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CNN Live At Daybreak
Prince Rainier Funeral; Wayward Whale; 'Business Buzz'; Fighting Identity Theft
Aired April 15, 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: Good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."
Europe's longest-serving monarch, Monaco's Prince Rainier III, will be buried today. His funeral service is getting under way at a chapel there in Monaco. You're looking at live pictures. Prince Rainier will be laid to rest beside his wife, the American actress Grace Kelly, who died in a car accident in 1982. We'll take you back live to Monaco and Becky Anderson in just a few minutes.
The mother of the boy accusing Michael Jackson of molestation says she does not plan to file a civil suit against him seeking damages. She also testified Jackson tried to control her son. Testimony starts up again this morning.
In Atlanta, Brian Nichols is back in court this morning for a pre-indictment defense motion. Police say Nichols killed four people in a shooting spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse.
And the next crew of the International Space Station is up, up and away. The two astronauts and one cosmonaut blasted off from a launch pad in Kazakhstan and should reach the station late Saturday night.
To the forecast center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's been five days, and there is still no sign of a missing Florida teenager. So now there's a $10,000 reward being offered. An exhaustive search for 13-yaer-old Sarah Lunde has turned up nothing.
Among the 300-plus police and volunteers searching for Sarah is Mark Lunsford. He's still barely coping with the murder of his own daughter, Jessica, allegedly at the hands of a sex offender.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK LUNSFORD, DAUGHTER JESSICA MURDERED: I just want to tell everybody that, you know, I know a lot of you, and I've learned to appreciate you. And I just want to ask you to treat this woman the same way you've treated me and just help her. And to the community, you know, just help her out. I know you will. You don't need me to ask you. And I just want to thank everybody.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The Hillsborough County sheriff says the 43 leads received to date are surprisingly low. Just 43 calls. If you have any information, please the tip line. The number is 813-247-8200.
By the way, the sheriff leading the search for that missing girl will appear on CNN in the next hour. So, let's check in with Bill Hemmer for a look at what else is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, we're going to talk to the Hillsborough County sheriff. David Gee is back with us today. We talked to him on Wednesday, too, trying to find out more about Sarah's background. We know she's run away in the past. But are authorities sure she has not done the same thing this time? Among the many questions that continue today.
We'll also talk to the attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, about Operation Falcon. Ten thousand fugitives captured in a week, including murderers and sex offenders. It is the most arrests ever recorded in a single operation. The question is, what were they all doing running around? We'll talk to Gonzales about how this went down.
It's a Friday, Carol. That's the best news of the day. Good morning to you.
COSTELLO: You've got that right. Happy Friday.
HEMMER: See you later.
COSTELLO: Let's talk about what's happening in Monaco now. Funeral services are beginning right now for Prince Rainier. Royalty and leaders from across Europe are attending the ceremony. So, let's head live to Monaco now and Becky Anderson.
Good morning -- Becky.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. And welcome here to Monaco where we are watching live pictures and listening to the service being conducted by the archbishop, Bernard Barsi, of Monaco. It is the funeral of Prince Rainier of Monaco in the cathedral, where he married Grace Kelly, Princess Grace, of course, of Monaco, who was killed in a car crash in 1982. He will be buried next to his former beloved wife later today.
This is the funeral mass attended by his family, Prince Albert of Monaco, of course, the Princess of Hanover, also known as Princess Caroline of Monaco, and Princess Stephanie. Alongside to them, their children, who have been lighting candles in honor of their grandfather. Dignitaries from around the world are also gathered here for this funeral in what is just a rock. I mean, literally just a rock. Monaco is a steep-sided mountain no bigger than the size of Monaco.
Prince Rainier is very much the father of modern Monaco, and he now passes the helm, of course, to his son, Prince Albert, who has assumed his duties. His coronation, though, will follow in a couple of weeks' time.
The funeral for Prince Rainier of Monaco, as we watch and listen to the service being conducted here in Monaco at the St. Nicholas Cathedral up in old Monaco, part of the prince's palace and conducted by Archbishop Bernard Barsi of Monaco -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Becky Anderson, thank you so much.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, first the NBA, now Major League Baseball, a scuffle between a player and a fan. That's Gary Sheffield throwing a roundhouse punch at a fan. Oh, he's speaking out this morning. We'll tell you what he had to say.
