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CNN Saturday Morning News

Another Ruling Against Schindlers in Terri Schiavo Case; Seven US Soldiers Killed in Three Separate Incidents; Protests in Taipei; Update on John Couey Trial;

Aired March 26, 2005 - 07:00   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yet another ruling on the latest appeal to save Terri Schiavo. That's expected within five hours as the 41-year-old brain-damaged woman begins her ninth day disconnected from the feeding tube that keeps her alive.
From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is March 26.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris.

7:00 a.m. in the East and 4:00 a.m. in the West.

Thank you for being with us.

Let's begin with the morning's headlines.

In a circuit court motion in the Terry Schiavo case, her parents say on the day before her feeding tube was removed, their brain damaged daughter tried to say "I want to live." A lawyer for Schiavo's husband said it's absolutely inconceivable, that no such claim was made earlier.

American casualties reported this morning in two war zones.

In Iraq, a car bomb explosion in southwestern Baghdad killed two U.S. soldiers. And military officials report a U.S. Marine was killed in action yesterday in al Anbar province in western Iraq.

In Afghanistan, an explosion killed four U.S. soldiers today in the southeastern part of the country. The blast is believed to have been caused by a landmine or roadside bomb.

Tens of thousands of Taiwanese marched in the streets of Taipei today, protesting a new law passed in neighboring China. The law authorizes a military attack on Taiwan if the island moves toward formal independence.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news. NGUYEN: OK, here's what we have to look forward to within our newscast today. A lot to tell you about, including desperate pleas. Terri Schiavo's family wages what could be a final battle for her life. We will talk to her cousin live right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Also, a chilling voice from the past. But did anyone listen? We'll give you a glimpse into the dark history of John Couey.

And college athletes in the spotlight. Should they get more than just tuition and board, room and board? Well, our sports analyst, Rick Horrow, explores that question.

HARRIS: Our top story, the latest legal maneuvers in the Terry Schiavo case.

Circuit Court Judge George Greer, who ordered Schiavo's feeding tube removed eight days ago, says he'll rule by noon on the latest motion to reinsert it. Last night, a panel of the Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled again that the brain-damaged woman's feeding tube should remain disconnected. Judge Greer's ruling will follow another hearing that happened last night in his court, calling for intravenous fluids to be given to Terri Schiavo over this weekend.

After that hearing, Schiavo's father, Bob Schindler, lashed out at the judicial system.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: What you're seeing is a textbook example of judicial tyranny. They either find a way or make a way. They have a mind set to kill Terri. And I think it's disgusting and revolting what these courts have done to her.

Regarding Governor Bush, Governor Bush has the authority to stop all this. With a stroke of his pen, he could stop it. He could stop it immediately. He's put Terri through a week of hell and my family through a week of hell by not acting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Governor Jeb Bush says he has done everything he can do within Florida's constitutional limits.

Terri Schiavo's father, as you heard, is lashing out at the judicial system after a string of legal setbacks.

Our national correspondent Bob Franken is outside the hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- good morning, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony.

And the court case that's before Judge Greer this time has to do with testimony that Terri Schiavo has indicated within the very limited aspects of her verbal abilities, she has said she wants to live by grunting words out that they say clearly were in response to questions about that.

As for the federal action, the appeals court in Atlanta has once again overturned that action. You have been there. The next thing, if they do appeal, will be to go to the full appeals court and then ultimately the Supreme Court. The lawyers for the Schindler family are indicating they are going to follow every last action that they can.

And they are supported by protesters here, who have, on occasion, engaged in quiet confrontation.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): Once again, those charged with trespassing included three children, two girls and a boy this time, arrested with the adults.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did anyone make you do this or did you want to?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted to do this.

FRANKEN: When Kerry and Gaylen Keys allowed three of their kids to be taken into custody in Wednesday's televised exercise in civil disobedience, the reaction was hardly altogether positive. Critics charged they were misusing their children.

GAYLEN KEYS, MOTHER: With tens of thousands of children and young people being arrested for drugs and violence, I'm proud that my children were arrested for having love and compassion. So I don't apologize for that.

CAMERON KEYS, ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING: I was a little scared, but the policemen were very nice and everything. And they handcuffed us and took us to the juvenile hall. It was a little bit scary.

FRANKEN: Soon they were out to rejoin the dozens of other children whose parents have decided that the lessons of their fight to save Terri Schiavo's life outweigh the risks of this intense and unpredictable protest.

Matt and Mariann Bronzell (ph) brought eight of their 11 children to be here with the 100 to 200 demonstrators who have come to join the fight from around the country. The protesters bring their religious fervor from a variety of faiths.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Try to save Terri and feed her.

FRANKEN: The ages of the Bronzell children here range from teenaged to infant.

MATT BRONZELL, PROTESTER: Because my children need to see this. They need to see this. They need to see what the government's going to do so when they get a little older, they can change it before it's too late.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

FRANKEN: The critics of the use of the children say that the youngsters are being used to push their parents' agenda. On the other side, however, they say that it is appropriate because Terri Schiavo is someone's child, the Schindlers' child, and they are pushing desperately to save her life in this terrible, terrible family dispute that has become such an important fundamental argument over values in the United States -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK, Bob Franken.

Quite a scene there in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Bob, we appreciate it, as always.

Thank you.

NGUYEN: On a related note, FBI agents have arrested a North Carolina man on charges of threatening the life of Michael Schiavo, Terri Schiavo's husband. Richard Alan Meywes of Fairview is accused of sending an e-mail that claimed a multi-millionaire was willing to finance murder for hire. The e-mail allegedly claimed that $250,000 was being offered for Michael Schiavo's death and $50,000 for the death of a judge involved in the case.

Michael Schiavo claims his brain-damaged wife prefers death to continuing a vegetative state.

Now, if you've been following the Terry Schiavo case closely, and millions of you are following the case, you've probably heard every angle to take on this case more than just once. So this morning, we are not discussing the issues over and over again. Instead, we are giving you the opportunity to ask questions about the case.

We have a leading civil rights attorney with us from Cleveland. Avery Friedman is standing by to answer your legal questions about the Schiavo case. There he is. He'll also answer any other life and death issues that you may have. So e-mail us your questions at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Police in Iowa are waiting for autopsy results to determine whether a body found is that of a missing 10-year-old girl. Jetseta Marie Gage disappeared from her Cedar Rapids home Thursday night, setting off a statewide Amber Alert.

Suspect Roger Bentley, a registered sex offender, is expected to appear in court this morning on felony child stealing charges. Bentley is an acquaintance of the girl's family. He was arrested yesterday.

NGUYEN: A week ago at this time on CNN, you were first learning about the discovery of the body of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. This afternoon, a public memorial service will be held for her in Crystal River, Florida. Lunsford was abducted from her home in Homosassa, Florida last month. John Couey, a convicted sex offender, faces charges of capital murder in her death. If you've been following the story of Jessica's abduction and murder, you know this much already -- the man accused of committing the crime has a very long rap sheet. By age 46, he had been arrested 25 times in Florida, including one pivotal arrest for molesting a child. That was back in 1991. At that time, we have now learned, John Couey made a confession to police, a confession that gets to the heart of the danger posed by people capable of molesting a child.

CNN has obtained a copy of that tape. Heidi Collins reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JOHN COUEY, CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER: She was riding across and I went over there and she offered to go into the back yard to jump on the trampoline. And I said OK. So we went back there and she was jumping on there. And I asked her if she wanted to play hide-and-go- seek. And she said yes. So we did.

COLLINS (voice-over): It gets worse. Couey acknowledges to the officer that he exposed himself, that the girl then sat on his lap, voluntarily, he claims, and then he put the girl's hand on him. There's more. We'll spare you the details.

COUEY: Then her mother come out and yelled for her and I took off.

I feel that prison ain't going to help. Well, I done got out in three years. I got a 10 year sentence. And it doesn't really help. I feel that I need help for myself. And that's why I'm confessing, you know, to my crime that I committed tonight, because I want help for myself so I will never have to do this again. I feel bad about it, really, I do. And I don't want to go to prison. I just want to get help for myself. That's what I need. I want help for myself.

COLLINS: Couey was given the maximum sentence for attempted molestation, five years, and was out on parole in two. He was honest enough with himself and with police at the time to admit that his effort to molest a young girl was not a one-time event.

A written report by the officer who took the taped confession says: "Couey admitted that this was not the first child he had ever touched. However, this is the first time he was caught." The officer continues: "Couey admitted to molesting his wife's daughter. However, she agreed not to report the incident if he left the house and gave her a divorce, which he did. Couey knows he has a problem, however, he has never sought medical assistance to help him control his sexual attraction for young children."

(END VIDEO TAPE)

NGUYEN: Now, we have tried unsuccessfully to locate Couey's former wife for comment. Fourteen years after John Couey's plea for help, 14 years after he was caught doing to a child what he had apparently gotten away with before, at least seven arrests later, John Couey now stands accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. If convicted, any help he may get now possibly is just too late.

HARRIS: Yes.

We are working on a number of new stories for you just ahead this Saturday morning.

NGUYEN: And if you want to know how this Hollywood romance will finally turn out, all you have to do is ask Jennifer Aniston. You've got her number, right, Tony?

HARRIS: Yes, right.

NGUYEN: That's just ahead.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The legal battle in the Terri Schiavo case is unprecedented. We've seen everyone from the local judges to the president getting involved with this case. What will be the legal legacy from this heart wrenching ordeal? The topic for "Legal Briefs," live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

MARCIANO: I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center.

Time for the "Cold and Flu Report."

Out of the CDC, less red on the map. Nine states in total reporting widespread activity. That's the red. And the darker blue regional activity, and these colors becoming a little bit more, well, mundane as we go through time. We're getting closer now to summer.

Hope you're feeling well today and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: The battle over Terri Schiavo's future encompasses medical, physical and moral aspects. But the one we are following so closely now is the legal battle.

Here with more on those twists and turns is attorney and law professor Avery Friedman.

We appreciate you being with us this morning.

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Nice to be with you, Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, so bring us up to speed.

Where is this case right now?

FRIEDMAN: Well, late last night, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit agreed with Judge James Whittemore, who is the federal district judge, in saying that there was no basis for the federal court to proceed in protecting the assertion that the Schindlers needed assistance or were entitled to relief.

So at this point, legally speaking, what the Schindlers are going to have to do is one of two things. They're going to try again to go back to all 12 federal appeals judges, which I think is a reality. They're probably going to do it. I don't think it's going to be successful. And from there, if they are not successful, again try to petition the United States Supreme Court to see if the Supreme Court will give them relief.

NGUYEN: They're also asking Governor Jeb Bush to step in, as well.

FRIEDMAN: Right.

NGUYEN: Legally, can he?

FRIEDMAN: No. And I think it's imperative, Betty, that that be clarified. Under separation of powers, even Governor Bush recognizes that he has no further power. What's being proposed by some -- and these are extreme arguments -- is that the governor, under executive authority, can disregard both the legislature and the judicial branch and just send troops in without any authority to do so -- no law, no judicial order. And that is anarchy. That can't be done. And the governor recognizes that.

NGUYEN: And quickly, what about the argument that Terri Schiavo, according to her parents, Terri Schiavo said "I want to live?" Will that hold up?

FRIEDMAN: Well, that's exactly what the state court is considering right now. But here's the legal issue in shirt sleeve English. If that evidence does not overcome the existing evidence by what's called clear and convincing evidence -- that is, that's the legal standard, or a heightened standard -- then that means that although it's a valiant effort, it's unlikely to overcome the existing evidence.

In a word, unless there's compelling evidence to overcome the present state of the record, it's not going to work.

NGUYEN: All right, Avery Friedman, stand by for us, if you will, because a lot of people have a lot of questions concerning this case.

FRIEDMAN: Sure.

NGUYEN: Avery Friedman will be back later this hour to answer your legal questions.

All you have to do is e-mail them to wam@cnn.com and we'll try to get you those answers throughout the morning.

We're going to take a quick break and be right back.

You're watching CNN SATURDAY MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: So if the headlines weren't on your radar this past week, we're here to help.

Time for a quick "Rewind" through some of the big stories of the past few days.

Monday in Red Lake, Minnesota, a 16-year-old boy opened fire at his high school, killing a teacher, a security guard and five other students. He then turned the gun on himself. The FBI says the shooter, Jeffrey Weise, also shot and killed his grandfather and the grandfather's companion before going to the school.

Wednesday, 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a massive explosion at a refinery about 40 miles southeast of Houston. Officials at the facility say there's no indication the explosion was an act of terrorism or sabotage, but there is no word on the cause as of yet.

Also on Wednesday, Ford said it is expanding a safety investigation into the cruise control on its Expeditions, F150s and Lincoln Navigators. The potential defect can cause a vehicle to catch fire when the engine is off. In all, it could affect some 3.7 million vehicles. For a complete list of the model years being looked at, go to nhtsa.gov.

And tomorrow, we'll "Fast Forward" to the week ahead and tell you which stories will grab the spotlight.

NGUYEN: Well, if you're waking up in the Southeast this morning, boy, it could be a rough day for you.

Rob Marciano has the latest look at the forecast -- Rob, what's it looking like?

MARCIANO: Hi, Betty, Tony.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: We want to get a more personal take now on the battle over Terri Schiavo. Relatives say Schiavo's life is just slipping away. But they're still trying to hold onto it.

We take you now to Pinellas Park, Florida, just outside Schiavo's hospice.

Her cousin, Christopher Blake, is joining us this morning.

Thanks for being with us.

CHRISTOPHER BLAKE, TERRI SCHIAVO'S COUSIN: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Well, have you been in to see Terri?

How is she right now? BLAKE: I have not. We're -- I'm -- my sister and I, we're barred from seeing our cousin. Michael won't let us in. He has a short list and he saw fit to have us not on it.

NGUYEN: Of those who have seen her, what are they saying about her condition at this moment?

BLAKE: She's fighting, you know? It's grave, though. The situation is not looking good and it's -- but she's, she's holding on and she will continue to hold on.

NGUYEN: How is the family holding up?

BLAKE: Oh, remarkably well, very resilient. Everybody is strong and they're going to stay that way until the end and even after that. Everybody is doing really well.

NGUYEN: Are you optimistic that the courts will side with the Schindler family?

BLAKE: Well, there's hope. We're hoping that somebody with the authority to do something will come in, step in and do something. The courts, I, you know, I don't know.

NGUYEN: Terri's parents have said that she has attempted to say "I want to live."

Do you believe that she has the ability to do that?

BLAKE: Oh, yes, definitely. Yes, Terri -- this isn't Terri's style. This isn't what Terri would want. This isn't how she would want to leave this Earth or to pass on. She wants to live and she's fighting. She's in there fighting right now and she's alive still, and that says a lot.

NGUYEN: A lot of fighting is going on, especially in the legal system. Michael Schiavo has basically said that all of this legal wrangling to keep Terri alive is an abuse of the legal system.

What is your response to that?

BLAKE: What he's doing is an abuse to life and an abuse to Terri and her family. That's my -- that's about as simple as that, really.

NGUYEN: And bottom line, what would Terri want at this moment, after all of this that has happened? What would she want at this point?

BLAKE: She would want to be with her family and be in there -- have her mother in there and have some food and some water and to be in her mother's arms.

NGUYEN: And what are you hoping for? What do you hope happens next?

BLAKE: Just that. I'm hoping that the governor will come down here and do something and solve this the way it should be.

NGUYEN: All right, Christopher Blake, Terri Schiavo's cousin.

We appreciate your time with us this morning on a difficult day.

Thank you.

BLAKE: Thank you.

Thank you.

HARRIS: And changing gears now, we're digging up the dirt this morning.

Just ahead, prisoners in Iraq try to flush their way to freedom. Flush their way to freedom?

NGUYEN: That's what it says.

HARRIS: You won't believe what guards discovered.

NGUYEN: And love is just the pits for the Pitts. Not even movie-star-good looks and mounds of money can ensure Hollywood happiness.

Stay close for more CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, you've heard the story, you know the details. Now we are giving you the chance to ask questions about the Terri Schiavo case. We have a leading civil rights attorney standing by.

