NBC2 6am on 2s |
NBC2 6am on 2s |
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I'M STACEY DEFFENBAUGH.
CHIEF METREOLIGST HALEY WEBB WILL BE ALONG IN JUST A MINUTE.
THE CLEANUP IS UNDERWAY THIS MORNING AFTER CELEBRATIONS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR.
NBC'S KURT GREGORY TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE EVENTS.
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THE FIRST MAJOR CITY TO CELEBRATE 2013 WAS AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. FIREWORKS AND BOAT HORNS RANG IN THE NEW YEAR.
IN AUSTRALIA, A SEVEN-TON FIREWORKS DISPLAY DAZZLED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS IN SYDNEY'S HARBOR WITH A ESTIMATED ONE-BILLION PEOPLE WATCHING ON TV WORLDWIDE.
A LARGE CROWD COUNTED DOWN TO THE NEW YEAR IN SHANGHAI, CHINA.
WHILE IN TOKYO, JAPAN. BUDDHIST MONKS RANG BELLS TO CLEANSE SINS.
NATO SOLDIERS SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN TOOK TIME TO LET LOOSE AND DANCE THEIR WAY INTO 2013. NATO HAS MORE THAN 100-THOUSAND SOLDIERS SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN INCLUDING SOME 66-THOUSAND U-S FORCES.
IN CENTRAL RUSSIA, THESE BRAVE SOULS TOOK AN ICY DIP TO GREET THE NEW YEAR. THE WATER TEMPERATURE, A VERY BRISK 37 DEGREES.
WHILE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING, THE BUR KHALIF, SET THE STAGE FOR A GIANT CELEBRATION.
IN PARIS. TENS OF THOUSANDS CELEBRATED AT THE EIFFEL TOWER.
WHILE IN LONDON, BIG BEN RANG OUT THE OLD AND RANG IN THE NEW.
AND THE TRADITION CONTINUED IN THE BIG APPLE. TENS OF THOUSANDS CRAMMED INTO TIMES SQUARE TO OFFICIALLY WELCOME 2013.
KURT GREGORY, NBC NEWS.
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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good news if you have to head out this morning, no accidents out there slowing down your morning commute.
a live look at i-75 in south lee county. this is the bonita beach exit.
both i-75 and us 41 looking good in lee, coller, and charlotte county.
that is your nbc-2 traffic alert.
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AS YOU WAKE THIS MORNING, WE ARE MONITORING A SITUATION IN CALIFORNIA.
SHOTS WERE FIRED A FEW HOURS AGO DURING A CELEBRATION IN CALIFORNIA.
LOCAL MEDIA STATIONS IN SACRAMENTO SAY, TWO PEOPLE WERE DIED, AND THREE OTHERS WERE INJURED.
POLICE SAY, 40-THOUSAND PEOPLE GATHERED FOR A FIREWORKS SHOW WHEN THE SHOTS RANG OUT.
OFFICIALS CANCELED THE MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION, AND THIS MORNING, POLICE ARE STILL SEARCHING FOR THE SUSPECT.
THERE'S NO WORD ON WHAT PROMPTED THE SHOOTING.
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THEY DIDN'T MAKE THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE BUT EARLY THIS MORNING, THE SENATE APPROVED FISCAL CLIFF LEGISLATION.
WHICH NOW SETS THE STAGE FOR A SHOWDOWN IN THE HOUSE.
STEVE HANDELSMAN HAS THE LATEST FROM CAPITOL HILL.
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IT WAS RARE BIPARTISAN SENATE VOTE. 89 TO 8.
TWO HOURS AFTER AMERICA WENT OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN CAME TO THE CAPITOL TO SELL THE FIX HE WORKED OUT
WITH GOP LEADER, MITCH MCCONNELL, WHO SPOKE FOR SENATE REPUBLICANS
KENTUCKY / MINORITY LEADER:22-:30
"we don't think taxes should be going up on anyone, but we all knew if we did nothing they'd be going up on everyone"
THE SENATE VOTED TO REVERSE TODAY'S TAX HIKE ON 98% OF AMERICANS
BUT KEEP THE HIGHER RATE ON FAMILIES MAKING OVER 450 THOUSAND DOLLARS
PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK CREDIT FOR BREAKING 20 YEARS OF GOP OPPOSITION TO TAX HIKES
:49-:54
Now keep in mind that just last month republicans in congress said they would never agree to raise tax rates on the wealthiest Americans
ONLY FIVE SENATE REPUBLICANS VOTED NO.
