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

TAKING AIM AT THE GUN CONTROL DEBATE.

THE WHITE HOUSES LAUNCHES A NEW EFFORT FOR POLICY CHANGES.

AND THE N-R-A FINALLY CHIMES IN.

ALSO -- A BELOVED TEACHER. LAID TO REST.

AFTER GIVING *HER LIFE. TO SAVE HER STUDENTS.

ABC7 CONTINUES COVERAGE --

OF THE TRAGIC SANDY HOOK SHOOTINGS.

PLUS -- RICK SCOTT'S FUTURE. IN JEOPARDY.

ABC7 HAS THE BRAND NEW NUMBERS.

HL1) PRES OBAMA GUN CONTROL-VO-WIPE

HL2) SANDY HOOK SHOOTING-VO-WIPE

HL3) RICK SCOTT IN JEPOARDY-VOTOPS

WX HL-WX WALL

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIPTOPS

PRES OBAMA GUN CONTROL-2SH-TRN-1SHOT

RIGHT NOW AT NINE--

THE WHITE HOUSE SIGNALS IT'S READY TO ACT ON GUN CONTROL.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL LAUNCH AN ADMINISTRATION-WIDE EFFORT TODAY --- FOR NEW POLICIES TO PREVENT ANOTHER MASS SCHOOL SHOOTING.

HE'S SPEAKING LIVE AT 11:45.

ABC7 WILL CARRY IT LIVE IN A SPECIAL REPORT.

THE PRESIDENT IS ASKING VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN -- TO SPEARHEAD THE PROCESS.

MR. OBAMA IS *NOT EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE -- ANY MAJOR POLICY DECISIONS.

BUT WILL PURSUE. TIGHTER GUN LAWS.

SANDY HOOK SHOOTING-1SHOT

ALSO THIS MORNING--

THE COMMUNITY OF NEWTOWN PREPARES TO BURY A BELOVED TEACHER.

IT'S JUST *ONE FUNERAL TAKING PLACE TODAY --

FOR THE VICTIMS OF THAT SCHOOL MASSACRE.

SANDY HOOK SHOOTING-PKG

FOUR MORE FUNERALS WILL BE HELD IN CONNECTICUT TODAY FOR VICTIMS OF FRIDAY'S

TRAGIC SHOOTING.

THREE OF THOSE FOR CHILDREN WHO DIED.

SOT Henry Lopez Cepiro, Mourner

"It is hard to get your mind around it, that someone so young would leave us

, in such a peaceful community, over such a horrific event."

AND TEACHER VICTORIA SOTO WILL BE LAID TO REST AS WELL.

SOT James Wiltsie, Victoria Soto's Cousin

"Vicki died a hero. That she was protecting her children which she loved

very much. She did not call them her students, she called them her kids."

ON TUESDAY, THE SUDDEN GRIM NEED FOR MULTIPLE FUNERALS WENT ON DISPLAY IN A

PAINFUL NEW WAY.

WHEN THE SERVICE FOR SIX-YEAR OLD JAMES MATTIOLI ENDED, MOURNERS LEFT THE

CHURCH, EXCHANGING HUGS WITH MANY WAITING OUTSIDE FOR THE NEXT SERVICE - FOR

JESSICA REKOS, ALSO SIX-YEARS OLD.

SOT unidentified police officer

"I've never been in a situation like this. I'm watching a sea of people

leaving a funeral for a child and another sea of people waiting outside the

church trying to get in for the next funeral."

STUDENTS IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT RETURNED TO SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE

THE SHOOTING.

SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REMAINS CLOSED - PERHAPS FOR GOOD.

MOS - Unidentified Parent

"I'll always be worried. But now it is very, very bad."

STUDENTS FROM SANDY HOOK WILL USE THE CHALK HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL IN THE

NEIGHBORING TOWN OF MONROE.

THERE, VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN PREPARING THE SCHOOL -- TRANSFORMING THAT

BUILDING INTO SOMETHING WORTHY OF A NEW HOME FOR SANDY HOOK.

MOS Karen Dryer, Mother

"I'm going to put on a brave face. We're gonna march up to the door and say

hello to the teacher. / I'll walk away and then cry. It's just all so

surreal. I just."

Later this morning the White House is expected to announce a new federal

inter-agency effort to create new policies in the aftermath of the shootings

.

NRA LOCAL RESPONSE-2 SHOT VO WIPE

AFTER FOUR DAYS OF STAYING UNDER THE RADAR -- ON THE SANDY HOOK SHOOTINGS,

THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION -- SAYS IT WILL HOLD A NEWS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY.

AMERICA'S *LARGEST GUN RIGHTS GROUP ALSO RELEASED A STATEMENT--

SAYING IT DID NOT COMMENT UNTIL NOW.

"OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE FAMILIES."

N-R-A SUPPORTERS BELIEVE THEIR DECISION TO REMAIN QUIET UP TO THIS POINT.

NRA LOCAL RESPONSE-2 SOT VO

JON DEZENDORL, FOWLER FIREARMS: I could see a little hesitation because I haven't seen all the facts yet so maybe they were waiting to see all the facts

DAVID SEGAL, GUN OWNER: they're actually playing it very cool and very professionally

THE N-R-A ALSO SAYS THEY ARE READY TO MAKE QUOTE "MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS" ---

WINTER STORM-VOTOPS

RIGHT NOW AT NINE--

ABC7 IS TRACKING A POWERFUL WINTER STORM -- HITTING THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION.

THIS IS VIDEO FROM OVERNIGHT OUT OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO.

FORECASTERS ARE PREDICTING THIS STORM -- COULD DROP A GOOD AMOUNT OF SNOW.

ANYWHERE BETWEEN 6 INCHES TO A FOOT.

ALLYSON TRACKING THE STORM-WX CTR

One cool front down. One more to go.

In the wake of the first of two cool fronts this week, we'll notice some subtle changes in our weather this Wednesday.

First, temperatures will be a little cooler this morning; instead of morning lows in the mid 60s like yesterday, we'll start off with temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Second, you'll notice humidity levels will be more comfortable today as some drier air briefly visits Southwest Florida, but higher humidity will come roaring back Thursday as a southerly wind flow imports more moisture.

