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Tornadoes Ravage South; 29 Coal Miners Remembered; A Meeting with Reverend Graham; Arizona's New Immigration Law Brings Protests; Chicago Officials Ask National Guard to Come in, Stop Crime

Aired April 25, 2010 - 18:00   ET

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

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: This hour, surveying the damage across the South and it is devastating. The severe weather threat is still in effect tonight.

The violence in one of America's biggest cities so bad lawmakers are pleading with the governor to bring in the National Guard. Again, we'll go live to the city's deadly streets.

President Barack Obama pays a visit to the legendary Billy Graham's home in North Carolina. It is the first for a sitting president. We'll tell you what they discussed.

And superstar Sting is a star attraction right now at what he calls a "green tea party." I'll talk and he sings about his efforts to help the planet.

Good evening, everyone.

Blessings are being counted across the South right now. That's because all some people can do is count their blessings. They have nothing left. Ordinary lives reduced to grotesque piles of splinters and dust by massive, deadly tornadoes.

One black funnel cloud touched down last night near Albertville, Alabama, a small town fewer than 20,000 people. Nancy Brooks was asleep at home when a large tree branch crashed right through her bedroom ceiling, landing just feet from her bed.

CNN's Richard Lui will take us inside her badly damaged home in just a bit. But before storms slammed Alabama, they left a path of destruction across Mississippi. Cleanup will take days, maybe longer. Recovery will take longer than that, months, maybe years.

State officials are still assessing the total damage and may file a state of emergency tomorrow, making federal assistance possible. Yazoo City, Mississippi, we reported to you heavily on that last night, probably took the worst of this storm. The town of roughly 15,000 people sustained a direct hit from a twister estimated to be about a mile across.

Governor Haley Barbour, who was at home in Yazoo City, says at least 100 homes in the town and surrounding county are now no longer habitable.

That's where we begin tonight with CNN's Ed Lavandera -- Ed -- he joins us now from Yazoo City.

Are people still in shock or are they beginning to get a handle on the scope of this disaster right now?

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think it's starting to sink in heavily today as many people here in Yazoo City and across Mississippi have spent the day in that cleanup process, trying to clear thousands of downed trees from roadways so they can get to homes that have been obliterated by this said tornado.

So, officials here, not only just in Yazoo City, where we are, which is one of the hardest hit areas -- but we also spent the day today, Don, driving about almost 100 miles northeast of here, to the southern end of Choctaw County, a little town of Weir, where there was five people killed -- including one street where three children, 13-year- old girl and 9-year-old girl and 3-month old baby girl were killed in the storm.

And that's where we spent the majority of our day today talking to those folks. These are small country roads where all of this happened, very hilly.

And what we heard over and over, Don, which was rather surprising from people, this is a rather hilly terrain, huge and tall, 100 to 200-foot tall trees. So, for a lot of people, we have heard over and over that they were surprised by this storm. That they could hear it coming but they didn't know exactly where it was. They couldn't see it above the tree line. And it felt that by the time they realized that that storm was upon them, that it had just landed on them.

We interviewed a couple that was inside of a convenience store -- a grocery store right here in a little highway there, in the town of Weir. They just had seconds to react, that it felt like a bomb had gone off in their store. And one man that we had talked to was blown back about 15 feet.

So, very little time to react for people. They knew the storms were coming. They just couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from when the situation got really tight -- Don.

LEMON: And so, listen, any word from the governor's office about declaring a state of emergency?

LAVANDERA: We understand that that is in the works. I think a lot of that damage assessment is going on today. The last I heard from the governor was that that request could go out as early as tomorrow.

LEMON: All right. CNN's Ed Lavandera -- Ed, thank you very much for that.

No sooner had the storm front trashed Mississippi, and then it caught Alabama while people were just going to bed. Nancy Brooks was asleep when a tornado hit the town of Albertville.

And CNN's Richard Lui takes us on a tour of her severely damaged home. Look at this. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD LUI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So, we're looking at a very large tree branch right about five feet away from where your head was.

NANCY BROOKS, TORNADO SURVIVOR: Right.

LUI: It came right through the ceiling. That's about eight inches in diameter, probably about six feet long. You woke up and you saw that?

BROOKS: Yes. Well, when I woke up, it startled me. So, I thought, you know, that sounds like the tornado coming through. And I got up and I felt that before I ran into it. And I thought, oh, my Lord, that's the tree.

LUI: And then you ran straight through here.

