sherrie johnson abc2 news. >>> 6:32. this morning law makers are doing what you voted them to do and that's work together. and they found a way to keep money in your pocket. late last night congressional negotiators reached a tentative deal that would save you about a thousand bucks. sources say the deal would extend the payroll tax cut for the rest of the year. it would renew jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed. >> i think the move is to get it off the table. we have to move onto another issue and i think that's what the mood is. >> the tentative agreement which is being finalized could be unveiled later today. >>> all right. news time 6:33. and this is the hot topic for the morning and one you will talk about throughout the day. what do you think of the idea of paying students to go to class? in public school? that's one school -- that's what one school in eye o-- in ohio is doing. 84% of students showed up or on a regular basis so the principal teamed with up private donors offering kids cash to show up to c

questions remain on what happened to the mother, sherrie johnson has more on this story. >> all new this morning, police now say josh powell tried to kill his 7-year-old son charles and 5-year-old braiden with a hatchet before the fire could take their lives. he was the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife. they were taken to his house for a court ordered visitation. he locked the court worker out. >> i don't know in the intent was to try and put them out before the fire got them. >> disturbed, the act he did was cowardly. >> susan's parents say their grandsons had started remembering more about what happened on the night in 2009 when their mother disappeared. police say the answers to their mother's disappearance may have died with them. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> entire staff will be replaced in a los angeles school, two teachers remain under investigation for abusing students. parents are upset about what is going on at the school. teacher mark burke was arrested and accused of taking bondage photos, on friday, a second teacher springer was accused of fondelling two gir

also this morning, sherrie johnson. >> reporter: i am sherrie johnson live in ruxton at a local flower shop where they are busy making preparations os deliveries coming up. >>> maryland's most powerful radar is active at least it looks that way. i will tell you what you need as you head out the door this morning. those details coming up. >>> and if you head out on the east side of the beltway, we have got trouble near the key bridge blocking a lane with debris in the roadway. we have details on that coming up next. >>> and straight ahead, but first let's go back to new york. that's times square. and time for this morning's tech bites. >> reporter: in today's tech bites the apple juggernaut keeps rolling one out of every five dollars we spent on electronics this past holiday season went to apple and yesterday the stock passed $5 hundred hahn share worth more than google goldman saks ford and starbucks and boeing combined. the new game grand slam tennis 2 sports i will strays -- illustrated gives it high marks. >> you have a lot of different control over a variety of shots. and it brings

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> people who leave a job to escape domestic violence would be eligibleor unemployment benefits. today lieutenant governor brown is scheduled to testify in favor of the legislation in front of the senate finance committee. ablying to someone who leaves a job because continued employment could jeopardize the safety of the person or the person's spouse, child or parent. >>> according to a new report, the answer is yes, a study identified the nation's top performing hospital for emergency rooms, care and found that a large difference in the risk adjusted mortality rates for patients admitted through emergency departments. baltimore was one of the top ten with the lowest adjusted risk for patients admitted through the departments. 17 maryland hospitals received an emergency management excellence award including st. joes and sinai hospital. >>> news around the nation, couple in vermont facing deportation. u.s. says they are not legally married even though they are in vermont. francis and his partner received a letter from the u.s. department of homeland securi

reporting live in towson sherry johnson abc2 news. >>> seems -- sher hi -- sherrie johnson, abc2 us. >>> >>> digital books are viewed as way to provide interactive learning potentially saving money and get updated material to students faster. >>> if you are hoping to get one of the school books and pub learned by amazon "new york times" reports barnes and noble will no longer carry the rival print. the decision is in reaction to exclusive deals amazon made withpublishing companies and agents and oughtors from amazon titles were available at the bookstore's website and that could be changing. >>> six years after one of themost destructive hurricanes, one town is doing all they can to stay save. >> what they are doing to make sure it won't happen again. >>> a big announcement from the domed. that's coming up today -- donald. coming up today. who he could throwing his support behind. details coming up next. you are watching, what's new, now and next on this thursday, february 2nd. that's you have times square? >> looks quiet for times square. >> very quiet and that's a load. -- road. we

sherrie johnson abc2 news. >>> we have a consumer alert.t's nissan drivers that need to listen up. 79,000 cars are recalled to fix a gasoline leak they are calling nissan juke suvs and infinity suv and infinity sedans from the 2011 to 2012 model. fuel pressure sensors may not be tight enough and gas could leak and that could cause a fire. nissan says no fires have been reported and dealers will tightent sensor or replace gaskets free of charge and take care of the problem for you. >>> so you've been look forward to trying a new video game. now you've chance to check it out for free. red box is offering free one- day video game rentals this week. from now until thursday reserve the games on the company's website and walk up to a red box rental station and pick it up free for one day. >>> today protesters with occupy dc has to leave the camp. there's tents set up at free dop plaza, however, the permit for the area expires today. lawmakers have promised to take action if the protesters don't move. >>> also today, mayor stephanie rawlings-blake

