thisorning." good morning, america. and this morning, stunning, new video of the gym shooter. "gma" uncovers another video of george sodini. this time, at a controversial dating seminar. what does it tell us about the killer? the new swine flu rules. the government releases new guidelines, suggesting three shots this year. but is it safe? a sister's celebration. lisa ling tells us how her sister is coping after months in captivity. and what really happened in north korea. and a triple-play in the park. three of the biggest stars from "american idol" perform live in three of the biggest stars from "american idol" perform live in our summer concert series. captions paid for by abc, inc. and good morning, everyone. alongside chris cuomo, i'm robin roberts. diane is off, on this friday, august 7th. and we continue to learn more about the man who opened fire on an aerobics class earlier this week. >> we have a team of reporters looking into this. insight into him will help going forward. and this is a relationship class. a tough-love tutorial, with him participating. >> this, as the victims' families prepare to say good-bye. the funerals tomorrow for three women killed. >> john berman has been in bridgeville, pennsylvania, since the beginning. he's looking at what happened with the victims and their families. and details about sodini. let's get the latest from him. >> reporter: in addition to the funerals, four women remain hospitalized, including the aerobics instructor here. at the same time, we're getting new insight, into george sodini. and we look to this semi for a dating guru. the tears still flowing. nerves still raw. at a vigil last night for the three women murdered. their lives remembered, as we learn more about the life of their killer, george sodini. >> over here, there's some reading material that we're all familiar with. >> reporter: in the video tour of his house, we see this book, "how to date young women, for men over 35." the author is r. don steele, who gives blunt advice to men on how to pick up women. >> it's normal to be scared when you have been hurt by women in the past. the first woman that hurt you was your mother. and that lasts a lifetime. >> reporter: at this semi found by gmaonline, you see steele telling men to be tough. >> nice men must die. i would say that's the problem of most of the men in the room. that you're too nice. >> reporter: sitting in rapt attention, george sodini. you see sodini in an exercise on meeting women. sodini refers to steele in one of his videos. >> r.d.s. says i have approximately 15 more years to be successful at this. >> reporter: we know sodini was not successful. an old website of sodinis, crazygeorge.com, we se more. you see his cat. he interviews himself and asks, is the glass half-empty or half-full? he says, half-full? he also asks, have you ever been in love? he says, hell, yeah. i'm still single, so nothing worked out. all of this is part of sodini's script. >> reporter: mass shooting is a crime of notoriety. that means a person puts more attention in how they're going to be regarded and understood afteterward. >> reporter: we learned that the last phone call he made from outside the fitness club was to his mother. then, he went inside and committed mass murder. murder that will be mourned here forer. we pced calls for r. don steele. that did not get through. we've sent e-mails to him. and we haven't heard back. robin? >> all right, john. and we continue to tnk of the three women who lost their lives. and again, the funerals begin tomorrow. now, to the economy. and people looking for a glimmer of hope in the new job report,t out this mning. our financial correspondent, bianna gololodryga, on the floo of the new york stock exchange, with that. >> good morning, robin. fingers are crossed down here. we know that the jobs report is the most important economic indicator. consensus calls for a loss of 325,000 jobs in july. goldman sachs and deutsche bank are saying to be prepared for 100,000 jobs lost for the month, suggesting that things may be turning around. after months of cascading job losses, a glimmer of hope. companies are laying off fewer workers. and this week, the number of first-time claims for jobless benefits dropped to its lowest point since late january. >> companies were rapid in cutting payrolls. now, they're going easier on that front. >> reporter: while the numbers showhe mass hemorrhaging of jobs among major companies may be leveling off, most employers expect the unemployment rate to reach 10% or higher by the end of the year. but for some, there have already been signs of new life. >> i'm very lucky and very grateful to be back at work here with all my friends and my family. >> reporter: simonton manufacturer, in ellington, west virginia, gave reason to believe a possible turnaround. every one of the employees raid off since november 2008, have been called back to the line. >> my family was really excited to know that i would get to come back to work and get a paycheck every week. >> the combination of the impact of the tax stimulus, as well as general recovery, and some market share gains that we are making, have allowed us to call our employees back. >> reporter: manufacturing, one of the first industries to take a hit during the recession, could also become the first to begin hiring again. >> corporate profits have outperformed expectations. and that, again, suggests that there's room for some improvement in the overall economy. >> reporter: so, what's next? analysts will be closely following retail sales for the next few weeks, given that the school year's just around the corner. we know discretionary income is very limited as parents. but you as a parent know that the kids are the last thing you want to say money . we have now developments in the fight against the h1n1 virus. vaccine trials begin today in the u.s., as the government releases new guidelines, indicating most people will need three shots this fall. question is, is that safe? david muir is tracking it for us, here this morning. good morning, david. >> reporter: good morning to you, chris. this fall, americans will have to get one shot for the regular flu. and at this point, it looks like two more for swine flu. and with the first trial set to begin later today in the u.s., and guidance coming for schools, there are some major questions emerging this morning. first, why two shots for swine flu? because most of us have never been exposed to swine flu before, scientists now believe, it will take two shots to build up immunity. two doses about three weeks apart. but with the new vaccine not ready until october, we did the math. the first shot in october. and round two wouldn't come until november. and the patient wouldn't have full immunity until two to four weeks after that, december. long after flu season begins and there's the question about safety. so many americans wondering if getting the new vaccine is worth the risk. in kansas city, this woman asked her doctor, on top of all other childhood vaccines, will this add to the risk factors if she gives it to her children? >> my biggest worry about this vacce is the time frame. has it been tested enough? >> reporter: her doctor, like so many others, are reassuring parents that this shot won't be much diffent than the regular flu shot. >> it's produced in the same way, using the same methods and the same fact foirps. >> reporter: and one pediatrician is taking it a step further. deciding his own children will be part of the clinical trials. >> from my reading and understanding, this vaccine is vim lar to if vaccine we give for seasonal flu. i want my children to be protected. >> i'm the healthiest 50-year-old you've ever seen. i play golf every weekend. >> reporter: the last time there was a swine flu scare was 1976. the nation watched as president ford got his own swine flu shot, to show it was safe. this time around, there are still questions about the preservative, thimerisol, which will be used. online blogs are buzzed with warnings that the preservative can lead to autism. but there's no scientific studies to back that up. in fact, parents that are concerned can ask for the version of the vaccine without thimerisol. return visits for two more shots for