WDBJ 7 news at Noon for 12/23/02

[News-Heads]

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[VO-NAT]

A conference call this afternoon will determine who becomes the next Senate Majority Leader.
Meanwhile, former leader Trent Lott says he'll support his successor.
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[ANCHOR=KIMBERLY]

And a former front man of the legendary punk band, The Clash has died at the age of 50.

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[SUPER=@Kimberly1;]
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[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
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[VO-NAT]

Senate Republicans vote in their a new leader this afternoon.
But there's virtually NO suspense as to whom they'll choose.
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[Lott]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Lott]

Good Afternoon, I'm Kimberly McBroom.
The next majority leader will be named in the wake of the racial controversy that forced Trent Lott to step down.

Teri Okita is in Washington with reaction from Senator Lott and more on the man who will likely replace him.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Washington, DC;]
[SUPER=01-Trent Lott/Former Senate Majority Leader;]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Mitch McConnell/(R) Kentucky;]
[SUPER=01-Craig Crawford/CBS Political Analyst;]
[SUPER=01-Teri Okita/CBS News;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=Okita, CBS News, Washington.]
(( ALL 51-GOP SENATORS WILL HOP ON A CONFERENCE CALL THIS AFTERNOON TO CHOOSE THEIR NEXT LEADER. THEY'RE EXPECTED TO UNANIMOUSLY VOTE FOR TENNESSEE SENATOR, BILL FRIST. TRENT LOTT WHO RESIGNED AS MAJORITY LEADER AMID A RAGING RACIAL CONTROVE
RSY HAD THIS TO SAY ABOUT HIS POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR. (Super: Trent Lott/Former Senate Majority Leader) SOT: If he is the
choice of the conference, it certainly looks like he will be, I m gonna make it clear that I will support our leadership team. TRACK: LOTT WILL REMAIN IN THE SENATE, BUT NOT AS A COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. THIS WEEKEND, HE TOLD A REPORTER HE HAD FALLEN INTO A TRAP SET BY HIS POLITICAL ENEMIES BUT THAT HE HAD ONLY HIMSELF TO BLAME FOR RACIALLY-INSENSITIVE REMARKS. TRACK: NOW, REPUBLICANS ARE HOPING FRIST CAN PROJECT AN IMAGE OF A G-O-P OPEN T MINORITIES. THE 50-YEAR-OLD CARDIOLOGIST IS A WHITE HOUSE FAVORITE FOR THE JOB, AND WHILE HE STILL HAS A CONSERVATIVE RECORD, HE S SEEN AS MORE MODERATE THAN LOTT. MANY BELIEVE FRIST S MEDICAL BACKGROUND HELPS HIM RELATE TO OTHERS. (Super: Sen. Mitch McConnell/R-Kentucky) SOT: He s got a terrific bedside manner. TRACK: WHEN TWO CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT AND KILLED IN 1998, FRIST WAS ONE OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS. AND WHEN THE ANTHRAX SCARE HIT CAPITOL HILL, HE CALMED COLLEGUES FEARS. BUT IF FRIST IS CH
OSEN, SOME QUESTION HOW HIS NEW POST WILL AFFECT OLD TIES. (Super: Craig Crawford/CBS Political Analyst) SOT: Three are
some real issues, as he pursues medicare and healthcare reform, how he ll be able to part with the healthcare industry that he s come from and he s so tight with. (Super: Teri Okita/Reporting) STANDUP: And the GOP upheaval may affect other issues, as well such as judicial nominations and affirmative action. Teri Okita, CBS News, Washington.

))[Italy-Royals]

[ANCHOR=Kimberlyh]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
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After a half century of exile, Italy's royal family is back home.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Rome, Italy;]

Italian state T-V says Victor Emmanuel and his family flew from Switzerland on a private jet and were taken to a private audience with Pope John Paul at the Vatican.
After World War Two, the royal family was banned from Italy after being accused of collaborating with dictator Benito Mussolini.
A law overturning the 54-year-old ban went into effect last month, clearing the way for today's visit.
Victor Emmanuel was nine when he left his homeland.
Today is his son's first visit to Italy.
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[11Pittsylvania-Murder]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[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 yesterday 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.

[OR-Bodies]

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

Meanwhile in Oregon, authorities are searching for clues in the deaths of a mother and her three children.
The four were found yesterday morning in a state forest.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Tillamook, OR;]

Police have identified the bodies of Rene'E Morris and her three children, ages ten, eight and four.
Authorities are still looking for the woman's husband, Edward Morris.
Morris is described as a ``person of interest'' in the case.
But police say he could be another victim.
Authorities have NOT ruled out murder- suicide.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=It's a heinous]
[SUPER=01-Todd Anderson/Tillamook Co. Sheriff;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=type of activity.]
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[VO-NAT]

Neighbors say the Morris's were hard- working and polite.
They add the family regularly attended a nearby church, and that the children were home-schooled.
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[Clash]

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

Fans of punk music are mourning the loss of The Clash's former front man Joe Strummer.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

