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CNN Live At Daybreak

Dark Anniversary of Madrid's Train Massacre; Securing the Nation; Update on Lefkow Shootings

Aired March 11, 2005 - 06:32   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."

In Spain, people across the nation stopped at midday, just about 30 minutes ago, for five minutes of silence. It was a tribute to the victims of the deadly train bombing one year ago today. People in Madrid recall this bombing as 3/11, in reference to America's 9/11.

"The New York Times" is reporting the Pentagon wants to cut by more than half the number of detainees at its prison camp at Guantanamo Bay. Detainees would be sent to prisons in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Two retired New York City detectives accused of being mafia hit men will be arraigned today in Las Vegas. An indictment says the former detectives killed rival gangsters and fed them up confidential information for 10 years while on the force. They were arrested in Vegas Wednesday, where they moved after retiring.

Former President Clinton is resting this morning in a New York hospital. He underwent a four-hour elective surgery to remove fluid and scar tissue from his left lung. He's expected to be in the hospital 3 to 10 days.

Let's head to the forecast center and Chad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Let's talk about what's happening in Spain today. It is in mourning. It's the first anniversary of the Madrid terrorist train bombings that rocked the nation, killed nearly 200 people and wounding more than 1,500 others.

Let's head live to the CNN Madrid bureau and our bureau chief there, Al Goodman.

Hello -- Al.

AL GOODMAN, CNN MADRID BUREAU CHIEF: Carol, I'm at the Atocha (ph) train station, which took the brunt of the casualties in those train bombings a year ago this day. Four trains were bombed, and most of the casualties were right here and just on another train just outside of this station. While just 30 minutes ago, for this five minutes a silence a very unusual event. The trains stopped. We saw several trains stop for five minutes here, across this station and across the country.

And out on the street people stopped. They stood silently at government buildings, while the main event at noon local time was in Madrid's main park, as King Juan Carlos, the visiting king of Morocco and other dignitaries were there to inaugurate what is called the Forest of the Absent, one tree planted for each of the people who died in the bombings, 191 people killed, of which nearly a fourth were from countries, not Spaniards -- Romania, Poland, Morocco. And the ambassadors were also in the park at that ceremony, as that floral wreath was laid and a very emotive song was played.

That was the silent part of the day. The day started at 7:37 a.m. local time when the bombs went off a year ago with church bells ringing out throughout the Madrid region. Six hundred church bells chiming, giving a very loud salute and homage to the victims. Now, this is something the victims did not want, but the officials wanted to play these church bells as a sign of respect -- Carol.

COSTELLO: It was a beautiful sound, too. Thank you very much.

The anniversary of the Madrid train bombings brings to mind our own security. Did we learn anything from that Spanish tragedy? Are we safer today because of it?

Listen to this. A group representing pilot unions in the United States issued a report card on airline security, and the grades are not so good: A "b," as in boy, for screening bags and cockpit doors; a "c" for federal air marshals; another "c" for crew training in the classroom; and "d" as in dog for perimeter security and threat intelligence.

With me now, Bill Vorlicek. He's the director of Emergency Management Group and vice president of government services for Kroll, one of the nation's largest risk consulting firms.

Welcome.

BILL VORLICEK, KROLL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP: Good morning.

COSTELLO: So, that report card doesn't make me feel very good.

VORLICEK: Well, you need to put it into proper perspective.

COSTELLO: Put it there for us.

VORLICEK: Prior to 9/11, security was aimed at vandalism, crime. After 9/11, it is completely different. Are we better after 9/11? Absolutely. Are we where we're supposed to be? No, we have a long way to go.

The issue is mass transit, and I use the word "mass" to emphasize, because on a daily basis, 1.1 billion passenger trips every day. If we implement security procedures like we have for the airports, it would be mass transit. We also have...

COSTELLO: Because people would become angry, because, you know, you wait in line at the airport and you think, all right, it's because of security. But you don't want to do that when you board a train.

VORLICEK: Right. So, what the government has done, and specifically in the president's '06 budget, he's now saying to the Transportation Agency, let's look at a risk management type of approach. Prior to that what we've been doing is we're just throwing money.

And there are so many things going on at once. You heard the airline pilots had five particular areas they gave an "f," but that was their focus. What they're now trying to do is take the Department of Homeland Security and say, OK, what is the threat? What is it very specifically? What is the analysis of that? What is the assessment? How does it affect that particular transportation mode? Is it critical?

