WDBJ 7 news at 11 for 12/22/02

[News-Heads]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]

[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#]
[GRAPHIC=]
Coming up on News 7- A man is discovered shot to death near Danville.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
Senator Trent Lott lays blame after losing his powerful post. Technology helps make the roads safer for deputies in Pittsylvania County. A group of finicky felines is treated to a purrfect holiday feast.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
Plus, get ready for another warm but breezy day. News 7 is next.

[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Jean]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=jja]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 9:08]
[IN Q=I don't think]
((STEPHEN ELLIOT/GUN SHOW OPERATOR: I DON'T THINK IT'S NECESSARY AND I THINK IT'S GOING TO CREATE A LOT OF UNDUE HARDSHIP ON PEOPLE WHO RUNS SHOWS AND PEOPLE AT SHOWS.))
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=people at shows]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Some gun owners say their second amendment rights are about to come under fire.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]
Good evening, I'm Teresa Hamilton.

[Gun-Shows]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-46 TC-53:05]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 at 11]
[****ANCHOR TAG****]
It's sure to trigger a fierce debate.
A Richmond lawmaker plans to introduce a bill requiring background checks at gun shows in Virginia. Justin McLeod has more on the proposed legislation and why some oppose it.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Henry Marsh/(D) Richmond; :13]
[SUPER=@justin1; :39]
[SUPER=01-Steve Elliott/Gun Show Operator; 1:05]
[RUNS=1:29]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Roanoke County]
((
Anytime you could go to buy a gun here in Virginia you must first undergo a background check.
That is unless you buy one from an unlicensed dealer at a gun show.
[SOT :33; TAPE 1]
[IN Q=You can go and buy]
((SEN. HENRY MARSH/(D) RICHMOND: YOU CAN GO AND BUY A GUN FROM AN UNLICENSED DEALER AND YOU COULD BE A TERRORIST, A CRIMINAL, A WIFEBEATER OR WHATEVER, YOU COULD BE A FELON BUT THERE'S NO WAY THEY WOULD NEVER KNOW.))
[Runs= 10]
[OUT Q=would never know]

So Marsh plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming session.
It would require criminal background checks on everyone who seeks to buy a gun at gun shows in Virginia.
Right now, only licensed dealers at gun shows have to conduct background checks.
[SOT 8:46; TAPE 3]
[IN Q=Gun shows are quite]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: GUN SHOWS ARE QUITE COMMON IN OUR REGION. THE SALEM CIVIC CENTER HOSTED ITS LATEST ONE JUST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. AND ALTHOUGH GUN OWNERS TELL US THERE ARE UNLICENSED DEALERS AT THESE SHOWS, THEY SAY IT'S USUALLY JUST A HANDFUL.))
[Runs= 11]
[OUT Q=just a handful]
((QUICK NAT SOUND OF SALEM GUN SHOW))
That's partly why gun show operators plan to fight the proposed legislation.
Opponents also argue very few criminals actually buy their guns at gun shows.
They cite a recent study conducted during the Clinton administration.
[SOT 10:39 TAPE 3]
[IN Q=They interviewed]
((STEVE ELLIOTT/GUN SHOW OPERATOR: THEY INTERVIEWED 18-THOUSAND INMATES THAT WERE CONVICTED OF USING A FIREARM IN A COMMISSION OF A CRIME, LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THOSE GUNS CAME FROM GUN SHOWS.))
[Runs =09]
[OUT Q=from gun shows]
[SOT 2:33]
[IN Q=All i would ask]
((SEN. HENRY MARSH/(D) RICHMOND: ALL I WOULD ASK IS JUST TO LOOK AT THE FACTS AND LOOK AT THE ISSUES AND I'M SURE HOPEFULLY I WILL GET A FAVORABLE RESPONSE.))
[Runs= 08]
[OUT Q=favorable response]

He'll get an idea when the General Assembly reconvenes January 8th.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Roanoke County.))
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Colorado and Oregon are the only two states that have adopted this type of law.
A similar bill was recently defeated in North Carolina.

[Pittsylvania-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Investigation]
The Pittsylvania County sheriff's office is investigating a homicide. 30- year Jonathan Edward Neal of Hurt was discovered dead this morning at a location known as the old Quarry-- near Danville. Authorities say an unidentified witness notified the sheriff's office that a man had shot Neal and stolen his car. No charges have been filed and authorities say a motive has not been determined.

