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North Korea Fires Artillery Rounds; Waiting for Holloway Announcement; Economy Grows Faster than Thought; New Poll Shows 50 Percent Say TSA Pat Downs Go Too Far; Bladder Cancer Survivor's Urostomy Bag Breaks During TSA Pat Down; William and Kate Set a Date

Aired November 23, 2010 - 09:00   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, guys. It's 9:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 6:00 a.m. out West. Here's some of the stories that had us talking this morning.

Ten people under arrest in a European anti-terror sweep. They were nabbed across Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. All 10 suspects facing a judge today.

North Dakota getting hammered by snow right now. Rough going if you're driving through this for your Thanksgiving holiday. Almost 13 inches of snow stacking up at a pace of almost an inch per hour.

And mark your calendar for a royal wedding. Prince William and Kate Middleton will get married April 29th at Westminster Abbey. It is one of the most anticipated events of 2011 and the day will be declared a British national holiday.

And this just in this morning. Some good news. Good new that we all want to hear about the economy. It actually grew faster than we thought in the third quarter.

Our Carter Evans is going to be joining us live from the New York Stock Exchange to talk about the significance of that growth in just a second.

But developing right now out of Korea this morning, the North has launched military strikes against the South near a disputed border in the Yellow Sea. The North reportedly bombarded a South Korean island with dozens, maybe hundreds of artillery rounds killing at least two soldiers and injuring many more. That's according to the South's Defense Ministry.

And we're talking about power shells, not just gun fire. Cell phone video shows a seaside village on fire following that show of force. The South Korea fired back and scrambled F-16 fighter jets.

The South is now on high alert calling an emergency meeting of its security ministers. Fire fight broke out on the island of Yeonpyeong near a long fought sea border. At the time we're told the South Korea's military was conducting routine military drills in the waters there.

We're going to go now to the Pentagon with Chris Lawrence joining us with more on this story.

So Chris, a lot of people asking why now?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, there's been a lot of tension, obviously, in that part of the world recently, Kyra. You know, of course, independent American nuclear or scientists recently confirmed that North Korea's nuclear program is much further along than maybe had been previously believed.

So -- in fact the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen recently called them a very dangerous country, said that they were acting in a very belligerent way that was destabilizing the region. Now this latest attack obviously comes as North Korea had been maneuvering, trying to get those sanctions lifted.

The Obama administration not lifting those sanctions. Some of the folks that I have talked say it's another example of North Korea trying to bully and force its will to get back to the negotiated table under the terms it wants.

Listen to what White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in response to this attack. He said, "The United States strongly condemns this attack and calls on North Korea to halt its belligerent action and to fully abide by the terms of the Armistice Agreement. The United States is firmly committed to the defense of our ally, the Republic of Korea, and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability."

I spoke with a Defense official this morning who said he hopes that this is basically just an isolated incident and not a radical change in North Korea's military posture. He said the U.S. military right now is closely monitoring the situation but as of right now he believed that there was no U.S. forces in the area that was attacked.

There were -- some were part of that exercise that South Korea was conducting but he didn't think that there were any U.S. military involved in the area where that was attacked by North Korea.

PHILLIPS: We'll follow it. Chris, thanks so much.

Well, let's fast forward to this afternoon when Natalee Holloway's family could finally get some answers about what happened when the Alabama teen disappeared in Aruba just five years ago.

A few hours from now, prosecutors rather are expected to reveal whether a jawbone found at a beach resort belongs to Holloway.

Our Martin Savidge is live where the teen was last seen leaving a nightclub in the early hours of May 30th, 2005.

So, Marty, what are we expecting today?

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, we're standing in front of the prosecutor's office here and it's from this office that you're going to get some sort of information today. In fact, we had a conversation briefly as the head of the prosecutor's office showed up at work this morning and it was interesting what (INAUDIBLE) had to say. He said that so far he had not received any information from The Hague pertaining to whatever scientific evaluation had been made of this bone.

That's interesting for a couple of reasons. Number one, you would expect he would have some sort of insight by now so that would imply that in The Hague, in the Netherlands, they're holding on to that information to prevent any leak to the media, and they'll transmit it this information.

