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HL1) LEHIGH CAR VS PED-TRX-VOTOPS

RIGHT NOW --

INVESTIGATORS ARE SEARCHING FOR A HIT AND RUN DRIVER.

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) RACE FOR THE CURE-TRX-REMLIVE

AND --

READY, SET, RACE FOR THE CURE!

THOUSANDS EXPECTED TO HIT THE PAVEMENT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA THIS MORNING TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER.

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

BREAKING TRAFFIC-TRX-MITTO

BREAKING RIGHT NOW --

THREE PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO LEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH.

IT ALL HAPPENED, IN HENDRY COUNTY, WHEN A DRIVER, TRAVELING ON COUNTY ROAD 78, SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL ON A WINDING ROAD.

THE VEHICLE SLID INTO A PATCH OF GRASS AND STRUCK A "NO-PASSING SIGN."

GOOD MORNING-1SHOT

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR A SPECIAL EDITION OF NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL --

KABUL EXPLOSION-OC-TRX-VO

BUT FIRST --

WE BEGIN WITH NEWS OVERSEAS---

OFFICIALS SAY THERE WAS A HUGE EXPLOSION OUTSIDE THE AFGHAHN DEFENSE MINISTRY IN KABUL.

AN AFGHAN POLICE SPOKESMAN SAYS AN APPARENT SUICIDE ATTACKER ON A BICYCLE HIT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE DEFENSE MINISTRY AROUND NINE A-M LOCAL TIME.

THIS ALL HAPPENING AS DEFENSE SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL WAS MEETING AT A COALITION FACILITY IN KABUL.

CHUCK HAGEL AFGAN ARRIVAL-TRX-VOTOPS

THIS IS DEFENSE SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL'S FIRST VISIT TO AFGHANISTAN AS PENTAGON CHIEF.

HAGEL ARRIVED ON HIS UNNANOUNCED VISIT TO KABUL FRIDAY.

HE'S EXPECTED TO MEET WITH AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI ALONG WITH U-S COMMANDERS AND OTHER AFGHAN LEADERS TO MAKE A DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF THE WAR THERE.

BIN LADEN SON & LAW COURT-VO

ADDING TO THAT SERIES OF EVENTS --

OSAMA BIN LADEN'S SONI-IN-LAW AND THE SPOKESMAN FOR AL QAEDA PLEADED NOT GUILT TO CONSPIRING TO KILL AMERICANS.

SULAIMAN ABU GHAITH ENTERED THE PLEA IN A NEW YORK FEDERAL COURT THROUGH HIS ATTORNEY.

FEDERAL AGENTS TOOK ABU GHAITH INTO CUSTODY IN JORDAN IN THE PAST WEEK.

NO BAIL WAS SET.

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

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

TOSS TO CLAY & KRISTA-OC-DBX

THIS MORNING WE ARE GEARING UP FOR ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENTS.

THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE.

IT'S TAKING PLACE AT COCONUT POINT MALL IN ESTERO THIS MORNING.

KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE-REMLIVE

LEHIGH CAR VS PEDESTRIANS-TRX-VOTOPS

THIS IS THE AFTERMATH OF A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT IN LEHIGH ACRES --

WE TOLD YOU LAST NIGHT AT 11, WHEN A MOTHER AND CHILD WERE BOTH HIT BY A CAR.

WITNESSES TELL US --

THE MOM AND THE CHILD WERE WALKING ACROSS 4TH STREET SOUTHWEST WHEN THEY WERE HIT BY A TOYOTA.

LEHIGH FIRE SAYS THE MOM PUSHED THE CHILD OUT OF THE WAY -- AT THE LAST SECOND.

BOTH WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH INJURIES, AND ARE EXPECTED TO SURVIVE.

COLLIER LOTTO SCAM-TRX-OC-SS-SS-VO

AN NBC-2 CRIME ALERT, THIS SATURDAY MORNING.

COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTIES NEED YOUR HELD, BUSTING THE CON ARTISTS, THEY SAY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A LOTTERY SCAM

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WANTS TO TALK TO THESE PEOPLE IN CONNECTION WITH ONE OF THE SCAMS.

