right now busloads of people arriving in washington for the annual march for life. events are already under way and the march begins in less than an hour. also right now an announcement from metro. the immediate safety changes made after last week's deadly smoke incident. and the sun is out. storm team 4 radar, clear after morning flurries. the next winter storm to worry about arrives early saturday. good morning, everyone. you're watching "news4 midday." i'm brs barbara harrison. metro announced several new safety changes you need know about. in response to the emergency last week near the l'enfant station. these changes are to fix

what came up during the evacuation of that yellow line train and other factors that made things worse last week. first, the ventilation system. train operators will be able to shut off the ventilation system on their own without having to go through central command. last week ventilation fans drew smoke inside the cars making it difficult for the people inside to breathe. there would be smoke detectors checked at tunnels and stations across the metro system. for first responders new signs to open the emergency doors from outside the train. there are already those signs inside the train telling riders how to get out in case of emergency. this would be thousandhow to get from outside the train into the train. an examination of the third rail jumper cables to check them for wear and tear and make improvements. the acting ntsb chairman christopher hart still needs more time to complete the investigation to determine exactly what went wrong last week. he still believes there was an arc where a substance came in contact with the power on the

third rail but doesn't know why that happened. there should be arc insulators to prevent that from happening. so the ntsb still investigating last week's incident. they're also going to be looking into making recommendations for metro. as of right now no recommendations but expect they will in any moment now once they're complete with the investigation, barbara. >> richard, thank you. the thursday thaw is underway with the sun out and temperatures rising much of the snow that did fall yesterday is going to melt. storm team 4 meteorologist amelia segal joins us this thursday midday. good morning. >> good morning, barbara. a welcome sight to see the sunshine and like you said helping melt any snow we did receive across the area yesterday. right now on satellite and radar, it's showing areas with the most sunshine around washington. down through southern maryland and back through areas of fairfax and prince william count pip those in frederick and faulkner counties back to the

west cloudy niz. all in all, though partly sunny heading into the afternoon hours. you need the sunglasses. 4 degree 45 degrees in washington. many other locations holding in the 30s including restedon rockville bowie and camp springs. heading into the afternoon hours everybody seeing high temperatures in the 40s today. low to mid-40s. so mid-40s through 3:00 p.m. 5:00 temperature around 43. 6:00 p.m. temperature around 42. then barbara, our focus turns to our next storm that arrives around midnight tomorrow and continues throughout the day on saturday with snow and rain. more on this system coming up at 11:30. >> thanks amelia. new today, one person rescued in a house far in arlington this morning. this video shows fire crews on south randolph street calmed to the house around 4:30 this morning. right now we do not know what the person's condition is. today a man accused in three high-profile murders

hospitalized to evaluate meant's competency. the hearing begins for charles severance at 10:00. it didn't run without incident. severance displayed a rude gesture when the judge ordered a mental competency exam for him last month. the findings will reveal this morning a doctor saying he's difficult to evaluate because he refuses to cooperate. severance is accused of killing nancy dunning, ronald kirby and ruth ann lagado during a ten-year period. today a man accused of planning to bomb the u.s. capitol will be arraigned in tort. christopher darnell police arrested him at an ohio gun shop last week after he bought two riffs and -- rifles and 600 rounds of ammunition. his father says he was coerced and could never have gone with the plot. and thousands expected to attend the annual march for life

rally. the event kicked off around 7:30 this morning. live at the rally, tell us what got going on there. good morning. >> reporter: you can't hear them from out here but there's a party going on inside of the verizon center or maybe a pep rally. in any case they're here because they oppose abortion. one thing is for sure, they're here in numbers. ♪ >> reporter: they were up and moving this morning at the verizon center early, i might add, especially after a long night of travel. >> 14 hours. >> reporter: nick made the trip up with about 30 friends in his church in birmingham, alabama. >> we all think killinging people is wrong and i believe babies are people too. >> reporter: the common fiber, the reason they're marching. >> showing the dignity of the human person. >> reporter: sister gabriela is from indiana. there from all over the country, old and young, dressed in traditional clothing and youth

ministry attire. hundreds have taken part in the past marching down by the capitol starting at about 1:00. david long has been here at least the last 15 years. >> important for young people to get involved in the things that they hold dear and realize that not only does their voice matter but they'll be the ones in a few years that are going to make all the decisions for us. >> we are in the generation where like we could have been aborted and it would have been perfectly legal. i could not be here right now and i don't know. it's really it touched me. >> reporter: the goal is to raise awareness and also reduce this procedure. if you're out and about today, pay attention to traffic. this is ep street. this road closed often. a number of other road closures are out there. pay attention. reporting live in chinatown, i'm zachary kiesch news 4. >> thanks zach.

