5AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS

6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS

HL1) HILLARY HOSPITALIZED-VO-WIPE

HILLARY HOSPITALIZED.

FIND OUT WHY THE SECRETARY OF STATE --- IS BACK UNDER DOCTORS CARE.

HL2) FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-VO-WIPE

TICK TOCK.

TIME IS WINDING DOWN.

WE'RE NOW JUST HOURS AWAY FROM FALLING OFF THE SO-CALLED FISCAL CLIFF.

HL3) DAD DELIVERS BABY-NATTOPS

I used to make fun of people that had babies on the side of the road

IT HAPPENS --- AND NOW THIS MOM KNOWS HOW.

ALL KNEW THIS MORNING,

530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP

530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

DEVELOPING-CLIP

HILLARY HOSPITALIZED-VOTOPS-BNR

DEVELOPING RIGHT NOW AT __

HILLARY CLINTON IS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING.

SHE'S BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT.

THE CLOT STEMS FROM A CONCUSSION THE SECRETARY OF STATE SUSTAINED EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHILE BATTLING THE FLU.

THE CLOT WAS DISCOVERED SUNDAY DURING A FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATION.

THE 65-YEAR-OLD CLINTON --- IS BEING TREATED WITH BLOOD THINNERS.

FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-MITTO-2SH

TAKING LOOK AT THE LIVE COUNTDOWN THIS MORNING,

WE'RE JUST HOURS AWAY --- FROM FALLING OFF THAT SO-CALLED FISCAL CLIFF.

BUSH TAX CUTS END --- WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT.

ABC SEVEN WANTS YOU TO KNOW HOW THE FALL WILL AFFECT YOUR POCKET.

FISCAL CLIFF COUNTDOWN-PKG

TAX CALCULATIONS-OC-BNR

ABC SEVEN DID SOME DIGGING -- AND SET UP SOME RESOURCES, TO HELP YOU PREPARE.

TO CALCULATE EXACTLY HOW MUCH MONEY WILL BE TAKEN FROM YOUR SALARY,

HEAD OVER TO ABC DASH SEVEN DOT COM.

OR FATAL BUS CRASH-VO-BNR

A CRASH IN OREGON LEAVES NINE DEAD AND MORE THAN 20 INJURED AFTER A TOUR BUS CRASHED THROUGH A GUARDRAIL AND DOWN A STEEP EMBANKMENT.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS HEARTBREAKING VIDEO.

IT WAS SUNDAY MORNING WHEN THE BUS --- HEADING FROM LAS VEGAS TO VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA --- LOST CONTROL ON AN ICY INTERSTATE-84 IN RURAL OREGON.

NYC FIREFIGHTER FUNERAL-VO

FUNERAL SERVICES ARE TO BE HELD TODAY -- FOR A FALLEN FIREFIGHTER IN NEW YORK.

19-YEAR-OLD TOMASZ KACZOWKA --- WAS ONE OF TWO FIREFIGHTERS KILLED DURING AN AMBUSH ON CHRISTMAS EVE. SHOT WHILE RESPONDING TO A FIRE.

WEBSTER POLICE SAY 62-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM SPENGLER ---- DELIBERATELY SET FIRES TO SET A TRAP FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.

FM 24TH MURDER-VO WIPE

DEVELOPING AT --

WE'RE FOLLOWING THE LATEST ON THE 24TH HOMICIDE IN FORT MYERS.

THIS IS ALREADY THE DEADLIEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE CITY OF PALMS.

POLICE SAY A MAN WAS FOUND DEAD, INSIDE A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET SUNDAY MORNING.

DETECTIVES ARE INVESTIGATING IT AS THE 24TH MURDER IN 2012.

ABC SEVEN WAS FIRST ON SCENE WORKING ALONGSIDE INVESTIGATORS

A TENANT, WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN NEARBY FIRE, DISCOVERED THE BODY.

FM 24TH MURDER-SOTVO

christina moser

10:26 i'm still in shock of the fact it even happened so close to home. Especially with the holidays and everything. It's sad

6AM COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-2SH-VO

-THE KARDASHIAN CLAN IS ABOUT TO EXPAND!

