ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 9am - January 3, 2026

Episode Date: January 3, 2026

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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. I'm Akela Davis. It's Saturday, January 3rd. This morning on eyewitness news, breaking from abroad explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital, as President Trump says Maduro is taken out of the country. what we're learning this morning. Also abroad, at least 10 dead and anti-government protests across Iran, President Trump bowing and saying American troops are ready. And here in North Carolina, homegrown terror stopped as federal officials arrest an 18-year-old

accused of planning a New Year's Eve attack. Court documents show weapons and ISIS contact. But first, let's take a live look at that beautiful Raleigh skyline. Cold start to the morning. The sun's finally out. Let's check in with first alert meteorologist Steve Stewart. Steve, lovely day today, huh? Well, what's your definition of that?

I mean, it's going to be overcast, cloudy and cold with some showers around. We're going to see those showers on an office or go through the day today. Tomorrow's going to be a much better day. But you see the light rain there, heavier rain well to the south. Doppler net been showing light showers moving across a triangle now at times. Maybe a brief little moderate shower, but this is really going to add up to be quite light. But not a pretty day to be out. about 40 degrees. We're going to hang at 40 for hours as we go through the afternoon.

The normal high, 52, so well below that, and the record high, 74. So you see the amounts here are fairly anemic, likely less than attentive an inch of rainfall as we go throughout the day today. Out and about, maybe you want to do some shopping. Just know that you're going to be wet at times with those light showers around, and we hover right around 40 degrees for hours, and eventually we fall down to the 30s. Predictor shows the light showers passing on by at times all the way through at least the early afternoon hours later afternoon just spotty drizzle here and there and then the skies are going to start to break later on outside right now it's damp 38 degrees with a light showers a northeast breeze at 12 making that 38 feel even colder mid thirties up in our northern counties 41 into irwin and southern pines at 43 degrees states got an early game at 11 if you're heading there again watch out for some light showers and it's going to be rather cool right around 40 degrees but things are changing in a big way we have a stretch of 60s next week More on that coming up in just a few minutes.

Akela. Steve, thank you. Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro has been captured and flown from the country. President Donald Trump announcing early this morning, the president confirming that U.S. forces conducted what he called a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader. ABC's Brian Clark has the latest. President Trump confirms strikes on Venezuela, saying Maduro and his wife were captured. Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2.8.

local time in the capital city of Caracas, and the FAA is now banning U.S. commercial flights in Venezuela airspace over ongoing military activity. This comes after weeks of the U.S. ramping up pressure on the government of President Nicholas Maduro, including seizing two oil tankers and conducting deadly military strikes on alleged drugboat smugglers. This week, the Pentagon released video of two vessels being hit, saying they were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco trafficking. At least 115 people have been killed in more than 30 strikes since September.

The U.S. also deploying a large-scale build-up of military forces and assets in the Caribbean. Trump had warned that land strikes were imminent, saying in a recent interview with Politico that he wants to see Maduro gone. So how far would you go to take Maduro out of office? I don't want to say that, but... But you want to see him out?

His day is a number. Can you rule out an American ground invasion? I don't want to rule in or out. I don't talk about it. And the U.S. recently added Maduro and his government to the State Department's list of the world's most dangerous terrorist organizations. In a pre-taped interview this week, Maduro accused the U.S. of mounting a months-long pressure campaign to force a regime change and gain access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Maduro is also denied having any ties to the drug trade. accusing the U.S. of using the drug smuggling as a way to oust him from office.

Brian Clark, ABC News. And meantime, in the Middle East, the president reacting to deadly anti-government protest in Iran. Donald Trump posted that the U.S. would come to protesters' rescue, saying American forces are locked and loaded, though it's unclear what he meant. Iranian officials say at least 10 people have now been killed as protests over soaring inflation and a collapsing currency spread across the country. And we're learning new details about a thwarted New Year's Eve terrorist attack here in North Carolina.

