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

"When you return to familiarity, in a situation that feels really

comfortable, that will really help restore your previous beliefs, restore

that world view that might have gotten shaken up by the trauma."

BACK TO CLASS.

SANDY HOOK STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL,

FOR THE *FIRST TIME SINCE THAT TRAGIC SHOOTING.

AND EDUCATORS ARE DOING EVERYTHING --

TO MAKE SURE THESE KIDS FEEL SAFE.

THE FISCAL CLIFF IS BEHIND US.

BUT NOW, *ANOTHER FIGHT IN WASHINGTON.

OVER AID FOR SUPERSTORM SANDY VICTIMS.

REPUBLICANS ARE BLASTING THEIR OWN PARTY.

AND ALL THIS -- AS *NEW MEMBERS GET SWORN IN.

PLUS- GO GET THE KIDS.

THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

ABC-7 HAS A SNEAK PEEK OF THE THRILLING SHOW.

HL1)VICTIMS RETURN TO SCHOOL-SOTVO

HL3) FISCAL CLIFF AND SANDY VICTIMS-VO-WIPE

HL3) RINGLING BROS-VOTOPS

WX HL-WX WALL

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIPTOPS

EARLY MORNING FOG-2-SHOT

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED

SOME SERIOUSLY FOGGY CONDITIONS UPON WAKING UP THIS MORNING.

THE ROADS WERE PRETTY BAD.

AND AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN FORT MYERS ---

FLIGHTS WERE DIVERTED, DELAYED AND CANCELLED OVERNIGHT.

EARLY MORNING FOG-REMLIVE

EARLY MORNING FOG-VO

10 FLIGHTS WERE CANCELLED OVER NIGHT BECAUSE OF THE FOG, ANOTHER 2 WERE CANCELLED THIS MORNING.

WE'RE TOLD THEY SHOULD ALL BE MAKING THEIR WAY INTO THE AIRPORT BETWEEN NOW AND NOON.

EARLY MORNING FOG-SOTVO

Shirley LeVines, Picking up Family

"We heard that they have been diverted to Fort Lauderdale and may or may not spend the night in a hotel."

David Clements, Picking up Family

"We're here to pick up our grand daughter from Mass, she called us on the cell phone, she's in Fort Lauderdale sitting in the airport waiting for instructions."

LIVE:

THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL DELAYS THIS MORNING.

I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT DELAYS ON SOME FLIGHTS AS THE AIRLINES TRY TO GET BACK ON SCHEDULE FROM THE SET BACK.

LIVE AT RSW, CF, NBC2.

NEWTON VICTIMS BACK TO SCHOOL-2-SHOT POP

THIS MORNING -- CLASSES BEGIN.

FOR THE LITTLE CHILDREN OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

THE SURVIVORS OF LAST MONTH'S DEADLY RAMPAGE START ANEW IN THEIR SCHOOL -- TRANSFORMED BY A NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY.

AS ABC'S ROB NELSON REPORTS --

NEWTON VICTIMS BACK TO SCHOOL-PKG

PKG SCRIPT:

AS THE CHILDREN FROM SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SHOOL RIDE THE BUS TO CLASS TODAY

, THE STREETS LEADING TO THEIR NEW SCHOOL WILL BE LINED WITH GREEN RIBBONS.

THE RIBBONS ARE THE COLOR SYMBOLIC OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE ALSO SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT. SOME SENT

SNOWFLAKES, WITH MESSAGES OF LOVE AND HOPE, THAT ARE NOW HANGING THROUGHOUT

THE NEW SCHOOL.

SOT Janet Robinson, Newtown Superintendent of Schools

"A great deal of thought and effort and volunteer work to make this as

seamless as possible, / to make it really look cheerful and happy."

THE NEWLY NAMED BUILDING, ORIGINALLY DESIGNED AS A MIDDLE SCHOOL, HAS BEEN

MODIFIED FOR THE YOUNGER KIDS.

SINKS AND TOILETS WERE LOWERED AND THE GYM REMODELED.

THE SIGN OUTSIDE CHALK HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS BEEN CHANGED TO READ SANDY

HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

AND IN MANY CLASSROOMS, STUDENTS WILL FIND EVERYTHING EXACTLY AS THEY LEFT

IT -- DESKS, BACKPACKS, EVEN THE PENCILS ON THEIR DESKS.

SOT Dr. Jamie Howard, Clinical Psychologist, Child Mind Institute

"When you return to familiarity, in a situation that feels really

comfortable, that will really help restore your previous beliefs, restore

that world view that might have gotten shaken up by the trauma."

AND FORMER PRINCIPAL, DONNA PAGE, WHO RETIRED TWO YEARS AGO IS RETURNING TO

THE SCHOOL.

ON WEDNESDAY, THE NEW SCHOOL HELD AN OPEN HOUSE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO

TAKE A LOOK AROUND.

POLICE FROM NEWTOWN AND MONROE, WHERE THE NEW SCHOOL IS LOCATED, WILL BE

PATROLLING THE AREA. BUT THEY DON'T WANT THE CHILDREN TO FEEL OVER-BURDENED

BY THE POLICE PRESENCE.

SOT Lt. Keith White, Monroe Police Dept

"Right now it HAS to be the safest school in America. / We've actually

installed numerous different security devices at this school."

AND BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS THESE FIRST FEW DAYS WILL BE A BALANCING ACT

BETWEEN SECURITY AND NORMALCY, PARENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO COME INTO THE

SCHOOL AND INTO CLASSROOMS WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

NEWTON VICTIMS BACK TO SCHOOL-ON CAM TAG

THAT WAS ROB NELSON REPORTING.

