>> good morning. >> thank you for joining us for 11 news today. >> let's get a check on the forecast. there are some storms coming our way. >> yes. we do not get a break from the heat and humidity. we are dealing with a mask of muggy air covering the mid- atlantic. in d.c. they are singing a patch of shower activity rolling through. many showers and storms are heading our direction today. apac degrees-88 degrees. very humid out there. showers and storms a mostly cloudy skies throughout the day. we will have more details coming up. >> good morning, everyone. a busy right on southbound i-95. there is an accident blocking all lanes.

plenty of activity as a result. they are having -- is having a major impact on traffic towards the fort mchenry. we will update you on that in a moment. you can take a 95. that is also filling up. -- you can also take 895 which is also filling up. 60 miles per hour and a southbound on i-95. that delay stick -- extends down to the 895. an overturned vehicles in the city. starting to look a little busy up there. 23 minutes is your drive time on i-95 are approaching the accident. over to you. >> and restore this morning, baltimore city councilman helen holton finds herself back in the region under the microscope as they investigate city hall. >> she has been indicted once

again. our reporter has more. . >> helen holton along with a bakery developer -- developer giant and bakery owner. there was a $12,000.500 payment that was made to holton in exchange for a -- $12,500 payment that was made to open in exchange for a survey. they allegedly agreed to pay for the service. the payment should have gone to hold its finance entity so that it would have been properly reported. >> it appears that ronald lipscomb has giving them additional information on the records. >> that was a political expert who says this time around, prosecutors may have a better case. the mayor's office is not commenting.

we will have more on this story coming up later. wbal tv 11 news. >> thank you. a baltimore county councilman is on probation this morning after pleading guilty to misappropriating campaign funds. oliver admitted to writing checks but told a judge there was no criminal intent. >> he took responsibility for his actions. he came in without blaming anybody or making excuses. i think it is absolutely appropriate. >> it is serving both ends of justice. mercy and justice. >> he violated public trust. >> he will never do it again. >> in addition to his probation, he has a community service and a $2,500 fine. the probation part of it will end when the fines are paid. >> baltimore investigators are looking france answers this morning as an unidentified woman was found dead.

no word on the cause of death. if you have any information please give the police a call. >> some much-needed federal agents are headed to the baltimore city police the parliament to deal with a recent crime wave. they will hire 50 new police officers with money from the stimulus. they will increase foot patrols around the city. mayor sheila dixon says police cannot fight crime alone. >> people have to speak up. it really comes down to that. >> crime hit a 20-year low last year. but the city still remember -- remains one of the most violent cities in america. that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. do you think the city's plan to hire 50 new officers will help police curb crime in baltimore? email us your response to watercooler@wbaltv.com. >> police are taking steps to

keep the street safer. community leaders say the first step to preventing violence starts at home. a parent expo was held at baptist church last night. they talked about groups that can give their kids positive role models to keep them off the streets. >> it helps them stay out of trouble. i know if i have a problem i can go to my mother and she will talk with mr. miles and they will give me advice. >> for more information, go to our web site at wbaltv.com and click on a news links. >> the search for a baltimore man lost for three days has come to an end. his body was found floating in the water last night. the medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. >> in baltimore pled guilty to a string of robberies that left one man wounded.

he admitted to committing six robberies, including five convenience store holdups from may-july of last year. he shot a man in the groin of taking money from him. he has been sentenced to life and will not be eligible for parole for at least five years. >> a professor is accused of raping and molesting a 12 world girl has entered an alford plea. he did not admit guilt but acknowledge that prosecutors have enough evidence to charge him. he was working as a computer professor. he will be sentenced in september. the woman has pled guilty to running an on-line prostitution ring throughout many states. she admitted to charges of conspiracy to prostituted girls in many hotel rooms in maryland, d.c., and new york from -- for several months.

