12:00-01

NOON-HEADLINES

TALENT=
SS=None
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VO-NAT


A deathrap in the Philippines as a disco filled with young people goes up in flames,
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ANCHOR=Melanie

and it's a homecoming for frustrated Wisconsin residents locked out of their homes since a fiery train derailment.
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TALENT=Patrick
SS=None


Persistent rain has dropped over an inch already in many locations, with more to come this afternoon.
We'll cool off quite a bit overnight, and could see some snow showers, all that's coming up in your noontide forecast.
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ANCHOR=Melanie
ss=none


Don't go away, the news is next.

Philippines


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=fatal fire


The Philippines government has ordered an inquiry into the worst fire in the nation's history.
Yesterday's blaze in a Quezon (KAY- zhan) City nightclub killed at least 150 with scores still missing.
Many died in the panic to escape.
The dance club had no fire exit and was ten times over capacity when the fire broke out.
The club had been approved for use by 35 people, but was packed with nearly 400.
Gaby Tabunar has more.
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SOT
IN Q=Most of the victims
SUPER=03-Philippines; :00
SUPER=01-Gaby Tabunar/Reporting; :56
RUNS=1:15
OUT Q=Gaby Tabunar, CBS News, Manila;

(( Most of the victims recovered so far were women, part of the more than hundred people that were killed by a fire that razed a disco in a Manila suburb.
Police who questioned witnesses said many of the fatalities died in the stampede that followed the instant people started shouting "fire." More were crushed to death when the ceiling of the dance hall collapsed. The bodies were found by firemen near the door of the dance hall and along the narrow passegeway leading to the hall. Indeed many survivors told of a shrieking crowd in a mass stampede through the narrow corridor to escape the flames that engulfed the disco.
As rescuers recovered the bodies, relatives outside waitied for word of those still missing.
The mother of a youngster who was with a group that held a birthday party in the disco. Also in the disco, a bigger group marking the end of the school year.
What was to have been a night of fun and celebration turned into a tragedy witnesses said the fire was caused by a short circuited electronic equipment in a music booth. But whatever the cause, young lives were lost. A police official called it the worst fire ever in the Philippines.
Gaby Tabunar, CBS News, Manila.))

MEXICO-CHOPPER


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=none


And in Mexico City a fiery crash as bank robbers in a getaway car shot down a police helicopter.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Mexico City, Mexico;


Three people aboard the chopper were killed and one seriously injured when it hit the roof of an elementary school.
Only fifteen minutes earlier the school had been filled with children waiting to be picked up by their parents.
Three of the accused robbers were apprehended but police are still searching for more suspects.
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Wisconsin


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=none


In Wisconsin today, officials are conducting a final safety inspection to determine if residents of Weyauwega can finally move back home.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Weyauwega, WI;


The town of 17-hundred was forced to evacuate two weeks ago when a freight train loaded with propane derailed.
Sunday night, an explosives expert set off a spectacular blast to burn the remaining propane.
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SOT
IN Q=
((SOT, LT. COL. PETER FOX, WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD: TWO TANK CARS THAT WERE

REMAINING WERE OPENED AND THEIR LOADS...THE GREAT BULK OF THEIR LOADS EMPTIED INTO LITTLE CONTAINMENT PITS WHERE THE LIQUID PROPANE THEN BURNED. ))
SUPER=01-Lt. Col. Peter Fox/Wisconsin National Guard;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=where liquid propane burned.
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VO-NAT


A fraction of the town's residents have already returned to their houses.
They are the folks who live at least a couple miles from the derailment.
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wipe wipe wipe

oil-spill


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=mornin
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=WIPE/WIPE
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Galveston Bay, TX/Yesterday;


In Texas environmental workers are trying to clean up a massive oil spill in Galveston Bay.
A barge ran aground yesterday and leaked more than 170-thousand gallons of oil.
The barge could potentially leak its entire load of 714- thousand gallons.
The spill stretches at least five miles.
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220-Ax


ANCHOR=mel
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-15
GRAPHIC=none


Driving rains and slick roads could be to blame for a couple of accidents this morning.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


Officials say the wreck looked much worse than it actually was.
Northbound lanes on Route 2-20 near Clearbrook were blocked for about twenty minutes, after five cars collided.
There were no serious injuries, but five people were taken to the hospital.
Police are still trying to figure out exactly how the accident happened.
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wipe wipe wipe

460-Ax


ANCHOR=Mel
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=jmc
TAPE#96-24
GRAPHIC=wipe wipe wipe
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.;


