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CNN Live At Daybreak
Mourning in America; Najaf Battle; The Panda; Labor of Love
Aired June 10, 2004 - 05:30 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: U.S. military commanders refuse to help Iraq police battle elements of the Medhi militia in Najaf today. Here's what a senior U.S. officer had to say about the Iraqi police chief, he's got to learn how to deal with it on his own. The U.S. military later resupplied Iraqi police with ammunition.
In money news, the U.S. House Committee wants to block a Bermuda- based company from a $10 billion security contract to track visitors to the United States. The Appropriations Committee objects to the company not being based in the States.
In sports, Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight is expected to sign a three-year contract extension keeping him at the school through 2009. His current contract for $250,000 a year runs through 2006.
In culture, the city council of Paris wants to ban SUVs, ban them. Sport utility vehicles are gaining in popularity throughout Europe, but the Paris Council says the oversized gas guzzling 4x4s have no place on already jammed streets.
Interesting -- Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: All right, thank you -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: A procession of prayers and tears at the Capitol Rotunda this morning where Ronald Reagan's body lies in state.
CNN's Elaine Quijano just outside the Capitol. She joins us live with more.
Still plenty people in line -- Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Yes, quite a different scene from yesterday, as you recall, this time there really weren't many people in line. In fact, just the beginnings of a line, really. But if you take a look over my shoulder here, you see that folks have lined up, as they have done throughout the night here, really, since yesterday afternoon, in earnest, I would say.
And now we have joining us a couple of folks who decided to try and pay their respects before work, two folks who actually have military connections and feel very strongly.
Thanks for being here. This is Jeff Riley (ph) and Scott Kisch (ph).
Let me ask you first, Jeff, what is it about President Reagan that made you want to come out today, because you were telling me you're only 36 years old, you're really a youngster.
JEFF RILEY, MOURNER: Right.
QUIJANO: Why did you want to come out today?
RILEY: Well growing up when I did in the '80s, as a youngster, impressionable, growing into my teenage years, President Reagan certainly impressed upon me that living in this country is a privilege. And part of that privilege is the duty to serve that country and in any way you can. And my choice was through the Marine Corps, and he so inspired me to do that. And throughout my college years, he continued to be the president, so it kind of carried on through my college years.
QUIJANO: And the same situation with you. You were telling me, Scott, that really you were telling me about the uniform that you're wearing right now and the connection with President Reagan. You said you wouldn't be here wearing this uniform if not for him.
SCOTT KISCH, U.S. MARINE: Yes, I mean that's really true. I remember our response to the bombing in the discotheque in Germany and the bombing in Libya that we retaliated with and just the sense of strength that we had as a nation to respond to that and hold off terrorism. And we're still fighting it today. But it was his inspiration that caused me to join the Marine Corps. And you know I contribute, I'll have 20 years in the Marine Corps, and I owe it to President Reagan.
QUIJANO: What is it, Jeff, that you hope your presence here, I know some folks said yesterday that they wanted to be here as well for Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. You know some folks have chosen to pay their respects at home, but why come and do this in person?
RILEY: Well I think it's as much for President Reagan as it is -- as is for myself. I mean it's the -- it's the first and only time I'm ever going to be able to be in his presence. And it's just -- it's so much more special when you can actually be in his presence and also when that presence happens to be in the Capitol Rotunda. It's a special place in this country, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
QUIJANO: And let me ask you, Scott, what are your thoughts being a part of you know this history being made?
KISCH: Yes, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And just it's the least we could do to come out early this morning to visit President Reagan and see him for one last time. And it really touches you and to finally say goodbye to a great, great American.
QUIJANO: Scott Kisch and Jeff Riley, thanks so much for joining us today.
KISCH: Thank you.
RILEY: Thank you.
QUIJANO: So those are just a couple of the stories, Carol, that we are hearing today. Again, members of the Armed Forces feeling very strongly about their connection with President Reagan, saying he did much for the Armed Forces during his time in office. Really looking to him saying he was an inspiration in many ways.
