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CNN Live Today

Missing Student; Terror Arrests; Jackson's Trials; Closing Cost Tips

Aired June 09, 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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started with taking a look about what's happening "Now in the News."
Police in Aruba have arrested three more men in last week's disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The latest suspects were the last people seen with the Alabama teen who left with them from a nightclub. That brings to five the number of suspects currently being held in the case.

The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is now a couple of hours old. Arlene is about 185 miles west of Grand Cayman but it's headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. Its arrival just over a week into the season comes amid predictions for a very active summer.

Jurors in the Michael Jackson molestation trial return to court next hour for a half day of deliberation. Apparently some jurors have graduation ceremonies to attend. Jackson is waiting for a verdict. He returned to a hospital yesterday for treatment of back problems.

President Bush is on route to Columbus, Ohio. He's going to stump for the Patriot Act and maybe tamp down a smoldering firestorm in a key political debate. Democrats plan to call attention to an investment scandal under the state's Republican governor. Mr. Bush will speak at the State Highway Patrol Academy.

Well, good morning to you. I'm Daryn Kagan.

More arrests to tell you about this morning in Aruba. We are going to begin with this new development in the case of the missing Alabama teenager. Police on Aruba arrested three more suspects this morning. Those three men were the last people seen with Natalee Holloway. Our Karl Penhaul joins us from Palm Beach, Aruba, with the latest.

Karl, good morning.

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, those arrests came just before dawn this morning. Police and prosecutors made raids on two homes around the island. One of the men was arrested at one of the houses and two brothers were arrested at the second house. Unlike the suspects that were arrested at the weekend, these suspects we couldn't tell their identities as they were brought out of the houses. Their faces were concealed with towels -- what we believe were toweled.

That said, we are told now by prosecutors and police that the three men are the last three seen in the company of Natalee Holloway. These are the three men that Natalee Holloway got into their car and all of them drove off. They had previously told police and prosecutors that they had dropped Natalee off back at the Holiday Inn. We also asked the defense attorney, for the two suspects arrested over the weekend, whether he knew of any connection between the three men arrested now and the two suspects arrested over the weekend. This is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: As far as I know, there is no connection between these two security guards and the three men that were arrested tonight. My client, I've asked him about this explicitly he has denied knowing them. He has never heard about them before his arrest.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PENHAUL: So five men now in custody. But the bad news, still no sign about the whereabouts of Natalee Holloway.

Daryn.

KAGAN: And that's the hope that her family is holding on to, there is no physical evidence, as far as we know, of any foul play, and no sign of any body or anything.

PENHAUL: Certainly, publicly, no evidence has been revealed that's yet to indicate whether Natalee is alive or dead. The accusations against the first two suspects relate to murder, homicide and kidnaping leading to death. But nevertheless, police and prosecutors, and of course the family, Daryn, are still holding out hope that Natalee is alive.

KAGAN: Karl Penhaul live from Aruba.

Karl, thank you.

Another missing student story unfortunately ends tragically. The body of Patrick Welsh was found in the Hudson River. New York police are trying to determine whether his death was an accident or homicide. Welsh was a student at York College in Pennsylvania. He had been missing since April 15th.

Topping our "CNN Security Watch," a fifth man has now been arrested in connection with the Lodi, California, terror probe. And prosecutors say two of the others were making plans to wage a holy war in the U.S. CNN's Chris Lawrence has the latest from Lodi in Northern California.

Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, the fifth man is 19- years-old and he is the son of one of the local Islamic leaders that is already being detained. We know that he's being held on an immigration violation but not what his specific connection is to the father and son who lived here. Umer Hayat, and his son Hamid, are both U.S. citizens that have been held in the Sacramento County Jail. They are accused of lying to federal agents. Basically, first denying, then admitting that Hamid attended a terrorist training camp in Pakistan and specifically asking to come back to the United States to carry out his mission.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEITH SLOTTER, FBI AGENT IN CHARGE: Although we believe these individuals are committed to acts of jihad against the U.S., we do not possess information concerning exact plans, timing or specific targets of opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAWRENCE: Now, the original affidavit filed in federal court stated that Hamid considered grocery stores and hospitals as potential targets. We read it. So did everyone else. But in this latest version, the FBI backed off that statement and removed all references to those targets.

Now, we spoke with both men's attorneys. They say that the men are being labeled terrorists without actually being accused. Saying that right now the only thing that they're being charged with is making a false statement.

