WDBJ 7 morning news for 04/07/03

[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=War With Iraq]
[SUPER=219-Kimberly McBroom/kmcbroom*wdbj7.com;]

A major show of force today by the U-S in Iraq.
U-S forces have stormed into Baghdad, taking a presidential palace, along with several other key buildings.
Authorities say at least four or five Marines were killed.
In other developments, the man called "Chemical Ali" is dead.
The home of the Iraqi general was bombed on Saturday.
Those against the Iraqi regime gave him the nickname after a poison gas attack killed thousands of Kurds.
Teri Okita is in Kuwait City this morning, with an update on the war.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=201-Teri Okita/CBS News;]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq;]
[SUPER=201-Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf/Iraqi Information Minister;]
[SUPER=204-Yesterday;]
[SUPER=203-Basra, Iraq;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]
((
PKG

(nats)
IT'S THE LARGEST INVASION OF BAGHDAD SO FAR. MORE THAN 70 U-S TANKS STORMED INTO THE CITY... MET BY POCKETS OF RESISTANCE. IRAQIS FIRED MACHINE GUNS AND GRENADES.... BUT COULDN'T MATCH THE AMERICAN MILITARY FORCE WHICH DESTROYED THE RESISTANCE. GROUND FORCES THEN RAIDED AND SECURED TWO PRESIDENTIAL PALACES AND OTHER KEY BUILDINGS. DESPITE THE INVASION INTO IRAQI'S STRONGHOLD SADDAM HUSSEIN'S INFORMATION MINISTER, ONCE AGAIN, PUT HIS OWN DRAMATIC SPIN ON THE STORY.

02:43(SOT-Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf/Iraqi Information Minister)
"we beseiged them and we killed most of them and I think we will finish them off soon"

(fighting)(Baghdad/Sunday)
TODAY'S ACTION FOLLOWS HEAVY SHELLING ON SUNDAY IN THE CENTER OF BAGHDAD. MORTARS SMASHED SEVERAL TARGETS BUT ALSO DESTROYED HOMES AND A MARKET. WEEKS OF BOMBING HAS HOSPITALS OVERWHELMED WITH WOUNDED CIVILIANS....

(nat - marines)
OUTSIDE THE CITY AMERICAN FORCES CAN BE FOUND AT EVERY MAJOR ROAD. U-S FORCES ALMOST SURROUND THE ENTIRE CITY..... WITH CHECKPOINTS EVERYWHERE DETERMINING WHO GETS IN AND WHO GETS OUT.

(nat)(Basra, Iraq)
IN THE SOUTH BRITISH FORCES ALMOST CONTROL IRAQ'S SECOND LARGEST CITY. ROYAL MARINES BATTLED TOWARD THE CENTER OF BASRA.... SETTING UP BASE AT A FORMER COLLEGE. ))

[11Tech-BOV]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-03 TC-1:48:03]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]
Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors has reversed an earlier decision and reinstated the colleges affirmative action policy. But yesterday's vote was far from unanimous. Justin McLeod has more on the decision, and reaction to it.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=NAT SOT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sterling Daniel/Virginia Tech Student; :13]
[SUPER=01-Charles Steger/Virginia Tech President; :38]
[SUPER=@justin1; 1:04]
[SUPER=01-Bruce Smith/Board of Visitors Member; 1:26]
[SUPER=01-John Rocovich/University Rector; 1:43]
[RUNS=2:00]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Blacksburg]
((((NAT SOUND OF VOTE AND THEN CLAPPING ON TAPE 3))
It was a meeting that saw plenty of debate, questions, protests, and passionate speeches.
[SOT 53:07; TAPE 1]
[IN Q=Our university]
((STERLING DANIEL/VT STUDENT: OUR UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN CAST INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AS ONE THAT DOES NOT WELCOME FREE SPEECH NOR DOES IT WELCOME MINORITIES, GAYS, OR LESBIANS.))
[Runs= 08]
[OUT Q=gays, or lesbians]

It is that perception that prompted the university's rector to call this special meeting.
It came nearly a month after the Board of Visitor's unanimously voted to end affirmative action.
At this meeting, the university's president put forth a resolution urging the board to reverse its decision.
[SOT 1:17:09 TAPE 3]
[IN Q=The issue had]
((CHARLES STEGER: THE ISSUE HAD BECOME QUITE CONTROVERSIAL IN THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AND WE NEEDED TO STEP BACK.))
[Runs= 06]
[OUT Q=to step back]

