called their first witness. after almost 50 witnesses were called to the stand, the commonwealth rested its case wednesday afternoon. most of the day's testimony centered around former teammates and roommates of huguely as well as several women he send text messages to when he was drunk before glove was found dead. one of his teammates who was a pall bearer at the funeral told the court that hours before she was found dead, huguely returned to the apartment drunk and seem strange. he asked what was wrong several times and all he got back with a blank stare with no answer. there was an awkward exchange between a former teammate who seem to forget a lot of details from that night. the commonwealth showed a report that he gave to police and asked if it jog his memory and he said it did not. with the commonwealth resting, many wonder how the defense will

handle its witnesses over the next several days. we asked a criminal law expert what we could expect. >> what they will be talking about mostly is expert staff, cause of death analysis and the kinds of things they have spent the last couple of days cross- examining about. >> the defense made a motion to drop all the charges except grand larceny. that motion was denied after a brief argument. the first witness was a toxicologist who testified that even though her blood alcohol content level was 0.14% at the time of her death, it was likely 0.16 at the -- at the time before. he testified he so -- saw no evidence seeing part slowdown. >> he said that she must be alive today. the judge immediately called for

a recess and court later resumed without incident. testimony continues at this hour with a neural pathologist specialist taking the stand for the defense, giving his opinion on how he feels love died. more on that tonight at 6:00. >> thank you. his reports and photographs are on line in an expense -- in a special extended coverage section of wbaltv.com. click on huguely trial at the top of the home page. >> falling breaking news right now out of baltimore city -- several students arrested during a school fight. captain roy taylor joins us from over the scene. >> the northeast district has been working on this for over half an hour. all the way up to bellaire and chesterfield, students have been fighting.

police have been trying to break it up, but they just will not leave. they even called in for assistance from other districts to help get these kids out of fear. medical units have been requested for some students that have been hurt. there have been several arrests, a city police are still trying to deal with this situation here in the northeast district. >> thank you. we are falling breaking news right now out of baltimore county where we are told a person has been struck by car along stevenson lane. police say it happened right around 4:00 this afternoon. they are not confirming any information on the victim's identity or condition. >> another developing story -- police are investigating a deadly accident at an automated parking garage. a garage attendant was killed when one of the automatic car elevators fell, causing him to fall from the fourth floor to

the second floor. this happened around 11:00 a.m. on monday on washington avenue. the first responders found one of the elevators flipped upside down. bartholomew was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. the parking grosz was touted as a state-of-the-art facility of parked cars automatically. the man who shot a beauty shop owner and head execution-style could be in prison for the rest of his life. he was convicted of attempted first-degree murder and other charges. he walked into the salon, took the owner's money from her purse and then took her into the back of the business and shot her in the head four times. remarkably, she survived and served as a key witness in the case. >> the baltimore grand prix is your to stay for the next five years. city officials signed a contract with a promoter that will keep the event in town.

the agreement includes a plan to help the city make money. we've got the details from downtown baltimore. >> the new contract is a partnership of two baltimore- based entrepreneurs and a construction executive from indianapolis with extensive motoring experience. they're hopingo revive the defunct baltimore grand prix. the inaugural baltimore grand prix took over on labor day weekend last year. but the promoters still owes $1.5 million to the city as well as money to vendors. the city severed ties with them but announced a new five-year contract with a new promoter to bring the grand prix back. >> $47 million of economic impact. we get the opportunity to showcase our city in a positive way all the world and it's hard to put a dollar figure on that. it's in the best interest for our local economy and for the

city that we move forward but move forward without risk to taxpayers. >> the price of every ticket will include an amusement tax, a ticket surcharge, and community impact fees, money that goes into the city. the new owners agreed to comply with the executive order, many 25 percent of contracts go to baltimore-based business and 35% of the workers come from baltimore. the city has the right to audit records anytime and promoter agrees to work with vendors from the 2011 race. >> they reserve the right to make sound business decisions, but they understand what they're walking into with respect to the vendors. >> many restaurant and vendors just outside the immediate track area did not get a boost in revenue. there are things that can be changed to make sure visitors get out and about the city.