and as zach alluded to you may face delays today. here's a map of the march route. it begins at 14th street northwest and ends at the u.s. capitol. republicans will not be debating a bill banning all late-term abortions, objections from gop women and other lawmakers have left republicans short of votes. republican leaders planned to push the legislation through the house today. time to coincide with march for right to the life rally and instead they'll debate taxpayer funding for abortion. right now we're getting more information on an unfolding scandal at the u.s. navy base at guantanamo bay. why a captain there has been relieved of duty. and a statement out this morning from the family of the six people who are believed to have died in that mansion fire near annapolis.

a developing story now. u.s. navy ship is grounded right now off the coast of japan. this is a stock photo of the 127-crew membership and onboard the ship okay. the navy says it is working with japan to figure out the best way to get this ship moving again. a navy captain in charge of naval station at guantanamo bay has been fired. the firing comes after an

alleged affair of a woman on the base and the recent death of the woman's husband. released of duty yesterday. navy officials say they lost kchds confidence of his ability to command. the body of the husband found off the coast. and whether civil charges will be filed against darren wilson. the former ferguson police officer who shot and killed michael brown back in august. according to the "new york times," no charges will be filed. the department of justice is investigating the entire police department right now. today a virginia mother is trying to convince lawmakers a certain form of medical marijuana is the only thing that will help her daughter. plus big plans in d.c. to reach out to black and latino boys. schools chancellor is here with information on a brand new tool. the sun is shining, but the capitol hill is definitely in the air. however, we'll be dry through at

least tomorrow arn and after that tracking not one but two storms. the latest timing and what you could see coming up in my release a devastating avalanche of taste on your tongue. bury yourself in the flavor full of sweet icing and filling. call off the hounds! rescue is unnecessary. pillsbury toaster strudel, the snow day of breakfasts. (humming) oh yeah. (humming) they're magically delicious. ha! very funny, kyle.

right noi, firefighters are at the capitol hill in northwest d.c. with the second time this week crews have been called to that hotel. both times for a report of the fire in the duct work. days since the fire destroy

add multimillion dollar mansion in annapolis. for the first time we're hearing from the victims' family. megan mcgrath is live where the mope once stood. what's the family saying? >> reporter: barbara, don and sandy powell were home with their four young grandchildren when the fire broke out. for the first time we are hearing from the children. the statement read on behalf of the boone and powell family wes wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for the love and support shared with us during this tragic event. we are blessed that so many family friends and neighbors have come together for us in our time of need. it goes on to say -- our love to our family is boundless. our loss demands time and quiet reflection to process these feelings. we ask that you respect our need for privacy. life is fragile. make time today to embrace your loved ones. in a statement, the parents also

release the names of their children who are presumed dead in this fire. they are 8-year-old lexi boone, 7-year-old kaitlyn boone, 8-year-old charlotte boone and 6-year-old wesley boone. now, investigatesers returned to the scene this morning to once again recover bodies inside the rubble. there was a busload of police recruits that came on the scene and are apparently helping out today with that effort. yesterday two bodies were recovered. officials will not say if they were adults or children. the medical examiner is working to make a positive i.d. and they're going to continue to search today for the four other victims. now, neighbors have left flowers at the end of the road as well as to the gate of the home. kathleen lugo was here this morning with her children. she says the tragedy has been tough on everyone in the neighborhood. >> it's very hard. i have three children. one of them the same age as one of the children here. we're neighbors.

