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Queen Elizabeth Visits Archaeological Dig Site; Victims of New Street Drug in the Dallas Area; Usher Talks About James Brown; Disappointing Picture of the Labor Market
Aired May 04, 2007 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: A very busy day, huh? Hello, everyone. I'm Don Lemon, live at the CNN world headquarters in Atlanta.
SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Susan Roesgen, filling in for Kyra Phillips.
It's nothing really to smile about. You say cheese to the police officers in Dallas, and they will tell you about a sinister new street drug, deadly, addictive, and cheap. We're on the story.
LEMON: And no cheese here, grilled or otherwise. It's not a drug, rockfish, lemon tart, a luncheon fit for a queen in Williamsburg, Virginia. She can wash it down tomorrow with juleps, of course, at the Kentucky Derby.
You are live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
We're looking at a stormy start to the weekend along the Gulf Coast.
Reynolds Wolf is at the map again to bring us the latest on what is happening there, especially in the New Orleans area of Louisiana -- Reynolds.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Absolutely, Susan.
It looks like the east side of New Orleans and points to the southeast really getting the worst of it at this point. However, if you are in downtown New Orleans, things may begin to clear up. Some of the intensity of rainfall should begin to die out.
But, still, a little bit farther back out to the west, we see a few pockets that are going to roll right through the city, everything drifting from the east to the -- actually, going from west to east, rather, and doing so at a pretty slow clip, only about 10 miles an hour or so.
So, we do have ground that's saturated. A lot of this is going to cause some runoff. So, flash flooding is going to be an issue. Right now, the strongest storms now drifting into Saint Bernard Parish just over the last hour, which, of course, has just been just a few -- a few minutes.
We have had only 23 strikes. But there have been thousands that have been forming just in southern Louisiana. Let's talk a bit more about that flooding. This is a flood watch that we have. All counties that you see -- or, rather, parishes that are shaded in green at this hour, this is your flood watch that should continue through the afternoon and through the evening, and possibly through the next couple of days, through the weekend itself, because we're expecting more rain, not just this evening, but through tomorrow, even into Monday as well.
Only part of the story is what we're seeing in -- along the Gulf Coast. As we make our way back over to the Central Plains, Northern Plains, it's going to be a tornado threat, big tornado threat that we have, because we have got a big system that's going to pull its way from the Rocky Mountains.
Got a lot of moist air that is just coming from the south, through Oklahoma City, back through Tulsa, through Amarillo, and it's going to run right into this boundary that's coming through. The daytime heating is going to cause this air mass to become very unstable. And, then, when you have the low-level jet stream that's going to kick in, all of this is going to come together to give us a good possibility of strong thunderstorms, possibly heavy rainfall, large hail, and damaging winds, and tornadoes.
It does appear, though, the best threat of this is going to occur, I would say, late afternoon and into the evening hours. So, early in this afternoon, we're talking about the Gulf Coast, but, later on today, the focus is going to shift up here into the Central Plains.
As we take a look at this big storm system, again, we have got the one-two punch for today. For tomorrow, this storm kind of comes together right into the Central Plains. And one of the reasons why we're seeing this, well, take a look at these temperatures. We have got a lot of cold air on this side of the country, warm air on this.
And it's going to be that big -- big contrast that causes a great deal of this instability, thus giving us the big storms we are going to see through the weekend.
That's the latest we have for you. Let's send it back to you at the news desk.
ROESGEN: OK. We will know that you will stay, watching it. Thanks, Reynolds.
WOLF: You bet.
ROESGEN: In other parts of the country, of course, the hotter it gets, the drier it gets and the faster the wildfires burn.
In Florida, the governor has declared a state of emergency, after 15 fires started in just one day. More than 90 percent of Florida is in a drought. And that holds true, as well, for Georgia. Wildfires have burned in the southern part of the Peach State for almost three weeks now.
This is the biggest one. It's burned more than 93,000 acres and destroyed an estimated $30 million worth of timber.
LEMON: Well, she spent the morning strolling through Jamestown, enjoyed a special luncheon with the governor of Virginia. And now Queen Elizabeth II and her royal entourage are headed for the College of William and Mary.
And CNN's Richard Quest joins us from an archaeological dig site, which her majesty seemed to get into.
