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CNN Live Today

Judge to Rule on Evidence in Bryant Case; More Deaths in Fallujah; Suspected Chemical Site Explodes in Iraq; Brother, Sister Both Make U.S. Olympic Fencing Team; Networks Team Up to Grab Advertisers from Cable

Aired April 26, 2004 - 11:00   ET

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

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


DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: President Bush is in Minnesota today, a major battleground state in the presidential race. In a speech last hour the president promoted his high tech domestic agenda. And he also made a push for advancement of hydrogen fuel technology and expanded electronic medical records.
It is 11 a.m. on the East Coast and 8 a.m. on the West Coast. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

The Kobe Bryant case is up first on CNN this hour. The accuser's sex life is front and center this morning at a pretrial hearing. The judge must decide whether the jury will ever hear about it.

And will he finally set a trial date this week?

Let's check in with our Adrian Baschuk. He's at the courthouse in Eagle, Colorado.

Adrian, good morning.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

To add some perspective to this case, the defense's theory is that the accuser has made these allegation against Kobe Bryant to use as an attention-getting device.

The prosecution, however, are described by legal experts here in Colorado as, quote, true believers, intend on prosecuting this very serious sex assault case.

This week's hearing will secure a big win for one side and a big loss for another.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant is back in court just hours after his Lakers beat the Rockets in an overtime playoff victory.

Since the last preliminary hearing, a loss for team Bryant. Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled that the accuser's medical and mental health records will remain sealed and confidential.

CYNTHIA STONE, COLORADO COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT: He felt that he had swung the pendulum back to where it should be.

BASCHUK: The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault argues that Kobe Bryant's superstar status unfairly hurts the alleged victim.

STONE: This woman's life has been made hell, frankly.

BASCHUK: The accuser's mother has written the judge a letter, pleading that hundreds of death threats have been made against her daughter's life. She spoke out at a national victim's week rally in Denver last week.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to thank my daughter for teaching me about courage. I'm proud to be her mom.

BASCHUK: Closed door pretrial hearings resume on what portions of the accuser's sexual past will be admitted into the trial as evidence. A defense challenge to the state's rape shield law.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FORMER DENVER DEPUTY D.A.: If the prosecution loses the rape shield hearing or the motion to suppress, expect an appeal which will further delay things in this case.

BASCHUK: Also, the judge is expected to address a possible trial date. Legal experts say if motions are still being argued in May, don't look for a trial to start until August.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

You think of August, that's more than three months away. There is still a lot of legal work to be done in this case within that time. Kobe Bryant hasn't even yet entered a plea -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Adrian Baschuk in Eagle, Colorado.

Another closely watched legal case making news this morning. Michael Jackson is parting company with his high profile defense team.

He fired attorneys Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, apparently after they disagreed with Jackson family and advisors. Coming onboard, Thomas Mesereau, who once served as actor Robert Blake's defense lawyer.

Jackson will be arraigned on child molestation charges on Friday. That's when an indictment against him will be unsealed.

Heavy fighting erupted again today in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. The military says one U.S. soldier is confirmed dead.

U.S. pool reporter Karl Penhaul is embedded with forces in Fallujah, and he filed this report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sporadic gunfire can still be heard echoing across this northwest corner of the city of Fallujah. It was a very different picture, though, this morning and early afternoon, because just behind me, the area just behind me was the scene of some very intense gun battles. The Marines say one of the most intense gun battles that they've had in the two or three weeks that the supposed ceasefire has been in place here in Fallujah.

Before dawn, the U.S. networks pool headed out with a Marine platoon, about 200 yards this way across the cemetery. The Marines went and occupied two buildings. They were occupying those so that they could look out for suspected Iraqi insurgents. A sniper posed some position on the other side and deeper into the city.

They holed up in those buildings for about four or five hours. And then, in the words of one Marine, all hell broke loose.

Iraqi insurgents had massed around the two buildings occupied by Marines, and they opened fire with mortars, with rockets, with automatic weapons fire. While we were inside that building, we saw rockets smashing into the sides of the buildings, rockets smashing through the windows. We heard mortar rounds landing nearby, exploding and setting neighboring buildings on fire.