Plus, we're checking up on the beluga whale. He's far from home, but he appears to be healthy.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Over the past few days, we've been keeping you updated on that white beluga whale that's swimming around near Trenton, New Jersey. It turns out he's Canadian and his name is Ellis (ph) -- Alie (ph) I should say.
For more on the wayward whale, we're joined by Bob Schoelkopf of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Good morning, Bob.
BOB SCHOELKOPF, DIR., MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER: Good morning.
COSTELLO: We do know how this whale got into the Delaware River. Can you enlighten us?
SCHOELKOPF: Well, the animal may have been pursuing food. Shad and herring are running at this time in most rivers in New Jersey. And it's a possibility, since that's a favorite food of the beluga, that it followed the roaming fish up the river until it went as far as it could go at the headwaters in Trenton, New York.
COSTELLO: You know, Chad and I were wondering -- and, Chad, I want to bring you in this -- how long this whale could survive in fresh water.
SCHOELKOPF: Well, we were talking with some of the Canadian Fisheries people, and belugas do this quite frequently in Canada, where they venture into fresh water estuaries looking for food. And they did not seem concerned with the fresh water problem. They're more concerned with the pollution problem than anything. The area that the whale is in is heavily industrialized, and there could be some pollution runoff into that river that ultimately in time could affect the whale's body.
COSTELLO: Chad, I know you had a question.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, I guess I was a little bit concerned also did this have anything to do with all of the flooding that they had there, all of this fresh water that washed down through? And obviously, you were saying that as the fresh water washes in, not all of it is fresh, and so the water is very toxic for this thing?
Well, you have to understand that this animal came from the St. Lawrence Seaway area, which probably has the highest toxicity level of any of the waterways in North America. And, in fact, studies have been done on many beluga whales in that area that show that their actually human waste site capacities as far as the load of PCBs and whatnot in their body are used to that.
MYERS: Right. Now, Bob, do we have -- we always seem to want to help these animals when they get lost. Do we have to help this guy out? Or is he going to find his way back out?
SCHOELKOPF: At this time, we don't think we have to help him. He has a history of doing this in Canada and up north. And he seems quite confident in what he's doing. When we were out on there on the water yesterday, he avoids boats very successfully. A coal barge came by while he was there, and he knows to dive down, hunker down on the bottom. When the barge left, he came up behind it and went his merry way. So, his biggest problem, I think, right now is going to the boat traffic.
MYERS: Does he have a name tag? How do you know who he is?
SCHOELKOPF: What's that?
MYERS: Does he have a name tag or a...
SCHOELKOPF: No, he has a scar.
MYERS: Oh.
SCHOELKOPF: He has a scar across his back, probably from a propeller at one time.
MYERS: Yes.
SCHOELKOPF: And it's very recognizable, that scar. That's how the Canadian people identified him.
COSTELLO: Alie (ph) is his name, Chad. And, you know, I know there are a number of onlookers taking pictures of this whale, trying to get close to this whale. But keep in mind, it's required by law to stay at least 150 feet away from the animal. It's a violation of federal law to try to feed, capture, hunt or harass this whale. So stay away from the whale. Just look and wonder, and hopefully he'll find his way back out to sea. Bob Schoelkopf joining us live this morning. Thank you so much. We appreciate it.
MYERS: Thanks, Bob.
COSTELLO: Another -- well, almost another melee in the majors. It happened last night in Boston at the Yankees-Red Sox game. Take a look. Boston's Jason Varitek hits a ball to right field, men on base, Gary Sheffield in right field goes for the ball. What happened? Well, he says a fan kind of nicked him and split his lip, and then he went back and he started yelling at the fan. But before that, you saw he threw a roundhouse punch before he took the ball out of his glove.
The dugout emptied. The Yankees players came out. They had to kind of subdue Gary Sheffield. The fan was ejected. Sheffield was quite upset, but he was not ejected.
Let's hear what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARY SHEFFIELD, YANKEES RIGHT FIELDER: It's just a baseball game. I'm just trying to go out here and represent the game the right way. And to get punched in the mouth, you know, you don't expect that at a baseball game.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: I didn't see a split lip, though. But Major League Baseball now has a tape of what happened, because the umpires missed when he threw that roundhouse punch. He may be facing a suspension. We don't know. We'll keep you posted.
You're watching DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." Fifty years of French fries and cheeseburgers. McDonald's turns 50 today. Carrie Lee has more on this golden anniversary of the Golden Arches.
