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CNN Live Saturday

Memorial For Jessica Lunsford Attracts Thousands; Judge Greer Denies Relief For Terri Schiavo Today; Funerals Begin For Victims In Red Lake, Minnesota Shootings

Aired March 26, 2005 - 14:00   ET

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

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


TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It is 2:00 on the East Coast and 11 on the West on this Saturday March 26. Hello everyone, I'm Tony Harris in CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: Now in the news, we are one hour away from the news -- conference with the attorney for Michael Schiavo, the husband of Terri Schiavo. Attorney George Felos says he will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition. CNN will carry it live.

First, other stories now in the news. People moved by the kidnap/slaying of Jessica Lunsford are remembering the young girl today. A public memorial is being held for her in Florida. We'll take you to that memorial in just about 15 minutes on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

The health of Monaco's Prince Rainier III is declining. The 81- year-old is in the intensive care unit of a Monaco hospital. He was admitted earlier this month for a lung infection and also has had cardiac and kidney problems.

And the day before Easter, authorities at the Vatican stop a man who threatened to jump from atop St. Peter's Basilica dome. The man was overpowered after hours of negotiation. The Vatican says he has a history of mental problems.

HARRIS: We begin now with the latest on the Terri Schiavo case. Legal efforts to save her life have hit another setback. A Florida Circuit Court judge today denied a motion by Schiavo's parents to reinsert her feeding tube. The lawyer for Schiavo's parents now says there will be no more federal appeals in the case. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court in Atlanta rejected the latest appeal in the case last night.

And Florida Governor Jeb Bush seems to have exhausted all political options to save Schiavo's life. He says he's done everything he can without violating the state's constitution. Despite the latest legal set back for Schiavo's parents, their lawyer says they are still pursuing other legal avenues in state court. And the attorney for Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael is expected to speak on the case later today. CNN's Randi Kaye is outside George Felos' office in Dunedin, Florida -- Randi.

RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, good afternoon. Another disappointment, as you mentioned, for the Schindlers, Bob and Mary Schindler, the parents of Terri Schiavo. Their motion for immediate relief for their daughter filed yesterday afternoon by their attorney was denied by Judge George Greer in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. That was a motion for immediate relief that would have brought an intravenous for Terri Schiavo, some fluids over the Easter weekend while they work out these legal issues.

David Gibbs, the attorney for the parents, wanted time for Terri to be examined and express what he calls her will to live. Apparently this goes back to Friday, the day that her feeding tube was removed. A woman by the name of Barbara Weller, an attorney for the family, had visited with Terri, and had said to her, if you tell me what you want, we can end this all right now. Tell me that you want to live, and I will tell the world. And she did say that Terri had made some verbal sounds, an ah and a wah, and she took that as her attempting to say, I do want to live.

Well, in the ruling, the judge said that Barbara Weller was not present, and so she was not there to tell the world. That was one thing he had to say about it. Also he said that the affidavits coming from Barbara Weller and others came too late, a week late. And he also said in response to Terri Schiavo's apparent verbal comments, they -- that it was -- he referred to it as stimulus response similar to as if you were to touch hot stove and pull your hand back, because Barbara Weller was touching her and cupping her hands and that is why they responded that way.

So, once again, he did deny all of their -- the motion. And said that he will not administer an I.V. and will not reinsert that feeding tube. So, as you mentioned, there is still more -- there are still more legal battles ahead. The Florida Supreme Court is now on the receiving end. The family expects to file an appeal of Judge George Greer's decision with the Florida Supreme Court this afternoon.

Also, just about an hour from now, attorney George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, Terri Schiavo's husband, is expected to speak right here. We don't know what he's going to say. We did speak briefly with him this morning. He would not give us any indication about how Terri Schiavo is doing today, nor who would be accompanying him here at the press conference, coming up in just about an hour. And we, of course, will bring it to you live -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK. Randi Kaye in Dunedin, Florida. And just another reminder, George Felos, Michael Schiavo's attorney, as Randi just mentioned, will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition. In a news conference scheduled this afternoon at 3:00 Eastern, and CNN will bring that to you live when that happens.

WILLIS: The courts won't do, some hopes prayers will accomplish. Protesters outside Terri Schiavo's hospice continue to keep vigil. Schiavo's father told supporters today to fight for his daughter. CNN's Bob Franken joins us live now outside a hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Gerri, what's happening here is the family is trying its very best, Gerri, to make sure that the fight is not given up. They have given every impression every chance they can, that they're still in this. The message from them is they have not abandoned all their legal avenues. They're calling on a variety of other institutions, Congress, the state legislature, Governor Bush, to keep up the fight. They say that Terri Schiavo, their daughter and sister, is still in pretty good shape. And they make sure that they are visible, so that the pressure is not off all the political institutions.

The most recent one was when Suzanne Vitadamo, who is the sister of Terri Schiavo, took a walk through the groups of supporters who are here, just to thank them. And of course, just to be shown on television. Earlier there had been a press statement, an open news conference, which was nothing more than a statement from Terri Schiavo's father, Bob Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: It's quite obvious she's not throwing in the towel and she doesn't want to die. And she is starting -- she's showing signs of over a week now of starvation and lack of hydration. But I can tell you, and assure you, she is fighting like hell to stay alive.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And Gerri, as you know, this is something that will not last very much longer. So while they're putting up the good fight, the family -- they realize the time is of the essence. Gerri?

WILLIS: Bob Franken, thank you for that.

A North Carolina man faces federal charges in connection with the Terri Schiavo case. The suspect, Richard Meywes is accused of offering a quarter of a million dollars for the killing of Schiavo's husband, Michael. Police say the offer was made in an email. They say the suspect also offered $50,000 for the killing of a Florida judge who has refused to intervene in the Schiavo case.

HARRIS: The Terri Schiavo case has divided the Americans along moral and ethical lines. And today a new "Time Magazine" poll shows how some Americans who call themselves born again Christians or evangelicals feel about the issue. Just over half of the respondents, 53 percent, say they agree with the decision to remove Schiavo's feeding tube, 41 percent say they disagree.

The battle over Terri Schiavo has special meaning for many families across America. They've had to deal with the issue of having a loved one on life support. CNN's Alina Cho reports from Michigan where the Schiavo case brings back some painful memories for two families.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Whenever Terri Schiavo's face appears on television, Mary Martin is riveted to the screen, and very angry.

MARY MARTIN, HAD FAMILY MEMBER ON LIFE SUPPORT: Enough is enough. Not everyone wants to just exist.

CHO: One hundred fifty miles away, in another quiet Michigan town, Fran Rosebush is also angry.

FRANCIS ROSEBUSH, HAD FAMILY MEMBER ON LIFE SUPPORT: The husband shouldn't go against the mother and father, because, yes, that's their daughter. And, you know, they had had her long before he did.