After about an hour and a half, the Marine commander gave the order for his troops to pull back, and that they did with the help of two U.S. tanks, who were also called in to assist.

The Marines withdrew from two alleys and returned to one section of their base on this northwest edge of Fallujah. The firefight, though, continued for a good two hours after that. Very heavy exchanges of gunfire.

U.S. Marine Cobra attack helicopters were called in. They were firing off missiles. And also, we're told, a mortar platoon from further back in the rear was firing off 81 millimeter mortars, and those impacted in a number of buildings behind us, setting them on fire and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.

Also, there was a mosque -- a mosque on my right side here. It had a minaret 50 to 60 feet high. Marine commanders say they were taking sniper fire from that minaret. That minaret has now been leveled by U.S. military ordnance, missiles and mortars. There's nothing left at all of that minaret.

The final casualty toll, according to the U.S. Marine commander, Captain Douglas Zimbeck (ph). He's told us that four Marines were wounded seriously. He also says that at least six other Marines have received shrapnel wounds, which he described as relatively superficial.

Karl Penhaul, U.S. networks pool, Fallujah, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We're also working on going live to Baghdad to talk with our Jim Clancy. We'll do that in just a moment. First, though, we want to tell you that CNN has obtained video of alleged al Qaeda operatives confessing to Jordanian police about plans for a major chemical weapons attack in Amman.

Among the targets in the alleged plot, the U.S. embassy, the Jordanian prime minister's office and the headquarters of Jordan's intelligence service.

The Jordanian government says the plan's alleged ringleader and several other suspects provided details about the plot in a videotaped confession that was recorded for use on Jordanian television.

CNN has that full story, including the taped confessions, in a report by our John Vause. It airs tonight on "NEWSNIGHT" at 10 p.m. Eastern.

She has legs that win Olympic medals and a smile that sells just about everything, but now a dark cloud is being cast over Marion Jones, one that she wants to stop in its tracks. That's coming up.

Also, speaking of Olympian, they have a point to make, you might say. Part of the Olympic fencing team joining us live.

And later, from Olympic medals to Vietnam War medals. A new Kerry controversy is brewing. CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Chance now to go live to Baghdad and check in with our Jim Clancy -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're trying to check some of the late details for you, Daryn.

As we look at the situation -- As we look at the situation and what's happening here today, perhaps the most important strategic location is that of Fallujah, west of the capitol city.

Fierce fighting this day between U.S. Marines and insurgents in that city: running gun battles that lasted hours, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, assault rifles used against the Marine positions.

They responded not only with machine guns mounted on vehicles but also brought in some tanks, brought in some air cover, close air support, as well. At one point, after a mosque was used on two subsequent occasions to fire on the U.S. Marines, it was taken out, apparently by a laser guided Hellfire Missile, completely destroying that facility. Eight fighters said to be killed inside.

One U.S. Marine killed. At least four others that are wounded. Some of them seriously, that we know of right now. It is a firefight that is obscuring a lot of the hopes that people had in Fallujah for a negotiated settlement. Still, U.S. coalition officials saying just about a half hour ago or an hour ago they are still committed to trying to work out a deal with the community and religious leaders there to get the fighters off the street, to get joint patrols with Iraqi police and the coalition military back there to try to establish some semblance of order.

Meantime, here in Baghdad, an explosion rocking the capitol in the midmorning hours here. It was not a roadside bomb, as it is so often -- has been so often in the past, but this was a powerful blast that collapsed a building on top of some Humvees, the military Humvees.

U.S. Troops were said to have been on a mission there to make an inspection to find out what was inside a chemical warehouse or a chemical store. Mark Kimmitt, the general who gives us the military briefings here in Baghdad, had this so about the location.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: The location where the raid occurred was a chemical store which the owner and his associates were suspected of supplying chemical agents to terrorist criminals and insurgents.

There was also information that suggests these individuals were involved in the production of chemical munitions.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Two U.S. troops were killed; another five were wounded in that blast. To give you an idea of the power of it, Daryn, there were also 80 Iraqi civilians who were injured by the collapse of buildings in that area.

