reporting live in northeast baltimore, sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> 5:59 right now.ore you head out the door, lynette charles is here to let you know how to prepare. >> all right we need to prepare with coats megan. very cold out there morning and we can see the temperatures coming in the upper 40s -- or around annapolis the low 40s at manchester. good morning to you. catonsville at 44 degrees right now. 51 centreville and 50 easton. bel air good morning at 46 degrees. so some spots coming in below average. we should be at 47. some above this morning. but all in all, it is chilly. now we have the winds making it feel a little bit chillier out of the north and west now at about 7 miles per hour in baltimore. check out the eastern shore. coming in at 16 and 10 in d.c.. 12 winchester and 13 hagerstown. we have high pressure at the surface today. that's what's working for us bringing all the sunshine that we'll see in here. this cold front moved through yesterday. then we have another cold front that's going to work its way in here as we go through tomorrow. you're wonde

sherrie johnson is live with the story and sherrie, there is a lot of excitement in the air. >> reporter: yes, fans are very excited about the o's and rooting for them and they are in tampa today, tuesday and wednesday taking on the rays and you know it's going to be pretty tough games there but it was a little trekkie getting to tampa. team officials saw smoke in the kitchen area of the chartered plane. the pilot decided to land the plane in jacksonville. and thank goodness everyone was safe. now it's been 15 years since the on the's-- o's have been to the playoff and they have 23 more wins than last year and orioleswon all three against the red sox and the last home stand of the regular season camden yards was full of oranges over 41,000 fans turned out for a sunday game in late september. and a home game against the yankees is a possibility for thursday. everybody is rooting on the o's. reporting live in towson sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> 6:31 and you can't get through airport security with a pocketknife but twice in the past week, agents with the tsa allowed loaded guns through a

sherrie johnson is here. and we have covered crimes on buses before so i assume this is in response to that. >> reporter: yes, it is. as a matter of fact, the mta wants to use cameras to beef up security. it's a investigative tool with 10 on every bus. four outside and 6 inside that will record your every move and every word. the mta has always had surveillance video but audio was off limits. acting on a ruling from the attorney general's office that recording is lawful, the first buses with the cameras will hit the roads with 300 others to follow in the fection few months months. the american civil liberties union says the mta went too far. mta says passenger safety is the top priority and last month he assault on a woman shows the need for sound to go with the surveillance picture. >> she is alleging that the case may have somehow been a hate crime. we have video of the incident but we don't have audio. that would help make the case as we try to find the two young men involved in that attack. >> the technol

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> a number of deaths attributed to super storm sandy. here we have had two, one hand overnight in arundel county. >> one man died after a tree fell on top of his house. linda so is live this morning, she is in millersville and has the latest. they have to bring a crane to go in and clean the mess up? >> they are waiting for the heavy crane. the tree that fell on the house was so big they physically couldn't remove it. they need the crane. the man was doing what we have been told to do, to stay at home and ride out the storm. it's dangerous. a tree fell in his front yard on top 9pñof his house and crus him to death. new video we want to show you, a shot about three hours ago, this happened just before 11:00, overnight, in the 7700 block in pasadena. it's in the fort smallwood area. police got a call of a tree that fell in the front. it cut through the roof. you can see the tree, it had split the home on the left hand side, and unfortunately landed on the victim. he was 70-year-old man, who was killed, he was in the kitchen, police aren't

you see a life shot, hamdon, beneath the jfx, baltimore cities we will have a live report from sherrie johnson and on the left, new york city, moments ago, president barack obama has announced a disaster area declaration for new york and long island. >> we will cover both of those communities. what are we in store for today? >>> the worst -- >> woe, woe. >> we got rains we got lots of rain yesterday, we are going to get lots of rain today. we will see some of that today as well. i can't say the wore is over. all i can say is sandy made landfall. it could stall out for a bit and begin to move off towards the north. todays we are going to see hefty winds and alplenty of rain. we can see that behind me as we look at mailed's most powerful radar, the heavy rain along i-9 a, i-270, you don't need to travel today. keep it on the indoors and make sure the roads are clean and cheer as we check out what is going on with the winds, the current winds, similar to yesterday. sustained winds at 20 miles an hour, 18 miles an hour, 6 halvety grace. we are gusting higher than that. we are talking about wind gu

sherrie johnson is atlinton in sykesville. is about getting kids off the couch and getting them active. >> reporter: that's exactly right. it's so exciting because here at the school the students actually don't know about the program they are having this morning for them. it's a surprise. one i think they will enjoy. this is part of the nfl play 60 challenge , the goal is to get kids off the couch, get them moving, end childhood obesity. angie is a physical education teacher and beth, also a health teacher at the school, angie, what is happening here today? >> today's, we are having a surprise kickoff assembly for the project aces and nfl play 60 event. >> can you tell me about why the program is important? >> it's important to really reverse the trends of childhood obesity. obese children turn in to obese adults. there is a lot of health problems associated with that. it's important to get kids to fuel up on healthy foods and play 60, exercise 60 minutes everyday. >> what kind of problems are we seeing when we are talking abo

