WDBJ 7 morning news for 04/08/03

[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

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

This morning U-S military leaders are trying to determine if they've killed Saddam Hussein.
A bombing attack yesterday targeted the Iraqi leader, as well as his sons.
Meanwhile, the fighting continues in Baghdad.
Iraqi forces sent buses and trucks full of fighters over the Tigris River today to try to over-run U-S troops at a strategic intersection.
At least 50 Iraqis were reportedly killed.
Two Americans were said to be wounded.
Drew Levinson joins us now with the latest.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=201-Drew Levinson/CBS News;]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq/This Morning;]
[SUPER=204-Yesterday;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

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

(nats)(Baghdad/This Morning)
A SPECTACULAR FIGHT IN BAGHDAD THIS MORNING. DRIVING ACROSS A BRIDGE U-S TANKS CAME UNDER HEAVY FIRE FROM NEARBY BUILDINGS. U-S TROOPS FIRED BACK WITH ARTILLERY CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE TO AT LEAST TWO OF THOSE BUILDINGS. THE CAMERAMAN SHOOTING THIS SCENE BARELY ESCAPED WITH HIS LIFE WHEN GUNFIRE, APPARENTLY FROM THE ENEMY, CAME DANGEROUSLY CLOSE.... KNOCKING OVER THE CAMERA. COALITION WARPLANES THEN FLEW IN DROPPING BOMBS. THE AIRSTRIKES TOOK OUT EVEN MORE BUILDINGS AND CAUSED HUGE FIREBALLS. IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW MANY IRAQI FIGHTERS WERE KILLED.... BUT THE ARAB STATION AL-JAZEERA SAYS ONE OF ITS EMPLOYEES DIED AND OTHERS WERE INJURED WHEN U-S BOMBS HIT THE T-V STATION'S BAGHDAD OFFICE.

(nats)(Baghdad/Monday)
THIS IS NOT THE RESULT OF THAT BOMBING... BUT ONE CONDUCTED ON MONDAY . U-S OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THE AIRSTRIKE IN BAGHDAD KILLED SADDAM HUSSEIN. CENTRAL COMMAND SAYS AMERICA ATTACKED A TARGET IN THIS RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH BUNKER BUSTING BOMBS. U-S INTELLIGENCE HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE DICTATOR, HIS SONS AND OTHER IRAQI LEADERS WERE MEETING THERE. IT IS NOT YET KNOWN IF SADDAM WAS KILLED IN THE ATTACK.

(nats)
CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THIS FIGHTING ARE THE CIVILIANS. THE RED CROSS SAYS DOCTORS ARE RUNNING OUT OF DRUGS AND ANESTHETICS AND THE NUMBER OF CASUALITIES IS SO HIGH THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO COUNT THEM ALL. ))

[11Troops-Support]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=03-04 TC1:08:42]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
Many people across the region are showing the support for our troops with rallies and prayers. Close to 700 people gathered in Franklin County last night to make sure their voices were heard. Teresa Hamilton has the story.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Nat sound]
[SUPER=203-Rocky Mount; :00]
[SUPER=201-Latonya Trotter/Military Wife; :17]
[SUPER=201-Linda McCullum/Military Wife; :42]
[SUPER=201-Christopher Riddle; 1:23]
[SUPER=220-Teresa Hamilton/thamilton*wdbj7.com; 1:40]
[RUNS=1:50]
[OUT Q=NEWS7, Rocky Mount. NAT CLAPPING]
(((////sot////)
[sot]
[in q= nat sound]
(( nat sound )) [runs05]
[out q= ]
Rocky Mount may be small but the message here was loud and clear... as hundreds from the community gathered at Franklin County high school to show their support for American troops and their families.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:43:00]
[IN Q= I REALLY ]
(( LATONYA TROTTER/MILITARY WIFE: I REALLY EXPECTED IT TO BE PEOPLE LINKED TO THE MILITARY AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE WHO HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER, THEY'RE JUST HERE BECAUSE THEY SUPPORT IT AND THE GUYS AND GALS WHO HAVE TO BE GONE. )) [runs15]
[out q=WHO HAVE TO BE GONE. ]
Latonya Trotters husband is among a group of Franklin County soldiers expected to arrive in Kuwait this week....a group that also includes Linda McCullum's husband.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:40:59]
[IN Q= IT'S JUST ]
(( LINDA MCCULLUM/MILITARY WIFE: IT'S JUST NOT LIKE ANYTHING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED, I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, HARD. YEAH, YEAH, VERY HARD. )) [RUNS16]
[OUT Q= YEAH, YEAH, VERY HARD. ]
That's why a dozen or so local churches decided to organize this vigil... to show local families they're not alone. Time was also set aside to remember POW's, those missing in action and those who've already paid the ultimate price.

