CNN Student News Transcript: October 3, 2008

(CNN Student News) -- October 3, 2008

Quick Guide

Showdown in St. Louis - Review some of the highlights from this year's only vice presidential debate.

Mystery Unravels - Examine the unraveling mystery surrounding the disappearance of Steve Fossett.

A World Away - Visit a school in Iran where the students literally outnumber the teacher 4-1.

Transcript

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

CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: Thanks for spending part of your Friday with us, as we wrap up the week here on CNN Student News. From the CNN Center, I'm Carl Azuz.

First Up: Showdown in St. Louis

AZUZ: First up, we're heading to Washington University for a face-off between this year's vice presidential candidates. The Saint Louis school has hosted three past presidential debates, but this is the first time that a showdown between VP hopefuls has taken place on campus. University officials said one reason they wanted to host the debate was to give students the feeling of being part of the political process. Susan Roesgen reports on last night's event.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN REPORTER: It started with a handshake and ended with fundamental differences about how this country should be run. Senator Joe Biden went through the issues in a matter-of-fact way, while Governor Sarah Palin stuck to her folksy style.

GOV. SARAH PALIN, (R) VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Darn right we need tax relief for Americans, so that jobs can be created here. Now, Barack Obama and Senator Biden also voted for the largest tax increases in U.S. history. Barack Obama even supported increasing taxes as late as last year.

SEN. JOE BIDEN, (D) VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The charge is absolutely not true. Barack Obama did not vote to raise taxes. The vote she's referring to, John McCain voted the exact same way. It was a budget procedural vote. John McCain voted the same way; it did not raise taxes.

ROESGEN: Whichever candidate you support, there were plenty of points scored by both. The true "win" will not be known until November. I talked to at least a dozen people as they were leaving the debate. They all said they enjoyed it, but not one said it changed his or her mind about which candidate they support. For CNN Student News, I'm Susan Roesgen.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Shoutout

GEORGE RAMSAY, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Today's Shoutout goes out to Ms. Burns' social studies class at St. Theresa Catholic School in Evansville, Indiana. Which one of these former vice presidents was born in Missouri? If you think you know it, shout it out! Is it: A) Dan Quayle, B) Harry Truman, C) Millard Fillmore or D) Al Gore? You've got three seconds -- GO! Harry Truman, who also served as president, was born in Missouri in 1884. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout!

Promo

AZUZ: Neither Senator Biden nor Governor Palin hail from Missouri, but soon, one of them will be elected vice president. You've heard about their debate. Now use our Learning Activity to research the views and backgrounds of these VP candidates. It's all waiting for you at CNNStudentNews.com!

Headed for the House?

AZUZ: Next up, the financial bailout bill is in the House of Representatives. You guys know that the Senate voted on this issue Wednesday night, and now it's time for round two with the representatives. The House rejected the original proposal on Monday, but one congressional leader says this version has a better chance to pass. Nicole Collins has the latest from Capitol Hill.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SENATE VOTE: The amendment is agreed to.

NICOLE COLLINS, CNN REPORTER: With a 74/25 vote, the Senate passes its version of a $700 billion financial rescue plan.

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL, (R) MINORITY LEADER: It was a measure for Main Street, not for Wall Street.

SEN. HARRY REID, (D) MAJORITY LEADER: We worked together for the good of the country.

COLLINS: But it's unclear if the House will come to an agreement because of new provisions in the bill, like an increase in the FDIC insurance cap from $100,000 to $250,000 and tax breaks for individuals and businesses; $110 billion worth, added to appeal to Republicans, but that could actually turn Democrats off.

REP. STENY HOYER, (D) MAJORITY LEADER: Frankly, an awful lot of people will look at this bill, and not be pleased with what the Senate has done.

COLLINS: President Bush says the bill has provisions that members of both parties can support. He also said that the American people expect the House to pass the bill this week so he can sign it.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: This issue has gone way beyond New York and Wall Street. This is an issue that's affected hardworking people. They're worried about their savings, they're worried about their jobs, they're worried about their houses, they're worried about their small businesses. And the House of Representatives must listen to these voices and get this bill passed.