Now, it not only took out the building where the chemicals were stored. It also took out some adjoining buildings and caused heavy damage there.

One Iraqi journalist asking General Kimmitt if this is supposed to be an area where they were manufacturing cosmetic. He said if that was lipstick, it was some high-test lipstick.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Well, I guess therein lies one of the big problems in Iraq; you don't really know what is what.

CLANCY: It certainly is the case. This is one where, you know, they went in there not expecting any kind of a firefight at all, I think.

There was some shooting that was reported before the blast but unclear whether it was linked to this direct location. Certainly, they weren't expecting anything like that. It -- apparently the site just literally blew up in front of their eyes as they came in there. Now the reasons for that, it's going to take some more investigation.

In Baghdad, all across Iraq today, it's very difficult to predict just what you're going to run into. That's the state of the insecurity here.

KAGAN: Jim Clancy in Baghdad, thank you.

The competition between television networks is fierce. So what could possibly make them all team up? Two words: your money. That story is coming up next.

And they like fast cars and beer, and they could be instrumental in picking the nation's next president. The race for the NASCAR voter is ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pope John Paul II has reigned over the Catholic Church for the last 25 years, becoming the third longest serving pontiff in history.

He's confronted communism, survived an assassination attempt and taken his message on the road, traveling tirelessly throughout the world and speaking out passionately on issues he believes in, becoming the most well traveled pope in history.

Known for a demand for discipline, he stayed firm, following the traditional Catholic stances on issues such as sexuality, divorce, abortion, and the role of women in the church, prompting criticism that he's out of touch with modern life.

His reign has seen its share of change and controversy, the most recent one being the sexual abuse scandals in the United States.

The 83-year-old suffers from Parkinson's, among other ailments. And though he has sometimes appeared frail and sickly, he's still speaking out and shaping the future of the Catholic Church.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: A lawyer for Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones is denying reports that she received performance-enhancing drugs.

The "San Francisco Chronicle" says that BALCO lab owner Victor Conte is telling investigators he gave Jones an artificial steroid called THG. In exchange, she allegedly endorsed one of his company's nutritional products.

Conte is under indictment in the BALCO steroid probe. Lawyers for the track and field star say the accusation is nothing short of character assassination. Other sports news, en guard Athens. The U.S. men's Olympic fencing team was announced this morning in Atlanta. The women's roster was set last month. They were announced, as well.

One of the qualifiers, Erinn Smart, she joins us this morning right here in Atlanta.

Good morning and congratulations.

ERINN SMART, U.S. OLYMPIC FENCING TEAM MEMBER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Your event is called foil.

SMART: Yes.

KAGAN: You've got to explain to an amateur like me what that means.

SMART: Well, foil is one of the smallest weapons, and the target area is your chest and your back and shoulders. And you try to hit your opponent with your point.

KAGAN: In other words, I don't want to mess with you.

We're looking at some video now. Now this is a family affair for the Smart family.

SMART: Yes.

KAGAN: Your brother, one of the best fencer in the world. He's Keith Smart. And as I understand, he was the first American ever to be ranked No. 1 in the world as a fencer.

SMART: Yes, he was. That happened last year.

KAGAN: So that's a big deal. And now both of you, you've gone to the Olympics as an alternate. But this is the first time both brother and sister, that you're going together on the team.

SMART: Yes, it's very exciting for us, because we're going to be able to compete together and walk into opening ceremonies together. So it will be very exciting.

KAGAN: Does he give you any advice?

SMART: Yes, all the time.

KAGAN: Solicited and unsolicited.

SMART: Yes. And it's always good advice, because it's like having, basically, the Tiger Woods of fencing in my own house. So I can call up any time and ask him any kind of advice. And so it's always good.

KAGAN: Not such a bad deal.

Now the other family story here is the Jacobson sisters, Sada and Emily. They do a different event.

SMART: Right. They fence saber, which my brother fences, as well. And they're great fencers also. Sada is No. 1 in the world. And you know, they've accomplished a lot in the sport, also.

KAGAN: So we've got a brother-sister and a sister-sister team.

