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CNN Live Saturday

President Bush Returns From Trip to South Asia; Criminal Investigation is Opened into the Death of Former NFL Player Turned Soldier, Pat Tillman; Hurricane Katrina Victim Rebuilds; An Academy Awards Preview

Aired March 04, 2006 - 17:00   ET

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

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good afternoon.
I'm Carol Lin.

Straight ahead in this hour, President Bush is heading home after tough talks in South Asia. But does he have anything to show for it?

And, as if grades weren't enough to worry about, how about schools conducting fat tests on students? Now, they're going to have to show their parents a health report card. Straight ahead, how schools are weighing in on childhood obesity.

And later, George Clooney just may be the man of the Oscars this year. Our Brooke Anderson had a chance to talk with the actor turned writer turned director, who's been nominated now for three Academy Awards.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

All that and more after this quick check of the headlines.

A developing story just in the last hour.

CNN's Barbara Starr broke the story that the Pentagon has ordered a criminal probe into the death of Pat Tillman. The elite Army Ranger was killed in Afghanistan after giving yup a successful football career in the wake of 9/11.

The whole story, straight ahead.

President Bush tried his hand at cricket today, before departing Pakistan. Mr. Bush adapted his baseball form to cricket style bowling. Now, in a moment, details of the president's meeting with Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf.

And as Mr. Bush flies out, intelligence officials tell CNN that Pakistani security forces were battling militants along the country's border with Afghanistan. Fighting kills more than 100 people.

The names of all the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are released. The Pentagon produces 5,000 pages of transcripts with names and nationalities of some of those held in the war on terror.

And the Dubai-based firm who wants to control some U.S. ports is petitioning the U.S. government. That gets them a federal investigation into whether they can be trusted.

To our top story now, which broke just in the last hour.

The Army is launching yet another investigation into the death of Pat Tillman.

When the NFL player turned soldier was killed in Afghanistan, the Army said he was killed by enemy fire. But other Rangers who were there said he was accidentally killed by Americans. And now there is going to be a criminal investigation.

CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr joins me on the telephone right now -- Barbara, tell us more about why a criminal probe.

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, Carol.

Let's try to explain to people what is going on.

The Department of Defense's inspector general had been reviewing all of the investigations the Army had conducted into Pat Tillman's death. The family of Pat Tillman had raised a lot of questions about the entire matter, which, in fact, had been ruled to be fratricide, or so-called friendly fire, if you will.

But in -- as the I.G. the inspector general, looked into it, what they found was that the Army had never conducted a criminal investigation into Pat Tillman's death, that they had only conducted what they call fact finding investigations.

Late yesterday, we are told by multiple military sources, the inspector general, in fact, informed the Tillman family that they have now instructed the Army's Criminal Investigative Division, the CID, to conduct a criminal investigation into Pat Tillman's death.

But let's be very clear, what they are saying is that there needs to be an investigation conducted under criminal investigatory procedures, criminal rules, not just fact finding rules. And they need to look into whether there is any possibility of so-called negligent homicide.

This doesn't mean, we are told by many officials this afternoon, that they will find it was negligent homicide. It doesn't mean they will find anyone criminally responsible for the death. But what they are saying is, after all this time, after some three major investigations, the Army failed to conduct its investigations in the required manner, and so now there will be a CID criminal investigation under criminal procedures, into the death of Pat Tillman -- Carol.

LIN: Barbara, because the criminal implications -- there were allegations that the Army tried to cover-up the real circumstances behind Tillman's death. The family said that they weren't notified until after the funeral that it wasn't enemy fire, it was friendly fire. And the family alleges that the Army was trying to build up Pat Tillman out in the field, that he was a hero, running up a hill against the enemy, calling to his fellow Rangers, when, in fact, that was far from the case.

So, is any of that going to be looked into, whether there was a cover-up of the true facts on the ground?

STARR: Well, I must be very candid and tell you we don't know. This will now fall into criminal procedures and that will mean that it will be very close hold within the Army CID. Our sources this afternoon who we've spoken to say that it is going to focus on the circumstances surrounding his death.

So, if they find that those facts are relevant to it, one can only presume that, indeed, they will look into it.

But, clearly, some of this is in response to some of the issues raised by the family. And, of course, it, you know, would be a good point to remind everyone of what we all know -- so many other people besides Pat Tillman have died so tragically in Iraq, in Afghanistan.

LIN: Right.

STARR: Many families across the country always in mourning for their lost loved ones, as well.

