WDBJ 7 morning news for 12/31/01

[War-Update]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Enduring Freedom]

The latest U-S intelligence indicates that Osama bin Laden is probably still alive.
But the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee says the trail has gone cold as to whether bin laden is still in Afghanistan, or has managed to slip into Pakistan.
U-S officials believe bin Laden was in the Tora Bora area at least until a couple of weeks ago.
Meanwhile, there's new information indicating bin Laden tried to join forces with Iran against the United States within the last decade.
And in other developments, the U-S Army is preparing to take over a Marine base in southern Afghanistan.
Aleen Sirgany is in Washington this morning with the latest.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=01-Aleen Sirgany/Reporting;]
[SUPER=05-Washington, DC;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Near Kandahar, Afghanistan;]
[SUPER=01-Abdullah Abdullah/Afghanistan Foreign Minister;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=05-Washington, DC;]
((OSAMA BIN LADEN REPORTEDLY TRIED TO GET IRAN TO JOIN HIS ANTI-AMERICAN CRUSADE. ACCORDING TO SECRET U.S. DOCUMENTS OBTAINED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES, BIN LADEN REPRESENTATIVES CONTACTED IRANIAN INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS IN THE MID-1990'S ... IN AN EFFORT TO FORM AN ALLIANCE THAT WOULD TARGET THE UNITED STATES. BUT IT'S NOT CLEAR IF AN AGREEMENT WAS EVER REACHED.
(NAT)
AS THE SEARCH FOR BIN LADEN AND HIS HENCHMEN CONTINUES, THERE ARE REPORTS THAT A MAJOR MILITARY OFFENSIVE IS ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED IN TWO TOWNS NORTH AND SOUTH OF KANDAHAR. THOUSANDS OF TALIBAN AND AL-QAIDA FIGHTERS MAY BE HIDING THERE ... AS WELL AS OSAMA BIN LADEN ... WHO TOP U.S. LAWMAKERS SAY IS PROBABLY STILL ALIVE.
(NAT)
CHANGE IS ON THE WAY FOR A U.S. MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN. MARINES STATIONED AT KANDAHAR AIRPORT ARE PREPARING TO HAND IT OVER TO THE ARMY'S 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION. THE PENTAGON SAYS THE MOVE WILL GIVE THE MARINES A CHANCE TO GET READY FOR FUTURE MISSIONS. AND AFTER MUCH HAGGLING, AFGHANISTAN'S NEW RULERS HAVE FINALLY REACHED A DEAL ON WHAT ROLE THE MULTI-NATIONAL PEACEKEEPING FORCE SHOULD PLAY ... IN A COUNTRY STILL UNACCUSTOMED TO PEACE.
(SOT: ABDULLAH ABDULLAH/FOREIGN MINISTER OF AFGHANISTAN)
"It was quite a few pieces of paper and everybody had to go through it carefully, in details."))

[Pakistan]

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

Sporadic gunfire and shelling continue across the India-Pakistan border.
At least three Indian soldiers and nine militants have been killed in the latest skirmish over the disputed Kashmir region.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pakistan;]

Meanwhile, India is reacting coolly to news that Pakistan has arrested the leader of an Islamic militant group.
The group is accused of helping to plan a deadly attack on India's parliament this month.
The two countries are on the brink of a major war.
India has been steadily building up its military presence.
(------------)

[11Ringgold-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=01-53 TC-1:10:15]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the blaze that destroyed the Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Ringgold]

The fire broke out just after five yesterday morning at fire station number 23 on Route 58.
Firefighters arrived to find the place engulfed in flames.
Other departments had to be called in to put out the fire because all of Ringgold's equipment was inside.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:07:08]
[IN Q=There's a lot of memories]
((MIKE NEAL/FIRE CHIEF: THERE'S A LOT OF MEMORIES HERE, A LOT OF HARD WORK PUT IN HERE. SO WE JUST HAVE TO MOVE ON. WE LOST OUR THREE TRUCKS, OUR EQUIPMENT, AND I THINK ONE GUY SUMMONED UP HE SAYS IT WAS ALMOST LIKE YOUR OWN HOUSE WAS ON FIRE.))
[SUPER=01-Mike Neal/Ringgold Fire Chief]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=was on fire]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Damage estimates top more than six hundred thousand dollars.
Ironically, the department was raising money to build a new fire station in the area.
The fire chief says those plans will have to be moved up.
In the meantime, several area departments have donated equipment to help them get back on their feet.
(------------)

