[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


A local D-Day veteran rubbed elbows with the stars at last night's premiere of "Saving Private Ryan".
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And Lynchburg's Big Brothers- Big Sisters organization is getting some opposition to its decision NOT to ban homosexual volunteers.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib weather)
(ad lib live tease)

[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


[E-Gilmore-Schools]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-41]
[GRAPHIC=Education]


Governor Jim Gilmore is reaching out to Virginia's rural schools.
Since the State Department of Education has approved new Standard of Learning tests, Gilmore wants to make sure all public schools in the state make the grade, though passing scores haven't been determined yet.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]


The Governor told school board members from around the state yesterday he'd be setting up three "best practice" resource centers to help train teachers.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 01:58:29]
[IN Q=As we know]

((GOV. JIM GILMORE: AS WE KNOW, OUR SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN THE YEAR 2006. AT THAT POINT IN TIME, ALL SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE AT LEAST 70 PERCENT OF THEIR STUDENTS PASSING THE SOL TESTS. THAT'S WHY WE'RE EXTENDING A HELPING HAND TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES NOW.))
[SOT 02:13:55]

((SEN. EMILY COURIC/D-CHARLOTTESVILLE: I'M DELIGHTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF THE COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH REGARD TO LENDING A HAND FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Emily Couric/(D) Charlottesville; :26]
[RUNS=:35]
[OUT Q=of Education.]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
[SS=HOLD]


The first "best practice" centers will be in Marion, Farmville, and Harrisonburg.

[E-Big-Brothers]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-49]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Big Brothers - Big Sisters decided not to exclude gay and lesbian volunteers from its program in Lynchburg.
And now some heavy-hitters in the Hill City say they won't support the organization.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


The policy was put into effect in April.
Director Mike Daly says they simply wanted to let people know that ANYONE- gay or straight- can apply to be a mentor.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 3:32:46//7:57:29]
[IN Q=We would just]

((MIKE DALY/BIG BROTHERS DIRECTOR: WE WOULD JUST EMPHASIZE THAT THIS IS A NON- DISCRIMINATION POLICY, THIS DOES IN NO WAY SHOW ENDORSEMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE HOMOSEXUAL LIFESTYLE.)) ((REV. JERRY FALWELL/LIBERTY U. CHANCELLOR: UNFORTUNATELY IT LOOKS AS THOUGH BIG BROTHERS- BIG SISTERS IS NOT GOING TO REVERSE A BAD DECISION, AND WE THEREFORE CAN NO LONGER BE A PART OF IT.))
[SUPER=01-Mike Daly/Big Brothers Director; :00]
[SUPER=01-Rev. Jerry Falwell/Liberty University Chancellor; :08]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=be a part of it.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Falwell says the 24 Liberty University students who volunteer with Big Brothers will be asked to drop out of the program.
Liberty also plans to start its own Christian version of the Big Brothers program.
(----------------)


[Ship-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net-e]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Investigation]


Crew training and possible language barriers are at the forefront of the investigation into Monday's fire aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL;]


National Transportation Safety Board investigators have heard conflicting reports about how crew members reponded to the blaze.
A language problem could be partly to blame.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 4:08:02]
[IN Q=They have something]

((ROBERT FRANCIS/N.T.S.B. CHAIRMAN: THEY HAVE SOMETHING LIKE 35 NATIONALITIES...SO THAT PEOPLE CAN COMMUNICATE.))
[SUPER=01-Robert Francis/N.T.S.B. Chairman;]
[RUNS=:09]
[OUT Q=CAN COMMUNICATE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Investigators are also looking into why the "Ecstasy's" on- board fire fighting equipment was un-able to put out the blaze.
It took Coast Guard fire boats and tugs more than two hours to get the fire under control.
(------------)



[Starr-Clinton]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net-B]
[GRAPHIC=Ken Starr]


Independent counsel Kenneth Starr might find himself in the hot seat with the Monica Lewinsky grand jury today.