CHO: The Schiavo case brings back agonizing memories for both. Both have had loved ones on life support. Both believe the government should not be deciding whether someone should live or die.

MARTIN: I believe that if Terri Schiavo lived in Michigan, or, you know, California, anyplace other than Florida where Jeb Bush, brother to the president, was living, it would not be at the magnitude that it is today.

ROSEBUSH: I'm a very strong Bush supporter. I listen to Rush Limbaugh.

CHO: But?

ROSEBUSH: But I don't agree with him on this.

CHO: Eighteen years ago, Fran Rosebush watched helplessly as his daughter Joelle, then ten years old was hit by a car. The accident left her in a persistent vegetative state. After more than a year of medical treatment, Rosebush decided to take his daughter off life support.

ROSEBUSH: I felt that man was keeping Joelle alive. And God wanted her.

CHO: Three of his daughter's nurses fought him on it but Rosebush won in court. Mary Martin did not.

Do you think Mike was able to die with dignity?

MARTIN: Oh, his dignity was stripped with him, but he was finally able to go and be with his god.

CHO: Four days after Joelle Rosebush's accident, Martin, her husband Mike and their three children they were in their car, Mike at the wheel when a train hit them.

MARTIN: I remember saying, is everyone OK? And the only one that responded was my eldest daughter, Mindy, saying, mom, I'm fine. Matt's crying. And I don't know about dad.

CHO: The Martin's youngest daughter, seven year old Melanie, died instantly. Her father was severely brain damaged. Mary Martin fought to have his feeding tube removed, but lost a lengthy court battle to his family. Fifteen years later, Michael Martin died of pneumonia. Martin believes she should have had the right to decide what happened to her husband, and Michael Schiavo should decide what happens to his wife. MARTIN: When two people marry, the Bible says, you leave your family and cling to your husband or wife.

CHO: She says her husband never wanted to be kept alive by machines. Look no further than Michael Martin's headstone, three dates, the day he was born, the day Mary says he died and she says the day his soul was sent to heaven.

MARTIN: Ultimately ...

CHO: You feel as though you let him down?

MARTIN: I feel to this day that I let him down.

CHO: Both of them agree Terri Schiavo's parents are letting their daughter down by turning the case into a national and political spectacle. Alina Cho, CNN, Detroit, Michigan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Well, the Terri Schiavo case has people all over the country talking. And lots of it has to do with living wills. Ahead we'll look at what these documents can do to spare your family from pain.

Plus, a community gathers to remember the life of one little girl. We'll take you there live.

And a dangerous blast knocked this cameraman to his feet. How a routine patrol can turn into a scramble for safety. That's coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: In Florida, a public memorial service for Jessica Lunsford got under way just over an hour ago. The third grader was kidnapped and killed last month. And a convicted sex offender, John Evander Couey is charged with her abduction and murder. Ferdinand Zogbaum with our affiliate Bay News 9 is with us now from Citrus County, Florida, where the memorial service is taking place. Ferdinand?

FERDINAND ZOGBAUM, BAY NEWS 9 CORRESPONDENT: That's right. We are in Citrus County, actually at the Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. And inside the memorial that's still going on outside. The rain has slowly started to stop. But I can tell you that the parking lot is jammed with cars. There's been golf carts bringing people back and forth. And as you can see, if you've been watching the memorial, that inside the church is also packed with people, supporters, people coming here and paying their last respects to Jessica Lunsford.

Now, we heard Mark Lunsford speak, who is Jessica's father. And he talked about community. The outpouring, the support from this community has been amazing. Sheriff Jeff Dawsy actually mentioned that when the search was going on for Jessica Lunsford, when it was discovered she was no longer in her bed about a month ago, nearly 1,300 in the community showed up for about a week to help find her, find any clues, find any leads, any information whatsoever to try to find this little girl.

Sheriff Jeff Dawsy also talked about how it was frustrating, not having leads, not being able to find young Jessica. Right now, the service continues. This is the third day. Thursday, the family actually had a private service. And Friday they had another service where they had family and friends. And everything is ending today, Saturday, with this service for the public.

And again, I can tell you that the support, the amount of people showing up here, is absolutely amazing. Kids, grandmothers, grandfathers all showing up. They've all been telling me that the family needs them right now, that this is a horrible thing that happened. And people are traveling from Tampa, all over Florida, just to come here and show support and say good-bye to Jessica Lunsford.

HARRIS: Ferdinand, just a quick question. Have we heard -- you mentioned some of the people we've heard from so far today at the memorial service. How about Jessica's mom? Has she spoken?

ZOGBAUM: Well, I heard that she spoke yesterday at a service held for friends and family. She got up and began to say something, and sort of broke down. It was very emotional time for her. She sort of broke down in tears. And we had heard that she might speak today. Angela Bryant, who actually lives in Ohio, and she came down here to be with the family. But it turns out maybe that this is just so overwhelming for her, that possibly she will not speak today.

HARRIS: You can certainly understand that. Ferdinand, we appreciate that. Thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Taking a look at other news across America. Right now, at the Red Lake Indian reservation in Minnesota, the first funerals are being held for the victims of Monday's school shooting rampage. 10 people died in the attack, including the teenage gunman. Services were held for his grandfather and a companion. Later services are scheduled later for a teenage student victim.

In Utah, a 65-year-old man has been charged with trying to smuggle weapons onboard a flight from Salt Lake City. Police say he had steel shears, box cutters and extra blades found wrapped in foil and duct tape inside a carry-on bag.

Health officials in Florida say 11 children are among 15 people made sick by a dangerous strain of e. coli. Experts say the cases could be linked to a petting zoo in several Florida festivals. But they are not ruling out other causes, such as tainted food or drinks.

HARRIS: Well, it was routine patrol when suddenly...

Wow! A close call for one of our own crews. The danger she and her photographer faced, along with some U.S. troops straight ahead.

Plus a picture of chaos and confusion, yet one man takes home the big prize. His catch of the day is also ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And very quickly, we want to take you down to Pinellas Park, Florida. You're looking at Bobby Schindler, the brother of Terri Schiavo speaking now.

I apologize, we just missed it. But I'm sure we recorded it, and we'll roll that back and get a tape turned on that as quickly as possible. And tell you exactly what was said. But maybe we can get that word from Bob Franken, who is there at Pinellas Park. Bob, we just missed the comments from Bobby Schindler just a moment ago. Maybe you can fill us in.

FRANKEN: Well, to be perfectly honest about it, I was in a position where I would not be able to fill you in, because of the technical considerations. But we know that the family is concerned about reports that her condition is deteriorating, concerned that if there is a belief within the political community that Terri Schiavo's case is hopeless, that people might not be so prone to react as quickly as they have. And the family has been battling that perception all day.

