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

"HE'S LAUGHING, JOKING, PLAYING, EATING."

A TENSE HOSTAGE SITUATION IS OVER --

THE PRAYERS OF A SMALL ALABAMA TOWN -- HAVE BEEN HEARD.

AFTER A WEEK-LONG STANDOFF --

ABC-7 EXPLAINS THE *HEROIC CLIMAX.

WE'RE FOLLOWING A VIOLENT OVERNIGHT ROBBERY --

AT A FORT MYERS DUNKIN DONUTS.

THE MANAGER IS IN THE HOSPITAL.

BUT THE SUSPECTS WERE NEVER CAUGHT.

ABC7 HAS NEW DETAILS FROM INVESTIGATORS ON SCENE.

AND --

THERE'S A FEW NEW RULES FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN FORT MYERS --

WE'LL EXPLAIN WHAT CITY LEADERS DECIDED --

ALL OF THESE STORIES -- PLUS MORE.

WX HL-WX WALL

HL1) AL HOSTAGE-TRX-SOTVO

HL2) DUNKIN DONUTS ROBBERY-TRX-VO

HL3) FM SEX OFFENDER-TRX-VO-OC

DEVELOPING CLIP-CLIP - DEVELOPING

TOSS TO DANIELLE-2SHT-ANIMI-BOXES

RIGHT NOW -- WE'RE FOLLOWING A DEVELOPING STORY OUT OF LEE COUNTY.

INVESTIGATORS ARE PIECING TOGETHER -- AN EARLY MORNING ROBBERY AT DUNKIN DONUTS.

.AT THE LOCATION ALONG PALM BEACH BOULEVARD -- NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BUCKINGHAM ROAD.

ABC-7'S DANIELLE KOLENIAK HAS BEEN LIVE AT THE SCENE ALL MORNING.

DETECTIVES HAVE LEFT.

DUNKIN DONUTS ROBBERY-REMLIVE

DANIELLE LIVE

DUNKIN DONUTS ROBBERY-VO

THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE TELLS ME AROUND 2:20 THIS MORNING A FEMALE MANAGER WAS WAITING OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT FOR A SHIPMENT TO COME IN.

THATS WHEN TWO UNKNOWN MEN APPROACHED HER AND ATTACKED HER. ONE STRIKING HER, THE OTHER ARMED WITH A GUN.

THE INDIVIDUALS THEN WENT INTO THE RESTAURANT AND GOT AWAY WITH THE MANAGER'S CELL PHONE AND AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH.

THE VICTIM CALLED 9-11 AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO LMH.

DUNKIN DONUTS ROBBERY-REMLIVE

THIS DUNKIN DONUTS USUALLY OPENS AT 5AM, BUT THE DETECTIVE TELLS ME THE STORE CANNOT REOPEN UNTIL THEY COMPLETE THEIR ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION- THEN IT WILL BE UP THE BUSINESS TO DECIDE IF THEY WILL OPEN THEIR DOORS TODAY.

COUNT ON NBC-2 ON AIR AND ONLINE THROUGHOUT THE MORNING.

TOSS TO ALLYSON-WIPE-2SHT

THANKS DANIELLE --

ABC-7 IS LEARNING -- COLD TEMPERATURES MAY BE ON THE WAY OUT --

FIRST WX-WXCNTR

AL HOSTAGE LATEST-POP

A WEEK-LONG HOSTAGE STAND OFF -- IS FINALLY OVER THIS MORNING.

WE'RE JUST LEARNING THAT 5-YEAR-OLD ETHAN --- HAS RETURNED *HOME TO HIS FAMILY.

.ACCORDING TO HIS UNCLE.

THE SEVEN DAY STANDOFF -- ENDED WITH A MAN DEAD.

AL HOSTAGE LATEST-PKG

This morning the little boy held captive in an underground bunker for seven

days is safe.

Ethan -- seen in this exclusive photograph -- celebrates his sixth birthday

tomorrow surrounded by family.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment and is said to be physically

unharmed.

SOT Steve Richardson

"HE'S LAUGHING, JOKING, PLAYING, EATING. THINGS YOU WOULD EXPECT A NORMAL 5

OR 6 YEAR OLD YOUNG MAN TO DO."

The suspect, 65 year old Jimmy Lee Dykes is dead -- after FBI agents stormed

the bunker where the boy was being held.

ABC News has learned authorities inserted a hi-tech camera into the bunker

and monitored Dykes' movements.

They went in using an explosive and neutralized Dykes after becoming

increasing concerned he might act out.

SOT Steve Richardson

"MR. DYKES WAS OBSERVED HOLDING A GUN. AT THIS POINT, FBI AGENTS FEARING THE

CHILD WAS IN IMMINENT DANGER, ENTERED THE BUNKER AND RESCUED THE CHILD."

The terrifying standoff began last Tuesday when Dykes boarded a school bus.

SOT Tarrica Singletary, Student on bus

"HE'S LIKE 'I WILL KILL ALL OF Y'ALL. I'LL KILL Y'ALL'."

Dykes shot and killed the bus driver, then snatched Ethan.

The boy was held captive in a 6 by 8 foot underground bunker Dykes built

behind his house.

Police and Swat teams carefully negotiated through a ventilation pipe.