(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]


A federal judge has ordered a hearing, in which Starr would have to show why his office should NOT be held in contempt for alleged leaks to the media.
Starr might also have to turn over internal documents to President Clinton's attorneys.
Meanwhile, grand jurors heard testimony yesterday from several secret service agents.
(------------)



[GM-Talks]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly']
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net-C]
[GRAPHIC=General Motors]


Today an arbitrator will hear arguments on behalf of both General Motors and the United Auto Workers Union on whether the strikes are legal.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Flint, MI;]


The labor dispute will move from the picket line to a Detroit hotel.
U-A-W workers from two Flint, Michigan plants are on strike.
G-M says the walkouts involve national issues for which union members CANNOT strike.
But the U-A-W argues the strikes ARE legal because they're mainly over local issues like health and safety.
(------------)


[Movie-Premiere]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=98-44 TC 1:00:58]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The premiere of "Saving Private Ryan" was held in southern California last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Westwood, CA]


The Steven Spielberg movie brought out the stars..including cast member Tom Hanks.
D-Day veteran Bob Slaughter of Roanoke also attended the premiere.
Keith Humphry caught up with some actors to discuss what it's like playing war veterans
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The thing that was]
[SUPER=01-Vin Diesel/"Private Caparzo";:00]
[super=01-Edward Burns/"Private Reiben"; :16]
[RUNS=36]
[OUT Q=that must have been.]
(------------)
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[ss=none]


Later on News 7 Mornin', Keith Humphry talks with director Steven Spielberg.

[1-Sports]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]


In sports, some bad news from the Goodwill Games, where 17-year-old Chinese gymnast Sang Lan is reportedly paralyzed after injuring her neck during practice for the women's vault competition. Doctors say Lan has no movement in her legs, and only minimal motion in her hands.
In other sports news, Mike Stevens has a look at a local camp that combines a love for football with a love of God.


Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Hey folks]
[RUNS=1:54]
[OUT Q=in a little bit]



[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Steve/Wx)


[One-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M98-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]



[Roll Cold out of Break]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=welcome back]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon; :00]
[SUPER=13-Gary Ryther/Vietnam Combat Veterans Ltd.; :20]
[SUPER=12-Hillsville; :30]
[RUNS=2:30]
[OUT Q=News 7 Mornin' Returns]



(tape tosses to stocks)

[STOCKS] [COMM]

[E-I-81]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#98-61]
[GRAPHIC=Interstate 81]


It's full speed ahead for plans to widen Interstate 81 from Wythe County to Natural Bridge.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Montgomery Co.;]


V-DOT held its second meeting this week to give residents an opportunity to view the plans and voice their opinion.


The idea is to make the road safer and less congested for traffic through the year two- thousand twenty.
V-DOT's resident engineer says depending on the area some places need one additional lane while others are in need of more.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=It varies]

((DAN BRUGH/VDOT RESIDENT ENGINEER:IT VARIES ACCORDING TO THE TRAFFIC IN AN AREA, THROUGHOUT PULASKI COUNTY AND HALF OF MONTGOMERY, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ADDING ONE ADDITIONAL LANE IN EACH DIRECTION FROM CHRISTIANSBURG BACK INTO ROANOKE AND INTO BOTETOURT THE NEED IS THERE FOR MORE THAN ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. ))
[SUPER=01-Dan Brugh/VDOT Resident Engineer; :00]
[RUNS=:23]
[OUT Q=each direction.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Another meeting is scheduled today in Roanoke from four until 7-pm.
A comment session is also scheduled for Thursday in Natural Bridge.
(----------------)




[Settlement]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=98-40 TC 1:53:01]
[GRAPHIC=Lawsuit]


Three and a half years after two trains collided in Radford, the railroad and two crew members have settled the lawsuit that followed.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT UB 16:08:22]
[IN Q=I think it's very fortunate]

((RICHARD SLUSHER/FORMER NS ENGINEER: I THINK IT'S VERY FORTUNATE THAT SOMEBODY DID NOT LOSE THEIR LIFE IN THAT ACCIDENT.))
[SUPER=01-Richard Slusher/Former NS Engineer;]
[RUNS=:06]
[OUT Q=in that accident.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/January 30, 1995]


Richard Slusher was the lead engineer on the westbound train.
The railroad blamed him and other crew members, saying they failed to comply with a signal to stop.
They insisted they did nothing wrong, and argued it was the signal system that failed.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT UB 16:00:35]
[IN Q=We've stated all along]

((RICHARD SLUSHER/FORMER NS ENGINEER: WE'VE STATED ALL ALONG THAT THOSE WERE THE SIGNALS THAT WE SAW, A SIGNAL TO PROCEED AND WE'VE MAINTAINED THAT THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE THING AND WE STILL MAINTAIN THAT'S THE CASE.))
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=that's the case.]
(--------------)
[VO-NAT]


The four crew members who were fired, eventually won their jobs back, but Slusher was injured in the accident and remains on disability.
Under terms of the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay Slusher approximately 425- thousand dollars, in addition to some of his medical expenses. A second plaintiff, Robert Johnson, received just over 100- thousand dollars.


