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Rebels Closing in on Tripoli; American Hikers Sentenced in Iran; Best Travel Deals; Best Small Town to Live In; Rapper's Tweet Jams Police Phone Lines; Swatting: Joke or Crime; Tobacco Companies Against Graphic Labels; Casey Anthony Appeal; Obama Vacations in Martha's Vineyard
Aired August 20, 2011 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we want to get straight to what's taking place in Libya, where rebel forces are closing in on Tripoli. Right now, they're in Zawiya, about 30 miles from the Libyan capital.
As the fighting rages, U.S. officials tell CNN that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi may be preparing for a last stand, but Libyan officials deny that.
Rebel fighters say they could begin their advance toward the Libyan capital within days.
CNN's Sara Sidner is in Zawiya.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SARA SIDNER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just a 40-minute drive from Tripoli, rebels battle their way closer to the capital. This is the city of Zawiya. On this day, even if you could not see the firefight close up, you could hear its deafening sounds reverberating from the eastern part of the city.
(on camera): So it is just getting too close. There are snipers on tops of building. There's loud bangs. There's artillery fire. There are mortars. So we've got to get out of here.
(voice-over): Despite the firing around him, a rebel fighter who did not want to be identified to protect his family was confident of victory.
(on camera): Considering the fighting is fierce here in Zawiya, how long do you think you could push into Tripoli?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hopefully, in a couple of days.
SIDNER: A couple of days?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A couple of days or one week maybe.
SIDNER: You think it is that soon?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think so because we are controlling 80 percent of Zawiya.
SIDNER (voice-over): But to push forward, they need to secure the whole city for Gadhafi's army is doing everything it can to keep a hold of this strategically important town.
(on camera): Why is Zawiya so important?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because of oil factory.
SIDNER (voice-over): Zawiya has one of the last remaining functional oil refineries in the country and is the most direct supply route to the capital, Tripoli.
As of now, the rebels have captured the refinery. We are told there is a large amount of oil still left in the storage tanks.
But the opposition fighters say, for them, this is not about oil, it's about securing their homes and neighborhoods.
Most of the town is shuttered, abandoned by frightened residents, but some families remain. This family is staying put, including the children, even though missiles and mortars are falling around their home.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): A person feels unsafe and can't rest because of the (INAUDIBLE) rockets. They hit us every night, but we are resisting by staying in our homes until liberty. But we do feel fear, especially for the children.
SIDNER: She and the rebel fighters are convinced the end of the Gadhafi regime is near. But most here agree, trying to take control of nearby Tripoli will be one hell of a fight.
Sara Sidner, CNN, Zawiya, Libya.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And more breaking news we're following, Iran's state- run TV says two American hikers detained in Tehran have been sentenced to eight years in prison. Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were seized by Iranian authorities two years ago and charged with spying and illegal entry.
CNN's Reza Sayah has been covering this story and joins us now, live from Islamabad, Pakistan. What more are we learning about these two men and the news that they received?
REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Fredricka. Oftentimes, information coming out of Iran is sparse, sketchy and incomplete, and it's no different this time. But let's tell you what we do know.
According to state-run media in Iran, Iran's revolutionary court has convicted Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal of trespassing and spying and has sentenced them to eight years in prison. This is obviously very bad news for the parents of Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer, who were hoping the ordeal for their sons would be over, and I think it's a verdict that's going to surprise a lot of people outside the U.S. who were expecting these two individuals to be released after they spent more than two years in prison in Iran, waiting for this very lengthy case to be completed.
But, again, the revolutionary courts convicting and sentencing Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal, according to the source cited by state media, they're saying that the two individuals are getting three years for trespassing and five years for spying, a charge that the hikers and their lawyers have strongly denied. We've reached out to the hikers' lawyer, and what's bizarre is he seems not to be up to speed on what's happening. He said he wasn't aware of the verdict. He heard it in the media and he says he's not going to comment on this verdict until and unless he speaks with court officials.
Of course, this is a case that garnered worldwide attention shortly after July 2009, when these hikers were detained, and it certainly increased tensions between Washington and Tehran, Fredricka. And I don't think this is a verdict that's going to help relations between the U.S. and Iran.
We should note that this case is probably not over. The lawyer has 20 days to appeal, and you recall, back in 2009, another American, American journalist Roxana Saberi was also detained by Iranian authorities, convicted of spying, sentenced to eight years, and she was released shortly thereafter. Don't rule out the possibility of these two American hikers being released as well.
WHITFIELD: All right. Reza Sayah --
SAYAH: Despite the verdict.
WHITFIELD: That's right. All right. That was going to be my follow up question, but you answered it right there.
Reza Sayah, thanks so much. Appreciate that.
So, the U.S. State Department just issued a statement saying it's working to confirm the report on Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal's sentencing. It also reiterated that it has a call in, of course, for the hikers' release.