I forgot, she had lunch with the vice president, as well, Richard.
RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely.
Well, Alan -- the former chairman of the Fed, Alan Greenspan, was there, the governor. And, in fact, the governor of Virginia made a joke about how Virginians love old things. You know, how many Virginians does it take to change a light bulb was his joke. It was seven, one to change the bulb, and six to talk about how much they preferred the old one.
So it goes. I suppose they thought that was amusing at the time.
But, anyway...
(LAUGHTER)
QUEST: We are down in the archaeological dig that was the fort 400 years ago of those original settlers.
If I'm being honest, this is probably, besides the Kentucky Derby, what I would imagine the queen most wanted to see. She was fascinated by seeing where the settlers were.
And some of the people that she met, she met David, and she met Danny, who talked her through this site.
What did she -- what did the queen say to you?
DANNY SCHMIDT, STAFF ARCHAEOLOGIST, THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUITIES: Well, she came down on the site, and she thanked us for what we have done all these years, and talked about how the landscape has changed since 1957, when she was here 50 years ago.
QUEST: Did -- and what -- she was interested in what you were excavating?
(CROSSTALK)
DAVID GIVENS, STAFF ARCHAEOLOGIST, THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUITIES: Yes. I was working on sifting some of the soil through a screen. And I showed her an English tobacco pipe bowl, and then thanked her for coming to James Fort, welcomed her to James Fort. It's very exciting.
QUEST: So, by and large, did it seem to you that this was really -- the queen -- was absolutely what she wanted?
SCHMIDT: Yes. She actually said that this was fascinating, and it was wonderful to be down here in the excavations, in the start, the birthplace of America.
QUEST: Because, you have to remember, when the queen was here 50 years ago, none of this was exposed. It was all thought to have been washed away. So, it's not surprising, Danny and David, that, by the time she got to lunch, she was absolutely interested and agog.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
QUEEN ELIZABETH II, UNITED KINGDOM: Prince Philip and I are happy to be back in Williamsburg, 50 years after our last visit.
Some of the most vivid memories of the early years of my reign are from that first visit here in 1957. Before I arrived in America this time, I had heard much about the changes and new discoveries that I would find both in Jamestown and in Williamsburg, but descriptions cannot prepare you for the reality. My visits to the Jamestown settlement and historic Jamestown this morning were fascinating.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUEST: And that is very much very unusual for the queen, the talking in those sort of terms.
So, Don, when the queen saw that, even today, they are still excavating and still finding some old armor, some sword hilts over there in the corner -- I mean, it looks like old iron to me, but the experts tell me that's what it is.
So, s you can see, the royal visit is generating even more interest and more excitement. And now she's off to the College of William and Mary. I have got to be careful how I say that, rather than William and Mary College.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: You know what? You have been there all day. You may as well roll up your sleeves and get down in the dirt and help out, Richard. You are up for that?
QUEST: You know, I -- you really want to see me, as we finish this, getting down there...
LEMON: Go ahead.
QUEST: ... and helping out?
LEMON: If you're going to do it.
QUEST: All right. I need -- would somebody come and assist me?
(LAUGHTER)
QUEST: Would somebody come and assist me?
(LAUGHTER)
QUEST: Here we go.
All right, guys, you carry on with what you are doing. Leave the -- leave it to the expert. We're going down to excavate.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch your step.
ROESGEN: I hope he doesn't destroy anything.
(CROSSTALK)
LEMON: Careful out -- down there, Richard Quest.
ROESGEN: Careful. That's 400 years of history. Don't mess it up.
LEMON: Absolutely.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: Be careful, Richard.
QUEST: Right. Now, I am being told -- what do you mean, be careful?
ROESGEN: Watch where you step.
QUEST: That's fine for you in the cheap -- that's fine for you in the cheap seats.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: I would say we have pretty good seats here.
ROESGEN: Yes.
QUEST: Right.
LEMON: It's cool in the studio.
(LAUGHTER)
QUEST: Right. No.
ROESGEN: Just don't step on anything valuable, OK?
QUEST: Yes, I'm not stepping. I am excavating.
(CROSSTALK)
ROESGEN: OK. QUEST: I am bringing history to reality.
ROESGEN: Alive.
QUEST: Do you mind?