BROOKS: Yes. I crawled over that.

LUI: I'm looking through this, Nancy. This is not an easy path for you.

BROOKS: No. No, it's not. Just made my way through here feeling my way around because it was dark, and I was not prepared like everybody is supposed to be. I didn't have my flashlight in the bedroom.

LUI: So, I was just noticing the second bedroom.

BROOKS: Right.

LUI: It is completely covered -- this bed is -- with the roof.

BROOKS: It is.

LUI: Do you ever sleep in this room?

BROOKS: A lot of times I do. And I just happened to be in that back bedroom.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: That was CNN's Richard Lui.

And as we said at the top of this broadcast, the danger is not over yet. We're getting word right now of tornado warnings in two states.

So, let's go to our meteorologist Jacqui Jeras watching it all for us -- Jacqui.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. This is not too far away from Washington, D.C., just north and west of there right now, but not heading into D.C., just so you know.

This is Washington County, Frederick County and Maryland, and then also Jefferson and Berkeley Counties and West Virginia. There you can see the purple polygon box here. You see a nice little hook echo or a little indentation there. That's the area that we're talking about.

This storm is ripping up to the north and to the east right now. This is a Doppler radar-indicated tornado. But you need to take this seriously and seek shelter.

And there is a severe thunderstorm watch all across this area until 11:00 tonight. And a good reminder that sometimes even though it's a thunderstorm watch and not a tornado watch, sometimes tornadoes do occur. Now, it is a tornado watch across parts of Florida. At this hour, we saw one line move through earlier today that produced a little bit of tree damage and some hail in Gainesville.

Now, that second wave is coming off the Gulf of Mexico. And we could possibly see some of this sneak a little further to the south. So, watch out in the Tampa area, too. You'll likely see winds in excess of 60 miles per hour with this storm and possible tornadoes. And if we do get any warnings associated with this, of course, we will bring it along to you.

The greatest threat of severe weather today does stretch right along the eastern seaboard here, say, from Pennsylvania stretching down into parts of Florida. This is a slight risk day. So, we are not expecting anywhere near the number of tornadoes or the severity of tornadoes that we saw yesterday.

Speaking of which, we have new information in now, Don, from the National Weather Service out of Jackson, Mississippi, and they've given a preliminary report on the tornado in Yazoo City, that it was likely an EF3 tornado with maximum winds around 160 miles per hour.

And, you know, we were speculating how wide that tornado was, Don, we heard a couple different reports yesterday. They are saying it was probably about a mile and a half wide as it moved through and it was on the ground continuously from Eagle Lake, extending up to the Yazoo- Holmes County line, right in this area. So, that's about 60 miles that it was on the ground continuously.

LEMON: Oh, man. As we said, it was powerful and they are starting to clean up the damage. And we shall see as this broadcast continues. We'll ill report on this throughout the evening here on CNN. Jacqui, thank you very much.

Let's turn now to the president -- President Barack Obama attends the West Virginia memorial service for 29 coal miners this afternoon.

The workers died earlier this month in the nation's worst mine disaster in decades. Today's service featured a photo with each of the men with their families placing helmets atop 29 white crosses. West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller said, all Americans owe a debt to the workers who died.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER (D), WEST VIRGINIA: Mining is a way of life in West Virginia and we deeply cherish that, those of us who live here. And we honor that profession. And people say, well, why do they go into those coal mines? They go into those coal mines to provide for their families, and in the process, they keep the lights on in America.

(CHEERING)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: The president just finished his remarks at that memorial service.

And our Ed Henry is traveling with the president in West Virginia. He joins me now.

Ed, this was a very emotional service.

ED HENRY, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It really was, Don. And, you know, what's amazing is this is clearly not Obama country. He did very poorly here in the 2008 campaign. His motorcade today on the way of this hall passed some signs saying ugly things like "Obama hates God" and other sign charging that he's to blame for the 29 deaths.

But I can tell you that inside the hall behind me, the president was received very warmly, a rousing ovation when he rose to speak. Perhaps in part because before the public ceremony, in private, he and Vice President Biden met each of the 29 families individually, and then they stood and watched as each family came in and as you noted, put a miner's cap on those simple white crosses to remember those who were lost.

