[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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


Three people were killed and several others injured when Saudi Arabian officials storm a hijacked Russian plane.

It ended a lengthy stand-off on the runway between the Chechen hijackers and Saudi authorities.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And a Martinsville man could face the death penalty after a jury convicts him of killing his girlfriend and her daughter.
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)

[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Get your Friday started with us-- on News 7 Morning.

[Hijacking]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Hijacking]


Nearly 24 hours after Chechen hijackers overtook a Russian plane and forced its landing in Saudi Arabia, security forces have stormed the aircraft.
The three hijackers are reportedly in custody.
Emergency officials say three people were killed in the incident.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Medina, Saudi Arabia;]


The action came after a long stand-off between the hijackers and Saudi authorities.
Reports say 46 of the 174 people aboard the plane had escaped or were released.
A representative of the breakaway Chechen Republic in Jordan says the men hijacked the plane to attract world attention to the crisis in Chechnya.
The hostage situation began early yesterday, shortly after the plane took off from Istanbul, Turkey.
(------------)


[5-Hairston]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=AM]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=500-20]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


A jury finds a Martinsville man guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her daughter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville/Last Year;]

The jury convicted Micheal Hairston yesterday on all eight counts including capital and first degree murder in the shooting deaths of Evonne Hairston and her 16 year old daughter Melveena.
It took the jury more than six hours to reach its verdict. The penalty phase of the trial resumes at nine this morning.
Michael Hairston could receive the death penalty.
(------------)


[6-Academy-Rape]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


A rape case involving a Naval Academy midshipman from Danville will not go to trial.
(Shock-a) Shaka Martin and two other midshipmen were charged in the case.
Prosecutors say they won't bring the case to trial after the midshipmen agreed to resign from the academy and have no further contact with the alleged victim.
The female midshipman who brought the charges says she supports the decision not to bring the men to trial.

[Wolverine-Union]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=01-09]
[GRAPHIC=none]


Workers at Wolverine Gasket in Blacksburg voted to join a union.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg]

Employees cheered last night when they learned the vote passed by a count of 174 to 89. Earlier this month the plant laid off more then 1-hundred employees -- now these workers are hoping to get their jobs back. Many say joining the United Auto Workers Union will make things better at the plant.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:13]
[IN Q=our pension]

((TODD DAVIS/LAID OFF WORKER: OUR PENSION PLAN HERE IS REALLY AWFUL, WE WANTED GUARANTEED CALL BACK RIGHTS, THEY LAID 104 WORKERS OFF TWO WEEKS AGO AND I HAD TO BE ONE OF THEM.))
[SUPER=01-Todd Davis/Laid Off Worker]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=one of them.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Up until last night, Wolverine Gasket had been a non-union shop for more then 20 years. The company says it was hoping to keep it that way.
(------------)



[Skurupey-Memorial]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=01-08]
[GRAPHIC=none]


More then two hundred family and friends of Staff Sergeant Greg Skurupey (Skir-pee) gathered in Blacksburg last night to remember him.
(----------)
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=NAT SOUND]
[RUNS=08]
[OUT Q=Nat Sound]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg]

Skurupey was killed on March 3rd after the military plane he was flying in crashed in Georgia. Friends like Rodney Riddle spoke about fond memories he and Greg shared.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:59:31]
[IN Q=we would]

((RODNEY RIDDLE: WE WERE ALWAYS ARGUING AS BOYS AND GREG WOULD STAND UP TO THE PLATE AND SAY HEY BOYS STOP ARGUING AND SAY I KNOW THE WAY AND HE LEAD US TO THE POINT WE NEEDED TO BE TO FINISH THE COURSE.))
[SUPER=01-Rodney Riddle/Friend]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=finish the course.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Unadilla, GA]

Skurupey was one of 18 soldiers killed when their plane crashed on their way back from a training exercise. Skurupey grew up in Blacksburg and leaves behind a wife and two children.
(------------)



[Bankruptcy]


[ANCHOR=]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=]


In the midst of dealing with a shaky economy, the Senate has approved legislation to make it tougher to file for bankruptcy.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]


Yesterday's vote was 83 to 15, in favor of changing the current bankruptcy law.
The number of personal bankruptcies dropped in the past two years.
But for people like Norka Washington, who's on disability and faces 16- thousand dollars in credit card debt, there is no other alternative.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 3:03:12 ]
[IN Q=It's just that]

((NORKA GONZALES WASHINGTON/BANKRUPTCY APPLICANT: "IT'S JUST THAT IF I PAY THOSE BILLS, I'M NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO FEED MY SON OR MYSELF (BABY CRYING) OR EVEN LIVE IN AN APARTMENT. I'LL BE IN THE STREET.))
[SUPER=01-Norka Washington/Bankruptcy Applicant;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=BE IN THE STREET.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