And of course, we're going to have to hear exactly what Bobby Schindler said a moment ago, but there has been a concerted effort to be very visible today, to continue to put pressure on the political institutions. So in a moment we'll find out more what they had to say. I'll also bring you up to date on the status right now. The appeal of a lower court rejection today by the judge who had originally ordered the feeding tube disconnected, a rejection of their latest effort to get it reconnected, the appeal of that is now going to the Florida Supreme Court.

The family has also announced for now, it's abandoning its actions in the federal court system. No appeals, but lawyers do not preclude the possibility they might come up with other approaches. It looks like virtually everything is being done in the legal system that can be done, and right now, here on tape, is Bobby Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT SCHINDLER, JR., TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: For every person out there that believes it was wrong for Congress and the governor to get involved in my sister's case, they need to go inside right now and look at my sister, and when they come out, you need to ask them if the Congress and governor are wrong for getting involved in my sister's case. Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: In other words, as I said, this was another effort to put pressure on the political leaders, including Congress, state legislature, Governor Bush, President Bush, wherever they can, putting pressure on before time runs out.

HARRIS: Trying to do everything they can. You're right. Bob Franken in Pinellas Park. Bob, thank you.

WILLIS: Well, it's another deadly weekend for American troops overseas and southeastern Afghanistan. Four American soldiers were killed earlier today by an explosion believed to have been caused by a land mine or roadside bomb. In Iraq, a car bomb killed two U.S. soldiers earlier today in Baghdad. Yesterday, a U.S. marine was killed in action in the al Anbar province.

HARRIS: Just like the troops and civilians, journalists in Iraq also face dangers, even during what at first appears to be a routine assignment. But as you'll see in this report from CNN's Alex Quade, nothing is routine in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEX QUADE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: An abandoned car on the important main supply route from Falluja to Baghdad instantly made the marines of Dragon Platoon suspicious. We were on patrol with this weapons company from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when they secured the area. And eventually used an armored humvee to push the car off the side of the road, when it happened -

The marines call this a vehicle-borne IED, improvised explosive device. Translation, car bomb. The marines believe it was detonated remotely by an insurgent trigger man watching and waiting for the right moment to injure or kill as many U.S. troops as possible.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep going!

QUADE: In this case, nobody was seriously hurt. The blast blew CNN cameraman David Albritton (ph) back four feet. I saw he was OK and picked up my mini cam to help record what was happening right in front of us. Marines climbing into the flaming humvee to get ammo out that could blow and cause other casualties.

You okay?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. It knocked me down. I just got hit by a little piece of shrapnel. Didn't break the skin.

QUADE: Reinforcement troops arrived. Apache helicopters provided close air support. And the marines of Dragon Platoon continued fighting flames to salvage anything from the humvee that might be of use to insurgents. Including the 50-caliber machine gun mounted in the turret.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not a scratch on him. Lucky son of a gun.

QUADE: That lucky marine, Lance Corporal Jason Hunt told me he thought he was going to die. Then he walked by me to immediately pull security while his fellow marines continue to deal with the smoking humvee. They will all be out on patrol, hunting for improvised explosive devices again tomorrow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was pretty close. I consider myself lucky. QUADE: Alex Quade, CNN, near Abu Ghraib prison, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: No more federal appeals for Terri Schiavo. So what remaining legal options do her parents have? Our legal roundtable will have the answers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Stories now in the news. A Florida circuit court judge has turned down the latest appeal from Terri Schiavo's parents to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted. With their legal options all but exhausted Schiavo's parents pleaded with the nation's leaders to intervene in the case. We are awaiting a press conference from George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo; it is set to begin in about 30 minutes. And CNN will carry it live.

Prince Rainier of Monaco remains in intensive care unit but palace officials say his condition continues to deteriorate. The prince was admitted earlier this month with a lung infection. His breathing difficulties have been complicated by cardiac and kidney problems.

And former British Prime Minister James Callahan has died, nicknamed Sonny Jim Callahan was a World War II veteran, and a former labor party member who held numerous top offices in the British government before becoming prime minister in 1976. He held that post until May of 1979. Callahan a day short of his 93rd birthday.

WILLIS: Now an update on the battle over Terri Schiavo. Her father says she is fighting like hell to survive. But the legal options are running out. A Florida circuit court judge has again rejected an emergency appeal by Terri Schiavo's parents to reinsert her feeding tube. Their lawyer says there will be no more federal appeals in the case. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta rejected their appeal last night. And Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he's done everything he can do without violating the state's constitution.

We are expecting a news conference from Michael Schiavo's attorney half an hour from now. He is expected to talk about the current condition of Terri Schiavo. We'll bring it to you live, as it happens.

To help us keep up with the fast-moving legal developments in the Terri Schiavo case, we turn now to two guests. They are criminal defense attorney Richard Herman in New York, and Avery Friedman, civil rights attorney and law professor in Cleveland, Ohio. Welcome to both of you.

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good afternoon.

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Hi Gerri.

WILLIS: Well let's just start with the way I led into both of you guys, talking just a little bit about what are the options at this point. Let's start with you, Richard.

HERMAN: Well, Gerri, the options are -- the options really have been limited for the last week. You have to stop and applaud the courts for taking these appeals and these motions and working through the night to render these decisions. Right now, they're going to the Florida Supreme Court, which has previously rejected any appeal in this case. And they will reject this one.

Once it gets rejected there, I guess they could make application to the United States Supreme Court again. Which will deny review of it at that time. And unless the family, the Schindler family has any new evidence, which would require a brand-new motion before the same judge who's had this case for seven years, and who's basically rejected every attempt to keep Terri alive, I just don't see any real legal avenues at this point.

WILLIS: Right. Let's go to Avery. Do you agree?

FRIEDMAN: Richard's right, Gerri. Let me explain why. The issue that was resolved today by Judge Greer was an evidence issue. And it's very weird what happened, because one of the paid lawyers for the Schindlers' became a witness. She decided, Miss Weller decided that she wanted to take the stand and say a week ago that she heard Terri Schiavo say, ah, wa. And she interpreted that as a desire on the part of Terri to live. And so what Judge Greer had to do, Gerri, was to consider whether or not the ah wa evidence from the paid lawyer of the Schindlers' was so clear and so convincing, that he had to reverse himself. And you know what? That is the issue before the Florida Supreme Court. That's the only legal issue left.

WILLIS: The only legal issue left. It seems to me like the family today is trying to keep the spotlight on appealing as much as they can to the legislators. Richard, tell me what you make of that.

HERMAN: Gerri, really, this is closure now, finally, for the Schindler family, and the Schiavo family, after 15 years of a devastating injury and a result with Terri Schiavo. It's excruciating to look at this every single day. And the family, obviously, and we can feel it; they're just having a very difficult time dealing with this closure. There is no avenue left. Congress, Governor Jeb Bush, the courts, there's no one that's going to step in now and reinsert that feeding tube.

They have to accept that. And the people that have been stepping up and speaking adversely about the court system if they really are genuinely interested in helping the Schindler family or the Schiavo family, now's the time to give them comfort while they grieve.

