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CNN Live Today
Fort Home Welcomes Back Troops From Iraq With Huge Festival
Aired April 22, 2004 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. I've got the crew with me. You guys, go home. There you go. All right, we'll go to the headlines at this hour.
In Baghdad, police say that a Spanish journalist was shot today in a market. Spanish officials have not confirmed that report.
In Basra, funerals for yesterday's car bomb victims, many of the 68 people were -- who were killed were children.
In Fallujah, U.S. officials say a demand that insurgents disarm has resulted in some weapons there being turned in.
In Riyadh, the Saudi government blames an al Qaeda for yesterday's car bombing that killed four people. The Saudi ambassador to the U.S. emerged from a meeting at the White House to say that his country is now in total war against terrorism. Police apparently prevented the car from getting closer to the building before it exploded. Five other car bombs were diffused.
Today is Earth Day. President Bush, in the next hour, will mark the event with an appearance at a nature preserve in Maine. Several environmental groups are expected to protest that visit, calling it a "green-washing" of the administration's environmental record.
And in New York, the addition to the Manhattan skyline, the Queen Mary 2. It's the newest, biggest and most luxurious cruise ship in the world. It docked this morning at the Hudson River terminal after completing its voyage from Britain.
For the last year, the countless goodbyes echoed across the nation largest Army post. Nearly half of the 44,000 soldiers at Texas' Fort Hood have served in Iraq, and now many of them are coming home. In fact, Fort Hood today hosts a day-long celebration, one of the largest in the fort's history.
Our Keith Oppenheim sets the scene for us.
Keith, good morning.
KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Daryn. In an hour from now, they're going to be firing up a very varied and long show, gigantic show that will last for 14 hours on that main stage behind me. Actually, there will be a total of three sound stages at this military post and an estimated 50,000 people; military families will be attending for this welcome home concert. These are all for soldiers and their families who are reuniting after a long year apart.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OPPENHEIM (voice-over): In a crowded hot gym, Heather Redwing sits patiently. She's been waiting for her husband, Jacob for a year.
HEATHER REDWING, MILITARY WIFE: Yes, wait for the phone to ring for it to be him, you know?
OPPENHEIM: Across the gym, Debra Smith waits for her three sons waiting for her husband. Suddenly, there's some Army style theatrics. The soldiers of the 4 Infantry Division burst through the door, they fall in line and fall into the arms of their families. These troops know it means something to say they got home safely.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a lot of soldiers that can't say that. And my heart and my prayers go out to those soldiers.
OPPENHEIM: Fort Hood is home to the 4 Infantry Division and members of Task Force Iron Horse. All soldiers who have been in Iraq for a year and credited with capturing Saddam Hussein.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They caught Saddam.
OPPENHEIM: The news of that capture raised hopes that Fort Hood's own would be in less danger.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take cover!
OPPENHEIM: But as insurgents continued attacks, soldiers from this post lost their lives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was the light of his dad and mom's eyes.
OPPENHEIM: The family of Sergeant Sean Cotadillo (ph) was one of those in mourning. Seventy-nine troops from the 4 Infantry Division have been killed in action in Iraq. So for the 16,000 returning to Fort Hood safely and their families, this is a bittersweet time where emotions of sadness, relief and sheer joy come together at one very big party.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
OPPENHEIM: We're back live now with a view of the main stage, Daryn. And on this stage at this very big party today, a list of performers. I'll mention a few of them. The classic rock band Lynryd Skynyrd, hip hop artist Ludicrous, Jessica Simpson will be singing. Actor/comedian Drew Carey will be performing and Wayne Newton will host a USO review this evening.
And I should point out that the 4 Infantry Division, the big part of Fort Hood for which this concert is being held, they are all back as of last night. And I'm told there are no plans at this time for any of those men and women to be redeployed back in Iraq. But when you talk to the infantrymen and women, they know it's life in the military and they could be sent back at some point, soon possibly, in the future.
Back to you.
KAGAN: Keith that is the 4th I.D., but what about other soldiers from Fort Hood? They're still deployed overseas?
OPPENHEIM: That's right. There are -- this post is home to a number of different groups, including the First Cavalry and they're still in Iraq. A Task Force Iron Horse, which this party is also for and represents various parts of the Army, they're back here. And that's why that name is associated with this event.
KAGAN: Keith Oppenheim at Fort Hood, thank you very much.
And we're going to get a chance to visit with the Smith family a little bit more. You saw them in Keith's piece, and talk with them later this morning.
Let's take a look today at the situation in Iraq. The Pentagon's top general there says that by late summer, it may cost an extra $ 4 billion to combat the surge of violence in Iraq. General Richard Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says that the three- month extension of duty for 20,000 troops will cost an extra $700 million.
