that is the only thing they have to go on. jonathan: now turning our attention to the war on terror. a heightened state of alert in belgium. the businesses and schools are closed down in brussels today why the city is at the highest level of alert. 16 people were detained in raids that took place overnight. just one was charged. that is the fourth person charged with terrorism offenses in belgium since last week. in france police are investigating the discovery of an explosive belt with no detonator attached to it. they found it in a trash can. they believe it may have been used in the attacks a week ago that kill 130 people but it didn't get used. the possibility that some of those fleeing syria could have been involved in terror attacks is fueling a fierce debate over the refugees in the united states. last week, governor hogan announced he doesn't want more syrian refugees to settle in maryland until the government is sure they don't pose a

threat. brad bell is in annapolis where there was a push to get the governor to reconsider his stance. >> last week after the governor made an announcement he would like to halt the refugees to the state of maryland from syria, there was a lout protest. today is a different approach from those opposing the governor's move. we heard from syrian refugees themselves. in particular, two men, one of whom was here for eight months and the other came four days ago. they are cousins. they told us emotional story of watching the country fall apart around them. both are them are married and have several children. they say they feared for their families' lives. it took them two years to get cleared to the united states. both of them coming to the statehouse to give the governor the same message. that they understand his fears

but nay want to -- but they want to put them at ease. >> we talk to them and we are afraid of the same people that they are afraid of. brad: when we come back at 6:00, we'll have more from the refugees. the story of their life falling apart and the struggle to get to the united states. in annapolis, brad bell, abc7 news. jonathan: terror tensions now topped the news for a week. in last night's raid in belgium some turned it to the social media movement. the #brusselslockdown started yielding nothing but cat pictures. here is why. police were asking don't talk about what you are seeing outside with the raids going on. they don't want to compromise the officers' safety so they bought into it and flooded it with pictures of cats. several took an opportunity to cash in on violence in favor of a smile. this is a time of year that

you tell where where they're from. they are coming with the thin jacket and jogging around. alison: we will go to chief meteorologist doug hill with a check on how long the chill will stick around. doug from right around here. doug: moving closer to the heater here. it's chilly here. whether you are from maine or going from the temperatures last week with 70 degrees. a change is underway. it's 40 in laurel. a beautiful afternoon. the temperatures are the upper 30's to low 40's. 40 in aspen hill. the average high is still 55 or so. we are well below average. it will be another cold one tonight. we will drop to 24 to 32.

we have light winds. we could see clouds but sunshine and a warming trend. how will it time out for the travel days tomorrow afternoon and wednesday for thanksgiving? i have that detail coming up in a couple of minutes. alison: thank you. we'll see you then. new information today in the case against bonnie black's husband. david black was in court today. his attorneys asked he be freed on bond in his wife's murder case. northern virginia bureau chief was in the courtroom as well and saw a glimpse of david black's defense. >> the defense attorney saying he was not a flight risk or a danger. elaborating on a motion filed last week, defense attorney said the prosecutors have no direct evidence linking david to bonnie's murder. campbell calling the theory of a motive unreasonable and

absurd, further claiming that the police failed to investigate leads related to bonnie black's work as a psychologist for the f.b.i. to suggest victims of torture could have motive to kill her. >> to think that is just smoke and mirrors to deflect from their client who they probably know is guilty. jeff: she is commending the work of the prosecutor stamos. today the prosecutor argued that black had insessant and emotional abuse against bonnie adding he would suffer greatly from the couple's impending divorce. today they said there was d.n.a. to show that he broke into her home through the window before committing the crime in the bedroom and amounted he stabbed bonnie 14 times killing her in a brutal attack, a crime first discovered by the couple's 3-year-old and 5-year-old girl. the judge denying bond to david black. bonnie black family members are caring for the two young

children. the family members were in court today and afterward were crying and hugging, showing great relief for the judge's ruling. the trial is set for february 29. in arlington, jeff goldberg, abc7 news. jonathan: heartache at a local high school. we are learning details about a 15-year-old boy killed in a weekend crash after apparently trying to outrun police. sam sweeney has more on what students are doing to remember the classmates. >> good afternoon. emotional day here at the loudoun valley high school. students arrive and they are still trying to come to grips with what happened over the weekend. today they say they are wearing pink in honor of their classmate. >> he was a fun-loving kid. he loved to be around people. sam: the heartache is setting in. the sophomore petri seen in the facebook picture was killed in a car crash sunday morning. >> a bright person.

