>> and success after the shutdown. five months ago two furloughed government workers turned to baking to get by. they have an exciting update fo us. >> announcer: "news 4 today" starts now. good mornin everybody it's 5:00 a.m. now. i'm aaron gilchrist. >> i'm eun yang. welcome toanednesday. your "news 4 today," we're alfway through the week, craving a little cheesecake at this hour. >> putting it on tv. >> to hetp you going, melissa mollet is standing by with your first 4raffic. >> let's start with storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell and a look at what we need to know for today. good morning, chuck. >> good morning. cheesecake would be very good. >> right, right? >> cheesecake and hot coffee. that sounds good.o better and much more reasonable for he to expect barbecue in the next hour. i'll taste some of that as the barbecue battle gets under way n the washington area. a lot of rain parts of region

last night, so there will be puddle jumping this morning. more rain likely later in the day but less thunder. not a big severe weather threat for today. strong storms back in the forecast for your thursday. right now, you c see the rain from late yesterday it's moved out of the region. it's probably not going to stay dry all day. take your umbrella with you. 68. 64 nice and comfortable in wind chester. 71 in gaithersburg here this morning. afternoon high near 84 degrees. warm, humid and rain chances between 60 and 80% later on iy. the da detail more about that severe weather threat tomorrow coming up but for now let's hear from melis melissa. >> good morning, chuck. same situation southbound 295 at malcolm x just the left lane getting by the crash scene. this is an all lanes were blocked. arlington northbound gw parkway puved off into memorial bridge. use 110 instead. inner loop, outer loop no

problems. earlier road work but all is now gone. 270 northbound and southbound nice and open right now and 59 in maryland. 32 to the beltway w ll take you 10 minutes. aaron? >> melissa, thank you. 5:02. happening tomorrow, d.c. rt transpoion officials will hold a meeting on safety improvements along a major stretch of florida avenue. >> the purpose of the project is to address safety concerns along the corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. dar darcy, go morning. >>porter: well, good morning. as you know, this is a very busy corridor all about making it safer for everyon whether you drive through here, whether you walk through here or perhaps ride a bicycle. hat's what these safety improvements are all about. when i got here this morning, i realized this is the exact area where a woman, a senior citizen,

was struck and killed by a hit and run driver several yrs ago. some safety improvements have been made already at this intersection, but this will continue for several blocks. we want to show you some video now. an open house will be held to deal with the safety improvements this is on florida avenue from 2ndo 14th street here in northeast washington. this is about reducing people's gaeeds, improving pedestrian crossings and a making it safe for those who walk and bike in this area. the project team will be available to answ any questions people may have from the community at this open house meeting tomorrow. this is going to be held at new samaritan baist church. matter of fact this woman was struck and killed wasav lg the church several years ago when she was struck and killed. that will happen here at the church 7:3 tomorrow night, 7:00 until 8:30 tomorrow. back to you. >> darcy spencer, thank you.

it's 5:03. we're track a developing story in kensington, maryland, where a come was shot and killed overnight. 10:30 last night, montgomery police were called to a home. scene found a gun at the and arrested a man. officers say this does not appear to be random crime. we're working to learn the name of the people involved and we'lw bring you n developments throughout the morning. >> this morning, d.c. police are looking forwo women involved in a suspected arson. the fire started in the fourst ry complex along pennsylvania avenue southeast. surveillance video shows two women at the buildings entrance. one dumps a bag in the lobby.en you can see her light a few matches before flames and smoke fill the the fire did major damage to the building. 11 people were forced out of their homes but no one was hurt. more than two dozen democrats have already entered the race for the white house. >> last night the president officially began his campaign

foanother four years. >> i stand before you to officially launhc my campaign for a second term as president of the united states. thank you. >> president trump kicks off his re-election campaign in front of a very friendly florida crowd. the president listed his accomplishments while railing against democrats and the congressional investigations that are focussed on him. then he turns his attention to one of his democrats rivals the former vice president. >> remember the statement from the previous administration, need a magicinand to b back manufacturing. well, we'll tell sleepy joe we und the magic wand. sleepy guy. >> the president promised to be aggressive on the campaign trail and this was the first official re-election gathering it was his 60 rally since taking offhe. t stage is set for the first series ofresidential

debates among the democrats. news 4 is committed to bringing complete coverage of decision 2020. i'llbe reporting live from miami 20 democratic candidates clashed over the course of two nights. look for my report starting next wednesday and watch the debate right here on nbc 4 wednesday and thursday nights at 9:00. 5:06. happening today, former white or se communications dire hope hicks will go before lawmake on capitol hill. the house judiciary committee will interview hicks behind closed doors. this will be the first time lawmakers hear from someone linked to president trump's inner circle since house democrats launched investigations of special counsel robert mueller's reporti the committee expected to poestion hicks about ible instances of presidential misconduct and obstruction of jus it is as detailed in ther muelleport. also happening today, a best selling author and hollywood actor will testify before a house panel about reparations for slavery. the hearing coincides with juneteenth.