(///sot///)
[sot]
[in q=]
((nat sound)) [runs05]
[out q= ]
Christopher Riddle's brother is also expected to arrive in Kuwait-- and he expects to follow in his footsteps.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:36:53]
[inq= 14:36:53]
((CHRISTOPHER RIDDLE: I'LL BE PULLING SECURITY FOR A CONVOY HOPEFULLY, BUT I DO THINK WE'RE DOING THE RIGHT THING, AND EVEN IF I DIDN'T A SOLDIERS, WE SWORE TO DEFEND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND WE'RE DOING WHAT WE'RE TOLD. )) [RUNS 13]
[OUT Q=WHAT WE'RE TOLD.]
And, as long as they're needed-- folks in this crowd plan to stand behind the men and women they call local heroes.

Teresa Hamilton, NEWS7, Rocky Mount.))

[Marketwatch]

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

In business news, an illness now is keeping airplanes on the ground. Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Continental Airlines]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=Alexis Christoforous in New York.]
((
(oc)
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES WILL SUSPEND NONSTOP FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEW YORK AND HONG KONG BECAUSE OF PASSENGER FEARS CAUSED BY THE MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS SARS.

(gr)
CONTINENTAL SAID TRAFFIC FROM HONG KONG HAS REMAINED STABLE, PASSENDER DEMAND FROM THE U-S HAS PLUMMETED.

(gr)
COMPAINES FACING PRODUCT LIABILITY LAWSUITS - LIKE ALTRIA AND GENERAL MOTORS - RALLIED AFTER THE U-S SUPREME COURT SET LIMITS ON PUNITIVE DAMAGES. THE HIGH COURT STRUCK DOWN A 145 MILLION DOLLAR AWARD THAT STATE FARM WAS TOLD TO PAY A UTAH COUPLE IN A DISPUTE OVER AN AUTO CLAIM.
A POWERFUL STOCK MARKET RALLY DRIED UP BY THE CLOSING BELL AS PROFIT TAKERS MOVED IN .

(gr)
THE DOW CLIMBED 23 POINTS

(gr)
THE NASDAQ ADDED 6

(oc)
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER AT THE GAS PUMP. GAS PRICES HAVE FALLEN 6 CENTS OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS, THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IS NOW 1-66 A GALLON. THE DROP IN GAS PRICES IS BEING DRIVEN BY A STEEP FALL IN CRUDE OIL PRICES.. ON SIGNS THE WAR WITH IRAQ WILL NOT DISRUPT SUPPLIES COMING OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST.

(gr)
INVESTORS GOBBLED UP SHARES OF MCDONALD'S AFTER THE FAST FOOD GIANT SAID IT WILL CUT SPENDING ON NEW RESTAURANTS AND REMODELING AND FOCUS INSTEAD OF IMPROVING TASTE AND SERVICE AT ITS EXISTING RESTAURANTS.