A note on the logistics, I should tell you, they have been standing here for about an hour and a half or so. Capitol Police say that they had hoped to get people through here about 5,000 an hour. We're not sure how that pace is going, but we have seen the line moving rather briskly. And they have been told, according to some other folks that are exiting, that it's been about a four hour wait. So the stream of people continues to be steady at this hour. We anticipate that will be the case until the viewing period is over tomorrow -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right, Elaine, we'll check back with you at 6:00 Eastern Time. Elaine Quijano live from D.C. this morning as we take another live look inside the Capitol Rotunda.
The respect and reverence for Ronald Reagan will continue tomorrow during a state funeral. The portraits of grief will surely be added to the nation's catalog of enduring images.
Here's CNN's Tom Foreman with a look at state funerals.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): No other state funeral has produced more unforgettable images than that of John Kennedy. The rolling caisson, his son saluting, the grief of a nation, yet it was Jackie Kennedy in her grief who defined how a modern state funeral, how Ronald Reagan's funeral will be conducted.
DONALD RITCHIE, ASSOCIATE SENATE HISTORIAN: She sent historians to the Library of Congress in the middle of the night to research the Lincoln funeral proceedings. And so after that, a very large report was prepared. We followed that report pretty much since 1965 when that was done.
FOREMAN: Much of the ceremony Mrs. Kennedy revived can be traced to Lincoln. Lincoln's funeral procession was the first to feature a riderless horse, like the one that followed President Reagan.
The catafalque or decorative stand on which President Reagan's casket now rests was built for Lincoln, the first president to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. It has been used for all nine presidents who have lain in state there since, although four non- presidents have also been given that honor, all were military men: an unknown soldier from World War I, another representing World War II and the Korean conflict, General John Pershing and General Douglas MacArthur.
Of all Americans, only about half are old enough to have seen a president lie in state at the Capitol. The last one was Lyndon Johnson in 1973. Richard Nixon died 10 years ago, but his funeral was in California.
So as he did in life, Ronald Reagan is showing America something new and at once old, the way a nation comes together to mourn, show respect and say goodbye.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And Ronald Reagan's body will lie in state all day today. Tomorrow's funeral service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Eastern at the National Cathedral in Washington. And after the funeral, the former president will be flown back to southern California. He's scheduled to arrive at the Reagan Presidential Library at 5:15 p.m. Pacific Time, 8:15 p.m. Eastern. A private funeral service will start an hour later.
And we have a special report on Ronald Reagan on our Web site. You can also get a history of state funerals. It's all there, just go to CNN.com.
U.S. commanders refused to send troops this morning to help Iraqi police who were fighting militiamen in the city of Najaf. The police chief asked for help, but a senior U.S. officer said he's got to learn to deal with it on his own.
CNN's Guy Raz with the American troops at Najaf has a live report for us now.
Good morning.
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
And an end to the relative peace here in southern Iraq after a week of calm. This time, the fighting between Iraqi police and Shiite militiamen loyal to the young firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Now that fighting broke out in Najaf overnight when an Iraqi police station came under small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack. That fighting lasted several hours and resulted in the death of at least two Iraqi police officers, possibly four.
Now earlier, Carol, you mentioned that a request was made by the Najaf police chief to U.S. forces for aide. That request was denied, but it was denied in large part because the fighting was taking place too close to the Imam Ali Shrine, the holiest Shiite mosque to Shiite Muslims around the world and a particularly sensitive site.
Now you'll recall, Carol, that last week a deal was brokered here in southern Iraq that would keep U.S. forces out of Najaf and Kufa and allow Iraqi police officers to take over security and stability in those two cities. U.S. forces did agree to resupply Iraqi police with arms, with ammunition, but they, for now, refuse to get involved in this clash. According to one senior officer we spoke to -- quote -- "we will not get involved unless the situation gets out of hand" -- Carol.
COSTELLO: So a question for you, how are the Iraqi police handling this battle?
RAZ: Well, Carol, the Iraqi police, in many ways, are ill- prepared for this kind of fighting. They are doing their best. There are about 400 Iraqi police deployed in Najaf and its neighboring sister city of Kufa. Now those deployments, as I mentioned, began last week. And as I say, up until this point there has been relative calm and peace in the city. We do understand that Iraqi police attempted to arrest four suspected thieves last night and that's when the fighting broke out -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Guy Raz, reporting live for us from Najaf this morning, many thanks to you.
