HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

ALL NEW THIS MORNING,

SEVERE WEATHER IS TO BLAME FOR A 20-CAR PILEUP IN THE NORTHEAST.

AND THIS MORNING, WE'RE WAKING UP TO COLDER TEMPS.

FIRST ALERT METEOROLOGIST JASON DUNNING HAS THE LATEST ON YOUR FORECAST.

AND IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN.

THE NATION IS NOW ON THE EDGE OF THE FISCAL CLIFF.

MEANWHILE, TAX TALKS ARE JUST PICKING UP.

PLUS,

SEQUINS.

FUR.

AND LEATHER.

WHAT WILL YOU WEAR INTO THE NEW YEAR?

HL1) NH 20 CAR PILEUP-VIDBOX

HL2) FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-VIDBOX

HL3) NEW YEARS EVE FASHION-VIDBOX

OPEN-CLIP

HELLO-2SH-TRX-OBX

GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

AND I'M JOE ROETZ.

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

FIREFIGHTERS RUSHED TO THE 23-HUNDRED BLOCK OF LAYFAYETTE STREET JUST AFTER FOUR O'CLOCK.

FM FIRE LIVE-REM

Leigh - right now those dogs are back inside the home behind me safe and sound.

FM FIRE LIVE-VO

Take a look at video from early this morning.

Firefighters responded around 4am

They heard dogs barking inside, so they went in to rescue them.

6 dogs were found in cages.

At least two were Pitt bulls.

We talked to one of the people who live in the home-

FM FIRE LIVE-SOTVO

Adrian Torres, victim

FM FIRE LIVE-REM-OBX

Just a few minutes after we wrapped up talking to Torres,

He came out running hysterical that a neighbor was lying on the floor severely bleeding.

He asked us to call 911.

And police rushed back to the scene.

An ambulance never showed up.

Right now - the home is surrounded by crime time and police have been asking Torres questions.

Detectives are working right now to figure out what happened.

As soon as we get more info well be sure to bring it to you

FM STRUCTURE FIRE-TRX-VO

NEW THIS MORNING-

DOGS CAUGHT A FORT MYERS FIRE ARE SAFE THIS MORNING.

FLAMES RIPPED THROUGH A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET NEAR CENTRAL.

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.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY THEY COULD HEAR THE DOGS BARKING INSIDE AND RUSHED TO SAVE THEM-

WHEN THEY GOT IN- THEY SAY MOST WERE IN CAGES AS THE FIRE RAGED ON.

FM STRUCTURE 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.

NH 20 CAR PILEUP-TRX-SOTTOPS

"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."

SNOW FALL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE LED TO A 20-CAR PILEUP SATURDAY.

FIVE PEOPLE WERE RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL.

INVESTIGATORS SAY TWELVE CARS WERE INVOLVED IN THE INITIAL ACCIDENT.

WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTIONDOWN.

8 MORE CARS CRASHED OR SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD.

WEATHER-WX CENTER

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.

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.

LEHIGH HOUSE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS

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

FIREGIHTERS BATTLED INTENSE FLAMES 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.

NYC SUBWAY ARREST-TRX-NATTOPS

suspect yelling

ALL NEW IN THAT FATAL SUBWAY SHOVING.

THIS WOMAN IS WAKING UP IN A NEW YORK JAIL.

NYC SUBWAY ARREST-2SH-VO

WE NOW KNOW THAT WOMAN IS ERIKA MENENDEZ.

SHE'S WAS PICKED UP SATURDAY AFTER A PASSER-BY ON A STREET NOTICED SHE RESEMBLED THE WOMAN SEEN IN A SURVEILLANCE VIDEO.

TAKE A LOOK.

MENENDEZ ALLEGEDLY TOLD AUTHORITIES SHE HATES HINDUS AND MUSLIMS.

SUBWAY SHOVING VICTIM SUNANDO SEN WAS FROM INDIA, BUT IT'S UNCLEAR IF HE WAS MUSLIM OR HINDU.

SEN WAS KILLED THURSDAY.

WITNESSES SAY A MUTTERING WOMAN PUSHED HIM ON THE TRACKS AS A TRAIN ENTERED A QUEENS STATION.

THEN SHE RAN OFF.

CA MALL STABBING-VO

ALSO NEW THIS SUNDAY MORNING,

TWO MINORS ARE RECOVERING AFTER BEING STABBED AT A CALIFORNIA MALL LAST NIGHT.

