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CNN Live At Daybreak
Nuclear Standoff; Missing Teen; Jackson Trial
Aired June 06, 2005 - 05:00 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: It is Monday, June 6. The search for Natalee Holloway enters its second week in Aruba. The mystery surrounding the Alabama teenager turns into a criminal case.
Plus, Michael Jackson has a lot on his mind these days, but he -- but it's his back that's been giving him trouble lately.
And hope floats. Thousands of people trying to keep a beloved naval site above water.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning, everyone. We will have more on the desperate search for that missing Alabama girl in a moment.
Also ahead, we'll take you to an amusement park. It's not that special, except it's in the heart of Baghdad.
And later, the man behind T-shirt Hell swears he was poisoned. Could his designs prove deadly? That story still ahead.
But first, "Now in the News," a terror suspect known as "The Doctor" is scheduled to have a bail hearing today in Florida. Dr. Rafiq Sabir is accused of aiding al Qaeda operatives. Federal investigators want Sabir moved to New York for trial.
Members of the 9/11 Commission want more information on the government's response to their recommendations. A private group set up by the commission will begin public hearings today. "The New York Times" reporting that members -- that members of the plan -- that members plan to ask the White House for access to records from several government agencies.
World War II veterans gathered in Normandy today to mark the 61st anniversary of D-Day. Several ceremonies are planned in towns around France to pay tribute to allied soldiers who died during the operation that led to the overthrow of Nazi Germany.
And five people were injured in Oklahoma as severe storms swept across the state. These are pictures of the funnel cloud near Marlo (ph), Oklahoma. The storm damaged homes, trees and power lines.
So, is it over, Chad?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, absolutely not, Carol. We've had not a very slight -- a very small severe weather season so far. A late start to it, but that just means that there's an awful lot of energy still in the atmosphere to move through.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Nuclear talks have stalled, North Korea is not budging, and tensions are growing. Now what? That's the big question surrounding Donald Rumsfeld, and the defense secretary has a cautious answer.
Rumsfeld's in Bangkok, Thailand, this morning, and so is CNN's Aneesh Raman.
Good morning, Aneesh.
ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning to you.
The secretary of defense arrived in Bangkok last night, alongside, as you say, pressing questions over the North Korea crisis. Essentially today he played tourist, visiting some of the best-known sites here in the capital city.
This morning, at the Grand Palace, I asked him about comments made by a senior defense official to CNN over the weekend that the U.S. is weeks away from deciding whether or not to bring North Korea to the United Nations. Here's what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: The president has stated what the policy is, the secretary of state has stated it, and I have stated it, and it's all exactly the same. So I think that the -- the stories that have been playing are just inaccurate and mischievous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RAMAN: Clearly, an irked secretary of defense, echoing what we heard from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that the government has not abandoned the six-party talks that, Carol, have now been stalled for almost a year.
Now, Rumsfeld came to Bangkok from Singapore, where over the weekend he was meeting with leaders from Asian-Pacific nations there. He called upon China to really do more to push these talks forward, and also avoid some of the harshest rhetoric we've heard yet from the administration over China's military buildup. Rumsfeld saying that the U.S. estimates now that China has the third largest military budget in the world after the U.S. and Russia. Rumsfeld openly questioning why they have that big of a buildup, who they feel is threatening them and their borders.
Now, from here, Rumsfeld, Carol, will head onward to Norway, and then to Brussels, where he'll meet with NATO leaders there. We're expecting some further headlines -- Carol. COSTELLO: Aneesh Raman, reporting live for us this morning. Thank you.
Back here in the United States, top lawmakers say the nuclear standoff with North Korea is something the world cannot afford to ignore, and they say pressure to get North Korea back to the negotiating table has come from several fronts.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: We certainly don't want to leave North Korea unattended given the fact that we believe they have nuclear -- a nuclear weapon and quite possibly the means of delivering it. I think the administration's call to go to the U.N. is something I would be -- leave up to them. The six-party talks have not produced the result that we desire yet, but we've got to keep the heat on the North Koreans.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHRISTOPHER DODD (D), CONNECTICUT: The key really is going to be China here. We've got to do a far better job of getting the Chinese to put the kind of pressure. They're the ones who are the suppliers to North Korea. Without China's support, North Korea couldn't survive more than several months. And I think if we can get the Chinese -- and there are several points on which we can urge them, it seems to me, to become more directly involved here -- then I think the situation is going to deteriorate.
And so we've now put some 15 stealth fighters in South Korea. We're ratcheting things up militarily.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: North Korea claims it has nuclear weapons, but analysts cannot confirm the extent of the secretive country's program.
Shifting gears now to the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Accusations persist that suspected terrorists held at Gitmo are being abused and denied rights. Joseph Biden, a leading Senate Democrat, is calling for an independent investigation. He says he wants the prison shut down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: I want a commission to make a recommendation so everybody is saying that it's not just me or others just, you know, espousing a point of view, there's a rationale for it. But the end of the -- the end result is I think we should end up shutting it down, moving those prisoners. Those that we have reason to keep, keep, and those we don't, let go. But the bottom line is, I think more Americans are in jeopardy as a consequence of the perception that exists worldwide with this existence than if there were no Gitmo. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Some senators are calling for congressional hearings to look into allegations U.S. troops have been abusing prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. In another development, the head of Amnesty International USA says he doesn't know for sure that the U.S. military is running a gulag at Guantanamo. But he says there are some similarities between what goes on at U.S. detention centers and those run in the former Soviet Union.
And Chad...
MYERS: And Carol -- Carol, that brings us to the DAYBREAK "Question of the Day." We always want to know what you think. You, out there in TV land, should Gitmo be closed? Should they just start making better cigars down there?
What? What? What do you think?
Why do we need Gitmo? What are we doing it for? What's -- what's your reasoning?
COSTELLO: Well, let's look at it from the other side, shall we?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Because according to the U.S. military, these hundreds of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are the most dangerous in the world. And if they're let out, they could return to their terrorist activities.
Some they have released have already done that. Some have not.
MYERS: And do we want them somewhere else? Do we want to move them somewhere else closer to the U.S.?
COSTELLO: Or do we want to hold them forever and ever with no charges leveled against them and no hearings?
MYERS: Oh, that's a tough one. That's a different question altogether.
COSTELLO: Well, should Gitmo be closed?
MYERS: There you go.
COSTELLO: Let us know what you think, DAYBREAK@CNN.com. That's DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
It has now been a week since an Alabama teenager disappeared during a vacation in Aruba. Police have made two arrests but seem to be no closer to finding the girl.
CNN's Karl Penhaul is in Aruba. He brings us up to date.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We pray, Heavenly Father, that she will be able to be reunited with her family very, very soon.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): More than a lighthouse, it's their beacon of hope.
(SINGING)
PENHAUL: More than a hymn, it's their song of faith, faith through the agony that Natalee Holloway will return. It's been a week now since the 18-year old went missing. Just like the well-wishers at this vigil, the authorities are holding out hope.
KARIN JANSSEN, ARUBA ATTORNEY GENERAL: An investigation has two goals. First, to get her alive and bring her back to her mother and family. And the second is to do an investigation in the case that something terrible happens.
PENHAUL: The day began with raids on two homes on the eastern side of the island. Aruban journalist Dilma Adams was there.
DILMA ARENDS, JOURNALIST: We didn't hear any screaming, any shouting. It was very, very calm. Again, the police surrounded a house. After a while, we saw some agents come in with -- with gloves, and started searching around the house.
PENHAUL: Three cars and bags of items were confiscated, but no sign of the young American.
JANSSEN: Didn't find clothing or belongings of her.
PENHAUL: The prosecutor said the men have been charged with crimes related to Natalee's disappearance, but gave no more specifics. They're being interrogated.
After the arrests, Dutch Marines began combing Black Mangrove Beach on Aruba's wind-swept eastern tip. Police say a blood-stained mattress was discovered, but FBI tests ruled out any link to Natalee. It was not human blood.
(on camera): Sunday's arrests don't signal any letup in the search operation. Aruban authorities are calling in more expert help.
JANSSEN: We have asked at the FBI for a specialized diving team.
PENHAUL: The sun sets on another day with no fresh news of Natalee, yet old and young still cling tight to their flowers and their faith that the missing will be found.
Karl Penhaul, CNN, Aruba.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: The family has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Natalee's whereabouts. Back home, in Alabama, friends and fellow students gathered to pray for the missing teen. They've been there every day since they came home from Aruba without their classmate. Natalee's aunt told Rick Sanchez that the disappearance could not have been the girl's choice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I have to ask you this question.
MARCIA TWITTY, NATALEE'S AUNT: Yes?
SANCHEZ: Is there anything about Natalee that would make her want to in any way go away, run away?
TWITTY: No. No.
SANCHEZ: Disappear?
TWITTY: No.
SANCHEZ: Nothing?
TWITTY: No. There is nothing about Natalee where, on her own free will, that she's going to say, "I'm not going" -- no. Her own free will, Natalee is not -- would not do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The family has also asked their community to remember the missing girl with yellow ribbons and, of course, more prayers.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, thousands of people try to keep their shipyard afloat, but will their hopes end up sinking?
Also, it's not a country fair. It's Baghdad. Some Iraqis are saying no to fear and yes to fun.
And Coldplay gets some hot buzz, but it's happening a bit earlier than their record label wanted.
First, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning, June 6.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: To our market report now. The international markets mixed this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes down 29 points. Britain's FTSE up three. The German DAX is up just over 10 points.
Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:15 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Police in Aruba have charged two hotel security guards in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager, but they won't say what the charges are. Natalee Holloway vanished a week ago while on a high school graduation trip. Lawmakers have been bickering over her for three years. This afternoon, the full Senate finally starts debating President Bush's federal court nominee, Janice Rogers Brown. Democrats and Republicans struck a deal to get some of the more controversial nominations moving.
In money news, animation overtook special effects at the box office over the weekend. "Madagascar" was tops for the weekend, with nearly $29 million. "Star Wars Episode III" fell to third among moviegoers, but it still topped the $300 million mark in the United States.
In culture, the Monty Python-inspired "Spamalot" won three Tony awards, including best Broadway musical. But it was the show "Doubt" that captured best play among its four awards.
In sports, 19-year-old Rafael Nadal was crowned king of the clay after his four-set victory in the final of the French Open. The Spaniard becomes the youngest Grand Slam champion since Michael Chang won the French at age 17 back in '89.
He had a cool outfit on, too, didn't he, Chad?
MYERS: He kind of did. I like his little jump up in the air, too. That was kind of cute.
Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.
Pop singer Michael Jackson is back at his Neverland ranch after being treated at a hospital yet again for a recurring back problem. Jackson left the hospital quietly, out of the media spotlight.
In the meantime, a jury is set to resume deliberations today in Jackson's child molestation trial. We get more now from CNN's Chris Lawrence.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The evidence is in, the arguments made, and the next time Michael Jackson sees the jury, it may be to hear their verdict.
RAYMONE BAIN, JACKSON SPOKESWOMAN: This is the hardest part now, the waiting game.
LAWRENCE: Jurors deliberated for two hours Friday. Sources tell CNN they chose a foreperson before going home. Their challenge, to sort through three months of testimony from more than 140 witnesses, including celebrities, like comedians Jay Leno and Chris Tucker, and actor Macauley Culkin. In his closing arguments, defense attorney Tom Mesereau described the accuser and his family as "con artists" and "liars." Jackson never took the stand, but he spoke to the jury through videotaped interviews. Mesereau replayed outtakes where Jackson explains that he used his adult life to relive a childhood he never had.
JIM MORET, LEGAL ANALYST: Michael Jackson sees things differently, but sharing a bed with children, as he's admitted to doing, does not make him a pedophile.
LAWRENCE: But some legal analysts say that tape could backfire.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, LEGAL ANALYST: Are we supposed to believe Michael Jackson is non-sexual given all that pornography?
LAWRENCE: During the trial, prosecutors produced adult magazines taken from Jackson's home. And the last thing the jury heard was prosecutor Ron Zonen, who replayed another tape in which the accuser tells police Jackson masturbated him.
Jackson has always maintained his innocence. And the final decision comes down to 12 men and women who must try to unanimously agree on all the charges.
Chris Lawrence, CNN, Santa Maria.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come this morning, the king of offensive T- shirts abdicates his throne. You might be surprised by his reason and some people's reaction to his change of heart.
And here's a fish story that needs no lie to hook you. The one that didn't get away when we get back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: We want to -- I don't think I can solicit this e-mail question with that playing, but I'm going to try. Should Gitmo be closed? E-mail us at DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
Senator Joe Biden says it should be closed, wants to know what's going on there. Some are calling for congressional hearings. So, should Gitmo be closed? We want to know what you think this morning -- DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Opener" now.
Now, here's a fish that makes that 124-pound catfish look like a mere guppy. This blue marlin was caught off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. It weighs in -- are you ready for this -- it weighs in at 881 pounds.
The catch broke the old South Carolina record by 129 pounds. It took 10 men to carry the nearly 11-foot-long fish.
MYERS: It would have taken one of them to release it.
COSTELLO: That's true. Can you imagine reeling that thing in?
MYERS: Yes, and then tagging it, and then letting it go so someone else could catch it.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Oh well.
COSTELLO: But somebody's going to mount that fish.
MYERS: Probably.
COSTELLO: Unless they're going to eat it. I don't know.
MYERS: They could.
COSTELLO: In Japan, they're learning the best recipes for whale meat, speaking of eating. Cooking class was held by a pro-whaling group that wants the International Whaling Commission to allow commercial whale hunting.
MYERS: I think that's tuna.
COSTELLO: It doesn't look very good, does it? Students in the class learned how to boil and fry the meat, but it still ended up being tough and chewy.
MYERS: Because that was the "Iron Chef."
COSTELLO: Oh, that's bad.
MYERS: Ooh.
COSTELLO: Illegal whale hunting actually could land you in prison. But if you're in a Russian prison, it could mean the start of a modeling career. All of these clothes designed by prisoners, Chad. We're not sure if prison life is responsible for the line of men's skirts.
MYERS: Don't even go there, Carol.
COSTELLO: No, I'm not.
MYERS: Keep moving.
COSTELLO: I'm not.
Here's what's all new in the next half-hour of DAYBREAK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AARON SCHWARZ, T-SHIRT HELL: For a moment where I thought I was going to die, I thought, "What's the one thing that I'm doing wrong in my life that could be considered wrong?" And it was the T-shirts. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Trying to get the offensive message off his chest. It's a big problem for Aaron Schwarz. How losing your shirt is a good thing.
Plus, the reopening of an old amusement park isn't much, but it's almost everything when you're a kid growing up in Iraq. Life and fun in a ravaged war zone when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning, everyone. Thank you for waking up with us. Welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, whatever happened to "I'm with stupid"? T-shirts have come a long way since then, and some people don't like where they're headed.
And ferris wheels, roller coasters and picnics just a typical day in Baghdad? We'll show you a part of the town you probably have not seen before.
But first, "Now in the News," diplomacy, not force. Donald Rumsfeld says the U.S. is still committed to multinational talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear standoff. That's despite speculation that Washington might urge the U.N. to step in. Rumsfeld is visiting Thailand this morning.
It's been a week since an Alabama teenager vanished on a trip to Aruba, and there is still no sign of her. Police have now charged two men in the 18-year-old's disappearance. No word yet on what those charges are.
Trees and power lines down across Michigan this morning after a thunderstorm swept the state last night. More than 160,000 customers lost power. And authorities are warning people about the danger posed by the downed lines.
More on the weather from Chad this morning.
Good morning.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
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Aired June 6, 2005 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It is Monday, June 6. The search for Natalee Holloway enters its second week in Aruba. The mystery surrounding the Alabama teenager turns into a criminal case.
Plus, Michael Jackson has a lot on his mind these days, but he -- but it's his back that's been giving him trouble lately.
And hope floats. Thousands of people trying to keep a beloved naval site above water.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning, everyone. We will have more on the desperate search for that missing Alabama girl in a moment.
Also ahead, we'll take you to an amusement park. It's not that special, except it's in the heart of Baghdad.
And later, the man behind T-shirt Hell swears he was poisoned. Could his designs prove deadly? That story still ahead.
But first, "Now in the News," a terror suspect known as "The Doctor" is scheduled to have a bail hearing today in Florida. Dr. Rafiq Sabir is accused of aiding al Qaeda operatives. Federal investigators want Sabir moved to New York for trial.
Members of the 9/11 Commission want more information on the government's response to their recommendations. A private group set up by the commission will begin public hearings today. "The New York Times" reporting that members -- that members of the plan -- that members plan to ask the White House for access to records from several government agencies.
World War II veterans gathered in Normandy today to mark the 61st anniversary of D-Day. Several ceremonies are planned in towns around France to pay tribute to allied soldiers who died during the operation that led to the overthrow of Nazi Germany.
And five people were injured in Oklahoma as severe storms swept across the state. These are pictures of the funnel cloud near Marlo (ph), Oklahoma. The storm damaged homes, trees and power lines.
So, is it over, Chad?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, absolutely not, Carol. We've had not a very slight -- a very small severe weather season so far. A late start to it, but that just means that there's an awful lot of energy still in the atmosphere to move through.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Nuclear talks have stalled, North Korea is not budging, and tensions are growing. Now what? That's the big question surrounding Donald Rumsfeld, and the defense secretary has a cautious answer.
Rumsfeld's in Bangkok, Thailand, this morning, and so is CNN's Aneesh Raman.
Good morning, Aneesh.
ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning to you.
The secretary of defense arrived in Bangkok last night, alongside, as you say, pressing questions over the North Korea crisis. Essentially today he played tourist, visiting some of the best-known sites here in the capital city.
This morning, at the Grand Palace, I asked him about comments made by a senior defense official to CNN over the weekend that the U.S. is weeks away from deciding whether or not to bring North Korea to the United Nations. Here's what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: The president has stated what the policy is, the secretary of state has stated it, and I have stated it, and it's all exactly the same. So I think that the -- the stories that have been playing are just inaccurate and mischievous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RAMAN: Clearly, an irked secretary of defense, echoing what we heard from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that the government has not abandoned the six-party talks that, Carol, have now been stalled for almost a year.
Now, Rumsfeld came to Bangkok from Singapore, where over the weekend he was meeting with leaders from Asian-Pacific nations there. He called upon China to really do more to push these talks forward, and also avoid some of the harshest rhetoric we've heard yet from the administration over China's military buildup. Rumsfeld saying that the U.S. estimates now that China has the third largest military budget in the world after the U.S. and Russia. Rumsfeld openly questioning why they have that big of a buildup, who they feel is threatening them and their borders.
Now, from here, Rumsfeld, Carol, will head onward to Norway, and then to Brussels, where he'll meet with NATO leaders there. We're expecting some further headlines -- Carol. COSTELLO: Aneesh Raman, reporting live for us this morning. Thank you.
Back here in the United States, top lawmakers say the nuclear standoff with North Korea is something the world cannot afford to ignore, and they say pressure to get North Korea back to the negotiating table has come from several fronts.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: We certainly don't want to leave North Korea unattended given the fact that we believe they have nuclear -- a nuclear weapon and quite possibly the means of delivering it. I think the administration's call to go to the U.N. is something I would be -- leave up to them. The six-party talks have not produced the result that we desire yet, but we've got to keep the heat on the North Koreans.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHRISTOPHER DODD (D), CONNECTICUT: The key really is going to be China here. We've got to do a far better job of getting the Chinese to put the kind of pressure. They're the ones who are the suppliers to North Korea. Without China's support, North Korea couldn't survive more than several months. And I think if we can get the Chinese -- and there are several points on which we can urge them, it seems to me, to become more directly involved here -- then I think the situation is going to deteriorate.
And so we've now put some 15 stealth fighters in South Korea. We're ratcheting things up militarily.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: North Korea claims it has nuclear weapons, but analysts cannot confirm the extent of the secretive country's program.
Shifting gears now to the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Accusations persist that suspected terrorists held at Gitmo are being abused and denied rights. Joseph Biden, a leading Senate Democrat, is calling for an independent investigation. He says he wants the prison shut down.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: I want a commission to make a recommendation so everybody is saying that it's not just me or others just, you know, espousing a point of view, there's a rationale for it. But the end of the -- the end result is I think we should end up shutting it down, moving those prisoners. Those that we have reason to keep, keep, and those we don't, let go. But the bottom line is, I think more Americans are in jeopardy as a consequence of the perception that exists worldwide with this existence than if there were no Gitmo. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Some senators are calling for congressional hearings to look into allegations U.S. troops have been abusing prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. In another development, the head of Amnesty International USA says he doesn't know for sure that the U.S. military is running a gulag at Guantanamo. But he says there are some similarities between what goes on at U.S. detention centers and those run in the former Soviet Union.
And Chad...
MYERS: And Carol -- Carol, that brings us to the DAYBREAK "Question of the Day." We always want to know what you think. You, out there in TV land, should Gitmo be closed? Should they just start making better cigars down there?
What? What? What do you think?
Why do we need Gitmo? What are we doing it for? What's -- what's your reasoning?
COSTELLO: Well, let's look at it from the other side, shall we?
MYERS: Yes.
COSTELLO: Because according to the U.S. military, these hundreds of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are the most dangerous in the world. And if they're let out, they could return to their terrorist activities.
Some they have released have already done that. Some have not.
MYERS: And do we want them somewhere else? Do we want to move them somewhere else closer to the U.S.?
COSTELLO: Or do we want to hold them forever and ever with no charges leveled against them and no hearings?
MYERS: Oh, that's a tough one. That's a different question altogether.
COSTELLO: Well, should Gitmo be closed?
MYERS: There you go.
COSTELLO: Let us know what you think, DAYBREAK@CNN.com. That's DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
It has now been a week since an Alabama teenager disappeared during a vacation in Aruba. Police have made two arrests but seem to be no closer to finding the girl.
CNN's Karl Penhaul is in Aruba. He brings us up to date.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We pray, Heavenly Father, that she will be able to be reunited with her family very, very soon.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): More than a lighthouse, it's their beacon of hope.
(SINGING)
PENHAUL: More than a hymn, it's their song of faith, faith through the agony that Natalee Holloway will return. It's been a week now since the 18-year old went missing. Just like the well-wishers at this vigil, the authorities are holding out hope.
KARIN JANSSEN, ARUBA ATTORNEY GENERAL: An investigation has two goals. First, to get her alive and bring her back to her mother and family. And the second is to do an investigation in the case that something terrible happens.
PENHAUL: The day began with raids on two homes on the eastern side of the island. Aruban journalist Dilma Adams was there.
DILMA ARENDS, JOURNALIST: We didn't hear any screaming, any shouting. It was very, very calm. Again, the police surrounded a house. After a while, we saw some agents come in with -- with gloves, and started searching around the house.
PENHAUL: Three cars and bags of items were confiscated, but no sign of the young American.
JANSSEN: Didn't find clothing or belongings of her.
PENHAUL: The prosecutor said the men have been charged with crimes related to Natalee's disappearance, but gave no more specifics. They're being interrogated.
After the arrests, Dutch Marines began combing Black Mangrove Beach on Aruba's wind-swept eastern tip. Police say a blood-stained mattress was discovered, but FBI tests ruled out any link to Natalee. It was not human blood.
(on camera): Sunday's arrests don't signal any letup in the search operation. Aruban authorities are calling in more expert help.
JANSSEN: We have asked at the FBI for a specialized diving team.
PENHAUL: The sun sets on another day with no fresh news of Natalee, yet old and young still cling tight to their flowers and their faith that the missing will be found.
Karl Penhaul, CNN, Aruba.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: The family has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Natalee's whereabouts. Back home, in Alabama, friends and fellow students gathered to pray for the missing teen. They've been there every day since they came home from Aruba without their classmate. Natalee's aunt told Rick Sanchez that the disappearance could not have been the girl's choice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I have to ask you this question.
MARCIA TWITTY, NATALEE'S AUNT: Yes?
SANCHEZ: Is there anything about Natalee that would make her want to in any way go away, run away?
TWITTY: No. No.
SANCHEZ: Disappear?
TWITTY: No.
SANCHEZ: Nothing?
TWITTY: No. There is nothing about Natalee where, on her own free will, that she's going to say, "I'm not going" -- no. Her own free will, Natalee is not -- would not do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The family has also asked their community to remember the missing girl with yellow ribbons and, of course, more prayers.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, thousands of people try to keep their shipyard afloat, but will their hopes end up sinking?
Also, it's not a country fair. It's Baghdad. Some Iraqis are saying no to fear and yes to fun.
And Coldplay gets some hot buzz, but it's happening a bit earlier than their record label wanted.
First, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning, June 6.
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COSTELLO: To our market report now. The international markets mixed this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes down 29 points. Britain's FTSE up three. The German DAX is up just over 10 points.
Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:15 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Police in Aruba have charged two hotel security guards in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager, but they won't say what the charges are. Natalee Holloway vanished a week ago while on a high school graduation trip. Lawmakers have been bickering over her for three years. This afternoon, the full Senate finally starts debating President Bush's federal court nominee, Janice Rogers Brown. Democrats and Republicans struck a deal to get some of the more controversial nominations moving.
In money news, animation overtook special effects at the box office over the weekend. "Madagascar" was tops for the weekend, with nearly $29 million. "Star Wars Episode III" fell to third among moviegoers, but it still topped the $300 million mark in the United States.
In culture, the Monty Python-inspired "Spamalot" won three Tony awards, including best Broadway musical. But it was the show "Doubt" that captured best play among its four awards.
In sports, 19-year-old Rafael Nadal was crowned king of the clay after his four-set victory in the final of the French Open. The Spaniard becomes the youngest Grand Slam champion since Michael Chang won the French at age 17 back in '89.
He had a cool outfit on, too, didn't he, Chad?
MYERS: He kind of did. I like his little jump up in the air, too. That was kind of cute.
Good morning, Carol.
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COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad. That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.
Pop singer Michael Jackson is back at his Neverland ranch after being treated at a hospital yet again for a recurring back problem. Jackson left the hospital quietly, out of the media spotlight.
In the meantime, a jury is set to resume deliberations today in Jackson's child molestation trial. We get more now from CNN's Chris Lawrence.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The evidence is in, the arguments made, and the next time Michael Jackson sees the jury, it may be to hear their verdict.
RAYMONE BAIN, JACKSON SPOKESWOMAN: This is the hardest part now, the waiting game.
LAWRENCE: Jurors deliberated for two hours Friday. Sources tell CNN they chose a foreperson before going home. Their challenge, to sort through three months of testimony from more than 140 witnesses, including celebrities, like comedians Jay Leno and Chris Tucker, and actor Macauley Culkin. In his closing arguments, defense attorney Tom Mesereau described the accuser and his family as "con artists" and "liars." Jackson never took the stand, but he spoke to the jury through videotaped interviews. Mesereau replayed outtakes where Jackson explains that he used his adult life to relive a childhood he never had.
JIM MORET, LEGAL ANALYST: Michael Jackson sees things differently, but sharing a bed with children, as he's admitted to doing, does not make him a pedophile.
LAWRENCE: But some legal analysts say that tape could backfire.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, LEGAL ANALYST: Are we supposed to believe Michael Jackson is non-sexual given all that pornography?
LAWRENCE: During the trial, prosecutors produced adult magazines taken from Jackson's home. And the last thing the jury heard was prosecutor Ron Zonen, who replayed another tape in which the accuser tells police Jackson masturbated him.
Jackson has always maintained his innocence. And the final decision comes down to 12 men and women who must try to unanimously agree on all the charges.
Chris Lawrence, CNN, Santa Maria.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come this morning, the king of offensive T- shirts abdicates his throne. You might be surprised by his reason and some people's reaction to his change of heart.
And here's a fish story that needs no lie to hook you. The one that didn't get away when we get back.
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COSTELLO: We want to -- I don't think I can solicit this e-mail question with that playing, but I'm going to try. Should Gitmo be closed? E-mail us at DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
Senator Joe Biden says it should be closed, wants to know what's going on there. Some are calling for congressional hearings. So, should Gitmo be closed? We want to know what you think this morning -- DAYBREAK@CNN.com.
Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Opener" now.
Now, here's a fish that makes that 124-pound catfish look like a mere guppy. This blue marlin was caught off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. It weighs in -- are you ready for this -- it weighs in at 881 pounds.
The catch broke the old South Carolina record by 129 pounds. It took 10 men to carry the nearly 11-foot-long fish.
MYERS: It would have taken one of them to release it.
COSTELLO: That's true. Can you imagine reeling that thing in?
MYERS: Yes, and then tagging it, and then letting it go so someone else could catch it.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Oh well.
COSTELLO: But somebody's going to mount that fish.
MYERS: Probably.
COSTELLO: Unless they're going to eat it. I don't know.
MYERS: They could.
COSTELLO: In Japan, they're learning the best recipes for whale meat, speaking of eating. Cooking class was held by a pro-whaling group that wants the International Whaling Commission to allow commercial whale hunting.
MYERS: I think that's tuna.
COSTELLO: It doesn't look very good, does it? Students in the class learned how to boil and fry the meat, but it still ended up being tough and chewy.
MYERS: Because that was the "Iron Chef."
COSTELLO: Oh, that's bad.
MYERS: Ooh.
COSTELLO: Illegal whale hunting actually could land you in prison. But if you're in a Russian prison, it could mean the start of a modeling career. All of these clothes designed by prisoners, Chad. We're not sure if prison life is responsible for the line of men's skirts.
MYERS: Don't even go there, Carol.
COSTELLO: No, I'm not.
MYERS: Keep moving.
COSTELLO: I'm not.
Here's what's all new in the next half-hour of DAYBREAK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AARON SCHWARZ, T-SHIRT HELL: For a moment where I thought I was going to die, I thought, "What's the one thing that I'm doing wrong in my life that could be considered wrong?" And it was the T-shirts. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Trying to get the offensive message off his chest. It's a big problem for Aaron Schwarz. How losing your shirt is a good thing.
Plus, the reopening of an old amusement park isn't much, but it's almost everything when you're a kid growing up in Iraq. Life and fun in a ravaged war zone when we come back.
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ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning, everyone. Thank you for waking up with us. Welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, whatever happened to "I'm with stupid"? T-shirts have come a long way since then, and some people don't like where they're headed.
And ferris wheels, roller coasters and picnics just a typical day in Baghdad? We'll show you a part of the town you probably have not seen before.
But first, "Now in the News," diplomacy, not force. Donald Rumsfeld says the U.S. is still committed to multinational talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear standoff. That's despite speculation that Washington might urge the U.N. to step in. Rumsfeld is visiting Thailand this morning.
It's been a week since an Alabama teenager vanished on a trip to Aruba, and there is still no sign of her. Police have now charged two men in the 18-year-old's disappearance. No word yet on what those charges are.
Trees and power lines down across Michigan this morning after a thunderstorm swept the state last night. More than 160,000 customers lost power. And authorities are warning people about the danger posed by the downed lines.
More on the weather from Chad this morning.
Good morning.
MYERS: Good morning, Carol.
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