[HEADLINES]

[TALENT=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Fuel prices continue to climb-- and they may not come down anytime soon.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


And the investigation into last week's internet attacks goes global.
(/////////////)
[TALENT=Patrick]
[SS=None]



[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]


News 7 at noon is next.

[reno-hackers]


[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=The Internet]


Attorney General Janet Reno calls Internet Security the most critical issue that law enforcement has ever faced.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

[11:38]
She and F-B-I director Louis Freeh testified before a Senate Panel today about last week's wave of cyber attacks.

[11:39]
Freeh told senators that some of the vandals falsified the Internet addresses of the computers used in the attacks.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]

[11:38:40]
[IN Q=Because the Hacker...]
[SUPER=01-Louis Freeh/FBI Director;]
[RUNS=:22]
[OUT Q=By regular users.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Freeh says F-B-I agents are following up hundreds of leads in trying to crack the case and the investigation is stretching ''literally around the world.''
It also has the attention of the White House, Lee Cowan reports.
(------------)


[WIPE/WIPE/WIPE]


[Internet-attacks]


[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=wipe/wipe/wipe]


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]

[3:07:52]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC; :06]
[SUPER=01-Charles Want/Computer Associate International; :11]
[SUPER=01-Alan Brill/Kroll Associates; :28]
[SUPER=01-Ronald Dick/FBI; :43]
[SUPER=01-William Daley/Secretary of Commerce; 1:20]
[SUPER=01-Lee Cowan/Reporting; 1:28]
[RUNS=1:39]
[OUT Q=CBS News, the White House.]

((Last weeks attacks on some of the nations most popular web sites were so disturbing, the White House hastily called a meeting of computer experts to figure out what went wrong.
SOT/CHARLES WANG, COMPUTER ASSOCIATE INTERNATIONAL 13:20:45

There is a crisis here because there are people out who are maliciously attacking the internet. NARR:
More than a billion dollars were lost after cyber criminals purposely overloaded sites like Yahoo!, Buy.com, eBay and others shutting them down for no apparent reason other than to prove they could.
SOT/ALAN BRILL, KROLL ASSOCIATES 11:37:54

As the technology advances, it advances not only for good uses, but for bad uses. NARR:
The FBI has narrowing its search now focusing the investigation on at least two hackers known only by their screen names: mafiaboy and coolio.
SOT/RONALD DICK, FBI 13:39:48

There are a lot of chat rooms out there, and people like to talk, just like in any other crime// 13:40:09 And, what were trying to do is ferret through all that information and find that diamond. NARR:
Frustrating is the fact that most of last weeks attacks could have been prevented experts say, with technology already available.
A fact the president pointed to as a reason for calm.
CLINTON SOT 12:06:24

I dont think we should leave here with this vast sense of insecurity. We ought to leave here with a sense of confidence that this was a challenge entirely predictable. NARR:
So predictable, many of the nations largest banking institutions had a warning network that alerted them to threats days before last weeks attack began. The problem: none of that information was passed on to anyone outside the network because of privacy concerns.
SOT/WILLIAM DALEY, COMMERCE SECRETARY 14:10:36

The fact of the matter is at some point, someone may turn on them, and they would have wished that someone else would have shared information with them. COWN ON CAM: The President already pledged some 2 Billion dollars for internet security, but said the trick was securing a flourishing industry, without killing it with regulations. Lee Cowan, CBS News, the White House.))

[FUEL-PRICES]


[ANCHOR=MEL]
[NEWSCAST=NOON]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Heating Costs]


Rising fuel prices also have President Clinton's attention.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

[3:22:49]
He's hinting the federal government may soon release more funds to help low income family's keep warm this winter.
Oil now costs more than thirty dollars a barrel...the highest it's been since before the start of the Gulf War.
And don't expect prices to drop any time soon.
This according to industry analysts.
They predict prices will stay high through the busy summer driving season.
(------------)



[Buford]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=12]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=00-02 TC40:36]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


Attorneys for Roanoke murder suspect Timothy Buford have asked the judge for help from a private investigator.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Buford's lawyers say they're hearing conflicting accounts from witnesses about what happened last August at Easley's Restaurant.
While some say the murder of Prentise Jordan was the product of gang violence, Buford's lawyers say they've found no evidence that "Nippy," as their client is known on the street, is a gang member.
Judge Clifford Weckstein told defense counsel he wants more particulars before he appoints an investigator, but he seemed inclined to grant the request.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=HOLD]


Trial is set for April 4th.

