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CNN Live At Daybreak
OKC Anniversary; Terror Survivors; 'Business Buzz'; Stem Cell Controversy
Aired April 19, 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.
(WEATHER REPORT)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at the memorial events on today's Oklahoma City anniversary. At 9:02 a.m. Central Time, 168 seconds of silence, one second for each victim. Former President Bill Clinton is among the speakers expected to address the crowd. The names of the victims will be ready by the children impacted by the tragedy.
Of course, the memories of that awful day in 1995 linger. For 10 years, people there have recovered, thrived and are asking tough questions about domestic terrorism and who deserves what after the unthinkable happened.
Live now to Oklahoma City and its mayor, Mick Cornett.
Good morning, Mr. Mayor.
MICK CORNETT, MAYOR OF OKLAHOMA CITY: Good morning, Carol. Good to talk to you.
COSTELLO: We're glad you're joining us this morning. How did you city change after Timothy McVeigh?
CORNETT: Well, we changed in a lot of ways. Certainly a person who has not been here in the last 10 years might not recognize the city. We were fortunate on a surface level to have had some proactive initiatives already in place that built nine civil projects and really rebuilt the city. So, we've progress and prospered in ways completely unrelated to the bombing.
The emotional toll of what happened in the bombing is more difficult to measure. We're a city of 530,000 people in the city limits and 530,000 different stories about how they've been affected. I think we've all been affected, but it has been 10 years. And we choose to remember those who gave their lives 10 years ago.
COSTELLO: And I'm sure that the ceremonies today will be absolutely touching. I wanted to ask you this since Timothy McVeigh got the death penalty. Eric Rudolph, another domestic terrorist, admits to four bombings. He doesn't get the death penalty. I wanted your thoughts on that.
CORNETT: Well, I covered the Rudolph case when I was a television news anchor about 10 years ago, 9 years ago, and 8 years ago in that same timeframe when he was causing havoc. I can't say that I followed it closely enough here in the penalty phase to know, but I think the biggest difference is McVeigh killed 168 people and Rudolph, I believe, was considered to have killed four people. So, a large difference in that respect, but I think there are similarities in their motives.
COSTELLO: True, and that's kind of what I was getting at. You know, you plant a bomb at the Olympics, and you don't get the death penalty?
CORNETT: Well, there were trials here. And certainly in the case of McVeigh and Nichols, who were found guilty of 168 counts of first-degree murder, the death penalty seems appropriate to me.
COSTELLO: As it did to a lot of people in Oklahoma City and across the country. After 9/11, Congress gave the families of the victims a generous compensation package. Some ended up as millionaires. The families in Oklahoma City received, what, a two- year reprieve on their federal income taxes? I understand even some lost their homes. What should we take from this?
CORNETT: Well, I think the victims should have been treated the same. That's not to say necessarily that the federal government could have or should have given compensation to the victims of 9/11, or if they were going to, how much they should have given.
But I don't see the difference between the two crimes in that the government should have compensated one group and not the other. They were both attacks on the United States government. These people were innocent victims, and especially the 19 children who were in the day care center.
COSTELLO: So, why do you think it was different, the compensation packages that is?
CORNETT: I think they were making a particular effort to save the airline industry without regard for the benefits. I think it was a specific economic need to save for transportation purposes.
COSTELLO: To prevent people from suing. What would you like people to carry away from the memory of that terrible day in Oklahoma City in 1995?
CORNETT: Well, we live in a free society, and if terrorism can strike in Oklahoma City, then it can strike just about anywhere. I think for Oklahoma City, we were all under the assumption that, yes, terrorism existed, but it seemed to happen in places like Beirut or Dublin or maybe New York City, but not Oklahoma City.
And I think what we know now is that it can happen anywhere, and we all need to have our eyes and ears open. And if we sense that someone or some group might be dangerous or might be capable of committing a larger crime, then we need to draw attention to that to the authorities. You know, I think if we're going to have our freedoms, then we all need to have our eyes open and be listening and be awake.
COSTELLO: Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City's mayor, joining DAYBREAK this morning. We thank you.
CORNETT: You're welcome. Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: Surviving a terrorist attack like the Oklahoma City bombing can leave a lifetime of scars, emotionally, physically.
Joining me now from Oklahoma City are terror survivors. Betty Robins survived the bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and Manuel Chay survived the attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
Welcome to both of you.
BETTY ROBINS, SURVIVED OKC BOMBING: Thank you.
MANUEL CHAY, 9/11 SURVIVOR: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Betty, let's start with you. What drew you two together?
ROBINS: The fact that we have been through what Manuel and his group are going through in 1995, and, of course, theirs happened quite a bit later. And we felt like we could offer some assistance, some hope, just a way to let them know that you can go on after a tragedy.
