a nice start to the day. a few clouds out there this morning. right now, no complaints. it is april 21st, 2010. we're going to check out weather and traffic in a moment. tonight, idol gives back and an example of that is kris allen. he has spent time in haiti helping survivors of the earthquake there. he will join us live to share his experiences in just a few minutes. ♪[ music ] i know that you got choked up -- maybe not. okay. we're going to find out coming up. for some it was an emotional night. >> yeah.

>> okay. we'll find out how the others did as well. idol chatter will happen later on this morning. all right. and also ahead this morning, the rock bottom remainder. it is a music group made up of authors and one legendary rocker. roger who is the founds member of the birds and also a remember of rock and roll hall of fame will join us in the 9:00 hour. a lot of good stuff is coming up. we're getting started on this wednesday morning and tony perkins has the forecast. >> kris allen and then scott and then roger? i'm thrilled. it is fantastic. all right the weather. not so fantastic. let's take a look, the live shot is looking good. the sunrise is not bad this

morning. there is precipitation on the horizon. it is not out there. is out to the south and west. around the washington area it is not hitting the ground. you might see a sprinkle or two on the way in, but the bulk is to the south and west. you will need an umbrella later on today. the current temperatures around the region. 54 degrees at reagan. here is your forecast for today. cloudy, cooler then average, 62 for the average. showers likely. now, julie. all right. let's talk to the crew in sky fox.

all right. reunions for travelers arriving at their destinations after their flights were grounded for a week. this is an from ash from

iceland. >> it has been a long and frustrating wait for people trying to get in and out of dulles airport. ref leaf, sarah? >> i think so, that's what i'm hearing from passengers. they seem hopeful today. they have their fingers crossed. especially when they hear that airspace is reopening overseas. in germany it is open. also, over the united kingdom as well, but the delays are going to continue today. so, they should expect that, due to the fact that 95,000 flights were canceled over the past week. british airways is expecting two dozen flights to head into heathrow. about 75% of european flights are expected to operate today. that is a change from what they have been experiencing.

the london flight that leaves here at 9:26 is on time. i spoke to a man who has has been her since saturday. >> we have tickets for the 25th confirmed, but we want to get home before that. i heard this morning the airways are open. so, i tried to get on standby. >> a family of 5? >> yeah. >> what do you think the likelihood is? >> i have gone to the third flight today. i heard there is only two on standby at the moment. >> reporter: it is interesting you talk to the folks over the last couple of days who have tried every route in other to get into the uk. some we're going to a point trying to get into russia, for instance, but just to give you an idea spain's airport stayed

open most of the time. so, they became a hub, of where 40,000 passengers were able to move through there. so, people were doing what they could in order to get in. at this point. it appears that the volcano is calming down, but in the next couple of days anything can happen. if we see another ash clouds we could be looking for disruption again. back to you. >> thank you. another big story this morning. the opens on the supreme court. there are reportedly 10 people on the shortlist. president barack obama will meet with senate leaders and members of the judiciary committee to talk about the process and listen to

suggestions that they might have. a vote in congress appears to be a no-go once again. the house will not take up the voting rights bill anytime soon. the latest version of the bill faced opposition, because it would strip the district of being able to enact strict gun laws. essentially, it would be an at large member. drivers in the area might be paying more for gas soon to help metro. grant has introduced a bill that would tack on a 10-cent tax, but it would only be effective if other jurisdictions in virginia and

maryland would also implement the legislation. washington, d.c. is one step closer towards legalizing medical marijuana. the council approved a bill to allow chronically ill patients to use marijuana. there will be a 2nd vote next month. a viewing is scheduled today for washington, d.c. principle, brian bets. investigators are going through this computer and phone records. he was found shot to death last week. he hosted a message on facebook saying it was nice outside and he was grilling and have a cocktail. the next day he was dead. police made another arrest of an assault and kidnapping. jeremiah and one of the teacher

was abducted over the weekend. the teacher escaped with severe cuts to her arm. new this morning a public pledge from the pope that the catholic church will take action to address the sex abuse scandal. the holy father recounted his meeting with eight men who were abused as children. this morning the nation is remembering a civil rights icon. dr. height passed away on tuesday at 98 years old. she gave nearly 40 years of service to the national council of negro women. she was on the platform with

dr. king during his i have a dream speech, but much of her work was done quietly. >> the president, she counseled roosevelt and truman and eisenhower and kennedy. >> she played the role as the glue in sieve -- civil rights movements. president barack obama issued a statement reading import -- we will have more on her life and legacy, when we talk to her friend, alexis, that is coming up in the 9:00 hour.

