Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Countdown to Handover; Two Views on Wedding Attack

Aired May 24, 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, CNN ANCHOR: We are just after 11:00 a.m. at the United Nations, 5:00 p.m. in Amsterdam, and at CNN center here in Atlanta again just after 11:00 a.m. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.
Up first this hour on CNN, it is the countdown to the handover. Iraqis are taking control of government in five weeks. U.S. voters decide on theirs in six months.

Recognizing the success of one may determine the outcome of the other. So, President Bush will outline his blueprint for a democratic and peaceful Iraq. That happens tonight. CNN does plan live coverage of his address, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

For a preview of what the president will have to say, let's bring in Elaine Quijano. She is at the White House this morning -- Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The president heads to Pennsylvania against the backdrop of lower approval numbers and also continued criticism that the administration did not have a concrete plan in place for post-war Iraq. White House officials say tonight the president will detail five specific steps regarding Iraq's future.

Now, just about an hour or so ago, the president took some time out for a lighthearted moment, congratulating the WNBA champions, the Detroit Shock. But his spokesperson outlined in broad terms this morning several themes that the president will be focusing on later tonight that have to do with political, security, diplomatic steps that the administration wants to see taken, as well as the reconstruction efforts under way.

Look for the president to discuss having the support of the United Nations. A draft resolution, in fact, is circulating today among the Security Council members. Also look for the president to talk specifics on the security situation in Iraq, about equipping and training Iraqi forces to be in charge of their own security. Also about expanding the international role.

And his speech may include some new information on whom U.S. troops in Iraq will report to after the handover of power to Iraqis on June 30, although we are told that the president will not name an exact date for the wig drawl of U.S. troops from Iraq. Now, we understand that the president will probably echo some familiar themes as well, talking about the difficult days ahead, the likelihood of more violence. And at a time when the president's numbers are down, the administration says that the president will reaffirm his commitment to Iraq.

KAGAN: But, Elaine, what about something specific, like a date of specific troop withdrawal from Iraq? Do we expect to hear anything like that?

QUIJANO: Well, White House spokesperson Scott McClellan was asked that point blank and said that there would not be any kind of specific date named. What the administration has said on that point over and over again is that it depends on the conditions on the ground. We have heard this both here at the White House and at the Pentagon that the decision will be made with the commanders on the ground there in Iraq.

Obviously, the security situation there in Iraq continues to be a problem for this administration. The president saying that he will defer to the commanders there on the ground with respect to when those U.S. troops might pull out -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine Quijano at the White House. Elaine, thank you.

And a reminder for our viewers. CNN does plan live coverage of the president's primetime address from the war college, countdown to the handover with Paula Zahn. That begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

We heard Elaine talk about the U.N. resolution. There's some new information about that coming to us here at CNN.

The U.S. and the United Kingdom are offering a new resolution dealing with Iraq at the U.N. It's taking place this morning. The measure would grant recognition to the caretaker government chosen by U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. It would also assume power in Baghdad June 30 and run the country until the elections in January. The U.S. is hoping the resolution will encourage other countries to contribute troops to Iraq.

Dealing with Iraq is made more difficult as the level of violence rises. Last week, some Iraqis alleged that the U.S. military struck a wedding party in the western part of the country. The U.S. is denying that.

Sorting through it all and looking at some new videotape, our Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Barbara -- good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPENDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well, indeed more controversy today about that disputed attack out near the Syrian border last week. In Baghdad, coalition officials are saying they will investigate the entire matter now. And that's because you look at this video here, this was distributed by the APTN news agency, daylight video showing what does appear to be a wedding party attack. No one can verify where exactly this was taken or when it was taken.

But in Baghdad, the coalition officials said they are looking at this video. They realize there are inconsistencies. And here's what they found at the site: weapons, drug paraphernalia, passports showing foreign fighters, at the site that they say they bombed. There were sleeping quarters for a significant number of people. They believe still in the coalition all of this evidence adds up to the fact they bombed a site that was a major coordinating and meeting point for foreign fighters coming into Iraq.

