president's controversial health care plan back in the spotlight critics claim the law is unconstitutional. today they take their case to the highest court in the land. and do you remember an esculator malfunction following the john stuart rally, this is one example of metro's mishaps and chronicling it all, a local blogger who will join us live later. fox 5 morning news at 7 starts now. a live lookout side, wind blowing a little bit, see the camera shaking, monday march 26th, 2012, good morning everybody i am tony perkins. >> i am allison seymour. happy you are with us this early monday morning. tucker bans is was, he has de-- barnes is with us, he has the morning forecast. expert more sunshine than

this weekend and a lot more wind. the winds are starting to pick up and will be very blustery gusting to 30 miles per hour that is a big change let's get to your forecast. a cold front working through as we speak, and the good news it will work through here dry, and we will see just a few clouds with it. once it gets south and east of us, winds will start to pick up as mentioned out of the north and west, gusting to 30 to 35 miles per hour bring along a jacket even with highs expected to be in the 60s it will feel cooler than that. current temperature regan national, 53 degrees, humidity 83%, wind starting to pick up out of the north, 8 miles per hour and again we will expect it to start being quite gusty here. a lot more sunshine than this weekend temperatures after topping out around the noon hour will tumble into the 50s by 4:00 p.m. and 20s and 30s by tomorrow morning, we've got a freeze watch and freeze warning for the area more details on that

coming up in just a couple minutes. let's do traffic and we know who we are going to julie good morning. >> on the roads this morning outer loop of the belt way below speed as expected, georgia avenue, average speed new hampshire avenue, 19 miles an hour slowing at university boulevard, as you leave four corners headed towards the belt way, inbound along new york avenue, traffic average speed now down to 29 miles an hour past 202 wrapping it up virginia, northbound i-95, the wreck at the sfc pulled to the safety zone. that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. thank you julie. president obama's health care law in front of the supreme court for the next three day it is high court will listen to arguments from both sides in the debate. we get a live report now from fox 5s. melanie alnwick near the

support court. >> good morning tony yes, this is an historic and pivotal week for the supreme court and country it hasn't been since the the 1960s the high court allotted so much time to oral arguments this is a case that could decide the future of the nations health care system for our country. >> rarely does the supreme court case get this kind of attention, spectators waiting in line. >> once in a lifetime chance, to watch our justice system in action. >> this week is critical to the future of the president's controversial health care plan, that he signed into law just over two years ago. today the question is timing should the court hold off on a decision until the entire plan holds enforcement in 2015. tomorrow the vote's crucial question is it constitutional under the commerce laws for the government to force everyone to buy a product, health insurance, the central tenant of obama care. paul clement will make the case for the 26 states suing.

>> as you look at this, it really is a little bit like dominoes falling because if you take out one provision and then you take out another provision pretty soon you have really the heart of the act, that is invalid and the rest of it really can't stand alone. >> the president's chief strategist this weekend said the court will up hold the law. >> well, you've seen jurors appointed by votes, democrats and republicans in lower courts up hold the law, two very important conservative jurists, we are confident it will be constitutional. >> the actual decisions are not expected until this summer and just as the race for the president will heat up. tony and allison as you can imagine for president obama former constitutional law professor, depending which way the justices decide this could be a big embarrassment or huge boost. >> thank you very much melanie. some of our other top

stories, today marked one month since 17-year-old trayvon martin died outrage across the country continues to build. some are still calling for the arrest of george zimmerman. zimmerman says his actions that night were in self-defense now we are hearing from people who are backing up zimmerman's claim. >> i got upstairs and looked down, the person on top beating up the other guy was the one laying in the grass and i believe he was dead at that point. >> he did suffer a broken nose and has an injury to the back of his head which should have required stitches i think he was delayed in getting to the doctor and didn't actually have stitches put in. >> in the meantime there are several rallies and vigils around the area demanding justice for trayvon the legislative black caucus of maryland will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon between 4 and 5 there will be a rally outside

of the justice department and tonight at 7:00 p.m., people will hold a vigil at 14th and park northwest dc. >> if you were up late last night you may have felt the ground shake yet again according to the u.s. geological survey another earthquake struck in virginia 11:21 p.m. a 3 .1 magnitude earthquake and the epicenterrer was just 8 miles outside of mineral virginia the same place the 5 .8 magnitude quake struck last august. folks on our facebook fan page said they felt it near lake anna, fredericksburg and throughout spotsle vain yeah county. >> in chile an earthquake hitsantiago no serious damage or injuries reported. developing in south korea this morning president barack obama pushes for peace during a

visit with dozens of world leaders. >> the president is in seoul and our sarah simmons is back with more details on his visit sarah. >> well, the security summit opening today was supposed to be an opportunity for president obama and other leaders the find ways to keep nuclear material away from terrorists so far north korea up staged that agenda. the north is being criticized for its surprise announcement 10 days ago it plans to blast a satellite into space next month the white house used that launch as a cover for nuclear missile development. just hours after that warning, the north moved a long range rocket to a launch pad south korea threatened it might shoot down parts of the rocket if it enters its air space. mr. obama delivered these remarks during a speech.

>> here in seoul more than 50 nations will mark progress toward the goal i promised at a gathering in washington securing nuclear weapons within four years so they never fall into the hands of terrorists since then nations including the united states have boosted security at nuclear facilities south korea, japan, pakistan and others are building new centers to improve nuclear security and training. the president says the united states has a moral obligation to show the rest of the world a way to reduce nuclear arsenals and end development of new weapons some political analysts suggest the president's stance on a draw down of nuclear weapons may hurt him in the polls come this november. today mr. obama is holding talk s with the chinese president, they are expected to focus on china's slow progress pushing north korea to comply.

also on the agenda are iran and sudan. >> thanks sarah. white house hopeful rick santorum, meantime fresh off his win in louisiana slamming the republican front runner he says mitt romney is quote the worst republican in the country to go up barack obama and the race is not over until the people of wisconsin sing. republicans in the district will get a chance to weigh in tonight, there is a straw poll at the republican annual lincoln douglas dinner. time now 9 minutes after the hour. still ahead we are checking this mornings headlines including details about a deadly overseas attack involving a u.s. soldier. a lot of excitement building in cuba where the faithful are preparing to welcome the pope for a historic visit. >> easing traffic in maryland at the cost of tax payers? there is a plan in the works to do just that. details next. next.

as we head to break a live lookout side there is your sunrise beautiful picture the latest weather and traffic from tucker and julie up next 7:10 a.m. m. 

