WDBJ 7 morning news for 05/25/01

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Marya]

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

Up next on News-7 Mornin'....
Rescue crews sift through the rubble of a collapsed wedding hall in Israel.
At least 19 people are confirmed dead and more than 300 injured.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Marya]

And... a boy who's been missing in Franklin County for nearly a month turns up alive and well.
[ANCHOR=Leo]
(ad lib weather)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

News-7 Mornin' is next.

[Missing-Boy]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 Mornin']

Franklin County deputies say a Rocky Mount boy who was missing for nearly a month turned up alive and well.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rocky Mount/May 8;]

They say 15-year-old Steven Dillon had been staying in Rocky Mount all along.
The Benjamin Franklin Middle School student disappeared after a dance on April 27th and his family had NOT heard from him.
Authorities and volunteers spent several days searching the Pigg River for Dillon after some of his personal belongings were discovered there.
(------------)

[Building-Collapse]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

At this hour, rescue efforts are underway in Jerusalem after a wedding hall there collapsed.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Jerusalem, Israel;]

It happened in the middle of a reception.
Officials say at least 19 people were killed and more than 300 injured when the four-story building collapsed.
Many more remain trapped beneath layers of rubble.
The wedding ceremony had ended and about 650 guests were dancing on the top floor.
Police say the collapse was caused by a "structural failure" and not a terrorist attack.
It's believed to be the worst disaster involving a civilian building in Israel's history.
(------------)

[Jeffords]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

With the defection of one Republican Senator, control of the U-S Senate has changed hands... and made things tougher for President Bush.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Burlington, VT]

Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords announced yesterday that he's going Independent.
That gives control of the Senate to the Democrats, who will now run the floor agenda and chair committees for the first time in six years.
It will also hinder President Bush's agenda through Congress.
(///// SOT /////)
[bump SOTs]
[IN Q=Increasingly,]
((SEN. JIM JEFFORDS/(R) VT: Increasingly, I find myself in disagreement with my party. Given the changing nature of the national party, it has become a struggle for our leaders to deal with me and for me to deal with them.)) ((SEN. TRENT LOTT/(R) MAJORITY LEADER: It will make it more challenging, more difficult to pass the President s agenda, but we will work very hard to make sure that does happen.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Jim Jeffords/(R) Vermont; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Trent Lott/(R) Majority Leader; :13]
[RUNS=:21]
[OUT Q=does happen.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Jeffords says he will stay with the party until the president signs a tax bill pushed by Republicans.
(------------)

[11Gilmore-Jeffords]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=01-13 TC58:44]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Senator Jeffords' rebuke of Republican leadership provides just the latest blow to Virginia's influence on defense issues in Washington.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :09]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC]

After only two years at the helm, John Warner's about to lose the chairmanship of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
But Warner says he'll be back.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I WOULD]
((SEN. JOHN WARNER/(R) VIRGNIA; I WOULD SEEK A FIFTH TERM IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE, IN FACT, I THINK MY COLLEAGUE HAS ALSO INDICATED HE'D SEEK A FIFTH TERM SO CHANCES ARE WE'LL BE PARTNERS AS THE CHAIR SHIFTS BACK AND FORTH OVER THE NEXT SIX OR SEVEN YEARS PERHAPS.))
[SUPER=@Warner]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=6 or 7 years perhaps.]
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

A national Republican leader himself, Governor Jim Gilmore's putting the most positive spin on it.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 10:22:08]
[IN Q=Again, it's not helpful]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: AGAIN IT'S NOT HELPFUL BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD. SENATOR WARNER IS SO STEEPED IN EXPERIENCE AND HIS KNOWLEDGE AND HAS BEEN SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE CHAIRMAN THAT I BELIEVE THAT DEMOCRATS WILL STILL HAVE TO TURN TO HIM FOR EXPERTISE. SO I BELIEVE THAT VIRGINIA WILL BE FINE. WE STILL HAVE TWO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:20]
[OUT Q=on the Armed Services Committee;]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Marya]
[SS=None]

Those two members are freshmen Ed Schrock and Jo Ann Davis from the tidewater area.

[Inland-Port]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Some expansion news for the Alleghany Highlands will be released today...
Several area economic development coalitions will make an announcement that they say will help local businesses compete better on the global stage.
It may result in some international flair at Roanoke Regional airport, too.
We'll have that story on News 7 at noon.