Or that bone is still under study which could raise the question of whether or not we truly will get some sort of answers today. Authorities say if they receive that information, they will reveal all they know.

Let's go back to when this bone was found and that was on November 12th. It was found by tourists on the beach out if front of the (INAUDIBLE) Phoenix Hotel. They then in turn took that bone, turn it over to the front desk, and the front desk called authorities.

The authorities then turned it over to a local expert who determined that it was in fact a jawbone, probably human being and a young woman. Well, that of course raised a lot of speculation because of the Natalee Holloway case and her disappearance.

Then it's sent on to The Hague and that's where the further evaluation is being done and that's what we're all anxiously waiting for.

Tim Miller, who is Texas EquuSearch, was on "NANCY GRACE" last night. He was talking about Dave Holloway -- that's the father of Natalee Holloway -- and how he was handling these anxious hours. Here's what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TIM MILLER, TEXAS EQUUSEARCH: I talked to Dave today. And I said, Dave, how are you really doing? And he says, you know what, I really don't know. He said no matter what the news is, it's going to be disappointing. If it comes back that it's not Natalee, it's another roller coaster ride and he just really wants it to come to an end.

And if it comes back it is -- if it comes back it is Natalee, then you know the reality hits that -- you know, that miracle's not going to happen. Natalee really is deceased and then they really have to face that.

(END OF VIDEO CLIP)

SAVIDGE: And that's part of the problem here. This case for five and a half years that I have been covering it has had so many of these moments of expectation only to discover that they are false leads and false hope. It's frustrating for journalists. You can imagine what it is for the Holloway family. Today could be a breakthrough or it could possibly be just another one of those false leads. We'll have to wait and see. The announcement expected this afternoon -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Marty, thanks so much. We'll check back with you.

Let's get back to that good news about the economy, shall we? Growing a lot faster than we thought in the third quarter.

Carter Evans, finally some good news about this growth. How significant is it, though?

CARTER EVANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, it kind of depends on how you're looking at it, Kyra.

Yes, we saw some growth but no, it's not significant enough to bring down unemployment. Now they revise GDP every couple of months here and our third quarter Gross Domestic Product, the second revision, was now revised upward to 2.5 percent. That is what was expected.

The original estimate, the first estimate was around 2 percent. Three percent is considered a normal pace of growth and that is what we need basically to keep unemployment where it is. So we need to get up to at least that 3 percent level and perhaps even higher to begin to bring down the unemployment rate.

Here's the thing. This GDP report is significant because it's the broadest look at economic activity in our country. Our country is growing again. It is improving. It is headed in the right direction. We're just not quite where we need to be just yet.

Although the markets today, Kyra, I got to tell you. Everyone is focusing on what's going overseas both with the banking troubles in Ireland and this latest conflict in North Korea.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, Carter. Thanks.

Well, Velma Hart became the face of disappointed Americans this fall. Hart, a passionate Obama support at a town hall meeting in D.C. got national attention when she told the president she feared for her financial future and expected more from him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VELMA HART, LOST HER JOB: Quite frankly, I'm exhausted. I'm exhausted of defending you, defending your administration. Defending the mantle of change that I voted for and deeply disappointed with where we are right now.

My husband and I joked for years that we thought we were beyond the hot dogs and beans era of our lives, but quite frankly it's starting to knock on the door and ring true that that might be where we're headed again. And quite frankly, Mr. President, I need you to answer this honestly. Is this my new reality?

(END OF VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, unfortunately, Hart's fears were well founded. She's been laid off from her job as chief financial officer for AMVETS, a nonprofit veterans services organization in Maryland. Hart's boss called her a good employee who had to be cut because of hard times.

Looks like David Plouffe is joining the White House staff. The president is reportedly planning to bring his former campaign manager on board in January. He'll work alongside senior adviser David Axelrod before Axelrod actually moves on to help run Mr. Obama's reelection campaign.

Senior -- CNN senior White House correspondent Ed Henry is reporting that Axelrod may leave his post in late January just ahead of schedule.

Well, Alaska's Senate candidate Joe Miller filed a lawsuit challenging the way write-in votes were counted in the Alaska Senate race. Miller says that votes with the name of candidate of Lisa Murkowski's name misspelled should not be counted.