[Bridge-Repair]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Road Repairs]


If you're traveling on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County today, you might run into some delays.
(XXXXXXXXX)

[TAKE MAP FULL]
One northbound lane will be closed until three this afternoon.
V-Dot will be fixing a damaged bridge railing just north of the I-581 interchange.
Authorities are asking drivers to slow down in the construction area.
(------------)



[Vinton-Council]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=00-04 TC21:31]
[GRAPHIC=Vinton Investigation]


The investigion into former Vinton Police Chief Ricky Foutz and his deparment is over-- and the special prosecutor says he won't file charges.
So why are Vinton residents still upset?
Kate Weidaw explains.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=you said if]
[SUPER=03-Vinton; :17]
[SUPER=01-Buck Heartwell/Town Attorney; :51]
[SUPER=01-Terry Obenchain/Foutz Supporter; 1:03]
[SUPER=01-William Obenchain/Town Council Member; 1:13 QUICK!!]
[SUPER=@Kate1; 1:16]
[RUNS=1:30]
[OUT Q=KW, News 7]
(([SOT 26:48]
[INQ=]

((YOU SAID IF HE DIDN'T FIND RICKY GUILTY YOU SAID YOU WOULD GET HIS PAY BACK.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]


It was an emotional evening as residents lashed out against town council. This all came after the grand jury completed its investigation into irregularities in the handling of public funds as well as allegations about drugs and gun evidence in the Police Department. Special Prosecutor Neil Vener said there wasn't enough evidence to charge anybody with a crime. This was news residents had been waiting for -- so Foutz could receive restitution. But council said it needs to wait for the judge to decide if the report is going to be made pubic before making a decision.

[SOT 17:43]
[INQ=]

((BUCK HEARTWELL/TOWN ATTORNEY: THE SPECIAL GRAND JURY REPORT WILL DETERMINE NOT IF CRIMES WERE COMMITTED BUT HAS THE PUBLIC TRUST BEEN BETRAYED.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 12]



[SOT 9:53]
[INQ=]

((TERRY OBENCHAIN: WE ARE TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE THIS YOU HIDE BEHIND THESE REPORTS. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THESE REPORTS THAT'S UP TO JUDGE STRIKCLAND.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 11]



[SOT 44:50]
[INQ=]

((WILLIAM OBENCHAIN/COUNCILMAN: I WILL PROVIDE FULL RESTITUTION IF WE FIND OUT IF WE WERE WRONG.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 4]

[STANDUP]
[INQ=]

((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: THAT IS WHAT WILLIAM OBENCHAIN HAS SAID FROM THE BEGINNING AND RESIDENTS SAY THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE HIM STICK TO HIS PROMISE. JUDGE STRICKLAND WILL BE TAKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON THURSDAY AT 4PM BEFORE SHE MAKES HER DECISION WHETHER TO MAKE THE REPORT PUBLIC. KATE WEIDAW NEWS 7.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS=]))


[tease1] [HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Some surprises from the Roanoke Democratic Party meeting.
When News 7 at noon returns, find out who won't be returning to City Council.
(--------------)
[VO-NAT ]


And some scary moments at a nuclear power plant in New York.
Now let's talk to Patrick Evans.
(---------------)
[Talent=Patrick]

[Wx-Tease] [Weatherpro] [music up full] [comm1]

[NUCLEAR-LEAK]


[ANCHOR=MEL]
[NEWSCAST=NOON]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A close call at a nuclear power plant in a New York city suburb.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Buchanan, NY;]

[6:00:46]
Radioactive steam was released into the air for a few seconds last night at the Indian Two plant.
But officials at the plant say the air was tested and declared safe and no evacuations were ordered.
(---------------)



[n-ireland]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair is hosting talks today aimed at rescuing the Northern Ireland peace accord.
But there's little hope the meetings will succeed.
The Irish Republican Army is again refusing to turn in its weapons.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-London, England;]


That was a central premise of the 19-98 Good Friday agreement.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams says he fears the current political stalemate could lead to renewed action by terrorist splinter groups.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Jerry Adams/SinnFein;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=Beginning of a vacuum]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Last week, Britain suspended Northern Ireland's power-sharing government after a disarmament commission reported the I-R-A wasn't cooperating.
(------------)



[City-Democrats]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]


There are some surprises on the Democratic ticket for Roanoke City Council.
Last night's mass meeting saw Angela Norman, Linda Wyatt and Bill Bestpitch prevail over Alvin Nash, Carroll Swain and Jim Trout.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Almost 500 party members took part in the mass meeting, marking paper ballots for their favorite candidates.
The big win and the upset of the night belonged to challenger Angela Norman, a Roanoke city employee who collected 262 votes.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I've been helping people]
[SUPER=01-Angela Norman/(D) Council Candidate; ]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=where we're going with that.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Roanoke school teacher and council incumbent Linda Wyatt came in second with 181 votes.
And the final spot went to teacher and social services consultant Bill Bestpitch, another challenger who won the support of 152 voters.
Despite the defeat of two incumbents, Democratic officials say they expect to have a unified party for the council elections in May.
(------------)



