DIRECTOR'S PAGE

BREAKING CLIP-CLIP

MARCO RUBIO STATE OF UNION-TRX SS

WE'RE FOLLOWING SEVERAL BREAKING STORIES RIGHT NOW AT FOUR --

LET'S GET RIGHT TO IT.

WITHIN THE LAST 15 MINUTES, WE'VE LEARNED U.S. SENATOR MARCO RUBIO WILL DELIVER THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS.

THIS IS A HUGE POLITICAL MOVE FOR RUBIO -- WHO HAS BEEN TOUTED AS A POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN 2016.

RUBIO WAS CHOSEN BY REPUBLICAN LEADERS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE FOR THE SPEECH.

TOSS TO KELLIE-TRX,SSTOPS, (2)VIDBOX, OBX

ALSO BREAKING LATE TODAY --

A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DOCTOR ACCUSED OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE MAY NEVER PRACTICE MEDICINE AGAIN, IF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GETS ITS WAY.

DOCTOR ZANNOS GREKOS IS ACCUSED OF PERFORMING MEDICAL PROCEDURES WITHOUT A PATIENT'S PERMISSION, PRACTICING MEDICINE AT A SUB-PAR LEVEL,

AND PERFORMING UNNECESSARY PROCEDURES.

THESE ARE JUST *SOME OF THE ACCUSATIONS FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

YOU'LL REMEMBER -- TWO OF THE DOCTOR'S PATIENTS DIED AFTER CONTROVERSIAL STEM CELL TREATMENTS.

NOW - THE STATE AGENCY WANTS TO TAKE AWAY HIS LICENSE TO PRACTICE.

GREKOS LICENSE REVOKE REQUEST-CAM99-RTR1

LISTEN TO THIS. THIS IS HOW THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DESCRIBES SOME OF DR, GREKO'S PROCEDURES.

OUTRAGEOUS.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

GREKOS LICENSE REVOKE REQUEST-VO

LAST OCTOBER, THE BONITA SPRINGS DOCTOR WENT ON TRIAL AFTER TWO OF HIS PATIENTS DIED FOLLOWING A CONTROVERSIAL STEM CELL TREATMENT.

GREKOS MEDICAL LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED.

GREKOS LICENSE REVOKE REQUEST-CAM99-RTR1

A JUDGE HAS 30 DAYS TO MAKE A RULING

NBC-2'S GABY FLEISCHMAN IS WORKING TO GET NEW DETAILS ON THIS BREAKING STORY, INCLUDING REACTION FROM FAMILY MEMBERS OF ONE DR. GREGOS PATIENTS WHO DIED AFTER THE STEM CELL PROCEDURE.

TOSS TO KELLY-TRXOC, DBX

DEVELOPING - FIRST AT FOUR.

THE CHECK WILL SPEND A LITTLE MORE TIME IN THE MAIL.

THE U-S POSTAL SERVICE ANNOUNCED TODAY - IT'LL STOP SATURDAY MAIL DELIVERY, BEGINNING IN AUGUST.

THE ORGANIZATION SAYS THE MOVE WILL SAVE THEM 2 BILLION DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

NBC-2'S KELLY CRESWELL JOINS US LIVE AT THE FORT MYERS DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

USPS NO SATURDAY MAIL-REM-26

USPS NO SATURDAY MAIL-PKG

In an effort to cut costs by $2 billion, the postmaster general for the US postal service wants to reduce mail delivery to homes and businesses Monday through Friday. Packages will still be delivered on Saturday--as the postmaster general cited a 14% increase due to people purchasing more online. Postmaster general Patrick Donahoe referred to a survey in which 7 out of 10 Americans support the five days in mail service, but not everyone is happy. The president for the southwest Florida American Postal Workers Union says the postal employees and customers will have to bear the burden of this potential change.

USPS NO SATURDAY MAIL-REM-26

TOSS TO MATT-OC, VO TRX

HAVE YOU FILLED UP YOUR GAS TANK LATELY?

IF SO. YOU PROBABLY NOTICED GAS PRICES ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ARE SKYROCKETING.

WE SENT NBC2'S MATT WRIGHT TO FIND OUT WHY.

HE JOINS US LIVE IN THE STUDIO WITH THE ANSWER.

GAS PRICES GOING UP-PLASMA

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!

GAS PRICES GOING UP-SS, VO

TAKE A LOOK AT THE TREND.

THE AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF REGULAR GAS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TODAY STANDS AT THREE DOLLARS 63 CENTS A GALLON.

THAT SHOT UP 15 CENTS FROM JUST ONE WEEK AGO.

AND IT'S UP 24 CENTS FROM ONE MONTH AGO.

SO WHAT'S BEHIND THE RISE.

EXPERTS SAY IT'S ACTUALLY A RESULT OF THE IMPROVING ECONOMY!

THERE'S MORE DEMAND FOR GAS.

AND SPECULATORS EXPECT THAT TO CONTINUE. PUSHING CRUDE OIL PRICES UP.

PLUS. SOME REFINERIES ARE NOT AT FULL CAPACITY AS THEY PREPARE FOR THE CHANGEOVER TO SUMMER GASOLINE.