[11Southeast]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=01-]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The streets in Southeast Roanoke are being called dangerous by residents. That's because they say drivers don't obey the speed limit and traffic is always heavy. Last night the community got together to ask the city to make some changes.
Kate Weidaw was there.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;:00]
[SUPER=01-Mildred Prater/Southeast Resident; :25]
[SUPER=01-Rev. David Walton/Belmont Christian Church;:55]
[SUPER=01-Darlene Burcham/Roanoke City Manager;1:12]
[SUPER=@Kate2;1:28]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=kw news7 Roanoke.]
(([NAT SOUND CARS SPEEDING BY]
[RUNS= 5]

28-thousand cars drive through Southeast Roanoke everyday.

[SOT 24:10]
[INQ=]
((MILDRED PRATER: THE TRAFFIC IS VERY HEAVY AND VERY NOISY.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 4]

Mildred Prater has lived along Jamison Avenue since 1949. During that time she's seen speeding cars lose control and slam into her home.

[SOT 24:52]
[INQ=]
((MILDRED PRATER: EVERY TIME I HEAR A LOUD NOISE I THINK THEY'VE RUN INTO MY HOUSE AGAIN.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 4]

But heavy traffic is only one problem. Southeast Roanoke's elderly population is growing and crossing busy intersections can be dangerous.

[SOT 32:54]
[INQ=]
((REV. DAVID WALTON: CROSSWALKS ARE DANGEROUS, THEY ARE POORLY MARKED THERE ARE NO LIGHT TO GET THEM ACROSS.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 6]

Reverend David Walton and the organization Faith Works are joining forces to improve the community. Walton says sidewalks are cracked, streets are littered with garbage, and health care is hard to find. Right now there is NO pediatrician in Southeast.

[SOT 30:16]
[INQ=]
((REV. DAVID WALTON: I'VE HAD TO GO AROUND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO TAKE PEOPLE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHO HAVE ALLOWED THEMSELVES TO GET SICK BECAUSE THERE IS NO DOCTOR.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 8]

Hoping to make some changes, dozens from the community took their concerns to the city. City Manager Darlene Burcham says their list of needs will be addressed.

[SOT 27:33]
[INQ=]
((DARLENE BURCHAM: WE'LL SYSTEMATICALLY GO THROUGH THE LIST AND DO THOSE THINGS FIRST WITH CITY RESOURCES AND THEN THOSE THINGS THAT REQUIRE ACTUALLY CAPITAL FUNDS WILL HAVE TO GO INTO THE CITY'S CAPITOL CYCLE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 11]

Residents say they'll do whatever it takes to make these streets safe for the next generation growing up in Southeast. Kate Weidaw News7 Roanoke.))

[11D-Day-Sculpture]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=01-10 TC1:39:37]
[GRAPHIC=D-Day Memorial]

The dedication of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford is less than two weeks away.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]

Crews hoisted into place the latest two sculptures by artist Jim Brothers.. including a 19- foot high work showing soldiers scaling the cliffs at Normandy.
Another depicts a soldier struggling through the surf towards shore.
The pieces brought back memories for one person who was there.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:08:40]
[IN Q=These sculptures]
((ROY STEVENS/D-DAY VETERAN: THESE SCULPTURES MAKE A GREAT PICTURE HERE TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING AND IT ALMOST BRINGS IT BACK TO THE REAL THING. AND I WOULD THINK THE KIDS COULD GET MORE FROM THIS THAN THEY WOULD A BOOK, BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE THIS.))
[SUPER=01-Roy Stevens/D-Day Veteran]
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=can see this.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

A group of Staunton River Middle School students got a sneak preview yesterday after they helped raise 620 dollars for the memorial in just four days.
(XXXXXXXXXX)
[WIPE TO FULL SCREEN #4619 ]

We'll bring you News 7 at 5 and 6 live from the Memorial in Bedford on both June 5th and the 6th. [Next page 4618]
We invite you to join us at 11:00 AM, June 6th for: "Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom,"our live coverage of the dedication ceremony.
(-------------)

[Marketwatch]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]

In business news, The April durable-goods report will be released this morning...and gas prices are up this holiday weekend.
Alexis Christoforous has those stories and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:38]
[OUT Q=your local stocks.]

((Information:
(on cam)
TRADING IS EXPECTED TO BE LIGHT AS WE HEAD INTO THE LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND.
BUT THERE WILL BE SOME KEY ECONOMIC NUMBERS INVESTORS CAN SIFT THROUGH. LATER THIS MORNING...

(graphic)
WE'LL GET REPORTS ON APRIL DURABLE GOODS ORDERS, OR ORDERS OF BIG TICKET ITEMS LIKE REFRIGERATORS AND AIR CONDITIONERS... EXISTING HOMES SALES FOR APRIL. .. YESTERDAY WE LEARNED THAT NEW HOME SALES PLUNGED 9 AND A HALF PERCENT LAST MONTH. WE'LL ALSO GET A REPORT ON THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE FIRST QTR.