[Pitts-Cameras]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-41 TC-1:40:41]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department has a new weapon it hopes will help save lives.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.]

The Department recently installed cameras in all fifty of its marked patrol cars.
The move comes more than seven months after Deputy Frankie Betterton was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop.
Deputies hope with the new cameras criminals will think twice.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:16:45]
[IN Q=By having the cameras]
((MAJ. GARY GOODSON/PITTSYLVANIA CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT.: BY HAVING THE CAMERAS INSTALLED IT'S ALL RECORDED SO EVEN IF SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN THERE'S A RECORD THAT'S THERE THAT WE COULD ALWAYS GO BACK TO.))
[SUPER=01-Maj. Gary Goodson/Pittsylvania Co. Sheriff's Dept.]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=GO BACK TO]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The cameras cost more than 187-thousand dollars.
Community donations paid for a good chunk of it, totaling nearly 150-thousand.
Deputies say the cameras provide a lasting legacy to Frankie Betterton.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:18:43]
[IN Q=It will always]
((MAJ. GARY GOODSON/PITTSYLVANIA CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT.: IT WILL ALWAYS SERVE AS A REMINDER WHENEVER THE OFFICER GETS IN AND HE GOES TO MAKE A TRAFFIC STOP HE WILL REMEMBER MAY THE 17TH AND WHY THOSE CAMERAS ARE IN THE CARS.))
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=in the cars]
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[VO-NAT]

There's very little chance of an officer altering the tape.
It is locked up in the trunk of the patrol car and only a supervisor has the key.
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[911-Cell]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-48 TC-31:47]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Dialing 9-1-1 on your cell phone just got a little easier in Pittsylvania County.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.]

When you make an emergency call on your cell phone, most dispatchers can only track you to the nearest cell tower.
But newer technology will help pinpoint the exact location of certain cell phone users.
Pittsylvania County just recently installed the new mapping system with help from a 70-thousand dollar state grant.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:40:49]
[IN Q=What you're looking]
((JAMES DAVIS/EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR: WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AND HEARING ABOUT IS TECHNOLOGY IS IN THE FOREFRONT FOR THE CITIZENS IN THIS COUNTY WHERE IF THEY DIAL 9-1-1 AND THEY HAVE THE PHONE WITH THE NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT IT'S GOING TO TRACK THEM IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY FOR THE DISPATCHER TO BE ABLE TO SEE THEM AND KNOW WITHIN SO MANY METERS WHERE THEY'RE AT IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY WHERE WE CAN START SENDING HELP.))
[SUPER=01-James Davis/Emergency Services Director; :08]
[RUNS=:24]
[OUT Q=WE CAN START SENDING HELP]
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[VO-NAT]

Right now, only Nextel cell phone users with a G-P-S chip can use the technology in Pittsylvania County.
The F-C-C has mandated that all cell phone providers have the chip in place for 95-percent of their customer base by 2005.
(------------)

[Roanoke-Ax]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=none]
A train struck and killed one man and wounded another yesterday afternoon in Roanoke. The accident happened shortly before five o'clock on a stretch of tracks in the northeastern area of the city. Police say the two men were sitting on the tracks, apparently intoxicated. Authorities have yet to release the identity of the man killed-- The other man was struck in the shoulder but refused treatment.

[Pitts-School]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-51 TC-25:49]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The new year will bring plenty of changes to the Pittsylvania County school system.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pittsylvania Co.]

Construction on the county's four new middle schools is currently on or slightly ahead of schedule.
The new schools will be located near Gretna, Chatham, Dan River, and Tunstall.
Voters passed a forty million dollar referendum in November of 2000 to fund the project.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 1:27:30]
[IN Q=The buildings themselves]
((JERRY WEBB/SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: THE BUILDINGS THEMSELVES ARE ALL CONSISTENTLY CONFIGURED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WILL BE FROM ONE SCHOOL TO ANOTHER MAYBE A DIFFERENCE IN NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS BECAUSE OF ANTICIPATED SIZE OF THEM BUT ALL OF THE FEATURES THAT WE WILL HAVE WILL BE STATE OF THE ART, THEY WILL BE THE THINGS THAT ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS TODAY.))
[SUPER=01-Jerry Webb/Superintendent of Schools]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=needs of students today]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The four middle schools will open this fall.
Meantime, the county is also looking for a new school superintendent.
Jerry Webb plans to step down from that position by July first.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The application deadline for potential candidates expired on Wednesday. [Tease1]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[WRITER=rle]
[NEWSCAST=11p]
[SS=None]

