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"I found out that my flight had been canceled after four hours of waiting in

the airport."

A CHRISTMAS NIGHTMARE FOR SOME HOLIDAY TRAVELERS.

WHERE AIRLINE PASSENGERS ARE STRANDED DUE TO A WINTER STORM.

A BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR FIREFIGHTERS IN LEHIGH ARCES AFTER TWO FIRES BREAK OUT TODAY.

AND.A STRUGGLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS TREE LOTS.

1) WINTER STORM-SOTVO

2) LEHIGH ACRES BRUSH FIRES-VOTOPS

3) CHRISTMAS TREE LOTS-VOTOPS

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

FIRST WX-WX CTR

There's an old saying inspired by Mark Twain: if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes. Well, it was more like three days for us in Southwest Florida, and now we've got some changes coming our way just in time for Christmas.

After one of the coldest starts since January yesterday, temperatures will now swing in the other direction. As winds start to turn more southerly over the next couple days, the warmth will continue to build across Southwest Florida.

Daytime highs on this eve of Christmas are on track to warm into the mid to upper 70s this afternoon, which happens to be very close to average for this time of year. By Christmas Day, however, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average with highs climbing to the low 80s.

As far as rain chances are concerned, the forecast looks very dry for us through Christmas. The only thing we'll really be tracking in our sky is Rudolph, of course, and some thin sheets of clouds building in from the northwest. Cloud cover should be extensive enough through today to filter the sun at times, but we should at least see partial sunshine.

The clouds will thin out a bit more by tonight while temperatures cool down to the upper 50s by Christmas morning.

On Christmas Day, the warming trend rolls along with highs close to 80°. We'll also notice a slight uptick in humidity, but humidity levels shouldn't be too uncomfortable. Cloud cover won't be as widespread on Christmas Day, but we'll still see a nice mix of sun and clouds.

Wednesday will be the next our next weather system arrives. We'll see a chance of some scattered showers and even a few rumbles of thunder late Wednesday, and then some cooler weather moves in Thursday and Friday.

BREAKING-CLIP

TOSS TO NINA-OC-NAVI-SPLIT

BREAKING NEWS OUT OF LEE COUNTY.

RIGHT NOW -- PART OF A BUSY ROAD IS SHUT DOWN IN FORT MYERS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT THERE.

LET'S TAKE A MAP TO PIN-POINT THIS LOCATION FOR YOU.

ALL SOUTHBOUND LANES AT STATE ROAD 82 ARE SHUT DOWN RIGHT NOW AT COLONIAL BLVD.

NBC-2'S NINA MOINI JOINS US LIVE FROM THE SCENE.

LEE BLVD AND COLONIAL-REM 1

LEE BLVD AND COLONIAL-VO

Let's show you the scene

Fmpd tells us a black suv sitting at light and tan car collided with it from behind around 2:30

Everyone in both cars went to hospital still not clear specifics ages or injuries or if anyone has died

LEE BLVD AND COLONIAL-SOT

bill humber onlooker 9sec

LEE BLVD AND COLONIAL-REM 1

Lots of thoughts and prayers going out to the people involved

Again don't know if this was accident investigators combing the scene

Bring you more details when get them

BREAKING-CLIP

WEBSTER FIRE UPDATE-VO

ALSO BREAKING RIGHT NOW, POLICE HAVE FOUND HUMAN REMAINS IN THE HOME OF A MAN WHO KILLED 2 NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS.

THEY ARE BELIEVED TO BE 62-YEAR-OLD EXCONVICT WILLIAM SPENGLER's Sister.

SPENGLER OPENED FIRE ON FIREFIGHTERS IN WEBSTER YESTERDAY AS THEY WERE RESPONDING TO A FIRE.

THEY BELIEVE SPENGLER STARTED THE FIRE TO LURE THEM.

2 FIREFIGHTERS WERE ALSO WOUNDED IN THE SHOOTING.

AFTER EXCHANGING GUNFIRE WITH POLICE, SPENGLER KILLED HIMSELF.

WINTER STORM-VOTOPS-2 SHOT

SANTA CLAUS BROUGHT MANY A WHITE CHRISTMAS THIS HOLIDAY --

FOR SOME -- IT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED.

BUT FOR MILLIONS OF OTHERS -- IT'S CERTAINLY COMPLICATING HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS.

WINTER STORM-PKG

SNOW AND ICE TRANSFORMED A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN MARYLAND.

INTO AN ALL OUT MESS FOR DRIVERS.

ONCE ONE WIFE GOT THE FAMILY'S STUCK CAR MOVING AGAIN.

SHE DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE TO STOP.

EVEN TO LET HER HUSBAND BACK IN.

OTHERS JUST NEVER GOT MOVING AGAIN.

SOT-MOS

"I had to stop and when I did that's just how far that I went."

AND MUCH OF THE NATION IS EXPERIENCING A WHITE CHRISTMAS TOO.

FROM NEW ENGLAND TO THE SIERRA MOUNTAINS.

BUT AAA WARNS WITH ROADS AND AIRPORTS MORE PACKED THAN NORMAL THIS YEAR, YOU

SHOULD PLAN FOR EXTENDED DELAYS IF YOU'RE HEADING HOME ANYTIME SOON.

SOT -- Michael Green, AAA:

"Its actually the most people traveling for the holiday in six years, this

means that any bad weather that we might be seeing in the coming days could

result in serious disruptions for many travelers around the country."

A MAJOR STORM WILL STRIKE OKLAHOMA AND THE MIDWEST TOMORROW.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S SNOWFALL, OVER 6 FEET IN THE SIERRA MOUNTAINS, HAS

ALREADY CAUSED

THE GROUNDING OF HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO AREA.

