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HL1) MINIMUM WAGE-VOTOPS

WORKERS WILL SEE A PAY INCREASE, SOON.

BUT IS THE PAY HIKE ENOUGH?

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) EMAIL SCAM-TRX-VOTOPS

PLUS --

WE HAVE A SCAM ALERT FOR ALL YOU EMAIL USERS.

AND IT COULD BE BLENDING IN WITH YOUR REGULAR MESSEGES.

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

GOOD MORNING-OC-TRX

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CREWSWELL.

TODAY IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30-TH.

LEHIGH STRUCTURE FIRE-NAVI

NEW RIGHT NOW --

AN EARLY MORNING FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH A HOME IN LEHIGH ACRES.

FIREGIHTERS BATTLED INTENSE FLAMES SHOOTING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE HOME ON MORNING MIST LANE.

THAT'S JUST OFF HOMESTEAD ROAD.

CREWS GOT THE CALL AROUND 3 THIS MORNING.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY THE HOUSE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

CENTRAL AVE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS

ALSO NEW --

FIREFIGHTERS ARE STILL ON SCENE OF A FIRE THAT SWEPT THROUGH A LAFAYETTE STREET HOME THIS MORNING.

THEY PULLED THESE DOGS - INCLUDING TWO PIT BULLS - FROM THE HOME IN THE 23-HUNDRED BLOCK OF LAFAYETTE.

POLICE WERE CALLED THE SCENE NEAR CENTRAL AND LAFAYETTE JUST AFTER 4 THIS MORNING.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND-SS-NAVI-SS

ALL NEW FROM OVERNIGHT --

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES HAVE IDENTIFIED A BODY -- FOUND IN LEHIGH ACRES ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

THIS MORNING, THEY'RE CALLING IT AN ACTIVE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION.

LAST NIGHT -- DEPUTIES IDENTIFIED THE BODY AS 26-YEAR-OLD GREGORY CAMEO MATHEWS --

THEY SAY -- A PERSON WALKING IN THE AREA NEAR HEDGEWOOD STREET AND MEADOW ROAD IN LEHIGH -- SAW THE REMAINS.

HE THEN WENT BACK ON CHRISTMAS MORNING TO CONFIRM WHAT HE SAW.

WE CHECKED -- AND MATHEWS HAS AN EXTENSIVE RECORD WITH THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

HE WAS MOST RECENTLY BOOKED IN JUNE FOR POSSESION OF MARIJUANA.

FOR NOW, THERE'S NO SUSPECTS IN HIS DEATH.

DEPUTIES SAY, THEY NEED YOUR HELP FINDING THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE.

6:02 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:02 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE-TRX-VO

ALSO NEW, THIS MORNING.

FLORIDA'S MINIMUM WAGE IS GOING UP --

BUT IT'S NOT A BIG JUMP.

STARTING TUESDAY -- MINIMUM WAGE WILL INCREASE TO 7-DOLLARS-AND-79-CENTS.

THAT BREAKS DOWN TO AN EXTRA 12-CENTS-AN HOUR OR ABOUT 5-DOLLARS A WEEK.

THIS WILL IMPACT MANY PROFESSIONS --

LIKE DRIVERS, HOUSEKEEPERS, AND ESPECIALLY THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE-SOTVO

Daniel Kearns, Ford's Garage

16:05 "It's going to hurt our business along with smaller businesses as well because our cost of labor is going to go up a little bit. However, in my opinion it's going to be good for the economy because it's going to put more money in the employee's pockets."

FINANCIAL EXPERTS SAY IT'S NOT ALL GOOD NEWS.

THERE ARE SEVEN-POINT-FOUR MILLION EMPLOYED WORKERS IN FLORIDA.

STOLEN GUNS RECOVERED-ONCAM

A MAJOR VICTORY FOR CAPE CORAL POLICE, THIS MORNING --

AFTER THEY SUCESSFULLY TOOK SEVERAL STOLEN GUNS OFF THE STREETS.

STOLEN GUNS RECOVERED-(3) SS

TAKE A LOOK.

THESE ARE POLICE PHOTOS OF THE GUNS THEY FOUND.

THEY BELIEVE THESE ASSAULT STYLE WEAPONS WERE TAKEN IN A NORTH FORT MYERS ROBBERY THURSDAY.

STOLEN GUNS RECOVERED-VOTOPS

HERE'S A LOOK AT SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THAT ROBBERY IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

STOLEN GUNS RECOVERED-CG TOPS - OC

LT. SIZEMORE WITH CAPE P-D TOLD NBC2 --

"GETTING DANGEROUS WEAPONS OUT OF THE HANDS OF VIOLENT CRIMINALS IS A TOP PRIORITY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA LAW ENFORCEMENT.

OUR AGENCIES ARE WORKING HARD AT THIS MOMENT TO DO JUST THAT AND KEEP THIS COMMUNITY SAFE."

NEIGHBORS WE TALKED TO IN THE COMMUNITY ARE RELIEVED ---

WINTER WEATHER-VO

EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONTINUES, ACROSS A LARGE PORTION OF THE COUNTRY, THIS MORNING.

