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CNN Live At Daybreak

Latest Developments in Iraq; Review of Developments in Sexual Assault Case Against Kobe Bryant

Aired May 10, 2004 - 06:00   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.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: These pictures just in to CNN. A U.S. military Humvee on fire in Baghdad's Sadr City.
This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

We'll have more on those new pictures we showed you, but first, the latest headlines for you.

Back into the breach -- U.S. Marines accompany the newly organized Iraqi Civil Defense Corps into Fallujah. That's the same city where battles were going on daily last month.

President Bush heads to the Pentagon for a scheduled briefing at the Defense Department this morning. The president has been adamant that he has no intention of dismissing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over the Iraqi prison abuse scandal.

A three day hearing for Kobe Bryant begins today. The NBA star is expected to plead not guilty to sexual assault. That plea could come as soon as Wednesday. A trial could begin late this summer.

Lung cancer has claimed the life of comedian Alan King. King appeared on the old "Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times. Comedian Jerry Stiller says King was like a Jewish Will Rogers. King was 76 years old.

To the forecast center now and Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: New violence in Baghdad -- we've got pictures for you just coming into CNN. An American Humvee burning on the outskirts of Baghdad. At this time, we don't know that circumstances of this incident and no information yet from the military, either, on casualties.

More than two dozen Iraqis are dead, a Shiite neighborhood is in an uproar and more of those prisoner abuse pictures are coming out.

Our Ben Wedeman reports the combination is fueling more anger towards the U.S.-led coalition.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The smoldering Shiite uprising reignites in Baghdad's Sadr city. Following an American raid over night, that netted two top deputies of militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

A coalition spokesman said 18 militants were killed in clashes. While local residents accused American forces of targeting civilians as well as fighters.

We are family sitting at home, says this Sadr city resident. The Americans shelled us with tanks and machine guns. Is this a war zone? This is just a poor neighborhood.

Early Sunday, a bomb ripped through a crowded market in Southwest Baghdad killing at least five people including a child. More than a dozen people were wounded, among them, six policemen. And here, shock mixes with growing disillusion with the new Iraq.

This is the freedom they want, says this man, who witnessed the blast. People cut into shreds in the street. What did we do wrong.

Sunday, the coalition provisional authority announced that the first court-martial for a military policemen allegedly involved in prisoner abuse would begin in Baghdad on May 19. The first to go on trial, 24 year-old Specialist Jeremy Sivits.

KIMMITT: The three charges against Specialist Sivits are: conspiracy to maltreatment -- to maltreat subordinates and detainees, dereliction of duty for failing to protect detainees from abuse, and maltreatment of detainees.

WEDEMAN: Six other military policemen, in addition to Sivits, are the subject of a criminal investigation. Protesters in Baghdad echoed growing public anger in Iraq over the prisoner abuse scandal yet another front where the beleaguered U.S.-led coalition is under fire. Ben Wedeman, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And for more on the Iraq prison abuse scandal, log onto our Web site. You know the address by now, cnn.com.

Kobe Bryant is expected back in a Colorado courtroom today. More hearings are scheduled to decide whether the jury will hear details of his accuser's sexual history. And later this week, the countdown to trial should begin with Bryant's plea.

For a look at what more we can expect, let's head live to Eagle County and Adrian Baschuk -- good morning, Adrian.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Carol.

Kobe Bryant arrives here in Eagle County fresh off of scoring 22 points last night and keeping the Lakers' playoff hopes live against the San Antonio Spurs. Still, he's got greater hopes -- to avoid a prison term and a possible guilty sentence.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant will be arraigned this week and will stand before the court to declare he is not guilty.

LARRY POZNER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: The judge must set a trial within six months of the arraignment. But that isn't in stone.

BASCHUK: Variables persist. Will Judge Terry Ruckriegle rule in favor of the defense's motion challenging Colorado's rape shield law? The defense wants parts of the accuser's sexual past submitted as trial evidence.

Also, will the judge rule statements Kobe Bryant made to police be sealed and never heard by a jury?

POZNER: Here's what we can say. Anything the defense wins is weakening the prosecution case.