GAS PRICES GOING UP-SOTVO

12:23:53 drive less, just try to do all my chores in one drive so I do not have to go back and forth 00

GAS PRICES GOING UP-PLASMA

WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT THAT ANGLE COMING UP TONIGHT AT FIVE.

TEXTING BILL DEBATE-TRX-MITTO - GENABOXES

BREAKING NEWS - FIRST AT FOUR.

RIGHT NOW, A DISTRACTED DRIVING BILL IS ON THE FLOOR OF THE FLORIDA SENATE.

YOU'RE WATCHING THE DEBATE LIVE THROUGH THE FLORIDA STATE CHANNEL.

THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE IS DEBATING THE PROPOSAL TO OUTLAW TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

BOY SCOUTS POLICY-OC

PUSHED BACK UNTIL MAY.

THE BOY SCOUTS HAVE POSTPONED ITS DECISION ABOUT WHETHER TO ALLOW GAY SCOUTS AND LEADERS. OR KEEP THE RULES AS THEY'VE BEEN FOR A CENTURY.

THE GROUP WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT *THIS WEEK.

BOY SCOUTS POLICY-PKG

LOCAL REACTION BOY SCOUTS-SSTOPS

NBC-2 REACHED OUT TO THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BRANCH OF THE BOY SCOUTS.

THEY RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING: AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING AND OUR POLICIES MUST BE BASED ON WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR NATION'S CHILDREN.

WE BELIEVE GOOD PEOPLE CAN DISAGREE AND STILL WORK TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS FOR YOUTH.

senator kerry

BIG BOARD-SAT-LIVE-TOPS

WALL STREET TOOK A PAUSE FROM ITS 2013 RALLY.

STOCKS DRIFTED LOWER TODAY - AS TRADERS MULLED THE LATEST ROUND OF EARNINGS REPORTS.

AT THE END OF TRADING TODAY - THE DOW -

DENVER SHOOTING-VO, OC

FIRST AT FOUR -

THREE PEOPLE ARE DEAD --

TWO OF THEM -- CHILDREN AFTER A SHOOTING IN DENVER.

ANOTHER CHILD WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL.

WE'RE LEARNING FROM OUR AFFILIATE K-USA THAT IT WAS A MURDER-SUICIDE.

DENVER POLICE SAY A YOUNG MOTHER SHOT HER CHILDREN AND THEN HERSELF IN THEIR HOME.

THE SURVIVOR IS A 3-YEAR OLD-- WHO'S IN SURGERY.

THE OTHER CHILDREN, A 1-YEAR OLD AND 6-YEAR OLD DIED AT THE SCENE.

THE DEATHS COME AS THE COLORADO LEGISLATURE CONSIDER STRICTER GUN LAWS--

TEASE ONE---------

ONE PERSON IS RECOVERING AFTER - A DANGEROUS WRECK IN FORT LAUDERDALE, THE SCENE - PLAYED OUT RIGHT HERE LIVE ON NBC2 THIS MORNING.

A) fl dangling truck-votops

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

BIGELOW FIRST APPEARANCE-VO

RIGHT NOW AT FOUR --

FORMER LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIAN BIGELOW IS STILL IN JAIL.

DURING A COURT APPEARANCE THIS MORNING --

A JUDGE REVOKED HIS BOND.

HE WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY FOR VIOLATING PROBATION.

HE FAILED A DRUG TEST LESS THAN MONTH AFTER BEING ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF COCAINE.

FL DANGLING TRUCK-VO

AN UPDATE TO BREAKING NEWS NBC-2 FIRST BROUGHT YOU THIS MORNING - AS IT WAS HAPPENING.

NBC2 HAS LEARNED A PASSENGER INSIDE THIS BAKERY TRUCK DIED AFTER CRASHING IN FORT LAUDERDALE.

YOU CAN SEE THE BAKERY TRUCK DANGLED OF THE EDGE OF AN OVERPASS ON INTERSTATE 95.

FIREFIGHTERS HAD TO USE A LADDER TO REACH THE DRIVER.

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED THE DRIVER TO THE HOSPITAL.

THERE'S NO WORD ON A CONDITION TONIGHT.

SENATOR KERRY

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

WHEN YOU CHILD-PROOF A HOME - SOME THINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN.

A) household hazards-VO

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-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.

It's a noticeably warmer Wednesday morning across Southwest Florida with temperatures in the low 60s and upper 50s, which is about 10 points higher than Tuesday morning.

The warmer start will be a sign of things to come today as daytime highs return to the low 80s and humidity continues to rise in tandem with winds coming in from the south and southeast.

We'll also notice more clouds mixing in with sunshine through our Wednesday, so skies will likely become partly to mostly cloudy at times after our sunny and clear start.

We're tracking a cool front moving into North Florida today, but this front will lose its battle with an area of high pressure, ultimately fading away before having a chance to make it all the way to Southwest Florida.

Without a front moving in, the result will be continued warmth and increasing humidity for us over the next several days along with a mix of sun and clouds.

