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CNN Live At Daybreak
Stem Cell Debate; Health of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi; Connecticut Lawmakers Debate Nutrition Bill
Aired May 25, 2005 - 06:29 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: Embryos or veto? That seems to be the bottom line in the debate over stem cell research. Last night, the House passed two bills, which now head to the Senate. President Bush promises to veto one of those bills.
For more on both sides of this issue, we're joined from Washington by our CNN national correspondent, Bob Franken.
Good morning -- Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Now, what we need to note here is that while there were 50 Republicans who joined the Democrats in voting for this, the majority margin was not a veto-proof majority. And, of course, the president is saying he's going to veto this legislation; the legislation being the one that has to do with federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. That's the one that the president so adamantly opposes, and that's the one that the very conservative base so adamantly opposes.
What's interesting, though, is that on this particular issue, we're noticing now that the president does not necessarily have an automatic win when it comes to dealing with Congress. There was a period of time here when it looked he was sort of steamrolling in Congress. And the danger to the president is, as a second-term president, he has to always worry that he becomes labeled a lame duck president and loses some of his omnipotence. Carol?
COSTELLO: Oh, Bob, I'm sorry. I thought a sound bite was going to pop up, but it did not.
The House of Representatives in passing this bill didn't pass it by a wide enough margin to override a veto by the president. So, is this issue something we should be talking so much about? Will the president definitely veto not only the embryonic stem cell research but the other bill as well?
FRANKEN: Well, the other bill we can count on his passing. That is a bill that is favored by the people who are in what they call the right-to-life movement. That is one that has to do with using discarded umbilical cords.
But critics say that it really has limited value to do that; that about the only success that there has been in that realm has been dealing with blood diseases, and that the embryonic stem cell is needed for the more expansive uses of it. Of course, on the other side, the people who oppose that say that you are taking life as a result.
So, it gets down to the fundamental arguments that accompany such issues as abortion and, of course, the Terri Schiavo issue. And this one is a little bit more complicated by the fact that many people who are conservative in the House of Representatives went to the other side, because they're so moved about the health plights of those who have already been born.
COSTELLO: Understand. Bob Franken live from Washington this morning.
Of course, the stem cell issue is a complicated one. Many of you have e-mailed us wondering what stem cell research is.
Hilda from Mississippi sent us an e-mail with a list of questions. Well, Hilda, we are answering them for you this morning.
First up, Hilda asks: "Where do stem cells come from?" There is more than one answer to that question, Hilda. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos, formed after five to six days. They can also come from embryos created through a process called therapeutic cloning. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, can come from several places, including from bone marrow and brain cells.
Question two, Hilda asks: "Do stem cells come from adults, children or babies?" The answer to that one, adult stem cells come from all three. But scientists agree that the younger the stem cell is the better.
Question three from Hilda: "Can stem cells be removed from a person while that person is still alive?" In fact, adult stem cells can only be taken from a live donor. As for embryonic stem cells, they're harvested from frozen embryos in a Petri dish or from cloned embryos.
Hilda's final question asks how embryonic stem cells are created. Embryonic stem cells are created in two different ways. South Korean researchers have just successfully cloned embryos from a single source. That's what we mean when we refer to therapeutic cloning. Other embryos are created through infertility treatments. Specimens that don't look right to doctors are set aside and frozen. And those can be used for research.
So, Hilda, we hope we helped you out, and we'd like to thank you for asking us those questions and our CNN medical unit producer, Merriam Falco (ph), for researching the answers.
For the rest of you out there, please send us your questions on any topic in our program. We would love to hear from you. Daybreak@cnn.com.
CNN's coverage of the stem cell debate continues on "AMERICAN MORNING." Bill Hemmer here with a preview now.
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. When is the quiz on that?
COSTELLO: It would be a tough one, wouldn't it?
HEMMER: Yes, you're like the professor this morning.
We will continue this discussion. One of the Republicans breaking ranks yesterday who backed the stem cell bill, Congressman Chris Shays is our guest today. Does he think this bill really has a chance at becoming law? We've heard the veto threats from the White House. We'll see where that debate goes today, Carol.