Federal prosecutors announcing the arrest of Christian Sturtevant. Investigators believe the 18-year-old planned a knife and hammer attack on New Year's Eve at a grocery store and a Burger King in a town just outside Charlotte. This arrest is part of a growing trend where we're seeing across the state and country. John Dowding speaking with former federal agents about why they're seeing a spike in these incidents and what's behind them. He was preparing for jihad and innocent people were going to die and we're very, very fortunate. They did not. A New Year's Eve terrorism plot foiled. Federal officials say a North Carolina teen who pledged his allegiance to ISIS now faces charges for planning a violent attack as families prepared to celebrate the new year. It gives me a little bit of comfort that at least they're catching these people before.

happens. Investigators arrested Christian Sturdivant on New Year's Eve. Federal prosecutors say the 18-year-old planned a knife and hammer attack on New Year's Eve at a grocery store or this Burger King in Mint Hill, a town just outside of Charlotte. They seek to attack soft targets with easily accessible weapons and with little to no warning. According to court documents, Sturdivant planned to attack at least 20 people. Federal investigators found hammers and knives hidden under his bed and also found a note title, The New Year's Attack, as well as a handwritten manifesto. Investigators say Sturdivant spoke with two different people online he thought were ISIS participants. They turned out to be undercover agents, one from the NYPD and the other

from the FBI. But investigators say Sturdivant has been on their radar since 2022. They say he made contact with an ISIS member on social media when he was 14. Sturdivant received direction from the son-identified ISIS member to dress in all-black, knock on people's doors, and attack them with a hammer. Federal officials say at the time, a family member stepped in and stopped him. Chris Schwecker is the former head of criminal investigations for the FBI in North Carolina during 9-11. He says incidents like these are on the rise. Young people like this are people who are angry and bitter and they've latched on to this ISIS ideology can be extremely lethal.

You know, they don't seem capable, but they're the lone wolves that we fear. In January 2025, FBI agents arrested a Durham man at RDU, who was about to board a flight to Morocco to join ISIS. And the I team told you about the arrest of a high point man in May, who allegedly had ties to the violent extremist network known as 764. They don't have to smuggle a terrorist cell into the United States and do all the complicated things.

They can just indoctrinate a young person. or a disaffected person here in the United States and turn them into a weapon. And a traffic stop turns into a chase, two men now in custody. And are you looking for a career change, Raleigh Police want you, the hiring event next week? Plus, they're also out in the community today where you can find them. And do or die in the NFC South, Panthers at Bucks tonight. But first, good morning, Steve. Hey, good morning there, Akela.

Good morning, everybody. See the rain around right now. And winter precipitation is well off to the north, but a cold rain today with temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Tomorrow, though, better and brighter. All the details after the break. Good morning, everybody. Made it to the weekend. Good indoor day today.

It's a cold, cloudy day with showers around from time to time. It'll be light amounts when it's all set and done. Better and brighter tomorrow. And there will be 54 on Monday with some high clouds starting to stream on him. There you see the rain that's been moving on by this morning, the heavier rain well to our south. We got maybe upwards of around a tenth to two tenths of an inch of rain. You see showers around high probability of light rain. Once we get later on after dinner time, the rain chances are really going to be going down.

And eventually the clouds are going to break. Cold 38 right now with some light showers out there. And that breeze makes it feel even colder. If you're heading out to the game tonight, the Keynes are going to be hosting the abs. 39 as you're walking in about 36 when you head on home. And keep in mind, too, that the chance of rain at that time is pretty low. New York's good. Chicago's as well.

Dallas will be okay. So the big hubs are good for travel. Out west, though, we could be seeing some delays in some cities like L.A., Reno, San Francisco, and Portland getting some heavier rain. Charlotte likely not going to get any delays today with just the light showers around. So far, all the major hubs, though, looking pretty good. Got your 7A. coming up in a few minutes, Akila. Steve, thank you.

