HEADLINES-------------

COMING UP ON SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S ONLY LOCAL NEWS AT 9-

REMEMBERING JESSE-

AS PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO HONOR HIS LIFE-

THE VERY SPECIAL WAY HIS FAMILY -- ASKED EVERYONE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE 11 YEAR OLD.

AND-

FOR THE 20TH TIME THIS YEAR-

FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE-

ABC-7 HEARS FROM RESIDENTS WHO SAY THIS LATEST DEATH IS GIVING THEM SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT GOING OUT AFTER DARK.

PLUS-

CELL PHONES-

MOST OF US CAN'T IMAGINE LIVING WITHOUT THEM-

BUT THOSE BILLS CAN ADD UP---

FAST!

HL1) JEESE WATLINGTON DIES-VO-WIPE

HL2) FORT MYERS HOMICIDE-VO-WIPE

HL3) CELL PHONE SPENDING-VOTOPS

WX HL-WX WALL

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIPTOPS

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-2 SHOT

NOW AT 9-

HEAVY HEARTS ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA THIS MORNING-

AFTER THE 11 YEAR OLD FORT MYERS BOY WHO WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING LAST WEEK, SADLY, HAS PASSED AWAY.

THIS IS ACCORDING TO JESSE WATLINGTON'S PASTOR AT MCGREGOR BAPTIST CHURCH.

AND TO REMEMBER THE 6TH GRADER, STUDENTS ACROSS THE AREA ARE WEARING PURPLE -- JESSE'S FAVORITE COLOR.

ABC-7'S CLIFTON FRENCH IS LIVE -- AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY-

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-BOXES

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-REM LIVE

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-VO

JESSE WAS A SIXTH GRADER HERE AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.

HE WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING LAST WEDNESDAY JUST AS FOOTBALL PRACTICE WAS GETTING UNDERWAY.

SINCE THEN, THE CHURCH AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN PRAYING FOR THE BOY AT SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-SOT

JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-REM LIVE

MANY HAVE BEEN POSTING PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY THROUGH A SPECIAL FACEBOOK PAGE.

FORT MYERS 20TH HOMICIDE-CLIP-VO

DEVELOPING NOW AT 9-

FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CITY'S 20TH HOMICIDE THIS YEAR.

FORT MYERS POLICE TELL ABC7 --- A COUPLE FOUND THE BODY EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ON THE TARPON STREET PIER-

FORT MYERS 20TH HOMICIDE-VOTOPS

NOW, POLICE ARE WORKING TO FIGURE OUT WHO THE MAN IS-

AND HOW HE DIED.

FORT MYERS 20TH HOMICIDE-SOT(2)VO

43:52 its a little bit scary i'm not gonna go out there after dark that's for sure 4356

36:41 finding a body there, that's kind of strange, when i left yesterday there was only 2 people fishing 36:48

FORT MYERS POLICE TELL ABC-7, THE ONLY DESCRIPTION THEY HAVE SO FAR -- IS THAT THE VICTIM IS A HISPANIC MALE, IN HIS 20'S OR 30'S.

MEDSTAR FALLOUT-OC-VO

THE FALLOUT CONTINUES THIS MORNING AFTER LEE COUNTY'S MEDSTAR PROGRAM WAS SUDDENLY GROUNDED AT THE END OF THE SUMMER.

NOW, E-M-S CHIEF KIM DICKERSON IS OFF THE JOB.

DICERKSON HAD BEEN ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR A WEEK-

HER RETIREMENT WAS ANNOUNCED IN AN EMAIL TO PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES OVER THE WEEKEND.

THE NEWS COMES ON THE HEELS OF A COUNTY MANAGER REPORT. WHICH STATES TOP EMS ADMINISTRATORS *KNEW ABOUT PERSONNEL PROBLEMS WITHIN MEDSTAR.BUT NEVER TOLD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.

MEDSTAR FALLOUT-SOTVO

8:14:17 we're sitting at home unemployed without any kind of benefits, while the people that have been accused of the wrongdoing are just simply resigning or retiring and continue to draw their pay and their benefits 29

DICKERSON IS THE *SECOND TOP ADMINISTRATOR TO LEAVE LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY AFTER THE MEDSTAR SHUTDOWN.

FORMER PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR JOHN WILSON RETIRED A WEEK AGO.

WILSON AND DICKERSON SHUT DOWN MEDSTAR WITHOUT NOTICE ON AUGUST 21-ST, ORIGINALLY SAYING IT WAS TO APPLY FOR NATIONAL ACCREDITATION.

SINCE THEN, NBC-2 UNCOVERED MORE THAN THREE-MILLION DOLLARS IN IMPROPERLY BILLED FLIGHTS. AND EMAILS WHICH SUGGEST ACCREDITATION WAS SIMPLY A DIVERSION.

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE-CLIP-CHANCE AT POP-CG-POP

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE, 2012-

AND WERE ARE NOW LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY FROM ELECTION DAY-

AND THE CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT -- ARE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL-

TODAY, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS ON A WEST COAST SWING-

HE'S CAMPAIGNING TODAY IN SAN FRANCISCO-

HIS CHALLENGER, MITT ROMNEY -- IS SCHEDULED TO GIVE A MAJOR FOREIGN POLICY SPEECH, AT THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE.

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE-PKG

PRESIDENT OBAMA ON THE WEST COAST OVERNIGHT AT A STAR-STUDDED CONCERT

FUNDRAISER. IN THANKING THE PERFORMERS, THE PRESIDENT WITH A NOT SO SUBTLE

REFERENCE TO HIS OWN DEBATE PERFORMANCE.

OBAMA SOT:-- THEY JUST PERFORM FLAWLESSLY NIGHT AFTER NIGHT I CAN'T ALWAYS

SAY THE SAME.

ONE OF FIVE FUNDRAISERS --- EXPECTED TO BRING IN 10 MILLION - WITH HELP

FROM BILL CLINTON -- AND STARS INCLUDING KATY PERRY --- WHO TWEETED THIS

PHOTO OF HER PRESIDENTIAL POLISH. IT COMES AS WE LEARN THE PRESIDENT-- HAD A

RECORD HAUL IN SEPTEMBER -- $181 MILLION IN DONATIONS-- THE MOST ANY

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN HAS EVER RAISED IN A SINGLE MONTH.