(LAUGHTER)
QUEST: Actually, it's fascinating.
LEMON: Richard Quest, we're going to leave it at that. Good luck with your new gig there.
(CROSSTALK)
ROESGEN: Yes.
LEMON: Yes.
ROESGEN: We want to see what he finds. But..
LEMON: I will take the profits from the extra salary you got.
QUEST: Thank you.
LEMON: Richard Quest, thank you so much, at historic William -- historic Jamestown.
ROESGEN: It will never be the same. Jamestown will never be the same...
LEMON: Never be the same.
ROESGEN: ... not after the queen's visit, nor Richard's visit.
LEMON: All right.
We're going from royalty to the White House. There you go. The president hasn't shown up, but you're looking at Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the White House. Oh, yes, he is there. He's in the front row, but he hasn't started dancing yet. That's what we're all waiting for.
That's the mariachi band who is playing. It's called -- Mari Ari Aga (ph) is the name of the mariachi band. You see the president right there in the middle of the crowd, as we take that shot. There he goes.
He's waiting for that band. Was it last week or the week before he did that -- you know, his little dance with the band from Africa?
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: They were talking about malaria. Well, now he's with the mariachi band.
Let's see how he's -- how his mariachi -- what dance do you call that, when you do it with a mariachi band?
Let me tell you who is attending this. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is there with his wife. Secretary Carlos Gutierrez is there with his wife, and a whole bunch of dignitaries. Of course, the vice president is with the queen of England, at least was, having lunch with her just a short time ago. So, he probably will not make it.
But, this is the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House. Do we want to listen in or do we want to move on? Let's listen for a little bit.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING SPANISH) is very near Texas. And that, from Monterey, we went to (SPEAKING SPANISH)
(MUSIC)
LEMON: Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House, great music there.
The CNN NEWSROOM continues right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: It is 13 past the hour. Here are three of the stories we're working on for you here in the CNN NEWSROOM.
For the second day in a row, severe storms are rumbling through southern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Our Reynolds Wolf is keeping a close watch on the developments.
Saint Louis police say Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk when he crashed his SUV into a tow truck last weekend. He was killed instantly. Police also found marijuana in Hancock's vehicle -- vehicle.
Queen Elizabeth toured historic Jamestown, Virginia, today, 400 years after the first English settlers arrived there. The queen also visited colonial Williamsburg. Tomorrow's stops include the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
ROESGEN: And part of the reason that we have been making such a big deal about the queen's visit, that everyone seems so excited about, it is because it's her first visit here in 16 years and her first visit to Jamestown, as she mentioned, in five decades.
Why does she make the trip across the pond so rarely?
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams joins us now in London -- Richard.
RICHARD FITZWILLIAMS, ROYAL COMMENTATOR: Hello.
I think that it's very important, as a symbol of the friendship between two English-speaking nations, one, the world's superpower, and the other, Britain, which likes to feel it punches perhaps above its weight because of its relationship with America. And the queen is a symbol, I think, of friendship. And, if you look back at previous visits, they have all been at times of considerable importance. As you say, this commemorates 400 years since the settlement at Jamestown. But, also, it's quite a sensitive time, after the Iraq war and the insurgency there.
One thinks back 50 years ago, when the queen came for the first time in 1957, during the tenure of President Eisenhower, and that was after the Suez crisis. And there was a certain amount of healing to be done. So, I think that the queen is looking forward to this, with the Kentucky Derby tomorrow, but, also, it's of symbolic importance.
ROESGEN: Richard, how is it being perceived, her trip in London there, where you are?
FITZWILLIAMS: I think that people feel that four visits over a reign of over 50 years isn't perhaps very many. But they have been very meaningful, just because the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States is so very important.
There was, after all, the queen's visit to mark the American bicentennial in 1976, when President Ford, rather memorably, whirled the queen around the White House ballroom, at the tune of "The Lady Is a Tramp."
(LAUGHTER)
FITZWILLIAMS: And, then, in 1991, there was the famous visit where, during George Bush Sr.'s term as president, the queen came after the Gulf War. But there was the famous hatless occasion, where the queen spoke to the press corps, and they could only see the so- called talking hat. So, she made a joke when she addressed both houses of Congress.