DETECTIVES RELEASED THIS IMAGE OF AN SUV -- BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN DRIVEN BY ONE OF THE SUSPECTS.

DEPUTIES TELL US THE SCAMMERS ARE TARGETING HISPANIC PEOPLE.

HERE'S HOW IT ALL WORKS --

THE SUSPECT TELLS THE VICTIM THEY WON THE LOTTERY AND ARE HAVING TROUBLE COLLECTING THE PRIZE MONEY BECAUSE THEY ARE IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.

THE SUSPECT THEN TELLS THE VICTIM THERE ARE FEES AND TAXES THAT NEED TO BE PAID UP FRONT.

COLLIER LOTTO SCAM-SOTVO

chad Parker/ lieutenant CCSO

:54 the end game is the ticket is a forgery and they'll convince the target to step out of the vehicle to buy stamps or some other means and whent hey do that, the suspects flea in their vehicle and the victim is out of thousands of dollars.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS REMINDING PEOPLE THAT IMMIGRATION STATUS DOES NOT PREVENT ANYONE FROM CASHING A LOTTO TICKET.

ANY TAXES DUE -- ARE DEDUCTED FROM THE WININGS.

DEPUTIES BELIEVE THE SCAMMERS ARE FROM OUT OF STATE.

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES GROWHOUSE-TRX-SS-VO

ALSO IN COLLIER COUNTY --

DEPUTIES SEIZE 144-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF MARIJUANA.

IT ALL HAPPENED AT A GROW HOUSE, ON RANDALL BOULEVARD, IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES.

ACCORDING TO DEPUTIES -- THEY FOUND 36 PLANTS IN THE GARAGE --

AND 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF GROW EQUIPMENT.

THEY ALSO FOUND SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF POUNDS, WORTH OF HIGH-GRADE FERTILIZER.

CHAR CO BODY FOUND-TRX-SS-VO

INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS THIS MORNING AFTER A MAN'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED FLOATING IN A CHARLOTTE COUNTY CANAL.

THE BODY WAS FOUND FLOATING BEHIND HOMES ON SAINT JAMES STREET AROUND 11 O'CLOCK FRIDAY MORNING.

SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE VICTIM TELLS NBC2 THAT HE DROWNED --

BUT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER STILL NEEDS TO CONFIRM THE EXACT CAUSE OF DEATH.

NAPLES HOTEL DAMAGE-TRX-SS-VO

A LOCAL MAN'S ERRATIC BEHAVIOR -- LANDS HIM BEHIND BARS.

AND THIS MORNING, POLICE TELL US -- HE SINGLE-HANDEDLY DESTROYED *THREE FLOORS OF A NAPLES HOTEL.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THOMAS FLIPSE FLOODED THREE FLOORS AT THE HAMPTON INN.

THEY SAY HE WAS DRUNK --

AND SOMEHOW HE MANAGED TO BREAK WATER PIPES BEHIND A SHOWER WALL.

THAT SENT WATER CASCADING INTO 22 ROOMS -- WHICH ALL WERE FLOODED, BY THE TIME HE WAS DONE.

SOME ROOMS HAD WATER AN INCH DEEP.

KOMEN RACE LIVE BUMP-REMLIVETOPS

A LIVE LOOK RIGHT NOW FROM COCONUT POINT MALL IN ESTERO --

WHERE THIS MORNING THOUSANDS WILL BE LACING UP THEIR SHOES TO BE PART OF THE CURE!

FORECAST TODAY'S DAYPLANNER-WX GFX

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

BREAK ONE AT 6:09:30

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

CROSS TALK KOMEN RACE LIVE-2SH-REMLIVE

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

SPORTS WRAP-PKG

MR. GREENTHUMB-PKG

BREAK TWO AT 6:19:30

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

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

BIZ WEEK REVIEW-OC

TURNING TO THE BUSINESS WORLD --

BIZ WEEK REVIEW-PKG

WHAT A WEEK IT WAS FOR WALL STREET! THE DOW SURGED HIGHER -- BUSTING THROUGH SEVERAL ALL-TIME RECORD CLOSING HIGHS. THE RUN-UP IN THE MARKETS WAS DRIVEN BY HIGHER CORPORATE PROFITS -- EASY MONEY STIMULUS POLICIES BY THE FED -- A STEADY RISE IN CONSUMER SPENDING -- A BOOST IN

U-S MANUFACTURING -- AND GOOD NEWS ABOUT JOBS.

