only with your giant card. >> questions arise over the city pension program. >> the fallout continues over the controversial comments from senator harry reid about president obama. >> this is simon's last year on ""american idol"." >> -- "american idol". >> the forecast has some good news. 11 news continues right now. [captioning made possible by constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- good morning. >> thanks for joining us for 11 news today. >> let's get a check on the forecast. >> it has been about three weeks since we have had temperatures above 41 degrees. we will get their later on this week. it will be called again today. -- called again todold again to. it will feel colder this afternoon. staring out with cloud cover, but sunshine breaking through later today. >> fire activity on sheridan. use caution as to travel. otherwise we are doing pretty well. 11 minutes on the outer loop. fort mchenry looks great this morning. and no official delays out of the white marsh area. icy conditions of the bay bridge. there are salting operations there so be careful. >> of a big story is an investigation growing inside of city hall as large concerns over elected officials pensions rise. >> the budget deficit is soaring. some are taking their disapproval straight to city hall. our reporter as the details. >> one of the top issues facing the city council right now is the police and fire pension. the deficit is plummeting below $190 million. it is something the city council will have to address. the new mayor will have to take that under consideration. she spent some time last night assuring everyone that the work of the council will continue during this transition time. police and fire unions are working to come up with a solution. she is taking a closer look at ethics legislation and pensions for elected officials. there is criticism over the pension of a mayor dixon being over $80,000 a year. >> we may have to modify the pensions of the police and fire department officials. you have to look at everything. >> today a protest is being planned for city hall. it is expected to start at 4:30. more than five other people -- 500 people could gather around this area. the bba ltv. >> that brings us to our water cooler -- wbal-tv. >> that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. do you think the city council should re-evaluate its pension program for elected officials. email us your response to wbaltv@watercooler.com. >> stephanie rawlings blake spoke about her new role with our reporter. >> if you had the opportunity to say nothing spending mayor entered into this agreement, which you have done it? >> no. >> is this something you really wanted to do? >> it was very clear to me that matter what the outcome was of this trial that we do not have a decent relationship with the administration. we have to get through that. i am glad that we have a chance to have a new start because of the clean break. >> she says she wants to see changes in the ethics code to eliminate confusion and increase transparency. one of the most controversy over budget saving measures will be on the agenda tomorrow. baltimore city fire station closures are now affecting in nablus. -- are affecting in annapolis. >> we are sort of rolling the dice as to which fire station may be rotated. this is not the best way to make sure that everyone receives an appropriate level of fire protection. >> we are at a critical stage. next year looks worse the next year. welcome others to look at this as well that we have reached the limit. >>a review board may have to watch over decision making. >>police looking for the driver accused of a deadly hit-and-run on the beltway. the man was trying to fix his truck. he was on the shoulder of the beltway. and witnesses say a black honda accord struck him. he went flying 50 feet. the driver took off. the man died at the scene. there is heavy front end damage to the car. and police are trying to find who is responsible for an armed robbery in edgewood. room -- >> the trial for one of the most violent crimes has been postponed. two of the three defendants accused of killing a baltimore city council percent -- the -- it was during a robbery. >> one person is saying he is not irresponsible for the rape and murder of a pregnant woman last summer. he is accused of killing the woman back in july following an argument. prosecutors are seeking a life sentence. on the eastern shore, an a man faces kidnapping, child of the action and burglary charges in connection to the disappearance of a girl who -- whose disappearance has been deemed a homicide. and a carjacking and ammo for years ago -- at a mall four years ago has resurfaced. >> -- they are looking at that incident again. >> president obama chimed in for the first time trying to put the issue to rest begin -- regarding senator harry reid. >> rushing to his defense was president obama himself. >> there was nothing mean- spirited that he had to say. >> he spoke with one