WDBJ 7 morning news for 01/30/01

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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

A late night fire causes serious damage to the former passenger station for the Virginian Railway.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And city council may re- consider the fate of ANOTHER Roanoke landmark, Victory Stadium.
We'll tell you what happened at last night's public hearing.
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Get your day started right here, on News 7 Mornin.

[Depot-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-03]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

A Roanoke business and part of the city's railroad history went up in flames overnight.
The former passenger station for the Virginian Railway was heavily damaged by fire.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Firefighters were called to the Depot Feed and Seed building to check a report of a trash fire. They found a trailer in flames, and the blaze quickly spread to the building.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 01:50:05]
[IN Q=The fire burnt the box trailer]
((RICK TROUTT/BATTALION CHIEF: THE FIRE BURNT THE BOX TRAILER, WENT FROM THERE INTO THE SOFFIT OF THE BUILDING, UP INTO THE ROOF. AND IT'S A TERRA COTTA TYPE ROOF. IT JUST RAN ACROSS THE ROOF LINE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE SECOND BUILDING.))
[SUPER=01-Rick Troutt/Battalion Chief;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=down to the second building.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

There are no reports of serious injuries, though a homeless man who lived nearby was treated by emergency medical personnel.
There's also no word yet on the cause, but investigators are expected at the site later this morning.
(------------)

[11Roanoke-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jha]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC32:02]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]
Another fire in Roanoke leaves one couple's home in ruins.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
The blaze started early yesterday evening at a home on Shenandoah Valley Road. The homeowner says one of her tenants was filling a butane lighter when she dropped it and caught the couch on fire.

The tenant and her husband, who had just returned home from the hospital, managed to escape. Firefighters say the butane could have ignited only if the woman had a cigarette in her mouth.
(------------)

[11Victory-Stadium]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-50 TC1:11:42]
[GRAPHIC=Victory Stadium]

A crowd of Roanokers asked members of city council to reconsider their decision on the future of Victory Stadium... and it appears they just might.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

Last month, council narrowed its choices to a couple of alternatives. One would replace the west grandstands, with an amphitheater stage. The second would reorient the field, and build a new multi-purpose facility from the ground up.
But as council met for a public hearing last night... the overwhelming majority of speakers favored a third option, renovation of the existing stadium.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 07:30:27]
[IN Q=They need to have]
[SUPER=01-Freida Tate/Renovation Supporter;]
[RUNS=13]
[OUT Q=telling us how to run it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Others spoke in favor of the multi-purpose facility... contending the turnout at last night's hearing did not reflect the opinion of most Roanokers.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 07:32:12]
[IN Q=Nine out of ten]
[SUPER=01-Billy Bova/New Stadium Supporter; ]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=well into the future.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]

While it's unclear if there are enough votes to reverse last month's decision... one council member who voted with the majority, Bill White, said he wants to revisit the issue.

[11Gilmore]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-55 TC55:46]
[GRAPHIC=Jim Gilmore]

Governor Jim Gilmore isn't saying he wants to be the one to name his successor.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

But he IS asking either Lieutenant Governor John Hager or Attorney General Mark Earley to drop back and run for re-election and let the other run for governor.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 18:04:20 ]
[IN Q=Just facilitating]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: JUST FACILITATING SOME DISCUSSIONS... ANYTHING CAN BE WORKED OUT.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=worked out.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

The Washington Post reported on its website yesterday that the Governor's staff was asking former party chairman Randy Forbes to step aside and let Hager run again in the number two spot.
That would also muscle out ( Faw- keer) Fauquier Delegate Jay Katzen from the Lieutenant Governor race.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 18:07:02]
[IN Q=Why wouldn't]
((Why wouldn't Randy Forbes or Jay Katzen be good candidates for the party? GOV. JIM GILMORE: THEY WOULD BOTH BE EXCELLENT CANDIDATES... CONVENTIONAL WISDOM IS INCUMBENTS ARE GENERALLY STRONGER.))
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=generally stronger.]
(-------------)
[TALENT=Shannon]
[SS=none]

A spokesman for Lieutenant Governor Hager says he's definitely running for governor... but he does have until the end of the week to file for another office, instead.
He has NO comment on whether the Governor's pushing for Earley instead of him.

