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U.S. Issues Global Travel Alert; Victim Returns to Castro's House; Cyclospora Traced to Mexico Plant; U.S. Closes Embassies after al Qaeda Threat; Doctor Accused of Killing His Wife; A Third of Americans Have a Budget; A-Rod Waits To Learn His Fate; Tiger Equals Lowest Round Ever; Riley Cooper Excused From Eagles Camp; San Diego Mayor: City Is Liable

Aired August 03, 2013 - 11:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

A look at the top stories that we're following this hour right now:

Nearly two dozen U.S. embassies get ready to close their doors amid fears of a terror attack. A former U.S. ambassador says this move is unprecedented and the threat is impacting U.S. travelers everywhere around the world. The message to Americans around the world -- next.

And one of the Cleveland women abducted by Ariel Castro goes back to the home where she was held prisoner for 11 years. We have neighbor's reaction to Michelle Knight's incredible strength.

A global travel alert is in effect right now for all Americans around the world. That's after sources say there is growing intelligence that al Qaeda is planning an attack possibly in the Middle East or North Africa. As a precaution, the U.S. is closing 22 embassies and consulates tomorrow mostly in that region and the threat is expected to last until the end of August.

Emily Schmidt is live for us right now in Washington. So, Emily, a former U.S. ambassador said today this is unprecedented. How big of a step is this to close so many embassies at once?

EMILY SCHMIDT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, we hear officials saying they are taking this very seriously. They have also said that this number could expand. In fact we've seen that happen overnight. Yesterday we were talking about 21 embassies and consulates that would be impacted, now the number is up to 22. And it's not just the U.S. involved. In fact British and German embassies have said that they are going to close their embassies in Yemen. Now the French have said they will also close their embassies. You're seeing all of this playing out because of threats people say they're taking very seriously.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCHMIDT (voice-over): Nearly one year ago Americans saw what happens when terrorists attack a U.S. diplomatic compound. In Benghazi four Americans died, including the U.S. Ambassador. Now the U.S. government is dealing with what could be a new round of regional threats. Officials say they tracked the chatter coming out of Yemen for weeks, and then it changed over the past few days, more of it. Enough that key members of Congress were briefed about the threat.

REP. MIKE ROGERS (R), CHAIRMAN, HOUSE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: Obviously it's serious enough that we're taking concrete steps to make sure that our personnel overseas are safe.

SCHMIDT: The State Department has taken the unusual step of issuing a worldwide travel alert to Americans abroad. The action is clear. Nearly two dozen embassies will close on Sunday and those closings could stretch into the week. Officials say the intelligence makes them particularly concerned about the U.S. embassy in Yemen over the next few days. Multiple sources tell CNN al Qaeda in Yemen could be in the final stages of planning an attack.

For the past two years, U.S. drones have targeted regions of Yemen trying to eliminate the al Qaeda threat there. The threat has also been described as ambiguous, meaning it could target other U.S. or Western targets across the region.

CHRISTOPHER HILL, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR: I think this closing all of these embassies in the Middle East to North Africa is, in fact, unprecedented. At least I didn't see this during my career.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHMIDT: And a bit of perspective, Christopher Hill spent more than 30 years with the State Department. Officials now with the State Department say they can't remember closing so many posts because of this kind of terror threat -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And how about from the White House. Any new comments today?

SCHMIDT: Yes this morning you know they're telling CNN they're not going to comment on intelligence in this case, particularly as it relates to a "New York Times" report that says some of this intelligence might have come from intercepted electronic communications between senior al Qaeda operatives.

And we talk about the President, what he's doing today. Well so far it looks like he's following his regular routine, going golfing this morning in Camp David later today to celebrate his birthday. The White House is pointing out though he's being updated on a regular basis on this potential threat. Has directed his national security team to take all appropriate steps they say to protect the American people.

WHITFIELD: All right. Emily Schmidt, thanks so much. Keep us posted there from Washington.

All right the travel alert will impact Americans all over the world for about a month. Nick Valencia is live for us at Atlanta's airport, the busiest airport in the world.

So Nick, you've been talking to passengers today. Are they noticing any differences? Are they at all nervous about their travels?