The president in his eulogy talked about heartache, but he also talked about hope for the future and said that everybody here in West Virginia, everyone back in Washington as well, needs to focus on making sure a tragedy like this never happens again.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: All that hard work, all that hardship, all the time spent underground, it was all for the families. It was all for you. For a car in the driveway, a roof overhead, for a chance to give their kids opportunities that they would never know and enjoy retirement with their spouses -- it was all in the hopes of something better. And so, these miners lived as they died in pursuit of the American dream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: Now, on that issue of safety and how to move forward, the president as you know has previously ripped the company the involved, Massey, for questionable safety record. But White House aides say they're going to let the investigation to go forward before they figure out what kind of legislative remedies need to come up, that this was not the time or place to be talking about a tax and safety records. Instead, they wanted to honor the 29 who died.

The emotions here are obviously very raw. I saw one young girl, maybe 7 or 8 years old. In one hand, she was clutching a stuffed animal. In the other hand, wiping away tears -- Don.

LEMON: CNN's Ed Henry -- Ed, thank you very much. But stay right there with me for a few minutes because I want to talk to you a little later about the meeting President Barack Obama had earlier today with the Reverend Billy Graham. The significance of the meeting is coming up.

Also, the new state law in Arizona to crack down immigration sparks a cry to pass new federal laws on this issue. And battle lines are already being drawn -- no surprise -- right down party lines.

And it's a story we have been following closely on this very program for over a year now -- well over a year now, the deadly violence on Chicago's streets. Today, a call to put more boots on the ground to fight the killers. Should the National Guard be dispatched there?

And don't just sit there. Be a part of the conversation tonight. Send me a message on Twitter and on Facebook and check my blog at CNN.com/Don. We want to hear from you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: As we told you, President Barack Obama began the day in North Carolina with a meeting with the Reverend Billy Graham at the minister's mountain top home. It was a historic event. Reverend Graham who was 91 years old has now been called the pastor to presidents for his numerous meetings with America's leaders through the decades.

So, let's bring back CNN's Ed Henry. He's traveling with the president.

Ed, what do you know about their meeting? How did this come together?

HENRY: Well, it's quite interesting, as you mentioned, pastor to president. This is now the 12th president that Reverend Billy Graham has sat down with and prayed with. It spans from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, quite a bit of American history.

And history made in this meeting because for all of those various meetings over the years, this is the first time that a sitting U.S. president has been to the Graham home in North Carolina, a short distance from Ashville where the president was having that little mini vacation. Richard Nixon had visited the home but as a sitting vice president.

It came together because in 2008, when candidate Obama was in Ashville, he wanted to try to have a meeting but they couldn't get it together on the schedule. Reverend Graham has been in frail health in recent years. He's 91 years old.

I'm told by Reverend Graham's staff that on Friday, they got a call from President Obama's staff, shortly after he got into North Carolina, saying he wanted to try to make it work this weekend.

Reverend Graham was outside of the city. He was in Charlotte. And it's difficult for him to travel right now. But nevertheless, he made the effort to get back here, get back to North Carolina so he could there on Sunday. That's how it all came together, a pretty historic meeting, Don.

LEMON: Yes, and I would imagine they discussed politics and their both -- their love for Chicago, and also they prayed together as well, we heard, Ed.

Ed Henry, traveling with the president --

HENRY: They did.

LEMON: -- Ed, thank you very much. We need to -- we have to move on.

HENRY: Thank you.

LEMON: Because we have to get to this next person -- thank you, Ed.

A busy week awaits the president when he returns to Washington. Let's turn our attention now to politics and our deputy political director, Paul Steinhauser, in the nation's capital.

Paul, Goldman Sachs is going to be front and center again this week. We heard a lot about it last week. Congressional hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Goldman is on the hot seat really and has become also a symbol of the public's anger towards Wall Street.

So, what else is going on related to finance reform and to Goldman Sachs?

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Three big things, Don. Right now, probably as we're speaking, negotiations are ongoing between Democratic and Republican lawmakers here, trying to come to agreement on that big financial reform bill. Also tomorrow, you can have your first showdown in the Senate, your first vote on that financial reform bill.

The big question mark is: Do the Democrats have the 60 votes they need tomorrow to move ahead and start debate in the full Senate? So, a key vote tomorrow.

And then finally, President Obama, Don, visiting three important states in the Midwest this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, he's going to be in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. He's going to be talking about financial reform, pushing that Wall Street reform bill. Also talking about the economy and creating jobs, Don.

LEMON: Yes, another big topic. Let's talk about this one, Paul, immigration. Arizona's new law has been really big news. Is it changing the discussion in Washington or having any effect on the president's priorities right now?

