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Eight U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq; New Sanctions Over Darfur Crisis; Cheaper to Drive or Fly?
Aired May 29, 2007 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning again, everyone. You're with CNN. You're informed.
I'm Tony Harris.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Heidi Collins today.
Developments keep coming into the CNN NEWSROOM on this Tuesday, the 29th of May.
Here's what's on the rundown.
Eight U.S. troops killed in Iraq. Two when their helicopter goes down, the others when they're called to the crash site near Baquba.
HARRIS: President Bush trying to sell an overhaul of immigration laws. His speech at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, live this hour.
NGUYEN: They've turned 15 minutes of fame into 15 days. Yes, those California whales just can't seem to go with the flow.
We have a live update in the NEWSROOM.
Let's get you first to some new developments out of Iraq. Eight U.S. troops killed. The deadly chain of events began with a helicopter shot down near Baquba. U.S. forces rushing to the scene hit by deadly roadside bombs.
CNN's Paula Hancocks is in Baghdad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Eight more U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq on Monday, making this the deadliest month so far in 2007, bringing the number to 112 killed.
Now, what we heard from a U.S. military official that is a helicopter in the area of Baquba in the very volatile Diyala province was shot down. There were two pilots killed in that particular helicopter.
Shortly after, a quick reaction force went to the area. One of those vehicles was hit by a roadside bomb. We're being told five soldiers were killed in that particular vehicle. And another vehicle hit. One more soldier was killed, three more injured. So, a very bloody Memorial Day for American soldiers, making it the bloodiest month for them this year alone.
And also, there are conflicting reports coming in about a kidnapping in north-central Baghdad. We understand as many as five people have been kidnapped. They're believed to be Westerners. We understand that the British Foreign Office is looking into whether or not they were British and any more information they can get, and also so is the German foreign minister.
But it was an Iraqi Finance Ministry building within Iraq. And we also heard from the interior minister, saying that he's setting up a committee to find out what exactly happened.
Paula Hancocks, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: The new casualties make this month the deadliest of the year so far for the U.S. One hundred twelve American troops have died in May. The deadliest months for U.S. troops took place in 2004. One hundred thirty-seven Americans died in November of that year. The number of U.S. troops killed in the Iraq War now stands at 3,463.
NGUYEN: Well, also today, dozens killed and wounded as car bombs rock Iraq's capital. One blast near a police checkpoint, the other an hour later at a Baghdad street market. And in all, at least 38 people dead, almost 100 wounded.
HARRIS: President Bush on the road and on the stump for his immigration overhaul. Congress is considering a compromise bill, but the loudest critics conservatives who were once the president's staunchest allies.
CNN White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano joins us from Glynco, Georgia.
Elaine, good morning to you.
First of all, talk to us about the president imposing sanctions on Sudan this morning.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Good morning to you, Tony.
Well, President Bush is essentially trying to turn up the heat on the government of Sudan. He announced today the United States is expanding and tightening economic sanctions against that country, specifically targeting 31 companies and three individuals.
It was almost three years ago, of course, that the Bush administration first labeled the violence in the western part of Sudan in the Darfur region genocide. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, millions of people have been displaced.
Why is the administration taking this action now? Well, the White House says President Bush actually wanted to take these steps sooner but held off in order to allow the United Nations to continue its diplomatic efforts. But officials say that the Sudanese government, led by Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, has not changed its behavior.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The United Nations believed that President Bashir could meet his obligations to stop the killing and would meet his obligations to stop the killing. Unfortunately, he hadn't met those obligations. President Bashir's actions over the past few weeks follow a long pattern of promising cooperation, while finding new methods for obstruction.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: Now, President Bush today also announced that he is directing his secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, to work with Britain and other allies in order to craft a new United Nations Security Council resolution. Among other things, the United States, Tony, would like to see a ban on any offensive Sudanese military flights over Darfur -- Tony.
HARRIS: And Elaine, what about the president's immigration speech that is coming up shortly?
QUIJANO: That's right. He is here in Glynco, Georgia, to tour a federal law enforcement training facility. And really, the message here, the president talking about comprehensive immigration reform, as he calls it, trying to push back against conservatives who view provisions of the new immigration deal as amnesty.
