they changed the rules for the infield at the preakness last year. you could not bring in beer or other alcohol, and although it kept the attendance down, it also kept fighting and other problems down as well. >> we took a hit attendance laws, and we expected that. it was probably more than we anticipated, but it was turning into a little too much, so we toned it down. we want the preakness to be a memorable event, highlighted by the middle jewel of the triple crown. >> this year the headliners will be grammy award winner at zack brown band. platinum selling group oar. along with lots of other entertainment. there will be bikini contest, volleyball games, corn whole tournament, and bans on in the second stage. the sermon on the grandstand says the people's race, the people's party, and track officials hope it will be a big success. the gates open at 8:00. it is a marathon, not a sprint. we are trying to make it more of a fun filled atmosphere rather than the stuff that was going on a few years ago. >> the preakness is just 58 days away. >> coming up

preakness. . . how about over here? n-- let's go back to the left. waffling is back at dunkin' donuts. for a short time only, enjoy the return of the delicious oven-toasted waffle breakfast sandwich. america runs on dunkin'. host: could switching to geico 15% or more on car insurance? host: does charlie daniels play a mean fiddle? ♪ fiddle music charlie:hat's how you do it son. vo: geico. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.

preakness in maryland. blare upup,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, >>> baltimore. police and firefighters.st-ditch plans to keep jobs off the chopping block. >>> travel troubles. more problems for commuters, more than a daily after -- day after a light rail train collide. >>> closing some schools and keeping others open. what's next for the school system? i'm gigi barnett in harford county. that story is just ahead in tonight's school watch report. >>> and a wonderful wednesday evening. but are more changes coming? don't miss the updated first warning weather forecast. >>> check in for these stories and all dat a -- the day's breaking news. >> eyewitness news at 6:00 starts right now. >>> baltimore's budget crisis. the mayor wants to cut the jobs of dozens of police officers and firefighters. >> tonight, the impact and what will save vital city services from the chopping block. >> if this doomsday budget goes through, many police units will be history, along with more than 100 officers and several fire companies. wjz is live at city hall, where mike hellgren breaks down the money troubles

>> fourth of july fireworks, the preakness parade. and more than half of the city's rec centers have many concerns. >> they can't cut anymore. >> crime rate is going to rise. >> but there are bright spots. the proposal's fully fund schools. >> in the past six months alone, we had a 20% increase in visitors. and the year before that, we had a 32% increase. >> reporter: and the mayor hopes to raise $52 million in new fees fees. >> we'll only be able to restore the top priority the mayor indicated. recreation, safety. infrastructure are at the top. >> i will not propose to increase the tax. >> reporter: many are necessary after the state government cut millions in government aid. >> there's no magic answers. you just have to make the best decisions you can. >> reporter: the mayor's proposal for new revenue will come out early next month. reporting live in city hall, mike hellgren, wjz eyewitness news. >> all right. thank you, mike. and the cuts total $121 million. >>> tonight, baltimore county police are looking for two men who viciously

. >>> and get your preakness on.re learning about what will be the biggest attractions other than the horses. zach brown band and o.a.r.. it's may 15th. >>> president obama is planning a trip to capitol hill to push the health care reform over the finish line. he'll meet with the democrats aid head of a vote slated for tomorrow. it's not clear if the president has the votes. this morning, kelly mcpherson has more. >> reporter: this bill would extend coverage to 32 million americans and we spoke to marylanders who are paying for the insurance and they have a lot to say about the vote. >> this new bill isn't like the old one. it's actually worse. >> i'll be voting yes. >> reporter: the rep marylanders want to be heard. >> i went last month and it was $700! i don't see how anyone can justify paying 700-dollar worth of charges on top of the fact i'm paying $300 a month for premiums. >> reporter: in another neighborhood, she couldn't find a plan for taking a prescription for a fairly common illness. >> i have a preexiting

