dr. regina benjamin to be the next surgeon general because she has seen in a very personal way what is brokenout our health care system. >> and dr. benjamin promised to communicate directly with americans about the changes ahead and make sure no one falls through the crack. >> dr. benjamin has been exceptional since she decided to become a doctor. she's showed extraordinary commitment and achievement ever >> 14 years ago abc news recognized those achievements when she was named person of the week. >> now from our strault, our profile from june 27bd, 1995. >> reporter: finally this evening our person of the week. we are attracted to this person because she so clearly represents the notion that for some people serving one fellow citizens is such a gratifying calling that neither fame nor wealth is a satisfactory substitute. we find such a person in the deep south. >> it's the best thing in the world. patients come up, hug you, bring you cakes and shrimp and make you fat. >> reporter: dr. regina benjamin on the wonderful moment in the life of a country doctor. she practices med sen where it is n

dr. regina benjamin was officially introduced in the rose garden. her life story is truly one that doesn't happen to all of us. dr. benjamin talked about how she lost her dad to diabetes, her brother to an hiv related illness and her mom to lung cancer. >> my family is not here with me today, at least not in person, because of preventable diseases. while i can't -- or i cannot change my family's past i can be a voice in the movement to improve our nation's health care, and the nation's health, for the future. >> doctor benjamin made headlines with a fierce determination to rebuild her nonprofit medical clinic in the wake of hurricane katrina. >>> looking for a great deal on a new car? >> you might be surprised to know that the worst-selling cars in america are being given away but there's a catch. >>> the schools in the hereford zone are delayed this morning because it's 57 degrees out there. it is cold, 63 for the rest of us. >> probably not that chilly that you need to bundle up for the trains. here's mark jones to let you know how they are moving

dr. regina benjamin. the list of qualifications that make dr. benjamin an outstanding candidate to be america's leading spokesperson on issues of public health are long indeed. she was in the second class at moorehouse school of medicine and went on to earn an md from the university of alabama at birmingham and an mba from tulane. she served as associate dean for rural health at the university of south alabama college of medicine, and in 1995 she became the first physician under 40 and the first african-american woman to be named to the american medical association's board of trustees. in 2002 she became president of alabama's state medical association, and she's received numerous awards and recognitions, including the mcarthur genius award. that's very impressive. but of all these achievements and experience, none has been more pertinent to today's challenges or closer to regina's heart than the rural health clinic that she has built and rebuilt in bayou la batchtree, did i say that right? bayou la batchtree, that's in alabama, people. it's a ru

dr. regina benjamin, she's president obama's pick for surgeon general. e's facing criticism for being overweight. i don't know if dr. benjamin's weight should be an issue, but her food pyramid does call for three to five daily servings of mcribs. [ laughter ] that's bad. that's not good. i like the mcrib. [ laughter ] i don't know how much -- yeah. i don't know how much is rib but it tastes like it. fantastic. over 125,000 people are expected to attend comicon, which begins tomorrow in san diego. it's the biggest virgin -- i'm sorry, comic book convention in the world. [ laughter and applause ] i love comicon. i'm going. i love comicon. or, as hospitals in san diego are calling it, asthma-fest '09. [ laughter ] "it's an emergency!" fun fact. the first comicon was held in 1970 and only 300 people attended. okay, 600 if count their parents picking them up. [ laughter ] but still -- some interesting news. the world's first chocolate made from camel's milk is about to go on sale in the u.s. in response, chocolate lovers said, "yay?" [ laughter ] disgusting. a

dr. regina benjamin.has to be confirmed by the senate, but benjamin runs a health clinic in rural alabama that she fought hard to rebuild after it was wrecked by hurricane katrina. in accepting this nomination, benjamin noted many of her immediate family have died from preventable diseases and illnesses and she wants to help others avoid that fate. >> my family's not here with me today, at least not in person, because of preventable diseases. while i can't or i cannot change my family's past, i can be a voice in the movement to improve our nation's health care and our nation's health for the future. >> benjamin is the first african-american woman to head a state medical society and last year received the mcarthur foundation genius grant. >>> you know, we may know more about a counterterrorism program now that the cia never told congress about. democrats are blasting former vice president dick cheney who reportedly ordered the agency to keep the initiative secret from congress. some argue that he actually

