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CNN Live Today

2006 Hurricane Season; Failed Levees; Mine Explosion; Barbaro's Battle; Congressman Probe

Aired May 22, 2006 - 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 are going to dive right into our two hours together, getting off your Monday with a big splash. This hour, a 7-year-old follows some of history's hardened criminals. He'll try to swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco.
And Capitol Hill's a buzz over a colleagues alleged misdeeds. The FBI says Congressman William Jefferson accepted $100,000 from an informant. Some of it cold cash kept, the FBI says, in his freezer.

But first, on to weather news. Whether you live on the coast or deep in the corn belt, you are feeling the effects of last year's record-setting hurricanes. Higher heating costs, homeowner's insurance, gas prices all have helped prolong the misery of last summer. What can we expect from the new hurricane season? It arrives next week. The National Hurricane Center releases its predictions in the next hour. You'll see that live here on CNN.

But let's get a preview with our severe weather expert and Meteorologist Chad Myers.

Chad, good morning.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Daryn.

We have some of the early details. One thing that Max Mayfield says is, you know what, no matter what the numbers are, whether it's one, five, 10 or 20, one hurricane hitting where you live is enough to make it bad season. And isn't that the case. If Katrina or Rita would not have really hit those areas, would have turned left or turned right and hit somewhere else, well, we wouldn't even be having a New Orleans story at all. So one storm headed your way.

What I want you to listen for -- this is going to happen at 11:00. I want you to listen about the water temperature. I want you to listen for wind shear, La Nina, El Nino, where are we? Are we neutral or one way or the other? All of those will factor in to the forecast that's going to be coming out in one hour with the 2006 hurricane season will look like here for us here in North America.

KAGAN: OK. How about, even more importantly, you listen and then you interpret for us after we hear what they have to say down in south Florida.

MYERS: I will do that.

KAGAN: Thank you, Chad. MYERS: You're welcome.

KAGAN: Well, it is just ahead of hurricane season. And a troubling new study on the levees that surround New Orleans. Experts looked at what happened during Katrina. Their conclusion, most of the flooding did not have to happen. More on that now from Sean Callebs who is in New Orleans this morning.

Sean, good morning.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, how about that? I mean we're focused on what's going to happen in the coming months with the hurricane season and New Orleans still has such a long way to go to put its city back together after Katrina last year. Well, this new study coming out by the National Science Foundation is punishing. It has got the potential to really upset people in this area.

Basically the core of the findings, about 80 to 90 percent of the flooding that devastated this city, claimed billions of dollars in damage and claimed hundreds of lives didn't have to happen. There were warning signs out there. It was ignored. It was preventable. It was predictable. The report goes on and on.

So what happened? Well, we are at really one of the problem areas. This is a 17th Street Canal. The water flowing from Lake Pontchartrain down this canal. It didn't overtop the flood walls, it scoured the bottom, eroded the bottom, then the flood wall caved in, water poured in, soaking the city. That shouldn't have happened. It was preventable. That perhaps the big headline coming out of this study.

Daryn.

KAGAN: Preventable how, by better upkeep or better construction?

CALLEBS: It was a pour design. Firstly, the flood walls only went in the ground about 17 « feet. It may sound deep to us. Well, the pilings they're putting in now behind us go down 60 feet. That would have stopped that core erosion from happening.

Secondly, these flood gates going in. I mean it just makes simple sense that all the lake water, when a counter clockwise spin comes in, it push the lake water from the north, down the canals into the city and over-burden the canal system. Well, these flood gates will stop that water. So why weren't the flood gates there years before?

Well the answer isn't the Corps of Engineers. The study says petty bickering and squabbling between the various governments here. Between the levee board, the people who oversee the canals, this parish, that parish. Preventable.

And what about down south? We all know what happened to St. Bernard Parish. Twenty-seven thousand homes and businesses wiped out. The ninth ward where so many people died. That didn't happen because of flood walls. What happened, the Corps built the earthen levees out of sand, out of porous sand, that just eroded very easy. Not clay, which is much more resilient.

KAGAN: Hopefully some lessons learned as they move forward. Sean Callebs live there from New Orleans, thank you.

ANNOUNCER: Keep watching CNN, your hurricane headquarters.

KAGAN: Family members are outraged today. They want answers. Five miners lost their lives in Kentucky this weekend. Relatives claim most would have lived if they'd been better equipped for disaster. This latest blast happened in eastern Kentucky. It's intensifying concerns about mine safety. CNN Sumi Das is on the seen from Holmes Mill, Kentucky.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUMI DAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The lone survivor of the Darby Mine explosion says, despite the fact that he's a third generation miner and he's worked in the mines for 16 years, that he will never set foot in the mines ever again. That according to his sister-in-law, Connie Ledford.