Want to talk a little bit about Moammar Gadhafi, because there are reports out there that he really hasn't changed his spots.
Our senior international editor David Clinch is here to tell us more about that.
DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
Fascinating story in "The New York Times," we should attribute to them at this point. We are looking into the story. But here's what "The Times" has today, a report that U.S. authorities intelligence are looking into claims by two separate people that they were involved in an order by Moammar Gadhafi to assassinate the Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Not a long time ago, last year.
Now here is what we know. First of all, there is a context, the Libyans and the Saudis, specifically the Crown Prince and Moammar Gadhafi, definitely do not like each other. We saw at an Arab summit last year the two of them pointing at each other, screaming at each other at that Arab summit. "The New York Times" reports that shortly after that, according to these two people, and I'll talk a little bit more about who those two people are, Gadhafi called his intelligence people in and said I want the Crown Prince dead.
Now let's talk a little bit about who these two people are making these claims. One person we know a lot about ourselves and it's in public, he's an American citizen. His name is Abdu Rafam Al-Moody (ph). Now he's a man who lived in Virginia, was the head of a Muslim society here in the U.S., was arrested by U.S. officials last year. He, according to "The Times," is claiming, in U.S. detention now, that he was asked by Gadhafi to take part in this assassination attempt. Now they're looking into that.
COSTELLO: So he's in custody in Virginia right now?
CLINCH: Correct. Now separately, according to "The Times," the Saudis have in their custody a Libyan intelligence official who says he also was involved in this. Now we're not clear exactly whether those two stories are exactly the same, but according to the story, there's enough similarity between the two claims that they are looking into it.
COSTELLO: And we're leaving a little something out, because if this plot allegedly went down last year, that was about the same time that Moammar Gadhafi was trying to say he's given up his terrorist ways...
CLINCH: Right.
COSTELLO: ... and wants all of the sanctions dropped against Libya. And it turns out that's why the United States hasn't dropped the sanctions because of these allegations.
CLINCH: Exactly. We do know for a fact that they have not yet taken Libya off the terrorist list. There has been a question mark over why that has not happened yet. According to "The Times," this is one very big reason.
But in the meantime, this is not just inside Arab politics, there's a big money question here. The U.S. officials were in Libya last week talking to them about how much Libyan oil the U.S. wants to buy and how many Boeing airplanes the Libyans might want to buy. So there's big money involved here.
There's also a Reagan connection, of course. Remember who it was who slapped the sanctions on Libya originally was of course...
COSTELLO: And attacked Libya in retaliation.
CLINCH: And attacked Libya. In fact, I don't know if you missed this, but on Sunday, Gadhafi issued a statement saying he was sorry about Reagan's death, but sorry because he died before he could be brought to trial for bombing Libya. So definitely a serious question for U.S. intelligence and officials to look into with a lot of money on the line.
COSTELLO: And there is an investigation going on right now by the Americans?
CLINCH: Correct.
COSTELLO: OK. Thank you -- David Clinch.
CLINCH: All right.
COSTELLO: The world's top leaders gear up for a final day of talks on Sea Island. Did President Bush win support from his allies? We'll get a live report for you in the next hour of DAYBREAK.
Also, a gentle giant could be making a combat. Up next, why things are looking up for the oh-so popular pandas. We'll have a live report out of Beijing for you.
This is DAYBREAK for Thursday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 5:47 Eastern. Here is what's all new this morning.
In Washington, President Reagan's flag-draped casket lies in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Thousands waiting in line through the night to pay their last respects to the 40th president. You see the live picture there.
In Iraq, a change in the ongoing battle for Najaf, this time a U.S. commander just says no to having American troops join the latest skirmish between Iraqi police and Muqtada al-Sadr's militia.
In money news, Boeing has signed an agreement with Chinese firms to supply parts for a new fuel-efficient airliner it's building. Boeing also hopes China will buy a couple of thousand of those jets.
In sports, an NFL source tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch will be released today. Are you listening Cleveland fans, Couch was replaced by free agent Jeff Garcia in March.
