Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Wicked Weather in Northeast; New Protests Over Independent Kosovo; Did Hillary Clinton Gain Ground on Barack Obama?

Aired February 22, 2008 - 11:00   ET

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

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning again, everyone. You're with CNN. You're informed. I'm Tony Harris.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Hi everybody. I'm Heidi Collins.

Developments keep coming into the CNN NEWSROOM, that's for sure, on Friday morning, the 22nd of February.

Here's what's on the rundown. Snow, snow days in the northeast. Fierce winter weather ties up travelers from Washington to New York to Boston.

HARRIS: Texas showdown, did Hillary Clinton gain any ground on Barack Obama? Sizing up the CNN debate.

COLLINS: New protests over an independent Kosovo. Today the U.S. evacuating some embassy staffers and warning Serbia, in the NEWSROOM.

HARRIS: Boy, at the top of this hour, a fierce winter storm putting the northeast in a paralyzing deep freeze. The snow can be a lot of fun, but this mix, I don't know. Snow, sleet and freezing rain causing massive flight disruptions and dangerous driving conditions.

Right now we are covering the story from all angles. Our senior correspondent Allan Chernoff is in snow covered New York. Meteorologist Rob Marciano is in the CNN weather center. Rob, let's start with you. Boston just moments ago, boy, the folks there at Logan International Airport clearly prepare for what's to come.

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yeah. They're the next stop on the snow train, so to speak.

By the way keep an eye on the column there to the right, shows you all sorts of updated information including air travel and your latest radar. Speaking of air travel, HBN, Westchester County closed. New York City at JFK, 4:20 for delays. Showing you these numbers. If you're at the airport, I apologize. These are average delays. Of course there's a slew of flights that have been canceled.

All right. We've got snow in New York. You go down the pipe here, in Jersey and the rain/snow line is marching steadily towards the north. 32 degrees in New York. 31 degrees in Dover. 33 now in D.C.

Quick shot of La Guardia Airport, check it out. Queens there, just over the bridge, yeah, a little encouraging news in that we have some rain drops on the lens, or at least it looks like it wants to start to warm up there but the snow in some cases blowing sideways.

Philadelphia, same deal. Just a little bit warmer. You haven't seen nearly as much snow but you can still see it there on the rooftops of downtown Philadelphia. Downtown New York and the surrounding suburbs, borough, we do still have the radar kind of, when it starts to fall apart it looks like it wants to fill in just a little bit.

Here's your storm rolling up toward the east coast, Boston, you're going to get it. You'll get six to ten inches of snow. Hartford, same deal. New York City, you've already seen four and change. You can see as much as two or three more inches of snow.

Also want to talk about the southeast because we do have severe weather, the potential thereof, this line rolling lieu the Florida panhandle and Pensacola and southern parts of Georgia. This is beneficial rain but it does have some punch with it as far as some winds. Also flash flood watches and warnings. I haven't been able to say that for the southeast. This is beneficial rain.

We've got rain across the west coast as well, from San Francisco down to San Diego. Even have some snow in the mountains along and around Los Angeles, above about 6,000 feet. So both ends of the country getting hit with some wintry weather.

HARRIS: What a weather day for you, Mr. Marciano. Good to see you. Thank you.

COLLINS: Well, let's go outside for a bit, shouldn't we? Allan Chernoff standing by, kind of having fun with it so far because of the big, beautiful flakes that are falling down all around you there, Allan. As we've been hearing all morning long, just a mess in places like New York.

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: No question, the entire New York City, metropolitan area is blanketed with this gorgeous snow. It looks pretty but it is a mess, especially as Rob said, at the airports. Not only are we having extensive delays but many airlines have canceled tons of flights. American Airlines, for example, 33 flights already in departures canceled, arrivals about the same number as well. The list goes on and on. Southwest telling us about 20 percent of their flights have been canceled into this area.

So the numbers are going to be growing as the day goes on. And you can see why. This snow just coming down.

In terms of the roadways, well, here in Manhattan, not all that bad. Certainly you can get around because there's simply so much traffic. It is pretty slushy. Once you get to the curb, just have a look over here. You've got lots of water, slush, and it's only going to get worse because more snow is being piled on into the curb. And as Rob said, we're going to be getting rain later in the day. So the situation will be getting very, very messy.