awoken by the lights and commotion and it's very difficult to go to sleep at night thinking tha -- it's not completely solved yet. it's not completely resolved. it must be very difficult for the family. it's very difficult for everyone >> reporter: and kathleen lugo says she sndand her family have been talking about fire safety and actually practicing should, there be a fire in their home what should people do. reporting live in annapolis, megan manage grath, news 4. >> thank you. the newtown connecticut town council voted to have the sandy hook shooter's home demolished. the two-acre property will be torn down this spring and kept as an open space. in december of 2012 adam lanza shot and killed his mother inside that house then killed 20 children and 6 educators at sandy hook elementary school before turning the gun on hims right now families are children suffering from epilepsy are at the virginia state house pleading for lawmakers to

legalize cannabis oil. 15-year-old jennifer collins and her mom are there today. jennifer has hundreds of seizures a day, and has tried for years to find the right treatment. last year they tried cannabis oil, a form of medical marijuana, without the so-called high that accompanies the marijuana generally. they plan to make a case for the oil today. >> i think i'll change the minds, but -- i -- it's really hard for people to understand what we're fighting for, if they don't witness it. >> jennifer and her mom moved to colorado for treatment. three bills that would allow usa of cannabis oil are up for consideration. opponents say more trials are needed. d.c. schools lope to invest $20 million in programs for black and latino male students including opening an all-boys college preparatory high school. the school's chancellor kaia henderson joins us with with this investment is needed.

good morning. good to see you again. >> good to see you, barbara. >> you've been busy i guess? >> absolutely. >> hearing a lot about the possibilities for this school. tell us a little bit what it could be like? i think you're planning on modeling it after a school in chicago? >> yes. absolutely. we are pleased to partner with urban prep academies, one of best schools in the country for educating african-american males. they run three high schools in chicago where 100% of the young men go on to and through college. and they've agreed to partner with us to open an all-boys high school east of the anacostia riv. >> this would be public and free to all? >> public city-wide. we'd want's any young men to come from all across the city to take advantage of this opportunity. >> what has to be done to make this a reality? >> well we're in conversations with urban prep right now to kind of figure out all of the details. we also have to secure a location and make sure that the location is modernized to the

you know standards of the high school. >> any place in mind now? >> we have a couple places in mind? >> northwest, northeast? >> no. east of the anacostia is where the need is the most acute. >> all right. and but there's an existing school you would re-do? >> we're looking at existing school yes and on track to opening this school fall of 2016. >> so what other steps would have to be taken to make this happen? >> we're hire a planning principal this summer and work over the next school year to recruit teachers recruit students and engage the community in the design of this school which we think will be a national model. >> and kids would be bused from all over the, to that area? >> most young people will avail themselves of metro. i'm pleased to say we now have free bus rides for all of our young people and so we'll figure out how to make that happen. >> so when do you think it will open if it happens? >> it will open in the fall of 2016. >> why do we need this? why can't it just work in the existing school system? >> so i think you know part of the reason why we announced this

young men of color initiative yesterday is 43% of the students in d.c. p.s. are african-american latinos and african-american males and when we look at statistics they are lagging their peers. we've seen great progress in d.c. ps on test scores on graduation rate attendance yet still our african-american and latino boys are not doing as well as their peers. and the only way we're going to be the best urban school district in the country is if we close the gap for those young people. that means we have to do things very differently. >> now girls are doing okay in the district of public schools? >> girls are doing okay and this doesn't mean we'll stop fighting to make sure that every young person has the best education possible. but i think what ferguson showed us and what chicago and staten island showed us is that our young men of color are actually dealing with a different situation. and so we need ways to surround them and support them. we need ways to empower them. our young men are not the

problem. we haven't provided the appropriate strategies that have put them on the road to success. and we think this is is a key way to do that. >> well it worked in chicago t. has worked in chicago. but we have to do more than just a high school. we're recruiting 500 mentors for early literacy tutors. we know struggling readers need one-on-one help and in the last 24 hours we've had over 250 people express interest and we're raisings 20ds million to make this happen. so we need -- >> get the word out there. you need mentors. so good to see you. >> thanks for having me. good to see you. >> good luck with the school. >> thank you. it's 11:22. patriots coach bill belichick answers questions about deflated footballs. going to tell you how he responded, and take a look at what is next in the nfl investigation. plus the results of a new study that could be a major concern for women. certain forms of birth control may promote growth of a rare brain tumor. we'll tell you about that.

