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CNN Saturday Morning News

Alabama Tornado Damage; More Severe Weather Expected in the South; Saving Money Grocery Shopping; Desperation in Myanmar; Jenna Bush Wedding

Aired May 10, 2008 - 09:00   ET

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

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN, ANCHOR: From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm Betty Nguyen. Joining you now live from the severe weather center because people in the several states today, you could be seeing some rough stuff. We'll get to the latest on that severe weather. T.J.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN, ANCHOR: All right. Hello to you, all. I'm T.J. Holmes. A lot of weather to talk about. Also, before you head out to the grocery store, learn how you can save money while shopping. The economy, your number one concern. And we're bringing you the news that you need to know.

NGUYEN: Plus, Tom Cruise and other Hollywood stars brought scientology into the spotlight. And now the church says it is being attacked by cyber terrorists.

First thing we want to tell you about though is to brace yourself because tornado weather is expected today across a big part of the country. Just take a look. This video is from earlier in the week. And it is a good indication of what might be in store for some of you today. People from Arkansas to the Carolinas should expect storm systems to fire up this afternoon. And once they get going, watch out. We've got our crews out in the most likely hot spots so that we can bring you the latest severe weather outbreaks as they happen.

HOLMES: Also, look at this video. Amazing stuff here. Yes, you see cars being tossed around by a tornado. This is surveillance footage of a tornado - this happened in a town in Alabama. There we go. We spotlighted it for you a little bit there. Two of these cars flying about 40 feet or so. The National Weather service confirmed, in fact, tornado touched down to the north and western parts of the state of Alabama.

NGUYEN: That is just incredible to see those cars just tossed around like that. It shows how damaging these tornados can be. I'm joining Reynolds Wolf here in the severe weather center this morning because there are a lot of things that we need to tell you about today. People in several different states.

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, in states that have just been recently hit by some of the severe weather. You know, we showed you video moments ago in places like Alabama where you had the storm damage with the cars flying around. That could happen again today. Arkansas, where they had, of course, many places that were damaged as well. It's going to be a big area, ladies and gentlemen. We are going to show you exactly who's going to be affected. Millions of people across our country.

In fact, come with me as we walk over to the big wall, and you're going to see potential large hail, deadly lightning, even some tornados in many parts of the southeast and even parts of the southern plains. We are going to get things started right now in parts of Arkansas. Not a lot of activity for the time being, but into the afternoon, we are talking 3:00, 4:00 or 5:00. That's when it can really get underway. And then overnight and then into Sunday, we're going to see the potential severe weather move into portions of the southern Carolina area, back into parts of Georgia into Alabama, even into extreme north Florida.

So, this is going to be an area where we could see a lot of severe weather unfolding. Not only are we going to have the chance of that hail and lightning, the tornadoes and maybe even some flash flooding in some areas, especially low lying areas, you could have some big problems.

Now, one place that could be under the gun today? Memphis, Tennessee. And we've got a live image for you at Memphis. And we're going to show you that right now. In fact, you can see over here on the flat screen, this compliments of WMC. You can see a line of activity there today. The reason why is because we have a lot of low clouds, reports of fog there. It's a very, very -- great deal of humidity there.

So with that humidity, the temperatures are expected to rise into the 80s and the 90s in parts of Memphis. It is going to be a very, very unstable atmosphere. So, when that frontal boundary moves through we can really see the storms intensifying into the late afternoon hours. Now, if we can, let's go back to this big screen. I want to show you some sheer numbers that we can expect across much of the nation in terms of temperatures. This is really a key component to the severe weather outbreak. From Atlanta back to Tampa, again, these are just numbers.

It doesn't seem like it's all too significant. But I'm telling you, when you have high humidity and temperatures like 94 degrees in Dallas, 92 in Houston, and everything coming in from the south in terms of that warm, and muggy air, and then you have that big contrast in temperatures as the frontal boundary moves through this region. It is going to get very, very rough in many spots. So, if you happen to be in Arkansas and needed to go out and maybe go to the store, go early. Because in the afternoon, things could get very rough. Same story for you in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. It looks like most of the severe weather will be moving in later on this evening for you, I'm talking about 9:0), 10:00. and then eventually into tomorrow morning back into Atlanta and perhaps into South Carolina.

So, that is the scenario for you. Again, a big severe weather story that will affect millions of people. Back to you.

NGUYEN: An important one today especially they need to keep track of what's happening as it moves through the area. We'll be on top of it as well, Reynolds. Thank you. HOLMES: We turn now to the desperation in Myanmar and the military government there that seemingly putting those concerns of the people on hold, instead turning its attention to today's constitutional referendum. Yes, it was voting day in that country. A vote was expected to solidify the military junta's power. Polls have already closed. Voting in cyclone devastated areas were postponed for two weeks.

