DIRECTORS PAGE

HLA FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-trxVOTOPS

CRISIS AVERTED.

FOR NOW.

HLB PASEO HOME INVASION STABBING-trxSOTVO

05.50.34 "I don't know how long he stood there and looked at me while I slept before he stabbed me in the chest.

THE VICTIM OF A BRUTAL STABBING FACES HER ATTACKER --

AND SAYS SHE MUST NOW LIVE IN FEAR EVERYDAY.

HLC BIENAME RECOVERY-trxSOTVO

7:03 "life for me right now is real difficult to be honest."

5PM OPEN-CLIP

TOSS TO ROBERT-2SHOT

WHAT A WAY TO KICK OFF 2013 --

IT'S GORGEOUS OUTSIDE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

GOOD EVENING I'M LINDSAY LOGUE.

AND I'M JENNIFER TRAMMELL.

LET'S GET TO SENIOR CHIEF METEOROLOGIST ROBERT VAN WINKLE FOR A LOOK AT WHAT'S IN STORE FOR THIS FIRST WEEK OF THE NEW YEAR.

FIRST WEATHER-STC

NICE WEATHER AGAIN TOMORROW

We are in for another nice, warm day again tomorrow. Winds continue from the south/southeast on Wednesday and that will boost us back into the upper 70's to around 80 in the afternoon. Skies will be partly cloudy this evening with temperatures dropping only to the lower 60's by morning. There could be some fog developing tonight across parts of southwest Florida. As always, use caution in the morning when driving in areas of fog. Rain chances remain less than 10% again on Wednesday.

FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-2SH-PUSH

AMERICA HAS GONE OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF --

NOW THE COUNTRY MUST WAIT ON ANOTHER VOTE FROM CONGRESS.

EARLY THIS MORNING, THE SENATE PASSED A PLAN PREVENTING MIDDLE CLASS TAX INCREASES.

BUT THE HOUSE.IN SESSION SINCE NOON. HAS YET TO VOTE.

FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-trxPKG

SUPERS:

L/ JENNIFER JOHNSON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

S/ REP. TOM COLE - R- OKLAHOMA

S/ REP. NANCY PELOSI - D- MINORITY LEADER

S/ REP. DARRELL ISSA - R - CALIFORNIA

S/ REP. STEVE COHEN - D - TENNESSEE

L/ JENNIFER JOHNSON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

A TENSE NEW YEAR FOR HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER, AS HE MEETS WITH FELLOW REPUBLICANS OVER WHETHER TO OK THE FISCAL CLIFF BILL PASSED OVERWHELMINGLY BY THE SENATE.BUT GOP LEADERS HAVEN'T AGREED TO LET THE HOUSE VOTE OR AMEND THE BILL.

SOT: rep tom cole

I think more members want this to pass than are willing to vote for it have to be practical about the best deal you can get given the circumstances

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WAS BACK ON THE HILL AFTER HELPING TO BROKER THE SENATE DEAL.

IT SPARED THE MIDDLE CLASS A TAX HIKE, BUT RAISED TAXES ON THOSE MAKING OVER 400-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR. JOBLESS BENEFITS WERE EXTENDED FOR MILLIONS OF UNEMPLOYED.BUT MASSIVE CUTS TO THE MILITARY AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES WERE DELAYED FOR TWO MONTHS.

DEMOCRATS NOW WANT THE CHANCE TO VOTE ON THE BILL, AS THEY SAY BOEHNER PROMISED.

SOT:tc: 15:09:33

Nancy Pelosi, D-Minority Leader

15:02:30

until now our speaker has said when the senate acts we will have

15:02:41 that is what he said, that is what we expect, what american people expect

".to forge a constructive solution for the good of the nation":04

WITH AN OPENING PRAYER APPEALING FOR COMPROMISE, THE HOUSE WENT INTO SESSION AT NOON. REPUBLICANS COMPLAIN THERE'S NOT ENOUGH DEFICIT REDUCTION.

SOT:

rep. darrell issa, r-ca

"in the present plan, is put nearly another trillion dollars of debt on american people.":06

BUT SOME DEMOCRATS SUPPORT THE PLAN TO PREVENT MORE FINANCIAL INSTABILITY.

SOT:

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-TN

"my district can't afford to wait a few days and have the stock market go down 300 points tomorrow if we don't get together and do something.":07

WALL STREET JITTERS ARE JUST ONE PROBLEM.WITHOUT A DEAL THAT CAN GO TO THE PRESIDENT, INCOME TAXES WILL RISE FOR ALMOST EVERY AMERICAN.

standup

su/Jennifer Johnson Reporting

THE SENATE REMAINS IN SESSION READY TO SEND THE BILL TO THE PRESIDENT. IF THERE IS NO DEAL, THIS WILL BE A VERY COSTLY BEGINNING TO THE NEW YEAR FOR ALMOST EVERY AMERICAN.

RUBIO STATEMENT-(2)CG-OC

THE U-S SENATE BILL PASSED BY A VOTE OF 89 TO 8.

REPUBLICAN SENATOR MARCO RUBIO VOTED AGAINST THE DEAL.

IN A STATEMENT, HE SAYS HE APPRECIATES THE HARD WORK THAT WENT INTO AVOIDING THE SO-CALLED 'FISCAL CLIFF'.

BUT RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION WILL BE MADE MORE DIFFICULT UNDER THE DEAL REACHED IN WASHINGTON.

PASEO HOME INVASION STABBING-OC-SOT-OC

A FORT MYERS WOMAN WHO WAS STABBED THE MORNING AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAKS HER SILENCE.

This guy broke into my house and stabbed me. He needs to be in jail for attempted murder, not aggravated battery.

SHE SPOKE IN COURT TODAY DURING HER ALLEGED ATTACKER'S FIRST APPEARANCE.

PASEO HOME INVASION STABBING-PKG

STABBING VICTIM TRACEY MARAZZI HAS BEEN IN HIDING FOR THE LAST WEEK---UNTIL NOW.

05.50.19 "I cannot live with him out on the street."

