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Fistfight Outside Anthony Trial; Saudi Women Dare to Drive; Oil Prices Hit 4-Month Low; How Greece's Debt Hits Your 401K; Roads Reopened Near Pentagon; Prince Harry May Go to War; High Winds May Spread Wildfires; New York to Feed Geese to Hungry; Arch Tram Stalls, Trapping Riders; Letterman Mocks Schwarzenegger; Obama the Father-in- Chief; Weiner's Retirement: About $1.3M; "He Can't Take It With Him"; Summer Nuptials for Jesse James; Buzz Aldrin and Third Wife Divorce; Oprah Wants O.J.'s Confession; Comedians Still Joking About Debate
Aired June 17, 2011 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: It's 10:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 7:00 out West. Thanks for joining us, everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips.
Sign of emotions outside the trial of the Casey Anthony murder trial. A fight broke out among people. Why? They wanted to get into the courtroom. Anthony is accused of murdering her 2-year- old daughter.
In Saudi Arabia, women daring to get behind the wheel and drive. It's not illegal, but religious edicts there strictly limit women's activities. Now they're jailed.
Oil prices fell to their lowest levels in four months. The price had sunk to 92 bucks a barrel, but has since inched back up a couple of dollars.
A big factor in the fluctuations, Greece, where they're dealing with the spreading debt crisis. It's got governments, bankers and economists around the world worried and you might want to watch what happens, too.
Why? Well, it's that 401(k). And if it's been tanking or your stock options are sinking, Greece is a big reason why. Alison Kosik joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange. Explain the link, Alison.
ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, the good news is that Greece is very close now to securing a second bailout from the European Union, but I'll tell you what, it's really been a bumpy ride. It's rattled markets on both sides of the Atlantic.
Investors are essentially worried about what the domino effect would be. That if Greece defaults on its debt that others countries would follow. There's also concern that if financial troubles spread to the U.S., you'd see U.S. banks here impacted that are holding loans to that are tied to Greece.
Remember we do need our banks strong if we want to see a strong recovery. But there is an upside to this at least a short time upside for American consumers, all these worries causing the euro to fall against the dollar.
And that causes oil prices to fall because the dollar is stronger. Right now, oil prices are sitting about $93 a barrel, pretty low. Oil's at a four-month low as you said, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well, this makes us all wonder how can we protect our 401(k) from the effects of the world economy, is it even possible?
KOSIK: You know what, one word, is you can't. No way. You know, chances are that your 401(k) is a mix of stocks. It's a mix of bonds and both can be hit by a spread of the European debt crisis.
Many investors, you know, they move out of riskier assets like stocks when they get more worried about these global events. But if you're worried at all, now is a good time as any to go ahead and review your 401(k) options.
You know, think about your long-term and short-term goals and discuss them with a financial adviser. All of these 401(k)s, they come with access to experts.
You know, as I said before, Greece has been on investors' radar screens since last April. The stock market has risen since then. Chances are, so has your 401(k). But you know what the best advice is, Kyra, just to leave it alone.
PHILLIPS: Yes, exactly. We've got plenty of time to watch it, kind of hopefully, ride itself out, right?
KOSIK: We hope.
PHILLIPS: Thanks, Alison.
KOSIK: You hope so.
PHILLIPS: A brawl erupted this morning outside the courthouse where the Casey Anthony is on trial.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let him go! Let him go! Let him go!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Why the blows? They wanted tickets to get in. Apparently this guy cut in line. CNN's David Mattingly following the trial in Orlando and, of course, all the drama. David?
DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. We didn't expect that kind of drama outside the courthouse today. That just shows you what a hot ticket this trial has become. Only 50 people from the public are allowed inside each day.
They begin lining up in the middle of the night, some of them all night long. Today when the line was disrupted by apparently two men trying to cut and you saw what happened, this is all because anticipation keeps building.
That Casey Anthony might take the stand in her own defense that does not appear to be happening as the defense goes along. Instead, they're trying to chip away at what the prosecution has put out there.
Yesterday they spent a lot of time chipping away trying to drive the point home to the jury that there is not any DNA evidence connecting Casey Anthony to her car where the body of her daughter was believed to have been stored.
And then also there's no DNA connecting her to the duct tape that was found on her daughter's body. This does not say she was not involved in a murder, but it does raise an important point.
That this case that the prosecution has laid out does have some very serious holes in it and they're going to try to exploit those as they go along.
PHILLIPS: David Mattingly, live in Florida. Thanks, David.