And on Route 460 near Laymantown Road, a tractor-trailer collided with three other vehicles, including a V-DOT truck.
State police say the truck driver was headed west, tried to stop and skidded into the crossover lane.
Three people were taken to the hospital, but officials say their injuries did NOT appear to be life-threatening.
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tease#1

HARD MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


When News 7 returns,
The midwest may hand Bob Dole the Republican nomination today,
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VO-NAT

and in what could be a medical first, a woman becomes pregnant and has a baby while she's in a coma.
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wx-tease music up full
comm1

Bosnia


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=bosnia


After four years of war, Bosnia's capital has been reuinted.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Sarajevo, Bosnia;


The Serbs today handed over the last of five Sarajevo suburbs to the Muslim- Croat federation.
The departing Serbs tossed grenades and set buildings ablaze before fleeing Grbavica (grehb-uh-VEE'-chuh). The unification is a key provision of the U-S brokered peace accord.
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PRIMARIES


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=mel
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=Dole


Bob Dole could wrap up the Republican presidential nomination today with primary wins in four Midwest states.
But two new polls find Dole would still lose to
SS=clinton, bill

President Clinton if the general election were today.
One of the surveys DOES suggest Mr. Clinton's lead is shrinking.

Budget


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=clinton


It isn't the election but the budget that has the President's attention today.
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VO-NAT


President Clinton sent Congress his one-point-six trillion-dollar budget for fiscal year 19-97, which he says balances the budget "the right way."
Republicans already dismiss the plan, saying it does too little to curb expensive benefit programs such as Medicare.
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COMA-RAPE


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# net
GRAPHIC=medical news


A New York woman who was allegedly raped while in a coma like state, delivered her baby prematurely yesterday.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Rochester, NY/Yesterday;


Doctors believe this is the first case of someone getting pregnant, and then giving birth while in a chronic vegetative state.
A doctor in Rochester says the two-pound, 11-ounce boy and his mother appear to be doing fine.
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SOT
IN Q=

4:08:07 ((DR. JAMES WOODS: THE RISKS ARE LUNG DEVELOPMENT, NUTRUITION AND ON A REGULAR BASIS AND DOCTORS HERE ARE VERY SKILLED TO ADDRESS THOSE CHALLENGES. ))
SUPER=01-Dr. James Woods/Strong Memorial Hospital;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=THOSE CHALLENGES.
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VO-NAT


Officials say the mother, injured in a 19-85 car crash, was raped in a nursing home last summer.
Her parents are considering raising the child themselves.
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Drug-Abuse


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=kmc
TAPE#96-18
GRAPHIC=None


Speed and Ritalin are fast becoming the American teenager's drugs of choice.
Locally, these dangerous fads are not catching on as fast, but they are present, and other drugs are still popular.
Kimberly McBroom has the story.
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SOT
IN Q=It's a drug prescribed
SUPER=@File; :10
SUPER=01-Steve Eckstein/Richfield Pharmacy; :23
SUPER=01-Tom Kincaid/Roanoke Co. Police; 1:03
SUPER=@Kimberly1; 1:16
RUNS=1:33
OUT Q=McBroom, News 7


((It's a drug prescribed to treat hyperactive children, but Ritalin is often abused by teens for its effects as a stimulant.
And when abused, it can be deadly.
Last year a Roanoke high school senior died after snorting the drug at a party.
Local health officials say incidents of Ritalin abuse continue to increase-- mainly from teens who buy or steal the drug from younger children taking the medication.
That's why parents have to take control.
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SOT 18:15:03
IN Q=As a parent

((STEVE ECKSTEIN/RICHFIELD PHARMACY: AS A PARENT, YOU PRETTY MUCH HAVE TO KEEP THIS STUFF IN YOUR POSSESSION AND GIVE IT TO THEM AS THEY NEED IT. ))
RUNS=:06


Meanwhile, methamphetamine or speed is also hitting the fast track as the preferred drug in much of the U-S.
It's an often hazardous mix of drugs like ephedrine or dexedrine and various chemicals.
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SOT 18:17:30

((THESE THINGS ARE VERY DANGEROUS. SOME OF THESE PRODUCTS ARE HOME-MADE OR SHIPPED IN FROM UNDERGROUND LABS. ANYTHING THAT IS NOT MADE IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT CAN JUST DOWNRIGHT BE DANGEROUS. ))
RUNS=:14


Although methamphetamine hasn't taken the Roanoke Valley by storm-- it has made its presence known.
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SOT 17:34:19