And our organization, the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, and the September Space and the World Trade Center United Family Group, have all gotten together and formed an exchange program, where we have New York people come here and from the Pentagon and from the other tragedy, and share with us on our special day. And then we go to New York City and share with them on their special day.
COSTELLO: Manuel, tell us how some of the emotional hardships that you've endured since 9/11 are the same.
CHAY: It's the same in the fact that we all experienced trauma from the attack. And you have flashbacks. You have trigger points where certain things around you remind you of that day. And I can say for certain that Betty and others here in Oklahoma City have identified with us and can relate to those experiences.
COSTELLO: Betty, how do you cope?
ROBINS: It's not easy. Every day you wake up and you remember. You don't forget. But you don't want to forget. You want to remember the people that passed away. You want people to remember what happened here, and hopefully you can help mitigate it happening somewhere else.
COSTELLO: Manuel, you know, I understand what Betty is saying, but sometimes it's so painful to dwell on this. So, you kind of have to find the right middle ground. How do you achieve that?
CHAY: The one thing that I learned from people in Oklahoma City like Betty is that they have such strong faith in God. And I really believe that that faith carried them through. And to me, that's a big inspiration. It's a reminder of what they say this week is the theme of hope.
And I know that they have this hope that doesn't perish, as is stated in the Bible in I Peter Chapter 1 that's a living hope that's imperishable. And they cling to that hope, and they teach me to cling to the same hope to carry through, because, you know, the attacks impacted our lives, but it doesn't have to -- not to dwell on it, but to part of our lives forever. But at the same time, we carry on, and with the faith and with this hope, we can carry on.
COSTELLO: Well, I'm glad you're together, and I'm glad you're helping one another, and you've given us all hope by your comments this morning. Betty Robins, Manuel Chay, thank you for joining DAYBREAK.
ROBINS: Thank you.
CHAY: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Tonight, we hear from the ex-wife of one of the men convicted in the Oklahoma City bombing. Paul Zahn talks with Terry Nichols' ex-wife. Tune in at 8:00 Eastern tonight.
In our "Security Watch" this morning, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the U.S. in connection with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is reportedly about to plead guilty. "The Washington Post" reporting Moussaoui has notified the government of his intention. It could happen as early as this week if the judge finds him mentally competent. The "Post" also reporting Moussaoui says he is willing to accept the possibility of the death sentence.
Trains carrying hazardous material will not be allowed within two miles of the nation's capital starting tomorrow. A judge has rejected a rail company's attempt to block the ban. Other cities are considering similar legislation. An industry groups says the trains carry nearly two million carloads of hazardous materials each year and 99.9 percent arrive safely.
Two disturbing government reports on airport screening are due out this morning. A congressman says the reports will show the equipment in use is obsolete and will never, never find many of the objects that could pose a threat. Other issues being cited are problems with training, management and policy.
Stay tuned to CNN day and night for information about your security.
Coming up, shop for shoes much? Maybe your wife does. Stick around to hear how your personal information may be in danger because of that love of shoes.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: What a difference a day makes. The international markets are on an upswing. Japan's Nikkei closing up 127 points. Britain's FTSE trading up almost 12. The German DAX is also up, well, just over 8 points.
It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." DSW Shoe Warehouse has completed its investigation into the theft of personal information from its stores. Carrie Lee is here to tell us what they found out.
And, you know, this is affecting a lot more people than they originally told us.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: It's affecting a lot more people, and this isn't the only story we've been talking about, where people's credit card information has been compromised.
But let's focus on DSW. They announced last month that information was compromised from -- the transactions were stolen from 103 of their stores. Well, now DSW is revising that number to 108 stores.
So, what was stolen? Well, information from 1.4 million credit cards...
COSTELLO: Wow!
LEE: ... including card numbers, name and transaction amounts. But PIN numbers and addresses are safe. I guess that's relatively good news.
Also, information from 96,000 checks was taken, and that includes checking account numbers and driver's license numbers, but not addresses or Social Security numbers.
So, I guess (INAUDIBLE) half-a-dozen of another, some things were stolen, others weren't.
COSTELLO: If they steal your driver's license, though, can't they get your address from your driver's license?
LEE: Well, they can probably get a lot of information from some of the information. Certainly not a good thing.
So, how do you know if you're affected? Well, if you shopped at DSW between November of last year and February of this year, you may be at risk. So, you can go to the company's Web site at dswshoe.com to see if that store was among those affected. If so, you should notify your credit card company and bank about possible unauthorized transactions on your account.
And, you know, with all of these stories we've been talking about, Carol, it's always a good idea for people to actively check your bank accounts, check your credit report. Just try to stay on top of this. You don't want to get caught on the backswing.
