tonight, get ready for some delays. eastbound lanes on u.s. rte. 50 are closed at this hour. this is a live picture from the scene. this tractor-trailer is leaking some unknowns substance. it closed the eastbound lane shortly after 4:00. there is no word when the road will be open. the backup is at least 7 miles long right now. >> and hartford county teacher allegedly claimed she was dying of cancer is accused of fraud. >> the people making the accusations are other hartford county school employees. after raising thousands of dollars, they learned the teacher was not sick at all. >> we are told that charges are pending. sheriff's deputies have not released the teacher's name. they are the beginning of their investigation. the alleged fraud was reported december 12 by a school

employee. >> concern for a teacher at baker field elementary school has changed to endure. co-workers -- has changed to anger. co-workers wonder if they were duped. >> we had a victim of reported to our agency that there was a co-worker that she worked with who was stating that she had cancer. this victim and several of her co-workers allegedly were giving the suspect monies for necessities. >> hartford county sheriff's deputies are investigating a case of possible fraud. she is accused of telling employees that she had cancer and struggle to provide for herself. >> right now, the detective to complete their investigation to determine what crime was committed. >> co-workers raised approximately $10,000.

during the summer, the teacher advise the cancer had been diagnosed as stage 4. and spread to reliance. she only had a 15% chance of survival. the woman's co-workers organized more fund-raisers. now they do not believe the teacher had cancer and they're calling for her to face charges. area residents are commenting on the alleged deception. one person writes, about feeling betrayed. we would have done anything for this individual. another person writes, colleagues paid for what they thought were out of pocket medical and expenses. another says there were many people were so close to this young woman and did whatever she

needed in order to help prop. colleagues are deeply saddened by this event. >> it is an early part of the investigative process. there is not a lot i can share. >> we contacted hartford county public schools about the investigation. a spokeswoman says it is a personnel matter. the teacher is on authorized leave. >> the investment banker convicted in 2004 of defrauded maryland state pension system will soon be a free man after serving 4.5 years in prison. nathan chapman jr. is scheduled to be released tomorrow from federal custody. he was convicted of using state money to buy his company's stock to boost its value. when the company's value fell, the retirement system lost

money. the jury convicted him on 23 counts of fraud estimated the amount lost at more than $5 billion. >> two doctors are charged with murder tonight accused of performing late term abortions. a state senator is using the crime to try to push new legislation. we have more on this story. >> both of the doctors were taken into custody without incident. one in new jersey and the other in utah. when states entered says when it comes to abortion clinics in maryland, the laws are too relaxed and they need to be better regulated. it was an investigation that began back in august of 2010. after investigators say a young adult female from at a state was rushed to union hospital after complications from a medical procedure performed at 126 east high street. police say it was later found out that the patient had been driven to receive an abortion.

police say the doctors were on premises during the time of the incident and human remains were found inside of a freezer chest. it was later determined that the doctor had been escorting patients to the location. the other doctor was performing the abortions. on december 28, post doctors were arrested and charged with murder. >> regardless of how anybody feels about the issue, nobody wants to see women killed. >> senator nancy jacobs of the 34th district drafted a bill that would better regulate abortion clinics in maryland. >> it is not regulated in maryland at all. there is no requirement for safe abortions. >> despite the bill's failure, center jacobs feels the

department of health and mental hygiene is expected to adopt several of the laws recommendations, including making abortion clinics fall under ambulatory surgical care facilities, like every other surgical outpatient clinic and the state. >> they have worked with both sides of the issue. they came up with regulations this past summer. while the regulations did not do everything that my legislation did, there were an excellent start. right now, you have no idea how many abortions are performed and the state of maryland. >> both doctors are facing extradition back here to maryland and are facing first and second degree murder charges. >> the countdown is on to 2012 and preparations are underway at the inner harbor for the tens of thousands of revelers expected to crowd downtown for the

fireworks this year. >> new year's eve is going to be one memorable experience. officials expect anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 spectators. because of that, the city is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety for new year's. for those looking to bring in the new year with a bang, the baltimore inner harbor is the place to be. >> it is really something to see live. >> in preparation for baltimore's new year's eve spectacular, crews have been working four days of lining up the nearly 2000 fireworks shells which are placed onto barges for this weekend's massive 18-minute fireworks shows. >> we have moved some of them

out to positions farther out on the barge. >> this year's fireworks show, we are very excited for it. starting at 9:00 on saturday and going to 12:30 a m. >> this year's show was in jeopardy due to a lack of funding. >> the baltimore business community stepped up. >>, baltimore city police, fire, and the u.s. coast guard will be on hand. as well as the temporary fences that will extend to on the southeast side of the harbor all the weight around the harbor to president street on the northeast side. the public will be funneled through nine entrances.

