DIRECTOR'S PAGE

HEADLINES

TRACKING THE TROPICS

SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY -- LEE COUNTY'S MED-STAR CHOPPERS ARE GROUNDED AND WORKERS LET GO.

WE'RE LIVE WITH WHAT THAT MEANS TO YOU, FIRST AT FOUR.

STOPPING A CRASH BEFORE IT HAPPENS -- FIRST AT FOUR, THE

1 TRACKING TROPICS-trxWXCNTR

2 MEDSTAR SUSPENDED-trxVO

3 CRASH AVOIDANCE-trxVO

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

FIRST WEATHER-ANIBOXTOPS

The upcoming hours and days may end up being pretty interesting for us in the world of weather across Southwest Florida.

Our eyes are focused on two weather systems, a front to our northwest and a tropical system to our southeast.

Let's first discuss the front that's moving into Central Florida today since it's more of an immediate weather changer. On the radar this afternoon, we're tracking a band of showers and thunderstorms across Central Florida that stretches well out into the Gulf of Mexico. This rain is spreading south, and we could very well see some of this make it to parts of Southwest Florida by this evening or tonight. There's still some uncertainty as to how much rain will survive the journey down the peninsula and precisely when it will move in. The best estimate would place the storms over northern portions of the viewing area by 7-9 p.m. If the storms hold on to enough steam, we may see some of the storms move into central and southern portions of the viewing area around or beyond sunset. Some of these storms could be capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

The next item of interest is a tropical system in the western Atlantic that may have an impact on our long-range forecast. Tropical Depression Nine formed earlier this morning, and the storm may become Tropical Storm Isaac later today. T.D. Nine is still roughly two thousand miles away from Southwest Florida, but it's quickly moving toward the Lesser Antilles and should arrive there Wednesday night. Forecast models continue to strengthen the system Thursday and Friday, and it could potentially develop into a Category 1 hurricane by then. One of the keys in determining how strong the storm will get is its interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola, where 10,000 foot mountains have been known to rip hurricanes apart. The system's interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola will be critical in determining its strength, and just a change of 50 miles could make all the difference. It's just too early to resolve the finer details at this point.

TOSS TO JENNIFER-TRX VOTOPS OBX

MEDICAL HELICOPTERS ARE DESIGNED TO GET IN AND OUT OF TRAUMA SITUATIONS WITHOUT WASTING LIFE-SAVING TIME.

BUT TONIGHT - THE FLEET OF MED-STAR CHOPPERS ARE GROUNDED FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AND WORKERS HAVE BEEN LET GO.

MED STAR SUSPENDED-REM 1

COUNTY EMS LEADERS TELL ME THEY NEED TO COMPLETELY REVAMP THEIR FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

MED STAR SUSPENDED-VO

THAT SUSPENSION WENT INTO EFFECT AT 7 O'CLOCK THIS MORNING.

LEE COUNTY'S PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR TELLS ME THEY'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT DOING THIS FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS.

THE COUNTY WANTS TO GO AFTER NATIONAL ACCREDITATION -- AND TO DO THAT, THEY NEED TO *CHANGE WHO'S ON BOARD.

INSTEAD OF TWO PARAMEDICS -- THEY NEED A REGISTERED NURSE AND A MEDIC.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

MED STAR SUSPENDED-SOTVO

KIM DICKERSON

LEE CO. EMS CHIEF

17 SECONDS

9:38:53 does it worry you at all having to rely on helicopters from other areas?

55 not at all. when our ship goes down for service, we rely on mutual aid. or if we have two requests for helicopters at the same time. we only fly one helicopter so it allows us to be able to contact our mutual aid partners to get a ship in as quickly as possible 11

FOUR PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LAID OFF AS PART OF THIS SUSPENSION--

MED STAR SUSPENDED-REM 1

WE ASKED EMS CHIEF KIM DICKERSON -- WHY NOT KEEP THOSE PEOPLE AND RE-TRAIN THEM??

SHE TOLD NBC2 "WE FELT LIKE THE CURRENT TEAM IN PLACE WOULD NOT HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOAL."

TOSS TO STEVE-OC VO DBX

REMEMBERING A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SOLDIER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY --

ARMY PILOT BRIAN HORNSBY, WHO GREW UP IN LEHIGH ACRES, WAS KILLED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH LAST THURSDAY IN A REMOTE PART OF NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN.

HE WAS ONE OF SEVEN SERVICE MEMBERS ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT.

NBC2'S STEVE CAMPION IS LIVE FIRST AT FOUR IN THE NEWSROOM WITH MORE ON HORNSBY'S LIFE AND THE FAMILY HE LEAVES BEHIND.

LEHIGH PILOT KILLED-NSRM

GLENN HORNSBY TELLS ME HIS SON'S PASSIONS WERE HIS TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND FLYING.

HIS FATHER EXPLAINS THE 37-YEAR OLD WAS DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN IN JANUARY.

LEHIGH PILOT KILLED-VO

TODAY, WE'VE LEARNED BRIAN HORNSBY SPENT HIS LIFE FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM.

HE DIED THURSDAY WHILE PILOTING A HELICOPTER OVER NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN.

HIS BODY ARRIVED AT DOVER AIR FORCE BASE OVER THE WEEKEND.

HORNSBY WAS A DECORATED ARMY OFFICER.

HIS FATHER TELLS US HE ATTENDED RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL IN THE EARLY 90'S.

FRIENDS WHO GREW UP WITH HIM SAY HORNSBY WAS A QUIET GUY WHO WAS EASY TO GET ALONG WITH.

LEHIGH PILOT KILLED-SOTVO

2942 "he was a quiet home town kind of kid. Just everybody's buddy."