NGUYEN: While many of the people in those areas, in southern Myanmar are still waiting for help. Relief aid has been so slow to arrive for the estimated 1 million left homeless by this storm. The U.N. also offering up these staggering numbers. Listen to this. As many as 100,000 dead. That is nearly four times more than what Myanmar's government is reporting.

HOLMES: Well, the U.N.'s World Food Program is sending in relief supply trucks right now. Meanwhile, the U.S. military is standing by using Thailand as a staging place for planes, helicopters and disaster relief teams. That effort has been stalled, for the most parts. Only now getting clearance to send a single plane load of aid into the country, also known as Burma.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORDON JOHNDROE, WHITE HOUSE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY: The United States welcomes the announcement that we have received approval from the Burmese government for a U.S. military C-130 cargo plane with the emergency relief supplies to land in Burma on Monday. We hope this is the beginning of major U.S. assistance to the Burmese people. We will continue to work with the government of Burma on additional access for U.S.A.I.D., non-governmental organizations as well as our other international partners to provide assistance to help the Burmese people during their time of need.

HOLMES: The U.S. is also hoping to be able to use helicopters for more direct aid drops.

NGUYEN: Well, we know you may want to help. And at cnn.com we do have a special page on the devastation in Myanmar complete with links to aid agencies that are organizing help for this region. It is a chance for you to impact your world, so let us be your guide.

Also, I want `to tell you about because it's new this morning. A ceasefire in Iraq. Just minutes ago the Iraqi government confirmed that militia fighters and Iraqi forces have agreed to a ceasefire in Baghdad's Sadr City. Now, for weeks the government troops have been battling fighters loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada Al Sadr. And just over night, more than a dozen people were killed in Sadr City violence. CNN's Michael Ware is in Baghdad and he's going to join us with a live report next hour.

HOLMES: We turn to presidential politics in this country now. Hillary Clinton refusing to close the door on her presidential campaign, but Barack Obama is closing in on Clinton's superdelegate lead. According to the most recent CNN calculations, Obama has 268 of those so-called superdelegates. He has a total of 1,860 delegates overall. Clinton has 272 superdelegates or unpledged delegates and a total of 1696 overall. Again, it takes 2,025 to win the nomination.

As for the candidates today, Clinton attends a mother's day fund- raising a bit in New York while Barack Obama campaigns in Oregon today. No public events today for republican nominee to be John McCain. He was starting his day with a private fund-raiser in Texas. Then he's off to Arizona for a bit of down time. McCain campaigned in South Carolina yesterday.

Up next for the democrats, Tuesday's West Virginia primary. And you can join the best political team on television for complete coverage Tuesday starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, only right here on CNN, your home for politics.

And tune in today for CNN's "Ballot Bowl." It's your chance to hear what the candidates have to say in their own words. "Ballot Bowl" today at 3:00 Eastern, noon Pacific.

NGUYEN: All right. Well, on a related note, speaking of politics, it is the talk of the town in Crawford, Texas, and across much of the country for that matter. First daughter Jenna Bush gets married tonight at the Bush's family ranch. White House correspondent Elaine Quijano didn't make the guest list. Hey, don't worry, I wasn't on it either but she does join us from Crawford. Elaine, the details are so hush hush surrounding this wedding, but we know you know something. So, what kind of information have you been able to gather?

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, there are no details and really no pictures, perhaps one or two, if we are lucky tomorrow morning. So, we're going have to engage in a bit of theater of the mind here to set the scene for you. Jenna Bush and her fiance Henry Hager are going to be exchanging vows tonight on President Bush's 1600-acre ranch and will do so with more than 200 people looking on, friends and family really. President Bush had an altar and cross fashioned out of Texas limestone just for the occasion, and the bride will wear a gown designed by Oscar de la Renta. Her fourteen attendants will be wearing dresses by Dallas designer Leila Ross that reflect the colors of the Texas wildflowers in bloom right now.

Her twin sister, Barbara will be the maid of honor. And afterwards there will be dinner and dancing in tents. But we're told, Jenna very much wanted, of course, to have the wedding in Crawford because she feels quite comfortable here in Texas. Of course, a lot of people were very disappointed that she decided not to have a White House wedding, but they are keeping the media very far away. I can tell you, Betty, our work space here is about seven miles from the Bush ranch. So, again, we are hoping that we might get some sort of visual, albeit just a still photo or two but it remains to be seen what we'll actually be able to get.

NGUYEN: Yes. I don't think they're even going to send out any wedding cake, you know, to you this evening.

QUIJANO: I doubt that.

NGUYEN: You are going to be shut out of this, but a man who will be there, no doubt, President Bush. He's been practicing his moves for weeks. We have seen him do a few dances, a l lot to work on, but tonight he's probably going to put his best foot forward. Any word on how he's doing? This has to be difficult for dear old dad.

