could start off with some clouds again but that quickly erodes as we go through the day we'll see sunshine in the afternoon temperatures topping out near 70 degrees tomorrow night a few high clouds work through through the overnight you'll start Thursday morning with temperatures in the 40s and 30s and then as we get into the afternoon on Thursday. We recover nicely into the 60s and the streak of warm air continues. Forecast looks like this for tomorrow. Temperatures across the region topping out in the 70s. Your seven-day forecast showing 67 on Thursday. Still warm Friday, most of the cloudy, 71. I do think we'll see showers Saturday night or Friday night and they linger more on Saturday. It's going to be a lot like last Saturday. Remember that light drizzle and light rain? That's what we are looking at again on Saturday. The difference is it will be warmer. Sunday we clear out 56, colder Monday 50 and by Tuesday more clouds than 53.

So we have at least four more days of these really warm temperatures. And then when it gets cold, it's back to the typical temperatures for this time of year. Amber. It's so hard to get dressed this time of year. You have to stay close to your forecast. All right, Don, thank you. And it might not be feeling like winter this week, as we've been saying. But we do know that winter's not done with the cold just yet.

Join us this weekend for an eyewitness new special. It is your first alert to winter. We're breaking down what to expect for the rest of the winter months, plus how the changing temps can take a toll on your body and how the state's largest school district decides on a snow day or a school day. Join the first alert weather team this Saturday here at 7 p.m. on eyewitness news. Coming up next, bringing creativity and technology together. We're getting our first look at the new smart bricks released by Legos,

how the new features will bring Lego creations to life. And as we honor America's 250th anniversary, this year there are now new coins circulating breaking right now at four the state health department reporting more cases of measles in north carolina they say the cases were reported in three siblings in buncombe county in western north carolina health officials say the family had visited South Carolina where there is a large ongoing measles outbreak there. And this brings the total now to at least six cases of measles in North Carolina. One case reported in a person who traveled through RDU Airport last month. Time now for some news you can use. Lego is looking

to bring your creations to life. The Lego group unveiled its new smart play bricks, tags and many figures of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The smart bricks can react in real time with new sound effects as children and families play with them. The first Lego smart play building sets featuring Star Wars were also announced at this show and they're expected to launch in March. Well, new ad four, check your change for a new U.S. coin marking the nation's 250th birthday. On Monday, the U.S. Mint announced one of the coins, the Mayflower Compact Quarter is now officially in circulation. It is the first of five new quarter designs that will be released this year. Those coins will mark the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address.

And you can now stay connected in flight with American Airlines. The company is offering free Wi-Fi on its flights for members of the airline's loyalty program. American says it hopes to have it available on almost all of its flights by this spring. At the meantime, Delta also offers free Wi-Fi to members of its loyalty program, and JetBlue gives it to every passenger. And that is news you can use. Amber, back to you. Barbara, thanks. The Carolina Panthers are prepared. preparing for the NFL playoffs this weekend.

The cats taking on the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday at 4.30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Trayvon Miles and Kate Rogerson will be there for all the action. Look for live team coverage starting on Friday. All right. Very exciting. All right. As the new year gets underway, local business leaders and economic officials outlining the outlook for 2026, what we can expect for the Triangle this year. keeping our eye on the economy today hundreds of business leaders and economic officials from all across the triangle met in downtown raleigh for their annual economic forecast

Sean coffee was there and has more on the trends the concerns and the opportunities in the triangle that we may face in 2026 2025's uncertainty is bound to diminish the fog should lift and as firms build confidence in demand in the policy environment, that should be good for hiring and for investment. At economic forecast 2026, there's a cautious optimism from economic leaders as we head into a new year. Tom Barkin runs the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and served as a panelist at Tuesday seminar. I just think the basics are pretty straightforward. Consumers have jobs, real wages are increasing, asset values keep growing, corporate earnings and corporate earning

outlooks remain strong. But uncertainty for businesses, largely driven by tariffs, inflation and uneven job growth continues to cast a shadow. Ryan Combs is executive director of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, which works to bring companies, employees, and dollars into the triangle. I think as this 2026 starts up, I'm hoping that we can get past that because I do know there's a lot of interests from international companies to come here, and so I think having a little more certainty will certainly help us. Major topics Tuesday included the role of AI, balancing growth with affordability in places like

Raleigh and Durham. Compared to last year's forecast, Combs believes there's more appetite for businesses to act in 2026, and that's good for places like RTP. I think that's what I'm optimistic about. I think while people were kicking tires last year and trying to figure out the economy, now they really want to make decisions. The annual event bringing together business leaders from real estate to banking and finance to talk big picture challenges and opportunities. It's an event economic officials say has grown to become invaluable. Well, again, it's about providing clarity, right? It's about starting the year off with the knowledge and information that you as a business leader, a community leader might be interested in thinking about what do I need to know to, you know, to kind of, you know, guide myself through the years.

