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CNN Live At Daybreak
Bush Administration Will Introduce Resolution Authorizing Change of Power in Baghdad to U.N. Security Council
Aired May 24, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Just 37 days from the handover, President Bush prepares to address the nation about Iraq.
It is Monday, May 24.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Here are the latest headlines for you now.
Going into effect this morning, new security rules for passenger rail service across the nation. Many stations and systems already have taken the added precautions, but just to make sure, the Transportation Security Administration plans to visit 16 sites today.
It was once the showcase of the Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris. This morning it is the scene of an investigation into tragedy. A terminal roof collapse kills at least four people.
In money news, is there hope at the pump? Saudi Arabia says it will increase oil output by 28 percent starting in June. The average price for a gallon of gas has risen $0.14 in two weeks.
In sports, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the L.A. Lakers 89-71 in game two of the Western Conference finals. The series is now even at one game apiece.
In culture, film industry observers say Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" could be a box office hit after winning the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The White House calls the film outrageously false.
And take a look at this classic shape. This is one of 18 tornadoes that hit Nebraska. A 73-year-old woman in the town of Hallam was killed.
In fact, Rob, the whole town was wiped out pretty much.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it was a bad weekend weather wise, Carol, over 100 tornadoes in total between yesterday and Saturday, most of which were coming Saturday, with a grand total of 84 tornadoes.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Today behind closed doors at the United Nations Security Council, the issue of Iraq and sovereignty. The Associated Press is reporting the Bush administration will introduce a resolution authorizing the change of power in Baghdad. It is expected to be discussed in a closed session, but a vote is not expected today.
The Bush administration plans to hand over sovereignty of Iraq on June 30, which is, of course, 37 days from now.
In the lead up to that handover, President Bush is planning a series of speeches intended to explain the transition. He's also expected to brace the nation for more American casualties. His first address will be tonight at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Our Dana Bash has a preview for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: President Bush arriving in Connecticut for day two of private weekend celebrations for his college graduating daughters.
He was also reviewing drafts of Monday's night's speech, the White House is counting on to turn around growing concern about the mission in Iraq and sinking support for Mr. Bush as a leader.
Recently, the president has struck a defiant tone.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The world watches for weakness in our resolve. They will see no weakness.
BASH: But on the eve of his speech, calls from both sides of the aisle to go light on the platitudes, heavy on specifics and candor.
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: People are going to want hard answers. We have gone on now with a sense of, you know, we will stay the course for too long. We need to know precisely what that course is.
NEWT GINGRICH, FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: When he says let's stay the course, with people looking this up, you can't possibly defend, then I think he loses ground.
BASH: Bush sources say he will detail a series of steps for the transfer of power to Iraqis June 30 and the U.S. role beyond that date.
The president will use the primetime address to lay out plans for an interim government, set to take over in just five weeks, though he'll give no names.
While the president talks of democracy, a key Bush ally said lower standards. REP. DUNCAN HUNTER (R), CALIFORNIA: Nation that has a modicum of freedom for its people -- basic freedoms for its people, and is benign with respect to its relationship with the United States.
BASH: Aides say the president will unveil new information about the command structure for the U.S. military as part of a multinational force. But negotiations continue with countries like Germany and France, who want to see the U.S. set an exit date.
One Republican said the president is too isolated and should learn from the mistakes of his Iraq policy.
SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R), NEBRASKA: To essentially hold himself hostage to two or three key advisers, and never reach beyond that is very dangerous for a president.
BASH (on camera): The president has reached out to the U.N. to write plans for the Iraqi government. And Bush officials are working feverishly to hammer out a new U.N. resolution to bless the process, something they hope to find compromise on as soon as this week.
Dana Bash, CNN, New Haven, Connecticut.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And just so you know, President Bush's speech tonight at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is at 8:00 Eastern. It will be part of a "Paula Zahn Now" special report on the address.
Here's our Iraq situation report for Monday, May 24.
The U.S. military is denying a report that its top general in Iraq, Ricardo Sanchez, witnessed some of the Iraqi prisoner abuse. That report appeared in the "Washington Post."
The death toll has reached 29 in a weekend battle at Kufa. It's believed all of those killed were insurgents. No report of U.S. casualties.
