gary giordano explains his theory on the disappearance of robyn gardner. >> a maryland man speaks out in his own defense. gary giordano says he did not murder robyn gardner. he thinks the frederick native may have been sold into slavery during their aruban vacation. wjz is following the story. mike hellgren has the surprising developments. mike? >> and mary, this was one interview that raised almost as many questions as it answered. in one startling moment, he says he believes human traffickers may have snatched robyn gardner and taken her away to venezuela. >> reporter: in his first interview after being released from an aruban jail, gary giordano refused to answer questions about how she disappeared. >> i'm not going to sit here

and answer questions i've answered repeatedly. >> what does he think happened to her? >> wherever you were, it takes a half hour to drive a boat to venezuela. >> they want to know if you had anything to do -- >> absolutely not. >> reporter: and why did he buy travelers insurance, more than $1 million worth on both of them? in short? for his kids. >> if i go traveling and i disappear, i want them to be covered. i can't unselect robyn. >> he claimed his lawyer at the time made him call the insurer and wanted a third of the money. giordano also reported on the suspicious behavior. including why he tried to flea the airport. he said robyn's mom told him it was okay to go home. but he didn't get far. >> the head detective said, we're arresting you for the murder of robyn gardner. >> reporter: robyn gardner's brother is upset. he said, i feel upset,

depressed and angry. i miss you, i need you, i love you. please come home. >> reporter: there were reports that giordano and gardner were drinking heavily. but he said they were a sober couple, the moment she vanished. coming up new at 6:00, what he said he would do differently if he could. >> reporter: giordano's lawyer said his client will go back to aruba if he is needed in the investigation, and he will not run from authorities. >> today, an anne arundel county father admits admits to slashing the throat of his wife and daughters, but he won't spend any time behind bars. vic is in the newsroom to explain why. >> 50-year-old cesar julio pled guilty to attacking with a box cutter. he said he snapped due to extreme depression and anxiety from pressures at work. his wife sat through today's hearing. but his daughters did not attend.

he was found not criminally responsible. maryland's version of an insanity acquittal. >> he will be treated at a state psychiatric hospital. >> a howard county man is charmed with breaking -- charged with breaking into several churches and a preschool. police believe craig webster is behind a series of burglaries in the past month and a half. detectives say webster stole music instrumentses , credit cards, even electronics from various churches. lapetite academy was also targeted. stir a short time ago, former governor bob ehrlich testifies in the trial of his former campaign manager, who was accused in the robocalls. derek valcourt explains the judge also dismissed one of the charges in the case. >> the judge threw out, saying that the presidencyecutor never

offered that. it's a minor victory. >> i'm not pleased to be here. but it's the right thing to be here. >> former governor bob ehrlich, the last in a parade of character witnesses, called it testify on behalf of his 2010 campaign manager, paul suric, a man he called a good guy, someone he trusted with all of his decisions. and that he intended to suppress the turnout. it suggested there was no need to go vote because dem crams had already been victorious before the polls closed. >> i hired paul. i represented a majority democratic district. and i had a staffer leave at the time. and we formed a -- employer relation at the time. and that evolved into a very close relationship as well. >> another high-profile

politician took the stand early this morning. earlier, first thing in the morning, we heard from lieutenant governor michael steele, who testified on suric's behalf. later in the day, we heard from governor martin mandell. he spoke with wjz. we're live downtown. derek valcourt, wjz eyewitness news. >> derek, thank you. campaign consultant, julius henson goes on trial for similar charges in february. the campaign to set a maryland man free moves in a new direction tonight. alan gross is jailed in cuba. his family said quiet diplomacy has failed, so they're turning up the heat. >> reporter: this marks the arrest and imprisonment. his family is increasing the pressure on the castro family to reunite them. >> and i know that allen must be suffering more than i am. >> allen gross's mother makes an emotional appeal directly to cuban president raul castro. evelyn gross has terminal lung

cancer and is afraid she will die before he is released. >> i get up in the morning. first thing i see in the morning is allen. when i go to bed, it's allen. i can't be without him any longer. it's not fair for him or his family or me. >> reporter: gross is serving a 15-year sentence, accused of smuggling illegal equipment into the country. gross claims he was only trying to help havana's jewish community. this week, they asked the churches of christ to meet with gross. gross has already lost more than 100 pounds. the photos show his changed appearance. we have concern for his health. but he's in good spirits. and we had a good conversation. >> and tonight, members of maryland's congressional delegation are urging lawmakers to do more to free allen gross. they're meeting with members of president obama's staff to see what else the u.s. government can do.