some girls will arrested in april after a craigslist posting advertised sex with the girls. >> president obama is traveling to north carolina and virginia today to gain support for his ideas on the health care reform. >> senate negotiators said they are bridging differences by the day. >> i think the gap is going to close very soon. >> the deal making on health care is aimed at bringing senate and health-care republicans on board. >> they use words like reform and toys, but all their plan does is a texas state to fund new government mandates. >> the liberal democrats are angry. they expect the senate plan to not have a government-run insurance option but a privately-run co-op. >> a public plan is a version

that will not be in there. >> some could lose their boats and hurt the president's goals. he backed the public plan in a meeting theaarp. >> that is what medicare is. it is a government-run health care plan that that many people are happy with. >> there are times when i have to set aside my personal preferences for the good of the senate and i think the country. >> senate negotiators are looking for a committee vote next week. >> someone said the president will have to choose soon. he may have to give in to a bipartisan bill. but some say is too soon to tell. wbal tv 11 news. >> 74 degrees on t.v. hill. we will at the bloomberg

business report coming up next. >> and what role doctors may have played in the death of michael jackson and what investigators are looking for this morning. >> and michael phelps comes up short in the world swimming championships. was it a fair fight? we will explain. >> and a stormy day coming up with the details in your forecast. >> we will tell you wall -- why you need an alternate

we've all heard about the trouble in the housing industry. the fact is, with all the talk of a national real estate market, your town, your neighborhood, your home, or the home you'd like to buy, are each unique. the national conversation may not apply at all. if you've been worrying about what your property may be worth, or wondering if your dream home may finally be affordable, ask a re/max agent or go to remax.com. nobody sells more real estate than re/max.

>> 77 degrees downtown. some patchy fog around the area. cloud cover around this morning. it is difficult to breed outside. a tropical type air mass with a lot of humidity streaming in from the southwest. some light showers around baltimore. we are seeing some rain already. the bulk of the activity is

still to our west. there is a lot more moisture from where that came. this generated some severe weather yesterday down in the mid south and the mississippi valley. now it is coming into our area. maybe occasional showers this morning. a good chance of some potentially strong and severe thunderstorms this afternoon. we are 77 degrees and mid-70s across the board. 81 degrees in ocean city. the high will be around 89 degrees. there is good potential for severe weather this afternoon. 69 degrees as far as the dewpoint. -- 69 as far as the dewpoint. some instability this afternoon. 73 degrees in the mountains of western maryland. showers and storms likely today.

70% coverage. when out of the south and southwest. -- when some of the south and southwest. wi nds @ -- winds of the south and southwest. we could see some heavy downpours because there is so much moisture in the atmosphere. the record low only 59 degrees set back in 1978. we will be well above that at a 68-75 degrees. it is unsettled with showers and storms. there is a jet stream bringing in moisture. we have a trough sitting right over baltimore with a stalled out front. the combination of that will make today not the best day as far as to whether those. a good chance of showers and storms throughout. tomorrow, 90 degrees is the high. the humidity will remain.

friday, some scattered showers and storms in the afternoon as another system comes through. by saturday, we will have less humidity. something to look forward to. state posted especially during this afternoon. >> let's see what is going out -- on out there. in that land is getting by on southbound traffic but very slowly. -- a left lane as getting by on the southbound traffic but very slowly. you can get by even though the accident is still being dealt with. you can take the beltway -- the east side may be a better bet. no delays there at this time. 30 miles per hour, your delay on southbound i-95 backed up to

the 895. you are looking at delays on 895. some accidents to watch on bellaire in fulton. possible link closures in the white marsh area. 27 minutes now on southbound i- 95. that is the latest. over to you. >>. some of our top stories this morning, judge sonia sotomayor is getting closer to becoming the nation's next supreme court justice. her nomination is being approved by a 13-6 vote. senator lindsey gramm voted in favor of sonia sotomayor. a full vote will hit the floor sometime next week. on all schwarzenegger is being accused of a foul play after taking another massive cut to