Near Fallujah, a roadside bomb explosion has killed one U.S. Marine and one U.S. soldier. The deaths bring the total of Americans killed in the Iraq war to 797.
You can read up on the Iraq situation throughout the day by clicking onto our Web site. The address, cnn.com.
Much of the Midwest still cleaning up this morning after severe storms hit the area. Parts of southern Michigan are literally underwater following three days of heavy rains. At least two tornadoes touched down in central Michigan. This was the sight many people across Nebraska saw over the weekend. A total of 18 tornadoes touched down in the state. Widespread damage led Nebraska's governor to declare a state of emergency. Hundreds were left homeless by these strong storms.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A loud freight train sound. And you hear people say it, and that's what it was, it was just a freight train sound. And I went down to the basement and just, just waited and prayed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was praying for my horses. So I'm just hoping that they're OK. But -- and that everybody else was OK and that we were OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In one town, tornadoes damaged nearly every home.
We get more from Brandy Petersen of CNN affiliate KETV.
She's reporting from Hallam, Nebraska.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRANDI PETERSEN, KETV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The storm is over, but the damage remains -- houses flattened, trees and power lines down. Everywhere you look just north of Clatonia, Nebraska, a mess.
DAVE DONEGAN: It got pretty windy and we saw the tornado coming and went downstairs and heard the house take off.
PETERSEN: Dave and Joy Donegan (ph) were at home when Saturday's twister hit.
JOY DONEGAN: When the first big wave came through, we were under the stairs. And then our propane tank had ruptured, so we knew we needed to get out. And we went up and took shelter for the next big waves that kept coming through up in the ditch.
PETERSEN: Rescue crews found Dave and Joy and got them to safety. They spent Sunday morning sorting through clothes, tossing aside the boards that used to be their home.
J. DONEGAN: Now we're just trying to figure out what to do next. And it's kind of overwhelming.
PETERSEN: As we were talking, we heard a whimper a few feet away.
J. DONEGAN: Just trying to get a hold of all of our...
D. DONEGAN: Oh, no, there's a dog in there. Come here, Percy.
PETERSEN: The couple's dog was trapped under the rubble. He was badly injured and the video is too graphic to broadcast. But he was alive. Less than a block away, one woman knows what it's like to be trapped. She and her son were in this car for several hours as the storm swirled around them outside and destroyed their home, only a few feet away. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So that's what we're going to ask the lord to do right now is just, even though these storms just never seem to stop, we just need to have quiet and peace and warmth within this car. And he said, "I feel it, mom." I said, "I feel it, too."
PETERSEN: Gage County officials say this is the worst storm they have ever seen.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not this bad. No. And I helped over in the Deschler tornado last year. And it was bad, but this was just a wide, you know, a wide area that was covered, I mean I can't imagine what the total loss is going to be.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: That report was from Brandi Petersen of CNN affiliate KE-TV. After touring the area, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns said it was a miracle more people were not killed in the storms.
Now for some other stories making news across America this Monday, closing arguments in the Terry Nichols murder trial are set to begin later today in an Oklahoma courtroom. Nichols is charged with 161 counts of murder stemming from the Oklahoma City bombing. The jury is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow.
Two separate wildfires have chewed up more than 6,000 acres in the mountains of New Mexico. The bigger fire is on Capitan Peak. That's where firefighters in 1950 saved the life of a small bear cub that would later be named Smokey the Bear. Investigators say the current fire on Capitan Peak was caused by careless hikers.
In Minneapolis, the show went on even after a featured circus performer fell 35 feet to the concrete floor in front of a startled crowd. Ringling Brothers aerialist Dessi Espana died several hours later. Circus officials say she was working without a net or a safety harness when she fell.
Investigators still trying to figure out why a 7-year-old girl was thrown from an amusement park ride in Rye, New York. The girl died after falling from the Mind Scrambler ride at Playland Amusement Park. The park's director says one of the girl's friends told police she may have been kneeling instead of sitting in her seat at the time of the accident.
Is help on the way? For now, it's more pain at the pump. But there might be some relief on the horizon.
Another report on the anti-malaria drug Lariam and its possible deadly side effects.
And without warning, a brand new airport terminal in Paris becomes a death trap.
And your DNA can tell a lot about you. We'll have the debate over genetic discrimination.