Murkowski's victory is scheduled to be certified next week. Miller's suit could push that date back.

All right. Well, check out this out of -- pretty rare sight, I guess you could say, in northern Illinois. A tornado actually ripped through Boone County damaging the homes and power lines and turning a school bus on its side. Five students and bus driver escaped serious injury.

Rob Marciano watching all kinds of this type of action -- I guess -- across the country but it's kind of late in the season for a tornado, yes?

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Well, we get -- we get two seasons. We get the spring season, which is the stronger one, the more of this more infamous. And then the fall season we get tornadoes as well. But what's odd about this batch is that behind this system is yet another system that's going to create some havoc.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Kyra, back up to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, Rob. Thanks.

MARCIANO: You bet.

PHILLIPS: Well, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, full body scanners and hands pat-downs, it's all part of Thanksgiving 2010. A lot to give thanks for. Well, a new poll shows what Americans think of the security measures and one inventor says he's actually made the perfect underwear if you're too shy for the TSA.

And a hat trick for Santa. We're going to tell you what's behind the grand display of festive head gear.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Less than 24 hours to the busiest travel day of the year. And if you think the noise over TSA security is loud now, it could be deafening after the holiday is over as the new measures touch more people. Let's talk more about it.

Take a look at this new poll from "The Washington Post" and ABC. Half the respondents don't think the enhanced pat-downs are justified. But about two thirds say they're OK with the full-body scanners.

One inventor in Colorado isn't among the 64 percent, though. He's selling underwear that's lined with tungsten. You've got to love the fig leaf. Sort of Biblical. He says that the metal not only shield it your privates from TSA eyes, it also protects your body from radiation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JEFF BUSKE, INVENTOR (via telephone): And it's been well-known that X-rays and ionizing radiation in general are hazardous to cellular life and DNA and whatnot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILIPS: Well, the TSA says that the scanners won't zap you with unhealthy doses of radiation. Still, the inventor said he's sold thousands of pairs. And there's an internet movement calling on passengers to boycott the body scans tomorrow and ask for the pat downs.

Well, the White House is defending the new security measures, and the head of the TSA says there won't be any changes in the short term. In fact, he's trying to sell nonbelievers on the security measures. Let's talk about more about this with Deb Feyerick. So, what do you think? How's the sales pitch going?

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's certainly been consistent and it's certainly been steady. He's been on almost every show there is to do because he really has to get the message out that this is important. And then, right now, this is the best they've got, and so this is what they're going to go ahead with. And flying public has to deal with that, really.

PHILLIPS: So, but at the end of the day, you really are just reacting to -- Well, are we reacting to past threats or are we preventing the next big attack? Because critics have said the TSA agents, they're basically law enforcement officials, but they haven't made any major arrests.

FEYERICK: It's a little bit of both. In terms of getting the security out there. They are trying to prevent the next attack. They're trying to prevent somebody like Abdulmutallab, the underwear bomber, from getting on board a plane with some sort of a device.

The problem is, is that, in the words of one security expert, we're always reacting to the last plot. It's really looking forward. Looking ahead. Trying to out-think the terrorists.

I read something where it says al Qaeda just wants to make sure that their guys don't break for about three days if they're captured, because within three days they can completely change what it is they're doing. That's how quickly they can react.

Remember, it takes so much time to put in place this kind of system. $170 million of security money spent on these scanners. So, they're going to be there. But yes, you don't want a plane to fall out of the sky. But at the same time, there's really an issue of respect and respecting people's privacy and how they feel about having their naked images out there. Having their, you know, bodies touched. So it's a dual reality.

PHILLIPS: And it's so inconsistent. You and I have talked about this, going to all the different airports, one is always stricter than another. Less strict than another. More friendly than another. It's never the same system.

FEYERICK: It's not. The screening in general, they try to keep things as consistent as they can. But again, it all depends on the attitude of the TSA agent. Who is doing the screening, how they're doing the screening. Have they had a bad day? Have you had a bad day?

This is now adding hours onto people's travel, and that's something that is difficult. You're already anxious because of all the terror threats that are out there. People are nervous. Now, you add this on top of it, and all those feelings that you have to begin with are simply exacerbated, according to a behavioral expert.