IT WAS FOUR O'CLOCK WEDNESDAY MORNING---TRACEY WAS SLEEPING IN HER BED---WHEN SHE SAYS HER ATTACKER--JOHN MAATSCH BROKE INTO HER HOME IN THE PASEO COMMUNITY.

05.50.34 "I don't know how long he stood there and looked at me while I slept before he stabbed me in the chest. He stabbed me three times, just missed my artery, just less than a millimeter, collapsed my lung and almost killed me."

TRACEY DESCRIBED HOW SHE FOUGHT OFF HER ATTACKER TO GET HER 11 YEAR OLD CHILD AND HERSELF OUT OF THE HOUSE.

WHILE TRACEY WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL---POLICE SEARCHED FOR ATTACKER, BUT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.

THEN--YESTERDAY--32 YEAR OLD JOHN MAATSCH--TRACEY'S NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR WHO SHE HAS NEVER SEEN BEFORE--TURNED HIMSELF IN.

HE WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY.

WITH HER STAB WOUNDS BANDAGED UP---TRACEY BEGGED THE JUDGE TO NOT LET HER ACCUSED ATTACKER--BACK ON THE STREETS.

05.56.14 "this should be attempted murder. This guy broke into my house and stabbed me. He needs to be in jail for attempted murder, not aggravated battery."

THE JUDGE LISTENED TO TRACEY'S REQUEST---AND MAATSCH IS BEING HELD ON NO BOND PENDING THE OUTCOME OF A DANGER HEARING.

A RULING---TRACEY CAN BE HAPPY ABOUT THROUGH HER FRIGHTFUL TEARS.

05.56.53 I'm scared, my chid is scared."

ARCADIA SHOOTING-ONCAM

WE ARE WORKING TO GATHER MORE DETAILS ABOUT A POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING IN DESOTO COUNTY.

IT HAPPENED NEAR A CEMETERY IN ARCADIA LAST NIGHT.

WE'RE TOLD THE OFFICER WAS NOT INJURED.

IT'S NOT CLEAR IF THE TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE HIT DURING THE SHOOTING BECAUSE THEY GOT AWAY.

BIENAME RECOVERY-SS

SHE'S FINALLY HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL FOR GOOD-

AFTER BEING HIT BY A TRUCK WHILE WALKING TO THE BUS-STOP.

DOCTORS TOLD 17 YEAR-OLD KEISHA BIEN-AIME SHE MAY NEVER WALK AGAIN, BUT THE HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENT WORKED HARD, AND IS NOW WALKING.

BIENAME RECOVERY-TFC CTR

BIENAME RECOVERY-PKG-BNR

THE 17 YEAR-OLD HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.

BUT A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW HOPE.

8:18 "i'm really a blessed kid to still be here."

KEISHA BIEN-AIME IS STANDING NOW,

AND CAN WALK-

BOTH HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AFTER BEING CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR-

THE RESULT OF BEING HIT BY A TRUCK WHILE WALKING TO HER SAN CARLOS PARK BUS STOP THIS PAST AUGUST.

7:52 "i broke the left side of my pelvis- i have a screw in there now, which can be very difficult trying to get the normal hang of things."

DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS-

THE HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR CAME HOME FOR GOOD.

RIGHT NOW-

THERE ARE NO MORE SURGERIES IN KEISHA'S FUTURE,

BUT SHE'S STILL IN A LOT IF PAIN.

7:03 "life for me right now is real difficult to be honest."

TROOPERS ARRESTED 22 YEAR-OLD CHELSIE DAHLBECK FOR THE HIT AND RUN CRASH.

THEY SAY SHE ADMITTED TO VEERING OFF THE ROAD AND HITTING SOMETHING, BUT CLAIMS SHE DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS A PERSON.

9:33 "i understand accidents happen."

KEISHA TELLS US SHE ISN'T MAD AT DAHLBECK,

BUT SAYS SHE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED-

NO MATTER WHAT SHE HIT.

9:55 "you should have shown some kind of respect and pick it up if you think that's what it was. it's kind of foul play."

THE TEEN IS MOVING ON-

AND READY TO GO BACK TO SOUTH FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL WITH HER CLASSMATES-

7:33 "i'm just a blessed kid ready to go to school and focus on my education and catch up."

FOR THE NEW YEAR-

SHE HAS NEW GOALS,

LIKE WANTING TO DO THE SIMPLEST OF THINGS.

BIENAME RECOVERY-TFC CTR

LEHIGH ACRES BRUSH FIRE-trxOC-VO

NEW RIGHT NOW.

FIRE FIGHTERS QUICKLY PUT OUT A BRUSH FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES.

IT HAPPENED ON EAST 16TH STREET JUST EAST OF JOEL BOULEVARD.

41 BRIDGE FIRE-VO

TALK ABOUT SCARY --

A CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.

AND THE DRIVER ESCAPED WITHOUT A SCRATCH.

IT HAPPENED JUST NORTH OF THE 41 BRIDGE IN FORT MYERS THIS MORNING.

ONE LANE OF THE BRIDGE HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.

NYE BABIES-VO-WIPE

FOR SOME PROUD NEW PARENTS, THEY COULDN'T THINK OF A BETTER PLACE TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR THAN IN THE HOSPITAL.

THIS IS LEVI CHARLES MERAIS.

A HEALTHY 8-POUND-2-OUNCE BOY.

HE IS THE FIRST BABY BORN IN OUR AREA, AT N-C-H IN NAPLES -- BORN AT 12:35 THIS MORNING.

NYE BABIES-SOTVO-WIPE

Rachel Merais "It's exciting, it's a lot to take in but it's, the best new year's I've ever had."

Roger Merais "I can't believe how strong he is, he's got vocal cords, his eyes are fantastic, he's so alert and he sleeps like a freekin' rock star, he's awesome."

A HEALTHY BABY GIRL WAS THE FIRST BORN IN LEE COUNTY.

THIS IS MAZIL MORALES, BORN AT GULF COAST MEDICAL CENTER AT 1:32 THIS MORNING.

