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Major Tornado Outbreak Under Way; Red Cross Denied Access in Syria; Chardon Students Back in Class; Valedictorian Fights To Stay In U.S.; Hackers from China Breach NASA

Aired March 02, 2012 - 12:00   ET

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

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: We're also following high school kids who are back in class today, that is out of Chardon, Ohio. That's where three students you may recall were shot to death on Monday. A teenager also a student there charged with their murder.

I want you to listen to the words of a teacher and coach who chased the shooter out of the school. The community is now calling this guy a hero.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FRANK HALL, ASST. FOOTBALL COACH, CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL: I want you to know I was with them. I prayed with them, I wiped their tears, and I know God was with them. I don't know why this happened, I only wish I could have done more.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Republican Senator Olympia Snowe sent shockwaves throughout Washington this week, announcing she's going to retire after more than 30 years in Congress.

This morning, she explained why.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE (R), MAINE: And I am as passionate about that calling today as I was the first moment I arrived in Congress. What has changed, regrettably, is the partisan all or nothing atmosphere in Washington. So especially as I turn 65 last week, I reflected more sharply on whether I wanted to commit an additional six years in the United States Senate given that my next term would likely have been my final term, and I do not see the polarization that now stands in the way of getting things done changing any time soon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Snowe is one of six moderate senators who is not going to seek re-election. Democratic official says now Maine is now, quote, "a pickup opportunity for the Senate."

Nationwide manhunt is on for an armored truck driver who allegedly killed his partner, made off with more than $2 million. Authorities say that Kenneth Konias, Jr. looked into extradition laws in Canada and Mexico. Police still believe he is here in the United States. Now, his partner was found shot to death inside the armored truck in Pittsburgh yesterday.

We are following breaking news as well, severe weather taking place. Tornadoes touching place on the ground in Alabama, moving to Tennessee, as well as Virginia. We're going to have more of that after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: I want to go directly to Chad who's latest -- more information on the severe weather, the tornadoes that are touching down.

Chad, what do you know?

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Don't have anything on the ground right now, I don't believe. I don't see enough circulation in the Doppler radar to warrant anything on the ground.

Now, there are tornado warnings and if you hear the sirens going off and if it's for your county, take cover, absolutely, because a tornado can come down. The radars that we're looking at our typically five to six minutes old because that's how long it takes to Weather Service and all the equipment, all the computers to generate the images we see. So, in those five minutes, there's nothing that I see now. Five minutes from now something certainly could be and 10 minutes from now, it might not give the warning. So that's why the warnings are put out just in case.

I believe that right now, we are in a lull. We're going to see a lull for a couple of hours until the sun comes out. The sun is going to come out and is going to heat the air.

This is very rare to have a tornado on the ground at 11:00 in the morning. Now, it was even more rare to get Harrisburg's tornado at 5:00 in the morning because that's the coldest part of the day. Storms are usually strongest during the hot part of the day because the air bubbles up, it becomes more buoyant. It goes up like a hot air balloon and the clouds build and build and build and turn into thunderstorms.

But this is the storm we're watching now just to west of Chattanooga. There's a little bit of enough of a curve back here that this could still have some debris problems. It could be a circulation right here. That would be to the west of Chattanooga, downtown Chattanooga. I could draw it for you, right there. This should travel to the north of Chattanooga.

But you know what? There's a lot of other things over here. You have -- you see Rock City. You have all kinds of things. People do live in this corridor, even though it may not be a city.

Chattanooga, you're not in a tornado warning right now but if you're north and west in any of the suburbs there, you definitely need to be taking cover with this storm. I don't see it on the ground but there's a new sweep right there.

Tell you what? Come on -- come on in. Go ahead and stop it there for me, Sean.

Here's what -- here's what we look for when we talk about a hook echo. It's a signature on a Doppler radar. Maybe you can put the Doppler on there, too, but just for right now.

This is the hook that what happens as the storm starts to rotate like this and the radar comes down and you see precip here, but this down here is the most dangerous part of the storm because the whole storm is rotating and turning. And this becomes what's called a mesocyclone. It becomes a low pressure. There you can see the river right there.