actor danny glover and author will talk about reparations and proposal to create a group to look into howns reparatio could be done. the aclu will host a forum to continue the discuss at the historic metro a&e church northwest. a program that is a big part of summer in the district will get a big boost today. theity is pushing $1.75 million to extend the mary and barry summer youth program. the program helps young people in d.c. find productive summer jobs and internship in both government and the private sector. the money goingrto the progam today is part of a largerco itment to keep the program going through 2030. the woman who took over prince georges county ublic schools after a series of scandals is now the permanent school ceo. dr. mon can goldson was named to that position yesterday. she's a native of prince georges

county. she has been isythe school em for 40 years now. she was chosen out of to candidates in a nationwide search. goldson took over az interim ceo july after the former kevin maxwell resigne p d.c.olice credit the arrest of a man accus of committing a series of burglaries to his eakers. 33-year-old cole targeted at least five homes. theyrrested him on sunday. police were able to catch cole after an officer recognized his brightly colored high top sneakers from surveillance video. he not only wear the same shoes but the same clothes in a suspected burglary the day before. tse are pretty distinctive. >> can't miss them. we all know the fourth of july celebration is going to look pretty different this ye j. >> butt two weeks out and it's still not clear what to expect on the national mall. justin finch is live with more.

justin, doorm. >> reporter: good morning. a lot of these plans have not been made public yet. plans will call for a presidential addresss well as a military jet fly-over with an air force one cameo. the post says the celebrations will be inspired by the bas teal day celebrations the presiden witnessed in france. the president reportedly plans to have a presidential address nfrom the lincol memorial on urth of july. reported shifted plans for fireworks to west potomac park where we are right now. senior democrats have reached about inbudgetg. there are reportedly worry it

could derail more funding. national projects they want to prioritize here.st that ays regarding military jet flyover it won't happen with air force one but the president himself is not expected tbobe on d. as we come back out here live, they reached out the the interior department for more details on the jet fly over. they're saying they're not reporting anything yet because the announcement has not come down. so still waiting for more on informatiohat detail there as well. report lid here at the park, he baseball diamonds, too, will not be accessible weeks before the fourth of july because theyre greting ready for the president's shift in plans for the fourth of july. we'll bring you much more and aobjection to as he this continues to unfurl, guys. back inside to >> lot of changes to know. justin,> hank you. >>w update to a story we first brought you during the government shutdown back in january. two prince georges county

sisters turned their federal furlough situations into a sweet booming business. >> the sisters were forced to find a way to make ends meet. the sisters appeared on the ellen degenereceshow. >> sin then, they have sold more than 5,000 cheesecakes. the sisters have quit their government jobs now. their cheesecakes will be in 100 selected walmart stores. >> it's apr vilege. this is not a common thing. we were told that our company was ly a monthld when we were sitting inrkansas at walmart headquarters and the buyer said this doesn't happen. there are people waiting over a year. >>so you can buy the furloughed cheesecakes on their website. >> we posted a link in our app. i need to get my hands on this cheesecake before it blows up even more and the prices go up

and it's sold out. we need to get some cheesecakes. >> request made. 5:11. up next f you miss caleb green on "america's got talent" last night, we'll fill you in on how it went with the judges. where you can check out the latest location. plus, the gift of sit. cameras capture the special moment a high schoolers world goes from black and white to technicolor. amazing. chuck? it is hump day. it's really time to start thinking about the weekend. if you're going to pull a chuck and head out to the easternor sh for the weekend, a rain chance on friday afternoon but otherwise it's going to be nar perfect weather for a weekend away from the city. five-day forecast and the rest of our severe weather threat for we're the slowskys.

we like drip coffee, layovers- -and waiting on hold. li what we don't is relying on fancy technology for help. snail mail2kwe were invited to aarty... oh, look, karolyn,ve got, a mathematician on our hands! check it out! now you can schedule a callback or reschedule an appointment, even on nights and weekends. today's xfinity service. simple. easy. awesome. i'd rather not.