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> 6:47. and more than 100 students from anne arundel county will lobby state representatives to increase the state's flush feet. they want restriction on septic system and urging lawmakers to increase the bay restoration fund. that fund is used to upgrade sewer plants septic and storm water systems which are key sources for the chesapeake bay pollution. linda so is here -- >>> pollution. >>> linda so is here with odds on finding missing kids. >> reporter: delegate from baltimore wants to create a new missing children's plan. she and other advocates go get -- will get together to talk about the bill. it looks to improve cooperation between state agencies and advocacy groups and include more resources for police and establishing a dna data base to identify bodies and solve missing person's cases. the bill could be named after phylicia barnes, the teen who disappeared while visiting family in baltimore. months later she was found murdered. linda so, abc 2 news. >>> well retired cardinal who sear

. >> sherrie johnson has more on what is to be expected today. >> >> reporter: the pentagon will make a major new information announcement. right now women don't serve in combat units or front lines. the pentagon is opening up 14,000 jobs, most of them in the army that have been closed off to women because of the ban on women in combat. the jobs include intelligence, logistics and communications in combat units. it does not mean that you'll see women fighting in foxholes next to men. the pentagon sees this as a first step for equal opportunity for women in the military. more than 300,000 women served in support roles in iraq and afghanistan. now with this policy shift they'll have more opportunities. the policy is expected to happen later this summer. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> 7-year-old girl almost stolen from a walmart in georgia is safe home this morning. brittany baxter was in the toy aisle when a man came up behind her and grabbed her. it was caught on surveillance tape. you can see brittany fighting the man. she kicked him and squirmed and made as much noise as she possibl

i am sherrie johnson live in ruxton.ing up, the last-minute rush to get the deliveries out to loved ones. you know what's exciting, graduation. when i look up into my student's faces, i see pride. you know, i have done something worthwhile. when i earned my doctorate through university of phoenix, that pride, that was on my face. i am jocelyn taylor, i am committed to making a difference in peoples lives and i am a phoenix. >>> 14 minutes after 5 this morning. and in health news traditional valentine's day treats maybe good for your health. people who eat chocolate were 29% less likely to have a stroke. chocolate as you may have heard reduce blood pressure and helps fight type two a glass of red w dinner because it's good foryour circulation and boost metabolism which could help you lose weight. >> as you know breakfast is the most important meal but doesn't necessarily have to be the healthiest. scientists divided obese people in two groups and one ate a low carb localry breakfast and others a higher calorie breakfast w

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> for up to the minute updates, following christian shaffer, he is covering the trial, tweeting the latest developments. we have built a timeline of everything regarding the trial happening inside of the courtroom. on our website at abc2news.com/love murder. >>> fans from around the world are visiting houston's grave site. crowds gathered south of new jersey stints singer was laid to rest -- since the singer was laid to rest sunday next to her father. >>> investigators awaiting toxicology reports for the cause of death. lab results could take up to 8 weeks to finalize. >>> pretty disturbing story to tell you about. >> michigan this morning, 9- month-old baby boy is dead after he was shot and killed while sleeping in his crib. police in detroit say there was a drive by shooting yesterday morning, two men opened fire in the middle of the street hitting the front of the house in the cross fire. police say after the shooting -- [overlapping speakers] -- >> i'm tired of burying young folks. it doesn't make any sense. >> police say after shooting on the side of tho

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >> and all new this morning, state delegate from baltimore is proposing a bill a missing children's plan aimed at improving cooperations between state and advocacy groups and it would include more resources for police. right now, that bill is called the missing children's act. but there's been talk of naming it after the north carolina teen who went missing in baltimore phylicia barnesch details coming at 6:00 -- barnes. details coming up at 6:00. >>> on tuesday, the senate judicial proceedings committee held a hearing and similar -- a similar bill failed and governor is in full support. opponents say they are can have can dent the governor's help won't make a difference. >> it's not right and it's not just that the children of gay couples should have lesser protections than the children of other families in our state. >> the fact is we live in a society if this passes, we will be sued when deny same sex couples services we give other couples. >> the senate committee should vote later this week and if it passes, the next step would be to the full senate and

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> google making changes to the privacy policy. but maryland attorney general douganceler sent a letter to google's chief asking for a meeting. he was not alone. 35 other states joined in on the letter and google has been given a week to reply. under the policy google customers will be given authority to use information for all services and also the products. >> the biggest problem is there's no on the in and there's no on the out and what are they doing with the information? how are they storing it? is it safe from hacker and identity theft? and to whom are they giving the information? >> the attorneys general concede there's consumers who would probably not have a problem with the personal information being shared but they feel there are many more who would not like the idea and might not realize the potential danger. rules go into effect march 1st. >>> 5:35. looking at news around the nation, police say a third grader dieda being forced to run as a punishment. savannah harden 9-year-old alabama police arrested her grandmother an