((TOM KINCAID/ROANOKE CO. POLICE: SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF DRUGS TO SPREAD TO OTHER AREAS. YOU ALSO HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT YOU'RE DEALING WITH NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS THAT WERE GIVEN TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT-- SO IT WASN'T NECESSARILY AS ACCURATE AS WE'D LIKE IT TO BE. ))
RUNS=:14

standup here
While trendy drugs like Ritalin and Methamphetamine aren't as common here locally, Kincaid says there's still a high usage of marijuana and L-S-D.
But as drug abuse is still a problem-- Kincaid says outreach programs like D.A.R.E. are spreading the message to end it.
Kimberly McBroom, News 7.))
Tease#2

SOFT MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


Still to come --
What cars top the list when it comes to reliability,
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VO-NAT

and the U.S. Forest Service is trying to get a jump on the fire season.
We'll show you how they're doing it when News 7 returns.
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music up full comm2

Fire-Safety


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=12
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE#96-23
GRAPHIC=fire safety


The Roanoke fire that killed four children in January is focusing new attention on fire safety in the city schools.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


During the next two weeks, teams of firefighters are visiting classes in all of the city's elementary schools.
They hope to reach more than seven thousand students in kindergarten through fifth grades.
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SOT
IN Q=Throughout the school year

((EDWARD FIELDER/ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL: THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR, WE HAVE PROGRAMS, PUPPET SHOWS THAT WE DO AND AT THIS POINT IN TIME WE'RE CONCENTRATING ON ALL OF THE SCHOOLS, NOT JUST HIT AND MISS. WE'RE GOING TO HIT EVERY KID IN SCHOOL WITH THE MESSAGE THAT WE HAVE TO GO OUT THESE TWO WEEKS.))
SUPER=01-Edward Fielder/Assistant Fire Marshal;
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=these two weeks.
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=hold


The firefighters are teaching the students how to plan for an emergency, how to summon help by dialing 911, and what to do if they're are caught in a fire.
They also hope the students will encourage their parents to review fire safety in their homes.

Forest-Fires


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=spr
TAPE#96-21
GRAPHIC=Forest Fire Dangers


Last spring, brush fires scorched more than five-thousand acres of national forest in Craig County.
Now officials say preparation and a new firefighting tool will help them do a better job of battling blazes this season.
Scott Prince has that story.
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SOT
IN Q=It's nearly been
SUPER=@File; :00
SUPER=01-Bob Boardwine/U.S. Forest Service; :10
SUPER=03-Craig Co.; :21
SUPER=@Scott1; :40
SUPER=01-Steve Elmore/U.S. Forest Service; :53
RUNS=1:17
OUT Q=S.P. News 7


(( It's nearly been a year since the devastating brush fires in Craig County.
But the memories still burn on.
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SOT 1:12:56
IN Q=It gives us

((BOB BOARDWINE/U.S. FOREST SERVICE: IT GIVES US SOMETHING TO REFLECT BACK ON AND KIND OF WORK OFF THAT BASE-- O.K. HERE'S THE WORST CASE SCENARIO TYPE OF SITUATION. IF THAT HAPPENS AGAIN WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? ))
RUNS=:11
OUT Q=going to do


Right now, THIS is what they're doing. Nat sound
RUNS=:02


Step tests are being administered by the U- S Forest Service, to make sure volunteer fire fighters are in strong physical condition. Nat sound 3:20:06 ((A SCORE OF 51, WHICH IS GOOD. ANYTHING IN THE FIFTY'S IS REAL GOOD.))
RUNS=:04

Stand up 3:33:59
(( Preparations go far beyond step tests.
Volunteers go through dozens of hours of training before they're allowed to fight a fire.))
RUNS=:08

end stand up
But when volunteers ARE called out to battle a forest fire, they'll be able to use a new weapon.
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SOT 1:33:21
IN Q=The one thing

((STEVE ELMORE/U.S. FOREST SERVICE: THE ONE THING I'VE GOT ON THIS ONE THAT I DIDN'T HAVE BEFORE IS FOAM CAPABILITY. THAT'S THE LATEST CRAZE THAT SEEMS TO BE IT IN BRUSH FIRES. ))
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=in brush fires


Forestry officials are confident these measures will aid them this fire season.
But they know that even with new equipment and well- trained volunteers, the threat of brush fires will never be extinguished.
Scott Prince, News- 7.))

CARS


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


Cars from Japan again top the list for most reliable cars.
That's what "Consumer Reports" magazine says in its annual auto issue.
Acura, Infiniti, Honda, and Nissan luxury lines are the models with the fewest problems.
G-M'S Saturn and Geo were best among American brands.
Volvo and B-M-W were the most reliable European cars.

