12:00-01

NOON-HEADLINES

TALENT=Melanie
(----------------)
VO-NAT


A gunman goes on a shooting rampage killing several people in Detroit.
(----------------)


And the F-B-I has seized a radar tape that reportedly shows a missile racing toward Flight 800 just before it exploded.
(/////////////)
TALENT=Kimberly
SS=None


Spring is in the air, and it's some very WARM air, too.
You can look forward to high temperatures today near 70.
Get out and enjoy...
(//////////////)
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=NONE


Don't go away, the news is next.

Robbery


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lba
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=bank robbery 4207


Five people were killed this morning in a shooting spree at a bank in Detroit.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Detroit, MI;


The city's police chief says a man walked into the bank screaming, and opened fire.
It appears three people were killed in the building -- then the man walked outside and took a pedestrian hostage.
Police arrived and shot the suspect dead. The hostage also died.
At this time, it is NOT clear whether the hostage was killed by the suspect, or by police bullets.
The police chief says it appears the incident was NOT a robbery attempt, but that the suspect walked into the bank to kill.
(----------------)



E-Abed


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=KHu
TAPE#97-2
GRAPHIC=Joseph Abed


Federal prosecutors say they will NOT present live witnesses this week in the racketeering case against Joe Abed (AAH-bed) and his "organized crime" family.
They contend Abed (AAH-bed) is a danger to the community and a "flight risk" and they claim he lied under oath at his detention hearing last week.
Charges in the case include arson, extortion and murder.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Week;


The Government is declining to put witnesses on at this point in the case.
In its notice to the court the government points to ten earlier cases against Abed (AAH-bed) family members that were dismissed in state court, because witnesses were intimidated.
(----------------)



TWA-TAPE


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


The F-B-I has its hands on a video tape purportedly showing that T-W-A Flight 800 was downed by a missile.
A source close to the investigation says the tape was taken last night from the Florida home of a retired airline pilot.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;


The pilot claims the video is a copy of traffic control radar and shows a missile streaking toward the 7-4-7.
Investigators have said the disaster could have been caused by a missile, a bomb or mechanical trouble.
A federal grand jury may look at a radar tape tomorrow.
(----------------)



E-Stabbing


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=tha
TAPE#97-11
GRAPHIC=None


A Danville woman is in serious condition this afternoon after suffering multiple stab wounds.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Danville/Last Night;


Danville police say 39- year- old Brenda Williams was stabbed approximately six times with a steak knife in the neck, face and shoulders.
It happened last night at a house on Winslow Street.
Police say Williams and another woman argued shortly before the stabbing.
Police questioned a suspect last night but so far no charges have been filed.
(----------------)



p-sugarloaf


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=amo
TAPE#597-12
GRAPHIC=none


An trip to the mailbox sent a Roanoke County girl to the hospital.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


A ten- year- old girl jumped out of her mother's car when it rolled 150 feet down Carolyn Circle in Southwest Roanoke County.
Police say the driver got out of her car to get the mail, then the car started rolling.
It finally stopped after hitting two parked cars.
The child banged her head on the car door while trying to leap out.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 6:20:36
IN Q=THE GIRL WAS IN THE MIDDLE

(( ))
SUPER=01-Chase Ferguson/Witness;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=CAR HIT.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The girl's injuries are NOT life threatening.
Roanoke County police charged the driver with failure to set the parking brake.
(----------------)



fbi-clinton


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=Washington dc


The Senate votes today on a Republican proposal for an investigation into illegal fund-raising during the 19-96 presidential and congressional campaigns.
The proposal is expected to pass.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Washington DC;

4;05:02
Meantime, the F-B-I and President disagree over who was suppose to know about the agency's warning concerning China's alleged plot to buy influence in American politics.
President Clinton said yesterday he was not warned until eight months after other officials.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

(( IF I HAD KNOWN, I WOULD HAVE ASKED THE NSC AND THE CHIEF OF STAFF TO LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE AND MAKE WHATEVER RECOMMENDATIONS WERE APPROPRIATE.))
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=recommendations were appropriate.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The President says he was kept in the dark at the request of the F-B-I.
But the F-B-I says it placed no such restrictions on the information.
(----------------)



