Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Investigations Continue into Alabama Church Fires; Grammy Awards Preview; Fall Fashion Week

Aired February 08, 2006 - 10:30   ET

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

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are right at the half hour. I'm Daryn Kagan.
Here's a look now at what's happening "Now in the News."

President Bush is on his way to New Hampshire at this hour, where he will deliver remarks about an hour from now. He'll be talking about his proposed budget in a speech before the state's business and industry association. Early this morning, Mr. Bush met with Jordan's King Abdullah. After that meeting, the president called for an end to violent protests in the Arab world. Muslims have been enraged by a published caricatures of Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

Problems with the new Medicare prescription drug plan are being talked about on Capitol Hill at this hour. Medicare's chief, Mark McClellan, is among those testifying before the Senate Finance Committee today. As you know, many seniors and disabled people have been having a tough time getting prescriptions filled as this new program is phased in.

Southern California firefighters are trying to stop the advance of a brush fire before expected Santa Ana winds kick up later today. As we look at live pictures -- well, those were some live pictures before from Southern California. The fire is burning in a rugged canyon north of Malibu. Helicopters are dropping water on the fire. Ground crews are having a tough time reaching the area, meanwhile. No homes are threatened right now, and no evacuations are ordered.

Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry is scheduled to be sentenced this morning on misdemeanor tax charges. Barry had acknowledged not paying taxes for six years. He could get 18 months in prison and a $100,000 fine. Barry is currently a Washington councilman.

To Alabama now. Fire investigators now blame at least seven church fires in recent days on arson, and that includes at least two of the four fires discovered yesterday morning. The other two are still under investigation.

Yesterday's fires were scattered over three counties -- Pickens, Greene and Sumter counties. And they came less than a week after five others that burned in Bibb County. All nine churches are in remote rural areas. Some of the congregations are predominantly black, others mostly white.

Let's check in with two people involved in the investigation right now. Nancy Nelson is with the FBI, which is trying to determine if civil rights violations are involved. That is an area of her expertise. Joining her in Washington is Mike Bouchard of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives. They are part of ATF agents working on the case.

Good morning to both of you.

NANCY NELSON, FBI SPECIAL AGENT: Good morning.

MIKE BOUCHARD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ATF: Good morning.

KAGAN: Let's start with you, Mike. And any new clues that you can tell us about today?

BOUCHARD: Basically not. There is nothing new. Everyone is still working hard on this case. Every agency has come together, putting their best foot forward. All of the technical and investigative resources that everyone can push towards this case are active, following up leads, interviewing people, et cetera. So everything possible is being done on this case.

KAGAN: What do you make of the fact all these churches are Baptists? Just the fact that most churches in this area would be Baptist?

BOUCHARD: That is a pretty predominant church in that area, so we're not really looking at that. Right now we're trying to find out who the arsonist is and then once we catch that arsonist or arsonists, we'll try to find out why they set the fires.

KAGAN: But you do think most, if not all, of these fires are related?

BOUCHARD: Well, there are a lot of similarities in the fires. And we certainly don't want to link any of these fires unless there is definitive proof. So we're going to let the evidence take us to the responsible parties or person for this case and we'll see how that pans out.

KAGAN: Can you tell us any of the similarities or is that all part of the investigation that you'd rather keep under wraps at this time?

BOUCHARD: Well, most of the similarities, we will keep close hold. But however, there are a lot of things that are pretty common. They're churches in remote areas. They're all of the same denomination, of course. There are a lot of similar burn patterns. A lot of them were burned before they were noticed. They burned for a long time before anyone noticed the fires. So those are some of the similar things that we've seen.

KAGAN: Nancy, let's bring you and the FBI into this discussion right now. What kind of civil rights violations are you looking at? Possible civil rights violations?

NELSON: Well, the civil rights violation would be based on the religion of the people. And that's one of the areas of a hate crime. KAGAN: And how does that change the investigation and possible charges if one or more people are caught?

NELSON: The -- it would -- it doesn't matter if one or a group is caught...

KAGAN: No, how does the fact of civil rights violations, how does that fact change the investigation?

NELSON: Well, those are just different charges that would be applied. There may be other charges added on to that as well.

KAGAN: And Mike, let's go ahead and bring you back in here. Back in the late 1990s, near where one of these churches burned -- in Boligee, Alabama -- there were three black churches back then that burned. Those crimes were never solved. Are you going back and looking at those, thinking that perhaps those might be related to these?

BOUCHARD: We certainly are. We've been keeping track of the church fires, of course, since the mid-'90s. We've been very active in that. In fact, every month we put together a report and we do an intelligence analysis of all the fires, much like a cold case squad.

So we've always pursuing any of these fires that occurred back since the mid-'90s. And if we can link them at any time or any time we do arrest someone on church fires, we certainly question them on previous fires that are unsolved.