Again, once we get used to this, we'll -- just the way we got used to the routine pat downs. It's interesting that this national opt-out day, they're saying don't go through the screeners, instead, subject yourself to the more enhanced pat down measures.

Well, you know, we're going to be longing for the days when we had the routine pat down measures because they're getting so sophisticated. Maybe it's just changing people's behavior so that they can get used to this, accommodate it.

But there's got to be mutual respect. Passengers have to understand the TSA has a job to do. The TSA also has to understand that the people that they're screening are not criminals. You can't treat everybody like equal suspects because what that does is that you go in really sort of confrontational to begin with.

PHILLIPS: Right. It creates confrontation, so true.

FEYERICK: Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: All right, Deb, thanks so much. FEYERICK: Of course.

PHILLIPS: Happy traveling.

FEYERICK: Thank you. In fact, I'll be heading home.

PHILLIPS: Here we go.

FEYERICK: At least this holiday.

PHILLIPS: OK. Well, one man, a bladder cancer survivor, had a really bad TSA pat down experience in Detroit. We actually talked about it yesterday. An agent who clearly didn't know what he was doing got way too rough with this man's urostomy bag. The one that he has to wear to go to the restroom. It actually leaked, and it was humiliating for him. Well, after Tom Sawyer shared his story with CNN, he heard from the TSA chief, and we're going to hear more about that in just a few minutes.

Now, it's your turn to talk about today's Talker. If you've been flying this week, tell us how the security lines were and how your screening or pat down went. And if you're planning to travel, tell me if the TSA rules have made you change your plans. Share your comments with me, CNN.com/kyra.

Now, this just in to CNN. There has been a royal announcement. We now know when and where the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be. We're live in London.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right. Just in to CNN, after a week of speculation, the royal family just announced where and when the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will take place. Dan Rivers live in London with all the scoop. Hey, Dan.

(SILENCE)

PHILLIPS: Go ahead, Dan.

DAN RIVERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we now know the venue and the date, here. The venue is Westminster Abbey, behind me, steeped in more than a thousand years of history and royal connections. The date is Friday, the 29th of April.

There'd been a lot of speculation it was going to be in March. And some people were saying it was going to be later, but they've had to navigate their way through a number of potential clashes with different events. For example, there are local elections, a referendum in May, and then, of course, there's Easter and Lent, and it couldn't be seen for the wedding to happen during that period.

So they've settled on the 29th of April, which we're told is the feast of St. Katherine of Sienna, coincidentally. So, that's the day that William and Catherine, as we now have to call her, of course, will walk up the aisle here.

It will be a massive worldwide event here. Hundreds of thousands, probably, lining the streets. But we're being told by Clarence House it will be less lavish than Prince Charles' wedding to Diana in 1981. The couple are mindful of the economic situation that the country is in, and will reflect that somewhat. Although, clearly, it's not going to be a small affair. They're talking about cramming 6,000 people into Westminster Abbey behind me.

PHILLIPS: So Dan, any significance with the date?

RIVERS: I don't think so. I mean, it's -- I think it was just a question of having to negotiate those different potential clashes with different public events. We were being told that they wanted to have a spring wedding. That still is right in the middle of spring. It's late enough that, perhaps, the weather will be kind on them. But the main thing was just sorting out all of the other things.

Don't forget the whole of the royal family clearly going to be there, but they have events that are booked years in advance, so they have to negotiate their way around different state visits and so on.

Even the announcement today was difficult to orchestrate because the queen is leaving tomorrow on a state visit to the Gulf, so they wanted to get this out before she left. They felt they couldn't announce it once she wasn't in the country.

So, it is a bit of a nightmare for them to try and sort this out, but the venue, I think, was always going to be Westminster Abbey. Kate Middleton was seen here last week, and that was a pretty big clue that that was her favorite venue.

PHILLIPS: I don't know, Dan. Your life as a correspondent is pretty much a nightmare, too. It's hard for you to schedule events, as well.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Dan Rivers, live in London.

RIVERS: Sometimes.

PHILLIPS: Yes, exactly. Thanks, Dan.

