making news on this wednesday, december 8th. >> she was told it would be weeks. but really, she only had days. elizabeth edwards loses her six-year battle with cancer. sea scare. a crippled cruise ship with americans onboard and far from land this morning. and a real-life lassie, yogi, the hero dog. good morning. and thanks for being with us. tributes are pouring in this morning for elizabeth edwards. >> her family now looks, of course, to a new reality. but in their words, quote, she remains the heart of this family. friends say edwards in her final hours was never in my pain. and was conscious until the very end. >> emily schmidt is joining us now with more details.

hi, emily. >> reporter: vinita and rob, good morning to you. everyone was surprised, including elizabeth edwards, at the length of her final fight. last week, doctors told her she could expect six to eight weeks to live. now, her funeral is planned for this week. on the presidential campaign trail, it was clear elizabeth edwards knew how to rally. >> my love, and your next vice president, john edwards. edward. >> reporter: but a different road proved she knew how to fight. >> i'm kind of thinking this might be it. but at bad times, you keep an eye on what is important to you. and you press forward with that. >> reporter: edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, the same day she stood by her husband and president vice presidential nominee, john edwards, in defeat. four years later, when he husband returned to campaigning, the cancer returned, too. >> we'll always look for the silver lining. >> reporter: the couple, law

school sweethearts who had four children. their son, wade, died in 1996. later, there would be a loss of trust. >> in 2006, two years ago, i made a very serious mistake. >> reporter: john edwards admitted infidelity and having a child with another woman. the couple separated. but edwards was with friends and family in her final days at her north carolina home. >> she was one tough chick. she looked ahead. she didn't look back. and america is a worse place today because she's gone. >> reporter: the edwards family says they have lost the comfort of elizabeth's presence. but she remains the heart of this family. daughter, kate, is also an attorney. elizabeth's youngest children, emma, claire and jack are not yet teenagers. elizabeth edwards died one day after doctors stopped her cancer treatment. she is used with the same words used to title her final book,

resilience. vinita and rob? >> emily schmidt, reporting this morning. president obama is one of many offering their remembrances. he said, in her life, elizabeth edwards knew tragedy and pain. many others would have turned inward. many others in the face of such adversity, would have given up. later on in "good morning america," we talk to some of the people who knew the edwards family best. in other news this morning, president obama is under fire this morning from his own party. congressional democrats are still fuhr use over his tax cut compromise. and the deal may not survive in the house. and a closed-door meeting at the white house last night did nothing to cool off all the hot tempers. john hendren has more. >> reporter: president obama came out swinging against republicans. >> on the republican side, this is their holy grail. these tax cuts for the wealthy. >> reporter: against democrats, who say he caved by giving republicans that tax cut for those earning over $250,000. >> this country was founded on compromise.

i couldn't go through the front door if this couldn't's founded. to my democratic friends, let's make sure we understand it's a long game. it's not a short game. >> reporter: and against republicans again. >> i felt that the middle-class tax cuts were being held hostage to the high-end tax cuts. i think it's tempting not to negotiate with hostage-takers. unless the hostage gets harmed. >> reporter: the president said he kept a campaign promise, preserving the bush tax cuts for midd middle-class americans. but critics in his own party says the price was too high. >> i'm not a big fan of what has been negotiated. >> reporter: vice president joe biden was on capitol hill, working to rally reluctant democrats. fielding friendly fire from members of his own party. the president's compromise might anger liberals. but analysts say it appeals to the independents who want to see both parties working together.

john hendren, abc news, washington. well, that tax cut compromise is just the latest controversy now fueling some internet chatter that self-described progressive democrats are now so frustrated with the president, they may mount a challenge in the 2012 primaries. the idea is likely a long shot for now. pending on whether a viable candidate emerges. or if the president's compromise actually delivers what he promises. wikileaks has added to its cache of leaked secrets, posing potentially damaging documents. the release of the papers is eroding trust. wikileaks is vowing it will continue to disclose details on the documents it has obtained. wikileaks founder, julian assange, is firing back at the u.s. in a new op-ed piece, ed lined "don't shoot the messenger," assange says wikileaks deserves protection for its revelation,

not attacks. he is behind bars after turning himself in for a sex crime investigation. two university students busted as part of a major drug ring, said they did it to cover tuition. they were selling lsd-spiked candy, ecstasy and other drugs. they were part of a five-month investigation. survivors of pearl harbor gathered in hawaii, 65 years after japanese planes dropped their bombs. fighter jets flew overhead, honoring the 120 vets who traveled there from around the country. their sacrifices would be remembered for generations to come. and now, for this morning's weather from around the nation. st the great lakes. up to ten inches of snow, in buffalo, rochester, grand rapids and south bend. showers in new orleans. and a mix of rain and snow in