NYE BABIES-SOTVO

Cynthia Morales "It's a blessing, it's amazing to have a baby born and the first baby born on new years."

Samuel Morales "It's going to be fun, it's going to be a long journey and just looking at her makes me smile every time."

A BABY BOY WAS THE FIRST NEW YEAR'S BABY IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

DANIEL LLOYD OWEN WITH HIS PARENTS TIMOTHY AND ELIZABETH.

FMB POLAR BEAR PLUNGE-2SHOT

IT'S A NEW YEAR'S DAY TRADITION --

JUMPING INTO THE CHILLY WATERS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO.

FMB POLAR BEAR PLUNGE-PKG

A CHANT ON THE SHORES OF SANIBEL --- STARTS 2013'S FIRST AFTERNOON WITH A "ROAR."

1757 "We've got the jesters, clown, unicorn vikings."

THE SOUND ECHOES FORTH -- FROM THESE MIGHTY BEASTS.

THEY CALL THEMSELVES "POLAR BEARS" -- BUT THEY'RE BRACING FOR WATER FAR FROM ARTIC TEMPERTAURES.

0843 "It's about 66 degrees so i is kinda of like a sauna polar bear dip."

THE SILLY CREATURES TELL US -- ALL THE CLOWNING AROUND -- KICKS OFF 2013 IN A GREAT WAY.

1940 "What better place to start out year off. What's not to like?"

THEY'RE HUNGRY THIS AFTERNOON -- AND ON THE MENU -- IS A CHILLY RUSH.

0850 "It's a challenge. It will pucker you up a bit."

AND ONCE THE CALL OF THE WILD IS COMPLETE -- THEIR RITUAL BEGINS --

--- BY BACKING INTO THE BLUE WATER.

1401 "with hundreds of polar bears in the Gulf of Mexico, those still on the sand -- mostly Floridians are called mice"

AND IN NO TIME AT ALL -- THEY'RE OUT.

1720 "Yeah man, a little cold."

--- REACHING FOR TOWELS TO WARM UP.

1958 "it was chilly. Goosebumps."

GRATEFUL TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR -- ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE.

1900 "Oh, I love it. It's so much fun and quite invigorating… good way to wake yourself up."

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

A TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM IS KILLING FISH UP AND DOWN THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COAST.

N-B-C TWO FINDS OUT HOW BAD RED TIDE IS --

AND IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AS YOU HEAD OUT TO THE BEACH THIS HOLIDAY.

PLUS -

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE PLANNING THEIR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION.

TZ1 A) MARCO RED TIDE-VO-WIPE

TZ1 B) KEEPING NYE RESOLUTIONS-VOTOPS

TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

ROBERT WX OPEN-CLIP

FIRST ALERT 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.

NICE WEATHER AGAIN TOMORROW

We are in for another nice, warm day again tomorrow. Winds continue from the south/southeast on Wednesday and that will boost us back into the upper 70's to around 80 in the afternoon. Skies will be partly cloudy this evening with temperatures dropping only to the lower 60's by morning. There could be some fog developing tonight across parts of southwest Florida. As always, use caution in the morning when driving in areas of fog. Rain chances remain less than 10% again on Wednesday.

MARCO RED TIDE-2SHOT

DEAD FISH ARE WASHING UP ON ONE OF SOUTWEST FLORIDA'S MOST POPULAR BEACHES.

IT'S A RESULT OF RED TIDE THAT'S OFF THE COAST --

STRETCHING FROM CHARLOTTE COUNTY TO COLLIER COUNTY.

MARCO RED TIDE-PKG

MANY ON MARCO ISLAND ARE TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR'S DAY TO ENJOY THE WATER.

BUT FOR SOME THAT BEAUTY IS SHORT-LIVED.

32:38 "Just here recently on the beach we've seen some dead fish wash up, a couple of small sharks."

THE CULPRIT? RED TIDE.

FLORIDA WILDLIFE OFFICIAL SAY IT'S STRETCHING FROM CHARLOTTE TO COLLIER COUNTY.

AND IT DOESN'T JUST KILL FISH.

36:50 "I have a gentleman here who swims everyday and he says he feels the effects of it too."

WHICH CAN MIMIIC THE START OF A COLD.

IN MOST CASES, A TINGLING SENSATION IN THE THROAT.

BEACH VENDORS ARE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE WATER PROTECTING BEACH GOERS.

37:29 "Folks who do have respiratory problems are advised to not be out on the beach."

BUT AT THE MOMENT, IT HASN'T BEEN ENOUGH TO SLOW DOWN THE FUN IN THE SUN.

33:15 "It's just business as usual."

CREWS PICK UP THE DEAD FISH EVERY MORNING.

AND THERE ARE SIGNS POSTED AT SEVERAL BEACHES WARNING VISITORS OF RED TIDE.

MONEY SAVERS-trxOC-VO-WIPE

THERE ARE FOUR KEY AREAS YOU CAN SAVE MONEY IN THE NEW YEAR.

ACCORDING TO THE PEOPLE AT "SMART MONEY" THE FIRST IS BUYING A USED CAR.

MORE USED VEHICLES ARE HITTING THE MARKET.WHICH IS DROPPING PRICES.

CUTTING CABLE OR SATELLITE AND SWITCHING TO STREAMING SERVICES COULD SAVE A FEW BUCKS.

THE PRICES OF FLAT-SCREEN TV'S ARE FALLING.

FOUR SQUARE POLICY CHANGES-VOTOPS-WIPE

ANOTHER SOCIAL MEDIA SITE IS TWEAKING ITS PRIVACY POLICY.

FOURSQUARE USERS WILL HAVE TO SHARE THEIR "FULL" NAME STARTING JANUARY 28TH.

BUSINESS OWNERS WILL GET MORE TIME TO SCROLL THROUGH THE NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO'VE CHECKED IN AT THEIR BUSINESSES.

THEY CAN CURRENTLY SEE CUSTOMERS WHO'VE CHECKED IN DURING THE LAST THREE HOURS.

