. >>> i'm ron matz and you're about to see an amazing piece of art work. when morning comes in the middle of the night... rooster crow. ...it affects your entire day. to get a good night's sleep, try 2-layer ambien cr. the first layer dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep. and unlike other sleep aids, a second dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep. when taking ambien cr, don't drive or operate machinery. sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake with memory loss for the event as well as abnormal behaviors such as being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, agitation and halluciations may occur. don't take it with alcohol as it may increase these behaviors. allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, swelling of your tongue or throat may occur and in rare cases may be fatal. side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. in patients with depression, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide may occur. if you experience any of these behaviors or reactions contact your doctor immediatel

. >>> i'm ron matz in pikesville. this is heavily damage bide fire. but the rest -- heavily damaged by fire. but the restaurant owners say they plan to rebuild. their story when eyewitness news continues. >>> and get the updated forecast with bob. kelly saunder's nature valley, the place that inspires her to go faster... and slower, elk mountains, colorado. where's yours? 100% natural nature valley granola bars. the taste nature intended. >>> most of the murders and shootings in baltimore are committed with illegal guns. now, a national study shows much more could have been done to prevent it. suzanne collins reports it has to do with watching over gun stores. >> a 5-year-old girl is critically wounded when a teenager with an illegal gun fires shots on a southwest baltimore street. neighbors marched last night, fed up with gun crimes. >> everywhere you go, there's drugs, what can we do about it? >> they say getting tough on the sale of guns could significantly cut the number of illegal weapons. states requiring a license to purchase a gun have much lo

. >>> i'm ron matz at pikesville. the suburban house is heavily damaged by fire. but the restaurant owners tell eyewitness news, they plan to rebuild. you'll hear their story when eyewitness news continues. >>> another unforgettable july evening. stick around for the updated first warning forecast coming up. >>> another other recent news has dominated the headlines, swine flu is still a major concern. but as hari sreenivasan reports, a vaccine should be available by then. >> this fall, some americans might get two flu shots. one for the regular flu. the other to prevent the h1n1 strain. or swine flu. scientists are about to test a new vaccine. if all goes well -- >> best case scenario is that the h1n1 vaccine will be available by mid-october. >> the announcement came at a flu summit. outside of washington, d.c. they would be first in line for the new shot. they believe it could make a comeback this fall. the president broke away from his summit to call in and tell state leaders. >> i am just grateful that all of you are taking this seriously. we may end up avertin

ron matz reports, despite these tough economic times, louis vuitton is the latest high-end retailer to open here in baltimore. >> reporter: the handbags. the pricey purses. the shades. the famous logo. this is the new louis vuitton store at the towson town center. >> it's nice to have a store like this, you know, to take a look at the products. and it's a store that is all louis vuitton. >> i think it's a great yvmentd i -- idea. i have three louis vuitton bags already. i want to add to my collection. >> reporter: it backs up their research. >> it's something we have been hearing customers say they've wanted for a long, long time. so it's in addition to our luxury wing. it accentuates the unique boutiques that we already have. >> i love louie. >> reporter: and your ramona house is a big louis fan. she's happy to have her favorite closer to home. >> going to have to come buy something to support the store. it will prevent me from driving down the prices to pick up my louis products. >> you can sit at the purse bar and check out the latest louis luxury. some purses sell for $600. >> even

. >>> i'm ron matz at the towson town center. louis vuitton opens a store here. in these tough economic times, will it be a success? we'll have the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> and it's friday. get your updated first warping -- warning forecast. >>> this is surveillance video that captured the vehicle seconds before that crash yesterday. police say a 19-year-old man was driving with a suspended license when the car skirted a gate at the railroad crossing. four other young people were also in that car. >>> in tonight's eyewitness news healthwatch, your chances of surviving a serious illness could depend where you're treated. nancy cortes reports on a new study depicting the quality of care at our nation's hospitals. >> reporter: the findings were based on the most comprehensive study of its kind. 1 million patients at 4600 hospitals. medicare researchers discovered that one in four heart failure patients were back in the hospital within 30 days. one in five heart attack pneumonia patients. >> not only do one in five patients come right back in the hos