dr. regina benjamin. the list of qualifications that make dr. benjamin an outstanding candidate to be america's leading spokesperson on issues of public health are long indeed. she was in the second class at morehouse school of medicine and went on to earn an m.d. from the university of alabama at birmingham, and an m.b.a. from tulane. she served as associate dean for rural health at the university of south alabama college of medicine, and in 1995 she became the first physician under 40 and the first african-american woman to be named to the american medical association's board of trustees. in 2002 she became president of alabama's state medical association and she has received numerous awards and recognition, including the macarthur genius award. that is very impressive. but of all of these achievements and experiences, none has been more pertinent to today's challenges were closer to regina's hard then the clinic she has built and rebuilt in bayou la batre. tell me how to say it. bayou la batre. that is an alabama. bayou la batre is a rural tow

dr. regina benjamin to be the next u.s. surgeon general. she is the youngest doctor elected to the american medical association board. one year ago the new york times called her an angel in a white coat. her nonprofit clinic was rebuilt by volunteers after being destroyed by hurricane katrina, only to burn down months later. >>> and now to a developing story. the nats enter the all-star break with the worst record at 26-61 and manny acta has been fired. and dave ross is live at the field. it was made official thorn morn -- this morning. >> it had been mored and it is official. after 2.5 years manny acta is out as the nat's skipper. he was told his fate late last night after the team returned following 59-0 loss in houston. acta's final record is 252 losses and they were on pace to lose upwards of 110 games. but acta had nothing but good things to say about his time in washington. and i quote, i thank the nationals forgiving me this opportunity. i'm sorry things didn't work out as expected. it's normal when the manager pays the price when th

dr. regina benjamin from alabama to be the next surgeon general. she is often referred to as the "people's health advocate." we will have more on the nomination tonight on the news investigations into whether vice-president dick cheney hid a cia counter intelligence from congress. this recently disbanded program is something they said they did not know about until last month. leon panetta says the advice came straight from vice- president cheney's office. >> we were kept in the dark. that is something natural never happen again. the crux we have a massive program that is concealed from the leaders in congress -- >> we have a massive program that is concealed from the leaders in congress. that is not only inappropriate, but could be illegal. >> there will be an investigation into the interrogation techniques during the bush administration. >> what a way to start the work week. absolutely gorgeous outside. it is a bit warm, but not uncomfortable because the dewpoint is very low. it is usually so sultry and steamy and hot and humid. this front is now

dr. regina benjamin pledged to work with the health system. and she was elected to the american board of trustees. and tonight a woman that used to hold this position. >> as surgeon's general, you are the people's doctor. never forget. >> dr. joyce that was surgeon general under president clinton, and went on to be a speaker on aids and teen pregnancy. and the first lady and daughters took in a concert of the jonas brothers. the fans were burning up outside of the facility, and we were told that mr. obama and the girls had box seats. and safe to say that everyone had a good time. a convicted killer is ared from the death chamber. and the argument that has the supreme court taking notice in the case. who should pay for part of the michael jackson funeral. tonight the lawmakers say the taxpayers. >> and an elder couple this is nine generations of the world's most revered luxury sedan. this is a history of over 50,000 crash-tested cars... and 889 safety patents. this is the world record for longevity and endurance. and one of the most technologic

dr. regina benjamin to be the next surgeon general. dr. benjamin made headlines in the wake of hurricane katrina with her determination to rebuild her rural health clinic in alabama. >>> six lawsuits related to last month's deadly metro rail crash have been filed against dc metro rail system. nine people were killed, 80 others injured. one of six car metro trains rear ended a stopped train near the red line's fort tauton station. one is seeking $25 million. legal analysts say total financial damages could stretch in the hundreds of millions of dollars. >>> the jacks trial started today in montgomery county. she's accused of killing her four daughters and living with their decomposing bodies for nearly seven months. the bodies were discovered in january of 2008 when marshalls arrived at jack's southeast washington home to carry out an eviction. authorities say the girls had been dead since the summer of 2007 when jacks was living in montgomery county. jacks will be tried before a judge, not ajury, after requesting a bench trial. >>> montgom

dr. regina benjamin. the list of qualifications that make dr. outstanding candidate to be america's leading spokesperson on issues of public health are long, indeed. she was in the second class at moore house school of medicine and went on to earn an md from the university of alabama at birmingham and an mba from tulane. she served as associate dean for rural health at the university of south alabama clem of medicine and in 1995, she became the first physician under 40 and the first african-american woman to be named to the american medical association's board of trustees. in 2002, she became president of alabama's state medical association and she has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the macarthur genius award. that's very impressive. but of all these achievements and experience, none have been more pertinent for today's challenges closer to regina's heart than the rural health clinic she has built in bayou la batstreet. say that right? tell me how to say it. bayou labattery. that's in alabama, people. bayou la battery is a r