COLLINS: The House is expected to vote on Friday, but only if they are certain they have the votes they need to pass this legislation. On Capitol Hill, Nicole Collins for CNN Student News.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Mystery Unravels

AZUZ: We've been watching a mystery unravel in the disappearance of Steve Fossett. Yesterday, we told you about the recovery of several ID cards that had Fossett's name on them. Authorities now say they've found something much more significant: the wreckage of the plane that the millionaire adventurer was flying when he disappeared last year. Dan Simon has the details on this new discovery.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SIMON, CNN REPORTER: The crash site is about 12 miles away from where I am standing. There are about 60 crews up there. This is a mystery that has been going on for well over a year: What happened to Steve Fossett? What happened to his airplane? Well, we now know what happened as a result of a lone hiker finding three pieces of identification that had Steve Fossett's name on them. There was also a thousand dollars in cash. Well, that discovery led to a new search, and authorities found Steve Fossett's plane. And looking at that wreckage, they say there is no chance anyone could have survived.

MARK ROSENKER, ACTING CHAIRMAN, NTSB: That information is indicative of a high-impact crash, which appears to be consistent with a non-survivable accident.

SIMON: The NTSB, the National Transportation Safety Board, is now on the scene, investigating what caused the crash to take place. Right now, they're taking pictures of the crash site, trying to preserve it, the beginnings of what could be a very lengthy investigation. Hopefully, someday, they'll figure out what caused this plane to go down. I'm Dan Simon reporting from Mammoth Lakes, California.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Hispanic Heritage Month

TATYANA HEREDIA, CNN STUDENT NEWS: "Good science and good sense": That's the motto of Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as U.S. surgeon general. When her tenure began on March 9 of 1990, Dr. Novello worked to curb underage drinking and smoking, and she paid particular attention to the health of women, children and minorities. After she left the surgeon general job in 1993, Novello became a special representative for UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. And in 1999, Dr. Novello was appointed New York State's health commissioner. Celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Antonia Novello this Hispanic Heritage Month.

A World Away

AZUZ: Switching gears here, imagine having the same teacher every day for every class, every year. That might be tough on some teachers, too. And that's what's going on at a school in Iran. Of course it helps when you can count the total number of students on one hand. Asieh Namdar visits what could be the smallest school on the planet.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN REPORTER: Four young students and one very dedicated teacher. This is perhaps the world's smallest school in the southern Iranian town of Kalou on the Persian Gulf, population: 34. In fact, it's so small you can't even find it on Google Maps. It's 70 miles from Bushehr, where Russia is helping Iran build a nuclear power plant. But in this fishing village, no one is talking about Iran's standoff with the West; chances are, no one cares.

It was 21-year-old teacher Abdol Mohammad Sharaani who put this tiny school on the map through his blog. A friend in Australia created an English version for the world to see. The school is now recognized by UNESCO as the world's smallest. Sharaani chose this because he could make a real difference, and he already has. Meet Hamideh, Parisa, Mehdi and Hussein, their faces filled with hope and big dreams for the future. Life in Iran can also be filled with fear and uncertainty. When a package arrived from the U.S., 10-year-old Hussein was terrified. He thought it was a bomb. They were chocolates. The gift gave Sharaani the chance to talk the kids about the world. He told them governments are different from people. Because of worldwide publicity, the classroom now has all the basics. The broken desks have been replaced by four new ones. There's even a computer, donated by the local ministry of education. When he was asked about his dreams for the future a few years ago, Sharaani said he wanted "to be a teacher in a far-flung village." Looks like he's living the dream. Asieh Namdar, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Before We Go

AZUZ: Before we go, how do you know you're this super awesome mega-celebrity? When your likeness is carved into a corn maze, it's a pretty good indication! Muhammad Ali won Olympic medals, boxing titles, he even had a movie made about his life. But having a field fashioned into your face is still kid of cool, especially when it backs up your boxing boasts. The former champ famously referred to himself as "the greatest of all time." These crops are crafted to concur.

Goodbye

AZUZ: That a-maze-ing image makes for one corny ending. I wonder how many of you saw that coming. Anway, we hope to see you again on Monday. For CNN Student News, I'm Carl Azuz.