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Storm Hits During Busy Travel Weekend; Record High Temps along East Coast; Obama's Approval Ratings Plummet; Turning Around the Obama Presidency; Renovating the Capitol Dome; 2013 Year in Review; Bullying Leads to Suicide

Aired December 22, 2013 - 15:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello again, everyone. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here are the top stories at this hour. Snow ice, tornadoes, floods and record high temperatures, a bizarre mix of severe weather that's affecting nearly half of the country and now it's taken a deadly turn on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

And President Obama's approval rating is definitely seen better days, but can he turn public opinion around in 2014? His possible strategy this hour.

And Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin are already ready to usher in the new year. Just wait until you see who visits them as they get ready for the big show.

All right. First up the strange of mix of dangerous weather that's hitting about 180 million Americans right now. A brutal ice storm is moving through upstate New York and northern New England, bringing down tree limbs and power lines. And then nearly 100,000 people there don't have electricity.

And parts of the Midwest are feeling the pain, ice and snow began moving through that region yesterday. Up to a half foot of snow is in the forecast for parts of Wisconsin and Michigan.

And in the south, the storm turned deadly. Seven deaths now are blamed on the storm. Two in Mississippi where tornados damaged homes and turned over four semi trucks, and four people drowned in flood waters in Kentucky. One person died in a car crash in Missouri.

All of this is happening when nearly 100 million people are on the move for the holiday season.

Our George Howell is at one of the busiest airports in the world, Chicago O'Hare.

So, George, what kind of impact is being felt there?

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, if you look back here behind me, you can see what's happening. We're looking at, you know, sort of the afternoon rush here in Chicago's O'Hare airport. Earlier we saw a lot of people, we also saw snow.

The good news right now at least out of this airport the weather is cooperating. At least for the moment.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOWELL (voice-over): Traveling through Chicago's O'Hare Airport on one of the biggest travel weeks of the year --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We actually changed our flight. We're supposed to get out at 4:30 and yesterday we called to change it to be on an earlier flight. So when I saw the snow this morning I said, good, I'm glad we're on an earlier flight. That way if we get delayed we'll at least -- we'll get there sometime today.

(LAUGHTER)

HOWELL: Rachel, John and their slightly camera shy son Michael Coppolla hiding behind his mother on this occasion didn't take any chances on their way to New York. Because for many travelers weather is top of mind as a winter storm threatens to snarl travel from the East Coast to the Midwest.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are monitoring the weather a little bit. And we're thinking we're going to be OK.

HOWELL: So far at least 15,000 flights have been delayed this weekend. More than 1,000 cancelled. All according to the airline tracking site, Flightaware.com. With widespread delays, major hubs from Dallas to Chicago are feeling the holiday ripple effect.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're hoping the weather cooperates so we can get out on time.

HOWELL: Fortunately when it comes to getting your Christmas packages to friends and family, companies like FedEx and UPS are on the ready. Armed with snow removal equipment and teams of meteorologist on staff.

Executives in the shipping industry tell CNN they can route planes around the storms and remain confident that they can deliver packages ahead of the holidays.

It is a different story for air travelers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't have anyone to watch our kids. So if we don't show up then we're hoping they'll just be OK.

HOWELL: Just hoping that their luck holds up.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOWELL: According to our sources, we hear that there could be delays depending upon which airport you're going through on the East Coast to the Midwest. Delays from New York to Washington, D.C., if anywhere, we're up to two hours here in Chicago. The good news right now there aren't really many delays, though you do see the line.

Keep this in mind if you think it's OK to get to the airport with an hour to go, I can tell you, from what we see here, best to get there about two hours ahead of time. Just to make sure that, you know, you're prepared for that TSA lineup might be longer than you expected.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

HOWELL: Or you're prepared to get to the kiosk in to check in with plenty of time to get to your flight.

WHITFIELD: Right. Good warnings.

All right, thanks so much, George Howell. Appreciate that.

So this first weekend of winter is feeling a little bit more like spring in some parts of the south and even the northeast. New York City, for example. Weather records. They're being shattered and we're talking about on the high end.

Alexandra Field joining us live from a very balmy -- are you in Central Park?

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right outside of Central Park, Fredricka. This is where they set up the Christmas shops every hear.

(LAUGHTER)

WHITFIELD: Yes.