April has become the deadliest month since the war began, with more than 100 American forces killed in action.
The volatility in Iraq and the resulting budget shortfall are likely to be topics this morning in a closed door session and that meeting is taking place on Capitol Hill. That is where National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice will greet Republican lawmakers on the latest developments in Iraq.
Our congressional correspondent Joe Johns joins us with more on that. Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Dr. Rice is already here, arriving within the last hour shaking some hands, taking no questions, at least in public. The questions are expected to come behind closed doors. She's expected to meet with both Democrats and Republicans. There is high interest in what she has to say about Iraq and the broader war on terrorism. Her appearances on Capitol Hill shining a spotlight on the third day of hearings in public on the transition plan in Iraq and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Members of both parties continue to ask for specifics, saying if they don't get answers, they will continue to ask questions.
One possible forum for future questions on these matters is the confirmation hearing of John Negroponte to be the new ambassador to Iraq. The committee is already sending signals that it is interested in scheduling that hearing as early as next week, if the administration can get the nomination to the Hill on time.
Back to you, Daryn. KAGAN: Joe, we were just looking at a -- there you see a live picture of Senator Biden, he has been very critical of the Bush administration, saying that it has not come out and saying how much it will need to fund the military. Saying it's trying to keep that number secret as long as possible. What about the other side of the story?
JOHNS: Well, the administration position is that it takes its cues from the commanders in the field. And so far, the commanders have not clearly indicated how much money they need and when they will need that money. On the other hand, it is clear many on Capitol Hill say that more money will be needed for the troops. And they're asking the administration to get their requests to them as soon as -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.
Speaking of Condoleezza Rice, she spent yesterday meeting a key ally, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., Prince Bandar bin Sultan outside the White House. He dismissed a nagging rumor that his country would rein in oil prices this fall in order to help the president's re-election.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE BANDAR BIN SULTAN, SAUDI AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: On the oil situation, I really don't see what is the big deal there. Unless somebody would like to see the oil prices stay high, then nobody should complain. And it is not for the benefit of the president's political needs. I think reasonable prices, particularly lower oil prices between $22, $28 is good for the American people, for the American economy, for the world economy, and of course, for the Saudi economy, of course.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: The political motives were first suggested by Watergate author Bob Woodward, who released a book this week on the Bush presidency and the march to war. Woodward later softened his portrayal of any secret deal and the White House has denied that charge as well.
For the latest from Iraq, turn to your special section on our Web site. You'll find reports on the war, the rebuilding, and the pending transition of power. The address is cnn.com/Iraq.
At seven minutes past the hour, we turn corner for the latest on pop star Michael Jackson. Sources telling CNN that a grand jury investigating the child molestation charges has returned an indictment.
Our Miguel Marquez first reported this development last night. He joins us with the latest from Santa Barbara.
Miguel, good morning.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. For 13 days that grand jury heard testimony and saw evidence in the case against Michael Jackson. They were considering molestation allegations against the pop star, and they did indeed return an indictment. It's not entirely clear what the indictment is, although it is possible and probably likely that they may track or be similar to criminal complaints, charges that were already brought against Mr. Jackson in January. Then, he was charged with seven counts of lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 14, and two counts of giving a child an intoxicating agent.
Now, the Jackson attorneys took little time in getting a response. In fact, it seems as though they had a response even before the grand jury may have come back with their indictment entirely. In part, their statement reads, "Mr. Jackson will be fully exonerated and that the allegations contained in the indictment will be shown to be patently false." You know, the last time -- all this means essentially is that Mr. Jackson is going to have to end up back in court to be re-arraigned on the 30 of this month, next Friday.
We certainly remember then what happened the last time with the large crowds out there and the media presence. The sheriff's department, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department expressed some concern about just how, you know, close to out of hand it got. And certainly the Judge Rodney Melville was nonplus, to say the least, with the situation outside the courtroom in Santa Barbara. And they hope to avoid that this time by maybe putting up some more security around there, and trying to keep some of the crowds at a somewhat farther distance from the courthouse.
When Mr. Jackson is in court, if he's in court on the 30, his lawyers say he will plead not guilty to these new charges -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And will we have to wait until that court appearance to find out what the actual charges?
MARQUEZ: Well, it is likely that we will have to wait until that court appearance to know what they are. But there has certainly been a lot of leaked information in this case, so it wouldn't be surprising to me if we heard something in the days to come. But typically, grand jury proceedings we won't know much until he is re-arraigned on those charges. You know, when he's in court, he will actually be re- arrested as well. They'll ask if he's posted bail. Since he's already posted bail, the judge will probably allow the old bail to stand for the new bail. And then they'll read the charges, and that's most likely the first time we'll hear exactly what the charges are -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Miguel Marques, in downtown Santa Barbara.
