[Middle-East]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
This morning, Yasser Arafat was able to leave his Ramallah compound for the first time in five weeks.
But even though Israeli troops have pulled out of Ramallah, tensions remain high in Bethlehem after a fierce night of fighting.
Melissa McDermott has an update.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Ramallah, West Bank; :00]
[SUPER=03-Bethlehem, West Bank; :43]
[SUPER=01-Yasser Arafat/P. L. O. President; 1:08]
[SUPER=01-Melissa McDermott/Reporting; 1:20]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=McDermott, CBS News, New York.]
(( THIS MORNING YASSAR ARAFAT FLASHED VICTORY SIGNS AS HE EMERGED FROM HIS RAMALLAH COMPOUND. IT IS THE FIRST TIME THE PALESTINIAN LEADER HAS BEEN ABLE TO LEAVE SINCE ISRAELI TROOPS INVADED FIVE WEEKS AGO. HE SPENT HIS FIRST MOMENTS OF FREEDOM TOURING THE CITY AND PRAYING WITH FELLOW PALESTINIANS. (NATS OF TANKS) EARLY THURSDAY MORNING THE LAST OF ISRAEL'S TANKS PULLED OUT OF ARAFAT'S COMPOUND... LEADING TO A CELEBRATION. (NATS OF CELEBRATION) THE WITHDRAWL IS PART OF A U-S NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT. THE OTHER PART OF THE DEAL IS THE ARREST OF SIX PALESTINIAN MILITANTS. WEDNESDAY NIGHT THEY WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE COMPOUND AND DRIVEN TO A JERICHO PRISON WHERE THEY WILL BE HELD BY BRITISH AND U-S AUTHORITIES. BUT AS PEACE TOOK OVER ONE PART OF THE WEST BANK (NATS OF EXPLOSION) VIOLENCE TOOK OVER ANOTHER. AS TROOPS WERE PULLING OUT OF RAMALLAH GUNFIRE BLASTED IN BETHLEHEM. FIRE BROKE OUT AT THE CHURCH OF NATIVITY COMPOUND. THE FLAMES CAME JUST 50 FEET FROM THE 4TH CENTURY BASILICA ITSELF. HOWEVER EMERGENCY CREWS WHERE ABLE TO PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT REACHED THE TRADI
TIONAL BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS CHRIST. BOTH SIDES ARE BLAMING THE OTHER FOR THE FIRE. (SOT: Yasir Arafat/PLO President) " I
ASK YOU THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY....CONDEMN THIS CRIMINAL...THIS CRIMINAL.....THIS IS A HOLY PLACE NOT ONLY FOR CHRISTIANS BUT FOR MUSLIMS AND PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD...": (STANDUP) AND EVEN THOUGH ISRAELI FORCES HAVE PULLED OUT OF RAMALLAH, THEY'VE SWEPT INTO THE WEST BANK TOWN OF TULKARM. WITNESSES SAY THIS MORNING TROOPS SEARCHED HOMES AND MOSQUES AND MADE SEVERAL ARRESTS. MELISSA MCDERMOTT, CBS NEWS, NEW YORK.
))[Operation-Snipe]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
A new hunt for enemy fighters is under way in southeastern Afghanistan.
It's known as "Operation Snipe."
A British commander says about a-thousand coalition troops
have launched the major new operation.
The goal is to sweep a mountainous area that's believed to have
been a key base for al-Qaida fighters.
Officials say the area is one of the few remaining in Afghanistan that's never been searched by allied ground forces.
[11Tech-Budget]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=02-11 TC56:47]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Virginia Tech will deal with a budget reduction of 25-million dollars by cutting more than 200 positions and reducing operating costs.
President Charles Steger broke the news in a letter to the Universty community yesterday afternoon..
(------------)
[VO-NAT :37]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]
Of the job cuts, 88 are teaching and research faculty, 55 are administrative and professional faculty, just under 20- are graduate teaching assistants, and 50 are classified staff.
Those numbers may change slightly after severance packages, or if positions are filled with lower salary levels.
Officials say personnel reductions add up to about 16 and half million dollars.
Other cost- cutting measures at the university include a 4-million reduction in operating costs, and a loss of over 1-million dollars in programs and services.
It's not clear at this point exactly what programs or services will be affected.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=None]
Even while dealing with the cuts, Steger says Tech will meet growth and research goals.
The library is getting an increase in funding, 2-major research initiatives will continue, and a capital package for construction is on track.
The school's Board of Visitors will make a decision on the proposed cuts on June 4th.
[6-Rolex-Theft]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=502-05]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Roanoke City Police are investigating the theft from a jeweler last month.