And things actually have improved for McDonald's.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: They really have, and the stock has done well as a result, Carol. Fifty years ago today, Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois. In the early 1950s, Kroc was a milkshake mixing machine salesman, and he visited the McDonald's brothers after they bought milkshake machines for their hamburger stands.
Well, he found out about their food preparation program called Speedy Service System, which started what we now call fast food. After a partnership, Kroc bought them out. And you're now looking at a replica of that first McDonald's menu board.
Now, today, McDonald's, of course, has grown to more than 30,000 restaurants, which serve an average 50 million people a day. There have been a lot of changes over these 50 years. The original menu offered only hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries and drinks. A burger went for 15 cents compared to about $1.29 or so now.
The chain isn't offering any national specials to celebrate. But in the New York area, McDonald's are offering cheeseburgers for 50 cents today for the 50th anniversary. So, at least New Yorkers, Carol, are indeed getting a break today.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes. Well, you know that sign that says "billions and billions served?" I remember when it said "millions served."
LEE: Right. And then they had to keep updating it, and then they just say billions and cover it with that, right?
COSTELLO: Yes, exactly. Happy anniversary, Ronald McDonald.
LEE: That's right.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee, many thanks,
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Amtrak has canceled all of its Acela express trains between New York and Washington and between New York and Boston. Authorities say cracks were found in brake components on the train during routine inspections. Most other trains are running on schedule. So, good luck if you have a reservation this morning.
In money news, there is a report today that IBM is considering a sizable restructuring after missing first quarter profit estimates by 5 cents a share. That report is on "The Wall Street Journal" Web site, if you want to know more.
In culture, "Esquire" magazine did an online international poll. They were asking women to rate President Bush's sex appeal. I don't know why. Anyway, the results are not flattering. He failed to register much more than a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10.
In sports, Wake Forest sophomore Chris Paul has decided to enter the NBA. Some experts suggest the all-American guard could be among the first three picks in the draft. And I venture to say they're right, Chad.
MYERS: A sophomore, huh? It's kind of early there. But I tell you what, if he doesn't get hurt -- I mean, if he gets hurt next year or the year after, he loses all of that money he's going to get, I don't blame some of these guys for taking that -- it's like winning the lottery if you're going to the NBA. So why not?
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Good news for dieters this morning. Ephedra might be back on the shelf. More on this story is ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING." CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with a sneak peek.
Good morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.
Many doctors, though, are saying not such good news. We're going to have more this morning on that federal judge's decision to toss out the FDA's ban on Ephedra. Ephedra, of course, is for weight loss. It's been linked, though, to dozens of deaths. So, does this mean that, in fact, it is going back on the market? We're going to talk to Sanjay Gupta about all of the risks that are associated with Ephedra.
Also, are cardinals ready to fast-track John Paul II to sainthood? There are early rumblings that it could happen. Our analyst, though, John Allen, says doing so could create future political problems within the Vatican. He's going to explain ahead.
And, Carol, may I take two seconds just to say your spot on those kids who want to be adopted? I've got to tell you, it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope you run it 500 times, and that those kids all get adopted.
COSTELLO: Well, actually we're going to run it one more time on "AMERICAN MORNING" in the 9:00 hour. But thank you so much. And I just hope that some of those kids find moms and dads because of it.
O'BRIEN: We sure do.
COSTELLO: I would be honored. Thank you, Soledad.
Ever have that feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder? With the recent problems of identity theft, you just never know. We'll have tips to protect your personal information just ahead on DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We have some new information for you on the latest security breach involving thousands of GM branded Mastercards. It appears a thief at the upscale retailer Polo Ralph Lauren may have gotten those credit card numbers.
A spokesman for Lauren's company says: "Certain credit card information may have been retained and stored in its point-of-sale software. The company took immediate steps to purge this data and cure the problem."
But still, many people's identities were stolen because of it.
Computer scammers have made identity theft a growing concern for all of us. Criminals are getting very creative with their tricks. So, you have to stay a step ahead of them. We've got some tips to help you do just that.
"Sync" magazine's features editor Matt Schniederman.
You have a tall order to fill this morning. So, how did this happen at Ralph Lauren? Explain that to me. MATT SCHNIEDERMAN, FEATURES ED., "SYNC" MAGAZINE: Well, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that online retailers have information stored on their databases, which, unfortunately, isn't always going to be secure. The ways to keep yourself secure is just to make sure that you are shopping on online retailers that you can trust.