the state's newly approved a budget. he used his line-item veto power to cut an additional $650 million to cut some welfare programs. some said they will fight the cuts made and challenge the legality of the measures taken. as is left of the offices of dr. conrad murray carrying information, looking for proof that he is administered an anesthetic to help the pop singer, michael jackson, sleet. >> more cuts are coming to one of the nation's largest banks. according to the wall street journal, bank of america and plans to cut a 10% of its branch offices. the increase of on-line banking and mobile baking has reduced the need for traditional

banking. the bank has not said which branches will close or when. facebook making an internet start whether you want to be or not. it can use pictures you opposed with them in advertising. to prevent that, you can change the privacy settings to prevent access. you can still show up on third party that could take your data without the permission of you or facebook. you should report the advertising company if that happens. >> a high price warning if you are using your debit card more than your credit card these days. our reporter has more in the bloomberg news report. >> good morning. the commerce the permit is releasing its key economic report, orders for durable goods. they felt for the first time in three months. -- they fell for the first time

in three months. investors are closely watching this report because it sells us how factories make do in the months ahead. companies like caterpillar are seeing demand that public stimulus plans kick in. some may rebound in the second half of the year. u.s. stocks closing mixed yesterday. consumer confidence trailed conjunctions -- projections. more americans are switching to debit cards over credit card transactions. watch out. overdraft devotees maybe $300 -- overdraft debit fees was $300 for one woman who made a small purchase at a top hotel. -- taco bell. that is business news.

i am like at the new york stock exchange reported for wbal-tv. >> michael phelps code says do not blame him for his first individual lost in several years. he finished second in the world championship freestyle. the winner beat phelps and shattered his world record by nearly one second. he was wearing a body said it will be banned. -- body suit that will be banned. >> another check on weather and traffic is straight ahead. >> and a warning for president women when it comes to the swine flu virus. expected moms should be first in line for a vaccine. >> do not forget to e-mail us your answer to the watercooler question of the day. do you think the city's plan to hire 50 new officers will help police curb crime in baltimore? email us your response to

watercooler@wbaltv.com.

>> it is a busy right up there for motorists on southbound i- 95. it is jammed up from 895 down through just passed o'donnell. the left lane is squeezing by. it will be a while before it is completely cleared. here is a live view of one of the alternates, 895 southbound pretty heavy.

watch for delays this morning. you can take the beltway. on the east side, it is in the green. 8 miles per hour approaching the accident scene. 40 minutes on southbound i-95 down to the southwest side of the beltway. over to you. >> a lot going on this morning. an active hd doppler with a lot of moisture, showers and storms. light rain is over baltimore right now. the atmosphere is very moist and humid out there. we are dealing with an unstable air mess because of the heat as well. we will be in the upper 80's today. shoppers storms are likely. about 100%. some of the winds may be tested.

heavy downpours, that is the other concern with all of these showers and storms expected today. more of your forecast coming up in just a little bit. >> clinical trials of eight swine flu vaccine are scheduled to begin to the next few weeks. experts with the centers for disease control and prevention will determine who should be vaccinated first. pregnant women could be given priority. >> it is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman's life. but the swine flu made it a deadly for one. >> she cannot get enough oxygen in her blood. >> according to a new study, pregnant women infected with swine flu have a greater risk of death than the general population. between april and june, statistics showed six pregnant women with a swine flu died.

pregnant women make up only about 1% of the population. >> they are at risk to severe cases of influenza. >> pregnant women may be the first to get the swine flu vaccination when they become available in october. >> there will not be enough for everyone. we will have to prioritize. >> the panel is likely to recommend health-care workers and children get to the front of that line. they suggest everyone get a regular seasonal vaccine which is in production now. a combination of the two flus could put pressure on our tax system, fall. >> imagine police officers arriving at your door responding to a 911 call that you made, but

you did not. dozens of calls to 911 with reports of gunshots, stabbing, and even a police officer down. the caller claimed to be this woman. her phone number showed up on the caller id 4911. she did not make the call. hard to explain to the police officers who arrived to her door over and over again. >> the police were ready to take me out of here. >> what was happening to her -- tonight how she became a victim of a prank that can happen to anybody and what the police have to say about it. >> there is much more to come in the next half hour of 11 news today. >> councilwoman helen holton indicted again by a grand jury.

we will tell you why coming up. >> and there is an accident on i-95. we will update you on this coming up. >> strong storms in our forecast for this afternoon. stay tuned for all of the details. >> here is a look at the winning lottery numbers from last night. good luck.