All right now we're following a developing story near the Pentagon. Police re-opening roads after a suspicious vehicle triggered a massive sweep of the area.
Just minutes ago, law enforcement officials confirmed no explosive devices were found but one person does remain in custody. Let's check in with National Security contributor Fran Townsend joining us by phone actually from Dublin, Ireland, the world traveler that she is.
Fran, you know, no matter where you are you've got your sources. So tell me, what do you know about this and is this a concern among our security folks right now?
FRAN TOWNSEND, CNN CONTRIBUTOR (via telephone): Well, you know, I think what they want to do is get to the bottom of exactly why this guy didn't respond to their questions, tried to evade them and what you see, the closing of the roads around the Pentagon, restricting access is a standard protocol.
Even if this turned out to be nothing, you always treat it as a serious event until you can dismiss it. I think, you know, in a post-9/11 world we shouldn't be surprised. The fact that he didn't have explosives on him is a good sign.
The fact that he was in the custody of park police is also a good sign, that the FBI didn't really believe this was going to be a terrorist incident.
PHILLIPS: Do we know anything about him?
TOWNSEND: You know, not yet. They haven't released very much information. He's a young man. We know that he's in his early 20s. But other than that, they've been very -- there's been very little said. There were some items that were suspicious to authorities inside the backpack, which is what I think triggered greater interest. But, again, the fact that he didn't have explosive device on him is a good sign.
PHILLIPS: Fran Townsend, thanks for calling in. We appreciate it.
TOWNSEND: Sure.
PHILLIPS: Let's get to Britain's royal family now. Reports that Prince Harry could be headed to war. As you know, he's a captain in the British Army Air Corps.
Various British newspapers say he could pilot an attack helicopter against insurgents. Jonathan Mann is here with the look at the international headlines. Jon.
JONATHAN MANN, ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT, CNN INTL.: You know, they used to call him the playboy prince except when he was in Afghanistan. Then he was called Hero Harry.
He served secretly for 10 weeks until basically journalists blew his cover and he had to be withdrawn for his own safety. They just thought it was too dangerous to have the third in line to the British throne serving in harms' way.
But he's training as an Apache helicopter pilot and the daily telegraph says he's going to go back. It's not clear when. We're talking about a few months, maybe next year, but he's training.
He's been working on evasion. You can see the Apache helicopter pilot will be tracked by dogs for three days in the Welsh Beacons to learn how to cope if he was shot down behind enemy lines.
That's the fear, but in theory. He and his unit will be going to Helman Province in Southern Afghanistan maybe as soon as 2012.
PHILLIPS: Now has a royal ever flown into combat the way Harry is going to?
MANN: Well, we all remember that his brother, Prince William, is a helicopter pilot as well, but he does he search and rescue. So , yes, there's an important distinction.
The truth is that their uncle, Prince Andrew, flew into combat during the Falkland's war and once again, there was a lot of anxiety about that. Even Harry called himself when he was in Afghanistan the first time, a bullet magnet.
And the concern is that's what the Apache helicopter he's in will become and in fact, all Apache helicopters will be special targets for the insurgents because they'll know that there may be a royal flying one of them. So there's a lot of anxiety and this is not yet a completely done deal.
PHILLIPS: And both of the royals have said, both of the young men, they want to go in and serve. Thanks, Jon.
Barack Obama, president, world leader and father two of daughters, which job do you think he finds most humbling? As Father's Day approaches, he opens up about being a dad in the White House.
And O.J. Simpson in Oprah Winfrey's dream interview, just ahead, we'll tell you what the talk show queen wants him to reveal.
New York lawmakers might vote today on a same-sex marriage bill. One former football star just isn't supporting it. He says if it passes, anarchy could follow. You'll hear part of my interview with David Tyree.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Checking stories cross country. Strong winds threatening to spread wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico. An 11,000 acre blaze in southern Arizona is already burning 40 homes and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate.
New York City plans to feed geese to the homeless. The city will actually send the birds captured around its airports to Pennsylvania to a slaughterhouse. The meat will then be distributed to area food banks.
Trapped in a hot tram atop the St. Louis Arch for nearly an hour. That's what happened to about 40 visitors after a motor failed causing the tram to stall. One passenger even says those temps topped 100 degrees.
Well, don't forget dad this weekend. Sunday is Father's Day maybe a happier holiday for some, though, than others.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": Father's Day this year is a bonus year for Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Barack Obama may be one of the most powerful men in the world, but you can bet that behind closed doors of the White House his daughters subject him to the same things any other dad goes through.
