[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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


And then there were two-- the race for the white house could be down to two contenders today.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


And the search for the women feared dead in Sunday's auto parts explosion in Radford could be drawing to a close.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Several record highs were set yesterday...will we do it again today?
It's possible, as temperatures soar into the upper 70s and low 80s.
But enjoy it while you can...the weekend ahead promises cooler, more seasonable temperatures.

[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)

[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


[primary-dropouts]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]


After suffering a Super Tuesday knockout John McCain is making a major announcement today on the future of his presidential campaign.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Sedona, AZ;]

[3:40]
The Arizona senator will announce a decision today after meeting with his advisors yesterday.
McCain could either suspend his campaign -- or decide to pull the plug entirely. He's already canceled upcoming campaign events in Colorado and Illinois.
Meanwhile, Democrat Bill Bradley is expected to drop out and endorse rival Al Gore at a news conference today.
[SUPER=03-Austin, TX;]

[8 pm newspath 20:04:02]
So as it shapes up to be a two man race, George W. Bush is now focusing on his Democratic challenger.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]

((GOV. GEORGE W. BUSH, R- PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE; IF PEOPLE ARE HAPPY WITH AL GORE AND BILL CLINTON, AND THE TONE THEY'VE SET FOR AMERICA, THEN YOUVE GOT A PERFECT PERSON TO VOTE FOR.))
[SUPER=01-George W. Bush/(R) Presidential Candidate;]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=person to vote for.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


And last night Al Gore dug into Bush's tax plan, playing off recent stock market jitters to label it risky.
(------------)



[E-Radford-Explosion]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-09 49:24]
[GRAPHIC=NR Castings Explosion]


Authorities say they're getting close to finding two women missing and presumed dead in Sunday's explosion at New River Castings.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]


The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm's national response team sifted through some of the wreckage yesterday.
Team members believe they've found where the two women are buried -- in the basement of the plant under several layers of debris.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:02:50]
[IN Q=We're down now]

((ROBERT GRAHAM/ATF SUPERVISOR: WE'RE DOWN NOW TO THE BASEMENT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE BASEMENT IS FILLED WITH SOMETHING LIKE 20 FEET OF SLUDGE ... WATER, SOLUTION THAT'S VERY TOXIC.))
[SUPER=01-Robert Graham/ATF Supervisor;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=that's very toxic.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Teams are working around the clock to make sure the building is safe for searchers.
They hope to be able to remove the women from the wreckage by tonight.
(------------)


[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[Vigil]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=99-49 1:58:31]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]


It was an emotional night at the New River Castings Plant as the community held a candle light vigil to pray for the two missing women.
Kate Weidaw has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Radford; :10]
[SUPER=01-Donald Yates/Attended Vigil; :22]
[SUPER=01-Wanda Shepard/Attended Vigil; :34]
[SUPER=01-Casey Harris/Attended Vigil; :45]
[super=01-Edward Anderson/Victim's Father; 1:04]
[SUPER=@Kate1; 1:22]
[RUNS=1:32]
[OUT Q=kw news7 Radford.]



[Flag]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=State Capitol]
A resolution imploring the Minnesota Historical Society to return a bloodstained Civil War battle flag to Virginia

is on its way to Governor Gilmore's desk.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/February 7;]


Yesterday, the house of Delegates passed the resolution by at 94 to 2 vote.
It seeks the return of a flag captured by Minnesota troops at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
A Roanoke based Civil War re-enactment group has tried for years to get the flag back -- but the Minnesota Histo

rical Society has refused.
(------------)


[E-Armenian-Bill]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-02 1:04:47]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]


The General Assembly is also sorting out international history.
The Senate passed a resolution yesterday declaring April 24th "Armenian Martyr's Day."
The resolution went on to cite the genocide of up to a million and a half Armenians, at the hands of the Turkish Ottoman Empire during World War One.
The problem is that some Virginians of Turkish descent deny the slaughter happened.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 05:26:47]
[IN Q=This kind]

