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CNN Live At Daybreak

Jury Deliberates in Teenager's Double-Murder Trial; 'America's Voice'; Freeze Out for Professional Hockey

Aired February 15, 2005 - 06:29   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: A show of support for marriage. A Valentine's Day demonstration down south has some people feeling the love.
Also ahead in the last half-hour of DAYBREAK, a chilly ending to the hockey season. It's looking like no Stanley Cup this year.

And good morning to you. Welcome to the last half-hour of DAYBREAK. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

"Now in the News."

The son of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri visited the scene today, where his father was killed. A bomb, possibly 700 pounds of explosives, killed Hariri and 15 others. About 140 people were wounded.

The defense is expected to begin presenting its case this morning in the Robert Blake trial. The actor was taken out of the courtroom in tears yesterday as prosecutors closed their case with audiotapes of Blake talking about his daughter.

The CIA chief goes before the House Intelligence Committee behind closed doors today. Porter Goss will testify about terrorism and other threats facing Americans at home and overseas.

And dozens of people are still missing after heavy floods devastated parts of Venezuela and Columbia. Eighty-six people are now dead. Relief supplies are being flown into many of the towns that have been washed away by the floods.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: He's accused of a brutal double murder. Now, the fate of a South Carolina teenager is in the hands of a jury. Jurors continue deliberations this morning. Yesterday, they saw some dramatic closing arguments.

More now from CNN's Elizabeth Cohen in Charleston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chris Pittman may have been only 12 when he killed his grandparents, but the prosecution argued the boy, now 15, did so out of -- quote -- "malice, meanness, wickedness."

BARNEY GIESE, PROSECUTOR: Now, either he shot Grandma first or Grandpa first. We don't know. But we know one went in his mouth, and one went into her head. And by his statement, he pumped it again, fired another shot, pumped it again and fired a fourth shot.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I don't care how old he is. The state submits that is as malicious a killing and murder as you're ever going to find.

COHEN: The defense blames the antidepressant drug Zoloft for sending the child's mind spinning out of control.

PAUL WALOWER, DEFENSE LAWYER: In this community, in this state and in this country, we do not convict children for murder when they've been ambushed by chemicals that have destroyed their ability to reason.

COHEN: Prosecutors called the Zoloft defense a smokescreen. It's been tried before in other murder cases and always failed. But never has there been a case with a defendant this young.

The trial judge defined the issue this way in a law school class.

JUDGE DANIEL PIPPER, TRIAL JUDGE: An act does not make one guilty unless the mind is guilty.

COHEN: The jury got no clear-cut help from a parade of psychiatrists. Defense experts supported the defense.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The drug has caused the problem.

COHEN: Prosecution experts favored the prosecution.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Very angry.

COHEN: No matter what the jury verdict, it may never answer exactly why Chris Pittman did kill the two people he says he loved most in his life. The defense insisted his grandparents would forgive him.

WALOWER: This is my beloved grandson. Pray for him, and do right by him.

COHEN (on camera): The jurors deliberated for four hours Monday afternoon and evening without reaching a verdict. The judge told them to keep trying Tuesday morning.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Charleston, South Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: More news across America this Tuesday.

In Stanton, Virginia, public elementary students will continue attending a religious class. The city school board voted 5-1 Monday and sided with the weekday religious education program. Churches pay for this program.

If you are flying, then, yes, you can carry that butane lighter with you. The Transportation Security Administration had planned to ban the lighters beginning today, but it now says the proposal is under review.

And take a look at this. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and the first lady, Janet Huckabee, take part in a Valentine's Day ceremony renewing their marriage vows. They converted their marriage to a covenant. Here's what the governor had to say about marriage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE, ARKANSAS: Here in Arkansas, it is actually easier to get out of a marriage than it is a contract to purchase a used car. Cleary, something is wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Not everyone is behind the move, though. Some protesters did show up. A covenant marriage makes it more difficult for a couple to get divorced.

It's time to check your opinion on "America's Voice." For that, we turn to Frank Newport, editor-in-chief at Gallup.