Not everyone agreed.
The Deputy Attorney General for Virginia told the board that policies based on race violate federal law.
But representatives from the faculty and student body warned dismantling affirmative action would do more harm than good.
After nearly four hours of debate, the board was ready to vote.
[SOT 1:17:04; TAPE 4]
[IN Q=The vote was]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: THE VOTE WAS ORIGINALLY 7 TO 5 TO RESCIND POLICY WITH ONE MEMBER RODMAN LAYMAN ABSTAINING FROM VOTING. HE THEN CHANGED HIS MIND AND VOTED YES MAKING THE FINAL VOTE 8 TO 5.))
[Runs= 11]
[OUT Q=vote 8 to 5]
((QUICK NAT SOUND OF CLAPPING AFTER VOTE))
The vote to reinstate affirmative action produced a standing ovation from the crowd.
Some board members say it's now time to move on.
[SOT 1:15:33 TAPE 3]
[IN Q=We have to get out]
((BRUCE SMITH/VT BOARD OF VISITOR: WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF THIS NEGATIVE PUBLICITY FOR THIS UNIVERSITY BECAUSE THIS UNIVERSITY BEFORE ALL THESE DECISIONS CAME ABOUT YOU ONLY GREAT THINGS ABOUT IT AROUND THE COUNTRY.))
[Runs= 11]
[OUT Q=around the country]

But some still believe the March 10th vote to end affirmative action was the right one.
[SOT 1:22:43]
[IN Q=Yes I believe]
((JOHN ROCOVICH/UNIVERSITY RECTOR: YES I BELIEVE WE MADE THE CORRECT DECISION TO PROTECT THE OFFICIALS, THE BOARD, AND THE UNIVERSITY.))
[Runs= 05]
[OUT Q=and the university]

It is clear at this university that even though affirmative action is back the debate over whether it's right or wrong is far from over.
Justin McLeod, News 7, Blacksburg. ))

[11Red-Cross]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-01 TC-1:39:32]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
Military families may want to be on the lookout for a scam, one which could take an unnecessary emotional toll.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke]

The Red Cross says a caller pretending to be with the Red Cross has notified families that their loved ones in the service have been killed, injured, or taken prisoner.
There have been 10 victims so far including a Hopewell, Virginia woman who was told her son is now a prisoner of war.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 35:11]
[IN Q=We want to stress to folks]
((AMY WHITTAKER/AMERICAN RED CROSS: WE WANT TO STRESS TO FOLKS THAT WHEN THERE IS A NOTIFICATION LIKE THIS IT IS THE U.S. MILITARY WHO NOTIFIES THE FAMILY, NOT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS. SO ANYBODY SAYING THEY ARE AN AMERICAN RED CROSS REPRESENTATIVE AND OFFERING A NOTICE OF THIS SORT IT IS OBVIOUS A HOAX.))
[SUPER=201-Amy Whittaker/American Red Cross]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=obviously a hoax.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Red Cross is investigating the matter and will turn over any information to the Defense Department.
(------------)

[Marketwatch]

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

In business news, investors are likely to follow the flurry of breaking developments from Iraq today, but there's a lot more to catch their attention as well.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Investors will have]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:10]
[OUT Q=at your local stocks.]
(( INVESTORS WILL HAVE PLENTY TO DIGEST IN THE COMING WEEK... ASIDE FROM MONITORING THE WAR DEVELOPMENTS, EARNINGS REPORTS WILL BEGIN TO TRICKLE INTO THE MARKET. EARNINGS SEASON WON'T HEAD INTO HIGH GEAR UNTIL THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
WE'LL ALSO GET REPORTS ON CONSUMER SENTIMENT, RETAIL SALES... AND INFLATION AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL...BUT SOME ANALSYTS EXPECT THE WAR NEWS TO CONTINUE TO DOMINATE TRADING FLOORS AND OVERSHADOW ANY ECONOMIC NEWS. IN THE LAST SESSION, INVESTORS WERE HESITANT TO PLACE ANY BIG BETS AHEAD OF THE WEEKEND...