Police respond to a Raleigh food line after a shooting where one person was hurt. what we're learning this morning. Plus Olympic hockey rosters are in. Hurricanes make the cut. And week 17 in the NFL, win, and you're in for the Panthers. Breaking this morning, the Wake County Sheriff's Office has arrested two men after a late-night vehicle pursuit. Deputies say a driver fled a traffic stop, led them across several rolls, then ran after crashing. The driver and one passenger were caught a short time.

later. No injuries have been reported. Charges are pending. And Raleigh Police are investigating a shooting that happened outside a food line grocery store. Officers were called to the scene on Capitol Boulevard just before six Thursday night. When they arrived, they found an adult victim with a gunshot wound. That person was taken to the hospital. Police say this is an ongoing investigation. And happening today, the Raleigh Police Department is having its first cops on the block event of 26. The event offers community members the chance to interact with officers in a relaxed setting, allowing them to ask questions and share their concerns. Officers will also offer crime prevention tips. Last year, the department

hosted 14 cops on the block events. The event today kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sawyer Road in Raleigh. And it's a new year and maybe it's time for a new career. The Raleigh Police Department wants you. The department hosting a hiring event next Saturday, January 10th. There will be PT testing on site, and you'll also have a chance to speak with recruiters. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Raleigh Police Academy on Law Enforcement Drive. And the 26 Winter Olympics are just around the corner. Countries are beginning to finalize their hockey rosters, which includes some hurricanes. Defenseman Jacob Slavin has been named to Team USA.

Forward Sebastian Ajo was also selected to represent Team Finland. Forward, Step Jarvis, was left off Team Canada's roster. However, he is on standby just in case there are any injuries. And it's week 17 in the NFL and in the NFC South, it's win and in for the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers and Panthers will play for their chance at the Lombardy Trophy tonight right here on ABC 11 and ESPN. NFL analysts Adam Schaeffner joined GMA on Friday to break down what happens if Tampa comes out a winner. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers win. They still need help on Sunday from the New Orleans Saints, but that's a whole other story.

The Buccaneers have been struggling. They've been playing as poorly as any team in the NFC. And yet here they are with a chance to win the division on Saturday and Sunday. And the other big matchup in the NFC West is the 49ers and Seahawks. A win for San Francisco could have massive implications when it comes to the actual road to the Super Bowl. And if they win there, they get to stay at home through the playoffs because the Super Bowl is in the same stadium that this game will be played Saturday night. And it's all about the NFL tonight right here on ABC 11 and ESPN. Panthers, Buccaneers coverage begins at 3, followed by the Niners, Seahawks coverage at 7.30.

Be sure to stick around for eyewitness news after the game. I know Steve you told me you will be watching the game. I'll be watching the Panthers game. Yeah, the late game I'll be asleep, but go Panthers. I think they're going to win, and I think the Niners might win too. So good football today. Listen, if you're heading out right now, you're going to want that winter coat. It's cold out there.

It's a raw day. It doesn't look pretty at all. And we've got some light showers moving on by from time to time. So just a damp one for you today. Maybe catch up on some of your favorite shows and then watch football later on here on ABC 11. Light amounts well under a quarter inch of rainfall out of this one today. Brighter tomorrow. Still chilly, low to mid-50s.

a much better day. And a taste of spring is still coming our way next week. I mean, we have multiple days in the 60s. Let's not forget the normal's 52 will be 64, then 69, 67, 69, and 68. I mean, we're talking well above average by next Sunday. I do think the temperatures are going to come back down to the 50s, however. Light showers continue to move on by so you'll get a little shower, then a break, then another shower. Folks, this is going to be the case as we go through at least the next six hours or so. But any additional rainfall is going to be very light less than a tenth of an inch of rain. So you see the showers here now, heavier rain as well to the south. We missed out on that. That had been nice to see. Maybe watch the Panther game today as we'll see those showers around all the way through the early afternoon. And we're going to hover right around 40 degrees as we go through the day today. And there's predictors showing the light showers continuing on and off all the way until we get to around 5 o'clock. Then those showers move away and we'll see some improving conditions. So for the Panthers today, there is a risk of a shower. Not a big deal, but temperature is nice and mild, though, in the lower 70s.

