region. it will clip northwestern terrell county. on up into parts of the county, a very heavy rain in that location. all across the state of maryland. there are flood watches in effect. the shading here indicates the viewing area. five warnings on the eastern shore. where still -- we will still look at the potential for heavy downpours. with all of that going on, whether becomes a problem at times. melissa, the potential for more problems tonight as some of these showers move through. >> it is a good indication of what has been happening. it can be showing you the higher

water level here. a lot of that has been on our roadways. the storm brought quite a bit of damage to a number of areas, and especially in the middle river and chase areas. >> right around 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning, there were a number of incidents that got our attention. on the east side of town, we had two significant fires. >> and first, they were called to the united methodist church on eastern avenue after smoke and flames were spotted coming from the roof. >> we did manage to contain it. it was at an assembly area of the church. we were able to protect the sanctuary. no one was in the church at the time, no one was injured. >> because of the fire was still

under investigation. this is all that remains of the two-story home. the cause of this fire is still under investigation. they believe lightning is to blame. >> it was lightning strike after lightning strike. my husband woke up to a large crash. >> you could not tell where the smoke was coming from at 3:00 this morning. there is a loud boom. >> it was not just flames that kept fire crews busy. >> we had 4 feet of water at some intersections. our crews were called out to a couple of different locations to assist people who found themselves a bit of trouble. >> the causes of the fire are still under investigation, even

though the residents seem to think that it could have been started by lightning. again, no injuries. the people heading out tonight, it could be some wild weather. >> and remember you can follow the storms on our website. just go to wbaltv.com. tonight, friends and colleagues and the public are paying respects to senator ted kennedy. this is a live look outside the jfk library in boston. family members greeted thousands of mourners today. the late senator's nephew said that people who came by our wonderful tribute to his uncle and the lives he touched. >> and emotions ran high as thousands of mourners filed

past senator kennedy's coffin. outside along the long lines of people waiting to get in the library, the thank you's came from the kennedys. family members were greeting the public. kids as young as 12. >> me and my cousins are saying haida people. >> twin brothers are the son of the former congressman said to be in the short list to succeed at uncle ted in the senate. >> i have never seen this in all the years i have lived. >> not far away was the senator's knees and the three sons saying thanks -- and the senators kneeniece.

for a second day, per gesture of thanks reaching out to people. >> my life is complete. i spoke to victoria kennedy. >> she has made the last 17 years wonderful. >> the last of the kennedy brothers, the end of an era starring powerful feelings. tomorrow is the funeral, then senator kennedy's trip to his home in washington for burial at watch -- at arlington national cemetery. >> and we will bring you his funeral live at 10:00 saturday morning. at 5:30, nbc will be carrying his burial. coming up on sunday, an hourlong tribute to senator edward

kennedy, his life, his legacy. >> howard county police have arrested a man who was under the influence of alcohol when he hit a boy riding his bike. it happened just after midnight. we're joined live from the newsroom with more. >> i spoke with the 16-year- old's father. for all intents and purposes, the boy passed away from his injuries. he is being kept alive while he is an organ donor. he and his friend is not out of the house for a late-night bike ride. -- snot out of the house for a late night bike ride. this is where the crash happened where he was traveling eastbound when he was struck

from behind by a nissan. behind the wheel of the car was a 26-year-old from west friendship. he was slurring his speech and had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. after failing a field sobriety test, they found it too small bags of suspected heroin inside. the boy was rushed to trot -- to shock trauma awith a severe head injury. >> we know that he did have our rear reflector, but he did not have a front light or a helmet on. >> he was going to be a junior at long reach high school. the principle that not want to comment on camera until the investigation was complete. we made an attempt to contact -- to contact family members.

we also spoke to the victim's father, who told us his son was in the heavy metal music and like to make music videos. he loved his son very much. his father also tells us that because his son is an organ donor, his heart may be needed right here in baltimore. as far as the suspect, he has been charged with dui and possession of heroin. he is being held with $100,000 of bond. more charges are pending. >> a terribly sad story, thank you. police are investigating a deadly skat -- a deadly stabbing. 48-year-old andrew was a stab at around ordinance road. anyone with information is asked to call the police.

and the two men that kidnap the teenage couple from the parking lot last year? he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. he sentenced him to to life in prison turns -- two life-in- prison sentences. they walked one in the trunk and raped the girl. the other one has also pleaded guilty. close to two dozen dogs were found in need of medical care. we have more on this. >> the house is just down this way on a seabreeze drive. it has been deemed uninhabitable. a neighbor called the office around 11:00 this morning. they came to check it out and found 21 dogs living in bad conditions.

