ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - December 26, 2025

Episode Date: December 26, 2025

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Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, breaking stories from overnight and this morning, and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Friday, December 26th. I'm Diane Wilson in for Joel and Anna. Thank you for joining us right now. We are tracking much cooler weather. It's right a cold front to our south. Diane is bringing in a much cool, start this morning in terms of the afternoon about 20 degrees cooler than yesterday i'll have more on that my forecast and this morning we're following breaking news a driver is hurt after a crash overnight in raleigh what police say led to the wreck and paying tribute to a legendary leader from north

carolina governor jim hunt will be laid to rest today what we know about the funeral service and how he will be remembered but first it is time for first check of your weather with quailan murphy and quail and i ran yesterday in shorts and a tank top yeah yesterday christmas did not I feel like Christmas, that's for sure. Temperature was 72, which was only three degrees away from the record high. And the fifth warmest Christmas on record at RDU. Today is going to be much cooler. The high temperature, actually, closer to the average.

The average high is 53, will be around 52 this afternoon. Clouds will linger through the day, and I do have an isolated sprinkle chance. It's only 10%. Most of the day will stay dry. A cold front has come through. This is actually the same front that we've been dealing with for the entire week. It's back to the south of us now. Notice a few showers around Virginia.

Some of those could push into the area later today. We're talking some spotty sprinkles. For now, though, we're mainly cloudy and we are dry. We'll be dry for most of the afternoon. In Durham, we're at 50 degrees right now. We're actually warmer than yesterday across the entire area. Winds east-northeast at 8 miles per hour. Out the door to temperatures, low to mid-50s, Erwin south of Fayetteville,

52 in Chapel Hill, 50 in Raleigh, 46 in Roxborough. It is much colder in Roanoke Rapids down the 39 degrees. That's that front backdoor front that rolled through this morning. And the drier air is also pushing into upper 20s on the dew point to Roanoke Rapids down into the 30s and 40s from the triangle and south. So the air is going to be pretty dry throughout the day. Winds are coming in from the east, northeast. We'll have a breeze at times with some gusts as high as 15 miles per hour through the day. But pretty steady on the temperatures for a good part of your afternoon. 47 at noon, cloudy skies, 50 degrees at 3 o'clock. We'll be in the 40s through the evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Now tomorrow's going to be much warmer with a high near 70 degrees. Again, brighter skies as well. Just a fantastic start to your weekend. More clouds arriving Sunday. That same front pushes back to the south. High temperatures around the mid-50s,

and then warm and windy Monday ahead of our next blast of Arctic air, which moves in on Tuesday. That's gonna bring us some much colder conditions to end the year and also into 2026. I'll have more on that in my forecast. Right now it's a good time to download that free ABC 11 app.

It's a great way to stay up to date on current weather conditions. And you can always check first alert Dopplinet and the 7-A forecast. Diane, back to you. Quailin, thank you. Breaking news overnight. A driver is recovering after a crash in Raleigh. Officers responded to the scene just before midnight on Newburn Avenue near WakeMed. Please say the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle landing on its side. We're told the driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. An investigation is underway after a man is hit and killed by a car in Raleigh on Christmas Day. Police responded to the scene yesterday morning around 1.30 on Tri-on and Diller Drive. When officers arrive, police say they found 27-year-old Daniel Zavis Zacharias had been struck by a Kia Optima. They say Zacharias was rushed, the hospital where he eventually died. Police say Zacharias was running in the middle lane, wearing dark clothing, and there were no street lights in the area. Investigators say the driver of the Kia remained on scene and cooperated with police.

No charges have been filed. Please are still looking into this crash. Paying tribute to a legendary leader today, a massive crowd is set to gather for the former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt's funeral in Wilson. Hunt passed away last week at the age of 88. Our Michael Perchuk is live outside of the executive mansion in downtown Raleigh with details of the service. Good morning, Michael. Good morning, Diane Jim Hunt, was the longest serving governor in North Carolina history and office from 1977 to 1985. Once again, from 1993 to 2001. He is most well known for his work in schooling, namely the Smart Start Early Childhood Education Program,

which continue to be a focus of his through the Hunt Institute separately. a key role in the state's economic development, helping oversee massive growth, including the formation of the NC Biotech Center. Brenda Hollard, who was appointed as a banking commissioner by Hunt, discussed his legacy. He just loved North Carolina. He just had that desire to make it better, and that's what we have to remember about him. Hunt is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn and four children, among them his daughter, Rachel, who currently serves as the state's lieutenant governor also position once held by Hunt himself.