the move ensures that the preakness remains in maryland. it still has to be approved by a bankruptcy judge. >>> the anne arundel court of elections is expected to decide if a group against slots has enough signatures to put the measure on the november ballot. the group wants to prevent a casino from being built at arundel mills mall. and voters had been circulating a petition in order to force a referendum. they need 19,000 signatures. >>> president obama signs off on an executive order ensuring no federal money will be used for elective abortions. obama made the promise as part of negotiations to pass the healthcare reform bill. meanwhile debate began at the senate on the reconciliation to healthcare reform bill. republicans are offering amendments to ban medicare cuts, special deals. any change will force the bill to go back to the house for another vote. democrats say it's a delay tactic. >> we feel confident that they're not serious about helping this bill. >> why have an opposition party. maybe we should go to a cuban system. that seem

that ensures that the preakness remains in maryland.ved by a bankruptcy judge. >>> because of a pending lawsuit, the county board of election says it wait to decide if a group against slots has enough signatures to put the measure against the november ballot. the group wants to prevent a casino from being built at arundel mills mall. they need 19,000 signatures to force a referendum. >>> we know that recycling is good for the environment but who knew it was good for competition. 39 neighborhoods across baltimore are seeing who can recycle the most with the winner getting a block party courtesy of the city. joel d smith is live in north baltimore with all of details. good morning, joel. >> reporter: good morning, patrice. not a bad incentive going for a block party. right now in first place chess wald and second place in hambden. but i got a guy here who says it doesn't matter. they're making a big come back. we have from the glenview neighborhood. you go some room to make up. you're in 10th place, can you do it? >> yes, i think we can.

developments and the maryland jockey club, who will sponsor the preakness parade. so it will live on. mary? >> all right, mike. that's a good update. the mayor will prohibit her proposal for raising money to the city council on april 12th. >>> help wanted. while baltimore is looking at major budget cuts. small businesses in maryland may be putting up help wanted signs, soon. the governor signed legislation today, giving businesses a tax credit for hiring marylanders off the unemployment roles. >> reporter: it's a priority of the o'malley administration and the general assembly this year. >> jobs, jobs, jobs. >> reporter: jobs on the minds of marylanders. when president obama talked about taking it to the chesapeake town center. >> people need at least one job. >> this is exciting. >> reporter: moving the state out of this recession and into better times is the way governor o'nal -- o'malley described the bills he signed today. >> it creates a $5,000 credit. >> reporter: maryland's unemployment rate is at its highest in years. >> every person who is unemployed is pu

no money to put on the annual preakness parade, no money to pick up your bulk trash or to fix broken street lights. >> animal control is being hit 11%. are we going to be able to pick up the carcasses of dead animals in the street? >> is the worst-case budget scenario, and it will happen unless baltimore city drums of some new revenue, warns the mayor. >> after we have taken an assessment of what cuts we can live with, to find a way to restore some of them. i plan to start having those conversations. >> council members say they are talking about as simulated slot machine bill that could raise $10 million, a possible parking tax increase. >> putting a tollbooths up at 83 or a at the baltimore county line where the of governor -- government can share the revenue. this sounds interesting, but i am not sure would have a legal authority to be able to do that. the city cannot do a commuter tax, but we can look at the parking tax and make sure -- >> they need to find the $2 million to restore some of the public safety and rec center cuts. they are hoping that private sponsors come forward t

. >> this the city also won't fund fireworks for this 4th of july or a preakness parade. they'll increase funding for the city health department. >>> a light rail train derailment is causing delays for commuters today and it's a subject for several agencies. ron is live with new details on the drivers involved and possible charges in the case. >>> well, hi, jessica. the police say that the 51-year- old was driving the train at the time of the accident, she's at shock trauma today in serious, but stable condition. and a preliminary investigation reveals that a tractor trailer drove into the path of the train and the charges are pending against the driver of the tractor trailer who's identified as a 53-year-old. the trash is under investigation by the mta police as well as baltimore county police. >>> thank you, and the accident caused the tractor trailer to collide with a 2009 honda civic and that driver refused medical treatment. >>> we're learning more about the murder/suicide that shook the area last week. halle smith called 911 during the shooting and the police releas