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> news time 4:33. supporters of same-sex marriage in maryland are closely watching washington state after that state passed the measure last night making same-sex marriage legal. >> the bill is declared passed! [ cheering and applause ] >> that bill passed last week in the washington state senate setting the stage for the state to become the seventh in the u.s. to allow same-sex couples to marry. >>> governor martin o'malley made a statement last night. " passage of the bill in washington marks yet another step forward for equal protection under the law nor all americans. it's time now for maryland to do the same." >>> 4:34. new reaction from quality maryland who released an -- equality maryland who released an ad supporting same-sex marriage in our state. >> the same legal recognitions and protections my wife and i have enjoyed the past 46 years. >> some maryland religious leaders are advocating for a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. they are arguing that the gay and lesbian members deserve the rig

sherrie johnson joins us the juror says got feels he -- feels he got. >> today know hugeley and yeardley love. >> reporter: we have all new information from the jury who was talking about the trial. he is one of the jurors in the high-profile murder trial of george huguely. he spends most of his time in a microbiology lab at the university of virginia but over the past three weeks, he got to know the most intimate details of george huge lay and cockeysville native yeardley love's lives e says being on the jury is the most difficult thing he's done but feels at peace with what the group of 12 decided. >> i feel for him. he bears responsibility for what happened. and i wish we weren't put in that situation to make that judgment. >> reporter: experts say sitting through a murder trial can have emotional effects on jury members which could lead to nightmares and flash bags and -- backs -- flashbacks and emotional trawla -- trauma. >>> 6:33. making news around the nation, police say a third grader in alabama died after being forced to run as a punishment. savannah harden 9-year-old and author

i am sherrie johnson. and i will have the latest on the changes. >>> and one what a maryland senator plans to do to improve therapies for the most deadly and chronic diseases lynette. >> so we have rain again this morning. when will the rain end and will we hit 70? i will have the details coming up. >>> on the drive out this morning, with the rain we have slepry conditions and getting reports of patchy fog around the bay bridge. we are following one accident and we will update that in a moment. >>> good thursday morning i am megan pringle. >> i am charley crowson the time for the abc2 news to go and we begin with lynette charles and a wet forecast. >> we were wet yesterday and we are wet again today and we will dry out going into the afternoon but this is what we have to contend with as we start the morning off a. make sure you grab the rain gear because you will need it as you go through the morning. we are dealing with moderate to heavy rein across the area and more into centerville. let's check the traf

for more let's go over to abc2 news sherrie johnson. >> reporter: charley, if the county and union can't reach a agreement they could move to arbitration. police lieutenants and sergeants say the half a million people who live in their are in jeopardy. union says the population has grown by more than 50,000 people over the past ten years, the number of officers is actually down by one. we talked to community leaders because police lieutenants and sergeants are banned from doing so while the contract is being negotiated withan arundel county. with anne arundel county. >> they expressed to the neighborhood and other people they want to have more officers on the streets just help them out. >> they are so bessy handling calls, calls, calls, that they don't get out and patrol. >> reporter: now a county spokesman would say that everyone in the county government has seen pay reductions and budget decreases over the past couple years. they have seen overall crime decrease over the period but when the economy improves, public safety is the top priority. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> today lieut

. >> reporter: i am sherrie johnson live in north baltimore at a brand new middle school that focus onmany coming up, we will talk to teachers live and show you a little of the student's artwork. >>> now "good morning maryland." >>> well today is february 29th and it's leap day that comes around every four years and if you were born on this day, it makes celebrating your birthday difficult. >> we sent jamie costello out to gbmc to welcome leap babies into the world. you must be having a great time out there. how is it going? >> reporter: it -- come on this is fun. your room is right there. they named it after you. that's megan's playroom. that's good. hey, listen, let's run down the roster what we have seen. at 10, we had daniel and jessica delivered twins their names are allison and madeleine and they were born onement aright and daniel was he had tears in his eyes last night and he was crying like a baby and said this was the incredible experience. of course it is. terrance and her birthday delivered her baby daughter charley. here's a pickter of charl -- picture of charlie chee -- c

we sent oat sherrie johnson with details. this is the superbowl for theflorist. >> reporter: we are here and let me tell you what. it's only #:40 in the morning -- 4:40 in the morning and i have a rose. there's more to come. but this place looks like grand central station. there are flowers, balloons, everywhere. it smells lovely in here and they are packed with deliveries here. they are getting ready to start taking them out to folks. and i got to tell you, it's pretty busy in here. and i love all the mayhem. and right now, we have allison webw with us, the design manager here. and allison, tell us about some of the last-minute options for some of the guys that just waited until the last-minute. >> last minutes are no problem. we have lots of roses left. more roses are coming in. and gorgeous spring flowers that have so much aroma and we will capture someone's heart. >> reporter: and it will me, as far as busy is concerned, is this your busiest day one of the busiest days? how does it stack up? >> one of the busiest days. th

and sherrie johnson is standing by with much more on the story. at's not sherrie but that's linda let's go to sherrie. >> reporter: that's right. we learned through the teen's mother that the 13-year-old was drinking a powerful combination of caffeine and alcohol. michael truluck's mom said he was drinking four loko before the accident. last night over a hundred teens gathered to remember their friend. michael died on saturday when baltimore county police say the car carrying michael was making a turn out of the auto zone park lot when he opened the passenger door to throw up and fell out and was hit and keeled by another car. his friends -- be killed about i another car. his friends can't believe he is gone. >> we came -- were you drinking? >> yes. we were being stupid and this is what happens when you be stupid. >> it's not cool to drink and to get high. accidents happen on the best intentions and i lost the only son i am ever going to have because they wanted to party. >> reporter: no charges will be filed again the driver who hit michael. he wa

i am sherrie johnson. >>> congress reached a deal on payroll tax cuts. details coming up in a bit. >>> and from the stunt to the fox trot could a former gop presidential hopeful be heading to dancing with the stars. >> you know how herman cain would keep time? counting 999. >> clever. >> remember that? yeah time for a check of the forecast. let's go over to lynette charles. what is going on? >> we will be mild and then lots of sunshine across the area. that's why i am saying it's a wonderful wednesday. check out the headlines for you. clouds will gib way to the sunshine and temperatures will be in the 50s once again. and unsettled weather is on the way and potential for a nor'easter yes as we go into the weekend. but for right now, maryland's most powerful radar not picking up on a whole lot and no

