live report. the clock is ticking on capital hill a government shut down could happen this week unless congress takes action. >> also more why jerry sandusky waived his preliminary hearing yesterday in pennsylvania. his attorney explains the legal manoeuvring behind the decision. today you will get sunshine with your clouds and warmer temperatures. warm being relative but warmer than it is now for sure sunshine already as the washington monument is in the foreground. 7:00 a.m. now glad you are with us i am steve chenevey. tony perkens under the weather i hate to use that for a weather man. tucker barnes is joining us with a look at wednesday. tucker got great joy out of using that line. it is appropriate. a look at temperatures this

morning as steve mentioned there will be a lot of clouds in the forecast, temperatures low 50s it will not feel much like december we are in for a mild afternoon 40 washington temperatures 10 degrees warmer than what we had around here 24 hours ago. relatively mild start that being said parts of the area at or below freezing dulles, 34, ocean city, 33 degrees. last hour you were at the freezing mark. satellite radar a lot of clouds in the forecast, clouds moving from the west and north that is a warm front bringing rain showers across portions of ohio most of that rain will stay well north and west of us, cloud cover will fill into the area. mostly cloudy conditions around here but the good news warm front will bring warmer air in here. with cloud cover our high temperatures will top out in the 50s. not a bad looking forecast, 49 manassas, 53 frederiksburg more cloud cover than yesterday we

should be dry. we had some rain in the 5 day i will let you know when that arrives coming up julie wright, another tough commute. a fatal crash tucker southbound 270 azure approach the exit for 1 -- as you approach the exit for 118 german town. the right lane is blocked along with the exit to 118 lanes are starting to stack up before clarks burg as you work your way southbound. alternative routes, include 255 that will carry bailout traffic as well this is a live shot from sky fox, trip southbound 270, approaching the accident scene only two left lanes are able to get by not only is the right lane blocked but the exit to 118 is blocked. the accident activity occurred in german town one alternate you can use will be 109 to 28. it will take you down well past the accident scene i know it is a long work around but could

save you time, 355 an option for some folks this morning outer loop of the belt way, delays, leaving 95, past colesville road. bw parkway on the break between 197 and powder mill. 395, heavy, duke street to seminary road. that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. our top story, another push to stop people from using electronic devices behind the wheel. an agency calling for a ban throughout the nation. stacy good morning. >> reporter: good morning alison. i know everyone listening is busy getting ready to go to work, take the kids to school but this is a story worth taking heat imagine the busy street behind me one out of every 100 drivers you see out here is either texting or e- mailing behind the wheel that is not even the biggest problem which is why ntsb is calling

for this dramatic recommendation. texting and driving are bad but so is speaking on a cell phone in any form it is distracted driving, ntsb the folks that investigate train and airplane crashes says the dangerous, people are dieing and would like to see ' complete ban. >> no parent wants their teen driver texting or talking on the phone while driving what better way to demonstrate that is risky behaviour than model the right thing for parents and others to put down their phone and stop texting and focus on driving. this have been many bad accidents we had one locally a school bus driver was chatting on his cell phone. that bus crashed, several kids were injured. a terrible crash in missouri, a teen was texting, and two

people died. we will see where the state goes with it from here. thank you the government runs out of money on friday. >> reporter: a new veto threat from the white house upped the ante as a friday deadline rapidly approaches. it is the season for e. of year grid lock con -- for end of year grid lock. congress has two days before the federal spending spigot gets shut off. i think it is outrageous, that democrats have not signed the conference report to keep the government funded, after friday night at midnight. >> reporter: democrats and president specifically will only sign off on a deal to avert a shut down if it includes an extension of the payroll tax holiday. republicans did just that last night they passed a payroll tax

cut extension with you provision would force the president to back down on his delay of an oil pipeline running from canada to texas. that is a nonstarter for democrats. >> we already know this bill is dead. we need to begin real negotiations how to prevent thousand dollar tax hike on american families. the white house is afraid they will be left holding the bag unless the payroll tax cut deal and government funding measure is passed in one big deal. through past experience we cannot take promises by republicans they will get that payroll tax cut extended for 160 million americans at some point, at face value. >> reporter: the christmas holiday is a big part of this members of congress want to head home for the holidays the president wants to go to hawaii saturday. in washington doug luzader, fox news. on the hill congress will try again to force itself to reign in its spending habits

the senate is set to vote on two amendments, spending would not exceed revenues in one fiscal year they want to prevent social security from being used to balance the budget. a congress is raising red flags california representative sent a letter to interior secretary saying demonstrators are ruining the park. last year more than $400,000 in tax payer stimulus money was spent refurbishing the square. people living and working nearby agree with the congressman. >> at first i was sympathetic, now enough is enough. >> enough is enough. that is an eyesore. the garbage is strewn they are not taking care of it not respecting the property this is my neighbourhood. $400,000 hit is well worth the price of voices that are

decenting but voices speaking something that needs to be heard. demonstrators are not required to have a permit as long as the crowd stays below 500. republican voters don't seem to be all that impressed by republicans vying to challenge barack obama next year a new jfk poll finds significant drop in satisfaction among candidates republicans are evenly divided on whether a washington insider or outsider should be president. christine o'donnell is throwing her support behind mitt romney she cites executive experience as part of her reason for endorsing him. president obama will mark the end of the iraq war today at fort brag in north carolina with a tribute to all the

troops who fought and died he and the first lady will address service members and their families. fort brag has seen 200 deaths. new this morning, a change at the top of a major local corporation, jw marriott junior, is stepping down as ceo he was ceo for 39 years greatly expanding the hotel giant his parents founded 85 years ago he will stay on as executive chairman the current chief operating officetake over as ceo. now the latest on the penn state child sex abuse scandal two university administrators will be in court friday for their pretrial hearings under charges of purgery. this comes after jerry sandusky

waived his hearing in court. it would have included some testimony from his alleged victims of sexual abuse which is why he decided to skip the whole thing. >> we would have heard a recitation of the allegations without being able the cross- examine the witnesses who testified as to their credibility. credibility will be the main factor in this case. >> waiving that preliminary hearing means prosecutors will share the evidence against sandusky faster not raise his bail. his attorney apologizes for a remartial he made to reporters when he off handedly say people call quote 1-800 reality. turns out that number was for a gay sex service. bernie fine on the right his drama has taken another turn.

syracuse university, slapped with a lawsuit. a defamation lawsuit from two former ball boys who allege they were sexually abused by fine a long full-time assistant bass -- a long time assistant basketball coach. the statute of limitations has run out, the alleged victims are taking aim as bayheim. some relief for drivers in tyson's corner. and get ready to shell out more for a cab ride. how much more after the break. >> less than a year after her death elizabeth taylor is making headlines once again and landing in the record books. >> as we head to break, problems on 270, we can tell you that coming into the city from the north. coming in 395 from the west, here is what you are currently looking at an update from julie coming up tucker has your

wednesday forecast as well [ male announcer ] this...is the network -- a living, breathing intelligence that's helping people rethink how they live. ♪ in here, video games are not confined to screens. ♪ excuse me, hi. my grandfather lived in this village. [ woman speaking italian ] [ male announcer ] in here, everyone speaks the same language. ♪ in here, cars call mechanics before you do. ♪ [ radio chatter, siren wails ] pass me to the patient, please. [ male announcer ] in here, doctors see you before you get to the hospital. no, we didn't pass it. yeah, pull up the map. [ male announcer ] in here, friends leave you messages written in the air. that's it right there. ♪ [ male announcer ] it's the at&t network... a network of possibilities...