>> one way is to increase the number of skywalks in and out of the race. but also minimize the events that occur after the race. there should be no concert for the things like that after the race. at 6:00, everyone should get out and enjoy the rest of the city. >> the final contract will be presented to the board estimates next wednesday. the mayor says the state comptroller is going off the tax money the city has yet to receive from last year's grand prix. >> thank you very much. a major restructuring effort could mean lights out for good in one of baltimore city's well known high-schools. south side now houses 270 students. the zip -- they're looking into dropping middle school programs with overcrowding issues. school officials will meet with the communities affected this afternoon.

>> midway through the month of february and still no real cold air. temperatures above normal this afternoon from ocean city to oakland. temperatures are a few degrees above normal. you can see the mild temperatures all the way to the upstate new york. 60 degrees in richmond. although it is dry now, there is rained sneaking in and it looks like wet weather on the way later tonight and tomorrow. you can see that big area of precipitation with temperatures in the thirties around baltimore. tonight, increasing cloudiness and blows between 33 and 40 degrees. more details coming up in just a

bit. >> we are going back to the breaking news on bellaire road where the fight have been breaking out. >> city police are having a heck of a time with the police. it that kids are taunting police and we see officers that have been insulted. they had calls from other districts to get the kids out but as soon as they moved up to one point, they end up going somewhere else. as soon as we get more information, we will not update you. >> thank you very much. the state house may come up with a vote tomorrow to decide whether to recommend as senator kerry face discipline action for failing to report his paid agreement with shoppers food

warehouse. >> the joint ethics committee met for 90 minutes today to go over the final report for accuracy. they will meet again this evening before setting the recommendations before the senate. >> seemingly ignored by his colleagues, the senator sits and waits. he seated next to the chairman of the committee deciding whether or not he should be disciplined. the senate president said the decision could be made public soon. >> my understanding is they reached a decision by they had not made a final report. >> a jury found him not guilty of bribery. he was accused of doing legislative favors for shoppers food warehouse and exchange for $240,000. he did not report on his annual disclosure forms in violation of

state ethics laws. the joint committee made up of six senators and six delegates has been meeting to determine whether he should face disciplinary action. just last week, he went before the committee behind closed doors for some four and a half hours and then left. >> you were in there for a long time. what did they want to know? >> i cannot comment. >> is there any little room for a negotiated deal? >> the senate president says the joint committee is in the process of putting recommendations in writing. >> if they have adopted a report, i will send it to members offices and asked the senate to take it up tomorrow. >> those recommendations could run from no punishment whatsoever to sanctions like a reprimand, center, or expulsion.

>> thank you. it looks like the uss comfort is leaving baltimore for good. >> no gas last night means it was a cold night and cold day was a cold night and cold day

>> might wife was arrested and put in jail because she broke a 275-year-old law in maryland. the city of baltimore owes my wife and apology. >> is one of the most popular stories tonight on line -- an interracial couple and the injustice they entered more than 50 years ago because of an antiquated law are now seeking an apology. we told you last night at 11:00 about a couple -- she was arrested after giving birth to a child fathered by her husband, who is african-american. she spent a night in jail, but the son spent two years in an orphanage. we have made calls to the governor's office for a response about the apology to find out if there are plans to make one.

we are told the governor's office is researching the matter. you can look at photos and hear more of the story at wbaltv.com. fire crews are investigating a fire that happened at about 4:00 this morning. we are told crews were able to get the fire under control quickly. no injuries reported at this hour and no word on the damage caused to the building. >> it's a story we have been monitoring since last night. a repair job gone wrong leaving 900 people without gas service. let's go live to southwest baltimore for an update. >> i'm at the command center, and this is a big job. the first part of the job has been completed. the gas line has been completed.