CNN's Susan Candiotti has been in touch with the families of these two men. She joins us live now from New York.
So, Susan, what have the families said? And, just riding on that last comment from Reza, will the families feel that eight years doesn't mean a hardcore eight years, that perhaps there is a possibility that there might be an early release?
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, that would certainly be the hope of the families. Fredricka, we've been reaching out to the families and their representative throughout the morning. So far, we have not been able to talk directly to the families. It's not unusual, Fredricka, whenever there has been a major development in this case, for the mothers and the relatives to get together to figure out what they want to say, to study the situation, make sure they have the most up to date information before they get together and agree on what it is that they're going to say.
So that, apparently, is what is happening right now, and, in fact, in the end, we may be hearing strictly from their lawyer that they hired, who is in Iran, Reza was just referring to, and that might be the conduit throughout the day. But certainly, it's an ordeal, yet another step in this long ordeal that they've been living through for the last couple of years.
WHITFIELD: Wow. I know it's very difficult for them to feel any signs of encouragement, especially after a sentence like that. How are the mothers of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal kind of keeping it together?
CANDIOTTI: You know, they tell us constantly that they gain strength from each other. They talk to each other every day, sometimes more than once a day. They've been sending letters to their -- to Shane and to Josh throughout.
We're also understanding that the Swiss ambassador, by the way, has not yet been informed of -- of what is happening now, according to our sources, so she's aware of the reports. This is someone who is the main conduit from the families, as well as for the State Department, since the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with Iran. So that's what we're hearing at this time.
But, remember, one key thing about this, Fred, is that in the trial, the lawyer has consistently said that he never saw any evidence presented by Iran that Shane and Josh and Sarah were spying. Never saw that presented in court.
Nevertheless, the verdict is what it is, according to the source. And now, we will find out what will happen next.
WHITFIELD: All right, Susan Candiotti, thanks so much.
We're also watching closely a few U.S. legal cases. A tweet posted on a rapper's Twitter account jams police phone lines. Find out what "Game" had to say about this, straight ahead, in this hour.
And people still want to travel in this economy, so how can it be afforded? Some tips, right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, looking for a travel deal? Look no further. When you're looking to fly cheap, it's all about timing.
Alison Kosik has done the research and tells you how to make sure the price is right in this "On the Go."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The cost to fly is up about 10 to 20 percent higher than last summer, but you can still find the right price if you know when to buy your ticket.
GABE SAGLIE, TRAVELZOO: Six to eight weeks out is probably not the best time to buy airfare. In about four weeks out, there is a little bit of what we call a sweet spot where airfare tends to soften a little bit, and then airfare does tend to go up again about two weeks out of your flight.
KOSIK: But if you can wait until the week you want to leave, airlines often give great deals to fill the remaining empty seats.
SAGLIE: Airlines will release, usually on Tuesdays, reduced airfare for later that week or into that weekend.
KOSIK: Signing up for deal alerts from airline and travel sites is key to take advantage of the quick sales that last only 24 to 48 hours. And connecting through Facebook and Twitter can also provide deals just for friends.
SAGLIE: We know now that a lot of last minute sales are released exclusively through some of these social media sites. If you're a friend of that particular airline, better odds of getting that last minute fare from them.
KOSIK: Buying at the last moment can cost you if all the seats are filled, so flexibility is a must with these deals (ph) to get you on the go.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: From traveling, to places to settle down. "Money" magazine is out with its list of the best places to live, and, this year, it's focusing on towns with less than 50,000 people. Can you guess the community that we're talking about today? Here's a clue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REYNOLDS WOLF, AMS METEOROLOGIST (voice-over): This town has something in common with the home of the Kentucky Derby, and has more than 300 days of sunshine. What place has plenty of space to horse around in? We'll let you know, after the break.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: What place has plenty of space to horse around? Number one on "Money" magazine's list of best places to live is Louisville, Colorado -- not to be confused with Louisville, Kentucky.
The outdoors is what attracts people to this town. It has 27 parks and 27 miles of trails to keep you out in the sun. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When you get a little older and you need a little space and have a family, Louisville's the perfect place.
WOLF: And the perfect place to own a home. Real estate values in town have barely budged in six years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: The L.A. County Sheriff's Department says the rapper known as "Game" wouldn't face criminal charges for a tweet gone awry.
Here's what happened. Last week, the Compton California Sheriff's station was flooded with hundreds of calls, causing the phone system to shut down. Investigators traced those calls back to the rapper Game's Twitter account, which promised an internship and a number to call.