You told us what foil is and you got advice from your brother.

Just looking at this Marion Jones situation and going into the Olympics. There is so much being made about substances that are used. Is that an issue in your sport as well?

SMART: Usually not. But there have been in the past, but not in the United States but other countries have had problems with substance abuse.

KAGAN: Do you get tested?

SMART: Yes, we do. I just got tested actually yesterday. Right after we compete we get tested.

KAGAN: And so clearly you passed otherwise you wouldn't be here with us now.

SMART: Right.

KAGAN: How would we even enhance somebody in fencing?

SMART: Well, it can make someone stronger and, you know, that can make them faster on the strip or stronger than their opponent. And that is an advantage for them.

KAGAN: Here's the other big about the story for the Americans, going to the Olympics this time. Used to be nice American fencer but on the world level not doing so great. This time the Americans really have a chance to medal.

SMART: Yes, definitely. We have progressed so much in the past, since -- even since Sydney. We've just been right there with the Europeans, always in the finals. And just accomplishing so much right now.

KAGAN: And the other story we heard. Going to Athens you hear the city is not ready, a big concern about security. Some athletes saying if the security is not good they're not going to go. Do you have any feelings about that?

SMART: Well, from what I was told from our cadre and from the U.S. Fencing Association that security is going to be very good for us, and we're going to be safe. And you know, the U.S. investing a lot to keep us safe. So plan on going, definitely.

KAGAN: You're, like, let me out the door. You want to go so badly.

SMART: Definitely.

KAGAN: And then finally, not just -- You get to be a role model. Fencing not the most visible of all sports, and yet a great opportunity for girls and also for African-American and minorities.

SMART: Yes, growing up in New York, not a lot of people are -- they don't know about fencing. And now that there's so many Olympians coming out of New York and successful, so they're really learning about it and they're -- everyone is excited.

KAGAN: Very good. Well, we wish you well on your way to represent the United States.

SMART: Thank you.

KAGAN: Erinn Smart, U.S. Olympic fencer. Don't mess with her, that's my advice. That charming smile, once she has the foil in hand, it could be a whole different story.

Good luck in Athens.

SMART: Thank you.

KAGAN: Thank you for stopping by.

Well all those commercials that you surf through during prime time, they're worth a staggering $10 billion to the broadcast networks for the new fall season. But the nets are losing viewers to cable.

Starting today, they are mad as heck. They're not going to take it anymore.

Here is CNN's financial correspondent Jen Rogers in Los Angeles.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER ANNISTON, ACTRESS: You're so sexy.

JEN ROGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On Thursday night, "Friends," "Survivor" and "CSI" battle it out for rating supremacy. But this week the networks behind those top shows are working together, not against each other, as the major broadcasters take on their competitors in cable.

Hitting news stands Monday this, ad, the first in a new campaign promoting broadcast over cable as the best place to reach viewers.

GARY BELIS, TELEVISION BUREAU OF ADVERTISING: A lot of the cable programs get critical acclaim, but the fact of the matter is they just don't deliver the numbers. So they do have buzz, but they don't have audience.

ROGERS: For broadcasters, though, audience is also an issue.

WAYNE FRIEDMAN, TELEVISIONWEEK: The big problem is that you're losing audience share. You know, year in and year out, the networks lose anywhere from six to eight percent of their audience the last ten years.

ROGERS: But the six major networks say the cable audience is still minuscule, compared with their own. New ads count these statistics. A top ten show on a broadcast network averages a 9.3 rating. A top ten show on cable, a 1.6.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROGERS: But this battle is not just about ratings. It is also, of course, about money. And that is because cable charges lower advertising rates usually. And people are definitely -- advertisers of flocking to those lower advertising rates.

And really, Daryn, that has brought the networks out. And they are on the offensive, as you can see, with this new ad campaign -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, in a totally unbiased tack, let's just say keep those advertising dollars coming to cable. We appreciate that. Keeps us employed.