the whole industry has been covered up this afternoon. all of 900 customers, there gas has to be turned off. after that, the gas line with all of the water and debris has to be purged. it all has to be pumped out. >> i can't wait till they finish because it's cold. >> for approximately 900 businesses and residences, it has been cold. they gas has been off since yesterday afternoon. >> i don't have any hot water. i had to microwave five boards -- five bowls of water to give my daughter back. >> what are you doing to stay warm? >> sitting here in the sun. it is warmer here that in the house. >> he had to buy electric heaters to keep his house warm. >> do you have any heat? >> no, sir. >> what are you doing to stay

warm? >> we had to bring out the old leaders. >> all morning, crews were going to remaining homes that needed their gas turned off. >> we have to make sure everything is safe before we activate any services. >> it's all about safety? >> safety first. >> we have been able to access 650 homes that shut off gas to their meters. we're in the process of shutting off others today. >> if there is good news, there is the yellow piper -- a gas line damaged yesterday. it has been repaired and replaced, but lots of work still to be done before the gas can be turned back on. >> once we get everybody shut down and get some cameras and the main, we will see what's inside. >> the big question is when will

the customers and people who live here start getting the gas back? if everything goes as planned, some may start getting their gas back tomorrow afternoon. >> at least it is a warmer than normal february. it is not balmy but we are not as cold as it could be. if you look at the all back, the record low was 6 degrees. we have not even been below freezing today. 36 is the official lows so far. an afternoon high of 54 -- way above the normal, the record high as a warm one. 77 back in 1949. temperatures in the 40's and '50's all across the viewing area. a little chilly out here but in

february, you expect fairly cold stuff in western maryland. a little bit of cloud cover moving through at times, another batch of clouds approaching from the west. with that and the mild temperatures that are already here, it should remain relatively mild. the winds will become calmer overnight. these clouds associated with an area of low pressure likely to bring us rain. there is no cold there in that eastern united states right now. in augusta, maine, 39 degrees. this system comes through was just rain and severe thunderstorms and a spring-like air from dallas to new orleans. a storm here in nevada is one to watch for the weekend. the potential is cold air will be slipping south and east and

it may be catching up with the storm. right now, just outside chance of wintry weather saturday night into sunday morning. we will have to see if any colder can work its way in. we will have to worry about what weather in cincinnati. we will see rain tomorrow, off and on throughout the day and showery weather and and it clears out and friday features sunny skies. as the wet weather is departing, the wind behind it will be brisk. even though it will be a sunny and mild friday, it will be on the windy side. you will see the high end thin clouds in advance of the next system approaching with the potential of winter weather trying to move in. cloudy skies with showers likely tomorrow. highs of 45 degrees.

sunrise at 6:58. a small craft advisory with winds gusting up to 20 knots. in western maryland, a little snow and and is trained in the afternoon. eastern shore locations should be wet, but a 60% chance that anyone gets hit with rain. the mild weather continues on the eastern shore. wet weather tomorrow and clear and breezy on friday. on president's day, sunny and breezy with a high of 45. >> thank you very much. it a quick shower out to the students to have me over for the black history month. some hidden health hazards may be flowing from your faucets. >> and filtering your refrigerator may not be all it's cracked up to be. a new study looks at the best

filters to keep on what did chemicals out of your drinking water. >> it looks like the uss comfort

>> the maker of the eight top- selling cancer drug and the fda are trying to track down counterfeit files of the drug that have been distributed in the u.s.. the fake drug which is apparently imported does not contain the active agreement. it does not have the maker's name printed on its package. a cancer drug shortages impacting patients all across the country. the drug that treats lymphoblastic leukemia is running out. one of the nation's largest suppliers suspended operations.

the food and drug administration and others are urging companies to increase the production of the drug but no one can force them to. >> those water filters in your fridge may not be all they are tapped up to be. not all of the chemicals flowing are on the government watch list. good housekeeping check how filters fend off chemicals. pitcher filters work to some degree. as for the most popular, the beretta filter removed about 60% of contaminants and was less effective as they got older. if you would like to see the whole report, go to our web site, wbaltv.com. >> whitney houston's doctors are being ordered to face a judge as the corner investigates her

death. we're learning more about the funeral plans. >> 5, 4, 3 -- a cinderella story -- how this harvard grad it made his way from the bench to the court and is running the show for the next. >> local politicians have concerns about teacher pensions and who should pay forld