. >> reporter: i am sherie johnson live sherrie johnson live in north baltimore at new school. we will talk to students live coming up. >>> also ahead, after yesterday, do you really want winter weather? just ahead, parts of the country that may have you grateful for our mild temperatures right lynette? >> you are right. and you know what? you don't want to leave the house without the rain gear. with you how long -- but how long will you need it? that's the question. i have the answer. stick around. >> reporter: and we have heavy traffic through the city on 895 trying to recover from an earlier collision there. also delays around 695. we will let you know what is happening for your morning commute that's coming next. >>> all right. we are watching what's new, now and next for you on this wednesday morning, especially those storms across the midwest. time to head. >> new york for a check of the morning's tech bites. >> reporter: in today's tech bites anonymous retaliates the website was down after the international police agency arrested more than 2 dozen suspected members of th

sherrie johnson is there. do you have a work of art to show us this morning? >> reporter: i'm working on it. it's a work of art. it's like a sunset and a sun. this is what i'm dreaming of, a beautiful, beautiful day. so, we're here in timonium, live. we're talking about a brand-new art studio that opens for kids. it's called abra kaboodle. tomorrow, from 1:00 to 4:00. there's a kid's fun event. they offer art classes and they can come to the art studio as well. they'll work with a maryland artist, dana. they'll work with her and also, the kids just love the art work. >> i get better at it. i wasn't that good at doing it and now, i'm getting better with the stuff that we do. >> all right, so back out here live, we have dana. she's a maryland artist and we have the executive director of the program here. let me ask you, you'll be working on a king sized canvas you'll work with kids on saturday with. what will you do with them? >>> we'll work with a collage. i'm inviting them to really enjoy themselves and to have am great time and use different colors and there'

sherrie johnson is standing by with more on what is at stake. >> 9th circuit court of appeals will issue ruling on whether it stands or falls. proposition 8 overturned same sex marriage in california in 2008. judges with the 9th circuit court of appeals will make the announcement at 10:00 a.m., pacific time. in august of 2010, a judge ruled the voter approved ban on same sex marriage was unconstitutional. proposition 8 supporters say the judge who made the ruling should have removed himself from the case. supporters and opponents are confident this issue will make to it to the supreme court. >> before our issue is settled, there will be three or four other states that will have marriage equality in their states before we do. >> a win for us would be a supreme court decision saying this is not something that judges should decide. this is something that the people and elected representatives should decide on a state by state basis. >> either side can appeal the ruling and the case could go back to the 9th circuit to be decided by an 11-judge panel. , sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> this no

sherrie johnson, abc2. >> good luck to them. the talent hunt competition will be held this saturday march 3rd at 9603 vehicle road in tim moan -- timonium. >> doctors have been recommending that young girls get vaccinated against hpv vaccine. who should be getting it. >> and hormone therapy could be helpful but years ago doctors stopped prescribing it. i'm tom... i'm sue... i'm carol. and this is my cvs pharmacist. i found out i had cancer. diabetes. i had a heart attack. so, i needed help with my medications. because mixing them... can be dangerous. not with maria around. not with pete. not with nakea. alerting you to potential drug interactions. another reason to transfer your prescriptions today. ♪ i'm sue, and i bring all my prescriptions to my cvs. achoo! [ male announcer ] but when she used tissues, she went crazy wild. tissue after tissue, she always took a ton. until mom explained with puffs ultra soft & strong, you only need one. two times stronger than the leading value brand, they always win this test. soft non-lotion

sherrie johnson is here with more on the story, a preview of what we can expect today. >> expect all eyes will will be on annapolis trying to figure out what is going on. it's a hot button issue. maryland is one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage. the committee will have its turn with the bill. a committee will pass the bill onto the floor and by the end of the week the bill could pass. this vote comes after the house of delegates passed a bill last year the bill never made it to the house. the same-sex marriage bill sponsored by martin o'malley divided lawmakers. the senate passed the bill last year and some feel confident they can do it again. opponents vowed to take the issue to referendum, putting it on the ballot in the general election. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> later today, baltimore county council expected to vote on gender identity protection bill. it came to life after a video taped beating inside a rosedale mcdonald's. this is the video. it went viral. the measure prohibits discrimination against someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. the bill seem

