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CNN Live At Daybreak

Hurricane Emily Tears In; Saddam Charged; London Terror; Mary's Vision

Aired July 18, 2005 - 05:30   ET

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

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Well good morning, everyone. I'm Betty Nguyen, filling in today for Carol Costello. And welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, the charges have been filed and Saddam Hussein could stand trial in September. We go live to Baghdad for the latest on the Iraqi special tribunal that wants to see Saddam in court.

And it takes a lot of work and a little magic to bring a wizard to life. We will meet the muscle who draws Harry Potter.

But first, "Now in the News."

We are following some breaking news in the London terror bombings probe. CNN has learned that authorities have linked three of the four suspected bombers to Pakistan. They traveled to Pakistan last year and there are rumors the three might have attended radical Islamic schools while in the country, but that has not been confirmed just yet. We will stay on top of this story.

Well today is sentencing day for Eric Rudolph. A federal judge will sentence him to the first of four life terms. Now he confessed to the 1996 Olympic Park bombings in Atlanta and the 1998 bombing of a clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. The nurse severely injured in the Birmingham bombing will speak at today's sentencing.

Former British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath has died. He died on Sunday. Now Heath was the son of a carpenter. He was prime minister from 1970 through 1974 when he lost the leadership of the Conservative Party to Margaret Thatcher. Edward Heath was 89 years old.

And residents of Taiwan are holding on against 100-mile-an-hour winds from Typhoon Haitang. Reports say bridges have collapsed in the central and southern part of Taiwan. There are injuries, but so far, no reports of any deaths. And that is good news.

Chad, you got two hurricanes on your hands.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, exactly. And I'm glad you called it that, because a typhoon,...

NGUYEN: Is a hurricane.

MYERS: ... a cyclone... NGUYEN: Yes.

MYERS: ... and a hurricane, all the same thing, just depends what ocean they're in.

NGUYEN: True.

MYERS: It just depends what part of the world they're in. They all call them different things. So, good, I'm glad you started with that, because that's exactly where I was going to go.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Back to you.

NGUYEN: Thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

NGUYEN: Well CNN is your hurricane headquarters, and we are following Emily's wet and windy path all morning long. Let's take a look at where it has been.

Emily swept south of Jamaica over the weekend. The storm brought high winds and flooding to an island still cleaning up after Hurricane Dennis. People packed into shelters across the Cayman Islands and Emily roared past them. The storm brought intense winds and rain, but caused less damaged than feared.

Emily is now over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula where it has weakened from a Category 4 storm to a Category 2. Thousands of tourists and residents evacuated ahead of the storm. And forecasters expect Emily to cross the Yucatan into the Gulf of Mexico sometime today. It could threaten the southern coast of Texas.

Let's talk a little bit more about Emily now. A lot of wind, a lot of water, that's what Hurricane Emily is bringing to the tourist resort of Cancun, Mexico.

And joining us now is a man who is in the thick of it. Herman Elger, the Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Cancun, joins us by phone.

I guess my first question to you is take us through those moments when Emily came ashore as this powerful Category 4 hurricane. What did you see? What did you feel?

HERMAN ELGER, RITZ HOTEL MANAGER: Well, I'll tell you what, we did not see a lot, because we had been hunkered down, if you will, in the hotel. Since about 6:00 p.m. last night, the preparations were well under way. We locked up the doors. The guests, made them comfortable, and we just sat back and waited to see what would happen. So we've not seen a lot. And we're actually looking forward with a lot of anticipation to daybreak so that we can see what Emily left behind for us.

NGUYEN: So, is it all gone by now? I mean have the winds calmed down, the rain slowed? What's the situation there right now?

ELGER: No, no, by no means. We're still feeling that howling wind, a lot of rain and we're looking at probably another three hours of this. So as the sun starts to come out, come up, we'll be feeling the end of the storm. And then, hopefully, be able to head outside and, like I said, see how much of Cancun remains for the guests of the future here.

MYERS: Mr. Elger, this is Chad Myers up in the weather office. And in fact, you guys dodged a bullet there where you are. I know you're still seeing winds 60, 70 and heavy rain. But the people in Cozumel got the direct hit with winds at 140. Have you heard anything from that island or anything down from Playacar?

ELGER: We have not, no. Everyone is really in their hotels or in their shelters. And, as I said, it being night, there's not been any movement. Cancun, as the hotels all did, those who needed to get out of the bigger hotels evacuated downtown. So there has not been any communication between us, anyway, with those areas. But we certainly are -- our thoughts go out to everyone in the path of the eye. And we're hoping, absolutely, for the best for everyone in this area.