swine flu. the question, how many people will actually do this? especially wheyothink last year, just one in three adults not a flu shot. >> good point. we're going to ask someone who is going to answer some of those questions for us. william schaffner of vanderbilt medical school, is one of the nation's experts on infectious disease. he's good enough to join us live from nashville, tennessee. good morning. we want to pick up on what david was saying. three seasonal shots. one for regular flu, and two for swine flu. a lot of parents concerned about vaccines. so, is it safe? >> good morning, robin. yes, it is safe. it's made the usually way that influenza vaccine is made. and we give that in the tens of millions of doses. i'm going to be a volunteer in the studies. and my grandchildren are going to get this vaccine when it's available to all of us. >> let's talk about when it's available to all of us, the timing of it here. in david's report, we heard the vaccine, when determined safe, will be available to doctors in october. you could have the first shot. you wouldn't have full coverage until some time in december. what about the timing here, doctor? >> ah, yes, robin. we're in a race with the vaccine and the virus, to see which one will get there first. and i can tell you, the manufacturers have their lights on in their laboratories at night. and everybody is working their pants off to get that vaccine to all of us, just as quickly as possible. we're all doing the best we can. >> well, people love to hear that they're working as fast as they can. and working -- what did you say? get their pants off, they're working so fast? >> well, they're working very hard. but they're not cutting any corners. >> good. good. >> all of the safety issues. all of the effectiveness issues are going to be addressed, absolutely completely. >> that's comforting to a lot of people. let's talk about these so-called rapid tests that doctors use to determine the flu. we know it hasn't been so successful, at times, in determining the seasonal flu. could be even worse when it comes to swine flu. so, how can we be sure that doctors are not missing cases that could lead to its spread? >> yes. well, there's an awful lot of education going on to physicians now, to be sure that we know how to use these rapid tests. and with swine flu, a positive result will be useful. but a negative result probably not as useful. we'll still have to evaluate the patient completely. and many of us wl be treating patients, even though they have a negative test. and that will be the appropriate thing to do. >> doctor, what about the people who -- the 45 million, who got a swine flu shot back in 1976? are they all right? do they still have to be vaccinated? >> oh, they still have to be vaccinated because the two viruses are completely different. and even though they have the same kind of name. so, all of us will have to listen to the cdc and tell us when the vaccine is available. and who among us should go to the front of the line. and who should wait a little bit more until more supplies come in. >> dr. william saffner in vanderbilt. appreciate that so much. >> always a pleasure. >> have a good weekend. >> always a pleasure. it's 7:12. let's get the rest of the news with deborah roberts. >> we begin with breaking news overseas. new indications that the most-wanted terrorist in pakistan, baitullah mehsud, a man the u.s. has been targeting for months now, has been killed. we're going to get right to martha raddatz in washington. martha? >> reporter: good morning, deborah. members of mehsud's own taliban group are saying mehsud is, indeed, dead. officials are telling abc news they believe mehsud was killed by a u.s. drone strike. mehsud, whose back is to the camera in this rare video, is pakistan's enemy number one, believed to be responsible for the assassination of benazir bhutto in 2007, and many other spectacular attacks. the u.s. had a $5 million reward on his head. officials say when the drone struck, mehsud was on the roof of a house with his wife, who was massaging his legs, pained by diabetes. if he is, indeed, dead, the obama administration has hit one of the most significant terrorist targets in yeaears. deborah? >> all right, martha raddatz. thank you for the latest on that. car shoppers are getting another chance to cash in on their gas guzzlers. the senate approved $2 billion to fund rebates until labor day. sonia sotomayor will be sworn in tomorrow as the first latina supreme court justice. her swearing in will be the first open to television cameras in supreme court history. the debate over health care reform is becoming more contentious, as americans on both sides turn up the volume. at a town hall meeting in florida, where hundreds of people shouted down against each other, arguing for and against reform. most shoutout because they couldn't fit in the room. and tempers flared in houston, where protests were so loud, they drowned out the words of a local congress person. let's get out to the park. that's the place to be. that's why sam champion is there. good morning, sam. >> good morning, robin, chris, deborah. we have a lot of action coming up in central park. we want to start off this morning with the updated atlantic forecast for the hurricane season. we were waiting for updated forecasts to come out. they're from two respected sources. colorado state university. and then, the government's forecast, the noaa forecast. the average on the side, is about 11. we're going below average. it's below average in the count, not in the strength. and let me remind you, it only takes one category 5, like an andrew, to devastate a community. we're expecting fewer storm, not weaker storms. and one thing they're looking at is the el nino development in the pacific, that changes the air flow in the country. here's our temperatures. d the 90s are crawling to the north. chicago, you'rnot in it today. but you will be over the next couple of days. so will cleveland, detroit, all seeing higher temperatures today. ryveoord.ni mng f. mdning. had0' 50's this morning.o t h 63 in fredericksburg. your forecast today, plenty of sunshine. low humidity. we are into the 60's tonight. 90 on saturday. we are into the 60's tonight. 90 on saturday. happy friday. we'll have much more from central park. but now, back to you, chris. and remember, this hurricane forecast means, fewer storms. not weaker storms. fewer storms. >> good to know. thanks, sam. we'll be back to you in a little bit. now, we want to give you the latest on the journalist reunion that was seen and captivated the whole country. laura ling and euna lee are trying to get back to normal. the two journalists now free, after being held for nearly five months in north korea. on thursday, the special envoy, who helped bring hem home, you might know him as former president bill clinton, talked about the flight back to california. and how ling and lee are holding up. take a listen. >> when we stopped at the american base in japan, they got their first, you know, real, old-fashioned, american breakfast. a little more with huevos rancheros. and they had to be careful since they'd been on a radically different diet for almost five months, to measure their intake. but it was basically a lovely thing. >> huevos rancheros, the american breakfast. now, we have lisa ling, laura ling's sister on the phone this morning. lisa, e you there? >> i'm here, chris. how are you? >> great to hear your voice. your sister, their well-being, her health, the paramount concern. how is everybody doing? >> well, both euna and laura are elated to be home. and i have to say the past couple of days have just been so extraordinary. they both went to the doctor yesterday. and for the most part, they are doing very well. my sister still has her ulcers. and the doctors said they endured just a tremendous amount of stress. and wants them to just continue to rest as much as possible. but it's been incredible. >> obviously, such an emotional toll. it will take time to play out. they need time to process it. also, what are you learning? four calls home in 4 1/2 months. there's a lot of spaces for you to fill in. what have you learned in these last couple of days? >> well, we haven't really talked too