So, the president, here in Georgia, is going to be highlighting border security efforts, he's going to be taking a tour of the facility. But really, the president is continuing to try to press his case that he feels this is best deal that they can come up with trying to garner support. He knows there's strong opposition out there, but he continues to say he wants to see an immigration bill on his desk, Tony, by August -- Tony.
HARRIS: White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano traveling with the president today in Glynco, Georgia.
Elaine, thank you.
NGUYEN: Well, some scathing words on the campaign trail for President Bush's economic policies. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaking out last hour at a school in Manchester, New Hampshire. She says Americans are fed up with policies that make it tougher for middle class Americans to make ends meet.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D-NY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It's time for a new beginning, for an end to government of the few, by the few, and for the few. Time to reject the idea of an on-your-own society and to replace it with shared responsibility for shared prosperity. I prefer a "we're all in it together" society.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Well, among other things, Senator Clinton says she would get rid of what she says are irresponsible tax breaks for high-income Americans.
HARRIS: Iowa also getting some attention in the '08 race. Democratic candidate Barack Obama unveils his universal health care plan a short time from now in Iowa City. In remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Senator Obama says his plan will make health care available to all Americans and will save the average consumer $2,500. It calls on the government businesses and consumers to share the cost.
On the Republican side of the race, Mitt Romney is spending another day in New Hampshire. Yesterday he met with veterans and heard the story of a National Guardsman who hasn't been able to get help for a broken foot since returning from Iraq two years ago.
The candidates debate in the first real battleground of the campaign live next week on CNN. The Democrats face off on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The Republicans at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
You will see it live right here on CNN.
NGUYEN: And what you're going to see live right now is our very own Chad Myers, watching the weather outside.
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: Well, we do have some disturbing news to tell you about. This just in to CNN from Hudson Oaks, Texas, which is about 25 miles outside of Fort Worth.
We have learned that a child was found hanged but still alive early this morning in a mobile home park. Now, the dead bodies of three other children and an adult were found nearby. The Parker County sheriff says that the survivor was taken to Cook Children's Medical Center, which is in Fort Worth, but there was no immediate word on that child's condition.
Again, a child found hanged but still alive early this morning in a mobile home with the dead bodies of three other children and an adult nearby.
Of course we're trying to get more information on exactly what happened. We've made calls to police. Also calling the medical center. So as soon as we get new details on this, of course we will update you.
But just a disturbing story out of Hudson Oaks, Texas, for you today.
HARRIS: It really is.
Flags burned, replaced by swastikas. It happened on a remote island in Washington State's Puget Sound.
The sheriff's office on Orcas Island said vandals burned dozens of small American flags at decorated veterans' graves. That's bad enough. But the sheriff says many of the flags were replaced with hand-drawn swastikas.
And it happened not once, but twice over the Memorial Day weekend. Investigators say they suspect more than one vandal is at work here, but right now they have no leads.
NGUYEN: Well, getting the most for your money on the road. Jump in and buckle up because the CNN NEWSROOM takes you on a road trip.
That is ahead.
HARRIS: And if you wear contact lenses, stay tuned. Important recall information you need to know in the NEWSROOM.
NGUYEN: We're also celebrating a new beauty queen this morning. Yes, queen of the universe. The pageant ups and, of course, the downs. And you will see exactly what we're talking about.
Stick around for it in the NEWSROOM.
HARRIS: And not a great way to spend a day at the beach. Swimmers caught in powerful rip currents.
The story coming up for you in the NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: So how about this? It figures, doesn't it, gas prices down almost a penny this day, after Memorial Day. An average $3.20 a gallon, according to AAA.
CNN Consumer Reporter Greg Hunter is on the road traveling from Columbus, Ohio, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He wants to see if it is cheaper to drive or to fly. This morning he's in North Carolina.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GREG HUNTER, CNN CONSUMER REPORTER: I'm in front of the Carolina Theater, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Of course, it's on the national register of historic places, built back in 1927. Take a look at it. It's beautiful, it's ornate. The sun's hitting it.
Look at the work up there in the stone up there. It's gorgeous.
Well, on to our vehicle built in 2007, a Kia minivan. It gets about 19.5 miles to the gallon.