BASCHUK: The prosecution scored a prior victory when the judge ordered the alleged victim's medical records sealed. But this week, he re-examines the decision and conducts hearings on whether evidence can be submitted that Kobe Bryant's accuser allegedly attempted suicide twice in 2003 and whether or not she has a history of drug abuse.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are a lot of witnesses that the defense has lined up through a solid investigation who will testify about alleged drug and alcohol problems. Is that relevant or is it just character assassination?

BASCHUK: The judge will address another tough question -- whether or not the accuser can continue to be referred as a "victim" in open court proceedings by the prosecution.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: Now, there are 10 items to be discussed on this week's court docket. Kobe Bryant's arraignment is, of course, the last item to go before the court -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Adrian Baschuk reporting live from Eagle County this morning.

Time for more stories across America this Monday.

A rough landing for some passengers in Puerto Rico after an American Eagle flight slid off the runway in San Juan. A few of the flight's 22 passengers were taken to the hospital for observation. An FAA spokesperson says the landing gear collapsed.

Pretrial hearings begin at Fort Bragg today in the case of an Army sergeant charged with killing two fellow soldiers in Kuwait. Sergeant Hassan Akbar is accused of tossing several grenades into a group of soldiers. The attack came during the first days of the war in Iraq. Akbar could face the death penalty.

High winds and hail hit parts of Minnesota. As many as eight tornadoes and funnel clouds were reported throughout the western and central parts of the state. Trees and homes damaged. No serious injuries reported.

You must be feeling the pinch in your pocket by now. Gas prices sky high -- why things seem to be getting worse.

Plus, under harrowing attack -- it was a harrowing day, rather, for Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip. We'll let you know what happened next.

And a prayerful homecoming for the Mississippi man held hostage in Iraq.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Later today, President Bush heads to the Pentagon to talk about the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

Well, today Britain is dealing with its own prisoner abuse scandal. Geoffrey Hune, Britain's equivalent of Donald Rumsfeld, will appear before parliament in a few hours.

Let's head live to London to find out more.

Here's Robin Oakley -- good morning, Robin.

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

A lot of pressure no Geoff Hune, the defense secretary, when he faces M.P.s this afternoon. He will be quizzed as to how much the government knew about allegations by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Amnesty International that there was abuse by British military personnel in Iraq of detainees. He will be asked when the government knew, what action it has taken in the light of the allegations made by those organizations.

He's going to be pressed by the Conservative opposition, led by their foreign affairs spokesman Michael Ancram, to come clean about exactly what the government knew, particularly because Adam Ingram, a junior defense minister, said a little while ago that the government didn't know about any of these reports.

Meanwhile, Tony Blair, of course, has been under international pressure on this issue. In France yesterday, he deeply apologized to any Iraqis who have been mistreated by British forces, saying that it was, of course, still open to proof as to whether they were. And Mr. Blair was today launching a campaign for the European parliament elections upcoming and again expressed his regret about what had happened. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: There can be absolutely no excuse for mistreating or abusing prisoners. We didn't commit British troops to Iraq in order to carry out abuses of human rights, but to end abuses of human rights.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OAKLEY: So, a lot of pressure on Geoff Hune in the House of Commons in a few hours time, Carol, and a lot of questions still to be answered, although I understand the allegations by the International Red Cross against British military personnel are not as severe in general as those against U.S. military personnel -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, that, Robin, we've been hearing so many conflicting reports about these pictures coming out in the "Daily Mirror." Some people say they're doctored, others say they're not.

Will we find out more about that today, as well?

OAKLEY: I'm not sure that we will get an answer to that. The editor of the "Daily Mirror," Pears Morgan, is going to be quizzed by a select committee of M.P.s, parliamentarians, at some stage. Geoff Hune, I think, will concentrate on the more general questions raised by Amnesty International and the International Red Cross.

There is still an argument going on as to whether those pictures, as you say, were doctored. But I think from the kind of noises we've had from senior military personnel, there is an acceptance that some abuse has gone on, whether or not those pictures are proved to be accurate.

Adam Ingram, the junior defense minister, did say that 33 cases of abuse had been investigated so far. In 15 of those cases, the military were cleared. Twelve cases are still going on. And in six cases, there is the likelihood of prosecutions -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Robin Oakley live in London this morning.