making headlines this morning an american soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in southern afghanistan over the weekend. he was with a joint nato afghan security patrol when they tried to diffuse the bomb but it exploded killing 7 afghans and the american service member. also, two british soldiers were shot and killed by an afghan soldier at a nato base this morning. pope benedict the 16th leaves mexico for cuba today his first stop, santiago, then tomorrow he will head to havana

where he will meet with castro the first visit from a pope since john paul ii in 1998. former vice president dick cheney remains in icu at a nova fairfax hospital recovering from a heart transplant over the weekend he spent nearly two years on a transplant waiting list. this morning word of his transplant has some questioning whether the 71-year-old got special treatment given thousands of younger people also in line to receive a heart. however doctors says the highly unlikely and adds the wait list is a regimented and fair process and heavily policed. 7:14 a.m., tucker joining us with a look at this monday. >> back to school back to work. >> back to everything. >> back to sunshine. >> there you go. >> okay. >> sunshine forecast today, but changes in the form of winds and cooler air on the way. cold tonight. >> yeah,. >> just carry on tucker he knows i hate it. >> you are not julie wright

about it. >> no, i've gotten quite used to it, quite spoiled by the warm weather. >> i have. >> a little bit of a kick back to reality. all right let's do the bus stop forecast kids going to school, allison was just asking me about this, you know what it will not be cold today but windy this afternoon as the winds pick up out of the north and west, 35 miles per hour, so sunshine, cool temperatures, start your day s what are you laughing at? >> the buses are extreme the cartoon one from like 1978 and then that big one that zooms by real fast. >> with no body in it. >> and no driver. >> like a fran tom school bus. >> last week chicago was in the 80s. this mornling 30s. air moving in from the north and west temperatures tomorrow morning, low 30s. a freeze watch and warning, coming up in a couple minutes,

rest of the country starting to feel like spring, dallas, 60 degrees. all right there goes our rain from yesterday off the coast and a little cold front coming through as we speak, we will see a lot of sunshine nice dry day but windy particularly this afternoon as the winds gust to 30 miles per hour there is your five day, closer to where it should be through the end of march, warmest day of the week wednesday when it is 70. >> nice hump day forecast. >> thanks tuck. >> let's turn our attention to julie wright she will tell us what is happening on the roads. >> right now we are checking for accident activity southbound 270, before you reach 109, looking in the area for the accident southbound no problems to report before the truck scales, southbound 270 traffic below speed 124 headed out towards the lane divide, below speed to georgia avenue, average speed new hampshire 18 miles per hour, inbound route 50 lanes are open slow in approach 202 down to 26 miles

an hour, headed inbound, northeast washington delays now northbound i-95 accident activity cleared at sfp but below speed 123 down to 22 miles an hour. that is a check of fox 5 on time traffic. >> zip car has competition two new car sharing companies are open in the district car to go launched saturday with fleet of 200 smart cars and hertz launched on demand with 25 vehicles zip car arrived in dc in 2000 now has 800 vehicles in our area unlike zip car, car to go allows you to leave cars at any metered parking spot. >> fairfax county asking residents to weigh in on the future of transportation the county's transportation department issued a survey heading to 2015 it asks if there should be more metro stops, light rail streetcars and ways to pay for

transportation. if you live in montgomery county your property taxes may get a little more expensive, transit task force is pushing for the tax hike as a way to pay for expanded bus transportation for the past year the task force researched ways to implement a network of express bus lanes across the county in a way to alleviate traffic. they are expected to release their finding next month. 7:18 a.m., he is a hollywood icon how james cameron can add diving to his resume. coming up, what he did that had not been attempted more than 50 years. >> really something. >> coming up next, little fox 5 mascot madness action we love this event every year we are checking with holly and dave in search of the best mascot on the court in the dc region stay with us for that. it is 7:18 a.m. .m. 

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love this time of year it is mascot madness time. >> holly and dave are live at bethesda, chevy chase high school with all the action good morning guys. >> good morning. >> we have a lot of action already. >> it has been heating up fast and fierce a couple people didn't quite make it to the next round. >> if you want to update your brackets at home. >> here is what you need to know. >> patriot from george mason went out first round. >> give him a round of applause. >> and t rex from montgomery county parks and recreation also went out however i will say there are still openings spring break camp and sign up now for summer camps and classes they have a new one, combines pilates and boxing. right now we are all about

basketball. >> we have a big match up the 4/11 match up this is gee wiz coming from the washington wizards against pack from the mystics. >> two known enemies going at it going this way, okay. let's go. >> madness again. >> the ball is over here and gee wiz. >> they are boxing out holly. >> the competition. >> oh,. >> student just took one. >> whoever scores the first basket wins. >> gee wiz. >> there are no fouls in this game. >> no fouls. oh. >> air ball. >> now the panda. >> this would be an upset holly. an 11 over a 4. >> oh, looks like a rebound. >> that was a long ball. >> not quite sure. >> ball tricks by gee wiz and

oh. >> so close. >> back now on the attack. >> speaking of the mystics, season tickets are on sale now by the way. >> rebound comes right back. >> oh, we have a winner. one shot that could be the longest shot we have ever seen in mascot madness. >> they need to resuscitate gee wiz he is overwhelmed. >> we have got to get to another match up. >> baron against slap shot. >> all right we need the baron and slap shot from the capitals. >> washington capitals. >> the baron is our host school the number 14 seed out of the 14 teams i believe in you. >> but the home crowd advantage for the baron against slap shot, are we ready? we got to jump it up but got to

go. 3, 2, 1, go. >> another match up is under way slap shot controls the tip going straight for the hoop. >> very popular choice as a sleeper this year slap shot. >> not kind. to slap shot. >> gets his own rebound. >> offensive rebound always a big stat in mascot madness. >> there is slap shot. >> oh. >> it is over. >> slap shot advances. >> wow. >> slap shot, one to keep an eye on. >> and this is very hard in single elimination fore mat. >> the baron has a baseball game this afternoon against wheaton. >> he has the fire it back up. >> and the lacrosse home opener, is tonight. >> plenty to cheer about. >> two more mascots advance but still some more first round games to get in. >> we are not even close to final four yet as we know

mascot madness anything can happen. >> something just hit me is it fair we have professional mascots against -- >> there are no rules basically. >> no holds barred in this competition. >> all right. >> i am sweating already. >> the crowd is filtering in. could our crowd get excited? yes, they are ready for a little match up as well. they are going to be cheering on their favorite mascot you see screech already working the crowd >> i do feel bad for the baron this is his crowd really. >> baron go take on your crowd. >> you got to lead your crowd. >> there you go. >> get in there baron. >> that is why they are professional mascots. >> again we want to know, screech the two time champion playing next hour and our champion, from american university, waiting in the wings. >> hoping to repeat. >> that was a play on words. >> really disappointed in the

baron but you know,. >> yeah. >> beat wheaton. >> all right. >> the baron always has next year they are the host school. >> that is true. >> thank you guys appreciate it lots of fun. 7:27 a.m. a new push to investigate whether or not empl have the right to ask for your facebook password. >> chronicling the kinks of transportation. we will sit down with the man behind the blog credited with uncovering several metro mishaps an exclusive interview coming up in a few minutes. >> as we head to break not a bad looking start to the day tucker barnes is here with details on your forecast julie wright will tell you how the drive to work will go this morning stay with us, we will be right back land o'lakes spreadable buttttr with canola oil