BUT MITT ROMNEY- CHARGING AHEAD WITH MOMENTUM OF HIS OWN AFTER THE DEBATE --

NOW GETTING HIS BIGGEST CROWDS YET.

ROMNEY SOT: SO I'M CONVINCED YOU ALL HAD THE CHANCE TO HEAR HIS ANSWERS OR

HIS NON-ANSWERS. NOW OF COURSE, DAYS LATER, WE'RE HEARING HIS

EXCUSES, AND NEXT JANUARY, WE'LL BE WATCHING HIM LEAVE THE WHITE HOUSE FOR

THE LAST TIME.

THE NEWEST DAILY GALLUP POLL HAS ROMNEY NOW JUST 3 POINTS BEHIND THE

PRESIDENT-CUTTING THE LEAD IN HALF FROM THE PRESIDENT'S PEAK.

ROMNEY'S RUNNING MATE - TOUTING POLL NUMBERS IN HIS HOME STATE OF WISCONSIN-

- TIGHTENING TOO:

RYAN SOT: I FEEL VERY GOOD. IT FEELS GREAT TO BE HOME.

AND SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - WITH ITS OWN VERSION OF THE DEBATE:

SNL CLIP:

INTERRUPTING JL: EXCUSE ME GOVERNOR, MR. PRESIDENT?

BO: UHH I'M SORRY, UHH YEAH, YEAH? WHAT'S UP?

JL: MR. PRESIDENT GOVERNOR ROMNEY HAS JUST SAID THAT HE KILLED OSAMA BIN

LADEN -- HUGE LAUGHS. WOULD YOU CARE TO RESPOND?

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE-CHANCE AT POP-SS

AND THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES WILL DEBATE THE ISSUES THIS WEEK-

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND CONGRESSMAN PAUL RYAN -- HAVE THEIR ONE AND ONLY DEBATE ON THURSDAY.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE-OC-BNR

AND HEADS UP IF YOU WANT TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION AND HAVE NOT REGISTERED-

TOMORROW IS YOUR LAST DAY TO DO IT.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS-

ABSENTEE BALLOTS-CG

AND LEE COUNTY VOTERS --- IF YOU REQUESTED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, START WATCHING YOUR MAILBOXES-

ABSENTEE BALLOTS WILL BE GOING OUT THIS WEEK.

THEY ALREADY WENT OUT IN COLLIER AND CHARLOTTE LAST WEEK.

PLEASE NOTE - YOU HAVE UNTIL OCTOBER 31ST TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BY MAIL.

AFTER THAT, YOU CAN PICK IT UP AT THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE.

BORDER PATROL AGENT FUNERAL-VO

HAPPENING TODAY-

FUNERAL SERVICES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FOR A BORDER PATROL AGENT KILLED LAST WEEK NEAR THE MEXICO BORDER.

30-YEAR-OLD NICHOLAS IVIE WAS SHOT TO DEATH ON TUESDAY IN ARIZONA.

ACCORDING TO THE HEAD OF THE BORDER PATROL AGENTS' UNION, IT WAS A CASE OF FRIENDLY FIRE.

CHAVEZ WINS REELECTION-ONCAM

IT'S ANOTHER TERM FOR VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ.

HE WAS RE-ELECTED SUNDAY TO A NEW SIX-YEAR TERM.

CHAVEZ, WHO'S BEEN PRESIDENT SINCE 19-99, OVERCAME A SERIOUS CHALLENGE BY A CANDIDATE CONSIDERED MODERATE.

CHAVEZ WINS REELECTION-PKG

nats- crowd cheering

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ DECLARED RE-ELECTION VICTORY ON NATIONAL TELEVISION.

This has been the perfect struggle, the perfect battle, it was a perfect battle all along the line, a democratic battle.

More than 8 million compatriots voted for the revolution, they voted for socialism, they voted for independence, they voted for the greatness of Venezuela, they voted for the future.

HIS CHALLENGER, HENRIQUE CAPRILES RADONSKI, SAYS WHILE HE DIDN'T WIN THE PRESIDENCY, HE DID GET THE COMMITMENT AND LOVE OF THE MILLIONS OF VENEZUELANS WHO VOTED FOR HIM.

THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COUNCIL SAYS THE COUNTRY SAW ONE OF ITS HIGHEST PARTICIPATION RATES IN DECADES, WITH NEARLY 81 PERCENT OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS GOING TO THE POLLS.

Venezuela! Venezuela!

THE ELECTION ALSO DREW VOTERS FROM BEYOND THE COUNTRY'S BORDERS, AS THOUSANDS OF VENEZUELANS LIVING ABROAD LINED UP TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS AT DIPLOMATIC OFFICES.

IN NEW ORLEANS, VOTERS STREAMED INTO THE VENEZUELAN CONSULATE.

MANY TRAVELED BY BUS FROM MIAMI, WHERE VENEZUELAN AUTHORITIES CLOSED A CONSULATE IN JANUARY AFTER THE U-S EXPELLED THE OFFICE'S TOP DIPLOMAT.

We drove 23 hours to be here. And we can tell the people in Venezuela there's no reason to stay in their houses, it doesn't matter who you vote for, but you have to vote.

There's people, senior people coming here to vote, that you can't imagine how much that trip can be to them also with discomfort of traveling on bus.

CHAVEZ WINS REELECTION-ONCAM

WITH 90 PERCENT OF THE BALLOTS COUNTED, THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COUNCIL -- SAID CHAVEZ HAD ABOUT 54 PERCENT OF THE VOTE.

TEASE ONE-1SHOT

EVEN WITH FAMILIES PINCHING PENNIES, THERE'S ONE THING THEY AREN'T CUTTING BACK ON-

THEIR CELL PHONE BILLS-

ABC-7 TAKES A LOOK AT WHY FAMILIES AREN'T CUTTING BACK ON THEIR BILLS-

PLUS SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN SAVE ON YOUR BILL.