COSTELLO: Yes, because sadly in the end, it is up to you. LEE: It is up to you. And it's a hard thing sometimes to fix.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee, many thanks.
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Some popular over-the-counter cold relief drugs are going behind the counter at Target stores nationwide. In other words, you'll have to ask for them in order to buy them. It's Target's way of trying to stop people from making the illegal drug methamphetamine. Sudafed, Nyquil, Theraflu and other cold and allergy products contain pseudoephedrine, which is the key ingredient in making meth. So, if you want any of those medications at Target stores, you're going to have to ask, and they'll get it for you from behind the desk.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, why are so many Americans worried about stem cell research? Do they fear a Dolly the sheep situation in the human race? I'll talk to a leading researcher on the subject. He's also at the center of a new documentary on the science.
You are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's going to be 80 degrees in New York City. I'm loving that. It's 6:44 Eastern Time. It's time for your news, money, weather and sports.
Smoke rose from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City about 30 minutes ago. It was black, indicating the cardinals have not picked a new pope. Two votes were taken during the morning session of the conclave.
In money news, it's red and raring to go. You are looking at the new Hummer III. The smaller version of the original rolled off the assembly line and in Louisiana. It gets 20 milers per gallon.
In culture, after his Super Bowl halftime appearance, Paul McCartney is ready to rock more of the United States. He plans to kick off his back in the U.S. tour in Miami in September.
In sports, the NFL is changing primetime partners. "Monday Night Football" is moving from its longtime home on ABC to cable's ESPN. And ESPN Sunday night games are moving to NBC. The changes take effect for the 2006 season.
To the forecast center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.
Coming up, you know that good pyramid you've been trying to follow for years? Well, scrap it, because it's becoming the Pentagon. Just kidding. We'll tell you about the changes when DAYBREAK continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Oh, it's a political hot-button issue in the United States, but the new pope will also need to address the issue of stem cell research. Scientists and even some patients believe stem cells can cure disease. It's the focus of a Nova special that airs tonight on PBS.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't want to lose my eyesight. I don't want to have brain damage. I don't want to die of early age. Like, who does? Like, that's the only thing that scares me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As soon as you change, you have to check your blood. Now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But many scientists say that hope may be on the horizon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do think we can cure it, and our research has convinced me that that is going to be possible. Everything we learn says that it is possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Joining us now is Dr. George Daley, an oncologist at the Children's Hospital in Boston, who is featured in tonight's Nova special.
Welcome.
DR. GEORGE DALEY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ONCOLOGIST: Good morning.
COSTELLO: It's such a difficult topic. But I know you're going to try to make it easy for us. First question though. Why are so many in America afraid of stem cell research?
DALEY: The most versatile type of stem cells called embryonic stem cells do involve the destruction of the very earliest stage of human development, the human blastocysts. Many of these sit in freezers in in-vitro clinics throughout the country, and they would be discarded as medical waste if not donated to science. We think their value to medical research and ultimately the treatment of disease justifies their donation.
COSTELLO: Instead of just being discarded. But there are different types of stem cell research, and I know we have a graphic kind of demonstrating what it is. So, I'd like you to look at the monitor now and try to explain to us what's happening.
DALEY: Now, this is a different type of stem cell research that involves the creation of customized or patient-specific stem cells, using nuclear transfer. The patient on the left donates a cell. The nucleus is transferred into an egg whose own DNA has been removed. And what is generated then is a plurry (ph) potent or highly-versatile embryonic stem cell that's matched to the patient. Then our goal would be to coax those stem cells to become specific tissues that patient might need. This is making cells, not making babies.
COSTELLO: OK. So, this is a completely different type of stem cell research. Right?
DALEY: Yes. I mean, it's related and it does create the embryonic stem cells, which are so vitally important to this research in the future.
COSTELLO: I guess my question is, even if you could absolutely convince people that this type of stem cell research doesn't involve baby-making, I think when people have something in their mind, it's hard to get it out.
DALEY: It's true. And that's part of the reason why I think scientists need to be continually educating the public, talking about the value of the research. I think when folks sit down and watch this PBS special, they will understand the real contribution of this to the treatment of diseases like diabetes or Parkinson's or a whole variety of others.
COSTELLO: And I wanted to ask you about that, too, because there is some controversy about that, about how just -- how far along we are in curing such diseases through stem cell research, or if it's years and years in the future. You know, California just passed a law. They're funding their own stem cell research, because they think -- some people think a cure is just around the corner for diseases like diabetes. Is that really true?