:57-1:05
"middle class families will wake up today to the assurance their taxes will not go up 2200 dollars each"
NOT SO FAST. HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER AND HIS GOP LAWMAKERS MIGHT NOT GO ALONG
GAVEL
BOEHNER SENT HOUSE MEMBERS HOME, TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR,
WITHOUT A VOTE TO AVOID THE FISCAL CLIFF
SOT: REP STEVE LATOURETTE 1:19-1:23
"listen. this is disgusting. everyone involved should be embarrassed"
THE ECONOMY COULD STILL TAKE A HIT
WHILE THE HOUSE TAKES UP, MAYBE LATER TODAY, WHETHER TO FOLLOW THE SENATE'S MOVE TO HIKE TAXES ON THE WEALTHY.
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GAS PRICES ARE TIED TO THE FISCAL CLIFF.
TRIPLE-A SAYS PRICES SHOULD GO DOWN. THEY POINT TO CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AS THE MAIN REASON.
HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, WE HAVE WATCHED PRICES RISE. THEY ARE UP 7 CENTS FROM A WEEK AGO.
:22:18:45
I have a two kids, you've got to budget, i'm a high school teacher, so it's something you definitely have to be aware of." 54
SINCE A DEAL WAS REACHED, PRICES WILL LIKELY GO UP.
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THIS MORNING, DOCTORS AT NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL SAY THEY'RE CONFIDENT SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON WILL MAKE A FULL RECOVERY FROM A BLOOD CLOT.
DOCTORS SAY THE BLOOD CLOT WAS FOUND IN HER HEAD BETWEEN HER BRAIN AND SKULL.
THE GOOD NEWS -- THE CLOT DID NOT RESULT IN A STROKE OR CAUSE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE.
SHE IS EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL UNTIL AT LEAST WEDNESDAY.
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NEW LAWS TOOK EFFECT WHEN THE CLOCK HIT MIDNIGHT.
MORE THAN 400 OF THEM TO BE EXACT.
A FEW CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION, IN ILLINOIS, MOTORCYCLISTS WILL BE ABLE TO PROCEED THROUGH A RED LIGHT IF THE LIGHT FAILS TO CHANGE.
IF YOU LIVE IN KENTUCKY -- DON'T RELEASE A FERAL HOG INTO THE WILD, BECAUSE IT IS NOW ILLEGAL.
AND IN MARYLAND, GAY COUPLES ARE NOW ABLE TO GET MARRIED.
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HERE IN FLORIDA,
AS OF TODAY, IT'S NOW LONGER ILLEGAL TO FLASH YOUR LIGHTS TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT POLICE ARE NEAR.
THERE'S ALSO CHANGE IN AUTO INSURANCE.
PIP REFORM WILL REQUIRE YOU TO REPORT INJURIES WITHIN 14 DAYS OR THEY WON'T BE COVERED.
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THIS MORNING, SIGNS OF AN IMPROVING ECONOMY HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
THE OVERALL JOBLESS RATE IS TWO POINTS LOWER THAN A YEAR AGO, ACCORDING TO THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT FGCU.
THERE ARE ALSO IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LOCAL HOUSING AND FINANCIAL MARKETS.
CONSUMER SPENDING INCREASED SEVEN PERCENT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, AND PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT R-S-W ALSO WENT UP.
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WE NOW KNOW WHY THE CHIEF OF THE GOLDEN GATE FIRE DEPARTMENT SUDDENLY RESIGNED.
HE ACCEPTED A NEW POSITION IN CALIFORNIA.
CHIEF ROBERT METZGER HAS ACCEPTED A POSITION AS THE CHIEF OF THE REDONDO BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT.
THAT'S ABOUT 20-MILES SOUTHWEST OF LOS ANGELES.
HIS LAST DAY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WILL BE FEBRUARY 10TH.
METZGER SERVED AS FIRE CHIEF FOR FIVE YEARS.
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THIS MORNING --
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED THE MAN THEY BELIEVE BARGED INTO A WOMAN'S FORT MYERS HOME -- AND STABBED HER.
POLICE SAY JOHN MAATSCH TURNED HIMSELF IN.
HE'S ACCUSED OF BREAKING INTO A HOUSE IN THE PASEO COMMUNITY, ATTACKING AND STABBING A WOMAN IN HER BED.
SHE SURVIVED. POLICE SAY MAATSCH IS THE WOMAN'S NEIGHBOR.
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THIS MORNING, FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CITY'S 24TH MURDER.
DETECTIVES SAY A NEIGHBOR DISCOVERED DAVID LAU'S BODY SUNDAY MORNING, INSIDE A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET, NEAR CENTRAL AVE.