THE VICTIMS. A BOY AND GIRL, WERE RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL TO UNDERGO EMERGENCY SURGERY.

THEIR CONDITIONS ARE NOT YET KNOWN.

THE MALL WAS CONTAINED AND SEARCHED, BUT THE SUSPECT GOT AWAY.

MS FATAL CRASH-VO

SAD NEWS TO REPORT THIS MORNING.

SIX PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A HORRIFIC CRASH INTO A MISSISSIPPI CREEK.

FIVE CHILDREN ARE AMONG THE VICTIMS.

REPORTS SHOW A DODGE DURANGO LEFT THE ROADWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A HIGH FLOWING CREEK.

THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT COULD TAKE SOME TIME.

BUT PRELIMINARY REPORTS POINT TO THE LACK OF SEATBELT USAGE AND ENTRAPMENT

CA PLANE CRASH-VO

THREE PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER THEIR SMALL HOME-BUILT AIRCRAFT CRASHED SATURDAY IN A REMOTE AREA NEAR SAN DIEGO.

OFFICIALS IN LAKESIDE, CALIFORNIA HAD TO SEND A RESCUE CREW TO THE SYCAMORE CANYON OPEN SPACE RESERVE.

THEY FOUND THE AIRCRAFT IN PIECES AND NO SURVIVORS.

WITNESSES TOLD SHERIFF'S OFFICE THE PLANE WAS IN A TAILSPIN WHEN IT WENT DOWN.

FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-TRX-MITTO-2SH

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES.

WE'RE LESS THAN TWO DAYS AWAY FROM FALLING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF.

DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE WORKING THROUGH THE WEEKEND IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE COUNTRY FROM FALLING.

IF THEY DON'T REACH A COMPROMISE SOON, A COMBINATION OF SWEEPING SPENDING CUTS AND WIDESPREAD TAX INCREASES WILL TAKE EFFECT IN DAYS.

FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-PKG

--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS --

IN WASHINGTON, THERE IS STILL HOPE A DEAL CAN BE CUT IN TIME TO AVERT THE FISCAL CLIFF. ON SATURDAY THE PRESIDENT WAS AT WORK HERE AT THE WHITE HOUSE, BUT ALL EYES WERE UP ON THE SENATE WHERE NEGOTIATORS WERE TRADING DEAL POINTS AND REVENUE FIGURES, TO TRY 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.

AND IT WOULD HAVE TO INCREASE TAXES ON THE HIGHEST INCOME EARNERS.

BUT NEGOTIATORS COULD STILL WORK OUT EXACTLY WHERE THOSE TAX INCREASES WOULD HIT AND WHETHER THEY WOULD HALT AN INCREASE IN THE ESTATE TAX.

NOW 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.

THAT BILL WOULD INCREASE TAXES FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT EARN 250-THOUSAND DOLLARS OR MORE.

NOW THAT'S A DEMOCRATIC PROPOSAL, AND YOU CAN EXPECT REPUBLICANS WOULD BLOCK IT.

SO RATHER THAN THINKING OF THAT AS A STOP-GAP MEASURE, THINK OF IT AS A POLITICAL MOVE TO TRY TO SHIFT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FAILURE ONTO REPUBLICANS JUST BEFORE THE NATION REACHES THE HOUR OF RECKONING.

OBAMA MEET THE PRESS-VOTOPS

IN LESS THAN AN HOUR.

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.

FLORIDA MIN WAGE-(2)HFCGRV-VO

FLORIDA'S MINIMUM WAGE IS ABOUT TO GO UP--

BUT NOT BY MUCH.

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: SUCH AS DRIVERS, HOUSEKEEPERS, AND ESPECIALLY THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY.

FLORIDA MIN 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.

SWFL RED TIDE-VO WIPE

RED TIDE IS SHOWING UP ONCE AGAIN IN PARTS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BEACHES.

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.

SWFL RED TIDE-SOTVO

Just a little bit about 10 O' clock, we were walking on the beach and we decided to go get something to drink.

IF THIS HAPPENS, EXPERTS SAY MOVE TO ANOTHER AREA.

THINGS 2 DO TODAY-2 SHOT CGS

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 A COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO DO GO TO OUR WEBSITE, NBC-2.COM AND CLICK ON "THINGS TO DO" ON THE SIDE MENU.