The rapper says the tweet was a prank gone wrong. The L.A. Sheriff's Department says the prank was no joke.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. MIKE PARKER, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: The people that were legitimately calling through with important calls would include two robberies, a spousal assault, missing person, hit and run.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: I spoke to Game about the incident, and here's what he said happened.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
THE GAME, RAPPER: It was hacked, but it was by my friend. Like I said, we were just -- my phone was laying around, and whenever, you know, his phone is laying around, my phone is laying around, we always tweet from each other's page. So that was -- you know, that's what happened.
WHITFIELD: OK. So, what's your response to the L.A., you know, Police, which are saying that some real legitimate calls about assaults and accident calls didn't make it through because of this mishap?
THE GAME: It's a real sensitive subject. I never want to be, you know, the source of anything happening wrong to anybody, or anyone not being able to get through the help lines at the police station. But it was a -- it's ten-digit toll free number and, you know, when people are in trouble, you know, they call 911. That's not to take away from the police, you know, them doing a job, with them saying that there was a robbery or something happened.
I don't ever want to see anybody hurt. I got kids at home, woman at home. Like, I don't -- you know, I'm not that guy. So, you know, definitely, my sincerest apologies to, you know, the -- the sheriff's department. And, like I said, it was just a -- a joke gone wrong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: All right. Apparently, apology accepted. L.A. authorities say Game will not face any charges.
Another phenomenon interfering with first responders, so-called swatting. Our legal guys are at the ready. They're going to help explain what this is all about.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, swatting -- not that motion you do when a fly is in the room, but so-called swatting, as in making prank calls to emergency services. Some think of that as a joke, but authorities say it's downright dangerous, as in the case involving a 15-year-old Naples, Florida boy.
Let's bring in our legal guys, Avery Friedman, a civil rights attorney and law professor in Cleveland. Good to see you. And Richard Herman, a criminal defense attorney and law professor, joining us from -- yay, New York, finally. I know New York is happy to see you, Richard.
RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Back home.
WHITFIELD: All right. Good to see you both.
So, in the case of this 15-year-old boy, Hunter Gelinas. His Xbox apparently got hacked, and the next thing you know, a SWAT team had descended on his home.
Richard, how often is something like this happening?
HERMAN: Apparently, it's just an incredible phenomena right now, Fred.
You know, you don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't yell fire in a crowded movie theatre. And what's happening here is groups of individuals or individuals, for revenge or for jealousy or ego -- not for money -- go after target individuals, get into their Xbox, to make up these scenarios where these people are being held at gunpoint; they've been slashed; they're holding their parents. And -- and what happens is when law enforcement hears this and gets it, they dispatch SWAT teams to try to break it up because they can't tell if it's a prank or it's real.
WHITFIELD: Yes.
HERMAN: It costs about $10,000. It could be a lot of problems. People could get killed in these -- these raids --
WHITFIELD: Right.
HERMAN: -- and it's very dangerous. Federal -- federal penalties for this. Federal. Using the wires. WHITFIELD: So, Avery, this is dangerous. This is costly. And, the sad thing about this, another sad thing about it, is the people who are doing the hacking, they often get away with this because it's very difficult for authorities to then trace and track down who is responsible for this.
AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Yes. 911 system, Fredricka, actually were created around 1968, long before this technology. So the difficulty is that technically it's hard -- technologically, it's hard to get a hold of these people.
But what these cyber freaks are doing, these social misfits are doing, is they're bragging about it. And -- and since late 2010, Congress decided to do something about it. They enacted the Truth in Caller ID Act, and Richard's right. The penalty is up to five years in the penitentiary; if you're engaged in fraud, up to 20 years. And, in fact, there's a man in Massachusetts who this year was convicted. He is spending 11 years in the penitentiary for swatting.
So, it's serious. I'm not sure how widespread it is --
WHITFIELD: Yes.
FRIEDMAN: -- but it's growing, and that's a concern to law enforcement. Potential, cataclysmic.
WHITFIELD: All right. Another big concern, this for big tobacco, the FDA saying you got to put these new labels.
There have already been some labels put on cigarette packaging, warning you of the potential, you know, health effects, et cetera. Well, now, it goes a step further, and big tobacco -- these tobacco companies are saying, wait a minute, no, you're essentially telling our customers, Richard, to not buy this product. So, do they have a -- a good case to take on the federal government, the FDA, for this?
HERMAN: I think they do, Fred. I think -- look, let's -- this is what's going to be on cigarette packages, these pictures that you're showing right now. You know, this probably goes too far. Whether it's going to avoid people from smoking, I don't think so. There was an '81 study that said smokers, you know, completely ignore warnings on cigarettes.
But look at these visuals here. I mean, this is pretty devastating. This is a lawful -- a lawful business, cigarettes. If it wasn't lawful, OK, but it is lawful, and five of the six big tobacco companies are saying the government has gone too far, it's impinging on our rights, and they've got to stop it.