Law enforcement also flew drones over Dykes' house, looking for signs Ethan

was alive and possible ways to rescue him.

Authorities say they handled the situation slowly in order to keep Ethan

safe.

SOT Brad Garrett

"YOU HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL, BECAUSE ANY SORT OF DEVICE YOU MIGHT USE

AGAINST HIM COULD OBVIOUSLY HARM ETHAN, BECAUSE HE'S RIGHT THERE."

Interest in this standoff extended beyond Midland City, Alabama. Even

President Obama praised authorities for rescuing the boy safely.

SEX OFFENDER CRACKDOWN-VO

LAWMAKERS IN FORT MYERS --

CRACK DOWN ON SEX OFFENDERS.

THEY APPROVED A NEW ORDINANCE.

DURING LAST NIGHT'S SESSION.

ACCORDING TO THEM MEASURE --

SEX OFFENDERS CAN NOT PHYSICALLY BE WITHIN 300 FEET.

WITHIN SCHOOLS OR PARKS.

RIGHT NOW - SEX OFFENDERS HAVE TO *LIVE AT LEAST A THOUSAND FEET AWAY FROM SCHOOLS.

FM BAR SHOOTING-SOTVO

THERE'S A MASKED SHOOTER ---- STILL ON THE RUN THIS MORNING.

AFTER AUTHORITIES SAY -- THE MAN WALKED IN TO "BRYBILL'S TAVERN" IN FORT MYERS -- AND OPENED FIRE.

ABC-7 SPOKE TO A MAN WHO SAYS HE CHASED THE MAN, RIGHT AFTER THE SHOOTING.

CORY SEKERAK, A FORMER MARINE --- WAS WORKING BEHIND THE BAR.

HE SAYS THE SHOOTER FIRED A SHOT INCHES ABOVE HIM.

ONE CUSTOMER WAS GRAZED BY A BULLET.

CAPE FATAL CRASH-VOWIPE

THIS MORNING --

FRIENDS STILL MOURN THE LOSS OF 59-YEAR-OLD MARY WATKINS.

SHE WAS KILLED IN A CAR CRASH IN CAPE CORAL.

IT ALL HAPPENED NEAR ACADEMY BOULEVARD.

POLICE SAY THE CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD,

AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.

WATKINS WAS PINNED INSIDE.

AND FOUND DEAD AT THE SCENE.

NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS SAY --

CAPE FATAL CRASH-SOTVO

5:47 im very sad very sad because she was a very good friend to me

when i need a friend too 5:58

FRIENDS DONT BELIEVE WATKINS WAS SPEEDING --

BECAUSE THEY SAY SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN A SLOW DRIVER.

THEY BELIEVE HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.

OBAMA IMMIGRATION-OC

IMMIGRATION IS TAKING CENTER STAGE IN WASHINGTON TODAY --

THE FUTURE OF 11 MILLION ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IS AT STAKE.

OBAMA IMMIGRATION-PKG

PRESIDENT OBAMA SITS DOWN TODAY WITH C-E-Os. LABOR LEADERS. AND CIVIC GROUPS TO TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION.

"We need Congress to act on a comprehensive approach that finally deals with the 11 million undocumented immigrants who are in the country right now."

WHAT HE DIDN'T SAY WAS: WE'LL TIGHTEN UP THE BORDERS BEFORE LETTING THOSE IMMIGRANTS STAY HERE LEGALLY.

DURING HER BORDER TOUR - SHE'S IN EL PASO TODAY - HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF JANET NAPOLITANO WARNED AGAINST A COMPLETE LOCKDOWN:

"You have to have a safe and secure border. But you also have to have one where people can travel back and forth to conduct legitimate travel, and trade and commerce."

REPUBLICANS INSIST: BORDER SECURITY FIRST. WE'LL HEAR MORE ON THAT THIS MORNING AT A HOUSE JUDICIARY HEARING ON IMMIGRATION REFORM.

LATINOS LARGELY REJECTED REPUBLICANS IN THE LAST ELECTION. BUT IT'S UNCLEAR IF THAT'LL SOFTEN CONSERVATIVES:

"Many of them are from districts where there aren't a lot of Latino voters and there isn't a huge amount of pressure to attack this immigration issue right now."

ANTI-IMMIGRATION GROUPS SAY ENFORCING LAWS ALREADY ON THE BOOKS WOULD FORCE THOUSANDS TO LEAVE THE U-S ON THEIR OWN:

OBAMA IMMIGRATION-OC

TRACIE POTTS REPORTING --

A GROUP OF DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS ARE WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES. ON A PLAN BOTH SIDES CAN LIVE WITH.

NEW THIS MORNING-CLIP - NEW THIS MORNING

NEW SNIPER INFO-2SHT-VO

ABC-7 HAS BRAND NEW INFORMATION RIGHT NOW --- IN THE DEATH OF A FORMER NAVY SEAL SNIPER AND HIS FRIEND.

CHRIS KYLE AND CHAD LITTLEFIELD --

WERE SHOT TO DEATH SATURDAY AT A TEXAS GUN RANGE.

ACCORDING TO POLICE RECORDS --

THE SUSPECT HAD RECENTLY MADE TRIPS TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL.

RECORDS SHOW --

EDDIE RAY ROUTH ALSO TOLD POLICE HE SUFFERS FROM P-T-S-D.