THE WINTER STORM HAS BLANKETED MUCH OF THE NORTHEAST --

IT'S THE SECOND STORM TO HIT THE REGION IN LESS THAN A WEEK.

IN SEVERAL CITIES -- DRIVERS WERE HAVING TROUBLE IN THE DEEP SNOW.

FORECASTERS CALLED FOR UP TO EIGHT INCHES IN PENNSYVANIA.

FISCAL CLIFF-OC

NOW HEADING TO WASHINGTON --

LEADERS IN THE SENATE HAVE JUST HOURS TO STRIKE A DEAL -- BEFORE WE GO OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER WERE UNABLE TO REACH A COMPROMISE.

SO NOW, IT'S UP TO SENATE LEADERS.

THEY HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY TO AVOID TAXES AND SPENDING CUTS -- THAT COULD SEND THE ECONOMY BACK INTO RECESSION.

FISCAL CLIFF-PKG

AS SENATE LEADERS WERE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

MAPPING OUT AN ESCAPE FROM THE FISCAL CLIFF.

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND REPUBLICANS ISSUED DUELING MESSAGES ON THE WEB.

"We just cant afford a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy. The economy's growing. But keeping it that way means folks you sent to Washington have to do their jobs."

IF THE NATION GOES OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF NEXT TUESDAY - EACH SIDE SAYS THE OTHER'S TO BLAME.

Missouri:26 -:37

"We still can avoid going over the fiscal cliff if the president and the Democrat-controlled Senate step forward this week and work with Republicans to solve this problem and solve it now."

ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. UNCERTAINTY IS IN THE AIR.

"It's not a matter of am I going to pay my light bill or not. It's a matter of it's going to deplete my savings."

"Even if the impact itself isn't real, the perceived impact could cause us to have a drop off in sales."

GETTING A DEAL IS UP TO THE SENATE'S TOP DEMOCRAT AND TOP REPUBLICAN.

Kentucky:59 - 1:09

"We are engaged in discussions the Majority Leader myself in the White House in hopes that we can come forward as early as Sunday and have a recommendation."

Nevada 1:10 - 1:16

"Whatever we come up with is going to be imperfect some people aren't going to like it some people are going to like it less but that's where we are."

MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID AND MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL SAY THEY'RE CONFIDENT THEY CAN FIND A COMPROMISE.

BUT THEN THEY HAVE TO SELL IT TO HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER AND HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS BEFORE MONDAY NIGHT'S DEADLINE.

FISCAL CLIFF-OC

DEMOCRATS ARE ALREADY PREPARING A BACKUP PLAN IF COMPROMISE DOESN'T WORK.

OBAMA MEET THE PRESS-VOTOPS

NBC-2 IS FOLLOWING EACH AND EVERY DEVELOPMENT IN THIS STORY -- AND YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO BRING YOU THE LATEST.

MEANWHILE -- YOU CAN CATCH AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA THIS MORNING, RIGHT HERE ON NBC-2.

"MEET THE PRESS" HOST DAVID GREGORY SITS DOWN WITH THE PRESIDENT.

GHW BUSH OUT OF ICU-VO

GOOD NEWS FOR FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H-W BUSH.

DOCTORS SAY, HIS CONDITION HAS IMPROVED -- AND HE'S BEING MOVED OUT OF AN INTERSIVE CARE UNIT, IN HOUSTON.

DOCTORS WERE INITIALLY TREATING HIM FOR BRONCHITIS AND A COUGH.

HE WAS PREPARING TO GO HOME UNTIL HE DEVELOPED A FEVER AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS LAST WEEK.

FLORIDA VOTERS DISCOURAGED-TRX-VO

NEW THIS MORNING --

AN OHIO STATE RESEARCHER SAYS NEARLY 50-THOUSAND FLORIDA VOTERS WERE DISCOURAGED FROM CASTING THEIR BALLOTS THIS NOVEMBER.

MANY TURNED AWAY AFTER SPENDING HOURS IN LINE OR SIMPLY DIDN'T TURN OUT KNOWING THEY'D HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG.

THE RESEARCHER ANALYIZED DATA COMPILED BY THE ORLANDO SENTINEL.

SWFL RED TIDE-VO

WE'RE FOLLOWING RED TIDE -- AND ITS AFFECTS, HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION'S LATEST RED TIDE REPORT SHOWS DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE BLOOM IN AREAS ALONG SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S COAST.

IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY-

DEAD FISH STARTED WASHING ASHORE FRIDAY ON ENGLEWOOD BEACH.

IN COLLIER COUNTY.

NO DEAD FISH, BUT A SIGN AT BAREFOOT BEACH WARNS BEACHGOERS RED TIDE IS THERE.

FORECAST TODAY'S DAYPLANNER-WX GFX

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

BREAK ONE AT 6:09:30

6:12 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:12 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

SPORTS WRAP-PKG

POT ENTREPRENEURS-OC

2012 CAN BE REFERENCED AS THE FIRST YEAR TWO U-S STATES SUCESSFULLY VOTED AND APPROVED RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA.

NOW, SOME ENTREPRENEURS ARE SEEING POT AS A GROWTH INDUSTRY.

THEY CALL IT THE GREEN RUSH.