Despite the increasing humidity, however, rain prospects will keep running pretty low with the exception of a couple stray, lonely showers Thursday or Friday afternoon, but rain really won't be a factor in our forecast all the way through the weekend.

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

New Row 1 Rachel Powers

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS-OC

ACCIDENTAL INJURIES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CHILDREN AND SEND MORE THAN 16-MILLION KIDS TO THE E-R EACH YEAR.

WHILE YOU MAY ALREADY BE TAKING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST OBVIOUS DANGERS, THERE ARE SOME YOU MAY HAVE OVERLOOKED.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS-PKG

WITH SIX KIDS, LYSSHA AND JAKE BOWDEN KNOW A THING OR TWO ABOUT CHILD-PROOFING.

"Any toy that has loose parts, small parts, electric outlets."

EVEN WITH ALL THAT CAUTION TINO, THEIR ONLY SON, PROVED THAT BOYS WILL BE BOYS WHEN HE SWALLOWED 16 TINY CRAFT MAGNETS. WITHIN AN HOUR, HE WAS IN THE E-R.

"When we saw the X-ray, we actually saw that a couple days prior, he'd also been eating magnets … along with a Christmas tree light fuse that was down there."

ONCE SWALLOWED, MAGNETS CAN ATTRACT AND "GLUE" THE ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, OR SMALL BOWEL TISSUE TOGETHER.

"They need surgery because they are very tight together."

ANOTHER DANGER: SWALLOWING JUST ONE MOUTHFUL OF BABY OIL CAN CAUSE LUNG INFLAMMATION AND DEATH. INGESTING VISINE CAN CAUSE BREATHING PROBLEMS AND SEIZURES. JUST A FEW TEASPOONS OF HAND SANITIZER CAN CAUSE ALCOHOL POISONING IN KIDS.

"I know they warn on the box, but when the danger's in the house, all the kids, they have access to it."

AND FINALLY: BATTERIES. FROM 1997 TO 2010, 40-THOUSAND FOUR-HUNDRED KIDS WERE TREATED IN THE E-R FOR BATTERY INGESTION.

"If they get stuck in the esophagus, they can do damage very, very quickly."

THE BOTTOM LINE?

"Caution, caution, caution!"

HEALTHY VENDING MACHINES-VOWIPE

A NORTH CAROLINA MOM --

FRUSTRATED WITH HER KIDS'S EATING HABITS. WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE GETTING THEIR DAILY DOSE OF HEALTHY.

SHE STARTED HER OWN VENDING MACHINE BUSINESS.

THE FOODS OFFERED ARE UNPROCESSED SNACKS -- AND PURELY ORGANIC.

FUNNY THING IS -- THE MOTHER OF TWO ALWAYS THOUGHT HER FAMILY ATE HEALTHY.

HEALTHY VENDING MACHINES-SOTVO

"I mean high fructose corn syrup, transfats, just artificial coloring, flavoring. just all kinds of preservatives."

SO FAR --

PUMP OUT BOAT PG-OC

YOU'LL SOON BE ABLE TO LIVE ABOARD A BOAT DOCKED AT LAISHLEY MARINA.

THAT'S BECAUSE - A PUMP OUT BOAT WILL SOON PATROL THE WATER NEAR PUNTA GORDA AND THE MARINA.

A PUMP-OUT BOAT PUMPS SEWAGE OUT OF BOATS.

THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TODAY APPROVED PLANS TO BUY ONE - TO SERVICE THE CITY'S MARINA, A MOORING FIELD, AND THE HARBOR.

A STATE GRANT WILL PAY FOR 60 OF THE 80-THOUSAND DOLLAR PRICE TAG.

TEASE THREE-OC

STILL TO COME ON THE NEWS - FIRST AT FOUR.

HOME DEPOT ROLLS OUT PLANS TO HIRE 80-THOUSAND SEASONAL WORKERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

A) jobs in lee county-VO

JOBS IN LEE COUNTY-VO-OC

DOZENS OF COMPANIES ARE HIRING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA--

FROM NAPLES TO PORT CHARLOTTE --

WE KNOW OF SEVERAL STORES ARE LOOKING TO FILL FULL TIME AND PART TIME POSITIONS.

LIKE HOME DEPOT, DUNKIN DONUTS AND SOME RESTAURANTS AS WELL.

THE NEED FOR THE EXTRA HANDS COMES ON THE HEELS OF INCREASED SALES.

ON THE NEWS AT 530 --

WE'VE GOT DETAILS ON TWO JOBS FAIRS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA -- THAT ARE COMING UP LATER THIS WEEK.

MOM PULLS GUN AT CHUCK E CHEESE-OC, SOTVO

A FRIGHTENING SEEN AT A POPULAR PIZZA JOINT FOR KIDS.

A CONNECTICUT MOTHER IS ACCUSED OF PULLING A GUN ON ANOTHER MOM - INSIDE A CHUCK E CHEESE RESTAURANT.

THE TWO WOMEN WERE ARGUING OVER THEIR CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR.

WHEN ONE MOTHER BECAME UPSET, POLICE SAY SHE PULLED A SEMI-AUTOMATIC HANDGUN.

SHE NEVER FIRED THE WEAPON BUT DID MAKE SEVERAL THREATS.

