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CNN Live At Daybreak

Military Base Closings; Marine Squad Wiped Out; Smoking Insurance; Commuter's Nightmare

Aired May 13, 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.


KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good Friday morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
"Now in the News."

The highly-anticipated military base closings list comes out four hours from now. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the closings will not be as extensive as previously thought.

Possible trouble ahead this morning for New Jersey to New York commuters. Look at these pictures. Fire damaging a railroad bridge in Carney, New Jersey. We're told some trains may be delayed.

And the nightmare in Montana, well, there it is flooding. Unusually heavy rain and snow have soaked parts of the state, prompting some school and road closures.

Pope John Paul II has been put on the fast track to sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI revealed the move earlier today. The fast track announcement avoids the usual five-year wait.

To the weather center now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: Well, in just about four hours from now, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will announce which domestic military bases he thinks should be closed.

Joining us live for more on this story from Washington, our own Dick Uliano of CNN Radio.

Dick -- thanks for being with us.

First question to you. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said that the closures won't be as extensive as he previously thought. Why is that?

DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO: Well, a couple of reasons, Kelly. There are some members of Congress who were asking, for example, why are we having base closings if we're engaged in a global war on terrorism? That's one reason. Reason number two is that U.S. troops stationed in Europe and Asia, South Korea in particular, 70,000 of them are going to be brought back to the United States. So, this is going to absorb the blow of this round of base closings. But, Kelly, regardless of how many it is, in communities across the country this is going to be a rainy day for some communities, where the nearby military installation means so much to the local economy.

WALLACE: Absolutely. And let's look at some of the numbers, Dick. Ninety-seven bases closed since 1988, $18 billion saved in all, but $22 billion it has taken to close those bases down. As you talk about tremendous impact on the communities affected. And, of course, in Washington, every lawmaker wants to protect his or her own turf.

So, talk to us a little bit about the political battles ahead when the defense secretary comes out with his list. This isn't the final deal, is it?

ULIANO: Well, that's exactly right. But, you know, behind the scenes, some lawmakers presumably have been fighting hard already with just the word that their nearby military installation may be on the chopping block. And, you know, the way this has been set up, this has been an ongoing procedure since the late '80s since the end of the Cold War, so that the nation has a lighter, more agile military force.

It was set up so that Congress' local politics don't get too involved. In other words, once the secretary of defense makes these recommendations to the independent commission, the independent commission can modify it. They can make some changes to the list. They send it to the president. He can change it a little. But then, Kelly, it goes to Congress for just an up or down vote.

WALLACE: All right. Dick Uliano, CNN Radio, telling us the latest on those base closings. That list to come out later this morning. Of course, CNN will bring that information to you as soon as we get it. Thanks so much, Dick.

Sticking with the military now. Reporters embedded with Marines in Operator Matador say an entire squad has been wiped out. That's more than 20 Marines killed or wounded in the past four days. And they belong to a Reserve unit based in Ohio.

Major Jennifer Potter is a spokeswoman for the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. She joins us live this morning from Columbus, Ohio.

Major, thanks for being with us today.

MAJ. JENNIFER POTTER, U.S. MARINE RESERVES: Good morning. Thank you.

WALLACE: Give us a sense of what impact this has had on the community, on the fellow reserves and their family back in Ohio.

POTTER: Well, obviously the Marine Corps being such a tight-knit community, and so many of the families being local to the central Ohio area, any time that there's a report from the front of any large number of casualties that obviously has a great impact on the families and the Marines staff of behind such personnel. WALLACE: I know, major, you are talking to folks on the ground and getting reports. Talk to us about the Marines that are still part of this operation. What's been the impact on themselves as they see their fellow Marines, some killed and some wounded by this operation.

POTTER: Well, ma'am, I can't necessarily speak for the Marines who are forward-deployed. I have very limited visibility on what's taking place over in Iraq right now. But I can tell you from speaking with the staff members of the site support staff of Marines that are with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines in Columbus that, again, it's a very tight-knit group. Most of the Marines know each other. They work with each other, had training evolutions and whatnot together.

And, you know, it's just a community that comes together to support each other. And obviously our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Marines and the Marines that are forward-deployed right now and just hoping that they'll be safe and come home soon.