much about what -- you know, what it was like. the ordeal was very, very challenging. and, frankly, difficult for my sister to talk about. and she is anxious to do so. and i really want to let her tell the story. but if you think about it, i mean, she was in virtual isolation for 4 1/2 months. even though she had two guards in her room at all times, there were those days when she wouldn't speak to anyone because she doesn't speak korean. so, she essentially had to make due. she would walk around her room for hours on end for exercise. and, you know, i have to say, the few stories she was able to tell are just absolutely fascinating. and i know she's anxious to tell it when she's ready. >> give me a quick take on this. obviously, they're both very shy at the press conference. little reserved. there a sense of guilt for how much it took to g them out of there? and what a big deal this has become? >> they're so surprised by how big a deal it has become. i wouldn't say there's guilt because they're so anxious to get home. and we were so anxious. and it's true. i only was able to talk to my sister four times. and those conversations were very, very, strictly monitored. and there were things that were being communicated through my .sterin in fact, i know, i could hear in ser voice how stressed she was u isllca>>s. l >> lisa, wreng goi g to go to break. i'm going to keep talking to you during the break, though. >> okay. >> thanks for joining us. we'll be right back. offering up to $4500 toward a new car with an eligible trade-in. plus, toyota is offering factory incentives on many models for even more savings. with toyota being the most dependable and fuel-efficient car company in america, so hurry in to your toyota dealer today. how about beer-battered shrimp and chips... or one of our coastal soup and grilled shrimp salad combinations? eight dishes that fit into your lunch hour... starting at just $6.99. at red lobster. starting at just $6.99. the $100 cream. flabbergasted when we creamed the $700 cream! for under $30 regenerist micro-sculpting cream hydrates better than 32 of the world's most expensive creams. fantastic. phenomenal. regenerist. >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. good morning. i am greta kreuz. 7:22. time for a look at traffic. >> we have had a wonderful morning. we started the morning with a crash on eastbound 66. it is now gone. good on the beltway between the wilson bridge and the american legion bridge. no delays on 270. i just love friday, but especially during the summer. this is the dulles greenway and dulles toll road and 28. we're good heading towards northeast washington and good heading past nationals park and onto the freeway. today is beautiful. >> outside we're starting out comparable with low humidity. things are going to change. let's go to the maps. today, high pressure. there will be drier and more comfortable air. low 80's at lunchtime. look what happens as the weekend wears on. we are following a developing story out of virginia were a pedestrian has been struck and killed. it happened on jefferson davis side -- jefferson davis highway in woodbridge. a veteran firefighter is -- 44-year-old wayne mothershead answered and on wide and from a police officer posing as a girl. he meant the girl at a gaithersburg shopping center. he was later released on one under thousand dollars bond. we are about to learn more about last week's devastating fire at a mansion. the blaze destroyed the home of peggy cooper cafritz. city officials are expected to release a report at 9:00 this morning. this is the weekend to do your back-to-school shopping. the virginia pocks tax-free holiday begins today. >> retailers have been working all summer long to get folks in the door. commonwealth is giving folks an extra 5% off. no taxes. check out tysons corner last year. >> you can see a lot of money. >> andrea came all the way from baltimore. worth the extra gas money, she says. >> it will work out. >> virginia's back-to-school holiday runs now through sunday. clothing priced less than $100 and school supplies less than $20 are affected. other states and the district are pulling back on the benefit. >> you have to park and shop more. >> the district put its august holiday on the chopping block, sitting pieces -- saving the city $640,000. >> i did not think it is a good way to attract people to purchase in the district. >> you know " will likely be coming across the river. maryland also canceled their tax free holiday. matt brock, abc 7 news. >> thank you. we will have another update for you at 8:56 at suntrust, we help you manage your money at home. and make it easy when you're away. at suntrust, we help you manage your money at home. and where ever you go, atm fees won't follow. at suntrust, we help you manage get back to what really matters switch to suntrust cheing today suntrust. live solid, bank solid. oh, my goodness. would you look at that crowd, getting ready for our "american idol" concert in central park. they have been lining up all night to hear david cook, to hear kris allen, to hear adam lambert, performing live, singing together for the first time ever. our "gma" concert series. a terrific trio to send us into the weekend on the right note. cannot wait. we'll be out there soon. we say happy friday, everyone. alongside chris, i'm robin. diane has the day off. i heard you talking to lisa ling. >> we talked to lisa through the break. those four phone calls, they didn't know, whether or not her sister and euna lee were saying the truth or what they needed to say. they got to see them face-to-face. five months, imagine that. >> i can still only imagine what it must be like to have them back. also, john hughes. terrific, terrific director. you've seen many of his movies, such as "national lampoon's vacation," "home alone." we look back at the legacy of screen writer and rector, john hughes. first, we have the latest on the story of a woman who drove the wrong way on a highway, with her doubter and three nieces. the toxicology report is wrong, the family is saying. diane schuler's husband saying there's no w way she was drunk d high that day. abc's andrea canning has been tracking this for us. she has the latest. >> reporteter: nearly two weeks after diane schuler drove the wrong way down this new york state highway, kling herself and seven others, her husband, dachbl, came fward for the first time to make one thing clear. >> i go bed knowing my heart is clear. she did not drink. she is not an alcoholic. something medically had to happen. >> reporter: schuler's attorney, dam nick barbara, claims there were other reasons that schuler became disoriented. a stroke, diabetes. even suggesting the abscess in her mouth and the suspicious bump on her leg were clues of a major medical problem. but doctors we asked say barbara's theories seem unlikely. and it could be much more complex. >> diane schuler had a blood alcohol content of 0.19%. >> reporter: police say schuler not only drank the equivalent of nine drinks, but she was also high on marijuana. the schuler family can't accept that. >> bottle of vodka found? >> no. we don't know. >> reporter: the family of the three men schuler killed in the accident, say they want real answers. did schuler's family know she was drinking that day? and could they have stoppeher? >> there's a strong fragrance of criminality. >> reporter: meanwhile, daniel schuler has to live with the reality that his wife killed his daughter. >> my little girl's gone. i don't know what else to say about that. >> reporter: still, he says he's not angry with her. and maintains they had a loving marriage. how do you want everyone to remember your wife? >> perfect wife. outstanding mother. hard worker. reliable person. trustworthy. i would marry her again tomorrow. >> reporter: for "good morning america," andrea canning, abc news, garden city, new york. just a few moments ago, i spoke with dominick barbara, the attorney for the schulers. and also, the private attorney, thomas russkin,nd hnder sister-in-law, barbara schuler. how is brian? he was in the car. everybody's concerned about his well-being. >> brian is doing well. he's going to be okay. but it's going to take a little time. he has bumps, bruises, a brain