It's concerning to know that someone in the area has a gun, permitted or not---to draw it at chuck cheese.

CHUCK E CHEESE EMPLOYEES CALLED 9-1-1.

NO MAIL ON SATURDAY-OC

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY --

THAT'S THE NEW SCHEDULE FOR THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE.

THE DECISION TO CUT OUT SATURDAY MAIL IS AN EFFORT TO SAVE THE AGENCY TWO BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.

NO MAIL ON SATURDAY-PKG

A STAPLE OF AMERICANA IS GOING AWAY.

"mail delivery will occur Monday through Friday and we will not deliver or collect mail on Saturday."

IT'S A MOVE THE POSTAL SERVICE HAS WANTED TO MAKE FOR YEARS. BUT NOW SAYS IS NECESSARY TO CUT MORE THAN $2-BILLION FROM ITS ALREADY STRUGGLING BUDGET.

"it would be irresponsible for the Postal Service not to pursue this course."

UNDER THE NEW PLAN, MAIL WILL BE DELIVERED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. BUT ONLY PACKAGES WILL BE DELIVERED ON SATURDAYS.

. WHILE LOCAL POST OFFICES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE ON SATURDAYS. TO INCLUDE DELIVERY TO P-O BOXES.

POSTMASTER PATRICK DONAHOE SAYS THE PLAN HAS BROAD SUPPORT.

"70 percent of americans say they will support 5 day mail delivery."

EVEN THOUGH IT'S AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY, THE POSTAL SERVICE HAS TO GET CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.

BUT WITH LOSSES LAST YEAR OF NEARLY 16-BILLION DOLLARS. DUE MAINLY TO MANDATORY FUNDING FOR HEALTH BENEFITS FOR FUTURE POSTAL RETIREES.

. MANY IN CONGRESS AGREE.THE POST OFFICE HAS TO DO SOMETHING TO STAY CURRENT IN A DIGITAL WORLD.

California - 1:15 - 1:19

"Even the govt is no longer using the Post Office.

THE POSTAL SERVICE SAYS IT'LL SHIFT FOCUS TO SHIPPING. WHERE IT BELIEVES IT CAN MAKE MONEY.

. AND THE PLAN TO DROP SATURDAY DELIVERY TO SAVE MONEY. WILL START AUGUST 5TH.

TEASE FOUR-2SHOT

BRAND NEW - FIRST AT FOUR.

THE LEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS PREPARES FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT LONG VOTER LINES LAST NOVEMBER.

LAST MONTH IN TALLAHASSEE, SHARON HARRINGTON TESTIFIED IN FRONT OF A SENATE PANEL.

STRAIGHT AHEAD - WHO SHE'S ANSWERING TO TONIGHT.

AND - AN 8 YEAR OLD GIRL COMES HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH HER SHOES DUCT TAPED TO HER SKIN.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE -- HER PARENTS ARE FURIOUS.

A) sharon harrington in bonita-vo

B) girl's feet duct taped-vo

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

TOP STORIES RECAP-ANIBOXTOPS

HERE'S A QUICK LOOK AT THE STORIES NBC2 IS FOLLOWING FOR YOU.

THE FLORIDA HEALTH DEPARTMENT WANTS TO MAKE SURE A BONITA SPRINGS DOCTOR NEVER PRACTICES MEDICINE AGAIN.

THE AGENCY SAYS DR. ZANNOS GREKOS COMMITTED OUTRAGEOUS MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WANTS TO REVOKE HIS LICENSE AND FINE HIM 40-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

NO MORE SATURDAY MAIL.

IN AUGUST, THE POSTAL SERVICE WILL STOP DELIVERING ALL MAIL ON SATURDAYS.

THE ORGANIZATION HOPES THE MOVE WILL SAVE TWO BILLION DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

NBC-2 IS FINDING OUT WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU.

AND - WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE GAS PUMP?

WE'RE NOW PAYING 24 CENTS MORE FOR A GALLON OF GAS THAN ONE MONTH AGO.

a grekos revoke request-vo

b no mail on saturday-vo

c gas prices going up-vo

SHARON HARRINGTON IN BONITA-VO-BNR

HAPPENING IN ONE HOUR -

LEE COUNTY'S SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS WILL ANSWER TO THE BONITA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL.

THE COUNCIL WANTS ANSWERS ABOUT LONG WAIT TIMES AT THE POLLS LAST NOVEMBER.

HARRINGTON TELLS NBC2 SHE'LL REITERATE WHAT SHE'S ALREADY SAID TO THE STATE ETHICS AND ELECTION COMMITTEE.

HARRINGTON WANTS MORE EARLY VOTING DAYS --

AND MORE POLLING LOCATIONS.

15 YEAR OLD ARRESTED-VO

CAPE CORAL DETECTIVES ACCUSE AN ISLAND COAST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT --- OF KIDNAPPING HIS FRIENDS AND FORCING THEM TO TAKE PART IN AN ARMED ROBBERY.

THEY ARRESTED 17-YEAR OLD FRANCISCO PEREZ ON FOUR FELONY CHARGES.

