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CNN Live Today
Abduction of Wal-Mart Cashier Caught on Security Camera; Bush Begins Second Term With a Prayer Service; Baghdad Car Bomb Kills 14 During Muslim Holiday
Aired January 21, 2005 - 10:00 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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We're never punctual, by the way. We're late again.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Speak for thyself.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
(LAUGHTER)
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN BUSINESS ANCHOR: What's this we?
O'BRIEN: We.
HEMMER: A mouse in your pocket over there, Jack?
O'BRIEN: Let's head down to Atlanta. Daryn Kagan and Rick Sanchez at the CNN Center take you through the next few hours.
Good morning to you, guys.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: I don't know. We're looking at our watches over here, guys.
(LAUGHTER)
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: I think they want to start their weekend early, but no. You guys have a great weekend in New York City.
HEMMER: You the same.
KAGAN: We actually have a developing story we want to get to as soon as possible. An update in the Wal-Mart abduction. And we're going to do that.
SANCHEZ: Also, we're going to bring you the very latest on something going on in Washington right now. It's the National Prayer Service. And the Reverend Billy Graham is going to do the opening prayers there. So we'll take that to you as it happens.
KAGAN: Right now a look at what's happening now in the news.
Live picture from Washington, D.C. President Bush beginning his first full day of his second term at a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral. Evangelist Billy Graham joining clergy from around the country gathered for this last official inaugural event. We'll bring you portions of the service live during our newscast. And there you see the Bush daughters.
CNN has learned FCC Chairman Michael Powell will call it quits today. Powell has been praised and criticized as an enforcer of public decency standards. He's the son of outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell.
A surprise snowfall freezes eastern North Carolina there and elsewhere. NFL fans are keeping a wary eye on the storm that threatens to dump heavy snow in the upper Midwest, and then move on to Pennsylvania. Two Pennsylvania teams in the playoffs over the weekend. It looks like Old Man Winter is going to play those championship games scheduled in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The FBI has joined the 4-day-old search for 11-year-old Adam Kirkert. Authorities have been combing Ocala National Forest in Florida. They believe the child is there with 42-year-old Frederick Fretz (ph), a known sex offender. They've not been seen since Fretz picked the child up from school on Tuesday.
And good morning. Thanks for being with us on this Friday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez.
Once again we'll be taking you to Washington because there's a National Prayer Service taking place. And the opening prayer is going to be done by none other than the Reverend Billy Graham. So we'll be taking you to that.
But first, we've got some breaks news.
KAGAN: That we do. This just in to CNN, the breaking news in the abduction of a 19-year-old woman in Tyler, Texas. The woman was grabbed as she was leaving work at a Wal-Mart.
Our Ed Lavandera has the latest. He's in Tyler, Texas.
Good morning.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. I've just been told by an official here with the Tyler Police Department that the red pickup truck that 19-year-old Megan Holden was last seen in about almost about 36 hours ago from this Wal-Mart here in Tyler Texas, has been found in the city of Wilcox, Arizona, which is about 100 miles east of Tucson, Arizona.
And we understand there from what authorities here in Tyler are telling us that there was a black male seen by a police officer in that city getting out of the truck at a local hospital. He was seen throwing the keys inside the truck, checked himself into the hospital where we're told he suffered a gunshot wound. And authorities are talking to that suspect there. This is information that's come to me here in the last couple of minutes. We're passing this along. We'll continue to make phone calls and get more information and clear information as to what's going on.
But the main point as well, is that so far police say they have no information as to the whereabouts of Megan Holden, the 19-year-old cashier who was last seen leaving this Wal-Mart here in Tyler, Texas after her shift ended about midnight on Wednesday night.
The information, the truck has been found. Authorities in Wilcox, Arizona, talking to what they perhaps at this point believe might be the suspect in this case. But of course, the most important and bottom line here is that no information so far on Megan Holden -- Daryn.
KAGAN: A very bizarre development indeed, since Wilcox, Arizona would be hundreds and hundreds of miles away from Tyler, Texas. Take us back a couple steps though, to the surveillance video that gave officials the clue that foul play definitely was involved in Megan's disappearance?
LAVANDERA: Well, it all started just after 10:00 Central Time on Wednesday night; as authorities here in Tyler have gone back and looked at the surveillance tapes from the parking lot at this Wal- Mart, where there are about six video cameras that spread out all across through the parking lot. There is a black male they described as a 6-foot, about 180 pounds of muscular build who was seen just kind sort of loitering around the Wal-Mart parking lot Wednesday night for about two hours.
He had approached this parking lot from the darkness. Just kind of walked on to the parking lot, was seen around the store, inside the store and had gone inside to talk to the bathroom -- gone to the bathroom. At one point, the security guard working the Wal-Mart parking lot had even talked to him. But nothing came of that, we understand.
And then police also described on several points in that videotape, they see the man approaching other women, as they were walking out of the store. And then turned around and came back to the store. It was about midnight, after Megan Holden had finished her shift as a cashier here, where she was walking toward her pickup truck, and you see a man running across the parking lot behind her.
Police say they don't think she had any idea the man was behind her until the very moment of the altercation. And then you can see the truck driving away -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ed Lavandera with the latest from Tyler, Texas and also Wilcox, Arizona. Thank you.