Jen Rogers in Los Angeles. Thank you for that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: John Kerry's attack on President Bush, Cheney's attack against Kerry, and the Democratic Party chairman is on the attack against Cheney. Hard to keep up with all that, we know. We're going to sort it out for you, coming up next. Stay with us for your complete political wrap up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired April 26, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: President Bush is in Minnesota today, a major battleground state in the presidential race. In a speech last hour the president promoted his high tech domestic agenda. And he also made a push for advancement of hydrogen fuel technology and expanded electronic medical records.
It is 11 a.m. on the East Coast and 8 a.m. on the West Coast. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

The Kobe Bryant case is up first on CNN this hour. The accuser's sex life is front and center this morning at a pretrial hearing. The judge must decide whether the jury will ever hear about it.

And will he finally set a trial date this week?

Let's check in with our Adrian Baschuk. He's at the courthouse in Eagle, Colorado.

Adrian, good morning.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

To add some perspective to this case, the defense's theory is that the accuser has made these allegation against Kobe Bryant to use as an attention-getting device.

The prosecution, however, are described by legal experts here in Colorado as, quote, true believers, intend on prosecuting this very serious sex assault case.

This week's hearing will secure a big win for one side and a big loss for another.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant is back in court just hours after his Lakers beat the Rockets in an overtime playoff victory.

Since the last preliminary hearing, a loss for team Bryant. Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled that the accuser's medical and mental health records will remain sealed and confidential.

CYNTHIA STONE, COLORADO COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT: He felt that he had swung the pendulum back to where it should be.

BASCHUK: The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault argues that Kobe Bryant's superstar status unfairly hurts the alleged victim.

STONE: This woman's life has been made hell, frankly.

BASCHUK: The accuser's mother has written the judge a letter, pleading that hundreds of death threats have been made against her daughter's life. She spoke out at a national victim's week rally in Denver last week.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to thank my daughter for teaching me about courage. I'm proud to be her mom.

BASCHUK: Closed door pretrial hearings resume on what portions of the accuser's sexual past will be admitted into the trial as evidence. A defense challenge to the state's rape shield law.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FORMER DENVER DEPUTY D.A.: If the prosecution loses the rape shield hearing or the motion to suppress, expect an appeal which will further delay things in this case.

BASCHUK: Also, the judge is expected to address a possible trial date. Legal experts say if motions are still being argued in May, don't look for a trial to start until August.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

You think of August, that's more than three months away. There is still a lot of legal work to be done in this case within that time. Kobe Bryant hasn't even yet entered a plea -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Adrian Baschuk in Eagle, Colorado.

Another closely watched legal case making news this morning. Michael Jackson is parting company with his high profile defense team.

He fired attorneys Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, apparently after they disagreed with Jackson family and advisors. Coming onboard, Thomas Mesereau, who once served as actor Robert Blake's defense lawyer.

Jackson will be arraigned on child molestation charges on Friday. That's when an indictment against him will be unsealed.

Heavy fighting erupted again today in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. The military says one U.S. soldier is confirmed dead.

U.S. pool reporter Karl Penhaul is embedded with forces in Fallujah, and he filed this report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sporadic gunfire can still be heard echoing across this northwest corner of the city of Fallujah. It was a very different picture, though, this morning and early afternoon, because just behind me, the area just behind me was the scene of some very intense gun battles. The Marines say one of the most intense gun battles that they've had in the two or three weeks that the supposed ceasefire has been in place here in Fallujah.

Before dawn, the U.S. networks pool headed out with a Marine platoon, about 200 yards this way across the cemetery. The Marines went and occupied two buildings. They were occupying those so that they could look out for suspected Iraqi insurgents. A sniper posed some position on the other side and deeper into the city.

They holed up in those buildings for about four or five hours. And then, in the words of one Marine, all hell broke loose.

Iraqi insurgents had massed around the two buildings occupied by Marines, and they opened fire with mortars, with rockets, with automatic weapons fire. While we were inside that building, we saw rockets smashing into the sides of the buildings, rockets smashing through the windows. We heard mortar rounds landing nearby, exploding and setting neighboring buildings on fire.

After about an hour and a half, the Marine commander gave the order for his troops to pull back, and that they did with the help of two U.S. tanks, who were also called in to assist.