NICK VALENCIA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fred. Domestically it is business as usual here and passengers who are traveling this weekend out of the Atlanta airport, which you mentioned is the busiest airport, about 240,000 passengers a day, they shouldn't notice any change. It's no longer lines, no delays as related to this travel warning. The State Department also says for those that are traveling internationally they should see no visible change in the security.

In fact we just came from the international terminal. It was very calm there. Some passengers were aware of the travel warning while others were just sort of oblivious to it though there were some who did tell us that their travel plans would be affected by this warning.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do take the threat seriously, but very aware of where I'm at and my surroundings and you know I just trust God to take care of me.

VALENCIA: Did it give you cause for pause at all before you got on the plane?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No not at all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VALENCIA: Now airlines that do fly internationally out of this airport, they have not changed any flight, they have not canceled any flights. For those that are wondering about perhaps waivers or refunds if they're worried about traveling and want to change their flight, right now they're not offering those waivers or refunds. That policy could, however, change depending on the updated information that's released by the TSA and the State Department -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right. And Nick, what about for people who are traveling say in the next month -- any kind of new precautions or any advice that's being given to them?

VALENCIA: Yes. The State Department is encouraging those that are traveling abroad to register their trip with the U.S. embassy. So depending on the country you're going to, get in touch with that embassy where you're going to be at. Also you can register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get alerts about possible crisis situations or emergency situations.

I registered yesterday just to sort of check out the -- the Web site. It's pretty easy to navigate. They also encourage the State Department encourages passengers to check on the State Department Web site for updates and alerts -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, Nick Valencia at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Thanks so much.

Neighbors along Seymour Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, call Michelle Knight a real inspiration. On Friday Knight returned to the home where she and two other women were held and tormented for more than a decade by Ariel Castro. Castro was sentenced on Thursday to life plus 1,000 years in prison with no chance of parole. Knight thanked the neighbors for their help in the rescue and they praised her for her bravery.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was surprised and I gave her a hug, and she was really nice.

HENRIETTA BELL, NEIGHBOR: She inspired me a lot because her attitude, her demeanor and all that, she is a very strong person.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Meantime, Castro's house is set to be demolished as part of his plea deal.

Hundreds sickened in more than a dozen states. Now the FDA confirms it was bagged lettuce from a processor in Mexico that made diners at two popular chain restaurants sick. But the CEO of Taylor Farms tells CNN that all tests for cyclospora is his company's Mexico facility and all have been negative.

CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta has the latest.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Fred, we're getting some new information on what has caused the illness of around 400 people in 16 states. As you know, we've been talking about this prepackaged mixed lettuce for some time causing illnesses in Iowa, but we're also now learning from the FDA specifically what farm provided produce to a couple of restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska as well. The farm, Taylor Farms of Mexico; the restaurants, Olive Garden and Red Lobster -- both those restaurants incidentally Fred are part of Darden Restaurant Group.

So Taylor Farms of Mexico is where the FDA is now focusing their attention. They're undergoing an environmental inspection right now and the FDA is also saying they're monitoring all leafy greens that are coming in from Mexico. I'll tell you as well, Fred that the Taylor Farms was actually at the heart of an inspection and investigation earlier this year because of a nationwide recall on baby spinach. That was in February of this year. That was Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, part again of the same parent group.

But again, some more information here. Taylor Farms of Mexico and at least in the states of Iowa and Nebraska, we're talking about Olive Garden and Red Lobster being the two restaurants where at least four clusters, four groups of people, became ill.

Fred, as we get more information, we'll bring it to you. Back to you for now.

WHITFIELD: All right thanks so much, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

And Darden Restaurants Group, which owns Olive Garden and Red Lobster, released a statement saying this, quote, "Iowa and Nebraska health authorities have said this is not an ongoing outbreak and the product is no longer in the food supply in those states. The health and safety of our guests is our top priority and it is completely safe to eat in our restaurants", end quote.

All right it's as if something kind of took a bite out of the Kansas prairie. Take a look. This is a giant sinkhole that opened up in Wallace County in the western part of the state. 200 feet across, 90 feet deep, and guess what? It's still growing. Thankfully there are no homes nearby and we're told these things are rather common in western Kansas. Watch your step.

All right fears of a terror attack lead to what's being called an unprecedented move -- U.S. embassies around the world closing. Our national security analyst tells us why this threat is being taken so seriously.