abc2 news' sherrie johnson on the scene, what can you tell us? >> reporter: well, we are here yes in northeast baltimore and as you can see behind me here, firefighters are still on the scene of this early morning fire. we have learned that five people have died in the fire. two firefighters were also injured. we have four children that died and one adult. the call came out about 2:00 this morning. crews responded here to 5601 denwood avenue and found the row home engulfed in intense flames. right now, i have chief kevin cartwright with the baltimore city fire department joining me live here. you know, chief, just -- a very sad scene this morning. four children, tell me a little bit about what happened this morning. >> yeah, this is something we never look forward to. but just after 2:00 this morning, our firefighters arrived on location to a very dramatic scene involving an intense fire with heavy fire load and smoke conditions coming from a two story brick home. we also noted that there was one adult man actually jumping from the second floor w

reporting live in rogers forge, sherrie johnson abc2 news. >>> a man drives to pick -- a pickup truck and slams it into a liquor store. the camera captured and the damage with the wall of the liquor store falling on the store clerk it's hard to believe what the video which we will show you that employee was not seriously hurt. police say that the driver left the scene moments after thatcrash. officers tracked him down a short time later. we will get the video online on abc2news.com. >>> the government is suing wells fargo over allegations ofmortgage fraud. according to them they made reckless fraudulent loans and wells faringos denies the allegation. >>> you are about to get more money from the government if you get social security benefits. this according to the american institute for economic research. they can he can -- expect a 1.a 5 to 1.7 -- 1.5 to 1.7 increase. >>> the smart phone app will gib youable sees to exer. he cantive orders and speeches and it offers a mapping option to provide users information based on the location. >>> in a move to cut back on the cost of health ins

so let's go back now abc2 news' sherrie johnson.she's there on the scene for a number of hours and what's going on out there? >> reporter: it has been is very difficult morning here. just a very sad time. you know we are here in northeast baltimore and you can see behind me here some of the fire trucks are still on the scene here. they're starting their investigation into what happened with the fire. five people were killed in the fire including a grandmother and four small children. the fire started about 2:00 this morning at 5601 denwood avenue. when crews arrived they found intense flames and people jumping out of the windows. nine people were in the home when that fire started. about four of them made it out safely and five ores did not. the bodies were found on the second floor of the home. police had to detain one man because he was so distraught over the death of his mother he was trying to go back inside that home but they actually had to put handcuffs on him to stop him to keep him out of the house for his own safety. two f

abc2 news sherrie johnson is live where the state is stepping in. what is the plan? >> reporter: well, basically, they have a statewide conference bullying prevention going on today at college park. teens from schools across the state will come to this conference to learn about school safety. a few folks started yesterday. but the majority of the folks will attend the conference this morning at 9:00. first lady of maryland katy o'malley the state superintendent just a at this conference today. this is the third year for the event which coincides with national bullying prevention month. those who attend will receive the latest research and practices in school safety learn strategies on how to empower students to help stop bullying. if kids see something say something. and offer ideas for bullying prevention trying to get kids to stop bullying one another. we caught up with a expert with the state department of education who will attend the conference. >> we want them to take away a renewed enthusiasm for the work they are doing in preventing bullying. we would like fo

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> people of faith are drumming up support for the dream act.igious leaders will rally today in silver spring. dream act will allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition if parents paid tax and if they attended maryland schools. voters will get to decide on this ish next month. >>> -- issue next month. >>> self-driving cars could be coming to the nation's capital. dc council right now holding hearings to consider a bill to authorize driverless cars to be on city streets. google is in the process of developing the cars. >> we have driven in dc. in the good idea. gas prices are expected to go down as the holidays get closer. they have fallen over the past two weeks -- over the past two weeks and prices may drop by a quarter by thanksgiving the it happens every year because fewer are driving than in the summer. >> fed ex predicts a record number of shipments because of a increase in internet shopping and they are expected to hire 20,000 seasonal workers. >> at love speculation going on that apple could be -- a lot of speculation going on that

abc2 news' sherrie johnson is on the scene now and "good morning maryland" at 5:00 begins right now. >>> we've got developing news overnight. a police involved shooting in east baltimore. we've a live report on the conditions of all of those involved. >>> not according to plan, the o's, they make the playoffs but they have to win in texas if they want a chance to play at home. >>> and all public meetings canceled. we're going to tell you why the city chose to stop any further discussion about changes to patterson park. that and much more coming up on this thursday, october 4th. "good morning maryland," i'm charlie crowson. >> and i'm megan pringle. thanks so much for joining us. it is bright and early actually it's not bright at all. it's dark and early on a thursday morning. and you're probably wondering what do i wear and put the kids in? >> lynette you are saying a few showers in the area. >> yes. some very light showers in the area. that's in just a second charlie but the bigger story is that it's warm out there this morning. very mild. nottingham's temperature at 70 degrees righ