Still to come on the newscast, evidence suggests that 17 year old John Lee Malvo may have been the primary triggerman in the string of sniper shootings.
(-------------)
[VO-NAT]
and former Senate Majority leader Trent Lott addresses his critics, blaming enemies for his fall from power.
(-------------)

[Malvo]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Malvo]
A published report indicates the 17- year old accused in the sniper killings may have committed most-- if not all of the shootings.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file; ]
According to the New York Times, evidence points to John Lee Malvo as the triggerman. That could complicate prosecutors' efforts to get a death sentence for the older suspect. One law enforcement officials told the Times there was not much pointing to John Muhammad, and that it was going to be difficult to show he was the triggerman. The two men are charged with capital murder.
(------------)

[Lott]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Trent Lott]
Senator Trent Lott is talking for the first time since his resignation-- blaming political enemies, and himself for his predicament. Teri Okita has details from Washington.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Just days ]
[SUPER=03-Pascagoula, MS]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Trent Lott/(R) Mississippi; :19]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Chuck Hagel/(R) Nebraska; :44]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Orrin Hatch/(R) Utah; 1:04]
[SUPER=@Okita1; 1:22]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=CBS News, Washington.]
(( JUST DAYS AFTER HIS FALL FROM POWER -- SENATOR TRENT LOTT SUNDAY ACCUSED POLITICAL ENEMIES OF GUNNING FOR HIS RESIGNATION. ...SAYING QUOTE, "SOME PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON HAVE BEEN TRYING TO NAIL ME FOR A LONG TIME." HE WOULDN'T NAME NAMES, BUT SAID IN THE END, THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON TO HOLD RESPONSIBLE.

SOT - SEN. TRENT LOTT/(R) MISSISSIPPI - 17:12:48 "I don't have anybody to really blame but myself, for some ill-chosen
words and certainly I do regret that."

(nats...lott w/strom)
LOTT BECAME TRAPPED IN A RAGING RACIAL CONTROVERSY, AFTER A VERBAL BLUNDER IMPLIED HE FAVORED RACIAL SEGREGATION. UNDER HEAVY CRITICISM, HE RESIGNED ON FRIDAY -- SETTING THE STAGE FOR HIS POLITICAL RIVAL BILL FRIST -- TO TAKE THE SENATE'S MOST POWERFUL POST. THE PARTY IS EXPECTED TO ELECT THE TENNESSEE SENATOR AS MAJORITY LEADER ON MONDAY.

SOT - Senator Chuck Hagel, (R-NE) "He is a highly regarded, respected, able United States senator."

SENATE REPUBLICANS HOPE FRIST WILL HELP REPAIR THE PARTY'S TARNISHED IMAGE....AS THEY WORK TO LIMIT THE DAMAGE LOTT'S WORDS HAD ON GOP EFFORTS TO COURT MINORITY VOTERS. LOTT'S COMMENTS FUELED A POLITICAL FIRESTORM THAT PUT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ON THE DEFENSIVE.
U.S. SENATOR ORRIN HATCH (R-UT) - THIS WEEK - 09:16:50 "You know, the attitude is that only Democrats care about minorities. That's pure B.S. I think every Republican is working hard to try and be good to minorities and do what's right."

DEMOCRATS SAID THEY WOULD WORK WITH WHATEVER NEW LEADERSHIP THE GOP AGREED ON -- BUT SAID, IF FRIST IS ELECTED, HE'LL HAVE TO DO MORE THAN JUST 'TALK' ABOUT MINORITY ISSUES.
STANDUP: TERI OKITA/WASHINGTON D-C LOTT WILL RETURN TO THE SENATE IN JANUARY, BUT NOT IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION. GOP SOURCES SAY LOTT HAS LOST ANY LEVERAGE HE MIGHT HAVE HAD TO CUT A DEAL TO BECOME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. TERI OKITA, CBS NEWS, WASHINGTON.))

