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ABC7 5PM HOUR

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DIRECTORS PAGE TZ3 C) KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-VOTOPS
HEADLINES------------- BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT
HL1) HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-trxVOTOPS STORMWARN-CLIP
HL2) PASEO HOME INVASION-trxVOTOPS FIRST WX-WXWALL
HL3) LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-trxSOTVO TS PINE MANOR SEARCH-VID BOX
HL4) CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-trxSOTVO TS PASEO HOME INVASION-VID BOX
STORMWARN-CLIP TS CAPE VALVE REPLACEMENT-VID BOX
FIRST WX-WX WALL CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-VOTOPS-2 SHOT
HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-NATSVO-OC CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-LL PKG
HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-PKG WEBSTER FOLO-VO
DEVELOPING-CLIP WEBSTER RESIDENTS RETURNED-VOTOPS
PINE MANOR CHASE-SS-VO NEWTOWN MEMENTOS-VO
PASEO HOME INVASION-OC-VO-OC PORT CHARLOTTE NEWTOWN VIGIL-VO-CG
PASEO HOME INVASION-LL PKG TSUNAMI ANNIVERSARY-VO
COLLIER CO CRASH FOLO-VO 911 TEXTING-VO.WIPE
PORT CHARLOTTLE DENNY'S FIGHT-SS 911 TEXTING-SOTVO
MIAMI FACE EATER UPDATE-VO FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-OC
CAPE VALVE REPLACEMENT-VO FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-PKG
APPROACHING DEBT CEILING-ON CAM FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-SSTOPS
FISCAL CLIFF-VO.WIPE RUSSIA ADOPTION-VO
FISCAL CLIFF-SOTVO CHINA HIGH SPEED RAIL-NATSVO
STARBUCKS FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS POTATO WIFI-VO.WIPE
NO BUSH FAMILY ON BOCA-VO POTATO WIFI-SOTVO
MANDELA OUT OF HOSPITAL-VOTOPS BABY SIT UP-VO
TOYOTA-OC KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-OC
NORTH PORT CITIZENS ACADEMY-CG-BNR KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-PKG
BIG CORKSCREW SHOPPING SPREE-VO.WIPE KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-OC
BIG CORKSCREW SHOPPING SPREE-SOTVO NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP
NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP TEASE FOUR------------
TEASE ONE------------ TZ4 A) 82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-SOTVO
TZ1 A) RETURN POLICIES-VOTOPS TZ4 B) NEW TSA PROGRAM-VOTOPS
TZ1 B) DOG REUNION-VOTOPS OHIO KENTUCKY SNOW-VOTOPS
LITTLE ROCK SNOW-VOTOPS STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP
STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP CROSSTALK-WX EST
FORECAST-PHC FORECAST-PHC
FORECAST-WXWALL FORECAST-WXWALL
TOSS TO NINA-OC 82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-OC
RETURN POLICIES-TC MON 82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-PKG
RETURN POLICIES-PKG 82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-OC
RETURN POLICIES-TC MON-SS-SS JESSICA SIMPSON CONFIRMS PREGNANCY-SS-VO
HOLIDAY SALES NUMBERS-VO NEW TSA PROGRAM-VO
RESELLING CHRISTMAS GIFTS-VOTOPS NETFLIX OUTAGE-VOTOPS
DOG REUNION-NATSVO.WIIPE TEASE FIVE-ONCAM
DOG REUNION-SOTVO TZ5 A) MOVING SCAMS-VO
NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN
TEASE TWO------------ MOVING SCAMS-OC
TZ2 A) LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-SOTVO-WIPE MOVING SCAMS-PKG
TZ2 B) POTATO WIFI-VOTOPS MOVING SCAMS-OC
BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP
LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-VO IN POP COMING UP AT 6PM-ONCAM
LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-PKG TZ 6 1) PASEO HOME INVASION-SOTVO-WIPE
TEASE THREE-ONCAM TZ 6 2) DENNY'S BRAWL-VOTOPS
TZ3 A) CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-VO-WIPE TZ 6 3) CAPE CANCELS RUMORS PLAY-SOTVO
TZ3 B) 911 TEXTING-VOTOPS CLOSE-2SHOT


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

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


THE LONG ROAD HOME--

BLIZZARDS, WHITE-OUTS, EVEN TORNADOS--

THE WEATHER SYSTEM DELIVERING AN AFTER-CHRISTMAS JOLT!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TONIGHT.

SECURITY BREACH.

A GATED COMMUNITY IS VIOLATED--

A WOMAN SLASHED AND THE PERSON WHO DID IT STILL ON THE RUN.

NEW DETAILS ON THE HOME INVASION AT THE PASEO AT 5.

23:19:59 "My mistake changed a family's life."

A BIG OOPS, TURNS INTO A BIG WIN.

THE CASHIER MISTAKE THAT WON A MAN MILLIONS.

AND--

2616 "that uturn thing has really caused a lot of wrecks.

SO NEIGHBORS STARTED FIGHTING TO GET THE COUNTY TO CHANGE IT.

NEW AT 5--

WHY THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Return to index of stories...


HL1) HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-trxVOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

HL2) PASEO HOME INVASION-trxVOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

HL3) LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-trxSOTVO


Return to index of stories...

HL4) CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-trxSOTVO


Return to index of stories...

STORMWARN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FIRST WX-WX WALL


COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH

It's happening right now … a cold front is crossing the area and there will be a quick burst of showers as the front passes. When the showers stop … and they won't last long …. The winds will shift to the west/northwest and you will notice a drop in temperature. In fact, we will easily drop into the low 50's by tomorrow morning and it will continue to be a bit breezy tonight.

Tomorrow will be a fairly nice day and it won't be as windy as it was today. Boating and beach weather will be mostly sunny with a north/northwest wind around 10 - 15 mph. The high tomorrow will be cooler than today as well. We hit 80 this afternoon and tomorrow will stay in the 70's. Humidity will be down a bit and it should be a great Thursday.

More sunshine and cool weather is on the way for Friday as we wake up to morning lows in the chilly 40's and daytime highs around 70. The next cold front in the forecast is due here on Saturday and we will see some more showers to start the weekend. But don't cancel any plans based on that rain forecast … just like today the showers for Saturday should move through quickly. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-NATSVO-OC


OH MY GOD, LOOK, THAT'S A TORNADO. OH WOW. LOOK AT THAT TORNADO.

A CHRISTMAS DAY STORM SPAWNED AT LEAST 30 TORNADOES --

RIPPING THROUGHOUT THE NATION'S MIDSECTION.

IT ALSO CREATED WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS IN THE MIDWEST.

TONIGHT --

WE CAN TELL YOU THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST SIX DEATHS.

IT'S STILL IMPACTING TRAVEL TONIGHT.

ABC'S MARK GREENBLATT SHOWS YOU THE FURY --

AND EXPLAINS WHERE THE STORM IS HEADING NEXT. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY STORMS TRAVEL-PKG


SNOWPLOWS FIGHT BACK IN INDIANA TODAY.

WITH MORE THAN 8 INCHES ALREADY ON THE GROUND IN INDIANAPOLIS

FOR A BLIZZARD THAT'S EXPECTED TO BE THE WORST TO HIT THERE IN FOUR YEARS.

WHITEOUT CONDITIONS HERE HAVE TRAVELLERS SLEEPING AT THE AIRPORT WHILE SNOW

PILES UP ON RUNWAYS.

IN DALLAS MORE THAN 1,000 TRIED TO SWITCH FLIGHT TO NO AVAIL AFTER AN ICE

STORM HIT. AMERICAN AIRLINES CANCELLED HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS.

