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Whitney Houston Laid To Rest; Human Remains Found On Long Island; Arizona Sheriff Leaves Romney Post; Elizabeth Smart Marries Beau; ESPN Apologizes To Lin; Pope Leads New Cardinals In Mass; Activists Fear Crackdown Coming; New Jersey Governor Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill; Preventing Dry Skin In Winter; Strong Week For The Economy; Wall Street Closed Monday; Winter Storm Warnings

Aired February 19, 2012 - 14:30   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

Whitney Houston has been laid to rest in New Jersey. It was a family only service at a cemetery in Westfield. The singer's grave is right next to her father's. Fans and friends packed the church in Newark, New Jersey, yesterday for Whitney Houston's televised funeral service.

Human remains have been found on Long Island in a separate location from where others have been located and the find is renewing fears that a serial killer is to blame.

Ten other sets of remains have been discovered since 2000. The latest remains were found about 40 miles from where other remains were uncovered. So far it's not clear if the cases are connected.

The co-chair of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Arizona, Pinnal County Sheriff Paul Babeu has stepped down. He made the move after allegations published in the "Phoenix New Times" that he threatened to deport an ex-boyfriend.

Babeu says he is gay, but denied trying to deport the man. Babeu is also running for Congress. He says he will continue with his campaign.

The young lady America remembers as the 14-year-old Utah girl who was kidnapped from her own home 10 years ago is now a married woman. The 24-year-old Elizabeth Smart got married yesterday in Hawaii in a private ceremony.

Smart met her husband Matthew Gilmour doing missionary work in France. They will honeymoon in an undisclosed location before returning home to Salt Lake City.

ESPN is apologizing for an offensive headline involving New York Knick super star Jeremy Lin. The sports network has fired a writer and suspended an anchor who both used what ESPN called offensive and inappropriate comments.

ESPN apologized saying Lin's, quote, "accomplishments are a source of great pride to the Asian-American community. Our Susan Candiotti will have a full report on this in our 5:00 p.m. Eastern hour.

In Vatican City, Pope Benedict led 22 new cardinals in mass in this morning. Among the new cardinals, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Cardinals under 80 are part of the exclusive group that will one day elect the next pope.

We're also following developments in Syria today. People fighting against government troops are afraid a major military crackdown is coming soon. At least 23 people were killed in clashes around the country today.

CNN's Nick Paton Walsh is keeping an eye on Syria from Beirut.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Homs waking again today to the sounds of shedding in the district of Bab Amer, which has born the brunt of this days long Syrian army offensive.

Residents around there deeply concerned they're seeing Syrian troop and armor movements in the direction of that neighborhood, concerns building over the past few days, heightened this morning that this may be preparations for some Syrian army onslaught into that neighborhood that's held out against Syrian authorities for so long now.

Quite separately, in a different part of the country, I think people in Damascus still try to digest the consequences, ramifications of yesterday's protests, shot upon by Syrian security forces.

Originally a funeral, it turned into a protest and then scenes around the neighborhood where frankly the presidential palace is nearby, many other ministries as well, I think this may have caused some to feel greater disquiet.

The capital normally more loyal towards the regime but after 11 months of economic disruption, the country frankly at a standstill as this conflict violently plays out in many areas and, perhaps, these protests may finally have an impact on the psyche of residents living in that vital area for the Syrian regime in Damascus. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, Beirut.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: New Jersey's lawmakers say yes to same-sex marriage rights, but the Republican governor says it's a no-go. Two New Jersey lawmakers will join me after the break to discuss what's next in the New Jersey battle over same-sex marriage.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: So as quickly as New Jersey lawmakers passed a same-sex marriage bill, late last week, Governor Chris Christie delivered on his promise and vetoed it the next day.

Christie says he wants to put the issue before New Jersey voters instead. He explained his opposition to the proposal in this statement issued last month.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE (R), NEW JERSEY: I think this is not an issue that should rest solely in my hands and the hands of the Senate president or the hands of the speaker or other 118 members of the legislature.