In culture, an Orange County, California politician is suggesting John Wayne Airport be renamed for the TV show "The O.C." Chris Norby says The O.C. Airport might be more appealing than an airport named for the Duke.
MYERS: Maybe the C.C., Carol Costello Airport. That would be better.
COSTELLO: Yes, or the C.M. for the Chad Myers.
MYERS: No. No, thanks.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Lions and tigers and panda bears, oh my. A study just released in China says the black and white bears are back from the brink of extinction. Their number jumping some 40 percent since the early 1990s.
For more, let's head live to Beijing and CNN's Jaime FlorCruz.
Hello -- Jaime.
JAIME FLORCRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good news for panda lovers in the U.S. Remember those times in the 1980s when experts feared there were only less than 1,000 pandas in the wild and they were in danger of extinction? Well now the Chinese officials announced today that based on the latest census there are now 1,960 pandas in the wild. That's more than 800 extra pandas, which conservationists here say that's very encouraging news, but they also say that it doesn't mean that the pandas are totally out of danger of extinction -- Carol.
COSTELLO: So does that mean we'll be seeing more pandas imported to the United or sold to the United States because they cost big dollars -- Jaime?
FLORCRUZ: Well not quite. Again, because conservationists here warn that the pandas are still vulnerable, especially out in the wild. First, the pandas themselves have very low fertility and productivity rates. The pandas just tend to be loaners and have low sex drive and they only get to mate during breeding season. So, and also, they have a very limited diet. They only eat arrow bamboos and therefore are susceptible to diseases. So conservationists here say that the fundamental solution is to build more panda reserves in the -- in the wild so that the pandas could freely roam and reproduce -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Jaime FlorCruz reporting live from Beijing.
And I remember a funny story from the National Zoo in Washington, because they have these two pandas, and they were trying to get the two pandas to mate. Would not do it. So they figured that the pandas were too clean and didn't smell like they did in the wild. So they stopped bathing them to see if that worked, but it didn't.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, the effects of Alzheimer's on the family. It's tough for both patients and their caretakers. Coming up, the story of one couple making it through in both sickness and health.
This is DAYBREAK for Thursday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: As you know, Nancy Reagan helped her husband for 10 years as he dealt with Alzheimer's.
As CNN medical correspondent Holly Firfer reports -- and there you can see a live picture inside the Capitol Rotunda. People still filing past Ronald Reagan's casket.
Back to Nancy and her care of Ronald Reagan. Many people who do take care of Alzheimer's patients consider it a labor of love.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIMROD "MAC" MCNAIR, CAREGIVER: There we go.
HOLLY FIRFER, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amy and Mac were high school sweethearts. Sixty-one years ago, they promised to love each other in sickness and in health. Amy stood by him as he fought in three wars. Two children and nine grandchildren later, they wrote a book together on how to have a successful marriage. Mac says Amy was his world, then a diagnosis of Alzheimer's tore that world apart.
MCNAIR: We have traveled five continents, 100 countries and we stay home. We tell people you know where I live. And I started to set up a routine, because I decided I want to be the caregiver.
FIRFER: As long as he is able, Mac says he will care for Amy.
MCNAIR: Now don't misunderstand me, I kick a chair once in a while and say words that my wife wouldn't like.
FIRFER: Amid his frustrations, Mac learned how to grocery shop and do housework. He makes Amy breakfast and dinner and gives her her medications.
MCNAIR: Here you go, darling. Open your mouth.
FIRFER: Health care professionals say most caregivers suffer from depression and anxiety so it's crucial that people who care for Alzheimer's patients care for themselves too. They suggest joining a support group and some basic tips like being calm and understanding, patient and flexible, don't argue with a patient and most importantly, don't take any unusual behavior personally.
Mac enrolled Amy in an adult daycare at his church for $30 a day so he gets a break. Right now Amy's physical demands are not too tough, but the emotional toll he says is the hardest.
MCNAIR: I miss her as being part of her. You see I believe in marriage you become one. I try to look at it this way, my faith says we've got all of eternity together.
FIRFER: Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address, CNN.com/health.
A steady stream of visitors converge on the nation's capital to say goodbye to the Gipper. We will take you there again next.