Well, Tom Sawyer had a pretty humiliating encounter with a TSA agent, and he shared it with CNN yesterday. Guess what? He's now gotten an apology from the man at the top. He's still snot ready to fly, not after what he went through, and we sure don't blame him. But we're going to tell you why in just a few minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Also just in, we're seeing new pictures now out of Caledonia, Illinois. It's not far from Rockford, Illinois. Storms there swept through the area last night. These are actually chopper pictures from our affiliate WGN, and you can see the impact that these storms are having on the country, specifically today in the morning in Illinois. Our Rob Marciano is, of course, following all of that for us. Thanks to WGN for those pictures coming to us from their chopper.

Some other stories that have us talking this morning. We've talked about the tensions exploding on the Korean peninsula. Today, there was real gunfire. The South says that the North fired artillery on one of its islands, killing two marines and wounding 15 others. The South responded with its own artillery fire. The U.S. says it strongly condemns the attack by North Korea.

We are also waiting to hear whether a jawbone found on the island of Aruba belongs to missing teenager Natalee Holloway. Results of the forensics test are due today and we will bring you the latest.

It also seems like voters aren't the only ones who want change. Four Democrats in the Alabama House have switched to the Republican Party. That move gives Republicans in that chamber a big enough majority to pass any bill they want.

Well, tornadoes, ice, snow. Even record high temps. All a part of the nation's weather picture. More pictures of that tornado that hit northern Illinois, Boone County, actually, damaging these homes here and also bringing down power lines. Actually turning a school bus on its side, as well. No serious injuries were reported, though, thank goodness.

Then, in Seattle, there were several traffic accidents after a cold front brought snow and ice to the region. Wind chills sent temperatures into the single digits. And live pictures now from Salt Lake City, Utah. A blizzard and high wind warnings in effect throughout the morning, which means that travel could get real dicey later today.

(WEATHER REPORT)

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's hope that no one else has a TSA experience like Tom Sawyer. You may remember his story that he told us yesterday. Here it is quickly, the back story.

Mr. Sawyer is a bladder cancer survivor and he has to wear a urostomy bag to collect his urine. Now, a few weeks ago in Detroit, he asked for a private pat-down because of his medical device. Well, clearly, the agent didn't know, or didn't even care about Sawyer's situation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THOMAS SAWYER, BLADDER CANCER SURVIVOR: When he got to my chest area, he used his open palm and started doing down my chest quite hard. And I knew that if he got near where my urostomy bag was, there was a possibility of pulling the seal off it.

And I said, at that point, you need to go slower and you need to go softer or you're going to pull my urostomy bag off. And he goes, what's that? And I said, it doesn't matter, just go softer. And low and behold, he got down to where the urostomy bag was -- I happen to have one of the bags here to show you -- and pulled the seal kind of half off it.

And once that happened, it was kind of like pulling the seal off -- half off of a battle of orange juice and tipping it upside down. The urine started coming out to my bag and on to my shirt and down my pants.

JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And it just sounds like a horrendous experience, Tom. I mean --

SAWYER: It was embarrassing, very embarrassing. It's been three years for me so I'm used to my urostomy now. But it's not something I like to show the world.

ACOSTA: Sure.

SAWYER: I think one of the biggest fears for all ostomy patients is that we'll have a leak in public, let alone at an airport.

ACOSTA: So this was your worst nightmare.

SAWYER: And he didn't apologize. He didn't do anything. Well, I probably -- there are worse nightmares but it certainly was a horrible nightmare.

ACOSTA: Yes.

SAWYER: And I had to walk out in the airport, try to get cleaned up.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: You know, I heard that yesterday and my heart sunk and I hear it today and it brings tears to my eyes. I mean, just -- how it got choked up. You actually got to talk to him again today, John. The TSA, John Pistole, the head of TSA called him to apologize. We've heard about all these stories, but this is just absolutely unacceptable.

JOHN ROBERTS, CNN ANCHOR, "AMERICAN MORNING": The TSA saw him on AMERICAN MORNING yesterday. They called us and said, how do we get in touch with this guy? The administrator would like to give him a call.

You can imagine what the poor guy went through because he was trying to explain to the TSA screener, I have a medical condition, you need to know about it before you pat me down knowing that the appliance was there. And the guy just didn't seem to care too much about it.