sherrie johnson has more of the story. this story has been dragging on for several months, almost a year. >> saga keeps on continuing. there is new developments this morning as samuel and kelvin, two of the 17 officers charged head to court. a according to published reports , there is new evidence in documents that show plition traced over 8000 telephone contacts between a cell phone for the majestic towing company to 12 police officers over a 13 month span and 2000 contacts with 47 police officers. 17 officers were charged but more than 50 officers were involved in the towing scheme. financial records show, checks written to 13 officers, two not criminally charged, document showed the number of people who knew and complained was significant. officers were accused in the towing scheme of being bribed to push business to the domestic auto repair shop after responding to crashes. >>> governor o'malley delivering remarks at the maryland network against domestic violence memorial service. the event begins at 7:00 , the group i

sherrie johnson visited it and learned how it's making a difference. >> reporter: here it's a child's dream, a place where they can come and create new things through art education class. everything is for little people from the aprons to the chairs to the artwork on the walls. it allows them to think out of the box and express themselves. >> to be creative, have fun and fun with art and be stimulated by the creative environment to work with other children, team building. there are lots of positive benefits so we built this tomorrow for them. >> reporter: art education is not only for the studio. they provide art teachers in 14 preschools. shannon powell teaches on mondays and wednesdays. >> we do a range of projects. we do projects that have involved clay, some sculpture projects. we do some drying projects, a lot of painting. right now we're working on a mural. >> reporter: they learn creativity, problem solving, craftsmanship, self-confidence and they love it. >> i like to share my creativity. i like to draw. >> i like to paint and i like to draw. >> i think it's great. i lovemakin

sherrie johnson joins us with more more. >> reporter: powell tried to kill his children with a hatchet. the boys were taken to powell's home sunday by a caseworker for a court ordered visitation, he locked the worker out and ignited a fire ball that leveled the house killing both boys and powell. susan's parents say their grandsons started remembering more about what happened on the night of 2009 when their mother disappeared. >> talking about what the kids are saying. the kids are evidence in this thing. they are gone. >> there were signs he had been carefully planning his final act and donated the kids toys to a charity over the weekend and sent good-bye emails to several people. the answers to their mother's disappearance may have died with them. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> mental state has improved but not competent to stand trial, that's what a psychologist said about laughner. he killed six people and injured congresswoman gabrielle giffords and 12 others. >>> sea world now the target of a lawsuit by pita, claiming the organization violating the 13th amendment of the u.s. con

sherrie johnson is here with a preview. >>> with poll numbers tightening between the front runners, the stakes are high at the arizona-republican party debate. heading in to the february 28th primaries in arizona and michigan and super tuesday, rick santorum is hoping to keep momentum up against mitt romney. santorum and social and religious views will draw attention at the debate. newt gingrich is looking for an opening to regain contender status and paul continues his strat you to try to gather delegates. mitt romney will try to get his campaign back on course in arizona by announcing tax plan. he is desperate to win michigan, he is taking to targeting santorum and president obama. >> i went out and took on the tough issues, medicare, medicaid, social security, welfare reform, i was the leader. >> polls show the race is in michigan and arizona in a dead heat. michigan called a must win state for mitt romney. sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> the baltimore county council passed a bill giving the transgender community protection under the law. the council passed it 5- 2, the bill is desig

let's turn that over to sherrie johnson. >> reporter: in annapolis, lawmakers will join to discuss bill 140. it's a bill to that will make it a penalty to not report sexual abuse. this tbroingz the light that the fact that maryland's child abuse reporting laws have no teeth. there's no criminal penalty in the law for not report ago abuse. there is a hearing on the bill after that news conference. pennsylvania prosecutors are asking that jerry sandusky be kept indoors as part of his bail condition. prosecutors say that several people have seen the former penn state assistant football coach watching children in a schoolyard from the back porch of his home. he is charged with molest is young boys. he is under house arrest. his lawyer said that safety concerns are unfounded. sherrie johnson, "abc 2 news." >>> maryland general assembly will consider a bill that will require parents or guardians to report to the police about dead or missing children. it's called -- caylee anthony law. missing children under 13 would have to be reported within 24 hours. children older than 13 would have to be

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> death rocked the world and spread quickly around the globe, there is a way to track it now by going to trends map.com, we pulled this up this morning to show you how much hash tags there are this morning regarding whitney houston, there are other hash tags known for whitney under the sub post. when you come to trends map.com in the search bar, type in whitney houston, this shows you how it's trending worldwide on line through twitter, you click on one of the hash tags and to the right, see remarks posted as they have been up to the minute, this is a retweet paying respects to whitney houston and talking about jennifer hudson's performance. follow this on our website at abc2news.com, it's in the opening slide show, trends map.com over my shoulder, abc2news.com and this morning on good morning america. >>> the murder trial for george huguely be continue this morning in charlottesville, virginia, accused of killing yeardly love, both students at the university of virginia. in court on friday, huguely tried ride as he watched video of himself being told hi