MEDICAL EXPANSION-VO

LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER --

ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR A *NEW HOSPITAL IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

WE KNOW IT'LL BE BUILT IN SOUTHWEST LEE COUNTY,

BUT WE DON'T KNOW EXACTLY *WHERE IT'LL BE LOCATED.

LEHIGH REGIONAL OFFICIALS TELL US --

ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES WILL STAY IN LEHIGH.

BUT THE HOSPITAL'S 88 BEDS WILL MOVE.

THEY'RE ALSO PROMISING A STATE-OF-THE-ART EMERGENCY ROOM,

AND DIAGNOSTICS.

RV RESORT REJECTED-VO

LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REJECT A PLAN --

TO BRING AN R-V RESORT TO PINE ISLAND.

IN A FOUR TO ONE VOTE LAST NIGHT--

COUNTY LEADERS DISAGREED WITH A HEARING EXAMINER'S FINDINGS.

SAYING THE IDEA DOES *NOT FIT WITH RURAL NATURE OF THE ISLAND.

THE VOTE AFFECTS NEARLY 60 ACRES OF LAND,

OFF TURTLE TRAIL IN SAINT JAMES CITY.

NOW -- IT WILL *NOT BE RE-ZONED TO ALLOW AN R-V PARK.

BUT DEVELOPERS *CAN CHANGE THEIR PLANS,

AND RE-APPLY.

TEASE ONE-2-SHOT

YOU MIGHT FILE YOUR TAXES SOON.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY.

BUT BE CAREFUL.

IDENTITY THEFT INCREASES DURING TAX SEASON.

SO ABC-7 HAS YOU COVERED --

THE DO'S AND DONT'S.

TO PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFO.

PLUS --

ATTENTION ALL YOU PANCAKE LOVERS --

YOU'RE IN FOR A TREAT, TODAY --

TZ1 TAX SEASON IDENDITY-VOTOPS

TZ1 IHOP PANCAKE DAY-VOTOPS

BLOOMBERG TEASE-SOT

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS REPORT-PKG TOPS

STORMWARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK INTO WX-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WXWALL

The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.

Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.

Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.

Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.

By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.

Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

UNCLAIMED INSURANCE-OC-BNR-VO

THERE'S A NEW REPORT OUT THIS MORNING --

SHOWING THERE'S ABOUT ONE *BILLION DOLLARS IN LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS.

STILL WAITING TO BE CLAIMED BY BENEFICIARIES.

ACCORDING TO THAT STUDY -- SOME PEOPLE BUY LIFE INSURANCE -- AND FORGET TO TELL LOVED ONES.

AND NOW -- CONSUMER REPORTS -- BLAMES THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

TAX SEASON IDENDITY THEFT-OTS-OC

MEANWHILE, TAX SEASON IS HERE.

AND AS WE ALL KNOW --

TAX RETURNS INCLUDE *SENSITIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

THIS CAN BE AN OPEN PLAYING FIELD --

FOR IDENTITY THIEVES.

WHETHER YOU'RE FILING YOUR RETURNS ONLINE OR THROUGH THE MAIL --

TAX SEASON IDENDITY THEFT-TRX-CGTOPS-OC

HERE ARE A FEW REMINDERS --

DON'T CARRY DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER I-D NUMBER.

AND DON'T GIVE THAT INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE OR INTERNET,

UNLESS *YOU INITIATED THE CONVERSATION.

MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER HAS UPDATED VIRUS SOFTWARE.

AND USE A PRIVATE WI-FI CONNECTION.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE RED FLAGS:

MORE THAN ONE TAX RETURN FILED IN YOUR NAME.

A BALANCE DUE FOR A YEAR YOU DID NOT FILE.

RECORDS SHOWING WAGES THAN YOU ACTUALLY EARNED.

OR STATE OR FEDERAL BENEFITS CANCELLED BECAUSE OF AN INCOME CHANGE

IF YOU RECIEVE A TAX NOTICE,

AND THINK IT'S BECAUSE OF IDENTITY THEFT --

PAYING AT THE PUMP-VO

THIS MORNING -- WE'RE LEARNING AMERICANS SPENT **A LOT ON GASOLINE LAST YEAR

EXPERTS SAY -- THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOULD. SPENT MORE THAN 29-HUNDRED DOLLARS ON GAS, IN 2012.

THAT'S THE HIGHEST PORTION OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME -- IN NEARLY THREE DECADES.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 2008 --

IHOP PANCAKE DAY-OTS-VO

TODAY IS NATIONAL PANCKAE DAY.

AND I-HOP RESTAURANTS NATIONWIDE -- WILL GIVE YOU A FREE SHORT STACK OF BUTTERMILK PANCAKES.

IHOP IS ASKING CUSTOMERS TO LEAVE A DONATION -- FOR CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK AND OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES.

COMING UP NEXT-CLIP - COMING UP NEXT

TEASE TWO-VOTOPS

WHEN PEOPLE GET SICK,

THEY SOMETIMES BLAME THE WEATHER.

CHILLIER TEMPERATURES OR RAINY CONDITIONS.

NOW DOCTORS WEIGH IN --

DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

AND YOU'RE WATCHING T-V THIS MORNING.

WELL, WE HAVE SUPRISING HEALTH NEWS.