FRIEDMAN: Well, at the same time, though, give credit to the Schindler family. I mean put yourself in the shoes of Mr. and Mrs. Schindler fighting for their daughter. I totally agree, Richard's right. Because we're putting the rhetoric aside, we're putting the politics aside, Gerri, looking purely at the constitution. And so as a loving father, and a loving mother, you can understand what they've done. I think they've gotten some bad advice along the way. Not necessarily bad legal advice but bad advice overall. But as loving parents, you would expect that they did what they have done here. But Richard is right, that's the end of the legal road.

HERMAN: You know, Gerri, there were seven evidentiary hearings in this case. And excess of 20 appeals, in excess of 30 judges have reviewed the decisions in this case. This just didn't happen overnight.

WILLIS: Right.

HERMAN: It's unfortunate, but this poor woman had severe damage to her cerebral cortex. And basically, you know, 80, 90 percent of her brain is liquefied at this point. It's over. It's very sad, but there's really no other legal avenue at this point.

WILLIS: Avery, I want to get you to a different topic here slightly. Have we made any new law here? Is there anything that will happen as a result of this case? Will people in these kinds of situations be treated any differently because of the Terri Schiavo case?

FRIEDMAN: I think so. And I think what we're going to see is more and more legislators saying look at the Schiavo situation. Many legislatures are considering a law, a bill to require a directive, a living will. And you know what, over half the American population, according to some surveys we've seen, are now thinking about that. Whether you're in your 20s or in your 70s.

Every family potentially faces an Schindler/Schiavo case. And in the absence of doing something about it like getting a will, we're going to have these battles. This happens to people all the time. The Terri Schiavo case represents this, Gerri; every American has to think what's best for themselves. They have to put together a living will. Some form of directive. Or else they potentially face the same agonizing battle.

HERMAN: Gerri, Avery is absolutely right. I have with me here; I don't know if they can see it, here it is. It's a page and a half. This is a living will.

FRIEDMAN: Yes.

HERMAN: Most lawyers do this.

WILLIS: Describe to our viewers exactly what a living will is and whether or not you think they should have one.

HERMAN: Well, a living will basically appoints someone, in the circumstance that you are being kept alive by artificial means, and if the person says, I do not want to be kept alive by artificial means, I direct this person, I empower them, I empower the courts, I empower the hospital and doctors to terminate, take off the artificial support. That's what this does.

WILLIS: Avery, tell me, if I have a living will, will my wishes actually be followed? Is there any situation where somebody else jumps in and makes a difference, changes my wishes? FRIEDMAN: That's a great question. The assumption is that when you sign this directive, when you sign a living will, you are, of course, lucid and capable and aware of what's going on. One of the questions that, of course, will be commonly asked is whether this -- well, almost always asked, whether it's a voluntary act. Whether the individual understood what he or she was signing. So I think if you look at yourself, be very selfish about it and say, do I want to burden my family? Do I want to burden others that care about me with the decision in the event tomorrow I'm in an automobile accident and I'm incapacitated?

WILLIS: Avery, I'm going to --

FRIEDMAN: Do I want to let them know.

WILLIS: We are going to have to leave it there. Avery Friedman, Richard Herman, thank you so much.

FRIEDMAN: Take care.

HERMAN: Nice to be with you Gerri.

HARRIS: It is a fishing contest like none you have ever seen before. Thousands rush to cast their nets and hope for the catch of the day. Look at the scene. Just how big was the winning fish? We'll tell you ahead.

And it is a symbol that spring has sprung. The natural Cherry Blossom Festival is under way. And we will have a preview.

But first, on this weekend's edition from tips from the top, how to succeed in business with entrepreneur Kaleil Isaza Tuzman is sausatuslain (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE, TIPS FROM THE TOP: At 18, he started his own apparel company. Thirteen years later serial entrepreneur Kaleil Isaza Tuzman he founded Recognition Group, the first Hispanic corporate restructuring firm and investment bank in the U.S. In just four years, he has raised over $150 million.

KALEIL ISAZA TUZMAN, PRES. RECOGNITION GROUP: The biggest hurdle that entrepreneurs will tell you they have in business is lack of access to capital. I call it the if only disease. If only I had the money to open up a location, I'd be off to the races. It's not really that way. I think it's our own inability to overcome our fear, and to really make our dreams a reality. We have the capacity within us. We just don't often allow that capacity to really shine.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: This is a fish story. Are you ready?

WILLIS: I'm ready. You go.

HARRIS: More like a fishing tournament. It's been going on in Nigeria for years. Every year, fishermen from all over the country compete for the chance to win money and prizes. But there's a catch.

WILLIS: What's that?

HARRIS: Why don't you stop me from saying that terrible pun? Our Jeff Koinange explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Now in the 71st year, the annual Arugungu-Argungu Fishing Festival in northern Nigeria pits thousands of prospective fishermen and the chance to display their bare-handed skills in bagging the big fish. In keeping with tradition, a musket is fired, signaling the start of the event.

A 100-meter dash as the competitors rush headlong into a muddy river in the pursuit of Nile perch and catfish. They carry the arcate (ph) tackles used by their ancestors. Giant butterfly nets and equally giant gourds used for both flotation and as vessels to store their catches. The basic principle behind this competition is straightforward. You rush in, you cast your net. You look for the biggest fish, and the biggest fish wins.

Oh, there's one more thing, the water in the river Arugungu- Argungu at its deepest point, seven to eight feet. Thousands of bobbing heads dip into the muddy waters, while other contestants just float about on their giant calabashes. And lifeguards patrol the river in canoes just in case someone needs help.

In the suddenly frothing waters of the Arugungu-Argungu, it's a picture of chaos and confusion. Exactly an hour after the starting gun and it's all over. The prize catches are tagged and laid out for all to see. And then -- the moment of truth. A whopping 165-pound perch caught by a local hero Timothy Olou (ph). So large, two men struggle to hold it up. To the winner the spoils. With his shiny trophy and $1,000 in cash, Olou (ph) walks away -- or rather, drives away in this brand-new mini bus, which is now also his. But perhaps most importantly, he carries off bragging rights as Nigeria's number one fisherman.

Jeff Koinange, CNN, Cabestate (ph) in northern Nigeria.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Now that is a big fish.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's a fish story. Yes, yes.

WILLIS: A gift of friendship from Japan, over 90 years ago. Our nation's cherry blossom trees. The festival begins today. We will have a preview straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center. Time for the cold and flu report. Out of the CDC lesser on the map nine states in total reporting widespread activity. That's the red and darker blue regional activity. These colors becoming a little bit more, well, mundane, as we go through time. Getting closer now to summer. Hope you're feeling well today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Welcome back. It's one of the first rights of spring. The National Cherry Blossom Festival. Executive director Diana Mayhugh joins Robert Novak to talk about the history of the festival and to preview the festivities.

ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to the "Novak Zone." We're in Washington, D.C., with Diana Mayhugh, the executive director of one of the nation's capitol's rites of spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Miss Mayhugh tells us a little bit about the background of this festival. Where do these cherry blossom trees come from, and when did they arrive here?

DIANA MAYHUGH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: About 93 years ago, we received -- the United States received them from Japan. And it all started at that point. It was a gift of friendship during the Taft years, and we have been celebrating it ever since.

NOVAK: And how many trees are there?

MAYHUGH: The original gift was 3,000 trees. And now, of those original trees there's about 100 left. But we do have about 3,700 trees now around the title base.

NOVAK: So they have been replenished it, is that right?

MAYHUGH: Yes.

NOVAK: How many people come to this festival a year?

MAYHUGH: Over the two weeks -- the festival's March 26th through April 10th -- and over those two weeks about one million people come down to participate in the festival events and see the trees.

NOVAK: Some come from Japan, is that correct?

MAYHUGH: Oh, absolutely. Many groups coming from Japan this year. We have several performing groups coming from Japan.

NOVAK: What kind of activities are going on besides -- going and watching the cherry blossoms? You say there are performing groups. Are there things for tourists to see as well?

MAYHUGH: Oh, sure. We have over the two-week time period, there are over 90 events and 150 performances and cultural demonstrations. Starting on the -- for the opening ceremony, continuing to the middle of the weekend, for the fireworks down at southwest waterfront. And then Southwest Airlines presents a National Cherry Blossom Festival parade on the last weekend, last Saturday, April 9th. NOVAK: Miss Mayhugh, I was looking at an old clipping of the "Washington Post" after the World War II began with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And it said that the Cherry Blossom Festival was being canceled because the traffic was so tough for the war effort. It would confuse Washington. But that wasn't the real reason it was canceled, was it?

MAYHUGH: No, I don't think so. I think there was a lot of debate whether they should not have the festival for that year. I think that was one of the only years that it just didn't happen.

NOVAK: It didn't happen throughout the war years, isn't that correct?

MAYHUGH: That's correct.

NOVAK: There was also a story I read about that some protester about the war chopped down four trees? Was there much vandalism of that kind going on during the war, do you know?

MAYHUGH: I think there was just a lot of conversation about whether those trees should be chopped down or stay. But I think the final decision, which thank goodness, was a good decision that the beautiful trees should stay right where they are.

NOVAK: They talk about the peak, what is the peak?

MAYHUGH: The peak means that 70 percent of the trees are bloomed at the same time. So the peak can last five to ten to -- seven to ten days. However, you still have blooming three or four days before, and three days after. So you're blooming period can be 10 to 14 days.

NOVAK: I understand that you do have a -- some charitable fund- raising events in connection with the Cherry Blossom Festival. Could you tell us about that?

MAYHUGH: Sure. The downtown Jaycees (ph) benefit from the parade. We do fund-raising for that as well. We have a golf tournament that supports the Boys and Girls Club. We also work with different organizations and our sponsors come aboard to help support the National Park Service Cherry Tree Endowment Fund. And that helps us fund the -- care for the trees to supplement what the park service does, to keep them living for the rest of our lives.

NOVAK: And now, for the big question for Diana Mayhugh, executive director of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Miss Mayhugh, today is Saturday, March 26th. Beginning of the Cherry Blossom Festival. For a tourist, for somebody wanting to come to Washington, what's the best time to come, do you think? And what's the -- what's a good time to stay here and get the most out of the festival?

MAYHUGH: I think the way the blossoms are looking now; I'm thinking it's starting next weekend to the following week. So the second week of the festival, as far as the trees are concerned. But this first week, there are still wonderful things to do. Every single day at the Jefferson Memorial, target sponsors, performances. We have over 60 performances starting March 26th, going all the way through April 10th. So every day there is something to do. The blossoms are just starting to bloom. So if you're here, you know if you're here for some events this week, come back next week and you'll probably see a lot of the blossoms.

NOVAK: And pray for no rain, is that correct?

MAYHUGH: We have a two-week festival and it's outdoors and its in spring. So we deal with Mother Nature.

NOVAK: That is right. Diana Mayhugh, thank you very much.

MAYHUGH: Thank you very much for having me.

NOVAK: And thank you for being in the "Novak Zone."

WILLIS: For more of Bob Novak, tune in tonight at 7:00 Eastern, where the "Capital Gang" will look at the political impact of Terri Schiavo.

HARRIS: And as we go to break, just another reminder that we're expecting a news conference at the top of the hour, just four minutes from now, from George Felos, Michael Schiavo's attorney. He will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition in a news briefing scheduled just four minutes from now at 4:00. We are back with more CNN SATURDAY:

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired March 26, 2005 - 14:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It is 2:00 on the East Coast and 11 on the West on this Saturday March 26. Hello everyone, I'm Tony Harris in CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: Now in the news, we are one hour away from the news -- conference with the attorney for Michael Schiavo, the husband of Terri Schiavo. Attorney George Felos says he will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition. CNN will carry it live.

First, other stories now in the news. People moved by the kidnap/slaying of Jessica Lunsford are remembering the young girl today. A public memorial is being held for her in Florida. We'll take you to that memorial in just about 15 minutes on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

The health of Monaco's Prince Rainier III is declining. The 81- year-old is in the intensive care unit of a Monaco hospital. He was admitted earlier this month for a lung infection and also has had cardiac and kidney problems.

And the day before Easter, authorities at the Vatican stop a man who threatened to jump from atop St. Peter's Basilica dome. The man was overpowered after hours of negotiation. The Vatican says he has a history of mental problems.

HARRIS: We begin now with the latest on the Terri Schiavo case. Legal efforts to save her life have hit another setback. A Florida Circuit Court judge today denied a motion by Schiavo's parents to reinsert her feeding tube. The lawyer for Schiavo's parents now says there will be no more federal appeals in the case. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court in Atlanta rejected the latest appeal in the case last night.

And Florida Governor Jeb Bush seems to have exhausted all political options to save Schiavo's life. He says he's done everything he can without violating the state's constitution. Despite the latest legal set back for Schiavo's parents, their lawyer says they are still pursuing other legal avenues in state court. And the attorney for Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael is expected to speak on the case later today. CNN's Randi Kaye is outside George Felos' office in Dunedin, Florida -- Randi.

RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, good afternoon. Another disappointment, as you mentioned, for the Schindlers, Bob and Mary Schindler, the parents of Terri Schiavo. Their motion for immediate relief for their daughter filed yesterday afternoon by their attorney was denied by Judge George Greer in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. That was a motion for immediate relief that would have brought an intravenous for Terri Schiavo, some fluids over the Easter weekend while they work out these legal issues.