His funeral will be at 1 o'clock in Wilson at First Presbyterian Church. In downtown Raleigh, I'm Michael Perchick, ABC 11 eyewitness news. And be sure to keep it here for complete coverage of Jim Hunt's funeral. Eyewitness News will have a special stream of the service at 1 o'clock on all of our apps. Governor Josh Stein is inviting the public to sign a book of condolences for former Governor Jim Hunt. The book is lying at the North Carolina Capitol in the Rotunda. You can write a brief message to Hunt's family from now through next Friday, January 2nd. Happening Cape Fear Valley Health, implementing new rules for young visitors.

The medical center says it will not allow visitors under 12 years of age. All minors, ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Masks will be required for all patients and visitors in waiting rooms. Visitors who are not feeling well or who have respiratory symptoms will be asked to postpone their visit. And visitors will not be permitted at all in the emergency department's waiting around. unless the patient is 65 years or older or has special needs. Cape Fear says the steps are being taken to protect patients, visitors, and its staff. Right now, Sean Diddy Combs is not giving up on his fight to overturn his conviction.

And get out of prison. We'll break down everything we know about his new court appeal. This morning, winter storms sweeping across the country, which area is expected to see the biggest snowfall this season? Quailan? Hey, good morning right now. Temperatures, 40s and 50s out the door. No big changes for the afternoon. still 40s and 50s much warmer tomorrow though have more on that my forecast good

Friday morning a day after Christmas we're tracking some quiet weather today also much cooler a live look from RDU no bad issues out there in terms of weather as far as travel goes for it today heist today mid 50s in the sandhills near 50 in the triangle mid 40s northern counties today a little breezy at times and just a stray sprinkle chance possible through the morning and early afternoon but dry conditions now if you're heading to Lantern Fest this evening ABC 11 a proud sponsor temperature is mid to upper 40s no rain in the forecast aside from a stray sprinkle will keep those clouds around too today at the beach we're looking at

temperatures mid to upper 50s with clouds just a stray shower around boon and blowing rock today in the mountains temperatures ranging from the upper 40s and blowing rock to the mid 60s and bryson city seeing more active weather again out west with flashlighting concerns and mudslides still a concern too another clipper system impacting parts of canada and the great lakes that's going to be shifting east to produce some ice and snow concerns, even some sleet around parts of the northeast between today and Saturday. More fog impacts around the Gulf South and also for portions of the plain states too. 31 degrees in New York City with that snow mix. 71 degrees in Atlanta, Orlando, near 80, 84 in Dallas, 61 in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, 53 with windy conditions.

Your first alert that tomorrow will be much warmer. High temperatures back into the upper 60s, low 70s, bright skies as well. We have a nice start to the weekend. down again on Sunday. High temperatures, mid-50s, those clouds push back in. And then Monday we'll have temperatures in the mid-60s, so splitting right in the middle. We do have a chance for a few spotty showers on Monday, but it's going to turn windy because our next Arctic surge of air will be pushing in late Monday into Tuesday. It's going to draw down some much colder air for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I'll have your full forecast coming up. Diane.

Quaylin, thank you. Lawyers for Hipok Mobo Sean Diddy Combs are asking an appeals court in New York for his immediate release from prison. In a filing, they also want the court in Manhattan to reverse his conviction or direct his trial judge to lighten his four-year sentence on prostitution-related charges. The lawyers say Combs was treated harshly at sentencing by a judge. They say the judge let evidence surrounding charges he was acquitted of unjustly influence him. Combs is incarcerated at a federal prison in New Jersey. He was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking at a trial that ended.

in July. Despite the Christmas Day release of new movies and big names like Hugh Jackman and Paul Rudd, Avatar Fire and Ash is expected to remain on top of the box office this holiday weekend. The 20th Century Studio sci-fi epic has already brought in 450 million worldwide. 20th Century Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC 11. Well, take a look, Celendian on getting Grinchie this holiday and doing her best Jim Carrey impersonation from how the Grinch stole Christmas. The Canadian singer dressed head to toe as the grumpy Grinch posted this video on Instagram as a Christmas treat for her fans. As we wind down the new year ABC News is looking back in the biggest breakout stars, heroes and newsmakers that had everyone talking. Join Good Morning