LIN: Absolutely.

Absolutely.

But Tillman's family was saying because of his high profile as an NFL player who gave up a multi-million dollar contract, left to go fight in the war on terror, that the Army, instead of revealing what, perhaps, were the true facts on the ground, decided to build him up as this war hero in order to basically make him the poster child of the war on terror, the great American hero fighting the battle.

STARR: Well, whether they find that anyone had vio -- if any of that violates any rules, regulations, procedures or military laws would be another matter entirely. But what is so interesting is now, after so many investigations, the highest levels of the Pentagon saying wait a minute, you still haven't done it right. You must follow criminal investigatory procedures. So now, indeed, the CID, the Criminal Investigative Division, will look into all of this one more time.

LIN: All right, Barbara, thank you very much for breaking this news.

Let's go to General Don Shepperd.

He's one of our military analysts -- Don, why now?

Why after so many years and so many investigations?

MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD, U.S. AIR FORCE (RET.): Yes, well, I think, you know, Barbara explained it very well. It seems that the inspector general, who looks over all of these cases and reviews them, has determined, after reading everything that took place in all the previous investigations, that something is still wrong.

In listening to Barbara and realizing that she said that we're at the very early stages of this, you know, I think there's a couple, three possibilities.

One, they could look at criminal -- you know, did the people who caused the death, in other words, the people that actually shot Pat Tillman, did they do anything irresponsible and therefore can be charged with negligent homicide? Did they violate procedures? Did they violate rules? Did they do anything stupid?

The basic principle is you're always response for what you do.

The other thing they could look at, Carol, is did anybody misreport this in the beginning? Or, whether they misreported it or not, once it was known that this was -- that this was fratricide, did anyone intentionally report, false report?

And I think all of those are possibilities and all of them are possibilities for critical action now should anything be wrong.

LIN: Right.

Don, I want to get past the language. You know, Barbara focused a lot on the language of the criminal probe. But the bottom line is there were previous investigations.

How is this investigation going to be any different?

SHEPPERD: A criminal...

LIN: Please help us understand how this goes beyond shuffling paper and filing it in all the right orders?

SHEPPERD: Yes, well, it is different. When you get into the criminal process here, people are sworn in and they are subject to the laws of perjury and that type of thing. When you do inquiries, lower level inquiries, you don't swear in witnesses, that type of thing. You take statements and what have you, but it's not sworn testimony. So it's just like the civilian legal system, where you are being investigated, when you make statements to the police, FBI, whoever, you can be charged with perjury if you give false information. That makes all the difference in the world in people's testimony.

LIN: Yes, but how muddied are the waters now?

I mean there are Rangers who were there, who even fired some of those shots, who have talked with reporters since then. This was back in 2004.

SHEPPERD: Yes, I think this gets very muddy because so many people have talked so much and given so much testimony, this is just, you know, it's just as unfortunate as can be.

Here's a -- here's a generating guy that gave his life for his country, he did the best he could and, as you said, could have been used as a poster child. That could have been somebody's motivation. And now all this is dug up and it all looks dirty and nasty and is a bad mark on the military.

It doesn't get any uglier, Carol.

LIN: No, it doesn't.

And it doesn't -- perhaps this new investigation may offer some peace to Tillman's family...

SHEPPERD: I hope so.

LIN: ... that the Army is taking this seriously.

Don, thank you.

SHEPPERD: My pleasure.

LIN: Well, that investigation was announced just as President Bush heads back from Pakistan, where he last met with Pakistan's president on his own nuclear ambitions.

Now, there were demonstrations leading up to President Bush's trip, but absolutely no big protests when he was actually in Pakistan. And that tells you something about the strength of Musharraf's security forces.

They detained dozens of people, including a former Pakistani cricket star who, by the way, used to be married to an American socialite. But now he's a popular opposition politician. Ishmael Khan (ph) says the demonstrations were expected to be peaceful.

Now, President Bush and his Pakistani counterpart are pledging continued close ties between their two countries. But there are unmistakable tensions between the two leaders.

CNN's senior Asia correspondent, Mike Chinoy, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

PRES. PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, PAKISTAN: Today, with my interaction with the president, we have revived and maybe further strengthened this relationship.

MIKE CHINOY, SENIOR ASIA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): That was the official spin. But a closer look suggests there are serious differences between the U.S. and Pakistan, differences that, after President Bush's visit, are becoming even greater.