SECURITY MEASURES AT SANDY HOOK HAVE BEEN INCREASED --

TEEN THIEVES-OC, SS, VO

A LEHIGH ACRES MAN CATCHES TWO TEENAGERS --- AFTER THEY ALLEDGEDLY BURGLARIZE HIS NEIGHBORS HOME.

THEN HE HELD THEM AT GUNPOINT -- UNTIL DEPUTIES ARRIVED.

ARRESTED WERE 18 YEAR OLD EDWARD CHAMBERLAIN -- AND HIS 14 YEAR OLD ACCOMPLICE.

DEPUTIES SAY THEY TOOK MORE THAN 15 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF ELECTRONICS -- FROM THIS HOME ON 15TH STREET SOUTHWEST IN LEHIGH.

TEEN THIEVES-SOTVO

44:29 my dog alerted me i saw which was he was looking so i walked out the back female was looking in same direction so i looked over the fence walked to the back of the creek and the boys were hiding down by the water:42

PEOPLE LIVING ON THE STREET BELIEVE THE TWO ARE RESPONSIBLE -- FOR OTHER BURGLARIES.

L-C-S-O IS INVESTIGATING.

CHAMBERLAIN IS BEING HELD ON 75-HUNDRED DOLLARS BOND -- AT THE LEE COUNTY JAIL.

SANIBEL STABBING-SS-VO

THIS MORNING, A FORMER LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STAR IS OUT ON BOND

HE'S ACCUSED OF A NEW YEAR'S DAY STABBING.

ACCORDING TO SANIBEL POLICE --

21-YEAR-OLD STEPHEN PLEIN STABBED A MAN WITH HIS POCKET KNIFE.

THIS IS VIDEO OF PLEIN,

WHEN HE PLAYED FOR FORT MYERS HIGH.

A KNEE INJURY ENDED HIS PLAYING CAREER.

ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT --

PLEIN CALLED POLICE AND TURNED HIMSELF IN,

ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER THE STABBING.

PASEO STABBING-OC-SOTVO-WIPE

A MAN ARRESTED WEARING WOMEN'S CLOTHING AND ACCUSED OF STABBING HIS NEIGHBOR -- WILL BE IN COURT TOMORROW.

AND ONE QUESTION REMAINS.

4:14 "why would he wear women's clothing? i have no idea"

FORT MYERS POLICE TELL US --- JOHN MAATSCH BROKE INTO TRACEY MARAZZI'S PASEO HOME, WATCHED HER SLEEP. THEN STABBED HER IN THE CHEST THREE TIMES.

THEY SAY HE CAME *BACK -- TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME.

AND WHEN HE DID --- HE WAS WEARING A WOMAN'S BLOUSE AND KNEE-HIGH BOOTS.

OFFICERS NOTICED SCRATCHES ON MAATSCH'S ARMS.

SO THEY SEARCHED HIS HOUSE.

PASEO STABBING-SOTVO-SS

05.50.34 "I don't know how long he stood there and looked at me while I slept before he stabbed me in the chest. He stabbed me three times, just missed my artery, just less than a millimeter, collapsed my lung and almost killed me."

3:50 "most people want to be as far from the crime scene as humanly possible- this individual came back and engaged officers in conversation."

MARAZZI'S SON CAME IN ON THE ATTACK.

SHE WAS RUSHED HER TO THE HOSPITAL AND SHE SURVIVED

MAATSCH LIVES WITH HIS WIFE --- JUST A HALF-MILE AWAY IN THE SAME GATED COMMUNITY.

THIS MORNING HE FACES A CHARGE OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON.

THAT CARRIES THE SAME PENALTY AS ATTEMPTED MURDER.

FISCAL CLIFF AND SANDY VICTIMS-2-SHOT

THE NEW CONGRESS IS SWORN IN TODAY.

EVEN THOUGH THE OLD ONE IS STILL STIRRING UP SOME ANGRY FIGHTS.

AND HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER IS TAKING *BRUTAL CRITICISM.

FROM HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS.

CRITICISM FOR FAILING TO VOTE ON BILLIONS IN AID -- FOR THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY.

FISCAL CLIFF AND SANDY VICTIMS-PKG

JOHN BOEHNER IS EXPECTED TO BE RE-ELECTED TODAY BY HOUSE REPUBLICANS AS THE

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE BUT IT WILL BE A BATTERED AND WEAKENED JOHN BOEHNER

LEADING THE NEW CONGRESS.

IT WAS BOEHNER, AS MUCH AS ANYBODY, WHO ENSURED THE COUNTRY DID NOT GO OVER

THE FISCAL CLIFF -- BUT HE DID IT BY BY PUTTING HIS OWN JOB ON THE LINE

HOUSE FLOOR NATS

SUPPORTING A BILL OPPOSED BY THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF HOUSE REPUBLICANS.

AND AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT VOTE, BOEHNER TOOK HEAT

FOR ADJOURNING THE HOUSE WITHOUT PASSING A $60 BILLION BILL TO HELP VICTIMS

OF HURRICANE SANDY.

OUTRAGE MONTAGE

KING SOT: THE RUG WAS PULLED OUT FROM UNDER US. ABSOLUTELY INEXCUSABLE,

ABSOLUTELY INDEFENSIBLE

LOWEY SOT: REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP HAS TURNED THEIR BACKS ON NEW YORKERS

LOBIONDO SOT: ABSURD! ABSOLUTELY ABSURD!