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS EXPLAIN HORNSBY WAS IN R-O-T-C AT RIVERDALE AND PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR THE LEIGH RAIDERS.

LEHIGH PILOT KILLED-NSRM

GLENN HORNSBY SAYS HIS SON'S BODY IS STILL AT DOVER AIR FORCE BASE.

SERVICES HAVE NOT BEEN SET YET BUT WILL LIKELY TAKE PLACE IN MELBOURNE.

BRIAN HORNSBY LEAVES BEHIND A WIFE AND TWO KIDS.

METRO PARKWAY CHILD ASSAULT-SS

A FORT MYERS MAN IS ACCUSED OF SENDING LOVE LETTERS TO A YOUNG GIRL AND TOUCHING HER INAPPROPRIATELY.

POLICE SAY ROBERT KNOWLES WAS ASKED TO CHECK ON A NEIGHBOR GIRL BUT NOT GO IN THE APARTMENT.

THAT'S WHEN OFFICERS SAY KNOWLES WENT IN AND ASSAULTED THE GIRL.

SHE SAID IN THE PAST THE 47 YEAR OLD HAS CONTACTED HER THROUGH FACEBOOK AND GIVEN HER LOVE LETTERS WHICH SHE RETURNED TO HIM.

PROCTOR VERDICT-VO

THE PRIME SUSPECT IN THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A CAPE CORAL TEACHER WILL SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON FOR STEALING.

TODAY AN ALABAMA JURY FOUND DANIEL PROCTOR GUILTY OF STEALING A CAR AND A GUN.

PROCTOR REPRESENTED HIMSELF DURING THE TRAIL, WHICH LASTED 2 DAYS.

HE WAIVED HIS RIGHT TO A PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION. WHICH ALLOWS THE JUDGE TO HAND DOWN A SENTENCE IMMEDIATELY.

IN AN UNRELATED CASE, PROCTOR IS ALSO LINKED TO THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HIS EX-WIFE AMY PATTERSON.

NYAD ENDS SWIM-MITTO VO

SINCE 1954, AN ENDURANCE SWIMMER HAS CHASED HER DREAM OF SWIMMING FROM CUBA TO FLORIDA.

A WEBSITE DEDICATED TO FOLLOWING DIANA NYAD ON HER 103 MILE ADVENTURE SHOWED HER PATH ON HER MOST RECENT JOURNEY.

BUT THIS IS AS FAR AS SHE'LL GET DURING THIS TRIP.

NYAD WAS PULLED FROM THE WATERS EARLY THIS MORNING, AFTER A NIGHT OF STORMS AND MORE JELLYFISH STINGS.

NYAD ENDS SWIM-PKG

Sharks.squalls.and jellyfish doomed Diana Nyad's latest attempt at a

record 103 mile swim from Cuba to the Florida keys.

It was her third attempt in a year.

The endurance swimmer was pulled from the water Tuesday.One day shy of her

63rd birthday.

SOT MOONATONES

She is severely sunburn.she has. welts?? due to box jelly fish

multiple. she got multiple hits She has a strained bicep muscle.she can

barely walk.she gave it all she can.

Her lips and tongue were severely swollen due to salt water.

Her face and suit were smeared with black paste.to fight off hypothermia.

Nyad suffered the same issues that sank her hopes of making the same journey

twice last year.

SOT, DIANA NYAD

I wanted that feeling to be on the beach so badly.

This time, Nyad faced even more treacherous waters

Nats: sharks swimming in water

Sharks encircling part of the day

Hours before thatThe sky exploded over her.

Her support crew of 63 saying - "all hell broke loose "

That squall dumped so much rain -it set Nyad back by 6 precious hours.

NYAD ENDS SWIM-OC

TJ WINICK REPORTING.

BIG BOARD-SAT-LIVE-TOPS

CHARLOTTE SUSPICIOUS PKG-VO

QUIET AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON - AFTER SEVERAL STORES WERE EVACUATED AS POLICE INVESTIGATED A BOMB SCARE IN PUNTA GORDA THIS MORNING.

IT ALL HAPPENED AT THE BAL HARBOR PLAZA IN PUNTA GORDA ISLES THIS MORNING.

A BUSINESS OWNER IN THE PLAZA TELLS NBC2 SOMEONE DROPPED OFF A RED BIN IN FRONT OF A TRASH CAN AND RAN AWAY.

A STORE EMPLOYEE THEN CALLED 911.

THE BOMB SQUAD RESPONDED USING A ROBOT TO CHECK OUT THE SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE.

CHARLOTTE SUSPICIOUS PKG-SOTVO

Marilyn Brazill, decorating den interiors.

11 seconds.

"it was pretty scary it was something you dont expect to happen. This is a small town you don't expect things like this to happen here, but it better to be safe than sorry."

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

STRAIGHT AHEAD, A VOTING DEBATE IN COLLIER COUNTY.

OFFICIALS LOCKED IN A FIGHT WITH THE STATE AND THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

AND THE FINAL DECISION COULD IMPACT WHEN YOU GET TO CAST YOUR BALLOT.

PLUS - LESS THAN A WEEK UNTIL REPUBLICANS MEET IN TAMPA FOR THEIR NATIONAL CONVENTION.

BUT MOTHER NATURE HAD OTHER PLANS FOR AN OUTDOOR COVERED WALKWAY.

A) collier early voting-vo

B) tampa storm damage-vo

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

COLLIER EARLY VOTING-OC

COLLIER COUNTY IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A STATE AND FEDERAL FIGHT ABOUT WHEN YOU CAN CAST BALLOTS EARLY.