the plan came after a series of violent incidents is. >> we are grateful for all the agencies are participating, helping us to produce the show. to make it a family friendly show for all. >> the celebration kicks of the 9:00 this saturday. we are told that our mayor will be on hand to officiate the countdown for new year's. in the meantime, if you are planning to come on out, make sure you take public transportation. street parking is limited. >> coming up, we will take a look at how new york city is preparing for the big ball drop in times square. if you plan on hitting the road, be prepared to pay more for gas. we look at why gas prices are on the rise in how much more we can expect to pay in 2012. the big question, will the

weather cooperate for new year's eve? >> it turned out to be a nice day today. it will be a little bumpy tomorrow morning. i think it will clear up by new year's eve. it is 46 degrees. we will stay dry deceiving. as we head into tomorrow morning, there will be a chance for a few showers. it should clear up in the afternoon. we will detail the forecast when i come back in a few minutes. >> the republican caucuses in iowa are set for next tuesday on the spotlight is on mitt romney. until this week, he had written off iowa as unavoidable. but now the tea party is divided and his rivals have stumbled. >> mitt romney outside des moines with chris christie.

romney is the new front-runner. more by what republicans believe rodney can be president obama in november. -- more iowa republicans believe that mitt romney can beat president obama in november. >> i like rick perry, but it is really between gingrich and mitt romney. >> but mitt romney is back. he is at 23%. centaur of up to 15%. gingrich down to 13 -- rick santorum up to 15% the bridge down to 13%. >> ever notice how some people make a lot of mistakes? >> the advertisements worked. newt gingrich is furious. >> i would not vote for the person they are describing.

>> adapter, came tears. -- soon after, came tears. >> he was remembering his late mother and dealing with disappointment in iowa. rick santorum is upbeat. rick perry, too. >> i will be the anti- establishment outsider. >> the tea party vote is split from the moderates are pleased. >> i think he is the only candidate that can be obama. >> 3.5 days left. a polling expert pointed out, tuesday night could still prove to be a photo finish. >> still ahead, maryland reports its first official case of the flu. >> the number of people suffering from acid reflux is on the rise. >> after more than 40 years in

service, a baltimore county police major is stepping down. why he now owns his former patrol car.

i miss that guy with all my heart. we shared classes together, we survived the lectures, and we took the tests and we told the jokes. but now i must look at the empty desk with an empty heart, unable to rest. while all the other kids laugh and play, i'll only remember that one day, when my best friend jeff was taken away. i love you, jeff.

>> today, major shorts drove his

1969 dodge dart to police headquarters, where he turned in his gun and badge. the car is the same car he drove when he first joined the police force. the department frequently used it for the undercover assignments. >> as a look and see what i have done, working with the communities, i just had the opportunity to do a lot of things. >> the car looks like it is still in great shape. we missed -- we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. >> maryland health officials are confirming that the state's first confirmed case of the flu. the department of health and mental hygiene says the first case of seasonal flu has been

diagnosed an adult in the baltimore area. it comes a month later than last season. if you have not been vaccinated, it is not too late to find a flu shot. boren had a do that when you go to wbaltv.com. cases of acid reflux are increasing and experts said obesity is to blame. researchers in norway started more than 30,000 people and found the prevalence of acid reflux has risen 15 pairs -- 50% of britannia years. the number of people and obese is the main reason behind the spike. men and women of all ages saw a spike. the most severe symptoms were among people were middle-aged. the standard psa test, but it is far from perfect. a new and generation of tests are on the horizon and it may improve its reliability significantly.

>> it is the number-one cancer among men. >> finding it early is the most important thing that a person can do. i did not feel any different. >> this cleveland company invented a new blood tested the ability to separate good from bad. >> instead of looking at the number, will look at whether there are changes in the molecules itself. >> they still need government approval and investors to help get the test up the ground. studies at the cleveland clinic and university hospitals of promising results. after that, they hope to develop blood tests for other cancers. >> babies.