SOT - Ryan Damstra, Stranded Passenger -

"I found out that my flight had been canceled after four hours of waiting in

the airport."

DRIVING ON THE WEST COAST. HAS BEEN A MESS.

SOT Andy Chapman -

"The roads are pretty bad. There are a lot of spinouts."

IN UPSTATE NEW YORK STRONG WIND GUSTS ARE COMBINING WITH THE FIRST SNOW

STORM OF THE SEASON. WREAKING MORE HAVOC ON DRIVERS.

SOT Bob Wilson:

"The winds were fierce it was blowing the cars around and you could see the

semi's were swerving."

MEANING THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT OF ALL FOR SO MANY THIS YEAR. IS SIMPLY

WINTER STORM-OC

MARK GREENBLATT REPORTING.

ALVA STABBING UPDATE-SS

FIRST AT 4.

ONE MAN IS IN JAIL TONIGHT -- ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO A CHRISTMAS EVE STABBING.

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARRESTED ARNULFO PEREZ MONDAY NIGHT IN THE CHARLESTON PARK AREA IN ALVA.

THAT'S THE SAME PARK WHERE A WOMAN WAS STABBED MONDAY.

COLLIER FATAL AX-OC

A 19 YEAR OLD LEHIGH ACRES TEEN IS DEAD AFTER A CRASH IN COLLIER COUNTY.

IT HAPPENED AROUND 4-30 THIS MORNING ON STATE ROAD 29 NEAR OIL WELL ROAD.

F-H-P TELLS US A CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE.

IT THEN OVERTURNED, ROLLED, AND STRUCK A SECOND TREE.

EDGAR RENATA WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

19 YEAR IVAN ZAPATA-CRUZ OF IMMOKALEE WAS RUSHED TO NAPLES COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

F-H-P IS NOT YET SURE OF WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR.

LEHIGH ACRES BRUSH FIRE-VO

FIRST AT 4.

WE'RE GETTING BRAND NEW VIDEO OF A BRUSH FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES.

THIS IS THAT NEW VIDEO OF THE ONE ACRE FIRE NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF EISENHOWER BLVD & VAN FLEET AVENUE.

IT WAS THE SECOND BLAZE OF THE DAY FOR LEHIGH FIREFIGHTERS.

LUCKILY -- BOTH FIRES ARE OUT.

FMB BOIL WATER NOTICE-SS

FIRST AT 4

A BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED FOR RESIDENTS ON FORT MYERS BEACH.

THOSE WHO LIVE FROM ALBATROSS STREET TO THE SOUTH END OF ESTERO ISLAND NO LONGER HAVE TO BOIL THEIR WATER

TOSS TO CHRISTINA-OC-SPLIT

CHRISTMAS TREE LOTS IN OUR AREA ARE STRUGGLING TO SEE GREEN THIS YEAR.

MANY ARE LOSING MONEY.

SO WHO TAKES THE HIT --AND WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE TREES?

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT-REM 7

THIS CHURCH'S LOT IS ALMOST EMPTY--

BUT ITS NOT BECAUSE THEY SOLD ALL THE TREES.

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT-VO.WIPE

THE EXCESS OF TREES -- HAPPENING ACROSS THE AREA.

THIS ONE ON PINE ISLAND IN THE CAPE --STILL FILLED WITH TREES.

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT-SOTVO

50:44 well we dont know in the next month we will access how we did here and decide whether we will do it again next year or not 50:53

ON FRIDAY MORE THAN 70 TREES WERE LEFT OVER.

HOPE UNITED WAS DOWN OVER 1-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

BUT IT BEGAN GIVING TREES AWAY FOR FREE OR FOR A SMALL DONATION.

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT-REM 7

THE CHURCH TELLS ME THIS GROUP OF TREES WILL BE GIVEN TO A WOMAN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

SHE ASKED FOR THEM --SHE'LL BE USING THE TREES FOR FIREWOOD.

OTHER TREE LOTS -- WILL HAVE TO CHOP UP THE LEFT OVER TREES.

THEY'LL BE USED AS MULCH.

TOSS TO CLIFTON-OC

IT'S A CHRISTMAS TRADITION THAT'S ALMOST A CENTURY OLD!

AND IT HELPS HUNDREDS OF LOCAL KIDS EVERY YEAR

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY-VO IN PLASMA

FOR THE PAST 97 YEARS, THE DOCTOR ELLA PIPER CHRISTMAS PARTY HAS GIVEN TOYS AND GIFTS TO CHILDREN THROUGHOUT LEE COUNTY.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY-PKG

IT'S THE MORNING CHILDREN LOOK FORWARD TO ALL YEAR.

OPENING THOSE PRESENTS LEFT BY SANTA OVER NIGHT.

BUT IN FORT MYERS, 'OL SAINT NICK WAS PUTTING IN SOME OVERTIME.

FOR 9-YEAR-OLD J'ASIA RODREGUEZ. GETTING HER NEW BIKE FROM SANTA IS A DAY TO REMEMBER.

SOT: J'asia Rodreguez "It's excellent"

AND ALONG HER SIDE. A THANKFUL MOTHER.

SOT: Tonya Rodreguez "She wanted a bike, and she got a bike." "It's been tough. I mean this year has been really tough, but it is what it is and I'm thankful for it."

FOR THE PAST 97 YEARS, THE DR. ELLA PIPER CHRISTMAS PARTY, HAS BEEN HELPING NEEDY CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

THIS CHRISTMAS MORNING, NEARLY 400 CHILDREN, LIKE J'ASIA GOT THEIR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS RIGHT HERE.

