WDBJ 7 morning news for 12/02/99

[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

More trouble in Seattle, where trade ministers from around the world are meeting.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And a Roanoke couple loses a legal battle against the U-V-A Medical Center.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Clear and cold weather again as you step outside this morning...
But a shift in wind direction will pump in more seasonable temperatures this afternoon in the lower 50s.
And a peek ahead at the weekend reveals highs in the 60s....
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

[UVA-Lawsuit]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Lawsuit]

A Roanoke couple has lost their half-million dollar lawsuit against the University of Virginia Medical Center.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape]

David and Mistie Huffman sued after being given the wrong dead infant by the hospital last year.
The body mixup was discovered within a few hours and was corrected.
They claimed financial loss and emotional distress.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=none]

But an Albemarle County judge ruled that their suit lacked legal sufficiency.
Under state law, emotional distress claims are granted only for physical injury, willful and wanton misconduct or a separate monetary claim.

[Franklin-Fatal]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Fatal Accident]

An early morning accident in Franklin County leaves one person dead.
22 year old Timothy Saint Clair of Moneta died in the accident on route 616-- that's Scruggs Road.
Just after one this morning, his car ran off the road, hit a utility pole and overturned.
He died at the scene.

[Rubatex]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-42 1:22:16]
[GRAPHIC=None]

For the first time since September - Rubatex and it's striking union met face to face.
Union officials walked out of yesterday's meeting saying talks were encouraging while Rubatex officials say nothing has changed.
Kate Weidaw has the details.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=for the first]
[super=03-Bedford; :00 -- QUICK]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg; :10]
[SUPER=01-Jim Laurin/Rubatex Chief Negotiator; :28]
[SUPER=04-File Tape; :49]
[SUPER=@Kate1; 1:07]
[runs=1:17]
[OUT Q=KW NEWS 7]
((For the first time since the union went on strike three months ago negotiation talks took place behind closed doors.

[NAT SOUND 1:35:29]
[RUNS= 3]
The striking steel workers union requested the meeting and brought a new contract proposal to the table, however the details of it were not disclosed. But Rubatex officials said before the meeting they weren't going to budge from their original offer - and that was apparent after the meeting.
[SOT 6:45:01]
[INQ=]
((JIM LAURIN/RUBATEX CHIEF NEGOTIATOR: THERE IS NO CHANGE IN OUR LAST, BEST, AND FINAL OFFER, WE AGREED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH SOME CLARIFICATION MEETING OUR LAST BEST AND FINAL OFFER.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 13]
Federal mediator Clifford Crumb sat in on negotiations. His job is to find ways the two sides can iron out their differences. Meanwhile Rubatex is continuing to hire replacement workers who are looking to become more then just replacements, once drug tests are completed.
[SOT 6:46:11]
[INQ=]
((JIM LAURIN/RUBATEX CHIEF NEGOTIATOR: WE EXPECT TO HAVE THE PERMANENT HIRE SITUATION RESOLVED IN 48 TO 72 HOURS.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 8]
[STANDUP]
[INQ=]
((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING: SOME OF THE ISSUES THE UNION WANTS TO CHANGE IN THE CONTRACT ARE WAGES, FORCED OVERTIME, AND COMPANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO RETIREE HEALTH CARE PLANS. SO FAR THERE IS NO WORD ON WHEN NEGOTIATIONS WILL RESUME. KATE WEIDAW NEWS 7.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS=]))

[US-Airways]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=US Airways]

U-S Airways flight attendants were threatening a strike of their own - just before Christmas.
But U-S Airways customers can breathe a sigh of relief.
That's because the National Mediation Board has ordered the Association of Flight Attendants to return to the bargaining table.
That ends the possibility of a strike during the holiday season.
The Union wanted the Board to declare an impasse in negotiations.

[WTO-PROTESTS]

[ANCHOR=KIM]
[NEWSCAST=MORN]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

Downtown Seattle is under a 24 hour curfew until midnight tomorrow.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Seattle, WA;]

It comes after days of sometimes violent protest against the World Trade organization.
At one point yesterday, chemical gas was used to disperse the unruly crowds.
Police say they arrested at least four hundred demonstrators.
Officials estimate damages from the demonstrations will be in the millions of dollars.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
((PERRIN BEATTY/CANADIAN DELEGATE; OBVIOUSLY, IT'S PREVENTED SOME OF THE MEETINGS FROM TAKING PLACE-- BUT THE PROCESS CONTINUES. ))
[SUPER=01-Perrin Beatty/Canadian Delegate; QUICK!!!!!]
[RUNS=:04]
[OUT Q=the process continues.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

President Clinton addressed trade ministers yesterday.
Today in Seattle he'll sign a treaty to crack down on child labor.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=None]

It bans the use of children in hazardous work and in such illegal activities as prostitution, pornography and drug trafficking.