vdot is moving forward with a plan to add toll lanes along interstate 66 both inside and outside the beltway. that according to "the washington post." outside the beltway vdot rebuilding the interstate to have three regular lanes, two hot lanes in each direction by 2022. vdot is considering converting all lanes in both directions to toll lanes for non-hov users during rush hours between 49 5

and a route, and that could happen in the next two years. and meanwhile talking about the so-called deflate scandal. richard jordan at the live desk. >> reporter: head coach bill belichick addressing allegations that came out of the afc championship game propelling the patriots to the super bowl. nfl saying 11 11 of the 12 game balls underinflated. belichick says he doesn't know why. >> i was shocked to learn of the news reports about the footballs. i had no knowledge whatsoever of this situation until monday morning. i've learned a lot more about this process in the last three days than i knew or had talked tab in the last 40 years. that i've coached in this league. >> the patriots beat the indianapolis colts in that game and belichick saying he has never talked to a player about the air pressure in a game ball

in his entire career and never touch add game ball during a game. now back in 2007 belichick was fined for spying on the new york jets to get their defensive signals when asked in that news conference why scandal seems to follow him around he says he can't explain it. patriots quarterback tom brady will hold a news conference later on today. barbara. >> thank you, richard. news 4 is your super bowl station. next week we kick off super bowl week here. our own jim handly is heading to arizona for full coverage leading up to the game between the seahawks and pats on february 1st. a forecast you'll want to keep an eye on. texas is getting record-breaking snow right now. snow is not out of the question here for the weekend. we'll tell you what the storm team is forecasting right now and breaking news out of florida. a plane crashed into a building. the live desk will bring us up to date on that. stay with us. we'll be right

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right now take a look at this record-breaking snow in amarillo texas. almost a foot of snow has fallen since last night. now here's what that means for us. the southern storm system is heading towards the gulf and then to our area where it will bring rain and more importantly, some snow. maybe, on saturday. let's find out if it looks more like snow than rain. here's meteorologist amelia segal. what do you say? >> it's a tricky storm system to nail down how much rain and snow we'll see. what i can tell you for sure --

we are looking at rain or snow beginning tomorrow evening, later in the evening, and then continuing throughout the day on saturday. so dry conditions across the area all day today, and most of tomorrow. especially through the early evening as we get into the later evening hours between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. this is when rain and maybe a little snow starts to push into the area. talking about not just one but two storm systems. the first storm system impacts us later tomorrow evening throughout the day on saturday. the second storm system is going to impact us very late sunday night, and then throughout the day on monday. temperatures right now are in the 30s and 40s. 39 in ghaithersberg. 36 ma nassies. 45 in washington. had 1 in fredericks and leesburg living the sunshine out there. partly to mostly sunny throughout the rest of the afternoon hours. highs in the low 40s to mid-40s. 42 in winchester and 44 a high

in this area. the commuter forecast for tonight for the most part should be problem-free. flurries from this morning since have come to an end. partly sunny skies and a temperature around 40 degrees. tomorrow morning, chilly. you'll need sunglasses and the temperature around 32 degrees for that friday morning commute. here is your planner for tomorrow. a high temperature of 43. similar to today. after that chilly start, with plenty of sunshine clouds gradually increase throughout the day tomorrow. by noon temperatures around 40. 5:00 p.m. still dry at that point, but remember rain or snow looks to arrive between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. if you have plans to go out tomorrow evening for dinner you do want to keep that in mind. saturday a high temperature of 36 degrees. and we are definitely going to be getting rain or snow on saturday but how much snow we couldpotentially? that remains to be seen. stick with storm team 4 as we continue to update the forecast.

new information constantly coming in. i'm back at 4:00 doug at 5:00 and 6:00. the latest what the computer models are showing and also what we're thinking. right now from friday night, as early as 7:00 p.m. to as late as saturday night at 7:00 p.m. rain or snow impacts the area. that rain/snow line still comes into play. who's seeing more rain? who's seeing more snow? southern maryland maybe only a dusting there. d.c. metro through north maryland and virginia one to four inches of accumulation snowfall is possible during the day on saturday. especially during the afternoon. on sunday most of the day is dry. a high of 43. rain potentially some snow moving in sunday night, and then barbara, another wintry mix, potentially on monday and a high tempera 36. again, keeping a close eye on these two storm systems. we'll continue to have updates online and later today on news 4 at 4:00. >> all right. thank you. following breaking news near tampa, florida. let's go to news 4 richard

