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CNN Live At Daybreak

BTK Suspect To Face Judge; Update on Michael Jackson Trial

Aired March 01, 2005 - 06:28   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: And good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."

The man accused of being the BTK killer appears before a judge today for the first time. Dennis Rader is expected to appear via video hookup from a Wichita, Kansas, jail to hear the 10 murder charges against him. CNN's Bob Franken will have more for you live in about two minutes.

A French journalist who has been missing in Iraq since early January is seen pleading for help in a new videotape. It's not known when this videotape was shot. It was given to news agencies today.

This morning a Vatican spokesman says Pope John Paul II's health is improving, but there is still no indication when the pontiff may be heading back to the Vatican from the hospital.

And Steve Fossett is now about 11 hours into his solo around-the- world attempt. His GlobalFlyer is currently passing south of the Azores on its way to Africa. Fossett hopes to land back in Kansas sometime on Thursday.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: As we just told you, the BTK suspect Dennis Rader has a date in court today to hear the charges against him.

CNN's Bob Franken is following the case. He's live in Wichita, Kansas, this morning.

Preview the day for us -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's going to happen at noon your time, 11:00 here. It is the very first appearance before a judge. There was some complication getting it started, because for now we're being told that he has no lawyer. One source was telling us that he had not even requested a lawyer, but it's probable that one will be appointed.

The appearance is going to be from his cell. It's not going to be actually in the courtroom. This is not unusual. They do video links all the time.

And all it is, is a recitation of the charges in a formal setting of bond. The bond right now is $10 million. The police chief pointedly yesterday said that is $1 million for each victim.

The reason I mention that is because they are arguing against news reports they say are erroneously saying that he's been associated with three other murders. The police chief says it is only now 10 murders. "Only," of course, being a term that has its own chilling effect in a case that has spanned more than three decades.

COSTELLO: It will be interesting, Bob, to hear what murders they're specifically talking about, you know, as it pertains to these 10 murders, because it makes a difference as far as seeking the death penalty against this man.

FRANKEN: And what we're told right now is that the murders that they're going to charge him with all occurred before the death penalty came in Kansas. That at the moment there are none that would make him eligible for the death penalty.

COSTELLO: Bob Franken live in Kansas this morning. Thank you.

One man has been living with vivid and painful memories of BTK etched in his mind for decades. Steve Relford was just 5 years old when he witnessed the 1977 murder and torture of his mother. Police say she was killed by BTK.

Relford talked with CNN's Paula Zahn.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE RELFORD, SON OF BTK VICTIM: I let the BTK in my house. He asked where my mother was and where my parents were. My mom was sick in bed. So, immediately he starts pulling down the blinds, turns off the TV, reaches in his shoulder holster and pulls out a pistol.

About that time, my mother stepped through the bedroom door. About that time, the phone rang. I asked mom, 'Do you want me to answer it?' "No, leave it alone," he said. Then I asked mom, 'Should I leave it alone?' "Do as he says." So I did.

My brother, sister, they started tripping out. He told my mom to put some toys and blankets in the bathroom for us kids. So we did.

After that, he took a rope, tied one of the doors shut and the doorknob tied to the sink. He pushed the bed up against the other door, stripped my mother, taped her hands behind her back, plastic bag over her head and a rope tied around her neck.

My brother breaks a window. My sister and brother was tripping out. So was I. I told that I was going to untie the rope from underneath the sink. He told me if I did, he would blow my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) head off.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Relford says there is no doubt in his mind that Dennis Rader is the BTK killer. The search continues today for a missing girl in Florida. CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with a look at where the investigation picks up today.

Good morning -- Soledad.

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

In fact, another strange case truly to talk about, the disappearance of that 9-year-old girl, Jessica Marie Lunsford. Authorities there say there is a -- quote -- "mystifying lack of information" in that case.

So, what is the next step in the investigation? We talk this morning with the local sheriff, find out just what kind of clues police were able to find in Jessica's bedroom. Reportedly, it is the last place that Jessica was seen. Also, have they ruled out whether the girl ran away from home?

Much more on that ahead this morning as well on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.

In other news across America now.

A federal judge found two bodies in the basement of her Chicago home. Local media reports say the bodies were the mother and husband of Judge Joan Lefkow. It's unknown if the deaths are related to a white supremacist who was convicted last year of hiring an undercover FBI agent to murder the judge.