person. reitz take on a race and politics -- senator reid's take on race and politics was discussed. >> for him to have used this language in trying to praise me and for people to try to make criticism of of that does not make sense. >> they exercised such a bad judgment from what they have said and what they have done. >> he said he thought americans could embrace a black candidate with light skin in a book. >> [unintelligible] i could have used a better choice of words. >> some of prominent african americans are upset by these words. >> lighter skinned blacks were more acceptable and tolerable because there are closer to their white skin counterparts. some say they wish president >> obama would address that head- on. no sign that will happen. the average person cares more about fixing health care and unemployment than senator reid's comments a couple of years ago. wbal-tv. >> coming up, the financial news in the bloomberg business report. deberg >> -- x a former honda -- a former home run king admits to using steroids. >> we will have some of the dos and don'ts for pregnant women when it comes to what they put on their body. >> a savory breakfast pizza is the recipe of one finalist competing for $1 million along with another from this area. stay tuned before the recipe. >> your morning commute is looking good as well. the significant problems. we >> welcome back to 11 news today. it is 29 degrees at the maryland science center. some catching creations could give some women in a big boost to their bank account. >> they are competing for a $1 million grand prize. sandra schaub introduces us to them and their recipes. -- sandra shaw introduces us to them in their recipes. >> we will start off with the entrees. davis is behind the breakfast pizza. and then we had a triple chocolate cookies for dessert. >> i have been assembling the pieces. i took some of pesto and spread it on top of the pizza. i took 10 slices of cooked bacon, provolone cheese, chpped tomatoes which holds the eggs in place. to finish this, i put the rest of my cheese here, i continue with my border. >> it is delicious. it was so good that it got her into the finals. it is in april. there are several different categories. this is a little system getting through that is not generating any precipitation in our neck of the woods. things are stabilizing but later on this afternoon. coming up, the deluxe chocolate chip cookies. stay tuned for those. >> desert with breakfast. who says you can only have dessert after dinner. >> being up this early put everything in a home in light. >> thanks. many schools are under delay under eastern shore -- in the eastern shore. check with the school system's on our website or look at the bottom of the screen on your tv. 23 in westminster. there weren't some snow showers last night on the eastern shore and elsewhere. -- there were some snow showers last night on the eastern shore and elsewhere. a cold front will go through today. some arctic air to deal with in the short term as the front goes by. the of later -- better news as the week goes on. a mixture of clouds. sunshine this afternoon. breezy and chilly. overnight, it will be cold tonight and clear. temperatures will be in the teens and low 20's. it will be chilly on wednesday. high temperatures near 40. upper 40 to around 50 on thursday and friday. that'll be the first time since last year that we have the temperature jump above the seasonal normal temperature which is around 40. another chance for rain or snow late sunday into monday. let us send it over to sarah now. >> not a whole lot happening. some fire activity in sheridan. things are clearer now. 62 on the j.f.x.. 56 on the west side outer loop. five minute ride from the 95 south to the 895. here is a live view of traffic. we are starting to see sluggish conditions down towards white marsh. watch for icy conditions on the bay bridge. >> the controversial ban on gay marriage in california is a decision that will ultimately go to the supreme court. mark mcgwire finally admitting to steroid use during his historic chase of the home-run record. he used steroids off and on for nearly a decade after the 1989 season mainly to rebound from injuries. he will start a job as hitting coach for the cardinal's next month. the woman who hit and frank from the nazis has died. -- head and franhid anne frank t seize has died. -- from the not sei nazis has d. >> the government wants your car to get better gas mileage. they are investing millions of dollars into products they hope will increase fuel efficiency in cars and trucks. energy secretary announced nine projects selected which are geared towards energy-saving technology and creating new jobs. a few months from now, the train will be operating on high speed on amtrak. high speed internet will be on the train along with upgrades of leather seats and power output. the upgrades should be completed by march. >> when a woman gets pregnant, she knows she has to be careful about what she eats