THE LINK --

TZ2 WX CHANGE ILLNESS-VOTOPS

TZ2 TV SPERM COUNTS-VOTOPS

WX CHANGE ILLNESS-VO

WE'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE WIDESPREAD FLU OUTBREAK --

ON TOP OF THAT. THE COMMON COLD.

IS THE WEATHER PARTLY TO BLAME?

DOCTORS SAY TEMPERATURE SHIFTS -- HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ILLNESS.

THEY SAY -- YOU GET COLDS AND THE FLU BECAUSE OF VIRUSES --

WHICH HAVE DO NOT CORRELATE WITH THE WEATHER.

WX CHANGE ILLNESS-SOTVO

"They cough in your face, you're around them in closed spaces or you touch infected objects."

SO WHY DOES THE MYTH OF WINTER COLDS PERSIST.

IT'S BECAUSE WE'RE NOT OUTSIDE AS MUCH IN THE COLD -- SO WE HAVE MORE CHANCES TO SPREAD OUR ILLNESSES.

ALZHEIMER'S PREVENTION-VO

RIGHT NOW, THERE'S *NO CURE FOR ALZHIEMIER'S DISEASE.

BUT NEW THIS MORNING --

THERE'S A POSSIBLE WAY TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEMENTIA LATER IN LIFE.

STUDY RESULTS SHOW --

PATIENTS WHO WERE PHYSICALLY FIT *EARLIER IN LIFE.

WERE MUCH *LESS LIKELY TO DEVELOP DEMENTIA THAN THOSE WHO WERE LESS FIT.

EXPERTS SAY -- THIS IS *NOT PROOF THAT EXERCIE *WILL PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S.

SUN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS -VOTOPS

MEANWHILE -- EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT.

MIGHT REDUCE THE RISK OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN WOMEN.

RESEARCHERS LOOKED AT MIDDLE AGED WOMEN.

THOSE WITH THE HIGHEST EXPOSURE TO U-V-B RAYS.

WERE *LESS LIKELY TO BE DIAGNOSED WITH ARTHRITIS

BUT THEY FOUND *NO ASSOCIATION,

WHEN THEY ANALYZED A YOUNGER GENERATION OF WOMEN.

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS-VOTOPS

AND ALSO NEW, THIS MORNING --

RESEARCH REVEALS MEN WHO TAKE HIGH AMOUNTS OF CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS.

HAVE A HIGHER RISK OF DYING FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE.

THE DANGER -- IS IN THE LARGE DOSAGES.

MEN WHO TOOK MORE THAN ONE-THOUSAND MILLIGRAMS A DAY --- HAD A HIGHER RISK OF TOTAL CARDIOVASCULAR DEATH.

TV SPERM COUNT-VO

IF YOU'RE A MAN --

AND YOU'RE CONSTANTLY SITTING AROUND --

YOUR BODY'S SPERM COUNT MAY BE SLOWLY DEPLEATING.

RESEARCHERS FOUND YOUNG MEN WHO WATCHED 20 OR MORE HOURS OF T-V A WEEK.

HAD A 44-PERCENT LOWER SPERM COUNT -- THAN MEN WHO WATCHED THE LEAST.

TEASE THREE-2-SHOT

TODAY IN WASHINGTON --

IT'S ALL ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM.

ABC7 LOOKS AHEAD --

AS PRESIDENT OBAMA PUSHES HIS PLAN.

WHAT OPPOSING LAWMAKERS HAVE TO SAY.

PLUS --

WE HEAR FROM STUDENTS RETURNING TO AN OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL TODAY --

AFTER A SUDDEN AND TRAGIC INCIDENT -- LEAVES ONE STUDENT DEAD.

AND *RAW EMOTION. FROM *DISTRAUGHT FAMILY MEMBERS,

TZ3 OBAMA IMMIGRATION-VO-WIPE

TZ3 OK SCHOOL SUICIDE-TRX-VOTOPS

TZ3 CA BUS CRASH VICTIMS-TRX-VOTOPS

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

NY STOCK EXCHANGE OPEN-SAT 3 TOPS

ABC SEVEN TAKES YOU LIVE -- TO THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.

CORPORATE STOCK ARE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT TODAY.

BP POSTED DISAPPOINTING NUMBERS -- AFTER PAYING BILLIONS IN FINES TO THE GOVERNMENT.

AND U-B-S POSTED A $2 BILLION LOSS.

THIS AFTERNOON -- DISNEY AND ZYNGA REPORT EARNINGS.

TS1) DUNKIN DOMUTS ROBBERY-VOTOPS

RIGHT NOW -- WE'RE FOLLOWING A ROBBERY AT A FORT MYERS SHORES DUNKIN DONUTS.

AROUND 2:20 THIS MORNING--

TWO ARMED MEN APPROACHED THE MANAGER STANDING OUTSIDE -- AND ATTACKED HER.

THE ROBBERS THEN STOLE HER CELL PHONE AND SOME CASH.

SHE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

TS2) FM SEX OFFENDER-VOTOPS

LEE COUNTY LAWMAKERS APPROVED A NEW ORDINANCE FOR TOUGHER LAWS AGINAST SEX OFFENDERS.