Weather really shouldn't be too much of an issue. Got some light rain in North Hills. Cold, too. A northeast breeze at 12 making it feel like some lower 30s. It's 35 in Oxford, 39 into Chapel Hill and Southern Pines currently at 43 degrees. Evening planter, if you're heading out, rain should be done. Clouds will start to break late night tonight. Harry Potter there, the Deepak, as you head back home, temperature is kind of cold in the mid-30s.

Now, our rainmaker's long gom. clear skies during the course of the day tomorrow. See low 50s for highs. The deck of high level clouds rolls in. Most of that's overnight, though. Fifty-four degrees with the partly cloudy skies. We look upstream, though, and that's what we're going to be dealing with the warm air that's going to be heading east. It's going to feel pretty good. All right, so up in the mountains today, eh, not the best. Tomorrow's going to be a better day to do some ski, and also tomorrow's a better day out of the coast. All right, so high temperatures, upper 30s to around 40 in the triangle, on and off light. showers will be with us today. Tonight, the rain comes to an end, skies break late, and will be seasonally cold in the upper 20s and low 30s. First, 11th, 7th, better and brighter tomorrow. 54 on Monday, Tuesday, 64 degrees with some high clouds. Wednesday, feeling like April, and we'll continue that warm trend, despite all the cloud cover. Going to be well above average, make some plans if you can. And then even as we head in the next Saturday, we're flirting with 70. Akila. Steve, thank you. Straight ahead, developments to watch in 2026. Diane

going one-on-one with our friends at the News and Observer talking about the Triangle's biggest projects. IWitness News is bringing you tomorrow's headlines today and this morning we are looking ahead to big projects happening in the new year. Joining me to talk about it is Richard Straddling with the news observer. Richard good morning to you. Good morning to you. You all are highlighting the top developments to watch in 2026 and tell us how you decide on which projects to include in this report?

Yeah, so, I mean, obviously the area is changing, and so every year we pick five places to look at to kind of illustrate that change, and it's subjective. I mean, any group might choose different ones, but we try and pick big projects that are reaching milestones in the coming year, things that maybe people might start to notice for the first time. Okay, so let's start on the triangle. What construction is expected to have a big impact? Yeah, so we'll start with the Red Hat amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. The theater that's in its place now is going to have its last season this year, and people this summer will start to notice the steel rising at the new theater just a block south.

So that's our first one. Another is the new terminal, the expansion of Terminal 2 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This has been in the works for a long time, but the construction will become noticeable this year, year as they bump out the north end of the main ticketing hall to make more room for baggage claim and for ticket counters and so forth. The third one that we chose was the Lenovo Center, and people who have been there have noticed some of the changes inside the building. They're renovating the building inside, but this coming year you'll also notice the construction

starting on the new mixed-use development around the building in the parking lots around the building. And that will include parking decks and restaurants and office buildings and so forth. That's going to take years and years, but the construction will get started this year. All very exciting. And just west of Durham, many of us have been following plans to bring Buckees Travel Center to Meben. Where does that project stand? Yeah, so this one is a little bit different for us because it's not necessarily because of growth in the triangle.

Obviously, they're building 120 gas pumps, not for people in Mebben, but for people off the highway. but the the land clearing has happened on that they've done the the site work and we understand that the building will start to go up this this year it's a it's a department store size building and again behind 120 gas pumps so it's going to be something noticeable something people will want to want to experience I'm sure yeah the Bucky's experience thank you so much lots to look forward to Richard thank you again for joining us you're welcome and you can read more on this report in the N&O website or in Sunday's paper.

All right, thanks, Diane. Storm strike the U.S. from snow to floods, what we can expect nationwide this weekend. U.S. strikes Venezuela, Maduro, captured, and flights grounded across the Caribbean. And also new details on a deadly Swiss bar fire, dozens dead, many still unidentified, and how sparklers may have sparked it.