Considering it's weighted down -- take a look at this. It's weighted down pretty good. Here are the bags back here, with the TV crew, of course.
We have our luggage and all kinds of cases. We have about a thousand pounds. So, the vehicle has done really reasonably well.
Now we do have some help navigating. We have some old technology, and we have some new technology, satellite navigation. And I still got lost. But that was operator error.
So, here is what our trip looks like so far leaving from Columbus, Ohio. Beautiful rolling hills, green pastures, rivers. Those hills turned into mountains in West Virginia, and that's where we decided to take a little break and take a go-cart ride.
Well, the go-cart ride turned into more like bumper cars, but, you know, after about 10 or 15 minutes of that we got back in the saddle, on the road, drove another 100 miles or so. When we filled up, about 150 miles from Greensboro, that was painful.
But we got a deal on the fuel. It was less than the national average, less than $3 a gallon. It still took on 15 gallons. It was a little painful.
So, here are the totals so far on day two.
Miles driven, 431. Hours driven, 10. That includes breaks.
Here's the two-day cost.
Gas, $46. Food, $49.08. Hotel, $290.90. That's for two rooms. We have three people in our family. We have a photojournalist and a producer both standing behind the camera, Steve and Ronny (ph), and extras, including $24.42. That's tolls -- and those bumper cars.
So, that's a grand two-day total of $479.00.
So, how much will it cost to drive, as opposed to fly? We'll find out tomorrow in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Back to you guys.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: We have some breaking news out of Texas to tell you about. Hudson Oaks, Texas, to be exact, near Fort Worth. Just really disturbing news about a child who was found hanged but still alive early this morning inside a mobile home.
Here's the other part of the story that's really going to get you. The dead bodies of three other children and an adult were found nearby.
Here's what we know from the Parker County sheriff -- that the mother was found in the home, but she is also deceased from hanging. The police have located the father. Apparently the mother and father were separated. They don't know if they were married.
But that child who was found hanged, but still alive, has been taken to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth. We don't know the condition as of yet. We don't know the confirmed ages of the children, but we do know that the dead bodies of three other children and an adult, apparently the mother, were found inside that mobile home this morning. And as soon as we get more information on this very disturbing story out of Texas, of course we're going to bring it straight to you right here on CNN.
HARRIS: Betty, one other bit of really disturbing news. You mentioned one survivor.
NGUYEN: The child.
HARRIS: Eight months old.
NGUYEN: Oh, really? So we do have an age now.
HARRIS: Eight months old on the child that survived found hanging. But again, survived. And as Betty mentioned...
NGUYEN: Three other children found dead, and the mother as well, all hung -- or hanged in that mobile home.
HARRIS: Boy.
NGUYEN: And of course we're trying to get more information on the father, who they have located. But we don't know the situation there, if they were married or not, if he had any information as to what happened.
HARRIS: OK. We'll continue to follow that story for you.
Coming up in the NEWSROOM for you this morning, Fort Dix terror plot. The man who helped investigators foil the alleged scheme speaking for the first time. And you can see him only on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Well, we do have an important recall to tell you about today. A contact lens solution called Complete Moisture PLUS Multi- Purpose Solution, the FDA says it's been linked to a rare, but serious, eye infection.
Now, earlier I spoke with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta about what's causing this problem.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: It's a parasite. It can get into all sorts of different waters, including drinking water, including hot tubs, freshwater, saltwater. Sometimes it can cause this eye infection as well, and oftentimes it's associated with using contact lenses.
Now, the thing that's so concerning about this is, if the infection at its very worst occurs, it can actually cause blindness as well, which is why so many people are paying attention to this. Again, simply from using the contact lens solution, or storing your contact lenses improperly. I think we have a picture of the specific solution we're talking about there. It's Complete Moisture PLUS. It's made by Advanced Medical Optics.
And Betty, this was a voluntary recall. They went to them with the data. They said, look, it looks like there is a link between this particular solution and these eye infections.
It's pulled off the market. They did that. So you can't buy it anymore, and they say don't use it, obviously.
NGUYEN: Yes, but how did a parasite get in the contact lens solution?