NGUYEN: No doubt. Well stay safe. Hopefully you won't see too much damage when you venture outside when the sun does come up.

Herman Elger, Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel there in Cancun, we appreciate your time. Best of luck to you.

And for the latest updates on Emily, you want to keep it tuned to CNN, your hurricane headquarters.

Iraqis are dealing with the aftermath of a deadly series of suicide attacks that included an attack on a hospital. At least 90 people died in the attack about 40 miles south of Baghdad. Now the most damage was caused by a suicide bomber who blew himself up near a fuel tanker. Mortars were fired, at the same time, into a police station and at a hospital.

Baghdad was also rocked by five explosions, four of them were suicide bomb attacks that targeted Iraqi police and government officials. Nineteen people were killed in those attacks.

The next chapter for Iraq is the trial of former leader Saddam Hussein. It's been 19 months since U.S. troops pulled him from a dusty hiding place.

Our Aneesh Raman is in Baghdad with more on the charges against the former dictator.

Hi -- Aneesh.

ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Betty, good morning.

Yesterday was a key step forward, one the Iraqi people have been waiting quite some time to see. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Justice now one step closer.

RAID JUHI, CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE JUDGE (though translator): The Iraqi special tribunal has entered a new phase, the phase of the actual trial of these accused. And we ask the almighty to support us.

RAMAN: Iraq's chief investigative judge Sunday issuing the first formal charges against Saddam Hussein and other members of his former regime. They could face trial as early as September on the first of what is expected to be multiple cases, beginning with the alleged atrocities in the northern village of Dujail, where, in 1982, more than 150 were killed after a failed assassination attempt against then-President Hussein.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.

RAMAN: Since Saddam's capture in December 2003, Iraqis have eagerly awaited the moment their former dictator would come to trial. But it took nearly seven months for the special tribunal to put Saddam in a courtroom, and under the world's watch, listing the various crimes he would face.

And then again, a period of silence as the tribunal staff traveled throughout the country gathering evidence, conducting interviews, meticulously preparing. A tug of war ensued, tribunal officials fearing a rush could weaken their case at trial.

Iraqi political figures bowing to public pressure, publicly demanding Hussein face trial as soon as possible, often suggesting it would be a matter of months.

But in this, the latest video released in June, Saddam was interrogated about the events in Dujail, an indication that his case was moving forward.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, Betty, this could be the first of upwards of 12 trials that Saddam Hussein could face, each for a specific case, each carrying the potential of the death penalty. But for the Iraqis here, these specifics are really secondary to this key, for them, evil itself is going on trial, humanity is going on trial. When Saddam Hussein goes into that courtroom, they feel he must confront the atrocities of his past -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Aneesh Raman in Baghdad, thank you for that update.

Time now to read some of those e-mails. Let's try to put that question up on the screen. Karl Rove, that's what we're talking about today, should he be fired, resign or stay put?

And the first one that we got today is from a man named Russell (ph) who says fired, thank you, please drive through. He puts it very simply.

Chad, what do you have?

MYERS: I've got one from Godfrey (ph). He says I believe the Democrats should leave Karl Rove alone. I think they think of him as a great strategist and they are also doing everything possible to get rid of this obstacle to their winning. I urge Mr. President to disregard these political-minded attacks and not be distracted in his job of governance.

From Gary (ph) in West Virginia, I believe that Mr. Rove should at least be, the very least, be stripped of his security clearance. I think he knew better than to reveal the identity of a CIA agent. And it was definitely an attempt by the administration to cover the misinformation they were spreading.

NGUYEN: Well Jim (ph) from New York writes, the 1982 law to protect covert CIA agents is very specific. To break a law, you have to out a CIA agent within five years of being overseas. Mrs. Wilson had a desk job for six years when supposedly she was outed. Even if the charge is real, no one is guilty.

And one last one, Chad, this one from William (ph) in North Carolina. He says Karl Rove needs to go. Bush needs a new brain.

So getting lots of different responses from so many people. You should see our inbox, Chad, it's so full.

MYERS: I know, they're flying in. My machine is smoking up here.

NGUYEN: All right, thanks -- Chad.

MYERS: All right.

NGUYEN: Still to come on DAYBREAK, the U.K. is cracking down on would-be terrorists, but what does it mean for the civil liberties of the people who live there? We will take a look.