that's where we find sherrie johnson, she joins us live at the dawson family safe haven center. if you know anything about the section of east baltimore, that community has been trying hard to turn things around. >> they have. they are doing a goods job of it, too. we are here in east baltimore to honor the lives of the dawson family. an event kicks off tonight at 6:00. it's been ten years since they lost their lives. it was known as one of the worst tragedies. october 16th, 2002, the home of cornell and angela was fire bombed. they and their five children died in the fire. as a result of the deaths, neighbors, leaders and faith based groups worked together to build a monument to the dawsons here at 1401 east preston. that monument has become the dawson safe haven center for children and families. i have reggie with the housing department and pam carter joining me, the director with the center, good morning, thank you for joining us. tell us about what is going through your mind ten years after the death of the dawsons. >> it's a great feeling for me today to be here, ten years

sherrie johnson sits down to learn more. >> reporter: 16-year-old elizabeth loves crocheting. she has turned it into a business, an opportunity taking her to new york. >> i feel proud of myself because most people, most young kids think that crocheting is for older people. >> reporter: elizabeth moved to the united states from africa when she was 11. she comes from a family of female entrepreneurs. she develop -- sells hats, scarfs and handbags. it encourages students to stay in school. students are required to develop and present business plans to a panel. there's hands-on training while connects math, reading and right -- wrighting -- writing. elizabeth has big plans for her business. >> i want to be able to help others. i want to open my own school in africa. so this opportunity will be the start-up. >> reporter: the program is opening doors for elizabeth and other students to have a bright future. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >> elizabeth is one of 35 finalists heading to new york for the 2012 nifty challenge. you can also head to our website and click on our education page

sherrie johnson is live. the idea is to get kids up and get them moving. >> reporter: that's right. we are here atlinton springs elementary school. the kids are in for a surprise, ravens will be visiting today. it's a part of the nfl play 60 challenge. this morning, i have donny white and bridget, they are both physical education teachers at the school. first of all, tell me about what is happening today. >> today is our kickoff assembly for project aces. we have an assembly planned at 9:30 for the kids. torey smith is coming. we are excited. >> reporter: donny, tell me about why this program is so important to get kids moving. >> it's important because we want kids to move 60 minute as day to step in and help prevent childhood obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, just spread the awareness of the benefits of living healthy. >> what are the problems we are seeing with childhood obesity. >> it leads to things like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and a shorter life span, really. >> thank you so much for joining us. physical education. that was my favorite subject. i loved pe. hat

sherrie johnson, abc 2 news. >>> and right now 434 and soon there will be a new bridge. this on 295. but for the crews to install the first two, there will be closures and detours to keep in mind. we'll show you a live look of 695 at bw parkway there. that's where the construction will start. >> the crews will work on the road that's a gateway to the districts. now drivers should use the alternative routes. and. >>> that's something to keep in mind. how the roads are looking. we'll go to lauren. >> if sandy brings in a lot of rain and flooding that construction on 295 will be canceled. keep that in mind. there are no delays right now nice and clear from the beltway down to fayette street. and as we check in and take a look here at 695, everything is moving along and in parkville this what it looks like. that's a look at traffic. >>> this weekend you may notice an enhanced police presence. they will be looking for drunk drivers and linda so is live in white marsh. linda, what is this about? linda. >> we'll get to linda and that live snot a moment. >>> and an exclues that

sherrie johnson shows us why early detection is key. >> reporter: students are working on sounds and senses. >> we can now look at young students and look for work -- warning signs. >> reporter: the odyssey school focuses on specialized instructions, one on one tutoring and small class sizes. they focus on students with dyslexia. >> language is the key to all kinds of learning whether learning science or a soccer game. you have to master taking in language. >> reporter: the odyssey school serves students in kindergarten and 8th grade. the goal is to prepare them for mainstream grades. >> they didn't help me with my dyslexia, so i couldn't really read the passes that i would have. other people would finish it and i would be working on the first word. when i came here i blossomed. >> reporter: there are a few things educatetors want people to know. >> even though i have dyslexia, i still understand the things they are telling me. it's more difficult to read what you give me. >> reporter: with the proper educational instruction, these students can have a successful academic career. sher

right now to sherrie johnson. >> reporter: yes, we are here in northeast baltimore where it has been a sad and a chaotic scene. take a look behind me here. you can see firefighters are still on the scene. they've put the fire out and still working on the hot spots right now. five people were killed in this early morning fire including a grandmother and four children. the fire started about 2:00 this morning at 5601 denwood avenue. again in northeast baltimore. when crews arrived on the scene, they found intense flames and people jumping out of the windows. ten people were actually in the home at the time when the fire started. five made it out safely and five others did not. now the bodies were found on the second floor of the home. police had to detain one man because he was so distraught over his mother's death he was trying to go back inside the home so they had to arrest him put him in handcuffs just to keep him safe. now two firefighters were injured. one firefighter fell from the second floor of the home to the basement and landed on another firefighter. now we are told that th

sherrie johnson has more on the plan, they are doing something. what are they doping? >> they have a plan in place, it's looking look it's working out. more students attending class. baltimore setting an example when it comes to attendance. five to 7.5 million kindergarten to 12th grade students are absent each year. they misone day out of ten, in maryland, the rate is 11%. it's one of six states that track the issue. repeated absences are common in kindergarten and high school. low income students are likely to miss class due to transportation or health issues and have to work and take care of family members. they alert parents about absences. they talk to families when students are missing class. >> hidden problem, bacteria in a hospital. it creates havoc, we are not measuring it. >> we have to go the extra mile. the school system is texting principals and saying there are a large number of students absent. what going on? >> reporter: the baltimore public school system is rewarding students for good attendance with special field trips. anything to keep them in class.