also coming up. here's to the believers.

the risk-takers. the visionaries. the entrepreneurs... who put it all on the line to build and run their own businesses. at at&t, we know something about that.

our company started out in a small lab, with not much more than a dream. and today, we know it's small businesses that can create the jobs america needs. that's why at&t is investing billions to upgrade and build out our wired and wireless networks. making them faster, smarter, and more secure. connecting small businesses to markets across the country, and around the world. we invest now, because we know it will pay off... with new jobs, new growth, from a new generation, putting their belief in the future on the line. now is the time for investment and innovation. the future is waiting. and the future has always the future is waiting. and the future has always been our business. at&t.

welcome back. 7:14 right now on this wednesday morning and a a little bit of a day of change, but so far, decent out there. >> so far, not so bad. we expect to see a few sprinkles in the morning and more rainfall during the day,

but things are changing as we speak. let's look at the radar and see how things are look across the region. there is rain on the radar in the washington area, in the district and to the north, west and south. however, this overplays it a little bit. much of it not hitting the ground, but i would not rule out a sprink or two during the early morning hours. because when i see this, i got to include that possibility. there is more rain off to the south and west that works in here a little bit later. here do you national map and the mid atlantic reason is one of the most active area of the country.

the task, today, a lot of clouds around. the rain will develop and move into the region later on. a high of 62. tomorrow, 71, a chance of a couple of showers mere and there. friday looks to be the nicest day of the next five days, 67 and sunny. higher in the upper 60s. that is a look at the weather. more is coming up in a little bit. >> that 70 disappeared from the five-day forecast. >> all right. 71 on friday. >> thanks. now, julie and the traffic out there. >> all right, guys.

hi, guys, last night i had an opportunity of stepping out and enjoying a night out with the boys and girls event. tim russert was a big supporter of this event. luke russert was there. he is handsome and very fall. this is a program to get kids moving. we have been toxic about childhood obesity and the rise

with that. it was a great night. they had everybody moving. allyson, i want to show you this next picture. his name is jason and he came out and sung the star-spangled banner. that's your next "american idol." >> he already is. >> so, a great time and thank you for the boys for girls club for inviting me out. >> thank you for sharing, julie. >> see you in a few. well, if you have teenagers you know that they probably rather text then talk. what may surprise you is just how much. a new study shows you the average teen sends 1500 texts every month. >> reporter: this mom didn't want to embarrass her kids sharing her face on tv. she was willing to share her

cell phone rules. >> if they bring the phone to the dinner table it is my phone. we enjoy dinner and find out about everyone's day. >> reporter: that is unusual in some households. a new study is saying that texting is more common then face-to-face communication. a typical teen sends 50 texts a day. >> my parents take my phone away when i come home. >> reporter: 15% of kids whose are texters say that they send 200 text as day.

>> when you are face-to-face it gets instancech that's what we need to be prepared to do. to interacts with the intensity. >> reporter: now, four out of five kids are saying that they sometimes sleep with their cell phones. >> that's terrible. >> i caught my kids with it in their beds. it is usually plugged in. >> reporter: of kids whose no longer have cell phones. 27% are saying it is because they parents are taking the phones away. there is a lot of good that comes with texting and social media. >> the kids being able to respond immediately. they can form a movement. if we want action, we've got it from this group of kids. so, that's the good part. >> reporter: the kids themselves know when it is time to put the phone away. beth parker, fox 5.

>> thank you very much.

♪ my country ♪ 'tis of thee ♪ sweet land ♪ of liberty ♪ of thee i sing [ laughs ] ♪ oh, land ♪ where my fathers died

♪ land of the pilgrims' pride ♪ from every mountainside ♪ let freedom ring ♪

so far, the treasury has been repaid $181 billion of the $700 billion it dolled out to fix the finance crisis.

when all is said and done, taxpayers are likely to lose $100 billion. autopsy is set to testify in a trial of a college student accused of hacking into her e- mail account. prosecutors are saying that david cornell hacked the account and claims that he didn't mean anything criminal. the white house chief of staff has his sights sit on a new big. rob emmanuel would like to run for mayor of chicago, but added the current mayor is a friend and he would work for him.