And welcome back, everyone, to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

We will answer your questions in just a few minutes.

But first, we want to give you a look at the morning headlines today.

We are awaiting another court decision in the long-running legal battle over Terri Schiavo. A Florida judge plans to rule before noon Eastern on the latest appeal by Schiavo's parents to keep their daughter alive. That same judge ordered the removal of the brain- damaged woman's feeding tube more than a week ago.

Remembering Jessica -- a public memorial service is set for later this afternoon for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. The Florida girl was snatched from her bedroom about a month ago and killed. Police say the man charged in her murder, John Couey, has a long history of improper contact with children. And if you were holding out hope that Brad and Jen will get back together, well, don't hold your breath. Jennifer Aniston has formally filed for a divorce from Brad Pitt.

HARRIS: Oh?

NGUYEN: I know you're very upset about that.

HARRIS: Yes, I am.

NGUYEN: She cites irreconcilable differences. The two married in July 2000 and separated this past January.

HARRIS: Time now to check out some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: And there is a lot happening this morning.

For all those details, let's hand it over to Anand Naidoo at the CNN International desk -- good morning, Anand.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, a very good morning to you.

We have news from two war fronts this morning, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Seven U.S. forces are killed in three separate incidents. Two American soldiers were killed in a suicide car bomb explosion in southwestern Baghdad this morning. Two others were wounded. Officials say that task force soldiers were on patrol when the bomb went off.

Earlier, a Marine was killed in Iraq's al Anbar province while conducting security and stability operations. These latest deaths push the U.S. death toll in Iraq to 1,527 since the start of the war.

Now to the other battlefront, Afghanistan. And there have been heavy casualties over there, as well. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in an explosion in the southeastern part of the country. Not many details known at this stage, but the blast is believed to have been caused by a landmine or a roadside bomb.

Returning to Iraq for a moment, and U.S. forces there foil a massive escape attempt at one of the country's -- or, rather, one of the coalition's main prison camps. They discovered a 600-foot escape tunnel at Camp Bucca in southeastern Iraq. The prison houses 5,600 detainees. The tunnel was discovered after a tip-off. Guards were also alerted after sand and dirt jammed the prison's toilet filters. Apparently that's how the prisoners were able to get rid of the sand.

Now, as far as we know, no one had escaped, although that tunnel had been completed.

Later, a look at some major demonstrations taking place right now in Taiwan. That's later. But now back to Betty and Tony.

NGUYEN: Very busy.

Thank you, Anand.

HARRIS: Thanks.

Now to "Security Watch," updating you on the week's major developments in the war on terror every Saturday morning here on CNN.

A man who was heading from Salt Lake City to Peru is in federal custody, accused of having several banned items in his carry-on luggage, including two box cutters. He was taken into custody at the Salt Lake City airport on Thursday. Authorities say there's no evidence to suggest any links to terrorism.

A private study of U.S. border security says hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants are still making it into the U.S. every year. The analysis shows there are an estimated 10.3 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. That's up 23 percent from the year 2000. A university survey of health officials in 26 states finds most rural areas would not be able to handle a bioterror attack or the surge of people flooding in from urban areas. The study comes as the government is deciding how to divvy up federal money based on the level of threats certain areas may face.

And finally, can D.C. ban dangerous cargo on railroads that run near the U.S. Capitol? That's the question before a federal judge. At a hearing Wednesday, city attorneys said an attack on trains carrying certain deadly chemicals could wipe out 100,000 people in 30 minutes.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

And we've been asking you this morning to send us your questions about the Terri Schiavo case.

Our legal expert, Avery Friedman, is standing by. He'll answer some of them next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Right now, we want to say good morning, Boston.

Look at this as the sun comes up. A very pretty picture up north. But, down south this weekend, we are expecting severe weather. We'll have all of that for you and the forecast a little bit later this hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: So what will be the legacy of the Terri Schiavo case? A litany of judges ruled on the issue. The president and Congress also stepped in. The legal battle is unprecedented. Terri Schiavo's courtroom legacy, live, next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern in "Legal Briefs." (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right, we've been taking your questions this morning about the Terry Schiavo case. So let's get some answers for you right now.

HARRIS: You know, I'm actually reading some of these e-mails...

NGUYEN: Some of the questions?

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: It's good, too.

HARRIS: Yes, I'm reading some of the questions, because they're good.

Joining us now from Cleveland is civil rights attorney Avery Friedman.

He has been called a walking reference source on civil rights law.

Avery, good morning to you.

FRIEDMAN: Good morning, Tony.

Good morning, Betty.

NGUYEN: Good morning.

Well, we're...

HARRIS: You want to start?

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: OK.

NGUYEN: With a title like that, we've got to put you to the test, so...

FREIDMAN: Hey, I'm ready to go.

Let's go.

NGUYEN: OK.

HARRIS: All right.

NGUYEN: Peter from Canada writes: "What are the implications and probable outcome of the State of Florida taking protective custody of Terri? Is it likely and how would that play out in the days and weeks afterward?"

FREIDMAN: Well, I think realistically, that's actually what's going on right now. Judge Greer is considering this new evidence introduced by the Schindler family. I think the reality is we're going to see a decision probably around the noon hour today. And I don't think that the Schindlers are going to be successful.

Now, the long-range implications will be that it will have to go back to Tallahassee. It's time for the Florida legislature to really define the specifics of what a guardian can and can't do. And that's one of the big holes in this case. And I think both the Congress and the general assembly there in Florida really have to deal with these issues very specifically. They have not up to this point.

HARRIS: OK, Avery, here's one from Joanna: "Is it possible that whoever removed the feeding tube could be held responsible for her death should she die?

FREIDMAN: Well, that's a terrific question.

HARRIS: I hadn't thought of that.

FREIDMAN: The court, the courts, both the Florida courts and the federal courts, essentially have permitted the removal of the tube. And because it was done under color of law, Tony, the reality is that there will be no liability for the individual who did something which, in effect, was a lawful order. So there will be no liability focused on that individual who did that.

HARRIS: OK, a quick follow-up to that. Should she die, could Michael Schiavo face a wrongful death suit?

FREIDMAN: Absolutely not because both the state courts and the federal courts have approved his role and therefore there will be absolutely no liability. A lot of thought about that.

HARRIS: Right.

FREIDMAN: But there will be no liability.

HARRIS: OK, Avery.

NGUYEN: All right, Alex in Virginia wants to know: "How does the right to life, liberty and happiness affect this case?"

FREIDMAN: Well, it affects it profoundly and that's a wonderful question because when we all as Americans think about the United States Constitution, we think about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And you know what? The federal court, both at the trial level and the appeals level, addressed that issue. And they said you know what? Under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, everyone is entitled to due process. It doesn't mean that there's a right to life specifically. It matters that the process in getting there is honored. And that's what the courts have held.

There was a process in the Florida courts and the federal courts have said we honor that under the due process laws.

HARRIS: Got you. OK, and this from Valerie: "Terri's husband has gone on with his life and has a family with another woman. Shouldn't he lose his legal guardian status?"

Avery?

FREIDMAN: And that's exactly the question, Tony, that the Schindlers have raised, is he capable of meeting his responsibilities? Well, understand that during this period of time when he served as guardian, and he still does, the court had an opportunity to review him, if he has failed to meet his obligations. Not what he's doing in his personal life, but he's failed to meet his obligations, a court can remove him. In this case, the evidence supported his continued relationship with Terri as the guardian.

NGUYEN: All right.

HARRIS: Beautiful.

NGUYEN: Avery Friedman, we thank you for answering all of those questions for us this morning.

Thanks so much.

FREIDMAN: Nice to be with you.

NGUYEN: Up next, all work and no pay.

HARRIS: College sports is a $3-billion-a-year-monster, a megilla.

NGUYEN: A megilla?

HARRIS: Coaches salaries...

NGUYEN: That's a new one.

HARRIS: ... and athletic department budgets, but putting little in the players' pockets. So is it time to show them the love, show them the money? We'll talk about that when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

But first, a CNN extra.

If you are looking for a wedding gift, chances are your couple is registered at Target for the first...

NGUYEN: Target. Target, Tony.

HARRIS: Target? OK.

For the first time, the chain tops all other retailers for bridal registries. Coming in second, specialty stores like Crate and Barrel and Bed, Bath & Beyond. A recent survey shows the average couple registers at two-and-a-half stores and the average wedding guest spends about $126 for a gift. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Yet another ruling in the Terri Schiavo case is expected by noon Eastern today. The same Florida judge who ordered her feeding tube removed more than a week ago will rule on an appeal by Schiavo's parents asking that it be reinserted.

A North Carolina man has been arrested in a scheme to kill Schiavo's husband Michael. Richard Alan Meywes was charged in Tampa with murder for hire. The FBI says he sent e-mails that offered a $250,000 bounty for Schiavo's death.

Police in Iowa, they are waiting for autopsy results to determine whether a body found is that of a missing 10-year-old girl. An Amber Alert was issued Thursday after Jetseta Marie Gage disappeared from her Cedar Rapids home. A suspect is in custody.

Also today, Mother Nature is taking orders. See if you'll get sun, snow or even a little rain on your plate this weekend. Rob Marciano has your full forecast, coming up in about 10 minutes.

HARRIS: You know, if you haven't filled out one of those March Madness basketball tournament brackets, chances are you know someone who did. In fact, one survey says businesses will lose almost $900 million in productivity this month because of workers tuning into the games on company time. Americans' obsession with March madness is the topic this morning as we take you "Beyond the Game."

With us this morning is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line," CNN business sports analyst Rick Horrow.

As usual, he joins us from West Palm Beach, Florida.

And, Rick, you know, we're going to have some fun with the Final Four picks this morning.

But first of all, I've got to ask you this question.

With all the money that is being paid into the collegiate system here at March Madness time, is it time for the players to get a little bit of that money?

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Yes, well, Tony, you know, your word megilla, though maybe inartful, is probably descriptive of the deal.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: It is a $3 billion business and CBS contributed $6 billion over 11 years from their TV contract. The ratings, by the way, are pretty good this month, so they are happy about that. But corporate America, $300 million for the business. Stadiums and arenas, 60 of them, to help fuel the business. And the merchandise, that stuff you put on your head, it's a $5 billion business. And the purists say the athletes get the scholarships and the education for that value. The realists say the value they put in, they don't get nearly enough out.

HARRIS: Right.

Hey, I've got to read this quote to you from the president of the NCAA, Miles Brand, and sort through this thing for us. "We must arrest the slide toward professional athletics and the sports entertainment industry. And while the problem is not of crisis proportions right now, the time to address this problem is now."

What is he talking about here?

HORROW: A lot of big words. You read it well. And it's very clear that he sees a bright line. If you register with an agent and you're an athlete, you're gone. Michael Williams, USC. If you take money from another sport professionally, you're gone. Jeremy Bloom, wide reciever, Colorado, Olympic mogul skier -- takes money, couldn't play football anymore.

But there is a crack in the armor. Student Athlete Opportunity Fund, the NCAA provides some money from the TV deal for athletes under extenuating circumstances. California, Nebraska, four other states are funding or at least passing, trying to pass legislation to get athletes paid directly.

So the issue is no longer whether athletes should get some money. The issue is really where do you draw the line.

HARRIS: Where do you draw the line?

HORROW: And, by the way, the debate is not over.

HARRIS: OK.

Let's get to the Final Four picks.

You want to go first or do you want me to go first?

HORROW: No, I want you to go first.

HARRIS: All right. Here we go. Throw it up there on the screen here. My Final Four picks. Throw it up. Throw it up. Carolina -- and the reason I'm picking Carolina, you know, obviously a great program, but my son, if I picked anyone other than Carolina, he'd have my head. So Carolina, Arizona, Louisville and Michigan State that pulled off, I guess, the minor upset of Duke.

HORROW: Yes, a minor upset of Duke.

Here are mine and...

HARRIS: The real picks, right?

HORROW: Yes, the real picks. I agree with you, except for, you know, Illinois is going to beat Arizona and get there.

HARRIS: Do you think so?

HORROW: Yes, but Arizona played, you know, really well against Oklahoma State. Illinois played well in a strong game a couple of days ago. That's going to be a good game. So when we get to St. Louis next week and we do our thing, we're going to find out who the champion is and then we'll settle, by the way, Tuesday after on the golf course.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: This is the first formal invitation before the Master's. So we'll segue into that, pal.

And by the way, your last set of picks.

HARRIS: Yes?

HORROW: Remember, when you said the Falcons were going to the Super Bowl? I'm not sure what year that is, so we'll have to take this with a grain of salt.

HARRIS: All right, Rick.

So you're in Louisville next week for the Final Four?

HORROW: I'm in St. Louis next week for the Final Four.

HARRIS: OK, stay with us.

HORROW: And we're going to do it live in St. Louis and we're going to cover some things like gambling and the business of the Final Four. And we'll have a good time doing it.

HARRIS: OK.

See you then, in St. Louis.

HORROW: All right.

Yes, sir.

HARRIS: All right, thanks, Rick.

NGUYEN: Oh, they love to go at it.

All right, we're going to move right along, because this morning's "Dot-Com Desk" is a trip down memory lane, literally, by discovering how memories are made. Scientists hope to find out ways to treat memory loss.

And for more on all of this, let's check in now with CNN's Veronica Delacruz with the "Dot-Com Desk" -- hi. Good morning.

VERONICA DELACRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello.

Good morning.

Let me ask you a couple of questions.

NGUYEN: Oh, gosh, you know, I have been up...

DE LA CRUZ: I know.

NGUYEN: ... since 1:00 this morning and you're going to test me.

Go ahead.

DE LA CRUZ: OK. First of all, do you think you can remember the capitals of all 50 states?

NGUYEN: Sure. Just don't ask me any of them.

DE LA CRUZ: OK, I won't.

Well, how about this one, because this is a good one. Do you remember the name of your second grade teacher?

NGUYEN: No.

DE LA CRUZ: Because I didn't either.

NGUYEN: And I'm sorry, whoever you are out there. I'm sorry. I'm sure you're a great teacher, but I just can't remember it.

DE LA CRUZ: Exactly. Well, Betty, whether you remember or not, you can thank or blame your memory.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

DE LA CRUZ (voice-over): Details, impressions and opinions constantly bombard our brains, giving us fodder for memories. But how are memories made and later recalled?

Well, when you have an experience, it's stored throughout the cerebral cortex. At cnn.com, this interactive guide explains specific brain structures and their role in this complex process.

But even as scientists make strides in understanding memory, millions of Americans struggle with memory loss. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation, as many as 16 million could suffer from the mind eroding disease by 2050, up from 4.5 million today. And even though it's difficult to predict Alzheimer's, some say you can do your best to prevent it.

To keep your noggin nimble as you age, a few steps suggested by the Mayo Clinic. First of all, exercise your mind with brain teasers. Start by reading a book or learning a new language. Also, mind and body work together, so it's important to stay physically active.

In addition to the resources available at cnn.com, Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosts a prime time special on memory. That's at 10:00 Eastern this Sunday night on CNN.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

DE LA CRUZ: And you can learn much more about memory on this morning's HOUSE CALL with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, coming up at 8:30 a.m. right here on CNN.

Also, be sure to check out our special report on memory. That's at cnn.com/health.

And, Betty, hopefully, you'll remember.

NGUYEN: I know. I'm starting to worry now that I can't remember her name, although I remember my fifth grade teacher's names, Mrs. Rogers.

DE LA CRUZ: And Mrs. Whetsone (ph)...

NGUYEN: But do I get any points for that?

DE LA CRUZ: You do.

NGUYEN: I do? OK. Well, that's good to know. I'm still working on those extra credit points, then, for the second grade teacher.

Thanks, Veronica.

DE LA CRUZ: Of course.

NGUYEN: All right, high risk of tornadoes in the Deep South this weekend. You'll want to know much more about this and Rob Marciano has those details.

That's coming up a little bit later in the show.

We are going to take a quick break, though.

We'll be right back with more CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And Rob Marciano is watching some potentially dangerous weather for us from the CNN Weather Center -- good morning, Rob.