and drinks. she has to be careful about what she puts on her skin. most over-the-counter products are safe when it comes to cosmetics. women come and magna medications like retin-a, those products should be avoided -- acne medications like retin-a, those products should be avoided. >> there are some formulations that are not safe for pregnant women. >> tanning beds, both talks, -- botox and a medication used on the eyelashes are not safe. caregivers can notify police that their loved ones are missing. they can use a mobile locator to find the missing person with a new invention. >> we can shorten the search time which is critical especially for individuals that are high risk and we are able to recover them in one-third of the time. >> to find out how to enroll a book to our web wbaltv.com ssit wbaltv.com. one of the biggest reasons why people watch american idol is jumping ship. we will tell you where and why next. >> do not forget to answer our watercooler question of the day. do you think the city council should re-evaluate its pension program for elected officials. email us your response to wbaltv@watercooler.com. ♪ [ sniffs ] morning. you got in pretty late last night. dad, i'm not sixteen anymore. still, it was late. well... you're not gonna have to worry about that anymore. yeah, why's that? ♪ todd's a lucky man. ♪ the best part of wakin' up... ♪ that's what i told him when we talked last week. ♪ ...is folgers in your cup >> and nice ride around the area if you're heading out anytime soon. no problems to report on 795. [unintelligible] 95 at white marsh is picking up in volume. some delays are forming. here is the bay bridge. we have a icy conditions in both directions. they are doing salting intermittently. over to you. >> things are pretty quiet in the weather did permit. the precipitation. but to our web site to get the latest. the clouds will decrease as the day goes on. it will be breezy and cold. over to the news desk. >> jay leno is set to return to his old times wha slot. conan o'brien will have to come on later or go to another network. >> my people are upset and conan's people are upset. everybody wants to know what my plans are now. all i can say is i will continue to put on a great show night after night while continuing to steal as many office supplies as possible. i leave nbc the same way i found it, a complete disaster. >> his last show will be february 12. simon of "american idol" says this will be his last year appearing on the show. he is producing a new fox show. >> he is the whole show in my opinion. there is much more to come this morning in the next half hour of 11 news today. >> there is some significant concern over the pension program in the city. the details are next. >> one of new york's most eligible bachelors maple themself off the market. -- may pull himself off the market. >> what about some of the lux triple chocolate cookies -- it's definitely expensive having a growing family, and it's something that you think about. we try to be conscious of that and plan out our meals so that we can feed everyone on a budget. ♪ at giant, we know saving money is important. every time you shop with your card, you can enjoy thousands of real deal savings and weekly specials -- like porterhouse steak, only $4.99 a pound, and strawberries, 2 packs for $5. this week only. it makes me feel good because we're saving money and that works for me. only with your giant card. >> good morning. >> thanks for joining us. tony pann has a quick look at the forecast. >> it is still cold right now. the precipitation around us. in the 20's. in nice warmup. quiet weather. >> city pensions are under scrutiny as the budget deficit soars nearly $600 million. >> many are focused on the new mayor -- on mayor dixon pension. >> there are growing concerns about the city's pension program especially regarding mayor dixon's ability to keep her pension of more than $80,000 a year. >> i know that good times are ahead for baltimore. i appreciate the council members that are able to start with me as we are in the process of transition. >> city council president stephanie rawlings blake assuring the council that the work of the city will continue. the police and fire pension issue are at the top of her agenda. the budget deficit is almost $190 million right now. anabelshe is working on a solution. >> the fire and police unions have worked with the greater baltimore committee to come up with solutions that are short- term and long-term. >> in response to growing criticism consider -- concerning the $80,000 pension of former mayor dixon, blake says she will look at the issue. >> everything about the process is awkward. >> 1 chair is leading the process. >> we are talking about having to modify police and fire pensions, people that fight for the city every day, to not look at the elected officials retirement and pension system -- you have to. >> a protest is being planned for later here today. the organizers says he is expecting about 500 