And the highest paid player in baseball answers his critics, and A- Rod's bat also made a big statement last night.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The U.S. is very worried about the possibility of an al Qaeda attack in the Middle East and North Africa and Homeland Security Chairman Peter King says "The intelligence information is the most specific he has ever seen."

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

REP. PETER KING (R), NEW YORK: There's very little doubt, if any, that something serious is being planned and I think that's a worldwide alert. Obviously we're focused on the Middle East but you know, it's a potential series of attacks that really could be almost anyplace.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: CNN national security analyst Juliette Kayyem joins us live now from Boston. So you heard Peter King saying very specific information. So are we talking about threats that go beyond Internet chatter in your view?

JULIETTE KAYYEM, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST: Yes likely and in fact, the government has essentially confirmed now that for a while there's been sort of background chatter the last couple months suggesting that something is being planned in the last couple days. And what would explain these alerts is more specific information. That is coming from foreign intelligence agencies in Yemen and elsewhere, so it's a combination of the monitoring of communications as well as what foreign intelligence agencies are telling us at this stage. So, that would explain both why the specific embassies are closed but also the worldwide alert.

WHITFIELD: We heard earlier from the former U.S. ambassador to Iraq saying this is unprecedented in his view. My dad worked with the State Department and embassies in Asia, Africa and the Middle East for more than 30 years and never has an embassy closure of this caliber does anyone ever remember anything like this happening.

So in your view does it have a lot to do with the precaution as a result of Benghazi, what happened before, during, after?

KAYYEM: Absolutely and we would hope so. I mean whatever one thinks about what happened at Benghazi, a lot of lessons were learned.

There was a strong internal review, and one of that was to the extent that there is at least background chatter about the targeting of hard targets, which would be an embassy, we ought to alert our embassy officials, close it down at least -- close the embassies down on Sunday.

There's another reason for the administration going this public --

WHITFIELD: What is that?

KAYYEM: -- now. And that has to do with disrupting a planned attack. If the terrorists know that these cells know, that we're aware that they're planning something, you know, if they wait until another day, that's a victory. I know it's not perfect, but that's essentially the way it works. A delayed terrorist attack or one that they decide to wait is actually a success given how difficult it is to monitor this stuff worldwide.

WHITFIELD: And then what is the criteria that would be measured to make the decision to reopen these embassies and consulates when that day comes?

KAYYEM: Right. It may be that some are open and not others and specifically if the intelligence shows that Yemen or areas around Yemen might be targeted, so they're going to assess the intelligence. Something in the intelligence suggests Sunday is a real day to be concerned about, and we do this, the government closes the embassy not just for our own personnel but to protect the residents of those nations who might be near or also working in these embassies. So this is for everyone involved.

So they'll assess the intelligence and open up either all at the same time or some. You know, we can't keep these embassies or consulates closed forever. They do tremendous work with these nations and the ambassadors have to get back to doing the work that they do.

WHITFIELD: And with those closings, does that also mean that the family members are evacuated or asked to leave these areas at least temporarily or even perhaps even that vital personnel such as ambassadors?

KAYYEM: Yes. There's been no -- well, we know right now at least publicly that the ambassadors and the families are staying at their residences if the residences are away from the consulates or embassies. In most countries in the Middle East, that is the case.

So there's been -- with the worldwide alert, there's been no travel ban. The government is telling everyone still travel, just be smart, and I have to say registering with the embassy of the country you're traveling to should be part and parcel of anyone's international travels, just smart to do. And then decide when ambassadors and their families can get back to normal.

But there might be specific precautions taken in particular countries, and that would be normal given the family members and there's children and others who essentially live their lives there.

WHITFIELD: And Sunday, tomorrow being the day that these embassies and consulates are closed, it's also called the so-called night of power, one of the holiest days on the Muslim calendar. Is this simply a precaution and making this closure fitting for this day? Or is there something more to it beyond the threats? Are they being specific about this day or this calendar month?

KAYYEM: So in what we can tell publicly and in my conversations with people, it's a strange series of intelligence gathering assets right now. So you have the background noise with specific information coming from a foreign intelligence agency. That was enough to make people focus on a particular date, but the odd thing about it is while there might be a date, the place is not known. And that's often the case.