A BURST OF HIRING ADDED NEARLY A QUARTER MILLION NEW JOBS TO THE ECONOMY IN FEBRUARY -- PUSHING THE NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO SEVEN-POINT-SEVEN PERCENT -- THE LOWEST ITS BEEN IN MORE THAN FOUR YEARS.

THE MARKETS ALSO GOT A LIFT FROM THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S LATEST SURVEY OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AROUND THE NATION --SHOWING MODEST ECONOMIC GROWTH IN *EVERY* REGION OF THE COUNTRY.

MORE GOOD NEWS ABOUT HOUSING. HOME PRICES IN JANUARY ROSE NEARLY TEN PERCENT FROM YEAR-AGO LEVELS.THE BIGGEST ANNUAL LEAP IN SEVEN YEARS. THAT'S THANKS TO LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND A SHRINKING SUPPLY OF HOMES ON THE MARKET.

ONE WEEK AFTER YAHOO CAUSED AN UPROAR BY PUTTING AN END TO WORKING FROM HOME -- STRUGGLING ELECTRONICS RETAILER BEST BUY *ENDED* ITS OWN FLEXIBLE WORK PROGRAM THAT ALLOWED SOME CORPORATE EMPLOYEES TO MAKE UP THEIR *OWN* WORK SCHEDULES.AND HOW OFTEN THEY COME INTO THE OFFICE.

AND DO YOU FEEL ANY WEALTHIER? THE FED SAYS IT TOOK FIVE AND A HALF YEARS.BUT THANKS TO A SOARING STOCK MARKET AND A STEADY RISE IN HOME PRICES.AMERICAN HOUSEHOLD WEALTH IS RIGHT BACK TO WHERE IT WAS BEFORE THE GREAT RECESSION.WHEN IT FELL BY 16 *TRILLION* DOLLARS

DAYLIGHT SAVING TONIGHT-OTS-OC

LOOKING AHEAD, THIS MORNING --

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN -- TIME TO SPRING FORWARD!

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS OVERNIGHT -- AND AS WE ALL KNOW -- YOU'LL LOSE AN HOUR OF SLEEP, TONIGHT.

JUST A REMINDER -- WHEN TURNING THOSE CLOCKS AHEAD, TAKE THE TIME TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS.

KRISPY KREME FREE DOUGHNUT-VOTOPS

MEANWHILE -- THE MAKERS OF THIS POPULAR TREAT SAY, LOSE AN HOUR -- GAIN A DOUGHNUT.

THAT'S RIGHT -- A FREE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT, MARKING THE DAYLIGHT SAVING SWITCH.

IT'S ALL HAPPENING TOMORROW.

LOG ON TO "KRISPY KREME DOT COM SLASH DAYLIGHT DASH SAVINGS DASH TIME DASH OFFER" FOR A LIST OF PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS.

WRINGLEY CAFFINE GUM-OTS-OC

THERE'S A NEW WAY FOR ALL YOU CAFFINE LOVERS TO GET YOUR DAILY FIX --

AND IT'S NOT IN THE FORM OF YOUR TYPICAL DRINK.

WRINGLEY'S IS LAUNCHING A NEW PRODUCT -- CAFFEINATED GUM.

IT'S CALLED ALERT ENERGY CAFFEINE GUM AND CONTAINS THE CAFFEINE EQUIVALENT OF A HALF A CUP OF COFFEE.

THE GUM WILL COME IN FRUIT AND MINT FLAVORS.

THE PRODUCT'S PACKAGING IT SAYS IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN.

FTC SCAMS CRACKDOWN-VO

AND WE'RE HEARING FROM THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION -- AND ITS CRACK DOWN ON SCAM ARTISTS.

