constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- >> good morning. >> thanks for joining us. >> it is warm right now, but it will get colder by the end of the week. we are on the good side of the mountain right now. it is 46 at the airport. a high temperature of 55 degrees this afternoon. but 30% chance of rain showers. a little bit of a fog to contend with. we will talk more about that. be prepared for changes let's check on traffic. >> we know how excited you get about changes like that >> -- let check traffic. a crash in several places. there are closure's related to a tractor trailer and a pickup truck on pulaski highway, watch for right lane closures due to fire activity. here is a live look at traffic this morning. we're building in volume. the brake lights as we helped towards the beltway watch for delays at an accident in the right lane. back to you. >> thanks. baltimore city police are thinking outside of the box. > baltimore city's homicide rate is compared to last year. >> our reporter has more on the city's plans to combat crime. >> we are at the courthouse this morning because it is up to prosecutors to put the criminals in jail. they are deploying a new strategy to make sure fewer criminals have a chance to become the released. -- repeat offenders. the murder rate was 234 last year. that was a 20-year low for baltimore city. officials say anti-gun initiatives are making the facts against the violence. many armed robbers and graduate to murder. now the state's attorney's office is working with police officers to make sure armed robbery cases are pursued with detail to increase the chances of jail time. >> we have worked harder to develop a stronger protocol in prosecuting these robbery cases. >> they hope to drop the murder rate in 2010. wbal-tv. >> ci>> city police are citing a police-involved shooting in broad daylight as an example that there crime strategy is working. >> i do not know how much more action you can expect or demand from the law enforcement officers of this city, for these men to chase a guy who just shot a couple of people right here on this corner and chased him up the corner for three blocks of carrying a semiautomatic handgun in his hand and engage him in gunfire. >>it was shortly after 12:30 yesterday. i suspect shot a man and woman in the legs and fled on foot. this is the third police involved shooting in the last 10 days. more than $1 million will go towards for police crime labs -- four police crime lab in maryland. federal funds are headed to one area in maryland. the governor announced the state crime lab will receive a total of $1.2 million in stimulus funds. the baltimore city police the permit is expected to receive $375,000. a protest is expected on capitol hill today. our reporter has more from washington. >> today's planned a protest outside of the capital comes hours after democrats latest health care efforts. >> backers can see the plan to help americans as an honest 55 to buy into medicare. senate leaders said they were blindsided on sunday. joe lieberman said he would block the bill if a medicare expenditure -- expansion occurred. the >> we have an option to buy into medicare so early. >> some suggest that the senator is reflecting insurance interest based in hartford. rolle doctors and hospitals however could be hurt by this action. -- rollural doctors and hospita however could be heard by this action. democrats hope to show unity at the white house this afternoon meeting with president obama. the goal remains to pass the health reform. >> president obama is calling on top bankers to do their part to get the economy rolling again. in what small business loans to become more affordable. >> given the exceptional assistance banks need to get them through a difficult time, we are looking for every responsible way to help get our economy moving again. >> a similar meeting is scheduled with the heads of smaller banks. >> federal and local officials program on a couple of buildings. state leaders will get specific. we will hear about what they say the starting salaries for those jobs will be with brac. >> the recent announcement of funding for the red line is gaining criticism from canton residents. the > the recent announcement of funding for the red line is gaining criticism from canton residents. the money to get the line up and running by 2016 -- the city says it is a done deal. the residents say the fight is not over. residents think the system will cause many problems. >> they will have this pit come out in the middle of an urban landscape. it will make the traffic worst. there are environmental concerns. things did not connect. >> the city hopes to break ground in 2012. >> the city board of estimates has approved $24,000 to pay for uniforms for the 311 call center employees. it would pay for uniforms for about 80 workers. they must wear uniforms to promote professionalism and consistency. it was approved last week by the city's board of estimate. >> we will not the use of the mining. they will -- money. they will monitor how much of the money will be spent. >>that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. what do you think about city hall approving $24,000 for new uniforms for 311 call center employees amid recent police and fire department cuts? email us your response to watercooler@wbaltv.com. >> still ahead, the bloomberg business report. >> and where the guantanamo bay detainees may be relocated. >> the latest travel trend that airports hope will keep flying. >> big changes temperature rise. maybe some snow this weekend. >> we will talk about your morning commute. we are dealing with the blaze on the harrisburg expressway. the harrisburg expressway. but my allergies put me in a fog. so now, i'm claritin clear! claritin works great on all my alrgies like dust, mold, pollen, or pets without making me drowsy, cause i want to be alert around this big guy. live claritin clear. indoors and