But these occasions, they are memorable. There's a certain pageantry and color about them. And, also, the queen, at 81, over eight days, is doing a tremendous amount. And I'm sure she will be very warmly welcomed. The press here think very favorably of it. It is important, symbolically.
And, of course, there have been many important visits here by American presidents. She had a particularly warm relationship with President Reagan.
ROESGEN: You know, Richard, when we think about the queen's grandsons, there was a report earlier, I think, in the London tabloids that Prince Harry would not be going to Iraq, because it's just so dangerous over there. Is that true? What are you hearing about the prince's service?
FITZWILLIAMS: Well, the prince's service, basically, it's been announced that he would go. Then it was announced that they were wavering on it, because it would be considerably dangerous. Then it was announced again that he would go. But it has now been put on hold. I think the idea is that he should have a chance to serve in the line of fire, because, if he wants to make the military his career -- and he said he does -- some 20 to 30 years, if that's the case, then I think, just as the duke of York did in the Falklands, the queen's second son, he should be allowed to see action.
But what we don't want is to tell the insurgents anything that they should not already know. That's the problem with the press coverage. It's a tricky matter for the military.
ROESGEN: Sure.
You know, what I'm thinking here is that we have so much coverage of the queen's visit. And then you have every young girl in England going gaga over Harry and William. But lost in the middle there is Prince Charles. What is he up to these days?
FITZWILLIAMS: Well, the prince of Wales, remember, he's -- last year, he celebrated the 30th anniversary of his trust. He's up to making lots of speeches about his favorite topics.
For example, 1970, the prince was talking about the environment. I mean, that's on every politician's list now -- lips now, and also interreligious harmony. Homeopathy, he's very big in that debate, and also organic farming.
The prince, in point of fact, is extremely busy. But there's been no particular incident which has brought him into the limelight since Clarence House won a lawsuit against the "News of the World" royal reporter for a form of bugging.
So, broadly speaking, I think he's looking forward to the future, but continuing his personal interests. Royals don't always like being in the news.
ROESGEN: Yes.
FITZWILLIAMS: I think he's probably glad, sometimes, to be out of it, and also glad...
ROESGEN: OK.
FITZWILLIAMS: ... that the queen, a remarkable figure, is getting a lot of coverage in America.
ROESGEN: She sure is. Thanks, Richard.
Sometimes, it's better to be below the radar for the royals.
Thank so much, Richard Fitzwilliams in London.
LEMON: Well, coming up, a check of the severe weather and a look at the latest sunny report on climate change.
You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: Straight to the NEWSROOM now, several developing stories, T.J. Holmes on top of it for us.
What do you have, T.J.?
T.J. HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: First, we want to take you to a live picture out of Brooklyn, New York. This is the Dyker Heights neighborhood section of Brooklyn, where, apparently, right now a person is trapped, after a trench collapsed.
This is information coming to us from WABC, as well as this live picture coming to us from our affiliate WABC. But they are reporting on their Web site information that a worker was working in this trench when it just collapsed.
You can see a good collection, a -- looks like a large crowd even, but a lot of emergency workers there, trying feverishly and working hard to try to get this worker out -- again, this information coming to us WABC -- apparently, a man trapped in there.
This hole that he is in now is some eight feet deep and three feet wide. Reports of this came in not too long ago, about a half- hour or so ago. So, it doesn't seem like he's been there too long, but, certainly, a lot of people there working pretty hard, trying to get this worker out.
Don't know about what kind of condition he may be in, if they are able to communicate with him. It's just a matter of trying to find a way to get him out, but don't know if he will need to be tended to medically and what kind of shape he's in.
But this is something we're keeping an eye on, this live picture here. Don't have a wider shot or get a different or bigger or wider perspective of this area. But right now we know that a trench has collapsed, and it appears that at least one worker is trapped down there.
We're keeping an eye on that for you.
LEMON: All right, T.J., you got another story, don't you, another developing story, as well?
HOLMES: OK, yes. We're sticking with the -- moving now to the total opposite coast, moving out to the San Diego area, and moving to California, to Vista, California, specifically.
This is about 40 miles or so just north of San Diego, where we know that three schools are right now in lockdown in the area of Olive Elementary School. That's one of the main ones here in this area -- but three schools we know of in lockdown, keeping everybody in place, because of reports of someone with a gun that was around the school -- no reports of a gun in the school, this person having anything to do with the school.