they went in in has met suits because of the smell. witnesses say they came out with feces up to their ankles. >> when they pull those dogs, there were 21 of them including six weeks old puppies. the puppies did not have any further. -- any fur. >> the dogs were taken by rescue group. a crisis management has helped find the family and other place to stay. they are yet to say if charges will be filed. >> animal control says it has received more than 100 calls. bats carry rabies.

they keep mosquitoes under control, and should not be harmed as possible. never touch one or any unfamiliar animal. >> up next, and all form of payment, led away. what you should consider before putting your money down. >> a girl kidnapped 18 years ago was reunited with her family. >> and a new target for criminals, reverse mortgages. >> and for the first time, college students -- the biggest challenge is in the cafeteria. >> and school bus safety is still a major concern as students head back to the classroom. coming up, what

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>> baltimore city welcomes another charter school into the fold of learning institutions. they welcomed students and parents to the new harmony academy. the mayor talked about the importance of encouraging children to succeed.

dodge each of these kids is a gift from god. we have to do everything in our power as guardians, parents, teachers, administrators to make sure that they achieve potential. >> that operates 82 schools in 19 states and the district of columbia. >> a simple test to measure ankle circulation may help identify a potentially fatal condition, and stroke desires. potential artery disease is a buildup of plaque in the extremities. it is associated with a greater risk of future heart attack and stroke. it often shows no symptoms at all. they were able to detect circulation caused by fatty plaque buildup by measuring the blood flow in the ankle.

that test takes less than 15 minutes. with lots of kids going off to college, the first semester or even the first year is a huge time of transition. when of the biggest challenges occurs outside the classroom. we have more on how to avoid the infamous freshman 15. >> whether being away from home for the first time or freedom over new choices, the first year of college can be brutal too freshman waistlines. they have the all you can eat meal card, fast food, the availability of alcohol at a late-night snacking -- and the late-night snacking. >> 50 is the average number of pounds that students put on their first -- and 15 is the average number of pounds the students put on their first year. >> it is a big social issue.

with so many people saying that i will gain some much weight when i go to college, it was nerve wracking. >> determined to not do the same thing, amber stayed active. she even found ways to exercise her body and mind at once. >> i will steady while i am writing. time is a big pressure for most college students. >> exercise specialist says that they should utilize one break in their day for half an hour of exercise. >> get your cardio and, at least 30 or 60 minutes. do each part of the body. maybe two or three times a week. >> now that amber is a college sophomore, she says it trickles down to her performance when she hits the books.

>> it makes you focus more. you are better in class is, and your overall healthier. >> doing flashcards while running in the gym, that was not me. the recreation center is covered by your tuition. it will provide you with great equipment for an end to a lot -- individualize it is planned. >> now, your weather forecast with the chief meteorologist. >> heavy rain started in many areas last night. we're seeing more heavy showers track through most of the afternoon. it ends up producing some saudi ground in the small creeks and streams. it may cause problems with showers trekking through northern frederick county. it moves up through route 15. to the south and east of baltimore, heavy showers and storms in parts of caroline county getting hit hard with showers and storms.

that will be the weather through tonight. it is kind of dry air route of the baltimore beltway. the flood watch remains in effect for most areas west of the day, all the way back to frederick county. this includes cecil county all the way down to prince george's county. the darkened region is flood warnings, heavy showers and storms. the clouds and the east wind have held the temperature back on these last few days of august. we are supposed to be hitting the low to mid 80's. more showers and storms overnight. some of them could be heavy. sunset is at a quarter to eight this evening. it will also protect us from tropical storm danny. as the storm dropped into the great lakes and ohio valley, it will produce winds offshore.

picking up danny and pushing that storm up the coast and the way, you can see the turn is already taking shape. the showers and storms are way displaced. westerly winds are kind of tearing this storm apart. the center of the low-level circulation is centered over here. we're already seeing the impact of that area of low pressure approaching and starting to lift this system to the northeast. plus, the system is fairly weak. it is barely a tropical storm. it is forecasting a little bit stronger winds, just barely clipped the east of the cape. it is safely hundreds miles -- and hundreds of miles east of ocean city.

as you can see on the futurecast, most of the heavy weather remains offshore and hits southern new england. . sunday, we will get some sunshine across the state for the second half of the weekend. you will have to deal with some heavy surf tomorrow. and the chance for the occasional showers and thunderstorms. sunday, i think you will see some sunshine at the beach. there is a high risk of currents at the beach. be very careful, those rip currents will be strong. we will see sunshine here on sunday and monday. and a cooling trend as we headed to the early part of september. >> lady luck could be knocking at your door. the jackpot is now estimated at

over $300 million. sounds like a good way to end of the workweek, doesn't it? >> up next, i am sure some of you have already heard about the unbelievable case of a young girl kidnapped in california in 1981. she has been found after she was snatched from her bus stop. you will hear more about her horrifying 18-year ordeal.