dr. regina benjamin who is well-known through the deep south. this is video from just moments ago as the president was making the announcement. the president says she will be a fierce advocate for patients' rights. the nomination still requires approval from congress. >>> outraged lawmakers are pressing for answers today into exactly what former vice president dick cheney told the cia. over the weekend, several prominent newspapers reported cheney ordered the agency not to tell congress about a secret program. the "the wall steet journal" now reports the program was secret plan to kill or capture al qaeda operatives, but the paper reports the program never became fully operational. leading lawmakers are suggesting that cheney broke the law. >>> will the fifth time be the charm for space shuttle endeavour. nasa hopes to. technical problems and stormy weather has delayed the takeoff. there is 60% chance that storms will move in and delay the launch once again. >>> no bad storms in our area or any time soon, we hope. a live look outside, you can se

dr. regina benjamin was immediately enlisted to pass a health care reform bill even before her confirmation. >> dr. benjamin is going to help us get there as next surgeon general. >> reporter: founder of a royal health clinic in shrimping down in alabama. she's the past president of alabama state medical association and 195 was "world news" person of the week. >> sometimes i could do everything text books taught me and school taught me and patients can't buy their medicine and it's all for nothing. >> reporter: in recent years she fought to rebuild her clinic afterle destroyed by hurricane george, hurricane katrina and recent fire. today she joined a political fray. >> our health care system cannot continue on the bath we're on. >> reporter: the democratic leaders whom the president met with today all left the white house pledginging them elthey' have their house reform bills passed before the we kres but the senate plans are much murkier. it's where the real challenge for the president lies. >> jake tapper at the white house. >>> the economy is next. tress tri reported the federal deficit

dr. regina benjamin has been tapped as the nation's next surgeon general. she is known for her efforts to rebuild her alabama medical clinic following hurricane katrina and a subsequent fire. the 51-year-old physician who holds a masterers degree in business administration is the first black woman elected to the american board of medical association. president obama said she'll add critical insight to health care. >>> authorities in florida say up to eight people may have been involved in the heart-breaking shooting of the wealthy couple known for adopting disabled children. a fourth person was arrested, a third-year-old man. surveillance video showing three armed men in masks was reased. several of the couple's 16 children witnessed the break-in. police say there were several motives though robbery is the only one mentioned. >>> once again, weather concerns forced nasa to scrub liftoff of the space shuttle "endeavour." nearby storms grounded the crew of seven. it was the fifth attempt to launch "endeavour" on a mission to deliver a japanese-made naatform t

dr. regina benjamin was introduced earlier today. she talked about how she lost her dad to diabetes, her brother to an hiv-related illness, and her mom to lung cancer. >> my family is not here with me today, at least not in person, because of preventible diseases. while i can't -- i cannot change my family's past, i can be a voice in the movement to improve our nation's health care in nation's health for the future. >> dr. benjamin made headlines with a fierce determination to rebuild her nonprofit medical clinic in the wake of hurricane katrina. >>> stories that could save you money. first up, how you can dial in on a cheaper cell phone bill. >>> the new wave of power. how do you feel about paying more for your bge bill if you're promised to save in the long run? >>> and as the investigation into the death of the king of pop continues, more jackson's friends are giving details on the star's health. (announcer) if you think all batteries are the same, consider this: when a tornado tore through holly, colorado, air life denver took to

dr. regina benjamin runs a clinic in a small alabama shrimping town on the gulf coast. the president said she has done her -- spent her entire career doing all she can for her patients and he believes she will be an advocate for all americans who need medical care. >>> for now a follow-up for you on a story we first brought you friday night at 7:00. the results are now in and the race for the reston citizens association usually doesn't sound like a big deal but remember -- remember on friday we introduced you to the only candidate on the ballot. his name was ken myercord and his controversial views on the holocaust had opponents pushing for a write-in candidate in saturday's election. well, on saturday, that write- in candidate, collin mills won. with more than 1500 votes. myercord had 23 of those. you can see our original story and hear myercord's views, at www.wusa9.com 'click on virginia news. >>> a nice warm sunny day to start our week. tony pann out on the weather terrace enjoying nice weather, tony? >> all good, derek, yeah. beautiful monday evening in progress. w