THE CRACKDOWN LIMITS OFFENDERS FROM BEING WITHIN 300-FEET OF SCHOOLS OR PARKS.

RIGHT NOW - SEX OFFENDERS HAVE TO *LIVE AT LEAST A THOUSAND FEET AWAY FROM SCHOOLS.

TS3) MEDICAL EXPANSION-VOTOPS

THERE'S A NEW MEDICAL CENTER COMING TO SOUTHWEST LEE COUNTY.

THE LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PLANS TO EXPAND.

BUT IT'S STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE AN EXACT LOCATION.

NEW THIS MORNING-CLIP - NEW THIS MORNIING

AL HOSTAGE LATEST-POP-SOTVO

THIS MORNING --

A YOUNG ALABAMA BOY IS SAFE AND SOUND.

AFER BEING HELD HOSTAGE FOR NEARLY A WEEK

5-YEAR-OLD ETHAN DOING WELL IN A LOCAL HOSPITAL.

AND THIS MORNING -- HIS CAPTOR IS DEAD.

BUT INVESTIGATORS SAY THEIR WORK IS FAR FROM OVER.

"At this point fbi agents fearing the child was in imminent danger entered the bunker and rescued the child.

JIMMY LEE DYKES ABDUCTED THE YOUNG CHILD FROM HIS SCHOOL BUS LAST WEEK.

HE ALSO SHOT AND KILLED THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER.

YESTERDAY, THE STANDOFF BETWEEN POLICE AND DYKES CAME TO AN ABRUPT END --

WHEN THEY SAW DYKES WITH A GUN.

THEY FEARED FOR ETHAN'S SAFETY.

AL HOSTAGE LATEST-POP-SOTVO

sot / Sheriff Wally Olson - Dale County, Al. 1:08 - 1:18

"It's by the grace of God that he's ok and that was the mission of every man and woman on this compound."

OFFICIALS HAVE NOT GIVEN DETAILS ON THE RAID.

BUT SAY DYKES WAS SHOT DEAD.

ETHAN WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL,

AND REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY.

DETECTIVES WILL INVESTIGATE THE BUNKER --

FOR SEVERAL MORE DAYS.

AND A BOMB SQUAD IS CHECKING POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVES.

OBAMA IMMIGRATION-SOTVO

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE -- TO CAPITOL HILL -- IMMIGRATION IS THE TOPIC OF THE DAY IN WASHINGTON --

AS LAWMAKERS LOOK TO STRIKE A DEAL.

FOLLOWING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S BIG REFORM PUSH.

"We need Congress to act on a comprehensive approach that finally deals with the 11 million undocumented immigrants who are in the country right now."

BUT SOME ARE COMMENTING ON WHY HE DIDN'T TOUCH ON TIGHTENING UP BOARDERS -- BERFORE ALLOWING IMMIGRANTS TO LIVE HERE LEGALLY.

OBAMA IMMIGRATION-SOTVO

sot: Janet Napolitano/ Homeland Security Secretary:31-:41

"You have to have a safe and secure border. But you also have to have one where people can travel back and forth to conduct legitimate travel, and trade and commerce."

ANTI-IMMIGRATION GROUPS SAY --- ENFORCING LAWS ALREADY ON THE BOOKS WOULD FORCE THOUSANDS TO LEAVE THE U-S ON THEIR OWN:

A GROUP OF REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS -- WORKING ON A DEAL RIGHT NOW.

DEADLY CHILD ABUSE NEW DETAILS-OTS (2)SS-OC

DETAILS UNFOLD THIS MORING --

ABOUT HOW A TWO-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIED INSIDE HER FORT MYERS APARTMENT.

POLICE REPORTS RELEASED YESTERDAY --

GIVE US A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT HAPPENED TO BRIANNA ADDISON.

DERRIC JOHNSON IS CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND HOMICIDE.

HERE'S WHAT WE FOUND OUT.

HE WAS BABYSITTING THE GIRL AND HER SIBLINGS,

WHILE THEIR MOTHER WAS AT WORK.

INVESTIGATORS SAY JOHNSON HIT BRIANNA WITH A BELT AND SHOE,

BECAUSE SHE WAS MISBEHAVING.

JOHNSON TOLD INVESTIGATORS --

THE GIRL HIT HER HEAD ON THE COUCH.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, WHEN JOHNSON COULD NOT WAKE BRIANNA THE NEXT MORNING.

CA BUS CRASH VICTIMS-OC

FOLLOWING A DEADLY TOUR BUS CRASH --

JUST OUTSIDE LOS ANGELES --

THE CORONER'S OFFICE RELEASES THE NAMES OF THE VICTIMS.

CARLOSE GRANDA HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THE STORY.

AND SPOKE WITH SOME OF THE PEOPLE --

CA BUS CRASH VICTIMS-PKG

14:53:26 dice mi hija que iba demasiado recio

She says that according to her daughter the bus was going downhill and it

appeared the bus driver couldn't stop. In the accident her daughter struck

her head against the window She says doctors have told her she doesn't have

any fractures.

Officials say 38 year old Aleida Arce died in the accident She and her

daughter 11 year old Victoria Arce were on the bus trip Aleida's brother

was at the hospital earlier.

Miguel Arce/Victim's Brother

8:36:08 I know my niece is going to wake

CA BUS CRASH VICTIMS-OC

CARLOSE GRANDA REPORTING.