jordan at the live desk. richard? >> a plane crashed into a warehouse in lakeland florida. you'll be able to see in the images the gaping hole in the roof where it's believed the plane crashed into. firefighters saying it's too dangerous to get into the warehouse because of chemicals stored there and a risk of explosion. authorities were able to confirm there was no one in the warehouse at the time of the crash. not clear how many people were on the plane. the initial information is that the plane was from a flight school. so it's possible there was an instructor and student pilot. that's the assumption at this point, but, again, firefighters and investigators have yet to actually go in there to see the wreckage, to see if there are victims that can be saved or that need any medical attention. it's unclear if anyone could have possibly survived this. the hazmat team called out because of the risk's an explosion there. we'll monitor it here from the live desk. >> thanks. several changes on the way how we interact with cuba. among them an embassy right here

in the district. several americans are there to discuss those changes right now. the biggest u.s. delegation there in decades. cuban immigration policy could also change. right now the u.s. grants residency to most cuban immigrants. the keystone excel pipeline top priority in the senate. lawmakers debating different measures to the bill. so far they've struck down multiple democratic proposals, although they have preserved one saying "climate change is real and not a hoax." the president has said that he will veto that house speaker john boehner is defending himself after inviting israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu to address congress next month. the problem, he didn't consult the white house before extending that invitation. a political writer at nbc news joins us with more on this breach of protocol and that's exactly what it is? just a protocol? they can invite somebody to speak? >> they certainly can, but that's what the white house called it yesterday, a spokesman

told reporters they viewed this as breach of protocol. if you thought the president's state of the union would be a time of rainbows and bipartisan cooperation, this sent a message, no it is not. the president's state of the yoon yoin said flatly he are veto any additional sanctions from congress against iran. that's as he's trying to work out a nuclear deal with iran. that's something that a lot of republicans and democrats actually on the hill oppose and this is a very clear message that john boehner was sending to the president by inviting netanyahu. >> you think he meant that as a little bit of a slap in the face? >> a very clear message boehner is saying. that we want to hear from israel, our ally that also allows netanyahu, up for re-election in his own country in march, able to prove to constituents at home i have a lot of influence with america, one of our chief allies. >> does it add fuel to a potential showdown between congress and the white house now? >> it absolutely does because this is something a lot of --

there's momentum in congress for passing these additional sanctions.ss especially saying this is going to make israel and america less safe we we don't continue to put pressure on iran. allies in germany and france in the uk saying we're working on a deal. at the place we want to be and if the u.s. congress passes additional sanctions it might be an excuse for iran to back out of that deal that they think as of right now they're making progress on. >> okay. we'll continue to watch that situation. >> we certainly will. >> thank you. and for more from carrie and the rest of the political team check out "first read" on msnbc news.com. and certain forms of birth control may promote growth of a rare brain tumor for women. and consider refinancing during these very low mortgage rate times. we'll t

virginia governor terry mcauliffe is working from his hospital bed. his staff tweeting a photo with him with a therapy dog yesterday. a spokesman says he's holding meet frgs the hohecked into vcu medical center monday with fluid in his chest after breaking his ribs on vacation in africa. no word when he will be released from the hospital. in news for your health new concerns today after a study

linking long-term use of birth control pills to an increased risk of brain tumors. it's important to note the study not specifically show cause and effect though. experts have been quick to point out that the stupdy isn't necessarily a reason to stop taking birth control pills. >> the overall number is still so small that the benefits of using them probably largely outweigh this potential risk. >> metastases -- >> progesterone-only birth control pills fare to have the highest risk association. well tonight council members in montgomery county hold a hearing to ban electronics cigarettes in restaurants and public buildings. a new bill banning where regular smoking is already banned and the bill making it illegal for minors to use e-cigarettes and require the packaging be child bsh proof. and new research shows e cigarettes may not be a healthier alternative. according to a new record in the new england journal of medicine

the xpoer herb to formaldehyde could be five to 15 times higher than from smoking cigarettes. more than 8,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. it's hard to pinpoint whether formaldehyde is related to cancers from smoking cigarettes. it has been linked to some cancers in human beings. wegman's is trying to help you eat healthier, reducing the amount of added sugar in many private label products. that includes produce like yogurt and bottled sauces. if you still have a sweet tooth, that's okay. wegman's is offering a smaller portion sides of its bakery items. rather than decreasing the amount of sugar, they're going to make them smaller so you won't gecht as much sugar. a hollywood star known for his sense of humor is making music in our area tonight, plus a superb offer from the air and space museum this weekend. why trekkies won't want to miss this. stay with us. we're coming back.