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making headlines it appears young adults are benefiting from president obama's health care overhaul plan since the new law took effect, 2.5 million gained coverage it allows young adults to stay on a parent's plan until they turn 26. >> hong kong jumped in front of the united states and britain as the world's most developed financial system. western financial centers should be aware their long term leadership may be in jeopardy. the oscar or son wells won for writing citizen cane will soon hit the auction block. since 1950 the academy required

oscar winners to promise not to sell their statue before offering it back for $1. so far the acad may has not said -- academy has not said anything. so far jewels owned by elizabeth taylor have taken in $116 million more than double the record for a single collection her belongings went on sale last night at christy's auction house in new york. some of the high profile items include her 33-carat diamond ring, a gift from richard burton and her charm bracelet. a lot of money there. i wonder what alison's jewellery collection would be. $100. i like the costume stuff because i like the big stuff and can't afford the big real stuff. not yet. >> one day. >> if i work really hard.

>> it looks fabulous. >> i don't know better. i love that big real stuff any way. hey, the weather forecast is easy, something i do know. as we get into the afternoon, temperatures will cap out in 50s. we are warmer than yesterday morning our temperature has jumped, 41 degrees in the past 15 minutes, rochester 33, let's take a spin across the country travelling most of the cold, well out to the west, denver 24, you know what to be honest with you the pattern we have had the last couple weeks most of the lower 48 temperatures averaged above what would be considered normal for december. check out places like minneapolis, 36 degrees that is not typical this time of year, 62 dallas, lookout to the west, 40s moving in later tonight and be around here for a couple days temperatures will trend well above normal starting later this afternoon, temperatures expected into the

50s. all right, sentinel sat rad a lot happening out to our west, bottom line a lot of clouds in the forecast for our wednesday not expecting rain here today high pressure will keep us dry a combination of a warm front and cold front will move in. best chance of showers will be during the day tomorrow and then some cooler air behind it starts to move in by friday particularly this weekend. your 5 day, 52, lots of clouds around comfortable next couple days, flirting with 60 tomorrow daytime showers saturday and sunday for shopping, 47, 46 dry weather, plenty of time to look for a parking spot at the mall. >> good the showers are gone. perfect for that long walk from the car. not much moving on the roads hey jewels. >> you know they are investigating this accident which occurred southbound 270 before the exit for 118 again the accident activity tieing up the right side of the highway,

you will find traffic is able to get by, 121 in clarks burg. this is a live shot, courtesy of sky fox, southbound 355 we mentioned this as an alternative route we are noticing a lot of bailout traffic you are on the breaks as you travel -- brakes as you travel south of 109 we got the word out early a lot of people are bailing out using this as the alternative route this 2 lane road feeling the impact, a lot of folks bailing out using this and simply can't handle all that. let me take it back inside quickly so we can update the ride elsewhere a trip coming southbound, 270, leaving father hurly boulevard, the two left lanes are able to get by we just saw 355 it is on and off the bridge 109 headed down towards german town the other alternative bailout 109 and pick up 28 use that as the alternative route i know it is

a long way around the barn but will save you time, 355 is jammed up heavily. so again, another option for you guys west of 270, 109 to 28, that will dump you back out on to the interstate down in rockville. other side of town you will find your lanes are open face is slow, southbound, bw parkway as you travel 197 and powder mill road, 95 to georgia, inbound new york avenue, again as you travel from 4th to the tunnel that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. main intersection tyson's corner getting a key improvement road crews plan to open a ramp that connects westbound lees burg pike with southbound chain bridge road the ramp has been closed more than a year because of the metro royal extension through tyson. drive sober or get pulled over. the nationwide holiday drunk driving campaign is now under way. deaths resulting from drivers under the influence have

dropped in 32 states and district, transportation secretary, ray la hood reminds drivers to turn off cell phones and wear their safety belts. catching a cab in the district could soon cost you more money the taxi cab commission approved a preliminary vote to keep the starting rate at $3 but increase the per mile rate from 1.50 to $2.16 the wait fee would go from $15 to $25 per hour one good thing for riders no more additional charges for extra passengers a move taxi drivers say can hurt their business. >> when they find out it is free for four or five people, four or five people jump in pay less and that is not how we make a living out here. >> it is not to advantage of the cab drivers and it is not acceptable. >> the proposal eliminates fees for luggage, pets emergency

fuel surcharges new rates could start as soon as february. >> dc council considering regulating tattoo and body piercing businesses. they will hold a hearing on the proposal today. legislation would establish health and legislation standards and require artists to be licensed several artists are scheduled to testify. 7:22 a.m. right now up next virginia takes the issue of whether or not to allow gay couples to adopt. >> he helped couples start a family now the federal government is stepping there, putting an end to his sperm donation business. >> fierce competition involving college students and really cool race cars. annie yu live at the university of maryland with the terms racing team we will check with her and the team later this morning 

they stopped a drop operation from hitting the street. the drugs were found stashed in the lining of a suitcase prompting the arrest of a traveler from ghana. her row win was -- the heroine was headed for new york. another drug past in michigan police arrested four people after discovering 150 pounds of marijuana, hidden inside their luggage. the passengers were on a flight from phoenix where their luggage passed inspection. transportation said screeners are trained to look for explosives not drugs. adoption agencies may soon be allowed to discriminate against same sex couples looking to standard a family. virginia board of social services will finalize adoption rules at today's meeting. they want to make it clear when

placing a child, state license agencies cannot discriminate based on sexual orientation but some groups are fighting to get rid of these. fda is shutting down a man's sperm business. he has owned a rogue bank since 2006, donating to couples who want a baby free of charge. now the fda is offering a crease citation -- cease citation the owner could face up to a year in jail. three weeks today we will talk about the winner of the first 2012 contest in iowa caucus. >> will newt gingrich surge ahead or can mitt romney get his front runner status back. jim and peter join us straight ahead. keep an eye on what is happening on the following breaking traffic news major delays on 270, more troubles as folks try to get off. julie will be back in a moment with an update we will check

the wednesday weather tucker barnes has that for us as well. it is now 7:27 a.m. [ female announcer ] more people are using wireless devices... in more ways than ever. and our networks are getting crowded. but if congress frees up more wireless spectrum... we can empower more people to innovate... putting momentum behind our economy. and we can reduce the deficit... with more than thirty billion dollars paid by america's wireless companies. it's simple -- more spectrum means more freedom. for everyone. have given way to sleeping. where sleepless nights yield to restful sleep. and lunesta can help you get there, like it has for so many people before. when taking lunesta, don't drive or operate machinery