emmanuel is an advisory to daily. washington, d.c. is getting a true voice in congress. here's to the believers.

the risk-takers. the visionaries. the entrepreneurs... who put it all on the line to build and run their own businesses. at at&t, we know something about that. our company started out in a small lab, with not much more than a dream. and today, we know it's small businesses that can create the jobs america needs. that's why at&t is investing billions to upgrade and build out our wired and wireless networks. making them faster, smarter, and more secure. connecting small businesses to markets across the country, and around the world. we invest now, because we know it will pay off... with new jobs, new growth, from a new generation, putting their belief in the future on the line. now is the time for investment and innovation. the future is waiting. and the future has always

the future is waiting. and the future has always been our business. at&t.

all right. something else for redskins' fans to get committed about.

tony, as you pointed out, the last three weeks. >> unless they are out of it, the whole season will come down to the three games. there are parts of the schedules that are soft, with the lions, but i don't like the prime time games, like recent history, 15 to 18 years. they have not done well. >> we we did not center mcnabb or shanahan. >> they complain about playing dallas. it is a prime time game. >> i'm not writing off.

i'm excited. i met donovan mcnabb and i like him. all right. let's take a look at what is going on. i'm thrilled. all right. let's take a look at the weather conditions around the region and why are we playing all of the nfl teams? just kids. here is a look at the radar. we have precipitation off to the west and to the south. some of it beginning to hit the ground here and there. a couple of spots, but more significant precipitation to the south and west. that's the bulk that we're going to get in here. some of you may be seeing a sprinkle right now, but i believe that is kind of saturating the atmosphere and then get more rain falling down. there is more precipitation across southern virginia and into the carolinas as well. it is moving to the north and east. current temperatures look like this -- all right.

here in washington, d.c., currently 54 degrees. it is 50 at dulles. forecast for washington for today. take an umbrella with you. cloudy, cool and showers are likely. then for tonight i think that we will see clouds around during the early part of the evening. cloudy and overnight a few showers are likely. the five-day forecast -- again, a mixed bag. tomorrow, 71, but a lot of clouds and maybe a shower or two here and there. friday clear. 67 degrees. saturday and sunday for is a chance of precipitation each day and our highs in the upper 60s. that's a look at the weather. now, here is julie with an update on traffic. all right. tony.

well, full voting rights in congress for the district of columbia, come to a hot right now.

good morning. >> good morning. this week, again. we are continuing to be happy about republican -- john, joining us and nice to see you. >> good being here. >> all right. john, you said that you would rather start talking about the lineup of the games. >> the nfl schedule came out yesterday. the nfl draft is tomorrow night. what the heck are being doing talking about politics. >> unfortunately, i have to bring steve over. this vote was up and down and then the language of the gun language in it sort of put the brakes on it a little bit. then it came to a hot.

>> you know, you're going to have concealed weapons, nonconcealed weaponsch every effort of concontrol in the city was going to be thrown out and folks said enough is enough. you had a strange compromise. washington got a seat and utah got an extra seat. they complained that they had the missionaries oversea and they were not counseled in the last census, but that will be taken care of in 2010. i think that some folks might back off, but i doubt it. >> john q the utah component of all of this, senator hatch was not happy that it was not a

designated area. how big of a player was this part of the opposition. >> it was a problem that they wanted to make it at large, instead of a congressional district, but there is a bigger issue. many believe this was an unconstitutional maneuver. the constitution says that states will have a right to vote for representatives in washington and there will be a body for the cooperate that is not part of the state. so, weguardless, more than likely this would end up at the supreme court. >> so, come the election late thifall we might see a shift in power in congress. do you think that will impact if this comes up for a vote. >> it will be a while. i live in the district of

columbia. i would like representation. we have more people in washington, d.c. then some states have. >> -l move on now. we have the former president clinton ruling that is talking about corporate spending limits. now democrats are lacking for bipartisan help. not really getting it. john? are democrats likely to see help across the aisle for getting cancer measures in place? >> they will, if they want to list tonight the republicans and take their ideas. there was a letter that went out. it was basically drafted and signed by all of the republicans said that we agree that there needs to be reforms. but we don't want a bill out there and be forced to vote on