Despite the cooler start this morning, our afternoon temperatures will end up right where they were yesterday: in the low 80s. These 80s will feel more pleasant, however, coupled with the drop in humidity.

Sunshine will be prevalent today from start to finish, and the only concern today will be the potential for some patchy fog early in the morning. We may see some fog develop early Thursday as humidity begins increasing.

Thursday will be sunny, warm, and increasingly humid. A stiff southwesterly breeze will also develop through the day from 10-15 mph.

The final cold front of the week will come charging toward Southwest Florida late Thursday night into the predawn hours Friday. A broken band of rain will likely moves in as the front passes, but most of this should be to our south by sunrise Friday.

Friday will be a fairly chilly day for Southwest Florida standards as a brisk northerly wind flow ushers in some cool, Canadian air. It will likely be a struggle for daytime highs to reach 70 Friday afternoon as most of the day will be spent in the 50s and 60s.

Friday night will likely be the coldest so far this year as morning lows Saturday drop into the low to mid 40s! The deep inland cold spots will mostly likely see temperatures in the mid to upper 30s just before sunrise Saturday.

The upcoming weekend looks sunny and cool with highs Saturday in the upper 60s, and then by Sunday highs should break into the lower 70s.

FISCAL CLIFF LATEST-VO

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS --

BEFORE THOSE TAX HIKES AND SPENDING CUTS KICK IN.

IT *SEEMED LIKE THE PRESIDENT AND HOUSE SPEAKER WERE *CLOSE TO A DEAL ON THE FISCAL CLIFF.

JOHN BOEHNER PRESENTED A "PLAN B" --

THAT WOULD EXTEND BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS FOR AMERICANS MAKING LESS THAN ONE MILLION.

BUT THE WHITE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS IMMEDIATELY REJECTED THE PLAN.

BENGHAZI ATTACK REVIEW-OC

REACTION THIS MORNING -- ON THE NEW FINDINGS -- IN THE DEADLY BENGHAZI ATTACKS.

THE INDEPENDENT PANEL SPENT THE PAST TWO MONTHS -- EXAMINING SECURITY LAPSES THAT LED UP TO THE SEPTEMBER 11TH ATTACKS.

BENGHAZI ATTACK REVIEW-PKG

THE REPORT ON THE SEPTEMBER 11TH ATTACK THAT KILLED AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER STEVENS AND THREE OTHER AMERICANS POINTS TO, QUOTE, "SYSTEMIC FAILURES AND LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEFICIENCIES AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT."

IT FOUND THAT SECURITY WAS LACKING AND THE ATTACK WAS QUOTE "UNANTICIPATED".

IT ALSO CONCLUDES THERE WAS NO PROTEST PRIOR TO THE ATTACK.

THAT'S IN THE UNCLASSIFIED PORTION.THE REST AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THOSE WITH HIGH LEVEL CLEARANCE.

"It's going up to Senate and House assigned reading rooms like we always do with classified information, members of staff of our committees and other committees of jurisdiction will be granted access to it."

THE REPORT INCLUDES 24 RECOMMENDATIONS RANGING FROM STRENGTHENING SECURITY TO IMPROVING INTELLIGENCE GATHERING IN HIGH-THREAT AREAS.

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYS SHE ACCEPTS THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

IN OCTOBER, SHE CAME FORWARD TO ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY WRONGDOING TIED THE ATTACKS.

"I take responsibility, I'm in charge of the state department, 60-thousand plus people all over the world 275 posts."

THE REPORT DETAILS WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT. AND SAYS SECURITY SYSTEMS AND LIBYAN RESPONSE FELL SHORT.

IT ALSO RAISES THE POSSIBILITY THAT GATES TO THE COMPOUND WERE SIMPLY LEFT OPEN.

TODAY, BOTH THE SENATE AND HOUSE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEES WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE INITIAL FINDINGS.

BENGHAZI ATTACK REVIEW-ONCAM TAG

HILLARY CLINTON WAS TO TESTIFY ON THURSDAY --- BUT WILL SEND TWO DEPUTIES.

SOYUZ LAUNCH-VO

BRAND NEW VIDEO AT NINE--

THREE ASTRONAUTS ABOARD A SOYUZ SPACECRAFT.

BLASTED OFF THIS MORNING FROM KAZAKHSTAN.

THEY'RE HEADED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

AND WILL GET THERE IN TWO DAYS.

JOINING THREE OTHER ASTRONAUTS ALREADY ON BOARD.

THE CREW HAS BEEN TRAINING FOR YEARS FOR THIS MISSION.

KIDS HIT ON COLONIAL-VO

THIS MORNING TWO CHILDREN ARE RECOVERING FROM MINOR INJURIES,

AFTER THEY WALKED IN FRONT OF A CAR.

THE CAR HIT THEM AROUND 6 P-M LAST NIGHT,

ON COLONIAL BOULEVARD NEAR SIX MILE CYPRESS PARKWAY.

FORT MYERS POLICE SAY THREE KIDS WERE TRYING TO CROSS COLONIAL,

WHEN THE CAR HIT AN 11 YEAR OLD AND 14 YEAR OLD.

THEY WERE *NOT IN A CROSS WALK.

AND THE DRIVER DOES *NOT FACE CHARGES.

FL GOV SCOTT POLL-SS

A NEW POLL SAYS FLORIDA GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT'S CHANCES FOR RE-ELECTION ARE IN JEOPARDY.

IT COMES FROM QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY.

52 PERCENT OF THE REGISTERED FLORIDA VOTERS -- SAY HE DOES *NOT DESERVE A SECOND TERM.

AND ONLY 36 PERCENT APPROVE OF THE JOB HE'S DOING.

SCOTT HAS BEEN BATTLING LOW APPROVAL RATINGS SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE.

BUT ALREADY SAID HE PLANS ON RUNNING AGAIN IN 2014.