[Noon-Rubatex]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-48 TC1:56:12]
[GRAPHIC=Rubatex Strike]


They've been out on strike for more than five months.. and hundreds of Rubatex workers say they'll stay out another five if that's what it takes.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]


The walkout at Bedford's largest employer began last September.
More than four hundred rubber workers walked off the job to protest the long hours and cuts in benefits to themselves and retirees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:34:04]
[IN Q=It's not bad]

((KENNETH FITZGERALD/STRIKING RUBATEX WORKER: IT'S NOT BAD.. WE WALK THE PICKET LINES BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN A CAUSE FOR THE RETIREES. THIS COMPANY, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THE RETIREES OR THE COMMUNITY OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE STICKING IT OUT.))
[SUPER=01-Kenneth Fitzgerald/Striking Rubatex Worker; :00]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=sticking it out.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Over the last five months, they've endured heat, cold, wind, rain and snow.. but the strikers' vigil outside the plant has never wavered.
Tonight on News7 at Six, we'll hear more about what life is like for these workers, in part one of our series "Life On the Line."
(------------)



[E-VEC-Tultex]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=99-51 TC1:17:37]
[GRAPHIC=None]


It seemed like relief for unemployed textile workers was dead in the General Assembly.
But on Crossover Day yesterday, a bill with wording to increase unemployment benefits in 30 localities across the state won surprise passage in the House
In the meantime, former Tultex workers are having a tough time getting back on their feet.
But a state employment agency's providing help.
Surae Chinn tells us how.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Many of these]
[SUPER=03-South Boston; :00]
[SUPER=01-Linda Daniel/Virginia Employment Commission; :15]
[SUPER=01-Virginia Farmer/Former Tultex Worker; :29]
[SUPER=19-Surae/Chinn; :35]
[SUPER=01-Eveylyn Faulkner/Former Tultex Worker; :42]
[RUNS=1:15]
[OUT Q=News 7, South Boston]

((Many of these former Tultex workers are taking control of their future. So they've come here where Virginia Employment Commission representatives from across the state are helping them. Helping them get back on their feet as soon as possible. ((1:21;35 LINDA DANIEL/VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION: FILING FOR CLAIMS FOR TRADE OR NAFTA BENEFITS FOR PAPERWORK.))
Virginia Farmer worked at Tultex for nearly 3 decades. Now without a job she's come to one of these sessions for hope. ((1:28:45 VIRGINIA FARMER/FORMER TULTEX WORKER: MANY FEEL COULDN'T MAKE IT WITHOUT TULTEX..I CAN MAKE IT.)) ((SURAE CHINN/REPORTING: MANY FORMER TULTEX WORKERS SAY THERE IS A SILVER LINING IN ALL OF THIS SOME ARE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL. 1;27;39 EVEYLYN FAULKNER/FORMER TULTEX WORKER: I'M ENROLLING IN COMPUTER WORK)) Hundreds of the unemployed in Southside will enroll in various colleges throughout the area all with the help of these claimed benefits. ((1:21:49 it will pay for tuition some travel programs.)) Many of these soon-to-be students will learn different skills in hopes of a better future. Surae Chinn News 7 South Boston.))

[E-College-Boards]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-53 TC1:08:41]
[GRAPHIC=VA Colleges]


The General Assembly might force public universities to listen more closely to students.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]


Three bills would REQUIRE colleges to put a non-voting student on their boards of visitors.
Now, schools like Radford University, William and Mary, and Old Dominion University do NOT have student board members.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:11:12]
[IN Q=There are going]

((THERE ARE GOING TO BE SOME INSTANCES WHERE WE ARE GOING TO DISAGREE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY. IN THOSE INSTANCES WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR VOICES ARE HEARD.))
[SUPER=01-George Mendiola, Jr./Student Government Assoc.;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=are heard]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


At Radford, students are allowed to serve on board sub-committees.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:02:34]
[IN Q=They don't miss out]

((THEY DON'T MISS OUT ON ANYTHING AS IT IS BECAUSE THE BOARDS ARE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS. ANYONE CAN COME AND ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE.))
[SUPER=01-Jay Poole/Radford Univ. Board of Visitors;]
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=anyone can participate]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


All three bills survived the first half of the General Assembly session but must still pass more committee votes.