WALLACE: And, major, tell us a little bit more about this unit. I had read it was, ironically, nicknamed "Lucky Lima." Tell us who is part of this unit. Many of these men are very young, correct?

POTTER: Yes, ma'am. Actually, the bulk of the Marines are junior-enlisted Marines. So, we're talking we have some that are in their late teens, 18 year olds, all the way up to early 40s. For the most part, they are from the central Ohio area, although Lima Company does have a couple of Marines from out of state, particularly Kentucky and Illinois. A lot of them are college students. And a handful of them are married. Most of them, again, are younger guys who are going through college to pursue their education.

WALLACE: And as you talk to family members, their fellow reserves back in Ohio, are they taking any comfort in the success of this mission? It appears that more than 100 insurgents have been eliminated as part of this weeklong mission.

POTTER: For what I can tell you, I did speak with some of the family members yesterday, and in particular the wife of the company gunnery sergeant, who had been serving with the unit for 18 years. What she told me is, you know, of course, they're all very concerned and, you know, their thoughts and prayers are with the families and the Marines who have been injured over the last couple of days. But they're very proud. They're very proud of the fact that their sons, husbands, family members are committed, committed to the effort to continue to see the job through, and just determined to carry out the mission to the best extent possible. Very proud.

WALLACE: Very proud indeed. Well, our thoughts are certainly going out to you all, your fellow reserves and the family members. Major Jennifer Potter, spokeswoman for the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. Thanks for being on DAYBREAK today.

POTTER: Thank you. Thank you.

WALLACE: Well, deadly police car chases. Should police be reined in? That is a big question.

CNN's Soledad O'Brien is joining us now for a look at what is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Soledad.

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

You know, we showed you those pictures of that car chase that had that deadly ending. Well, now it's reignited a longstanding debate over whether television stations should air car chases live. This morning, we talk with a local news director who chose not to air it as it happened. He'll tell us about the fallout from that.

Also, there must be something in the air if you are suffering from sneezing and watery eyes. Dr. Gupta has got the remedy for your springtime allergies.

All of that and much more is ahead, Kelly, this morning on "AMERICAN MORNING" right at the top of the hour.

WALLACE: Are you suffering, Soledad?

O'BRIEN: Don't I sound like I'm suffering? Don't I look like I'm suffering? I'm suffering.

WALLACE: You don't look -- you look fabulous, of course. And you don't sound like you're suffering. But so many people at CNN are having big time problems.

O'BRIEN: Oh, I know.

WALLACE: So, "Paging Dr. Gupta"...

O'BRIEN: (INAUDIBLE) has got it, too. So, we'll suffer together.

WALLACE: All right. We'll see you in a little bit, Soledad. Thanks so much.

Still to come here on DAYBREAK, paying a surcharge for a potentially deadly habit. Are insurers in one state going too far?

And your preview of the final "Star Wars" installment. Will it be a bust or a bank roll?

Here's a look first, though, at what else is making news this Friday morning. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: And this just in to CNN, a train derailment near Houston to tell you about. You're looking at live pictures right now from our CNN affiliate KRIV-TV. We don't have too much information at this point, but we can tell you no injured reported thus far. We know there's a trail derailment near Houston, live pictures right there. More information as we get it at CNN. But, again, thankfully, right now, no injuries reported at this time.

Switching gears a bit. A provision in Georgia's new state budget will require state employees who smoke to start paying an extra $40 a month for health insurance.

Joining us live from Atlanta to lay it all out for us is Tommie Williams, the Georgia Senate majority leader.

Mr. Senator, thanks for being with us today.

TOMMIE WILLIAMS (R), GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: Thank you.

WALLACE: So, my first question. Why are you making smokers pay $40 extra a month for their health insurance?

WILLIAMS: Our state health benefit plan is a self-insured plan, which requires us to pay any claims that come in. Last year, we had over $400 million worth of additional claims. We've asked the state employees to pick up 60 million of that, and of that 60 million we felt like smokers who cost us more money actually ought to pay a little more. So, we put a surcharge on smokers of $40.