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titanic director james cameron has gone where almost no man has gone before the oscar winner used a custom made submarine to dive to historic depths 35,756 feet below sea

level he hit the bottom yesterday evening he is only the third person to reach the challenger deep, located in the mariana trench part of a deep sea challenge to conduct ocean research and exploration that is extraordinary. >> yeah. i wonder if my mind would take over because you know how dangerous. >> it is very dangerous and the pressure is tremendous. >> down there by yourself but seeing things like 14 people are seen maybe. >> if that. >> 35,000 feet is the equivalent how high airliners fly. >> right. >> amazing. >> 7 miles down basically. >> man. >> we know so little about that. >> that's right they say we know more about the moon and some other planets than we know about the depths of the ocean. >> just what is down there. >> fascinating. >> really is. >> glad some body else wants to do it i don't. >> in my heart i want to do it but my mind won't let me. >> i like snorkeling that is about it. >> not even scuba diving

>> i got you. >> let's see your temperatures, on the surface of the planet cool tore day in fact, winds picking up out of the north and west to 30 later this afternoon, i think you might want to bring along a jacket, temperatures even with temperatures highs 60s it will feel cooler. 56 right now washington not a bad start to your day and a lot of sunshine nice break after the clouds we have had this weekend 56 dulles, 54 southern maryland, leonard town, 50 baltimore, 49 in hagerstown. looking at our satellite radar, there you go off to the south and east, and pushing away from the area and generally sunshine to start the day should be a mostly sunny day nice and bright and beautiful, there is a cold front off to the north and west, breezing through as we speak and behind it, the winds will pick up out of the north and west, gustness

mentioned, later this afternoon it will have the opportunity to tap into cooler air we will get the chance to bottom out later tonight afternoon highs low 60s overnight lows believe it or not are going to be upper 20s, and low 30s and because of that, we've got a freeze watch, in effect for the counties here in blue, district of columbia and counties enclosed including prince georges county and this is the coldest off to the north and west watching in the mountains of west virginia, northern maryland, um upper 20s later tonight a real cool down overnight hours and tomorrow morning. mostly sunny skies, windy behind the front winds out of the north and west gusting to 30 miles per hour clear skies, cold overnight, freeze watch in effect, if you have tender vegetation and off to the north and west bring it in or put a blanket on it overnight tonight temperatures will be very chilly, 55 tomorrow cool

conditions expected for tuesday warm up briefly wednesday, up and down highs by thursday and friday, 60s. all right that is weather let's get you the latest from julie, tender vegetation wright. >> absolutely you know me too well. on the roads tucker, lanes are open, eastbound 66, coming inbound this morning very slow going as you travel in from manassas, delays continue, leaving 50 headed towards 123 and belt way, inner loop spotty delays and southbound 270 out of rockville heavy and slow as you continue south shady grove road accident southbound, bw parkway pulled over to the shoulder that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. >> thank you julie. keeps a low pre file but adding -- profile but adding a lot of followers to his blog tracking the ups and downs of the metro system. >> will thomas joins us with more. >> good morning his blog is called unstuck, dc metro if you

at home haven't heard of it you have probably heard of stories that first have come to light on the blog i have talked to metro officials they monitor members of the media monitor it this morning a fox 5 exclusive the man who founded it is joining us he asked us not to use his name or show his face good morning let's start with why the secrecy. >> when i first started the blog and got traction it was publishing pictures of sleeping metro operators texting bus drivers got a few creepy e- mails that made me thing i don't need my e-mail out there. >> perhaps a safety issue. >> but the blog is not about me it is for metro riders and employees. >> let's talk about the blog you've created a community for passengers even metro employees to sound off about concerns, problems, and you have broken some big stories one i want to bring you back to is the day of the john stuart rally, the esculator collapse it wasn't the collapse that you broke we

were there as well with our camera it was what you discovered afterwards talk about that. >> well, a few months before that happened metro had paid auditors to check out why their esculators are always broken in that report, there was a black and white mention that there were brake problems on some esculators that is what happened. >> so metro knew. >> metro knew i don't think they did anything about it. >> another one the sleeping driver was a young boy i interviewed him after we saw it on your blog as a matter of fact but he videotaped metro operator who appeared to be asleep on the job. >> yep and you have also that sort of spurred community to start taking accountability into their own hands and i started to get pictures of bus drivers texting and other things that shouldn't be going on. >> i think what this is really sparked, many passengers now when they see a problem, they are doing what that little boy did the video you first brought the light found it on youtube

posted it and members of the media picked up on it, other passengers are doing the same thing and sending them to your blog directly >> i think people like me feel there is not a lot of accountability at metro they are taking it into their own hands. >> another story you broke credit card usage by some metro employees you heard from passengers about this and employees talk about some of your reporting observing this issue. >> well, -- on this issue. >> well, today on the blog there is inside view into the revenue department which -- revenue department which created the atmosphere that allowed nearly a half million dollars to be stolen. >> this is a fact not something you are just reporting unsourced it is a fact two employees pled guilty. maybe you can talk about things uroleneing on the inside. >> lack of -- you are learning on the inside. >> lack of responsibility you hear about safes combinations not changed in years, keys to

certain sensitive areas in revenue department have gone missing no one changed the locks. >> do you interface with metro? i mean i know you have sources what is the sense when you do interface if you do, about some of these issues. >> with my sources that is something that i really want to stress people at metro i talked to are all outstanding people just as frustrated with metro probably more because they work there and are there all day, they are just as frustrated with these problems as riders are and i had one guy tell me he is embarrassed when he sees an old lady struggling up a long broken esculator that is embarrassing. >> what is the number one concern or complaint, from pass eninjuries weighing in on your blog >> i think people just want to take metro from a to b without delayoff loads and problems, and that is just not happening. >> speaking of off loads you told me just before we went on that you have been tracking something over the past week what have you discovered. >> i track most of the off loadtrack problems just in a

week there have been 27 issues,. >> this means you get on a train and it stops you have to get off wait for another train. >> some result in off loads some as you may have experienced require just sitting there on the track with little information about what is going on because the track problem or switch problem. >> something else you discovered is what happens at these individual rail yards talk about that. it is almost like a numbers game. >> it is another part of metro's management that i think needs to be changed and apparently, according to my sources, each rail yard has to field a certain number of cars each morning they have to report we have these cars ready to roll and ready to start the rush hour west falls church apparently has to have 144 ready >> they send them out. >> put them out some times at the last minute an operator will report a problem, a propulsion problem, the yard will send that train out any

way once it is off the yard on to the mainline it is no longer their problem they are passing the buck. >> this may result in delays and is off loads. >> absolutely. >> what is your biggest beef as a metro rider and someone who tracks metro >> i don't think there is a lot of accountability at metro i am not a transit expert i wouldn't know how to run a railroad but i think that there is a total lack of accountability there. >> under richard sorrels do you think things are up taking for the better? >> about the only thing i can say is that there haven't been any deaths due to accidents haven't been employees killed under his watch had one employee tell me once the safety -- it is no long era safety wild west. >> thank you for joining us, good insight into metro and it is a blog a lot of people are logging on to, let me just say it one more time. thanks for coming in. >> you are welcome. >> fascinating stuff will thank

you very much. wow. it is 7:40 a.m. now, boxing loses a legend, next remembering the life of dc native, burt sugar. >> nationwide recall alert, which one of the stores big threes is recalling thousands of vans and why. today, my half off deal $19 buys you $40 towards dinner menu items or $9 buys you $20 for lunch. this restaurant offers authentic italian designing with a modern twist get in on this one go to myfoxdc.com look for my fox half off on the right side of the page. we will be back it is 7:41 a.m. okay, people, let's get started.

