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CNN Live At Daybreak
Former Marine Accused Of Passing Secrets From White House To Philippines; NATO Plans Military Offensive Against Taliban in Afghanistan; New Studies Focus On Breast Cancer Prevention
Aired October 06, 2005 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR, DAYBREAK: It's Thursday, October 06. Allegations of espionage rock the White House. A former Marine stationed at the White House under investigation this morning for stealing secrets. We'll also check in with a former CIA chief on the significance of such a security breach.
And the Senate moves to offer more protections to terror suspects in U.S. custody. We'll tell you who is opposed to this plan.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York, this is DAYBREAK, with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning to you. We'll have more on the espionage investigation at the White House story in just a moment. Also, ahead, signing bonuses for flipping burgers? Some fast food chains are digging deep in their wallets to lure workers back to New Orleans.
And buyer beware. If you are in the market for a used car. We'll tell you how to avoid buying a flooded dud.
But first, "Now in the News": Canadian health officials still don't know what's causing a mysterious respiratory illness. It has claimed the lives of 16 residents of a Toronto nursing home. More than 30 others have been hospitalized. The city's top health official says the situation is manageable.
And 700 firefighters in Riverside County, California, battling a fast-moving blaze. As of four hours ago the fire was only 5 percent contained. It has forced the evacuation of several homes and burned about 6,000 acres 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
And it seems to have come out of nowhere. Tropical Storm Tammy is dumping a lot of much-needed rain along the Southeast coast. And hopefully that all, Chad.
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COSTELLO: Time for our "Security Watch". And we start with an alleged case of stolen secrets inside the White House. A former Marine is being investigated for stealing classified information. ABC News first reported the story and CNN has confirmed the Leandro Aragoncillo allegedly sent the confidential information to people in the Philippines while working in the vice president's office between 1999 and 2001. Now he's already in custody in connection to another document case that involves his time as an FBI intelligence analyst.
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LESLIE WISER, FBI: While it is disheartening to realize that man who was hired to be an analyst in our own organization and who was a former serviceman, who swore to uphold the United States Constitution, would conduct these types of activities, the American public should be aware that the FBI is ever vigilant against all threats whether they emanate from beyond our shores or within our own borders.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: For more on this we turn to CNN Radio's Dick Uliano, who joins us from Washington.
Good morning, Dick.
DICK ULIANO, REPORTER, CNN RADIO: Good morning to you, Carol.
COSTELLO: What more can you tell us about this man?
ULIANO: Well, Carol, first I'm thinking that, you know, spying is nothing new in Washington. For example, just yesterday we had a former Pentagon official who pleaded guilty to revealing military secrets to lobbyists at the Pentagon. We've had Pentagon spies. We've had Russian, and before that Soviet spies, walking around the Washington -- with secret drops and so forth.
But in nearly 30 years in Washington, I'm trying to recall if we've had any allegations of spying at the White House. And I just don't remember, maybe someone will correct me on that, but I don't recall any allegations in the past three decades of spying at the White House.
He's not been formally charged with this. This naturalized American; 21-year Marine veteran, who worked in the offices of Vice President Cheney and previously Vice President Gore.
But government sources are telling CNN that he furnished classified documents to individuals in the Philippines.
COSTELLO: So what was his job at the White House, Dick?
ULIANO: Well, he was a Marine officer at the White House. Worked in those offices and went on to become an FBI analyst. He had access to White House computers, is the important point, at the White House. And the allegations are that he downloaded classified information.
Now, you pointed out that he had already been arrested. He was arrested last month in his follow on job as an FBI analyst in New Jersey. And in that case he's actually been charged, formally charged, with either printing or downloading 101 classified FBI documents. COSTELLO: And he sort of allegedly did the same thing at the White House. But he worked for Vice President Al Gore and he worked for Vice President Dick Cheney. How much access do you have when you work inside the White House, as to what's in those computers there?
ULIANO: There are various levels of security at the White House. Not everybody is privy to the different levels of information. But the White House says, Spokesman Scott McClellan says the White House is aware of the investigation and it is cooperating. You know the investigation goes forward and again, he has not been formally charged, but government sources are telling CNN that this is the latest allegation and, against this individual Leandro Aragoncillo, a naturalized American and a Marine veteran.
COSTELLO: Dick Uliano, reporting live from Washington for us this morning.
Still on the "Security Watch", the CIA director says he will not punish employees over intelligence failures leading up to the 9/11 attacks. Porter Goss says singling people out would send the wrong message about taking risks. CIA insiders say the decision will be a relief to intelligence officials.
But 9/11 families members may not be so understanding. One widow blasted Goss' decision, saying, no one has been held accountable.
Stay tuned to CNN day and night for more news about your security.
Overseas now, the 3rd Infantry Division reports a U.S. soldier died in a roadside bombing while on patrol outside of Baghdad this morning. This, while a suicide bomber targets American security contractors in central Baghdad today. Police say eight Iraqi civilians were injured in that blast. It comes a day after a bomb went off inside a Shiite mosque in Hilla, that is south of Baghdad. At least 26 people died in that explosion. And nearly 100 were wounded.