Sean, go ahead and flip it over to the colorful page here. We'll go to just base philosophy if we can. Maybe we can. I'm on the wrong one for that.

But you'll see what I am looking at are two different colors, two distinct colors -- one going one way and one going the other way, showing me that storm is rotating. And with that type of signature, if you're south of Jasper or anywhere toward Middle Valley, to the north of Chattanooga, you need to be taking precautions in there. When it gets close, you need to take cover, for sure.

MALVEAUX: All right. Thank you, Chad. We're going to get back to you in just a moment.

We are also following breaking news out of Syria. The carnage, the explosions, protests against the government, the desperation of the people on the ground there as they continue to face attacks by their own military.

We are going to talk to a member of the Red Cross on the ground. They are desperately trying to reach those folks, to get food, to get supplies, and to help them manage, get out from under the line of fire.

We're going to have more right after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: You are about to see something that is a horrific scene out of Syria. It is a gathering of protesters in the city of Homs. Now, they are inside this covered building chanting and voicing their anger against their own government.

Well, suddenly, something is fired into the crowd and explodes. I have to warn you, the video that you are about to see, it is graphic and there are people who are killed.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)

MALVEAUX: People are running, they are screaming, they are trying to gather the wounded and the dead as they try to take cover.

This is a city that has been under siege. These are people who live in their community. They are protesting their government. And they are being attacked.

A witness tells CNN at least 16 people died in this crowd that was caused by a shell that was fired from the Syrian military forces that are now surrounding Homs. That is the city that is under siege.

We're in contact with our sources in Homs for more details about the shelling the explosion. Also, how many more people may be dead or wounded? So far, we know that 16 were killed in that attack alone.

Our Nic Robertson telling us there are attacks that are going on in other places in the country as they desperately try to fight for their freedom.

We also have news about the international effort to get desperately needed food, medicine, and supplies to those people. Now, earlier today, there were some shipments that were allowed into the city. The challenge now: helping those people who need it the most.

On the phone with us from Washington, D.C., Simon Schorno. He's a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Simon, first of all, you see what is taking place there. You see how desperate the situation is. Has the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, those trucks -- have they been able to get inside?

SIMON SCHORNO, INTL. COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS (via telephone): Unfortunately, we were not able to get in today. We were promised by the Syrian authority who green lighted to bring in a convoy of aid and would able to allow us to evacuate people, wounded people, sick people out of Baba Amr, one of the most affected district in Homs. But we're unable to enter and the security situation did not allow the convoy to go through.

So we are still negotiating that access and we're on stand by outside of Baba Amr, trying to get in as soon as possible, probably tomorrow if there is a ceasefire.

MALVEAUX: Who is blocking the trucks from getting through?

SCHORNO: Well, it's a complex situation, of course. And, you know, there's a lot of groups involved. At this point, the Syrian authority told us that we could not come in.

So that call came from the Syrian government.

MALVEAUX: We heard from a Syrian activist who told us earlier today that he thought that the army is keeping those workers and the Red Cross from getting inside to prevent them from seeing essentially dead bodies or evidence of possible executions.

What are you hearing about that?

SCHORNO: Well, you know, I mean, if it's much too early for us to comment on any of that. I mean, you know, when we make those observations, we make them ourselves. That's one of the reason we want to get in. It's, of course, to bring in in aid and to evacuate people, but also to get a sense of what's going on.

We're talking to a lot of people who are outside. We're getting a lot of information at this point. But certainly, not in a position to confirm anything.

Right now, the priority is to bring aid to a population that is living in very extremely difficult conditions.

MALVEAUX: Do you feel confident, Simon, that the people that you are putting in that position, bringing in that aid, that they are safe? Or is this a situation that has become too dangerous?

SCHORNO: Well, it is a dangerous situation, fighting has been and has been going for weeks now. Every time we go in, we do need to have a minimum of security guarantee to make sure, you know, there's a minimum of security for our staff.