At the coalition briefing today, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt talked about it a bit more.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: Well, we understand that there are inconsistencies. But I would tell you that again, day after day after day, as we continue to get more evidence in, as we continue to get more new evidence coming in, it is pretty clear to us that what happened that night from about after midnight until about 0400, that the activities that we saw happening on the ground were somewhat inconsistent with a wedding party.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: But, Daryn, at the same time at the briefing, an awful lot of questions about the upcoming transition, just 30-plus days to go now, and a lot of questions from the Iraqi press at the news conference on how this new transitional government will have legitimacy and authority.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, CPA SPOKESMAN: One hundred percent legitimacy comes from direct elections. There is a balance we have to strike between the 100 percent legitimacy that comes from direct elections and the stage we're in right now, where Iraqis are still living under occupation. And so the middle ground here, since Iraq isn't ready for direct elections, they won't be ready for direct elections at the end of June, the middle ground here is to hand sovereignty to an interim government that gives Iraqi control of the government, and then get them moving as quickly as possible to direct elections, and that will come seven months following.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Also in 2005, that is when the U.S. hopes that Iraqi security forces will finally be ready to provide law and order for their country -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara, what can you tell us about the nine major U.S. wartime commanders from all around the world currently gathered there near the nation's capital? This was a meeting that was previously planned?

STARR: Indeed, the big fish, the really big fish in the U.S. military are here in the Pentagon today. Twice a year they get together, they come, they talk to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. They often meet with the president, and they get updates from around the world on the global war on terrorism, current military operations, that sort of thing. And indeed they are here for their twice-a-year meeting, and we can only suspect they too will be watching the president's speech tonight.

KAGAN: They can watch it right here on CNN. How convenient for them. Barbara, thank you for that. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon.

To Iraq now. Two British civilians were killed today when their armored SUV ran over a bomb near coalition headquarters.

We want to go to Baghdad, and standing by live for us is CNN's Guy Raz -- Guy.

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, another day in Baghdad punctuated by explosions. Most notably that explosion you referred to that killed two British nationals and wounded two others, very badly wounded. These four men were traveling in an SUV, a sport utility vehicle, right in central Baghdad.

Now, the attack occurred about 1:30 local time here. I was at the scene shortly after, where I saw the charred remains of an armored vehicle.

Now, it appeared as if this was a targeted hit, according to a U.S. military official on the scene. This vehicle was very, very badly hit, and as I say, it was an armored vehicle, which did kill these two British nationals. The attack was very close to the Coalition Provisional Authority's green zone, an area that's been the target of many attacks, including one last week that you'll recall killed Izzedine Salim, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Guy Raz in Baghdad. More from you just ahead, as well as more out of Iraq and Baghdad.

Decision day. Will prosecutors be able to seek the death penalty in the trial of bombing conspirator Terry Nichols? The judge has to decide that. Also closing arguments expected there today.

Plus, tornados swoop down across the Midwest. We are watching weather in the heartland for you.

And the nominees are in. Get this awards show. The best movie trailer. We're going to talk to the creator. Also, we have the host of the show on with us. That's all ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BUSINESS NEWS UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: How high can it go? That's what a lot of motorists are feeling and the pain at the pump they are asking, and, oh, it hurts.

Over the past two weeks, the national average has gone up 14 cents to $2.07 per gallon. The drivers in many parts of the country wish it were that cheap. In Washington, a gallon costs $2.08. In San Diego, drivers are paying 2.36.

But when prices are adjusted for inflation, they're actually lower than the prices were at the pump back in 1981.

Is there any relief in sight? Well, U.S. crude oil prices did drop to $39 a barrel on news that Saudi Arabia will boost oil production by 28 percent next month. But the price of crude crept back up again as traders wondered whether Saudi Arabia could control what may be a demand-driven increase. Other oil-producing nations have not yet agreed to increase their output.

Tornado devastation, lots of cleaning up to do after a stormy weekend in the nation's mid-section. Is more rough weather ahead?

Plus, advice for travelers heading to the beach this summer, water safety tips that could save lives.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Emergency workers are extremely busy in Nebraska this morning. Eighteen tornados tore through parts of the state over the weekend. The fierce funnel clouds left one person dead and plenty of damage. The cleanup continues in Nebraska's Clay County. That is where tornados destroyed or damaged several homes and blew a train off the tracks. Repair costs in all of the counties involved are expected to be in the millions of dollars.