Frank, there's so much in the news these days. What do Americans consider to be the most important problem facing the country today?

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Well, we just asked that question, as we do every month. Some interesting changes. Iraq is still considered the top problem facing the country by Americans today. In fact, about 1 out of 4 spontaneously volunteer Iraq in response to that question.

What has changed, however, is Social Security. All of the jaw- boning about Social Security and the president's pushing of it in his speech and following that have moved it up to 13 percent. Not a huge number. But last month only 5 percent mentioned it, and before that only 2 percent. So, clearly that's gone up a little in the consciousness of the American public.

The economy next, and then health care costs are still an issue for Americans, and then terrorism at 9 percent.

Are Americans satisfied all in all with the way things are going in the U.S.? Well, still pretty, eh (ph), numbers on this one, Carol. As you can see, it's the bottom line is the good line, the green line, and we're just up to 46 percent. Still under half of Americans say they're satisfied at this point. So, not a lot of abulians (ph) out there at this point.

COSTELLO: Abulians (ph), I love that word. You know, there were a lot of positive signs coming out of the Middle East, Frank. What's the latest on the way Americans look at the situation over there? NEWPORT: Well, we've got some interesting updated data on Americans' perceptions of what's happening in the Middle East at this point. A couple of questions that we have asked for quite a long time now, and I'll show the results of those.

First of all, will there come a time in your lifetime when there will be peace in the Middle East? Compare this to last year at exactly the same time in our February update on attitudes towards international affairs, only 37 percent said yes. Some rebounding optimism. Now, we're up to almost half of Americans who say they think there will be peace at some point. That's one of the higher numbers we've seen on this in the history of asking the question.

Also, a little movement on Americans' attitudes towards the Palestinian Authority in the post-Arafat era. This is favorable opinion. It's never been high at all, 21, 14, 13. But now, we're at the highest we've seen in the history of asking this question. Twenty-seven percent of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of the Palestinian Authority at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Frank Newport live in Princeton, New Jersey. Thank you.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one heading off to war. But CNN's Bill Hemmer will talk to a family in an even tougher situation.

Tougher situation, Bill?

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, this is an amazing story, Carol. Good morning to you, by the way.

A father and son doing all they can do for the U.S. Two years ago, Major Chris Phelps (ph) sent his father a photo from Iraq. He held a sign reading, "Dad, wish you were here." Dad took it seriously. He's a Vietnam veteran, did all he could do to enlist, and now father and son are to be deployed in Iraq in the same unit. And we'll talk to them and find out how the family is doing and what it's like to serve together so far away -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Wow! I can't wait to hear that one. That's incredible. Thank you, Bill.

HEMMER: All right.

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, shopping for a merger. Department store deals are in this morning's "Business Buzz."

An accidental gift or a red kettle blessing? This little diamond is bound to make someone very happy. We'll tell you how at the end of this hour.

Here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: International markets are heading up this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes up 14 points. Britain's FTSE up nearly 11. The German DAX is up a little more than 11.

It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." Deal-making has swept the telecom sector, and now merger-mania could be coming to a mall near you. But which stores might be coming together?

Carrie Lee is live at the Nasdaq Marketsite.

Good morning.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: So many industries, so many players, Carol.

Well, now today's "Wall Street Journal" says that Federated and May Department Store talks about merging have been called off. The piece goes on to say that the companies could not agree on price. Federated owns Macy's and Bloomingdale's. May is behind Lord & Taylor.

But Federated may be turning its sights elsewhere. The "New York Post" says Federated is talking with Saks about buying its middle- market department stores. Saks is hoping to refocus on its namesake Fifth Avenue and Off Fifth Avenue stores.

And Federated CEO Terry Lundgren is also good friends with Saks executives. In fact, he spent Super Bowl weekend playing golf with Brad Martin, who is Sak's CEO. The "Post" says that those talks have cooled recently, and this is leading to speculation that Federated is talking to yet another potential merger partner, Neiman Marcus.

So, bottom line, it looks like there's maybe some consolidation that's going to happen in the retailing space, Carol. We're just not sure exactly where yet.