. >> there is no money for things like fireworks on the fourth of july where the annual preakness parade, animal control would also suffer. >> animal control is being hit 11%. will we be able to pick up the dead carcasses of animals in the street? >> in the proposal will be made in three weeks to have new ways to raise revenue. they are thinking about a slot machine bill that could raise millions of dollars and a possible parking tax increase. >> i will not support an increase in parking taxes. >> officials say a likely target for revenue sources are city hospitals and universities because they are exempt from the city property tax. wbal-tv. >> amid the talk of city budget cuts, there was a special honor yesterday for one of our own. >> we proclaim march 24, 2010 as kate samari day. [applause] >> she is leaving us here in baltimore this weekend. she is heading to our washington bureau. you consider every weekday right here. president obama is gearing up to take health care on the road once again. this time it is to promote the new law. there are concerns over death threats made for bill'

. >> the preakness parade is getting the ax. baltimore city cannot afford to plan any new trees next year. the mayor does not like it either. >> none of us are scared. in order to be balanced, the cuts that are reflected are devastating. >> in her spending plan, many core services are reduced or cut completely. >> bulk trash is on the block. the collection of bulk trash is going to be cut out of the budget, which we cannot tolerate. >> 11% means are we going to be able to pick up the carcasses of the dead animals in the street? >> the mayor has a plan b. city council members tell us they are taking about eighth simulated slot machine bill, a bottle tax, and the council president wants a told ruttollbn 83. >> we are told that idea is legally impossible. >> if we go through and do this without increasing any of these other revenue enhancements, the fact is it will be devastating and will cripple city government. >> the mayor will present her alternative budget plan with the new revenue sources on april 12. >> in annapolis, legisla

there is no money for fireworks at the inner harbor for the fourth of july and no money for the preakness parade. she says she does not like the new budget. she will present an alternate plan that will include what ways to raise revenue in the city. jack young has an idea. >> putting a tollbooth up at 83 or at the baltimore county line where they can share revenues on anyone coming into the state of maryland. >> i am not sure we have the legal authority to do that. one of the things we can't do is have a parking tax and make sure -- one of the things we can do is have a parking tax and make sure we can get everything out of it. >> coming up, some other ideas being floated around to generate new revenue in the city. wbal-tv. >> there is an outcry from parents and children. some say cutting recreation centers would set the city up for more crime. 29 of the 55 would be closed under the new plan. taking away activities at the centers could be devastating. >> those children would be out on the corners causing trouble. >> the department will present their proposal to the mayor today. she is loo

. >> reporter: including the trash pickup, the preakness parade. >> they can't cut any more. >> reporter: but there are some bright spots. the fully fund schools and give more money to the fire department. >> we had a 20% increase in visitors and the year before that we had a 30% increase. >> reporter: and the mayor hopes to raise $50 million in new fees. >> we'll only be able to -- public safety, recreation, infrastructure are at the top. >> i will not propose to increase a property tax. >> many of the reductions were necessary after the state government cut millions in aid. >> these are difficult times. you just have to make the best decisions you can. >> reporter: the mayor will release those proposals for new revenue next month. >>> now the cuts total $121 million which is the city's budget deficit. >>> new at 11:00 some tense moments for people on a plane heading from arkansas to baltimore. the crew had to turn around. the southwest flight took off from little rock this afternoon but quickly turned around and landed at little rock because of a burning smell. after a delay they arriv

. >> the proposal will eliminate public funds for the popular preakness parade and the fourth of july fireworks display. >>> many day-to-day services will be put to risk under the plan. city budget direct or the andrew cline gives us an example. >> reduces animal control. cuts resurfacing in half. discontinued bulk trash pickup and reduces street sweeping and park maintenance and plants no new trees. >> a lot of numbers and figures. major stephanie rawlings blake says the $121 million budget gap is equality to the current funding of the entire police force or combined budgets for health, housing, reck nation parks and libraries. the mayor said she'll work on a budget plan to restore the critical services. this plan should be released april 12th. to find out more about the proposed cuts log on to abc2news.com. look under links mentioned on the air. we'll connected o you to city's website. >>> they are also crunching numbers in annapolis. maryland senate gave preliminary approval to the state's budget but cut $120 million. among the largest the fund to clean toparchies peak bay -- chesa