THE AGENCY SAYS, THAT GROUP OF SCAMMERS SENT 180-MILLION SPAM TEXT MESSAGES, CLAIMING MOBILE USERS WON FREE GIFT CARDS.

BESIDES BEING AN INCONVENIENCE -- OFFICIALS SAY, MANY CUSTOMERS WERE FORCED TO PAY FOR RECEIVING THE TEXTS, SINCE NEARLY 12-PERCENT OF MOBILE USERS DON'T HAVE A TEXT MESSAGE PLAN.

KOMEN RACE LIVE BUMP-REMLIVETOPS

LET'S TAKE YOU LIVE RIGHT NOW TO ESTERO, WHERE ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS TAKING PLACE THIS MORNING.

THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE.

BREAK THREE AT 6:27:15

HL1) AIRPORT SECURITY BREACH-TRX-VOTOPS

RIGHT NOW --

SECURITY SLIP --

T-S-A RESPONDS TO YET ANOTHER INCIDENT -- WHERE THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF AIRLINE GUESTS, WERE JEOPARDIZED.

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) RACE FOR THE CURE-TRX-REMLIVE

AND --

RACING FOR A CURE.

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

GOOD MORNING-1SHOT

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR WAKING UP FOR A SPECIAL EDITION OF NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

US JOBS REPORT-OC

BUT FIRST --

SIGNS OF GROWTH, THIS MORNING --

AS WE BEGIN TO TAKE A MORE DETAILED LOOK AT THE LABOR DEPARTMENT'S FEBURARY JOBS REPORT.

EXPERTS SAY, THE REPORT WAS FAR BETTER THAN EXPECTED --

WITH UNEMPLOYMENT AT ITS LOWEST MARK IN MORE THAN FOUR YEARS.

BUT SOME SAY, THE NUMBERS REFLECT A GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICANS WHO ARE SIMPLY GIVING UP ON FINDING A JOB.

US JOBS REPORT-PKG

FOR CARRIE JOLOSKY IN SEATTLE.

Carrie: "Hi! Is there anything I can help you with today?"

.LIFE IS SUDDENLY LOOKING A LITTLE BRIGHTER!

WITH THREE KIDS TO FEED AND HER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ABOUT TO RUN OUT - FINALLY, A JOB.AT LOWES!

"I don't have to stress out about all the finances and bills and worry about whether my kids are going to eat or not."

THE HOME IMPROVEMENT GIANT IS HIRING:

45-THOUSAND SEASONAL POSITIONS AND 9-THOUSAND PERMANENT JOBS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

PART OF AN IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT PICTURE THAT SAW 236-THOUSAND JOBS ADDED IN FEBRUARY, HELPING TO PUSH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE LOWER.

SO, WHO IS HIRING?

-BUSINESS SERVICES ADDED 72,000 JOBS IN FEBRUARY.MOSTLY PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL JOBS.

-48,000 JOBS ADDED IN CONSTRUCTION AS THE HOUSING MARKET CONTINUES TO IMPROVE.

-HEALTHCARE ADDED 32,000. NURSES REMAIN IN HIGH DEMAND.

-EVEN HOLLYWOOD ADDED 20,000 JOBS, WITH CABLE TV INCREASING PRODUCTION.

AND THE 18-29 YEARS OLDS ARE FINALLY FINDING MORE JOBS.

OF CONCERN THOUGH.MORE AMERICANS GAVE UP LOOKING FOR JOBS IN FEBRUARY.

US JOBS REPORT-OC

TOM COSTELLO REPORTING --

GOVERNMENT JOBS DECREASED BY TEN-THOUSAND, MOSTLY AT THE STATE LEVEL.

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

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

TOSS TO CLAY & KRISTA-OC-DBX

A DAY OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE IS TAKING PLACE AT COCONUT POINT MALL IN ESTERO THIS MORNING.

KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE-REMLIVE

KABUL EXPLOSION-TRX-OTS-VO

ALL NEW, THIS MORNING --

A MASSIVE EXPLOSITION ROCKS A PORTION OF AFGHANISTAN -- JUST OUTSIDE THE AFGHAN DEFENSE MINISTRY.

THIS ALL HAPPENING WHILE DEFENSE SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL VISITS AFGHANISTAN.