-KIM'S REPS HAVE CONFIRMED KIM IS PREGNANT WITH KANYE WEST'S CHILD

-WEST BROKE THE NEWS AT A CONCERT IN ATLANTIC CITY SUNDAY NIGHT TELLING THE CROWD THAT THIS WAS THE QUOTE "MOST AMAZING THING"

STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS

PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON

DAD DELIVERS BABY-SOTVO

AN ILLINOIS STATE TROOPER -- HAD TO DELIVER A BABY ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY.

AND GET THIS. THE BABY WAS HIS NEWEST DAUGHTER!

"I used to make fun of people that had babies on the side of the road because I couldn't understand how you didn't make it to the hospital in time, but after yesterday now I understand how that truly does happen."

IT WAS 7:30 FRIDAY MORNING. WHEN MEGAN MARTINEZ SAYS HER WATER BROKE.

DAD DELIVERS BABY-SOTVO

"The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice. So at that point, immediately training just kicked in."

A BREECHED BIRTH!

CHAD PULLED TO THE SIDE OF I-88.

MACI WAS BORN WITHIN MINUTES. BUT SHE WASN'T IN THE CLEAR.

MACI WASN'T BREATHING. AND SO DAD HAD TO MANUALLY CLEAR HER AIRWAY.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP

QH1) HILLARY HOSPITAL-VO-WIPE

THIS MORNING,

WE'RE KEEPING WATCH ON A NEW YORK HOSPITAL.

HILLARY CLINTON WAS ADMITTED OVERNIGHT.

QH2) FISCAL CLIFF-VO-WIPE

AND THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES.

THE FISCAL CLIFF FALL --- IS NOW JUST HOURS AWAY.

THE BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS END AT MIDNIGHT.

SO FAR, THERE IS STILL *NO PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON.

QH3) 24TH MURDER-VO-WIPE

FORT MYERS DEADLIEST YEAR JUST GOT DEADLIER.

THE CITY OF PALMS IS NOW UP TO 24 HOMICIDES IN 2012.

POLICE SAY A MAN WAS FOUND DEAD, INSIDE A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET SUNDAY MORNING.

STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

NEW THIS MORNING-CLIP

CHAVEZ COMPLICATIONS-VO

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ --- HAS SUFFERED NEW COMPLICATIONS AFTER A FOURTH ROUND OF CANCER SURGERY IN CUBA.

VICE-PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO --- DID NOT SPECIFY THE NATURE OF THOSE COMPLICATIONS.

WE *DO KNOW HE RECENTLY HAD A RESPIRATORY INFECTION.

CONSUMER ALERT LIGHTS OUT-VO

AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO 2012, WE'RE ALSO SAYING GOODBYE TO A FIXTURE IN AMERICA'S LIGHTING FIXTURES. THE 75-WATT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB.

THE U-S GOVERNMENT IS PULLING THE PLUG.

UNDER FEDERAL LAW, 75-WATT BULBS CAN NO LONGER BE PRODUCED OR IMPORTED AS OF JANUARY 1ST. THOUGH RETAILERS CAN STILL CLEAR REMAINING STOCK.

HIRINGS AND FIRINGS-VO

HANG ONTO YOUR PAY STUB.

2013 WILL BRING HIRINGS "AND" FIRINGS --- ACCORDING TO CAREER BUILDER DOT COM.

MORE THAN A QUARTER OF EMPLOYERS SURVEYED -- SAY THEY'LL ADD FULL-TIME, PERMANENT POSITIONS IN THE NEW YEAR.

THAT'S AN INCREASE OVER 2012.

BUT SO IS THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS --- WHO ANTICIPATE *CUTTING JOBS.

DRIVERS SEAT-VO

THE NEW YEAR MAY FIND YOU IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT.

ECONOMISTS AT "EDMUNDS DOT COM" PREDICT HALF A MILLION MORE PEOPLE WILL END THEIR VEHICLE LEASE AGREEMENTS IN 2013 THAN DID IN 2012.

THAT COULD FLOOD THE MARKET WITH BOTH USED VEHICLES "AND" DRIVERS LOOKING FOR NEW ONES.

TOSS TO SPORTS-ON CAM

IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SUNDAY.

AND THE LADIES OF F-G-C-U SET THEIR SIGHTS HIGH.

SPORTS WRAP AT 5AM-PKG

6AM COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-2SH-VO

THIS WAS A BIG MOVIE WEEKEND.