ENGEL SOT: SHAME ON YOU MR. SPEAKER!

IT WAS AN ATTACK THE ECHOED ALL THE WAY FROM NEW JERSEY, WHERE CHRIS

CHRISTIE, PERHAPS THE MOST POPULAR REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR IN AMERICAN,

PERSONALLY ATTACKED BOEHNER FOR NOT GETTING SANDY RELIEF PASSED.

CHRISTIE SOT: SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON CONGRESS / IT'S ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL

THE FIGHT OVER SANDY SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED -- THE HOUSE WILL VOTE

FRIDAY ON HURRICANE RELIEF.

LOOMING OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS - THE POSSIBLE DEFAULT OF THE US

GOVERNMENT SPENDING CUTS THAT COULD IMPERIL THOUSANDS OF PENTAGON JOBS AND

A POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT ALL OF THIS -- IS COOPERATION BETWEEN REPUBLICANS IN

CONGRESS AND THE WHITE HOUSE.

BUT JOHN BOEHNER WILL LIKELY FIND IT EVEN HARDER TO COMPROMISE WITH

PRESIDENT OBAMA AGAIN -- THERE'RE ONLY SO MANY TIMES YOU CAN DEFY THE

FISCAL CLIFF CHAIRITY DONATIONS-VO

THAT WAS JON KARL REPORTING.

LAWMAKERS DECISIONS ON THE FISCAL CLIFF -- COULD POSE A THREAT TO CHARITIES. THAT ALREADY HAD A ROUGH YEAR.

TWO BIG DECISIONS MAY CUT INCENTIVES -- TO WRITE THAT CHECK FOR A CHARITY.

THE FIRST -- IS GEARED TOWARDS THE UPPER MIDDLE CLASS.

THEY FACE CAPPED DEDUCTIONS, PLUS HIGHER TAXES.

FISCAL CLIFF CHAIRITY DONATIONS-SOTVO

55:55 lower middle class they give to the food drives and they;'re out lifeline an that 20 40 60 bucks a month is going to make a big difference to someone making $10 or 15 an hour and i we're going to see an impact on our donations 56:17

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHARITIES -- ARE TRYING TO REMAIN OPTIMISTIC.

TAXES FOR YOU-HLF RVL

DESPITE THE FISCAL CLIFF DEAL --

MOST AMERICANS WILL STILL PAY HIGHER TAXES IN 20-13.

THE TWO-YEAR-OLD PAYROLL TAX HOLIDAY HAS ENDED.

SO IF YOU MAKE 30-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR--

YOU'LL PAY ABOUT 50-DOLLARS MORE A MONTH IN TAXES.

THOSE MAKING 50-THOUSAND A YEAR --

WILL PAY ABOUT 83 MORE DOLLARS A MONTH.

AND ANYONE EARNING A LITTLE MORE THAN 110-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR --

WILL PAY AN EXTRA 189-DOLLARS *EACH* MONTH.

RICK SCOTT IN FT MYERS-VO

FLORIDA GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT VISITED DESOTO COUNTY --- AND TALKED ONE ON ONE, WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ARCADIA.

YESTERDAY, SCOTT ALSO GAVE ADVICE AT THE DESOTO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MANY PEOPLE HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT JOBS, EDUCATION, AND THE COST OF LIVING.

RICK SCOTT IN FT MYERS-SOT-OC

22.43.13 But we still have over 700,000 people out of work in our state. So we still have a lot of work to do and it's all tied to making sure this is the best place to do business.

AFTER SPENDING ABOUT AN HOUR -- GOVERNOR SCOTT FOR ANOTHER SESSION.

TEASE ONE-ONCAM

TRYING TO HIT THE GYM MORE THIS YEAR?

WE'LL GIVE YOU THE RUNDOWN -- ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY, AND GET THE BEST CONTRACT.

PLUS--TECHNOLOGY CHANGES AT THE BLINK OF AN EYE.

TZ1A (NEW IPHONE)-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.

"Increasing rain chances"

It has been a warm start to the New Year and the warm afternoons will continue as a cold front remains stretched out to our north.

Be on the look out for some dense fog developing early this morning with temperatures in the lower 60s here in town with visibilities reduced to less than 1/4 of a mile. Once the fog lifts and mixes out, we'll see some sunshine early in the day with a mix of sun and clouds during the afternoon hours. With a cold front to our north, our wind flow will become more southerly. This will keep a warm and more humid airmass in place with daytime highs in the upper 70s to 80°.

Tonight, clouds will begin to increase and shower prospects will be on the rise from Friday and into the weekend. Overnight, a couple of showers can't be ruled out and lows will bottom out in the lower half of the 60s.

Friday will be a mostly cloudy day, and although the rain chance is not all that great, a few passing showers will be in the forecast during the afternoon hours. Afternoon highs will also remain a few degrees warmer than average as they stay in the upper 70s.

Through the upcoming weekend, this weather system will stall across parts of Southwest Florida with more clouds and the chance for rain both Saturday and Sunday. Unlike the past few cold fronts we've seen, this particular one will not bring us another shot of cool and dry air.

GYM CONTRACTS-ON CAM

THE MOST COMMON NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?

LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT.

JOINING A GYM IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

BUT NOT ALL MEMBERSHIPS -- ARE CREATED EQUAL.

KAREN CAIFA EXPLAINS HOW TO SLIM DOWN.