In the meantime, Britain is accusing Iran of supplying explosives used to attack British soldiers in Iraq. Washington and London have often accused Iran of stirring up unrest in Iraq.
And Iraqi President Jalaal Talibani meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in just about 30 minutes. Their talks will focus mainly on Iraq's upcoming constitutional referendum.
Now to Afghanistan, where planning is underway for what could be a very dangerous new mission. NATO commanders are laying the groundwork for a troop expansion. Early next year NATO troops will move into the southern part of that country. That's the heart of the Taliban insurgency. It will be the first ground combat mission ever for NATO troops. The precise number of soldiers still being determined.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JAAP DE HOOP SCHEFFER, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL: I can't give you the exact numbers, but you may say it will be well over 10,000; between 13,000 and 14,000, 15,000. But I can't give you exact numbers. But that will be the consequence in numbers, of the expansion NATO is seeking into the southern part of the country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: About four hours from now we'll hear more about U.S. troops fighting the war on terror. CNN will bring you the president's comments at 10:10 Eastern this morning.
Still to come this hour on DAYBREAK, it was a bad night for the Atlanta Braves. We'll tell you what went so wrong and wrap up the rest of last night's playoff action.
Also, we'll have a check list of the latest research in breast cancer prevention. Lisa (ph) Dreyer of "Women's Health" magazine will join us live.
And later, cars and trucks by the thousands could soon be flooding the used car market. We'll tell you why you would want to double check that really good deal.
But first, here's a look at what else is making is making news this Thursday.
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COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports, it is 6:13 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning. A former Marine is suspected of stealing secrets while working at the White House. Government sources confirmed to CNN that Leandro Aragoncillo allegedly sent classified information to people in the Philippines. He's already accused of spying while at the FBI.
In money news, Donald Trump is eyeing the Middle East. He's reportedly joined forces with a top Arab developer to build this tulip shaped hotel on a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. We kid you not.
In pop culture, Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are expecting. Forty-three-year-old Cruise proposed to 26-year-old Holmes back in June after barely two months of dating. And now they're going to be a mom and dad together.
In sports, post-season baseball, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim evened up the series with the Yankees late last night. The 5- 3 win sends the series to New York, tied at one game apiece. In the other American League match up, the White Sox beat the Red Sox again, 5-3, that puts Chicago up two games to none in the best of five series.
And in the National League, the Houston Astros jumped out with a big 10-5 win over the Atlanta Braves. The Astros lead that series one game to none, Chad.
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COSTELLO: It is October and maybe you know what that means, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We're talking this morning about lifestyle changes that may prevent this disease. For that we check in with Lisa Drayer, she's with "Women's Health" magazine.
Welcome.
LISA DRAYER, "WOMEN'S HEALTH": Good morning, Carol.
The American Cancer Society reports there has been a slight increase in the breast cancer incidents since 1987. And it is confined to women 50 and older. But there are some factors contributing, some major factors responsible for this increase we're seeing which is about 0.3 percent per year, over the past 20 years.
For one, greater use of mammography screening. So mammograms are revealing the tumors at an earlier stage. So that is pushing the numbers up. Also, increased obesity rates in this country. Obesity is associated with the disease and increase use of hormone replacement therapy over the past 20 years. So we seen that study with the combined hormone replacement therapy increasing the risk for breast cancer in women.
COSTELLO: Oh, that's really scary.
DRAYER: Yes, and it is really important if women are considering hormone replacement to discuss this with their doctor to determine if the benefits of using it will outweigh the risks.
The good news is the death rates are dropping. So we're seeing a 2.3 percent decline in the death rates from 1990 to 2002. That's the latest data.
COSTELLO: I was waiting for the bright note.
OK, so what can you do to lessen your chance of getting breast cancer, anything?
DRAYER: There are things. There are actually modifiable risk factors. For one, maintaining a healthy body weight. Being overweight, obese or even gaining weight after menopause is associated with increased risk for the disease.
COSTELLO: Gaining how much weight, though?
DRAYER: Well, you know what, the cut off is a BMI of 25. So if we're talking about a women who is 5'4" that is 145 pounds. So you want to stay below that. That is a BMI of 25.
COSTELLO: That's the body mass index.
DRAYER: Exactly.
COSTELLO: That's pretty good, wasn't it?
DRAYER: You know your stuff, Carol.
(LAUGHTER)
And it's interesting that it is thought that women who are overweight have more fat tissue, right? And it is thought that this fat tissue becomes a primary source of estrogen, especially after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing the hormone. And the high levels of estrogen are associated with the increased risk of the disease. So that is one factor there that we can maintain a healthy body weight.
In addition to that, we also want to eliminate our alcoholic beverage consumption. And there's a dose response relationship here. So the more drinks we have the greater the risk. In fact, one (INAUDIBLE) analysis looks at over 40 studies and it found that just drinking two alcoholic beverages per day, that's about 25 grams of alcohol, that is associated with a 21 percent increased risk. So it is really important to limit your intake.