DID YOU SEE ANY OF THEM?

CHANCE: LES MIS.

DANIELLE:

SO WHICH BIG MOVIE -- MADE THE BIGGEST SPLASH?

MONEYSCOPE AT 6AM-PKG

GOOD MORNING. TOPPING "AMERICA'S MONEY". NO CRYING OVER

SPILLED MILK.

CONGRESS COULD VOTE AS SOON AS TODAY ON A FARM BILL THAT EXTENDS PRICE

SUPPORTS FOR MILK.

WITHOUT THEM, THE COST OF A GALLON WOULD HAVE DOUBLED.

THE DEAL REACHED YESTERDAY HAS THE SUPPORT OF BOTH PARTIES.

WHO NEEDS TENANTS WHEN YOU HAVE BILLBOARDS?

THE TIMES SQUARE BUILDING FROM WHICH THE BALL DROPS IS MOSTLY

EMPTY -- BUT IT STILL TURNS A PROFIT -- BECAUSE OF THE ADS ON ITS EXTERIOR.

HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF T-V VIEWERS WILL SEE THOSE ADS TONIGHT.

AND "THE HOBBIT" IS GETTING TO BE A HABIT AT THE TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE

CHARTS.

THE FANTASY FILM WAS NUMBER-ONE FOR THE THIRD WEEK IN A ROW.

TAKING IN 33 MILLION DOLLARS. DESPITE SOME STIFF COMPETITION.

STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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 TH

E FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS

TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS

TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS

NYE NYC BALL DROP TEST-NATTOPS

NYE THINGS TO DO-2SH-CG

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOME WHERE TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA , WE FOUND A COUPLE OF THINGS TO DO.

YOU CAN HEAD TO THE 7TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION AT THE CAPE HARBOUR IN CAPE CORAL.

THERE WILL BE FIRE WORKS.

ENTERTAINMENT.

AND EVEN A BALL DROPPING AT MIDNIGHT.

.

OR YOU CAN ENJOY THE DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN -- RIGHT HERE IN FORT MYERS.

THERE WILL BE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL NIGHT.

AN INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT.

AND IF YOU WANT TO BRING THE KIDS, THE EVENT IS AGE APPROPRIATE.

THERE WILL BE PRIZES GIVEN AWAY -- AND FIREWORKS TO BRING IN 20-13

FOR MORE THINGS TO DO -- HEAD ON OVER TO OUR WEBSITE

BUMP TO BREAK-3SHOT, CAM 10 BMP

6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS

HL1) FISCAL CLIFF-VO-WIPE

THE CLOCK CONTINUES TO TICK.

LESS THEN 18 HOURS UNTIL WE REACH THE DREADED FISCAL CLIFF.

NEGOTIATIONS PICK-UP LATER THIS MORNING.

HL2) HILLARY HOSPITALIZED-VO-WIPE

HILLARY CLINTON IS IN A NEW YORK HOSPITAL THIS MORNING.

HL3) VODKA ROBBERY-VO-WIPE

AND SOME INCREDIBLE VIDEO OUT OF BOSTON --- AS THIS GUY TRIES TO ROB A CONVENIENCE STORE.

530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP

530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

DEVELOPING-CLIP

HILLARY BLOOD CLOT-VO

DEVELOPING RIGHT NOW AT __

HILLARY CLINTON IS IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING.

SHE'S BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT.

THE CLOT STEMS FROM A CONCUSSION EARLIER THIS MONTH --- WHILE THE SECRETARY OF STATE BATTLED A STOMACH VIRUS.

THE CLOT WAS DISCOVERED SUNDAY DURING A FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATION.

THE 65-YEAR-OLD CLINTON --- IS BEING TREATED WITH BLOOD THINNERS.

FISCAL CLIFF-VOWIPE

IN LESS THAN 18 HOURS, AMERICA WILL GO OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF, UNLESS CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT CAN COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

TALKS ABOUT A DEAL HIT AN APPARENT SNAG YESTERDAY IN WASHINGTON WITH TALKS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE LATER THIS MORNING.

SENATE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC LEADERS REMAIN AT ODDS OVER KEY ISSUES SUCH AS THE INCOME THRESHOLD FOR HIGHER TAX RATES AND HOW TO DEAL WITH INHERITANCE TAXES.