(WEATHER BREAK)

KAGAN: If the weather gets nice, a lot of people might be heading to the beach coming up this Memorial Day weekend. But if you're going, we want to have a word of caution for you. Don't swim alone. Rip currents claim 100 lives a year.

Our Julie Vallese joins us. She is in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina for a new program to keep swimmers safe.

Julie -- good morning.

JUDY VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Walk any beach in the country where the waves break against the shore, and you will have rip currents. While Mother Nature does provide (AUDIO GAP) but rip currents are survivable if you know what to do.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE (voice over): Each year, approximately 90 million people visit America's beaches, and every one of them face the potential danger of being caught in a rip current. Sandee LaMotte's husband, a CNN reporter and bureau chief, was killed when he tried to rescue his son from a rip current last year.

SANDEE LAMOTTE, HUSBAND'S DEATH CAUSED BY RIP CURRENTS: Larry started to swim the maybe two arm lengths or three that it would have taken him to get to Ryan. Right at the time that he entered the water, a wave went over Ryan's head, so he lost -- and the next thing he knows, there was no daddy.

VALLESE: But LaMotte's son, Ryan, did survive, but six people died on that same Florida beach that day. A hundred people die in rip currents every year. They occur in oceans, seas and the Great Lakes.

ADM. CONRAD LAUTENBACHER, NDAA ADMINISTRATOR: This will be an opportunity for people to use the latest technology, not only with weather, but look at surf forecasts and look then at the surf forecasts and what the rip current vulnerabilities are at that particular time.

VALLESE: The reason so many people get caught in them is swimmers panic, become tired and lose the struggle. Staying calm and not fighting the current is the beginning of surviving it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Swim to the side, along the shoreline and then at an angle away from the rip current towards shore.

LAMOTTE: Water is dangerous. We think about drownings, but we don't think about it happening to us.

VALLESE: Rip currents begin at the shoreline. So keep in mind you don't have to be in deep water to get caught in the current.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, your chances of drowning on a beach where there is a lifeguard is only 1 in 18 million. Eighty percent of beach rescues are because of rip currents. So, if you choose to swim on a beach where a guard isn't on duty, it may be a risk that's much too great.

Daryn -- back to you.

KAGAN: And one you don't want to take. Julie Vallese, North Carolina, thank you so much for that.

Also, we're hearing from Jacqui Jeras that conditions are right for rip currents not just along the Carolina coast but also in southern California and close to Miami today as well. So basically, if you're heading to the beach, be careful.

It's 22 minutes past the hour. Let's move on now to legal news from Oklahoma.

Closing arguments today in the state murder trial of Terry Nichols. The jury is expected to begin deliberating tomorrow. If convicted at this state trial, Nichols could get the death penalty for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. He is already serving a life sentence after a federal conviction.

Let's talk to Tony Brooklier. He is an attorney in Los Angeles and is going to talk us through how this is exactly going to work.

Tony, good morning.

TONY BROOKLIER, ATTORNEY: Good morning.

KAGAN: Good morning to you. First of all, the judge needs to decide if, in fact -- excuse me -- the death penalty does apply.

BROOKLIER: Yes. One of the arguments to the due process argument, the defense is taking the position that they were never notified that the state of Oklahoma would seek the death penalty with regard to the fetus. That's one of the arguments. With regard to the other...

KAGAN: When you talk about the fetus one of the women who was killed was 32 weeks pregnant, I think?

BROOKLIER: Correct.

KAGAN: Yes.

BROOKLIER: And the state of Oklahoma decided in 2002 that a fetus is viable after 24 weeks. So, that accounts for the dispute with regard to this case.

KAGAN: So, meanwhile, here, with the defense they're going to make the argument that Terry Nichols was set up, that there were other co-conspirators out there that have never been named or identified.

BROOKLIER: Well, you know, that was the same argument the defense made in the case in Denver before Judge Maich (ph). And apparently, they were successful. So, it's going to be an interesting argument. As you recall, he was acquitted of the federal murder charges before Judge Maich (ph) in Denver, Colorado.

