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>> the fbi is investigating a former soldier accused of trying to provide material to a foreign terrorist -- terrorist organization. he is accused of plotting to become part of a terrorist organization called al-shaab. even cash out his retirement funds to give to the organization. according to the information, he secretly converted to islam just before the -- leaving the army and was on his way to somalia to meet with the leaders of the group. if convicted, he could face 15 years in prison. not sufficiently prepared is the rulings of -- is the link from the weapons of mass destruction center. first respondents were on hand today in maryland at the department for help in homeland

security. among the basic concerns, the economic turndown and its added impact on national security. >> we have seen how much of a national and global investment it had to require in order to respond to it. there are a lot of issues that need to be worked on. >> another key aspect of bio prepared this, getting -- bio preparedness, getting rid of the flu. >> in tonight's medical alert, a recall involving excedrin, bufferin, gas-x and nodoz.

there was a problem at a major manufacturing facility. look for bottles with expiration dates of 2014 or earlier. we have all heard of the condition called tennis elbow. it is an injury with no quick fix. >> people feel pain going down the forearm and sometimes up the outside part of the arm. >> an orthopedic surgeon says the symptoms of tennis elbow or a pretty clear-cut. >> pain happens because these muscles pull on this attachment. . when your gripping and doing all of these activities, the muscles continue to pull on this

attachment point. this treatment can take anywhere from several months even up to a year to get better. it often ends up being an annoying problem and takes a long time to get better. >> and you may have heard of the heardprp injections -- heard of the so-called prp injections to treat it. they're not covered by insurance. a new study shows that nicotine patches can help your memory. that research comes out of vendor built testing non smoking adults with cognitive impairment. those on placebo patch did progressively worse. doctors now think that nicotine can directly stimulate cells in the brain that are helpful for

memory. >> and now, your 11 insta- weather plus forecast with chief meteorologist tom tasselmyer. >> a week area of low pressure south of us and close enough to produce snow and wintry conditions. new kynse the mixed bag of precipitation cutting through the region right now. air temperatures are mostly above freezing. it is not going to cause major problems, but it will be a steady enough clipped from annapolis and the eastern shore. it will complicate the evening rush hour with slippery roads in some spots. quickly tapering off now just to the left of us. on the couple more hours with snow moving south of baltimore by 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. tonight. then temperatures will try to warm up again. only a brief taste of winter on the ninth day of january. so far, just a trace of self.

38 degrees for the high. 41 degrees is the normal high. this is part of a week of snow in baltimore. january 7-9 in 1996, about 29 inches of snow. and then another storm came a couple of days later. the couple of big snow makers coming through in 1996. just a little bit passing south of us today. temperatures mostly above freezing. mid to upper 30's. a bit of rain may mix into the system with parts of somerset county and st. mary's county. moderate to heavy rain as you get down toward richmond.

the skies are already trying to clear to our west. some flurries around town this evening, and in clearing skies. the winds shift to the west, and the low of 24 in the suburbs, 30 downtown. we will have sunshine and milder air tomorrow. afternoon temperatures are in the upper 40 cozier around cincinnati. 52 in des moines, iowa right now. as the system departs and the skies clear and sunshine in the region. other systems will be approaching from the south. many rain. it may be a pocket of sleet or snow on wednesday in the morning. by afternoon and evening it could become heavy at times. 48-53 degrees with a west wind

at 6-12 miles per hour. back to 45 with rain arriving wednesday. rain heavy at times when tonight into thursday morning. a flurry or snow shower friday. sunshine saturday. football weather saturday -- sunday with the high of 40. >> tonight, baltimore city police are going door-to-door in east baltimore searching for clues in the murder of a well- known former principal and schoolteacher. >> 84-year-old mary hines was found stabbed to death in her burning home last week. the investigation is intensifying. >> it certainly is. baltimore city police detectives were on here about an hour earlier this afternoon for about 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the 2600 block of east biddle street in baltimore. you can see the bird down carcase of her home. -- the burned down carcase of her home.