So, then we can then come up with, is it high, medium or low? Because now...

COSTELLO: OK, stop right there, because you're a risk management guy. So, from your perspective, what is the risk? And what should the government concentrate on?

VORLICEK: The government should concentrate on technology, be able to supplement. Like it said, the Airline Pilots Association was worried about perimeter security. Well, you don't have to put a policeman out every 10 feet. That's a poor use of assets. Perhaps you need to have better lighting. Just put the standards. Put out -- they have systems now that are used in Europe, whereby if you leave a bag, the system looks at it and says that doesn't belong there. And then you send somebody to do that.

So, it's an integration. The military, they would call it a defense in depth. You would have the government looking way out, trying to stop the terrorist. And then you would have the local people doing things for security purposes, and that's what the issue that the government has to do is define what the security is.

COSTELLO: So, what do you think the timetable for that scientific approach will be?

VORLICEK: A long time.

COSTELLO: A long time. Thank you for joining us this morning.

VORLICEK: Thank you very much.

COSTELLO: We appreciate it.

CNN's Soledad O'Brien now joins us with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING.

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

We are talking about Michael Jackson's trial. As you well know, it's getting even more bizarre. He shows up late again. This time, look, he's wearing his PJs and sandals in the courtroom. This morning, we talk to a former friend. He says he thinks the pressure of this trial is breaking Michael Jackson.

Also this morning, airlines are making you pay for things that used to be free. We're going to tell you how to avoid some of these hidden costs. That and much, much more is ahead this morning, Carol, on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

COSTELLO: Twenty minutes, we'll see you. Thank you, Soledad.

A violent crime that takes an incredible turn. It's the buzz of the Windy City, a suicide after a double killing. We'll take you live to Chicago for the latest on the Lefkow investigation.

First, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:45 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Bells toll at 650 churches as Madrid marks the first anniversary of the terrorist train bombings. Ten bombs exploded aboard four commuter trains, killing 191 people and wounding more than 1,500.

With his trial in recess, Michael Jackson can stay home today and nurse his aching back. Jackson blamed his late arrival yesterday on a back injury. The judge relented, did not revoke Jackson's bond and send him to jail.

Delta Airlines says it expects to report a substantial net loss for this year. Delta managed to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year when it lost more than $5 billion.

In culture, a note for all of you "Star Wars" fans. Director George Lucas says the final installment, "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith," may be too dark for kids. He says it will probably be rated PG-13.

In sports, Clemson beats Maryland in the first round of the ACC tourney 84-72. Today, the Tigers take on the nation's No. 2 team, the North Carolina Tarheels.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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

When we come back, tribute on the trails. A ski community pays tribute to a favorite son.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The investigation into the killings of a federal judge's husband and mother in Chicago remains open; that, despite a man leaving a suicide note confession and DNA that links the dead man to the murder scene.

Let's get more on this from Mary Frances Bregiel with CNN affiliate CLTV in Chicago.

Good morning.

MARY FRANCES BREGIEL, CNN AFFILIATE CLTV REPORTER: Good morning.

Chicago police confirmed last night that DNA that was found on a cigarette butt in the Lefkow home is that of Bart Ross. He is the man who is believed to have killed Donna Humphrey and Michael Lefkow.

However, law enforcement officials say this case is far from over. They say they will continue to conduct physical evidence on evidence that was found, such as shell casings, at Bart Ross' home, as well as Judge Lefkow's home, as well as conducting additional DNA testing to eliminate a second person.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BREGIEL (voice over): Law enforcement officials got a break in this case after Bart Ross shot himself during a routine traffic stop outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A note was found in his van explaining how he broke into the judge's home in the early morning hours of February 28 with the hope of killing her.

A note of that nature was also sent by Bart Ross to a Chicago television station, admitting that he shot the husband and mother of Judge Lefkow.

In addition, published reports say Judge Lefkow wasn't Ross' only target. Bart Ross had a hit list with various judges and doctors, who he had a grudge against as the result of his failed attempt to win a medical malpractice lawsuit after he claimed doctors didn't treat him correctly for cancer.

