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CNN Live At Daybreak

Steroid Subpoenas; Identity Theft Hearings

Aired March 10, 2005 - 06:31   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: Congress decides to investigate steroids in baseball and subpoena some of the biggest names in the game. But why now?
And the home of the suspected BTK killer, neighbors are nervous about what should or could happen to it.

It is Thursday, March 10. You are watching DAYBREAK.

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."

President Clinton has arrived at a New York hospital. He's there right now. He's going to have low-risk surgery to remove fluid from one lung and clear up some scar tissue. He'll be in the hospital up to 10 days.

He made a surprise appearance at his hospital window, and now one day later the Vatican says Pope John Paul II will remain in the hospital for a few more days. The notice just came out. They passed out a press release. Supposedly he's going to be out for the Easter season. The next update on his health will come Monday.

Insurgents target high-ranking Iraqi police officials in Baghdad, killing two and critically wounding a third. Two other police officers were wounded in a series of shootings today. One of the victims was chief of the Central Baghdad Police Station.

Congress gets a report today on the abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite pressure from top commanders in Iraq and interrogators to get useful information, the bottom line is this: Rumsfeld, the Pentagon and the Defense Department are not to blame.

And check out these pictures of New Zealand. A powerful tornado barrels through a town on the west coast, injuring at least six people. Oh, gee, Chad, people said that there was a scene of destruction 1,300 feet wide. Residents say the twister caused massive damage in just a matter of seconds.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Tornadoes have been on every continent that we know of except Antarctica, Carol.

COSTELLO: Wow!

MYERS: And New Zealand actually gets it fair share, maybe almost 50 tornadoes a year on average in parts of New Zealand, most in the north part of the island. But I'll tell you what, we get our share here in Tornado Alley. And, in fact, we get more than our fair share. Many times the average is over 1,000 a year across parts of the United States. It's all part of how it all works out. We have Gulf of Mexico moisture. We have air that comes down that's cold and dry from the north and mountains to the west, and that's why we get Tornado Alley. They get it for a different reason, but it's still the lift of warm moist air and turning into a big thunderstorm.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Sosa, McGwire, Giambi, all big names, and all may be heading to Congress. But their possible appearances are not voluntary.

CNN congressional correspondent Ed Henry joins us live from Washington to talk about the congressional interest in baseball's steroid issues.

You broke this story yesterday, Ed. Tell us more.

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the bottom line is that a House committee has subpoenaed 11 baseball officials and players. And you're right. It's some of the biggest stars, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire.

Jose Canseco has got this book out. You know, he clearly -- he's one of the people who wants to testify. He gladly told Congress last week he would come, because he wants to sell his book and he wants to talk about all of these accusations he has that he and other players like McGwire used steroids.

But McGwire, Sosa, Jason Giambi, a lot of these other players said they did not want to come up. So, Congress decided to issue the subpoenas to force the testimony. This raises the stakes, because if the players do not come after getting these subpoenas, they could be held in contempt of Congress, and that's a big deal.

COSTELLO: You know, some people, Ed, are saying that Congress is grandstanding. I mean, why call these players now? Why not before, before baseball came up with their new rules?

HENRY: It sounds a little bit like "Casablanca." They were shocked that gambling was going on. Now they're shocked that there's grandstanding in Congress.

Clearly, you know, members of Congress like to grab headlines, and they're getting headlines here now.

But what members of Congress are saying is they're not playing "gotcha." They say that baseball should have investigated this years ago, that baseball let this problem bubble out there. There's now a grand jury investigation in California, and that a lot of the baseball records, the home run records, are now tainted, and that these baseball stars are role models for young people, and they feel that Congress has a duty to get involved. But you're right. There are others clearly in Major League Baseball who said last night they're going to fight these subpoenas. They're saying Congress has no legal authority to get involved here, that this is a collective bargaining agreement in the private sector. And also that, in fact, a congressional investigation like this could actually ruin and taint the federal grand jury probe, and that say Congress should stay out of the way.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Ed Henry reporting live for us from Washington this morning. Thank you.