The chill was clear from the moment Mr. Bush arrived here. President Musharraf chose not to meet him at the airport, sending his daughter instead. That in sharp contrast to the personal welcome Mr. Bush received from India's prime minister in New Delhi.

Analysts here say Musharraf's snub was intended to show unhappiness at the new U.S.-India nuclear deal. And, when he met the press, Mr. Bush, in a polite but unmistakable way, drew attention to Musharraf's absence.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Last night when I got off Air Force One and your daughter was there to greet us, and that was a really kind gesture and I thank you very much for that.

CHINOY: On the crucial issue of fighting terrorism, President Bush made clear he felt Musharraf wasn't doing enough.

BUSH: There's a lot of work to be done in defeating al Qaeda. The president and I know that. We've spent a good while this morning talking about the work that needs to be done.

CHINOY: With democracy one of his major foreign policy themes, Mr. Bush spoke bluntly about the need for progress in Pakistan, where the unelected Musharraf has ruled since seizing power in a military coup in 1999.

BUSH: We spent a lot of time talking about democracy in Pakistan and I believe democracy is Pakistan's future.

CHINOY: For his part, Musharraf appeared on the defensive.

MUSHARRAF: Unfortunately, we are accused a lot on not moving forward on democracy.

CHINOY: And Musharraf, who's still head of the armed forces, acknowledged he's under pressure not to remain army chief and president at the same time.

MUSHARRAF: Yes, indeed, that is an issue which needs to be addressed.

CHINOY (on camera): Unlike Mr. Bush's visit to India, here there were no dramatic new initiatives, no groundbreaking agreements signed. And while both leaders insist their friendship is strong, it's clear the cracks in what both call their strategic partnership are beginning to show.

Mike Chinoy, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

LIN: This programming note. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will be a guest on CNN's "LATE EDITION" tomorrow.

Catch it at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, 8:00 Pacific.

In Iraq today, a mortar round killed seven people and wounded 15. It happened in a busy market in a Baghdad suburb. A wave of violence was set off by last month's bombing of a revered Shiite shrine. A car bomb also killed two people near Baghdad. Gunmen dressed as Iraqi soldiers and shot two people to death at a mosque in Kirkuk. And a bombing in front of a music store in Ba'qubah killed an Iraqi child.

Now, keeping peace in Iraq has proven to be a virtually impossible task. And now the Iraqi government has another difficult situation.

CNN's Aneesh Raman reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

ANEESH RAMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Patrolling the streets, setting up checkpoints and projecting the look of a country's security force -- militias here have emerged as a dominant power, some better equipped than the Iraqi Army. And now the country's interior minister says he's ready to bring them to an end, by bringing them into the fold, careful to use the word integrate and not disband.

BAYAN JABR, IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTER: I think because I am the head of the committee of integrating the militias, I'm going well to solve the problem and to bring the militias to enter all the ministries and to work with us together.

RAMAN: Jabr says militiamen over 50 years old will get pensions from the government, adding, there's already a $10 million budget to help younger militiamen find new jobs within the country's security forces. An easy pronouncement, but a difficult process.

Virtually every political party here has their own militia, fueled by mistrust rife among political leaders. And with insurgent attacks continuing on a near daily basis, it's a tough sell to militia leaders and to Iraqis that the country's security forces are able to protect the people, made more difficult by the fact that it's now unclear who will be running the country.

Iraq's president, Jalal Talabani, again on Saturday called on the Shia alliance to replace the current prime minister, Ibrahim al- Jaafari, as their choice to lead Iraq's permanent government, saying if the tables were turned, he would concede.

"If the Shia bloc and the secular politicians rejected me as a credit for the post of Iraqi president, I would thank them and leave," he said. "It is not a personal issue, but the national unity of the country is more important."

But there's no indication Jaafari is planning to do that, as the political stalemate now continues to solidify.

(on camera): President Talabani also said, after a meeting with U.S. General John Abizaid, that he had been assured U.S. troops will remain in Iraq as long as needed, which, given the recent spike in violence and the rise in militias, could be quite a while.

Aneesh Rahman, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

LIN: You know, there are plenty of sad stories out of Katrina. But my guest has one with a twist. He lost his home and his wife and is starting over, but is the inspiration for an entire town.

And what if your kid was measured for excess fat? That's what's planned for Maryland's schools.

And later, it's a big weekend for movie buffs and movie stars. We're live from the red carpet in Hollywood.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Now to America's battle of the bulge. A new front in the fight against ever expanding waistlines -- the schools. We're talking little waistlines.

