>> the 2012 general assembly session begins and there's a lot on tap. >> mitt romney celebrates his and makes history in the process. >> what do you think about the content on prime-time television? too racy? that is our water cooler question of the day. >> looks like a roller-coaster ride of weather and temperatures. [captioning made possible by constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- >> live, local, late-breaking, this is wbal-tv 11 news today. >> good morning. i'm mindy basara. >> and i'm stan stovall. thank you for joining us this morning. >> what is the deal for today?

>> it has been a roller- coaster. we've been on the uphill ride of the roller-coaster. now we have to make a way back down. physics. let's get to the weather pattern. we do have some clouds in place. 28 degrees at the airport. the wind is mostly calm. the rain arrives in the afternoon after 1:00 p.m. temperatures will be into the mid 40's. mild air pushes in with that storm. >> good morning. a nice start with one exception. at boston's st., we have some fire activity and is blocking all lanes -- at boston st.

reet. 57 on the north side. moving well on the west side, 52 from 795 down towards 95 in the southwest corner. five minutes on southbound 95 from the 895 split to the fort mchenry. 10 minutes to travel south and 95 from the beltway down towards 32. this is 95 coming down from harford county at mountain road. we switch over to traffic in the area of the harrisburg expressway at york road coming down from the parkton region. no sign of any delay. that is good news. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. >> a baltimore county man is waiting out behind bars, charged with tossed a yorkshire terrier

off of a balcony. gary wallace was arrested after neighbors saw him and tossed the dog off of a balcony. the doc is being treated for life-threatening injuries. he is being charged with animal cruelty and being held on $250,000 baiil. police say william macdonald shot and killed benjamin curtis during an attempted robbery in odenton. this was in 2006. macdonald is serving a 50-year sentence for an unrelated robbery. a routine traffic stop lance a pennsylvania man in a lot of trouble with the law. cocaine was found in his car on saturday. his car had improperly

registered plates. cocaine and a stun gun were found. he was arrested after a brief struggle. >> the results are in and it is two for two for mitt romney as he comes out on top in the new hampshire primary. >> kate amara has more. >> mitt romney won both new hampshire and iowa. >> thank you, new hampshire. tonight we made history! [cheers] >> with a double-digit victory in the first-in-the-nation primary, mitt romney sweeps both new hampshire and iowa and becomes the man to beat for the republican presidential nomination. >> tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we go back to work. >> an energized ron paul -- >> president paul! president paul! >> thank you, thank you.

>> claims the granite state's second-place prize. >> he had a victory, but we have had a victory for the cause of liberty tonight. [cheers] >> jon huntsman is also looking ahead. >> hello, south carolina! >> he staked his candidacy on new hampshire and rode a last- minute surge to a strong third- place finish. >> i'd say third place is a ticket to ride, ladies and gentlemen! [cheers] >> new gingrich and rick santorum finished further back, trailing the leaders but pledging to fight on. >> this campaign is going to go on to south carolina. >> and we can win this race. [cheers] >> they are all moving on to the next match-up, which is south carolina on january 21. kate amara, wbal-tv 11 news. >> legislators are heading back

to annapolis for what is expected to be a busy session of general assembly. jennifer franciotti joins us to explain. >> higher taxes are on the table of this session. the $1.1 billion budget deficit is a top concern. how to shorten the gap will likely mean higher taxes and fee increases. up for discussion, a 15-cent increase in the state gas tax over the next three years. many want the law to mandate that the money collected be only used for transportation projects. table games are also on the table, but there is no consensus on expanding locations. the state is also about $400 million short when it comes to upgrading sewage plants. the governor plans to make another push for wind farms off the coast of ocean city, as well. >> at the end of the day, we are going to maintain our aaa bond rating, we are going to create jobs, and we are going to expand opportunity, and we're not going to do a duck-and- cover, run-and-hide from radical tea party types that think that

taxes are like the plague or the famine. >> a decision is also expected on whether to legally recognize same-sex marriage. one of the first things on tap for today will be the introduction of a legislative redistricting plan. reporting live, jennifer franciotti. >> the top party for the governor will be school construction. the state still construction budget would be more than $370,000 million. the funding will help the economy. >> this will support over 11,000 jobs of people doing important work that you need, that i need, that everyone in our state needs in quality schools. >> lawmakers have approved nearly $2 billion in school construction during the o'malley term.