For wealthier Americans, the legislation closes a loophole that allows debtors to shield their assets in luxury homes.
Meanwhile the House is being urged to change its version to match the Senate plan.
(------------)



[Local-Economy]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=00-]
[GRAPHIC=none]


The Dow and NASDAQ have stabilized for now, but many investors are still shaken by Wednesday's market plunge.
Will the market pick up?
As Jennifer Miele reports, economists say psychologists would know better.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Last month, Dr. Larry]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Month;:00]
[SUPER=01-Jan Lynch/Roanoke College;:19 QUICK]
[SUPER=01-James Brinkley/Legg Mason President;: 54]
[SUPER=@jennifer1;1:37]
[RUNS=1:47]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7 Roanoke.]

((Last month, Dr. Larry Lynch of Roanoke College told News 7 that Roanoke was not headed for a recession. ((DR. LARRY LYNCH: NO, I DON'T THINK SO AT ALL.)) [RUNS02]
But Lynch said we should really ask a psychologist -- they are the ones who know all about consumer confidence.
So we did.
His wife, Dr. Jan Lynch. [tc:00:02:41] ((DR. JAN LYNCH: AFTER HAVING BEEN MARRIED TO HIM FOR AS MANY YEARS AS I HAVE BEEN, I THINK HE'S RIGHT.)) [RUNS05]
Jan Lynch says investors who watched their stocks devalue this week experienced a very real emotion -- fear. [Tc:00:03:33] ((DR. JAN LYNCH: SO WHAT PEOPLE WILL DO IS THEY'LL START SELLING BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID THAT IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP, AN OR COURSE, IF THEY DO IT, IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP, AND IT BECOMES A VICIOUS CIRCLE.)) [RUNS12]
But there is some light at the end of the market pummel.
Brokerage firm Legg Mason is expanding in Roanoke and convincing local investors to buy now. [tc:00:42:15] ((WE KNOW HISTORICALLY THAT THESE DAYS PROVIDE THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY TO OWN GOOD INVESTMENTS, AND THAT ITS THE WORST TIME TO LIQUIDATE.)) [RUNS08]
And it seems investors are facing their fears of the market. [PRE PRO]
Ten years ago, all that mattered was your money in the bank - -but today, 45 percent of the average household's assets are in the stock market.
The baby boomers have no need to fear retirement... 18 percent of their wealth is in mutual funds. But ten years ago, they wouldn't have been prepared. [END PRE PRO]
Legg Mason hopes to continue to boost that consumer confidence by investing its own money in Roanoke. [tc:00:48:49] ((WE LOOK AT ROANOKE AS THE CAPITAL OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE STATE. WE LIKE THE GOVERNMENT, THE BUSINESS PEOPLE, AND WE LIKE THE ENVIRONMENT.)) [runs08] ((JENNIFER MIELE/REPORTING: ULTIMATELY WHAT WILL SAVE ROANOKE'S WALL STREET ISN'T ONE COMPANY, IT'S THE CONFIDENCE AREA INVESTORS HAVE IN THAT COMPANY. JENNIFER MIELE, NEWS 7, ROANOKE.)) [RUNS10]))

[6-Area-Code]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=01-05 TC1:09:18]
[GRAPHIC=276 Area Code]


Southwest Virginia will soon have the new 276 area code.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The new area code goes into effect September first for areas in Southwest Virginia, including Wytheville and Martinsville.
The 540 area code will still work in the area until March 2002.
The Roanoke Valley will keep the 540 area code for another five years, then get a new number.
The Shenandoah Valley will keep the 540 number permanently.
(------------)



[Health-Check]


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


In medical news, activity on the job may not protect you against heart disease.
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=1:04]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((Information: ON CAM IF YOU'VE GOT A JOB THAT KEEPS YOU PHYSICALLY ACTIVE- YOU MIGHT THINK YOU'RE GETTING SOME PROTECTION FROM HEART DISEASE.

VT=VO

WELL YOU ARE - UNLESS THAT JOB IS MENTALLY STRESSFUL. A STUDY FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SHOWS STRESS ON THE JOB CANCELS OUT ANY PHYSICAL PROTECTION YOU GET FROM WORK. THE REASON: HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS HORMONES THAT DAMAGE THE HEART ARTERIES.
ON CAM IT LOOKS LIKE THE DRUG HERCEPTIN MAY BE A POWERFUL WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. A REPORT IN THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE SHOWS WOMEN WITH ADVANCED BREAST CANCER WHO USED HERCEPTIN HAD A JUMP IN SURVIVAL RATES COMPARED TO WOMEN WHO USED STANDARD CHEMOTHERAPY.