a bill. at this point, harry reid insists that is not going to happen. >> it is very difficult to get republicans onboard much of anything. even, even, you know, senator john mccain who is the father of campaign finance reform, for crying out loud, he is in a tough primary in arizona, he is keeping his mouth shut. so, there have changes made. because the notion that freedom to speak is totally freedom to spend, which is really what the supreme court is saying, i think it is dangerous. >> this is happening on financial reform, health care. they are saying that we don't need the republicans. we're going to act like we need them, but they are not invited to meetings. >> john, i dope think that is fair. from the beginning the

president was speaking to the republican caucus. i said while you guys are pushing it, but the notion that we are not listen to republicans is not right. when mitch comes in and says, our objective is to kill the legislation that president barack obama is going to put forth. >> on the latest package, there is $50,000 in there for more bailout money. the republicans believe that the american people are tired of paying for bill outs. >> the president said and others have said, that money helped to design banks stay afloat is negotiable. to be honest with you on this thing, on financial reform.

i think we're going to get it. i think it is very political. the republicans don't want to be the party of wall street. obviously the democrats are not the party of wall street. they cannot go home this year without doing something about fixing wall street. >> agree, at the end of the day they get something. >> we have to end it there. 

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tonight is the night that

"idol" gives back. if you are a fan of a show you will recognize our next guest. kris allen. the winner of season 8. he is in washington, d.c. talking about haiti and he has a watch party in downtown washington, d.c. first, kris is here with us. thanks, being with us and congratulations, are you soaking in the big win? >> yes. absolutely. riding the wave and everything is going well. >> you are busy. it has to be a change. >> i ask, what am i doing today. i don't want to know tomorrow or the next day. >> but you're enjoying it. >> absolutely it is amazing. >> idol gives back, tonight is the broadcast, but you have always been dedicating your

time to help out those in need. does this give you a platform on a bigger lev? >> i have been doing stuff like this for a while, but when you go over and can do this on a bigger scale and help out people in a ruly huge way it is amazing. i was really excited when the foundation asked me to come over there. >> what was it like being in hati after the earthquake? >> when going down there my first reaction was sadness. it sucked. it is devastation. it is bad. when you see the staff and what they are doing and -- the hard work that they are putting in and all of -- just the good stuff that they are helping out with it is they are making that better place. >> after you are there for a while. it has to be depressing to see that loss and damage. you pitch in, helping out and being one with the people.

does that change your opinion a little bit? >> yes. absolutely. you go over there and see what other people are doing. you can go over there and do stuff. i didn't just want to look. i wanted to be hands on. i think it made the experience that much better. >> does the help when you are tied into something like "american idol" and idol gives back. they are trying to do something more, but you are one out of many. this gives a chance for everyone to contribute. >> absolutely. i think that when you see the people who are lined up to be a part of idol gives back. i mean the president is -- so, that's, that person alone would be enough. but there are so many more people that are going to be involved. i think when people get involved other people kind of latch onto that and really

connect with it and went to give a little bit more. >> have you watch it all this season? >> and i watched a little bit. >> do you have front runner? >> not for myself. maybe casey, i like casey. he is great. >> did you know last year when you thought i have a chance to win the whole thing. a certain point? >> i don't know. when i did sunshine, i thought i was going to be around for a little bit longer. >> the feeling with you found out when you won. a lot of people still characterize this as an up sit with adam lambert. >> i was shocked. because adam is incredible. so, there was shock there, but i was happy for myself, but having -- he is doing fine with his singing -- he is doing great. >> you're doing pretty well, too. the cd came out in november.

you're still working on that. i know that you have a few scattered tour dates. you will be at hershey this summer. get into baltimore or washington, that will be nice and are you looking at more music in the future? >> i'm always working on stuff, but maybe later on the road. we're going to go on tour in june and then just play stuff from this record. >> all right. we look forward to seeing you. congratulations. you have time to be the rheining idol championship and best wishes as you get your career down the road. 

national dance week starts this friday. you can celebrate on your own. it is always more fun to dance with a group. >> it is going strong in washington, d.c. holly is live this morning. that is a lot of dancing. a whole week's worth. >> i was just thinking that i never limit myself to one week. i celebrate dancing all of the time. it is more fun to do it with other people and get out there and see what is out there. the dance community is strong in the greater washington area. they believe that dance is the area. peteser the director of dance metro washington, d.c. good morning. >> a good early morning. >> reporter: i saw peter this morning and his face is familiar. >> i have been in the washington ballet with the net