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this guy knows how to get around a black bear, popped out of a garbage truck in downtown

vancouver. >> surprise surprise suffer surprise. the british columbia, conservation officer service, said the-year-old bear began its journey in a dumpster in the northern part of the city. nothing bad happened to the bear while in the truck. they were able to get a hold of it, that is how they handle bears in canada just walk up to them and grab them they initially tranquilized them for the safety of the bear and caught it in a tar p and then took it to a nature preserve. >> good looking little guy. >> glad that worked out all right. >> imagine his surprise when the dumpster started moving. >> i think that would make a good bear movie. >> as long as it had a happy ending. all right let me get to the weather forecast later today, on the mild side here in warning on the northwest -- washington, northwest washington. what are you doing with the

reporting station. >> like a big dome on a hill. >> on top of our building. >> really. >> yes, our bosses put in a brand new weather station. >> can we visit? >> yeah, come on by we will do a video tour. >> will we get numbers up on the screen. >> eventually yes. we are very ambitious here. regan national 41 degrees. >> if you climb up on the roof you will be able to tell if it is raining. >> see he is being funny i am being serious. >> steve does not appreciate it i will give you a tour of our new weather center alison. 36 leonard town, manassas, spots at or below freezing off to the west and north, 36 winning number dulles and martins burg. warmer temperatures yesterday 52, today as well. we will be on the mild side. all right lots of clouds in the

forecast might be a few peeks of sunshine. looks like the rain is moving in, this is a warm front and most of the energy will stay to our north just cloud cover for us pressure blocking it the rain won't get a chance to hit the ground here but as we get into daytime hours the rain will arrive in the form of a warm front and cold front there is your cold front and cooler conditions behind it friday and saturday temperatures will be falling back into the 40s. more clouds and sun mild afternoon, 52 daytime high winds out of the north, 5. later tonight, 43 overnight low not as cold overnight upper 30s. outside the belt way, your 5 day forecast, check out mild temperatures tomorrow, 58, yeah, parts flirting with 60 showers around tomorrow get it out of here by early friday, saturday, sunday, sunshine temperatures where they should be mid- to upper 40s. let's look at weather, on time traffic julie has been busy what is happening. >> we still have a lot of slow traffic trying to get through

german town southbound 270, camera at father hurly boulevard headed out to our accident investigation, 118, two lanes getting by. sky fox wants to look at the commute as you travel southbound, using that as the alternative travelling southbound you are on and off the brakes south of 109 let's go to the crew in sky fox check out that drive as you continue southbound headed towards clarks burg, father hurlly boulevard you will find yourself on the brakes. grid lock traffic for those continuing along the southbound stretch south of 109 working down towards 121 and back out towards father hurly boulevard. again back in side another alternative pick 109 and take that out towards 28 that could save you time although it is a long work around it is moving right now and could help you avoid that mess on 355 and ongoing investigation along southbound 270 other side of town that is where you will find delays not only does it

slow, 95 to georgia avenue, new york avenue is shut down see the fire equipment on the scene this happens to be new york avenue, traffic camera, due to a structure fire, 1943, new york avenue you will find new york is shut down, out bound at west virginia, montana no one is able to get through northeast at this time, rhode island avenue could be an alternative, ben any road at 8th an option. wall to wall traffic out of manassas, through fair oaks that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. the weekend debate among gop presidential contenders generating a lot of water cooler talk. will it still be as rivetting when the field is narrowed down and some of the same more colorful characterses quit this race. joining us now peter fen good morning good to see you and jim back with us. good morning. >> nice to see you again. let's talk about that

first. a whole lot of buzz most watched gop debate so far, and the question was if some of the more colorful characterses drop out are there any colorful characterses. a whole group depending on what you want to talk about. probably, rick santorum may be the most uncolorful of the bunch. they are all colorful they all have strengths and weaknesses 7 million people watch this debate, debates matter this year more so than any other time. that is how you have seen the rise and fall of an awful lot of different candidates that is the newt phenomenon he hasson not had money -- he has not had money or organization but done well in the debates. i think the press want to narrow it down they want a conflict, a head to head it will not be a head to head for awhile it will be a long primary season for the

republicans. >> peter is newt gingrich still the clear front runner >> i think so. there is a new poll out showing him at 40 that is a national poll you have to be careful of these things alison, you have to go state by state and look at this. these things change, rudy giuliani was number one for months, going into 2008 and he crashed very quickly because he didn't make it so we have to look at iowa, new hampshire, florida but he clearly is the candidate to beat what happens once you are at the top, everybody is shooting at you. all you have to do is pick up your washington post this morning or any morning now the articles on newt gingrich are unbelievable. you have to step back. political reporters in particular and the press, they are frustrated sports reporters they want to know what the score is. they throw all these different stats of people if you step

back and look at the bigger picture, generic republican against the president is beating the president now. what that tells you there is an awful lot of folks that are very dissatisfied with the president's performance on the economy there is a lot of anger not just at the president but congress and washington dc in general. so what i think is, issues matter, position matter, and long term i think you are going to see a nominee, whoever the republican is i couldn't tell you today, whoever the nominee is, going to be much stronger going into the general election and then you could start looking at all the numbers. >> one of the things, i disagree a little bit one of the things that happened with these debatecandidates they have had to go furtherer and further right so what is going on, is the republicans are watching these debates, i mean they are making up their minds, based on them but they are very

conservative audience, especially in these primary states. i think that hurts them going into the general moderates are getting turned off by this field. plus, republicans themselves are not satisfied with any of them. it is like anybody but romney it started out it may be anybody but newt. >> how important is tomorrow, the last debate before iowa? >> very important this is the last shot for these guys -- unless you have money for television advertising, for the lesser known candidates, bachmann and santorum this is a last shot for them to shine that is how as i said before how newt survived for so long all these debates, and so it is important. i think it is an important debate then it becomes retail politics, that is important in iowa they want to meet these people and talk to these people. >> not much time left for january 3rd. >> one thing people used to say iowa is about organization,

organization organization. this year i think it is different ron paul has strong supporters, younger voters more inclined to turn out. support surge for gingrich dropping down a little bit, jim and his candidate, rick perry are putting -- each person should see their spots 20 times a week, so, there is a lot of tv coming out there. gingrich has no organization whatsoever in iowa, but the question now becomes, are these debates more crucial than the organization we will see january 3rd. >> that is really the most important thing. >> let's switch gears talking about two big issues facing all of us now extending funding to the government and extending payroll tax holiday i want your input on this. jim i will start with you. >> sure. >> we saw, speaker boehner come out and basically say, this needs to get passed we need to do this now american people are