(gr) THE DOW ROSE 36 POINTS ON SOME LATE DAY BUYING ACTITIVY (gr) AND THE NASDAQ LOST 13 LED LOWER BY PEOPLESOFT AFTER
THE COMPANY SOUNDED A FIRST QUARTER PROFIT WARNING...

(gr) ON THE STOCKS TO WATCHLIST.. ALCOA - THE WORLD'S BIGGEST ALUMINUM PRODUCER, SAID NET INCOME FELL TO $151 MILLION,
OR 17 CENTS A SHARE, DUE TO HIGHER ENERGY COSTS.
AND SIEBEL SYSTEMS BECAME THE LATEST SOFTWARE COMPANY TO ISSUE AN EARNINGS AND SALES WARNING. SIEBEL BLAMES WHAT IT CALLS CONTINUED GLOBAL ECONOMIC DETERIORATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER. (GR) TRACK ALL THE PREMARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM AT THE NASDAQ (OC) I'M AC IN NEW YORK.))

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

[TX-Tornado]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The same storm system that's bringing snow to Nebraska spawned a tornado in Texas.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Tatum, TX;]

The twister ripped through eastern Texas yesterday afternoon.
Officials say the tornado uprooted trees, tore off rooftops, and left debris scattered throughout the area.
The Salation Army says Tatum was the hardest- hit area, where 40 homes were damaged.
However, authorities say no one was injured.
The tornado did cut off water and power to many residents.
Crews are still working to restore service.
(------------)

[11Short-Investigation]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=03-04 TC-1:07:46]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]
More details are emerging about a federal grand jury that met last week to investigate the Short family murder case, but it's unclear where it might lead, or when.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

Friends of Gary Bowman confirm they were called to answer questions before a federal grand jury in Charlottesville last Tuesday.
Bowman's friends from North Carolina -- Danny Sizemore and John Beasley -- were called.
So was Gary Lemons -- the man who first pointed investigators in Bowman's direction.
Sizemore says he's still doesn't understand why investigators continue to focus on his friend.
He says Bowman has moved to Michigan, in part to escape the intense scrutiny he was under in North Carolina.
Authorities say they're in touch with Bowman.
They've returned several times to search the area where Jennifer Short's remains were found in North Carolina.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

The state crime lab is still conducting DNA tests on items removed from Bowman's van.
Investigators say it could be six months to a year before those tests are completed.

[6Henry-Sheriff]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-08 TC-57:18]
[GRAPHIC=none]

At the same time, the lead agency investigating the Short case is welcoming the likelihood of beefing up the force a bit.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Henry Co./January]

Next year's Henry county budget proposal includes funding for five vacant positions at the sheriff's office.
Back in January, Sheriff Frank Cassell told News 7 he may have to eliminate as many as fourteen positions.
Cassell says he's "tickled to death" the county found the money to fund these positions.
The department however is still slated to see more than a hundred thousand dollars in cuts next year.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Cassell says because of that, he'll have to cut back on the number of new vehicles he had hoped to purchase for the department.

[S-Softball]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-148]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Roanoke College and Randolph Macon met in a softball doubleheader on Sunday, but this is more than a sports story.
As Steve Mason reports, the two teams also pitched in to help the Easter Seals.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]
[SUPER=01-Wendy Trail/Roanoke Catholic Softball Coach; :13]
[SUPER=01-Sid Witt/Challenger Baseball League; :40]
[SUPER=01-Alan Bayse/Roanoke College Softball Coach; :44(QUICK!!)]
[SUPER=01-Michele Seher/Randolph Macon Pitcher; :58]
[SUPER=01-Robin O'Connor/Roanoke College Second Base; 1:07]
[SUPER=@Steve2; 1:19]
[SUPER=01-Amy Layman/Roanoke College Softball Assistant Coach; 1:26]
[RUNS=1:39]
[OUT Q=....news 7 sports"]
(------------)

((The Moyer Sports Complex welcomed competitors, encouragers, fund raisers and all willing to help Easter Seals. Roanoke Catholic's softball team worked the gate for coach Wendy Trail, mother to a three year old with autism. ((:))
Only the auction was silent for Easter seals that also included a 50/50 raffle. On the field bonds were being made as players extended a hand in a one inning game. Many of these kids play in the Challenger league. ((:)) ((:))
Roanoke beat the Yellow jackets in game one, but the game of life and overcoming the adversities that come with it put perspective on wins and losses. ((:)) ((:))
Thanks to sponsors Advance Auto and Southern Health, the benefit game raised over seven thousand dollars. ((:)) The money raised will go towards sending 10 of these kids to t he Easter Seals camp this summer. In Salem, Steve Mason news 7 sports.))