Another question surrounding that issue, what about Barry Bonds? He hasn't been called to testify. And the House committee says it has no plan to even contact him. But what could the congressional hearings mean for the players involved?

To talk about that, we're joined by Buster Olney. He's the senior baseball writer for "ESPN" magazine. He also has a new book, "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty."

Good morning.

BUSTER OLNEY, SENIOR WRITER, "ESPN" THE MAGAZINE: Good morning.

COSTELLO: So, why do you think they didn't call Barry Bonds?

OLNEY: Well, because of the grand jury situation in the BALCO case. I'm sure that that would be a factor. And I'm sure that they were not enthused after seeing Barry Bonds' press conference two weeks ago in which he was quite defiant about what had gone on and challenging the media, in particular, to move forward with this story.

COSTELLO: Some of the other players, too, you know, are questionable. Rafael Palmero, the only evidence -- and if you could call it evidence -- comes from Jose Canseco that he gave Rafael Palmero steroids. Rafael Palmero says, I never took any steroids. There really isn't any evidence that he did. By calling him to testify before Congress, isn't that kind of unfair? Doesn't that paint him with a brush of guilt?

OLNEY: I would agree with you. There's no question that baseball has a lot to answer for in this. You know, this problem developed over 15 or 20 years, and no one, except for Padres General Manager Kevin Towers, has been accountable. But the list of the players would seem to be arbitrary, as you mentioned. Palmero was not even part of this conversation until Canseco's book came out, and that's simply not fair.

COSTELLO: Do you think that these congressional hearings should go forward, even though baseball has already changed its rules?

OLNEY: You know, I think it would be helpful if it went forward, but not necessarily with the players involved. I think that the leadership on both sides in recent years, in particular I think the union leadership has been lax in this matter. And the owners have a lot to answer for, for letting this problem develop. But I have my doubts about whether or not it's going to go forward. Lawyers are involved now.

COSTELLO: Do you thin this will hurt baseball's image? I mean, players' images are already hurt. Won't this do more damage?

OLNEY: I think it will do some damage, but I don't think this is going to be as extensive as people think. You know, Barry Bonds has been surrounded by this steroid speculation for a couple of years, and yet who led the National League in road attendance last year? The San Francisco Giants. It's not chasing people away from buying tickets to see games.

COSTELLO: Buster Olney from "ESPN" magazine. Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.

Michael Jackson's accuser is back on the witness stand today in the pop singer's child molestation trial in California. The 15-year- old boy was not asked about the molestation charges during his testimony, but he did say he looked at sexually-explicit Web sites on his second night at the Neverland Ranch. The boy's testimony matched the account given earlier by his younger brother.

Jurors in the Robert Blake murder trial will start another day of deliberations today. They reviewed the testimony of three witnesses during the third full day of deliberations. The witnesses were at a restaurant, where Blake and his wife dined the night she was shot to death. If convicted, Blake could be sentenced to life in prison.

A judge in Wichita, Kansas, says the media coverage of the BTK serial killings is like a bunch of mad dogs after a piece of meat. But so far, the judge has not issued a gag order. In the meantime in nearby Park City, police say the barricades will remain up near the home of BTK suspect Dennis Rader. Some neighbors want the house demolished before it becomes a tourist attraction. Rader has been charged in 10 killings since 1974.

And there is a new development to tell you about in the killing of two people related to a federal judge in Chicago. The "Chicago Tribune" is reporting a man who shot and killed himself near Milwaukee claimed he had killed the husband and mother of Judge Joan Lefkow. Investigators say the man left a suicide note behind, you know, making that claim. Police told the newspaper that the note includes details about the killings not released to the public. Judge Lefkow's husband and mother were killed late last month.

CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Bill.

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

Former President Bill Clinton has surgery scheduled this morning to remove fluid and scar tissue from his chest. And Sanjay Gupta is outside the hospital, Carol. We're going to be talking with Sanjay throughout the morning here with updates on what's happening with the former president.