police are looking for anything that will lead to her killer. >> it was originally thought that 84-year-old mary heinsler died from a fire at her home last thursday morning, but after further investigation it had been discovered that she was stabbed a number of times before the fire began. gee had begun working in the baltimore city school system in 1948 and had retired in 1981 after serving as principal at william anders hughson elementary. she was found on the first floor of her home between the front and middle rounds. neighbors even reported that the gas and electric had been shut off. monday, the baltimore city police department went door-to- door with in a several block radius of the crime scene to find any clue to help solve the crime. they do not have much to go on right now and are looking for all the help they can get. >> call someone in authority that will be able to take the vital information that you give

so that we can put this homicide down. we cannot stand for this. even going back in time, those types of observations, anything back -- out of the ordinary. even if they had just managed to see miss mary, and she is commonly referred to come out and about the -- as she is commonly referred to, out and about. >> some neighbors said that she may have had a poor relationship with one of her nephews. we asked police about this, but they said they could not comment because of the investigation. police are asking anyone with information on this murder to call metro crimestoppers at 1-86 6-7-lockup. >> a violent weekend in

baltimore city has police looking into four separate shootings. >> we will have the latest on the investigation. >> the new attacks on mitt romney today before the new hampshire primary. the story, coming up next. ♪

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>> today before the new hampshire primary, mitt romney looks like the sure winner. >> he has been charged with taking millions of dollars in part by firing employees of the companies that he took over. >> mitt romney worked the phones in new hampshire. he is far ahead in the polls, but under attack. backers of newt gingrich released a film, charging his firm and that 1980's and 1990's profited by pillaging companies and playing off co-workers.

romney says that they saved some companies and failed to save some others. he knew it would become an issue. >> i thought it would be coming from the president and the left, but instead it is coming from his competitors. rick perry piled on from south carolina. >> i have no doubt that mitt romney was worried about pink slips, whether he was going to have enough of them to hand out. >> rick santorum stayed above the fray. >> he has a lot more on his record as governor to talk about that his record at being capital. >> -- bing capital.

>> i have not decided at all. i will be an 11th hour voter. >> ron paulick pohick -- polling second in new hampshire, but many of his -- ron paul is pulling second in new hampshire, but many of his followers say they are not worried about the attention. >> from manchester new hampshire, steve handelsman, wbal tv 11 news. >> and a call for change night for politics in baltimore. >> a coalition group is calling for a change in the election cycle. and wait until you hear how much money was budgeted in the elections in 2011. >> and closing up shop, what you needed -- need to know if you shop here, coming up in a consumer alert. >> and teaching kids of all ages about training for a triathlon. about training for a triathlon.

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>> 11 news at 5:00 p.m. in hd continues now. >> new at 5:30 p.m., reducing the jail sentence for people caught with marijuana. that is a number of -- one of a number of new initiatives being taken on in the new year. it is time to take a look at what has changed since bernstein has taken to the campaign trail. >> specifically with criminals. we're live outside the state's

attorney's office downtown with the latest. >> one major change, as you mentioned, is the attitude regarding marijuana use. the city state's attorney supports a shorter jail term for those caught -- caught with small amounts. >> greg bernstein says he will back legislation that reduces jail time for possessing small amounts of marijuana. the commission currently carries a one-year sentence. bernstein wants to be -- a conviction currently carries a one-year sentence. bernstein wants to change it to 90 days. >> very few people, if any, are actually in credit for these small amounts of marijuana, and to keep us in mind -- are incarcerated for these small amounts of marijuana, and to keep us in line with other districts. >> he is taking some of the most experienced prosecutors and by 93 case-lodestones that

correspond to police districts and -- and dividing them by three cases-load zones that correspond to police districts and prosecuting attorneys. >> it gets the prosecutors in each zone focusing on cases within that particular zone and understanding how those cases interact and what the impact -- how they impact the community. >> bernstein's investigation will also have a huge impact on crime and the community. >> if we can focus our resources, it will make a huge difference. >> felony convictions went up from 63% to 65%. homicide convictions increased from 64% to 71%. and a number of jail time -- and the jail time for felony gun convictions would up from eight months to 18 months.

so far, he's doing exactly what he pledged to do. >> we are more strategic, affected, and efficient. we're already seeing positive results and thereby making baltimore safer. lyrics -- experiencing increasing convictions, and a reduction in violent crime. >> the city state attorney considers a half ounce, 14 grams, a small amount. his staff says the discussion is still underway. >> thank you. there's a call for change after a record low voter turnout in baltimore last mayoral election. lisa robinson joined us with more. >> the baltimore chain coalition says if you have more names and issues on the ballot, more

voters will turn out. and they hope that will strengthen democracy in the city. these civic leaders are part of a newly formed baltimore election change coalition. they are lobbying the state legislature to move the timing of the baltimore city elections to coincide with the gubernatorial cycle in 2014. >> we feel it is isolated from the other election activity and it decreases the voter turnout. >> coalition members also say the move would save the city money. >> there's $3.6 million budgeted for the city election this year. >> turnout in the recent election was abysmal and it is going down over the last several years. we can do better. >> a similar bill in 2007 died in committee. he says it is time to try again in the 2012 session of the general assembly. >> not only are we looking at turnout, but boavoter