The Marines withdrew from two alleys and returned to one section of their base on this northwest edge of Fallujah. The firefight, though, continued for a good two hours after that. Very heavy exchanges of gunfire.

U.S. Marine Cobra attack helicopters were called in. They were firing off missiles. And also, we're told, a mortar platoon from further back in the rear was firing off 81 millimeter mortars, and those impacted in a number of buildings behind us, setting them on fire and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.

Also, there was a mosque -- a mosque on my right side here. It had a minaret 50 to 60 feet high. Marine commanders say they were taking sniper fire from that minaret. That minaret has now been leveled by U.S. military ordnance, missiles and mortars. There's nothing left at all of that minaret.

The final casualty toll, according to the U.S. Marine commander, Captain Douglas Zimbeck (ph). He's told us that four Marines were wounded seriously. He also says that at least six other Marines have received shrapnel wounds, which he described as relatively superficial.

Karl Penhaul, U.S. networks pool, Fallujah, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We're also working on going live to Baghdad to talk with our Jim Clancy. We'll do that in just a moment. First, though, we want to tell you that CNN has obtained video of alleged al Qaeda operatives confessing to Jordanian police about plans for a major chemical weapons attack in Amman.

Among the targets in the alleged plot, the U.S. embassy, the Jordanian prime minister's office and the headquarters of Jordan's intelligence service.

The Jordanian government says the plan's alleged ringleader and several other suspects provided details about the plot in a videotaped confession that was recorded for use on Jordanian television.

CNN has that full story, including the taped confessions, in a report by our John Vause. It airs tonight on "NEWSNIGHT" at 10 p.m. Eastern.

She has legs that win Olympic medals and a smile that sells just about everything, but now a dark cloud is being cast over Marion Jones, one that she wants to stop in its tracks. That's coming up.

Also, speaking of Olympian, they have a point to make, you might say. Part of the Olympic fencing team joining us live.

And later, from Olympic medals to Vietnam War medals. A new Kerry controversy is brewing. CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Chance now to go live to Baghdad and check in with our Jim Clancy -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're trying to check some of the late details for you, Daryn.

As we look at the situation -- As we look at the situation and what's happening here today, perhaps the most important strategic location is that of Fallujah, west of the capitol city.

Fierce fighting this day between U.S. Marines and insurgents in that city: running gun battles that lasted hours, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, assault rifles used against the Marine positions.

They responded not only with machine guns mounted on vehicles but also brought in some tanks, brought in some air cover, close air support, as well. At one point, after a mosque was used on two subsequent occasions to fire on the U.S. Marines, it was taken out, apparently by a laser guided Hellfire Missile, completely destroying that facility. Eight fighters said to be killed inside.

One U.S. Marine killed. At least four others that are wounded. Some of them seriously, that we know of right now. It is a firefight that is obscuring a lot of the hopes that people had in Fallujah for a negotiated settlement. Still, U.S. coalition officials saying just about a half hour ago or an hour ago they are still committed to trying to work out a deal with the community and religious leaders there to get the fighters off the street, to get joint patrols with Iraqi police and the coalition military back there to try to establish some semblance of order.

Meantime, here in Baghdad, an explosion rocking the capitol in the midmorning hours here. It was not a roadside bomb, as it is so often -- has been so often in the past, but this was a powerful blast that collapsed a building on top of some Humvees, the military Humvees.

U.S. Troops were said to have been on a mission there to make an inspection to find out what was inside a chemical warehouse or a chemical store. Mark Kimmitt, the general who gives us the military briefings here in Baghdad, had this so about the location.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: The location where the raid occurred was a chemical store which the owner and his associates were suspected of supplying chemical agents to terrorist criminals and insurgents.

There was also information that suggests these individuals were involved in the production of chemical munitions.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Two U.S. troops were killed; another five were wounded in that blast. To give you an idea of the power of it, Daryn, there were also 80 Iraqi civilians who were injured by the collapse of buildings in that area.

Now, it not only took out the building where the chemicals were stored. It also took out some adjoining buildings and caused heavy damage there.