The commuter railroads as well have delays, 10, 20 minutes approximately for New Jersey transit and also for Long Island railroad. But for the people here, walking the streets of New York, not much of a problem. And right here in front of Time Warner Center, that is thanks to these gentlemen who have been going back and forth since 6:00 in the morning, ten gentlemen here, they've been shoveling, they've been sweeping, and that's why we have hardly any snow right here in front of the building. They want to make sure there are no accidents here.

COLLINS: Yeah. Boy, I hope not. All right. Allan Chernoff, thanks so much, right outside Time Warner Center there in Columbus Circle. Thanks, Allan.

When the weather becomes the news, remember to send us your I- reports. If you're stuck at the airport, send us your pictures.

HARRIS: Yeah.

COLLINS: How about that? Should get some interesting ones. Go to CNN.com and click on I-report or type ireport@CNN.com into your cell phone.

HARRIS: OK. Breaking news from the justice department. Republican Congressman Rick Renzi indicted. The federal charges stem from alleged land deals in Arizona. CNN's Brianna Keilar is following the story for us from our Washington bureau. Brianna?

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. This is Arizona Republican Congressman Rick Renzi. He's been indicted in his home state of Arizona; 35 counts in this indictment that include conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, insurance fraud and criminal forfeiture among the items. This stems from an investigation of him for allegedly using his position as a member of congress to promote the sale of land that was owned by his former partner.

Authorities say that Renzi's relationship with that partner made money both for the partner and also for Renzi's father. This is an investigation that had been under way for some time.

And just to give you a little on the back story of Renzi. He stepped down from a key post on the House Intelligence Committee about a year ago here. He had already announced that he wasn't going to be running for re-election when his term expired this year.

At this point, his office is not commenting on this. They're referring all calls to his -- to Renzi's lawyers. At this point, we're efforting a response from his lawyer. We're also awaiting a news conference from federal prosecutors. That's going to be coming from Phoenix, Arizona, here in about 25 minutes at 11:30 Eastern Time, Tony.

HARRIS: OK. Brianna, I know you're pulling the pieces of the story together for us today. Brianna Keilar in Washington. Brianna, thanks.

COLLINS: This news we're just getting in now from multiple affiliates. Different television stations across the Dallas area are now reporting the officer that we told you about involved in this crash scene in the motorcade for Hillary Clinton on the way to Dallas has apparently died. Again, the officer, a female officer who was riding in the motorcade for Hillary Clinton to Dallas, according to the local affiliates there, many of them now reporting that officer has died.

We have been in touch with our producer there who is traveling with the Hillary Clinton group to this rally that -- at least we know at this point, will still be happening. We have not gotten word on that yet.

We know that the senator is obviously very concerned about this situation. We are trying to get more information on that side of things.

But from what our producer tells us, apparently this officer was thrown about 30 or 40 feet from the bike, motorcycle. Her helmet was tossed to the other side of the road. And now you see some of this video from a little bit earlier today from all of the police and firemen who responded to the scene.

Once again, according to our affiliates, many of the affiliates in the Dallas area, they are now reporting that that officer in the motorcade has died. We will continue to follow this story out of Dallas for you.

HARRIS: And also developing this hour, evacuations beginning at the U.S. embassy in Belgrade. This comes after a night of violent attacks on the embassy. We will hear from CNN's State Department Zain Verjee in a moment but first, our Alessio Vinci reports from the Serbian capital.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The situation here in Belgrade, one day of the U.S. embassy was attacked is calm but the U.S. embassy is now evacuating all nonessential personnel from Serbia. We do understand though that the ambassador will remain here in Belgrade.

The embassy at this time, a few Serb policemen are securing the ground. Some of them are wearing anti-riot gear. The damage is still evident, smashed windows, blackened by the fire of last night.

A U.S. embassy spokesman told me that the embassy is closed today, Friday, will remain closed over the weekend to allow U.S. officials to assess the damage and they are planning to reopen it on Tuesday next week.

Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador told CNN that he is disappointed at the insufficient police response after the attacks last night. He said that he is also not satisfied with the public response of the Serb officials and he has singled out in particular the Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica. He said Mr. Kostunica should condemn publicly violence last night. He should also make sure that that will not happen again and he should say that publicly and he should also should deeds to back up his words. So strong words coming here from the U.S. ambassador on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Serbian president has convened, is planning to convene his national security counsel. In a statement he is actually condemning the violence of last night and the looting of not just the -- against the embassy but also against shops around town. But he also said he's expecting a full report from his security officials to come to the bottom of what exactly happened last night here in Belgrade.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: We'll stay on top of that story throughout the day as well. It seems to be still developing there in Serbia.