(gr)
BANKRUPT TOY RETAILER F-A-O GOT SO SOME GOOD NEWS TODAY A BANKRUPTCY COURT JUDGE APPROVED FAO'S REORANZIATION PLAN AND SERVERAL BANKS HAVE COMMITTED UP TO 77 MILLION DOLLARS IN FINANCING.

(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]

[Dublin-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Fire damaged a church in Dublin last night.
The blaze broke out at the Dublin United Methodist Church sometime after seven.
Flames damaged the second floor and roof of the building.
We do not yet have word on a possible cause or a dollar estimate of the damge.

[5Cross-Burning]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mmu]
[TAPE#=502-12 1:17:18]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Supreme Court decision upholding Virginia's ban on cross burning is likely to be felt in many states across the country. The nation's top court ruled yesterday the law is constitutional.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[NO SUPER] The court voted 6-to-3 to uphold Virginia's 50-year old law banning cross burning with the intent to intimidate.
The Court ruled that the history of racial intimidation attached to a burning cross outweighs free speech concerns.

Attorney General Jerry Kilgore defended the law before the high court last year after it had been struck down by the Virginia Supreme Court.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 12:44:30]
[IN Q=WE'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT]
((ATTORNEY GENERAL JERRY KILGORE: WE'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT BURNING A CROSS IS AN ACT OF INTIMIDATION. IT'S A CRIME AND THAT FREE SPEECH CERTAINLY DOES NOT PROTECT ONE FROM THESE TYPES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.))
[SUPER=@Kilgore]
[RUNS=:16]
[OUT Q=THESE TYPES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The decision was based on two incidents that took place in 1998.
One case was in Virginia Beach.
The other was in Carroll County where a Pennsylvania Klan member, Barry Black, was convicted of burning a 30-foot cross on private land.
(------------)

[11Black-Angus]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-06 TC1:06:58]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The last of the charges against a downtown men's club has been resolved in court, charges that followed a night time raid.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/May 23, 2002]
A year ago a task force of law enforcement officers entered the Black Angus, executed a warrant in search of narcotics, liquor license violations and evidence of indecent exposure. They made a few drug arrests and eventually filed charges against the business.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:28:30]
[IN Q=They weren't complying]
((NEIL HORN/PROSECUTOR: WE HAD DRUG DEALING INSIDE THE CLUB. MOST OF THAT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. THIS RESOLVES THE ABC LICENSE SITUATION FOR THE TIME BEING.))
[SUPER=01-Neil Horn/Prosecutor]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=for the time being.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
In state court yesterday, the last of the A-B-C violations were resolved by stipulation, agreeing that the former owners had been "maintaining a common nuisance." New owners of the club will have to abide by strict limits on alcohol or apply for an A-B-C license.

[11City-Council]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-01 TC1:41:50]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The city of Roanoke is moving ahead with plans for a new downtown fire station, but those plans to reorganize the Fire and EMS Department are still raising some questions.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Roanoke City Council approved the purchase of land at the corner of Elm Avenue and Franklin Road.
Members say the new station will improve fire protection downtown, but Linda Wyatt questioned the wisdom of closing two existing stations.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I have serious]
((LINDA WYATT/ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: I HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE FIRE STATIONS. I DON'T THINK ONE BIGGER IS BETTER.)) ((I THINK IT'S A GREAT PLAN. I THINK THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE MORE EQUIPMENT DOWNTOWN, SO IT'S NOT JUST THE LADDER TRUCK , YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT A WHOLE VARIETY OF TYPES OF EQUIPMENT.))
[SUPER=@Wyatt; :00]
[SUPER=@Carder; :10]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=a whole variety types of equipment.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

City Council also approved funding for repairs to the Fire Station Number One. The historic station may become a museum, and the money will be used to restore the bell tower.
(------------)