(on cam)
STOCKS TO WATCH: TIVO THE Television recording device maker reported a smaller-than-expected loss saying its subscriber base passed the 200,000 mark. AOL AND OTHER INTERNET SERVICES COULD BENEFIT FROM THE TAX BILL. A PROVISION WOULD ALLOW TAXPAYERS TO USE TAX-ADVANTAGED EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS TO PAY FOR INTERNET ACCESS IF THEIR CHILDREN USE IT TO LEARN. THEY WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO PAY FOR SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS FROM THEIR EDUCATION IRAs.
ON WALL STREET, INVESTORS WEIGHED WHAT A DEMOCRAT CONTROLLED SENATE MAY MEAN FOR BUSINESS AND WALL STREET.

(graphic)
THE DOW ADDED ABOUT 17 POINTS TO 11-122

(graphic)
WHILE THE NASDAQ CLIMBED 38 POINTS.

(on cam)
AND AS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS GET READY TO HIT THE ROAD THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THEY WON'T FIND MUCH RELIEF AT THE GAS PUMP. THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR A GALLON OF GAS NATIONWIDE IS 1-70.. 17 CENTS HIGHER FROM THE SAME TIME ONE YEAR AGO. BUT THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE DETERRING TRAVELERS.. TRIPLE-A ESTIMATES THAT 28.5MLN PEOPLE WILL TAKE TO THE ROAD THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...

(graphic)
TRACK ALL THE PRE-MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM - AT THE NASDAQ,
(on cam)
I'M AC IN NEW YORK.))

(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM]

[11Roanoke-murder]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=01-21 TC48:02]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

The suspect in Tuesday night's fatal shooting is behind bars after turning himself in to Roanoke police.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Eighteen- year old Jonathan Martin Smith is charged in the death of Rashard "Ray-Ray" Bannister.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Tuesday]

The two men had gotten into a confrontation on Melrose Avenue near Forest Park School. Bannister was shot once in the chest.
Smith is being held without bond.
(------------)

[11D'Ville-Development]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=01-22 TC32:07]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Danville now has a plan to restore downtown.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville/January]

The city was designated a Virginia Main Street Community last summer.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It is a great]
((IT IS A GREAT COMMUNITY WITH A GREAT DOWNTOWN THAT HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL. THAT POTENTIAL HASN'T BEEN USED TO ITS FULLEST OVER THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES, BUT THAT'S NOT UNUSUAL.))
[SUPER=01-Louellen Brungard/VA Main Street Program Director;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=that's not unusual]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Last night, a Virginia Main Street Resource Team presented it's recommendations.
Among them: make small visible changes like fixing facades... promoting existing downtown businesses... and finding new business anchors to fill old buildings.
Now it's up to the Downtown Danville Association to start turning the recommendations into reality.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, researchers have found that some herbal products are contaiminated.
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=1:30]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((BUY HERBAL PRODUCTS AND ONE THE LAST THINGS YOUD EXPECT IS IS FOR THEM TO BE CONTAMINATED WITH GERMS.
BUT THATS JUST WHAT RESEARCHERS AT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF MICROBIOLOGY FOUND WHEN THEY TESTED SAMPLES OF HERBS SUCH AS ECHINACEA, ST JOHNS WORT , AND KAVA KAVA,
THE HERBS TESTED WERE BOUGHT AT A GROCERY STORE, AN ORGANIC FOOD CENTER, AND BROUGHT IN BY PATIENTS.
BESIDES HEAVY BACTERIAL COMTAMINATION OF THE PRODUCTS, RESEARCHERS ALSO FOUND FUNGI IN MANY OF THE PRODCUTS.
THEY CALL FOR BETTER REGULATION OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THESE SUPPLEMENTS BY THE FDA
THE STORIES- PATIENTS DYING IN A DOCTOR'S OFFICE DURING OUTPATIENT SURGERY- ARE ENOUGH TO SCARE ANYONE.
BUT PROBLEMS DURING IN OFFICE SURGERY ARE ACTUALLY VERY VERY RARE.
WHEN RESEARCHERS IN THE JAMA ANALYZED THE SAFETY OF OUT PATIENT SURGERY- THEY FOUND IT - IN GENERAL - TO BE VERY SAFE- WITH VERY FEW PROBLEMS
THE ONE PROCEDURE WHERE YOU DO NEED TO USE CAUTION - HOWEVER- LIPOSUCTION UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA IN AN OFFICE SETTING- .
FINALLY TODAY- IF YOU SUFFER FROM MOTION SICKNESS- A SIMPLE AND QUICK FIX: EAT A PROTEIN BAR AND KEEP YOU FACE COOL. RESEARCH FROM PENN STATE SAY THESE TWO SIMPLE MEASURES DO AN AMAZING JOB AT CONTROLLING MOTION SICKNESS BY SHUTTING DOWN THE REFLEXES THAT MAKE YOU NAUSEOUS DURING A BUMPY RIDE OR TURBULANCE.
THATS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE DAYS TOP HEALTH STORIES. IM DR DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))
(Marya tosses to bump)
[Anchor=Marya]
News 7 Mornin' will be right back
[bump-chyron] [Streaming-Video]
[comm #3]