watching. how close are we to getting anything done? >> well, they are playing a game of chicken on the hill right now. there is an agreement between the house and senate, that is important the democrats control the senate and republicans the house, to pass an extension on the funding bill. all of a sudden harry reed is saying we are not going to do that. they are playing a political suicide game the president is trying to set himself up for re- election his best hope and peter, will probably reluctantly admit this, his best hope is to run against a do nothing congress. so he is trying to make it look like republicans are the bad guys. i think where the republicans are making a terrible mistake they are going to extend the government i think that will happen but this payroll tax cut, $1,500 in folks pockets if it is viewed

that the republican [ overlapping voices ] with the pipeline attached to it. >> so what. >> he will veto it. >> republicans are making a terrible mistake i would not be standing up for extending a temporary tax break for millionaires but not for the middle class. if i were -- >> we didn't do that we just passed it. >> no, no,. >> here is the thing. >> it should stand alone. it should stand alone. the veto will happen with the pipeline. >> we got to end it. >> next week we will find out. >> this is jim and peter, we appreciate you, see you next week. steve over to you. coming up next a tough commute julie back with the latest trouble spots including big back ups 270 and 355, as we go to break more holiday greetings from members of our military. ♪ [ music ]

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we would like to add a couple new ornaments to our fox 5 christmas tree. the first ornament is courtesy of pat moyer from falls church virginia. thank you so very much. there is what she sent in. >> next to it this marshmallow snow man was sent and created by francis garrison of fort washington maryland she is an avid snow man collector. thank you francis. he is adorable. >> thanks to both of you for sending in your onments once the tree is filled with the great onments you are sending in, we will donate it to a

worthy group here in dc. let's head on to our other studio tucker is standing by with a look at our wednesday weather. >> tree is looking fantastic, if you are going out and about, doing shopping today, conditions should be fine. expect a mild afternoon temperature current conditions regan national, 41 degrees, 30s out there, manassas, 30 degrees for you, 34 gaithersburg. leonard town, 36 and as you open it up a little bit temperatures trending above where they should be. west virginia, 46 degrees and 45 in raleigh. all right let's do the feature cast notice the cloud cover moving in here computer model indicating we should be mostly cloudy rain shower see the green on your map, well north of us. should be dry. it will feel rather gloomy with the cloud cover expecting mild temperatures 50s yesterday, 50s today. showers move in light showers during the day tomorrow, i

think the morning commute, late tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon showers around as the cold front moves through that will bring us cooler and drier air towards the weekend. 52 this afternoon mostly cloudy, showers tomorrow flirting with 60, 40s by saturday and sunday. good morning. >> all right tucker not much changed the ongoing investigation involving a fatality, westbound 270 as you work your way out to 118 exit ramp to 118 remains blocked off as well traffic is grid locked out of german town before father hurly boulevard. we have been talking about your alternative routes, 355 south of 109 headed back to german town someone said hey, what about great seneca highway yes, that is an option if you can get there. that is the problem coming southbound we are already seeingdelays build in volume before 121 headed out towards father hurly boulevard. if you know those back roads yes, of course.

but for most of us sticking with a main route is what we need to do. southbound 355, south of 109, option of 109 headed out towards 28 you are going to find new york avenue remains closed off in the distance you can see the fire and rescue units, responding to the scene of the structure fire. inbound, new york avenue, out bound blocked off west virginia, montana, delays 66 and manassas. fair oaks and 123 and gain at the belt way that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. >> coming up next we will check with the terps racing team you may not be aware of. >> annie will tell us about that. she is standing by in college park good morning. >> all strapped in where had to go. >> reporter: i am in the car it took over 10,000 man hours to build this car. that is commitment right there. we will larn more about the team and -- learn more about the team and meet members in a

bit. thanks annie. time to say good morning to our facebook fan of the day colleen. her cable was out yesterday so, she found us online steve, behind the scenes look at the show and said it was very interesting watching me do my make up really touching it up and steve eating his crackers during the commercial break. >> we should switch it up i do your make up and you eat crackers. yesterday it was different. find us on facebook searching fox 5 morning news and post a comment under colleen's photo. we will be right back  [ male announcer ] citibank's new app for ipad

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feeling the need for speed, that is what annie yu is also

experiencing. she is at college park to learn about the terps racing team. >> reporter: good morning steve and alison this team is very dedicated and quite successful. they have three competitions a year, mostly in springtime they have two vehicles they designed and built themselves. that is a lot of work. it takes about 10,000 man hours to work on this car here this is formula sae the other is baja. joining me now is cj the project manager and steven one of the lead engineers and kevin over here, sorry kevin. let's talk about this car here how do you guys come up with the concept and start the design process. >> basically we look at the strength, formula sa gives us and set goals what do we want to achieve maybe winning is not the goal maybe education is our goal but after we set the goals, we lay out a road map

with our timeline how we want to set about achieving our goals and then play it along month by month hopefully we don't run into any hold backs or anything. >> kevin talk a little bit about being a member what do you like best about being part of this successful team. >> we do it all ourselves and it teaches us a lot about how we can handle our time and education and what we can do, to work in a team with other people that is what i really love. yeah, and cj tell us about this car how much does it weigh and it took 10,000 hours to build this car how do you come up with the parts and everything to make it come together. >> takes a lot of time. we spent the first half of the semester designing the car built out an entire model of the car through the computer system once we have that design we hash out what parts need to be built and what parts we can purchase, with the now purchase orders with the parts that need

to be bought commercially and everything else here we built in the shop. >> i would think you have to do some fundraising this costs a lot of money here. >> yes you see all the names on the car these are our sponsors names on the car you get some money for university, 75% of the budget comes from sponsors >> i see. okay well, another vehicle you have is the baja and right over here is jimmy, hello. >> hi. >> working hard on this car. talk about the difference between the baja and formula. >> this is mainly off road vehicle, get about one race each year a mile and a half course and jumps, streams more of a testing of the ride building of the vehicle, more like an atv race. dynamic and static events you have to prove your design is worth having and then you prove that in design events, so probably the most important event though has to be the 4 hour endurance race you have

pitt stops all that stuff just like a normal race, right now our guys here are working on the rear suspension trying to take the tire off. >> yeah, well, they are working really hard on that if you want to learn more about this team log on to myfoxdc.com we have a link to the terps racing team. >> annie thank you very much. >> oh, we are going to commercial break 