THE CALENDAR SAYS FALL-

AND MANY PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING SOME SORT OF PUMPKIN FLAVORED TREAT-

BUT WHAT YOU PAY FOR THAT TREAT MAY BE GOING UP-

TZ1 A CELL PHONE SPENDING-VOTOPS

TZ1 B PUMPKIN PRICES-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS REPORT-PKG TOPS

CHICAGO MARATHON COLD-VOTOPS

HUNDREDS OF RUNNERS COMPETED IN THE CHICAGO MARATHON ON A BRISK AND CHILLY DAY IN THE WINDY CITY.

TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE THIRTIES WHEN THE RACE GOT UNDERWAY SUNDAY MORNING.

THE COOL TEMPERATURES WERE HELPFUL FOR RUNNERS.

STORMWARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK INTO WX-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WXWALL

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

We're on the verge of seeing some significant changes in our weather across Southwest Florida, but for at least one more day, it looks like the persistently high rain chances and humidity will hang on.

Through today, our weather will still be under the influence of a moisture plume that will continue to deliver scattered afternoon storms and plenty of cloud cover. We'll stand a good chance to see some sunny periods, but clouds definitely won't be in short supply. As far as temperatures are concerned, we'll be in a very familiar place; thermometers will start in the mid 70s and peak in the upper 80s and low 90s

As the atmosphere heats up and the sea breeze becomes established by the mid to late afternoon, showers and storms will start to pop up in scattered fashion. A weak overall steering flow will keep the storms moving pretty slowly, meaning places that get caught in a heavy downpour may see some impressive rain totals, perhaps from 1-2 inches. Frequent lightning and gusty winds will be possible with a few of these storms as well.

Look for the stormy weather to slowly fade afternoon sunset, eventually giving way to a partly cloudy to mostly clear sky with low temperatures in the mid 70s.

The faucet starts to tighten up Tuesday when dry high pressure will work to seize control of our weather pattern. The dry air will considerably chip away at our rain chances, leading to mainly dry and sunny afternoons. Another side effect we'll notice is a little drop in humidity starting Wednesday afternoon. The humidity dip will also allow our overnight temperatures will get a little cooler, so don't be surprised to see some low 70s and even some upper 60s early Thursday and Friday. Our afternoon highs won't be affected much; we'll still continue to see warm afternoons with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s.

CELL PHONE SPENDING-ONCAM

WHEN MONEY'S SHORT -- YOU HAVE TO TRIM THE FAT.

BUT THERE'S ONE THING FOLKS AREN'T CUTTING BACK ON. THEIR CELL PHONE BILL.

CELL PHONE SPENDING-PKG

WE ARE USING OUR SMART PHONES MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. BUT WE ARE ALSO PAYING MORE FOR THEM THAN EVER BEFORE.

"It's a priority, I mean you have to have it."

SO MARISA VALLBONA SHELLS OUT NEARLY 300 DOLLARS A MONTH SO HER PUBLIC RELATIONS BUSINESS AND HER TWO CHILDREN CAN ALL BE CONNECTED.

"I have to be connected constantly. Connected to my kids, connected to my clients, connected to my parents, connected to my siblings, it's so important."

BUT THAT CONNECTION COMES AT A PRICE.

A NEW FEDERAL STUDY SAYS SPENDING FOR PHONE SERVICE WENT UP MORE THAN 4 PERCENT LAST YEAR.

AN ODD SIGN OF THE TIMES WHEN PEOPLE ARE CUTTING BACK ON NEARLY EVERY HOUSEHOLD EXPENSE EXCEPT THEIR PHONE BILL.

"In fact things have changed so much that for some families, they are paying more for their cell phone bill plan than they are their car payments."

"It's a computer, it's a camera, it's a video camera, it's a radio, it's a music machine, it's a tv."

FINANCIAL ADVISOR DAVID ELHOFF SAYS THOSE PHONES HAVE GONE FROM BEING OPTIONAL TO A REQUIREMENT.

BUT WATCH OUT, EVERY NEW FEATURE ON YOUR SMART PHONE SEEMS TO CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEND MONEY.

"It's data that's costing the money these days, it isn't the phone, it's the data that's being transferred."

"I think people shop around for the best smart phone, they don't shop around for the best data plan."

MARISA SAYS SHE SCANS HER BILL FROM TIME TO TIME LOOKING FOR WAYS TO CUT BACK. NOT A BAD IDEA. ESPECIALLY WHEN THOSE BILLS ARE TAKING A BIGGER CHUNK OUT OF THE FAMILY BUDGET.

s

CELL PHONE SPENDING-CG REVEAL TOPS

A FEW TIPS -- TO KEEP YOUR BILL DOWN.

MAKE SURE YOU ONLY PAY FOR WHAT YOU NEED.

DON'T GO WITH UNLIMITED TALK, TEXT OR DATA IF YOU DON'T NEED IT.

ON THE OTHER HAND. GOING OVER YOUR LIMIT CAN GET VERY EXPENSIVE.

PUMPKIN PRICES GOING UP-VO

WHETHER IT'S YOUR COFFEE OR PIE--CHANCES ARE THIS TIME OF YEAR YOU'RE ENJOYING SOME KIND OF PUMPKIN TREAT.

BUT AS HALLOWEEN AND THANKSGIVING GET CLOSER YOU MIGHT FIND YOU'RE PAYING A LITTLE EXTRA FOR IT.

PUMPKIN VENDORS SAY DROUGHTS FROM ONE END OF THE CONTINENT TO THE OTHER HAS CAUSED A SHORTAGE OF PUMPKINS THIS SEASON.

PUMPKIN PRICES GOING UP-SOTVO

"An average pumpkin will run you where it's normally seven dollars it's around ten dollars just because of the size. Then you'll have anywhere from ten dollars all the way up to higher end pumpkins that are forty-five dollars." Amy Mcglynn First United Methodist Church of Fort Myers

10~11~12 MARRIAGES-VO

A POPULAR WEDDING DATE HAS BRIDES AND GROOMS RUSHING DOWN THE AISLE.