Let's talk about something good now. Former hostage Thomas Hamill is home. He says he's trying to gain a sense of normalcy now that he's back in Mississippi. For Hamill and his community, the healing begins at church.

More from CNN's Mike Brooks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Every day after Tommy Hamill was captured on April 9 in Iraq, the small town of Macon, Mississippi, came together in a courthouse steps to pray for him and for the welfare of the troops and other hostages still held. People here have no doubt that prayer helped Tommy Hamill during his captivity and eventual escape. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was being done every night and every day. It really brought this community together. And without prayer, he wouldn't have made it.

BROOKS: Late Saturday, Hamill, along with family and friends, gathered together at the courthouse for an emotional evening of prayer and unity. Tommy Hamill spoke candidly about how his faith gave him hope during his ordeal.

THOMAS HAMILL, HELD HOSTAGE IN IRAQ: I want everyone to know that my spiritual convictions, my inspiration, the lord, he brought me through this. He was my person to lean on. I leaned on him every day. And he carried me. He carried me a few days. If I had not had my god to speak to, I don't know what I would have done.

BROOKS: Hamill celebrated his 44th birthday Saturday, still trying to find some sense of normalcy since returning. He didn't want to make a big deal of his arrival home.

HAMILL: I didn't want to play this thing like a big grand sham home run. The one thing I found out with these people over there, you do not show fear in front of them. And you do not anger them. I knew this was going to anger them.

BROOKS: Hamill and his family attended church Sunday.

(on camera): For the near future, the daily prayer vigil will continue, because the people say there are still prayers to be answered. Mike Brooks, CNN, Macon, Mississippi.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush will head across the Potomac River to the Pentagon for a briefing this morning. It comes as the outrage over photos of Iraqi prisoner abuse keep boiling. But the visit was planned before the scandal broke.

U.S. aircraft bombed the Sadr City office of Muslim Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad. It's part of a stepped up campaign against an uprising launched by al-Sadr. No word on casualties.

In money news, another big bank merger. Sun Trust has acquired the National Commerce Financial Corporation for $7 billion in cash and stock. With the merger, Sun Trust becomes one of the top 10 largest banks in the country.

In sports, the Los Angeles Lakers ripped the San Antonio Spurs 105-81 in game three of the NBA's Western Conference Semifinals. The loss snaps the Spurs' 17 game winning streak and cuts their lead two games to one. In culture, it's nail biting time on Broadway. The Tony Award nominations will be announced this morning at 8:30 Eastern. Hugh Jackman is the favorite for best actor in a musical for "The Boy from Oz" -- Chad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines.

Time for a little business buzz right now.

Saying fill 'er up is costing you a pretty penny these days.

Carrie Lee reports on the rising cost of gasoline. She's live at the NASDAQ market site.

Is there any end in sight?

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I know, Carol. This is becoming a regular story for us. Well, the latest numbers here from a Lundberg survey, $1.93 a gallon. That's the average price for self-serve regular in this country as of last week. The price is up, actually, $0.45 since December 19th, and this is a $0.10 hike since the Lundberg survey last came out, about two weeks ago.

So why are we seeing these hikes? Well, crude oil is on the rise. Some output constraints there coming from OPEC. Crude oil, of course, used to make gasoline, and it comprises about 50 percent of the price.

Also, we're seeing a pickup in demand. Oil refiners switching to summer blend gasoline. So that's causing some constraints, as well.

And basically we've seen prices on the rise over the past couple of months pretty steadily, interesting because the lowest price was found in Norfolk, Virginia, at about $1.75 per gallon; the highest, San Diego at $2.25. And here's a look at some other top cities, as well. You can see quite a few of them, Carol, over the $2 mark.

Meanwhile, we did see some selling for stocks last week and this morning futures are looking very weak. Those interest rate hike concerns really weighing on investors' minds front and center.

So it looks like today we're going to see some red arrows at that 9:30 opening bell -- back to you.

COSTELLO: Uh-oh.

All right, thank you, Carrie.

Let's see how Americans are viewing the nation's economy. We've got some numbers for you. The Gallup poll talked with 1,000 Americans by phone last week. Forty-three percent say economic conditions are getting better. Fifty-one percent say they are getting worse.