SANCHEZ: Let's take you to what is clearly one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States of America, certainly in Washington. It is our National Cathedral, also called the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. There, the president of the United States and the first lady. They will soon be welcoming and hearing the opening prayer by none other than William Franklin Graham. In other words, Billy Graham known to most people.
Let's go over now and get the very latest on this story as we continue to follow it. Our correspondents have been putting this story together for you. John King is standing by.
John, what have you got?
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you. And just stop me if the proceedings get under way. We want to let our viewers hear the Reverend Billy Graham. He is, of course, a longtime friend of the Bush family. Some embraces as the Reverend Graham came through the National Cathedral just before the president arrived a short time ago.
You see the president and First Lady Laura Bush there. Vice President Cheney, his wife Lynne Cheney also on hand, as is the 41- president of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbara Bush, and other members of the Bush family.
It is a treat for them to have Reverend Graham there. His health has prevented him from attending past, big prayer breakfasts and other events. So the Bushes are happy he is on hand for this ceremony. This is the president's choice, to end the inaugural ceremonies and celebrations with a more solemn prayer breakfast at the National Cathedral.
Mr. Bush has a relatively relaxed day today. This the only public event on his schedule. Of course, the busy work of the second term already under way by his staff. The president will dive right into it. He's already preparing for a State of the Union Address, where we'll get more details of his domestic agenda.
And of course, on the morning after the president's big speech not only here in Washington, but around the world, his promise to push for democracy is being closely analyzed. Many wondering will he be as tough, say, on Russia, on China, on Saudi Arabia as he would be perhaps with Iran and Syria?
So the president laying out a very ambitious goal. And there are lots of questions now as to just what does he mean? How will he take nations around the world, especially friendly nations and relatively friendly nations? How will he take them for task -- to task if he believes that they are failing his test of empowering their people and at least making steps toward democracy and human rights -- Rick?
SANCHEZ: You know what's interesting, John? Billy Graham has been a personal confidant to so many presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, Bush senior, as well. What his particular significance as we look on this day to this particular prayer service?
KING: Well, the Bush family, as you noted, he's a longtime friend of the family. And he is someone that this president has consulted in the past as well. Remember, this president credits his -- much of his success to the fact that he gave up drinking. He says he had a bad drinking habit. And he gave up drinking. And he says he gave that up with the help of his religious faith.
He has sounded out Reverend Graham in the past. His father has sounded out Reverend Graham in the past. This president makes no secret of the fact that his faith is quite important to him. It is one of the continuing political debates about George W. Bush. Does he inject his own religious faith too often into his politics and policies, some would say? So having the Reverend Graham on hand is certainly a personal treat for the president because he holds him in such high regard, and is such a close friend of the Bush family.
And is also though on this day, a reminder of the very public role that faith plays in life and the politics of this president.
SANCHEZ: As illustrated there. John King, we do thank you for that report. We'll be getting back to you soon, as we continue to follow this prayer service in our National Cathedral when the Reverend Billy Graham gets up to give the opening prayer.
Daryn, over to you.
KAGAN: After the pomp and circumstance, it gets down to the business of politics. No secret that a Supreme Court nomination could be on Bush's agenda in the coming months. Some attorneys who work before the Court are speculating that Chief Justice William Rehnquist may retire soon.
Rehnquist swore in the president for his second term yesterday. Adjustments were made in the inaugural protocol for the weakened chief justice. He was formally introduced and escorted to the podium after the president. And Rehnquist left immediately after the oath. The chief justice is receiving treatment for thyroid cancer. He has been working mostly from home.
SANCHEZ: President Bush's choice for secretary of state is going to have to wait a little bit longer to start work. The Senate debate and vote on Condoleezza Rice's nomination has now been put off until next week unexpectedly. Republicans wanted a quick vote yesterday afternoon, but Democrats threatened to extend the debate into the evening when the inaugural balls began. On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16-2 to send Rice's nomination to the full Senate.
KAGAN: We move on to Iraq. About to show you what is left of a car after a powerful bomb exploded. At least 14 people were killed and 42 others wounded in today's blast outside of a Shiite mosque. Worshipers had gathered there after morning prayers.
Attacks on Shiites have increased as the Iraqi election nears. There are now nine days until the vote, as the majority group in Iraq, the Shiites support the election.
Let's go live to Baghdad and CNN's Jeff Koinange with more -- Jeff.
JEFF KOINANGE, CNN LAGOS BUREAU CHIEF: That's right, Daryn. It seems another day, another car bomb. This one, at the southern entrance to Baghdad at a Shiia mosque on this holiday Friday. According to Iraqi police sources, the car bomb went off just as worshipers were leaving the mosque, leaving 14 people dead, more than 42 wounded.
In the town of Hit, that's about a half hour drive west of Ramadi in the Sunni Triangle, insurgents attacked a police station, using rocket-propelled grenades, chasing everybody out. Then they proceeded to ransack the police station stealing everything from flack jackets to guns, to countless rounds of ammunition. They made off with two police cars but not before setting off the police station destroying it. No one was killed or hurt in that incident.