head to the roads first a mess on i-270 as far as traffic goes all started after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a tractor trailer the investigation is tied up southbound traffic for the last two hours, julie wright will let us know how things are looking this hour. national transportation safety board recommending a nationwide ban on cell phone use by drivers no texting no talking not even with a hands free device we are live with reaction. it is the season forgiving, are you about to be taken ahead at 8, our good trend steve joins us live with more how to

make sure -- our good friend steve joins us live with more how to make sure the denation you are making goes -- donation you are making goes to the right charity. >> tucker barnes is in now for tony are you in for tony now. >> this is our transition time. >> tucker time. >> still tony time. >> so tony time about to be tucker time. >> there you have it. >> right now it is tucker time. >> all day today. either way it is mild today. great looking day at least temperatures more clouds than yesterday. >> yesterday was fantastic. >> it was. >> sun made it feel warmer. >> yes, it did. it doesn't feel like christmas yet. >> give it a week or so. currently regan national 41 degrees overnight lows 10 degrees warmer than yesterday generally speaking we are off to a nice start, 37 frederiksburg, 32 ocean city, 35 hagerstown the only real change in the forecast today

cloud cover see the white there on your satellite picture that is the clouds moving in it will be the high, thin variety to start the day but lower and thicken mostly cloudy this afternoon and again, we are expecting conditions will remain dry as high pressure keeps us dry one more day showers back in the forecast tomorrow show you that coming up here is your forecast lots of clouds around high temperatures, right in the same department as yesterday, low 50s again, rain in the forecast starting tomorrow details in just a minute. all right let's check with julie wright and find out more about the traffic situation. julie. >> yeah, it is a fatal crash pedestrian, tractor trailer, you will find the ongoing investigation tieing up your commute 118 here in german town the right side of the road is locked and exit, 118 remains -- blocked and excite 118 remains closed we did get the word out early this morning a lot of

folks bailed out using alternative routes including 355 it is slowing south of 109, back to german town don't forget about the alternative routes 109 towards 28 i know it is like a long work around but can save you time as you travel back down into rockville. on the other side of town inbound new york avenue now open this portion of the highway was shut down because of a structure fire. in bound traffic has been released headed out towards the tunnel. out bound new york avenue remains closed. inbound 50 delays stacking up, out of river dale, expect delays on the bw parkway headed out towards that new york avenue split, 66 you guys still on the breaks as you travel inbound working your way in from fair oaks towards the belt way that is a check of your on time traffic. we have all heard of the dangers of texting and driving a federal agency will get on that debate. >> ntsb is recommending all states ban the use of devices behind the wheels.

even hands free ones. >> stacy. good morning again alison. ntsb these are the folks that investigate the terrible train crashes and plain crashes now they says the just not safe to use your cell phone in any way that is why they are making this dr most jurisdictions in our area, have some regulation on texleing and driving it is disallowed but others like virginia allow you to speak on the cell phone even if you don't have a hands free device ntsb is saying hands free or not they thing it is a bad idea to use the cell phone while driving we have talked to commuters here is what they had to say this morning. >> they are not completely focused even though you know where you are going you are still driving. >> it is a great temptation to -- when you get a message you want to respond to it. i try really hard not to although i wonder what is the alternative do you pull off somewhere. >> do you think it is a good

idea? >> absolutely. >> why? >> i feel like it is really dangerous. >> it is really dangerous. >> but i did see you talking on that. >> yes, that last young lady drove up chatting on the cell phone i have seen a lot of that. everybody we spoke to thought it was dangerous but all admitted to having done it a time or two. it will be interesting to see what happens. reporting live, stacy cohen back to you. >> all right stacy it sure will be. thank you. this bizarre accident involving a miami police cruiser the result of distracted driving the officer veered off the road when he tried to pick up a pen he dropped behind the wheel the cop car is literally hanging by a tension wire the accident knocked out power to folks living in the area that officer was not hurt. might cost you more to catch a cab in dc. taxi cab commission approved a preliminary vote to keep the starting rate at $3 but increase the per mile from

$1.50 per mile to $2.16. the wait fee would go up to $25 per hour. could cost more to use public transportation not because of a fair hike but change in federal law, tax benefits for workers who get subsidized help. cost of parking or using mass transit enhanced transit subsidies, increases as part of the president's stimulus package in 2009 set to expire end of the year that may mean fewer transit riders and more people will be on the roads instead. it is getting more expect sieve any way i will probably commute more. >> in the car. >> yes, -- expensive any way i will probably commute more. >> in your car? >> yes it will definitely have an effect. >> federal parking subsidy was under a different law that would increase in january to

$240 a month. house of representatives voted to approve a bill extending the payroll tax cut while it may have been seen as a bipartisan effort a number of them-- lawmakers voted to pass the republican payroll tax plan [ overlapping voices ] >> the big expands unemployment and keeps social security payroll at a lower rate. >> senate can take up our bill to pass it, amend it, it is time for senate to act. >> legislation has an amendment that has nothing to do with payroll, it might never see the light of day. it could also require an early construction date for key stone within 2 months. >> we already know this bill is dead we need to begin real negotiations how to prevent a thousand dollar tax hike on

american families the sooner we get this vote the seener negotiations can begin in earnest. >> president obama said any bill containing pipeline provisions will be subject to a veto the president suggests legislation forces middle class families to pay for the measure without asking the rich to contribute. it does not sit well with john boehner. >> it is dispointing the white house threatened to veto this bill it is their top legislative priority. >> republicans say both sides need to come to an agreement. >> this is not representative of a perfect formula the way we see it it is time for the other side the hairy reed as well as the -- harry reed as well as the president to compromise as well. >> payroll tax is one of three major bills congress was struggling to finish before year's end. means to find most government agencies through the end of the budget year are also on the table. in new york aiynsley earheart

fox news. senate is set to vote today on dualing republican anddemocratic measures the house failed to approve the amendment a few weeks ago the senate is expected to fall short of the amount of votes needed it it will help the u.s. deficit most democrats say they will have to make too many cuts on social programs. christine o'donnell throwing her support behind mitt romney's bid she cites executive experience as part of her endorsing romney. she lost a seat in delaware in the general election. trump gave up after only two candidates agreed to the event.

gingrich and santorum. republican strategists feared it would be more like a trump centered circus. trump who said he would not run for president says he wants to preserve his right to run as an independent. something we always wait for the big unvailing time magazine announced its 2011 person of the year, it is the protestor a nod to global protests this year in many cases changed history demonstration ifs, toppled several governments in the middle east, occupy movement here in the united states continue to force action in russia and syria. time now, 8:10 a.m. on wednesday morning american troops will be out of iraq by the end of the year. so what will it be like in iraq in 2012. a familiar face here at fox. former baghdad correspondent will join us in studio, molly willings is just back from 8 months and will talk about her experience and look ahead to