And take folic acid; 400 micrograms, that's your daily requirement. Because among heavier drinkers, it seems that folic acid may provide some protection.
COSTELLO: Interesting. Also, exercise.
DRAYER: Yes.
COSTELLO: So important.
DRAYER: Exercise, very, very important. And in fact, if you just engage in one and a quarter to two and a half hours per week; so if we take the upper limit that is only 30 minutes per day, right? That is associated with an 18 percent decreased risk, according to at least one study. So really important to get moving, that may help lower the estrogen levels.
COSTELLO: And October is a good month to start because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
DRAYER: That's right.
COSTELLO: Lisa Drayer, thanks so much.
DRAYER: Thank you.
COSTELLO: Guys, get ready, get ready to vogue, and we don't mean hit the dance floor. We'll explain that, in just a minute. Also, burgers and fries add up to big bucks in New Orleans. We'll tell you why you want to be a fast food worker there.
But first, good morning, Jacksonville. We'll be right back.
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COSTELLO: Time now for a little "Business Buzz".
Package delivery is getting more pricey. FedEx announcing that it will raise overnight rates, due in part to, what else, rising gas prices. Most rates will jump in January, but counter service price changes are coming next month. Analysts say UPS is expected to follow suit.
Also, next April look for a new men's magazine on the newsstand. It's called "Men's Vogue", which sold a pilot issue last month. It will launch with a special spring issue and then a second in September. And then eventually increase to 10 issues in 2007.
Fast food chains in New Orleans are hungry for workers. Carrie Lee joins us with a look at the perks being offered to bring back work -- these are good perks!
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: They're very good perks, Carol. It's really surprising how good they are in some cases. Many of the fast food chains obviously having problems reopening because their workers are not able to come back into town, or they're in other cities and they can't return home.
Relief projects also, which pay up to $15 an hour, also drawing away workers from the fast food industry. So this has lead to a war among the chains for available workers in the New Orleans area.
According to the "Times Picayune" Burger King recruiters visiting disaster relief centers and newly reopened high schools and they're offering signing bonuses of up to $6,000 for new workers. So a nice chunk of change there.
COSTELLO: Wow!
LEE: Yes. Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits raised its hourly pay from the minimum wage of $5.15 to over $8 an hour.
Strategic Restaurant owner of 54 Burger Kings in New Orleans says it reopened half of it stores and is ready to open another 13 but it needs to hire about 500 more workers first. Officials at Burger King think that the wages will remain high for some time, but as of now they have no plans to raise prices for customers. And that's the other part of this, once they get the workers in, OK that's great. Now we need to bring the customers back, so.
COSTELLO: But you know the perks are going to disappear after a while.
LEE: Well, they're doing what they can and this is a nice incentive for folks who otherwise really wouldn't have any options other than to make close to the minimum wage.
COSTELLO: Well, you know what the big problem is, there is no place for them to live, because many workers who have left town don't have homes to come back to.
LEE: Exactly. COSTELLO: So the fast food chains are also having to house these people.
LEE: Right. So that is -- there's certainly more to this story than this. But hey, a bonus of 6,000 to agree to work there for a year; $3,000 for part-timers, it gives people a pretty nice option. So they're doing what they can.
COSTELLO: They are. And I'm sure that the people living in New Orleans will appreciate it. Because I'm telling you, when I was there and we saw a Burger King opened it was like heaven.
LEE: It was like heaven, to get that burger, yes.
COSTELLO: A quick look at the futures?
LEE: Futures looking mixed today. You know, we saw a lot of selling yesterday. All the major market indices now at three-month lows. Inflation fears really stoking the selling fires, so we'll see what happens today.
COSTELLO: Thanks, Carrie.
LEE: OK.
COSTELLO: Still ahead on DAYBREAK, a former Marine in the spotlight for allegedly stealing secrets while he was working inside the White House. More details for you in a minute.
And later, preventing another Abu Ghraib scandal. A new bill has Congress and the president at odds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner Center in New York this is DAYBREAK with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: And good morning to you. Thank you for waking up with us. Chad will be along in a minute with your forecast. Also coming up this half hour, a strange intrigue at the White House. We'll examine an alleged case of stolen documents and a former Marine accused of being a spy.
And President Bush is gearing up for a major speech in just a few hours. We'll take you live to Washington on what he might say.
But first, "Now in the News": In southern California, hundreds of firefighters are struggling to gain control of a wildfire that has forced the evacuation of several homes in Riverside County. The fire erupted yesterday, burned about 6,000 acres in Moreno Valley, that is about 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Federal authorities are investigating a high speed chase that ended in southeastern Idaho. Police say the suspect crashed his mini van into parked police cruiser. No police officers were hurt, but the driver is in intensive care. Investigators in Indonesia have widened their search for suspects in last weekend's suicide attacks in Bali. They're calling on local authorities across the nation to monitor and report suspicious activity.
To the Forecast Center now, and Chad.
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