But the TSA administrator John Pistole, to his credit, did care about it and telephoned Thomas yesterday. The two of them talked at length. They said they even shared some light banter back and forth. You know, how's your day been? Oh, well not too busy. No, neither was mine. I've received a couple of phone calls.

But then they got down to the nuts and bolts of it. He was very apologetic. And Thomas even suggested that maybe he had something to teach to the TSA.

Let's listen to a little of what he told me this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAWYER (via telephone): He went on to apologize to me on behalf of the TSA and then he had some -- some things to say. I had to do a little correcting. He had a part of the story mixed up which a lot of people do right now.

And we did that, and then, he asked me what I thought -- because I kept talking about training. What I thought. And so, I talked to him that I really don't believe that they've been trained as well as -- to handle a medical condition as what -- various medical conditions is what many of the TSA postings have been saying. And he said he had -- was going to be talking at 3:00 yesterday afternoon to his supervisors and the whole thing was going to be discussed, and there is going to be a larger meeting.

And I offered to actually attend that meeting. And I would demonstrate and talk with them about the world of urostomies, colostomies, insulin pumps, et cetera and will help educate the agents if he was so moved (ph). And he said I might take you up on that. And so, it was a congenial conversation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: So I wonder if he's going to go to that meeting. And my guess is, he sure as hell won't fly.

ROBERTS: I don't think --

PHILLIPS: Unless he's got a private plane coming to him from the TSA.

ROBERTS: I don't think he's going to go to that meeting. But wouldn't it be a good idea for some sensitivity training and education for TSA screeners to hear from real people out there and their real stories? You know, as opposed to just some clinical explanation of what it is, hear from somebody who's been through the pat-down and say, here is what it feels like when you're on my end of it.

But, you're right. He's not planning on flying any time soon. And even if he were, he would think twice about it because he says that the screeners don't have the level of training that they need to be sensitive to people with medical conditions. And his is only one of a panoply of medical conditions out there that they should be aware of.

PHILLIPS: Sure.

ROBERTS: He didn't go so far as to say that these enhanced pat-downs should stop altogether.

PHILLIPS: Yes. It's not that he -- he's in support of security. He's just saying, know what the hell you're doing and --

ROBERTS: He says, I'm a good American. I know that that airline security is a paramount importance. But he thinks that the screeners need to dial it back a little bit until they are adequately trained. PHILLIPS: You can tell he's got a good heart. Poor guy.

ROBERTS: He sure does.

PHILLIPS: He's doing a great job --

ROBERTS: The poor fellow. To go through what he went through, can you imagine? And he had to go through the airport, get on the aircraft, wasn't until the plane was actually in the air that he had a chance to change out of his clothes and put on a fresh shirt.

PHILLIPS: We'll definitely follow his story and see what happens. It would be great to see him speak to some of those agents.

ROBERTS: It sure would.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, John.

Well, taking the next step in robotic technology to the competitive level. We're going to show you some of the carry-over from Japan's Annual Robot Challenge.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: It's the moment of truth tonight for Bristol Palin. The season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" after underwhelming the judges once again night, Palin heads into the finale trailing "Dirty Dancing's" Jennifer Grey and Disney star, Kyle Massey. Don't count her out just yet, though. Her fans have consistently voted for her in huge numbers so anything could happen.

Palin's appearance on that show has provoked some pretty negative reactions. Last week her performance allegedly inspired a Wisconsin man to shoot his TV.

Well, it's three weeks after the election and we finally have a decision in a really close House race. Senior political editor, Mark Preston joins us from the CNNPolitics.com desk. I don't think anybody ever shoots the TV at you, Mark.

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: I don't see why they wouldn't actually, I think it's kind of aggravating sometimes -- Kyra. But as you said we are -- at least my kids thinks that and my wife thinks that. Probably most of my friends think that and the bosses probably think that because I'm talking about it.

(CROSSTALK)

PHILLIPS: Oh my gosh, we've got to get Mark Preston some therapy, folks.

PRESTON: I need lots of it.

Well, as you said, we are still -- we still have outstanding House and Senate races to this day. The midterms were earlier this month, we still haven't got resolution on four House races and one Senate race but we did last night get a resolution on a Texas race. Representative Solomon Ortiz conceded to his GOP challenger Blake Farenthold late last night.