WALLACE: And, you know, senator, there are those critics out there. I want to read something that Georgia State Representative Alan Powell, a Democrat, is saying. He said -- quote -- and this in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution." Quote: "If you want a surcharge, don't just put it on smoking. Why not do it based on weight? If you are going to put the surcharge on smoking, put it on that six-pack drinker."

What do you say to that?

WILLIAMS: Well, most of the private industry -- in fact, I went out and checked with an insurance agent yesterday to determine what my premiums would be on a policy for myself. And it was $88 more as a smoker. So, the private sector is already doing this. They're charging about twice what we're charging the folks in Georgia. We just don't feel it's fair.

WALLACE: Senator, can you still hear me? You just don't think it's fair.

WILLIAMS: Yes, I can.

WALLACE: A question for you. You say you're relying on the honor system. So, you're going to ask state employees to use the honor code to announce whether or not they have smoked, and then if they have they will pay the extra $40. But people might just smoke at home. What's the chance that they wouldn't tell the truth to their company?

WILLIAMS: Well, if for one reason or another they went to the doctor and had a blood test and it turned out they did have tobacco in their system, then they would lose their coverage.

WALLACE: So, you're saying if they -- but they're still relying on, in some way, being able to track what people do in their private life. I think -- senator, can you still hear me?

WILLIAMS: Yes, I can.

WALLACE: OK. My question is, you still, though, are going to have some difficulties to track what people are doing in their private life, no?

WILLIAMS: Well, we would like to trust our state employees to tell us the truth as they fill out their health benefit plan. But if it turns if we find out through examination or going to the doctor for some reason that they are smokers, then they'll lose their coverage. But we want to trust our employees to fill out the form correctly.

WALLACE: All right. George Senator Majority Leader Tommie Williams joining us today, talking about what's happening in Georgia. And as you said, what's happening in some other states as well. Thanks so much for being with us here on DAYBREAK. We appreciate it.

WILLIAMS: Thank you very much.

WALLACE: Turning now to what we've been talking about, a community nightmare for people traveling from New York to New York. We want to go to CNN urban affairs correspondent Maria Hinojosa right now.

Maria -- what's the situation like out there?

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN URBAN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: You know, Kelly, it could have been quite a disaster. Last night when the reports came in about 7:40 that there was a fire over the Hackensack River Bridge that is used by Amtrak and other New Jersey trains, there was a lot of panic last night that perhaps any kind of travel between Newark and New York where about 45,000 commuters use it during rush hour every day might have been entirely halted. That is not the case this morning.

Things are pretty much back to normal here. Inside the train station, no sense of panic, people coming in knowing that there might be just a few delays. We know that just after 6:00 this morning, the first train went over that railroad bridge that caught fire last night about 7:40. That fire is still being investigated.

That particular bridge is owned by Amtrak, and they had crews working overnight to try to fix the damage. There was some damage to the signal there on that bridge.

So, one of the things that is happening is a few trains, just a few, are being diverted for commuters coming from New Jersey into New York. They're going to be going to Hoboken and then put on to another PATH train.

So, essentially, for the morning commute, not much a sense of panic, perhaps some delays. Right now we're hearing of very, very few cancellations. So the morning commute between New York City and Newark seems to be going pretty well as of right now -- Kelly. WALLACE: And, Maria, some smiles here in our studio for some of my colleagues who have to travel to New Jersey. They're very happy to hear your report. Maria, thanks so much. Maria Hinojosa and the latest on that commuting issue between New Jersey and New York.

Much more ahead on this Friday edition of DAYBREAK. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: It has been, believe it or not, nearly 30 years, 30 years, since George Lucas brought us the first "Star Wars" movie. And now, he's wrapped up the epic space adventure series.

With us to talk about this last one, Tom O'Neil of "In-Touch Weekly" magazine.

Nice to see you.

TOM O'NEIL, EDITOR, "IN-TOUCH WEEKLY": Same here, Kelly.

WALLACE: So, you've seen the movie. What do you think?

O'NEIL: It's not just good; it's great! The force is with "Star Wars" again.

WALLACE: Why is it so great? What makes it so great?