Let's let the people of New Jersey decide what's right for the state. Let's put the question of same-sex marriage on the ballot this fall in the hands of the people, the time when most people will be voting in the presidential election year.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Two New Jersey lawmakers join me right now. Steve is the Democratic president of the New Jersey Senate. Good to see you. He favors the same-sex marriage bill.

Jon Bramnick is the Republican minority leader of New Jersey's assembly who supports Governor Christie's call for a vote. So first off, Mr. Bramnick, why don't you better explain for people why is it the governor is taking this hardstand against it when the majority of the general assembly voted in favor of it?

JON BRAMNICK (R), NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER: Actually I don't think it's a hardstand. The governor himself is against same- sex marriage, but he's willing to allow the people to vote. That's actually a compromised position that makes sense.

Keep in mind, the Democrats voted against the same-sex marriage bill and that was clear that this was not only Republicans and there was not only Democrats. So the Democrats have some explaining to do with respect to their members.

WHITFIELD: So if recent polls show that about 54 percent of New Jersians actually support same-sex marriage and the general assembly is voting in concert with what New Jersians' say and why have double work? Why not go ahead and pass this legislation that general assembly gives a thumbs up to as opposed to taking it to the general public?

BRAMNICK: This is a major social issue change that the governor believes and many members of the legislature believe that the public should vote on. There are Republicans who are in favor of this issue.

There are Democrats in favor of the issue, but I think there's a consensus it's up to the public as a whole to vote on this issue. I think the governor's right and one thing about Governor Christie he tells its way it is.

You know when he says he's going to do it something he does it and I think President Sweeney knows that.

WHITFIELD: So, is this about politics, however, Mr. Bramnick? Is it the GOP wanting to distance itself from endorsing same-sex marriage in this national office election year?

BRAMNICK: Well, no, because as I said, Democrats both in the Senate and assembly voted against this bill. It's not strictly a partisan issue. I think it's an issue of a major change in a concept that the public wants to vote on. I think 60 percent of New Jersians want to vote on this issue.

WHITFIELD: So Mr. Sweeney, what about that then? If the majority of New Jersians would elect to see same-sex marriage, why not allow it to be in the form of a referendum?

STEVE SWEENEY (D), NEW JERSEY SENATE PRESIDENT: Because it's very simple. You don't put civil rights on the ballot. The majority has always denied the minority the rights when placed on a ballot.

Throughout history we don't do this because we know what happens when we do. You know, it's a cap out to try to do it the way that they're talking about. It's absolutely wrong.

WHITFIELD: Well, apparently, you and others are working really hard to try in some way reverse this motion by the governor by 2014. What's the lay of the land in which to do so?

SWEENEY: Well, look, I've spoken to several Republicans and we've heard back from others they've been threatened with primaries to do an override vote against the governor. We have time.

Elections move past. Two years ago, we got 14 votes in the Senate for this bill and never was even voted for the assembly. I myself abstain from the bill and the day after said it was the biggest mistake I had made in elected office.

We have time. We will work very hard and by 2014, we'll have an override.

WHITFIELD: Do you believe that override would take place while before 2014? You would be able to get ten additional votes?

SWEENEY: I think we're going to have to wait to right before or after the election, but I think we can get an override on this because I've spoken to many Republicans that support this.

This does not belong on a ballot. We got elected to make decisions. When the governor cut funding for sexually abused children, that didn't go on the ballot.

When he cut funding for visually impaired children, it didn't go on the ballot. We get elected to make decisions and this is a decision that we have to make.

WHITFIELD: So Mr. Bramnick, does this not send a mixed message if indeed what Mr. Sweeney is saying and people elect you to make these decisions, make some of these choices for them. Why is it that the choices being made by the general assembly, but then it is being now turned to the general public to say it's on you? BRAMNICK: First, let me address what President Sweeney said. He actually indicated the last time he did not vote for this bill. So there is passion on both sides of this issue. It is an issue. It's not a civil rights issue.

You can see that by Democrats and Republicans both having the same view, at least some of them on the same side of the issue. He also mentioned about Governor Christie cutting funding here.

The problem is, I think the Democrats are so concerned that Chris Christie is so popular that that they're trying to use this as a wedge issue even though their own Democrats don't support the issue.