>> december begins with a day of beautiful weather. outside right now, it's clear and calm. you're looking live at mount vernon, where crews are preparing to light up baltimore's washington monument. let's check in now with bob turk, who is updating conditions from first warning weather. >> just a great, great evening. if you're heading out there, take gloves, maybe a hat or something. there's no wind but it will be chilly out there. right now, we're at 48 degrees. oakland, down to 36. 44 in ocean city. 49 over in washington. the dew points, way down. a dry air mass is going to stay with us. it will be chilly tonight. now, if you thought november was warm, take a look at the temperatures. yes, it was. the average high would be 56. this month, it was 62. our average low, 36.5. it was 39. we average 4 degrees, full 4 degrees above normal for the month of november. yes, it was a mild month.

we'll follow the same thing in december. we'll just have to wait and see. tonight's weather is perfect for one of baltimore's biggest holiday traditions. jessica kartalija is live in mount vernon with more on the lighting of the washington monument. it's dark behind you now. yes. there is plenty going on right now. they're doing the finishing touches. all of the festivities begin right around 5:30. just remember, many of the roads in this area are completely blocked off. so you're going to have to park and then walk over here. the actual fireworks display takes place at 7:45. here's what they're doing to get ready. >> reporter: the stage is set for the 40th annual lighting of the washington monument. >> this started out with just a few local neighbors, holding hands around the monument with candles and eggnog and singing carols. and it's become a regional celebration. >> local vendors will serve

food and drinks to thousands, who come to start the holiday season with a bang. >> we have christmas classics from all the way back in the 40s, all the way up to modern twists, with techno-style music. >> reporter: with perfect weather and an even longer fireworks display, it's setting up to be a monumental occasion. >> and it's the kind of thing, where this is people and family, rich and poor, old and young, everybody comes here and kicks off the holidays and feels for the of the community that really is baltimore. >> reporter: and this is one of my favorite nights, my favorite stories to cover because it really kicks off the holiday season here in baltimore. we have been down here so many years when it has just been so chilly and you're chilled to the bone. tonight, it's absolutely beautiful. i have a pair of jeans on and gloves and a scarf and a sweater. it's perfect. and a coat. we should mention, let's not go crazy. of course, you can get soup down here, hot chocolate. and with all of those people,

comfy, cozy, nice and warm. >> jessica, i don't think you said, you have boots on as well, right? >> okay. i have boots on, too. so dress warmly. but it's not as cold as it could be. >> you got it. thanks so much. i know, sometimes, kai, it can be 20 degrees down there. >> and i think the crowds will be really big tonight. because the weather is standable. you know, you're standing there for so long. we will have a good time. it will be great. still ahead on eyewitness news tonight. penn state students have their chance to speak out. the emotional words about jerry san dunky and the new promise from university leaders. . wild weather strikes the west coast. see what happens when hurricane forced winds hit downtown l.a. i'm alex demetrick. and coming up, modern weapons celebrate a war fought 200 years ago. that story as eyewitness news continues. a clear, calm night. bob has more on what to expect this weekend in his forecast. ,,,,,,

[ male announcer ] are you paying more and more for cable and enjoying it less and less? stop paying for second best. upgrade to verizon fios and get tv, internet and phone for our best price online -- just $79.99 a month for two years with a 2 year agreement. it's an amazing holiday deal. but don't wait. it's only available for a limited time. so go to verizon.com/superoffer to sign up. act now and we'll add a special bonus -- $300 back. fios delivers the best picture quality, plus america's fastest, most consistent most reliable internet. spend the holidays saving money. switch to fios and get our best price online -- just $79.99 a month for two years with a 2 year agreement when you order online. save $840 in your first two years. and don't forget your special bonus -- $300 back. hurry, offer ends soon. go to verizon.com/superoffer. contact the verizon center for customers with disabilities that's verizon.com/superoffer. at 800-974-6006 tty/v. fios. a network ahead.