LEHIGH CAR FIRE-VOTOPS-BNR

DEVELOPING CLOSER TO HOME,

INCREDIBLE NEW PICTURES,

AFTER A CAR FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES LAST NIGHT.

THIS HAPPENED ON SALLY AVENUE NORTH AT 59-TH STREET.

FLAMES ENGULFED THAT CAR WHEN FIREFIGHTERS GOT THERE.

NO ONE WAS INSIDE THE CAR.

LEHIGH CAR FIRE MONDAY-VOTOPS

WE TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS CAR FIRE MONDAY MORNING.

DEPUTIES SAY THE CAR WAS REPORTED STOLEN SUNDAY NIGHT.

MOMENTS LATER. THEY FOUND IT LIKE THIS.

CAPE MURDER FOLO-VO WIPE

NEWLY-RELEASED RECORDS --- SHOW A CAPE CORAL TEENAGER BATTLED MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS --- BEFORE AUTHORITIES SAY HE STABBED HIS FATHER TO DEATH.

17 YEAR BARON VERZI -- APPEARED IN COURT TUESDAY MORNING.

HE'S ACCUSED OF STABBING HIS DAD INSIDE THEIR HOUSE ALONG SOUTHWEST 16TH TERRACE.

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES DEALT WITH VERZI THREE TIMES BEFORE.

IN NOVEMBER --

THEY SAY VERZI TRIED TO ESCAPE FROM A MENTAL INSTITUTION.

CAPE MURDER FOLO-SOT SS

He did all the research nothing but the best facility to help his son Baron

DUNKIN DIAMONDS ROBBER-SS

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES WANT YOU TO LOOK AT THESE PICTURES.

THEY'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO THE GUY IN THE BLUE HAT IS.

THEY SAY HE STOLE A 14-KARAT GOLD NECKLACE FROM DUNKIN' DIAMONDS TUESDAY.

THAT STORE'S ON CLEVELAND AVENUE IN FORT MYERS.

HE WAS DRIVING A GOLD TOYOTA TRUCK.

HE WAS LAST SEEN IN THE PINE MANOR COMMUNITY.

IF YOU RECOGNIZE HIM --

TEASE ONE-ONCAM

INSTA-OUTRAGE!

INSTAGRAM LOSES TONS OF USERS.

AFTER ANNOUNCING A CONTROVERSIAL CHANGE.

BUT THIS MORNING --

TZ1A INSTAGRAM CHANGES-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

BLOOMBERG TEASE-SOT

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS REPORT-PKG TOPS

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.

One cool front down. One more to go.

In the wake of the first of two cool fronts this week, we'll notice some subtle changes in our weather this Wednesday.

First, temperatures will be a little cooler this morning; instead of morning lows in the mid 60s like yesterday, we'll start off with temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Second, you'll notice humidity levels will be more comfortable today as some drier air briefly visits Southwest Florida, but higher humidity will come roaring back Thursday as a southerly wind flow imports more moisture.

Despite the cooler start this morning, our afternoon temperatures will end up right where they were yesterday: in the low 80s. These 80s will feel more pleasant, however, coupled with the drop in humidity.

Sunshine will be prevalent today from start to finish, and the only concern today will be the potential for some patchy fog early in the morning. We may see some fog develop early Thursday as humidity begins increasing.

Thursday will be sunny, warm, and increasingly humid. A stiff southwesterly breeze will also develop through the day from 10-15 mph.

The final cold front of the week will come charging toward Southwest Florida late Thursday night into the predawn hours Friday. A broken band of rain will likely moves in as the front passes, but most of this should be to our south by sunrise Friday.

Friday will be a fairly chilly day for Southwest Florida standards as a brisk northerly wind flow ushers in some cool, Canadian air. It will likely be a struggle for daytime highs to reach 70 Friday afternoon as most of the day will be spent in the 50s and 60s.

Friday night will likely be the coldest so far this year as morning lows Saturday drop into the low to mid 40s! The deep inland cold spots will mostly likely see temperatures in the mid to upper 30s just before sunrise Saturday.

The upcoming weekend looks sunny and cool with highs Saturday in the upper 60s, and then by Sunday highs should break into the lower 70s.

MEDSTAR APPLICATION-VO

THE DEADLINE IS QUICKLY APPROACHING --

FOR COMPANIES THAT WANT TO TAKE OVER OVER LEE COUNTY'S GROUNDED HELICOPTER PROGRAM.

SEVEN COMPANIES DOWNLOADED THE APPLICATION FORMS.

TO TAKE CONTROL OF MEDSTAR.

THE DEADLINE IS 2:30 ON FRIDAY.

COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN HAS ALSO MET WITH AEROMED OFFICIALS.

THE COMPANY HAD BEEN FILLING IN,

SINCE MEDSTAR WAS GROUNDED OVER THE SUMMER.

AEROMED SAYS IT HAS NO INTEREST IN TAKING OVER PERMANENTLY.

MEDSTAR APPLICATION-SOTVO

I just want the broadest possible opportunity here to select from. They have served us well while they were here.

E-M-S OFFICIALS GROUNDED THE COUNTY'S PUBLIC HELICOPTER PROGRAM,

AFTER THEY DISCOVERED IT MIS-BILLED PATIENTS SOME THREE-MILLION DOLLARS.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HOPE TO HAVE A NEW COMPANY IN ITS PLACE.

INSTAGRAM CHANGES-VO

INSTAGRAM'S C-E-O SAYS THE COMPANY *IS LISTENING TO ITS USERS.

MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINED AND CANCELED THEIR ACCOUNTS,

AFTER THE PHOTO SHARING SITE MADE A CONTROVERSIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.

HINTING IT MIGHT USE *YOUR UPLOADED PHOTOS IN ADS.

BUT *WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.

AND WITHOUT PAYING YOU.

BUT INSTAGRAM SAYS --

THAT'S NOT WHAT IT MEANT!

HOLIDAY BONUS-VO

NEARLY THREE IN FOUR EMPLOYERS --- WILL HAND OUT, END OF THE YEAR BONUSES.