THAT'S THE REASON EARLY VOTING DATES FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION HAVEN'T BEEN NAILED DOWN.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS JENNIFER EDWARDS TELLS US THEY'RE LOOKING AT STARTING EITHER OCTOBER 22ND OR 27TH.

LAST WEEK A FEDERAL COURT REJECTED NEW STATE LAWS WHICH REDUCE EARLY VOTING FROM 14 DAYS DOWN TO EIGHT.

JUDGES COMPARED IT TO CLOSING POLLING PLACES.

TAMPA STORM DAMAGE-VO

STRONG WINDS LAST NIGHT IN TAMPA, DAMAGED A COVERED WALKWAY FOR THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION.

A THUNDERSTORM BLEW THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN AREA, CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR PLANNERS FOR THE R-N-C.

WINDS DAMAGED THE QUARTER-MILE LONG TENT FROM THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER TO THE FORUM.

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO LINK THE MEDIA AREA TO THE ARENA.

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

FORECAST-WXWALL

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

The upcoming hours and days may end up being pretty interesting for us in the world of weather across Southwest Florida.

Our eyes are focused on two weather systems, a front to our northwest and a tropical system to our southeast.

Let's first discuss the front that's moving into Central Florida today since it's more of an immediate weather changer. On the radar this afternoon, we're tracking a band of showers and thunderstorms across Central Florida that stretches well out into the Gulf of Mexico. This rain is spreading south, and we could very well see some of this make it to parts of Southwest Florida by this evening or tonight. There's still some uncertainty as to how much rain will survive the journey down the peninsula and precisely when it will move in. The best estimate would place the storms over northern portions of the viewing area by 7-9 p.m. If the storms hold on to enough steam, we may see some of the storms move into central and southern portions of the viewing area around or beyond sunset. Some of these storms could be capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

The next item of interest is a tropical system in the western Atlantic that may have an impact on our long-range forecast. Tropical Depression Nine formed earlier this morning, and the storm may become Tropical Storm Isaac later today. T.D. Nine is still roughly two thousand miles away from Southwest Florida, but it's quickly moving toward the Lesser Antilles and should arrive there Wednesday night. Forecast models continue to strengthen the system Thursday and Friday, and it could potentially develop into a Category 1 hurricane by then. One of the keys in determining how strong the storm will get is its interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola, where 10,000 foot mountains have been known to rip hurricanes apart. The system's interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola will be critical in determining its strength, and just a change of 50 miles could make all the difference. It's just too early to resolve the finer details at this point.

MITT ROMNEY AKIN-TRX, OC

BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW FROM THE POLITICAL WORLD --

MITT ROMNEY IS CALLING ON REPRESENTATIVE TODD AKIN TO WALK AWAY FROM THE MISSOURI SENATE RACE

ROMNEY SAID IN A STATEMENT TODAY THAT AKIN SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WHAT COURSE WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTREST OF THE COUNTRY --

THIS IS COMING ON THE HEELS OF A CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT AKIN MADE ABOUT RAPE AND PREGNANCY ON SUNDAY

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

WHEN HE'S OUT ON THE GREEN, HE LOOKS LIKE ANY OTHER GOLFER.

BUT UNDERNEATH HIS SUNGLASSES, HIDES THIS FLORIDA MAN'S HANDICAP.

A) blind golfer-VO

WELLS DISCLAIMER-SSTOPS

TOSS TO JIM-OC

AN ARTICLE IN TODAY'S WALL STREET JOURNAL TALKS ABOUT THE LACK OF SUPPORT FOR THE STOCK RALLY.

TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON WHY THIS MAY BE, OUR WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL ADVISOR JIM NOLTE IS LIVE IN THE STUDIO.

WELLS ADVISORS-PLASMA

WELLS ADVISORS-CG

* October 2007, Dow Jones reached an all-time high of 14,164

* March 9, 2009, market bottomed at 6547

* Recovery has been slow

* Unemployment is high

* Bull argument- economy continues to improve-Fed steps in with QE 3

* Bear Argument- economy is fragile, corporate earnings growth is slowing

* Expect a pull back this fall

WELLS ADVISORS-PLASMA

WELLS ADVISORS-SSTOPS

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE WELLS FARGO ADVISORS YOU CAN CALL THEM OR VISIT THEM.

TEASE THREE

IT'S TIME TO SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS WHEN IT COMES TO SKIN CANCER.

CAN YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION?

WHICH TYPE OF MOLE IS NOT MELANOMA?

MD TRAIN DERAIL-VO

A TRAIN DERAILMENT IN MARYLAND KILLED TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS LAST NIGHT.

JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT A COAL TRAIN JUMPED THE TRACKS AND FELL FROM A BRIDGE OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE.

THE TRAIN ALSO CRUSHED CARS IN A PARKING LOT.

JETBLUE PAYS UP-VO

JETBLUE IS PAYING UP AFTER MAKING IT'S PASSENGERS WAIT ON THE TARMAC.

TWO YEARS AGO, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ENFORCED NEW RULES.

THEY REQUIRED AIRLINE COMPANIES TO TELL FLIERS THEY COULD LEAVE THE PLANE IF IT HAS BEEN DELAYED AT THE GATE FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES, AFTER IT'S SCHEDULED DEPARTURE.

TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS SAY JETBLUE DIDN'T FOLLOW THE RULES BACK IN MARCH, WHEN A PLANE WAS DELAYED FOR THREE HOURS.

SKIN CANCER POP QUIZ-OC

GRAB A PEN AND PAPER, IT'S TIME FOR AN NBC 2 POP QUIZ.

SKIN CANCERS ACCOUNT FOR 80 -PERCENT OF ALL NEW CANCERS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR.

