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

AHEAD ON YOUR ONLY LOCAL NEWS AT NINE.

IT'S A DAY OF MOURNING FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MINDY MCCREADY.

WE HAVE A LIVE LOOK INTO THE FUNERAL PREPARATIONS.

PLUS -- FOUR DAYS REMAIN.

BEFORE BILLIONS IN FORCED SPENDING CUTS START TAKING EFFECT.

THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO DRUM UP PUBLIC CONCERN.

AND PUSH CONGRESS.

Nats. Sirens Blaring

AND A TROOPER GETS HIT BY A CAR AND THE DRIVER. *KEEPS DRIVING.

HL1) MINDY-VO-WIPE

HL2) SEQUESTER-VO-WIPE

HL3) TROPPER HIT-SOTVO

WX HL-WX WALL

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIPTOPS

FIRST WX-OMNI TOPS

OUR STRETCH OF DRY WEATHER -- MAY COME TO AN END.

AS SOME BIG CHANGES IN THE FORECAST --- ARE HEADED OUR WAY THIS WEEK.

STORM WARN 7 METEOROLOGIST ALLYSON RAE --

TRACKS SOME RAIN AND COOLER TEMPERATURES.

FIRST WX-WX CTR

WINTER WEATHER-SAT LIVE OR VO

WINTER STORM BLASTED ITS WAY THROUGH PARTS OF THE COUNTRY'S MID-SECTION.

BRINGING HEAVY SNOW AND HIGH WINDS.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUED BLIZZARD WARNINGS THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST TEXAS.

BLOWING SNOW CREATED DRIFTS AND WHITEOUT CONDITIONS IN THE PANHANDLE,

MAKING ROADS ALMOST IMPASSABLE.

THAT SAME STORM HIT OKLAHOMA WITH A BLIZZARD.

TOSS TO DANIELLE-2 SHOT

TODAY WILL BE A DAY OF MUSIC AND MOURNING.

FOR THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS -- OF MINDY MCCREADY.

HER PUBLIC FUNERAL IS TODAY IN FORT MYERS --

AT CROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH.

MINDY MCCREADY FUNERAL-REM-LIVE

TODAY'S FUNERAL SERVICE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

MINDY MCCREADY FUNERAL-VO -VIDBOX CG

CLOSE TO ONE THOUSAND FRIENDS, FANS AND LOVED ONES ARE EXPECTED TO COME OUT THIS AFTERNOON FOR COUNTRY STAR MINDY MCCREADY.

INVESTIGATORS DIED OF SUICIDE ON THE FRONT PORCH OF HER HOME IN ARKANSAS.

THE SAME PLACE HER BOYFRIEND SHOT HIMSELF TO DEATH A MONTH BEFORE.

SHE WAS A MOTHER OF TWO BOYS, 6 YEAR OLD ZANDER AND 10 MONTH OLD ZANYNE.

TODAY, FRIENDS AND FANS CAN COME OUT TO PAY RESPECTS BEGINNING AT TWO P-M AT THE CROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST FORT MYERS.

MINDY MCCREADY FUNERAL-SOT

MINDY MCCREADY FUNERAL-REM-LIVE

THE FAMILY IS NOT RELEASING WHERE OR WHEN THE BURIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD

SEQUESTER COUNTDOWN-2 SHOT

THIS MORNING, WE'RE GETTING A *BETTER IDEA --

OF HOW LOOMING BUDGET CUTS COULD IMPACT *YOU.

SEVERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN WASHINGTON WILL SPEAK OUT TODAY.

AS OF RIGHT NOW.

THERE ARE *NO TALKS HAPPENING. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

SO THE COUNTRY -- IS BRACING FOR THE IMPACT.

SEQUESTER COUNTDOWN-PKG

SMALL AIRPORTS COULD LOSE THEIR OVERNIGHT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS:

most of this sot is covered, stick to the time

"That's a gigantic safety issue for us. If we have somebody that's not paying attention to somebody coming in to land, they cross a runway in front of landing aircraft, you can just imagine what would happen."

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE MAY CUT MAINTENANCE AND PILOT TRAINING. ON TOP OF 20 PERCENT PAY CUTS.

end of sot is covered

"It's difficult to explain to your teenager you can't have that dress for that dance."

"Companies are preparing layoff notices. Families are preparing to cut back on expenses."

AMONG THE FIRST TO DISAPPEAR: HEATING ASSISTANCE. FOOD FOR NEW MOTHERS. AND MONEY FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION.

UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS COULD TAKE A 10 PERCENT HIT.

AND RIGHT NOW - POLITICIANS ARE POINTING FINGERS. NOT NEGOTIATING:

Virginia:47-:52

"The President's really gotta stop campaigning and come back to the table and work with us."

TODAY, PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS A VIRGINIA SHIPBUILDER WORRIED ABOUT JOBS.

upper left chyron

NEARBY LAST NIGHT, SOME RESIDENTS WERE MORE WORRIED ABOUT SPENDING:

"We're at 7 trillion that this man has spent. When is the Republican party going to stand up to this man and stop him?"

OFFICIALS EVEN FEAR THE CUTS COULD MAKE THE U-S MORE VULNERABLE TO TERROR ATTACKS:

SEQUESTER COUNTDOWN-OCCAM

TRACIE POTTS REPORTING.

LATER TODAY, WE'LL HEAR FROM FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR BEN BERNANKE.

LOCAL SEQUESTER-WIPE VO

AND YOU WILL FEEL THE EFFECTS HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

FROM FOOD. TO HEALTH. TO EDUCATION. TO CRIME.

THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PREDICTS --

IT COULD LOSE UP TO 12 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL GRANTS.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FORT MYERS POLICE COULD ALSO LOSE GRANTS,

THAT HELP PROTECT WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENT CRIMES.

THEN THERE'S 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS THAT HELPS FORT MYERS POLICE --

SUPPLY ITS INVESTIGATORS WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS.

TO SOLVE BURGLARIES, ROBBERIES AND HOMICIDES.

IF THE SEQUESTER GOES INTO EFFECT -

CHUCK HAGEL CONFIRMATION HEARING-VO

TODAY, THE SENATE IS EXPECTED TO VOTE --

ON WHETHER TO MOVE FORWARD.