an important day in iraq, as the u.s. prepares to hand over all military operations. danielle nottingham reports for wjz, 13,000 troops will leave iraq, one month from today. vice president joe biden, and iraqi prime minister, nouri al-maliki, were at a special handover ceremony at camp victory. one of the last american bases in iraq. biden thanked u.s. troops for their service and sacrifice. >> because of you and the work of you and those you have done, we are now able to end this war. >> reporter: the u.s. flag was lowered for the final time at a naval base in southern iraq. nearly nine years after inviding, 13,000 troops are

scheduled to leave at the end of the month. >> honestly, it's time for us to go home and let them take care of their own. >> reporter: under an agreement, the bush administration negotiated in 2008. president obama wanted to leave some troops behind. but the iraqi government wouldn't agree to give them illegal immunity. >> reporter: iraqi troops still face big security challenges. a car bomb exploded near baghdad today, killing at least 13. military analysts believe iraq can move forward. >> iraq has oil. iraq has an extremely educated work force. >> reporter: almost 4500 u.s. troops have died in iraq. vice president biden told american forces thursday that the u.s. takes pride in what they have done and that they are leaving with their heads held high. >> reporter: danielle nottingham, wjz eyewitness news. >> reporter: thousands of u.s.

combat troops will remain in kuwait, which is just south of iraq. >> if you're waiting for somebody to get home from work, let's check in on our roads now, with kristy breslin, live at wjz traffic control. >> hi, everyone. we just cannot catch a break on the beltway. on the inner loop, still one very long delay, from southwestern boulevard to harford road. average speed, as you can see by our sensor there, about 30 miles an hour. and some problems on 70, in both directions. eastbound, some slowing as you head towards the beltway, and westbound also heavy there from 29 to marriottsville road. harrisburg expressway, your delay about 20 minutes there from shawan road to belfast. and accidentwise, goucher boulevard at providence road. pulaski highway at rothville boulevard. northbound 29 at route 100. and of course, the city is going to be a bit tricky this evening, with the washington monument lighting ceremony. a lot of road closures. west mount vernon, closed

between charles street at cathedral. also closed between west center to west madison. and a lot of parking restrictions as well. let's now take a live look. as you can see, that is part of the delay on the beltway. a look at security boulevard. this traffic report is brought to you by bill's carpet, hardwood and laminate, too. you can call them at 1-877-75- bills. maryland has some of the highest rates of new a.i.d.s. and hiv infections in the country. today, on world a.i.d.s. day, mike schuh reports from coppin state, where one very large group is trying to make a big difference. >> reporter: at coppin state, the louder the better. the drum beat for a.i.d.s. awareness is heard loud and clear, seen in vivid red on a canvas. >> i am here for people with hiv and a.i.d.s. >> reporter: and standing together to try to form the

world's largest living red ribbon. in a city with the fifth worst new infection rate in the country. >> it is totally preventable. >> reporter: the red ribbon, you may remember, is the first of many colored ribbons for a cause. and now, these awareness raisers, hope that renewed focus on the red ribbon will translate into action. >> it matters because every life matters. >> the urgency around it has kind of dissipated a bit. and i think it's important that we keep the awareness and the importance of it, particularly in this community that is so disproportionately impacted alive. >> reporter: the current record is 3,000 89 they were attempting to get -- get 4100. but they're short. but they say it doesn't really matter. >> reporter: trying to make an outline of the red ribbon. >> that we were able to raise awareness. the fact that you're here, covering it, gets the word out.