The judge in the sexual assault trial of Kobe Bryant has dealt a set back to the defense of the NBA star. In a written ruling, the judge decided that the medical and psychological history of the 19- year-old accuser will not be admissible in court. Bryant's defense attorneys had argued that the woman had attempted suicide twice in a month before the alleged rape. Bryant says the sex that he had with the girl was consensual.
"Celebrity Justice's" Harvey Levin will join us on the other side of the break to look at the Jackson and Bryant cases.
And outrage in Britain, after pictures of Princess Di taken moments after the fatal crash are broadcast here in the U.S.
Then, a secret mission between the intelligence agencies that's actually working. The exclusive report just ahead.
And later...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got one guy missing in action. All we've got is a set of dentures. What are we going to tell his wife?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
The story behind the Vegas ad campaign that's fast becoming a part of American pop culture.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's go ahead and take a closer look at the Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson cases with a man who specializes in this kind of drama. Harvey Levin, an attorney and executive producer of "Celebrity Justice," and a regular part of this show.
Good morning, Harvey.
HARVEY LEVIN, EXEC. PRODUCER, "CELEBRITY JUSTICE": Hi, Daryn.
KAGAN: Let's talk about what is coming out of the grand jury in Santa Barbara. Not a huge surprised that they came through with this indictment of Michael Jackson.
LEVIN: It's the old joke in Santa Barbara that a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich. It's not really that difficult to do and this is no surprise at all.
KAGAN: They're funny there in Santa Barbara?
LEVIN: They are just a laugh a minute, huh?
KAGAN: But interesting, through all this and everything that they brought -- the prosecution brought forward, no additional victims have come forward it would appear?
LEVIN: That's what I have been hearing all along from people inside this case. The most interesting thing to me Daryn, is there are two other guys that you and I have talked about on this show, Vinnie Amen and Frank Tyson. These are two people who worked for Michael Jackson until last year; and Frank Tyson has really been with him on and off since he was 13-year-old. They're now in their mid- 20s. There is a chance that these two could end up getting indicted as well. We know the grand jury was looking at their conduct. We know that the authorities believe that these two harassed and intimidated the accuser's family. They deny they did that. We know that prosecutors are unconvinced of that.
KAGAN: So what happens now behind the scenes?
LEVIN: Well, behind the scenes, Michael Jackson is simple. He will simply be arraigned on these charges. As for anybody else who is indicted, and we know the grand jury has looked at least three people, if any of those are indicted as well and they're out of state, then what happens is you may literally have to go to that state and start an extradition process, unless those people want to voluntarily surrender. And that could take a little bit of time.
KAGAN: Speaking about a stat, where is Michael Jackson these days?
LEVIN: Well, the last I heard he was in Florida. I mean we've been kind of hop scotching around the country with him. Last I hear, Florida at the home of a very wealthy individual.
KAGAN: And finally on Michael Jackson, Miguel Marquez, our reporter in Santa Barbara suggest that he does not have to be on the courtroom on the 30 when this takes place.
LEVIN: Yes, I think -- you know what? I don't want to say for sure on that. I think since he's already made that first appearance, that suffices. I am not sure of that frankly, Daryn. Because what happened is you completely eliminate what happened in the past and you start new with a grand jury indictment. These are felonies. Typically, you have to be present for a felony. But I think there is something different about this case. I'll get back to you on it.
KAGAN: All right. There is a lot different about this case. Make no mistake about that.
LEVIN: Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
KAGAN: Another big case; let's focus on Eagle, Colorado and Kobe Bryant. The judge there making the ruling that the prosecution will not have access to the victim's medical records. How big of a setback is this for Kobe Bryant's defense?
LEVIN: Well, you know, I was looking at that yesterday and it is a setback. but there is something that kind of sticks in my mind about this. What the judge is saying medical records are sacrosanct, they are private, they are owned by the individual. and unless she somehow waives it by blabbing about it all over town, they remain private. The judge said, you know, she may have talked about it here and there in general terms, but not enough to waive her right of privacy.
What the judge didn't say, Daryn is whether in trial Kobe Bryant's lawyers will be able to ask the accuser, when she gets up on the stand, about the same issues. Just not using the medical records but whether they can ask about those issues and it seems to me that's still an open question.
KAGAN: Kind of left the door open on that just a little bit. We know Kobe Bryant -- or we expect Kobe Bryant will be in court next week?
LEVIN: Yes, we do. We do. I mean this case, I'm guessing this case is coming in for a landing around June, that's what it's looking like to me.
KAGAN: All right. And we will have you back to talk more about that, and Michael Jackson, and all the other celebrities that somehow find their way into the legal system. Harvey, thank you.
LEVIN: Great talking to you.