Dads like Dan Lothian too. He's here with a closer look at the father in chief. Dan --
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello, and you know, the president is saying that he's bracing for those teenage years because he understands they're very complicated. That's to say the least.
This is a president who's been pushing his fatherhood initiative for quite some time, talking about the importance of fathers in the home, making the argument that if there's not a strong father figure.
Sometimes there can be problems for kids in school or problems with drugs. He sat down for an interview with "Good Morning America" and talked about some of the triumphs and the challenges of fatherhood. He said that in parenting you have to instil values, but you also have to spend a lot of time with your children.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: It is not the big spectacular things. It's not the lavish birthday parties. It's not the big gifts.
It is those moments where you're just together and you are enjoying each other's company. That's the stuff that lasts. I suspect that's what is also going to last for them.
You know, at the end of your life, when you think back as to what was worth it. Those will be one of the things that's worth it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LOTHIAN: The president during that interview was also asked if he missed his father. That was kind of a sad moment. The president said, quote, "I can't say I miss my father because I just didn't know him."
The president went on to say that he did not have an emotional bond with his father, but that he does miss his grandfather, his grandmother and his mom. Kyra --
PHILLIPS: Dan Lothian live from the White House. Dan, thanks.
All right, wedding bells for Jesse James. The latest on a likely summertime walk down the aisle.
And David Tyree made the highlight reels for catches with the New York Giants. Now he's catching heat for things he said about same-sex marriage. You'll hear from him in just a few minutes.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Well, he's out. Disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner resigned. While you may still be judging him for his lewd pictures and lies, there's one place that doesn't judge him.
As a matter of fact, it rewards him. We're talking about the Federal Employee Retirement System. "The Wall Street Journal" breaks down the benefits that Weiner will take with him.
In just a few years he'll start taking pension payments of $25,000 to $35,000 a year. In a nutshell, he's getting about $1.3 million for 12 years of work and three weeks of scandal.
Weiner leaves behind a campaign war chest worth millions and that has a lot of people wondering what will become of all that cash. Here's our Brian Todd.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The outgoing congressman references his humble financial background.
ANTHONY WEINER (D), FORMER CONGRESSMAN: The middle-class story of New York is my story and I'm very proud of that.
TODD: As for his current finances, Anthony Weiner has a few hundred thousand dollars in assets to fall back on if he needs it. According to disclosure forms that includes a stock portfolio worth between $190,000 and $285,000.
He's got more in campaign money. Election records show he has more than $365,000 cash on hand in his war chest for a congressional re-election campaign and $4.5 million in his perspective campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.
(on camera): What can he do with all this money?
KENNETH GROSS, CAMPAIGN FINANCE ATTORNEY: Well, he can't take it with him and go to Disneyland. He's not able to convert it to personal use.
TODD (voice-over): Campaign finance expert Ken Gross was once Chief of Enforcement for the Federal Election Commission. Gross says Weiner could keep those accounts intact if he decides to run for either of those offices in the future.
But if he doesn't, he'd have four options for those accounts. He could give the money to other candidates. He could give it to charity. He could give it to a party committee or he could give it back to donors.
Ken Gross says donors to disgraced politicians often demand their money back. As for other candidates --
(on camera): If he wants to give it to other candidates, would they take it or is he just too radioactive?
GROSS: I don't know. That's a tough one in his case, because yes, he's leaving under a cloud, but he's not going to prison. He didn't violate the law.
I think some for the time being may think the money is a little radioactive, but over time I would not be surprised if others would accept contributions from him.
TODD: But since the scandal broke, Democratic candidates have been under increasing pressure from Republicans to return the money Weiner gave them.
(on camera): According to the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Republicans have targeted 20 of the Democratic candidates who Weiner gave money to during his time in congress and demanded that they give it back.
The NRCC says so far, only seven of the candidates have given the money back. Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: The off again, on again engagement of Jesse James and Kat Von D apparently on again. They're actually maybe wedding bells this summer. "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT's" A.J. Hammer following that and more. A.J.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Kyra, I know you've been following this impending wedding very closely. So never mind the stories you may have read. They've not called off their wedding.
You can start planning your gifts now, this wedding is on between tattoo artist L.A. ink star Kat Von D and Jesse James. Kat Von D has confirmed to "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT," she will in fact be a bride.
She and Jesse James are planning to get married. It's all going to happen this summer on the one-year anniversary of when they started dating, that's according to James.
This will be the fourth marriage for James who began dating Kat Von D in August of 2010. That was just a few months after the collapsed of his marriage to Sandra Bullock.