WHITFIELD: They're going as far, Avery, as saying this is unconstitutional.
FRIEDMAN: Yes.
WHITFIELD: Is it? FRIEDMAN: Well, it's a constitutionally tantalizing case, Fredricka. But, the problem is, the tobacco industry originally challenged the question of smoking may be hazardous to your health. Now they want to challenge -- and they lost. Now, they're challenging, smoking will kill you.
And, they think, well, there's a big difference. Well, no, there isn't. I mean, the constitutional basis, which I think is an intriguing one. I think it's a fascinating case. This is big tobacco being backed up with some very good lawyers. At the end of the day, I think they're going to lose.
WHITFIELD: Oh, interesting. OK.
All right, now, let's talk about a very, very unusual case. I think we can all agree this is rather odd.
OK, so a deaf man wanting to attend a nudist festival says that want an interpreter to come along, but the Empire Haven Nudist Park refuses. He is suing on what grounds now, Avery?
FRIEDMAN: Under Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's a federal law passed in 1990. And he is saying, well, yes, I can't hear what's going on, so I want my interpreter right next to me, and the -- the nudist colony is saying, well, he's got to take his clothes off, too. At least give us three days' notice. He's saying, no, that's unreasonable.
And, believe it or not, Fredricka, the case is a little bit closer than one might think. If the three-day notice by the nudist colony is too much and it doesn't make sense, believe it or not, Tom Willard, who brought the case, wins. If there is a connection, they want to get an interpreter that will take their clothes off, I guess, then they lose.
So, it's a fascinating case -- goofy case -- but lots of fun to look at. I'm not quite sure what the results would be, though.
WHITFIELD: OK. Well, I wonder, Richard, if this is something that really does challenge the American Disabilities Act. I mean, this person needs the interpreter, period. This is a necessity. Now, why should clothing -- no clothing stand in the way of what he believes to be his right? And his right protected under this federal act?
HERMAN: Fred, I don't think it's a fascinating case, and I think it was a set-up case.
WHITFIELD: You do?
HERMAN: I don't think this guy generally wanted to attend it.
FRIEDMAN: What?
HERMAN: But, in any event, under the act --
WHITFIELD: Wow.
HERMAN: -- under the act -- under the act, if it's a place of public accommodation, they must provide interpreters. That is what the law says, and that they have not done it, they have violated the law. And Avery's right. I think it's going to come down. I think they're going to be -- he's going to be successful here.
But I think it's a ridiculous case. He needs interpreters at a nudist camp? Give me a break. This is ridiculous.
FRIEDMAN: I -- I think he's prejudice against nude -- deaf nudists or something. I don't know, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: Well, you still want to communicate, even if you're at a nudist camp, right? Verbally?
FRIEDMAN: Yes.
WHITFIELD: You don't want your body to say everything.
HERMAN: You need an interpreter for that, Fred?
WHITFIELD: I'm just saying.
HERMAN: Come on.
(CROSSTALK)
FRIEDMAN: Well, you've got to use your fingers to do it.
WHITFIELD: OK. All right. Well, all right. Avery, Richard, we're not done with you. We've got other cases involving, of course -- the name is back. Casey Anthony and the emergency petition --
HERMAN: (INAUDIBLE).
FRIEDMAN: Who?
WHITFIELD: Yes, I know. You haven't heard it in a couple of weeks, right? Let me remind you, well, the case is not over. It's taking another turn, the emergency petition that her lawyers have now filed. We'll get to that.
See you in a few minutes.
And rebel forces are getting ever closer to Libya's capital. Will the country's long time leader fight or run? We'll take you live to Tripoli, just minutes from now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: A look at our top stories right now.
Rebel forces in Libya could be just days away from advancing on Tripoli. Right now, they're battling Moammar Gadhafi's forces in Zawiya, just 30 miles from the capital. Libyan officials deny rebel claims that Gadhafi and his family are preparing to leave Libya.
And, two years ago today, Scotland released Lockerbie bomber Ali Mohamed al-Megrahi. Well, he was jailed for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Scotland that killed 270 people.
Well, Megrahi was released on compassionate grounds after a cancer diagnosis and reports that he had three months to live. The move met international criticism, and Megrahi returned to a hero's welcome in Libya and is still alive today.
And tensions are rising between Egypt and Israel. Egypt has recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv and is demanding Israel investigate the deaths of three Egyptian security members. They were killed during Israeli strikes in Gaza.
Hundreds of Egyptians have protested outside the Israeli embassy in Cairo, demanding Egypt sever its ties with Israel.
And authorities in Norway expect more than a thousand people today in Utoya Island as survivors of last month's shooting rampage return to the scene. Families of those slaughtered July 22nd visited the island yesterday.