Now as to the two Islamic leaders, federal agents won't say exactly what their connection is to the Hayats but law enforcement sources tell CNN, investigators are looking to see if they acted as a conduit between terror groups and people right here in the U.S. Their attorney says it's a case of being guilt by association and he says both men will be proven completely innocent.

Daryn.

KAGAN: Chris, any explanation from the FBI about why they revised the original affidavit?

LAWRENCE: You know that's what we're trying to find out now. It was interesting because those specific references to hospitals and grocery stores were in there, and it caused quite a bit of alarm here in Lodi and the surrounding community. To now back off that statement suggests that perhaps this was a draft version. That perhaps this was something they were working on but did not have enough evidence to really go forward with at this point.

KAGAN: Chris Lawrence, live from Northern California in Lodi.

Thank you.

A question for you. How prepared is the government to meet a terrorist threat? Homeland Defense Secretary Michael Chertoff is delivering a status report on Capitol Hill and he's doing this that hour. Chertoff testifies before the House Government Reform Committee. We're monitoring that testimony. We'll bring you any developments as warranted. President Bush, meanwhile, campaigning for a renewal of the Patriot Act. The president left Washington moments ago for a speech at the Ohio State Capital Patrol Academy in Columbus. Portions of the Patriot Act are set to expire at the end of the year. The president has called on Congress to make those provisions permanent.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: The president's most solemn duty is the protection of the American people. And the Patriot Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2001 following the attacks of September 11th and it has helped law enforcement and intelligence personnel protect the American people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: CNN will have live coverage of the president's speech in the next hour.

And be sure to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

To the weather now. There are some wicked skies over Leavenworth County, Kansas. Those ominous looking clouds that we're seeing never whipped into tornadoes but the strong storms did unleashed fierce lightning and some strong winds.

A brush fire has swept across about 1,000 acres near Wickenburg, Arizona. At least 30 people have been evacuated and just as many homes and structures are threatened. Crews spent the night trying to build firelines and starve and contain the blaze.

Well, that's kinds of the full spectrum there. By the way, KTVK, my old station in Phoenix, provided that video.

Thank you, KTVK.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Talking about Michael Jackson. His back apparently giving him even more problems. For the second time in one week, the entertainer heads back to the hospital. The latest on his health and jury deliberations coming up.

Plus, drinking, boxing and wrestling. It's a shocking tape and high schoolers are cashing in on it. Details straight ahead.

Later, a group of Morehouse College students joining in the fight against aids in South Africa. They're getting help from Oprah. They are going to join us live from Johannesburg. And we will get to that a little bit later.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The Michael Jackson jury resumes deliberations a little more than an hour from now. The panel is expected to meet only for a half day today. As Jackson awaits the verdict, he's going through another type of trial, this on concerning his health. Our Kareen Wynter outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California.

Kareen, as always, a lot to report on from there. Good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

One of the headlines involves Jackson's health. He made another trip to the hospital yesterday. His spokesperson, Raymone Bain, said that it was a routine trip there -- a routine treatment for his reoccurring back problem and also a follow-up visit from Sunday when Jackson went to the emergency room for treatment of back spasms.

As you mentioned, the jury will continue deliberating about an hour and 15 minutes from now. But it is an abbreviated day today. Many of the jurors have commitments. They'll be attending graduation ceremonies.

KAGAN: You mentioned the spokeswoman who's been speaking for Michael Jackson, talking about his back pain. A little kind of flap yesterday about who is speaking for Michael Jackson and how that fits into the gag order that's been imposed by this court.

WYNTER: Some fireworks outside the courthouse. Jackson's Lead Defense Attorney Thomas Mesereau issued a court-approved statement, Daryn, in which he basically said that a gag order is in effect and that the defense intends to honor that. But he also made it very clear that no one, no one is authorized it speak out on Jackson or his family's behalf except for his attorneys.

Now, there was some speculation as to who this could have been directed at since Mesereau didn't name any names. And CNN has learned from sources that it was directed at comments that Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, made earlier in the day in which she addressed reporters, updating them on Jackson's condition, how he's holding up throughout the -- while jurors are deliberating right now. So there's a little bit of confusion out here. The singer also issued a statement on his Web site, saying that while he thanks the many supporters and friends out there standing by him, who are making comments, that he doesn't want anyone speaking out on his or his families behalf.

