this location. when firefighters arrived, they had several explosions. we don't have any reports of injuries but the house is totally destroyed. fire crews are still on the scene and have requested the fire investigation division and the fire marshal to respond to conduct an investigation to figure out exactly what happened here. >> tonight, there are new pictures of a july shooting in southwest baltimore that left a 5-year-old girl critically wounded. the video clearly shows someone with a gun firing and then running. lamont davis is accused in the case. his lawyers contend that he is unable to be identified in the video. the girl remains in critical condition. >> the lawyer for the woman who pleaded guilty to starving her

toddler to death while in a religious cult says his client will get out of jail soon. ria ramkissoon will enroll in a counseling program on a farm facility. she pleaded guilty in march to starving her 1-year-old to death because he would not say "amen" at mealtime. >> 28-year-old joel fowler was arrested last night, accused of trying to kill his aunt and uncle. both victims were taken to shock trauma suffering from head injuries. no word on a possible motive for the attacks. >> two female students say they were sexually assaulted while on that summer training assignments. they were with the navy at the time but were away from the academy. one incident happened in june and the other in july.

both cases are being investigated, no charges have been filed. >> president obama went on the offensive today in new hampshire trying to blunt the criticism of his health care reform plan. he says special interest groups are trying to scare the public with what he says are wild speculation. >> president obama went to new hampshire to reformulate his health care pitch. he has taken a beating in his latest polls. insurance reform is the new sint. -- is the new stint. no ban on pre-existing conditions, no canceling of insurance if you get sick. >> your health insurance should be there for you when it counts, not just when you are paying

premiums but when you actually get the sec, and it will be when we pass this plan. >> outside were pro-obama demonstrators and opponent, some with nasty signs. >> as long as it is carried openly, it is no violation at this point. >> some say forced euthanasia of senior citizens. not true, he says. >> let's disagree over things that are real not these wild misrepresentations that there no resemblance to what is being proposed. participants were not screened but none were disrupted. this was in pennsylvania this morning. >> wait a minute, wait a minute. >> this was a democratic meeting in missouri this

afternoon. is this created by a republican organizers? protesters say no. >> they are pouring gasoline on the fire. >> heating up the debate on what president obama calls health insurance reform. retooling what he calls it is a sure sign that he believes his health initiative is in trouble. >> both sides of the issue expect the health care debate to continue all summer long across the country and right here in maryland. hundreds of protesters showed up at a town hall meeting hosted by senator ben cardin. what should we make of it all? kate amara has more. >> we have to clear up an important misconception. according to the senator's office, no tickets were required to the event last night. people were let in on a first- come, first-served basis, which

makes sense if you think about it. most people in the crowd were opposed to his opinions on health care. the national health care reform debate popped up loudly and prominently at a town hall meeting on monday. at times, the senator had to fight to be heard from a crowd largely opposed to health care legislation. the junior senator called this forum is success. >> i think it added to the process. i had a chance to answer questions. i think we got some facts out. >> baltimore county republican party chair takes credit for assembling such a large opposition. his initial goal was 300 people, but his final count was 3000. >> anytime you can involve public opinion, public debate, it is a wonderful thing.

i want to see more of it. >> he calls this a level of interest in public policy that he has never seen before. >> i have done town hall meetings for a long time but i think this exceeds the large numbers we have had in the past. this one was exceptional. >> they will continue to rally the troops as long as the debate continues which is why the liberal movement is organizing counter protesters. they say it is getting ugly. senator ben cardin third town hall meeting is planned for 1:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. no tickets will be required. show up and get in line. college officials say they will be ramping up security with help from the sheriff's department. >> hot and humid weather across

the region today, not as quite a test -- not quite as hot as yesterday bought up in the 90's again. we have to keep a close eye on hd doppler. the possibility of a thunderstorm. parts of frederick, carol, and harford counties could be impacted by those storms. some of them are severe with some strong, gusty winds. some more storms in ohio, western pennsylvania, developing along a cold front. we will check out the complete forecast in a little bit. >> state employees try to put a human face on the budget cuts to date. they gathered for a joint hearing on the budget deficit. david collins is following the story and joins us live with the latest. >> in just two weeks, the