STEINHAUSER: It may be because it definitely is putting immigration front and center again in the public's mind.

Couple things going on here: even before this bill was signed into law, top Democrats in Congress and the White House were talking about moving forward on immigration reform. Now, this has -- this is what happened in Arizona, and the controversy surrounding this bill is going to give a kick in the pants to that movement.

And we heard good reporting from Dana Bash and from Ed Henry talking about how Democrats may now put immigration reform on the fast track, even ahead of climate change. So, they're going to try to get something done this year, this summer, this fall before the November elections.

Republicans -- they're crying foul. You heard today on the Sunday talk shows, including our own "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley. They say politics is involved.

Why? Take a look at this exit poll. Don, this is a 2008 presidential election. According to our exit polls, 67 percent, two-thirds of Latinos and Hispanic voters voted for Barack Obama.

So, the Democrats want to keep Latinos and Hispanics it seems. Immigration reform is one of the things he promised when he ran for president, Don.

LEMON: Hey, Paul, this one -- this next story we're going to talk about. I feel like I'm watching a nighttime soap opera like "Dynasty" or "Dallas" back in the '80s. Let's talk about this fascinating Florida Senate race.

I guess you can call it a war among, you know, peers. Charlie Crist has a big decision to make this week.

STEINHAUSER: He's got a big decision. He must decide by Friday whether he stays Republican or whether he runs as an independent for the Senate in Florida.

This is a story basically of riches to rags, not rags to riches. Remember, Charlie Crist, the Florida governor, elected in 2006, is very popular. He was on the short list to be John McCain's running mate. Of course, that went to Sarah Palin. He was thought to be a shoo-in for this.

But last year, he supported the stimulus package. He hugged President Barack Obama. That upset a lot of conservatives.

He was the frontrunner on this race. Now, he's fallen way behind Marco Rubio. He must decide whether he is going to stay Republican or run as an independent for the Senate seat, Don.

LEMON: Very interesting. We will be watching that.

And I know you will be watching it, too, Paul. Thank you very much. We appreciate it.

You know, as we have been saying here on CNN, Arizona's toughest in the nation immigration law is taking a whole lot of heat. Thousands of people gathered in Phoenix just today. Will they now be targeted by law enforcement? That's the question -- interesting question as well. Police officers in the state respond to those concerns.

And happening right now, crews are trying a high-tech fix to stop that oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The latest on the cleanup effort -- coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: I want to check your top stories right now.

Crews are using a robot submarine to try to stop an oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. About 1,000 barrels a day are leaking from a rig that sunk following an explosion 30 miles offshore. The cleanup was put on hold today for a second straight day because of high seas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Al Qaeda in Iraq confirms two of its top leaders have been killed. In a statement posted on Islamist Web site, the terrorist group announced the deaths of Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi. The two were killed in a joint U.S. operation a week ago in Tikrit. The U.S. military call their deaths a potentially devastating blow to al Qaeda in Iraq.

In the Philippines, a huge fire swept through a shanty town inside Manila today, destroying about 600 homes. An estimated 17,000 people were left homeless. Firefighters threw everything they had at the fire whipped by strong winds. Five firefighters suffered minor injuries but there were no reports of casualties in that.

The tornado destruction we have seen this weekend in Mississippi and Alabama reminds us of the terrible cost in lives and property these storms can cause. Greenburg, Kansas, was in the crosshair of a killer tornado. It was back in May of 2007. Almost nothing was left standing there. You might remember that.

But some courageous and creative people saw a green lining to that black cloud.

And CNN's Tom Foreman explains in tonight's "Building Up America."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The tornado that ripped through Greensburg three years ago was a swirling black cloud with winds exceeding 200 miles an hour. And it left this small town in ruins.

DANIEL WALLACH, GREENSBURG GREENTOWN: It was a 1.7 mile-wide tornado, and the town is 1.5 miles wide.

FOREMAN: But the storm of rebuilding that Daniel Wallach and others have led since is proving just as powerful. Only this one is green.

WALLACH: And so, this town knew they had to have a unique identity.

FOREMAN (on camera): And that's what you set out to do with this plan. WALLACH: Yes.

FOREMAN (voice-over): With the strong backing of the local government, this town is being rebuilt as a model of environmental sustainability. At the new school, drainage systems capture and conserve rainwater to feed the landscaping. Salvaged wood covers the walls. Cabinets are made of wheat harvest leftovers, and natural light pours in everywhere.