kind. just sad to see he passed away. >> they noticed him driving sunday without the headlights. they tried to pull him over. he stopped briefly twice and then sped off. the deputies lost sight of the car in less than a minute after the stop he crashed. petri died at the scene. the passenger was flown to inova fairfax hospital in serious condition but non-life threatening injuries. today the school officials say they try to teach the students lesson to avoid this situation. >> don't make a temporary decision that will have a permanent impact. we try to get them to have sense of the gravity of the situation. don't overreact. >> it's unclear why the 15-year-old was driving in the first place. for school here, we are told that grief counselors will remain on campus throughout the week. i'm sam sweeney, abc7 news.

alison: let's get to breaking news from silver spring. news chopper 7 over the area right now. this is denton street in silver spring. a car has hit a building there. the car has hit the building. we haven't heard anything about injuries. as soon as we get more information on breaking news in silver spring we will bring it to you. jonathan: a judge ruled that kathryn hogl is unif it to stand trial in the death of the children. outside the court the father said enough is enough. >> i don't mean to sound ince sensitive. i don't care about her mental status. i want my children there. jonathan: it has been a year since the children were last seen. doctors say the mother has shown no improvement since showing symptoms for schizophrenia. another hearing is in february. alison: tomorrow, maryland senator barbara mukulsky will

be presented with the highest civilian honor. she will get the medal of freedom from president obama. suzanne kennedy takes a look at what the maryland democrat means to constituents. suzanne: in maryland she is known for her work on behalf of women, families and veterans. tomorrow she could add something new to the resume. reacceptient oaf the medal of -- recipient of the medal of freedom. she will be given the highest civilian award at the white house ceremony. the honor to someone made meritorious contribution to the security or the national interest of the united states. she was on baltimore's city council, served in the house of representatives and is the longest serving woman in the u.s. senate. >> anytime i had to call her office, get something taken care of or asked about anything, she always made sure that the stuff understands she is always available.

>> tireless. detail. she has done the work. she is great. suzanne: at 5:00 we will give you an example of a recipient of her hardwork. abc7 news, suzanne kennedy. alison: the big race next year is for president. jonathan: find out the issue that is taking center stage in the race. alison: later today, facebook's founder bringing the debate over family leave back to the spotlight. find out how much he plans to take for the birth of his own child. jonathan: first, feeling the heat. look at some ways to be toasty without busting the bank this winter. >> plus, are you planning to hit the highway for the holidays?

jonathan: "7 on your side" with a consumer alert. it's all about the gas prices to the holiday season. analysts say with gasbuddy.com they expect the national average for gal listen of regular unleaded to drop below $2 by thursday. great news! but as of today, triple-a says the places that average $2.07

a go lon is what they are finding and it's down 75 cents friday this time last year. we are paying $2.08 a go lon. whether you're planning to travel by road, rail or runway you or your family could be hitting the road this week. brianne carter is joining us live. brianne: they will tell you that the worst day to travel is tomorrow. they are going to be hitting the road for the thanksgiving holiday. this is the largest number of people heading to the road in

seven years. tuesday is the busiest day. security is top of mind for many. the transportation officials telling you need to be prepared. have an emergency kit and a backup plan if something goes on the road. make sure you know who is stopping alongside you because everyone may not have good intentions. if you pull over and you need help, stay inside your car. >> not everyone has great intentions. we ask that you will roll down the window enough to get identification. have the cell phone in your hand so they know if they are there to do something bad you are ready if something happens and you can call for the police. brianne: back live, the sun glare is making things more problematic as well. coming up on "abc7 news at