KAGAN: Harvey Levin from "Celebrity Justice."
A sense of outrage is simmering in Great Britain after an Americans network aired photos of a dying Princess Diana moments after her horrific car crash in a Paris tunnel. The never before seen photos, confiscated from paparazzi on the scene, aired on CBS News, "48 Hours Investigates." CBS did not disclose how it obtained the photos from a French investigation. The show dispelled some of the rumors surrounding her death, including claims that Diana was pregnant. And we'll have more on that from England in the next hour.
Environmental terrorism ahead of Earth Day. New homes burned to the ground in the northwest. An author believes that he thinks he knows who is tied to it.
And the president heads to Maine on this Earth Day, amid new poll numbers that show a staggering amount of Americans believe another attack on U.S. soil is eminent.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Meanwhile, Let's take a look at some stories across America.
First to South California, officials with the adult film industry say a production set in Brazil that led to two cases of HIV. The cases involve two actors, a man and a woman; they are the industry's first in five years. But the adult film officials say the risk is increasing with the popularity of shooting overseas, where AIDS testing is less stringent.
Arson investigators in Washington State say that eco terrorists could be blamed for Tuesday's fires that destroyed two homes and damaged another one. Soda bottles full of gasoline were found at another development a few miles away. A federal agent says that the eco terrorist group may have left a threatening note found at the scene.
In Utica, Illinois, the death toll now stands at eight. All of the victims were found in the rubble of a century old tavern, where they had ironically sought shelter from the approaching tornado. Several survivors had been pulled from the ruins, including four children.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: The big story is that the Queen Mary 2 has made its way.
KAGAN: Docking there along the Hudson River.
MARCIANO: That's a big boat, Daryn!
KAGAN: That's huge. I think we have some stats. Nearly four football fields long, 21 stories tall. And yet, as I understand it, as it made its Atlantic crossing a little rough there. Thirty-foot seas and force 10 huge gale winds.
MARCIANO: Force 10. Are you talking Buford scale on me?
KAGAN: I'm trying to get a little technical. Force 10 gales, trying to drop it on you.
MARCIANO: That thing looks like it could go through 100-foot swells. That is a monster, monster boat. Good to have it in the Big Apple.
KAGAN: Well, some reporters that were on the boat said on those days, the people -- the passenger chose to stay in their cabins.
MARCIANO: Yes, I would, too, or maybe looking off the rail doing something else.
KAGAN: Exactly. There is that option as well. Rob, thank you very much. And by the way, a happy Earth Day to you.
MARCIANO: Happy Earth Day to you. We'll be back in about a half an hour.
KAGAN: Yes. The card is in the mail. Thank you so much.
We'll have more on Earth Day just ahead.
Right now, we want to tell you about some breaking news that we're getting in from North Korea. Word of a large number of casualties, people killed or injured in North Korea. Two trains that were carrying oil and liquefied petroleum gas apparently collided and exploded in a North Korean train station. This is just hours after leader, Kim Jong Il passed through on his return from a Chinese visit. This is all coming from South Korean news media. Given that it is in North Korea, very difficult to get more information and pictures out of there. But we are working on that and will give you more as it comes in.
Also, a lot more news ahead, including bolstering American military. Is reinstating the draft a solution? Hear what John Kerry says about making military service mandatory.
And a secret intelligence mission that's working. Can it help end the terror threat to the U.S.? Find out when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. I've got the crew with me. You guys, go home. There you go. All right, we'll go to the headlines at this hour.
In Baghdad, police say that a Spanish journalist was shot today in a market. Spanish officials have not confirmed that report.
In Basra, funerals for yesterday's car bomb victims, many of the 68 people were -- who were killed were children.
In Fallujah, U.S. officials say a demand that insurgents disarm has resulted in some weapons there being turned in.
In Riyadh, the Saudi government blames an al Qaeda for yesterday's car bombing that killed four people. The Saudi ambassador to the U.S. emerged from a meeting at the White House to say that his country is now in total war against terrorism. Police apparently prevented the car from getting closer to the building before it exploded. Five other car bombs were diffused.
Today is Earth Day. President Bush, in the next hour, will mark the event with an appearance at a nature preserve in Maine. Several environmental groups are expected to protest that visit, calling it a "green-washing" of the administration's environmental record. And in New York, the addition to the Manhattan skyline, the Queen Mary 2. It's the newest, biggest and most luxurious cruise ship in the world. It docked this morning at the Hudson River terminal after completing its voyage from Britain.
For the last year, the countless goodbyes echoed across the nation largest Army post. Nearly half of the 44,000 soldiers at Texas' Fort Hood have served in Iraq, and now many of them are coming home. In fact, Fort Hood today hosts a day-long celebration, one of the largest in the fort's history.>
Aired April 22, 2004 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. I've got the crew with me. You guys, go home. There you go. All right, we'll go to the headlines at this hour.