. >>> i'm ron matz at the towson town center. louis vuitton opens a store here. in these tough economic times, will it be a success? we'll have the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> higher cancer death rates in minorities may be linked to biology. >>> 5:39. quay degrees. if you're just getting home, happy friday. here's what people are talking about tonight. >> some of the worst drivers in the country are right here, on baltimore's roadways. a study released this week says baltimore drivers have a greater chance of getting into accidents. eyewitness news is live along the beltway, in brooklynville. gigi barnett has the latest details for us. >> reporter: if you believe that baltimore has the worst drivers around, this study may support your claim. but there is one city that beats baltimore when it comes to bad drivers. and that city is not too far away. >> reporter: out of 200 cities, baltimore drivers are second to the worst. that's what a new report released this week by allstate insurance company discovered. >> it's kind of crazy out there. >> we try t

. >>> i'm ron matz. baseball great, educator and friend. remembering negro league star burt simmons. the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> is rain headed our way? the updated first warning forecast with bob. >>> shocking developments in the michael jackson investigation. several law enforcement sources have reportedly said a cardiologist may be charged with the singer's death. patty kaufman has the latest for wjz. >> ever since michael jackson's death, there has been an undercurrent of suspicion. victoria jackson told a british tabloid, her brother was a victim of murder. joe jackson made a similar charge. >> he left the house. i suspect foul play somewhere. >> reporter: now the website tmz reports that l.a. police have concluded that dr. conrad may have administered a fatal dose of the powerful drug propofol. it will be listed as the primary cause of death. but vials were found inside jackson's home. and police have already talked to the l.a. district attorney's office about possible homicide charges. murray's attorney says she's b

. >>> i'm ron matz in southwest baltimore. you are about to see an amazing piece of artwork. william donald schaefer larger than life, when eyewitness news continues. >> some rain is moving through maryland 2. first warning weather team is track it all. >> for the top stories on wjz.com, instant updates and first warning weather, click >>> well, it's definitely feeling stickier, like it wants to rain, bern dre. we going to see some? >> the moisture is starting to creep up in the atmosphere. so dry over this weekend, so it's take some time. want to show you radar. to answer your question, some people are seeing the rain, and the rest of us have a pretty decent chance of it with all of this to the south moving northward. right around cumberland a couple of thunderstorms. right around oakland, but not on top of you in deep creek. down to the south this is the other round that's coming our way. southern maryland, we're seeing some thunderstorms right now making their way up toward prince frederick, passing through leonard town, making their way into charlotte hall. hoopersville,

>>> i'm ron matz at the national kwarm. it's manatee madness in maryland. the latest on the ad ventures of elia when eyewitness news continues. >>> a lawsuit, the allegations against pittsburgh steelers quarterback ben x >>> this is wjz, wjz dt and wjz.com baltimore. >>> from the city to the county to your neighborhood. now complete coverage on wjz 13. maryland's news station. >>> it is just before 6:30. 80 degrees and partly sunny. thanks for staying with eyewitness news. here are some of the stories people are talking about tonight. a controversy could be brewing at harvard university. prosecutors dropped charges against an african-american professor who is having trouble getting into his own home. there are allegations of racial profiling played a part in the arrest. >> charges against a reknowned black harvard professor are dropped and cambridge police say race had nothing to do with his arrest. >> it was a circumstance where cooler heads perhaps should have prevailed but did not. and after several days, hopefully now they have. >> reporter: last week

. >> ron matz, checking donations for the maryland food bank. all of the gates are open and you can meet all of, well, some of the personalities out here from wjz to collect food and money. remember, the maryland food bank wants to collect 10% more than last year, that means a lot of donations when it comes to money and food. >>> thank you, gigi. we need your help. and during the weekend's home stand, take nonparrishable foods to camden yards. we'll collect the donations at the gate. it's all part of wjz's continuing community commitment. >>> well, we have to push it up a little bit. >>> and still to come, back to school and the swine flu. growing concern nationwide and how the virus will impact the school year. >>> and an employee accused of giving away illegal licenses. >> stick around for the first updated forecast. >>> a boxer is suing the officers. kelly mcpherson has more. >> reporter: on tuesday, a 17- year-old says that three police officers ran him over with their unmarked car. it's just a shame how they do that. they wanted to help us.