injury. we go to another mri today. we tried to explain to him what happened. but at this point, brian really doesn't want to talk about it. we're going to help with the child life crisis, and the child psychologist. we've been helping little by little. >> understandable to shield him from all of this. the rest of us are exposed to it. let's deal with what's in front of us. mr. barbara, the medical examiner's findings with marijuana, alcohol. you're familiar with these toxicology reports. usually, they're fairy accurate. but you say this one is not. why? >> i don't say the report is accurate or inaccurate. i say none of this is logical. this is a woman who leaves a campground at 9:00 in the morning, absolutely sober. speaks to people. my investigator -- we have video. we have tapes. weave people we spoke to. she had no alcohol in her system. what occurs, they stopped to eat, i think at a mcdonald's. >> yes. >> we have spoken to people there. we got slips for what was purchased. and a trip that should have taken one hour where she finally had the accident, took 4 1/2 hours. more and more people are coming forward and telling us how birre and strange her driving was. matter of fact, we now have information about one of the phone calls, where the child says, that her aunt is having problems speaking and seeing. not slurred. but actually having trouble. something happened. i'm not saying anybody put alcohol in her stomach. you know, something foolish like that. but none of this is logical. >> thomas, the big question here is the vodka bottle. >> if it was in the ca they would know to transport. she was such a person who didn't drink, they would bring the bottle back and forth, in hecas the husband wanted to have a drink at home. >> jay, you're right there. you knew this woman as well as anybody. you hear the allegations that there was medical proof that there was alcohol. that there was a bottle. does this make sense witthe person you knew and raised children with? >> no. diane's family, diane's brothers, diane's father, this isn't the woman that they know. >> this woman drove this every, single weekend. this was a 2 1/2-hour drive from the camp to her home. it took her four hours to end up in a place an hour and a half from the campsite. what did she do in that time. we're asking the public to go to the website, give us a call today, if they saw her or do something. >> do you think we'd be doing this if we thought she was an alcoholic? >> absolutely not. >> the whole family, standing up and getting involved. >> jay, thank you for shedding light on this vision. thomas and dominic, good luck going forward. i appreciate the opportunity to el p us understand the situation. >> thank you. >> obviously, it's very sensitive and complicated. there's a lot more to know on this. if you want to know more, go to our website, abcnews.com. time for the weather, now. there's a partgoing on in central park. that's where sam champion is for our "american idol" day. sam? >> hey. good morning, again, chris. look at the park. look at everybody out here. not only is it a gorgeous day, but you have three -- look at the size of that crowd. i can't even get to that crowd to tell them that you're on tv to say good morning. look how big that crowd is, for the three "american idol" superstars, david cook, kris allen, and adam lambert. all on the show this morning. we're going to start with at its peak, was a category 4 hurricane. it will weaken as it moves. as it moves monday night into esill still be, in its weakened state, high surf, wind damage for the big island, hilo island. look at the heat that has been trapped down in the deep south. now, it spreads. and a lot of places north and east that have not had summertime temperatures willet some before the weekend is ni.or mng d morning. we do have sunshine and comfortable conditions. we're looking at highs in the mid and i need to tell you, it is a beautiful day in central park, chris. all that weather was brought to you by kashi. and we're all ready. chris? >> all right. wile be with you in a few minutes. first, we're going to go to break. and when we come back, we'll talk to you about the crime that stopped the nation in its track. rs agoth. the question, should one of the m manson murderers go free? when people say, hey mik why ford, why now? i say brace yourself. that gas guzzler in your driveway, just might be, a clunker. but don't panic, it could be a good thing. your ford and lincoln mercury dealers are cash for clunkers specialists. they'll recycle your ride, and get you a big fat juicy rebate from uncle sam. you can get all the details, charts, graphs, etc, at ford.com. why ford, why now? why not? visit your ford or lincoln mercury dealer. i'm thinking now would be a great time. 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[ bump ] [ male announcer ] preparation h cream. burning, itching, plus maximum strength pain relief, on contact. the most complete relief, from preparation h. pain relief on contact. after decades in prison, new developments in the lives of two, former members of the notorious manson family. lynette squeaky fromme, sentenced to life in jail in 1975, for her attempt of assassination of then-president ford, is being paroled. and 40 years of the tate/labianca murders, susan atkins is also asking for parole. jim avila explains, this request is a little more complicated, isn't it, jim? >> reporter: it is. four decades have passed. and the prisoners have grown old in prison. and now, one of the manson killers are going to appeal to the parole board for release, on medical grounds. too ill to die in custody. it's a face you may not recognize anymore. it's susan atkins today. still in prison. but gravely ill from brain cancer. and asking for mercy she did not give her victims. 40 years ago, she was a member of charles manson's family and took part in one of the most evil crimes in history. it was atkins who held down pregnant actress sharon tate, as she was stabbed 16 times, that she described in a blood-curdling detail at a parole hearing years ago. >> she asked me to spare her. >> what did you say to her? >> i told her i didn't have any mercy for her. >> reporter: but today, atkins is so ill, her family says she can no longer pose a threat to society. and they argue with the california budget meltdown, atkins should be released. saving, they contend, $10,000 a day when hospitalized. last year alone, she spent six months in icu at state expense. the total cost, $165,000. >> she can nod her head. and look left and right. she has limited use of her left arm. >> reporter: now virtually alone, and dependent on her husband, james whitehouse, who drives 1,000 miles a week to see her, atkins is asking that her life sentence be cut short, so she can die at home, rather than the california prison system, where she's been for 39 years. denied parole repeatedly. despite expresses of deep regret for her victims and their loved ones. >> she's expressed remorse and grief for every one of her parole hearings, going back to 1972. >> reporter: diane sawyer met her in prison. she told diane, she's a changed woman. >> i'm not the same person i was when i came in here. >> do you expect to be out someday? >> i would like to be out someday. >> reporter: still clinging to that hope, atkins and her family will again appear before a parole board this september to make their plea official. but the families of the manson victims and their advocates, dismiss economics as a good reason for early release. >> the very release of a killer like that sends a message to people that this life sentence doesn't mean a life sentence. she needs to, in grace and dignity, finish her sentence. >> reporter: susan atkins is not expected to live much longer. and now, the only real question is, where her life sentence should end. at a state hospital at taxpaye expense? or at home with her husband and brher. >> thanks so much. have a gooweekwed p. coming up next, he influenced a generation. we take a look at the movie magic made by director, john hughes. be right back. and my dog bailey and i love to hang out in the kitchen... so she can watch me cook. you just love the aromas of beef tenderloin... and, ooh, rotisserie chicken. yes, you do. 