[2-Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net backup]
[GRAPHIC=War With Iraq]
[SUPER=219-Kimberly McBroom/kmcbroom*wdbj7.com;]

U-S troops have cut deep into the heart of Baghdad.
They've seized one of Saddam Hussein's palaces.
U-S military officials say the troops have also surrounded Iraq's Information Ministry and the Al- Rashid Hotel.

What's being called a ``dramatic show of force'' involves more than 100 tanks and armored vehicles.
Along with the progress on the front lines, there's a decline in the danger of chemical or biological attack.
Marines have been ordered out of their protective suits.
For nearly three weeks, they wore them in the sweltering weather.
Teri Okita joins us now from Kuwait City with more.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=201-Teri Okita/CBS News;]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq; :00]
[SUPER=201-Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf/Iraqi Information Minister; :28]
[SUPER=204-Yesterday; :35]
[SUPER=203-Basra, Iraq; :59]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]
((
PKG

(nats)
IT'S THE LARGEST INVASION OF BAGHDAD SO FAR. MORE THAN 70 U-S TANKS STORMED INTO THE CITY... MET BY POCKETS OF RESISTANCE. IRAQIS FIRED MACHINE GUNS AND GRENADES.... BUT COULDN'T MATCH THE AMERICAN MILITARY FORCE WHICH DESTROYED THE RESISTANCE. GROUND FORCES THEN RAIDED AND SECURED TWO PRESIDENTIAL PALACES AND OTHER KEY BUILDINGS. DESPITE THE INVASION INTO IRAQI'S STRONGHOLD SADDAM HUSSEIN'S INFORMATION MINISTER, ONCE AGAIN, PUT HIS OWN DRAMATIC SPIN ON THE STORY.

02:43(SOT-Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf/Iraqi Information Minister)
"we beseiged them and we killed most of them and I think we will finish them off soon"

(fighting)(Baghdad/Sunday)
TODAY'S ACTION FOLLOWS HEAVY SHELLING ON SUNDAY IN THE CENTER OF BAGHDAD. MORTARS SMASHED SEVERAL TARGETS BUT ALSO DESTROYED HOMES AND A MARKET. WEEKS OF BOMBING HAS HOSPITALS OVERWHELMED WITH WOUNDED CIVILIANS....

(nat - marines)
OUTSIDE THE CITY AMERICAN FORCES CAN BE FOUND AT EVERY MAJOR ROAD. U-S FORCES ALMOST SURROUND THE ENTIRE CITY..... WITH CHECKPOINTS EVERYWHERE DETERMINING WHO GETS IN AND WHO GETS OUT.

(nat)(Basra, Iraq)
IN THE SOUTH BRITISH FORCES ALMOST CONTROL IRAQ'S SECOND LARGEST CITY. ROYAL MARINES BATTLED TOWARD THE CENTER OF BASRA.... SETTING UP BASE AT A FORMER COLLEGE. ))

[11Support-Rally]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-02 TC-1:48:34]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
Several hours before U-S troops entered the heart of Baghdad, they received prayer and support from the New River Valley.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=NAT SOUND]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=with faith and hope.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Christiansburg]

Several area churches in the New River Valley organized a prayer service at the Christiansburg High School stadium.

It was a chance for the community to pray for those who are serving in the military, those who have lost their lives in the war with Iraq and their families.
Yesterday's service attracted several hundred people.
(------------)

[VOB-Tech-BOV]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]
Affirmative Action is back at Virginia Tech. The Board of Visitors reversed an earlier decision yesterday and reinstated the university's previous policy.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :16]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

The meeting last four hours, and it came nearly a month after the Board of Visitors had voted to end Affirmative Action.
The vote to reinstate it was 8 to 5, and it produced a standing ovation from the crowd.
Some board members say it's now time to move on.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We have to get out]
[SUPER=01-Bruce Smith/VT Board of Visitors;]
((BRUCE SMITH/VT BOARD OF VISITOR: WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF THIS NEGATIVE PUBLICITY FOR THIS UNIVERSITY BECAUSE THIS UNIVERSITY BEFORE ALL THESE DECISIONS CAME ABOUT YOU ONLY GREAT THINGS ABOUT IT AROUND THE COUNTRY.))
[Runs=11]
[OUT Q=around the country]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :06]