I know we wish that intelligence would disclose the attack is going to happen here, everyone should evacuate. It doesn't work that way. It's not the nature of terrorist communications. And so that's what makes it so difficult. I often say intelligence gathering now in a world with al Qaeda the way it is, is more an art, not a science, and the precaution seems appropriate given what we know of the various intelligence streams at this stage, and if it causes a delay in planning, that is a success.

WHITFIELD: All right, Juliette Kayyem, thanks so much. Keep us posted on what you learn. Appreciate it.

KAYYEM: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: All right.

Coming up next, we'll tell you about a high profile murder trial in Pittsburgh. A doctor is accused of poisoning another doctor who happened to be his own wife.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In Garland County, Arkansas police have arrested the mom of an inmate who broke out of jail. The escaped inmate is still on the loose. His daring getaway was all caught on surveillance tape. Watch as Derrick Estell talks on a phone, well, you're seeing it all happen right there. He sees a chance to escape through that reception window and then simply takes off. While another inmate distracts the deputy, Estell clears the jail altogether.

So the officer actually gave chase, you see right there, but couldn't catch Estell who left in a getaway car. So the mother, Glenda Estell, is charged now with helping her son. He was facing charges including aggravated robbery and breaking and entering. On to Pittsburgh now, the murder trial of a well-known doctor accused of killing his wife with cyanide. Prosecutors say he convinced her to drink the poison by telling her it was a fertility treatment.

Poppy Harlow is tracking the story and looking at the couple's life together.

POPPY HARLOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Fredricka. Well, it is a suspected murder mystery that has rocked Pittsburgh involving two star doctors, a husband and a wife. And after a three-month investigation, police here allege that Dr. Robert Ferrante murdered his wife, Dr. Autumn Klein, with a lethal dose of cyanide and now he sits in this jail behind me facing criminal homicide charges -- charges that he vehemently denies.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW (voice-over): New details in the suspected murder mystery. For the first time we're hearing how Dr. Robert Ferrante allegedly prepared his wife's creatine regimen in order to help her get pregnant.

According to police search warrants, Ferrante prepared five grams of creatine for his wife, Dr. Autumn Klein, to take in the morning and evening by mixing it into a sugary drink or putting it on her toast.

DEBBI CASINI, PATIENT OF DR. AUTUMN KLEIN: She was so kind, compassionate and caring and it was just -- she was a good soul.

HARLOW: Debbi Casini remembers her 41-year-old doctor, the head of women's neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

CASINI: I could not imagine anyone wanting to murder her.

HARLOW: But in their criminal complaint, police say her husband, 64- year-old Dr. Robert Ferrante, murdered her with a lethal dose of cyanide. The two had a six-year-old daughter together.

HARLOW (on camera): What did she say about her daughter?

CASINI: Oh, it was the love of her life.

HARLOW: Did she talk about her husband at all?

CASINI: Not at all. Not once.

HARLOW (voice-over): One of the theories the prosecution will work off of is that the cyanide was mixed with the creatine Klein took. A source close to the investigation tells us the levels of cyanide in Klein's system were significant enough to make her collapse in 30 seconds. And says when Ferrante was questioned by police about his wife's death, his demeanor was indifferent.

WILLIAM DIFENDERFER, DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR DR. ROBERT FERRANTE: He maintains his innocence in this thing. Absolutely denies he had anything to do with her death. He is extremely concerned about his six-year-old daughter. I'm sure the Commonwealth would say it's a strong circumstantial case. In my opinion, it's not. And --

HARLOW (on camera): Why do you think it's not?

DIFENDERFER: I'm not going to get into it.

HARLOW (voice-over): Klein's parents were in court this week when Ferrante pleaded not guilty to criminal homicide.

BLITHE RUNSDORF, NEIGHBOR: They've just been to vacation. They've been for at least a week in Puerto Rico.

HARLOW: Blithe Runsdorf lived across the street from the couple.

(on camera): Now that you've seen the criminal complaints and the allegations, are you surprised?

RUNDORF: Yes. Absolutely. I think - I don't - I think stunned is too little a word for how we feel about this. And the thing that I think bothers most of us is, what's the motivation?

HARLOW (voice-over): A possible motive, police allege in the affidavit Ferrante thought Klein may be having an affair.