TEASE ONE-2 SHOT

"I didn't know he was that big. Golly! He's big. Ha, ha. Almost make me afraid to look at him"

A TEARFUL HOLIDAY REUNION BRINGS A MOTHER AND SON TOGETHER AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES.

WITNESS THE WARM EMBRACE HAD EMOTIONS RACING.

AND LATER,

THE FAST MOVING FLORIDA GATORS WERE FORCED TO SLOW UP THEIR TEMPO AGAINST AIR FORCE ACADEMY.

WOULD THAT ALSO SLOW DOWN THEIR SCORING?

TZ1 A) 16 YEAR REUNION-SOTTOPS

TZ1 B) SPORTS-VO

BREAKING DEATH INVESTION-TRX-ONCAM

HEALTHBEAT-PLASMA

IT'S NO SECRET THAT OUR HEART KEEPS US ALIVE.

BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN.

ALL NEW THIS MORNING,

NEW TECHNOLOGY IS GIVING HEART PATIENTS NEW HOPE.

HEALTHBEAT-PKG

FORECAST OPEN-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.

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.

SPORTS-PKG

16 YEAR REUNION-NATVO

TURNING NOW TO A HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY STORY.

THERE WAS A TEARY REUNION IN CALIFORNIA SATURDAY AS A WOMAN MET HER FAMILY FOR THE FIRST TIME.

HUGS

THIS IS NOT THE CHILD PAT HAWKINS LAST SAW AROUND 19-96.

HER SON IS A GROWN MAN WHO HAS NO MEMORIES OF HIS MOTHER.

BUT IT'S HIS MOTHER'S MEMORY-LOSS, COUPLED WITH ILL HEALTH, THAT PREVENTED THIS REUNION FOR SO MANY YEARS.

16 YEAR REUNION-SOTVO

"It's been kind of hard. You know, you wonder. you don't have all of the support that you need as a young man growing up but, the rest of my family has been real good. They've been there for me so. it's been hard though."

SHE LAST GOT A PHONE CALL FROM HER DAUGHTER SOME 16 YEARS AGO. THEN CAME SATURDAY'S REUNION.

HAWKINS WAS RECENTLY IN A WASHINGTON, D-C WOMAN'S SHELTER. THEN A HOSPITAL.

TEASE TWO-2 SHOT

IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS,

WE WILL WELCOME IN A BRAND NEW YEAR.

BUT AS WE LEARN THIS MORNING,

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK TO LOOK BRAND NEW.

"The best part of this dress is that it's under $200

ALL NEW THIS MORNING,

TZ2 A) NEW YEARS EVE FASHION-SOTTOPS

NEW YEARS EVE FASHION-VO IN PLASMA

GET READY TO TEAR UP THE RUNWAY.

OR AT LEAST THE COMPANY PARTY.

IF YOU'RE PLANNING A BIG NIGHT OUT THIS NEW YEARS EVE,

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

NEW YEARS EVE 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!

NEW YEARS EVE FASHION-ON CAM

NEW YEARS EVE NY-VOTOPS-SAT

THE TURN OF THE NEW YEAR IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER -- THAT MEANS FINAL PREPARATIONS ARE BEING MADE FOR THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION IN NEW YORK'S TIMES SQUARE.

HUNDREDS OF SPARKLING WATERFORD CRYSTAL PIECES WERE ADDED TO THE ICONIC NEW YEAR'S BALL.

INCLUDED IN THE CRYSTAL IS A SPECIAL TRIANGLE ENGRAVED WITH THE WORDS "DICK CLARK."

HERE'S A LIVE LOOK THIS MORNING AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER.

NEW YORK IS DEALING WITH SOME HEAVY SNOWFALL.

IF YOU'RE HEADING UP TAKE A JACKET.

TEASE THREE-2 SHOT

COMING UP AT 930, WE'RE FOLLOWING THE LATEST DETAILS ON A BREAKING DEATH INVESTIGATION IN FORT MYERS.

OUR CREW WAS FIRST ON SCENE, GETTING THERE EVEN BEFORE INVESTIGATORS.

TZ3 A) FM STRUCTURE FIRE-VO-WIPE

TZ3 B) RAPE VICTIM PROTEST-SOTTOPS

TOSS TO LEIGH-TRX-2SH-OBX

BREAKING RIGHT NOW AT---

NBC TWO IS ON SCENE OF A DEATH INVESTIGATION IN FORT MYERS.