INVESTIGATORS CLAIM PEREZ AND AN ACCOMPLICE MADE TWO FRIENDS JOIN THEM IN ARMED ROBBERY -- BY THREATENING THEM.

PEREZ DROVE THEM TO A STOP IN THE NORTH CAPE -- CLAIMING THEY WERE HANGING OUT WITH SOME FRIENDS.

ONCE THEY ARRIVED -- DETECTIVES SAY PEREZ FLASHED A GUN AND GAVE THEM NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE PART.

PEREZ AND HIS MASKED ACCOMPLICE EVEN BEAT ONE OF THE VICTIMS IN THE HEAD.

CHARCO ANIMAL ABUSE ARREST-VO

A SECOND MAN IS NOW ACCUSED OF ABUSING AND NEGLECTING DOG.

WE'VE SHOWN YOU THESE PICTURES BEFORE--

THIS IS SLAY, A PIT BULL WHO DIDN'T GET THE MEDICAL ATTENTION HE NEEDED.

A VETERINARIAN DISCOVERED SCARS ALL OVER HIS FACE AND LEGS.

CLEVELAND DUBOSE WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

HE WAS THE DOG'S OWNER.

SLAY'S CARETAKER AT THE TIME, JAMES MCNEALLY, WAS ARRESTED LAST MONTH.

SPENDING CUTS FIGHT-OC

IN WASHINGTON, ANOTHER DEADLINE CREEPS CLOSER.

MARCH FIRST A SET OF BUDGET CUTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN.

SPENDING CUTS FIGHT-PKG

Virginia

mr president! please you missed the deadline again. let's see your plan and show it to the american people and have this discussion! about the proper way to manage down this debt and deficit.

nats/ military training

WITHOUT A BUDGET DEAL, ON MARCH 1ST, SO CALLED SEQUESTRATION WILL FORCE REDUCTIONS IN MILITARY TRAINING

CUTBACKS IN OPERATIONS

LAYOFFS OF CIVILIAN PENTAGON EMPLOYEES

AND LAYOFF OF CIVILIANS DEFENSE WORKERS

Ohio

at some point, washing has to deal with spending problem! 15 i've watched kick can down road for 22 years when i've been here. i've had enough of it. time to act

ANOTHER OBAMA-BOEHNER BATTLE.

insert ends

audio outcue: I'm Steve Handelsman, NBC News,

AND FOR NOW THE DEADLINE STANDS. SEQUESTRATION SPENDING CUTS STRIKE IN 23 DAYS. NO DEAL YET

BENEFITS TO GAY MILITARY-VO

IT'S A BIG MOVE FOR THE U.S. MILITARY --

ALL NEW FIRST AT FOUR --

SAME-SEX PARTNERS OF MILITARY MEMBERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS.

THE PENTAGON HAS NOT NAMED WHICH SPECIFIC BENEFITS WILL BE AVAILABLE--

BUT IT COULD INCLUDE HEALTH AND WELFARE PROGRAMS.

NAPOLITANO BORDER SECURITY-VOWIPE

TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM CONTINUES --

THIS TIME IT'S HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO.

AT A STOP IN EL PASO, TEXAS TUESDAY TO INSPECT BORDER SECURITY, NAPOLITANO SAID REPUBLICAN INSISTENCE THAT THE BORDER BE SECURED *BEFORE THERE IS IMMIGRATION REFORM IS A FLAWED ARGUMENT.

NAPOLITANO BORDER SECURITY-SOTVO

In order to make progress in security our southern border, to continue to make that progress, it's imperative that we modernize the system.

BOY SCOUT'S POLICY-VOWIPE

IN AN UNEXPECTED MOVE TODAY - THE BOY SCOUTS DECISION TO DELAY A VOTE ON WHETHER TO LIFT A BAN ON GAY MEMBERS AND LEADERS.

LEADERS NEED MORE TIME TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES. AND PLAN TO BRING IT UP AGAIN AT THEIR NATIONAL MEETING IN MAY.

THE SCOUTS FACE INTENSE PRESSURE FROM BOTH SIDES.

BOY SCOUT'S POLICY-SOTVO

I don't want one parent to have to tell their son they can't be a part of Scouts, because they're not good enough

:59 "It's not hate. It's not bigotry. It's a choice about how to raise my children in what I perceive to be my Christian values. If yours are different, great, take your values in places where people agree with you."

A CHANGE TO THE CURRENT POLICY WOULD BE A DRAMATIC SHIFT.

GIRL'S FEET DUCT TAPED-OC

LISTEN TO THIS STORY RIGHT HERE --

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS ONE --

AN 8-YEAR OLD GIRL CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL. WITH HER SHOES DUCT TAPED TO HER FEET AND ANKLES.

HER PARENTS ARE FURIOUS--

GIRL'S FEET DUCT TAPED-PKG

8-YEAR-OLD SHAYLYN STAYED HOME FROM SCHOOL TUESDAY.

HER PARENTS DID NOT WANT TO SEND HER BACK - AFTER SHE CAME HOME MONDAY AFTERNOON WITH HER SHOES DUCT TAPED TIGHTLY TO HER FEET AND ANKLES.