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[ woman ] introducing chef michael's canine creations. the deliciously different way to serve up your love at mealtime. chef-inspired. dog-desired. chef michael's canine creations. mom vo: my job is to give him mom everthing he needs tostory reposucceed.im. mom: that's why i go to walmart. vo: find all the brands those othe stores have but for low walmart rices. vo: like dell, hp and toshiba. save money. live better. walmart. - called c.a.r.s. or cash for clunkers. - ( car being crushed ) offering up to $4500 toward a new car with an eligible trade-in. plus, toyota is offering factory incentives on many models for even more savings. with toyota being the most dependable and fuel-efficient car company in america, it's no wonder 25 models in the toyota family qualify. so hurry in to your toyota dealer today. it is a very special event. whitney houston on "good morning a"amicseern em iptber. ke> right now, we're going to l aootak back at aoo man whose moviesanhad pent eirnte generation. if you were air child of the '8, you remember "breakfast club," "16 candles. "john hughes is responsible for those movies and so many more. he died thursday of a heart attack. >> bueller? bueller? >> his name is blaine? that's a major appliance. that's not a name. >> those aren't pillows. >> reporter: john hughes may not have had an oscar on his mantle. not even a nomination. but if you came of age in the '80s, it was a john hughes movie that probably covered your life. >> what's happening, hot stuff? >> reporter: because john hugh didn't just direct movies. he directed a generation. >> there has to be more dignified mode of transportation. >> reporter: in a string of hits, hughes managed to capture teenage insecurity. >> hopeless. >> reporter: high school angst. >> i always believed in you. you just didn't believe in me. >> reporter: and sometimes, just the joy of being young in the '80s. ♪ well shake it up baby now shake it up baby ♪ ♪ twist and shout >> reporter: reminding us all, that no matter what label life gives. >> the brain. >> the athlete. >> the basket case. >> the princess. >> and a criminal. >> reporter: you could be anything. john hughes was 59 years old. ♪ don't you forget about me >> and for those of us at that time, they were very, very special movies. k > we a me is park this mning. ave a very bigwe crowd. and we continue with our concert in the park, in just a moment. a great deal gets even better. let us recycle your older vehicle, and you could y or50000 45sh $ca ac bk... an $3500 or $4500 cash back... on top of all other offers.. on a new, more fuel efficient chevy. ouvyr che dealer has more gi li meblechodels to choose rof- more than ford, toyota, or honda. so save gas... and money... now during the chevy open house. go to chevy.com for details. when you can serve your famiy breakfast from walmart for just over two dollrs a person? just one breakfast a week, and the savings realy add up. save money. live better. walmart. ♪ happiness starts with healthiness and healthiness starts at petsmart. use your petperks card and save up to 25% on tail-wagging treats, food ad more at the petperks sale! petsmart. we love to see healthy, happy pets! this is humiliating. stand still so we can get an accurate reading. okay...um...eighteen pounds and a smidge. a smidge? y'know, there's really no need to weigh packages under 70 pounds. with priority mail flat rate boxes from the postal service, if it fits, it ships anywhere in the country for a low flat rate. cool. you know this scale is off by a good 7, 8 pounds. maybe five. priority mail flat rate boxes only from the postal service. >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. good friday morning. 7:56. i am greta kreuz. let's get a look at traffic and weather. >> it is an easy ride. i have some residual delays on route 66 at e beltway. an earlier crash is now gone. north on 95, some brief delays before and after the occoquan. a lo of folks are on vacation. it looks great here live on the beltway at universy boulevard in both directions. you can see the normal backup past duke street on 395 up to the pentagon. this is 66 inside the beltway at glebe road. nothing. >> outside we have and gorgeous day setting up. temperatures are in the 60's. cool and comfortable. 67 in washington. 82 around lunchtime. mid 80's this afternoon. this evening, comfortable. temperatures will be near 90 tomorrow and well into the mid 90's on sunday. expect delays on metro because of maintenance. trains will attract one track. orange line trains will be single-tracking from vienna to west falls church. we will have another update at 8:25. "good morning america" continues with the latest michael jackson shocker. how much music did he leave behind? and who has it now? thrills and chills at more than 75 mirn. melissa rycroft is on track with one of the high-flying, fast-diving rollercoasters in the world. and the "american idol" concert. david cook, kris allen, and adam lambert sing livtogether for the first time ever. only on "gma." hello, everybody. happy friday. happy concert. good morning, america. chris cuomo, robin roberts, the one and only sam champion. diane, not here. and boy, is she missing it. >> is she missing it. are you ready for david cook? [ cheers ] are you ready -- are you ready for adam lambert? [ cheers ] kris allen? kris allen? [ cheers ] >> i think that's a resounding yes. >> what a trio. what a trio we have coming up for you. >> amazing. amazing. it's so powerful, we can almost forget about the rest of the show. >> but we can't. >> we can't. we have good things for you today. the shoes you must wear. becky worley with new shoe technology. and what i have needed in my life. a four-inch pump that i can wear all day. >> there you go. >> finally. other than a rollercoaster. we like rollercoasters, generally happy about them. that was a generally mild happy about them. but melissa rycroft loves them. and she's going to show us where the hot wildest, most fun, rollercoasters are in the nation. >> i love being a sam/chris sandwich. let's go back to deborah roberts back in the studio. you're missing it, deb. >> i'm missing a lot. good morning, again, everyone. an aide to baitullah mehsud, the most-wanted terrorist in pakistan, has confirmed that mehsud has been killed in a u.s. air strike. mehsudas on a list of long suicide attacks, including the killing of former pakistani minister, benazir bhutto. in reports today, it will show job losses are slowing, although pink slips are climbing. companies slashed 325,000 jobs in july. the unemployment is expeed to rise to 9.6%. aig is showing a profit this morning. its first quarterly profit since 2007. you'll recall the company received about $180 billion in government bailout money. the bailout for -- the battle for control of michael jackson's estate is escalating. his mother is officially in charge of her late son's children. but now wants a say in his business affairs, too. lisa fletcher in los angeles has the latest. lisa? >> reporter: good morning, deborah. we're not only learning more this morning about the battle over michael jackson's estate. but about some incredibly valuable, secret assets. michael jackson's manager, frank deleo, says the jackson family quietly removed everything they could from jackson's estate. telling "rolling stone" magazine, that latoya jackson even took hard drives, containing recordings of more than 100 of jackson's songs. >> those hard drives may span michael jackson's entire career. there are songs that date back to, perhaps, the '70s. as recent as the last few months. >> reporter: jackson's estate could be up to $400 million in debt. but since jackson's death, he's sold 3.5 milli albums. these new songs would likely mean new revenue. >> as unpublished songs, they still have tremendous value, obviously. so, the estate is attempting to marshal all of michael jackson's assets. >> reporter: deleo told "rolling stone," he believes katherine jackson's lawyers will continue to push to get katherine as a co-executiver of the sta. saying they are trying to rewrite the will. but deleo told abc news, he thinks katherine should just focus on the children. >> the hardest job michael gave was to his mother. that's