and reminds people that it's something they should do and know their status on. >> reporter: at coppin state, mike schuh, wjz eyewitness news. >> and that ribbon was organized by three groups, which helped with food, housing and health care, for those living with a.i.d.s. >> impressive site. >> looked great. typically cool night for the first day of december. normally, we have a high of 50. a little warmer than that today. down to 48. northwest winds, way down to 3. we'll look at the end of the week and weekend right after this. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

sky eye 13 live over mount vernon, as the 40th celebration of the lighting of the washington monument is set to get under way in just a little bit. i'm jessica kartalija. it is absolutely gorgeous out here. so will the weather cooperate for the rest of the evening? here's bob turk with the answer. bob? >> it is a great night. could be a lot colder, a lot windier, a lot nastier. but it's perfect. we're still in the upper 40s. 48 with no wind to speak of. 49 in washington. it is cooler on the western side.

36. ocean city, 49 in d.c. dew points low. 29. that's going to be pretty much what we expect to get to overnight tonight. upper 20s to low 30s. with light winds, clear skies. temperatures will drop. 50 rock hall. kent island, annapolis. mid- to upper 40s around the region. so it's pretty normal. 53 was our afternoon high. normal high is 50 today. so far, the low was 37. average low now, 32. and the record, 75. that was a warm one in 2006. and in 1967, not sure they were lining up the monument back then. 12 degrees. that was a cold one. you can see how cold it can get here in december. right now, a light northwest wind around the region. most places, very, very light winds. and they'll be pretty much dead calm overnight. beautiful weather all up and down the east coast, from maine to florida, from maryland to texas. and portions of kansas. now, there is an area of low

pressure sitting over northern portions. but the snow on the north side, with cold air. denver with 60-something. now down to 21 with snow. may see 4 to 6 inches. in the east, no weather issues at all. there's a weak front across central and eastern canada. that will come across our region tomorrow night, with a few clouds. it will be essentially dry, all weekend long, into the weekend. high pressure moves off the coast. here comes the weak front. a little cooler on saturday. and by sunday, that high moves off. here comes more mild air for the end of the weekend. northwest winds, 5 to 10 knots. bay temp, right around 50 degrees. sunrise, 7:08 in the morning. a lot of frost. 28, clear, cold, but no wind tonight at all. tomorrow, back up to 54. a beautifulind of the week. not a bad day for december 2nd. i'll take that. >> it looks great. we're loving the sunshine, bob. thank you.

well, bringing more bang to the bicentennial. the navy has now committed the blue angels to maryland's 200th anniversary of the war of 1812. alex demetrick reports, that expands the draw from the water to the skies over baltimore. >> reporter: even when it's just one of the blue angels, excitement on the ground grew early. >> i think it will be tremendous. >> i want to see him come in. >> reporter: the navy fighter that dropped into martin state airport was on a promotional mission today. next summer, the entire group will be coming. >> i can't tell you how pleased we are that the navy's premiere flight demonstration team will be part of the star-spangled 200 air show. >> reporter: the navy has already committed 200 ships to the war of 1812. and the largest collection of tall ships since the nation's bicentennial in 1976, will be coming to baltimore. its weaponry, unimaginable in that fight 200 years ago. but it could have come in handy for marylanders trying to stop

a british invasion. >> i don't want to go back and think about changing history at all. but we're thankful to have them today in service to our nation. >> reporter: between fighter jets and tall ships, the bicentennial is expected to draw big crowds and take their money. is this we appreciate the crowd. we appreciate that. for all of the resident fist they want to look up in the sky and see the plains, that's a good thing. >> reporter: and it's always something to see. although the pilots say, it really just showcases training. >> they're highly refined tactical techniques. this is the first time we're in the baltimore area, especially with such a unique setting on the waterfront. we can't ask for a better venue. it will be spectacular. >> no question about it. alex demetrick, wjz eyewitness news. >> just amazing. the blue angels' aerial display set for next june. it will coincide with an air show at martin state airport. and kai, remember back in the day, they used to take reporters up into the blue

