WDBJ 7 morning news for 02/06/02

[Lindh]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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

Attorneys for the U-S government will be in court today, fighting to keep American Taliban John Walker Lindh behind bars.
Jennifer Jones is in Washington with the latest.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Alexandria; :13]
[SUPER=01-John Ashcroft/U. S. Attorney General; :30]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Reporting; 1:25]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=Jones, CBS News, Washington.]
((
Package:

(nat up of LINDH talking 16:38)
HIS LAWYERS ARGUE JOHN WALKER LINDH WAS A VICTIM TORTURED BEFORE TALKING WITH THE F-B-I AND DENIED PROPER MEDICAL CARE. WALKER LINDHS BELIEVED TO BE IN THIS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA JAIL AND HIS LAWYERS WANT HIM OUT ON BOND.
BUT THE U-S GOVERNMENT WILL FIGHT THAT REQUEST TODAY. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS 20-YEAR-OLD WALKER LINDH SUPPORTED AL QUIDA AND THE TALIBAN AND CONSPIRED TO KILL AMERICANS.
John Ashcroft/US Attorney General 17:10:34 He remained despite having learned of the terrorist attacks on his homeland, despite knowing that Osama bin Ladan was responsible for those attacks.
WITH THOSE WORDS, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INDICTED WALKER LINDH ON TEN MORE FEDERAL CHARGES TUESDAY. THEY'VE BASED THE INDICTMENT ON A STATEMENT WALKER LINDH MADE TO THE F-B-I AFTER HIS CAPTURE IN AFGHANISTAN.
BUT WALKER LINDHS LAWYERS SAY THAT STATEMENT CAME AFTER A HEATED GUN BATTLE IN WHICH WALKER LINDH, WHO WAS ALREADY A CAPTIVE, WAS WOUNDED.
TODAY, WALKER REMAINS A CAPTIVE, LOCKED IN HIS CELL FOR 22 HOURS A DAY. HE OFTEN MEETS WITH HIS LAWYERS AND HAS VISITED WITH HIS PARENTS. AND WHETHER OR NOT THE JUDGE GRANTS HIS BOND TODAY, WALKER LINDH CAN EXPECT TO EVENTUALLY FACE UP TO THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.

(Jennifer Jones: stand-up close.)

))

[Pearl]

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

Pakistani authorities say they're close to solving the case of missing "Wall Street Journal" reporter Daniel Pearl.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Karachi, Pakistan;]

Police have arrested three men who admitted they sent a series of E-mails about Pearl to U-S news organizations.
They won't say who's behind the kidnapping.
But a U-S official says police are looking for an Indian freed in a 1999 hijacking case.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Pearl was kidnapped almost two weeks ago in Pakistan.
Authorities there believe he is still alive.

[11Franklin-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]
A Franklin County woman is in the hospital this morning after deputies say she was shot by her husband.
(XXXXXXXX)
[TAKE MAP FULL]
Authorities say it happened last night at a home on Doe Run Road near Rocky Mount.
James Randolph Smith is accused of shooting his wife- Carol Ann Smith in the chest with a small caliber handgun.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=HOLD]

She underwent surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. There's no word on her condition.
James Smith is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm.

[GOP-VOB]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=MOrnin']
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-]
[GRAPHIC=Republicans]

Roanoke Republicans have named their three top contenders for City Council's May election.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]

The party tapped former Council member Jack Parrott and two political newcomers: Civic leader and former restaurant owner Mark Hurley and educator and church administrator Steve Mabry.
Financial advisor Paul Higgins fell 20 votes short of the nomination.
The mass meeting had more than 300 attendees and 163 voters casting ballots.
It's the largest mass meeting any member of the G-O-P can recall in years.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:48:31 - :38]
[IN Q=A couple of years]
((BILL CARDER/ROANOKE VICE MAYOR: A COUPLE YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS NOMINATED, IT WAS ABOUT 25 PEOPLE. TONIGHT IT'S 300. IT'S EXCITING.))
[SUPER=01-Bill Carder/Roanoke Vice Mayor;]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=it's exciting.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The nominees will face off against three Democrats and one Independent in the May 7th general election.
The Democrats will select their three candidates on March 5th.
(------------)