people. wbal tv. >> state legislatures gear up for a possible tax increase on beer and wine. it will take on an extra 10 cents per drink. the money will be used to save lives from alcohol abuse and funding treatment for other public health needs. leaders say it is not fair to hit restaurants and bars with an additional tax. >> harford county officials say they are facing $8 million -- millions of dollars of shortfall next year in their budget. last night more than 100 teachers voiced their concerns. the teachers say they are already being cut down to the bone. the teachers even further when to another county and get paid more. >> and many are facing a possible salary cut of 2%. impact on teachers. one. the board will do everything they can to make sure that can happen. >> teachers have their own ideas on how to close the $12 million budget gap starting with streamlining administration and operating costs. becoming more energy efficient is also one of their suggestions. >> we are checking on the morning commute which is running pretty well so far. a delay in approaching the belt and north east from 95. no problems to report on the west side. there are icy conditions on the bay bridge. use extra caution. not having an impact on traffic at the moment for the most part. here is a live view of i 70 where we are picking up in volume. let's check in with the sandra cooking it up in the kitchen. >> $1 million is at stake. we have a couple of finalists from baltimore. one is making a deluxe triple chocolate cookie. this is not a low calorie-. >> now it is not. >> had to come up with the idea? >> my son was 2 years old and loves cookies. >> how do you like your mother's cookies? >> they are really really good. >> the finals are in orlando in april. as she stirs this chocolate concoction, we will look at the seven-day forecast. some moderation in temperatures. today it will be called because a front is coming through. -- cold because a friend is coming through. it will warm up later on in the week. >> cookies and pizza for breakfast. thanks. >> an aerobics instructor is burning of a lot of calories with a record-setting workout. we will show you more. >> more officials are coming to the defense of senate majority leader harry reid over remarks he made a couple of years ago. >> we're still taking your answers to our water will a question of the day. do you think the city council should re-evaluate its pension program for elected officials. email us your response to wbaltv@watercooler.com. >> said he already has five rings. derek jeter may have six. he is now engaged to an actress. they have a wedding date set for november 5. that is after the end of the baseball season. they are expected to get married at a mansion on long island. >> in one -- it may be hard to get an hour or the day. one trainer stayed on stage for a yoga class hoping to break a record. 26 hours of nonstop aerobic activity. there was a celebration after words. the shattered -- the record was shattered by a couple of hours. it's still -- the record is still awaiting confirmation. >> another look at the morning's headlines when we come back. but we are dealing with a new accident on southbound mlk. >> a cold morning but we have better news coming up in the forecast. mostly cloudy skies with no precipitation. weather is next. >> welcome back to 11 news today. police still trying to track down a driver responsible for a deadly hit-and-run on the beltway yesterday. man was fixing his chart -- truck when a man hit him and flung him 50 feet into a ditch. >> the trial for one of the most violent crimes has been postponed. two of the three defendants accused of killing a baltimore city council percent -- the lawyers for the third defendant argued homicide detectives improperly handled the evidence to link their client to the crime. a grand jury has indicted a convicted sex offender linked to the murder of a girl. kidnapping and burglary charges were also assigned to him. >> a new accident on mlk and washington boulevard. watch foreclosures and possible delays in that area. we are seeing volume related slowdowns approaching the beltway northeast which is typical. let us see what is gone on as far as our live cameras. normal delays at white marsh. we are seeing a bit of a slowdown. let's check in with sandra who is cooking it up. i wonder if there is one to be anything left when we come back. >> a couple women are competing for $1 million in a cooking competition. they are finalists. right now we're cooking cookies. they were inspired by your son christopher. you must be a chocolate lover. >> yes, i am. >> they look amazing. reisterstown where she is from. our other finalists made the breakfast pizza. they are competing for $1 million. we have to wait until april to find out if they win. we have a link to the website on our website. the competition is fierce. they will have to create this again within three hours. as far as the forecast goes, a system is trying to come through but not generating a lot of precipitation. things are relatively quiet other than that this morning. >> breakfast pizza and chocolate cookies. let us talk about your weather. things are quiet. some showers came through last night. check our web site or at the bottom of your screen for some school delays on the eastern shore. 