angels? >> yes. one of the eyewitness news people, tim williams is among the elite whob could say he went up in a blue angels plane. >> i wonder if they do it anymore. maybe we'll volunteer you for it. >> i'd do it. >> handle it. kai jackson. >> probably not. still to come on wjz eyewitness news at 5:00. high-tech smugglers. tonight, a rare look inside an underground operation, used to sneak drugs into the u.s. closing ends. the new steps syracuse police are taking to investigate possible sex abuse by a former basketball coach. camden yards could be getting a major facelift. i'm weijia jiang, with more on why it's not just the baseball community, looking forward to an update next. ,,,,,,,,

it is 5:30. 48 degrees and clear. good evening, everybody. thank you for staying with wjz eyewitness news. here are some of the stories people are talking about tonight. nearly $2 million in changes may be coming to camden yards. weijia jiang explains the improvement could be having a widespread impact on downtown baltimore. >> it's not just the baseball community ready to embrace a renovation, many nearby business owners say an update will boost their bottom line. >> even on a sunny december day,made a road trip from new

jersey, just to visit camden yards. >> i love the team. i love the park. >> she doesn't have much during the off season. she might. they plan to turn it into a park. a rooftop viewing area. and retail space. >> if they're going to be going to travel or down here in d.c. hopefully i mean, the local people will come in and enjoy it, too. >> the way it is, is the way it's always been. and to make changes sometimes, not good. but then again, if it's going to bring more to the stadium, you know, it would be well worth it. >> reporter: the $1.8 million project aims to make the park a year-round destination. neighboring business owners hope that means a financial boost for them. >> it's not an orioles game. as if there were, definitely bring more bodies to the city. >> the cluster of downtown hotels stands to benefit, too.

>> having an additional venue, where people can enjoy close to the center, close to light rail, and being part of camden yards is a great part of our identity. >> reporter: perhaps a new identity. just in time for the next spring. >> next week, the city's board of public works will vote on the contract. reporting at camd yinen yards, weijia weijia -- camden yards, weijia jiang, wjz eyewitness news. >> and they plan to unveil more specifics of the new park next week. local cardiologist, mark meday is facing new lawsuits. according to the suit, 22 additional patients are claiming they received unnecessary stent surgeries. last year, the hospital notified more than 500 patients that they may have received unnecessary stent surgery. >> federal investigators obtain a third search warrant, as they look into a former syracuse university basketball coach. bernie fine is accused by three

men of molesting them while they were children. fine's office and home were previously searched. the details of the new search warrant, though, are unclear. he was fired on sunday. penn state pledges to make changes in the wake of the scandal, involving former football coach, jerry sandusky. denise is in the newsroom with the efforts to recover. >> an emotional town hall meeting was held on campus. the school's leaders plan to raise money. >> sandusky was part of the penn state family. we all are. and i feel shame. >> the attorney for former assistant coach jerry sandusky says he has not discussed pleading guilty with his client. sandusky is charged with abusing eight boys over a 15- year period. another alleged victim, not involved in the criminal case, has filed the first lawsuit against sandusky and the university. kai? >> denise, thank you. penn state says they will donate a million and a half

dollars to sex crime advocacy groups. the money will come from bowl game revenue. several states in the west are hit by wind gusts, well over hurricane strength. the damaging weather causes widespread damage in hundreds of thousands of power outages. bigad shiban reports from southern california. >> reporter: powerful winds pushed around this trailer. also knocked over a dozen more tractor-trailers on highway 15 and shut down the highway for hours. the worst santa ana winds in years have led to warnings ask advisories in six western states. schools are shut down in many communities. and hundreds of thousands are without power. this southern california gas station was mangled after hurricane-strength winds toppled a nearby tree. >> looking at it now, what goes through your head? >> just thank god nobody got hurt. >> reporter: roger ferodge owns the business. and estimates his damage will