>> announcer: you're watching "news 4 today." ♪ another incredible night on "america's got talent." there's caleb green. last night voices for service received enough votes to advance to the next round. yeah. you may recognize one of the members retired master sergeant caleb green has performed the

national anthem in front of thousands of fans. he erformed the playoff games. >> yep. >> so many games. music y it's using therapy to help veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress. "america's g talent" returns next tuesday night here on nbc 4. musi is so wonderful when you hink of all it does to lift people's spirits. pennsylvania teen is seeing the world in a whole new light. >> it's all thanks to a very special gift. watch this. >> that youngady is gg. she experienced lor for the first time. for most of her life she has seen shades of gray. this f video isom two weeks ago when she tested a pair of corrective glasses. earlier alis week a speci program gave her a pair of thosa glasses s a graduation present.

>> how wonderful. you can hear the joy in their voices. >> life changing. forget using the remote control. some comcastn subscribers ca control their tv using only eyes. the service is designed for people with disabilities. users can change up recordings and search for shows using special software called eye gaze. sotware connects to a web-based remote that then connect tots the cable box. comcast is the parent company oa nbc hington. pretty cool thnology right there. >> tv is watching you. starting today, you'll have a new plore to shop groceries in prince georges county. the supermarket chain dlli will open a new store along baltimore avenue and college park not far from the university of myland. doors will open at 8:00 a.m. this morning. the first 100 customers will gea a gift ranging from 5 to $100 in value. the company says it pans to open more stores in maryland by next year. well, over the past couple weeks we have seen how severe

weather has destroyed homes and communities across thes midwe new this morning, experts say southeastern virginia could lose $40 billion in struck by a major hurricane. researchers from old dmin yan university say the dages could seriously hurt the regional economy and the report also predicts $175,000 jobs could be lost and decline in economic activity if theregion's military instillations have to deal with major damage. >> absolutely right. we're in hurricane season. quiet so far. >> yeah. the favorite time for our part of the world, our favorite times of the year i more into september. s owe'll keep an eyen that. nd climate change means there's an increased chance for stronge. hurricane again, any time you increase your chances to have a little power to these storms, that's not a good thing at all. of course, hurricane season expected to be about average this year, but again it only takes one.

1992 there's only one hurricane that hit theist and it was hurricane andrew and left $25 billion in damage 1992 money back in south florida. all right. here is a rather scary looking guy over the area. outside.umidity a little sunshine the first part of the day. that will increase our chances for rain later on in the day.el fortunat, though, i think we'll be just enough cooler today. we're 91 monday. 87 yesterday. forecasting 84 today. that little bit less heat helps keep some of the fuel out of the thorms. today mainly rain and thunder shogr. not look for a big severe weather risk today. that's the good news. high rain chances. temperatures in tnd 70s upper 60s now. there's your hour by hour plaroer. dry thugh the morning. chances for rain with rumbles of thunder as early as 2 to 3:00

p.m. car washing forecast for today,o probably t. you could. i washed my yesterday and rained last night. you're wanting dry weather, wait saturday.day and there goes the last of the overnight showers last night. already some thunder showers in wesrn west virginia. that's indicative of how really moist the atmosphere is. so 'll have a 60 to an 80% chance for rain later on in the daea future wer dry for the first part of the day but notice the blossoms of showers and thunderl showerser in the day today. tomorrow will be am another stor team 4 weather alert day. severe storms likely tomorrow before we get that lower humidity friday and saturday. melissa? >> thank you, chuck. looking forward to that lower humidity.ea tbound 66 after 123 left side blocked by an accident there. not quite seeing any slow downs

he map quite yet, but they could be coming if it hangs around too long. nd in virginia northbound southbound clear. everybody is looking good southbound andd.northboun gw parkway opped at me nor wral bridge. that has now reopened as well. as you take a look at the beltway, no complaints. 270 looking good, too. aaron? >> melissa, thank you. 5:21. up next highchair where your little one eats eakfast may not meet government standards. >> this afternoon be sure tune in for ellen right here at nbc 4 at 3:00 p.m. and stick

we're the slowskys. we like drip coffee, layovers- -and waiting on hold. what we don't like is relying on fancy technology for help. snail mail! we were invited to a y2k party... uh, didn't that happen, like, 20 years ago? oh, look, karolyn, we've got a mathematician on our hands! check it out! now you can schedule a callback or reschedule an appointment, even on nights and weekends. today's xfinity service. simple. easy. awesom. i'd rather not re