NGUYEN: Are you OK, Rob? What's going on back there?

HARRIS: Rob?

MARCIANO: You have no idea what I'm going through today.

NGUYEN: We heard you fall or something like that. MARCIANO: I've got -- well, you know, I'll tell you what, eventually it's going to be amazing what we're going to have up here.

NGUYEN: OK.

MARCIANO: I mean, it's going to be like Captain Kirk, "Star Trek." There's going to be a command module. But right now it's just like wires and all this other stuff.

NGUYEN: And you're tripping all over the place.

MARCIANO: And nothing's working.

NGUYEN: All right.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: This morning, we're doing something a little different with our email question: instead of us giving you a question, we want you to send us your questions, especially dealing with life and death cases, as we watch the Terri Schiavo case play out.

HARRIS: And we're going to put those questions to another one of our fabulous legal minds here at CNN, Kendall Coffey in the 9:00 hour, but for now, the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins, right now.

From the CNN Center this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING, it is March 26th, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. on the West Coast.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. We want to thank you for being with us today.

It has been nine days since Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed and her parents say her life is fading. But they also claim their brain-damaged daughter tried to say the words, I want to live. Their latest appeal to keep her alive is before a federal -- a Florida state judge, I should say, and he plans to rule by noon Eastern. So you want to stay tuned for that.

In southwestern Baghdad, a deadly car bombing this morning. That blast killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded two others. The soldiers were on patrol when the bomb went off. Yesterday, a U.S. Marine was killed in the insurgent-heavy western province of al Anbar. The military isn't giving any details on that.

In Iowa, authorities are trying to determine if a body found yesterday is that of 10-year-old Jetseta Gage. The body was discovered in a rural mobile home. Jetseta vanished from her Cedar Rapids home Thursday night. A registered sex offender is behind bars in connection with her disappearance. He is scheduled to appear in court this morning.

And we are getting new word this morning on Monaco's ailing monarch. Prince Rainier's palace says his condition is growing worse, along with his chances for survival. The 81-year-old prince is suffering from a chest infection along with heart and kidney failure.

HARRIS: We lead our coverage this morning with the latest developments in the battle over Terri Schiavo. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has once again denied an appeal by Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. They've been pressing the court to order the reinsertion of their brain-damaged daughter's feeding tube. This is the third time this federal court panel has rejected the Schindler's appeals. Meantime, the parents have made a similar plea to Florida state Judge George Greer, who plans to rule by noon eastern. Greer's the same judge, you'll remember, that ordered Schiavo's feeding tube removed earlier this month.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken is following all of the developments in the Schiavo case as it winds its way through the courts, and he joins us live now from Pinellas Park, Florida, with the latest.

Good morning to you, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

What happens, of course, is as it goes through the court system it ultimately runs into a stonewall and so the family will back off and try and find some other route. That's what is going on now. The routes become more and more unexplorable as we're finding out in this latest case which is a very unusual filing. Went back to the same judge who ordered the tubes removed, and saying that the daughter who, of course, has a diagnosis of severe brain damage, in fact, tried to verbally indicate that she wanted to live. The judge said, as you pointed out, that there's going to be a ruling by noon.

Meanwhile, the federal court of appeals has said no again to the latest effort by the Schindlers to go through the federal system. The lawyers say they are going to appeal; if they can do the same thing they did last time and go to the entire court before they go to the Supreme Court remains to be seen. Of course, time is running out, and the parents, the father of Terri Schiavo, came out to speak to cameras and expressed quite clearly his frustration and his desperation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: What you are seeing is a textbook example of judicial tyranny. They either find a way or make a way. They have a mindset to kill Terri, and I think it's disgusting and revolting, what these courts have done to her. Regarding Governor Bush, Governor Bush has the authority to stop all this. He's -- with the stroke of his pen, he could stop it. He can stop it immediately. He's put Terri through a week of hell, and my family through a week of hell, by not acting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And outside the hospice, witnessing this, including, of course, all the media, a group of about -- grows to 100 or 200 before the day is through, people who have come down to have a vigil. Most of them are supporting the return of life support. There are a couple who do not, but the overwhelming number are supporting the Schindler family. Inside the hospice Terri Schiavo, by all accounts, is beginning to have her physical condition deteriorating. The experts say that it's just matter days now unless that tube is connected. Betty?

NGUYEN: Bob, we're looking at the people there standing in vigil as we watch all of this play out. What's the mood like? Are they optimistic?

FRANKEN: No, to the contrary. They are somber, they're pessimistic. They know that the chances are extremely, extremely thin, but they are here, they say, to "bear witness," to use the terminology that they use, to pray for a miracle. For the most part, they are extremely religious and they are here in many cases to mark Holy Week. This is the day before Easter; yesterday was Good Friday. We can expect that will enter into their activities here.

NGUYEN: Also, they are there to make their point heard.

CNN's Bob Franken. Thank you for that. Tony?

HARRIS: Medical experts have played a key role in Terri Schiavo's case but neurologists who have spent hours examining the brain-damaged woman have different stories to tell depending on who is paying them. Let's listen to doctors hired by Schiavo's husband and another hired by her parents. Both have testified in court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. RONALD CRANFORD, M. SCHIAVO MEDICAL EXPERT: Her atrophy is so severe, there's no remaining viable cerebral cortex. It's all scar tissue left; it's not 75 percent left. Any neuradiologist in the country will tell you that there's extremely severe atrophy, and the judge was very impressed by that. We showed the -- Judge Greer -- what they've shown -- and he was very impressed by the fact that there's hardly any cerebral cortex left, the thinking part of the brain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. WILLIAM MAXFIELD, SCHINDLERS MEDICAL EXPERT: There are individuals that come out of a coma and out of severe brain damage after quite a number of years. The young lady, recently, that started talking after 20 years, and I believe she is in Kansas, is certainly an example.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Altogether five doctors have given their medical opinions in a hearing ordered by a Florida appeals court.

NGUYEN: Now this dramatic case, that's already had so many legal twists, has taken yet another bizarre turn. Richard Alan Meywes is in police custody in North Carolina. Officials say he sent e-mails trying to hire someone to kill Terri Schiavo's husband Michael Schiavo. Meywes allegedly offered $250,000 for the hit. Police say he also offered $50,000 for the death of a judge who refused to intervene in the case.

Well, millions of you are following the Terri Schiavo case, so you've probably heard just about every angle there is. Well, this morning, we are giving you the opportunity to ask your legal questions about the case. All have you to do is e-mail us at wam@CNN.com.

HARRIS: Legal options for Terri Schiavo's parents may be dwindling as we await a federal court in Florida's ruling in the Schiavo case. We'll ask our legal experts about the remaining options.

And, good morning, Boston. March is going out like a lion for some parts of the nation. Your forecast with Rob Marciano is straight ahead.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN "TIP OF THE DAY": Maintain the condition of your home by keeping moisture out. It's the number one source of damage to homes, causing problems like cracked paint and mold. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent by using ventilators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Check for leaks in the basement on a regular basis, especially after rain storms. Use exhaust fans or open the windows when cooking or washing dishes. Fix leaky faucets and pipes as soon as you find them. Clean and dry out wet or damp areas within 48 hours, and always keep your home well-ventilated.

I'm Gerri Willis, and that's your "Tip of the Day." For more, watch "OPEN HOUSE" Saturday mornings at 9:30 Eastern, on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: It's unique to the American Indian, the beat of tribal drums to help with the healing process, coping with the tragic school shooting in Minnesota, next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right.

HARRIS: Rolling Stones, first thing in the morning.

It gets you going.

NGUYEN: Yes, it does.

HARRIS: Good morning, Boston. Great looking shot there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Our top stories now.

A Florida circuit court is expected to rule by noon Eastern Time on the latest appeal to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Meantime, her parents are expected to file a fourth appeal today to the 11th Circuit federal court in Atlanta.

Other news to tell you about as well. Two U.S. soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in a car bombing in Baghdad. A U.S. Marine was killed in action Friday in western Iraq's al Anbar province.

And, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, today, an autopsy may determine if the body of a young girl is that of a missing 10-year-old. Jetseta Gage disappeared Thursday night; police are questioning a registered sex offender in that case.

HARRIS: For the family of Terri Schiavo comfort has come from many sources. One, a Franciscan order of monks from Minnesota whose founder went through a health battle similar to Terri's. Brother Paul O'Donnell belongs to the order and is a spiritual advisor to the Schindler family. He joins us now.

Brother Paul, good to see you this morning.

BRO. PAUL O'DONNELL, BROTHERS OF PEACE: Thank you. Good to be here.

HARRIS: Give me a sense of how Bob and Mary Schindler and the rest of the Schindler family is holding up.

O'DONNELL: Well, they are very strong people of faith, and they're going to fight to the bitter end to save their daughter's life. They want to be able to stand before God, and some day stand before Terri, and say that they did everything humanly possible to save their daughter.

HARRIS: Brother Paul, the reality of the situation is that Terri may die. Have you in any way started the process of preparing the family for that possibility?

O'DONNELL: Oh, sure. It's something that we talk about, something that we prayed about. But Terri is still living. Terri is alive, and we'll cross that bridge when that time comes. But right now, we still have hope and we're hoping that the governor will be a man of faith and a man of courage and do something to save Terri's life.

HARRIS: You are quoted as saying during the week, "as we look to Good Friday and all that Mary the mother of Christ could do was stand at her child's side. He was condemned by unjust courts the same way that Terri Schiavo is being condemned to die by court order." You believe that?

O'DONNELL: I certainly do. And you know, for the Schindler family, I know Terri's siblings will be fine. I know Bob Sr. will be fine, but as far as Mary, there's no word to comfort that anyone can give to her. No parent should have to go through this. No mother should have to watch her daughter be starved to death, and we're begging the governor to do something. HARRIS: "Condemned by an unjust court," you go on to say in another quote...

O'DONNELL: Absolutely.

HARRIS: So what are we to do when issues of faith collide with a legal system?

O'DONNELL: Well, I think we have to stand up and take courageous actions. When we see that Congress, that has equal authority as the judiciary, is being trumped by the judiciary, it's time to step forward and do something. There have been unjust laws. There have been unjust courts in the past, and we need to confront that. And those people that run on a political platform of pro-life, pro-family, need to step forward in these desperate times. We're begging for those, and moral authority, and civil authority, to take action to save this woman's life, because this could end up being the tsunami of euthanasia in the United States.

HARRIS: OK. Brother Paul O'Donnell, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us this morning. Thank you, sir.

NGUYEN: Healing after a devastating event. A ceremony usually reserved for Native Americans is open to the community impacted by the latest school shootings. We take you inside the circle, next hour.

GERRI WILLIS: Coming up this morning on "OPEN HOUSE" -- want to ensure your home holds its value? Maintenance is key. We show you how to inspect your home room by room. Then, avoid your own contractor nightmare: tips on hiring the right person for the job. And our "Weekend Project," upgrade your bathroom on a budget. That's "OPEN HOUSE," 9:30 a.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In today's "Legal Briefs," the Terri Schiavo case. Joining us from Miami is civil libertyies attorney Lida Rodriguez- Taseff, and sitting in for Nelda Blair in our Washington bureau, is former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney Pamela Bethel.

Good morning to you both.

Well, let's start with you, Lida. If Judge Greer rules against inserting the feeding tube, this appeal which the Schindlers have brought up once again in that court, are there any legal options that they can exercise if that appeal is denied?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: What they will do, if Judge Greer denies their latest appeal saying that she -- that Terri Schiavo, when they were removing the feeding tube said, I want to live -- if Judge Greer denies that latest motion, they will have the opportunity to appeal to the state appellate court, then that appeal will go to the state supreme court and ultimately to the state -- to the U.S. Supreme Court. So they still have appeals left. Chances of something happening at this point are really slim.

NGUYEN: Pamela, do you agree the chances are very slim at this point?

PAMELA BETHEL, FMR. FEDERAL PROSECUTOR: Absolutely. Most of the -- we have not seen the papers because there has been such a flurry of papers being filed. But it is very difficult to imagine that the claims are substantially different and a judge is now going to make a decision based on facts. I mean, if she, in fact, said, she wants to live, the fact that it has not been in the record before, I don't think the judge is likely to reverse him or herself based on the information that we believe is being presented to the court.

NGUYEN: Lida, Terri Schiavo's parents have appealed, have pleaded to Governor Jeb Bush to step in, to do something. Can he? If so, what can doe?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, certainly, short of violating the law, the governor cannot do anything. We have three branches of government. They are each co-equal. The executive is not superior. The judiciary has spoken under the rule of law. In fact, even the legislature got involved here, both the state legislature and Congress got involved. Additional processes were given to Terri Schiavo's family to run this through the federal courts and time and again, the federal courts who are populated by judges of all political stripes, denied those appeals over and over and over again. The governor would be treading on dangerous territory if he even attempted intervene at this point.

NGUYEN: OK, Pamela, so what about the argument from this new doctor that's determined that Terri Schiavo is not in persistent vegetative state and, also, her parents who claim that she has attempted to say, I want to live. Are those desperate measures, or can those arguments save her life?

BETHEL: Well, we don't know -- I don't want to speculate as to whether or not they are desperate measures. But there are two things: with respect to the legal remedies, what might be available to the family, the only comment that might have any bearing is if they can demonstrate to the judge that she said she wanted to live.

We began this process, as the process begins, when her husband Michael says that she said that if she was ever in a state in which appeared to be that she would not improve, that she would not want to live in that state. Now, if there could be proof that she changed her mind or she is trying to indicate that was never her intention, then perhaps that could have had some impact on this proceeding. But, given when the statement is being raised, given all the other flurry about this case, I doubt at this juncture that the judiciary is going to reverse itself based on that statement alone.

NGUYEN: Lida, I have to ask you, the attorney for Michael Schiavo has been quoted as saying the legal system has been abused in this case. What are your thoughts on that?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, one of the things that is most noteworthy, and we should all be very proud, is that the legal system has stood up to the test in this case. Many, many federal judges, state court judges, have reviewed this case over and over again, regardless of partisan lines. These judges -- half of whom have been Republicans who have basically affirmed and reaffirmed the decisions of Judge Greer -- these judges have gone through the process, given due process of law, time and again.

I don't believe that I'm going to agree that the legal process has been abused. The legal process has been tested and it has come out ahead. And it has come out ahead of a political system that is sorely out of step with the wishes of Americans and with the Constitutional values that we hold dear.

NGUYEN: All right. We're going to leave it there. Lida Rodriguez Taseff and Pamela Bethel, we appreciate your insight today. Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thank you.

BETHEL: Thank you.

HARRIS: Good discussion. And, next hour we'll be answering your legal questions about the Terri Schiavo case. Send your e-mail questions to this address: wam@CNN.com, and former U.S. Attorney Kendell Coffey will be on hand next hour with your answers.

NGUYEN: Also, wisdom is built from a lifetime of memories, right? But, if you can't remember where you put your car keys, how will you be wise enough for the ages? Next on HOUSE CALL, our Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at the mind and ways to improve the memory.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris. We'll see you again at the top of the hour. HOUSE CALL and your top stories straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(HOUSECALL)

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is March 26. Good morning, everyone. I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris. It is 9:00 a.m. on the East Coast, and 6:00 a.m. on the West Coast.

Let's get right to the stories now in the news.

A Florida court is expected to rule in three hours on the latest appeal to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Her parents are expected to file a fourth appeal today to the 11th Circuit Court here in Atlanta.

At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II is getting his day of rest a day early. Holy Saturday is a quiet day for the church. The pope has missed most of the Holy Week services. But he is expected to bless crowds in St. Peter's Square tomorrow for Easter. The FBI in Utah has charged a Peruvian man with trying to smuggle banned items aboard an airliner. Agents say the 65-year-old man had box cutters, blades, and long scissors wrapped up in foil and duct tape in his carry-on bag.

NGUYEN: Our top story this morning, we are closely monitoring the legal battle still swirling around Terri Schiavo. As it stands right now, we are awaiting a response from state Judge George Greer to the latest appeal from Schiavo's parents to restore their daughter's feeding tube. Now, that decision is expected by noon Eastern.