[Consumer-Watch]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Changes in gasoline prices, and Yahoo has a new look. Paul Reece has those stories and more in today's Consumer Watch report.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Drivers are getting]
[SUPER=01-Paul Reece/Reporting;]
[RUNS=1:21]
[OUT Q=I'm Paul Reece.]
((DRIVERS ARE GETTING A LITTLE RELIEF AT THE GAS PUMP.
THE LUNDBERG SURVEY SHOWS THE AVERAGE COST FOR A GALLON OF SELF-SERVE REGULAR IS NOW A-DOLLAR-67.
IT HAS DROPPED MORE THAN SIX CENTS OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS-- THE FIRST PRICE DECREASE SINCE LATE NOVEMBER.
LUNDBERG SAYS THE LOWER PRICES ARE DUE TO EASING WAR JITTERS, AND LOWER CRUDE PRICES.

JUST WHEN THE AIRLINES SAY NO ONE IS FLYING, IT APPEARS AIRLINE SERVICE IS IMPROVING.
A STUDY FINDS THAT AIRLINE SERVICE SCORED HIGHER MARKS FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR IN 2002.
THE STUDY LOOKED AT ON-TIME PERFORMANCE, DENIED BOARDINGS, LOST BAGGAGE, AND CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS.
LEADING THE IMPROVEMENTS, UNITED AND U-S AIRWAYS WERE ON TIME MORE OFTEN, MISHANDLED FEWER BAGS, AND GOT FEWER CONSUMER COMPLAINTS THAN IN 2001.
UNITED ALSO DENIED BOARDING TO FEWER PASSENGERS BECAUSE OF OVERBOOKINGS.

YAHOO DEBUTED ITS NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE MONDAY.
IT FEATURES A SOUPED-UP SEARCH ENGINE, WHICH YAHOO SAYS ACCESSES MORE INFORMATION AND IS SIMPLER TO USE.
YAHOO HOPES THE NEW DESIGN WILL HELP IT COMPETE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH GOOGLE, CURRENTLY THE WEB'S MOST POPULAR SEARCH ENGINE.

TAG-WITH CONSUMER WATCH, I'M PAUL REECE.))
[Trigger]

(///// SOT /////)

[Contest trigger]

[2-Iraq]

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

Is Saddam Hussein dead or alive?
It's a question the U-S military is trying to answer.
U- S Central Command confirms that a ``leadership target'' where Saddam and his sons were believed to be located was struck yesterday.
There's a now a huge crater in the residential neighborhood where the building stood.
Despite that, Iraqi forces haven't given up the fight.
At least 50 of them were reportedly killed today during a skirmish in western Baghdad.
They battled with American troops at a key intersection near the Tigris River.
Drew Levinson joins us now from Kuwait City with an update.
[LIVE=NEWSPATH/FULL]
[SUPER=201-Drew Levinson/CBS News;]
[SUPER=205-Kuwait City, Kuwait;]

((ROLLCUE:...))
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=203-Baghdad, Iraq/This Morning;]
[SUPER=204-Yesterday;]
[RUNS=:00]
[OUT Q=back to you.]

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

[Bush-Blair]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=War With Iraq]

About two thousand anti- war activists rallied within a mile of the castle in Northern Ireland, where President Bush has been meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Belfast, Northern Ireland;]

They're focusing on rebuilding Iraq in the aftermath of war.
The allies agree that the United Nations will lead aid and reconstruction efforts.
But they say the coalition's military would maintain control before handing power over to an interim administration of Iraqis and Iraqi exiles.
(------------)

[VOB-Troops-Support]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Home Front]
Support for the war effort is strongest in some of America's smallest communities-- including Rocky Mount.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=203-Rocky Mount; ]
That was the message last night at Franklin County high school where an estimated 700- people gathered to lend their support and prayers for American troops. This week-- a group of local soldiers is expected to arrive in Kuwait to assist with "Operation Iraqi Freedom". So for many family members here at home-- the vigil was comforting.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:43:00]
[IN Q=I REALLY ]
[SUPER=201-Latonya Trotter/Military Wife; ]
((I REALLY EXPECTED IT TO BE PEOPLE LINKED TO THE MILITARY AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE WHO HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER, THEY'RE JUST HERE BECAUSE THEY SUPPORT IT AND THE GUYS AND GALS WHO HAVE TO BE GONE. ))
[RUNS=16]
[OUT Q=TO BE GONE. ]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The vigil was organized by approximately a dozen local churches.
(------------)