BUT HERE'S THE BIG ISSUE -- HOW WILL THE GOVERNMENT RESPOND

POT ENTREPRENEURS-PKG

PKG --

In Seattle, entrepreneur Brendan Kennedy is putting his Yale M-B-A to work at what's apparently the nation's first private equity firm focused solely on marijuana.

. counting on the growing acceptance of it -- first for medical and now recreational use -- to fuel a boom:

"It's an industry that's in desperate need of professionalism."

His group's maiden effort is this website, a subscription-only service offering reader reviews of hundreds of different strains of marijuana, along with where to get them:

"It's a chance to create an entire new industry. You don't get opportunities like that many times in your lifetime. Everything will be created from scratch."

One study says the marijuana market is worth two-billion dollars a year and could reach 9 billion in five years, eventually doubling to 20 billion.

But there's a huge catch. Growing, selling, and using marijuana is still against FEDERAL law.

As a result, banks won't do business with the marijuana trade.

No checking accounts, no convenient way to pay salaries.

. and no ability to accept credit cards, since they're controlled by banks.

And no one in the marijuana industry can DEDUCT expenses from their federal taxes, as any other business can.

"The federal government has a long history of being very, very opposed to marijuana, and I don't think that's going to change so easily. And so you could start in on this, and find out it's years or decades before it's a legal product."

"Justice Department lawyers will soon decide whether to sue the marijuana states. The government is waiting to see how the new recreational laws actually work and what effect they'll have on the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico.

"We have treaty obligations out, with nations outside the United States. There are a whole variety of things that have to go into the determination that we are in the process of making."

TOSS TO BREAK-1SHOT

PETE WILLIAMS REPORTING

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

BREAK TWO AT 6:19:30

6:22 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:22 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

BIZ WEEK AHEAD-OC

TAKING A LOOK AT YOUR BUSINESS HEADLINES --

BIZ WEEK AHEAD-PKG

WE'LL BE RINGING OUT THE OLD AND RINGING IN THE NEW THIS WEEK, AND WOULD THAT WE COULD TOSS OUT THE TERM "FISCAL CLIFF" ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE YEAR'S BAGGAGE, BUT IT'LL BE A WHILE YET BEFORE WE SEE HOW TAXES AND SPENDING FINALLY SHAKE OUT.

MONDAY WILL BE THE FINAL TRADING DAY FOR THE YEAR. AND WHILE WALL STREET'S ALL BUT SEWN UP A POSITIVE YEAR, THE MAJOR AVERAGES HAVE SURELY LIMPED TO THE FINISH. AT THIS POINT, A DAY OFF ON TUESDAY SHOULD SUIT EVERYONE JUST FINE.

WHEN TRADING RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY, WE'LL START GETTING YEAR-END FIGURES FOR SEVERAL SECTORS IN THE ECONOMY.

WALL STREET AND THE COUNTRY WILL FOCUS ON FRIDAY WHEN WE'LL GET THE FINAL PICTURE ON EMPLOYMENT AND JOB CREATION FOR THE YEAR. WE BEGAN 2012 WITH AN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF EIGHT-POINT-FIVE PERCENT. IN NOVEMBER, THAT HAD FALLEN TO SEVEN-POINT-SEVEN.

AMONG THE OTHER REPORTS. AUTO AND TRUCK SALES, WHICH HAVE HAD A STRONG YEAR RECOVERING FROM THE RECESSION. SALES COULD WIND UP MORE THAN 13-PERCENT HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR.

WITH NEW HOME SALES IN RECOVERY MODE, A REPORT ON NOVEMBER CONSTRUCTION SPENDING WILL GIVE US A BETTER PICTURE NOT ONLY OF SINGLE FAMILY HOME BUILDING BUT ALSO OF MULTI FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION.

AND SOMETHING WALL STREET LOOKS AT CAREFULLY, THE INSTITUTE FOR SUPPLY MANAGEMENT'S MANUFACTURING INDEX. THIS SURVEY OF PURCHASING ORDERS SLIPPED INTO CONTRACTION TERRITORY IN NOVEMBER.

EMAIL SCAM-OC

THERE'S AN INTERNET SCAM -- THRIVING, THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

WHAT APPEARS TO BE EMAILS FROM FRIENDS NEEDING MONEY -- ARE ALL A HOAX.

EMAIL SCAM-PKG

IT CAME FROM HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD. A FRIGHTENING EMAIL THAT LANDED IN

AN ABC PRODUCER'S INBOX. IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS FROM A FRIEND.

LEAMY READS EMAIL/TYPING NATS UNDERNEATH

"My trip to Manila, Philippines with my family has been a mess. I was hit

at the back of my neck with a club."

"I need you to loan me some money."

WAS THIS REAL OR A HOAX? SKEPTICAL, OUR PRODUCER DECIDED TO PLAY ALONG.

LEAMY READS EMAIL/TYPING NATS UNDERNEATH

"Okay, don't worry, I think I can come up with a few hundred, at least"

BUT WE WIRED JUST $20. THE CON ARTIST

PICKED UP THE MONEY WITHIN HOURS --AND COMPLAINED!

LEAMY READS EMAIL/TYPING NATS UNDERNEATH

"You should have told me you never had any money."