WITH CHUCK HAGEL'S NOMINATION AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.

REPUBLICANS BLOCKED A VOTE ON HAGEL,

BEFORE THE PRESIDENT'S DAY RECESS.

BUT SOME OF HAGEL'S BIGGEST CRITICS NOW SAY --

THEY'LL SUPPORT MOVING THE NOMINATION TO A FINAL VOTE.

CARDINAL KEITH O'BRIEN-VO

THE VATICAN WANTED THE SPOTLIGHT -- ON POPE BENEDICT THIS WEEK.

INSTEAD, THE DARKER SIDE OF THE CHURCH --- TAKES CENTER STAGE.

SCOTLAND'S CARDINAL KEITH O'BRIEN.

RESIGNED AND SAYS HE WILL NOT ATTEND -- THE CONCLAVE TO ELECT A NEW POPE.

HE'S THE FIRST CARDINAL IN HISTORY -- TO STAY AWAY BECAUSE OF A PERSONAL SCANDAL.

OBRIEN'S FACING ACCUSATIONS BY 3 PRIESTS AND A FORMER PRIEST.

POPE DOC LEAK-WIPE VOTOPS

MEANWHILE THE POPE IS DEALING WITH ANOTHER SORDID MESS.

LAST YEAR'S LEAK OF SECRET DOCUMENTS -- BY THE POPE'S OWN BUTLER.

HE'LL KEEP AN INVESTIGATION -- UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

THE ONLY PERSON WHO WILL GET TO SEE THE REPORT -- WILL BE THE NEXT POPE.

THE POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE REPORT, DETAILED BY ITALIAN NEWSPAPERS,

SUGGESTS IT FOUND EVIDENCE --- OF CORRUPTION, BLACKMAIL AND A GAY SEX RING,

BP OIL SPILL TRIAL-VO

THIS MORNING THE FIRST WITNESSES --- WILL TESTIFY IN THE B-P TRIAL.

PROSECUTORS AND PLAINTIFFS' LAWYERS.

ARGUE THE OIL GIANT -- WAS NEGLIGENT IN THE 2010 SPILL.

THAT KILLED 11 WORKERS.

BP MUST SHOW ITS ERRORS -- DO NOT MEET THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE.

THE COMPANY HAS ALREADY PAID $37 BILLION IN CLEANUP AND RESTORATION.

BANK ROBBERY UPDATE

THIS MORNING, FORT MYERS POLICE HUNT FOR A MAN,

WHO THEY SAY ROBBED A BANK.

WE HAVE THESE SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS.

INVESTIGATORS SAY HE WALKED INTO THE FIFTH THIRD BANK,

ON BOY SCOUT DRIVE MONDAY AFTERNOON.

HE HANDED THE TELLER A NOTE --

SUGGESTING HE HAD A GUN AND DEMANDED CASH.

HE GOT AWAY WITH SOME MONEY.

NOTICE THE TATTOO ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS NECK.

IF YOU KNOW WHO HE IS, CALL POLICE.

TROOPER HIT -VO

IN FORT LAUDERDALE, AN 18-YEAR-OLD FLORIDA WOMAN WAS ARRESTED.

AFTER HITTING A TROOPER AND THEN DRIVING AWAY.

THE TROOPER WAS INVESTIGATING ANOTHER CRASH,

BUT HE STILL WENT AFTER HER.

LOOK AT THIS--

THE TROOPER GETS CLOSE TO THE WOMAN'S CAR.

THEN HITS IT,

CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL.

SHE WANDERS OUT OF THE WRECKED CAR.

AND IS HANDCUFFED.

BUT IT DOESN'T END THERE.

SHE STARS ARGUING,

TROOPER HIT -SOTVO

Nats. "Can you explain to me what I did wrong?? You crashed into a trooper and you left the scene, yes, but I couldn't stop because the car in front of me stopped. Doesn't matter you can't hit a a trooper and leave." Nats."I didn't do anything bad. You hit my trooper ma'am. But that was because of traffic."

TROOPERS SAY THE WOMAN WAS SWAYING.

AND THAT HER EYES WERE BLOODSHOT AND WATERY.

SHE WAS ARRESTED FOR D-U-I,

TEASE ONE-2-SHOT

PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS -- ARE ALWAYS RISING

EVEN WHEN YOU CUT BACK IN OTHER AREAS -- THE MONEY IS HARD TO COME UP WITH.

THE MORNING.

TIPS THAT COULD CUT COSTS -- BY HUNDREDS.

AND THE NEWEST WI-FI HOTSPOT?

YOUR CAR!

TZ1 A SAVING ON DRUGS-VOTOPS

TZ1 B CARS TO BECOME WIFI HOTSPOTS-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.

Our stretch of dry weather will come to an end today as a band of rain moves into Southwest Florida this afternoon, signaling the arrival of a cool front that will take a couple days to push all the through.

We'll start the morning with a little patchy fog, but visibility should be much improved compared to the last several mornings. We'll notice some low clouds around early today along with some periods of sunshine, but clouds will be on the increase this afternoon as the cool front comes marching our way.

A broken band of showers will start moving in from the Gulf of Mexico by the mid afternoon, and there might also be a few embedded thunderstorms as well. The good news is this rain will be weakening as it moves in, so we don't anticipate the severe weather threat that areas to our north are experiencing today. As far as rain totals are concerned, most spots should pick up a quarter inch or less.As we go through the night, some lingering showers will be possible, particularly over southern portions of the viewing area around Collier County. Because the front will take some time before making it all the way through Southwest Florida, clouds and even a few showers will hang around through our Wednesday, keeping daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s.

By Thursday we should notice at least some partial clearing as the cool air starts filtering in. Highs Thursday should only reach the mid 70s after starting with lows in the mid 50s. Friday will be a few points cooler with highs only climbing into the low 70s.

By the weekend, our weather really starts to get chilly. Highs Saturday and Sunday will likely only reach the 60s, and overnight temperatures will fall into the 40s. What's more, clouds and a few showers might even keep our weather a bit cooler Saturday through early Sunday before we see more sunshine by Sunday afternoon. Models are even hinting at temperatures as low as the low 40s and 30s by Monday morning!