We'll be right back.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: It's probably something you don't want to hear about. That would be gas prices. They continue their skyrocketing pace. Over the past two weeks, the national average has risen $0.14, to $2.07 per gallon. That's the average. The Lundberg Survey finds San Diego drivers are paying the most, $2.36 a gallon; Charleston drivers the least, at $1.87.
Here's a sample of reaction to those rising prices.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It makes me feel like we can't go on vacation in the summertime. We're going to have to think about that twice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I do think that the Bush administration is benefiting from this, yes. But I don't think that they are directly impacting the prices.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, it's disappointing. And it makes it difficult to get around. It's more expensive. But there's not -- there's nothing you can do about it. You just have to pay it and just continue doing what you normally do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: That's practical. Perhaps help is on the way, though. Saudi Arabia says it will increase its oil output by 28 percent starting next month. U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham says the oil rich kingdom will boost production from nearly 7.1 million barrels daily to 9.1 million barrels.
We'll have more on Saudi Arabia in just a bit on DAYBREAK.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:15 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
The search will resume this morning for a 6-year-old Wisconsin girl who was swept away by a rushing river. Also missing, the girl's 12-year-old sister, who jumped in to save her. Neither girl knows how to swim.
Today is the final day of a planned four day walkout by SBC Communications employees. The phone company and union officials say they have made some progress on a new contract. One hundred thousand workers are striking over health care and job security issues.
In money news, an eleventh hour contract agreement for Boeing and its workers. More than 2,000 machinists and aerospace workers had voted to strike if a new contract was not approved. In sports, Tom Glavine of the Mets came awfully close to tossing the team's first ever no hitter. But Glavin fell four out short of history, after the Rockies Kit Pellow doubled in the eighth inning.
In culture, cartoonist Gray Trudeau is apologizing for his Sunday "Doonesbury" strip that included a man's head on a plate. Several newspapers chose not to run the strip. Trudeau explains the piece was written several weeks before the beheading of Nicholas Berg in Iraq.
To the forecast center and Rob.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Rob.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Wall Street opens on a high note this morning. Let's see what tune European markets are singing.
For that, we head live to London to check in with Diana Muriel -- good morning, Diana.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, they're taking up the chorus here in Europe. All of the main European markets have opened in a positive frame of mind, particularly Germany, which is doing very well. It's got the automotive stocks doing exceptionally well there, stocks like DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen. Of course, this is all on the back of the fall that we've seen in world oil prices and that's helping to boost stock markets across the board.
Let's have a look and see how Brent crude for July delivery is trading in London. It's down over one percentage point, in line with its peers around the world. We've seen similar falls in Singapore overnight, and, of course, on the NYNEX in New York. It's trading at $36.13 a barrel and this pressure coming off, of course, as a result of the comments from Saudi Arabia in Amsterdam over the weekend that they will be increasing production.
Some muttering amongst other OPEC oil ministers who don't like the idea. Nothing has been agreed or announced by OPEC as a whole. We might get more on that in early June -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Diana Muriel reporting live from London this morning.
Coming up next on DAYBREAK...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SHREK 2")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now, where were we? Ooh, I think I remember.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Oh, a little ogre love. There's a new giant at the box office and it's seeing lots of green. We'll tell you how "Shrek" sweeps up.
Also, the new comedy film "Soul Plane" is encountering turbulence even before it lands in movie theaters this week. We'll tell you why it's no laughing matter for some African-Americans.
This is DAYBREAK for Monday.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: We have to talk about "Shrek" for just a minute, because it did more than good at the box office.
MARCIANO: What was the number?
COSTELLO: It raked in $125.3 million.
MARCIANO: Wow!
COSTELLO: That is going to set a record. It actually beat out "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." It was such a good movie. I went to see it this weekend.
MARCIANO: And it's a cartoon.
COSTELLO: Yes, but it's so clever.
MARCIANO: The first one was good.
COSTELLO: Look, versachery (ph). It has stuff in it that adults would find really funny.
MARCIANO: So it's kind of satirical in that respect.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes.
MARCIANO: Yah.
COSTELLO: It like plays on every movie and every cultural reference you can imagine.
MARCIANO: So you loved it?