In Raleigh, Sean, thank you. Panellists also discussed residential housing trends as well as commercial development and the broader business landscape outside the triangle for 2026. Now to some other headlines in your speed feed this Tuesday first as flu cases rise across. state another local hospital system now implementing new visitor restrictions. Starting today, Duke Health says it will not allow more than two visitors at a time and children under 12 are not permitted without prior approval. Wake Med, UNC Health and Kate Fear Health all have similar policies aimed at slowing the spread of respiratory viruses. This week is the final week to donate to the 13th annual Welcome Baby Coat Drive. Friday, January 9th is the last day you can drop off gently used and

new children's coats to the locations there on your screen. The coats will be distributed to welcome baby families during their weekly giving closet event. This year's goal is to collect more than 1,400 coats for Durham County Youth breaking last year's record. And the canes back on the ice tonight and some good news for fans. The canes are expecting to have Seth Jarvis back in their lineup tonight when they take on the Dallas Stars. He suffered a rib injury during a game last month. All the action is happening at the Lenovo Center. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

That's your speed feed, Barbara, over to you. All right, Amber, thank you. We'll new this hour in your health check. We're highlighting the maternal health and the disparities facing women of color after a South Carolina woman died during childbirth complications. Race and Culture reporter Akila Davis spoke with a local midwife and advocate. It is a system of failure. This afternoon reaction across the triangle as a South Carolina midwife loses her life to the cause

she devoted an entire career to. Dr. Janelle Green-Smith advocated for black people giving birth, but lost her life giving birth to her first child. For it to happen, you know, to this person is alarming for people because they would not expect it. But it does. It doesn't matter, you know, the income. It doesn't matter the education. It doesn't matter what this person has a background in. Data shows black women have the highest maternal mortality in the country. They are three times more likely to die from a. pregnancy-related calls than white women.

We cannot 100% say that something like this won't happen, but we can do all the things that we know that help your outcomes. We can educate. We can support. Ahead at 530, Ways health care providers can reduce factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and death. In Raleigh, Akela Davis, ABC 11, eyewitness News. Still ahead here on Iowa News at 4.30. It is now day two of the trial underway for former Yuvaldi school police officer accused of the slow response to the deadly shooting. The claims made in today's opening statements.

Also coming up, recovery efforts continue in Southern California a year after wildfires ravaged the area, destroying hundreds of homes and communities. And as we head to a break, here's a live look into downtown Raleigh from our Pindo Sky Cam. See the blue skies dotted with some clouds out there. there. Boy, we're about to warm up, aren't we, Don? Yeah, we are. Even warmer than today, a nice sunset on the way, too. And unfortunately, even though we need it, not much happening on the first alert, Doppler net in the way of rainfall. We'll talk more about our warm-up, how long it sticks around in your seven-day forecast. Coming up. Developing now the trial of a former police officer who responded when a gunman attacked an elementary school in Yuvaldi, Texas continued today with opening statements. Adrian Gonzalez is facing charges of child abandonment.

endangerment. Prosecutors claim that Gonzales failed to engage district or delay the teenage gunman when he opened fire at Rob Elementary School back in 2022. The shooting, as you know, took the lives of 19 children and two teachers. Gonzalez denies any wrongdoing. His attorney says that Gollins Gonzalez's activity responded to the threat. Today marks one year since the destructive wildfires ravaged Southern California. A windstorm packed with 90 mile per hour winds, flames faster than anyone could run. Thousands of families were left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on their back. And one year later, some victims say their properties are now at the center of a modern-day gold rush.

They say corporations are buying up properties to turn Altadina's misfortune into profit. ABC's Alex Stone reports. This is Altadena today. Sunshine baking empty, burned out lots. One year ago, wildfires across Southern California destroyed lives. My whole neighborhood is gone. I don't know how we're going to come back from this. I was here as residents of Altadena were racing to get out.

Some fire now is right here. Oh, it's coming over here. Okay, we're going to get out of here. In the end, 19 people died, and over 9,400 structures burned. Now, some of Altadena's longest residents are deciding not to return. An analysis by our ABC News and ABC-owned stations data team shows in the nine months after the fires, in Southern California, nearly half of homes sold in the fire zones were bought by corporations or investment firms. But not everybody believes Altadena is turning into a moneymaker for developers.

If there was a gold rush happening, the lots would be selling faster and for more. Well, it can seem like so much progress is being made here in Altadena, a new roof going on this home, building all over, take a step back, and there is so much work left to do and decisions to be made. Chen Yu is well known here in Altadena. The Pasadena, the Pasadena, lost his own home while on the front lines battling the flames. He and his neighbors determined to preserve Altadena. I think everybody lives on the street, have some type of like feeling towards these special homes.

So I think that was pretty easy of everybody wanting to be back. That is building back. Chan and his wife Kim, along with their entire block, are rebuilding as her homes were built in the late 1940. The mid-century modern look and floor plans will be the same. It started as a group text, and then the block had a gathering, and we talked about how we wanted to do all this together. Together, they vetted architects, concrete companies, and contractors

who are rebuilding most of the street as one project. Eventually, it was that we finally came to where we are with the agreement of the 17 homes, and let's all permit together, and they created four standard design plans. Like so many, it's been a rough year for the youth family, living in temporary housing, but in recent weeks, a new hope. It's got to be exciting when you have been. It is so excited. See these other homes and then we're next. Yeah. So exciting. Any idea of timeline? Yeah, he said eight months. That's the same month. Only eight months.