. >>> i'm ron matz. downtown. will indy cars be racing through the streets of baltimore?d happen. we'll have the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> and we'll take you live to bwi, where a southwest plane has just made an emergency >>> good evening, we're still following the breaking news tonight. we go to sky eye chopper 13 over bwi marshall. there was an emergency landing. a southwest airline 737 landed after mike perry said is it struck about 40 birds. this plane is a work horse. >> channel 13. what do you know? go ahead? loud and clear. >> chopper 13. >> do you hear me? >> captain mike? >> yes. i'm sorry. i had to do some business with bwi tower here. but what you're looking at is aircraft -- personnel from the bwi airport mang that are actual -- maintenance that are actually cleaning up about 40 birds. about 10 minutes ago, a southwest 737 flight 69 was taking off runway 28 at bwi airport. just when it broke the ground, it struck about 40 small birds at this point. it does not appear that they were geese. it appears it was a flock of small birds. after that occ

. >>> i'm ron matz, on corn beef row.ll have the story when [ female announcer ] new swiffer wet jet cleans so deep, you'll love it. your old mop will just have to get over it... [ engine rattles ] [ man ] love stinks! ♪ love stinks! ♪ yeah! yeah! [ female announcer ] new swiffer wet jet is redesigned. it cleans deep in corners. its solution penetrates layers of dirt and its absorbent pad locks it away to clean better than a mop. the newly redesigned swiffer wet jet. ♪ love stinks! >>> it is 5:29. 85 degrees. if you're just getting home, welcome home and cool off. >>> state prosecutor reindicts city councilwoman helen holton and prominent city developer john paterakis on violating campaign finance laws. this all stems from the probe going into mayor sheila dixon. >> reporter: sally, these new developments are stunning. a lot of people here at city hall, each catching some off -- even catching some of them offguard. in fact, the mayor's office not knowing about the charges until we handed them a copy of the report. city co

. >>> i'm ron matz at the inner harbor. baltimore goes over the top for a visitor from down under. the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> so are we in for more storms tonight? the updated first warning forecast with bernadette coming up. >>> it's a controversial story that is fueled by claims of racism the african american harvard scholar harry gates is arrested by a white police officer. tonight, we hear the police transmissions frathat day, as well as the 911 calls. the recordings don't focus on race. >> reporter: the arrest that triggered a national debate on race began with a 911 call ma -- that made little mention of it. >> i of. >> -- i don't know what is happening here. i'm standing here with an elderly lady. and she noticed some people trying to get into a house. >> reporter: it brought police to the home of black scholar gates. >> i don't know if they have a key, but i noticed they used their shoulder to try to barge in. >> only when prompted did she consider race. >> what are their descriptions? >> two larger men. one looks kind of hispanic. but i'm not really sure

ron matz, wjz, eyewitness news. >> the final bids are due in december.is expected to select its host cities by january. >> sounds good. >>> still ahead, here's one of the stories they are working on with the news with katie couric. >> on the eve of the michael jackson memorial, los angeles is a city half a billion dollars in debt. so how much will this event mean for them and how much will it cost? i'm jeff lor. that story in tonight's cbs evening news. >>> still ahead on eyewitness news, back on the job, gm workers right here in maryland return to work after a month long hiatus. the auto industry is looking up. >>> booms and flashes on the 4th of july but it's not just fireworks. how this light show proved dangerous. >>> how long will that perfect summer weather continue? i'll have the exclusive first warning five-day forecast. >>> the dow ends up 44-point have you heard about miralax? it's a different kind of laxative that's kindto your body. miralax relieves constipation with no bloating... no cramping... and now...no prescription. announcer: restore

i want to bring in ron matz, he has been working hard along with a bunch of folks in the back to put together a tribute for your 35 years here on television hill. ron invaded your personal work space sitting at your desk. good morning. >> reporter: we're at the shrine. i have don's bananas. >> few people can say that. >> reporter: i found your almonds. i was going to say something else, in your bottom drawer. >> how much left in the bottle? >> okay. >> reporter: it's great to be here. 35 years don, congratulations, we're going to party like it's 1999. >> cool. >> reporter: maybe 1974, we'll look back at don's great here in baltimore and here at wjz tv when the eyewitness news morning edition rolls on. . >>> marty is in the weather center. i never remember what the wig was for. >>> i'm trying to remember that myself. ron standing by. overnight, we've had some clouds through the region and now we're seeing isolate showers and thunderstorms. i can't promise you're not going to see one this morning. it's going to be a day of change that leads us to 79 degrees on monday. 73 now, 65% humidi