DALEY: No one knows when the next medical breakthrough will occur. But as with any new biotechnology, it likely takes years to mature, maybe even decades. So, scientists are taking advantage of these cells now, learning about fundamental processes in the laboratory. Our hope is that in the future, it will translate into cures. But no one should be over-promising, because it's just hard to know how long it will take.
COSTELLO: So, what do you want people to take away from this special on PBS tonight?
DALEY: I want people to understand that this is a vitally- important, new field of research. Scientists are moving into the field in droves. And they will get an introduction if they watch the "Nova Science Now" program.
COSTELLO: We'll be watching. Thank you, doctor, for coming in this morning. We appreciate it.
DALEY: Thank you.
COSTELLO: It is 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.
Democratic senators may try to block the confirmation of John Bolton for the United Nations ambassador in a committee vote. Democrats are outnumbered, though, 8 to 10.
Talk about a cheap seat. US Airways says it will honor the mistake it make on several bookings Saturday. The airline sold seats for $1.86. Once the mistake was noticed, the airline corrected the price.
Beer and peanuts in the cheap seats for two Boston Red Sox fans. One season ticket holder had his tickets revoked, while the other can't by anymore tickets. Of course, this follows last week's run-in with Yankee's outfielder Gary Sheffield.
And in an effort to fight America's growing waistline, the Agricultural Department will unveil a new food pyramid. The USDA promises this guide will be easier to understand and to follow.
Do you believe that, Chad?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: What's that...
COSTELLO: What?
MYERS: What's that on the top of the pyramid, French fries?
COSTELLO: Somehow I don't think that would be included in this healthy pyramid.
MYERS: Probably not.
COSTELLO: I think they should change the shape to a square, it might be easier.
MYERS: Some kind of a cube or a circle or something, right, exactly. Good morning, Carol. We want to give away a DAYBREAK coffee mug from yesterday.
Here are the questions and the answers. Who appeared on "TIME's" list of the five best big-city mayors? New York City's Michael Bloomberg, Atlanta's Shirley Franklin, Baltimore's Martin O'Malley, Chicago's Richard Daley and Denver's John Pickenlooper. And any one of those five would have worked. And the second question. Queen Elizabeth celebrates her birthday this week. How old will she be? She will be 79 on Thursday.
And the winner is Mel Labadie from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. DAYBREAK coffee mug in the mail.
Carol, we're kind of out of time today, but we will give you another question tomorrow.
COSTELLO: Yes, because we have the breaking news about the pope and the black smoke pouring from the chimney. So new pope chosen this morning. And, of course, the cardinals will meet again this afternoon.
Also, as we've been telling you this morning, today marks the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. And a host of memorial observances are scheduled.
CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now from Oklahoma City with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Carol. What a day it will be here in Oklahoma City. So impressed, too, Carol, by the amount of strength and the amount of hope that they have going forward today.
We'll be here for the memorial, but also as we go throughout the morning, you will meet some incredible people here in Oklahoma City, remembering the people the have lost, and also taking very good care of those who survived, a critical component of the healing process here in Oklahoma City. We'll be live throughout the next three hours here in the middle part of the country, Carol. See you in a couple of minutes.
COSTELLO: We'll check it out. Thank you, Bill.
You are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
Black smoke seen pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney about an hour ago. That means the new pope has not been chosen yet. The Catholic cardinals are now taking a lunch break and will resume the conclave in three hours.
We could learn more details today in those brutal BTK serial killings. Dennis Rader, the man accused of being the BTK killer, is scheduled to be arraigner. Rader could still waive the hearing and enter a plea instead.
The government says it cost a little less to fill up last week. The Energy Department's weekly survey found a gallon of regular was down 4 cents to about 2 bucks and a quarter.
And Amtrak's Acela express trains will not run for the rest of the week. Brake problems are once again to blame for the suspension of the high-speed rail services between Boston, New York and Washington. So, get ready to stand.
MYERS: Especially with some of those regional cars.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Speaking of travel, in the "New York Post" this morning, the new outfits for flight attendants on airlines are coming out.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: And believe me, they are sexy.
MYERS: Don't you find it ironic that they're almost out of money, yet they can find more money to buy new clothes?
COSTELLO: Exactly. Air France, Christian LaCroy (ph) designed that outfit, and it's beautiful. I'd wear LaCroy (ph). I'm sorry, I'm bad with French. I had a lot of problems with the whale's name, too.
MYERS: Helis.
COSTELLO: Helis. But this is a beautiful -- I'd wear this to work.
MYERS: Well, sure. But if you're already losing $540 million in the quarter, do you need to lose more?
COSTELLO: Well, they think that will draw more people to the airlines.
MYERS: Oh, right.
COSTELLO: By dressing their flight attendants better.
MYERS: You're stretching.