5:00", it is not just the roads but how about people traveling other ways? how about bus? what some bus companies are doing in the thanksgiving holiday to keep riders safe. brianne carter, abc7 news. alison: thank you very much. the ticket for the santa train sold out online in five minutes. kids can ride the train. the tickets may still be available at the vre ticket office so check it out. jonathan: the last time you flew, did you feel like you were taxiing so long you were driving as opposed to flying? travelers are spending more time on the planes than before. this takes the planes on average 23 minutes and 32 seconds -- don't forget the 32 seconds to taxi between gates and the runway. they attribute it to the runway construction, schedule

changes and the distant runways requiring more time to get there. but it does feel like you are driving opposed to flying. alison: sticking with the theme of delays, the interstate 90 near chicago o'hare international airport is considered the worst bottleneck. but the wilson bridge isn't on the list. instead the d.c. area is 26thing on this year's list. the one mile interstate between the pentagon and the 14th street bridge. the drivers spend 1.1 million hours in delay in that bottleneck. adding up to 27 million in lost time. the dulles toll rode is 41st on the list. where are the worst spots on the roads now? >> we are going to start on 95. that is where we see that traffic is not great.

it's 15 miles per hour heading south. getting to closer to the occoquan. crossing and continuing south. we are going to see stop-and-go to stafford county. we are mostly in the green. so not as much to worry about. quiet heading south. congestion to continue closer. the bigger picture on the capital beltway. there is slowing through prince george's county. we're green getting into bowie. 9 miles per hour through the 11th street bridge northbound to 295. that is what you have to expect. from the northwest corner, closer to 270. we have one problem to watch out for. with the traffic lights out. alabama avenue southeast. make sure it has a four-way stop. back to you. jonathan: thanks.

there are hidden ways to cut cost to heat your home. vaughn family says their annual gas electric bill is $3700 a year. families using heating oil are expected to spend $1400. so hunt for the hidden cracks and holes in the house. that is where 25-40% of the average home's warmth leaks out. >> every time you turn the dryer on, you are pulling more cold air in the house. jonathan: sometimes you can walk around the house to look for something leaking there. they recommend to buy a smart thermostat that you can control from the smart phone that will turn off when it's not needed. alison: i have heard that suggestion. it's an expensive to put it in your house but they say you get the money back. jonathan: recoup it back. doug: a programmer. to turn it down. it works well. jonathan: turn it on this weekend. alison: you change it. i change my mind on how i

feel. doug: the coldest morning we have had this morning. sub freezing across the morning. 39 degrees. the winds will continue to diminish tonight. that is the temperature. 42 at reagan national. 40 at hagerstown and fredericks bird. it's 40 at the andrews air force base. the temperatures range from 25 in manassas. 30 in dale city. a chilly start. the winds are lighter from the

west/southwest. that is highs about 50. it's bellow average but still good. if you are hitting the area tomorrow, most of the country should be pleasant. the temperatures are cool. new storm system will bring rain to pacific northwest. showers across south texas. we look for showers to start forming up. it comes to play. a few showers along the coast. not seeing major storms close to home. if you are traveling to salt lake city northwest, we will keep an eye on that. the next seven days look like this. sunshine today and tomorrow. after morning clouds. wednesday, the same. great for the travel weather. thanksgiving day and 64 for the day on friday. most people are inside the malls anyway. great outside. cooler over the weekend.

jonathan: carrying on the tradition. we look at marion berry and the giveaway now that the councilman is

not getting your best sleep? could be you've got the wrong bed. enter sleep number... she likes the bed soft. he's more hardcore. you can both adjust the bed for the best sleep of your life. only at a sleep number store, save 50% on the ultimate limited edition bed. hurry, sale ends monday. know better sleep with sleep number.