FIELD: And usually you would see people here wearing their coats, their scarves, their hats. And look, I'm wearing short sleeves here.

The temperature in New York today 70 degrees on December 22nd, if that sounds high to you yes, in fact, it is a record. The last record was set in 1998. That's when the temperature got up to 65 degrees.

So a bizarre experience for New Yorkers. A lot of people trying to enjoy this weather, except of course this is the time of year when we got a lot of visitors here. Many people hoping to see the snow in New York City over Christmas. Not going to happen this year right now. The tourists are telling us they did not pack for this kind of weather.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We packed really warm clothes and now it is too warm. I'm here in a T-shirt and I have my sweater and I have too much stuff. But it is nice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I brought boots to walk through snow. I have a heavy parka and I was so warm yesterday that I had to buy a T-shirt so that I could come out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FIELD: The temperature here yesterday was 65 degrees. So all around a beautiful weekend but by tomorrow the temperatures are going to be back in the 50s. Later this week down into the 30s -- Fredricka.

(LAUGHTER) WHITFIELD: That's a quick turnaround indeed.

All right, thanks so much, Alexandra. Appreciate that.

All right, let's turn to Jennifer Gray now who is tracking all of these whacky storm systems.

JENNIFER GRAY, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Fred, the storm is wreaking havoc across much of the East Coast but it is getting better. That tornado threat has diminished and now we're looking at basically rain across the East Coast. We will track this storm for you and Sunday into Monday, wee hours of Monday morning, still seeing some showers in Atlanta but Charlotte seeing some heavy rain possible. Even rain in the D.C. area.

But then as we get into Monday afternoon things really start to calm down. Just seeing some rain along Interstate 95. So if you are traveling that early Monday morning, it could be rough for you along the East Coast. So three to five inches of rain is what we could possibly see by the time this is all said and done in places like Atlanta could see two to four. Around the Charlotte area, D.C., even picking a couple of inches possible.

And then the snow fall totals could range three to six inches around the Great Lakes. We're also seeing an icy mix in upstate New York, Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, as well as Maine, could pick up half an inch, too. An inch of ice, power outages reported in those areas as well. So definitely rough across the north.

We're going to see snow around the Great Lakes again on Monday as well as the Pacific northwest. Sunny, though, in the south and we are going to see those cooler temperatures filter in as well.

It has been awfully warm across the East Coast. Temperatures well above average but just give it time. By Tuesday and Wednesday, New York City, you'll be back in the 30s after enjoying days in the 60s. You'll be below normal. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, D.C., the same for you. You'll be at 39 on Christmas Eve, 37 on Christmas Day -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much for that mixed bag.

All right, now to the latest on that massive credit card breach involving Target stores. The company says it will offer free credit monitoring to its customers affected by the breach. Around 40 million debit and credit card numbers were stolen over a 20-day period.

JPMorgan Chase is also warning its customers who were affected by that theft. The banks says their debit cards will have $300 a day spending limits until new cards can be issued.

New York Senator Charles Schumer is now calling for a federal investigation into that breach.

All right. NASA says a second emergency space walk is now set for Tuesday. Astronauts spent several hours yesterday working on a replacement for a broken cooling pump on the International Space Station. Without the pump some of the station's important electronics have been shut down. The second space walk was originally scheduled for tomorrow but that's been delayed while they make adjustments to one of the space suits.

All right, if you want health insurance on January 1st under the Obamacare law, your deadline is to sign up tomorrow. And the deadline for the first payment is December 31st. So that's through the federal site. If you live in a state that's running its own exchange, those deadlines just might be a bit different. You've got to check.

All right. President Obama meantime has ended the year with some of the lowest approval numbers of his presidency. What's he going to do to get back on track for 2014? We've got the numbers and Candy Crowley has got the scoop on what the president might do to turn things around.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's day two of President Obama's 16-day vacation. He and his family are enjoying a break from the cold bluster of Washington in warm and sunny Hawaii.

It's been a tough year for the president and his approval rating show it.

Let's check in with political editor Paul Steinhauser for a look at the numbers.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN POLITICAL EDITOR: Hey, Fred. Fourteen points. That's how much President Barack Obama's approval rating has dropped in CNN polling over the course of what's been an especially tough year.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That I will faithfully execute.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: That I will faithfully execute.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: At his second inaugural in January, soon after his re- election victory, Mr. Obama's approval rating stood at 55 percent. Now, after the NSA and IRS controversies and the deeply flawed rollout of the health care law, the president is at 41 percent in our new CNN/ORC poll, which matches the all-time low he fell to just last month. Mr. Obama's disapproval stands at 56 percent, an all-time high, which he first hit last month.