And as CNN's Gary Nurenberg reports, one potential weapon is sparking debate.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Parents watching a children's basketball game in Maryland Saturday morning had mixed feelings about a plan to have schools measure their kids for excess fat.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm not sure how I feel about it being mandatory, but I think it's a good ideal to present.

NURENBERG: Now a universal sentiment.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't feel as though that it's the school's responsibility.

NURENBERG: Three states specifically require students to take the fat exam, called a body mass index test. Another seven allow them. Maryland State Senator Paul Pinsky says schools h an obligation to fight fat in kids.

PAUL PINSKY, MARYLAND STATE SENATOR: The CDC calls it an epidemic. And I don't think the school system should put our heads in the sand.

NURENBERG: The Centers for Disease Control estimates 16 percent of American children between six and nine are overweight, 65 percent of adults.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We have a huge cultural problem and unless we change it, our children may grow up to be the first generation of Americans with shorter life spans than we have.

NURENBERG: A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll last month shows 96 percent of Americans believe that overweight children are an extremely serious, a very serious or a moderately serious problem.

PINSKY: And I think anything we can do to fail to address a problem is better than just ignoring it, because it's here, it's getting worse and so far steps haven't worked.

NURENBERG (on camera): Pinsky has lobbied for healthier school lunches and convinced the Maryland state legislature to require timers on school vending machines, stopping junk food sales until after lunch. But his plan to test for body fat is in trouble.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We feel that the body mass index is something that should be measured in a doctor's office and then acted on appropriately.

NURENBERG (voice-over): Medical and psychiatric groups in Maryland oppose the fat test, fearing it could push kids into unsafe weight loss and encourage ridicule.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kids talk and no matter how jealously you guard that information, word can get out that some children may be in trouble.

NURENBERG: As children's waistlines continue to grow, the fight over fat tests is likely to grow, as well.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

NURENBERG: Sponsors say the body mass test is a good gauge of whether a kid is getting into weight trouble and a good way to let parents know it's time to do something. But opponents argue that one size really doesn't fit all and worry that the test could potentially, Carol, do more harm than good.

LIN: Yes, and doesn't it, Gary, raise the whole question of whose responsibility is it? I mean is it the school's responsibility to give the kids a good diet or is this something that really belongs at home?

NURENBERG: You know, your question really zeroes in on exactly the debate that's taking place in Maryland. The answer from the experts is that the bottom line is it's a combination of everyone involved in a kid's life, and they're trying to find that balance in the legislation they're fighting about here now.

LIN: Yes, because if the parents are worried about the kids being humiliated, then maybe things would change on the home front and you wouldn't need this bill.

Who knows?

NURENBERG: Exactly.

LIN: All right, thanks very much, Gary.

Very interesting.

Now, up next, we are going to tell you about a new trend in medicine -- hiring a health coach.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEVIN CASSIDY, PINNACLECARE SUBSCRIBER: Another time you go into a doctor, everything's fine. Then 20 percent of the time it's a disaster. And the reason it's a disaster is because we don't know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: We've all been there. Why more and more people believe they need help sorting through all that medical red tape.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Let's go to New Orleans, where so many people are focused on rebuilding.

How can they make sure their new homes will weather the storms to come?

Find out in today's Welcome To The Future.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

MICHAEL: We could rebuild our house. It would look exactly the same. But we don't want to do that.

I've lived in this area of New Orleans my whole life. My wife and I bought this house in 1999. And this was going to be where we were going to raise our kids.

Basically, we had to throw away everything we owned. It's a horrible thing for anyone to have to go through. I never expected in my life that I'd have to go through something like this. And I never, ever want to go through it again. So when I rebuild, I want to rebuild with that in mind, so that I'm not subjected to this happening to me again.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hurricane Katrina tested construction materials and techniques in unprecedented ways. But in the future, Michael and others like him will find some new ways to withstand nature's fury.

(voice-over): Bob Hill is with the National Association of Home Builders. He tests new building materials, from foundation to rooftop, to make sure they can stand up to Mother Nature. Hill's team conducts moisture tests on plywood, simulates the force of high winds on walls, even mimics flying hurricane debris.

Among the new ideas, impact resistant film for windows, dry wall that is less likely to harbor mold and fungus, and homes with highly reinforced safe rooms, where occupants could take refuge in a storm.