JEFF COEN, "CHICAGO TRIBUNE": His life had really spiraled completely out of control by the end of last month. And in his suicide note, he had a list of several people -- five judges, several doctors, lawyers, others who touched that case -- that he thought had mistreated him. And one of them was Lefkow. He indicated that he was trying to get her and certain indications that he was certainly mad at other people as well on that list.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BREGIEL: Now, Judge Joan Lefkow did issue a statement on Thursday regarding -- it reads in part: "I guess I'm one level I'm relieved that it didn't have anything to do with the white supremacy movement, because I feel my children are going to be safer." She goes on to say, "It's heartbreaking that my husband and mother had to die over something like this."

Now, the judge's mother, Donna Humphrey, will be buried on Saturday in Colorado.

In Chicago, I'm Mary Frances Bregiel reporting for CNN.

COSTELLO: Mary Frances, I was just wondering if the judge and her daughters are still in protective custody.

BREGIEL: It's my understanding they have been in protective custody since all of this broke, since the murders occurred on February 28. It's also my understanding they have since flown to Colorado for the judge's mother's funeral.

COSTELLO: Mary Frances Bregiel reporting live for us from Chicago this morning. Thank you.

It is 6:53 Eastern now. Here is what will be making news today.

A national day of mourning in Spain. Church bells tolled to mark the moment a string of terrorist bombs exploded on four commuter trains last year, killing 191 people.

The Telluride Ski Resort will name a trail for Teddy Ebersol this weekend. The 14-year-old son of NBC sports executive Dick Ebersol died in a plane crash last November. The Ebersols own a home in that Colorado town.

And the U.S. House approved a $284 billion spending bill for highways and transit programs to ease traffic and create jobs. The Senate takes up the bill next week.

And for thousands of high school students, it's cram time. The new SATs will be administered for the first time tomorrow with an emphasis on essay questions.

Now let's check in with CNN's Bill Hemmer for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING.

Good morning.

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

President Clinton is recovering today again after that four-hour operation removing tissue and fluid from his lung. Sanjay is back today explaining the tricky procedure and also, Carol, telling us why doctors had to change their game plan in midstream. We'll get to that.

Also, here in New York City, this story is getting a lot of attention locally. They were sworn to protect, but now two New York City police officers are accused of being mob hit men. Their story is coming up here on "AMERICAN MORNING" as well.

See you in about six minutes on a Friday edition here -- Carol.

COSTELLO: We'll be there.

HEMMER: OK.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill.

You are watching DAYBREAK for a Friday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: You liked that shot, didn't you, Chad?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, I did.

COSTELLO: It's really hard holding my arm up like this, though.

MYERS: Yes, you actually look like the Statue of Liberty, Carol, holding it up. I have mine, too. I can't wait to fill it up with some coffee and some pecan pancakes and some sausage patties this weekend, though. I'll take it with me to my restaurant.

COSTELLO: OK, let's give away the DAYBREAK coffee mug before I leap from the set.

MYERS: Someone else can have a DAYBREAK coffee mug. Here are the questions from yesterday. Which airline is actually dropping in- flight meals? They were selling them, and now they're actually just going to give away snacks. That's Delta. And in what state did police seize a record amount of crystal meth, $16 million worth? And the state was Georgia.

The winner from California, Bret McDaniel from Fiddletown, California. The DAYBREAK coffee mug is on the way.

Now the questions for today, if you are inclined to have been with us for quite some time. The second question is from the 5:00 hour.

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: "Forbes" has named Bill Gates as the richest billionaire now for how many years in a row? It's "Forbes" magazine. And what is the name of the latest cell phone virus? Go to CNN.com/daybreak, and you will see the questions and where to submit your answers right there.

COSTELLO: That's almost unfair, isn't it?

MYERS: A few nice things saying how good Carol looks also helps out, although it doesn't increase your chances of winning.

COSTELLO: So bad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: You know, we've been getting so many e-mails this morning about Michael Jackson. We had this question: Should he be thrown in jail for coming to court late in his pajamas? And this one is from Heath: "I'm sure he did it to get everyone to forget about what happened in the courtroom yesterday. Why put him in jail now? He will go there soon when it all comes to an end."

Oh, we don't know that yet now.

"No, Michael Jackson should not be in jail. He paid his bail, and he got to court despite the medical situation." That's from Cougar.