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IS NOW DOING A MECHANICAL INSPECTION OF THE BUS--

BALTIMORE FIRE-VOTOPS

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS FOUR-ALARM FIRE -- JUST WEST OF BALTIMORE.

NEARLY 100 FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED TO BATTLE THE FLAMES --

AND SOME OF THOSE CREW MEMBERS FOUND THEMSELVES IN A STICKY SITUATION.

FIVE FIREFIGHTERS WERE TRAPPED.

A COMMANDER TOLD EVERYONE TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY.

BALTIMORE FIRE-SOTVO

"THE INCIDENT COMMANDER ON THE EXTERIOR BUILDING OBSERVED THERE WERE UNSAFE CONDITIONS HE ORDERED AN IMMEDIATE EVACUATION OF OUR MEMBERS FROM THE STRUCTURE AND IT WAS AT THAT TIME THAT THE SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR COLLAPSED ON THE FIRST"

LUCKILY THOSE FIVE FIREFIGHTERS WERE RESCUED FROM THE RUBBLE AND RUSHED TO SHOCK TRAUMA.

OK SCHOOL SUICIDE-OC

NOW WE TURN TO AN ON-GOING INVESTIGATION -- INTO HOW A NINTH GRADER IN OKLAHOMA.

WAS ABLE TO TAKE A GUN INTO HIS SCHOOL'S BATHROOM -- AND SHOOT HIMSELF.

IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING.

OK SCHOOL SUICIDE-PKG

Teddy bears are part of a makeshift memorial outside the school where police

say a 15 year old student walked into the bathroom and shot himself.

Michelle Bills- mother.

3;43;50 sot it's something I never had to worry about. as a child so I

can't even imagine what goes through their minds to have to be scared to go

to school.53

Police say theres no infornation that bullying was involved,

:LT. DONNIE KRUMSIEK | COWETA POLICE DEPT.

lt. 9;16 I'm not denying what somebody has said but I cannot confirm that.

So, I do not know.

,. but this is a video that was posted on You tube that talks about

bullying made by some coweta studetns. still so many quertions about what

happened monday morning.

***SOT***

3;54;52 what would push him to do this and then just thinking about

his parents and what they're going to have to go through.

its hard on everoyone, and a young man with so much to live for,

is no longer is with us.

JEFF HOLMES | COWETA SUPERINTENDENT

sot- principal 4321-1 11;36 WEll I can let you know that according to his

principal and counselors, he was a very fine young man

clip 5424 mckenzie, 3;47;03 It's gonna be hard, it's

gonna be hard for a lot of people.

students at coweta intermediate high school return to class tuesday

OBAMA GUN CONTROL-SOTVO

YVONNE LEWIS REPORTING

THIS ALL HAPPENED THE *SAME DAY --

THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK HIS GUN CONTROL CAMPAIGN ON THE ROAD.

HE SPOKE AT A RALLY IN MINNEAPOLIS --

CALLING FOR UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR GUN SALES.

AND AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN.

"If there is even one thing we can do - if there is just one life we can save - we have an obligation to try."

MINNEAPOLIS LAUNCHED GUN VIOLENCE INITIATIVES A FEW YEARS AGO --

AND GUN CRIMES WENT DOWN.

THE PRESIDENT THINKS THIS IS POSSIBLE FOR THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.

YESTERDAY 'S TRIP IS JUST THE FIRST OF SEVERAL --

ZIMMERMAN HEARING-OTS VO

HAPPENING TODAY --

ATTORNEYS IN THE GEORGE ZIMMERMAN MURDER CASE --- HEAD BACK TO COURT.

DEFENSE ATTORNEYS WANT TO PUSH BACK -- THE JUNE TRIAL, TO NOVEMBER.

ZIMMERMAN CLAIMS HE SHOT FATALLY SHOT UNARMED 17-YEAR-OLD TRAYVON MARTIN IN SELF-DEFENSE.

TEASE FOUR-OC

THERE WILL SOON BE *MORE EYES --

ON SOUTHWEST FLORIDA STUDENTS.

SOME SCHOOL BUSSES ARE GETTING CAMERAS.

DETAILS ON THE PILOT PROGRAM.

PLUS --

IMPRESSIVE VIDEO.

MASSIVE WHALES. COME *EXTREMELY CLOSE TO A WOMAN'S BOAT.

TZ4 SCHOOL BUS CAMERAS-TRX-VOTOPS

TZ4 WHALE ENCOUNTER-TRX-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

SHEEP THERAPY-2-SHOT

WE'VE HEARD OF SOME *STRANGE PETS.

AND EVERYONE HAS A REASON FOR GETTING ONE.

BUT WHAT ABOUT GETTING A PET -- FOR EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY?

ONE FARM FAMILY -- DID JUST THAT.

JACKI OCHOA TELLS US THE STORY --

SHEEP THERAPY-PKG

--nats--"Hi buddy, hi buddy."

EMILY KOESTER IS JUST A TINY LITTLE THING -- BUT SHE ISN'T AFRAID OF THESE BIG SHEEP.

"She kind of has her own way of talking to them."

" Bahhh, bahhh."