Anders Breivik allegedly gunned down 69 people there. He's also accused of setting of bombs in downtown Oslo, killing eight people. Breivik admits to the attacks, but has pleaded not guilty.
All right, back to Libya now and Colonel Moammar Gadhafi. What is he doing now that rebel forces are right on his front doorstep?
Our senior international correspondent Matthew Chance is in the Libyan capital. And so, Matthew, is there any sign that indeed -- overt signs that rebel forces are closing in on Tripoli?
MATTHEW CHANCE, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've all heard these reports, at least from our reporter in -- to the west of Tripoli, that Zawiya, that very important, strategic town, is essentially in the hands of the rebel forces. Now, that's had the effect of cutting off Tripoli.
And so Tripoli, the Libyan capital, is now essentially surrounded by rebel forces. There are other reports yet to be confirmed that the oil terminal in Brega has fallen into the hands of the rebels. They've apparently lost Jineta (ph) oil refinery in Sawer (ph) as well. And so Gadhafi's regime here in Tripoli is looking pretty isolated without any way to turn.
WHITFIELD: Now, it seems like there are these conflicting reports about whether Moammar Gadhafi is making preparations to find a pathway to Tunisia and maybe with his family along. Then, of course, there are sources that say, no, he's staying put. Which is it?
CHANCE: I don't know, in short. Certainly there are a lot of rumors that Gadhafi has sent a request to Tunisia, to Algeria, to Egypt, other Arab countries as well, to take his family. That's something that's been rejected by the officials that we get a chance to speak to here. We haven't seen, you know, Colonel Gadhafi himself for some time.
But what he said in his public statements is that he does not intend to go. That he intends to stay and, if necessary, you know, fight for the defense of Tripoli against these rebels.
Now, that's his public position. But, of course, there may well be negotiations going on behind closed doors. In fact, I spoke to the country's foreign minister a few days ago and he indicated to us very strongly that he believed that there would be a peaceful solution to this crisis, this civil war in Libya. Now whether that solution means that Colonel Gadhafi leaves the country into some kind of exile or not really remains to be seen, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right, Matthew Chance, thanks so much, in Tripoli. Appreciate that.
All right, meantime, back in this county, the latest case of a missing American woman in Aruba has a lot of people thinking about this young man, remember the name, Joran van der Sloot? Well, he's behind bars in Peru. He could be back on the streets in a matter of months. Our legal guys are ready to take on the Peruvian judicial system, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, Casey Anthony is back on top of legal dockets. This time, it's all about her probation for check fraud. Her attorneys have filed an emergency motion to block her return to Florida. So will she have to report next Friday anyway?
Our legal guys are back. Avery Friedman in Cleveland, Richard Herman in New York.
All right, Avery, you first. Why would her attorneys block her return to Orlando? They're not denying that she has this issue of probation and the bad check charge, right?
FRIEDMAN: Right.
HERMAN: Yes, they are.
FRIEDMAN: I think it's mystifying. And I think -- and I'm going out on a limb on this, not much of one, I think there's about as much chance of getting a stay as Christine O'Donnell rebooking on "Piers Morgan."
WHITFIELD: Oh, boy.
FRIEDMAN: That's how likely it is. I mean it is -- it is -- especially when Baez knows, the attorney, that he conceded that it was upon release. So whatever -- the only argument that can be made, frankly, is a procedural one. I think Chief Judge Perry dealt with that very effectively in a 16 page opinion, that appeal or that stay, I think, is very, very unlikely.
WHITFIELD: So, Richard, I mean, why offer this latest distraction? Why would her attorneys now try to argue this when this was not -- this check -- bad check writing, you know, charge had nothing to do with time served and why she was released under the conditions in which she was released?
HERMAN: Yes, well, with all due respect to my partner -- my esteemed partner, they are denying the probation aspect. They're saying she completed her probation when she was incarcerated. And their probation department accordingly issued a correspondence saying that they monitored her and she successfully completed it, even though they know that the sentencing judge said probation will begin upon release from prison.
So what Judge Perry has said to Baez is, listen, pal, you knew this all along. This is a frivolous case you're bringing right now. It borderline on ethical conduct. And we kind of -- we kind of gleaned last week that Baez might have a problem from this. And, sure enough, this week we're hearing --
FRIEDMAN: That's right.
HERMAN: That there is some sort of ethical violation filed against him. I believe it's coming from the judge at a minimum in this particular case. And that will be dealt with accordingly.
FRIEDMAN: We'll see.
WHITFIELD: OK. All right, let's move on to the next case. This involving Joran van der Sloot. Haven't heard that name in a while. But the family of the slain Peruvian woman says the murder suspect could actually walk out by December unless prosecutors and authorities there bring charges soon and get him in court. So, how soon are we talking that they need to hurry up and get things going before that December deadline, Richard?