The Schindler family has lost every legal attempt to restore the feeding tube since it was removed Friday, a week ago. The most recent was last night, by the federal appeals court in Atlanta, the second rebuff by that court in three days.

Now, CNN's correspondents are well versed in every nuance of this life-and-death dispute and are at key locations to bring you the latest developments as they happen.

Our Ed Henry is in Tallahassee, where Governor Jeb Bush is facing a lot of angry criticism from the Schiavo case, and Bob Franken is outside the hospice in Pinellas Park where Terri Schiavo is.

Bob, let's start with you. What is the situation there?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is not unfair to say that the family, the blood relatives of Terri Schiavo, are becoming more and more desperate in their appeals, are last-ditch efforts. And their supporters among the protesters here are getting more disgruntled, more confrontive, and even involving their youngsters.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Once again, those charged with trespassing included three children, two girls and a boy this time, arrested with the adults.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anybody make you do this?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted to do this.

FRANKEN: When Kerry (ph) and Gaylen Keys allowed three of their kids to be taken into custody in Wednesday's televised exercise in civil disobedience, the reaction was hardly altogether positive. Critics charged they were misusing their children.

GAYLEN KEYS, MOTHER: But tens of thousands of children and young people are being arrested for drugs and violence, I'm proud that my children were arrested for having loving compassion. So I don't apologize for that.

CAMERON KEYS, ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING: I was a little scared, but the policemen were very nice and everything. And they handcuffed us and took us to the juvenile hall. It was a little bit scary. FRANKEN: Soon they were out to rejoin the dozens of other children whose parents have decided that the lessons of their fight to save Terri Schiavo's life outweigh the risks of this intense and unpredictable protest.

Matt and Mariann (ph) Bronzell brought eight of their 11 children to be here with the 100 to 200 demonstrators who have come to join the fight from around the country. The protesters bring their religious fervor from a variety of faiths.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE) save Terri and feed her.

FRANKEN: The ages of the Bronzell children here range from teenaged to infant.

MATT BRONZELL, PROTESTER: Because my children need to see this. They need to see this. They need to see what the government's going to do so when they get a little older, they could change it before it's too late.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: And, of course, there is a religious fervor here, particularly on this Easter weekend. Invariably, when you ask some about why they involve their children, they quote from Matthew, quoting Jesus Christ, who said, "Let the little children come to me." On the other side are the people who say they're using their children to push their personal agendas, Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken in Pinellas Park this morning. Thank you for that, Bob.

HARRIS: And let's turn now to CNN's Ed Henry in the state capital. And Ed, Clearwater is quite a few miles away from Tallahassee, but something tells me the governor can hear the chorus from there loud and clear. But is there anything he can do?

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: At this point, the governor, Tony, is saying that there is nothing he can do. He's trying to watch the appeals process very closely. He's still hopeful, according to aides, that the appeals process will be turned around.

Protesters here in the state capital really zeroing in, as Bob mentioned, on Easter weekend. And since Governor Bush is Catholic, protesters here are saying that he should show mercy. The governor should take custody of Terri Schiavo and get that feeding tube reinserted.

Religious themes also were front and center yesterday on Good Friday, when a small group of protesters were camped out outside the governor's mansion just down the street from here. They were praying. They were also holding up some pretty tough signs, saying to the governor, quote, "Don't be Pontius Pilate," also "Jeb shall not murder."

The governor also feeling a lot of pressure from the parents of Terri Schiavo, who implored the governor to intervene in this case last night after the latest judicial setback. Bob Schindler, the father of Terri Schiavo, said the governor had, quote, "put Terri through a week of hell," as Mr. Bush has watched what the parents called a judicial homicide take place.

Here's Mary Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARY SCHINDLER, MOTHER OF TERRI SCHIAVO: Governor Bush, you have the power to save my daughter. It's been seven days. Please, please do something.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: The governor did not make any public comments yesterday, instead staying in his office behind me here, huddling with staff, trying to mull all of the legal options. Aides say the governor does not believe his executive power trumps that of the courts. And that's why he does not believe that he can just go in and basically take custody of Terri Schiavo, as a lot of these protesters and activists are imploring.

And they say that while all of this is weighing heavily on the governor, that's just because of his concern for Terri Schiavo and her parents, not because of any of these protests or pressures on him, Tony.

HARRIS: Gotcha. Ed Henry in Tallahassee for us. Ed, thank you.

NGUYEN: Now, this dramatic case with many legal twists has taken yet another bizarre turn. Richard Alan Meywes is in police custody in North Carolina. Officials say he sent e-mails trying to hire someone to kill Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael. Mawest allegedly offered $250,000 for the hit. Police say he also offered $50,000 for the death of a judge who refused to intervene in the case.

If you are following the Terri Schiavo case closely -- and millions of you are -- you've probably heard just about every angle to take on this case more than once. So this morning, we are not discussing the issues over and over again. Instead, we're giving you the opportunity to ask legal questions about the case.

We have a former U.S. attorney with us from Miami. Kendall Coffey is standing by to answer your legal questions about the Schiavo case -- there he is -- and any other life-and-death questions you may have. All you have to do, e-mail us with your questions at wam@cnn.com.

It sounds like a Hollywood movie plot, only it is real life. U.S. soldiers in Iraq stop a prison break in the making. We have those details just ahead.

HARRIS: And good morning, Boston. Fair weather for you today, but storms are threatening parts of the Southeast. Rob Marciano has an update soon. But first, we want to turn now to the school shooting tragedy in northern Minnesota. Funerals are planned today for three of the nine victims killed in last Monday's killing frenzy. The 16-year-old gunman then took his own life. The Chippewa Indians of Red Lake are dealing with their profound grief through traditional Native American ceremonies.

For that, here's Laura Vermata (ph) of affiliate KMSP.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAURA VERMATA, REPORTER, KMSP (voice-over): A room full of circles. Tighter, stronger, louder.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) please close your eyes. We stand there by the drums. (INAUDIBLE).

VERMATA: Each with meaning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In and of themselves, you know, are the instructions of how to be family.

VERMATA: Forty miles away from Red Lake's shooting rampage.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are representing hope.

VERMATA: Hundreds at another school, Bemidji State University, became a family. It's a place to begin healing, with a lot of healing to do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And when we enter the sacred circle, we forget all of the worries and the problems that we have.

VERMATA: In the crowd, many from Red Lake, spiritual leaders, family, former students and teachers, including one who saw it all.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was (INAUDIBLE), laying on other students to save that student in that room.

VERMATA: Finally speaking to try and overcome the pain.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I guess I just wanted to share that with the people from Red Lake, that there is hope, that we will get (INAUDIBLE).

VERMATA: In ceremonies like these, each step, each gesture, each drumbeat represents a gift.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) the important (INAUDIBLE) of this tragedy is to give us time to those that have been hurt.

VERMATA: To tell them it's time to move on, it's time to forgive. Even to the troubled teen, who may have been hurting the most.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And towards this young man that was in so much pain that he did something like this, he slipped through the cracks, you know, we pray for him, as well. We pray for his family.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Know what that means. You know what that means. Time to check out some of the other stories making news around the world. Why do you look at me like that?

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE), you know, I didn't know exactly where you were going. And to do that, let's check in now with Anand Naidoo at CNN's international desk. Anand, good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN INTERNATIONAL: Hey, good morning from me.

First up, we're going to go to Taiwan. There've been some major protests there against China's new antisecession law. Tens of thousands of activists take to the streets. The march began at 10 locations around Taipei and is expected to end up outside the presidential office. Some activists say the law gives China a blank check to use force against Taiwan. And that legislation that they're protesting against would actually authorize the use of force against Taiwan if the island made some kind of moves towards formal independence.

Now to the turmoil in Kyrgyzstan. The opposition there planning elections, new elections, for June 26. That development two days after protesters ousted the government over allegations of fraud in the last election. The whereabouts of the President Askar Akayev are still unclear. He reportedly e-mailed a local news agency earlier, saying rumors of his resignation were false. The upheaval, which has been dubbed the Tulip Revolution, is the third major political revolt in former Soviet Union states.

Now to Iraq, and U.S. forces there foil a massive escape attempt from one of the coalitions main prison camps. They discovered a 600- foot escape tunnel at Camp Bucca in southeastern Iraq. The prison houses some 5,600 detainees. And the tunnel there was completed, but, as far as we know, no one actually made it out.

That's it from me. Stay with CNN. We'll be monitoring developments in Taiwan as well as developments in Kyrgyzstan through the day.

For now, though, let's go back to Betty and Tony.

HARRIS: Anand, thank you.

NGUYEN: Want to check our top stories right now.

Another ruling is expected in the Terri Schiavo case within the next three hours. A Florida circuit court judge says he'll decide on the latest appeal by Schiavo's parents to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted.

Police in Iowa have found the body of a young girl hours after issuing an Amber Alert for a missing 10-year-old. A convicted sex offender has been arrested in connection with the case. And autopsy results, those are still pending.

And a public memorial service later today to honor Jessica Lunsford. The 9-year-old was taken from her bedroom a month ago. A convicted sex offender was charged with her death last week.

HARRIS: And in just a couple of minutes, we're going to put some of your questions about the Schiavo case to one of the finest legal minds on the planet. Former U.S. Attorney Kendall Coffey will join us live. Kendall, you can smile, I just said something wonderful about you. Kendall's with us in just a couple of minutes when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: All right. There's a, what we've been asking to you do this morning, which is to send in your legal questions on the Schiavo case.

Let's bring in now former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey. He joins us now.

Kendall, you ready to answer some questions from our viewers?

KENDALL COFFEY, FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY: Going to be fascinating discussion, Tony.

HARRIS: Yes, it's, it's, these questions are great. Let's get to the first one here.

"In catastrophic medical cases like this one, when no clear advance directives exist, the next of kin makes the medical decisions. Shouldn't this have been clear 13 years ago, that Michael Schiavo has the right to make decisions on Terri's behalf?" Kendall, what do you think?

COFFEY: Well, that's certainly what can happen where the relatives are not in disagreement. But what happened here was, of course, the parents bitterly disagreed with Michael Schiavo. They had to go to court in 1998. And, as we know, seven years later, there is still very bitter dispute and disagreement.

HARRIS: That's for sure.

NGUYEN: Hey, Kendall, Liz wants to know, "Are we allowing the Schindlers to abuse our court system by continuing with these appeals even when they have already been denied?"

COFFEY: Well, in life-and-death cases, including the cases of death row inmates, people will go again and again until the final hour. So in a certain sense, they are getting an awful lot of judicial consideration. But given the stakes, given the concern, I don't think it's surprising. And none of the judges yet have questioned the motives of the parents.

HARRIS: OK, Kendall, from Ruth, "I would like to know whether Jeb Bush has the power to order the feeding tube back into Terri."

COFFEY: He does not. They tried that a year-and-a-half ago. The Supreme Court unanimously said he does not have the power.

NGUYEN: Well, let me ask you this, then, why is it that the Schindlers, Terri's family, keep asking the governor to step in, if he cannot?

COFFEY: Well, I think he has done everything he can within the limits of the law. I understand their frustration, but he has gone above and beyond, and the law permits him to do no more than he's already tried.

NGUYEN: All right. Sandra wants to know, "If and when Terri expires, could the Schindlers prevent Michael Schiavo from profiting from the story by suing him for wrongful death?"

COFFEY: Well, I think there is going to be a wrongful death suit.

HARRIS: Oh.

COFFEY: It's not clear what the outcome's going to be. But I would expect that you will see not an end to this, no matter what the outcome is of her current medical crisis.

HARRIS: OK, Kendall, that's, that's good. All right, you are going to be back with us tomorrow, as well, correct?

COFFEY: I'll be looking forward to it. It's a fascinating and difficult case.

HARRIS: So we're going to encourage everyone to keep sending along these e-mail questions. And we'll take those up with you tomorrow, Kendall. We appreciate it.

COFFEY: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Want to talk about a little weather right now, because some nasty scenarios playing out in the Southeast. Rob Marciano joins us with the latest on that. Good morning, Rob.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

NGUYEN: Thanks, Rob.

HARRIS: Well, they've made it official. A new update this morning on the marital status of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns.

NGUYEN: First, a CNN extra. International passengers say Asian airports are the best in world. A recent survey said Hong Kong's airport at the top of the list, followed by Seoul and Singapore. In North America, the favorite is Canada's Halifax hub in Nova Scotia, followed by Minneapolis and San Diego. The survey covered 40 major airports and was conducted by the Airport Council and the International Airport or Air Transport Association.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And this just in to CNN. Take a look at this picture. A man has climbed onto the side, you see him right there, has climbed onto the side of the dome of the St. Peter's Basilica. Now, the man there in that dark jacket holding onto the side of the dome after apparently climbing over the barrier. These are pictures just into CNN, tapes, pictures just in, not live pictures, but just in to CNN. He climbed over that barrier designed to protect tourists, and he is hanging onto the side, this is the dome of the Basilica at St. Peter's Square. And he is threatening to jump.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you further updates.

NGUYEN: All right. It's been a interesting race this morning in the search for the most-viewed stories on the Internet. And I think I know which one it might be, but not going to give it away.

Here's Veronica De La Cruz.

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Not yet, don't give it away yet.

NGUYEN: OK, I -- mum's the word.

DE LA CRUZ: Well, first of all, Betty, of course, we're tracking the most popular stories. And very interesting race this morning. To find them, go to our main page and click on the icon Most Popular. You can also type in CNN.com/mostpopular on the right hand side of your screen. You can also type in cnn.com/mostpopular.

OK, our number one story right now, one of America's most beautiful couples has officially called it quits.

NGUYEN: No.

(LAUGHTER)

DE LA CRUZ: Yes. Jennifer Aniston has filed from divorce from hot Hollywood stud Brad Pitt.

(LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Which one do you like? Apparently Pitt.

(LAUGHTER)

DE LA CRUZ: Well, the couple married back in July of 2000. Good news, they don't have any children together. In the petition, Aniston has asked to have her maiden name restored. So very sad, because they were a cute couple. But the good news, like you're saying, Brad is back on the market or (INAUDIBLE)...

NGUYEN: I didn't say that, you said that. (LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Although very interesting point, and well taken.

(LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Back on the market.

HARRIS: Outrage.

DE LA CRUZ: Well, he's a heartbreaker, and from breaking hearts to breaking bank accounts, another hot story on the Web right now, a judge has awarded the former wife of a multimillion-dollar businessman a divorce settlement worth more than $40 million, even though she admitted to having affairs with both her rock-climbing guide and a man she met on a flight to China.

NGUYEN: And she won?

DE LA CRUZ: Can you believe that? And she won. She, she, well, she's actually going to get 27 percent of her husband's $168 million fortune.

NGUYEN: Oh, only 27 percent.

DE LA CRUZ: And that's it, that's what I (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: That's a pretty penny, though, (INAUDIBLE) percent. All right.

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: Veronica De La Cruz. Brad Pitt, she's waiting.

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE)

NGUYEN: All right? See, there, I helped you out.

DE LA CRUZ: No, no, no, no, no.

NGUYEN: Helped you out.

HARRIS: Time to check in with Dan and Daria Dolan in New York City for a preview of "DOLANS UNSCRIPTED" at the top of the hour.

Good morning, you two.

DAN DOLAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Tony. We will do our very best to match the importance of the Brad/Jennifer story. We're going to start off with you guys -- where you and Betty leave off, Tony.

We're going to go to Pinellas Park to talk to Bob Franken about the lastest in the Schiavo case. We'll also talk to a bioethicist, and I'm going to ask a question of him that has not been asked before, of the millions of questions that have been asked in this mess. DARIA DOLAN, CNN ANCHOR: And we're also going to take you along with "Consumer Reports" to the New York Auto Show to talk about the best and worst of the cars, and what Americans are buying. Why aren't we buying cars made in America?

DAN DOLAN: Because some of them are junk, that's why.

DARIA DOLAN: Well, could be.

NGUYEN: Yikes.

HARRIS: All right, we'll see you both at the top of the hour.

Take care.

That's it for us. Thanks for joining us this SATURDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Stay with us; there's much more to come, including these stories now in the news.