This is DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired June 10, 2004 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: U.S. military commanders refuse to help Iraq police battle elements of the Medhi militia in Najaf today. Here's what a senior U.S. officer had to say about the Iraqi police chief, he's got to learn how to deal with it on his own. The U.S. military later resupplied Iraqi police with ammunition.
In money news, the U.S. House Committee wants to block a Bermuda- based company from a $10 billion security contract to track visitors to the United States. The Appropriations Committee objects to the company not being based in the States.
In sports, Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight is expected to sign a three-year contract extension keeping him at the school through 2009. His current contract for $250,000 a year runs through 2006.
In culture, the city council of Paris wants to ban SUVs, ban them. Sport utility vehicles are gaining in popularity throughout Europe, but the Paris Council says the oversized gas guzzling 4x4s have no place on already jammed streets.
Interesting -- Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: All right, thank you -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: A procession of prayers and tears at the Capitol Rotunda this morning where Ronald Reagan's body lies in state.
CNN's Elaine Quijano just outside the Capitol. She joins us live with more.
Still plenty people in line -- Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Yes, quite a different scene from yesterday, as you recall, this time there really weren't many people in line. In fact, just the beginnings of a line, really. But if you take a look over my shoulder here, you see that folks have lined up, as they have done throughout the night here, really, since yesterday afternoon, in earnest, I would say.
And now we have joining us a couple of folks who decided to try and pay their respects before work, two folks who actually have military connections and feel very strongly.
Thanks for being here. This is Jeff Riley (ph) and Scott Kisch (ph).
Let me ask you first, Jeff, what is it about President Reagan that made you want to come out today, because you were telling me you're only 36 years old, you're really a youngster.
JEFF RILEY, MOURNER: Right.
QUIJANO: Why did you want to come out today?
RILEY: Well growing up when I did in the '80s, as a youngster, impressionable, growing into my teenage years, President Reagan certainly impressed upon me that living in this country is a privilege. And part of that privilege is the duty to serve that country and in any way you can. And my choice was through the Marine Corps, and he so inspired me to do that. And throughout my college years, he continued to be the president, so it kind of carried on through my college years.
QUIJANO: And the same situation with you. You were telling me, Scott, that really you were telling me about the uniform that you're wearing right now and the connection with President Reagan. You said you wouldn't be here wearing this uniform if not for him.
SCOTT KISCH, U.S. MARINE: Yes, I mean that's really true. I remember our response to the bombing in the discotheque in Germany and the bombing in Libya that we retaliated with and just the sense of strength that we had as a nation to respond to that and hold off terrorism. And we're still fighting it today. But it was his inspiration that caused me to join the Marine Corps. And you know I contribute, I'll have 20 years in the Marine Corps, and I owe it to President Reagan.
QUIJANO: What is it, Jeff, that you hope your presence here, I know some folks said yesterday that they wanted to be here as well for Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. You know some folks have chosen to pay their respects at home, but why come and do this in person?
RILEY: Well I think it's as much for President Reagan as it is -- as is for myself. I mean it's the -- it's the first and only time I'm ever going to be able to be in his presence. And it's just -- it's so much more special when you can actually be in his presence and also when that presence happens to be in the Capitol Rotunda. It's a special place in this country, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
QUIJANO: And let me ask you, Scott, what are your thoughts being a part of you know this history being made?
KISCH: Yes, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And just it's the least we could do to come out early this morning to visit President Reagan and see him for one last time. And it really touches you and to finally say goodbye to a great, great American.
QUIJANO: Scott Kisch and Jeff Riley, thanks so much for joining us today.
KISCH: Thank you.
RILEY: Thank you.
QUIJANO: So those are just a couple of the stories, Carol, that we are hearing today. Again, members of the Armed Forces feeling very strongly about their connection with President Reagan, saying he did much for the Armed Forces during his time in office. Really looking to him saying he was an inspiration in many ways.