BOB HILL, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS: I'm confident that when properly installed, the products that we test, they'll certainly improve the damage resistance of the house.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: There are personal trainers, personal chefs, personal investment advisers and even personal stylists. Well, now say hi to the personal health coach. What's a health coach?

Well, for some it could be the answer to just a health care system that makes you crazy.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

LIN (voice-over): When Kevin Cassidy heard his mom could barely move, he didn't know what to do.

CASSIDY: I got a call from my sister, who said, you know, we can't get my mom out of the car.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good morning, Sally.

LIN: Doctors diagnosed Sally Cassidy with Alzheimer's. But Kevin wasn't so sure, so he hired a personal health coach who found his mother a specialist.

CASSIDY: When we saw the rheumatologist, the rheumatologist right away said we've got rheumatoid arthritis.

LIN (on camera): Not Alzheimer's?

CASSIDY: Not Alzheimer's.

LIN (voice-over): What's a health coach?

John Hutchins is the founder of PinnacleCare, which provides such specialized service.

JOHN HUTCHINS, FOUNDER, PINNACLECARE: We provide education, information, guidance through a confusing health system.

LIN: At a price. The initiation fee is anywhere from $10,000 upwards. And then there's the annual fee of at least $5,000.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've also gone ahead and sent over your medical records and completed the paperwork.

LIN: For big bucks, PinnacleCare will make your appointments, even go with you. Clients have their cases reviewed by Pinnacle's own physician board. That's why Kevin Cassidy signed up. He believes insurance alone is not enough.

CASSIDY: Eighty percent of the time you go into a doctor, everything is fine. Then 20 percent of the time, it's a disaster. And the reason it's a disaster is because we don't know.

LIN (on camera): There's no way to actually prove that companies like PinnacleCare can deliver better health care because doctors typically see the sickest patients first regardless of who refers them. But companies like PinnacleCare are tapping into consumer frustration and selling convenience to those willing to pay for it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, this is a lot of room. LIN (voice-over): But critics say that's a dangerous sign for health care in America.

DR. JOHN GOODSON, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL: And if we are to allow people with high income access that is over and above everybody else, what that means is that the rest of us are going to be in a longer line and not going to have the same kind of access.

LIN: So confusing is the health care system that some big companies have signed up health advocates to help their employees choose between providers, get advice on care and negotiate refunds, even if they don't get Pinnacle's individualized care.

(on camera): So what do you say to critics who say that services like Pinnacle are creating a two-tiered medical system?

HUTCHINS: I like two-tiered systems because I think they force changes, necessary changes in various fields.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There you go.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, it's always a pleasure.

LIN (voice-over): John Hutchins sees the emergence of health advocates as a wake up call to the industry. In a system where costs are rising fast, but so is frustration with co-pays, deductions, waiting lists and so on.

Companies like Pinnacle see a way to make change and make money, too.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you, Kevin.

CASSIDY: OK.

Talk to you soon.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Soon.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

LIN: Now, this service is the most expensive. Personal health coaches come with a price. But employers are finding that their employees are more productive if the employer hires someone, for example, if you had a question about your insurance bill, why spend two hours on it when you could be working for your employer?

The employer hires somebody else to do it for you.

Now here are the latest news developments. CNN has learned the U.S. Army is opening a criminal investigation into the 2004 friendly fire death of NFL star Pat Tillman. He was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Now the probe is to determine if his death was the result of negligent homicide.

President Bush is heading back to the U.S. from Pakistan. First he is going to make a quick stop in Ireland. Pakistan is promising it will do everything it can in the war on terror.

Before departing Pakistan, Mr. Bush tried his hand at cricket today. There he goes. Mr. Bush adapted his baseball form to cricket- style bowling. His stab at Pakistan's national sport came as a famed cricketer was detained by police in Islamabad for planning an anti- American protest.

Iraq's president says U.S. military officials have assured him that U.S. troops will stay in Iraq as long as they are needed. Violence across Iraq today killed at least 12 people.

In Israel, thousands marched peacefully in the biblical town of Nazareth today. They are demanding increased protection for religious sites. This comes after firecrackers were set off inside a major Christian shrine yesterday.

The Kentucky inmate who fled after promising to donate his kidney to his ailing son may be in Mexico. Federal authorities say vacationers spotted Byron Perkins and his girlfriend Leeann Howard near Puerto Vallarta.

A story of heartbreak and hope. Just ahead, you are going to meet a man who's already rebuilt his dream home in New Orleans despite tragic circumstances. CNN Live Saturday will be right back.