But some still believe the March 10th vote to end Affirmative Action was the right one.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Yes I believe]
[SUPER=01-John Rocovich/University Rector;]
((JOHN ROCOVICH/UNIVERSITY RECTOR: YES I BELIEVE WE MADE THE CORRECT DECISION TO PROTECT THE OFFICIALS, THE BOARD, AND THE UNIVERSITY.))
[Runs=05]
[OUT Q=and the university]
(------------)
[VO-NAT :10+]

Virginia's Deputy Attorney General told the board the race-based policies violate federal law, but again, the Tech Board of Visitors has reinstated Affirmative Action.
(------------)

[11D'ville-Bridge]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-07 TC-1:17:22]
[GRAPHIC=none]
It's halfway down, halfway to go for a major road project in Danville.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville]

The structure for the new Main Street bridge in downtown is in place.
Workers will now spend the next several months laying down the concrete on the deck.
V-DOT hopes to have motorists on the new bridge by mid-July.
After that, they'll begin renovating the current Main Street bridge.
The entire project is costing more than 14-million dollars and should be completed by next spring.
(------------)

[Canada-SARS]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=SARS]

Canada is now reporting another death from SARS, the ninth so far for the neighbors to our north. It's the biggest outbreak of the disease outside of Asia. We get the latest from Ron Charles of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT Morning Server: Canada Update]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Toronto, Canada; :00]
[SUPER=01-Dr. James Young/Ontario Comm. of Public Safety; :19]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Colin D'Cunha/Ontario Department of Health; :48]
[SUPER=03-Hong Kong; 1:00]
[SUPER=03-Markham, Ontario; 1:21]
[SUPER=01-Father Peter Leung/Chinese Martyrs Catholic Chuch; 1:39]
[SUPER=01-Ron Charles/Reporting; 1:46]
[RUNS=2:02]
[OUT Q=CBC News Toronto]
(())

[Biz-Brief]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Business News]

In business news, the markets reopen for trading today after putting together a winning week, although the last trading session was a mixed one
Stan Case has more in today's business brief.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Investors reacted]
[SUPER=01-Stan Case/Reporting; :]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=I'm Stan Case.]
((INVESTORS REACTED TO ANOTHER NEGATIVE JOBS REPORT FRIDAY AND TO MIXED NEWS ON THE WAR.
THE DOW STAYED NEAR THE FLAT LINE MOST OF FRIDAY, ENDING WITH A MODEST GAIN.
ON THE NASDAQ, AN EARNINGS WARNING FROM PEOPLESOFT DRAGGED DOWN THE TECH SECTOR.
THE DOW ROSE 36 POINTS.
THE NASDAQ DIPPED 13 POINTS.
AMERICAN AIRLINES CAPPED A WEEK OF GAINS AS CONGRESS APPROVED AN 80 BILLION DOLLAR SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING PACKAGE.
MORE THAN THREE BILLION DOLLARS WILL DIRECTLY HELP THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY.
A-M-R SHARES GAINED EIGHT PERCENT ON THE NEWS--MORE THAN 140 PERCENT FOR THE WEEK.
AMERICAN HAS BEEN SCRAMBLING TO AVOID BANKRUPTCY.
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY PFIZER SAID IT WILL CHALLENGE A JURY AWARD OF TWO MILLION DOLLARS IN TO A WOMAN TAKING THE DIABETES DRUG REZULIN.
PFIZER MAKES THE DRUG WHICH WAS BLAMED FOR INJURING THE WOMAN.
THE JURY FOUND THE COMPANY FAILED TO SHARE WITH PHYSICIANS SOME INFORMATION ABOUT REZULIN WHICH LED TO THE PROBLEMS IN THIS CASE.
STARBUCKS SAID STORE SALES ROSE SEVEN PERCENT IN MARCH 2003, OVER THE THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE DATA IS BASED ON STORES OPEN MORE THAN ONE YEAR.
THE UPSCALE COFFEE RETAILER ALSO REPORTED A NET REVENUE INCREASE OF 20 PERCENT IN 2002.
DESPITE THE NEWS, SHARES LOST MORE THAN TWO PERCENT.
WITH THE BUSINESS BRIEF I'M STAN CASE))