The cries continue for Defense Secretary Rumsfeld to step down. Still to come on DAYBREAK, will the president stand by his man as he goes to the Pentagon for a briefing today?

Also, a ceremony marking the end of WWII turns deadly. A live report out of Moscow in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Brace yourself -- more pictures and even videotape of prisoner abuse may eventually make their way to newspapers and newscasts. The Pentagon will decide when and if to release more.

Our senior international editor, David Clinch, joins us now to talk more about that.

But first, let's -- we have these pictures just coming in from Baghdad.

DAVID CLINCH, CNN INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Right. Right. We were talking about this earlier. Both the continuing Sunni insurgency and the Shiite rebellion, both triangulating, if you want to put it that way, in Baghdad. These pictures this morning of what appears to be an American Humvee on fire just on the outskirts of Baghdad today in a Sunni area of town. We do not yet have any details from the coalition on what happened or won't there are any casualties. We're pushing them for more information on that.

Meanwhile, last night in Sadr City, the Shiite part of town in Baghdad, the continuing clashes with the supporters of Muqtada al- Sadr. We've seen them facing off in Najaf and Karbala and these other places. In Sadr City, it was like an all out fight last night. The reports from the militia side that the Americans hit Muqtada al-Sadr's headquarters in Sadr City last night. Then we saw tanks rolling through the streets of Sadr City this morning, people throwing stones at them...

COSTELLO: It was a bizarre sight, that tanks are going down the street and people are just running after them throwing things.

CLINCH: Yes. The level of anger in those Shiite parts of town in Baghdad and, of course, in Karbala and Najaf and elsewhere, where we are watching closely, the Americans being very careful in those cities because of the issue of the holy cities. In Sadr City obviously being less careful.

COSTELLO: And this is the headquarters that was bombed, destroyed.

CLINCH: The building damaged there. According to the...

COSTELLO: And now we're going to see...

CLINCH: According to the locals there, it was the headquarters of Muqtada al-Sadr. Then you see just a patrol of U.S. tanks going down the street, people throwing stones at it. The level of anger getting so high there the U.S. not in total control in that part of Baghdad. So that's an issue they're going to have to address.

COSTELLO: And with all of this going on, more pictures at the Pentagon today.

CLINCH: Yes, more pictures...

COSTELLO: Videotapes.

CLINCH: Yes, the Pentagon has some decisions to make. They've made it clear they have more photographs, perhaps even video of abuse, perhaps even showing not just simulated acts, as we've seen in previous photographs, but actual damage to people, harm being done to people, perhaps even rapes. We do not know whether they're going to release these photographs. We do know that President Bush has said he's interested in seeing them. We do know that members of Congress say they want to see them. Then the decision about whether they're released.

Then we decide, also, of course, what we can air. At some point we were talking about this earlier, what can you air when it gets to that -- to that level?

But that story far from over. Courts-martial to start soon, in a week or so, as well, in Baghdad open to the press; we're told perhaps even live on TV within a week or so.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

All right, we're going to talk more about that later.

CLINCH: All right.

COSTELLO: Thank you, David.

Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

The president says he won't change his position when it comes to keeping Donald Rumsfeld around at the Pentagon. But will that change after the president sees even more of those photos and videotapes of the alleged abuse we were just talking about?

Then, born in Iraq, living in America -- we'll hear one expert's analysis of the impact those photos and videotapes could have.

Plus, more on the blast that killed a national leader. We'll have a live report for you on what happens next for a shaky government.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: New pictures just into us this morning. A U.S. military vehicle on fire in Sadr City in Baghdad.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.;

Let me bring you up to date now.

U.S. Marines enter the volatile city of Fallujah this morning for the first time in weeks. The Marines accompanied the Iraqi civil defense forces into the city and it is believed they met with local leaders.

President Bush gets a military briefing at the Pentagon today. It comes as his defense secretary is being criticized for his handling of the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

And legendary comedian Alan King has succumbed to lung cancer. He's died at the age of 76. King performed his own brand of observational comedy on stage for more than 50 years. He also appeared in about a dozen movies.

Today marks the beginning of National Police Week. For 42 years, this week has been set aside to honor law enforcement. The week ends with Peace Officers Memorial Day. That's on May 15 -- Chad.