While the president says there have been disappointments.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: If I look at this past year, there are areas where there obviously have been some frustrations.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: He says he doesn't obsess over polling results.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: If I was interested in polling, I wouldn't have run for president.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: So how does Mr. Obama's approval ratings compare to his most immediate two-term predecessors as they finished up their first year in their second terms?

George W. Bush also stood at 41 percent, Bill Clinton was at 56 percent and Ronald Reagan was sitting at a lofty 63 percent.

The president says polling isn't the best gauge of his presidency.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: If you're measuring this by polls, my polls have gone up and down a lot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: But that said, the approval rating remains one of the best indicators of a president standing with the public and clout right here in Washington -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks so much, Paul.

Let's turn to our chief political correspondent now, Candy Crowley, anchor of "STATE OF THE UNION."

So, Candy, with the president ending the year with these numbers so low, how did he turn things around? What's the president's focus and his approach for 2014?

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all there are some external things that are at least mostly beyond this control that could help. Health care, Obamacare, could being to turn things around. We could begin to get more stories about how great it is, fewer stories about how what a mess it is. That would certainly help because that has dragged down his numbers.

The economy could continue to strengthen. He says he wants to focus on jobs so clearly he believes that that's where he wants to go. But he has this whole big other agenda that he would like to push.

As for his focus, again, that's jobs. His approach I think will be really interesting, Fred, because one of two things is going to happen. It's a midterm election year. He really wants as many Democrats as possible to get reelected. But he could go out there and say, you know what, I think we can work with Republicans and get some things done and he can take that approach. Or he could take the approach of what the Democrats are doing which is to beat up Republicans for being obstructionists because that's their election year theme.

So it will be interesting to watch him over the year to see which approach is -- approach he's going to take.

WHITFIELD: And then potentially adding to his agenda, the president's own panel has made a recommendation that he scale back NSA spying, phone eavesdropping and the like. So aggressive will the president push that kind of reform?

CROWLEY: Also will be interesting to watch because it's really the left-hand side of his party that has been so disappointed in the president who talked about transparency, who talked about the dangers of, you know, all of this spying and domestic surveillance.

Before he got into office and then come to find out that there are many Bush era programs that have been expanded as well as continued. So my guess is and certainly the guess of those who were on the panel is that he will embrace most of these and Congress also is looking for that balance between keeping the country safe and also guarding personal privacy.

I talked to West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin who's a centrist and this is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOE MANCHIN (D), WEST VIRGINIA: And I think that what we'll do is with that panel's recommendation is be able to double down and look and see, what is needed, what is necessity? What is safety? What are we willing to give up? And what is unnecessary for us to give up just for someone to have information?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right. Lots of food for thought on that.

Candy Crowley, thanks so much from Washington and have a great Christmas.

CROWLEY: Hey, you have great holidays, too, Fred. And I'll actually maybe see you before the new year.

WHITFIELD: Excellent. Happy new year, just in case.

(LAUGHTER)

And many things Washington's politics are broken. Well, where they make the laws is indeed need of repair.

Dana Bash is on that story.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) WHITFIELD: All right. Many think Washington is broken. And the building where they make the laws apparently needs a whole lot of work as well.

CNN's chief congressional correspondent Dana Bash is on the Hill to give us a rare glimpse inside the U.S. capitol dome.

DANA BASH, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, from here the capitol dome looks pristine. But when you get up this close inside as we did, you can see it's in need of some repair.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASH (voice-over): The Capitol Dome, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. We got a rare tour inside the dome, more than 200 feet up in the air, where you can really see some of the damage. A long crack in a window, rust eroding the dome's ornaments and underlying structure. Architects count more than 1300 cracks in the Capitol Dome caused by wind, rain and sun threatening the historic frescos inside.

KEVIN HILDEBRAND, ARCHITECT: When the rust develops between the plates, it binds the plates from moving, and that creates enormous pressures within the ironwork.

BASH: This spring, a massive two-year renovation will start. It's no easy task. The dome is made of nine million pounds of iron.