((SEN. EMILY COURIC/D-CHARLOTTESVILLE: THIS KIND OF STATEMENT IS OUTSIDE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS BODY. PARTICULARLY WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY CITIZENS THAT REGARDLESS OF HOW WE VOTE ARE GOING TO BE DEEPLY OFFENDED.)) ((SEN. STEVE MARTIN/R-CHESTERFIELD: YEAH, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO DENY HISTORY, JUST AS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO DENY THE HOLOCAUST. BUT QUITE FRANKLY, WE ARE NOT ALL KNOWLEDGEABLE HERE... WE DON'T HAVE FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT.)) ((SEN. DICK SASLAW/R-SPRINGFIELD: THOSE PEOPLE DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE. THEY WERE KILLED.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Emily Couric/(D) Charlottesville; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Steve Martin/(R) Chesterfield; :13 ]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Dick Saslaw/(R) Springfield; :26 QUICK]
[RUNS=:29]
[OUT Q=were killed.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The Armenian resolution was one of the most hotly debated issues of the day.
It goes next to Governor Jim Gilmore.
(------------)



[E-Victory-Stadium]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=99-59 TC48:02]
[GRAPHIC=Victory Stadium]


Roanoke officials have decided to take "a fresh look" at the future of Victory Stadium.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


They are removing the stadium from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and transferring its management to the Roanoke Civic Center.
The stadium will be included in a civic center study that's now under way, and manager Jim Evans says all options remain on the table.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=An economic feasibility study]

((JIM EVANS/CIVIC CENTER MANAGER: AN ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY WILL BE ATTACHED TO THIS THAT WILL EVALUATE, WELL WHAT IF YOU DID THIS, IS IT GOING TO BE USEFUL TO THE PUBLIC OR IS IT GOING TO BE WELL SUPPORTED, OR IS IT JUST SPENDING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD. AND WE NEED TO KNOW THESE ANSWERS AS WELL BEFORE WE MAKE OUR RECOMMENDATIONS.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Evans/Civic Center Manager]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=make our recommendations.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Evans says the consultant's study should be completed in six to eight weeks
(------------)



[1-Sports]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]


In sports, Mike Stevens has notes from spring training, including Charlie Manuel's return to the field.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=A little baseball]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=later this morning]



[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)



[One-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M00-1]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=01-Jennie Sue Murdock/American Red Cross;]



(I'll call for video)
(-----------------------)

[VO]
[SUPER=04-American Red Cross;]
[RUNS=1:30]
(-----------------------)


[Steve Live]

(I'll call for board)
[essC#8703]



(tape tosses to stocks)

[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive: red cross))

[elian-court]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Elian Gonzalez]


The case of Elian Gonzalez goes to federal court in Miami this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]

[3:06:55]
A judge will hear arguments about whether the six-year-old boy should be returned to his father in Cuba or stay in the United States.
The Justice Department says Elian should be sent back.
It says failure to obey international precedent could endanger American children in other countries.
But the boy's Miami relatives say the wishes of his mother should be respected.
She drowned trying to bring Elian to the U-S.
(------------)



[Bank-Merger]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]


The world's largest bank is about to get larger.
Deutsche (DOY'-chuh) Bank and rival Dresdner Bank plan to merge.
The new company would be an international banking powerhouse with more than one-point-two trillion dollars in assets.

[E-Salvation-Army]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sch]
[TAPE#=99-56 1:21:32]
[GRAPHIC=Textile Relief]


Some Southside students are helping displaced textile workers through a food drive.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville;]


The Martinsville Salvation Army has asked Henry County and Martinsville City Schools to collect basic items.
The Salvation Army has run out of food such as canned meat, pasta as well as toiletries.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:43:18]
[IN Q=The Christmas supply]

((CAROL NICKELL/SALVATION ARMY: THE CHRISTMAS SUPPLY IS DEPLETED SO WE'VE HAD TO ASK ALL SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE. AND WE NEEDED THE MORE EXPENSIVE ITEMS THAN THE VEGETABLES.))
[SUPER=01-Carol Nickell/Salvation Army]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=the vegetables.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The food drive continues through Friday. If you would like to help out you can call the Salvation Army.
(------------)