FISCAL CLIFF-(2)SOTVO-OC

sot: Sen. Harry Reid / Nevada / Majority Leader:21-:26 "There's still significant distance between both sides, but negotiations continue."

Sot: Sen. Mitch McConnell / Kentucky / Minority Leader:08-:13

"I want everyone to know I'm going to get this done but I need a dance partner."

IF A DEAL DOESN'T GET DONE THEN TAXES ARE EXPECTED TO GO UP ON 9 OUT OF 10 AMERICANS AND TWO MILLION PEOPLE WITHOUT JOBS WILL GET NO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.

ABC SEVEN DID SOME DIGGING.

WE'VE SET UP SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PREPARE.

TO CALCULATE EXACTLY HOW MUCH MONEY WILL BE TAKEN FROM YOUR SALARY,

HEAD ON OVER TO ABC DASH SEVEN DOT COM.

FM 24TH MURDER-VOWIPE

ANOTHER HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN FORT MYERS. IN WHAT'S *ALREADY THE DEADLIEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE CITY.

POLICE FOUND A MAN DEAD INSIDE OF HIS HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET -- EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

DETECTIVES ARE INVESTIGATING THE SCENE -- AS THE 24TH MURDER IN 2012.

A-B-C 7 WAS THE FIRST ON SCENE.

ONE OF OUR CREWS WAS ALREADY COVERING A HOUSE FIRE -- JUST 2 DOORS DOWN.

A TENANT, WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN THE FIRE, DISCOVERED THE BODY.

FM 24TH MURDER-SOTVO

christina moser

10:26 i'm still in shock of the fact it even happened so close to home. Especially with the holidays and everything. It's sad

FM FIRE-VOWIPE

IN THAT HOUSE FIRE ON LAFAYETTE STREET A HALF A DOZEN DOGS WERE RESCUED.

IT BROKE OUT AROUND 4 IN THE MORNING ON SUNDAY.

FIRE FIGHTERS SAY THEY COULD HEAR THE DOGS BARKING WHEN THEY ARRIVED.

ALL OF THE DOGS WERE IN KENNELS.

SIX WERE PULLED FROM THE FLAMES.

ALL THE ANIMALS SURVIVED.

FM FIRE-SOTVO

ADRIAN TORRES/victim

1:49 I came up saw the fire trucks and police cars. I walked around, saw my room. Saw it was burnt and really didn't know what happened until they told me it was an electrical problem."

LEHIGH BODY ID FOLO-VOWIPE

MEANWHILE, LEE COUNTY DETECTIVES -- ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN CATCHING A KILLER.

THEY SAY A PASSERBY FOUND 26 YEAR OLD GREGORY "BAM" MATTHEWS' REMAINS ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY WERE DISCOVERED NEAR THE INTERSECTION -- OF HEDGEWOOD STREET AND MEADOW ROAD IN LEHIGH ACRES.

DETECTIVES SAY THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE INFORMATION RIGHT NOW --- BUT THEY'RE WORKING ON CREATING A TIMELINE.

LEHIGH BODY ID FOLO-SOTVO

"right now, we're looking for anyone who may have seen Greg in the days leading up to Christmas eve. If he gotten into any altercation any word on the street if he had any beef with someone."

MATTHEWS' FAMILY TELLS A-B-C 7 --- THEY'RE ASKING FOR ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO COME FORWARD.

THE MAN WAS NOT LISTED AS "MISSING" WHEN FOUND.

LEHIGH FIRE-VO

ALSO IN LEHIGH ACRES, A MAN'S DOG SAVED THE DAY AT AN EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE.

FLAMES SHOT THROUGH THE ROOF OF THIS HOME.

IT HAPPENED ON MORNING MIST LANE AROUND THREE IN THE MORNING ON SUNDAY.

NEIGHBORS TELL US THE HOMEOWNER AND HIS DOG WERE ASLEEP WHEN THE FIRE STARTED.

HIS DOG WOKE HIM UP AND THEY BOTH GOT OUT IN TIME.