[Bush-Cabinet]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote today on President Bush's controversial choice for Attorney General, John Ashcroft.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]

Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to approve Interior Secretary- Designate Gale Norton later today.
Debate on Norton's nomination began yesterday and lasted for about three hours.
Environmental groups have lobbied against her because they question her commitment to protecting public lands.
But several Democratic senators have joined Republicans in supporting Norton.
(------------)

[11Mascot]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-48 TC1:25:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The fate of Blacksburg High School's Indian mascot will be announced today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

Students will find out today if the Indian will stay or go.
Some people say the mascot is a symbol of pride ... others see it as an offensive stereotype.
A special task force made up of 30 teachers, students and community members voted on the mascot's future last night.
But they pledged not to reveal the outcome until today.
(///// SOT /////)
[BUMP SOTS]
[IN Q=I don't see anything]
[SOT 1:27:25 - :37]
((AURIELLE JAMES/SENIOR: I DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE A LOT OF INTELLIGENT STUDENTS. THE STAFF IS GREAT. WE REPRESENT THE INDIANS WELL, SO I DON'T SEE WHY WE SHOULD CHANGE.))
[SOT 1:41:00 - :15]
((ANNA DALTON/TASK FORCE MEMBER: IT'S ONE PEOPLE TAKING ANOTHER PEOPLE AND USING THEM FOR A LUCK CHARM SO THEIR SPORTS TEAMS CAN WIN AS A SYMBOL, WHICH REDUCES A WHOLE PEOPLE DOWN TO A STEREOTYPE. TO A VERY LIMITED THING. AND PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THAT TO OTHER PEOPLE. ))
[SUPER=01-Aurielle James/Blacksburg High School Senior; :00]
[SUPER=01-Anna Dalton/Task Force Member; :13]
[RUNS=:27]
[OUT Q=to other people.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Blacksburg High School is the last in the New River Valley to carry the symbol.
It's been a divisive issue during three months of task force meetings.
(------------)

[11Henry-Bus]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=00-46 TC1:42:30]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A 7 year old child was left on a school bus for more than five hours Thursday in Henry County.
The district wants to make sure that never happens again.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co.]

The bus was parked at the driver's home.
The driver discovered the child when she returned to the bus to begin her afternoon run.
School Officials want to re-assure parents they are taking the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 5:52:10]
[IN Q=The bus drivers]
((SHARON DODSON/SUPERINTENDENT: THE BUS DRIVERS DO CHECK THEIR BUSES ON A ROUTINE SYSTEM. WE JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT ANY SYSTEM INVOLVING PEOPLE IS FOLLOWED UP AND MONITORED.))
[SUPER=01-Sharon Dodson/Henry Co. Superintendent]
[RUNS=07]
[OUT Q=up and monitored]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

That system involves drivers placing a white flag in front of the bus.
After each run, they're supposed to do a visual "walk through" and place the flag in the rear window.
The Superintendent would like the drivers to go one step further and check under the seats.
The driver no longer drives a school bus for the district.
(------------)

[Downey]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The show will go on for actor Robert Downey, Junior, at least for now.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;]

A California judge has continued the hearing that was scheduled for yesterday.
Downey will again appear in court on drug charges February 21st.
The 35- year- old "Ally McBeal" star will have to appear at next month's hearing if his attorneys reach a deal with prosecutors.
The latest charges stem from an incident over Thanksgiving weekend when police allegedly found drugs in Downey's hotel room.
Downey served about a year in prison for violating probation on several drug and weapons arrests dating back to 1996.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, germs may be the secret weapon in the battle against recurring ear infections.
Doctor Dave Hnida explains that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((Information: ON CAM ITS SOUNDS STRANGE- TREAT AN EAR INFECTION WITH GERMS. THATS JUST WHAT A STUDY IN THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL SAYS MAY WORK TO TAKE CARE OF STUBBORN- RECURRING EAR INFECTIONS.