[Health-Check]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]


In medical news, smokers may have more to worry about than they realize.
Doctor Dave Hnida has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((IT IS BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR- AND MOST DANGEROUS YOUTH SPORTS: SOCCER.
VT=VO

SO THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS SAYS ITS TIME FOR SPORTS AUTHORITIES TO CHANGE SOME RULES- TO MAKE THE GAME OF SOCCER LESS DANGEROUS. THEY SAY REFEREES NEED TO CALL TIGHTER GAMES- SO THERE ARE FEWER COLLISIONS AND LESS ROUGH PLAY. THE ACADEMY ALSO RECOMMENDS HEADING THE BALL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM- ESPECIALLY IN YOUNGER CHILDREN UNTIL MORE IS KNOWN ABOUT THE RISK OF BRAIN INJURY FROM REPEATED BALL HITS BETTER CONDITIONING OR MORE FREQUENT SUBSTITUTIONS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT SINCE MOST INJURIES HAPPEN LATE IN THE GAME WHEN PLAYERS ARE THE MOST TIRED.
VT=VO

A REPORT IN THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE SAYS ITS NOT JUST LUNG CANCER AND HEART DISEASE THAT SHOULD WORRY SMOKERS- BUT A PARTICULARLY NASTY STRAIN OF STREP PNEUMONIA WHICH IS RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS. THE STUDY FOUND SMOKERS ARE MORE PRONE TO GETTING WHAT'S CALLED AN INVASIVE PNEUMONIA- WHERE THE GERMS LITERALLY DRILL THEIR WAY INTO THE LUNG TISSUE- AND IF IT DOESN'T KILL YOU- YOU'LL NEED MONTHS TO RECOVER.
VT=VO

AND FINALLY- THINKING ABOUT SOME ECHINACEA FOR THE SNIFFLES? WELL IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES TO RAGWEED OR GRASS - ECHINACEA- THINK AGAIN. RESEARCHERS FROM AUSTRALIA SAY PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES MAY DEVELOP A RUNNY NOSE- HIVES- WHEEZING- OR A LIFE THREATENING ASTHMA ATTACK FROM TAKING ECHINACEA- WHICH IS DERIVED FROM THE CONEFLOWER PLANT- WHICH IS CHEMICALLY RELATED TO RAGWEED AND GRASS. ON CAM THATS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. IM DR DH FOR CBS NEWS))

(ad lib to weather)


[Two-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]



(I'll call for board)
[essC#8703]



[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)

[2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Two candidacies for president may come to a halt today.
Republican John McCain has canceled appearances in two states prior to a news conference.
Democrat Bill Bradley is reportedly ready to endorse Al Gore.
It isn't clear yet what McCain will do about George W. Bush.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]


He was one of their own, but it apparently didn't matter. Firefighters in Memphis, Tennessee, were met with a hail of bullets when they arrived to fight a house fire yesterday.
Police say Fred Williams killed two colleagues, a sheriff's deputy, and his wife.
He's hospitalized in critical condition after being shot by police.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


The case of Elian Gonzalez goes to federal court in Miami this morning.
A judge will hear arguments about whether the six-year-old boy should go back to his father in Cuba or stay with relatives in Miami. He was found drifting off the Florida coast in November.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And that's what's making news on this Thursday March 9.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-primary-droputs]


[ANCHOR=mel]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2000]


John McCain and Bill Bradley are expected to stop their campaigns for the white house today.
McCain canceled appearances in Colorado and Illinois and has scheduled a noon press conference to announce his next move...
Bob Fuss reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]

[3:40:45]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Sedona, AZ; :00]
[SUPER=01-Bob Fuss/Reporting; :30]
[RUNS=:51]
[OUT Q=CBS NEWS, SEDONA, AZ.]