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> today a full senate will debate the same-sex marriage bill.proceedings committee voted 7- 4 in favor wednesday. mike miller expects a final vote this week. the last year's vote was 25-21 in favor of the bill. >>> two of the most popular cancer drugs running low. >> stay with us, what the fda is doing to get them back to hospitals for patient whose desperately need them. >>> 3 million people in the u.s. are infected with hepatitis c, why health officials are calling for more screenings for the deadly disease. ♪ beth! hi! looking good. you've lost some weight. thanks. you noticed. these clothes are too big, so i'm donating them. how'd you do it? eating right -- whole grain. [ female announcer ] people who choose more whole grain tend to weigh less than those who don't. multi-grain cheerios -- 5 whole grains, 110 calories. creamy, dreamy peanut butter taste in a tempting new cereal. mmm! [ female announcer ] new multi-grain cheerios peanut butter. [ jim ] you know, that's our business. so we want to be the experts in chicken. we're not the status

sherrie johnson has a preview of what is done to match the girls with the perfect dress. >> this is allso exciting. i can remember prom season. it wasn't that long ago but a exciting time for teenagers. we are here at the baltimore marriott inner harbor, they are gearing up for the priceless gown project. this is an event to help girls afford their prom. some dresses are just amazing. i love things in pink. they are so cute and look at this, isn't this adorable. some of these are gently used and brand new dresses for the young ladies, absolutely adorable here. they have something for everyone, long, short, dark, light, whatever the girls need, they got it here. right now, i have leslie joining me live here. tell me a little bit more about what is going on, on saturday. >> we are so excited we are getting ready for the prom season. we have an annual boutique, free gowns to high school students. you must be a junior or senior in the baltimore area. >> reporter: we have a beautiful model here. >> she is wearing a sampling of what he have, representing the dresses, we have long, short, we h

in west baltimore, sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >> it serves girls at friendship academy and also stewart hill academy. >>> one in five kids are exposed to second hand smoke in cars. coming up, why some say kids riding in a car with a smoker is worse than being in a smoke filled bar. >>> once your children have strong teeth, dentists say you have to start early. we have tips for that healthy smile. [ man ] launch sequence initiated. -[ beep ] -15 seconds and counting. [ male announcer ] at kfc we have one mission: and t-10... serve the world's best tasting chicken. 9...8... that's why our whole chicken is delivered fresh. 7... and prepared fresh by real cooks t-5. all systems go. 4... with kfc's world famous secret recipes. preparation complete... 3... 2...1... taste for yourself why fresh is better. mission accomplished. and now pick up an 8 piece meal with 2 sides and 4 biscuits, just $15.99 at kfc. [ male announcer ] for our families... our neighbors... and our communities... america's beverage companies have created a wide range of new choices. developing smaller portion sizes and mor

. >>> i'm sherrie johnson, live in downtown baltimore with a preview of an event to help young girlsfford their prom. i will have all the details and a look at the dresses coming up. okay, that looks great. were you profitable last month? how much money is in your checking account? have the browns paid you for their addition yet? your finances are scattered all over the place. mm-hmm. what are your monthly expenses? you keep your receipts in plastic baggies? seriously? [ announcer ] get it done and get it off your mind with quickbooks. organize your small business finances all in one place, even online banking. and now your business can be at your fingertips, anywhere. quickbooks, guaranteed easy or your money back. learn more at quickbooks.com. achoo! [ male announcer ] but when she used tissues, she went crazy wild. tissue after tissue, she always took a ton. until mom explained with puffs ultra soft & strong, you only need one. two times stronger than the leading value brand, they always win this test. soft non-lotion pillows, they're sure to impress. now the tissue monster had go

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >> very impressive. >> now the first robotic competition is march 9th and 10th. the invitation to the world competition is a big honor but it cost last lot of money. if you'd like to help the students, you can head to our website at abc2news.com and look under the education tab for a link to this story. >>> a disturbing new study reveals how many children live with alcoholic parents. coming up, we'll take a closer look at how that experience can damage children. >>> and moms to be who use a nicotine patch to quit smoking may and up with a fussy baby later on. results of a new study. ♪ [ male announcer ] for our families... our neighbors... and our communities... america's beverage companies have created a wide range of new choices. developing smaller portion sizes and more low- & no-calorie beverages... adding clear calorie labels so you know exactly what you're choosing... and in schools, replacing full-calorie soft drinks with lower-calorie options. with more choices and fewer calories, america's beverage companies are delivering. >>> in tonight's medical

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> washington state poised to become the 7th state to allow the same sex marriage. the senate passed it last week by 7 votes, washington state governor has said she will sign the bill, if it makes its way to her desk. >>> new this morning, mitt romney says he doesn't see susan g. komen should have given grants to planned parenthood. he says because it provides abortion services. the charity announced last week that it would cut the funds were screening but a backlash prompted them to have a change of heart. the government should stop giving planned parenthood money at all. >>> today a primary will be held in missouri, and caucuses will gather in colorado and minnesota, 70 delegates up for grabs. romney won the most recent primary that was in nevada, that was on saturday. police in baltimore need your help, finding the men responsible for raping a 16- year-old girl. police say this happened on january 18th, near the mountain sailed avenue. the girl was walking, they pulled her in to the ca, raped her and dropped her off, according to police reports. if you

. >> abc2 news sherrie johnson is live at a middle school with a lot to offer, right? >> reporter: i am here in north baltimore at a new school thatteaches students about different areas of design. we will take you there coming up. >>> also on the heels of national pancake day, farmers say maple syrup is ready to be made. what caused an early start to the season. details coming up on this wednesday morning. as we go to break, a live look at the crowd that's the statue of liberty. look at the artwork. amazing. back in a bit. Ñ[= >>> now "good morning maryland" at 4:30. >> 20ments away from five. rest-- 20 minutes away from finality residents in southern minnesota will wake up to a big -- away from five. residents in southern minnesota will wake up to a big change in weather. >> the snow is not the scene in other areas war unusually warm winter has maple syrup ready for a earlier than normal production. farmers say it's the earliest start and everything is dependent on the cycle of thawing days and freezing nights. time for a check of the forecast here locally. and yeste