[2-HEADLINES] [Marya at Desk]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

Here's a look at today's top stories...
Layoffs on the way at Ericsson's Lynchburg facility... no word yet on how many.
The company says it's making cuts after losing nearly 500 million dollars this quarter.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

A missing boy in Franklin County is missing no longer...
Sheriff's deputies found 15-year-old middle school student Steven Dillon last night in Rocky Mount alive and well.

He had apparently run away.
Authorites searched extensively for the teen after he disappeared last month.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

And... Republican Senator Jim Jeffords announces he's going Independent, throwing the balance of power there over to the Democrats.
His move means bumpy times ahead for the Republican agenda.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Marya]

And that's what's making news on this Friday, May 25th.
News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Missing-Boy]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 Mornin']

A Rocky Mount teen who was missing for nearly a month is safe and sound according to Franklin County deputies.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rocky Mount/May 8;]

They say 15-year-old Steven Dillon had been staying in Rocky Mount all along.
The 15-year-old Benjamin Franklin Middle School student disappeared after a dance on April 27th and his family had NOT heard from him.
Authorities and volunteers spent several days searching the Pigg River for Dillon after some of his personal belongings were discovered there.
(------------)

[2-Building-Collapse]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
A wedding hall in Jerusalem has collapsed injuring hundreds of people.
Officials think about 50 people are still unaccounted for.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Jerusalem, Israel;]

It happened in the middle of a reception.
Officials confirm at least 19 people were killed and more than 350 injured when the four-story building collapsed.

Many more remain trapped beneath layers of rubble.
The wedding ceremony had ended and about 650 guests were dancing on the top floor.
Police say the collapse was caused by a "structural failure" and not a terrorist attack.
It's believed to be the worst disaster involving a civilian building in Israel's history.
(------------)

[2-Jeffords]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The U-S Senate is about to feel a shift in power that could change everything for President George Bush.
Teri Okita reports on how the defection of a Republican Senator from Vermont will change the balance of power.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=In front of hometown]
[SUPER=03-Burlington, VT; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jim Jeffords/(R) Vermont; :10]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Charles Schumer/(D) New York; :32 very very quick]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Tom Daschle/(D) Minority Leader; 1:03]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Trent Lott/(R) Majority Leader; 1:13]
[SUPER=01-Teri Okita/Reporting; 1:21]
[RUNS=1:34]
[OUT Q=Teri Okita, CBS News, Washington.]
(((NATSD FULL OF THANK YOU, JIM CHANTS)
IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN SUPPORTERS, SENATOR JIM JEFFORDS DID AS MANY EXPECTED AND LEFT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT.

(Super: Sen. Jim Jeffords/I-Vermont)
SOT: 9:36:42 Increasingly, I find myself in disagreement with my party.
(BUTT) 9:36:54 Given the changing nature of the national party, it has
become a struggle for our leaders to deal with me and for me to deal with them. (:12)
HIS DEFECTION IN THE EVENLY-DIVIDED SENATE WILL LEAD TO A SEISMIC SHIFT IN POWER. NOW, DEMOCRATS WILL RUN THE FLOOR AGENDA AND CHAIR COMMITTEES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX-YEARS.

(Super: Sen. Charles Schumer/D-New York)(MAY BE TOO SHORT FOR CHYRON)
SOT: Schumer: To say we re excited is an understatement.

WHILE DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE, PRESIDENT BUSH AT ODDS WITH JEFFORDS OVER EDUCATION AND TAX CUTS TRIED TO SAVE FACE FOR THE REPUBLICANS.

SOT: BUSH, I respect Senator Jeffords, but, respectfully, I couldn't
disagree more.
LEADING DEMOCRATS SAY IT S TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT A LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, BUT THEY RE HINTING EDUCATION, PATIENTS BILL OF RIGHTS, AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WILL TOP THE LIST AND, THEY'RE CALLING FOR TRI-PARTISAN COOPERATION.