dr. regina benjamin, someone who founded a clinic to serve the poor along alabama's gulf coast, and today president obama praised her work. >> for nearly two decades dr. regina benjamin has seen in a very personal way what is broken about our health care system. she's seen an increasing number of patients who have had health insurance their entire lives suddenly lose it because they lost their jobs or because it simply has become too expensive. >> and the president also called her an outstanding candidate to be america's leading spokesperson on issues of public health. this afternoon president obama is actually going to be meeting privately on this issue of health care with two democratic law enforcement who really are key in this process. they are senator mac baucus as well as congressman charlie rangel. these are the two lawmakers who are really trying to figure out basically how to come up with a way to pay for this massive health care overhaul. as you know, kyra, estimated to cost some $1 trillion over ten years, so president obama here at the white house trying to re-focus attention

dr. regina benjamin. she's dedicated her career to public health service. after her clinic was destroyed three times by hurricanes and fires, she rebuilt it out of her own pocket with the help of her community. >> when people couldn't pay, she didn't charge them. when the clinic wasn't making money, s didn't take a salary for herself. when hurricane george destroyed the clinic in 1998, she made house calls to all of her patients while it was rebuilt. >> dr. benjamin's nomination requires senate confirmation. back to the supreme court for a minute, it has halted the execution of a virginia man on death row for the murder of 16- year-old stacy reed. paul warner powell was scheduled to die by electrocution tomorrow. but now the court wants to re- examine whether he was tried twice in violation of the country's double jeopardy law. powell was convicted in 2000 of the murder of reed and then rape and attempted murder of reed's 14-year-old sister. >>> disturbing new details about a quadruple murder in the district. benita jacks is scheduled to go on trial. she's

dr. regina benjamin was the first woman collected t the board of trustees. she is a family physician in rural alabama. >>> the mystery surrounding michael jackson's debt could be solved by the end of the week. -- his death could be solved by the end of the week. the substances in his body are already in. they are waiting for the remaining results. he went into cardiac arrest on june 25. he may have been adjusted large amounts of prescription medications. his mother was speak about her special bond with michael and about the gift of music sheet nurtured in her nine children. >>> nasa is hoping patients makes perfect as they try again to get endeavor off the ground. the next launch attempt will be tomorrow. shuttle astronauts have tried five times to start their mission. tomorrow's launch is set for 6:00 p.m. >>> a local hospital wants to broaden its boundaries, but not all of the neighbors like the plan. let's move over, realtors. >>> here at the gymnastics in silver spring, we believe every child can be a star. we encourage gymnastics. good morning, washingt

dr. regina benjamin. >> through flood, fires, severe want, regina benjamin has refused to give up. >> reporter: for two decades she's been the family doctor in alabama, a royal shrimping village. hurricane georges and katrina ravaged the town and her clinic. together, they rebuilt. a fire last year destroyed the clinic again. and again she rebuilt. all the while bringing what the macarthur foundation called compassionate and effective medical care when it awarded benjamin a genius grant in 2008. >> i want to ensure that no one, no one falls through the cracks as we improve our healthcare system. >> reporter: a healthcare system that forgot their 2500 residents, people benjamin says can't afford to get sick. 40% of the residents do not have health insurance. many cannot pay. >> i think regina is not only tough. i think she's influential. and i think she's going to influence people to change policies. and that's the surgeon general's position at its best. >> reporter: described as tenacious, benjamin made house calls in a pickup truck. her love for medicine ignited when she went to college in ne

dr. regina benjamin was the first african american woman to be elected to the board of trustees. she is a family physician who is known for making house calls and for helping the poorest of patience. >>> 6:37. time for a check of business headlines. >> we do that with the and the bell. >> we have optimism -- we do that th linda bell. >> stock index futures are indicating gains on wall street. coleman contributed to a rally yesterday. -- goldman sachs contributed to a rally yesterday. the move is seen as a signal that the government is easing into its new role as a passive member. the economy is having a major impact on back-to-school shopping plans. spending is expected to decline by more than 7.5% side because of declining consumer confidence. that is your business news. live at bloomberg headquarters in new york, i am linda bell. back to you. >> thank you. have a great day. >>> a local hospital wants to expand its medical care. but some residents do not like the idea. >> the national transportation safety board makes an urgent recommendation in the wake of that crashed last mon