VT=VO

FINALLY TODAY- IF YOU'RE TRYING TO QUIT SMOKING- SLOW AND GRADUAL MAY NOT BE THE BEST ROUTE TO TAKE. A REPORT FROM ENGLAND SAYS COLD TURKEY IS THE BEST WAY TO KICK THE HABIT- MAINLY BECAUSE THOSE WHO TRY TO WEAN THEMSELVES AWAY FROM SMOKES- TEND TO INHALE LONGER AND MORE DEEPLY WHEN THEY DO LIGHT UP.
ON CAM THAT'S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. I'M DR. DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))


(Kimberly tosses to bump)


[bump-chyron] [Streaming-Video]
[comm #3]


[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]


Saudi Arabian authorities arrest three Chechen hijackers who overtook a Russian plane early yesterday after it took off from Turkey.
Three people were killed when Saudi forces stormed the plane this morning.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon]


A jury in Martinsville is deciding the fate of a man found guilty of capital murder and first degree murder.
Michael Hairston could get the death penalty for killing his girlfriend and her daughter.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And the state budget stand-still puts expansion plans on hold for Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium.
The plans include 12-thousand seats to the South end zone and more luxury boxes.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And that's what's making news on this Friday, March 16th .
[ANCHOR=Shannon]


News 7 Mornin' will be right back.


[2-Hijacking]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Hijacking]


In breaking international news--
Three Chechen hijackers are reportedly in custody this morning after Saudi Arabian security forces stormed the plane that was hijacked from Turkey yesterday
Three people were killed in the incident, and several others were injured.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Medina, Saudi Arabia;]


Security forces decided to move in after a lengthy stand-off between the hijackers and Saudi authorities.
Reports say 46 of the 174 people aboard the plane had escaped or were released.
A representative of the breakaway Chechen Republic in Jordan says the men hijacked the plane to attract world attention to the crisis in Chechnya.
The hostage situation began early yesterday, shortly after the plane took off from Istanbul, Turkey.
(------------)


[2-5-Hairston]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=AM]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=500-20]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


A jury will now decide the punishment for a Martinsville man who was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her daughter.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Martinsville/Last Year;]

The jury convicted Micheal Hairston on all eight counts including capital and first degree murder in the shooting deaths of Evonne Hairston and her 16 year old daughter Melveena.
It took the jury more than six hours to reach its verdict. The penalty phase of the trial resumes at nine this morning.
Michael Hairston could receive the death penalty.
(------------)


[2-Wolverine-Union]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=01-09]
[GRAPHIC=none]


Workers at Wolverine Gasket in Blacksburg are joining a union.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg]

Employees cheered when they learned the vote was passed by a count of 174 to 89. Earlier this month the plant laid off more then 1-hundred employees -- now these workers are hoping to get their jobs back. Many say joining the United Auto Workers Union will make things better at the plant.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:13]
[IN Q=our pension]

((TODD DAVIS/LAID OFF WORKER: OUR PENSION PLAN HERE IS REALLY AWFUL, WE WANTED GUARANTEED CALL BACK RIGHTS, THEY LAID 104 WORKERS OFF TWO WEEKS AGO AND I HAD TO BE ONE OF THEM.))
[SUPER=01-Todd Davis/Laid Off Worker]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=one of them.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Up until last night, Wolverine Gasket had been a non-union shop for more then 20 years. The company says it was hoping to keep it that way.
(------------)



[6-Biomed]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-03 TC1:17:46]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Plans for the new biomedical institute and related developments are moving forward.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Yesterday, members of the Roanoke Planning Commission said the proposed South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan IS in agreement with the city's comprehensive plan.
The research and technology park would be located on a 110 acre site near downtown.
Housing authority executive director John Baker says he's encouraged by recent developments.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:00]
[IN Q=We've got a lot of cooperation]

((JOHN BAKER/HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR: WE'VE GOT A LOT OF COOPERATION FROM PROPERTY OWNERS AND WE'RE VERY SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE AREA... THE INCONVENIENCE THEY MAY HAVE DURING THIS PROCESS IN THE ACQUISITION AND THE POTENTIAL RELOCATION, BUT WE ALSO HOPE THE BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT BY HAVING SUCCESSFUL RELOCATION, BY FINDING GOOD SITES FOR THEM WHERE THEY CAN RELOCATE IN THE CITY.))
[SUPER=01-John Baker/Housing Authority Director]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=relocate in the city.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[SS=None]


The redevelopment plan defines specific areas for specific uses, but detailed site plans will come later.
The proposal is now headed to Roanoke City Council, which will consider the plan at its next meeting March 19th.