Also, Lionel Tate is back behind bars. He's accused of robbing a pizza delivery man. You might remember Tate at the age of 14, six years ago, the youngest person in this country to be sentenced to life in prison for the beating death of a 6-year-old girl. That sentence eventually was overturned. He's been in and out of trouble ever since. A psychiatrist assigned to the case says Tate did not get the help he needed. Did the system fail him? Or is Tate beyond help? We'll talk about that issue over the next three hours on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Carol -- see you at the top of the hour at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.
COSTELLO: All right, we'll be here. Thank you, Bill.
The latest out of Iraq this morning. U.S. forces are on the offensive. About a thousand troops have launched Operation New Market in the western city of Haditha, aimed at rooting out insurgents. Fierce gunfights broke out as Marines entered the town before dawn. The military says three insurgents were killed, two Marines wounded.
And it could be promising news for coalition forces in the fight for Iraq, if it's true. But U.S. officials are skeptical about new reports that Iraq's most-wanted militant, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, is wounded.
Joining is now from Baghdad is "TIME" magazine correspondent Bobby Ghosh.
Welcome, Bobby.
BOBBY GHOSH, "TIME" MAGAZINE: Hi, Carol.
COSTELLO: What are you hearing about Abu Musab al-Zarqawi?
GHOSH: Well, there was a message on a Web site that we know to be connected to his group that said that he was quite seriously injured, and calling on Muslims all over the world to pray for his recovery. American military sources have not been able to confirm that information, nor have Iraqi sources. But we are hearing from our sources close to the insurgency that this morning people are beginning in the insurgency to come around to think that that message might indeed be genuine and that their leader might indeed be quite seriously injured.
COSTELLO: But, you know, a couple of weeks ago, we heard that Zarqawi was in a hospital, but then nobody could confirm that either. Can you shed any light on that?
GHOSH: Yes. This would seem to be a follow-on of that. This would seem to confirm those reports. We heard that he was in a hospital in the western city of Ramadi; that he had been quite severely injured. He had lost a lot of blood. The hospital doctor told the media that he wanted the patient to remain in the hospital to receive blood transfusions, but the man who brought him to the hospital insisted that he just bandage him up and that they take him away.
The information we got yesterday from the Web site would seem to confirm that those injuries are actually more serious than previously thought.
COSTELLO: If he is injured this seriously, he might be easier to find, right?
GHOSH: Well, yes and no. It's still going to be a needle in a haystack. If he is seriously injured, he won't have the freedom of movement that is part of their modus operandi. But it depends on just how good their hiding places are at the moment. It's a very large country, and his group is known to have lots of hiding places up and down the country. He could literally be anywhere.
But it's conceivable that if the noose is tightened, he may not be able to slip away as easily as he did before.
COSTELLO: Of course, the military is quickly saying even if he is wounded, even if he dies, that will not stop the insurgency. What are you hearing?
GHOSH: That is absolutely correct. We are hearing from sources close to the insurgency that far from being disheartened by the news, in fact, many of the foot soldiers of the insurgency are actually inspired by what they perceive as the upcoming martyrdom of their leader. And, in fact, if he does die, he becomes a martyr in their eyes, and he becomes somebody whose example they should follow.
If he were to survive this, then they can play it in a different way. They can say this man is blessed by God, and that's he's been given another chance to go out and kill Americans.
COSTELLO: Bobby Ghosh from "TIME" magazine joining us live from Baghdad. Thanks so much.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, addressing a weight problem in our nation's schools, what one state wants to do to curb childhood obesity.
Plus, May sweeps ends today, giving a shot in the arm to one TV network.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:42 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
A controversial stem cell bill passes the House despite President Bush's veto threat. The vote was 238-194. The bill would boost federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
In money news, a first for the women's pro basketball league. Former TV executive Sheila Johnson has become the first WNBA African- American female owner. She is part of a group that's buying the Washington Mystics.
In culture, TV's May sweeps period ends tonight with CBS assured a victory in overall viewers among the broadcast networks. Season finales of "CSI" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" alone drew more than 63 million viewers combined.
In sports, a new crew chief will be in the pits Sunday for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s racing team. Earnhardt hasn't won a race so far this season, and Pete Rondo (ph) has been reassigned.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: That's the latest look at the headlines this morning.
We just can't stop talking about identity theft. That's because it just keeps on growing.
Soledad O'Brien joins us now with what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.
You're absolutely right. And as you can probably tell from the headlines lately, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. We've been telling you what you can do to protect yourself. But, really, the question might be: What should the government be doing? We're going to take a closer look at that this morning.
Then, we've got part three of our special series. It's called "Surviving Family Vacations." Today, we're focusing on theme parks. Did you know there are some 600 amusement parks in the U.S.? We have tips on how to find the right price -- the right park, rather, at the right price for your family.
It's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" in just a little bit.
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, parents are in an uproar, not over what their children are learning in school, but what they are eating there. One state legislator weighs in.
More news in a moment. But first, it's time to say happy birthday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Talk about a food fight. Lawmakers in New Jersey may ban sales of soda and junk food in elementary and middle schools. It's all to stop children from getting fat. The Senate is now reviewing a series of bills that have already passed the state assembly. The legislation is aimed at restricting the amount of sugar, fat and salt children consume, at least during the school day.
Ditto for Connecticut, except its junk food bill is already being debated -- and I mean hotly debated. At face value it sure sounds good. It requires elementary and middle schools to only offer water, milk and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. It allows high schools to sell sugar-free soft drinks or sports drinks. And it requires at least 20 minutes of recess per day.
And as I said, it sounds good. But, you know, nothing is simple, is it?
Joining us live from Connecticut is Representative Christopher Murphy, a Democrat from Hartford, and Representative John Hetherington, a Republican from New Canaan. He's on the phone with us this morning.
Welcome, gentlemen.
REP. CHRISTOPHER MURPHY (D), CONNECTICUT STATE HOUSE: Thank you very much.
REP. JOHN HETHERINGTON (R), CONNECTICUT STATE HOUSE: Good morning.
COSTELLO: Let's start with you, Representative Murphy. This does sound good. Why is it so good? Tell us.
MURPHY: Yes, it does. You know, Connecticut, we're proud to now have one of the strongest school nutrition policies in the nation. We've seen our childhood obesity rates double over the last 15 years. And we know that half of overweight children develop serious health complications later in life.
So, what we've said is simple. In schools, we're going to sell healthy drinks and healthy snacks. We're going to mandate a very reasonable minimum amount of recess, 20 minutes a day, for all elementary school students. And we're going to ask schools to adopt wellness policies for their students.
Now, we know no law can make children healthy. But for the families that are making smart choices at home, we want to make sure that the schools aren't counteracting that. We want to make sure that the schools are being partners with families in developing healthy children, who are counteracting this growing obesity problem.
COSTELLO: See, this sounds completely reasonable, but it was hotly debated for eight hours. So, Representative Hetherington, tell me why.
HETHERINGTON: Well, I think there are a couple of reasons. One it grabs power from local elected school boards, who are probably in the best position, being made up of parents and others in the community, to know what's best for the children. And although it takes the power away from local boards, it makes these good citizens liable, civilly liable for any mistakes that may be made, any Cokes or Pepsis that might be sold accidentally in the school.
COSTELLO: What do you mean by that "liable?" Wait a second. Liable...
HETHERINGTON: Liable civilly. In other words, if a local school board, which typically doesn't have day-to-day supervision -- they are volunteers who meet in the evening. But if somehow the regulations from the Department of Education as to what you can sell are not carefully observed, someone can several years down the road sue those local boards, because the child became obese.
COSTELLO: Now, that's an interesting twist, because I had never heard that before. Is that really true, Representative Murphy?
MURPHY: That's a new one to me. I've heard a lot of arguments of why we shouldn't do this, but liability isn't generally one of them. You know, we have hundreds of laws and regulations that tell school boards and local schools what to do. I guess they're liable if they don't follow any of those rules. This just would add to them. I think that it makes sense to send a message to our school boards that they need to get smart about nutrition.
The fact is there are some schools in Connecticut that have only had five minutes of recess a day. There are Coke machines and snack machines in our middle schools and our high schools at every turn sometimes.
Representative Hetherington is right. Some school districts have done the right thing. Unfortunately, some haven't. And that's why we've decided to have a uniform statewide policy on this issue.
COSTELLO: But I think that, Representative Hetherington, in talking to you earlier, what's served at lunchtime -- I mean, not from vending machines, not as snacks, but what's served as lunch is not so healthy either. And this new -- if it does become law, this would do nothing about that. Is that correct?
HETHERINGTON: Carol, that's right. That's absolutely right. And I think it's a cruel hoax to tell parents their children are going to be healthier. They're still going to be eating the nachos at lunch or the macaroni and cheese.
What this does is simply talk about the occasional beverage the child might consume in school. It is an insignificant fact to compare it to the fat and cholesterol that's conveyed on a daily basis at lunchtime. And so, I think it's just silly to say this is going to keep children from becoming obese or getting diabetes. And incidentally, on the liability issue, that was debated on the floor. I made an amendment that said the school boards would be protected, as they are in many cases under Title X and other requirements. The legislative history is clear. The Democrats who passed this supported -- defeated my amendment, and it is clear that school boards will be liable for lapses in enforcing these requirements.
COSTELLO: Well I'll say nothing is ever simple. So, the governor has yet to sign this. Of course, we'll be watching it. Thanks to Representative Christopher Murphy and Representative John Hetherington. Thanks for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
HETHERINGTON: Thank you, Carol.
MURPHY: Thanks, Carol.
COSTELLO: It is 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.
Human rights are the focus today when Amnesty International releases its annual report. It's a look at conditions in 149 countries.
Lionel Tate will be arraigned this morning after allegedly robbing a pizza delivery man at gunpoint. He's on probation for killing a young girl when he was just 12. The now 18-year-old Tate denies the robbery charge.
And remember the runaway bride? Do I even need to say that question? Well, the district attorney on Gwinnett County, Georgia, certainly remembers her. He's holding a news conference about four hours from now to talk about a possible grand jury investigation.
And Fleet Week gets started today in New York City. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are all part of the annual event, along with members of the international navies. And, boy, do they have one beautiful day for Fleet Week -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, yes. It's a whole week, though. So, yes, today is not so great. But I love seeing those guys out there in their dress whites and such. It is a good weekend, though, if you're going to be heading out there. It gets better from here.
Let me take a look now at the mug winner. Here is where we're doing now. The mug questions from yesterday, pretty good questions, although you had to pay attention a long time. We showed you a GPS system. And it goes on what part of your body? And the answer was your foot or your wrist. And your paycheck goes farthest in what U.S. city? And it goes far in New London, Connecticut.
And the winner, Buddy Brown from Tulsa, Oklahoma. And, by the way, Carol, Tulsa was ranked fifth on how far your paycheck goes. So, now, Buddy gets a free mug. Congratulations, Buddy Brown.
Now the questions for today. In what state was a baby born on the side of the interstate? And a Connecticut bill would require how much recess each day?
Go to CNN.com/daybreak, and fill out your answers. Just click on the little link, and fill out your answers and send them to us there -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right then. When we come back, more headlines and a look at your travel forecast. This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
The House passed two stem cell research bills that will now head to the Senate. One of the bills that changes limits on federal funding has got a veto threat from President Bush.
The Senate moves forward on two of President Bush's most controversial nominees today. First, a midday vote on stalled judicial nominee Priscilla Owen. Then senators take up John Bolton's nomination as United Nations ambassador.
General aviation will resume soon at Washington's Reagan National Airport. It was halted after 9/11. A plan to allow the return of charter flights, business jets and private planes will be announced today.
And U.S. forces are targeting insurgents in western Iraq this morning. About a thousand troops have launched Operation New Market around the city of Haditha. At least three insurgents have been killed, two Marines wounded.
And an explosion went off in Madrid, Spain, this morning. A car bomb hurt at least eight people. The Basque separatist group, ETA, allegedly made a warning call to a newspaper before the blast.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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Aired May 25, 2005 - 06:29 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Embryos or veto? That seems to be the bottom line in the debate over stem cell research. Last night, the House passed two bills, which now head to the Senate. President Bush promises to veto one of those bills.
For more on both sides of this issue, we're joined from Washington by our CNN national correspondent, Bob Franken.
Good morning -- Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Now, what we need to note here is that while there were 50 Republicans who joined the Democrats in voting for this, the majority margin was not a veto-proof majority. And, of course, the president is saying he's going to veto this legislation; the legislation being the one that has to do with federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. That's the one that the president so adamantly opposes, and that's the one that the very conservative base so adamantly opposes.
What's interesting, though, is that on this particular issue, we're noticing now that the president does not necessarily have an automatic win when it comes to dealing with Congress. There was a period of time here when it looked he was sort of steamrolling in Congress. And the danger to the president is, as a second-term president, he has to always worry that he becomes labeled a lame duck president and loses some of his omnipotence. Carol?
COSTELLO: Oh, Bob, I'm sorry. I thought a sound bite was going to pop up, but it did not.
The House of Representatives in passing this bill didn't pass it by a wide enough margin to override a veto by the president. So, is this issue something we should be talking so much about? Will the president definitely veto not only the embryonic stem cell research but the other bill as well?
FRANKEN: Well, the other bill we can count on his passing. That is a bill that is favored by the people who are in what they call the right-to-life movement. That is one that has to do with using discarded umbilical cords.
But critics say that it really has limited value to do that; that about the only success that there has been in that realm has been dealing with blood diseases, and that the embryonic stem cell is needed for the more expansive uses of it. Of course, on the other side, the people who oppose that say that you are taking life as a result.
So, it gets down to the fundamental arguments that accompany such issues as abortion and, of course, the Terri Schiavo issue. And this one is a little bit more complicated by the fact that many people who are conservative in the House of Representatives went to the other side, because they're so moved about the health plights of those who have already been born.
COSTELLO: Understand. Bob Franken live from Washington this morning.
Of course, the stem cell issue is a complicated one. Many of you have e-mailed us wondering what stem cell research is.
Hilda from Mississippi sent us an e-mail with a list of questions. Well, Hilda, we are answering them for you this morning.
First up, Hilda asks: "Where do stem cells come from?" There is more than one answer to that question, Hilda. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos, formed after five to six days. They can also come from embryos created through a process called therapeutic cloning. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, can come from several places, including from bone marrow and brain cells.
Question two, Hilda asks: "Do stem cells come from adults, children or babies?" The answer to that one, adult stem cells come from all three. But scientists agree that the younger the stem cell is the better.
Question three from Hilda: "Can stem cells be removed from a person while that person is still alive?" In fact, adult stem cells can only be taken from a live donor. As for embryonic stem cells, they're harvested from frozen embryos in a Petri dish or from cloned embryos.
Hilda's final question asks how embryonic stem cells are created. Embryonic stem cells are created in two different ways. South Korean researchers have just successfully cloned embryos from a single source. That's what we mean when we refer to therapeutic cloning. Other embryos are created through infertility treatments. Specimens that don't look right to doctors are set aside and frozen. And those can be used for research.
So, Hilda, we hope we helped you out, and we'd like to thank you for asking us those questions and our CNN medical unit producer, Merriam Falco (ph), for researching the answers.
For the rest of you out there, please send us your questions on any topic in our program. We would love to hear from you. Daybreak@cnn.com.
CNN's coverage of the stem cell debate continues on "AMERICAN MORNING." Bill Hemmer here with a preview now.
Good morning.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol. When is the quiz on that?
COSTELLO: It would be a tough one, wouldn't it?
HEMMER: Yes, you're like the professor this morning.
We will continue this discussion. One of the Republicans breaking ranks yesterday who backed the stem cell bill, Congressman Chris Shays is our guest today. Does he think this bill really has a chance at becoming law? We've heard the veto threats from the White House. We'll see where that debate goes today, Carol.
Also, Lionel Tate is back behind bars. He's accused of robbing a pizza delivery man. You might remember Tate at the age of 14, six years ago, the youngest person in this country to be sentenced to life in prison for the beating death of a 6-year-old girl. That sentence eventually was overturned. He's been in and out of trouble ever since. A psychiatrist assigned to the case says Tate did not get the help he needed. Did the system fail him? Or is Tate beyond help? We'll talk about that issue over the next three hours on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Carol -- see you at the top of the hour at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.
COSTELLO: All right, we'll be here. Thank you, Bill.
The latest out of Iraq this morning. U.S. forces are on the offensive. About a thousand troops have launched Operation New Market in the western city of Haditha, aimed at rooting out insurgents. Fierce gunfights broke out as Marines entered the town before dawn. The military says three insurgents were killed, two Marines wounded.
And it could be promising news for coalition forces in the fight for Iraq, if it's true. But U.S. officials are skeptical about new reports that Iraq's most-wanted militant, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, is wounded.
Joining is now from Baghdad is "TIME" magazine correspondent Bobby Ghosh.
Welcome, Bobby.
BOBBY GHOSH, "TIME" MAGAZINE: Hi, Carol.
COSTELLO: What are you hearing about Abu Musab al-Zarqawi?
GHOSH: Well, there was a message on a Web site that we know to be connected to his group that said that he was quite seriously injured, and calling on Muslims all over the world to pray for his recovery. American military sources have not been able to confirm that information, nor have Iraqi sources. But we are hearing from our sources close to the insurgency that this morning people are beginning in the insurgency to come around to think that that message might indeed be genuine and that their leader might indeed be quite seriously injured.
COSTELLO: But, you know, a couple of weeks ago, we heard that Zarqawi was in a hospital, but then nobody could confirm that either. Can you shed any light on that?
GHOSH: Yes. This would seem to be a follow-on of that. This would seem to confirm those reports. We heard that he was in a hospital in the western city of Ramadi; that he had been quite severely injured. He had lost a lot of blood. The hospital doctor told the media that he wanted the patient to remain in the hospital to receive blood transfusions, but the man who brought him to the hospital insisted that he just bandage him up and that they take him away.
The information we got yesterday from the Web site would seem to confirm that those injuries are actually more serious than previously thought.
COSTELLO: If he is injured this seriously, he might be easier to find, right?
GHOSH: Well, yes and no. It's still going to be a needle in a haystack. If he is seriously injured, he won't have the freedom of movement that is part of their modus operandi. But it depends on just how good their hiding places are at the moment. It's a very large country, and his group is known to have lots of hiding places up and down the country. He could literally be anywhere.
But it's conceivable that if the noose is tightened, he may not be able to slip away as easily as he did before.
COSTELLO: Of course, the military is quickly saying even if he is wounded, even if he dies, that will not stop the insurgency. What are you hearing?
GHOSH: That is absolutely correct. We are hearing from sources close to the insurgency that far from being disheartened by the news, in fact, many of the foot soldiers of the insurgency are actually inspired by what they perceive as the upcoming martyrdom of their leader. And, in fact, if he does die, he becomes a martyr in their eyes, and he becomes somebody whose example they should follow.
If he were to survive this, then they can play it in a different way. They can say this man is blessed by God, and that's he's been given another chance to go out and kill Americans.
COSTELLO: Bobby Ghosh from "TIME" magazine joining us live from Baghdad. Thanks so much.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, addressing a weight problem in our nation's schools, what one state wants to do to curb childhood obesity.
Plus, May sweeps ends today, giving a shot in the arm to one TV network.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:42 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
A controversial stem cell bill passes the House despite President Bush's veto threat. The vote was 238-194. The bill would boost federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
In money news, a first for the women's pro basketball league. Former TV executive Sheila Johnson has become the first WNBA African- American female owner. She is part of a group that's buying the Washington Mystics.
In culture, TV's May sweeps period ends tonight with CBS assured a victory in overall viewers among the broadcast networks. Season finales of "CSI" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" alone drew more than 63 million viewers combined.
In sports, a new crew chief will be in the pits Sunday for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s racing team. Earnhardt hasn't won a race so far this season, and Pete Rondo (ph) has been reassigned.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: That's the latest look at the headlines this morning.
We just can't stop talking about identity theft. That's because it just keeps on growing.
Soledad O'Brien joins us now with what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Good morning.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.
You're absolutely right. And as you can probably tell from the headlines lately, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. We've been telling you what you can do to protect yourself. But, really, the question might be: What should the government be doing? We're going to take a closer look at that this morning.
Then, we've got part three of our special series. It's called "Surviving Family Vacations." Today, we're focusing on theme parks. Did you know there are some 600 amusement parks in the U.S.? We have tips on how to find the right price -- the right park, rather, at the right price for your family.
It's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" in just a little bit.
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Soledad.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, parents are in an uproar, not over what their children are learning in school, but what they are eating there. One state legislator weighs in.
More news in a moment. But first, it's time to say happy birthday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Talk about a food fight. Lawmakers in New Jersey may ban sales of soda and junk food in elementary and middle schools. It's all to stop children from getting fat. The Senate is now reviewing a series of bills that have already passed the state assembly. The legislation is aimed at restricting the amount of sugar, fat and salt children consume, at least during the school day.
Ditto for Connecticut, except its junk food bill is already being debated -- and I mean hotly debated. At face value it sure sounds good. It requires elementary and middle schools to only offer water, milk and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. It allows high schools to sell sugar-free soft drinks or sports drinks. And it requires at least 20 minutes of recess per day.
And as I said, it sounds good. But, you know, nothing is simple, is it?
Joining us live from Connecticut is Representative Christopher Murphy, a Democrat from Hartford, and Representative John Hetherington, a Republican from New Canaan. He's on the phone with us this morning.
Welcome, gentlemen.
REP. CHRISTOPHER MURPHY (D), CONNECTICUT STATE HOUSE: Thank you very much.
REP. JOHN HETHERINGTON (R), CONNECTICUT STATE HOUSE: Good morning.
COSTELLO: Let's start with you, Representative Murphy. This does sound good. Why is it so good? Tell us.
MURPHY: Yes, it does. You know, Connecticut, we're proud to now have one of the strongest school nutrition policies in the nation. We've seen our childhood obesity rates double over the last 15 years. And we know that half of overweight children develop serious health complications later in life.
So, what we've said is simple. In schools, we're going to sell healthy drinks and healthy snacks. We're going to mandate a very reasonable minimum amount of recess, 20 minutes a day, for all elementary school students. And we're going to ask schools to adopt wellness policies for their students.
Now, we know no law can make children healthy. But for the families that are making smart choices at home, we want to make sure that the schools aren't counteracting that. We want to make sure that the schools are being partners with families in developing healthy children, who are counteracting this growing obesity problem.
COSTELLO: See, this sounds completely reasonable, but it was hotly debated for eight hours. So, Representative Hetherington, tell me why.
HETHERINGTON: Well, I think there are a couple of reasons. One it grabs power from local elected school boards, who are probably in the best position, being made up of parents and others in the community, to know what's best for the children. And although it takes the power away from local boards, it makes these good citizens liable, civilly liable for any mistakes that may be made, any Cokes or Pepsis that might be sold accidentally in the school.
COSTELLO: What do you mean by that "liable?" Wait a second. Liable...
HETHERINGTON: Liable civilly. In other words, if a local school board, which typically doesn't have day-to-day supervision -- they are volunteers who meet in the evening. But if somehow the regulations from the Department of Education as to what you can sell are not carefully observed, someone can several years down the road sue those local boards, because the child became obese.
COSTELLO: Now, that's an interesting twist, because I had never heard that before. Is that really true, Representative Murphy?
MURPHY: That's a new one to me. I've heard a lot of arguments of why we shouldn't do this, but liability isn't generally one of them. You know, we have hundreds of laws and regulations that tell school boards and local schools what to do. I guess they're liable if they don't follow any of those rules. This just would add to them. I think that it makes sense to send a message to our school boards that they need to get smart about nutrition.
The fact is there are some schools in Connecticut that have only had five minutes of recess a day. There are Coke machines and snack machines in our middle schools and our high schools at every turn sometimes.
Representative Hetherington is right. Some school districts have done the right thing. Unfortunately, some haven't. And that's why we've decided to have a uniform statewide policy on this issue.
COSTELLO: But I think that, Representative Hetherington, in talking to you earlier, what's served at lunchtime -- I mean, not from vending machines, not as snacks, but what's served as lunch is not so healthy either. And this new -- if it does become law, this would do nothing about that. Is that correct?
HETHERINGTON: Carol, that's right. That's absolutely right. And I think it's a cruel hoax to tell parents their children are going to be healthier. They're still going to be eating the nachos at lunch or the macaroni and cheese.
What this does is simply talk about the occasional beverage the child might consume in school. It is an insignificant fact to compare it to the fat and cholesterol that's conveyed on a daily basis at lunchtime. And so, I think it's just silly to say this is going to keep children from becoming obese or getting diabetes. And incidentally, on the liability issue, that was debated on the floor. I made an amendment that said the school boards would be protected, as they are in many cases under Title X and other requirements. The legislative history is clear. The Democrats who passed this supported -- defeated my amendment, and it is clear that school boards will be liable for lapses in enforcing these requirements.
COSTELLO: Well I'll say nothing is ever simple. So, the governor has yet to sign this. Of course, we'll be watching it. Thanks to Representative Christopher Murphy and Representative John Hetherington. Thanks for joining DAYBREAK this morning.
HETHERINGTON: Thank you, Carol.
MURPHY: Thanks, Carol.
COSTELLO: It is 6:53 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.
Human rights are the focus today when Amnesty International releases its annual report. It's a look at conditions in 149 countries.
Lionel Tate will be arraigned this morning after allegedly robbing a pizza delivery man at gunpoint. He's on probation for killing a young girl when he was just 12. The now 18-year-old Tate denies the robbery charge.
And remember the runaway bride? Do I even need to say that question? Well, the district attorney on Gwinnett County, Georgia, certainly remembers her. He's holding a news conference about four hours from now to talk about a possible grand jury investigation.
And Fleet Week gets started today in New York City. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are all part of the annual event, along with members of the international navies. And, boy, do they have one beautiful day for Fleet Week -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, yes. It's a whole week, though. So, yes, today is not so great. But I love seeing those guys out there in their dress whites and such. It is a good weekend, though, if you're going to be heading out there. It gets better from here.
Let me take a look now at the mug winner. Here is where we're doing now. The mug questions from yesterday, pretty good questions, although you had to pay attention a long time. We showed you a GPS system. And it goes on what part of your body? And the answer was your foot or your wrist. And your paycheck goes farthest in what U.S. city? And it goes far in New London, Connecticut.
And the winner, Buddy Brown from Tulsa, Oklahoma. And, by the way, Carol, Tulsa was ranked fifth on how far your paycheck goes. So, now, Buddy gets a free mug. Congratulations, Buddy Brown.
Now the questions for today. In what state was a baby born on the side of the interstate? And a Connecticut bill would require how much recess each day?
Go to CNN.com/daybreak, and fill out your answers. Just click on the little link, and fill out your answers and send them to us there -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right then. When we come back, more headlines and a look at your travel forecast. This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
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COSTELLO: "Now in the News."
The House passed two stem cell research bills that will now head to the Senate. One of the bills that changes limits on federal funding has got a veto threat from President Bush.
The Senate moves forward on two of President Bush's most controversial nominees today. First, a midday vote on stalled judicial nominee Priscilla Owen. Then senators take up John Bolton's nomination as United Nations ambassador.
General aviation will resume soon at Washington's Reagan National Airport. It was halted after 9/11. A plan to allow the return of charter flights, business jets and private planes will be announced today.
And U.S. forces are targeting insurgents in western Iraq this morning. About a thousand troops have launched Operation New Market around the city of Haditha. At least three insurgents have been killed, two Marines wounded.
And an explosion went off in Madrid, Spain, this morning. A car bomb hurt at least eight people. The Basque separatist group, ETA, allegedly made a warning call to a newspaper before the blast.
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COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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