[HEADLINES]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
No decision yet from Florida's Supreme Court and no word on when it may come.
A live update on the Presidential recounts, coming up.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
And a toy gun creates chaos at the Charlotte airport, delaying several flights.
(/////////////)
[TALENT=Jacey]
[SS=None]
It's windy and cold again today... but the difference is there is a small chance we may see a light snow shower. Forecast details are ahead.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
News at Noon is up next.
[Video-Open]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
After burning the midnight oil, Florida's Supreme Court staff is burning the mid- DAY oil.
Still no decision on Presidential hand re- counts.
(------------)
[Recount]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Election 2000]
Good Afternoon, I'm Kimberly McBroom.
Three Florida counties are going on with the business of re- counting votes as the rest of the country remains in suspense.
The Florida Supreme Court has yet to announced it's decision as to whether manual re- counts will count toward the state's final Presidential vote tally.
A court spokesman says there's no timetable for a decision, but he adds the court staff is working full time.
Meanwhile, George W- Bush continues to lead Al Gore for Florida's 25 electoral votes.
Terisa Estacio joins us now from Tallahassee with an update.
[LIVE=Terisa Estacio/FULL]
[SUPER=701-Terisa Estacio/Reporting;]
[SUPER=705-Tallahassee;]
((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=701-Craig Waters/Supreme Court Spokesman;]
[SUPER=703-Tallahassee, FL;]
[SUPER=701-Barry Richard/Bush Attorney;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=]
(natz)
((
HAND RECOUNTS ARE MOVING SLOWLY IN THREE FLORIDA COUNTIES THIS MORNING .
WHILE THE STATE'S SUPREME COURT DECIDES WHETHER THOSE BALLOTS WILL EVER
BE USED IN THE FINAL TALLY.
SOT: CRAIG WATERS/SPOKESPERSON, FLORIDA SUPREME COURT.THERE IS NO
TIMETABLE WHEN A DECISION WILL BE MADE...WE JUST DON'T KNOW.
(NATZ FROM COURT)
WITH THE PRESIDENCY HANGING IN THE BALANCE...THE HIGH COURT HEARD
ARGUMENTS ON THAT PIVITOL ISSUE YESTERDAY. AT THE CENTER OF ALL THIS ..
CAN THE SECRETARY OF STATE CALL THE ELECTION WITHOUT THOSE VOTES.
(NATZ FROM DEMS.. COURT)
DEMOCRATS CLAIMED THE RECOUNTS ARE LEGAL AND ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL IN
DETERMINING THE TRUE INTENT OF FLORIDA VOTERS.
(NATZ POP FROM REPUBLICAN LAWYER)
REPUBLICANS SAY THE RECOUNTS ARE NOT BEING CONDUCTED FAIRLY AND SHOULD
BE STOPPED BECAUSE THE DEADLINE TO FILE RETURNS HAS EXPIRED.
BARRY RICHARD WAS ONE OF THE LAWYERS ARGUING THE BUSH CASE. HE
DISMISSES SUGGESTIONS THAT THE LINE OF QUESTIONING FROM THE SEVEN
JUSTICES FAVORED VICE PRESIDENT GORE.
SOT: BARRY RICHARD/BUSH CAMPAIGN ATTORNEY (07:04:23)
" DON'T THINK THEY WERE WAVERING IN EITHER DIRECTION. MY SUSPICION IS,
THOSE JUSTICES ARE GOING TO SPEND SOME TIME DELIBERATING BEFORE THEY
MAKE A DECISION."
BOTH GOVERNOR BUSH AND THE VICE PRESIDENT ARE BACK AT THEIR DESKS...AND
FLORIDA SECRETARY OF STATE KATHERINE HARRIS GOT A STANDING OVATION TODAY
...WHEN SHE ATTENDED A CEREMONIAL EVENT...RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET...
FROM THE SUPREME COURT.
))
[LIVE=Terisa Estacio/FULL]
[SUPER=705-Tallahassee;]
[Airport-Cancellation]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=00-37]
[GRAPHIC=Air Travel]
It's a busy week for travel--
But flights are delayed at the Charlotte airport after a security scare this morning.
Authorities say a toy gun was to blame for all the confusion.
[DOUBLE BOXES=Kim /Shannon Microwave;]
Shannon Young is at the Roanoke Regional Airport.
Shannon, is the mishap creating problems for flights here?
[LIVE=Shannon /FULL]
[SUPER=@Shannon1]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke]
((ROLLCUE:...at least one flight from Charlotte to Roanoke.))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We'll I talked]
[SUPER=01-Sharly Daniels/Mom]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=all closed down.]
[LIVE=Shannon /FULL]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
[DOUBLE BOXES=Kim /Shannon Microwave;]
[Emergency-Landing]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Meanwhile, an airport mishap in Miami resulted in the death of a crew member.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Miami Int'l. Airport, FL;]
A flight attendant was preparing to clear an American Airlines jet for an emergency landing after a warning light indicated an engine fire.
He was killed when he opened a
door before the plane de-pressurized on the runway.
Police say the man was basically sucked out onto the tarmac.