>> it morning, everybody. welcome back to 11 news today. >> thank you for joining us. we have a quick look at the forecast today. and that is going on. >> yes there is. the moisture is streaming in to the southwest. mostly cloudy skies today. showers and storms which could be strong to severe. a batteries-88 degrees. i will have details -- 85

degrees-88 degrees. i will have details on your seven day forecast coming up. >> helen holton has been indicted weeks after she was dismissed of bribery charges. >> councilwoman helen holton along with a bakery giant and developer is charged with conspiracy to violate campaign finance law. >> i am elated today that justice has been served. >> that was helen holton back in may after a judge dismissed bribery charges against her claiming legislative immunity. now new charges are against her into someone else. it has to do with a $12,500 payment that was made to hold and who was seeking reelection in exchange for a political survey.

it was requested that ronald lives can pay for the survey -- lipscomb pay for the survey. the payment should have gone to the holton finance entities that it could have been properly reported. >> it appears that ronald give them additional information. >> political expert says it appears that this time around, prosecutors may have a better case. ronald pled guilty to violating campaign finance laws. what remains to be seen is what effect these new charges would have on the mayor. >> if convicted, both people face up to one year in prison and a face a fine as well. the mayor's office is not commenting. wbal tv 11 news. >> a baltimore city police

officer will serve a 10-day jail sentence for assaulting her girlfriend -- his girlfriend. he was sentenced three years, but he will only serve 10 days. he allegedly hope -- choked her in their home. >> a pipe bomb was discovered on the beach yesterday afternoon. the area was evacuated. no one was hurt. a memorial service will be held to remember the victims who died in a helicopter crash on i 70 last week. they were killed when the chopper struck a power line when they were returning home from a business meeting. the -- memorial is scheduled for tomorrow. >> owners of the steel mill

could find themselves at odds with the chesapeake bay association. they are claiming that the mill is not honoring an agreement to clean up pollution at the site. the association is working with public health officials to make sure the area is safe for residence. >> baltimore county parents are having to do their homework of their own when they prepare students for returning to school. students attending county schools need to be sure they live in the proper accounting. >> james thompson showed up at the high school to make sure administrators had his new home address to keep his daughter's name on the world. >> we need to bring in documents for where we live, our paper work from our bills. >> we need to get it done today.

it is close to mrs., she could fall behind in her grades. she is a good student in school. we are trying to keep rates up for scholarships. >> for those who have children starting 6- 9th grades need to update medical records. >> we want to make sure that the schools have a all the students there that need to be there. >> the district is looking for your child's birth certificate, immunize asian records -- immunization records and a recent report card. school officials want the children to have an id. >> what does it mean to you to

be able to come back? >> i can play on the team last year and do my best. >> the parents must go to the child's school to complete the process. >> to find out more about the baltimore county residency guidelines, log onto our web site at wbaltv.com and click on education. >> a very busy morning rush. you may want to take the side of the beltway. we are looking at having delays on southbound i-95 and 895 due to this asset -- accident. it is having a major impact on traffic back to the 895 split. one of the alternates is this one. here is a map. we are at 13 miles per hour