Paul Ledford was the only man out of six to survive this explosion which occurred early Saturday morning. He says that this is a terribly rough time for him. The mining community is very tight knit. He was very close to all of his co-workers. And he can't wait to sort of put it past him. He's going to make efforts to attend all of the funeral services for his co-workers who died as a result of the accident on Saturday.

We are also hearing more details about what happened after the explosion. According to his sister, Paul says that his oxygen lasted only about five minutes. He passed out after the explosion for about 2 « hours. And when he regained consciousness, he was so weak that he couldn't bring himself to his knee, so he crawled to find fresh air. And he says that's when rescuers came across him and found him. Although he says that he credits the good Lord with being the only reason why he is alive.

The investigation into what happened at Darby mine is expected to begin today. State and federal investigators should enter the mine today once it is determined safe. There's been some concerns that there are pockets of methane inside the mine.

The bodies of the miners who were killed in the accident were released by the state medical examiner's office late Sunday. They will be sent to funeral homes so that families can begin making preparations for services.

Sumi Das, CNN, Holmes Mill, Kentucky.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: It was a tragic scene at a Louisiana church. Police say a man went on a rampage in Baton Rouge killing four of his in-laws, then abducting his wife and three children. In addition to the dead, his mother-in-law, the church pastor, was wounded. Police say Anthony Bell later killed his wife but his children weren't hurt. Bell faces a list of charges, murder, attempted murder, and kidnaping.

The big apple versus a big storm.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The most dangerous thing in New York is the New Yorker. And the New Yorker thinks they've been tested by everything.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: On the verge of a new hurricane season, a warning from the experts when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

And it could be a first. Under the cover of darkness, federal agents search a congressman's office. Even more surprising, what they say they found at home in his freezer. That's coming up.

And politics can mean power, prestige and pain, but then there's this.

Oh! You know that one hurt. School yard tactics on the campaign trail. That's just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, a young man with the big dream. That is seven- year-old Braxton Bilbrey. He is getting ready to attempt a swim from Alcatraz Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, over a mile to get to San Francisco. He will be accompanied by his coach and two other strong adult swimmers. He got the idea when he saw a nine-year- old boy from the Bay area complete the swim last October. That water is only in the 50s. Can he do it? We'll be watching.

And that leg so painful to watch. An injured leg. America is watching and hoping. The horse, of course, is Barbaro. He won the Kentucky Derby this month and was favored to win Saturday's Preakness. That didn't happen. What did happen usually spells doom for such a horse. But vet breakthrough could be working in Barbaro's favor. CNN's Carol Costello reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Barbaro. Barbaro. I believe he's been pulled up.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): Just seconds into Saturday's Preakness, disaster strikes. Barbaro's triple crown dream suddenly over.

DR. DEAN RICHARDSON, VETERINARY SURGEON: This is a very, very serious injury. It's about as bad as can be.

COSTELLO: The Kentucky Derby winner broke three bone in his right hind leg. One of the bones shattered in more than 20 pieces. Any one of the fractures alone doctors consider catastrophic. RICHARDSON: And most horses that suffer this severe an injury typically are put down at the racetrack.

COSTELLO: The grizzly sight stunned the crowd of more than 118,000 at the Pimlico racetrack in Baltimore. Barbaro was taken to the University of Pennsylvania's Veterinary Hospital for surgery to repair his leg and save his life. The team of doctors spent more than five hours operating on Barbaro.

RICHARDSON: At this very moment is extremely comfortable on the leg. He practically jogged back to his stall. He pulled us back to his stalls.

MICHAEL MATZ, BARBARO'S TRAINER: From the last time I saw him until I see him now, it was a big relief to see they did an excellent job and I can't praise Dean and his team, his staff, for what they've done. I mean it's just amazing to see him walk like that and the first thing he went in and he started eating hay. So they did a terrific job.

COSTELLO: But despite the good news, doctors say Barbaro's recovery is still uncertain.

RICHARDSON: This is just the absolute first step in any type of case like this. I mean, getting the horse up is a big step. But it is not the last step by any means.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: $90,000 cold hard cash allegedly stuffed in a congressman's freezer. FBI agents found the stash when they raided the Washington home of Representative William Jefferson last year. That's according to a newly-released court document. Over the weekend, federal agents searched his capitol office. The Louisiana Democrat is linked to a year-long bribery probe.

Our congressional correspondent Dana Bash joins me now from Capitol Hill.

Dana, this sounds like something out of a movie. You've got cash in a freezer, you've got a congressman and allegations of corrupt African officials.