[5-Conference-Center]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=500-13]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The contractor faces a tight schedule, but major repairs to the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center have now passed the halfway mark, and they remain on schedule.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


Workers have been on the job inside the center since early January, correcting problems that were caused by improper fill material used during construction.
A new slab has been laid, and new interior walls are being prepared for wallpaper and paint.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 20:19]
[IN Q=Oh I love what I see]

((DEBBIE MOSES/CONFERENCE CENTER COMMISSION: OH, I LOVE WHAT IS SEE. THIS IS GREAT. THIS IS A LOT OF PROGRESS. OUR CONTRACTORS ARE WORKING VERY DILIGENTLY. THEY'RE PUTTING IN THE TIME AND I'M THRILLED. IT MAY NOT LOOK LIKE IT, BUT I'M THRILLED WITH WHAT I SEE HERE.))
[SUPER=01-Debbie Moses/Conference Center Commission]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=thrilled with what I see here.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The layout of the conference center will remain substantially the same, but visitors will see new carpeting and wall coverings when the renovated areas reopen in early May.
(------------)



[2-Bankruptcy]


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


It'll soon be harder to file Chapter 11--
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]


By a vote of 83 to 15, the Senate has approved legislation making it harder to declare bankruptcy.
The number of personal bankruptcies has fallen on the past two years, but lawmakers are trying to deal with a shaky economy.
The measure also closes a loophole in the current law that allows wealthy debtors to shield their assets in luxury homes.
(-----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]


House legislators are being urged to change their version to match that of the Senate.

[5-Lane-Stadium]


[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=500-16]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]


Expansion of Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium is on hold because of the state budget standstill.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape]


Even though the project is NOT using tax dollars, all capital projects in the Commonwealth must get approval from the General Assembly.
The construction was originally slated to cost 26-million dollars but changes added another 11-million this year.

Expansion plans includes 12-thousand seats to the South end zone and more luxury boxes...bringing total seating to 65-thousand.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT-2:11:06]
[IN Q=EVEN THOUGH]

((LARRY HINCKER/VA TECH SPOKESMAN; EVEN THOUGH LANE STADIUM IS NOT COSTING THE TAXPAYER A DIME, SINCE THERE IS NO BUDGET BILL PASSED, THERE CAN BE NO BUDGET AUTHORIZATION TO EXPAND LANE STADIUM. ))
[SUPER=01-Larry Hincker/VA Tech Spokesman]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=LANE STADIUM]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Hincker says bids on the project would have to be in by May first to have construction completed by their goal of the 2002 season.
(------------)



[6-Katzen]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-01 TC1:45:34]
[GRAPHIC=Campaign 2001]


Jay Katzen is running for lieutenant governor. He's been on the campaign trail since December, 1999, but people are only now starting to get a feel for who he is.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


Katzen is seeking the Republican nomination for the number two post in state government.
He picked up the endorsement of House Speaker Vance Wilkins and Lynchburg delegate Preston Bryant this week.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 11:48:08]
[IN Q=I think the]

((VANCE WILKINS/(R) HOUSE SPEAKER: I THINK THE FACT THAT HE WAS A DIPLOMAT FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS WOULD BE A VERY GOOD THING TO BE THE PRESIDING OFFICER IN THE SENATE, AFTER THEY WAY THEY AND THE GOVERNOR HAVE BEEN FIGHTING. I THINK WE NEED A DIPLOMAT TO KEEP THINGS STRAIGHT OVER THERE.))
[SUPER=01-Vance Wilkins/(R) House Speaker; :00]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=straight over there.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Katzen spent 23 years as a Foreign Service Officer with the U-S State Department.
He's a four-time delegate from Fauquier County.
State senator Randy Forbes of Chesapeake is also seeking the nomination.
(------------)


[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]

A jury convicted Micheal Hairston on all eight counts against him including capital and first degree murder in the shooting deaths of Evonne Hairston and her 16 year old daughter Melveena. The penalty phase of the trial resumes at nine this morning.
Michael Hairston could receive the death penalty.

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


Workers at Wolverine Gasket in Blacksburg voted to join the United Auto Workers Union last night.
Employees passed the vote by a count of 174 to 89.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Southwest Virginia will soon have the new 276 area code.
The new area code goes into effect September first for areas in Southwest Virginia, including Wytheville and Martinsville.
The 540 area code will still work in the area until March 2002.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
(Shannon mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Shannon ad lib weather)
(-------------)

[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=You've got mail]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at 6.]
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)

(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Kimberly/Shannon and Steve]
by SS