dr. regina benjamin. the list of qualifications that may dr. benjamin an outstanding candidate to be the leading spokesperson on issues of public health are long, indeed. she was in the second class at morehouse university, went on to earn an m.b.a. from to land. she's served at the university of south alabama college of medicine. she became the first position -- the first person under f40 to be named to the american medical association board of trustees. she has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the macarthur genius award. that is very impressive. but of all these achievements and experiences, none had been more pertinent to today's challenges are closer to her heart than their rural health clinic that she has built and rebuilt in bayou la batre. tammy has said that. -- tell me had to say that. that is in alabama, people. bayou la batre is a rural town in alabama, ushering in town, where people scrape by and cannot afford health insurance. and dr. benjamin, while we were talking, described the demographics. it's very interest

dr. regina benjamin. the nominee to be the next surgeon general. >>> don't forget -- we're always on at www.wusa9.com. stay with us, 9w ewno uein

dr. regina benjamin. >> all right. we will follow those comments for you and a little bit later on "power lunch," welcome to "power lunch," by the way, we will be talking about the president's very ambitious agenda as we head into the latter part of the summer and find out what he can get accomplished before fall, if anything at all. welcome. stocks are surging right now in this volatile trading sessions, financials the best performers at the moment, s & p financials up 4% today, all of this as we face the most important earnings season in quite some time and kick nothing high gear this week, michelle. >> i'm michelle caruso-cabrera. bill is off this week with. auction traders positioning themselves ahead of this parade of results, goldman, intel, j & j, the list goes on and on. >> i'll brian schactman, forget about wall street bonuses for a second, a megadeal for an "american idol," making ryan seacrest the new king of reality tv show hosts. the numbers, pretty amazing, the impact straight ahead on "power lunch." but

dr. regina benjamin to be the next surgeon general. he says she will make sure that american families have an advocate for reform. the president's plans got sidetracked last week as he traveled abroad. he said he is now back and congress should be ready to work out an agreement. >>> researchers make a huge find in japan, literally. they have just finished putting together what they claim is the world's biggest dinosaur skeleton. it stands 115 peel feet tall. >>> coming up at 4:00, organized demonstration. why dozens of same-sex couples kiss and snuggle in utah. >>> a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms this afternoon. we're reupdating your first warning forecast. >>> wjz is always on. for top stories on wjz.com, instant updates and first warning weather all the time, click wjz.com. >>> beautiful day. >> uh-huh. >> it really is. really is. the humidity buildup over the weekend. and it got hot over the weekend as we lost humidity. now we've lost both of them. one thing we are still seeing is that there is a front off to the south.

dr. regina benjamin, to push what is now his top domestic priority. but there is heated debate even among democrats over what health care reform will look like. the white house wants a public health insurance option, but another idea is a nonprofit co-op with less government involvement. the president has stated he wants to see a bill before the august recess, but reality may be setting in. when asked if that deadline was in jeopardy, this is how spokesman robert gibbs responded. >> maybe. i don't know. >> reporter: despite the president's challenge to his critics and a private white house meeting with key congressional democrats, including pelosi, reid, baucus and rangel, to discuss among other things paying for the health care overhaul, the white house says don't take any of that as a sign of desperation. >> i think there's always a tendency for the focus on the negative, not on -- not on the positive. >> reporter: now, gibbs says that progress is being made up on capitol hill, but as august approaches quickly, he did leave the door open to the poss

dr. regina benjamin will be his choice for surgeon general.egyn: shannon bream, we were talking earlier about the charge made by senator russ feingold talk about the remark that will dominate the hearing for another couple of days. the one comment that he cited was from 2001 in a speech in which judge some of my or said that she would owe that a wise latina woman would come to a better conclusion and a white judge. those are a few lines from a 2001 speech taken out of context, according to him. is that the case? >> you know that thousands of pages of documents have come in in response to the senate judiciary committee questionnaire. we found at least four different times where she said a very similar line, if not a word for word pretty has been repeated. even though the white house wanted to explain it away, saying that she may be would have chosen her words differently, it has been repeated verbatim a number of times. i think that will take some explaining. there are some many other things in this record that she has turned in that has yet to