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No one would believe it if this were written into a movie, you're absolutely right, Daryn. And, you know, the Democratic congressman, William Jefferson, has actually been under federal investigation for this corruption probe for about 14 months. But it is because court documents were released yesterday that we know these new details about the allegations.

First of all, that the FBI actually videotaped the congressman getting a briefcase with about $100,000 in cash given to him by a businesswoman who turns out was an FBI informant. Then, last August, the FBI raided his house and found $90,000 of that actually stuffed into his freezer. As you said, separated into $10,000 increments, put in frozen food containers, aluminum foil, things like that. Now the reason why we know about this is because this came to light as part of a search warrant. You see pictures there of the FBI going into his Capitol office over the weekend, looking for phone records, faxes, things like this. That is, we believe, the first time ever a sitting congressman has been searched by the FBI, really we believe in history.

Now the congressman has not been charged with anything. His lawyer calls the search outrageous. And he released a statement saying the following. "No legitimate investigative purpose is served by the public disclosure of the affidavit. This disclosure by the prosecutors is part of a public relations agenda and an obvious attempt to embarrass Congressman Jefferson."

Now, the congressman, Daryn, does maintain his innocence and his attorney says that he will come forward with any details and more of a full statement if he actually is charged with anything.

Daryn.

KAGAN: So there have been no charges filed no so far?

BASH: No charges filed against the congressman. But it is important to note that two businessmen, one of whom actually was a former aide of Congressman Jefferson, have pleaded guilty of charges. One actually saying that he tried to bribe the congressman. Another just saying that he tried to aide and abet the bribing of a public official.

We do know that those two businessmen are actually cooperating with federal investigators. So unclear if this search over the weekend here on Capitol Hill of Congressman Jefferson's office was an attempt to get some corroborating information based on information they got from these two people who have pleaded guilty or perhaps some believe perhaps even to try to convince or pressure the congressman to plead guilty. But in every statement that he has made, even as late as last weekend, his attorney as well, it doesn't seem that he is very interested in any kind of plea agreement at this time.

Daryn.

KAGAN: Isn't this the same congressman we heard about after Katrina? There were allegations that he improperly used the National Guard to get to his home?

BASH: Unclear if that -- you might be right. I'm not sure about that. But one thing I can tell you that came out of this very lengthy affidavit, Daryn, yesterday, is that not only is their focus on this particular charge, which is essential that he allegedly accepted bribes in order to help a small Internet company or a technology company, I should say, try to get federal contracts and also get international business, but this affidavit also said that there are seven other cases which he, "sought things of value in return for his performance of official acts." So this might just be the tip of the iceberg. Again, right now, allegations but lengthy details of the evidence that they're stacking up against him. And again, no charges quite yet.

KAGAN: No charges. All right. Dana, thank you. Dana Bash on Capitol Hill.

Well, on to politics outside of America. Doesn't look like this here. Watch these two candidates.

Yeah, the oohs say it. The slapper says the slap wasn't personal. It was personal, not political. He says the slapee (ph) accused him of womanizing. Wait, these guys aren't done. Whoo. The (INAUDIBLE) came at a debate between party leaders in the Czech Republic. The men refused to shake hands at the end of the program.

Well, Gerri Willis and I are getting along much better than that. There will be no slapping.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No.

KAGAN: No.

WILLIS: Not at all.

Good to see you, Daryn.

You know, a lot of people out there, hurricane season is approaching, they may not know that their home insurance policy could be canceled. You need to find out. We'll tell you what you need to know. That's up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's check out the latest numbers on Wall Street. Things not starting in the right direction on this Monday morning. Markets have been open about 51 minutes. The Dow is down 45 points and continues to drop. The Nasdaq also in negative territory. It is down 22 points.

It's not even two pennies, but drivers will take what they can get. For the first time in three months, the average price of gas has dropped. The Lundberg Survey found the average is now $2.93 a gallon. That's about a penny and a half from two weeks ago. The bad news, and you knew this one was coming, gas is up about 70 cent a gallon since February.

Hurricane season rolls in next week and insurance companies are running for cover. They've been canceling policies in coastal areas, from Texas to New York. So what do you do if you're left high and dry? Our Personal Finance Editor Gerri Willis is here with some tips.

Hey, Ger.

WILLIS: Hey, Daryn, good to se you.

You can always, tip number one, complain. You may have a right to a hearing. Don't wait to call your state insurance department if you've been canceled. To find the number, go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their website, naic.org. And, of course, if you think you've been treated unfairly, lodge a complaint. You know, an increase in the complaints, Daryn, can trigger an examination of the insurer.

KAGAN: Also it's important not to panic.