COSTELLO: A quick look at the futures.

LEE: Futures are looking pretty flat right now for today's session. We will get some retail sales numbers for January an hour before trading. So that could give us some direction. We'll be keeping an eye on shares of Qwest Communications, which lost out on the bidding for MCI. Of course, Verizon won that deal, but not all of MCI shareholders are happy about that -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. Thank you.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Investigators are questioning four suspects about the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. In the meantime, Lebanon's army remains on full alert as the country begins a three-day period of mourning. The results of a DNA test will soon put tsunami baby 81 back in the arms of his true parents. An official says the reunion will take place tomorrow in a Sri Lankan court.

In money news, Democrats must love Google. A "USA Today" analysis shows Google employees gave $207,000 to federal candidates last year. Of that amount, 98 percent went to Democrats.

In culture, did you watch the Grammys? It seems a lot of you did not. People at Nielsen say fewer than 19 million tuned in. That is the lowest rating since 1995.

In sports, an Arizona businessman is about to become the NFL's first African-American owner. Reggie Fower (ph) announced he's buying the Minnesota Vikings from Red McCombs (ph). Published reports say he's paying about $625 million.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

Zamboni (ph) drivers across the country can kill their engines. It doesn't look like there will be any NHL season this year. So, what does that mean for towns of hockey in their blood? More ahead at 10 to the hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The who's who of potential witnesses in the Jackson trial makes the case even more interesting for spectators, the media and maybe even the jury pool. CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with more.

Good morning.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, good morning to you, Carol.

You're right. In the Michael Jackson trial, that list of possible witnesses was released yesterday. The defense list, in fact, does sound like a who's who of Hollywood movie stars and musicians and some big-name reporters, all-star athletes.

We're going to talk this morning with Lisa Bloom from Court TV, ask her why somebody like Kobe Bryant, who you'll recall he didn't even testify in his own trial, why he could be a relevant in this trial. Also, we'll talk to her about a somewhat strange comment that was made by the judge in the case.

Carol -- back to you.

COSTELLO: Interesting. OK, we'll see you in about 10 minutes. Thank you, Soledad.

When DAYBREAK returns, pro hockey gets iced out of a season.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: It's 6:49 Eastern. Here's what will be making news later today.

In just a few hours, the sentencing hearing will begin in Massachusetts for defrocked priest and convicted sex offender Paul Shanley. His accuser, now 27, is expected to speak at the start of today's hearing. Shanley faces life in prison, although inmate advocates say they fear for his life if he is condemned to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

In Washington this afternoon, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Michael Chertoff to head the Homeland Security Department.

And the U.N. oil-for-food scandal will be back in the spotlight today as the U.N. deputy secretary general holds a briefing during the noon hour. That's Eastern Time. He'll discuss what the U.N. will do now in light of the program's many failures pointed out in the Volko (ph) report.

The end may finally be here for the non-existent National Hockey League season. Commissioner Gary Bettman has scheduled a new conference for tomorrow that could put the rest of the hockey season on ice. But why? How could this happen?

For more on that, we're joined by Paul Attner of the "Sporting News."

Good morning, Paul.

PAUL ATTNER, "SPORTING NEWS": Good morning. A lot of hockey fans are asking that same question today, I guarantee you that.

COSTELLO: It's insane. We're going to bring in a big hockey fan, Chad Myers, who is getting a refund for his season tickets.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, in the year 2003, the NHL averaged 16,591 fans per game, 1993, 14,700, 1983, only 11,300. The NHL is on a roll. Hockey is on a roll across North America, not only which was obviously at one point considered a Canadian sport, now really an American sport, and they throw a grenade in their locker room. I just don't understand it.

COSTELLO: How serious will this be, Paul, for the sport of hockey?

ATTNER: Oh, I think it's going to be devastating. I mean, I agree there has been progress, but it's still not an established ground-roots American sport. And what's going to happen is the fringe cities in this league, you know, there are 30 teams, and my guess is maybe 10 or 12 are solid, and those will survive. And after that, you have to wonder how many of the rest of them really will be around if they ever get this thing started again.