[11MeadWestvaco]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-57 TC1:13:52]
[GRAPHIC=MeadWestvaco]

The merger between Westvaco and Mead could mean pink slips for about 50 workers in Covington.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Covington/August;]

Mead-Westvaco plans to close its Covington Research and Development facility by the middle of the year as part of a restructuring plan.
The research center employs 50 scientists, engineers and support workers.
Some will be offered jobs at other Mead-Westvaco research facilities; some will get a severance package.
The Covington mill also plans to cut about 100 jobs this year. The company says most will be through attrition -- not layoffs.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[11General-Electric]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=01-54 TC1:37:47]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem]

Cutbacks could be looming at General Electric in Salem.
Company officials said yesterday they are taking a close look at factory loads to see if there are too many or too few people on the job.
G-E may approach qualified workers about taking early retirement.
An informational meeting with employees is scheduled for next week.
(------------)

[11Magnox]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=01-59 tc 49:28]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Union workers at Pulaski's Magnox plant say they will camp outside the facility for as long as it takes.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :18.5]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski;]
49-employees are in a dispute with management over contracts. A PACE union representative says the company wants to raise health insurance premiums while cutting vacation and 401-K's. In a statement, Magnox says it need cooperation from employees on the matters because of tough economic times.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 17:05:22]
[IN Q=were still ]
((LJ ROSE/UNION REPRESENTATIVE; WERE STILL WILLING TO NEGOTIATE EVEN THOUGH THE CONTRACT WAS TURNED DOWN THE EMPLOYEES ARE WILLING TO CONTINUE WORKING THEY SAID NO IF WE DON'T HAVE A CONTRACT ON MIDNIGHT THE 31ST YOUR PEOPLE ARE GOING TO COME OUT OF THERE AND WERE GOING TO REPLACE THEM WITH SALARY PEOPLE.))
[SUPER=01-L. J. Rose/Union Representative;]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=SALARY PEOPLE.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Union employees say once they turned down the new contract, the gates were locked and they were refused entrance. Workers are now camped outside in shifts. The company says those who take part in the work stoppage are jeopardizing future employment at Magnox.
(------------)

[Marketwatch]

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

In business news,
Cautions and questions about accounting practices kept the stock market from rebounding yesterday even as investors did some buying earlier in the day.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=uncertainty reigns]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:29]
[OUT Q=your local stocks]
(((oc) UNCERTAINTY REIGNS ON WALL STREET.. WITH EARNINGS SEASON WINDING DOWN AND ENRON INDUCED FEARS STILL HIGH, INVESTORS ARE SEARCHING FOR DIRECTION.
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER TOM DASCHLE THREW COLD WATER ON A MINI MARKET RALLY AFTER HE SAID THERE WILL NOT BE AN ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE THIS YEAR.

(gr)
THE DOW DIPPED A POINT AND A HALF...

(gr)
WHILE THE NASDAQ SANK ABOUT 17 POINTS.

(oc)
ACCOUNTING WOES CONTINUE TO HOUND INVESTORS..
(gr)
TYCO'S FREEFALL CONTINUED ON SUSPICIONS ABOUT ITS ACCOUNTING METHODS AFTER AFTER A DEBT DOWNGRADE.
SPRINT CUT ITS FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR AND SAID GROWTH IN ITS WIRELESS BUSINESS WILL BE SLOWER.
GENERAL ELECTRIC WAS A BRIGHT SPOT AFTER G-E SAID PROFIT WILL MEET OR BEAT ESTIMATES THIS YEAR.

(oc)
KEEP YOUR EYE ON GOLD..

(gr)
IT GLITTERED YESTERDAY, TOUCHING A TWO YEAR HIGH AND APPROACHING 300 DOLLARS AN OUNCE....INVESTORS CONTINUE TO FLOCK TO GOLD AS A SAFE HAVEN AND THERE'S ALSO TALK OF A REDUCED SUPPLY OF GOLD FROM MINING COMPANIES.