But the report is that someone had a gun, and they were somewhere in the area of the school. The schools have been locked down, three of them, just as a precaution. Right now, police believe this person may have a rifle.
Right now, again, no shots being fired, no one injured, no one shot, but just the police taking precaution, because reports of somebody with a weapon, with a gun, that is somewhere near these schools. Schools are in lockdown. Just want to keep you abreast of what's going on out there, and give you any kind of update we may get -- but, right now, again, not anybody with a gun in the school, anything affiliated with the school, associated, just police taking precaution, because someone was spotted with a gun near the school.
So, we're keeping an eye on both those things for you -- Don.
LEMON: All right, school problems in California, and then also a trench collapse in New York -- T.J. Holmes on top of both of them.
We will check back if you get some more information. Thanks, T.J.
HOLMES: Sure thing.
ROESGEN: In business news, a new report -- we have been hearing for some time now that the economy is slowing. And the latest jobs report doesn't look very good.
Felicia Taylor is at the New York Stock Exchange -- Felicia.
FELICIA TAYLOR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Susan.
The monthly jobs reports is one of the most important economic reports we get. And this one does not paint a very rosy picture of the labor market. Employers added just 88,000 jobs in April. That's less than expected and the smallest amount in more than two years. In addition, job gains in February and March were weaker than originally thought.
Meantime, the unemployment rate edged slightly higher to 4.5 percent. Job losses are now spreading beyond manufacturing, into retailing, construction and financial services -- Susan.
ROESGEN: So, overall, what does that mean, Felicia? What is next for us?
TAYLOR: Basically, it shows that the job market is tightening a little bit, but it's not collapsing.
The unemployment rate is still very low, by historical standards. But worker pay isn't going up very much. And that actually is a good sign for inflation. Because of that, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady at 5.25 percent when it meets next week.
Despite the coming news about inflation, it has been a somewhat choppy session on Wall Street -- the Dow industrials trying once again for another record close, up right now by 27 points, although that is off of the session's earlier highs. The Nasdaq composite, for its part, is up just fractionally by four points.
That index, though, is getting a boost from an 11 percent gain in shares of Yahoo!. Microsoft is reportedly renewing its efforts to buy the search engine. Another possible deal, news provider Reuters Group says it has been approached by an unidentified third party about a takeover. Reuters shares that trade here in the U.S. are soaring 25 percent.
Coming up: The Dow hit three straight record highs this week. We are going to be watching to see if today will mark a fourth. I will bring you the closing bell live in 30 minutes -- Don and Susan, back to you.
ROESGEN: OK. We will be waiting. Thanks.
LEMON: Oh, the hats, the drinks, the odds, oh, and, of course, the horses, no doubt.
Look at that, Churchill Downs. Kentucky Derby, that's where it's going to happen. The 133rd Kentucky Derby surely will not disappoint. It is a race fit for a queen. That's because she's going to be there.
We're live from Churchill Downs, coming up right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: It is a very stormy start to the weekend for some parts of the country. Our Reynolds Wolf can show us where the worst weather is hitting right now.
(WEATHER REPORT)
ROESGEN: Well, some people are afraid that it might be kind of sloppy at the Kentucky Derby tomorrow. And, you know, it's not just bad for the horses. It's bad for all the folks with the hats, including our Mary Jo Mitchell, who is there with a fantastic ensemble today.
And we know that all day we've been talking about the excitement there, anticipating Queen Elizabeth's arrival.
MARY JO MITCHELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, they call it the sport of kings, but this is definitely a derby fit for a queen. They are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Queen Elizabeth tomorrow at the Kentucky Derby.
It's going to be her first derby, but it's actually fulfilling a life-long dream for her. She's had a love affair with horses since she was a young child. She's actually been to Kentucky several times about a decade ago to deal with some of the horses that she was involved in their breeding. But she's never been to the derby.
So, as special as it is for the people in Louisville and here at the derby, it's just as special for the queen. In fact, you can actually bet online about what kind of hat she's going to be wearing, what color it will be, if it will have feathers or not. So even her attire is now in the spirit of betting.
ROESGEN: What are they saying there about the weather, Mary Jo? Are they saying it's going to be a wet race?