KAGAN: And just so we understand how this works, there's closing arguments, there's deliberations on whether he's guilty or not guilty, and then the next phase is if, in fact, he is convicted if there is a death penalty.

BROOKLIER: Exactly. It'll be the guilt phase first, and then the jury will move on to the issue of whether or not he would receive the death penalty.

KAGAN: Let's move on...

BROOKLIER: That's the procedure.

KAGAN: OK, great. Let's move on to a trial taking place there in California. In northern California, Scott Peterson is facing two murder charges. I understand you might have some new information about what the defense might be in that case.

BROOKLIER: Well, I'm not sure it's particularly new information. I happened to run into Mark Geragos in a courtroom in Los Angeles on Friday. And Mark, of course, couldn't talk about the case because of the gag order. But it's pretty -- it's apparent to me that the defense is going to be that it is simply a circumstantial case, that there are no eyeball percipient witnesses to the actual killing of Laci Peterson and her son. And that people -- that there are witnesses for the defense that in fact will testify that they saw Laci Peterson walking her dog after the time -- the point in time where Scott Peterson went fishing. So, I think it's going to be a whodunit.

KAGAN: But so far, it's not going -- and, of course, it's very early, but not going exactly like Mark Geragos would like. He was trying for round two of a change of venue to bring it down there to southern California.

BROOKLIER: Yes.

KAGAN: And he's not going to get that. This one's staying in the Bay area.

BROOKLIER: It's staying in the Bay area. Those were doomed to failure. But look, this is a death penalty case, and defense attorneys are obligated to do everything that they possibly can, you know, within the realm of reason on behalf of their client. So, I'm sure that's why Mr. Geragos did that. He's crossing all the t's and dotting all the i's.

KAGAN: Literally fighting for one man's life.

BROOKLIER: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Tony Brooklier, thanks for your input today from Los Angeles. Appreciate it.

BROOKLIER: Thank you. Thank you.

KAGAN: We're going to talk about the gas pump. And if you're feeling some personal pain there as you fill up, John Kerry says he has a plan. Judy Woodruff will tell us what the senator wants to do to help lower the cost of fuel.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.


Aired May 24, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are just after 11:00 a.m. at the United Nations, 5:00 p.m. in Amsterdam, and at CNN center here in Atlanta again just after 11:00 a.m. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.
Up first this hour on CNN, it is the countdown to the handover. Iraqis are taking control of government in five weeks. U.S. voters decide on theirs in six months.

Recognizing the success of one may determine the outcome of the other. So, President Bush will outline his blueprint for a democratic and peaceful Iraq. That happens tonight. CNN does plan live coverage of his address, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

For a preview of what the president will have to say, let's bring in Elaine Quijano. She is at the White House this morning -- Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The president heads to Pennsylvania against the backdrop of lower approval numbers and also continued criticism that the administration did not have a concrete plan in place for post-war Iraq. White House officials say tonight the president will detail five specific steps regarding Iraq's future.

Now, just about an hour or so ago, the president took some time out for a lighthearted moment, congratulating the WNBA champions, the Detroit Shock. But his spokesperson outlined in broad terms this morning several themes that the president will be focusing on later tonight that have to do with political, security, diplomatic steps that the administration wants to see taken, as well as the reconstruction efforts under way.

Look for the president to discuss having the support of the United Nations. A draft resolution, in fact, is circulating today among the Security Council members. Also look for the president to talk specifics on the security situation in Iraq, about equipping and training Iraqi forces to be in charge of their own security. Also about expanding the international role.

And his speech may include some new information on whom U.S. troops in Iraq will report to after the handover of power to Iraqis on June 30, although we are told that the president will not name an exact date for the wig drawl of U.S. troops from Iraq. Now, we understand that the president will probably echo some familiar themes as well, talking about the difficult days ahead, the likelihood of more violence. And at a time when the president's numbers are down, the administration says that the president will reaffirm his commitment to Iraq.

KAGAN: But, Elaine, what about something specific, like a date of specific troop withdrawal from Iraq? Do we expect to hear anything like that?