cracker this year. >> he was dressed up then. why did you think this was necessary. >> we thought the dance community was misunderstand. like the child that was hanging on the out skirts. we wanted to bring dance into people's lives. so, instead of having classes and theaters we wanted to push down out into the public life and celebrate that people move every day, in a class, on their own, in a performance, work on a way to get dance out of the closet. basically. >> reporter: and the thing about dance is -- one, you can do it at any age. and can continue to do it. it is important to keep moving as we get older. there is no wrong way. >> no, you tonight be safe, but there is a way to be productive

and healthy. i like aerobics and other things, but you get bored. how do you engage your body, mine and spirit and dance does that. >> and i can't dance. >> everyone dances. it is a burg right. you come out of the womb kicking and screaming. there is a way to dance that is irigmiccal, but it is dancing. >> so, what is the best way for people to take advantage of dance is the answer? >> reporter: all right.

we have been enticed. we have came out here this morning and douglas is here, part of the center where we are live. good morning to you. >> good morning. >> reporter: i have a feeling that you can't standstill. >> i can't. >> reporter: so, if you, you are dedicated to the joy of motion, so to have this, what does this do. >> we believe that dance is for everyone, because dance is the answer. dance is the key to physical fitness and motional and physical well-being and also to spiritual and illness of the soul. >> okay. we're moving this morning.

back to you. >> all right. everyone is moving. thanks. the time is 7:56 on this wednesday morning.

earthquakes around around the world testimonys. this is as airlines count the damages. so far, $1.6 billion have been lost. why would anyone still the top of the trunk off of this car. also a new push under way to get you to skip the salt. not by choice. we will take more about the situation coming up. we are talking about the weather today. a transition day. that person was putting salt on their french toast. >> some people like salt on

everything. >> i'm not a salt lover. >> i would rather not have it. let's look at hd radar. what is wrong, allyson? >> nothing. >> didn't send the girl said out with the necessary. >> i said it was going it rain yesterday. >> oh. >> here is a look at the rain out to the west, the south and the west. rain showers have heavy near fredericksburg. you are getting heavy rain there and we are going to see the showers during the course of the morning as well. forecast for today looks like this, 62 degrees, cloudy and cool and showers likely. that's a look at the weather. more in a bit. >> i listened to everything that you said today.

you have 16 more hits, don't you? whatever. anyway. julie? don't listen one time and you are in hot water with this guy. >> isn't it just repetitive? >> all right. i'm out of here. >> no, don't go. >> it is your award-winning personality that we love so much.

we have breaking news newark 11 people are missing and seven hurt, after an explosion at a oil drilling platform off of the coast of louisiana. there are 126 workers onboard at the time of the explosion. and also continuing to follow a developing story. the airspace has reopened in sev countries around the world. flights in europe were grounded for almost a week, because of the ash from iceland. sarah simmons is out at dulles airport this morning and travelers are starting to find their ways overseas. >> reporter: steve, the good news, germany opened their airspace this morning. so, passengers have their fingers crossed today, but with such a backlog in the system, some of the passengers may be stranded days to come.

british airspace is back in business. that means relieved passengers are returning home. dozens of international flights have landed are our in route. >> they keep us guessing. >> reporter: the chain event was felt throughout urine and the atlantic. anguish turning to elation. >> i'm so happy. >> reporter: officials are quick to point out it could be weeks before most of the travelers reach their final destination. with the island volcano still rumbling there could be more problems down the road. >> we have been waited seven days for a flight. we are booked on a flight today at 12:55. we are just waiting for news.

>> reporter: now, i spoke just a little bit ago to one man who is trying to return to the uk. he flew in here on virgin atlantic and he was told he would get on a flight on may 2nd. he will have to spend additional thousands of dollars to get out of here. this is having a lasting effec on the industry. pack to you. >> thank you. . one local politician has been caught up as well. the commissioner will not be attending the legislation session. he is stuck in italy. his chief of staff said that he will be home tomorrow at the earliest. majority leader is saying that the house will not take up

the voting rights bill anymore soon. utah senator also stepped in the way of the bill. he didn't like how it ballenned washington, d.c.'s vote. you might have to pay more of the gas pump to help fund metro. to demand more oversight. they want to have more say on hour metro board members are chosen and have meetings with

the metro general manager. >> i guess i'm not convinced that by injecting themselves personally, they're going to have much of an impact. there are a lot of experts already involved one way or another. it is hard to imagine it is going to do a lot. >> changes to the structure of the board of directors would require congressional action. a boy was badly hurt last night in the 1200 block. a car hit a boy in the street. the driver did stay on-the- scene. the boy was hospitalized with non life-threating injuries. in the meantime, an update now on a deadly car accident. 24 years old jones now charged with involuntary manslaughter. police are saying that he drove his van over the central line in the 36th hundred block of alabama avenue on monday and