the proposal cuts down on bulk trash pickups and dries up funding for the preakness parade and 4th of july fireworks. >> after we cut, make an assessment of what cuts we can with. if we can't live with those cuts to find a way to restore some of that funding. >> in order to raise revenue the mayor says they're looking into a profia tax on nonprofits, impa fee on water and soda bottles and there's a talk of commuter toll or raising parking fees. the mayor is expected to present her plan on april 12th. meantime she and other lawmakers did turn down their automatic pay raises that were supposed to kick in yesterday. megan gilliland, fox 45 early edition. >>> as megan mentioned the budget cuts could affect the public safety services. under the proposal nearly 200 positions would be cut from baltimore's police department. the fire department stands to lose around 100 firefighters and 7 fire companies would close. this is in the city that is among the deadliest in the nation. >> almost horrified, because the police have hard enough job as it is and the fire department. really those two thin

there is a move that would help little impact on some preakness patrons. [unintelligible] there were plans to bid on the tracks during an auction. >> let's check your morning commute. there are some new problems. at the inner loop at 295, and accident blocking a lane. 52 on the west side of the loop. -- out for a loop. -- outer loop. and out route 32 in the sykesville region, a problem there. we are not se3 there. we are not seeing the latest during the construction zone of the curtis creek drop bridge area. a vehicle fire has been pulled out -- put out. that is in a different area. let's check with sandra at the vineyards. >> there is one more sunday left for their special event here. a pair their wine with homemade is due. -- stew. you can take a tour as well must enjoy the meals. this is the oldest family-owned vineyard established in 1945. this is a great thing to do this sunday. the weather should cooperate. check the forecast. increasing clouds throughout the day tomorrow with rain chances thursday into friday. that is it for now. back to you. >> tha

. >> the preakness will be staying in maryland. the owner filed for bankruptcy last year and the auction that was set for this week is called off after mi development is going to take over. the ownership isn't changing, and a bankruptcy judge must approve the set up. >>> we're learning more about an elderly woman found dead in her apartment this week. she died from natural causes. friends discovered her monday in an unrelated incident, her grandson was found dead the same day. he committed suicide and the reason isn't known. >>> if you're hopping on the right rail, the crash from yesterday is affecting the service. here's pat warren with the latest from wjz. >> reporter: there's no such thing has a fender bender when train and tractor trailer collide. the train's not going to swerve and the tractor trailer can't slow down fast enough. he was on his way to work and his train stopped at gill roy road. >> well, they told us to get off of the train and start walking and then we saw the accident. i was in shock. >> reporter: the lead ca

. >> the proposal also cuts down on bulk trash pick ups, and drives up funding for the preakness parade 4th of july fireworks. >> after we have cut, taken a step of what cuts to live with. if we cannot live with those cuts, to find a way to restore some of the funding. >> the mayor and council are looking at a number of ways to raise new revenue. among them a tax on non-profits. raising energy and telecommunication tax rates. and imposing a fee on water and soda bottles. and even talk of a commuter toll or raising parking fees. the mayor said she will present her own budget april 12. reporting live here at city hall. karen parks fox 45 news at 10:00. >> well, two agencies seeing deep cuts r in charge of keeping the city safe. a city that is among the deadliest in the nation. we headed to west baltimore and talked with residents that said the city should look elsewhere for cuts. the police departments stand to lose almost 200 positions. while the fire department could see almost 100 firefighters laid off. and many fire companies shuttered. >> i was horrified. because the police have a ha

. >> the city also will not fund fireworks for the fourth of july, nor a preakness parade. the preliminary budget proposal would increase funding for the city health department. >>> parents are concerned in harford county after hearing some of their schools may be closing. a public meeting is being held tonight at northville elementary school. shocked parents learning about the possible redistricting, asked questions at a meeting last night in whitehawk. wjz is in harford county. we'll have the latest on this story for you tonight at 5:00 and 6:00. >>> two students in frederick complained of feeling queasy after drinking chocolate milk from the cafeteria. a dairy processor said it mistakenly sent the milk tainted with a nontoxic chemical solution to the middle school. the solution is a sanitizing rinse that is used when switching from dispensing one milk type to another. they can contain iodine and bleach. >>> it is round 2 of the republican healthcare reform debate. joel brown reports. the gop is determined to force house lawmakers to start all over again. >> reporter: rep