HER PARENTS -- WHO TOLD THEIR STORY EXCLUSIVELY TO RTV-6 MONDAY NIGHT -- SAY THEY STILL HAVE NO ANSWERS.

"We haven't heard anything from the school still. The principal hasn't called us.They still didn't even tell us who could have done it or what."

THIS IS THE LITTLE GIRL'S FIRST YEAR ATTENDING THE LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM AT WESTLAKE ELEMENTARY - A PROGRAM FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

THE SCHOOL'S POLICY SAYS RESTRAINT MAY BE USED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. IF THERE'S PHYSICAL RISK OF HARM TO THE STUDENT OR OTHERS.

SHAYLYN'S PARENTS ADMIT THEIR DAUGHTER WOULD SOMETIMES REFUSE TO KEEP HER SHOES ON. BUT HER DAD SAYS THAT'S NO EXCUSE FOR DUCT TAPING THEM - SO TIGHTLY, HE SAYS, THAT THE LITTLE GIRL WAS IN TOO MUCH PAIN TO WALK.

GIRL'S FEET DUCT TAPED-OC

TANYA SPENCER REPORTING.

ROBERTS FIRST APPEARANCE-VO-OC

AN NBC2 UPDATE - A MAN POLICE SAY SHOT AND KILLED A MAN IN FORT MYERS BACK IN NOVEMBER MADE HIS FIRST APPEARANCE IN COURT TODAY.

22-YEAR-OLD ANTWOND ROBERTS WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY, AND IS BEING CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER.

ROBERTS - ACCUSED OF SHOOTING MARKEISH CORBETT ON NOVEMBER SECOND.

TSUNAMI SOLOMON ISLANDS-VO

SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE DEAD, OTHERS MISSING AFTER TSUNAMI WAVES POUNDED THE SOLOMON ISLANDS.

A 8-POINT-OH EARTHQUAKE LAST NIGHT TRIGGERED THE TSUNAMI.

THE WALL OF WATER CRASHED ONTO THE MAINLAND, KNOCKING OUT POWER AND DESTROYING AT LEAST 100 HOMES.

HEALTH CLIP-CLIP

ALCOHOL AND DIET DRINKS-VO

DIET MIXERS MAY HELP YOU CUT CALORIES. BUT THEY COULD ALSO MAKE YOU MORE INTOXICATED.

A NEW STUDY SHOWS COMBINING DIET DRINKS WITH ALCOHOL CAN RESULT IN A HIGHER BREATH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION -- BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE STOMACH TO EMPTY FASTER.

HEALTH MATTERS-ONCAM

ABOUT THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY USE A WHEELCHAIR TO GET AROUND.

FOR MANY, THE TRANSITION WAS A PROCESS, ONE THAT COMES WITH QUESTIONS AND ANXIETY.

HEALTH MATTERS-PKG

LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, LED VICKIE RICHMOND TO A DIFFICULT DECISION.

VICKIE RICHMOND/USES A WHEELCHAIR

RUNS:

:30 Things were getting worse and worse. I was on the walker, I was just falling with the walker and they said 'hey its time for a wheelchair.'

IT WAS HER FIRST STEP TOWARDS FREEDOM.

VICKIE RICHMOND/USES A WHEELCHAIR

RUNS:

2:57 This gives me a lot of independence. Even though I have to have someone put it in the car but once they get it out of the car I'm gone. You know 'see ya.'

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

Deciding when it's time for a wheelchair can be an emotional milestone. But for those facing medical conditions, they may not have a choice.

AMY MORRELL/PHYSICAL THERAPIST

RUNS:

7:01: Some diagnoses that I see commonly are cerebral palsy, muscular sclerosis, ALS, pain- chronic pain you know and general arthritis, aging where they may now need a wheelchair when they didn't before, spinal cord injury, amputation sometimes.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST AMY MORRELL GIVES MOBILITY ASSESSMENTS AT THE LEE CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS.

AMY MORRELL/PHYSICAL THERAPIST

RUNS:

1:58 Maybe a wheelchair isn't the best for them. Maybe they could use a walker. We look at would a scooter be best to help them get around in their environment. A manual wheelchair or a lightweight wheelchair. Insurance looks at how they're getting around in their home environment.

THE IDEAL IS TO RESTORE MOBILITY AND THE GIVE PEOPLE THE ABILITY TO ENJOY A NORMAL LIFE.

AMY MORRELL/PHYSICAL THERAPIST

RUNS:

2:49 Definitely. I mean you can do anything from a wheelchair. People go boating, they fish, kids play soccer. There's all sorts of things you can do. Also to be able to work, to get around the work environment.

GETTING A WHEELCHAIR ASSESSMENT GAVE VICKIE THE DRIVE TO FACE HER FUTURE.

VICKIE RICHMOND/USES A WHEELCHAIR

RUNS:

7:30 If you need the wheelchair, get in it. It will make life easier for you.

TEASE FIVE-ONCAM

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE NUMBER ONE BODY PART PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO?

0205 I would have to say eyes,

Sot Todd 0410 Probably the eyes

WRONG.