A NEW SURVERY FINDS -- 72 PERCENT OF EMPLOYERS PLAN TO OFFER SOME TYPE OF YEAR-END BONUS.

THAT'S UP FROM 53 PERCENT A YEAR AGO.

AMERICANS FEELING POSITIVE-VO

IT'S ALMOST THE END OF THE YEAR.

AND MANY AMERICANS FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT 2013.

ACCORDING TO A NEW SURVEY --

MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICAN ADULTS. OR 52 PERCENT. FEEL OPTIMISTIC!

THEY BELIEVE 2013 WILL BE BETTER FOR THEM FINANCIALLY.

COMPARED TO YEAR'S PAST.

TOYOTA SETTLEMENT OVER LEXUS RECALL-VO

TOYOTA MOTOR HAS AGREED TO PAY A RECORD $17.4 MILLION-DOLLAR FINE -- TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.

TOYOTA'S TROUBLES STEM FROM A 20-12 RECALL -- INVOLVING ONE ITS LEXUS MODELS.

THE N-T-S-B SAYS THE AUTOMAKER DID NOT REPORT A SAFETY DEFECT -- IN A TIMELY MANNER.

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE ADVERTISMENTS --

AHEAD -- A WOMAN RECEIVES A KIDNEY IN THE MOST UNUSUAL WAY.

TZ2 WOMAN GETS A KIDNEY-VO

WOMAN GETS KIDNEY FROM BILLBOARD AD-2-SHOT

A WISCONSIN WOMAN HAS A NEW KIDNEY --- AND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE.

AS EMILY MATESIC REPORTS --

HER FRIENDS FOUND A DONOR.

WOMAN GETS KIDNEY FROM BILLBOARD AD-PKG

ANYONE WHO KNOWS STEPHANIE HENDERSON WILL TELL YOU SHE'S BEEN BEAMING FOR THREE WEEKS NOW.

"She looks amazing and she hasn't stopped smiling. She's got this grin from ear to ear."

BUT IT'S NOT JUST THE SMILE ON HER FACE, IT'S THE WAY SHE FEELS ON THE INSIDE THAT'S BEEN LIFE CHANGING. AFTER ENDURING YEARS OF DIALYSIS AND WAITING FOR A KIDNEY DONOR. STEPHANIE HENDERSON RECEIVED THAT GIFT ON WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28TH.

"When I was up Thursday morning, I was already like 'holy cats, I'm a brand new person' and that was probably the most amazing aha moment for me was just.wow."

STEPHANIE'S TRANSPLANT WAS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SUPPORT SYSTEM SHE HAS. HER FRIENDS, KNOWN AS TEAM STEPH, WERE DETERMINED TO FIND HER A KIDNEY.

"Anything's possible and, you know, if you have an idea on how to help someone and you think it's a crazy idea, you for it."

TEAM STEPH'S CRAZY IDEA WAS PURCHASING A BILLBOARD ALONG HIGHWAY 41 SOUTH OF WRIGHTSTOWN. THAT BILLBOARD HELPED FIND A WOMAN WHO DONATED ON STEPHANIE'S BEHALF AS PART OF A CROSS COUNTRY DONOR-RECIPIENT KIDNEY CHAIN.

"She actually saw the news story and kinda thought that sucks and wanted to help."

THE WOMAN, WHO STEPHANIE HAS MET, BUT WISHES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, IS JUST ONE OF MANY ANGELS HENDERSON IS THANKFUL FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

WOMAN GETS KIDNEY FROM BILLBOARD AD-ONCAM-TAG

IODINE PREGNANCY-VO

EMILY MATESIC REPORTING

THIS MORNING --

HEALTH CONCERNS OVER IODINE DEFICIENCIES AMONG PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN.

IODINE IS A MINERAL *NEEDED FOR NORMAL THYROID FUNCTION.

BUT RECENT STUDIES HAVE SHOWN BLOOD LEVELS HAVE GONE DOWN IN THE U-S.

RESEARCHERS SAY A MAJORITY OF EXPECTING MOMS DO *NOT TAKE AN IODINE SUPPLEMENT.

ASPRIN VISION-VO

ADULTS WHO TAKE ASPIRIN REGULARLY --- MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION LATER IN LIFE.

RESEARCHERS RESEARCHED OLDER ADULTS' EYES FOR TWENTY YEARS --EVERY FIVE YEARS.

THEY ALSO ASKED ABOUT THEIR ASPIRIN HABITS.

TEASE THREE-2-SHOT

THERE'S A HOT DEBATE BREWING IN WASHINGTON THIS MORNING.

WE EXPECT TO HEAR FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA--

ON THE WHITE HOUSE'S PLANS TO PUT AND END TO MASS SHOOTINGS.

MEANWHILE -- THERE ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL DEBATE, IN WASHINGTON --

AND AMERICANS ARE PATIENTLY WAITING -- FOR IT TO BE OVER.

THE FISCAL CLIFF - JUST 13 DAYS AWAY.

TZ3A GUN CONTROL DEBATE-VOTOPS

TZ3 FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS

CROSSTALK WX TEASE-2SH-WX GFX

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

NY STOCK EXCHANGE OPEN-SAT 3 TOPS

LETS GO LIVE TO THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.

INVESTORS ARE *BEGINNING TO BELIEVE --

THAT POLITICANS IN WASHINGTON CAN RESOLVE THE FISCAL CLIFF.

IT'S BEEN WEEKS OF GRIDLOCK.

BUT THERE ARE SIGNS A DEAL IS TAKING SHAPE.

SO STOCKS ROSE ON TUESDAY.

TS1)CONNECTICUT SHOOTING-TRX-VOTOPS

TAKING A LOOK AT YOUR TOP STORIES --

WE'RE CONTINUING OUR COVERAGE IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT.

THE FIRST ADULT VICTIM OF FRIDAY'S SCHOOL SHOOTING -- TEACHER VICTORIA SOTO -- WILL BE LAID TO REST TODAY.

IN ALL -- FOUR FUNERALS ARE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY.

STEMMING FROM THE SHOOTING -- IS A FIERY GUN CONTROL DEBATE, ON CAPITOL HILL.