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40 degrees on wednesday morning let's look at stories making headlines, investigation under way why a man in belgium threw grow fades into a group of holiday shoppers, -- grenades into a group of holiday shoppers, police say they have also found the body of a woman in the suspect's home that suspect had spent time in jail for previous gun and drug offences he was under investigation in a sex abuse case. 21-year-old francis reed of vienna charged in the death of his 2 month old baby. misresponded to a cpr in progress, in falls church saturday. he was charged with child abuse monday the little girl died later that day. police say the gun that ross ashley used in last week'svirginia tech shooting was bought legally from a licensed dealer but have still

found no link between the 22- year-old gunman and the officer. he was gunned down on the black burg campus last thursday cash lee then shot and killed himself. marine corps makes a big mistake wounded warrior regiment sent holiday packages to 1,000 deceased marines and sailors including a purple heart ornament. the commanding officer is calling the families to apologize. 8:15 a.m., tucker barnes and the latest weather forecast. >> we don't need much of a warm up these days tucker maybe a feel good factor. >> time for our my first 5 photo of the day. everybody,. >> my goodness. >> tiny little one. >> he is, isn't he. >> this is danny. >> hey, danny. >> good morning danny. he will turn 6 months old this

month, so, steve and alison, he is seeing christmas and christmas lights for the first time. >> how fascinating and spectacular. >> he is checking them out. >> yeah, he is. >> adorable. he has a santa hat on there. >> sorry alison i couldn't see it. i hope you have a very merry christmas and hope you mom and dad get the lights up around the house. send us your child's picture go to myfoxdc.com and click on the mornings all right danny going to need a shirt when you head out the door this morning it is on the chilly side, temperatures generally in the 30s. to 40. now 40 downtown washington let's take a spin around the rest of the country. not a lot of real bitter cold on the map this morning. well out to the map, denver, 27, and 24 castle wyoming, reno 18, much of the country is in the 40s. want to point out cincinnati and nashville mid-40s. tomorrow morning i think we will wake up temperatures in

the 40s. surge of warm air here ahead of our next frontal system, looking at satellite radar. live clouds in our forecast as you look across the mid- atlantic clouds will start to move in associated with a warm front off to the north and west rain showers out towards ohio pushing into west virginia, most of that energy, north of us, clouds and mild temperatures highs later this afternoon back into the low 50s and rain you see out to the west will move in, overnight tonight really during the first half tomorrow, here is the good news, most of the heavy showers will stay north we will just be in for some scattered showers during our thursday and then clear it out again quiet things down for the weekend. your 5 day mostly cloudy, mid- to late afternoon warm tomorrow upper 50s near 60 rain showers then we start the cool down highs near saturday and sunday mid-40s. sunshine dry this weekend that is a look at weather let's do traffic. what is the latest.

>> no change at the scene up in german town tucker. southbound 270, just before 6 amtrak tore trailer, pedestrian involved a fatal crash which remains under investigation. blocking the lanes, also blocking that exit ramp with delays stacking up between clarks burg and father hurly boulevard a lot of folks bailing out using 355, south of 109 again the option of 109 to 28 long work around but could save you time that will dump you back out on to 270, in rockville. other side of town live camera feed, westbound 66 approaching 28 centerville, again this is against the rush hour flow we have the accident activity two left lanes getting by expect delays 7100 headed out bound 66 in bound lanes are open on and off the brakes leaving centerville towards the capital belt way change along new york avenue, still dealing with a structure fire inbound lanes, heading towards the tunnel are open. out bound traffic being

diverted off west virginia, montana, out of river dale and headed into the northeast that is a which can of your fox 5 on time traffic. u.s. troops all set to be out of iraq in a couple weeks while many are happy to see americans go away there are fears iraq is vulnerable to political pressures from neighbors our next guest spent considerable amount of time in the mideast just back from 8 months in iraq she has worked for fox news some time. molly wilkes, she joins us good to see you again i remember when you first went over years ago, something triggered it in you you wanted to keep going back how in trips have you made back and forth. >> 11 since 2006 just there the past 8 months i was working on a documentary for the u.s. military about u.s. reconstruction efforts there. >> the big question we are all set within a very short amount of time for all troops to come

back home it will be a different place. >> yes, it is. you have 50,000 u.s. troops there a few weeks ago now you are down to zero of course there is a change in the security situation, u.s. officials will tell you still 40,000 u.s. troops in the middle east, 23,000 kuwait alone, 16,000 embassy personnel, but i really thing, without the presence of the u.s. troops, that will be something >> you have had the privilege working with the military and as a journalist working with the iraqi people to see both sides of the situation. we will look at it as we listen to you. what did you sense when you had a chance to talk with the iraqi people how life may be there now, without the american presence? >> well, there are a lot of iraqis who think security will deteriorate somewhat once the u.s. leave. some people still want the u.s. to leave they are tired of what

they see as an occupation force in their country. the shiites will be happiest to see us go. the sunis have the greatest concern over the years they have been mar generalized they have been targeted for arrests, harassment and worse without the u.s. there, the amish broker protecting their rights they are worried what could hanover the summer i was in faluga that is the place where they are most anxious to see the u.s. leave. they remember clearly the battle in 2004 it will be generations before they forget that, so i think there is a wide variety of opinions. >> you talk about the struggles within the country but threats from outside. >> absolutely. been a lot said about iranian influence is that going to grow without the u.s. there. when you talk about iranian influence first of all that ship has sailed for years the u.s. military has been telling

us about iran funding an army and training shiite militias i was riding in a convoy in 2009, hit by an iranian made weapon that is all the evidence i need. there was a camp loyalty in baghdad hit by a powerful iranian explosive, five u.s. troops killed the sophistication of that attack shows you how deep the iranian reach is they have ties to the prime minister, funded candidates in lasyear's march election. the question for the u.s. is how much are we going to invest countering that influence going forward. >> it is difficult for us who are not there and have not been there to completely understand what is going on. are there misconceptions the american people should know about, things we have not been able to see or hear or learn. >> i think in some ways the iraqi people are pretty sophisticated when you compare them with some place like

afghanistan where there is such a high illiteracy rate and conspiracy theories, iraqi people there is a certain level of education and sophistication the lack of services though since the u.s. invasion, continued lack of electricity, water, sewage, trash pick up, those things -- not won us many friends they continue to be problems. >> you brought a prop this is popular for folks coming home. >> yes, i did this is a little humorous but also a serious side to it, 16,000 embassy personnel being left in baghdad without protection of u.s. troops already when i was there, over the past 8 months, you get these duck and cover alarms two or three times a week. i will play it for you this signals incoming mortars or rockets. >> you get used to hearing that when there. >> yes, you do unfortunately a lot of em papa ski staff -- embassy staff feel they will be