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headlines this monday morning u.s. senators are getting involved in the social media privacy debate after hearing employers are allegedly asking for applicants facebook passwords, senator schumer and

richard bloomenthal are asking eric holder whether this is a violation of federal law. facebook will take action against employers who violate the website's policy against sharing passwords. we have a couple recalls involving vehicles made by general motors they are recalling more than 6,000 big vans and suvs due to steering problems, effected vehicles include the 2012 chevrolet express and the savannah vans and chevy suburban and gmc yukon xl suvs a gear shift can break causing loss of steering no crashes or injuries have been reported. >> hall of fame boxing writer burt sugar has died he wrote about the sport for 40 years including in magazinedozens of books sugar known for his trademark fedora hat and cigar was born in the district 1937

graduated from university of maryland, burt sugar was 74 years old. >> what a personality too. >> right for sure. >> it is a great photograph. >> all right. tucker barnes with us now. >> good morning cooler temperatures on the way. more sunshine in the forecast, a live shot and you notice the camera is bumping around a little bit that is because the winds are moving in and the theme around here for our monday will be a lot of wind in fact winds will gust to 30 to 35 miles per hour, later today, all right comfortably cool, 56 regan national, 53 annapolis, colder off to the north and west this morning, 35 currently in detroit, chicago, 38 tomorrow morning we will wake up with upper 20s low 30s across the area as some of our coldest air this month, set to arrive later this afternoon and tonight, all right here are your winds starting to pick up west, 16 your latest wind gusts

in washington, 23 dulles, 22 martins burg that front is moving through behind it there will be a lot of wind and temperatures moving on in. there is your satellite radar, off the coast a few clouds out there mostly a sunny day and again with the winds out of the north and west, blustery and feel chilly later this afternoon bring along a jacket, 64 we will do that first half of the day temperatures are tumbling later, and your overnight low in town, 34 with lots of 20s north and west of the city, get ready for a cool 24 to 48 hours as we have little taste of what is left of winter. >> right. winter is trying to make a come back. >> tony doesn't look happy. >> i said we wouldn't get another freeze looks like some of us will it happens. >> all right, let's find out what is happening. >> freeze or you being wrong. >> both happen i admit it. >> whoa. >> just want to clarify. >> allison, 1, tony 0.

>> wow. all right you guys on the roads the morning you will find your lanes are open eastbound 66, traffic still grid locked out of manana sis. in towards 28 centerville lanes open no problems to report fair oaks headed eastbound towards the belt way georgia avenue 16th street checking for a stalled car, georgia avenue south of 29, accident activity reported possibly involving a motorcycle, we will keep you reported on what we find there next update, southbound 270, still grid locked out of german town. >> thank you very much it is that time of year again a unique competition bringing together some competitive mascots. >> holly and dave are in the middle of all the action good morning. >> good morning to you. bleachers are filling up fans are excited our mascots are on the court. >> they are getting loose because jack the bulldog from georgetown and streak who has won this competition twice and he is entertaining the crowd

here, and holly, it is going to get wild it is mascot madness fox 5 morning news continues in a moment we are looking forward to that but it is time to say good morning to our facebook fan of the day melanie and her family is very thankful her husband just received a heart transplant last week after being on the donor list for 25 months. melanie we wish him a very speedy recovery. to be tomorrow's fan of the day head to facebook search fox 5 morning news no space for fox number 5 post a comment under melanie's photo. we will be right back   you're on timeout leo! some things won't last 25 years. ah! woof. some things will. save up to 20% on an ikea kitchen.

we love this every year we do it an exciting competition pitting local mascots against

each other. >> time to check back with holly and dave hello. >> you are having a lot of fun here at your alma mater allison look at the crowd [ cheering ] >> we have had some good basketball games already, updated you on your brackets though, gee wiz 1 and done it was tough for this mascot, however don't feel too bad, wizards have a game tonight against detroit follow gee wiz on twitter, give it up for gee wiz now time for more basketball dave. >> holly we have a big time match up this is jack the bulldog from georgetown university, against lewis from the buoy bay socks are we ready mascots? first pass cot wins go this way for visibility. 3, 2, 1. chef >> jack is dominating.

>> oh, over shoots it just a bit. >> can't find the ball, lewis has got it he has been practicing sizing up the hook shot [ cheering ] >> oh, no. >> another mascot moving on. >> jack is so -- >> look at the rejection it is tough losing to nc state and then louis. >> women did well winning a couple games as well it was a busy season jack was hoping to bring home a trophy. >> in the end. >> always next year. >> no mascot madness trophy. >> we are ready for the first appearance of screech from the washington nationals, screech won this event holly the first two years. >> he is playing the cardinals, catholic university who won one of our earlier match ups. >> the first elite match up of the day. >> screech had a buy. >> that's right.

>> the crowd is ready. cardinal are you ready. screech are you ready? here we go. screech clearly. we are going this way first basket wins in 3, 2, 1. >> who has height oh, screech uses it. >> kind of play being the cardinals here. >> look at screech. >> how about that. >> oh, screech moves on. just like that. >> that is legit. >> the cardinal run is over. cinderella is out and screech moves on. >> hey, here is the thing about the cardinal, cardinal we have some props for the cardinal because -- >> great effort. >> and the women's team went to the first round of the tournament division 3 for the first time. >> did great. >> baseball defending conference champs they are playing back in action now and women's lacrosse team at

catholic is nationally ranked. >> an elite match up here i it will you what cardinal, you had a great run. >> mascots let's go over to the crowd see if we can get a wave going. >> ready to do the wave? >> want to do the wave? >> get it going here. >> we will start there we go. >> we need more effort. >> come on. >> there we go. >> all right. all right. spirit is high now the crowd is getting into it. we have teams advancing. >> you see who led the cheers, included our defending champion -- claude our defending champion we will see claude next hour. >> that is the madness now. >> it does continue we will see you a little later thanks guys. >> all right. that's fun stuff. coming up in our 8:00 a.m. hour, funding for historically black colleges is in jeopardy in an effort to reduce the nations debt some feel the opportunity for higher