>> announcer: yo watching "news 4 today." if you have a small child at home, you may hwant toar this next story. mandatory. >> susan hogan is working with you with what you need to know to keep your little one smoe. >> gooing, you guys. i'm joined by patty davis with the consumer product safety commission. this is exciting news.

let's get right into it, because this is certainly something that a lot of parents want to know. so this is a highchaat you said theets the new federal standards, mandatory. f >> that newederal standard goes into efft today. what it has now is an increased stability requirement. so in case somebody climbs up or climbs out or is rocking back f andorth the highchair is not going tip over. it also has tougher testing requirements for these straps so they don't just comart when your child is in the highchair. and this warning label really importantt's much bolder and actually telling parents and care givers that kids have suffered severe head inries including skull fractures from falling. >> bottom line, starting toy, june 19th, what should we look out for as parents? >> what you want to look out for as a parent is if you're in the market fonew highchair or about to have aaby, get a new highchair. look for e date on the highchair. it should be june 19th, 2019 or later.

anything manufactured imported after that date has to meet the new federal standard. that doesn't mean youannot use an older highchair, but the safest option for a consumer o would be tget a highchair that does meet the new federal standard to protect your child.p >>atty, thanks so much. all right, guys, back to you. >> some manufacturers have been making highchairs that comply with these new standards. you're buying a highchair in the near future, be sure to look out tr all those safety features susanmentioned. it's 5:26. still ahead, as more and more arrested and charged with the shooting of david ortiz, the former red sox star's wife speaks out. plus, rescued and now in need of your help. what you need to know if you would like to help a dog nt rece saved from a breeder in new jersey. chuck? >> all right. i'll have your dog-walking forecast in just a second. right now gardening wther for today, you have projects to do in the yard, ghemt done as soon n today. sun is coming up shortly and rain is likely again later on in

the day today. it's lightning bug season. their population has been decreasing over the last few years. how can you help, turn off some ofutdoor lights. o

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> announcer: "news 4 today" starts now. good morning, everyo i'm eun yang. >> i'm aaron gilchrist.ar let's with the check on your forecast and your commute. melissa mollet is standing by with your first 4 traffic. >> let's begin with storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell and a look at all the rain we're getting. more rain today, chuck? >> a very high chance for more rain on your parade today, eun. unfortunately after we had nearly a full inch of rain on monday, .99 at national airport, 1.16 yesterday. back-to-back, one-inch rain fall days at national airport and today rather ominous looking sky. rain is over for b now there's a high chance for rain later on in the day. not aer severe weath threat today. that's the good news.n bad s, our severe weather chances come right back on thursday before we turn less humid for friday and the weekend. so, here is your rainoutlook, scattered to widespread rain

later today. strong storms likely on our thursday afternoon. cthere you see early this morning, won't need the raincoats first thing, but they're already showers and thunder showers out across parts of west virginia now that will all be migrating in our direction later on in the day. temperatures mostly in the low 70s here. 60s in the shen doe wa valley. 84 degreesternoon high but rain chances probably close to 80% later i the day today. lissa, first 4 traffic? >> brand new problem that will cause a lot of pain for people. eastbound ft66 a 123 have an accident in the distance. the issue is you have to stay right and left to get by this. tht's why it's causi such a backup so quickly. eastbound there you're going just 11 miles per hour through fairfax right now. as we zoom out the rest of 66 looksokay. 95 northbound no big complaints. 95 in virginia.in r loop, outer loop of the beltway everything is rolling along pretty nicely. frederick to the spur 55 miles

per hour you get there in 33 minutes. aaron? >> melissa, thank you. it's 5:32 now. well know the fourth of july celebration is going to look a little different this year. >> jus two weeks out and it's still not clear exactly what to expect. >> news 4 justin finch is live at west poe toe mick park with more on what's happening. justin, good morning >> reporter hey, aaron, eun, good morning. lot of questions about what the ulurth of j will look like here in washington, d.c. "the washington post" is reportinghere are plans in the works for a presidential address as well as a military jet flyover with air force one making an appearance as well. the post reports these plans will be reminiscent of the bastille day events in france and thatfo the urth of july fireworks wl be inspired largely by that this year. reporting to the two big events, again a military jet flyover with air force thone, e president not expected to be in air force one for that flyover