VERY QUICK NATS: TORNADO

AND MUCH OF THE SOUTH IS STILL REELING TODAY AFTER MORE THAN 30 TORNADOES

RIPPED THROUGH STATES FROM TEXAS TO MISSISSIPPI.

IN MOBILE ALABAMA.A TWISTER LEFT STORES TORN APART. AND DEBRIS SCATTERED

EVERYWHERE.

Nats from Crystal Rivers Verbates:

"Oh my God, look, that's a tornado. Oh wow! Look at that tornado. Oh my God

, that's cool."

MOBILE'S MURPHY HIGH SCHOOL TOOK A HEAVY TOLL.

John Girardeau, Student Murphy High School:

It's just hard with all the history that's behind Murphy and to see all this

it's kind of depressing.

IN OKLAHOMA CITY, FIVE PEOPLE DIED IN A HOUSE FIRE, JUST TRYING TO STAY WARM

WITH SPACE HEATERS.

Cornelius SOT:

We arrived on the scene we had heavy flames coming from almost every window.

. there was nothing anyone could have done.

AND NOW AS THE STORM MOVES EAST.PARTS OF OHIO AND NEW YORK COULD GET

HAMMERED BY MORE THAN A FOOT OF SNOW. WITH ANOTHER WAVE CLOSE BEHIND, JUST

IN TIME FOR NEW YEARS.

Accuweather SOT:

Our very active wx pattern will continue not only with our current storm

system which will move into the ne but late week, but there the potential

for even another storm system to take a similar path for this upcoming

weekend

S/U:

BLIZZARD WARNING NOW STRETCH FOR 730 CONTINUOUS MILES. MEANING THAT SOME OF

THE BEST INTENTIONS FOR AN EASY HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON ARE NOW JUST LIKE

CHRISTMAS.GONE.

MG, ABC NEWS, NEW YORK. Return to index of stories...


DEVELOPING-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

PINE MANOR CHASE-SS-VO


LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE SEARCHING FOR TWO PEOPLE ACCUSED OF STEALING A CAR.

THEN CRASHING IT INTO A HOME.

IT HAPPENED AT PINE MANOR IN SOUTH FORT MYERS.

DEPUTIES SAY IT ALL STARTED AT THE EAGER BEAVER CAR WASH.

THAT'S WHERE A MOTHER AND SON RECOGNIZED THEIR STOLEN CAR.

THEY STARTED FOLLOWING THE DRIVER.

THAT LED THEM TO THE PINE MANOR NEIGHBORHOOD.

WITNESSES SAY THE TWO LUXURY CARS CAREENED DOWN MAPLE DRIVE - UNTIL THE STOLEN AUDI CRASHED INTO A HOME.

DEPUTIES SAY A MAN AND WOMAN WERE INSIDE.

THEY BOLTED AFTER THE CRASH --LEAVING IT STILL RUNNING. Return to index of stories...


PASEO HOME INVASION-OC-VO-OC


RIGHT NOW --

FORT MYERS POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A MAN WHO BROKE INTO A SOUTH FORT MYERS HOUSE THIS MORNING AND STABBED A WOMAN.

IT HAPPENED IN A GATED COMMUNITY IN PASEO.

ABC7'S KELLY CRESWELL SPENT THE DAY DIGGING FOR ANSWERS --

AND FOUND OUT NEIGHBORS ARE BAFFLED BY THIS. Return to index of stories...


PASEO HOME INVASION-LL PKG


We know that a woman was rushed to the hospital early this morning after someone broke into her home. Neighbors are stunned---since the community is gated and say nothing like this has happened before.

Fast asleep from celebrating Christmas, neighbors woke up to this.

Nats

Fort Myers police rushed to this town home in the paseo community. A home invasion turned violent after a woman was stabbed. Neighbors tell ABC7 they saw a half dozen police cruisers and an ambulance occupy the typically quiet street. Once the woman was taken off to the hospital, a chopper searched up above for a suspect. But the search turned up empty causing concern for neighbors who were woken up by the flashing blue lights this morning.

Take sound

Nicole Moscheola, Resident

"This is a very safe neighborhood so I was very surprised to see it. I thought maybe it was a heart attack or something more natural. Not a stabbing."

We're working to find out more information this afternoon--if the woman knew her attacker or if this was a random incident. Police have not released her name yet, but neighbors do tell us she was living in the town home with her 13 year old son. As soon as we find out more details, we'll pass them along. in south fort myers kelly creswell abc7. Return to index of stories...


COLLIER CO CRASH FOLO-VO


AN UPDATE TONIGHT ON THE TEEN INJURED IN A CAR CRASH IN COLLIER COUNTY.

IT HAPPENED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING ALONG STATE ROAD 29.

THAT'S NEAR OIL WELL ROAD.

INVESTIGATORS SAY A PICKUP TRUCK LOST CONTROL--THEN HIT A TREE.

19 YEAR OLD EDGAR RENATA WAS KILLED.

WE LEARNED TODAY 19 YEAR OLD IVAN CRUZ OF IMMOKALEE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION TONIGHT.

INVESTIGATORS AREN'T SURE WHO WAS DRIVING. Return to index of stories...


PORT CHARLOTTLE DENNY'S FIGHT-SS


CHAOS BROKE OUT AT DENNY'S IN PORT CHARLOTTE.

THESE THREE PEOPLE FACE CHARGES AFTER A BRAWL EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

DEPUTIES SAY RADRICK OUTING PICKED UP A TABLE AND ALMOST THREW IT AT A GROUP OF PEOPLE.

COPS FOUND COCAINE IN HIS POCKET.

DEPUTIES SAY ANREKA BRISTOL HIT A WOMAN IN THE FACE WITH A CHAIR AND PUNCHED HER SEVERAL TIMES.

AND EDDIE OUTING IS ACCUSED OF PICKING UP A CHAIR AS IF HE WAS GOING TO HIT SOMEONE.

DEPUTIES TASED ALL THREE.

THEY SAY THE TRIO CAUSED 300 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. Return to index of stories...


MIAMI FACE EATER UPDATE-VO


AN UPDATE TONIGHT ON THE HOMELESS MAN WHOSE FACE WAS MOSTLY CHEWED OFF IN A BIZARRE ASSAULT.

IT HAPPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR IN MIAMI.

RONALD POPPO SAYS HE DOESN'T WANT MORE SURGERY.

HE LOST AN EYE, HIS EYEBROWS, HIS NOSE.

ALSO GONE AFTER THE ATTACK--PARTS OF HIS FOREHEAD AND RIGHT CHEEK.

DOCTORS WEREN'T ABLE TO SAVE THE SIGHT IN HIS REMAINING EYE.

POPPO NOW LIVES AT A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY IN SOUTHERN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.

POLICE SHOT AND KILLED POPPO'S ATTACKER.

LAB TESTS FOUND ONLY MARIJUANA IN RUDY EUGENE'S SYSTEM. Return to index of stories...


CAPE VALVE REPLACEMENT-VO


HUNDREDS OF CAPE CORAL RESIDENTS ARE UNDER A BOIL WATER NOTICE TONIGHT.

CREWS REPLACED A VALVE IN THE SYSTEM ALONG SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD.

THEY HAD TO DO THAT BECAUSE OF A WATER MAIN BREAK RECENTLY.

THE BOIL WATER NOTICE BECAUSE OF THAT IMPACTS ALMOST 225 HOUSES AND BUSINESS.

THE NEW VALVE WILL PROTECT THE MAJORITY OF HOMES IN THE AREA -- PARTICULARLY IF THERE IS ANOTHER WATER MAIN BREAK. Return to index of stories...