ARMY-SCANDAL


ANCHOR=noon
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=none


A Maryland N-DOUBLE A-C-P leader says the "majority" of the sexual misconduct charges against instructors at an Army training base are false.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=@File;


Four female trainees of the Abdeereen proving ground are expected to appear at a news conference today to recant stories of rape by black instructors.
The N-Double A-C-P claims the women made the accusations to avoid prosecution for having consensual sex with superiors.
Seven drill instructors at Aberdeen have been charged with sexual harassment, rape or consensual sex with recruits.
(----------------)



ABORTION-BAN


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=abortion


On Capitol Hill today House and Senate lawmakers are taking another look at so-called partial- birth abortions.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Washington DC;


Joint hearings are now underway on whether to ban the controversial procedure.
President Clinton vetoed a similar bill last year.
(----------------)



Russian-shakeup


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


A major shakeup today in the Russian cabinet.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Moscow;


President Boris Yeltsin announced today that all but two members of his government will resign and be replaced within a week.
The move makes good his promise last week to shake things up and rescue Russia's economy.
The decree apparently means more than 50 people will be ousted.
The Cabinet was formed only eight months ago after Yeltsin won re-election to a four-year term.
(----------------)


E-comet


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=afr
TAPE#97-12
GRAPHIC=NONE


One of the largest comets ever recorded is lighting up the pre-dawn sky.
Andrew Freiden has more.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=a comet is a..
SUPER=01-Greg Topazna/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :00
SUPER=01-John Broderick/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :18
SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :32
SUPER=01-John Semonetti/Virginia Tech Astronomer; :38
SUPER=@Andrew2;1:19
RUNS=1:27
OUT Q=news7, blacksburg

((
SOT 17:50:11
IN Q=a comet

((GREG TOPAZNA/VIRGINIA TECH ASTRONOMER: A COMET IS A DIRTY SNOWBALL, IT'S MOSTLY ICE, WITH BITS OF DUST AND PRIMORDIAL MATTER, THEY WERE AROUND WHEN THE SOLAR SYSTEM WAS FORMED ))
RUNS=:09
OUT Q=WAS FORMED.


Don't call it a meteor-- It's called the comet Hale-Bopp, and it's named after two amateur astronomers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 18:29:21
IN Q=IT'S NO GREAT

((JOHN BRODERICK/VIRGINIA TECH ASTRONOMER: IT'S NO GREAT SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT TO HAVE DISCOVERED A COMET. SO YOU WON'T GET PROMOTED, OR A PAY RAISE, OR JOB SECURITY FROM THAT. SO AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS DO IT. AND IT'S AN IMPORTANT ROLE THAT AMATEURS PLAY. ))
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=AMATEURS PLAY


Folks have already begun sighting the Comet on their morning drive to work-- and the show is only going to get better.
SOT 17:39:28
IN Q=when they come

((JOHN SEMONETTI: WHEN THEY COME, SOMETIMES THEY CAN BE QUITE SPECTACULAR-- SOMETIMES THEY ARE DUDS, THIS IS A SPECTACULAR ONE, I WOULDN'T MISS IT. ))
RUNS=:05
OUT Q=miss it.


For next week or so, The comet is visible right before sunrise, low in the Eastern Sky.
After dark, the comet won't be as bright-- and will only be visible for an hour or so in the Northwest Sky.
From March 20th to the 22nd, The comet will move higher in the twilight sky.
And the best days to view the comet are from March 24th until April 10th.
ON those days, the comet will be very easily found in the Northwest sky, just after dark.
SOT 17:37:43
IN Q=IF YOU REALLY

((IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GET A SPECTACULAR VIEW, OR MAYBE SEE THE LONG TAIL. YOU WANT TO TRY TO GO TO A DARK LOCATION.))
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=LOCATION.


But the Virginia Tech Astronomers say the comet is so big-- you have a front row seat from just about anywhere.
Andrew Freiden, News7, Blacksburg.))