COSTELLO: I know. That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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Aired April 19, 2005 - 06:28 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(WEATHER REPORT)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at the memorial events on today's Oklahoma City anniversary. At 9:02 a.m. Central Time, 168 seconds of silence, one second for each victim. Former President Bill Clinton is among the speakers expected to address the crowd. The names of the victims will be ready by the children impacted by the tragedy.
Of course, the memories of that awful day in 1995 linger. For 10 years, people there have recovered, thrived and are asking tough questions about domestic terrorism and who deserves what after the unthinkable happened.
Live now to Oklahoma City and its mayor, Mick Cornett.
Good morning, Mr. Mayor.
MICK CORNETT, MAYOR OF OKLAHOMA CITY: Good morning, Carol. Good to talk to you.
COSTELLO: We're glad you're joining us this morning. How did you city change after Timothy McVeigh?
CORNETT: Well, we changed in a lot of ways. Certainly a person who has not been here in the last 10 years might not recognize the city. We were fortunate on a surface level to have had some proactive initiatives already in place that built nine civil projects and really rebuilt the city. So, we've progress and prospered in ways completely unrelated to the bombing.
The emotional toll of what happened in the bombing is more difficult to measure. We're a city of 530,000 people in the city limits and 530,000 different stories about how they've been affected. I think we've all been affected, but it has been 10 years. And we choose to remember those who gave their lives 10 years ago.
COSTELLO: And I'm sure that the ceremonies today will be absolutely touching. I wanted to ask you this since Timothy McVeigh got the death penalty. Eric Rudolph, another domestic terrorist, admits to four bombings. He doesn't get the death penalty. I wanted your thoughts on that.
CORNETT: Well, I covered the Rudolph case when I was a television news anchor about 10 years ago, 9 years ago, and 8 years ago in that same timeframe when he was causing havoc. I can't say that I followed it closely enough here in the penalty phase to know, but I think the biggest difference is McVeigh killed 168 people and Rudolph, I believe, was considered to have killed four people. So, a large difference in that respect, but I think there are similarities in their motives.
COSTELLO: True, and that's kind of what I was getting at. You know, you plant a bomb at the Olympics, and you don't get the death penalty?
CORNETT: Well, there were trials here. And certainly in the case of McVeigh and Nichols, who were found guilty of 168 counts of first-degree murder, the death penalty seems appropriate to me.
COSTELLO: As it did to a lot of people in Oklahoma City and across the country. After 9/11, Congress gave the families of the victims a generous compensation package. Some ended up as millionaires. The families in Oklahoma City received, what, a two- year reprieve on their federal income taxes? I understand even some lost their homes. What should we take from this?
CORNETT: Well, I think the victims should have been treated the same. That's not to say necessarily that the federal government could have or should have given compensation to the victims of 9/11, or if they were going to, how much they should have given.
But I don't see the difference between the two crimes in that the government should have compensated one group and not the other. They were both attacks on the United States government. These people were innocent victims, and especially the 19 children who were in the day care center.
COSTELLO: So, why do you think it was different, the compensation packages that is?
CORNETT: I think they were making a particular effort to save the airline industry without regard for the benefits. I think it was a specific economic need to save for transportation purposes.
COSTELLO: To prevent people from suing. What would you like people to carry away from the memory of that terrible day in Oklahoma City in 1995?
CORNETT: Well, we live in a free society, and if terrorism can strike in Oklahoma City, then it can strike just about anywhere. I think for Oklahoma City, we were all under the assumption that, yes, terrorism existed, but it seemed to happen in places like Beirut or Dublin or maybe New York City, but not Oklahoma City.
And I think what we know now is that it can happen anywhere, and we all need to have our eyes and ears open. And if we sense that someone or some group might be dangerous or might be capable of committing a larger crime, then we need to draw attention to that to the authorities. You know, I think if we're going to have our freedoms, then we all need to have our eyes open and be listening and be awake.
COSTELLO: Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City's mayor, joining DAYBREAK this morning. We thank you.
CORNETT: You're welcome. Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: Surviving a terrorist attack like the Oklahoma City bombing can leave a lifetime of scars, emotionally, physically.
Joining me now from Oklahoma City are terror survivors. Betty Robins survived the bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and Manuel Chay survived the attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
Welcome to both of you.
BETTY ROBINS, SURVIVED OKC BOMBING: Thank you.
MANUEL CHAY, 9/11 SURVIVOR: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Betty, let's start with you. What drew you two together?
ROBINS: The fact that we have been through what Manuel and his group are going through in 1995, and, of course, theirs happened quite a bit later. And we felt like we could offer some assistance, some hope, just a way to let them know that you can go on after a tragedy.