WILLIS: Yes. You know, the insurance industry is really ripe with competition across the country in most places. You should be able to find another insurer. So check out your option in insure.com or naic.org to see what else is available. And you may be able to use your leverage to bargain for discounts, there's so much competition. If you don't want to do the legwork yourself, check out an independent insurance agent who can present the options to you and get the information together for you, iiaa.org.

KAGAN: So what are some of those potential discounts?

WILLIS: Well, you know, I want to talk about one of these discounts you may already have. And if you've been canceled, it could now be threatened. If you lose coverage, you could lose a discount on a two-fer, homeowner's insurance and auto insurance wrapped together. Once that homeowner's insurance is canceled, you could lose your discount on your auto insurance as well.

KAGAN: What are these things called fair plans?

WILLIS: Well, you may not think they're fair after you hear about them. These state pooled insurance plans, run by local governments, by the state governments. They're more expensive and their coverage is far less generous. But I have to tell you, Daryn, if it's your only option, you should definitely use it. It's better than going without insurance but it is a last resort.

KAGAN: And to remember that as an insurance customer you do have some customer rights.

WILLIS: That's right. You should know an open claim cannot be canceled if you are already working to repair a damage and you have open claims, your insurance company cannot cancel your policy. Now in Florida, your insurance company must wait 90 days until after repairs are completed to give you a notice of non-renewal.

And, Daryn, as always, we want to hear from the viewers. If there's some topic you're interested in having us explore and put together a five tips script on, send us an e-mail, 5tips@cnn.com. Send us some good ideas.

KAGAN: OK. And we have been getting good response to that, have we not?

WILLIS: We have, indeed.

KAGAN: Very good. Thank you, Gerri.

WILLIS: You're welcome. KAGAN: Tipping the scales toward disaster. A new study underlines the link between obesity and breast cancer. What you need to know on CNN LIVE TODAY.

And nearly five years after 9/11, the battle against the Taliban rages. Coming up, the latest U.S. move in Afghanistan.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: He's the age when most kids are just learning to swim. But Braxton Bilbrey is trying something most people wouldn't even dream of. Right now the seven-year-old is trying to swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco. Reporter Sarah Sevier from our affiliate KPNX watched him train.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SARAH SEVIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): With every stroke, second grader Braxton Bilbrey's building strength, practicing for an athletic undertaking most adults wouldn't try.

BRAXTON BILBREY, SWIMMER: They're like, wow. They don't think I can do it. But I think I can.

SEVIER: Braxton's planning his own escape from Alcatraz, a 1.4 mile swim to shore through choppy, rough and rugged waters. Coach Joe Zemaitis says the currents could be the strongest seen in 17 years.

JOE ZEMAITIS, COACH: Even though people might think at seven it's crazy, he's way too young to swim from Alcatraz, I'd say they're right and, you know, in 10 million cases. But, you know, maybe one in 10 million kids can do it and he's the one.

SEVIER: If Braxton is successful, he'll be the youngest person in the world to do the Alcatraz swim, all while trying to raise $20,000 for a charity that's near and dear to him.

BILBREY: I'm raising money for drowning prevention. I just don't want anyone to drown.

SEVIER: In Phoenix, Sarah Sevier, 12 News up front.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And we'll be tracking his progress.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces strike back hard. Dozens of deaths are reported in U.S. air strikes on Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan. Let's bring in senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre.

Jamie, what's happening in Afghanistan that the Taliban feels like it has this window of opportunity?

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, since the weather has warmed up in the spring, U.S. commanders in Afghanistan have seen a resurgence of the Taliban, particularly in three southern provinces. This strike this morning, this attack this morning by U.S. and coalition forces, was aimed at countering that. It targeted several buildings and compounds were Taliban fighters were said to be engaging U.S. and Afghan forces.

The result, according to the U.S. military, is that 20 Taliban fighters are confirmed dread. Sixty other people are dead. It's suspected some of those are Taliban fighters, as well.

The U.S. military says it's aware of reports from the scene that some of those killed were civilians, but it notes that it was targeting buildings and compounds that were actively being used by Taliban fighters to engage U.S. and Afghan forces. And they say they're investigating to see who exactly was killed.

But they are painting this as a major counter-insurgency operation in Afghanistan, in advance, by the way, of the deployment of some 6,000 NATO troops later this summer who are going to help provide stability in the area. But what should be noted, Daryn, that the NATO troops will basically be providing security and trying to help rebuild the country while the U.S. and -- led coalition will take the lead in fighting the Taliban and going after people and hunting down so-called high value targets.

KAGAN: All right. Jamie McIntyre at the Pentagon. Jamie, thank you for that.

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