COSTELLO: Yes. But you would think that you could trust this one.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely. Unfortunately, there is always going to be the possibility that there will be breaches. The most important thing is to be vigilant about keeping track of your purchases. If you notice anything on a credit card statement or aren't receiving your credit card statements, then that's the time to call your credit card and make sure you know what's up.
COSTELLO: A big, red flag.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely.
COSTELLO: One of our DAYBREAK writers, an interesting thing happened to one of her kids. She was using a credit card at the store. Someone took a picture of it with a camera phone, got her number off the card and, you know, the date of expiration and was able to use that card.
SCHNIEDERMAN: I mean, it's unbelievable, Carol. People will figure out ways to figure out how to get this information. Again, the point is, like, you just need to be vigilant about keeping track of your statements.
I mean, in that case, if I were or any of my readers from "Sync," you know, misplaced their card, which is more likely than somebody taking a picture of it, the first thing I would do is call the bank or the credit card company to have that card put on hold. That way, I can make sure nobody is going to put any additional purchases on it, and I don't have to deal with the inconvenience of dealing with purchase that aren't mine.
COSTELLO: OK. You know, I don't know how you combat this, this online information, these Web sites that provide all kinds of things, including your Social Security number.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely. Now, no Web site that's not a government agency or if you're applying for a bank loan online should have to ask you for that Social Security number. If you're applying for a gym membership, for instance, they're only looking for that information for a credit card, you know, for a credit check, and you don't have to provide it. There are alternative means.
Now, on the other hand, if you're applying for a passport, you can trust the government that they're asking you for your Social Security number because they need it to complete the process.
COSTELLO: Or you aren't getting your process. SCHNIEDERMAN: Unfortunately.
COSTELLO: Exactly. But, you know, you do get a lot of phone calls from all different kinds of companies asking for your Social Security number, even your bank. I never give my bank that information over the phone.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely not. Over the phone or over the Internet, that's not the place for you to be providing that kind of information. Particularly be aware of e-mails that seem like they're legitimate. But, again, your bank is not going to ask you for that information in an e-mail. Always call the bank directly, using the phone number that you have from your records. And make sure that whatever they're sending out is reported to them and probably to the Better Business Bureau.
COSTELLO: Rob Schniederman from "Sync" magazine. Thank you for joining us this morning.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: We appreciate you getting up early.
If you think you've been a victim of ID theft, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Go to consumer.gov/idtheft and file an online complaint. The site is secure -- we promise -- to protect your information.
Oh, let's talk about something good now, Chad.
MYERS: Go ahead. Knock it off my shoulder, I dare you.
COSTELLO: If only I could be there.
MYERS: Isn't that a battery commercial? Hey...
COSTELLO: Gary Sheffield would have missed.
MYERS: Well, he might have. And that wasn't a roundhouse punch, by the way. It was a jab at best.
COSTELLO: Whatever.
MYERS: All right. Here you go, DAYBREAK questions from yesterday. How many matchbooks can you take on a plane now? Four and no lighters. Silicone breast implants made by what company will likely be allowed back on the market today? And that was Mentor Corporation.
And the winner from Astoria, New York, Cary Hammond from Astoria. Congratulations. You will have a DAYBREAK coffee mug in the mail.
The questions now for today. Oh, I like the drum roll. Thank you. Laser beams in what two colors will soon warn pilots in restricted airspace over Washington, D.C.? These are lasers set up by the government to warn the pilots. And what is the name of the whale stranded in the Delaware River? You can use Carol's English version or the French version if you wish.
CNN.com/daybreak -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Thanks a lot, Chad.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: You're watching DAYBREAK for a Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
Security is tight for the funeral of Monaco's Prince Rainier III. Heads of state and royalty from across Europe are attending the service that's going on right now. And you're taking a look at live pictures. The prince will be laid to rest beside his wife, American actress Grace Kelly, who died back in 1982.
In Atlanta, Brian Nichols is back in court this morning for a pre-indictment defense motion. Police say Nichols killed four people in a shooting spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse.
A boy charged with murder after hitting a friend with a baseball bat will appear in juvenile court today. In California, a 13-year-old cannot be tried as an adult. Authorities say the boy hit his 15-year- old friend in the head with a bat after losing a baseball game.
There's now a $10,000 reward being offered for the safe return of a missing Florida teenager. Air and marine search crews are among those joining the search for 13-year-old Sarah Lunde, as well as the father of Jessica Lunsford. Lunde was last seen on Saturday night.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: 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 April 15, 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: Good morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
"Now in the News."