[1-Sports]

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

In sports, Virginia Tech's Corey Moore takes home another honor, as does Dale Jarrett.
Roy Stanley has more.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:06]
[OUT Q=later on Mornin]

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

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE# M99-6]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]
[SUPER=01-Bruce Mayer/Vinton Chamber of Commerce;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]

(I'll call for tape)

(----------------)
[VO NAT]
[RUNS=1:20]
(---------------)

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive: Christmas Parade))

[Drug-bodies]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The work continues just south of the border as agents continue to uncover more bodies in four suspected grave sites near Juarez, Mexico.
As Terisa Estacio reports, one woman says she is anxious to learn if her missing parents are among those dead.

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Juarez, Mexico; :00]
[SUPER=01-Terisa Estacio/Reporting;]
[SUPER=07-Claudia Sanchez;]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=jaurez, Mexico.]
((LOOK CLOSELY, AND YOU CAN SEE A SMALL ARMY OF US AND MEXICAN AGENTS EXPLORING EVERY SQUARE INCH OF RANCHO DE LA COMPANA LOOKING FOR AS MANY AS 100 BODIES SUSPECTED BURIED IN MASS GRAVE SITES HERE AND AT THREE OTHER POSSIBLE LOCATIONS IN JUAREZ, MEXICO.

(TAKE NATS OF ONLOOKERS.. SPEAKING IN SPANISH )

ONLOOKERS WATCH INTENSELY AS FORENSIC EXPERTS TAKE PICTURES AND SURVEY THE FORMER GUN CLUB; THREE BLOCKS LONG AND ONE BLOCK WIDE. US OFFICIALS BELIEVE THOSE BURIED, LAWYERS, ENGINEERS, POLICE INFORMANTS AND OTHERS WERE KILLED BECAUSE OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING ENDEAVORS.

(TERISA ESTACIO/REPORTING; )
(INCUE: US OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE LONG KNOWN ABOUT THE HEAVY DRUG
TRAFFICING COMING OUT OF JUAREZ BUT SAY THEY COULD DO LITTLE TO STOP SHIPMENTS. AN INFORMANT TIPPED OFF AUTHORITIES TO THIS RANCH )
AUTHORITIES SAY THE DRUG CARTEL ONCE CONTROLLED BY ARMANDO CARRILLO FUENTES IS IN UNDISPUTED CONTROL OF THIS TERRITORY. FUENTES HIMSELF DIED IN 1997 WHILE UNDERGOING PLASTIC SURGERY. BUT NOT EVERYONE IN MEXICO BELIEVES THOSE DEAD WHERE INVOLVED IN THE DRUG TRADE.

(TAKE SOT )
(CG: CLAUDIA SANCHEZ, FAMILY MEMBERS MISSING )
(INCUE: ALL OF A SUDDEN WE ARE HERE. WE DONT HAVE ANYBODY. WEVE
GROWN UP AND ITS BEEN 5 YEARS, AND I THINK WE HAVE GROWN UP THINGS HAVE CHANGED BUT WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THEM )
CLAUDIA SANCHEZS PARENTS DISAPPEARED WITHOUT A TRACE. THAT IS UNTIL PERHAPS NOW. IF HERE PARENTS ARE BURIED BENEATH THE BRUSH AND ROCKY EARTH SHE AND HER FAMILY WANT TO SEE JUSTICE.
TERISA ESTACIO CBS NEWS, JUAREZ MEXICO))

[E-FDA-Tobacco]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-39 1:14:38]
[GRAPHIC=Tobacco-Drug Decision]

The tobacco industry acknowledges its products are dangerous and addictive.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Washington DC]