shreveport and mississippi. up to a foot of snow in the cascades in the sierras and northern rockies. >> 40s in boise, billings and salt lake city. a biting 10 degrees in fargo. mostly 30s from boston to atlanta. coming up, there is new hope for job seekers this morning. plus, a developing story today. a cruise ship full of americans crippled in one of the most unforgiving oceans on the planet. but help is on the way. and what this popular santa did to get the boot. a flight to hawaiiok

using our points from chase sapphire. last minute... on christmas. and sitting next to us, chevy chase. and we really hit it off. we play golf, and then the luau. he's like da vinci with ice. and after, we help hang christmas decorations. wait, wait, wait. you flew last minute... on christmas... with points from chase sapphire? yeah. amazing. believe it. with points from chase sapphire, you can book airline tickets with no blackout dates or restrictions.

it may be now to find the one thing that millions of americans want most for this holiday, a job. businesses and the government advertised nearly 3.4 million jobs at the end of october. that's the most openings in two years. and a separate survey now predicts the next few months will be the best time to get a job since the financial crisis erupted. mortgage finance giants, fannie mae and freddie mac, are in talks now to join the obama administration's programs to reduce mortgage balances for underwater homeowners. "the wall street journal" reports the deal could help as many as 1.5 million homeowners who owe more than their home is actually worth. overseas stock markets are mixed this morning. tokyo's nikkei average rose 0.9% today. hong kong's hang seng is lower. and in london, the ftse opened lower. on wall street, the dow ticked down three points yesterday. meanwhile, the nasdaq added

3 1/2 points. overweight americans may soon have a new tool in their battle to trim their waistline. an fda panel is approving a diet pill called contrave, which would be the first new prescription weight loss drug in more than a decade. the agency is scheduled to make a final decision by the end of next month. a book that's been called the most important natural history book for america is now also the world's most expensive book. an original addition of john james audubon's "birds of america," sold for $10 million at auction on tuesday. it features 435 hand-colored illustrations. thousands of ikea employees have a new ride this morning. the swedish retailer has given all 12,000 of its workers here in the u.s., a new mountain bike. ikea says the gift is part of its commitment to good health and to the environment. well, a santa out in san francisco got the boot from macy's for being a little more naughty than nice.

john toomey acknowledged telling a couple he's so jolly because he knows where all the naughty boys and girls live. but he says he's made that same joke for years. it won't be a blue christmas for him. toomey was hired at a local restaurant at double his macy's salary and the freedom to tell any jokes he wants. >> he's getting phone calls from everywhere, all the way to london, now. everyone wants a part of this bad santa now. >> you gotta love it. coming up on this wednesday, the cruise ship scare on the high seas. plus, police scrambling to find a missing 12-year-old, after her mother was found dead. and a texas man is alive, thanks to his dog, yogi. [ female announcer ] experience dual action power

with listerine® whitening plus restoring rinse. it's the only listerine® that gets teeth two shades whiter. and makes tooth enamel two times stronger. get dual action listerine® whitening® rinse. building whiter, stronger teeth. - will you marry me? - before saying those words, there's one word every man should know. - leo. - the leo diamond, certified to be visibly brighter, at kay, the number one jewelry store in america. - yes. another festive fixture is brightening up the washington, d.c. skyline. house speaker nancy pelosi flipped the switch on the 2010 capital christmas tree.

the 67-foot spruce hails from wyoming. it's covered with 5,000 homemade ornaments and energy-efficient l.e.d. lights. looking good. now, for a look at your morning road conditions. snow and ice on i-80 and 90, from cleveland to pennsylvania. and buffalo. also on i-94, from chicago to detroit. and wet on i-10 and 20 along the gulf coast. slick on i-5, from seattle to san francisco. and icy on i-15 and 90 in the rockies. >> and if you're flying today, you can expect some airport delays in seattle, san francisco, new orleans, boston, new york, philly and d.c. we are keeping an eye on a developing story today. a small cruise ship with more than 100 americans onboard is now battling some violent seas and is in distress. >> it is in one of the most hostile oceans hostile oceans on earth, between antarctica and south america. there's another ship nearby, providing video of the conditions. what an end to an antarctic cruise.