GUPTA: Don't know. And they don't know the answer to that. And they don't know for sure that it's even in the contact solution now. They do know that there appears to be this link.
We're talking about something that's very rare here, a one in a million chance of actually getting this infection. What they found though was that out of all of the people that they interviewed so far that had this infection, a vast majority of them used contact lenses, and specifically this particular solution.
So, it's more of a link per se. What they're recommending though is very specific. Throw away the solution, throw away the contact lenses. And also, don't forget to throw away the lens case as well.
NGUYEN: Really?
GUPTA: Sometimes a parasite can sort of hang out in there. You want to make sure you get rid of all of that.
NGUYEN: You can't just clean it and expect it to be gone. You want to be absolutely sure.
GUPTA: This is an incredibly difficult parasite to get rid of. So, yes, to be absolutely sure, just throw it all away.
NGUYEN: All right. But -- so if someone uses solution, what are the chances that they would get this infection?
GUPTA: It is very rare, and that's probably the best news in all of this. You know, there's about 30 to 40 million people who use contact lens solution, who use contact lenses. And about 39 people so far they have confirmed actually had this infection. So, it's literally a one in a million sort of thing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Advanced Medical Optics is standing by the solution. The president and CEO today said the solution meets FDA requirements. He said the infections are caused by improper handling of the lenses.
Well, to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, all you have to do is log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical news, a health library, and information on diet and fitness. The address on the screen right there, CNN.com/health.
HARRIS: What makes someone a hero? Good question, huh? All this year, CNN is answering it by introducing you to some incredible people. Not only are they making a difference in the communities where they live, their own stories are pretty amazing, too.
They are CNN Heroes. Today, two people who say it takes just $25 to help a small business in a developing country make it.
Matt and Jessica Flannery are today's CNN Heroes.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JESSICA FLANNERY, CO-FOUNDER, KIVA.ORG: My name is Jessica Flannery. I'm a co-founder of kiva.org.
MATT FLANNERY, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, KIVA.ORG: I'm Matt Flannery, co-founder and CEO of kiva.org.
J. FLANNERY: We connect people through lending for poverty alleviation.
M. FLANNERY: By facilitating loans from people in a developed world to those in a developing world.
J. FLANNERY: Our site, anybody in the world can browse profiles of entrepreneurs and then lend directly to those entrepreneurs.
M. FLANNERY: And get paid back over time.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My mother started getting sick in 1989. We had to pay the rent. We had to eat. With my heart only I could not make it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I had a savings account. Sitting there, it wasn't doing anything, and then I saw this opportunity where I could do something useful with it, positive for other people.
The cool thing about Kiva is that it's not a donation. The money is actually yours. When the borrower's finished with their loan you get it back.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When I took that loan I extended my business. We eat from here and we are able to pay the rent. The way I was before is not the way I am today.
M. FLANNERY: I wasn't necessarily surprised intellectually by how $25 can really transform someone's life in east Africa. I was surprised in my heart. People by nature are not selfish. And if you just give them an outlet for expressing their generosity, they will be generous.
J. FLANNERY: If someone out there's overwhelmed thinking, what can I do, I'm just one person, that's all you need to be. That's enough to get started.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: If you would like to make a loan to Kiva or nominate someone you think deserves special recognition for a CNN Hero Award, all you really need to do is go to CNN.com/heroes for more information.
NGUYEN: Controlling China's food and drug mistakes. Recent deaths now pushing the Chinese government. The crackdown, we have it here in the NEWSROOM.
Stay with us.
DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dan Simon, in Vallejo, California. Those two wayward whales, they're on the move again. We'll have an update ahead in the NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR, NEWSROOM: Still trying to come to terms with this horrible story out of Hudson Oaks, Texas, this morning. Four children were found this morning, all hanging at the Oak Hills mobile home park. Three are deceased. The sheriff has not confirmed the ages of the other children yet. One survivor to tell you about, eight months old but that child was also found hanging. That child has been taken to Cook children's medical center.