and ron matz is with us. >> and great to see you. great to be here. >> reporter: and one of the oriole's wives. jenny guthrie. >> it's awesome to be a part of the great cause. >> reporter: back when we started five years ago, we raised $120,000 more than 46,000 pounds of food. he's giving what? . >>> we're doing good. and it was primarily the red sox fans and nay -- they're generous. ron's got a few 20s and it's happening. people are bringing down one can or two, and we've seen a lot of shopping bag. >> and are you finding -- >> well, we should point out, the maryland food bank needs your help now more than ever. the demand is up 20% and the shelves are bare and it's tough times and we know that. spare change, a lot of people are giving us spare change. there's a gentlemen, thank you so much, thank you, sir. we appreciate it. >> quickly, why do you do this? >> we've been blessed and to give the opportunity to give back to the community, we don't want to let that go by and we appreciate the fans and all we can do to help and we hope t

ron matz has more. >> reporter: don scott the face thousands of marylanders trust and wake up with every morning. july, 1974, don walks in the doors of wjz tv, he didn't expect to be here quite this long. >> came for two. i've stayed for 35 and around the 10-year mark i had to fight to stay here. this is a heck of a place to live. >> coming from dayton, ohio, don hits the streets as a general assignment reporter getting to know the people of baltimore. >> get to meet all kind of people and cover all types of situations. it's the best education if the world if you're going to anchor or be a person. >> hello,. >> in 1984, don takes the anchor chair and joins marty on morning edition. >> coming up, don't you dare. >> the chemistry is immediate. >> he can tell by, you know, he's reading a story and i'm going, and then the camera comes on, look don, look what i just found. >> i knew when i started working with don in the mornings, we had a chemistry and some how fit and it was going to be big things. >> through the years, don's look may have changed but the represent he's earned from his coll

good afternoon, ron matz. >> reporter: good afternoon mayor dixon has been reindicted on perjury and misconduct charges that were previously dismissed from the case. the prosecutor is starting over throwing out the old indictment. the new indictment also includes a charge that the mayor stole gift cards meant for if poor. mary poor. >> my reaction, sheila, stay focused, continue to bill on this and continue to serve the citizens. >> reporter: the state prosecutor says he now has the cooperate of the mayor's former boyfriend, ron lipscomb. he pled guilty to a campaign finance charge. it's not yet clear if the new indictment is base on his testimony. don, back to you. >>> thank you very much. another attorney issued the statement calling the new charges flawed. stay with eyewitness news for coverage of the probe. for all developments and to read the indictment, go to wjz.com. >>> the d.c. area metro system says one of its bus drivers is facing kidnapping charges. he's accuse of refusing allow a passenger to get off of the bus. it happened at the southern avenue station. the driver is 4

we want to get some life down here. >> reporter: ron matz, weench eyewitness news. >> now, attman's is not seeking any funding from the city. they hope to break ground in march of next year. >>> straight ahead. laid to arrest. finally, a soldier killed in vietnam, is buried with full honor its, more than 30 years after his death in combat. why it took so long. >>> lucky to be alive. two babies found in a pile of trash. how police found them. >>> and it's warm and humid outside. very typical weather in baltimore. get your first warning updated forecast coming up. >>> we want to update the breaking news. a grand jury has just indicted a city councilwoman and a prominent local developer. >> the state prosecutor has reindicted city councilwoman helen holton. she is now charged with violating campaign finance laws and conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws. both stem from a payment for a political survay. state pross security refinanced the charges against her. also, new from this indictment, prominent local developer john patterakis. he is charged with conspiring to pay for campaign f

ron matz reports on the final tribute to a baltimore sports legend. >> you're good enough to play in the negro league, good enough to play in the major league. >> reporter: burt simmons loved telling students. >> we love burt simmons. burt simmons was a hero of ours. he was the last of the baltimore eli giants. >> reporter: today, this hero was remembered at walker presbyterian church. >> he knew how to reach and touch people. >> his aura in the classroom is just amazing. just amazing. and he's going to be missed. and our school and law enforcement will be missing him as well. >> reporter: katrina met him when she spoke to her class at govens elementary school. >> wow, we're meeting a celebrity. is he rich? is he rich? and i remember him saying, i'm not rich necessarily in wealth. but i'm rich in friends and the experiences that i've had in life. to me, that was profound. >> his contract paid him $200 a month. >> baseball was what i wanted to do. and turned out fine. >> i will miss him dearly. i wear this more for pride now. and i'm eager to do what i can now to keep his legacy alive