BUT WE DIDN'T LEAVE IT THERE. WE TRACED THE EMAILER'S TRAIL HALFWAY AROUND

THE WORLD TO MANILA, IN THE PHILIPPINES WHERE AN ALERT WESTERN UNION AGENT

TOLD US A SUSPECTED SCAMMER HAD COME INTO HIS SHOP TO CASH IN.

'I remember that he had claimed money from me in the past'

IT'S CALLED THE STRANDED TRAVELER SCAM. SCAM ARTISTS HACK INTO YOUR EMAIL

ACCOUNT MINING IT FOR PERSONAL DETAILS ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THEN

USE THAT INFORMATION TO FOOL YOU INTO THINKING THEY'RE IN TROUBLE.

"It's devilishly clever, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's called social engineering. They're preying on what's important to

EMAIL SCAM-OC

ELISABETH LEAMY REPORTING -

IF YOU SEND MONEY, THE CON ARTISTS PUT YOU ON THEIR "SUCKER LIST" AND HIT YOU WITH OTHER SCAMS.

TOSS TO BREAK-1SHOT

YOU ARE WATCHING NBC TWO NEWS TODAY.

STRAIGHT AHEAD, YOUR TOP STORIES AND BREAKING NEWS OVERNIGHT.

BREAK THREE AT 6:27:15

HL1) FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS

WE'RE DOWN TO THE WIRE FOR FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS.

THERE'S LESS THAN 48-HOURS TO GO -- BEFORE AUTOMATIC SPENDING CUTS AND TAX HIKES ROLL OUT FOR MAJORITY OF AMERICANS.

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) APPLE THEFT-TRX-VOTOPS

AND --

IPHONE USERS -- LISTEN UP.

THAT PHONE OF YOURS -- COULD BE PUTTING A BULLS-EYE ON YOUR BACK.

NBC-2 SHOWS YOU THE GROWING TREND -- INVOLVING THE HOT-TICKET ITEM.

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

GOOD MORNING-OC-TRX

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CREWSWELL.

TODAY IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30-TH.

TOSS TO LEIGH-OC

NEW THIS MORNING-

A HALF DOZEN DOGS WERE RESCUED OUT OF A BURNING HOME IN FORT MYERS.

FIREFIGHTERS RUSHED TO THE 23-HUNDRED BLOCK OF LAYFAYETTE STREET AROUND FOUR O'CLOCK THIS MORNING

CENTRAL FIRE-VO

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND-SS-NAVI-SS

ALL NEW, THIS MORNING.

THE REMAINS OF A MAN FOUND IN LEHIGH ACRES ON CHRISTMAS EVE -- HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES.

DEPUTIES SAY -- THIS MAN, 26-YEAR-OLD GREGORY CAMEO MATHEWS WAS FOUND DECEASED.

A PERSON WALKING IN THE AREA OF HEDGEWOOD STREET AND MEADOW ROAD IN LEHIGH SAW THE REMAINS ON MONDAY -- AND WENT BACK ON CHRISTMAS MORNING TO CONFIRM WHAT HE SAW.

MATHEWS HAS A LENGTHY RECORD WITH THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE -- THE MOST RECENT BOOKING WAS FOR MARIJUANA POSESSION IN JUNE.

THERE ARE NO SUSPECTS RIGHT NO --

AND INVESTIGATORS ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP.

FLORIDA MINIMUM WAGE-OC CG RVL

MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS, HERE IN FLORIDA, WILL SEE A PAY INCREASE, NEXT WEEK.

BUT IT'S NOT A BIG JUMP.

STARTING TUESDAY, MINIMUM WAGE WILL INCREASE TO 7-DOLLARS-AND-79-CENTS.

THAT BREAKS DOWN TO AN EXTRA 12-CENTS-AN HOUR OR ABOUT 5-DOLLARS A WEEK.

FLORIDA MINIMUM WAGE-OTS

WE CHECKED WITH SOME LOCAL BUSINESSES.

NOT TO OUR SURPRISE -- THE WORKERS AREN'T COMPLAINING ABOUT THE RAISE.

MANAGEMENT SAYS THERE'S A SMALL DOWNSIDE -- BUT IT DOESN'T OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS.

FLORIDA MINIMUM WAGE-MINI PKG

nat

AFTER THE START OF THE NEW YEAR MANY OF THESE HARD WORKERS WILL SEE A LITTLE MORE IN THEIR PAYCHECKS.

nat

12 CENTS MORE AN HOUR.

ABOUT FIVE DOLLARS A WEEK.

SOME BUSINESS OWNERS SAY, THEY'LL FEEL A STING IN THEIR BOTTOM LINE, BUT OVERALL IT'S A GOOD CALL.

Daniel Kearns, Ford's Garage

16:05 "It's going to hurt our business along with smaller businesses as well because our cost of labor is going to go up a little bit. However, in my opinion it's going to be good for the economy because it's going to put more money in the employee's pockets."

FINANCIAL EXPERTS AGREE.

THE NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAW PROJECT ESTIMATES THE INCREASE WILL ADD ABOUT 46 MILLION TO THE STATE'S G-D-P.