(------------)
[VO - :17+]
[SUPER=04-Surveillance Photos;]
Police say two men and two women entered the Finks Jewelry store in Valley View Mall on April 14th.
Three of the suspects distracted the store clerks, while one of the women sliced the seal on a display case and stole three Rolex watches valued at more than 13-thousand dollars.
(XXXXXXX)
[TAKE CRIMELINE FS 4646ESSC]
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimeline at 344-8500.
(-------------)
[11Bedford-Gun]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=02-]
[GRAPHIC=None]
It had all the ingredients for a tragedy: a dark night, a police officer on patrol, and a man carrying what looked like an assault rifle.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford]
The gun, however, was fake.. and its owner complied immediately when the police officer ordered him to drop his weapon.
The confrontation has local police worried about the next person they encounter carrying a realistic-looking pellet gun.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:55:11]
[IN Q=This is just]
((CAPT. TONY SULLIVAN/BEDFORD POLICE: THIS IS JUST TOO CLOSE AND ANY TIME OF THE DAY YOU WALK OUT OF THE CAR AND HERE'S SOMEBODY STANDING THERE WITH ONE OF THESE.. AS FAR AS WE'RE CONCERNED IT'S REAL, THERE'S NO IDENTIFIERS ON IT THAT SAYS 'THIS IS A PELLET GUN'.))
[SUPER=01-Tony Sullivan/Bedford Police Department]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=this is a pellet gun.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Pellet gun enthusiasts say the replicas are legal and perfectly safe if used and carried properly.
Police have charged the man with trespassing, but don't know if he committed any other crime by carrying the fake weapon in public.
(------------)
[11DMV-Fee]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-06 TC1:39:26]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Anti-terrorism efforts have made it a little more expensive to own a car in Virginia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles increased vehicle registration fees- along with fees for driver and vehicle records.
They went up by two dollars, beginning yesterday.
Governor Warner says the money will bring in an extra 25-million dollars a year to fund anti-terrorism efforts.
Also effective yesterday, the D-M-V will stop giving discounts to customers who use the mail, phone or the Internet to renew their license and registration.
The price of registering a car now is 28-dollars and 50 cents.
(------------)
[11HSN]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jmi]
[TAPE#=502-04 TC14:16]
[GRAPHIC=None]
In business news, The Home Shopping Network cut 20 positions at its Salem fulfillment center... that's the entire second shift.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape]
They've all been offered new jobs at the company's Roanoke call center.
That facility will not be affected by the cutbacks the company calls "necessary" to deal with slow business.
All other non-management employees in Salem have been offered a 45 day leave with reduced pay and benefits.
(------------)
[Marketwatch]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]
The Dow Jones industrials reversed course mid-session yesterday, coming off a triple digit decline to post a triple
digit win.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:21]
[OUT Q=your local stocks]
((THE DOW WILL TRY TO MAKE IT THREE WINNING DAYS IN A ROW. THE MONTH OF MAY GOT OFF TO A DIZZYING START.. THE BLUE CHIPS WERE ABLE TO OVERCAME A TRIPLE DIGIT DEFICIT TO END WITH A TRIPLE DIGIT GAIN. (GR) THE DOW SHOT UP 113 POINTS AND IS NOW BACK ABOVE 10 THOUSAND (GR) NO SUCH LUCK FOR THE NASDAQ WHICH DIPPED 10 POINTS (GR) THINGS WERE CLOUDY FOR SUN MICROSYSTEMS... THE STOCK TOOK IT ON THE CHIN AFTER C-O-O AND PRESIDENT ED ZANDER RESIGNED. HE IS THE FIFTH EXECUTIVE IN A MONTH TO LEAVE THE COMPANY.. (OC) AUTO SALES GAVE THE MARKET A LIFT. (GR) G-M REPORTING A 13 PERCENT RISE IN APRIL SALES..LEAVING CHRYSLER IN THE DUST, SALES THERE WERE UP 3 PERCENT.. FORD SALES SKIDDED MORE THAN 7. (OC) SOME BANKS ARE TIGHTENING THE PURSE STRINGS WHEN IT COMES TO LOANING MONEY TO BUSINESSES... THE DEFAULT RATE ON CORPORATE LOANS IS GROWING SO BANKS ARE HITTING THE BRAKES ON CORPORATE LOANS HARDER THAN AT ANY TIME IN AT LEAST THREE DECADES. ANALYSTS SAY IF COMPANIES GET LESS TO SPEND, IT COULD LIMIT THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY. MANY BANKS LOST MONEY ON LOANS TO ENRON,KMART AND OTHER COMPANIES THAT RECENTLY WENT BANKRUPT. (GR) ON TODAY'S ECONOMIC CALENDAR...MARCH FACTORY ORDERS AND WEEKLY JOBLESS CLAIMS... TOMORROW, THE BIGGIE THE APRIL EMPLOYMENT REPORT. (GR) TRACK ALL THE PRE-MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM ... AT THE NASDAQ (OC) I'M AC IN NY. ))
(tape tosses to stocks)
[STOCKS]
[COMM]
[11Patriot-Extension]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=mor]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=02-15 TC1:26:13]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A proposed gas pipeline would have a limited impact on the environment.