governor will/millions of dollars out of the budget. -- the governor will slash millions of dollars out of the budget. they came on their own time to put a human face on the budget cuts. the governor is looking to slash another $750 million to make ends meet. >> we are standing clear and loud, no more cuts on state employees. the fat has been cut. the mussel has been cut. we are down to the bone. >> there is concern that options may be trumped by more furloughs or layoffs. >> further cuts would cut services. we are important because we print checks, refund checks and payroll checks. if those services get cut, ross

says slows down. >> so far, the have only focused on using generic brand medication rather than name brand. be then they cut low priority programs or share resources with other agencies. ibe >> any further cuts would probably jeopardize the safety of our delegates and our senators. the that is what we don't want. >> bearing the budget briefing, legislators came up with some creative ideas. we will have more on that at 6:00. >> tonight, the country and the world is mourning the loss of the sister of the late president john f. kennedy and senator ted

kennedy. >> she was best known for what she did throughout her life. rob roblin has more. >> it was in the early 1960's when she was at her home in rockville, maryland. it was a camp for people with disabilities that eventually became the special olympics. throughout her life, she was a driving force for special olympics games and more importantly the athletes. >> i don't think there is a finer example of a person who grew up with great wealth but focused that wealth and that intensity on reaching out to the world's marginalized citizens, the folks that have been ignored and beaten down by our society. as a human being and a woman, she was a force of nature. >> you will say to others

everywhere, "come to our world where we are free, free to choose our sport." >> for those athletes, her dedication has made all the difference in their lives. >> because of her vision, i have gotten to do so much, being involved in special olympics and on the outside getting to do the best i can. >> she was a woman born to privilege who dedicated her life to the idea that people with disabilities could achieve more than anyone ever thought. >> it made such a difference in some many families including mine. my brother has than an athlete for many years right here in maryland.

he has been taught skills that he can use in the workplace and in the community. >> we have more about her on their website. you will find video, a slide show, and an interactive graphic of the kennedy family tree. truly an inspiration for many, many people. >> next, could what you eat and what you do have an impact on you developing alzheimer's? >> what researchers say may help. >> one local school system is taking a step in preparing for the first day of class. we will tell you what their focus is. >> gm releases a shocking mileage member for its new electric car.

>> stopped up toilet, no food, crying babies come at dozens of passengers stuck on try the new subway big chipotle cheesesteak. an updated all-time favorite: juicy steak layered with zesty chipotle sauce, melted cheese, piled high with only... the toppings you love on freshly baked bread. only at subway. subway. eat fresh.

oh yea, well for 6 months, customers get all three: fios tv, internet and phone for just $79.99 a month. oh, all right, see... you're just moving your fingers, aren't you? i gotta cut my nails. (announcer) now get three amazing

fios services for the price of two. tv, internet, and phone for only... for the first 6 months. it all adds up to one incredible deal from fios. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v unlike cable, fios brings 100% fiber optics straight to your home, for razor sharp tv, america's top rated internet-- now even faster, and crystal clear phone service. all for just... for 6 months. it's like getting 3 services for the price of 2. that's a $180 savings over six months for the best in home entertainment. don't miss this unbeatable value 3 great services, for the price of 2. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v this if fios. this is big.

>> we have some breaking news into the 11 newsroom. you are looking at live pictures of divers. a plane collided with a sightseeing helicopter. seven bodies have been pulled from the water so far including the helicopter. the melons governor's mansion is a bit greener tonight. other plant upgrades include energy efficient lighting and temperature controls. they have ramped up recycling, planted a vegetable garden, and it installed a new irrigation system that uses collected rainwater. >> score another head for cheap aspirin. it can help: cancer patient. they can benefit from taking

aspirin along with the surgery and chemotherapy. their risk from death from the disease went down 30%. more studies need to be done but it is something to discuss with your doctor. a new book arrived in my mailbox a couple of days ago. it is a prevention plan for alzheimer's. a new study backs that up, but bobbling a certain diet and exercising, -- by following a certain diet and exercising, you can reduce your chances of getting alzheimer's. >> they say it could be good for a healthy brain. a new study published in the journal of the american medical association shows the elderly people who were active and consumed a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fish showed a lower risk of alzheimer's disease.