Superintendent Darren Hedrick is expecting much lower power bills.

One of the town's many new wind turbines generates up to 30 percent of the new hospital's electricity, while power and water-saving utilities dominate.

And all over town, houses are springing up with eco-friendly designs. The payoff, by most accounts, this was a small dying town before the storm. But with each new stage of the green comeback, it is being reborn. And every day, fewer folks are looking back.

Tom Foreman, CNN, Greensburg, Kansas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: Thank you for that, Tom.

Is the Taliban trying to poison the children of Afghanistan? Straight ahead, we'll talk about that. Children and teachers at three schools suddenly sick and the government thinks it is no coincidence.

But, first -- taking to the streets in protest. Arizona is outraged over a new law cracking down on illegal immigration. Will profiling now be in effect for police there?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Protesters rallying against Arizona's new immigration law today. Governor Jan Brewer signed the strict new measure two days ago that requires police to question anyone they believe might be an illegal immigrant. And legal immigrants have to carry their papers on them at all times.

Our Casey Wian was at today's rally.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE).

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORERSPONDENT (voice-over): Protesters outside Arizona's state capital are angry over a new law requiring local police to help enforce federal immigration law.

JOSE ACOSTA, PROTESTOR: People are going to be stopped just because of the color of their skin, and it ain't right. Are they going to be looking for Europeans as well, or is it just the brown people?

(on camera): What do you have to say to those concerned?

JOE MARTINEZ, CHIEF, KEARNY, ARIZONA POLICE: They are really -- they are really unfounded. The Arizona law enforcement community is made up of many Hispanics. We have never had a policy of racial profiling, in fact, quite the contrary.

WIAN: At a town hall meeting, police chiefs criticized opponents of the law and the news media for spreading fear and disinformation.

DON DANIELS, CHIEF, CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA POLICE: As a law enforcement officer, I would like to say that to trust us. We will do what we are expected and paid to do. We have no interest in violating the law that has been brought to us.

WIAN: Arizona's U.S. Senator John McCain also attended. He did not take a position on the law but says he understands why it passed, rising violence and crime associated with illegal immigrant and drug smuggling.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R), ARIZONA: I believe that they acted out of frustration because the federal government had not complied with its constitutional responsibilities.

WIAN: For those who believe their constitutional rights may be violated, one police chief urged them to report any problems to authorities.

JERALD MONAHAN, CHIEF, APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA POLICE: There's a huge historical context for individuals that perceive they are treated a certain way by local law enforcement. For those individuals, that's real. And we in law enforcement have to understand that when we interact with them.

WIAN: Arizona police chiefs say crimes related to illegal immigration are stretching their budgets and manpower to the breaking point. They hope controversy over the new law will pressure the federal government to take action.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: Casey joins us live from Phoenix.

That law takes effect in about 90 days, Casey. A lot can happen in that time.

WIAN: Absolutely. That's what opponents say. They are planning to focus on is the legal process over the next 90 days before the law takes effect. They want to challenge this law in court. There have been several groups, mayor of Phoenix, several lawmakers who say they want to challenge this law in court. They believe they can actually stop it before it actually is implemented.

Longer term, what they want to do is get folks who are opposed to this law registered to vote. They say it's easy for people to protest. It's not so is easy to people to vote out those who supported this bill, including the governor. That's who they're targeting in the long term, Don.

LEMON: Casey, President Barack Obama has criticized this bill. Are protesters encouraged by that criticism?

WIAN: I wouldn't say they are encouraged. Here's why. Even though the Latino community largely supported President Obama during the last election, they are very frustrated that he promised to enact comprehensive immigration reform during the first year of his presidency. He has not done that.

There are those who believe this law could spark the federal government to take finally action after several administrations have failed to do so. But I would say they are a bit disappointed in not getting enough backing from the president so far -- Don?

LEMON: Casey, thank you very much. We appreciate your reporting.

Still ahead here on CNN --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANJENETTE ALBERT (ph), SON KILLED: To just stand around and watch that happen to somebody, anybody.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: I just feel her heart break there. That was Anjenette Albert (ph). She was the mother of one of the many victims of violence in Chicago. She was speaking to me last September.

Today, a renewed call for the National Guard to patrol the streets there. Is that a good idea? Is it necessary? We're going to talk about that.