on the heart transplant list before they're born get a heart faster than babies who were listed after burke. this comes from canadian researchers. babies lusted after they were born average a 39-day wait -- babies listed after they were born averaged a 39-day wait. the most common reason for a prenatal heart transplant was congenital heart disease. >> your insta-weather-plus forecast -- >> it turned out to be a pretty nice day today. the temperatures managed to sneak into the 50's. we will get a little bit of rain overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning. it is not going to be a big deal. it is 46 at the airport. we will settle back into the 30's overnight. most of the area, though, very

mild. the winds shifted to the south. yesterday, it was cold enough for snow. we had some sunshine and that helped. the clouds are thickening not a little bit. this is in advance of another one of those clippers storms. this looks pretty impressive. look at the swirl in the clouds south of chicago. there is a lot of energy would this little storm. rain showers are starting to develop the eastern portion of ohio and into west virginia. if you will be out this evening, you do not have to worry about it. temperatures dropping into the 30's. during the day tomorrow, and there could be some left over rain or snow showers early in the morning.

it will clear up in the afternoon when high-pressure takes control. a mixture of clouds and sunshine tomorrow. early in the morning, at a chance for a rain or snow shower. still mild. new year's eve, i think the weather is going to stay quiet. it is going to be chilly, but not cold, for this time of the year. temperatures will dip back into the 30's by midnight. all of your new year's plans should go off without a hitch. new year's day, we think that arctic cold front is going to go through at night. 53 on sunday, but the cold air rushes and. a 35 on monday. high temperatures only in the upper 20's or 34 the next days after that. the overnight lows are going to be in the teens. >> still ahead, get ready to pay

more at the pump. why gas prices are on the rise. >> the ravens are gearing up for their final regular-season game. >> an emotional moment on the campaign trail. find out what got newt gingrich all choked up.

>> everybody is getting all revved up about their new year's eve celebrations. the ravens fans are looking for a new year's day. the ravens have a shot at winning the afc in north. this is a big game. >> in no doubt about it. despite the fact they have been

the bangles once this season, -- the cincinnati bengals once this season. he returned to practice, although listed as doubtful for sunday. as for the kicking game, battling a calf injury. the players seem loose and confident. >> i have no new announcements to make. the guys are progressing. obviously, we have some guys coming out to do a little bit of work. we have to see how that

progresses. we will just have to see. >> that it brings us to our ravens question of the day. where will you watched sunday's game? text your answer to this number. there were a lot of 2-for-1 deals, so a lot of fans are going. most of you say you were going to watch the game from home. we're supposed to talk about our predictions for the game. i believe that to you. >> frankly, i honestly think the cincinnati bengals get the win.

i do not feel good about this team. >> you are one brave guy. i am going to step out here. >> i am staying over here, too. details on an arrest and a motel fire from earlier this week. >> gas prices are on the rise again. the outlook for 2012. >> a dress rehearsal in times square in preparation for tomorrow's not -- for tomorrow night's big ball drop. >> we will take a look back at the big stories in maryland and 2011. 2011 was certainly a year

>> live, local, latebreaking. 11 news at 5 continues now. >> travelers hitting the road this holiday weekend can expect to pay more at the pump. gas prices are on the rise and you may not seek relief anytime soon. >> the average price is $3.24 a gallon. >> just as we have been here in the last few hours, the gas prices have gone up to $3.28 a gallon. 2011 will be notorious for

travel. 2011 has been a year to remember when it comes to getting around. from the opening of the icc to the winter storm that paralyzed the region. >> this is the highest recorded average both nationally and here in maryland. the national average was about $3.52 a gallon. in maryland, $3.50 a gallon. they may be even higher in the spring of 2012. >> i guess we will get used to it. it has been years now. i think we're getting a little desensitize. >> legislators passed a stricter law on texting and driving. aaa and motorist think that is a step in the right direction. >> it is a good thing. >> you see a lot less people sitting at green lights texting.

>> there are some things aaa would like to see happen in 2012, like money designated for transportation and stank in the transportation trust fund. -- and staying in the transportation trust fund. >> that was something that some legislators saw for in 2011. aaa was supportive of that measure. >> drivers seem to agree that the priority in 2012 should be making a safer on the road with laws discouraging distracted driving. >> just using the cell phone should be looked at a little closer. it seems to me that is a big distraction. >> i have recently seen an app that does not allow yourself fun to work when you are going over a certain m.p.h.. >> if those gas prices continued to go up, a lot of drivers said they will try to minimize their

driving as much as possible. >> find the cheapest gas prices were you are by using our smart phone app. it is free for android and iphone. you can also check our web site, wbaltv.com. the energy and excitement are building in new york in times square. this is a live look from times prior right now where the preparations are underway. >> happy new year. >> it was dress rehearsal time and time score today for the all-important ball drop. earlier this week, workers struck to end a seven-foot numeral 2 to complete design. >> out with the old, and then

with the 2. >> it will drop as much as a million people to the heart of manhattan. >> they come from all over the world. >> i am from canada. >> of mexico. cookies tod oatmeal raise enough money to buy plane tickets for her and her dad to be here. >> police are already preparing for the massive crowds, patrolling the streets and checking the backs of trucks. >> alerting police to the bomb they found inside. >> you just have to be vigilant because you never know. >> today, he is more concerned with selling his 2012 souvenirs.