SAVING ON DRUGS-2 SHOT

HERE'S A REAL MONEY SAVING REPORT.

THAT WE CAN ALL USE.

ON AVERAGE -- ONE PERSON HAS AT LEAST FOUR DIFFERENT DRUGSTORE PRESCRIPTIONS.

AND PAYING FOR THEM GETS EXPENSIVE.

ABOUT A THIRD OF PATIENTS.

WILL CUT BACK ON ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD.

BUT WHAT ABOUT PRESCRIPTIONS?

SAVING ON DRUGS-PKG

CARI AND ANDREW FROM LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA ARE LIVING ON THE EDGE.

PF: Is this something that could ruin you financially?

Cari: Absolutely. We're worried about losing our home.

LIKE SO MANY AMERICAN FAMILIES, THEY NEED AND PAY FOR SEVERAL PRESCRIPTION

EVERY MONTH. LIKE HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE.

PLUS, CARI HAS CROHN'S DISEASE - AND GETS MONTHLY INFUSIONS. THEIR SON,

JARED, IS ON A GROWTH HORMONE.

THEN, THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE.

SUDDENLY, THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD THEM THEY WON'T COVER ALL OF IT. NOW

THEY'RE FACING A $20,000 DOLLAR BILL EVERY MONTH.

PF: Are you guys afraid right now?

Cari and Andrew: Yes. Yeah.

SO WE BROUGHT IN MICHELLE KATZA HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE.

TIP #1. CHECK YOUR BILL - LIKE YOU DO AT A RESTAURANT. BELIEVE IT OR NOT

- THERE ARE CODES FOR YOUR DRUGS. AND OFTEN THEY GET THEM WRONG. WE FOUND

ONE OF THOSE WRONG CODES-fixed itAND IMMEDIATELY SAVED THEM $1,200 DOLLARS.

TIP #2 ARM YOURSELF WITH THIS APP. CALLED LOW RX. AND HERE'S WHY.

DID YOU KNOW DRUG PRICES FLUCTUATE LIKE GAS PRICES?

PF: Different pharmacies can charge different prices for the same drug?

MK: Right.

THE APP TELLS YOU THE AVERAGE PRICE OF YOUR DRUG, INCLUDING GENERICS. THEN

ARMS YOU WITH THE ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF EVERY PHARMACY IN YOUR AREA.

WE FOUND ONE OF CARI'S DRUGS$100 DOLLARS CHEAPER.AT COSTCO.

WHICH BRINGS US TO TIP #3 EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER, YOU CAN *STILL*

FILL PRESCRIPTIONS AT THOSE BIG WHOLESALERS

PF: If I'm not a member, I can still have my prescription filled here? No

questions asked?

Paul: that's correct.

PF: and that's by law?

Paul: Yes.

TIP #4. NEGOTIATE IT TURNS OUT, IF YOU GO TO THOSE SMALL MOM AND POP

PHARMACIES--YOU CAN WHEEL AND DEAL TO BRING THE PRICE DOWN.

PF: Are you ready to negotiate? Dani: Absolutely.

Pharmacist: That will be $30 dollars.

PF: If I bring in cash, is there more bargaining power for the consumer?

HE GOES BACK TO CHECK AND WHEN HE RETURNS? A DEAL!

PF: So instead of paying $30 dollars, you're paying $!2. That's at $18

dollar savings.

AND TIP #5 YOU CAN GO DIRECTLY TO THE BIG DRUG COMPANIES..

MICHELLE KEPT AT IT FOR WEEKS -

GAVE THEM PROOF OF THE FAMILY'S FINANCES

TELLING THEM CARI MIGHT HAVE TO STOP BUYING THEIR DRUG ALTOGETHER.

WE WERE THERE AS THEY LEARN WHAT WAS GOING TO COST THEM OVER 17-GRAND A

MONTH.

SAVING ON DRUGS-OC

THAT WAS PAUA FARIS REPORTING.

EXPERTS SAY.

SAME SEX TAX BREAK-VO

SAME SEX COUPLES ARE TYPICALLY *EXCLUDED --

FROM MANY OF THE TAX BENEFITS OF OPPOSITE SEX MARRIAGE.

BUT THERE'S AT LEAST ONE BENEFIT.

IT'S CALLED THE SECOND PARENT ADOPTION TAX CREDIT.

SAME SEX SPOUSES CAN CLAIM IT,

WHEN THEY ADOPT A PARTNER'S CHILD.

STRAIGHT SPOUSES CAN ONLY CLAIM THE CREDIT,

IF THEY BOTH ADOPT A CHILD TOGETHER.

QUALIFYING TAXPAYERS CAN CLAIM UP TO 12 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER CHILD --

CARS TO BECOME WIFI HOTSPOTS-VO

STARTING NEXT YEAR,

*CARS WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET.

GENERAL MOTORS IS TEAMING UP WITH AT&T.

TO ADD 4-G WIRELESS SERVICE TO SEVERAL CARS.

THE SYSTEM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON 20-15 CHEVROLET, BUICK, G-M-C AND CADILLACS.

AMONG OTHER THINGS --

G-M SAYS THE FEATURE WILL BOOST THE ONSTAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM,

FORD PROBE-VO

THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.

WILL INVESTIGATE PROBLEMS WITH STALLING OR SURGING ENGINES.

IN NEARLY 725-THOUSAND FORDS.

THE PROBE IS TAKING A LOOK -- AT FORD ESCAPE AND FUSION.

THE VEHICLES CAN UNEXPECTEDLY GO INTO "LIMP HOME MODE" AT REDUCED POWER.

BARNES AND NOBLE-VOTOPS

AND BARNES AND NOBLE FOUNDER --- LEONARD RIGGIO.

WANTS TO BUY THE COMPANY'S STORES AND WEBSITE.

BUT NOT THE BUSINESS THAT MAKES THE NOOK E-READER OR THE COMPANY'S COLLEGE BOOKSTORES.

MEANWHILE.

TEASE TWO-OC

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

COMING UP ON ABC-7

NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY PATIENTS --- RUNNING ON AIR.

LITERALLY.

THE NEW KIND OF TREADMILL.