All this coming as the U.S.'s top diplomat on the ground, Ambassador John Negroponte says the upcoming elections will prove a turning point in Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR, U.N.: I think this election is a very, very important milestone towards the establishment of an enduring democracy here. And a system of government whereby Iraqis will be able to settle their differences through peaceful, political means.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOINANGE: And Daryn, a follow-up tape has resurfaced. This one by the group calling itself Islamic Resistance Movement. This is the group that released a tape a couple days ago, saying that it had in custody eight Chinese nationals. They're still demanding that the Chinese government issue a statement urging all its citizens not to enter Iraq -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Some of those Chinese hostages, their passports show they're only teenagers.
KOINANGE: That's right, very young. And they work for a construction company. A Chinese Embassy here on the ground say they're not aware of any Chinese company working with U.S. bases here. But that's right, Daryn, some of them are very young. And they're still in the custody of the group calling itself the Islamic Resistance Movement.
KAGAN: Jeff Koinange, live from Baghdad. Jeff, thank you.
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, the FBI is expanding its probe into a possible terror plot targeting Boston. Again, 10 more names have been added to that list of people who've been wanted for questioning, as Daryn had just mentioned. Agents are looking for four Chinese nationals.
Now, that's a story that broke two nights ago that you'd seen right here on CNN. An anonymous tipster reported that the four had been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. The tip said that the four scientists wanted to obtain material and launch an attack in Boston. The FBI calls the threat "uncorroborated." None of the four appear on any government watch lists, by the way.
And of course, you can stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.
KAGAN: We're going to have a story ahead about an argument that is over a piece of land no wider than the desk that we're sitting at, yet it has led to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(GUNFIRE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: It's a massive shoot-out leaving two police officers dead. It's also a case of lone wolves, people with an anti-U.S. government vendetta. We'll tell you what we found out in a special CNN investigation on "Defending America."
SANCHEZ: also, more on that breaking news that we've been telling you about, that from Tyler, Texas, where police have found a truck and a suspect in the abduction of a woman from a Wal-Mart parking lot that we've been following. New developments.
KAGAN: But first, they are the faces of the children who lost their parents, caring for the orphans of the tsunami, how can you help? A special summit this hour on Capitol Hill to weigh the options. We'll take you there live.
And we'll also take you live to Washington, D.C., the National Prayer Service, the 55-presidential inaugural. President Bush, Mrs. Bush and the Cheneys. And we'll have that just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: And we're looking at live pictures from Washington, D.C. President Bush and Mrs. Bush, obviously; you can see the president's father, President Bush 41 behind him. This is the National Prayer Service. Billy Graham will be leading the way. When Reverend Graham does begin to speak with the prayer, we'll be going back live.
Right now though, other news.
Turning the tide after the tsunami. Aid groups warn it might be too soon for the U.S. military to scale back relief efforts. The U.S. says it will start transferring operations to international organizations in effected countries. But several agencies doubt that civilians are ready to take over the effort. Thousands of American troops are currently providing relief support.
In India, children orphaned by the tsunami are beginning to attend school. Special homes are being built for them. And the government has set aside nearly $11,000 per child, money they'll receive when they turn 18. SANCHEZ: Let's take you back to the cathedral now. There now the Reverend Billy Graham. He has preached to over 10,million people in over 185 countries and territories. And he's now getting ready to do it again.
REV. BILLY GRAHAM, EVANGELIST: Our Father and our God, we thank you that the last event of this historic week is a time of worship, a time to hear your word, to pray and to declare our dependence on you in the quietness and calmness of this great cathedral.
Turn us away from everything that would distract us and help us to focus on our need of you. We remember that it is written in the scriptures, unless the lord builds a house, its builders labor in vain. Our Father, we acknowledge your divine help in the selection of our nation's leaders throughout our history. And we believe that in your providence you've granted a second term of office to our President George W. Bush, and our Vice President Richard Cheney.
Their next four years are hidden from us. But they're not hidden from you. You know the challenges and opportunities they will face. Give them a clear mind, a warm heart, calmness in the midst of turmoil, reassurance in times of discouragement and you're presence always. We pray for their families, and we ask for your protection and care for them during the pressures of these next four years.
Renew our vision, restore our faith, rekindle our desire to love and to serve all humanity. May we never forget that one day we each will stand before you to give an account of what you have entrusted to us.
Finally, our father, we pray for our nation and our world. We thank you for those who have sacrificed their lives to give us our freedom. And we pray for those who continue to serve our nation in places of great conflict and danger. Above all, we join today with millions of others across this torn and confused world in praying for peace. Thank you for the overwhelming compassion that our leadership and our country have shown toward the suffering in Southeast Asia.
And now, may this service become a time of commitment for each one of us as we rededicate ourselves to you and your will for our lives. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
(SINGING)
Amen. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare of bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
SANCHEZ: The National Cathedral. We should mention that there are members of the clergy from all denominations represented at this building on this day, on this special day. The Reverend Billy Graham, now well into his 80s, recently considered by most U.S. pastors as the most influential and the most trusted. He has served many presidents, preached to over 210 million people. We'll continue to follow this for you on this day and the news of the day.
And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: And we're looking at live pictures from Washington, D.C. President Bush and Mrs. Bush, obviously; you can see the president's father, President Bush 41 behind him. This is the National Prayer Service. Billy Graham will be leading the way. When Reverend Graham does begin to speak with the prayer, we'll be going back live.
Right now though, other news.