alison: as you likely know people living ward eight linealed up for hairion barry -- marion barry turkey giveaways. he passed away a year ago today before the event. john gonzalez shows us how some are picking up the torch to carry on the tradition. john: a human torch of love inside the high school. wi have hundreds of volunteers from the coast guard and the marine corps. all helping out as the marion barry tradition continues a year since his death. the 78-year-old dying days before last year. we will take a look. 3,000 turkeys are being handed out today to needy families here in ward eight. it's not just the turkeys. we are talking 40,000 pounds of vegetables a the folks come through here. these are 3,000 turkeys for

only three registered families arrive. how often do you participate in the tradition? >> this is my first year. this is a blessing. john: who do you share your turkey with? >> my mother, my family, my daughter. john: thank you. happy thanksgiving. let's talk to the councilmember keeping this arrive. how important was it to continue the tradition answer to have the folks of ward eight be able to come here and do this? >> have you seen the smiles? serving is the greatest gift, the greatest privilege in life is to serve. to continue to serving with the passion and the love for people. john: thank you. thank you so much. it has been a steady flow of people coming through the doors to pick up the turkeys and the goods. it runs until 7:00 tonight. back to you inside. alison: all right, john. thank you very much. meanwhile, a reception is

scheduled to start in 40 minutes in honor of marion barry where muriel bowser is expected to announce recommendations how to honor him. we have more on that at "abc7 news at 5:00". what is your top concern in america? terrorism, jobs, immigration? there is a shift in a survey. presidential candidates are taking note. kellye: i'm kellye lynn at the bethesda country day school. in today's spotlight on education find out what the principal of the school was selected as principal of the year. that story coming up. >> in the race for the white house and the new numbers that jonathan referenced. where does terrorism stand after all the activity overseas? we'll be

alison: this just in the abc7 newsroom. police in paris say the belt found in a trash can in sur burr been a paris contained bolts and the same explosives used in the attacks in paris that killed into people. we -- killed 130 people. we'll let you know when we get more information on the investigation. jonathan: the war in terror has some candidates running for president fine-tuning an important strategy on the campaign trail. senior political reporter scott thuman is live to show

us how the terror attacks overseas and new threats at home may alter what you hear from the candidates in vote 2016. scott? scott: we talked talked with the voters today around the capitol here. they are saying what we are seeing nationwide. jobs, innovation, healthcare. they are slipping a bit in surveys to a singular issue. there is a new number one priority for voters when deciding who fills the oval office and the halls of congress leapfrogging the economy and polling for the first time this election cycle. >> social security is my number one concern. >> above all is the security of the nation. >> probably the terrorism going on now. scott: the shift coming in light of the new videos threatening the u.s. sur rays in the early voting state of new hampshire say they have "dramatically changed the landscape."

terrorism was tops for g.o.p. voters for the first time in the race. 42% called it a main concern. economy is a distant second and immigration is a third. national poll shows moving up as well. 28% says it is the top issue behind 33% for the economy. president obama: we will dismantle the network and to be supply line and destroy them. >> candidate vying for the job are making sure team has the solution. >> you can't grow the economy or save the american dream if we aren't safe. >> i think you have to have a strategy that aims for the defeat. >> secretary of state john

kerry said people should not panic. isis is not a ten-foot tall monster. it will be defeated and the strategy is growing every day. live on capitol hill, scott thuman, abc7 news. alison: thank you. we turn to the weather now. you might have needed to grab gloves or a scarf this morning but the chill won't stick around for too long. chief meteorologist doug hill has a check of the forecast and changes out there. doug: look at a warmup heading to thanksgiving day. fab now the chill remains. 39 degrees. if you look around the map the temperatures are well below what they are on average this time of the day and the month. 42 degrees at reagan national. 40 at the air force base. 42 in fredericksburg 40 in hagerstown. in the evening the temperatures will drop from 24 to 32. we have bands of the clouds move through with the light winds. so temperature wise repeat of the morning. tomorrow several degrees

warmer. 50 in if afternoon. the morning clouds and the afternoon sun. we combine it to make it partly cloudy for the day. lighter winds. if you are traveling tomorrow, you will have no problems a all. clear skies for a most part. quiet weather through the great lakes, the ohio valley and the mid-south as well. looking ahead to what is sur ported to be the biggest travel day of the year wednesday. travels across the gulf coast. few shower ace pproaching the california coastline. the temperatures are slowly warming. 64 on friday. cold front through friday and saturday will bring us clouds and the cooler temperatures on sunday. that is the latest. jonathan: thank you very much. alison: trending now. the debate over family leave is back in the headlines after