WE HAVE A LIVE CREW ON SCENE WORKING ALONGSIDE INVESTIGATORS.

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-REM

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-VO

Walk and talk-

- Lafayette street blokes off

- about 10 cop cars here

More keep showing up

Crime scene is two doors down from where a fire broke out this morning

Where it appears the crime scene expanded to that home too.

Take vo -

Death Investigation

- unfolded when tenant came out hysterical and asks us to call 911.

Said a neighbor was on the floor severely bleeding

- stay with us as we follow this story today

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-REM

FM STRUCTURE FIRE-TRX-VO

THE FIRE THAT BROUGHT US THERE THREATENED THE LIVES OF HALF A DOZEN DOGS.

FLAMES THERE RIPPED THROUGH A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET NEAR CENTRAL.

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

POLICE WERE CALLED THE SCENE JUST AFTER 4 THIS MORNING.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY THEY COULD HEAR THE DOGS BARKING INSIDE AND RUSHED TO SAVE THEM-

WHEN THEY GOT IN- THEY SAY MOST WERE IN CAGES AS THE FIRE RAGED ON.

LUCKILY THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL THEM OUT QUICKLY.

FM STRUCTURE 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 WANT TO FIND TWO PEOPLE SPOTTED AT THE HOME ON SATURDAY.

HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

DEVELOPING RIGHT NOW AT--

OVERNIGHT FLAMES TRAP SIX DOGS IN A FORT MYERS HOME.

NBC TWO CAMERAS WERE ROLLING AS CREWS BATTLED THE BLAZE.

AND REMAINS FOUND.

PIECES OF A MAN DISCOVERED IN LEHIGH ACRES.

NOW POLICE NEED YOUR HELPING PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER.

AND ALL NEW THIS MORNING,

WAS IT MUSIC THAT SOOTHED GEORGE H.W. BUSH'S SOUL?

HL1) FM STRUCTURE FIRE-VIDBOX

HL2) HUMAN REMAINS FOUND-VIDBOX

HL3) BUSH SONG-VIDBOX

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

HELLO AGAIN-2 SHOT

WELCOME BACK TO THE SECOND HALF HOUR OF NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

AND I'M JOE ROETZ.

WE'LL HAVE OUR TOP STORIES IN JUST A MINUTE.

WINTER WX MASHUP-VOTOPS

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS NEW VIDEO.

IF YOU THINK IT'S COLD HERE,

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.

SEVERE SNOW STORMS ARE ENDAGERING RESIDENTS FROM COAST TO COAST.

FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEW HAMPSHIRE,

THESE WINTER STORMS CAUSED SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND ARE BLAMED FOR AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN DEATHS.

FORECAST-WX CENTER

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.

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.

LEHIGH HOUSE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS

ANOTHER EARLY MORNING FIRE BURNS THROUGH A HOME IN LEHIGH ACRES.

FIREGIHTERS BATTLED INTENSE FLAMES 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.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND-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 -- DISCOVERED THE REMAINS.

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

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

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

TX MISSING GA KIDS-VO

POLICE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS SAY THEY FOUND TWO BOYS WHO HAD BEEN MISSING FROM GEORGIA.

POLICE SAY SOMEONE AT THIS HOTEL SAW THE BOYS AND RECOGNIZED THEM FROM THE AMBER ALERT.

OFFICERS FOUND THE CAR BELONGING TO THE BOYS' FATHER.

HE'S THE MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED THEM AND POLICE HAVE HIM IN CUSTODY.

RAPE VICTIM PROTEST-VO WIPE

DEVELOPING OVERSEAS,

PROTESTS IN INDIA'S CAPITAL CONTINUED OVER THE DEATH OF A 23-YEAR-OLD WOMAN BRUTALLY GANG RAPED.

THE WOMAN'S BODY WAS CREMATED DURING A PRIVATE CEREMONY IN NEW DELHI SHORTLY AFTER IT ARRIVED FROM SINGAPORE.

RAPE VICTIM PROTEST-SOTVO

"I think it's extremely important that the policy is sensitized and the laws are enforced. I think it's not important that laws are amended, they need to be enforced in the right spirit."

PEOPLE DREW PICTURES AND PAINTED MESSAGES ON A LARGE WHITE CANVAS AS THEY MOURNED THE VICTIM'S DEATH.