[2-E-Radford-Explosion]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-09 49:24]
[GRAPHIC=NR Castings Explosion]


Authorities say they may soon be able to recover the bodies to two women presumed dead in Sunday's explosion at New River Castings.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]


The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm's national response team sifted through some of the wreckage yesterday.
Team members believe they've found where the two women are buried -- in the basement of the plant under several layers of debris.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:02:50]
[IN Q=We're down now]

((ROBERT GRAHAM/ATF SUPERVISOR: WE'RE DOWN NOW TO THE BASEMENT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE BASEMENT IS FILLED WITH SOMETHING LIKE 20 FEET OF SLUDGE ... WATER, SOLUTION THAT'S VERY TOXIC.))
[SUPER=01-Robert Graham/ATF Supervisor;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=that's very toxic.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Teams are working around the clock to make the building is safe for searchers.
They hope to be able to remove the women from the wreckage by tonight.
(------------)


[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[E-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=00-03 49:09]
[GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe]


[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford]


Shortly after seven- last night - fire broke out at the plant.
The cause is not known, but fire crews already on the scene extinguished the blaze in about 20 minutes.
Officials say this is just one example of how dangerous the structure is at this time.
(------------)



[E-Abortion]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-51 1:44:46]
[GRAPHIC=Va Capitol - Abortion Bills]


It was the only abortion bill seriously considered this year-- and now it's a long shot.
The bill would make women wait 24 hours after they consult with a doctor before having an abortion.
As a last ditch effort, the Governor sent down his own bill -- only to see a deal collapse that would have referred it to a friendlier committee.
Ellen Qualls reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Because it's]
[SUPER=@Gilmore; :00]
[SUPER=01-Del. Vivian Watts/(D) Annandale; :13]
[SUPER=03-Richmond; :21]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Randy Forbes/(R) Chesapeake; :38 QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Warren Barry/(R) Fairfax; :42]
[SUPER=@Ellen1; 1:06]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=Qualls, News 7, Richmond.]
(( [sot GILMORE 12:35:21]

((GOV. JIM GILMORE: BECAUSE IT'S A GOOD BILL. IT IS A GOOD BILL, IT'S GOOD FOR WOMEN... RIGHT APPROACH TO TAKE...RIGHT THING TO DO.))
[runs= :12]



[sot gilmore tape 12:39:10 ]

((DEL. VIVIAN WATTS/D-ANNANDALE: I AM REALLY DISMAYED THAT SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE IS BEING RAMRODDED THROUGH WITHOUT THE KIND OF CONSIDERATION THAT IT DESERVES.))
[runs= :08]


The key to the Governor's bill... favor.
[sot 16:37:52]

((SEN. RANDY FORBES/R-CHESAPEAKE: LET ME JUST SAY WE'RE DISAPPOINTED THAT SOME PEOPLE DIDN'T DO WHAT THEY COMMITTED TO DO.))
[runs= :03]



[sot 16:34:43]

((SEN. WARREN BARRY/R-FAIRFAX: WELL THAT'S HIS PROBLEM, NOT MINE. I BEEN WEARING THIS THING AROUND MY NECK... DISAGREE WITH THAT.))
[runs= :25]


[standup] ((...QUALLS, NEWS 7, RICHMOND.)) ))

[5-Super-Drunk]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=500-1 33:28]
[GRAPHIC=Va. Capitol]


State lawmakers want to create a new category of drunk driver-- and those drivers will go to jail.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@File;]


The House passed a bill yesterday that mandates five days' jail time for driving with a "point two" blood alcohol level... more than twice the legal limit.
(-------------)
[TALENT=Melanie]
[SS=Hold]


65-percent of all drunk driving fatalities in Virginia in 1998 were caused by drivers with blood alcohol levels of almost twice the legal limit.