FLOODING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=NOON
WRITER=MEL
TAPE#net
GRAPHIC=flooding


Residents in Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois are preparing for the worst as the crest of the swollen Ohio River slowly makes its way downstream.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Falmouth, KY;


Meanwhile, upriver the mighty Ohio is leaving being a muddy mess.
People displaced by the flooding are beginning to see some relief checks.
Government officials say more than 286 checks totaling 290-thousand dollars have gone out.
(----------------)



Healthy-Hearts


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=spr
TAPE#597-07
GRAPHIC=education


An exercise of the mind may soon teach children how to exercise their bodies.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke;


Exercise and the Internet was one of the issues discussed during an educational conference.
A Virginia Tech professor thinks children can get excited about exercising if they can learn about it via a computer.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 9:27:21
IN Q=We know

((GEORGE GRAHAM/VIRGINIA TECH PROFESSOR: WE KNOW KIDS ENJOY WORKING WITH COMPUTERS AND WATCHING TELEVISION, BUT WE'RE WONDERING IF THAT MEDIUM CAN'T BE ALSO USED TO EDUCATE YOUNGSTERS ABOUT GETTING OUTSIDE, BEING ACTIVE AND GETTING AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. ))
SUPER=01-George Graham/Virginia Tech Professor;
RUNS=:14
OUT Q=the computer
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD


Graham says it's essential for youngsters to learn about their bodies.
He believes if enough health- related web sites were created specifically for kids... it could have a positive impact on their physical development.

S-School-Board


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=jda
TAPE#None
GRAPHIC=Education


Roanoke City Council will have to fill three seats on the school board, but there are almost four times that many candidates.
Eleven people filed applications with the city clerk's office before yesterday's deadline.
School Board Chairman Marsha Ellison is seeking reappointment, but Marilyn Curtis is NOT eligible for another term, and John Saunders is leaving the area.
City Council will choose among the candidates on May 5th.

Crouch


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=ssm
TAPE#net (edit of 96-110)
GRAPHIC=Crouch


Virginia's House of Delegates is losing a veteran politician.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lynchburg


Lynchburg Republican Joyce Crouch announced yesterday she will not run for re-election this fall.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 00:07:18
IN Q=I feel very

((DEL. JOYCE CROUCH/R- LYNCHBURG: I FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT THE SERVICE OF MY EIGHT YEARS THERE. HAD GENERALLY PRETTY GOOD SUCCESS ON MOST OF THE PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT I INTRODUCED, AND PRETTY MUCH GAVE FULL- TIME SERVICE TO THE CONSTITUENCY.))
SUPER=01-Del. Joyce Crouch/(R) Campbell Co.; :00
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=to the constituency.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Two other women in the House of Delegates also may step down this year.
Virginia HAD climbed to 40th in the nation for the number of female lawmakers this past year.
(----------------)



S-Rail-Merger


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#97-3
GRAPHIC=Rail Merger


After months of bickering Norfolk Southern and C-S-X last week decided to split Conrail.
Len Besthoff has been following the story and he has the numbers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=Now that
SUPER=@File; :00
SUPER=01-George Brammer/A. G. Edwards Stockbroker; :16
SUPER=@Len1; :44
RUNS=1:01
OUT Q=LB, News-7.

((
Now that the bidding war is over, there are some interesting numbers that provide food for thought.
For starters, how about FOUR- BILLION...as in dollars....that's what Norfolk Southern will reportedly dish out for the Conrail routes it receives.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:31:09
IN Q=It gives

((GEORGE BRAMMER/STOCKBROKER A.G. EDWARDS: IT GIVES THEM NEW MARKETS. NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S GONNA GET WHAT THEY'VE WANTED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND IT SEEMS TO BE AT A PRICE THEY CAN LIVE WITH.))
RUNS=:08
OUT Q=live with.


Another number to remember is 60, as in 60- percent.
That's how much Conrail shares have gone up in price since the original deal it had with C-S-X was announced last year.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:38:50
IN Q=I'd

((SABINA BARLOW: I'D LIKE TO HAVE GOTTEN A PIECE OF THE ACTION.))
RUNS=:02
OUT Q=the action.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:39:22
IN Q=I'd like to have

((JANE CANNING: I'D LIKE TO HAVE A LION'S SHARE OF IT, IT'D BE NICE. But it didn't happen? CANNING: NO IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. ))
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=didn't happen.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 13:04:24
IN Q=One number

(( A number everyone's still wondering about is how many Conrail employees could lose their jobs, now that the railroad is being carved up by two Virginia competitors.
Pennsylvanians in powerful posts are keeping their eye on this, because if their hometown railroad takes too big a hit, they may blow the whistle on the deal.
Len Besthoff, News-7. ))
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=LB, News-7.))