while doling out advice to tourists. >> get your before 3:00. it's a good seat. make sure you go to the bathroom. >> you can see there are already barricades in times square. this party will extend as far away as 17 the city blocks. >> here is a look at some of our other top stories. preparations are under way for the annual new year's eve celebration in downtown baltimore. crews had been working for today's, winding up 2000 fireworks shells. baltimore city police department is busy, too, setting up a temporary fence around the harbor. there are nine entrances. the extra security was put into effect after a deadly stabbing of interest during the fourth of

july celebration. >> officers are searching for terry thomas. the to cut a man's wrist after he refused to hand over his wallet. the attack happened at the cherry hill stop in south baltimore. officials said violent crime is down 10%. thomas is considered to be armed and dangerous. howard county police have charged a homeless man was setting a fire on monday. the fire broke out just before 9:00. the 48-year-old allegedly set afire during a fight with a female acquaintance. murphy is being held on $7,500 bail. >> we want to update you on some breaking news. good to 50 is closed east bound your that -- near the bay bridge. we are all over the scene. >> this is a nightmare for anybody trying to go from the

western shore to the eastern shore. east on rte. 50 at just passed cape st. clair is shutdown due to a tractor-trailer that is looking a product. they're trying to figure out what type of product it is. the issue is this still do not know exactly what the product is. the traffic, look at this. the traffic is all the way past 97. if you are trying to get from the western shore to the eastern shore, if you get off ramp -- other than that, it's is going to be extremely slow glowing -- slow going. >> what a mess. >> in no kidding. a marine survives an attack and it did not have been when he was fighting overseas. >> i have been to iraq and afghanistan. i come home --

>> how he got more than he bargained for. >> and maryland state senator calls for action following the arrests of two abortion

>> iac call in pennsylvania could force a corner to move dozens of graves. he must decide whether to move at least 54 grave sitter now being threatened by the approaching water. families own each individual spot so they are not sure where the braves could be moved. five columns have been declared structurally unsafe because of the sinkhole. it formed thursday morning. a marine survives in some of the most dangerous spots in the world, only to find his most life-threatening danger here at home in deerfield beach, florida. he meant to men who were supposed to buy a gold chain. he advertised on craigslist. when he arrived, one of the men took off with a necklace. the marine chased after.

the suspect opened fire at him. >> i of been in iraq, afghanistan. i come home, and i am full of holes. >> he is my hero. he is a hero to the country. i love them. >> the two suspects are charged with attempted murder and they're being held without bond. doctors say he is expected to make a full recovery. >> still ahead, need some help keeping that new year's resolution? some smart phone applications that promise to keep you honest. >> $100 and they can own a business. >> that bagel shop could be yours for just $100. >> to temperatures made it into the 50's today. but there are some big changes

coming out. here is a look at times square in new york. 46 degrees at the airport.

>> here is a look at what we are working on for 6:00. east palin lanes of rte. 50 remain shut down at this hour. -- eastbound lanes of rte. 50 remain shut down at this hour. we will of the latest on the miles and miles of backup. a hartford county teacher claims she was dying as cancer. what sparked the police investigation. a late-night fire raced to a howard county motel. the man is charged with arson.

>> if you have never wanted to own your own business, here is your chance. >> there is a thriving bagel shop in virginia that is up for grabs. it could be yours for just $100. >> it is just one of the many items on the menu. a restaurant that could be yours for just $100. the owner also owns a contract in business that has been taking more of this time. he has decided to lead the bagel shop go. instead of selling it, he is going to give it away. >> a lot of people are kind of shocked. some people do not believe it. >> asking anyone interested to enter the contest by paying a $100 entry fee and submit a 300- word essay. why'd they would be the perfect owner of the shop. >> i thought it would be a really good opportunity for someone. >> the winner will not just at the restaurant.

they will get all the equipment and $10,000 to help them get started. what is he looking for? >> i would like to see someone energetic, positive, outgoing. >> and someone who was willing to put in a lot of work and time. >> it is a lot of work. you will be doing everything from making the donuts and bagels to cleaning the floors. >> while we were there, we met someone who was helping her son well when. -- will win. care business is debt-free and grosses about $150,000 a year. >> you can enter the contest on line. we have a link on our website. >> your insta-weather-plus forecast -- >> it turned out to be a pretty nice day today.