He and Von D announced their engagement this past January. Kyra, what are the chances this wedding will wind up on reality TV? I say pretty good.
PHILLIPS: Yes, they know how to work it, don't they?
All right, well, some not so happy marriage news for a former astronaut. What can you tell about Buzz?
HAMMER: Yes, I never like reporting this stuff. He was the second man to walk on the moon, but quite frankly, Kyra, a lot of people actually know him now as a very popular "Dancing with the Stars" contestant from last year.
I am sorry to report that Buzz Aldrin and his third wife, Dianne Driggs Cannon have split after 23 years together. Buzz filed for divorce in California on Wednesday citing irreconcilable differences.
This is according to people.com. The couple tied the knot on Valentine's Day back in 1988. They have no children together. It's disappointing, Kyra, because if there was ever one guy that could give his wife the moon and the stars, it was Buzz.
PHILLIPS: You had to get that in there, didn't you?
All right, well, Oprah is calling it quits on her daily talk show as we know, but she's opening up about a few famous people she still wants to interview. HAMMER: Yes, she has dream interviews that she still would like to do. She's spoken to television industry event in Chicago and she revealed O.J. Simpson is at the top of her list of interviews that she would like to do.
But she added in his case, she'd only do it with a condition and it's a pretty big condition, that he confesses to Oprah that he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. We all know O.J. was acquitted of that.
So I don't really see that interview going down. But besides Simpson, Oprah said there was really only one other person she'd like to interview that she's never been able to get and that's Susan Smith who infamously killed her children and lied about it.
I actually think that it would kind of cool, Kyra, to see Oprah interview Oprah. She hasn't done that yet. There's going to be a way.
PHILLIPS: But we know so much about her already. I mean, my goodness, she has definitely revealed --
HAMMER: Well, just think what she could get out of herself.
PHILLIPS: A.J. and then you could write the book. Good to see you.
HAMMER: There you go.
PHILLIPS: Well, information on anything the breaking in the entertainment world, A.J. has got it every night HLN "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT," 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Coming up, they save your shows, but guess what? They also waste your money. You would not believe how much energy DVRs use.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Checking top stories.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let him go! Let him go! Let him go!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Cutting in line doesn't go over very well when you're waiting for a ticket to the trial. Just outside the Casey Anthony murder trial this fight broke out when this guy apparently didn't want to wait his turn in line. Anthony is accused of murdering her 2-year- old daughter, Caylee.
Police re-opening roads around the Pentagon after a suspicious vehicle triggered a massive sweep of the area. Just minutes ago, law enforcement officials confirm nod explosive devices were found, but one person does remain in custody.
Oil prices have dropped to their lowest levels in four months. Now around $92 a barrel. Fears over the Greek debt crisis are to blame.
CNN's big Republican debate was earlier this week, but late-night comediennes are still finding plenty of jokes to tell you. Conan O'Brien actually jokes about a subsequent poll and Mitt Romney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONAN O'BRIEN, HOST, "CONAN": According to a poll, over 50 percent of viewers thought that Mitt Romney won this week's presidential debate.
They thought Mitt Romney won, yes. Romney credits the win to his preparation, his grasp at the issues and the good people at Mattel who built him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Political buzz is your rapid fire look at the hottest political topics of the day. Three questions, 20 seconds on the clock.
Playing today, Democratic National Committee member Robert Zimmerman, Sirius XM political talk show host and comedian, Pete Dominick and conservative talk show host, Dana Loesch.
First question gang, here's a clip of Mitt Romney talking to a group of jobless folks in Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I should also tell my story. I'm also unemployed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: So buzz panel, will voters find that joke funny? Robert?
ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, MEMBER, DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE: You know something, maybe it's me but a man worth hundreds of millions of dollars joking about being unemployed in a time of record unemployment with 14 million Americans unemployed really doesn't work for me.
Ironically, the Romney campaign launched a very effective viral commercial on the internet about Obama's administration's insensitivity on the issue. Unfortunately, his consultants can teach Romney sensitivity, respect or awareness.
PHILLIPS: Dana?
DANA LOESCH, CO-FOUNDER OF ST. LOUIS TEA PARTY: I don't think it was as bad as Debbie Wasserman Schultz claiming that her party turned the economy around when unemployment is what it is.
But at the same time, I don't think it was a funny joke. I think it was a really ridiculous mistake. Somebody that -- he shouldn't be making this mistake. This is the second time he's done this. They should know better.
PHILLIPS: Pete?