sherrie johnson, abc 2 news. >>> we'll work to keep you safe go. to www.abc2news.com for the latest of the storm track. you are seeing a shot there of new york. the big apple could be impacted by this depending on the direction that sandy goes. >> if that is hit, it will be tuesday. for us earlier. we're staying on top of that and no matter what happens. >>> let's get to the roads. >>> and we have a crash to talk about. and at columbia road. everything is moving along here at 195. no problems getting to dc and north to 695. we check in and take a look at the expressway here. no delays from to 695. and once you get on and head downtown. 695 no problems to report all the way up to towson and on the west side normal conditions now will take you 11 minutes to travel the outer loop from 795 to 95. that's a look at traffic. back over to you. >>> when you hit the roads you may notice more police out there. starting tonight the police will be out on the roads and looking for drunk drivers. linda so is here to tell us what this is about. >> it is keeping yo

goal is to end childhood obesity, this morning, sherrie johnson is live in sykesville with more and the program is to get kids up and get them moving. >> reporter: that's exactly right. we are here in sykesville, students are in for a surprise today. ravens will be here to help them with the kickoff for the nfl play 60 challenge. we got to get them off the couch and up and moving, the goal is to end childhood obesity. i have health and pe teachers joining me. angie, jennifer, and beth. thank you ladies for being here. first of all, tell me a little bit about what is going on today. >> we are so excited. today is our surprise kickoff assembly to promote our project bases. nfl play of 60 event. >> reporter: why is this important for students to be involved in? >> we are trying to curve the current trends in childhood obesity. there are health issues, diabetes and early heart disease, high blood pressure, also active children excel in school. we want that to happen as well. >> can you tell me, what do you want students to take away? >> to plan a program that allows them to exercise 60 minu

we have more on this story with sherrie johnson. >> reporter: it involve as puppy found in a home and left to die. animal control brought the pit bull to the shelter where she was named molly. there are fresh bite wounds on the face and paws, this reall deep and infected. there is skin missing with infection and causing the areas to bulge out. there is a chance that she will survive. the dog was found in an empty home not far from the west side shopping center. a contractor entered the home to rehab it and found the dog in the basement on a leash. >> i get upset thinking about it how can someone do that to a dog. >>> we have more video on the web site officials hope that someone will come forward with more information. sherrie johnson, abc 2 news. >>> and be prepared that's the message today as we keep an eye on sandy. >>> as we go to break. this is miami. getting ready for a shot. high winds and sweeping across florida now. >>> so, nothing on the radar right now. but in maryland westminster we have light fog with the temperature at 61. the story, we're tracking sandy. this is the pot

sherrie johnson is live with more on the events and there is a lot scheduled and a lot of ways people are remembering the event from ten years ago. >> reporter: that is right. we are live here in east baltimore on east preston, tonight's, there will be an event to hop nor the dawson family. it's been ten years since the dawson family lost lives here at this spot, today the city will commemorate the 10th anniversary, it was a crime that shook the city and made national news on october 16th, 2000 2, the home of cornell and angela dawson was fire bombed. mr. and mrs. dawson died in the fire. neighbors, community leaders and faith based groups worked together to build a monument on east preston. that monument has become the dawson safe haven center for children and family. we have reggie with the baltimore city housing department joining me live. good morning, take us back ten years up out here that night, what was going through your mind? >> what a sat night seeing five bodies, -- sad night, seeing five bodies, six bodies taken out of the property. it was devastating to all of us, we nev

sherrie johnson is life in sykesville with more on what is going on. this is a great program.ting the players invoed. the heroes of the kids rs getting them active. >> we are live here inlinton springs elementary in sykesville, where kids are in store for a big day. it's a big surprise for them. joined by baltimore ravens players. this is a part of the nfl play 60 challenge, the goal is to get kids moving to fight off childhood obesity. this morning, i have donny white joining me live. he is a physical education teacher here at the school. thank you for being out here so early, we appreciate it donny. tell me about what is happening today. >> we are having our kick off assembly, we are going to challenge our kids to exercise and eat healthy for the next two weeks and the rest of their lives but the two week incentive program, 60 minutes a day. >> why is this so important? i know we are fighting childhood obesity. >> it's important for that reason, we are trying to fight heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, like you said, also we want to have kids stress free, exercise pro

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> october is breast cancer air wareness month. we will tell you how to get involved as baltimore gets ready to turn pink. there is still time to register for the walk, it's happening in hunt valley. >>> after the mild winter last year, could things be different this time around? that could be the case according to one team of scientists. >>> 55 degrees right now, annapolis, 48 degrees in westminster with the winds west at 9 miles an hour. if you want to get the conditions where you live, all you have to to is go to our app store and download the apps. good morning maryland will be right back. >>> baltimore county is turning pink. today, ahead of the race for the cure, there is going to be a pink pep rally in the historic courthouse in baltimore county. leaders are going to be there to promote the excitement of raising funds to find a cure. the maryland race for the cure that takes place in hunt valley sunday, october 21st. you have time, find all the information everything you need to know on the website, abc2news.com/think pink.