QUIJANO: Well, White House spokesperson Scott McClellan was asked that point blank and said that there would not be any kind of specific date named. What the administration has said on that point over and over again is that it depends on the conditions on the ground. We have heard this both here at the White House and at the Pentagon that the decision will be made with the commanders on the ground there in Iraq.

Obviously, the security situation there in Iraq continues to be a problem for this administration. The president saying that he will defer to the commanders there on the ground with respect to when those U.S. troops might pull out -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine Quijano at the White House. Elaine, thank you.

And a reminder for our viewers. CNN does plan live coverage of the president's primetime address from the war college, countdown to the handover with Paula Zahn. That begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

We heard Elaine talk about the U.N. resolution. There's some new information about that coming to us here at CNN.

The U.S. and the United Kingdom are offering a new resolution dealing with Iraq at the U.N. It's taking place this morning. The measure would grant recognition to the caretaker government chosen by U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. It would also assume power in Baghdad June 30 and run the country until the elections in January. The U.S. is hoping the resolution will encourage other countries to contribute troops to Iraq.

Dealing with Iraq is made more difficult as the level of violence rises. Last week, some Iraqis alleged that the U.S. military struck a wedding party in the western part of the country. The U.S. is denying that.

Sorting through it all and looking at some new videotape, our Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Barbara -- good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPENDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well, indeed more controversy today about that disputed attack out near the Syrian border last week. In Baghdad, coalition officials are saying they will investigate the entire matter now. And that's because you look at this video here, this was distributed by the APTN news agency, daylight video showing what does appear to be a wedding party attack. No one can verify where exactly this was taken or when it was taken.

But in Baghdad, the coalition officials said they are looking at this video. They realize there are inconsistencies. And here's what they found at the site: weapons, drug paraphernalia, passports showing foreign fighters, at the site that they say they bombed. There were sleeping quarters for a significant number of people. They believe still in the coalition all of this evidence adds up to the fact they bombed a site that was a major coordinating and meeting point for foreign fighters coming into Iraq.

At the coalition briefing today, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt talked about it a bit more.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY: Well, we understand that there are inconsistencies. But I would tell you that again, day after day after day, as we continue to get more evidence in, as we continue to get more new evidence coming in, it is pretty clear to us that what happened that night from about after midnight until about 0400, that the activities that we saw happening on the ground were somewhat inconsistent with a wedding party.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: But, Daryn, at the same time at the briefing, an awful lot of questions about the upcoming transition, just 30-plus days to go now, and a lot of questions from the Iraqi press at the news conference on how this new transitional government will have legitimacy and authority.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, CPA SPOKESMAN: One hundred percent legitimacy comes from direct elections. There is a balance we have to strike between the 100 percent legitimacy that comes from direct elections and the stage we're in right now, where Iraqis are still living under occupation. And so the middle ground here, since Iraq isn't ready for direct elections, they won't be ready for direct elections at the end of June, the middle ground here is to hand sovereignty to an interim government that gives Iraqi control of the government, and then get them moving as quickly as possible to direct elections, and that will come seven months following.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Also in 2005, that is when the U.S. hopes that Iraqi security forces will finally be ready to provide law and order for their country -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara, what can you tell us about the nine major U.S. wartime commanders from all around the world currently gathered there near the nation's capital? This was a meeting that was previously planned?

STARR: Indeed, the big fish, the really big fish in the U.S. military are here in the Pentagon today. Twice a year they get together, they come, they talk to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. They often meet with the president, and they get updates from around the world on the global war on terrorism, current military operations, that sort of thing. And indeed they are here for their twice-a-year meeting, and we can only suspect they too will be watching the president's speech tonight.

KAGAN: They can watch it right here on CNN. How convenient for them. Barbara, thank you for that. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon.

To Iraq now. Two British civilians were killed today when their armored SUV ran over a bomb near coalition headquarters.

We want to go to Baghdad, and standing by live for us is CNN's Guy Raz -- Guy.

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, another day in Baghdad punctuated by explosions. Most notably that explosion you referred to that killed two British nationals and wounded two others, very badly wounded. These four men were traveling in an SUV, a sport utility vehicle, right in central Baghdad.

Now, the attack occurred about 1:30 local time here. I was at the scene shortly after, where I saw the charred remains of an armored vehicle.