A note on the logistics, I should tell you, they have been standing here for about an hour and a half or so. Capitol Police say that they had hoped to get people through here about 5,000 an hour. We're not sure how that pace is going, but we have seen the line moving rather briskly. And they have been told, according to some other folks that are exiting, that it's been about a four hour wait. So the stream of people continues to be steady at this hour. We anticipate that will be the case until the viewing period is over tomorrow -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right, Elaine, we'll check back with you at 6:00 Eastern Time. Elaine Quijano live from D.C. this morning as we take another live look inside the Capitol Rotunda.
The respect and reverence for Ronald Reagan will continue tomorrow during a state funeral. The portraits of grief will surely be added to the nation's catalog of enduring images.
Here's CNN's Tom Foreman with a look at state funerals.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): No other state funeral has produced more unforgettable images than that of John Kennedy. The rolling caisson, his son saluting, the grief of a nation, yet it was Jackie Kennedy in her grief who defined how a modern state funeral, how Ronald Reagan's funeral will be conducted.
DONALD RITCHIE, ASSOCIATE SENATE HISTORIAN: She sent historians to the Library of Congress in the middle of the night to research the Lincoln funeral proceedings. And so after that, a very large report was prepared. We followed that report pretty much since 1965 when that was done.
FOREMAN: Much of the ceremony Mrs. Kennedy revived can be traced to Lincoln. Lincoln's funeral procession was the first to feature a riderless horse, like the one that followed President Reagan.
The catafalque or decorative stand on which President Reagan's casket now rests was built for Lincoln, the first president to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. It has been used for all nine presidents who have lain in state there since, although four non- presidents have also been given that honor, all were military men: an unknown soldier from World War I, another representing World War II and the Korean conflict, General John Pershing and General Douglas MacArthur.
Of all Americans, only about half are old enough to have seen a president lie in state at the Capitol. The last one was Lyndon Johnson in 1973. Richard Nixon died 10 years ago, but his funeral was in California.
So as he did in life, Ronald Reagan is showing America something new and at once old, the way a nation comes together to mourn, show respect and say goodbye.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And Ronald Reagan's body will lie in state all day today. Tomorrow's funeral service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Eastern at the National Cathedral in Washington. And after the funeral, the former president will be flown back to southern California. He's scheduled to arrive at the Reagan Presidential Library at 5:15 p.m. Pacific Time, 8:15 p.m. Eastern. A private funeral service will start an hour later.
And we have a special report on Ronald Reagan on our Web site. You can also get a history of state funerals. It's all there, just go to CNN.com.
U.S. commanders refused to send troops this morning to help Iraqi police who were fighting militiamen in the city of Najaf. The police chief asked for help, but a senior U.S. officer said he's got to learn to deal with it on his own.
CNN's Guy Raz with the American troops at Najaf has a live report for us now.
Good morning.
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
And an end to the relative peace here in southern Iraq after a week of calm. This time, the fighting between Iraqi police and Shiite militiamen loyal to the young firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Now that fighting broke out in Najaf overnight when an Iraqi police station came under small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack. That fighting lasted several hours and resulted in the death of at least two Iraqi police officers, possibly four.
Now earlier, Carol, you mentioned that a request was made by the Najaf police chief to U.S. forces for aide. That request was denied, but it was denied in large part because the fighting was taking place too close to the Imam Ali Shrine, the holiest Shiite mosque to Shiite Muslims around the world and a particularly sensitive site.
Now you'll recall, Carol, that last week a deal was brokered here in southern Iraq that would keep U.S. forces out of Najaf and Kufa and allow Iraqi police officers to take over security and stability in those two cities. U.S. forces did agree to resupply Iraqi police with arms, with ammunition, but they, for now, refuse to get involved in this clash. According to one senior officer we spoke to -- quote -- "we will not get involved unless the situation gets out of hand" -- Carol.
COSTELLO: So a question for you, how are the Iraqi police handling this battle?
RAZ: Well, Carol, the Iraqi police, in many ways, are ill- prepared for this kind of fighting. They are doing their best. There are about 400 Iraqi police deployed in Najaf and its neighboring sister city of Kufa. Now those deployments, as I mentioned, began last week. And as I say, up until this point there has been relative calm and peace in the city. We do understand that Iraqi police attempted to arrest four suspected thieves last night and that's when the fighting broke out -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Guy Raz, reporting live for us from Najaf this morning, many thanks to you.