AND WHILE THIS 9-YEAR-OLD IS EXCITED ABOUT HER SHINY NEW BIKE, SHE SAYS CHRISTMAS. MEANS MUCH MORE.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY-VO IN PLASMA

THE CHRISTMAS TRADITION HAS GROWN TO HELP HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN THROUGH THE PAST 97 YEARS.

POPE MESSAGE-VO

THE POPE IS CALLING FOR WORLD PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS.

HE DELIEVERED HIS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BLESSING TODAY IN VATICAN CITY.

THE POPE OFFERED SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN SYRIA. A SOLUTION TO THE MID EAST CRISIS. AND TOLERANCE IN CHINA.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN CHINA FACES OFFICIAL DISCRIMINATION FROM THE COUNTRY'S COMMUNIST LEADERS.

PORT CHARLOTTE METHODIST CHURCH-VO

AT A CHURCH IN PORT CHARLOTTE

NEARLY 12-HUNDRED PEOPLE ENJOYED A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MEAL ON THE HOUSE.

FOR THE 27TH YEAR, THE PORT CHARLOTTE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

HOSTED A FREE CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH ALL THE TRADITIONAL FIXINGS LIKE TURKEY, POTATOES, AND STUFFING.

ORGANIZERS SAY THE EVENT HAS GROWN OVER THE YEARS.

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

SOMETHING IN YOUR HOME USED TO STAY WARM COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO CHILDREN.

A) GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-VOTOPS

B) WEBSTER FIRE FOLO-VOTOPS

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

FORECAST-WXWALL

There's an old saying inspired by Mark Twain: if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes. Well, it was more like three days for us in Southwest Florida, and now we've got some changes coming our way just in time for Christmas.

After one of the coldest starts since January yesterday, temperatures will now swing in the other direction. As winds start to turn more southerly over the next couple days, the warmth will continue to build across Southwest Florida.

Daytime highs on this eve of Christmas are on track to warm into the mid to upper 70s this afternoon, which happens to be very close to average for this time of year. By Christmas Day, however, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average with highs climbing to the low 80s.

As far as rain chances are concerned, the forecast looks very dry for us through Christmas. The only thing we'll really be tracking in our sky is Rudolph, of course, and some thin sheets of clouds building in from the northwest. Cloud cover should be extensive enough through today to filter the sun at times, but we should at least see partial sunshine.

The clouds will thin out a bit more by tonight while temperatures cool down to the upper 50s by Christmas morning.

On Christmas Day, the warming trend rolls along with highs close to 80°. We'll also notice a slight uptick in humidity, but humidity levels shouldn't be too uncomfortable. Cloud cover won't be as widespread on Christmas Day, but we'll still see a nice mix of sun and clouds.

Wednesday will be the next our next weather system arrives. We'll see a chance of some scattered showers and even a few rumbles of thunder late Wednesday, and then some cooler weather moves in Thursday and Friday.

This next cool down won't be as substantial as the last one. Daytime highs will warm to the low to mid 70s, and overnight lows will cool to the mid to low 50s.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

IT'S A DIFFICULT CHRISTMAS FOR RESIDENTS IN NEWTOWN CONNECTICUT AFTER A SCHOOL SHOOTING.

BUT, HELP KEEPS POURING IN.

A) NEWTOWN CHRISTMAS-VO

HOLIDAY GREETINGS-SOT

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-OC

A WARNING FOR PARENTS TODAY.

A NEW DESIGN IN GAS FIREPLACES IS PUTTING YOUNG CHILDREN AT RISK FOR SERIOUS BURNS.

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-PKG

THIS IS SIGNEE WHELAN. SHE SUFFERED THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO HER HANDS WHEN SHE WAS JUST LEARNING TO STAND UP.

"We were scared, we were really scared. We realized this was something that wasn't going to go away."

SEAN WHELAN SAYS HIS DAUGHTER WAS ELEVEN MOTHS OLD WHEN SHE SCORCHED HER PALMS ON THE GAS FIREPLACE IN HER HOME.

A GAS FIREPLACE LIKE THIS ONE. IT'S A NEW DESIGN, WHERE THERE ARE GAS FLAMES, BUT NO DOORS. A SOLID GLASS PANEL SEPARATES THE FLAMES FROM THE ROOM. CLEAR AND BEAUTIFUL, BUT WHAT MANY PARENTS DON'T REALIZE IS JUST HOW HOT THE GLASS GETS. IN FACT THE SURFACE OF THE GLASS CAN EXCEED 500 DEGREES.

"Her entire palms and fingers were burned.

"We're put into an ambulance and then they took my daughter and I to the burn center."

SIGNE UNDERWENT NUMEROUS SURGERIES. AND SKIN GRAFTS.

"I was in view of the kids. We had gates on everything and I would have done the same thing with this appliance had I had a clue how dangerous it actually was."

PARENTS HAVE HAD TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM FIREPLACE BURNS FOR GENERATIONS. BUT THESE GLASS FRONT GAS FIREPLACES MAY APPEAR SAFER BECAUSE OF THE GLASS BARRIER. BUT JUST THE OPPOSITE. SIGNE IS NOT THE ONLY CHILD TO BE INJURED.

TEN-MONTH OLD LILA STEPHENS BURNED HER SMALL HANDS ON THE SAME KIND OF FIREPLACE, THIS ONE AT A RESORT IN WISCONSIN. SHE TOO UNDERWENT SKIN GRAFTS TO BOTH HANDS.

THE ONLINE PUBLICATION "FAIR WARNING" HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE AND HAS BEEN PUSHING GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY FOR A FIX. REGULATORS HAVE TAKEN NOTICE.

