Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Missing in Aruba; Deliberation Day; Insurgent Bunker; Supreme Court on Medical Marijuana

Aired June 06, 2005 - 10:00   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: To what's happening "Now in the News."
FBI divers plan to search the waters off Aruba today for an 18- year-old Alabama student. Natalee Holloway has been missing for a week. Police have detained two security guards for questioning in the case. Holloway was last seen leaving a nightclub.

Michael Jackson is at home today as a jury deliberates in his child molestation trial. Jackson was hospitalized six hours on Sunday. An aide said Jackson's severe back pain was brought on by stress.

Pakistan has handed a senior al Qaeda suspect over to the U.S. troops. Abu Farraj al-Libbi is a suspect in two assassination attempts against the president of Pakistan. An intelligence official says al-Libbi was whisked out of Pakistan a few days ago. U.S. officials aren't commenting on that handover.

And now grading intelligence agencies on how well the 9/11 Commissions recommendations are being implemented. Right now a panel is discussing the status of CIA and FBI reform. The meeting going on in Washington this morning is the first in a series of public events to examine progress.

Good morning on this Monday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.

We are keeping a close eye on a story still developing in Aruba. Police there have arrested two men in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager. Authorities have not revealed the charges or the all- important details of what they believe happened to 18-year-old Natalee Holloway. Meanwhile, an island-wide search is being led by her mother and father.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARLA CACCAVALE, FAMILY SPOKESWOMAN: She is going around handing out fliers on her free time. She's cooperating fully with the authorities. She's in constant contact with them. Natalee's dad, Dave, is organizing volunteer searches. Yesterday he was out with about 50 of the Dutch marines, Aruba search and rescue. They had helicopters, ATVs. They are combing this island piece by piece on their own, in addition to the help they're receiving from the authorities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that woman, Caccavale, is serving as the family spokeswoman. She also works for Aruba's Tourism Authority.

Let's get the latest now on the search and the criminal investigation. Our Karl Penhaul is in the city of Palm Beach and has the latest developments.

Karl, hello.

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I've been talking to senior police officials in the last few moments. And what they've told me is that the interrogation of the two suspects in custody has resumed once again. The police say that two of their immediate lines of inquiry are to get any clues from the suspects as to the whereabouts of Natalee Holloway. They also say they're pressing the two suspects to find out if there's any link between them and the three young men that alleged that they dropped off Natalee Holloway in the early hours of Monday morning, one week ago, here at the Holiday Inn. Police, though, do tell me that so far these two suspects aren't being very cooperative, although they do say, at this stage, that's kind of normal.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNKNOWN MALE: We pray, Heavenly Father, that she will be able to be reunited with her family very, very soon.

PENHAUL, (voice over): More than a lighthouse, it's their beacon of hope.

CROWD: Trust and obey for there's no other way

PENHAUL: More than a hymn, it's there are song of faith. Faith through the agony that Natalee Holloway will return. It's been a week now since the 18-year-old went missing. Just like the well-wishers of this vigil, the authorities are holding out hope.

KARIN JANSSEN, ARUBA ATTORNEY GENERAL: An investigation has two goals. First, to get her alive and bring her back to her mother and family. And second is, to do an investigation in the case that something terrible happens.

PENHAUL: The day began with raids on two homes on the eastern side of the island. Aruba journalists, Dilma Arends, was there.

DILMA ARENDS, JOURNALIST: We didn't hear any screaming, any shouting. It was very, very calm. Again, the police surrounded a house. After a while we saw some agents come in with gloves, started searching around the house.

PENHAUL: Three cars and bags of items were confiscated, but no sign of the young American.

JANSSEN: Didn't find clothing or belongings of her.