facebook founder announced he is going to take two months off when his daughter is born. studies show the when they take time off to be with the children when they born the outcomes are better for families. do you agree? let us know. the parents trust schools to keep information private. it's not a courtesy. it's a matter of law. jonathan: but the item found a school that let the confidential records slip. we are here to explain how it happened. >> we used a simple google search and a name turned up all kind of information that nobody outside the school system is supposed to see. that one name is keyshawn mason. he was killed last month and

he was defending his mother. when they searched for information about him we found his records and the record of the other kids in prince george's county. we took this to an expert. >> does it surprise you that somebody like me could get hands on the information? >> it's shocking. it is. this would trigger an investigation. >> and coming up tonight at 11:00, we will tell you what website the documents were divulged on and what prince george's county schools is doing after the discovery. we are in the process of getting rid of all the information. coming up tonight at 5:00, we will start shredding it to keep the information secret. in the newsroom, joce sterman, abc7 news.

alison: okay. we'll see you soon. thank you. coming up at 4:00 -- >> i am losing my brakes. >> okay. >> a woman frantic on the phone with 911. find out what happened. >> i'm kidd o'shea in hollywood where they are red for if "dancing with the stars" finale.

alison: all right. tonight is the big night. someone will be walking about with the mirror ball trophy. jonathan: the only place you can see the champion of "dancing with the stars" win it all is on abc7. our colleague. this is kidd o'shea with a preview of the big finale. >> kidd: a tough assignment. in hollywood it's 80 degrees. i have give you the temperature. jonathan: poor guy. kidd: as you look behind me a long line of fans ready for the big finale tonight. we caught up with a former contestant winnif the "wonder years" yesterday on the red carpet and we asked her who she thinks will win this year. >> i think it's bindy.

>> everybody thinks that. i don't know how it can't be. >> it has to be her. she is adorable and talented, compelling story. she has the best choreographer derek by her side. kidd: yeah. we have been surveying people here on the line for a while. a lot of nick carter fans and bindy fans as well. i want to introduce you to these people from austin, texas. tracy, brooke, riley and mallory who have been here since 8:30 this morning. >> yes. it's been worth it. kidd: you are not guaranteed to get in with the voucher you got. now you are in the front row so you will get in. >> exactly. kidd: they are the spies for us and keeping track of everybody coming in the studios studios where they tape "dancing with the stars." who have you seen? >> val. bruno blew us a kiss. it was great. derek.

everyone. >> mark ballard. >> who do you think will win? >> windy and derek. >> definitely. kidd: we wish you the best of luck. we're getting ready for the two-hour finale tonight. a couple will go home tonight and a crowning of the trophy tomorrow night. so two nights of "dancing with the stars." we will take you inside and go behind the scenes. back to you. jonathan: all right, thanks. alison: we want to see you dance. jonathan: coming up at "abc7 news at 4:00" -- >> i did it for me and to help me deal. jonathan: ahead at 4:00, a bride to be dumped by the fiance by text. but the colorful way she trashed the wedding dress. alison: dangers that you might not expect when buying discover the world

animals, seen those before but sometimes they do it on their own mmm foot wow food for giants oooo no wonder no one has eaten this sandwich kids discover the world with their mouths detergent is harmful if swallowed,

so keep laundry pacs up and away from children brought to you by tide

jonathan: the busy holiday shopping season are almost in full swing. a lot of folks is looking to save money. everybody. one way is the daily deal sites. but many times the coupon doesn't live up to the promise. we look to see how to avoid a