this weekend you can see a special spacecraft at the air and space museum. trekkies get excited. the center in shan tilley put the star trek enterprise studio modeled on display as part of an open house feemping several other historic artifacts you normally cannot see. jason alexander will perform with the baltimore symphony. you probably know him as george could stanza on "seinfeld."

performing tonight and also at maryland symphony hall in baltimore over rts weekend. well what's better than sleeping in a little on saturday morning and then starting the day with a great breakfast? it's easy enough to do that in our area thanks to great international break fist options. from "the washington post," here to tell us examples around here. what you're writing about this weekend? >> that's right. >> tell us about some of the great breakfast places? a dominican break fist? what does that include and where? >> a lot of these restaurants have fantastic breakfasts. dominican food and a lot of people going to the dominican republic on vacation. you may have had it before called mango. get it at tres hermon's. three hits is what it means including a fried egg and

dominican salami and fried cheese sounds delicious and actually a little like an american breakfast. >> like a -- do they beat the plantain and make it flat? put the egg on top? >> absolutely. a cross between that and the -- >> sounds delicious and making me hungry. >> a chinese breakfast? you never think about this including breakfast? where do you get that? >> a typical breakfast that might remind you of grits. >> i grew up with that for breakfast. >> well it's called kangi. a great plate to get it the best chinese food found here. asian bakery cafe. a fantastic place to get cool buns as well. buns stuffed with red bean paste, various pork and just pair one of these with a kangi there, too. >> can you eat there or pick those out? >> a tiny cafe. a little room. traditional, and easy to sort of find what you like and very inexpensive. the kangi is about $4 a bowl.

>> how about the scandinavian breakfast? >> in petworth a lot of people know been around a while. they do a traditional breakfast that's including -- they call it a nordic plate. a cool dish with herring. a great way to see what they do in the fall and in nordic countries, because it's so cold they tend to pickle and preserve a lot of food. it's basically a platter full of dessert foods. >> and looked like a sausage. is that what it was? >> in one form of another. >> a dish from another restaurant. it is but the -- i'll tell you this plate, it's beautiful. $17. >> okay. great. you have a lot you're going to write about in the "post"? >> you'll see a lot this weekend. >> thanks good to see for more ideas for your weekend logon to nbcwashington.com. also on "washington post." our "wednesday's child "this week wants to be a rapper a

policeman or mechanic when he grows up. hasn't sdipded eddecided quite yet. still trying to figure out his future but does know his favorite food. >> a chocolate milkshake and funnel cake. >> reporter: those of your two favorite things? >> yep. >> reporter: we heard donald loves milkshakes parks nearby a brand new z burger food truck. donald thought there was no one at home but the door suddenly started to open and donald was startled by the army of people ready to serve him inside. >> oh! >> reporter: and from inside the delicious smell of burgers and buns on the grilgtsddle bringing donald back to order. >> what would you like donald? >> a chocolate milkshake. >> no problem. chocolate shake! >> coming right up. >> you want a hot dog, also? ketchup, mustard, nothing? no rabbit food? >> i'll have -- bread, too.