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 March 26, 2005 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yet another ruling on the latest appeal to save Terri Schiavo. That's expected within five hours as the 41-year-old brain-damaged woman begins her ninth day disconnected from the feeding tube that keeps her alive.
From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is March 26.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris.

7:00 a.m. in the East and 4:00 a.m. in the West.

Thank you for being with us.

Let's begin with the morning's headlines.

In a circuit court motion in the Terry Schiavo case, her parents say on the day before her feeding tube was removed, their brain damaged daughter tried to say "I want to live." A lawyer for Schiavo's husband said it's absolutely inconceivable, that no such claim was made earlier.

American casualties reported this morning in two war zones.

In Iraq, a car bomb explosion in southwestern Baghdad killed two U.S. soldiers. And military officials report a U.S. Marine was killed in action yesterday in al Anbar province in western Iraq.

In Afghanistan, an explosion killed four U.S. soldiers today in the southeastern part of the country. The blast is believed to have been caused by a landmine or roadside bomb.

Tens of thousands of Taiwanese marched in the streets of Taipei today, protesting a new law passed in neighboring China. The law authorizes a military attack on Taiwan if the island moves toward formal independence.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news. NGUYEN: OK, here's what we have to look forward to within our newscast today. A lot to tell you about, including desperate pleas. Terri Schiavo's family wages what could be a final battle for her life. We will talk to her cousin live right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Also, a chilling voice from the past. But did anyone listen? We'll give you a glimpse into the dark history of John Couey.

And college athletes in the spotlight. Should they get more than just tuition and board, room and board? Well, our sports analyst, Rick Horrow, explores that question.

HARRIS: Our top story, the latest legal maneuvers in the Terry Schiavo case.

Circuit Court Judge George Greer, who ordered Schiavo's feeding tube removed eight days ago, says he'll rule by noon on the latest motion to reinsert it. Last night, a panel of the Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled again that the brain-damaged woman's feeding tube should remain disconnected. Judge Greer's ruling will follow another hearing that happened last night in his court, calling for intravenous fluids to be given to Terri Schiavo over this weekend.

After that hearing, Schiavo's father, Bob Schindler, lashed out at the judicial system.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: What you're seeing is a textbook example of judicial tyranny. They either find a way or make a way. They have a mind set to kill Terri. And I think it's disgusting and revolting what these courts have done to her.

Regarding Governor Bush, Governor Bush has the authority to stop all this. With a stroke of his pen, he could stop it. He could stop it immediately. He's put Terri through a week of hell and my family through a week of hell by not acting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Governor Jeb Bush says he has done everything he can do within Florida's constitutional limits.

Terri Schiavo's father, as you heard, is lashing out at the judicial system after a string of legal setbacks.

Our national correspondent Bob Franken is outside the hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- good morning, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony.

And the court case that's before Judge Greer this time has to do with testimony that Terri Schiavo has indicated within the very limited aspects of her verbal abilities, she has said she wants to live by grunting words out that they say clearly were in response to questions about that.

As for the federal action, the appeals court in Atlanta has once again overturned that action. You have been there. The next thing, if they do appeal, will be to go to the full appeals court and then ultimately the Supreme Court. The lawyers for the Schindler family are indicating they are going to follow every last action that they can.

And they are supported by protesters here, who have, on occasion, engaged in quiet confrontation.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): Once again, those charged with trespassing included three children, two girls and a boy this time, arrested with the adults.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did anyone make you do this or did you want to?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted to do this.

FRANKEN: When Kerry and Gaylen Keys allowed three of their kids to be taken into custody in Wednesday's televised exercise in civil disobedience, the reaction was hardly altogether positive. Critics charged they were misusing their children.

GAYLEN KEYS, MOTHER: With tens of thousands of children and young people being arrested for drugs and violence, I'm proud that my children were arrested for having love and compassion. So I don't apologize for that.

CAMERON KEYS, ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING: I was a little scared, but the policemen were very nice and everything. And they handcuffed us and took us to the juvenile hall. It was a little bit scary.

FRANKEN: Soon they were out to rejoin the dozens of other children whose parents have decided that the lessons of their fight to save Terri Schiavo's life outweigh the risks of this intense and unpredictable protest.

Matt and Mariann Bronzell (ph) brought eight of their 11 children to be here with the 100 to 200 demonstrators who have come to join the fight from around the country. The protesters bring their religious fervor from a variety of faiths.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Try to save Terri and feed her.

FRANKEN: The ages of the Bronzell children here range from teenaged to infant.

MATT BRONZELL, PROTESTER: Because my children need to see this. They need to see this. They need to see what the government's going to do so when they get a little older, they can change it before it's too late.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

FRANKEN: The critics of the use of the children say that the youngsters are being used to push their parents' agenda. On the other side, however, they say that it is appropriate because Terri Schiavo is someone's child, the Schindlers' child, and they are pushing desperately to save her life in this terrible, terrible family dispute that has become such an important fundamental argument over values in the United States -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK, Bob Franken.

Quite a scene there in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Bob, we appreciate it, as always.

Thank you.

NGUYEN: On a related note, FBI agents have arrested a North Carolina man on charges of threatening the life of Michael Schiavo, Terri Schiavo's husband. Richard Alan Meywes of Fairview is accused of sending an e-mail that claimed a multi-millionaire was willing to finance murder for hire. The e-mail allegedly claimed that $250,000 was being offered for Michael Schiavo's death and $50,000 for the death of a judge involved in the case.

Michael Schiavo claims his brain-damaged wife prefers death to continuing a vegetative state.

Now, if you've been following the Terry Schiavo case closely, and millions of you are following the case, you've probably heard every angle to take on this case more than just once. So this morning, we are not discussing the issues over and over again. Instead, we are giving you the opportunity to ask questions about the case.

We have a leading civil rights attorney with us from Cleveland. Avery Friedman is standing by to answer your legal questions about the Schiavo case. There he is. He'll also answer any other life and death issues that you may have. So e-mail us your questions at wam@cnn.com.

HARRIS: Police in Iowa are waiting for autopsy results to determine whether a body found is that of a missing 10-year-old girl. Jetseta Marie Gage disappeared from her Cedar Rapids home Thursday night, setting off a statewide Amber Alert.

Suspect Roger Bentley, a registered sex offender, is expected to appear in court this morning on felony child stealing charges. Bentley is an acquaintance of the girl's family. He was arrested yesterday.

NGUYEN: A week ago at this time on CNN, you were first learning about the discovery of the body of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. This afternoon, a public memorial service will be held for her in Crystal River, Florida. Lunsford was abducted from her home in Homosassa, Florida last month. John Couey, a convicted sex offender, faces charges of capital murder in her death. If you've been following the story of Jessica's abduction and murder, you know this much already -- the man accused of committing the crime has a very long rap sheet. By age 46, he had been arrested 25 times in Florida, including one pivotal arrest for molesting a child. That was back in 1991. At that time, we have now learned, John Couey made a confession to police, a confession that gets to the heart of the danger posed by people capable of molesting a child.

CNN has obtained a copy of that tape. Heidi Collins reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JOHN COUEY, CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER: She was riding across and I went over there and she offered to go into the back yard to jump on the trampoline. And I said OK. So we went back there and she was jumping on there. And I asked her if she wanted to play hide-and-go- seek. And she said yes. So we did.

COLLINS (voice-over): It gets worse. Couey acknowledges to the officer that he exposed himself, that the girl then sat on his lap, voluntarily, he claims, and then he put the girl's hand on him. There's more. We'll spare you the details.

COUEY: Then her mother come out and yelled for her and I took off.

I feel that prison ain't going to help. Well, I done got out in three years. I got a 10 year sentence. And it doesn't really help. I feel that I need help for myself. And that's why I'm confessing, you know, to my crime that I committed tonight, because I want help for myself so I will never have to do this again. I feel bad about it, really, I do. And I don't want to go to prison. I just want to get help for myself. That's what I need. I want help for myself.

COLLINS: Couey was given the maximum sentence for attempted molestation, five years, and was out on parole in two. He was honest enough with himself and with police at the time to admit that his effort to molest a young girl was not a one-time event.

A written report by the officer who took the taped confession says: "Couey admitted that this was not the first child he had ever touched. However, this is the first time he was caught." The officer continues: "Couey admitted to molesting his wife's daughter. However, she agreed not to report the incident if he left the house and gave her a divorce, which he did. Couey knows he has a problem, however, he has never sought medical assistance to help him control his sexual attraction for young children."

(END VIDEO TAPE)

NGUYEN: Now, we have tried unsuccessfully to locate Couey's former wife for comment. Fourteen years after John Couey's plea for help, 14 years after he was caught doing to a child what he had apparently gotten away with before, at least seven arrests later, John Couey now stands accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. If convicted, any help he may get now possibly is just too late.

HARRIS: Yes.

We are working on a number of new stories for you just ahead this Saturday morning.

NGUYEN: And if you want to know how this Hollywood romance will finally turn out, all you have to do is ask Jennifer Aniston. You've got her number, right, Tony?

HARRIS: Yes, right.

NGUYEN: That's just ahead.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The legal battle in the Terri Schiavo case is unprecedented. We've seen everyone from the local judges to the president getting involved with this case. What will be the legal legacy from this heart wrenching ordeal? The topic for "Legal Briefs," live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

MARCIANO: I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center.

Time for the "Cold and Flu Report."

Out of the CDC, less red on the map. Nine states in total reporting widespread activity. That's the red. And the darker blue regional activity, and these colors becoming a little bit more, well, mundane as we go through time. We're getting closer now to summer.

Hope you're feeling well today and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: The battle over Terri Schiavo's future encompasses medical, physical and moral aspects. But the one we are following so closely now is the legal battle.

Here with more on those twists and turns is attorney and law professor Avery Friedman.

We appreciate you being with us this morning.

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Nice to be with you, Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, so bring us up to speed.

Where is this case right now?

FRIEDMAN: Well, late last night, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit agreed with Judge James Whittemore, who is the federal district judge, in saying that there was no basis for the federal court to proceed in protecting the assertion that the Schindlers needed assistance or were entitled to relief.

So at this point, legally speaking, what the Schindlers are going to have to do is one of two things. They're going to try again to go back to all 12 federal appeals judges, which I think is a reality. They're probably going to do it. I don't think it's going to be successful. And from there, if they are not successful, again try to petition the United States Supreme Court to see if the Supreme Court will give them relief.

NGUYEN: They're also asking Governor Jeb Bush to step in, as well.

FRIEDMAN: Right.

NGUYEN: Legally, can he?

FRIEDMAN: No. And I think it's imperative, Betty, that that be clarified. Under separation of powers, even Governor Bush recognizes that he has no further power. What's being proposed by some -- and these are extreme arguments -- is that the governor, under executive authority, can disregard both the legislature and the judicial branch and just send troops in without any authority to do so -- no law, no judicial order. And that is anarchy. That can't be done. And the governor recognizes that.

NGUYEN: And quickly, what about the argument that Terri Schiavo, according to her parents, Terri Schiavo said "I want to live?" Will that hold up?

FRIEDMAN: Well, that's exactly what the state court is considering right now. But here's the legal issue in shirt sleeve English. If that evidence does not overcome the existing evidence by what's called clear and convincing evidence -- that is, that's the legal standard, or a heightened standard -- then that means that although it's a valiant effort, it's unlikely to overcome the existing evidence.

In a word, unless there's compelling evidence to overcome the present state of the record, it's not going to work.

NGUYEN: All right, Avery Friedman, stand by for us, if you will, because a lot of people have a lot of questions concerning this case.

FRIEDMAN: Sure.

NGUYEN: Avery Friedman will be back later this hour to answer your legal questions.

All you have to do is e-mail them to wam@cnn.com and we'll try to get you those answers throughout the morning.

We're going to take a quick break and be right back.

You're watching CNN SATURDAY MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: So if the headlines weren't on your radar this past week, we're here to help.

Time for a quick "Rewind" through some of the big stories of the past few days.

Monday in Red Lake, Minnesota, a 16-year-old boy opened fire at his high school, killing a teacher, a security guard and five other students. He then turned the gun on himself. The FBI says the shooter, Jeffrey Weise, also shot and killed his grandfather and the grandfather's companion before going to the school.

Wednesday, 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a massive explosion at a refinery about 40 miles southeast of Houston. Officials at the facility say there's no indication the explosion was an act of terrorism or sabotage, but there is no word on the cause as of yet.

Also on Wednesday, Ford said it is expanding a safety investigation into the cruise control on its Expeditions, F150s and Lincoln Navigators. The potential defect can cause a vehicle to catch fire when the engine is off. In all, it could affect some 3.7 million vehicles. For a complete list of the model years being looked at, go to nhtsa.gov.

And tomorrow, we'll "Fast Forward" to the week ahead and tell you which stories will grab the spotlight.

NGUYEN: Well, if you're waking up in the Southeast this morning, boy, it could be a rough day for you.

Rob Marciano has the latest look at the forecast -- Rob, what's it looking like?

MARCIANO: Hi, Betty, Tony.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: We want to get a more personal take now on the battle over Terri Schiavo. Relatives say Schiavo's life is just slipping away. But they're still trying to hold onto it.

We take you now to Pinellas Park, Florida, just outside Schiavo's hospice.

Her cousin, Christopher Blake, is joining us this morning.

Thanks for being with us.

CHRISTOPHER BLAKE, TERRI SCHIAVO'S COUSIN: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Well, have you been in to see Terri?

How is she right now? BLAKE: I have not. We're -- I'm -- my sister and I, we're barred from seeing our cousin. Michael won't let us in. He has a short list and he saw fit to have us not on it.

NGUYEN: Of those who have seen her, what are they saying about her condition at this moment?

BLAKE: She's fighting, you know? It's grave, though. The situation is not looking good and it's -- but she's, she's holding on and she will continue to hold on.

NGUYEN: How is the family holding up?

BLAKE: Oh, remarkably well, very resilient. Everybody is strong and they're going to stay that way until the end and even after that. Everybody is doing really well.

NGUYEN: Are you optimistic that the courts will side with the Schindler family?

BLAKE: Well, there's hope. We're hoping that somebody with the authority to do something will come in, step in and do something. The courts, I, you know, I don't know.

NGUYEN: Terri's parents have said that she has attempted to say "I want to live."

Do you believe that she has the ability to do that?

BLAKE: Oh, yes, definitely. Yes, Terri -- this isn't Terri's style. This isn't what Terri would want. This isn't how she would want to leave this Earth or to pass on. She wants to live and she's fighting. She's in there fighting right now and she's alive still, and that says a lot.

NGUYEN: A lot of fighting is going on, especially in the legal system. Michael Schiavo has basically said that all of this legal wrangling to keep Terri alive is an abuse of the legal system.

What is your response to that?

BLAKE: What he's doing is an abuse to life and an abuse to Terri and her family. That's my -- that's about as simple as that, really.

NGUYEN: And bottom line, what would Terri want at this moment, after all of this that has happened? What would she want at this point?

BLAKE: She would want to be with her family and be in there -- have her mother in there and have some food and some water and to be in her mother's arms.

NGUYEN: And what are you hoping for? What do you hope happens next?

BLAKE: Just that. I'm hoping that the governor will come down here and do something and solve this the way it should be.

NGUYEN: All right, Christopher Blake, Terri Schiavo's cousin.

We appreciate your time with us this morning on a difficult day.

Thank you.

BLAKE: Thank you.

Thank you.

HARRIS: And changing gears now, we're digging up the dirt this morning.

Just ahead, prisoners in Iraq try to flush their way to freedom. Flush their way to freedom?

NGUYEN: That's what it says.

HARRIS: You won't believe what guards discovered.

NGUYEN: And love is just the pits for the Pitts. Not even movie-star-good looks and mounds of money can ensure Hollywood happiness.

Stay close for more CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, you've heard the story, you know the details. Now we are giving you the chance to ask questions about the Terri Schiavo case. We have a leading civil rights attorney standing by.

And welcome back, everyone, to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

We will answer your questions in just a few minutes.

But first, we want to give you a look at the morning headlines today.