crashed into a toyota killing mary and injuring four children. an actor gets caught up on a real life drama in washington, d.c. cal penn found himself attacked by a group of men on tuesday night. they forced him to the ground. took his wallet, his government id and his cell phone. a theft in virginia. somebody stole the trunk of a car, but they left behind the rest of the vehicle and the valuables inside of the vehicle. all that they wanted was the trunk. so, we wanted to know why? >> reporter: this neighborhood it mostly quiet and residents have been able to keep a lid on crime. however, on tuesday morning -- a rude awakening. >> so, i came around to the

back of the trunk. >> reporter: in fact, she did a double take. yes. the trunk was gone. >> what would be the purpose of stealing a trunk. nothing was disturbed. i had a suitcase, a tool set. my glove proxwas open. >> her honda is an item. the lid of the trunk higher. >> i had my car scratches. people who attempted to break in. now, it has escalated to the point. >> reporter: it is clear that the thieves knew what they came for. snipping wires, loosens bolts and taking the license plate off and leaving it and other valuables behind.

>> there has been an increase of people stealing trunks, air bags, catalytic converters. >> reporter: it is more than just a nuisance. it is very costly and time consuming. the car has to stay parked until it is fixed. >> it could be $600 to $700 to get it replaced. you have to get a few trunk and it pained. >> thank you very much. is wednesday morning.

the risk-takers. the visionaries. the entrepreneurs... who put it all on the line to build and run their own businesses. at at&t, we know something about that. our company started out in a small lab, with not much more than a dream. and today, we know it's small businesses that can create the jobs america needs. that's why at&t is investing billions to upgrade and build out our wired and wireless networks. making them faster, smarter, and more secure. connecting small businesses to markets across the country, and around the world. we invest now, because we know it will pay off... with new jobs, new growth, from a new generation, putting their belief in the future on the line. now is the time for investment and innovation. the future is waiting. and the future has always the future is waiting. and the future has always been our business. at&t.

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55 degrees right now on this wednesday morning. as we take a look at the stories this morning. pope benedict xvi made his first public comments on the sex abuse scandals. he promised the catholic church would take action. and he recounted his meeting with eight men. a german catholic priest who has served in washington for the past six years has been removed and ordered home. he will face accusations that he sexually abused teenaged girls in germany. the last of the snow ball cases was washed away. two james madison students got

probation for throwing now snow balls at a police car. now, i would like to forget about all of the snow that we had and continue to move forward. >> we're going to be dealing with rain today. >> it will not be bad, but we will be getting rain showers to the south and west of the city. i will get to that.

in our area. i think the bulk of the rain is going to hold off for a few more hours and then move into the region, but we will keep on eyes on this. here is your five-day forecast -- today periods of showers. lot of clouds around today. 62 for the high. tomorrow, above normal at 71. with a chance of a few showers here and there. friday, sunny, 67. pleasant. saturday and sunday will be in the 60s, but there will be a lot of clouds around and a

chance for showers each day. maybe thunderstorms on saturday. that's a look at what is happening with the weather. now, an update on traffic. with that julie? new this morning, a rammer

who has been called a hip-hop icon has lost his battle with cancer. he died on monday at the age of 43. the group had a gold record back in 1998. you might remember the track -- moment of truth. ♪[ music ] >> an emotional night at the end of idol. the judges ate it all up. so, what do your judges -- this is our panel. right? we are not bipartisan. what did we think about it?

jack, morning man. good morning, and genie jones and markus johnson. hello. so, crystal had a bit of a breakdown. >> crystal has been the front runner. it is like the kentucky derby with a 15-furlong -- >> i don't gamble. >> she is so far, out. it is a race for second at this point. she has been the one to beat from the beginning. i think that she knows herself, her vocal range. she was so believable last night. i think that she won over the teenybopper vote that was not on her side earlier. she blew me away. >> her appearance, let me tell you -- amazing.

i'm getting emotional thinking it, when she said, i see my daddy out there. it is a wrap. >> what did you think? >> i liked randy's comment early on in the night about the season and this is about true artist -- this years because we have so many true artists. >> they are there different. >> she true away the guitar for a minute. >> i'm tired of the guitar. >> she looked cuter last night. >> she did. >> i don't know if that is the issue here. >> it is popularity contact. >> it does that that. you know the business -- >> speaking of getting cuter. >> he was pretty good. he was pretty good. >> you know. this is my guy. it's my guy.