>> authorities say robert conley richardson iii shot and killed his father and then dumped the body. the teenager confessed to the crime following a brief car chase. >> police are looking for two suspects. no one was hurt and it is not clear if anything was taken. baltimore county police say a string of business burglaries are linked to one man. here's a look at the suspect. authorities say he is targeted office buildings since december 6. he breaks in at night and has even taken food.

these burglaries have been linked to other burglaries back in december on reisterstown road. a woman is in stable condition after she was shot inside her home. the victim was inside her apartment around 6:00 p.m. monday evening when she was grazed by bullets in the back of her head and your shoulder. >> what you hear and see on television makes its way to the supreme court. at issue is the isolated use of an expletive as well as fines against broadcasters that show partial nudity. the regulation was struck out of so-called indecent material. that brings us to our water cooler question of the day. do you think the fcc rules regarding broadcast television are too strict, too lenient, or are they as appropriate as they are?

you can share your response at wbaltv.com and on our facebook page, or send us an e-mail to watercooler@wbaltv.com. >> i can even remember back to 2003. 29 degrees on tv hill. your morning glass of orange juice is about to get more expensive. >> what the protesters are coming back. >> what a family prankster left on the porch of a relative's home. >> temperatures will be warming tomorrow and then a big drop into the weekend. >> volume continues to build around the area. we will check on

>> welcome back to 11 news today. 6:13. we're looking at 20's across the city. we're looking at the storm. a big area of low pressure with thunderstorms from florida into tennessee and kentucky. this is a rain even. the could be some snow moving into the appalachians today.

that is for the cold air is. we have to wait for the cold air on the backside of the storm and that is when we talk about snow. it is smiled downtown. much colder outside the downtown area -- it is mild downtown. if your car is parked outside, there could be a frost on your windshield. you may have to leave a little bit early. we forget because it has been so mild so far this winter. increasing clouds tonight and increasing throughout the day as well. afternoon rain is likely. it could be heavy at times. temperatures will be moving into the mid 40's. they will hold steady throughout the afternoon and evening. they will not be able to drop down very much. we will be in the 40's overnight. showers will be ending plate

with easterly wind -- showers will be ending with easterly wind. the rain becomes heavier towards the afternoon and evening hours and begins to taper off late tonight. that storm system heads out towards the east. we can see the clouds moving in with the latest storm system. the area of low pressure is down into the mississippi river th valley. this will be pushing our way and that will bring a drop in temperatures. we could see some snow showers on friday. even colder into the upcoming weekend. 37 on sunday. we may see some flurries. we will keep you up to date. >> good morning. volume is building. we're getting close to some delays in the usual spots.

we have some fire activity and watch for closures at boston street. no major delays. looking good on the west side, 51 this past 795. problem free on the j.f.x. into town. a quick live look at traffic on 295. we are seeing a good amount of of volume. getting close to some delays. this is traffic on greenspring. inner loop traffic is running without delay towards the j.f.x. we will keep you posted. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. >> occupy wall street processors are back in business. the barricades were taken down early this morning. protesters have begun to fill up the space.

advocates for auto safety will release the ninth annual report on each state's performance on adopting a basic safety laws. it is expected to focus on distracted driving and teenage driving. some admit to having texted while driving. rebecca called 911 saying a man was sitting on her front porch with a shotgun on his lap. it was a mannequin with a phony fire arm. it was the latest in an escalation of practical jokes. police filed criminal charges against the cousin. >> if you do your shopping with a debit card, you might want to

start carrying some cash. many merchants are enacting minimum purchases to pay with those debit cards. fannie mae says michael williams plans to resign as ceo. he was appointed ceo after the government seized the corporation at the height of the financial crisis. the most recent financial report showed a loss of $5 billion. taco bell is looking to go upscale. we have more in the bloomberg business report. >> prices of your morning orange juice may get a boost. orange juice futures soared on the cold weather played in florida. the fda is investigating if

fungicide. brazil is a bigger player as it supplies 25% of all of the juice supply to the u.s. the bloomberg maryland index soaring on a strong session for t. rowe price. smart phones are the wave of the future when it comes to airport check-in. within 10 years, more passengers will fly through terminals paper free with smart phones. your phone could be used everywhere from the duty-free shops to boarding. taco bell -- their president is working on some changes to its menu, including adding things like black beans. that is business at the new york

stock exchange. >> gourmet tacos. 6:19. sarah will catches up to date on delays in south these baltimore. >> the pittsburgh mayor swallows its prihis pride. >> don't forget to e-mail us your response to our water cooler question of the day. do you think the fcc rules regarding broadcast television are too strict, too lenient, or are they as appropriate as they are? you can share your response at wbaltv.com and on our facebook page, or send us an e-mail to watercooler@wbaltv.com. >> here is a look at last night's winning maryland lottery numbers.