MYERS: And good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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Aired May 10, 2004 - 06:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: These pictures just in to CNN. A U.S. military Humvee on fire in Baghdad's Sadr City.
This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

We'll have more on those new pictures we showed you, but first, the latest headlines for you.

Back into the breach -- U.S. Marines accompany the newly organized Iraqi Civil Defense Corps into Fallujah. That's the same city where battles were going on daily last month.

President Bush heads to the Pentagon for a scheduled briefing at the Defense Department this morning. The president has been adamant that he has no intention of dismissing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over the Iraqi prison abuse scandal.

A three day hearing for Kobe Bryant begins today. The NBA star is expected to plead not guilty to sexual assault. That plea could come as soon as Wednesday. A trial could begin late this summer.

Lung cancer has claimed the life of comedian Alan King. King appeared on the old "Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times. Comedian Jerry Stiller says King was like a Jewish Will Rogers. King was 76 years old.

To the forecast center now and Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: New violence in Baghdad -- we've got pictures for you just coming into CNN. An American Humvee burning on the outskirts of Baghdad. At this time, we don't know that circumstances of this incident and no information yet from the military, either, on casualties.

More than two dozen Iraqis are dead, a Shiite neighborhood is in an uproar and more of those prisoner abuse pictures are coming out.

Our Ben Wedeman reports the combination is fueling more anger towards the U.S.-led coalition.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The smoldering Shiite uprising reignites in Baghdad's Sadr city. Following an American raid over night, that netted two top deputies of militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

A coalition spokesman said 18 militants were killed in clashes. While local residents accused American forces of targeting civilians as well as fighters.

We are family sitting at home, says this Sadr city resident. The Americans shelled us with tanks and machine guns. Is this a war zone? This is just a poor neighborhood.

Early Sunday, a bomb ripped through a crowded market in Southwest Baghdad killing at least five people including a child. More than a dozen people were wounded, among them, six policemen. And here, shock mixes with growing disillusion with the new Iraq.

This is the freedom they want, says this man, who witnessed the blast. People cut into shreds in the street. What did we do wrong.

Sunday, the coalition provisional authority announced that the first court-martial for a military policemen allegedly involved in prisoner abuse would begin in Baghdad on May 19. The first to go on trial, 24 year-old Specialist Jeremy Sivits.

KIMMITT: The three charges against Specialist Sivits are: conspiracy to maltreatment -- to maltreat subordinates and detainees, dereliction of duty for failing to protect detainees from abuse, and maltreatment of detainees.

WEDEMAN: Six other military policemen, in addition to Sivits, are the subject of a criminal investigation. Protesters in Baghdad echoed growing public anger in Iraq over the prisoner abuse scandal yet another front where the beleaguered U.S.-led coalition is under fire. Ben Wedeman, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And for more on the Iraq prison abuse scandal, log onto our Web site. You know the address by now, cnn.com.

Kobe Bryant is expected back in a Colorado courtroom today. More hearings are scheduled to decide whether the jury will hear details of his accuser's sexual history. And later this week, the countdown to trial should begin with Bryant's plea.

For a look at what more we can expect, let's head live to Eagle County and Adrian Baschuk -- good morning, Adrian.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Carol.

Kobe Bryant arrives here in Eagle County fresh off of scoring 22 points last night and keeping the Lakers' playoff hopes live against the San Antonio Spurs. Still, he's got greater hopes -- to avoid a prison term and a possible guilty sentence.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant will be arraigned this week and will stand before the court to declare he is not guilty.

LARRY POZNER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: The judge must set a trial within six months of the arraignment. But that isn't in stone.

BASCHUK: Variables persist. Will Judge Terry Ruckriegle rule in favor of the defense's motion challenging Colorado's rape shield law? The defense wants parts of the accuser's sexual past submitted as trial evidence.

Also, will the judge rule statements Kobe Bryant made to police be sealed and never heard by a jury?

POZNER: Here's what we can say. Anything the defense wins is weakening the prosecution case.