out. >> welcome back. the little bit of fog to contend with on this tuesday morning. the careful out there. and my -- mild day. a big temperature jump across this boundary. we should make it around 55 degrees this afternoon. across the upper midwest, many temperatures are below zero. that is not the wind chill of this is the air mass, and toward the the city by the middle and end of the week. temperatures are very pleasant for this time of year. we will have a mixture of clouds and sunshine today. most of you will have a dry weather. but the skies will clear behind the front. tomorrow, high-pressure well take effect. the lake effect snow machines will be turned on. it will be breezy and chilly. i temperatures in the 30's. thursday and friday we will have temperatures overnight in the teens and 20's. a chance of snow on saturday and into sunday morning. some computer models showing a mess while others show a direct hit. -- miss while others show a direct hit. >> several accidents to run down for you. the harrisburg expressway, in right lane closure due to a crash. fire department activity blocking the right lane in another area. the accident at reisterstown and papers mill is now cleared. and 12 minute ride on the west side of a loop. 11 minutes on the east side. the 95 in the white marsh area is picking up in volume. here is a live view of traffic on the west side. over to you. >> the former spokesman for president george w. bush is saying too much is being made out of emails from his administration turning up after being lost. it will be years before the emails can be made public. in moscow through the archive process. a high-security prison in illinois could become the site for some guantanamo bay trainees. the obama administration is expected to announce its plans to announce thomas correctional center as the place to help shut down guantanamo bay. president obama whatever suspects on american soil so they can be charged for their crimes. a congressman s in the hospital this morning suffering from of donald payne. -- medical paiabdominal pain. airports want their employees nicer. they're sending them to somewhat of a charm school. the half a dozen large airports aren't trying to train employees on customer service charm. they are learning to be resourceful in finding solutions. the number of new small cars reporting to some of the show's next year may produce some problems. we have our bloomberg business report. >> investors will be digesting a few economic reports today. industry is probably boosted production for the fifth consecutive month last month. ford is increasing assembly lines. also present club last month. policymakers are kicking off a meeting in washington today. an employment remains near a 26- year high. they want to keep lending rates low for an extended period. and congress is trying to determine the powers of the better reserve. stocks rose hitting 14 months highest as abu dhabi and mails out dubai. [unintelligible] at the new york stock exchange, i am reporting for wbal-tv. >> another check on weather and traffic straight ahead. >> we are spreading the word of thabout mini-strokes. >> do not forget to enter the water cooler question of the day. what do you think about city hall approving $24,000 for new uniforms for 311 call center employees amid recent police and fire department cuts? email us your response to watercooler@wbaltv.com. i work for a global leader that is guided by integrity. and powered by innovation. that sees my experience as invaluable. i work for a global leader that's making a difference in the world. that challenges and empowers me. i work for lockheed martin. multiple voices lockheed martin. when you join one of the world's leading technology employers, you will discover everything is possible. >> things are backing up pretty heavily. an accident is taking up a couple of right lanes. eastbound pulaski highway, some delays as well due to fire activity. a crash cleanup in the area of curtis bay. a delayed developing some form a wide mashed which white marsh down to the beltway on 95. that as the latest period a year is a check on the forecast. >> good morning. -- that is the latest. now for a check on the forecast. >> good morning. a high temperature around 55 degrees. that is 10 degrees above normal. most of you will have dry weather today. over to the news desk. >> thanks. fewer user using methamphetamines. -- youth are using methamphetamines. one in three high school seniors of be amended -- it is committed to of using marijuana. andy adhd -- and the adhd drug adorol is on the rise been used more as a comment of high. -- cognitive high. >> almost a couple of years ago, this woman woke up with a severe headache. it is unusual for her because she almost never gets them. >> he fix breakfast. i said this is good but i could use more eggs. he said you have eggs on your plate. i could not see them. >> she was having a warning stroke mini-stroke. her husband drove her to the hospital right away. >> he took me to the hospital. >> but a surgeon says many people do not realize they are having a warning stroke. >> time is of the essence. the sooner you can get to the hospital, the better the outcome will likely be. this shows some clot breaking off and going up. this area of the brain is being effected by it. >> recognizing signs is key and should not be ignored even if the symptoms go away. the numbness, and explained severe headaches, confusion or difficulty speaking, dizziness or trouble seeing -- they are all signs. to know if you are at risk for a stroke. >> hypertension, high cholesterol, with previous cardiovascular problems, smoking -- those for all risk factors. >> if you are at risk, there are things you can do. keep your blood pressure under control. take medication to lower your cholesterol and eat a healthy diet. >> i am very lucky. there is something the lord pass me here to do. i do not know what it is. >> there is much