education is somewhat engagerred a closer look at that issue and details about a local town hall meeting aimed at ending hazing and campus violence. >> for the next few days supreme court will take up a huge case president obama's health care law next hour a constitutional law expert will join us for an in depth look what we can expect. 7:57 a.m. see you on the other side of the break 

the high court takes up the fight over president obama's health care law. three days of hearings begin today expert on constitutional law joins us live in studio to shed light on the debate. >> outrage continues nationwide as we mark one month since the death of 17-year-old trayvon martin but we are starting to hear from people backing up claims from the man who shot him. >> and did you feel it? while you were sleeping, virginia experienced another earthquake we've got more on that straight ahead good morning i am tony perkins. >> i am allison seymour this is a special morning here at fox 5 why? well, it is our fourth annual

mascot madness holly morris and dave ross are joining us live throughout the morning with match ups between local mascot favorites screech from washington nationals number one seed has won the past two years in a row. who will be the new champ. will he remain undefeated stay tuned to see how it all plays out. >> i met screech he is like 7 feet tall. >> very athletic. >> a height advantage. >> athletic too. >> some other mascots have been working out as we saw earlier, to try and compete more forcefully. >> that mascot tummy gets some of them. >> that may have been gee wiz's undoing. >> screaming eagle is ready this year. >> we will see what happens. >> might come down to two eagles. >> we h see what happens. >> that mystic -- okay let's get to the forecast. >> exciting. >>ing see my brackets in the first weekend of -- you can see my brackets in first weekend.

>> you get another chance. >> satellite radar, clear skies to start your day cold front moving on through it will arrive dry just a few clouds with it but you will know it moved through because winds will pick up later out of the west and north and west gusting to 35 miles per hour. all right currently 56 washington, winds out of the north and west at 8 and gusts to 20, to 25, again we are expecting winds to only increase today, i am afraid we will lose some of the cherry blossoms later this afternoon, high temperatures first half of the day 60s it will start to fall this afternoon and so far later tonight we will be near freezing tomorrow morning more details on that, a freeze watch and a freeze warning, for parts of the area we will look at that in a minute. >> hard to believe. julie wright and the latest on this mornings rush hour traffic. >> all right you guys travelling along the belt way, southbound 270, open for business out of rockville heavy and slow leaving german town.

georgia avenue, travelling 395, you are below speed from the belt way to king street crossing over the inbound 14th street bridge inner loop of the belt way, delays leaving annandale, average speed near route 50 down to 18 miles per hour that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. some of our top stories this morning you may have felt the ground shake again in our area last night according to the u.s. geological survey another earthquake struck, a little after 11:21 p.m. it was a magnitude 3 .1 and the epicenter was 8 miles out of mineral virginia the same area the 5 .8 magnitude earthquake struck last august. folks said they felt it near lake anna, fredericksburg. today marks one month since 17-year-old trayvon martin died outrage continues to build across the nation. >> this afternoon, his parents will address a city meeting in

sanford florida, men time many people are calling for the arrest of george zimmerman the neighbourhood watchman who shot and killed the unarmed black teen last month zimmerman said his actions were in self- defense now we are starting to hear from people backing up his claims. >> i got upstairs and looked down the person on top beating up the other guy was the one laying in the grass and i believe he was dead at that point >> he did suffer a broken nose and he has an injury to the back of his head which should have required stitches he was delayed getting to the doctor and didn't actually have stitches put in. >> there are several rallies and vigils scheduled around the area today demanding justice for trayvon the legislative black caucus of maryland will hold a meeting and then a rally outside the justice department tonight at 7:00 p.m., people

are holding a vigil. president obama just met with the leader of china on the sidelines of a nuclear summit in asia, the president urged china to do more to restrain north korea and the issue of iran's nuclear program came up in their conversation. before meeting the chinese leader the president spoke to students at hancook university. >> there is time to solve these problems diplomatically. time is short iran must act with urgentness and meet its obligations. >> new this morning, north korea's moved a long range rocket to a launch pad, south korea says it is prepared to shoot down the north korean rocket. >> allison. tony our other big story this monday morning people have been lined up camping out, on the steps of the supreme court hoping to get a seat over the

arguments over president obama's health care law, justices will hear three days of the law and it is extremely rare for them to devote so much time to a single issue their decision could impact millions of americans. joining us now, the constitutional law expert. thanks for coming in good to see you. >> good to see you allison. >> we said it is pretty rare to devote this amount of time to one issue can you talk about that. >> sure supreme court usually hears one hour on every case this week it will hear 6 hours over 3 days it has been over 40 years since the court heard that much argument on one case. >> what does that tell you in your expertise you just answered that question. >> it tells how seriously the justices take the case. >> how did we get here? >> it has been two years since the law entered into effect. president obama's health care reform legislation, individual mandate the requirement by 2014

all americans have some minimum amount of health care coverage, health insurance coverage if they don't they pay a penalty in taxes, a number of groups and 26 states brought a lawsuit claiming that this provision is unconstitutional it took two years for these cases to work their way through the lower courts to the supreme court. >> right if that part of that, and that is the core of the central chunk of it if it does crumble what does then happen to the rest of the law. >> one reason why the supreme court is going to hear 6 hours of argument they are not sure there is conflicting opinion about whether or not the rest of the health care law including the requirement for example insurance companies don't decline to cover people with pre-existing conditions, they don't trump people who have traumatic events in their lives if those must fall since they are part of the package or if the justices believe the mandate is unconstitutional, could the mandate arrive.

>> is that the first thing they hear. >> i wish. the argument this morning has very little to do with the substance of the challenge the question is why can the challengers bring the suit now as opposed to having to wait until 2014 when the penalty goes into effect. that is the question the justices will hear today tomorrow they will turn to the constitutional questions. >> what is the answer to that why would it be brought up now i won't ask you to go outside of your comfort zone but the decision could come down in june right smack in the middle of election year why would it be brought now? >> it is usually the rule the second the law enters into law they can challenge it there is special exception for cases challenging taxes one of obama's administrative defenses is that it is a tax there is a statute that dates back to 1867 when it is a tax you have to

wait until it is assessed justices this morning will have to grapple with whether or not that applies if they say it doesn't apply i think you are right we will see a decision in june and it will be quite consciously in the middle of the election season. >> our last seconds together which arguments effect most of us we can understand that means we will probably not see this law what are those arguments. >> there is a thought out there if congress has the power to do this congress has the power to tell us to eat broccoli all americans whether we like it or not will assume health care in our lives, but if that is true and justices believe that is true, is it really so far- fetched for congress to try to create a cost efficient, cheap way for all americans to have health insurance requiring us all to carry an advance when we need those services that is the question needs and resonate for governments to win. >> hope you come back as this

does progress. steven is a constitutional law expert always good to see you. >> you too. >> thank you very much coming up 10 minutes after 8:00 a.m. historically black colleges are facing funding concerns up next on fox 5, a push for help from congress. >> montgomery county looking for a way to pay for expanded bus service that could translate to higher taxes for some residents. details of that on the other side of the break stay with us see life in the best light. outdoors, or in.