the ship was being battered by 30-foot waves this morning. it was damaged by a massive wave, causing the engines to lose nearly all power. the ship's 101 american passengers and 65 crew members are okay. but no doubt, shaken. another cruise ship, "the national geographic explorer" pulled up alongside, yesterday, sending a satellite phone to the disabled ship, which had no communications. the ship is now moving at about five miles per hour. its owner insists there's no cause for concern. that the engines may regain full power. companies warn passengers about the unpredictability in cruising in this part of the world. but even the captain says he has never witnessed seas this violent in his 159 visits to antarctica. the chilean navy is now rushing to help the ship. probably will have to tow it to part. seas are expected to be calmer today. an amber alert is in effect, as police in roanoke, virginia, search for a 12-year-old girl believed to be in grave danger this morning. brittany mae smith has been missing since her mother was

found dead inside their home. a candlelight vigil was held last night to remember the mother and to pray for brittany's safe return. police believe the seventh grader has been kidnapped by her mother's boyfriend. american students have failed to catch up with their high-performing peers around the world. out of 34 countries, the u.s. ranked 14th in reading, 17th in science, and just 25th in math. the countries with the best-scoring 15-year-olds were china, south korea, singapore and canada. education secretary arne duncan called the latest figures a wake-up call for america. well, on the college level, more students across the country are studying foreign languages. and not just french and spanish. a study out today, shows a trend, propelled by a greater interest in arabic. especially at community colleges. it found enrollment in foreign language courses jumped by more than 6.5%, between 2006 and 2009. there is a new twist in the court battle over who owns the l.a. dodgers. a post-nuptial agreement giving frank mccourt sole ownership of

the baseball team has now been thrown out. and that likely means that mccourt may have to eventually share ownership with his ex-wife. the couple has been locked in a very public and very nasty battle over their multimillion-dollar assets. and now, let's get more sports news from espn. >> good morning. i'm don bell with your espn news update. and we start with some great colleg thfrom the jimmy v. classic, madison square garden. marcus morris and number four kansas, taking on 14th-ranked memphis. second half, kansas up by six. tyrel reed with the three. jayhawks on a 9-0 run. they lead 48-39. later in the second, the alley-oop to markieff morris. he had 16 points. jayhawks lead, 50-41. final minutes now. brady morningstar, wide-open for three. the jayhawks go on to win it, 81-68. tom izzo and number eight michigan state, taking on seventh-ranked syracuse, still

in the jimmy v. classic. first half, scoop jardine. it looked like an alley-oop. and it was. but it goes in. izzo can't believe it. take another look. supposed to be a pass. but he'll take the points. jardine with 19 in the game. syracuse up by six. later on, rick jackson, he's jamming it home. had 17 points, 16 boards. syracuse goes on to win, 72-58. now, to the nba. john wall and the wizards in los angeles, taking on the lakers. second quarter, john wall, in transition. he had 22 points and a career high 14 assists. later in the second, kobe bryant, top of the key. the dish to pau gasol. who had 21 and 14 boards. lakers lead 77-63. in the fourth quarter, bryant leaving it for gasol again. bryant had 32 himself. the lakers win, 115-108. and that is your espn news update. i'm don bell. back to you in the studio.

a new jersey train conductor is staying no thanks to a job offer from the new york jets. kevin fitzhugh turned down the team because he says he needs a regular paycheck to help support his mom and dad. fitzhugh has been signed and dropped by the jets twice before. well, a beloved family dog in texas is enjoying hero status after saving the life of his owner. >> paul horton was paralyzed from the chest-down, after a freak accident on his bicycle. his doug, yogi, stayed by his side for nearly an hour, while he lay there motionless. when yogi heard neighbors walk by, he flagged them down by barking furiously. horton says, without yogi, he wouldn't be here today. certainly man's best friend. >> no kidding. coming up, the stories we'll be following today. including a new future for the family of elizabeth edwards. and a special rocket launch today. one that could change how the u.s. explores space. [ quinn ] my name is quinn,

and this is my eggo. on fridays i have hockey before school, so i take two eggo homestyle waffles and put peanut butter inside. [ whispering ] i add a couple chocolate chips when dad's starting the car. [ male announcer ] there's only one way to eat an eggo...your way. [ quinn ] l'eggo my eggo. [ louise ] my name is louise and this is my eggo. on tuesday i go in even earlier than usual. thank goodness for eggo, a nutri-grain waffle with a quick smoodge of cream cheese... at least that part's easy. [ male announcer ] there's only one way to eat an eggo...your way. [ louise ] l'eggo my eggo. it whitens and i bet your breath will still feel fresh after the movie. for a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to 5 times longer. still fresh? yep. i want to be mad, but it's tough with that smile. [ female announcer ] crest extra white plus scope outlast.