Thank you for your e-mails and your participation in our little show this morning. "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 11, 2005 - 06:32   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."

In Spain, people across the nation stopped at midday, just about 30 minutes ago, for five minutes of silence. It was a tribute to the victims of the deadly train bombing one year ago today. People in Madrid recall this bombing as 3/11, in reference to America's 9/11.

"The New York Times" is reporting the Pentagon wants to cut by more than half the number of detainees at its prison camp at Guantanamo Bay. Detainees would be sent to prisons in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Two retired New York City detectives accused of being mafia hit men will be arraigned today in Las Vegas. An indictment says the former detectives killed rival gangsters and fed them up confidential information for 10 years while on the force. They were arrested in Vegas Wednesday, where they moved after retiring.

Former President Clinton is resting this morning in a New York hospital. He underwent a four-hour elective surgery to remove fluid and scar tissue from his left lung. He's expected to be in the hospital 3 to 10 days.

Let's head to the forecast center and Chad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Let's talk about what's happening in Spain today. It is in mourning. It's the first anniversary of the Madrid terrorist train bombings that rocked the nation, killed nearly 200 people and wounding more than 1,500 others.

Let's head live to the CNN Madrid bureau and our bureau chief there, Al Goodman.

Hello -- Al.

AL GOODMAN, CNN MADRID BUREAU CHIEF: Carol, I'm at the Atocha (ph) train station, which took the brunt of the casualties in those train bombings a year ago this day. Four trains were bombed, and most of the casualties were right here and just on another train just outside of this station. While just 30 minutes ago, for this five minutes a silence a very unusual event. The trains stopped. We saw several trains stop for five minutes here, across this station and across the country.

And out on the street people stopped. They stood silently at government buildings, while the main event at noon local time was in Madrid's main park, as King Juan Carlos, the visiting king of Morocco and other dignitaries were there to inaugurate what is called the Forest of the Absent, one tree planted for each of the people who died in the bombings, 191 people killed, of which nearly a fourth were from countries, not Spaniards -- Romania, Poland, Morocco. And the ambassadors were also in the park at that ceremony, as that floral wreath was laid and a very emotive song was played.

That was the silent part of the day. The day started at 7:37 a.m. local time when the bombs went off a year ago with church bells ringing out throughout the Madrid region. Six hundred church bells chiming, giving a very loud salute and homage to the victims. Now, this is something the victims did not want, but the officials wanted to play these church bells as a sign of respect -- Carol.

COSTELLO: It was a beautiful sound, too. Thank you very much.

The anniversary of the Madrid train bombings brings to mind our own security. Did we learn anything from that Spanish tragedy? Are we safer today because of it?

Listen to this. A group representing pilot unions in the United States issued a report card on airline security, and the grades are not so good: A "b," as in boy, for screening bags and cockpit doors; a "c" for federal air marshals; another "c" for crew training in the classroom; and "d" as in dog for perimeter security and threat intelligence.

With me now, Bill Vorlicek. He's the director of Emergency Management Group and vice president of government services for Kroll, one of the nation's largest risk consulting firms.

Welcome.

BILL VORLICEK, KROLL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP: Good morning.

COSTELLO: So, that report card doesn't make me feel very good.

VORLICEK: Well, you need to put it into proper perspective.

COSTELLO: Put it there for us.

VORLICEK: Prior to 9/11, security was aimed at vandalism, crime. After 9/11, it is completely different. Are we better after 9/11? Absolutely. Are we where we're supposed to be? No, we have a long way to go.

The issue is mass transit, and I use the word "mass" to emphasize, because on a daily basis, 1.1 billion passenger trips every day. If we implement security procedures like we have for the airports, it would be mass transit. We also have...

COSTELLO: Because people would become angry, because, you know, you wait in line at the airport and you think, all right, it's because of security. But you don't want to do that when you board a train.

VORLICEK: Right. So, what the government has done, and specifically in the president's '06 budget, he's now saying to the Transportation Agency, let's look at a risk management type of approach. Prior to that what we've been doing is we're just throwing money.

And there are so many things going on at once. You heard the airline pilots had five particular areas they gave an "f," but that was their focus. What they're now trying to do is take the Department of Homeland Security and say, OK, what is the threat? What is it very specifically? What is the analysis of that? What is the assessment? How does it affect that particular transportation mode? Is it critical?