FIRST AT FOUR - WHAT GUYS *AND* GIRLS SAY THEY NOTICE FIRST WHEN IT COMES TO NOTICING A POSSIBLE DATE.

AND - MOTHERS OF STUDENT ATHLETES VISIT CAPITOL HILL TO PUSH FOR BETTER SAFETY STANDARDS TO PREVENT HEAD INJURIES.

A) dating match dot com-sotvo

B) youth sports safety-vo

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

ALL NEW AHEAD AT 5:00-CLIP

PAUSE FOR AHEAD AT 5:00 CLIP

I'M PETER BUSCH.

COMING AT FIVE --

WE'RE LOOKING AT WHAT THE UNPRECEDENTED POST OFFICE CUTS MEAN FOR YOU --

AND IF THE MOVE IS EVEN LEGAL.

PLUS --

Standup Tease:

"A second man is charged with abuse and neglect after animal control had to put down his dog. I'm NBC-2's charlie Keegan. Comingup, learn the details about the abuse."

AND A CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT IN CAPE CORAL COULD BE TRAPPING THE ENDANGERED MANATEE.

B) CHARLIE STAND UP TEASE-SOTTOPS

C) CAPE MANATEE-VOTOPS

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-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.

It's a noticeably warmer Wednesday morning across Southwest Florida with temperatures in the low 60s and upper 50s, which is about 10 points higher than Tuesday morning.

The warmer start will be a sign of things to come today as daytime highs return to the low 80s and humidity continues to rise in tandem with winds coming in from the south and southeast.

We'll also notice more clouds mixing in with sunshine through our Wednesday, so skies will likely become partly to mostly cloudy at times after our sunny and clear start.

We're tracking a cool front moving into North Florida today, but this front will lose its battle with an area of high pressure, ultimately fading away before having a chance to make it all the way to Southwest Florida.

Without a front moving in, the result will be continued warmth and increasing humidity for us over the next several days along with a mix of sun and clouds.

Despite the increasing humidity, however, rain prospects will keep running pretty low with the exception of a couple stray, lonely showers Thursday or Friday afternoon, but rain really won't be a factor in our forecast all the way through the weekend.

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

DATING MATCH DOT COM-OC

IN CASE YOU NEED A REMINDER --

VALENTIN'S DAY IS NEXT THURSDAY.

AND IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING TO FIND A DATE. WE MAY KNOW WHY.

MATCH DOT COM HAS JUST RELEASED THE RESULTS ON AN ONLINE SURVEY. FOCUSED ON WHAT MEN AND WOMEN *REALLY LOOK FOR IN A MATE.

DATING MATCH DOT COM-PKG

"im gonna be the one guy on earth who knows what women want"

MAYBE You don't have to be a mind-reader like mel gibson in the movie "what

women want" to know what singles want in an ideal mate.

A brand new survey from match.com NOW APPEARS TO SHOW JUST what men and

women find attractive in the opposite sex.attributes that surprised many

of the singles we found honing and toning their bodies at new york sports

club.

Sot 0200 Are there certain body parts you'd be attracted to ?

0205 I would have to say eyes,

Sot Todd 0410 Probably the eyes

In the online - AND ADMITTEDLY UNSCIENTIFIC survey.eyes didn't even score

in the top ten things / men or women judge the opposite sex on THE most.

Linsey sot 0220 Would it surprise you to know the number 1 thing that men

said attract them to women, and women say attract them to men. teeth.

0229 Really?! Oh that's interesting. Wow.

Whoopie goldberg of "the view," suggested she's not so picky when it comes

to the pearly whites.

Sot whoopie

But when we talked to some red blooded, iron pumping singles several did

suggest teeth are something they notice.

Sot 715 Manzi: I'd say the smile definitely.

Sot 0419 Probably their smile.

Speaking of the mouth.it'S NOT YOUR SMILE BUT what comes out of it that

ranks SECOND on the list of DESIRABLE essentials.

0450 the second thing is grammar.

Julia: oh, I love grammar.

So you would it turn you off if someone would say aint or double negatives/

0501 Julia: Well I think in this day and age with all the texting that goes

on, people use a lot of shorthand, but I find it to be horrifying. If you're

speaking to somebody and it just sounds like they're in high school.

While men and women both agree teeth and grammar are the two most important

ATTRIBUTES.women say after that. they judge men on clothes followed by

hair.while men prioritized hair right before clothes.

The top "must have" for 63 percent of men.someone THEY can trust.while

84 percent of women say.someone who treats THEM with respect.

And apparently virgins need not apply. 42 percent of unattached men and

women say they wouldn't date one.

0605 would you date a virgin?

Julia: I mean, I think I'm too old for that.

Todd: Laughs.

But what will apparently help to get you on the fast track to a hot date.

some dental floss and toothpaste.

0810 You both have very nice teeth, would make for some eligible bachelors I

would say.

DATING MATCH DOT COM-OC

LINSEY DAVIS REPORTING.

MONOPOLY TOKEN-OC, VO

MONOPOLY PLAYERS WILL NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO FIGHT OVER A NEW TOKEN.

THE NEW ADDITION TO THE GAME WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY.

