winick, abc news, encino, california. >>> the website tmz, is posting pictures of jackson's three sisters, janet, latoya and rebbie. they appeared before the crowd to thank their brother's fans. >> once again, thank you for all of your love. all of your support. michael will forever live in all of our hearts forever. >>> and one more note about the jackson memorial service. the mayor's office saying the site asking for donations to fray costs crashed. the city's only collected about $17,000 so far. and the mayor is urging fans to revisit the site and donate. >>> vigils are planned in california, today, for the two journalists being held in a north korean prison. laura ling and euna lee were sentenced to 12 years hard labor. lisa ling said laura admitted during the call that she and euna lee broke north korea law and need u.s. help to be free. >>> the ethnic violence in northwest china has subsided for now. but when our crew entered the city, they were confronted by a mob of rebels, with sticks, saying they were angry. our crew managed to walk away unharmed. >>> police in nashville confirm

winick reporting from staples center here in los angeles.son's family left downtown l.a. in a convoy of limos and headed to beverly hills for a private reception and lunch. in jackson's hometown of gary, indiana, fans flocked to the modest home where the pop icon lived until the age of 11. since his death it has become a shrine. the city of gary plans to host its own public memorial on friday. >> and our michael jackson coverage continues throughout the morning here on abc news. later this half hour, how professional dancers are remembering jackson's unforgettable technique. >> the president and the first family travel to italy this morning where mr. obama attends high-level meetings with other world leaders. before leaving moscow the president said the u.s. want as strong, peaceful and prosperous russia. viviana hurtado has more from washington. >> reporter: president obama is meeting in italy with leaders from that country ahead of the g-8 sum that will focus on the global economy and international security. in meetings with the russian pr

tj winick, abc news, washington. >>> another quick look at harbor cam, the weather looks good.mily says the rain is on the way. she'll have the forecast coming up. moms know that kids need calcium for healthy growth. but did you know that to help absorb calcium, they need vitamin d? more moms choose yoplait... to give their kids calcium and vitamin d. yoplait kids, trix yogurt and go-gurt. the taste they love... and the calcium and vitamin d they need. yoplait, the one for kids. >>> so you have a few storms out there on the radar. let's take a live look right now as you can see the storms rolling into baltimore county now, impacting the hour for the next hour, then moving out. we do have more rain in the forecast coming tomorrow afternoon. storms pretty much all weekend, warm temperatures into the upper 80s. >> all right. thank you, emily. that's it for 6 for us at 6:30. form more tonight at 11, we'll see you then. oh, what's this? breakfast. it's kind of early, buddy. you've got to need to take some cholesterol off you. honey, have you been reading the cheerios box again? he g

winick reporting from the staples center.his half hour, the michael jackson fans from far away who dropped everything to claim their memorial service tickets here in l.a. stay with abc news for charlie gibson's live coverage of the memorial starting at 1 p.m. eastern, 10 a.m. here on the west coast. >> in russia president obama is meeting with the country's most powerful politician. it is the first time mr. obama and former president and current prime minister vladimir putin have sat down face to face. mr. obama has already achieved a major diplomatic breakthrough on nuclear weapons. jake tapper is traveling with the president. >> reporter: they stood in the kremlin, once the symbol of what president reagan called the evil empire. >> president medvedev and i are committed to leaving behind the suspicion and rivalry of the past so we can advance the interests that we hold in common. >> reporter: those interests include a framework to reduce nuclear weapons, including war heads and launch vehicles such as missiles or submarines

winick has been following today's farewell. >> reporter: good afternoon. as one speaker today said, michael jackson went into orbit and never came down. today's memorial here at the staples center reflected that legacy. michael jackson was on stage and in the spotlight one final time. ♪ it was a highly choreographed and star-studded tribute to the king of pop. part memorial, but gospel service. ♪ the day began at the forest lawn cemetery in the hollywood hills, where family and close friends gathered for a private funeral. then the motorcade to the memorial. at the staples center, stars like mariah carey celebrated jackson's music. >> ♪ i'll be there . >> reporter: the man himself also appeared in the videos that made him one of the most recognizable figures on earth. ♪ ♪ whose bad >> reporter: actress and former girlfriend brooke shields shared some insight into their unique bond. >> both of us needed to be adults very early. but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun. >> reporter: motown founder barry gordie called him the greatest ent