disappointment. john: the daily deal sites can be the difference of going out and staying home. groupon offering discount restaurant meals, mark down services and half-price shows and activities but some claim the deals are too good to be true. >> one of the hottest comedians is rod man. so jeanine martin was thrilled to find a groupon for half-price tickets to a club where he would be playing. after paying $50 she found nothing funny. >> they weren't going to honor the ticket. >> that was it. >> why? >> because it's a special performance. there is nothing on the groupon ticket to indicate exclusions. >> sherry learned that her dryer vent was flawed. >> it was really backed in there. >> so she spent hard-earned money on a groupon for duct

cleaning. >> for the special. >> but the cleaners never showed up. >> we make the appointment and nothing. i have been here and stayed here twice all day for them and nothing. >> so we decided to get involved to make it right for the customers. but we also wanted to give you three things to need to know before signing up for any daily deal. so i went to the comedy club not for laughs but for answers. >> um, not here. john: no one would speak on camera but the manager did return my e-mail and said the groupon should have been more detailed but he would get martin in the show. the duct cleaning guy told me they got backed up but they would make sure that she gets a visit or a refund. groupon would not discuss either complaint with us and said if you are disappointed in the experience contact us within 14 days and we will work with you to make it right. the business insider says don't give up on the sites but suggests to protect yourself check for expiration dates, read the fine print for

exclusions. if it's poor service call the company to make sure they can handle the flood of extra customers they will get. so you're not left with a bad taste. >> it's ruined for me now. john: she is not true if she will track down the daily deals in future. they will help you hold on to the hard-earned cash but read fine print so you don't waste your money. i'm john matarese, abc7 news. alison: another consumer alert with ford cars that are being recalled for a possible fuel leak. impacts 2010-2011 ford fusion and vans. they were built in mexico through march 4 of 2011 but mostly sold in the u.s. ford says a value ever can cause air pressure changes to lead to a crack and a fuel leak. no injuries have been reported. meanwhile ford will no longer use takata air bag inflators in the future vehicles.

honda, nissan and toyota already ended the supply with the parts supplier. the air bag can enforce with too much force and send shrapnel in drivers and passengers. the problem is blamed on seven deaths and led to 19 million recalls. >> mob boss soprana cadillac escalade set a retail record. the vehicle sold at an auction friday for more than $119,000. this model only has resale value of $8,000. that is a lot of money. james gandolfini who played plad the mob boss autographed the interior before he died. alison: the florida bride dumped by text message a week before the wedding -- jonathan: no! alison: awful. it didn't stop her from finding a ray of light. she said she could hardly move for a week. but instead of wallowing in the heartbreak, she and her

bridesmaid put on the dresses and they did what they call a color run. that is a race where the runners end up colored in bright colored powder. she got on stage and told her story with a positive twist. >> i did it for me and to help me heal. i did it to, you know, kind of show other people like it's okay. everything happens for a reason. push through it. alison: the would-be wedding dress will be cleaned and donated. she went so far to thank the guy who dumped her to say thank you for letting me move on and find somebody else. jonathan: he probably jacked up his karma by dumping her by text. alison: the best thing that could have happened to her i think, for her future. coming up in a little bit at 5:00, could it be a miracle? the sudden recovery of a young child after a brief encounter

with pope francis during his u.s. visit? jonathan: great story. plus the day marks one year of the passing of marion barry. what is done in his memory as we talk to a young man who had a unique look at his final years. dramatic 911 call from a woman who is trapped in a sinking car. authorities in washington state released the recording following last week's rescue. before the first responders got on the scene you could hear the woman begging for help. >> i need he 7. please help me. the car is full of water. water is all the way up to the roof in the car. it's all the way up. jonathan: firefighters rereached the woman with seconds to spare. playlist say she drove -- the police say she drove around a road closed sign and dragged around a swollen river. there is a reason they put the road closed there. it usually means the road is closed. talk about the weather situation. this was so cold. alison: really cold.