BASCHUK: The prosecution scored a prior victory when the judge ordered the alleged victim's medical records sealed. But this week, he re-examines the decision and conducts hearings on whether evidence can be submitted that Kobe Bryant's accuser allegedly attempted suicide twice in 2003 and whether or not she has a history of drug abuse.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are a lot of witnesses that the defense has lined up through a solid investigation who will testify about alleged drug and alcohol problems. Is that relevant or is it just character assassination?

BASCHUK: The judge will address another tough question -- whether or not the accuser can continue to be referred as a "victim" in open court proceedings by the prosecution.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: Now, there are 10 items to be discussed on this week's court docket. Kobe Bryant's arraignment is, of course, the last item to go before the court -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Adrian Baschuk reporting live from Eagle County this morning.

Time for more stories across America this Monday.

A rough landing for some passengers in Puerto Rico after an American Eagle flight slid off the runway in San Juan. A few of the flight's 22 passengers were taken to the hospital for observation. An FAA spokesperson says the landing gear collapsed.

Pretrial hearings begin at Fort Bragg today in the case of an Army sergeant charged with killing two fellow soldiers in Kuwait. Sergeant Hassan Akbar is accused of tossing several grenades into a group of soldiers. The attack came during the first days of the war in Iraq. Akbar could face the death penalty.

High winds and hail hit parts of Minnesota. As many as eight tornadoes and funnel clouds were reported throughout the western and central parts of the state. Trees and homes damaged. No serious injuries reported.

You must be feeling the pinch in your pocket by now. Gas prices sky high -- why things seem to be getting worse.

Plus, under harrowing attack -- it was a harrowing day, rather, for Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip. We'll let you know what happened next.

And a prayerful homecoming for the Mississippi man held hostage in Iraq.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Later today, President Bush heads to the Pentagon to talk about the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

Well, today Britain is dealing with its own prisoner abuse scandal. Geoffrey Hune, Britain's equivalent of Donald Rumsfeld, will appear before parliament in a few hours.

Let's head live to London to find out more.

Here's Robin Oakley -- good morning, Robin.

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

A lot of pressure no Geoff Hune, the defense secretary, when he faces M.P.s this afternoon. He will be quizzed as to how much the government knew about allegations by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Amnesty International that there was abuse by British military personnel in Iraq of detainees. He will be asked when the government knew, what action it has taken in the light of the allegations made by those organizations.

He's going to be pressed by the Conservative opposition, led by their foreign affairs spokesman Michael Ancram, to come clean about exactly what the government knew, particularly because Adam Ingram, a junior defense minister, said a little while ago that the government didn't know about any of these reports.

Meanwhile, Tony Blair, of course, has been under international pressure on this issue. In France yesterday, he deeply apologized to any Iraqis who have been mistreated by British forces, saying that it was, of course, still open to proof as to whether they were. And Mr. Blair was today launching a campaign for the European parliament elections upcoming and again expressed his regret about what had happened. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: There can be absolutely no excuse for mistreating or abusing prisoners. We didn't commit British troops to Iraq in order to carry out abuses of human rights, but to end abuses of human rights.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OAKLEY: So, a lot of pressure on Geoff Hune in the House of Commons in a few hours time, Carol, and a lot of questions still to be answered, although I understand the allegations by the International Red Cross against British military personnel are not as severe in general as those against U.S. military personnel -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, that, Robin, we've been hearing so many conflicting reports about these pictures coming out in the "Daily Mirror." Some people say they're doctored, others say they're not.

Will we find out more about that today, as well?

OAKLEY: I'm not sure that we will get an answer to that. The editor of the "Daily Mirror," Pears Morgan, is going to be quizzed by a select committee of M.P.s, parliamentarians, at some stage. Geoff Hune, I think, will concentrate on the more general questions raised by Amnesty International and the International Red Cross.

There is still an argument going on as to whether those pictures, as you say, were doctored. But I think from the kind of noises we've had from senior military personnel, there is an acceptance that some abuse has gone on, whether or not those pictures are proved to be accurate.

Adam Ingram, the junior defense minister, did say that 33 cases of abuse had been investigated so far. In 15 of those cases, the military were cleared. Twelve cases are still going on. And in six cases, there is the likelihood of prosecutions -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Robin Oakley live in London this morning.

Let's talk about something good now. Former hostage Thomas Hamill is home. He says he's trying to gain a sense of normalcy now that he's back in Mississippi. For Hamill and his community, the healing begins at church.