Also, have you heard about this, Carol? Mel Gibson has a new passion. The director is releasing a new version of "The Passion of the Christ." There are new edits contained in this release. We'll tell you what hit the cutting room floor, what made it, what did not, and why. So, that's part or our...

COSTELLO: Yes, I'm...

HEMMER: ... three-hour tour this morning. What's that?

COSTELLO: I'm thinking of the movie. It was all violent. I'm wondering what he could cut out.

HEMMER: Well, you saw the movie. I did too. There was one scene that went on for about 40 minutes. And I'm not quite sure how much of that was taken out or not. But we'll get to the bottom of it coming up here on "AMERICAN MORNING."

COSTELLO: We'll look forward to that.

HEMMER: You got it. See you later.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill.

Coming up on DAYBREAK, thousands of customer profiles were stolen. Was yours among them?

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: I'm Stephanie Elam at the Nasdaq Marketsite.

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is holding a hearing today. The hearing is called "Identity Theft: Recent Developments Involving the Security of Sensitive Consumer Information." In light of all of the breaches that we've heard, they're taking a look at this.

It says that Lexis-Nexis yesterday said that intruders accessed personal data on as many as 32,000 U.S. citizens from one of its databases. Hackers accessed stolen passwords and legitimate customer information there. And this says that compromised database called Accurent (ph) sells reports for $4.50 each, and includes individual Social Security numbers, path addresses and date of birth. There's also voter registration information in there, as well as party affiliation. No credit history or medical records or financial data was accessed, however.

But yesterday, we told you about credit card information being stolen from DSW Shoe Warehouse customers. And, of course, you remember the ChoicePoint incident, where personal information for more than 100,000 people was stolen. So, the government is going to take a look at this after a huge outcry for federal oversight over a very loosely-regulated commercial sector.

Stocks are pointing to a flatter open today. Yesterday, stocks were under pressure, a lot over weak oil prices or higher oil prices.

One stock to watch, though: Intel. The chipmaker is going to give its first quarter update after the bell.

You are watching DAYBREAK. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, we have a few more details about the pope's condition. As you know, you're looking at a live picture of Rome. Beautiful isn't it? But back to the pope's condition. He remains in the hospital. The Vatican just passed out these press releases with his condition. It said, Pope John Paul II has accepted his doctors' advice to remain hospitalized for a few more days. The Vatican is saying that he will be back at the Vatican in his apartment by Holy Week, which is March 20 to the 27th.

Also, an update for you on President Clinton. He has checked into that hospital you're looking at right now in New York City. Of course, he's going to have some scar tissue and fluid removed from around his heart. Not very common after effective heart surgery, but he should remain in the hospital for 10 days. He is scheduled for surgery today. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be along on "AMERICAN MORNING" to tell us more about the president's condition.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:47 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

The Senate is expected to approve a hotly-debated bankruptcy bill today. It would make it harder for those of you seeking bankruptcy protection to have your debts dissolved.

A 30-hour hostage standoff at a bank in Costa Rica turns deadly. Police stormed the building in a hail of gunfire. Nine people were killed, including five bank customers and a police agent.

In money news, there is another identity theft at a data broker. This time, Lexis-Nexis was hit. Thieves gained access to the profiles of 32,000 U.S. residents. The FBI is now involved.

In culture, take a look at this. Do you recognize this guy? Do you recognize him now? Jim Morrison of The Doors. He's in a short 1964 instructional film that's been discovered in the Florida Archives. It was shot when Morrison was a Florida State University student.

In sports, this is why former phenom Rick Ankiel has decided to give up pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals. The 25-year-old has battled terrible control problems since the 2000 playoffs. Ankiel says he'll now try to make the team as an outfielder. So, he's not giving up, Chad.

MYERS: No, exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you.

Let's head over to "AMERICAN MORNING" to see what's coming up there. Soledad O'Brien with us now.

Good morning.