O'NEIL: I love the question, because if anybody has been following this series they know that it lost its way because recently it lost its heart. It lost its humor. Now, all of those things are back. Yoda is there, and he's funnier than ever. He's upstaging R2D2. It has great heart. And you know that when Anakin Skywalker falls in love with Padme and must become Darth Vader, his love for Padme, you've got to believe, will cause this to happen. And it works.

WALLACE: Here's the question, though. You're a huge "Star Wars" fan.

O'NEIL: Right.

WALLACE: What if you didn't see the first and the second? I mean, can you still go? Or do you need to have seen both before you can enjoy the last one?

O'NEIL: Actually, that's another good question, because in this case it's so simply plotted, it's accessible to the first-time filmgoer. And the genius of the film, though, is for those of us who know what's going to happen. Because, remember, this is the prequel that must set up the original "Star Wars." The whole thing must go full circle.

The sense of doom and tragedy that looms over these characters, as we know as they march to their fates, where they're going, it gives it a sense of great Greek tragedy to be played out. WALLACE: Does it match in real life, potentially, a sense of some big issues we face in our current times? Or is that just taking it too far?

O'NEIL: Some "Star Wars" nuts would probably not say that. They'd say, oh, no, we're bigger than that. But the great thing is this is a wonderful film. See it in a packed theater. It's the best party in town.

WALLACE: All right. Another film, "Monster-in-Law," Jane Fonda going up against Jennifer Lopez. The critics say it's a dud.

O'NEIL: The critics are crazy. And this is such a fun film.

WALLACE: I don't know why they're bashing it.

O'NEIL: Well, you as an anchor would love it, because here's the premise. A Barbara Walters type has a meltdown on the air, starts strangling her guests. She's put in the loony bin, and that's just the first scene. And here comes Jane Fonda out of the loony bin. All she cares about is her son, and he's about to marry that J.Lo. And she's got to bust it up. Jane Fonda is an erupting volcano throughout this movie. It's terrific. And you see these two divas having big slap fights and cat fights. It's fun.

WALLACE: All right. Just don't pay attention to the critics.

O'NEIL: No.

WALLACE: All right. Tom O'Neil, "In-Touch" magazine, great to see you.

O'NEIL: Thanks.

WALLACE: Have a wonderful weekend.

O'NEIL: And it's time now for one of our favorite moments on DAYBREAK, giving away the coffee mug. We turn it over to you, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: All right, let's do it. It's time to give away a mug. Here are the answers to yesterday's questions, Kelly. First off, the question. John Bolton is up for a confirmation for what position? The answer was U.N. ambassador. We thought that was an easy one, Kelly. The second one was, who did supermodel Heidi Klum recently marry? And, of course, that's got to be a rock star, Seal.

The winner to answer both of these questions correctly is Cathie Mantlick from Brielle, New Jersey. Congratulations to you. You've won a coffee mug.

Now, if you want to win one of these beautiful mugs, you have to answer both of these questions correctly. In what state did a retaining wall collapse onto a road? And who will be the host of "Saturday Night Live's" season finale? Submit your answers online. The address is CNN.com/daybreak. And find out tomorrow if you've won one of these coffee mugs. Do you have one of these just for filling in for Carol?

WALLACE: I do have one. But I only get one for filling in for Carol.

MARCIANO: Oh, Monday. I thought today was Friday.

WALLACE: I know. It is Friday again, Rob. Monday.

MARCIANO: I suppose so.

WALLACE: We'll be right back. DAYBREAK for a Friday morning, don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: Some stories "Now in the News."

The highly-anticipated military base closings list comes out four hours from now. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the closings will not be as extensive as previously thought.

Fast-moving developments in Uzbekistan this hour. Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Andijan demanding government reform. Earlier, gunmen stormed a prison, freeing hundreds of inmates. Nine people have been killed. Some gunmen remain holed up in two buildings.

This afternoon, President Bush meets with the 2004 spring and fall college sports champions. They've been invited to the East Room of the White House. Perhaps the president, a former part owner of the Texas Rangers, will have some advice for some of the athletes.

And word out of the Vatican this morning, Pope Benedict XVI says Pope John Paul II is being put on the fast track to sainthood, avoiding the usual five-year wait.