HILDEBRAND: So I'm going to lift this coffer.

BASH: With an incredibly thin exterior shell as demonstrated here.

When the Capitol was first built in the late 1700s, this dome didn't exist. It was added 150 years ago.

Taking us through narrow steep staircases behind its walls, the architect was eager to show off the dome's beauty, why it is so important to restore.

(On camera): To get up here we had to walk hundreds of stairs, very narrow, very treacherous staircase. But, boy, was it worth it. Look at the view, up and all the way down.

(Voice-over): From famous frescos, including Washington ascending to heaven, to dramatic acoustics high inside the rotunda.

HILDEBRAND: You have to be very careful what you're saying when you're up here because anyone on the opposite side can hear you. Please be very careful and duck as you go through the doorway.

BASH: Then to the breathe-taking view outside.

(On camera): All the way up here, 260 feet in the air, this is what you get to see.

(Voice-over): It's really clear from up here the Capitol is the focal point of the city's design.

HILDEBRAND: The access of the Mall, Maryland Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, all radiating from the central point.

BASH: Starting this spring, the dome will be wrapped scaffolding and stay that way through the renovation. Congress already approved $59 million for the restoration. Still, these costs tend to explode.

(On camera): So can you guarantee that you're not going to go over budget?

STEPHEN AYERS, ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL: Guarantee? That's a big word. Well, we're pretty confident, I'll give you that.

BASH (voice-over): It has been meticulously planned, in the works for years.

HILDEBRAND: It's just something that has to happen. There is no more recognizable symbol of the country than the Capitol Dome or our national flag.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASH: The last time the Capitol Dome was restored was 50 years ago. Architects say thanks to the technological advances in the way they're doing this restoration, it should be a lot longer than 50 years before the next one is needed -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thank you so much, Dana Bash on Capitol Hill.

All right, it's been a busy year. In "Crime and Justice" worldwide, an Olympic star charged with murder. The infamous Jodi Arias and George Zimmerman's emotional charged trial but which story will be number one?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: From the Midwest to the East Coast, a particularly nasty winter storm is creating extremely dangerous conditions on the road and snarling air traffic just tens of millions of people head home for Christmas.

Our Nick Valencia has more on that.

NICK VALENCIA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Check it out. Looks very, very pretty, right? But it's creating some miserable road conditions out there. For those traveling on the Interstate here in Kansas City, Missouri and beyond.

Take a look at the roads right now. Not a lot of traffic out but those roads are slick. Missouri Department of Transportation does warn travelers anyone getting in the care or taking the roads today throughout the state of Missouri. So be careful out there. It's already caused one-weather related death, and what's happening here in Kansas City, Missouri, really is a microcosm, Fred, of what's happening all across the Midwest. We've seen problems in Arkansas with a possible there. Oklahoma waking up to severe weather as well. And, you know, it hit Memphis, Tennessee, and going all the way up through southern, Illinois. It's creating problems for travel delays and really anyone that's traveling this holiday season.

The weather couldn't have come at a worst time this weekend, of course, 94 million Americans traveling and the first day of winter certainly lived up to the hype -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: OK. Nick Valencia, thanks so much.

All right, in addition to that one fatality Nick reported on in Missouri, there have been six other deaths blamed on the storm including four people who drowned in flooding in Kentucky.

A former PR exec is apologizing for her tweet that led to her firing. Shortly before flying to South Africa, Justine Sacco tweeted this, saying, now I'm quoting her, "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding. I'm white."

Well, today she apologized saying this, quote, "For being insensitive to this crisis which does not discriminate by race, gender or sexual orientation but which terrifies us all uniformly."

Sacco was an executive at Interactive Corps. A company spokesperson condemned the tweet.

British Police plan to take a closer look at evidence suggesting Nigella Lawson used cocaine. The celebrity chef admitted using the drug in a fraud trial against two former personal assistant. Police made it clear that they don't expect a change in Lawson any time soon. The British tabloids, however, have had a field day with Lawson's legal troubles. She divorced a millionaire art collector earlier this year.

The Obamacare brand is apparently good enough for drug dealers in Massachusetts. Police seized more than 1200 packets of heroin labeled with the word "Obamacare" on them. Some bags were also marked Kurt Cobain. Police found the stash of drugs after stopping a car for speeding. Police say the Obamacare label is only a marketing ploy so drug users know what they're getting.