Europe's longest-serving monarch, Monaco's Prince Rainier III, will be buried today. His funeral service is getting under way at a chapel there in Monaco. You're looking at live pictures. Prince Rainier will be laid to rest beside his wife, the American actress Grace Kelly, who died in a car accident in 1982. We'll take you back live to Monaco and Becky Anderson in just a few minutes.
The mother of the boy accusing Michael Jackson of molestation says she does not plan to file a civil suit against him seeking damages. She also testified Jackson tried to control her son. Testimony starts up again this morning.
In Atlanta, Brian Nichols is back in court this morning for a pre-indictment defense motion. Police say Nichols killed four people in a shooting spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse.
And the next crew of the International Space Station is up, up and away. The two astronauts and one cosmonaut blasted off from a launch pad in Kazakhstan and should reach the station late Saturday night.
To the forecast center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: It's been five days, and there is still no sign of a missing Florida teenager. So now there's a $10,000 reward being offered. An exhaustive search for 13-yaer-old Sarah Lunde has turned up nothing.
Among the 300-plus police and volunteers searching for Sarah is Mark Lunsford. He's still barely coping with the murder of his own daughter, Jessica, allegedly at the hands of a sex offender.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK LUNSFORD, DAUGHTER JESSICA MURDERED: I just want to tell everybody that, you know, I know a lot of you, and I've learned to appreciate you. And I just want to ask you to treat this woman the same way you've treated me and just help her. And to the community, you know, just help her out. I know you will. You don't need me to ask you. And I just want to thank everybody.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The Hillsborough County sheriff says the 43 leads received to date are surprisingly low. Just 43 calls. If you have any information, please the tip line. The number is 813-247-8200.
By the way, the sheriff leading the search for that missing girl will appear on CNN in the next hour. So, let's check in with Bill Hemmer for a look at what else is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, we're going to talk to the Hillsborough County sheriff. David Gee is back with us today. We talked to him on Wednesday, too, trying to find out more about Sarah's background. We know she's run away in the past. But are authorities sure she has not done the same thing this time? Among the many questions that continue today.
We'll also talk to the attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, about Operation Falcon. Ten thousand fugitives captured in a week, including murderers and sex offenders. It is the most arrests ever recorded in a single operation. The question is, what were they all doing running around? We'll talk to Gonzales about how this went down.
It's a Friday, Carol. That's the best news of the day. Good morning to you.
COSTELLO: You've got that right. Happy Friday.
HEMMER: See you later.
COSTELLO: Let's talk about what's happening in Monaco now. Funeral services are beginning right now for Prince Rainier. Royalty and leaders from across Europe are attending the ceremony. So, let's head live to Monaco now and Becky Anderson.
Good morning -- Becky.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. And welcome here to Monaco where we are watching live pictures and listening to the service being conducted by the archbishop, Bernard Barsi, of Monaco. It is the funeral of Prince Rainier of Monaco in the cathedral, where he married Grace Kelly, Princess Grace, of course, of Monaco, who was killed in a car crash in 1982. He will be buried next to his former beloved wife later today.
This is the funeral mass attended by his family, Prince Albert of Monaco, of course, the Princess of Hanover, also known as Princess Caroline of Monaco, and Princess Stephanie. Alongside to them, their children, who have been lighting candles in honor of their grandfather. Dignitaries from around the world are also gathered here for this funeral in what is just a rock. I mean, literally just a rock. Monaco is a steep-sided mountain no bigger than the size of Monaco.
Prince Rainier is very much the father of modern Monaco, and he now passes the helm, of course, to his son, Prince Albert, who has assumed his duties. His coronation, though, will follow in a couple of weeks' time.
The funeral for Prince Rainier of Monaco, as we watch and listen to the service being conducted here in Monaco at the St. Nicholas Cathedral up in old Monaco, part of the prince's palace and conducted by Archbishop Bernard Barsi of Monaco -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Becky Anderson, thank you so much.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, first the NBA, now Major League Baseball, a scuffle between a player and a fan. That's Gary Sheffield throwing a roundhouse punch at a fan. Oh, he's speaking out this morning. We'll tell you what he had to say.
Plus, we're checking up on the beluga whale. He's far from home, but he appears to be healthy.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Over the past few days, we've been keeping you updated on that white beluga whale that's swimming around near Trenton, New Jersey. It turns out he's Canadian and his name is Ellis (ph) -- Alie (ph) I should say.