. >> sherrie johnson joins us with more on this. how bad was it? like there was one target. today, the national weather vis will determine if it was a tornado. don was the only one cleaning up storm damage this weekend, two large trees came down in his backyard, the tv antenna on his roof blew off and furniture was tossed several feet. they took pictures, spoke to witnesses to rate the damage and determine if it was a tornado. >> the storm we saw on radar, it was aration with it. a -- rotation with it. a strong signature at 2000 feet. i am seeing trees that are folded over in different directions. >> reporter: once again, the national weather service will make the final call today on whether or not it was a tornado. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> the man who is looking to be the top cop is expected to be officially confirmed today. last week, commissioner designate bat answered questions from from council members and citizens. >>> if you have a teenager who is getting close to getting their license, there is a chance you are losing sleep. >> car crabs are the number one kil

. >> sherrie johnson is life along the jones falls. this type of flooding is leading to road closures this morning, i can hear the flood waters water behind you. >> reporter: pretty loud. this is the jones falls. you can tell, it is very loud this morning, it's overflowing the banks and causing flooding right here in the clipper mill area where there is some flooding in the parking lot. there are a number of businesses in this area, including the athletic club and others, seeing a lot of water in the parking lot area, because the banks are overflowing here from the jones falls. we are under the jfx. this area is no stranger to flooding for businesses and homeowners in the area. they have experienced problems with other storms because of the low lying area. the city department of transportation has closed several roads and intersections because of flooding and this includes clifford milks meadow mills business park. police officers and emergency responders are out on the streets to responds to any problems and again, we have seen actual

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> you need to check your bags before boarding your flight. what airlines is saying pay up. >>> american airlines says it's inspecting passenger seats on 8 boeing 757 jets, comes after passenger seats came loose mid flight on two american airlines planes in three days. both had undergone maintenance work that required seats to be removed and reinstalled. >>> if you fly spirit you need to pay more money,mly when it comes to your baggage. november 6th, the carrier will charge $100 fee if passengers need to check bag as at the gate. the move is intensional and the price is high on purpose to discourage fliers to wait. spirit charges for bags but those that don't fit beneath the seat. fliers can pay $20 per bag. two entertainment moguls are coming together. oprah win winfrey signed a deal with tie leperry. he has two series that will premier next year. >>> you have two months remaining for the holiday shopping. experts projecting how sales are going to turnout. we will broipg you estimate and how much more or less retailers are look for you to spe

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> question 4 is on the ballot the one that deals with the dream act. hundreds of people included religious leaders are expected to rally for it in silver spring and it's happening at 7:15 at the southern asian 7th day adventist church. it will take part of a final push for the referendum and those attending will be trained on hon to contact voters. >>> two supporters of the same sex marriage law will begin weekly rallies urging the reinstatement of angela mccas kel who was is you spend for signing a petition to put the law on the ballot. baptist ministers says the suthe height of hypocrisy at a institution claiming to support free do have of expression. >>> a 12-year-old boy is going to be in court accused of beating to death a 2-year-old foster child. he is charged with involume unteary manslaughter. his -- involuntary manslaughterch the man performedcpr on the child but it was pronounced dead at the hospital. this happened in fort whereby washington in july. >>> the search is on for a man who -- fort washington in july. >>> the search is on for a man

sherrie johnson continues our live team coverage live along the jfx. you are underneath the jfx, you are up chose and personal with the flood waters. >> reporter: you are absolutely right about. that i have to watch my stepment its not too far behind me here. you can hear the water. it is moving have swiftly and overflowing the banks here. this is the jones falls. we are underneath the jfx and in the hampton area where the flooding is taking place. it's overflowing in to the business park area, flooding the parking lots here. you have the athletic club and other businesses in the area, overflowing the banks going in to the parking lot area, this area is no stranger to flooding for the businesses. they have experienced problems from other storms because the area is a low lying area here. the department of transportation has closed several roads and intersections because of the flooding, this includes right here at the meadow mills business park. as mayor stephanie rawlings blake request, police officers and emergency responders are out on the streets tr

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> expanding gambling is not the only initiative maryland vote verse to decide. the dream act question 4 on the ballot is another major issue. today, hundreds of people are expected to attend a rally supporting the measure. more than 800 religious leaders are hosting the event p silver spring. if passed children of undocumented workers will be allowed to get in-state tuition. >> today's ballot will be controversial shall use including question 6 the same sex marriage law. on thursday, ref rand hickman and ref -- reverend hickman and another reverend are urging the reinstatement the woman suspended from her job after signing's tigs in favor of putting same sex marriage laws on the ballot. reverend hickman and coates are two of the state's most visible supports of the same sex marriage starring in television ads backing that issue. >>> you've seen the bullets and tones and bullets. hard to believe but first mariner arena turns 50 today. the first event was held at the entertainment center the hometown debut of the clippers hockey team in 1962. reverend mart