HERMAN: Yes, senora (ph) costalates (ph) lavantasay (ph). That's what my Latino friends say. "Hello. Wake up." You have a time frame to prosecute. You have a video of him entering his hotel room with this woman --
FRIEDMAN: Right.
HERMAN: Leaving the hotel room. Nobody else entering that room. You have also the fact that there's a dead woman found if there.
WHITFIELD: Right.
HERMAN: And you have his confession afterwards. I mean even the --
WHITFIELD: So, substantial evidence.
HERMAN: O.J. and the Casey Anthony prosecutors could win this case.
FRIEDMAN: Right.
WHITFIELD: So what's the hold up? What's going on? What are they waiting for?
HERMAN: They could win this one. Why she's not prosecuting --
FRIEDMAN: Well, I mean --
HERMAN: I have no idea. It looks corrupt.
FRIEDMAN: You know, they may very well know --
HERMAN: It looks like corruption.
FRIEDMAN: They may know -- well, they may know something we don't know, but I agree. I mean we've got -- we're -- here's 14, 15 months in, Fredricka. So we're on a very short leash on making a decision. To be honest with you, we saw Dutch justice as not. And, you know, I think everyone is asking --
WHITFIELD: In Aruba.
FRIEDMAN: What are the Peruvians doing right now?
WHITFIELD: Uh-huh.
FRIEDMAN: I think they're going to wind up going forward with this thing. But why has this taken so long? The evidence I think, and I agree, is overwhelming.
WHITFIELD: It is pretty extraordinary.
HERMAN: Hey, Fred, one little -- one --
WHITFIELD: Because in the case of, you know, the Aruban --
HERMAN: One thing I missed, Fred --
WHITFIELD: The Natalee Holloway case, and that's the tie, you know, authorities said they just never had the evidence. Very different scenario in Peru, as you just spelled out --
HERMAN: That's right. That's fair.
WHITFIELD: With the video and there were some allegations of, you know, DNA and even with the computer, you know, activity.
FRIEDMAN: Right. Right.
WHITFIELD: So this is very perplexing to a lot of people, Richard and Avery. All right --
HERMAN: Yes, interesting, though, Fred.
WHITFIELD: Yes.
HERMAN: But -- OK, I just want to say one quick thing. Recently, the Netherlands and Peru entered into an extradition agreement. So even though Alabama has recently indicted him for extortion and wire fraud, you know, he may -- if he -- if they don't prosecute him in Peru, he may end up back in the Netherlands, which will be just incredible. Just incredible.
WHITFIELD: Wow. OK. OK, let's talk --
FRIEDMAN: They're going to -- they're going to prosecute, though. They'll prosecute. I mean it's just mystifying why it's taking so long.
WHITFIELD: OK. All right. Well, I'm sure we'll be following up on that one too.
OK, so now let's talk about something very unusual. We've had a couple of unusual cases today, have we not? OK.
So, on Wednesday, a judge will sentence a Florida couple convicted of failing to properly secure their pet Burmese python that actually killed their two-year-old daughter. They are convicted, Charles Darnell and Jaren Hare, of manslaughter, child neglect and third degree murder charges.
So, you know, Richard, this is a pretty unthinkable situation that took place. What was their defense, by the way? How did they say that, you know, this happened. We didn't mean it to happen. They were convicted, but the sentencing comes next. Do they have any last words to try to influence the courtroom?
HERMAN: Yes, their defense was, you know, this was our pet and we didn't know that, you know, not feeding the snake for a month and knowing that the snake had a history of escaping from this makeshift cage, they just didn't know that if the two-year-old was left near the snake, the snake might kill her. They just didn't know that.
These people are the most moronic individuals I think we've seen this year. I think the judge is going to hammer them, and rightfully so. This is the end of the world, Fred. This just complete insanity.
FRIEDMAN: Yes. Right.
HERMAN: I can't believe these idiots. It's just -- what a tragedy. Wow.
WHITFIELD: Yes, it is a tragedy.
Avery, I'll let you have the last word.
FRIEDMAN: Well, you know, their argument, very simply, is, we've suffered unspeakably because of the loss of our child. What's more unspeakable, Fredricka, obviously, is the death of this two-year-old. I mean Bippi (ph) the Bermese python is like a dog? Not really. I think the judge, and I agree, is going to unload. Up to 45 years, by the way. Lots on the line. So we'll find out this week what happens.
WHITFIELD: Yes. Oh, it's serious.
FRIEDMAN: Absolutely. WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much, Richard. And, Avery, thank you so much. Have a great rest of the weekend.
HERMAN: See you soon.
WHITFIELD: See you next time.
FRIEDMAN: Likewise.
HERMAN: You, too. Great seeing you.
FRIEDMAN: All the best.
WHITFIELD: All right.