PENHAUL: The prosecutor said the men have been charged with crimes related to Natalee's disappearance, but gave no more specifics. They're being interrogated. After the arrests, Dutch marines began combing Black Mangrove (ph) beach on Aruba's windswept eastern tip. Police say a blood-stained mattress was discovered, but FBI tests ruled out any link to Natalee. It was not human blood. On another day with no fresh news of Natalee, yet old and young still cling tight to their flowers and their faith that the missing will be found.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PENHAUL: I've also been talking to leaders of Aruba's search and rescue teams here on the island, Daryn. What they told me is that all government employees on the island have been given a half day leave in order that they can participate in a massive search. We expect that to get underway in the early hours of this afternoon. And, obviously, we'll be keeping you up-to-date on any developments there, Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes, Karl, clearly the investigation works a little differently in Aruba than it does here in the states. So some questions for you about process. First of all, these two men that are in custody, they're being held on crimes related to Natalee's disappearance. What does that mean? Are they giving any more information about that?

PENHAUL: That's correct. As you suggest, Daryn, the legal systems in the United States and here on Aruba, which is a Dutch dependence in subject in large part to Dutch law, are very different systems. But what the public prosecutors office has explained to us is that these two men have been arrested. They are being charged in crimes related to the disappearance. But what this really means is, that there's a kind of a menu of charges there. And as the investigation narrows down the options, then from that menu of charges some more specific charges will be chosen. They will keep us up-to- date as those specific charges are leveled, Daryn.

KAGAN: And is anybody talking about what is leading divers and investigators to the water?

PENHAUL: Not really. The divers, the expert FBI diving help that is being brought in, is to broaden the investigation. Prosecutors have said that their most important priority, their goal, is to get Natalee alive and to return her safe and well to her mother. But those divers are being brought in as a security precaution because it's not all white and sandy beaches here. There are some craggy shorelines. And around those craggy shorelines, some very strong ocean currents. That's what the divers are going to be doing, Daryn.

KAGAN: Karl Penhaul, live from Palm Beach, Aruba.

Thank you.

Natalee Holloway's family is offering a $50,000 reward for her safe return. Back home in Alabama, friends and fellow students gathered to pray for the missing teen. They've been there every day since they returned from Aruba without their classmate. Natalee's aunt tells Rick Sanchez that the disappearance could not have been the girl's choice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I have to ask you this question.

MARCIA TWITTY, NATALEE'S AUNT: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Is there anything about Natalee that would make her want to, in any way, go away, run away way?

TWITTY: No. No.

SANCHEZ: Disappear?

TWITTY: No. No.

SANCHEZ: Nothing?

TWITTY: There is nothing about Natalee where, on her own free will, that she's going say, I'm not going -- uh-uh. No. Her own free will, Natalee is not -- would not do this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Her family has also asked their Alabama community to remember the missing girl with yellow ribbons and prayer.

A different missing person's case has been resolved seven years later and several states away. Texas authorities say they received a tip that a Texas A&M University student has spent the last five years working at a Sam's Club in Florence, Kentucky. They say 27-year-old Brandi Stahr hid from her family after an argument over her grades. The family was just months away from having her legally declared dead and buying a tombstone.

In just over an hour from now, jurors in the Michael Jackson trial begin their first full day of deliberations. The singer will be awaiting their decision from his home. CNN's Kareen Wynter joins us from Santa Maria, California, outside it's courthouse with more.

Kareen, good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

And the big buzz this morning has to do with Michael Jackson's condition after the singer made an unexpected trip to the emergency room yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER, (voice over): It's the second hospital visit in less than a week. Michael Jackson went it the emergency room Sunday for back problems. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who's advising the family, says the pop star is in excruciating pain.

REV. JESSE JACKSON, JACKSON SPIRITUAL ADVISER: Well, today is this -- this rocking chair of physical pain, on the one hand, and the anxiety about the outcome of this trial. In many ways, his destiny, at least for a season, is in the jaws of the jury today.

WYNTER: The prosecution and defense ended closing arguments Friday. Some legal analysts say the case now hinges on who jurors will believe -- an adult who's a world renowned entertainer or a child who's recovering from cancer.

MICHAEL CORDOZA, DEFENSE ATTORNEY ANALYST: The prosecution may have proved to this jury that Michael Jackson is a pedophile. But did they prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt? And that's what the defense was trying to do, was to focus them on this case and not look at the past acts of sexual misconduct.