(Super: Sen. Tom Daschle/D-Minority Leader)
SOT: This is still one of the most closely divided Senates in history.
We still face the same challenges.
JEFFORDS SWITCH NOT ONLY COST REPUBLICANS FRAGILE CONTROL IN THE SENATE, BUT ALSO THE ABILITY TO MOVE THE PRESIDENT S AGENDA THROUGH CONGRESS.

(Super: Sen. Trent Lott/R-Majority Leader)
It will make it more challenging, more difficult to pass the President s agenda, but we will work very hard to make sure that does happen. (:09)

(Super: Teri Okita/Reporting)
STANDUP: One thing that has passed is the President s tax cut bill. Jeffords promised that he wouldn t officially switch parties until both the House and Senate clean up language on the bill and send it to the President. Teri Okita, CBS News, Washington.))

[11Radford-Foundry]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-12 TC1:35:48]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]

Layoffs are pending at Radford Foundry.
While Intermet has not released details of the layoffs, a soon to be former employee is.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT :19.5]
[SUPER=03-Radford;]

The company announced the cuts on Wednesday.. but wouldn't say how many of the 450-employees will be let go.
Jay Quesenberry says he is among one-hundred workers told by the Foundry manager he will be out of work next Friday.
Area businesses are reacting to the cuts and say plant traffic directly affects their customer base.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT1:02:24]
[IN Q=Alot of people]
((JENNIFER NESTER/WILCO ASST. MANAGER; A LOT OF PEOPLE COME BACK AND FORTH HOME TO WORK AND STOP HERE TO GET GAS SNACKS DRINKS, WHAT DO THEY SAY LIKE A 100 JOBS ARE BEING CUT THAT WILL AFFECT OUR BUSINESS A LOT.))
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Nester/Wilco Asst. Manager;]
[OUT Q=AFFECT OUR BUSINESS A LOT.]
[RUNS=:11]
(--------------)
[VO-NAT]

Intermet says an announcement will be made next week following an internal evaluation.
(--------------)

[11Ericsson]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Ericsson]

Ericsson has implemented a major cost-cutting plan, which includes layoffs at its Lynchburg facility... no word yet on how many.
The company says it's lost nearly 500 million dollars this quarter as other cell phone makers move ahead in sales.

The company announced in April it would cut 12 thousand jobs worldwide and remove seven thousand consultants from the payroll.

[2-Inland-Port]

[11Arts-Funding]

[ANCHOR=Marya]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-15]
[GRAPHIC=None]

As local cultural organizations look to the future, they're hoping a united front will help them flourish.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :19]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

That prospect brought an unusual gathering to the plaza outside the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
Representatives of more than two dozen organizations are joining forces to develop a master plan.
They hope the effort will help them set goals, and ultimately find the funding to make them happen.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I think when times are tough]
((JUDY LARSON/ART MUSEUM OF WESTERN VIRGINIA: I THINK WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, PARTNERSHIPS MAKE ABSOLUTE GOOD SENSE FOR FINANCIAL REASONS, FOR PROGRAMMING. ANY TIME YOU CAN PARTNER WITH SOMEBODY ELSE, YOU CAN STRETCH YOUR RESOURCES AND THAT'S WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT.))
[SUPER=01-Judy Larson/Art Museum of Western Virginia]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=that's what I'm excited about.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :09+]

The master plan was in the works before the state budget crisis, but the groups say the recent problems highlight the importance of their planning.
(------------)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=MJO/LHI]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
[ANCHOR=Marya]

Ericsson has implemented a major cost-cutting plan, which includes layoffs at its Lynchburg facility... no word yet on how many.
The company says it's lost nearly 500 million dollars this quarter as other cell phone makers move ahead in sales.

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

Franklin County deputies say a Rocky Mount boy who was missing for nearly a month turned up alive and well.
They say 15-year-old Steven Dillon had been staying in Rocky Mount all along.
The Benjamin Franklin Middle School student disappeared after a dance on April 27th and his family had NOT heard from him.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

Danville now has a battle plan to make downtown shine again. Virginia Main Street Resource Team presented it's recommendations last night.
Among them: make small visible changes like fixing facades and promoting existing downtown businesses.
Now it's up to the Downtown Danville Association to start turning the recommendations into reality.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Leo]
(Leo mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Leo ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[2-SHOT]
[ANCHOR=Marya]

Now here's Keith Humphry with a preview of News 7 at Six.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Have you seen]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=on News 7 at 6]
(-------------)
[Desk=Kimberly/Leo and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Desk=Kimberly/Leo and Steve]