KAGAN: Kareen Wynter live from Santa Maria. A little drama taking place there. Not surprising.

Thank you, Kareen.

Let's go ahead and take a look at other stories making news "Coast to Coast" this morning.

Police in Rogers, Arkansas, are investigating this teenage party. It was captured on DVD. It show high schoolers drinking, boxing and wrestling. A volatile mix that has both parents and law enforcement searching for who is behind it. They say it appears the party was a money-making venture and the DVDs soon began circulating. New Jersey officials are dealing with their first shark attack in 30 years. The 17-year-old surfer is fine but he had to received more than 50 stitches for the gash.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RYAN HORTON, SHARK ATTACK VICTIM: It felt like a baseball that had whacked my foot. And then I looked over at it and there was just a huge chunk missing. And the only reason I think that it had got me, because maybe I was disturbing its territory.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: One expert says the shark may have been a great white, the monster immortalized in the movie "Jaws."

The flags of many nations have flown over St. Augustine, Florida, but these have become the center of the latest battle. Forty-nine rainbow flags signifying gay pride are now fluttering on the Bridge of Lions at the landmark in what is touted as the nation's oldest city. A federal judge struck down the city's opposition.

It's a global epidemic that has an especially strong hold in Africa. From politicians to entertainers, the aids crisis is a growing concern for many. Now students from Morehouse College are in the fight. They're going to join me live from South Africa, coming up a little bit later.

And Gerri Willis is with us live as well.

Hi, Ger.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you.

Today we're talking about closing costs. You think buying a new home is expensive, wait till you get to the closing table. We'll tell you how to cut those costs when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN.COM: As the first day of summer draws near, the warmer weather means buzzing mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus. Cnn.com has all the information you need to stay safe this summer.

The virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1937 but wasn't documented in the U.S. until 1999. It spreads via mosquitoes that become carriers when they feed on infected birds. This gallery details how the virus originates and is transmitted from animals to humans. The probability that you will be infected and how common it is compared to other illnesses. This interactive shows how the virus spread since it was first detected in New York six years ago. Also, see how your state has been affected.

The most deadly outbreak of the virus in the U.S. was in 2002. Two-hundred-and- eighty-four people died. Check out this gallery to find out what symptoms to look for and how to distinguish between mild and severe cases. Also, get some prevention tips, including the best insect repellants and gadgets to keep mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus at bay.

And you can finds it all online at cnn.com/westnile.

From the Dotcom News Desk, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Your home is likely the largest purchase you'll ever make. But there's no need to spend more money than you need to before you ever move in. Today's "Top Five Tips" looks at controlling those closing costs. Here now is CNN Personal finance Editor Gerri Willis.

Gerri, everyone gets that surprise when they go to seal the deal.

WILLIS: That's right. You know, and it can be really scary. Closing costs are typically 2 percent to 4 percent of the price you're paying for the house. So watch out, it can be a lot of money.

The first estimate you'll get of closing costs is something called the Good Faith Estimate and that's a number that's given to you by the lender 48 hours after you apply for the loan. So you want to look it over carefully. Understand it to the degree you can and then bring it to the closing table when you get ready to seal the deal because you'll want to compare it with the actual costs that you're paying.

KAGAN: And when you're doing this comparison, you wan to compare apples to apples?

WILLIS: Yes. The document you'll get at the closing table is consulted the HUD 1. They have silly names for these form. But it's called the HUD 1. You'll want to make the comparisons one on one. And the biggest discrepancy that you're likely to see are the lenders' fees because that's where the real wiggle room is. Now some lenders, they aggregate all their fees under something called a processing fee. Others break it out so it makes it very difficult to compare apples to apples, what different lenders are charging you. But you're best off doing this comparison before you get to the closing table when you're trying to find the loan.

KAGAN: Well, let's talk about some of that wiggle room. Where do you find it?

WILLIS: Well, you want to look at processing fees, mortgage broker fees, application fees. Let me tell you, if you see a copying fee, Katie (ph) bar the door, get that thing out of there. You don't want to pay that. You'll be surprised at the list that you're going to get.

KAGAN: What do you -- you just say, no, I'm not going to pay it?

WILLIS: You can. You can always go to a different lender if you're just shopping around for a loan. And I -- there are people at the closing table who say, this fee right here, I'm not paying it. Because everybody wants to get the deal done, sometimes you can get those fees thrown out. KAGAN: What about the pre-paid items?