I like to point out, the Syrian Red Crest have two people killed in the line of duty in recent weeks. So it's a dangerous environment clearly. And, you know, that's why we can't just get in without having the green light from the various groups and the Syrian authorities. Without that kind of security guarantees, we just can't operate.

MALVEAUX: And, Simon, essentially, what do the people need there on the ground the most? What are you trying to get to them?

SCHORNO: Well, the medical situation is really critical in terms of people being able to get the treatment that they need, wounded people, of course. But also sick people, pregnant women, access to medicine, medical care, it's very critical and difficult.

And then, you know, those shops are closed, and so people can get food, water, the shops that are open are extremely expensive. People have more and more difficulties to actually get the basic goods they need to go on. So, medical and we need basic goods like food and soap and things of that nature.

MALVEAUX: Simon Schorno of the Red Cross -- thank you very much for your time. Obviously, please let us know if those trucks can get through, if there's any progress that is on the ground there. It seems like it's certainly a desperate situation for the people there who are waiting for that aid. Thank you, Simon.

High school kids went back to class in Chardon, Ohio, today, just days after the shooting rampage that left three people dead and two others wounded. The alleged shooter is a 17-year-old student at the school. He is charged with aggravated murder.

I want to play for you some very emotional words, these are words from a guy, a coach, a study hall coach at the teacher who sees the shooting, he takes action, and the community looks at this guy and they say, you know what, you're a hero. He doesn't necessarily agree.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COACH FRANK HALL, CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL: Its' an emotional time.

To the victims and families, I want to say that I'm sorry. My thoughts and prayers are still with you.

To the families of Danny, Demetrius and Russell, I want you to know I was with them. I prayed with them. I wiped their tears, and I know God was with them. I don't know why this happened. I only wish I could have done more.

I'm not a hero. I'm just a football coach and a study hall teacher. The law enforcement, first-responders that came to our aid that day, they are the heroes.

To the chief, sheriff, Mr. Bergant, Mr. (INAUDIBLE) -- thank you for the training that we have received. We all wished that we never had to use it, but we used it, and it worked.

To the teachers and support staff that carried this training out, that went above and beyond, that put their kids before themselves, I thank you. You're the best America has to offer.

A while back, I read a book about Tel Aviv and Israel. And after a terrorist attack on one of their markets, the mayor was so adamant that the very next day, the markets be opened to show that terror and evil would not win out, that their way of life would not change, their faith would not change.

I'm here to tell you that, tomorrow, our schools will be open. Our teachers will be there. Our administration will be there, our parents and community. But, more importantly, our children will be there. I can't tell you how great these children are, how great these kids are.

I want to leave you now with some Scripture, Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world, a town built on a hill that will not be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: That guy brings tear to your eyes.

High school students and the town of Chardon, Ohio, are focused on two things today: remembering the victims and struggling to get back to normal.

Our CNN's Ted Rowlands is there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Suzanne, if you can imagine, a very emotional day here as students return to school for the first time for a full day of school. Yesterday, many of the students came back for a while with their parents. But today, they are in their classes for the very first time.

And we are in contact with a senior at the school giving us the flavor of what is going on inside and it is a very emotional day. He said that it is first period class and they made pancakes. So, they are taking it very slowly here. He said that the school is different in that the cafeteria -- this is the room where, of course, the shooting took place on Monday, they have painted the walls and they have rearranged the tables in the cafeteria except for the table where those four boys that were shot were sitting. Those three boys that died were all sitting at that table. They've left that alone and it is covered in flowers.

He said that they started with the principal talking to the students and then a moment of silence. There are grief counselors on hand, along with dogs there to help comfort the students.

Clearly, Suzanne, they are going very slowly as they reintroduce the children back into a sense of normalcy. Today, of course, the first day of school, they will have the weekend off. But as they are trying to get the kids back to normal, they are also remembering those that lost their lives. There's a visitation tonight, a funeral on Saturday and then another funeral on Tuesday -- the first day of a long day back for students -- Suzanne.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: An emotional rallying cry of a high school valedictorian.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've been here since I was 4. I'm American.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: She is fighting deportation. We're going to talk to her and hear her story live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: We're getting some information here about the two French journalists Edith Bouvier and William Daniels who were trapped in Syria and also injured there. Well, they were taken out of the country yesterday. We have since learned that they have landed at an airport near Paris today, that they are safely in France, right outside of Paris. That those two French journalists who were injured and trapped inside Syria now in a place of safety.