EMILY IS VISITING THE TRUE BUDDY FARMS IN PAPILLION -- FOR THERAPY. IT'S PART OF KATHY MANN'S "LUV A LAMB" PROGRAM.

"The don't kick. They don't bite. They make a wonderful animal for kids of all different ages, and sizes, and all different abilities."

EMILY IS ONE OF THOSE SPECIAL KIDS. YOU SEE HER STRUGGLES BEGAN IN 2008 -- WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED RENAL FAILURE -- AND RECEIVED A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FROM HER DAD

"It was very successful, but things were still happening with her and she came up with cancer, lymphoma, and it wouldn't go away. It came back again, so she had it twice within a year."

FAMILY AND DOCTORS WONDERED WHAT WAS AT THE ROOT OF EMILY'S PROBLEMS.

"We discovered she had Schimke Immuno-osseous Dysplasia or SIOD for short. And it is a very rare genetic dwarfism disease. She has one of four people in the United States who has it."

BECAUSE OF THE DISEASE -- SHE HAS HIP DYSPLASIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS.

"She needs to keep moving because the less that she does, the more rigid and stiff her body will become."

PLUS - THE SHEEP ARE MORE ENTERTAINING THAN TYPICAL PHYSICAL THERAPY.

"She just really communicates with them through her heart."

SHEEP THERAPY-ONCAM

STORM WARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WX WALL

The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.

Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.

Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.

Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.

By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.

Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

DAVIES SENTENCING-SS-VO

A LOCAL TEEN -- WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING THREATS AGAINST THE PRESIDENT --

SAYS HE DID IT BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID OF GETTING OUT OF JAIL.

LAST JULY -- 19-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER DAVIES WAS IN LOCK-UP IN THE LEE COUNTY JAIL.

THERE, HE WROTE A LETTER TO JAIL PERSONNEL -- SAYING

"WHEN I AM RELEASED FROM JAIL I AM GOING TO *KILL PRESIDENT OBAMA".

LEE CO VACANT BUILDINGS-VO

THERE'S SOMETHING *NEW HAPPENING --

WITHIN THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME --

IT MIGHT USE AN *AUCTION.

TO SAY GOODBYE TO TWO VACANT BUILDINGS.

THOSE BUILDINGS ARE --

THE 'ADAMS' LOCATED ON CENTRAL AVENUE.

AND THE 'HIPPS' ON ALICIA STREET.

TODAY -- THE SCHOOL BOARD WILL VOTE ON WHETHER TO AWARD A CONTRACT --

LEE CO VACANT BUILDINGS-SOTVO

We've done our due diligence in trying to sell these properties and it just hasn't been successful because of the market. And you know people come in and have made offers but unfortunately funding is the issue.

THE AUCTION WILL BE ADVERTISED NATIONWIDE.

BUT SOME DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN WORKED OUT --

LIKE THE STARTING BID.

HOWEVER, THOSE TWO BUILDINGS ARE LISTED FOR A COMBINED TWO MILLION DOLLARS.

AND AFTER TRYING TO SELL THEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

SCHOOL BUS CAMERAS-OTS-VO

AND ALSO NEW FOR LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS --

SCHOOL BUS CAMERAS WILL BE TESTED SOON.

CAMERAS ARE BEING INSTALLED --

ON THE OUTSIDE OF SOME LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES.

IT'S PART OF A NEW PILOT PROGRAM.

THE CAMERAS WILL GO ON THE BUSES' STOP ARMS.

TO CAPTURE THE LICENSE PLATES OF ANYONE BREAKING THE LAW.

BY TRYING TO DRIVE AROUND THE BUSSES.

THE BEST PART --

WHALE ENCOUNTER-OC

STUNNING IMAGES -- FROM AN ARIZONA WOMAN WHO WAS ON VACATION IN MEXICO.

SHE CAME *VERY CLOSE TO A POD OF WHALES.

WHALE ENCOUNTER-PKG

S/ Rocky Point, Mexico:02

S/ Mary Nguyen / Reporting

"Gillian, tell me about what happened?"

GILLIAN PANASWEICZ FROM PRESCOTT HAS ONE EYE-POPPING WHALE OF A TALE THAT'S GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION.

PANASWEICZ CAPTURED CANDID SHOTS OF THESE WHALES LEAPING OUT OF WATER WHILE ON VACATION IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ AND POSTED THEM ON FACEBOOK.

"THERE'S TWO WHALES, I THINK IT'S LIKE A MOTHER AND A BABY, THEY HUNG AROUND AND THEY WERE JUST PLAYING AND BLOWING."

THE WHALES WERE FROLICKING IN THE WATER AND S A PACK OF SEA LIONS NEARBY DIVING IN AND OUT OF THE WATER PLAYING A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK WITH THE WHALES.

AND THEN SHE SAW THIS --- A MEXICAN BOAT RACING TOWARDS THE MARINA CRASHED INTO ONE OF THE WHALES.

"IT HIT THE WHALE, SMACKED INTO THE WHALE. WE THOUGHT THE BOAT WAS GOING INTO GO OVER BUT IT DIDN'T AND THEY MANAGED TO RIGHT THEMSELVES AND THEY CARRIED ON GOING THROUGH THE MARINA AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED."