Again, this is in Hudson Oaks, Texas. That is in Parker County. The mother was found in the home and is also deceased from hanging. We understand police have located the father. Apparently the mother and father were separated, but police don't know if they were married. We're expecting pictures from the scene soon. We will bring those to you as soon as we get them here. But again developing, just a horrible story developing, out of Hudson Oaks, Texas this morning. We'll bring you the latest information as soon as we get it right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR, NEWSROOM: Well, there is more heartbreak from Iraq to tell you about. The U.S. death toll is rising. The latest attacks coming to light this morning, eight U.S. troops killed near Baquba. The chain of events began with a helicopter shot down on Monday. U.S. forces racing to the scene, hit by deadly roadside bombs and the fatalities, both chopper pilots and six soldiers from the quick reaction force. Let's take you to Baghdad now. Dozens dead and wounded in a pair of car bombing there. One struck a street market, the other targeted a police checkpoint. In all, at least 38 dead, almost 100 wounded.
Also today, a brazen kidnapping in a government building in Baghdad. Government sources say at least three people were snatched from a finance ministry building. The nationalities of the kidnapped, well, that hasn't been released just yet.
HARRIS: Remembering the fallen at one Oregon cemetery, the ultimate tribute often without anyone but the honor guard standing by. (INAUDIBLE) has the story. She is with affiliate KATU in Portland, Oregon.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ready?
KATU CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Every single weekday, Willamette national cemetery pauses for a short, but moving, tribute, the kind that puts that lump in your throat.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is definitely a sombering ceremony.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're doing the honors for them.
CORRESPONDENT: Even for the Oregon National Guard soldiers ordered to do it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's one of the most honorable jobs I've ever had.
CORRESPONDENT: At 3:01 in the afternoon, rain or glorious Portland sunshine --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: to honor Frank Sample.
CORRESPONDENT: Names are read of each soldier, sailor or Marine brought here for burial and full military honors bestowed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ready, aim, fire. [Taps playing]
SGT. KENNETH KAISER, OREGON NATIONAL GUARD: We do it with all of the dignity that they deserve.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tracy Adams.
CORRESPONDENT: Former Marine Jack Fall (ph) and these soldiers weren't asked to do this and on most days no one is here to watch. These four chairs for friends and family empty.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It makes you wonder, you know, was this soldier's family just not around?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: David Klein.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It actually set me back a little bit. In my mind that's the most service of the day.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Glenn Kirk.
CORRESPONDENT: Some of the passing World War II, Korean War and even Vietnam veterans have no family. Others had funerals somewhere else but without the honors. And even though their families aren't here to accept this flag --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by these veterans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's almost like I was the family member that was there for that soldier.
CORRESPONDENT: After recently serving in Iraq, Sergeant Thomas Verella (ph) and his honor guard know more than ever no veteran should pass without being recognized for their sacrifice.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's no family to see it, but we're there doing it for them and they deserve that. Every soldier deserves that, no matter what.
This service in particular really shows the caliber of people that work here. I mean, no one's really there watching us, you know to make sure that we do everything to the fullest.
CORRESPONDENT: No corner is ever cut. Each step in time and every command followed precisely, just the way they know some other soldier will someday perform for them.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When my time comes and it happens to come in the way that it's come for some soldiers, yes, I definitely hope that this is what happens for me. Because we're all veterans, you know? I guess that's what we'd want.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Again that report from (INAUDIBLE) out of affiliate KATU in Portland, Oregon, the ceremony at Willamette cemetery called the 301 because of the time it is held every weekday.
The Ft. Dix terror plot to tell you about, six people charged in the alleged scheme to attack a New Jersey army base. Police tipped off to the group by a video clerk who saw something disturbing on a film brought in by two of the suspects. Brian Morgenstern now going public with the story, speaking for the first time with "American Morning's" John Roberts.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIAN MORGENSTERN: It was more of a moral dilemma at that point. I thought about whether or not it should be reported. I actually waited that night and weighed out my decisions. I went home. I talked to my family about it, thought, you know, their input would be very helpful in the situation. They agreed with me. The next day I went in to work and I told the management at the time that I was going to make the call and they supported me. Circuit City's been very supportive on this whole situation and I called the police.
JOHN ROBERTS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And what happened? What did the police say when you called them?
MORGENSTERN: The police came over. They took a look at film.
ROBERTS: So they treated this pretty seriously right?