WILLIS: No wiggle room here. Pre-paid items you're going to have to pay. Includes things like hazard and flood insurance. Also mortgage interest, taxes. These are things you're going to put into escrow, especially if you close in the middle of the month. And a little tip here. Save some money by closing at the ends of the month. It will make those pre-paid items less expensive.

KAGAN: And then there is gong to be some difference between the Good Faith and what you finally do pay?

WILLIS: Yes. Lenders often have difficulty trying to figure out how much you have to pay in title insurance and government fees because that's a very local matter. It depends on where you live. So you might see some differences there but you really don't have a lot of wiggle room or opportunity to negotiate those fees.

Daryn.

KAGAN: All right, Gerri Willis, thank you.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

KAGAN: We're going to visiting a very different type of home ahead. They're in space. A long way from home. Like 130 miles up. They have some supply and equipment issues. Coming up, we have a connection to somewhere in orbit. We're going to be talking with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

And later we travel to South Africa. Morehouse men rolling up their sleeves to give a helping hand to aids patients in South Africa. More on their mission when we go live to Johannesburg, coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're coming up on the half hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Here's a look at what's happening "Now in the News."

A major development this morning in the Natalee Holloway case. The three men who said they drop off the teenager at her Aruba hotel early on May 30th have been arrested. Two other men are also in custody in connection with her disappearance. None has been formally charged with the crime. Holloway's whereabouts remain a mystery.

CNN can confirm that the U.S. Army missed its recruiting goal in May for the fourth month in a row. The Pentagon will make an official announcement tomorrow. Army recruiters signed up some 5,000 enlistees in May. That's about 1,700 short of their goal.

At the U.N., the U.S. now says it might support Mohamed Elbaradei for a third term as the head of the U.N.'s atomic agency. That is a much softer position than six months ago. Support for Elbaradei could hinge on his meeting today with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Rice suggests one litmus test will be Elbaradei's vision for dealing with Iran.

And in the U.S. Senate, California Justice Janice Rogers Brown has been confirmed to a federal appeals court. Later this afternoon, an up or down vote is expected on Justice William Pryor, nominated to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired June 9, 2005 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get started with taking a look about what's happening "Now in the News."
Police in Aruba have arrested three more men in last week's disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The latest suspects were the last people seen with the Alabama teen who left with them from a nightclub. That brings to five the number of suspects currently being held in the case.

The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is now a couple of hours old. Arlene is about 185 miles west of Grand Cayman but it's headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. Its arrival just over a week into the season comes amid predictions for a very active summer.

Jurors in the Michael Jackson molestation trial return to court next hour for a half day of deliberation. Apparently some jurors have graduation ceremonies to attend. Jackson is waiting for a verdict. He returned to a hospital yesterday for treatment of back problems.

President Bush is on route to Columbus, Ohio. He's going to stump for the Patriot Act and maybe tamp down a smoldering firestorm in a key political debate. Democrats plan to call attention to an investment scandal under the state's Republican governor. Mr. Bush will speak at the State Highway Patrol Academy.

Well, good morning to you. I'm Daryn Kagan.

More arrests to tell you about this morning in Aruba. We are going to begin with this new development in the case of the missing Alabama teenager. Police on Aruba arrested three more suspects this morning. Those three men were the last people seen with Natalee Holloway. Our Karl Penhaul joins us from Palm Beach, Aruba, with the latest.

Karl, good morning.

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, those arrests came just before dawn this morning. Police and prosecutors made raids on two homes around the island. One of the men was arrested at one of the houses and two brothers were arrested at the second house. Unlike the suspects that were arrested at the weekend, these suspects we couldn't tell their identities as they were brought out of the houses. Their faces were concealed with towels -- what we believe were toweled.

That said, we are told now by prosecutors and police that the three men are the last three seen in the company of Natalee Holloway. These are the three men that Natalee Holloway got into their car and all of them drove off. They had previously told police and prosecutors that they had dropped Natalee off back at the Holiday Inn. We also asked the defense attorney, for the two suspects arrested over the weekend, whether he knew of any connection between the three men arrested now and the two suspects arrested over the weekend. This is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: As far as I know, there is no connection between these two security guards and the three men that were arrested tonight. My client, I've asked him about this explicitly he has denied knowing them. He has never heard about them before his arrest.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PENHAUL: So five men now in custody. But the bad news, still no sign about the whereabouts of Natalee Holloway.