For more on the wayward whale, we're joined by Bob Schoelkopf of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Good morning, Bob.
BOB SCHOELKOPF, DIR., MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER: Good morning.
COSTELLO: We do know how this whale got into the Delaware River. Can you enlighten us?
SCHOELKOPF: Well, the animal may have been pursuing food. Shad and herring are running at this time in most rivers in New Jersey. And it's a possibility, since that's a favorite food of the beluga, that it followed the roaming fish up the river until it went as far as it could go at the headwaters in Trenton, New York.
COSTELLO: You know, Chad and I were wondering -- and, Chad, I want to bring you in this -- how long this whale could survive in fresh water.
SCHOELKOPF: Well, we were talking with some of the Canadian Fisheries people, and belugas do this quite frequently in Canada, where they venture into fresh water estuaries looking for food. And they did not seem concerned with the fresh water problem. They're more concerned with the pollution problem than anything. The area that the whale is in is heavily industrialized, and there could be some pollution runoff into that river that ultimately in time could affect the whale's body.
COSTELLO: Chad, I know you had a question.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, I guess I was a little bit concerned also did this have anything to do with all of the flooding that they had there, all of this fresh water that washed down through? And obviously, you were saying that as the fresh water washes in, not all of it is fresh, and so the water is very toxic for this thing?
Well, you have to understand that this animal came from the St. Lawrence Seaway area, which probably has the highest toxicity level of any of the waterways in North America. And, in fact, studies have been done on many beluga whales in that area that show that their actually human waste site capacities as far as the load of PCBs and whatnot in their body are used to that.
MYERS: Right. Now, Bob, do we have -- we always seem to want to help these animals when they get lost. Do we have to help this guy out? Or is he going to find his way back out?
SCHOELKOPF: At this time, we don't think we have to help him. He has a history of doing this in Canada and up north. And he seems quite confident in what he's doing. When we were out on there on the water yesterday, he avoids boats very successfully. A coal barge came by while he was there, and he knows to dive down, hunker down on the bottom. When the barge left, he came up behind it and went his merry way. So, his biggest problem, I think, right now is going to the boat traffic.
MYERS: Does he have a name tag? How do you know who he is?
SCHOELKOPF: What's that?
MYERS: Does he have a name tag or a...
SCHOELKOPF: No, he has a scar.
MYERS: Oh.
SCHOELKOPF: He has a scar across his back, probably from a propeller at one time.
MYERS: Yes.
SCHOELKOPF: And it's very recognizable, that scar. That's how the Canadian people identified him.
COSTELLO: Alie (ph) is his name, Chad. And, you know, I know there are a number of onlookers taking pictures of this whale, trying to get close to this whale. But keep in mind, it's required by law to stay at least 150 feet away from the animal. It's a violation of federal law to try to feed, capture, hunt or harass this whale. So stay away from the whale. Just look and wonder, and hopefully he'll find his way back out to sea. Bob Schoelkopf joining us live this morning. Thank you so much. We appreciate it.
MYERS: Thanks, Bob.
COSTELLO: Another -- well, almost another melee in the majors. It happened last night in Boston at the Yankees-Red Sox game. Take a look. Boston's Jason Varitek hits a ball to right field, men on base, Gary Sheffield in right field goes for the ball. What happened? Well, he says a fan kind of nicked him and split his lip, and then he went back and he started yelling at the fan. But before that, you saw he threw a roundhouse punch before he took the ball out of his glove.
The dugout emptied. The Yankees players came out. They had to kind of subdue Gary Sheffield. The fan was ejected. Sheffield was quite upset, but he was not ejected.
Let's hear what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARY SHEFFIELD, YANKEES RIGHT FIELDER: It's just a baseball game. I'm just trying to go out here and represent the game the right way. And to get punched in the mouth, you know, you don't expect that at a baseball game.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: I didn't see a split lip, though. But Major League Baseball now has a tape of what happened, because the umpires missed when he threw that roundhouse punch. He may be facing a suspension. We don't know. We'll keep you posted.
You're watching DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." Fifty years of French fries and cheeseburgers. McDonald's turns 50 today. Carrie Lee has more on this golden anniversary of the Golden Arches.
And things actually have improved for McDonald's.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: They really have, and the stock has done well as a result, Carol. Fifty years ago today, Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois. In the early 1950s, Kroc was a milkshake mixing machine salesman, and he visited the McDonald's brothers after they bought milkshake machines for their hamburger stands.