TZ2 A ANTI GRAVITY-VO-WIPE

BREAKING-CLIP

BREAKING-OC

NEW INFORMATION RIGHT NOW

THE NATION'S HOUSING MARKET.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST STANDARD AND POOR'S CASE SHILLER 20-CITY INDEX--

U-S HOME PRICES ROSE AT A HEALTHY PACE IN DECEMBER COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO.

UP 6-POINT-8 PERCENT.

ANTI GRAVITY TREADMILL -VO

A NEW KIND OF TREADMILL GETS SOME TRACTION.

AND IT GIVES RUNNERS OR PEOPLE IN REHAB. AN EDGE.

CHECK OUT THE ANTI GRAVITY TREADMILL.

IT'S A TOOL MANY PHYSICAL THERAPIST USE --

TO HELP PATIENTS RECOVER FROM INJUIRES.

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS.

YOU PUT ON SPECIAL SHORTS,

THAT HAVE A TUTU LIKE ATTACHMENT.

THEN YOU'RE ZIPPED INTO THE MACHINE.

YOUR WEIGHT IS RECORDED.

THEN YOU AND THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST DECIDE HOW MUCH WEIGHT TO TAKE OFF.

AIR IS PUMPED IN.

ANTI GRAVITY TREADMILL -SOTVO

SOT: HECTOR JASON, PHYSICAL THERAPIST

"Now, because of the anti gravity we can now put a patient there and be able to start, any type of whether it's endurance training, gait training balance training ah at a much faster rate."

AN ARRAY OF CAMERAS --

HELPS PATIENTS MONITER THEIR SUCCESS.

BUT THERAPIST SAY --

THIS IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR *TRADITIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS.

JUST ANOTHER TOOL.

DANGEROUS DIABETES DRUGS-VO

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS PATIENTS TAKING A NEW CLASS OF DIABETES DRUGS.

HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION.

A JOHNS HOPKINS STUDY FOUND.

THE BRAND NAMES -- JANUVIA AND BYETTA --- CAN CAUSE LESIONS TO FORM ON THE PANCREAS.

THIS CAN LEAD TO ACUTE PANCREATITIS.

CORTISONE PANCREATITIS -VO

THERE'S EVIDENCE SOME MEDICINE CONTAINING CORTISONE.

MIGHT INCREASE -- THE RISK OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS.

CORTISONE TABLETS ARE SOMETIMES USED TO TREAT ASTHMA.

AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES -- LIKE RHEUMATIC DISEASE.

PATIENTS HAD A 70-PERCENT HIGHER RISK -- OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS.

TEASE THREE-2-SHOT

A TERRIFYING SCENE OVERSEAS.

A HOT AIR BALLOON EXPLODES.

AND PLUMMETS TO THE GROUND.

SEVERAL PEOPLE DIED.

WE HEAR FROM WITNESSES.

PLUS

STATES LIKE KANSAS AND TEXAS ARE GOING THROUGH A WINTER STORM DEJA VU.

TZ3 A EGYPT BALLON-VO-WIPE

TZ3 B WINTER STORM-VOTOPS-WIPE

TZ3 C-VOTOPS

CROSSTALK WX TEASE-2SH-WX GFX

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

NY STOCK EXCHANGE OPEN-SAT 3 TOPS

ABC SEVEN GOES LIVE -- TO THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.

STOCKS HIT THE BRAKES. AS THE ITALIAN ELECTION WENT AWRY.

NOW, THERE'S FEAR OF MORE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS -- IN THE *ALREADY TROUBLED E-U.

THE DOW AND S&P -- HAD THEIR BIGGEST ONE-DAY LOSS OF THE YEAR.

TODAY.

WE GET FINANCIAL RESULTS -- FROM HOME DEPOT AND MACY'S.

TS1) MINDY-VOTOPS

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR COUNTRY MUSIC STAR MINDY MCCREADY --

ARE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN FORT MYERS.

IT'S BEING HELD AT CROSSROADS CHURCH,

ON PALM BEACH BOULEVARD.

FRIENDS AND FANS CAN PAY RESPECTS AT TWO P-M.

INVESTIGATORS SAY MCCREADY SHOT HERSELF IN THE HEAD,

ON THE FRONT PORCH OF HER HOME IN ARKANSAS.

TS2) SEQUESTER-VOTOPS

COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE BRACING FOR THE IMPACT OF THOSE SPENDING CUTS DUE TO KICK IN AT THE END OF THE WEEK.

SO FAR, NO NEGOTIATIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

TS3) CHUCK HAGEL-VOTOPS

TODAY A DEEPLY DIVIDED SENATE MOVES TOWARD A VOTE ---

FOR CHUCK HAGEL TO HEAD THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT.

IF CONFIRMED, HAGEL WOULD SUCCEED DEFENSE SECRETARY LEON PANETTA.

AND JOIN OBAMA'S RETOOLED NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM.

EGYPT BALLON CRASH-VO

TODAY, A HOT AIR BALLOON FLYING OVER EGYPT.

CAUGHT FIRE AND CRASHED.

KILLING AT LEAST 19 FOREIGN TOURISTS.

ACCORDING TO AN EGYPTIAN SECURITY OFFICIAL --

THE BALLOON WAS CARRYING 21 TOURISTS.

IT CAUGHT FIRE,

WHICH TRIGGERED AN EXPLOSION IN ITS GAS CANISTER.

IT THEN PLUNGED AT LEAST ONE THOUSAND FEET FROM THE SKY,

CRASHING IN A SUGAR CANE FIELD.

WITNESSES DESCRIBE THE TERRIFYING MOMENTS,

AS PEOPLE TRIED TO JUMP FOR

EGYPT BALLON CRASH-2 SOTVO

05 43 55 As we were coming into land I heard a loud explosion, looked

behind, saw a lot of smoke. We didn't realize it was coming from one of the

nearby balloons.

44 40 We were very close to the ground and as you know in Luxor they burn

the sugar cane this time of year so I assumed it was coming from the ground

not from one of the balloons.

WINTER STORM LATEST-OC

A DEADLY WINTER STORM IS MOVING FROM TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA.

THROUGH MISSOURI AND KANSAS.

THE NATIONAL GUARD HAS BEEN CALLED OUT.

RESPONDING TO THE 8 - 24 INCHES OF SNOW.