More from CNN's Mike Brooks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BROOKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Every day after Tommy Hamill was captured on April 9 in Iraq, the small town of Macon, Mississippi, came together in a courthouse steps to pray for him and for the welfare of the troops and other hostages still held. People here have no doubt that prayer helped Tommy Hamill during his captivity and eventual escape. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was being done every night and every day. It really brought this community together. And without prayer, he wouldn't have made it.

BROOKS: Late Saturday, Hamill, along with family and friends, gathered together at the courthouse for an emotional evening of prayer and unity. Tommy Hamill spoke candidly about how his faith gave him hope during his ordeal.

THOMAS HAMILL, HELD HOSTAGE IN IRAQ: I want everyone to know that my spiritual convictions, my inspiration, the lord, he brought me through this. He was my person to lean on. I leaned on him every day. And he carried me. He carried me a few days. If I had not had my god to speak to, I don't know what I would have done.

BROOKS: Hamill celebrated his 44th birthday Saturday, still trying to find some sense of normalcy since returning. He didn't want to make a big deal of his arrival home.

HAMILL: I didn't want to play this thing like a big grand sham home run. The one thing I found out with these people over there, you do not show fear in front of them. And you do not anger them. I knew this was going to anger them.

BROOKS: Hamill and his family attended church Sunday.

(on camera): For the near future, the daily prayer vigil will continue, because the people say there are still prayers to be answered. Mike Brooks, CNN, Macon, Mississippi.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

President Bush will head across the Potomac River to the Pentagon for a briefing this morning. It comes as the outrage over photos of Iraqi prisoner abuse keep boiling. But the visit was planned before the scandal broke.

U.S. aircraft bombed the Sadr City office of Muslim Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad. It's part of a stepped up campaign against an uprising launched by al-Sadr. No word on casualties.

In money news, another big bank merger. Sun Trust has acquired the National Commerce Financial Corporation for $7 billion in cash and stock. With the merger, Sun Trust becomes one of the top 10 largest banks in the country.

In sports, the Los Angeles Lakers ripped the San Antonio Spurs 105-81 in game three of the NBA's Western Conference Semifinals. The loss snaps the Spurs' 17 game winning streak and cuts their lead two games to one. In culture, it's nail biting time on Broadway. The Tony Award nominations will be announced this morning at 8:30 Eastern. Hugh Jackman is the favorite for best actor in a musical for "The Boy from Oz" -- Chad.

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COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines.

Time for a little business buzz right now.

Saying fill 'er up is costing you a pretty penny these days.

Carrie Lee reports on the rising cost of gasoline. She's live at the NASDAQ market site.

Is there any end in sight?

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I know, Carol. This is becoming a regular story for us. Well, the latest numbers here from a Lundberg survey, $1.93 a gallon. That's the average price for self-serve regular in this country as of last week. The price is up, actually, $0.45 since December 19th, and this is a $0.10 hike since the Lundberg survey last came out, about two weeks ago.

So why are we seeing these hikes? Well, crude oil is on the rise. Some output constraints there coming from OPEC. Crude oil, of course, used to make gasoline, and it comprises about 50 percent of the price.

Also, we're seeing a pickup in demand. Oil refiners switching to summer blend gasoline. So that's causing some constraints, as well.

And basically we've seen prices on the rise over the past couple of months pretty steadily, interesting because the lowest price was found in Norfolk, Virginia, at about $1.75 per gallon; the highest, San Diego at $2.25. And here's a look at some other top cities, as well. You can see quite a few of them, Carol, over the $2 mark.

Meanwhile, we did see some selling for stocks last week and this morning futures are looking very weak. Those interest rate hike concerns really weighing on investors' minds front and center.

So it looks like today we're going to see some red arrows at that 9:30 opening bell -- back to you.

COSTELLO: Uh-oh.

All right, thank you, Carrie.

Let's see how Americans are viewing the nation's economy. We've got some numbers for you. The Gallup poll talked with 1,000 Americans by phone last week. Forty-three percent say economic conditions are getting better. Fifty-one percent say they are getting worse.

The cries continue for Defense Secretary Rumsfeld to step down. Still to come on DAYBREAK, will the president stand by his man as he goes to the Pentagon for a briefing today?