Turning the tide after the tsunami. Aid groups warn it might be too soon for the U.S. military to scale back relief efforts. The U.S. says it will start transferring operations to international organizations in effected countries. But several agencies doubt that civilians are ready to take over the effort. Thousands of American troops are currently providing relief support.
In India, children orphaned by the tsunami are beginning to attend school. Special homes are being built for them. And the government has set aside nearly $11,000 per child, money they'll receive when they turn 18.
SANCHEZ: Let's take you back to the cathedral now. There now the Reverend Billy Graham. He has preached to over 10,million people in over 185 countries and territories. And he's now getting ready to do it again.
REV. BILLY GRAHAM, EVANGELIST: Our Father and our God, we thank you that the last event of this historic week is a time of worship, a time to hear your word, to pray and to declare our dependence on you in the quietness and calmness of this great cathedral.
Turn us away from everything that would distract us and help us to focus on our need of you. We remember that it is written in the scriptures, unless the lord builds a house, its builders labor in vain. Our Father, we acknowledge your divine help in the selection of our nation's leaders throughout our history. And we believe that in your providence you've granted a second term of office to our President George W. Bush, and our Vice President Richard Cheney.
Their next four years are hidden from us. But they're not hidden from you. You know the challenges and opportunities they will face. Give them a clear mind, a warm heart, calmness in the midst of turmoil, reassurance in times of discouragement and you're presence always. We pray for their families, and we ask for your protection and care for them during the pressures of these next four years.
Renew our vision, restore our faith, rekindle our desire to love and to serve all humanity. May we never forget that one day we each will stand before you to give an account of what you have entrusted to us.
Finally, our father, we pray for our nation and our world. We thank you for those who have sacrificed their lives to give us our freedom. And we pray for those who continue to serve our nation in places of great conflict and danger. Above all, we join today with millions of others across this torn and confused world in praying for peace. Thank you for the overwhelming compassion that our leadership and our country have shown toward the suffering in Southeast Asia.
And now, may this service become a time of commitment for each one of us as we rededicate ourselves to you and your will for our lives. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
(SINGING)
Amen. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare of bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
SANCHEZ: The National Cathedral. We should mention that there are members of the clergy from all denominations represented at this building on this day, on this special day.
The Reverend Billy Graham, now well into his 80s, recently considered by most U.S. pastors as the most influential and the most trusted. He has served many presidents, preached to over 210 million people. We'll continue to follow this for you on this day and the news of the day.
And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: We want to go back to the story of the orphans following the tsunami disaster. There's no shortage of people wanting to adopt the orphans from around the world. But officials in Indonesia and Sri Lanka are worried that the children could fall into hands of people who don't mean well. Of course, there are plenty of people out there who do mean well. And what should they do?
We have with us right now Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu. She has visited Sri Lanka. She also is an adopted parent herself. She is the woman to talk about this situation.
Senator, good morning. Thanks for being with us from the nation's capitol this morning. SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D), LOUISIANA: Good morning, Maureen.
KAGAN: It is actually Daryn. But let's go ahead and talk about the impact that you had in going and visiting the area.
LANDRIEU: Well, it was just an extraordinary opportunity. And really horrific to see the damage of this wave. I mean not only was the height of the wave breathtaking, but the length; 3700 miles and nine countries plus affected. There are thousands of villages and families, unfortunately that have been wiped out.
And so our job is to try to reconnect and build what's left of those families, particularly putting children in families for lo long- term growth and development. And the United States and many of our allies around the world feel strongly about the fact that governments do many things well, but raising children isn't one of them. And children should be raised in families. So that's the message that we're hoping to bring this morning at our summit.
KAGAN: I guess the question s which family should they be raised in? I'm sure your office has been contacted by a lot of people who would like to bring these children here to the U.S. Is that really the best answer for these children?
LANDRIEU: Well, actually the best answer is to follow the international treaty on international adoption, The Hague Treaty as it is called in Washington and around the world. And that says that the world community needs to do the very best job we can to keep children with the parents that brought them into this world. But when they're separated by war, or famine, or disease, or natural catastrophe, to place those children with a relative. A caring, willing relative. A kin if you will, which is so natural.
Then if there's no relative available, to try to place them within their own country for adoption. But if that's not possible, then to allow the international adoption system to operate. And you know, that will really guarantee that we're connecting children with their families, but giving them a chance to grow up not in an institution, or on the street, or in a cardboard box.
KAGAN: So for those families that are interested here in the states, what are you telling them? To just be patient for now until those other option can be checked out?
LANDRIEU: Well, absolutely. Patience is always good when it comes to adoption, whether domestic or international. But not only are the tsunami orphans, and there may be thousand of them that will ultimately be placed with their relatives or in country or some internationally.
But there are literally millions of orphans in the world. In Africa, the AIDS epidemic is literally an orphan factory. In America, we have 100,000 children of all ages and races available for adoption. And so, it's so important for us to just keep the focus as we rebuild our communities and rebuild communities that have been devastated, to rebuild families first and then the communities will follow. KAGAN: You make good points, especially pointing out that there are thousand of children that are looking for homes right now, even before the tsunami children might be available.
Senator Landrieu, thank you for your time this morning.
LANDRIEU: Thank you so much.
SANCHEZ: Let's do this as we go to the break.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
SANCHEZ: We will be coming -- how did I do?