>> all right. >> reporter: donald recently turned 11 years omd and is anxious to be adopted. he's been in foster care for more than half of his young life. >> donald has been in care since he was approximately 4 years old. what brought him to the attention of social services was that he was living in a home with a lot of chaos. he was suffering from neglect. >> reporter: i think i'll try a chocolate oreo. >> reporter: we looked at the long list of milkshakes and donald wanes vited in to make a few himself and watched carefully to see how it's done. >> do you want to help him? >> yes. >> reporter: while the lack of early presently attention left him with some challenge, social workers are hopeful having a family will help him to grow in many ways. show me about the family you'd like to have. >> i'd like to have a dog, a mom, dad, brother and sister. >> we're really looking for a family that has a lot of patience. can really give him a lot of time and attention, and affection. >> reporter: and perhaps a

family that can turn out a really great chocolate milkshake. >> hey! and if you have room in your home and your heart for donald or another child who's waiting, please call our special adoption hot line. the number is 1-88-2adopt me or search "wednesday's child" on nbcwashington.com. coming up how much you can save refinancing. your questions answered coming up. plus more on our thursday thaw and weekend storm worst, just ahead. we'll be back.

now is actually a drat time to bip or refinance your home. applications for new the mortgage bankers association reports 63% rise in applications compared to last year. nbc's tom costello tells us why. >> reporter: for many americans it's suddenly getting cheaper to make the payments on their biggest investment. a year ago, a 30-year mortgage loan averaged 4.5%. today it's down to 3.81% even lower for 15-year loans. california mortgage brokers jeffzorson is swamped with rephi applications. >> rates drop add half percent in the last 60 days and everybody's running to take advantage of it. >> reporter: the lower rates mean bill and gerry grimes should save enough to renovate a bathroom. they just refinanced in december now refiing again. >> just been amazing. i didn't expect this to happen

at this time, and this quickly. >> reporter: when should be refinance? experts say if interest rates are least half a percentage point lower than the rate you're currently paying it may be smart to do the math. a family way 30-year $300,000 mortgage at 4.5% pays about $1,367 a month, but at 3.8% that monthly payment drops by $150. total savings over the life of the loan $22,575, and market analysts believe interest rates will stay low or go lower over the coming months. surprisily nearly half don't compare for the best possible loan rate. >> you should shop. shopping for shoeses, definitely shop for something that's your single most largest investment. >> reporter: better to refi now than hope rates go even lower. tom costello nbc news washington. thousands of catholic teenagers are expected to descend upon the district today

for the annual march for life rally. events surrounding the march are taking place in two locations today, at the verizon center and d.c. armory. you may face delays in the district as the march starts at noon and there will be rolling closures until around 3:00 p.m. the march begins at 14th street nort capitol. president obama is at the university of kansas discussing plans tore middle class economics after the speech the president returns to washington where he will be interviewed on the youtube channel. i lauren -- >> in a few minutes, maryland's new governor larry hogan will lay out the bch plans, and funding for the new hospital in prince george's county is approved. look for his full report tonight on news 4. time for a final check on our forecast. lots going on in the weather. amelia amelia? >> two storms. first one arrives later tomorrow evening and it will run throughout the day on saturday coming to an end as late as saturday night. we're definitely going to be

getting rain or snow. how much snow, though we still need to work on that part of the forecast right now. i'm forecasting now about one to four inches around the d.c. metro area parts of northern virginia western north maryland. southern maryland you might make it out with a coating or less. a high temperature on saturday of 36. today, not toot bad. partly sunny skies this afternoon. high of 47. storm, too, then areichs sunday night into monday. looking at another win the degree mex. the best chance of snow mixing in around the midday and afternoon hours on monday. i'll have updates to timing on these two storm systems coming up on news 4 add 4:00. again, the first one looks to arrive later tomorrow night and throughout the day on saturday. >> anything going to bring heavy snowfall or pretty much like yesterday? >> with temperatures around the freezing mark it could be that kind of wet, heavy snow that sticks on trees. >> we don't have to worry about lines coming down? >> we do. that's why we need to focus on

how much snope whip the systems and the areas hardest hit look to be closer to pennsylvania. >> thank you. see you tomorrow. that's "news4 midday" for today. tune in tonight for news at 4:00 5:00 six and tonight at 11:00 and right back here tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at "news4 midday." plan to be with

>> melanie: um... well, brady and i are gonna start dating each other.

>> daniel: [laughing] >> melanie: why are you laughing? >> daniel: that--wow! i--oh, my--i love you so much. i was kind of in a bad mood, and you must've seen that, and you just said the craziest most insane thing you could really think of, and that just-- you were serious. >> theresa: to sum it up hooking up with you was the worst mistake i've ever made in my entire-- >> brady: okay, look, i get it. i get it. good luck to you, and have fun screwing up your life more than you already have, theresa.