WINTER STORM LATEST-PKG

A ferocious blizzard buried the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles under more

than a foot of snow.

In Amarillo, Texas, 19 inches of snow fell, blown by gusts of up to 77 mph.

MOS - Amarillo, TX

"SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE SO FAR. HERE WE GO."

It's a traffic nightmare on roads and highways.

So many drivers were stranded the National Guard had to be called in.

In Oklahoma, whiteout conditions closed all highways in the Panhandle.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, I-40 was shutdown, forcing truck drivers to wait

out the conditions.

MOS Daniel Barefoot, Driver in New Mexico

"IT COSTS MONEY TO SIT STILL AND IT COSTS MONEY TO RUN THAT THING EMPTY, YOU

KNOW AS FAR AS FUEL. SO HOPEFULLY THEY GET IT CLEARED UP."

The monster storm even brought hurricane force winds.

NATS - wall falls off side of bldg in Austin, TX

Look at this building in North Texas. The winds there so ferocious it peeled

bricks from the side of a building.

MOS Rosemary Frazier in Austin, TX

"IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE HAD RUN INTO THE BUILDING AND IT WAS FALLING APART.

"

Today the storm is headed further northeast although the heaviest snow

is forecast for the Midwest.

From Texas to Michigan, 19 states are under storm watches and warnings

.

Kansas -- which barely recovered from last week's monster storm -- is

bracing for even more punishment.

MOS Elton Horne, City Maintenance Coordinator, Williamsburg, KS

"WE'VE HAD A NICE WINTER SO FAR AND NOW THE LAST TWO WEEKS HERE, IT'S LIKE

WINTER STORM LATEST-OC

TAHMAN BRADLEY REPORTING.

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- ALREADY HAS A *FOOT ON THE GROUND.

AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAINFALL.

JESSE JACKSON JR.’S SEAT

TODAY - THOUSANDS OF VOTERS FROM CHICAGO'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

WILL TURN OUT FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION.

THEY'LL VOTE TO REPLACE DISGRACED FORMER U-S REPRESENTATIVE JESSE JACKSON JUNIOR.

HE AND HIS WIFE PLEAD GUILTY TO CHARGES --

OF MIS-UING CAMPAIGN FUNDS FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES.

New Row 1 Leonie Louis

US COUPLE MISSING-VO

AUTHORITIES IN PERU HAVE LAUNCHED A SEARCH --

FOR A CALIFORNIA COUPLE.

THEY WENT MISSING WHILE ON A BIKING TRIP THROUGH THE COUNTRY.

THE FAMILIES OF GARRETT HAND AND JAMIE NEAL SAID --

THEY LAST HEARD FROM THE PAIR ON JANUARY 25TH.

SECURITY CAMERA IMAGES SHOW HAND AND NEAL WAITING TO BOARD A BUS.

THEIR DISAPPEARANCE COINCIDES WITH A TRAVEL ADVISORY ISSUED THIS MONTH --

ONE YEAR ANN MARTIN DEATH-VO

TODAY MARKS ONE YEAR.

SINCE 17-YEAR-OLD TRAYVON MARTIN -- WAS SHOT AND KILLED.

HIS DEATH. AND NOW THE CASE AGAINST GEORGE ZIMMERMAN. GRABBED NATIONAL HEADLINES.

THERE WILL BE A SMALL CANDELIGHT VIGIL IN SANFORD TONIGHT.

BUT MARTIN'S PARENTS WON'T BE THERE.

INSTEAD THEY'LL BE IN NEW YORK CITY FOR A "MILLION HOODIES" VIGIL.

WHERE PEOPLE WILL GATHER FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE ---- TO HONOR MARTIN AND OTHERS KILLED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

ZIMMERMAN'S TRIAL IS EXPECTED TO START THIS SUMMER.

VEGAS SHOOTING SUSPECT-SS-VO

THIS MORNING POLICE ARE EXPANDING THE SEARCH.

FOR A LAS VEGAS GUNMAN --- TO INCLUDE THE SOUTHEAST AND FLORIDA.

AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR AMMAR HARRIS --

THEY SAY HE HAS TIES TO SOUTH CAROLINA --

GEORGIA AND MIAMI.

INVESTIGATORS NAMED HIM THE PRIME SUSPECT.

IN A SHOOTING AND FIERY CRASH.

COSTA CONCORDIA CAPTAIN -VO

IN ITALY, PROSECUTORS REQUESTED THE CAPTAIN OF THE COSTA CONCORDIA --

BE INDICTED ON MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.

THAT'S THE CRUISE LINER THAT CAPSIZED,

KILLING 32 PEOPLE.

PROSECUTORS WANT FRANCESCO SCHETTINO -- THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP -- TO BE TRIED FOR CAUSING A SHIPWRECK.

AND ABANDONING SHIP DURING THE EVACUATION.

PROSECUTORS ALSO WANT FIVE OTHER CREW MEMBERS --

INDICTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER AS WELL.

11 YEAR OLD ARSON-SS VO

A NORTH FORT MYERS 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL -- IS BACK AT HOME THIS MORNING.

AFTER FACING ACCUSATIONS -- SHE SET HER NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE ON FIRE.

DEPUTIES SAY 11-YEAR-OLD AALIYAH FOSTER COFESSED TO STARTING THE FIRE.

A JUDGE ORDERED HER TO SERVE 21 DAYS OF HOME DETENTION.

DEPUTIES SAY FOSTER LIT A PIECE OF PAPER ON FIRE -- ON A NEIGHBOR'S DOOR STEP.

UNDERNEATH IT WAS A BOX OF MATCHES.

BULLET IN CAPE HOME-VO

A CAPE CORAL HOMEOWNER SAYS SHE WOKE UP TO A STUNNING SIGHT OVER THE WEEKEND.

SEVERAL BULLET HOLES --

AROUND HER HOME.

INCLUDING ONE RIGHT IN HER KITCHEN.

LOOK AT THIS VIDEO,

FROM INSIDE NOEL CALL'S HOME.

SHE WAS ASLEEP WHEN IT HAPPENED,

WITH HER KIDS AND TWO GRANDCHILDREN INSIDE.

LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS HURT.