[11Brathwaite]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-05 TC1:20:12]
[GRAPHIC=Brathwaite]
The man arrested after the shootings of a Roanoke woman and her four children is now charged with one count of murder and two firearms charges. Clinton Andrew Brathwaite was arraigned on those charges yesterday.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Friday]
But the next grand jury will almost certainly bring more charges against the man they call "Twin." In the meantime a preliminary hearing was set for May 12th. The public defender's office was appointed to represent Brathwaite. And the Commonwealth's Attorney's office will oppose bond, citing the heinous facts of the case and Brathwaite's prior criminal record.
(------------)

[Contest-Winner]

(///// SOT /////)

[SUPER=45-Bruce Milligan/Salem;]

[Time-Warner]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Smoke filled the skies over New York City this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]

More than 160 firefighters responded to a four- alarm blaze in the Time Warner building.
The fire started around 12-30 A-M.
Authorities say the 54- story building was under construction.
The flames were on floors four through seven.
One person was taken to the hospital for treatment.
It took firefighters about two hours to bring the blaze under control.
(------------)

[2Dublin-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ejo]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

Fire damaged a church in Dublin last night, but we do not yet have word on a possible cause or a dollar estimate of the damage.
The blaze broke out at the Dublin United Methodist Church sometime after seven.
Flames damaged the second floor and roof of the building.

[11Cross-Burning]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=mmu]
[TAPE#=03-15 TC2:18:10]
[GRAPHIC=none]

A case that started in southwest Virginia has led to a U-S Supreme Court decision upholding Virginia's law banning cross-burning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file;]

In a 6-to-3 vote, the Court yesterday rejected claims that cross-burning is protected as free speech.
The decision is based on an incident in Carroll County.
It was August 1998 when Barry Black, an imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, was convicted for burning a 30-foot cross on private property.
The justices ruled that the racial intimidation attached to the symbol of a burning cross outweighs the free speech rights of Klansmen.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 12:34:19]
[IN Q=A BURNING CROSS IS A SYMBOL]
((ATTORNEY GENERAL JERRY KILGORE: A BURNING CROSS IS A SYMBOL LIKE NO OTHER. IT DOESN'T JUST SAY WE DON'T LIKE YOU. THE MESSAGE IS WE ARE GOING TO DO YOU HARM.))
[SUPER=@Kilgore; :00]
[SUPER=01-Kent Willis/Virginia ACLU Director; :10]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=THAT BECOMES A PROBLEM.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Clarence Thomas, the court's only black member, was among the dissenters.
Thomas said the ban has nothing to do with free speech because cross-burning is clearly intimidation.
(------------)

[2-11Black-Angus]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=khu]
[TAPE#=03-06 TC1:06:58]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The last of the charges that began with a nighttime raid at a Roanoke men's club last May have been resolved in court.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/May 23, 2002]
A year ago a task force of law enforcement officers entered the Black Angus, executed a warrant in search of narcotics, liquor license violations and evidence of indecent exposure. They made a few drug arrests and eventually filed charges against the business.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:28:30]
[IN Q=They weren't complying]
((NEIL HORN/PROSECUTOR: WE HAD DRUG DEALING INSIDE THE CLUB. MOST OF THAT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. THIS RESOLVES THE ABC LICENSE SITUATION FOR THE TIME BEING.))
[SUPER=01-Neil Horn/Prosecutor]
[RUNS=10]
[OUT Q=for the time being.]
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
In state court yesterday, the last of the A-B-C violations were resolved by stipulation, agreeing that the former owners had been "maintaining a common nuisance." New owners of the club will have to abide by strict limits on alcohol or apply for an A-B-C license.