The community of Lakeview is just four miles from the French Quarter in New Orleans. For Darren Schmolke, its home. Decide if you would do what Darren did after Katrina triggered a series of accidents that most people would never recover from. You'll meet him in just a moment but first, CNN's Dan Lothian has his story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: As hurricane Katrina threatened to pound New Orleans, contractor Darren Schmolke knew his life on Katina Street was about to change.

DARREN SCHMOLKE, CONTRACTOR: I had seen the storm and its position and everything and I said well yeah, we got us a little problem here.

LOTHIAN: But he never imagined the disaster would inflict so much pain. Schmolke's Lakeview neighborhood less than a mile from the 17th Street Canal levee breach was under water. The dream home he had built for his family heavily damaged. Then as his wife Tara was returning a rental car in Florida, where they had evacuated, she was killed.

SCHMOLKE: Tara had crossed over the median and a truck had struck her on the left side. That was a disaster for all of us.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Unmistakably the toughest time of my life. She was just an unbelievable person.

LOTHIAN: Tara loved to cheer people up and she convinced her parents that they too could start and finish a marathon. Now Schmolke was forced into a much more difficult race. Facing the future without his wife. Left to raise his nearly 2-year-old son Luke alone.

SCHMOLKE: He's too young to know what's going on but one day, he's going to want to know exactly what happened to him. We'll have everything for him. And he'll understand it then.

LOTHIAN: Through his tears and pain, the contractor determined to return to his devastated neighborhood, to his dream home and start over.

SCHMOLKE: My mind was racing so I needed to use my energy and so it was like, you know, this is the perfect place for me to do it. And I just think this is what my wife would have expected out of me.

LOTHIAN: So room by room, Schmolke and his crews turned this into this. The pool, the fireplace, the kitchen. He used money from his savings account to get the job done before insurance checks arrived. Amazingly they finished in 60 days. The lone, landscape, lighthouse of sorts in a neighborhood far from recovery. Have you been an inspiration to others?

SCHMOLKE: We had a lady drive by and she was kind of getting worn out on her house and she drove by and said I come to get my inspiration for the day. I was feeling a little down.

LOTHIAN: He became a symbol. It's okay to come home and rebuild.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: I think he's definitely been an inspiration for this area.

LOTHIAN: Even if there are still questions about the nearby levee's ability to handle another big storm. Why risk it again?

SCHMOLKE: In a nutshell, this is home. So if this is home for you and this is where your heart's at, then this is -- you know you come home and you put your house together.

LOTHIAN: Schmolke stays busy to keep from getting down. He spends a lot of time with son Luke and is now rebuilding, or remodeling several other homes just down the street. He says he draws strength from his faith, family, and the memory of his wife Tara.

SCHMOLKE: I know she's here with us. So I'm not going to let her down.

LOTHIAN: Dan Lothian, CNN, New Orleans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: Darren Schmolke live in New Orleans. Darren, good to have you. I'm just wondering --

SCHMOLKE: How you doing?

LIN: As you heard the story again, what was going through your mind? SCHMOLKE: It's an emotional story.

LIN: It is.

SCHMOLKE: But, you know, we're getting there.

LIN: How's Luke doing?

SCHMOLKE: Luke's doing great. We took him to my mother-in-law and I took him to Ottoman Park this morning and we walked around the park. It was a pretty day. So he's doing great. He's happy. He's doing good.

LIN: Yes. You know, it was just so wonderful to see the pictures of you and Tara together. And it really looked like a love story. This was your dream home, wasn't it that you built together?

SCHMOLKE: Yes, ma'am.

LIN: What do you think she would say to you right now?

SCHMOLKE: She'd be cheering me on like she always does.

LIN: Yes.

SCHMOLKE: You know? She would have expected that and you know, she's cheering us on where she's at right now.

LIN: Yes.

SCHMOLKE: I have no doubt about that.

LIN: You know I see the video of you and Luke together, I mean talk about another love story.

SCHMOLKE: Yes, we got a different relationship today. That's for sure. He's a good kid. He's definitely a great reason to get up for every morning. We're all thankful he's there. Because without him, it would be a problem, so it would be tough to go on without him, that's for sure.

LIN: I know. Because you made the choice to come home and what I heard from you in that story with Dan Lothian is that you came home because you wanted to tell Luke the story again. You wanted to say, look, we went back, we weren't quitters. Is that right? Did I get that right?