DONT SKIP A PAYMENT-VOTOPS

IF YOU'RE ENTICED BY LOW INTEREST RATES TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE. OR BY A HOME. A WORD OF ADVICE FROM THE MAN BEHIND "THE RED TAPE CHRONICLES".

"DON'T" SKIP THE FIRST PAYMENT.

MANY LENDERS WILL TELL BORROWERS THEY CAN "SKIP" THE FIRST PAYMENT, DEPENDING ON WHAT TIME OF THE MONTH THE LOAN CLOSES.

BUT. THERE ISN'T REALLY ANY SKIP.

THAT MISSED PAYMENT FOLDS INTO THE LOAN, AND YOU'LL PAY INTEREST ON IT.

TEASE TWO-2SHOT

AS THE CALENDAR TURNS OVER --

THE NEW YEAR IS A TIME WHEN MANY PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR A FRESH START.

1546 "I think more peace, happiness trying not to yell at my kids so often."

FROM LOSING WEIGHT TO KICKING A BAD HABIT --

EASY WAYS FOR YOU TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTION IN 20-13.

TZ2 A) KEEPING NYE RESOLUTIONS-SOTVO

TZ2 B) NEW AT 6 TEASE(BIEN AIME)-BNR-VOTOPS

KEEPING NYE RESOLUTIONS-2SHOT

WITH A NEW YEAR -- COMES NEW PROMISES TO START 2013 BETTER THAN EVER.

WE'VE BE THERE BEFORE.

WE'VE VOWED TO CHANGE -- BUT WE HAVEN'T ALWAYS DELIVERED ON OUR RESOLUTIONS.

ONE THING TO REMEMBER -- BE REALISTIC.

KEEPING NYE RESOLUTIONS-PKG

20-13 -- ANOTHER YEAR OF LIVING --- BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW COMMITTMENTS, AND NEW PROMISES FOR THOUSANDS ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

ONE IMPORTANT RESOLUTION FOR THOSE WE SPOKE WITH -- REMAIN HEALTHY.

1534 ""The proverbial lose 10 lbs, exercise, and be heater isn't is what most everyone has? Isn't that the middle america response."

0138 "I just want to eat healthier and excerise more."

0420 "my goal this year is to get in better shape."

MANY TELL US THE CLEAN STATE -- ALLOWS THEM TO SET THE BAR HIGH OR FOCUS ON DAY TO DAY ACTIVITY.

1609 "I just became a vegan if I continued that I would be proud."

EXPERTS SUGGEST TAKING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION -- AND BREAKING IT DOWN.

0034 "i'm trying to get my grades up a little more."

FOR JT SMITH'S -- THAT MAY MEAN FOCUSING ON A TEST AT A TIME.

TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK IN 2013 -- WHETHER YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT OR STOP SMOKING -- SET SHORT TERM GOALS.

WHILE SOME LOOK BACK AT 20-12 WITH REGRET -- OTHERS SAY BLAZE FORWARD WITH OPTIMISM

0048 "when a year starts like this with this kind of sun, surrounding. Its going to be a great year."

-- AND BE HAPPY YOU MADE IT TO 20-13 -- WITH A NEW CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR RESOLUTION A REALITY.

1656 "i'm so grateful the Mayan calendar demonstrated that we are still gone be here for another 64,000 lbs."

NEW AT 530-2SHOT

THE NATION BRIEFLY FELL OVER THE SO CALLED FISCAL CLIFF --

BUT A LAST MINUTE DEAL SENT A MEASURE TO THE HOUSE LATE LAST NIGHT.

RIGHT NOW CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ARE MEETING AND WILL SOON DECIDE WHETHER TO PUT THE PLAN TO A VOTE.

WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST DETAILS.

AND TAKING A SLEEPING PILL COULD BE AS DANGEROUS AS DRIVING DRUNK.

A) FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-VO-WIPE

B) AMBIEN DRIVING DANGERS-VOTOPS

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-2SH-TRN-1SH

THE FATE OF TAX-CUT AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT EXTENSIONS PASSED BY THE SENATE EARLY NEW YEAR'S DAY NOW LIES WITH THE HOUSE.

THE SO-CALLED FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE HAS COME AND GONE, BUT THE FINANCIAL FUTURE OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS STILL HANGS IN THE BALANCE.

THE BILL IS NOW IN REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED TERRITORY WHERE IT COULD FACE MORE OF A CHALLENGE

FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-trxPKG

Rep. Nancy Pelosi/D-Minority Leader

Rep. Earl Blumenauer/D-OR

Rep. Scott Riggell/R-VA

AFTER THE SENATE'S LATE NIGHT FISCAL CLIFF DEAL DRAMANOW IT'S TIME FOR THE

HOUSE TO HAVE ITS SAY.

AND THE BIG QUESTION - ARE THERE ENOUGH REPUBLICAN VOTES TO PASS IT?

TODAY HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER HUDDLED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WITH HIS CAUCUS

AND THE FEEDBACK HE GOT WAS DESCRIBED AS "UNIVERSAL CONCERN" ABOUT A LACK

OF SPENDING CUTS IN THE SENATE PASSED BILL.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER NANCY PELOSI SAID BOEHNER NEEDS TO ALLOW A STRAIGHT UP

OR DOWN VOTE TO THE DEAL THE SENATE PASSED.NO CHANGES.

Speaker has said, when senate acts, we'll have vote - that is what he said

, that is what we expect, that is what american people deserve.

EARLY THIS MORNING.THE SENATE PASSED WITH OVERWHELMING BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

A FISCAL CLIFF DEAL THAT WOULD

EXTEND TAX CUTS FOR ALL WORKERS EARNING LESS THAN 400-THOUSAND DOLLARS A

YEAR.

PREVENT A TAX HIKE ON ESTATES VALUED AT LESS THAN FIVE MILLION DOLLARS.

AND IT EXTENDS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR SOME TWO MILLION PEOPLE THAT WERE

SET TO EXPIRE TODAY.

SINCE CONGRESS MISSED THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE LAST NIGHT.TECHNICALLY THE

COUNTRY'S ALREADY GONE OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF

THE BUSH TAX CUTS EXPIRED, SO EVERYBODY'S TAX RATES HAVE GONE UP.