MORGENSTERN: Everybody has been very professional about this and they came over and they looked at the video and they stopped it at one point and said, OK, this is serious. We need a copy. I don't feel like a hero, to be honest with you. I feel like I did the right thing but I think the real heroes are men and women overseas and the people in our law enforcement who handled the situation.
ROBERTS: Do you have concerns for your security even now?
MORGENSTERN: There are concerns, yes. But I think that me being present is more important that my security right now at this point.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Morgenstern also saying the whole thing feels a little unreal, like something out of a movie.
Swimming in circles, those two whales in the Sacramento River slowing down again. CNN's Dan Simon joins us live from Vallejo, California, this morning. Dan, good to see you. Are the whales least pointed in the right direction?
DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, indeed, Toney, good signs between yesterday and today. These whales have moved about 30 miles downstream. In fact, right now these whales are a little bit beyond that bridge behind me, about a mile behind that bridge. They still have about 40 miles to go to the Pacific Ocean. Experts are encouraged that they are now in saltier water which is going to allow their injuries to heal a bit more quickly. As you may recall, these whales were both injured believed to be injured by the keel of a boat. Scientists administered some antibiotics to these whales over the weekend. And hope to do so again today if the opportunity presents itself.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROD McINNES, NOAA FISHERIES: The situation now that they're in water that has a higher salt content is better than it was in the Rio Vista area. So we're in more of a watch and see again. We just don't want to lose ground.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON: Tony, one of the bigger concerns is, once these whales move a little bit closer to the Pacific Ocean, there's some ship traffic there and these open waters so experts little concerned that there might be a collision but they're going to be talking to the ship captains to sort of prevent anything like that from happening Tony.
HARRIS: Dan, is there a, I don't know, is there a plan in place if the authorities are -- have to respond to the whales backtracking a bit? SIMON: Well, right now it's sort of a hands-off policy because the whales are going in the right direction. But if they decide to go backwards again, a couple of options exist. One thing they might do is use those water hoses. Those seemed -- those hoses seemed to work a little bit when they tried them. They can also use the flotilla of boats again. Right now, hands-off policy, they're going to let these whales do their thing and hopefully get out there to the ocean Tony.
HARRIS: All right, Dan Simon's going to be watching it for us. Dan, good to see you. Thank you.
NGUYEN: Here's something that we're watching. Let's take you live now to Glennco, (ph) Georgia where the president is speaking today. He's talking about his comprehensive immigration reform and he's also going to be touring the Federal law enforcement training center there in Georgia getting an update as well on those Georgia/Florida wildfires that have been just burning acre after acre. Just quickly, though, want to let you know a little bit earlier today if you're watching here, President Bush did impose sanctions against Sudan in reaction to the violence in Darfur and he ordered sanctions against 31 companies and several individuals preventing them from doing business in or with U.S. companies. And so after doing that, he flew to Glennco, Georgia, where you see him live right now, speaking and talking about immigration reform. And a little bit later he will tour the Federal law enforcement training center there. Of course as news develops well bring it to you live here on CNN.
HARRIS: Still to come this morning, the leopard who stopped by for a slumber party. Well, he catches the homeowner sleeping, snooze alarm in the NEWSROOM.
SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Susan Lisovicz at the New York Stock Exchange. When NEWSROOM returns, I'll have confirmation about what many of us already know firsthand, our flights are taking longer. Details next. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Want to get you back to that developing story out of Texas, just a horrendous story to tell you about, the hanging of three children and their mother in Hudson Oaks, Texas, which is just outside of Ft. Worth. Here what we know. A 23-year-old woman and her four small daughters were found hanging in a closet in their mobile home today. All of them dead, but an eight-month-old, who was taken to the hospital, what we understand is that the lady's sister went to the mobile home when she didn't show up for work and she was checking on her sister and that's when she found all four in the closet. The youngest still alive. That one was taken to the hospital as I mentioned. But the sheriff there says that at first glance, it appears to be murder/suicide but did caution an investigation is under way. He also said that the articles used in the hanging were strips of clothing and a sash, some common clothing. This is just all so horrendous. Again the youngest survivor, eight months old was taken to Cook's children's medical center in Ft. Worth. There's no immediate word on the condition of that child. But again, a 23-year- old woman, her four small daughters found hanging in a closet in a mobile home in Hudson Oaks, Texas. The youngest, an eight-month did not die but was taken to the hospital and of course, as soon as we get more information, we will bring it straight to you.