[Time-Magazine]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=jwi]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

A trio of "female whistle blowers" have been chosen as Time Magazine's "persons of the year."
(------------)
[VO-NAT 15:05:57 8 + pad]
F-B-I Agent Coleen Rowley, former Enron employee Sherron Watkins and Worldcom executive, Cynthia Cooper take this year's honors.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 15:05:51]
[IN Q=I would encourage]
((CYNTHIA COOPER/TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR: I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING. AND I REALLY BELIEVE THAT TIME'S CHOICE IS VERY SYMBOLIC, IN THAT IT REPRESENTS THE MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO GO TO WORK EVERY DAY IN CORPORATE AMERICA AND GIVE THEIR BEST AND TRY TO DO THE RIGHT THING. AND I FEEL LIKE COLEEN AND SHERRON AND I WERE ALL ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO WERE TRYING TO DO OUR JOB AND FOUND OURSELVES IN VERY EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES.))
[RUNS=19]
[OUT Q=extraordinary circumstances]
(------------)
[VO-NAT 20:41:05 15 + pad]
Cooper and Watkins blew the whistle on accounting fraud at their companies, which later went bankrupt. Rowley was chosen for a thirteen page memo she wrote detailing how her requests to investigate Zacarias Moussaoui - the so- called "20th hijacker" were brushed aside.
(------------)

[Tease2]
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[WRITER=rle]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[SS=None]

Still ahead on News 7 at 11, the Salvation Army is hoping you have some change to spare in the last days before Christmas.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
And you probably know somebody who tears into their presents, but they probably don't have this much fun. We'll tell you what tasty treats these big cats got in just a bit.
(----------------)

[Commercial]

[Salvation-Army]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=02-47 TC-39:05]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The Salvation army says bells are ringing, but are you listening?
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:23:41]
[IN Q=RINGING]
((BELL RINGING))
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=RINGING]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :15]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; ]
The Salvation Army's well-known "kettle" collections continue through Tuesday. Captain Erik Nickell says donations at 31-locations in the Roanoke and Salem area are about 20-percent behind this year. He hopes people will be generous during the last push.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:12:40 // 00:12:25]
[IN Q=OUR MONIES]
((CAPT. ERIK NICKELL/SALVATION ARMY; OUR MONIES HELP FUND THIS IT WILL HELP FUND OUR YEAR AHEAD IT MIGHT EVEN HELP FUND WHAT WE DIDN'T GET PAID IN THE PAST SO IT GOES TO WHEREVER WE NEED IT SO WE KEEP ON PUSHING ON. BRING THOSE QUARTERS, JUST DROP A QUARTER IN THERE THAT'S ALL WE ASK IT WILL HELP MAKE A LOT OF DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.))
[SUPER=01-Capt. Erik Nickell/Salvation Army;]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=PEOPLE'S LIVES]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
Nickell says on average 150-thousand dollars is collected but that he hopes for about 130-thousand this year. He says the reduction can be attributed to a late Thanksgiving and tough economic times.
(------------)

[Gods-Generals]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11 PM]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The time and place are now set for Lexington's big Hollywood premiere.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lexington/August 2001]

More than a year ago, the campuses of V-M-I and Washington and Lee were used as backdrops for several scenes in the civil war movie "Gods and Generals."
It's a prequel to the movie "Gettysburg."
The city of Lexington will host the premiere February 13th, in Jackson Memorial Hall at Virginia Military Institute.

The director, the author, and the cast all plan to attend the event.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Tickets for the public will be limited.
However, there will be a red carpet arrival that will be open to everyone.