as well as that address from the lincoln memorial. it turns out that just yesterday in orlando at that rally the president did tease these fourth ofuly celebrations. >> by the way on july 4th in washington, d.c., come on down. we're going to have a big day. bring yours. flag bring those flags. bring those american flags. july 4th. we're going to have hundreds and thousands oo e. we're going to celebrate america. >> reporter: as you heard there, the president teasing quite a big fourth of july celebration here in d.c., but at this time, still lot of questions left unanswered. the white house reportid not answering the post's reports. backnside to you, guys. >> justin finch for us along the west potomac park. justin thanks. as news 4 heen covering the deaths of americans vacationing in the dominican republic.

>> this morning we learned a richmond woman had to go to the hospital there over the weekend. derekn and skyler martit their honeymoon short to fly home for her treatment. on sunday, skyler was admitted to the hospital after six hours of vomiting and losing consciousness. >> i've had infections e.befor i've had stomach viruses and i've had food poisoning andw ths just something that if i hadn't been in good health i lly, could have been r really, really dangerous. >> now this all ces on the heels of reports of nine americans who recently died at resorts in the dominican republic that includes nathaniel holmes and cynthia day.co their toxilogy results could take another month to co ck. the state department said there has not been an up tick in the number o deaths.ts tourisre testing the alcohol there as a precaution. this morning, new details about alexander perez the latest person arrested in the connection to the shooting of

former rox player david ortiz in the dominican republic.z pes accused of being the leann son betweenthe person who paid them to shoot ortiz. ortiz remains in intensive care unit at a boston hospital. yesterday his wife leased a statement. tiffany ortiz thanked the doctors who now upgraded his condition to good and everyone who has helped. she wrote, quote, your support has lifted his spirits sl tremendouy during this challenging time. the local lbgtq community came together to remembe zoe spears. she isnd the seco transgender woman killed in that area this yar. yesterdaeople mourned her death in colombia hee'hts. >> wre having a hard time wrapping ourro heads and the idea that she's gone forever. >> in march, another transgender woman was killed just blocks

away from where spears died. if you like to n add a member to your family, and help out an animal in need, you're in luck. >> 12 dogs rescued from a top breeder will soon be up for adoption in this area. the washington humane rescue alliance rescued the dogs follows what was called a large scale animal cruelty case in new jersey. 188 dogs was taken from a home there. 12 will be up for adoption here once they received the necessary medical and behavioral treatment. >> they're so cute. i think they'll find loving ho es. i thinkr community is good about that. still ahead, what a passenger did on board a plane that forced an eergency landing. >> plus, facebook no longer just for photos and video. the company announces its getting into the cash game. we'll explain that for you when s 4 returns. happy wednesday. at 5, there's something in your home that you should watch out for that could drain your

wallet. household leaks are never a good thing. and a lot of times you might not even be aware that you have a problem. >> also want look under the vanity for any leaks you may not see. >> how to locate fixnd prevent a

>> announcer: you're watching "news 4 today." this morning a passenger on an american airlines flight

faces charges after forcing the placy to make an emergen landing in oklahoma city. >> this happened over the weekend. brandon kordell wasnt appare so drunk that police say they could smell the alcohol on him before they reached him. he disrupted the a flightnd hit several crew members. [ applause ]. you hear that applause from passengers aboard that cabin who were very relieved that he was escorted off. passengers and crew members had to use zip tie and duct tape to restrain him until police arrived. tape?u have to use duct >> pretty -- >> probably dmpb. >> look at tha picture. he's pretty far gone it looks like. 5:40 right now. soon you'll be able to share more than pictures and posts on facebook. the company says it's getting into the digital currency business. it would be similar to payment apps like vennmo on your .