Meanwhile, want to talk about this one, too. He answered his critics. That's for sure. Now John McCain is campaigning in the Midwest and getting some conservative backing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: I want to get you the latest now on what's happening in Belgrade. Reaction, in fact, from Washington. I want to go live to our CNN State Department correspondent Zain Verjee this morning. Good morning to you Zain.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi. Just a fresh indication of just how seriously the United States is taking the situation on the ground in Belgrade. It's dealing with the situation on many different fronts. But just moments ago the State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said this. He said that the U.S. ambassador to Serbia has put in an official request to the State Department to evacuate all families and non-emergency, nonessential personnel to leave Serbia. We understand that that is likely to be granted and will probably be signed off at the State Department this morning.

Families and non-essential personnel will be staged, he said, in a different country around the region. And when the situation is calm, they can then return back to Belgrade.

He also indicated that the core functions that the embassy needs to carry out will still continue. McCormack added, too, the damage assessments at the embassy in Belgrade is still going on. He said areas have been burned but the hard line that is a very important one was not breached by protesters. No sensitive material, nothing classified was stolen or lost.

The United States, as you know, is really criticizing the Serbian government for failing to protect its embassy. The Under Secretary of State, Nick Burns, had this to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NICHOLAS BURNS, UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE: Well, they better get it because they have a fundamental responsibility to protect our diplomats and our embassy and to protect American citizens. What happened yesterday in Belgrade was absolutely reprehensible. The fact that there was insufficient security that security melted away, the people that were there when the mob attacked our embassy. They could have -- it could have been a very much more decision. And we told -- I told the Serb prime minister that he and his government were personally responsible. We would hold them personally responsible for the safety of our people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VERJEE: Those burned body also found in the U.S. embassy compound where we understand that it was not an American and it was no one that was employing at the embassy likely to have been a protester. The Sate Department is saying that the U.S. embassy on the ground is also dealing with Serbian officials to investigate. Heidi?

COLLINS: Zain, in your best estimation, what happens in the very near future? Like in the next couple of days, what happens in this region?

VERJEE: Well I mean, it's a really tense situation. I mean, it's very difficult. It's very emotional. Especially for Serbs on the ground, because they look at Kosovo and they say that this is our birthright. Kosovo belongs to us and they are really angry at the United States for backing Kosovo's independence.

I think what we need to look at is what happens in Kosovo in the coming days and weeks. What you have there is Serbian enclaves. You have about 120,000 Serbs that live there. And they are protected by NATO forces. So there's a danger that these areas could be real flash points and danger zones for violence. Particularly one place to keep an eye on, a place where you have Serbs on one side of the river and ethnic Albanians on the other side of the river. That's where protests are going on today.

COLLINS: All right. We'll continue to watch it I'm sure for many days and weeks to come. Zain Verjee at the State Department, thank you, Zain.

HARRIS: John McCain wooing voters in the Midwest and moving on after answering a "New York Times" report about ties to a lobbyist. CNN's Dana Bash is following the McCain campaign and controversy in Indianapolis.

And Dana, I guess that's the question, how is the McCain campaign moving forward after a difficult day yesterday?

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The way they're moving forward, Tony, is John McCain is refusing to answer any questions about what happened in the "New York Times."

He just had a press conference just moments ago here after holding a town hall meet that lasted about an hour when he took a lot of questions from voters. But when it came to the questions that we had for him about the fallout from "The New York Times" story, and in particular, the fact that his campaign had been so aggressively and has been so aggressively going after "The New York Times" and using it as a way to court conservatives, he simply wouldn't answer the question. He said that he answered the questions yesterday. He said that he wants to talk about the issues before the American people and that he's moving on.

I even tried to ask him about something the white house spokesman said this morning, a pretty strong statement from the white house saying the "New York Times" - essentially what he said is that "the New York Times" tries to torpedo Republican nominees. John McCain simply wouldn't answer that question.

So that's the posture of the McCain campaign. Frankly, they think in terms of damage control, when you have a big story like that, they're patting themselves on the back at this point. They think they did a pretty good job in trying to limit the damage this could have done yesterday to John McCain and they're trying to kind of pivot and move on.

The reality is though, Tony, you know there are a lot of questions still raised about what went on, what happened eight years ago. The other thing that this is doing is shining a light on some of the people who work for John McCain. There are people who are lobbyists, who are in senior positions in his campaign. He was asked about that and he did say he is proud of the people who work for him and he thinks they're honorable people. Tony?