[S-Blackburn]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-57 1:10:38]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A Radford police officer convicted of assault and battery against a female co-worker will NOT lose his job.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/November 10;]


The incident happened last fall at a party in Floyd County.
The woman said she fell asleep by herself and that when she woke up she found (GAY-ther) Gather Blackburn's hand in her shorts.
Blackburn was demoted from Lieutenant to Sergeant but is officially back on the job.
The decision was made by the police chief and approved by the city manager.
Blackburn had been on administrative leave, WITH pay, during the investigation.
(------------)



[Three-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]



[On Record]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=01-Jennie Sue Murdock/American Red Cross;]



(I'll call for question and read the following 3 boards in a row)
[essC#8700]
[essC#8701]
[essC#8702]


[Steve Live]

(I'll call for board)
[essC#8703]


[STEVE LIVE]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)



[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)

[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]

((Archive: red cross))

[MEMPHIS-SHOOTING]


[ANCHOR=MEL]
[NEWSCAST=MORN]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]


In Memphis firefighter is accused of killing four people, including two other firefighters.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Memphis, TN;]

[3:00:40]
It happened yesterday as firefighters responded to a blaze at the home of fellow firefighter Fred Williams.
Authorities say he opened fire killing two firemen.
He also shot a sheriff's deputy.
The charred body of a woman believed to be William's wife was found inside.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]

[3:01;20]
[IN Q=I think this is a terrible....]
[SUPER=01-Walter Crews/Memphis Police Department;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=in such a fashion.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Williams was also shot in the incident and is hospitalized in critical condition.
(------------)



[Bomb-Threats]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Bomb Threat Charges]


Another teen faces charges after allegedly making bomb threats.
Police in Rocky Mount say a 15 year old is charged with making a bomb threat, which is a class 5 felony.
Authorities believe the teen called in two bomb threats to Franklin County High School - one yesterday morning - the other Tuesday afternoon.
The teen is being held in the Culpeper Juvenile Detention Center.

[E-Blacksburg-High]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-58 1:10:53]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A national magazine is giving a local high school high marks.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The latest issue of Newsweek Magazine ranks Blacksburg High school among the top 100- high schools in the country.


[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]


The school received the rating for its advanced placement programs... which give students an opportunity to earn college credit.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 02:40:38]
[IN Q=We've been]
[SUPER=01-Karen Coston/BHS Teacher;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=pushed us ahead.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The high school was ranked 91st and was the only high school in southwest Virginia to be listed.
(------------)



[E-Christian-Rock]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=nkr]
[TAPE#=00-04 35:07]
[GRAPHIC=none]


Two bands rocked the pews at Parkway Wesleyan Church in Roanoke County last night.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=nats music up full]
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=nats up full]
(--------------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


That's PAX (packs) 2-17.
It's a Christian rock band that sang to some 200 people at tonight's concert.
Around 17 churches took part in putting together last night's show.
Christian Band Plank-eye took the stage after PAX 2-17.
The bands are touring together. Their next stop is in Norfolk.
(--------------------)



[3-Sports]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]


In sports, the Express wins on the road and Virginia Tech advances in the Atlantic 10 tournament.
Mike Stevens has highlights.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Give it up]
[RUNS=1:53]
[OUT Q=Thursday everybody]



[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)


[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Authorities say they're getting close to finding two women missing and presumed dead in Sunday's explosion at New River Castings.
A-T-F Team members believe they've found where the two women are buried -- in the basement of the plant under several layers of debris.
They hope to be able to remove the women from the wreckage by tonight.
Last night, friends, relatives and neighbors held a candlelight vigil in front of the plant.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


A last ditch effort by the governor to create a 24-hour period for abortions appears to have failed.
Governor Gilmore sent down his own bill-- only to see a deal collapse that would have referred it to a friendlier committee.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


The latest issue of Newsweek Magazine ranks Blacksburg High school among the top 100- high schools in the country.


The school received the rating for its advanced placement programs... which give students an opportunity to earn college credit.
The high school was ranked 91st and was the only high school in southwest Virginia to be listed.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)

[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]


Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Tonight, we'll]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=News 7 at Six Tonight.]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)

(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]

by SS