THURSDAY IS 10-11-12. AN EASY ANNIVERSARY TO REMEMBER.

AND WITH THAT IN MIND, "DAVID'S BRIDAL" REPORTS FOUR-THOUSAND BRIDES WILL MARRY THAT DAY.

THE RETAILER ALSO TRACKS AN OVERALL INCREASE IN ICONIC WEDDING DATES.

TEASE TWO-1SHOT

THE FIRST OFFICIAL COMMERCIAL SPACE FLIGHT IS NOW ON IT'S WAY TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

ABC-7 HAS A LOOK AT THE LAUNCH-

PLUS, THE EXTRA SPECIAL CARGO ON BOARD THE ROCKET.

BUT FIRST-

THERE A NEW KIND OF MAMMOGRAM THAT'S HELPING DOCTORS FIND THE TINIEST OF TUMORS-

TZ2 A SPACEX-VO

TZ2 B 3D MAMMOGRAMS-VOTOPS

3D MAMMOGRAMS-CAM 10 BMP-2 SHOT

A NEW TYPE OF MAMMOGRAM - IS HELPING DOCTORS FIND THE SMALLEST TUMORS.

IT'S SIMILAR TO A TRADITIONAL MAMMOGRAM, BUT IT ACTUALLY IMAGES THE BREAST TISSUE IN 3-D.

THAT'S HELPING DOCTORS BE MORE ACCURATE -- SO THEY CAN DIAGNOSE CANCER EARLIER AND SAVE LIVES.

3D MAMMOGRAMS-PKG

"He said, I would be really shocked if this was not cancer."

A CANCER DIAGNOSIS IS ALMOST ALWAYS SURPRISING, BUT WHEN DOCTORS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED 58-YEAR-OLD PATTY TAYLOR WITH BREAST CANCER. IT WAS ESPECIALLY STUNNING BECAUSE IT NEVER SHOWN UP ON HER MAMMOGRAM.

"Which to me was astounding, just absolutely astounding."

BUT THE WOMAN HAD A NEW TYPE OF SCREENING, A 3-D MAMMOGRAM THAT DOCTORS SAY GIVES THEM A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BREAST TISSUE.

"The procedure is performed by having a series of very low dose images reconstructed so that the breast tissue can be seen in as many as 60, 70, even 80 thin sections or thin slices."

CONVENTIONAL MAMMOGRAMS ARE TWO DIMENSIONAL. IT TAKES TWO IMAGES OF EACH BREAST. ONE FROM THE SIDE AND ONE ON TOP.

BUT WITH THE 3-D VERSION, ALSO CALLED BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS, MANY IMAGES OF THE BREAST ARE TAKEN FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES.

"The problem is that when you have a dense breast and many patients do have a dense breast, the tumor can be hidden in this dense tissue. With the 3-D mammogram, I'm better able to find these small tumors."

THE 3-D SCREENING IS GIVEN ALONG SIDE A TRADITIONAL MAMMOGRAM BECAUSE DOCTORS SAY THEY STILL NEED TO DO BOTH TESTS. BUT THAT ALSO MEANS RADIATION EXPOSURE IS DOUBLED.

"But the total dose to the patient is very low and we feel there's a tremendous benefit to using this technique."

PATTY TAYLOR SAYS GETTING THE 3-D MAMMOGRAM WAS LITERALLY A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION, BUT THE IMPACT OF THAT CHOICE MAY AFFECT THE REST OF HER LIFE.

3D MAMMOGRAMS-ONCAM

AS YOU HEARD, PATTY'S DOCTORS SAY -- THEY'RE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE EXTRA RADIATION.

BUT THERE HAVE BEEN SOME RECENT STUDIES -- FINDING MORE EXPOSURE CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF CANCER.

SMOKERS GENES-VO

WHY DO SOME SMOKERS DEVELOP LUNG CANCER. WHILE OTHERS DO NOT?

THE ANSWER MAY LIE IN THEIR GENES.

A NEW STUDY FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER FOUND A GENETIC VARIATION THAT MAY DECREASE THE RISK FOR LUNG CANCER BY AT LEAST 20-PERCENT.

TEASE THREE-1SHOT

THE SEARCH IS ON RIGHT NOW FOR A MISSING GIRL IN COLORADO-

ABC-7 HAS THE VERY LATEST ON THE SEARCH-

PLUS HOW A BACKPACK -- COULD BE THE KEY TO FINDING HER.

AND-

THIEVES ARE POUNCING ON SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES OUT WEST-

SOME, STEALING GAS RIGHT FROM THE PUMP!

TZ3 A MISSING COLORADO GIRL-VOTOPS

TZ3 B CALIFORNIA GAS THEFT-VOTOPS

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

NY STOCK EXCHANGE OPEN-SAT 3 TOPS

ABC SEVEN IS ALWAYS ON TOP OF THE LATEST BUSINESS NEWS.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.

Stock futures point to a lower open -- as global growth concerns keep investors in check.

The World Bank warned that worsening conditions in Europe -- could knock off 2% from Asia's GDP growth next year.

TS1) JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-VOTOPS

NOW AT 9:30, HERE'S A LOOK AT THIS MORNING'S TOP STORIES-

THE 11 YEAR OLD FORT MYERS BOY WHO WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING LAST WEEK, SADLY, HAS PASSED AWAY.

THE 6TH GRADER DIED YESTERDAY AT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL, SHORTLY AFTER BEING TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT.

TS2) FORT MYERS 20TH HOMICIDE-VOTOPS

AND FOR THE 20TH TIME THIS YEAR, FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE-

ACCORDING TO POLICE, A COUPLE FOUND THE BODY EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ON THE TARPON STREET PIER-

POLICE SAY, THE ONLY DESCRIPTION THEY HAVE SO FAR -- IS THAT THE VICTIM IS A HISPANIC MALE, IN HIS 20'S OR 30'S.