And our organization, the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, and the September Space and the World Trade Center United Family Group, have all gotten together and formed an exchange program, where we have New York people come here and from the Pentagon and from the other tragedy, and share with us on our special day. And then we go to New York City and share with them on their special day.
COSTELLO: Manuel, tell us how some of the emotional hardships that you've endured since 9/11 are the same.
CHAY: It's the same in the fact that we all experienced trauma from the attack. And you have flashbacks. You have trigger points where certain things around you remind you of that day. And I can say for certain that Betty and others here in Oklahoma City have identified with us and can relate to those experiences.
COSTELLO: Betty, how do you cope?
ROBINS: It's not easy. Every day you wake up and you remember. You don't forget. But you don't want to forget. You want to remember the people that passed away. You want people to remember what happened here, and hopefully you can help mitigate it happening somewhere else.
COSTELLO: Manuel, you know, I understand what Betty is saying, but sometimes it's so painful to dwell on this. So, you kind of have to find the right middle ground. How do you achieve that?
CHAY: The one thing that I learned from people in Oklahoma City like Betty is that they have such strong faith in God. And I really believe that that faith carried them through. And to me, that's a big inspiration. It's a reminder of what they say this week is the theme of hope.
And I know that they have this hope that doesn't perish, as is stated in the Bible in I Peter Chapter 1 that's a living hope that's imperishable. And they cling to that hope, and they teach me to cling to the same hope to carry through, because, you know, the attacks impacted our lives, but it doesn't have to -- not to dwell on it, but to part of our lives forever. But at the same time, we carry on, and with the faith and with this hope, we can carry on.
COSTELLO: Well, I'm glad you're together, and I'm glad you're helping one another, and you've given us all hope by your comments this morning. Betty Robins, Manuel Chay, thank you for joining DAYBREAK.
ROBINS: Thank you.
CHAY: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Tonight, we hear from the ex-wife of one of the men convicted in the Oklahoma City bombing. Paul Zahn talks with Terry Nichols' ex-wife. Tune in at 8:00 Eastern tonight.
In our "Security Watch" this morning, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the U.S. in connection with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is reportedly about to plead guilty. "The Washington Post" reporting Moussaoui has notified the government of his intention. It could happen as early as this week if the judge finds him mentally competent. The "Post" also reporting Moussaoui says he is willing to accept the possibility of the death sentence.
Trains carrying hazardous material will not be allowed within two miles of the nation's capital starting tomorrow. A judge has rejected a rail company's attempt to block the ban. Other cities are considering similar legislation. An industry groups says the trains carry nearly two million carloads of hazardous materials each year and 99.9 percent arrive safely.
Two disturbing government reports on airport screening are due out this morning. A congressman says the reports will show the equipment in use is obsolete and will never, never find many of the objects that could pose a threat. Other issues being cited are problems with training, management and policy.
Stay tuned to CNN day and night for information about your security.
Coming up, shop for shoes much? Maybe your wife does. Stick around to hear how your personal information may be in danger because of that love of shoes.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: What a difference a day makes. The international markets are on an upswing. Japan's Nikkei closing up 127 points. Britain's FTSE trading up almost 12. The German DAX is also up, well, just over 8 points.
It's time now for a little "Business Buzz." DSW Shoe Warehouse has completed its investigation into the theft of personal information from its stores. Carrie Lee is here to tell us what they found out.
And, you know, this is affecting a lot more people than they originally told us.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: It's affecting a lot more people, and this isn't the only story we've been talking about, where people's credit card information has been compromised.
But let's focus on DSW. They announced last month that information was compromised from -- the transactions were stolen from 103 of their stores. Well, now DSW is revising that number to 108 stores.
So, what was stolen? Well, information from 1.4 million credit cards...
COSTELLO: Wow!
LEE: ... including card numbers, name and transaction amounts. But PIN numbers and addresses are safe. I guess that's relatively good news.
Also, information from 96,000 checks was taken, and that includes checking account numbers and driver's license numbers, but not addresses or Social Security numbers.
So, I guess (INAUDIBLE) half-a-dozen of another, some things were stolen, others weren't.
COSTELLO: If they steal your driver's license, though, can't they get your address from your driver's license?
LEE: Well, they can probably get a lot of information from some of the information. Certainly not a good thing.
So, how do you know if you're affected? Well, if you shopped at DSW between November of last year and February of this year, you may be at risk. So, you can go to the company's Web site at dswshoe.com to see if that store was among those affected. If so, you should notify your credit card company and bank about possible unauthorized transactions on your account.
And, you know, with all of these stories we've been talking about, Carol, it's always a good idea for people to actively check your bank accounts, check your credit report. Just try to stay on top of this. You don't want to get caught on the backswing.