more to come in the next half hour of 11 news today. >> prosecutors and police are working on a new plan to reduce the murder rate. the tells our necks. -- the details are next. >> a couple of lanes are closed southbound on the air rosburg expressway. we will check on other problems as well -- harrisburg expressway. we will check and other problems as well. as well. >> good morning. >> we have a quick look at the forecast. >> some fog to contend with. we are watching a cold front coming into western maryland. the 30% chance we did run into doltish hours today. a big change in temperatures. it will be colder by the end of the week. the seven day forecast in a few minutes. but >> baltimore police are implementing a new crime fighting strategy. >> a reporter joins us live with the city's new plans to combat crime. >> the state's attorney's office says it is using a new strategy to make sure fewer criminals have a chance to become repeat offenders. in northeast baltimore family was torn apart in a flurry of the violence saturday morning. the man was shot to death. it was during a home invasion. >> somebody took my son from me. >> more than 200 families are grieving loved ones. the rate for murder has increased from last year. last year it was a 20-year low for baltimore city. officials say antigun initiatives are making headway against the violence. >> it is very clear that our energies have to be placed on getting bad guys and women with guns off the street. >> prosecutors say of regular meetings revealed that many armed robberies lead to murders. prosecutors are working with officers to make sure that robberies are prosecuted with the teller. -- a detail. they are increasing jail time. >> we have worked very hard to develop this of this protocol for prosecuting these robbery cases. >> that includes a chilling victims total blindness right after the robberies -- showing of victims photos and lineups right after the robberies. by working together, prosecutors feel they have a real chance to make a difference. wbal-tv. >> thank you. federal funds are headed to one area in maryland. the governor announced the state crime lab will receive a total of $1.2 million in stimulus funds. montgomery county will receive two under $75,000. the baltimore city police the -- to zero hundred $75,000. -- $275,000. the baltimore city police department is expected to receive $375,000. >> and mta employee has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from fare boxes. he is accused of stealing the money between january 2007 and march 2008. he used a portable electronic keys to gain access to the cash. >> community colleges will share a new center that will help meet a rise in demand for health care workers. the developer but few has proposed a slots parlor is bidding to find another business venture. who others have also put in bids. >> it is all about jobs in harford county. they will spend money for buildings that will house some jobs that will be created in harford county by the fall of 2011 as brac begins construction. >> it to be around $85,000 a year. these are high-paying, high-tech jobs. >> the good news does not stop there. a transfer of 400 employees will begin from new jersey. then you have your entry-level positions. >> they will have high-paying jobs. >> they will average $85,000 a year. some will be more and less. these are high-paying, high-tech jobs. >> we have a great learning institutions for our entire region. >> a unique agreement was entered into. >> we are building the building on a speculative basis. " the military infusion is dropping the commercial real- estate market. wh>> much of the country is not experiencing the growth that we are. >> while home sales are still down a little bit from last quarter, the prices have gone up a little bit. we expect to see positive gains in both of those numbers. >> triple and a change -- [unintelligible] request not predict on the care rosburg expressway. -- >> not a pretty picture on the hairsbreadth expressway. -- harrisburg express' rights. things are all jammed up. e -- expressway. things are all jammed up. dewpoint here is a live view of traffic. a body shot. -- here is a live view of traffic. a foggy shot. let's get a check on the forecast. >> some thought to contend with. -- fog to contend with. big we will get up to 55 degrees this afternoon. -- we will get up to 55 degrees this afternoon. keep your fingers crossed if you are is no fan because we may have snow this weekend. >> thanks. >> coming up, see a performance that advanced this quartet to the next round of racing in competition. >> senate democrats will be going to the white house today i. what do you think about city hall approving $24,000 for new uniforms for 311 call center employees amid recent police and fire department cuts? email us your response to watercooler@wbaltv.com. get great-tasting original recipe... mixed with kentucky grilled chicken... plus a large cole slaw, two large mashed potatoes, and 6 biscuits, all for just $19.99. unthink. and taste the unbeatable side of kfc. >> ariusbobray rice was joined y other ravens football players to help give a gift out yesterday. and hundreds of fans joint some teammates at the special spokesperson for the olympics. >> max factor hit a high node on a new show by an nbc. [applause] they performed "da ncingqueen." -- dancing queen." we wish them well. >> they sounded great. still ahead, a look at the morning's headlines. >> big changes are coming temperature rise. the possibility of snow. take a look outside. 