GYM CONTRACTS-PKG

FOR MANY AMERICANS, THE NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW FITNESS ROUTINE. BUT WHEN SIGNING UP FOR A GYM MEMBERSHIP, MAKE SURE FINANCES STAY IN SHAPE TOO.

FIRST OFF, FACTOR NEW GYM COSTS INTO YOUR PERSONAL BUDGET. YOU'LL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY A FIRST-TIME MEMBERSHIP FEE UP FRONT, IN ADDITION TO MONTHLY FEES. ADDITIONAL LESSONS OR CLASSES, AND THINGS LIKE POOL OR TENNIS COURT USAGE, MAY NOT BE INCLUDED IN THAT BASE CHARGE.

MANY CLUBS OFFER NEW YEAR SPECIALS AIMED AT NEW MEMBERS, AND MAY ASK YOU TO SIGN A CONTRACT ON THE SPOT. TAKE IT HOME AND READ IT INSTEAD, TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE PAYING FOR.

THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SAYS KEY MEMBERSHIP DETAILS INCLUDE THE LENGTH OF THE CONTRACT, AND WHETHER THERE'S AN AUTOMATIC RENEWAL, AS WELL AS CANCELLATION TERMS. IF YOU MOVE, GET INJURED, OR THE FITNESS CLUB CHANGES HANDS, WILL YOU STILL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY? AND MANY GYMS WILL OFFER LOW INTRODUCTORY FEES THAT INCREASE AFTER 3, 6 OR 12 MONTHS.

GYM CONTRACTS-TAG

THAT WAS KARIN KAIFA REPORTING.

WHETHER THEY MEAN TO OR NOT.

EMPLOYEES CAN TALK FAST.

AND EXPLAIN MEMBERSHIP TERMS IN A VAGUE WAY.

TALKS OF A NEW IPHONE-VO

YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE iPHONE 5. BUT WORD IS OUT. THAT APPLE IS ALREADY TESTING THE NEXT iPHONE AND OPERATING SYSTEM.

ACCORDING TO THE 'NEXT WEB' ---- MULTIPLE APP DEVELOPERS SAY THEY'RE BEGINNING TO SEE REFERENCES TO "iPHONE 6" HARDWARE RUNNING IN THE DATA LOGS.

TEASE TWO-ON CAM

GET READY FOR MEGA-WATT THRILLS.

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN.

AND THIS SHOW IS *FULLY CHARGED.

TZ 2 A (WRINGLING BROS)-VO

RINGLING BROS-INTRO

GRAB THE KIDS AND THE COTTON CANDY --

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN.

OF COURSE. YOU'LL SEE THE CLOWNS, ACROBATS AND ANIMALS.

BUT THIS SHOW IS DIFFERENT.

IT'S *FULLY CHARGED.

RINGLING BROS-LLPKG

TEASE THREE-2-SHOT

WASHINGTON HAS A NEW LOOK.

THE NEW CONGRESS GETS SWORN IN TODAY.

BUT THEY ALREADY HAVE A *FULL PLATE.

PLUS -- *DIRTY POLITICS.

Nats from arrest video

Reporter: Do you have anything to say about the charges?

A POLITICAN --

ACCUSED OF STALKING AND SLASHING TIRES.

TZ3A) DIRTY POLITICS-VOTOPS

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

NY STOCK EXCHANGE OPEN-SAT 3 TOPS

ABC SEVEN IS ON TOP OF THE LATEST BUSINESS NEWS -- IN NEW YORK.

YESTERDAY, THE DOW CLOSED *WAY UP -- AFTER CONGRESS PASSED A DEAL TO AVOID THE FISCAL CLIFF.

BUT WAIT.

SOME INVESTORS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE COMING FIGHT -- OVER THE DEBT LIMIT.

AND TODAY.

A FRESH LOOK AT THE GOVERNMENT'S WEEKLY REPORT ON JOBLESS CLAIMS.

TS1) BACK TO SCHOOL SANDY HOOK-VO-TRX

20 DAYS AFTER THE DEADLY SHOOTINGS IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT -- STUDENTS OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY RETURN TO SCHOOL TODAY.

THEY WILL BE IN A DIFFERENT BUILDING -- IN A NEIGHBORING TOWN.

TS2) RICK SCOTT FT MYERS-VO-TRX

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT STOPS IN FORT MYERS TODAY.

HE'LL VISIT THE GARDEN STREET RECYCLING FOR A TOUR.

THEN HAVE LUNCH AT ALE HOUSE.

HE'LL ALSO STOP BY CHICO'S HEADQUARTERS THIS AFTERNOON.

TS3) PASCEO STABBING-VO-TRX

NEW INFORMATION THIS MORNING -- ABOUT A STABBING IN THE PASEO COMMUNITY IN FORT MYERS.

SUSPECT JOHN MAATCH IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN COURT TOMORROW MORNING -- FOR A DANGER HEARING.

POLICE SAY HE BROKE INTO HIS NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE -- AND STABBED HER SEVERAL TIMES.

NEW CONGRESS-2SHOT

IN WASHINGTON THIS MORNING --

CONGRESS HAS THE FISCAL CLIFF BEHIND THEM.

BUT NOW -- THEY MOVE ONTO A NEW FIGHT.

WITH A NEW TEAM!

THE NEW CONGRESS WILL BE SWORN IN AT NOON TODAY.

NEW CONGRESS-PKG

THE 113TH CONGRESS TAKES ITS OATH THIS AFTERNOON WITH 56 NEW DEMOCRATS. 38 NEW REPUBLICANS.