And later, the discovery one man had that may have you tearing your house up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: We want to update you on our top stories. Mississippi State officials still assessing the damage from a massive mile-wide tornado that ripped through Yazoo City and other communities. The death toll stands at ten, including three children. A state of emergency could be declared soon. No deaths have been reported in Alabama, but one medical center reports treating about 20 people for storm-related injuries.

President Barack Obama traveled to West Virginia today to remember the 29 coal miners who died in an explosion earlier this month. President Obama told the families and others who gathered at the memorial service that their loved ones died while pursuing the American dream. He also called for better safety measures to prevent future disasters.

In Afghanistan, more than 80 girls and teachers suddenly became ill at three girls' schools last week. Authorities are trying to determine if they were poisoned by Taliban militants who oppose education for girls. Afghan officials were able to gather a sample of a gas which they suspect was used to make the students sick. The girls reported a strange odor in their classrooms, then complained of dizziness and nausea.

The British government is not amused. If has apologized for a memo about Pope Benedict's upcoming visit to Britain. That was apparently written as a joke. The memo, from inside the British Foreign Office, suggested that the pope might like to sponsor a brand of condoms or bless a same-sex marriage while in a four-day state visit to Britain in September. We are told the author has been transferred to other duties.

This is one of our focuses of this show, "Chicago's deadly streets." A desperate plea today from a pair of Illinois state lawmakers, send in the National Guard to stop in the blood shed in Chicago.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN FRITCHEY, ILLINOIS STATE HOUSE: Is calling for National Guard deployment a drastic action? Of course, it is. Is it warranted under these circumstances? Without question. There should be no mistake. People may be quick to equate National Guard deployment with martial law. We are not talking about rolling tanks down the street. We are not talking about armed presence on every corner. We are talking about individuals, men and women, that have been specifically trained to assist law enforcement and assist with civil unrest.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: Joining us now are two men who are deeply involved in Chicago's communities. Victor Woods is an author and a community activist, who is with us live; and Father Michael Pfleger -- you're probably familiar with him. He's a Catholic priest from the area. He is joining us on the phone.

I'm going to talk to you, Father, real quickly. You, in the church -- I remember an incident about a year, maybe a little bit longer ago where someone was -- you were holding these youth summits so that they wouldn't be on the streets in the summer, and someone was shot very close to the church. Do you feel that, honestly, that the officials there, the police, everyone involved, are they doing enough to stop the violence?

FR. MICHAEL PFLEGER, PRIEST, SAINT SABINA CHURCH: Well, I think there's a whole lot more that can be done, and I think from the national government on down, but I think also starting with the community. I certainly understand the frustration of the two representatives.

But, you know, first of all, remember, the National Guard are trained to kill. And second of all, that's the last resort after we have tried everything we can do. I don't think we have tried everything we can do. And I think communities need to stand up, wrap our arms around our children, draw the line, take charge of our own block. Let's stop looking for government to come in and do what we are not doing ourselves first.

So I think that, you know -- and blocks in this city right now where neighbors have stood up and said, nothing has happened on this block. They are outside, they are present. They are watching. They call police. Nothing happens on that block.

So I think that's -- it's like the whole blue light thing. Put a blue light to watch crime. No. You be a blue light on your block. So I am not in favor of calling in outside forces whose job has been trained to kill, to say now you take over our streets. No. Let's us take over our streets first.

LEMON: I want to tell you and tell our audience that I reached out to the police commissioner today, to Jodi Luweiss. I got an e-mail from his representative a moment ago. It says, "He has been quoted, Don, extensively today about his opinion. Ultimately, the representatives ask for the governor to start the process. This is a law enforcement issue, not a military one."

You guys know that one. That e-mail is from Roger Drew.

And the police superintendent said, "I don't think the National Guard is the solution, basically," is what he is quoted as saying today.

Victor Woods, you heard Father Pfleger say it's not the solution. The police have said --

VICTOR WOODS, AUTHOR & COMMUNITY ACTIVIST: Yes, I did, don.

LEMON: What do you think, 113 murders so far?

WOODS: Well, what I think is, is that we haven't done in this city what needs to be done, on the school level, we haven't done it in the community. We are still calling these young black boys gang bangers and gang members. It is outrageous that we think we need to bring the Army and the National Guard to come in and deal with these neighborhoods. That is going to further alienate these young black boys and the community.