THAT MEANS, THIS YEAR, 430-THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL BE TOLD THEY HAVE IT.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT SKIN CANCER COULD END UP KILLING YOU.

SKIN CANCER POP QUIZ-PKG

IT'S TIME TO PLAY-MOLE MADNESS! FIRST QUESTION-WHERE DOES SKIN CANCER NOT OCCUR? BETWEEN YOUR TOES? ON YOUR PALMS? UNDER YOUR FINGERNAILS? OR ON YOUR LIPS?

THE ANSWER- SKIN CANCER CAN HAPPEN IN ALL OF THESE PLACES! NEXT QUESTION-SIMPLY STAYING IN THE SHADE CAN PROTECT YOU FROM GETTING SKIN CANCER?

SHADE ALONE CAN REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO ULTRA-VIOLET RAYS BY 75 PERCENT! BUT YOU SHOULD STILL USE A SUNSCREEN OF AT LEAST S-P-F 30 AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS A TOUGH ONE. WHICH MOLE IS NOT MELANOMA?

TRICK QUESTION! ALL OF THEM ARE MELANOMA! DETECTING AND DIAGNOSING IT CAN BE TRICKY. THE ONLY WAY IS THROUGH A BIOPSY, BUT EVEN THEN, CORNELL DERMATOLOGIST JOHANTHAN ZIPPIN SAYS IT'S NOT THAT EASY.

"The problem is, this grey area, is a controversial area. A lot of people don't know how to define it."

ONCE THE MOLE IS TESTED, PATHOLOGISTS AGREE ON JUST 60 TO 75-PERCENT OF THE CASES. THAT'S WHY DOCTOR ZIPPIN HAS CREATED A NEW DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT HELPS ELIMINATE THIS 'GREY' AREA.

"It's a test that looks for a certain protein in the melanoma or mole."

THE PROTEIN, CALLED SAC IS EXPRESSED IN ALL CELLS.

"It's not a question of whether it's there or not, it's a question of where it is."

THE RED IN THIS CELL IS THE SAC PROTEIN. THE BLUE IS THE CELL NUCLEUS. WHEN THE RED IS NEXT TO THE BLUE, THINGS ARE NORMAL. IF THE RED IS ON TOP OF THE BLUE, THE MOLE IS CANCEROUS.

" If it's in this area it's bad and if it's in this area it's good. It's much simpler and much more consistently interpreted."

FACEKINI SUNBURN-VO

IN CHINA, SOME ARE GOING TO EXTRAORDINARY LENGTHS TO AVOID A SUNBURN.

IT'S CALLED THE FACEKINI.

AND IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING A COLORFUL BANKER ROBBER MIGHT WEAR.

SWIMMERS WEAR THE MASK TO THE BEACH AND ARE BECOMING EXTREMELY POPULAR.

PEOPLE SAY THE FACEKINI HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE HISTORY OF CHINA.

GETTING A TAN MEANS YOU WORK OUTSIDE IN THE FIELDS A LOT.

SO PALE SKIN IMPLIES WEALTH AND MORE RESPECT.

TEASE FOUR-2SHOT

AN OVERNIGHT FIRE IN FORT MYERS TORCHES

4 CARS AND PUTS THE LIFE OF A DOG IN DANGER.

NBC 2 CHECKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE PUP AND WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS.

AND - A HOTEL IN FORT MYERS WILL CLOSE BY THE END OF THE MONTH, BUT IT ALREADY HAS A NEW OWNER.

A) fm cars on fire-VO

B) clarion hotel sale-VO

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

FIRST WEATHER-ANIBOX TOPS

The upcoming hours and days may end up being pretty interesting for us in the world of weather across Southwest Florida.

Our eyes are focused on two weather systems, a front to our northwest and a tropical system to our southeast.

Let's first discuss the front that's moving into Central Florida today since it's more of an immediate weather changer. On the radar this afternoon, we're tracking a band of showers and thunderstorms across Central Florida that stretches well out into the Gulf of Mexico. This rain is spreading south, and we could very well see some of this make it to parts of Southwest Florida by this evening or tonight. There's still some uncertainty as to how much rain will survive the journey down the peninsula and precisely when it will move in. The best estimate would place the storms over northern portions of the viewing area by 7-9 p.m. If the storms hold on to enough steam, we may see some of the storms move into central and southern portions of the viewing area around or beyond sunset. Some of these storms could be capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

The next item of interest is a tropical system in the western Atlantic that may have an impact on our long-range forecast. Tropical Depression Nine formed earlier this morning, and the storm may become Tropical Storm Isaac later today. T.D. Nine is still roughly two thousand miles away from Southwest Florida, but it's quickly moving toward the Lesser Antilles and should arrive there Wednesday night. Forecast models continue to strengthen the system Thursday and Friday, and it could potentially develop into a Category 1 hurricane by then. One of the keys in determining how strong the storm will get is its interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola, where 10,000 foot mountains have been known to rip hurricanes apart. The system's interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola will be critical in determining its strength, and just a change of 50 miles could make all the difference. It's just too early to resolve the finer details at this point.

AKIN POLITICS-2 SHOT SOTVO

WE'RE FOLLOWING BREAKING POLITICAL NEWS FIRST AT FOUR--

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY IS STEPPING IN. AND CALLING ON REPRESENTATIVE TODD AKIN TO PULL OUT OF THE MISSOURI SENATE RACE.

THIS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS ABOUT RAPE AND PREGNANCY AKIN MADE OVER THE WEEKEND.

Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize.

AKIN IS ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS.

HE HAS UNTIL SIX O'CLOCK TONIGHT TO DECIDE IF HE WILL WITHDRAW FROM THE SENATE RACE IN MISSOURI.