KAGAN: And finally, what about prevention at this point? Any talks with existing churches in this area, how they can protect themselves?

BOUCHARD: Certainly. The big thing here is when a tragedy like this occurs, the community, law enforcement, all come together and they work for the same goal. These people in these communities need to know they need to be more vigilant, they need to keep an eye out. They need to be watching out for their churches and report any suspicious activity. And, of course, law enforcement is more on notice and working closer with the people.

KAGAN: And in terms of getting information, I understand you have a tip line in case people do have some suspicions or information that might be able to help.

BOUCHARD: Certainly. There are tip lines that are -- I believe they're going to be broadcast across the ticker on this channel. But that's what we encourage people to do. Keep an open mind. I know they've heard a lot of things that people are looking for certain types of vehicles. The one thing they need to remember is, no one has seen anybody in any vehicle set a fire yet. We want to make sure they keep an open mind and report any suspicious activity they see.

KAGAN: Mike Bouchard with ATF and Nancy Nelson with the FBI. We wish you well in your investigation. Thanks for joining us.

NELSON: Thanks, Daryn.

BOUCHARD: Thanks, Daryn.

KAGAN: To West Virginia now. The state's mine safety director says he plans to resign, but he says it has nothing to do with recent mine tragedies. Doug Conaway says he's wanted to try something different for some time after more than 20 years in state government. He says he'll stay in his post until a replacement is named. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin says that he asked Conaway to put his decision on hold after the mining disasters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JOE MANCHIN (D), WEST VIRGINIA: We have -- Doug and I have -- Doug came last year (INAUDIBLE) other interests that he wanted to pursue. And we were talking about it last year and I said, well, Doug, why don't we just wait and talk for after the holidays, first of the year. Well, everybody knows what happened the first of the year. And then he hasn't been able, and he has just been a tremendous person to work through all the things that we have in this last month and a half.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: The governor is backing a bill to ensure future mining safety directors have at least one advanced degree related to mine safety.

We are learning more about the teen suspect in that Massachusetts gay bar attack. Authorities say an autopsy indicates that Jacob Robida shot himself in the head with same gun used in the bar attack. Robida died early Sunday after a gun battle with police in Arkansas. Police say that before Robida shot himself, he shot and killed a female companion and an Arkansas police officer. Massachusetts police had searched for him since last Thursday, when they say he used a hatchet and a handgun to wound three men at a gay bar in New Bedford.

Let's go ahead and take a look at other stories making news coast to coast on this Tuesday morning.

In New Mexico, a teen could face life in prison after being convicted yesterday of killing three members of -- on this took place on newsman Sam Donaldson's ranch. Attorneys for 16-year-old Cody Posey told the jury he had been abused.

A New York teenager is hospitalized in serious condition today after falling from a moving charter bus. Police say the 17-year-old was using the restroom when the bus swerved. He lost his balance and fell against the window. When that gave way, it sent him on to the shoulder of the highway.

And a message for some public employees in California. Cover up your tattoos. It's part of a new dress code in San Bernardino County. Some workers worry this means they'll have to wear long sleeves even on hot days, and it can get hot in San Bernardino. The new rule also bans facial piercings and jeans as well. After a big-time comeback this year with a CD that has sold more than five million copies, could Mariah Carey take home a Grammy tonight? We'll talk about her chances and the other hot spots at the awards show.

Also ahead, shirt dresses and skinny pants. They're all the rage on the catwalk for fall this season at fashion week. We will take you there for a look. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: A comeback kid and a new kid on the block are among those grabbing the spotlight at the 40th Annual Grammys tonight.

Our entertainment correspondent Brooke Anderson joins us live. She's at the Staple Center in downtown L.A. with a preview.

Hello. Happy Grammy day night to you.

BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Happy Grammy day night to you as well, Daryn.

Of course, you are referring to Mariah Carey as the comeback kid, John Legend as the new kid on block. They are two of the three leading nominees for tonight's Grammys. Kanye West is the third. Let's take a look now at the nominees everybody is talking about leading up to tonight's Grammy awards show.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON (voice-over): Confident rapper and producer Kanye West, soulful singer/songwriter John Legend and musical diva Mariah Carey are each nominated for eight Grammy Awards.

Carey's "Emancipation of Mimi" has sold more than five million copies, a surprising success for the singer whose career was recently considered all but over.

MARIAH CAREY, GRAMMY NOMINEE: It's been such an amazing year. And this album really means so much to me that I -- you know -- I'm just full of gratitude.

ANDERSON: Carey received nominations for record and song of the year, as well as in the coveted album of the year category. But her disc faces some tough competition, including U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," Gwen Stefani's solo debut "Love Angel Music Baby," the highly regarded "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" by Paul McCartney and Kanye West's sophomore standout work "Late Registration."

KANYE WEST, GRAMMY NOMINEE: The Grammy's were one of my muses for this album. We wouldn't make it and say I hope to win album of the year. We're making it to win album of the year. ANDERSON: Music industry experts say the album of the year will be a close call, but West has a good shot.