AND A RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN.

THE YOUNGEST - HAWAII'S TULSI GABBARD - A 31-YEAR-OLD IRAQ WAR VETERAN. AND THE FIRST HINDU EVER ELECTED.

JOHN BOEHNER'S EXPECTED TO BE RE-ELECTED SPEAKER TODAY. BUT 17 CONSERVATIVES COULD DERAIL THAT.

HE'S ALREADY ANNOUNCED THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS: A VOTE FRIDAY TO PROVIDE BILLIONS TO VICTIMS OF SUPERSTORM SANDY.

New York:32-:42

"The bottom line is, between Friday morning and January 15th, two votes will bring in 60 billion dollars that's absolutely necessary for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut."

ALSO TOPS ON THEIR AGENDA: RAISING THE DEBT CEILING - SO AMERICAN CAN BORROW MORE TO PAY ITS BILLS.

REPUBLICANS WILL INSIST ON CUTTING SPENDING FIRST.

Wyoming:52-:58

"The President is addicted to spending. He wants to spend. He wants a new credit card after he's maxed out the last one."

Oklahoma:59-1:05

"If the President thinks that he's not going to negotiate, he'd better think again. He's President of the United States -- he's not emperor of the planet."

THE LAST TIME CONGRESS FOUGHT OVER THE DEBT CEILING, THE U-S SAW ITS FIRST EVER CREDIT DOWNGRADE.

"It may take a default, another downgrade, the serious economic consequences that flow from it, to jolt us back to some kind of reality."

NEW CONGRESS-TAG

THAT WAS TRACIE POTTS.

AND A SHORT DEADLINE.

CLINTON OUT OF THE HOSPITAL-VO

NOW TO AN UPDATE ON HILLARY CLINTON'S HEALTH.

SHE'S BACK HOME THIS MORNING,

AFTER SPENDING FOUR DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL.

HERE SHE IS --

LEAVING NEW YORK'S PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL ON WEDNESDAY.

SHE'S WITH HER DAUGHTER CHELSIE.

AND HER HUSBAND -- FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON.

CLINTON OUT OF THE HOSPITAL-SOTVO

i expect that they are doing an evaluation to see, is she

one of those people who has a clotting disorder / i would be very nervous

about long flights until i sorted out whether or not if she was at risk for

this again.

HER MEDICAL TEAM SAYS SHE'S MAKING GOOD PROGRESS ON ALL FRONTS.

OBAMA SIGNS FISCAL CLIFF BILL INTO LAW-VO

PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS SIGNED INTO LAW --- THE BILL TO AVERT THE FISCAL CLIFF.

THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL LATE TUESDAY -- AFTER THE SENATE APPROVED IT.

THE LAW PRESERVES BUSH-ERA TAX CUTS -- FOR INDIVIDUALS EARNING LESS THAN 400-THOUSAND DOLLARS -- AND EXTENDS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

THE PRESIDENT IS IN HAWAII WITH HIS FAMILY.

INAUGURATION TURNOUT-VO

SPEAKING OF THE PRESIDENT.

MISTER OBAMA'S *SECOND INAUGURATION.

MAY NOT ATTRACT AS MANY PEOPLE AS HIS FIRST.

BUT OFFICIALS STILL EXPECT A MASSIVE CROWD.

OFFICIALS PROJECT BETWEEN 600-THOUSAND AND 800-THOUSAND PEOPLE.

WILL COME TO THE NATIONAL MALL.

AND WATCH PRESIDENT OBAMA GET SWORN IN ON JANUARY 21ST.

ESTIMATES ARE BASED ON PAST ATTENDANCE,

FBI RECORD GUN RECORD BACKGROUND CHECKS-VO

THE NUMBER OF FBI BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED FOR AMERICANS TO PURCHASE A GUN -- SET A RECORD IN DECEMBER.

IT FOLLOWS THE CONNECTICUT SCHOOL MASSACRE.

AND RENEWED TALKS ON POSSIBLE GUN CONTROL.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE ILLINOIS-VO

THEY'RE TALKING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN ILLINOIS.

TODAY -- A SENATE COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL.

THAT WOULD LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE.

AND *IF THE COMMITTEE APPROVES THE MEASURE --

THE FULL SENATE COULD VOTE,

DIRTY POLITICS-2SHOT

NOW, YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA.

A FORMER CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE'S BEEN ARRESTED --

FOR SLASHING HIS RIVAL'S TIRES.

THE VICTIM SAYS SHE FEARS FOR HER SAFETY.

AND POLICE BELIEVE THE POLITICIAN --- MAY HAVE BEEN HARASSING HER FOR *MONTHS.

DIRTY POLITICS-PKG

Nats from arrest video 19:22:00

Reporter: Gary, are you slashing these tires, Gary?

THIS MORNING 56 YEAR OLD GARY SMITH IS BEHIND BARS FOR FELENY AGGRAVATED

STALKING CHARGES.

Nats from arrest video

Reporter: Do you have anything to say about the charges?

THIS SURVEILLANCE VIDEO TELLS THE STORY.

SMITH IS ACCUSED OF STALKING AND SLASHING TIRES.AND WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK

ON VANDALISM CHARGES.

NATS Woman from affiliate pkg

He normally stabs them multiple times.

BY DAY, HE'S A POLITICIAN.A FORMER 2012 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR

CONGRESS IN NEW MEXICO.

SOT Detective Lorenzo Garcia / Albuquerque Police Department

A candidate for congress was violating another candidate's vehicle.