FANS VOTED FOR A CAT AND GAVE THE BOOT TO THE IRON.

THE IRON HAS BEEN PART OF THE GAME SINCE THE 1930s.

BUT IN A RECENT VOTE, FANS SAID THEY'D RATHER HAVE A CAT FOR A GAME PIECE.

BETTY WHITE SEXIER AT 91-VO

HOW DOES 91 FEEL TO BETTY WHITE?

AMERICAS FAVORITE GRANDMA SAYS SHE FEELS SEXIER AND WISER.

THAT'S RIGHT - SEXY AND WISE. AT 91.

WHITE SHARED HER THOUGHTS AFTER FILMING A BIRTHDAY SPECIAL.

SEVERAL CELEBRITIES INCLUDING WHOOPI GOLDBERG AND BILL CLINTON WILL HONOR WHITE ON THE SHOW.

CHRIS BROWN DUE IN COURT-VO

IN ABOUT TEN MINUTES, SINGER CHRIS BROWN IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN COURT.

BROWN IS DUE FOR A PROGRESS REPORT HEARING REGARDING A SCUFFLE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND HIS FORMER GIRLFRIEND RIHANNA IN 2009.

LAWYERS SAY BROWN HAS NOT FINISHED HIS REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE.

TEASE SIX-2SHOT

HEAD INJURIES HAVE BEEN A BIG TALKER LATELY - ESPECIALLY WITH FOOTBALL SEASON WRAPPING UP.

TODAY - A GROUP OF MOTHERS FIGHT FOR BETTER WAYS TO PROTECT STUDENT ATHLETES.

FIRST AT FOUR - WHAT LAWMAKERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THOSE CONCERNS.

A) youth sports safety-vo

FOUR AT FOUR-CGTOPS

1. Postal Service to cut Saturday mail to trim costs

2. Inmate caught smuggling drugs in vagina

3. Dealer arrested after undercover drug bust

YOUTH SPORTS SAFETY-VO IN TFC

RIGHT NOW - THE N-F-L IS DEALING WITH A PENDING LAWSUIT ABOUT THE LONG TERM IMPACT OF CONCUSSIONS -- ALL THOSE BLOWS TO THE HEAD, PLAYERS RECEIVE ON THE GRIDIRON.

TODAY PARENTS ARE VISITING LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY - PUSHING FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF THE NATION'S YOUNGEST ATHLETES.

YOUTH SPORTS SAFETY-PKG

BENEATH THE EXCITEMENT THERE'S ALSO A SERIOUS RISK EACH TIME AN ATHLETE REACHES THE FIELD.

THIS WAS THE HIT- NEARLY FOUR YEARS AGO DURING A LA CROSSE GAME --- THAT NEARLY KILLED TOMMY MALLON.

"I would have at least been a paraplegic, and possibly dead."

TOMMY BROKE HIS NECK-

BUT THE SCHOOL ATHLETIC TRAINER ON THE FIELD RECOGNIZED THE INJURY AND PROTECTED HIS SPINE.

HE'S SINCE RECOVERED.

NOW TOMMY'S MOM- BETH- IS SHARING HER STORY WITH LAWMAKERS.

"We couldn't just walk away and saw we are lucky.

We had to carry the message that things went right - on that day - because

this school was prepared."

SHE'S IN WASHINGTON- HERE ALL THE WAY FROM SAN DIEGO- WITH THE YOUTH SAFETY SPORTS ALLIANCE.

THE GROUP IS PUSHING A NEW ACTION PLAN.

IT WOULD REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO CREATE ATHLETIC HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

AND ASSURE SAFE PRACTICE AREAS THROUGH REGULAR INSPECTIONS.

"It's about"

"what's NOT being done and what NEEDS to be done to provide a safe environment for our kids."

THE NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS ASSOCIATION ESTIMATES LESS THAN HALF OF HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE ACCESS TO ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES.

MANY PARENTS DON'T REALIZE THE RISKS.

LISA GFELLER ADMITS-

SHE KNEW LITTLE ABOUT BRAIN INJURIES BEFORE A FOOTBALL GAME TACKLE KILLED HER SON MATTHEW.

"Then after Matthew's accident - it was like our eyes were opened."

"This is wonderful - thank you."

SHE'S ALSO ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY. HERE FROM NORTH CAROLINA.

FIGHTING FOR BETTER EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ABOUT HOW TO TREAT SPORTS INJURIES.

"Who's going to protect them if we don't? I mean we are the adults."

LISA HOPES LESSONS FROM HER SON'S TRAGEDY WILL HELP KEEP OTHER CHILDREN SAFE.

YOUTH SPORTS SAFETY-TFC

THAT WRAPS UP THE NEWS FIRST AT FOUR.

GOODBYE-2 SHOT

WE ARE FOLLOWING BREAKING NEWS IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY --

A SWAT TEAM IS AT A DRUG RAID BECAUSE THEY FEAR THE PEOPLE INSIDE ARE ARMED.

WE ARE GATHERING DETAILS AND WILL HAVE AN UPDATE IN 90 SECONDS.

PLUS --

MEAGHAN STAND UP TEASE-SOT

END TIME-CREDITS