The bodies of two teenage kayakers were found two days after they disappeared along the north Florida Gulf Coast. The 14-year-old boys had become separated from their school group due to rough waters. The Coast Guard found their bodies about eight miles out into the Gulf of Mexico.

A man was shot outside a radio station while rapper 50 Cent was on the air inside. The 24-year-old victim was hit in the leg. "Newsday" is reporting the victim was a member of 50 Cent's entourage. No arrests have been made.

The prosecution is expected to call its first witness today in the trial of Michael Jackson. But that will have to wait until Jackson's attorney finishes his opening statement.

CNN's Chris Lawrence joins us now live from Santa Maria with more.

Good morning -- Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Carol.

You said it. The defense attorneys will wrap up their opening statement later this morning. And so far the way it's shaping up, this case is going to come down to credibility. Both sides are trying to give jurors an answer to the question: Who do you believe?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE (voice over): As we head into the second day of trial, it's becoming clear the attorneys are arguing two distinct cases: one against Michael Jackson, the other against his accuser's family.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are laying out some devastating evidence about the mother.

LAWRENCE: Legal analyst Michael Gardoza (ph) listened to the defense describe her as a con artist. Defense attorney Tom Mesereau told the jury, she used her cancer-stricken son to swindle money out of celebrities. Mesereau said before the mother met Jackson, she tried to convince comedian Jay Leno to donate money for medical care.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And he somehow knew that a fraud was being perpetrated. He reported it to the Santa Barbara Police Department. Then he said, "Something is wrong here."

LAWRENCE: The district attorney portrayed Jackson as a perverted child molester, who introduced the boy to Internet porn and gave him alcohol in a soda can.

D.A. Tom Sneddon also described a TV documentary by filmmaker Martin Bashir, which he says damaged Jackson's reputation. To repair that damage, Sneddon says Jackson's associates held the family captive at Neverland Ranch until the boy's mother recorded a rebuttal video.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, that tape and the documentary could both play a big part of this trial, beginning later today, when Martin Bashir is expected to take the stand as the prosecution's first witness -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Chris Lawrence reporting live for us from California. Thank you.

When DAYBREAK continues, winter weather is changing some of your morning travel routes. I know it's a pain the "you know what." We'll check out the conditions in the Northeast.

But first, a look at some other stories making headlines this morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A quick look to see what the international markets are up to this morning.

Japan's Nikkei closed up nearly 40 points, Britain's FTSE up 12 and a half, the German DAX is up nearly 10 points. Coming up on DAYBREAK, The Ten Commandments are in the supreme spotlight again.

And later, March comes in like a lion. That's for sure. We'll check out some of the snowy scenes around the Northeast this morning. Oh, that's ugly. We're back in a minute.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Back to our top story now and the man police believe to be the BTK serial killer. The media's role in the investigation has been widely reported and criticized. CNN's Bill Hemmer will have more on this on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Bill.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.

And what a story this has become, the BTK case out of Wichita. The suspect gets his first court hearing today, and police have released very little information so far, as you know, Carol. Precious few details given publicly.

We'll talk to someone very familiar with this case. KEKE anchor Larry Hatterburg (ph) is back with us again today. The BTK killer has communicated with him and through him with a series of mysterious messages over the years. We'll talk to Larry about what he is learning on this day.

And if he is in court today, Carol, some say he will communicate through a video monitor. How will all of this work? We'll try and get some answers for you coming up here in about 15 minutes.

See you at the top of the hour.

COSTELLO: All right, we look forward to it. All right, thank you, Bill.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Right now, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is attending a conference in London, aimed at bolstering the Palestinian Authority. European and Arab foreign ministers are there. Israel is not.

In money news, a judge has ruled that a $170 million judgment against DuPont will stick. The class-action lawsuit alleged a chemical used in making Teflon contaminated water supplies near a DuPont plant in West Virginia.

In culture, award-winning director Peter Jackson is suing over one of his "Lord of the Rings" movies. His production company is seeking damages from New Line Cinema. Jackson alleges New Line misreported profits from the "Fellowship of the Ring."

In sports, a tennis upset. Venus Williams has lost a first-round match for the first time in four years. Italy's Sylvia Threna Ilia (ph) beat Williams 7-5, 7-6 at the Women's Open in Dubai.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Coming up, the Donald's first "Apprentice" trades in that power suit for a power apron.