In Baghdad, police say that a Spanish journalist was shot today in a market. Spanish officials have not confirmed that report.
In Basra, funerals for yesterday's car bomb victims, many of the 68 people were -- who were killed were children.
In Fallujah, U.S. officials say a demand that insurgents disarm has resulted in some weapons there being turned in.
In Riyadh, the Saudi government blames an al Qaeda for yesterday's car bombing that killed four people. The Saudi ambassador to the U.S. emerged from a meeting at the White House to say that his country is now in total war against terrorism. Police apparently prevented the car from getting closer to the building before it exploded. Five other car bombs were diffused.
Today is Earth Day. President Bush, in the next hour, will mark the event with an appearance at a nature preserve in Maine. Several environmental groups are expected to protest that visit, calling it a "green-washing" of the administration's environmental record.
And in New York, the addition to the Manhattan skyline, the Queen Mary 2. It's the newest, biggest and most luxurious cruise ship in the world. It docked this morning at the Hudson River terminal after completing its voyage from Britain.
For the last year, the countless goodbyes echoed across the nation largest Army post. Nearly half of the 44,000 soldiers at Texas' Fort Hood have served in Iraq, and now many of them are coming home. In fact, Fort Hood today hosts a day-long celebration, one of the largest in the fort's history.
Our Keith Oppenheim sets the scene for us.
Keith, good morning.
KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Daryn. In an hour from now, they're going to be firing up a very varied and long show, gigantic show that will last for 14 hours on that main stage behind me. Actually, there will be a total of three sound stages at this military post and an estimated 50,000 people; military families will be attending for this welcome home concert. These are all for soldiers and their families who are reuniting after a long year apart.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OPPENHEIM (voice-over): In a crowded hot gym, Heather Redwing sits patiently. She's been waiting for her husband, Jacob for a year.
HEATHER REDWING, MILITARY WIFE: Yes, wait for the phone to ring for it to be him, you know?
OPPENHEIM: Across the gym, Debra Smith waits for her three sons waiting for her husband. Suddenly, there's some Army style theatrics. The soldiers of the 4 Infantry Division burst through the door, they fall in line and fall into the arms of their families. These troops know it means something to say they got home safely.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a lot of soldiers that can't say that. And my heart and my prayers go out to those soldiers.
OPPENHEIM: Fort Hood is home to the 4 Infantry Division and members of Task Force Iron Horse. All soldiers who have been in Iraq for a year and credited with capturing Saddam Hussein.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They caught Saddam.
OPPENHEIM: The news of that capture raised hopes that Fort Hood's own would be in less danger.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take cover!
OPPENHEIM: But as insurgents continued attacks, soldiers from this post lost their lives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was the light of his dad and mom's eyes.
OPPENHEIM: The family of Sergeant Sean Cotadillo (ph) was one of those in mourning. Seventy-nine troops from the 4 Infantry Division have been killed in action in Iraq. So for the 16,000 returning to Fort Hood safely and their families, this is a bittersweet time where emotions of sadness, relief and sheer joy come together at one very big party.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
OPPENHEIM: We're back live now with a view of the main stage, Daryn. And on this stage at this very big party today, a list of performers. I'll mention a few of them. The classic rock band Lynryd Skynyrd, hip hop artist Ludicrous, Jessica Simpson will be singing. Actor/comedian Drew Carey will be performing and Wayne Newton will host a USO review this evening.
And I should point out that the 4 Infantry Division, the big part of Fort Hood for which this concert is being held, they are all back as of last night. And I'm told there are no plans at this time for any of those men and women to be redeployed back in Iraq. But when you talk to the infantrymen and women, they know it's life in the military and they could be sent back at some point, soon possibly, in the future.
Back to you.
KAGAN: Keith that is the 4th I.D., but what about other soldiers from Fort Hood? They're still deployed overseas?
OPPENHEIM: That's right. There are -- this post is home to a number of different groups, including the First Cavalry and they're still in Iraq. A Task Force Iron Horse, which this party is also for and represents various parts of the Army, they're back here. And that's why that name is associated with this event.
KAGAN: Keith Oppenheim at Fort Hood, thank you very much.
And we're going to get a chance to visit with the Smith family a little bit more. You saw them in Keith's piece, and talk with them later this morning.
Let's take a look today at the situation in Iraq. The Pentagon's top general there says that by late summer, it may cost an extra $ 4 billion to combat the surge of violence in Iraq. General Richard Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says that the three- month extension of duty for 20,000 troops will cost an extra $700 million.
April has become the deadliest month since the war began, with more than 100 American forces killed in action.