>> we begin with breaking news out of baltimore city where police are trying to control a large fight involving it bought a bunch of kids. >> this is bel air road at irvin ave. baltimore city police has a strong presence at the location. they're finally starting to get things calmed down and get the kids out. this had been going on for about an hour. we know there have been several arrests made and we have seen as many as two patty wagons loaded up with suspects that were arrested. we have seen medical units respond to treat those who were injured in the fight. we do not know exactly what was

going on, but as we get more information, we will update you. >> which is thank you. it is a slogan they point to get the attention of state lawmakers to strike down the teacher pension proposal. they say by passing the buck, it could cost almost a quarter billion dollars. our education reporter is live in the newsroom with more. >> the maryland association of counties is leading the charge to challenge the controversial teacher pension proposal. >> the shift is unacceptable. >> local politicians say if they're forced to pick up the tab, there would be limited not only what they could spend on schools but the rest of government. they showed up in annapolis to try to help them see the big picture.

>> this is a potentially devastating burden on local governments. people need to know that is how their trash get picked up, firefighters and libraries. >> is going to impact all of county government and we are here to say we cannot take the shift. >> baltimore city leaders say they are in the worst shape to do this by paying 40 to pensions. >> there are not any alternative plans or talk of wealth equalization, the same way the other funds are disbursed. >> there are concerns that politicians say should remain in annapolis. >> we do not control the pension system or run it. we do not have a say in it and i don't think we should be involved. >> the plan is on a table at a time when maryland schools were ranked as best in the nation.

some local leaders say they fear taking on teacher pensions would force them to raise taxes. all 24 maryland teachers of the year made the rounds in annapolis. they were special guests as part of their visit to the capital, recognized by both chambers of the general assembly. they discussed at a new evaluation system where groups are evaluated based on student performances. the final measure is expected to go statewide through the 2013- 2014 school year. >> thank you. here is a look at some of our other top stories -- the prosecution has rested its case against george huguely, the lacrosse player accused of killing yeardley love.

the jury heard about his demeanor of leading up to that night. the defense presented its evidence this afternoon. the grand prix seems here to stay in baltimore for the next five years or so. officials confirmed they signed a contract that includes a plan to help the city make more money by agreeing 25% of the work goes to baltimore businesses. tickets include an amusement tax and a community impact fee. the promoter will try to work with vendors from the 2011 race. >> the u.s.s. comfort will soon leave baltimore for dead. the ship is being relocated to virginia to save more than $2 million a year. we've got more on the local impact. >> the navy says it will not only save millions of dollars, but make military access to facilities more available. >> we would rather not lose the

comfort, but we have a tough economic argument to make when the private birth charges the navy to million here. we haveleft and it is in such high demand. >> that means that a navy hospital ship that has called baltimore home for nearly 25 years may leave its berth for good. its primary mission is to provide medical care to troops in combat but they spend most of their time on humanitarian missions in the u.s. and across the globe, like in 2010 when the hospital ship treated hundreds of survivors of the earthquake in haiti. >> it has certainly been a benefit to the local economy. i am optimistic we can continue to pursue other opportunities. >> opportunities for the port of baltimore which has seen a boom

in business. they hope the maryland congressional delegation can keep the ship here but they are optimistic about the future of the shipping industry. >> the economic benefit is very strong. but you don't want to lose any piece of business. >> next week, we launch a new container line that will start doing containers through the port of baltimore, which will be the addition of another 400 jobs. >> it looks like the navy could move the ship as soon as march of that year. >> have a severely overcrowded honduran prison is destroyed by fast-moving flames, killing hundreds of people. >> on the eve of sentencing, eight top 82 bob ehrlich says eight top 82 bob ehrlich says there