FLORIDA MINIMUM WAGE-OC

FINANCIAL EXPERTS SAY IT'S NOT ALL GOOD NEWS.

THERE ARE SEVEN-POINT-FOUR MILLION EMPLOYED WORKERS IN FLORIDA.

6:32 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:32 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

LEHIGH FIRE-trx - NAVI

AN EARLY MORNING FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH A HOME IN LEHIGH ACRES.

FIREGIHTERS BATTLED INTENSE FLAMES SHOOTING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE HOME ON MORNING MIST LANE.

THAT'S JUST OFF HOMESTEAD ROAD.

CREWS GOT THE CALL AROUND 3 THIS MORNING.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY THE HOUSE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

CENTRAL FIRE-TRX - VO

NEW THIS MORNING-

FIREFIGHTERS ARE STILL ON SCENE OF A FIRE THAT SWEPT THROUGH A LAFAYETTE STREET HOME THIS MORNING.

THEY PULLED THESE DOGS - INCLUDING TWO PIT BULLS - FROM THE HOME IN THE 23-HUNDRED BLOCK OF LAFAYETTE.

POLICE WERE CALLED THE SCENE NEAR CENTRAL AND LAFAYETTE JUST AFTER 4 THIS MORNING.

CENTRAL FIRE-SOTVO

0853 "if they're contained we are going to leave them contained. We don't want them running the streets or have to chase them down. So they're all in their cages one of them ran back into a cage with his sister or brother which was great so they're all in the yard waiting on the owner."

INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL ON SCENE TRYING TO FIND TWO PEOPLE SPOTTED AT THE HOME ON SATURDAY.

WINTER WX CAR PILEUP-OC

THE SECOND TIME THIS WEEK -- SNOW IS FALLING ACROSS MANY PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

THE LATEST STORM IS BUILDING IN. AND HAS ALREADY CAUSED SOME BIG PROBLEMS. WITH NEAR WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.

IN NEW HAMPSHIRE -- 20 VEHICLES WERE CAUGHT UP IN A PILEUP SATURDAY AFTERNOON -- SENDING FIVE PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL.

WINTER WX CAR PILEUP-PKG

"She hit the guardrail and banged me and spun me two and half times around

in a circle."

KEVIN BRANCO AND HIS FAMILY ESCAPED WITH BARELY ANY INJURIES.

HE IS ONE OF MANY DRIVERS INVOLVED IN THE 20 CAR ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENED NEAR

EIXT 23 ON I-93 SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

IT WAS ABOUT 12:30WHEN KEVIN SAYS THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF HIM FISHTAILED

UNLEASHING A TERRIFYING REACTION.

"What happened after that was just unbelievable like one car after another

car after another car it wasn't anybody stopping. It was like, they banging

off everything."

KEVIN SAYS A TRAIL OF MANGLED METAL WAS LEFT IN THE SNOW.

"There was debris everywhere. You had to like duck to not be a hit by a

fender or some exploding plastic grill. It was unbelievable."

INVESTIGATORS SAY TWELVE CARS WERE INVOLVED IN THE INITIAL ACCIDENT.

WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTIONDOWN THE NORTHBOUND SIDE OF I-93.

8 MORE CARS CRASHED OR SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD.

5 PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WITH NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES.

THE BUSY INTERSTATE BECAME A PARKING LOT-CARS WERE BACKED UP FOR MILES

WAITING MORE THAN AN HOUR FOR THE SCENE TO CLEAR.

OTHER TRAFFIC WAS RE-ROUTED OFF OF EXIT 22 WHILE AUTHORITIES FINISHED THEIR

INVESTIGATION.

STATE POLICE SAY WEATHER IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF THE CRASH.

TROPPER ERIC SHIRLEY WAS ONE OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS ON SCENE.

HE TELLS NEWS NINEWHEN IT SNOWS LIKE THIS, YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF

THE ROAD.

"Number one thing is slow down. If you car does start to slide you want to

keep a light handle on the wheel and an easy touch on the brakes, but number

NY FIREFIGHTERS WAKE-VO

NICK SPINETTO REPORTING.

MEANWHILE -- THOUSANDS BRAVED THE SNOWY CONDITIONS IN WEBSTER NEW YORK, YESTERDAY --

TO HONOR TWO FIREFIGTHERS, KILLED DURING AN AMBUSH ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

FOR HOURS -- PEOPLE WAITED TO PASS BY THE COFFINS OF TWO MEN WHO WERE KILLED WHEN A GUNAMN OPENED FIRE ON FOUR FIREFIGHTERS.

NY FIREFIGHTERS WAKE-SOTVO

"We may not say it, it's like a corny cliché hall mark card where we may not say we appreciate you and we love you until it's too late or you go out and buy a card. My message to them would be, we all felt this way all along. For all of them."

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, THE TWO OTHER FIREFIGHTERS WHO WERE INJURED IN THE SHOOTING WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE WAKE BY AMBULANCE.

SUBWAY PUSH CHARGES-TRX -VOTOPS

NEW THIS MORNING -- A NEW YORK WOMAN IS BEING CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER -- FOR ALLEGEDLY PUSHING A MAN IN FRONT OF A SUBWAY TRAIN.