KAGAN: You did excellent. I loved your NASDAQ numbers in particular.
(LAUGHTER)
SANCHEZ: We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired January 21, 2005 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We're never punctual, by the way. We're late again.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Speak for thyself.
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
(LAUGHTER)
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN BUSINESS ANCHOR: What's this we?
O'BRIEN: We.
HEMMER: A mouse in your pocket over there, Jack?
O'BRIEN: Let's head down to Atlanta. Daryn Kagan and Rick Sanchez at the CNN Center take you through the next few hours.
Good morning to you, guys.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: I don't know. We're looking at our watches over here, guys.
(LAUGHTER)
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: I think they want to start their weekend early, but no. You guys have a great weekend in New York City.
HEMMER: You the same.
KAGAN: We actually have a developing story we want to get to as soon as possible. An update in the Wal-Mart abduction. And we're going to do that.
SANCHEZ: Also, we're going to bring you the very latest on something going on in Washington right now. It's the National Prayer Service. And the Reverend Billy Graham is going to do the opening prayers there. So we'll take that to you as it happens.
KAGAN: Right now a look at what's happening now in the news.
Live picture from Washington, D.C. President Bush beginning his first full day of his second term at a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral. Evangelist Billy Graham joining clergy from around the country gathered for this last official inaugural event. We'll bring you portions of the service live during our newscast. And there you see the Bush daughters.
CNN has learned FCC Chairman Michael Powell will call it quits today. Powell has been praised and criticized as an enforcer of public decency standards. He's the son of outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell.
A surprise snowfall freezes eastern North Carolina there and elsewhere. NFL fans are keeping a wary eye on the storm that threatens to dump heavy snow in the upper Midwest, and then move on to Pennsylvania. Two Pennsylvania teams in the playoffs over the weekend. It looks like Old Man Winter is going to play those championship games scheduled in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The FBI has joined the 4-day-old search for 11-year-old Adam Kirkert. Authorities have been combing Ocala National Forest in Florida. They believe the child is there with 42-year-old Frederick Fretz (ph), a known sex offender. They've not been seen since Fretz picked the child up from school on Tuesday.
And good morning. Thanks for being with us on this Friday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez.
Once again we'll be taking you to Washington because there's a National Prayer Service taking place. And the opening prayer is going to be done by none other than the Reverend Billy Graham. So we'll be taking you to that.
But first, we've got some breaks news.
KAGAN: That we do. This just in to CNN, the breaking news in the abduction of a 19-year-old woman in Tyler, Texas. The woman was grabbed as she was leaving work at a Wal-Mart.
Our Ed Lavandera has the latest. He's in Tyler, Texas.
Good morning.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. I've just been told by an official here with the Tyler Police Department that the red pickup truck that 19-year-old Megan Holden was last seen in about almost about 36 hours ago from this Wal-Mart here in Tyler Texas, has been found in the city of Wilcox, Arizona, which is about 100 miles east of Tucson, Arizona.
And we understand there from what authorities here in Tyler are telling us that there was a black male seen by a police officer in that city getting out of the truck at a local hospital. He was seen throwing the keys inside the truck, checked himself into the hospital where we're told he suffered a gunshot wound. And authorities are talking to that suspect there. This is information that's come to me here in the last couple of minutes. We're passing this along. We'll continue to make phone calls and get more information and clear information as to what's going on.
But the main point as well, is that so far police say they have no information as to the whereabouts of Megan Holden, the 19-year-old cashier who was last seen leaving this Wal-Mart here in Tyler, Texas after her shift ended about midnight on Wednesday night.
The information, the truck has been found. Authorities in Wilcox, Arizona, talking to what they perhaps at this point believe might be the suspect in this case. But of course, the most important and bottom line here is that no information so far on Megan Holden -- Daryn.
KAGAN: A very bizarre development indeed, since Wilcox, Arizona would be hundreds and hundreds of miles away from Tyler, Texas. Take us back a couple steps though, to the surveillance video that gave officials the clue that foul play definitely was involved in Megan's disappearance?
LAVANDERA: Well, it all started just after 10:00 Central Time on Wednesday night; as authorities here in Tyler have gone back and looked at the surveillance tapes from the parking lot at this Wal- Mart, where there are about six video cameras that spread out all across through the parking lot. There is a black male they described as a 6-foot, about 180 pounds of muscular build who was seen just kind sort of loitering around the Wal-Mart parking lot Wednesday night for about two hours.
He had approached this parking lot from the darkness. Just kind of walked on to the parking lot, was seen around the store, inside the store and had gone inside to talk to the bathroom -- gone to the bathroom. At one point, the security guard working the Wal-Mart parking lot had even talked to him. But nothing came of that, we understand.
And then police also described on several points in that videotape, they see the man approaching other women, as they were walking out of the store. And then turned around and came back to the store. It was about midnight, after Megan Holden had finished her shift as a cashier here, where she was walking toward her pickup truck, and you see a man running across the parking lot behind her.
Police say they don't think she had any idea the man was behind her until the very moment of the altercation. And then you can see the truck driving away -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ed Lavandera with the latest from Tyler, Texas and also Wilcox, Arizona. Thank you.