One Iraqi journalist asking General Kimmitt if this is supposed to be an area where they were manufacturing cosmetic. He said if that was lipstick, it was some high-test lipstick.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Well, I guess therein lies one of the big problems in Iraq; you don't really know what is what.

CLANCY: It certainly is the case. This is one where, you know, they went in there not expecting any kind of a firefight at all, I think.

There was some shooting that was reported before the blast but unclear whether it was linked to this direct location. Certainly, they weren't expecting anything like that. It -- apparently the site just literally blew up in front of their eyes as they came in there. Now the reasons for that, it's going to take some more investigation.

In Baghdad, all across Iraq today, it's very difficult to predict just what you're going to run into. That's the state of the insecurity here.

KAGAN: Jim Clancy in Baghdad, thank you.

The competition between television networks is fierce. So what could possibly make them all team up? Two words: your money. That story is coming up next.

And they like fast cars and beer, and they could be instrumental in picking the nation's next president. The race for the NASCAR voter is ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pope John Paul II has reigned over the Catholic Church for the last 25 years, becoming the third longest serving pontiff in history.

He's confronted communism, survived an assassination attempt and taken his message on the road, traveling tirelessly throughout the world and speaking out passionately on issues he believes in, becoming the most well traveled pope in history.

Known for a demand for discipline, he stayed firm, following the traditional Catholic stances on issues such as sexuality, divorce, abortion, and the role of women in the church, prompting criticism that he's out of touch with modern life.

His reign has seen its share of change and controversy, the most recent one being the sexual abuse scandals in the United States.

The 83-year-old suffers from Parkinson's, among other ailments. And though he has sometimes appeared frail and sickly, he's still speaking out and shaping the future of the Catholic Church.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: A lawyer for Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones is denying reports that she received performance-enhancing drugs.

The "San Francisco Chronicle" says that BALCO lab owner Victor Conte is telling investigators he gave Jones an artificial steroid called THG. In exchange, she allegedly endorsed one of his company's nutritional products.

Conte is under indictment in the BALCO steroid probe. Lawyers for the track and field star say the accusation is nothing short of character assassination. Other sports news, en guard Athens. The U.S. men's Olympic fencing team was announced this morning in Atlanta. The women's roster was set last month. They were announced, as well.

One of the qualifiers, Erinn Smart, she joins us this morning right here in Atlanta.

Good morning and congratulations.

ERINN SMART, U.S. OLYMPIC FENCING TEAM MEMBER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Your event is called foil.

SMART: Yes.

KAGAN: You've got to explain to an amateur like me what that means.

SMART: Well, foil is one of the smallest weapons, and the target area is your chest and your back and shoulders. And you try to hit your opponent with your point.

KAGAN: In other words, I don't want to mess with you.

We're looking at some video now. Now this is a family affair for the Smart family.

SMART: Yes.

KAGAN: Your brother, one of the best fencer in the world. He's Keith Smart. And as I understand, he was the first American ever to be ranked No. 1 in the world as a fencer.

SMART: Yes, he was. That happened last year.

KAGAN: So that's a big deal. And now both of you, you've gone to the Olympics as an alternate. But this is the first time both brother and sister, that you're going together on the team.

SMART: Yes, it's very exciting for us, because we're going to be able to compete together and walk into opening ceremonies together. So it will be very exciting.

KAGAN: Does he give you any advice?

SMART: Yes, all the time.

KAGAN: Solicited and unsolicited.

SMART: Yes. And it's always good advice, because it's like having, basically, the Tiger Woods of fencing in my own house. So I can call up any time and ask him any kind of advice. And so it's always good.

KAGAN: Not such a bad deal.

Now the other family story here is the Jacobson sisters, Sada and Emily. They do a different event.

SMART: Right. They fence saber, which my brother fences, as well. And they're great fencers also. Sada is No. 1 in the world. And you know, they've accomplished a lot in the sport, also.

KAGAN: So we've got a brother-sister and a sister-sister team.

You told us what foil is and you got advice from your brother.

Just looking at this Marion Jones situation and going into the Olympics. There is so much being made about substances that are used. Is that an issue in your sport as well?