29 downtown. some cloud cover but no precipitation. the cloud will stick around this morning. it will break up with sunshine this afternoon. we are waiting for a cold front to come through. some arctic air is on the way. after the cold temperatures, it will get warmer by the end of the week. close to 50 degrees. today, still breezy and cold. tonight, clear skies, cold temperatures. lower end of the 20's near the city and water. sunshine on wednesday but still chilly. we will get warmer on thursday and friday with temperatures close to 50 degrees. that will be the first time since last year we have had the temperature above the seasonal norm. we could see a mixture of rain and snow again on sunday into monday morning. keep an eye on the storm. good news coming up later this week. >> things. >> distracted drivers need to be aware. many are launching campaigns about the dangers of texting while driving. >> more than 1 million crashes occur each year from drivers using their cell phone. the department of transportation is hoping to drive the numbers down. >> some choose unlimited calling in texting. one thing is not included in any calling plan, the common sense not to text or talk while driving. >> this is about the dangers of texting while driving. >> people in america are tired of people thinking they can text while driving. >> there is a new group dedicated to this issue. jennifer smith lost her mother when a cell phone driver hit her at high speeds. >> it is not work -- worth your life. is that phone call so important that it could impact the rest of your life? >> drivers using a cell phone are four times likely to get into a crash. according to new figures, the crashes are much higher for those that tall contrived than those the texting drive. >> 23 times more likely to get in a crash while texting and driving. >> they are looking at if the laws restricting use of phones while driving actually affect behavior. >> thanks. >> time for a last look at our big story this morning. stephanie roland's blake it down to the business of city hall. -- rawlings' blak-blake gets doo businessthe business of city ha. year. she is very concerned about this. reporting live from city hall, jennifer franciotti. wbal tv 11 news. " this brings us to our watercooler question of the day. -- >> that brings us to our watercooler question of the day. >> one person says any elected official should not get access to their pension if they are convicted of a crime while in office. >> there should be no pensions for any elected official if they are depending on this for their retirement -- temporary job for their retirement. >> if they have not done their job effectively are committed crimes while in office, they should not get access to their pension. those that have done their job honestly, they should be rewarded with their pensions. we will post all of the answers on our web site>> i know that good times are -- on our website wbaltv.com. boss: hey, those gecko ringtones you put on our website are wonderful. people love 'em! gecko: yeah, thank you sir. turned out nice. boss: got another one for you. anncr: at geico.com, it's easy to get a free rate quote, manage your policy, make payments or even file a claim! boss: now that's a ringtone. gecko: uh yeah...it's interesting.... certainly not the worst ringtone i've ever heard... ♪ ringtone lyrics: a-ringedy- ding-ding-dingy-dong, ringedy-dong-ding-ding... ♪ gecko (to himself): yeah, that might be the worst. anncr: geico. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance. >> nothing like a savory breakfast pizza and chocolate chip cookies -- we are talking some finalist from the baltimore area for a cooking competition. we wish the best of luck. $1 million is at stake. they compete in april. it is cold out there. start your tuesday of right with pizza and cookies. why not? we will have more later on. >> i am digging that new combination. >> let's take a look at the seven-day forecast. >> we will make it up to 34. we will have sunshine after the cloud. -- clouds. >> i wish i had better news on the roads. an accident coming in at washington boulevard and mlk. inner loop east side. elkdrridge with a possible pedestrian struck. watch out for those areas. >> thanks for joining us for 11 news today. >> we are back with a live update at 7:25. traffic and weather together on the five. -- fives. . announcer: trying to be good to your heart? so is campbell's healthy request soup. low in fat and cholesterol, heart healthy levels of sodium, and taste you'll love. chef: we're all kind of excited about it. guy: mmm! i can see why. announcer: campbell's healthy request. m'm! m'm! good! for your heart.