The volatility in Iraq and the resulting budget shortfall are likely to be topics this morning in a closed door session and that meeting is taking place on Capitol Hill. That is where National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice will greet Republican lawmakers on the latest developments in Iraq.
Our congressional correspondent Joe Johns joins us with more on that. Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Dr. Rice is already here, arriving within the last hour shaking some hands, taking no questions, at least in public. The questions are expected to come behind closed doors. She's expected to meet with both Democrats and Republicans. There is high interest in what she has to say about Iraq and the broader war on terrorism. Her appearances on Capitol Hill shining a spotlight on the third day of hearings in public on the transition plan in Iraq and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Members of both parties continue to ask for specifics, saying if they don't get answers, they will continue to ask questions.
One possible forum for future questions on these matters is the confirmation hearing of John Negroponte to be the new ambassador to Iraq. The committee is already sending signals that it is interested in scheduling that hearing as early as next week, if the administration can get the nomination to the Hill on time.
Back to you, Daryn. KAGAN: Joe, we were just looking at a -- there you see a live picture of Senator Biden, he has been very critical of the Bush administration, saying that it has not come out and saying how much it will need to fund the military. Saying it's trying to keep that number secret as long as possible. What about the other side of the story?
JOHNS: Well, the administration position is that it takes its cues from the commanders in the field. And so far, the commanders have not clearly indicated how much money they need and when they will need that money. On the other hand, it is clear many on Capitol Hill say that more money will be needed for the troops. And they're asking the administration to get their requests to them as soon as -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.
Speaking of Condoleezza Rice, she spent yesterday meeting a key ally, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., Prince Bandar bin Sultan outside the White House. He dismissed a nagging rumor that his country would rein in oil prices this fall in order to help the president's re-election.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRINCE BANDAR BIN SULTAN, SAUDI AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: On the oil situation, I really don't see what is the big deal there. Unless somebody would like to see the oil prices stay high, then nobody should complain. And it is not for the benefit of the president's political needs. I think reasonable prices, particularly lower oil prices between $22, $28 is good for the American people, for the American economy, for the world economy, and of course, for the Saudi economy, of course.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: The political motives were first suggested by Watergate author Bob Woodward, who released a book this week on the Bush presidency and the march to war. Woodward later softened his portrayal of any secret deal and the White House has denied that charge as well.
For the latest from Iraq, turn to your special section on our Web site. You'll find reports on the war, the rebuilding, and the pending transition of power. The address is cnn.com/Iraq.
At seven minutes past the hour, we turn corner for the latest on pop star Michael Jackson. Sources telling CNN that a grand jury investigating the child molestation charges has returned an indictment.
Our Miguel Marquez first reported this development last night. He joins us with the latest from Santa Barbara.
Miguel, good morning.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. For 13 days that grand jury heard testimony and saw evidence in the case against Michael Jackson. They were considering molestation allegations against the pop star, and they did indeed return an indictment. It's not entirely clear what the indictment is, although it is possible and probably likely that they may track or be similar to criminal complaints, charges that were already brought against Mr. Jackson in January. Then, he was charged with seven counts of lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 14, and two counts of giving a child an intoxicating agent.
Now, the Jackson attorneys took little time in getting a response. In fact, it seems as though they had a response even before the grand jury may have come back with their indictment entirely. In part, their statement reads, "Mr. Jackson will be fully exonerated and that the allegations contained in the indictment will be shown to be patently false." You know, the last time -- all this means essentially is that Mr. Jackson is going to have to end up back in court to be re-arraigned on the 30 of this month, next Friday.
We certainly remember then what happened the last time with the large crowds out there and the media presence. The sheriff's department, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department expressed some concern about just how, you know, close to out of hand it got. And certainly the Judge Rodney Melville was nonplus, to say the least, with the situation outside the courtroom in Santa Barbara. And they hope to avoid that this time by maybe putting up some more security around there, and trying to keep some of the crowds at a somewhat farther distance from the courthouse.
When Mr. Jackson is in court, if he's in court on the 30, his lawyers say he will plead not guilty to these new charges -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And will we have to wait until that court appearance to find out what the actual charges?
MARQUEZ: Well, it is likely that we will have to wait until that court appearance to know what they are. But there has certainly been a lot of leaked information in this case, so it wouldn't be surprising to me if we heard something in the days to come. But typically, grand jury proceedings we won't know much until he is re-arraigned on those charges. You know, when he's in court, he will actually be re- arrested as well. They'll ask if he's posted bail. Since he's already posted bail, the judge will probably allow the old bail to stand for the new bail. And then they'll read the charges, and that's most likely the first time we'll hear exactly what the charges are -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Miguel Marques, in downtown Santa Barbara.