SMART: Usually not. But there have been in the past, but not in the United States but other countries have had problems with substance abuse.

KAGAN: Do you get tested?

SMART: Yes, we do. I just got tested actually yesterday. Right after we compete we get tested.

KAGAN: And so clearly you passed otherwise you wouldn't be here with us now.

SMART: Right.

KAGAN: How would we even enhance somebody in fencing?

SMART: Well, it can make someone stronger and, you know, that can make them faster on the strip or stronger than their opponent. And that is an advantage for them.

KAGAN: Here's the other big about the story for the Americans, going to the Olympics this time. Used to be nice American fencer but on the world level not doing so great. This time the Americans really have a chance to medal.

SMART: Yes, definitely. We have progressed so much in the past, since -- even since Sydney. We've just been right there with the Europeans, always in the finals. And just accomplishing so much right now.

KAGAN: And the other story we heard. Going to Athens you hear the city is not ready, a big concern about security. Some athletes saying if the security is not good they're not going to go. Do you have any feelings about that?

SMART: Well, from what I was told from our cadre and from the U.S. Fencing Association that security is going to be very good for us, and we're going to be safe. And you know, the U.S. investing a lot to keep us safe. So plan on going, definitely.

KAGAN: You're, like, let me out the door. You want to go so badly.

SMART: Definitely.

KAGAN: And then finally, not just -- You get to be a role model. Fencing not the most visible of all sports, and yet a great opportunity for girls and also for African-American and minorities.

SMART: Yes, growing up in New York, not a lot of people are -- they don't know about fencing. And now that there's so many Olympians coming out of New York and successful, so they're really learning about it and they're -- everyone is excited.

KAGAN: Very good. Well, we wish you well on your way to represent the United States.

SMART: Thank you.

KAGAN: Erinn Smart, U.S. Olympic fencer. Don't mess with her, that's my advice. That charming smile, once she has the foil in hand, it could be a whole different story.

Good luck in Athens.

SMART: Thank you.

KAGAN: Thank you for stopping by.

Well all those commercials that you surf through during prime time, they're worth a staggering $10 billion to the broadcast networks for the new fall season. But the nets are losing viewers to cable.

Starting today, they are mad as heck. They're not going to take it anymore.

Here is CNN's financial correspondent Jen Rogers in Los Angeles.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER ANNISTON, ACTRESS: You're so sexy.

JEN ROGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On Thursday night, "Friends," "Survivor" and "CSI" battle it out for rating supremacy. But this week the networks behind those top shows are working together, not against each other, as the major broadcasters take on their competitors in cable.

Hitting news stands Monday this, ad, the first in a new campaign promoting broadcast over cable as the best place to reach viewers.

GARY BELIS, TELEVISION BUREAU OF ADVERTISING: A lot of the cable programs get critical acclaim, but the fact of the matter is they just don't deliver the numbers. So they do have buzz, but they don't have audience.

ROGERS: For broadcasters, though, audience is also an issue.

WAYNE FRIEDMAN, TELEVISIONWEEK: The big problem is that you're losing audience share. You know, year in and year out, the networks lose anywhere from six to eight percent of their audience the last ten years.

ROGERS: But the six major networks say the cable audience is still minuscule, compared with their own. New ads count these statistics. A top ten show on a broadcast network averages a 9.3 rating. A top ten show on cable, a 1.6.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROGERS: But this battle is not just about ratings. It is also, of course, about money. And that is because cable charges lower advertising rates usually. And people are definitely -- advertisers of flocking to those lower advertising rates.

And really, Daryn, that has brought the networks out. And they are on the offensive, as you can see, with this new ad campaign -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, in a totally unbiased tack, let's just say keep those advertising dollars coming to cable. We appreciate that. Keeps us employed.

Jen Rogers in Los Angeles. Thank you for that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: John Kerry's attack on President Bush, Cheney's attack against Kerry, and the Democratic Party chairman is on the attack against Cheney. Hard to keep up with all that, we know. We're going to sort it out for you, coming up next. Stay with us for your complete political wrap up.

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