TS3) VICE PRESIDENT DEBATE-SSTOPS

AND-

THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ARE GETTING READY TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN THEIR ONE AND ONLY DEBATE OF THE ELECTION-

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE PAUL RYAN WILL SQUARE OFF THURSDAY NIGHT AT 9-

MISSING COLORADO GIRL-ONCAM

NOW TO THE LATEST ON THAT SEARCH FOR A LITTLE GIRL IN COLORADO --

LAST SEEN WALKING TO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY.

POLICE ARE ZEROING IN ON A NEIGHBORHOOD --- WHERE THEY FOUND TEN YEAR OLD JESSICA RIDGEWAY'S BACKPACK-

MISSING COLORADO GIRL-PKG

NATS - "WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A LEAD AND THIS POSSIBLY IS

THAT."

Police swooped in on this Denver subdivision Sunday after a man emailed his

neighbors about a backpack and water bottle he found on a sidewalk.

TREVOR MATERASSO / WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT HE WROTE AN EMAIL THAT SAID

, "THERE'S PROPERTY IN IT THAT HAS THE NAME JESSICA RIDGEWAY".TWENTY

MINUTES AFTER HE SENT THAT HE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING "THIS MAY BE THE

MISSING GIRL".

Police immediately shut down this neighborhood six miles from where Jessica

disappeared searching cars and questioning residents. Police won't say what

was in the bag but admit it may be their first big break.

TREVOR MATERASSO / WESTMINTER POLICE DEPARTMENT "WE BELIEVE THE BACKPACK TO

BE JESSICA'S."

Jessica's mother Sarah says she last saw her 10-year-old daughter Friday

morning walking to Witt Elementary school in Westminster, Colorado. When

jessica didn't show up at school the staff called her mom. Sarah Ridgeway

told police she was sleeping after working the graveyard shift and didn't

hear the call. By the time she got the message eight crucial hours had

passed.

NATS - SEARCHING

Over the weekend more than eight hundred volunteers came to help search

scouring fields and hillsides.

NATS - DOG BELL

Teams of scent-tracking dogs combed up and down Jessica's street.

NATS - POLICE

Overnight Jessica's father Jeremiah Bryant provided ABC News this

photograph of his daughter. Bryant lives 6-hundred miles away in Missouri.

He says the picture was taken the last time he saw her.when she came to

visit him six weeks ago.

Jessica's parents are in the middle of a custody dispute over their daughter

but police say they don't believe that has anything to do with her

disappearance. For now, investigators say they haven't ruled anyone inor

out.

BRAD GARRETT / FORMER FBI AGENT THE IDEA OR THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS TAKEN BY A

STRANGER CLEARLY IS POSSIBLE BUT STATISTICALLY IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY SMALL

MISSING COLORADO GIRL-ONCAM

CLAYTON SANDELL REPORTING-

INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY HAVE NO SUSPECTS IN JESSICA'S DISAPPEARANCE.

JERRY SANDUSKY IN COURT TOMORROW-VO

HAPPENING TODAY-

ATTORNEYS IN THE JERRY SANDUSKY CASE ARE MEETING WITH THE JUDGE-

JUST ONE DAY AHEAD OF SENTENCING FOR THE CONVICTED CHILD RAPIST-

THEY'LL DISCUSS MATTERS RELATED TO THE TWO COURT SESSIONS TOMORROW --

THE FIRST, A HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER SANDUSKY IS A VIOLENT SEXUAL PREDATOR.

THE SECOND, WILL BE SANDUSKY'S FORMAL SENTENCING.

JERRY SANDUSKY IN COURT TOMORROW-SOTVO

Jerry has always said, his mistake was using bad judgment. And doing some of the things that led up to the accusations, shower with kids. He said he should have realized that that was not the thing to do. But he has always maintained and still maintains his innocents

THERE ARE REPORTS SANDUSKY WILL SPEAK IN HIS OWN DEFENSE, READING FROM A STATEMENT HE HAS BEEN WORKING ON SINCE HIS CONVICTION.

SUPREME COURT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS-VO

LOOKING AHEAD-

THE U-S SUPREME COURT WILL HEAR A CASE TOMORROW -- CHALLENGING IF RACE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A PART OF THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS.

THIS STEMS FROM A CASE OF A WOMAN WHO SAYS -- SHE WAS REJECTED BECAUSE SHE IS WHITE.

MENINGITIS OUTBREAK LATEST-VO

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED IN A FUNGAL MENINGITIS OUTBREAK CONTINUES TO GROW.

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL NOW SAYS SEVEN PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM THE ILLNESS.

THERE HAVE BEEN 64 CASES IN NINE STATES.

THIS OUTBREAK HAS BEEN LINKED TO STEROID INJECTIONS.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY AROUND 75 MEDICAL FACILITIES IN 23 STATES RECEIVED THE CONTAMINATED PRODUCTS.

INDONESIA EARTHQUAKE-CLIP-ONCAM

BREAKING OVERSEAS RIGHT NOW--

A STRONG UNDERSEA EARTHQUAKE HAS HIT PARTS OF EASTERN INDONESIA.

NO IMMEDIATE REPORTS OF DAMAGE OR DEATHS AT THIS TIME.

CHINA TANK BLAST-CLIP-VO

NEW AT 9-

A GAS TANKER EXPLODES IN EASTERN CHINA -- KILLING FIVE AND IT'S ALL CAUGHT ON TAPE.

CHECK THIS OUT-

THE TANKER WAS CARRYING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS -- AND OVERTURNED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY SATURDAY.

FIREFIGHTERS QUICKLY RESPONDED TO THE SCENE -- BUT THE TANKER EXPLODED BEFORE THEY COULD CLEAN IT UP.

CALIFORNIA GAS THEFT-ONCAM

NOW TO WHAT COULD BE THE LATEST FALLOUT FROM THOSE SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES

OUT WEST --

WITH FUEL SO VALUABLE NOW, THIEVES ARE POUNCING --

STEALING GAS STRAIGHT FROM THE PUMPS.

CALIFORNIA GAS THEFT-PKG

THE BRAZEN THIEVES HIT THIS SHELL STATION NEAR SACRAMENTO *FOUR* TIMES IN *

THREE* DAYS MANAGING TO STEAL *45 HUNDRED* DOLLARS WORTH OF GASOLINE

SOT Tony Sandhu / Gas Station Manager - "I don't know if we can recover that

money or not, but at least those people should go to jail."