WYNTER: The 12 jurors range in age from 20 to 79 years old. Seven whites, four Hispanics and one Asian. No African-Americans. Some jurors have said they're fan of Jackson's music. Others have relatives or close friends that have been diagnosed with cancer. Two of the panelists said family members charged with or victims of sex crimes.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER: And the judge has set a one-hour limit, a one-hour notice for the verdict to be read after jurors reach a decision. Now, Daryn, some legal analysts say it's highly unlikely that the panel will reach a verdict today. Nevertheless, they'll deliberate from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time. The court will allow them to meet longer if they request it.

Daryn.

KAGAN: They have a long list of work in front of them.

Kareen Wynter from Santa Maria.

Thank you.

We'll have more on the Michael Jackson case tonight on CNN's "Larry King Live." Larry's guest will be former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos. That's on CNN at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

At least 187,000 utility customers are without power in Michigan this morning. Severe thunderstorms knocked down hundreds of power lines late last night. Two suspected tornadoes were reported. There have been no reports of serious injuries. Some people may be without electricity until late Tuesday.

And here's proof for you that it's springtime in tornado alley. This funnel cloud was spotted near Marlow, Oklahoma, on Saturday. The state was battered by severe weather over the weekend, including a twister that uprooted trees, snapped power lines and damaged a house.

What does the weather picture hold for your neighborhood. Here's Jacqui Jeras with more on that.

Hi, Jacqui. (WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: All right. The humidity rising there, too.

Thank you, Jacqui.

It's a week after the Deep Throat identification. That question still lingers, why did Mark Felt come forward and why now? His daughter offers more insight, coming up next.

Plus, it's time for summertime travel. A look at ways the airport can quickly move you through security but not cheap on safety.

And about cell phone usage. Who's more of a chatter box, men or women? You'll be surprised, perhaps, at the answer.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And now "The Fight for Iraq" and yet another suicide bombing in Baghdad. An emergency police official says four people were wounded when police commandos opened fire on the vehicle as it sped toward a checkpoint. Three of the casualties were police officers.

Also today, a staggering discovery that has been reduced to rubble. Earlier today, U.S. forces destroyed a newly discovered bunker complex as massive as nine football fields. The facility was apparently a staging area for insurgence. Our Jennifer Eccleston has the latest from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER ECCLESTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The series of underground bunkers discovered by the U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces are now destroyed. It was part of an ongoing anti-insurgency operation in Anbar province, a center of the Sunni Arab resistance.

Now the Marines and Iraqi soldiers uncovered this elaborate series of bunkers with large stores of heavy weapons, including rockets and motors, ammunition and supplies. It was located in the town of Carma (ph) not far from the troubled city of Fallujah. The bunker was actually found on Thursday. One of a dozen weapons cashes uncovered in the area in recent days. No insurgents were actually in the compound at the time but it was likely, according to Marines, used recently because there was fresh food in a kitchen.

It had fairly comfortable layout with a furnished living quarters, two showers, and a functioning air conditioner. The bunkers were built into an old rock quarry and totaled roughly a half a million square feet making it, according to the Marine spokesman, one of the largest underground insurgent hideouts discovered in at least the last year. Now it's not clear whether the compound dated back to the era of Saddam Hussein or whether it was recently constructed by the insurgents. But again, that bunker has now been destroyed.

Jennifer Eccleston, CNN, Baghdad. (END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Want to get back now to our breaking news out of the Supreme Court. Once again, the high court ruling that federal authorities do have the power to prosecute sick people who are using marijuana under doctors' orders. With more on this decision we have our legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, on the phone.

Jeff, good morning.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: Hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: Is this a matter of state versus federal rights?

TOOBIN: Well, that's one of the main aspects of the case. In fact, you know, one of the -- one of the things that made this case so interesting is that it had two ideas that the Bush administration both supports in conflict with each other because Republicans, like those in power now, tend to believe in states rights, but they also tend to believe in strong enforcement of the narcotics laws. And in this case, the Bush administration sided with enforcement of narcotics laws and in a major victory for the government, the federal government, the Supreme Court said the Bush administration was right -- that federal narcotics laws trump state laws that allow medical use of marijuana.