COSTELLO: You just loved it. It was so clever. And the Puss and Boots character, I'm telling you, the Puss and Boots character will have his own movie soon.
MARCIANO: You heard it here on DAYBREAK.
COSTELLO: I predict it.
MARCIANO: Carol Costello looking into the crystal ball, Puss and Boots on marquis.
COSTELLO: I know. The last movie I saw was "The Fog of War" and the second movie this year I saw was "Shrek 2." So, I'm sort of, I don't know. MARCIANO: I haven't been to a movie in like -- what are they charging now, like 20 bucks to see a movie? Is that what it is?
COSTELLO: Twenty bucks?
MARCIANO: I don't know.
COSTELLO: No, not that. But it is expensive.
MARCIANO: Yes?
COSTELLO: I think this was $7. But we went to a matinee.
MARCIANO: Seven? Oh, a matinee, huh?
COSTELLO: So we could see it with kids.
MARCIANO: You're so frisky -- frisky, thrifty. You and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: Believe me, I am not thrifty.
Well, as I said, "Shrek 2" may have dominated the weekend, but if the past is any indication, "Harry Potter" may beat that in two weeks. In New York, people lined up 12 hours in advance for a chance to see the U.S. premier of the third "Harry Potter" installment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome! Welcome to another year of (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" opens June 4. The first two installments made nearly $2 billion worldwide. Wow!
Movies that gross billions of dollars rarely generate much controversy. Instead, that's led to less mainstream films like "Soul Plane."
CNN's Miguel Marquez takes a look for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome aboard. Thank you for choosing the soul plane.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a new African-American comedy playing no an old theme, racial stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Would you like Colt 45 or Alazay (ph)?
MARQUEZ: Though the stereotypes go both ways, some African- Americans who saw the film found it a stereotype too far. TANYA KERSEY, BLACK TALENT NEWS: If this is the only kind of movie that we can do about black people that's going to make money, that's the problem right there.
MARQUEZ: Ann Marie Johnson starred in one of the first films to take on black stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) got to eat, too.
MARQUEZ: Robert Townsend's 1987 satire, "Hollywood Shuffle."
ANN MARIE JOHNSON, ACTRESS: We were hoping when made "Hollywood Shuffle" that we could put that film away on the shelf and say hey, we made a political comment, now we don't have to worry about it.
MARQUEZ: Instead, "Hollywood Shuffle" unleashed a new genre of film. Black satires aimed at black stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From the waist down, you're mine.
MARQUEZ: Though Johnson has seen opportunity for black actors and filmmakers increase, she says there's still a narrow range of possibilities for African-Americans in film.
JOHNSON: Major motion picture wise, African-American themed movies and written and produced are few and far between.
MARQUEZ: Joseph C. Phillips, a classically trained actor, has worked in Hollywood for 20 years. He sees films like "Soul Plane" as a momentary frustration that creates long term change.
JOSEPH PHILLIPS, ACTOR: The fact is that work breeds work. Filmmakers doing these kinds of films will be able to do another kind of film. And they'll hire other black actors to do them.
MARQUEZ (on camera): A spokesman for MGM says the studio has heard no complaint and reminds us the film is written by African- Americans, directed by a Latino. And the cast is almost entirely black. He also says it's equal opportunity. Everyone, black white or otherwise takes a hit.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
They're successful, independent, educated and they care about the issues. So why don't they vote? The answers might surprise you.
And suicide among soldiers who've returned home from fighting overseas is on the rise. Could a popular anti-malaria drug be the cause?
Also, new this morning, the morning after -- the deadly collapse at France's largest airport, we'll have the latest for you in a live report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): His brand has become a symbol of the all American spirit. Tommy Hilfiger launched his first signature menswear collection 20 years ago, netting $11 million in less than two years. Since then, he has expanded his empire to include women's wear, children's wear, jeans wear, shoes, fragrance and bedding.
TOMMY HILFIGER, DESIGNER, TOMMY HILFIGER CORP.: Never give up. You continue to develop new territory.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Known for catering to a youthful consumer, Hilfiger is expanding his label with a new, sophisticated and elegant apparel line, H. Hilfiger. HILFIGER: You need a dream and then you need perseverance because many times there will be doors closed in your face. But if you have that inner drive and spirit and desire, you can do it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COMMERCIAL
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Aired May 24, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Just 37 days from the handover, President Bush prepares to address the nation about Iraq.
