WDBJ 7 morning news for 11/13/03

[11Sex-Talk]

[ANCHOR=Kim]

[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jus]
[TAPE#=03-49 TC09:41]
[GRAPHIC=News 7 Mornin']

Despite outcries, a controversial "sex themed TV show" is back on the Virginia Tech campus.
The producers have made changes but refused to tell us what they are.
Justin McLeod was however allowed to sit in on last night's taping and has more from Blacksburg.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg/Last Night; :00]
[SUPER=04-September 24; :]
[SUPER=01-Stephanie Nicholas/Virginia Tech Student; :24]
[SUPER=01-Jarett Henshaw/Show Creator; :45]
[SUPER=01-Jeff Chang/Virginia Tech Student; 1:07]
[SUPER=@justin1; 1:13]
[RUNS=1:28]
[OUT Q=JM, News 7]
((((NAT SOUND OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE GOING INTO TAPING))
A little over sixty students showed up for the latest taping of Sex Talk Live.
The producers say it's entertaining but educational.
[SOT 20:22:04]
[IN Q=It's not educational]
((ANDREA BONIFACE/VIRGINA TECH FRESHMEN: IT'S NOT EDUCATION. IT'S DEFINITELY ENTERTAINMENT.)) [Runs02]
[OUT Q=definetely entertainment]

Entertainment that in the past has offered sexual counseling, sexual games, and sexual toys as prizes.
Some feel the show is degrading and protested outside.
[SOT 20:12:30]
[IN Q=They're asking]
((STEPHANIE NICHOLAS/VT STUDENT: THEY'RE ASKING WOMEN TO PARTAKE IN FAKE ORGASM CONTESTS AND DEEP THROATING BANANA CONTESTS AND SEXUAL POSITION CHARADES AND I JUST FEEL THAT IS NOT A VERY GOOD PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN.)) [Runs10]
[OUT Q=portrayl of women]

Others like Delegate Bob Marshall of Manassas find the show inappropriate altogether.
He's threatened to shut off funding if Virginia Tech doesn't pull the plug.
[SOT 20:16:01]
[IN Q=Some people might]
((JARETT HENSHAW/SHOW'S CREATOR: SOME PEOPLE MIGHT DISAGREE WITH US TALKING ABOUT SEX AND THINGS LIKE THAT AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY BUT WE ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT IF WE LIKE.)) [Runs09]
[OUT Q=about it if we like]

Even so, the producers have toned down the show.
There are still sexual games and plenty of sexual talk, but the sexual toys are now wrapped up and contestants can request a non sexual prize.
[SOT 20:23:12]
[IN Q=I think it is funny]
((JEFF CHANG/VIRGINIA TECH FRESHMEN: I THINK IT IS FUNNY. IT'S APPROPRIATE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS, IT'S NOT LIKE THERE'S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HERE WATCHING THE SHOW.)) [Runs05]
[OUT Q=watching the show]
[SOT ]
[IN Q=Volunteers with the]
((JUSTIN McLEOD/REPORTING: VOLUNTEERS WITH THE SHOW CHECKED I'D'S TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE WAS OVER 18. AS FOR DELEGATE BOB MARSHALL'S THREATS TO PULL FUNDING FOR VIRGINIA TECH, HE SAID OVER THE PHONE HE WANTS TO SEE WHAT THE LATEST TAPING WAS LIKE BEFORE MOVING FORWARD. JUSTIN McLEOD, NEWS 7.))))

[11Rumley]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Murder Invest.]

An 18 year old accused of shooting a Martinsville man to death is behind bars.
(XXXXXXX)
[TAKE PINNACLE FS]
Marcus Jerome Rumley was arrested and charged with second degree murder yesterday.
Investigators believe Rumley shot 28-year old Fredriquez (Fred-reek-ezz) Monzale Finney several times Monday, then took his Ford Expedition SUV.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=Marcus Rumley]

Rumley's being held in the Henry County jail without bond.