. >> the flooding is a big concern and sherrie johnson is live at one of the hot spots it's got history there sherrie. you are in fells point. >> reporter: it certainly does charley. you know people down here are not taking any chances. they have started to load up on this stuff right here. the sand. you can see the giant pile of sand here. they basically started loading up on it bracing for hurricane sandy and possible flooding. you know, yes, they have experienced problems with other storms in the past. so they know what a big deal flooding can be in this area. on friday, and saturday, many people loaded up on sandbags to protect their homes and businesses from flooding. city dumped a pile sandbags here at the broadway pier. city workers gave away six bags per person and they checked bags. mayor stephanie rawlings-blake says she wants people to be ready because of the magnitude of the storm. and so far they have about 3 sandbag centers that are opened in the area. you know fells point is a part of the city when it comes to flooding. so folks just want to be prepared. once again you kn

sherrie johnson is here and we have covered crimes on buses before. i suppose this is in response to that. >> reporter: yes, it is. mta wants to use cameras to beef up security and keep passengers safe. there's 10 cameras on every bus. four outside and 6 inside recording your every move and word. the mta has had surveillance video but -- but audio was off limits until now. acting on a ruling from the attorney general office that it's lawful, training is underway for drivers and the first 10 buses equipped with the cameras hit the road with more than 300 others to follow in the next few months. the american civil liberties union says the mta has gone -- mta has gone too far. last month's assault on a woman by two people on a north avenue line shows the need for sound to go with surveillance pictures. >> she is alleging the case may have been a hate crime. we have got video of the incident, but don't have audio. and that would help make the case as we try to find the two young men involved in the attack. >> the technology certainly exist to have the cam

abc2 news sherrie johnson has the story. i imagine they are doing this because there's a need. >> reporter: basically the mtawants to use cameras to beef up security. aid investigateddive tool with 10 on every bus. four outside and 6 inside that will record your every move and every word. the mta has always had surveillance video, but audio was not always off limits. that's until now. the mta says the passengers' safety is the top priority and last month's assault on a woman found the need to sound with a surveillance pictures. the practice is lawful training is underway for drivers and the first 10 buses equipped with the cameras hit the road with more than 300 others to follow in the next few months to come. american civil liberties union says the mta has gone too far. >> it shouldn't be a condition of riding a public bus in maryland or anywhere else that you give up your right and ability to have a private conversation. >> reporter: the mta says the recordings will only be kept for 30 days and no one will monitor every co

sherrie johnson is live at rogers forge with more on what you need to know. what do you this all about. >> reporter: we depend on air bags each and every day to save our lives in case of an accident. today, the government is actually warning car owners whose air bags have been replaced in the past three years that dangerous counterfeit bags may have been installed. the national traffic highway safety administration says tens of thousands of car owners may be driving vehicles with counterfeit air bags. some of the counterfeit bags do not inflate properly. in one case a. counterfeit backfired sharts of plastic and projectiles. they have been made to look like air bags made by automakers and include a manufacturer's logo. so far, no deaths or injuries have been reported. checking out air bags could run $100 or more and some cabs have as many as 8 -- some cars have as many as 8 air bags. you can call your local manufacturer or local dealership to find out if your vehicle model is actually one of the counterfeit air bags. all in an effort to keep you and your fami

sherrie johnson. >>> a killer on the loose a week after murdering a teenaged girl. family and friends are remembering the 16-year-old. now they're holding a vigil starting at 6:00 at the corner of bond and eager street. and police say they have little evidence right now but they do with the law. teen had multiple >>> and in november, you will decide whether to legalize same- sex marriage in maryland. now one of the oldest civil rights groups wants you to know they are supporting the cause. and the president of the naacp will endorse the legalization of same-sex marriage. and there will be support for question six t fort worth it passes, maryland will be the first state to legalize same- sex marriage by a popular vote. >>> this morning's health alert. there are 13 cases of meningitis here and one death. and the infection has killed 14 people across the country and according to the cdc the infections started after a tainted batch of steroid stops. and there has been a lawsuit filed in the case. >>> and hit the ground running. thousands are coming out now for the runni

sherrie johnson is live to explain why this may not be the case for everyone. it's about a recall right? >> reporter: that's right. abc2 news is working for you trying to keep you and your family safe. there could be problems with some air bags in certain vehicles there. and today, the government is warning car owners whose air bags have been replaced in the past three years that dangerous counterfeit bags may have been installed. national highway traffic safety administration says thousands of car owners may be driving vehicles with counterfeit air bags. some of the counterfeit bags do not inflate properly. in one case, a counterfeit bag fired shards of plays plaste being on impact and the fake bags look like ash-- plastics on impact and the fake bags look like real bags. no deaths or injuries have been reported and checking out air bags could run 100 dollars or more and some types of cars have 8 air bags. car owners should check a government website or call the manufacturer or local car dealership to check and make sure to see if your model and vehicle model