It is Monday, May 24.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Here are the latest headlines for you now.
Going into effect this morning, new security rules for passenger rail service across the nation. Many stations and systems already have taken the added precautions, but just to make sure, the Transportation Security Administration plans to visit 16 sites today.
It was once the showcase of the Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris. This morning it is the scene of an investigation into tragedy. A terminal roof collapse kills at least four people.
In money news, is there hope at the pump? Saudi Arabia says it will increase oil output by 28 percent starting in June. The average price for a gallon of gas has risen $0.14 in two weeks.
In sports, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the L.A. Lakers 89-71 in game two of the Western Conference finals. The series is now even at one game apiece.
In culture, film industry observers say Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" could be a box office hit after winning the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The White House calls the film outrageously false.
And take a look at this classic shape. This is one of 18 tornadoes that hit Nebraska. A 73-year-old woman in the town of Hallam was killed.
In fact, Rob, the whole town was wiped out pretty much.
ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it was a bad weekend weather wise, Carol, over 100 tornadoes in total between yesterday and Saturday, most of which were coming Saturday, with a grand total of 84 tornadoes.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Today behind closed doors at the United Nations Security Council, the issue of Iraq and sovereignty. The Associated Press is reporting the Bush administration will introduce a resolution authorizing the change of power in Baghdad. It is expected to be discussed in a closed session, but a vote is not expected today.
The Bush administration plans to hand over sovereignty of Iraq on June 30, which is, of course, 37 days from now.
In the lead up to that handover, President Bush is planning a series of speeches intended to explain the transition. He's also expected to brace the nation for more American casualties. His first address will be tonight at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Our Dana Bash has a preview for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: President Bush arriving in Connecticut for day two of private weekend celebrations for his college graduating daughters.
He was also reviewing drafts of Monday's night's speech, the White House is counting on to turn around growing concern about the mission in Iraq and sinking support for Mr. Bush as a leader.
Recently, the president has struck a defiant tone.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The world watches for weakness in our resolve. They will see no weakness.
BASH: But on the eve of his speech, calls from both sides of the aisle to go light on the platitudes, heavy on specifics and candor.
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: People are going to want hard answers. We have gone on now with a sense of, you know, we will stay the course for too long. We need to know precisely what that course is.
NEWT GINGRICH, FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: When he says let's stay the course, with people looking this up, you can't possibly defend, then I think he loses ground.
BASH: Bush sources say he will detail a series of steps for the transfer of power to Iraqis June 30 and the U.S. role beyond that date.
The president will use the primetime address to lay out plans for an interim government, set to take over in just five weeks, though he'll give no names.
While the president talks of democracy, a key Bush ally said lower standards. REP. DUNCAN HUNTER (R), CALIFORNIA: Nation that has a modicum of freedom for its people -- basic freedoms for its people, and is benign with respect to its relationship with the United States.
BASH: Aides say the president will unveil new information about the command structure for the U.S. military as part of a multinational force. But negotiations continue with countries like Germany and France, who want to see the U.S. set an exit date.
One Republican said the president is too isolated and should learn from the mistakes of his Iraq policy.
SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R), NEBRASKA: To essentially hold himself hostage to two or three key advisers, and never reach beyond that is very dangerous for a president.
BASH (on camera): The president has reached out to the U.N. to write plans for the Iraqi government. And Bush officials are working feverishly to hammer out a new U.N. resolution to bless the process, something they hope to find compromise on as soon as this week.
Dana Bash, CNN, New Haven, Connecticut.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And just so you know, President Bush's speech tonight at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is at 8:00 Eastern. It will be part of a "Paula Zahn Now" special report on the address.
Here's our Iraq situation report for Monday, May 24.
The U.S. military is denying a report that its top general in Iraq, Ricardo Sanchez, witnessed some of the Iraqi prisoner abuse. That report appeared in the "Washington Post."
The death toll has reached 29 in a weekend battle at Kufa. It's believed all of those killed were insurgents. No report of U.S. casualties.
Near Fallujah, a roadside bomb explosion has killed one U.S. Marine and one U.S. soldier. The deaths bring the total of Americans killed in the Iraq war to 797.