CASINI: I really believe she could have done so many greater things. That's what makes this all so awful.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Another possible motive, police say they have evidence that Klein was planning to leave her husband. As for what Ferrante's defense will be, his attorney told me he's not going to fight this out in the media. We're going to have to wait for the trial to hear that. And the DA's office here tells me they have not yet decided whether or not to seek the death penalty -- Fredricka?

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much, Poppy Harlow.

Will A-Rod ever play for the Yankees again? In a minor league park last night, he let his bat do the talking and later blasted his team.

And despite the slow economic recovery, a new Gallup poll found that only about a third of American adults prepare a household budget. Economic experts say that may jeopardize your financial security and freedom.

Tom Foreman has this week's "American journey."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four slices of mozzarella stick.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Grabbing a pizza on the run is a treat Ellen Moncure and Joe Wong enjoy. But even with modest incomes, a house in Brooklyn and two kids, it's also something they know they can afford because they are among the relatively rare Americans who have put together and follow a household budget. ELLEN MONCURE, BUDGETS HOUSEHOLD: I think that I gain from budgeting a sense of security, a sense that I am able to control a little bit of the uncontrollable future.

JOE WONG, BUDGETS HOUSEHOLD: We do try to re-evaluate the budget every now and then, every few months, to make sure that we're hitting the targets.

FOREMAN: That seemingly simple trick can be devilishly hard. In part because economic advisors say so many people find the idea unpleasant.

AMANDA STEINBERG, DAILYWORTH.COM: Just listen to the word budget. It's not a very appealing word, is it?

FOREMAN: Yet Amanda Steinberg who started dailyworth.com said a good budget does not have to account for every penny. People just need to make sure big important items such as household expenses, insurance and savings are covered. And once they are, the budgeter can confidently spent money on things that he or she simply wants.

STEINBERG: But oftentimes that means we're going to create a life that turns into a hamster wheel because it's so expensive and hard to maintain. So that if you create a budget you have some visibility into what your life should cost so that you have the freedom to spend money and you're not staying up late at night wondering how you're going to pay the bills.

FOREMAN: Gallup found intriguing details in its poll on budgets. For example, wealthier people and conservatives are slightly more likely to track their spending and savings. Those with lower incomes and liberals are slightly less likely.

Even those who do budget admit it is hard to start. That's daunting, but the reward is peace of mind and guilt-free pizza, too.

Tom Foreman, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The U.S. is warning American travelers around the world to be on alert with fears mounting of an al Qaeda terror attack possible. Sources say there is growing intelligence that terrorists are planning an attack in the Middle East or Northern Africa. The State Department is closing down 22 embassies and consulates in the region starting tomorrow. Retired Army General Wesley Clark told Erin Burnett that step shows this is serious.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GENERAL WESLEY CLARK, U.S. ARMY (RETIRED): My guess is that we know a little bit more than what is being said publicly. Obviously, if we've got lines on what the terrorists are saying, we may be able to deter it. That's good, better if we can take the terrorists out. We don't know what the ultimate play is here, but I've got a lot of confidence in the people that have set this up behind the scenes in the State Department and in the Pentagon. I think we've got a lot better grip on this than we did during Benghazi. We're ready for it. I'm sure there's a lot more than just Marines standing by.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Almost a year ago four Americans were killed on the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. France, Germany, and now Britain are also closing their embassies in Yemen tomorrow.

The highest paid baseball player says he feels singled out. The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez could face a possible lifetime ban because of the doping scandal swirling around him. A-Rod made a statement though last night with his bat, but he also talked to reporters.

HLN's Joe Carter is joining us now from Trenton, New Jersey. All right, so what's the buzz? Is there a deal in the works where he would no longer be training in the minor leagues, injury healed, and back with the Yankees?

JOE CARTER, HLN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Well, if you talk to Alex Rodriguez, he says that he's going to be back with the New York Yankees as of Monday night, that he'll be in Chicago as the Yankees get set for a three-game series against the White Sox. Now we've heard reports, because we haven't heard from Major League Baseball quite yet, but we have heard lots of reports that baseball has given some of these players a deadline to decide whether they want to accept the suspension or do an appeal as of Sunday and that they're going to make a big announcement on Monday.