VT=VO
THE IDEA IS THE EAR CONTAINS GOOD AND BAD BACTERIA- WHEN THE BAD OUTNUMBER THE GOOD- A CHILD GETS AN EAR INFECTION. SO HERE'S THE NEW TREATMENT: A NASAL SPRAY CONTAINING SO CALLED GOOD BACTERIA- GIVE ENOUGH OF THEM AND THEY WILL OUTNUMBER THE BAD.

VT=VO
THE SIZE OF A BABY MAY INFLUENCE HOW SMART THAT BABY GOES ON TO BECOME AS HE OR SHE GETS OLDER. A STUDY OF MORE THAN 400 BABIES THAT BEGIN IN 1946 SHOWS BIGGER BABIES WENT ON TO TEST SMARTER AT AGES 8, 11, 15 AND 26 YEARS OLD THAN SMALLER BABIES. MORE EVIDENCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD PRENATAL CARE... AND NOT SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY. THIS STUDY IS ALSO IN THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL.
ON CAM FINALLY TODAY- IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO LUBRICATE UP YOUR CREAKING OLD JOINTS- NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE-SOME GOOD NEWS. A STUDY IN THE JOURNAL THE LANCET CONFIRMS THE OVER COUNTER SUPPLEMENT GLUCOSAMINE CAN SLOW DOWN AND IN SOME CASES EVEN STOP ARTHRITIS FROM WORSENING IN A JOINT. IN FACT ABOUT 25% OF PEOPLE WHO USED GLUCOSAMONE IN THIS STUDY ACTUALLY HAD THEIR JOINT ACHES AND PAINS COMPLETELY GO AWAY. THATS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. IM DR DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))

(ad lib to weather)
[2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=KMC/SYO]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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

Firefighters respond to a trash fire call--
But it turns into a major blaze that damages a Roanoke business and railroad landmark.
We'll have details.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

The future of Roanoke's Victory Stadium apparently isn't set in stone--
Residents are encouraging city council to look at another alternative that would renovate the existing structure, instead of re- build it.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And students at Blackburg High School find out today if they'll keep their Indian mascot.
Some people say the mascot is a symbol of pride ... others see it as an offensive stereotype.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Tuesday, January 30th .
[ANCHOR=Shannon]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Depot-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=AM]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

What was first reported as a trash fire proved to be much worse.
Last night, a Roanoke business and railroad landmark was heavily damaged by fire.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

The Depot Feed and Seed Building went up in flames around nine o'clock... after fire spread from a burning box trailer.
The blaze moved quickly along the roof line, and the former Virginian Railway passenger station suffered heavy damage from the flames, smoke and water.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 01:50:27]
[IN Q=The store section of the building ]
((RICK TROUTT/BATTALION CHIEF: THE STORE SECTION OF THE BUILDING IS PRETTY MUCH A TOTAL LOSS. THE ROOF IS IN. THE MERCHANDISE IS PRETTY MUCH RUINED IN THERE. THE SECOND BUILDING, WE LOST A LITTLE PORTION OF THE BACK OF THE ROOF, BUT MOST OF THAT IS STILL INTACT.))
[SUPER=01-Rick Troutt/Battalion Chief;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=most of that is still intact.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

There were no serious injuries, though authorities say a homeless man who lived nearby was treated by medical personnel. Firefighters were planning to stay on the scene overnight to mop up. There's no word yet on the cause.
(------------)

[2-Victory-Stadium]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=AM]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=00-]
[GRAPHIC=Victory Stadium]