You know, Ortiz has been in Congress since 1983 -- Kyra. However, he lost his re-election bid this November. He conceded last night. And this district is the Corpus Christi/Brownsville area. So a Republican is taking over that seat.

And as I said, four House seats are still up for grabs, two of those in New York, two of those in California and of course the Alaska saga continues on between Joe Miller and Lisa Murkowski, those two Republicans fighting over that seat.

Look at this scoop from Ed Henry last night. David Plouffe, campaign manager for Barack Obama's very successful 2008 presidential campaign is moving into the White House. David Axelrod, who is a senior advisor is going to be moving back to Chicago to take over the campaign. We'd always heard that Plouffe would at some point return to the White House, we just didn't know when.

Well, Ed broke the story last night saying that Plouffe will be going in, in January there will be some overlap between David Plouffe and David Axelrod, a little bit of handing off of the baton so to speak. Then Axelrod will take a little time off then he'll go to Chicago and setup the re-election campaign for President Obama.

Plouffe is known for being a very organized individual and of course the White House has to deal with a new Congress and a new organization at the Congress. So some big changes down at the Obama White House -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right.

Well, speaking of Obama confidants, you know, his former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel got a little competition in the race to be mayor of Chicago.

PRESTON: He does. And Carol Moseley Braun, a former senator has decided to run for mayor of Chicago. She was the first African- American woman ever elected to the Senate, she served one term, was not re-elected in 1998. During the Clinton administration she was appointed as Ambassador to New Zealand but she is going to get in the race.

Right now, there are 20 candidates running for mayor. Rahm Emanuel is considered the front-runner. But get this Kyra, this has just came in. Rolland Burris, the senator who is leaving right now, he was appointed to fill the seat that President Obama held. He was appointed by Rod Blagojevich, our viewers remember, very controversial. He is now considering running right now.

There was a write-in campaign to get him on the ballot. I just got off the phone with one of his top aides and even though his office was not behind this whole idea, they said -- they are seriously considering it. So we might see Roland Burris trying to run for mayor as well -- Kyra. PHILLIPS: Ok, that will definitely be interesting. That's for sure. Mark thanks.

PRESTON: No question.

PHILLIPS: We're going to have your next political update in just about an hour. And a reminder, for all the latest political news 24/7, you can always go to our Web site CNNPolitics.com.

Well, a flock of rare falcons grounded before takeoff. We're going to tell you why these birds' alleged owner maybe singing the smugglers' blues.

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PHILLIPS: Well, scanning our "Morning Passport". We go to Moscow first, where animal welfare activists say that eight endangered falcons were recovered Sunday by customs officials who found the rare birds swaddled in pillowcases bound for Syria. The breed is considered the world's largest true falcon and they command big bucks on the black market. Right now they're being rehabbed to be released back into the wild.

And Tokyo, to the city's annual robot contest. This robot is carrying human cargo in the back. One robot in particular catching our attention, a reindeer robot carrying three people but no Santa.

A lot of developments coming up in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM. Let's go ahead and start off with our Chris Lawrence. Hey, Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Kyra.

Yes, for more than an hour, North Korea and South Korea fired hundreds of rounds of artillery at each other, and when it was over, two South Korean marines were dead. So what's this mean for the tens of thousands of American troops stationed right along the border? I'll tell you that coming up at the top of the hour.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Martin Savidge in Aruba. Could we finally find out today what happened to Natalee Holloway, the teen who disappeared five and a half years ago. We're waiting for the answers. We'll have a report at the top of the hour.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: And I'm Jacqui Jeras at the CNN Travel Desk monitoring how things are going in the airways and on the interstates. We've got a lot of trouble out there. We'll show you the latest coming up.

PHILLIPS: All right, guys thanks so much.

And Prince William may be royalty but that doesn't mean he doesn't know how to have a good time. An American rapper reportedly tops the list to perform at the royal engagement party. It's coming up in the next hour. We'll have the details.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And also you have to have a high --

(END VIDEO CLIP)

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TONY HARRIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Kyra, Kyra, in New York.

PHILLIPS: Hey, what happened to the music?