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

Have you heard these dramatic 911 tapes? They're just being released. The voice on the tape is that of a woman. She's trapped in a building after a gas explosion levels that pet store. Her only lifeline is a 911 dispatcher. This morning, we're going to listen to those tapes, also talk to the dispatcher. He refused to let her hang up. Many people say he may have saved her life.

Also this morning, a former colleague of mine, journalist David Bloom (ph), his life was cut short by a silent killer. This morning, we talk to his wife, Melanie, about her loss, but now her crusade against a condition, a disease called DVT. It affects millions of Americans. That and much more ahead this morning as we continue on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

Back to you -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.

After all the talk about rap and violence this week, a sign of peace, and two rappers show it with a handshake. Why all the fuss? We'll break it down for you next on DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.

New information this morning about the killings of two family members of a federal judge. The "Chicago Tribune" reports a man who shot himself in the head during a traffic stop in Wisconsin claimed responsibility for the killing of the husband and mother of Judge Jane Lefkow. Investigators say he left that claim in a suicide note.

Former President Clinton is in a New York hospital this morning to fix a complication from his heart bypass surgery six months ago. Doctors say he'll be there for up to 10 days.

And just moments ago, a spokesman said Pope John Paul II has accepted his doctors' suggestion to stay in the hospital for a few more days.

And talk about bad timing. Workers strikes tie up air and train travel in Paris just as Olympic inspectors check out the city for the 2012 games.

A big rap ruckus is apparently over. Platinum-selling gangster rappers 50 Cent and The Game shook hands. Look at them hugging. They made up Harlem. 50 had kicked The Game out of his G-Unit clique for disloyalty. And that led to a shooting outside of New York radio station last week. Now, The Game is preaching positivity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THE GAME, RAPPER: We're making a statement that is a lot louder than it sounds with just two voices. And we're showing that you can control your destiny, not only your destiny but your future. And so, I'm here on a stance, and I'm going to control minds. Not only am I going to control minds, I'm going to do it in a productive and a positive way.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Game and 50 Cent each presented checks totaling more than $250,000 to the Boys Choir of Harlem.

You're watching DAYBREAK for Thursday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It is that time.

MYERS: Carol, my mug is right here. I keep it very, very handy. We asked the questions yesterday. Here are the answers. The U.S. Labor Department has reported an increase in what type of theft? And that's actually from your 401(k). And what celebrity will narrate a cell phone walking tour of Boston? And no, it is not from the band Boston, but the band Aerosmith. Steven Tyler will do that on your cell phone if you want to walk around.

And Jaron Brass from Florida is our winner today. Congratulations, Jaron Brass.

Here are the questions for today, and it's still your chance of winning for tomorrow. A little bit ago, Ben Mutzabaugh from "USA Today" told us about an airline that's dropping its in-flight meals in favor of free snacks. Which airline is dropping those meals and picking up those snacks?

COSTELLO: Oh, that's easy.

MYERS: Well, for you, Carol, because you fly them all the time. And what is the name of the airline? But now, what state did police seize a record amount, $16 million worth of crystal meth?

CNN.com/daybreak. Submit your answers there. And we'll have the winner tomorrow -- Carol.

COSTELLO: CNN.com/daybreak.

MYERS: Yes. COSTELLO: All right. Tomorrow on DAYBREAK, see Bruce Willis, hear Robin Williams. Hollywood unveils two big budget flicks this weekend. Tom O'Neil will join us with his reviews for "Hostage" and "Robots."

Do we have time to show this picture of Lance Armstrong once again? We do.

MYERS: Picture.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, Lance Armstrong came out yesterday and said that he favored Paris over New York for the summer Olympic games. And this is how he's depicted in the "New York Post" this morning.

MYERS: You did not deface that picture. That is in the paper, correct?

COSTELLO: A newspaper.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: "Axel of weasel." I just thought it was a funny picture.

MYERS: It is.

COSTELLO: A few chuckles this morning. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

MYERS: Tomorrow is Friday.