But as it relates back to Alex Rodriguez, you know, Fredricka, we have not seen him play live action baseball in a few weeks. He obviously hasn't addressed the media directly in few weeks. He did both of those last night here this Trenton, New Jersey. And on the field he played pretty well. He took three at-bats, hit a home run, and then off the field he addressed a number of questions to a packed room of media.

He addressed PEDs. He addressed his legacy, and he also kind of implied that there are more than one party out there that are interested in keeping him off the field. Here is a few seconds of what he said last night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALEX RODRIGUEZ, NEW YORK YANKEES: There's more than one party that benefits from me not ever stepping back on the field. It's not my teammates and it's not the Yankee fans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who is it? Who benefits?

RODRIGUEZ: I can't tell you right now and I hope I never have to. I'm not sure. I think it's pretty self-explanatory. I think that's the pink elephant in the room. I think we all agree we want to get rid of PEDs. That's a must. I think all the players, we feel that way. But when other stuff is going on in the background and people are finding creative ways to cancel your contract and stuff like, that I think that's concerning for me. It's concerning for president, and I think it should be concerning for future players as well. There is a process. I'm excited about the way I feel tonight and I'm going to keep fighting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARTER: Now, Fredricka, there's speculation that the New York Yankees front office would not mind if Alex Rodriguez were to be suspended rather than rejoin his team. The Yankees are on the hook to pay him over $100 million of guaranteed salary up until 2017 but they would not have to pay him that salary if he were suspended for PEDs. Now, it's believed Major League Baseball is going to finally make an announcement on Monday.

You know, we expected it to happen sometime last week. It did not. There are reports that they've given a number of players a decision to make by tomorrow, Sunday, and that they will make a formal announcement on Monday. That will be a list of players that have accepted the suspension and a list of players that are going to appeal it.

But as far as Alex Rodriguez goes, it's an entirely separate situation. Obviously we've heard anywhere from 150 games to a lifetime ban. Yesterday, we watched Alex Rodriguez sign many autographs before he played in that AA game last night and he was very warmly received. We expected to hear a lot of boos.

There was a couple, but he was very warmly received, Fredricka, and we expect him to take the diamond again tonight. He will play seven innings and like I said, he expects to join the Yankees on Monday in Chicago -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, well, he's talking like a man pretty confident about his position in this investigation of performance-enhancing drugs. He sounds like they got nothing on him and that maybe he really will be playing and perhaps it's just, I guess, his fight against management. It's going to be interesting to see. I know you will keep us posted with you and your sources. Joe Carter, thanks so much.

All right, on to golf now, Tiger Woods came close to making history on Friday after playing one of the greatest rounds of golf ever say some. Jeff Fischel is here with that and all the other sports action in this "Bleacher Report."

JEFF FISCHEL, "BLEACHER REPORT": Fred, do not let anyone tell you Tiger doesn't have it anymore. People look at the majors, he hasn't won one of those in five years, but if you just focus on that, you are ignoring how well he's playing overall.

Yesterday at the WGC Bridgestone, it looked like Tiger would shoot the magical 59. It's only been done four times ever in pro golf. Tiger was nine under through 13 holes, which is just ridiculous. He needed two birdies on the last five holes. He didn't get it, ended up with a 61. He was asked afterward if he was disappointed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TIGER WOODS, PROFESSIONAL GOLFER: Am I disappointed? Absolutely not, no, 61 is pretty good. I'm not bummed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FISCHEL: That match is his best round ever.

Riley Cooper is taking time away from the Philadelphia Eagles after his racial slur at a recent concert surfaced. The wide receiver has released a new statement saying the last few days have been incredibly difficult and acknowledging what he did was inexcusable. He'll meet with counselors and said he will make it right. Eagle's Coach Chip Kelly says Cooper will be allowed to return to the team, but Kelly says this is an important lesson for the entire organization.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHIP KELLY, PHILADELPHIA'S HEAD COACH: I think we all should watch what we say whether it's a racist comment or a sexist comment or a sexual orientation comment because your words have impact. When you say them, people listen, and it can hurt people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FISCHEL: All right, must see baseball. The Angels J.B. Shuck running out of room in left field, jumps into the stands, he's gone, where did he go? There he is. And, in fact, he has the baseball, too. He made the catch. Teammates fired up. Watch Shuck dive. He actually landed on a slab of concrete, but he jumps back up, gets back on the field, and they rule that a catch, a great catch, perhaps the best catch you'll see. Fred, that's sports, back to you.