SCHMOLKE: Yes. I mean, Luke -- he's surrounded with a bunch of strong people right now. And I get my strength from the people I'm around right now.

LIN: Yes, and they get it from you too Darren. I mean, I know this is such a hard time. But you are actually watching a miracle happen around you because you rebuild and you're helping other people to rebuild. SCHMOLKE: Yes. I feel good. I think -- I think we kick started a bunch of things in the community I live in. I'm watching it happen now. I'm watching people working their tails off, restoring energy and rebuilding levees. And now people are rebuilding their homes in the Lakeview community. It's like little -- I kind of feel like I'm healing in parallel with the city, you know, one house at a time, one light at a time. It's a slow process. But right now, if you practice patience, you know it's going to be okay.

LIN: So when Luke is older, what do you want to tell him about this time in your lives?

SCHMOLKE: I kid with him now about it. You know, I always say, you know, one day him and I are going to sit down and discuss everything that went on this past six months. And I think he can look back on it and if he ever decides to quit on anything, I think significant in his life, which I don't think will ever happen, but if it were to happen and we can sit down and we've saved everything that's happened. And we can sit down and go through these things and I know he'll feel good about -- you know, he'll feel good about his situation, I believe that.

LIN: You know why he will, because of you. Because of you and the courage and the love that you give him and the love that you're surrounded by. Darren, so many people take such meaning in your story, I want you to know that. We think that you're a very brave man. Good luck to you.

SCHMOLKE: Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate it.

LIN: Other headlines making news now across America. He is stepping down. Capitol Hill police Chief Terrence Gainer says his resignation will take effect early next month. Gainer has been under fire since adding his son-in-law to the force. He announced his resignation yesterday and the son in law is leaving too.

Wal-Mart bows to pressure from the state. The retail giant says its pharmacies will carry the controversial morning-after pill. Plan B contraceptives will be available beginning March 20th. Wal-Mart says pharmacists who do not feel comfortable dispensing the prescription will have the option of referring customers elsewhere.

The world famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race kicked off today with a ceremonial run of a dozen miles. The 1100-mile race over some of the toughest Tundra in Alaska begins for real tomorrow.

BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: All right, I'm Brooke Anderson here at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, where also tomorrow, it is the biggest day in Tinsel town. The 78th annual Academy Awards. Coming up, the man everybody is talking about, he's nominated for three Oscars, he's made Hollywood history. Stay tuned we will be right back with that.

LIN: After weeks of anticipation, Hollywood's biggest night is nearly here. So who will take home a coveted Oscar tomorrow? CNN's Brooke Anderson outside the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. Brooke? ANDERSON: Hi, there, Carol. I want to talk about one of the biggest nominees that everyone is talking about, George Clooney. He's nominated not for one, not for two, but for three Academy Awards. And this is a guy who got his start on television, in shows like "The Facts of Life," and "ER." How he's certainly come a long way in Tinsel town. But no matter what happens tomorrow night, George Clooney has already made Hollywood history.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON (voice-over): George Clooney could be the man of the evening at this year's Academy Awards with three individual Oscar nominations for two different films.

The Edward R. Murrow drama "Good Night and Good Luck" which Clooney co-wrote, directed and co-starred in, earned him nominations for best director and best original screenplay.

ANDERSON: And the oil industry political thriller "Syriana" which Clooney produced won him a nomination for best supporting actor. This is the first time any person has been nominated for directing and acting in different films in the same year. You've made Hollywood history.

GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: I'm the first, I'm the first -- no I can't do that. I'm one of the sexiest men alive, former sexiest man alive to be nominated as an actor and a director.

ANDERSON: Clooney took the Oscar news in stride when we caught up with him the morning the nominations were announced. After all, Clooney's start in Hollywood was humble. His big break came as the heartthrob handy man in the "Facts of Life."

Clooney made his early days in the business, the butt of jokes at the Academy's Oscar luncheon last month.

CLOONEY: Who would have thought after doing the "Facts of Life" that things would have worked out quite this way. If you survive a mullet, you can survive anything.

ANDERSON: 20 years, multiple TV projects and more than 20 films later, Clooney's career has evolved from struggling actor to multitalented movie mogul. How is this going to change how you want to be treated on set?

CLOONEY: Well, I'm about to go to a job right now and I think that there should be a lot of pedals laid at my feet. And I think I should be treated a little differently.

ANDERSON: No one can look you in the eye?