KAGAN: And so 10 states right now have medical marijuana laws on the books. Does this make those laws null and void?

TOOBIN: It's tough to say because the laws are all slightly different. But I think the odds overwhelmingly favor that these laws will be off the books at this point. So, I mean, this really does say, in convincing fashion, that if medical marijuana advocates want to get their views successfully presented, they have to go to Congress. They can't go to states because it's really the federal government in charge here.

KAGAN: So it's not just enough to get a state-by-state but you have to get federal law.

TOOBIN: And that's the real message is today.

KAGAN: And that's huge.

All right, Jeffrey Toobin, thank you for your take on that latest Supreme Court decision.

TOOBIN: Sure, Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, they've made their recommendations, not it's time for a progress report. Still to come, how well has the government followed their guidelines? A look at what's being done to keep you safe.

Gerri Willis is always on our team, trying to keep us safe from all sorts of stuff.

Hi, Ger.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Daryn.

What about your financial safety net? We'll tell you what you need to know when we continue.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Important question for you. Are you prepared for the unexpected, the loss of a job, a family member getting sick? Today we're about tackling a financial emergency. And our Gerri Willis is live in New York with some tips.

Good morning, Gerri.

WILLIS: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you.

You know, we talk about this all the time, you need some money in case an emergency happens. How much money do you need? Well think three months to nine months worth of living expenses to keep you and your family safe and whole. Where do you put the money? That's kind of complicated, too. Try a money market fund.

KAGAN: And what about beyond that? If you have to break into the piggy bank?

WILLIS: Well, the piggy bank, for most people, is their home. Their home equity. If you have a lot of home equity, you might want to get a home equity line of credit. Those are fairly inexpensive to get and, keep in mind, you only use it if you really need it and it can be free. So it's a great deal. What's more, you can write off your interest if you end up using that line of credit. It's a great idea. Also think about borrowing from your 401(k). Most companies will allow you to do that. But keep in mind, Daryn, you've got to pay the money back.

KAGAN: Oh, yes, there's that.

What about home owners' insurance?

WILLIS: Well, you know, if you have a problem with your house, you typically rely on home owners insurance but it's sometimes not enough, particularly if you're one of those people who's been in a situation of hurricanes, the mudslides in California. You made it. This can run into some big dollars. Fortunately, the federal government is there to help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency gives out not loans but freebie money to people in these situations. Maybe as much as $25,000. Of course, the catch here is that the president has to declare your area a disaster.

KAGAN: What if you are not home but rather overseas and have a big, financial emergency?

WILLIS: Well, you can always call on the consulate. The office of Americans Citizens Services -- I have to read that because it's so long -- can help you. They can help you connect with people back home who could send you money, wire you some funds so you can get back if you drop your wallet in the Nile.

KAGAN: And then there's one that really hits a lot of folks, medical bills and those kinds of emergencies.

WILLIS: Yes. Look, Daryn, the majority of people who are filing Chapter 11, it's often medical bills that are behind what happens to them, so you've really got to manage these carefully. Job number one, if you have a very big problem and you're in the hospital, talk to the hospital's main office about how you can schedule payments over time so you can get started and you can prove to them you're trying to pay your bill down. Of course, you can also tap into your IRA as well. But this is the big nut (ph) that people face, is paying those medical bills. You're going to have to tap other things as well, including your home equity and may require you to rethink what you're doing.

One quick note, Daryn. People who don't have insurance coverage, health insurance coverage, can face bills that are twice as high as people who do have insurance coverage. If that happens to you, you need to complain and complain loudly. There are some lawsuits out there's. You could get your bill reduced.

KAGAN: All right, Gerri, thank you. Those are some great tips.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

KAGAN: We're talking cell phones just ahead. Who do you think uses a cell phone more, men or women? Still to come, it's the battle of the sexes, wireless style. Who has the phone glued to their ears?

And it wasn't a cell phone that landed him in hot water. Up later, Russell Crowe erupts after a landline failed him.