be over $200,000. >> especially for us now during the holiday season. of course we'll be closed and we'll lose a lot of revenue. >> reporter: the base of the tree here. the wind so powerful, it pulled on -- pulled out the roots, tearing it in two. >> courtney and her family woke up to damage all over southern california. >> it was insane. very, very frightening. we haven't had winds like this ever that i can remember. >> reporter: roger ferodge has temporarily lost his livelihood but is trying to keep his sense of humor. >> only thing worse than this is my divorce. but other than that, this is unbelievable. [ laughter ] >> reporter: meteorologists say it isn't over yet. powerful and dangerous gusts are expected to continue in several states until friday. in pasadena, california, bigad shaban, wjz eyewitness news. >> and authorities say they have received hundreds of reports of downed power lines. we'll has a closer look at the strength of those santa ana winds. bob? >> as you mentioned, some of those passes, they funneled the

wind into the l.a. basin. right now, take a look at the current wind gust. over in nietdzs, 32. but in downtown l.a. now 43 miles an hour. generally, anything above 35, 40. we're talking about gale force winds. ask they can get stronger tonight into tomorrow morning. they still have a risk of stronger winds with -- which could cause more trees, downed power. and some of the more high- profile vehicles we saw certainly can be tipped over. looks like things will calm down. but that low won't be until later tomorrow afternoon. federal averages -- agents uncover an elaborate tunnel. manuel gallegus reports for wjz with an incredible look inside the operation. >> reporter: it's being called the most elaborate and sophisticated drug tunnel ever discovered along the u.s.- mexico border. a600-yard passage way, linking

warehouses in tijuana and san diego. >> goes all the way back to tj. >> reporter: it's equipped with lighting and ventilation, a hydraulic lift and electric rail cars. >> reporter: all considered, a highly-efficient mechanism to move narcotics in an underground environment. 76 >> >> 76. 77. >> authorities recovered a total of 32 tons of marijuana. off the streets, that's worth about $15.5 million. it's one of the largest pot busts in u.s. history. half of that haul was found right in the san diego warehouse, packed in boxes. >> some of them had markings. >> reporter: investigators believe it began in the summer. >> we were able to shut this tunnel down as soon as it became operational. >> reporter: increased border security has forced drug cartels to come up with other ways to move their illegal merchandise. >> if they can't cross the border above ground, they

attempt to tunnel underneath it. >> reporter: u.s. officials say the message to the cartels is clear. >> if you build it, we'll find it. and when we find it, we'll destroy it. >> reporter: prosecutors say the real work begins now, as they link the tunnel to a drug organization and move to dismantle it. manuel gallegus, wjz eyewitness news. >> for three years, tunnels have been discovered right before the holidays. federal averages suspect smugglers are trying to take advantage of the fall harvest. the children of a missing florida mother will be returned to a father who is the prime suspect in the case. a judge ruled the twins must be returned to dale smith. the judge said the twins aren't in danger. parker disappeared the same day the people's court aired the same day they argued over the disappearance of an engagement

ring. herman smith. republican presidential candidate says he needs to talk to his wife before he decides whether to continue his bid for the white house. he expects to make a decision by next week. he is also admitting his fundraising has dropped off. >> well, republicans and democrats are battling over how to extend the popular payroll tax break. it is set to expire january 1st. democrats want to pay for an extension with a new 3 1/2% tax on millionaires. but republicans want to freeze federal salaries and cut $300,000. they have to come up with a plan by december 31st. time for a quick look at some of the stories you'll find in tomorrow morning's edition of the baltimore sun. epilepsy experts warn parents about something brought on in the scene of the movie twilight. and reviews of this week's new movies. for these stories and more, read tomorrow's baltimore sun. and remember to look for the updated forecast from wjz's first warning weather team.

well, as we have been telling you all night, baltimore is preparing for the 40th annual lighting of the washington monument. wjz is live in mount vernon. let's check back in with jessica with more on the preps and excitement. jessica, is the crowd growing? >> yes. the crowd is growing. and it's the 11th hour for this gentleman next to me am but he even took the night off from making toys. this is not the only activity coming here from mount vernon, is it santa? >> no, it isn't. there's the maryland historical society. talking about the historic aspects of santa and during this civil war. >> reporter: so santa, you have a book here. tell me what is in that book? >> this is that naughty and nice book that so many people were concerned about. that's why i carry it around with me all the time. i can't miss this particular book. it has most of the people in it. >> do you see a bubala, mary and jackson, kai? there?