QUIJANO: Yes, absolutely, Betty. And it's funny because a lot of others that I've sort of talked to about this events. It is a very emotional time when a father gives his away his daughter in marriage. The President has been sort of joking. We saw him do that that there, sticking out his right elbow as he left Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday, saying that, you know, essentially getting ready to walk down the aisle, but for the president, an emotional, an emotional time.

Certainly, the President noted that this is a joyous time in his weekly radio address devoted mostly to Mother's Day, but off the top talking about the wedding of his daughter, Jenna.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VOICE OF PRES. GEORGE W. BUSH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Today is my daughter Jenna's wedding day. This is a joyous occasion for our family. As we celebrate the happy life ahead of her and her husband, Henry. It' s also a special time for Laura, who this Mother's Day weekend will watch a young woman we raised together walk down the aisle.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO; So, those who know President Bush say it is very likely he's going to have a tear in his eye when he walks down the aisle later today.

NGUYEN: I bet he does. OK. Elaine Quijano joining us live. Thank you, Elaine.

HOLMES: Well, up next, something we all try to do. We would love to do. Save some cash.

NGUYEN: It is hard these days though. Gas, food prices - they are going up every day, but don't stress. Oh no, because we got some money saving tips for you.

HOLMES: Also, under surveillance at the airport, who is watching you and why. Coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: All right. New week, new prices when you mail a letter or package. Yes, the U.S. Postal Service is adjusting its prices, but it is not all bad here. The cost of a letter will bump up another penny, prices will go down if you send for Express Mail packages closer to home. There could also be savings for those who use online services.

NGUYEN: Well, as families look for ways to cut back and pinch those pennies, finding savings at the supermarket - that can be a challenge. So, what is the best way to save in the shopping aisle? CNN's Gerri Willis takes a look.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN, PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Prices are going up, but there are a few ways to save money with just the click of your mouse. Skip clipping coupons and check out coolsavings.com. Click on specific grocery items and print out the coupons you want. Or head to grocerygame.com, you'll get a weekly list of the lowest priced products at your supermarket along with manufacturer's coupons and weekly specials. Now, the first month will cost you $1. After that, you'll pay $10 and to get the bestdeals and notifications on your favorite clothing, check out two websites here, shopittome.com and hautelook.com.

And remember traveling is going to be expensive this season. So, it's best to compare prices you book. Go to travelzoo.com or kayak.com, type in your destination and compare the airfare. Coming up on "Open House," falling home prices may mean good deals but what you need to know before we sign. Organic food and vitamins for any budget and rising gas prices have meant a rise in gas theft. That story is coming up on "Open House." 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Betty.

NGUYEN: So, your house, your job, your savings, your debt. Learn how the number one issue in this country is the economy. I don't think you have to learn too much about it. You already know it affects everybody. "Issue number one," next week at noon Eastern, right here on CNN.

HOLMES: Whatever you are spending on food and gas, it's a pretty safe bet that your paycheck has not gotten any bigger to keep up, which means everybody wants to find ways to save a few bucks wherever they can. Josh Levs, how are you saving money these days?

JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Are you kidding? My pieces through the couch cushions looking for change. It is something looking under the car.

HOLMES: Well, we're asking viewers to help us out here.

LEVS: Yes, that's what we're doing. So, we want to draw in the wisdom of our viewers. You know, a lot of people I-report now to talk about this. Let me show you some of the people writing into our report at cnn.com and talking about the situations they are facing these days, the prices of gas and also of food.

Let's start off with these pictures from Mark (inaudible). OK. This is a picture in Yosemite, right near Yosemite, of how incredibly. Look at that, regular, $4.75. this is from i-reporter Fran Van Costiga who sent us this picture. I mean, some people think we're struggling. That's crazy.

HOLMES: Yosemite.

LEVS: Yes, that's near Yosemite. It's obviously, it's particularly expensive out there. Some of it is transportation costs making it so expensive. Let's also move on to some pictures that we got here - of some people who sent us pictures of their local star stores. We heard there from Mark Pianti who tells us he goes to this local store, not one of the chains, buys his milk and gets a much better price. He also sent a picture of his Prius which he says has been going really well for him for quite a while.

One more, I want to show you here. because it's a moving story. This is Frank Veiez who writes us this. He says, "I'm a single father trying to make ends meet. I depleted my savings and stocks. Money is extremely tight. I had to withdraw my youngest daughter from preschool because I couldn't afford it anymore," and now summer vacation is coming and he doesn't know what he's going to do about childcare as he needs to keep working. A lot of it is because of the prices of basics these days, gasoline and food.