PANASWEICZ AND HER FRIENDS SAID THE WHALE DID NOT LOOK LIKE IT WAS INJURED. AND JUST BEFORE THEY TOOK OFF TO GO BACK TO SHORE -- ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHALE ONLY 20 FEET AWAY, SHOWED OFF ITS BODY AND BREACHED IN FRONT OF THEM.

WHALE ENCOUNTER-OC

MARY NGUYEN REPORTING --

COMING UP NEXT-CLIP - COMING UP NEXT

TEASE FIVE-VOTOPS

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

IT TAKES TOUGH PERSON TO BE A SUCESSFUL POLITICIAN.

BUT WHO'S THE TOUGHEST?

TZ5 TOUGHEST POLITICIAN-VOTOPS

FINAL CHECK OF STOCKS-TRX-SAT 3

BREAKING

BIGELOW ARREST TODAY

BREAKING RIGHT NOW INTO THE ABC-7 NEWS ROOM --

THIS MAN -- FORMER COMMISSIONER BRIAN BIGELOW WAS JUST ARRESTED FOR violating conditions of his release --

we told you when he was arrested last month.

TONIGHT IN LEE COUNTY --

A FORMER COMMISSIONER IS OUT ON BOND,

ARRESTED FOR COCAINE.

BRIAN BIGELOW WAS BOOKED INTO THE LEE COUNTY JAIL TODAY.

THE MAN BESIDE HIM WAS ALSO BUSTED FOR COCAINE.

OFFICERS SAY HE WAS WITH BIGELOW AT THE TIME.

TONIGHT BIGELOW IS IN A MEDICAL FACILITY.

OFFICERS WON'T SAY WHY.

POLICE ARRESTED HIM THIS MORNING.

BALTIMORE CELEBRATIONS-VO

SUPER BOWL CHAMPS -- THE BALTIMORE RAVENS -- GET A WARM WELCOME WITH A PARADE TODAY.

IT WILL BEGIN AT BALTIMORE CITY HALL

CREWS WERE OUT YESTERDAY --

PUTTING UP RISERS AND SOUND TOWERS.

THOUSAND WILL BE HERE FOR TODAY'S EVENT.

WHICH ENDS WITH A FREE CELEBRATION AT M-AND-T BANK STADIUM.

THE RAVENS RETURNED TO MARYLAND YESTERDAY AFTERNOON --

OSCAR CLASS PHOTO-VOTOPS-OC

AND HERE'S A LOOK AT NOMINEES FOR 2013 ACADEMY AWARDS -- GATHERING AT A SPECIAL LUNCHEON, YESTERDAY.

DURING THAT EVENT -- THE NOMINEES TOOK AN ANNUAL 'CLASS PHOTO.'

NOMINEES FROM EACH CATEGORY -- AROUND 160 STARS WERE IN ATTENDANCE.

AND OF COURSE -- THEY'LL ALL COME TOGETHER AGAIN FOR THE 85TH ACADEMY AWARDS ARE PRESENTED.

TOUGHEST POLITICIAN-VO

YOU NEED TOUGH SKIN TO WORK IN POLITICS.

BUT WE FINALLY KNOW WHICH LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL.

ARE THE *TOUGHEST.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S VERY OWN -- SENATOR BILL NELSON -- IS AT THE TOP OF A NEW LIST.

AS THE TOUGHEST POLITICIAN.

THE REASON?

HIS EXPLOITS HUNTING PYTHONS IN THE EVERGLADES.

ANOTHER PERSON ON THE LIST --

TAMMY DUCKWORTH.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) AL HOSTAGE LATEST-VOTOPS

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD ALABAMA BOY IS HOME WITH HIS FAMILY -- AFTER BEING TRAPPED IN AN UNDERGROUND BUNKER FOR A WEEK.

F-B-D OFFICIALS SHOT AND KILLED JIMMY LEE DYKES, YESTERDAY -- BECAUSE THEY FEARED FOR THE LITTLE BOY'S SAFETY.

TS2) OBAMA IMMIGRATION-VOTOPS

IMMIGRATION TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL TODAY.

PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE MEETING WITH CORPORATE EXECUTIVES AND LABOR LEADERS TO GET SUPPORT FOR HIS PLAN.

TS3) DUNKIN DONUTS ROBBERY-VOTOPS

THE PEOPLE AUTHORITES SAY ARE RESPONSIBEL FOR A VIOLENT ROBBERY IN LEE COUNTY -- ARE STILL ON THE LOOSE, RIGHT NOW.

THE SHERIFFS OFFICE TELLS US -- IT ALL HAPPENED AROUND 2:20 THIS MORNING -- AT DUNKIN DONUTS IN SOUTH FORT MYERS.

THE TWO ARMED MEN ATTACKED A WORKER -- STOLE HER CELL PHONE -- AND FLED WITH SOME CASH.

TS4) FM SEX OFFENDER-VOTOPS

A NEW ORDIANCE HAS BEEN APPROVED IN FORT MYERS --

AIMED AT KEEPING SEX OFFENDERS *AWAY FROM YOUNG CHILDREN.

THE CRACKDOWN LIMITS OFFENDERS FROM BEING WITHIN 300-FEET OF SCHOOLS OR PARKS.

RIGHT NOW - SEX OFFENDERS HAVE TO *LIVE AT LEAST A THOUSAND FEET AWAY FROM SCHOOLS.

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

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