The judge in the sexual assault trial of Kobe Bryant has dealt a set back to the defense of the NBA star. In a written ruling, the judge decided that the medical and psychological history of the 19- year-old accuser will not be admissible in court. Bryant's defense attorneys had argued that the woman had attempted suicide twice in a month before the alleged rape. Bryant says the sex that he had with the girl was consensual.
"Celebrity Justice's" Harvey Levin will join us on the other side of the break to look at the Jackson and Bryant cases.
And outrage in Britain, after pictures of Princess Di taken moments after the fatal crash are broadcast here in the U.S.
Then, a secret mission between the intelligence agencies that's actually working. The exclusive report just ahead.
And later...
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got one guy missing in action. All we've got is a set of dentures. What are we going to tell his wife?
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The story behind the Vegas ad campaign that's fast becoming a part of American pop culture.
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KAGAN: Let's go ahead and take a closer look at the Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson cases with a man who specializes in this kind of drama. Harvey Levin, an attorney and executive producer of "Celebrity Justice," and a regular part of this show.
Good morning, Harvey.
HARVEY LEVIN, EXEC. PRODUCER, "CELEBRITY JUSTICE": Hi, Daryn.
KAGAN: Let's talk about what is coming out of the grand jury in Santa Barbara. Not a huge surprised that they came through with this indictment of Michael Jackson.
LEVIN: It's the old joke in Santa Barbara that a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich. It's not really that difficult to do and this is no surprise at all.
KAGAN: They're funny there in Santa Barbara?
LEVIN: They are just a laugh a minute, huh?
KAGAN: But interesting, through all this and everything that they brought -- the prosecution brought forward, no additional victims have come forward it would appear?
LEVIN: That's what I have been hearing all along from people inside this case. The most interesting thing to me Daryn, is there are two other guys that you and I have talked about on this show, Vinnie Amen and Frank Tyson. These are two people who worked for Michael Jackson until last year; and Frank Tyson has really been with him on and off since he was 13-year-old. They're now in their mid- 20s. There is a chance that these two could end up getting indicted as well. We know the grand jury was looking at their conduct. We know that the authorities believe that these two harassed and intimidated the accuser's family. They deny they did that. We know that prosecutors are unconvinced of that.
KAGAN: So what happens now behind the scenes?
LEVIN: Well, behind the scenes, Michael Jackson is simple. He will simply be arraigned on these charges. As for anybody else who is indicted, and we know the grand jury has looked at least three people, if any of those are indicted as well and they're out of state, then what happens is you may literally have to go to that state and start an extradition process, unless those people want to voluntarily surrender. And that could take a little bit of time.
KAGAN: Speaking about a stat, where is Michael Jackson these days?
LEVIN: Well, the last I heard he was in Florida. I mean we've been kind of hop scotching around the country with him. Last I hear, Florida at the home of a very wealthy individual.
KAGAN: And finally on Michael Jackson, Miguel Marquez, our reporter in Santa Barbara suggest that he does not have to be on the courtroom on the 30 when this takes place.
LEVIN: Yes, I think -- you know what? I don't want to say for sure on that. I think since he's already made that first appearance, that suffices. I am not sure of that frankly, Daryn. Because what happened is you completely eliminate what happened in the past and you start new with a grand jury indictment. These are felonies. Typically, you have to be present for a felony. But I think there is something different about this case. I'll get back to you on it.
KAGAN: All right. There is a lot different about this case. Make no mistake about that.
LEVIN: Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
KAGAN: Another big case; let's focus on Eagle, Colorado and Kobe Bryant. The judge there making the ruling that the prosecution will not have access to the victim's medical records. How big of a setback is this for Kobe Bryant's defense?
LEVIN: Well, you know, I was looking at that yesterday and it is a setback. but there is something that kind of sticks in my mind about this. What the judge is saying medical records are sacrosanct, they are private, they are owned by the individual. and unless she somehow waives it by blabbing about it all over town, they remain private. The judge said, you know, she may have talked about it here and there in general terms, but not enough to waive her right of privacy.
What the judge didn't say, Daryn is whether in trial Kobe Bryant's lawyers will be able to ask the accuser, when she gets up on the stand, about the same issues. Just not using the medical records but whether they can ask about those issues and it seems to me that's still an open question.
KAGAN: Kind of left the door open on that just a little bit. We know Kobe Bryant -- or we expect Kobe Bryant will be in court next week?
LEVIN: Yes, we do. We do. I mean this case, I'm guessing this case is coming in for a landing around June, that's what it's looking like to me.
KAGAN: All right. And we will have you back to talk more about that, and Michael Jackson, and all the other celebrities that somehow find their way into the legal system. Harvey, thank you.
LEVIN: Great talking to you.
KAGAN: Harvey Levin from "Celebrity Justice."