America co-anchor Robin Robert for the year and special the year 2025. It airs Monday, December 29th at 8 p.m. here on ABC 11 and streams the next day on Disney Plus and Hulu. And then join us next Wednesday night as we ring in the new year. Tune in for Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. The fund starts at 8 on New Year's Eve right here on ABC 11. 512 now straight ahead this morning why some Medicare enrollees may soon be able to access super popular weight loss drugs. And coming up a potential breakthrough for some people with ALS. We're hearing from one of the researchers involved in a new major study. Plus, why now gold is having its hottest year in nearly a half a century.

We begin with extreme weather taking aim at both coasts, a winter storm in the east and more rain for the west. All of this as millions of Americans travel. home for their holiday destinations. ABC's ABC's. Here's ABC's Andrew Fijee. This morning, winter storms sweeping across the country. California and much of the mountain west facing more heavy rain and strong wind today. In Wrightwood, California, residents evacuated from their homes as floodwater tore through the area, leaving neighborhoods submerged in rocks and mud. I looked over our neighbor's fence back there, and you could see eight-foot weight coming over the fence, getting ready to just pummel our yard. And we basically just ran. There was nothing we could do anymore.

In Palmdale, multiple vehicles swept away by flooding. Some drivers barely escaped. Had to get a rescue. They were standing on the roof of their vehicle. Rain also soaked fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades. One store that just reopened after the fires now flooded. We just worked so hard to get back in business and redid the entire shop, all the product, all the furniture, and I know it looks like we're going to have to do it all over again. In Northern California, high wind toppled a tree in Santa Rosa, piercing the roof of a home barely missing a baby's room. Three deaths are blamed on the California storm. In the Northeast, snow and icy conditions tonight. Pennsylvania road crews preparing for the danger.

Vehicles don't stop on ice. And we'll be out, we'll be doing the treatment to help with that as much as possible. New York City expected to see the biggest snowfall this season tonight. We could certainly see a six-inch storm in New York City even better. Off to the north and west where we have the colder temperatures and maybe a better setup for heavier snow banding. That's where we could put up eight, ten inches of snow. Other parts of the country seeing unusually high temperatures.

70s for New Orleans, 80s in Atlanta. Denver, Colorado saw its warmest Christmas ever, 71 degrees. No gloves, no scarf, no coat. As for this weekend in the northeast, the snow is expected to end Saturday afternoon with rain on Sunday and expect windy conditions on Monday. Andrew Fuji, ABC News, New York. And here at home, taking a live look outside. Here's a view of downtown Raleigh from our Pendo SkyCam at 301 Hillsborough Street. Today we are dealing with much cooler weather.

Look, while they have snow, all the heavy rain, torrential rain, we can't complain. I know the roller coaster temperatures. down but down so each day you'll need to change a piece of your wardrobe to get prepared to head outside today's going to be cooler you'll want that jacket probably the high only around 52 degrees and we're actually seeing those higher temps this morning tomorrow back to 71 then back to the mid 50s on Sunday 60s Monday a stronger front rolls in early next week so it drops our highs into the 40s Tuesday back to 50 degrees for Wednesday afternoon rain chances overall limited through the next seven days the next best shot at showers will be Monday it's just a few light showers will be Monday it's just a few light showers We're talking a tenth of an inch or less on rainfall through the next seven days. So not much there. The brown lawns will continue for us. We have lots of clouds around this morning with that front. Now south of the region, there's a weak area of drizzle and light showers into Virginia.