All right. 2013 is about to come to a close. Several moments captured our attention, most of the year and shook up our justice system as well.

Crimes shocked us. Trial caused outraged to many of us and Ashleigh Banfield looks back at the top 10 "Crime and Justice" stories of the year.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, ANCHOR, CNN'S LEGAL VIEW: Number 10.

CHRIS CUOMO, ANCHOR, CNN'S NEW DAY: So we have a report that shots have been fired at the Washington Navy Yard.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: The U.S. Navy is telling us three shots were fired. They tell us an active shooter is still inside that building.

BANFIELD: Former Navy reservist Aaron Alexis, a military contractor, gunned down 12 people before police shot and killed him.

Number nine, the mysterious death of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson.

VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I've got questions about the Kendrick Johnson case.

SHERIFF CHRIS PRINE, LOWNDES COUNTY, GEORGIA: I'm not going to discuss that with you.

BLACKWELL: Why not, sir?

PRINE: Because our case is closed.

BANFIELD: His body found upside down in a rolled up wrestling mat in a high school gym last January. Local authorities ruled it an accident. Kendrick's parents believe he was murdered. Now federal authorities are investigating.

JACQUELYN JOHNSON, KENDRICK'S MOTHER: We are Kendrick Johnson. That's my child. And we're going to fight until it's all over.

BANFIELD: Number eight. Oscar Pistorius. The blade-runner. A double amputee. Beloved South African Olympic athlete. Indicted on charges of murder in August for the shooting of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He admits he shot her on Valentine's Day, but says it was an accident. His trial starts in March.

Number seven, California teen Hannah Anderson rescued after a week- long hunt for her abductor in August. Family friend, James DiMaggio, killed her mother and her brother and the family dog. Their bodies, found in his burned home. FBI agents killed him in a shootout.

Number six. A woman who needs no introduction. Her outrageous behavior in the interrogation room. The brutal murder of her ex- boyfriend, Travis Alexander, and ex-rated details of their sex life, gripped the nation. Jodi Arias convicted of first-degree murder. But the jury could not decide if she should live or die for the crime.

Number five. A gang of bikers taking on an SUV driver on a highway in Manhattan. His wife and two-year-old daughter inside. It started with a bump. And moments later, this terrible scene. The driver runs over one biker. His wife says he was left paralyzed. Eleven other bikers, including an undercover cop, are indicted.

Number four. Edward Snowden. Branded by some as a hero. But others, a traitor. For exposing the NSA's spying programs in May. Perhaps the biggest intelligence leak in U.S. history. Charged with espionage. Granted asylum in Russia.

Number three. George Zimmerman found not guilty in July of murdering Trayvon Martin.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you think he's yelling help?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

BANFIELD: A tragic case that ignited questions about race.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Trayvon Martin put race in this. You don't think that creepy ass cracker is a racial comment?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.

BANFIELD: A 17-year-old in a hoodie with a pack of Skittles, enduring images from a case that's prompted cries for civil rights charges, and an emotional debate even the president weighed in.

OBAMA: If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.

BANFIELD: Since Zimmerman's acquittal, he's had a few other run ins with the law.

Number two. Inside a Cleveland house of horrors, three girls, kidnapped, raped and held captive for more than a decade. But on May 6, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michele Knight finally broke free.

MICHELLE KNIGHT, KIDNAPPING SURVIVOR: I will not let the situation define who I am.

I will live on. You will die a little every day.

BANFIELD: Ariel Castro, sentenced to life in prison plus more than 1,000 years.

ARIEL CASTRO, CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING: I will not -- I'm not a monster.

BANFIELD: But ultimately he would do himself in, killing himself in the cell. That was 10 through two. This is number one.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Apparently there's been an explosion at the Boston marathon, I am told.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: It's a 26-mile, 385 yard marathon, and it was wrapping up, wrapping up. When you look at these devastating pictures, right at the finish line. These were pictures that were shot just moments ago.

BANFIELD: Double bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15th.

Three people were killed, 264 others were wounded. And days later, a police officer would be killed. Another wounded. Within four days, one suspect, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, shot and killed by police. Then the manhunt for his brother Dzohkhar that shut down the city.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We believe that the suspect is cornered in a boat. BANFIELD: Tsarnaev arrested April 19th and later charged. Now the U.S. attorney is deciding if he'll face the death penalty. The attack knocked the city down. But it was far from defeated.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I kind of feel like we're all Boston.