Gassman


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#96-10
GRAPHIC=national economy


Consumer sentiment may not be a reliable indicator on how the U-S economy is doing, according to a leading analyst.
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VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


Ken Gassman works for Davenport- and- Company, a Richmond brokerage firm that has an office in Roanoke.
He says many people think our economy is heading for a slowdown, when, in reality, most economists predict it is growing moderately.
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SOT 1:01:26
IN Q=If we

((KEN GASSMAN/DAVENPORT & COMPANY: IF WE MEASURE THE GROWTH OF THE U-S ECONOMY AGAINST THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE DECADE OF THE 1980'S, IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE IN A SLOW GROWTH ECONOMY, BUT IN FACT IF YOU LOOK AT THE UNDERLYING FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS IN TODAY'S ECONOMY, AND THAT IS LOW INFLATION RATES, LOW INTEREST RATES, LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, THAT WILL TELL YOU THAT IN FACT THE ECONOMY IS HEALTHY, BUT IT'S GROWING MUCH MORE SLOWLY.))
SUPER=01-Ken Gassman/Consumer Analyst-Davenport & Co.;
RUNS=:24
OUT Q=much more slowly.
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=hold


Gassman says the reason the economy is growing more slowly is because consumer and business spending has gone down.
But in fact he believes our economy now resembles the situation we were in during the 1950's, when there was moderate growth in a peacetime economy.



HOUSING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=housing


Housing starts have hit their highest level in more than a year.
The government says construction of new homes rose three percent in February.
Analysts had predicted a decline.
The National Association of Home Builders says it shows builders are more confident and consumers are trying to beat rising mortgage rates.

Stocks


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=cro
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=stocks


Stock prices rose in early trading today, before pulling back on Wall Street.
At noon the Dow was DOWN one point.
tease#3

SPORTS MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Melanie


Don't go away -
The hard work of two coaches at V-M-I pays off with new contracts,
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VO-NAT

and a high school coach is honored by the Associated Press.
Stick around - Patrick has sports next.
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MUSIC UP FULL comm4

State


ANCHOR=patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=sma
TAPE#=BB96-2
GRAPHIC=Harry Johnson


Harry Johnson is named the triple A coach of the year by the Associated Press.
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VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Lynchburg/AAA State Championship; :00


Johnson ended a 19 year career at G.W. Danville by coaching the Eagles to their first state title since 1933 and a perfect 27 and OH record.
The A-P named William Fleming 6' 5" senior James Stokes to the 1st team all state squad.
Danville's Bobby Wimbush was named to the state's first team as well.
Eagle teammate Tyrone Robertson was a second team all state selection.
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VMI


ANCHOR=patrick
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#S6-1
GRAPHIC=VMI


The V-M-I football and basketball programs are getting a welcome boost as both head coaches receive huge votes of confidence.
Mike Stevens has more from Lexington.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=FIRST AUDIO
SUPER=03-Lexington/Yesterday; :00
SUPER=01-Bill Stewart/VMI Head Football Coach; :05
SUPER=01-Bart Bellairs/VMI Head Basketball Coach; :23
SUPER=01-Davis Babb/VMI Athletic Director; :37
SUPER=@MIKE1; 1:54
RUNS=2:08
OUT Q=...news 7 sports."
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(( With the Marshall museum and library as the backdrop, basketball boss Bart Bellairs and head football coach Bill Stewart inked six-year contract extensions that will keep them on the barracks into the next century. ((BILL STEWART/VMI HEAD FOOTBALL COACH:)) ((BART BELLAIRS/VMI HEAD BASKETBALL COACH:)) ((DAVIS BABB/VMI ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:))
Bellairs took VMI hoops to new levels this past season with 18 wins. He's also found a way to put people in the stands at Cameron Hall and get big name programs to play in Lexington. ((BART BELLAIRS:))
For the 43 year old Stewart, the 6 year deal is a God Send. After spending the past 16 years at 9 different programs, this is the stability he's wished for for his wife and 18 month old son.)) ((BILL STEWART:)) ((MIKE STEVENS:))
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wrap


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=AMO
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=NONE

(******patrick ad lib********) (toss to mel)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


And coming up today on the Health Check Report, just which vitamin supplements do you need to worry about?
We'll have a report on the fact AND fiction behind some manufacturers' claims.
That's it for News 7 at Noon.
For the day's news, sports and weather don't miss News 7 at Five and Six. Have a great day.
by SS