effectiveness and participation. >> in 1999, voter turnout was 48%. it fell to 47% in 2003, 33% 2007, and in 2011, 22%. despite those numbers, one delegate said he is not for making a change. he says he does not like the reasoning behind it. >> i think the mayor's election needs to stand alone. the mayor and the city council members need to knock on doors to create fervor for their election i do not think that putting these two elections together -- it just comes up the works. >> he says he is not married to the idea of the mayoral election coinciding with others. first, he says he will have to

convince the baltimore delegation to support his effort, he says. >> here's a look at some of our other top stories at this hour. police in east baltimore are going door-to-door, canvassing neighborhoods to find clues in the death of mary heinz. she was stabbed to death in her home last week. she was originally thought to have died in a fire. no word tonight on any suspects. police are asking for anyone with information to step forward and call metro crimestoppers at 1-866-7-lockup. four separate shootings over the weekend. the latest happen 4:00 a.m. sunday morning when neenan was killed in his brooklyn home. police -- when a man was killed in his brooklyn home.

still no arrests in the that the shooting from friday night. police found a man shot near ashland and monfort ave. he later died from his injuries. one of the victims is listed in stable condition and there is no word on the fourth man's condition. >> you need to be careful who you allowed inside your car, like helping strangers. police in anne arundel county tell us a woman was driving in freetown and whitaker road area when a man flagged down an actor for a ride. police say these suspects, randall hall and nicole johnson -- hall apparently took the keys from the ignition, demanded money, and an assault of the woman. the two were tracked down by police a short time later. >> this weekend, something that it has never seen before. >> two openly gay women running for ms. california usa. >> but first, why the

president's chief of staff is stepping down, and who is set to replace him. >> following the gop contenders in concord, new hampshire. one final push before primary day tomorrow. we will have all of that coming up. up.

>> covering the nation tonight, a shakeup at the white house. president obama announced his chief of staff is resigning after only a year on the job. william daley is stepping down to return to his native chicago and spend more time with his family. he will be replaced by budget director jack lew. the president said daly has performed extraordinary work in an extraordinary year. >> defense and prosecutors in germany iraq in the case against a 21-year-old man accused of killing two american servicemen and injuring two more.

the prosecutor described how the gunmen allegedly walked up to one of the soldiers and allegedly asking for a cigarette. after asking if they were reporting to afghanistan he allegedly started shooting. >> and two openly gay women competing in the miss california u.s.a. contents. they were two of the nearly 300 contestants competing for the crown in the indian wells california saturday night. natalee ended up clinching the title and will now go on to compete for the title of miss usa 2012. it will be televised on nbc coming up june 2. >> still ahead, public transportation in this city of baltimore may not be guaranteed a smooth ride. >> how you can read your ride ahead in consumer alert. >> smaller cars and better gas mileage, that is what consumers

say they want in their next vehicle. how the industry is responding. >> snow this evening, but it will not be around very long. the forecast for the head. right now, just above freezing at the airport. 33 greece.

>> coming up to nine alaniz at 6:00 p.m., days after officials moved to slu levels of glucose from baltimore city housing authority, mayor stephany -- move to seize dozens of vehicles from the baltimore city housing authority, mayor stephanie rawlings-blake speaks out. and we're live in east baltimore with out 40's are speaking -- reaching out -- h

>> city officials are taking steps to cut down on violence in baltimore youth. mayor stephanie rawlings-blake announced collaboration's that have significantly reduced violence among the youth of the city. among those efforts, the prevention program where law enforcement officials work with schools to prevent crime. the numbers, they say, speak for themselves. >> it is hard to imagine and in 1999, there were 168 children shocked in baltimore city -- shot in baltimore city. by comparison, this year, there were 28. >> they're working to build on that success, making progress by providing opportunities for young people and intervening in what could become a cycle of crime >> and now, your 11 insta- weather plus forecast with chief meteorologist tom tasselmyer.