YOU CAN SEE ERIKA MENENDEZ IN THIS SURVEILLANCE VIDEO.

THE QUEENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAYS -- MENENDEZ DID THE CRIME BECAUSE SHE HATES HINDUS AND MUSLIMS.

WITNESSES SAY THEY SAW A WOMAN PACING THE ELEVATED PLATFORM AND MUTTERING TO HERSELF JUST BEFORE SHE PUSHED HER VICTIM.

FISCAL CLIFF-VO

THE TIME IS TICKING---IT'S DOWN TO HOURS FOR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON TO COME TO A COMPROMISE BEFORE THE NATION GOES OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF.

ON SATURDAY THE PRESIDENT WAS WORKING AT THE WHITE HOUSE, BUT ALL EYES WERE UP ON THE SENATE WHERE NEGOTIATORS WERE TRADING DEAL POINTS AND REVENUE FIGURES, TRYING TO REACH AN AGREEMENT ALL SIDES CAN STOMACH.

THE BASE LINE FOR THE PRESIDENT - ANY BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD HAVE TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS THAT WOULD AFFECT SOME TWO MILLION AMERICANS.

FISCAL CLIFF-SOTVO

"We just cant afford a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy. The economy's growing. But keeping it that way means folks you sent to Washington have to do their jobs."

IN CASE THAT DEAL BREAKS DOWN, THE PRESIDENT HAS ASKED DEMOCRATIC LEADER HARRY REID TO PREPARE A SEPARATE BILL TO PUT ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

FORECAST WHAT'S TRENDING-WX GFX

BREAK FOUR AT 6:39:30

THINGS 2 DO-CGTOPS

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOME WHERE BRING IN THE NEW YEAR HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA , WE FOUND A COUPLE OF THINGS TO DO.

YOU CAN HEAD TO THE 7TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION AT THE CAPE HARBOUR IN CAPE CORAL.

THERE WILL BE FIRE WORKS.

ENTERTAINMENT.

AND EVEN A BALL DROPPING AT MIDNIGHT.

.

OR YOU CAN ENJOY THE DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN RIGHT HERE IN FORT MYERS.

THERE WILL BE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL NIGHT.

AN INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT.

AND IF YOU WANT TO BRING THE KIDS, THE EVENT IS AGE APPROPRIATE.

THROUGHT THE NIGHT THERE WILL BE PRIZES GIVEN AWAY AND FIREWORKS TO BRING IN 20-13

FOR MORE THINGS TO DO -- HEAD ON OVER TO OUR WEBSITE

6:42 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

CROSS TALK-2SHOT

6:42 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

APPLE THEFT-OC

A CHILLING MILDSTONE HAS BEEN REACHED IN CHICAGO --

500 HOMICIDES, THIS YEAR ALONE.

IN CONTRAST--NEW YORK CITY EXPERIENCED THE LOWEST HOMICIDE RATE IN MORE THAN 40-YEARS.

BUT NATIONWIDE -- THERE'S ONE DEVICE THAT'S CAUSING A SPIKE IN ROBBERIES.

THE I-PHONE.

APPLE THEFT-PKG

It's part of an expending robbery epidemic, police call apple taking.

This surveillance video in Brooklyn shows a thief sneaking up on the victim

and putting her in a head lock before snatching her iphone.

In Southern California, criminals desperate for apple products crash a BMW

right into the store and then run off with a lucrative stash.

New york major michael bloomberg says said that iphone thefts are single-

handedly driving up the

city's crime rate.

GFX:

If you just took out the thefts of apple products, our total crime rate

would be lower than it was last year.

In New York City alone, iphone thefts have spiked more than 30%. more than

16,000 gadgets snatched.

In Los Angeles, cell phone thefts are up nearly 30% and in Washington, DC.,

police told our pierre thomas, they make up nearly 40% of all robberies.

SOT:

They target those who they perceive are more vulnerable, women, women with

baby carriages, older folks.

Police have stepped up awareness.

In Las Vegas, officers put out a PSA announcement featuring the voice of

Siri.

NATS:

I really don't enjoy being stolen.

In New York, police are registering cell phones so owners can be contacted

if the police find the devices.

SOT:

AF: Where do you have your phones at right now.

FMPD UP GOES DOWN-VO

JUST IN TIME FOR NEW YEARS EVE --

POLICE IN FORT MYERS ARE CRACKING DOWN ON CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE, THIS YEAR.

OFFICERS WILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ANYONE SHOOTING OFF GUNS INTO THE AIR.

FMPD SAYS THEY OFTEN RESPOND TO CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE IN THIS POINSETTIA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD.

FMPD UP GOES DOWN-SOT OC

lt. Rebecca Prince, fort myers police 9:29

when a bullet goes up, it must come down. We don't want to see a child get struck, get killed or any individual get struck and killed with a bullet during celebratory gun fire

POLITICAL TIRE SLASHING-VO

AIKIKI FUJUNITO REPORTING.

A POLITICAL RIVAL OF A NEW MEXICO REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE WAS ARRESTED FOR FELONY VANDALISM---ACCUSED OF SLASHING THE CANDIDATE'S TIRES.