To Atlanta now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: Chad and Carol are back on Monday. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace. "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 May 13, 2005 - 06:28   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good Friday morning to you. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
"Now in the News."

The highly-anticipated military base closings list comes out four hours from now. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the closings will not be as extensive as previously thought.

Possible trouble ahead this morning for New Jersey to New York commuters. Look at these pictures. Fire damaging a railroad bridge in Carney, New Jersey. We're told some trains may be delayed.

And the nightmare in Montana, well, there it is flooding. Unusually heavy rain and snow have soaked parts of the state, prompting some school and road closures.

Pope John Paul II has been put on the fast track to sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI revealed the move earlier today. The fast track announcement avoids the usual five-year wait.

To the weather center now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: Well, in just about four hours from now, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will announce which domestic military bases he thinks should be closed.

Joining us live for more on this story from Washington, our own Dick Uliano of CNN Radio.

Dick -- thanks for being with us.

First question to you. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said that the closures won't be as extensive as he previously thought. Why is that?

DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO: Well, a couple of reasons, Kelly. There are some members of Congress who were asking, for example, why are we having base closings if we're engaged in a global war on terrorism? That's one reason. Reason number two is that U.S. troops stationed in Europe and Asia, South Korea in particular, 70,000 of them are going to be brought back to the United States. So, this is going to absorb the blow of this round of base closings. But, Kelly, regardless of how many it is, in communities across the country this is going to be a rainy day for some communities, where the nearby military installation means so much to the local economy.

WALLACE: Absolutely. And let's look at some of the numbers, Dick. Ninety-seven bases closed since 1988, $18 billion saved in all, but $22 billion it has taken to close those bases down. As you talk about tremendous impact on the communities affected. And, of course, in Washington, every lawmaker wants to protect his or her own turf.

So, talk to us a little bit about the political battles ahead when the defense secretary comes out with his list. This isn't the final deal, is it?

ULIANO: Well, that's exactly right. But, you know, behind the scenes, some lawmakers presumably have been fighting hard already with just the word that their nearby military installation may be on the chopping block. And, you know, the way this has been set up, this has been an ongoing procedure since the late '80s since the end of the Cold War, so that the nation has a lighter, more agile military force.

It was set up so that Congress' local politics don't get too involved. In other words, once the secretary of defense makes these recommendations to the independent commission, the independent commission can modify it. They can make some changes to the list. They send it to the president. He can change it a little. But then, Kelly, it goes to Congress for just an up or down vote.

WALLACE: All right. Dick Uliano, CNN Radio, telling us the latest on those base closings. That list to come out later this morning. Of course, CNN will bring that information to you as soon as we get it. Thanks so much, Dick.

Sticking with the military now. Reporters embedded with Marines in Operator Matador say an entire squad has been wiped out. That's more than 20 Marines killed or wounded in the past four days. And they belong to a Reserve unit based in Ohio.

Major Jennifer Potter is a spokeswoman for the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. She joins us live this morning from Columbus, Ohio.

Major, thanks for being with us today.

MAJ. JENNIFER POTTER, U.S. MARINE RESERVES: Good morning. Thank you.

WALLACE: Give us a sense of what impact this has had on the community, on the fellow reserves and their family back in Ohio.

POTTER: Well, obviously the Marine Corps being such a tight-knit community, and so many of the families being local to the central Ohio area, any time that there's a report from the front of any large number of casualties that obviously has a great impact on the families and the Marines staff of behind such personnel. WALLACE: I know, major, you are talking to folks on the ground and getting reports. Talk to us about the Marines that are still part of this operation. What's been the impact on themselves as they see their fellow Marines, some killed and some wounded by this operation.

POTTER: Well, ma'am, I can't necessarily speak for the Marines who are forward-deployed. I have very limited visibility on what's taking place over in Iraq right now. But I can tell you from speaking with the staff members of the site support staff of Marines that are with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines in Columbus that, again, it's a very tight-knit group. Most of the Marines know each other. They work with each other, had training evolutions and whatnot together.

And, you know, it's just a community that comes together to support each other. And obviously our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Marines and the Marines that are forward-deployed right now and just hoping that they'll be safe and come home soon.