David Gibbs, the attorney for the parents, wanted time for Terri to be examined and express what he calls her will to live. Apparently this goes back to Friday, the day that her feeding tube was removed. A woman by the name of Barbara Weller, an attorney for the family, had visited with Terri, and had said to her, if you tell me what you want, we can end this all right now. Tell me that you want to live, and I will tell the world. And she did say that Terri had made some verbal sounds, an ah and a wah, and she took that as her attempting to say, I do want to live.

Well, in the ruling, the judge said that Barbara Weller was not present, and so she was not there to tell the world. That was one thing he had to say about it. Also he said that the affidavits coming from Barbara Weller and others came too late, a week late. And he also said in response to Terri Schiavo's apparent verbal comments, they -- that it was -- he referred to it as stimulus response similar to as if you were to touch hot stove and pull your hand back, because Barbara Weller was touching her and cupping her hands and that is why they responded that way.

So, once again, he did deny all of their -- the motion. And said that he will not administer an I.V. and will not reinsert that feeding tube. So, as you mentioned, there is still more -- there are still more legal battles ahead. The Florida Supreme Court is now on the receiving end. The family expects to file an appeal of Judge George Greer's decision with the Florida Supreme Court this afternoon.

Also, just about an hour from now, attorney George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, Terri Schiavo's husband, is expected to speak right here. We don't know what he's going to say. We did speak briefly with him this morning. He would not give us any indication about how Terri Schiavo is doing today, nor who would be accompanying him here at the press conference, coming up in just about an hour. And we, of course, will bring it to you live -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK. Randi Kaye in Dunedin, Florida. And just another reminder, George Felos, Michael Schiavo's attorney, as Randi just mentioned, will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition. In a news conference scheduled this afternoon at 3:00 Eastern, and CNN will bring that to you live when that happens.

WILLIS: The courts won't do, some hopes prayers will accomplish. Protesters outside Terri Schiavo's hospice continue to keep vigil. Schiavo's father told supporters today to fight for his daughter. CNN's Bob Franken joins us live now outside a hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Gerri, what's happening here is the family is trying its very best, Gerri, to make sure that the fight is not given up. They have given every impression every chance they can, that they're still in this. The message from them is they have not abandoned all their legal avenues. They're calling on a variety of other institutions, Congress, the state legislature, Governor Bush, to keep up the fight. They say that Terri Schiavo, their daughter and sister, is still in pretty good shape. And they make sure that they are visible, so that the pressure is not off all the political institutions.

The most recent one was when Suzanne Vitadamo, who is the sister of Terri Schiavo, took a walk through the groups of supporters who are here, just to thank them. And of course, just to be shown on television. Earlier there had been a press statement, an open news conference, which was nothing more than a statement from Terri Schiavo's father, Bob Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S FATHER: It's quite obvious she's not throwing in the towel and she doesn't want to die. And she is starting -- she's showing signs of over a week now of starvation and lack of hydration. But I can tell you, and assure you, she is fighting like hell to stay alive.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And Gerri, as you know, this is something that will not last very much longer. So while they're putting up the good fight, the family -- they realize the time is of the essence. Gerri?

WILLIS: Bob Franken, thank you for that.

A North Carolina man faces federal charges in connection with the Terri Schiavo case. The suspect, Richard Meywes is accused of offering a quarter of a million dollars for the killing of Schiavo's husband, Michael. Police say the offer was made in an email. They say the suspect also offered $50,000 for the killing of a Florida judge who has refused to intervene in the Schiavo case.

HARRIS: The Terri Schiavo case has divided the Americans along moral and ethical lines. And today a new "Time Magazine" poll shows how some Americans who call themselves born again Christians or evangelicals feel about the issue. Just over half of the respondents, 53 percent, say they agree with the decision to remove Schiavo's feeding tube, 41 percent say they disagree.

The battle over Terri Schiavo has special meaning for many families across America. They've had to deal with the issue of having a loved one on life support. CNN's Alina Cho reports from Michigan where the Schiavo case brings back some painful memories for two families.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Whenever Terri Schiavo's face appears on television, Mary Martin is riveted to the screen, and very angry.

MARY MARTIN, HAD FAMILY MEMBER ON LIFE SUPPORT: Enough is enough. Not everyone wants to just exist.

CHO: One hundred fifty miles away, in another quiet Michigan town, Fran Rosebush is also angry.

FRANCIS ROSEBUSH, HAD FAMILY MEMBER ON LIFE SUPPORT: The husband shouldn't go against the mother and father, because, yes, that's their daughter. And, you know, they had had her long before he did.

CHO: The Schiavo case brings back agonizing memories for both. Both have had loved ones on life support. Both believe the government should not be deciding whether someone should live or die.

MARTIN: I believe that if Terri Schiavo lived in Michigan, or, you know, California, anyplace other than Florida where Jeb Bush, brother to the president, was living, it would not be at the magnitude that it is today.

ROSEBUSH: I'm a very strong Bush supporter. I listen to Rush Limbaugh.

CHO: But?

ROSEBUSH: But I don't agree with him on this.

CHO: Eighteen years ago, Fran Rosebush watched helplessly as his daughter Joelle, then ten years old was hit by a car. The accident left her in a persistent vegetative state. After more than a year of medical treatment, Rosebush decided to take his daughter off life support.

ROSEBUSH: I felt that man was keeping Joelle alive. And God wanted her.

CHO: Three of his daughter's nurses fought him on it but Rosebush won in court. Mary Martin did not.

Do you think Mike was able to die with dignity?

MARTIN: Oh, his dignity was stripped with him, but he was finally able to go and be with his god.

CHO: Four days after Joelle Rosebush's accident, Martin, her husband Mike and their three children they were in their car, Mike at the wheel when a train hit them.

MARTIN: I remember saying, is everyone OK? And the only one that responded was my eldest daughter, Mindy, saying, mom, I'm fine. Matt's crying. And I don't know about dad.

CHO: The Martin's youngest daughter, seven year old Melanie, died instantly. Her father was severely brain damaged. Mary Martin fought to have his feeding tube removed, but lost a lengthy court battle to his family. Fifteen years later, Michael Martin died of pneumonia. Martin believes she should have had the right to decide what happened to her husband, and Michael Schiavo should decide what happens to his wife. MARTIN: When two people marry, the Bible says, you leave your family and cling to your husband or wife.

CHO: She says her husband never wanted to be kept alive by machines. Look no further than Michael Martin's headstone, three dates, the day he was born, the day Mary says he died and she says the day his soul was sent to heaven.

MARTIN: Ultimately ...

CHO: You feel as though you let him down?

MARTIN: I feel to this day that I let him down.

CHO: Both of them agree Terri Schiavo's parents are letting their daughter down by turning the case into a national and political spectacle. Alina Cho, CNN, Detroit, Michigan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Well, the Terri Schiavo case has people all over the country talking. And lots of it has to do with living wills. Ahead we'll look at what these documents can do to spare your family from pain.