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>> this is a story that is almost unbelievable. it woman kidnapped 18 years ago is with her family tonight. she was 11 years old at the time. >> it was so easy however happened. walking to her bus stop, hearst that that is accused of kidnapping her and hiding her behind his california home -- her stepdad. >> this maze of tents and sheds was home to her two young dollar -- daughters. both father by the man now accused of kidnapping her when she was just 11. a convicted sex offender and his wife who allegedly helped him are answering up to dozens of criminal charges.

from jail, he tried to defend himself. >> it is something that needs to be understood. >> she and her family have been reunited. the stepfather who witnessed her kidnapping called her safe return a miracle. my wife says she looks almost like she was when she was kidnapped. she has been kidnapping for 18 years in this compound. the compound included more -- little more than and makeshift shower and an outhouse. one neighbor was one of many who found the man ought, if not alarming. authorities are learning about missed opportunities. >> the haunting thing that i had yesterday when the solution came

was, did we miss something during the initial investigation? >> now that investigators have a suspect in a case once gone cold, they're looking to build a case that will put him behind bars for life. >> it popular social networking site, facebook, makes a privacy policy changes. users will like the change. >> and what happened after a man hijacked a bus. >> there is now an official cause of death in the michael jackson case. the latest is coming up. >> and police feel they will be cracking down on motorists who speed past stopped school buses. the price you could

they have alzheimer's and heart disease, diabetes and cancer. and they've heard that biomedical research offers hope, that it could control, maybe even cure, their disease. senator barbara mikulski understands the importance of innovative biomedical research, for patients, their families, and our economy here in maryland. call senator mikulski today. tell her, thanks for protecting the promise of biomedical research and the maryland jobs it provides.

it's not just the future, it's life. >> new to buy, more than thousands of -- tonight, more than thousands of buses will be out in force. authorities say drivers russian by is a problem that has gotten worse. bus drivers are sharing their firsthand experiences. we're live with the danger is problem. >> and they travel more than 40 million miles a year. all the more reason why police and school officials say that drivers need to do a better job of paying attention. this man has been driving school buses for more than 14 years. >> they are not focusing.

>> what she sees from behind the wheel, at least once a day, is frustrating. drivers failed to obey warning signs. >> people see a bus with their eyes, but not with their mind. they always have to be somewhere, they are late for work. >> bus drivers say motorists put the lives of children in jeopardy. >> we put on our flashing lights to warn the cars that we are going to do something. then, when we stop, just as we are stopping, we extend our stop sign. that is what everybody should be stopping. >> the police department is issuing a friendly reminder. >> we are saying what the sign says. stop. and there may be a police officer watching you.

it is in the interest of the police -- of the children and to the -- and the driver. they will be issued a three- point penalty and fined $175. those who stop and continue will be fined 700 and -- a $570. >> they say, i am sorry as they are passing. >> baltimore county, baltimore city, and howard county. >> and here's a look now some of the other top stories at this hour. a man is arrested after he hit that tina when he was driving his bicycle. -- that hit a teen.

he was taken into custody after he failed a sobriety test and had her when in his pocket. tonight, the boy is in the hospital on life support. a live look at some of the mourners tonight outside the jfk residential library. thousands of people filed through the building to see the casket. a private service will be held tonight for the kennedy family. you can watch it live right here on wbal tv 11 at 10:00 on saturday morning. at 5:30, nbc will carry more. >> and is back to books for students at john hopkins university. the class of 2013 comes to campus. the university is expecting 53%

men, 47% women. this includes a welcoming ceremony from the upper class men and a community service day. >> in the loss -- at the l.a. county coroner says that michael jackson's death was a homicide caused primarily by two drugs. 11 news has the latest from los angeles. >> following his final rehearsal, michael jackson in just at a cocktail of said it is that ultimately took his life. that is according to the county coroner this afternoon. more than two months after the death, the coroner has ruled it was a homicide. the document also indicates that at least five suppressants, antianxiety drugs, and muscle relaxes were found in michael jackson's system and contributed

to his death. >> those drugs you can build a tolerance to. he was taking more and more. in order to get the effect that he wanted, a good night's sleep, he went too far. >> loss angeles please confirm that they will turn their findings over to the district attorney. according to law-enforcement officials, the most likely charge will be manslaughter. the primary suspect continues to be the personal physician, dr. conrad murray. >> a tight economy, and even tighter credit. a warning for consumers. >> and a gruesome discovery by a man at walking his dog. it to virginia tech students found dead in the forest. -- two virginia tech students.