TS2)WINTER STORM-TRX-VOTOPS

WINTER STARTS FRIDAY --

BUT A STRONG NORTHEAST STORM HAS ALREADY ARRIVED.

BRINGING 100-MILE-PER-HOUR WINGS.

AND POSSIBLY AFFECTING MILLIONS OF HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS.

TS3) BENGHAZI REVIEW-TRX-VOTOPS

WE'RE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS ON THE U-S CONSULATE ATTACK, IN BENGHAZI.

AN INDEPENDENT PANEL SAYS, INADEQUATE SECURITY -- CAUSED FAILURES -- ALLOWING THE ATTACK.

THE REPORT INSISTS SYSTEMIC FAILURES, AND MANAGEMENT DEFICIENCIES -- WERE PROBLEMS.

GMA GUN CONTROL DEBATE-OC

NOW TO THE DEBATE OVER GUN CONTROL.

MANY ARE CALLING IT A WATER SHED MOMENT --

IN THE WAKE OF THE MASSACRE IN NEWTOWN.

SOME STORES ARE PULLING CERTAIN GUNS OFF THEIR SHELVES.

AND PRESIDENT OBAMA IS SET TO MAKE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MORNING.

GMA GUN CONTROL DEBATE-PKG

THIS MORNING, AFTER DAYS OF SILENCE, THE NRA - THE NATION'S MOST POWERFUL

GUN LOBBY - WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE FRIDAY AND THEY SAY THEY'RE

PREPARED TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS SO TRAGEDIES LIKE SANDY HOOK NEVER

HAPPEN AGAIN

/

ARE WE AT THE PRECIPICE OF A SEA CHANGE ABOUT HOW THIS NATION DEALS WITH

GUNS? '/

WHOOPIE SOT: WHY THE HELL CAN YOU BUY A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION?

*****ADDED****SOT LETTERMAN

there have been 70, 70 episodes of school shootings in the United States

since 1994 / And you think about, good Lord, really? I mean should there be

that many?

BIG CITY MAYORS AND ONE THE NATION'S BIGGEST POLICE UNION HAVE CALLED FOR A

BAN ON ASSAULT RIFLES AND HIGH CAPACITY CLIPS.

AND FOR SOME LONGTIME ALLIES OF THE GUN LOBBY, THIS WEEK WAS A TIPPING POINT

.

MANCHIN SOT: NEVER IN MY LIFE DID I THINK THAT WE WOULD HAVE 20 CHILDREN

KILLED SO IT CHANGED EVERYTHING.

THERE ARE SIGNS THIS MORNING THAT EVERYONE--- INCLUDING THE PEOPLE WHO SELL

GUNS, ARE REASSESSING, AT LEAST FOR NOW.

- WALMART HAS STOPPED ONLINE SALES OF THE BUSHMASTER RIFLE USED NEWTOWN.

- DICK'S SPORTING GOODS HAS SUSPENDED SALES OF CERTAIN ASSAULT RIFLES.

- AND A MAJOR INVESTOR IN BUSHMASTER SAID IT'S PULLING OUT.

BUT CHANGE ON SUCH A DIVISIVE ISSUE NEVER COMES EASY.

PRATT SOT: YOU'RE REALLY BLIND TO THE ROLE THAT THAT PLAYS IN ENABLING

MURDERERS TO OPERATE WITHIN IMPUNITY.

MORGAN SOT: YEAH, I KNOW WHY SALES OF THESE WEAPONS HAVE BEEN SOARING IN THE

GMA GUN CONTROL DEBATE-TAG

THAT WAS ABC'S PIERRE THOMAS.

THE KILLING OF CHILDREN IN COLD BLOOD IS GRIPPING THE NATION --

BENGHAZI ATTACK REVIEW-VO

AN INDEPENDENT PANEL SAYS INADEQUATE SECURITY AT THE U-S CONSULATE IN BENGHAZI WAS CAUSED BY FAILURES -- AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

THE INDEPENDED BOARD DETERMINED THAT NO ONE VIOLATED THEIR DUTIES.

BUT THAT "SYSTEMIC FAILURES" --- PLUS "LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEFICIENCIES" WITHIN THE STATE DEPARTMENT --- LED TO A SECURITY SITUATION THAT WAS "GROSSLY INADEQUATE."

FISCAL CLIFF-2-SHOT

NOW THE LATEST ON WASHINGTON'S EFFORT TO AVOID THE FISCAL CLIFF.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS -- BEFORE TAX HIKES AND SPENDING CUTS.

REPUBLICANS IN D.C. -- ARE NOW CALLING FOR A "PLAN B."

TRACIE POTTS EXPLAINS THAT.

PLUS - HOW JUST THE *THREAT OF HIGHER TAXES.

FISCAL CLIFF-PKG

REPUBLICANS ARE PLANNING A VOTE AS EARLY AS TOMORROW TO KEEP TAXES LOW FOR EVERYONE MAKING UNDER A MILLION DOLLARS.

California:10-:15

"We're going to have to go to plan B because we want to make sure we do not go off the cliff."

/ Sen. Majority Leader:16-:20

"Everyone should understand Boehner's proposal will not pass the Senate."

PRESIDENT OBAMA OFFERED A LOWER THRESHOLD. 400-THOUSAND.

"The president has come halfway - he hopes that Republicans will do the same."

REPUBLICANS SEE THIS MILLION DOLLAR VOTE AS A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO SAVE BUSINESS OWNERS FROM HIGHER TAXES.

Arizona:37-:41

"All of us recognize that the top rate is going to go up."

New York:41-:44

"Our job is to keep those taxes down as much as possible."

TODAY IN WASHINGTON - EXPERTS DISCUSS THE IMPACT ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

AND NEW THIS MORNING: BANKRATE.COM REPORTS THE THREAT OF FALLING OVER THE CLIFF ALREADY HAS ONE IN THREE AMERICANS CUTTING BACK NOW --

MOSTLY POOR FAMILIES, AND SENIORS.

SOME NOW IN WASHINGTON. URGING CONGRESS TO ACT.