But in arguments before the U-S Supreme Court yesterday, it claimed the Food and Drug Administration has NO jurisdiction to start regulating nicotine as a drug.
If it did, the tobacco companies argue, cigarettes should be completely banned.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 11:27:16]
[IN Q=We just think]
((MARK BERLIND/PHILIP MORRIS ATTORNEY: WE JUST THINK IT DEFIES CREDIBILITY FOR THEM TO SAY THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN IN 1995 THEY REALIZED THAT IT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO QUIT SMOKING.))
[SOT 11:18:54 ]
((DAVID KESSLER/FORMER FDA COMMISSIONER: I FIND IT A LITTLE IRONIC THAT THE INDUSTRY IS THE ONE THAT ARGUES THAT THE AGENCY, IF IT FINDS THAT IT'S A DRUG, THEN IT SHOULD BE BANNED. THERE'S A CERTAIN IRONY IN THAT STATEMENT.))
[SUPER=01-Mark Berlind/Philip Morris Attorney ; :00]
[SUPER=01-Dr. David Kessler/Former FDA Commissioner; ; :09]
[RUNS=:18]
[OUT Q=that statement.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The high court will rule on FDA regulation of tobacco by the end of June.
(------------)

[Health-Check]

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

In medical news, you'll soon be able to buy surgical procedures over the internet.
Doctor Dave Hnida has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:42]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
((Patients are often told to get a second opinion before surgery. Now a study from John's Hopkins University suggests a second opinion may be a good idea in some cases, after surgery, in cases where the surgery is for suspected cancer.
VT=VO
The reason: misdiagnosis on the part of the pathologist who examines the biopsy under a microscope. Missing a cancer is obviously a big concern, but the researchers say a more common scenario is when a diagnosis of cancer is made but no cancer is present. The best advice: before any surgery, make sure the hospital will have at least 2 pathologists review the biopsy, separately.
VT=VO
Also today, more evidence that acupuncture relieves pain. A study from the College of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey looked at brain scans of people in pain. And then followed those scans as acupuncture was being done. The scans during acupuncture showed a decrease of activity in the areas of the brain where pain is felt, confirming what the patients said, acupuncture made them feel better. ON CAM And finally today, you've probably heard of web sites where you can bid on airfares and hotel rooms. Well coming to a computer near you, a chance to bid on surgery. A California firm will have a web site up and running after the first of February, where if you want say a face-lift, you name your price. Then you're matched with a surgeon willing to meet that price. You then review the doctor's credentials before having the surgery done. The types of procedures you can bid on are mainly those insurance doesn't cover, facelifts, liposuction, laser eye surgery and tummy tucks. And that's a look at today's top health stories. I'm Dr. Dave Hnida for CBS NEWS))

(ad lib to weather)

[Two-Steve]

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

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]
[SUPER=01-;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]

[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
((Archive: Christmas Parade)) [2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

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

Another curfew is being enforced in Seattle after a second day of World Trade Organization protests.
The city's mayor ordered restrictions on the entire downtown until daylight and an around-the-clock curfew for the area surrounding the W-T-O meeting.
Hundreds have been arrested.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

At least six people are dead in a commuter train crash in Australia. More than 50 people were injured.
It happened when a commuter train packed with about one-thousand passengers rammed into a smaller train carrying tourists outside Sydney.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

The holiday season has had another traditional kick-off in New York.
Thousands of revelers packed into Rockefeller Center last night for the nationally televised Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Miss America, Yankees players and pop singers were all on hand to light up the largest tree in Rockfeller Center history.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Thursday December Second.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

[2-Rubatex]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-42 1:22:16]
[GRAPHIC=Rubatex]

Nothing may have immediately changed, but it's a start.
For the first time since September - Rubatex and it's striking union met face to face.
Kate Weidaw has more on what happened.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=for the first]
[super=03-Bedford; :00 -- QUICK]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg; :10]
[SUPER=01-Jim Laurin/Rubatex Chief Negotiator; :28]
[SUPER=04-File Tape; :49]
[SUPER=@Kate1; 1:07]
[runs=1:17]
[OUT Q=KW NEWS 7]
((For the first time since the union went on strike three months ago negotiation talks took place behind closed doors.

[2-UVA-Lawsuit]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Lawsuit]

A judge has thrown out a Roanoke couple's half million dollar lawsuit against the University of Virginia Medical Center.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape]

David and Mistie Huffman sued after being given the wrong dead infant by the hospital last year.
The body mixup was discovered within a few hours and was corrected.
They claimed financial loss and emotional distress.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[SS=none]

But an Albemarle County judge ruled that their suit lacked legal sufficiency.
Under state law, emotional distress claims are granted only for physical injury, willful and wanton misconduct or a separate monetary claim.