Chris Christie is so popular and so effective that it kind of blurs what the Democrats message is most of the time and that's why they're trying to use this issue to kind of cut down this incredibly popular governor.

WHITFIELD: All right, Mr. Sweeney, you get the last word. Mr. Bramnick saying, this is not an issue of civil rights. If not, what is it?

SWEENEY: Well, how can it not be? When I have a certain right and allowed to do something and you're not. That's what we fought over with this country has been founded on is fairness. The governor is 1,000 percent wrong and if he would allow the Republicans and the legislature to vote their conscience, there wouldn't be a question it would be an easy override.

WHITFIELD: All right, Steve Sweeney, Joe Bramnick, thanks so much gentlemen for your time. Appreciate it.

Apple shares topped $500. Wall Street is closing in on 1300 and GM posts record profits quite the week. Coming up, can we build on that?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: For many people the winter months means dry skin. In this week's health for her, Elizabeth Cohen has tips on how you can help prevent it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Winter can be a tough season, especially when it comes to your skin. Combine the cold temperatures outside with the warm temperatures inside, and skin can begin to crack and that's not good.

DR. GEORGE VERGHESE, MID-ATLANTIC SKIN: The cold weather is very difficult for us to help protect our skin because we lose nutrients, we lose moisture. There's essential oils that are, you know, built into our skin and out of those things are difficult to replenish during the winter.

COHEN: If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis, which causes swelling and infection. Use creams and soaps with moisturizers to keep skin soft applying them when the skin is damp. Avoid those with alcohol or perfumes. Also keep away from taking long hot baths during the winter months.

VERGHESE: We need to stop taking those long hot showers that we really like. Make sure they're lukewarm water about 10 minutes that's the max you want to use and make sure after the shower or bath, is a good moisturizer.

COHEN: While patches of dry skin can appear anywhere, it's common on the arms, hands, lower legs and abdomen and also skin in the joint areas can become red and flaky.

Make sure to check these areas and keep them moist. If they become seriously inflamed, it's best to see your doctor. With this week's health for her, I'm Elizabeth Cohen.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Some good news on the economy. Quite the break last week, are we going to see more of that? Here now is Poppy Harlow and Alison Kosik with the financial look ahead.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fredricka. The big headline last week on Wall Street was the record profit at General Motors. The automaker made almost $8 billion last year. That means GM, Ford and Chrysler were all profitable in 2011, something they haven't seen in seven years.

And Apple shares topped $500 for the first time. Just six months ago, they traded for $400 a share. Apple has been reporting record iPad, iPhone and Mac sales and there's talk that the iPad 3 is on the way. Poppy Harlow has a look at what's coming up in business news -- Poppy.

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM CORRESPONDENT: Thanks so much, Alison. Well, the financial markets will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday, but investors will still be keeping an eye on Greece, of course, as European leaders are set to vote on a $170 billion bailout package for the debt ridden country.

Later in the week, housing will be in focus with reports on new and existing home sales coming out for the month of January. The 2011 ended on an upbeat note with existing home sales posting an annual gain.

And since then, there have been signs of continuing slight improvement in the housing market. There's still a long to go before it's considered healthy again.

On the earnings front, retailers like Wal-Mart, Macy's, Target and Sears will all report their numbers. We'll track it all for you on CNN Money. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks so much, ladies.

All right, meantime, it hasn't felt like a really severe winter or really cold winter in some places. Well, that's about to change. Jacqui Jeras is here in the weather center. What's ahead?

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Well, we're dealing with some wintry weather right now. The central Appalachians is really the focus of this in terms of the snowy weather. This is a really wet snow too by the way.

In fact, we're looking at snowfall rates around an inch an hour. Really focused in across parts of eastern Kentucky into north western North Carolina and western parts of Virginia and so that's where we're going to be seeing those heavy snowfall rates and really travel not advised here.

Overall Washington, D.C., you're getting off pretty lucky with this storm. All the moisture has been staying to your south. Some of this could sneak in here, but we're not looking for significant accumulations. Just a little bit of difficulty for your travel.