dr. regina benjamin for surgeon general. she's a family physician from alabama. dr. benjamin has run a nonprofit clinic for years that was once destroyed by hurricane katrina. she rebuilt only to have it destroyed by fire and had it rebuilt again. she will have to be confirmed by the senate. >>> turning now to a developing story we're following. a death investigation under way at fort maier military base near arlington. a female sailer was found dead near the henderson barracks after she did not report for duty. >>> the trial for banita jacks expected to continue today for a bench trial, meaning a judge will decide her fate without a jury. yesterday the judge reviewed a interview after her january 2008 arrest. she couldn't explain why the bodies of her daughters were found in her southeast d.c. apartment. if convicted, she could spend life in prison. >>> the time now is 9 minutes after 7:00. coming up next on fox 5 morning news, a small vacation town on alert after a daring prison escape. >>> then the man convicd of a billion dollar ponzi scheme set to begin his 150

dr. regina benjamin was introduced during a rose garden event this morning.he president says she understands the needs of the poor and uninsured. >> she said the one thing i want to do is make sure that this surgeon general's office gives voice to patients and that patients have a seat at the table. somebody is advocating for them and speaking for them. >> my hope if confirmed as surgeon general is to be america's doctor. america's family physician. as we work toward a solution to this health care crisis, i promise to communicate directly with the american people to help guide them through whatever changes may come with health care reform. i want to ensure that no one, no one, falls through the cracks. >> benjamin's nomination for attorney general always requires senate confirmation. >>> hot summer weather is perfect weather for water sports but what about a weather workout? we take you to be an aquatic kick boxing case. at the silver spring y, these students punch and stir the water. they're making good use of the water's resistance to strengthen their arms

dr. regina benjamin to be the next surgn general. she's a family physician from rural alabama. made headlines for her determination to rebuild her medical clinic in the wake of hurricane katrina. she says she's dedicated her life to public health because her closest relatives have died from preventible disease. >> my family is not here with me today, at least not in person, because of preventible diseases. while i can't or i cannot change my family's past, i can be a voice in the movement to improve our nation's healthcare in a nation's health for the future. >> dr. benjamin's nomination for surgeon general requires senate confirmation. >> tonight, we're learning more about secret intelligence program that a cia direct leon panetta shut down last month. government officials say the counterterrorism program was designed to find and kill or capture al-qaeda leaders at close range rather than with air strikes. but the program never got going. panetta canceled the program after learning it even existed and learning that congress didn't know about it. according to "the new york time

dr. regina benjamin. 's faced hurricanes, floods, and fires while trying to care for immoverished patients. she rebuilt her nonprofit health clinic after destroyed by hurricane katrina. president obama said dr. benjamin will bring important insight to the study to revamp the hlth care system. she has seen in a very personal way what is broken about our health care system. the nomination must be confirmed by the senate. >>> up next, countdown to a launch of the space shuttle "endeavour." >> we have a lot of stuff to talk about in sports. busy day as hockey hopefuls try to make an impression at capital camp and wizards ready to roll into summer leaguelay and >>> we just learned the launch of space shuttle "endeavour" has been scrubbed for tonight. this was the fifth launch attempt for "endeavour." storms kept "endeavour" on the ground yesterday but just nine minutes before the scheduled launch, bad weather and technical problems ruined three other launch attempts before that. >> seven members on that crew wi

dr. regina benjamin to be the country's next surgeon general. the president announced his decision at the white house this morning. benjamin is a family physician. she founded her own clinic two decades ago and fought to rebuild it each time after it was devastated by two hurricanes and a fire. benjamin has received numerous awards throughout her career. her nomination now goes to the senate for confirmation. >>> a water main break in fairfax county caused all sorts of problems today. the 12-inch main snapped this morning at van dorn and alexandria causing a major traffic mess in the area. van dorn street was closed between eisenhower avenue an bond street. the main was also shut down so workers could make repairs. traffic is getting back to normal at least one lane of van dorn is open in each direction right now. >>> good evening. bob ryan storm center 4. that's the most water we've seen in quite some time. again today a dry day after one rare day of 90 degrees yesterday. 85 degrees outside in washington. beautiful day with nice low humidity. a

dr. regina benjamin understands the needs of the poor and underinsured and says that makes her uniquely qualifiedca's doctor as his administration tries to revamp the healthcare system. a defiant president obama says a healthcare overhaul will happen this year, brushing off doubts in congressional delays during the rose garden event to introduce benjamin as his pick for surgeon general. saying "we are going to make this happen" and warns that inaction with create a bigger crisis. >>> helped to push the federal deficit to over $1 trillion for the first time. the imbalance is intensifying fears about higher interest rates and inflation and there are still three months left in the current fiscal year. >>> a northwest airlines union is protesting merger partner dealt that airline's uniform policy that keeps flight attendants larger than size 18 from wearing delta's eye catching signature red dress. the vice chair woman of the grievance committee says she is offended by this. a delta spokes woman says they offer a range of styles up to size 28 that flight attendants can wear. if you missed it for the