And let it snow. Oh, don't let it snow. We'll have a live update for you and all of the travel delays. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It is 6:50 Eastern. Here's what will be making news today.

The FCC decides local TV stations didn't violate indecency rules when they carried ABC's broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan." Of course, that aired on Veterans Day last November, at least on some stations.

Expect protests today in Washington as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a couple of Ten Commandments cases. One involves a monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. Another involves posters on the McCreary County Courthouse.

And remember this guy? Bill Ransick (ph) was the first guy to hear "you're hired" on NBC's "The Apprentice." Today, he'll encourage other people to find work in the snagajob.com campaign to hire America. The goal? Fill 50,000 hourly jobs across the country. He'll work at Home Depot and also at a Wendy's drive-through today.

And snow blankets the Northeast this morning. You're looking here at Boston. Snowfall across most of Massachusetts ranges from 6 to 11 inches. Many school districts across the state are closed today. Not only that, but school districts across the Washington, D.C. area, Baltimore, here in the New York area, and Connecticut.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: For the latest winter weather conditions and to get your customized forecast, all you have to do is go to CNN.com/winter.

This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Chad, we've been getting so many e-mails this morning, we want to read a few more. And this was the question: Are American high schools obsolete?

This is from Mike from Colorado: "I believe American high schools are much too deficient in teaching practical skills such as job hunting, how to prepare for job interview, how to establish credit, developing social skills, perhaps even how to attract a mate. How many people actually end up needing to solve a quadratic equation after graduation?"

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A quadratic equation, 2ab times the square root of...

COSTELLO: There you go. Chad has to use that kind of information every day in his weather forecast.

MYERS: Actually, I do. We got an e-mail about somebody who said, I never use the patagrium (ph) theory. I never use pi. Well, come here, because we actually do.

But this whole debate is because of Bill Gates and what he said.

And Tony from Illinois says: "Wait a minute. Now a guy who dropped out of college is an expert on education."

That was kind of cute. I liked that one.

COSTELLO: You got one more?

MYERS: I do actually. From Laurie in Georgia. It says: "You know, this should not be solely predicated on the standardized testing. It must be properly funded by the states. But another thing, it also should be tied to parental responsibility laws with increased child care programs, increased after-school programs and to the early intervention with parents over students with problems."

COSTELLO: I believe in a nutshell that is it takes a village.

MYERS: That's right.

COSTELLO: Anyway, it's time to give away a DAYBREAK coffee mug.

MYERS: Oh, yes.

COSTELLO: We don't want to run out of time.

MYERS: We gave one away. We asked the questions yesterday. What state taxes fur clothing? And the answer to that one is Minnesota. And who was the oldest recipient of a best director Oscar? And obviously that was Clint Eastwood at the age of 74.

And the winner, the winner from Piedmont, South Carolina, Richelle Law. Your mug will be in the mail. Thank you so very much.

COSTELLO: Beautiful new graphic, I must say.

MYERS: And beautiful new mugs in all different colors.

The question for today, you must give me both answers and give me your name and address. Who called America's high schools obsolete? I guess I just gave you that one. But anyway, governors now from how many states formed a coalition to improve high schools?

Daybreak@CNN.com. Put that in the "to" line, Daybreak@CNN.com. And send me your answers. Don't go looking for it on CNN.com. Just go right to your e-mail and send it to us directly. COSTELLO: And I wanted to ask you about this before we go, because there was a prediction of a huge Nor'easter, and some places in the Northeast got hit big-time.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Washington, D.C. is probably not one of them. On the front page today, "Fickle storm defies forecast." People are really angry at the weather forecasters for giving them wrong information, they say.

MYERS: For D.C.?

COSTELLO: For D.C.

MYERS: Now, D.C...

COSTELLO: For parts of D.C., I should say.

MYERS: Well, D.C. picked up between two and five inches, depending on where you are, and really more like three to five inches. The problem with D.C., Carol -- and we saw it yesterday -- is that the dry slot came in. We talk about this all of the time. You have to watch a snowstorm that gulps dry air out of the Midwest. And where it gulps it, you're going to lose your snow totals.

Obviously, it didn't gulp it from Massachusetts. They're up to 11 and 12 inches (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: It's very difficult to predict the weather.

MYERS: It is.