. >> also cuts to the funding for the preakness parade and 4th of july. >> the mayor says she will not report. >> the mayor will talk about the fees on april 12th. >>> baltimore brothers charged in the death of a dog have are the things to consider. they will face animal cruelty and mutilation charges in the death of a pit bull. charges were filed when guns and drug were found inside the johnson home during the investigation. the assistant state's attorney said they had insufficient evidence to take that case to court. >>> a former pharmacologist at the university of maryland pleads guilty to growing marijuana in their baltimore home. gigi other barnett. >> reporter: he faces deportation to his native canada. police arrested the 33-year-old in september when detectives found pots pot in his home. they were investigating the death of his fiance, carrie john. carrie john died to an allergic reaction to a bogus drug she ordered online from the philippines. mccracken said he wants to go home soon to virginia, because he wants to donate one of his kidneys to his father who has late-stage re

this could eliminate fire and police cuts and the bulk trash pickup would be gone along the the preaknessail crashed tuesday. a bus bridge is connecting the stopss a the crews connect the lines. they're in serious condition and charges are pending against the driver of the semirig. >> a hancock woman is spending the next several years in prison. she's pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. they plotted to kill his exgirlfriend. he was killed in prison in september and he'll be sens and the today. >>> a child is recovering after being struck by a truck today in woodlawn 11-year-old was taken to the hospital. no word on his current condition. >>> and in this morning's masn spring training report, brian roberts will make his debut this weekend, he's been out with a herniated disk in his back. the team could have used his help yesterday. >>> and if you didn't know it, today's maryland day. it's commemorating the arrival of the settlers in southern maryland in 1634. stay with wjz-13, maryland's news station. the news is ,, ♪ spread a little love today ♪ spread a little somethin' to remember

we keep looking and when we find this, with the floor mat entrapment, with the 2010 preakness, we act very quickly. i do not think the history of the actions were here before i took office, and the time that people are looking at. this agency has been very active. >> when you find this, you can require a mandatory recall? >> this is correct. >> i have also heard about the heating, and i understand that you can issue the information requests. and the manufacturers have to respond to that? >> there is a difference between the subpoena and the information request. we are able to compel this for documents. we want to get every document on a question. they will have to give this to us. they also have to respond to a request for information. we actually asks -- ask direct questions that must be answered. this is what we use, quite frequently. in fact, we sent three questions to toyota about the timing of their submission of information, regarding the floor mats. there was a recall asking for them to answer questions about the sudden acceleration incident. this is a large amount of documents

. >> the preakness stakes will be staying at pimlico.take over. >>> stay with wjz-13, maryland's news station. maryland's news station. up next, ,, mm >>> nice crowd out here on the plaza. youthful enthusiasm. >> an international crowd. students from all over the world waving their flags. let's see how many languages we can say good morning. >> hola. >> no buenos dias. >> good morning. >> not english. [ speaking foreign language ] >> for real or did you make that up? >> it's russian. >> i have one. [ speaking foreign language ] japanese. good morning. >> good morning. good morning, right? >> there we go. >> now "the early show" will continue. >> that's right. >> human struggle here this morning. coming up, a new recommendation for women and exercise. this is not good news. this is not news you're going to want to hear. because the old recommendation is you want to maintain your weight or whatever, half an hour a day. guess what? >> it just went up? >> not enough. jennifer ashton will be along in a couple of minutes to explain some things

the second leg of the horse racing triple crown, the preakness had always allowed fans watching the races own alcohol and i'm not talking rubbing but last year, that stopped. as a result, attendance dropped by 35,000 fans. so to bring those fans back, guess what they did, the same thing that brought chris back to beefsteak charlie's with the all you can eat bar, they're cutting the cost of admissions from $50 to $40 and offering all you can drink beer specials for $20. >> so for $60, you can get in and get really drunk. >> right. but you get to pay them and you don't have any cans that you're sneaking into your shorts. >> are they offering extra money for a designated driver, too? that's a really good point. >> yeah. >> take a horse. >> right. they changed that and you stop going. >> how many shows is there a heckler? >> i'm worried that's what's coming up on your radio show. >> coming up on our radio show -- i don't think this is the time. >> fine. >> we could count off on that spot. moving on to what's going on over in afghanistan, the fighting there has intensified in the helmund provi