"These gas fireplaces are becoming ever more popular. We're seeing them both in the residential setting as well as hotels and motels."

THE U-S CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION SAYS IT KNOWS OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN SERIOUSLY BURNED.

"Serious enough that action was required and the industry has taken the action."

THE FIREPLACE INDUSTRY SAYS THERE ARE ABOUT ELEVEN MILLION OF THESE GLASS FRONT GAS FIREPLACES IN HOMES ACROSS THE U-S. AND AGREES ANYONE WHO USES THEM NEEDS TO KNOW THE DANGER.

"We want homeowners to realize that the glass does get really hot and you should make sure you have a barrier or make sure everybody that comes to your home aware that the glass does get really hot."

BEGINNING IN 2015 THE INDUSTRY WILL MANUFACTURE FIREPLACES WITH PROTECTIVE BARRIERS.

TODAY CONSUMERS CAN LOOK FOR A RETROFIT SCREEN OR BUY A CONVENTIONAL SCREEN TO PLACE IN FRONT OF THE GLASS.

TODAY SIGNE IS A VIBRANT THREE YEAR OLD. BUT HER HAND USE IS LIMITED TO ONLY 30 PERCENT.

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-OC

LIZ CRENSHAW REPORTING.

ONE MORE WORRY ABOUT THESE FIREPLACES, THEY COME WITH REMOTES.

TEASE THREE-OC

HE COMMITTED A CRIME 30 YEARS AGO.

BUT NOW A MAN IS MAKING AMENDS FOR SHOPLIFTING.

A) MAKING AMENDS-VO

MAKING AMENDS-OC

AN ANONYMOUS PERSON IS MAKING AMENDS ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HE OR SHE DID DECADES AGO.

AND IN DOING SO -- IT'S HELPING STRUGGLING FAMILIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

MAKING AMENDS-PKG

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. ONE SECOND. THIS STORY DOESN'T START OFF CUTE AND CUDDLY.

LETS GET THIS RIGHT.

IT ALL STARTED 3 DECADES AGO, AT A K-MART NOT SO FAR AWAY, WITH A VERY "GRINCH" LIKE DEED.

"A letter was sent to the Vice President of the company about a customer that shop lifted some items 30 years ago."

THIS FORMER THIEF MADE OFF WITH CLOSE TO 200 DOLLARS WORTH OF MERCHANDISE, HOWEVER LAST WEEK A LETTER ARRIVED, WITH AN APOLOGY AND A MONEY ORDER FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS.

"I think that's great, that's a good way to start out the year. I mean it's bad they stole whatever it was they stole but it's good they sent in a check, showing they apologized for what they did."

KMART ALSO APPRECIATED THE APOLOGY AND HAS CHOSEN TO TAKE THAT MONEY AND DONATE IT TO FAMILIES THIS CHRISTMAS WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY OFF ITEMS IN LAYAWAY.

"I think it's great, everybody needs some help. I mean I've had somebody help me recently and it's a very big blessing."

BUT THERE IS ONE MORE THING, THIS FORMER THIEF NEEDS FROM US TO COMPLETE THIS CHRISTMAS STORY.

FORGIVENESS.

MAKING AMENDS-OC

ERIK ZARNITZ REPORTING.

TEASE FOUR-2SHOT

THERE ARE PLENTY OF MOUTHS TO FEED THIS CHRISTMAS.

4 this makes you appreciate more what you have

A) SALVATION ARMY MEALS-SOTVO

CRASH-NAVI-VO

BREAKING NEWS OUT OF LEE COUNTY.

RIGHT NOW -- PART OF A BUSY ROAD IS SHUT DOWN IN FORT MYERS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT THERE.

LET'S TAKE A MAP TO PIN-POINT THIS LOCATION FOR YOU.

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

SALVATION ARMY MEALS-2 SHOT

HELPING THOSE IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS.

TODAY THE SALVATION ARMY SERVED FOOD TO HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES IN FORT MYERS.

SALVATION ARMY MEALS-PKG

The spirit of Christmas comes alive at the Salvation Army.

Nat

It's dining room is packed with people, like christian radecki, grateful to enjoy a hot meal this holiday.

Sound -

Christian radecki / fort myers

34:21 it's nice I recently moved here from New Jersey and I am starting all over.

Volunteer Sharon Bugler spent christmas morning in the kitchen.

26:07 it's something we've been meaning to do for a few years. We never got round to do it. It's something that's been laid on our hearts a long while.

A big surprise for guests this year -

The sweet treats donated by a famous southwest Florida chocolatier.

Sound - Norman love, owner norman love confections.

32:57 I hope everyone will enjoy it. They didn't know I was bringing that I don't tell anyone. I just filled the back of my car when we closed.

Stuart boardman has worked in the kitchen, prepping for the meal, for four years.

Stuart boardman / cook

21:19 the number of people has gotten to be a lot more. The last year was a little more than the year before and I suspect this year will be more than that.

this year, the salvation army was prepared with food for more than 600 people.

That's up 15 percent from last year.

A number bugler realizes is too big.

Sharon -

28:14 this makes you appreciate more what you have. We're very blessed. We have so much compared to so many people.

radecki is just blessed to be surrounded with kindness this Christmas.

SALVATION ARMY MEALS-OC

THE SALVATION ARMY IS STILL STRUGGLING TO MEET ITS ANNUAL RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN GOAL.

RIGHT NOW IT'S REACHED 70 PERCENT.

BIG CORKSCREW FD GIFTS-VO.WIPE

SOME LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS SPENT THE DAY PLAYING SANTA!