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 10, 2005 - 06:31   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Congress decides to investigate steroids in baseball and subpoena some of the biggest names in the game. But why now?
And the home of the suspected BTK killer, neighbors are nervous about what should or could happen to it.

It is Thursday, March 10. You are watching DAYBREAK.

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."

President Clinton has arrived at a New York hospital. He's there right now. He's going to have low-risk surgery to remove fluid from one lung and clear up some scar tissue. He'll be in the hospital up to 10 days.

He made a surprise appearance at his hospital window, and now one day later the Vatican says Pope John Paul II will remain in the hospital for a few more days. The notice just came out. They passed out a press release. Supposedly he's going to be out for the Easter season. The next update on his health will come Monday.

Insurgents target high-ranking Iraqi police officials in Baghdad, killing two and critically wounding a third. Two other police officers were wounded in a series of shootings today. One of the victims was chief of the Central Baghdad Police Station.

Congress gets a report today on the abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite pressure from top commanders in Iraq and interrogators to get useful information, the bottom line is this: Rumsfeld, the Pentagon and the Defense Department are not to blame.

And check out these pictures of New Zealand. A powerful tornado barrels through a town on the west coast, injuring at least six people. Oh, gee, Chad, people said that there was a scene of destruction 1,300 feet wide. Residents say the twister caused massive damage in just a matter of seconds.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Tornadoes have been on every continent that we know of except Antarctica, Carol.

COSTELLO: Wow!

MYERS: And New Zealand actually gets it fair share, maybe almost 50 tornadoes a year on average in parts of New Zealand, most in the north part of the island. But I'll tell you what, we get our share here in Tornado Alley. And, in fact, we get more than our fair share. Many times the average is over 1,000 a year across parts of the United States. It's all part of how it all works out. We have Gulf of Mexico moisture. We have air that comes down that's cold and dry from the north and mountains to the west, and that's why we get Tornado Alley. They get it for a different reason, but it's still the lift of warm moist air and turning into a big thunderstorm.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Sosa, McGwire, Giambi, all big names, and all may be heading to Congress. But their possible appearances are not voluntary.

CNN congressional correspondent Ed Henry joins us live from Washington to talk about the congressional interest in baseball's steroid issues.

You broke this story yesterday, Ed. Tell us more.

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the bottom line is that a House committee has subpoenaed 11 baseball officials and players. And you're right. It's some of the biggest stars, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire.

Jose Canseco has got this book out. You know, he clearly -- he's one of the people who wants to testify. He gladly told Congress last week he would come, because he wants to sell his book and he wants to talk about all of these accusations he has that he and other players like McGwire used steroids.

But McGwire, Sosa, Jason Giambi, a lot of these other players said they did not want to come up. So, Congress decided to issue the subpoenas to force the testimony. This raises the stakes, because if the players do not come after getting these subpoenas, they could be held in contempt of Congress, and that's a big deal.

COSTELLO: You know, some people, Ed, are saying that Congress is grandstanding. I mean, why call these players now? Why not before, before baseball came up with their new rules?

HENRY: It sounds a little bit like "Casablanca." They were shocked that gambling was going on. Now they're shocked that there's grandstanding in Congress.

Clearly, you know, members of Congress like to grab headlines, and they're getting headlines here now.

But what members of Congress are saying is they're not playing "gotcha." They say that baseball should have investigated this years ago, that baseball let this problem bubble out there. There's now a grand jury investigation in California, and that a lot of the baseball records, the home run records, are now tainted, and that these baseball stars are role models for young people, and they feel that Congress has a duty to get involved. But you're right. There are others clearly in Major League Baseball who said last night they're going to fight these subpoenas. They're saying Congress has no legal authority to get involved here, that this is a collective bargaining agreement in the private sector. And also that, in fact, a congressional investigation like this could actually ruin and taint the federal grand jury probe, and that say Congress should stay out of the way.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Ed Henry reporting live for us from Washington this morning. Thank you.