MITCHELL: Well, it could be. We've seen rain here on and off so far today. And the track has been sloppy so far for the races on the under card today -- in today's races.
Tomorrow night be a little bit better, we're hearing. Some spotty showers off and on. But it's been dry here for about the past two or three hours. So it's getting better. It's still muddy, though.
ROESGEN: You know, I had read once that you can't really just go to the Kentucky Derby. That you need tickets to sit in the stands and watch, like, months or maybe a year in advance. Is that right?
MITCHELL: Yes. To get some of the good seats, you might have to start planning right now to get here next year. But you can get into the infield, which is a little bit of a crazy scene.
Certainly the queen won't be showing up in the infield, I can guarantee you that. It's pretty rowdy. And with this rain, it's going to be pretty messy in there, too.
ROESGEN: Well, I hope you have a great time tomorrow. Thanks so much.
Mary Jo Mitchell, reporting live for us from Churchill Downs.
So, you know, we've got the hats and the horses. But also, it would not be the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep.
They are really potent if you've never had one. Bourbon, and, of course, mint. But a New York woman went way beyond what you'd normally pay for one. She paid $22,222 -- two must be her lucky number -- for a mint julep cup that honors last year's derby winner, Barbaro.
It's a gold-plated cup. It was offered at a charity auction to benefit retired race horses and injured jockeys. So it went to a good cause.
And, of course, Barbaro, you know, had a broken leg in the Preakness (ph) two weeks after winning the derby, and then he had to be euthanized back in January. So this is a good benefit for aging horses and aging, injured jockeys.
LEMON: Twenty-two thousand dollars?
ROESGEN: $22,222, yes.
LEMON: That's an expensive drink. It better be good.
(CROSSTALK)
LEMON: All right. Well, a very serious story. On the streets it's called cheese. And cops call it the new crack.
It is cheap. It is a killer. And we'll tell you about it straight ahead in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: We have a developing story for you. Let's check in the NEWSROOM.
T.J., what do you have?
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: A couple of stories we're working on here.
The first, we'll take you to a live picture out of Brooklyn, New York, from our affiliate WABC, where it appears -- or we do know that a trench, at least, has collapsed. But unconfirmed reports right now whether or not there is someone trapped down there after that trench collapse.
You are looking at this live picture. And we've been watching this for the past several minutes now. But a pretty good collection of firefighters and rescue workers have been working and going at it pretty hard trying to dig something out of that trench.
This trench collapsed. This happened -- now looking at least a little over a half an hour ago. And these -- and these firefighters, rescue workers, have been trying pretty hard and working pretty hard to dig something out.
We've seen them pulling out dirt and using different things and tools to maneuver. But the fire department not able to confirm to us right now that there actually is someone trapped down there. But every major local affiliate there in New York is reporting, in fact, that there is a worker who is trapped in that trench that they are trying to get out. So, some differing reports right now of whether or not there actually is someone down there.
The other major story we will go to on the other coast. We'll head out to California.
This picture here you're looking at is out of Vista, California, 40 miles or so north of San Diego, where several schools now in lockdown. At least three schools in lockdown after reports of a gunman who was located or spotted near one of the schools. One of those schools is Olive Elementary School.
The reports we are getting now is that there is a lockdown and someone was spotted with a gun. But again, as we're monitoring the affiliates out there and their Web site, they are all reporting that in fact the initial reports were of shots fired. We do not have any reports of anyone being shot, anyone being injured.
But again, right now, we do know the schools are in lockdown for the safety of the kids after a gunman was spotted. But again, the local affiliates are reporting at least that the initial reports were that shots were actually fired, but still no word on anybody's injuries.
So we're keeping an eye on both of those stories. And as we get more specifics, certainly more details to be had and to fill in, we will bring those to you guys.
LEMON: Let's hope there are no injuries to go with that.
Thanks, T.J.
ROESGEN: And another scary story. Nineteen teenagers have been killed in the past two years in the Dallas area. They are victims of a new street drug called cheese.
The police say it's popular with young people because it's cheap. It only costs about $2 to get a hit of it. And health officials say it's the most instantly addictive and deadly drug since crack cocaine.
Our CNN medical correspondent, Elizabeth Cohen, talked to us earlier today about this latest drug threat.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: It's called cheese heroin because it looks like parmesan cheese. And the counselors that we talked to said they have never seen anything like it.