Plus an off-duty firefighter rescues a driver from a flaming SUV. and how to avoid fees and liens during property taxes are due Monday. See you soon. Right now, live coverage from your local newsleader, 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. All right, a live. Look at the Durham skyline there. Little cloudy out. It's going to be a bit of a rainy day. Good morning, Carolina. It's Saturday, January 3rd. I'm Aquila Davis. You're watching eyewitness news now on ABC 11 and wherever you stream the top stories and all the day's news just ahead. But first, let's check in with first third meteorologist Steve Stewart. You told me a little rain today. Yeah, amounts will be light, but it's just, I mean, it's going to be on and off all the way until at least four or five o'clock. So we're going to take some time for this shower activity to move on out. Again, it's very light. uh, totals are going to be around a tenth of an inch, so maybe two tints if you're lucky.

You see the brakes and the rain at times, but more showers coming up 73 that'll be moving across the area. So just know, uh, you're going to get wet at times today and temperatures are cold in the upper 30s and low 40s. Uh, we do get better tomorrow, though. We'll get back to more normal temperatures tomorrow, which is 52 degrees. Meantime, take a look at the additional rainfall from this point on. This is going to get a few hundreds of an inch more than likely when it's all said and done. Right now, if you're thinking about heading out, uh, again, some showers around until we get later in the day and then the rain chances will come down and temperatures will fall to the thirties later on this evening predictors showing that too with some showers passing on by there's three four o'clock in the afternoon rain coming to an end and eventually the clouds are going to break outside now it's uh 38 degrees with some light rain and that northeast breeze makes a feel colder so grab the heavy coat as you head out with numbers in the mid thirties in our northern counties and low 40s down in the sand hills early game today for state at 11 a.m. against Virginia, big ACC matchup. And those temperatures will be near 40 degrees, both before and after.

And again, those passing showers as you walk back to your car. All right, stretch is 60s next week. My goodness, it's going to feel like spring. More on that coming up in just a few minutes. All right, Steve, thank you. From coast to coast, the country is battling extreme weather. In the east, a powerful winter storm blasting Syracuse with blinding snow. Out west, flooding and high winds. Here's ABC's Alison Kosick with the latest. storm is blasting Syracuse, bitter wind chills dropping into the single digits, blinding snow, turning roads dangerous, and leaving drivers stranded. In Buffalo, Highmark Stadium offering $20 an hour to anyone who can shovel out the seats ahead of Sunday's game. Here in Wasatch Mountains in Utah,

authorities warning anyone coming through the Cottonwood Canyon's area must have chains on their vehicles. And new body camera video from Long Island, police rushing across a frozen pond to save an eight-year-old boy who fell through the ice on Christmas Day. You can see officers sliding across the ice to reach him. The boy sharing a warning. Do not walk on the ice. Out west, a month's worth of rain falling on San Diego. This Tesla seems struggling to navigate a flooded street. In San Bernardino County, first responders rescuing a toddler and guiding others to safety after their cars are swept away by rising water. Farther north in the San Francisco Bay Area, extremely high tides inundating neighborhoods. Wind advisories now posted for much of coastal California with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, another round of heavy rain expected through the weekend.

And back in the Great Lakes, up to one to three feet of snow is possible across western New York through Sunday. Allison Kosick, ABC News, New York. New details this morning after the United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, capturing President Nicholas Maduro and his wife and flying them out the country. Elite Army Delta Force troops carried out the operation after the CIA pinpointed Maduro's location. President Trump announcing the capture early Saturday calling the operation a success. The U.S. Attorney General says Maduro and Celia Flores will face criminal charges in New York, including narcotics, terrorism charges filed in 2020.

Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over Caracas during the overnight strike. Maduro's government denounced the action as an imperialist attack, while Russia condemned it as armed aggression. The State Department is urging that. Americans in Venezuela to shelter in place as regional tensions continue to rise. President Trump is expected to address the operation in a news conference at 11 a.m. And following the U.S. strike on Venezuela, air travel is now feeling the impact. Flight aware shows six flights canceled at RDU, 3 to San Juan, and 3 returning from Puerto Rico. The FAA has expanded its airspace ban, prohibiting U.S. civil flights,

over parts of the southern Caribbean, including San Juan, Caraco, and the Pure Flight region. The restrictions cover area surrounding Venezuela and are scheduled to remain in effect until midnight tonight. And new details on the deadly New Year's fire in Switzerland, at least 40 people are confirmed dead and more than 100 still unidentified. Investigators say sparkling candles on champagne bottles likely ignited the flames in the crowd Crans Montana Bar. Families are providing DNA samples as authorities work to identify victims. Warners continue to gather at the scene to lay flowers and pay their respects. And now to a terrifying close call in Moore County, a car lost control and went up in flames. And what happened next

is truly remarkable. An off-duty firefighter and his wife rushed toward danger to rescue the people trapped inside. Shortly after midnight on New Year's Day, a small SUV heading down Flynn McPherson Road in Harnock County lost control. Photos from the scene there show just how quickly things took a turn. The car fully engulfed in flames. The passenger was able to escape, but the driver was stuck inside. Off-duty Crane's Creek volunteer firefighter Dylan Turney and his wife, Kirsten, just happened to be there in the right place at the right time.

Dylan ran into the fire without any fire protection. Both Dylan and Kirsten are now being called Heroes. It's a title they say, don't necessarily agree with all part of the job I do it not for myself but for other people so it's kind of hard to take credit and being a hero and that's what I do and it makes me feel good to actually go to give back both victims were taken to a trauma center we do not have an update on their condition and Durham property taxes are due in just two days what you need to know as that

deadline approaches plus transform Rdu expansion plans at the airport closes parking lots. And UNC Health Limits visitors as flu cases rise. But first, good morning, Steve. Good morning, Akela. Good morning, everybody. You see the rain showers around right now, all fairly light, but all these showers back here

kind of drifting towards the east. We got a ways to go with this light rain today. In Chile, too, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, brighter and warmer tomorrow. Details after the break. Welcome back, everybody. A cold, wet day today with some light rain rain showers around and temperatures are going to be hovering right around 40 for the rest of the day better and brighter tomorrow few clouds on Monday about 54 degrees and then after that we're going to see a nice warm up you see the showers moving in wintry weather to the north we don't have to worry about that I mean there could be a sleep pellet in our northern counties but nothing of concern and if you look at the numbers today it is hovering right around 40 degrees the rain chances going down as we get later into the day right now it's 38 and the camera bouncing a little bit out there with those northeasterly briefs

at about 12 to 15 miles an hour, making it feel even colder. Lenovo Center tonight. Colorado is in town, the avalanche, 39 degrees before, about 36 when you walk back to your car. We'll start seeing some breaks in the clouds at that time, eventually turning partly cloudy later up. Big cities are going to be fine, I think, so those are the big hubs. It's the West Coast where we could get some delays today, Los Angeles, Reno, San Francisco, Portland, areas like that. In Charlotte, I don't think you're going to have any delays with this light rain. So far, that's what we're seeing.

And at the major hubs, at least, no delays. Got your seven and just a few minutes, Akela. Sounds good, Steve. Thank you. Okay, so Monday is a deadline for Durham County residents to pay their property taxes and payments can be made a few ways. You can go online, in person at the administration two building in downtown Durham, or over the phone. If you don't pay by Monday, you could face interest fees, liens, and collection enforcement actions. Now, let's turn now to the RDU Airport.

are now in effect as part of the airport's ongoing expansion. The Economy 4 lot is officially closed to travelers as it transitions into an employee-only lot. 11,000 parking spaces are expected to be added to Economy Lot 3 by the end of the year. Terminal 2 is also undergoing an expansion that will eventually be able to accommodate twice as many passengers. And still ahead, Big Moon and Bright Meteors this weekend.