(------------)


[Tease2] [SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Speed limits are staying on Smith Mountain Lake, at least for now.
Details still ahead on News 7 at Noon.
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT ]


And Samantha is on top of the dog world this afternoon.
(-----------------)

[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]


[S-SML-Buoys]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tte]
[tape=99-54 TC1:11:49]
[GRAPHIC=Smith Mtn. Lake]


Franklin County supervisors say a Smith Mountain Lake agency can NOT lift speed limits.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]
[TAPE#=99-21 1:42:16]


No-wake buoys force boaters down to idle speed, in places like coves and marinas.
Supervisors say the lake's policy advisory board can put new buoys in -- but can NOT remove them.
The policy advisory board wanted to throw out 20 buoys, saying they are outdated and slow boaters down unfairly.
Only the supervisors can remove buoys.
(------------)



[dog-show]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]


An English springer spaniel nicknamed Samantha is queen of the canine world.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]


She ran away with the top prize last night at the Westminster Kennel Show in New York.
Samantha was just one of twenty six hundred dogs at this year's competition.
And she apparently inherited her winning ways.
Samantha's mother won the same honor in 19-93.
(------------)



[Stocks]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=stocks]


On Wall Street at Noon, the Dow was DOWN 45 points.
[tease3] [SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Still to come in sports, home is where the wins are for the Express as they net a victory over Charlotte,
(----------------)
[VO-NAT ]

and Clemson is no match for Virginia.
The Cavs light up the court in an impressive win over the Tigers.
Patrick returns with the highlights.
(---------------)

[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]



[Tech-Football]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tar]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Tech Football]


Virginia Tech football fans can look forward to seeing the Hokies in action late this summer.
Officials representing the Black Coaches Association have confirmed that Tech will play in the B-C-A Classic in August.
The Hokies will probably face Georgia Tech in the first game of the 2000 season.
The game will be played on August 26 or 27 in Lane Stadium, and E-S-P-N-2 will televise it.

[S-UVA]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-46 2:02:22]
[GRAPHIC=ACC]


Virginia men's basketball is back on the winning track.
The Cavs improved to 7 and 5 in the A-C-C and 17 and 8 overall by routing Clemson in U-Hall.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville/Tigers vs. Cavaliers; :00]


Up 38-21 at the half, the Cavs had four players score in double figures.
Roger Mason throws down this break away early in the second half.
Donald Hand lead all scorers with 21, including this hoop to give the Wahoos a 20 point advantage.
[SUPER=33-Virginia/76/Clemson/62;]


Chris William's ripped rope for 16.
His three here put U-V-A up 60-41 with just over 10 minutes to play.
A-C-C leading scorer Will Solomon had just 13 after scoring over 40 the first go around.
The Cavaliers win 76-62.
(------------)



[S-Byrd]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-61 tc 43:41]
[GRAPHIC=HS Hoops]


In high school hoops, a Blue Ridge District battle in Vinton.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vinton/Lord Botetourt vs. William Byrd;]


Paul Barnard's fighting words couldn't help the Terriers defend the doghouse.
Chad Myers keeps William Byrd in the game. Myers gets the off balanced shot to fall.
Lord Botetourt's Matt Linkenauger makes the steal to set up the jumper in the paint, and the Cavaliers maintain a healthy lead.
[super=33-Lord Botetourt/62/William Byrd/51;]


Botetourt on the move, Anthony Ford pulls up and drains the shot and the Cavaliers pick up the district win, beating Byrd 62-51.
(------------)


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[S-Shawsville]


[ANCHOR=Patrick]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=dal]
[TAPE#=SP-51 tc 1:53:42]


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Shawsville/Auburn vs. Shawsville;]


Down in Shawsville, the Shawnees and Auburn met in a Three Rivers District match up.
Auburn off the inbounds gets it to Ashley Altizer, the drive and one handed "J" is good for two of his 17 on the night.
Shawsville battles on the boards for the points, David Showalter finally gets it to fall for the Shawnees.
[super=33-Auburn/62/Shawsville/51;]


But Auburn makes the steal. Nick Stewart scored 11 and gets the layin here and the Eagles fly high with the 62-51 win.
(------------)



[S-Express]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-48 2:04:02]
[GRAPHIC=Express/Checkers]


The Roanoke Express returned to the Roundhouse last night from a road skid to pound Charlotte 5-1 in front of the hometown fans.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Checkers vs. Express; :00]


One of those, was that guy, Express owner Dick Yancey who was in town to check out his team.
The Checkers Mark Tropper breaks loose with the puck and beat Daniel Berthiaume for the goal at the 7:35 mark of the second. 2-1 Express.
Roanoke goes up 3-1 on this tally. Ben Schust buries the
[SUPER=38-Charlotte/1/Roanoke/5;]

puck at the 13:25 mark. Roanoke was 3 for 4 on the power play.
Rob Schweyer nets it to begin the third and the Express jump the Checkers 5-1. (------------)
by SS