ron matz is live at wjz.com with more on how we can all join in on the celebration. hey, ron. >> let the celebration begin. we have a couple of ways for you to take part. the first is a very unique web poll. we want to know as don celebrates 35 years here at wjz, what should he be named for putting up with marty for all these years? your choices are, a saint, united nations ambassador, or wjz 13 general manager for a day. go to wjz.com and cast your vote. we also want you to e-mail your congratulations to dofnlt send them to wjz web alert, or click on the link at the top of the home page. very exciting, st. marty is with me. lots of stuff going on. >> i'm here till 3:30. i'm just taking a nap on your shoulder. actually, it feels pretty good. >> he's helping with the voting process. >> we're going to party like it's the hamptons on a saturday night. >> i love it. make sure you tune in tomorrow for wjz wjz's special coverage as we celebrate don's special day. >> they did not give me the day off, by the way. >> i know. >> still ahead -- i wouldn't want it off, anyway. st

. >>> i'm ron matz. downtown, will indy cars be racing through the streets of baltimore in?could happen. we'll have the story when eyewitness news continues. >>> it's sunny and dry. a beautiful sunny day. >>> wjz 13 is always on. for the top stories, click wjz.com. kelly saunder's nature valley, the place that inspires her to go faster... and slower, elk mountains, colorado. where's yours? 100% natural nature valley granola bars. >>> warmer today, but still felt great. >> had the windows open in the house. >>> a little later on, drag in some of that cool, dry air. overnight tonight, we'll see some neighborhoods get in the upper 50s. most places at least 60 to 65. it will be comfortable overnight. and we've got low humidity. once again, that's what make its comfortable. even though the temperatures, 87. the dew point is 50 degrees. that is very low. humidity only 27%. in fact, when you take a look at the temperature and the dew point, it feels cooler than the temperature. it's sort of a -- winds to the west. drying out. barometer on the way back up. around the state now, a lo

today, ron matz returned to the reisterstown reisterstown owners today. >> you can see that thick black smoke bellowing out of the front and the rear. >> reporter: from sky eye chopper 13, you could see the heavy smoke. today, you could feel the heartbreak on reisterstown road, as the owners of the suburban house returned to survey the damage at the popular restaurant and deli. >> i just feel bad. i really feel bad for everybody that stuck by us to make it here. >> reporter: the two-alarm fire started in a storage area in the rear. tables are still set in the main dining room. but there's heavy smoke damage. owner mark horowitz vows to reopen. if the building is found to be structurally sound. >> if that's not damaged, you know, in any way, per se, and it can be cleaned up, of course, we're going to rebuild. we're in it for the long hall. >> reporter: the wall of fame and its familiar faces survive. so many customers watched the fire in shock. >> everybody in the area knows it. and they have been here. and it's one of a kind. >> reporter: the suburban house is much more than just a rest

ron matz is live in the newsroom with more on the fire. good afternoon, ron. >> hi, mary. two men were pulled from that burning home and one of them was pronounced dead on south carey street. one of the men was not breathing, the other in cardiac arrest, the one who was in cardiac arrest died later, the other is still hospitalized. during the rescue, one firefighter was burned and the injured city firefighter was taken to john hopkins bayview hospital where he was treated and release. >> live in the newsroom. the cause of that fire is under investigation. >>> a frederick county man is in custody charged in a car crash that killed a 15-year-old girl. 42-year-old kevin smith is charged with multiple criminal charges including negligent manslaughter by automobile. police say he was driving drunk when he hit 15-year-old girl near westminster. he is scheduled for a bond hearing later today. >>> a car crash in anne arundel county injuries nine people including many children. police say an officer had pulled over a car in self vern for a traffic violation when that driver suddenl