SANCHEZ: Let's take you to what is clearly one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States of America, certainly in Washington. It is our National Cathedral, also called the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. There, the president of the United States and the first lady. They will soon be welcoming and hearing the opening prayer by none other than William Franklin Graham. In other words, Billy Graham known to most people.
Let's go over now and get the very latest on this story as we continue to follow it. Our correspondents have been putting this story together for you. John King is standing by.
John, what have you got?
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you. And just stop me if the proceedings get under way. We want to let our viewers hear the Reverend Billy Graham. He is, of course, a longtime friend of the Bush family. Some embraces as the Reverend Graham came through the National Cathedral just before the president arrived a short time ago.
You see the president and First Lady Laura Bush there. Vice President Cheney, his wife Lynne Cheney also on hand, as is the 41- president of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbara Bush, and other members of the Bush family.
It is a treat for them to have Reverend Graham there. His health has prevented him from attending past, big prayer breakfasts and other events. So the Bushes are happy he is on hand for this ceremony. This is the president's choice, to end the inaugural ceremonies and celebrations with a more solemn prayer breakfast at the National Cathedral.
Mr. Bush has a relatively relaxed day today. This the only public event on his schedule. Of course, the busy work of the second term already under way by his staff. The president will dive right into it. He's already preparing for a State of the Union Address, where we'll get more details of his domestic agenda.
And of course, on the morning after the president's big speech not only here in Washington, but around the world, his promise to push for democracy is being closely analyzed. Many wondering will he be as tough, say, on Russia, on China, on Saudi Arabia as he would be perhaps with Iran and Syria?
So the president laying out a very ambitious goal. And there are lots of questions now as to just what does he mean? How will he take nations around the world, especially friendly nations and relatively friendly nations? How will he take them for task -- to task if he believes that they are failing his test of empowering their people and at least making steps toward democracy and human rights -- Rick?
SANCHEZ: You know what's interesting, John? Billy Graham has been a personal confidant to so many presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, Bush senior, as well. What his particular significance as we look on this day to this particular prayer service?
KING: Well, the Bush family, as you noted, he's a longtime friend of the family. And he is someone that this president has consulted in the past as well. Remember, this president credits his -- much of his success to the fact that he gave up drinking. He says he had a bad drinking habit. And he gave up drinking. And he says he gave that up with the help of his religious faith.
He has sounded out Reverend Graham in the past. His father has sounded out Reverend Graham in the past. This president makes no secret of the fact that his faith is quite important to him. It is one of the continuing political debates about George W. Bush. Does he inject his own religious faith too often into his politics and policies, some would say? So having the Reverend Graham on hand is certainly a personal treat for the president because he holds him in such high regard, and is such a close friend of the Bush family.
And is also though on this day, a reminder of the very public role that faith plays in life and the politics of this president.
SANCHEZ: As illustrated there. John King, we do thank you for that report. We'll be getting back to you soon, as we continue to follow this prayer service in our National Cathedral when the Reverend Billy Graham gets up to give the opening prayer.
Daryn, over to you.
KAGAN: After the pomp and circumstance, it gets down to the business of politics. No secret that a Supreme Court nomination could be on Bush's agenda in the coming months. Some attorneys who work before the Court are speculating that Chief Justice William Rehnquist may retire soon.
Rehnquist swore in the president for his second term yesterday. Adjustments were made in the inaugural protocol for the weakened chief justice. He was formally introduced and escorted to the podium after the president. And Rehnquist left immediately after the oath. The chief justice is receiving treatment for thyroid cancer. He has been working mostly from home.
SANCHEZ: President Bush's choice for secretary of state is going to have to wait a little bit longer to start work. The Senate debate and vote on Condoleezza Rice's nomination has now been put off until next week unexpectedly. Republicans wanted a quick vote yesterday afternoon, but Democrats threatened to extend the debate into the evening when the inaugural balls began. On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16-2 to send Rice's nomination to the full Senate.
KAGAN: We move on to Iraq. About to show you what is left of a car after a powerful bomb exploded. At least 14 people were killed and 42 others wounded in today's blast outside of a Shiite mosque. Worshipers had gathered there after morning prayers.
Attacks on Shiites have increased as the Iraqi election nears. There are now nine days until the vote, as the majority group in Iraq, the Shiites support the election.
Let's go live to Baghdad and CNN's Jeff Koinange with more -- Jeff.
JEFF KOINANGE, CNN LAGOS BUREAU CHIEF: That's right, Daryn. It seems another day, another car bomb. This one, at the southern entrance to Baghdad at a Shiia mosque on this holiday Friday. According to Iraqi police sources, the car bomb went off just as worshipers were leaving the mosque, leaving 14 people dead, more than 42 wounded.
In the town of Hit, that's about a half hour drive west of Ramadi in the Sunni Triangle, insurgents attacked a police station, using rocket-propelled grenades, chasing everybody out. Then they proceeded to ransack the police station stealing everything from flack jackets to guns, to countless rounds of ammunition. They made off with two police cars but not before setting off the police station destroying it. No one was killed or hurt in that incident.
All this coming as the U.S.'s top diplomat on the ground, Ambassador John Negroponte says the upcoming elections will prove a turning point in Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR, U.N.: I think this election is a very, very important milestone towards the establishment of an enduring democracy here. And a system of government whereby Iraqis will be able to settle their differences through peaceful, political means.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOINANGE: And Daryn, a follow-up tape has resurfaced. This one by the group calling itself Islamic Resistance Movement. This is the group that released a tape a couple days ago, saying that it had in custody eight Chinese nationals. They're still demanding that the Chinese government issue a statement urging all its citizens not to enter Iraq -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Some of those Chinese hostages, their passports show they're only teenagers.