FISCAL CLIFF-TAG

THAT WAS TRACIE POTTS REPORTING.

WOOD STORKS-OC-SS

GOOD NEWS FOR A RARE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ANIMAL.

THE "WOOD STORK" IS NOW A "THREATENED" SPECIES.

INSTEAD OF AN ENDANGERED ONE.

THAT'S AN UPGRADE IN STATUS.

THE WHITE BIRDS HAVE SKINNY LEGS AND LONG BEAKS.

YOU MIGHT HAVE SPOTTED ONE AROUND HERE.

ACCORDING TO THE U-S FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE --

MATT BUSH PLEA DEAL-OC-VO

A FORMER STAR PROSPECT -- FOR THE TAMPA BAY RAYS IS GOING TO PRISON.

MATT BUSH AGREED TO A PLEA DEAL.

HE'S CONVICTED OF A D-U-I --- CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY.

BUSH WAS ARRESTED IN MARCH AFTER HITTING TONY TUFANO -- WHO WAS RIDING HIS MOTORCYCLE IN PORT CHARLOTTE.

TUFANO SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES AND SPENT WEEKS IN THE HOSPITAL.

MATT BUSH PLEA DEAL-SOTVO

"I wouldn't say he's angry. I woukd say He's just sad because he's cannot do some of the things he used to be able to do."

THIS IS BUSH'S THIRD D-U-I CONVICTION.

FLAGS AT HALF STAFF FOR SENATOR INOYUE-VO

FROM SUN UP TO SUN DOWN , FLAGS WILL FLY AT HALF-STAFF

IN HONOR OF SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE.

SENATOR INOUYE WILL LIE IN STATE IN THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA TOMORROW.

A RARE HONOR, MAINLY RESERVED FOR PRESIDENTS.

THE LATE SENATOR FROM HAWAII -- DIED MONDAY AT 88.

BEN AFFLECK TESTIFY ON CONGO VIOLENCE-VO

ACTOR BEN AFFLECK WILL ADDRESS LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY.

ACCORDING TO POLITICAL NEWS WEBSITE "THE HILL" --

THE MOVIE STAR WILL TESTIFY BEFORE A HOUSE COMMITTEE.

HE'LL TALK ABOUT THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO.

AND EXPLAIN WHAT THAT MEANS FOR U-S SECURITY.

AFFLECK IS FOUNDER OF A THE EASTERN CONGO INITIATIVE.

CO MURDER SUICIDE-VO

NEW DETAILS RIGHT NOW -- IN A MURDER SUICIDE IN COLORADO.

IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING -- JUST NORTH OF DENVER.

THE GUNMAN HAD JUST BEEN RELEASED FROM JAIL -- ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES.

ABC7 LEARNED -- HE WENT TO THE HOME AND KILLED THREE PEOPLE, INCLUDING HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND.

SHE WAS ACTUALLY ON THE PHONE WITH 9-1-1 -- WHEN SHE WAS KILLED.

CA MALL ARRAIGNMENT-VO

A CALIFORNIA MAN HAS BEEN CHARGED --

FOR OPENING FIRE *OUTSIDE A MALL OVER THE WEEKEND.

POLICE SAY MARCUS GURROLA FIRED 50 ROUNDS FROM A SEMI-AUTOMATIC HANDGUN.

HE'S AN UNEMPLOYED SECURITY GUARD.

HE TOLD INVESTIGATORS HE DID *NOT INTEND TO SHOOT ANYONE.

ZUCKERBERG DONATION-VO

NEW THIS MORNING--

FACEBOOK FOUNDER MARK ZUCKERBERG IS GIVING COMPANY STOCK --- WORTH ALMOST HALF A BILLION DOLLARS --- TO A CHARITY FOUNDATION.

IT WILL FUND HEALTH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

THE BENEFICIARY IS THE SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

JERRY SEINFELD-WIPE VO

GETTING LAUGHS *AND MAKING MONEY.

COMEDIANS JERRY SEINFELD AND COLIN QUINN --

TAKE THE STAGE TONIGHT ON LONG ISLAND.

THEY'RE RAISING MONEY FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS.

AND WILL DONATE 100 PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS.

EARNINGS FROM PERFORMANCES IN BROOKLYN AND STATEN ISLAND.

TEASE FOUR-ONCAM

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

WINTER STARTS THIS FRIDAY --

AND FOR MANY, THE THREAT OF CATCHING A COLD INCREASES.

BUT WE HEARD FROM EXPERTS WHO SAY --

THERE'S PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET UNDER-THE-WEATHER, THIS SEASON.

ABC-7 GIVES YOU THE SIGNS OF BEING SICK --

TZ4A WEATHER AND SICKNESS-VO

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

ANTI BIOTIC COUGH-VO

THE SEASON FOR SNEEZING AND COUGHING IS UPON US!

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR RELIEF -- ANTIBIOTICS PROBABLY WON'T BE MUCH HELP.

A NEW STUDY OF TWO THOUSAND ADULTS FINDS -- FOR THE MOST PART. AMOXICILLIN DOESN'T HELP YOU FEEL BETTER, FASTER,

WITH A PLACEBO -- PATIENTS REPORTED NEW SYMPTOMS DURING THE STUDY.

WEATHER AND SICKNESS-2-SHOT

IF YOU'RE SUFFERING FROM A COLD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON --

DOCTORS SAY NOT TO BLAME THE TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE.

BUT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS -- THIS CRAZY WEATHER COULD BE MAKING YOU FEEL LOUSY.

WEATHER AND SICKNESS-PKG

SUPERSTORM SANDY MAY HAVE BLOWN THROUGH WEEKS AGO, BUT DOCTOR GEORGE MARTIN SAYS IT'S MAKING US SICK NOW.

"All the sudden all the leaves blew down and you had that interface between water and the leaves and the grass so mold proliferated very well and the mold spore count is very high."

THAT MOLD AGGRAVATES ALLERGIES AND CAN LEAD TO SINUS INFECTIONS.

A KILLER FROST WILL FIX THAT.