NBC2 WAS ON SCENE OF A HOUSE FIRE IN THE SAME COMMUNITY, WHEN THE NEIGHBOR RUSHED TO OUR REPORTER TO USE HER PHONE AND DIAL 9-1-1.
SO FAR THERE AREN'T ANY SUSPECTS.
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COMING UP -- WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE, HERE IN FLORIDA
BUT FIRST -- THERE'S A YOUNG INVENTOR, WHO'S USING HIS TALENTS --
TO MAKE HIS *OWN FURTUNE.
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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i'm keeping an eye on the roads for you this morning.
a live look at i-75 and pine ridge
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MINUMUM WAGE WENT UP IN FLORIDA AND 10 OTHER STATES AT MIDNIGHT.
IT WILL BOOST THE INCOME OF NEARLY ONE MILLION WORKERS.
THE STATES IMPACTED ARE ARIZONA, COLORADO, MISSOURI, MONTANA, OHIO
OREGON, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WASHINGTON.
HERE IN FLORIDA -- IT'S UP 12-CENTS, TO 7-DOLLARS-79-CENTS.
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NOW TO A TEEN WHO HOPES TO MAKE IT RICH FROM AN INVENTION.
CATHERINE ROSS INTRODUCES US TO ONE 18-YEAR-OLD WHO'S SET OUT TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
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BEFORE PARAM JAGGI COULD GET BEHIND THE WHEEL - HE HAD DRIVE.
"It's something that I love doing, and I don't even realize that I'm doing it."
THE LAST TIME WE MET THE 18-YEAR-OLD GRAD AND CURRENT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY SOPHOMORE… WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HIS INVENTION:
AN ALGAE-BASED DEVICE THAT CLIPS ONTO A CAR'S TAILPIPE, TURNING EMISSIONS… INTO OXYGEN.
"I've seen him at four o'clock in the morning reading. I didn't do that when I was 18 years old."
BUT THESE DAYS… HE'S FOCUSING ON TURNING WHAT WE PUT OUT… INTO ENERGY TO MOVE US FORWARD. AND HIS WORK ISN'T GOING UNNOTICED.
"It made me realize that I'm doing something big, and that I can have a big impact with my research."
JAGGI IS ONE OF FORBES MAGAZINES' 2013 30 UNDER 30 - IN THE ENERGY FIELD. AND WHILE HE'S BEEN IN PRINT BEFORE… IT'S THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW… HE'S MADE THIS PRESTIGIOUS CUT.
"If you think about it, you only know a handful of inventors from history. But you can list off hundreds of celebrities and hundreds of athletes. It gives a reason to what I'm doing."
IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS GOING TO THE NATIONAL RADAR… EVEN STARTING A COMPANY AND WITH A SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY… MAYBE ONE DAY - MAKING WASTED ENERGY A THING OF THE PAST.
"The quote says you have to be crazy to change the world - and I think I can make even a marginal impact."
"I'm excited about the potential he has to change the world."
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HE'S WORKING ON A THERMO-VOLTAIC WIND SYSTEM, WHICH HE SAYS COULD BE INSTALLED IN AN EXHAUST SYSTEM TO CAPTURE ENERGY FROM WASTE AIR AND HEAT.
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SOON, OLDER LIGHT BULBS IN YOUR HOME WILL BE A THING OF THE PAST.
THE U-S GOVERNMENT IS PULLING THE PLUG ON THE 75-WATT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB.
THEY CAN'T BE PRODUCED OR IMPORTED AS OF TODAY -- BUT RETAILERS CAN SELL OFF WHAT THEY HAVE IN STOCK.
THE IDEA IS TO STEER PEOPLE TOWARD MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS.
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HOLIDAY GIFT RETURNS ARE EXPECTED TO JUMP NEARLY 40-PERCENT.
ANALYSTS ATTRIBUTE THE SURGE TO THE INCREASE IN "ONLINE" SHOPPING.
CLOTHING AND ELECTRONICS ARE TOPPING THE RETURN LISTS.
"ANGIE'S LIST" HAS SOME TIPS TO MAKE YOUR "GIVE BACK" GO SMOOTHLY --
FOR EXAMPLE -- COPY OR SCAN ALL YOUR RECEIPTS.
AND DON'T WAIT -- SOME STORES HAVE LIMITED RETURN WINDOWS.
FINALLY, KEEP THE TAGS ON ANYTHING YOU MIGHT WANT TO RETURN.