Daryn.

KAGAN: And that's the hope that her family is holding on to, there is no physical evidence, as far as we know, of any foul play, and no sign of any body or anything.

PENHAUL: Certainly, publicly, no evidence has been revealed that's yet to indicate whether Natalee is alive or dead. The accusations against the first two suspects relate to murder, homicide and kidnaping leading to death. But nevertheless, police and prosecutors, and of course the family, Daryn, are still holding out hope that Natalee is alive.

KAGAN: Karl Penhaul live from Aruba.

Karl, thank you.

Another missing student story unfortunately ends tragically. The body of Patrick Welsh was found in the Hudson River. New York police are trying to determine whether his death was an accident or homicide. Welsh was a student at York College in Pennsylvania. He had been missing since April 15th.

Topping our "CNN Security Watch," a fifth man has now been arrested in connection with the Lodi, California, terror probe. And prosecutors say two of the others were making plans to wage a holy war in the U.S. CNN's Chris Lawrence has the latest from Lodi in Northern California.

Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, the fifth man is 19- years-old and he is the son of one of the local Islamic leaders that is already being detained. We know that he's being held on an immigration violation but not what his specific connection is to the father and son who lived here. Umer Hayat, and his son Hamid, are both U.S. citizens that have been held in the Sacramento County Jail. They are accused of lying to federal agents. Basically, first denying, then admitting that Hamid attended a terrorist training camp in Pakistan and specifically asking to come back to the United States to carry out his mission.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEITH SLOTTER, FBI AGENT IN CHARGE: Although we believe these individuals are committed to acts of jihad against the U.S., we do not possess information concerning exact plans, timing or specific targets of opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAWRENCE: Now, the original affidavit filed in federal court stated that Hamid considered grocery stores and hospitals as potential targets. We read it. So did everyone else. But in this latest version, the FBI backed off that statement and removed all references to those targets.

Now, we spoke with both men's attorneys. They say that the men are being labeled terrorists without actually being accused. Saying that right now the only thing that they're being charged with is making a false statement.

Now as to the two Islamic leaders, federal agents won't say exactly what their connection is to the Hayats but law enforcement sources tell CNN, investigators are looking to see if they acted as a conduit between terror groups and people right here in the U.S. Their attorney says it's a case of being guilt by association and he says both men will be proven completely innocent.

Daryn.

KAGAN: Chris, any explanation from the FBI about why they revised the original affidavit?

LAWRENCE: You know that's what we're trying to find out now. It was interesting because those specific references to hospitals and grocery stores were in there, and it caused quite a bit of alarm here in Lodi and the surrounding community. To now back off that statement suggests that perhaps this was a draft version. That perhaps this was something they were working on but did not have enough evidence to really go forward with at this point.

KAGAN: Chris Lawrence, live from Northern California in Lodi.

Thank you.

A question for you. How prepared is the government to meet a terrorist threat? Homeland Defense Secretary Michael Chertoff is delivering a status report on Capitol Hill and he's doing this that hour. Chertoff testifies before the House Government Reform Committee. We're monitoring that testimony. We'll bring you any developments as warranted. President Bush, meanwhile, campaigning for a renewal of the Patriot Act. The president left Washington moments ago for a speech at the Ohio State Capital Patrol Academy in Columbus. Portions of the Patriot Act are set to expire at the end of the year. The president has called on Congress to make those provisions permanent.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: The president's most solemn duty is the protection of the American people. And the Patriot Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2001 following the attacks of September 11th and it has helped law enforcement and intelligence personnel protect the American people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: CNN will have live coverage of the president's speech in the next hour.

And be sure to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

To the weather now. There are some wicked skies over Leavenworth County, Kansas. Those ominous looking clouds that we're seeing never whipped into tornadoes but the strong storms did unleashed fierce lightning and some strong winds.

A brush fire has swept across about 1,000 acres near Wickenburg, Arizona. At least 30 people have been evacuated and just as many homes and structures are threatened. Crews spent the night trying to build firelines and starve and contain the blaze.

Well, that's kinds of the full spectrum there. By the way, KTVK, my old station in Phoenix, provided that video.