Want to talk a little bit about Moammar Gadhafi, because there are reports out there that he really hasn't changed his spots.
Our senior international editor David Clinch is here to tell us more about that.
DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
Fascinating story in "The New York Times," we should attribute to them at this point. We are looking into the story. But here's what "The Times" has today, a report that U.S. authorities intelligence are looking into claims by two separate people that they were involved in an order by Moammar Gadhafi to assassinate the Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Not a long time ago, last year.
Now here is what we know. First of all, there is a context, the Libyans and the Saudis, specifically the Crown Prince and Moammar Gadhafi, definitely do not like each other. We saw at an Arab summit last year the two of them pointing at each other, screaming at each other at that Arab summit. "The New York Times" reports that shortly after that, according to these two people, and I'll talk a little bit more about who those two people are, Gadhafi called his intelligence people in and said I want the Crown Prince dead.
Now let's talk a little bit about who these two people are making these claims. One person we know a lot about ourselves and it's in public, he's an American citizen. His name is Abdu Rafam Al-Moody (ph). Now he's a man who lived in Virginia, was the head of a Muslim society here in the U.S., was arrested by U.S. officials last year. He, according to "The Times," is claiming, in U.S. detention now, that he was asked by Gadhafi to take part in this assassination attempt. Now they're looking into that.
COSTELLO: So he's in custody in Virginia right now?
CLINCH: Correct. Now separately, according to "The Times," the Saudis have in their custody a Libyan intelligence official who says he also was involved in this. Now we're not clear exactly whether those two stories are exactly the same, but according to the story, there's enough similarity between the two claims that they are looking into it.
COSTELLO: And we're leaving a little something out, because if this plot allegedly went down last year, that was about the same time that Moammar Gadhafi was trying to say he's given up his terrorist ways...
CLINCH: Right.
COSTELLO: ... and wants all of the sanctions dropped against Libya. And it turns out that's why the United States hasn't dropped the sanctions because of these allegations.
CLINCH: Exactly. We do know for a fact that they have not yet taken Libya off the terrorist list. There has been a question mark over why that has not happened yet. According to "The Times," this is one very big reason.
But in the meantime, this is not just inside Arab politics, there's a big money question here. The U.S. officials were in Libya last week talking to them about how much Libyan oil the U.S. wants to buy and how many Boeing airplanes the Libyans might want to buy. So there's big money involved here.
There's also a Reagan connection, of course. Remember who it was who slapped the sanctions on Libya originally was of course...
COSTELLO: And attacked Libya in retaliation.
CLINCH: And attacked Libya. In fact, I don't know if you missed this, but on Sunday, Gadhafi issued a statement saying he was sorry about Reagan's death, but sorry because he died before he could be brought to trial for bombing Libya. So definitely a serious question for U.S. intelligence and officials to look into with a lot of money on the line.
COSTELLO: And there is an investigation going on right now by the Americans?
CLINCH: Correct.
COSTELLO: OK. Thank you -- David Clinch.
CLINCH: All right.
COSTELLO: The world's top leaders gear up for a final day of talks on Sea Island. Did President Bush win support from his allies? We'll get a live report for you in the next hour of DAYBREAK.
Also, a gentle giant could be making a combat. Up next, why things are looking up for the oh-so popular pandas. We'll have a live report out of Beijing for you.
This is DAYBREAK for Thursday.
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COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 5:47 Eastern. Here is what's all new this morning.
In Washington, President Reagan's flag-draped casket lies in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Thousands waiting in line through the night to pay their last respects to the 40th president. You see the live picture there.
In Iraq, a change in the ongoing battle for Najaf, this time a U.S. commander just says no to having American troops join the latest skirmish between Iraqi police and Muqtada al-Sadr's militia.
In money news, Boeing has signed an agreement with Chinese firms to supply parts for a new fuel-efficient airliner it's building. Boeing also hopes China will buy a couple of thousand of those jets.
In sports, an NFL source tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch will be released today. Are you listening Cleveland fans, Couch was replaced by free agent Jeff Garcia in March.
In culture, an Orange County, California politician is suggesting John Wayne Airport be renamed for the TV show "The O.C." Chris Norby says The O.C. Airport might be more appealing than an airport named for the Duke.