COSTELLO: Yes, because sadly in the end, it is up to you. LEE: It is up to you. And it's a hard thing sometimes to fix.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee, many thanks.
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Some popular over-the-counter cold relief drugs are going behind the counter at Target stores nationwide. In other words, you'll have to ask for them in order to buy them. It's Target's way of trying to stop people from making the illegal drug methamphetamine. Sudafed, Nyquil, Theraflu and other cold and allergy products contain pseudoephedrine, which is the key ingredient in making meth. So, if you want any of those medications at Target stores, you're going to have to ask, and they'll get it for you from behind the desk.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, why are so many Americans worried about stem cell research? Do they fear a Dolly the sheep situation in the human race? I'll talk to a leading researcher on the subject. He's also at the center of a new documentary on the science.
You are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It's going to be 80 degrees in New York City. I'm loving that. It's 6:44 Eastern Time. It's time for your news, money, weather and sports.
Smoke rose from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City about 30 minutes ago. It was black, indicating the cardinals have not picked a new pope. Two votes were taken during the morning session of the conclave.
In money news, it's red and raring to go. You are looking at the new Hummer III. The smaller version of the original rolled off the assembly line and in Louisiana. It gets 20 milers per gallon.
In culture, after his Super Bowl halftime appearance, Paul McCartney is ready to rock more of the United States. He plans to kick off his back in the U.S. tour in Miami in September.
In sports, the NFL is changing primetime partners. "Monday Night Football" is moving from its longtime home on ABC to cable's ESPN. And ESPN Sunday night games are moving to NBC. The changes take effect for the 2006 season.
To the forecast center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.
Coming up, you know that good pyramid you've been trying to follow for years? Well, scrap it, because it's becoming the Pentagon. Just kidding. We'll tell you about the changes when DAYBREAK continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Oh, it's a political hot-button issue in the United States, but the new pope will also need to address the issue of stem cell research. Scientists and even some patients believe stem cells can cure disease. It's the focus of a Nova special that airs tonight on PBS.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't want to lose my eyesight. I don't want to have brain damage. I don't want to die of early age. Like, who does? Like, that's the only thing that scares me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As soon as you change, you have to check your blood. Now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But many scientists say that hope may be on the horizon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do think we can cure it, and our research has convinced me that that is going to be possible. Everything we learn says that it is possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Joining us now is Dr. George Daley, an oncologist at the Children's Hospital in Boston, who is featured in tonight's Nova special.
Welcome.
DR. GEORGE DALEY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ONCOLOGIST: Good morning.
COSTELLO: It's such a difficult topic. But I know you're going to try to make it easy for us. First question though. Why are so many in America afraid of stem cell research?
DALEY: The most versatile type of stem cells called embryonic stem cells do involve the destruction of the very earliest stage of human development, the human blastocysts. Many of these sit in freezers in in-vitro clinics throughout the country, and they would be discarded as medical waste if not donated to science. We think their value to medical research and ultimately the treatment of disease justifies their donation.
COSTELLO: Instead of just being discarded. But there are different types of stem cell research, and I know we have a graphic kind of demonstrating what it is. So, I'd like you to look at the monitor now and try to explain to us what's happening.
DALEY: Now, this is a different type of stem cell research that involves the creation of customized or patient-specific stem cells, using nuclear transfer. The patient on the left donates a cell. The nucleus is transferred into an egg whose own DNA has been removed. And what is generated then is a plurry (ph) potent or highly-versatile embryonic stem cell that's matched to the patient. Then our goal would be to coax those stem cells to become specific tissues that patient might need. This is making cells, not making babies.
COSTELLO: OK. So, this is a completely different type of stem cell research. Right?
DALEY: Yes. I mean, it's related and it does create the embryonic stem cells, which are so vitally important to this research in the future.
COSTELLO: I guess my question is, even if you could absolutely convince people that this type of stem cell research doesn't involve baby-making, I think when people have something in their mind, it's hard to get it out.
DALEY: It's true. And that's part of the reason why I think scientists need to be continually educating the public, talking about the value of the research. I think when folks sit down and watch this PBS special, they will understand the real contribution of this to the treatment of diseases like diabetes or Parkinson's or a whole variety of others.
COSTELLO: And I wanted to ask you about that, too, because there is some controversy about that, about how just -- how far along we are in curing such diseases through stem cell research, or if it's years and years in the future. You know, California just passed a law. They're funding their own stem cell research, because they think -- some people think a cure is just around the corner for diseases like diabetes. Is that really true?
DALEY: No one knows when the next medical breakthrough will occur. But as with any new biotechnology, it likely takes years to mature, maybe even decades. So, scientists are taking advantage of these cells now, learning about fundamental processes in the laboratory. Our hope is that in the future, it will translate into cures. But no one should be over-promising, because it's just hard to know how long it will take.