COSTELLO: Do they ever think of that? Or are they too arrogant to see the reality? ATTNER: We're talking the classic stubbornness here. You know, the league says they've lost $500 million in the last two years. The union says no way. Let us see your books. The league won't do that. So, you've got this -- you know, this ying-yang (ph) thing here that nobody will give.

And, you know, I guess it fascinates me that neither side sees what we're seeing. You know, why would you throw away the livelihoods, all of these thousands of jobs without trying to reach a compromise, which they have not been able to do now for months? You know, they've hardly even talked for the last month or so.

COSTELLO: Chad, as a fan, how does this make you feel? You said you were angry at first. But now how do you feel?

MYERS: You know, I almost feel apathy now. I was angry two months ago when we were losing games. Now, obviously this progress -- one side is trying to come together a little bit, and then the cap thing is getting in the way. I don't care anymore. And I'm certainly going to express my dissatisfaction by not attending any games.

COSTELLO: And, Paul, isn't there...

MYERS: That's all you can do.

COSTELLO: Paul, isn't there a danger now that this could carry on into next season and affect the draft?

ATTNER: Oh, I think it's going to carry on. I don't see any reason that we should not suspect it won't carry on into next season. They have not budged one inch, as Chad just said, in either stance since the beginning of negotiations. So, if that's the case, you know, why would we think that anything would change over the next six months?

No, I think you're talking about -- again, you know, I think there is a great danger here of this league never really ever going again. They're talking about using replacement players. Now, you know, why would anyone with any sense at all pay one nickel to see replacement players play?

MYERS: Carol?

COSTELLO: We will be following that news conference.

MYERS: Carol?

COSTELLO: A quick last comment, then we have to go, Chad.

MYERS: I just have two words: Junior hockey. Players that want to play.

COSTELLO: Chad, thank you. Paul Attner from the "Sporting News," thanks for joining DAYBREAK.

This is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday morning. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Chad, while I'm looking through the paper for a headline to tell viewers about, why don't you do the travel forecast?

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: I did find one headline, the Grammys. That interests me, because the audience was way down this year over last.

MYERS: But that doesn't surprise me, though.

COSTELLO: Doesn't it?

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: I thought they had some great acts performing.

MYERS: You made such a big deal out of it, and only 17 million people watched.

COSTELLO: No, there were 19 million people.

MYERS: Oh, I'm sorry.

COSTELLO: But that was down from last year's 26.3 million. According to "The Washington Post" this morning, it was because the Grammy show enjoyed a four-year high last year as viewers tuned in to see what music superstars would have to say about the controversy and the banishment of Janet Jackson, you know, because of that Super Bowl controversy. This year there was no controversy.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: And she said, many of the acts -- this is by Lisa Day Moray (ph) from the TV column of "The Washington Post." She says a lot of the show was a downer, because although Ray Charles was a great guy, he wasn't actually there because, of course, he's passed on. And then they had Melissa Etheridge and Josh Stone. She calls that downer. But I found that exhilarating.

MYERS: Well...

COSTELLO: You didn't watch it.

MYERS: You know what, Carol? You went to dinner by yourself on Valentine's Day last night, too, and I feel really sorry that I didn't get to fly up there to take you to Valentine's Day. Timmy owes you a dinner on the town.

COSTELLO: He does, doesn't he, my errant husband?

MYERS: He was out of town.

COSTELLO: All right, let's talk about something happy, because there is nothing like a happy ending, Chad. Remember that diamond ring that showed up in a Salvation Army kettle back in December?

MYERS: Right, down in Florida?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Well, charity officials are not looking for the owner anymore. They decided someone meant to donate the ring. A Florida jeweler is paying 300 bucks for it and plans to give it to a man who is down on his luck right now...

MYERS: Oh.

COSTELLO: ... but wants to propose to his sweetie. As for the 300 bucks, the Salvation Army intends to use it for an after-school program. So, see? A happy ending story for you this morning.

MYERS: That's great news.