>> light snow and flurries from about baltimore city south down into northern virginia. it changes to rain in southern maryland, but you can see this image that is dissected by snow coming across the central part of the city and then tapers off as you get north into baltimore county and hartford county. it gets more substantial toward this area, but it will not last much longer. the eastern shore could get a light coating of snow. slippery conditions for a while. the temperatures are going -- not going to drop that dramatically. most areas are above freezing. we have some wintry precipitation going to rush hour. above freezing in chestertown and rock hall. skies will clear out tonight.

you can see this weather system putting down more rain and snow to the south of us. it is just old enough to squeeze out in the wintry petition to the north. by morning, 20's in the suburbs and low 30's downtown. if you look to the west, temperatures are pretty mild. it clears up in the ohio valley through chicago and into the rockies. you expect to see arctic air following one of these systems, but it is not cold at all. 52 in bismarck, north dakota. 48 in denver. tuesday, sunshine. wednesday, another system comes in from the south, but it will be rain. it will begin with some sleet or light snow. for our region, mostly rain, and it could be heavy rain.

i would not be surprised if some thunder develops over the lower part of the day, maybe even the lower eastern shore of maryland. cold air will not come in until friday. tomorrow, a warming trend with a west breeze at 6-12. 5 to 10 on the day. eastern shore, and sunny skies, 51 tomorrow, and grain arriving wednesday afternoon. -- and the rain arriving wednesday afternoon. a big football game scheduled for sunday afternoon. by then, it will be a bit chillier. we warm up tomorrow and then get wet wednesday. windy and cold air on friday, but cloudy saturday, and highs

around 40 on sunday. >> in tonight's consumer alert, a local electronics camp -- the electronic camera co. has filed for bankruptcy. five of their stores will be closed due to a dramatic decline in sales. customers who have left cameras to be repaired locations that are closing must now pick up in rockville. demand for better gas mileage is feeling. new-car sales and detroit comeback. -- is fueling new car sales and detroit's comeback. >> strong sales for two years running. >> people come into my sure room

now because they want to buy a car. they're not coming in because there's a lot of incentive money on the car. it is not the deal of the week anymore. that is the car they really want to buy. they are producing more fuel- efficient models. >> that is why of the 40 new models at this year's international auto show, they are the small and midsized sedans. this one can get more than 40 miles per gallon. some electric cars can go 90 miles on a single charge. >> people now are looking for the best car they can get that will be reliable, suit my needs, and get the best fuel economy. >> experts say that getting back to basics has helped the big three get back into the game. they're all. going strong. >> when you're down and out you

have to figure out ways to be creative. >> and it should continue. small cars will sell big. while many drivers 1 economy, luxury brands still have their place. -- while many drivers want economy, a luxury brands still have their place. >> tonight, the mta said to couldn't -- to continue the rate your ride program in which transport customers can give their feedback through text messaging. texting your message to this number 30802. the mta has now made the response and ratings accessible to writers on line. -- riders on line. it is the final push for the new hampshire primary. candidates are hitting the

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>> learning to train for a triathlon is now part of the curriculum in somehow -- howard county schools. the goal is not for them to necessarily participate, but to learn the basics of fitness for a lifetime. >> one last jog.

>> a freshman physical education student is learning what is really like to train for a triathlon. >> we are teaching kids in biking and swimming and running. these used to be natural activities, but they are not doing them any more. >> introduced a private program in six elementary and middle and high schools called learn to try. it teaches students easy ways to set -- to exercise to stay fit throughout their lives. >> they really embraced it when they saw that they could do it. they set goals and did them. once they saw that they could do it, they lost weight and were very proud of themselves. >> the students started slowly with one lap jobs and they even got in the pool to learn the basics of swimming. >> i have been in the pool, but not seriously.

i have been playing in it. this time i got to learn the strokes and how to swim for a triathlon >. >> the students admit that they were skeptical at first, but then were surprised at how much they enjoy it. >> i am 14and i'm training for a triathlon. it did not making sense. but then it taught me things i could use for my life. >> the folks at try columbia hope to expand the program into all howard county schools next year and hopefully will take the program statewide. >> they will getting great shape in the process. that is all for us at 5:00 p.m. here is what is coming up at 6:00 p.m. >> the mayor takes on questions for the first time about the process that is underway to auction off the housing

authorities vehicles. >> police canvassed in the area where an 84-year-old former city educator was found murdered. i will have a live report. >> and some snow passing south of baltimore. the forecast, coming up next. >> live, local, late breaking, this is wbal tv 11 news at 6:00 p.m. in hd. >> as the auctioneer gets ready to auction off housing authority vehicles, the mayor is facing questions. but will she stepped in? >> it is the first time the mayor has commented since sheriff's deputies moved to seize about 20 of the housing authorities vehicles. >> they are being auctioned to satisfy court ordered judgment against the housing authority that it refuses to pay. we will get the latest. jayne miller is live in the newsroom. >> some might consider it embarrassing for the city to have its publicly owned assets seized and auction off. if the mayor feels that,