Another question surrounding that issue, what about Barry Bonds? He hasn't been called to testify. And the House committee says it has no plan to even contact him. But what could the congressional hearings mean for the players involved?

To talk about that, we're joined by Buster Olney. He's the senior baseball writer for "ESPN" magazine. He also has a new book, "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty."

Good morning.

BUSTER OLNEY, SENIOR WRITER, "ESPN" THE MAGAZINE: Good morning.

COSTELLO: So, why do you think they didn't call Barry Bonds?

OLNEY: Well, because of the grand jury situation in the BALCO case. I'm sure that that would be a factor. And I'm sure that they were not enthused after seeing Barry Bonds' press conference two weeks ago in which he was quite defiant about what had gone on and challenging the media, in particular, to move forward with this story.

COSTELLO: Some of the other players, too, you know, are questionable. Rafael Palmero, the only evidence -- and if you could call it evidence -- comes from Jose Canseco that he gave Rafael Palmero steroids. Rafael Palmero says, I never took any steroids. There really isn't any evidence that he did. By calling him to testify before Congress, isn't that kind of unfair? Doesn't that paint him with a brush of guilt?

OLNEY: I would agree with you. There's no question that baseball has a lot to answer for in this. You know, this problem developed over 15 or 20 years, and no one, except for Padres General Manager Kevin Towers, has been accountable. But the list of the players would seem to be arbitrary, as you mentioned. Palmero was not even part of this conversation until Canseco's book came out, and that's simply not fair.

COSTELLO: Do you think that these congressional hearings should go forward, even though baseball has already changed its rules?

OLNEY: You know, I think it would be helpful if it went forward, but not necessarily with the players involved. I think that the leadership on both sides in recent years, in particular I think the union leadership has been lax in this matter. And the owners have a lot to answer for, for letting this problem develop. But I have my doubts about whether or not it's going to go forward. Lawyers are involved now.

COSTELLO: Do you thin this will hurt baseball's image? I mean, players' images are already hurt. Won't this do more damage?

OLNEY: I think it will do some damage, but I don't think this is going to be as extensive as people think. You know, Barry Bonds has been surrounded by this steroid speculation for a couple of years, and yet who led the National League in road attendance last year? The San Francisco Giants. It's not chasing people away from buying tickets to see games.

COSTELLO: Buster Olney from "ESPN" magazine. Thank you for joining DAYBREAK this morning.

Michael Jackson's accuser is back on the witness stand today in the pop singer's child molestation trial in California. The 15-year- old boy was not asked about the molestation charges during his testimony, but he did say he looked at sexually-explicit Web sites on his second night at the Neverland Ranch. The boy's testimony matched the account given earlier by his younger brother.

Jurors in the Robert Blake murder trial will start another day of deliberations today. They reviewed the testimony of three witnesses during the third full day of deliberations. The witnesses were at a restaurant, where Blake and his wife dined the night she was shot to death. If convicted, Blake could be sentenced to life in prison.

A judge in Wichita, Kansas, says the media coverage of the BTK serial killings is like a bunch of mad dogs after a piece of meat. But so far, the judge has not issued a gag order. In the meantime in nearby Park City, police say the barricades will remain up near the home of BTK suspect Dennis Rader. Some neighbors want the house demolished before it becomes a tourist attraction. Rader has been charged in 10 killings since 1974.

And there is a new development to tell you about in the killing of two people related to a federal judge in Chicago. The "Chicago Tribune" is reporting a man who shot and killed himself near Milwaukee claimed he had killed the husband and mother of Judge Joan Lefkow. Investigators say the man left a suicide note behind, you know, making that claim. Police told the newspaper that the note includes details about the killings not released to the public. Judge Lefkow's husband and mother were killed late last month.

CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Bill.

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

Former President Bill Clinton has surgery scheduled this morning to remove fluid and scar tissue from his chest. And Sanjay Gupta is outside the hospital, Carol. We're going to be talking with Sanjay throughout the morning here with updates on what's happening with the former president.