Meanwhile, 20 passengers were treated for
minor injuries.
129 people were on board the flight between Miami and Port au Prince, Haiti.
(------------)
[Monty-Shooting]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]
One man was arrested and charged for shooting another man in the New River Valley.
It happened on Clay Street just outside Blacksburg last night.
Montgomery County deputies say Elton Hoyt Davis of Shawsville was arguing with Bobby Joe Kanode of Blacksburg when a shotgun went off.
Davis was wounded in the neck and scalp. It's believed his wounds are not life threatening.
Kanode was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm.
[Heating-Prices]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mce]
[TAPE#=00-42]
[GRAPHIC=Heating Prices]
As the colder weather sets in, some homeowners may see an increase in their heating bills.
The cost of natural gas is roughly 35-percent more than it was this time last year...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
And, according to the State Corporation Commission, any change in the cost of natural gas will immediately be reflected in consumers' bills.
[SUPER=03-Salem]
But Roanoke Gas says there are some ways homeowners can offset those rising costs ..
Clean your furnace filters and have your heating system inspected to ensure it's working efficiently..
Set your thermostat at 68-degrees.
And make minor adjustments to your home to avoid drafts ..
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=They can add]
((RICK PERVARSKI/ROANOKE GAS VICE PRESIDENT: THEY CAN ADD INSULATION UP IN THEIR ROOF - UP IN THEIR FLOOR JOIST...SEAL AND CAULK AROUND WINDOWS TO MAKE SURE THERE ISN'T AN AIR FILTRATION...AND ALSO THEY CAN ADD HEATING JACKETS TO THEIR WATER HEATERS.))
[SUPER=01-Rick Pervarski/Roanoke Gas Vice-President]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=heaters.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
Roanoke Gas also provides heating assistance to low-income families through their "Heat Share Program."
Funds are distributed through the Salvation Army .. They will begin taking applications for the heat share program after Thanksgiving.
[Tech-Graduation]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#00-36 TC1:57:12]
[GRAPHIC=Tech Graduation Rate]
[***ANCHOR TAG***]
A report released on N-C-DOUBLE-A graduation rates shows Virginia Tech may be reaching new lows in graduating players.
Marya Jones has the story.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Yearly graduation rates]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=@Marya1; :45]
[RUNS=1:29]
[OUT Q=MJN7, Blacksburg.]
(( Yearly graduation rates for Tech football players reported to the NCAA have gone down more than 50 percent in the last three years.
[INSERT GRAPHIC: VT FOOTBALL PLAYER GRADUATION RATES]
Take a look at the scoreboard for both Tech and ALL Division One schools...
In 1997, 50 percent of Tech scholarship players completed their studies within six years of starting.
In '98, it was 65.
In '99, it dropped to 33 percent.
And in 2000, only 29 percent got degrees in under six years.
At all Division I schools nationwide last year, an average of 48 percent graduated.
[INSERT GRAPHIC: 4 YEAR GRADUATION RATES]
Here's how Tech compared to some other schools:
In the last four years, Tech graduated 45 percent of its players.
At UVA, the average was 76 percent..
At Florida State, 59...
And at West Virginia, 48 percent.
[Standup]
((MARYA JONES/NEWS-7: Athletic Director Jim Weaver said last week that he did not have time to be interviewed for this story.
But they call the numbers just a "snapshot" of their players' academic performance that can paint a misleading picture.
Graduation rates reported to the NCAA only reflect SCHOLARSHIP athletes that start as freshman and remain at Tech for their ENTIRE college career.))
[RUNS:18]
So, the numbers exclude walk-on players who DO graduate, like former defensive end John Engelberger.
[FS GRAPHIC: NOT INCLUDED]
Players who get injured and quit, transfer to other schools, or leave to go pro ALSO count against Tech's graduation rate.
Tech's athletic department suggests that a fairer measure is to look at its athletes' graduation rates over a longer period of time.
Tech's average for the last FOUR years is 45 percent ... that's five percent below the Division I average.
Marya Jones, News-7, Blacksburg.))
(----------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
The N-C-Double-A says graduation rates among ALL Division One football players are at their lowest in 15 years.
But there are many success stories within the numbers.
Wide receiver Andre Davis is one of them ... a star player who's on the Dean's List.
We'll see how he balances sports and studies tonight on News 7 at 6.
[School-Retirees]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-41 TC44:02]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke Co. Schools]
Roanoke County teachers and retirees are concerned about the prospect of changes in the county's early retirement incentive program.
But yesterday, the school board chairman said he's hopeful the changes won't be as drastic as some rumors have suggested.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./File Tape]
The school system has been re-evaluating the early retirement program because of its rising cost.
Recent court rulings in other states and changing federal guidelines have also complicated the issue.
While changes are on the horizon, School Board Chairman Jerry Canada says officials are doing their best to come up with a plan that's both affordable and fair.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 03:09]
[IN Q=We have something we think]
((WE HAVE SOMETHING WE THINK SHOULD WORK OUT TO MOST PEOPLE'S SATISFACTION. BUT WE'RE STILL CRUNCHING NUMBERS TO MAKE SURE IT FITS WITH OUR BUDGET.))