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>> it is 13 minutes after 8:00 a.m. welcome back it is now time for. >> tucker but also, not ask the weather guy we were just talking about him ask the weather guy who has the cutest photo of the day >> i do allison thank you for asking. i thought you would never ask. >> time for mthe day and talk about cute,. >> oh. >> winner of the cute sweep

stakes stephen. >> wonderful. >> here is what he likes to do we are celebrating his birthday first of all. >> today? >> i assume so. yeah, today he is 1-year-old. >> happy birthday. >> some body pointed out to me recently when you turn 1 that means you have been alive for 1 year i have already been alive for my recent age. >> what? you are just getting that? >> if you are 45 allison you have already lived 45. >> trust me i know it i feel more like 65. >> he is 1-year-old, happy birthday he loves to play music like his dad loves playing his key board and angry birds. >> angry birds. >> there you go. >> look at that smile how are you not happy. >> must be pretty good if he is 1 and playing angry birds. >> kids are so smart. >> to send your child's picture go to myfoxdc.com click on mornings let's get to the

weather forecast and you might want to have that long sleeved shirt with you today temperatures will be a little on the cool side. >> 56 washington, check out buffalo, 31 degrees, 31 buffalo, 37 chicago we will wake up to upper 20s low 30s tomorrow it will be on the chilly side, 62 new orleans, lots of springtime temperatures south and west, back near 70 later this week. here is your satellite radar, cloud cover off the coast, rain shower activity for the weekend, we are looking at mostly sunny skies a cold front came through last hour or so and that will bring in cooler air and the wind this afternoon you might want to bring along a jacket as temperatures won't be reflective of all the wind we are going to have. here are your watches and warnings freeze watches and warnings for the area, light blue freeze watch, darker purple freeze warning temperatures later tonight upper 20s low 30s if you have

tender or tentative vegetation cover it up bring it inside. cool it back down to 60s thursday and friday daytime high tomorrow only 55 with sunshine. traffic julie wright with your latest. >> who is going to win the mascot game today? >> i think screech. >> no, if you follow me on twitter you can follow slap shot too. >> oh, i will get right on and follow you. >> delays across the 14th street bridge lanes are open, inner loop of the belt way, bogged down with delay, braddock to 66 average speed 18 miles an hour outer loop of the belt way below speed 95 to georgia, average speed down to 16 miles an hour that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. if you live in montgomery county your property taxes may get more expensive a transit tax force is pushing for the tax hike as a way to push for

expanded bus transportation for the past year they have been researching ways to implement a network of express bus lanes across the county in an attempt to alleviate traffic. thank you very much funding concerns and haze they can are big issues facing historically black collegeuniversities among topics to be discussed as national association for equal opportunity and higher education meets here in dc joining us now the president of the association thanks for coming in. >> thank you for having me. >> you have a lot on the agenda first funding for historically black collegepredominantly black institutions obviously we are going through tough times economically how is that impacting these schools. >> it is impacting the schools as it is impacting all areas of american life, but we expect that hbc and pdis will be fully

funded we are just 3% of american colleges and universities but our institutions are educating 50% of african american teachers educating 33% of all african american scientists and engineers so when we talk about getting america back on sure footing creating jobs and creating a competent diverse work force you have to look at hbcus and pdis as best return on investment that is the story we are telling the day and to mow or on capital hill, 20 -- tomorrow on cap tail hill we have 200 students coming in, we have our academic vice presidents and chancellors our theme is tooting our horn louder we have a remarkable story to tell our institutions are also economic engines for their communities they are a $10 billion business employing 188,000 workers, so when you talk about stimulating the

economy, and getting things back on sure footing you have to look at hbcus and pdis as part of the solution that is what we will tell persons on capital hill. >> that is quite the effective argument are there people you have been able to identify you don't have to name them now, that are threatening withholding funding or reducing funding for these schools. >> yes, the united states house of representatives for the last two or three budgets has proposed dire cuts to hbcus and pbis and our job is to do a better job of lifting our story above others so they understand that to do that, i understand these are dire financial times and at the federal level and state level persons are struggling with how do you -- in congress how do you -- they are trying to figure out they

want deficit reduction rather than looking at those who have most among us and saying let's try to get more dollars let's look at a tax policy progressive and that taxes those who have more, most they are looking at cutting all kinds of human needs programs and so, we are talking to them not only about the importance of maintaining and the reasons economic reasons for maintaining funding for hbcus and pbis but looking at the entire pipeline we have to have early childhood education fully funded the trio program fully funded, all of those programs that prepare, inspire and connect our students to college and opportunities so that we get them when we get them they are ready to thrive in a college environment. >> i want to talk to you about one of the other things you are having a dialogue about, college hazing, violence on campus, this is something we hear a lot about bullying for example in middle schools, high schools and the like and it

seems we are not hearing about hazing as much this is an ongoing problem and my understanding it is not just amongst fraternities and sororities either. >> yeah, campus hazing across america, has been an issue for many years, for hbcus and pbis we have models and best practices of engaging students, in the things that are sororities, fraternities of all types are best at, social action we have models about engaging students in projects to promote peace and tolerance and understanding and humanism we will be listing those stories but also bring in students we have the 100 black men the length all the greek letter associations, band associations, we have the head of the national black leadership forum, diverse group of stake holders and the e just

african american community, but the entire community is interested in making sure that our students understand, that there is an interconnectivity among them that is correct we are promoting tolerance, human -- among them, that we are promoting tolerance, humanism, tomorrow evening, metropolitan ame church reverend braxton and his literacy society, we are going to have a meeting. there are lots of persons there and a leader in the forefront of promoting national coalition of conscience will be there with us as well we want persons to come out from this session, we have already begun to work with the national anti hazing and anti violence movement, to put in place things on our campuses we are going to develop a curriculum to promote

tolerance, understanding, humanism, end sadism >> i have to cut you off there we are out of time but it is important information glad you were able to come in and talk about it we will continue to monitor it as well. >> thank you very much for having me here. >> we will be right back  what do you think of this one?  really? what's this? this is a rose i made from a turnip. let's try together. perfect. two worlds that fit in one kitchen. come in today and save up to 20% on a kitchen from ikea.