BIG CORKSCREW FIRE BOUGHT GIFTS AND DELIVERED THEM TO FAMILIES WHO NEEDED A LITTLE BOOST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE KIDS GOT EVERYTHING FROM TOYS TO CLOTHES AND EVEN GIFT CARDS.

BIG CORKSCREW FD GIFTS-SOTVO

"It's hard to explain but I feel like really excited to have all these presents."

"Christmas isn't all about giving presents it's about care and joy and caring for others."

THE FIREFIGHTERS SAY THIS IS A SMALL WAY THEY CAN GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY--

WEBSTER FIRE SHOOTING FOLO-VO

FIRST AT FOUR.

NEW DETAILS ABOUT THE MAN WHO LURED FIREFIGHTERS BY SETTING A FIRE AND THEN OPENING FIRE ON THEM.

POLICE SAY 62-YEAR-OLD EX CONVICT WILLIAM SPENGLER LEFT A TYPEWRITTEN NOTE.

IT SAID HE WANTED TO BURN DOWN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND "DO WHAT I LIKE DOING BEST, KILLING PEOPLE."

THEY SAY SPENGLER SHOT FOUR FIREFIGHTERS MONDAY WHEN THEY WENT TO HIS HOME IN WEBSTER, NEW YORK TO RESPOND TO THE FIRE.

TWO FIREFIGHTERS WERE KILLED.

TWO OTHERS WERE WOUNDED.

AFTER EXCHANGING GUNFIRE WITH POLICE, SPENGLER KILLED HIMSELF.

NY VIGIL FOR FIREFIGHTERS-VOTOPS

A VIGIL WAS HELD IN WEBSTER, NEW YORK FOR THE TWO FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN THAT AMBUSH.

PEOPLE LIT CANDLES FOR MICHAEL CHIAPPERINI AND TOMASZ KACZOWKA LAST NIGHT.

NEWTOWN CHRISTMAS-VO

POLICE OFFICERS FROM OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE ON DUTY TODAY IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT.

IT'S SO NEWTOWN OFFICERS CAN HAVE CHRISTMAS DAY OFF.

20 CHILDREN AND SIX ADULTS WERE KILLED 11 DAYS AGO IN A MASS SHOOTING AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN NEWTOWN.

KAZAHSTAN PLANE CRASH-OC

FIRST AT FOUR.

DOZENS OF PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A

MILITARY PLANE CRASHED IN KAZAKHSTAN TODAY.

TWENTY BORDER GUARDS AND SEVEN CREW MEMBERS WERE ON BOARD.

ALL OF THEM WERE KILLED.

THIS INCLUDES THE ACTING HEAD OF THE EX-SOVIET NATION'S BORDER PROTECTION SERVICE.

AZ PLANE FIRE-VOTOPS

A SCARY SITUATION IN THE SKIES.

A SMALL FIRE BREAKS OUT ON A U-S AIRWAYS FLIGHT FROM PHOENIX TO VANCOUVER.

YOU CAN SEE FIREFIGHTERS SPRAYING THE PLANE TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES.

AN AIRLINE SPOKESWOMAN SAID THE TAIL OF THE PLANE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE PILOTS STARTED A SMALL ENGINE UNDERNEATH IT.

THE PLANE WAS SCHEDULED TO FLY TO VANCOUVER.

IT WAS PARKED AT THE GATE AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE.

OK PILEUP-VO

AT LEAST 20 CARS WERE INVOLVED IN PILEUP ON THE INTERSTATE IN OKLAHOMA CITY THIS CHRISTMAS.

IT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE THREE THIS MORNING. AS FREEZING RAIN FELL OVERNIGHT.

MORE THAN A DOZEN CARS AND AT LEAST THREE TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE ALL INVOLVED

12 PEOPLE WERE HURT.

GEORGE HW BUSH HOSPITALIZED-VO

FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH IS SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN THE HOSPITAL.

HE'S BEEN HOSPITALIZED SINCE THANKSGIVING. SUFFERING FROM BRONCHITIS.

BUT YESTERDAY HE DEVELOPED A FEVER.

HIS DOCTORS SAY THEY ARE "CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC" THAT GEORGE H.W. BUSH WILL RECOVER.

NELSON MANDELA HEALTH UPDATE-VOTOPS

FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA IS ALSO SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN THE HOSPITAL.

HE'S SPENT THE PAST TWO WEEKS THERE -- BEING TREATED FOR A LUNG INFECTION.

MANDELA ALSO HAD AN OPERATION TO REMOVE GALLSTONES.

AFGHANISTAN TROOPS CHRISTMAS-VO

U.S. TROOPS AT FORWARD OPERATING BASE LIGHTNING IN AFGHANISTAN GOT A TASTE OF THE HOLIDAY TODAY.

LEADERSHIP PERSONNEL SERVED A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MEAL FOR TROOPS.

THEY CARVED TURKEY AND PROVIDED OTHER HOLIDAY FAVORITES TO THE SOUNDS OF SOME FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TUNES.

MILITARY DRINKING POLICY-OC

FIRST AT FOUR

A NEW ANTI-DRINKING POLICY WILL GO INTO EFFECT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR FOR THE MILITARY.

STARTING JANUARY 1-ST -- ANY MARINE OR SAILOR WITH A BLOOD-ALCOHOL LEVEL OF.01 PERCENT OR HIGHER MAY BE REFERRED FOR COUNSELING.

ANYONE WHO TESTS AT.04 PERCENT OR HIGHER WILL BE REFERRED TO MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO DETERMINE FITNESS FOR DUTY.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY-VO

THERE'S EVIDENCE CHILDHOOD OBESITY IS DECLINING AMONG THOSE MOST AT RISK.