Now, we have talked and you heard from Gerri about some of the ways to save money in general, but we also know that some of you some of you have clever ways we hadn't thought of. So, we want to draw in your wisdom. Write to us at weekend@cnn.com. Tell us some unique things that you might be doing to save money on gas and on food. We're going to be sharing some of those with the viewers here. Also, if you'd rather use the I-report system, go over there, send us our pictures, your videos or your comments that way. We're going to take a look at this today and we're going to be back tomorrow with some of the unique, surprising ways we hope to save money on gas and food to help out families like that facing that and people facing that kind of situation these days.

NGUYEN: We need all the help we can get some these days.

HOLMES: Absolutely.

LEVS: No kidding.

HOLMES: All right, Josh. Look forward to that. Thank you so much.

NGUYEN: The price of gas went up two cents overnight. In case you haven't heard. We'll tell you more about that later.

HOLMES: Of course we will. And also, airport security. Some new sets of eyes watching you and looking out for you as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think the more security we can have the better, especially when it comes to preventing terrorism.

NGUYEN: We'll show you a new line of defense against terrorism. Their story, their mission just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Bloodshed in Beirut. Live gunfights were happening live actually this week on CNN. This morning, there is a new death toll. Lebanese officials now say that 23 people have been killed. More than 90 wounded over the past couple of days.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Today things though are a little bit calmer. Hezbollah militias have forced pro-government forces from Beirut. Sunni neighborhoods. It's the worst sectarian violence since the country's civil war ended back in 1991.

HOLMES: Also, a showdown in Zimbabwe to tell you about more drama in the presidential elections. The opposition leader Morgan Changaray, who you see here on the right says he'll return to his African homeland to take part in a presidential runoff. He will face the current president Robert Mugabe and a vote that has not yet been scheduled. Critics say Mugabe rigged the first round of elections and used violence to intimidate his opposition.

NGUYEN: Well, a new line of security is coming to airports across the country, and these officers are not trained to standout in a crowd. In fact, they are trained observers called behavior detection officers. So, as you can guess from the title, these screeners are looking for anything suspicious.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUSAN NAPOLI, BEHAVIOUR DETECTION OFFICER: If we observe behaviors that might elevate signs of stress, fear or deception. We may engage that passenger in some casual conversation and decide where to go from there.

NGUYEN: And apparently it works because one behavior detection officer in plain clothes is credited with stopping a pipe bomb suspect at the Orlando Airport.

HOLMES: The church of Scientology under attack. Protesters trying a new tactic.

NGUYEN: Yes, people who opposed the church are now going on their internet. The tech effect CNN Saturday Morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right. So scientology is back in the spotlight, but not in a good way. A group is actually taking aim at the controversial church in a unique way.

HOLMES: Yes, that group only known as Anonymous. And it's using the internet to launch attacks. CNN's Corinne Winter has this week's tech effect.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The church of Scientology has had its share of critics over the years and more than its share of negative press. The church has always fought back, but now the critics have harnessed a new platform. The internet. And scientology may have a harder time defending hits. Itself. Groups like this one called Anonymous are using cyberspace to challenge the church. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are anonymous. We are legion.

WINTER: The group's postings on new tube generated heavy traffic.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want you to be aware of the very real dangers of scientology.

WYNTER: Anonymous recently staged protests in several cities alleging among other things the church tears families apart. Something the church denies.

They don't care who you are, they just disconnect you from your family.

WYNTER: The group is made up of a growing coalition of anti- scientology activists. Some say they're former scientologists. They wear masks, they say to shield themselves from potential harassment by the church and claim their actions are harmless. The church of scientology calls Anonymous cyber terrorists who have polluted the internet with lies about the religion, and that's not all.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: January, 2008, a message from Anonymous is sent to the church of scientology.

WYNTER: The church released this video to the media alleging Anonymous made thousands of harassing phone calls to church members, including death threats. Anonymous says it has waged an online war against scientology, but says it is not guilty of any hate crimes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is a categorically false accusation. We want change, but through peaceful methods.

WYNTER: The FBI told CNN its investigating whether the group's on line videos crossed the line between free speech and illegal activity. First amendment attorney Douglas Mirell says that's a fine line open to interpretation.

DOUGLASS MIRELL, FIRST AMENDMENT ATTORNEY: From a first amendment perspective, everybody who speaks on the internet has the right to speak, so long as they are expressing their opinion and aren't defaming anybody. That doesn't mean the church won't try to come after them.

WYNTER: Legal experts say the church may be facing its biggest challenge yet, trying to protect its image in a loosely policed medium seen by millions of people. Kareen Wynter, CNN, Hollywood.

NGUYEN: Interesting.

HOLMES: Well, a farmer in Tennessee wakes up, speaking of interest, to quite a surprise here.

NGUYEN: Take a look at that, a wheat field there with a touch of art, shall we say, but they are mystery circles. We're going to show you more.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)