COSTELLO: That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

MYERS: See you tomorrow.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.


Aired February 15, 2005 - 06:29   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: A show of support for marriage. A Valentine's Day demonstration down south has some people feeling the love.
Also ahead in the last half-hour of DAYBREAK, a chilly ending to the hockey season. It's looking like no Stanley Cup this year.

And good morning to you. Welcome to the last half-hour of DAYBREAK. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

"Now in the News."

The son of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri visited the scene today, where his father was killed. A bomb, possibly 700 pounds of explosives, killed Hariri and 15 others. About 140 people were wounded.

The defense is expected to begin presenting its case this morning in the Robert Blake trial. The actor was taken out of the courtroom in tears yesterday as prosecutors closed their case with audiotapes of Blake talking about his daughter.

The CIA chief goes before the House Intelligence Committee behind closed doors today. Porter Goss will testify about terrorism and other threats facing Americans at home and overseas.

And dozens of people are still missing after heavy floods devastated parts of Venezuela and Columbia. Eighty-six people are now dead. Relief supplies are being flown into many of the towns that have been washed away by the floods.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: He's accused of a brutal double murder. Now, the fate of a South Carolina teenager is in the hands of a jury. Jurors continue deliberations this morning. Yesterday, they saw some dramatic closing arguments.

More now from CNN's Elizabeth Cohen in Charleston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chris Pittman may have been only 12 when he killed his grandparents, but the prosecution argued the boy, now 15, did so out of -- quote -- "malice, meanness, wickedness."

BARNEY GIESE, PROSECUTOR: Now, either he shot Grandma first or Grandpa first. We don't know. But we know one went in his mouth, and one went into her head. And by his statement, he pumped it again, fired another shot, pumped it again and fired a fourth shot.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I don't care how old he is. The state submits that is as malicious a killing and murder as you're ever going to find.

COHEN: The defense blames the antidepressant drug Zoloft for sending the child's mind spinning out of control.

PAUL WALOWER, DEFENSE LAWYER: In this community, in this state and in this country, we do not convict children for murder when they've been ambushed by chemicals that have destroyed their ability to reason.

COHEN: Prosecutors called the Zoloft defense a smokescreen. It's been tried before in other murder cases and always failed. But never has there been a case with a defendant this young.

The trial judge defined the issue this way in a law school class.

JUDGE DANIEL PIPPER, TRIAL JUDGE: An act does not make one guilty unless the mind is guilty.

COHEN: The jury got no clear-cut help from a parade of psychiatrists. Defense experts supported the defense.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The drug has caused the problem.

COHEN: Prosecution experts favored the prosecution.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Very angry.

COHEN: No matter what the jury verdict, it may never answer exactly why Chris Pittman did kill the two people he says he loved most in his life. The defense insisted his grandparents would forgive him.

WALOWER: This is my beloved grandson. Pray for him, and do right by him.

COHEN (on camera): The jurors deliberated for four hours Monday afternoon and evening without reaching a verdict. The judge told them to keep trying Tuesday morning.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Charleston, South Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: More news across America this Tuesday.

In Stanton, Virginia, public elementary students will continue attending a religious class. The city school board voted 5-1 Monday and sided with the weekday religious education program. Churches pay for this program.

If you are flying, then, yes, you can carry that butane lighter with you. The Transportation Security Administration had planned to ban the lighters beginning today, but it now says the proposal is under review.

And take a look at this. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and the first lady, Janet Huckabee, take part in a Valentine's Day ceremony renewing their marriage vows. They converted their marriage to a covenant. Here's what the governor had to say about marriage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE, ARKANSAS: Here in Arkansas, it is actually easier to get out of a marriage than it is a contract to purchase a used car. Cleary, something is wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Not everyone is behind the move, though. Some protesters did show up. A covenant marriage makes it more difficult for a couple to get divorced.

It's time to check your opinion on "America's Voice." For that, we turn to Frank Newport, editor-in-chief at Gallup.

Frank, there's so much in the news these days. What do Americans consider to be the most important problem facing the country today?