Also, have you heard about this, Carol? Mel Gibson has a new passion. The director is releasing a new version of "The Passion of the Christ." There are new edits contained in this release. We'll tell you what hit the cutting room floor, what made it, what did not, and why. So, that's part or our...

COSTELLO: Yes, I'm...

HEMMER: ... three-hour tour this morning. What's that?

COSTELLO: I'm thinking of the movie. It was all violent. I'm wondering what he could cut out.

HEMMER: Well, you saw the movie. I did too. There was one scene that went on for about 40 minutes. And I'm not quite sure how much of that was taken out or not. But we'll get to the bottom of it coming up here on "AMERICAN MORNING."

COSTELLO: We'll look forward to that.

HEMMER: You got it. See you later.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill.

Coming up on DAYBREAK, thousands of customer profiles were stolen. Was yours among them?

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: I'm Stephanie Elam at the Nasdaq Marketsite.

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is holding a hearing today. The hearing is called "Identity Theft: Recent Developments Involving the Security of Sensitive Consumer Information." In light of all of the breaches that we've heard, they're taking a look at this.

It says that Lexis-Nexis yesterday said that intruders accessed personal data on as many as 32,000 U.S. citizens from one of its databases. Hackers accessed stolen passwords and legitimate customer information there. And this says that compromised database called Accurent (ph) sells reports for $4.50 each, and includes individual Social Security numbers, path addresses and date of birth. There's also voter registration information in there, as well as party affiliation. No credit history or medical records or financial data was accessed, however.

But yesterday, we told you about credit card information being stolen from DSW Shoe Warehouse customers. And, of course, you remember the ChoicePoint incident, where personal information for more than 100,000 people was stolen. So, the government is going to take a look at this after a huge outcry for federal oversight over a very loosely-regulated commercial sector.

Stocks are pointing to a flatter open today. Yesterday, stocks were under pressure, a lot over weak oil prices or higher oil prices.

One stock to watch, though: Intel. The chipmaker is going to give its first quarter update after the bell.

You are watching DAYBREAK. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, we have a few more details about the pope's condition. As you know, you're looking at a live picture of Rome. Beautiful isn't it? But back to the pope's condition. He remains in the hospital. The Vatican just passed out these press releases with his condition. It said, Pope John Paul II has accepted his doctors' advice to remain hospitalized for a few more days. The Vatican is saying that he will be back at the Vatican in his apartment by Holy Week, which is March 20 to the 27th.

Also, an update for you on President Clinton. He has checked into that hospital you're looking at right now in New York City. Of course, he's going to have some scar tissue and fluid removed from around his heart. Not very common after effective heart surgery, but he should remain in the hospital for 10 days. He is scheduled for surgery today. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be along on "AMERICAN MORNING" to tell us more about the president's condition.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:47 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

The Senate is expected to approve a hotly-debated bankruptcy bill today. It would make it harder for those of you seeking bankruptcy protection to have your debts dissolved.

A 30-hour hostage standoff at a bank in Costa Rica turns deadly. Police stormed the building in a hail of gunfire. Nine people were killed, including five bank customers and a police agent.

In money news, there is another identity theft at a data broker. This time, Lexis-Nexis was hit. Thieves gained access to the profiles of 32,000 U.S. residents. The FBI is now involved.

In culture, take a look at this. Do you recognize this guy? Do you recognize him now? Jim Morrison of The Doors. He's in a short 1964 instructional film that's been discovered in the Florida Archives. It was shot when Morrison was a Florida State University student.

In sports, this is why former phenom Rick Ankiel has decided to give up pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals. The 25-year-old has battled terrible control problems since the 2000 playoffs. Ankiel says he'll now try to make the team as an outfielder. So, he's not giving up, Chad.

MYERS: No, exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you.

Let's head over to "AMERICAN MORNING" to see what's coming up there. Soledad O'Brien with us now.

Good morning.