You can read up on the Iraq situation throughout the day by clicking onto our Web site. The address, cnn.com.
Much of the Midwest still cleaning up this morning after severe storms hit the area. Parts of southern Michigan are literally underwater following three days of heavy rains. At least two tornadoes touched down in central Michigan. This was the sight many people across Nebraska saw over the weekend. A total of 18 tornadoes touched down in the state. Widespread damage led Nebraska's governor to declare a state of emergency. Hundreds were left homeless by these strong storms.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A loud freight train sound. And you hear people say it, and that's what it was, it was just a freight train sound. And I went down to the basement and just, just waited and prayed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was praying for my horses. So I'm just hoping that they're OK. But -- and that everybody else was OK and that we were OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In one town, tornadoes damaged nearly every home.
We get more from Brandy Petersen of CNN affiliate KETV.
She's reporting from Hallam, Nebraska.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRANDI PETERSEN, KETV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The storm is over, but the damage remains -- houses flattened, trees and power lines down. Everywhere you look just north of Clatonia, Nebraska, a mess.
DAVE DONEGAN: It got pretty windy and we saw the tornado coming and went downstairs and heard the house take off.
PETERSEN: Dave and Joy Donegan (ph) were at home when Saturday's twister hit.
JOY DONEGAN: When the first big wave came through, we were under the stairs. And then our propane tank had ruptured, so we knew we needed to get out. And we went up and took shelter for the next big waves that kept coming through up in the ditch.
PETERSEN: Rescue crews found Dave and Joy and got them to safety. They spent Sunday morning sorting through clothes, tossing aside the boards that used to be their home.
J. DONEGAN: Now we're just trying to figure out what to do next. And it's kind of overwhelming.
PETERSEN: As we were talking, we heard a whimper a few feet away.
J. DONEGAN: Just trying to get a hold of all of our...
D. DONEGAN: Oh, no, there's a dog in there. Come here, Percy.
PETERSEN: The couple's dog was trapped under the rubble. He was badly injured and the video is too graphic to broadcast. But he was alive. Less than a block away, one woman knows what it's like to be trapped. She and her son were in this car for several hours as the storm swirled around them outside and destroyed their home, only a few feet away. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So that's what we're going to ask the lord to do right now is just, even though these storms just never seem to stop, we just need to have quiet and peace and warmth within this car. And he said, "I feel it, mom." I said, "I feel it, too."
PETERSEN: Gage County officials say this is the worst storm they have ever seen.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not this bad. No. And I helped over in the Deschler tornado last year. And it was bad, but this was just a wide, you know, a wide area that was covered, I mean I can't imagine what the total loss is going to be.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: That report was from Brandi Petersen of CNN affiliate KE-TV. After touring the area, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns said it was a miracle more people were not killed in the storms.
Now for some other stories making news across America this Monday, closing arguments in the Terry Nichols murder trial are set to begin later today in an Oklahoma courtroom. Nichols is charged with 161 counts of murder stemming from the Oklahoma City bombing. The jury is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow.
Two separate wildfires have chewed up more than 6,000 acres in the mountains of New Mexico. The bigger fire is on Capitan Peak. That's where firefighters in 1950 saved the life of a small bear cub that would later be named Smokey the Bear. Investigators say the current fire on Capitan Peak was caused by careless hikers.
In Minneapolis, the show went on even after a featured circus performer fell 35 feet to the concrete floor in front of a startled crowd. Ringling Brothers aerialist Dessi Espana died several hours later. Circus officials say she was working without a net or a safety harness when she fell.
Investigators still trying to figure out why a 7-year-old girl was thrown from an amusement park ride in Rye, New York. The girl died after falling from the Mind Scrambler ride at Playland Amusement Park. The park's director says one of the girl's friends told police she may have been kneeling instead of sitting in her seat at the time of the accident.
Is help on the way? For now, it's more pain at the pump. But there might be some relief on the horizon.
Another report on the anti-malaria drug Lariam and its possible deadly side effects.
And without warning, a brand new airport terminal in Paris becomes a death trap.
And your DNA can tell a lot about you. We'll have the debate over genetic discrimination.