Plus, a community gathers to remember the life of one little girl. We'll take you there live.

And a dangerous blast knocked this cameraman to his feet. How a routine patrol can turn into a scramble for safety. That's coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: In Florida, a public memorial service for Jessica Lunsford got under way just over an hour ago. The third grader was kidnapped and killed last month. And a convicted sex offender, John Evander Couey is charged with her abduction and murder. Ferdinand Zogbaum with our affiliate Bay News 9 is with us now from Citrus County, Florida, where the memorial service is taking place. Ferdinand?

FERDINAND ZOGBAUM, BAY NEWS 9 CORRESPONDENT: That's right. We are in Citrus County, actually at the Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. And inside the memorial that's still going on outside. The rain has slowly started to stop. But I can tell you that the parking lot is jammed with cars. There's been golf carts bringing people back and forth. And as you can see, if you've been watching the memorial, that inside the church is also packed with people, supporters, people coming here and paying their last respects to Jessica Lunsford.

Now, we heard Mark Lunsford speak, who is Jessica's father. And he talked about community. The outpouring, the support from this community has been amazing. Sheriff Jeff Dawsy actually mentioned that when the search was going on for Jessica Lunsford, when it was discovered she was no longer in her bed about a month ago, nearly 1,300 in the community showed up for about a week to help find her, find any clues, find any leads, any information whatsoever to try to find this little girl.

Sheriff Jeff Dawsy also talked about how it was frustrating, not having leads, not being able to find young Jessica. Right now, the service continues. This is the third day. Thursday, the family actually had a private service. And Friday they had another service where they had family and friends. And everything is ending today, Saturday, with this service for the public.

And again, I can tell you that the support, the amount of people showing up here, is absolutely amazing. Kids, grandmothers, grandfathers all showing up. They've all been telling me that the family needs them right now, that this is a horrible thing that happened. And people are traveling from Tampa, all over Florida, just to come here and show support and say good-bye to Jessica Lunsford.

HARRIS: Ferdinand, just a quick question. Have we heard -- you mentioned some of the people we've heard from so far today at the memorial service. How about Jessica's mom? Has she spoken?

ZOGBAUM: Well, I heard that she spoke yesterday at a service held for friends and family. She got up and began to say something, and sort of broke down. It was very emotional time for her. She sort of broke down in tears. And we had heard that she might speak today. Angela Bryant, who actually lives in Ohio, and she came down here to be with the family. But it turns out maybe that this is just so overwhelming for her, that possibly she will not speak today.

HARRIS: You can certainly understand that. Ferdinand, we appreciate that. Thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Taking a look at other news across America. Right now, at the Red Lake Indian reservation in Minnesota, the first funerals are being held for the victims of Monday's school shooting rampage. 10 people died in the attack, including the teenage gunman. Services were held for his grandfather and a companion. Later services are scheduled later for a teenage student victim.

In Utah, a 65-year-old man has been charged with trying to smuggle weapons onboard a flight from Salt Lake City. Police say he had steel shears, box cutters and extra blades found wrapped in foil and duct tape inside a carry-on bag.

Health officials in Florida say 11 children are among 15 people made sick by a dangerous strain of e. coli. Experts say the cases could be linked to a petting zoo in several Florida festivals. But they are not ruling out other causes, such as tainted food or drinks.

HARRIS: Well, it was routine patrol when suddenly...

Wow! A close call for one of our own crews. The danger she and her photographer faced, along with some U.S. troops straight ahead.

Plus a picture of chaos and confusion, yet one man takes home the big prize. His catch of the day is also ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And very quickly, we want to take you down to Pinellas Park, Florida. You're looking at Bobby Schindler, the brother of Terri Schiavo speaking now.

I apologize, we just missed it. But I'm sure we recorded it, and we'll roll that back and get a tape turned on that as quickly as possible. And tell you exactly what was said. But maybe we can get that word from Bob Franken, who is there at Pinellas Park. Bob, we just missed the comments from Bobby Schindler just a moment ago. Maybe you can fill us in.

FRANKEN: Well, to be perfectly honest about it, I was in a position where I would not be able to fill you in, because of the technical considerations. But we know that the family is concerned about reports that her condition is deteriorating, concerned that if there is a belief within the political community that Terri Schiavo's case is hopeless, that people might not be so prone to react as quickly as they have. And the family has been battling that perception all day.

And of course, we're going to have to hear exactly what Bobby Schindler said a moment ago, but there has been a concerted effort to be very visible today, to continue to put pressure on the political institutions. So in a moment we'll find out more what they had to say. I'll also bring you up to date on the status right now. The appeal of a lower court rejection today by the judge who had originally ordered the feeding tube disconnected, a rejection of their latest effort to get it reconnected, the appeal of that is now going to the Florida Supreme Court.

The family has also announced for now, it's abandoning its actions in the federal court system. No appeals, but lawyers do not preclude the possibility they might come up with other approaches. It looks like virtually everything is being done in the legal system that can be done, and right now, here on tape, is Bobby Schindler.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT SCHINDLER, JR., TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: For every person out there that believes it was wrong for Congress and the governor to get involved in my sister's case, they need to go inside right now and look at my sister, and when they come out, you need to ask them if the Congress and governor are wrong for getting involved in my sister's case. Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: In other words, as I said, this was another effort to put pressure on the political leaders, including Congress, state legislature, Governor Bush, President Bush, wherever they can, putting pressure on before time runs out.

HARRIS: Trying to do everything they can. You're right. Bob Franken in Pinellas Park. Bob, thank you.

WILLIS: Well, it's another deadly weekend for American troops overseas and southeastern Afghanistan. Four American soldiers were killed earlier today by an explosion believed to have been caused by a land mine or roadside bomb. In Iraq, a car bomb killed two U.S. soldiers earlier today in Baghdad. Yesterday, a U.S. marine was killed in action in the al Anbar province.

HARRIS: Just like the troops and civilians, journalists in Iraq also face dangers, even during what at first appears to be a routine assignment. But as you'll see in this report from CNN's Alex Quade, nothing is routine in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEX QUADE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: An abandoned car on the important main supply route from Falluja to Baghdad instantly made the marines of Dragon Platoon suspicious. We were on patrol with this weapons company from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when they secured the area. And eventually used an armored humvee to push the car off the side of the road, when it happened -

The marines call this a vehicle-borne IED, improvised explosive device. Translation, car bomb. The marines believe it was detonated remotely by an insurgent trigger man watching and waiting for the right moment to injure or kill as many U.S. troops as possible.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep going!

QUADE: In this case, nobody was seriously hurt. The blast blew CNN cameraman David Albritton (ph) back four feet. I saw he was OK and picked up my mini cam to help record what was happening right in front of us. Marines climbing into the flaming humvee to get ammo out that could blow and cause other casualties.