when my doctor told me that my chronic bronchitis was copd... i started managing it every day. i like to volunteer... hit the courts... and explore new places. i'm breathing better with spiriva. spiriva is the only once-daily inhaled maintenance treatment for both forms of copd... which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. i take it every day... it keeps my airways open to help me breathe better all day long. spiriva does not replace fast acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. stop taking spiriva and call your doctor right away if your breathing suddenly worsens, your throat or tongue swells, you get hives, have vision changes or eye pain... or have problems passing urine. tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, problems passing urine or an enlarged prostate... as these may worsen with spiriva. also discuss the medicines you take... even eye drops. side effects include dry mouth, constipation and trouble passing urine. now, i'm managing my chronic bronchitis every day. ask your doctor if once-daily spiriva is right for you.

now, a look ahead to the stories we'll be watching on this wednesday. friends and family are mourning elizabeth edwards who lost her long battle with cancer. funeral services are expected to take place on friday or saturday. the u.s. is looking into whether wikileaks founder, julian assange, can be prosecuted for espionage or other offenses. the website published a new batch of secret documents, right after assange surrendered to british authorities on sex crime

charges. the chairman of the joint chiefs is in south korea this morning. admiral mike mullen says the u.s. commitment to helping the south defend itself from north korean aggression, is unquestioned. and today marks a somber anniversary for beatles fans around the world. john lennon was shot and killed outside his manhattan apartment 30 years ago today. and american ingenuity on display today. a rocket is set to liftoff from cape canaveral this morning. the capsule will orbit the earth twice before returning. if successful, it would be the first time a commercial company, not a government, has launched a spacecraft into orbit and returned it to earth. coming up on "good morning america," today, it's the ultimate interview. barbara walters sits down with the one and only oprah winfrey, as her long-running talk show wraps up. she talks about why she's quitting and the challenges of starting her own network come january 1st. >> barbara made oprah cry. >> shocking. for some of you, your local news is next. >> for everyone else, thousands of rarely seen photos from the

kennedy white house. ♪ lip gloss, gift cards, candy, shampoo ♪ ♪ anything for me? stuffers ♪ lip gloss, gift cards, from walgreens ♪tockings ♪ you'll be glad you came ♪ get hershey's kisses chocolates ♪ ♪ in a great big candy cane [ female announcer ] stuff all your stockings in one easy trip to walgreens and get $5 in walgreens super jingle cash with every $25 you spend. good for anything in the store. [ female announcer ] stay jolly with walgreens. i went tohe dentist. he was poking around, he found the spots, and he said, "are those spots sensitive?" he recommended that i use sensodyne. i ticed it was working when i was drinking cold things and i wasn't ev thinking about it. i never thought a toothpaste could fix that problem.

took some foolish risks as a teenager. but i was still taking a foolish risk with my cholesterol. anyone with high cholesterol may be at increased risk of heart attack. diet and exercise weren't enough for me. i stopped kidding myself. i've been eating healthier, exercising more... and now i'm also taking lipitor. if you've been kidding yourself about high cholesterol...stop. along with diet, lipitor has been shown to lower bad cholesterol 39% to 60%. lipitor is fda approved to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. [ female announcer ] lipitor is not for everyone, including people with liver problems and women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant. you need simple blood tests to check for liver problems. tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or if you have any muscle pain or weakness. this may be a sign of a rare but serious side effect. let's go, boy, go! whoo-whee! if you have high cholesterol, you may be at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. don't kid yourself. talk to your doctor about your risk and about lipitor.

finally from us this morning, the world is getting a rare glimpse at camelot. and a chance to own a piece of it themselves.

>> a prime selection, featuring thousands of photos of president kennedy is going up for auction. they were taken by cecil stouten, the first official white house photographer. >> what makes them special, is the sheer scale. there were 10,000 photographs. one of my favorite photographs in the collection is kennedy in the oval office, clapping as his children dance around the oval office. really not the kind of scene you would expect the commander in chief to have. and he's inscribed this photograph, for who captured a happy moment in the white house. we're expecting that to make around about $7,000. one of the things that stands out is the number of inscriptions from jacqueline kennedy. she really loved cecil s stouten. we have a whole run of messages she was writing to him, even right through the 1990s. we have a group of letters that

are expected to make $20,000. just a wonderful grouping. i think the work that will sell for the most will be johnson's swearing-in photograph. it's an iconic photograph in the 20th century. stouten was the only photographer there. the most unusual photograph in the collection i think is one where you can see kennedy with marilyn monroe. and robert kennedy. and we believe this is the only image that exists of the three of them together. that's an unusual moment. you see kennedy, for one, turning away from the camera. and shielding himself because he didn't want to be caught with marilyn monroe. >> well. >> stouten died two years ago. the photograph will go under the hammer tomorrow. sure to fetch the pretty penny for those. that is what is making news in america this morning. >> get more from abc news online throughout the day. >> thanks so much for watching, everybody. have a great wednesday.