We'll be right back.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: It's probably something you don't want to hear about. That would be gas prices. They continue their skyrocketing pace. Over the past two weeks, the national average has risen $0.14, to $2.07 per gallon. That's the average. The Lundberg Survey finds San Diego drivers are paying the most, $2.36 a gallon; Charleston drivers the least, at $1.87.
Here's a sample of reaction to those rising prices.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It makes me feel like we can't go on vacation in the summertime. We're going to have to think about that twice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I do think that the Bush administration is benefiting from this, yes. But I don't think that they are directly impacting the prices.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, it's disappointing. And it makes it difficult to get around. It's more expensive. But there's not -- there's nothing you can do about it. You just have to pay it and just continue doing what you normally do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: That's practical. Perhaps help is on the way, though. Saudi Arabia says it will increase its oil output by 28 percent starting next month. U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham says the oil rich kingdom will boost production from nearly 7.1 million barrels daily to 9.1 million barrels.
We'll have more on Saudi Arabia in just a bit on DAYBREAK.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 5:15 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
The search will resume this morning for a 6-year-old Wisconsin girl who was swept away by a rushing river. Also missing, the girl's 12-year-old sister, who jumped in to save her. Neither girl knows how to swim.
Today is the final day of a planned four day walkout by SBC Communications employees. The phone company and union officials say they have made some progress on a new contract. One hundred thousand workers are striking over health care and job security issues.
In money news, an eleventh hour contract agreement for Boeing and its workers. More than 2,000 machinists and aerospace workers had voted to strike if a new contract was not approved. In sports, Tom Glavine of the Mets came awfully close to tossing the team's first ever no hitter. But Glavin fell four out short of history, after the Rockies Kit Pellow doubled in the eighth inning.
In culture, cartoonist Gray Trudeau is apologizing for his Sunday "Doonesbury" strip that included a man's head on a plate. Several newspapers chose not to run the strip. Trudeau explains the piece was written several weeks before the beheading of Nicholas Berg in Iraq.
To the forecast center and Rob.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: All right, thank you, Rob.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Wall Street opens on a high note this morning. Let's see what tune European markets are singing.
For that, we head live to London to check in with Diana Muriel -- good morning, Diana.
DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, they're taking up the chorus here in Europe. All of the main European markets have opened in a positive frame of mind, particularly Germany, which is doing very well. It's got the automotive stocks doing exceptionally well there, stocks like DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen. Of course, this is all on the back of the fall that we've seen in world oil prices and that's helping to boost stock markets across the board.
Let's have a look and see how Brent crude for July delivery is trading in London. It's down over one percentage point, in line with its peers around the world. We've seen similar falls in Singapore overnight, and, of course, on the NYNEX in New York. It's trading at $36.13 a barrel and this pressure coming off, of course, as a result of the comments from Saudi Arabia in Amsterdam over the weekend that they will be increasing production.
Some muttering amongst other OPEC oil ministers who don't like the idea. Nothing has been agreed or announced by OPEC as a whole. We might get more on that in early June -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Diana Muriel reporting live from London this morning.
Coming up next on DAYBREAK...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SHREK 2")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now, where were we? Ooh, I think I remember.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Oh, a little ogre love. There's a new giant at the box office and it's seeing lots of green. We'll tell you how "Shrek" sweeps up.
Also, the new comedy film "Soul Plane" is encountering turbulence even before it lands in movie theaters this week. We'll tell you why it's no laughing matter for some African-Americans.
This is DAYBREAK for Monday.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: We have to talk about "Shrek" for just a minute, because it did more than good at the box office.
MARCIANO: What was the number?
COSTELLO: It raked in $125.3 million.
MARCIANO: Wow!
COSTELLO: That is going to set a record. It actually beat out "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." It was such a good movie. I went to see it this weekend.
MARCIANO: And it's a cartoon.
COSTELLO: Yes, but it's so clever.
MARCIANO: The first one was good.
COSTELLO: Look, versachery (ph). It has stuff in it that adults would find really funny.
MARCIANO: So it's kind of satirical in that respect.
COSTELLO: Oh, yes.
MARCIANO: Yah.
COSTELLO: It like plays on every movie and every cultural reference you can imagine.
MARCIANO: So you loved it?
COSTELLO: You just loved it. It was so clever. And the Puss and Boots character, I'm telling you, the Puss and Boots character will have his own movie soon.