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YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW --
NEXT ON NBC TWO NEWS TODAY --
PLUS -- WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR NEW YEAR'S DAY FORECAST AT 6-22
TEASE ONE THING, YOUR BEST STORY ON YOUR QUARTER HOUR AND THEN TOSS TO BREAK
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NEW YEARS WEATHER CROSS TALK
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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ALL CLEAR, CONSTRUCTION?
TAKING A LOOK AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ROADS RIGHT NOW.
EYE 75 AND U-S 41 ALL CLEAR.
THAT'S YOUR NBC2 TRAFFIC ALERT.
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***MAKE FOR SWFL INTEREST**
**TRAVELERS**
**VACATION WITH SNOW**
IF YOUR HEADING NORTH FOR SOME SLEDDING, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER.
MOST SLEDDING INJURIES HAPPEN WHEN THE SLED HITS AN OBJECT.
EXPERTS SAY PICK AN AREA THAT IS NOT NEAR THE STREET AND THAT DOESN'T HAVE TREES OR FENCES.
CHILDREN SHOULD WEAR THE HELMET THEY USE WITH THEIR BIKE.
USERS SHOULD ALWAYS GO DOWN FEET FIRST.
AND YOU SHOULD NEVER RIDE A SLED BEING PULLED BY A CAR OR SNOWMOBILE.
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PEOPLE WHO ARE DEPRESSED LATE IN LIFE FACE AN INCREASED RISK FOR DEMENTIA.
A NEW STUDY OUT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM LOOKED AT MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND MEDICARE RECIPIENTS.
THEY FOUND PEOPLE WHO ARE DEPRESSED -- HAVE AN INCREASED RISK FOR MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA.
RESEARCHERS SAY, PATIENTS WHO WERE DEPRESSED AND EXPERIENCING MEMORY PROBLEMS AT THE START OF THE STUDY WERE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP DEMENTIA.
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MANY OF US -- LOVE SOCIALIZING AND SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
BUT FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS -- THE FEAR OF BEING SCRUTINIZED CAN LEAD TO DAMAGING ANXIETY, ISOLATION -- AND EVEN DEPRESSION.
BARBARA MORSE SILVA HAS MORE ON HOW TO COPE WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
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VENTURING OUT IN TO THE WORLD. INTERACTING WITH OTHERS. FOR MANY OF US THIS IS PART OF EVERY DAY LIFE.
BUT FOR ABOUT 12 PERCENT OF THE U-S POPULATION, INTERACTING SOCIALLY CAN BE TERRIFYING.
"The main concern is the fear of embarassing themselves, maybe looking foolish and a fear that other people will judge them negatively or reject them in some situations so it's really a fear of how they might be perceived by other people."
THIS GOES BEYOND BEING SHY.
SOCIAL ANXIETY IS A VERY REAL MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION WITH PHYSICAL AS WELL AS EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS.
AND IT'S WHAT DR. KRISTY DALRYMPLE SPECIALIZES IN AND RESEARCHES.
SHE ADMITS WE ALL HAVE SOME SOCIAL FEARS. THAT'S NORMAL.
"The point where you know that it's a problem is when it's affecting areas of their life. so it's where it gets to the point where it's affecting your job, or affecting their school or affecting their ability to have meaningful relationships."
FOR THOSE WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY, COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IS OFTEN THE FIRST LINE OF TREATMENT.
"So with that you help people to practice situations where they feel nervous or anxious in and situations they've been avoiding to help them work through the anxiety, give them skills to cope with the anxiety that comes up."
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PATIENTS ARE OFTEN EMBARRASED TO ADMIT THEY POSSIBLY HAVE SOCIAL AXIETY.
DOCTORS SAY -- TREATMENT FOR THIS DISORDER, COUPLED WITH DEPRESSION -- COULD ALSO REQUIRE MEDICATION.
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AHEAD -- A LOOK AT THE ON-GOING FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS --
AND NEW LAWS, TAKING AFFECT -- TODAY.
WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.
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SEVERAL NEW LAWS GOING INTO AFFECT TODAY --
FROM FLASHING YOUR HEADLIGHTS -- TO RELEASING MORTGAGE INFORMATION, WE RUN DOWN THE LIST.
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AND, A GROUP OF ROBBERS -- RANSACKING A FLORIDA JEWLRY STORE, AND IT'S ALL CAUGHT ON
CAMERA.
THIS MORNING, WE FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED, AND IF POLICE CAUGHT THE BAD GUYS.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY!
THANK YOU FOR WAKING UP FOR NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.