AKIN POLITICS-PKG

REFUSING TO QUIT THE MISSOURI SENATE RACE, TODD AKIN BOUGHT TV TIME TO APOLOGIZE FOR SAYING SOME RAPES ARE NOT LEGITIMATE

sot: ad

The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness.

BUT REPUBLICANS ARE GANGING UP ON AKIN

"I mean everyone's on the same page and i think you've seen complete unity that he oughta get out of the race

MISSOURIANS ARE UPSET OVER THE AKIN RAPE REMARK

"smarter for him to say he grieves for women who have to go thru that"

ALREADY TRAILING IN NATIONAL SURVEYS OF WOMEN VOTERS, THE ROMNEY-RYAN CAMPAIGN COULD BE IN JEOPARDY, SAY SOME WORRIED REPUBLICANS

:39 -:47

"a week before the national convention this is not what the gop wants to be talking about. they want to be talking about those moms out there who are still trying to balance budgets"

BUT IN TAMPA TODAY, SITE OF THE CONVENTION,

WHERE THE REPUBLICANS HOPE TO WIDEN THEIR APPEAL,

THE GOP PLATFORM COMMITTEE WAS CONSIDERING A BAN ON ABORTION, EVEN AFTER A RAPE

MITT ROMNEY TOLD W-C-M-H HE WON'T BE BOUND BY THAT.

Presidential Candidate 1:03 - 1:11

"in case of incest and rape and when the life of the mother is at stake, in those circumnstances, i think abortion may be appropriate"

BUT DEMOCRATS RUSHED TO POINT OUT: PAUL RYAN. WHO OPPOSES ABORTION FOR RAPE VICTIMS.

WORKED WITH TODD AKIN IN CONGRESS

AND THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY

TO TOUGHEN THE DEFINITION OF RAPE. TO, QUOTE, "FORCIBLE RAPE."

Wisconsin 1:26 - 1:35

"not only has paul ryan cosponsored and voted for all these bills, but 232 other republicans share this point of view."

A HOT NEW ISSUE,

BECAUSE OF ONE CANDIDATE'S STUMBLE.

insert ends

FM CARS ON FIRE-VOTOPS, OC

INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING OVER SURVEILLANCE VIDEO AFTER AN EARLY MORNING FIRE AT A FORT MYERS AUTO-BODY SHOP.

YOU'RE LOOKING AT ABOUT 70-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, BUT THIS SCENE COULD HAVE TURNED DEADLY IF IT WASN'T FOR FIREFIGHTERS.

FM CARS ON FIRE-LL-PKG

THIS DODGE DURANGO LOOKS OK FROM THIS SIDE BUT WHEN YOU WALK AROUND BACK- YOU CAN SEE THE DAMAGE ON THIS SUV AND THESE CARS. THE CULPRIT FOR THE FIRE IS THE MERCEDES BENZ AT THE END.

THE ACCIDENT CAUGHT ON TAPE BY THIS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE SURVEILLENCE VIDEO we GOT FROM THE AUTO SHOP OWNER.

IN IT YOU CAN SEE WHAT HAPPENED.

THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE ENGINE OF THE 2005

MERCEDES BENZ YOU SEE ON YOUR SCREEN. WHEN IT IGNITED, THE SPARKS JUMPED TO THE NEXT CAR AND THEN SO ON.

ITS NOW BEEN DEEMED AN ACCIDENT.

WHEN FORT MYERS FIRE DEPT ARRIVED THEY FOUND 3 CARS FULLY ENGULFED. THEY'RE CONCERN. THE BUILDING. WHAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WAS THAT A THREE LEGGED PITBULL WAS INSIDE.

Denney rush

Office manager, Pro-Tech Automotive Services

12

'I thought, I know baby is inside the shop and my first thing was omg is the dog alright and we gotta get down there to see what's going on"

THE DOG IS ALRIGHT-THIS IS HER AND HER NAME IS BABY. SHE SUFFERED A LITTLE BUT OF SOME INHALATION.

RIGHT NOW DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT 70-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE CARS. AND ANOTHER 5 THOUSAND FOR THE BUILDING.

CLARION HOTEL SALE-VO

FIRST AT FOUR-NBC2 LEARNS EXCLUSIVE PLANS FOR THE OLD CLARION HOTEL PROPERTY ALONG HIGHWAY 41.

CREIGHTON DEVELOPERS FINALIZED A DEAL TO BUY THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT PROPERTY YESTERDAY-FOR 3 POINT 3 MILLION DOLLARS.

DAN CREIGHTON SAYS THEY PLAN TO DEMOLISH MOST OF THE PROPERTY-AND BUILD NEW NATIONAL CHAIN RESTAURANTS, STORES AND A BANK.

HE SAYS SOME NATIONAL HOTELIERS ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN MOVING INTO THE OLD CLARION'S 87-ROOM TOWER.

CREIGHTON SAYS THEY HOPE TO BEGIN DEMOLISHING THE EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHIN THREE MONTHS.

NAPLES BUDGET-OC

IT'S DAY TWO OF BUDGET HEARINGS FOR THE CITY OF NAPLES.

CITY COUNCIL IS WORKING ON THE PROPOSED 2012-2013 BUDGET OF NEARLY $100 MILLION DOLLARS.

OFFICIALS HAVE ALREADY VOTED AGAINST HIRING FOUR NEW FIREFIGHTERS WHICH WOULD HAVE COST $320-THOUSAND.

BONITA HOMELESS RULES-VO CG

THE CITY OF BONITA SPRINGS IS WORKING TO CREATE RULES FOR FUTURE HOMELESS SHELTERS.