A sense of outrage is simmering in Great Britain after an Americans network aired photos of a dying Princess Diana moments after her horrific car crash in a Paris tunnel. The never before seen photos, confiscated from paparazzi on the scene, aired on CBS News, "48 Hours Investigates." CBS did not disclose how it obtained the photos from a French investigation. The show dispelled some of the rumors surrounding her death, including claims that Diana was pregnant. And we'll have more on that from England in the next hour.
Environmental terrorism ahead of Earth Day. New homes burned to the ground in the northwest. An author believes that he thinks he knows who is tied to it.
And the president heads to Maine on this Earth Day, amid new poll numbers that show a staggering amount of Americans believe another attack on U.S. soil is eminent.
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KAGAN: Meanwhile, Let's take a look at some stories across America.
First to South California, officials with the adult film industry say a production set in Brazil that led to two cases of HIV. The cases involve two actors, a man and a woman; they are the industry's first in five years. But the adult film officials say the risk is increasing with the popularity of shooting overseas, where AIDS testing is less stringent.
Arson investigators in Washington State say that eco terrorists could be blamed for Tuesday's fires that destroyed two homes and damaged another one. Soda bottles full of gasoline were found at another development a few miles away. A federal agent says that the eco terrorist group may have left a threatening note found at the scene.
In Utica, Illinois, the death toll now stands at eight. All of the victims were found in the rubble of a century old tavern, where they had ironically sought shelter from the approaching tornado. Several survivors had been pulled from the ruins, including four children.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: The big story is that the Queen Mary 2 has made its way.
KAGAN: Docking there along the Hudson River.
MARCIANO: That's a big boat, Daryn!
KAGAN: That's huge. I think we have some stats. Nearly four football fields long, 21 stories tall. And yet, as I understand it, as it made its Atlantic crossing a little rough there. Thirty-foot seas and force 10 huge gale winds.
MARCIANO: Force 10. Are you talking Buford scale on me?
KAGAN: I'm trying to get a little technical. Force 10 gales, trying to drop it on you.
MARCIANO: That thing looks like it could go through 100-foot swells. That is a monster, monster boat. Good to have it in the Big Apple.
KAGAN: Well, some reporters that were on the boat said on those days, the people -- the passenger chose to stay in their cabins.
MARCIANO: Yes, I would, too, or maybe looking off the rail doing something else.
KAGAN: Exactly. There is that option as well. Rob, thank you very much. And by the way, a happy Earth Day to you.
MARCIANO: Happy Earth Day to you. We'll be back in about a half an hour.
KAGAN: Yes. The card is in the mail. Thank you so much.
We'll have more on Earth Day just ahead.
Right now, we want to tell you about some breaking news that we're getting in from North Korea. Word of a large number of casualties, people killed or injured in North Korea. Two trains that were carrying oil and liquefied petroleum gas apparently collided and exploded in a North Korean train station. This is just hours after leader, Kim Jong Il passed through on his return from a Chinese visit. This is all coming from South Korean news media. Given that it is in North Korea, very difficult to get more information and pictures out of there. But we are working on that and will give you more as it comes in.
Also, a lot more news ahead, including bolstering American military. Is reinstating the draft a solution? Hear what John Kerry says about making military service mandatory.
And a secret intelligence mission that's working. Can it help end the terror threat to the U.S.? Find out when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.
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DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. I've got the crew with me. You guys, go home. There you go. All right, we'll go to the headlines at this hour.
In Baghdad, police say that a Spanish journalist was shot today in a market. Spanish officials have not confirmed that report.
In Basra, funerals for yesterday's car bomb victims, many of the 68 people were -- who were killed were children.
In Fallujah, U.S. officials say a demand that insurgents disarm has resulted in some weapons there being turned in.
In Riyadh, the Saudi government blames an al Qaeda for yesterday's car bombing that killed four people. The Saudi ambassador to the U.S. emerged from a meeting at the White House to say that his country is now in total war against terrorism. Police apparently prevented the car from getting closer to the building before it exploded. Five other car bombs were diffused.
Today is Earth Day. President Bush, in the next hour, will mark the event with an appearance at a nature preserve in Maine. Several environmental groups are expected to protest that visit, calling it a "green-washing" of the administration's environmental record. And in New York, the addition to the Manhattan skyline, the Queen Mary 2. It's the newest, biggest and most luxurious cruise ship in the world. It docked this morning at the Hudson River terminal after completing its voyage from Britain.
For the last year, the countless goodbyes echoed across the nation largest Army post. Nearly half of the 44,000 soldiers at Texas' Fort Hood have served in Iraq, and now many of them are coming home. In fact, Fort Hood today hosts a day-long celebration, one of the largest in the fort's history.>