HARRIS: Dana Bash with the McCain campaign in Indianapolis this morning. Dana, great to see you. Thanks.

COLLINS: A Texas-size debate for the Democratic presidential candidates. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Austin last night. Ahead of the March 4th primary, key issues on their minds? The economy and Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think that when we're having a debate with John McCain, it is going to be much easier for the candidate who was opposed to the concept of invading Iraq in the first place to have a debate about wisdom of that decision than having to argue about the tactics subsequent to the decision.

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The purpose of it has not been fulfilled. The Iraqi government has slowly inched toward making a few of the decisions in a less than complete way. But it hasn't taken advantage of the sacrifice and the losses of life and billions of dollars that have occurred since the surge began.

OBAMA: We have to make sure that college is affordable. So what I've been talking about in these speeches -- and I've got to admit, some of them are pretty good -- what I've been talking about is not just hope and not just inspiration. It's a $4,000 tuition credit for every student, every year in exchange for national service. So that college becomes more affordable. I've been talking about making sure that we change our tax code so that working families actually get relief.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COLLINS: And the winner was? Texas voters will have their say at the ballot box in 11 days from now.

HARRIS: Boy, we've been talking about it all morning. It's a big deal, this snowstorm that is right now slamming the northeast. Getting from here to there, not a little tricky, a lot tricky this Friday. We will update you on travel delays next in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: His current wife is missing and now there's new evidence the third wife, a former Chicago area policeman, Drew Peterson, was murdered. Kathleen Savio's drowning was originally first ruled an accident. Authorities dug up her body. The pathologist now says her death was a homicide. Peterson is a person of interest in the disappearance of his current wife, Stacy. She has been missing for months.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAM BOSCO, STACY PETERSON FAMILY SPOKESWOMAN: It leaves one an eerie feeling of dread. We realize that Kathleen and Stacy had one common denominator, and that was Drew Peterson. So we look forward to this investigation that's ongoing right now with Kathleen's death and Stacy's disappearance.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: Peterson says he's shocked to hear his former wife was murdered. He calls it, quote, unbelievable, and insists Stacy ran off with another man.

HARRIS: Overseas, a promise of peace from a powerful Shiite cleric in Iraq. Followers of Muqtada Al-Sadr say the cleric will extend a cease fire for rival militias for another six months. Al-Sadr ordered his Mahdi army to put down their arms last summer after deadly battles with a rival Shiite group. The U.S. military credits the cease-fire for reducing violence across Iraq. Today U.S. military officials and the United Nations welcome news of the extension.

COLLINS: News about your health now. You got your flu shot but you still got sick. There's a lot of that going on around this year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why the vaccine isn't working like it should.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: The problem is and this may surprise a lot of people is that it's as much speculation as it is science to develop these flu vaccines. At some point last year, Heidi, they had to decide OK which strains do we think are going to be the most problematic next year and they make them based on those predictions. Now 16 out of the last 19 years they did a pretty good job. They sort of nailed it. This year, not so much. Only about 40 percent protection. They missed the mark on one of the strains of the virus. Something else sort of emerged that they didn't expect.

COLLINS: Are you saying that it's more like art?

GUPTA: Sometimes life imitates art as well.

COLLINS: I think you are. So what about the anti-viral medications? Is something like that very effective?

GUPTA: They are. I think they're less effective this year than in year's past but still a pretty good thing, especially if you get sick. Keep in mind, anti-viral medications are not as good as antibiotics are to bacteria. They're pretty good at shortening the duration. If you get the flu you may get a couple of days that aren't so bad but they're not going to get rid of it completely.

COLLINS: But I hate when you go to the doctor and they say it's probably viral and then you say, well, great, absolutely nothing I can do about it.

GUPTA: You wish modern science had developed enough to a point where we could give a medication to knock out that virus, like we knock out bacteria. But you know still keep in mind even though the flu shot is 40 percent effective this year, it's still a good thing to have. I say that with a little bit of trepidation because I'm going to get e-mails I'm sure. Still, the more people that are protected, the better it is for society as a whole. There are certain people, especially pregnant women and babies, that should really get this protection, older than 6 months, I should say.

COLLINS: And add the elderly to that list as well. The doctor says some protection is better than none at all.

HARRIS: Shovel and snowblowers season, boy, full force today. That's for sure. New York and the northeast get slammed. We should throw up some live pictures. Travelers trapped. Update coming up for you right here in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning once again, everybody. I'm Heidi Collins.