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Well, we just asked that question, as we do every month. Some interesting changes. Iraq is still considered the top problem facing the country by Americans today. In fact, about 1 out of 4 spontaneously volunteer Iraq in response to that question.

What has changed, however, is Social Security. All of the jaw- boning about Social Security and the president's pushing of it in his speech and following that have moved it up to 13 percent. Not a huge number. But last month only 5 percent mentioned it, and before that only 2 percent. So, clearly that's gone up a little in the consciousness of the American public.

The economy next, and then health care costs are still an issue for Americans, and then terrorism at 9 percent.

Are Americans satisfied all in all with the way things are going in the U.S.? Well, still pretty, eh (ph), numbers on this one, Carol. As you can see, it's the bottom line is the good line, the green line, and we're just up to 46 percent. Still under half of Americans say they're satisfied at this point. So, not a lot of abulians (ph) out there at this point.

COSTELLO: Abulians (ph), I love that word. You know, there were a lot of positive signs coming out of the Middle East, Frank. What's the latest on the way Americans look at the situation over there? NEWPORT: Well, we've got some interesting updated data on Americans' perceptions of what's happening in the Middle East at this point. A couple of questions that we have asked for quite a long time now, and I'll show the results of those.

First of all, will there come a time in your lifetime when there will be peace in the Middle East? Compare this to last year at exactly the same time in our February update on attitudes towards international affairs, only 37 percent said yes. Some rebounding optimism. Now, we're up to almost half of Americans who say they think there will be peace at some point. That's one of the higher numbers we've seen on this in the history of asking the question.

Also, a little movement on Americans' attitudes towards the Palestinian Authority in the post-Arafat era. This is favorable opinion. It's never been high at all, 21, 14, 13. But now, we're at the highest we've seen in the history of asking this question. Twenty-seven percent of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of the Palestinian Authority at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Frank Newport live in Princeton, New Jersey. Thank you.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one heading off to war. But CNN's Bill Hemmer will talk to a family in an even tougher situation.

Tougher situation, Bill?

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, this is an amazing story, Carol. Good morning to you, by the way.

A father and son doing all they can do for the U.S. Two years ago, Major Chris Phelps (ph) sent his father a photo from Iraq. He held a sign reading, "Dad, wish you were here." Dad took it seriously. He's a Vietnam veteran, did all he could do to enlist, and now father and son are to be deployed in Iraq in the same unit. And we'll talk to them and find out how the family is doing and what it's like to serve together so far away -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Wow! I can't wait to hear that one. That's incredible. Thank you, Bill.

HEMMER: All right.

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, shopping for a merger. Department store deals are in this morning's "Business Buzz."

An accidental gift or a red kettle blessing? This little diamond is bound to make someone very happy. We'll tell you how at the end of this hour.

Here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: International markets are heading up this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes up 14 points. Britain's FTSE up nearly 11. The German DAX is up a little more than 11.

It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." Deal-making has swept the telecom sector, and now merger-mania could be coming to a mall near you. But which stores might be coming together?

Carrie Lee is live at the Nasdaq Marketsite.

Good morning.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: So many industries, so many players, Carol.

Well, now today's "Wall Street Journal" says that Federated and May Department Store talks about merging have been called off. The piece goes on to say that the companies could not agree on price. Federated owns Macy's and Bloomingdale's. May is behind Lord & Taylor.

But Federated may be turning its sights elsewhere. The "New York Post" says Federated is talking with Saks about buying its middle- market department stores. Saks is hoping to refocus on its namesake Fifth Avenue and Off Fifth Avenue stores.

And Federated CEO Terry Lundgren is also good friends with Saks executives. In fact, he spent Super Bowl weekend playing golf with Brad Martin, who is Sak's CEO. The "Post" says that those talks have cooled recently, and this is leading to speculation that Federated is talking to yet another potential merger partner, Neiman Marcus.

So, bottom line, it looks like there's maybe some consolidation that's going to happen in the retailing space, Carol. We're just not sure exactly where yet.

COSTELLO: A quick look at the futures.