We are awaiting another court decision in the long-running legal battle over Terri Schiavo. A Florida judge plans to rule before noon Eastern on the latest appeal by Schiavo's parents to keep their daughter alive. That same judge ordered the removal of the brain- damaged woman's feeding tube more than a week ago.

Remembering Jessica -- a public memorial service is set for later this afternoon for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. The Florida girl was snatched from her bedroom about a month ago and killed. Police say the man charged in her murder, John Couey, has a long history of improper contact with children. And if you were holding out hope that Brad and Jen will get back together, well, don't hold your breath. Jennifer Aniston has formally filed for a divorce from Brad Pitt.

HARRIS: Oh?

NGUYEN: I know you're very upset about that.

HARRIS: Yes, I am.

NGUYEN: She cites irreconcilable differences. The two married in July 2000 and separated this past January.

HARRIS: Time now to check out some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: And there is a lot happening this morning.

For all those details, let's hand it over to Anand Naidoo at the CNN International desk -- good morning, Anand.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, a very good morning to you.

We have news from two war fronts this morning, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Seven U.S. forces are killed in three separate incidents. Two American soldiers were killed in a suicide car bomb explosion in southwestern Baghdad this morning. Two others were wounded. Officials say that task force soldiers were on patrol when the bomb went off.

Earlier, a Marine was killed in Iraq's al Anbar province while conducting security and stability operations. These latest deaths push the U.S. death toll in Iraq to 1,527 since the start of the war.

Now to the other battlefront, Afghanistan. And there have been heavy casualties over there, as well. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in an explosion in the southeastern part of the country. Not many details known at this stage, but the blast is believed to have been caused by a landmine or a roadside bomb.

Returning to Iraq for a moment, and U.S. forces there foil a massive escape attempt at one of the country's -- or, rather, one of the coalition's main prison camps. They discovered a 600-foot escape tunnel at Camp Bucca in southeastern Iraq. The prison houses 5,600 detainees. The tunnel was discovered after a tip-off. Guards were also alerted after sand and dirt jammed the prison's toilet filters. Apparently that's how the prisoners were able to get rid of the sand.

Now, as far as we know, no one had escaped, although that tunnel had been completed.

Later, a look at some major demonstrations taking place right now in Taiwan. That's later. But now back to Betty and Tony.

NGUYEN: Very busy.

Thank you, Anand.

HARRIS: Thanks.

Now to "Security Watch," updating you on the week's major developments in the war on terror every Saturday morning here on CNN.

A man who was heading from Salt Lake City to Peru is in federal custody, accused of having several banned items in his carry-on luggage, including two box cutters. He was taken into custody at the Salt Lake City airport on Thursday. Authorities say there's no evidence to suggest any links to terrorism.

A private study of U.S. border security says hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants are still making it into the U.S. every year. The analysis shows there are an estimated 10.3 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. That's up 23 percent from the year 2000. A university survey of health officials in 26 states finds most rural areas would not be able to handle a bioterror attack or the surge of people flooding in from urban areas. The study comes as the government is deciding how to divvy up federal money based on the level of threats certain areas may face.

And finally, can D.C. ban dangerous cargo on railroads that run near the U.S. Capitol? That's the question before a federal judge. At a hearing Wednesday, city attorneys said an attack on trains carrying certain deadly chemicals could wipe out 100,000 people in 30 minutes.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

And we've been asking you this morning to send us your questions about the Terri Schiavo case.

Our legal expert, Avery Friedman, is standing by. He'll answer some of them next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Right now, we want to say good morning, Boston.

Look at this as the sun comes up. A very pretty picture up north. But, down south this weekend, we are expecting severe weather. We'll have all of that for you and the forecast a little bit later this hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: So what will be the legacy of the Terri Schiavo case? A litany of judges ruled on the issue. The president and Congress also stepped in. The legal battle is unprecedented. Terri Schiavo's courtroom legacy, live, next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern in "Legal Briefs." (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right, we've been taking your questions this morning about the Terry Schiavo case. So let's get some answers for you right now.

HARRIS: You know, I'm actually reading some of these e-mails...

NGUYEN: Some of the questions?

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: It's good, too.

HARRIS: Yes, I'm reading some of the questions, because they're good.

Joining us now from Cleveland is civil rights attorney Avery Friedman.

He has been called a walking reference source on civil rights law.

Avery, good morning to you.

FRIEDMAN: Good morning, Tony.

Good morning, Betty.

NGUYEN: Good morning.

Well, we're...

HARRIS: You want to start?

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: OK.

NGUYEN: With a title like that, we've got to put you to the test, so...

FREIDMAN: Hey, I'm ready to go.

Let's go.

NGUYEN: OK.

HARRIS: All right.

NGUYEN: Peter from Canada writes: "What are the implications and probable outcome of the State of Florida taking protective custody of Terri? Is it likely and how would that play out in the days and weeks afterward?"

FREIDMAN: Well, I think realistically, that's actually what's going on right now. Judge Greer is considering this new evidence introduced by the Schindler family. I think the reality is we're going to see a decision probably around the noon hour today. And I don't think that the Schindlers are going to be successful.

Now, the long-range implications will be that it will have to go back to Tallahassee. It's time for the Florida legislature to really define the specifics of what a guardian can and can't do. And that's one of the big holes in this case. And I think both the Congress and the general assembly there in Florida really have to deal with these issues very specifically. They have not up to this point.

HARRIS: OK, Avery, here's one from Joanna: "Is it possible that whoever removed the feeding tube could be held responsible for her death should she die?

FREIDMAN: Well, that's a terrific question.

HARRIS: I hadn't thought of that.

FREIDMAN: The court, the courts, both the Florida courts and the federal courts, essentially have permitted the removal of the tube. And because it was done under color of law, Tony, the reality is that there will be no liability for the individual who did something which, in effect, was a lawful order. So there will be no liability focused on that individual who did that.

HARRIS: OK, a quick follow-up to that. Should she die, could Michael Schiavo face a wrongful death suit?

FREIDMAN: Absolutely not because both the state courts and the federal courts have approved his role and therefore there will be absolutely no liability. A lot of thought about that.

HARRIS: Right.

FREIDMAN: But there will be no liability.

HARRIS: OK, Avery.

NGUYEN: All right, Alex in Virginia wants to know: "How does the right to life, liberty and happiness affect this case?"

FREIDMAN: Well, it affects it profoundly and that's a wonderful question because when we all as Americans think about the United States Constitution, we think about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And you know what? The federal court, both at the trial level and the appeals level, addressed that issue. And they said you know what? Under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, everyone is entitled to due process. It doesn't mean that there's a right to life specifically. It matters that the process in getting there is honored. And that's what the courts have held.

There was a process in the Florida courts and the federal courts have said we honor that under the due process laws.

HARRIS: Got you. OK, and this from Valerie: "Terri's husband has gone on with his life and has a family with another woman. Shouldn't he lose his legal guardian status?"

Avery?

FREIDMAN: And that's exactly the question, Tony, that the Schindlers have raised, is he capable of meeting his responsibilities? Well, understand that during this period of time when he served as guardian, and he still does, the court had an opportunity to review him, if he has failed to meet his obligations. Not what he's doing in his personal life, but he's failed to meet his obligations, a court can remove him. In this case, the evidence supported his continued relationship with Terri as the guardian.

NGUYEN: All right.

HARRIS: Beautiful.

NGUYEN: Avery Friedman, we thank you for answering all of those questions for us this morning.

Thanks so much.

FREIDMAN: Nice to be with you.

NGUYEN: Up next, all work and no pay.

HARRIS: College sports is a $3-billion-a-year-monster, a megilla.

NGUYEN: A megilla?

HARRIS: Coaches salaries...

NGUYEN: That's a new one.

HARRIS: ... and athletic department budgets, but putting little in the players' pockets. So is it time to show them the love, show them the money? We'll talk about that when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

But first, a CNN extra.

If you are looking for a wedding gift, chances are your couple is registered at Target for the first...

NGUYEN: Target. Target, Tony.

HARRIS: Target? OK.

For the first time, the chain tops all other retailers for bridal registries. Coming in second, specialty stores like Crate and Barrel and Bed, Bath & Beyond. A recent survey shows the average couple registers at two-and-a-half stores and the average wedding guest spends about $126 for a gift. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Yet another ruling in the Terri Schiavo case is expected by noon Eastern today. The same Florida judge who ordered her feeding tube removed more than a week ago will rule on an appeal by Schiavo's parents asking that it be reinserted.

A North Carolina man has been arrested in a scheme to kill Schiavo's husband Michael. Richard Alan Meywes was charged in Tampa with murder for hire. The FBI says he sent e-mails that offered a $250,000 bounty for Schiavo's death.

Police in Iowa, they are waiting for autopsy results to determine whether a body found is that of a missing 10-year-old girl. An Amber Alert was issued Thursday after Jetseta Marie Gage disappeared from her Cedar Rapids home. A suspect is in custody.

Also today, Mother Nature is taking orders. See if you'll get sun, snow or even a little rain on your plate this weekend. Rob Marciano has your full forecast, coming up in about 10 minutes.

HARRIS: You know, if you haven't filled out one of those March Madness basketball tournament brackets, chances are you know someone who did. In fact, one survey says businesses will lose almost $900 million in productivity this month because of workers tuning into the games on company time. Americans' obsession with March madness is the topic this morning as we take you "Beyond the Game."

With us this morning is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line," CNN business sports analyst Rick Horrow.

As usual, he joins us from West Palm Beach, Florida.

And, Rick, you know, we're going to have some fun with the Final Four picks this morning.

But first of all, I've got to ask you this question.

With all the money that is being paid into the collegiate system here at March Madness time, is it time for the players to get a little bit of that money?

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Yes, well, Tony, you know, your word megilla, though maybe inartful, is probably descriptive of the deal.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: It is a $3 billion business and CBS contributed $6 billion over 11 years from their TV contract. The ratings, by the way, are pretty good this month, so they are happy about that. But corporate America, $300 million for the business. Stadiums and arenas, 60 of them, to help fuel the business. And the merchandise, that stuff you put on your head, it's a $5 billion business. And the purists say the athletes get the scholarships and the education for that value. The realists say the value they put in, they don't get nearly enough out.

HARRIS: Right.

Hey, I've got to read this quote to you from the president of the NCAA, Miles Brand, and sort through this thing for us. "We must arrest the slide toward professional athletics and the sports entertainment industry. And while the problem is not of crisis proportions right now, the time to address this problem is now."

What is he talking about here?

HORROW: A lot of big words. You read it well. And it's very clear that he sees a bright line. If you register with an agent and you're an athlete, you're gone. Michael Williams, USC. If you take money from another sport professionally, you're gone. Jeremy Bloom, wide reciever, Colorado, Olympic mogul skier -- takes money, couldn't play football anymore.

But there is a crack in the armor. Student Athlete Opportunity Fund, the NCAA provides some money from the TV deal for athletes under extenuating circumstances. California, Nebraska, four other states are funding or at least passing, trying to pass legislation to get athletes paid directly.

So the issue is no longer whether athletes should get some money. The issue is really where do you draw the line.

HARRIS: Where do you draw the line?

HORROW: And, by the way, the debate is not over.

HARRIS: OK.

Let's get to the Final Four picks.

You want to go first or do you want me to go first?

HORROW: No, I want you to go first.

HARRIS: All right. Here we go. Throw it up there on the screen here. My Final Four picks. Throw it up. Throw it up. Carolina -- and the reason I'm picking Carolina, you know, obviously a great program, but my son, if I picked anyone other than Carolina, he'd have my head. So Carolina, Arizona, Louisville and Michigan State that pulled off, I guess, the minor upset of Duke.

HORROW: Yes, a minor upset of Duke.

Here are mine and...

HARRIS: The real picks, right?

HORROW: Yes, the real picks. I agree with you, except for, you know, Illinois is going to beat Arizona and get there.

HARRIS: Do you think so?

HORROW: Yes, but Arizona played, you know, really well against Oklahoma State. Illinois played well in a strong game a couple of days ago. That's going to be a good game. So when we get to St. Louis next week and we do our thing, we're going to find out who the champion is and then we'll settle, by the way, Tuesday after on the golf course.

HARRIS: Yes.

HORROW: This is the first formal invitation before the Master's. So we'll segue into that, pal.

And by the way, your last set of picks.

HARRIS: Yes?

HORROW: Remember, when you said the Falcons were going to the Super Bowl? I'm not sure what year that is, so we'll have to take this with a grain of salt.

HARRIS: All right, Rick.

So you're in Louisville next week for the Final Four?

HORROW: I'm in St. Louis next week for the Final Four.

HARRIS: OK, stay with us.

HORROW: And we're going to do it live in St. Louis and we're going to cover some things like gambling and the business of the Final Four. And we'll have a good time doing it.

HARRIS: OK.

See you then, in St. Louis.

HORROW: All right.

Yes, sir.

HARRIS: All right, thanks, Rick.

NGUYEN: Oh, they love to go at it.

All right, we're going to move right along, because this morning's "Dot-Com Desk" is a trip down memory lane, literally, by discovering how memories are made. Scientists hope to find out ways to treat memory loss.

And for more on all of this, let's check in now with CNN's Veronica Delacruz with the "Dot-Com Desk" -- hi. Good morning.

VERONICA DELACRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello.

Good morning.

Let me ask you a couple of questions.

NGUYEN: Oh, gosh, you know, I have been up...

DE LA CRUZ: I know.

NGUYEN: ... since 1:00 this morning and you're going to test me.

Go ahead.

DE LA CRUZ: OK. First of all, do you think you can remember the capitals of all 50 states?

NGUYEN: Sure. Just don't ask me any of them.

DE LA CRUZ: OK, I won't.

Well, how about this one, because this is a good one. Do you remember the name of your second grade teacher?

NGUYEN: No.

DE LA CRUZ: Because I didn't either.

NGUYEN: And I'm sorry, whoever you are out there. I'm sorry. I'm sure you're a great teacher, but I just can't remember it.

DE LA CRUZ: Exactly. Well, Betty, whether you remember or not, you can thank or blame your memory.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

DE LA CRUZ (voice-over): Details, impressions and opinions constantly bombard our brains, giving us fodder for memories. But how are memories made and later recalled?

Well, when you have an experience, it's stored throughout the cerebral cortex. At cnn.com, this interactive guide explains specific brain structures and their role in this complex process.

But even as scientists make strides in understanding memory, millions of Americans struggle with memory loss. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation, as many as 16 million could suffer from the mind eroding disease by 2050, up from 4.5 million today. And even though it's difficult to predict Alzheimer's, some say you can do your best to prevent it.

To keep your noggin nimble as you age, a few steps suggested by the Mayo Clinic. First of all, exercise your mind with brain teasers. Start by reading a book or learning a new language. Also, mind and body work together, so it's important to stay physically active.

In addition to the resources available at cnn.com, Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosts a prime time special on memory. That's at 10:00 Eastern this Sunday night on CNN.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

DE LA CRUZ: And you can learn much more about memory on this morning's HOUSE CALL with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, coming up at 8:30 a.m. right here on CNN.

Also, be sure to check out our special report on memory. That's at cnn.com/health.

And, Betty, hopefully, you'll remember.

NGUYEN: I know. I'm starting to worry now that I can't remember her name, although I remember my fifth grade teacher's names, Mrs. Rogers.

DE LA CRUZ: And Mrs. Whetsone (ph)...

NGUYEN: But do I get any points for that?

DE LA CRUZ: You do.

NGUYEN: I do? OK. Well, that's good to know. I'm still working on those extra credit points, then, for the second grade teacher.

Thanks, Veronica.

DE LA CRUZ: Of course.

NGUYEN: All right, high risk of tornadoes in the Deep South this weekend. You'll want to know much more about this and Rob Marciano has those details.

That's coming up a little bit later in the show.

We are going to take a quick break, though.

We'll be right back with more CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And Rob Marciano is watching some potentially dangerous weather for us from the CNN Weather Center -- good morning, Rob.

NGUYEN: Are you OK, Rob? What's going on back there?

HARRIS: Rob?

MARCIANO: You have no idea what I'm going through today.