(oc)
THE PACE OF LAYOFF ANNOUNCEMENTS HAS PICKED UP AGAIN, FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY MORE 212-THOUSAND PEOPLE LOST THEIR JOBS. THAT'S 32 PERCENT HIGHER THAN DEC...ACCORDING TO THE OUTPLACEMENT FIRM CHALLENGER, GRAY AND CHRISTMAS, SINCE SEPT 11TH 999-THOUSAND JOB CUTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED.. AUTOMAKERS HANDED OUT THE MOST PINK SLIPS IN JANUARY, OVER 43-THOUSAND.
AND ON TODAY'S ECONOMIC CALENDAR.. 4TH QTR PRODUCTIVITY

(gr)
TRACK ALL THE PRE-MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM ...

(oc)
AT THE NASDAQ I'M AC IN NY. NOW HERE'S A LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL STOCKS.))

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

[Missing-Girl]

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

Investigators in San Diego, California are focusing on a neighbor, as they continue looking for a seven-year-old girl who disappeared late last week.
But so far, no one's been arrested.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-San Diego, CA;]

Authorities have released more home video of Danielle van Dam.
Police say the neighbor is a suspect, but not the ``prime suspect.''
Authorities add that they man's car has been impounded, but did not say why.
Danielle's parents say the last time either of them saw their daughter was Friday night at bedtime.
(------------)

[11Animal-Cruelty]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=01-62 TC1:09:20]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Bills that would make it a felony to torture and kill a companion animal have cleared both houses of the General Assembly.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The legislation grew from recent cases of animal cruelty, including the deaths of two family pets in Southwest Virginia.
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

It's not a certainty yet, but the proposal should soon be on its way to the desk of Governor Mark Warner.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:07:43]
[IN Q=Senator Edwards]
((SENATOR EDWARDS IS CARRYING A SIMILAR MEASURE AND HE AND I HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO GET THE BILLS THIS FAR. AND WITH HIS VERSION PASSING THE SENATE AND MY VERSION PASSING THE HOUSE, IT LOOKS PRETTY GOOD THAT WE'RE GOING TO GET LEGISLATION THIS TIME.))
[SUPER=01-Del. Ward Armstrong/(D) Martinsville;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=get legislation this time.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Lawmakers have narrowed the legislation to cover only dogs and cats. Armstrong and Edwards say they don't anticipate problems reconciling the house and senate versions of the legislation.

[6-XGR-Unemployment]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=02-01 TC43:34]
[GRAPHIC=VA Unemployment]

The economic health of southside and southwest Virginia dominated the debate yesterday, as the State Senate approved legislation that would help unemployed workers.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

Introduced by Martinsville Senator Roscoe Reynolds, the measure would eliminate the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits.
He argued that workers in southside and southwest should receive the same consideration that employees in northern Virginia received after September 11th.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 03:17:06]
[IN Q=This tragedy occurs]
((SEN. ROSCOE REYNOLDS/(D) MARTINSVILLE; THIS TRAGEDY OCCURS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH. IT OCCURS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY, IN HENRY COUNTY AND RUSSELL COUNTY, AND ALL ACROSS VIRGINIA MR. PRESIDENT.))
[SUPER=01-Sen. Roscoe Reynolds/(D) Martinsville]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=all across Virginia Mr. President.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

Chesterfield Delegate John Watkins argued that the proposal could jeopardize the State Unemployment Trust Fund, but the Senate approved the measure 22 to 16.

(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron]

[comm #3]

[2-Lindh]

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

A federal judge will decide today whether the government can continue to hold the 20-year-old known as the American Taliban.
John Walker Lindh's attorneys say their client isn't dangerous.
They're asking the judge to release him to his father's custody. Jennifer Jones reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Alexandria; :13]
[SUPER=01-John Ashcroft/U. S. Attorney General; :30]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Reporting; 1:25]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=Jones, CBS News, Washington.]
((
Package:

(nat up of LINDH talking 16:38)
HIS LAWYERS ARGUE JOHN WALKER LINDH WAS A VICTIM TORTURED BEFORE TALKING WITH THE F-B-I AND DENIED PROPER MEDICAL CARE. WALKER LINDHS BELIEVED TO BE IN THIS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA JAIL AND HIS LAWYERS WANT HIM OUT ON BOND.
BUT THE U-S GOVERNMENT WILL FIGHT THAT REQUEST TODAY. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS 20-YEAR-OLD WALKER LINDH SUPPORTED AL QUIDA AND THE TALIBAN AND CONSPIRED TO KILL AMERICANS.
John Ashcroft/US Attorney General 17:10:34 He remained despite having learned of the terrorist attacks on his homeland, despite knowing that Osama bin Ladan was responsible for those attacks.
WITH THOSE WORDS, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INDICTED WALKER LINDH ON TEN MORE FEDERAL CHARGES TUESDAY. THEY'VE BASED THE INDICTMENT ON A STATEMENT WALKER LINDH MADE TO THE F-B-I AFTER HIS CAPTURE IN AFGHANISTAN.
BUT WALKER LINDHS LAWYERS SAY THAT STATEMENT CAME AFTER A HEATED GUN BATTLE IN WHICH WALKER LINDH, WHO WAS ALREADY A CAPTIVE, WAS WOUNDED.
TODAY, WALKER REMAINS A CAPTIVE, LOCKED IN HIS CELL FOR 22 HOURS A DAY. HE OFTEN MEETS WITH HIS LAWYERS AND HAS VISITED WITH HIS PARENTS. AND WHETHER OR NOT THE JUDGE GRANTS HIS BOND TODAY, WALKER LINDH CAN EXPECT TO EVENTUALLY FACE UP TO THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.

(Jennifer Jones: stand-up close.)

))

[2-Pearl]

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

Officials in Pakistan say they know who kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl late last month and are ``very close to resolving the case.''
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Karachi, Pakistan;]

Police have arrested three men who admitted they sent a series of E-mails about Pearl to U-S news organizations.
They won't say who's behind the kidnapping.
But a U-S official says police are looking for an Indian freed in a 1999 hijack case.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Pearl was kidnapped almost two weeks ago in Pakistan.
Authorities there believe he is still alive.

[2-11Franklin-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]
A Franklin County woman who was allegedly shot by her husband remains hospitalized this morning.
(XXXXXXXX)
[TAKE MAP FULL]
Authorities say it happened last night at a home on Doe Run Road near Rocky Mount.
James Randolph Smith is accused of shooting his wife, Carol Ann Smith in the chest with a small caliber handgun.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=HOLD]

She underwent surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital... there's no word on her condition.
James Smith is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm.

[11City-GOP]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=mornin]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-06 tc 13:50]
[GRAPHIC=Republicans]