winick, abc 2 news, encino, california. >>> now the forecast certified baltimore's most accurate.ere is chief meteorologist norm lewis and maryland's most powerful doppler radar. >> we are running out of adjectives for this great weather. >> you everyone been to san diego? >> yes. >> san diego weather. low humidity, cool temperatures, lots of sunshine. >> threw open the windows this mornings it was great. >> absolutely gorgeous. the next couple days looking pretty good. we do have shower activity coming in. but it's getting a little dry out there. looks like friday night, real late friday night, early saturday morning, we could see some shower and thunderstorm activity move into the region. until then, some nice weather. >> smooth sailing. >> yeah. let's look outside right now. talking about smooth sailing, the clouds out there are fair weather cumulus clouds, absolutely gorgeous in baltimore, especially for this time of the year. normally we're sweltering at this time. our temperature right now, bwi thurgood marshall 79 degrees. 34% humidity. wind currently from the northwest at

winick, abc 2 news, los angeles. >>> are you ready to fight for your children? >> do not touch me!> nobody touched you. >> you just did. don't! >> are you ready to fight for your children. >> are you ready to get your butt kicked? don't touch me! >> that was the scene in california as paparazzi grilled debbie rowe about her children. rowe's attorney says she has not decided yet whether or not she will fight for custody. be sure to stay with abc 2 news and abc2news.com for the latest updates on the investigation into michael jackson's death, his estate, and his children. and a tomorrow abc news will broadcast live coverage of the memorial service for michael jackson. the service starts at two income the afternoon our time. but starting at 1 p.m., charles gibson will ankle a core abc's special coverage which is being called remembering michael jackson. you can watch it all right here on abc 2. >>> locally now, a baltimore man arrested earlier this year when police found more than 90 pounds of cocaine in his pickup truck. plans to plead guilty tomorrow. but the lawyer for trenell murp

winick has more from l.a. >> ever since i was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine>> reporter: the first public words ever spoken by michael jackson's daughter paris provided new insight into the king of pop, who was memorialized by his music. ♪ i'll be there >> reporter: the stories of how many he inspired. >> michael jackson wanted nothing more than to give love to the world. >> reporter: the day began at the forest lawn cemetery in the hollywood hills, where family and close friends gathered for a private funeral. ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the king ♪ >> reporter: for an entertainer known around the world, inside the staples center, there were many personal and intimate memories, both of us needed to be adults very early. but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun. >> reporter: motown founder berry gordy called him the greatest entertainer to ever live, but didn't shy aquay from the questionable private life. >> made questionable decisions on his part. but michael jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of. >> reporter: for

winick, abc news, los angeles. >>> tomorrow abc news will broadcast live coverage of the memorial service michael jackson. it starts at 2:00 our time. but beginning at 1, charles gibson will anchor abc's special coverage which is being called remembering michael jackson. and you can watch it all right here on abc 2. and as family and fans prepare to remember michael jackson, one lawmaker is calling for the media to stop covering if icon. peter king says frequent allegations of child molestation throughout the king of pop's career should not be forgotten. >> none of us would let our children or grandchildren in the room with him. yet he is getting all these headlines, television and radio. >> a lot of people have been talking about congressman king's comments. he has even posted his opinion on youtube. we have linked that to our web page and are inviting our viewers to comment all online on abc2news.com. >>> during the vietnam war, he was one of the nation's most controversial figures. robert mcnamara has died. he served as defense secretary under john f. kennedy who recruited him and lynd