[TAPE TOSS TO STOCKS] [STOCKS] [COMM]

[TX-Tornado]

[2-11Red-Cross]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-01 TC-1:39:32]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
The Red Cross is urging military families to be on the lookout for a scam.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Roanoke]

The Red Cross says a caller pretending to be with the Red Cross has notified families that their loved ones in the service have been killed, injured, or taken prisoner.
There have been 10 victims so far including a Hopewell, Virginia woman who was told her son is now a prisoner of war.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 35:11]
[IN Q=We want to stress to folks]
((AMY WHITTAKER/AMERICAN RED CROSS: WE WANT TO STRESS TO FOLKS THAT WHEN THERE IS A NOTIFICATION LIKE THIS IT IS THE U.S. MILITARY WHO NOTIFIES THE FAMILY, NOT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS. SO ANYBODY SAYING THEY ARE AN AMERICAN RED CROSS REPRESENTATIVE AND OFFERING A NOTICE OF THIS SORT IT IS OBVIOUS A HOAX.))
[SUPER=201-Amy Whittaker/American Red Cross]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=obviously a hoax.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Red Cross is investigating the matter and will turn over any information to the Defense Department.
(------------)

[3-Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net Backup]
[GRAPHIC=War With Iraq]
[SUPER=219-Kimberly McBroom/kmcbroom*wdbj7.com;]

A major show of force today by the U-S in Iraq.
U-S forces have stormed into Baghdad, taking a presidential palace, along with several other key buildings.
Authorities say at least four or five Marines were killed.
In other developments, the man called "Chemical Ali" is dead.
The home of the Iraqi general was bombed on Saturday.
Those against the Iraqi regime gave him the nickname after a poison gas attack killed thousands of Kurds.
Teri Okita is in Kuwait City this morning, with an update on the war.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=201-Teri Okita/CBS News;]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq; :00]
[SUPER=201-Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf/Iraqi Information Minister; :28]
[SUPER=204-Yesterday; :35]
[SUPER=203-Basra, Iraq; :59]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]

[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;][2-11Support-Rally]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-02 TC-1:48:34]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
American troops received plenty of support and prayer Sunday at an outdoor service in the New River Valley.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=NAT SOUND]
[RUNS=:07]
[OUT Q=with faith and hope.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Christiansburg]

Several area churches in the New River Valley organized a prayer service at the Christiansburg High School stadium.

It was a chance for the community to pray for those who are serving in the military, those who have lost their lives in the war with Iraq and their families.
The service attracted several hundred people.
(------------)

[2-11Tech-BOV]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-03 TC-1:48:03]
[GRAPHIC=Virginia Tech]
Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors has reversed a month-old decision on affirmative action. The end result: Affirmative Action is back at Virginia Tech. But as Justin McLeod reports, yesterday's vote was far from unanimous.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sterling Daniel/Virginia Tech Student; :13]
[SUPER=01-Charles Steger/Virginia Tech President; :38]
[SUPER=@justin1; 1:04]
[SUPER=01-Bruce Smith/Board of Visitors Member; 1:26]
[SUPER=01-John Rocovich/University Rector; 1:43]
[RUNS=2:00]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7, Blacksburg]

[2-11Short-Investigation]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=03-04 TC-1:07:46]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]
There is no word yet where a federal grand jury looking at the Short family murders might lead, but more details are emerging.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

Friends of Gary Bowman confirm they were called to answer questions before a federal grand jury in Charlottesville last Tuesday.
Bowman's friends from North Carolina -- Danny Sizemore and John Beasley -- were called.
So was Gary Lemons -- the man who first pointed investigators in Bowman's direction.
Sizemore says he's still doesn't understand why investigators continue to focus on his friend.
He says Bowman has moved to Michigan, in part to escape the intense scrutiny he was under in North Carolina.
Authorities say they're in touch with Bowman.
They've returned several times to search the area where Jennifer Short's remains were found in North Carolina.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=HOLD]

The state crime lab is still conducting DNA tests on items removed from Bowman's van.
Investigators say it could be six months to a year before those tests are completed.