[Biz-Brief]

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

In business news, if J.C. Penney is any indication, retail sales are not likely to pick up this month. The company says it expects business to be flat in April. Stan Case has more news in today's Business Brief.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The US Dollar]
[SUPER=01-Stan Case/Reporting; 1:10]
[RUNS=1:22]
[OUT Q=I'm Stan Case.]

((THE U-S DOLLAR JUMPED TO A THREE-MONTH HIGH, AND CRUDE OIL SLIPPED BELOW 28 DOLLARS AS COALITION FORCES TIGHTENED THEIR GRIP ON BAGHDAD.
AFTER BIG GAINS IN THE MORNING...

THE DOW CLOSED MONDAY WITH JUST A 23 POINT GAIN.
THE NASDAQ WAS UP SIX.

STATE FARM INSURANCE HAS WON ITS APPEAL OF A 145-MILLION DOLLAR PUNITIVE DAMAGES AWARD.
THE U-S SUPREME COURT AGREED AGREED THAT PUNITIVE DAMAGES 145 TIMES GREATER THAN THE COMPENSATORY AWARD IS "EXCESSIVE" AND VIOLATES FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF DUE-PROCESS FAIRNESS.
THE AWARD HAD BEEN UPHELD BY THE UTAH SUPREME COURT.

WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL AFFIRMED THAT 2003 RESULTS WILL MEET EXPECTATIONS.
ANALYSTS ESTIMATE EARNINGS OF TWO-DOLLARS-THREE-CENTS A SHARE, UP FROM A DOLLAR-EIGHTY-NINE IN 2002.
BUT THE COMPANY SAID SAME-STORE SALES IN THE U-S DECLINED ONE-POINT-SEVEN PERCENT IN MARCH.
SEVERE WINTER WEATHER, A WEAK ECONOMY, AND THE WAR WERE BLAMED.

UNITED AIRLINES HAS REACHED TENTATIVE DEALS WITH ITS FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND FLIGHT DISPATCHERS.
A-P REPORTS THAT THE TWO UNIONS AGREED TO SIX-YEAR CONTRACTS THAT LOWER LABOR COSTS.
UNITED HAS SAID THE CONCESSIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP IT EMERGE FROM BANKRUPTCY.
MEANWHILE THE COMPANY'S PILOTS ARE CONSIDERING THIS FRIDAY'S VOTE ON THEIR LABOR PACT THAT WOULD SAVE MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS.

WITH THE BUSINESS BRIEF I'M STAN CASE))

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

[Leonard]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A 20-year-old Blacksburg man is accused of killing his former roommate's pet. Police have charged Carl Emerson Leonard the third with causing the death of a companion animal. Authorities say Leonard "beat to death" his former roommate's one-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi back in January. Police say an autopsy revealed the dog's death was not an accident.

[3-Iraq]

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

This morning U-S military leaders are trying to determine if they've killed Saddam Hussein.
A bombing attack yesterday targeted the Iraqi leader, as well as his sons.
Meanwhile, the fighting continues in Baghdad.
Iraqi forces sent buses and trucks full of fighters over the Tigris River today to try to over-run U-S troops at a strategic intersection.
At least 50 Iraqis were reportedly killed.
Two Americans were said to be wounded.
Drew Levinson joins us now with the latest.

[UN-Resolution]

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

Nearly two dozen Arab members of the United Nations plan to push for a General Assembly resolution calling for a cease- fire in Iraq.
The resolution will ask for a cease- fire and respect for Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity.
U-S opposition is very likely.
A diplomatic source says the U-S believes the Iraqi question is NOT one for the General Assembly.