IN ALL, THEY MANAGED TO GET AWAY WITH MORE THAN 1,100 GALLONS OF PRECIOUS

GAS.

HERE'S HOW POLICE SAY THEY DID IT:

AT 1:30 IN THE MORNING, A MAN IN A BLACK PICKUP PULLED UP TO THE STATION.

SOMEHOW HE MANAGED TO DISABLE THE METER AND PUMP 300 GALLONS OF GAS STRAIGHT

INTO A TANK IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. POLICE BELIEVE THE THIEVES CAME BACK

TWICE THE NEXT DAY AND DROVE OFF WITH HUNDREDS MORE GALLONS. THEN, THEY CAME

BACK *AGAIN* A DAY LATER, THIS TIME DURING STORE HOURS, TO STEAL *EVEN*

MORE.

SOT Lt. Cal Walstad / Roseville Police Dept. - "It actually brought to the

attention of the owner because he was short on his tallies for his amount of

gas."

THIS AS SKYROCKETING CALIFORNIA PRICES BROKE RECORDS OVER THE WEEKEND, WITH

AAA PUTTING THE AVERAGE PRICE AT $4.65 A GALLON. THAT'S A WHOPPING 84

CENTS MORE THAN THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.

THIS SUMMER THIEVES PUNCTURED TANKS AND CUT FUEL LINES IN A FLEET OF RENTAL

TRUCKS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

AND THIS SPRING AT ANOTHER SACRAMENTO AREA STATION, TWO MEN WERE CAUGHT ON

CAMERA PRYING OPEN AN UNDERGROUND TANK AND FUNNELING A THOUSAND OF DOLLARS

IN GAS STRAIGHT INTO AN ELABORATE PUMP INSIDE THEIR FAKE BREAD TRUCK.

WITH SO MUCH PAIN AT THE PUMP, IT SEEMS THIEVES UP AND DOWN THE GOLDEN STATE

CALIFORNIA GAS THEFT-OC-CG

CECILIA VEGA REPORTING-

AND WE'RE TAKING A QUICK LOOK AT GAS PRICES TODAY.

PRICES NATIONWIDE ARE AVERAGING ABOUT THREE-82

STATEWIDE DRIVERS -- THREE-68

SPACEX LAUNCH-NATVO

FOR THE FIRST TIME, A COMMERCIAL CARGO SHIP IS ON THE WAY TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION-

5 4 3 2 1 BLAST OFF!

SPACE-X'S "DRAGON" CAPSULE IS HEADED TO THE I-S-S WITH A THOUSAND POUNDS OF SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS AND GEAR.

AND THERE'S A SPECIAL TREAT FOR THE ASTRONAUTS ON BOARD.ICE CREAM.

FL SOLDIER KILLED-ONCAM

ABC-7 HAS LEARNED A FLORIDA SOLDIER DIED -- IN AFGHANISTAN THIS WEEKEND.

WARRANT OFFICER JOSEPH SCHIRO WAS SHOT -- WHILE HE WAS ON PATROL IN THE WARDAK PROVINCE.

COAST GUARD DRUG BUST-OC-VO

A MASSIVE DRUG BUST ON THE SEA.

FLORIDA COAST GUARD MEMBERS SEIZED MILLIONS IN CONTRABAND.

THE CUTTER "RESOLUTE" ARRIVED IN SAINT PETERSBURG AFTER A TEN-WEEK DEPLOYMENT IN THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN.

THE CREW INTERCEPTED A DRUG-SMUGGLING SHIP, CONFISCATING MORE THAN 35-MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF COCAINE.

COAST GUARD DRUG BUST-SOTVO

"the fact that we were able to recover as much as we did in the short time

we were under way tells you that they are working very hard to transfer as

much as they can."

TEASE FOUR-1SHOT

IT'S THE VIDEO THAT'S MAKING HEADLINES-

IT SHOWS TWO WEDDING PARTIES RUMBLING AT A HOTEL OVER THE WEEKEND-

AND THE BRAWL WAS CAUGHT ON TAPE-

WE'LL SHOW YOU MORE OF THIS VIDEO AND WHAT CHARGES PEOPLE COULD BE FACING-

PLUS-

WHEN YOU THINK OF FINE ART, YOU MAY NOT THINK OF COSTCO-

TZ4 A WEDDING CRASHERS-VO

TZ4 B COSTCO ART-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

WEDDING CRASHERS-CAM 10 BMP-2 SHOT

NOW TO THAT SHOCKING VIDEO --

TWO WEDDING PARTIES AT A PHILADELPHIA HOTEL -- BRAWLING LIKE RIVAL STREET GANGS.

MULTIPLE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING TO SUBDUE NEARLY 100 BATTLING

GUESTS.

THE BRAWL WAS ALL CAUGHT ON TAPE --

AND IT ENDED IN A TRAGEDY.

WEDDING CRASHERS-PKG

What you're watching is video of NOT ONE, BUT TWO WEDDINGS.gone horribly

wrong LEAVING ONE MAN DEAD FROM AN APPARENT HEART ATTACK AND at least three

OTHERS IN HAND CUFFS

Nats video screaming

POLICE SAY THIS MASSIVE BRAWL / ALL PLAYED OUT EARLY SUNDAY INSIDE THE BAR

OF A HIGH END HOTEL LOCATED IRONICALLY ENOUGH, IN PHILADEPHIA'S "SOCIETY

HILL" NEIGHBORHOOD

POLICE SAY THE FIGHT AT ONE POINT got so chaotic. officers from all over

the city responded.

You can see at least than half a dozen of them here in the blue shirts.

Nats "Jesus.he's out"

Watch as this officer APPEARS TO strike / someone with a baton FORCE,

POLICE SAY NOW, WAS NECESSARY

POLICE SAY ONE of THOSE INVOLVED had to be tased.

A 57 year old man, REPORTEDLY THE uncle of the bride, WAS FOUND APPARENTLY

SUFFERING a heart attack. HE later died.