YOUR'RE TAKING A LOOK AT LOCAL CELEBRATIONS FROM LAST NIGHT --
ALL ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA -- RESIDENTS WERE CELEBRATING THE START OF A BRAND NEW YEAR.
NOW -- LET'S GET RIGHT TO THIS MORNING'S TOP STORIES.
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FISCAL CLIFF TALKS CONTINUE, THIS MORNING -- EVEN AFTER ALL THE NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATIONS.
IN AN EARLY MORNING SESSION, THE SENATE APPROVED A MEASURE ON TAX INCREASES AND SPENDING CUTS.
THE MEASURE NOW GOES TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
ED PAYNE HAS THE STORY.
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AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, MANY AMERICANS WERE CELEBRATING AND RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR.
BUT THE MOOD IN WASHINGTON WAS MUCH MORE SERIOUS.
VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WENT TO CAPITOL HILL LATE MONDAY NIGHT AFTER SENATE LEADERS STRUCK A DEAL WITH THE WHITE HOUSE.
Happy New Year.
THE SENATE WENT BACK INTO SESSION.AND AROUND 2-A-M. THE VOTE WAS IN.
"the bill as amended is passed."
IN AN 89-TO-8 VOTE, THE SENATE APPROVED A MEASURE THAT PUTS OFF SPENDING CUTS FOR TWO MONTHS AND KEEPS THE BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS FOR INDIVIDUALS EARNING LESS THAN $400,000 AND COUPLES EARNING LESS THAN $450,000.
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAID THEIR GOAL WAS TO PROTECT AMERICA'S MIDDLE CLASS.
Middle class families will wake up today to the assurance that their taxes won't go up 22-hundred dollars each. They'll have the certainty to plan how they'll pay for groceries, rent, car payments all during next year.
SENATE MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL SAID REPUBLICANS AGREED TO THE MEASURE RATHER THAN LET THE MIDDLE CLASS SUFFER.
We don't think taxes should be going up on anyone but we all knew that if we did nothing they would be going up on everyone today. We weren't going to let that happen.
THE HOUSE RECONVENES TODAY AT NOON AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP THE MEASURE AT THAT TIME.
I'M ED PAYNE REPORTING.
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THE U-S REACHED ITS LEGAL BORROWING LIMIT OF 16-POINT-4 TRILLION DOLLARS MONDAY.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT IS TAKING MEASURES TO BUY TIME UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY.
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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ALL CLEAR, LEE CO ENFORCEMENT
TAKING A LOOK AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ROADS RIGHT NOW.
ROADS ARE ALL CLEAR - NO ACCIDENTS OR ROAD BLOCKS TO REPORT.
THAT'S YOUR NBC2 TRAFFIC ALERT.
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THIS MORNING, SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON REMAINS IN THE HOSPTIAL AFTER DOCTORS DISCOVERED A BLOOD CLOT.
WE NOW KNOW IT'S IN ONE OF THE BLOOD VESSELS AROUND THE BRAIN.
SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, AND THAT'S WHEN DOCTORS DISCOVERED THE CLOT.
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8:04:26
KERRY: SECRETARY CLINTON IS RECOVERING FROM A SERIOUS VIRUS AND CONCUSSION. /FLASH/ ALL OF YOU WHO KNOW HILLARY KNOW THAT SHE WOULD RATHER BE HERE TODAY.
SOT - FEINSTEIN - FOX: You know, she's had a very real accident and she's recovering from it, and, she will be back.
THE GOOD NEWS -- THE CLOT DID NOT RESULT IN A STROKE OR CAUSE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE.
SHE IS EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL UNTIL AT LEAST WEDNESDAY.
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NEW FLORIDA LAWS TAKE AFFECT TODAY.
FLASHING YOUR HEADLIGHTS TO ALERT ONCOMING DRIVERS THAT POLICE NEARBY IS NO LONGER BE ILLEGAL IN FLORIDA.
THE FLORIDA SAFE HARBOR ACT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND PROVIDE SHELTER FOR SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN.
IT REQUIRES POLICE TO TURN CHILDREN OVER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
THE NEW LAW ALSO HAS REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE HOUSES.
ANOTHER PROVISION INCREASES CIVIL PENALTIES FROM $500 TO $5,000 FOR SOME VIOLATIONS RELATED TO PROSTITUTION.
ANOTHER LAW REQUIRES MORTGAGE HOLDERS TO RELEASE MORTGAGE INFORMATION TO RECORD TITLE PROPERTY OWNERS.
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ALSO STARTING TODAY -- CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS WILL SEE NEW SAFETY PLANS -- WHEN SAILING THE SEAS.