All right, another case to tell you about. Kind of a case closed sort of. Three men convicted of killing three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, in 1993 are set free, but not exonerated. Prosecutors had claimed the men mutilated the boys in a satanic ritual, but their supporters argued there was no direct evidence. And recent DNA testing backed that up. Even so, the three pleaded guilty yesterday in exchange for 18-year prison terms with credit for time already served.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JASON BALDWIN, "WEST MEMPHIS 3" DEFENDANT: In the beginning, we told them nothing but the truth, that we were innocent. And they sent us to prison for the rest of our lives for it. And then we had to come here. And the only thing that the state would do for us was to say, hey, we'll let you go only if you admit guilt. And that's not justice no matter how you look at it.
DAMIEN ECHOLS, "WEST MEMPHIS 3" DEFENDANT: I'm just tired. You know, this has been going on for over 18 years and it's been an absolute living hell.
JESSIE MISSKELLEY JR., "WEST MEMPHIS 3" DEFENDANT: Even when you're in prison, it goes on every day. You have to worry about your own safety. It don't matter what the crime it is, you've still got to worry about your safety regardless.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: All three say they will continue to fight to clear their names.
The president of the United States says there are things that we can do now to boost the economy. His ideas, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: President Barack Obama is urging Congress to put partisan differences aside and work together to boost the economy and create jobs. He made that call in his weekly address. Take a look and listen. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There are things we can do right now that will mean more customers for businesses and more jobs across the country. We can cut payroll taxes again so families have an extra thousand dollars to spend. We can pass a road construction bill so construction crews who are now sitting idle can head back to the worksite, rebuilding roads and bridges and airports.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: In the Republicans' response, Ohio Governor John Kasich focused on a different approach to job creation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. JOHN KASICH (R), OHIO: We need to start thinking about what we can do to help our children have a great future. Reform the behemoth that is the federal government to create the space so that businesses can invest and create jobs. Let's look at what has worked throughout history. Government is not the answer, but it can be part of the answer. Rather, it's the ability of providing for a robust private sector where people want to invest and take risks. That's what's going to get this country moving again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: And while President Obama is on vacation in Martha's Vineyard, the economy and the volatile stock market very much on his plate. CNN's Dan Lothian is live from Martha's Vineyard.
So, you know, Dan, his team has traveled with him. This is very much a working vacation is what the White House has been saying. Is he spending a lot of time kind of refining the proposal that he's going to unveil to the country about the economy and jobs?
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, he is. I'm told by senior administration officials that the president and his advisers have been making some progress on that plan that he plans to roll out when he returns to Washington. It was described though to me as a work in progress. That right now they are essentially crunching the numbers and weighing different options and that this is something that will continue all of next week.
I should point out that the president -- one of the president's economic advisors will be coming here to the island to help with this process and to give the president frequent updates throughout the week on the whole economic situation.
But, yes, very much, the president here trying get a little R&R, but also focused on the big issue at hand, and that is creating jobs and turning the economy around, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. And just looking at a few pictures there with the president waving. Apparently also went into a bookstore with his kids and has talked quite a bit to some of the regulars there. Martha's Vineyard. So the reception has been very nice, hasn't it?
LOTHIAN: That's right. I mean it's been described to us that in the morning, the president has his daily briefings, his economic briefings, and also briefings on national security. And then we're told today will essentially be much like yesterday where that's family time.
Yesterday he went to a local bookstore, which is not far from where I'm standing. After that, he hit the golf course and played on a private course. We aren't allowed to be there to witness it, although I know some cameras got shots between the trees. And then in the evening, the president had some private time with the first lady. They went out to dinner. So it's sort of been a split vacation where he spends his mornings focused on some of the big issues and then spends the afternoon and evenings with his family.
WHITFIELD: All right, Dan Lothian, thanks so much, on Martha's Vineyard, appreciate that.
So, after the break, we're also going to introduce you to a U.S. military man entertaining members of U.S. armed forces throughout the world.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: OK, everyone loves music, especially on the weekend, right, Reynolds.
WOLF: Well, you have to like music, especially on the weekends.
WHITFIELD: That's right.
WOLF: All the reason too.
WHITFIELD: I know. And when a military band is playing the music, you know it goes viral, especially when we're talking about a military band that usually --
WOLF: Oh, yes.
WHITFIELD: Kind of brings some musical relief to folks in the Middle East, the troops serving. So, let's take a look at this military rock band.
(VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Oh, they sound good, don't they?
WOLF: I'm very impressed.
WHITFIELD: I am too. So that's Sergeant Angie Johnson with the U.S. Air Force and she's sounding a bit like Adele there. The group, Sidewinder, sounding like -- they're playing that "Rolling In The Deep" song of Adele quite nicely there.