WHITFIELD: That is a memorable moment and especially a great moment for the fans who are right there to try to catch him. Thanks so much, Jeff Fischel. You can catch up with all the latest sports news 24/7, just go to bleacherreport.com.

All right, tired of the 9:00 to 5:00 office life? Would you like to start your own business perhaps? Our Clark Howard has the advice to help you move in the right direction to take the big leap.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The great recession has forced a lot of us to think about our money in new ways. HLN money expert, Clark Howard, has a new book out that has some great tips from real people across the country. It's called "Living Large For The Long Haul."

Clark, one of your stories in this book is about a man who was known as the "King of Pops." He was forced to find a new career when he got laid off. So what did he do? How did he become the "King of Pops?"

CLARK HOWARD, HLN MONEY EXPERT: He was working for a big financial house. He was a financier. He gets laid off, but he and his brothers had gone on a brothers' trip to Latin America and they had discovered these extremely high quality popsicles. Popsicles you think, a financier getting in popsicles, but not as an investor, as an owner of the business.

And so he at his kitchen table sleeping on his brother's sofa to conserve money started making these popsicles and selling them at festivals and fairs and things like that, and now he's got a real business. And Steve works like one million hours a week. I know there's only 168 hours a week.

But one of the things about being an entrepreneur, you have to do something you love, something you believe in, and then you've got to commit to it all in. And he is -- I went to his business, and I helped make popsicles recently.

WHITFIELD: Really?

HOWARD: Yes. So I could talk to all the employees, find out what it's like. The morale is fantastic and my favorite is banana pudding. The banana pudding pop is so good I can't believe it. They do all fresh ingredient, not my find of price point, guess how much one popsicle costs?

WHITFIELD: I'm going to tell you because I have had that, too, and the key lime is my favorite. I think it's $3, right?

HOWARD: Well, you're paying more than I paid. It's $2.50 is what I paid, but still --

WHITFIELD: Maybe I paid $2.50, too.

HOWARD: When I think about buying 12 for $2 in the supermarket of regular pops, being able to buy just one for $2.50, but dare I say it was worth it? And the lessons though are more important, and that is here is somebody who got kicked out of the economy by the great recession, and he gets out there with an idea, a passion, and makes it happen. And he did it on a shoestring with very little money because a lot of people think they're dreaming about an idea, but they don't think they can do it.

WHITFIELD: Yes, because they think money is a big barrier.

HOWARD: But here he was sleeping on his brother's sofa making his initial runs of product on a kitchen table? You can do so much more with ingenuity. You can start a business where you do it part time. You keep your current job. You go work part time doing what you want to do, and if what you want to pursue really starts to get some legs, then maybe you have a whole new career, a whole new way of life and ultimately, financial independence.

WHITFIELD: Thanks so much. Clark Howard, always good to see you. Now I will be in search of the banana pudding king of pops.

HOWARD: Try it.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks so much, Clark Howard. Who knew a popsicle aficionado?

Nine women now are accused -- are accusing the mayor of San Diego of harassment and he is now being sued as well. Why the mayor says taxpayers should be on the hook for his legal defense.

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WHITFIELD: The mayor of San Diego is packing his bags this weekend. On Monday, Bob Filner heads to a behavior counseling clinic for two weeks of intensive therapy following a series of sexual harassment complaints against him, but now, his lawyers say Filner wasn't trained on how not to sexually harass women, so the city is to blame. Allison Ash of affiliate KGTV explains.

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IRENE MCCORMACK JACKSON, ACCUSES FILNER OF HARASSMENT: His behavior made me feel ashamed, frightened and violated.

ALLISON ASH, KGTV REPORTER (voice-over): The sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Irene McCormack Jackson is the main subject in this letter written by Mayor Bob Filner's attorney, Harvey Berger. In it, Berger says, had the city provided mandatory sexual harassment training to Mayor Filner, Ms. McCormack Jackson may have never have brought her lawsuit. Berger claims the trainer for the city unilaterally canceled and never rescheduled such training for the mayor and others, and because of that, taxpayers should pay Filner's legal fees.