>> if your child is at all good at tennis, this is where they need to come. it has been designated one of two competitive training facilities in maryland.

>> a man walking his job -- and his dog in the virginia forest found to virginia tech students who were found at the campground. authorities say one body was found inside the car, one outside the car. police are investigating their deaths as a double homicide. and we're learning more tonight about a murder of a pastor in oklahoma city. the killer of 61-year-old carol daniels either stage or move your body into an unnatural position. she was found murdered on sunday. the preliminary autopsy found

multiple sharp impacts. >> cameras at a gas station, the man on tape before the incident. they tried to grab customers before running out of the store. he hijacked a school bus as it stopped to let children off nearby. it went downhill as the suspect forced the driver from behind the wheel. students on board the bus started to fight the suspect. >> everybody just started swinging and jumping out the back. >> bystanders restrain the the man as police arrived. two students and the driver received minor injuries. >> we all get those pesky calls, sometimes way to many. the new rule that could stop those annoying calls and what they mean for you. >> loot -- are you using layaway to control your spending?

government watchdogs are saying, buyer beware. >> storms may cause flooding in some spots. the weekend forecast straight ahead. capturing the beauty of nature. sharing what i see. that's my vision. and i'm living it. every day, transitions lenses are there to help care for my sight. announcer: transitions lenses adjust to changing light to reduce glare and help protect your eyes from uv damage so you can see better today...

and tomorrow. live your vision. transitions. healthy sight in every light. ask your local retailer about authentic transitions lenses. >> here is a look at stories we're working on. several that dogs were found inside a home in pasadena. -- several dead dogs were found inside a home in pasadena. lots more tonight.

>> a rescue in hartford county. let's go live with sky team 11. >> to cars and up in a crash at this location. ended up having to rescue an individual out of the vehicle. one person was transported to the local hospital -- >> we just lost him, we will try to get it back for you. tighter credit might seem like good reasons to do more of your shopping online away. -- on layaway. do your homework before you pay any money. >> layaway is more popular than ever where you can -- is more popular than ever. she is wary of layaway after using it one christmas. >> this will be great, i was

able to get the toys. >> she made all her payments at kmart. when she paid in full, -- >> baking about 20 minutes later and said, we just can't find them. they are gone. >> she got her money back. the ftc is offering tips to consumers. >> what will you have to pay to use this service? what happens if you miss one? >> read the policy is whether they are for a store or a lay away website. >> you can do it for plastic surgery, you can do it for tickets, for vacations. >> if you are unsure about a business, check the better business bureau for complaints. fcc retailers say that

unfortunately, complaints are rare. >> merchants want their customers to be happy. if the company is unresponsive, go to state officials. >> the state attorney general is a good place to start. >> she contacted corporate officials at kmart and sears, but got no response. a spokesman told us that they can find no record ever complete a couple of years ago. the company processes hundreds of thousands of layaways with no complaints to headquarters. >> now, your instaweather plus forecast. >> the possibility of more heavy rain it mean floodwaters remain in effect until 2:00 in the morning. it is pushing up in the gettysburg and pennsylvania. not a lot in the immediate

baltimore area, but that does not mean the reign is over. flood watches cover cecil county, hartford county, baltimore, frederick, howard, and other counties included on the eastern shore. we had almost an inch and a half of rain today. the northeast wind kept temperatures below normal. the record high was 101. the third straight record high occurred in 1948. most spots are in the '60s and '70s. that is where we stayed tonight with scattered showers and thunderstorms. you could get some quick flooding in the area. that is why the flood watch remains in effect. the circulation is very displaced.

they have been pushed off with the center of the storm off to the east. it is holding up that little bit of circulation. -- a holding onto that little bit of circulation. it is starting to drop a little bit to the north. the official forecast is about 546 miles southeast of ocean city. it does get close to the cape early tomorrow morning, but when the storms are expected to be in tropical storm force categories, rather weak tropical storm categories. really, the main impact will fall more up towards southern new england or the canadian maritime is. a little bit farther west than hurricane bill. scattered showers and storms will be possible statewide tomorrow with a mix of sun and clouds. there is the rate associated with danny pushing up to cape cod.