A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAYS -- AN APPARENT SUICIDE ATTACKER ON A BICYCLE HIT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE DEFENSE MINISTRY.

OFFICIALS ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED.

AIRPORT SECURITY BREAKDOWN-VOWIPE

THIS ALL HAPPENING, AS T-S-A OFFICIALS REPORT A SHOCKING BREACH OF AIRPORT SECURITY.

AN UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR WAS ABLE TO SNEAK PAST AGENTS -- WITH A FAKE BOMB, TWICE.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS WITH THE T-S-A -- THE INVESTIGATOR SUCCESSFULLY WALKED THROUGH A METAL DECTECTOR.

AGENTS EVEN PULLED HIM ASIDE FOR A PATDOWN --

AIRPORT SECURITY BREAKDOWN-SOTVO

Frank Cilluffo/Homeland Security Policy Instit.

It's sort of like a red teaming scenario / you intentionally look for where

the weak point is in the system. / I think it clearly identified a

vulnerability.

THE T-S-A SAYS, THIS JUSTIFIES WHY THEY'LL ALLOW SMALL POCKET KNIVES ON PLANES.

THEY'RE SHIFTING FOCUS TO BOMBS AND LIQUID EXPLOSIVES.

BUT THAT PLAN IS STILL DRAWING BACKLASH.

CONCLAVE DATE SET-OC

NOW TURNING TO THE LATEST AT THE VATICAN --

WHERE ALL OF THE CARDINALS HAVE ARRIVED -- AND A DATE HAS FINALLY BEEN SET FOR THAT MUCH ANTICIPATED CONCLAVE.

THAT'S WHEN THE CARDINALS WILL ELECT A NEW POPE.

CONCLAVE DATE SET-PKG

ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON THE RACE TO 77 BEGINS.

SEVENTY-SEVEN BECAUSE THAT IS THE NUMBER OF VOTES A CANDIDATE NEEDS TO BECOME THE NEXT POPE.

THAT'S A TWO THIRDS PLUS ONE MAJORITY OF ALL THE CARDINAL ELECTORS.

BUT BEFORE THE CARDINALS BEGIN FILLING OUT BALLOTS THEY WILL CELEBRATE MASS HERE AT ST. PETER'S BASILICA THEN THEY WILL PROCESS INTO THE SISTINE CHAPEL WHERE THEY WILL SIT IN TWO ROWS ON EACH SIDE OF THE CHAPEL TO FILL OUT THEIR BALLOTS.

IF NO ONE GETS 77 VOTES ON THAT FIRST BALLOT THEN EACH DAY THAT FOLLOWS THE CARDINALS WILL VOTE TWICE IN THE MORNING AND TWICE IN THE MORNING AND TWICE IN THE EVENING.

AFTER THREE DAYS OF VOTING THEY GET A DAY OFF A DAY OF PRAYER AND THEN THE VOTING RESUMES.

ALL OF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE CARDINALS ARE CUT OFF FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD NO NEWSPAPERS, NO TELEPHONES, NO RADIOS, NO TVS NOT BLACKBERRIES, NO CELL PHONES.NOTHING.

"The idea is to totally isolate them so that they can make their decision on their own, without being influenced from the outside."

CONCLAVE DATE SET-OC

ANNE THOMPSON WITH THAT REPORT --

CHAVEZ SUCCESSOR-VO

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, HUGO CHAVEZ WAS LAID TO REST, FRIDAY-- AFTER LOSING HIS BATTLE WITH CANCER.

AND CHAVEZ'S ACTING SUCCESSOR WAS SWORN IN -- BUT NOT WITHOUT A LITTLE DRAMA.

NICOLAS MADURO IS NOW VENEZUELA'S ACTING PRESIDENT.

HE USED THE OCCASION TO LAUNCH A BLISTERING ATTACK ON THE U-S AND THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION.

HE SAYS, THE U-S CAUSED CHAVEZ'S FATAL CANCER.

KOMEN RACE LIVE BUMP-REMLIVETOPS

A LIVE LOOK RIGHT NOW FROM COCONUT POINT MALL IN ESTERO --

WHERE IN JUST TWO HOURS THOUSANDS OF WALKERS AND RUNNERS WILL HIT THE PAVEMENT FOR THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE.