His record company says Strummer died yesterday.
No word yet on how he died.
Strummer was the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the British punk band, which was best known for such hits as "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" and "London Calling."
Strummer's death was briefly announced on his official Web site, which sent condolences to his family.
Joe Strummer was 50.
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[wx next]
[WX-Tease] ((TOSS TO LEO)) [12/23/2002]
[SS=NONE]Steve IN WX-CENTER

[WXPRO/FULL]

[super=@spa1; ]

[SS=NONE]
(Steve TOSS BACK to Kim)

[Advance]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=net]
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Advance Auto is welcoming a new member to its Board of Directors. Gilbert T. Ray will serve as chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Ray practiced law for over 28-years, officials say his expertise in legal matters and finance will help drive the company forward.
The Board of Directors has eleven members.

[11Gun-Shows]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-46 TC-53:05]
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[****ANCHOR TAG****] Some gun owners say they are the target of plans that may violate their second amendment rights.
A Richmond lawmaker intends 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.
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[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=Kim]
[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.

[11Camera-Pitts]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-41 TC-1:40:41]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department is keeping an eye on its patrolmen.
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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.
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[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 Betterton.
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[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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[11911-Cell]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-48 TC-31:47]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Using your cell phone for emergencies just got a little easier in Pittsylvania.
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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.
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[11School-Pitts]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=02-51 TC-25:49]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The new year will bring plenty of changes to the Pittsylvania County school system.
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[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=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=none]

The application deadline for potential candidates expired on Wednesday.
[tease next]
[Tease1] [HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Still to come on News 7 at Noon - The Salvation Army isn't ringing in the holiday as well as it hoped.. we'll explain after the break
(--------------)
[VO-NAT ]

But first - One of the nations largest toy stores has a wish list all its own this holiday season - as it faces the possibility of bankruptcy.

(---------------)
[music up full] [comm1]

[FAO-Schwartz]

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

It's the week of Christmas, but it's been no holiday for the nation's biggest toy stores.
One of them is facing bankruptcy.
Jim Acosta reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY; :00]
[SUPER=01-Maryann Elhilow/Shopper; :06 - QUICK]
[SUPER=04-20th Century Fox; :10]
[SUPER=01-Margaret Whitfield/Toy Industry Analyst; :32 - QUICK]
[SUPER=01-Sean McGowan/Toy Industry Analyst; :45]
[SUPER=01-Jim Acosta/CBS News; 1:40]
[RUNS=1:57]
[OUT Q=Acosta, CBS News, New York.]
((
CG :1-line�NEW YORK CITY IT COULD BE A TOY STORY WITH AN UNHAPPY ENDING FOR F-A-O SCHWARZ.
CG :NAME�Maryann Elhilow, Shopper�
(Shopper/7:00:28)
"Very rarely are things on sale at FAO Schwarz"
CG :COURTESY�20th Century Fox
(NATS FROM "BIG")
THE STORE MADE POPULAR IN THE TOM HANKS MOVIE "BIG" SAYS IT MAY HAVE TO FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY.
THE "TIFFANY'S OF TOY STORES" IS STRUGGLING WITH THE DEBT IT INHERITED WHEN IT BOUGHT RETAILER "ZANY BRAINEY". THE TOY BUSINESS IS FAR FROM CHILD'S PLAY -- THERE'S LITTLE ROOM FOR ERROR IN THE COMPANY BOARDROOM.
CG :NAME�Margaret Whitfield - Toy Industry Analyst�
(SOT: Whitfield)
"It seems that every year we have an ailing retialer involved in toys."
THAT'S LARGELY BECAUSE MORE AND MORE PARENTS ARE TURNING TO THE SO-CALLED "BIG BOX" STORES LIKE WAL-MART FOR TOYS -- WHERE CONSUMERS CAN FIND ONE-STOP SHOPPING UNDER ONE ROOF.
CG :NAME�Sean McGowan - Toy Industry Analyst�

(SOT: McGowan) "If you're Wal-Mart and you are offering the consumer a
relatively good selection of toys at a very good price -- why wouldn't you shop there?"
(BUTT TO & COVER, McGowan) "The rate things are going F-15's and the
rest of the economy will be sold at Wal-Mart."
TOYS-R-US --THE SELF-PROCLAIMED "WORLD'S BIGGEST TOY STORE" IS ALSO FIGHTING OFF WALMART AND OTHERS BY REDESIGNING ITS STORES AND IMPROVING SERVICE. BUT SOME ANALYSTS NOW EXPECT A DISAPPOINTING HOLIDAY SEASON FOR THE FORMER INDUSTRY LEADER -- THAT'S FALLING PREY TO WAL-MART'S "FALLING PRICES."

(SOT: Margaret Whitfield, Toy Industry Analyst) "They will price a toy
at or below costs to make sure the consumer visits their store if that toy is on their shopping list."
TOYS-R-US DEPENDS ON THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR MORE THAN 40% OF ITS ANNUAL SALES. SO IT'S TRYING TO BEAT WAL-MART AT ITS OWN GAME.