NGUYEN: We heard you fall or something like that. MARCIANO: I've got -- well, you know, I'll tell you what, eventually it's going to be amazing what we're going to have up here.

NGUYEN: OK.

MARCIANO: I mean, it's going to be like Captain Kirk, "Star Trek." There's going to be a command module. But right now it's just like wires and all this other stuff.

NGUYEN: And you're tripping all over the place.

MARCIANO: And nothing's working.

NGUYEN: All right.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: This morning, we're doing something a little different with our email question: instead of us giving you a question, we want you to send us your questions, especially dealing with life and death cases, as we watch the Terri Schiavo case play out.

HARRIS: And we're going to put those questions to another one of our fabulous legal minds here at CNN, Kendall Coffey in the 9:00 hour, but for now, the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins, right now.

From the CNN Center this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING, it is March 26th, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. on the West Coast.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. We want to thank you for being with us today.

It has been nine days since Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed and her parents say her life is fading. But they also claim their brain-damaged daughter tried to say the words, I want to live. Their latest appeal to keep her alive is before a federal -- a Florida state judge, I should say, and he plans to rule by noon Eastern. So you want to stay tuned for that.

In southwestern Baghdad, a deadly car bombing this morning. That blast killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded two others. The soldiers were on patrol when the bomb went off. Yesterday, a U.S. Marine was killed in the insurgent-heavy western province of al Anbar. The military isn't giving any details on that.

In Iowa, authorities are trying to determine if a body found yesterday is that of 10-year-old Jetseta Gage. The body was discovered in a rural mobile home. Jetseta vanished from her Cedar Rapids home Thursday night. A registered sex offender is behind bars in connection with her disappearance. He is scheduled to appear in court this morning.

And we are getting new word this morning on Monaco's ailing monarch. Prince Rainier's palace says his condition is growing worse, along with his chances for survival. The 81-year-old prince is suffering from a chest infection along with heart and kidney failure.

HARRIS: We lead our coverage this morning with the latest developments in the battle over Terri Schiavo. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has once again denied an appeal by Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. They've been pressing the court to order the reinsertion of their brain-damaged daughter's feeding tube. This is the third time this federal court panel has rejected the Schindler's appeals. Meantime, the parents have made a similar plea to Florida state Judge George Greer, who plans to rule by noon eastern. Greer's the same judge, you'll remember, that ordered Schiavo's feeding tube removed earlier this month.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken is following all of the developments in the Schiavo case as it winds its way through the courts, and he joins us live now from Pinellas Park, Florida, with the latest.

Good morning to you, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

What happens, of course, is as it goes through the court system it ultimately runs into a stonewall and so the family will back off and try and find some other route. That's what is going on now. The routes become more and more unexplorable as we're finding out in this latest case which is a very unusual filing. Went back to the same judge who ordered the tubes removed, and saying that the daughter who, of course, has a diagnosis of severe brain damage, in fact, tried to verbally indicate that she wanted to live. The judge said, as you pointed out, that there's going to be a ruling by noon.

Meanwhile, the federal court of appeals has said no again to the latest effort by the Schindlers to go through the federal system. The lawyers say they are going to appeal; if they can do the same thing they did last time and go to the entire court before they go to the Supreme Court remains to be seen. Of course, time is running out, and the parents, the father of Terri Schiavo, came out to speak to cameras and expressed quite clearly his frustration and his desperation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: What you are seeing is a textbook example of judicial tyranny. They either find a way or make a way. They have a mindset to kill Terri, and I think it's disgusting and revolting, what these courts have done to her. Regarding Governor Bush, Governor Bush has the authority to stop all this. He's -- with the stroke of his pen, he could stop it. He can stop it immediately. He's put Terri through a week of hell, and my family through a week of hell, by not acting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And outside the hospice, witnessing this, including, of course, all the media, a group of about -- grows to 100 or 200 before the day is through, people who have come down to have a vigil. Most of them are supporting the return of life support. There are a couple who do not, but the overwhelming number are supporting the Schindler family. Inside the hospice Terri Schiavo, by all accounts, is beginning to have her physical condition deteriorating. The experts say that it's just matter days now unless that tube is connected. Betty?

NGUYEN: Bob, we're looking at the people there standing in vigil as we watch all of this play out. What's the mood like? Are they optimistic?

FRANKEN: No, to the contrary. They are somber, they're pessimistic. They know that the chances are extremely, extremely thin, but they are here, they say, to "bear witness," to use the terminology that they use, to pray for a miracle. For the most part, they are extremely religious and they are here in many cases to mark Holy Week. This is the day before Easter; yesterday was Good Friday. We can expect that will enter into their activities here.

NGUYEN: Also, they are there to make their point heard.

CNN's Bob Franken. Thank you for that. Tony?

HARRIS: Medical experts have played a key role in Terri Schiavo's case but neurologists who have spent hours examining the brain-damaged woman have different stories to tell depending on who is paying them. Let's listen to doctors hired by Schiavo's husband and another hired by her parents. Both have testified in court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. RONALD CRANFORD, M. SCHIAVO MEDICAL EXPERT: Her atrophy is so severe, there's no remaining viable cerebral cortex. It's all scar tissue left; it's not 75 percent left. Any neuradiologist in the country will tell you that there's extremely severe atrophy, and the judge was very impressed by that. We showed the -- Judge Greer -- what they've shown -- and he was very impressed by the fact that there's hardly any cerebral cortex left, the thinking part of the brain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. WILLIAM MAXFIELD, SCHINDLERS MEDICAL EXPERT: There are individuals that come out of a coma and out of severe brain damage after quite a number of years. The young lady, recently, that started talking after 20 years, and I believe she is in Kansas, is certainly an example.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Altogether five doctors have given their medical opinions in a hearing ordered by a Florida appeals court.

NGUYEN: Now this dramatic case, that's already had so many legal twists, has taken yet another bizarre turn. Richard Alan Meywes is in police custody in North Carolina. Officials say he sent e-mails trying to hire someone to kill Terri Schiavo's husband Michael Schiavo. Meywes allegedly offered $250,000 for the hit. Police say he also offered $50,000 for the death of a judge who refused to intervene in the case.

Well, millions of you are following the Terri Schiavo case, so you've probably heard just about every angle there is. Well, this morning, we are giving you the opportunity to ask your legal questions about the case. All have you to do is e-mail us at wam@CNN.com.

HARRIS: Legal options for Terri Schiavo's parents may be dwindling as we await a federal court in Florida's ruling in the Schiavo case. We'll ask our legal experts about the remaining options.

And, good morning, Boston. March is going out like a lion for some parts of the nation. Your forecast with Rob Marciano is straight ahead.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN "TIP OF THE DAY": Maintain the condition of your home by keeping moisture out. It's the number one source of damage to homes, causing problems like cracked paint and mold. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent by using ventilators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Check for leaks in the basement on a regular basis, especially after rain storms. Use exhaust fans or open the windows when cooking or washing dishes. Fix leaky faucets and pipes as soon as you find them. Clean and dry out wet or damp areas within 48 hours, and always keep your home well-ventilated.

I'm Gerri Willis, and that's your "Tip of the Day." For more, watch "OPEN HOUSE" Saturday mornings at 9:30 Eastern, on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: It's unique to the American Indian, the beat of tribal drums to help with the healing process, coping with the tragic school shooting in Minnesota, next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right.

HARRIS: Rolling Stones, first thing in the morning.

It gets you going.

NGUYEN: Yes, it does.

HARRIS: Good morning, Boston. Great looking shot there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Our top stories now.

A Florida circuit court is expected to rule by noon Eastern Time on the latest appeal to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Meantime, her parents are expected to file a fourth appeal today to the 11th Circuit federal court in Atlanta.

Other news to tell you about as well. Two U.S. soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in a car bombing in Baghdad. A U.S. Marine was killed in action Friday in western Iraq's al Anbar province.

And, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, today, an autopsy may determine if the body of a young girl is that of a missing 10-year-old. Jetseta Gage disappeared Thursday night; police are questioning a registered sex offender in that case.

HARRIS: For the family of Terri Schiavo comfort has come from many sources. One, a Franciscan order of monks from Minnesota whose founder went through a health battle similar to Terri's. Brother Paul O'Donnell belongs to the order and is a spiritual advisor to the Schindler family. He joins us now.

Brother Paul, good to see you this morning.

BRO. PAUL O'DONNELL, BROTHERS OF PEACE: Thank you. Good to be here.

HARRIS: Give me a sense of how Bob and Mary Schindler and the rest of the Schindler family is holding up.

O'DONNELL: Well, they are very strong people of faith, and they're going to fight to the bitter end to save their daughter's life. They want to be able to stand before God, and some day stand before Terri, and say that they did everything humanly possible to save their daughter.

HARRIS: Brother Paul, the reality of the situation is that Terri may die. Have you in any way started the process of preparing the family for that possibility?

O'DONNELL: Oh, sure. It's something that we talk about, something that we prayed about. But Terri is still living. Terri is alive, and we'll cross that bridge when that time comes. But right now, we still have hope and we're hoping that the governor will be a man of faith and a man of courage and do something to save Terri's life.

HARRIS: You are quoted as saying during the week, "as we look to Good Friday and all that Mary the mother of Christ could do was stand at her child's side. He was condemned by unjust courts the same way that Terri Schiavo is being condemned to die by court order." You believe that?

O'DONNELL: I certainly do. And you know, for the Schindler family, I know Terri's siblings will be fine. I know Bob Sr. will be fine, but as far as Mary, there's no word to comfort that anyone can give to her. No parent should have to go through this. No mother should have to watch her daughter be starved to death, and we're begging the governor to do something. HARRIS: "Condemned by an unjust court," you go on to say in another quote...

O'DONNELL: Absolutely.

HARRIS: So what are we to do when issues of faith collide with a legal system?

O'DONNELL: Well, I think we have to stand up and take courageous actions. When we see that Congress, that has equal authority as the judiciary, is being trumped by the judiciary, it's time to step forward and do something. There have been unjust laws. There have been unjust courts in the past, and we need to confront that. And those people that run on a political platform of pro-life, pro-family, need to step forward in these desperate times. We're begging for those, and moral authority, and civil authority, to take action to save this woman's life, because this could end up being the tsunami of euthanasia in the United States.

HARRIS: OK. Brother Paul O'Donnell, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us this morning. Thank you, sir.

NGUYEN: Healing after a devastating event. A ceremony usually reserved for Native Americans is open to the community impacted by the latest school shootings. We take you inside the circle, next hour.

GERRI WILLIS: Coming up this morning on "OPEN HOUSE" -- want to ensure your home holds its value? Maintenance is key. We show you how to inspect your home room by room. Then, avoid your own contractor nightmare: tips on hiring the right person for the job. And our "Weekend Project," upgrade your bathroom on a budget. That's "OPEN HOUSE," 9:30 a.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In today's "Legal Briefs," the Terri Schiavo case. Joining us from Miami is civil libertyies attorney Lida Rodriguez- Taseff, and sitting in for Nelda Blair in our Washington bureau, is former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney Pamela Bethel.

Good morning to you both.

Well, let's start with you, Lida. If Judge Greer rules against inserting the feeding tube, this appeal which the Schindlers have brought up once again in that court, are there any legal options that they can exercise if that appeal is denied?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: What they will do, if Judge Greer denies their latest appeal saying that she -- that Terri Schiavo, when they were removing the feeding tube said, I want to live -- if Judge Greer denies that latest motion, they will have the opportunity to appeal to the state appellate court, then that appeal will go to the state supreme court and ultimately to the state -- to the U.S. Supreme Court. So they still have appeals left. Chances of something happening at this point are really slim.

NGUYEN: Pamela, do you agree the chances are very slim at this point?

PAMELA BETHEL, FMR. FEDERAL PROSECUTOR: Absolutely. Most of the -- we have not seen the papers because there has been such a flurry of papers being filed. But it is very difficult to imagine that the claims are substantially different and a judge is now going to make a decision based on facts. I mean, if she, in fact, said, she wants to live, the fact that it has not been in the record before, I don't think the judge is likely to reverse him or herself based on the information that we believe is being presented to the court.

NGUYEN: Lida, Terri Schiavo's parents have appealed, have pleaded to Governor Jeb Bush to step in, to do something. Can he? If so, what can doe?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, certainly, short of violating the law, the governor cannot do anything. We have three branches of government. They are each co-equal. The executive is not superior. The judiciary has spoken under the rule of law. In fact, even the legislature got involved here, both the state legislature and Congress got involved. Additional processes were given to Terri Schiavo's family to run this through the federal courts and time and again, the federal courts who are populated by judges of all political stripes, denied those appeals over and over and over again. The governor would be treading on dangerous territory if he even attempted intervene at this point.

NGUYEN: OK, Pamela, so what about the argument from this new doctor that's determined that Terri Schiavo is not in persistent vegetative state and, also, her parents who claim that she has attempted to say, I want to live. Are those desperate measures, or can those arguments save her life?

BETHEL: Well, we don't know -- I don't want to speculate as to whether or not they are desperate measures. But there are two things: with respect to the legal remedies, what might be available to the family, the only comment that might have any bearing is if they can demonstrate to the judge that she said she wanted to live.

We began this process, as the process begins, when her husband Michael says that she said that if she was ever in a state in which appeared to be that she would not improve, that she would not want to live in that state. Now, if there could be proof that she changed her mind or she is trying to indicate that was never her intention, then perhaps that could have had some impact on this proceeding. But, given when the statement is being raised, given all the other flurry about this case, I doubt at this juncture that the judiciary is going to reverse itself based on that statement alone.

NGUYEN: Lida, I have to ask you, the attorney for Michael Schiavo has been quoted as saying the legal system has been abused in this case. What are your thoughts on that?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, one of the things that is most noteworthy, and we should all be very proud, is that the legal system has stood up to the test in this case. Many, many federal judges, state court judges, have reviewed this case over and over again, regardless of partisan lines. These judges -- half of whom have been Republicans who have basically affirmed and reaffirmed the decisions of Judge Greer -- these judges have gone through the process, given due process of law, time and again.

I don't believe that I'm going to agree that the legal process has been abused. The legal process has been tested and it has come out ahead. And it has come out ahead of a political system that is sorely out of step with the wishes of Americans and with the Constitutional values that we hold dear.

NGUYEN: All right. We're going to leave it there. Lida Rodriguez Taseff and Pamela Bethel, we appreciate your insight today. Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thank you.

BETHEL: Thank you.

HARRIS: Good discussion. And, next hour we'll be answering your legal questions about the Terri Schiavo case. Send your e-mail questions to this address: wam@CNN.com, and former U.S. Attorney Kendell Coffey will be on hand next hour with your answers.

NGUYEN: Also, wisdom is built from a lifetime of memories, right? But, if you can't remember where you put your car keys, how will you be wise enough for the ages? Next on HOUSE CALL, our Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at the mind and ways to improve the memory.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris. We'll see you again at the top of the hour. HOUSE CALL and your top stories straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(HOUSECALL)

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is March 26. Good morning, everyone. I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris. It is 9:00 a.m. on the East Coast, and 6:00 a.m. on the West Coast.

Let's get right to the stories now in the news.

A Florida court is expected to rule in three hours on the latest appeal to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Her parents are expected to file a fourth appeal today to the 11th Circuit Court here in Atlanta.

At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II is getting his day of rest a day early. Holy Saturday is a quiet day for the church. The pope has missed most of the Holy Week services. But he is expected to bless crowds in St. Peter's Square tomorrow for Easter. The FBI in Utah has charged a Peruvian man with trying to smuggle banned items aboard an airliner. Agents say the 65-year-old man had box cutters, blades, and long scissors wrapped up in foil and duct tape in his carry-on bag.

NGUYEN: Our top story this morning, we are closely monitoring the legal battle still swirling around Terri Schiavo. As it stands right now, we are awaiting a response from state Judge George Greer to the latest appeal from Schiavo's parents to restore their daughter's feeding tube. Now, that decision is expected by noon Eastern.

The Schindler family has lost every legal attempt to restore the feeding tube since it was removed Friday, a week ago. The most recent was last night, by the federal appeals court in Atlanta, the second rebuff by that court in three days.