>> reporter: ron matz, wjz eyewitness news. >> the city estimates another 600 pounds of produce wille picked to bring in the total to nearly 2400 pounds. >> i am hungry now, after watching that story. still ahead on eyewitness news. pick your lobster. a new game. and arizona is drumming up controversy. >>> more summer like pattern for the weekend. i'll have the exclusive five- day forecast. >>> first, here's today's report from wall street. check out those numbers. >>> more showers developing out to the west. there's a beautiful shot there. take a look at radar. you can see where that's coming from. from west westminster down to rocksville. it's diminishing in its intensity. getting rain from our dc area to baltimore, western sections of baltimore county. in the city and particularly howard and carroll county in the next hour or two. >>> ocean city forecast, heading down that way. partly cloudy skies for friday. temperatures of 80. maybe a thundershower. 74 degrees. for us, partly cloudy skies tomorrow. maybe up to 80, 85 degrees could be a late-day shower or evening shower. but chan

ron matz has more. >> hello again. i'm don scott. >> reporter: don scott is the face thousands of marylanders trust and wake up to every morning. >> rise and shine, with don scott and marty bass. >> reporter: july 1974, don walks in the doors of wjz tv. he didn't expect to be here quite this long. >> nope. came for 2. and i've stayed for 35. and around the 10-year mark i had to fight like heck to stay here. no, i never thought i would be here this long. but this is a heck of a place to live. >> and the council has adjourned about 10 minutes mow. >> reporter: coming from dayton, ohio, don hits the streets as a general assignment reporter, getting to know the people of baltimore. >> you get to meet all kinds of people and cover all kinds of situations. soit's the best education in the world, whether or not you're going to anchor, whether or not you're just going to be a person. >> hello. >> reporter: in 1984, don takes the anchor chair and joins marty on eyewitness news morning edition. >> 6:46. >> coming up. [ laughter

ron matz has a look back at don's time on television hill. >> hello again. i'm don scott. >> reporter: don scott is the face thousands of marylanders trust and wake up to every morning. >> rise and shine. with don scott. and marty bass. >> july, 1974. >> don walks in the doors of wjz tv. he didn't expect to be here quite this long. >> no. came for 2. >> stayed for 35. and around the 10-year mark, i had to fight like that. i never thought i'd be here this long. but this is a heck of a place to live. >> don scott is standing by for a live, instant report. >> this has been adjourned about 10 minutes now. >> reporter: coming from dayton, ohio, don hits the streets, as a general assignment reporter. getting to know the people of baltimore. >> get to be all kinds of people and cover all kinds of situations. it's the best education in the world. whether or not you're going to anchor. whether or not you're just going to be a person. >> hello. >> reporter: in 1984, don takes the anchor chair and joins marty on eyewitness news morning edition. >> 6:46. [ laughter ] >>

ron matz down at fells point with the charm city roller girls.the best logos in all of sports. got the web site up. >> a neat logo. >> and we do have their next bought will be the 18th at 7:00. take it away, pal. >> we will talk about that. don and marty, gooded morning, happy monday in fells point with the charm city roller girls. [ cheering ] >> reporter: i want to bring this gentleman over. your name is -- >> reverend keith bailey. >> reporter: you will be here next week. >> yes, sir. >> reporter: with modawmin security. >> yes. >> reporter: checking us out. getting the feel. getting the real deal. the real feel. charm city roller girls. how is everybody doing? >> awesome. >> reporter: introduce everybody. this is only some of the team here. you are -- >> referee bianca dunk. >> page. >> rose the rioter. >> dam bramage. >> reporter: next bought is when. >> next saturday 7 p.m. at dew burns arena. >> reporter: right here off of boston street in canton. >> doors open at 6:00, games start at 7:00. the third game in our home season. the junkyard d

ron matz live in the newsroom with more on those plans. hi, ron. >> reporter: hi, sally. the governor has outlined plans to cut a little less than half of that deficit. first he said the state will get relief from the federal government as they boost medicaid funding by about $75 million. that is thanks to the state's unemployment rate. money for stem cell research will be cut, as will the state's lottery budget, but one of the toughest cuts will be for state workers, 40 of them will be laid off. the board of public works began meeting a couple of hours ago to discuss these budget cuts. sally, back to you. >> thank you, ron. funding for health care providers serving medicaid patients will also see their pay decrease. >>> and when it comes to health care reform on the national level, president obama taking his pitch to primetime. he is hoping to convince the american people that the problems with his plan can be worked out, but as joel brown reports from washington, many lawmakers remain skeptical. >> reporter: president obama will go primetime with his push for health car

ron matz is live at wjz.com with news why this news came as a surprise to everybody, including the fans. >> reporter: sure did. mason made the announcement on a sports web site saying he is hanging up his cleats, and parentally that surprised the ravens front office who said he has not formally informed the team and league of his retirement plans. now ravens fans are asking will he really go. we want to know do you think derrick mace sunshine really retiring from the nfl and the -- mason is really retiring from the nfl and the ravens organization. the answers are yes, no, or not sure. come here to wjz.com to cast your vote. ravens training camp begins in less than two weeks leaving mason time to change his mind. don, back to you. >> thank you very much, ron. on a statement on a sports web site, mason said he is looking forward to what his. life has to offer beside football. >>> weather is not a concern for nasa engineers today as they look to launch the space shuttle endeavour. that's because they are waiting an extra day before they make their sixth attempt at the launch. weather and t