We need to hold city officials accountable, first and foremost. The mayor's office needs to be held accountable. The mayor has implemented -- has a man who is in charge of safety and initiatives and violence prevention for the city of Chicago who doesn't have a budget. This governor is talking about taking --

(CROSSTALK)

LEMON: But listen. I have to say this, Victor, I have to say that most of this violence didn't happen in school. It happened in neighborhoods. I'm not saying the school shouldn't be involved. But I think it's more of a community issue than just a school issue. WOODS: Well, let me tell you why I'm saying that, Don. The reason I'm saying that is because a lot of these perpetrators of these crimes are people who are in the school in the day, who do those things after they leave school. So the school has a great opportunity to have these young people all day long where they can be talking to them and educating them and speaking it them and giving them hope and giving them the right kind of information, so when they leave school, they don't do that. The school system, the Chicago Public Schools does not get a blank check just because these kids did not kill on school grounds. These young people --

LEMON: Victor?

WOODS: Yes, sir?

LEMON: Go ahead. Finish your thought.

WOODS: Well, the other thing I want to say as well is a lot of these young people who are going to prison, who are committing these crimes are former Chicago Public Schools students. We have a unique opportunity during the day to talk to these kids, so that when they leave school, they don't commit these acts.

LEMON: Hey, Victor, thank you.

WOODS: We just had a 2-year-old shot in the head.

LEMON: Yes, I know, a 2-year-old shot in the head just last -- a week ago in Chicago.

WOODS: In Chicago.

LEMON: Listen, I just want to give our viewers, just so they know what's going on. and this is from the police department. Just got an e-mail. Official murder statistics from January to March, 2010, 74. Unofficial murder stats through April 23rd, 2010, it's 113. 2009 during the same period, 70 from January to March. 2010, 74. So there is a rise there.

And it's not even halfway through the year.

Thank you, Victor Woods, Father Pfleger.

PFLEGER: Thank you, Don.

WOODS: Thank you.

LEMON: I think you would say the people have to get involved in their neighborhoods.

We have to go, but a quick word. I'll give you the last word, and then we have to go.

PFLEGER: The only thing I want to mention, there is a role for the government. I don't want to neglect that. Budget, there has to be service, there has to be resources. We need programs, jobs. Government has to do something from Washington and in the state. and education, train, teach conflict resolution in our school schools.

LEMON: Thanks to both of you.

And I want to tell you guys, interviewers reached out to the superintendent. He took a pass, but sent us a statement through his representative that I read to you right there.

The push to save the planet goes to the nation's capital with a big line up to spread the message to legislators. One of them, Sting. I got a chance to talk to him a few minutes ago. We will tell you why he is performing at today's climate rally. He also sings.

And Ben Roethlisberger's off-the-field troubles. How much of his problems factor into this week's NFL draft? You'll be surprised.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Music and a message today on the National Mall in Washington.

(SINGING)

LEMON: That is Bob Weir on stage in front of thousands at the climate rally. That was a little earlier today. Also on the bill, John Legend, The Roots, Josh Stone, and Jimmy Cliff.

But it's not just about entertainment for the earth network which organized that event. It's also a call to action.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KATHLEEN ROGERS, PRESIDENT EARTH DAY NETWORK: We've waited and waited and waited for climate legislation that would put us in the same position as the rest of the world. We have been really dragging our feet. So this is going to send I hope a little message to the U.S. government and to Congress in general that they need to pass climate legislation, good climate legislation, and they need to do it now.

I hope they can follow the science. The worst thing they can do is pass legislation that doesn't do anything to create a green economy, to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

If they cave to the oil companies, if they cave to the coal industry, we might as well not do anything at all.

Apparently, the administration felt that health care was more important than climate change. We have now cleared the table of that and it's time to move on and get ready and solve the problem.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: And perhaps the biggest name of all at that event, Sting. Before he sang at the climate rally, he spoke to me in an exclusive interview. And it's coming up in the 7:00 hour here on CNN, 7:00 p.m. eastern, right here on CNN. Join me then.

But I'll give you a sneak preview. We talked climate change and also got a little of Sting unplugged.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(SINGING)

STING, MUSICIAN: Come on, Trudie.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(LAUGHTER)

LEMON: That's his wife. Sting with his wife, Trudie Styler. And more on what they're calling the green tea party, 7:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. eastern right here on CNN. So stay tuned for that.

It's been a big week for the NFL with an annual player draft, but the six-game suspension of Ben Roethlisberger still drawing a lot of negative attention. The Pittsburgh quarterback was suspended after being accused of sexual assault for the second time in a year. While not criminally charged in either case, it is going to cost him, and could cost him a lot.