[VA-Profile]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=VaProf]
[GRAPHIC=Va Profile]
One Salem resident is living proof that your life can change in an instant. An accident took his ability to walk ... but not his spirit. News 7's Rachel Cannon more in this week's Virginia Profile.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=NATS]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :25]
[SUPER=01-Allen Garrett/Business Owner; :39 (QUICK)]
[SUPER=@Rachel2; 1:46]
[RUNS=1:52]
[OUT Q=RC, News 7, Salem.]
((NATS 00:35:32 "CLICK, CLICK, SOPHIE" Allen Garrett enjoys playing with his dogs, running a successful business, and spending time on his boat. He does it all from a wheelchair. A seat he's been in for 18-years.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:09:09]
[IN Q=i dove]
((ALLEN GARRETT/BUSINESS OWNER; I DOVE HEAD FIRST INTO WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE 2 FEET OF WATER. I CRUSHED MY NECK AND THREE VERTEBRAE.))
[OUT Q=VERTABRAE]
He spent a year in the hospital undergoing surgeries and rehabilitation. But even being paralyzed from the chest down didn't stop Garrett from wild times. He continued to abuse drugs and alcohol.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:10:40]
[IN Q=i struggled]
((I STRUGGLED WITH THAT WITH MANY YEARS AND MANY GIRLFRIENDS AND MANY SITUATIONS WITH CAR WRECKS AND BOAT WRECKS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING I FINALLY GOT TO A POINT WHERE GOD GOT MY ATTENTION.))
[OUT Q=ATTENTION]
It was 5-years ago that a strong faith in GOD changed his world. Garrett got sober and started living an active, healthy lifestyle. He also continued to develop a business he started in 19-82. NATS 00:27:12 "SO THIS IS JUST DOES THAT AND FLIPS OUT OF THE WAY." Assessable Designs provides products for people with disabilities, allowing them to care for themselves.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:15:36]
[IN Q=just saw]
((JUST SAW A NEED AND REALIZED THAT OTHERS HAD THE SAME NEED AND IT'S PROVING OUT BECAUSE I HAVE ARCHITECTS CALLING ME FOR ADVICE THEY WANT TO KNOW FROM A WHEELCHAIR USERS STANDPOINT HOW CAN I BETTER EQUIP THIS NURSING HOME THIS HOSPITAL EVEN THIS PERSON'S HOME ))
[OUT Q=home]
Garrett says he's enjoying life. He hosts bible study groups, swims every other day at the YMCA and travels frequently. And while he'd rather not be put on a pedestal, he does tell his story to others, hoping to help.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:21:17]
[IN Q=i feel]
((I FEEL LIKE YOU NOW THE GREATEST PURPOSE OF GOD'S IS ALLOWING OTHERS TO BE INSPIRED AND I DO THAT I GO TO THE HOSPITAL I GO TO THE DETENTION CENTERS I SPEAK WITH OTHERS ABOUT WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE WITH MY LIFE.))
[OUT Q=life]
A life worth living and celebrating. Rachel Cannon, News 7, Salem.))

[S-Express]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=sp-132 20007tc]
[GRAPHIC=EXPRESS]

The Roanoke Express played its final game before Christmas this afternoon and someone threw a few lumps of coal in the Roanoke skates.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Trenton vs. Roanoke; :00]
The Holiday spirit was a little lacking at the Roundhouse. These two guys were fighting over the last DVD player on aisle three - and kept fighting on the ice. After a scoreless first period - we pick up the action in the second with Tyler Beechey dumps the puck over to Matt Zultek, who one times it right past Sebastian LePlante. The visitors lead it 1-to-nothing. The Express is on the power play later in the period, but the Titans' Syl Apps outskates Duncan Dalmao to the puck and he shoots it right through the pads.
[SUPER=38-Trenton/4/Roanoke/0;]
Trenton leads 2-to-nothing on the shorthanded goal. They win it 4-to-ZIP.
(------------)
[TALENT=MIKE]
[GRAPHIC=EXPRESS]
The Express is back home this coming Friday and Saturday nights.

[S-Redskins]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-135 2509tc]
[GRAPHIC=REDSKINS]

The Washington Redskins snapped a three game losing streak today and actually played a pretty solid game as they beat the Houston Texans 26-to-10.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Landover, MD/CBS; :00]
Steve Spurrier is hoping to find out what some of his youngsters can do in these final games and today he would see rookie Patrick Ramsey toss for 190 yards and 2 TDs - including this acrobatic TD hookup with Darrius Thompson. The Redskins led the Texans 16-to-3 at halftime. Ladell Betts did a nice job filling in for the injured Steven Davis. He rushed for 116 yards and this three yard touchdown. Kenny Watson also had 110 yards on the ground. And a couple of the oldsters also did their jobs. Darrell Green played in his 314th game and final home contest of his career. And Bruce Smith was all over David Carr recording two quarterback sacks. Bruce now has 8 sacks on the season. He needs
[SUPER=30-Houston/10/Washington/26;]
just four more to tie Reggie White's all-time career sack record of 198. The Skins win 26-to-10.
(------------)
[TALENT=MIKE]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD SKINS]
The Skins close the season at Dallas next Sunday.