A JUDGE THREW GARY SMITH OFF THE BALLOT, AND HE DIDN'T TAKE THE RULING SO WELL.

A DETECTIVE SAYS THIS IS VIDEO OF SMITH USING AN ICE PICK TO THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE'S TIRES.

POLITICAL TIRE SLASHING-SOTVO

Chris: "Did you slash those tires?

Smith: I don't even know what's going on. They haven't explained anything to me yet. I don't even know why they came to my house

Chris: Well according to the arrest warrant you are being arrested because you were slashing Janice Arnold Jones' tires. Did you do it?

Smith: No. Not at all.

SMITH IS BEING HELD ON A FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND.

IA CAR VS STORE-TRX - VOTOPS

THIS MORNING -- AN IOWA CITY MAN FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES -- AFTER POLICE SAY, HE RAN HIS S-U-V RIGHT INTO A SPORTING GOODS STORE.

YOU CAN SEE THE FRONT OF THE STORE -- TORN APART.

POLICE ALSO FOUND A GUN AT THE SCENE -- AFTER THEY HEARD WHAT APPEARED TO BE A GUNSHOT.

THE 23-YEAR-OLD FACES D-U-I CHARGES AND RECKLESS USE OFA FIREARM.

NO ON WAS HURT.

WAREHOUSE FIRE-VOTOPS

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO FROM CHICAGO --

THOSE FLAMES AND THICK BLACK SMOKE WERE COMIN FROM A WAREHOUSE FIRE, YESTEDAY.

THE MULTI-ALARM FIRE DISRUPTED TRAIN SERVICE TO ONE OF THE CITY'S SUBWAY LINES.

FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SAY THE BUILDING STARTED TO COLLAPSE.

JAILED FOR CURSING-OC

IMAGINE BEING THROWN IN JAIIL -- FOR CURSING.

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO A MICHIGAN WOMAN -- WHO SPENT 11-DAYS IN JAIL.

SHE EVEN MISSED CHRISTMAS WITH HER FAMILY!

JAILED FOR CURSING-PKG

After 11 days locked up for using profanity, she was free.but there was no celebration.

:10- 24

Q: How does that freedom feel? "Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. I guess right now I'm just speechless, I'm tired. I've just been through so much."

LaRue Ford was charged with contempt after cursing at the Berrien County District Court Clerk's Office in Niles early this month.

She admits cursing, but says it was to herself as she left the clerk's office -- frustrated after getting the runaround while trying to clear up an old traffic ticket.

When she returned with $50 to finally clear it up, Judge Dennis Wiley ordered her arrested.

:47- 50

"You know, it wasn't even necessary to put me through all of this."

She'd been locked up since Dec. 18th on a $5,000 bond.

:55- 56

"11 days."

But today, at the request of an ACLU attorney, Circuit Judge Alfred Butzbaugh overruled Niles Judge Dennis Wiley and reduced her bond.allowing her to walk free.

The ACLU claims Judge Wiley overstepped his authority, violating her constitutional rights.

Today, she thanked those who listened.

1:15- 1:32

"People listening, people listening to my story because they didn't believe me when I told em. They didn't believe me. So someone listened. And that's what helped me get out of here or I would still be in there."

But, she still faces the contempt charge.

1:34- 1:42

"No, this fight's not over. I thought it would be, but it's not over. I still have to come back."

1:43- 1:53

"We don't have ultimately a whole, a win yet, as to the contempt charge but I feel like we got what we wanted to get today.

Today, LaRue rode away with a friend, while her family drove up from Chicago.

JAILED FOR CURSING-OC

THE JUDGE WHO INTERVENED REDUCED FORD'S BOND FROM FIVE THOUSAND, TO FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

BABY ELELPHANT-VOTOPS

TAKE A LOOK AT THE BABY ELEPHANT!

THE NEWBORN IS THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE LOWRY PARK ZOO IN TAMPA.

THE 200-POUND FEMALE CALF HASN'T BEEN NAMED YET.

SHE'S THE SECOND AFRICAN ELEPHANT BORN THERE.

MOM AND CALF WILL SOON BE REUNITED WITH TWO OTHER FEMALES -- WHO WILL HELP CARE FOR THE CALF.

TOSS TO BREAK-OC

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

BREAK FIVE AT 6:49:45

6:52 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:52 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

Even with an abundance of sunshine in place this Sunday, we're in store for quite the chilly day across Southwest Florida as the cool air keeps flowing in with a strong northeasterly wind.

Temperatures through the day will be very slow to rise. After starting off this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s, it won't be until noon before temps start breaking into the low 60s. Afternoon temperatures won't make much progress either as daytime highs struggle to reach the mid 60s!

To add more of a bite to the chilly air, a strong northeasterly breeze will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual temperature. With winds coming in from 10-20 mph , wind chill values will stay in the 40s and 50s for most of the day.

For the majority of our Sunday, we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine, but by late in the afternoon, a few clouds could possibly build in as some Atlantic moisture head our way. It won't enough moisture to support any rain, just a little cloud cover.

As we go through the upcoming week, temperatures will quickly warm as the wind flow turns more southerly. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, daytime highs will be close to 80, and we'll also notice humidity levels on the rise.