IT ALL STARTED IN JUNE WHEN SMITH WAS RUNNING FOR A SEAT IN THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENATIVES WHEN HE LOST TO RIVAL JANICE ARNOLD JONES IN THE PRIMARY.

BUT SOUR GRAPES MAY HAVE TURNED INTO STABBING TIRES.

SOT JANICE

19:44

When he saw his face, both John and I said 'Oh my gosh, it's Gary Smith.'

GROWING SUSPICIOUS OF THE COUNTLESS TIRE SLASHINGS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD,

AROLD-JONES SET UP A SOPHISTICATED SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM IN HER HOME

SOT JANICE

The morning of the 20th at 3:30 in the morning, Gary Smith is very visible

taking out all of our tires yet again.

SMITH IS ALSO ALLEGEDLY AFTER HIS FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER, RHEAD STORY.

SOT RHEAD STORY / FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER

I'm scared for my children, I'm scared for you know, everyone else that's

involved.

HE SAYS HIS TIRES WERE SLASHED SOME 54 TIMES. AFTER SMITH'S RELEASE LAST

WEEK - HE WAS RELEASED ON BAIL.

SOT JANICE

19:45

My husband wakes me up and says he's here

He's out on bail

He's been warned to not come near any of us

BUT THIS WEEKEND--HE WAS ALLEGEDLY AT IT.BACK IN HIS OPPONENT'S

DIRTY POLITICS-TAG

THAT WAS LINSEY DAVIS REPORTING.

GARY SMITH IS STILL BEHIND BARS.

CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. AND AGGRAVATED STALKING.

WASHINGTON DC TOP PLACE TO LIVE-VO

FOR THE FIFTH YEAR STRAIGHT.

WASHINGTON D-C TOPPED THE NATION --- IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE MOVING IN.

THE FINDINGS ARE FROM UNITED VAN LINES.

VEGAS AIRPORT PLANE CRASH-VO

AN AIRPLANE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER A ROUGH LANDING.

IT SKID OFF A RUNWAY AT THE NORTH LAS VEGAS AIRPORT.

A FIRE CREW RAN IN TO CONTAIN THE FIRE.

WATCH THIS --

THE PLANE WAS DOUSED WITH A PURPLE FOAM.

TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES.

THERE WERE ONLY TWO PEOPLE ON BOARD THE SMALL PLANE.

ANTI VENOM COMPANY-VOWIPE

OFFICIALS FROM ORLANDO WILL BE IN LABELLE TODAY --- PICKING UP A SNAKE THAT A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MAN CAUGHT.

BUT THIS IS NOT JUST ANY SNAKE.

IT'S A CORAL SNAKE -- THAT WILL BE USED TO REPLENISH THE ANTI-VENOM SUPPLY.

ANTI VENOM COMPANY-SOTVO

"People don't want to get bit by snakes, they don't want poisonous snakes by their kids, that's why we need anti-venom and I just thought maybe someone could use it."

THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-VENOM FOR CORAL SNAKES IS DWINDLING.

IN FACT, THE SUPPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE BY OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR.

CLAM PASS-VOTOPS-WIPE

SOME COLLIER COUNTY RESIDENTS.

TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.

GRABBING SHOVELS --

TO DIG OUT CLAM PASS.

THE CHANNEL HAS BEEN CLOGGED UP SINCE LAST YEAR'S BIG STORMS.

THREATENING THE MANGROVES AND WILDLIFE.

IT COULD TAKE *MONTHS BEFORE DREDGING STARTS.

SO SOME FOLKS GOT TIRED OF WAITING FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

TEASE FOUR-ON CAM

MANY OF YOU HAVE WATCHED --- AND NOW TWO BALD EAGLES ARE FINALLY PARENTS.

ABC-7 HAS VIDEO FROM THE NEST OF OZZIE AND HARRIET.

TZ4A (EAGLES HAVE BABIES)-VO

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

VIRAL ROBBERS-2SHOT

NOW TO THAT HOME ROBBERY CAUGHT ON TAPE.

A NORTH CAROLINA COUPLE SET UP CAMERAS TO CHECK ON THEIR PETS

INSTEAD -- THEY CAUGHT THREE BURGLARS BREAKING IN.

AND POLICE HOPE THIS LATEST VIRAL VIDEO.

WILL HELP CAPTURE THE SUSPECTS.

VIRAL ROBBERS-PKG

IN RALEIGH, THE SEARCH IS ON FOR THESE THIEVES, CAUGHT ON TAPE, WHO BROKE

INTO THIS HOME AND CERTAINLY DIDN'T COME WITH CHRISTMAS TIDINGS!

THIS MORNING, THE HOMEOWNERS WHO WERE AWAY ON CHRISTMAS BREAK, ARE FIGHTING

MAD AND -FIGHTING BACK-

SOT MATT ROBINSON / HOMEOWNER: "We moved here about five years ago and I put

in a two camera system for the front and back doors because I work from

home. It sounds strange to some people but it's not that expensive."

WHAT THE BAD GUYS COULDN'T SEE WERE THESE NIGHT VISION CAMERASTHAT GRABBED

EXCELLENT PICTURES OF THEIR FACES.

HOMEOWNERS MATT AND BETH ROBINSON HAD THE CAMERAS INSTALLED TO KEEP TRACK OF

THEIR PETSAND THEY'VE POSTED THIS VIDEO ONLINE. IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, IT'S

GONE WITH VIRALWITH NEARLY 300 THOUSAND VIEWS.