HARRIS: I don't know. What happened?

PHILLIPS: Yes, what happened?

HARRIS: How are you? I don't see you in the split. Where are you? Ok, there you go. Hey you.

PHILLIPS: What happened to our big open. That didn't work so well.

HARRIS: I don't know.

PHILLIPS: There we go. There we go. Do you want to redo it?

HARRIS: What's the music today?

Who is that?

PHILLIPS: Who is that Dimple?

HARRIS: I am a p-funk guy. I'm a funkateer. What are we playing?

PHILLIPS: You can't do the dougie to that, can you?

HARRIS: You can't do the dougie to that.

Hi Kyra. Good to see you.

PHILLIPS: You can do the shopping cart to that. Here we go. Here we go. Now we're talking, Dimple.

HARRIS: Yes. In the tease, you're giving me a Snoop Dogg and I come on the air with you and we're doing pure Prairie League. What's going on?

PHILLIPS: See what happens when I'm not with you. It's just all -- all hell breaks loose.

HARRIS: Come on back, Kyra. Come on back.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's talk -- let's talk Monday night football.

HARRIS: Yes. Philip Rivers.

PHILLIPS: Ok. All right.

HARRIS: He was terrific last night, Kyra. PHILLIPS: Well, this is, you know, the Chargers. This is my hometown, San Diego, California. We go back to the days of Dan Fouts.

HARRIS: Yes absolutely. Air Coreal (ph), absolutely. Well, Philip Rivers was amazing last night. It wasn't that he threw for a ton of yards, it was like 233 yards. But a career best, four touchdowns for him. It's like Monday night football now is becoming a platform for folks to enter the conversation for the MVP award.

Last week it was Michael Vick. Philip Rivers last night. He played a terrific ball game, but it's an average team. I guess they're 5-5 or something like that. But in the west that might -- on the path that they're on, that might be good enough to ultimately get them to the playoffs.

So they looked really good and he -- that guy right there in particular -- looked fantastic. He's going to end up throwing for more yards than anyone in history at the end of this year. That's how good he's playing right now.

Got another story for you, Kyra. Did you see the smack down over the weekend?

PHILLIPS: Is that about Oakland Raiders?

HARRIS: Yes, the Oakland-Pittsburgh game. Right?

PHILLIPS: What's up with no -- yes, no suspension what's up with that?

HARRIS: No suspension but a pretty hefty fine for Richard Seymour. Look at this. Look at this. An open-hand slap -- this was terrific stuff -- and Roethlisberger on the ground rolling around like a big, old baby -- man-baby. Right? Quarterback, stay out of the way. Stay out of the scrum. So Seymour gets a $25,000 fine for that open hand slap. And look at Roethlisberger.

PHILLIPS: What's up with that, though? Why'd he slap him?

HARRIS: There was a scrum after the play and Roethlisberger decides he's going to come in and play peacemaker and it's the National Football League. Have this, all right? So that's what happened there.

PHILLIPS: Little boys need to grow up.

HARRIS: Little boys -- yes, yes. Men playing a boy's game.

PHILLIPS: What else do we got there?

HARRIS: Jacqui Jeras is, as you know, a big Minnesota Vikings fan. Her grew up there and her Vikings having a very difficult season. Finally, this comes as no surprise, they fired the head coach Brad Childress. The team's playing miserably. Bret Favre is playing miserably. They're 3-7 right now and they fired Childress after a pretty humiliating loss at home, 31-3 to the Packers. And that's a huge rivalry game. The question is --

PHILLIPS: See? No sympathy for me there, Tony, because I'm a Green Bay Packers fan.

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HARRIS: Am I flat out of time? Dog gone it, I don't have time to get to Tony Parker and the Spurs?

Yes, well here's the thing. Real quickly. Tony Parker and the Spurs. Eleven game winning streak, playing amazing ball right now. Tony Parker playing the best ball of his career. As you know, he's going through this divorce from Eva Longoria, the actress. I'm not saying he's playing great ball because of that, I'm just saying he's playing great ball.

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HARRIS: Got to go.

PHILLIPS: See you tomorrow.

HARRIS: See you lady.

PHILLIPS: Oh, my gosh.