WALLACE: And, major, tell us a little bit more about this unit. I had read it was, ironically, nicknamed "Lucky Lima." Tell us who is part of this unit. Many of these men are very young, correct?

POTTER: Yes, ma'am. Actually, the bulk of the Marines are junior-enlisted Marines. So, we're talking we have some that are in their late teens, 18 year olds, all the way up to early 40s. For the most part, they are from the central Ohio area, although Lima Company does have a couple of Marines from out of state, particularly Kentucky and Illinois. A lot of them are college students. And a handful of them are married. Most of them, again, are younger guys who are going through college to pursue their education.

WALLACE: And as you talk to family members, their fellow reserves back in Ohio, are they taking any comfort in the success of this mission? It appears that more than 100 insurgents have been eliminated as part of this weeklong mission.

POTTER: For what I can tell you, I did speak with some of the family members yesterday, and in particular the wife of the company gunnery sergeant, who had been serving with the unit for 18 years. What she told me is, you know, of course, they're all very concerned and, you know, their thoughts and prayers are with the families and the Marines who have been injured over the last couple of days. But they're very proud. They're very proud of the fact that their sons, husbands, family members are committed, committed to the effort to continue to see the job through, and just determined to carry out the mission to the best extent possible. Very proud.

WALLACE: Very proud indeed. Well, our thoughts are certainly going out to you all, your fellow reserves and the family members. Major Jennifer Potter, spokeswoman for the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. Thanks for being on DAYBREAK today.

POTTER: Thank you. Thank you.

WALLACE: Well, deadly police car chases. Should police be reined in? That is a big question.

CNN's Soledad O'Brien is joining us now for a look at what is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Soledad.

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

You know, we showed you those pictures of that car chase that had that deadly ending. Well, now it's reignited a longstanding debate over whether television stations should air car chases live. This morning, we talk with a local news director who chose not to air it as it happened. He'll tell us about the fallout from that.

Also, there must be something in the air if you are suffering from sneezing and watery eyes. Dr. Gupta has got the remedy for your springtime allergies.

All of that and much more is ahead, Kelly, this morning on "AMERICAN MORNING" right at the top of the hour.

WALLACE: Are you suffering, Soledad?

O'BRIEN: Don't I sound like I'm suffering? Don't I look like I'm suffering? I'm suffering.

WALLACE: You don't look -- you look fabulous, of course. And you don't sound like you're suffering. But so many people at CNN are having big time problems.

O'BRIEN: Oh, I know.

WALLACE: So, "Paging Dr. Gupta"...

O'BRIEN: (INAUDIBLE) has got it, too. So, we'll suffer together.

WALLACE: All right. We'll see you in a little bit, Soledad. Thanks so much.

Still to come here on DAYBREAK, paying a surcharge for a potentially deadly habit. Are insurers in one state going too far?

And your preview of the final "Star Wars" installment. Will it be a bust or a bank roll?

Here's a look first, though, at what else is making news this Friday morning. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: And this just in to CNN, a train derailment near Houston to tell you about. You're looking at live pictures right now from our CNN affiliate KRIV-TV. We don't have too much information at this point, but we can tell you no injured reported thus far. We know there's a trail derailment near Houston, live pictures right there. More information as we get it at CNN. But, again, thankfully, right now, no injuries reported at this time.

Switching gears a bit. A provision in Georgia's new state budget will require state employees who smoke to start paying an extra $40 a month for health insurance.

Joining us live from Atlanta to lay it all out for us is Tommie Williams, the Georgia Senate majority leader.

Mr. Senator, thanks for being with us today.

TOMMIE WILLIAMS (R), GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: Thank you.

WALLACE: So, my first question. Why are you making smokers pay $40 extra a month for their health insurance?

WILLIAMS: Our state health benefit plan is a self-insured plan, which requires us to pay any claims that come in. Last year, we had over $400 million worth of additional claims. We've asked the state employees to pick up 60 million of that, and of that 60 million we felt like smokers who cost us more money actually ought to pay a little more. So, we put a surcharge on smokers of $40.