MYERS: Maybe the C.C., Carol Costello Airport. That would be better.
COSTELLO: Yes, or the C.M. for the Chad Myers.
MYERS: No. No, thanks.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Lions and tigers and panda bears, oh my. A study just released in China says the black and white bears are back from the brink of extinction. Their number jumping some 40 percent since the early 1990s.
For more, let's head live to Beijing and CNN's Jaime FlorCruz.
Hello -- Jaime.
JAIME FLORCRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good news for panda lovers in the U.S. Remember those times in the 1980s when experts feared there were only less than 1,000 pandas in the wild and they were in danger of extinction? Well now the Chinese officials announced today that based on the latest census there are now 1,960 pandas in the wild. That's more than 800 extra pandas, which conservationists here say that's very encouraging news, but they also say that it doesn't mean that the pandas are totally out of danger of extinction -- Carol.
COSTELLO: So does that mean we'll be seeing more pandas imported to the United or sold to the United States because they cost big dollars -- Jaime?
FLORCRUZ: Well not quite. Again, because conservationists here warn that the pandas are still vulnerable, especially out in the wild. First, the pandas themselves have very low fertility and productivity rates. The pandas just tend to be loaners and have low sex drive and they only get to mate during breeding season. So, and also, they have a very limited diet. They only eat arrow bamboos and therefore are susceptible to diseases. So conservationists here say that the fundamental solution is to build more panda reserves in the -- in the wild so that the pandas could freely roam and reproduce -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Jaime FlorCruz reporting live from Beijing.
And I remember a funny story from the National Zoo in Washington, because they have these two pandas, and they were trying to get the two pandas to mate. Would not do it. So they figured that the pandas were too clean and didn't smell like they did in the wild. So they stopped bathing them to see if that worked, but it didn't.
Coming up on DAYBREAK, the effects of Alzheimer's on the family. It's tough for both patients and their caretakers. Coming up, the story of one couple making it through in both sickness and health.
This is DAYBREAK for Thursday.
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COSTELLO: As you know, Nancy Reagan helped her husband for 10 years as he dealt with Alzheimer's.
As CNN medical correspondent Holly Firfer reports -- and there you can see a live picture inside the Capitol Rotunda. People still filing past Ronald Reagan's casket.
Back to Nancy and her care of Ronald Reagan. Many people who do take care of Alzheimer's patients consider it a labor of love.
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NIMROD "MAC" MCNAIR, CAREGIVER: There we go.
HOLLY FIRFER, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amy and Mac were high school sweethearts. Sixty-one years ago, they promised to love each other in sickness and in health. Amy stood by him as he fought in three wars. Two children and nine grandchildren later, they wrote a book together on how to have a successful marriage. Mac says Amy was his world, then a diagnosis of Alzheimer's tore that world apart.
MCNAIR: We have traveled five continents, 100 countries and we stay home. We tell people you know where I live. And I started to set up a routine, because I decided I want to be the caregiver.
FIRFER: As long as he is able, Mac says he will care for Amy.
MCNAIR: Now don't misunderstand me, I kick a chair once in a while and say words that my wife wouldn't like.
FIRFER: Amid his frustrations, Mac learned how to grocery shop and do housework. He makes Amy breakfast and dinner and gives her her medications.
MCNAIR: Here you go, darling. Open your mouth.
FIRFER: Health care professionals say most caregivers suffer from depression and anxiety so it's crucial that people who care for Alzheimer's patients care for themselves too. They suggest joining a support group and some basic tips like being calm and understanding, patient and flexible, don't argue with a patient and most importantly, don't take any unusual behavior personally.
Mac enrolled Amy in an adult daycare at his church for $30 a day so he gets a break. Right now Amy's physical demands are not too tough, but the emotional toll he says is the hardest.
MCNAIR: I miss her as being part of her. You see I believe in marriage you become one. I try to look at it this way, my faith says we've got all of eternity together.
FIRFER: Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address, CNN.com/health.
A steady stream of visitors converge on the nation's capital to say goodbye to the Gipper. We will take you there again next.
This is DAYBREAK.
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