RUSSIA PLANE CRASH-TRX-OC

TURNING NOW TO STUNNING VIDEO OF A DEADLY PLANE CRASH JUST OUTSIDE MOSCOW.

THE PLANE OVERSHOT THE RUNWAY AND CAREENED INTO TRAFFIC.

RUSSIA PLANE CRASH-PKG

SCRIPT:

You're about to see the terrifying moment of impact as a Russian passenger

plane slams into a busy highway

Watch again. you can see the plane's tire colliding with a moving car.

And listen closely. you can hear squealing breaks and crushing metal

The crash took place on Saturday at an airport outside Moscow.

The Red Wings airlines flight overshot the runway, broke through a barrier

fence, shattering into 3 pieces and bursting into flames before skidding to

a stop on the edge of the highway.

Witnesses rushed to pull survivors out of the wreckage

The Russian-made Tupulev-204 was flying back from the Czech Republic with no

passengers and just 8 crew members on board.

Officials say four of them were killed, including the pilots. The other four

RUSSIA PLANE CRASH-ON CAM

KIRIT RADIA REPORTING.

AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED, BUT SOME OFFICIALS HAVE ALREADY SUGGESTED PILOT ERROR WAS TO BLAME.

FMPD UP GOES DOWN-VO WIPE

WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN.

FORT MYERS POLICE ARE CRACKING DOWN ON CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE.

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-SOTVO

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

SYDNEY SHARK ATTACK-SOTVO

TWO POPULAR SYDNEY BEACHES WERE CLOSED AFTER AN OFF-DUTY LIFEGUARD REPORTED BEING KNOCKED OFF HIS SURF BOARD.

"I've lived at Dee Why my whole life and I've just never seen anything like this. It's so crazy."

THE LIFEGUARD DESCRIBED FEELING A HIT ON THE BOTTOM OF HIS BOARD WHILE HE WAS SURFING SUNDAY.

HE DIDN'T SEE THE SHARK BUT SHOWED JOURNALISTS A CHUNK MISSING FROM HIS BOARD.

BUSH SONG-2 SHOT

WE'RE HAPPY TO SAY THERE'S VERY GOOD NEWS THIS MORNING ABOUT THE HEALTH OF FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H-W BUSH.

THIS MORNING HE'S OUT OF INTENSIVE CARE AT A HOUSTON HOSPITAL, WHERE HE'S BEEN STAYING FOR MORE THAN A MONTH NOW.

AND MAYBE THE MINI-CONCERT HE GOT BY PHONE FROM ONE OF HIS FAVORITE COUNTRY

MUSIC SUPER GROUPS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH HIS IMPROVEMENT.

BUSH SONG-PKG

SCRIPT:

SOT- AMAZING GRACE

A spirit-lifiting serenade for the eighty-eight year old former Commander-

in-Chief ordered up by former First Lady Barbara Bush.

SOT - WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN / THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / SHE CALLED US AND SAID THAT

WE SHOULD CHEER THE PRESIDENT UP AND IF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS COULD ALL GET

TOGETHER AND SING HIM A SONG OR TWO.

Mr. Bush has been in this Houston hospital more than a month. fighting

complications of bronchitis. He's not only a huge Oak Ridge Boys fan but he

's friends with the band members. and when they called Friday he had a

request.

SOT - GOLDEN / HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME ELVIRA

NATS FROM YOUTUBE VIDEO - ELVIRA! ELVIRA!

SOT - CONTINUED - THAT WOULD MAKE HIM FEEL GOOD.

They sang it then picked one of THEIR favorites.

SOT - AMAZING GRACE - THEN NATS, "THERE YOU

GO!"

The music may have been good medicine. The day after the Oak Ridge Boys

called in Mr. Bush was moved out of intensive care. For Good Morning America

THINGS 2 DO TODAY-2 SH CGS

CLAYTON SANDELL REPORTING.

WELL, 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 A COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO DO GO TO OUR WEBSITE, NBC-2.COM AND CLICK ON "THINGS TO DO" ON THE SIDE MENU.

TEASE FOUR-2 SHOT

CALL 911!

A FREEZING LAKE SWALLOWS NEARLY A DOZEN PEOPLE.

ALL NEW THIS MORNING,

NEW DETAILS ABOUT THE MIRACULOUS RESCUE.

WHITNEY HOUSTON SINGING

AND LATER,

PSY.

WHITNEY.

AND HONEY BOO BOO?