LAST WEEK, RESIDENTS GOT A FIRST LOOK AT THE CITY'S PROPOSAL AND GOT TO ADD SOME SUGGESTIONS OF THEIR OWN.

SOME TOPICS INCLUDE CHANGING THE MAXIMUM BED CAPACITY OF A SHELTER, REQUIRING PHOTO I-D'S AND RANDOMLY DRUG TESTING EVERYONE STAYING AT A FACILITY.

ALL THIS IS BEING DONE TO MAKE SURE ANY FUTURE SHELTERS STAY CLEAN, AND ARE EFFICIENT AND BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY.

IF YOU MISSED LAST WEEK'S WORKSHOP-

THERE'S ANOTHER ONE TONIGHT.

ORLANDO DRUNK SITTER-SS

A CENTRAL FLORIDA BABYSITTER IS CHARGED WITH CHILD NEGLECT, AFTER SHE WAS FOUND DRUNK AND TOPLESS IN A HOTEL PARKING LOT.

MELBOURNE POLICE SAY HOTEL WORKERS CALLED POLICE ABOUT A 5 YEAR OLD THAT WAS ALONE.

HE TOLD OFFICERS THAT HIS MOTHER WENT TO THE CASINO AND LEFT HIM WITH A BABY-SITTER.

THAT'S WHEN OFFICERS SAY THEY FOUND STACEY KERRES LYING TOPLESS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT.

APPLE SAMSUNG TRIAL-OC

THE COURT BATTLE BETWEEN TWO TECHNOLOGY GIANTS IS WINDING DOWN.

THE JURY IN ONE OF THE LARGEST TECHNOLOGY DISPUTES IN HISTORY IS EXPECTED TO HEAR CLOSING ARGUMENTS TODAY FROM LAWYERS FOR APPLE AND SAMSUNG.

APPLE ACCUSED SAMSUNG OF COPYING IPHONE AND IPAD TECHNOLOGY.

MS DROUGHT-VO

NEARLY 100-BOATS AND BARGES ARE STUCK ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

THAT'S BECAUSE THE U-S COAST GUARD HAS CLOSED AN 11-MILE STRETCH NEAR GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.

THE DROUGHT IS KEEPING RIVER LEVELS LOW.

SO THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS IS USING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO MAKE SURE THE RIVER IS DEEP ENOUGH TO KEEP CRITICAL BOAT TRAFFIC MOVING.

MIDDLE CLASS DONATIONS-VO

WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING CHARITIES, MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICANS SHELL OUT MORE OF THEIR BUCKS COMPARED TO THE WEALTHY.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY BY THE CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY.

ON AVERAGE, HOUSEHOLDS THAT EARNED BETWEEN 50 AND 75-THOUSAND-DOLLARS FOR THE YEAR DONATED MORE THAN SEVEN-PERCENT OF THEIR DISCRETIONARY INCOME TO CHARITY.

PEOPLE WHO MADE 100-THOUSAND-DOLLARS OR MORE GAVE AWAY JUST OVER FOUR-PERCENT.

HEALTH CLIP-CLIP

OBESE & MEMORY-VO

PEOPLE WHO ARE OBESE AND ALSO HAVE A METABOLIC ABNORMALITY -- LIKE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR BLOOD SUGAR -- FACE AN INCREASED RISK FOR MEMORY LOSS.

A NEW STUDY IN THE JOURNAL NEUROLOGY LOOKED AT SIX THOUSAND ADULTS OVER TEN YEARS.

NOSE SHAPER-VO

DOCTORS ARE WARNING ABOUT A DEVICE DESIGNED TO HELP RESHAPE YOUR NOSE WITHOUT PLASTIC SURGERY.

THE NOSE SHAPING CLIPS HAVE BEEN POPULAR IN ASIAN COUNTRIES IN RECENT YEARS.

IT IS SAID THAT THE CLIP CAN BE USED TWO HOURS EVERYDAY TO RESHAPE THE NASAL CARTILAGE SO THAT THE NOSE WILL GRADUALLY BECOME STRAIGHTER WITH A HIGHER NOSE BRIDGE.

BUT DOCTORS SAY THE CLIP CAN AFFECT THE BLOOD CIRCULATION OF CARTILAGE AND COULD HARM YOUR SKIN.

HEALTH MATTERS-ONCAM

MANY DEBATES CURRENTLY SURROUND PROSTATE CANCER, INCLUDING HOW TO TREAT IT.

STATISTICALLY IT IS STILL A TOP CANCER KILLER.

HEALTH MATTERS-PKG

DICK DEVLIN IS NOT THE FIRST TO FACE THIS DIAGNOSIS.

DICK DEVLIN/PROSTATE CANCER PATIENT

RUNS:

1:14 I was 62, my PSA was rising, I went to Dr. Daller who did a biopsy and diagnosed me with prostate cancer. Early stage.

EACH YEAR, 200-THOUSAND MEN IN THIS COUNTRY LEARN THEY HAVE PROSTATE CANCER. THEY FACE THE COMMON DILEMA OF WHAT TO DO NEXT.

DICK DEVLIN/PROSTATE CANCER PATIENT

RUNS:

3:41 For most men, prostate cancer, even though it has that word 'cancer' in it, is not something that's gonna kill them.

DEVLIN'S HEALTH WAS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE, BUT HE WASN'T CONVINCED HE NEEDED CANCER TREATMENT. STUDIES SHOW A GROWING NUMBER OF MEN WITH LOW-RISK PROSTATE CANCER, ARE CHOOSING TO WATCH AND WAIT.