winick, abc news, washington. >>> up next, a final look at your forecast. >> watch abc 2 news any time on channel 1 with comcast on demand. kelly saunder's nature valley, the place that inspires her to go faster... and slower, elk mountains, colorado. where's yours? 100% natural nature valley granola bars. the taste nature intended. an updated all-time favorite: juicy steak layered with zesty chipotle sauce, melted cheese, piled high with only... the toppings you love on freshly baked bread. only at subway. subway. eat fresh. >>> tomorrow is a hot and humid one. a high temperature of 90 degrees. i think we'll stay dry throughout much of the day. but there is a slight chance of some afternoon and evening thunderstorms. a greater chance on sunday, though. we're staying warm all week and wet all week. a chance of thunderstorms pretty much every afternoon, with temperatures staying in the upper 80s. >> all right. that's going to do it for us tonight. thank you so much for watching. remember, you can follow all the stories we're covering with abc 2 news on twitter, and any time online at ab

winick says the president's personal appeals may be paying off. >> reporter: speaking at the first of two town hall meetings today, president obama told a crowd in raleigh, north carolina that in the best case scenario, health care reform will not get voted on or signed until some time this fall. >> well, we did give them a deadline and we sort of missed that deadline. but that's okay. we're trying to get this done. but the american people can't wait any longer. they want action this year. i want action this year. >> reporter: even as president obama was setting a new timeline, house lawmakers reached an apparent breakthrough. leaders in fiscally conservative democrats hammered out a deal they hope enables private and public plans to truly compete. >> the public option is just optional. it gives consumers more choices. it's not mandated on any of them. >> reporter: and they agreed not to vote on the legislation until september. >> there will be a lot of time to review where we are, make sure that we're getting this bill in a position that will be beneficial to america's people and to

winick, abc news, washington. >>> now the forecast certified baltimore's most accurate.ere is chief meteorologist norm lewis and maryland's most powerful doppler radar. >> well, before we get the weather, wmar's got a little celebrating to do. baltimore magazine out with its best of edition. and abc 2 is in it two times this year. the magazine said megan pringle and jamie costello are the friendliest news team in town, and we agree. they've been honored as the best morning news team. and take a look at this mommy to-be. she is now baltimore's best reporter. congratulations to delia goncalves. the magazine credits delia for her ability to break down the tough stories so everybody can understand them. >> hey, we love delia too. most definitely. >> but she is out reporting right now. >> get to work, girl! i tell you what, we got some strange weather across the region. this morning people come do you think 95 and coming down 83 just ran into a torrent of rainfall. and they got to the city and the sun came out. and this afternoon, i was coming in from the west. and the sun wa

winick, abc news, encino, california. >> here is your thursday forecast: potential for damaging stormssota, iowa, wisconsin, missouri and the dakotas. heavy rain and thunderstorms in the southwest. -- southeast that is. heat advisories in texas, okhoma and kansas. >> it will be a sweltering 102 in dallas, 91 in omaha, 92 in st. louis. high of 80 in salt lake city. cooler than normal in the northeast with a mild 66 in boston and 75 here in new york. >> daily dog story time. a pet pooch in missouri going well beyond his duties as man's best friend. >> cowboy the border collie is a handy helper, a gopher who helps water the lawn and take out tools. he so smart, he can fetch a hammer, screwdriver or whatever his owner needs. he also enjoys a good game of basketball. he's even so skilled, he can slam dunk. >> he's bob villa, michael jordan all rolled into one. david letterman's producers are considering having him on the show. >> this is like lassie, right? >> lassie was just a collie. but a very smart one at that. ♪ if you don't know how to do it, i'll show you how to walk the dog ♪ e thg