[Sniper-Trial]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Muhammad]

Today a jury could begin deliberating the fate of the Washington- area sniper suspect John Muhammad.
[SS=Malvo]

At the same time, opening arguments are set to begin in the trial of Muhammad's alleged partner, Lee Malvo.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Prosecutors will say Muhammad used his influence over Malvo to create a killer willing to follow orders.
That argument could help Malvo's defense.
The 18-year-old's attorneys will tell the jury their client was brainwashed by the older suspect.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=We will concentrate]
((CRAIG COOLEY/MALVO DEFENSE ATTORNEY:WE WILL CONCENTRATE PARTICULARLY ON THE BACKGROUND OF EACH OF THE TWO DEFENDANTS ON THIS CASE AND THE RELATIONSHIP THAT DEVELOPED AS MISTER MUHAMMAD BEGAN THE PROCESS OF INDOCTRINATION. ))
[SUPER=01-Craig Cooley/Malvo Defense Attorney;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=process of indoctrination.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Meanwhile, the jury may also hear Malvo on tape confessing to some of the sniper shootings.
Jurors in the Muhammad trial could have a verdict by the end of the week.
(------------)

[Kobe]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Kobe Bryant]

Kobe Bryant is heading back to Colorado today.
He's facing the judge for the first time who'll preside over his sexual assault trial.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

During the brief hearing, the N-B-A star is expected to be formally advised of the charge against him and the penalty he faces if convicted.
That could range from four years to life in prison.
He could also face a lengthy probation.
Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a hotel worker at a Colorado resort.
(------------)

[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq]

President Bush is under pressure to shorten the U- S occupation in Iraq.
The administration is looking for ways to get the Iraqis to take charge of their country more quickly.
Several options have been discussed in top-level Washington meetings.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Nasiriyah, Iraq;]

Meanwhile, the search for survivors of yesterday's suicide bombing has ended in Southern Iraq.
At least 26 people were killed, including 18 Italian police officers and soldiers.
In Baghdad today, another American soldier was killed in a roadside bombing.
(------------)

[11Renfro-Closing]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=03-43 TC49:40]
[GRAPHIC=Layoffs]
Hundreds of laid off workers in Pulaski won't be left behind.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Pulaski]

Congressman Rick Boucher says all 315 workers of the Renfro Corporation will get help from the U.S. Department of Labor with job retraining and health insurance premiums.
The sock manufacturer announced Tuesday that it is closing its Pulaski plant. Company officials blame competition from foreign markets and dropping prices for the closing.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT:3:09:30:00]
[IN Q=Certainly, pricing]
((DAVID GREEN: CERTAINLY PRICING PRESSURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD HAVE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED OUR BUSINESS AND WITH THOSE PRICING PRESSURES COMES THE OVERALL DECLINE IN DEMAND FOR APPAREL.))
[SUPER=01-David Green/Renfro Corporation; :00]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=demand for apparel.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Renfro laid off 166 workers last August. The plant will officially close on January 10th.
(------------)

[Marketwatch]

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

In business news, Applied Materials reports a profit.
Alexis Christoforous has that story and more in this morning's Marketwatch.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Alexis Christoforous/Reporting; :00]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=in New York, I'm AC.]

((GOOD NEWS FROM ACOMPUTER CHIP GIANT COULD GIVE A LIFT TO TECH STOCKS TODAY...
APPLIED MATERIALS POSTED ITS FIRST PROFIT IN OVER A YEAR. THE COMPANY HAS CUT JOBS AND CLOSED SOME PLANTS OVER THE PAST YEAR TO BE BACK IN THE BLACK. APPLIED MATERIALS EXPECTS BUSINESS TO CONTINUE TO PICKUP AS COMPANIES BEGIN SPENDING MORE AGAIN ON EQUIPMENT.
ALSO ON THE STOCKS TO WATCH LIST: BOEING SAYS IT WILL SELL 30 OF ITS 737 MODEL COMMERCIAL JETS TO FIVE OF CHINA'S AIRLINES IN A DEAL VALUED AT ABOUT 1.7 BLN.
North Carolina's treasurer has ordered a "thorough review" of the state's contracts with Alliance Capital. The move comes just days after the mutualfund company ousted two executives in the wake of trading improprieties uncovered at the firm.
on wall street.. the stock market snapped a three day losing streak led by tech stocks
the dow up 111 points
the nasdaq rallied 42.
AND ACCORDING TO A BEAR STEARNS REPORT.. Corporate pension plans are on the path to recovery after struggling with underfunding problems last year. The report cites the rising stock market and stable interest rates for the better outlook for pension funds.
TRACK THE PRE MARKET ACTION AT CBS.MW.COM IN NEW YORK I'M AC.))