(---------------)
[ANCHOR=Kmc]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]


An attorney for Norfolk Southern says the settlement was a practical matter, that does not reflect any concessions on the part of the railroad.
But Slusher says he views the agreement as a victory.


[Health-Check]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET-A]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]


In today's health check, more and more parents are listening to doctors' advice on preventing sudden infant death syndrome.
Rick Jackson reports.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Rick Jackson/Reporting; :00 ]
[SUPER=@file; ]
[RUNS=1:23]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]

((RiCK ((on camera))
GOOD MORNING.
FOR YEARS, DOCTORS HAVE BEEN WARNING PARENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF ALLOWING INFANTS TO SLEEP ON THEIR STOMACHS....
AND NOW THOSE EFFORTS ARE FINALLY PAYING OFF. ((vo))
ACCORDING TO SEVERAL STUDIES PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION... MORE PARENTS ARE PUTTING BABIES TO SLEEP ON THEIR BACKS OR SIDES.
EXPERTS SAY THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME.
DOCTORS BELIEVE THIS OCCURANCE-- COMMONLY KNOWN AS SIDS--HAPPENS WHEN BABIES CONTINUE TO BREATHE AIR THAT HAS BECOME TRAPPED IN SOFT BEDDING.
BUT THE WORD STILL NEEDS TO GET OUT TO LOW-INCOME, INNER-CITY PARENTS.
A STUDY FOUND THAT 43-PERCENT OF POOR MOTHERS ARE PUTTING THEIR INFANTS TO SLEEP FACE-DOWN ((vo))
BRITISH SCIENTISTS SAY THEY NOW HAVE EVIDENCE THAT SHOWS HOW RADIATION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF CHILDHOOD LEUKAEMIA.
THEY FOUND THAT MALE MICE EXPOSED TO HIGH DOSES OF RADIATION... PRODUCED OFFSPRING THAT WERE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP THE BLOOD CANCER.
RESEARCHERS SAY THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY'VE BEEN ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE HOW DAMAGE CAUSED BY RADIATION... CAN LEAD TO LEUKAEMIA IN FUTURE GENERATIONS. ((vo))
THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF TEEN-AGERS IS OFTEN BLAMED ON RAGING HORMONES--
BUT A NEW REPORT SAYS THEIR ACTIONS PROBABLY HAVE MORE TO DO WITH PEER PRESSURE.
RESEARCHERS AT PENN STATE GAVE DOSES OF THE MALE HORMONE, TESTOSTERONE...AND THE FEMALE HORMONE, ESTROGEN, TO A GROUP OF TEENS WITH DELAYED PUBERTY.
THE STUDY FOUND THAT THE HORMONES DID LITTLE TO INCREASE THEIR SEXUAL ACTIVITY-- UNLIKE OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS PEER PRESSURE.
AND THAT IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S MEDICAL NEWS. I'M RICK JACKSON, CBS NEWS, NEW YORK.))


(ad lib to weather)


[Two-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M98-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


[Roll cold out of break]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=welcome back]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon; :00]
[SUPER=13-DeWhitt Sizemore/Past Commander, Post 1115; :20]
[SUPER=12-Hillsville; :30]
[RUNS=1:07]
[OUT Q=golf course]


[Steve Live]


(I'll call for board)
[ESS#???]



(ad lib into 3-weather)

[2-HEADLINES]
[SUPER=#4050; Headline Banner]
[ANCHOR=Kimbelry]


Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Governor Gilmore is promising assistance to public school systems that might need some extra help passing the new Standards of Learning tests.
Gilmore announced yesterday he's setting up resource centers to help train teachers.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


The investigation continuues into Monday's fire aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
Meantime, a Roanoke woman is thankful her children who were sailing on the "Ecstasy" are back on dry land.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


And Keith Humphrey spoke with producer-director Steven Spielberg at last night's Hollywood premiere of the D-Day film, "Saving Private Ryan."
(----------------)
[anchor=Kimberly]


And that's what's making news on this Wednesday, July 22nd.
[anchor=Steve]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.