>> now traffic pulse 11 and insta-weather plus together. >> good morning. sarah caldwell checking on your morning commute. word of an accident if you travel in jessup along washington boulevard in the southbound direction. watch for closures right near 32. we are hearing it is pretty serious. in terms of traffic in the city, boston street, you may find some delays. a delay on the west side, a 39 miles per hour in the outer loop as you approach liberty. this is 295 in the southbound

direction. moving pretty well. this is a good alternate if you normally takes southbound washington boulevard through jessup. watch for delays at 32. this is traffic at greenspring. problem free at the moment towards the j.f.x. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. >> we do have clouds increasing the head of the next storm. temperatures will be in the low 30's. rain is likely this afternoon. have the kids bring their rain gear and umbrellas. temperatures in the low 40's. it will get even warmer tomorrow. now we have sports with keith mills. >> good morning. the super bowl is in indianapolis next month. the owner of the colts hopes the

ravens go to the super bowl. there was a tweet from the owner of the colts. ray rice bought his offensive line expensive watches the cost five grand a pop. matt birk says thank you very much. >> ray got us a little something, which we probably should be buying him something. he probably makes us look better than we are. but certainly appreciate it. i have never owned a watch before, so i don't know what i'm going to do with it. i'll wear it. yeah, maybe i'll wear it. there you go. that's a good one. -- mattent to harvard

went to harvard. ravens are favorites to beat the texans. the pittsburgh mayor have to pay up for the steelers losing to denver on sunday. he lost a bet with the denver mayor and had to wear a tim tebow jersey. hancock would have had to wear a steelers jersey and waive a terrible towel in pittsburgh. hugh jackman fired in oakland -- jackson after a respectable 8-8 season. maryland and wake forest downed in college park.

>> looks like he has a migraine. >> if we lose the game, i will buy a 10-gallon hat. >> we have to go. 6:27. local businesses are seeing green. >> lawmakers head back to work for the start of the 2012 general assembly session. details are next. >> a special prize for the state's top teacher

>> live, local, late-breaking, this is wbal-tv 11 news today. >> good morning, everybody. welcome back to 11 news today. i'm stan stovall. >> and i'm mindy basara. thank you for joining us this morning. when is the rain getting here? >> it should be arriving for this afternoon. 28 degrees with cloud cover. we will be moving up into the mid 40's this afternoon. increasing clouds and rain especially after 1:00 p.m. and

it could be heavy at times. then the rain should taper off tonight. >> the opening gavel comes down in the 2012 session of the general assembly. >> jennifer franciotti has a preview of some of the top event items. >> today will largely be a day of ceremony. a task force recommends splitting the state into four zones, where some areas are more restricted than others. however, the budget deficit is once again a top concern. the governor and state house leaders are considering plugging the $1.1 billion hole with tax and fee increases. up for discussion, a 15-cent increase in the state gas tax over three years. many want the law to mandate that the money collected be only used for transportation projects. >> at the end of the day, we are going to maintain our aaa bond rating, we are going to create jobs, and we are going to expand opportunity, and we're not going to do a duck-and-

cover, run-and-hide from radical tea party types that think that taxes are like the plague or the famine. >> table games are also on the table, but there's no consensus on expanding locations. >> i don't think we're going to be trying to cite a facility in a county that doesn't want it, number one. number two, you already have people that made an investment in the facility, and when they made their bid, and the understanding of what the marketplace was going to be. >> the state is about $400 million short in upgrading sewage plants. a commission recommends raising the flush fee from $30 to $90 over the next three years. same-sex marriage will also be a hot-button issue this session. reporting live, jennifer franciotti. >> there is a population boom of blue crabs in the chesapeake bay. the number of female crabs has exploded where there are now

three females to everyon one male. the population has rebounded. >> it woman was a risk of losing her home. nearly 100 demonstrators gathered in southwest baltimore to prevent th zere eviction of a widow. she has tried to modify her loan but she was still scheduled for eviction despite a pending appeal. officials did decide to postpone the eviction. >> ravens fans are not the only ones looking for into sunday's playoff match against houston. the game means all the bars and

restaurants in the area. don't forget the houston fans traveling for the big game. >> the fans will lose and they will go away disappointed, but they will have an impact on the hotels and restaurants. >> probably about $20 million in economic impact. >> this is the first time the playoffs have come through baltimore in five years. >> maryland appears to be on track with spending to enter a $50 million in federal race to the top money -- $250 million. the state is well positioned for it second year and beyond. the update is proved maryland is heading in the right direction -- the update is proof.