KOINANGE: That's right, very young. And they work for a construction company. A Chinese Embassy here on the ground say they're not aware of any Chinese company working with U.S. bases here. But that's right, Daryn, some of them are very young. And they're still in the custody of the group calling itself the Islamic Resistance Movement.
KAGAN: Jeff Koinange, live from Baghdad. Jeff, thank you.
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, the FBI is expanding its probe into a possible terror plot targeting Boston. Again, 10 more names have been added to that list of people who've been wanted for questioning, as Daryn had just mentioned. Agents are looking for four Chinese nationals.
Now, that's a story that broke two nights ago that you'd seen right here on CNN. An anonymous tipster reported that the four had been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. The tip said that the four scientists wanted to obtain material and launch an attack in Boston. The FBI calls the threat "uncorroborated." None of the four appear on any government watch lists, by the way.
And of course, you can stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.
KAGAN: We're going to have a story ahead about an argument that is over a piece of land no wider than the desk that we're sitting at, yet it has led to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(GUNFIRE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: It's a massive shoot-out leaving two police officers dead. It's also a case of lone wolves, people with an anti-U.S. government vendetta. We'll tell you what we found out in a special CNN investigation on "Defending America."
SANCHEZ: also, more on that breaking news that we've been telling you about, that from Tyler, Texas, where police have found a truck and a suspect in the abduction of a woman from a Wal-Mart parking lot that we've been following. New developments.
KAGAN: But first, they are the faces of the children who lost their parents, caring for the orphans of the tsunami, how can you help? A special summit this hour on Capitol Hill to weigh the options. We'll take you there live.
And we'll also take you live to Washington, D.C., the National Prayer Service, the 55-presidential inaugural. President Bush, Mrs. Bush and the Cheneys. And we'll have that just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: And we're looking at live pictures from Washington, D.C. President Bush and Mrs. Bush, obviously; you can see the president's father, President Bush 41 behind him. This is the National Prayer Service. Billy Graham will be leading the way. When Reverend Graham does begin to speak with the prayer, we'll be going back live.
Right now though, other news.
Turning the tide after the tsunami. Aid groups warn it might be too soon for the U.S. military to scale back relief efforts. The U.S. says it will start transferring operations to international organizations in effected countries. But several agencies doubt that civilians are ready to take over the effort. Thousands of American troops are currently providing relief support.
In India, children orphaned by the tsunami are beginning to attend school. Special homes are being built for them. And the government has set aside nearly $11,000 per child, money they'll receive when they turn 18. SANCHEZ: Let's take you back to the cathedral now. There now the Reverend Billy Graham. He has preached to over 10,million people in over 185 countries and territories. And he's now getting ready to do it again.
REV. BILLY GRAHAM, EVANGELIST: Our Father and our God, we thank you that the last event of this historic week is a time of worship, a time to hear your word, to pray and to declare our dependence on you in the quietness and calmness of this great cathedral.
Turn us away from everything that would distract us and help us to focus on our need of you. We remember that it is written in the scriptures, unless the lord builds a house, its builders labor in vain. Our Father, we acknowledge your divine help in the selection of our nation's leaders throughout our history. And we believe that in your providence you've granted a second term of office to our President George W. Bush, and our Vice President Richard Cheney.
Their next four years are hidden from us. But they're not hidden from you. You know the challenges and opportunities they will face. Give them a clear mind, a warm heart, calmness in the midst of turmoil, reassurance in times of discouragement and you're presence always. We pray for their families, and we ask for your protection and care for them during the pressures of these next four years.
Renew our vision, restore our faith, rekindle our desire to love and to serve all humanity. May we never forget that one day we each will stand before you to give an account of what you have entrusted to us.
Finally, our father, we pray for our nation and our world. We thank you for those who have sacrificed their lives to give us our freedom. And we pray for those who continue to serve our nation in places of great conflict and danger. Above all, we join today with millions of others across this torn and confused world in praying for peace. Thank you for the overwhelming compassion that our leadership and our country have shown toward the suffering in Southeast Asia.
And now, may this service become a time of commitment for each one of us as we rededicate ourselves to you and your will for our lives. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
(SINGING)
Amen. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare of bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
SANCHEZ: The National Cathedral. We should mention that there are members of the clergy from all denominations represented at this building on this day, on this special day. The Reverend Billy Graham, now well into his 80s, recently considered by most U.S. pastors as the most influential and the most trusted. He has served many presidents, preached to over 210 million people. We'll continue to follow this for you on this day and the news of the day.
And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: And we're looking at live pictures from Washington, D.C. President Bush and Mrs. Bush, obviously; you can see the president's father, President Bush 41 behind him. This is the National Prayer Service. Billy Graham will be leading the way. When Reverend Graham does begin to speak with the prayer, we'll be going back live.
Right now though, other news.
Turning the tide after the tsunami. Aid groups warn it might be too soon for the U.S. military to scale back relief efforts. The U.S. says it will start transferring operations to international organizations in effected countries. But several agencies doubt that civilians are ready to take over the effort. Thousands of American troops are currently providing relief support.