Let's look specifically at it, because it's not just heroin.
What this drug is, is heroin mixed with over-the-counter nighttime cold medication. What these kids do is they take that capsule, the over-the-counter medicine, and they crush it, and they mix it with the heroin, and then they snort it. So that's what this new drug is.
And the counselors we talked to said it is especially popular with the 10 to 12-year-old set. They said they have one girl in their rehab hospital who her friend gave it to her as a birthday present, if you can believe that.
The clinic says that a year ago, 80 percent of their pediatric patients were addicted to marijuana. Now, just one year later, 80 percent of their patients are addicted to this cheese heroin.
ROESGEN: Well, what makes the combination so dangerous?
COHEN: Really, it's the price. I mean, when you get down to it, of course it's the heroin and what it's mixed with.
ROESGEN: Right, sure.
COHEN: But really, the price in a way is what makes it so addictive. It's very easy access to this drug. It's easy to take it the first time. It's easy to keep on taking it.
There are stories that kids are buying this stuff with their lunch money. Instead of having lunch, they'll buy a few hits of this stuff.
And what we're told is that, of course, the heroin causes awful health problems. But in addition, they are taking so much of this cold medicine, the kids are also turning up with liver problems because of the cold medicine.
ROESGEN: Is this just a problem in the Dallas area, or have you heard reports of it other places?
COHEN: You know, we asked that question of a rehab hospital that has clinics in many different parts of the country. They said that it clearly is the worst in the Dallas area. They're not sure why it started there. But they said it has spread to other pockets and other parts of the country.
They said it started out mostly among Hispanic youth. But they said that now black, white, Hispanic, rich, poor, they said they're seeing a lot of variation.
ROESGEN: Something else for parents to try to find, try to watch out for.
COHEN: That's right, try to watch out for.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Well, there is a little less secrecy today surrounding Secret Service protection for Barack Obama. Agents were on the job as the Democratic senator and presidential hopeful went about his business in New York.
A Secret Service spokesman says he isn't aware of threats against Obama. But fellow Senator Richard Durbin -- Dick Durbin -- says disturbing information of a racial bent helped prompt yesterday's decision by the Department of Homeland Security. Enormous crowds at Obama's events were also a factor.
ROESGEN: We've talked a lot today about the Kentucky Derby and the queen being there. Have you ever imagined owning a racehorse and actually cheering for it as it comes down the stretch in the Kentucky Derby? Today we bring you the story of someone who retired from Wall Street with the hope of getting to the winner's circle at this year's race.
Ali Velshi has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALI VELSHI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The Kentucky Derby, the Run for the Roses. It's the horserace of horse races.
Jim Scatuorchio is betting on Scat Daddy, a horse he co-owns. Jim says investing in horses is as risky, if not more so, than trading stocks.
JIM SCATUORCHIO, CO-OWNS RACE HORSES: I worked on Wall Street for over 30 years at one particular firm, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. And all those years I had some involvement in horse racing.
VELSHI: While he worked on Wall Street, Jim invested in racehorses with small groups of people. He liked it and made enough money off of it that he decided to spend more time and more money on the ponies after he retired in 1998.
SCATUORCHIO: Well, I was fortunate to get involved with a horse called Tail the Cat. That was successful in a partnership I was in. And after that, I went on my own. And then right about the time of my retirement, I came up with a horse called More than Ready that ran the 2000 derby and finished 4th, and now it's more of a business.
VELSHI: Scatuorchio now owns about 30 horses, and he says they can be more unruly than the traders he used to manage on Wall Street. Despite it being a business, don't think Scatuorchio is immune to the emotions of race day.
SCATUORCHIO: Owning a racehorse is an experience like none you've ever experienced. I say when you stop getting cotton mouth two minutes before they go into the gate, then you probably shouldn't own a racehorse anymore. And I still get it, so it's quite a thrill.
VELSHI: Ali Velshi, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Soul, funk, rap, all there. The unmistakable imprint of James Brown. A look at Brown's legacy straight ahead in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: There is absolutely no doubt that James Brown is an icon of the music industry. From soul, funk, to rhythm and blues, he influenced generations of artists and genres.