according to our speed sensor on southbound i-95 approaching the accident. bellaire at fulton, all lanes closed due to an accident. and overturn vehicle being cleared in another area. and there is a water main break that as close a road in a different area. it is a rough one out there. we will keep you posted. over to you. >> some light showers are starting to roll into the city. some severe weather this afternoon. high winds and some hail may be associated with them. we make a lot of rainfall in a short amount of time. it is moist and humid out there. 87 degrees. that is the height. we may be less humid on

saturday. more coming up in a little bit. >> 75 degrees on tv hill. an english town is holding its own which trials. -- witch trials. >> in washington, more town hall for the president today on health care. i will let you know where he is. close the lid is on the ongoing debate on capitol hill coming up. >> we are still taking your answers to our watercooler question of the day. do you think the city's plan to hire 50 new officers will help police curb crime in baltimore? email us your response to watercooler@wbaltv.com.

>> some wisconsin highway crews

may want to spend more time checking their rose signs which had 1 misspelled. the prime of transportation officials say a few mistakes a year is about the know. -- the department of transportation official says a few mistakes a year is about normal. >> 200 people showed up to audition for the part of zombie for an attraction underneath a london bridge. there is some good money. the job pays $49,000 a year. but one town in england is not looking for a zombie. they want their own witch. in the good days, this

individual was blamed for every problem of the residence. real estate agent beat out 300 rivals to fill a job vacancy. [unintelligible] >> witchcraft pace a little bettye than does on the job. she will get $80,000 a year for her job. a little perc comes along with the drop. >> i guess you could go back to school for that. >> 75 degrees on tv hill. we will take a look at the morning and once. >> as far as a morning commute,

not too great out there. heavy delays on i-95 and 895 due to an early morning accident. details are ahead. >> we are looking at some showers and storms and hd doppler. some could be severe later this afternoon. it is humid out there. dewpoint of very close to temperatures.

>> welcome back. it's a business that definition is baltimore has investigators looking for -- a suspicious death in east baltimore has investigators looking for answers. no word on the cause of death. if you have any information into the mystery, give the police a call. a man is guilty of several robberies the left one man injured. he committed six robberies. that was from 8 to july of last

year. he shot a man in the groin while taking money from him. he has a life sentence. he will not be eligible for parole for at least five years. some much-needed federal aid is heading to baltimore cities. a federal grant of $10.1 million will go toward hiring 50 new police officers. those officers will be placed on foot patrol around the city and help the department win back the trust of the community. this city of baltimore had a 20- year low of crime last year. it still remains one of the most violent cities in america. >> that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. here are some of your answers. according to one person, having more patrols will not necessarily reduce crime.

>> one person writes a debt -- that they have to be in certain areas in order to be effective. >> mayor dixon says that those living in the community must get involved in order to make a difference. 50 new officers only means 10 additional police on streets in east baltimore. that is during one particular shift at a time. president obama is having a town hall meeting today in north carolina and virginia. our washington reporter has the latest on this. >> talks resume again today on capitol hill where there have been some progress but no major breakthroughs.

congress had in other late hour after a closed-door meetings. >> we are not there yet. our biggest concern is making sure that we control costs. >> members of the conservative blumberg's dogs are taught -- blue dogs trying to work out their differences. >> we think we will be able to come together. >> and some are closer to an agreement on a health-care plan. it includes a creation of an independent panel to hold down costs to help with the medical -- health-care reform. >> you cannot do that without cutting their benefits. seniors know this. americans are beginning to ask questions. >> questions the president hopes to answer. >> nobody is talking about

cutting medicare benefits. i want to make that clear. >> he will emphasize that again as he tries to build support for his health-care plan during today's town hall. in washington, nikole killion, wbal tv 11 news. >> you may need an early start if you normally take i-95 895. -- or895. -- or 895. only the left lane is open on i- 95. and the delays are going all the way back to 895. you may want to take the beltway on the east side asher alternate. -- as your alternate. an overturned a vehicle in the