Only eight months. We'll take it. Wait, eight months from now. Yes. You're going to be moving in? Yeah. We'll take it. Those smiles symbolic of the rebirth here. Alex Stone, ABC News, Altadena, California. I'm next to four financial literacy for children. Experts weigh in on the importance of teaching kids how to manage their own money. And a World War II veteran taking a blast to the past as he celebrates his 100 first birthday in the skies. This is new at four, getting on top of your family's finances in the new year.

Many parents say teaching their children about finance has become a top priority. One mom has created a book series to make topics like money, stocks, and investing easy for kids to understand. Many experts say being able to manage money is just as important as earning it. We need to teach our kids that having an awareness and a curiosity around money is important. Because we know studies show that the sooner kids get excited to earn as young ones that does lead to more financial independence as adults. Financial literacy has been associated with greater financial well-being, but only 54% of Americans say they know at least a fair amount about personal finance. Now today's top trending stories in real news. First, a World War II veteran celebrating a major milestone. B. L. Craighead Jr. celebrated his 101st birthday, 1,000 feet in the air, in a restored World War II-era plane.

He wanted to return to the skies in the same type of aircraft that he flew over 80 years ago, and it was all made possible by Dream flights. That is a non-profit organization that gives senior veterans the chance to ride in an open-air flight in the cockpit. Congratulations. Well, now to a Christmas surprise, two best friends, our region, at a hockey game sitting next to each other while one friend had no clue. Yep, the perfect moment happened right as the Tampa Bay Lightning netted a goal in the crowd erupted in cheers. The girl looked up at the phone next to her and realized that it was her best friend. The woman who filmed the video said that she has been living abroad in Australia for two years now and came home for the holidays of the last minute. She coordinated the surprise with her best friend's boyfriend by buying the seat next to her best friend.

That is pretty cool. All right. Now let's introduce you to a unicycling juggler. This is very impressive. Yes, the Hollywood-based juggler showing off his skills, rolling a donut on a spinning umbrella while balancing on a unicycle. But that's not it. also see him throwing a pillow behind him into a basketball net. Michael Rainer has been featured on a number of talent shows for his bizarre tricks.

And that is real news. Amber, back to you. Talented. Barbara, thanks. Time's running out to check out Illuminate Raleigh's Art Walk. The free downtown event ends tonight. The Illuminate Art Walk includes 22 large-scale interactive light-based art pieces like this one from local, regional, and international artists. It's a good night to head out, too, if you wanted to check it out. for it closes up for the season.

Yeah, when you think about it, too, people started the art walk with coats, and now they're probably not going to even need one tonight. Right. We usually get that to warm January thoughts happening this week, and then next week we cool back down, but to more typical temperatures for this time of year. We'll talk about that coming up. Good evening to you.

Let's show you that walk-to-dog forecast. Our dog today is Collins, giving us a head tilt out of Raleigh. If you're taking your pup for a walk tonight, temperatures, oh, they're so warm, I've got to adjust them there. They're in the upper 50s all evening long. Let's take a live look at your first alert Doppler net tonight scanning the skies is dry across the Carolinas looking live in North Hills. Nice sunset going on right now. Temperature running at 65. It is mostly cloudy, 13 degrees warmer than it was yesterday. And those winds are out of the southwest at 14 miles per hour. Maybe you're headed out to eat tonight. Those temperatures will stay in the 50s all the way through ABC 11 at 11.

We'll talk more about this warm air and how long it sticks around coming up at 5 o'clock. Let's find out what else is coming up at 5 o'clock. For more on that. with Stephen Lauren. Hello, John. Tonight we have a reported case of the avian flu in Central Carolina. Yeah, a backyard flock has now tested positive with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture saying about the risk to people and also food safety. Raleigh City Council getting updated today about the status of the brand new Raleigh City Hall

and we're learning construction is on schedule for completion next year. And a famous gospel singer and pastor is in the hot seat after claims of sexual and misconduct. The victim has come forward and filed the lawsuit claiming Donnie McClurkin apologized in an email and called himself a dirty old man. North Carolina keeps luring in new people so much so. It's one of the most popular states people move to in 2025. We'll break down the reasons people give for relocating to the Tar Hill State. And an approval of millions coming today to address storm flooding behind Crabtree Valley Mall and nearby neighborhoods in that part of Raleigh.

The permits and project bids are now complete and construction is supposed to begin in the summertime. And a violent end to the ding-dong ditch game. Now a North Carolina man is facing charges. That man telling police he shot at a car. in his neighborhood, but police say no teens ever approached his home more when we see you next here for the news at 5. Barbara, in a few minutes. All right. Thank you so much. We'll see y'all then. Well, it is a night full of season premieres on ABC 11. First at 8 is an all-new Will Trent. And then at 9, the season premiere of high potential, then the rookie at 10, followed by eyewitness

news at 11. Hi, I'm Jimmy Kimmel tonight. The host of the Golden Globes, Nikki Glazer and Joel Edgerton, too. Let's make it a January 6th to remember after the late. news on Jimmy Kim alive.