dr. regina benjamin for surgeon general. she's seen here on the left. a family physician from alabama, she's dedicated her career to public health service after her clinic was destroyed not once, twice but three times by hurricanes and fires, she rebuilt it out of her own pocket and with the help of her community. >> when people couldn't pay, she didn't charge them. when the clinic wasn't making money, she didn't take a salary for herself. when hurricane george destroyed the clinic in 1998, she made house calls to all of her patients while it was rebuilt. >> the president also pointed out -- [ indiscernible ] her father died of diabetes, her only sibling of h.i.v. -related complications and her mother of lung cancer. the doctor will still have to be confirmed by the u.s. senate. >>> new tonight a stay of execution for a virginia man on death row. paul warner powell was scheduled to die by electrocution tomorrow for the murder of 16-year-old stacy reid but thesupreme court wants to re-examine whether he was unconstitutionally tried twice to the crime. he

dr. regina benjamin to be the next surgeon general, but some critics think her weight might be setting a example for a nation where obesity is becoming an epidemic. with us now is mimi ross, the president of the national action against obesity. so, mimi, the new surgeon general looks like she enjoys some m and m's now and again. what's wrong with that? >> as long as you're mostly eating healthy, you can get away with an occasional indulgence. she clearly didn't meet the requisite of eating -- mindful eating and daily exercise. it should have precluded her from ever being in this really embarrassing situation. >> as i recall, some past surgeon generals haven't exactly looked like kate moss. we had jocelyn elders who had some heft, and c. everett coop wasn't exactly speedo worthy, so do you think we're holding her up to a higher standard? >> as far as i know no one's asked her to win a miss bikini contest. it's not about race, sexism, or the past. we're faced with such a challenge in the twin public crises of obesity and diabetes. lifestyle choices play a great deal in that, and we need a

dr. regina benjamin as his nominee to become secretary general. -- to become surgeon general. >>> at 6:05 time for a "living smart" report. jessica doyle says it's bailout time for another company. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. taxpayers, get out your wallets again. may be in for another bailout. this time officials say cit group is hodeling advanced talks with the government about a bailout. the company is the leading lender to small and mid-sized businesses. cit is requesting help through an fdic program that would guarantee its debt. now it's having trouble because small businesses are going out of business. but letting it fail could also force even more businesses to go under. a sign of how fragile the economy still is. >>> the head of president obama's auto task force has quit. stephen ratner says he wants to spend more time with his company. the former -- with his family rather. the former investment banker helped steer both chrysler and gm through their bankrupt filings. former steel worker official ron bloom will replace him. >>> here's a tip -- if you want to hold on t

dr. regina benjamin for surgeon general. dr.benjamin is seen here on the left. she is a family physician from alabama who has a history of public health service. doctor would still have to be confirmed by the senate. >>> there are new serious allegations against d.c. councilman marion barry. >> council grants recipient sharon wise is accusing the former mayor of fraud, forgery and misuse of funds. she claims money for a program she worked on was misappropriated and her signature on the documents was forged. >> barry says he hasn't done anything wrong. >>> up next, why the supreme court is getting involved in a local capital murder case. >>> there are more new developments in the murder of a couple down in florida. police say the investigation is far from closed. >>> some kids who say they were kicked out of a swimming pool because of their race have been invited back but will they accept the invitation now? we have the answer next on fox 5 morning news.  >>> let's get back out to sarah simmons live on capitol hill with the latest on the ntsb inve

dr. regina benjamin, a family physician from alabama. dr.benjamin would still have to be confirmed by the senate. she has dedicated her career to public health service. after her clinic was destroyed three times by hurricanes and fire, she rebuilt the clinic out of her own pocket. >> when people couldn't pay, she didn't charge them. when the clinic wasn't making money, she didn't take a salary for herself. when hurricane george destroyed the clinic in 1998, she made house calls to all of her patients while it was rebuilt. >> dr. benjamin has had plenty of heartache personally too. her father died of diabetes. her only exhibit lick of hiv- related complication and her mother of lung cancer. president also pointed out how her personal life echoes the failures of the health care system. >>> the president goes out to the ball game. he is throwing out the first pitch and trying out his hand at another skill at tonight's aralstl- game. >>> the terror alert level may be scrapped. we'll have more on how some big changes could be headed that way.