[11Salem-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=02-04 TC-00:07]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]
Officials are investigating a fire that destroyed a garage in Salem.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]
The two car-garage caught fire around 9:30 last night on Catlett Lane. Nobody was injured in the fire, but two dogs were trapped inside the structure and are thought to have perished. Fire officials say the structure was fully involved when they arrived. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

(------------)[11Roanoke-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-62 TC-25:08]
[GRAPHIC=none]
[WIPE/WIPE/WIPE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;]
Fire also destroyed a house in Roanoke County yesterday morning. Firefighters were called to this home on Whipplewood Road... off Buck Mountain Road just after seven. Officials say the house will most likely be a complete loss.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 03:49:16]
[IN Q=Most of the roof burnt]
[SUPER=01-Donald Gillispie/Roanoke Co. Fire Inspector; ]
((MOST OF THE ROOF BURNT ON THIS. THERE'S WATER DAMAGE THROUGHOUT, VERY LITTLE FIRE INTERIOR, BUT BECAUSE OF THE ROOF COMING DOWN CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE, NOT SURE OF VALUE OF CONTENTS OF IT JUST YET.))
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=of it just yet.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Fire officials believe coals or ash from a grill-- caught the rear deck on fire. The flames then spread to the roof-- Officials say only one person was home at the time-- and no one was hurt.
(------------)

[1st-Business]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ckor]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]

In business news, It will be a short day on Wall Street today. And the nation's top three auto makers will soon end zero percent financing. Here's Barton Eckert with a look at the morning's top business stories..
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Barton Eckert/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:18]
[OUT Q=in Washington.]
((GOOD MORNING THIS MONDAY THE 31ST OF DECEMBER
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MORNING

-----------------------

SHORT DAY ON WALL STREET TODAY AHEAD OF TOMORROW'S HOLIDAY.
ON ASIAN MARKETS OVERNIGHT .. THE MARKETS ARE CLOSE3D FOR A HOLIDAY IN JAPAN AND WILL REMAIN SHUT UNTIL FRIDAY.

-------------------------

XEROX HAS IT'S SECOND OF THREE FUNDING COMMITMENTS G-E CAPITAL MADE IN SEPTEMBER, GE CAPITAL IS PROVIDING XEROX ABOUT $2 BILLION IN LOANS AS IT REVAMPS ITS BUSINESS. .
XEROX HAS FACED FIVE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY LOSSES , SLUMPING SALES, AND ALLEGATIONS OF ACCOUNTING IRREGULARITIES.

--------------------------

THE NATION'S TOP THREE AUTOMAKERS ARE PUTTING THE BRAKES TO ZERO PERCENT FINANCING.
GENERAL MOTORS' INTEREST-FREE DEALS ARE DUE TO RUN OUT OF GAS JANUARY SECOND.
CHRYSLER'S COMES TO A HALT JANUARY EIGHTH, WHILE FORD'S WILL END JANUARY 14TH.
THE DEALS BEGAN IN THE FALL AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED WITH BLOCKBUSTER SALES FOR THE THREE AUTOMAKERS. BUT.. SLIM, IF ANY , PROFITS.

--------------------------

THE ROUTINE IS SIMPLE.. PUT IN YOUR MONEY, GET A PACK OF CIGARETTES, OR A SOFT DRINK OR A CANDY BAR...
BUT LET'S ADD A THIRD STEP. INSERT MONEY.. INSERT PRESCRIPTION.. GET DRUGS, GO HOME FEEL BETTER.
IT COULD HAPPEN.
A PILOT PROJECT NEAR SPOKANE WASHINGTON COULD LET HEALTH CLINICS.. IN PLACES WHERE HEALTH CARE IS SCARCE.. NETWORK TOGETHER AND YES, PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM A VENDING MACHINE.

--------------------------
AND THAT'S YOUR FIRST BUSINESS CHECK ON THE MORNING'S TOP BUSINESS HAPPENINGS..
I'M BARTON ECKERT IN WASHINGTON.))

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

[11Henry-School]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=01-49 TC-1:46:56]
[GRAPHIC=Henry Co. School Consol.]