A DATA ANALYSIS FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION FOCUSED ON 2- TO 4-YEAR OLD CHILDREN WHOSE FAMILIES WERE ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED NUTRITION PROGRAMS.

THE DATA SHOW THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND EXTREME OBESITY DECREASED SLIGHTLY BETWEEN 2003 AND 2010.

THIS WAS AFTER ANNUAL INCREASES SINCE 1998.

SMARTPHONE SKINCARE-VO

YOU CAN HAVE BEAUTIFUL SKIN BY JUST USING YOUR SMARTPHONE.

THE JAPANESE COMPANY "FUJITSU" HAS DEVELOPED A SYSTEM THAT USES A PHONE TO ANALYZE THE CONDITION OF A PERSON'S SKIN.

USERS CAN PUT A "COLOR REFERENCE CHART" ALONGSIDE THEIR FACE AND TAKE PHOTOS WITH THEIR SMARTPHONE.

THE SOFTWARE IS ABLE TO RATE THE USER'S SKIN CONDITION AND ANALYZE BLEMISHES AND PORES.

HEALTH MATTERS-ONCAM

WE MAY NOT LIKE TO THINK ABOUT SICKNESS OR DISEASE THIS TIME OF YEAR- BUT IT'S A REALITY FOR MANY, HOLIDAYS OR NOT.

FOR ONE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GIRL, THIS SEASON MARKS A VICTORY OVER CANCER.

THE CELEBRATION WAS SPREAD ACROSS THE INTERNET.

HEALTH MATTERS-PKG

FOR NEARLY HALF HER LIFE, FIVE YEAR OLD CALI RUSSELL LIVED UNDER A GRAY CLOUD.

THOUGH HER SUNNY DISPOSITION NEVER SHOWED IT.

NAT FROM MOM PUSHING CALIE ON SWING

RUNS:

CALIE IS ONE OF 29-HUNDRED KIDS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR WITH Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

MINDY RUSSELL/DAUGHTER BEAT LEUKEMIA

RUNS:

:43 She was barely 3 years old when she was diagnosed. Finding out the news was really hard and we knew we had a long road ahead.

DR. EMAD SALMAN/PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST

RUNS:

10:24 Primarily the treatment method of choice is chemotherapy. It goes into your blood stream, whether we give it by mouth or we give it IV or as a shot and it covers everywhere.

THE RUSSELL'S JOURNEY LED TO THE GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

DR. EMAD SALMAN/PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST

RUNS:

5:48 If a child is diagnosed with cancer and they're here in Fort Myers or they are in Boston or they're in Seattle or San Diego, they will be treated exactly the same way.

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

Leukemia is the most common cancer found in childhood.

Because of it's frequency doctors have been able to craft a long-term treatment protocol. It's successful 90% of the time.

MINDY RUSSELL/DAUGHTER BEAT LEUKEMIA

RUNS:

1:13 The first year and a half included intrathecal chemotherapy which is in her

spine, blood work almost weekly, oral chemotherapy, oral antibiotics, other IV antibiotics. 3:53 She was taking 15 pills.

WE FOLLOWED CALIE THROUGHOUT HER TREATMENT. IT WAS LONG AND GRUELING. THREE AND HALF YEARS FOR BOYS AND TWO AND A HALF YEARS FOR GIRLS. A MILESTONE CALIE RECENTLY REACHED.

MINDY RUSSELL/DAUGHTER BEAT LEUKEMIA

RUNS:

3:25 We finally found out the date was November 1st so we started countdowns because

the light at the end of the tunnel was finally there.

THE MILESTONE WAS TOO MONUMENTAL TO KEEP TO THEMSELVES. SO MINDY POSTED THIS PICTURE ON FACEBOOK:

MINDY RUSSELL

:13 I put the date, put a picture of her bald:15 and I posted it on the Ellen Degeneres facebook page, just to share our good news with everybody and it went viral.

LIKE LIGHTNING- IT GOT 843-THOUSAND LIKES.

MINDY RUSSELL/DAUGHTER BEAT LEUKEMIA

RUNS:

3:25 It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from our shoulders, it felt really really good to finally reach our success

A SENTIMENT SECONDED BY CALIE.

CALIE & AMY

RUNS:

1:04: Amy: Well I bet you don't want to see another pill for a long time. Calie: No gross I would want to throw it away in the trash.

DR. EMAD SALMAN/PEDIATRIC

ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST

RUNS:

18:29 When we say she's in remission it means, with the best tests available today, we cant find any evidence of the cancer

IT TAKES YEARS OF LIVING CANCER FREE BEFORE DOCTORS CAN SAY CALIE'S CURED. BUT THIS CHRISTMAS PROMISES TO BE THEIR BEST EVER.

MINDY RUSSELL/DAUGHTER BEAT LEUKEMIA

RUNS:

4:47 Absolutely this will be our third Christmas since being diagnosed. Last year she was

actually in the hospital at Christmas Eve.

SO THE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE INFECTIOUS PERSONALITY- IS READY TO DANCE OFF INTO THE SUNSET.

CALIE & AMY

RUNS:

1:17: Well congratulations, can I get a high five? Slap

RETURN POLICIES-VO.WIPE

IF YOU'RE HEADED TO THE STORES TOMORROW TO RETURN GIFTS, LISTEN UP.

MAKING THOSE RETURNS MAY BE MORE COMPLICATED THIS YEAR.

SOME POLICES ARE CHANGING.

STORES ARE CREATING NEWS RULES --CATEGORIZING RETURNS.

TARGET IS ONE.

IT'S TIGHTENED ITS RETURN POLICY.

YOU ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS INSTEAD OF 45 TO RETURN ELECTRONICS.