. >> reporter: i'm ron matz in little italy honoring a baltimore family who's lived in the same house for 100 years. their story weapon we continue. >>> the weather moving through maryland. the weather team is tracking it all. >>> we are counting down to the orioles and masn and wjz food drive. . >>> complete forecast and the first warning of severe weather. >>> let me see if i can phrase it this way, the good news is, the storms have been rolling through fast, the bad news is, the storms have been rolling through fast. >> we've seen them really, their damage was incredible. but as you can see, the sunshine already returning behind them. what we're going to do is update you on the warnings because they're still causing some problems. along this line, strong thunderstorms on the eastern shore, they're starting off around cecil and kent county. the damage into delaware. heading south, it will start to let up a little bit. we'll be passing, denton, starting to pick up but all of this is racing to the east at about 45 miles per hour. all of these counties in yellow, those are the severe t

. >>> i'm ron matz, baltimore . this is wjz, and wjz.com baltimore. >>> from the city, to the county, to your neighborhood, now complete coverage on wjz 13, maryland's news station. >>> 85 degrees and mostly sunny, good evening, here's some of the stories people are talking about tonight. illegal street racing is the blame for many deaths. but maryland is hoping to change that by changing one interstate. here's 70. more on the accidents that police are hoping to avoid. >> reporter: these tire marks are proof that this section of i-70 was a popular spot for illegal drag racing, it was three lanes wide with not a lot of traffic, but all of that is about to change. dangerous street races caused two deaths from the park and ride to the beltway. in june, this chevy veered out of control and killed a 21-year- old and a 20-year-old. police believe they were watching an illegal race. >> we believe that the approach of a police car that night led to this accident occurring in that people were trying to clear the area quickly

. >> reporter: ron matz, eyewitness news. >>> the schaferer statue will be at harbor place and the visiter's center. >> amazing likeness. genious. i can't make an ashtray out of clay. >>> 79, humidity 7 4%. possibility of much-needed rain after this. . >>> now, weather, complete forecast and the warning of severe weather. >>> all right. we're waiting for the rain, bob, we need it. >> looks hopeful. >> the crab grass is dying. when it's dry the weeds take over. it's amazing, they have a survival rate that's amazing. we have some rain to the south to the west just a little bit beginning to show up northwest of the city. not much yet. some of this stuff in virginia and southern maryland making a move and a better chance tomorrow of getting rain. could see some showers west and maybe southeast of us because we have a low pressure up the east coast and it's going the effect most of the areas east of us. out in the ocean, plenty of rain. the temperatures around the area, 80 at rock hall, 78 at kent island. 79 degrees with a dew point that hasn't come up that much and bringing in some moisture, low

. >>> going to ron matz who is in phoenix, baltimore county this morning. >> reporter: good morning. live in phoenix of baltimore county. behind us the great american dream home you have a chance to win it. it's for a great cause, it's the universal's peacemaker's foundation. allen, the developer, prestige development. tell us about the peacemakers for those not familiar. >> for 15 years, we've been a voluntary effort to help individuals, families, businesses and organizations resolve conflict in ways that is effective. >> a chance to win a house. >> is this an opportunity for the community to help us help hundreds of families in the state who are at risk of foreclosure. to sweeten the effort, we're allowing you to win a beautiful home. this opportunity will put one family into a foreclosure-free home. >> allen is prestige development. very well known. good to see you. >> thank you. >> tell everybody how you got involved. >> i did a similar event about 15 years ago where we offered a house for charity, it was a great event and i was offered to do it again, it seemed to be the right t