PETE DOMINICK, HOST, "STAND UP! WITH PETE DOMINICK": I heard he had a follow-up joke, sounds a little bit like this, I'm as disconnected from the American public as you good folks are about to be from your phone company. Is this thing on? Come on.
PHILLIPS: Hello, can you hear me?
DOMINICK: You're way ahead. Just hold on to the ball, Mitt. Just hold to the ball, man, you can hang in there. Gaffe.
PHILLIPS: The Obama/Boehner golf summit tomorrow. First, we had a beer summit. Now we have a golf summit. All right, what do you think they'll be talking about and more importantly, who is going to win? Dana?
LOESCH: I hope they don't talk about Anthony Weiner. Gosh. I don't know what they're going to talk about. I think that I can bet that President Obama is going to win. He's played golf almost 70 times. He plays golf almost every weekend. It's his sport. If I were a betting woman, I would wager on him.
PHILLIPS: I don't know Boehner has got the better handicap, Robert.
ZIMMERMAN: Leave it to Dana to turn a golf game into a partisan sound bite. I give her credit. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with both of them sitting in the oval office with a calculator trying to pass the debt ceiling.
PHILLIPS: Amen.
ZIMMERMAN: And remember guys shorts are a privilege, not a right.
PHILLIPS: Pete?
DOMINICK: I'm sure boehner and Obama will be solving the country's problems by arguing the whole time. Who's driving the cart, which tree should we hide behind to smoke?
The ironic thing here, Kyra, is that one of them will probably be wearing Adidas, another one will be wearing Nike and they'll be arguing about how we should get jobs back when those two companies shipped them all over to Asia. That will be interesting to see.
PHILLIPS: All right, buzzer beater, 10 seconds each gang. Congressman Anthony Weiner has resigned so what do you think his next gig should be? Robert?
ZIMMERMAN: I know and I believe deeply that his next gig is going to focus on healing his marriage, healing his life and also helping to heal his family. I really just -
(BUZZER SOUNDS)
ZIMMERMAN: -- my prayers and thoughts are with him now as a private citizen.
PHILLIPS: Dana?
LOESCH: "Dancing With the Stars." I would pay to see that. I would pay good money.
PHILLIPS: Why do you think Pete is now going to say he should take Larry Flynt's offer to work for "Hustler"? Did I steal it?
DOMINICK: Oh, dear! Well, I have a whole list, but I only have just so much time. Photographer, stay-at-home father, spokesman for a hot dog company. He could go on tour with Charlie Sheen -
(BUZZER SOUNDS)
DOMINICK: A cable network will probably reach out to him. I'm out of time.
(LAUGHTER)
DOMINICK: I could make so many more suggestions.
PHILLIPS: I am making the list --
DOMINICK: He could be a model -
PHILLIPS: And I will bring you back --
DOMINICK: He could work for Howard Stern.
(LAUGHTER)
PHILLIPS: Thanks, guys.
Well, there may be a thief in your house and, well, it's not the type of thief that you're probably thinking of. We're talking about an energy thief. Believe it or not, a new study shows how much money you're wasting on your cable box and DVR.
Alison Kosik at the New York Stock Exchange with the details. Is it that much? Really?
ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: It is that much! You know how much, Kyra? Two billion dollars a year. That's just when these boxes aren't being used. Because even when you're not recording or watching anything, your cable box, your DVR is still on and it's using full power.
How much? take a look. A DVR uses more than half the energy of a fridge. It also uses more than a 42 inch LCD TV, and the cable box uses the same as that LCD TV as well.
But of course, there's a Catch 22 with this whole situation. You know, you can shut the box off. The problem is your shows aren't going to record. But if you do have a chance to power down the system, it will consume less energy, and there's usually a way, Kyra to set most of those consoles to power down automatically after they've been kind of sitting idle for a period of time. Kyra?
PHILLIPS: All right. Let's hit this wild week for the markets, shall we? Up 100 points one day, down nearly 200 the next. Now back up.
KOSIK: Yes, it's been a crazy six weeks. The stock market has just been all over the place. Stocks are moving higher today. The Dow up 73 points. Investors are focusing on good news. We've got some positive signs coming out of Greece that it's close to hammering out a second bailout from the European Union.
You know, some are saying, you know what? Those worries about Greece and overall economy, that slowing down has really pushed markets down too far, too fast. Many are saying we're oversold, so investors, what you're seeing today, Kyra, they're coming in, looking for those buying opportunities.
But the trick here is to see if the gains are going to hold until the closing bell today. We'll keep an eye on it for you, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Thanks, Alison.