AT SEARS-- THE "EXTENDED HOLIDAY RETURN PERIOD" HAS BEEN SHORTENED.

SOME GIFTS MUST BE RETURNED BY JANUARY 24TH.

RETURN POLICIES-SOT-OC

"58:40 we dont really return anything unless its broke 58:42 58:57 common sense would say do not go the day after christmas definitely not 59:01

BE CAREFUL --OPENING PRESENTS.

SOME STORES WILL CHARGE A RESTOCKING FEE IF THE BOX IS TORN.

SEARS CHARGES 15 PERCENT AND OVERSTOCK DOT COM CAN CHARGE UP TO 60 PERCENT.

TEASE FIVE-ONCAM

IF YOU'RE HEADED TO THE MOVIES TONIGHT, EXPECT SOME LINES.

SOME MAJOR FILMS WITH OSCAR BUZZ ARE NOW PLAYING.

WE'LL HAVE A BOX OFFICE PREVIEW.

PLUS.ANOTHER MAJOR HOLLYWOOD DEATH TODAY.

A) CHRISTMAS MOVIES-VO

B) CHARLES DURNING DIES-VOTOPS

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

HOLIDAY GREETING-SOT

ALL NEW AHEAD AT 5:00-CLIP

PAUSE FOR AHEAD AT 5:00 CLIP

DID YOU BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR?

YOU WOUDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL BY LOOKING AT TREE LOTS TONIGHT.

LIVE AT FIVE,

THOSE LOTS REMAIN FULL - AND OWNERS ARE LOSING MONEY.

PLUS THIS,

You know on Christmas Day there's a lot of people at family's house. They've got to get home eventually.

CHRISTMAS AT A COST FOR TRAVELERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WINTER WEATHER SETS IN.

A) XMAS TREES-VOTOPS

B) WINTER WX WOES-SOTVO

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

FORECAST-WXWALL

There's an old saying inspired by Mark Twain: if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes. Well, it was more like three days for us in Southwest Florida, and now we've got some changes coming our way just in time for Christmas.

After one of the coldest starts since January yesterday, temperatures will now swing in the other direction. As winds start to turn more southerly over the next couple days, the warmth will continue to build across Southwest Florida.

Daytime highs on this eve of Christmas are on track to warm into the mid to upper 70s this afternoon, which happens to be very close to average for this time of year. By Christmas Day, however, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average with highs climbing to the low 80s.

As far as rain chances are concerned, the forecast looks very dry for us through Christmas. The only thing we'll really be tracking in our sky is Rudolph, of course, and some thin sheets of clouds building in from the northwest. Cloud cover should be extensive enough through today to filter the sun at times, but we should at least see partial sunshine.

The clouds will thin out a bit more by tonight while temperatures cool down to the upper 50s by Christmas morning.

On Christmas Day, the warming trend rolls along with highs close to 80°. We'll also notice a slight uptick in humidity, but humidity levels shouldn't be too uncomfortable. Cloud cover won't be as widespread on Christmas Day, but we'll still see a nice mix of sun and clouds.

Wednesday will be the next our next weather system arrives. We'll see a chance of some scattered showers and even a few rumbles of thunder late Wednesday, and then some cooler weather moves in Thursday and Friday.

This next cool down won't be as substantial as the last one. Daytime highs will warm to the low to mid 70s, and overnight lows will cool to the mid to low 50s.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

CHRISTMAS MOVIES-OC

SOME BIG MOVIES HIT THE BOX OFFICE TODAY.

AND THERE'S SOME DEFINITE OSCAR CONTENDERS IN THIS GROUP OF CHRISTMAS RELEASES

THEY INCLUDE A COMEDY. A MUSICAL. AND SOMETHING IN A CATEGORY ALL IT'S OWN!

CHRISTMAS MOVIES-PKG

A-LISTERS ABOUND IN "PARENTAL GUIDANCE".

nat pop

BETTE MIDLER TEAMING UP WITH BILLY CRYSTAL AS AN OLD SCHOOL GRANDPA GOING

TOE-TO-TOE WITH HIS 21ST CENTURY GRANDKIDS AND THEIR UPTIGHT PARENTS!

extended sot

IT'S A NEW TAKE ON THE STORY OF A MODERN FAMILY.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS RATED P-G.

nats - singing "i had a dream"

A STAGE SENSATION FOR DECADES, THE MUSICAL LES MISERABLES ARRIVES TODAY ON

THE SILVER SCREEN. SOME OF HOLLYWOOD'S BIGGEST NAMES. LENDING THEIR

VOICES TO THE FILM VERSION OF THIS EPIC.

nat pop

VICTOR HUGO'S CLASSIC STORY OF BROKEN DREAMS, SACRIFICE, REDEMPTION. TOLD

IN A WAY PAST VERSIONS NEVER COULD-

extended sot

LES MISERABLES IS RATED PG-13.

"I'm Jango"

"The D is silent"

JAMIE FOXX IS JANGO UNCHAINED - THE STAR OF THIS CIVIL WAR-ERA ADVENTURE BY

QUENTIN TARANTINO.

nat pop

JANGO IS A FREED SLAVE WHO TEAMS UP WITH A FUGITIVE HUNTER -CHRISTOPH VALTZ-

TO CAPTURE THE MOST WANTED MEN IN THE SOUTH-

nat pop

BUT JANGO NEVER LOSES SIGHT OF HIS REAL PLAN. TO RESCUE HIS WIFE PLAYED BY

KERRY WASHINGTON.

SHE'S BEEN SOLD TO A RUTHLESS PLANTATION OWNER PLAYED BY LEONARDO DICAPRIO.