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

[Senate-Debate]

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

They're still gabbing away on Capitol Hill this morning--
(++++++++)
[TAKE LIVE PICTURE]
[SUPER=05-Washington, DC;]

You're looking at a live picture from Washington.
The Senate is talking its way through a 30- hour, uninterrupted debate on President Bush's judicial nominees.
They say they'll keep it up until midnight tonight.
Cots have been placed outside the Senate chamber for members who want to take a quick nap.
Meanwhile, as long as Congress is in session, the Capitol remains open to visitors.
(++++++++)

[11Picard]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mjo]
[TAPE#=03-39 TC1:33:53]
[GRAPHIC=Chris Picard]

Christopher Picard is a free man, but investigators are working to change that.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Franklin Co.;]

A new lead took prosecutor Cliff Hapgood and investigators back to a field in Glade Hill yesterday where they believe Lori Boyd was killed.
The search was sparked by a letter prosecutors received Monday.
The field is where some of Boyd's belongings -- and signs of a struggle -- were found last October.
[SUPER=03-Rocky Mount/Tuesday;]

Christopher Picard lives nearby -- and says he just came across the items and touched them.
The 23-year-old, on trial Tuesday for capital murder, was released after prosecutors announced they had new evidence to pursue.
Picard told News-7 he's innocent.
(------------)

[11City-Stadium]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=03-35 TC1:51:59]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Roanoke City officials say they have their work cut out for them, after construction bids for the new stadium and amphitheater came in higher than expected.
Six companies submitted bids ranging from 13 point four million dollars to 14 and a half million. As Joe Dashiell reports city officials were hoping for something less.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=OPENS ON NAT SOUND]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke; :11]
[SUPER=01-Phil Schirmer/City Engineer; :25]
[SUPER=01-Brian Wishneff/Citizens for a Sensible Stadium Decision; :45]
[SUPER=@Joe2; 1:02]
[RUNS=1:19]
[OUT Q=JD News 7 Roanoke]
(( [OPEN ON NAT SOUND OF BID OPENING 14:05:14]
[IN Q=R.L. Price construction]
((R.L. PRICE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED, BASE BID 14 MILLION.))
[RUNS= :09]
[OUT Q=14 million.]

As Sharon Gentry opened the six bids, a collection of contractors, city officials and reporters tallied the results.
The site work that's now under way came in under budget, and city offiicals had hoped for the same with the construction bids, but that was not to be.
[SOT]
[IN Q=today, we're pleased]
((TODAY WE'RE VERY PLEASED WE GOT THE RESPONSE THAT WE DID. THEY'RE A LITTLE BIT HIGHER THAN WE HOPED FOR OBVIOUSLY, WE NEED TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT OUR BUDGET AND ASSESS WHERE WE WANT TO GO NEXT.))
[RUNS= :10]
[OUT Q=where we want to go next.]

Meanwhile, stadium Opponent Brian Wishneff says the bids support his argument that the city will have trouble completing the project for the 18-million dollars city officials have set aside.
[SOT]
[IN Q=His only choice normally]
((HIS ONLY CHOICE NORMALLY IS TO ADJUST THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT OR THE QUALITY OF THE PROJECT, WHICH MEANS CUT DOWN THE SIZE OR CUT DOWN ON SOME ASPECT OF THE PROJECT.))
[RUNS= :17]
[OUT Q=some aspect of the project.]

State law allows the city to negotiate with the apparent low bidder, Thor Incorporated. Or the project could be redesigned to bring it under budget.
City engineer Phil Schirmer says members of his staff will take a week or two to analyze the bids and consider their options.
Joe Dashiell News 7 Roanoke))

[11VA-MRI]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jsu]
[TAPE#=03-40 TC1:10:34]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The Salem V-A now has its own MRI.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem]

That means veterans will no longer have to travel to other hospitals for an MRI.
Doctors say it will mean quicker test results and faster treatment.
The MRI is available five days a week. While the service is free for veterans, this technology cost the VA more than 3 million dollars.
(------------)

(Kimberly tosses to bump)

[bump-chyron]

[comm #3]

[Biz-Brief]

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

(ad-lib school info first)

In business news, The Dow posted a triple digit gain yesterday. Stan Case has more in today's business brief.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Stan Case/Reporting; :]
[RUNS=1:10]
[OUT Q=I'm Stan Case.]