Thank you, KTVK.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Talking about Michael Jackson. His back apparently giving him even more problems. For the second time in one week, the entertainer heads back to the hospital. The latest on his health and jury deliberations coming up.

Plus, drinking, boxing and wrestling. It's a shocking tape and high schoolers are cashing in on it. Details straight ahead.

Later, a group of Morehouse College students joining in the fight against aids in South Africa. They're getting help from Oprah. They are going to join us live from Johannesburg. And we will get to that a little bit later.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The Michael Jackson jury resumes deliberations a little more than an hour from now. The panel is expected to meet only for a half day today. As Jackson awaits the verdict, he's going through another type of trial, this on concerning his health. Our Kareen Wynter outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California.

Kareen, as always, a lot to report on from there. Good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

One of the headlines involves Jackson's health. He made another trip to the hospital yesterday. His spokesperson, Raymone Bain, said that it was a routine trip there -- a routine treatment for his reoccurring back problem and also a follow-up visit from Sunday when Jackson went to the emergency room for treatment of back spasms.

As you mentioned, the jury will continue deliberating about an hour and 15 minutes from now. But it is an abbreviated day today. Many of the jurors have commitments. They'll be attending graduation ceremonies.

KAGAN: You mentioned the spokeswoman who's been speaking for Michael Jackson, talking about his back pain. A little kind of flap yesterday about who is speaking for Michael Jackson and how that fits into the gag order that's been imposed by this court.

WYNTER: Some fireworks outside the courthouse. Jackson's Lead Defense Attorney Thomas Mesereau issued a court-approved statement, Daryn, in which he basically said that a gag order is in effect and that the defense intends to honor that. But he also made it very clear that no one, no one is authorized it speak out on Jackson or his family's behalf except for his attorneys.

Now, there was some speculation as to who this could have been directed at since Mesereau didn't name any names. And CNN has learned from sources that it was directed at comments that Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, made earlier in the day in which she addressed reporters, updating them on Jackson's condition, how he's holding up throughout the -- while jurors are deliberating right now. So there's a little bit of confusion out here. The singer also issued a statement on his Web site, saying that while he thanks the many supporters and friends out there standing by him, who are making comments, that he doesn't want anyone speaking out on his or his families behalf.

KAGAN: Kareen Wynter live from Santa Maria. A little drama taking place there. Not surprising.

Thank you, Kareen.

Let's go ahead and take a look at other stories making news "Coast to Coast" this morning.

Police in Rogers, Arkansas, are investigating this teenage party. It was captured on DVD. It show high schoolers drinking, boxing and wrestling. A volatile mix that has both parents and law enforcement searching for who is behind it. They say it appears the party was a money-making venture and the DVDs soon began circulating. New Jersey officials are dealing with their first shark attack in 30 years. The 17-year-old surfer is fine but he had to received more than 50 stitches for the gash.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RYAN HORTON, SHARK ATTACK VICTIM: It felt like a baseball that had whacked my foot. And then I looked over at it and there was just a huge chunk missing. And the only reason I think that it had got me, because maybe I was disturbing its territory.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: One expert says the shark may have been a great white, the monster immortalized in the movie "Jaws."

The flags of many nations have flown over St. Augustine, Florida, but these have become the center of the latest battle. Forty-nine rainbow flags signifying gay pride are now fluttering on the Bridge of Lions at the landmark in what is touted as the nation's oldest city. A federal judge struck down the city's opposition.

It's a global epidemic that has an especially strong hold in Africa. From politicians to entertainers, the aids crisis is a growing concern for many. Now students from Morehouse College are in the fight. They're going to join me live from South Africa, coming up a little bit later.

And Gerri Willis is with us live as well.

Hi, Ger.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you.

Today we're talking about closing costs. You think buying a new home is expensive, wait till you get to the closing table. We'll tell you how to cut those costs when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN.COM: As the first day of summer draws near, the warmer weather means buzzing mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus. Cnn.com has all the information you need to stay safe this summer.

The virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1937 but wasn't documented in the U.S. until 1999. It spreads via mosquitoes that become carriers when they feed on infected birds. This gallery details how the virus originates and is transmitted from animals to humans. The probability that you will be infected and how common it is compared to other illnesses. This interactive shows how the virus spread since it was first detected in New York six years ago. Also, see how your state has been affected.