>> covering the world tonight -- officials confirm one of the deadliest prison fires and a century was started by an inmate. flames tore through the overcrowded facility in honduras. survivors said they heard an unidentified man screaming as they -- as he torched his batting. guards thought they had a riot on their hands. >> we did not know what to do. the only thing we could do was break the roof apart so we could get out from above. >> officials have little control over conditions inside the prison where inmates have unfettered access to mobile phones and other contraband. it could take as long as three months to identify the victims. >> iran is claiming two major steps forward. the president said iran has

installed 300 new centrifuges that were advanced and they have enrichment facilities in central iran. iran also announced they developed their own nuclear fuel rods for medical isotopes. >> remember chia pets? the ravens running back is hopping on the latest craze -- loaded with protein, they grow from the famous little plants. he reportedly swears by the popular super food. >> you can add it into yogurt or soup or putting. >> i love them. i put them in my a seeds -- it's very easy to digest and as high in fiber and can help you feel awful are longer. >> you may be on a do not call

list, but stiffer regulations need to be put in place when it comes to automated text messages. >> how you can prevent future calls but, i had a. >> whitney houston's doctors are under the

>> here is a look at what we are working on for 6:00 -- the prosecution has rested its case in that george huguely trial. we will have a look at the defense's case. at 6:00 -- why a former aide to bob ehrlich is requesting a new trial. those stories and

>> after months of bickering, a bipartisan deal on capitol to extend the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits. republicans back off the demand for spending cuts. we've got more from washington. >> if the payroll tax deal holds on capitol hill, it is a win for president obama and the middle- class. >> this means the typical american family will see an extra $40 in every paycheck this year. that is going to help speed up the recovery. >> republican leaders tried to spin the deal as their win. >> were not going to allow the democrats to continue to play political games and raise taxes on working americans. >> but the president was

celebrating more good economic news -- the bump in u.s. manufacturing, is rising popularity forced gop lawmakers to back down. >> republicans sought in december when they held out for spending cuts and resisted the payroll tax extension, they were pounded for blocking a tax cut for every american. >> the deal would keep tax rates at 4.2%. with no spending cuts like republicans demanded and no tax hikes on the rich democrats demanded. it adds $100 billion to the deficit. on the issue of extended jobless benefits, unemployment gets cut from 93 weeks to 73 weeks. 63 weeks in the rest. senators who worked without a bipartisan deal on anything major are relieved. >> congress is not enjoying a great opportunity and here's a

chance to show we can get our work done. >> president obama says he will sign it as soon as it passes. republican leaders hope it will be this week, but tea party lawmakers who came to cut spending and deficit say the deal does neither. >> a look at low temperatures across the nation shows a remarkable lack of any cold arctic air. you have to get up to the border to find any cold conditions. 21 degrees in caribou, looks like in rapid city, s.d. -- 15 around denver -- most of the nation above freezing. new york city, 34. 60 in jacksonville.

most of the nation relatively mild. not bad for this time of year. temperatures were quite a bit above normal. 47 in ocean city. cleveland, unusually mild. a little cloud cover early on and i gave us some sunshine during that day. we have enjoyed mostly clear skies, but you can see the next system approaching. that will continue moving toward us tonight. lows above freezing tonight. the sun went down at 5:43. the cloud cover will spread over the region and is likely to produce rain. all mild weather at of this means it is a wet one and not a mild storm coming our way. almost spring-like along the gulf coast.

68 in new orleans. we will keep an eye out for rough thunderstorms, but that is just going to bring us rain. this system near las vegas will get here saturday night. no cold air, but it looks like as the storm makes its way across the country, cold air will push into canada. first, the system coming in across the ohio valley as all rain. heavy showers and thunderstorms down in louisiana. wet weather off and on and that the clearing out with lots of sunshine. wendy on friday. clouds back in for the weekend. off and on the rainshowers. the winds on the bay gusting to 20 knots. that is strong enough for a small craft advisory.