And keep in mind, even these places very near that rain and snow have low overcast conditions so that makes it tough to navigate into some of the area airports. There are winter storm warnings in effect here along I-77, along 81 and that's where we're expecting three to six inches of accumulation.

You really have to get up in elevation to start to see some of the greater numbers. For the most part we've been seeing snowfall totals on the range of two to three inches. For example, Williamsburg, Kentucky, looking at about two inches of snowfall.

All right, where is the system headed? Well, this thing is going to be moving up to the north and into east and kind of a fast mover up at this point. This is the position we're expecting to be by 11:00 tonight.

There you can still see some of the heavy snow into the Central Appalachians and just rain into the coast al areas over towards Norfolk and by tomorrow morning, this is going to be out of here so that's the good news that it's going to be gone for your morning commute for tomorrow.

Now, one storm exits. Cue next storm moving across parts of the four corners region right now and this is not so much a snow maker, but we're looking at really strong winds. In fact, blizzard watches have already been posted here into eastern parts of Colorado.

You're only going to see maybe one to three inches of snow. When you add in wind gusts tomorrow that could be reaching 60 miles per hour that creates zero visibility.

So watch out for a lot of wind associated with this system, rain and then snow into the mountains and yet another system out west so they're kind of lining up out there, Fred and really a lot of energy and wind with these storms.

WHITFIELD: Yes, last blast of that winter. All right, thanks so much.

All right, straight ahead, Whitney Houston making her final journey home today. That and your average top stories next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's time for travel insider. As CNN reporters and producers, we often have the inside scoop on great places to go. Brianna Keilar shows us where she goes to unwind.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I'm Brianna Keilar and I cover the White House for CNN and one of my favorite places in the D.C. area is old town Alexandria, Virginia.

It's about 7.5 miles south of the White House. This is a place where you can come and get a great meal, do a little shopping, and even get a history lesson.

This is after all the hometown of George Washington. Here at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House you can find the gravesite of his personal physician James Craig. It's a little spooky. It's one of the stops on the ghost tour here in town.

But I see we get out of here and go find some other spirits. This is one of my favorite places in old town to end the evening. This is the PX Speak Easy. It's completely unmarked. The blue light means that they're open.

So you can just knock on the door and come on in. When you get upstairs you might be lucky enough to show up on a night where Todd Thrasher, the owner and bartender here.

TODD THRASHER, BAR CHEF: Nice to see you.

KEILAR: Here to mix you a drink. So what are we having tonight?

THRASHER: What are in the mood for, rum, vodka, gin?

KEILAR: Let's try gin.

THRASHER: Gin tonight? OK, so this is the fortified wine from France. Put a little dash of gin to give it a back bone. Three drops of citric acid in there, orange flower water, stir 30 more times, not that I'm counting, smack it, wave it, to the cocktail gods, sweet basil.

KEILAR: That's amazing.

THRASHER: Thanks very much.

KEILAR: Cheers from old town Alexandria, Virginia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: A look at our top stories now.

Whitney Houston has been laid to rest in the cemetery south of Newark, New Jersey. It was a family only service. Coming up at 5:00 Eastern Time, I'll talk to a CNN producer who was inside yesterday's memorial service.

Wait until you hear what she has to say about the whole seating arrangement involving ex-husband, Bobby Brown. That's straight ahead 5:00 Eastern Time.

And looking overseas in Syria, at least 23 people died today in clashes between security forces and protesters. Anti-government activists believe the Syrian military is close to mounting a major ground assault on the city of Homs. That city has been shelled every day for more than two weeks.

And in Vatican City, Pope Benedict led 22 new cardinals in mass this morning. Among the new cardinals, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Cardinals under the age of 80 are part of the exclusive group that will one day elect the next pope.

Coming up at 4:00 Eastern Time, what did Rick Santorum really mean when he accused President Obama of having a, quote, "phony theology." Today, the president's campaign fires back.

And I'll see you here one hour from now, 4:00 Eastern Time, we'll focus an entire hour on presidential politics, the run for the White House. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. "YOUR MONEY" starts right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)