"25 degrees for greater than 4 hours."

THE DOC SAYS SUDDEN CLIMATE CHANGES CAN ALSO BE BAD FOR WHAT AILS YOU.

"When you have a high pressure system and then a low pressure system comes in a lot of people do complain about worsening of their migraines, worsening of their asthma symptoms and surely a lot of people have worse arthritic symptoms and they just don't feel as well on those low pressure cool days."

AND GET THIS, RESEARCH FINDS LOW HUMIDITY IN THE WINTER HELPS THE FLU VIRUS SURVIVE LONGER MAKING IT EASIER TO SPREAD.

A VACCINATION WILL CURE THAT.

BUT IF YOU'RE SICK NOW.

WEATHER AND SICKNESS-OC-TAG

THAT WAS SHEENA PARVEEN WITH THAT REPORT.

DOCTORS SAY PREVENTION -- COMES DOWN TO NUTRITION, EXERCISE AND HYGIENE.

AND IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO WASH YOUR HANDS

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.

One cool front down. One more to go.

In the wake of the first of two cool fronts this week, we'll notice some subtle changes in our weather this Wednesday.

First, temperatures will be a little cooler this morning; instead of morning lows in the mid 60s like yesterday, we'll start off with temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Second, you'll notice humidity levels will be more comfortable today as some drier air briefly visits Southwest Florida, but higher humidity will come roaring back Thursday as a southerly wind flow imports more moisture.

Despite the cooler start this morning, our afternoon temperatures will end up right where they were yesterday: in the low 80s. These 80s will feel more pleasant, however, coupled with the drop in humidity.

Sunshine will be prevalent today from start to finish, and the only concern today will be the potential for some patchy fog early in the morning. We may see some fog develop early Thursday as humidity begins increasing.

Thursday will be sunny, warm, and increasingly humid. A stiff southwesterly breeze will also develop through the day from 10-15 mph.

The final cold front of the week will come charging toward Southwest Florida late Thursday night into the predawn hours Friday. A broken band of rain will likely moves in as the front passes, but most of this should be to our south by sunrise Friday.

Friday will be a fairly chilly day for Southwest Florida standards as a brisk northerly wind flow ushers in some cool, Canadian air. It will likely be a struggle for daytime highs to reach 70 Friday afternoon as most of the day will be spent in the 50s and 60s.

Friday night will likely be the coldest so far this year as morning lows Saturday drop into the low to mid 40s! The deep inland cold spots will mostly likely see temperatures in the mid to upper 30s just before sunrise Saturday.

The upcoming weekend looks sunny and cool with highs Saturday in the upper 60s, and then by Sunday highs should break into the lower 70s.

BORAK DIES-OC

WE'VE GOT BREAKING NEWS FOR YOU

BULLET PROOF BACKPACKS-VO

THIS MORNING, THERE'S *HIGH DEMAND FOR A BULLET-PROOF BACKPACK.

THE BACKPACKS ARE LINED WITH A LIGHT MATERIAL --

THAT CAN ACTUALLY STOP A BULLET.

THE COMPANY USED TO ONLY SELL A *SMALL AMOUNT OF CHILDREN'S BODY ARMOR AND BACKPACKS.

BUT EVER SINCE THE SHOOTING AT SANDY HOOK,

SALES HAVE SKYROCKETED.

TEACHERS CARRYING GUNS-VO

TEACHERS CARRYING GUNS TO SCHOOL.

IT'S ONE IDEA BEING OFFERED -- TO PROTECT STUDENTS IN THE WAKE OF THE DEADLY ATTACK IN CONNECTICUT.

A SCHOOL IN A SMALL TEXAS TOWN -- ADOPTED A POLICY CALLED THE GUARDIAN PLAN.

IT SAYS TEACHERS WHO HAVE A CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE -- CAN CARRY A GUN WITH THEM TO SCHOOL.

TEACHERS CARRYING GUNS-SOTVO

My goal is if someone tries to come in and hurt my little ones that they are killed.

GMA INSIDE THE SAFEST SCHOOL-OC

SCHOOL SAFETY IS A MAJOR CONCERN.

AFTER THE TRAGIC SHOOTINGS IN CONNECTICUT.

CALLS FOR A DEEPER LOOK AT SCHOOL SECURITY.

AND RE-ASSURING PARENTS THAT THEIR KIDS *ARE SAFE IN THE CLASSROOM.

ABC'S ALEX PEREZ TAKES US INSIDE ONE SCHOOL.

GMA INSIDE THE SAFEST SCHOOL-PKG

The security measures at Middleton Elementary school in suburban Chicago

begin the moment you set foot

on campus with this camera equipped doorbell

ALEX & KATE ringing doorbell viewed on security cam

AP: The visitor rings the doorbell, they can see you?

KD:They can assess you're demeanor, angry

Once in, you can only get as far as the entryway

The front desk then takes my ID, scans it, and performs an instant criminal

background

check using a security system called raptor-ONE that has already spread to

8-thousand

schools across the country.

After you pass the second set of locked doors and enter the schoolyour every

move is watched

on monitors in the front officeand by administrators on their smart phones.

Superintendent Kate Donegan and security consultant Paul Timm have invested

more than

175-thousand dollars over the last two years beefing up security at the

three schools that make up

this tiny district in Skokie, Illinois.

KATE I don't know that there's too big a pricetag to put on kids being as

safe as they can be.

PREVENTION is the key-classroom doors open inward, and lock from the

insideeliminating the need to step

out of the room if there's a threat in the hallway.

STAND UP Experts say every additional security measure counts like cameras

like this one scattered across the school

Even these barriers to keep cars from getting too close, just another way to

protect the school from every angle

ALEXAll these security measures really what they do is buy you time?

PAUL They all fall under the heading of delay. Every second counts.

And when seconds mean precious young lives, like the fourth graders in Dara

Sacher's class,

she says the extra security is worth it.

DARA Anything we have to do we have to do.

And this school district isn't done yet-after Sandy Hook, they are now

considering installing bullet resistant glass

PAUL So often we hear we can't afford it, but what we can't afford is

another terrible incident

GMA INSIDE THE SAFEST SCHOOL-OC-TAG

ALEX PEREZ REPORTING.