we talked about the wind that makes it uncomfortable. steve: the wind chill factors in the 30's and the 40's. the wind will ease and we will move to the busy travel period tomorrow and wednesday, it will warm up a little bit. i like that. we will take a look at what is going on outside now. not a lot. we have scattered clouds. temperature of 42 degrees at the reagan national airport. the sun is set for the day. the live shot is looking over at annapolis, maryland. we have travel plans on wednesday. detroit lots of sunshine. you will see temperatures in the upper 40's. 43 at chicago. further west you go to the lower 50's for omaha. thanksgiving forecast on thursday, a high of 60 degrees with mostly sunny skies. that is a nice day. moving in the upcoming weekend we are talking the upper 50's on saturday. around 50 degrees on sunday. it will stay dry.

the temperatures will cool as we move to next week. check on traffic with jamie sullivan. jamie: we are starting out with slowing on 95 to virginia. heading southbound. this isn't the slowing. move to the maps. 18 miles per hour working your way to continue to wharton road. that is where we have a crash. a lane is blocked. no real backup to the springdale interchange but we will keep you updated. 395 slowing out of past the pentagon we'll say. once you cross the 14th street bridge that is heaviest stretch. the commute right now in virginia on the capital beltway. slow through tysons. a disabled a adding to the congestion. in falls church a crash on sleepy hollow road near arlington boulevard. all lanes are blocked. that is a look at traffic. back to you. alison: thank you. coming up on "abc7 news at 4:00" -- making the grade.

[door knocking] [door bell ringing] ♪ come on-a my house, my house, i'm gonna give you candy. ♪ ♪ come on-a my house, my house, i'm gonna give you... ♪

♪ apple and plum and apricot-a too, eh! ♪ ♪ come on-a my house, my house a come on. ♪ ♪ come on-a my house, my house... ♪ ♪ i'm gonna give you everything. ♪ complete your thanksgiving table at target. right now butterball premium frozen turkey is only 99 cents a pound. ♪ come on-a my house

jonathan: so what are the keys to ensure a childest earliest education to prepare them for future academic success? tonight's spotlight on education kellye lynn proposes that question to the educator named principal of the year. >> hello. >> i love you. >> i love you, too. how are you doing? kellye: a lot of the word you hear about bethesda country day school the foundation of which principal landa runs the school. >> the first five years you have to be strong self-esteem. that comes around with love and respect for the child. >> that caring attitude is part of the reason why this ecuador born mother of two has been named principal of the year. >> she cares about her teachers and she cares about the students. it's not just a job to her. it is a way of life for her.

>> alexandria ortiz has a 3-year-old son and says the update approach makes the difference. >> she has a big smile. says hello. you're welcome. i feel like i was at home again. kellye: landa beat out principals of 200 schools around the country. each year the parent country presents the award to an individual who inspires and motivates the students and staff. earlier this year, staff members were asked to identify attributes of fellow employees. they chose words like charismatic, brilliant, friendly and energetic. >> congratulations. >> the adults are not the only ones who think so. >> she is nice. she is a really good principal. >> in bethesda, kellye lynn, abc7 news. >> leon: tonight -- >> a bright person. all around, kind. it's sad. leon: a 15-year-old makes a

deadly split-second decision. hoping for a change of heart. >> we are afraid of the same people. leon: what two men who fled syria are asking of larry hogan. healing powers? baby with inoperable brain tumor, a kiss from the pope and parents who say a miracle is happening. >> now, "abc7 news at 5:00". on your side. leon: new details are merging about a 15-year-old boy after fleeing from a stop in loudoun county. jeff goldberg, what are you learning there? jeff: we spoke with students after school today. it is very clear that pitri known as "will" had a dramatic and positive impact on so many classmates. grief counselors were on hand today in loudoun county and many students said they did speak with the counselors because they wanted to share

their thoughts and feelings about will. wearing pink for will, students at the loudoun valley high school head home after shock and sadness. >> i was numb when i found out yesterday. >> a sune your, who was a friend of will who says was a friend to all. >> totally like people's person. everyone loved him. >> according to the loudoun county sheriff office a little after midnight on saturday a deputy spotted a car driving without the lights on. the deputy tried to make a stop but the car slowed down and took off out of the deputy sight. moments later he spotted the car parked in a car crash and the driver, died at the scene, will. the passenger air lifted to inova fairfax hospital with non-life threatening injuries.