[2-11Troops-Support]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=03-04 TC1:08:42]
[GRAPHIC=Homefront]
Hundreds of people gathered in Franklin County last night to show support for our troops in Iraq. As Teresa Hamilton reports, close to 700 people made sure their voices were heard.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Nat sound]
[SUPER=203-Rocky Mount; :00]
[SUPER=201-Latonya Trotter/Military Wife; :17]
[SUPER=201-Linda McCullum/Military Wife; :42]
[SUPER=201-Christopher Riddle; 1:23]
[SUPER=220-Teresa Hamilton/thamilton*wdbj7.com; 1:40]
[RUNS=1:50]
[OUT Q=NEWS7, Rocky Mount. NAT CLAPPING]
(((////sot////)
[sot]
[in q= nat sound]
(( nat sound )) [runs05]
[out q= ]
Rocky Mount may be small but the message here was loud and clear... as hundreds from the community gathered at Franklin County high school to show their support for American troops and their families.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:43:00]
[IN Q= I REALLY ]
(( LATONYA TROTTER/MILITARY WIFE: I REALLY EXPECTED IT TO BE PEOPLE LINKED TO THE MILITARY AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE WHO HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER, THEY'RE JUST HERE BECAUSE THEY SUPPORT IT AND THE GUYS AND GALS WHO HAVE TO BE GONE. )) [runs15]
[out q=WHO HAVE TO BE GONE. ]
Latonya Trotters husband is among a group of Franklin County soldiers expected to arrive in Kuwait this week....a group that also includes Linda McCullum's husband.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:40:59]
[IN Q= IT'S JUST ]
(( LINDA MCCULLUM/MILITARY WIFE: IT'S JUST NOT LIKE ANYTHING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED, I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT IT FEELS LIKE, HARD. YEAH, YEAH, VERY HARD. )) [RUNS16]
[OUT Q= YEAH, YEAH, VERY HARD. ]
That's why a dozen or so local churches decided to organize this vigil... to show local families they're not alone. Time was also set aside to remember POW's, those missing in action and those who've already paid the ultimate price.

(///sot///)
[sot]
[in q=]
((nat sound)) [runs05]
[out q= ]
Christopher Riddle's brother is also expected to arrive in Kuwait-- and he expects to follow in his footsteps.
(///sot///)
[sot 14:36:53]
[inq= 14:36:53]
((CHRISTOPHER RIDDLE: I'LL BE PULLING SECURITY FOR A CONVOY HOPEFULLY, BUT I DO THINK WE'RE DOING THE RIGHT THING, AND EVEN IF I DIDN'T A SOLDIERS, WE SWORE TO DEFEND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND WE'RE DOING WHAT WE'RE TOLD. )) [RUNS 13]
[OUT Q=WHAT WE'RE TOLD.]
And, as long as they're needed-- folks in this crowd plan to stand behind the men and women they call local heroes.

Teresa Hamilton, NEWS7, Rocky Mount.))

[2-11City-Council]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-01 TC1:41:50]
[GRAPHIC=None]
There is still some debate in Roanoke City Council over plans to reoganize the Fire and EMS department, but the city is still moving ahead to build a new downtown fire station.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Roanoke City Council approved the purchase of land at the corner of Elm Avenue and Franklin Road.
Members say the new station will improve fire protection downtown, but Linda Wyatt questioned the wisdom of closing two existing stations.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=I have serious]
((LINDA WYATT/ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: I HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE FIRE STATIONS. I DON'T THINK ONE BIGGER IS BETTER.)) ((I THINK IT'S A GREAT PLAN. I THINK THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE MORE EQUIPMENT DOWNTOWN, SO IT'S NOT JUST THE LADDER TRUCK , YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT A WHOLE VARIETY OF TYPES OF EQUIPMENT.))
[SUPER=@Wyatt; :00]
[SUPER=@Carder; :10]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=a whole variety types of equipment.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

City Council also approved funding for repairs to the Fire Station Number One. The historic station may become a museum, and the money will be used to restore the bell tower.
(------------)