But first, here is a look at what else is making news on this Monday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: We do have some breaking news to report in the London terror bombings probe. Pakistani officials tell CNN that three of the four suspected bombers traveled to Pakistan last year. There are rumors the three might have attended radical Islamic schools while in the country, but that has not been confirmed just yet. It is believed that two of the suspects stayed in Pakistan for about three months. And we'll continue to follow that.

The British government will be considering new antiterrorism laws in the next few days. This comes more than a week after bombings on three London subway trains and a bus killed 55 people and wounded more than 700. Possible measures to be debated include a law that would make it illegal to indirectly incite terrorism. That proposal is seen as a way to rein in religious leaders who praise suicide bombers.

And there is a new security cordon around the British Parliament. While workers have installed a steel fence, British leaders are looking to stiffen their laws against terrorism as well. All of this as the morning goes on.

Here's our Robyn Curnow with that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Mourners at the funeral of Susan Levy (ph), the 53-year old mother of two who was killed in the King's Cross explosion.

As families across London come to terms with their losses, additional security measures are now in place at Westminster. New steel security barriers erected, means to protect Parliament from a vehicle bomb. Fearful of more attacks, authorities are also looking to strengthen Britain's antiterror laws, even if it means curbing civil liberties.

JOHN REID, BRITISH DEFENSE MINISTER: I think there is a common recognition and indeed a common purpose right across the political spectrum in this country that if it's necessary to curtail those levities in order to defeat terrorism, then we should do it by consensus.

CURNOW: But the British reaction to the attacks on July 7 will not be a knee-jerk or emotional response, says the defense minister.

REID: I think the response has been robust, but very rational, because part of the intention of terrorists is to terrorize. And another part of it, of course, is to divide the community.

CURNOW: British Muslims have come out strongly against the attacks. Many communities holding vigils in remembrance of those who were killed.

But still, incidents of race or religious hate crimes against Muslims or Arab people have dramatically risen since July 7, according to the police. Police and politicians concerned about community relations, but also determined to root out the extremist elements within those very communities.

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: And it cannot be beaten, in my view, except by confronting it, symptoms and causes, head on.

CURNOW: Britain confronting the threat on all fronts, as the police and intelligence services continue to comb an Islamic center and other properties in Leeds for clues to the July 7 attacks.

Robyn Curnow, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: We have your news, money, weather and sports. The time right now 5:46 Eastern. And here is what is all new this morning.

Hurricane Emily draws a bead on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Sustained winds dropped to 110 miles an hour after whipping the coast of Cozumel and Cancun with punishing waves. Thousands of tourists took refuge in shelters.

Two new favorites of the crash testers are the 2005 Audi A6 and the 2006 Infiniti M35. Both earn good ratings in front and side impact tests. Both are large luxury cars and cost more than 40 grand.

Hey, speaking of money, Whirlpool has announced a bid to buy fellow appliance maker Maytag. The offer amount, $2.3 billion.

And in culture, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Johnny Depp, had a sweet debut this weekend. The movie brought in nearly $55.5 million at the box office.

Sports now, today is stage 16 in the Tour De France. Lance Armstrong retains his lead, despite coming in seventh in the most grueling mountain stage. His best friend and teammate won that one.

And in weather, Chad Myers, you may not be out in the thick of things, but, boy, do you have your hands full with these hurricanes.

MYERS: Yes, you know what, we do still have a Category 2 hurricane, Hurricane Emily, out over, well now moving over the Yucatan Peninsula and eventually moving in to the Gulf of Mexico again. So we're going to have to watch this. And will it move on up into Texas? Right now all the hurricane models say no.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Back to you.

NGUYEN: Just one after another. All right, thank you, Chad.

Still to come this morning, we meet a woman who helped bring Harry Potter and his friends to life.

And don't forget our e-mail "Question of the Day." We're going to put it up there for you. Karl Rove: Should he be fired, resign or just stay put? We want to hear from you. E-mail us at DAYBREAK@CNN.com. We'll read your e-mails in just a few minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: "Across America" this morning, talk about a big baby. This baby girl, or toddler, if you want to call her that, she's that big, born in Corbin, Kentucky, weighs 14 pounds, 3 ounces. And according to federal health officials, fewer than 1 percent of babies weigh more than 11 pounds at birth. To no surprise, she was delivered by cesarean section, yes. And, by all accounts, is quite a healthy infant. Mom and baby went home on Friday.

Well the largest church in the U.S. has a new home as of this weekend. This is Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Yes, that's a church. Lakewood is a nondenominational Christian church. And if you think it looks familiar, maybe you've seen it watching basketball on TV. This is the former Compact Center, once home to the Houston Rockets. The church, get this, holds 16,000 seats.