sitting ducks. >> putting a humorous touch on it. a souvenir i guess. >> absolutely. >> 11 trips over there, are you going to head back or is your time in iraq done >> my time in iraq is done i welcome home all the troops. >> you have done a fantastic job keeping us up to speed over the years, we appreciate that. >> thank you. >> good to see you, welcome home. it is good to see her home. 8:24 a.m. on a wednesday morning, it is the season forgiving but are you about to be taken? coming up steve will join us live with more on how to be sure the charitable gift you are giving is going to the right place. as we take you to break another that's my take this morning, does the dc ethics reform bill go far enough. last week the dc city council gathered to debate and vote on a bill that attempts to

touch on ethics reform. first that we have to police elected officials is deeply dispointing, ethical behaviour of our officials should not have to be ledge lated it should be expected. second you don't ask a committee of foxes to write rules to protect the hen house. has anyone paid attention to recent antics of some council members surprised this falls short of addressing the anything goes atmosphere some dc council members operate in. any ethics reform bill that does not allow ethics in government go belong ethics in centure should be a nonstarter it should force councilmembers to resign council seats if found in violation of the code of conduct. it is sad to say this does represent the most meaningful

ethics reform the district has seen since establishment of home rule. residents of dc deserve a more come pro hen sieve bill that embraces full disclosure, more restrictions on role of lobbiests, a ban on city contractors, from employing council members and stiffer penalties for ethical lapses. i urge the city council to stiffen the backbone of this bill before putting it to final vote december 20th. that is my take, what is yours? go to myfoxdc.com and click on that's my take or send me an e- mail at tmt@wttg.com [ femamale announcer ] at verizonfios.com,

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8:29 a.m. on a wednesday morning let's look at stories making headlines a new report shows overall crimes on metro buses trains and parking lots are down from this time last year. system wide college park had the highest number of crimes at 26. southern avenue, dean wood, suit land made the top 10 . even though crime is down, catching criminals is a

challenge. for the first time tattoo and body piercing parlours in the district may see government regulations, dc council, seeing a bill that may require regulationmaking licenses for artists mandatory that hearing scheduled later today. >> sad economic news locally the economy claimed another local family owned business, they will close their doors for good today after 90 years. they delivered plywood to the white house and capitol in a horse drawn wagon back if the day four generations have run the business since it opened 1921. too bad. >> mm-hmm >> i hate to see that. 8:30 a.m., what we do like to see is a little bit of sunshine this time of year. >> mild temperatures that is the real story. 50s yesterday, back in the 50s today, maybe flirting with 50 tomorrow. >> i am looking forward to that. >> i am starting to hear people

say hey, when is the winter weather going to get here >> i get it. >> here is the big story you can't win. >> that's true. right. >> just -- >> you know what is winning my new weather center. >> i am excited about it. >> i am going to give alison a tour. let me let you know northwest washington 39 degrees. >> you can report that because you have a weather reporting station now. >> i have it here in the station. >> how long does it take tony to get down with that report. >> about 15 minutes. >> let me show you the numbers. 40 washington, off to a relatively mild start i know you see freezing temperatures compare these to yesterday, 10 to 15 degrees warmer than we were yesterday at this hour, 32 manassas, 33 dulles and let's see 37, 33 yesterday, frederiksburg mid-50s close to that again today, southern maryland, 36 leonard town. decent day, much more, cloud

cover yesterday. cloud cover rolling in over the mountains after some sunshine, mostly cloudy afternoon here is the good news rain looks like it is close, should be held off for at least 24 hours high pressure here just to our east and north, dry up the atmosphere before thing touched the ground. well off to the north and west, western maryland, parts of west virginia, here closer to town just the cloud cover eventually all this will roll through we will see rain showers best chance for that will be during the day tomorrow. here is your future cast watch for clouds roll in i will stop it here, 4:00 p.m. this afternoon mostly cloudy conditions clouds will stick around tonight rain will arrive just scattered showers not a deluge, just scattered showers starting 10:00 p.m. tomorrow morning, showers with us on and off tomorrow afternoon before we cool things down for the weekend. 52 this afternoon, mild one, 43 tonight not bad this time of year, 60 tomorrow highs upper 50s and if you want the cooler weather, dry weather,

want some good shopping weather, saturday and sunday mid-40s plenty of sunshine expected both weekend days, that is a look at weather alison and steve. holiday season high time for charities, tug at your heart strings a little bit and purse strings too. is the cash you are giving to help those in need headed to the right place. we have all thought that a time or two. steve joins us now. steve, why is due diligence extra important this year good morning to you. good morning to you. during tough economic times not- for-profits and charities are the first to hurt and last to recover that can mean the charity you gave to last year is no longer around this year or maybe their tax example status changed i want you -- exempt status changed. i want you to check this list. if your face-to-facery charity is on that -- favorite charity is on that list they failed to

file their annual return for three years and they are no long era not-for-profit as a donor your donation may no longer be tax deductible or means the organizations financial set up may have changed. it is important here what we some times find as organizations are added to this list all of a sudden we see copy cat or name alike organizations pop up hoping you will donate to them so you want to make sure your money is going to the intended target. >> all right so if the charity checks out how do we proceed? >> very easy to do, much easier than people think in fact i want you to look up some think called the 990 form a financial snapshot of an organization it will tell you how much money they are spending on programming, fundraising, paying their top officers, websites like guide star.org and also the better business bureau's wise giving alliance will help you navigate through that so that again you know how much of each dollar you are

giving, is going to those in need. >> they say if you are giving for a first time to a charity steve. >> there are several of them take a look one of the things you want to lookout for during the holiday season is overly emotional pleas things that really tug on your heart strings, emotion and logic cannot occupy the same space at the same time those who are looking to take advantage of you know that. you want to understand reoccurring donation charges is this something you are giving once, a recurring charge on your credit card every month. we tend to be trusting with charities, and some times that can lead to being lax with personal information and protecting that financial information so you want to make sure that you are extra vigilant about all that kind of stuff. links to resources we talked about this morning on your station website. >> you hate to see anything tarnish the spirit of giving. >> mm-hmm.

>> great advice. thanks very much. it is 8:35 a.m. on this wednesday morning u.s. postal service delaying cut backs including the closing of thousands of post offices. that is on hold why when we come back. >> we want to thank the girl scout troops at valley view elementary school, in maryland they sent us a whole bunch of beautiful hand made ornaments to put on our fox 5 christmas tree. how cute are they. >> very much. >> we will donate the ornaments and all the tree everything to a local charity next week. thank you girls, keep up the good work happy holidays to each and everyone of you, we will be right back 8:36 a.m.