[2-E-Gilmore-Schools]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#98-41]
[GRAPHIC=Education]


The state Board of Education hasn't even set the passing scores.
But Governor Jim Gilmore's already reaching out to schools that might have trouble passing the new Standards of Learning tests.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]


The Governor told school board members from around the state yesterday he'd be setting up three "best practice" resource centers to help train teachers.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 01:58:29]
[IN Q=As we know]

((GOV. JIM GILMORE: AS WE KNOW, OUR SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN THE YEAR 2006. AT THAT POINT IN TIME, ALL SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE AT LEAST 70 PERCENT OF THEIR STUDENTS PASSING THE SOL TESTS. THAT'S WHY WE'RE EXTENDING A HELPING HAND TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES NOW.))
[SOT 02:13:55]

((SEN. EMILY COURIC/D-CHARLOTTESVILLE: I'M DELIGHTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF THE COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH REGARD TO LENDING A HAND FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore; :00]
[SUPER=01-Sen. Emily Couric/(D) Charlottesville; :26]
[RUNS=:35]
[OUT Q=of Education.]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
[SS=HOLD]


The first "best practice" centers will be in Marion, Farmville, and Harrisonburg.

[2-E-Big-Brothers]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#98-49]
[GRAPHIC=None]


Big Brothers - Big Sisters of Lynchburg may have gained some volunteers when it decided to allow gays and lesbians participate in the program.
But it looks like that decision may COST some members as well.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]


The policy was put into effect in April.
Director Mike Daly says they simply wanted to let people know that ANYONE- gay or straight- can apply to be a mentor.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 3:32:46//7:57:29]
[IN Q=We would just]

((MIKE DALY/BIG BROTHERS DIRECTOR: WE WOULD JUST EMPHASIZE THAT THIS IS A NON- DISCRIMINATION POLICY, THIS DOES IN NO WAY SHOW ENDORSEMENT OR APPROVAL OF THE HOMOSEXUAL LIFESTYLE.)) ((REV. JERRY FALWELL/LIBERTY U. CHANCELLOR: UNFORTUNATELY IT LOOKS AS THOUGH BIG BROTHERS- BIG SISTERS IS NOT GOING TO REVERSE A BAD DECISION, AND WE THEREFORE CAN NO LONGER BE A PART OF IT.))
[SUPER=01-Mike Daly/Big Brothers Director; :00]
[SUPER=01-Rev. Jerry Falwell/Liberty University Chancellor; :08]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=be a part of it.]
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Falwell says the 24 Liberty University students who volunteer with Big Brothers will be asked to drop out of the program.
Liberty also plans to start its own Christian version of the Big Brothers program.
(----------------)


[5-Lesbian-Mother]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#598-27]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]


A legal victory for gay parents in a Henrico County Court.
A judge granted custody to a gay mother, 5 years after lesbian Sharon Bottoms' LOST custody of her child in the SAME court.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/May 1997;]


Bottoms brought a national spotlight to Virginia when custody of her son was awarded to her mother in 1993.
The mother who won custody this month wants to remain anonymous-- after an appeals court chastised Bottoms for seeking publicity.
[SUPER=04-Yesterday;]


The attorney for "Karen C.," as she's identified, says it all came down to a different judge.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 03:25:20]
[IN Q=The challenge]

((SUSANNE SHILLING/ATTORNEY FOR "KAREN C." ATTORNEY: THE CHALLENGE WAS TO HELP THE COURT SORT OF ISOLATE THE UNDERLYING ISSUE WHICH HAD TO DO WITH HER SEXUALITY, AND TO RECOGNIZE THAT BUT FOR THAT ONE ISSUE, SHE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL MOTHER, AND THAT THE OTHER FACTORS FAR OUTWEIGHED THAT ONE ISSUE. IT STARTED OUT WITH THE JUDGE, SAYING YOU ONLY HAVE ONE ISSUE THAT KEEPS YOU FROM RULING IN HER FAVOR. AND A LOT WILL DEPEND ON HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT ONE ISSUE.))
[SUPER=01-Susanne Shilling/Attorney for "Karen C.";]
[RUNS=:25]
[OUT Q=one issue.]
[TALENT=Kimberly]
[SS=Hold]


So far, the father has NOT appealed the July 8th custody decision in "Karen C.'s" case.