David Tyree made the highlight reels for his catches with the New York Giants. Now he's catching heat for things he said about same-sex marriage. You'll hear what he had to say in just a few minutes.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Checking stories "Cross Country." A 780- year-old religious relic stolen from a church in California has been found. And a 41-year-old woman faces burglary charges. That relic was a piece of bone from St. Anthony enclosed in a gold-plated case.
In Michigan, a six-hour police standoff ends, but not before a suspect fired several rounds from his nail gun. Police eventually took the man into custody.
And in Florida, mass gunmen stormed a rental company in Orlando, forcing the people inside to hand over their cash and drop to the floor. It was all caught on tape. Authorities say the three men stole a car and got away.
This is a story about hope and bravery. A man's fight with cancer and his prayerful message to his family. This story hits close to home for many of us here at CNN. The courageous cancer fighter is former CNN sports anchor Nick Charles.
Chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta spent some time with Nick at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Charles shared some special thoughts for his family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICK CHARLES, FORMER CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: I know it's going to take all of God's grace, which is never in short supply to make me live longer. I want to for you and mommy so we can be a family here in Santa Fe. Sorry about this. If god takes me home, it will be forever. Meanwhile, I'm not going anywhere today.
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's so tough for Nick to write. And it's tough to hear. But Nick knows he at least had the chance to leave something behind.
GUPTA (on camera): How do you feel when you read those?
CHARLES: Oh, they are just so reinforcing to me. I know she is going to read them. I talk to people that they would long to hear their parents' voice or read something from them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: For more of Sanjay's conversation and what he learned from Nick Charles, tune in Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. Eastern for a special "SANJAY GUPTA M.D." Nick Charles, lessons from the fight.
Well, Charl Schwartzel is challenging for the lead oat the U.S. Open right now. But when he gets back to the hotel room tonight, he has a memory of his Masters' win. That story ahead.
Well, Super Bowl hero David Tyree made the highlight reels for his catches with the New York Giants. Now he's catching heat for things he said about same-sex marriage. You'll hear from him.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: New York Senate vote on a same-sex marriage bill could come as early as today. One Republican reporter says he's tired of conservative groups and religious leaders pressuring him to vote against it. Some of that pressure is coming from a former New York Giant. Listen to what Super Bowl hero David Tyree told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID TYREE, FORMER NFL PLAYER: If they pass this gay marriage bill, you know - you know, I guess you could say my peace is in God's sovereignty. But what I know will happen if this does come forth, this will be the beginning of our country sliding toward, you know -- it's a strong word but anarchy. (END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: That's from a National Organization for Marriage interview. OK, so you heard what he said.
Now, I had Tyree on the phone just a few minutes ago and asked him to explain what he meant by anarchy. I also wanted to know why he's so opposed to the same-sex marriage bill.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TYREE (on the phone): Yes, I'm saying that in the sense of, you know, basically, morality. You know, if there is no basis of, you know, a moral fiber in a community, you know, and we continue to slip away from that, I believe that that will essentially lead to lawlessness. Does that mean that, you know, there'll be riots? That's not necessarily what I'm referring to.
PHILLIPS: But that's what anarchy means. It means it's social and political disorder due to the absence of a government or control by the government, so I'm --
TYREE: I think if -- if we look up the word of anarchy, there are a few different definitions, but I want to really focus on -- I'm focusing on that I speak heavily in favor of marriage. I speak heavily in favor of one man and one woman. As far as nuclear family, that's the ideal, that was the way a family was intended to be shaped and molded in marriage is the backbone of society. I don't think anyone would disagree with that.
PHILLIPS: Where is the evidence, though, that gay marriage has any negative impact on other marriages or the sanctity of marriage or culture or children? Where is your evidence?
TYREE: Where is the evidence? I will be -- I'm sorry. I can't necessarily get into statistics. That's not my voice, but I do know that marriage necessarily didn't start with our country. I've said this in the video as well. I'm not interested in (INAUDIBLE), but in marriage with long existed before our country. I don't think that we are -- you know, we are messing with something that God has actually ordained, set in order.
And, you know, if we have adopted into our government, that we should adopt it in a sense of just like you adopt a child. You adopt a child and change their name. So, redefining marriage changes everything. You know, it changes everything. How we educated our children. And I'm not, you know -- I really, you know, believe that you should have the choice to make their lifestyle choices, but marriage is something that is holy. It's something that is sacred, and I believe it's something that should not be tainted with.