If you look closely, you can EVEN see ONE OF THE brideS here.to the left

of your screen.

Max NATS "Did they just deck the bride?"

The marriage mayhem was all caught on tape by Max Shultz, a teenager FROM

harrisburg, pennsylvania,

Max Interview SOT- 00:01:22- "there were tons of people probably 75-100

people."They started shoving each other and at that point I had started

fumbling with my camera

It was SHULTZ'S birthday. He'd just turned 15 and was AWAKENED by the all

the ruckus.

Nats "it's my freakin birthday. Go to bed."

POLICE SAY THIS ALL BEGAN AS A CONFRONTATION BETWEEN RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

ATTENDING ONE OF THE WEDDINGS WHICH HAD BEEN HELD AT THE HOTEL EARLIER

SATURDAY NIGHT

WHEN PEOPLE ATTENDING A SECOND WEDDING - HELD ELSEWHERE - CAME BACK TO THE

BAR AT THE HOTEL POLICE SAY THE ORIGINAL CONFRONTATION ESCALATED SOON

BECOMING THIS

SHULTZ'S video is now evidence, and police continue to review it to

determine if additional people will face charges for their involvement in

this wedding reception that unexpectedly became a real bash.

WEDDING CRASHERS-2 SHOT

LINSEY DAVIS REPORTING.

STORM WARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WX WALL

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

We're on the verge of seeing some significant changes in our weather across Southwest Florida, but for at least one more day, it looks like the persistently high rain chances and humidity will hang on.

Through today, our weather will still be under the influence of a moisture plume that will continue to deliver scattered afternoon storms and plenty of cloud cover. We'll stand a good chance to see some sunny periods, but clouds definitely won't be in short supply. As far as temperatures are concerned, we'll be in a very familiar place; thermometers will start in the mid 70s and peak in the upper 80s and low 90s

As the atmosphere heats up and the sea breeze becomes established by the mid to late afternoon, showers and storms will start to pop up in scattered fashion. A weak overall steering flow will keep the storms moving pretty slowly, meaning places that get caught in a heavy downpour may see some impressive rain totals, perhaps from 1-2 inches. Frequent lightning and gusty winds will be possible with a few of these storms as well.

Look for the stormy weather to slowly fade afternoon sunset, eventually giving way to a partly cloudy to mostly clear sky with low temperatures in the mid 70s.

The faucet starts to tighten up Tuesday when dry high pressure will work to seize control of our weather pattern. The dry air will considerably chip away at our rain chances, leading to mainly dry and sunny afternoons. Another side effect we'll notice is a little drop in humidity starting Wednesday afternoon. The humidity dip will also allow our overnight temperatures will get a little cooler, so don't be surprised to see some low 70s and even some upper 60s early Thursday and Friday. Our afternoon highs won't be affected much; we'll still continue to see warm afternoons with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s.

COSTCO ART-ON CAM

SOMETHING YOU MIGHT NOT EXPECT -- AT COSTCO.

EVERYONE KNOWS THE WAREHOUSE CHAIN -- IS A GREAT PLACE TO STOCK UP ON BASICS AT BIG DISCOUNTS.

NOW COSTCO IS ALSO GIVING ITS 60 MILLION MEMBERS THE ULTIMATE HIGH END SHOPPING EXPERIENCE-

COSTCO ART-PKG

IT IS FAMOUS FOR STRETCHING THE FAMILY DOLLAR

FROM TOILET PAPER TO TELEVISIONS. T-SHIRTS TO T-BONES COSTCO IS AN

AMERICAN STAPLE FOR STAPLES.

BUT NOW THE RETAILER KNOWN FOR DEEP DISCOUNTS IS SELLING FINE ART ON ITS

WEBSITE

MOS SOT: Costco sells just about anything, I mean, why not?

A MATISSE LITHOGRAPH SELLS FOR 1049 DOLLARS AND AN ANDY WARHOL FOR MORE

THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THAT'S A LOT OF CAMBELL SOUP CANS. OR TO PUT IT

ANOTHER WAY. 2,336 ROLLS OF KIRKLAND BRAND TOILET PAPER. OR 187 P0UNDS OF

CASHEWS.

COSTCO SAYS IT KEEPS THE COSTS BELOW THOSE OF MANY ART GALLERYS BY CHARGING

NO MORE THAN A 14-PERCENT MARK UP ON ALL RETAIL ITEMS

BUSINESS IS BOOMING SINCE THE ART WAS FIRST LISTED TWO WEEKS AGO. IF YOU GO

ONLINE, YOU'LL NOTICE. ALL THESE MASTERPIECES ARE OUT OF STOCK SOLD OUT.

MOS SOT "I mean I like Costco, but for fine art I'd rather be in person"

MOS SOT "they're a big company and I would trust to buy fine art from them"

THE ART WORK WILL JOIN OTHER LUXURY OFFERINGS AT COSTCO LIKE JEWELRY AND

DESIGNER WEDDING DRESSES.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT FINE ART HAS BEEN SOLD AT DISCOUNT CHAINS BEFORE SEARS

SOLD PICASSOS , REMBRANTS AND CHAGALLS THROUGH THEIR CATALOGUE BACK IN THE

1970'S

AND GET THIS YOUR WARHOL EVEN COMES WITH A MONEY BACK GAURANTEE. IF YOU DON

'T' LIKE IT THAT JUST MIGHT BE EVEN BETTER THAN '15 MINUTES OF FAME'.

DANCING WITH THE STARS-2 SHOT-VO

DANCING WITH THE STARS ALL STARS IS BACK TONIGHT!

AS THE HUNT FOR THE MIRROR BALL TROPHY CONTINUES!

LAST WEEK, FORMER N'SYNC MEMBER JOEY FATONE WENT HOME-

THIS WEEK, TWO MORE STARS WILL BE SENT PACKING-

TONIGHT, THEY PERFORM IN A TWO HOUR EPISODE-

AND TOMORROW, WE WILL FIND OUT WHO WILL BE GOING HOME.