>> we have set the pace and we're right on target with what we promised to do. >> the biggest challenge could be an effort to develop a teacher evaluation system. >> the newest teacher of the year has been honored with a unique prize -- a brand new car. he was selected from a wide range of teachers from across the state. he was recognized for is a passion for teaching and received a brand new honda civic. >> teaching kids is the most important thing we can do. if you affect one child, you can affect the entire country or world's. . that is my -- >> very inspirational.

he said he did not have a car when he began teaching. congratulations. >> now traffic pulse 11 and insta-weather plus together. >> getting busy on the roads. we start in jessup southbound on washington boulevard. all lanes are closed down to 32 because of a serious accident. westminster, route 27, we have an accident. delays starting to fall into place of the west side outer loop at liberty. we have fire activity at boston street. 44 on southbound 95 and running smoothly down to the fort mchenry. 295 looking pretty good as an alternate at 32. you may want to consider this or 95 as an alternate to route 1 southbound.

volume is picking up on the ramps from southbound 795. we will keep you posted. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. >> good morning. the clouds are building in from the south and west as the next storm system approaches. you can see the rain is back in west virginia and the western part of virginia. the storm is over the mississippi river. we see the cold front back in the planes that will bring colder air by friday into the weekend. rain today into tonight. snow showers on friday. a high of 42. 30's this weekend. we have a chance for flurries for the ravens game on sunday as the texans come to town. >> thank you. 29 degrees on tv hill.

eight little dog with a big heart -- a little dog with a big part. -- heart. >> we are still taking your answers to our water cooler question of the day. do you think the fcc rules regarding broadcast television are too strict, too lenient, or are they appropriate as they are? you can share your response at wbaltv.com and on our facebook page, or send us an e-mail to watercooler@wbaltv.com.

>> hotel made out of ice is trying to give guests a warm welcome. t on a mountain -- it is on a mountain. sleeping bags are provided. the price is around $90 a night. >> may fit into your pocket -- she may fit into your pocket. lucy is the record holder for the tiniest working dog. she brings the days of folks in rest homes in new jersey as a therapy dog. losing has no idea she is so tiny -- lucy has no idea she is

so tiny. she is adorable. >> 28 degrees on tv hill. controversial prison marks a milestone today. >> we will have an update on a couple of accidents. some closures on washington boulevard. >> that storm is coming in from the south. when will the rain arrive? 28 at the airport. 38 at the inner harbor.

>> welcome back to 11 news today.

6:43. firefighters are putting up the remnants of it row home fire in southeast baltimore. the fire broke out about three hours ago. nobody was reported injured. the cause is still under investigation. two people are turned out into the cold after a fire destroyed their glen burnie home. to crews nearly an hour to get that fire under control -- it took crews nearly an hour to get the fire under control. the supreme court is considering how racy your tv can be. but the obama administration against the television networks. fines against broadcasters that showed partial nudity on "nypd blue." >> that brings us to your

answers to our water cooler question of the day. >> this morning we asked -- do you think the fcc rules regarding broadcast television are too strict, too lenient, or are they appropriate as they are? >> we will post more of your answers on the front page of wbaltv.com. after the start of the war in afghanistan, the united states began imprisoning enemy combatants. would report on the controversy that is surrounded guantanamo bay for the past decade. >> today is the 10-year

anniversary of the arrival of the first prisoners at guantanamo bay, cuba. >> it is humane and legal and consistent with the geneva conventions. that will sink in. >> president obama ordered the facility closed in january, 2009. >> guantanamo will be closed no later than one year from now. >> debate continues over the existence of the present and its policies. some predict it may stay in business for awhile. lawmakers cut off funding that could bring prisoners to the united states for trial. 779 prisoners have passed through guantanamo. there are currently 171

detainee's being held there. some former inmates say their time there is a direct memory. >> this is an anniversary of torment and of families being ripped apart, a dark page in the modern history. >> he has formed an organization for former detainees. a bill was signed into law that will broaden the military's power over terrorist detainees and would require guarantees before prisoners can be sent home. among detainee's marked for transfer arch well taliban detainee's that may be transferred to afghan custody as part aof a bid.