MARCIANO: You heard it here on DAYBREAK.
COSTELLO: I predict it.
MARCIANO: Carol Costello looking into the crystal ball, Puss and Boots on marquis.
COSTELLO: I know. The last movie I saw was "The Fog of War" and the second movie this year I saw was "Shrek 2." So, I'm sort of, I don't know. MARCIANO: I haven't been to a movie in like -- what are they charging now, like 20 bucks to see a movie? Is that what it is?
COSTELLO: Twenty bucks?
MARCIANO: I don't know.
COSTELLO: No, not that. But it is expensive.
MARCIANO: Yes?
COSTELLO: I think this was $7. But we went to a matinee.
MARCIANO: Seven? Oh, a matinee, huh?
COSTELLO: So we could see it with kids.
MARCIANO: You're so frisky -- frisky, thrifty. You and Chad Myers.
COSTELLO: Believe me, I am not thrifty.
Well, as I said, "Shrek 2" may have dominated the weekend, but if the past is any indication, "Harry Potter" may beat that in two weeks. In New York, people lined up 12 hours in advance for a chance to see the U.S. premier of the third "Harry Potter" installment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome! Welcome to another year of (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" opens June 4. The first two installments made nearly $2 billion worldwide. Wow!
Movies that gross billions of dollars rarely generate much controversy. Instead, that's led to less mainstream films like "Soul Plane."
CNN's Miguel Marquez takes a look for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome aboard. Thank you for choosing the soul plane.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a new African-American comedy playing no an old theme, racial stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Would you like Colt 45 or Alazay (ph)?
MARQUEZ: Though the stereotypes go both ways, some African- Americans who saw the film found it a stereotype too far. TANYA KERSEY, BLACK TALENT NEWS: If this is the only kind of movie that we can do about black people that's going to make money, that's the problem right there.
MARQUEZ: Ann Marie Johnson starred in one of the first films to take on black stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) got to eat, too.
MARQUEZ: Robert Townsend's 1987 satire, "Hollywood Shuffle."
ANN MARIE JOHNSON, ACTRESS: We were hoping when made "Hollywood Shuffle" that we could put that film away on the shelf and say hey, we made a political comment, now we don't have to worry about it.
MARQUEZ: Instead, "Hollywood Shuffle" unleashed a new genre of film. Black satires aimed at black stereotypes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From the waist down, you're mine.
MARQUEZ: Though Johnson has seen opportunity for black actors and filmmakers increase, she says there's still a narrow range of possibilities for African-Americans in film.
JOHNSON: Major motion picture wise, African-American themed movies and written and produced are few and far between.
MARQUEZ: Joseph C. Phillips, a classically trained actor, has worked in Hollywood for 20 years. He sees films like "Soul Plane" as a momentary frustration that creates long term change.
JOSEPH PHILLIPS, ACTOR: The fact is that work breeds work. Filmmakers doing these kinds of films will be able to do another kind of film. And they'll hire other black actors to do them.
MARQUEZ (on camera): A spokesman for MGM says the studio has heard no complaint and reminds us the film is written by African- Americans, directed by a Latino. And the cast is almost entirely black. He also says it's equal opportunity. Everyone, black white or otherwise takes a hit.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
They're successful, independent, educated and they care about the issues. So why don't they vote? The answers might surprise you.
And suicide among soldiers who've returned home from fighting overseas is on the rise. Could a popular anti-malaria drug be the cause?
Also, new this morning, the morning after -- the deadly collapse at France's largest airport, we'll have the latest for you in a live report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): His brand has become a symbol of the all American spirit. Tommy Hilfiger launched his first signature menswear collection 20 years ago, netting $11 million in less than two years. Since then, he has expanded his empire to include women's wear, children's wear, jeans wear, shoes, fragrance and bedding.
TOMMY HILFIGER, DESIGNER, TOMMY HILFIGER CORP.: Never give up. You continue to develop new territory.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Known for catering to a youthful consumer, Hilfiger is expanding his label with a new, sophisticated and elegant apparel line, H. Hilfiger. HILFIGER: You need a dream and then you need perseverance because many times there will be doors closed in your face. But if you have that inner drive and spirit and desire, you can do it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COMMERCIAL
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