dr. regina benjamin. a faly pysician from alama but he isoing to do that. we're watching rght now at the stage in the se garden where he is going make that announment in a cole of minute we'll be backto cov that live. another big story today, competing with his oth huge story is the confirmatn hearin for justice sonia tomayor. we'll be right bk with msnbc. kra tuscan house italian... delicis avors... expertly blended... beuse great tasting essings aren't just mamade, they're crafted. as we get older, r bodies become... leless able to absorb calcium. recommended citracal. it's a difrent kind ofalalci. lcm citrate. wi vitin d... for unrpsed absorption, to noush your bones. coverage of the confnfmamati heheings for sototomoror. let't'sgo to norah o'donnell. s sator kbuchar came up hehere we w wee talking about ththe ea w his comments were interesting. sods like he could vote f f r.r. >> we'll see. he said he w wand d toave an open mind and talalke about the fact h he rtrtnly a didn't a agr with allff her opinions but he did say during the couoursofof r jujudia

dr. regina benjamin from the alabama gulfoast. she's madheadlines as a country doctor who rebuilt non-profit clinicfter hurricane katrina. today benjamin pledged fight preventae diseases, the kind that killed her fathe brother and mother. >> my family is notere with me today at least notin person bcause of preventae diseas. while i can't or i cannot change my family's st, i c be a vce in the movementto imove our nation's health care d our natn's health for the future. lehrer: nominee benjamin w also the first black wom and the youngest doctor ev elected to the americamedical associaon's board. her nomination is subct to senate coirmation. nth korean leader kim jonil has pancreatic canc. that word camtoday in news reports from uth korea. they said kim was diagned with the cancer ound the same time he apparently had a roke last yer. in ftage last week, kim apared gaunt and he walked with a limp, fueling speculion about his ealth. he is 67 years ol iniraq, an investigation beg into a bombing that narrowly missed u.s. ambassor christo

dr. regina benjamin has spent most of her career working with the poor and uninsured patients at a clinic in alabama, something president obama says makes her qualified for the job. >>> the chairwoman of the senate intelligence committee says leon panetta testified on capitol hill he was told former vice president dick cheney ordered the agency not to brief congress about a secret counterintelligence program started shortly after 9/11. senator dianne feinstein revealed those details on "fox news sunday." >>> anderson, next time you stub your toe or slam your finger, in a car door, don't censor your reaction. a new study finds a four letter word or two can make you feel better. yes, it's true. researchers in england asked students to put their hand in a tur of ice water, this was the test. for as long as possible. the subjects who swore tolerated the painful cold longer. i don't know about you but i know a few people that could come in handy for. >> and i, thanks. >>> breaking arrests in the murder of a florida couple. who did it and why. >>> a possible custody deal in the works of katheri

dr. regina benjamin. the list of qualifications that make dr. benjamin an outstanding candidate to be america's leading spokesperson on issues of public health are long indeed. she was in the second class at morehouse school of medicine and went on to earn an md from the university of alabama and birmingham and an mba from tulaned. she served as associate dean for rural health of the university of south belem of the college of medicine. in 1995, she became the first physician under 40 and the first african-american woman to be named to the american medical association's board of trustees. in 2002, she became president of alabama state medical association. she has received numerous awards in the recognitions including the macarthur genius award. that is very impressive. but of all these achievements and experience, none has been more pertinent to today's challenges, more closer to her hard in the world health clinic machine is built and rebuilt in baya labatrie in alabama. it is a rural town of about 2500 people. it is a shrimping town where a lo

dr. regina benjamin, 52 years old, a woman president obama called a relentless promoter of programs to fight preventable illness. dr. benjamin says, quote, i could be a voice to improve our nation's health for the future. next step for her, anyway, is the senate confirmation. >>> trying to do something new today, speaking of confirmations. we're going to be covering the story of sotomayor and obviously the dick cheney revelations right here after the show. stick around when the tv version of our national conversation ends, logon to cnn.com/live where the conversation continues online, 4:00 eastern, your tweets, your message, facebook, myspace, all of it for an extra 15. i had felt fine. but turns out... my cholesterol and other risk factors... increased my chance of a heart attack. i should've done something. now, i trust my heart to lipitor. when diet and exercise are not enough, adding lipitor may help. unlike some other cholesterol lowering medications, lipitor is fda approved to reduce the risk... of heart attack, stroke, and certain kinds of heart surgeries... in patients with several c