DR. MEIR DALLER/UROLOGIST

RUNS:

1:48 We like to call it Active Surveillance. We watch these patients very carefully. We watch their PSA, we watch their prostate examination, from time to time we do a serial a trans-rectal ultrasound biopsy, essentially sampling of the prostate.

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

A new study shows Active Surveillance is beneficial in the right situation. In a test group the mortality rate was 1-percent. And only a third of patients needed additional treatment after 3 years. The key component is choosing the right patient.

DR. MEIR DALLER/UROLOGIST

RUNS:

2:55 My job is really to give them as much information as possible. And I always tell them take your time. There is no rush. The more information you get, the better off you are.

SO DEVLIN TOOK AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HIS CANCER CARE, AND BELIEVES IT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE- FOR HIM.

DICK DEVLIN/PROSTATE CANCER PATIENT

RUNS:

4:29 I had 6 total biopsies, its been 7 years and nothing's happened 4:45

NO SALT BOSTON MARKET-VO

WHERE'S THE SALT?

BOSTON MARKET IS GETTING RID OF SALT SHAKERS ON TABLES INSIDE THE RESTAURANT.

THE CHAIN-- AS WELL AS OTHER FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS-- HAS COME UNDER FIRE FOR HIGH SODIUM CONTENT.

BOSTON MARKET SAYS IT PLANS TO CUT THE SALT IN SOME MENU ITEMS IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.

OTHER RESTAURANTS HAVE ALSO JUMPED ON THE LOW-SODIUM BANDWAGON.

DON'T WORRY--

TEASE FIVE-ONCAM

RIGHT NOW, SCIENTISTS ARE WORKING ON A PROGRAM THAT WOULD HELP CARS COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.

EXPERTS SAY IT WILL CUT DOWN ON DANGEROUS CAR CRASHES LIKE THIS.

FIRST AT FOUR - NBC 2 TAKES YOU BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE STUDY.

PLUS -

golf swing

A HANDICAP OF A DIFFERENT KIND.

A) crash avoidance-VO

B) blind fl golfer-NATVO

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

ALL NEW AHEAD AT 5:00-CLIP

PAUSE FOR AHEAD AT 5:00 CLIP

WE TOLD YOU AT THE TOP OF THE NEWSCAST ABOUT MEDSTAR BEING GROUNDED.

AT FIVE WE ARE DIGGING DEEPER INTO THE SUDDEN MOVE --

AND WHO WILL PICK UP THE SLACK.

AND IF YOU ARE OVER 50 AND LOOKING FOR LOVE.

TURNS OUT.YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

A) MEDSTAR SUSPENDED-NWSRM-VO

B) CAPE CORAL SENIOR LOVE-VOTOPS

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

FORECAST-WXWALL

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

The upcoming hours and days may end up being pretty interesting for us in the world of weather across Southwest Florida.

Our eyes are focused on two weather systems, a front to our northwest and a tropical system to our southeast.

Let's first discuss the front that's moving into Central Florida today since it's more of an immediate weather changer. On the radar this afternoon, we're tracking a band of showers and thunderstorms across Central Florida that stretches well out into the Gulf of Mexico. This rain is spreading south, and we could very well see some of this make it to parts of Southwest Florida by this evening or tonight. There's still some uncertainty as to how much rain will survive the journey down the peninsula and precisely when it will move in. The best estimate would place the storms over northern portions of the viewing area by 7-9 p.m. If the storms hold on to enough steam, we may see some of the storms move into central and southern portions of the viewing area around or beyond sunset. Some of these storms could be capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

The next item of interest is a tropical system in the western Atlantic that may have an impact on our long-range forecast. Tropical Depression Nine formed earlier this morning, and the storm may become Tropical Storm Isaac later today. T.D. Nine is still roughly two thousand miles away from Southwest Florida, but it's quickly moving toward the Lesser Antilles and should arrive there Wednesday night. Forecast models continue to strengthen the system Thursday and Friday, and it could potentially develop into a Category 1 hurricane by then. One of the keys in determining how strong the storm will get is its interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola, where 10,000 foot mountains have been known to rip hurricanes apart. The system's interaction with Cuba and Hispaniola will be critical in determining its strength, and just a change of 50 miles could make all the difference. It's just too early to resolve the finer details at this point.

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

BLIND FL GOLFER-OC

TALK ABOUT OVERCOMING OBSTACLES --

A FLORIDA MAN ISN'T LETTING HIS HANDICAP IMPACT HIS GOLF GAME.

THE 65-YEAR OLD IS BLIND IN ONE EYE AND PARTIALLY BLIND IN THE OTHER.

BLIND FL GOLFER-PKG

BLIND FL GOLFER-OC

THE OFFICE ENDING-OC

FIRST AT FOUR -- IF YOU'RE FANS OF "THE OFFICE".

ENJOY THIS NEXT SEASON, BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO BE THE LAST.

THE VETERAN COMEDY WILL FINISH AFTER THE UPCOMING NINTH SEASON.

BREAKING BAD METH CANDY-VO

A NEW MEXICO CANDY SHOP IS MAKING WAVES WITH ONE OF IT'S PRODUCTS.

DEBBIE HALL IS OFFERING "METH CANDY".

SHE SAYS THE BLUE-COLORED SNACK WAS INSPIRED BY THE POPULAR SHOW BREAKING BAD.

THE CANDY IS CHUNKS OF SUGAR, BUT LOOKS LIKE THE DRUG WHICH IS THE CENTER OF CHAOS ON THE ALBUQUERQUE BASED TV SHOW.

ARMSTRONG LAWSUIT-VO

A LAWSUIT FILED BY LANCE ARMSTRONG AGAINST THE U-S ANTI-DOPING AGENCY HAS BEEN TOSSED OUT.

THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED TO STOP DOPING OFFICIALS FROM PURSUING A CASE AGAINST HIM.

THE CHAMPION CYCLIST IS ACCUSED OF USING PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS.

ROSIE O'DONNELL HEART-VO

COMEDIAN AND TALK SHOW HOST "ROSIE O'DONNELL" IS SPEAKING OUT AFTER SUFFERING A HEART ATTACK LAST WEEK.

THE 50 YEAR OLD SAID SHE BECAME SICK TO HER STOMACH AND HAD SOME ARM PAIN.

SHE TOOK AN ASPIRIN AND WENT TO A CARDIOLOGIST THE NEXT DAY.

DOCTORS FOUND OUT A MAJOR ARTERY WAS 99 PERCENT BLOCKED.

OLYMPIC RINGS REMOVED-VO

CLEAN UP CONTINUES IN LONDON --

AND ONE OF THE LAST OF THE OLYMPIC DECORATIONS WAS TAKEN DOWN LAST NIGHT --

THE ICONIC OLYMPIC RINGS, THAT HAD BEEN ON TOWER BRIDGE SINCE JUNE, ARE GONE.

TEASE SIX-2SHOT

TALKING CARS SOUND LIKE SOMETHING STRAIGHT OUT OF A SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE.

BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO MAKE IT A REALITY.

AND IF THE STUDY IS SUCCESSFUL, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

FIRST AT FOUR - A SNEAK PEAK OF THE PROJECT.

A) crash avoidance-vo

FOUR AT FOUR-CGTOPS

1. Local soldier killed in helicopter crash

2. Lee County shuts down MEDSTAR program

3. Sheriff's office employee arrested on drug charges

CRASH AVOIDANCE-OC

WHAT IF CARS COULD TALK TO EACH OTHER - AND PREVENT CRASHES?

THE TECHNOLOGY IS ALREADY HERE.

NOW - THE GOVERNMENT IS LAUNCHING A NEW, YEAR-LONG PILOT PROJECT TO TEST IT.

CRASH AVOIDANCE-PKG

WHAT IF THERE WERE A WAY TO WARN YOU THAT ANOTHER DRIVER WAS ABOUT TO BLOW RIGHT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION? OR WARN YOU OF A CRASH AHEAD? OR ICE ON THE ROAD?

NOW, RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, THE DOT, AND 8 CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE LAUNCHING A ONE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM INVOLVING NEARLY 3-THOUSAND VEHICLES.

TESTING THE LATEST, HIGH TECH CRASH AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS.

AND WE GOT TO TEST-DRIVE IT OURSELVES, AS A CAR NEARLY BROAD SIDED US:

Tom: "Wow, I had an LED screen across the front to warn me, my seat is rumbling."

IT'S CALLED VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

EACH CAR, TRUCK or BUS ON THE ROAD WOULD CONSTANTLY TRANSMIT A 360-DEGREE STATUS REPORT VIA A SORT OF WI-FI SYSTEM TO EVERY OTHER CAR ON THE ROAD, CONSTANTLY UPDATING ITS POSITION, ITS SPEED, WHETHER IT'S TURNING OR BRAKING.

IF A CAR IS IN YOUR BLIND SPOT, YOU GET A FLASHING LIGHT IN THE SIDE MIRROR.

IF YOU SIGNAL YOU WANT TO TURN, ALARMS GO OFF, AND THE SEAT EVEN VIBRATES TO WARN YOU OF DANGER.

Tom: "I feel this rumble, it really catches your attention, the rumble in the seat."

SOT Farid Ahmed-Zaid/Ford Technology Expert 1:09 - 1:12

"Yeah and that's for directionality of the threat to let you know that there's somebody in the right lane.

THE SYSTEM CAN EVEN DETERMINE IF A CAR ISN'T YET IN YOUR BLIND SPOT, BUT IS APPROACHING TOO QUICKLY FOR YOU TO CHANGE LANES:

SOT Farid Ahmed-Zaid

"They're all transmitting the exact same message. For position, vehicle speed, acceleration."

AND WATCH AGAIN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I PULL UP TO AN INTERSECTION WHERE I HAVE THE GREEN LIGHT, BUT AN ON-COMING CAR BLOWS RIGHT THROUGH.

Tom: "If I hadn't hit the brakes, he would have t-boned me."

Farid: "Exactly, this is one of the most fatal crashes obviously out there."

IF THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS, THE GOVERNMENT COULD ONE DAY REQUIRE IT IN ALL CARS.

SOT Ray LaHood/Secretary of Transportation 1:50 - 1:55

'Our number one goal is safety.trying to prevent crashes, trying to prevent injuries, trying to prevent deaths."

THE SYSTEM CAN WARN YOU IF A CAR FAR AHEAD HAS SUDDENLY BRAKED HARD, HELPING TO AVOID A PILEUP.

EVEN IF THE ROAD AHEAD IS WET OR ICY.

SOT Adrian Lund/Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2:04 - 2:09

CRASH AVOIDANCE-OC

EVENTUALLY, THE ROADS AND INTERSECTIONS COULD TRANSMIT THEIR OWN WARNINGS. ONE BIG CHALLENGE IS FOR THE TECHNOLOGY TO BE AN AID TO DRIVERS, NOT A NUISANCE. THAT CAN BE A VERY FINE LINE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MANY THINGS THIS YEAR-LONG STUDY IS GOING TO LOOK AT.

THAT WRAPS UP FIRST AT FOUR.

GOODBYE-2 SHOT

BREAKING NEWS OFF THE TOP OF FIVE -- TROPICAL STORM ISAAC

HAS JUST BEEN NAMED -- ROBERT IS TRACKING ITS PATH.

END TIME-CREDITS