So, then we can then come up with, is it high, medium or low? Because now...

COSTELLO: OK, stop right there, because you're a risk management guy. So, from your perspective, what is the risk? And what should the government concentrate on?

VORLICEK: The government should concentrate on technology, be able to supplement. Like it said, the Airline Pilots Association was worried about perimeter security. Well, you don't have to put a policeman out every 10 feet. That's a poor use of assets. Perhaps you need to have better lighting. Just put the standards. Put out -- they have systems now that are used in Europe, whereby if you leave a bag, the system looks at it and says that doesn't belong there. And then you send somebody to do that.

So, it's an integration. The military, they would call it a defense in depth. You would have the government looking way out, trying to stop the terrorist. And then you would have the local people doing things for security purposes, and that's what the issue that the government has to do is define what the security is.

COSTELLO: So, what do you think the timetable for that scientific approach will be?

VORLICEK: A long time.

COSTELLO: A long time. Thank you for joining us this morning.

VORLICEK: Thank you very much.

COSTELLO: We appreciate it.

CNN's Soledad O'Brien now joins us with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING.

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

We are talking about Michael Jackson's trial. As you well know, it's getting even more bizarre. He shows up late again. This time, look, he's wearing his PJs and sandals in the courtroom. This morning, we talk to a former friend. He says he thinks the pressure of this trial is breaking Michael Jackson.

Also this morning, airlines are making you pay for things that used to be free. We're going to tell you how to avoid some of these hidden costs. That and much, much more is ahead this morning, Carol, on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

COSTELLO: Twenty minutes, we'll see you. Thank you, Soledad.

A violent crime that takes an incredible turn. It's the buzz of the Windy City, a suicide after a double killing. We'll take you live to Chicago for the latest on the Lefkow investigation.

First, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:45 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Bells toll at 650 churches as Madrid marks the first anniversary of the terrorist train bombings. Ten bombs exploded aboard four commuter trains, killing 191 people and wounding more than 1,500.

With his trial in recess, Michael Jackson can stay home today and nurse his aching back. Jackson blamed his late arrival yesterday on a back injury. The judge relented, did not revoke Jackson's bond and send him to jail.

Delta Airlines says it expects to report a substantial net loss for this year. Delta managed to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year when it lost more than $5 billion.

In culture, a note for all of you "Star Wars" fans. Director George Lucas says the final installment, "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith," may be too dark for kids. He says it will probably be rated PG-13.

In sports, Clemson beats Maryland in the first round of the ACC tourney 84-72. Today, the Tigers take on the nation's No. 2 team, the North Carolina Tarheels.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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

When we come back, tribute on the trails. A ski community pays tribute to a favorite son.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The investigation into the killings of a federal judge's husband and mother in Chicago remains open; that, despite a man leaving a suicide note confession and DNA that links the dead man to the murder scene.

Let's get more on this from Mary Frances Bregiel with CNN affiliate CLTV in Chicago.

Good morning.

MARY FRANCES BREGIEL, CNN AFFILIATE CLTV REPORTER: Good morning.

Chicago police confirmed last night that DNA that was found on a cigarette butt in the Lefkow home is that of Bart Ross. He is the man who is believed to have killed Donna Humphrey and Michael Lefkow.

However, law enforcement officials say this case is far from over. They say they will continue to conduct physical evidence on evidence that was found, such as shell casings, at Bart Ross' home, as well as Judge Lefkow's home, as well as conducting additional DNA testing to eliminate a second person.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BREGIEL (voice over): Law enforcement officials got a break in this case after Bart Ross shot himself during a routine traffic stop outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A note was found in his van explaining how he broke into the judge's home in the early morning hours of February 28 with the hope of killing her.

A note of that nature was also sent by Bart Ross to a Chicago television station, admitting that he shot the husband and mother of Judge Lefkow.

In addition, published reports say Judge Lefkow wasn't Ross' only target. Bart Ross had a hit list with various judges and doctors, who he had a grudge against as the result of his failed attempt to win a medical malpractice lawsuit after he claimed doctors didn't treat him correctly for cancer.