A new face will soon join the Henry County School board. This-- just two weeks after the school board voted to move forward on a controversial reconfiguration plan. Justin McLeod shows us how the newest member plans to shake things up.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:42:58 (LAUREL PARK TAPE)]
[IN Q=Nat sound of Millner talking at podium]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Curtis Millner/School Board Member-Elect; :11]
[SUPER=@justin1; :56]
[RUNS=1:46]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Henry County]
((((NAT SOUND OF MILLNER TALKING AT PODIUM))
Curtis Millner is just days away from joining the Henry County school board.
And already, he's at odds with his soon to be colleagues.
[SOT 1:54:31]
[IN Q=I think the plan]
((CURTIS MILLNER/ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: I THINK THE PLAN IS TOO HASTY. I DON'T THINK ENOUGH CONSIDERATION WAS PUT INTO IT. I THINK IT CAN BE DONE A BETTER WAY.))
[Runs= 06]
[OUT Q=a better way]

Millner is talking about the board's recent decision to close several schools and consolidate the county's four high schools into two.
The plan drew strong opposition from parents, teachers, and students.
Millner says the public can still change the board's mind.
[SOT 1:57:59]
[IN Q=There is a possibility]
((CURTIS MILLNER: THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY WITH ALL THE PUBLIC OUTCRY AND THINGS THAT ONE OR TWO MEMBERS MAY HAVE CHANGED THEIR MIND AND I THINK THEY NEED A CHANCE TO EXPRESS IT.))
[Runs= 09]
[OUT Q=to express it]

Millner plans to do plenty of expressing of his own.
This retired military man and former teacher believes he brings a unique perspective to the school district.
After all, he will be the only African American on the school board.
[SOT 10:01:49]
[IN Q=Millner represents the]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: MILLNER REPRESENTS THE IRISBURG DISTRICT AND AS THE NEWEST SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS HE PLANS TO PROPOSE ONE MAJOR CHANGE. HE WANTS THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT NIGHT TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER CHANCE TO ATTEND. CURRENTLY, THE BOARD MEETS IN THE MORNING.))
[Runs= 13]
[OUT Q=meets in the morning]

The board is scheduled to meet next Thursday.
At that time, a group of citizens plans to ask the board to reconsider its decision.
If members refuse, some residents then plan to petition to have the board removed from office.
Millner supports that decision.
[SOT 1:58:47]
[IN Q=I agree that if]
((CURTIS MILLNER: I AGREE THAT IF I ACT IN THE WAY THAT SOME OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ACTED, I SHOULD BE REMOVED.))
[Runs =06]
[OUT Q=should be removed]

Millner realizes he'll make no friends on the board with comments like that.
However, he remains confident he and his fellow board members can work together and accomplish what's best for the school district.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Henry County.))

[11Feedback]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmc]
[TAPE#=Fdback]
[GRAPHIC=Feedback]

Too much hot air in Congress, and on the ski slopes, are the themes in our viewer mail.
Assignment editor Joe McKean has this week's Feedback.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Animation Open]
[RUNS=1:13]
[OUT Q=Animation Close]
((Before adjourning for the holidays, the House and the Senate failed to reach an agreement on an economic recovery plan.
That upset a viewer from Henry County (Holley Harding) who's out of work.
"This is very sad because there are people losing their jobs in this country every day due to the NAFTA bill that was passed by our government. Now that NAFTA is having a negative effect on so many people in this country it seems that our own government is turning their backs on the people who put them in office."
We also had a complaint about airing a publicity stunt at a ski resort. (Chevis E. Swearingen/Martinsville.)
"You showed employees of Snowshoe Resort 'calling on higher powers', the Norse god of snow, Ullr, to bring some snow and business to their resort. While it may have been a fun publicity event, it looked like a pagan celebration. I assume most of them are of Judeo-Christian background. Have they thought of praying to God or Jesus Christ? If they had held a traditional Judeo-Christian prayer service, would WDBJ7 have covered it?"
Any thoughts you might have on issues in the news, or our coverage, are welcome...by mail...fax...or email.
Joe McKean, News-7.))