BUT.IF THE COMPROMISE BILL CAN PASS THE HOUSETHEY CAN RETROACTIVELY PREVENT

THOSE TAX HIKES.

EARLIER TODAY THERE WAS GRUMBLING FROM HOUSE MEMBERS OF BOTH PARTIES:

This agreement represents absolutely the least we could have done under

these circumstances

It fails to address the mortal threat facing our country: uncontrolled

FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS-ONCAM

KAREN TRAVERS REPORTING.

DEMOCRATIC HOUSE LEADERS JUST WRAPPED UP THEIR MEETING WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT.

THEY SAY WHILE THE BILL ISN'T PERFECT, THEY ARE HOPEFUL THEY CAN GET BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THE LEGISLATION AND PUT IT TO A VOTE QUICKLY.

HILLARY CLINTON CONDITION UPDATE-ONCAM

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON IS IN A NEW YORK AREA HOSPITAL TONIGHT UNDER OBSERVATION.

DOCTORS ADMITTED HER SUNDAY AFTER FINDING A BLOOD CLOT BETWEEN HER BRAIN AND HER SKULL.

HILLARY CLINTON CONDITION UPDATE-PKG

aFTER A DAY OF QUESTIONS ABOUT JUST WHERE HER BLOOD CLOT WAS LOCATED, SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON'S DOCTORS ISSUED A STATEMENT.

AN M-R-I SCAN, THEY SAID, REVEALED:

"A CLOT IN THE VEIN THAT IS SITUATED IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAIN AND THE SKULL. BEHIND THE RIGHT EAR."

SECRETARY CLINTON'S DOCTORS NOTED THAT THE CLOT, WHICH RESULTED FROM A CONCUSSION SHE SUFFERED WHEN SHE STRUCK HER HEAD DURING A SERIOUS BOUT WITH STOMACH FLU, "DID NOT RESULT IN A STROKE, OR NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE."

THE SECRETARY'S MEDICAL TEAM HAS BEEN TREATING HER SINCE SUNDAY IN A NEW YORK HOSPITAL WITH BLOOD THINNERS TO DISSOLVE THAT CLOT.

ONCE THE MEDICATION DOSE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, THEY SAY, SHE WILL BE RELEASED.

DOCTOR DAVID DEATON, CHIEF OF VASCULAR SURGERY AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN WASHINGTON, D-C, AN EXPERT WHO HAS NOT TREATED SECRETARY CLINTON, TELLS C-N-N'S WOLF BLITZER THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS: THERE APPARENTLY IS NO BLEEDING INSIDE THE TISSUE OF THE BRAIN ITSELF.

"It would not affect her function. She can travel. It really just effects sort of heavy physical activity. Once your medication is regulated appropriately, you can go about all the normal activities of daily living."

AND SECRETARY CLINTON'S DOCTORS SAY, "IN ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF HER RECOVERY, THE SECRETARY IS MAKING EXCELLENT PROGRESS AND WE ARE CONFIDENT SHE WILL MAKE A FULL RECOVERY. SHE IS IN GOOD SPIRITS, ENGAGING WITH HER DOCTORS, HER FAMILY, AND HER STAFF."

CLINTON-- WHO'S FLOWN A MILLION MILES-- ALREADY HAD HER INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ON HOLD AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE SHE'LL BE GOING ANYWHERE SOON.

THERE'S ALSO A QUESTION MARK ABOUT WHEN SHE'LL BE ABLE TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN BENGHAZI. AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S SECURITY LAPSES.

"Absolutely essential that she'd testify."

SOME SENATORS SAY CLINTON HAS TO TESTIFY ON BENGHAZI -- BEFORE THEY HOLD CONFIRMATION HEARINGS FOR HER EXPECTED REPLACEMENT: SENATOR JOHN KERRY.

HILLARY CLINTON CONDITION UPDATE-ONCAM

JILL DOUGHERTY REPORTING.

DOCTORS SAY CLINTON WILL BE RELEASED ONCE THE PROPER MEDICATION DOSE IS DETERMINED.

OR GUN LEFT IN THEATER-VO

NEW DETAILS TONIGHT ABOUT THE MAN ACCUSED OF LEAVING A LOADED GUN INSIDE A MOVIE THEATER.

HE'S CHARGED WITH RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON.

THE MAN SAYS THE GUN FELL OUT OF HIS HOLSTER AND HE DIDN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL LATER THAT NIGHT.

THIS HAPPENED AT A MOVIE THEATER IN OREGON.

NEWTOWN SCHOOL RESUMING-VO-WIPE

STUDENTS FROM SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT ARE SET TO RETURN TO SCHOOL ON THURSDAY.

DESKS AND OTHER SUPPLIES ARE IN PLACE AT A SCHOOL IN A NEARBY CITY FOLLOWING THE DEADLY SHOOTING RAMPAGE LAST MONTH.

NEWTOWN LAWSUIT DROPPED-VOTOPS

MEANWHILE A LAWYER WHO WANTED TO SUE THE STATE OVER THE SHOOTING WITHDREW HIS REQUEST TODAY.

IT'S NOT CLEAR WHAT BROUGHT ON THE CHANGE OF HEART.

HOWEVER --

IRVING PINSKY SAYS HE'S RESERVING THE RIGHT TO BRING IT UP AGAIN.

CO MARIJUANA CLUBS-VO-WIPE

POT CLUBS ARE POPPING UP IN COLORADO FOLLOWING THE LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA USE IN THE STATE.

ONE SUCH BUSINESS, CALLED "CLUB 64" WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS AT THEIR GRAND OPENING YESTERDAY WITH REGGAE MUSIC AND A FLASHING DISCO-STYLE LIGHT SHOW.

CLUB 64 IS NAMED AFTER THE POT AMENDMENT-- AMENDMENT 64.

CO MARIJUANA CLUBS-SOTVO

"This is a safe place where people can come together and exercise their constitutional rights together and they don't have to do it at home, they don't have to do it in public and they're gonna have a lot of fun tonight."