[2Time-Warner]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=Net]
[GRAPHIC=Fire]

It was a busy morning for New York City firefighters.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]

More than 160 firefighters responded to a four- alarm blaze in the Time Warner building.
The fire started around 12-30 A-M.
Authorities say the 54- story building was already under construction.
The flames were on floors four through seven.
One person was taken to the hospital for treatment.
It took firefighters about two hours to bring the blaze under control.
(------------)

[2Marketwatch]

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

In business news, a court decision sets limits on product liability lawsuits.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Continental Airlines]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:35]
[OUT Q=I'm Alexis Christoforous in New York.]
[BUMP] [COMM]

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

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

The fate of Saddam Hussein is unknown after an American plane dropped bunker- busting bombs at the location where the Iraqi leader was believed to be meeting with his sons.
And a U-S commander says the latest fighting in western Baghdad as killed at least 50 Iraqis.
Officials say two Americans were wounded.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
A man is now charged with murder and firearms violations following Friday's killings of a Roanoke woman and her four children.
Clinton Andrew Brathwaite was arraigned on those charges yesterday.
But more charges are likely.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

The U-S Supreme Court has upheld Virginia's law banning cross- burning.
In a 6-to-3 vote, the Court yesterday rejected claims that cross-burning is protected as free speech.
The decision is based on a 1998 incident in Carroll County.
(----------------)

[Hollywood-Minute]

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

If you just can't wait for an early look at "The Matrix" sequel, you'll have to watch some Arena Football instead of the Masters. Brooke Anderson has that story and more in the Hollywood Minute.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=With the Hollywood]
[SUPER=01-Brooke Anderson/Reporting; :50]
[RUNS=1:10]
[OUT Q=I'm Brooke Anderson]

((WITH THE HOLLYWOOD MINUTE...I'M BROOKE ANDERSON.
THE BOX OFFICE NUMBERS ARE IN...AND IT SEEMS "PHONE BOOTH" DIALED IN AS THE NUMBER ONE MOVIE THIS WEEKEND. THE THRILLER--FEATURING COLIN FERRELL AS A MAN TRAPPED INSIDE A TELEPHONE BOOTH BY A SNIPER -- RACKED IN 15 MILLION DOLLARS. THE TEEN FLICK "WHAT A GIRL WANTS" STARRING AMANDA BYNES LANDED THE NUMBER TWO SPOT...BRINGING IN 12 POINT ONE MILLION DOLLARS... WHILE VIN DIESEL'S NEW ACTION FLICK --"A MAN APART" --ROUNDED OUT THE TOP THREE...WITH 11 POINT TWO MILLION. AS FOR A BIG MOVIE HITTING THEATERS NEXT MONTH...IF YOU'RE DYING FOR A SNEAK PREVIEW OF "THE MATRIX" SEQUEL, YOU'LL HAVE TO WATCH SOME ARENA FOOTBALL TO GET IT. A TWO-AND-A-HALF MINUTE TRAILER FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL WILL AIR FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING N-B-C'S ARENA LEAGUE FOOTBALL COVERAGE THIS SUNDAY.
THE TRAILER IS SET TO AIR AT 3PM EASTERN. "THE MATRIX RELOADED" OPENS MAY 15-TH.
AND AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS OF DATING, RUSSELL CROWE FINALLY SAID, I DO. THE ACTOR AND HIS 32-YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND DANIELLE SPENCER, TIED THE KNOT IN A SMALL CHAPEL IN AUSTRALIA MONDAY. THE NUPTIALS CAME ON CROWE'S 39TH BIRTHDAY. ONLY CROWE'S CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WERE ON THE INVITE LIST... WITH FEW CELEBRITIES AMONG THE 80 GUESTS.
WITH THE HOLLYWOOD MINUTE...I'M BROOKE ANDERSON. [SPORTS NEXT] ))