HERE'S ONE OF THEM RINGING THE FRONT DOORBELL, AS TWO OTHERS SNEAK THROUGH

THE BACK, KICK THROUGH THE DOOR, AND BEGIN SEARCHING THE HOUSE FOR CASH,

MUSIC PLAYERS, AND OTHER ELECTRONICS. AT ONE POINT, THIS ONE LOOKS THROUGH

THE WINDOW TO MAKE SURE THE COAST WAS STILL CLEAR.

SOT MATT ROBINSON / HOMEOWNER: "When they entered the home they did not

notice the cameras.

But they did manage to find this one eventually and cut it."

SUDDENLY, THEY WERE -CAMERA-SHY-, AND POURED BLEACH ALL OVER THE FAMILYS

COMPUTERS HOPING TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM BUT IT WAS TOO LATE.

SOT MATT ROBINSON / HOMEOWNER: "We can check the cameras on our cell phone

we can do stuff like that and we noticed that they weren't working. / Her

VIRAL ROBBERS-TAG

THAT WAS STEVE OSUNSAMI REPORTING.

THE HOMEOWNERS NOW HOPE SOMEONE WILL IDENTIFY THE CROOKS,

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.

"Increasing rain chances"

It has been a warm start to the New Year and the warm afternoons will continue as a cold front remains stretched out to our north.

Be on the look out for some dense fog developing early this morning with temperatures in the lower 60s here in town with visibilities reduced to less than 1/4 of a mile. Once the fog lifts and mixes out, we'll see some sunshine early in the day with a mix of sun and clouds during the afternoon hours. With a cold front to our north, our wind flow will become more southerly. This will keep a warm and more humid airmass in place with daytime highs in the upper 70s to 80°.

Tonight, clouds will begin to increase and shower prospects will be on the rise from Friday and into the weekend. Overnight, a couple of showers can't be ruled out and lows will bottom out in the lower half of the 60s.

Friday will be a mostly cloudy day, and although the rain chance is not all that great, a few passing showers will be in the forecast during the afternoon hours. Afternoon highs will also remain a few degrees warmer than average as they stay in the upper 70s.

Through the upcoming weekend, this weather system will stall across parts of Southwest Florida with more clouds and the chance for rain both Saturday and Sunday. Unlike the past few cold fronts we've seen, this particular one will not bring us another shot of cool and dry air.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN-2SHOT-VO

A NEW MUSICAL JET SETS INTO FORT MYERS.

"CATCH ME IF YOU CAN" IS NOW PLAYING AT BARBARA B MANN.

NATS OF MUSICAL

IT'S ABOUT A TEENAGE CONMAN.

WHO FORGES CHECKS.

WHILE POSING AS A PILOT, DOCTOR AND LAWYER.

BUT THE F-B-I IS HOT ON HIS TRAIL.

ADLIB REVIEW

YOU CAN CATCH THE SHOW THROUGH JANUARY SIXTH.

WE POSTED TICKET INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE -

ABC-DASH-SEVEN DOT COM.

EAGLES HAVE BABIES-VO

IT FINALLY HAPPENED.

LATE LAST NIGHT -- BALD EAGLES OZZIE AND HARRIET BECAME PARENTS--

AS THEIR FIRST OF TWO EGGS HATCHED.

TWO MILLION PEOPLE. FROM AROUND THE WORLD. HAVE WATCHED THE EAGLES FROM A SPECIAL CAMERA ABOVE THEIR NEST IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

SIX YEARS AGO, THE EAGLES MADE THEIR HOME ON DICK PRITCHETT'S PROPERTY.

BUT THIS YEAR, THEY A CAMERA--

SIX FEET ABOVE THE NEST--

EAGLES HAVE BABIES-SOTVO

i could see the camera looking down at the baby

it's a wonderful thing to see, to think it's right here in our backyard

LOVE BOAT SHOOTING 911 CALL

ABC7 HAS THE 9-1-1 CALLS,

FOLLOWING A SHOOTING IN SOUTH FORT MYERS.

IT HAPPENED DECEMBER 15TH --

BEHIND LOVE BOAT ICE CREAM ON SAN CARLOS BOULEVARD.

FEARFUL NEIGHBORS CALLED FOR HELP,

AFTER THEIR HOMES WERE HIT BY BULLETS.

9-1-1 What is your emergency? We've got shots fired and my house has been hit with bullets.

A DEPUTY PULLED OVER A CAR DRIVEN BY TOMMY KOLLMAN.

HE REPORTEDLY HAD A GUN,

AND THE DEPUTY OPENED FIRE.

LOVE BOAT SHOOTING 911 CALL-SOTVO

I'm in the house and it went right through this wall right over our heads.

INVESTIGATORS WON'T SAY HOW MANY SHOTS WERE FIRED.

THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL REVIEW THE CASE.

NEW CAPE FIRE TRUCKS-VO

IT'S A LITTLE EASIER FOR CAPE CORAL FIREFIGHTERS -- TO KEEP THE CITY SAFE.

THEIR *FIRST NEW FIRE ENGINE IN YEARS.

IT'S 453-THOUSAND DOLLAR PURCHASE.

FOR YEARS -- THE CITY FOCUSED ON REPAIRS INSTEAD OF REPLACEMENTS.

NOW THEY'RE DEVELOPING A THREE YEAR PLAN -- TO GET BACK ON SCHEDULE WITH NEW EQUIPMENT.