Some of those could clip the area and then more energy north of us could push in later today. So maybe a spring or two at best. 50 degrees of current temperature with a live look here in Durham. Cloudy skies out there. Much colder, though, around Roanoke Rapids down the 39. 40s from Oxford to Roxburgh and Lewisburg. 52 in Chapel Hill, 50 in Raleigh, 52 Fayetteville, 54 degrees in Siler City. So we'll see a drop in temperatures of a few more degrees through sunrise this morning,

back to around 50 at 3 o'clock this afternoon with cloudy skies. And then clouds do start to break after midnight tonight. Wind shifting in from the south later on today as well. A little breeze at times to the front that's to our south right now is going to start lifting back as a warm front later today. So that's why temperatures are headed back up. We're going to see that front north of us on Saturday, low 70s at front drops back. heading into Sunday. So a little bit cooler, high temperatures, mid-50s for the second half of your weekend. Still fairly dry. This is the second Arctic front we're waiting on that's going to be coming through and that colder air arrives on Tuesday. You're going to feel the difference. That's for sure. At the beach this weekend, high temperatures, mid-50s to around the low 60s, just a spotty shower chance at the coast on Sunday. Just an isolated shower chance in the mountains too this weekend with high temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to the low 70s in a few spots. High temperatures for us today. Again, mid-fews, 40s to around the low 50s in the triangle mid to upper 50s in the sand hills pretty steady on the temperatures through this evening and tonight as those clouds start to break up just a bit and at early peak into your new year's eve forecast next Wednesday 40 degrees at 7 p.m. 36 at midnight. It'll feel like freezing by midnight then when you factor in that light wind. Here's your first alert 70 forecast powered by acue weather. So the ups and downs continue 71 Saturday for the high 30s at night mid 50s on Sunday with more clouds 66 on Monday with a few showers possible.

later in the day. Turning windy as that front rolls through, it drops the lows into the 20s Monday night, 40s Tuesday afternoon, bright and brisk, mainly sunny on Wednesday for New Year's Eve, the high around 50 degrees and we'll keep it around 50 degrees Thursday as well. First day of 2026. Diane. Quaylon, thank you. Make sure you stay around for good morning America. Head at 7, the travel outlook for 2026, the top trends in the new year and the best time to book your trips. Should you do it now or wait? And you can now catch up with breaking news. latest headlines with the ABC 11 news podcast less than anytime or anywhere just follow ABC 11 eyewitness news wherever you get your podcast we're right back watch Don Schwinnaker tonight on ABC 11 eyewitness news welcome back on this Friday it's 524 a big change for Gmail users who've long wanted to get rid of their old Gmail addresses here's ABC's Sophie Flee with this morning's tech bites in today's tech bytes changing your Gmail address. Google is easing its limit on one Gmail address per account. It's allowing users in India to create a second address while still giving them access

to their old account after they switch to a new one. Timing on global rollout is still unclear. Toe truck operators are using an app called Honk to locate and help stranded Waymoes. The Washington Post says operators in L.A. are being paid $22 to close a door on the driverless cars and up to $80 to tow them. The report calling it one example of jobs changing as automation advances. And finally, a YouTuber says the plane he briefly flew was built with 95% cardboard. After getting a tow from a vehicle, most of the flight was just a few feet above a farm field. It inevitably ended with a crash into some bushes. He was not hurt. Those are your tech bites. Some Medicaid recipients may soon have access to weight loss drugs under new law. Medicare

is currently banned from covering weight loss medicines, but the Trump administration and the previous Biden administration argued these drugs are necessary to combat chronic disease. The agency that oversees Medicare or Medicaid will work to negotiate lower prices for the weight loss drug makers. Well, patients with a rare form of ALS may finally have something they've been waiting for. Real hope. A new study suggests a drug called Tuferson can slow and in some cases even reverse symptoms in people with a specific genetic form of ALS, a mutation called S-O-D-1.

ALS in all forms is a deadly neurologic disease. It gradually shuts down the nerves that control movement, speech, and breathing. There's currently no cure. After decades of failed trials and no progress, experts say the results of the study stand out. To see people stabilize or get better, 20 to 25 percent in a clinical trial is unheard of. It's never happened before. Even though the drug won't help everyone with the disease, doctors say it's some rare good news in this field of research. Gold is having its best year since 1979.

Gold's increase of 71% this year has far outpaced the S&P 500, which has risen by 18%. Expectations for some Fed rate cuts in 2026 are supporting gold's rise. A weaker U.S. dollar is helping boost the price. price too. It makes buying gold relatively more affordable for international investors. Gold is considered resilient investment with investors expecting their precious metal will retain its value in crisis if inflation surges or if currencies drop in value. Gunfire erupts in South Raleigh, leaving a man seriously hurt what authorities are telling us about the shooting. In Johnson County, two people are dead after house fire on Christmas morning. What firefighters are saying about the investigation now underway. Thank you.