46 degrees at the airport . ♪ spread a little love today ♪ ♪ spread a little somethin' to remember ♪ ♪ spread a little joy and see ♪ ♪ need a little happiness to be ♪ ♪ living the life with me ♪ ♪ spread a little joy and see ♪ ♪ need a little happiness to be ♪ ♪ living the life with me... ♪ >> welcome back to 11 news today. the police union is expected to work on their deal. no police officers will be furloughed. the agreement calls for a revised work schedule. if you are thinking about adopting a pet, now may be the best time. the adoption fee is being waived for dogs and cats that are seven months older. city residents only pay $10 licensing fee. sheila dixon announced plans for the new year's eve spectacular. >> christmas as a week away but some aren't getting ready for the annual new year's eve spectacular. this year's party will feature live music leading up to the fireworks display. it is scheduled to begin at the harbor at 7:00 p.m.. >> the city board of estimates has approved $24,000 to pay for uniforms for the 311 call center employees. it would pay for uniforms for about 80 workers. they must wear uniforms to promote professionalism and consistency. that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. what do you think about city hall approving $24,000 for new uniforms for 311 call center employees amid recent police and fire department cuts? >> one person writes just another example of the city's misuse of funds. why do operators needed new uniforms? and >> sandy rights it does not surprise me. >> when everyone is being forced to cut back, why is the government paying for uniforms? the employees should pay for them themselves and put it on their tax return. >> 24 dozen dollars would feed a lot of hungry children in the city. -- $25,000 would feed a lot of hungry children in the city. a compromise on health care reform may be in jeopardy. >> should health-care be on life support? president obama is sending democrats to the white house to push for it. our reporter has the details. >> every democratic gigot is crucial if the president wants health reform passed. he is calling all of them to the white house to keep the pressure on. after making a trip to capitol hill, the president is at it again trying to get democrats to the white house to seal the deal. >> i am confident that by next week, we will be closer to a bill. >> cautious optimism was exhibited by the president. they want to allow more uninsured americans from a 55-64 to get into medicare. a compromise was reached last week but trade democrats, but joe lieberman threatened to not support the bill. >> i want to work on some of the things that run the risk of creating federal debt. >> ongoing negotiations continue. >> we have heard a positive concerns for months. the president believes that we aren't doing better. >> 11 may drop -- there are waiting on information from the congressional budget office. wbal tv 11 news. >> we are tracking problems on the harrisburg expressway. down to four m.p.h. of the way back to middletown road. that is a southbound. eastbound pulaski highway dealing with the right lane closure due to fire department activity. here is a live view of traffic this morning. 95 and white marsh backing up. . we will keep you posted. now it chuck and the forecast. -- and now a check on the forecast. >> the cold front we are watching coming from the mountains producing some sprinkles. this will crossed through the area later this afternoon. s will play an effect on our weather situation this week. it is mild outside of the fraud. a real case of arctic air. it is coming our way. some of the air will be sinking down towards us. you will notice a change. we are on the mall side of the front. -- mild side of the front. for december, it is pretty mild. in mixture of clouds and sunshine. 30% chance of rain showers. the skies will clear tonight. during the day tomorrow, the high pressure takes control. plenty of sunshine. we will see dry conditions on wednesday. breezy and cold with temperatures around 40. we will stay in the 30's thursday and friday. the cold air could set up another snow event for us over the weekend. it could be on saturday into sunday morning. >> another check on the big stories this morning. in a crime fighting strategy is being used by the baltimore police department. >> they are working with prosecutors to try to stop murders before they happen. they are employing a new strategy that is trying to make sure that criminals do not have a chance to become a repeat offender. the murder rate is 224. anti-gun initiatives are making headway against the violence. regular meetings reveal that many armed robbers graduate to murder. the city attorney's office is working with officers to make sure that arm robbery cases are pursued with detail so they can reduce the murder rate in 2010. >> time for a look at what is coming up next on the "today show." >> a major recall to tell you about. what anyone with small children needs to know. then prosecutors reveal to what they say happened to kasey anthony. a doctor that is traded tiger woods in the past is now being investigated by the fbi. and tigers wife is a spotted in public without her wedding ring. and the golden globe nominations are being announced this morning. >> just ahead, another look at weather and traffic together. > true. of studentswenis. not becae . edibimportant who servesoswh rve a weo. ne arundel mmuny lle, goesto clege >> we are dealing with an accident on the harrisburg expressway. that the delay for middletown -- the accident is off to the side. it will be a while before things improve. normal delays on the north and west side. >> weather is starting of very nice. >> yes. a 30% chance of rain shower. a high near 55 degrees. a chance for snow over the weekend. >> thanks for joining us for 11 news today. >> be sure to check weather and traffic together on the fives. unthink value with the kfc 12-piece holiday feast. get great-tasting original recipe... mixed with kentucky grilled chicken... plus a large cole slaw, two large mashed potatoes, and 6 biscuits, all for just $19.99. unthink. and taste the unbeatable side of kfc. ♪ now you can get a delicious kgc drumstick and thigh, green beans, mashed potatoes, even gravy... all for 395 calories and just $3.95. unthink. and taste the under 400-calorie side of kfc.