THE DUO ARE NOW AT A FORT MYERS HOTEL.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY THE HOME IS A TOTAL LOSS

630AM COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-2SH-MITTO

-WE ARE GETTING DOWN TO THE WIRE ON THE ON-GOING FISCAL CLIFF NEGOTIATIONS

-IT'S BEEN A ROLAR COASTER OF A WEEKEND.ABC NEWS LEARNED THAT NEGOTIATIONS REACHED A 'MAJOR SETBACK OVER SOCIAL SECURITY'

STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS

PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON

NEWTOWN SHOOTERS BODY CLAIMED-VOWIPE

MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SANDY HOOK SHOOTING RAMPAGE --- ADAM LANZA'S BODY HAS BEEN CLAIMED FOR BURIAL.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES.

THE PAPER WASN'T ABLE TO FIND OUT FROM THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER -- WHO TOOK HIM.

ON DECEMBER 14-TH, LANZA SHOT AND KILLED 26 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 20 CHILDREN, AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -- BEFORE KILLING HIMSELF.

BEFORE THAT MASSACRE, LANZA KILLED HIS MOTHER AT HER HOME NEARBY.

GIANTS SANDY HOOK-VOTOPS

MEANWHILE -- THE NEW YORK GIANTS WELCOMED 200 STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND FACULTY MEMBERS FROM SANDY HOOK --- TO SUNDAY'S GAME AGAINST PHILADELPHIA.

THE GROUP JOINED 50 MEMBERS OF WOUNDED WARRIORS BEFORE THE GAME.

PLAYERS FROM BOTH TEAMS --- HIGH-FIVED THE KIDS AS THEY RAN ONTO THE FIELD.

THE SANDY HOOK GROUP CIRCLED THE FIELD FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP

QUARTER TOP STORY REVEAL @ 45-HLF REVEAL

WE'RE KEEPING WATCH ON A NEW YORK HOSPITAL.

HILLARY CLINTON WAS ADMITTED OVERNIGHT.

SHE'S BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER HER LAST HEALTH SCARE.

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ HAS SUFFERED NEW COMPLICATIONS AFTER A FOURTH ROUND OF CANCER SURGERY IN CUBA.

VICE-PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO DID NOT SPECIFY THE NATURE OF THOSE COMPLICATIONS.

WE DO KNOW HE RECENTLY SUFFERED A RESPIRATORY INFECTION.

FORT MYERS DEADLIEST YEAR JUST GOT DEADLIER.

THE CITY OF PALMS IS NOW UP TO 24 HOMICIDES IN 2012.

POLICE SAY A MAN WAS FOUND DEAD, INSIDE A HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET SUNDAY MORNING.

STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

DEVELOPING-CLIP

FL CAR INTO HOME-VO

A CAR CRASHES THROUGH NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT THREE YARDS *AND THE WALL OF A HOUSE NEAR ORLANDO.

THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL CRASHING THROUGH THREE FENCES AND NOT STOPPING UNTIL THE CAR PLOWED INTO THIS HOUSE.

A MAN WHO WAS SLEEPING IN HIS BEDROOM WAS KNOCKED TO THE KITCHEN WITH MINOR INJURIES.

HIS HOUSE THEN CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED.

VODKA ROBBERY-VO

VODKA HELPED *STOP A ROBBERY IN BOSTON.

THE SURVEILLANCE VIDEO -- SHOWS THE SUSPECT WALKING IN WITH NO MASK OVER HIS FACE.

HE MOTIONS LIKE HE HAS A GUN, AND DEMANDS THE CASH

YOU CAN SEE THE CLERK STUFFING CASH INTO A BAG. AND THE SUSPECT GRABS IT.

BUT THEN EVERYTHING TAKES A TURN.

A CO-WORKER BEGINS FIGHTING OFF THE SUSPECT, USING A BOTTLE OF VODKA.

BOTH MEN FORCE THE SUSPECT OUT THE DOOR.

DAIRY DEAL-VO

A DEAL IS REACHED TO AVERT THE SO-CALLED "DAIRY CLIFF".

PARTY LEADERS ON THE HOUSE AND SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEES HAVE AGREED TO A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE EXPIRED FARM BILL, A PROPOSAL THAT WOULD GET CONTROL OF DAIRY PRICES.

THERE WERE FEARS MILK PRICES COULD MORE THAN DOUBLE IF THE GOVERNMENT REVERTED TO AN OUTDATED PRICING POLICY.