[SUPER=01-Jerry Canada/School Board Chairman]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=with out budget.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]
Canada and other school officials are promising more specifics at a meeting with teachers, now scheduled for November 28th.
[City-Council]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[TAPE#=00-38 TC1:11:32]
[WRITER=jda]
[Graphic=none]
Roanoke City Council urged Virginia Gas to give more consideration to the possibility of co-locating the proposed gas pipeline on existing easements.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Virginia Gas plans to build the new gas pipeline through the New River Valley into Roanoke and Franklin Counties.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
The resolution approved yesterday is similar to one council sent to the State Corporation Commission earlier this month.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:13]
[IN Q=We appreciate very much]
[SUPER=01-Brent Riley/Pipeline Opponent]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=beauty of our area.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The gas line extension into the city of Roanoke would cross public rights of way and city owned property. About 50 parcels of private property could also be affected.
Roanoke City Council wants a public hearing on the proposed pipeline project.
[Mideast-Peace]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The cycle of violence continues in the Middle East.
The fighting has escalating since a bomb exploded yesterday near an Israeli school bus.
David Hawkins has more.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Tel Aviv, Israel; :00]
[SUPER=01-David Hawkins/Reporting; :36]
[RUNS=:48]
[OUT Q=Hawkins, CBS News, Tel Aviv.]
((
ISRAELI HELICOPTERS AND WARSHIPS ROCKETED TARGETS IN GAZA LAST NIGHT IN
RETALIATION FOR A TERRORIST ATTACK ON A JEWISH SCHOOL BUS THERE EARLIER
IN THE DAY... DESPITE THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY'S CLAIMS THAT THEY HAD
NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.
ONE PALESTINIAN POLICEMAN DIED IN THE MISSILE STRIKES... MORE THAN 60
WERE INJURED. AT LEAST THREE MORE PALESTINIANS WERE KILLED IN OVERNIGHT
CLASHES WITH ISRAELI SOLDIERS.
AND NOW... IT'S PALESTINIAN OFFICIALS WHO ARE THREATENING REVENGE...
SAYING ISRAEL WILL PAY A HIGH PRICE FOR THE ROCKET ATTACK.
(SOT HASSAN ASFOUR, PALESTINIAN OFFICIAL)
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are not so far from our area.
AS BOTH PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS RATCHET UP THE RHETORIC AND
VIOLENCE... PROSPECTS FOR A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THIS CONFLICT SEEM AS
FAR OFF AS EVER. DH, CBSN, TA))
[Fujimori]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Outgoing Peruvian President Alberto Fujimoiri spoke for the first time today, since his resignation.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Tokyo, Japan;]
Fujimori had been keeping a low profile at a Tokyo hotel, where he's been holed up for the past week.
During an informal news conference, Fujimori said he wants to stay in his native Japan, at least for now.
He went on to say that he wants to return to Peru, but he doesn't know when.
He added that his stepping down has nothing to do with the corruption scandal that's clouded the end of his rule.
(------------)
[Seat-Belts]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-34]
[GRAPHIC=Safety Belts]
Buckle up or pay up. That's the message Roanoke Police delivered to Virginia Drivers at a road block yesterday.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
The road block was part of Operation America Buckles up Children.
Police say its imperative children are properly secured in their car seats.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[tc:01:10:38]
[IN Q=Putting them in]
[SUPER=01-D. E. Hartman/Roanoke Police]
((OFFICER D.E. HARTMAN: PUTTING THEM IN PROPERLY IS VERY IMPORTANT, AND IF THEY ARE IMPROPER, YOU MAY AS WELL NOT HAVE THEM IN ONE AT ALL, BECAUSE THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING HURT ARE VERY GREAT.))
[RUNS=08]
[OUT Q=hurt are very great.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
In one hour, 16 drivers were cited for safety violations, five of those were seat belt violations, three involved children.
(------------)
[Anchor=Kim]
[Take FS Board]
Police will be outside of Toys-R-Us at Valley View Mall tomorrow from 10 A-M until Noon to answer child safety seat questions.
[Buffalo-Snow]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Winter Weather]
While we've been shivering for the past couple of days, Old Man Winter has taken a firm hold on the Northeast.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Buffalo, NY;]
Lake effect snow blew into western New York--
Around two feet of snow has blanketed the region.
Driving is treacherous in parts of Buffalo.
Emergency medical teams have been on the job all night, helping out stranded motorists.
National Guard units have also been dispatched to help the city dig out from under the white stuff.
Meanwhile, another inch of snow is in the forecast today.
(------------)
[Tiffany-Windows]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
And finally today--
Holiday shoppers are accustomed to big window displays in the Big Apple.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]
But they sure did get an eyeful at the famed Tiffany's store.
Tiffany's chose an undersea theme for the holiday season.
The windows feature larger than life mermaids, seahorses, fish and other things you might find beneath the sea.
But the flashy window dressing still doesn't outshine the pricey jewels for sale.
(------------)
Hundreds of thousands of window shoppers stroll by, sometimes bringing traffic to a crawl....
by SS