GEOFF MAYFIELD, BILLBOARD MAGAZINE: He is one of those guys who not only sells well but does speak to critics, does speak to fellow musicians.

ANDERSON: West's seven other nominations include record of the year for "Gold Digger."

His protege, newcomer John Legend, who has signed to West's label, is up for awards, including best new artist and best R&B album for "Get Lifted."

JOHN LEGEND, GRAMMY NOMINEE: This is a big reward for what we've been working on for the past five, six years.

ANDERSON: Legend will be playing at tonight's awards. Also slated to perform, Kanye and Miss Mariah Carey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: We will also see U2 take the stage with Mary J. Blige, also Paul McCartney and, Daryn, Madonna. So it should be a pretty memorable evening.

KAGAN: Music's biggest night.

ANDERSON: Music's biggest night, that's right. Madonna not even a nominee, yet she is opening the Grammy show tonight. It should be interesting.

KAGAN: And she usually makes some kind of statement when she does something like that. We will be watching.

ANDERSON: yes, she does.

KAGAN: Brooke, thank you. Have a good time at the Grammys.

Well, on to the other coast, the models. They are strutting some stuff, and the designers are hoping for rave reviews. But still no bombshells so far from fall fashion week. We'll hear from one top designer next about why he thinks everyone is kind of playing is safe on the catwalk this year.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, you might be bundled up in winter clothes, got the turtleneck working today. The designers, though, they're thinking fall. And they're trotting out their autumn collections as Fall Fashion Week rolls along.

Our Sibila Vargas joins us live. She has found herself in some very interesting backstage locations this week. Hello, Sibila.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Hello. And right now, I'm actually back stage at Michael Kors show.

But you know, I need to get a fashionista's perspective. And for that we have Kate Moss, the fabulous Kate Moss. Is fabulous still in?

KATE BETTS, TIME STYLE & DESIGN: No. I'm not Kate Moss.

VARGAS: Kate Betts! Kate Betts, that's right.

BETTS: Thank you for the compliment. Fabulous?

VARGAS: You're just as pretty.

BETTS: Fabulous is still in, I guess. Yes, we are back stage at Michael Kors. This is a very anticipated show. But the show that a lot of people are talking about today is Marc Jacobs, which happened on Monday night. And I don't know, but it looks like grunge might be back. There were a lot of layers and heavy boots like hiking boots and sort of like skirts over pants, over -- I don't know what. Leggings, leg warmers. It was a big melting pot, let's say, of fashion. But there were some really beautiful clothes.

VARGAS: What are other things that have kind of knocked your fashion socks off?

BETTS: I think one thing that's really interesting is how expensive these clothes are getting. I mean, they are beautiful and rich and just looking around backstage here, you see so much fur and cashmere. And I'm just afraid what the price tags are going to be. But they are beautiful clothes. And this is -- you know, the big trend is luxury still. It's all about luxury.

VARGAS: Absolutely. I've been seeing that a lot. And what would you say is the accessory or the piece of clothes that we will definitely see on women or that women must have this fall?

BETTS: Well, you know, it's still all about handbags. And the big bag, the bigger the better. That's what we've been seeing in exotic things like python skin or croc, still very popular. So you know, big, slouchy messenger bags, hiking boots, heavier boots. It's going to be an interesting season.

VARGAS: It certainly is. And you know, speaking of Michael Kors, he pretty much told me the same thing. It is about the bag. And even for men, Daryn. Men will be having lots of bags. So make sure that your man and all the other people's men have these bags. We'll see what they put in them, but...

KAGAN: The old man purse?

VARGAS: Man purse, yes.

KAGAN: Yes. I don't know about that.

VARGAS: They're more like suitcases, actually. Little bit bigger for the men.

KAGAN: All right. Because I don't know how good the man purse would go over. But all right. Thank you, Sibila.

Let's go ahead and check in on the time around the world. It is 10:53 in New York City, where they're having fashion week. It's 7:53 in Half Moon Bay, California. Stay with us. We'll be right back with a quick check of your morning forecast.

Plus, they call it the Super Bowl of surfing. Highlights from a big wave competition off the central California coast.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, there are a couple wipeouts there as two dozen daredevils brave chilly 40-foot waves -- 40-foot waves -- at Mavericks Contest. This is just off of Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, yesterday. Surfers say wipeouts along Half Moon's rocky coast make this a risky ride. Thousands of spectators showed up to watch. A South African surfer score perfect 10s and walked away with $30,000. Sorry, but they're going to have to pay me more than $30,000 to go in those big waves.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Ahead in the next hour of CNN LIVE TODAY, iPod downloads? What ever happened to tapes and CDs? What about the eight-track? Am I dating myself? Big changes in the ways we listen to our music. So what does it all mean for music fans in the future. The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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