to raise his children. all the oth stu, i mean, she should let the people that do that every day for a living, do it. i'm sure that's the way it will work out. >> reporter: of course, we're stl waiting to hear back on the toxicology reports. obviously, a lot going on behind the scenes. we're hoping to hear something next week. deborah? >> all right, lisa. keep us posted. and finally this morning, expect some delays if you logon to twit their morning. the site is recoveri from a cyber attack that shut it down for several hours on thursday. some people couldn't take it. hackers possibly tied to the political conflict between russia and georgia are said to be blamed possibly. and they may have overwhelmed t. that's the news at 8:05. on to the weather and sam champion. sam, no word on your heart condition afr being without twitter for a little while. >> wait a minute, deb. deb, the crowd is so loud, i couldn't hear it. i know your last story was about twitter. >> that's right. >> is that what you're talking about? >> i'm worried. the site might not be working so well. i don't know if you can take it today. >> no. you're right. a man you know very well. he and i twitter all the time. we're taking a twitter vacation. >> okay. that's a great idea. >> it's a twitter vacation, as we go into the weekend. gang, how are you? rarely have i ever addressed a crowd this large. this is a huge audience. i think it's so big, we just got to surf it. can i -- wait. can i just step -- no. i'm not. absolutely not going to do it. no, i'm not. i'm not going to surf it. are you all right? let's get some weather out of the way. we'll get right to it. outside, one or two things we want to talk about. it's a gorgeous fly-by, east to >> a very good morning. grae cloudsenter clouds 67 in upper marlboro. dry air. outside, a few clouds are streaming by. a very nice day. it will be very comfortable. a very nice day. it will be very comfortable. more weather in the next half hour. oh, chris cuomo? >> thank you very much, sam champion. did you know, that 3 million people get their thrills on rollercoasters every year? doen in yn how they work and stay safe? i did not. that's why melissa rycroft took the test, going to busch gardens, the home of rollercoasters. take a look. >> reporter: i'm here at busch gardens today. we're about to go behind the scenes on a rollercoaster tour. let's go have some fun. >> the lock ness is unique. >> reporter: this is my tour guide and right now, best friend. right now, she's giving us the inside scoop on the lock ness monster. >> it's the only rollercoaster with interlocking loops like this. >> reporter: before we hit the ride, we get to see what actually keeps us on the tracks. these are road wheels. they carry the bulk of the weight. then, there are guide wheels. they prevent it from falling off the tracks. she has to get in first because i have to grab her with my right arm. we're fixing to get real close on this ride. ♪ awesome. i think the loops were the best part. now, it's time for the griffin, the tallest dive coaster in the world. the main drop is 205 feet a 90-degree angle. and the speed, 75 miles per hour. oh. oh. faster than you can go on a highway. before the drop of death, lindsay shows us something few people get to see. if anything goes wrong, this elevator comes to the rescue. i never had the desire to just walk around the top of a rollercoaster. i prefer to be secured in. now, i'm in an elevator. i'm locked into the elevator. and we're going to the very top of this ride. ♪ from the top, you can see an amazing view. and just how scary that drop is going to be. >> suspends you for about 3 1/2 seconds. >> reporter: i feel like i'm getting an ulcer. >> no need to worry. >> reporter: back on the ground, we discover the secret behind getting you to the top. they're called anti-rollbacks or chain dogs. >>ou hear the clinks, on the rollercoaster, as you go through. that's what a chain dog is for. this is what's making you go up the lift. >> reporter: now, i'm excited. [ screaming ] oh, my god. i don't know if i can let go of my death grip. high-five. awesome. awesome. yes, i want to do it again. for my second time, there's a surprise guest. i have to do it by myself? have you ever wondered how engineers test rollercoasters? they use these guys, water dummies. they are the average weight of a person. >> me and my buddy, we'll be good. we'll be good. ♪ i wasn't the only one who loved it. scale of one to ten, buddy, on all the rollercoasters you've been on. where's this one? >> ten. >> ten. ten. >> reporter: what's your favorite ride? >> the griffin. >> reporter: that was mine, too. it was time for one, last thrill. and i had that on "sesame street." we have had such a crazy, fun day. but i am utterly exhausted. so, we're going to end her on the alpine express. it's a little more my speed right now. ♪ >> you look good in that. >> testing it out. >> you make it look good. >> you're still spinning around a little bit. how was it? >> it was awome. i have learned that i have a slight fear of heights. >> so, what did you bring back for us? we like stuff. >> well, you know, i was debating over who was going to wear this awesome hat. it was the 25th anniversary of the ride, the big, bad wolf. >> you should wear that. >> did the two of you get together. after all the time i spent on this hair, the two of you are going to do this. >> and you got this right here. >> this is great. >> and the women get some jewelry. that's how i treat the ladies here. >> that's very nice. very nice. so, you went on assignment for us. it was very nice of you. you brought a special other gift, today, though, didn't you? come on. come on in, mr. ty strickland. >> very nice to meet you. >> that was him screaming on the rollercoaster. >> no, it wasn't. no, it wasn't. >> melissa, this is great. thank you for doing this spin for us. appreciate it. >> thank you. >> want to take us to break? >> want to take us to rat? is that what you said? >> i'm looking at you look great, mr. wolf. we'll be right back. "good morning america" continues. ♪ there's only one word for this ♪ ♪ it's bliss ♪ only one word describes chocolate this creamy, this rich, this indulgent. bliss. hershey's bliss chocolate. it's not just chocolate. it's bliss. remember, a short time ago here at "good morning america," it was like walking on sunshine. we showed you how to walk in high heels and to be comfortable doing it. now, wait, there's more. there's new technology that's supposed to make walking in even four-inch heels a little more comfortable. it's a 925 technology, from kenneth cole. and becky worley is here. >> 9:00 to 5:00. heels. they make us feel sexy. they make us feel powerful. >> do you feel sexy? >>nd they make us feel pain. >> yes, they do. >> reporter: but comfort in four-inch heels? these were shoes i had to try. high heels. we love them. >> i love buying shoes. >> shoes are my aspirin. >> buying shoes definitely makes me feel better. >> reporter: one problem, they hurt. would you walk a mile in four-inch heels? >> no way. >> excruciating pain. >> corns, blisters, and the like. pain, very much so. >> women get into trouble when they decide they want to walk 20 blocks or 30 blocks in a high heel. >> reporter: but today, shoes under kenneth cole, is unveiling four-inch heels that he claims you can walk around in. >> why can't women wear shoes to work and after work, like a guy typically can? and why can't she feel as good as she looks? >> reporter: i'm into cutting shoes in half. this is your standard pump. it's paper board, and synthetic level. just like these expensive shoes, they're multiple layers of leather. but these shoes are chock full of new technology. thick, rubber soles. foam that molds to the foot. flat seat arch supports. and finally, a liner. >> this shoe has done a good job at supporting if middle part of the arch. they've built something in the front of the foot to help absorb shock. particularly during the 10,000 to 20,000 steps a person will take during a day. >> reporter: someone that takes at least that many steps a day, angela. could angela wait tables in these heels? ♪ >> they're not quite as comfy in my comfy shoes. but they're not too bad. i could definitely get through a whole