[S-Falcons]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-137]
[GRAPHIC=FALCONS]

The Atlanta Falcons have moved a step closer to clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 1998. This afternoon the Falcons took out the Lions 36-to-15 in the Georgia Dome.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Atlanta, GA/Fox;:00]
Michael Vick's injured thumb on his throwing hand was still obviously hurting him or was it. Vick threw for a career high 337 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Lions. It's the first 300 yard game of his NFL career. He also rushed for 42 yards on just 8 carries, and on the season he now has 739 yards rushing. Vick also got some help from Warrick Dunn, who rushed for 132 yards and this touchdown in the second half.
[SUPER=30-Detroit/15/Atlanta/36;]
Vick and the Dirty Birds are now 9-5-and-1 on the season - and step closer to the postseason.
(------------)
[TALENT=MIKE]
[GRAPHIC=FALCONS]
The Falcons finish at Cleveland next Sunday - and they were aided in their playoff plans by of all people the Cincinnati Bengals.

[S-Bengals]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-139 619tc]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Cincinnati, OH/Fox; :00]
Bengals coach Dick Lebeau is good guy with a bad team. But against the Saints today the Bengals took care of business. Peter Warrick with the catch and the run - like he used to do at Florida State. Warrick stretches in the endzone for the Cincinnati lead in the first quarter. But the Bengals needed two Nicolas Luchey (LOO-CHEE) touchdowns in the fourth quarter to do. The Bengals throw down and throw back with
[super=30-New Orleans/13/Cincinnati/20;]
the "Ickey Shuffle" and severely damage the Saints' postseason hopes with the 20-to-13 win.
(------------)

[S-Giants]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-131 15408tc]
[GRAPHIC=GIANTS]

The Saints loss also helped keep the Giants' playoff hopes alive today as they crushed the Colts 44-to-27.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Indianapolis, IN/Fox; :00]
Tiki Barber, who is having a career year rushing slams into the endzone in the second quarter to make it a 10-to-nothing Giants lead. Tiki would later add another rushing score as he bangs in from the one yard line. He had 60 yards to push his seasonal totals to 1184 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tight End Jeremy Shockey also had a little present for the Colts. Watch the punishment he delivers on this pass and catch in the first half.
[super=30-N.Y. Giants/44/Indianapolis/27;]
Kerry Collins was the story as he passed for 366 yards, four TDs and no interceptions. The Giants close with the Eagles next week.
(------------)

[S-Chiefs]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=sp-133 15947TC]
[GRAPHIC=NFL]

Am NFL record was tied today in Kansas City where the Chiefs beat the Chargers 24-to-22.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Kansas City, MO/CBS; :00]
The excitable boy Dick Vermeil has seen a lot of things in his long career, but this was something new. Trent Green throws the ball from his own endzone and he hooks up with Marc Boerigter, (BO-RICK-TER) who does a nice job of slipping behind the Chargers D-backs. He will then use his speed and some good angled running to make it to the end zone.
[SUPER=30-San Diego/22/Kansas City/24;]
It is the ninth time in NFL history that a 99 yard touchdown pass has been recorded. The Chiefs win the game 24-to-22.

(--------------)[S-ACC]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=sp-136 2525TC]
[GRAPHIC=ACC 50TH ANNIV]

The ACC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and nothing defines the Atlantic Coast Conference more than its basketball. Tonight the first conference game of the year pitted North Carolina at Florida State.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Tallahassee, FL/Sunshine Network; :00]
Matt Doherty and his Heels were anxious to make something happen after losing their last two games. But in the first half - FSU was on fire. The Seminoles' aggressive defense smothered the Heels as the Seminoles stayed close and made it a 30-to-30 game at intermission. But the second half was all UNC and freshman point guard Raymond Felton who took over the game and set up his teammates. Jawad Williams led the Heels with 16 and Rashad McCants added a dozen.
[SUPER=33-North Carolina #23/69/Florida State/48;]
The Tarheels are now 7-and-2 on the season after posting the 69-to-48 win.
(------------)

[Cats-Holiday]

[ANCHOR=Teresa]
[NEWSCAST=11pm]
[WRITER=jwi]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Some felines in Washington celebrated Christmas a little early today.
(------------)
[VO-NAT 21:08:26 19 + pad]
[SUPER=03-Mead, WA;]
Lions, Tigers and Leopards tore into gift- boxes to get to their holiday feasts. Steak and chicken tartar and catnip- flavored eggnog were part of the gourmet menu. (------------) But the best was saved for last... the cats savored "mice flavored mints" for desert.