BANFIELD: The whole country united with one resounding message.

(On camera): Strong, not just strong, Boston strong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Thank you so much, Ashley. What an incredible year it has been indeed. The top 10 overall stories of 2013. And you can actually vote on them. Just go to CNN.com/YIR or year in review.

All right. A Florida girl's mother is looking for justice. Her daughter committed suicide after being cyber bullied. Find out how she is trying to protect other children. Next in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The mother of a Florida girl who killed herself after being cyber bullied is calling for tougher laws. She also has a special, rather, message for all parents.

CNN's Deb Feyerick has more.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Fred, it has been more than three months since the suicide of a 12-year-old girl who wrote in her journal every day more and kids kill themselves because of bullying. How many lives have to be lost until people realized words do matter.

Now her family is trying to get new laws passed to crack down on bullying and hold parents accountable.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRICIA NORMAN, MOTHER OF REBECCA: That's her brother and her brother and her stepbrother. That was last Christmas.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): To her family, Rebecca Sedgwick was a normal 12-year-old kid with a big heart and goofy sense of humor. She seemed happy until the day she changed her screen name to That Dead Girl and then killed herself.

GRADY JUDD, SHERIFF, POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: Bullying is bad.

FEYERICK: Grady Judd is the sheriff in Polk County, Florida.

JUDD: When you stand over a 12-year-old child that's dead, jumped from a cement silo, your heart is broken forever.

FEYERICK: Her mother says Rebecca was being bullied in school and online. Hateful messages and texts sent on popular social sites such as Facebook.

NORMAN: I think the biggest one that stood out to me was, "Drink, bleach and die. Go kill yourself. You're ugly. Nobody likes you. I hate you. Why you are still alive"?

FEYERICK: Officials at Crystal Lake Middle School in Florida changed Rebecca's classes to get her away from the bullies. When that didn't work Rebecca's mom pulled Rebecca out of sixth grade to homeschool her instead. She thought Rebecca was safe. But for a text-savvy child, shutting out the world is not that simple.

NORMAN: I gave her my old cell phone for her to get a text- messaging app on so she could contact her friends.

FEYERICK: Rebecca found her way back online to the students allegedly tormenting her.

MATTHEW MORGAN, FAMILY ATTORNEY: She wanted to see what was going on in her world. And unfortunately, in her world, there were bullies that's were tormenting her literally to her death.

FEYERICK: And it wasn't just Facebook and Instagram. Rebecca also had accounts on sites like ask.fm and Kick, which are for greater anonymity.

MORGAN: It is clear that directions that these bullies were giving was "kill yourself." You know, "End your life because we hate you so much."

FEYERICK: It's unclear why Rebecca ultimately snapped. CNN reviewed portions of her journals and the police report. There were signs of family problems, evidence of bullying, and a reported breakup with a boy. When, in early September, she climb the tower she could see from her home and jumped.

JUDD: Two arrests we made last night.

FEYERICK: Soon after, Sheriff Grady Judd arrested two of the girls who had apparently been bullying Rebecca online, releasing the children's names even though they were minors.

JUDD: And she killed herself but I don't give a --

FEYERICK: Guadalupe Shaw and Kaitlyn Roman were charged not for Rebecca's death but with stalking, charges that were later dropped in exchange for court-ordered counseling.

Although both girls posted nasty messages on their social media sites, through their lawyers, they have each denied responsibility for Rebecca's death.

JUDD: They didn't get away with it at all. Had we not arrested them, they never would have been required or volunteered for such counseling. So it was a win-win.

FEYERICK: Critics say the sheriff overreacted by charging the girls and that he failed to focus on all the other warning signs that Rebecca was in trouble. For example, in her written journal, she talks repeatedly about suicide. Quote, "I go to bed every night hoping it will be the last time." Also, "People don't know how it feels to be hated by everyone that used to be so close."

Online, Rebecca posted the results of a depression test. And while it's unclear she took the test herself, it concludes, "You're having suicidal thoughts. This is a serious warning sign and you must seek help quickly."

There is also an Instagram image that reads, quote, "Sometimes I just want to disappear and see if anyone would miss me."