TONIGHT -- FORENSICS TEAMS HAVE THE BULLETS FRAGMENTS.

BUT, SO FAR NO ARRESTS AND NO SUSPECTS,

A WITNESS SAYS A MAN ON A BIKE PULLED UP BY HER HOUSE,

DOCTOR CHILD PORN CASE-OC-SS-VO

A RETIRED ANESTHESIOLOGIST TOOK A PLEA DEAL --

AND HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF HAVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY.

DOCTOR PAUL DAVID DELEEUW DOWNLOADED --

MORE THAN 150 SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VIDEOS AND PICTURES OF CHILDREN.

AN UNDERCOVER AGENT DISCOVERED DELEEUW,

IN AN ONLINE FILE SHARING PROGRAM.

THE DOCTOR USED THE NAME BOYZ-R-US.

INVESTIGATORS FOUND HARD DRIVES AT HIS FORT MYERS HOME,

CONTAINING CHILD PORN.

SENTENCING IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE.

SURGEON GENERAL DIES-VO

HE IS PERHAPS THE BEST KNOWN SURGEON GENERAL IN HISTORY.

DOCTOR C-EVERETT KOOP HAS DIED.

HE WAS THE NATION'S LEADING SPOKESPERSON --

ON PUBLIC HEALTH DURING THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION.

HE FOCUSED AMERICA'S ATTENTION ON THE GROWING AIDS EPIDEMIC.

AND FOUGHT AGAINST SMOKING.

NO CAUSE OF DEATH HAS BEEN RELEASED.

COSTELLO JURY SELECTION-OTS SSVO

JURY SELECTION IS UNDERWAY --

IN A HIGH-PROFILE LEE COUNTY MURDER TRIAL.

DETECTIVES SAY RYAN COSTELLO --- BEAT HIS FOUR-MONTH-OLD SON TO DEATH,

BACK IN 2010.

THE LITTLE BOY SPENT SEVERAL DAYS ON LIFE SUPPORT.

DEPUTIES ALSO SAY COSTELLO ATTACKED HIS GIRLFRIEND,

UNTIL SHE FAKED UNCONSCIOUSNESS.

WE'RE ALSO TOLD THEIR HOME DOUBLED AS A MARIJUANA GROW HOUSE,

IMMOKALEE LATEST-SOTVO

EXTRA GRIEF COUNSELORS -- OFFER SUPPORT TODAY.

FOR STUDENTS WHO LOST A CLASSMATE -- AT IMMOKALEE HIGH SCHOOL.

"they're hurting it's their friend its hard for an adult to understand a loss its even harder when its a teenage and they've lost their friends"

SIXTEEN YEAR OLD KANASHA ISAAC -- WAS SHOT AND KILLED.

OUTSIDE THE FORT MYERS ALE HOUSE OVER THE WEEKEND.

THE PRINCIPAL WILL LET STUDENTS DECIDE.

DEAD FISH WATCH-VO

TODAY, THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH -- WILL HAVE *EXTRA STAFF ON THE SAND.

PICKING UP DEAD FISH -- WASHING UP FROM RED TIDE.

THE PROBLEM STARTED OVER THE WEEKEND.

AND OFFICIALS EXPECT EVEN MORE FISH -- WILL BE ON SHORE THIS MORNING.

RED TIDE CAUSES BREATHING PROBLEMS.

AND IF YOU VISIT FORT MYERS BEACH THIS WEEK,

DEAD FISH WATCH-SOTVO

25:59 i tripped over a fish on the beach in my well coordinated massachusetts athleticism, lot to trip over

00:03 it makes us all sound like we're smokers 00:07

E-M-S WORKERS ON THE ISLAND SAY --

ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE CALLED FOR HELP.

TEASE FOUR-2-SHOT

DANCING WITH THE STARS!

THE *NEW CAST. HAS BEEN REVEALED.

FIND OUT WHO YOU'LL SEE. ON THE BALLROOM FLOOR.

BUT FIRST --

"I'm sorry I did a shot before I came out here.sorry! Jesus."

SHE'S HOLLYWOOD'S NEW *IT* GIRL.

AND NOW AN OSCAR WINNER.

TZ4 A) DANCING WITH THE STARS REVEAL-VO-WIPE

TZ4B) LAWRENCE NEW IT GIRL-SOTVO

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

LAWRENCE NEW IT GIRL-2 SHOT

ALL THE BUZZ IS NOW ABOUT JENNIFER LAWRENCE.

SHE'S JUST WON AN OSCAR SHE'S CAPTIVATED A NATION WITH YOUR GRACE.

AND WITH HER STUMBLES SHE EVEN CHARMED LADIES' MAN JACK NICHOLSON.

LAWRENCE NEW IT GIRL-PKG

SOT JEAN DUJARDIN / ACTOR: "Jennifer Lawrence"

JENNIFER LAWRENCE DIDN'T JUST WIN AN OSCAR.SHE WON THE WHOLE OSCAR SEASON

. EVERY BIT THE "IT" GIRL-NEXT-DOOR FOR HER UNPRETENTIOUS EXUBERANCE

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "I'm sorry I did a shot before I came out

here.sorry! Jesus."

HER GONE-VIRAL-AND-THEN-SOME BACKSTAGE BANTER WITH THREE-TIME OSCAR WINNER

JACK NICHOLSON DURING HER INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS

SOT JACK NICHOLSON / ACTOR: "I didn't mean to crash into your interview"

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "Yeah, you're being really rude!"

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "I love all your movies."

SOT JACK NICHOLSON / ACTOR: "You look like an old girlfriend of mine."

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "Oh really? Do I look like a new girlfriend

?"

SOT JACK NICHOLSON / ACTOR: "I thought about it."

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "Oh my God!

Is he still here?"

SOT JACK NICHOLSON / ACTOR: "I'll be waiting!"

EVEN HER OCCASIONAL SLIP ON AWARD SHOW STAIRCASES.

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "You guys are just standing up because you

feel bad that I fell and that's really embarrassing but thank you."

ONLY RATIFYING HOW REFRESHINGLY REAL THIS 22-YEAR-OLD SEEMS WITH AN ACADEMY

AWARD,

A MODELING CONTRACT AS THE NEW FACE OF MISS DIORAND A BRIGHT FUTURE ONSCREEN

SOT MERLE GINSBERG / SENIOR WRITER, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: "She is the

hottest female entertainment star on the planet. / She's this acting

chameleon, but she doesn't take herself too seriously."