>> oh,; unfortunately, they made the nice list. yes! ho ho ho. >> lucky for you guys. santa, thank you so much. we'll catch you guys in just a little bit. we're getting closer to the festivities. and it all starts at 5:30. as you can hear, it's under way. back to you. >> jackson santa. we got on the nice list this year. >> thank you, santa. >> doesn't always happen, kai, does it? >> no. all right. go ahead. >> go, kai. >> you're going to get a good gift for that this year. dangerous close call. see what happens when a giant tree falls directly on a police car. >> victimized by strangers. the reason these home intruders are still on the loose, despite being caught on the security video. i'm bob turk in the first warning weather center. more sunshine on tap. i'll have the exclusive first warning five-day forecast. and here's today's report from wall street. ,,,, [ male announcer ] are you paying more and more for cable

and enjoying it less and less? stop paying for second best. upgrade to verizon fios and get tv, internet and phone for our best price online -- just $79.99 a month for two years with a 2 year agreement. it's an amazing holiday deal. but don't wait. it's only available for a limited time. so go to verizon.com/superoffer to sign up. act now and we'll add a special bonus -- $300 back. fios delivers the best picture quality, plus america's fastest, most consistent

most reliable internet. spend the holidays saving money. switch to fios and get our best price online -- just $79.99 a month for two years with a 2 year agreement when you order online. save $840 in your first two years. and don't forget your special bonus -- $300 back. hurry, offer ends soon. go to verizon.com/superoffer. contact the verizon center for customers with disabilities that's verizon.com/superoffer. at 800-974-6006 tty/v. fios. a network ahead.

it's a beautiful december evening. here's a look now at the christmas tree in washington, d.c. a short time ago, the first family threw the switch. you can find on the ellipse. and they can ask for better weather on the occasion. look at that. very nice. let's take a look now over the holidays. >> take a look at the holidays. >> upper 20s to low 40s. plenty of frost around. getting up to around the low 50s probably once again. which is close to normal this time of year. next five years, on saturday, a slight drop. 49. warming up again on sunday, monday, and tuesday. up to 60. maybe a few showers here on tuesday. temperatures back down to 56 degrees. now, today's energy saver tip, is your insulation up to par? well, for a minimal cost, you can update the insulation in your walls, crawl spaces, basements and attics.

of course, insulation can come in that. and it can get to those hard-to- reach spaces. go to wjz.com, scroll down the right-hand side of the page and click on our special section. mary? >> bob, thank you. scary moments in massachusetts, when intruders break into a home. burglars gained access to the house and stole a flat screen tv and other electronics. these pictures are from home surveillance cameras. and despite this incriminating video, the thief is still on the loose. because the home did not have an alarm system. a man accused of living his two young children at home while he robs a restaurant. police arrested the 32-year-old suspect after officers say they caught him stealing from a local bar. his children, ages just 1 and 3, were found sleeping home alone. the man is being held on $10,000 bail. the children are staying with another family member. a close call for a police officer in kansas. take a look at this dash camera

video. when a giant tree, look at this. right there in the windshield, crashes right into the patrol car. the windshield was shattered. the car severely damaged. luckily, the officer wasn't hurt. check in with eyewitness news at 6:00. for all of these stories and more coming up, vic is standing by with a preview. military buildings targeted. a soldier with tie toss maryland. new at 6:00, why a judge has ordered him held without trial. kidnapped in pakistan. new information on where a maryland man is and his abduction. now, back to you. still to come tonight on wjz's eyewitness news. headed down the stretch of a long football season. the ravens believe they are getting stronger. >> mark has more from the team about their burst of energy coming up. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

five games remain in the regular season. and the run against cleveland sunday. sports director mark viviano has more. >> every team has injuries late in the season. linebacker ray lewis sat out again practice today. for now, he appears unlikely to play at cleveland.

but the ravens also have an important player who is coming back from injury, who can bring a significant boost to the offense. he is wide receiver lee evans. the veteran hasn't done much in his first year in baltimore because an ankle injury kept hip out seven straight games. though he did make a key third down catch. only his third catch of the year. but at full strength now, there's new hope with evans in the offense. >> it could be, you know? it's all about what you make of it. and you know, i could say i'm certainly excited to be in this position. and you know, i'm really looking forward to what lies ahead. >> our whole team is getting healthier right now. but having lee evans is going to be huge. his veteran leadership and him coming back, being fresh, it's a new look for defenses. they get so used to seeing tory stretching the field. you get another guy stretching the field. with anquan boldin stretching the field. we're looking at an overall complete offense. >> the more you can do, the better.