Sheriff Judd said Rebecca had been inundated with hateful comments on sites like ask.fm and Kick.

ROBIN ARNOLD, ANTI-BULLYING ADVOCATE, "JAYLEN'S CHALLENGE": Ask.fm Snapchat and Kick is asking to get bullied.

FEYERICK: For anyone using or trying to monitor these sites, because posts can be made anonymously, it's extremely difficult to know who's saying what and, therefore, very difficult to trace.

Rebecca's mom admits she didn't know the extent of her daughter's life online and the signs of trouble brewing there. She and her attorney are now trying to get a law passed making parents of bullies libel for their children's behavior.

MORGAN: It really starts at home because the children learn everything from their parents.

FEYERICK: Bullying is already illegal in Florida. Rebecca's lawyer wants to attach even stronger penalties, including community service and juvenile detention.

MORGAN: Kids need to know it's actually a crime.

FEYERICK: While it's a start, none of it will take away the pain Rebecca's mother feels every day.

(On camera): How do you deal with the silences that have been left by Rebecca?

NORMAN: I still talk to her. I sleep with one of her stuffed animals.

FEYERICK (voice-over): She knows now what she would have done differently on that terrible day.

NORMAN: I would have taken her cell phone in the room with me and, when my alarm went off at 6:30, rather than jump in the shower, like I always did, I would have walked out there and just -- and hugged her and said, baby, talk to me.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FEYERICK: The family's lawyer is planning on filing a civil suit. It is not clear who will be named as defendants -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: Wow. Thanks so much, Deborah Feyerick.

All right. One in three thefts involves a smartphone. And now officials in California are proposing a new law aimed at curbing that trend. They want to require manufactures to install a kill switch that would make it impossible to use a lost or stolen smartphone. The idea is that if thieves can't use your phone here's no point in stealing, in the first place. Iphone's new operating system already has a kill switch but some mobile carriers, rather, are opposed to it, saying it invites hackers.

All right. A couple of high powered sequels battled it out at the box office this weekend. We'll find out if "Anchorman 2" was able to dethrone "The Hobbits."

And race car driver Dario Franchitti says he is retiring following a horrible crash. So find out why he says he is not walking away from this court all together.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: So singer Justin Timberlake brought some holiday cheer to the "SNL" set last night. The longtime friend of late night was the show's musical guest appearing alongside comedian Jimmy Fallon for a variety of skits. There he was, you know, seriously right there

Instead of mostly singing of his you know what in the box Timberlake traded in that sultry song for a holiday wrap. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, SINGER: And listen to this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: They're having a little too much fun there. And so other guys with a surprise appearance by outgoing Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Beatles legend Paul McCartney.

What a combination last night.

All right, meantime, it was the battle of the sequels at the box office this weekend. "The Hobbit" sequel, "Anchorman 2" to keep the box office title for a second weekend. The "Hobbit" earned $31 million while the anchorman pulled in almost $27 million. Two expected Oscar contenders American hustle and saving Mr. Banks both broke into the top five.

All right, a little love news here. NBA star Dewayne Wade may have to fit a wedding into his summer plans now. The Miami heat player announced his engagement too actress Gabrielle Union on Twitter.

The two have been dating for several years now, so it may not be a surprise to a lot of you. We get a twist, though, from the usual celebrity relationship. Union is actually 10 years older than Wade. And wade actually made the engagement public with three lovely words. "She said yes."

Congrats to them.

And three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti is retiring. Two and a half months after suffering serious injuries in that crash right there. But as Joe Carter reports, Franchitti is planning to stay in the sport that he loves -- Joe.

JOE CARTER, CNN SPORTS: Yes, Fred. Dario Franchitti is one of the most successful, colorful and well-known drivers in the world. And we will never see him race again because of that horrible crash at the Houston Grand Prix back in October.

You know, that crash happened on the last lap of the race and his car went airborne and exploded into a million pieces where it ripped through that catch fence. Thirteen spectators were also injured. He suffered two spinal fractures, a broken ankle, and a concussion that turned out to be much worse than first realized.

And really, the risk of further head injuries is what forced him to retire. The Scottish driver spoke with the idea this week for the first time since the accident. It was obvious, by the way. he hobbled into the room on crutches that he's still not completely healed. He says that -- he's accepting the fact that his racing career is now over. He knows this is going to be hard to deal with, especially in may when the Indy 500 comes around.