E-Route-221


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=spr
TAPE#97-9
GRAPHIC=Highway Improvement


It appears there may be a bumpy road ahead for some Roanoke County residents.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


They knew there were changes coming to Route 2-21 in Back Creek but not the kind V-DOT wants to make.
Everyone agrees the road has dangerous curves... but residents thought engineers were going to straighten out the existing black top.
Instead V-DOT is now examining the feasibility of wiping out one stretch of road entirely and building a newer, straighter portion over a nearby creek.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 12:53:36
IN Q=I feel there's

((JOE KEPHART/CONCERNED RESIDENT: I FEEL THERE'S DEFINITELY SOME POLITICS INVOLVED HERE. I THINK WE'RE BEING SHORTCHANGED. PERSONALLY, THIS IS KEEPING US IN LIMBO. WE CAN'T ADD ON TO OUR HOUSE. WE'RE NOT SURE IF THE ROADS GOING TO BE OVER HERE OR OVER HERE. )) ((CAROLE KEPHART/CONCERNED RESIDENT: EVERYTHING IS PERFECT ON THIS CREEK. WE HAVE TROUT THAT'S GONNA GO. THE BED OF THE CREEK IS BECOMING TOTALLY SHALLOW. WE JUST WON'T HAVE ANY OF THIS ANYMORE. ))
SUPER=01-Joe Kephart/Concerned Resident;
SUPER=01-Carole Kephart/Concerned Resident; :16
RUNS=:26
OUT Q=this anymore
ANCHOR=Melanie
SS=HOLD


V-DOT officials say it will likely take months before a specific plan is finalized. And they say the implication that they misled anyone about the project, is wrong.

TV-RATING


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=mel
TAPE#none
GRAPHIC=TV Ratings


T-V executives may be caving into pressure from lawmakers and children's advocacy groups to change their new rating system.
Sources say the letters V, S and L could be added to warn viewers that shows contain violence, sex and language.
An agreement on the additional ratings could be announced by May.

E-Ladybugs


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=tal
TAPE#97-8
GRAPHIC=NONE


It's March, time for warmer weather, budding flowers and trees... and LADYBUGS.
As Tracy Altizer reports, the insects are infesting some homes by the thousands.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=During the winter
SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.; :00
SUPER=07-Curt Laub; :12
SUPER=01-Eric Day/Virginia Tech Insect I.D. Lab; :42
SUPER=@Tracy2; 1:13
RUNS=1:23
OUT Q=Altizer, News 7.

(( During the winter, as Curt Laub was checking out the insulation in his newly- built home, he found something that might make most homeowners shudder, Japanese ladybeetles by the thousands.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 13:58:13

((CURT LAUB: AND PEELING BACK SOME OF THE INSULATION I FOUND CLUSTERS OF THEM, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY DO IS CLUSTER TOGETHER IN COLD WEATHER. AND NOW TODAY I GUESS YOU CAN SEE, A WARM DAY AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS NOW. ))
RUNS=:13


The ladybugs don't bother Laub, he's an entomologist, insects are his business.
But Virginia Tech's Insect Identification Lab has been flooded with calls from people who are bothered.
The experts say the best defense against the ladybugs is a vacuum cleaner.
Or you can take steps to keep them out to begin with.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:20:31

((ERIC DAY/VT INSECT I.D. LAB MANAGER: TRY TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOUSE. TRY TO SEAL UP ALL THE CRACKS AND CREVICES. ALL THE PLACES THAT COLD AIR CAN GET INTO YOUR HOUSE ARE ALSO THE PLACES THAT LADYBEETLES GET IN TOO. ))
RUNS=:08


The U.S. Department of Agriculture first introduced the ladybugs in North Carolina to aid fruit production, the bugs eat tree-damaging aphids.
They spread across the nation on their own, showing up in Virginia in 1993.
Despite the annoyance, they present no dangers.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 1421:18

((THEY DON'T CARRY ANY DISEASE, THEY MAY GIVE JUST A TINY LITTLE NIP IF YOU HAPPEN TO PICK UP ONE WRONG, BUT THEY REALLY ARE VERY MUCH HARMLESS. ))
RUNS=:07


The ladybugs usually appear in March, while trying to get outside. Many die from the dry indoor air before they ever reach the trees.
Tracy Altizer, News 7.) WEATHER
SUPER=300-63/26/W-20/29.93f/83/1990/12/1996;
SUPER=301-64/22/NW-13/29.90f/83/1990/19/1996;

Forecasts
SUPER=X5000;
SUPER=330-Clear, Breezy/& Cooler/32-36/Mostly Sunny/Wind N 15-25/58-62;
SUPER=331-Clear & Chilly/Wind NW 15-25/32-36/Mostly Sunny/& Breezy/58-62;
SUPER=332-Mostly Clear/Wind NW 5-15/30-35/Mostly/Sunny/52-56;
SUPER=333-Clear & Cold/Wind NW 15-25/22-26/Mostly Sunny/Wind N 15-25/45-50;
SUPER=334-Mostly Clear/Very Chilly/28-32/Mostly Sunny/& Mild/50-54;
SUPER=X5001;


Johnson


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#S6-26
GRAPHIC=JEFF JOHNSON


Jeff Johnson will officially be named the new head football at Patrick Henry high school later today.
New 7 Sports has learned that Johnson beat out two other finalists for the job, including a coach from the state of Florida.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#
SUPER=04-Friday Football Extra; :00


Johnson has been an assistant coach at P-H since 19-86, coaching mainly defensive ends and the offensive lines.
His last stint as a head coach was at old Natural Bridge high school where he led the Rockets to a 7-and-3 record his final year in 19-85.
(-------------)



Grissom


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=noon
WRITER=Mike
TAPE#R-35
GRAPHIC=ATLANTA


One day after walking away from the most horrific crash on the NASCAR season Steve Grissom was doing what else but some more walking.
(----------------)
VO-NAT eng#
SUPER=03-Hampton, GA; :00


Grissom and his Kodiak Chevy took a wild ride late in Sunday's race at Atlanta. The entire back end of the car was completely demolished, but Grissom was basically unscathed.
SUPER=03-Concord, NC;


In fact, yesterday he was the Charlotte Motor Speedway and his sore ankle was barely causing him to limp as he walked.
(----------------)



Express


ANCHOR=Melanie
NEWSCAST=Noon
WRITER=sma
TAPE#ICE-97
GRAPHIC=Express


The Express is back on the Round House ice tonight for a 7 p-m showdown with the Columbus Chill.
Steve Mason has more on Roanoke's rather cold reception in Richmond last night.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=first audio
SUPER=03-Richmond/Last Night; :00
SUPER=01-Jeff Loder/1 Goal, 1 Assist; :15
SUPER=38-Richmond/4/Roanoke/2; :22
SUPER=01-Frank Anzalone/Express Head Coach; :32
SUPER=@Steve1; :41
SUPER=01-Dave Stewart/Express Defenseman; :49
RUNS=1:03
OUT Q=...news 7 sports"
(-------------)


((The Express started the night chasing a tie for 3rd place with the Renegades in the East.
When it was over; Roanoke had one big headache, a 4-2 loss, and a 4 point deficit to the gades in the division; Thanks to Richmond'sa perfect penalty killing night. ((:)) ((:))
The Express got a goal in the first from Tim Christian and a score in the third off the stick of Jeff Loder. But a quick 1st period, two goal Richmond jump proved to be the difference. ((:)) ((STEVE MASON:)) ((:))
Game time tonight; 7pm. In Richmond, Steve Mason news 7 sports")) ((
(-------------)


McCartney-Knight


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


Beatles fans will now have to get use to saying Sir Paul.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-London;


Rock legend Paul McCartney was knighted today by Queen Elizabeth for his service to music.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=

((IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY IT'S ``A HUGE HONOR'' TO HAVE COME THIS FAR FROM GROWING UP IN LIVERPOOL. ))
SUPER=07-Paul McCartney;
RUNS=:07
OUT Q=liverpool


As for his fellow ex-Beatles, Sir Paul jokes that they call him "Your Holiness." (----------------)
by SS