COSTELLO: I'm on your side on that one.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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 March 1, 2005 - 06:28   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."

The man accused of being the BTK killer appears before a judge today for the first time. Dennis Rader is expected to appear via video hookup from a Wichita, Kansas, jail to hear the 10 murder charges against him. CNN's Bob Franken will have more for you live in about two minutes.

A French journalist who has been missing in Iraq since early January is seen pleading for help in a new videotape. It's not known when this videotape was shot. It was given to news agencies today.

This morning a Vatican spokesman says Pope John Paul II's health is improving, but there is still no indication when the pontiff may be heading back to the Vatican from the hospital.

And Steve Fossett is now about 11 hours into his solo around-the- world attempt. His GlobalFlyer is currently passing south of the Azores on its way to Africa. Fossett hopes to land back in Kansas sometime on Thursday.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: As we just told you, the BTK suspect Dennis Rader has a date in court today to hear the charges against him.

CNN's Bob Franken is following the case. He's live in Wichita, Kansas, this morning.

Preview the day for us -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's going to happen at noon your time, 11:00 here. It is the very first appearance before a judge. There was some complication getting it started, because for now we're being told that he has no lawyer. One source was telling us that he had not even requested a lawyer, but it's probable that one will be appointed.

The appearance is going to be from his cell. It's not going to be actually in the courtroom. This is not unusual. They do video links all the time.

And all it is, is a recitation of the charges in a formal setting of bond. The bond right now is $10 million. The police chief pointedly yesterday said that is $1 million for each victim.

The reason I mention that is because they are arguing against news reports they say are erroneously saying that he's been associated with three other murders. The police chief says it is only now 10 murders. "Only," of course, being a term that has its own chilling effect in a case that has spanned more than three decades.

COSTELLO: It will be interesting, Bob, to hear what murders they're specifically talking about, you know, as it pertains to these 10 murders, because it makes a difference as far as seeking the death penalty against this man.

FRANKEN: And what we're told right now is that the murders that they're going to charge him with all occurred before the death penalty came in Kansas. That at the moment there are none that would make him eligible for the death penalty.

COSTELLO: Bob Franken live in Kansas this morning. Thank you.

One man has been living with vivid and painful memories of BTK etched in his mind for decades. Steve Relford was just 5 years old when he witnessed the 1977 murder and torture of his mother. Police say she was killed by BTK.

Relford talked with CNN's Paula Zahn.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE RELFORD, SON OF BTK VICTIM: I let the BTK in my house. He asked where my mother was and where my parents were. My mom was sick in bed. So, immediately he starts pulling down the blinds, turns off the TV, reaches in his shoulder holster and pulls out a pistol.

About that time, my mother stepped through the bedroom door. About that time, the phone rang. I asked mom, 'Do you want me to answer it?' "No, leave it alone," he said. Then I asked mom, 'Should I leave it alone?' "Do as he says." So I did.

My brother, sister, they started tripping out. He told my mom to put some toys and blankets in the bathroom for us kids. So we did.

After that, he took a rope, tied one of the doors shut and the doorknob tied to the sink. He pushed the bed up against the other door, stripped my mother, taped her hands behind her back, plastic bag over her head and a rope tied around her neck.

My brother breaks a window. My sister and brother was tripping out. So was I. I told that I was going to untie the rope from underneath the sink. He told me if I did, he would blow my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) head off.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Relford says there is no doubt in his mind that Dennis Rader is the BTK killer. The search continues today for a missing girl in Florida. CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with a look at where the investigation picks up today.

Good morning -- Soledad.

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

In fact, another strange case truly to talk about, the disappearance of that 9-year-old girl, Jessica Marie Lunsford. Authorities there say there is a -- quote -- "mystifying lack of information" in that case.

So, what is the next step in the investigation? We talk this morning with the local sheriff, find out just what kind of clues police were able to find in Jessica's bedroom. Reportedly, it is the last place that Jessica was seen. Also, have they ruled out whether the girl ran away from home?

Much more on that ahead this morning as well on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.

In other news across America now.

A federal judge found two bodies in the basement of her Chicago home. Local media reports say the bodies were the mother and husband of Judge Joan Lefkow. It's unknown if the deaths are related to a white supremacist who was convicted last year of hiring an undercover FBI agent to murder the judge.