Franchitti won that prestigious race. Three times. And the thought of never being able to win a fourth is what's really getting to him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DARIO FRANCHITTI, RACE CAR DRIVER: The lure of going for a fourth would be tough to turn down. I mean, that -- given with the chance of going for the fourth they day would be reason to go and do it. And, you know, that's been one of the hard things to really to get a chance at doing that. And It will be tough because of that, I think. But -- hard to deal, isn't it?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARTER: Now, Fredricka, Franchitti hopes to stay involved in Indy Car Racing in some capacity. He said, rather than being bummed about not driving anymore, he wants to be very thankful for the years of racing that he was able to be a part of -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And I know he's very thankful to have been able to recover from that nasty crash.

Thanks so much, Joe.

OK, the countdown is on already. Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin are getting ready, getting very excited in fact, for that new year's eve special right here on CNN.

And have a very special good luck wish from a surprise visitor. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. Countdown is on with just three days away from Christmas and a little more than a week away from 2014. Can you believe it?

And you can actually bring in the New York right here on CNN with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin. Here's a little taste of what's in store.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: So what are we going to do on new year's eve?

KATHY GRIFFIN, COMEDIAN: I'm going to give you a pot brownie right at 9:00.

COOPER: No, that's not -- that's not going to happen.

GRIFFIN: I also by the way have a written statement from my mother because every year, she is embarrassed by my behavior.

COOPER: Yes, I know.

GRIFFIN: Can I read it?

COOPER: Sure.

GRIFFIN: "Dear, Mr. Cooper, the Vanderbilts, the Roosevelts and the entire team at CNN. I am quite thrilled that my daughter Kathleen Mary was asked to join Mr. Anderson Cooper, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus for the celebration."

COOPER: They're not going to be on.

GRIFFIN: All right. I am also happy that Santa Claus remains now and forever white. Oh, god, she watches FOX a lot. I don't -- I've already begun toasting to your success by enjoying the finest of box of wines. That's true. Please know I will never forgive myself if my daughter shames the Griffin name yet again. The only promise I make is that I will certainly not be sober during your broadcast, love, Maggie.

(LAUGHTER)

GRIFFIN: There's your beloved Maggie that you think is so charming.

COOPER: I think she is charming. I think she is lovely and I find it hard to believe that you come from her.

GRIFFIN: Well, guess what.

COOPER: What?

GRIFFIN: She's here right now. COOPER: No, really?

GRIFFIN: Mom?

COOPER: Are you serious?

GRIFFIN: Mom. Yes, look over there.

COOPER: Hey, Maggie, how is it going?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, Anderson, how are you doing?

COOPER: I'm doing all right. I'm doing all right. Are you going to watch us on New Year's Eve?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Definitely, Anderson. Certainly I'm going to watch you.

COOPER: Yes?

GRIFFIN: What are you looking forward to with Anderson on New Year's eve. Tell him he's right there.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We -- there are some things that Kathleen Marie is not going to do.

COOPER: Really?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I will do or will not do.

COOPER: What's she not going to do?

GRIFFIN: Like what?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, she's certainly going, she's going to be a pillar of elegance, that's for sure. And there will be no transactions.

GRIFFIN: Transactions?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Shenanigans. No, shenanigans.

COOPER: No, shenanigans, OK, good.

GRIFFIN: But I'm curious about the transactions. What is that -- what transaction?

As a mother, I can promise you that she'll be fully dressed at all times. Thank God. And she will also not take the lord's name in vain.

COOPER: Good. Well, that's good.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Or attempt to disrobe Mr. Anderson, Mr. Cooper.

GRIFFIN: You don't have to call him Mr. Anderson. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All right. Well, that is informal.

GRIFFIN: OK. I mean, that's all you need to --

(CROSSTALK)

COOPER: Is she reading from the CNN contract that you were forced to sign? I hope so.

GRIFFIN: Yes, she is. And we had to put it in really big fonts and she's doesn't the best -- she doesn't normally read contracts.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right. So don't miss Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin and maybe even mom there will be there New Year's eve right here on CNN. They will be live in Times Square starting at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We've got so much more straight ahead in the NEWSROOM. And it all restarts right now.

Hello, again, everyone. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here are the top stories we're following in the CNN NEWSROOM.