(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 June 6, 2005 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: To what's happening "Now in the News."
FBI divers plan to search the waters off Aruba today for an 18- year-old Alabama student. Natalee Holloway has been missing for a week. Police have detained two security guards for questioning in the case. Holloway was last seen leaving a nightclub.

Michael Jackson is at home today as a jury deliberates in his child molestation trial. Jackson was hospitalized six hours on Sunday. An aide said Jackson's severe back pain was brought on by stress.

Pakistan has handed a senior al Qaeda suspect over to the U.S. troops. Abu Farraj al-Libbi is a suspect in two assassination attempts against the president of Pakistan. An intelligence official says al-Libbi was whisked out of Pakistan a few days ago. U.S. officials aren't commenting on that handover.

And now grading intelligence agencies on how well the 9/11 Commissions recommendations are being implemented. Right now a panel is discussing the status of CIA and FBI reform. The meeting going on in Washington this morning is the first in a series of public events to examine progress.

Good morning on this Monday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.

We are keeping a close eye on a story still developing in Aruba. Police there have arrested two men in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager. Authorities have not revealed the charges or the all- important details of what they believe happened to 18-year-old Natalee Holloway. Meanwhile, an island-wide search is being led by her mother and father.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARLA CACCAVALE, FAMILY SPOKESWOMAN: She is going around handing out fliers on her free time. She's cooperating fully with the authorities. She's in constant contact with them. Natalee's dad, Dave, is organizing volunteer searches. Yesterday he was out with about 50 of the Dutch marines, Aruba search and rescue. They had helicopters, ATVs. They are combing this island piece by piece on their own, in addition to the help they're receiving from the authorities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that woman, Caccavale, is serving as the family spokeswoman. She also works for Aruba's Tourism Authority.

Let's get the latest now on the search and the criminal investigation. Our Karl Penhaul is in the city of Palm Beach and has the latest developments.

Karl, hello.

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I've been talking to senior police officials in the last few moments. And what they've told me is that the interrogation of the two suspects in custody has resumed once again. The police say that two of their immediate lines of inquiry are to get any clues from the suspects as to the whereabouts of Natalee Holloway. They also say they're pressing the two suspects to find out if there's any link between them and the three young men that alleged that they dropped off Natalee Holloway in the early hours of Monday morning, one week ago, here at the Holiday Inn. Police, though, do tell me that so far these two suspects aren't being very cooperative, although they do say, at this stage, that's kind of normal.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNKNOWN MALE: We pray, Heavenly Father, that she will be able to be reunited with her family very, very soon.

PENHAUL, (voice over): More than a lighthouse, it's their beacon of hope.

CROWD: Trust and obey for there's no other way

PENHAUL: More than a hymn, it's there are song of faith. Faith through the agony that Natalee Holloway will return. It's been a week now since the 18-year-old went missing. Just like the well-wishers of this vigil, the authorities are holding out hope.

KARIN JANSSEN, ARUBA ATTORNEY GENERAL: An investigation has two goals. First, to get her alive and bring her back to her mother and family. And second is, to do an investigation in the case that something terrible happens.

PENHAUL: The day began with raids on two homes on the eastern side of the island. Aruba journalists, Dilma Arends, was there.

DILMA ARENDS, JOURNALIST: We didn't hear any screaming, any shouting. It was very, very calm. Again, the police surrounded a house. After a while we saw some agents come in with gloves, started searching around the house.

PENHAUL: Three cars and bags of items were confiscated, but no sign of the young American.

JANSSEN: Didn't find clothing or belongings of her.