Quickly want to get this information to you regarding that motorcade accident in Dallas alongside Hillary Rodham Clinton. There was an officer traveling in that motorcade who has died in this terrible accident. We were expecting some comment from the senator and now we have that. We want to play it for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I just want to comment on the death of the police officer in this devastating accident that occurred as these motorcycle officers were leading our cars on to this night (ph). Our hearts (INAUDIBLE) this loss of life in the line of duty. And I have asked that my condolences be given (ph). I'll call as soon as it's appropriate to do so.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COLLINS: Well, I hate to interrupt but obviously we are having a terrible time with the audio there. A very, very large crowd. I've been watching the video coming in from Dallas and all of the people who are there and following Hillary Clinton around. And then this news, obviously difficult for everyone, including the police force and clearly the family of this officer.

I heard her to say this was a devastating accident. Obviously leading their cars to the site of this rally that will be happening soon. Any time there's a loss of life, while in time of duty, it is devastating. Her sympathies go out to the officer's family and the department. So, again, a comment there from Senator Hillary Clinton in the wake of the death of someone, an officer, riding in her motorcade in Dallas.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And let's get back to the top story of our morning here in the CNN NEWSROOM. A fierce winter storm putting the Northeast in a paralyzing deep freeze. Snow, sleet, freezing rain causing massive flight disruptions, dangerous driving conditions right now. There he is, Allan Chernoff in snow-covered New York.

And, Allan, you know, the snow can be a lot of fun, obviously, but it is not fun when it begins to paralyze a city. Is that beginning to happen for New York City?

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Tony, the kids are having a great time, no doubt about that. In terms of New York City being paralyzed, well here in Manhattan, as you can see, the traffic flowing along. So I can't say Manhattan is paralyzed at all. Certainly it's no fun being a cab driver today, driving through this slushy mush that the snow turns into instantly out there.

Over here, closer to the curb, of course, you get a lot of snow just piled up. And then right at the curb when people step out of their cab, boom, right into some water, deep slush, and it will only get worse today. So it's certainly going to be not only an inconvenience, but also it's going to create a huge mess for the entire New York City area.

Now the worse problems, of course, are at the airports. The delays are very extensive. Newark, the delays have improved. Now they're down to about two and a half hours on average for arrival. JFK still about three hours, more than three hours there. And La Guardia as well, similar delays. So we've certainly got major problems for the airlines.

Driving is no fun. Even the trains have delays. The commuter trains, of about 20 minutes into and out of New York City. And it's only going to get messier here because later today the snow is forecast to turn into rain. So the commute out of New York City will be very, very sloppy this afternoon.

Tony.

HARRIS: Yes. And then this evening, we get cooling and there's a possibility, I suspect, that that slush will then freeze over. There he is, Allan Chernoff for us in New York City.

Allan, appreciate it. Thanks.

COLLINS: All right. We want to take a moment now to talk once again with "USA Today's" Ben Mutzabaugh. He writes a column called "Today in the Sky" and always has lots of information to share with us, certainly if you are sitting in the airport and watching our broadcast right now.

So, Ben, what can people do, anything?

BEN MUTZABAUGH, "USA TODAY": Well, you know, at some point you're just going to be out of luck. When you get this kind of weather, there's always something you can do. You can't always fix the problem, but there is always something you can do to at least tip the odds in your favor.

One of the best things that I like to tell people, if you have access to a laptop or could even call a work colleague or a relative that can look for you, try to figure out what your other options are for yourself. That way when you get to the counter or when you get someone on the phone, they're going to be swamped trying to help all of the other people that are delayed right along with you. But if you can say to them, I saw there's a 2:00 flight that goes through Memphis or I saw there is a 3:00 flight that goes through St. Louis, if you can help them, be proactive, you can help them help you, it will help everyone.

COLLINS: Yes, no question about it. If you go to the counter and you have all the details, all they have to do is punch it in, so to speak, and hopefully you can really get on your way. But who knows. Sometimes the airports are just, you know, completely at the mercy of this stuff.

MUTZABAUGH: Exactly. And, you know, if you're at an airport where they just can't get you on -- if your flight's been canceled and all the other flights are full, they may not be able to get you anywhere, whether it's St. Louis, Memphis or actually where you wanted to go. So, I mean, there is that risk. But the more information you can help them, the more alternatives you can give them, you're flying to San Francisco, maybe I can fly to San Jose. It may be worth landing 50 miles out of your way if it means you get out today instead of, you know, Saturday. There are things like that that you can do.