WOLF: Very good. It's good to know that the men and women who are over there fighting are quality entertained with quality entertainment.
WHITFIELD: I know. They need -- and they need some, you know, respite. Some relief there. And this has been so popular that on YouTube they've gotten about a million hits. Tune in to this. Adele, look out.
WOLF: (INAUDIBLE) surprised at all.
WHITFIELD: I'm sure Adele is very complimented, however, that they chose that song and folks are grooving to it. And it sounds good.
WOLF: There you go.
WHITFIELD: I know.
WOLF: Well those who happen to be listening on Armed Forces Network and they happen to listen a little bit to CNN, hopefully you can pass it on and you can go (ph) see her. But certainly some great stuff. No wonder they --
WHITFIELD: Don't you feel better now? I do.
WOLF: I do feel better. It feels like -- it feels like a Saturday. It feels like a wonderful day.
WHITFIELD: Oh, it does.
WOLF: Unfortunately, although we have a little bit of a break from a workweek, a lot of people are not going to get a break from the weather. We still have a lot of heat out there, some thunderstorms too. We had some rough weather in parts of Pennsylvania today. It looks like we might have round two today in the Midwest.
WHITFIELD: Oh, OK.
WOLF: So let's show you what we've got.
WHITFIELD: Let's look at it.
WOLF: Absolutely. Some of the big trouble spots we have, take a look at this, up in part of the upper Midwest, we've got some strong thunderstorms that have been near St. Louis, back over to Milwaukee. You've had a few thunder boomers. Chicago, this morning, and into the afternoon, it's going to continue. So any flights you have going to Chicago or through Chicago, you're not going to be doing either with this kind of activity. Probably going to see some delays there.
And all this is not going to stay anchored to the ground. It's going sweep across Lake Michigan, eventually moving into places like Detroit. So when that happens, yes, you can expect some delays there. It happens. What can you possibly do?
Well, on a day like today, we're going to see more of those pop up across the Midwest. Here's the reason why. Plenty of moisture coming in from the Gulf. You've got to frontal boundary that's going to be sweeping from west to east there. We have low pressures also. It's going to be a big catalyst to it. Making for a very unstable air mass. And just like some of the flash flooding we had in parts of Pennsylvania yesterday, we could see that happen again today.
Something else we're going to be dealing with, the heat. The extreme heat. We had plenty of it yesterday. Some records in Shreveport, over the triple digits, as we get to Wichita Falls, Texarkana, even into Austin, 107 yesterday, the record high in Austin on that day. It was actually 106, which was set back in 1984. So you have records also broken in places like Waco.
As we round out through some other ones. Longview, Dodge City, even into Monroe, Louisiana, 106. And 105 in College Station. Houston with 103.
Today in Dallas, read it and weep as we wrap it up. It's 106 in Dallas, 78 degrees in Minneapolis, 93 in Salt Lake City, 84 in Seattle, 94 in Portland, 91 in Washington, D.C. and 91 in Atlanta.
All right, hopefully some of the rain in some places, music to your ears. But the heat, oh, just unreal.
WHITFIELD: Yes. I know. You ever been to a rodeo?
WOLF: I've been accused of being a rodeo clown. So, yes.
WHITFIELD: Oh, no.
WOLF: So, nothing against rodeo clowns. Don't be offended out there if you happen to be one.
WHITFIELD: Oh, I'm telling you, it can be quite exciting.
WOLF: Indeed.
WHITFIELD: I've been to a few in my day. But, you know what, excitement at one particular rodeo turns to pandemonium. Anything can happen at a rodeo, we'll just say. It started with the first rider. First out of the gate. The video, the rest. What happens after this? You'll see.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, a look at the top stories right now.
Rebel forces in Libya are closing in on Tripoli. Right now they're battling Moammar Gadhafi's forces in Zawiya, just 30 miles from the capital. Rebel fighters say they could start advancing on the Libyan capital just days from now. Libyan officials deny rebel claims that Gadhafi and his family are preparing to leave the country.
And in the U.S., Republican presidential candidates are campaigning today from the East Coast all the way to Hawaii. Texas Governor Rick Perry is in the early voting state of South Carolina. Former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain is concentrating his efforts in New Hampshire, the first state in the nation to hold a primary. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is attending a Republican event in Hawaii.
A rodeo crowd got a little more than they bargained for in Quincy, Illinois. The first rider yesterday was barely hanging on, as you see there, when his horse, right there, crashed into a fence and then into the crowd. Spectators went scrambling as the horse desperately tried to regain its footing. The rider was pinned underneath. But to everyone's relief, all came out OK, including the rider and the horse.
All right, do you need to rebuild your finances? In our 2:00 Eastern Hour, we're going to give you specifics on how to do just that. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
"YOUR MONEY" starts right now.