city. a water main break is causing two lanes to be closed in a different area. >> a lot going on this morning with some light shower activity in the city of baltimore. some thunderstorms over in pennsylvania across the state line. a massive storm is headed in our direction. this afternoon, we may have some severe storms. let's check out things as far as temperatures go right now. 77 degrees in the metropolitan area. 75 degrees at the airport. 81 degrees in ocean city. the humidity is so elevated. we have dewpoint near 70 right now. moisture is infiltrating the area. will continue with these tropical conditions. we have a chance for a strong

storms as a result of the instability. our high may be 89 degrees. ocean city, a good chance of showers and storms there. as far as the severe weather threat, these storms because it as been so timid, we have a chance for heavy downpours, a toronto rain in a short amount -- torrential rain in a short amount of time. almanac information, 99 degrees set back in 1974. 87 is where we should be. a high of about 89 degrees. it will feel worse with the humidity a round. cloudy tonight with a chance of showers and storms. a low of 68 degrees and 74 degrees downtown.

a bermuda high is offshore bringing in all of this southwesterly flow and moisture from the deep south. we are wedged in between things. a channel of moisture -- we have a trough sitting over us. all that is conducive to bringing in more moisture. showers and storms throughout. some could be strong. isolated storms tomorrow. -hot near 90 degrees. 89 degrees on friday. saturday and sunday less humid, but in the upper 80 less humid, but in the upper 80's. >> thank you. the ethics probe that as what city hall has come full circle. that is as far as helen holton is concerned. our reporter explains why she thought she was in the clear but is under investigation once again. >> the judge dropped the charges against her in may. now she is facing charges of

conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws. according to the indictment, it has to do with a $12,500 payment made to hold and was seeking reelection in exchange for a political service. she met with a developer and requested that they pay for a survey. that payment should have gone to her finances into diesel that it could have been reported. if convicted, they faced one year in prison and a fine. there is no word from the mayor's office about her indictment. wbal tv 11 news. >> coming up today on oprah, some singers. darius rucker is making history. that is coming up on oprah today at 4:00. here is a look at what is coming up on the today show.

>> michael jackson's personal doctor seen for the first time since his death. it happened during a raid on her las vegas -- his las vegas home and office. when will have the latest on that. and new evidence that tanning beds can increase your cancer risk by as much as 75%. and the specific threat swine flu poses to pregnant women. we're live in san antonio for day three of where to take a vacation. we will show you where kathie lee gifford has started some trouble at a dude ranch. >> i cannot picture writing around. 75 degrees on tv hill. >> will take another look at weather and traffic together before you start your day.

sure, pal. let's just find a good spot. [ dramatic music plays ] a big day at the beach with the legendary taste of dunkin' donuts coffee on ice. this looks like a good spot. you kin' do it. america runs on dunkin'. treat yourself today with an authentic caramel swirl iced latte.

at the jcpenney appreciation sale. everyone gets an extra % off instantly with a coupon no matter how you pay. get an extra 15% off all brands for her. get an extra 15% off all men's brands. get an extra 15% off all regular and sale price items. all kids apparel, all lingerie, shoes and jewelry, all home items and kitchen electrics including cuisinart and kitchenaid. check your newspaper for bonus coupons

or print them at jcp.com and see everything on sale. style, quality and price matter. jcpenney. >> houston, we have a problem. >> guess we did. we are watching this accident being cleared. -- yes, we do. we are watching this accident being cleared. some very heavy traffic as a result. i-95 southbound has an accident and the traffic is backed up tupolev 895. -- backed up to 895. some west cited delays according to our street center there. -- some west side delays according to our street sensor. >> keep the umbrella handy

today. >> that is for sure. a northern suburbs are seeing showers right now. it will be intense this afternoon. 87 degrees today. 70% coverage of the showers. 90 degrees tomorrow. isolated storms chances. for friday, another chance of scattered showers and storms. it will be a little less humid over the weekend. >> we will hold our breath collectively as we find out later today if you would be a co-host with regis. >> thanks for joining us for 11 news today. >> have a good day.

good morning. the doctor su