CLUB 64 AND A SIMILAR CLUB LOCATED IN SOUTHERN COLORADO ARE CONSIDERED THE FIRST TWO LEGAL POT DENS IN THE STATE.

CA NYE FATAL SHOOTING-VO-WIPE

A VIOLENT NEW YEARS CELEBRATION TURNED DEADLY IN CALIFORNIA.

AUTHORITIES SAY TWO PEOPLE WERE SHOT AND KILLED DURING A BAR BRAWL IN SACRAMENTO LAST NIGHT.

INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE WHAT STARTED THE ALTERCATION.

CA NYE FATAL SHOOTING-SOTVO-WIPE

MOS Woman 2 -"Right in front of us it was like seven shots. We heard two

shots and then someone told us and then we all started running towards the back

place over here."

AFTER THE SHOOTING, POLICE DECIDED TO CANCEL THE AREA'S MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS SHOW.

JACKSONVILLE BOY INJURED-VOTOPS

IN JACKSONVILLE --

POLICE SAY CELEBRATORY GUNFIRE INJURED AN EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY WAITING TO WATCH NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS.

INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE SOMEONE SHOT INTO THE AIR AND THE BULLET WENT THROUGH THE BOYS FOOT ON THE WAY DOWN.

TIMES SQUARE KISSES-NATVO-WIPE

OF COURSE MOST OF THE NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH --

ENDING WITH THE USUAL NEW YEAR'S KISS.

nats of all the quaintance

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF REVELERS CROWDED INTO NEW YORK CITY'S TIMES SQUARE TO WATCH THE CRYSTAL-COVERED BALL MAKE ITS ANNUAL DESCENT, RINGING IN THE START OF 2013.

THIS WAS THE FIRST COUNTDOWN IN DECADES WITHOUT TELEVISION HOST DICK CLARK.

HE DIED IN APRIL.

TIMES SQUARE CLEAN UP-VOTOPS-WIPE

ONCE THE PARTY WAS OVER --

CREWS JUMPED INTO ACTION TO CLEAN-UP AFTER ONE OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS.

MOUNDS OF TRASH AND CONFETTI COVERED THE STREETS IN NEW YORK'S TIMES SQUARE AFTER THE FAMOUS BALL DROP.

AN ESTIMATED ONE MILLION PEOPLE FILLED THE SO-CALLED "CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD" TO RING IN 2013.

HANGOVER HAMBURGER-VOTOPS

AND IF YOU ARE STILL NURSING THAT NEW YEAR'S HANGOVER --

YOU MIGHT WANT TO SINK YOUR TEETH INTO THIS.

A MAN IN AUSTRALIA CALLS IT HIS HANGOVER BURGER.

IT'S STACKED WITH 220 POUNDS OF MEAT --

LETTUCE AND TOMATOES.

PLUS FRIED EGGS --

BACON AND BARBECUE CHICKENS.

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

CHANCES ARE YOU HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS TODAY.

BUT ONE COUPLE IS GOING EVEN FURTHER TO CARRY OUT A LOFTY ONE.

HOW THEY PLAN TO TAKE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR IN STRIDE.

PLUS --

It really helps them get them right back on track in case they have a little rough day."

PARENTS HAVE THE HEALING TOUCH FOR THEIR PREMATURE BABIES.

TZ1 A) COUPLE TO RUN 365 MARATHONS-VO-WIPE

TZ1 B) INFANT TOUCH-SOTVO

TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

COUPLE TO RUN 365 MARATHONS-ONCAM

A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE TO SLIP QUIETLY INTO RETIREMENT --

BUT FOR ONE COUPLE THEY PLAN TO HAVE A VERY ACTIVE 20-13.

THEY ARE GEARING UP TO RUN A MARATHON EVERY DAY THIS YEAR.

COUPLE TO RUN 365 MARATHONS-PKG

THE COUNTDOWN TO BEGIN CLOCKING UP THE KILOMETERS.

AT 6.30 THIS MORNING GRANDPARENTS ALAN AND JEANETTE EMBARKED ON THE RUN OF A LIFETIME.

THEY'VE VOWED TO COMPLETE A MARATHON EVERYDAY OF 20-13.

We're trying to inspire others to make conscious lifestyle choices, every choice they make in life.

THE COUPLE IN THEIR SIXTIES IS PROMOTING HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE LIVING AS THEY SET OFF TO COVER MORE THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND KILOMETERS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND RAISE MONEY FOR VARIOUS CHARITIES.

BUT THEY HAVEN'T ALWAYS BEEN IN FINE FORM.

Twenty years ago I wouldn't be able to run one city block, couldn't run a hundred meters, a city block but since then I've lost 23 kilos and I just feel so much better.

Not only that but I get a younger man without the divorce.

TEN YEARS AGO JEANETTE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER AND WAS GIVEN SIX MONTHS TO LIVE.

SHE BELIEVES EATING RAW, VEGAN FOOD SAVED HER LIFE.

AND THE PAIR WILL RELY ON THAT DIET TO FUEL THE 365 MARATHONS.

IN NEW ZEALAND IN 2000 THE ENDURANCE ATHLETES RAN 50 MARATHONS IN 50 DAYS.

BUT THIS YEAR HOLDS A FAR GREATER CHALLENGE FOR THE RUN RAW DUO.

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

IT'S LONG BEEN BELIEVED THAT PARENTS CAN HAVE A HEALING TOUCH.

NURSES ARE PUTTING THAT THEORY TO THE TEST FOR PRE MATURE BORN BABIES --

EVEN IF THEIR PARENTS CAN'T BE PHYSICALLY THERE.

PLUS --

nats of singing

TZ2 A) INFANT TOUCH-VO-WIPE

TZ2 B) FMB POLAR PLUNGE-NATVO

ROBERT WX OPEN-CLIP

FIRST ALERT 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.