And, also, if you see these huge lines at check-in counters to rebook, which I'm sure you're seeing at lots of these airports today, pick up your cell phone or even go to a pay phone if you can still find one and call a 1-800 number because the lines at the reservation phone desk are going to be -- they're going to be busier than they normally are, but you're probably not going to have these massive delays like you're going to have at an actual counter. And the people on the phone, in almost all cases, can help you just as much as the person behind the counter.

COLLINS: Yes, absolutely. Sometimes faster. Now is it ever a good idea just to pack up and leave? I don't know, go to the hotel, go back home? Can you do that? I mean, if you can afford it, I imagine some people are just, you know, bailing out.

MUTZABAUGH: Yes, you know, and that's another thing to consider. If you don't have to be where you're going today, or if you can -- if you don't mind where you are and if you have a place to go, if you can afford a night in a hotel and want to stay for another day, you know, that's certainly not a bad option. And, you know, there are lots of airlines that have now even issued winter weather waiver policies, which essentially allows you to make one change to your itinerary to avoid the weather, if you're flying to any of these cities. Delta, U.S. Airways, AirTran, JetBlue, Continental, they all have these policies in effect right now that cover the Northeast. And depending on the airline, this applies to passengers who are flying to, from, or through any airport. Some go as far south as Virginia and as far north as Maine, but they all cover the mid Atlantic states where you're seeing, right now, the worst problems.

COLLINS: Yes, all right. So find out if your airline has a winter weather waiver policy.

MUTZABAUGH: If you don't have to go, that could be the best way.

COLLINS: Yes, if you don't have to go, exactly. All right Ben Mutzabaugh from "USA Today."

Appreciate it, Ben. Thanks again.

HARRIS: More stuff to do? Find out if you have -- more stuff to do? All right. A red carpet, golden statues and a ceremony with a silver lining. The Oscars will go on Sunday night with scripts now that the writers strike is over. Joining us now, there she is, live from the red carpet in Los Angeles, CNN entertainment correspondent Kareen Wynter.

Kareen, good to see you.

Is everything sort of coming together for this year's ceremony?

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Things are coming together. It may not look like it right now, Tony. We're right outside the Kodak Theatre. And this is where it will all take place. We're live on the red carpet right now. And the red carpet, which is actually cover with plastic. You can see the tents that are up. And that's because, Tony, it hasn't just been cold here but down right rainy. And so they're thinking that that's going to actually continue through the weekend. So, of course, this is up. But, you know what, it's OK. It's not going to spoil the show.

Take a look over here. That's a famous bleacher section. That's where all the lucky fans get to sit and take in their views as the big stars arrive. And you're about to meet two women who are so used to all this finance fare.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Gwyneth, right here. Reece, straight ahead here.

WYNTER (voice over): Just a few of the famous faces that often stand out at the Oscars.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This was such a fun year.

WYNTER: The worn pages of this duo scrapbook reads like a who's who of Hollywood.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's pretty.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, she is.

WYNTER: Jennifer Lopez, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks. The list goes on. Sandy Stratton (ph) and Babe Churchill (ph) are sisters who, for decades, have had star-studded views of the red carpet from the bleachers at the Academy Awards.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Two years ago, George Clooney and Will Smith came over. They were so close that my camera wouldn't focus.

WYNTER: Even Haley Joel Osment spotted them in the crowd after seeing the sisters on the news.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That was the year he was nominated for "Sixth Sense." And he came over to meet us. And he said, you know, he just thought we were celebrities.

WYNTER: Their Academy tradition began on a whim in 1970.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We were going to Dodger opening night that night. And she said, well, let's go to the Academy Awards first. And I said, no, I don't want to do that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now I can't stop her.

WYNTER: The Bleacher Creatures, as they call themselves, remember their very first Oscars when it was easy to get a good spot.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We got there the day of the awards at 9:00 in the morning and there wasn't a soul there in the bleachers. And now look what it's gotten into.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We started all of this.

WYNTER: Stratton and Churchill found themselves in competition as more fans flock to the Academy Awards.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We thought, OK, we're going to change strategy here.

WYNTER: At times they camp out in the stands for days before the show, making friends.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The security, with the flower people.

WYNTER: And challengers along the way.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, they're the ones we used to rival with to be first in line. Normally we could beat them.

WYNTER: Stratton and Churchill no longer have to fight for spots since they've been grandfathered into the current lottery bleacher system. Over the years, neither bad weather . . .

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We've had it windy, rainy.

WYNTER: Nor broken bones could keep them away.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I had fallen on Thursday and broke three ribs.