ACCORDIN TO "USA TODAY" -- THE INDUSTRY JUST ENACTED A NUMBER OF NEW SAFETY FEATURES.
SHIPS MUST HAVE "EXTRA" LIFE JACKETS, AND THEY HAVE TO BE EASY TO REACH.
CRUISE LINES MUST SECURE "HEAVY" ITEMS LIKE PIANOS.
THERE'S NOW MANDATORY TRAINING FOR CREW MEMBERS WHO LOAD LIFEBOATS --
AND INCREASED COMMUNICATION TO PASSENGERS DURING DRILLS AND EMERGENCIES.
THE NEW SAFETY PRACTICES COME FROM A PANEL ESTABLISHED AFTER THE DEADLY "COSTA CONCORDIA" SHIPWRECK, LAST YEAR.
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OREGON POLICE SAY THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF A MECHANICAL PROBLEM CAUSED SUNDAY'S BUS CRASH.
NINE PEOPLE WERE KILLED DURING THAT ACCIDENT.
STATE TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS DESCRIBE THE STRETCH ON INTERSTATE 84 AS HAVING SOME OF THE MOST SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHWEST.
BUT THEY SAY WHILE THERE WERE ICY SPOTS WHERE THE CRASH TOOK PLACE. IT WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
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"To the best of my knowledge right now, the majority of people were of Korean. They lived in many different places. The list unfortunately that we have has very few city residential pieces of information on there because we haven't been able to confirm yet where some people are from, what city.
THAT CHARTER BUS WAS RETURNING TO CANADA FROM LAS VEGAS.
POLICE SAY NEARLY 40 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE DRIVER, WERE SENT TO HOSPITALS.
THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD IS SENDING INVESTIGATORS TO THE SCENE WHO WILL TRY TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT.
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ONE OF THE TWO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS -- KILLED DURING AN AMBUSH ATTACK LAST WEEK, WAS LAID TO REST -- YESTEDAY.
TOMASZ KACZOWKA WAS FATALLY SHOT WHILE ON THE SCENE OF A HOUSE FIRE IN THE TOWN OF WEBSTER.
A FUNERAL MASS IN NEARBY ROCHESTER WAS ATTENDED BY HUNDREDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND COLLEAGUES.
POLICE SAY THE MAN RESPONSIBLE SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE AS A TRAP AND HAD PRE-PLANNED THE DEADLY ATTACK.
THE TWO OTHER INJURED FIREFIGHTERS ARE EXPECTED TO RECOVER.
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THIS NEXT STORY RESEMBLES SOMETHING RIGHT FROM A MOVIE SCENE --
A GROUP OF SOUTH FLORIDA ROBBERS PULL OFF A HIGH-PRICED HEIST --
AND THE WHOLE INCIDENT IS CAUGHT ON CAMERA.
VANESSA MEDINA HAS ALL THE DETAILS.
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A GROUP OF JEWELRY THIEVES BREAKING INTO FOUNTAINS JEWELERS IN FORT LAUDERDALE USING THESE MASSIVE TANKS TO TORCH THROUGH SAFES.
A lot of money, or a lot of jewelry, or a lot of diamonds.
THE MEN BREAKING IN THROUGH THE ROOF CUTTING THEIR WAY INSIDE ACCORDING TO STORE EMPLOYEES WHO DON'T WANT TO BE IDENTIFIED. THEY THEN CUT THE ALARM SYSTEM EVEN RIPPING OUT ONE CAMERA.
I work right here but they didn't tell us anything.
Crime Scene Investigation was here. They basically cut everyone's phone lines, internet off so that they couldn't investigate.
THE MEN DRESSED IN WHITE WITH COVERED HANDS AND FACES BREAKING IN LATE SATURDAY, EARLY SUNDAY TORCHING THREE SAFES BEFORE MAKING A CLEAN BREAK WITH THE CONTENTS OF THE SAFES.
I don't even know what they got. I didn't even think he kept anything in there. From when I've spoken to him, I don't think he keeps any jewelry or anything in there, but that seems like it's not the point you know?
Nothing surprises me. This neighborhood is not exactly safe.
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LISTEN TO THIS NEXT STORY, A GLADES COUNTY MAN FLEW OVER HIS HOME IN A PERSONAL PLANE, AND SAW A MAN STEALING -- RIGHT FROM HIS OWN HOUSE!
DAVID ZEHNTNER WAS FLYING BACK FROM A TRIP -- AND CIRCLED HIS HOUSE BEFORE LANDING AT THE LABELLE AIRPORT.