Roanoke Republicans have selected their candidates for City Council.
They're hoping this will be the year the G-O-P can break the Democrats' hold on Council.
As Marya Jones reports, a crowd at last night's mass meeting renewed their hopes.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It was the best]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Gordon Hancock/Republican Committee Chairman; :13]
[SUPER=01-Bill Carder/Roanoke Vice Mayor; :41]
[SUPER=01-Jack Parrott/(R) Roanoke City Council Candidate; 1:02]
[SUPER=01-Mark Hurley/(R) Roanoke City Council Candidate; 1:14]
[SUPER=01-Steve Mabry/(R) Roanoke City Council Candidate; 1:33 quick!]
[SUPER=@Marya2; 1:42]
[RUNS=1:52]
[OUT Q=MJN7, Roanoke.]
(( It was the best turnout that Roanoke Republicans have seen at a mass meeting in years.
A crowd of nearly 300 ... 163 casting votes ... had Republicans fired up that THIS could be their year.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:57:06 - :19]
((GORDON HANCOCK: I'VE BEEN IN THESE MEETING FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS A CHAIRMAN AND SOMETIMES WE WONDER IF ENOUGH IS GOING TO SHOW UP TO HAVE A MEETING... WE INTEND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND WE'RE GOING TO CHANGE THINGS.)) [RUNS13]
The party tapped former Council member Jack Parrott and two political newcomers: former restaurant owner and civic leader Mark Hurley and former educator Steve Mabry.
Financial advisor Paul Higgins fell just 20 votes shy of the nomination.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:48:31 - :38]
((BILL CARDER/VICE MAYOR: A COUPLE YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS NOMINATED, IT WAS ABOUT 25 PEOPLE. TONIGHT, IT'S 300. IT'S EXCITING.)) [RUNS:09]
Parrott served from 1994 to 98.
He says his engineering background could serve the city well as it deals with a water crisis.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:38:42 - :55 ]
(( OUR CURRENT PRACTICE OF RATIONING WATER EVERY 2 OR 3 YEARS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. WE MUST CONTINUE WORKING ON THIS EVEN AFTER CARVINS COVE IS FULL. )) [RUNS:13]
Mark Hurley says he wants to see the city partner more with neighborhoods and private interests.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 2:04:40 - :49]
(( I'D LIKE TO SEE A REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY... REGIONAL COOPERATION ALSO, THOSE ARE THE MAIN THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO. )) [RUNS:09]
Steve Mabry was a Roanoke school administrator and band director for 33 years.
He hopes that will help him bring some harmony to Council.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 2:02:27 - :33]
((STEVE MABRY/REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE: I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ROANOKE BE ONLY A BETTER PLACE THAN IT WAS WHEN I GREW UP HERE. )) [RUNS:06]
The general election is May 7th.
The three Republican candidates picked tonight will face off against one Independent and three Democratic candidates who will be selected at their primary on March 5th.
Marya Jones, News-7, Roanoke.))

[2-11Magnox]

[1st-Business]

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

In business news this morning, recent announcements at some major companies make for a bleak unemployment outlook.

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=1:15]
[OUT Q=in Washington.]

((GOOD MORNING THIS WEDNESDAY THE 6TH OF FEBRUARY.
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MORNING.

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

JOB CUTS SLOWED POST 9-11
BUT IN JANUARY THEY INCREASED 32 PERCENT IN JUST ONE MONTH- AND DOUBLED FROM THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR. WHAT'S GOING ON? CHALLENGER GRAY AND CHRISTMAS SAYS IT'S COST CUTTING .. ...INCLUDING ABOUT 35,000 PLANNED CUTS ANNOUNCED AT FORD,

----------------------
BELLSOUTH , THE DOMINANT LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN THE SOUTHEAST, IS LAYING OFF ABOUT 3,000 EMPLOYEES AND CONSOLIDATE ITS CALL CENTER OPERATIONS.
IT'LL EXPAND APPROXIMATELY 28 OF ITS CALL CENTER OPERATIONS, WHILE OTHERS WILL BE CLOSED OR MOVED.

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

ON WALL STREET MORE EARNINGS AND REACTION TO PRELIMINARY PRODUCTIVITY NUMBERS TO CHEW ON

ON ASIAN MARKETS OVERNIGHT .. TOKYO STOCKS REBOUNDED THEN SANK FOR A FOURTH STRAIGHT SESSION.

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

THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT HAS CUT OFF BUSINESS WITH THE NATION'S LARGEST AIRPORT-SECURITY CONCERN, ARGENBRIGHT SECURITY, BECAUSE OF MISSTATEMENTS THE COMPANY'S ACCUSED OF MAKING WHEN IT APPLIED FOR WORK AT U.S. EMBASSIES. ARGENBRIGHT WAS IN EXTENSIVE TALKS ABOUT CONTINUING TO PROVIDE SECURITY AT AIRPORTS .
ARGENBRIGHT CONTROLS 40% OF THE U.S. AIRPORT-SECURITY MARKET....THAT'S 35 AIRPORTS, INCLUDING NEWARK AND O'HARE.

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

BLIMPIE INTERNATIONAL HAS PICKED PEPSI-COLA AS THEIR NEW U-S BEVERAGE SUPPLIER FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. COCA-COLA HAD BEEN THE OFFICIAL BEVERAGE OF BLIMPIE.
THE AGREEMENT COVERS THE MORE THAN 1900 BLIMPIE RESTAURANTS IN THE UNITED STATES.