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

Have you heard these dramatic 911 tapes? They're just being released. The voice on the tape is that of a woman. She's trapped in a building after a gas explosion levels that pet store. Her only lifeline is a 911 dispatcher. This morning, we're going to listen to those tapes, also talk to the dispatcher. He refused to let her hang up. Many people say he may have saved her life.

Also this morning, a former colleague of mine, journalist David Bloom (ph), his life was cut short by a silent killer. This morning, we talk to his wife, Melanie, about her loss, but now her crusade against a condition, a disease called DVT. It affects millions of Americans. That and much more ahead this morning as we continue on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

Back to you -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.

After all the talk about rap and violence this week, a sign of peace, and two rappers show it with a handshake. Why all the fuss? We'll break it down for you next on DAYBREAK.

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COSTELLO: It's 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.

New information this morning about the killings of two family members of a federal judge. The "Chicago Tribune" reports a man who shot himself in the head during a traffic stop in Wisconsin claimed responsibility for the killing of the husband and mother of Judge Jane Lefkow. Investigators say he left that claim in a suicide note.

Former President Clinton is in a New York hospital this morning to fix a complication from his heart bypass surgery six months ago. Doctors say he'll be there for up to 10 days.

And just moments ago, a spokesman said Pope John Paul II has accepted his doctors' suggestion to stay in the hospital for a few more days.

And talk about bad timing. Workers strikes tie up air and train travel in Paris just as Olympic inspectors check out the city for the 2012 games.

A big rap ruckus is apparently over. Platinum-selling gangster rappers 50 Cent and The Game shook hands. Look at them hugging. They made up Harlem. 50 had kicked The Game out of his G-Unit clique for disloyalty. And that led to a shooting outside of New York radio station last week. Now, The Game is preaching positivity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THE GAME, RAPPER: We're making a statement that is a lot louder than it sounds with just two voices. And we're showing that you can control your destiny, not only your destiny but your future. And so, I'm here on a stance, and I'm going to control minds. Not only am I going to control minds, I'm going to do it in a productive and a positive way.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Game and 50 Cent each presented checks totaling more than $250,000 to the Boys Choir of Harlem.

You're watching DAYBREAK for Thursday.

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COSTELLO: It is that time.

MYERS: Carol, my mug is right here. I keep it very, very handy. We asked the questions yesterday. Here are the answers. The U.S. Labor Department has reported an increase in what type of theft? And that's actually from your 401(k). And what celebrity will narrate a cell phone walking tour of Boston? And no, it is not from the band Boston, but the band Aerosmith. Steven Tyler will do that on your cell phone if you want to walk around.

And Jaron Brass from Florida is our winner today. Congratulations, Jaron Brass.

Here are the questions for today, and it's still your chance of winning for tomorrow. A little bit ago, Ben Mutzabaugh from "USA Today" told us about an airline that's dropping its in-flight meals in favor of free snacks. Which airline is dropping those meals and picking up those snacks?

COSTELLO: Oh, that's easy.

MYERS: Well, for you, Carol, because you fly them all the time. And what is the name of the airline? But now, what state did police seize a record amount, $16 million worth of crystal meth?

CNN.com/daybreak. Submit your answers there. And we'll have the winner tomorrow -- Carol.

COSTELLO: CNN.com/daybreak.

MYERS: Yes. COSTELLO: All right. Tomorrow on DAYBREAK, see Bruce Willis, hear Robin Williams. Hollywood unveils two big budget flicks this weekend. Tom O'Neil will join us with his reviews for "Hostage" and "Robots."

Do we have time to show this picture of Lance Armstrong once again? We do.

MYERS: Picture.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, Lance Armstrong came out yesterday and said that he favored Paris over New York for the summer Olympic games. And this is how he's depicted in the "New York Post" this morning.

MYERS: You did not deface that picture. That is in the paper, correct?

COSTELLO: A newspaper.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: "Axel of weasel." I just thought it was a funny picture.

MYERS: It is.

COSTELLO: A few chuckles this morning. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

MYERS: Tomorrow is Friday.

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