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someone is breaking into our van. >> making headlines two teens caught on camera trying to steal a minivan a dc man began filming with his smart phone when he noticed thieves breaking into his car at an apartment in northeast friday night he ran outside to confront them and decided to get some help. >> four of my neighbors were talking outside, and i you know approached them saying hey, look i hate to get you involved but there is someone breaking in my van right now can i please have you as just back up watch my back. >> the man's neighbors did better than that ran out with him and were able to hold one of the thieves at the scene until police arrived officers are still looking for the other suspect. well, the boxing world mourns a legendary journalist with dc roots, bert sugar has died, he was born in washington

in 1937, he graduated from the university of maryland, sugar wrote for magazines and more than 80 books and appeared in several movies, household name for sure. 8:27 a.m. former vice president dick cheney recovering from heart transplant surgery this morning we have an update straight ahead after the break. >> big win for the lady terms more on that and check of the men's basketball bracket and fox 5 mascot madness local favorites face off live when we come back stay with us, 8:27 a.m. 

we are back now with a college basketball update. brenda freeze and maryland terps women advanced to elite 8 [ applause ] >> they came back from an 18 point deficit to beat defending champion texas a and m lauren

led the way with 21 points maryland wins 81-74. they face noter dame tomorrow night. >> on the men's side the final four is set kansas versus ohio state and louisville versus kentucky both games will be played in new orleans on saturday. >> meanwhile, here at fox 5 we have a little thing called mascot madness going on. >> it is the fourth annual face off of leading local mascots and fox 5s holly morris and dave ross are running the show, good morning holly and dave who is up this hour. >> good morning. i am glad you just brought up university of maryland and women heading on to elite 8 we received some tweets asking where the maryland terrapin he was supposed to be here. >> but he is winning. >> he is on the road. >> but he was invited all those concerned he wasn't invited. >> giving props to lady terps. >> and because he is out, that means that lucky, from mystics

well, was lucky he got a buy and so, he got through the first round without having to play and he is taking on slap shot later, but right now. >> we have our defending champion making his debut, claude from american university we interviewed claude earlier to find out how it has changed his life you did say you have been on a high caloric diet, feeding on patriot league fodder. >> working out twice a day >> i thought you looked bigger. >> and giving piggy back rides to class they all recognize him as the fox 5 defending madness champion. >> all about this hard ware here you have to hand it over it is time to play. >> time to take that trophy, louis from the buoy bay sox mayor of louisville. >> all this time i thought he was from buoy but really louisville.

>> we are ready, defending champion the one seed against the six seed first basket to this side, moves on the loser goes home not yet three, two, one. >> and the match begins,. >> oh, claude. >> defending champ gets it. >> right to the -- >> oh, pay off early. >> maybe just rusty for claude. >> buoy has already won to advance. >> do you think he under estimated the sixth seed. >> i love it. >> really sizing up the hook let's take a look i like the pink fedora, what is that? >> a little flair. >> is that? it which. >> a little louis flair. >> even for louis this is good practice for him for his season coming up april 5th is their opening night at the buoy bay

sox they take on the harrisburg senators. >> now in control. >> crowd getting into it. >> claude backing and clawing his way -- >> close. >> oh,. >> this game going longer than any match up we have had so far. >> oh,. >> great opportunity this could be the upset. >> oh,. >> another set of redemption. claude sizing up the buzzer about to sound. we will keep staying here as long as we can. >> you know what, i think fatigue might be a factor. >> it could. claude says two a days might have been one a days. >> the problem is whoever wins this has to go on and play again. >> oh, louis >> the rim being unkind. >> here goes louis from buoy.

>> he did get it up and over right up and over the rim not into the basket. >> the crowd is sitting on the edge of their seats. >> claude, tries the hidden ball trick. and claude. >> and claude. >> american university. >> moves on. >> the champion moves on. >> and the buoy bay sox louis defeated. >> all right coming up it will be your final four next hour we will start it off 8:45 a.m. >> right we have a couple more teams final four will be set after the next 8:45 a.m. hit hey hey hey. >> keep it all civil. >> keep it all nice head back to the locker rooms. >> all right. >> tony it is way too exciting in here. >> claude i went to american university i really get into it it is weird. >> louis wasn't too good.

>> no. >> i love louis but. >> not a lot of talent. >> it is hard to play in those suits. >> basketball not his game. >> all right. >> weather out there perfect, play some basketball this afternoon a little windy but don't let that effect your game. >> take inspiration from the mascots. >> 56 washington, got cooler air on the way and winds really going the pick up here shortly as our front moved on through. 55 frederick, 57 in leonard town, so comfortable cool start to your day comfortable, highs low 60s next couple hours, temperatures start to fall this afternoon as cooler air works in from the north and west on pretty brisk winds winds gusting to 16 washington 23 dulles, 20 quantico and 30, maybe 35 miles an hour later today as this frontal system moves on you can't even see it on satellite radar but you will notice the winds and cooler air moving in this afternoon and down right cold tonight cold enough we have a freeze watch,

for the immediate washington area north and west of the city a freeze warning temperatures likely to fall back into the upper 20s and low 30s later tonight. one of the coldest days, coldest mornings tomorrow morning in a month's time tender vegetation bring it in as temperatures aren't going to fool around later tonight, 64 tonight, 20s tomorrow when you get up and out the door, 55 cool for a change on tuesday and up and down highs in the 60s by end of the week that is a look at the forecast, more details coming up. all right tucker. thank you very much. dick cheney remains in an intensive care unit two days after having a heart transplant he is recovering at a nova fairfax hospital he spent more than 20 months on the waiting list for a donor heart the average wait time is 6 months to a year, advances in technology have increased chances of survival for

transplant recipients. >> the mean survivallability after a heart transplant is 12 years, and over the last several decades it has been increasing, ever so more, the first year is a critical year and i think the doctors will keep a very close eye on him to make sure he gets through that year well. >> cheney had severe congestive heart failure and suffered five heart attacks over the past 25 years. 8:38 a.m. on monday morning pass popcorn, one of america's favorite snack foods and it may contain health benefits you were not aware of. >> beyond that it just makes us happy. >> two u.s. lawmakers taking action after news of some employ injuries asking job applicants to give up facebook passwords more on that when fox 5 morning news continues, 8:38 a.m.  look! here she comes!

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this is a new study. >> i was reading. >> no, me. a new study that finds popcorn can be good for you researchers university of pennsylvania scranton analyzed several kinds the crunchy inside is loaded with anti ox dents that prevent cell damage the compounds might

also fight diseases but the scientists say the soft white fluffy part has no value but still yummy. popcorn is only good for you however if it is not smothered in butter and salt now it is your turn. >> okay privacy advocates are outraged they say some employers are demanding job seekers surrender facebook passwords as a condition of being hired supporters of the practice says the a way to find hidden gems about job applicants two u.s. senators are asking for a department of justice investigation to see if the procedure is a violation of federal law. >> good news it may be illegal already, the law we do have privacy laws, but they are not updated to deal with modern technology such as facebook. >> some times very positive we learn more about a candidate maybe we didn't know in an interview. >> facebook condemned this practice and is threatening legal action themselves they

forbid users from sharing their password. all right if you are looking for work a quick reminder to head to the fox 5 job shop this is today's job of the day retail sales rep with verizon wireless clinton maryland. for more details, and to see the rest of our listings head to myfoxdc.com look for the link to the job shop. time now 8:43 a.m. on monday morning performers from around the world participate in opening ceremonies for the national cherry blossom festival, the centennial celebration coming up next. then more mascot madness holly and dave are taking us down to the final four stay with us we will have that and more 8:43 a.m. a.m. 