The most deadly outbreak of the virus in the U.S. was in 2002. Two-hundred-and- eighty-four people died. Check out this gallery to find out what symptoms to look for and how to distinguish between mild and severe cases. Also, get some prevention tips, including the best insect repellants and gadgets to keep mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus at bay.

And you can finds it all online at cnn.com/westnile.

From the Dotcom News Desk, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Your home is likely the largest purchase you'll ever make. But there's no need to spend more money than you need to before you ever move in. Today's "Top Five Tips" looks at controlling those closing costs. Here now is CNN Personal finance Editor Gerri Willis.

Gerri, everyone gets that surprise when they go to seal the deal.

WILLIS: That's right. You know, and it can be really scary. Closing costs are typically 2 percent to 4 percent of the price you're paying for the house. So watch out, it can be a lot of money.

The first estimate you'll get of closing costs is something called the Good Faith Estimate and that's a number that's given to you by the lender 48 hours after you apply for the loan. So you want to look it over carefully. Understand it to the degree you can and then bring it to the closing table when you get ready to seal the deal because you'll want to compare it with the actual costs that you're paying.

KAGAN: And when you're doing this comparison, you wan to compare apples to apples?

WILLIS: Yes. The document you'll get at the closing table is consulted the HUD 1. They have silly names for these form. But it's called the HUD 1. You'll want to make the comparisons one on one. And the biggest discrepancy that you're likely to see are the lenders' fees because that's where the real wiggle room is. Now some lenders, they aggregate all their fees under something called a processing fee. Others break it out so it makes it very difficult to compare apples to apples, what different lenders are charging you. But you're best off doing this comparison before you get to the closing table when you're trying to find the loan.

KAGAN: Well, let's talk about some of that wiggle room. Where do you find it?

WILLIS: Well, you want to look at processing fees, mortgage broker fees, application fees. Let me tell you, if you see a copying fee, Katie (ph) bar the door, get that thing out of there. You don't want to pay that. You'll be surprised at the list that you're going to get.

KAGAN: What do you -- you just say, no, I'm not going to pay it?

WILLIS: You can. You can always go to a different lender if you're just shopping around for a loan. And I -- there are people at the closing table who say, this fee right here, I'm not paying it. Because everybody wants to get the deal done, sometimes you can get those fees thrown out. KAGAN: What about the pre-paid items?

WILLIS: No wiggle room here. Pre-paid items you're going to have to pay. Includes things like hazard and flood insurance. Also mortgage interest, taxes. These are things you're going to put into escrow, especially if you close in the middle of the month. And a little tip here. Save some money by closing at the ends of the month. It will make those pre-paid items less expensive.

KAGAN: And then there is gong to be some difference between the Good Faith and what you finally do pay?

WILLIS: Yes. Lenders often have difficulty trying to figure out how much you have to pay in title insurance and government fees because that's a very local matter. It depends on where you live. So you might see some differences there but you really don't have a lot of wiggle room or opportunity to negotiate those fees.

Daryn.

KAGAN: All right, Gerri Willis, thank you.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

KAGAN: We're going to visiting a very different type of home ahead. They're in space. A long way from home. Like 130 miles up. They have some supply and equipment issues. Coming up, we have a connection to somewhere in orbit. We're going to be talking with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

And later we travel to South Africa. Morehouse men rolling up their sleeves to give a helping hand to aids patients in South Africa. More on their mission when we go live to Johannesburg, coming up next.

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KAGAN: We're coming up on the half hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Here's a look at what's happening "Now in the News."

A major development this morning in the Natalee Holloway case. The three men who said they drop off the teenager at her Aruba hotel early on May 30th have been arrested. Two other men are also in custody in connection with her disappearance. None has been formally charged with the crime. Holloway's whereabouts remain a mystery.

CNN can confirm that the U.S. Army missed its recruiting goal in May for the fourth month in a row. The Pentagon will make an official announcement tomorrow. Army recruiters signed up some 5,000 enlistees in May. That's about 1,700 short of their goal.

At the U.N., the U.S. now says it might support Mohamed Elbaradei for a third term as the head of the U.N.'s atomic agency. That is a much softer position than six months ago. Support for Elbaradei could hinge on his meeting today with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Rice suggests one litmus test will be Elbaradei's vision for dealing with Iran.

And in the U.S. Senate, California Justice Janice Rogers Brown has been confirmed to a federal appeals court. Later this afternoon, an up or down vote is expected on Justice William Pryor, nominated to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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