partly cloudy, a thunderstorm near the creek tomorrow. around the bay, a chance for a thunderstorm, 87. down in ocean city, will start the weekend with a storm passing by. serve temperature is 78. a little sauce mixes and as the wind shifts to the west on sunday. -- a little sun makes is in as the wind shifts to the west on sunday. the surf temperatures remain warm, the wind will be brisk. if you are hanging around town, 83 to 88 tomorrow. the typical summer day around here. on the chesapeake, when does 15 knots with average waves running about 1 foot. 86 tomorrow, scattered storms with 84 in the sunshine on

sunday. we will cool things off on monday, and september starts feeling like fall with highs in the 60's. >> reverse mortgages, one of the newest markets for criminals. the packages offer and come to people 62 and over by converting their home equity into cash. but care givers and financial advisers have been taking advantage of those agreements. the report and increase in fraud cases as the amount of homeowners jobs to $625,000. facebook has agreed to give users more control over their privacy. in the past, they share personal information with outside applicants. canadian privacy officials cried foul. they will allow users to hold back certain pieces of information.

they see the entire process will take up to one year to implement. automated rowboat calls -- robo calls, government is putting an end to it. >> we found plenty of people making calls, but nobody looking to take a robocall. >> i am on the no call list, but i still get calls constantly. >> i get the automated call, talking about a five want to sell something -- if i want to sell something. >> the federal trade commission makes any robocall after september 1 in violation of the law with a $16,000 per call penalty.

>> it is a great victory for consumers. it is a great stand against robots calling people. these calls not only are ripoff because the cost consumers money, but they are just plain rude. dodge think it is absolutely wonderful. >> there are some exceptions. banks, phone companies, charities, and politicians. it >> they left out any kind of businesses that have t>> politi. why are they allowed to call? >> they say is free speech. >> i think it is annoying. i know who i am going to vote >> how is this going to be enforced? the ftc wants people to report violators to their website. on the eve of the fourth anniversary, it appears that it

is now finally back in terms of tourism. tourism is up 0.5 million from the year before. this year looks good, too. the mardi gras gores hit pre- katrina levels. devastatfter the hurricanened in 2005. you can log onto our website and .lick on "travel." eating more of a few foods can help improve your oral health. >> i gave up caffeine today at several of my favorite things. it is friday. you can read the story on my blog. microsoft is slashing the price of its xbox 360 console.

>> the maryland state fair is open for business. even though it is cloudy out and it rained, some folks still managed to join the festivities. there are rides for kids young and old, lots of food in joy. from food and crafts to fund, there is something for everyone. >> you have beautiful crafts, things that kids can learn. the rides, the animals, lots of exhibits. people are showing their great talents. >> it runs through labor day. for more information, log onto our web site. >> up next, the mayor mixes up with british politics? >> and that is what a phony website makes the situation look like.

>> an accident in forest hill, let's go back to the sky team. >> this is north of forest hill, just south of the state park. there on the scene of a working rescue. injuries are severe enough that they have issued on state police to respond.

we do not know how long it is going to be shut down, but it is shut down both directions while they deal with this rescue. >> tonight, some top honors for a tennis facility. >> it has been designated as an official competitive trading -- training center. >> there is a lot going on at the racquet club on falls road. and for little ones 5-10, a new quick start program to get kids interested in tennis at a young age. >> we get them interested when they are small, to get them successful right away. >> these are the types of innovative programming that allowed them to get the role -- to get the award. it is a major designation by the

u.s. tennis association. they are the outstanding facility of the year for 2009. that only been open for a year- and-a-half, and they have asked the club to be a competitive training facility. >> my goal for them will be for them to learn what it takes to be the best player they possibly can be. ultimately, i want them to develop their skills. we will have nutritionists, trainers, a great working staff. >> players will come here to develop the skills and talent it takes to get to the next level. in the last year, they started a junior team. they did quite well. >> is awesome. it is very good. >> this is now one of two competitive training facilities in the state. >> i can just train here instead

of all over the place. >> someone who trains here could go on to the big time. >> that is a pretty mean that backstroke. >> open tryouts are at the facility in september. if you would like more information, it is on our website. here's a look at what is coming up at 6:00. >> a flood watch in effect, and tropical storm danny. >> a british blogger has apologized to baltimore's mirror. she is not amused. >> 21 dogs are found inside. i am live on the scene with the very latest. >> live, l,