NICE WEATHER AGAIN TOMORROW

We are in for another nice, warm day again tomorrow. Winds continue from the south/southeast on Wednesday and that will boost us back into the upper 70's to around 80 in the afternoon. Skies will be partly cloudy this evening with temperatures dropping only to the lower 60's by morning. There could be some fog developing tonight across parts of southwest Florida. As always, use caution in the morning when driving in areas of fog. Rain chances remain less than 10% again on Wednesday.

INFANT TOUCH-ONCAM

IT HAS OFTEN BEEN A BELIEF THAT MOTHERS AND FATHERS CAN OFFER A HEALING TOUCH TO THEIR CHILD.

THAT'S ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO PREMATURE BABIES.

AS ERIKA EDWARDS REPORTS -

INFANT TOUCH-PKG

S/ Jennifer Marks - Mother of Preemie Twins :40-:47

S/ Debbie Smith, RN - UH Case Medical Center, Cleveland :53 -1:00

S/ Victoria Kunkel, MS, OTR/L - Hillcrest Hospital, Cleveland Clinic 1:15 - 1:18

S/ Erika Edwards - NBC News 1:24 - 1:28

TO STAY ALIVE - AND THRIVE - PREMATURE BABIES IN THE NEO-NATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT MAY ENDURE AS MANY AS 14 PAINFUL MEDICAL PROCEDURES A DAY.

"A lot of those things require tape around the face, so there's a lot of negative experiences in and around the face."

MAKING IT IMPORTANT TO TEACH THESE BABIES ABOUT POSITIVE TOUCH.

"The first time I kangarooed I just cried."

KANGAROO CARE, AS IT'S CALLED, IS WHEN BABIES LIE ON MOM OR DAD'S CHEST FOR SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT.

JENNIFER MARKS KANGAROOS HER TWIN DAUGHTERS EMME AND SABRINA -- WHO WERE BORN 3 MONTHS PREMATURE.

"It stabilizes them and it makes them sleep better and I feel like it's a big benefit. It really helps them get them right back on track in case they have a little rough day."

SUCH CLOSENESS CAN HELP REGULATE BREATHING AND HEART RATES. AND EVEN HAVE AN ANALGESIC EFFECT.

"You know we have to give babies a shot of vitamin K right after they're born, and if you do this when a baby's in kangaroo care, they don't even flinch."

WHEN MOM AND DAD CAN'T BE THERE -- NICU NURSES ARE USING A LITTLE DEVICE CALLED THE ZAKY HAND.

"It's designed so that moms can sleep with the hand and then put it in the isolette or the crib with the baby in the NICU so that it has mom or dad's scent."

THE NURSES SAY BABIES WHO CUDDLE WITH THE HAND TEND TO SLEEP BETTER -- WHICH IS CRITICAL TO THEIR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.

ILLUSTRATING THE POWER OF POSITIVE HUMAN TOUCH -- SISTERS EMME AND SABRINA DON'T NEED THE ARTIFICIAL HAND ANYMORE -- THEY HAVE EACH OTHER.

NEW YEARS DIVERS-VO-WIPE

A HANDFUL OF ITALIANS CHOSE TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR BY DIVING INTO THE SWIRLING WATERS OF ROME'S TIBER RIVER.

THE TRADITIONAL TIBER DIVE HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND HAS BECOME A TOURIST ATTRACTION.

NORTH SEA PLUNGE-VOTOPS-WIPE

IN THE NETHERLANDS --

IT'S A DUTCH TRADITION TO JUMP INTO THE FRIGID WATERS OF THE NORTH SEA.

SEVERAL THOUSAND PARTICIPANTS RACED INTO THE WATER THIS MORNING AND RACED EVEN FASTER BACK TO THE BEACH.

FMB POLAR PLUNGE-NATVOTOPS

IN MUCH WARMER WATERS -- SO-CALLED "POLAR BEARS" PLUNGE INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO TO KICK OFF 2013.

HUNDREDS DECKED OUT IN COSTUMES AND SWIMSUITS TURNED OUT FOR THE ANNUAL DIP AT TARPON BAY BEACH THIS AFTERNOON.

THEY TELL US THE WATER AROUND 65 DEGREES IS COLD ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS.

TEASE THREE-2SHOT

GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS NOT ONLY ILLEGAL BUT DANGEROUS.

AND DRIVING TIRED CAN BE JUST AS UNSAFE.

SEVERAL RECENT CRASHES HAVE INVOLVED THE USE OF SLEEPING AIDS.

TONIGHT,

NEW DETAILS ABOUT WHAT THE PILL CAN DO TO YOUR MEMORY AND MOTOR FUNCTION.

AND ALL NEW AT SIX--

RED TIDE IS BACK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA,

TZ3 A) AMBIEN DRIVING DANGERS-VO

AHEAD AT 6-BANNER

A) RED TIDE-VOTOPS

DENZEL TOP MONEYMAKER-VO-WIPE

MOVIE BUFFS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF DENZEL WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON'S MOVIES BROUGHT IN THE MOST MONEY THIS YEAR.

HIS FILMS FILLED MORE SEATS THIS YEAR THAN ANY OTHER ACTOR.

HE STARRED IN "SAFE HOUSE" AND 'FLIGHT'.

IN SECOND PLACE IS THE ONLY WOMAN TO CRACK THE TOP TEN LIST - ANNE HATHAWAY.

MCCONAUGHEY SON BORN-VOTOPS

ACTOR MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW HE AND HIS GIRLFRIEND CAMILA ALVES HAD A BOY.

SOME REPORTS INITIALLY SAID THE LONG TIME COUPLE HAD A GIRL.

LIVINGSTON ALVES MCCONAUGHEY WAS BORN LAST WEEK.

SIMPSON WEIGHT WATCHERS-VO

WEIGHT WATCHERS IS CLEARING THE AIR ABOUT ONE OF ITS NEWEST SPOKESWOMEN.

JESSICA SIMPSON ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK SHE IS EXPECTING HER SECOND CHILD.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SAYS THEY ARE THRILLED FOR THE SINGER.

THEY ADDED THAT SHE WILL NOT BE ON THE WEIGHT LOSS PLAN DURING HER PREGNANCY.