SCOTT SHERMAN, SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER: Taxpayers come first and we should not be on the hook for the mayor's behavior.

ASH: Scott Sherman who was sworn in on the same day as the mayor says he took his sexual harassment training online within the six-month period required by California law and says Filner should have done the same. Sherman also balked at this statement made by Filner's attorney, which says the seven others who have come forward to accuse the mayor of sexual harassment. City council should not take unverified and irrelevant public statements into account when making its decision whether or not to defend Mayor Filner.

SHERMAN: Again, grasping at straws. Harassment is harassment. I don't care if it's someone on the streets, someone that you're acquainted with.

ASH: In spite of Berger's letter, city council Tuesday voted unanimously to reject any payment of Filner's legal fees.

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WHITFIELD: All right, we're talking about this case with our legal guys next hour and in fact, they're here now with a little preview of their thoughts. Good to see you. Avery Friedman in Cleveland and Richard Herman in Las Vegas, OK, I know you guys have a whole lot to say about this one. So you know, Avery, you first, you know, this is a first. Is it not maybe to blame the city for not providing a mayor sexual harassment training?

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHT ATTORNEY: Yes, I think Paula Deen winds up with a NAACP image award before this guy gets out of this mess. The fact that he was in charge of sexual harassment training and now says he shouldn't be liable because he wasn't trained strikes me as a very interesting argument.

WHITFIELD: Richard, how do you see this very usual case?

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: It's not so unusual these days, Fred, an 11-year congressman. I mean, where does it end? This is why the population has no confidence in elected officials when they see conduct like this and then a defense and do you really think the next two weeks are going to cure this guy? It's just ridiculous. It's preposterous. He's got to go. He knows it. They know it. Get him out.

WHITFIELD: How do you really feel, Richard? That's right. In the next hour and guess what? I'm going to be talking to now a ninth accuser in all this. Another woman coming forward accusing the mayor of sexual harassment. She is a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. She says the mayor asked her for her card, but that isn't quite what upset her. It's what he allegedly did. A live conversation with her later on. We'll see you, Avery and Richard, next hour.

And last weekend, it was Tropical Storm Dorian then it was no more. Apparently, Dorian is making a comeback of sorts. Meteorologist Alexandria Steel is in the CNN Weather Center. In what form is Dorian back?

ALEXANDRA STEELE, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Well, it has regenerated and is now a Tropical Depression Dorian, but I think this is it. I'm going to show you on satellite. It really expected to weaken today. Not expecting to do a lot of impact, but here's a look. You can see it's kind of splitting, so really quite unorganized. Maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, some gusts to 45, but it is moving northeast at 14 miles per hour.

And here is its track, taking it really away from anyone. Although Miami could see a few showers because of it, so let's take you live to Miami and take a look at right now. It is incredibly warm, 85 degrees, but the dew point kind of how it feels to the touch, 95 is what it feels like outside so expecting scattered showers and storms today getting up into the upper 80s.

Here's the cold front north of the -- clearer and cooler conditions, south of the front. It's warm, humid, dew points are high and really very sticky. So that's today's scenario. What happens tomorrow, the front pushes a little bit south, so Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh, along this I-70, 80 Corridor, Ohio Valley, east towards Washington, all clears out for a much better day tomorrow. All that rain though drops to the south and it will be wet an stormy, quite warm and humid.

WHITFIELD: More of the same. This has been a very, very wet summer for many people in the south. Kind of getting used to it. It's feeling like South Florida no matter where you live. STEELE: Albany, New York, feels like South Florida.

WHITFIELD: I know. All right, Alexandra Steele, thanks so much. You got to stick around. You've got to see this. Because you know, most people when it's really, really hot outside, what do they do? They jump in the pool and that includes this little baby. This was quite the attraction at the Fort Worth zoo, a little baby elephant keeping cool.

Her name is Belle. She was born just July 7th weighing a very delicate 330 pounds. Isn't she sweet? And her 40-year-old mama, Rasha, she was pregnant for 22 months with this bundle of joy. I love those advanced material mamas. All right, enjoy the picks and try and stay cool. We have much more of the NEWSROOM right after this.

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