Plus, mental health experts are putting a focus on emotional well-being for 2026 and starting this year with a furry friend new pet adoptions at the wake county animal center time now 944 making mental health a priority in 2026 experts say it's a critical part of overall health but many people overlook it with the new year experts are urging everyone to renew their focus on mental health which affects how we think feel and act Our Barbara Gibbs has the story. You take care of your body when you're sick, but what about your mind? We live in very perilous times with lots of stressors around us.

Psychiatrist Dr. Selma Tanovick with El Camino Health says mental health is just as important as physical health and not to think of them as separate entities. Instead, to think of both as one. Taking care of your body, of your physical body can also help taking care of your minds. Tanavik says that means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough good quality sleep can help overall health. People who have been exposed to chronic stress not only can develop mental health conditions, but they can also develop different physical conditions such as high blood pressure, hard conditions and other metabolic abnormalities. Other ways to prioritize mental health in 2026 stay socially connected. Tanavik says, we're social beings and need others and engage in healthy hobbies.

She says it helps our brains process stress, especially ones with repetitive movements like knitting. And in a busy world, listen to your body and set your own pace. It's okay to stop and it's okay to make a break and it's okay to go slowly at times when it's needed. Finally, Tanavik says, to recognize when you need mental health help and see a doctor. What is important to know is that there is no shame. And the UNC Health System announcing it will start to restrict visitors at its hospitals. This comes as a number of cases of flu and respiratory illnesses continue to rise. Starting Monday, visitors younger than 12 will be prohibited from all inpatient and waiting areas.

Visitors with respiratory symptoms will also be kept away. Masks will be required for employees at inpatient areas and strongly suggest. for guests. And the new year is kicking off with a couple of big celestial events. The first is a wolf moon which will grace the sky this weekend. The wolf moon is 2026's first super moon, which generally means a full moon that's closer than normal to Earth and seems larger and brighter in the sky. The full moon's light will make it harder to see the second event, the quondranted meteor shower. The meteor shower will reach peak activity this evening. Astronomers say the shower will be active through January 16th.

See, we'll be in bed by the time that thing is visible, huh? Well, yeah, I mean, clouds should break. The rain should come to an end by dinner time and then eventually the clouds will break. So you might late evening see some breaks in the clouds, but it's after midnight. I think it's probably the best to see that moon. Listen, if you're heading out right now, yeah, it's a little wet out there. It's cold. It's not pretty at all.

Just going to be one of those days, a good indoor day today. This isn't heavy rain. This is just some light amounts, and I have a less than a quarter inch. I almost feel like we could say less than a tenth of an inch. This is overall not going to add up to much. Chili low to mid-50s, but brighter tomorrow if you want to get out. At a taste of spring is on the way as we headed in next week. My goodness, the numbers are going to be up there in the high 60s for days. Eventually by next Sunday, I think the numbers are going to come back down, at least into the 50s. There you see the showers that are coming our way right now, just passing showers, a little break up in our northern counties at this hour. Fayetteville with some rain and we'll see this on and off all the way until around three, four, the shower.

afternoon. Any additional rainfall, maybe a tenth of an inch, but generally lighter than that. So light showers continue. Heavier rain well to the south. We kind of missed out on that. Just watch the Bucks and Panthers game today on TV because outside it's going to be hovering right around 40 the entire day with rain chances going down the later we get in the day. So that's some good news there. Passing showers on predictor. Don't take the position here literally. It could be setting up just about anywhere. But there's that risk we'll have some rain until we get around four or five o'clock. And it's later tonight. The clouds will break. But down in Tampa, there could be a shower. I don't think it'll be enough to really impact the game, though. Temperatures are going to be in the low 70s for the game. So the Panthers win, they're in the playoffs. 38 degrees right now at the airport with that northeast breeze at 12, that cameras bouncing up and down a little bit. Mid-30s for temperatures in our northern counties, 41 Irwin and Southern Pines at 43 degrees. If you're heading out to the Deepak tonight to watch Harry Potter, 37 as you're walking in about the same couple of degrees colder when you head back and we'll start seeing some more breaks in the clouds at that time. Maybe you could see the moon then. So high pressure is going to settle to our south. We'll catch a few high clouds as we go into Monday. More of those high clouds around on Tuesday. Temperatures in the low to mid-60s and even warmer air out here. Now we're not going to be this warm in the 70s and 80s with that warmer air gets pushed up ahead of this front and that's going to keep things quite warm as we head in the next week. Up in the mountains, it looks like our next