PENHAUL: The prosecutor said the men have been charged with crimes related to Natalee's disappearance, but gave no more specifics. They're being interrogated. After the arrests, Dutch marines began combing Black Mangrove (ph) beach on Aruba's windswept eastern tip. Police say a blood-stained mattress was discovered, but FBI tests ruled out any link to Natalee. It was not human blood. On another day with no fresh news of Natalee, yet old and young still cling tight to their flowers and their faith that the missing will be found.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PENHAUL: I've also been talking to leaders of Aruba's search and rescue teams here on the island, Daryn. What they told me is that all government employees on the island have been given a half day leave in order that they can participate in a massive search. We expect that to get underway in the early hours of this afternoon. And, obviously, we'll be keeping you up-to-date on any developments there, Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes, Karl, clearly the investigation works a little differently in Aruba than it does here in the states. So some questions for you about process. First of all, these two men that are in custody, they're being held on crimes related to Natalee's disappearance. What does that mean? Are they giving any more information about that?

PENHAUL: That's correct. As you suggest, Daryn, the legal systems in the United States and here on Aruba, which is a Dutch dependence in subject in large part to Dutch law, are very different systems. But what the public prosecutors office has explained to us is that these two men have been arrested. They are being charged in crimes related to the disappearance. But what this really means is, that there's a kind of a menu of charges there. And as the investigation narrows down the options, then from that menu of charges some more specific charges will be chosen. They will keep us up-to- date as those specific charges are leveled, Daryn.

KAGAN: And is anybody talking about what is leading divers and investigators to the water?

PENHAUL: Not really. The divers, the expert FBI diving help that is being brought in, is to broaden the investigation. Prosecutors have said that their most important priority, their goal, is to get Natalee alive and to return her safe and well to her mother. But those divers are being brought in as a security precaution because it's not all white and sandy beaches here. There are some craggy shorelines. And around those craggy shorelines, some very strong ocean currents. That's what the divers are going to be doing, Daryn.

KAGAN: Karl Penhaul, live from Palm Beach, Aruba.

Thank you.

Natalee Holloway's family is offering a $50,000 reward for her safe return. Back home in Alabama, friends and fellow students gathered to pray for the missing teen. They've been there every day since they returned from Aruba without their classmate. Natalee's aunt tells Rick Sanchez that the disappearance could not have been the girl's choice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I have to ask you this question.

MARCIA TWITTY, NATALEE'S AUNT: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Is there anything about Natalee that would make her want to, in any way, go away, run away way?

TWITTY: No. No.

SANCHEZ: Disappear?

TWITTY: No. No.

SANCHEZ: Nothing?

TWITTY: There is nothing about Natalee where, on her own free will, that she's going say, I'm not going -- uh-uh. No. Her own free will, Natalee is not -- would not do this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Her family has also asked their Alabama community to remember the missing girl with yellow ribbons and prayer.

A different missing person's case has been resolved seven years later and several states away. Texas authorities say they received a tip that a Texas A&M University student has spent the last five years working at a Sam's Club in Florence, Kentucky. They say 27-year-old Brandi Stahr hid from her family after an argument over her grades. The family was just months away from having her legally declared dead and buying a tombstone.

In just over an hour from now, jurors in the Michael Jackson trial begin their first full day of deliberations. The singer will be awaiting their decision from his home. CNN's Kareen Wynter joins us from Santa Maria, California, outside it's courthouse with more.

Kareen, good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

And the big buzz this morning has to do with Michael Jackson's condition after the singer made an unexpected trip to the emergency room yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER, (voice over): It's the second hospital visit in less than a week. Michael Jackson went it the emergency room Sunday for back problems. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who's advising the family, says the pop star is in excruciating pain.

REV. JESSE JACKSON, JACKSON SPIRITUAL ADVISER: Well, today is this -- this rocking chair of physical pain, on the one hand, and the anxiety about the outcome of this trial. In many ways, his destiny, at least for a season, is in the jaws of the jury today.

WYNTER: The prosecution and defense ended closing arguments Friday. Some legal analysts say the case now hinges on who jurors will believe -- an adult who's a world renowned entertainer or a child who's recovering from cancer.

MICHAEL CORDOZA, DEFENSE ATTORNEY ANALYST: The prosecution may have proved to this jury that Michael Jackson is a pedophile. But did they prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt? And that's what the defense was trying to do, was to focus them on this case and not look at the past acts of sexual misconduct.