THAT'S WHEN HE SAW A TRUCK IN HIS DRIVEWAY AND WATCHED A MAN PEER THROUGH HIS WINDOWS.
THE PILOT DESCENEDED HIS PLANE --
AND ZEHNTNER SAYS HE SAW THE MAN HOOK UP HIS TRAILER TO HIS TRUCK -- AND DRIVE OFF.
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David Zehntner, Pilot
"The gentleman had a plane at several points circling him at close altitude and never once thought I guess that somebody might be watching me."
THE PILOT CALLED 9-1-1 AND GARY HAINES OF VIRGINIA WAS PULLED OVER ON I75 ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.
HAINES WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH GRAND THEFT.
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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ALL CLEAR, CONSTRUCTION OR CHAR CO ENFORCEMENT
TAKING A LOOK AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ROADS RIGHT NOW.
ROADS ARE ALL CLEAR - NO ACCIDENTS OR ROAD BLOCKS TO REPORT.
THAT'S YOUR NBC2 TRAFFIC ALERT.
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LOOKING BACK ON 2012 --
THERE WERE PLENTY OF SHAKE-UPS WITH AIR TRAVEL.
BUT DESPITE THE HIGH COSTS, AND HASSLE OF TRAVELING, 2012 IS GOING IN THE RECORD BOOKS AS THE SAFEST YEAR FOR AIR TRAVEL -- EVER.
NBC'S TOM COSTELLO EXPLAINS WHY THAT'S NOT JUST IN THE U-S -- BUT WORLWIDE.
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THE NUMBERS SPEAK VOLUMES:
EVERY DAY, WORLD-WIDE, THERE ARE 93-THOUSAND COMMERCIAL AIRLINE FIGHTS.
3-BILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR!
AND YET, NOT A SINGLE FATAL COMMERCIAL AIRLINE ACCIDENT IN THE U.S. IN NEARLY FOUR YEARS!
AND WORLD-WIDE, 2012 IS GOING DOWN AS THE SAFEST YEAR EVER, WITH JUST ONE ACCIDENT FOR EVERY 5.4-million FLIGHTS.
VETERAN AVIATION SAFETY EXPERT, JOHN COX:
"What's significant about that is we are improving by 50% over last year which was aviation's safety year previously. It's an incredible feat."
WHY THE IMPROVEMENT?
-PILOTS HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER TRAINED.
-COMPUTERIZED COCKPITS MONITOR EVERY ASPECT OF FLIGHT.
-ALERT SYSTEMS WARN PILOTS OF A POTENTIAL MID-AIR CRASH, OR A MOUNTAIN AHEAD.
-AND HD SIMULATORS FOR PILOTS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TRAIN THEM TO HANDLE EMERGENCIES BEFORE THEY FACE A REAL ONE.
DEBBIE HERSMAN IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NTSB:
"We've learned from accidents, we've piled all of those lessons back in, they've been embraced in many cases, and we're not seeing repeats of those same accidents."
BUT EXPERTS SAY TWO ACCIDENTS IN WHICH HUMAN FAILURE WAS AT LEAST PARTLY TO BLAME, UNDERSCORE THAT REMAINS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO SAFETY:
-AIR FRANCE 447 CRASHED INTO THE ATLANTIC IN 2009, KILLING 228.
-THAT SAME YEAR, REGIONAL AIRLINE COLGAN AIR FLIGHT 3407 CRASHED IN BUFFALO, KILLING 50.
"Colgan Air was a watershed event for aviation safety, in particular, bringing the regional carriers up to standards with the major carriers."
THE SAFETY CULTURE IS SPREADING.
ACCIDENT RATES ARE ALSO DROPPING IN RUSSIA, AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN AND ASIA.
"Despite the dramatic improvement in safety, experts warn there's a real danger: Once you think it can't happen again is when you're often the most vulnerable. Tom Costello nbc news, Washington."
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LOOK AT THIS VIDEO. THIS IS A RARELY USED AIRPORT ON LONG
ISLAND.
IT'S BEEN TURNED INTO A MASSIVE PARKING LOT FOR NEARLY 15-THOUSAND CARS, DAMAGED IN SANDY.
AN AUCTION COMPANY IS PAYING THE TOWN 35-HUNDRED DOLLARS PER MONTH -- FOR EVERY ACRE TAKEN UP BY THE CARS.
ALL OF THE CARS WILL EVENTUALLY BE AUCTIONED OFF.