The bodies of two teenage kayakers were found two days after they disappeared along the north Florida Gulf Coast. The 14-year-old boys had become separated from their school group due to rough waters. The Coast Guard found their bodies about eight miles out into the Gulf of Mexico.

A man was shot outside a radio station while rapper 50 Cent was on the air inside. The 24-year-old victim was hit in the leg. "Newsday" is reporting the victim was a member of 50 Cent's entourage. No arrests have been made.

The prosecution is expected to call its first witness today in the trial of Michael Jackson. But that will have to wait until Jackson's attorney finishes his opening statement.

CNN's Chris Lawrence joins us now live from Santa Maria with more.

Good morning -- Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Carol.

You said it. The defense attorneys will wrap up their opening statement later this morning. And so far the way it's shaping up, this case is going to come down to credibility. Both sides are trying to give jurors an answer to the question: Who do you believe?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE (voice over): As we head into the second day of trial, it's becoming clear the attorneys are arguing two distinct cases: one against Michael Jackson, the other against his accuser's family.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are laying out some devastating evidence about the mother.

LAWRENCE: Legal analyst Michael Gardoza (ph) listened to the defense describe her as a con artist. Defense attorney Tom Mesereau told the jury, she used her cancer-stricken son to swindle money out of celebrities. Mesereau said before the mother met Jackson, she tried to convince comedian Jay Leno to donate money for medical care.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And he somehow knew that a fraud was being perpetrated. He reported it to the Santa Barbara Police Department. Then he said, "Something is wrong here."

LAWRENCE: The district attorney portrayed Jackson as a perverted child molester, who introduced the boy to Internet porn and gave him alcohol in a soda can.

D.A. Tom Sneddon also described a TV documentary by filmmaker Martin Bashir, which he says damaged Jackson's reputation. To repair that damage, Sneddon says Jackson's associates held the family captive at Neverland Ranch until the boy's mother recorded a rebuttal video.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, that tape and the documentary could both play a big part of this trial, beginning later today, when Martin Bashir is expected to take the stand as the prosecution's first witness -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Chris Lawrence reporting live for us from California. Thank you.

When DAYBREAK continues, winter weather is changing some of your morning travel routes. I know it's a pain the "you know what." We'll check out the conditions in the Northeast.

But first, a look at some other stories making headlines this morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A quick look to see what the international markets are up to this morning.

Japan's Nikkei closed up nearly 40 points, Britain's FTSE up 12 and a half, the German DAX is up nearly 10 points. Coming up on DAYBREAK, The Ten Commandments are in the supreme spotlight again.

And later, March comes in like a lion. That's for sure. We'll check out some of the snowy scenes around the Northeast this morning. Oh, that's ugly. We're back in a minute.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Back to our top story now and the man police believe to be the BTK serial killer. The media's role in the investigation has been widely reported and criticized. CNN's Bill Hemmer will have more on this on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Bill.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.

And what a story this has become, the BTK case out of Wichita. The suspect gets his first court hearing today, and police have released very little information so far, as you know, Carol. Precious few details given publicly.

We'll talk to someone very familiar with this case. KEKE anchor Larry Hatterburg (ph) is back with us again today. The BTK killer has communicated with him and through him with a series of mysterious messages over the years. We'll talk to Larry about what he is learning on this day.

And if he is in court today, Carol, some say he will communicate through a video monitor. How will all of this work? We'll try and get some answers for you coming up here in about 15 minutes.

See you at the top of the hour.

COSTELLO: All right, we look forward to it. All right, thank you, Bill.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Right now, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is attending a conference in London, aimed at bolstering the Palestinian Authority. European and Arab foreign ministers are there. Israel is not.

In money news, a judge has ruled that a $170 million judgment against DuPont will stick. The class-action lawsuit alleged a chemical used in making Teflon contaminated water supplies near a DuPont plant in West Virginia.

In culture, award-winning director Peter Jackson is suing over one of his "Lord of the Rings" movies. His production company is seeking damages from New Line Cinema. Jackson alleges New Line misreported profits from the "Fellowship of the Ring."

In sports, a tennis upset. Venus Williams has lost a first-round match for the first time in four years. Italy's Sylvia Threna Ilia (ph) beat Williams 7-5, 7-6 at the Women's Open in Dubai.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Coming up, the Donald's first "Apprentice" trades in that power suit for a power apron.