[2-Franklin-Fatal]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=Fatal Accident]

A Franklin County man was killed in an early morning accident.
22 year old Timothy Saint Clair of Moneta died in the accident on route 616 in Franklin County-- that's Scruggs Road.
Just after one this morning, his car ran off the road, hit a utility pole and overturned.
He died at the scene.

[S-Microwave-Baby]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-40 1:52:53]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

The first-degree murder case against a woman accused of killing her baby in a microwave oven will go before a grand jury in New Kent County next month.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New Kent Co./October]

Yesterday 19-year old Elizabeth Otte (OAT-ee) waived her right to a preliminary hearing so her case will move on to a grand jury.
Otte (OAT-ee) allegedly placed her one month old baby in the microwave in September.
(------------)

[S-Radford-Cop]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-46 29:38]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

A Radford police officer was arrested yesterday for allegedly taking advantage of a female co-worker.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Radford/November 10;]

A grand jury indicted (Gay-thur) Gaither Blackburn on one felony count relating to an incident at a party in Floyd County.
State police began their investigation after a female patrol officer at the Radford P-D came forward-- alleging that Blackburn took advantage of her in a sexual manner.
(--------------------)
[anchor=Kimberly]
[ss=None]

Blackburn has been with the Radford Police Department for about 12- years.
No one there was available for comment.

[E-Reyes]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-52 9:48]
[GRAPHIC=None]

He spent three months in jail on a simple trespassing charge, but former Liberty University student John Reyes (RAY-iss) says he'd do it all over again.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg]

Reyes was jailed for helping stage an anti- abortion rally at E.C. Glass High School two years ago.
He and Operation Rescue director Reverend Flip Benham both served time for trespassing on school grounds.
Yesterday, Benham warned school superintendent Jim McCormick that more protests are planned.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:40:36]
[IN Q=We'll be back]
((REV. FLIP BENHAM/OPERATION RESCUE DIRECTOR: WE'LL BE BACK AT E.C. GLASS HIGH SCHOOL, THERE'S NO QUESTION ABOUT IT. MR. MCCORMICK HAS DECIDED TO PICK THIS FIGHT, LYNCHBURG I GUESS IS THE CITY AND THE VENUE FOR THE BATTLE.))
[SUPER=01-Rev. Flip Benham/Operation Rescue Director]
[RUNS=08]
[OUT Q=for the battle.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Reyes says he helped bring twelve fellow inmates to Christ while he was in jail.
(------------)

[seattle-protest]

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

Seattle's mayor has extended a downtown curfew through tomorrow to try to keep a lid on violent demonstrations.

More than 400 people have been arrested in demonstrations that disrupted World Trade Organization talks and left the city in a state of emergency for two days.
Lisa Hughes has the latest.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Seattle, WA; :00]
[SUPER=01-Kirk Murphy/Protester; :38 QUICK!!!]
[SUPER=01-Perrin Beatty/Canadian Delegate; 1:03 QUICK!!!]
[SUPER=01-Lisa Hughes/Reporting; 1:07]
[RUNS=1:26]
[OUT Q=cbs News, Seattle.]
(( LOCATOR: SEATTLE IT WAS CLEAR THE POLICE FINALLY HAD THE UPPER HAND IN SEATTLE... AGAIN USING CHEMICAL GAS AND FORCE TO TURN BACK MORE ANTI FREE TRADE PROTESTORS-- WHO FOR THE SECOND NIGHT MARCHED AGAINST THE MEETING OF MINISTERS ATTENDING THE WORLD TRADE SUMMIT. (NAT) THE POLICE ACTION WAS FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ORDER-- FROM SEATTLE'S MAYOR.... ANOTHER SHUTDOWN OF THE CITY'S DOWNTOWN AREA.... A CURFEW NOW EXTENDED NOT JUST THRU THE NIGHT-- BUT UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY... AND THE CONTINUATION OF A SECURITY ZONE -- PROTECTING THE CONFERENCE.
(NAT)
EARLIER IN THE DAY, PROTESTS WERE RELATIVELY PEACEFUL-- BUT POLICE STILL ARRESTED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO CHALLENGED THEIR AUTHORITY. PROTESTERS ACCUSED POLICE OF OVER-REACTING.
SOT: Kirk Murphy/PROTESTER
IT'S A DEPLORABLE USE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PEACEFUL, UNARMED DEMONSTRATORS. IN SOME PARTS OF THE CITY, THE DAMAGE DONE THE DAY BEFORE WAS OBVIOUS. STORE WINDOWS WERE BOARDED UP... AND IN SEVERAL CASES, BUSINESSES WERE SIMPLY SHUT DOWN. TRADE OFFICIALS MEANWHILE SAY THE CHAOS OUTSIDE HAS NOT PREVENTED THEM FROM GOING AHEAD WITH THE SUBSTANCE OF THEIR WORK: TRYING TO WORK OUT AN AGREEMENT ON FUTURE TRADE TALKS.
SOT:Perrin Beatty/Canadian delegate
OBVIOUSLY, IT'S PREVENTED SOME OF THE MEETINGS FROM TAKING PLACE-- BUT THE PROCESS CONTINUES.
STANDUP CLOSE: SUPER: LISA HUGHES/CBS NEWS))