APPROACHING DEBT CEILING-ON CAM


JUST INTO THE NEWSROOM TONIGHT --

U-S TREASURY SECRETARY TIM GEITHNER SAYS THE U-S WILL REACH THE DEBT CEILING ON MONDAY.

HE SAYS THERE ARE SOME MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT CAN TAKE TO PAY OUR BILLS FOR A LITTLE WHILE AFTER THAT.

BUT CONGRESS WILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO EXTEND THE CEILING BEYOND 16 TRILLION DOLLARS FAIRLY SOON --

OR THE COUNTRY MIGHT DEFAULT ON ITS LOANS. Return to index of stories...


FISCAL CLIFF-VO.WIPE


PRESIDENT OBAMA AND LAWMAKERS RETURN TO WASHINGTON TOMORROW.

THEIR HOLIDAY BREAK'S CUT SHORT -- TO TACKLE THE FISCAL CLIFF.

PRESIDENT OBAMA IS RETURNING FROM HAWAII EARLY TO TRY AND NEGOTIATE WITH CONGRESS.

AN AGREEMENT WOULD SPARE THE MILITARY AND DOMESTIC PROGRAMS FROM DEEP SPENDING CUTS ALONG WITH SOME 540 BILLION DOLLARS IN INCREASED TAXES.

THOSE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON NEW YEARS DAY. Return to index of stories...


FISCAL CLIFF-SOTVO


KLOUCHAR SOT It is time to get back to the table. /, not your own table,

the table in Washington, because middle class people shouldn't have their

taxes go up an average of $2000 a year and we also should start making some

meaningful reform on the debt.

IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED WITHIN THE NEXT SIX DAYS, A SCHOOL TEACHER

EARNING 43-THOUSAND DOLLARS, FOR EXAMPLE, COULD FACE A 3 THOUSAND DOLLAR TAX HIKE.

ALSO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR SOME 2 MILLION PEOPLE WOULD EXPIRE. Return to index of stories...


STARBUCKS FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS


STARBUCKS IS PUSHING FOR A DEAL ON THE FISCAL CLIFF.

THE WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE CHAIN IS ASKING EMPLOYEES IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA TO SCRIBBLE THE WORDS "COME TOGETHER" ON CUPS.

IT'S A MESSAGE TO LAWMAKERS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE IF WE HIT THE FISCAL CLIFF. Return to index of stories...


NO BUSH FAMILY ON BOCA-VO


FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H-W BUSH'S HEALTH HAS WORSENED TONIGHT.

DOCTORS SAY HIS FEVER HAS GONE UP.

THE 88-YEAR-OLD HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR A MONTH WITH BRONCHITIS.

DOCTORS HAVE PUT HIM ON A LIQUID DIET.

BUT THEY STILL HAVEN'T NAILED DOWN A CAUSE OF THE FEVER.

THIS YEAR THE BUSH FAMILY ISN'T SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

THEY USUALLY VACATION THIS TIME OF YEAR ON BOCA GRANDE. Return to index of stories...


MANDELA OUT OF HOSPITAL-VOTOPS


NELSON MANDELA IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL TONIGHT THOUGH.

THE FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT SPENT THREE WEEKS THERE.

DOCTORS DIAGNOSED THE 94-YEAR-OLD WITH A LUNG INFECTION.

THEY ALSO REMOVED GALLSTONES.

MANDELA WILL RECEIVE MORE MEDICAL CARE AT HIS HOUSE IN JOHANNESBURG UNTIL HE FULLY RECOVERS. Return to index of stories...


TOYOTA-OC


JUST IN TO ABC 7--

HUNDREDS OF LAWSUITS OVER ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE SETTLED TONIGHT.

THE MORE THAN ONE BILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT IS THE LARGEST IN U-S HISTORY INVOLVING AUTOMOBILE DEFECTS.

ALL IT NEEDS NOW IS A FEDERAL JUDGES APPROVAL.

MORE THAN 14-MILLION TOYOTAS WERE PART OF A WORLDWIDE RECALL.

THE COMPANY HAD BLAMED DRIVER ERROR, FAULTY FLOOR MATS AND STICKY ACCELERATOR PEDALS FOR THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. Return to index of stories...


NORTH PORT CITIZENS ACADEMY-CG-BNR


YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE JOB OF A POLICE OFFICER OR A FIREFIGHTER.

THE CITY OF NORTH PORT IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS CITIZENS PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY.

THE FREE, HANDS-ON COURSE GIVES PEOPLE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT FIRST RESPONDERS DO.

THE CLASS STARTS FEBRUARY 5TH.

IT LASTS 12 WEEKS AND MEETS IN THE EVENINGS.

YOU CAN FIND THE APPLICATION ON OUR WEBSITE, ABC-DASH-SEVEN DOT COM JUST CLICK ON SITES ON 7. Return to index of stories...


BIG CORKSCREW SHOPPING SPREE-VO.WIPE


CHRISTMAS IS OVER--

BUT THE GIVING HASNT STOPPED--

AT LEAST NOT FOR BIG CORKSCREW FIREFIGHTERS.

TODAY THEY TOOK A LITTLE GIRL ON A SHOPPING SPREE!

THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD SPENT THE HOLIDAYS WITH A FOSTER FAMILY--

SO THE FIREFIGHTERS WANTED TO MAKE SURE SHE FELT SPECIAL ON CHRISTMAS.

THEY TOOK HER TO WALMART AND LET HER PICK ANY AND ALL THE PRESENTS SHE WANTED.

SHE GOT EVERYTHING FROM CLOTHES TO TOYS.

HER FAVORITE WAS A HULA-HOOP. Return to index of stories...


BIG CORKSCREW SHOPPING SPREE-SOTVO


"I didn't think that I would just go to Walmart and be on the news some day."

""Just knowing that people in the community care about her and that she's not alone, that people really do want to help and be there for her."

THE FIREFIGHTERS SAY THEY PLAN TO MAKE THIS A HOLIDAY TRADITION AND TAKE AT LEAST ONE SPECIAL CHILD SHOPPING EVERY CHRISTMAS. Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE ONE------------


STORES RETURN POLICES ARE CHANGING.

YOU'LL NEED TO BRING MORE THAN THE GIFT.

WE'LL EXPLAIN WHAT ELSE YOU'LL NEED IN ABC7'S SMART SHOPPER.

PLUS--

A FAMILIES DOG --STOLEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE--THEN SOLD.

WE'LL TELL YOU HOW THEY GOT IT BACK --AND HOW THEY CAUGHT THE MAN WHO STOLE IT. Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A) RETURN POLICIES-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 B) DOG REUNION-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

LITTLE ROCK SNOW-VOTOPS


IT WAS A CHRISTMAS DAY RECORD IN LITTE ROCK, ARKANSAS.

A RARE STORM DUMPED NINE INCHES OF SNOW YESTERDAY.BREAKING A 86 YEAR RECORD.

MORE THAN 200-THOUSAND RESIDENTS LOST POWER IN THE STORM.

THE RECORD SNOWFALL WAS PART OF THE WEATHER SYSTEM WE JUST TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT SPAWNED TORNADOES THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHEAST. Return to index of stories...


STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FORECAST-PHC


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. Return to index of stories...


FORECAST-WXWALL


COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH

It's happening right now … a cold front is crossing the area and there will be a quick burst of showers as the front passes. When the showers stop … and they won't last long …. The winds will shift to the west/northwest and you will notice a drop in temperature. In fact, we will easily drop into the low 50's by tomorrow morning and it will continue to be a bit breezy tonight.