WYNTER: The 12 jurors range in age from 20 to 79 years old. Seven whites, four Hispanics and one Asian. No African-Americans. Some jurors have said they're fan of Jackson's music. Others have relatives or close friends that have been diagnosed with cancer. Two of the panelists said family members charged with or victims of sex crimes.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER: And the judge has set a one-hour limit, a one-hour notice for the verdict to be read after jurors reach a decision. Now, Daryn, some legal analysts say it's highly unlikely that the panel will reach a verdict today. Nevertheless, they'll deliberate from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time. The court will allow them to meet longer if they request it.

Daryn.

KAGAN: They have a long list of work in front of them.

Kareen Wynter from Santa Maria.

Thank you.

We'll have more on the Michael Jackson case tonight on CNN's "Larry King Live." Larry's guest will be former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos. That's on CNN at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

At least 187,000 utility customers are without power in Michigan this morning. Severe thunderstorms knocked down hundreds of power lines late last night. Two suspected tornadoes were reported. There have been no reports of serious injuries. Some people may be without electricity until late Tuesday.

And here's proof for you that it's springtime in tornado alley. This funnel cloud was spotted near Marlow, Oklahoma, on Saturday. The state was battered by severe weather over the weekend, including a twister that uprooted trees, snapped power lines and damaged a house.

What does the weather picture hold for your neighborhood. Here's Jacqui Jeras with more on that.

Hi, Jacqui. (WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: All right. The humidity rising there, too.

Thank you, Jacqui.

It's a week after the Deep Throat identification. That question still lingers, why did Mark Felt come forward and why now? His daughter offers more insight, coming up next.

Plus, it's time for summertime travel. A look at ways the airport can quickly move you through security but not cheap on safety.

And about cell phone usage. Who's more of a chatter box, men or women? You'll be surprised, perhaps, at the answer.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And now "The Fight for Iraq" and yet another suicide bombing in Baghdad. An emergency police official says four people were wounded when police commandos opened fire on the vehicle as it sped toward a checkpoint. Three of the casualties were police officers.

Also today, a staggering discovery that has been reduced to rubble. Earlier today, U.S. forces destroyed a newly discovered bunker complex as massive as nine football fields. The facility was apparently a staging area for insurgence. Our Jennifer Eccleston has the latest from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER ECCLESTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The series of underground bunkers discovered by the U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces are now destroyed. It was part of an ongoing anti-insurgency operation in Anbar province, a center of the Sunni Arab resistance.

Now the Marines and Iraqi soldiers uncovered this elaborate series of bunkers with large stores of heavy weapons, including rockets and motors, ammunition and supplies. It was located in the town of Carma (ph) not far from the troubled city of Fallujah. The bunker was actually found on Thursday. One of a dozen weapons cashes uncovered in the area in recent days. No insurgents were actually in the compound at the time but it was likely, according to Marines, used recently because there was fresh food in a kitchen.

It had fairly comfortable layout with a furnished living quarters, two showers, and a functioning air conditioner. The bunkers were built into an old rock quarry and totaled roughly a half a million square feet making it, according to the Marine spokesman, one of the largest underground insurgent hideouts discovered in at least the last year. Now it's not clear whether the compound dated back to the era of Saddam Hussein or whether it was recently constructed by the insurgents. But again, that bunker has now been destroyed.

Jennifer Eccleston, CNN, Baghdad. (END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Want to get back now to our breaking news out of the Supreme Court. Once again, the high court ruling that federal authorities do have the power to prosecute sick people who are using marijuana under doctors' orders. With more on this decision we have our legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, on the phone.

Jeff, good morning.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: Hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: Is this a matter of state versus federal rights?

TOOBIN: Well, that's one of the main aspects of the case. In fact, you know, one of the -- one of the things that made this case so interesting is that it had two ideas that the Bush administration both supports in conflict with each other because Republicans, like those in power now, tend to believe in states rights, but they also tend to believe in strong enforcement of the narcotics laws. And in this case, the Bush administration sided with enforcement of narcotics laws and in a major victory for the government, the federal government, the Supreme Court said the Bush administration was right -- that federal narcotics laws trump state laws that allow medical use of marijuana.