RECESS IN SCHOOLS-VO

HERE'S SOME GOOD NEWS FOR SCHOOL KIDS.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS HAS RELEASED A NEW POLICY STATEMENT ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO LET THE KIDS HAVE THEIR PLAYTIME.

THE STATEMENT SAYS RECESS OFFERS COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS TO YOUNG CHILDREN.

THIS FREE TIME GIVES KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP SKILLS THAT CAN'T BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT KIDS WHO HAVE RECESS ARE HEALTHIER OVERALL.

RESTAURANT CODES-VOWIPE

SOME GOOD NEWS -- FOR FOODIES.

STARTING IN THE NEW YEAR --- RESTAURANTS WILL BE SERVING UP MEALS WITH A LITTLE EXTRA CARE.

CHANGES TO THE STATE'S FOOD CODE -- COULD MEAN A SAFER DINING EXPERIENCE.

TOMORROW. UPDATES TO THE FOOD CODE FOR RESTAURANTS, GO INTO EFFECT.

RESTAURANT CODES-SOTVO

27:55 "It just makes you more aware of what you really need to do. Dating your products, making sure it's in proper rotation, making sure you are cooking it throughly." Nicole Lauber-Mcquade,GM Sandy Hook Fish & Rib House.

THE NEW SYSTEM BREAKS DOWN VIOLATIONS INTO EITHER "HIGH", "INTERMEDIATE", OR "BASIC" PRIORITY.

630AM COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-2SH-MITTO

*GMA*

IT'S THE LAST DAY OF 2012.

AND WITH THE NEW YEAR, A SET OF *NEW LAWS*.

SOME MAKE SENSE. OTHERS ARE KIND OF STRANGE.

IN WELLINGTON, KANSAS -- A LIMIT ON CATS IN HOMES.

CONCORD, MASSACHUSETTS -- NO MORE PLASTIC BOTTLES.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS LEGAL IN MAINE.

AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING.

TECH BYTES AT 530AM-PKG

IN TODAY'S TECH BYTES. WORRIES ABOUT LITHIUM BATTERIES.

BUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MAKING IT EASIER FOR COMPANIES GET APPROVAL TO

OFFER IN-FLIGHT INTERNET SERVICE.

BUT THERE'S STILL NO WORD ON WHEN PASSENGERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO

USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS.

THE BIG APPLE IS BLAMING THE TECH APPLE FOR ITS RISE IN CRIME.

THE INCREASE IN THEFTS OF APPLE DEVICES IN NEW YORK THIS PAST

YEAR MORE THAN COVERS THE INCREASE IN MAJOR CRIMES.

I-PHONES AND I-PADS ARE FAVORITE TARGETS FOR ROBBERS.

AND ZYNGA IS SENDING PET-VILLE TO THE POUND.

IT'S ONE OF 11 GAMES THE COMPANY IS SHUTTING DOWN. TO CUT

COSTS.

PLAYERS WHO HAVE POURED COUNTLESS HOURS AND DOLLARS INTO THE

GAMES ARE UPSET.

STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS

STORMWARN 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 TH

E FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS

TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS

TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS

TOSS TO CLIFTON-2SH-OBX

IF YOU'RE NOT HEADING TO THE BIG APPLE FOR NEW YEARS. YOU'RE IN LUCK.

THOUSANDS WILL BE IN DOWN TOWN FORT MYERS.

THE BALL WILL DROP -- AND THERE'S PLENTY OF EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

ABC-7'S CLIFTON FRENCH IS LIVE AT THE RIVER DISTRICT -- WITH MORE ON THE PARTY.

NYE TRAFFIC-REM

FROM 6 P.M. TO 2 A.M. THE EVENT WILL BE RIGHT HERE IN THE NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

BUT, THE TRAFFIC CHANGES BEGIN AT NOON.

NYE TRAFFIC-NAVI

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS MAP.

ALL OF THESE WILL BE CLOSED STARTING AT NOON.

EDWARDS DRIVE FROM MONROE STREET TO JACKSON STREET, BAY STREET FROM THE EXIT OF THE CITY OF PALM PARKING GARAGE TO JACKSON STREET, FIRST STREET FROM MONROE TO LEE.