Tomorrow will be a fairly nice day and it won't be as windy as it was today. Boating and beach weather will be mostly sunny with a north/northwest wind around 10 - 15 mph. The high tomorrow will be cooler than today as well. We hit 80 this afternoon and tomorrow will stay in the 70's. Humidity will be down a bit and it should be a great Thursday.

More sunshine and cool weather is on the way for Friday as we wake up to morning lows in the chilly 40's and daytime highs around 70. The next cold front in the forecast is due here on Saturday and we will see some more showers to start the weekend. But don't cancel any plans based on that rain forecast … just like today the showers for Saturday should move through quickly. Return to index of stories...


TOSS TO NINA-OC


IT'S JUST ONE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS BUT YOU PROBABLY ALREADY HAVE A GOOD IDEA OF WHICH PRESENTS YOU WANT TO KEEP AND WHAT YOU'D RATHER RETURN.

STORES ARE TIGHTENING THEIR RETURN POLICIES THOUGH--TRYING TO STOP FRAUD.

ABC 7 SMART SHOPPER NINA MOINI IS HERE TO BREAK DOWN WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING RETURNS. Return to index of stories...


RETURN POLICIES-TC MON


THE BIGGEST CRACKDOWN COMES WITH RECEIPTS- MANY STORES ARE ONLY TAKING RETURNS WITH A RECEIPT OR GIFT RECEIPT - BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU STILL GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH. Return to index of stories...


RETURN POLICIES-PKG


NATS - this is the gift she wanted

NOT EVERYONE GETS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS-

THAT'S WHY RETAILERS ARE GEARING UP FOR LONG RETURN LINES

BUT ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION - RETURN FRAUD IS ON THE RISE THIS YEAR - THAT'S WHEN CRIMINALS RETURN STOLEN OR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE -

FRAUDULENT RETURNS SHOULD COST THE RETAIL INDUSTRY CLOSE TO THREE BILLION DOLLARS DURING THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON ALONE.

TO STOP THE TREND - RETAILERS ARE CRACKING DOWN - ASKING FOR RECEIPTS MORE OFTEN THAN IN THE PAST.

BUT RETAIL ANALYSTS AT LIFEHACKER SAY YOU SHOULD STILL TRY TO RETURN AN UNWANTED GIFT - EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A RECIPET OR GIFT RECEIPT.

HERE'S HOW TO APPROACH A RETURN

1 - IF YOU'RE COMFORTABLE - ASK THE GIFT-GIVER FOR A RECEIPT

2 - IF YOU DON'T HAVE A RECEIPT BRING THE GIFT BACK IN A SHOPPING BAG FROM THE STORE WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED - THIS WILL MAKE THE PURCHASE SEEM MORE LEGITIMATE

3 - IF THE STORE EMPLOYEE REJECTS YOUR RETURN - DON'T GIVE UP - LIFEHACKER SAYS TO COME BACK AND TRY AGAIN WITH ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WHEN THE STORE IS LESS BUSY

IF NEITHER OF THOSE STRATEGIES WORK - LIFEHACKER RECOMMENDS YOU SELL THE GIFT ONLINE.

YOU CAN EVEN SELL GIFT CARDS ON SITES LIKE PLASTIC JUNGLE -

BUT KEEP IN MIND - YOU WILL LIKELY HAVE TO SELL FOR LESS THAN THE CARD IS WORTH. Return to index of stories...


RETURN POLICIES-TC MON-SS-SS


HERE IS A LIST FROM US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT OF THE BEST AND WORST STORE RETURN POLICIES IN TERMS OF HOW EASY THEY MAKE IT FOR YOU TO RETURN A GIFT

THE BEST ARE MACY'S, KOHL'S, AND ZAPPOS

THESE STORES HAVE VERY FLEXIBLE AND EVEN UNLIMITED TIME FRAME FOR RETURNS AND ZAPPOS HAS FREE SHIPPING ON RETURNS MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR.

THE WORST ARE HOME DEPOT, TARGET, AND BEST BUY

SOME REASONS FOR THE BAD RATING - TARGET LIMITS THE AMOUNT OF RETURN MONEY CUSTOMERS CAN GET PER YEAR AND THE STORES ONLY REFUND AN ITEM AT IT'S CURRENT PRICE - EVEN IF YOU BOUGHT IT FOR MORE MONEY. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY SALES NUMBERS-VO


THE HOLIDAY SEASON WAS NOT KIND TO STORES.

ACCORDING TO RETAIL EXPERTS --

SALES JUMPED A MERE SEVEN-TENTHS OF PERCENTAGE POINT THIS YEAR.

THAT'S THE WEAKEST INCREASE IN FOUR YEARS.

ANALYSTS BLAME STORMS ANDD ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY FOR THE LAGGING SALES NUMBERS. Return to index of stories...


RESELLING CHRISTMAS GIFTS-VOTOPS


PEOPLE IN FRANCE CAN MAKE SOME CASH WITH THEIR UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF JANUARY, A STORE OUTSIDE PARIS IS OFFERING MONEY FOR THOSE PRESENTS YOU JUST DON'T WANT.

ONE CUSTOMER GOT ABOUT 30 DOLLARS FOR HIS BOX OF GIFTS.

SOME SAY RE-SELLING GIFTS IS JUST A WAY OF DEALING WITH THE ECONOMIC CRISIS. Return to index of stories...


DOG REUNION-NATSVO.WIIPE


A NEW YORK FAMILY IS REUNITED WITH THEIR DOG ON CHRISTMAS.

nats

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT A MAN STEALING THIS DOG ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

HIS NAME IS MARLEY.

HIS FAMILY--THE BENDRAY'S--WERE AWAY SHOPPING WHEN IT HAPPENED.

THE THIEF TRIED TO SELL THE DOG THE NEXT DAY.

GOOD SAMARITAN TINA COHEN DECIDED TO BUY THE DOG WHILE OTHERS CALLED POLICE.

COHEN THEN WENT TO A LOCAL VET, SCANNED THE MICROCHIP AND EVENTUALLY FOUND MARLEY'S OWNERS. Return to index of stories...


DOG REUNION-SOTVO


thank you because.We got her christmas day

POLICE SAY THE MAN IN THE VIDEO STEALING THE DOG IS 29-YEAR-OLD BRANDON BACON.

HE WAS ARRESTED. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE TWO------------


23:19:59 "My mistake changed a family's life."

A CLERK'S MISTAKE MAKES A MAN A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE.

SEE THE LOTTERY MIXUP NEXT.

WIFI IN THE SKY.

HOW *POTATOES WILL KEEP YOU CONNECTED ON A PLANE. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A) LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-SOTVO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ2 B) POTATO WIFI-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


BUMP IN W/ ANCHOR MICS Return to index of stories...


LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-VO IN POP


SOMETIMES WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, IT ACTUALLY TURNS OUT BETTER.

A NEW HAMPSHIRE FAMILY WON A TWO-MILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY JACKPOT-- BECAUSE OF A MISTAKE!

ABC'S JOHN SCHRIFFEN HAS THE STORY. Return to index of stories...


LOTTERY TICKET ERROR-PKG


THE BENNETTS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE HAD A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY.HITTING IT BIG IN

THE STATE'S MEGABUCKS LOTTERY.

SOT Cathy Bennett / Lottery Winner

"Surreal like it's unreal."

track 2

AND IT WAS ALL BECAUSE OF A MISTAKE - IT TURNS OUT THE BENNETTS BECAME

OVERNIGHT MILLIONAIRES AFTER CATHY'S HUSBAND SCOTT PURCHASED THE WRONG

TICKET.