KAGAN: And so 10 states right now have medical marijuana laws on the books. Does this make those laws null and void?

TOOBIN: It's tough to say because the laws are all slightly different. But I think the odds overwhelmingly favor that these laws will be off the books at this point. So, I mean, this really does say, in convincing fashion, that if medical marijuana advocates want to get their views successfully presented, they have to go to Congress. They can't go to states because it's really the federal government in charge here.

KAGAN: So it's not just enough to get a state-by-state but you have to get federal law.

TOOBIN: And that's the real message is today.

KAGAN: And that's huge.

All right, Jeffrey Toobin, thank you for your take on that latest Supreme Court decision.

TOOBIN: Sure, Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, they've made their recommendations, not it's time for a progress report. Still to come, how well has the government followed their guidelines? A look at what's being done to keep you safe.

Gerri Willis is always on our team, trying to keep us safe from all sorts of stuff.

Hi, Ger.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Daryn.

What about your financial safety net? We'll tell you what you need to know when we continue.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Important question for you. Are you prepared for the unexpected, the loss of a job, a family member getting sick? Today we're about tackling a financial emergency. And our Gerri Willis is live in New York with some tips.

Good morning, Gerri.

WILLIS: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you.

You know, we talk about this all the time, you need some money in case an emergency happens. How much money do you need? Well think three months to nine months worth of living expenses to keep you and your family safe and whole. Where do you put the money? That's kind of complicated, too. Try a money market fund.

KAGAN: And what about beyond that? If you have to break into the piggy bank?

WILLIS: Well, the piggy bank, for most people, is their home. Their home equity. If you have a lot of home equity, you might want to get a home equity line of credit. Those are fairly inexpensive to get and, keep in mind, you only use it if you really need it and it can be free. So it's a great deal. What's more, you can write off your interest if you end up using that line of credit. It's a great idea. Also think about borrowing from your 401(k). Most companies will allow you to do that. But keep in mind, Daryn, you've got to pay the money back.

KAGAN: Oh, yes, there's that.

What about home owners' insurance?

WILLIS: Well, you know, if you have a problem with your house, you typically rely on home owners insurance but it's sometimes not enough, particularly if you're one of those people who's been in a situation of hurricanes, the mudslides in California. You made it. This can run into some big dollars. Fortunately, the federal government is there to help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency gives out not loans but freebie money to people in these situations. Maybe as much as $25,000. Of course, the catch here is that the president has to declare your area a disaster.

KAGAN: What if you are not home but rather overseas and have a big, financial emergency?

WILLIS: Well, you can always call on the consulate. The office of Americans Citizens Services -- I have to read that because it's so long -- can help you. They can help you connect with people back home who could send you money, wire you some funds so you can get back if you drop your wallet in the Nile.

KAGAN: And then there's one that really hits a lot of folks, medical bills and those kinds of emergencies.

WILLIS: Yes. Look, Daryn, the majority of people who are filing Chapter 11, it's often medical bills that are behind what happens to them, so you've really got to manage these carefully. Job number one, if you have a very big problem and you're in the hospital, talk to the hospital's main office about how you can schedule payments over time so you can get started and you can prove to them you're trying to pay your bill down. Of course, you can also tap into your IRA as well. But this is the big nut (ph) that people face, is paying those medical bills. You're going to have to tap other things as well, including your home equity and may require you to rethink what you're doing.

One quick note, Daryn. People who don't have insurance coverage, health insurance coverage, can face bills that are twice as high as people who do have insurance coverage. If that happens to you, you need to complain and complain loudly. There are some lawsuits out there's. You could get your bill reduced.

KAGAN: All right, Gerri, thank you. Those are some great tips.

WILLIS: You're welcome.

KAGAN: We're talking cell phones just ahead. Who do you think uses a cell phone more, men or women? Still to come, it's the battle of the sexes, wireless style. Who has the phone glued to their ears?

And it wasn't a cell phone that landed him in hot water. Up later, Russell Crowe erupts after a landline failed him.

(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