[E-Monty-Rape]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=THa]
[TAPE#None]
[GRAPHIC=None]


A convicted burglar was released from prison one week ago.
Today the Montgomery County man is back behind bars.
Authorities say 33-year old Mark Todd Showalter broke into a woman's house Saturday morning in Plum Creek and tried to rape her.
Investigators say the incident is similar to a second attack several hours later in which a woman was forcibly raped.
However, no charges have been filed in connection with the second incident.


[2-Starr-Clinton]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net-D]
[GRAPHIC=Ken Starr]


As secret service agents testified before the Monica Lewinsky grand jury yesterday, prosecutor Kenneth Starr was ALSO answering some questions.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC;]


Those questions were related to his alleged leaks to the media.
A federal judge has ordered a hearing for Starr to explain why his office should NOT be held in contempt and might possibly have to turn over internal documents to the President's attorneys.
Meanwhile, Mr. Clinton offered no opinion about yesterday's testimony from uniformed secret service agents.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 4:04:42 ]
[IN Q=The secret]

((THE SECRET SERVICE HAS MADE ITS OWN DECISION ABOUT WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO DO IT BASED ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL SENSE OF RESONSIBILITY. I'M NOT GOING TO GET INTO THIS, I'VE REFUSED TO COMMENT ON IT AND WILL CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO COMMENT.))

[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=continue to refuse to comment]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


Testimony from the head of Mr. Clinton's security detail Larry Cockell was postponed, as was testimony from Linda Tripp.
(------------)




[2-Ship-Fire]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net-F]
[GRAPHIC=Fire Investigation]


Monday's Carnival Cruise ship fire COULD have been the result of a language barrier among crew members.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL;]


That's one theory from the National Transportation Safety Board officials investigating the cause of the fire aboard the "Ecstasy".
Investigators are ALSO looking into the possibility that the on- board fire fighting equipmen was ineffective.
The ship was still close to the Port of Miami, when the fire broke out and spread up two decks.
(------------)


[E-Cruise-ship]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=eea]
[TAPE#=98-59]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The impact of the ill- fated cruise was felt here locally--
The children of a Roanoke woman were on board the "Ecstasy" Monday, but are now safe on land.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Miami, FL;]


About 60 people suffered from smoke inhalation during the fire.
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]


But Elizabeth Whitlock says her kids are safe in a Miami Hotel.
Her daughter Chrissy and son Tim were on board with their grandparents.
Tim's room was just down the hall from the laundry area where the fire started.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 00:08:26]
[IN Q=]

((ELIZABETH WHITLOCK/PARENT; HE WAS IN HIS ROOM WHEN THE FIRE BROKE OUT, HE AND 3 OTHER BOYS WERE IN THE ROOM AND STARTED SMELLING SMOKE, AND THEN SAW THE SMOKE COME THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS INTO THE ROOM, SO THEY WENT OUT INTO THE HALLWAY, WHICH WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THEY WEREN'T EXACTLY SURE WHERE TO GO.))
[SUPER=01-Elizabeth Whitlock/Parent]
[RUNS=15]
[OUT Q=where to go]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]


The President of Carnival Cruise Lines says a welder's spark could have started the fire.
(------------)



[Saving-Private-Ryan]
[Anchor=Kimberly]
[show=morning]
[writer=khu]
[tape=98-48 TC :40:43]
[graphic=None]


Of all the battle scenes of World War II, Steven Spielberg chose to depict the 29th Infantry landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day in the opening scenes of his latest movie.
Keith Humphry spoke one on one with the producer-director at the premiere of "Saving Private Ryan" in Los Angeles last night.
(///////SOT//////)
[In-Q=It was a major production]
[SUPER=03-Los Angeles, CA/Last Night; :00]
[Super=04-Paramount Pictures; :14]
[super=01-Lynn Lomell/D-Day Veteran; :22]
[super=01-Steven Spielberg/Producer-Director; :36]
[super=@Keith2; 1:05]
[Runs=1:15]
[Out-Q=N7, LA][Birthdays]
[SS=none]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT ]
[IN Q=(nat sot music)Wed.]
[RUNS=1:32]
[out= back to you.]