The build up of warmth and moisture culminates with a cold front sliding into Southwest Florida by the end of the week, so look for a chance for scattered showers and a few storms Friday followed by some cooler weather moving in next weekend.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

1972 EVERGLADES CRASH-OC-SOT-OC

THIS WEEKEND, FORTY YEARS AGO --

A JETLINER CRASHED IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES, KILLING 101 PEOPLE.

NOW, THE SURVIVORS ARE TRYING TO RAISE MONEY FOR A MEMORIAL TO HONOR THE PEOPLE WHO DIED.

ON DECEMBER 29, 1972. THE CREW OF EASTERN FLIGHT 401 FROM NEW YORK TO MIAMI BECAME DISTRACTED WITH A FAULTY LANDING GEAR LIGHT.

A SURVIVOR TALKS ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE.

The crew was unfortunately so preoccupied with a 50 cent light bulb, they missed the whole picture. I woke up and I was in a sitting position, water up to my chin, no clothes on. Everything was stripped right off me.

NYE FASHION-OC

ON A LIGHTER NOTE --

GOT BIG PLANS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE?

ONCE YOU GET THAT FIGURED OUT, THE NEXT QUESTION.WHAT TO WEAR?

NYE FASHION-PKG

NO MATTER HOW YOU'RE PLANNING TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR - YOU WANT YOUR CLOTHES TO SHINE!

"It's probably the biggest night of the year in terms of going out so you wanna make sure all eyes are on you. so it's all about sequins, metallics & sparkle."

STYLE EXPERT LILLIANA VAZQUEZ IS SHOWING US THREE FUN LOOKS - STARTING WITH AN OUTFIT PERFECT FOR A GIRLS' NIGHT OUT.

"Everybody loves a skirt & everyone loves a dress but pants have been the biggest trend in fashion this year."

THESE PANTS BY H&M HAVE A HINT OF METALLIC WITHIN THE SUPER CUTE BROCADE PRINT!

"And then of course paired w/a metallic peplum top you really can't go wrong. This shirt is also from h&m & they're $34.99."

ADD JEWELED HEELS FROM THE "E LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET COLLECTION" AND YOU'RE READY TO HIT THE TOWN!

"Raquel is wearing the fun flirty girls look so this is if you're going out on a romantic date."

THE BLACK AND WHITE TUXEDO BLAZER BALANCES OUT THIS AMAZING OMBRE DESIGNED MINI SKIRT!

"It's darker at the top & then it fades to this really pretty gunmetal gray color. It's from zara & it's under $90 dollars."

AS FOR ACCESSORIES.

"Most of the outfit is black & white & neutral tones so the pop of emerald green really really looks beautiful & draws a lot of attention to her gorgeous face."

AT NYC'S "DREAM HOTEL DOWNTOWN" - OUR FINAL MODEL IS READY FOR A BLACK TIE EVENT!

"The best part of this dress is that it's under $200 so you can still feel really glamourous & still be under budget."

FROM BLOOMINGDALES - THIS FLOOR LENGTH SEQUIN DRESS IS PAIRED WITH A FAUX FUR VEST TO KEEP YOU WARM!

NYE FASHION-OC

YOU CAN ALSO GO SHOPPING IN YOUR OWN CLOSET--GRAB A STAPLE LIKE YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS.

CONFETTI TEST-VO

THE CRYSTAL BALL IS IN PLACE. THE 20-13 SIGN IS READY TO FLASH.

BUT IS THE CONFETTI READY TO FLY?

ORGANIZERS OF TIMES SQUARE NEW YEAR'S EVE 2013 HELD A CONFETTI TEST SATURDAY.

THEY THREW HANDFULS OF THE COLORFUL PIECES OF PAPER FROM AN EIGHTH FLOOR WINDOW TO TEST ITS "AIRWORTHINESS."

BIG MOON PIE-VOTOPS

IN NEW YORK CITY THEY DROP A HUGE BALL OF CRYSTAL ON NEW YEAR'S. IN THE CITY OF MOBILE, ALABAMA THEY DROP A HUGE MOON PIE.

ON FRIDAY, THE CITY UNVEILED A SMALLER, BUT EDIBLE MOON PIE AS PART OF A PREVIEW FOR NEW YEAR'S.

THIS TASTY MOON PIE CONTAINS SOME 45-THOUSAND CALORIES AND WAS BAKED AT THE CHATTANOOGA BAKERY IN TENNESSEE.

THE PLASTIC MOON PIE THAT DROPS AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT WEIGHS 350 POUNDS AND IS 12-FEET TALL.

SNOW SLEDDERS-VO

THE HEAVY SNOWFALL IS CAUSING A HEADACHE FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS --

BUT FOR SOME, IT'S ALL FUN.

SLEDDERS AND SNOW-TUBERS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE STEADY SNOWFALL AND TURNED A ROCHESTER, NEW YORK PARK INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND.

SOME SNOW LOVERS EVEN DID A LITTLE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING.

THE AREA HAS GOTTEN SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS.

7 AM PREVIEW-2SHOT

REMEMBER FOR BREAKING NEWS, WEATHER INFORMATION AND NEWS ONLINE, 24-HOURS A DAY, HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE--