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CNN Live At Daybreak

Found Alive; Caring Concerts

Aired July 04, 2005 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone, thanks for waking up with us. I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello, and welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
"Now in the News."

Another first for NASA, its space probe has successfully slammed into a comet some 83 million miles from Earth. You are looking at images of that collision that happened a little more than three hours ago. No other space mission has hit a comet. Scientists hope it will reveal secrets of the solar system.

It's another adventure for millionaire Steve Fossett. Fossett and co-pilot, Mark Rebholz, landed their biplane at a golf course in Ireland. They were recreating the first Atlantic crossing in 1919 by two British pilots. Don't be confused though, Charles Lindbergh's flight was the first solo crossing.

And in Atlanta this morning, runners are lined up for the Peachtree Road Race. Always a big event on this July 4 holiday. The wheelchair division rolls out at 7:00 a.m. Eastern. Half an hour later, the other runners start pounding the pavement for the six-plus mile race.

With Chad Myers in Atlanta, Chad, what kind of weather are they going to have today?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It's a little muggy out there this morning.

WALLACE: OK.

MYERS: But the rain came through yesterday. No real rain on the radar right now, so that's good.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Kelly, back to you.

WALLACE: All right, Chad, we'll check in with you again in about 15 minutes.

MYERS: Very good.

WALLACE: Thanks so much.

MYERS: OK. WALLACE: Turning now to a dramatic story that unfolded over the weekend about those two children missing in Idaho. Eight-year-old Shasta Groene has been found alive. And with that, authorities have turned their attention to finding her brother, Dylan. But officials in Idaho fear he's dead. The two disappeared six weeks ago. Shasta was found at an Idaho restaurant over the weekend with a convicted sex offender.

CNN's Carol Lin brings us up to date.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CAROL LIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Something didn't seem right to the patrons and employees at the Denny's Restaurant in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, a young girl coming in to eat with a man well after midnight. Employees thought they recognized the missing 8-year- old Shasta Groene, a girl who lives just 10 miles away but has been missing for six weeks.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew it was her. And at that point I was -- me and the other cook, Brian (ph), -- Brian and I, we had the back door covered and we were ready for him to make his move on his way out.

LIN: They called police, who apprehended Joseph Edward Duncan without incident. He's a 42-year-old registered sex offender with a lengthy criminal record. While they were glad to find Shasta alive and in seemingly good condition, they are turning their efforts now to finding her brother, Dylan, who has also been missing since May 16.

CAPT. BEN WOLFINGER, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: Well our initial information is that he may be deceased.

LIN: The children's mother and brother, along with their mother's boyfriend, were found beaten to death in the family's home six weeks ago. Police found no sign of Shasta or Dylan at the bloody murder scene so authorities began searching for the kids and the killer.

WOLFINGER: Joseph Edward Duncan III is versed in custody. Right now he's charged with kidnapping, as well as 12 warrants, out-of-state warrants, fugitive from justice warrants. Other charges are possibly pending, depending on how this investigation goes.

LIN: Shasta is receiving medical care and she's talking to investigators. But while questions remain about the fate of her brother, Dylan, people who live in the small community, Coeur D'Alene, couldn't help but reach out to this little girl who has obviously been through so much.

TAMMY YOUNG, COEUR D'ALENE RESIDENT: I had just randomly bought this little girl's blanket a few days ago at a really neat little store in Coeur D'Alene. And it's the softest blanket around. And I just had it on my bed, laying there, and saw the news and I went this is probably for her. This is probably why I bought this blanket. And I was just really touched by it that they found her. So I wanted her to have something of her own to wrap in, you know, something fresh and new.

LIN: Carol Lin, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: Well it has been a bittersweet reunion for Shasta Groene's father. On the one hand, he is relieved to have his daughter back, but the agony and uncertainty continue over his son.

Steve Groene talked a little bit about how his daughter is doing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE GROENE, SHASTA'S FATHER: Thank you all very much. My whole family appreciates your help and the community's help.

QUESTION: How is Shasta doing?

GROENE: She's doing very good. Thank you.

QUESTION: Is she going to be getting out of the hospital soon?

GROENE: I'm not sure of that yet, they haven't told me.

QUESTION: Her spirits are pretty good?

GROENE: She is. And I'm going back there to be with her right now.

QUESTION: How's the family holding up?

GROENE: They're doing a lot better now. Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And Joseph Duncan, the man charged with Shasta's kidnapping, will face a judge tomorrow.

Well Terry Nichols reportedly has been coming clean about his role in the Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols' mother tells The Associated Press her son has given the FBI additional details about the 1995 attack. That bombing destroyed the Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people. Nichols is serving life in prison on federal and state convictions. Nichols revealed he helped Timothy McVeigh obtain fertilizer and racing fuel and put the bomb together.

Nichols' mother, Joyce Wilt, tells The Associated Press her son has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism that makes it easy for him to be manipulated. She says -- quote -- "it just breaks my heart, because he was a good kid. He got out in the world and people started taking advantage of him."

McVeigh was convicted of conspiracy and murder and was executed four years ago.

News "Across America" now. Driver inattention is being blamed for a summer camp bus accident in Maine. Three children remained in the hospital overnight, but none of the injuries is considered life threatening. There were 37 campers and 10 counselors onboard. Investigators say the bus veered off the road and then rolled over after the driver overcompensated.

Police in New York City say 15-year-old Christopher Rose was killed for his iPod. Two other teenagers have been arrested and face murder charges. Rose was allegedly stabbed several times after he refused to hand over that iPod.

And the federal government wants some of its money back from hurricane victims. As much as $27 million in overpayments were made following the four hurricanes that hit Florida last year. In many cases, federal payments were made for items that were later covered by insurance policies.

Still to come today on DAYBREAK, they rocked the world, but did world leaders listen? A look back at Live 8 still to come.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday morning, July 4.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: Some live pictures of New York City on this July 4 Independence Day.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It's about 43 minutes after the hour, and here is what is all new this morning.

The three suspects in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway will appear in court today or tomorrow. The three were taken separately to a beach near where Holloway was staying before she disappeared five weeks ago. Police had them go over their account of the night she was last seen.

The Egyptian ambassador to Iraq was abducted on Saturday. An Egyptian Embassy source says the man was taken from this Jeep Cherokee near his Baghdad home. He had only arrived in Iraq last month.

In money, forget it, Wall Street, Nasdaq, the nation's financial markets, as well as banks and most government offices, are closed. They will reopen for business tomorrow.

In culture, a new Leonardo Da Vinci drawing has been discovered in London. National Gallery curators say they found it hidden beneath the surface of Da Vinci's drawing of "The Virgin of the Rocks."

In sports, Texas Rangers' pitcher Kenny Rogers has been selected for the All-Star Game less than a week after he had a now infamous run-in with a television cameraman. Rogers was fined and suspended 20 games by Major League Baseball, but he'll be allowed to play while that punishment is under appeal. The $50,000 All-Star bonus he received is the same amount as the fine he got for the cameraman incident. Sort of a twist of irony there, Chad, don't you think?

MYERS: There is something very, very wrong with this world, oh my.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Back to you.

WALLACE: And, Chad, you know you, of course, have been soliciting e-mail from our viewers, their message for the troops on this Independence Day. What's your message to the men and women serving in the military? We have some incredible e-mails.

Chad, what do you have there so far?

MYERS: We've got some really nice ones here.

From Kathleen (ph) in New Jersey, regarding your "Question of the Day," how about we ask them what we can do as Americans for them today, Independence Day? Thank you, CNN, for letting me ask that.

To the troops in Iraq, as a Canadian, I am proud to be humbled by your service in Iraq. What you're doing for Iraq makes me feel safer in this world on the other side of the Atlantic. You have my deepest respect and gratitude. I know other Canadians feel the same. That's from Carol (ph) in British Columbia.

Master Sergeant Davis (ph), U.S. Air Force, retired, keep the faith, stay the course. We are all proud of you.

And from Tom (ph) in Idaho, what you're doing allows us to live free and enjoy America. Without you, I fear we would have an increase in violence on our shores tearing at the very fabric that is America. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

From Edna (ph) in Mississippi, the men and women of Iraq -- the men and women serving in Iraq are the best of the best. I appreciate you and you inspire me to try to be a better person. Thank you for your time and for your talents.

And we have more to come in a little bit.

WALLACE: And, Chad, you know how we showed live pictures of the men and women at Camp Hope? Aneesh Raman doing that. And you see those live pictures right now.

Well get this, Chad, we received an e-mail from Lugina Ramos (ph). She said thank you for showing our guys at Camp Hope. My husband, Lt. Michael Ramos (ph), is there. We were able to see him today at the basketball game and in a live shot of the troops.

She writes, seeing him with our own eyes and knowing he is all right made our Independence Day. We were at his parent's house and it meant the world to them to be able to see their son. She goes on to say, we're grateful for the sacrifices he and all the other men are making. Our two children, Matthew (ph) and Ashley (ph), are very proud of their daddy.

So that's incredible, Chad, she was able to see her husband. His parents were able to see their son on this Independence Day.

MYERS: Isn't that great.

You can kind of see the wind there kicking up the flags and the visibility is not very good. Obviously a little dust storm going on there in Iraq. That happens a lot this time of year.

WALLACE: Exactly, but they're not letting it dampen their spirits.

MYERS: Not at all.

WALLACE: Basketball, some food and maybe some fireworks later.

All right, keep those e-mails coming. Chad will be going through them.

Still to come here on DAYBREAK, how will you be celebrating the Fourth of July? Chances are you'll be eating some potato salad. We'll explain after the break. Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SGT. 1ST CLASS DAVID OSBORNE, U.S. ARMY: Hi, I'm Sgt. 1st Class David Osborne.

SGT. TANYA OSBORNE, U.S. ARMY: And I'm Sgt. Tanya Osborne. My husband and I are stationed in Camp Striker Iraq, and we'd like to say hello to all our friends and family in Macon, Georgia.

D. OSBORNE: I'd also like to say hey to my daughters, Chelsea (ph) and Chastity (ph) Osborne in Macon. I wish them a happy Fourth of July and I love you.

T. OSBORNE: We'd also like to say thank you for your prayers and support from here at the 48th Brigade, and have a happy Fourth of July.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And happy Fourth of July to all of them and their families on this Independence Day.

Chad, all morning long you've been soliciting e-mail messages for the troops. What do you have there?

MYERS: I've got a nice one from Diane (ph) in Arkansas. I'm going to have to take a deep breath to read this one. I do not know you, I've never seen your face, but you risked your life for me in a far away place. You walk -- I walk freely through the streets of my town while you fight unseen enemies who try to put you down. May God always keep you in his sheltered arms and may you always know his love is safe from harm. God bless you. I keep you in my prayers. Diane from Arkansas.

And from Wendy (ph) in Houston, thank you for doing a job that I could never do and putting your lives on the line. You're doing the best for our country. Come home safe, please.

And from Judy (ph) in Mississippi, thank you for your tribute to our wonderful young patriots. My youngest son proudly serves in a very dangerous place in the Sunni Triangle. We cannot say enough about the sacrifices these young men and women make for the love of our country and with very little pay and minimum benefits. Thank you for your salute to these fine warriors, Judy.

WALLACE: It is incredible, Chad, people have just you know pouring out their hearts to people on this day.

You know here's one. I don't know if you read it, Mike Fisher (ph), Long Beach, California, a message to his son. He says happy Fourth of July, son. We, your extended family here in southern California and I, know your sisters and everyone in Tennessee miss you. But we're always proud of you and we'll be glad when your deployment is over by the end of the year. You have a special job as a combat medic and you have done all you can under the circumstances, as have your buddies. Be safe.

That from a father to his son in Iraq.

Keep those e-mails coming.

MYERS: Yes.

WALLACE: Keep them coming.

MYERS: And keep this attitude past the Fourth of July, you know. I'd like to read the same things on the 13th of July with just -- for no apparent reason, just because they're still there.

WALLACE: That's right, a key point, remembering that on every other day.

MYERS: Yes.

WALLACE: OK, Chad, we'll talk to you in a few more minutes.

We're going to switch gears a little bit, something a bit lighter about this Fourth of July holiday and that is what we're eating. A group that surveys our eating habits has come up with some statistics of this holiday.

Get this, it says we're 540 percent more likely to eat potato salad today than on an average day, 210 percent more likely to eat hot dogs, 167 percent more likely to eat pickles, 117 percent more likely to eat a hamburger or two.

And lest we forget, there is beer for some to wash all that down. The nation's Brewers Association reports we, or we should say some of us, will guzzle 40 percent more beer in July than during the average month. The Association says beer prices are averaging $1.09 for 16 ounces. That's up a little more than 4 percent from last July.

Do you wonder how they come up with those numbers? I do as well.

Still to come in the next hour of DAYBREAK, just how much will you be eating today? Probably not as much as these folks. Eating as a profession. That story still ahead. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: Well actor and host Will Smith called it a "declaration of interdependence." Organizers hope that's the message fans took home from the Live 8 shows.

CNN's Alina Cho has more on the concerts and their cause. She reports from Philadelphia.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was billed "the greatest concert ever," a lineup that included Madonna, Destiny's Child and Stevie Wonder. A music extravaganza in nine cities around the world, seen and heard by billions worldwide.

ROB THOMAS, LIVE 8 PERFORMER: The difference is you know we have the Internet now. People all over the world can sit and watch these things simultaneously.

CHO: Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty performed solo in Philadelphia.

THOMAS: If you start showing people you know let me show you Alicia Keys and then let me show you how we can do this. And then let me show you Bono and then let me show you our plan. And then you know they're going to get the message whether they want it or not.

CHO: The event is called Live 8 to get the attention of G-8 leaders. They'll be meeting this week to talk about whether to forgive debt and increase foreign aid to Africa. The goal of Live 8 is to pressure these leaders to do everything they can to eliminate poverty on the world's poorest continent.

It is reminiscent of Live Aid. That concert 20 years ago raised more than $100 million for the same cause. But at Live 8, the concerts were free. Organizers say this time it was not about raising money but raising awareness.

KEITH URBAN, LIVE 8 PERFORMER: Being on this show is kind of bittersweet. It's fantastic that I get to be part of this, but it's sort of sad that it has to be happening again 20 years later.

CHO: Those who came to listen to the music say the message wasn't lost.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's the most powerful message you get through music. It's the international language. You can't beat it.

CHO (on camera): Organizers are now urging concert goers around the world to make the pilgrimage to Edinburgh, Scotland. On Wednesday, there will be a 10th and final Live 8 concert there, just as G-8 leaders get ready to open their summit.

Alina Cho, CNN, Philadelphia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: Thanks, Alina, for that report.

The next hour of DAYBREAK begins in just a few moments.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WALLACE: It is Monday, July 4, Independence Day 2005, a day to remember freedom. While we celebrate with hot dogs and fireworks, in Iraq, the holiday is marked with a special visit.

In Afghanistan, hope restored as a missing member of special ops is found.

And in Aruba, the investigation into a missing girl moves ahead with an unusual trip to the beach.

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