[Three-Steve]


[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#M98-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]


[ROLL COLD OUT OF BIRTHDAYS]
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Today on ]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon; :00]
[SUPER=13-Joe Lawson/Commander, VFW Post 1115; :23]
[SUPER=12-Hillsville; :35]
[SUPER=13-Sam McFall/Sr. Vice Commander, Post 1115; 1:18]
[RUNS=2:18]
[OUT Q=sacrifices were made]


[Steve Live] [2-shot]
(ad lib)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)

[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]


[E-Derailment]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=jda]
[TAPE#=98-46 TC 1:00:06]
[GRAPHIC=lAWsuit]


The lawsuit that followed a rail accident in Radford three years ago has been settled out of court.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/January 30, 1995]


Two Norfolk Southern trains collided near the New River Trestle, de-railing a dozen cars and sending one engine into the river.
The railroad blamed the crew of the westbound train, saying they ignored a signal to stop.
But the crew argued it was the signal system that failed.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[GRAPHIC=Hold]


The railroad paid former engineer Richard Slusher approximately 425- thousand dollars plus some medical expenses.
A second plaintiff, Robert Johnson, received just over 100 thousand.
An attorney representing Norfolk Southern says the settlement was a practical matter that didn't reflect any concessions from the railroad.
Slusher says he views the settlement as a victory.

[Magician-Suit]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=none]
[GRAPHIC=Lawsuit]


A third lawsuit has been filed against Fox T-V by a magician -- this one in a Lynchburg Court.
A magic group director says Fox should pay up to the tune of ten (M) million dollars for giving away the tricks of the trade.
Fox broadcasts shows in which magicians reveal the secrets to their illusions.





[July-Christmas]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin']
[WRITER=djo]
[TAPE#=98-43 TC 1:23:07]
[GRAPHIC=None]


The heat is on in the Roanoke Valley and around the country. But the Salem Avalanche had a cooler season in mind last night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem;]

It was "Christmas in July". The evening was complete with caroling, a Christmas tree and some of Santa's helpers. The Avalanche used the promotion opportunity to help the U-S Marines effort to collect toys for children.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT=18:05:54]
[IN Q=THEIR TOYS FOR]

((TRACY BESKID/COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR; THEIR TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM RUNS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR, WHICH IS SOMETHING I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AND A LOT OF PEOPLE PROBABLY DIDN'T EITHER. SO IT'S GREAT THEY WERE VERY ENTHUSIASTIC AND READY TO HELP US OUT WITH THE PROMOTION AS WELL. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A NATURAL TIE IN.))
[SUPER=01-Tracy Beskid/Community Relations Director;]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=NATURAL TIE IN.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Another looking to beat the heat was Avalanche mascot Mugsy. When outdoor temperatures rise, the interior of Mugsy's costume climbs above 120 degrees. Mugsy beats the heat, not with air conditioning, but by drinking lots of water and eating potassium rich foods. Still, the Mascot loses about seven pounds a day.
(------------)


[3-Sports]


[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]


In sports, the Salem Avalanche catcher steals the show, on the way to a victory over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
Mike Stevens has details.
Good Morning Mike.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=You know despite]
[RUNS=1:38]
[OUT Q=care folks.]



[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Steve/Wx)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]


Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
A convicted burglar was out of prison one week before he reportedly tried to rape a woman in her Plum Creek home over the weekend.
33-year-old Mark Todd Showalter of Montgomery County is back behind bars, and police say the Saturday attack is similar to a rape that occurred several hours later.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Big Brothers - Big Sisters of Lynchburg decided to allow gay and lesbian volunteers in April.
Now Jerry Falwell says he will ask 24 Liberty University students who volunteer with the program to drop out because of the controversial decision.
He says Liberty will start a Christian version of the program.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]


Governor Jim Gilmore is reaching out to Virginia's rural schools.
Gilmore announced yesterday that he would set up teaching resource centers in Marion, Harrisonburg, and Farmville.
The move comes as the State Department of Education implements new Standard of Learning tests in Virginia's public schools.
Gilmore hopes the new centers will help rural schools make the grade.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(Steve ad lib weather)
(///////////////)
(-------------)
[Anchor=Steve]
(tease tomorrow)

(ad lib bye) [2-shot=Kimberly and Steve]
by SS