Now, I spoke to R&B superstar Usher about Brown's impact for my Special Investigations Unit report, "James Brown: The Real Story," airing this weekend.
Check it out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: So, your favorite is what?
USHER, SINGER: Man, it's from "Jam" to "Get Up Offa That Thing," "I'm Black and I'm Proud," "Sex Machine".
LEMON (SINGING): Get on up, stay on the scene. Get on up...
USHER (SINGING): Get on up, like a sex machine
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (SINGING): Get on up. Get on up.
JAMES BROWN, SINGER: Stay on the scene! UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (SINGING): Get on up.
BROWN (SINGING): Sex machine.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (SINGING): Get on up.
LEMON: Funk.
USHER: Funk. The most important ingredient.
LEMON (voice over): Usher honored Brown at the 2005 Grammy Awards.
USHER: I gave 100 percent of myself when I did my solo. I came off the trampoline, and I did a little locking, and I did a little footwork. Made a split and came back up. Touched myself, put my handkerchief back in, and now you see from which it comes -- James Brown.
He comes down. We share a moment. And it's history.
That's history for me, man. I am so happy that I was able to share it with him.
LEMON (on camera): And I can see that it's real, because your face is lighting up when you are talking about this man.
USHER: Yes. Just to be able to get that close to him and see him move was amazing.
LEMON: What did he talk to you about?
USHER: He talked to me about putting a positive message in the world for our youth. I had to get real close to him in order to hear each and every word. I am like, "What is he saying?" You know -- "We've got to teach the kids, teach the babies." You know, "We've got to teach the kids."
He used his music truly to speak to the masses.
LEMON: Let's talk a little bit more about his contribution. At one point, his face couldn't even be on the records.
USHER: Black faces, period, couldn't be on records at one point in time. And there was something different in the way he conducted his business that made a difference. He would have the leverage to say, if you want me to give you my music, then you're going to have to put my face on the front of this album cover.
LEMON: He's the most sampled artist in history. Surprising?
USHER: No.
LEMON: Have you ever sampled him?
USHER: Have I ever sampled him? LEMON: Or recorded one of his songs?
USHER: Stay tuned.
BROWN (SINGING): Want to get on the good foot? Oh!
USHER: Can you get on the good foot?
LEMON: I can't dance.
Usher is asking me to dance.
BROWN (SINGING): Get up off of that thing and dance. You better. Get up off of that thing and dance. Sing it now.
USHER: If you have ever as an R&B artist or a pop artist moved your feet and got on the good foot, then you need to give it up for James Brown, because my man definitely made it possible for us to do what we do. All right?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Oh, boy. Well, there is a lot more where that came from.
Don't miss "James Brown: The Real Story," my report for the CNN Special Investigations Unit. It airs Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 Eastern only here on CNN.
And make sure you log on to CNN.com/jamesbrown. There's a whole thing in the dot-com about the story, including a "Reporter's Notebook" that I wrote about behind the scenes and what I learned about James Brown -- Susan.
ROESGEN: You know, your excitement for this story is just infectious. And you went so crazy earlier today with Tony Harris that we felt that we should, you know, let viewers who didn't see this see you really making those moves.
LEMON: Don't embarrass me, please.
ROESGEN: It wasn't embarrassing. It was great. Here it is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: Wow!
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Didn't see that coming.
LEMON: It makes you want to dance. Come on, Tony.
HARRIS: Would have liked a warning. Would have liked a warning. Didn't see that coming.
LEMON: Get on the good foot. Get on the good foot.
HARRIS: Good stuff. Good stuff. (END VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: Oh.
ROESGEN: In slow motion even.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: Wow. Look at Tony's face. OK. That's enough. We can move on now.
ROESGEN: That was great. Imitation is the...
LEMON: Best form of flattery, as they say.
ROESGEN: The highest form of flattery.
LEMON: And you know what? James Brown was a legend. So, to imitate him, it's amazing. It was amazing.
ROESGEN: We'll be watching that special.
LEMON: I am thoroughly embarrassed. All right. I'm going away now.
ROESGEN: All right.
Don't you go away, because the closing bell and a wrap of all the action on Wall Street is straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWSBREAK)
LEMON: The closing bell is about to ring on Wall Street.
ROESGEN: And Felicia Taylor is there with a final look at the trading day.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
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