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AUTHORITIES THINK THEY CAUGHT TWO MEN WHO STOLE 100 METEORITES FROM A NORTH CAROLINA RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
INVESTIGATORS SAY SURVIELLANCE VIDEO SHOWS THIEVES BREAKING IN ON CHRISTMAS EVE, STEALING THE SPACE ROCKS THAT WERE ON LOAN TO THE SCIENCE EDUCATION CENTER.
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if you want me to say tears were flowing, i'd say so, on a few, that is true because it's personal.
DEPUTIES ARE STILL SEARCHING FOR MORE SUSPECTS.
A DETECTIVE SAYS MOST OF THE STOLEN ITEMS WERE RECOVERED FROM ONE OF THE SUSPECT'S HOMES.
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IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ADVENTOUROUS TO DO, TODAY --
YOU CAN TAKE A PLUNGE INTO THE COOL GULF OF MEXICO WATERS.
THERE ARE THREE POLAR BEAR PLUNGES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
IN NAPLES: BIG DAVE'S POLAR PLUNGE TAKES PLACE AT 9 A-M AT LOWDERMILK PARK.
THE SANIBEL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE HAPPENS AT NOON AT TARPON BAY BEACH.
AND, THE FORT MYERS BEACH POLAR BEAR JUMP WILL START AT TWO O CLOCK NEAR THE HOLIDAY INN.
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THE TIME RIGHT.
STILL TO COME, WE RUN DOWN YOUR MORNING TOP STORIES.
AND CHECK IN WITH HALEY TO SEE HOW THE DAY IS SHAPING UP IF YOU PLANS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
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The cool air continues to fade across Southwest Florida as the warmth keeps building in.
Temperatures for this first day of the New Year will be slightly above average this afternoon with daytime highs projected to warm up to 80 degrees after starting the day in the upper 50s.
We'll enjoy an abundance of sunshine with only some patchy clouds expected to develop from midday through the afternoon. Winds will stay fairly breezy but lighter than the last couple days, and the wind flow will be more southerly as well.
If you have plans to do a little grilling outside or perhaps head to the beach, chances are very high you'll stay dry all day as rain will be hard to come by with such a stable, dry atmosphere in place.
This quiet, warm weather pattern continues through most of the week until late Thursday and Friday, when a weakening cold front begins to approach Southwest Florida.
Signs point to this front most likely losing steam as it begins to slide into South Florida, so we may have to deal with some extra cloud cover along with some hit-or-miss showers from Friday through the upcoming weekend.
With the extra clouds and moisture around, temperatures should be a touch cooler by the end of the week; daytime highs will mainly stay in the mid to upper 70s from Friday through the weekend, and overnight lows should range from the low to mid 60s.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
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.
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THE ROADS ARE LOOKING GOOD THIS MORNING AS WE GET CLOSER TO 7 O'CLOCK.
ALL CLEAR RIGHT NOW ON I75 AND U.S 41
THAT IS YOUR NBC-2 TRAFFIC ALERT
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CHECKING OUR TOP STORIES BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE.
LEGISLATION TO AVERT TAX INCREASES AND SPENDING CUTS IS HEADED TO THE HOUSE. THE SENATE GAVE ITS APPROVAL EARLY THIS MORNING IN AN 89-8 VOTE HOURS AFTER VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL SEALED A DEAL.
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WHEN THE CLOCK STRUCK MIDNIGHT -- MINIMUM WAGE WENT UP HERE IN FLORIDA -- AND 1O OTHER STATES.
NATIONWIDE -- IT WILL BOOST THE INCOME OF NEARLY ONE MILLION WORKERS.
HERE IN FLORIDA -- THE WAGE INCREASES BY 12 CENTS, TO 7.79.
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SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON REMAINS IN THE HOSPTIAL THIS MORNING.
DOCTORS ARE SAYING SHE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY.
THEY DISCOVERED A BLOOD CLOT DURING AN MRI AFTER SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION.
THE CLOT DID NOT RESULT IN A STROKE OR CAUSE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE.
SHE COULD BE RELEASED TOMORROW.
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THIS MORNING IN OREGON INVESTIGATORS ARE ON SCENE OF A DEADLY ACCIDENT.
THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSED A BUS TO CRASH.
9 PEOPLE DIED, 40 OTHERS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.
TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS SAY, THE STRETCH OF ROAD IS NOTORIOUS FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS.
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TRAFFIC RECAP
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REMEMBER FOR BREAKING NEWS, WEATHER INFORMATION AND NEWS ONLINE, 24-HOURS A DAY, HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE--
NBC DASH TWO DOT COM.
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