EMANCIPATION STAMP-VO

YOU'LL HAVE A NEW OPTION WHEN YOU SEND YOUR MAIL IN THE NEW YEAR.

THE U-S POSTAL SERVICE UNVEILED THE NEW EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION FOREVER STAMP.

THE RELEASE OF THE STAMP COINCIDES WITH THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN FREEING SLAVES.

FORD FOCUS BEST SELLING CAR-VO

20-12 WAS ANOTHER A GOOD YEAR FOR FORD AROUND THE WORLD.

THE AUTOMAKER SAID ITS FOCUS MODEL WILL BE THE TOP-SELLING VEHICLE WORLDWIDE WHEN FINAL FIGURES FOR THE YEAR ARE IN.

BUT THAT WASN'T ALL.

FORD SAYS ITS ON TRACK TO SELL MORE THAN TWO MILLION VEHICLES IN THE U-S IN 2012.

IT'S THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW FORD HAS TOPPED THE NUMBER.

AMBIEN DRIVING DANGERS-2SH-TRN-1SH

AND SOME OF THE DRIVERS BEHIND THOSE VEHICLES MAY BE PUTTING OTHERS AT RISK IF THEY TAKE MEDICATION TO HELP THEM SLEEP AT NIGHT.

AN ESTIMATED 60 MILLION PRESCRIPTIONS FOR SLEEP AIDS LIKE AMBIEN ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED THIS YEAR IN THE U-S.

A NEW STUDY FINDS EVEN OCCASIONAL USE CAN INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING INTO A SERIOUS CAR CRASH.

AMBIEN DRIVING DANGERS-PKG

AMBIEN - AND IT'S GENERIC FORM "ZOLPIDEM" ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED SLEEPING AIDS.

THE DRUG CAN STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM UP TO 12 HOURS.

MOST SIDE EFFECTS ARE MINOR.

BUT A LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECT KNOWN AS "COMPLEX SLEEP RELATED BEHAVIORS" ARE CAUSE FOR CONCERN:

"That's the sleep driving, the eating with out awareness -- and the sleep walking."

"I remember getting on the highway, and then I have no memory."

KERRY KENNEDY TOOK AMBIEN AND SIDE-SWIPED A TRUCK.

IT WAS ALSO IN THE SYSTEM OF HER COUSIN, FORMER CONGRESSMAN PATRICK KENNEDY WHEN HE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER IN 2006.

IN TEXAS, A WOMAN WHO MIXED AMBIEN AND ALCOHOL HAD NO MEMORY OF RUNNING OVER TWO YOUNG GIRLS AND THEIR MOTHER.

A SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MAN TOOK FOUR AMBIEN, JUST 12 HOURS BEFORE HE DROVE INTO A HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION CREW, KILLING ONE MAN AND INJURING THREE OTHERS.

"It's actually just as bad as drinking and driving."

RESEARCHERS AT OHIO UNIVERSITY USE A DRIVING SIMULATOR TO STUDY AND HELP IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.

THEY ALSO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF DROWSY DRIVING.

"This information is valuable simply because we are trying to reduce crashes and improve safety."

WE TRAVELED TO O-U RECENTLY, WHERE DOCTOR DEBORAH MCAVOY AND A TEAM OF GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS CREATED A PROGRAM TO TEST THE DRIVING SKILLS OF SOMEONE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AMBIEN.

THAT "SOMEONE" WAS ME:

FIRST - I WENT THROUGH A FEW TRIALS TO GET USED TO THE FORD FOCUS. CAMERAS TRACK MY EYE MOVEMENT - AND THE COMPUTER RECORDS MY SPEED, AND HOW WELL I STAY IN MY LANE.

I EASILY PASS A FIELD SOBRIETY TEST -- AND NOW I'M READY TO TAKE MY PILL.

"I am taking approximately 5 mg."

THE DRUG'S DIRECTIONS ARE CLEAR: GO TO BED FOR AT LEAST 7 TO 8 HOURS.

AND DO NOT DRIVE UNTIL FULLY AWAY.

AMBIEN IS DESIGNED TO ACT QUICKLY - AND IT DOES:

"Five minutes and I am starting to feel dizzy."

AT 11:45 - I'M UP - BUT DEFINITELY UNSTEADY.

WE REPEAT THE SAME PROCESS - ONE HOUR AFTER TAKING THE AMBIEN.

I'M CLEARLY DISORIENTED.

BACK IN THE CAR, I DON'T REALIZE I'M SPEEDING, UNTIL THE SIMULATOR TELLS ME, NOT ONCE:

BUT TWICE!

"I was doing 80 IN A 30?"

"The two things I noticed were speed variance and the ability for her to stay in her lane. As the day progressed we saw those skills started to deteriorate."

DROWSY DRIVERS HAVE TROUBLE PERCEIVING HOW QUICKLY THEY ARE COMING UP ON ANOTHER VEHICLE -AND THIS IS A LEADING CAUSE OF CRASHES.

SOBERING NEWS FOR ME, BUT I WASN'T DONE.

3 HOURS AFTER TAKING AN AMBIEN: A WINTER DRIVING SCENARIO.

LISTEN TO WHAT NICK TELLS ME RIGHT BEFORE I START:

I BEGIN DRIVING BUT WITHIN 30 SECONDS:

I'VE LOST CONTROL AND SLAMMED - AT HIGH SPEED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER.

REMEMBER - NICK TOLD ME THE SPEED LIMIT BEFORE I STARTED. ONE MINUTE LATER, I HAVE NO MEMORY OF OUR CONVERSATION:

SELL THE 6PM-2SHOT

COMING UP NEXT ON N-B-C 2 NEWS AT 6, AN EMOTIONAL COURTROOM PLEA by a woman nearly stabbed to DEATH THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS,

WE'LL HEAR FROM A SCARED TRACEY MARAZZI AS SHE DESCRIBES THE DAY SHE WAS STABBED IN HER OWN BED.AND BEGS A JUDGE TO KEEP THE MAN ACCUSED OF DOING IT BEHIND BARS.