Now, it appeared as if this was a targeted hit, according to a U.S. military official on the scene. This vehicle was very, very badly hit, and as I say, it was an armored vehicle, which did kill these two British nationals. The attack was very close to the Coalition Provisional Authority's green zone, an area that's been the target of many attacks, including one last week that you'll recall killed Izzedine Salim, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Guy Raz in Baghdad. More from you just ahead, as well as more out of Iraq and Baghdad.

Decision day. Will prosecutors be able to seek the death penalty in the trial of bombing conspirator Terry Nichols? The judge has to decide that. Also closing arguments expected there today.

Plus, tornados swoop down across the Midwest. We are watching weather in the heartland for you.

And the nominees are in. Get this awards show. The best movie trailer. We're going to talk to the creator. Also, we have the host of the show on with us. That's all ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BUSINESS NEWS UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: How high can it go? That's what a lot of motorists are feeling and the pain at the pump they are asking, and, oh, it hurts.

Over the past two weeks, the national average has gone up 14 cents to $2.07 per gallon. The drivers in many parts of the country wish it were that cheap. In Washington, a gallon costs $2.08. In San Diego, drivers are paying 2.36.

But when prices are adjusted for inflation, they're actually lower than the prices were at the pump back in 1981.

Is there any relief in sight? Well, U.S. crude oil prices did drop to $39 a barrel on news that Saudi Arabia will boost oil production by 28 percent next month. But the price of crude crept back up again as traders wondered whether Saudi Arabia could control what may be a demand-driven increase. Other oil-producing nations have not yet agreed to increase their output.

Tornado devastation, lots of cleaning up to do after a stormy weekend in the nation's mid-section. Is more rough weather ahead?

Plus, advice for travelers heading to the beach this summer, water safety tips that could save lives.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Emergency workers are extremely busy in Nebraska this morning. Eighteen tornados tore through parts of the state over the weekend. The fierce funnel clouds left one person dead and plenty of damage. The cleanup continues in Nebraska's Clay County. That is where tornados destroyed or damaged several homes and blew a train off the tracks. Repair costs in all of the counties involved are expected to be in the millions of dollars.

(WEATHER BREAK)

KAGAN: If the weather gets nice, a lot of people might be heading to the beach coming up this Memorial Day weekend. But if you're going, we want to have a word of caution for you. Don't swim alone. Rip currents claim 100 lives a year.

Our Julie Vallese joins us. She is in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina for a new program to keep swimmers safe.

Julie -- good morning.

JUDY VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Walk any beach in the country where the waves break against the shore, and you will have rip currents. While Mother Nature does provide (AUDIO GAP) but rip currents are survivable if you know what to do.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE (voice over): Each year, approximately 90 million people visit America's beaches, and every one of them face the potential danger of being caught in a rip current. Sandee LaMotte's husband, a CNN reporter and bureau chief, was killed when he tried to rescue his son from a rip current last year.

SANDEE LAMOTTE, HUSBAND'S DEATH CAUSED BY RIP CURRENTS: Larry started to swim the maybe two arm lengths or three that it would have taken him to get to Ryan. Right at the time that he entered the water, a wave went over Ryan's head, so he lost -- and the next thing he knows, there was no daddy.

VALLESE: But LaMotte's son, Ryan, did survive, but six people died on that same Florida beach that day. A hundred people die in rip currents every year. They occur in oceans, seas and the Great Lakes.

ADM. CONRAD LAUTENBACHER, NDAA ADMINISTRATOR: This will be an opportunity for people to use the latest technology, not only with weather, but look at surf forecasts and look then at the surf forecasts and what the rip current vulnerabilities are at that particular time.

VALLESE: The reason so many people get caught in them is swimmers panic, become tired and lose the struggle. Staying calm and not fighting the current is the beginning of surviving it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Swim to the side, along the shoreline and then at an angle away from the rip current towards shore.

LAMOTTE: Water is dangerous. We think about drownings, but we don't think about it happening to us.

VALLESE: Rip currents begin at the shoreline. So keep in mind you don't have to be in deep water to get caught in the current.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now, your chances of drowning on a beach where there is a lifeguard is only 1 in 18 million. Eighty percent of beach rescues are because of rip currents. So, if you choose to swim on a beach where a guard isn't on duty, it may be a risk that's much too great.