upper '40's and what tomorrow, mild on friday. increasing cloudiness on saturday and saturday night, rain and snow continuing into sunday. it should clear up into monday with highs in the mid-40s. >> as general motors reports a lackluster year in european sales, they are announcing a pension freeze for white collar workers in an effort to hold down expenses. officials say they are moving forward with production and expansion. the secretary of labor look at the plant spring and talked about how they plan to develop new technology for their vehicles. the governor was on hand for the tour and said the key to bringing jobs back to maryland is to build a manufacturing industry. >> that will create a ripple

effect because of the supply chain and contractors and other people who have jobs related to this new product. >> the products include electric motors and drive trains for use in gm vehicles. two years after sweeping changes to the way telemarketers are operated, new rules were put in place to close loopholes. telemarketers will now have to get permission in writing before placing an automated call to consumers. information calls like school information and flight cancellations will be exempt. text messages are subject to stricter rules. officials say consumers can sue companies that violate the rules. >> as officials continue the debt -- continue to investigate the death of would be used, they are expected to subpoena her

doctors. they are looking to see if there are red flags, such as whether a single doctor prescribes an unusually large amount. >> her musical roots were in gospel. a member of one of the most prominent gospel families will deliver the eulogy. marvin wynans is a pastor that presided over her marriage in 1992. the siblings performed with houston. >> when i heard she was gone, i have to set was not surprised. that's how close are families were. >> but she knew not only offer struggles but her face. >> we sang together "i go to the rock. it is that rock of salvation, the faith we have in jesus that sustains us during times like this.

>> in los angeles, a coroner's office has issued subpoenas to houston's doctors and medical providers. this is standard procedure in death investigations. but results for the toxicology tests are weeks away. even with the question unanswered, the white house pause drug czar says her admitted struggles with substance abuse represent a teachable moment. >> when the cdc calls it a public health epidemic, it is clear we have to deal with it. >> it is one source of consolation in a time of grief. >> coming up, more than 24 hours after a water main repair lead to a gas main break, hundreds of people remained without heat. we stood on the scene throughout the day and we've got of latest coming up.

basketball's breakout star will try to keep his captivating winning spree alive. we'll have more on what is

>> we have a story about young pro basketball player who was sleeping on his brother's house -- brothers couches a few weeks ago. >> but then came an opportunity seized upon with phenomenal success and now has chambrays is spreading worldwide.

>> after what he has done and it again on tuesday night, it is his last name and a career that have taken off, hitting an improbable last-second shot, lifting the new york knicks over toronto for a sixth straight win, he sent fans even from his ancestral home in taiwan into a frenzy. >> he brings a lot of excitement to the team. >> the player is followed by fans and it seems to have an abundance of humility. >> how long can this last? >> i don't care how long it lasts, as long as we win. >> he is the first taiwanese american to play in the nba. it's his second year in the pros. his coach says he has probably been overlooked since grade school. >> he just kept plugging away. it's got an opportunity and he

is making the most of it. >> he is born and raised in northern california and as an economics degree from harvard and he was afraid he is going to have to use it. >> can you believe this is happening? >> no. >> but now his is the hottest selling jersey. he finally has a guaranteed contract and is moving into a fancy two-bedroom apartment. better than the couch at his brother's house. before starting what may become a dynasty. >> i love the story. >> that is a fun story. that is all for us at 5:00. >> a top aide to bob ehrlich is set to be sentenced tomorrow. why he now wants to question the boyfriend of a key witness. >> another day without gas for baltimore city residents. a live report coming up.

>> the commonwealth of virginia rests its case in the george huguely murder trial. i will have a live report. >> live, local, late breaking-- this is wbal 11 news at 6:00. >> due to be sentenced tomorrow for election fraud, a former aide to bob ehrlich says a new witness these to be heard. a former aide claims he deserves a new trial. >> he says prosecutors in the case failed to tell the whole story about a key witness. our lead investigator is live in the newsroom with the detail. >> the argument surface that the last minute but could affect the sentencing hearing tomorrow. it is all about a man who contacted the fbi a few weeks ago. >> the top aide in the campaign >> the top aide in the campaign