FORECAST WHAT'S TRENDING-WX GFX

BREAK FOUR AT 6:39:30

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

CROSS TALK-2SHOT

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

WINTER SNOWSTORM-VO

RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHEAST ARE STILL DIGGING OUT THIS MORNING AFTER A SLOW-MOVING STORM STALLED OVER MASSACHUSETTS.

WE'RE NOT EVEN HALFWAY THROUGH MARCH -- AND SOME AREAS OF THE BAY STATE IS ALREADY KNEE-DEEP IN SNOW.

BUT ALONG THE COAST, THE SNOW IS NOT THE ISSUE.

POWERFUL OCEAN WAVES, AND HIGH WINDS ARE CAUSING MORE TROUBLE.

ON PLUM ISLAND -- JUST NORTH OF BOSTON, THE STORM SURGE KNOCKED ONE HOME OFF ITS FOUNDATION -- SENDING IT CRASHING INTO THE OCEAN.

FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INSIDE.

WINTER SNOWSTORM-SOTVO

SOT Gov. Deval Patrick

I wish Mother Nature would shut off in times that were more convenient to

the plow drivers I think under the circumstances they've been doing pretty

well we live in New England this is at this point in the winter a

nuisance storm it's not an emergency and we're managing"

WE'RE LEARNING -- SNOW ALSO FELL IN PARTS OF NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, AND CONNECTICUT.

FORECASTERS SAY, WARMER AND DRIER WEATHER LIES AHEAD.

EURO & AMERICAN WX MODEL-OC

AND ACROSS THE NATION, WE'VE SEEN OUR SHARE OF DESTRUCTIVE AND DEADLY STORMS, WITHIN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

EXPERTS LOOKED BACK ON THE ACURACY OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER'S PREDICTIONS FOR A MAJOR STORM, COMPARIED TO THOSE OF THE EUROPEAN MODEL.

THEY FOUND, INCREASINGLY, EUROPEAN COMPUTER MODELS HAVE BEEN MORE ACCURATE ABOUT *OUR WEATHER.

EURO & AMERICAN WX MODEL-PKG

They were dire warnings that shut down the nation's Capitol.

WRC weatherman: "WE ARE GOING TO BE REALLY INTO THIS TOMORROW MORNING INTO TOMORROW AFTERNOON"

Forecasters were promising Washington's worst storm in two years. But that didn't happen

WRC Anchor: DO YOU NEED A BROOM OR A SHOVEL?

WRC Reporter: I'M NOT EVEN SURE YOU NEED A BROOM.

And the Weather Channel's Jim Cantore, known best for braving weather like this.

NATS Cantore in crazy storm

was left in a snowless Capitol.

CANTORE SOT: "not an exact science. etc"

"We just didn't have the cold air that we needed to produce a snow event here at the Captiol. It was not produced by the storm and it did not come in from the storm."

Cliff Mass / University of Washington

THIS GRAPHIC SHOWS YOU THE EUROPEAN MODEL, ABOUT ONE INCH OF PRECIPITATION. IF I SWITCH TO THE AMERICAN THEY WERE PREDICTING 1.7, 1.8. WHEN YOU'RE RIGHT ON THE VERGE OF A SNOW VERSUS RAIN EVENT THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Cliff Mass is an atmospheric science professor at the University of Washington. He says Wednesday's storm is latest example of the shortcomings of U-S weather prediction.

Cliff Mass / University of Washington

IT'S EMBARRASSING, WE SHOULD HAVE THE BEST FORECASTS ON THE PLANET. AND IT HAS AN ECONOMIC COST

The Europeans have invested heavily in weather forecasting - with ten times the computing ability of the National Weather Service.

But while meteorologists rely on more than just computer models when making predictions, a rash of recent winter storms in Boston and Oklahoma have highlighted the superiority of European storm modeling.