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

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]

[5-Lewis-Gale]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=501-12 tc 1:36:31]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin' Health Check]
In this morning's Health Check, Lewis-Gale Clinic is expanding its same day surgery center so it will be able to offer more complicated surgeries to patients.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem]

The clinic recently added two additional operating rooms as well more patient rooms to meet the growing demand for its services.
The new operating rooms are much larger than the old ones --and make it possible for the clinic to offer more types of surgeries.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 58:15]
[IN Q=We're doing gall bladders now]
(( WE'RE DOING GALL BLADDERS NOW --ROTATOR CUFF AND SHOULDER RECONSTRUCTION. AND THESE PROCEDURES REQUIRE MORE EQUIPMENT IN THE OPERATING ROOM AND OUR ROOMS WERE SMALLER THAT WAS ONE REASON ))
[SUPER=01-Kay Walke/Same Day Surgery Administrator]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=that was one reason]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Lewis-Gale Clinic says the demand for same-day surgery is growing because it's more cost effective than choosing to have a procedure done in a hospital.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT1:01:56]
[IN Q=On average for a patient]
((ON AVERAGE FOR A PATIENT IT COSTS A THIRD LESS COMING TO AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER ALL OF THE CHARGES ARE BUNDLED IN AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER WHERE IN HOSPITAL THEY LINE ITEM CHARGE AND SO THAT ALWAYS MAKES THE EXPENSE GREATER FOR THE PATIENT ))
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=greater for the patient]
(------------)

[5-Danville-Regional]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=501-02 tc 1:50:33]
[GRAPHIC=hold]

In other health news -- Danville Regional Health System will break ground today for a new open-heart surgery center.
The Danville Regional Heart Center will be affiliated with Duke University.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville/File Tape;]
The new 6-point-9 million, 10-thousand sqare-foot facility will be built on the west campus of Danville Regional Medical Center.
Officials say the heart center will be more cost effective and convenient for patients who might otherwise have to travel several hours for surgery.
The Dan River Region has one of the highest rates in the country for cardiac deaths.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=hold]
A cardiovascular surgeon on the faculty with the Duke University Medical Center will perform surgery at the new center.
The new center is expected to be competed early in 2003.

[3-Lindh]

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

Another hearing today for the American accused of fighting for the Taliban
A federal judge in Alexandria will decide whether to release John Walker Lindh to his father's custody.
Lindh's attorneys say he isn't dangerous, and will NOT flee.
Jennifer Jones has an update.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Alexandria; :13]
[SUPER=01-John Ashcroft/U. S. Attorney General; :30]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Jones/Reporting; 1:25]
[RUNS=1:40]
[OUT Q=Jones, CBS News, Washington.]
((
Package:

(nat up of LINDH talking 16:38)
HIS LAWYERS ARGUE JOHN WALKER LINDH WAS A VICTIM TORTURED BEFORE TALKING WITH THE F-B-I AND DENIED PROPER MEDICAL CARE. WALKER LINDHS BELIEVED TO BE IN THIS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA JAIL AND HIS LAWYERS WANT HIM OUT ON BOND.
BUT THE U-S GOVERNMENT WILL FIGHT THAT REQUEST TODAY. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS 20-YEAR-OLD WALKER LINDH SUPPORTED AL QUIDA AND THE TALIBAN AND CONSPIRED TO KILL AMERICANS.
John Ashcroft/US Attorney General 17:10:34 He remained despite having learned of the terrorist attacks on his homeland, despite knowing that Osama bin Ladan was responsible for those attacks.
WITH THOSE WORDS, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INDICTED WALKER LINDH ON TEN MORE FEDERAL CHARGES TUESDAY. THEY'VE BASED THE INDICTMENT ON A STATEMENT WALKER LINDH MADE TO THE F-B-I AFTER HIS CAPTURE IN AFGHANISTAN.
BUT WALKER LINDHS LAWYERS SAY THAT STATEMENT CAME AFTER A HEATED GUN BATTLE IN WHICH WALKER LINDH, WHO WAS ALREADY A CAPTIVE, WAS WOUNDED.
TODAY, WALKER REMAINS A CAPTIVE, LOCKED IN HIS CELL FOR 22 HOURS A DAY. HE OFTEN MEETS WITH HIS LAWYERS AND HAS VISITED WITH HIS PARENTS. AND WHETHER OR NOT THE JUDGE GRANTS HIS BOND TODAY, WALKER LINDH CAN EXPECT TO EVENTUALLY FACE UP TO THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.