(( STOCKS SURGED WEDNESDAY, AS INVESTORS JUMPED BACK INTO TRADING AFTER THREE DAYS OF CONSOLIDATION.
THE MAJOR INDEXES CLOSED JUST SHY OF NEW MULTI-MONTH HIGHS.

THE DOW WAS UP ONE-HUDRED-ELEVEN POINTS...
...AND THE NASDAQ GAINED 42.

FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES REPORTS LOWER NUMBERS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE PARENT COMPANY OF MACY'S AND BLOOMINGDALE'S POSTED NET INCOME OF 36-CENTS A SHARE FOR THE PERIOD.
THAT'S DOWN FROM 54-CENTS A YEAR AGO, BUT IT BEAT EXPECTATIONS BY THREE-CENTS.

CISCO SYSTEMS IS BUYING LATITUDE COMMUNICATIONS.
CISCO HAS AGREED TO PAY 80-MILLION-DOLLARS FOR THE COMPANY, OR THREE-DOLLARS-95-CENTS FOR EACH SHARE.
CISCO EXPECTS THE DEAL TO BE FINALIZED BY ITS SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2004.
LATITUDE CURRENTLY MANUFACTURES SOFTWARE FOR WEB-BASED CONFERENCING.

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS ASKED THE BANK OF NEW YORK TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT ITS MUTUAL FUND TRANSACTIONS.
BANK OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL COOPERATE WITH THE S-E-C, WHICH IS LOOKING INTO THE PRACTICE OF "LATE TRADING" AMONG HANDLERS OF MUTUAL FUNDS.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK IS THE NATION'S 11-TH LARGEST BANK.

WITH THE BUSINESS BRIEF, I'M STAN CASE.))

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

[5-Death-penalty]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mmu]
[TAPE#=503-03 59:14]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A new study is raising questions about the fairness of Virginia's death penalty.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Jarratt;]

The report says that innocent people have been convicted and sentenced to death in Virginia.
The study published by the A-C-L-U calls for a moratorium on executions until sweeping changes are made.
The report blames the flaws on illegal behavior by prosecutors, incompetent defense lawyers and the state's restrictive appeals process.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 14:13:30]
[IN Q=IN THIS STATE CRIMINAL TRIALS]
((STEVEN BENJAMIN/CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: IN THIS STATE CRIMINAL TRIALS ARE MORE OF A CONTEST BETWEEN LAWYERS THAN A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH.)) ((JOHN WHITEHEAD/THE RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE: NO ONE SUPPORTS THE EXECUTION OF AN INNOCENT PERSON YET IT IS POSSIBLE THAT VIRGINIA HAS ALREADY CONVICTED INNOCENT PERSONS AND THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE INNOCENT ARE NOT EXECUTED.))
[SUPER=01-Steven Benjamin/Criminal Defense Attorney; :00]
[SUPER=01-John Whitehead/The Rutherford Institute; :10]
[RUNS=:19]
[OUT Q=TO ENSURE THAT THE INNOCENT ARE NOT EXECUTED.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

In addition to a temporary freeze on executions, the study recommends establishing a training program for appointed lawyers in capital cases.
The report also urges lawmakers to abolish the death penalty for juveniles.
(------------)

[6-Civic-Center]

[ANCHOR=Kim]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=syo]
[TAPE#=03-35 TC1:51:59]
[GRAPHIC=none]

By this time next year the Salem Civic Center could be expanding.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :20]
[SUPER=03-Salem/July 5;]
The city is advancing a plan to build expand the fairgrounds with an exhibit hall, ballroom and meeting room on the north end of the facility near Texas Street. The head of the Planning Department says Salem is working with two consultants on the project. Although the issue has yet to go before city council Joe Yates says construction could begin next year.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kim]
[SS=None]
Meantime, Salem is hoping to attract at hotel chain to the Civic Center site. Yates says the city would sell two to three acres of the commercially zoned property to a developer if the right deal presented itself.

(Kimberly tosses to bump)
[TRIGGER] [BUMP]