.

nat pop

JANGO'S DARING PLOT TO SAVE HIS WIFE - SPOILED BY THE SCEMING SAMUEL L

JACKSON!

JACK KLUGMAN DIES-VO

HOLLYWOOD IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF TWO GIANTS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD.

TV, FILM AND STAGE ACTOR JACK KLUGMAN DIED YESTERDAY IN LOS ANGELES.

HE WAS 90 YEARS OLD.

CHARLES DURNING DIES-VOTOPS

CHARLES DURNING ALSO PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY.

THE TWO-TIME OSCAR NOMINEE DIED AT HIS HOME IN MANHATTAN.

DURNING EARNED AN OSCAR NOMINATION FOR HIS ROLE AS AN OVER-THE-TOP, COMICALLY CORRUPT GOVERNOR IN 19-82'S "THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS."

HE WAS ALSO NOMINATED FOR

HIS PORTRAYAL OF A BUMBLING NAZI OFFICER IN MEL BROOKS' "TO BE OR NOT TO BE."

QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS ADDRESS-SOTVO

QUEEN ELIZABETH REFLECTED BACK ON HER 60 YEARS ON THE THRONE IN HER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ADDRESS.

"This past year has been one of great celebration for many. The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.

THE QUEEN TALKED ABOUT SEVERAL KEY EVENTS THIS YEAR IN LONDON , INCLUDING THE OLYMPICS.

IT WAS ALSO A FIRST THIS YEAR FOR HER ADDRESS.

ROYAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS-VO

BEFORE HER ADDRESS AIRED, THE ROYAL FAMILY ATTENDED CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH SERVICES.

QUEEN ELIZABETH WAS ACCOMPANIED BY TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS AS SHE ARRIVED AT ST. MARY MAGDELENE CHURCH.

HER HUSBAND. PRINCE PHILIP. WALKED FROM THE HOUSE TO THE CHURCH WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY.

THERE WERE A FEW NOTABLE ABSENCES.

PRINCE WILLIAM IS SPENDING THE HOLIDAY WITH HIS PREGNANT WIFE KATE AND HIS IN-LAWS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND.

BO JUMPS ON MICHELLE OBAMA-NATSVO

THE FIRST DOG STOLE THE SPOTLIGHT AT AN EVENT WITH MICHELLE OBAMA.

nats of the dog jumping on her

BO, THE OBAMA FAMILY DOG DECIDED TO JUMP ON THE FIRST LADY'S LAP WHILE SHE WAS READING TO PATIENTS AT THE CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IN WASHINGTON RECENTLY."

TEASE SIX

A PIZZA DELIVERY DRIVER IS THE VICTIM OF A BRUTAL ARMED ROBBERY.

BUT HIS DEATH IS EXTENDING OTHER LIVES THIS CHRISTMAS.

A) DONOR SON-VO

FOUR AT FOUR-CGTOPS

DONOR SON-TFC CTR

WHILE FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE GATHERING TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAY, ONE SOUTH CAROLINA MOTHER IS WITHOUT HER SON THIS CHRISTMAS.

BUT SHE'S NOT LETTING THAT BRING HER DOWN HER SPIRITS THIS CHRISTMAS.

SHE IS CELEBRATING THE FACT HE SAVED THE LIVES OF FOUR PEOPLE, EVEN THOUGH HIS LIFE ENDED.

DONOR SON-PKG

THESE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MAURALEEUS GARDNER BIRDSONG TELL A LITTLE ABOUT THE LIFE HE LIVED.

A FRIENDLY COLLEGE STUDENT WORKING PART TIME WITH PLANS OF ATTENDING THE CITADEL.

THOSE DREAMS WOULD NEVER BE REALIZED.

AT THE AGE OF 20 HIS HEART STOPPED BEATING AFTER BEING FATALLY SHOT IN THE HEAD WHILE DELIVERING PIZZA. IT HAPPENED BACK IN MARCH.

HIS MOTHER, TERESA GARDNER, MET THE MAN WHO NOW LIVES AFTER RECEIVING MAURALEEUS'S HEART THROUGH ORGAN DONATION.

MAURALEEUS'S GIFT OF LIFE SAVED 4 LIVES. HIS LIVER, PANCREAS, KIDNEYS WERE ALL DONATED. SO WERE HIS EYES AND HEART.

AND THROUGH THE MIRACLE OF MEDICINE AND A GIFT OF FAITH HIS MOTHER HEARD HIS HEART BEAT AGAIN.

"One of the things that he said was that he didn't really have a heart beat after he got the new heart which I listened to when we walked in I put my ear to his chest and heard a perfect little heartbeat so that was both exciting and sad."

AT A RARE MEETING FOR MAURALEEUS'S FAMILY, THE TRANSPLANT TEAM, PATIENTS AND SUPPORTERS, GARDNER EXPLAINED IT WAS MAURALEEUS WHO MADE THE DECISION WHEN HE GOT HIS SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVERS LICENSE TO BE ON THE REGISTRY FOR ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION.

"When Morealleus came and got his license in South Carolina he did it on his own and became an organ and tissue donor, and we are very proud"

"Many donor families are struck with a death so unexpectedly a tragedy in their life and from that the only bright spot many times they can see is that in their tragedy they are able to help someone else. Their loved one is able to help someone else."

AS A RESULT OF A GRANT FUNDED BY THE COMPANY THAT PROVIDES THE ORGAN PRESERVATIVE SOLUTION MAURALEEUS'S MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WILL BE A PART OF THE DONATE LIFE ROSE PARADE, THE FIRST TIME A LOW COUNTRY RESIDENT HAS BEEN HONORED IN THIS WAY.

GOODBYE-2SHOT

END TIME-CREDITS