(Jennifer Jones: stand-up close.)

))

[3-Pearl]

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

Authorities in Pakistan say they're close to resolving the case of kidnapped American reporter Daniel Pearl.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Karachi, Pakistan;]

Police have arrested three men who admitted they sent a series of E-mails about Pearl to U-S news organizations.
They won't say who's behind the kidnapping.
But a U-S official says police are looking for an Indian freed in a 1999 hijack case.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Pearl was kidnapped almost two weeks ago in Pakistan.
Authorities there believe he is still alive.

[3-11Franklin-Shooting]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Shooting]
A Franklin County woman is in the hospital this morning after deputies say she was shot by her husband.
(XXXXXXXX)
[TAKE MAP FULL]
Authorities say it happened last night at a home on Doe Run Road near Rocky Mount.
James Randolph Smith is accused of shooting his wife- Carol Ann Smith in the chest with a small caliber handgun.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=HOLD]

She underwent surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital... there's no word on her condition.
James Smith is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm.

[2-GOP-VOB]

[2-11MeadWestvaco]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=01-57 TC1:13:52]
[GRAPHIC=MeadWestvaco]

The merger between Westvaco and Mead could mean layoffs for about 50 workers in Covington.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Covington/August;]

Mead-Westvaco plans to close its Covington Research and Development facility by the middle of the year as part of a restructuring plan.
The research center employs 50 scientists, engineers and support workers.
Some will be offered jobs at other Mead-Westvaco research facilities; some will get a severance package.
The Covington mill also plans to cut about 100 jobs this year. The company says most will be through attrition -- not layoffs.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[2-11General-Electric]

[2-Missing-Girl]

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

No arrests yet in the disappearance of a seven-year- old San Diego girl.
But investigators are now focusing their attention on a neighbor.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-San Diego, CA;]

Authorities have released more home video of Danielle van Dam.
Police say the neighbor is a suspect, but not the ``prime suspect.''
Authorities add that they man's car has been impounded, but did not say why.
Danielle's parents say the last time either of them saw their daughter was Friday night at bedtime.
(------------)

[11McNeil]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=01-55 TC1:49:33]
[GRAPHIC=Betty Jo McNeil]
A Botetourt County woman convicted of embezzling will not serve time behind bars.
(------------)
[VO-NAT ]
[SUPER=03-Fincastle;]
46-year old Betty Jo McNeil yesterday pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of embezzling less than 2-hundred dollars from a local 4-H Club.
[SUPER=04-September;]
The crime was spread out over 18-months and culminated during the summer of 2001 when McNeil disappeared for three weeks. Attorney's on both sides say McNeil's shown remorse, paid restitution and taken responsibility- She's even garnered a surprising amount of community support.
(///// SOT at :?? /////)
[SOT 25:37-25:55]
[IN Q=It's unusual to get the number of letters...]
((JOEL BRANSCOM/COMMNWEALTH'S ATTORNEY: IT'S UNUSUAL TO GET THE NUMBER OF LETTERS WHEN SOMEBODY'S CHARGED WITH A CRIME.
A LOT OF PEOPLE WANTED TO STRESS THE GOOD THINGS SHE'S DONE IN HER LIFE BECAUSE, BASICALLY, WHEN YOU'RE CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENSE WE LOOK AT THE WORST THING YOU'VE DONE IN YOUR LIFE AND WE JUDGE ON THAT.))
[SUPER=01-Joel Branscom/Commonwealth's Attorney;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=WE JUDGE YOU ON THAT.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :08]
McNeil was given a 12-month suspended sentence, one year probation and 100-hours community service. She's also required to continue counseling.
(------------)