"THE EUROPEAN MODEL KEEPS IT HUGGING THE COASTS AND BY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING IT'S INLAND IN THE NORTHEAST"

EURO & AMERICAN WX MODEL-OC

AL ROKER WITH THAT REPORT.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN NOROVIRUS-VO

MORE TROUBLE AT SEA -- THIS TIME, IT'S ROYAL CARIBBEAN.

A MASSIVE NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK PROMPTED OFFICIALS TO DOCK ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S "VISION OF THE SEAS."

MORE THAN 100-PASSENGERS FELL ILL FROM THE GASTROINTESTINAL SICKNESS.

ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL -- NOROVIRUS CAN SPREAD FROM CONTACT WITH CONTAMINATED FOOD OR DRINKS--

BY TOUCHING OBJECTS INFECTED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK---

OR THROUGH CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK.

CA TB COLLEGE OUTBREAK-VO

AND A SIMILAR STORY AT A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COLLEGE --

WHERE NEARLY 400 STUDENTS WERE EXPOSED TO A HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DISEASE.

A STUDENT AT CAL POLY POMONA WITHDREW FROM CLASSES LAST WEEK -- AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR TUBERCULOSIS.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SENT LETTERS AND EMAILS TO EVERYONE WHO MAY HAVE HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE STUDENT.

THE DISEASE DAMAGES THE LUNGS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES CAN BE LETHAL.

CA TB COLLEGE OUTBREAK-SOTVO

S/ Dr. Doug Freer / Caly Poly V. P.:06

"Go on up to the student health center, the testing is free, and you'll resolve the issue for yourself in a couple of days."

OFFICIALS SAY THE LIKELIHOOD OF OTHERS BEING INFECTED IS SMALL.

JAMES HOLMES LATEST-VO

ALL NEW THIS MORNING --

MORE DETAILS ABOUT COLORADO THEATER SHOOTING SUSPECT -- JAMES HOLMES.

WE'RE LEARNING, HOLMES WAS TAKEN FROM JAIL, TO A PSYCHIATRIC WARD, BACK IN NOVEMEBER.

COURT DOCUMENTS, RELEASED FRIDAY SAY, HE WAS A DANGER TO HIMSELF.

THE DOCUMENT ALSO SAYS HE WAS WAS KEPT AT THE DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER FOR SEVERAL DAYS -- OFTEN BEING HELD IN RESTRAINTS.

SANIBEL CAUSEWAY REPORT-VO

INSPECTORS TELL NBC-2 -- THE SANIBEL CAUSEWAY SEEMS TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE.

A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO -- WE TOLD YOU ABOUT PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONS THAT UNCOVERED SMALL CRACKS IN SOME CONCRETE BEAMS UNDER THE BRIDGE DECKS.

"T-Y LIN INTERNATIONAL" JUST FINISHED IT'S FIRST ROUND OF INSPECTIONS.

KOMEN RACE LIVE BUMP-REMLIVETOPS

GET READY TO RACE!

ALL MORNING LONG WE ARE TAKING YOU LIVE TO COCONUT POINT MALL FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE.

BREAK FIVE AT 6:49:45

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

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

FANTASTIC WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

The sunshine state will live up to its name this weekend as high pressure prevails. This is going to provide us with a fantastic weekend full of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

After starting off in the upper 40s to low 50s I do expect the temperatures to creep up to near 80 during primetime heating hours today. No rainfall expected - so get out and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will dominate. Temperatures will drop off quickly just after sunset, but it won't be quite as chilly. Lower to mid 50s will be the numbers.

After the cool start in the 50s, afternoon highs will recover into the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Due to a freshly chilled Gulf of Mexico, beaches and coastal locations will more than likely hold in the mid and upper 70s during the day.

This feeble weather pattern continues into Monday, but it breaks down on Tuesday. Tuesday is the day a weak cold front will spark a few showers for us. It quickly moves out, and we are left with perfect beach weather for the rest of the week.

Enjoy!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

THINGS TO DO-3 CG-BNR

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND--

CHECK OUT THE 55TH ANNUAL FORT MYERS BEACH SHRIMP FESTIVAL.

IT STARTS WITH A PARADE AT 10, THIS MORNING.

IT GOES FROM 10 TO 5 -- ALL WEEKEND.

ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS SHELL GATHERINGS IN THE STATE STARTED YESTERDAY.

IT'S THE THE 76TH ANNUAL SANIBEL SHELL SHOW AT THE SANIBEL COMMUNITY HOUSE.

IT ALSO GOES ALL WEEKEND LONG.

YOU CAN ALSO THE BLUES AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE--

AT THE BONITA BLUES FESTIVAL TOMORROW AT RIVERSIDE PARK IN BONITA SPRINGS.

12 BANDS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE IN TOWN.

IT STARTED YESTERDAY, AND CONTINUES TODAY

FOR MORE THINGS TO DO --

SPRING BREAK COURT-VO WIPE

SPRING BREAK HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED FOR MOST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES --

AND OFFICIALS IN ONE POPULAR SPRING BREAK DESTINATION HAVE NEW METHODS OF DEALING WITH UNRULY VISITORS.

IT'S PANAMA CITY'S "SPRING BREAK COURT."

VISITORS CAN HANDLE THEIR CHARGES WHILE IN TOWN -- AND LEAVE WITH A CLEAN RECORD.

SPRING BREAK COURT-SOTVO

"I don't want to come back next week and have to drive all the way back down again from St. Louis, and then have to appear in court down here in Florida again, it'd be too much extra money. just get it done and over with now."

THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE 200-DOLLAR FEE CAN CHOOSE AN ADDITIONAL 20 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE.

ASTEROID FLY BY SATURDAY-VO

AND FINALLY, THIS MORNING --

ANOTHER ASTEROID WILL MAKE A CLOSE CALL WITH EARTH, TODAY.

BUT NASA OFFICIALS SAY THERE'S NO NEED TO BE AFRAID.

THE SPACE ROCK WON'T COME CLOSER THAN 600-THOUSAND MILES WHEN IT PASSES.

THE MOON IS LESS THAN HALF THAN DISTANCE AWAY.

TALKS OF ASTEROIDS AND METEORS HAS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY SINCE LAST MONTH'S METEOR EXPLOSION IN RUSSIA.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP

TS1) LEHIGH CAR VS PEDS-VOTOPS

YOUR TIME NOW IS--

LET'S GET YOU UP TO SPEED WITH THIS MORNING'S TOP STORIES.

INVESTIGATORS ARE WORKING TO FIND THE LOCAL DRIVER WHO HIT A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER -- WHILE TRYING TO CROSS A LEHIGH ACRES STREET.

IT ALL HAPPENED LAST NIGHT, ON 4TH STREET SOUTHWEST.

TS2) US JOBS REPORT-VOTOPS

AND --

THE FEBRUARY JOBS REPORT IS OUT.

236-THOUSAND JOBS WERE ADDED IN FEBRUARY -- HELPING TO PUSH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES TO THE LOWEST POINT, IN MORE THAN FOUR YEARS.

EXPERTS SAY, THE HOUSING MARKET IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENTS, AS WELL.

TS3) WINTER SNOWSTORM-VOTOPS

AND RIGHT NOW, A MASSIVE WINTER STORM IS MAKING ITS WAY UP THE NORTHEAST COAST.

THIS IS THE SAME STORM THAT DUMPED A GOOD AMOUNT OF SNOW IN THE MIDWEST, EARLIER THIS WEEK.

IT'S JUST THE LATEST IN A HIGHLY ACTIVE WINTER STORM SEASON --

TS4) CONCLAVE DATE SET-VOTOPS

AND IN VATICAN CITY -- CATHOLIC CARDINALS HAVE SET A DATE FOR THE CONCLAVE.

ACCORDING TO VATICAN OFFICIALS, THE SECRET EVENT IS HAPPENING TUESDAY.

DURING THE CONCLAVE -- 115 CARDINALS WILL VOTE ON THE NEW POPE.

FINAL FORECAST-WX GFX

KOMEN RACE LIVE BUMP-REMLIVE TOPS

FINALLY, LET'S HEAD BACK OUT LIVE TO COCONUT POINT MALL IN ESTERO, WHERE THE SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE IS TAKING PLACE THIS MORNING.

GOODBYE-2SHOT

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