>> now traffic pulse 11 and insta-weather plus together. >> a lot going on on the roads. we are tracking several batches. southbound on washington boulevard in jessup. the closure in effect because of a serious accident. we have an accident involving a deer southbound on the j.f.x. be extra careful. route 27 in westminster, we have an accident wrapping up. we have some delays on the outer loop. 41 on southbound 95 coming out of the northeast. northbound 95 just past the perryville toll plaza, watch for an accident and possible delays. southbound 95 looks good out of cecil county.

use 295 as your alternate to southbound washington boulevard. this is old court road. a backup developing in the outer loop and continues down the west side to edmondson. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. >> good morning. the leading age of the clouds moving in with our next storm system. cutting into baltimore county and carroll county. we have some clouds along the eastern shore. these clouds will continue to thicken and the rain will be heading our way. right now the rain is back in west virginia and georgia. low pressure over tennessee. it this will bring us mostly rain. the next call from is back in the plains and heading back into nebraska. we have some chilly arctic air.

we will see a drop in the temperatures. temperatures right now are chilly but still above normal. 38 at the inner harbor. 29 in hagerstown. futurecast shows the clouds are increasing throughout the morning. rain holds off on seoul 1:00 p.m. and becomes more heavy for the afternoon and evening hours. we will see some showers leftover on thursday morning. we have a brief break of dry weather on thursday. temperatures in the mid 40's through the afternoon. we will see a drop in the temperatures. showers ending late in the night. that cold front passes by late thursday into friday. temperatures will drop down. snow showers are possible.

a clipper moves in on sunday. possibly some snow for the ravens game. not a big snow event. it will be cold for that game. >> it is time for lawmakers to reassemble for the start of the 2012 legislative session. jennifer franciotti is live with a look ahead. >> the $1.1 billion budget deficit is a top concern. how to shorten the gap will likely mean higher taxes and fee increases. up for discussion, a 15-cent increase in the state gas tax over the next three years. many want the law to mandate that the money collected be only used for transportation projects. table games are also on the table, but there is no consensus on expanding locations. the state is also about $400 million short when it comes to upgrading sewage plants. the governor plans to make

another push for wind farms off the coast of ocean city. a decision is also expected on whether to legally recognize same-sex marriage. one of the first things on tap for today will be the introduction of a legislative redistricting plan. back to you. >> here is ann curry with a look at what is coming up next on the "today" show. >> good morning. mitt romney pulls off a decisive victory in the new hampshire primary with ron paul coming in second. does this mean his nomination is a foregone conclusion? he will join us for an interview. a surprising late-night arrest in the murder of a florida doctor and his wife. healthier alternatives to your favorite breakfast cereals that are loaded with calories and sugars. more of the interview with ricky

gervais. he opens up about his childhood and what he says about people who are offended by his jokes as we get started on wednesday morning. >> 6:53. 28 degrees on tv hill. >> coming up, we'll take a last look at weather and traffic before you head out to start

>> what is the latest on washington boulevard? >> it is shutdown in the southbound direction because of an accident. police continue to clear it.

295 might be a better bet. word of an accident in the outer loop approaching security. down to 21 miles per hour southbound 795. the j.f.x., watch for an accident. route 27, we have a crash. some delays on 95 and northbound 95 just past perryville. a lot going on. this is the j.f.x., southbound traffic. you can see the flashing lights in the outer loop approaching security. the accident is taking up the left shoulder and perhaps the left lane. >> below freezing in many areas. >> that storm is on the way. rain after 1:00 p.m.

warmer to mark, 57. call their -- warmer for tomorrow. cold air moves in on friday. >> if you're looking for more weather and traffic together, be sure to join us this morning for 11 news at 7:00 a.m. on wbal plus. >> there you'll find more local news as well as up-to-date traffic and weather information. you can find it on comcast channel 208, verizon fios 460, and 11-2. >> thanks for joining us for 11 news today. >> we will be back with a live update at 7:25. >> have a great day.