In India, children orphaned by the tsunami are beginning to attend school. Special homes are being built for them. And the government has set aside nearly $11,000 per child, money they'll receive when they turn 18.
SANCHEZ: Let's take you back to the cathedral now. There now the Reverend Billy Graham. He has preached to over 10,million people in over 185 countries and territories. And he's now getting ready to do it again.
REV. BILLY GRAHAM, EVANGELIST: Our Father and our God, we thank you that the last event of this historic week is a time of worship, a time to hear your word, to pray and to declare our dependence on you in the quietness and calmness of this great cathedral.
Turn us away from everything that would distract us and help us to focus on our need of you. We remember that it is written in the scriptures, unless the lord builds a house, its builders labor in vain. Our Father, we acknowledge your divine help in the selection of our nation's leaders throughout our history. And we believe that in your providence you've granted a second term of office to our President George W. Bush, and our Vice President Richard Cheney.
Their next four years are hidden from us. But they're not hidden from you. You know the challenges and opportunities they will face. Give them a clear mind, a warm heart, calmness in the midst of turmoil, reassurance in times of discouragement and you're presence always. We pray for their families, and we ask for your protection and care for them during the pressures of these next four years.
Renew our vision, restore our faith, rekindle our desire to love and to serve all humanity. May we never forget that one day we each will stand before you to give an account of what you have entrusted to us.
Finally, our father, we pray for our nation and our world. We thank you for those who have sacrificed their lives to give us our freedom. And we pray for those who continue to serve our nation in places of great conflict and danger. Above all, we join today with millions of others across this torn and confused world in praying for peace. Thank you for the overwhelming compassion that our leadership and our country have shown toward the suffering in Southeast Asia.
And now, may this service become a time of commitment for each one of us as we rededicate ourselves to you and your will for our lives. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
(SINGING)
Amen. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare of bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
SANCHEZ: The National Cathedral. We should mention that there are members of the clergy from all denominations represented at this building on this day, on this special day.
The Reverend Billy Graham, now well into his 80s, recently considered by most U.S. pastors as the most influential and the most trusted. He has served many presidents, preached to over 210 million people. We'll continue to follow this for you on this day and the news of the day.
And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: We want to go back to the story of the orphans following the tsunami disaster. There's no shortage of people wanting to adopt the orphans from around the world. But officials in Indonesia and Sri Lanka are worried that the children could fall into hands of people who don't mean well. Of course, there are plenty of people out there who do mean well. And what should they do?
We have with us right now Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu. She has visited Sri Lanka. She also is an adopted parent herself. She is the woman to talk about this situation.
Senator, good morning. Thanks for being with us from the nation's capitol this morning. SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D), LOUISIANA: Good morning, Maureen.
KAGAN: It is actually Daryn. But let's go ahead and talk about the impact that you had in going and visiting the area.
LANDRIEU: Well, it was just an extraordinary opportunity. And really horrific to see the damage of this wave. I mean not only was the height of the wave breathtaking, but the length; 3700 miles and nine countries plus affected. There are thousands of villages and families, unfortunately that have been wiped out.
And so our job is to try to reconnect and build what's left of those families, particularly putting children in families for lo long- term growth and development. And the United States and many of our allies around the world feel strongly about the fact that governments do many things well, but raising children isn't one of them. And children should be raised in families. So that's the message that we're hoping to bring this morning at our summit.
KAGAN: I guess the question s which family should they be raised in? I'm sure your office has been contacted by a lot of people who would like to bring these children here to the U.S. Is that really the best answer for these children?
LANDRIEU: Well, actually the best answer is to follow the international treaty on international adoption, The Hague Treaty as it is called in Washington and around the world. And that says that the world community needs to do the very best job we can to keep children with the parents that brought them into this world. But when they're separated by war, or famine, or disease, or natural catastrophe, to place those children with a relative. A caring, willing relative. A kin if you will, which is so natural.
Then if there's no relative available, to try to place them within their own country for adoption. But if that's not possible, then to allow the international adoption system to operate. And you know, that will really guarantee that we're connecting children with their families, but giving them a chance to grow up not in an institution, or on the street, or in a cardboard box.
KAGAN: So for those families that are interested here in the states, what are you telling them? To just be patient for now until those other option can be checked out?
LANDRIEU: Well, absolutely. Patience is always good when it comes to adoption, whether domestic or international. But not only are the tsunami orphans, and there may be thousand of them that will ultimately be placed with their relatives or in country or some internationally.
But there are literally millions of orphans in the world. In Africa, the AIDS epidemic is literally an orphan factory. In America, we have 100,000 children of all ages and races available for adoption. And so, it's so important for us to just keep the focus as we rebuild our communities and rebuild communities that have been devastated, to rebuild families first and then the communities will follow. KAGAN: You make good points, especially pointing out that there are thousand of children that are looking for homes right now, even before the tsunami children might be available.
Senator Landrieu, thank you for your time this morning.
LANDRIEU: Thank you so much.
SANCHEZ: Let's do this as we go to the break.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
SANCHEZ: We will be coming -- how did I do?
KAGAN: You did excellent. I loved your NASDAQ numbers in particular.
(LAUGHTER)
SANCHEZ: We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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