A member of Roanoke City Council says he wants to revisit a controversial decision on the future of Victory Stadium.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Last night, Roanokers turned out for a public hearing on the two alternatives that city council said it will consider.
One replaces the west grandstand with an amphitheater stage. The second calls for construction of an entirely new multi-purpose facility.
But the overwhelming majority of speakers said they favor a third option that council dismissed in December... renovation of the existing stadium.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I think that we should]
((TIFFANY CURTIS/WILLIAM FLEMING JUNIOR: I THINK THAT WE SHOULD RENOVATE JUST LIKE THE CITIZENS OF ROANOKE SAID EARLIER. I THINK IT IS A MEMORIAL FOR ALL THE SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT AND DIED FOR WORLD WAR II.)) ((ADAM PETERS/PATRICK HENRY SOPHOMORE: QUITE FRANKLY VICTORY STADIUM IS NOT IN GOOD CONDITION AND IT WOULDN'T DO MUCH GOOD TO RENOVATE.))
[SUPER=01-Tiffany Curtis/William Fleming Junior; :00]
[SUPER=01-Adam Peters/Patrick Henry Sophomore; :12]
[RUNS=18]
[OUT Q=wouldn't do much good to renovate.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Meanwhile, a member of City Council who voted with the majority in December says he wants to reconsider the issue. Bill White says he's gotten the message from citizens.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 08:41:51]
[IN Q=It was loud and clear]
((BILL WHITE/ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: IT WAS LOUD AND CLEAR AND I THINK THE ADMINISTRATION AND COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL TAKE THIS UNDER ADVISEMENT AND WE'LL COME BACK WITH SOMETHING MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE PUBLIC.))
[SUPER=01-Bill White/Roanoke City Council]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=more responsive to the public.]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

It's unclear if there are enough votes to reverse December's decision. Most members of council said they haven't changed their minds. The Reverend Nelson Harris did not attend the meeting, and was unavailable for comment.

[11HTS-Jobs]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

250 new jobs are coming to Buena Vista .
A company called Heat Transfer Specialties is moving from Indiana to an industrial park in the city.
H-T-S makes building ventilation systems.
It will be hiring welders, electricians and assembly line workers.
Its parent company also owns Des Champs (deh-SHAWMPS) Laboratories in Buena Vista.

[6XGR]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=00-49 TC1:08:49]
[GRAPHIC=VA Capitol Democrats]

Virginia Democrats are making their voices heard even though they're NO longer in the seats of power.
Democrats took on the issues from the minority side of the aisle yesterday -- including a successful effort to water-log a bill to give tax credits for private school tuitions.
Richmond Bureau Chief Ellen Qualls has more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It was the]
[SUPER=03-Richmond; :00]
[SUPER=@Cranwell; :15]
[SUPER=01-Del. Kirk Cox/(R) Colonial Heights; :38]
[SUPER=@Ellen2; :56]
[SUPER=01-Del. Tom Moss/(D) Norfolk; 1:07]
[SUPER=@Marye; 1:22]
[RUNS=1:49]
[OUT Q=Qualls, News 7, Richmond.]
(( It was the former Majority leader, now minority leader in the House, Dick Cranwell, that fired the first shot on a bill he considers to be private school vouchers : make the SOLs apply to home, private, and Christian schools too.
[sot 03:26:18]
((DEL. DICK CRANWELL/D-VINTON: BUT IF YOU PUT YOUR HAND OUT AND ASK FOR PUBLIC FUNDS...JUST AS WE MAKE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS.)) [runs:17 ]
The bill's supporters say most commerical curriculums don't match VIrginia's SOLs.
[sot HOUSE 03:36:16]
((DEL. KIRK COX/R-COLONIAL HEIGHTS: AND YOU HAVE A VARIETY OF CURRICULUMS...WOULDN'T FIT IN VERY WELL WITH THE SOLS AT ALL... VERY CHRISTIAN-BASED....IN THE BEGINNING TO 400 A.D.)) [runs:20 ]
The bill social conservatives most want was derailed for a day.
The former Speaker had his own jesting answer to the NO car tax dilemma placed on the budget this year.
[sot HOUSE 20:18]
((DEL. TOM MOSS/D-NORFOLK: WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO...DO AWAY WITH THE STATE INCOME TAX.)) [runs:08 ]
In the Senate, Madison Marye likened the Governor and his NO car tax based budget to a history lesson.
[sot SENATE 09:40]
((SEN. MADISON MARYE/D-SHAWSVILLE: AND JOHN PAUL JONES SAID... DOESN'T GET THE WORD.)) [runs:22 ]
They're making mischief... and in some cases, converts among Republicans this session.
EQ N7 Rmond.))

[Lockerbie]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=copy]

The long- awaited verdict in the Lockerbie bombing trial of two Libyans will come down tomorrow.
The announcement was made during a brief court session today in the Netherlands.
A panel of Scottish judges has been hearing the case of the attack on Pan Am Flight 1-0-3.
The bombing killed 270 people in 19-88.