winick. >> reporter: according to a memo written by a senior american military adviser in baghdad, iraqiorces are now capable of protecting their own country and it is time for the thaos declare victory and go home. >> we are taking all the measures to take all the control. the united states is helping us in arming and providing us with equipment. >> reporter: the memo written by colonel timothy reese comes at a delicate time, when american forces are shifting to more of an advisory role as iraqi troops take the lead. the united states currently has about 10,000 soldiers in iraq. the plan has been for most of those troops to remain n after national iraqi elections in january. but u.s. secretary gates said a combat of troops may be brought home early. >> we have a number of important milestones to achieve, including a fair elections, succeeding of a new government and a draw down in 2010. >> reporter: the iraqi government welcomed the news saying its security forces are working toward the sames goal but are still in need of more arms and training. >> i think speeding up eequipping our for

winick, abc news, washington. >> a very different picture when you actually get to hear the 911 oftenls. the woman involved, she is saying her biggest concern is that the world is walking around thinking she is a racist when she may have had interaction with the professor because she worked at harvard's alumni magazine. >> she said one of the suspects may have been hispanic. in the police report officer crowley said the witness saw two black men entering the home. es rt aty will will all be put to rest at cocktail hour. >> still ahead, the optimism in the real estate market. nationwide jumped 11%, the third increase in a row. >> but that doesn't mean everything's rosie in real estate. prices are dropping and so many houses are for sale. lisa fletcher reports on an investor who sees a silver lining. >> this is a very typical home that we buy. a three bedroom, two bath. it's a total wreck. >> reporter: it's a house that most investors would have written off. in california's hard hit moreno valley, banks own empty houses on nearly every street. but bruce norris will pay cash for it and e

winick, abc news, washington. >>> now the forecast certified baltimore's most accurate.e is chief meteorologist norm lewis, and maryland's most powerful doppler radar. >> i never thought i would be begging for rain. >> well here is the deal. yesterday i brought my umbrella into the station. and we didn't get any rain. >> so today you didn't bring it? >> today the umbrella is home. >> we're going to get rain. >> we got scattered showers around, and a good possibility of getting it later on this evening. but the big challenge right now is the showers are on the other side of the mountains, west of frederick. you know when you go west on 70? they're on the other side. >> move fast. >> well, they can move slow as long as they get here. that's the main thing. let's take a look outside right now. the shot from harbor cam. got a little more sun, but it's looking good. temperature at bwi thurgood marshall right now 79 degrees. 62% humidity. ooh, sticky out this. wind currently from the east at 8. the pressure steady at 30.04. there are your tides tomorrow at fort mchenry. a high

winick explains. >> it could be a haircut. >> reporter: for workers like carlos simpson, today's federalmum wage hike to $7.25 is a long-time coming. >> i've got bills. my phone bill about kill me. i can't pay it no more. i need this raise. >> reporter: in washington, certain lawmakers heralded the raise, a final stage of a three- step increase in the minimum wage approved during the bush administration. >> this will put $1,100 in the pockets of working people. that means money for groceries, for rent, for school supplies, money that will help with this economic recovery. >> reporter: but for many small business owners -- >> the timing is very bad. >> reporter: the fee increase is a backbreaker, happening at a time when they can least afford it. >> the rates go up. the employees who get to keep their job are happy. but overall, either people get less hours, which impacts them, or they lose their job. >> reporter: at small businesses like coastal cupcakes in wilmington, north carolina, the additional 70 cents per employee per hour adds up quick. a company with ten employees will pay almos

winick has more. >> reporter: good morning.os angeles authorities are bracing for a massive influx of people, as many as three quarters of a million michael jackson fans may try and get near this building on tuesday but right now no plans for any jumbotrons outside beaming the service to folks in the streets. after all, right now police are asking people to stay at home and watch the service on television. over 17,000 michael jackson fans devastated over his sudden death ten days ago are now celebrating the fact they will get a seat at the king of pop's memorial this tuesday in los angeles. >> we never thought that we would be picked. although we kept checking all day and sane -- serendipity with with us. we got the tickets and were just really hap. >> reporter: the area around the staples center will be sealed off with the help of 2,500 police officers. fearing crowds of a half million or more, authorities a telling fans don't come out if you didn't win a ticket. >> really, it just doesn't make a lot of sense for purposes of b