LAWRENCE'S FUTURE SETS UP SMARTLY SHE'S GOT ROLES IN 2 FILM FRANCHISES: THE

X-MEN SERIES & THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY, FOR WHICH SHE'LL RETURN AS KATNISS

EVERDEEN IN CATCHING FIRE.

SOT CHRIS CONNELLY / ABC NEWS: "Is your archery still in high quality

condition?"

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "Yeah, I'm not bad."

NOW, POST-OSCAR, THE SKY'S THE LIMITFOR THE YOUNG ACTRESS WHO BEGAN HER

CAREER AT AGE 6, PLAYING AN EDGY ROLE IN A CHURCH PLAY.

SOT JENNIFER LAWRENCE / ACTRESS: "My mom always tells the story. She's,

like, "She was playing a prostitute." I'm, like, "Was I?" And I

guess I had a feather boa. Sorry, anybody who's been wearing a

LAWRENCE NEW IT GIRL-2 SHOT

CHRIS CONNELLY REPORTING.

LAWRENCE IS READY FOR HER NEXT ROLE.

SHE'S ALREADY DIED HER HAIR DARK BROWN.

AND WILL HEAD TO HAWAII TO FILM THE HUNGER GAMES SEQUEL.

DANCING WITH THE STARS REVEAL-2 SHOT VO

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES!

WE NOW KNOW *WHO'S ON THE NEW SEASON.

OF "DANCING WITH THE STARS."

THE CAST FOR SEASON 16 --

WAS ANNOUNCED LIVE DURING GOOD MORNING AMERICA.

TAKE A LOOK --

COUNTRY SINGER WYNONA JUDD.

COMEDIAN D-L HUGHLEY.

SUPERBOWL CHAMPION JACOBY JONES.

REAL HOUSEWIFE LISA VANDERPUMP.

ACTOR ANDY DICK.

BOXER VICTOR ORTIZ.

DISNEY STAR ZENDAYA COLEMAN.

OLYMPIC GYMNAST ALY RAISMAN.

SOAP STAR INGO RADEMACHER.

AMERICAN IDOL KELLIE PICKLER.

AND OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATER DOROTHY HAMILL.

THE NEW SEASON PREMIERES ON MARCH 18TH.

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.

Our stretch of dry weather will come to an end today as a band of rain moves into Southwest Florida this afternoon, signaling the arrival of a cool front that will take a couple days to push all the through.

We'll start the morning with a little patchy fog, but visibility should be much improved compared to the last several mornings. We'll notice some low clouds around early today along with some periods of sunshine, but clouds will be on the increase this afternoon as the cool front comes marching our way.

A broken band of showers will start moving in from the Gulf of Mexico by the mid afternoon, and there might also be a few embedded thunderstorms as well. The good news is this rain will be weakening as it moves in, so we don't anticipate the severe weather threat that areas to our north are experiencing today. As far as rain totals are concerned, most spots should pick up a quarter inch or less.As we go through the night, some lingering showers will be possible, particularly over southern portions of the viewing area around Collier County. Because the front will take some time before making it all the way through Southwest Florida, clouds and even a few showers will hang around through our Wednesday, keeping daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s.

By Thursday we should notice at least some partial clearing as the cool air starts filtering in. Highs Thursday should only reach the mid 70s after starting with lows in the mid 50s. Friday will be a few points cooler with highs only climbing into the low 70s.

By the weekend, our weather really starts to get chilly. Highs Saturday and Sunday will likely only reach the 60s, and overnight temperatures will fall into the 40s. What's more, clouds and a few showers might even keep our weather a bit cooler Saturday through early Sunday before we see more sunshine by Sunday afternoon. Models are even hinting at temperatures as low as the low 40s and 30s by Monday morning!

ROBIN'S AMAZING COMEBACK-2 SHOT

GOOD MORNING AMERICA'S ROBIN ROBERTS.

HAS JUMPED RIGHT BACK INTO WORK -- IN A BIG WAY.

AFTER A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE HERE FROM THE PERSON WHO MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE.

ROBINS SISTER. SALLY ANN ROBERTS.

ROBIN'S AMAZING COMEBACK-PKG

nats GMA from Robin

Robin Roberts is back hosting Good Morning America while her sister Sally

Ann Roberts is bringing New Orleans the morning news at WWL..A unique bond

for two sisters who share so much; and have an even tighter

bond now.

Sally Anne SOT

It was a miracle that we were a match when you realize 70 percent of people

are not cannot ifnd a match in their family. I'm just so thankful for every

step Robin has taken toward recovery and I don't take it for granted.

Robin's family and friends, and the nation. have rallied around Robin

during her battle with a life threatening bone marrow disorder. Her sisters

were there when she left Good Morning America six months ago, and they were there when she

returned last Wednesday.cheering her on.

SOT very short nats music break

SOT ROBIN

What a wonderful blessing it is to have family and extended family here to

get us through.

And while it was a grueling recover process for Robin, she's not exactly

easing her way back into her routine. In addition to returning to GMA, she

interviewed the first lady on Friday, and then boarded a plane for Los

Angeles to host the Red Carpet portion of the Oscars.

NAts robin 05-11 A year ago I knew I wasn't well but what a difference a

year makes.

Sally Ann

I think Robin finds healing in going back to wokr.that's where she can go

to get back into the rhythm of life.

Robin's doctors say her ambitious schedule isn't the gradual return they

envisioned.but they don't mind her trying.

Sally Ann

I think she knows how far she can go and when she needs to rest, and she's

going to listen to her body./But she feels great, her numbers are great,

and that's what her doctors are continuing to follow.

And don't forget, Robin's comeback wouldn't have been possible without Sally

Ann's bone marrow donation.

"It was a piece of cake for me. / They put me under, and put a port in my

chest, and I sat there and felt absolutely nothing."

And as the world continues to follow Robin's progress, Sally Anne hopes more

people will sign up to become donors.

"There are people out there searching for a donor and can't find one and if

ROBIN'S AMAZING COMEBACK-OC

ONE INTERESTING AND FUNNY NOTE.