. >>> i'm ron matz in southwest baltimore and you're about to see an amazing piece of art work. larger than life when eyewitness news continues. >>> could we see some much- needed rain this evening? bob is updating the forecast. >>> now, complete coverage . >>> baltimore county in shock after three churches are broken into. how they got in and what the thieves were looking to take. >> reporter: police still have a lot of unanswered questions about the church break ins but they think the motive was fast cash. >> reporter: the senior pastor addresses a shocked congregation on sunday. it was one of three that was broken into. >> the robbers came through the window. >> reporter: they also pry up the w of two other churches and they're located a couple miles a part in baltimore county. >> to have three in one night in close proximity. that's not something we normally have. >> they did not vandalize the church but ransacked each one. >> everything was pull out. papers piled up on top of the dresser, papers on the floor. after trashing the room, the thieves made it to this cabinet and

. >> go to the ronster, ron matz. good morning, ron. you are in one of my favorite places, saints and sinners down on payne street. >> reporter: i was talking to jim a few minutes ago. you like -- >> as a matter of fact, here is a picture of jim and i hanging out right there. >> there you go. we are in fells . >> a little bit of ink on my left arm if anybody is curious what that is all about. >> i know about that. >> because i love ron. >> i thought it was don. [ laughter ] >> reporter: hey, we can change that "r" to a "d." we will tell you all about the fells point art loop. this is great. coming up tomorrow night, by the way. we have got the details for you and show you some unique artwork when the eyewitness >>> 6:16. marty is over in the first warning weather center. >> calm winds, 86% humidity. barometer steady at 30.05. a few clouds meander over the area. what we are seeing is high pressure continuing to govern your weather. showers southwest and directly out to the west too far but trying to make comfortably in one day. but i thi

. >>> all right, ron matz is out in fells point this morning. it is manic monday. ron. >> reporter: hey, mary and tim, good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning, ronald. >> good morning! >> reporter: how are you guys doing. >> doing well. >> great, thank you. >> reporter: the orioles go to new york and then fenway park in boston. six tough ones coming up for them os. all right. we have got a great one this morning. manic monday in fells point. standing by to take center stage it is mondawmin security when the eyewitness news morning edition rolls on! >>> welcome back, everybody. over to tim in first warning weather. >> man, we are looking at a gorgeous sunrise, the clouds are getting a little thicker and the horizon is bright. sun is out. glorious day starting off. temperatures very comfortable. we do have these clouds ahead a storm system coming in from the south and this storm system is bringing with it more humidity, warmer temperatures, and a bit more moisture. because of the moisture content increasing, many storms that come through over the next few days

now to the ronster, ron matz. beautiful morning outside. where exactly are you?reporter: at the beautiful bryn mawr school in roland spark. >> okay. >> reporter: and it is beautiful this morning. >> what's up? >> reporter: and it is friday. [ laughter ] we are back. the young vic theatre company. 39 years going strong. it all starts here at bryn mawr tomorrow night, the major general is here, ladies and gentlemen. >> hey, ronnie. >> reporter: yes. >> can he play manic monday. does he know manic monday? >> reporter: i am going to ask him, okay. >> i think we should. >> reporter: all right. we will do that when the eyewitness news morning edition rolls on. >>> 6:17. marty is over in the first warning weather center. >> calm winds, 80% humidity and barometer at 30.26 and that is where we begin. ocean city, maryland. 59, easton. 69, elkton. mid-60s in pax river, d.c. and hagerstown. 59 degrees in cumberland. annapolis, 63. same on kent island. 61, columbia. 60, westminster. 59, bel air. 60 degrees in rock hall. can i mention we had some weather pass out to our west a

. >> over to the ronster, ron matz. the gay street gardens.f you were new to the area, city hall is on gay street. ergo gay street gardens. >> correct, there you go. eyewitness news first told you about this back in april we were down here when these vegetables were first planted as you know. marty, as you have been saying we have had a really wet spring and we have a bumper crop and all helping to feed baltimore's hungry. >> reporter: war memorial plaza and in front of city hall. an urban garden grows, thanks to a wet spring. 1800 pounds of produce since the first planting. >> a lot of swiss chard. we have a lot of swiss chard to harvest. we have eggplants to harvest, cucumbers. a lot of things coming in right now. >> what do you call that again? >> reporter: mayor dixon is pleasantly surprised by baltimore's bumper crop. >> the end result that we are providing nutritional fresh vegetables grown from these gardens to the daily bread and encouraging other people to start gardens is part of why this whole initiative started. >> reporter: it all