SOT Nicole Gee / sold winning ticket

23:19:59 "My mistake changed a family's life."

track 3

NICOLE GEE SOLD BENNETT HIS WINNING TICKET AT THIS

CIRCLE K.

f/s anim GFX

track 4

BENNETT ORIGINALLY WANTED TO PURCHASE A LUCKY FOR LIFE TICKET. BUT GEE

ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE MEGABUCKS BUTTON INSTEAD.THEN LOW AND BEHOLD.

SOT Cathy Bennett / Lottery Winner

"He's sitting on the couch with the ticket on one hand and the New Hampshire

lottery website on the computer just staring at both of them and. really

truly didn't believe it."

track 5

TURNS OUT THE BENNETTS TRULY WERE LUCKY AND NOW THEY'RE SET FOR LIFE. CAROL

'S HUSBAND MISSED THE PRESS CONFERENCE BECAUSE HE WAS WORKING.HE'S THANKED

GEE. BUT WHAT ABOUT A REWARD?

SOT Nicole Gee / sold winning ticket

23:23:04 "I honestly don't expect anything. That's all up to them if they

want to do that or not

track 6

GEE SAYS SHE'S SIMPLY PLEASED THE WRONG TICKET TURNED OUT TO BE THE RIGHT

ONE FOR THE BENNETTS.

SOT Nicole Gee / sold winning ticket

23:23:31 "I'm pretty happy about it just because I was able to help them have

a really good Christmas."

track 7

A VERY GOOD CHRISTMAS

SOT Cathy Bennett / Lottery Winner:

"It's really very overwhelming but once everything settles.I think we'll

take the time to decide what the future's gonna hold." Return to index of stories...


TEASE THREE-ONCAM


A CAPE U-TURN IS CAUSING ROAD RAGE.

RESIDENTS ASKING FOR THE TURN -- TO BE ILLEGAL.

BUT THE COUNTY IS SAYING NO.

WE'LL TELL YOU WHY.

PLUS--

TEXTING IN A 911 EMERGENCY.

IT'S AN OPTION THE GOVERNMENT IS DISCUSSING WITH OPERATORS.

BUT COULD IT DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD FOR THE PERSON IN TROUBLE.

AND

TAKING VIDEO GAMES OUTSIDE.

IT'S HOW ONE COMPANY HOPES KIDS CAN PLAY --AND GET EXERCISE.

HOW THE NEW VIRTUAL WORLD WORKS COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


TZ3 A) CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 B) 911 TEXTING-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 C) KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT


BUMP OUT W/ MUSIC Return to index of stories...


STORMWARN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FIRST WX-WXWALL


COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH

It's happening right now … a cold front is crossing the area and there will be a quick burst of showers as the front passes. When the showers stop … and they won't last long …. The winds will shift to the west/northwest and you will notice a drop in temperature. In fact, we will easily drop into the low 50's by tomorrow morning and it will continue to be a bit breezy tonight.

Tomorrow will be a fairly nice day and it won't be as windy as it was today. Boating and beach weather will be mostly sunny with a north/northwest wind around 10 - 15 mph. The high tomorrow will be cooler than today as well. We hit 80 this afternoon and tomorrow will stay in the 70's. Humidity will be down a bit and it should be a great Thursday.

More sunshine and cool weather is on the way for Friday as we wake up to morning lows in the chilly 40's and daytime highs around 70. The next cold front in the forecast is due here on Saturday and we will see some more showers to start the weekend. But don't cancel any plans based on that rain forecast … just like today the showers for Saturday should move through quickly. Return to index of stories...


TS PINE MANOR SEARCH-VID BOX


LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE LOOKING FOR TWO PEOPLE WHO STOLE A CAR AND CRASHED IT INTO A HOUSE.

IT HAPPENED LATE THIS AFTERNOON IN THE PINE MANOR NEIGHBORHOOD IN SOUTH FORT MYERS.

A MOM AND HER SON SPOTTED THEIR STOLEN AUDI.

THEY FOLLOWED IT.

THAT CHASE LED TO THE CRASH.

A MAN AND WOMAN RAN FROM THE CAR AFTER CRASHING IT INTO A HOME.

THEY HAVEN'T BEEN SEEN SINCE. Return to index of stories...


TS PASEO HOME INVASION-VID BOX


POLICE ARE SEARCHING TONIGHT FOR A MAN WHO STABBED A WOMAN IN SOUTH FORT MYERS.

THEY SAY IT HAPPENED DURING A HOME INVASION THIS MORNING IN THE PASEO COMMUNITY.

THE VICTIM WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

NO WORD ON HER CONDITION. Return to index of stories...


TS CAPE VALVE REPLACEMENT-VID BOX


PEOPLE LIVING ALONG SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD IN CAPE CORAL

ARE UNDER A BOIL WATER NOTICE TODAY.

CREWS REPLACED A VALVE IN THE SYSTEM.

. THIS IMPACTS ALMOST 225 HOUSES AND BUSINESSES.

THE NOTICE SHOULD NOT LAST LONGER THAN NEW YEAR'S. Return to index of stories...


CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-VOTOPS-2 SHOT


ALSO IN THE CAPE --

SOME PEOPLE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED TONIGHT.

THE COUNTY SHOT DOWN THEIR PLEA FOR A SAFER INTERSECTION.

THEY WANTED TO STOP DRIVERS FROM MAKING A U-TURN AT SOUTHEAST 26TH STREET.

HI AND GOOD EVENING, I'M JEFF BUTERA.

AND I'M CHRISTINA LUSBY.

WE LEARNED TODAY RESIDENTS WERE TOLD THE COUNTY DOESN'T SEE ANY BENEFIT IN THE PROPOSED CHANGE.

ABC7'S STEVE CAMPION REPORTS. Return to index of stories...


CAPE DANGEROUS U TURN-LL PKG


THOSE LIVING IN THE EVEREST COMMUNITY FOUGHT FOR MONTHS -- PLEADING WITH ANYONE WHO'D LISTEN ASKING FOR A SIMPLE CHANGE.

TODAY -- WE'VE LEARNED THE COUNTY SAID NO WAY.

THERE IS NO NEED TO STOP PEOPLE FROM MAKING A U-TURN -- TRAVELING SOUTH ON DEL PRADO AT SE 26TH STREET.

IN OCTOBER -- CONCERNED CITIZENS RALLIED FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THE U-TURN CHANGE.

THEY WANTED TO BAN THE PRACTICE -- SAYING TRAFFIC WAS BECOMING A NIGHTMARE AND FEARED A NEW GAS STATION WOULD ONLY ADD TO THE PROBLEM.

CITY LEADERS SAID THEY COULDN'T MAKE THE SWITCH BECAUSE DEL PRADO BOULVARD IS A COUNTY OWNED ROAD.

TODAY IN A MEMO OBTAINED BY NBC2 -- LEE COUNTY SAYS STOPPING U-TURNS WOULD BLOCK ACCESS TO BUSINESSES AND A CHURCH AND SAY THERE IS NO DOCUMENTED CRASH PROBLEM.

FOR THE PEOPLE LIVING CLOSE TO THE CROSS STREETS -- THEY WHOLEHEARTEDLY DISAGREE.

TAKE SOT

Luigi Perrotti, driver

"it's a very busy intersection. Cars coming up and down all the time."

Terry Bitder, driver

"that u-turn thing has really caused a lot of wrecks. I really think they should get rid of it but I guess I'm not the county."

THE COUNTY SAYS IF ANY ACTION WERE TO BE TAKEN -- THEY'D STOP PEOPLE FROM MAKING A RIGHT ON RED.

LEE COUNTY PLANS TO MONITOR THE INTERSECTION ONCE THAT RACE TRAC OPENS UP.