Well, he found out about their food preparation program called Speedy Service System, which started what we now call fast food. After a partnership, Kroc bought them out. And you're now looking at a replica of that first McDonald's menu board.
Now, today, McDonald's, of course, has grown to more than 30,000 restaurants, which serve an average 50 million people a day. There have been a lot of changes over these 50 years. The original menu offered only hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries and drinks. A burger went for 15 cents compared to about $1.29 or so now.
The chain isn't offering any national specials to celebrate. But in the New York area, McDonald's are offering cheeseburgers for 50 cents today for the 50th anniversary. So, at least New Yorkers, Carol, are indeed getting a break today.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes. Well, you know that sign that says "billions and billions served?" I remember when it said "millions served."
LEE: Right. And then they had to keep updating it, and then they just say billions and cover it with that, right?
COSTELLO: Yes, exactly. Happy anniversary, Ronald McDonald.
LEE: That's right.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee, many thanks,
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Amtrak has canceled all of its Acela express trains between New York and Washington and between New York and Boston. Authorities say cracks were found in brake components on the train during routine inspections. Most other trains are running on schedule. So, good luck if you have a reservation this morning.
In money news, there is a report today that IBM is considering a sizable restructuring after missing first quarter profit estimates by 5 cents a share. That report is on "The Wall Street Journal" Web site, if you want to know more.
In culture, "Esquire" magazine did an online international poll. They were asking women to rate President Bush's sex appeal. I don't know why. Anyway, the results are not flattering. He failed to register much more than a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10.
In sports, Wake Forest sophomore Chris Paul has decided to enter the NBA. Some experts suggest the all-American guard could be among the first three picks in the draft. And I venture to say they're right, Chad.
MYERS: A sophomore, huh? It's kind of early there. But I tell you what, if he doesn't get hurt -- I mean, if he gets hurt next year or the year after, he loses all of that money he's going to get, I don't blame some of these guys for taking that -- it's like winning the lottery if you're going to the NBA. So why not?
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Good news for dieters this morning. Ephedra might be back on the shelf. More on this story is ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING." CNN's Soledad O'Brien joins us now with a sneak peek.
Good morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.
Many doctors, though, are saying not such good news. We're going to have more this morning on that federal judge's decision to toss out the FDA's ban on Ephedra. Ephedra, of course, is for weight loss. It's been linked, though, to dozens of deaths. So, does this mean that, in fact, it is going back on the market? We're going to talk to Sanjay Gupta about all of the risks that are associated with Ephedra.
Also, are cardinals ready to fast-track John Paul II to sainthood? There are early rumblings that it could happen. Our analyst, though, John Allen, says doing so could create future political problems within the Vatican. He's going to explain ahead.
And, Carol, may I take two seconds just to say your spot on those kids who want to be adopted? I've got to tell you, it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope you run it 500 times, and that those kids all get adopted.
COSTELLO: Well, actually we're going to run it one more time on "AMERICAN MORNING" in the 9:00 hour. But thank you so much. And I just hope that some of those kids find moms and dads because of it.
O'BRIEN: We sure do.
COSTELLO: I would be honored. Thank you, Soledad.
Ever have that feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder? With the recent problems of identity theft, you just never know. We'll have tips to protect your personal information just ahead on DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We have some new information for you on the latest security breach involving thousands of GM branded Mastercards. It appears a thief at the upscale retailer Polo Ralph Lauren may have gotten those credit card numbers.
A spokesman for Lauren's company says: "Certain credit card information may have been retained and stored in its point-of-sale software. The company took immediate steps to purge this data and cure the problem."
But still, many people's identities were stolen because of it.
Computer scammers have made identity theft a growing concern for all of us. Criminals are getting very creative with their tricks. So, you have to stay a step ahead of them. We've got some tips to help you do just that.
"Sync" magazine's features editor Matt Schniederman.
You have a tall order to fill this morning. So, how did this happen at Ralph Lauren? Explain that to me. MATT SCHNIEDERMAN, FEATURES ED., "SYNC" MAGAZINE: Well, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that online retailers have information stored on their databases, which, unfortunately, isn't always going to be secure. The ways to keep yourself secure is just to make sure that you are shopping on online retailers that you can trust.