We are also going to bring to you next a story about a high school valedictorian who could see her future ruined by an immigration nightmare. We are talking about the threat of deportation. We're going to talk to her about that after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Daniela Pelaez, she is at the top of her class at North Miami High School. She is a valedictorian. While she waits for acceptance letters from top schools, we're talking about Yale, Dartmouth.

She's also fighting right now to stay in this country. A federal immigration judge has ordered her to leave by March 28th because she's here illegally. She says she deserves to stay.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANIELA PELAEZ, STUDENT FACING DEPORTATION: I love school. I love education. I'm the valedictorian of my high school. I've been here since I was 4. I am American.

Seeing my friends and my community, you know, administration, any attorneys helping me and my Congress person is giving me hope that maybe there are people there that do care for me and be able to help me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Customs Agency has issued this statement about her case as well as her sister who has also been ordered to leave.

As Daniela and Diana Pelaez have reserved the right to appeal an immigration judge's decision, ordering them to return to Colombia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not take action against them while they pursue their legal options.

Upon conclusion of their appeal, Immigrations and Custom Enforcement will review this matter to determine whether an exercise of discretion is warranted.

Daniela, she is joining us live from North Miami where there are a lot of people, Daniela who are supporting, who are rallying behind you. We saw the rally earlier today. Tell us why, speak to us why is it important for you to stay?

PELAEZ: It's what I've worked for since I was 4 years old, is to be a better person, to live the American dream, you know, that I feel like I've earned it. I've worked hard in school.

I've worked hard coming into my community, tutoring kids, helping my fellow peers and they show me that they've given back to me and that they care and I'm truly grateful for all the help that everyone has given me.

MALVEAUX: You sound like an amazing student, an amazing young woman. I don't even know how you get a 6.7 GPA, but you are the top at the top in your school. You are very active in your community. How do you respond to critics by saying, well, if your family doesn't follow the rules, that a judge has order you back to be in Colombia? PELAEZ: Well, you know, unfortunately, that's just how the system works. But when my family came here, we tried from the very moment that we came to start our legal proceedings. And it's been an ongoing battle and unfortunately, that's what the decision came to on Monday, you know.

MALVEAUX: What will you do if the judge decides that you have to leave?

PELAEZ: I really couldn't understand another life. Colombia is my heritage and my roots, I'll never forget, but this is all I know.

MALVEAUX: What do you think it means to be American?

PELAEZ: I think that you have the freedom to express -- the freedom for happiness and pursuit of life and that's what I deserve, you know, my happiness in college, my happiness and my parents to be in the medical field, you know.

MALVEAUX: What are your goals? I understand you have some pretty heavy Ivy Leagues coming after you, Dartmouth, Yale waiting for those acceptance letters, yes?

PELAEZ: Yes, I'm actually waiting for seven schools and they will come out roughly around April 1st and you know, whichever one accepts me, I will be glad. I love them all. And I just want to go and take premed classes. I want to major in cellular and medical biology and go off to medical school.

MALVEAUX: Has anybody helped you? Have those colleges reached out to you? Do you see any sense of hope? I know you have a lot of support from your principal and school and your community. Do you think this can go another way?

PELAEZ: I hope not. I really haven't heard from them. This has been going on for a matter of days. It's been literally four days, you know.

MALVEAUX: It must be shocking. I understand that your brother, he serves in the military. He's carried out duty in Iraq and Afghanistan?

PELAEZ: He actually he did a tour in Afghanistan and he recently got back in November.

MALVEAUX: Were you shocked to realize that your whole life could turn around like this, turn upside down? How did you react?