And in San Francisco, an estimated 25,000 people took part in the annual AIDS walk. The walk raised nearly $4 million for AIDS organizations. Since it began in 1987, the walk has raised more than $250 million bucks for AIDS groups.

And this morning, we want to talk about this e-mail question. Boy, we are getting all kinds of responses -- Chad.

MYERS: Yes, and people are up early this morning, I think. Karl Rove: Should he be fired, resign or stay put? Go ahead.

NGUYEN: All right. The first one that I have is from L. English (ph) in California, says, I think Karl Rove should pay for his actions. Sometimes people in power think the law applies to everyone but themselves. He needs to be fired or prosecuted.

What do you have -- Chad?

MYERS: From Jane (ph) in Ohio, says, what you and I think is absolutely irrelevant. Karl Rove isn't going to be fired and neither is Bob Novak, Tom DeLay or Rush Limbaugh. Haven't you heard, these people never do anything illegal and they never make mistakes.

And from Sarah (ph) in Texas, he should be fired and then tried for reason. Just thanks for asking.

NGUYEN: All right. M. Thorne (ph) in Tennessee writes, Karl Rove should stay put. He's done nothing wrong. The liberal Democrats and the liberal media have done nothing but attack Republicans since President Bush got into office. They never let up. The more power a Republican has the more viciously they attack.

So there you have it -- Chad.

MYERS: Yes.

NGUYEN: Lots of different views on this one.

And that's our e-mail question today. We appreciate you sending those in.

We've got a lot more to come right here on DAYBREAK, so don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Music will wake you up this morning on Monday.

Want to give you some "Entertainment Headlines" for you.

Actor Kevin Costner and Oscar winner Hilary Swank will narrate the upcoming film on the September 11 terror attacks, "On Native Soil." The documentary of the 9/11 Commission report will be a feature-length film.

And you will hear some very big voices on a tribute to Luther Vandross. Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Rueben Studdard, Monika (ph) and Angie Stone are among the artists on the album. Vandross died July 1. The tribute album will be in music stores in September.

And actress Sandra Bullock married mechanic and reality TV star Jesse James over the weekend. It is the first marriage for "Miss Congeniality," the third for James, who appears on the Discovery Channel's "Monster Garage."

You can get more entertainment news every night on "ShowBiz Tonight." That is at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on Headline News.

Well copies of the new Harry Potter adventure are flying off bookstore shelves, but there is more than one woman behind Potter- mania.

CNN's Alina Cho tells us about her.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With 10 million copies printed in the U.S. alone, the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the publishing event of the year. There's the coveted signed first editions, the midnight magic parties and then there is Mary Grandpre. Her name may not be familiar, but she's the other woman responsible for bringing Harry Potter to life. Title, illustrator for all six Potter books.

In the beginning, Grandpre thought it would be a one-book project.

MARY GRANDPRE, ILLUSTRATOR: Pretty soon, book two was in my hands and then book three, and then it really was taking off. And we knew this was going to be something more than just a book.

CHO: Known for her use of light and color that she says adds to the magic of the stories. Grandpre says she's inspired by author J.K. Rowling's rich and descriptive writing.

GRANDPRE: There is not a lot of work I have to do to come up with the images.

CHO: Her biggest challenge, she says, is making Harry believable as he and his readers get older. For those who are still young...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think the illustrations there, they look like the characters and they have a lot of detail in them.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You can actually see them in your mind, like if they were alive.

CHO: Potter-mania is a worldwide phenomenon that has made Rowling one of the richest women in the U.K. and Grandpre something of a celebrity.

CHO (on camera): Is it sort of strange for you, as an illustrator, because generally illustrators are behind the scenes, and yet you're out front doing this publicity blitz? Do you feel like a celebrity?

GRANDPRE: A little bit, you know, especially with the kids. But it's really fun, because they're so excited to meet me, and I'm excited to meet them.

CHO: What do they say to you, these kids?

GRANDPRE: They just want my autograph, and they ask me about drawing and who's my favorite character.

CHO (voice-over): For the record, it's a tie, Hagrid, and of course, Harry. So what's next?

(on camera): Book seven?

GRANDPRE: Book seven, yes, exactly. I've got to gear up for that.

CHO (voice-over): Wannabe wizards, as always, will be waiting.

Alina Cho, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And the next hour of DAYBREAK begins in just 60 seconds.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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