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efforts. the white house announced it will stop nearly all production of the coins, which carry the likeness of every deceased president the effort will save tax payers $50 million a year in production and storage costs. >> why did they never catch on. >> we get them in the vending machine here. the u.s. postal service agreed to put off closing more than 250 mail processing centers, more than 3,000 local post offices they will delay cut backs until mid-may giving congress more time to try to prevent bankruptcy the postal service expected to default on a $5.5 million debt end of the week. if you are looking for work don't forget the out our job shop, job of the day architectural ceramics incorporated in falls church. pay between 45 and $65,000 a year for more on this and

others go to myfoxdc.com. 8:40 a.m. on this wednesday morning did you know, the university of maryland has a basketball team. >> knew that. >> mm-hmm. >> racing team? >> you mean track? >> i'm talking out on like motor. >> that kind of racing. >> driving really fast. >> love it talking racing cars this morning students design, build and race against other universities around the globe. more on that when we come back. >> that is our annie yu on the track. >> you go annie. >> first a holiday greeting ♪ [ music ] ♪ stationed in south korea, i wish all my cousinfamily back in washington dc i miss them and will be home in 90 days

8:44 a.m. university of maryland college park unique program students can build their own race car. annie, were you in that race car just now? >> you drive fast.

>>ive am not going in that thing it goes really fast when it passes by i jump it is really scary but it is really cool what is really cool these kids are all engineering students here university of maryland they build these cars and there is a lot of dedication there. joining me now are team members, michael and christina, good morning to all of you. how are you. >> good morning. >> so michael talk a little bit about the design of the car and some components that come into play. >> well, there is a lot to consider. we determine the lay out of the car things we value wait are size of engine, how much power we want to make overall weight of the car what we want to aim for and aerodynamics. so we chose to run a large engine, slightly heavier car with a large aerodynamic package what it does for us allows us to generate down force puts more load on the tires allows us to generate

more grip faster on the corners, a big engine allows us to overcome drag from the wings and go fast. >> wow christina, does this car require a key? how does the on and off thing work. >> sure we have a couple of safety features built into the car we will start with the master key, we have a kill switch here and then there is also a start so it is push to start. so when you are coming up with the concept of the vehicle what are elements that come into play to make it go faster. >> um, so the biggest thing isin production cars you have a computer that controls everything in the engine you can see here steven is tuning the engine it can control everything when the spark occurs when the fuel is injected and we have sensors placed throughout the car, to help us, know when the control those things. before competition is there routine maintenance this car under goes.

>> we tear apart the entire car take every link out, inspect everything, paint patches that might have been worn off, make sure there is no cracks, no rust, replace any components, bolts then reassemble it and take it out there to compete. >> okay cool now i think michael is going to drive this for us a little bit right? are you going to drive for us a little bit. steven, we will get out of the way here this thing goes really fast. all right michael go ahead. [ engine sound ] if you want to find out more about the terps racing

team log on to our website myfoxdc.com come out and maybe chat with the team and hang out a little bit. they love having new friends here. so back to you in studio. thank you. thanks annie. 8:47 a.m. wednesday morning what percentage of washingtonians are pairried? the number may surprise you. a closer look when we come back. stay with us  [ male announcer ] this...is the network --

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[ male announcer ] in here, friends leave you messages written in the air. that's it right there. ♪ [ male announcer ] it's the at&t network... a network of possibilities... and what's possible in here is almost impossible to say. ♪ this month we are featuring local organizations and charities that support a great cause. this morning our fox 5 friend is george jones executive director of bread for the city thank for coming in. >> good morning thanks for having me. >> we always think about need more and more during the holiday season that need exists year round. >> yeah, that's right, bread for the city sees families come in week after week throughout the year we provide food, clothing, medical, legal, social services to almost 4,000 families every month. that is something that sets you apart from other organizations is the fact it is not just providing food it is

really all encompassing. >> that's right come pro hen sieve services we think that is the secret they all exist in one center so it is more economical and efficient for them. we can help with all the disciplines we offer. it is rare some body comes in and says i just need to see a doctor i am just hungry. poverty doesn't happen like that really. you have to have a come pro hen sieve strategy. >> not only that but some times people who know they are hungry but may not know they need to see a doctor or find one or feel they have resources to do so. >> we go through an interview with everybody that comes through. you are quite right about that often times they thing we just have a food pantry or a physician they can see once they come to our centers we have one in southeast dc one northwest they get to hear about the whole range of services more times than not some other services are relevant >> it has been around since

70s. >> mid-70s. founded 1974. >> the need continues now in 2011 and beyond. >> it didn't help you know when families working and who had income were hurt during the recession our families who often times have no income or low income were hurt even worse. >> what is the best way for folks to help. this is a good time to help out we do our holiday helping campaign we provide traditional holiday meal, turkey and trimmings to families we are trying to serve 9,000 households, 28 .8 $5 a family, so families out there, in the larger community want to help us out, send donations bread for the city 1525, 7th street northwest or go on our website bread for the city.org and make contributions >> i would love it for folks to spend less than $30 know they are feeding an entire family for the holidays. we will put a link to your

website on our website myfoxdc.com you brought an ornament you did a home made one thank you we will let you put it on our tree and add the official bread for the city home made, george jones ornament on our tree. learn more about bread for the city on our website myfoxdc.com happy holidays. >> happy holidays to you. thank you very much. time to say good morning to our facebook fan of the day colleen vincente. her cable was out yesterday so she was watching online she got that sneak peek you get when you look at us on myfoxdc.com although we keep asking them to block it during commercials but okay. she says it was very interesting watching me do my make up while steve ate crackers during the commercial break. sorry don't tell anybody else colleen. find us on facebook, searching fox 5 morning news, no space between fox and 5 and post a comment under colleen's photo.

married couples at a record low largely due to more people deciding to live together and wed later, if at all. according to the pew research center 51% of all adults are married a steep drop from 57% married in 2000 numbers are dropping in our area as well. maryland 50% of adults are married 54% virginia, 25% in the district now in part because of the high influx of young adults into the city over the last decade. all right coming up next hour, boy will i tell you what rolling out big names on the show, colin firth will talk with kevin mccarthy about his new movie out. we will welcome elmo and cookie monster they are big don't think they are little they are super sized coming on the show. >> i know how much you love them. >> they will perform for us >> i am scared of cookie monster. they will perform from the

new sesame street live show coming to our area don't miss that. 8:55 a.m. [ female announcer ] more people are using wireless devices... in more ways than ever. and our networks are getting crowded. but if congress frees up more wireless spectrum... we can empower more people to innovate... putting momentum behind our economy. and we can reduce the deficit... with more than thirty billion dollars paid by america's wireless companies. it's simple -- more spectrum means more freedom.

good morning to you welcome to fox 5 morning news in the 9:00 a.m. hour i am alison seymour. i am maureen in for tony perkins. gearing up for round two in iowa, who will come out on top. this morning, he joins us live. >> drivers put down your cell phones from the ntsb and hands free devices apparently not an acceptable alternative. we will break down new recommendations from federal regulators. >> special guests coming up fox 5s movie reviewer, kevin mccarthy sat down with colin firth. then,