ONE TEACHER AT MIDDLETON ELEMENTARY DOES DRAW THE LINE,

WHEN IT COMES TO SECURITY.

SHE SAYS TEACHERS SHOULD *NOT KEEP GUNS AT SCHOOL.

FL LICENSE PLATE WINNER-OC-VO

WE HAVE A WINNER!

CHECK OUT FLORIDA'S NEW LICENSE PLATES.

THEY'RE MUCH DIFFERENT -- THAN THE ONES WE HAVE NOW.

THE CHANGE IS SO TOLL BOOTH CAMERAS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT -- CAN IDENTIFY THEM EASIER.

NOW THE DESIGN GOES TO GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE FLORIDA CABINET FOR APPROVAL.

FL 8 YEAR OLD STEALING PKG-VOTOPS

ONE FLORIDA GIRL. DESERVES COAL FOR CHRISMTAS.

NEIGHBORS SAY THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD HAS BEEN *STEALING HOLIDAY PACKAGES.

RIGHT FROM THEIR DOORSTEPS.

AND THEY HAVE VIDEO TO PROVE IT!

IT HAPPENED IN CLERMONT.

THEY NOTICED SEVERAL PACKAGES MISSING.

AND SET UP A STING.

THEN GOT FOOTAGE OF A LITTLE GIRL --

TEASE FIVE-2-SHOT

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS --

INCREDIBLE VIDEO FROM OVERSEAS --

PEOPLE ARE JUST *INCHES AWAY FROM THE DANGEROUS ANIMALS.

WHY THEY'RE HANGING OUT ALONG A VERY POPULAR BEACH.

AND --

DONALD TRUMP IS BACK IN THE HEADLINES.

AND ONE OF HIS POPULAR ORGANIZATIONS -- IS RECEIVING MILLIONS, THIS MORNING.

TZ5 SHARK FEEDING-VO

TZ5 DONALD TRUMP-VOTOPS

FINAL CHECK OF STOCKS-SAT 3 FULL

SHARK FEEDING FRENZY-SOTVOTOPS

nats of alarm sound

SOUND THE ALARM!

INCREDIBLE NEW VIDEO OUT OF AUSTRALIA -- OF A SHARK FEEDING FRENZYT.

THE TIGER SHARKS WERE FEEDING ON A DOLPHIN CARCASS -- ALONG ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BEACHES.

THEY GOT SO CLOSE TO THE SHORE -- YOU COULD TOUCH THEM.

TIGER SHARKS ARE KNOWN TO ATTACK HUMANS,

MISS UNIVERSE CROWED TONIGHT-OC-VO

MISS UNIVERSE WILL BE CROWNED *TONIGHT IN LAS VEGAS.

MISS U-S-A -- OLIVIA CULPO -- IS ONE OF THE 89 CONTESTANTS.

THEY ALL HOPE TO SUCCEED LEILA LOPES OF ANGOLA.

TRUMP WINS 5MILL AGAINST PAGAENT QUEEN-VO

DONALD TRUMP IS HAVING THE LAST LAUGH -- AFTER A FORMER MISS U-S-A CONTESTANT TRASHED HIS PAGEANT.

T-M-Z REPORTS A JUDGE RULED SHEENA MONNIN -- DEFAMED THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION AND AWARDED IT FIVE-MILLION-DOLLARS IN DAMAGES.

KUTCHER BIEBER SWATTING ARREST-VO

LOS ANGELES POLICE SAY THEY TRACKED DOWN A SERIAL "SWATTER."

SOMEONE WHO FAKED 9-1-1 CALLS.

SENDING EMERGENCY CREWS TO THE HOMES OF CELEBRITIES.

INCLUDING ASHTON KUTCHER AND JUSTIN BIEBER.

POLICE SAY THE JUVENILE USED HIS COMPUTER TO HACK INTO SYSTEMS,

AND REPORT THE BOGUS EMERGENCIES.

IT'S VERY DANGEROUS,

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS-TRX

THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON TAX CUTS FOR THE NATION.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO GO BEFORE TAX HIKES AND SPENDING CUTS.

REPUBLICANS ARE TURNING TO "PLAN B."

THEY'RE PLANNING A VOTE AS EARLY AS TOMORROW -- TO KEEP TAXES THE SAME FOR EVERYONE MAKING UNDER A MILLION DOLLARS.

TS2) WINTER STORM-VOTOPS-TRX

WINTER STARTS ON FRIDAY.

BUT MOTHER NATURE IS MAKING HER SEASONAL SHIFT EARLY.

THE STRONGEST NORTHEAST STORM OF THE SEASON.

BLEW IN YESTERDAY.

WINDS REACHED 100-MILES PER HOUR IN THE NORTHWEST.

AND EXPECT SEVERE WEATHER IN THE SOUTH.

TS3) CT SHOOTING-VOTOPS-TRX

TWO HOUSE DEMOCRATS SAY THEY'LL PUSH FOR A VOTE ON LEGISLATION --

BANNING HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINES.

WE NOW KNOW VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WILL LEAD THAT CHARGE.

THIS IS ALL DEVELOPING IN THE WAKE OF THE TRAGEDY AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY.

IT MIRRORS A BILL IN THE SENATE --

BANNING MAGAZINES WITH MORE THAN 10 BULLETS.

TS4) BENGHAZI-VOTOPS-TRX

*A NEW REPORT OUTLINES *SERIOUS BUREAUCRATIC MIS-MANAGEMENT AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

LEADING TO INADEQUATE SECURITY AT THE EMBASSY IN BENGHAZI, LIBYA.

THE U.S. AMBASSADOR AND THREE OTHER AMERICANS WERE KILLED IN A DEADLY ATTACK IN SEPTEMBER.

LAWMAKER WILL HEAR ABOUT THE FINDINGS TODAY,

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

please be sure to tease our next newscast

JOIN US FOR ABC 7 NEWS AT 5, RIGHT AFTER ELLEN.