[Three-Steve]

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

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]
[SUPER=01-Christina Nimmo/Southernettes Director;]
[SUPER=11-Vinton;]

[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]
((Archive: Christmas Parade))

[Australia-Train]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Train Crash]

At least six people are dead and scores more injured after two trains collided near Sydney, Australia.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Near Sydney, Australia;]
[3;06:22]
One train filled with workers and students slammed into another carrying tourists.
The force of the impact was so strong that it shook nearby homes.
Many of the injured are hospitalized in critical or serious condition.
An investigation into the crash continues, with authorities looking into the possibility of a signal failure.
(------------)

[E-Missing-Student]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=tte]
[TAPE#=99-54 29:06]
[GRAPHIC=None]
A Virginia Tech student has been missing for almost a week now.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
20-year-old Rebecca Myers left her family on a Thanksgiving vacation in Key West. Friends at Virginia Tech say Rebecca rowed crew and played guitar under her loft. Her calendar shows she planned to be back last Friday.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 14:12:51]
[IN Q=She loves school]
((SHE LOVES SCHOOL AND SHE LIKES IT HERE. SHE SAID DURING SPRING OR CHRISTMAS BREAK SHE WANTS TO TRAVEL SOMEWHERE ELSE BUT NEVER RUN OFF AND NOT TELL ANYONE WHERE SHE'S GOING.))
[SUPER=01-Kira Pedersen/Roommate;]
[RUNS=:13]
[OUT Q=where she's going]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
But a book in Rebecca's dorm room talks about the Rainbow Family --
[super=03-Pocahontas Co., WV/File Tape]
a hippie-like national group that promotes peace and love. Detectives say Rebecca may have left Key West with members of that group.
(------------)

[2-US-Airways]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=None]
[GRAPHIC=US Airways]

U-S Airways customers can breathe a sigh of relief.
That's because the National Mediation Board has ordered the Association of Flight Attendants to return to the bargaining table.
That ends the possibility of a strike by flight attendants during the holiday season.
The Union wanted the Board to declare an impasse in negotiations.

[Rockefeller-tree]

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

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY;]
[3:14:42]
Last night in New York City they lit the tree at Rockefeller Center.
Standing at one hundred feet, it's the tallest tree the center's ever had.
The tree is covered by more than 13 miles of lights and was donated by a family from Connecticut.
Rosemary Clooney entertained the crowd with a rendition of White Christmas.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=white christmas]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The annual tree lighting dates to back to 19-31 when Depression-era workmen building Rockefeller Center put an undecorated tree on the muddy construction site to celebrate Christmas.
Two years later another tree was put up with 700 lights on it.
(------------)

[3-Sports]

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

In sports, Tech sweeps the Big East awards, and V-M-I wins on the court.
Roy Stanley has more.
Good Morning Roy.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=1:31]
[OUT Q=great day everybody]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

A Roanoke couple has lost their lawsuit against the University of Virginia Medical Center.
David and Mistie Huffman sued after being given the wrong dead infant by the hospital last year.
They claimed financial loss and emotional distress.
But an Albemarle County judge ruled that their suit lacked legal sufficiency.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

For the first time since September - Rubatex and it's striking union met face to face.
Union officials walked out of yesterdays meeting saying talks were encouraging while Rubatex officials say nothing has changed.
The striking steel workers union requested the meeting and brought a new contract proposal to the table, however the details of it were not disclosed.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

E-C Glass high school in Lynchburg could be the sight of more anti-abortion protests.
John Reyes and Operation Rescue director Reverend Flip Benham both served time for trespassing on school grounds.

Yesterday, Benham warned school superintendent Jim McCormick that more protests are planned.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]