WYNTER: They just couldn't imagine being anywhere else on Hollywood's biggest night.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER: And on Hollywood's biggest night, that's where they'll be, Sandy and Babe, right there in the bleachers. And speaking of Sunday, Tony, we want to remind viewers, you have to check out our big Oscar pre-show. This big special will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. We'll have I-Reports from the bleachers, we'll be talking to all the stars, we'll be covering some of the big parties. You don't want to miss it.

HARRIS: Oh, man. Hey, who are you wearing? Is that the appropriate question for the is that the question?

WYNTER: Yes, I have little BCBG number, a little bling. But you have to wait until Sunday and just check it all out.

HARRIS: Wow, all right. I'll tune in to watch because I have no idea what you just said. Kareen Wynter in Los Angeles for us.

All right, Kareen, thanks.

COLLINS: Besay Vegay (ph).

HARRIS: Oh, yes, that clears it all up for me now.

COLLINS: All right. Maybe we should talk about the weather. This big snowstorm that we've been talking about slamming the Northeast. Getting from here to there, a very big challenge. We'll have the latest coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Boy, it's story we've been following throughout the morning if you're in any of the amps in the Northeast, let's see Boston's Logan International, Philadelphia International Airport, certainly La Guardia and New York City, you know the situation right now, how bad it is. Flight delays, massive delays in all of those airports and probably more.

But you also know that there is a trickle down, trickle over, trickle through effect when the weather is bad in the Northeast or anywhere. We want to check in and see what the situation is like in the Midwest now. Gregg Cunningham is on the line with us. He's with media relations, O'Hare and Midway Airports in Chicago.

Gregg, thanks for your time this morning. Appreciate it.

GREGG CUNNINGHAM, O'HARE & MIDWAY AIRPORTS SPOKESMAN: No problem. Thanks for having me.

HARRIS: Hey, Gregg, let's start with the conditions on the ground there in Chicago. Do you have any weather issues, concerns there, delaying flights out of O'Hare and Midway?

CUNNINGHAM: Well, our weather conditions here are OK at O'Hare and Midway Airports, but we do have several flights to and from the East Coast, either canceled or significantly delayed due to the weather that's out there on the East Coast.

HARRIS: So let's start to break it down a little bit, Gregg. How many cancellations at this point?

CUNNINGHAM: Well, first and foremost, all flights to and from La Guardia, up until later this afternoon, have been canceled. So that's one big thing right there. Flights to and from other East Coast airports, including JFK, Philadelphia, and Newark have delays ranging from one to three hours. So the weather is causing some impacts here for flights that are going to and from the East Coast. Otherwise, flights in and out of O'Hare are doing OK. So it's really only the ones going to that specific area of the country.

HARRIS: Hey, Gregg, appreciate it. We just want to do a quick hit with you and find out about conditions there in the Midwest, and O'Hare and Midway.

Gregg Cunningham with us this morning.

Gregg, thanks.

COLLINS: It's one thing to owe money on a home. It is quite another to owe more than the home is worth. Susan Lisovicz is at the New York Stock Exchange now to tell us about the growing number of people facing this exact situation.

Hi there, Susan.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Heidi.

Well, we all know home prices are going down, but the mortgage payments we make are based on the purchase price. In many cases, it was considerably higher than the current value. So the mortgage is higher than the home is worth. And if you want to sell the home, the proceeds won't be enough to pay off your mortgage debt. According to "The New York Times," nearly 9 million homeowners are in this very situation. That's more than 10 percent of the homes owned in the U.S.

The way out? Well, the best thing that could happen would be for home values to rise. Unfortunately, things are still moving in the other direction. The Bush administration considering a new relief effort. It will be costly though. And critics argue it's a bailout for those who made foolish choices and shouldn't have bought with their financial situation.

Heidi.

COLLINS: Yes, well, that's got to be bad news for the companies that hold these loans though, too, right?

LISOVICZ: That's right. It's bad for them and it's bad for the economy. But don't feel too badly for Countrywide Financial, the nation's largest lender. Before bailout from Bank of America, Countrywide was on the verge of bankruptcy. But "The Wall Street Journal" says the company will wine and dine 30 small banks at a posh Ritz Carlton ski resort in Avon, Colorado, next week. "The Journal" says weekday rooms start at $750 a night. The trip includes meals at restaurants with kobe beef and caviar on the menu. In fact, also wasabi, potato puree, that kind of stuff.

COLLINS: Why are you telling me this right now at 10 minutes to noon?