FOR MANY WHO LIVE HERE AND PASS THROUGH THIS INTERSECTION EVERY DAY, THEY TELL US THEY FEAR A REAL TRADEGY MUST HAPPEN BEFORE SOMETHING GETS DONE.

in cape coral, steve campion. abc7. Return to index of stories...


WEBSTER FOLO-VO


FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE SET FOR TWO FIREFIGHTERS WHO WERE SHOT AND KILLED WHILE RESPONDING TO A FIRE EARLIER THIS WEEK IN WEBSTER, NEW YORK.

THEY WILL BE LAID TO REST ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

POLICE SAY EX-CON WILLIAM SPENGLER SET HIS HOUSE ON FIRE TO LURE FIREFIGHTERS.

HE THEN OPENED FIRE ON THEM KILLING 2 AND WOUNDING 2 OTHERS.

SPENGLER WAS LATER FOUND DEAD OF A SELF-INFLICTED GUNSHOT WOUND.

AUTHORITIES BELIEVE HE MAY HAVE KILLED HIS SISTER AS WELL. Return to index of stories...


WEBSTER RESIDENTS RETURNED-VOTOPS


MEANWHILE, RESIDENTS IN THE WEBSTER, NEW YORK NEIGHBORHOOD ARE NOW ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES.

THE FIRE SPREAD TO SEVERAL OTHER HOMES.

SEVEN WERE DESTROYED AND TWO OTHERS WERE DAMAGED IN THE BLAZE. Return to index of stories...


NEWTOWN MEMENTOS-VO


NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT WILL USE ALL THE MEMENTOS SENT THEIR WAY AFTER THE SCHOOL SHOOTING TO MAKE A PERMANENT MEMORIAL.

ACCORDING TO THE NEWS TIMES IN DANBURY --

THE CITY PLANS TO TURN THE FLOWERS, LETTERS, SIGNS, CANDLES, AND TEDDY BEARS INTO SOIL AND BLOCKS TO BE USED IN THE MEMORIAL.

FOR NOW, THE MEMENTOS WILL STAY UP UNTIL AFTER THE NEW YEAR, AS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS PAY THEIR RESPECTS.

20 CHILDREN AND SIX ADULTS WERE KILLED IN THE SHOOTING NEARLY 2 WEEKS. Return to index of stories...


PORT CHARLOTTE NEWTOWN VIGIL-VO-CG


A PORT CHARLOTTE WOMAN IS HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING TONIGHT.

KATHY BURTON DOESN'T HAVE ANY RELATIVES IN NEWTOWN.

SHE DIDN'T KNOW ANY OF THE VICTIMS.

BUT THE GRANDMOTHER FELT LIKE SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING.

SO --

SHE AND HER SON CARVED AND DECORATED TWO ANGELS.

SHE PLACED THE MEMORIAL IN HER YARD.

THEN SHE POSTED THE NAMES AND PICTURES OF THE VICTIMS TO THE ANGELS.

IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES, BURTON WILL HOLD A PUBLIC VIGIL AT HER HOME.

YOU'LL FIND IT AT 21-073 EDGEWATER DRIVE, IN PORT CHARLOTTE. Return to index of stories...


TSUNAMI ANNIVERSARY-VO


TODAY MARKS 8 YEARS SINCE A TSUNAMI STRUCK THAILAND KILLING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.

THREE CEREMONIES WERE HELD IN PHUKET TODAY ON THE ANNIVERSAY FOR BUDDHISTS, MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS.

THE TSUNAMI, SPARKED BY A MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE OFF THE COAST OF INDONESIA-- CLAIMED THE LIVES OF MORE THAN 200-THOUSAND PEOPLE. Return to index of stories...


911 TEXTING-VO.WIPE


YOU COULD SOON BE ABLE TO GET HELP IN AN EMERGENCY BY *TEXTING* 9-1-1.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS WORKING ON THE TECHNOLOGY.

BUT IT MAY NOT BE READY FOR SOME TIME.

PLUS --

SOME DOWNSIDES TO IT INCLUDE HAVING TO ADD YOUR ADDRESS AND CITY.

AND IT'S SOMETIMES HARD TO KNOW WHERE YOU ARE WHEN YOU NEED HELP.

ALSO LOST WITH TEXT 9-1-1, DISPATCHERS CAN'T EASILY GIVE LIFESAVING DIRECTIONS LIKE C-P-R. Return to index of stories...


911 TEXTING-SOTVO


"It's all about delivering that service in a timely manner."

THE F-C-C WANTS EMERGENCY PLANNERS AND PHONE COMPANIES TO BE READY FOR 9-1-1 TEXT SERVICE BY 2014.

SOME EXPERTS DON'T THINK IT COULD HAPPEN THAT QUICKLY. Return to index of stories...


FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-OC


IN THEIR FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE THE ELECTION, PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SAT DOWN WITH ABC'S BARBARA WALTERS.

THEY TALKED ABOUT A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING INTIMATE MOMENTS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

HERE'S A PREVIEW. Return to index of stories...


FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-PKG


Return to index of stories...

FIRST COUPLE INTERVIEW-SSTOPS


YOU CAN SEE MORE OF BARBARA WALTER'S INTERVIEW WITH THE FIRST COUPLE TONIGHT ON NIGHTLINE.

THAT STARTS AT 11-35 RIGHT HERE ON ABC7. Return to index of stories...


RUSSIA ADOPTION-VO


A DECISION COULD COME SOON ON WHETHER AMERICANS WILL BE BANNED FROM ADOPTING RUSSIAN CHILDREN.

PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN WILL DECIDE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS WHETHER TO SIGN TH MEASURE.

IT WON FINAL APPROVAL IN THE PARLIAMENT TODAY.

RUSSIAN ACTIVISTS SAY IT VICTIMIZES CHILDREN BY DEPRIVING THEM OF THE CHANCE TO ESCAPE RUSSIAN ORPHANAGES.

PUTIN CALLS IT A LEGITIMATE RESPONSE TO A NEW U-S LAW.

THAT LAW CALLS FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIANS WHO ARE FOUND TO BE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS. Return to index of stories...


CHINA HIGH SPEED RAIL-NATSVO


CHINA OPENED THE WORLD'S LONGEST HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINE TODAY.

nats

IT RUNS ONE-THOUSAND-428 MILES FROM THE COUNTRY'S CAPITAL IN THE NORTH TO AN ECONOMIC HUB IN SOUTHERN CHINA.

THE TRAINS ON THIS HIGH-SPEED LINE WILL INITIALLY RUN AT 186 MILES PER HOUR WITH A TOTAL TRAVEL TIME OF ABOUT EIGHT HOURS.

BEFORE, THE FASTEST TIME BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES BY TRAIN WAS MORE THAN 20 HOURS. Return to index of stories...


POTATO WIFI-VO.WIPE


BOEING IS USING POTATOES TO HELP TEST WI-FI ON PLANES.

AS YOU MAY KNOW IF YOU FLY, WI-FI SERVICE ON PLANES TENDS TO BE SPOTTY.

THE SIGNAL CAN CHANGE DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU SIT AND HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE PLANE.

BOEING SAYS WI-FI RADIO WAVES INSIDE A PLANE REACT TO POTATOES VIRTUALLY THE SAME WAY THEY DO TO PASSENGERS.

SO ENGINEERS LOADED UP 150 SEATS OF AN OLD DC-10 WITH POATOES TO SEE IF THEY COULD TEST HOW TO MAKE WI-FI SIGNALS WORK BETTER. Return to index of stories...


POTATO WIFI-SOTVO


"It wasn't feasible to have two or three hundred people sit still for two or three weeks of testing."

THE TESTING SHOULD MAKE WI-FI MORE RELIABLE.

IT COULD ALSO PROVIDE MORE SAFETY TO KEEP DEVICES FROM INTERFERING WITH THE PLANE. Return to index of stories...


BABY SIT UP-VO


SOME ADVICE TONIGHT FOR NEW PARENTS.

HELPING YOUNG BABIES SIT UP MAY ACCELERATE THE LEARNING PROCESS.

A NEW STUDY OUT OF TEXAS A-AND-M UNIVERSITY LOOKED AT THE LEARNING PATTERNS OF FIVE-AND-A-HALF AND SIX-AND-A-HALF MONTH OLDS.

RESEARCHERS FOUND WHEN THE FIVE MONTH OLDS WERE GIVEN SUPPORT TO HELP THEM SIT UP, THEY DEMONSTRATED SIMILAR LEARNING PATTERNS AS THE OLDER BABIES. Return to index of stories...


KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-OC


MANY PEOPLE THINK TECHNOLOGY IS A REASON FOR THE RISE IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY.

INSTEAD OF PLAYING OUTSIDE AND GETTING EXERCISE, KIDS PLAY VIDEO GAMES INSIDE AND STAY SEDENTARY.

BUT NOW A SMALL NORTH CAROLINA COMPANY IS CHANGING THAT -- BY MAKING TECHNOLOGY ACTIVE.

ERIKA EDWARDS TELLS US HOW. Return to index of stories...


KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-PKG


THESE KIDS ARE DOING THEIR OWN THING ON THE PLAYGROUND. WHILE COMPETING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN A VIRTUAL WORLD.

THIS IS SQORD. S-Q-O-R-D. IT'S A COMBINATION COMPUTER GAME, SOCIAL NETWORK AND REAL WORLD EXERCISE. COLEMAN GREENE IS A CO-FOUNDER.

"Our idea is not to say that technology is the problem, but rather embrace it, and say that it can be part of the solution."

KIDS WEAR A PRACTICALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE POWER BAND THAT CONTAINS A 3-AXIS ACCELEROMETER. IT TRACKS THEIR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE DAY -- CAPTURING A RANGE OF MOTION, DURATION AND INTENSITY.

"Then you swipe it over a little bay station, which plugs into the side of a computer, then wirelessly uploads to our website."

ON THE WEBSITE, KIDS SEE WHICH OF THEIR FRIENDS "SQORD" THE MOST EXERCISE IN A DAY.

"I did not notice any smack talk on there. no smack talk yet."

ALTHOUGH BRAGGING RIGHTS ARE INVOLVED -- KIDS CAN ONLY COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR FRIENDS BY SELECTING A PRE-DETERMINED LIST OF POSITIVE PHRASES AND VIRTUAL HIGH FIVES.

SQORD TARGETS THE 8- TO 13-YEAR OLD CROWD. CHILDHOOD OBESITY EXPERTS SAY IT'S DURING THIS TIME PERIOD THAT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLUMMETS.

"It's quite a vulnerable period during this middle school transition. and parents may have to work harder to try to find their children outlets for activity."

END PKG HERE Return to index of stories...


KIDS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY-OC


ERIKA EDWARDS REPORTING.

SQORD IS SLOWLY GOING VIRAL -- PEAKING THE INTEREST OF YMCA'S.

PILOT PROGRAMS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY RIGHT HERE IN FLORIDA AT SCHOOLS AND IN COLORADO. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE FOUR------------


If you don't ask you will probably never receive."

YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO FIND TRUE LOVE.

WHY ONE MAN IS SO FORWARD --IN HIS QUEST.

AND--

IF AIRPORT SECURITY IRRITATES YOU --CHANGES ARE IN THE WORKS.

HOW THE TSA PLANS TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS.

WEATHER IS COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


TZ4 A) 82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ4 B) NEW TSA PROGRAM-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

OHIO KENTUCKY SNOW-VOTOPS


MORE SNOW VIDEO TONIGHT.

THIS IS IN OHIO WHERE SNOW WAS FALLING THIS MORNING.

NEAR WHITE OUT CONDITIONS AND SLICK ROADS LED TO A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CRASHES.

THE SCENE WAS THE SAME SOUTHWEST IN PADUCAH, KENTUCKY.

AFTER A RAINY NIGHT, TEMPERATURES DROPPED BELOW FREEZING.

THAT TURNED SLEET INTO SNOW AND WET ROADS INTO AN ICE-COVERED MESS. Return to index of stories...


STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

CROSSTALK-WX EST


AD-LIB WEATHER CHAT Return to index of stories...


FORECAST-PHC


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. Return to index of stories...


FORECAST-WXWALL


COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH

It's happening right now … a cold front is crossing the area and there will be a quick burst of showers as the front passes. When the showers stop … and they won't last long …. The winds will shift to the west/northwest and you will notice a drop in temperature. In fact, we will easily drop into the low 50's by tomorrow morning and it will continue to be a bit breezy tonight.

Tomorrow will be a fairly nice day and it won't be as windy as it was today. Boating and beach weather will be mostly sunny with a north/northwest wind around 10 - 15 mph. The high tomorrow will be cooler than today as well. We hit 80 this afternoon and tomorrow will stay in the 70's. Humidity will be down a bit and it should be a great Thursday.

More sunshine and cool weather is on the way for Friday as we wake up to morning lows in the chilly 40's and daytime highs around 70. The next cold front in the forecast is due here on Saturday and we will see some more showers to start the weekend. But don't cancel any plans based on that rain forecast … just like today the showers for Saturday should move through quickly. Return to index of stories...


82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-OC


FORGET ONLINE DATING!

A SENIOR CITIZEN IN OREGON IS TRYING A DIFFERENT AND FAR MORE DIRECT APPROACH TO FINDING LOVE.

TY STEELE TELLS US HOW. Return to index of stories...


82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-PKG


"Ask for what you want, plainly and clearly. If you don't ask you will probably never receive."

AND SPELLED OUT FOR ALL TO SEE ON A SIGN HE WEARS AROUND HIS NECK, SANDY MCCULLOCH IS ASKING.

"Really I think pretty much the sign says it."

WANTED: A WIFE!

"Yea, and I use the term wife because that's what most people would associate to."

SANDY SAYS HE'S NO STRANGER TO THE LADIES.

"I've had a wonderful life, knowing a lot of people, knowing a lot of women."

OR TO MARRIAGE.

"In the first 39 years of my life, I was married three times and divorced three times."

BUT AT 82, SANDY SAYS HE'S CHANGED.

"If I may be so bold as to say so, I've cleaned up my act."

AND ISN'T LOOKING FOR WHAT HIS 20-YEAR-OLD SELF WOULD HAVE WANTED IN A WIFE.

"At this point I'd love to find, if you wish, the perfect companion."

SOMETIMES SANDY FORGETS HE'S WEARING THE SIGN IN THE LOBBY OF THE OLD WORLD DELI IN CORVALLIS.

"I'd like to apply for your leftovers?"

"My leftovers?"

"Of ladies? You're looking for a wife?"

"Yeah "

BUT HE ALWAYS REMEMBERS HIS CRITERIA FOR A WIFE:

SHE MUST BE OLDER THAN 60.

"Under 60 doesn't compute."

LOVE BOOKS.

"My life is built around books. If they don't like books, it's a lost cause."

LIVE IN CORVALLIS.

"I won't leave this town. I love this place, in my old age it's the perfect place for an old man."

AND OF COURSE, SHE'S GOTTA HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.