Our sports business analyst, Rick Harrow, is here to break it down.

Rick, what's the dollar figure we're looking at here?

RICK HARROW, SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: $102 million, eight-year contract. If it's an eight-game suspension, he may lose as much as $3.7 million. If it's six, about $2.9. It's about $473,000 a game. The same as one of your news casts, Don.

(LAUGHTER)

LEMON: Yes, right. How big of an image problem does the NFL have? Commissioner Roger Goodell was gushing over the road scholar, Myron Rohl, even before he was drafted, trying to get some positive attention. I spoke with Myron Rohl last night. Rohl had already been quoted, saying he supported Roethlisberger's suspension. So what do you think? And we have the full screen of him. He says he's in support of it. What do you think of that?

HARROW: Well, beyond what Myron Rohl says about Ben Roethlisberger, the real key, of course, is the image issue of a $7 billion business. Listen, these contracts, Don, are -- $50 million, Sam Bradford will get guaranteed. I want to start throwing this football so maybe I can get more money.

(LAUGHTER)

But more important than that is the image of the NFL is at issue here. Tim Thibeault, drafted 25th in the first round by Denver, positive character issue. Myron Rohl, we just talked about. On the other hand, Dez Bryant, Oklahoma player --

LEMON: How do you explain that, 25th? When you look at someone like Tim Tebow, you think, oh, he would go very quickly. How do you explain that?

HARROW: It may be character. Denver would like to think he's the best quarterback out there. Time will tell. But it's as big a character issue as -- let's just take LaGarrett Blunt, who was not drafted. He was supposed to be a first-round guy, suspended last year from Oregon. Look at Dez Bryant. He wasn't drafted early by Dallas. He was picked in the later end of the first round. A lot of people say because of character.

(CROSSTALK)

LEMON: So what you're saying is the guys in the draft, some of these guys who had character problems or baggage, they were dropped down in the draft, right, because of that. and the NFL is cognizant and aware of that?

HARROW: There were more captains of the college teams drafted this year than ever before. Why? Because they demonstrate leadership skills. That's one of the things you can measure.

LEMON: Rick Harrow, thank you very much, sir. Always good to see you and you always give us a great perspective. Take it easy.

HARROW: OK, See you next week.

LEMON: See you soon.

If you visit New Orleans and you haven't been to Preservation Hall, you are really missing out.

(MUSIC)

LEMON: Oh, man, look at that. Forget the standing-room only crowd. We've got your front-row seat at the legendary jazz spot. It's a great story.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Ever been to Jazz Fest in New Orleans or Preservation Hall? If you haven't, we're going to take you there. Right now, we want to tell you story. The final acts of the weekend are on stage at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, but the party isn't over yet. The festival ramps back up on Thursday.

You know, music is the lifeblood of New Orleans. And Preservation Hall, in the French Quarter, is dedicated to protecting the distinctive sound of that city.

Our producer, Jason Morris, and photographer, Ken Tillis, have your ticket inside.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(MUSIC) BEN JAFFE, PRESERVATION HALL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Preservation Hall is my home. This is where I grew up. My parents, Alan and Sandra Jaffe, moved to New Orleans in 1961. They moved down to New Orleans to be a part of the civil rights movement.

They happened upon a second-line parade that was passing through Jackson Square and they followed it back to an art gallery that was housed here in Preservation Hall. They met a group of people that were having jam sessions in this space, and our parents were so mesmerized and enchanted by the experience, they created a place where New Orleans jazz musicians, a lot of them elderly, African-American musicians, could come and perform on a regular basis.

(SINGING)

JAFFE: To this day, we continue in that tradition. We have people play at Preservation Hall who are third, fourth, fifth, sixth generation New Orleans musicians. And without Preservation Hall, there's a very good chance that New Orleans music, New Orleans jazz would have disappeared all together.

After the hurricane, it was real challenging locating and bringing all of our musicians back to New Orleans. Rebuilding our community, to me, was the number one challenge we faced as a city. I knew, without our musicians, New Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans.

There were years of instability where we didn't know how we were going to pay our bills, and how we were going to make a living.

Preservation Hall was important to the rebuilding process, because we symbolize something so powerful and so strong and universal. To me, it's not a museum. This is a living and breathing place where every night, magic happens.

(END VIDEOTAPE)