>> there is a genetic component in terms of risk for alzheimer's disease but certainly there is some part of the risk that may be related to our lifestyle and our behavior. >> this doctor of columbia university medical center observed over 1800 people over a five-year period. they had up to a 44% relative risk reduction for alzheimer's. while more research is needed to see how closely diet and exercise are linked to alzheimer's, many nutritionists say eating a -- eating this diet makes sense. >> the mediterranean diet can help maintain healthy blood

cells and good cholesterol levels. maintaining good blood flow to the brain is imperative in maintaining brain function. >> it may really be using your head. >> that looks like they are having fun. some popular influence of drugs may do more harm for children. british researchers reviewed data from clinical trials of children who were treated with tamiflu after being diagnosed with the seasonal flu. they had no effect on asthma symptoms, year infections, or the need for antibiotics. because most swine flu cases are mild, so far at least, most children will be better off if they did not take the antiviral influence of drugs. >>-- antiviral influenza drugs.

>> you can see storms dropping down out of pennsylvania at this hour. warnings have been issued the during the afternoon hours for some strong, gusty winds. this system is heading to the south east. it will cut across northern baltimore county. it is moving southeast right now. be on the lookout up there in northern baltimore county and northern carroll county where the storms are coming in and out of pennsylvania. check out the temperatures. up to the north, we have cooled down to 76 degrees. you can see the contrast and what happens when those storms roll through. yesterday, these numbers were in

that 90-degree category. ocean city is down around 90 degrees right now. 90 degrees in frederick. when you add in the committee, it feels hotter. -- the humidity, it feels hotter. look at the storms that are still on insta-weather futurecast. that is at 3:00 in the morning. the threat of a thunderstorm will keep going into the overnight hours. a lot of clouds around tonight, the possibility of a storm. the winds are trying to turn to the west and the northwest as the cool front tries to drop in. the storms are making their way down, trying not to stall, slowly pushing south and east. i think it will get here and then stall over the mid atlantic.

you have to pay attention to the probabilities on the seven-day forecast because it is not going to change much. temperatures not as hot as yesterday but the risk of thunderstorms is lingering. look at this little swirl of clouds over the atlantic. just to the southwest of there, a tropical depression. the second one of the hurricane season. this could become a full-blown tropical storm. we will see what happens to that system. deep creek lake tomorrow, scattered thunderstorms and 74 degrees. at ocean city tomorrow, scattered storms as well and a high temperature around 87. back to normal temperatures, made 80's and the risk of thunderstorms running out about a 30% chance with temperatures

gradually cooling a little bit and hopefully the humidity coming down a notch. high temperatures killed in the mid 80's. >> up next, a new car could turn the hybrid vehicle landscape upside down. >> gm unveiled its newest car. >> a new details and the investigation of michael jackson's death and it could spell more trouble for his personal physician. >> a firefighter consulted at a group home. anne arundel county is calling .

[ female announcer ] there are few guarantees in life. here's one for your skin that's clinically proven. olay professional pro-x wrinkle protocol is as effective as the leading wrinkle prescription brand at reducing the look of wrinkles. that's because olay has teamed with a highly specialized group of dermatologists and created a wrinkle protocol that gives you the results of the leading wrinkle prescription brand, without a prescription. olay professional pro-x. this is a guarantee you're guaranteed to love.

>> general motors unveiled its new electric car today. it is powered by an electric motor and a small gasoline engine. >> it get 230 miles per gallon. brian morris has the latest. >> 230 miles a gallon, that is the jaw dropping bottom line for the chevy volt. >> three-quarters of americans drive less than 30 miles a day.