NBC TWO RUNS DOWN THE TOP ENTERTAINMENT STORIES OF THE YEAR.

BUT FIRST. HERE ARE TODAY'S LOTTERY NUMBERS FOR CASH THREE - PLAY FOUR AND FANTASY FIVE.

TZ4 A) ICE RESCUE-NATTOPS

TZ4 B) TOP 5 ENTERTAINMENT STORIES-NATTOPS

LOTTO-CG

FORECAST OPEN-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.

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.

ICE RESCUE-2 SHOT

WE'RE LEARNING NEW DETAILS ABOUT AN ICY RESCUE IN CALIFORNIA.

THIS MORNING,

NBC TWO BRINGS YOU NEW VIDEO OF THAT FRIGHTENING ORDEAL.

PLUS, HEAR FROM THE MAN WHO HELPED SAVED NEARLY A DOZEN PEOPLE FROM FREEZING TO DEATH.

ICE RESCUE-PKG

SCRIPT:

IT BEGAN WHEN ONE MAN ACCIDENTALLY SLIPPED OFF THE SHEET OF ICE AND INTO THE

LAKE

THE PEOPLE YOU SEE IN THIS VIDEO ARE MEMBERS OF A SLEDDING EXCURSION THAT

GOES TERRIBLY WRONG

Mickey Herman: We saw this guy coming across the ice really fast / and it

went from cheering to all of the sudden, just an unbelievable amount of

panic and chaos

ONE MAN GOES TO THE ICE'S EDGE TO TRY TO HELP.BUT THEN HE FALLS IN.

AND THEN ONE WOULD-BE RESCUER AFTER ANOTHER -- TRIES TO HELP ONLY TO PLUNGE

INTO THE LAKE THEMSELVES - IN A CHAIN REACTION

NOW THAT BROKE

A CROWD GATHERS ON SHORE, FRANTICALLY SCREAMING FOR HELP.

CALL 911!

5 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST MAN WENT IN, NEARLY A DOZEN PEOPLE ARE NOW IN THE

WATER AS OTHERS THROW ROPES AND INNER TUBESBUT NO LUCK.

MICKEY HERMAN SHOT THIS VIDEO

GET THE ROPE UNDER THE SEAT!

YOU CAN HEAR HIM CALLING FOR SOMEONE TO BRING A ROPE.

Mickey Herman: It was very hard to watch, it was gut wrenching

FINALLY NINE HARROWING MINUTES INTO THIS ORDEAL ON ICE, EVERYONE SOMEHOW

MANAGES TO SCRAMBLE OUT.

TEASE FIVE-2 SHOT

COMING UP NEXT ON NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

WE'LL HAVE A LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

BUT FIRST HERE'S A PREVIEW OF WHAT'S UP NEXT ON TODAY'S MEET THE PRESS.

TZ5 MEET THE PRESS-SOT

TOP 5 ENTERTAINMENT STORIES-NATTOPS-2SH-VO IN TFC

CATCHY DANCE TUNES, CELEBRITY BREAK-UPS.

AND WHY DON'T WE THROW IN SOME HONEY BOO BOO.

BUT SHE'S NOT THE ONLY STAR WHO LEFT A TWINKLE IN OUR EYES.

THIS MORNING,

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOP 5 ENTERTAINMENT OF 2012.

TOP 5 ENTERTAINMENT STORIES-PKG

RAPPER PSY WENT FROM A RELATIVELY UNKNOWN PERFORMER TO A WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON AFTER HIS CATCHY DANCE TUNE, "GANGNAM STYLE," HIT THE WEB.

THE MUSIC VIDEO FEATURING THE SOUTH KOREAN STAR'S SONG AND TRADEMARK DANCE SHATTERED RECORDS ONLINE, BECOMING THE NUMBER ONE WATCHED VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, WITH MORE THAN 970-MILLION VIEWS.

BUT PSY'S NEWFOUND FAME WASN'T WITHOUT CONTROVERSY.

HARSH ANTI-AMERICAN REMARKS HE MADE DURING A PERFORMANCE IN 2004 RESURFACED ONLINE.

HE APOLOGIZED, SAYING HIS LYRICS WERE EMOTIONALLY CHARGED AND RESULTED FROM EVENTS IN THE WAR WITH IRAQ.

"New sexual misconduct cases against the voice of Elmo."