LEE: Futures are looking pretty flat right now for today's session. We will get some retail sales numbers for January an hour before trading. So that could give us some direction. We'll be keeping an eye on shares of Qwest Communications, which lost out on the bidding for MCI. Of course, Verizon won that deal, but not all of MCI shareholders are happy about that -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. Thank you.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:43 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Investigators are questioning four suspects about the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. In the meantime, Lebanon's army remains on full alert as the country begins a three-day period of mourning. The results of a DNA test will soon put tsunami baby 81 back in the arms of his true parents. An official says the reunion will take place tomorrow in a Sri Lankan court.

In money news, Democrats must love Google. A "USA Today" analysis shows Google employees gave $207,000 to federal candidates last year. Of that amount, 98 percent went to Democrats.

In culture, did you watch the Grammys? It seems a lot of you did not. People at Nielsen say fewer than 19 million tuned in. That is the lowest rating since 1995.

In sports, an Arizona businessman is about to become the NFL's first African-American owner. Reggie Fower (ph) announced he's buying the Minnesota Vikings from Red McCombs (ph). Published reports say he's paying about $625 million.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

Zamboni (ph) drivers across the country can kill their engines. It doesn't look like there will be any NHL season this year. So, what does that mean for towns of hockey in their blood? More ahead at 10 to the hour.

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COSTELLO: The who's who of potential witnesses in the Jackson trial makes the case even more interesting for spectators, the media and maybe even the jury pool. CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with more.

Good morning.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, good morning to you, Carol.

You're right. In the Michael Jackson trial, that list of possible witnesses was released yesterday. The defense list, in fact, does sound like a who's who of Hollywood movie stars and musicians and some big-name reporters, all-star athletes.

We're going to talk this morning with Lisa Bloom from Court TV, ask her why somebody like Kobe Bryant, who you'll recall he didn't even testify in his own trial, why he could be a relevant in this trial. Also, we'll talk to her about a somewhat strange comment that was made by the judge in the case.

Carol -- back to you.

COSTELLO: Interesting. OK, we'll see you in about 10 minutes. Thank you, Soledad.

When DAYBREAK returns, pro hockey gets iced out of a season.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: It's 6:49 Eastern. Here's what will be making news later today.

In just a few hours, the sentencing hearing will begin in Massachusetts for defrocked priest and convicted sex offender Paul Shanley. His accuser, now 27, is expected to speak at the start of today's hearing. Shanley faces life in prison, although inmate advocates say they fear for his life if he is condemned to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

In Washington this afternoon, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Michael Chertoff to head the Homeland Security Department.

And the U.N. oil-for-food scandal will be back in the spotlight today as the U.N. deputy secretary general holds a briefing during the noon hour. That's Eastern Time. He'll discuss what the U.N. will do now in light of the program's many failures pointed out in the Volko (ph) report.

The end may finally be here for the non-existent National Hockey League season. Commissioner Gary Bettman has scheduled a new conference for tomorrow that could put the rest of the hockey season on ice. But why? How could this happen?

For more on that, we're joined by Paul Attner of the "Sporting News."

Good morning, Paul.

PAUL ATTNER, "SPORTING NEWS": Good morning. A lot of hockey fans are asking that same question today, I guarantee you that.

COSTELLO: It's insane. We're going to bring in a big hockey fan, Chad Myers, who is getting a refund for his season tickets.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, in the year 2003, the NHL averaged 16,591 fans per game, 1993, 14,700, 1983, only 11,300. The NHL is on a roll. Hockey is on a roll across North America, not only which was obviously at one point considered a Canadian sport, now really an American sport, and they throw a grenade in their locker room. I just don't understand it.

COSTELLO: How serious will this be, Paul, for the sport of hockey?

ATTNER: Oh, I think it's going to be devastating. I mean, I agree there has been progress, but it's still not an established ground-roots American sport. And what's going to happen is the fringe cities in this league, you know, there are 30 teams, and my guess is maybe 10 or 12 are solid, and those will survive. And after that, you have to wonder how many of the rest of them really will be around if they ever get this thing started again.