DOROTHY'S DRESS UP FOR AUCTION-SS

AN ICONIC DRESS IS GOING ON THE AUCTION BLOCK-

RECOGNIZE IT?

IT WAS WORN BY JUDY GARLAND DURING THE WIZARD OF OZ.

CELEBRITY AUCTIONEER DARREN JULIAN SAYS THE COSTUME COULD FETCH UP TO A HALF MILLION BUCKS WHEN IT HITS THE AUCTION BLOCK NEXT MONTH.

AUTISM WANDERING OFF-VO

NEW RESEARCH EXPLORES A DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR AMONG MANY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. THE TENDENCY TO WANDER OFF.

IN A SURVEY OF MORE THAN 13-HUNDRED FAMILIES -- 49-PERCENT SAID THEIR CHILD HAD ATTEMPTED TO WANDER AWAY FROM HOME OR THE FAMILY.

ELDERLY FALLS-VOTOPS

OLDER ADULTS WHO TAKE A SPILL WITHIN MONTHS OF HAVING MAJOR SURGERY TEND TO DO WORSE IN THE HOSPITAL -- AND HAVE HIGHER RATES OF SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS.

THOSE WHO'D FALLEN IN THE PREVIOUS 6 MONTHS STAYED IN THE HOSPITAL LONGER AND WERE MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER BLOOD CLOTS, INFECTIONS AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY.

TALLADEGA CRASH-VO

WE HAVE SOME AMAZING VIDEO. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO BELIEVE-

CHECK THIS OUT-

ON THE FINAL LAP OF THE SPRINT CUP RACE AT TALLADEGA-

TONY STEWART AND AND MICHAEL WALTRIP BUMP-- AND THAT STARTS A CHAIN REACTION.

20 CARS TOTAL WERE INVOLVED.

DEAD WHALE-VO

A RARE SIGHT THIS MORNING IN THE BOSTON HARBOR.

ITS A VERY LARGE DEAD FINBACK WHALE.

RESEARCHERS SAY THE WHALE MAY HAVE COME FROM A MARINE SANCTUARY 25 MILES EAST OF BOSTON

EXPERTS SAY IT PROBABLY DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES OR GOT TANGLED IN FISHING GEAR.

TEASE FIVE-1SHOT

IT WAS BILLED AS THE RUMBLE IN THE AIR CONDITIONED AUDITORIUM-

FUNNYMAN JON STEWART AND FOX NEWS HOST BILL O'REILLY -- WENT HEAD TO HEAD IN A DEBATE-

TZ5 A STEWART ORIELLY DEBATE-VO

FINAL CHECK OF STOCKS-SAT 3 FULL

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE-CAM 10 BMP

AN ACTION SEQUEL IS THE RUNAWAY WINNER AT THE MOVIE BOX OFFICE THIS WEEKEND.

"TAKEN 2" EARNED $50 MILLION IN ITS DEBUT WEEKEND.

SECOND PLACE WENT TO LAST WEEKEND'S NUMBER ONE MOVIE, "HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA."

THE ADAM SANDLER ANIMATED COMEDY SCARED UP $26.3 MILLION.

STEWART, OREILLY DEBATE-VOTOPS

THERE WAS A HOT DEBATE OVER THE WEEKEND, BUT IT WASN'T BETWEEN POLITICAL CANDIDATES.

CONSERVATIVE T-V COMMENTATOR BILL O'REILLY AND LEFT-LEANING HOST JON STEWART FACED-OFF IN A MOCK MATCH DUBBED "THE RUMBLE IN THE AIR-CONDITIONED AUDITORIUM."

WINTER OLYMPICS TORCH RELAY-VOTOPS

SOCHI, RUSSIA WILL MAKE HISTORY -- WITH THE LONGEST TORCH RELAY ROUTE -- OF ANY WINTER OLYMPICS.

THE ROUTE WILL MEASURE MORE THAN 40-THOUSAND MILES ACROSS RUSSIA.

THAT MEASURES TO ABOUT ONE AND A HALF TIMES -- THE EARTH'S CIRCUMFERENCE.

THE ROUTE WILL CROSS 29-HUNDRED TOWNS -- OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST COUNTRY.

RIVER SWIMMER-VOTOPS

IT TOOK NEARLY TWO MONTHS AND OVER 1,000 MILES, BUT A BRITISH MAN HAS FINISHED HIS SWIM FROM SOUTH DAKOTA TO MISSOURI.

ADVENTURIST DAVE CORNTH-WAITE BEGAN HIS LENGHTY SWIM ON AUGUST TENTH

HE SWAM A THOUSAND MILES ON THE MISSOURI RIVER, ACCOMPANIED BY A TEAM IN CANOES AND PADDLEBOARDS.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) JESSE WATLINGTON DIES-VOTOPS

BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE, HERE'S A LAST LOOK AT THIS MORNING'S TOP STORIES.

JESSE WATLINGTON -- WHO WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING LAST WEEK, SADLY, HAS PASSED AWAY.

THE 11-YEAR-OLD DIED YESTERDAY AT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL, SHORTLY AFTER BEING TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT.

TS2) FORT MYERS HOMICIDE-VOTOPS

AND FOR THE 20TH TIME THIS YEAR, FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE-

ACCORDING TO POLICE, A COUPLE FOUND THE BODY EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ON THE TARPON STREET PIER-

POLICE SAY, THE ONLY DESCRIPTION THEY HAVE SO FAR -- IS THAT THE VICTIM IS A HISPANIC MALE, IN HIS 20'S OR 30'S.

TS3) VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE-SSTOPS

AND-

THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ARE GETTING READY TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD -- IN THEIR ONE AND ONLY DEBATE OF THE ELECTION-

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE PAUL RYAN -- WILL SQUARE OFF THURSDAY NIGHT AT 9-

TS4) MISSING COLORADO GIRL-VOTOPS

POLICE IN CENTRAL COLORADO ARE LOOKING FOR A BREAK IN THEIR SEARCH FOR A MISSING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL.

YOUNG JESSICA RIDGEWAY WAS REPORTED MISSING FRIDAY AFTER SHE FAILED TO SHOW UP AT SCHOOL.

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

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