>> the price tag is estimated at $40,000 and it would cost roughly 3 cents a mile to drive. it can go 300 miles and then it has to be plugged in. >> this definitely is not a vehicle for everybody. what is important about it is the technology for future applications. >> gm is trying to rebuild itself. the automaker is experimenting with selling cars with the day. for some, the volt is too radical. others are eager for change. would you pay $40,000 for an electric vehicle? >> yes, i would. because of how much gas i would save and it is better for the environment. >> i am sure back in the 1900's -- where are you going to get

gas from when you were driving between locations? i am sure they will come up with something. >> it will be a limited production model. the american tax payer. >> that is an interesting looking vehicle. up next, an unexpected response from hillary clinton. >> each year, lightning strikes kill more americans than that tornadoes or hurricanes. >> we will find out what the baltimore city is doing to motivate its top administrators. how students are playing a role. >> two summers ago, we introduced you to a 14-year old who got very far in "america

>> we have breaking news right now. we have a situation on the baltimore beltway. >> this is the inner loop of the beltway, northbound on bellaire road. in major oil spill here. they have requested maryland state police to respond because the oil spill goes around the ramp to northbound bellaire road, causing a very slick situation.

>> some of baltimore's top educators to show off for a back-to-school peptalk less than three weeks before the first day of class. they came by the hundreds to get their back-to-school marching orders, and they came from the city's ceo. education reporter tim tooten is live with that story. >> this was another sign that the school bells were about to ring, but today the focus was upon those who drive progress in the classroom. it was a peptalk and planning, but the focus went well beyond goals and objectives, to city school students who shared the stage. >> have no fear. i am ready for a great school year. >> the district continues to ride on the momentum of rising

test scores, but progress cannot stop there. >> it is a critical moment. we have made tremendous progress. we came from a place where we had to make extraordinary progress. now, we are at a point where we can truly become a model for the nation as a whole. >> mayor sheila dixon also praised the district and promised more help from city hall. >> some do not have some to say, " good morning, had a good day, the stay focused in school." >> it was evident with students. >> i believe in me. do you believe in me? >> it the city's schools ceo

just two years on the job made sure he showered credit on many. >> we seem to have something going. it is making people pay attention. of course, it is all due to your work. >> students return on august 31. >> here is a look at some of our other top stories. president obama it is back in the white house. he hosted his own town hall meeting after several others turned into a large shouting matches. he assured americans is not the intention to have bureaucrats deciding health care for citizens.

the state wanted to buy some two dozen crab the licenses it back from a part-time crabbers, but only about 500 submitted proposals. those that are not sold back face restrictions. the number of unused licenses could throw off their numbers. >> there are new developments in the michael jackson death investigation. there are reports that his personal physician purchased a powerful anesthetic from a loss vegas pharmacy. -- from a loss vegas pharmacy. >> after an aggressive run of search warrants and interviews, police are not ready to make an arrest. experts say that speaks volumes. are they more complicated than first thought? >> this could be like pulling a thread on a cheap suit and it

all on rivals. >> leaks are starting. jackson was on multiple said it is at the time of his death, making it tough to pinpoint exactly what killed him. police want to speak with his personal physician again but have been unable to schedule a meeting. he is the focus of a manslaughter investigation but his lawyer maintains dr. conrad murray did not prescribe him anything that would have killed him. >> they probably have some idea what the doctors prescribe to michael jackson and of those drugs are coming up in the autopsy. michael jackson's mother went on the offensive in court again. at one point, lawyers for a concert promoter says her demands are unreasonable. the judge decided that michael

jackson's three kids are the ones who need protection. >> the court believe it was possible that there was a conflict between the two. >> i am declaring myself as the sole biological mother of all three jackson children. that is why i am here today. >> she has no proof but came to court anyway. so did another woman who stood out of nowhere. therefore our tabloid reports that his dermatologist is the biological father. >> thank you for giving me this opportunity to claim my children. >> interesting. michael jackson died on june 25.

no final word on where he will be buried. >> it is the roller coaster ride that some passengers will never forget. they were stuck in the explain.

oh yea, well for 6 months, customers get all three: fios tv, internet and phone for just $79.99 a month. oh, all right, see...

you're just moving your fingers, aren't you? i gotta cut my nails. (announcer) now get three amazing fios services for the price of two. tv, internet, and phone for only... for the first 6 months. it all adds up to one incredible deal from fios. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v unlike cable, fios brings 100% fiber optics straight to your home, for razor sharp tv, america's top rated internet-- now even faster, and crystal clear phone service. all for just... for 6 months. it's like getting 3 services for the price of 2. that's a $180 savings over six months for the best in home entertainment. don't miss this unbeatable value 3 great services, for the price of 2. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v this if fios. this is big.