MAIN STREET FROM BROADWAY TO JACKSON

BROADWAY AND JACKSON WILL BE CLOSED FROM MAIN TO BAY.

HENDRY STREET FROM MAIN STREET TO EDWARDS DRIVE.

NYE TRAFFIC-REM

ALL THESE CLOSURES ARE IN PLACE TO MAKE IT A SAFE NEW YEARS EVE.

THERE WILL BE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FLORIDA'S LONGEST CONGA LINE, FOOD VENDORS, A CRAFT BEER GARDEN, PRIZES AND FIREWORKS.

ADMISSION IS FREE, BUT THERE ARE PREFERRED TICKETS AT $10 AND $15 DOLLARS AND VIP TICKETS STARTING AT $99 DOLLARS.

WE HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE, NBC-2.COM, JUST CLICK ON NEWSLINKS.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP

TS 1) HILLARY HOSPITALIZED-VO-WIPE

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON IS IN A NEW YORK CITY HOSPITAL THIS MORNING BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT.

THE CLOT IS A RESULT OF THE CONCUSSION SHE RECEIVED EARLIER THIS MONTH WHILE FIGHTING THE FLU.

TS 2) FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS

TIME IS TICKING AWAY -- AS LAWMAKERS WORK TO COME UP WITH A DEAL BEFORE REACHING THE FISCAL CLIFF.

IF A DEAL IS NOT REACHED BY MIDNIGHT ---TAXES GO UP ON 9 OUT OF 10 AMERICANS.

AND TWO MILLION PEOPLE WITHOUT JOBS -- LOSE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

TS 3) 24TH MURDER-VOTOPS

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING ANOTHER HOMICIDE IN FORT MYERS.

IT'S THE 24TH HOMICIDE OF THE YEAR, A RECORD FOR THE CITY.

POLICE FOUND A MAN DEAD INSIDE OF HIS HOME ON LAFAYETTE STREET EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

THE NAME OF THE VICTIM HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

TS) LEHIGH DEATH INVESTIGATION-VOTOPS

LEE COUNTY DETECTIVES ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO CATCH A KILLER.

THEY SAY A PASSERBY FOUND 26-YEAR-OLD GREGORY "BAM" MATTHEWS' REMAINS ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY WERE DISCOVERED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF HEDGEWOOD STREET AND MEADOW ROAD IN LEHIGH ACRES.

TS 4) CHAVEZ COMPLICATIONS-VOTOPS

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ HAS SUFFERED *NEW COMPLICATIONS --- AFTER A FOURTH ROUND OF CANCER SURGERY IN CUBA.

VICE-PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO -- DID NOT SPECIFY THE NATURE OF THOSE COMPLICATIONS.

WE DO KNOW HE RECENTLY SUFFERED A RESPIRATORY INFECTION.

TS 4) OR FATAL BUS CRASH-VOTOPS

NINE PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND 29 INJURED THIS MORNING IN OREGON -- AFTER A TOUR BUS CRASHED THROUGH A HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL -- AND DOWN A STEEP EMABANKMENT.

THE BUS WAS HEADING TO LAS VEGAS FROM CANADA ON I-84 --- WHEN THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROAD.

FINAL WEATHER

Temperatures will still be on the cool side for this final day of 2012, but a warming trend actually begins today and continues as we kick off the New Year.

After starting out with temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning, we'll warm a lot faster today compared to yesterday. By noon, temps will start to break into the low 70s, and through the afternoon hours we'll see daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

Look for plentiful sunshine this morning, and then some patchy clouds will build in this afternoon to make for a partly sunny sky.

A stiff easterly breeze will stay with us today, but winds won't be quite as gusty as yesterday. Winds will be sustained from 5-15 with some gusts up to 20 mph.

Humidity levels will stay at very comfortable levels today but will be just a touch higher than Sunday.

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida. Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will mainly be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

GOODBYE WEBSITE TEASE-3SH-WEB ANI

COVERAGE PROMISE OF THE BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY ON WEB

" WHEN EVER YOU NEED A NEWS OR WEATHER UPDATE - WE ARE LOGGED ON AND UPDATING ABC-7.COM "

-WHAT IS COMING UP ON GMA - BIG STORY COVERAGE OF THE MORNING.

END TIME