LISOVICZ: I know it makes me salivate. I wish I could be on that list.

COLLINS: Yes.

LISOVICZ: I tell you what's not so appetizing, another sell-off, Heidi. Stocks are drifting lower, still surfing a hangover from yesterday's bad news about the economy. It's quiet here at the NYSE. Why? Because of that wicked weather you've been talking about all morning.

COLLINS: Yes.

LISOVICZ: Snow for the morning rush, sleet forecast for the evening rush. Why bother? There are no major economic reports today. And an opportunity just to take back-to-back three-day weekends. Because, remember, Monday the markets were closed. Those who are here or who are trading appear to be in a selling mood. The Dow, right now, down 76 points. The Nasdaq is down 23. Each more than half a percent lower. But, anyway, you're going into the weekend. That's good news, right?

COLLINS: Yes. And I'm so glad that we have that plush suite there at the NYSE for you so you can stay overnight if you need to.

LISOVICZ: Yes, you know, one day off.

COLLINS: Kobe beef and caviar?

LISOVICZ: Well, I can live vicariously through my reports, Heidi.

COLLINS: There you go.

Susan, we appreciate it. Thanks so much. We'll see you later.

LISOVICZ: You're welcome.

HARRIS: All right. Let's check in with Betty now for a look ahead to CNN's Saturday and Sunday morning.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're focusing on your financial security. With all this talk of recession, we're going to show you how to recession-proof your life. And we've got tips on how to cut grocery costs, spend less on your mortgage, entertainment, bank fees. So much more. Plus, how to raise a future millionaire. That's right. Parents, what is the one gift you must give your child to ensure his or her financial success as an adult? Well, here's a hint. The answer is not education.

And a heart-warming story, dogs that help U.S. soldiers survive the horrors of war in Iraq are now being rescued and brought to this country. They arrived this weekend. CNN's Saturday and Sunday morning beginning tomorrow at 7:00 Eastern.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Time now for your cold and flu report. We are at the peak of flu season. A lot of red on the map. This is not political, this just indicates that we have wide spread reports, according to the CDC. Almost every state reporting some flu activity. So a lot of sick people out there. We certainly hope you're feeling well today.

CNN NEWSROOM will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: This week's CNN hero is a chef from Baltimore, Maryland, who's serving up second chances along with good food. His name is Galen Sampson. And in a city with a significant crime and drug problem, he is turning lives around one by one in his kitchen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GALEN SAMPSON, COMMUNITY CRUSADER: Baltimore, although it has gone through a renaissance, many parts have been completely neglected and there's a lot of despair. There's no hope. And it just sort of is a downward spiral.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was a heroin addict. Never held a job because of my drug addiction. I was homeless for quite a few years. And after a while you just feel like you're alone. That made me want to give life. But with Galen, I have another chance to make it.

SAMPSON: I am Galen Sampson and I am helping people find the tools to rebuild their lives.

I need an egg sandwich with vegetables.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Galen Sampson is a five-star chef. His cooking, though, I guess it speaks for itself.

SAMPSON: In the hotel where I worked, with our employees I saw all these struggles and difficulties that people were having with addiction, with the criminal justice system. I had always dreamt of having my own restaurant. We decided that part of our restaurant would be a training program.

Now show me how you would do that.

The name of the program is Chefs in the Making. It gives our people in transition paid jobs. It also allows us to give them hands- on, real-time instruction.

Said, push down. Slicing forward. Pull back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can learn a lot being in this kitchen. It's fast paced.

It's hard work, but I like what I do.

SAMPSON: If you can do the job and you can perform, you're going to move up. And that's what we hope to instill in our apprentices.

Yes, a lot of people think we're crazy. We've pretty much put, you know, everything that we have into this project. It's a risk, but see whether our apprentices have been able to do here. It's been very rewarding. We've developed a good, strong, tight-it in family and I think we're setting the foundation for something good.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ten years from now I see myself owning a home, maybe owning my own business. I don't know what the future is going to hold, but I'm looking forward to it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: If you know someone who deserves to be a CNN Hero, tell us about them at cnn.com/heroes. You never know, you could see your hero right here on CNN.

We're back in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: A very busy Friday. Good luck if you're out there traveling, everybody. CNN NEWSROOM continues two hours from now.

HARRIS: Up next, an encore presentation of last night's CNN Univision Democratic presidential debate in Austin, Texas. I'm Tony Harris.

COLLINS: And I'm Heidi Collins. Have a good weekend. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.voxantshop.com