>> we brought it to you live yesterday, a 70-second ride that lasted hours for some. people got stranded on the roller coaster in at santa clara. it took rescue crews almost five hours to get everyone off safely. passengers who were stranded on a continental plane for six hours have been offered a refund and an apology. no food, crying babies, -- continental airlines admits it was completely unacceptable for the passengers to be stuck on the flight for so long. it landed in minnesota because of bad weather but no one was allowed to exit the plane until 6:00 this morning.

>> there is a lot of chatter over a response from henry clinton in the," yesterday. a student asked her what her husband thought about an international matter. >> my husband is not the secretary of state. i am. [inaudible] i will tell you my opinion. i am not going to be channeling my husband. >> it was a simple mistake of language translation. mrs. clinton assured that student not to worry about it. she is pledging $17 million of american aid. >> mrs. clinton was so tired because of this journey. with great prices on home, now

is the time to buy, right? >> and not necessarily. >> some relief in store for credit-card customers. >> a couple of strong thunderstorms on hd doppler. we will check the forecast coming up. right now, 87 at the

>> it was a case that horrified the city. a 5-year-old girl shot in broad daylight. working as a firefighter, you expect danger every day, but one firefighter got a lot more than he expected seem smooth and strong to irreversible damage. no different. irreversible loss of enamel. enamel shield enamel loss by forming against acid attack. toothpastes dentists check most. save your enamel. be gone for good. enamel shield. with the rinse.

>> summer means the daily thunderstorms across the country, and with those storms, lightning. the danger is real. >> a flash for an instant, kibble of jaw dropping duty or heart wrenching pain. >> they could of been at my son or somebody else's. >> lightning does not discriminate and it does not play fair. just ask this 14-year-old. >> i remember somebody said that is scary. what was the worst that was going to happen?

look what happened. >> in the u.s., it is estimated that there is many -- there are as many as 25,000 lightning strikes per year. already in 2009, more than two dozen people have died. hundreds more have been permanently injured. it is often with a permanent reminder of just how powerful a lightning bolt can be. >> a large flash of light goes off and my face and blew me off of the truck. >> lightning can contain over 100 million electrical volts. researchers are trying to understand more about the science. >> trying to understand how they get started and how it i attaches to the ground. the results of that all will

play into much better lightning protection eventually. >> it scared the pudding out me. all lightning is bad, yes. take cover, get inside, that is what you need to do. >> for many, it is a lesson that is learned the hard way. >> now, your 11 insta-weather plus forecast with tom tasselmyer. >> a couple of thunderstorms moving south of the pennsylvania, impacting the northern sections of maryland. if you look on the radar display, you will see what is happening. there is a little line of storms that is coming out of this system. the cooler air that rushes down shows up as this little line right there. this is working its way south

through the western part of baltimore county. that will be heading south and east and will likely bring some very strong and gusty winds over the next couple of minutes. beat on the lookout. gusty winds and heavy downpours. more storms will work their way through the mountains as the night wears on. this front start to bring some of those pennsylvania storms across the mountains and into central maryland as well. temperatures still above normal. the record up around 100. we hit 91 at the inner harbor. upper 80's to near 90 in most spots right now. a little cooler at york. the moisture in the atmosphere, it feels like 101 degrees down

at quantico. warm and muggy conditions continue. there is the possibility of more scattered thunderstorms through the overnight with mostly cloudy skies. the sun sets at 8:07. here comes a cold front of the great lakes. it is going to take a while. it looks like that front will stall in our area. the temperatures come down another notch tomorrow. winds will be light and variable. average wages are around 1 foot or less. tropical depression no. 2 has formed. about 400 miles from the cape bird island. the winds are only 30 miles per hour now.