[11Dickens-Christmas]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=01-50 TC-1:39:31]
[GRAPHIC=none]
A year- round hobby is bringing enjoyment to a Salem family this holiday season...
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]
Helen Leigh has been collecting pieces for her Dickens Christmas Village since 1985. She says the hobby started when she saw an ad in a catalogue displaying the first seven collectables... Leigh was able to buy all but two of those first seven pieces-- and then slowly began adding to the collection.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:12:03]
[IN Q=I thought]
[SUPER=01-Helen Leigh/Collector; ]
((I THOUGHT THEY'D BE SO PRETTY ON THE MANTLE, SO I GOT THE HOUSES, SO I THOUGH EVERY VILLAGE, HOUSE, NEEDS A CHURCH, AND THAT STARTED IT.))
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=that started it.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Leigh has accumulated 70- pieces over the past 15 or so years.
(------------)

(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron]

[comm #3]

[Argentina-President]

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

The Argentine president is stepping down after just a week in office.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-San Luis, Argentina;]

Interim President Adolfo Rodriguez (sah) Saa took office after anti-government protests ousted his predecessor.
He resigned last night on national television, saying support within his party collapsed.
(------------)
[Anchor=Kim]
[SS=none]

Political and economic instability has triggered violent street protests, food riots, and supermarket lootings nationwide.
Argentines are suffering under four years of recession, 18 percent joblessness, and the near-collapse of the banking system.

[Lynchburg-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]

Lynchburg Police are investigating a shooting that sent one man to the hospital. Authorities say two black males in their mid twenties showed up at a residence at 1748 Texas Avenue yesterday morning.
One of the suspects, who was armed with a handgun, fired several rounds with one striking 43 year old Mahdeen J. Shahiid in the leg.
The suspects then entered the residence and took an undisclosed amount of cash.
(++++++++++)
[TAKE FS INFO BOARD]
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-798-5900.
(++++++++++)

[11Halifax-Memorial]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=01-52 TC-1:24:37]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Plans to honor war veterans in Halifax County are moving forward.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Halifax Co./May]

A commission has approved a final design for a war memorial.
Earlier this year, controversy broke out as to whether the monument should be black or white.
The memorial is scheduled to be dedicated on Veteran's Day 2002 on land across from the county courthouse.
The Board of Supervisors must first approve the final design.
That should come at their January 7th meeting.
(------------)

[2-11Henry-School]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=01-49 TC-1:46:56]
[GRAPHIC=Henry Co. School Consol.]
Henry County will soon have a new school board member. This-- just two weeks after the school board voted to move forward on a controversial reconfiguration plan. Justin McLeod shows us how the newest member plans to shake things up.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:42:58 (LAUREL PARK TAPE)]
[IN Q=Nat sound of Millner talking at podium]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co.; :00]
[SUPER=01-Curtis Millner/School Board Member-Elect; :11]
[SUPER=@justin1; :56]
[RUNS=1:46]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Henry County]
((((NAT SOUND OF MILLNER TALKING AT PODIUM))
Curtis Millner is just days away from joining the Henry County school board.
And already, he's at odds with his soon to be colleagues.
[SOT 1:54:31]
[IN Q=I think the plan]
((CURTIS MILLNER/ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: I THINK THE PLAN IS TOO HASTY. I DON'T THINK ENOUGH CONSIDERATION WAS PUT INTO IT. I THINK IT CAN BE DONE A BETTER WAY.))
[Runs= 06]
[OUT Q=a better way]

Millner is talking about the board's recent decision to close several schools and consolidate the county's four high schools into two.
The plan drew strong opposition from parents, teachers, and students.
Millner says the public can still change the board's mind.
[SOT 1:57:59]
[IN Q=There is a possibility]
((CURTIS MILLNER: THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY WITH ALL THE PUBLIC OUTCRY AND THINGS THAT ONE OR TWO MEMBERS MAY HAVE CHANGED THEIR MIND AND I THINK THEY NEED A CHANCE TO EXPRESS IT.))
[Runs= 09]
[OUT Q=to express it]

Millner plans to do plenty of expressing of his own.
This retired military man and former teacher believes he brings a unique perspective to the school district.
After all, he will be the only African American on the school board.
[SOT 10:01:49]
[IN Q=Millner represents the]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: MILLNER REPRESENTS THE IRISBURG DISTRICT AND AS THE NEWEST SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS HE PLANS TO PROPOSE ONE MAJOR CHANGE. HE WANTS THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT NIGHT TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER CHANCE TO ATTEND. CURRENTLY, THE BOARD MEETS IN THE MORNING.))
[Runs= 13]
[OUT Q=meets in the morning]

The board is scheduled to meet next Thursday.
At that time, a group of citizens plans to ask the board to reconsider its decision.
If members refuse, some residents then plan to petition to have the board removed from office.
Millner supports that decision.
[SOT 1:58:47]
[IN Q=I agree that if]
((CURTIS MILLNER: I AGREE THAT IF I ACT IN THE WAY THAT SOME OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ACTED, I SHOULD BE REMOVED.))
[Runs =06]
[OUT Q=should be removed]

Millner realizes he'll make no friends on the board with comments like that.
However, he remains confident he and his fellow board members can work together and accomplish what's best for the school district.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Henry County.))