shift wearing these, and be fine. so, yeah. feeling good. and like them a lot. >> reporter: hey, they're better-looking than her old shoes. >> we spent a couple of years working on the perfect fit. and then, at the last minute, we worked on what they look like on the outside. >> reporter: now, i want to test these shoes. apples to apples, against my four-inch punches. these are the kenneth coles, the one with the silver heel. these are your traditional pumps. both, four-inch heels. so, to see if the kenneth coles are more comfortable, i'll walk a mile in central park. right away, i can tell the kenneth coles have a ton more cushioning, right in the ball of the foot. way more comfortable. ♪ i mean, these shoes are comfortable. but i wouldn't run a marathon in them. the standard pumps -- have given me a blister. after walking a mile in four-inch heels, final verdict, the traditional pumps are killing me. toe pain, heel pain, and the dreaded blister. the kenneth coles, they rubbed a tiny bit. but these shoes were made for walking. so, for you high-heel addicts, there may finally be a stylish and sensible shoe solution. now, these shoes do cost between $130 and $165 a pair. so, you are paying for comfort. but comfortable they are. >> they are. you can really mark the difference, see the difference. we have our studio audience. they are our shoe experts here. so, what do you feel? >> take like having minishock absorbers on your feet. they're nice. >> extremely comfortable on the ball of my foot. >> i can dance to kris allen. >> perfect segue there. you can dance all the time, momma. thank you, becky. go to our website for more information. and yes, we're ready to dance. you will, too. come on back. (male announcer) if you've had a heart attack caused by a completely blocked artery, another heart attack could be lurking, waiting to strike. a heart attack caused by a clot, one that could be fatal. but plavix helps save lives. plavix, taken with other heart medicines goes beyond what other heart medicines do alone to provide greater protection against heart attack or .stroke and even death, by helping to keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. ask your doctor abou plavix,, protection that heps save lives., (female announcer) if you have stomach .ulcer or other condition that causes bleeding, you should not use plavix. when taking plavix alone or with some other medicines including aspirin, the risk of bleeding may increase so tell your doctor before planning surgery. and always talk to your octor before taking aspirin or other medicines with plavix, especially if you've had a stroke. if you develop fever or unexplained weakness .or confusion, tell your doctor promptly as these may be signs of a rare but potentially # life-threatening condition called ttp, which has een reported rarely,, sometimes in less than two weeks after starting therapy. other rare but serious side effects may occur. (male announcer) if you take plavix with oter heart medicines continuing to .do so will help, increase your protection against a future heart attack or stroke beyond your other hert medicines alone. you may be feeling better but yor risk never goes away. help stay protected, stay with plavix. was about 30 seconds after i woke up. still not smoking! seven days. nicorette takes just enough of the ege off the need. i still want to light up, bu i don't have to. (announcer) .you can do it. nicorette can help. spend 10 minutes a month with natural instincts. it's the healthier way to blend away gray. how? it's antioxidant rich and ammonia-free. in fact the more often you use it, >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. good morning. i am doug mckelway. time for a look at traffic and weather. >> ♪ slow down you are moving too fast ♪ we have quality problems during rush hour. let's see how slowly we're moving. not bad in shirlington. you can see moving at the speed limit in both directions. there is a brief polite across the 14th street bridge. maryland, yes we're moving quickly at university boulevard. no delays between university boulevard and the american legion bridge. >> outside we have 66 at la plata. it touched warmer at the water, 71 in annapolis. it will be cord just today. sunshine and a light breeze. comfortable conditions. mid 80's through the afternoo we are back in the 60's tonight. temperatures will start to spike. high heat and humidity. upper mid 90's will stick around on sunday. the heat index will be around 105. a hot stretch after today. >> thank you. we willwe will we are about to learn more about the house fire last week in the palisades neighborhood. the blaze destroyed the home of peggy cooper cafritz. officials arexpected to release a report about the fire this morning. >> theire under july 29 has left neighbors with a lot of what ifs. >> to stand here for two hours and watch it burn down, it is ridiculous. >> balak of water pressure is blamed as the reason for -- a lack of water pressure is blamed as the reason for firefighters fighting the blaze. >> it is a concern. >> neighbors say a lack of water pressure has been a problem for the past year. it is common in higher elevations. they will work closely to figure out what happened. >> we have people testing the system right now. >> that was pamela brown reporting. creigh deeds is getting a high profile boost. president obama appeared at a rally last night. this was their first joint campaign appearance. >> i am trying to get used to the fact that the president flew marine one to virginia for me. >> you have the chance to keep moving forward by electing someone cut from the same cloth, someone who has the same vision for the commonwealth. >> this is one of only two governor's races, the other is in new jersey. a new poll shows 51% of likely voters support bob mcdonnell. we will have another update for you at 8:56. ♪ tell me in the night you tell me lies ♪ ♪ no, no you can't disguise ♪ ♪ you can't disguise tell me lies ♪ ♪ tell me sweet, little lies [ cheers and applause ] amen, brother. amen. [ cheers and applause ] oh. can you believe it? can you believe the talent on this stage? [ cheers and applause ] david cook, kris allen. how are you, sir? and adam lambert. so, we got a lot of music coming up. so, please, get to the weather fast. we'll get to the weather. you st in place. we have the concert coming up. in case you're walking out the door and you need to know what's going on. let's do a quick map of what it looks like on saturday. and we'll do your sunday map. saturday's forecast, the storms shrink and move towards the great lakes. but this heat is spreading to a lot of locations. new york city will get to 82 degrees, in case you're here. phoenix is 105. here's yours sunday forecast, that shows those storms will disappear. it's mostly dry, but some steam heat. if you're headed towards new orleans, you're going to be in mobile, alabama. nashville this weekend. but the heat, warm. a lot of places like thank you so much. we are off to a cool start. 60's and mid 70's this morning. 