HARRIS: Horrible story.
NGUYEN: Just awful.
HARRIS: Thirteen minutes away from "Your World Today." (INAUDIBLE) standing by with a preview for us, (INAUDIBLE) good morning
UNKNOWN: Good morning to you Tony. We have a jam-packed show for you at midday and some very interesting stories that you won't want to miss. We're going to take a closer look at the situation in Iraq and how troops respond to losing one of their own in a roadside bomb attack. It will give you just a sense of how difficult it is to achieve some kind of accountability when you're trying to battle a raging insurgency and having to get your tips, your clues, from the local population. A very, very interesting story that brings an in- depth look at just how that plays itself out.
We're also going to be taking you to China. We're going to look at the situation there where a high-ranking Food and Drug Administration official is now facing the death penalty after being found guilty of corruption charges. An unusually harsh sentence for a senior official, we'll take a closer look that the story and find out why that is the case.
And finally, we'll be looking at the growing unrest in Venezuela. Students have taken to the streets after the oldest independent TV station was taken off the air, President Hugo Chavez accusing them of trying to undermine the government. That station, that is. And now, another station coming under the view of the president and now facing an uncertain future. We'll look at the growing unrest in Venezuela. That's all just ahead on "Your World Today" with Jim Clancy and myself (INAUDIBLE) at noon.
HARRIS: That is a packed show. All right (INAUDIBLE) thank you.
To business news now. The pressure for airlines to arrive on time is creating some interesting schedule changes. Here's the common denominator, Betty, your flight is going to take longer
NGUYEN: Tell me about it, stuck on the tarmac for hours.
HARRIS: Susan Lisovicz is at the New York Stock Exchange this morning to explain. Susan, good morning. What gives here?
LISOVICZ: Well, you know, I think a lot of us know what the problems are. But you would think, Tony and Betty, that better technology would equate to increased efficiency. But, no, airlines are padding their schedules more than ever. The "Wall Street Journal" checked two dozen flights from June's airline schedules. It found that block times, the amount of time airlines allot for a trip are about 10 percent higher than a decade ago. Some examples, a flight from New York to LA will take 25 minutes longer than it did 10 years ago. A flight from Philly to San Francisco will keep you on a plane for 33 more minutes. And listen to this, New York to Washington, which can be flown in about 35 minutes, now gets nearly a two-hour block which is why some of us Tony take the train.
HARRIS: Are you kidding me? Is it really just more planes in the air? More planes competing to get on the ground, congestion alone behind this?
LISOVICZ: Well, it is a big problem. I mean, let's face it, I mean the skies are crowded. We're going into the peak summer travel season. Another culprit, fuel prices. This is interesting, reaching the outer levels of the atmosphere. For those reasons, planes are forced to fly at lower speeds. Even though airlines have better navigation systems equipment for air traffic controllers, they're really important, well it hasn't caught up with them. That means planes can't always take the most direct routes. Experts say the FAA's modernization program should eventually help sped things up, but a lot of folks say things will get worse before they get better. Take a book, your iPod, lots of snacks, everything for the longer flight.
Taking a look at the market, well, stocks are airborne, thanks to some takeover news and a better than expected read on consumer confidence. Another positive, oil prices are down by nearly $2, now below $64 a barrel. That's good news at the start of the trading week. The Dow industrials right now up 22 points. The Nasdaq composite is up about two-thirds of a percent. So not too bad.
HARRIS: That's not bad at all.
LISOVICZ: As we head into the noon hour, Tony and Betty, back to you.
HARRIS: Beautiful. All right Susan, thank you very much. Have a great day.
LISOVICZ: You too.
NGUYEN: And speaking of beauty, celebrating a new beauty queen this morning, yeah, queen of the universe. Check her out. We have the pageant's ups and, oh, the downs of it. Wait till you see the video. That is ahead in the NEWSROOM.