and sherrie johnson is live with more on the conference and, why is it so important? >> reporter: well, basically, parents and educatorwant to team up to keep the schools safe for students. now teams from across the state will head to college park to attend this conference. but actually it started yesterday. the majority of the folks will head to the conference today. now first lady of maryland katy o'malley will be there and the state superintendent and folks that will try to keep the schools safer. this is the third year for the event which coincide with magazinessal -- national bullying prevention month. those who attend will receive the latest research and practices in school safety and learn strategies how to empower students to stop bullying and offering ideas for bullying prevention. >>> bullying is a phenomenon that received a lot of attention in the last ten years both within communities and the media but also the research community. and a lot lessons have been learned through research and so for those who are on the front lines of prevention or intervention,

sherrie johnson is live this morning with more on today's events. a lot has happened if the in the last ten years. >> reporter: we are live on east preston, people will gather tonight to honor the dawson family. it's been ten years since the family lost their lives here at this spot. today the city will commemorate the 10th anniversary, a crime that shook the city and made national news, on october 16th, 2002 k the home of cornell and angela dawson was fire bombed. the family died in the fire. neighbors, community leaders and faith base groups worked together with the city to build a monument to the dawsons at 1401 east preston street. it's become the safe haven for children and families. this morning, we have mr. reggie joining us live with the housing department. good morning. i understand you are instrumental in getting this here today. what is going through your mind as we look back ten years. >> it's a good feeling to know that after ten years the dawson center is alive and does positive things for children in this city and east baltimore. >> r

sherrie johnson joins us live on the jfx with more. >> reporter: basically, you can hear the water, we are in hampton, take a look at this, the water is overflowing it's banks here and going in to the packing lot, over here for nearby businesses in the area where there is flooding. there are a number of businesses in the areas and the parring lots are flooded because of the rising water here, and the water here at the jones falls started to overflow. we are right under the jfx. this area is no stranger to flooding for the businesses and homes, they have experienced problems from other storms as well. the city department of transportation has closed several roads and intersections because of the flooding, this includes meadows mills business park. mayor stephanie rawlings blake request, police officers and responders are out and about on the streets to respond to any problems. we have seen a number of them stopping by here this morning, just checking on things, making sure that everyone is safe. the city has received calls for downed trees and power lines and flooding. yesterday the may

and sherrie johnson is live this morning with more on what this conference is all about. sherrie. >> reporter: well, parents and educators are teaming up to help make schools in maryland a little safer for students. basically teams of educators from across the state will gather at college park for this conference. some folks started yesterday. but the majority of the folks will attend the conference today starting at 9 a.m. first lady of maryland katy o'malley will be on hand for the conference as well as the state superintendent. this is the third year for the event which coincides with national bullying prevention month. those attend will receive the latest research and practices and school safety. learn straties how to empower students to help stop bullying and offer ideals for bullying prevention. >> if your child is being bullied, this is not tolerable, that will is a way a meck him in -- mechanism to report that or you need to report that. there's a form available in each local school system but it's also on our department's website maryland public schools.org. you c

reporting live in northeast baltimore, sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> news time 5:32. what was meant to be a fun trip into the wild now has a maryland family afraid their son may not be coming home. jason and his friend are believed to be missing in montana in the glazer national park. and charley is at the live desk. the weather is not making it easier for the search. >> reporter: not at all. weather is the big factor right now in the search for the two men. jason highser who you mentioned and neal peckens of virginia. they were initially reported missing after they failed to catch a flight home from montana. this is the picture all new today. we have learned that he and pecken's vehicle was found friday and a search party of 50 people was organized on saturday. they have been combing the terrain of glacier national park but wintery weather is impeding that search. the park reports there's 18 inches of snow on the trail and cloudy conditions making it impossible for aerial searches. but this morning we have youtaken care of. if you go to the national park website, nat

sherrie johnson has the story. what is the school system doing? is it working? >> baltimore is setting an example when it comes to attendance. a johns hopkins 'b0ueáyestimate 5- 7.5 million kindergarten to 12th grade asstudents are absen they miss one day out of ten. in maryland it's 11%. one of six states that tracks the issue. low income students are likely to miss class because of transportation or health issues and sometimes because they have to work or take care of family. they use robocalls to alert parents about absences. social workers talk to families. williams missed 33 days and almost dropped out of 7th grade. in 8th missed five days and made better grades. >> i would stay home, play the game, eat, sleep, that's about it. watch tv. >> i saw him on the first day of school. one of the teacher whose knew him said, this boy hasn't been in school for days and days and days. we approached him and said this is going to be a different school year for you. we expect to see you here. >> the baltimore city public school system is rewarding students with special

an abc2 news sherrie johnson is live with more on this conference and what do they say about this?what are they going to a do? >> reporter: well, basically, the goal of the conference is to keep schools safe and they believe the information and vatties they teach the educate -- strategies they teach the educators will do this. some folks starreded to head that way yesterday so some meetings were head -- started to head that way yesterday so some meetings were held yesterday. now first lady of maryland and katy o'malley will be there as well as the state superintendent so a number of folks will be on hand for this conference. this is the third year for the event which coincides with national bullying prevention month. those who attend will seek the latest research -- will receive the latest research practice on school safety and how to empower students to stop bullying and offer ideas for bullying prevention. >> if your child or you your son or daughter is being bullied this is not tolerable that there is a way a mechanism by which they need to report that or you need to report that