JEFF COEN, "CHICAGO TRIBUNE": His life had really spiraled completely out of control by the end of last month. And in his suicide note, he had a list of several people -- five judges, several doctors, lawyers, others who touched that case -- that he thought had mistreated him. And one of them was Lefkow. He indicated that he was trying to get her and certain indications that he was certainly mad at other people as well on that list.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BREGIEL: Now, Judge Joan Lefkow did issue a statement on Thursday regarding -- it reads in part: "I guess I'm one level I'm relieved that it didn't have anything to do with the white supremacy movement, because I feel my children are going to be safer." She goes on to say, "It's heartbreaking that my husband and mother had to die over something like this."

Now, the judge's mother, Donna Humphrey, will be buried on Saturday in Colorado.

In Chicago, I'm Mary Frances Bregiel reporting for CNN.

COSTELLO: Mary Frances, I was just wondering if the judge and her daughters are still in protective custody.

BREGIEL: It's my understanding they have been in protective custody since all of this broke, since the murders occurred on February 28. It's also my understanding they have since flown to Colorado for the judge's mother's funeral.

COSTELLO: Mary Frances Bregiel reporting live for us from Chicago this morning. Thank you.

It is 6:53 Eastern now. Here is what will be making news today.

A national day of mourning in Spain. Church bells tolled to mark the moment a string of terrorist bombs exploded on four commuter trains last year, killing 191 people.

The Telluride Ski Resort will name a trail for Teddy Ebersol this weekend. The 14-year-old son of NBC sports executive Dick Ebersol died in a plane crash last November. The Ebersols own a home in that Colorado town.

And the U.S. House approved a $284 billion spending bill for highways and transit programs to ease traffic and create jobs. The Senate takes up the bill next week.

And for thousands of high school students, it's cram time. The new SATs will be administered for the first time tomorrow with an emphasis on essay questions.

Now let's check in with CNN's Bill Hemmer for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING.

Good morning.

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

President Clinton is recovering today again after that four-hour operation removing tissue and fluid from his lung. Sanjay is back today explaining the tricky procedure and also, Carol, telling us why doctors had to change their game plan in midstream. We'll get to that.

Also, here in New York City, this story is getting a lot of attention locally. They were sworn to protect, but now two New York City police officers are accused of being mob hit men. Their story is coming up here on "AMERICAN MORNING" as well.

See you in about six minutes on a Friday edition here -- Carol.

COSTELLO: We'll be there.

HEMMER: OK.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Bill.

You are watching DAYBREAK for a Friday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: You liked that shot, didn't you, Chad?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, I did.

COSTELLO: It's really hard holding my arm up like this, though.

MYERS: Yes, you actually look like the Statue of Liberty, Carol, holding it up. I have mine, too. I can't wait to fill it up with some coffee and some pecan pancakes and some sausage patties this weekend, though. I'll take it with me to my restaurant.

COSTELLO: OK, let's give away the DAYBREAK coffee mug before I leap from the set.

MYERS: Someone else can have a DAYBREAK coffee mug. Here are the questions from yesterday. Which airline is actually dropping in- flight meals? They were selling them, and now they're actually just going to give away snacks. That's Delta. And in what state did police seize a record amount of crystal meth, $16 million worth? And the state was Georgia.

The winner from California, Bret McDaniel from Fiddletown, California. The DAYBREAK coffee mug is on the way.

Now the questions for today, if you are inclined to have been with us for quite some time. The second question is from the 5:00 hour.

COSTELLO: Oh!

MYERS: "Forbes" has named Bill Gates as the richest billionaire now for how many years in a row? It's "Forbes" magazine. And what is the name of the latest cell phone virus? Go to CNN.com/daybreak, and you will see the questions and where to submit your answers right there.

COSTELLO: That's almost unfair, isn't it?

MYERS: A few nice things saying how good Carol looks also helps out, although it doesn't increase your chances of winning.

COSTELLO: So bad.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: You know, we've been getting so many e-mails this morning about Michael Jackson. We had this question: Should he be thrown in jail for coming to court late in his pajamas? And this one is from Heath: "I'm sure he did it to get everyone to forget about what happened in the courtroom yesterday. Why put him in jail now? He will go there soon when it all comes to an end."

Oh, we don't know that yet now.

"No, Michael Jackson should not be in jail. He paid his bail, and he got to court despite the medical situation." That's from Cougar.

Thank you for your e-mails and your participation in our little show this morning. "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.