IN ONE OF THE MOST SURPRISING STORIES OF THE YEAR, "ELMO" PUPPETEER KEVIN CLASH WAS FORCED TO RESIGN FROM SESAME STREET. AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF ENGAGING IN SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH MINORS.

HIS LAWYER SAYS THE CASES ARE WITHOUT MERIT, BUT CLASH STILL OPTED TO LEAVE SESAME STREET AFTER 28 YEARS.

"TWILIGHT" STARS KRISTEN STEWART AND ROBERT PATTINSON HAD BEEN ONE OF THE HOTTEST CELEBRITY COUPLES. UNTIL A HIGHLY PUBLICIZED FLING BETWEEN THE ACTRESS AND THE MAN WHO DIRECTED HER IN "SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN" ROCKED HOLLYWOOD.

"Kristen Stewart moved out of the home they shared together. She released a very public statement asking Robert for forgiveness."

PATTINSON APPARENTLY DID FORGIVE. JUST IN TIME FOR THE PREMIERE OF "THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART TWO" IN NOVEMBER.

"The celebrity split sending shockwaves through the entertainment world."

AFTER NEARLY SIX YEARS OF A MARRIAGE, KATIE HOLMES FILED FOR DIVORCE FROM TOM CRUISE IN JUNE-- BLINDSIDING HOLLYWOOD'S BIGGEST MOVIE STAR.

"What was so incredible was how Katie Holmes had everything just so well prepared."

ALTHOUGH HOLMES ASKED FOR FULL CUSTODY OF THEIR DAUGHTER SURI, THE COUPLE EVENTUALLY SETTLED AMICABLY ON THE DIVORCE, JUST TWO WEEKS LATER. ENDING ONE OF THE MOST HIGH-PROFILE CELEBRITY MARRIAGES.

"You're watching CNN, and the breaking news of Whitney Houston's death."

IT WAS A TRAGIC END TO AN ICONIC SINGER'S SUCCESSFUL BUT OFTEN TROUBLED CAREER.

WHITNEY HOUSTON, WHO BATTLED WITH DRUGS AND ALCOHOL FOR DECADES, DIED FEBRUARY 11TH IN A HOTEL BATHTUB AT AGE 48. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE GRAMMY AWARDS.

HOUSTON'S DEATH WAS AN ACCIDENTAL DROWNING WITH THE EFFECTS OF HEART DISEASE AND COCAINE USE AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

TOSS TO LEIGH-TRX-2SH-OBX

BREAKING RIGHT NOW AT---

FORT MYERS' DEADLIEST YEAR JUST GOT DEADLIER.

NBC TWO IS ON SCENE OF A DEATH INVESTIGATION IN FORT MYERS.

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-REM

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-VO

Walk and talk-

- Lafayette street blokes off

- about 10 cop cars here

More keep showing up

Crime scene is two doors down from where a fire broke out this morning

Where it appears the crime scene expanded to that home too.

Take vo -

Death Investigation

- unfolded when tenant came out hysterical and asks us to call 911.

Said a neighbor was on the floor severely bleeding

- stay with us as we follow this story today

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-REM

TS1) FM FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS

THE FIRE THAT BROUGHT US THERE THREATENED THE LIVES OF HALF A DOZEN DOGS.

FLAMES THERE RIPPED THROUGH A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET NEAR CENTRAL.

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

POLICE WERE CALLED THE SCENE JUST AFTER 4 THIS MORNING.

FIREFIGHTERS SAVED THE DOGS TRAPPED IN CAGES.

TS2) LEHIGH FIRE-VOTOP-WIPE

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

FIREGIHTERS BATTLED INTENSE FLAMES 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.

TS3) NY SUBWAY ARREST-VOTOP-WIPE

ALL NEW IN THAT FATAL SUBWAY SHOVING.

THIS WOMAN IS WAKING UP IN A NEW YORK JAIL.

WE NOW KNOW THAT WOMAN IS ERIKA MENENDEZ.

TS4) FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES.

WE'RE LESS THAN TWO DAYS AWAY FROM FALLING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF.

DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE WORKING THROUGH THE WEEKEND IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE COUNTRY FROM FALLING.

TS5) FL MINI WAGE-VOTOPS

FLORIDA'S MINIMUM WAGE IS ABOUT TO GO UP--

BUT NOT BY MUCH.

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

TODAY'S FORECAST-3-SHOT GRAPHIC

CLOSE-3-SHOT