90 tomorrow. all that weather was brought to you by walgreens. we have so much music, chris. >> this is big. this is big. we have kris allen and adam lambert. took the morning off of an "american idol" summer 2009 tour, just to be with us. and we have david cook, who is going to sing. right now, we have the very talented champ, kris allen. ♪ and i i can't tell you ♪ ♪ somewhere on this road he lost his soul ♪ ♪ to a woman so heartless ♪ how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ oh, how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ how could you be so cold as the winter wind ♪ ♪ when it breeze, yo ♪ just remember that you talkin' to me yo ♪ ♪ you know need to watch the w ♪ ♪ you talkin' to me, yo ♪ i mn after all the things that we've been through ♪ ♪ i mean after all the things we got into ♪ ♪ hey yo i know of some things ♪ ♪ that you ain't told me ♪ hey yo i did some things ♪ ♪ but that's the old me ♪ so now you wanna get me back ♪ ♪ and you gon' show me ♪ so you walk around like you don't know me ♪ ♪ you got a new friend ♪ well i got homeys but in the end ♪ ♪ it's still so lonely ♪ in the night i hear 'em talk ♪ ♪ the coldest story ever told ♪ ♪ somewhere far along this road ♪ ♪ he lost his soul to a woman so heartless ♪ ♪ how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ oh, how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ how could be so dr. evil you bringin' out a side of me ♪ ♪ that i don't know ♪ i decided we weren't gon' speak so why we up ♪ ♪ 3:00 a.m. on the phone ♪ why does she be so mad at me fo' ♪ ♪ homey i don't know ♪ she's hot and cold i won't stop ♪ ♪ i won't mess my groove up ♪ 'cause i already know how this thing go ♪ ♪ you run and tell your friends that ♪ ♪ you're leaving me ♪ they say that they don't see what you see in me ♪ ♪ you wait a couple months ♪ then you gon' see you'll never find nobody ♪ ♪ never find nobody better than me ♪ ♪ in the night i hear 'em talk ♪ ♪ the coldest story ever told ♪ somewhere far along this road ♪ ♪ he lost his soul to a woman so heartless ♪ ♪ how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ oh, how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ i know you can't believe i could just ♪ ♪ leave it alone leave it wrong ♪ ♪ and you can't make it right i'm gon' take off tonight ♪ ♪ into the night ♪ in the night i hear 'em talk ♪ ♪ the coldest story ever told ♪ ♪ somewhere far along this road he lost his soul ♪ ♪ to a woman so heartless ♪ oh, how could you be so heartless? ♪ ♪ oh, how could you be so heartless? ♪ [ cheers and applause ] start here. go further. [ cheers a momornining. >> and rightfully so. >> adam lambert is next up, in our long line of "american idol" singers. simon cowell said the idea to find a worldwide star, they thought they found it in you. that was an incriblemoment. singing for us this morning, "starlight," adam lambert. it's a cover by muse. yep. >> okay. here we go. ♪ far away this ship is taking ♪ ♪ me far aw ♪ far away from the memories of the people who care ♪ ♪ if i live or die the starlight ♪ ♪ i will be chasing your starlight ♪ ♪ until the end of my life don't know ♪ ♪ if it's worth it anymore hold you in my arms ♪ ♪ i just wanted to hold you in my arms ♪ ♪ my life you electrify my life ♪ ♪ let's conspire to ignite all the cells that would die ♪ ♪ just to feel alive ♪ and i will never let you go if you promise ♪ ♪ not to fade away never fade away ♪ ♪ our hopes and expectaons black holes and revelations ♪ ♪ our hopes and expectations black holes and revelations ♪ ♪ far away this ship is ♪ ♪ taking me far away ♪ ♪ far away from the memories of the people who care ♪ ♪ if i live or die ♪ i will never let you go if you promise ♪ ♪ not to fade away never fade, fade away ♪ ♪ and our hopes and expectations black holes and revelations ♪ ♪ our hopes and expectations black holes and revelations ♪ ♪ hold you in my arms i just wanted to ♪ ♪ hold you in my arms i just wanted to hold ♪ [ cheers and applause ] >> tim stewart, ladies and gentlemen. [ cheers and [ cheers and a [ cheers and applause ] ♪ it's my evolution "gma" concert series in the park, which has become fridays with "american idol," apparently. david, we're going to hear you sing a little bit later. but you have your self-titled album that went platinum and a huge concert tour. where are you going? where's the concert tour? >> we've been on the road since valentine's day. and we'll be on the road until the end of the year. and hopefully, fingers crossed, we'll start another record in 2010. >> i know you're going to sing a hit for us coming up. and kris, and adam, thank you so much. for the music and the tour you have going on. i want to ask you all something. it was kind of sho tingo all of us hearing aboutauo pla abdu not coming back as a judge. she was so good -- i know. i know. see the reaction. >> don't boo. we didn't do anything. >> it wasn't my fault. when you heard the news, how important has she been to the show? how she's nurtured everyone? >> she's been amazing. she's part of the reason people watch the show. >> i'm sure she will be missed. i know she all made us feel very safe. in the audition room. on stage when we were being judged. a lot of warmth. i'm sure she has a trick up her sleeve. that's not the last we've seen of paula abdul. >> speaking of warmth and making you feel comfortable, how about all these great people today? [ cheers and applause ] you guys are out on tour. "american idol" summer tour 2009. how have the crowds been? how is it feeling? >> it's amazing. "american idol" fans are the best. >> they've all been almost as good as this one today, right? >> almost, yeah. expect i didn't get any bras thrown up on stage today. what's going on? where are the bras? "good morning america." >> please, stay off. >> a good rule to live by. are we going to hear someusic here? >> from your album? >> it's called "come back to me." >> "come back to me." ♪ you say you gotta go and find yourself ♪ ♪ you say that you're becoming someone else ♪ ♪ don't recognize the face in the mirror ♪ ♪ looking back at you ♪ you say you're leaving as you look away ♪ ♪ i know there's really nothing left to say ♪ ♪ just know i'm here whenever you need me ♪ ♪ i will wait for you ♪ so i'll let you go i'll set you free ♪ ♪ and when you've seen what you need to see ♪ ♪ when you find you come back to me ♪ ♪ take your time i won't go anywhere ♪ ♪ picture you with the wind in your hair ♪ ♪ i'll keep your things right where you left 'em ♪ ♪ i'll be here for you ♪ oh and i'll let you go i'll set you free ♪ ♪ and when you've seen what you need to see ♪ ♪ when you find you come back to me ♪ ♪ and i hope you find everything that you need ♪ ♪ i'll be right here waiting to see ♪ ♪ when you find you come back to me ♪ ♪ and i can't get close if you're not there ♪ ♪ i can't get inside if there's no soul there ♪ ♪ i can't f you i can't save you ♪ ♪ it's something you'll have to do ♪ ♪ so i'll let you go i'll set you free ♪ ♪ and when you've seen what you need to see ♪ ♪ when you find you come back to me ♪ ♪ come back to me ♪ and i hope you find everything that you need ♪ ♪ i'll be right here waiting to see ♪ ♪ when you find you come back to me ♪ [ cheers and applause ] >> thank you, guys, very much. la [ cheers and applause ] what a way to start the weekend. our thanks, again, to david cook. kris allen. and adam lambert. on the stage together. >> you got a taste of them together in a commercial. but we have a full song for them on gmacaconcertrts.co aer t the concerert. >> a all three t tether. >>ndnd we needo say happy birthd to chris cuomo. >> to me. >> it't's chris cuomo's birthd. this cake -- >> look at that. i k know. >> wow. >> so, chris, what is it? it's 30 -- >> i a39 on sunday. >> look at that. see the t top of the cake? >>ook at atat. ere's s a '6'69 firebird on the top of the cakeke. that's the car i built. look at that. isn't that nice? , no. >> no, no. >> i'm going to cut the cake. everody.ere's enough f whwants cake? >> there youou go.use ] >> here's my wish. >> small pieces, chris, because it's a big crowd. >> i have a very special wish. i can't tell you, or it doesn't come true. thank you very much. a great way to start my birthday. it's great to have you here. >> have a great weekend, it's great to have you here. >> have a great weekend, everybody. captions by vitac >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. good morning. i am doug mckelway. let's get a look at traffic and weather. >> we have traffic along 270 northbound before old georgetown road. this car was engulfed in flames. it was quite dramatic northbound 270 after the exit 4 old georgetown road. they are still tending to the vehicle. onlyne lane getting a bite to the left. southbound is able to get by in all lanes. it's beautiful in virginia. have a nice vacation in case you are getting out of dodge. the lanes are open for you and good in and out of baltimore on 95 in maryland. >> outside, upper 60's, lote 70's. we will be in the mid 80's today. it will be downright gorgeous. the heat will build in eventually. 85 this afternoon. near 90 this weekend. high heat and more humidity this weekend. upper 90's on sunday. some thunderstorms possible by the middle of next week. >> thank you. you can see money on school supplies on a virginia from now through sunday. you will not have to pay sales tax on clothing up to $100. virginia is the region's only sales tax holiday. thank you for watching. we will be back at noon.