(SOT: Whitfield again) "Most importantly this year there's been more
competitive toy pricing."
SHOPPERS LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT...

(Shopper)
"I think it comes down to money."
CG :2-line�Jim Acosta�CBS NEWS

(STAND-UP: Jim Acosta) "But some analysts warn if the
mega-discounters monopolize the industry... toy shoppers -- in the end -- may be left with fewer choices and maybe even higher prices. It's a trend that also means for some toy stores there won't be a Christmas next year." ja, cbsnews - ny.
))

[11Salvation-Army]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=rca]
[TAPE#=02-47 TC-39:05]
[GRAPHIC=none]
The jingle of Salvation Army bells doesn't seem to have the same ring to donors this year...
(///// 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 tomorrow. 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.
(------------)

[Troops-Holiday]

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

An unmanned U-S surveillance plane has come under fire over southern Iraq.
American military officials say Iraqi aircraft shot down the plane today during a reconnaissance mission in the southern No- Fly zone.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Near Iraqi- Kuwaiti Border;]

And as tensions continue to mount, U-S forces in Kuwait are preparing to spend the holidays in the desert.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I'm just gonna]
((BRIAN BRAY/SERGEANT FROM GEORGIA: I'M JUST GONNA SPEND CHRISTMAS CALLING HOME AND JUST HANGING OUT WITH EVERYBODY IN THE TENT AND THAT'S ABOUT IT. SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND EVERYTHING PROBABLY. ))
[SUPER=01-Brian Bray/Army Sergeant;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=everything probably.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Kuwait is likely to be a key launching pad if the U-S invades Iraq.
There are already more than 12- thousand U-S soldiers in Kuwait and reinforcements are on their way.
(------------)

[tease next]
[Tease2] [SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Coming up on News 7 at Noon - We'll take a look back at some of the most entertaining moments this year -
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
But first -
Lexington is preparing to roll out the red carpet for a movie premier all its own.
(-----------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]

[11Gods-Generals]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[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=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Tickets for the public will be limited.
But there will be a red carpet arrival open to everyone. [news/weather toss next]
[Weather] [NOON WEATHER] [12/23/2002] [TWO SHOT]
[WXPRO/FULL]

[MUSIC UNDER] [COMMERCIAL]

[CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS [WXPRO/FULL] FORECASTS EXTENDED FORECAST

[Stocks]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE# none]
[GRAPHIC=stocks]

On Wall Street at Noon,

[super=460-x/2/x/15;]

, the Dow was up 2 points. Nasdaq gained 15 points.

(x=up y=down)

[tease3] [SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
Coming up after the break, the Express gets crushed by Trenton...
(----------------)
[VO-NAT ]
and we take a look back at what Hollywood had to offer in 2002.
(---------------)
[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]

[S-Express]

[ANCHOR=kim]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=sp-132 20007tc]
[GRAPHIC=EXPRESS]

The Roanoke Express played its final game before Christmas yesterday, and someone apparently 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 dumping the puck over to Matt Zultek.
He one- times it right past Sebastian LePlante.
The visitors led 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 short-handed goal. They win it 4-to-ZIP.
(------------)
[TALENT=Kim]
[GRAPHIC=hold]
The Express is back home this coming Friday and Saturday nights.

[Yearender]

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

And finally today--
The world of entertainment did just that, kept us glued to the tube and to the silver screen during 2002.
Chris Lawrence is in Hollywood with a look back at an eventful year.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Chris Lawrence/CBS News; 1:30]
[RUNS=1:42]
[OUT Q=Lawrence, CBS News, Hollywood.]
((
What a difference a year makes! When 2002 began, Jennifer Lopez was still a newlywed to second husband Chris Judd. As it ends, J-Lo s engaged again and planning to walk down that well-tread aisle with Ben Affleck.

(NAT SINGING)

One of the biggest couples of the year was actually competitors both hoping to become the first American Idol. The show made household names of Kelly and Justin and brought a new villain across the Atlantic the brutally honest Simon.

(NAT SPIDER-MAN)

Spider-Man proved to be the kind of hero millions were looking for. The film grossed $$$$ on its first weekend and shattered the record for how much money a movie could make.

(NAT TRAINING DAY)

Hollywood made more history when it honored Denzel Washington as Best Actor on the same night Halle Berry took home an Oscar at the Academy Awards.

(NAT HALLE BERRY)

The year also proved you don t need a lot of hype to have a hit. Maybe only a few people saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding when it came out but they sure told a lot of friends because the movie stayed in the top ten for months.

(NAT GREEK WEDDING OR FRIENDS)

The year was also about families both real and imagined. Friends celebrated the birth of Ross and Rachel s baby. While this Sex & the City star welcomed a real one into the world. Michael Jackson already haS three kids but nearly lost his youngest when he dangled him over a hotel balcony.

(NAT JACKO)

And as 2002 comes to an end, actress Winona Ryder begins her community service punishment for that five-fingered discount she took around this time last year. Chris Lawrence CBS News Hollywood.))[Quickcast]
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