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> same-sex marriage bill is on its way to the full senate after a judiciary proceedings committee voted 7- 4 in favor of it tuesday. mike miller expects the vote this week. last year's vote was 25-21, in favor. >>> other bills heard in annapolis include a health benefit exchange act. anthony brown will testify on behalf of the legislation today. also, ahead, a bill with cable games, heard. it would allow the hold over a video lottery operation license to offer table games throughout the state. and legislation on animal abuse registry, heard today. it would require convicted -- those convicted of crimes against animals to register. >>> pieces of glass came crashes down in downtown oklahoma >>> a live look this morning in north baltimore, parishioners will make their way to services, cathedral of mary r queen is what we are looking at. you can take part in ash wednesday without going inside the church. details coming up next. >>> strong storms across the u.s. on monday. this coming to us from kansas, hail, snow, ice, they saw it all. power went out in some area

sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> senate committee scheduled to hold a hearing on a measure that could expands gambling in maryland. allowing table games, blackjack and casino to be bill in prince georges county. the bill would put a referendum following maryland voters allowing voters to have a say on whether or not this is a go. >>> driving up the cost of gas in the u.s. analysts say u.s. crude jumped 2% all due in part to iran's decision to cut oil exports to britain and france. the jump isn't demands issue but more of a fear of shortage. the average price for regular unled second $3.57 per gallon. prices could get as high as $5 that could be coming by the summer. >>> new consumer watchdog agency is looking in to the costly overdraft fees charged by the big banks. the group says they will ask the banks for information about how the fees affect customers and how overdraft protection is marketed. investigation could result in new rules and lawsuits if banks are accused of violating consumer law. >>> stood ash wednesday. a live look at the cathedral of mary r queens in baltimore. a mas

sherrie johnson abc2 news. >>> today the city is expected to announce an extension of the charm city circulateor. board of estimates is expected to approve a plan to use a grand grant from the federal transit administration to buy up for high bread electric buses to extend it to the national monument. it is designed from tourist from the 200 year anniversary of the war of 1812 and star painingeled banner. celebration begins june 13th and the new route need to be up and running by then. >>> the navy says the medical shift the usns comfort will move from maryland to virginia. it is he can sped to move from bolt -- expected to move to nor torque around march of 2013. it provides medical and surgical care for deployed forces andhospital service for disafter the are relief. >>> 5:47. members of the house of delegates will consider a bill to legalize same sex marriage today. legislation passed through panel of 45 law maker in the senate tuesday and now is he can spec to be introduce -- expected to be introduced in the chairman echoed his support for the bill. >>> whitney houston childhood

sherrie johnson is here tracking the trial. >> reporter: testimony resumes at 9:00 this morning. first responders who came to yeardley love's apartment after she was killed will take the stand. eight of the prosecution's 35 witnesses have been called so far. in opening statements yesterday prosecutors showed in the days before yeardley love's death huguely wrote her an e-mail saying "i should have killed you." he found out about her relationship with another man. the defense says they were both unfaithful in their two-year relationship. his attorney says huguely never intended to kill her but instead of alcohol and at roll in her system left her sensitive to his blows. yeardley love's mother was the first witness to take the stand. she said weeks before her daughter's death she came home visibly shaken because of a physical altercation love had with huguely. love's sister, roommate, a former uva tennis player and police officer all took the stand yesterday. it was quite an emotional day. it's a small indication of how today and the remainder of the trial will be. sherrie johnson,

and sherrie johnson is standing by with the latest. >> reporter: george huguely remained silent and not take the stand. the jury that will decide his fate must dissect the death of huguely's former girlfriend yeardley love. the task is to determine if he intended to kill love in may of 2010 when he admits they had a heated and physical encounter in her bedroom. trial watchers have been rivet -- ribeted to the casech medical experts offer two different opinions on how love died. prosecutors say he kick in the door and bang her head against the wall causing a brain injurywhich led to her death many defense attorney says love was drunk and suffocated in her pillow. >> the jury will have to think about everything they heard. [audio not understandable] >> reporter: again, no testimony today because of the holiday and again that trial reiewms son wednesday. sherrie johnson abc2 news. >>> whitney hiewftson in her final resting -- houston is is now in her final resting place. we hoping to hear something from the funeral but the music lenged was buried sunday during a private ceremony. the plot

sherrie johnson will explain as baltimore county school official review all their options. what's going on. >> reporter: right now, parents are so upset about this proposed change. school officialed brought in another public meeting that's scheduled for next week to talk about the plan. we are in front of the ridgeruxton school building. it's about 30 feet or so away from the other school west towson elementary. and this fall, baltimore county school officials want the move the fourth grade class from west towson into the ridge ruxton school building. west towson opened in the fall of 2010. it's overcrowded. and parents from ridge ruxton a school for children with special needs are concerned about the impact on that school. school official say a larger multistoreied building would not have been possible. >> our littlest and youngest student need to evacuate in an emergency and having a multistory structure presents a challenge sometimes. >> reporter: so again, there will be be a immediate -- meeting scheduled for next week to talk about the proposed changes. and also we are