if you're concerned about privacy, facebook says it will not manage the currency itself. a subsidiary will do that. the new digital currency will start next year. >> the new study finds americans gave less to charity in 2018 compared to theear before. charitable donations dropped a little more than a percent. experts say the new tax law which took effect last year reduced incentives to donate for many households. the study found that contributions were up for nonprofits in interaitional affrs, animal welfare and environmental issues. 5:41 right now. chuck is standing by with a look at the forecast. >> yes, indeed. dog-walking forecast for day. this is toughy right here. doesn't look very tough at all. looks like a sweet little girl. ntonly 4 mo old. go to humane rescue alliance.org to adopt tuffy. nice and dry here early this

morning, but watch out, likely to have some rain showers around by the time you get home f work and those left going to school. ten day forecast coming right up. and brand new prok here on 66 eastbound after 123 a two anb a half milekup. full details how to get around it. plus, hope hicks in the hot seat. the former member of tm trump set to testify before democrats rning up the heat investigations into the president. hoathey're

>> announcer: you're watching "news 4 today." stand before you to officially launch my campaign for a second term as president of the united states. thank you. >> standing before a cheering crowd in orlando, president trump there officially launching his re-election bid. he spoke about the economy and once again promised to build a wall on america's southern border. this morning, he is back in washington, but it's not a crowd of supporters he's fags rather

mounting investigations by house democrats. >> today hope hicks will testify behind closed doors. news 4 tracie potts joins us live from capitol hill. what are democts hoping to learn from hicks? >> hay hope to learn if the president ever asked her to lie. she's been on capitol hill and testified that she told white e lies for president. did he ask her? tht's part of what t want to know. lawmakers s they asked her that directly before closed doors and said she didn't want to answer.d toay they hope to press those answers. they will also ask her about five specific incidents of possible obstruction of justice outlined in the mueller report hat they think she was privy to. she did speak with the mueller investigative team. now the white house says hope in the white ed house and campaign has turned over democrats from the campaign but is not obligated to answer h her time in e white house mune.se she's

the committee disappears. they say she is not immune. that the law at they're quoting is they fully expect her tonswer the questions. so it may not be that easy to s try tut this down. we'll see what happens today. >> tracie potts live on capitol hill. thank you. reminder that next week is t democratic presidential debate. the first of the 2020 campaign season. i'll be reporting live from miami cofferi that two-night event. see myex reports beg wednesday and watch the debates right hereednesday and thursday night at 9. sparking controversy in the trump white house, current acting defense secretary patrick shanahan was being considered tt take overhe job permanently but yesterday he abruptly pulled his name from consideration. a washington post investigation detailed two instances of alleged domestic violce in shanahan's family. shanahan told the president he

did not want personal situations. tthe president offer job to mark esper the current army secretary. he accepted and is expected egin today. he still has to be confirmed by congress prior to his current role, he served as top executive to raytheon. new efforts to make one of the busiest roads in the district safer. >> news 4 darcy spencer is live on florida avenue in northeast now with more on this story. darcy, good morning. >> reporter: well, good morning. this is an extremely busy intersection. we're not seeing a whole lot of traffic right now at this hour, but it is sure to pick up. whether you're driving through here, riding a bike or perhaps t walking,s is about making it safer. there was a woman in her 70s who was struck and killed by a and run driver right out here

several years ago.a this is p of the project area. the project is on florida avenue in northeast washington from second. the improvements are meant to slow down drivers and make improvements to crossings for pedestrians and also safety improvements for people on bicycles. the open house will be held at new samaritan baptist church right here. the projebe team wil available to answer questions from the community. ruby whitfield was leaving that church whewas hit and killed several years ago. safety improvements have already been made to thisintersection but much more is needed to make this a safer corridor. hat meeting gets under way at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening. back to you. >> u can expect a lot of

cloud cover for today. we will see slivers of sunshine, but mostly cloudy day these clouds are actually beneficial. they're still a pretty high chance for rain, but because the extra cloud cover, we won't be quite as arm today as we have been the last few days. our chances for strong thunderstorms are very, very low today. that is good news after a couple of busy afternoons and evenings the last few days. right now it is 73 here in washington. little cooler in shenandoah valley. 68 front royal, 69 in fredericksbu a a 6lond of9. pud this morning. rain chances will begin to increase by lunchtime and hitss and mi showers are likely for the ride home from work later this afternoon. lots of moisture all over the eastern u.s. there is a cold fnt arriving. that will brings the severe