best chance of getting up there for some activity tomorrow's going to be a better day and tomorrow's going to be a better day out at the beaches as well so highs in the upper thirties to around 40 in the triangle on and off light showers today tonight skies start to clear out eventually you'll be able to see that big beautiful moon it will be on the upper 20s to near 30 degrees first alert seven they then notice tomorrow about 52 then 54 on monday high clouds on tuesday Wednesday feeling like april we're flirting with 70 and despite Despite all the cloud cover, we're still going to be warm to finish out the work week, Akila, and then maybe next Saturday we'll get a shower, but still warm in the upper 60s. Steve sounds good. Thank you. In just two minutes, we'll tell you where you can grab fresh fruits and veggies this morning in Durham. Time now, 953. New details this morning after a large-scale strike in Venezuela, capturing President Nicholas Maduro and his wife and flying them out the country. U.S. officials say elite Army Delta Force troops carried out the operation after the CIA pinpointed Maduro's location. President Trump announcing the capture on social media and says Maduro and Celia Flores will face criminal charges in New York, including narcotics and terrorism. Explosions were reported in Caracas as Russia condemns the strike, and the State Department urges Americans to shelter in place. More details coming up at 10 a.m. on the second hour of Good Morning America,

followed by a President Trump's press conference to address the operation at 11 a.m. Right now on Hulu, an all-new episode of 2020, Metler or Murderer. ABC News correspondent Ryan Smith reporting on the killing of a father gunned down in his home in Tallahassee and the murder-for-hire plot that unfolded across several criminal trials. It's streaming now on Hulu and Disney Plus. And new this morning, Wicked Composer Stephen Schwartz has become the latest artist to say they will, no longer perform at the Kennedy Center following its name change. The composer says the center was founded to be apolitical and home for all artists.

The center's board voted last month to attach President Trump's name to the venue. The center's website had listed Schwartz at a gala in May, but it has since been removed. He attended the center's opening back in 1971 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. And Venus Williams receives a wild card invite to play in the Australian Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion is now set to become the oldest woman to play in the main draw. Williams has not played in Melbourne since 2021 and outside the United States since 2003. The Australian Open starts on January 18th.

And North Carolina's first Buckees is expected to open by the spring of 2027. The future Mabins site is now 32 acres of bare red dirt, but walls could start going up by mid-20206. Construction began in late 2025 with the opening tied to a new I-40 and I-85 interchange being built by NCDLT. And Clyde Cooper's barbecue is revealing its new location. The restaurant will move to North Raleigh's Quail Corner shopping center, taking over the former red, hot, and blue space. seven months after selling its downtown property. And happening today, a free produce giveaway is being held in Durham.

It's happening from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lakewood YMCA on Chapel Hill Road. Everyone is invited to come out and grab a bag of fresh fruits and veggies. And some New Year cheer from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The aquarium is sharing an update on its baby otters. Three male pups born just days before the holidays.

Staff say they're opening their eyes and starting to show tiny teeth with more updates expected as they grow. Aww. Yeah, so cute. And let's get a final check of the weather seat. Okay, listen, you're heading out today. It's a heavier coat. It's not heavy rain, just light spotty, nuisance rain, to be honest with you. Tomorrow better and brighter, Monday 54.

But after that, here come the 60s. There's a couple days we're flirting with 70, despite all the cloud cover, going to be a really warm week. Steve, thank you. From the eyewitness news center, I'm Akela Davis. for Steve Stewart and the entire eyewitness news team. Thanks for watching. The second hour of Good Morning America is up next. So, bye.

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