WALLACE: And, you know, senator, there are those critics out there. I want to read something that Georgia State Representative Alan Powell, a Democrat, is saying. He said -- quote -- and this in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution." Quote: "If you want a surcharge, don't just put it on smoking. Why not do it based on weight? If you are going to put the surcharge on smoking, put it on that six-pack drinker."

What do you say to that?

WILLIAMS: Well, most of the private industry -- in fact, I went out and checked with an insurance agent yesterday to determine what my premiums would be on a policy for myself. And it was $88 more as a smoker. So, the private sector is already doing this. They're charging about twice what we're charging the folks in Georgia. We just don't feel it's fair.

WALLACE: Senator, can you still hear me? You just don't think it's fair.

WILLIAMS: Yes, I can.

WALLACE: A question for you. You say you're relying on the honor system. So, you're going to ask state employees to use the honor code to announce whether or not they have smoked, and then if they have they will pay the extra $40. But people might just smoke at home. What's the chance that they wouldn't tell the truth to their company?

WILLIAMS: Well, if for one reason or another they went to the doctor and had a blood test and it turned out they did have tobacco in their system, then they would lose their coverage.

WALLACE: So, you're saying if they -- but they're still relying on, in some way, being able to track what people do in their private life. I think -- senator, can you still hear me?

WILLIAMS: Yes, I can.

WALLACE: OK. My question is, you still, though, are going to have some difficulties to track what people are doing in their private life, no?

WILLIAMS: Well, we would like to trust our state employees to tell us the truth as they fill out their health benefit plan. But if it turns if we find out through examination or going to the doctor for some reason that they are smokers, then they'll lose their coverage. But we want to trust our employees to fill out the form correctly.

WALLACE: All right. George Senator Majority Leader Tommie Williams joining us today, talking about what's happening in Georgia. And as you said, what's happening in some other states as well. Thanks so much for being with us here on DAYBREAK. We appreciate it.

WILLIAMS: Thank you very much.

WALLACE: Turning now to what we've been talking about, a community nightmare for people traveling from New York to New York. We want to go to CNN urban affairs correspondent Maria Hinojosa right now.

Maria -- what's the situation like out there?

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN URBAN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: You know, Kelly, it could have been quite a disaster. Last night when the reports came in about 7:40 that there was a fire over the Hackensack River Bridge that is used by Amtrak and other New Jersey trains, there was a lot of panic last night that perhaps any kind of travel between Newark and New York where about 45,000 commuters use it during rush hour every day might have been entirely halted. That is not the case this morning.

Things are pretty much back to normal here. Inside the train station, no sense of panic, people coming in knowing that there might be just a few delays. We know that just after 6:00 this morning, the first train went over that railroad bridge that caught fire last night about 7:40. That fire is still being investigated.

That particular bridge is owned by Amtrak, and they had crews working overnight to try to fix the damage. There was some damage to the signal there on that bridge.

So, one of the things that is happening is a few trains, just a few, are being diverted for commuters coming from New Jersey into New York. They're going to be going to Hoboken and then put on to another PATH train.

So, essentially, for the morning commute, not much a sense of panic, perhaps some delays. Right now we're hearing of very, very few cancellations. So the morning commute between New York City and Newark seems to be going pretty well as of right now -- Kelly. WALLACE: And, Maria, some smiles here in our studio for some of my colleagues who have to travel to New Jersey. They're very happy to hear your report. Maria, thanks so much. Maria Hinojosa and the latest on that commuting issue between New Jersey and New York.

Much more ahead on this Friday edition of DAYBREAK. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: It has been, believe it or not, nearly 30 years, 30 years, since George Lucas brought us the first "Star Wars" movie. And now, he's wrapped up the epic space adventure series.

With us to talk about this last one, Tom O'Neil of "In-Touch Weekly" magazine.

Nice to see you.

TOM O'NEIL, EDITOR, "IN-TOUCH WEEKLY": Same here, Kelly.

WALLACE: So, you've seen the movie. What do you think?

O'NEIL: It's not just good; it's great! The force is with "Star Wars" again.

WALLACE: Why is it so great? What makes it so great?