COSTELLO: Yes. But you would think that you could trust this one.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely. Unfortunately, there is always going to be the possibility that there will be breaches. The most important thing is to be vigilant about keeping track of your purchases. If you notice anything on a credit card statement or aren't receiving your credit card statements, then that's the time to call your credit card and make sure you know what's up.
COSTELLO: A big, red flag.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely.
COSTELLO: One of our DAYBREAK writers, an interesting thing happened to one of her kids. She was using a credit card at the store. Someone took a picture of it with a camera phone, got her number off the card and, you know, the date of expiration and was able to use that card.
SCHNIEDERMAN: I mean, it's unbelievable, Carol. People will figure out ways to figure out how to get this information. Again, the point is, like, you just need to be vigilant about keeping track of your statements.
I mean, in that case, if I were or any of my readers from "Sync," you know, misplaced their card, which is more likely than somebody taking a picture of it, the first thing I would do is call the bank or the credit card company to have that card put on hold. That way, I can make sure nobody is going to put any additional purchases on it, and I don't have to deal with the inconvenience of dealing with purchase that aren't mine.
COSTELLO: OK. You know, I don't know how you combat this, this online information, these Web sites that provide all kinds of things, including your Social Security number.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely. Now, no Web site that's not a government agency or if you're applying for a bank loan online should have to ask you for that Social Security number. If you're applying for a gym membership, for instance, they're only looking for that information for a credit card, you know, for a credit check, and you don't have to provide it. There are alternative means.
Now, on the other hand, if you're applying for a passport, you can trust the government that they're asking you for your Social Security number because they need it to complete the process.
COSTELLO: Or you aren't getting your process. SCHNIEDERMAN: Unfortunately.
COSTELLO: Exactly. But, you know, you do get a lot of phone calls from all different kinds of companies asking for your Social Security number, even your bank. I never give my bank that information over the phone.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Absolutely not. Over the phone or over the Internet, that's not the place for you to be providing that kind of information. Particularly be aware of e-mails that seem like they're legitimate. But, again, your bank is not going to ask you for that information in an e-mail. Always call the bank directly, using the phone number that you have from your records. And make sure that whatever they're sending out is reported to them and probably to the Better Business Bureau.
COSTELLO: Rob Schniederman from "Sync" magazine. Thank you for joining us this morning.
SCHNIEDERMAN: Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: We appreciate you getting up early.
If you think you've been a victim of ID theft, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Go to consumer.gov/idtheft and file an online complaint. The site is secure -- we promise -- to protect your information.
Oh, let's talk about something good now, Chad.
MYERS: Go ahead. Knock it off my shoulder, I dare you.
COSTELLO: If only I could be there.
MYERS: Isn't that a battery commercial? Hey...
COSTELLO: Gary Sheffield would have missed.
MYERS: Well, he might have. And that wasn't a roundhouse punch, by the way. It was a jab at best.
COSTELLO: Whatever.
MYERS: All right. Here you go, DAYBREAK questions from yesterday. How many matchbooks can you take on a plane now? Four and no lighters. Silicone breast implants made by what company will likely be allowed back on the market today? And that was Mentor Corporation.
And the winner from Astoria, New York, Cary Hammond from Astoria. Congratulations. You will have a DAYBREAK coffee mug in the mail.
The questions now for today. Oh, I like the drum roll. Thank you. Laser beams in what two colors will soon warn pilots in restricted airspace over Washington, D.C.? These are lasers set up by the government to warn the pilots. And what is the name of the whale stranded in the Delaware River? You can use Carol's English version or the French version if you wish.
CNN.com/daybreak -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Thanks a lot, Chad.
MYERS: OK.
COSTELLO: You're watching DAYBREAK for a Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
Security is tight for the funeral of Monaco's Prince Rainier III. Heads of state and royalty from across Europe are attending the service that's going on right now. And you're taking a look at live pictures. The prince will be laid to rest beside his wife, American actress Grace Kelly, who died back in 1982.
In Atlanta, Brian Nichols is back in court this morning for a pre-indictment defense motion. Police say Nichols killed four people in a shooting spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse.
A boy charged with murder after hitting a friend with a baseball bat will appear in juvenile court today. In California, a 13-year-old cannot be tried as an adult. Authorities say the boy hit his 15-year- old friend in the head with a bat after losing a baseball game.
There's now a $10,000 reward being offered for the safe return of a missing Florida teenager. Air and marine search crews are among those joining the search for 13-year-old Sarah Lunde, as well as the father of Jessica Lunsford. Lunde was last seen on Saturday night.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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