education reporter sherrie johnson joins us with new developments in the story. >> reporter: we have been working with our sister station in cleveland to find out all new information on the shooting that happened in chardon outside cleveland. there's another vigil scheduled for tonight at 7 for the community. we are hearing that the alleged gunman will appear in court today at 3:30. we are learning more about the shooting suspect t.j. lane. some students called him caring and calm and polite and even in the moments before the shooting. yesterday, four students were hospitalized and one student 16- year-old daniel parmertor died and lane was unpopular at school and bullied for his goth look. now a look into the alleged shooter's family life shows it was disroped by divorce and violence. his parents divorced in march of 2002 and his father was sentenced to four years in prison and released nine months later in july of 2003. >> i sat in the seat in front of him and ride the bus with him and his sister and he was talk and smile but chuckle e seemed really sweet -- he seemed really sweet.

reporting live, sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> 4:33. and new this morning, we are hearing from maryland congressman elijah cummings who attended the late hest event in the birth -- latest event in the birth control debate. the democrats say it's critical for women's health and republicans say that it stomping on religious freedom. the event held yesterday started with testimony from a woman who was not needed for the gop hearing last week and that hearing had a witness table of all men. >> if it were a hearing on prostate cancer, and there was a lineup of women and no men, i guarantee you men would not have stuck around. because they would have said to themselves, you know, come on give me a break. >> he told stories about friends whose health problems worsened because catholic institutions didn't coverage the bills. >>> gas prices president obam a dressed the rises on thursday in miami. in florida he promoted his energy agenda including solar nuclear and biofuel energy and used the opportunity to talk about republican opponents. republ

reporting live, sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> we are following the story at abc2news.com. click on the slide show and read more also hear reaction from parents on what's proving to be a very touchy subject. megan. >>> news time is 4:33. and this morning the trial is set to begin for the annapolis man accused of a big time paving scheme. we are following this story and we have been following it for months. linda so is here with what's expected today. linda. >> reporter: in just a few hours at 8:45, the trial will begin in glen burnie for tommy clack tried on three criminal cases. he was a no show in court in a hearing brought by the attorney general's office. agency claims he was operating apaving business without a license for 284 days in maryland. he is accused of offering no estimates or low balling customers and then overcharging them. the state says at least 16 people were hit in the paving scheme some charged as much as 20 to 30,000 dollars. >> this cannot be and i looked over at my husband standing and he was shaking his head. and i was so stuped, it was crushing. >>

sherrie johnson is here with where we go from here. >> reporter: megan, state lawmakers have approved the same sex marriage bill and that is big step for maryland. a 25 vote affirmative and 22 in the negative after last year's failed attempt this passage puts maryland on track to become the 8th state to legalize same sex marriage and it was a hard fight with wrangeling on bowing sides and hours of debate. the measure failed to come to a vote in the house but last week, the same sex marriage narrowly passed. there were amendments on the table to make the proposal more likable but all shot down a. opponents must gather own 55,700 signatures to get the referendum on the november ballot. >> actually the number of signatures and that would not serve the process well because many people in both chambers voted for this bill with the idea to move to that stage. >> that's the right people have is to petition it to referendum. i hope they don't because i think you don't put people's rights up to a vote. >> >> reporter: right now the bill is headed to governor's o'malley's desk. we went to the f

reporting here at the gordan center for performing arts sherrie johnson, abc2 news. >>> if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. >> coming, how scammers are trying to get your cash. our scam alert. what they are doing working through the mail. >>> and mother nature brings a bridge tumbling down in japan. how the buildup of snow which is unusual right now may have brought the bridge down. >> it brought it down and you may think it's a better alternative to regular sewedda. think again. the doctor is in breaking smiths behind diet drinks. all that straight ahead when we get back from new york. let's check out latest in business news. >> reporter: grued morning. topping america's money increasing gas prices aaa reports gasoline rose 13 cents in the past month and analysts say it will go up another 60 cents by may. it's not demand but speculation and worry about the middle east. despite high gad prices all the deal -- auto dealers are optimistic about sales getting new models and using social media more. in fact more than 80% of car buyers start shopping online. target's latest

sherrie johnson joins with us more. >> reporter: well, that's right. stay law makers approved the same section marriage bill this is a huge step for maryland and with 25 votes affirmative and 22 votes in the negative after last year's failed attempts this puts maryland on track to become the 8th state to legalize same sex marriage. it was hard fight with wrangeling on both sides and hours of debate. last year the measure failed to come to a vote in the house but last week the same sex marriage narrowly passed and there were amendments on the table to make the proposal more likable to opponents but all were shot down. opponents must now gather just55,700 signatures to get areferendum on the november ballot. >> we are waiving the number of signatures and that would not serve the process well because many people in both chambers voted with the idea it would move to that stage. >> it's the right people have and it's. [audio not understandable] i hope they do -- don't because you don't put people's rights up to a vote. >> reporter: that bill is head for gov