O'NEIL: I love the question, because if anybody has been following this series they know that it lost its way because recently it lost its heart. It lost its humor. Now, all of those things are back. Yoda is there, and he's funnier than ever. He's upstaging R2D2. It has great heart. And you know that when Anakin Skywalker falls in love with Padme and must become Darth Vader, his love for Padme, you've got to believe, will cause this to happen. And it works.

WALLACE: Here's the question, though. You're a huge "Star Wars" fan.

O'NEIL: Right.

WALLACE: What if you didn't see the first and the second? I mean, can you still go? Or do you need to have seen both before you can enjoy the last one?

O'NEIL: Actually, that's another good question, because in this case it's so simply plotted, it's accessible to the first-time filmgoer. And the genius of the film, though, is for those of us who know what's going to happen. Because, remember, this is the prequel that must set up the original "Star Wars." The whole thing must go full circle.

The sense of doom and tragedy that looms over these characters, as we know as they march to their fates, where they're going, it gives it a sense of great Greek tragedy to be played out. WALLACE: Does it match in real life, potentially, a sense of some big issues we face in our current times? Or is that just taking it too far?

O'NEIL: Some "Star Wars" nuts would probably not say that. They'd say, oh, no, we're bigger than that. But the great thing is this is a wonderful film. See it in a packed theater. It's the best party in town.

WALLACE: All right. Another film, "Monster-in-Law," Jane Fonda going up against Jennifer Lopez. The critics say it's a dud.

O'NEIL: The critics are crazy. And this is such a fun film.

WALLACE: I don't know why they're bashing it.

O'NEIL: Well, you as an anchor would love it, because here's the premise. A Barbara Walters type has a meltdown on the air, starts strangling her guests. She's put in the loony bin, and that's just the first scene. And here comes Jane Fonda out of the loony bin. All she cares about is her son, and he's about to marry that J.Lo. And she's got to bust it up. Jane Fonda is an erupting volcano throughout this movie. It's terrific. And you see these two divas having big slap fights and cat fights. It's fun.

WALLACE: All right. Just don't pay attention to the critics.

O'NEIL: No.

WALLACE: All right. Tom O'Neil, "In-Touch" magazine, great to see you.

O'NEIL: Thanks.

WALLACE: Have a wonderful weekend.

O'NEIL: And it's time now for one of our favorite moments on DAYBREAK, giving away the coffee mug. We turn it over to you, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: All right, let's do it. It's time to give away a mug. Here are the answers to yesterday's questions, Kelly. First off, the question. John Bolton is up for a confirmation for what position? The answer was U.N. ambassador. We thought that was an easy one, Kelly. The second one was, who did supermodel Heidi Klum recently marry? And, of course, that's got to be a rock star, Seal.

The winner to answer both of these questions correctly is Cathie Mantlick from Brielle, New Jersey. Congratulations to you. You've won a coffee mug.

Now, if you want to win one of these beautiful mugs, you have to answer both of these questions correctly. In what state did a retaining wall collapse onto a road? And who will be the host of "Saturday Night Live's" season finale? Submit your answers online. The address is CNN.com/daybreak. And find out tomorrow if you've won one of these coffee mugs. Do you have one of these just for filling in for Carol?

WALLACE: I do have one. But I only get one for filling in for Carol.

MARCIANO: Oh, Monday. I thought today was Friday.

WALLACE: I know. It is Friday again, Rob. Monday.

MARCIANO: I suppose so.

WALLACE: We'll be right back. DAYBREAK for a Friday morning, don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: Some stories "Now in the News."

The highly-anticipated military base closings list comes out four hours from now. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the closings will not be as extensive as previously thought.

Fast-moving developments in Uzbekistan this hour. Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Andijan demanding government reform. Earlier, gunmen stormed a prison, freeing hundreds of inmates. Nine people have been killed. Some gunmen remain holed up in two buildings.

This afternoon, President Bush meets with the 2004 spring and fall college sports champions. They've been invited to the East Room of the White House. Perhaps the president, a former part owner of the Texas Rangers, will have some advice for some of the athletes.

And word out of the Vatican this morning, Pope Benedict XVI says Pope John Paul II is being put on the fast track to sainthood, avoiding the usual five-year wait.

To Atlanta now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: Chad and Carol are back on Monday. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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