as it moves through, 40 mile per hour winds are forecast. this become a tropical storm and it looks like it will get stronger over the weekend. thankfully, no major inland areas are in the track of this over the next four or five days. it is something we will have to watch. 86 tomorrow, a thunderstorm in a few spots. 85 on thursday. a little bit cooler on friday and some scattered storms are likely over the weekend. >> should you buy a home or rent an apartment? some credit-card companies are dropping fees. marianne banister has the details. >> there is some relief for certain credit called holders. -- certain credit card holders. card issuers are expected to

earn $4 billion this year on those fees. no word on whether other companies will start charging those fees. to rent, or to buy? that is a question facing many americans today. is now the time to buy? what should you ask yourself before you make that decision? >> after a loss of $4 trillion in this recession, owning a home has become attractive again. prices are average and interest rates are at historic lows. many renters are attempted to take the leap. but renting could be a bigger bang for your buck. ask yourself the following. how long are you willing to stay put? how big is your emergency fund?

banks want to see that emergency fund, too, before they land. how could it is your credit? -- how good it is your credit? make sure you and your money is ready, no matter what the market. >> an extra week has been added to baltimore's addedweek. -- baltimore's restaurant week. there are about 90 restaurants participating. >> for more on baltimore's restaurant week, you can log on to our web site and click on "news links." also, james miller and weighs in on the debate of health care reform. click on "i-team."

some money-saving tips, under "project economy." also, became the back-to-school blues. click on the "education." >> up next, a firefighter answers a call for help but faced something unexpected when he got to the scene. >> details are coming up new at 6:00. >> at 14-years old, she went extremely far with "america's got talent ." ." dealer: during the autobahn for all event, you can get great deals. it's perfect. i just want to make sure it's the right decision.

future...us? we got here as quick as we could. look it's the cc. you don't pay for scheduled maintenance, you get the car of your dreams... seriously us, just drive it. you're right. dealer: let's take this one. it's a time-space continuum thing. the future... yeah, so? it stinks in here! have you smelled this chair? or these curtains? you've gotta wash this whole room! are you kidding? wash it?! let's wash it with febreze! whoa! [ sniffs ] hey mrs. weber. [ sniffs ] hey, it smells nice in here. you know, i like to keep things fresh. helps me concentrate. [ male announcer ] for all the things that you can't wash, wash it with febreze.

>> we first met eight center two years ago when she moved into the national spotlight on "america's got talent." she was 14-years old then, and now big surprises are coming her way. >> it was two summers ago when the 14-year-old talk the nation by storm as an amateur singing sensation. she made it to the no. 4 spot on "america's got talent." now she is 16, working on some of her own songs, as a manager, and in september is heading to the national.

>> i am very excited about that. >> we are going to record a couple of songs and meet with a couple of people. >> her stage was her bedroom, where she still practices, and it is decorated by a few mementos. it is where she says that she knew for sure that life as a singer is what she wanted. >> i thought the tv show was great but this surpassed that. waking up in a different city every morning. it might be snowing in kansas and then it was hot in missouri. >> i am almost in awe of here. she has done this herself. >> her parents have worked hard to keep her from moving too fast, waiting until now to launch her musical career, and this is a big month for the

junior. >> i will be playing on august 28 before uncle cracker. >> i never heard of a 16-year- old who can sing like she sings and with the charisma that she presents. >> you can bet that we have not seen the last of this talented young lady. >> one thing has not changed, she is still adorable. here is a look at what is coming up. >> after a highly charged, very vocal town hall meeting, we asked those involved how it went. >> a fire fighter gets us halted at a group home. -- assaulted at a group home. [captioning made possible by constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org--

>> with polls showing that support for health-care reform could be in jeopardy, president obama held a town hall meeting today. >> he shot back at critics. >> demonstrators for and against health care reform lined up outside of a meeting in new hampshire when the president touted reform as a way to rein in its insurance companies. >> they will not be able to water down your coverage when you need it. >> he blasted his critics. >> this idea that somehow the house of representatives voted for death panels that will basically pull the plug on granma. >> but no tempers flared. >> but no tempers flared.