[2-11Mascot]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=00-48 TC1:25:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Will Blackburg High School stay the home of the Indians?
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

Students will find out today if the Indian will stay or go.
Some people say the mascot is a symbol of pride ... others see it as an offensive stereotype.
A special task force made up of 30 teachers, students and community members voted on the mascot's future last night.
But they pledged not to reveal the outcome until today.
(///// SOT /////)
[BUMP SOTS]
[IN Q=I don't see anything]
[SOT 1:27:25 - :37]
((AURIELLE JAMES/SENIOR: I DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE A LOT OF INTELLIGENT STUDENTS. THE STAFF IS GREAT. WE REPRESENT THE INDIANS WELL, SO I DON'T SEE WHY WE SHOULD CHANGE.))
[SOT 1:41:00 - :15]
((ANNA DALTON/TASK FORCE MEMBER: IT'S ONE PEOPLE TAKING ANOTHER PEOPLE AND USING THEM FOR A LUCK CHARM SO THEIR SPORTS TEAMS CAN WIN AS A SYMBOL, WHICH REDUCES A WHOLE PEOPLE DOWN TO A STEREOTYPE. TO A VERY LIMITED THING. AND PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THAT TO OTHER PEOPLE. ))
[SUPER=01-Aurielle James/Blacksburg High School Senior; :00]
[SUPER=01-Anna Dalton/Task Force Member; :13]
[RUNS=:27]
[OUT Q=to other people.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Blacksburg High School is the last in the New River Valley to carry the symbol.
It's been a divisive issue during three months of task force meetings.
(------------)

[11Young]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=00-44 TC1:52:56]
[GRAPHIC=Rickey Young]

Martinsville attorney Rickey Young is accused of not making the "right" choice when it came down to paying for luxury or paying for taxes.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

As the trial got underway in federal court yesterday, Assistant U-S Attorney Rick Mountcastle told the jury it is a case "about choices," a choice between filing taxes and buying luxury cars.
Young says it's not a criminal case. It's actually Ricky Young versus the United States, he says.
[SUPER=03-Martinsville/Last Week]

He thinks government investigators believe he "stole cars, laundered money and sold drugs." Since they can't prove any of that, Young figures the tax case is the best they can do.
He blames his accountant for not preparing tax returns, though he says he knew he was behind in his taxes.
The jury- -by the way- -is all women, even the alternates.
(------------)

[Puff-Daddy]

[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Rap artist Puff Daddy will likely be tied up in court for the next several weeks.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]

Opening arguments got under way yesterday in Sean Combs' gun possession and bribery trial.
The charges stem from a shooting at a Manhattan nightclub over a year ago.
Prosecutors say Combs and girlfriend Jennifer Lopez fled the scene, before police caught up with them.
Combs later allegedly tried to bribe his driver into claiming the gun in the vehicle was his.
Meanwhile, fans are staking out the courthouse in hopes of catching a glimpse of Puff Daddy.
They may also be watching out for Lopez, who could be called as a witness.
(------------)
[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Kmc/Syo]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
The Depot Feed and Seed Building in Roanoke went up in flames around nine o'clock last night... after fire spread from a burning box trailer.
The blaze moved quickly along the roof line, and the former Virginian Railway passenger station suffered heavy damage from the flames, smoke and water.
There's no word yet on the cause.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
A fire on Shenandoah Valley Road in Roanoke leaves one couple's home in ruins. The homeowner says one of her tenants was filling a butane lighter when she dropped it and caught the couch on fire.

The tenant and her husband managed to escape. Firefighters say the butane could have ignited only if the woman had a cigarette in her mouth.

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

The fate of Blacksburg High School's Indian mascot will be announced today.
Some people say the mascot is a symbol of pride ... others see it as an offensive stereotype. A special task force made up of 30 teachers, students and community members voted on the mascot's future last night.

(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(Shannon mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Shannon ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's Mike Stevens with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=News 7 at 6.]
(-------------)
[Desk=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Desk=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]