[Med-Day]

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

In medical news, while celebrating the holidays, you may indulge in one too many drinks. In this morning's health check, Doctor Dave Hnida reveals the REAL way to get over a holiday hangover.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:29]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((WE ALL KNOW THE WAY TO BEAT A HANGOVER- ITS--- DONT DRINK TOO MUCH IN
THE FIRST PLACE. BUT DESPITE THAT SAGE ADVICE- SOME PEOPLE STILL ENJOY THE FRUITS A TOO HEAVY DRINKING SESSION: THROBBING HEADACHE-- NAUSEA- AND INTENSE PAIN WHEN A PIN DROPS. SO -- IS IT POSSIBLE TO BEAT A HANGOVER? WELL THE REMEDIES COME A DIME A DOZEN. LIKE HAVE A DRINK- THE SO-CALLED HAIR OF THE DOG- WELL FORGET THAT ONE- IT JUST PROLONGS THE AGONY DRINK LOTS OF COFFEE- THAT JUST MAKES YOU A WIDE AWAKE HUNGOVER PERSON- NOT GOOD FOR THE STOMACH EITHER TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN BEFORE YOU DRINK- BAD MOVE- SINCE THAT CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF A MASSIVE STOMACH HEMORRHAGE SO JUST WHAT CAN YOU DO-- WELL- MANY HANGOVERS ARE AGGRAVATED BY DEHYDRATION- SO DRINKING LOTS OF WATER MAY HELP. A LITTLE EXERCISE - SUCH AS WALKING- MAY SPEED UP THE BODY'S PROCESS OF GETTING RID OF THE EXCESS ALCOHOL. THEN WATCH WHAT YOU DRINK IN THE FIRST PLACE.- DARKER DRINKS- SUCH AS BOURBON, SCOTCH, AND RED WINE ALL CONTAIN CHEMICALS WHICH ADD FLAVOR -- BUT ALSO PROLONG A HANGOVER. ON THE OTHER HAND - GIN AND VODKA CONTAIN FEWER OF THESE HANGOVER PRODUCING CHEMICALS-- BUT FEWER DOES NOT MEAN NONE BOTTOM LINE- NOTHING REALLY WORKS TO CURING A HANGOVER- EXCEPT PREVENTING ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE. IM DR DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))

(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron] [Streaming-Video]
[comm #8]

[Harry-Potter]

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

There was FIERY controversy over the "Harry Potter" books in New Mexico.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Alamogordo, NM;]

Last night, a church there hosted a book burning--
Dozens of books, magazines, and other publications went up in flames.
The pastor of the Christ Community Church decided to hold the burning, because he believes books like "Harry Potter" teach children how to get into witchcraft.
But not everyone agreed with the pastor and his congregation. Hundreds of protestors lined the streets in front of the church, chanting and yelling as the books were burned.
(------------)

[Box-Office]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Americans flocked to movie theaters this weekend, giving the industry a big finish to another year of record revenue.

By the end of today, Hollywood's domestic revenues for 2001 will top out at about eight-point-35 billion dollars. That breaks last year's record of seven-point-seven billion.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT - 3:25:00]
[SUPER=04-"Lord of the Rings"; HOT CHANGE]
[SUPER=04-New Line;]

Meanwhile, The ``Lord of the Rings'' remains number one at the box office. Part one of the fantasy trilogy held onto the top spot for the second straight week with nearly 37 and a-half million dollars. Studio estimates say in just 12 days the film has grossed nearly 155 million dollars.

(------------)
[Anchor=Kim]
[TAKE FS CHYRON]
[SUPER=77-Lord of the Rings/37.4/Ocean's Eleven/17.4/Ali/15.3/Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius/15/Vanilla Sky/11.5;]
``Ocean's Eleven'' took second place for the third straight weekend with 17 million dollars. ``Ali'' was third with 15 million. Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Vanilla Sky wrap up this week's top five. [Super=#555;reset]