>> covering simon and gar funkal not is a safe thing to do. i thought it was okay. if you compare it to their vocals, come on. >> but it is about making a moment yours. >> you need to know what your limitations are and you need to hide those in this point of the

competition. >> she he took the song and made it his. i thought it was true. it was not an original arrangement, butagree, you need to watch out for. >> after the joins gave there fee, she said i wanted to do it, she said, here is her singing, i believe. she can sing, right? >> she can. i love her style, but i think it is too much. she is bouncing all over the place. and the butterflies. what is it? get rid of it, but something that i like about this girl. she will get other tunes. >> broadway. >> i think from broadway you

can do things, but you take a whitney houston song and then mirya carry and then you can't back it up. she has been pretty safe. i think that she is on the bubble. she better pony up next week. i could last night see her going home. >> i could see her going home. >> but it could happen. >> mark has given the bye-bye wave. now, casey. last night he stripped into his strumming.

>> i thought two weeks ago he was absolutely -- he did yellow sky with john lennon. she didhe was not strong last week, but i thought last night's performance was very karaoke. >> there are two things here -- number 1 we cannot -- we can't have a double or triple standards here. i see them judging mike on mike and not on the competition. and casey, they came down hard on casey. >> he didn't do badly, but he didn't live up two weeks ago. >> at this point in the competition, you have to bring it. >> i don't know if you know, the original idol band was picked up by the time show.

>> the musical director did. >> no, one of my boys said everyone is gone. talk about buying a new house. so, the thing about it is, the other thing that you have with mike and crazy, the true musicians and singers need an adjustment. you need to get ready to people you are playing with. it is not just adaptability, that band needs to be there. you know what -- [ background noise ]

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8:29 on this wednesday morning. the temperatures are not bad out there, but we're starting to see a few raindrops. >> yes. they are starting to arrive to the west. they will continue across the area. move through the beltway in the next hour or so. so, it is not going to rain delay. >> light. >> but rain is a good thing. >> so, not all bad. let's get it to, i will start with hd radar. we are watching the echoes fill in from the south and west so

you get the idea. it is out to the west. it will not amount to a whole lot today. bring along an umbrella and a rain jacket if you are going to be outdoors. the satellite-radar. there is a weak area of storminess here to the south. it will push off to the coast tear tonight. we should get improvement tomorrow and warmer tonditions. it will be on the cool side. the highs around 60. so, 55 at reagan national.

friday looks great. 67 for your afternoon high with a lot of sunshine. right now that, weekend with outdoor plans is not going to be perfect. all right. now, steve over to the newsdesk. it was back in february robin was headed to work and saw a small plane crash into the irs building in austin, texas. the veteran jumped into action and helped to save six people. now, robin and darryl joins us today. thanks, have being with us. talk about the program in a minute. robin, first your experience and encounter. this is a scene that we saw played out on the news. tell us what happened. >> it was odd.

an odd occurrence on a normal day. an awesome occurrence happened in austin, texas. >> so, you were driving and seen the plane crash into the building. >> i saw the fly in from north into the direction it hit a building. i just followed the smoke. >> what did you find when you got there? >> people running away from the building and all all of the smoke from the edge of the building. >> you were on your way to work? >> i go to different businesses. >> you had a ladder. >> i had an extension ladder on my truck and's enough to get the people! you win able to get folks out of the building.

you were an army veteran as well. >> it give me the confidence. my deployment from iraq. it was about december. i had three months to find a job when i get back from iraq and i didn't find anything until the last couple of weeks. i got into connection with helmets to hard hats and they found me a job in austin, texas. >> darryl, how tough is it when

you hear from these guys when they have to come back and get back in the workforce. what stories do they tell. glow hear multiple ones. some bad and some not so bad. you hear people that say i don't know what i'm going to do. i don't know. could you help me. that's what we do. >> tell us about helmets to hard hats. >> sure. they can go to our website. we have a national nonprofit. it doesn't cost to work with us. they are not aware that they could make good wages and benefits until they find out about this using our program.

they have good benefits and training. the apprenticeship itself. robin is learning a trade a skilled craft. they come out of the military and look at the career in construction. we can link them to the careers. they can learn a great career. >> how tough is to readjust? >> it was a little bit different to remember your bearings. listen up, pay attention, do what you are told and keep your ears open and progress. >> you are one of the success stories. darryl, we wish you the best. you got in and able to turn that into something else. >> we're trying to get attention to this. it is not totally known. some people are not aware of the helmets to hard hats program. >> i know that you are headed

to capitol hill today to spread the word as well. we will put information on our website as well. >> thank you. >> thank you for joining us. back to you. >> thank you. (announcer) we're in the energy business.