PHILLIPS: So, let me ask you a couple of questions. First of all, I'm thinking of a segment, David, that I did months back, and it was about this study that came out of the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, and I had to go back and review my facts. It was 23 years that they did this study and what it proved was that kids raised by lesbian parents had actually gained more respect for diversity, more respect for differences, and I'm just curious as an African- American male, can you appreciate that?
TYREE: Well, I can certainly appreciate that. I think those are qualities to be applauded. I still don't necessarily think that has any, you know, reflection on my -- my views and my beliefs and what I believe to be true as far as what marriage is.
That's, you know, essentially that's irrelevant as far as what the picture, what is a marriage. A marriage is between a man and a woman. That is -- that has always been the backbone of, you know, our society, our culture and moving forward, you know, I'll do everything in my power and my voice to preserve that and protect that. And I think it's worth fighting for.
PHILLIPS: But in the research, David, also shows that -- that two men and two men -- or two women and two men also have very strong marriages and raise kids very well in addition to that.
And I'm just curious. You know, you talk about your dad not being in your home while you were growing up and that had a big impact on you.
You know, what if you were raised by two women that loved each other and loved you, or two men that loved you and raised you in a very committed relationship? Are you saying that that's worse than a single parent home?
TYREE: No, I never said anything -- I never said anything of the sort. But what it is, it's unnatural. You know? I don't think that -- you know, I don't think that is necessarily a healthful model.
(CROSSTALK)
PHILLIPS: Explain that natural to me. David, explain unnatural -- explain to me.
TYREE: Well, you know essentially, well, if you look at what a man and a woman, a marriage, what is the -- that the original intent of a marriage is to procreate, is to -- is to spawn our family and to continue, you know, to be the reflection of God in that sense of creation and multiplication and being fruitful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Again, that New York senate vote on same-sex marriage could come as early as today.
A few golfers good enough to win the coveted green jacket at the Masters usually find a nice spot at home for it. But Charl Schwartzel, now fighting for the U.S. Open lead, is not like the other champions.
CNN's Patrick Snell covering the open for us from Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Patrick, so what do you think? Where is Schwartzel's green jacket?
PATRICK SNELL, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: All right, Kyra. Welcome back to Congressional here. We're bathed in sunshine right now, and lighting up the course currently, just very, Rory McIlroy at 10 under par.
Now, the aforementioned Schwartzel, not really challenging for the lead right now. He's nine shots back. He has plenty of work to do. But what a fantastic few months it's been for this native of South Africa who won that coveted green jacket, as you rightly say, Kyra, recently at Augusta when he finished in spectacular fashion, four straight birdies. No doubt about it to get his hand on that coveted green jacket.
Now, he goes back home to South Africa every couple of months or so. So, in his mind, what's the point of leaving his green jacket there? What does he do? He takes it with him on tour. He travels all over the world as a pro golfer. Sometimes he wears it, yes, but other times he says I just like to stare at it to gain inspiration.
So, that's the story of Charl Schwartzel. You'll know, Kyra, from your own stellar performances at the CNN Open we have every year in Atlanta just how inspirational even a little glimpse of silverware can be -- in this case, the green jacket, of course.
PHILLIPS: Oh, I can see who's behind that comment. My favorite producer working with you obviously at the U.S. Open.
All right. Now, it's Father's Day this weekend. Fred Funk, his son, has a great gift for him, doesn't he?
SNELL: Yes. Fred Funk with his 15-year-old son on the bag. What a potential story that can be if -- it's a big if right now -- Fred Funk can actually be around for the weekend. He's at four over par, he's yet to go out. He's going out around lunch time, early afternoon local time here.
And the 15-year-old, look, a chance to caddie for his dad. Fred Funk, a veteran, of course. The oldest man on the field at 55 years of age. Compared to the 60-year-old from California we mentioned in the previous hour. So, Fred Funk trying to hang around for the weekend on Father's Day come Sunday.
And for all you grandfathers out there, I think we've all heard of the legendary Arnold palmer. Of course, he's not playing, but his grandson is. Doesn't share the same last name, though. Sam Saunders, 23 years of age. He's here playing in his first U.S. Open. He turned pro a couple years ago. Again, what a story. How proud Arnold Palmer must be.
But he has work to do as well if he's going to feature on the weekend. He's looking good, though. He's at three over par. So, he has work to do, but Sam Saunders for one, looking to try and make it through to the last couple of days of play here, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Patrick, thanks. Well, looking ahead at some other stories making headlines. A vote on legalizing same-sex marriage could come today in the New York state senate. Lawmakers take up the issue beginning at 11:00 this morning.