we had some sunshine, especially this morning. 54 degrees is not bad for this time of year. a lot warmer than it yesterday. the average high is 42, just to give you a little perspective. 46 at the airports. same thing in westminster. the clouds have been picking up, but there is no precipitation are groundless at the present time. on the other side of the mountains, there is a strong storm system coming across the great lakes. another one of these clippers storms we have been talking about. this one is too warm ahead of the. but there is some rain starting to move across ohio and west virginia. it might be called in of tomorrow morning for some rain or snow showers.

partly cloudy skies tonight. temperatures will drop into the 30's. during the day tomorrow, we will start with the chance of the rain or a snow shower. the sun will come up in the afternoon. for all of the new year's eve plans, the weather looks fine. mostly clear skies, a little bit chilly. the cold is going to come and once they get into the beginning of next week. the jet stream is going to die of all the way into florida. -- died of all the way into florida. 53 on new year's day. monday, tuesday, and wednesday, at the high temperatures will be in the upper 20's and low 30's. it is going to be windy so it will feel like it is going to be

in the teens and 20's. this is the coldest air mass we have seen so far this winter season. >> after a customer backlash, verizon wireless is dropping a plan to start charging $2 for every payment subscribers make over the phone or with their credit cards. in a statement on its web site, they said customer feedback prompted the decision to drop the convenience fees. make them and break them seems to be the theme for new year's revelers. you're smart phone could be your resolution solution. >> i am going to join eight gym -- join a gym.

>> i want to drink more water. >> new year's resolutions are easier to make, and easier to break. >> go on a diet. >> i have to start -- stop biting my nails. >> what if you had a reminder in your pocket every day? weight loss is a popular resolution each year. this manages workouts and calorie counts. this gives day-by-day tips on eating and working out. this application is for those who want to kick butt in 2012. the corridor application for iphone tallies how much money is saved since putting down your

last cigarettes. >> i want to eat healthier. >> i want to be a role model. >> try posting your golan social media so connections can cheer you on. >> the more people you tell, the more people you know. >> we will take a look back at the major news stories of 2011. >> an earthquake to the grand prix to the occupy protesters, 2011 was one

>> 2011 was one for the record books in maryland. >> the weather was not the only big story. we also lost some notable figures, including ron smith. >> if you do not have to be out there, do not go out. if you do, drive like you have some sense. dad is the most important thing. >> -- that is the most important thing. >> stuck in the snow, that is how drivers spent the end of january. 2011 was an earthshaking here with the august 23, 2005 0.8 magnitude earthquake that had everyone telling where were you stories. >> just days later, hurricane irene caused power outages,

leaving some in the dark for a week. it was not an earthquake that shook baltimore over labor day weekend. the city hosted its first-ever grand prix. despite controversy over a significant debt issues, baltimore remains listed as a grand prix destination for next year. >> thank you so much for believing in me. >> stephanie rawlings blake won her first primary election and earned four more years to lead the city after a landslide victory. >> it belongs to the people of baltimore. >> the terps made a new fashion statement issued. maryland wineries can now should directly to your home. >> i hope we have a two-way

street of communication. >> the orioles gave us something to cheer about in their final game of the season. they be their rosters read stocks -- they'd be the boston red sox. 2011 saw its share of losses, too. the beloved america forever changed the landscape of the city and state, leaving a legacy for generations to enjoy. >> a shocking death was the suicide of mike flanagan. he ended his life in august. >> i am retiring. i can no longer do it. >> just days before christmas, the voice of reason fell silent. longtime radio talk-show host lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

speaking of courage, we need our baltimore ravens to soldier on. for all of us, a toast to our five-year baltimore -- a partnership with the baltimore ravens. good luck in january. happy new year, everyone. >> you knew that jennifer was going to get the ravens and there somehow. take a look at some of the most popular local photos. here is a tree that fell on an suv right after hurricane irene. the man dangling from a building, rescued. you can share your best photos and video at wbaltv.com. >> that is all for us at 5:00.

>> preparations are underway for baltimore's new year celebration. >> wasn't a true cancer diagnosis? a teacher is under investigation after fellow teachers claim they were duped. >> an emotional moment on the campaign trail. find out what got newt gingrich all choked up. [captioning made possible by constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- >> live, local, latebreaking. this is wbal-tv 11 news at 6. >> eastbound lanes of rte. 50 are shut down, traffic is a nightmare. this is because of a potentially hazardous substance that is leaking from a tractor-trailer. >> this is what the scene looks