well, the rain this weekend may have knocked some of the cherry blossoms off the trees but that should not put a damper on the national cherry blossom festival. >> there is so much to celebrate only the second week of the five week festival as fox 5s matt hack lynn reports

organizers have a lot planned to keep visitorlocals busy. >> reporter: it is a lot of pressure for the folk who is put on the cherry blossom festival, with so many people planning a trip to the nations capitol, timing is important but this year, the blossoms came a little early. >> everything was great and then this, is super. we were here last week and we saw the blooms and everything and we came back this week on a tour. >> reporter: but for those who arrived today or plan to come a little later this month, they may see more of the blossoms looking like this. >> what did you think about the timing in are you disappointed? >> very. >> reporter: don't fear organizers of the centennial festival celebration have so much planned over the next month the keep visitors busy. ♪ [ music ] >> reporter: 6,000 people were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony even the

ambassador of japan cracked a joke about the timing of the blossoms this year. >> et was very good we enjoy cherry blossoms this week now we can concentrate on festival for next four weeks isn't that good. [ applause ] >> reporter: that is good for the visitors who haven't even arrived, and for the ones who already experienced all this beauty. >> wonderful. fabulous. third time for the cherry blossoms it gets better every time. >> reporter: matt acklin fox 5 news. >> gorgeous. >> time to be a proud parent indulge me tony. >> i am >> i cannot help but share something very special over the weekened my middle daughter skyler was in a production of wizard of oz and got the role of dorothy there she is. >> wonderful. >> there she is, and oh, man great job indeed she is in costume she was in great voice she was so focused it was wonderful i am so proud of her both mark and i are there she

is with more of her cast members there. each year, the adventure theatre in glen echo park they work with the fourth graders at different schools and come to my girls schools and they together put on this production they choose who you know gets the roles and all that so it is a production of glen echo but the kids get involved 45 kids in it, each and everyone of them were just great but you know of course, i got to -- >> that is the role. >> the role. >> she learned all the lines. >> like an hour and fifteen minutes she was flawless i am in awe of any actor, any person who can go out and do that, and you know, you look back at your kids and you are like who knew. >> that is the first time i have seen the picture really great. >> congratulations. >> to all of them but especially you my love. >> job well done. >> yes. >> very good. >> it is now time to say good morning to our facebook fan of the day, she is melanie her

family is currently very thankful her husband just received a heart transplant last week after being on the donor list for 25 months melanie we wish him a very speedy recovery, if you want to be tomorrow's fan of the day head to facebook search fox 5 morning news and post a comment under melanie's know toe. >> i had it -- know toe >> i had it bad i started crying when i saw more name in the program. >> we mentioned college basketball in honor of march madness we are continuing our fox 5 mascot madness. >> holly morris and dave ross are there live as local mascots go head to head. >> bcc. >> yes, and look at the poor baron he went out early you are a wonderful host that is why we come back every year we love coming here you rock baron. [ applause ] >> you are the mascot supposed to raise my spirits any way. >> baron was knocked out by

slap shot. >> he was. >> slap shot is a popular three pick going up against lucky first time we have seen lucky so far this year. >> from the mystics. >> look at the feet. >> those are some sweet kicks. >> and look at lucky's cavs i am telling you those are -- >> i know slap shot would you say you have your work cut out for you? are you guys ready? >> let's get up, this is for a spot in the final four. >> you guys know the rules, good luck. >> very tricky. >> three, two, one. >> oh,. >> hey, the crowd is that way. >> using a moving screen >> i thought moving screens were not allowed. >> no rules here at mascot madness. >> for three. >> oh,. >> so close. >> lucky quick to defend.

>> good strong inside game. >> air ball. >> mystics have two entries holly this is the second of the two and right now, lucky could pull off a major stunner this would be a 12 over a 3. >> amazing if the two mystic mascots played each other. >> could you imagine. >> i can imagine. >> oh,. >> slap shot with a clear bucket but you know what, sportsmanship took the ball back >> i do want people to understand,. >> oh. >> slap shot. oh. >> yes. >> slap shot,. >> look at that,. >> wow. >> slap shot, bring it. >> mascot pandemonium. >> we have another game with the final spot in the final four. >> talent from dc. >> d.c. united and another mystic entry. >> meanwhile take a look at

this talons really is upping his game and has been working out and take a look at this video posted on the d.c. united website. >> getting ready. >> getting into the zone >> i understand he actually watched all six rocky mu movies. >> talon agrees that did in fact happen. >> talon is 7 feet tall with full beak. >> who knows what the wingspan is at this point. >> got to be huge this is a big time match up against pack who moved on upsetting gee wiz. >> talon has been a part of this every single year and he said he was tired. >> did not want to go out early he wanted to represent d.c. united. >> for a spot in final four. >> our final spot. >> talon in three,. >> the crowd is into it. >> two, one. >> the ball. >> talon has it. >> height right off. >> and stare down might be a little junk talking.

>> you think so? >> i was going to say i know it looks like it is a small ball. >> it is a regulation basketball they have just not got regulation sized hands. >> talon. >> look at that. >> defense. >> for the win. >> oh. >> talon, oh, almost -- there you go. >> look at that. >> screech helping talon. >> don't know what is going on. >> no rules when it comes to fox 5 march madness. >> hidden ball trick. >> yep. >> up,. >> oh. >> help him out. >> and he had his big beak in the way. >> oh. >> final four is set holly. >> sweet. >> can you believe it. >> our final four teams are. >> claude, talon, screech and slap shot. >> holly look at that.

>> one, two, three and five teams let me go into the crowd here and see what they think about our final four match up who wants to tell me who they like here you go. >> capitol guy. >> capitols i will always love the capitols. >> slap shot. >> yes, buddy. >> what do you think? >> slap shot. >> you think slap shot too what do you like about slap shot >> i like the capitols. >> so he just comes with it. >> anybody -- what about anybody else? anybody else? >> oh, my gosh slap shot the overwhelming fan favorite final four set for this year's mascot madness more coming up next hour. more fox 5 morning news after the break stay with us ó

good morning i am tony perkins. >> i am allison seymour did you feel it a late night earthquake rattles virginia what some of our facebook fans are saying. supreme court takes on health care, will the president's controversial health care law be knocked down, melanie alnwick is live with a preview of this week's hearings. across the nation people are marking the one month anniversary of trayvon martin's death with rallies including some here in dc the executive direct tore with concerned plaque men a national organization is here -- black men a national organization is here to talk about the push for justice. >> holly and dave later this hour we will find out who will win this year's mascot madness. >> that is the favorite right there. >> apparently. >> tucker barnes in the meantime is down stairs at the weather center. cooler right? >> yeah, absolutely, later today allison we will see