BUT SANDY ADMITS, HE IS WILLING TO BEND ON ONE

"If a gorgeous 40 or 50-year-old came along and said I'm too young, but I want to do this, I would probably do it." Return to index of stories...


82 YEAR OLD LOOKING FOR WIFE-OC


TY STEELE REPORTING.

MCCULLOUGH HAS HAD QUITE A LIFE SO FAR.

HE'S WRITTEN SEVERAL BOOKS OF NON-FICTION SHORT STORIES.

HE BOASTS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN ZOOLOGY.

HE SPENT A DECADE LEADING SUPPORT GROUPS FOR COUPLES CONSIDERING DIVORCE. Return to index of stories...


JESSICA SIMPSON CONFIRMS PREGNANCY-SS-VO


JESSICA SIMPSON CONFIRMS SHE IS EXPECTING HER SECOND CHILD.

YESTERDAY THE SINGER TWEETED THIS PHOTO OF HER BABY DAUGHTER MAXWELL PLAYING IN THE SAND, THE WORDS "BIG SIS" SPELLED OUT.

SIMPSON JUST LOST 60 POUNDS.

SHE IS A WEIGHT WATCHERS SPOKESPERSON.

SIMPSON SAYS SHE WILL NOT CONTINUE HER WEIGHT WATCHERS DIET NOW THAT SHE'S EXPECTING AGAIN.

BUT SHE WILL CONTINUE TO APPEAR IN ADS FOR THE WEIGHT LOSS COMPANY. Return to index of stories...


NEW TSA PROGRAM-VO


IT MAY SOON BE EASIER TO GET THROUGH SECURITY CHECKPOINTS AT AIRPORTS.

THE T-S-A IS LAUNCHING A PILOT PROGRAM.

IT LETS YOUR AVERAGE TRAVELER HURRY TO THEIR PLANE WITHOUT HAVING TO REMOVE THEIR SHOES OR TAKE LIQUIDS OUT OF THEIR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE.

IN EXCHANGE --

THEY HAVE TO GET PAST A BOMB SNIFFING DOG AND AN AGENT WHO IS SPECIALLY TRAINED TO DETECT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR.

THE PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY BEING TESTED JUST UP THE ROAD IN TAMPA AND INDIANAPOLIS. Return to index of stories...


NETFLIX OUTAGE-VOTOPS


NETFLIX IS WORKING AGAIN.

THE STREAMING VIDEO SERVICE.

WENT DOWN MONDAY AFTERNOON AND WASN'T FULLY RESTORED UNTIL CHRISTMAS MORNING.

NETFLIX BLAMES AMAZON WEB SERVICE WHICH IT USES FOR ONLINE STORAGE AND COMPUTING FOR THE OUTAGE. Return to index of stories...


TEASE FIVE-ONCAM


MOVING COMPANIES ARE SCAMMING MORE PEOPLE.

THEIR LAZINESS.

THEIR LATENESS.

AND THEIR DESTRUCTIVE'NESS -- ON DISPLAY.

PLUS HOW ONE ANGRY COUPLE --GOT REVENGE. Return to index of stories...


TZ5 A) MOVING SCAMS-VO


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


BUMP IN W/ ANCHOR MICS Return to index of stories...


MOVING SCAMS-OC


A WARNING IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO MOVE SOON --

MANY MOVING COMPANIES ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE.

ABC'S ELISABETH LEAMY TELLS YOU HOW AND HOW ONE COUPLE GOT REVENGE. Return to index of stories...


MOVING SCAMS-PKG


MEET THE MOVERS FROM HELL.

"I'm ready to jump on you. Get inside the house. Expletive."

CAUGHT ON A CUSTOMER'S CAMERA DELIVERING BROKEN BELONGINGS.

"The TV's ruined.

.DELIVERING THEM LATE.

"The stuff you've been waiting for?"

"For a year and a half."

.AND JUST DUMPING THEM OUTSIDE.

"Nothing go into the house, ok everything going on the plastic.

"oh yeah, the fight is not over"

THE FIGHT IS ABOUT WHETHER THE CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE ORIGINAL

ESTIMATE OF 7-THOUSAND DOLLARS OR THE 25-THOUSAND THE MOVING COMPANY

DEMANDED LATER.

"He would just go ballistic on us."

CAMERON ALMOND AND VANESSA STOCKMAR HIRED THE SAME MOVING COMPANY. AND HAD

A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE.

NAT BREAK

.A LOWBALL ESTIMATE OF ABOUT 3-THOUSAND DOLLARS, FOLLOWED BY A DEMAND FOR

NEARLY 10-THOUSAND.

"It was crazy. We slept on the wood floor, we had nothing."

THE MOVER WAS GOLDEN HAND OF COLORADO.

"I actually told him 'You're not even the company that I had talked to in

the first place to make this deal' and he said, Well, I'm the company that

you need to be talk to now because I have your stuff."

IT'S THE LATEST PROBLEM IN THE MOVING INDUSTRY. CUSTOMERS BOOK THEIR MOVES

ONLINE, NOT REALIZING THEY'RE DEALING WITH SKETCHY MOVING BROKERS WHO

PROVIDE UNREALISTICALLY LOW ESTIMATES, THEN SELL THE LEADS TO ACTUAL MOVERS

LIKE GOLDEN HAND THAT JACK UP THE PRICE AND HOLD PEOPLE'S GOODS HOSTAGE

UNTIL THEY PAY.

"I had said, what if Cam and I go undercover, find out if he really has our

goods."

CAMERON AND VANESSA WENT UNDERCOVER FOR THE FBI TO THIS WAREHOUSE AND FOUND

THEIR STUFF --AND LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE'S. THEIR STEALTH MISSION HELPED THE

FEDS CLOSE THE CASE. AND A NON-PROFIT CALLED MOVE RESCUE, STARTED BY

LEGITIMATE MOVERS, HELPED THEM.

"We're able to use our network of Mayflower agencies across the country who

will pick up those goods, that have often times been abandoned in storage,

and deliver them to the customer free of charge."

THE GOVERNMENT INDICTED GOLDEN HAND'S OWNER ON 55 COUNTS INCLUDING EXTORTION

AND THEFT. ALL BECAUSE OF SOME SCRAPPY CUSTOMERS. AND THEIR CAMERAS.

"You can get off the property now."

FOR GOOD MORNING AMERICA, ELISABETH LEAMY, ABC NEWS, WASHINGTON. Return to index of stories...


MOVING SCAMS-OC


THE ATTORNEY FOR THE COMPANY SAYS, "MR. LEVIN IS A SMALL

BUSINESSMAN WHO FEELS HE DID HIS MOVING WORK THE BEST HE COULD UNDER

CONFUSING REGULATIONS AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES AND DEADLINES." Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

COMING UP AT 6PM-ONCAM


"Shocked. I mean this is paseo. It's isolated. It's a gated community."

AND TONIGHT PART OF IT IS A CRIME SCENE.

THE SECURITY BREACH IN THE PRIVATE COMMUNITY THAT LEFT A WOMAN SLASHED.

MAYHEM AT DENNY'S--

THE BRAWL THAT HAD TABLES AND CHAIRS FLYING.

AND--

1100 "the f-bomb could have killed the show.

IT'S CURTAINS FOR A NEIL SIMON PLAY SCHEDULED IN CAPE CORAL.

THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND THE CANCELLATION.

THAT'S ALL AHEAD ON ABC 7 NEWS AT SIX. Return to index of stories...


TZ 6 1) PASEO HOME INVASION-SOTVO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ 6 2) DENNY'S BRAWL-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ 6 3) CAPE CANCELS RUMORS PLAY-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

CLOSE-2SHOT


AD LIB GOODBYE Return to index of stories...