COSTELLO: So, what do you want people to take away from this special on PBS tonight?
DALEY: I want people to understand that this is a vitally- important, new field of research. Scientists are moving into the field in droves. And they will get an introduction if they watch the "Nova Science Now" program.
COSTELLO: We'll be watching. Thank you, doctor, for coming in this morning. We appreciate it.
DALEY: Thank you.
COSTELLO: It is 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.
Democratic senators may try to block the confirmation of John Bolton for the United Nations ambassador in a committee vote. Democrats are outnumbered, though, 8 to 10.
Talk about a cheap seat. US Airways says it will honor the mistake it make on several bookings Saturday. The airline sold seats for $1.86. Once the mistake was noticed, the airline corrected the price.
Beer and peanuts in the cheap seats for two Boston Red Sox fans. One season ticket holder had his tickets revoked, while the other can't by anymore tickets. Of course, this follows last week's run-in with Yankee's outfielder Gary Sheffield.
And in an effort to fight America's growing waistline, the Agricultural Department will unveil a new food pyramid. The USDA promises this guide will be easier to understand and to follow.
Do you believe that, Chad?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: What's that...
COSTELLO: What?
MYERS: What's that on the top of the pyramid, French fries?
COSTELLO: Somehow I don't think that would be included in this healthy pyramid.
MYERS: Probably not.
COSTELLO: I think they should change the shape to a square, it might be easier.
MYERS: Some kind of a cube or a circle or something, right, exactly. Good morning, Carol. We want to give away a DAYBREAK coffee mug from yesterday.
Here are the questions and the answers. Who appeared on "TIME's" list of the five best big-city mayors? New York City's Michael Bloomberg, Atlanta's Shirley Franklin, Baltimore's Martin O'Malley, Chicago's Richard Daley and Denver's John Pickenlooper. And any one of those five would have worked. And the second question. Queen Elizabeth celebrates her birthday this week. How old will she be? She will be 79 on Thursday.
And the winner is Mel Labadie from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. DAYBREAK coffee mug in the mail.
Carol, we're kind of out of time today, but we will give you another question tomorrow.
COSTELLO: Yes, because we have the breaking news about the pope and the black smoke pouring from the chimney. So new pope chosen this morning. And, of course, the cardinals will meet again this afternoon.
Also, as we've been telling you this morning, today marks the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. And a host of memorial observances are scheduled.
CNN's Bill Hemmer joins us now from Oklahoma City with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Carol. What a day it will be here in Oklahoma City. So impressed, too, Carol, by the amount of strength and the amount of hope that they have going forward today.
We'll be here for the memorial, but also as we go throughout the morning, you will meet some incredible people here in Oklahoma City, remembering the people the have lost, and also taking very good care of those who survived, a critical component of the healing process here in Oklahoma City. We'll be live throughout the next three hours here in the middle part of the country, Carol. See you in a couple of minutes.
COSTELLO: We'll check it out. Thank you, Bill.
You are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
Black smoke seen pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney about an hour ago. That means the new pope has not been chosen yet. The Catholic cardinals are now taking a lunch break and will resume the conclave in three hours.
We could learn more details today in those brutal BTK serial killings. Dennis Rader, the man accused of being the BTK killer, is scheduled to be arraigner. Rader could still waive the hearing and enter a plea instead.
The government says it cost a little less to fill up last week. The Energy Department's weekly survey found a gallon of regular was down 4 cents to about 2 bucks and a quarter.
And Amtrak's Acela express trains will not run for the rest of the week. Brake problems are once again to blame for the suspension of the high-speed rail services between Boston, New York and Washington. So, get ready to stand.
MYERS: Especially with some of those regional cars.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Speaking of travel, in the "New York Post" this morning, the new outfits for flight attendants on airlines are coming out.
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: And believe me, they are sexy.
MYERS: Don't you find it ironic that they're almost out of money, yet they can find more money to buy new clothes?
COSTELLO: Exactly. Air France, Christian LaCroy (ph) designed that outfit, and it's beautiful. I'd wear LaCroy (ph). I'm sorry, I'm bad with French. I had a lot of problems with the whale's name, too.
MYERS: Helis.
COSTELLO: Helis. But this is a beautiful -- I'd wear this to work.
MYERS: Well, sure. But if you're already losing $540 million in the quarter, do you need to lose more?
COSTELLO: Well, they think that will draw more people to the airlines.
MYERS: Oh, right.
COSTELLO: By dressing their flight attendants better.
MYERS: You're stretching.
COSTELLO: I know. That does it for us. I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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