Daryn -- back to you.

KAGAN: And one you don't want to take. Julie Vallese, North Carolina, thank you so much for that.

Also, we're hearing from Jacqui Jeras that conditions are right for rip currents not just along the Carolina coast but also in southern California and close to Miami today as well. So basically, if you're heading to the beach, be careful.

It's 22 minutes past the hour. Let's move on now to legal news from Oklahoma.

Closing arguments today in the state murder trial of Terry Nichols. The jury is expected to begin deliberating tomorrow. If convicted at this state trial, Nichols could get the death penalty for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. He is already serving a life sentence after a federal conviction.

Let's talk to Tony Brooklier. He is an attorney in Los Angeles and is going to talk us through how this is exactly going to work.

Tony, good morning.

TONY BROOKLIER, ATTORNEY: Good morning.

KAGAN: Good morning to you. First of all, the judge needs to decide if, in fact -- excuse me -- the death penalty does apply.

BROOKLIER: Yes. One of the arguments to the due process argument, the defense is taking the position that they were never notified that the state of Oklahoma would seek the death penalty with regard to the fetus. That's one of the arguments. With regard to the other...

KAGAN: When you talk about the fetus one of the women who was killed was 32 weeks pregnant, I think?

BROOKLIER: Correct.

KAGAN: Yes.

BROOKLIER: And the state of Oklahoma decided in 2002 that a fetus is viable after 24 weeks. So, that accounts for the dispute with regard to this case.

KAGAN: So, meanwhile, here, with the defense they're going to make the argument that Terry Nichols was set up, that there were other co-conspirators out there that have never been named or identified.

BROOKLIER: Well, you know, that was the same argument the defense made in the case in Denver before Judge Maich (ph). And apparently, they were successful. So, it's going to be an interesting argument. As you recall, he was acquitted of the federal murder charges before Judge Maich (ph) in Denver, Colorado.

KAGAN: And just so we understand how this works, there's closing arguments, there's deliberations on whether he's guilty or not guilty, and then the next phase is if, in fact, he is convicted if there is a death penalty.

BROOKLIER: Exactly. It'll be the guilt phase first, and then the jury will move on to the issue of whether or not he would receive the death penalty.

KAGAN: Let's move on...

BROOKLIER: That's the procedure.

KAGAN: OK, great. Let's move on to a trial taking place there in California. In northern California, Scott Peterson is facing two murder charges. I understand you might have some new information about what the defense might be in that case.

BROOKLIER: Well, I'm not sure it's particularly new information. I happened to run into Mark Geragos in a courtroom in Los Angeles on Friday. And Mark, of course, couldn't talk about the case because of the gag order. But it's pretty -- it's apparent to me that the defense is going to be that it is simply a circumstantial case, that there are no eyeball percipient witnesses to the actual killing of Laci Peterson and her son. And that people -- that there are witnesses for the defense that in fact will testify that they saw Laci Peterson walking her dog after the time -- the point in time where Scott Peterson went fishing. So, I think it's going to be a whodunit.

KAGAN: But so far, it's not going -- and, of course, it's very early, but not going exactly like Mark Geragos would like. He was trying for round two of a change of venue to bring it down there to southern California.

BROOKLIER: Yes.

KAGAN: And he's not going to get that. This one's staying in the Bay area.

BROOKLIER: It's staying in the Bay area. Those were doomed to failure. But look, this is a death penalty case, and defense attorneys are obligated to do everything that they possibly can, you know, within the realm of reason on behalf of their client. So, I'm sure that's why Mr. Geragos did that. He's crossing all the t's and dotting all the i's.

KAGAN: Literally fighting for one man's life.

BROOKLIER: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Tony Brooklier, thanks for your input today from Los Angeles. Appreciate it.

BROOKLIER: Thank you. Thank you.

KAGAN: We're going to talk about the gas pump. And if you're feeling some personal pain there as you fill up, John Kerry says he has a plan. Judy Woodruff will tell us what the senator wants to do to help lower the cost of fuel.

You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.