COSTELLO: Do they ever think of that? Or are they too arrogant to see the reality? ATTNER: We're talking the classic stubbornness here. You know, the league says they've lost $500 million in the last two years. The union says no way. Let us see your books. The league won't do that. So, you've got this -- you know, this ying-yang (ph) thing here that nobody will give.

And, you know, I guess it fascinates me that neither side sees what we're seeing. You know, why would you throw away the livelihoods, all of these thousands of jobs without trying to reach a compromise, which they have not been able to do now for months? You know, they've hardly even talked for the last month or so.

COSTELLO: Chad, as a fan, how does this make you feel? You said you were angry at first. But now how do you feel?

MYERS: You know, I almost feel apathy now. I was angry two months ago when we were losing games. Now, obviously this progress -- one side is trying to come together a little bit, and then the cap thing is getting in the way. I don't care anymore. And I'm certainly going to express my dissatisfaction by not attending any games.

COSTELLO: And, Paul, isn't there...

MYERS: That's all you can do.

COSTELLO: Paul, isn't there a danger now that this could carry on into next season and affect the draft?

ATTNER: Oh, I think it's going to carry on. I don't see any reason that we should not suspect it won't carry on into next season. They have not budged one inch, as Chad just said, in either stance since the beginning of negotiations. So, if that's the case, you know, why would we think that anything would change over the next six months?

No, I think you're talking about -- again, you know, I think there is a great danger here of this league never really ever going again. They're talking about using replacement players. Now, you know, why would anyone with any sense at all pay one nickel to see replacement players play?

MYERS: Carol?

COSTELLO: We will be following that news conference.

MYERS: Carol?

COSTELLO: A quick last comment, then we have to go, Chad.

MYERS: I just have two words: Junior hockey. Players that want to play.

COSTELLO: Chad, thank you. Paul Attner from the "Sporting News," thanks for joining DAYBREAK.

This is DAYBREAK for a Tuesday morning. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Chad, while I'm looking through the paper for a headline to tell viewers about, why don't you do the travel forecast?

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COSTELLO: I did find one headline, the Grammys. That interests me, because the audience was way down this year over last.

MYERS: But that doesn't surprise me, though.

COSTELLO: Doesn't it?

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: I thought they had some great acts performing.

MYERS: You made such a big deal out of it, and only 17 million people watched.

COSTELLO: No, there were 19 million people.

MYERS: Oh, I'm sorry.

COSTELLO: But that was down from last year's 26.3 million. According to "The Washington Post" this morning, it was because the Grammy show enjoyed a four-year high last year as viewers tuned in to see what music superstars would have to say about the controversy and the banishment of Janet Jackson, you know, because of that Super Bowl controversy. This year there was no controversy.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: And she said, many of the acts -- this is by Lisa Day Moray (ph) from the TV column of "The Washington Post." She says a lot of the show was a downer, because although Ray Charles was a great guy, he wasn't actually there because, of course, he's passed on. And then they had Melissa Etheridge and Josh Stone. She calls that downer. But I found that exhilarating.

MYERS: Well...

COSTELLO: You didn't watch it.

MYERS: You know what, Carol? You went to dinner by yourself on Valentine's Day last night, too, and I feel really sorry that I didn't get to fly up there to take you to Valentine's Day. Timmy owes you a dinner on the town.

COSTELLO: He does, doesn't he, my errant husband?

MYERS: He was out of town.

COSTELLO: All right, let's talk about something happy, because there is nothing like a happy ending, Chad. Remember that diamond ring that showed up in a Salvation Army kettle back in December?

MYERS: Right, down in Florida?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Well, charity officials are not looking for the owner anymore. They decided someone meant to donate the ring. A Florida jeweler is paying 300 bucks for it and plans to give it to a man who is down on his luck right now...

MYERS: Oh.

COSTELLO: ... but wants to propose to his sweetie. As for the 300 bucks, the Salvation Army intends to use it for an after-school program. So, see? A happy ending story for you this morning.

MYERS: That's great news.

COSTELLO: That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

MYERS: See you tomorrow.

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