[2-11D'ville-Bridge]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-07 TC-1:17:22]
[GRAPHIC=none]
A major road project in Danville is now half-way completed, but you'll have to wait another year or so before all the work is done.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Danville]

The structure for the new Main Street bridge in downtown is in place.
Workers will now spend the next several months laying down the concrete on the deck.
V-DOT hopes to have motorists on the new bridge by mid-July.
After that, they'll begin renovating the current Main Street bridge.
The entire project is costing more than 14-million dollars and should be completed by next spring.
(------------)

[2Marketwatch]

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

In business news, there's the war and much more likely to capture attention on Wall Street today and the days ahead.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Investors will have plenty]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:12]
[OUT Q=in New York.]

(tape tosses to bump)
[BUMP] [COMM]

[3-HEADLINES] [Kim at Desk]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Here's what's making news today.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

It's the largest invasion of Baghdad in the war, so far.
More than 70 U-S tanks have stormed into the Iraqi capital.
U-S troops have seized one of Saddam Hussein's palaces.
The U-S military isn't saying whether troops will remain inside Baghdad.
Meanwhile, Iraq's information minister is denying that American forces are even there.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Virginia Tech has brought back affirmative action.
After a four hour meeting yesterday, the Board of Visitors reversed an earlier decision, and reinstated the university's previous policy.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And in eastern Texas, a weekend tornado damaged dozens of homes.
As for the homes still standing, water and electricity have been cut off.
Officials say the tornado uprooted trees, tore off rooftops, and left debris scattered throughout the area.
(----------------)

[Box-Office]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=kor]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=none]
Millions of people packed into the "Phone Booth" this weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-"Phone Booth" - 20th Century Fox]
The sniper tale was number one in ticket sales in its debut weekend, ringing up 15 million dollars at the box office. The movie was originally set for release last November, but it was put on hold because of the sniper attacks around Washington D.C.
(------------)
[TAKE FS CHYRON]
[SUPER=77-Phone Booth/15/What a Girl Wants/12.1/A Man Apart/11.2/Head of State/8.8/Bringing Down the House/8.5;]

The teen flick "What a Girl Wants" opened in second place. Vin Diesel's action tale "A Man Apart" premiered at number three, followed by "Head of State" and Bringing Down the House."
[Super=#555;reset]

[Crowe-Wedding]

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

Actor Russell Crowe is about to "set up house" with his fiancee.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New South Wales, Australia;]

But it doesn't look like they'll be getting the privacy they wanted.
Fans and photographers are gathered outside the gates of Crowe's ranch in Australia, and helicopters are buzzing overhead.
They're hoping to catch a glimpse of his wedding to long-time girlfriend, singer and actress Danielle Spencer.
The pair is getting married today, which is also the "Gladiator" star's 39th birthday.
(------------)

[2S-Softball]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sma]
[TAPE#=SP-148]
[GRAPHIC=ODAC]

A softball doubleheader in Salem Sunday was much more than a matchup between Roanoke and Randolph Macon Colleges.

As Steve Mason reports, the two teams also pitched in to help the Easter Seals.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]
[SUPER=01-Wendy Trail/Roanoke Catholic Softball Coach; :13]
[SUPER=01-Sid Witt/Challenger Baseball League; :40]
[SUPER=01-Alan Bayse/Roanoke College Softball Coach; :44(QUICK!!)]
[SUPER=01-Michele Seher/Randolph Macon Pitcher; :58]
[SUPER=01-Robin O'Connor/Roanoke College Second Base; 1:07]
[SUPER=@Steve2; 1:19]
[SUPER=01-Amy Layman/Roanoke College Softball Assistant Coach; 1:26]
[RUNS=1:39]
[OUT Q=....news 7 sports"]
(------------)

((The Moyer Sports Complex welcomed competitors, encouragers, fund raisers and all willing to help Easter Seals. Roanoke Catholic's softball team worked the gate for coach Wendy Trail, mother to a three year old with autism. ((:))
Only the auction was silent for Easter seals that also included a 50/50 raffle. On the field bonds were being made as players extended a hand in a one inning game. Many of these kids play in the Challenger league. ((:)) ((:))
Roanoke beat the Yellow jackets in game one, but the game of life and overcoming the adversities that come with it put perspective on wins and losses. ((:)) ((:))
Thanks to sponsors Advance Auto and Southern Health, the benefit game raised over seven thousand dollars. ((:)) The money raised will go towards sending 10 of these kids to t he Easter Seals camp this summer. In Salem, Steve Mason news 7 sports.))