PELAEZ: Yes, of course. Well, on Monday, when I was hearing the court's decision, I was in a state of constant shock. I think sometimes am as the judge is delivering his final sentence I'm just thinking, well, what am I going to do in Colombia? What future do I have there?

The education system is differently. They get out at grade 11 and we get out at grade 12 so I wouldn't even know how to apply -- the scholarly things that I've learned here, I wouldn't know how to apply it in Colombia.

MALVEAUX: And you would miss your friends. I imagine you would have to leave everything, your friends, family, community. It's all you've known there in Florida.

PELAEZ: Yes.

MALVEAUX: Well, Daniela --

PELAEZ: Yeah, at North --

MALVEAUX: Please, go ahead.

PELAEZ: I'm sorry. Yes, I was just saying at North Miami and international baccalaureate program, we're all really closely knit tight family and you know, they're the ones that made this possible along with the rest of the school and administration. And my whole world would come apart if I weren't allowed to stay here.

MALVEAUX: All right, Daniela, thank you so much. We really appreciate you talking with us. We know you have a lot of support in your community there.

Obviously, please let us know what happens in your case and in the next couple of weeks. I want to also take a look at perhaps the legal options here in this case, whether or not there are any.

Joining us from New York is Michael Wildes, he's an immigration attorney and former federal prosecutor. So Michael, is there anything that Daniela can do?

I mean, this judge says she has to go back to Colombia. Is there some loophole or room here where that doesn't have to happen?

MICHAEL WILDES, IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY: There is not just a lot of wiggle room, but there is a tremendous obligation that her lawyer has. I had the privilege of speaking to her lawyer about a few minutes ago.

This really demands great attention. Congress could legislate a private bill if it had the tenacity to do it and the president could sign a green card literally over to her once a private bill was had.

There are also laws in the books that would allow a person like her in the greatest tradition of our nation where we see an entire community and schools coming forward and look at how she speaks.

And the greatest stock of character that we want, the person that achieves that academically, who's brother would bear arms to live here. The government could actually in its discretion stop the removal proceedings and also a judge could ultimately award something.

There's something called deferred action where the government can go forward independently, but everything started and defer taking action going on this young lady's plight.

MALVEAUX: I'm sorry. But does she have time for any of those options there? I mean, we're looking at weeks away before she's got to leave.

WILDES: Absolutely. This is exactly what these remedies are for. Before this judge made this final order, a lawyer could have put in a request for prosecutorial discretion for the government to stop this effort.

Now that there's adverse press to the government, now that the merits in equities, her brother's service to our nation goes forward, I think there's plenty of opportunity here for the lawyer and we're going to work together.

As a community and the Immigration Lawyers Association and a professor of law where I teach in New York, I'm sure there are a lot of students coming up through the ranks that are going to want to roll-up their sleeves and help out as well.

This young lady frankly deserves it. When you look at the economy, when you look at politics here, she deserves to be here. I spoke to the lawyer. The lawyer said that the prior lawyer had put violence against women's act because the mother had some kind of abuse.

Can you imagine after that case is denied to literally put a postage stamp on her forehead and send her packing? This is completely out of character for our nation. The courts and the prosecutors I know will do right by her.

MALVEAUX: Michael Wildes, thank you very much. Obviously, we're going to follow this case very closely to see if in fact her attorney and you guys can work something out so she can stay here. Thank you, Michael.

Four years ago, after record turnout, we're going to tell you why President Obama's campaign is having to work for the support of African-American voters in his bid for re-election.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Black voters turned out in historic numbers to vote for President Obama back in 2008. Many going to the polls for the first time. With African-Americans hit hard by the economy, can the Obama campaign energize voters again? We take a look in our "What Matters" segment today.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX (voice-over): Donnell Scott (ph) has a framed newspaper story on his wall about President Obama when he won the 2008 election.

DONNELL SCOTT: I wanted to capture this for my family because, again, it was so historical.

MALVEAUX: But this year he's not sure he wants to vote for Obama again.

SCOTT: These next few months are going to be the tell-tale sign of me making that decision.