weather chances right back here tomorrow afternoon. so for now, just some cloudiness around ts morning. showers already developing and redeveloping across parts of southern west virginia. i would take the umbrella. a lot of clouds around for this morning. chances for showers developing as early between noon and 2:00 p.m. not looking for severe wther today. that's welcome news. a rumble or two of weather. there will be showers. tomorrow, a very different story, likelihood of severe storms developing tomorrow between 2 and 50 p.m. in the afternoon. here is your ten-day forecast. cloudy skies and hit and miss showers today. strong thunderstorms tomorrow. nice, dry weather for most of the weekend then turning hot, humi f and hazy most of next haek. melissa mollet, means it

will be flip-flop seon for you. >> you know what, flip-flop fo ut son r me starts a march. something like that. is after 123 still have t crash you can get by to the left. so this is a little bit better. we're t blocking two sections of the road.oc we were blng part of the left, part of the right now it's just the left where you can get. burke lake road,oads shut down there due to wires. no complaints. take a look at your travel times fairfax county, 13 miles per hour because of the crash we just showed now. 270 southbound looks good. remember to listen to wtop 103.5 fm when you hop in your r today. good morning, i'm frank holland. reynolds wrap wants to pay you $10,000 to eat barbecue across america this summer. it's looking for a chief

grilling officer. the winner gets to bring a friend and reynolds will pick up the tab. you'll share tipsengrilling, techniques and photos of the reynolds kitchen website and social channels. apply by submitting a photo of yourself. go to reynoldskitchen.com. short notice. putt in by end ofay tod. >> frank, thank you. 5:53. almost timeor fhe national capital barbecue battle. doesn't that sound good? >> yeah, it >>does. this morning, we're helping you get ready the big event here in washington. >> molette green is live this morning out on ournt fro yard cooking. and there's a dancing pig. all right. >> of course there, is right, molette? of course? >> reporter: hey, guys. good morning. good morning to you.

look how we transformed the nbc 4 patio. famous dave's is here. along with wilbur the pig. give me a high five, wilbur. we're getting ready for a big weekend here in d.c. oh, yeah. everybody looksrward to coming to the national capital barbecue battle. famous dave's has a big presence this weekend.bs the ri just hit the grill right here. oh m -- yeah. okay. so we got ross along with crystal. ross is a pit master. you know how to make all of this work. what's on the menu for this weekend and this morning? >> so for thisl weekend we do our world famous st. louis ribs. we have our rk weren't. we'll have rib tibs, hicken, corn. it will be a great time. >> everybody thinks when they cookck out in the bard that they're a grill master, a pit master like you.

what's a good type? >> low and slow. you can't rush anything that you're doing.nd just ki of letting the natural flavors of meat, the seasoningss theuce and everything like that you really have to take your time. >> are you ready for this weekend? famous dave's has a big presence this weekend. we'll go over and talk to my girl crystal about the presence that you guys will have the national capital barbecue battle is huge in the city. >> we have two vending stations set up and catering the hospitality tent. we will have go go music and live bands. it will be rlly exciting. >> we have our rib tips, fried chicken, we have it all. >> i don't know how you prepare for something like this. you have been doing this. >> yes ma'am. we have been doing it for 25

years. >> morep coming u in the weekend. we have transformed our patio and we're having a barbecue, folks. we're havg a barbecue. back nj. >> thank you. next on "news 4 today," checking in with the the women behind the furloughed cheesecake company. >> they're quitting their jobs and big news about where to find their creations. plus a pair of sneak rs stops a crime spree. >> how the put a man in handcuffs when "news 4 today" continues. ♪ 1,2,3,4

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caught on camera now on "news 4 today."li ghting up a lobby. more details about the suspected arsonist detectives are trying to find. startingtoday, an early childhood essential gets an important safety upgrade. how to know if your child is sitting in the safest possible highchair. i cannot believe the momentum. i cannot believe the support. >> and success after the shutdown. five months ago two furloughed government workers turned to baking to get by.

ey have an exciting update for us. >> announcer: "news 4 today" starts now. it is 6:0a.m. now. good morning, everybody i'm aaron gilchrist. >> i'm eun yang. welcome to your wednesday. we are half way through the week.ge ting there to help you get going today our melissa mollet is standing by with r first 4 traffic. >> let's start, though, with storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell who is outside now on our i pat chuck, good weather for a barbecue early the morning. >> it sure is. someone said free food and i immediately came running on to the front lawn of channel 4 here. it is preparation for the barbecue battle. let me tell you something, this smells so good early this morning. we have the ribs ready to go. we have the red onions, pickles, sauces. corn on the cob goes perfect with barbecue. barbecue sauce, peppers, the jalapeno