CLOONEY: That's part of the rules any way. Yes, I had that in my -- it's a little statute that we send out.

ANDERSON: Mr. Clooney, no George?

CLOONEY: Mr. Clooney, no George.

ANDERSON: But Mr. Clooney does take his work seriously as he recently demonstrated when I asked him about the political questions raised in both "Syriana" and "Good Night and Good Luck."

CLOONEY: I think that I'm curious as a filmmaker and as a human being in this citizen of the country.

ANDERSON: And Clooney's growing stature suggests that he's found a winning combination.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: And these are Clooney's first Oscar nominations. Interestingly, he could have had a fourth Academy Award nomination, but he gave sole producer credit to his friend and writing partner Grant Heslov. So if "Good Night and Good Luck" wins best picture, Grant Heslov actually takes that trophy. And Carol, George also is very excited about the fashion aspect of the Oscars. He told me with tongue firmly planted in cheek, that he plans to wear magenta to the show.

LIN: We'll see. We'll see. A real funny guy he is, so humble that Mr. Clooney.

ANDERSON: How he has such a great sense of humor. He does.

LIN: All right, thanks very much, Brooke. CNN's going to be live on the red carpet for the Academy Awards. It all starts Sunday with a special edition of "Showbiz Tonight" at 5:30 p.m. eastern.

All right, if you've ever wanted to go through boot camp without having to sign up for the military, this one is for you. Take a look at this. Up next, we're going to tell you about one very enterprising woman who's bringing troop training to the masses. We'll be right back.

Recruiting numbers are up at a fitness club in New York that offers a taste of boot camp. Now, as for the head drill sergeant, she's not just tough, she's on the rise.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAUREN BRENNER, FOUNDER, PURE POWER BOOT CAMP: My name is Lauren Brenner, I am the owner, founder of Pure Power Boot Camp. This is a military style fitness facility. We specialize in getting people to overcome obstacles, both physically and mentally. Our most popular program is called the tour of duty. It's four times a week, for six weeks. Everyone gets personal guarantee by me. If you do not improve your fitness level, I train you free of charge, indefinitely until you do.

AMANDA RUDEY, RECRUIT: It's actually really fun to have people yell at you and motivate you like that.

REPORTER: After spending almost six years as a Wall Street trader, the former Syracuse University tennis player swapped her high heels for combat boots.

BRENNER: After 9/11, I really wanted to make a difference in society. I wanted to figure out a place that when you walk in there's accountability, there's respect.

REPORTER: In 2003, Brenner brought Fort Knox to the Big Apple, literally. The nation's only indoor obstacle course mirrors the Army's confidence course at Kentucky's military base. To add to the authenticity, Brenner enlisted former Marines to help her whip clients into shape.

BRENNER: The crazy thing to me is, I'm considered the toughest. So I have real Marines that they're like, oh, this is soft, it's a nice and kind world and I'm the crazy one.

REPORTER: With 715 recruits this year, Pure Power Boot Camp's success has thrown Brenner into the spotlight. She's a fitness contributor on "NBC's The Today Show" and is hosting the program "Fit Family" this spring on "Fit TV". Future plans for Pure Power Boot Camp include new programs and franchising throughout the country.

BRENNER: This is blood, sweat and tears in this place. And whether I own a hundred of them, this is still going to be home.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: God, I think we're in shock. I think the motto in the control room is run, only when chased. There is still much more ahead on CNN. This man had a chance to save his son's life, but instead, the Kentucky prisoner is on the run. We'll get the latest on the so- called fugitive donor including a possible sighting in Mexico. More of CNN LIVE SATURDAY after this.

I'm Carol Lin. Straight ahead in this hour, new details tonight on the death of former NFL star-turned soldier, Pat Tillman. The latest ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEOCLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My husband happened to glance over his shoulder and saw the photos that you were running with your story, and turned to me and said, you couldn't believe who I just saw on television. And we had to jump on the plane at that point. As soon as we got back into Washington State, we got online. And sure enough, the photos matched exactly with a couple that we had spent several evenings with on the beach down in Boca (inaudible).

(END VIDEOCLIP)

LIN: Help find this fugitive. He fled the country instead of helping his ailing son. Tonight, we're going to hear from the investigator, the lead investigator on this unbelievable case. And the stars will be out in Hollywood as final preps are underway for the industry's biggest night. We're live from the red carpet with a unique preview of the Academy Awards. This is "CNN Live Saturday."

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