MALVEAUX: African-Americans have been hit hard by the economy, with black unemployment at 13.6 percent, almost double the rate of whites.

SCOTT: I've, at times I've held almost three or four different jobs at one time. When you have a family that you're trying to support, you would do whatever it takes, no matter the odds.

MALVEAUX: In 2008, African-Americans went to the polls in record numbers. Ninety-six percent of African-Americans who voted, voted for President Obama. With some people in the black community feeling a sense of disappointment now, the question is, can the president hold on to the black vote?

Former Obama policy adviser and now DNC head, Patrick Gaspard, believes he can.

PATRICK GASPARD, DNC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: African-Americans have been disproportionately affected by the recession. Over the course of the last 23 months, we've, of course, seen 3.7 million jobs grown in the private sector alone. And there is a sign that we're beginning to turn this around.

MALVEAUX: Representative Maxine Waters has been one of the president's toughest critics for not doing enough for black unemployment. Even so, she says Republican attacks on President Obama will help energize blacks to vote.

REP. MAXINE WATERS (D), CALIFORNIA: Since the Republican candidates have taken to the air with these debates, they have tried to undermine the president in so many ways. They have strengthened the resolve of African-Americans to re-elect this president.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've got to decide what kind of country we want to be.

MALVEAUX: Last month, the Obama campaign launched African-Americans for Obama to generate support in black communities. At a barber shop in Atlanta, opinions were mixed on whether or not to vote for the president in November.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's going to have to become very convincing to minorities right now. Other than that, it's going to sound like the same story over again. And they'll still be waiting on a change.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he's done a ton with the cards that he was dealt. I think four more years would do him and do us and do the country well.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: And that's our "What Matters" segment.

We are following, as well, breaking news. Severe weather. Several states effected. I want to go to WAFF reporter Carla Redditte. She is in Harvest. This is part of Madison County, Alabama. This is where one of those tornado touched down.

Karla, tell us what kind of damage you're seeing, what is taking place now.

KARLA REDDITTE, WAFF REPORTER: Good afternoon.

I want to take you just right down the street here. I want you to look at the damage here. I'm, again, as you just mentioned, I'm in the Harvest section of Madison County. I'm right here at the intersection of Ford's (ph) Chapel and Creosa (ph) Lane. And you can see down there, you can see downed trees, downed power lines.

I also want you to look over here to my right. If you just look up in the tree there, there's a pillow from someone's home. It just shows you how strong this wind that came through here this morning. We heard that the wind came through, or the storm came through around 9:30 this morning.

I was able to talk to some neighbors in this neighborhood right here. And one woman told me she was coming from the gym around 9:00 this morning. She got in. she heard the sirens going off. No rain. But as soon as she stepped into the home, it sounded like an airplane coming over her home. That's how loud and how ferocious this storm was this morning.

And it passed quickly. But as you can see, lots of damage left behind. Fortunately, we're not hearing of any injuries right now. But again, lots of damage, particularly to a neighborhood that just was hit on April 27th, almost a year ago. So they have the clean-up process to go through once again.

Back to you.

MALVEAUX: You know, Karla, that is a pretty bizarre picture there when you see a pillow up in a tree.

REDDITTE: Yes.

MALVEAUX: Do you know if any of the neighbors, any of these folks, did they have a warning before this thing hit?

REDDITTE: Well, they had warning from meteorologists all morning long and, of course, a lot of people in Alabama, they know about whether radios. We've been, of course, talking about that ever since April 27th. So a lot of the families had that.

But I don't think they were expecting the storms to come through as early. A lot of meteorologists were talking about it coming through this evening. We had some light storms this morning, but nothing -- no one, I don't think, expected anything like this.

But a lot of these neighbors got into some of their shelters. One lady told me she got into her bathtub and she was safe. But no one expected to see this out here.

MALVEAUX: Wow, Karla Redditte, thank you so much. Excellent reporting throughout the day. Thank you, Karla.

Hackers have been breaking now into NASA computers and taking control.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: A security breach at NASA. Hackers had full control of computers. We're going to have a live report.