The man dubbed Barefoot Bandit due in a Seattle courtroom for a change of plea hearing. Colton Harris Moore is accused of dozens of break-ins and airline thefts. He's pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges.
And in California, groundbreaking is set for the world's largest solar powered facility to be built on public land. The so-called Star Energy station is expected to create 1,000 jobs during peak construction.
Foot soldiers of the Arab Spring. We track down some of the central players and look at how they use the Internet to help bring down a government.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: The Arab spring has made a dramatic change that swept the Middle East. And for CNN's news special report, "I- REVOLUTION," Amber Lyon actually met the drivers behind the action. Here's the story of how one-man protest and a determined group of bloggers actually helped bring down a government.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AMBER LYON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): To protest government corruption, a 26-year-old fruit vendor set himself on fire in a rural town. The images of his burned body were posted online and instantaneously available worldwide through the Internet.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I heard about this the same day and it was on Facebook.
LYON: And the offline battle began. Lina Ben Mhenni, a 27-year-old teaching assistant, was one of the foot soldiers who would spread the flames. Armed with only a computer and her camera, she drove to the center of the protest in rural Tunisia.
(on camera): What finally inspired you to get in the car and drive there?
LINA BEN MHENNI, TEACHING ASSISTANT: The fact that the traditional media wasn't doing their job. They were either hiding reality or telling lies.
LYON: The reality was shocking. Lina said she learned that the government was opening fire on the protesters.
MHENNI: When I entered the first house, I just started crying. My hands were shaking, especially when I saw the corpse of a young man, of 20 years old. His family, his mom who was crying.
LYON: Within days, thousands of blogs, tweets and retweets turned into hundreds of thousands of people in the streets.
But the mainstream media never picked up on the story.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: And you can go with CNN to Tunisia, Bahrain and Egypt for "The Revolution: Online Warriors of the Arab Spring." That's Sunday night, 8:00 Eastern.
Coming up new in the NEWSROOM with Suzanne Malveaux, we'll look at Georgia's new immigration law and the impact it is already having before it even goes into effect.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EDILBERTO PEREZ, WORKER (via translator): He says he'll take all of his family and many friends with him. It will be hard, because his U.S.-born children will have to move to a new place where they know nobody and start their life all over.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: We'll break down the economic and social impact.
Plus, buy a pair of shoes and have a pair given to a child in need in a Third World country. We're going to talk to the man behind a new business plan that makes money and helps needy children at the same time. That and more on CNN NEWSROOM with Suzanne Malveaux.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: A lot of talk on Capitol Hill right now about deficits and debt. Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty now touting a tax-cut plan for the super-rich that makes the Bush tax cuts look lame.
CNN's Kate Bolduan in Washington with that story. Hey, Kate.
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think that's probably a line right out of his economic plan, "makes it look lame." I like that.
Hey, there, Kyra. Topping the Political Ticker right now, one of the many items, Tim Pawlenty trying to flex his economic muscles, if you will, proposing in his recently revealed economic plan some pretty big tax cuts that people will definitely be taking a closer look at. Some of the highlights in terms of the tax cuts, the proposal as scored in one analysis, the proposal would offer on average the top 20 percent of earners would see a drop by almost nine percent in their tax rate. At the same time, the lowest 20 percent of the income bracket would see a drop of less than one percent in their tax rate.
Also, Pawlenty is proposing to eliminate taxes on capital gains as well as calling for some pretty dramatic cuts in federal spending. You very well know, Kyra, talk of tax cuts or raising taxes on the flip side and talk of deficit standing and getting our federal spending under control, big issues with voters right now. And we'll have to see how Tim Pawlenty's plan is playing with them.
PHILLIPS: All right. Kate, thanks. And we'll have your next political update in just about an hour. And a reminder, for all the latest political news, you can go to our Web site 24/7, CNNpolitics.com.
That does it for us. Have a great weekend. But wait, two more hours and watch Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, good, good! Please, yes. Now, the weekend. Father's Day. This is the first Father's Day for John and the twins.
PHILLIPS: That's right. It is!
MALVEUAX: What are you going to do?
PHILLIPS: Well, they grabbed the car. They went shopping this week. I have no idea what they've got in that big box. But we're very excited!
MALVEUAX: Yes, and they're all about this big, right?
PHILLIPS: Exactly!
MALVEUAX: Very independent. Well, you'll have to let us know how it went on Monday.
PHILLIPS: It's going to be a special Father's Day. Thanks, Suzanne.
MALVEAUX: All right.