And let it snow. Oh, don't let it snow. We'll have a live update for you and all of the travel delays. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It is 6:50 Eastern. Here's what will be making news today.

The FCC decides local TV stations didn't violate indecency rules when they carried ABC's broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan." Of course, that aired on Veterans Day last November, at least on some stations.

Expect protests today in Washington as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a couple of Ten Commandments cases. One involves a monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. Another involves posters on the McCreary County Courthouse.

And remember this guy? Bill Ransick (ph) was the first guy to hear "you're hired" on NBC's "The Apprentice." Today, he'll encourage other people to find work in the snagajob.com campaign to hire America. The goal? Fill 50,000 hourly jobs across the country. He'll work at Home Depot and also at a Wendy's drive-through today.

And snow blankets the Northeast this morning. You're looking here at Boston. Snowfall across most of Massachusetts ranges from 6 to 11 inches. Many school districts across the state are closed today. Not only that, but school districts across the Washington, D.C. area, Baltimore, here in the New York area, and Connecticut.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: For the latest winter weather conditions and to get your customized forecast, all you have to do is go to CNN.com/winter.

This is DAYBREAK for Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Chad, we've been getting so many e-mails this morning, we want to read a few more. And this was the question: Are American high schools obsolete?

This is from Mike from Colorado: "I believe American high schools are much too deficient in teaching practical skills such as job hunting, how to prepare for job interview, how to establish credit, developing social skills, perhaps even how to attract a mate. How many people actually end up needing to solve a quadratic equation after graduation?"

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A quadratic equation, 2ab times the square root of...

COSTELLO: There you go. Chad has to use that kind of information every day in his weather forecast.

MYERS: Actually, I do. We got an e-mail about somebody who said, I never use the patagrium (ph) theory. I never use pi. Well, come here, because we actually do.

But this whole debate is because of Bill Gates and what he said.

And Tony from Illinois says: "Wait a minute. Now a guy who dropped out of college is an expert on education."

That was kind of cute. I liked that one.

COSTELLO: You got one more?

MYERS: I do actually. From Laurie in Georgia. It says: "You know, this should not be solely predicated on the standardized testing. It must be properly funded by the states. But another thing, it also should be tied to parental responsibility laws with increased child care programs, increased after-school programs and to the early intervention with parents over students with problems."

COSTELLO: I believe in a nutshell that is it takes a village.

MYERS: That's right.

COSTELLO: Anyway, it's time to give away a DAYBREAK coffee mug.

MYERS: Oh, yes.

COSTELLO: We don't want to run out of time.

MYERS: We gave one away. We asked the questions yesterday. What state taxes fur clothing? And the answer to that one is Minnesota. And who was the oldest recipient of a best director Oscar? And obviously that was Clint Eastwood at the age of 74.

And the winner, the winner from Piedmont, South Carolina, Richelle Law. Your mug will be in the mail. Thank you so very much.

COSTELLO: Beautiful new graphic, I must say.

MYERS: And beautiful new mugs in all different colors.

The question for today, you must give me both answers and give me your name and address. Who called America's high schools obsolete? I guess I just gave you that one. But anyway, governors now from how many states formed a coalition to improve high schools?

Daybreak@CNN.com. Put that in the "to" line, Daybreak@CNN.com. And send me your answers. Don't go looking for it on CNN.com. Just go right to your e-mail and send it to us directly. COSTELLO: And I wanted to ask you about this before we go, because there was a prediction of a huge Nor'easter, and some places in the Northeast got hit big-time.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Washington, D.C. is probably not one of them. On the front page today, "Fickle storm defies forecast." People are really angry at the weather forecasters for giving them wrong information, they say.

MYERS: For D.C.?

COSTELLO: For D.C.

MYERS: Now, D.C...

COSTELLO: For parts of D.C., I should say.

MYERS: Well, D.C. picked up between two and five inches, depending on where you are, and really more like three to five inches. The problem with D.C., Carol -- and we saw it yesterday -- is that the dry slot came in. We talk about this all of the time. You have to watch a snowstorm that gulps dry air out of the Midwest. And where it gulps it, you're going to lose your snow totals.

Obviously, it didn't gulp it from Massachusetts. They're up to 11 and 12 inches (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: It's very difficult to predict the weather.

MYERS: It is.

COSTELLO: I'm on your side on that one.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: All right. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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