That's the finding of a government study.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
The 90-mile natural gas pipeline would run from Wythe County to Eden, North Carolina.
[SUPER=03-Danville/May 2001]
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently issued the draft environmental impact statement on
the planned Patriot Extension.
Duke Energy wants to build the line.
(-------------)
[6-Kaine]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=02-16 TC22:36]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Virginia has no business being in the specialty license plate business.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]
That's the opinion of Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine-- who weighed in on the Confederate license plate debate.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:02:35]
[IN Q= PEOPLE CAN YOU ]
((TIM KAINE/LT. GOVERNOR: PEOPLE CAN YOU KNOW PUT A STICKER ON THEIR CARS IF THEY WANT AND YOU KNOW GOD BLESS THEM, PEOPLE CAN BUY, YOU KNOW, THESE LICENSE PLATE HOLDERS THAT HAVE YOU KNOW ALL KINDS OF MESSAGES ON THE, BUT RATHER THAN TIE UP THE TIME OF LEGISLATURE AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN, YOU KNOW, I THINK WE OUGHT TO BE FOCUSING ON IMPORTANT PUBLIC BUSINESS AND NOT WASTING TIME.))
[SUPER=@Kaine;]
[RUNS=20]
[OUT Q=AND NOT WASTING TIME.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Attorney General Jerry Kilgore's considering an appeal to the federal ruling that allows a special plate for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.. complete with the Confederate flag logo.
(------------)
(Kimberly tosses to bump)
[bump-chyron]
[comm #3]
[County-Storm]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Officials say Sunday's tornado that swept through portions of Bedford County caused nearly six- million dollars in damage.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford Co.;]
A preliminary damage report says high winds destroyed seven homes, three businesses, and more than two dozen agricultural structures.
More than 130 other buildings sustained major damage.
The report is the first step in a possible state emergency declaration that could lead to federal disaster relief money.
Federal and state damage assessment officials will arrive in the area tomorrow.
(------------)
[6-Carilion-Demolish]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rle]
[TAPE#=02-08 TC1:38:23]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Before Roanoke's biomedical complex can be built, many structures will have to be torn down.
(------------)
[VO-NAT - :16]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The work started yesterday morning when crews started demolishing a tire company building.
The project will make room for a 1-thousand car parking garage, and other support facilities.
It will take about a week for crews to remove asbestos before demolishing the entire building.
(------------)
[Blake]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Robert Blake]
Actor Robert Blake will remain behind bars, at least for now.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA;]
Yesterday an L-A judge denied him bail, despite Blake's personal plea to release him.
Blake told the superior court judge that he is dyslexic-- and that if he is to defend himself, he must be free to examine the evidence against him.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 3:25:29 ]
[IN Q=He said]
((HARLAND BRAUN/BLAKE'S ATTORNEY:HE SAID 'HOW DO I FIGHT?' I'M IN A LOCKED CELL. I CAN'T READ. THE LAWYERS HAVE TO TALK TO ME SOMETIMES THROUGH GLASS. HOW IS THIS FAIR?"
))
[SUPER=01-Harland Braun/Blake's Attorney;]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=is this fair?]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The judge says he's not ruling out the possibility that Blake could be released on bail later.
But he says he wants to see evidence in the case at the preliminary hearing before he makes such a ruling.
Another hearing is set for May 21st to set the date for the preliminary hearing.
(------------)
[6-DMV-Fee]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=02-06 TC1:39:26]
[GRAPHIC=None]
You'll now have to pay more to register your car.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles raised vehicle registration fees and fees for driver and vehicle records by two dollars.
Governor Warner says the money will bring in an extra 25-million dollars each year to pay for anti-terrorism efforts.
Also effective yesterday, the D-M-V will stop giving discounts to customers who use the mail, phone or the Internet to renew their license and registration.
The price of registering a car now is 28-dollars and 50 cents.
(------------)
[11All-American]
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=None]
Bedford is in the running for an All-America City Award.
The National Civic League presents the award every year to recognize civic excellence.
Bedford is one of 30 finalists for this year's award.
Ten winners will be announced on June 15th.
by SS