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welcome back to fox 5 morning news. the district is one step closer

to legal hiss medical marijuana. the washington, d.c. council voted to approve the bill yesterday. it would allow clinically ill patients to receive a doctor's prescription to use marijuana and buy it from a city center. we all heard the warnings about the dangers of eating too much salt. now, some regulators are asking is saying that they are n. not ready to do that, but there is a plan. >> reporter: americans eat 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt daily. it is the leading cause of high blood pressure. the major risk for heart disease and stroke. >> some people put salt on everything, before they taste it. >> reporter: but most of the sodium doesn't come from the shaker. instead it is hidden and according to doctors, that's a

recipe for disaster. >> we are seeing diseases in our young people that we didn't see 20 years ago. more type 2 dibities and hypertension. >> reporter: it is a situation that also irks officials at the institute of medicine who were leaning on the fda to set maximum sodium levels. but the salt industry is firing back. saying that is science behind sodium in take is unclear. >> this is not something that you fool around with. i mean. we are talking about a phenomena of nature. everyone responds differently to salt. >> reporter: the fda says that the strategy to address sodium intake is about to be formulated. it will start with a gradual

degree in the processed food. 

well, now, it is 8 minus kate. kate gosselin has been eliminated from "dancing with the stars." she and her partner, tony received 15 points out of 30. that with the viewer vote sent the couple packing.

seven other couples remain. it is fitting that she left after 8. >> i wonder if the public thought that would be cute. >> that is the voting show? >> it is. all right. holly is spending the morning with dance is the answer event. holly has moves herself, too. i don't know if you are going to show them off. >> reporter: you know, i was thinking about you saying all of my shoes are dance shoes. my two requirements they have to look good with jeans and you have to be able to dance with them. if that is the case, they are a must purchase. chance is the answer is a huge festival with artists, venues and dance crews. showing the vitality of dance in the greater washington area. in its fourth year. peter is the director. they help to pull this off. and jamie is the director from

philly. thank you for coming. >> of course, thanks for having us. >> we are really enjoying your dance crew this morning. but peter, how do you go about coordinating all of the venues and the artists i knew who to each out to. >> we rely on all of the people who dance in the metro area everybody. so, all of the people that dance place, they hooked up with olive. they have a great project and they got a grant to do this thing. i trust my folks at dance place, at smith and the group in virginia, we put the word out. everyone brings their best step to the table. >> reporter: so, we love dance place. but this is your first time to be a part of the festival.

>> yes. >> reporter: why do you want to engage in this. >> because engaging the public is important. regardless of the dance form. hip-hop, it is important to reach as many people as we can. the project that working on now, we're working with a pioneer. his name is ken. so, to be able to bring this to the general public it is exciting. here's to the believers.

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it's what makes a subaru, a subaru. another piece the presidential history coming to the smith sodian, ted robinson is donating a cane that was used by president kennedy during world war ii. >> it was be made later this morning. robinson was onboard the boat that picked up kennedy and the crew after it was rammed in 1943. you can get a test of the apollo theater at the museum of natural history. how the apollo theater shaped american entertainment. alumni helped to open up the exhibit.

>> the apollo contributed so much to all of us, from dan, to diana ross, to patti labelle, all of us. it was thrilling. >> a dress by ella fitzgerald. it opened up tomorrow and lasts until august. >> all right. a great reason to check out the month sewnian. - ( music playing ) - we know technology can make you more connected.

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fox 5 morning news. here is a look at some of the stories that we're working op. washington, d.c. gas tax. 10-cent tax in the district. it may be a good idea. what could be done with the extra money? these are the three words that you never want to hear -- runaway saw blades. a seen caught on camera. an industrial size saw blade breaks loose and takes off. where did it end up. >> hopefully, no one was hurt. you know, i'm very, very excited about the -- guest that we have this morning. that