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HARRIS: Cindy Sheehan walking away from the anti-war movement in a letter posted on a website. Sheehan says she is exhausted and disillusioned. She says her son died in Iraq for nothing and the peace movement, quoting here, often puts personal egos above peace and human life. Sheehan first drew national attention nearly two years ago when she camped outside President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, demanding a meeting over her son's death. The president ignored her. In her resignation letter, Sheehan says her son died for a country that cares more about who will be the next "American Idol" than about American deaths in Iraq. NGUYEN: A frightening holiday on the beach along parts of Florida's east coast. Lifeguards pulled hundreds of swimmers to safety after they were just swept offshore by rip currents. Two hundred rescues in Cocoa Beach and a three-hour period.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The wave kept coming and kept coming. And it kept coming like hitting on top of me (INAUDIBLE) salt water, ran out of breath. I didn't have anything in me. So I started screaming for help.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Rip currents also serious in Daytona Beach. Dozens of swimmers rescued there.
Take a look at these pictures, Betty, just coming to us from our affiliate WFAA in Dallas, Texas of this scene in Hudson Oaks, Texas. That's in Parker County if you're familiar with the area. And the story, as you have been telling us throughout the morning, just horrible, four children found this morning all hanging at the Oak Hills mobile home park. Three are deceased. And the sheriff has confirmed the ages of the children. We have a five-year-old, a three- year-old and a two-year-old dead, an eight-month-old female was still alive when found and she has been taken to Cook hospital. That is in Ft. Worth. She is listed in good condition, more on this story. All four found were hanging in a bedroom closet. The sister of the woman of the mother found hanging went to check on -- went to check on her when she did not show up for work. And Betty, I understand you have someone from the sheriff's department.
We have the Parker County sheriff Larry Fowler on the phone with us right now. Sheriff, can you tell us what you know so far about how or why, if you even have an idea, this happened?
VOICE OF LARRY FOWLER, PARKER CO.SHERIFF'S DEPT: Well, of course the whys are still to be determined. We got the call about 6:30 this morning and of course, the officers discovered the scene as it is. Of course the miracle in this is that the eight-month-old is alive and well at Cook's children's medical center. That child was taken down from where it was hanging by the sister who lived across the street. But as far as what the motive is or what went on here it will be sometime before we make some kind of determination on that.
NGUYEN: Well, do you believe this is a murder/suicide?
FOWLER: Well, at first blush, that's what we would think. But until we know for sure, we're not prepared to say that.
NGUYEN: And what about the father involved here? What do you know about him?
FOWLER: Well, not a lot. He's currently being interviewed in Weatherford at the police department there by some sheriff investigators and that's currently ongoing. NGUYEN: Did he live in the area? Were they together? Were they separated?
FOWLER: They were separated. And he lived in a different location than the lady and the children.
NGUYEN: Had you been called out to this home before? Had this mother had any history with either mental illness or violence in the past?
FOWLER: Not that I'm aware of at this point.
NGUYEN: This is just such a devastating story. We're seeing pictures now of a dark-headed lady in a pink shirt who is obviously very distraught. Don't know if that person is the sister who notified police. What I do want to know from you, obviously you have seen a lot there in Parker County, but when your sheriff's deputies come across something like this, it has to be just as devastating to them as it is to us, as viewers watching.
FOWLER: The only way I think I would describe it is it's horrendous. It's just not something you see every day.
NGUYEN: And as for the eight-month-old, what do you know about that little girl's condition?
FOWLER: I just spoke with them at Cook's children's medical center in Ft. Worth. The children -- the child rather, is described as in good condition.
NGUYEN: Good condition and the only survivor of this horrible situation there in Hudson Oaks. Sheriff Larry Fowler of Parker County. We appreciate what information you've been able to provide at this point, but again, four girls and her mother found hanged near Hudson Oaks, Texas, which is right outside of Ft. Worth, just an awful story. But the lone survivor, I guess if there was any good news to come out of this is that just an eight-month old baby girl who was taken to Cook children's medical center and so far she is in good condition.
HARRIS: And of course we will be following developments on this story throughout the afternoon here in the CNN NEWSROOM and the CNN NEWSROOM begins again just one hour from now. "Your World Today" is next with news happening across the globe and here at home. I'm Tony Harris.
NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.
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