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM: Time now for "The Help Desk," where we get answers to your financial questions. And joining me this hour, John Ulzheimer is the president of consumer education with smartcredit.com, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a personal finance author and founder of the financial advice blog askthemoneycoach.com.

Guys, thanks for coming in.

Lynnette, your question comes from Richard in New Jersey today. Richard said, "I will be losing my job at the end of March. My 21- year-old daughter is planning to attend graduate school next year and I'm filling out her FAFSA application. He can I maximize her eligibility?"

So he wants to know how he can get the most financial aid.

LYNNETTE KHALFANI-COX, FOUNDER, ASKTHEMONEYCOACH.COM: Sure. Two strategies to maximize financial aid eligibility. First, apply immediately. Don't wait until after you filed your tax return.

HARLOW: Right.

KHALFANI-COX: Some people think you have to file your taxes first. You can actually put an estimate on your FAFSA form.

HARLOW: OK.

KHALFANI-COX: Secondly, make sure the colleges know that he's about to be severed or leave from his job. That makes a huge difference because they're going to ask for tax returns or records from 2011 income, which isn't going to be indicative of 2012 financial standing. That can change the entire dynamic and make his daughter eligible for more financial aid. So do let them know that a separation from the job the imminent.

HARLOW: Right. All right, very good advice.

John, Bree (ph) from Washington, D.C., wrote into us. "I'm a few years out of college. Until now I've only used a debit card. I want to get a credit card to help build my credit. What should I consider?"

JOHN ULZHEIMER, PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER EDUCATION, SMARTCREDIT.COM: Yes, there's been a lot of talk about debit cards or pre-paid debit cards lately and how they do or do not help you build credit.

HARLOW: Yes.

ULZHEIMER: They do not help you build credit. Let's just be very clear about that. If you want to start establishing credit using plastic to do so, it's actually not a bad way to do it because it's very cheap. You can open a retail store credit card. Don't get me wrong, the interest rates are very high on those, but you don't have to revolve a balance in order to establish credit.

Or you can open what's called a secured credit card, where you put a deposit with the bank and the bank issues you a credit card with an equal amount as a credit limit. It's a legitimate credit card product with an interest rate and fees. You pay it back every single month if you use it. And it helps to establish and build credit at the same time.

HARLOW: But don't get too many.

ULZHEIMER: Don't get too many and don't get to any point where you have to roll a balance from one month to another.

HARLOW: Right. All right, great advice.

Guys, thank you.

And, folks, if you've got a question you want answered, send us an e- mail any time to cnnhelpdesk@cnn.com.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: It cost NASA more than $7 million in recent years. Has nothing to do with space. What are we talking about here? Hackers. A new report showing that a recent security breach at NASA gave hackers with Chinese Internet addresses, quote, "full functional control" of NASA computers. John Zarrella is tracking developments out of Miami.

John, wow, what is going on here?

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, you know, Suzanne, you would think that besides the CIA that perhaps NASA have would have the most secure data systems anywhere in the world. Well, according to the Inspector General's report that was just released, it says that NASA lags far behind other federal agencies in protecting its data.

In one of the most disconcerting events, apparently last March, around this time, a computer, a laptop computer, was stolen that contained algorithms for command and control of the International Space Station. Now, NASA says that at no time were the operations of the International Space Station in any way in jeopardy. But it pinpointed some of the breaches.

In fact, there were more than 5,000 security incidents that NASA has investigated over the past couple of years. And one of them out at the jet propulsion laboratory was the one you just referenced where hackers apparently, with those IP addresses in China, had access to very sensitive jet propulsion laboratory systems, which would have allowed them to modify, delete, or copy sensitive files.

Now, folks out at the jet propulsion laboratory in California told me that they are always NASA systems under constant attacks, but that the bottom line in all of this is that they are continuing to try to step up and to respond to all of these ongoing threats.

Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: All right, John, thank you so much. Appreciate it.

ZARRELLA: Sure.

MALVEAUX: CNN NEWSROOM continues right now with Kate Bolduan.

Hi, Kate.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Suzanne. Nice to see you.