Now, CNN's correspondents are well versed in every nuance of this life-and-death dispute and are at key locations to bring you the latest developments as they happen.

Our Ed Henry is in Tallahassee, where Governor Jeb Bush is facing a lot of angry criticism from the Schiavo case, and Bob Franken is outside the hospice in Pinellas Park where Terri Schiavo is.

Bob, let's start with you. What is the situation there?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is not unfair to say that the family, the blood relatives of Terri Schiavo, are becoming more and more desperate in their appeals, are last-ditch efforts. And their supporters among the protesters here are getting more disgruntled, more confrontive, and even involving their youngsters.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Once again, those charged with trespassing included three children, two girls and a boy this time, arrested with the adults.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anybody make you do this?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted to do this.

FRANKEN: When Kerry (ph) and Gaylen Keys allowed three of their kids to be taken into custody in Wednesday's televised exercise in civil disobedience, the reaction was hardly altogether positive. Critics charged they were misusing their children.

GAYLEN KEYS, MOTHER: But tens of thousands of children and young people are being arrested for drugs and violence, I'm proud that my children were arrested for having loving compassion. So I don't apologize for that.

CAMERON KEYS, ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING: I was a little scared, but the policemen were very nice and everything. And they handcuffed us and took us to the juvenile hall. It was a little bit scary. FRANKEN: Soon they were out to rejoin the dozens of other children whose parents have decided that the lessons of their fight to save Terri Schiavo's life outweigh the risks of this intense and unpredictable protest.

Matt and Mariann (ph) Bronzell brought eight of their 11 children to be here with the 100 to 200 demonstrators who have come to join the fight from around the country. The protesters bring their religious fervor from a variety of faiths.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE) save Terri and feed her.

FRANKEN: The ages of the Bronzell children here range from teenaged to infant.

MATT BRONZELL, PROTESTER: Because my children need to see this. They need to see this. They need to see what the government's going to do so when they get a little older, they could change it before it's too late.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: And, of course, there is a religious fervor here, particularly on this Easter weekend. Invariably, when you ask some about why they involve their children, they quote from Matthew, quoting Jesus Christ, who said, "Let the little children come to me." On the other side are the people who say they're using their children to push their personal agendas, Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Bob Franken in Pinellas Park this morning. Thank you for that, Bob.

HARRIS: And let's turn now to CNN's Ed Henry in the state capital. And Ed, Clearwater is quite a few miles away from Tallahassee, but something tells me the governor can hear the chorus from there loud and clear. But is there anything he can do?

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: At this point, the governor, Tony, is saying that there is nothing he can do. He's trying to watch the appeals process very closely. He's still hopeful, according to aides, that the appeals process will be turned around.

Protesters here in the state capital really zeroing in, as Bob mentioned, on Easter weekend. And since Governor Bush is Catholic, protesters here are saying that he should show mercy. The governor should take custody of Terri Schiavo and get that feeding tube reinserted.

Religious themes also were front and center yesterday on Good Friday, when a small group of protesters were camped out outside the governor's mansion just down the street from here. They were praying. They were also holding up some pretty tough signs, saying to the governor, quote, "Don't be Pontius Pilate," also "Jeb shall not murder."

The governor also feeling a lot of pressure from the parents of Terri Schiavo, who implored the governor to intervene in this case last night after the latest judicial setback. Bob Schindler, the father of Terri Schiavo, said the governor had, quote, "put Terri through a week of hell," as Mr. Bush has watched what the parents called a judicial homicide take place.

Here's Mary Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARY SCHINDLER, MOTHER OF TERRI SCHIAVO: Governor Bush, you have the power to save my daughter. It's been seven days. Please, please do something.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: The governor did not make any public comments yesterday, instead staying in his office behind me here, huddling with staff, trying to mull all of the legal options. Aides say the governor does not believe his executive power trumps that of the courts. And that's why he does not believe that he can just go in and basically take custody of Terri Schiavo, as a lot of these protesters and activists are imploring.

And they say that while all of this is weighing heavily on the governor, that's just because of his concern for Terri Schiavo and her parents, not because of any of these protests or pressures on him, Tony.

HARRIS: Gotcha. Ed Henry in Tallahassee for us. Ed, thank you.

NGUYEN: Now, this dramatic case with many legal twists has taken yet another bizarre turn. Richard Alan Meywes is in police custody in North Carolina. Officials say he sent e-mails trying to hire someone to kill Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael. Mawest allegedly offered $250,000 for the hit. Police say he also offered $50,000 for the death of a judge who refused to intervene in the case.

If you are following the Terri Schiavo case closely -- and millions of you are -- you've probably heard just about every angle to take on this case more than once. So this morning, we are not discussing the issues over and over again. Instead, we're giving you the opportunity to ask legal questions about the case.

We have a former U.S. attorney with us from Miami. Kendall Coffey is standing by to answer your legal questions about the Schiavo case -- there he is -- and any other life-and-death questions you may have. All you have to do, e-mail us with your questions at wam@cnn.com.

It sounds like a Hollywood movie plot, only it is real life. U.S. soldiers in Iraq stop a prison break in the making. We have those details just ahead.

HARRIS: And good morning, Boston. Fair weather for you today, but storms are threatening parts of the Southeast. Rob Marciano has an update soon. But first, we want to turn now to the school shooting tragedy in northern Minnesota. Funerals are planned today for three of the nine victims killed in last Monday's killing frenzy. The 16-year-old gunman then took his own life. The Chippewa Indians of Red Lake are dealing with their profound grief through traditional Native American ceremonies.

For that, here's Laura Vermata (ph) of affiliate KMSP.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LAURA VERMATA, REPORTER, KMSP (voice-over): A room full of circles. Tighter, stronger, louder.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) please close your eyes. We stand there by the drums. (INAUDIBLE).

VERMATA: Each with meaning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In and of themselves, you know, are the instructions of how to be family.

VERMATA: Forty miles away from Red Lake's shooting rampage.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are representing hope.

VERMATA: Hundreds at another school, Bemidji State University, became a family. It's a place to begin healing, with a lot of healing to do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And when we enter the sacred circle, we forget all of the worries and the problems that we have.

VERMATA: In the crowd, many from Red Lake, spiritual leaders, family, former students and teachers, including one who saw it all.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was (INAUDIBLE), laying on other students to save that student in that room.

VERMATA: Finally speaking to try and overcome the pain.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I guess I just wanted to share that with the people from Red Lake, that there is hope, that we will get (INAUDIBLE).

VERMATA: In ceremonies like these, each step, each gesture, each drumbeat represents a gift.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) the important (INAUDIBLE) of this tragedy is to give us time to those that have been hurt.

VERMATA: To tell them it's time to move on, it's time to forgive. Even to the troubled teen, who may have been hurting the most.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And towards this young man that was in so much pain that he did something like this, he slipped through the cracks, you know, we pray for him, as well. We pray for his family.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Know what that means. You know what that means. Time to check out some of the other stories making news around the world. Why do you look at me like that?

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE), you know, I didn't know exactly where you were going. And to do that, let's check in now with Anand Naidoo at CNN's international desk. Anand, good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN INTERNATIONAL: Hey, good morning from me.

First up, we're going to go to Taiwan. There've been some major protests there against China's new antisecession law. Tens of thousands of activists take to the streets. The march began at 10 locations around Taipei and is expected to end up outside the presidential office. Some activists say the law gives China a blank check to use force against Taiwan. And that legislation that they're protesting against would actually authorize the use of force against Taiwan if the island made some kind of moves towards formal independence.

Now to the turmoil in Kyrgyzstan. The opposition there planning elections, new elections, for June 26. That development two days after protesters ousted the government over allegations of fraud in the last election. The whereabouts of the President Askar Akayev are still unclear. He reportedly e-mailed a local news agency earlier, saying rumors of his resignation were false. The upheaval, which has been dubbed the Tulip Revolution, is the third major political revolt in former Soviet Union states.

Now to Iraq, and U.S. forces there foil a massive escape attempt from one of the coalitions main prison camps. They discovered a 600- foot escape tunnel at Camp Bucca in southeastern Iraq. The prison houses some 5,600 detainees. And the tunnel there was completed, but, as far as we know, no one actually made it out.

That's it from me. Stay with CNN. We'll be monitoring developments in Taiwan as well as developments in Kyrgyzstan through the day.

For now, though, let's go back to Betty and Tony.

HARRIS: Anand, thank you.

NGUYEN: Want to check our top stories right now.

Another ruling is expected in the Terri Schiavo case within the next three hours. A Florida circuit court judge says he'll decide on the latest appeal by Schiavo's parents to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted.

Police in Iowa have found the body of a young girl hours after issuing an Amber Alert for a missing 10-year-old. A convicted sex offender has been arrested in connection with the case. And autopsy results, those are still pending.

And a public memorial service later today to honor Jessica Lunsford. The 9-year-old was taken from her bedroom a month ago. A convicted sex offender was charged with her death last week.

HARRIS: And in just a couple of minutes, we're going to put some of your questions about the Schiavo case to one of the finest legal minds on the planet. Former U.S. Attorney Kendall Coffey will join us live. Kendall, you can smile, I just said something wonderful about you. Kendall's with us in just a couple of minutes when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: All right. There's a, what we've been asking to you do this morning, which is to send in your legal questions on the Schiavo case.

Let's bring in now former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey. He joins us now.

Kendall, you ready to answer some questions from our viewers?

KENDALL COFFEY, FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY: Going to be fascinating discussion, Tony.

HARRIS: Yes, it's, it's, these questions are great. Let's get to the first one here.

"In catastrophic medical cases like this one, when no clear advance directives exist, the next of kin makes the medical decisions. Shouldn't this have been clear 13 years ago, that Michael Schiavo has the right to make decisions on Terri's behalf?" Kendall, what do you think?

COFFEY: Well, that's certainly what can happen where the relatives are not in disagreement. But what happened here was, of course, the parents bitterly disagreed with Michael Schiavo. They had to go to court in 1998. And, as we know, seven years later, there is still very bitter dispute and disagreement.

HARRIS: That's for sure.

NGUYEN: Hey, Kendall, Liz wants to know, "Are we allowing the Schindlers to abuse our court system by continuing with these appeals even when they have already been denied?"

COFFEY: Well, in life-and-death cases, including the cases of death row inmates, people will go again and again until the final hour. So in a certain sense, they are getting an awful lot of judicial consideration. But given the stakes, given the concern, I don't think it's surprising. And none of the judges yet have questioned the motives of the parents.

HARRIS: OK, Kendall, from Ruth, "I would like to know whether Jeb Bush has the power to order the feeding tube back into Terri."

COFFEY: He does not. They tried that a year-and-a-half ago. The Supreme Court unanimously said he does not have the power.

NGUYEN: Well, let me ask you this, then, why is it that the Schindlers, Terri's family, keep asking the governor to step in, if he cannot?

COFFEY: Well, I think he has done everything he can within the limits of the law. I understand their frustration, but he has gone above and beyond, and the law permits him to do no more than he's already tried.

NGUYEN: All right. Sandra wants to know, "If and when Terri expires, could the Schindlers prevent Michael Schiavo from profiting from the story by suing him for wrongful death?"

COFFEY: Well, I think there is going to be a wrongful death suit.

HARRIS: Oh.

COFFEY: It's not clear what the outcome's going to be. But I would expect that you will see not an end to this, no matter what the outcome is of her current medical crisis.

HARRIS: OK, Kendall, that's, that's good. All right, you are going to be back with us tomorrow, as well, correct?

COFFEY: I'll be looking forward to it. It's a fascinating and difficult case.

HARRIS: So we're going to encourage everyone to keep sending along these e-mail questions. And we'll take those up with you tomorrow, Kendall. We appreciate it.

COFFEY: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Want to talk about a little weather right now, because some nasty scenarios playing out in the Southeast. Rob Marciano joins us with the latest on that. Good morning, Rob.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

NGUYEN: Thanks, Rob.

HARRIS: Well, they've made it official. A new update this morning on the marital status of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns.

NGUYEN: First, a CNN extra. International passengers say Asian airports are the best in world. A recent survey said Hong Kong's airport at the top of the list, followed by Seoul and Singapore. In North America, the favorite is Canada's Halifax hub in Nova Scotia, followed by Minneapolis and San Diego. The survey covered 40 major airports and was conducted by the Airport Council and the International Airport or Air Transport Association.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And this just in to CNN. Take a look at this picture. A man has climbed onto the side, you see him right there, has climbed onto the side of the dome of the St. Peter's Basilica. Now, the man there in that dark jacket holding onto the side of the dome after apparently climbing over the barrier. These are pictures just into CNN, tapes, pictures just in, not live pictures, but just in to CNN. He climbed over that barrier designed to protect tourists, and he is hanging onto the side, this is the dome of the Basilica at St. Peter's Square. And he is threatening to jump.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you further updates.

NGUYEN: All right. It's been a interesting race this morning in the search for the most-viewed stories on the Internet. And I think I know which one it might be, but not going to give it away.

Here's Veronica De La Cruz.

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Not yet, don't give it away yet.

NGUYEN: OK, I -- mum's the word.

DE LA CRUZ: Well, first of all, Betty, of course, we're tracking the most popular stories. And very interesting race this morning. To find them, go to our main page and click on the icon Most Popular. You can also type in CNN.com/mostpopular on the right hand side of your screen. You can also type in cnn.com/mostpopular.

OK, our number one story right now, one of America's most beautiful couples has officially called it quits.

NGUYEN: No.

(LAUGHTER)

DE LA CRUZ: Yes. Jennifer Aniston has filed from divorce from hot Hollywood stud Brad Pitt.

(LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Which one do you like? Apparently Pitt.

(LAUGHTER)

DE LA CRUZ: Well, the couple married back in July of 2000. Good news, they don't have any children together. In the petition, Aniston has asked to have her maiden name restored. So very sad, because they were a cute couple. But the good news, like you're saying, Brad is back on the market or (INAUDIBLE)...

NGUYEN: I didn't say that, you said that. (LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Although very interesting point, and well taken.

(LAUGHTER)

NGUYEN: Back on the market.

HARRIS: Outrage.

DE LA CRUZ: Well, he's a heartbreaker, and from breaking hearts to breaking bank accounts, another hot story on the Web right now, a judge has awarded the former wife of a multimillion-dollar businessman a divorce settlement worth more than $40 million, even though she admitted to having affairs with both her rock-climbing guide and a man she met on a flight to China.

NGUYEN: And she won?

DE LA CRUZ: Can you believe that? And she won. She, she, well, she's actually going to get 27 percent of her husband's $168 million fortune.

NGUYEN: Oh, only 27 percent.

DE LA CRUZ: And that's it, that's what I (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: That's a pretty penny, though, (INAUDIBLE) percent. All right.

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: Veronica De La Cruz. Brad Pitt, she's waiting.

HARRIS: (INAUDIBLE)

NGUYEN: All right? See, there, I helped you out.

DE LA CRUZ: No, no, no, no, no.

NGUYEN: Helped you out.

HARRIS: Time to check in with Dan and Daria Dolan in New York City for a preview of "DOLANS UNSCRIPTED" at the top of the hour.

Good morning, you two.

DAN DOLAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Tony. We will do our very best to match the importance of the Brad/Jennifer story. We're going to start off with you guys -- where you and Betty leave off, Tony.

We're going to go to Pinellas Park to talk to Bob Franken about the lastest in the Schiavo case. We'll also talk to a bioethicist, and I'm going to ask a question of him that has not been asked before, of the millions of questions that have been asked in this mess. DARIA DOLAN, CNN ANCHOR: And we're also going to take you along with "Consumer Reports" to the New York Auto Show to talk about the best and worst of the cars, and what Americans are buying. Why aren't we buying cars made in America?

DAN DOLAN: Because some of them are junk, that's why.

DARIA DOLAN: Well, could be.

NGUYEN: Yikes.

HARRIS: All right, we'll see you both at the top of the hour.

Take care.

That's it for us. Thanks for joining us this SATURDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Stay with us; there's much more to come, including these stories now in the news.

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