Also, a ceremony marking the end of WWII turns deadly. A live report out of Moscow in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Brace yourself -- more pictures and even videotape of prisoner abuse may eventually make their way to newspapers and newscasts. The Pentagon will decide when and if to release more.

Our senior international editor, David Clinch, joins us now to talk more about that.

But first, let's -- we have these pictures just coming in from Baghdad.

DAVID CLINCH, CNN INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Right. Right. We were talking about this earlier. Both the continuing Sunni insurgency and the Shiite rebellion, both triangulating, if you want to put it that way, in Baghdad. These pictures this morning of what appears to be an American Humvee on fire just on the outskirts of Baghdad today in a Sunni area of town. We do not yet have any details from the coalition on what happened or won't there are any casualties. We're pushing them for more information on that.

Meanwhile, last night in Sadr City, the Shiite part of town in Baghdad, the continuing clashes with the supporters of Muqtada al- Sadr. We've seen them facing off in Najaf and Karbala and these other places. In Sadr City, it was like an all out fight last night. The reports from the militia side that the Americans hit Muqtada al-Sadr's headquarters in Sadr City last night. Then we saw tanks rolling through the streets of Sadr City this morning, people throwing stones at them...

COSTELLO: It was a bizarre sight, that tanks are going down the street and people are just running after them throwing things.

CLINCH: Yes. The level of anger in those Shiite parts of town in Baghdad and, of course, in Karbala and Najaf and elsewhere, where we are watching closely, the Americans being very careful in those cities because of the issue of the holy cities. In Sadr City obviously being less careful.

COSTELLO: And this is the headquarters that was bombed, destroyed.

CLINCH: The building damaged there. According to the...

COSTELLO: And now we're going to see...

CLINCH: According to the locals there, it was the headquarters of Muqtada al-Sadr. Then you see just a patrol of U.S. tanks going down the street, people throwing stones at it. The level of anger getting so high there the U.S. not in total control in that part of Baghdad. So that's an issue they're going to have to address.

COSTELLO: And with all of this going on, more pictures at the Pentagon today.

CLINCH: Yes, more pictures...

COSTELLO: Videotapes.

CLINCH: Yes, the Pentagon has some decisions to make. They've made it clear they have more photographs, perhaps even video of abuse, perhaps even showing not just simulated acts, as we've seen in previous photographs, but actual damage to people, harm being done to people, perhaps even rapes. We do not know whether they're going to release these photographs. We do know that President Bush has said he's interested in seeing them. We do know that members of Congress say they want to see them. Then the decision about whether they're released.

Then we decide, also, of course, what we can air. At some point we were talking about this earlier, what can you air when it gets to that -- to that level?

But that story far from over. Courts-martial to start soon, in a week or so, as well, in Baghdad open to the press; we're told perhaps even live on TV within a week or so.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

All right, we're going to talk more about that later.

CLINCH: All right.

COSTELLO: Thank you, David.

Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

The president says he won't change his position when it comes to keeping Donald Rumsfeld around at the Pentagon. But will that change after the president sees even more of those photos and videotapes of the alleged abuse we were just talking about?

Then, born in Iraq, living in America -- we'll hear one expert's analysis of the impact those photos and videotapes could have.

Plus, more on the blast that killed a national leader. We'll have a live report for you on what happens next for a shaky government.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: New pictures just into us this morning. A U.S. military vehicle on fire in Sadr City in Baghdad.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday, May 10.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.;

Let me bring you up to date now.

U.S. Marines enter the volatile city of Fallujah this morning for the first time in weeks. The Marines accompanied the Iraqi civil defense forces into the city and it is believed they met with local leaders.

President Bush gets a military briefing at the Pentagon today. It comes as his defense secretary is being criticized for his handling of the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal.

And legendary comedian Alan King has succumbed to lung cancer. He's died at the age of 76. King performed his own brand of observational comedy on stage for more than 50 years. He also appeared in about a dozen movies.

Today marks the beginning of National Police Week. For 42 years, this week has been set aside to honor law enforcement. The week ends with Peace Officers Memorial Day. That's on May 15 -- Chad.

MYERS: And good morning, Carol.

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