ROBIN SAYS SHE HAS DEVELOPED A SWEET TOOTH SINCE THE TRANSPLANT.

FCAT STARTS TODAY-OC OTS

RIGHT NOW 4TH, 8TH AND 10TH GRADERS.

GEAR UP FOR THE "F-CAT WRITING TEST."

THIS YEAR -- THERE ARE INCREASED SCORING EXPECTATIONS.

AND BECAUSE OF THAT, STUDENTS WILL GET MORE TIME.

60 MINUTES, INSTEAD OF 45.

IF YOU'D LIKE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST - AND SCORING EXPECTATIONS --

HEAD TO ABC-DASH-SEVEN DOT COM.

CHARTER UPDATE-VO

IN CAPE CORAL CITY--

LEADERS DECIDED THEY *WILL* BACK A PLAN.

TO HELP FUND CHARTER SCHOOLS.

THE TOP ADMINISTRATOR FOR CAPE CORAL CHARTER SCHOOLS.

ASKED FOR THREE MILLION DOLLARS IN PROPERTY TAX MONEY.

FROM THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.

HE SAYS PARENTS PAY THAT MONEY.

AND IT SHOULD GO TO THEIR CHILDREN'S SCHOOLING.

THE MONEY WOULD HELP REPLACE DWINDLING STATE FUNDS.

BONITA ELEMENTRY SIDEWALK-VOWIPE

THE BATTLE FOR SIDEWALKS NEAR -- BONITA SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. IS GROWING.

ADMINISTRATORS FROM THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

AND CITY LEADERS IN BONITA SPRINGS.

ARE LOOKING AT GRANTS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE SIDEWALKS WOULD BE ON THREE STREETS NORTH OF THE SCHOOL.

ABERNATHY, HAMPTON, AND CROCKETT.

IT WOULD COST ABOUT 110-THOUSAND DOLLARS

BONITA ELEMENTRY SIDEWALK-SOTVO

Dave Diederich, Teacher

We have a lot of kids that ride bikes. A lot of parents that pick up kids and walk

TEASE FIVE-1SHOT

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

WE'LL RUNDOWN YOUR TOP STORIES STRAIGHT AHEAD.

PLUS, AN INCREDIBLE SIGHT!

TS5) ONE YEAR OLD SNOWBOARDING-VO

FINAL CHECK OF STOCKS-SAT 3 FULL

JANET JACKSON MARRIED-VO

MISS JACKSON. IS NOW A MRS!

A REP FOR JANET JACKSON CONFIRMS --

SHE IS MARRIED TO BILLIONAIRE BUSINESSMAN WISSAM AL MANA.

IN A JOINT STATEMENT --

THE COUPLE SAYS THEY EXCHANGED VOWS LAST YEAR.

IN A QUIET, PRIVATE CEREMONY.

THE STATEMENT WAS IN RESPONSE TO RUMORS --

THAT THE TWO WERE PLANNING AN EXTRAVAGANT WEDDING.

LOHAN CAMEO-VOTOPS

LINDSAY LOHAN MAKES A CAMEO ON THE SMALL SCREEN.

A REP FOR THE ACTRESS SAYS SHE'LL PLAY HERSELF --

IN AN UPCOMING EPISODE OF CHARLIE SHEEN'S SITCOM, "ANGER MANAGEMENT."

ON SCREEN, LOHAN WILL BECOME ONE OF SHEEN'S THERAPY PATIENTS.

JACKSON WRONGFUL DEATH TRIAL-VO

A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT -- IN THE CASE OF MICHAEL JACKSON -- WILL LIKELY GO TO TRIAL.

THE LWASUIT BY HIS THREE CHILDREN AND MOTHER.

TARGETS CONCERT PROMOTER -- A-E-G LIVE.

THE JUDGE HAS ORDERED DOCTOR CONRAD MURRAY -- TO MEET WITH JACKSON LAWYERS NEXT MONTH FOR A DEPOSITION.

ONE YEAR OLD SNOWBOARDING-VO

SHE'S BEEN ON A SNOWBOARD --- BEFORE SHE COULD EVEN WALK.

TAKE A LOOK AT.

THIS 1-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN OREGON IS SHOWING OFF HER IMPRESSIVE SKILLS.

EDEN TURNS TWO NEXT MONTH.

HER MOM SAYS SHE'S BEEN TAKING HER SNOW BOARDING.

SINCE SHE WAS SIX WEEKS OLD.

EDEN HAS A FIVE-WEEK-OLD SISTER.

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) WINTER WEATHER-VOTOPS

TIME NOW TO UPDATE THIS MORNING'S TOP STORIES.

YET ANOTHER BLIZZARD SLAMS THE NATION'S MIDSECTION TODAY.

THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS WERE LEFT WITHOUT POWER AS THE STORM MOVED IN AFTER LASHING THE TEXAS PANHANDLE WITH HURRICANE-FORCE WINDS.

AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE STORM.

TS2) MCCREADY FUNERAL-VOTOPS

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR COUNTRY MUSIC STAR MINDY MCCREADY ARE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN FORT MYERS.

HER FAMILY WILL HOLD THE SERVICE FOR THE FORT MYERS NATIVE, AT CROSSROADS CHURCH ON PALM BEACH BOULEVARD.

FRIENDS AND FANS CAN COME OUT TO PAY RESPECTS BEGINNING AT TWO P-M.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO YOUNG BOYS SHOT HERSELF IN THE HEAD ON THE FRONT PORCH OF HER HOME IN ARKANSAS.

TS3) SEQUESTER COUNTDOWN-VOTOPS

COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE BRACING FOR THE IMPACT OF THOSE SPENDING CUTS DUE TO KICK IN AT THE END OF THE WEEK.

SO FAR, NO NEGOTIATIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

TS4) HAGEL CONFIRMATION-VOTOPS

TODAY A DEEPLY DIVIDED SENATE IS MOVING TOWARD A VOTE ON PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S CONTENTIOUS CHOICE OF CHUCK HAGEL TO HEAD THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT.

THEY'RE EXPECTED TO VOTE ON WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH THE HAGEL SELECTION.

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

please be sure to tease our next newscast

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