>> evans and the ravens could face a defense that statistically is the best in the past. i'll have more coming up next hour. as the ravens hit the road, you need only go as far as your tv. coverage kick -- kicking off sunday at 4:00. also ahead next hour, a popular quarterback is cut loose by his team. and the orioles get busy. >> mark, we'll see you then. thank you. severe weather is to blame for a 45-car pileup on a tennessee highway. dense fog minimized visibility. the national weather service says heavy frost on the roads caused the chain-reaction crash. at least one person is killed. several others are injured. authorities are still investigating. a flying lesson goes terribly wrong. take a look at this. this is all that is left after two planes collide on a runway in seattle. apparently one plane crashed in a parked aircraft. they are recovering in the

hospital with cuts and scratches. -- scratches. the faa is investigating. authorities say a man was wanted for forcing his wife into a van at a grocery store in virginia. police followed the man who then got out of his vehicle and jumped into some nearby water. officers chased him from the chesapeake to the elizabeth river. a coast guard boat escorted him back to shore where he was arrested. >> new york city police say 20 mafia members illegally brought russian women to the u.s. and forced them to strip clubs. some were even forced into fake marriages. kathryn brown reports from manhattan. >> federal authorities carried out boxes during an early- morning raid. they say the club, cheetah's, is at the center of an underground immigration ring. investigators say russian and italian mobsters were working together in the elaborate scheme to bring russian and

eastern european women to the u.s., then funneled them to strip clubs to work as exotic dancers. >> reporter: control of the labor, so to speak, on the organized criminal entities who were from russia. and there was control of the marketplace, with respect to the bonano and gambino crime families. >> reporter: federal investigators arrested more than two dozen men today, described as ring leaders of the operation. they say these men would pay the women to marry on paper, making them legal. then use the women as their personal profit machine. >> reporter: per dancer, per night, could have been hundreds of dollars. >> reporter: ts unclear whether the women involved knew what they were getting into. federal authorities expect at least some will face charges. but sonya asorio, with the national organization of women, suspects many of them were taken advantage of. >> they come here. and they don't speak the language. they don't have a network of anyone.

and they're surrounded by very scary, intimidating thugs. >> reporter: as federal teams cast a wide net around strip clubs and their owners, attorney david karl back, who represents the cheetah club, insists their hands are clean. >> there is absolutely no connection. >> and that was katherine ron reporting. those arrested are charged with a variety of crimes from visa and marriage fraud to racket earring and ex -- racketeering. and extortion. on the stand. why former governors rob ber ic, and former lieutenant governor michael steele were all testifying in a criminal trial. i'm derek valcourt, coming up on eyewitnes,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

coming up right now. dirty politics are a legal maneuver. robocalls. what the former governor said on the stand. free and cashing in. i'm mike hellgren. investigating the mystery in aruba. gary giordano reveals why he took out more than $100 million in insurance on robyn gardner. but will he collect it? putting the finishing touches on the fireworks. i'm jessica kartalija. coming up live here on wjz. it's the 40th annual lighting of the washington monument. >> will the weather cooperate for your weekend plans? stick around for the updated

first warning forecast. >> check in for these stories and all the day's breaking news. >> wjz eyewitness news at 6:00 starts now. election scandal. the man who headed governor robert ehrlich's election campaign on trial. >> today, what he said on the stand. >> election night robocall controversy. former governor robert ehrlich takes the stand. wjz is live at the mitchell courthouse. derek valcourt has more on what the former governor had to say. derek? >> reporter: governor ehrlich was only on the stand for