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> worthy of death. those are not the words that you would expect to hear from a religious leader but this morning a randallstown pastor is getting some heat for what he said about same sex marriage. it's an issue that you're going to be voting on in less than two weeks when you head to the polls here in our state. so abc2 news linda so is live in federal hill this morning and linda raising controversy from both sides of the issue. >> reporter: it's been a hot button issue here in maryland as you know. the pastor was caught on tape saying that people who engage in homosexual behavior are quote worthy of death and so are the people who support them. pastor robert anderson of the colonial baptist church in randallstown made the comment this month while quoting the bible. the head of the maryland marriage alliance an organization that opposes same sex marriage released a statemderson's was not a call t harm gays and lesbians. but supporters of same sex marriage say it borders on hate speech. >> those who pr

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> four people taken at gunpoint and robs in one of boston's most affluent neighborhoods and now the search is season. she was heading to her car in roland park when the men grabbed her. >> they approached her alt gunpoint. they orlandod her into their -- ordered her into their vehicle and they drove her to an atm in their neighborhood. they then released her on roland avenue. >> about ten means later a 19- year-old was riding his bike when he was hit by the robbers' car. they acted like they were checking on him then they abducted and robbed him. as well now both victims were released unharmed. police say the three men were driving a silver four door dodge stratus similar to the one on the screen. matching this description. police are asking you to call them if you see anything like this immediately. >>> he was arrested after threatening to go on a shooting rampage at the university of maryland. today the former student will be sentenced. in august alexander song pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and misuse of telephone facilities, he is required to 20

abc2 news sherrie johnson is live on the scene where things happened on thursday. and a lot changed since we were there with breaking news. >> reporter: yeah. a much different scene here this morning. we are live here in northeast baltimore right across the street. this is a burned out home on denwood where nancy worrell and her four grandchildren were killed in the morning house fire. we have new details about the family and fire. the family will memorialize all five together at the same service. it will be held thursday morning at mount pleasant chirrch in baltimore. -- church in baltimore. woree was 55 and her grandchildren ranged from 1 to 7. the family died early thursday morning in a house fire here on denwood avenue. meanwhile firefighters hit the streets on sunday trying to keep other families safe. they went door to door passing out smoke detectors and neighbors were appreciative of the efforts. >> that's pretty cool and they made sure they had batteries and if i needed any they were willing to give me if i needed some. >> reporter: the family didn't have

sherrie johnson is down in fells point talking to neighbors and seeing how they are preparing for the worst. >> reporter: yes, we are here live in fells point where neighbors and business owners are basically bracing for hurricane sandy. and they have been taking full advantage of the sand right here this giant pile you can see. they grabbed sandbags for thepossibility of heavy flooding. now fells point is no stranger to flooding. they have experienced problems in the past with other storms on friday and saturday many people loaded up on sandbags to protect the homes and businesses from flood being. -- flooding. the city dumped a pile of sandbags here city workers gave away six bags per person and also checked identification to keep track of the bags. the mayor stephanie rawlings blake wants people to be ready because of the magnitude of the storm. there are three sandbag centers that are open. it's quiet around here right now. almost like a ghosttown. police are make rounds in the area making sure people are safe. a number of businesses in the area have sandbags placed in the front o

sherrie johnson is here to explain how people can participate. what is this all about. >> reporter: well it's easy. just be kind to someone and show it to them. all it takes is one kind word and you are invited to text or send a message through social media to someone who just may need a boost. 4500 people have signed up for the kindness for grace day. the cousins of grace mccomas says she would be alive if bullies gave her that respectch the student committed suicide on easter sunday after her family says she was bullied online for a year. since then, raven's running back ray rice has sponsored antibullying events and her cousins are challenge people to say kind words through twitter facebook and e-mail and believe kindness would have kept grace alive and they say we should step outside the comfort zone and send a message to someone who is shy or quiet and the goal is to reach the bullies that have them delete the words that kill. >> and just hearing like kind words from your friends or from people you are friends with that can make your day. >>

sherrie johnson is live in towson where the o's are on everyone's mind. usually this time year we are talking about the ravens. >> reporter: we are here at dunkin donuts and i've been chatting it up with people going in to get the coffee and everything and everyone is really excited for the o's. today the o's are in tampa today tuesday and wednesday ready to take on the tampa bay rays and they are going up against three tough games. it was tricky getting to tampa with problems on the chartered plain plane but everyone is safe. 15 years since the o's have been to the playoffs. the o's have 23 more wins than last year they won all three games against the red sox thisweekend. last home stand of the regular season. and camden yards was full of oranges over 41,000 fans turn out for a sunday game in late september and we caught with up fans this morning here at thedunkin donuts and this is what they have to say about the game. >> it was packed stadium first game a couple grand boys just to see the game and it was a great game and they won the stadium was on fir