BAYFRONT CENTER VOTE-VO

THE FUTURE IS UP IN THE AIR --

FOR A SMALL SAILING CENTER IN PUNTA GORDA.

THE CITY COUNCIL DECIDED *NOT TO LEASE A BUILDING TO THE ORGANIZATION.

THE CITY CURRENTLY LEASES THE BAYFRONT CENTER TO THE Y-M-C-A.

AND THE COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER USES *PART OF THE BUILDING.

THE Y-M-C-A'S LEASE EXPIRES IN MARCH.

SO THE SAILING GROUP HOPED THE CITY WOULD LEASE IT THE ENTIRE BUILDING.

BAYFRONT CENTER VOTE-SOTVO

"With what they're demanding from us, I don't know that the sailing center will be able to remain. We're going to try, we're going to continue and try to work that direction."

THE Y-M-C-A SAYS IT WILL CREATE IT'S OWN SAILING PROGRAM.

FLU SHOT PLEA-VO

THE NUMBER OF FLU CASES IN LEE COUNTY HAS SKYROCKETED - AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS A PLEA FOR PARENTS -

GET YOUR CHILD A FLU SHOT -- BEFORE YOU SEND THEM BACK TO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK!

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TRACKS THE NUMBER OF FLU CASES AT 5 LOCAL HOSPITALS.

IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS - THE NUMBER OF CASES HAVE TRIPLED!

FLU SHOT PLEA-SOTVO

Influenza can be prevented by a vaccine. We strongly recommend it. It is effective and can keep you well.

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS THE NEXT BEST WAY TO AVOID THE FLU IS WASH- WASH -WASH YOUR HANDS, THEN WASH THEM AGAIN.

TEASE FIVE-ON CAM

COMING UP IN YOUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWS --

JUSTIN BIEBER IS NO STRANGER TO RUN-INS WITH THE PAPARAZZI.

BUT THIS TIME, AN INCIDENT WENT TOO FAR.

NOW BIEBER SPEAKS OUT.

TZ5 A ( BIEBER CALLS FOR CHANGE)-VO

FINAL CHECK OF STOCKS-SAT 3 FULL

FRUCTOSE LINKED TO OVEREATING-VO

EATING SUGAR COULD EITHER MAKE YOU FEEL FULL.

OR EVEN HUNGRIER!

IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE *TYPE OF SUGAR.

RESEARCHERS AT YALE UNIVERSITY DID A STUDY.

THEY FOUND --

GLUCOSE TURNED "OFF" A PERSON'S APPETITE.

BUT *FRUCTOSE DID *NOT SHUT DOWN THE BRAIN'S HUNGER SIGNALS.

JAYZ AND THE GREAT GATSBY-VO

RAPPER JAY-Z IS REPORTEDLY COMPOSING THE SCORE -- FOR THE LATEST FILM ADAPTATION OF "THE GREAT GATSBY."

A MUSIC PRODUCER POSTED ON TWITTER -- THAT HE AND JAY-Z HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE PROJECT.

THE MOVIE STARS LEONARDO DICAPRIO AND TOBEY MAGUIRE.

BIEBER CALLS FOR CHANGE-VO

JUSTIN BIEBER SPEAKS OUT AFTER A TRAGIC ACCIDENT.

A CAR STRUCK AND KILLED A PHOTOGRAPHER,

WHO WAS *TRYING TO SNAP A PIC OF THE SINGER.

ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE MAN *THOUGHT BEIBER WAS INSIDE A VEHICLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP.

HE SNAPPED A PHOTO.

BUT WAS HIT WHEN HE WENT BACK TO HIS OWN CAR.

BIEBER SAYS HE WAS *NOT IN THE VEHICLE.

KUTCHER AND MOORE FILE FOR DIVORCE-VO

ACTOR ASHTON KUTCHER CITED IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES --- IN HIS PETITION FOR DIVORCE FROM ACTRESS DEMI MOORE.

C-N-N OBTAINED COPIES OF THE COURT DOCUMENTS -- FILED BACK ON DECEMBER 22.

KUTCHER AND MOORE WENT THROUGH A HIGHLY PUBLIC BREAK-UP JUST OVER A YEAR AGO.

MOORE AND KUTCHER BEGAN DATING IN 2003 -- AND MARRIED IN SEPTEMBER 2005.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) RICK SCOTT FORT MYERS-VO-TRX

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT WILL BE IN FORT MYERS TODAY.

THE GOVERNOR WILL MAKE STOPS AT GARDEN STREET RECYCLING FOR A TOUR.

HE'LL HAVE LUNCH AT ALE HOUSE.

THEN STOP BY CHICO'S HEADQUARTERS THIS AFTERNOON.

TS2) BACK TO SCHOOL SANDY HOOK-VO-TRX

THE STUDENTS OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY -- RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING.

BUT IT WON'T BE THE ONE THEY REMEMBER.

THEY'RE HEADED TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN THE NEARBY TOWN OF MONROE.

TS3) CLINTON'S HEALTH-VO-TRX

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON WAS RELEASED FROM A NEW YORK HOSPITAL.

THIS AFTER BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT NEAR HER BRAIN.

SHE SPENT FOUR DAYS AT THE HOSPITAL.

DOCTORS ARE TREATING THE CLOT WITH BLOOD THINNERS.

TS4) NEW CONGRESS-VO-TRX

CONGRESS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TODAY -.

THE 113TH CONGRESS TAKES THE OATH THIS AFTERNOON -- WITH 56 NEW DEMOCRATS.

38 NEW REPUBLICANS.

AND A RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN.

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

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