You okay?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. It knocked me down. I just got hit by a little piece of shrapnel. Didn't break the skin.

QUADE: Reinforcement troops arrived. Apache helicopters provided close air support. And the marines of Dragon Platoon continued fighting flames to salvage anything from the humvee that might be of use to insurgents. Including the 50-caliber machine gun mounted in the turret.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not a scratch on him. Lucky son of a gun.

QUADE: That lucky marine, Lance Corporal Jason Hunt told me he thought he was going to die. Then he walked by me to immediately pull security while his fellow marines continue to deal with the smoking humvee. They will all be out on patrol, hunting for improvised explosive devices again tomorrow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was pretty close. I consider myself lucky. QUADE: Alex Quade, CNN, near Abu Ghraib prison, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: No more federal appeals for Terri Schiavo. So what remaining legal options do her parents have? Our legal roundtable will have the answers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Stories now in the news. A Florida circuit court judge has turned down the latest appeal from Terri Schiavo's parents to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted. With their legal options all but exhausted Schiavo's parents pleaded with the nation's leaders to intervene in the case. We are awaiting a press conference from George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo; it is set to begin in about 30 minutes. And CNN will carry it live.

Prince Rainier of Monaco remains in intensive care unit but palace officials say his condition continues to deteriorate. The prince was admitted earlier this month with a lung infection. His breathing difficulties have been complicated by cardiac and kidney problems.

And former British Prime Minister James Callahan has died, nicknamed Sonny Jim Callahan was a World War II veteran, and a former labor party member who held numerous top offices in the British government before becoming prime minister in 1976. He held that post until May of 1979. Callahan a day short of his 93rd birthday.

WILLIS: Now an update on the battle over Terri Schiavo. Her father says she is fighting like hell to survive. But the legal options are running out. A Florida circuit court judge has again rejected an emergency appeal by Terri Schiavo's parents to reinsert her feeding tube. Their lawyer says there will be no more federal appeals in the case. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta rejected their appeal last night. And Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he's done everything he can do without violating the state's constitution.

We are expecting a news conference from Michael Schiavo's attorney half an hour from now. He is expected to talk about the current condition of Terri Schiavo. We'll bring it to you live, as it happens.

To help us keep up with the fast-moving legal developments in the Terri Schiavo case, we turn now to two guests. They are criminal defense attorney Richard Herman in New York, and Avery Friedman, civil rights attorney and law professor in Cleveland, Ohio. Welcome to both of you.

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good afternoon.

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Hi Gerri.

WILLIS: Well let's just start with the way I led into both of you guys, talking just a little bit about what are the options at this point. Let's start with you, Richard.

HERMAN: Well, Gerri, the options are -- the options really have been limited for the last week. You have to stop and applaud the courts for taking these appeals and these motions and working through the night to render these decisions. Right now, they're going to the Florida Supreme Court, which has previously rejected any appeal in this case. And they will reject this one.

Once it gets rejected there, I guess they could make application to the United States Supreme Court again. Which will deny review of it at that time. And unless the family, the Schindler family has any new evidence, which would require a brand-new motion before the same judge who's had this case for seven years, and who's basically rejected every attempt to keep Terri alive, I just don't see any real legal avenues at this point.

WILLIS: Right. Let's go to Avery. Do you agree?

FRIEDMAN: Richard's right, Gerri. Let me explain why. The issue that was resolved today by Judge Greer was an evidence issue. And it's very weird what happened, because one of the paid lawyers for the Schindlers' became a witness. She decided, Miss Weller decided that she wanted to take the stand and say a week ago that she heard Terri Schiavo say, ah, wa. And she interpreted that as a desire on the part of Terri to live. And so what Judge Greer had to do, Gerri, was to consider whether or not the ah wa evidence from the paid lawyer of the Schindlers' was so clear and so convincing, that he had to reverse himself. And you know what? That is the issue before the Florida Supreme Court. That's the only legal issue left.

WILLIS: The only legal issue left. It seems to me like the family today is trying to keep the spotlight on appealing as much as they can to the legislators. Richard, tell me what you make of that.

HERMAN: Gerri, really, this is closure now, finally, for the Schindler family, and the Schiavo family, after 15 years of a devastating injury and a result with Terri Schiavo. It's excruciating to look at this every single day. And the family, obviously, and we can feel it; they're just having a very difficult time dealing with this closure. There is no avenue left. Congress, Governor Jeb Bush, the courts, there's no one that's going to step in now and reinsert that feeding tube.

They have to accept that. And the people that have been stepping up and speaking adversely about the court system if they really are genuinely interested in helping the Schindler family or the Schiavo family, now's the time to give them comfort while they grieve.

FRIEDMAN: Well, at the same time, though, give credit to the Schindler family. I mean put yourself in the shoes of Mr. and Mrs. Schindler fighting for their daughter. I totally agree, Richard's right. Because we're putting the rhetoric aside, we're putting the politics aside, Gerri, looking purely at the constitution. And so as a loving father, and a loving mother, you can understand what they've done. I think they've gotten some bad advice along the way. Not necessarily bad legal advice but bad advice overall. But as loving parents, you would expect that they did what they have done here. But Richard is right, that's the end of the legal road.

HERMAN: You know, Gerri, there were seven evidentiary hearings in this case. And excess of 20 appeals, in excess of 30 judges have reviewed the decisions in this case. This just didn't happen overnight.

WILLIS: Right.

HERMAN: It's unfortunate, but this poor woman had severe damage to her cerebral cortex. And basically, you know, 80, 90 percent of her brain is liquefied at this point. It's over. It's very sad, but there's really no other legal avenue at this point.

WILLIS: Avery, I want to get you to a different topic here slightly. Have we made any new law here? Is there anything that will happen as a result of this case? Will people in these kinds of situations be treated any differently because of the Terri Schiavo case?

FRIEDMAN: I think so. And I think what we're going to see is more and more legislators saying look at the Schiavo situation. Many legislatures are considering a law, a bill to require a directive, a living will. And you know what, over half the American population, according to some surveys we've seen, are now thinking about that. Whether you're in your 20s or in your 70s.

Every family potentially faces an Schindler/Schiavo case. And in the absence of doing something about it like getting a will, we're going to have these battles. This happens to people all the time. The Terri Schiavo case represents this, Gerri; every American has to think what's best for themselves. They have to put together a living will. Some form of directive. Or else they potentially face the same agonizing battle.

HERMAN: Gerri, Avery is absolutely right. I have with me here; I don't know if they can see it, here it is. It's a page and a half. This is a living will.

FRIEDMAN: Yes.

HERMAN: Most lawyers do this.

WILLIS: Describe to our viewers exactly what a living will is and whether or not you think they should have one.

HERMAN: Well, a living will basically appoints someone, in the circumstance that you are being kept alive by artificial means, and if the person says, I do not want to be kept alive by artificial means, I direct this person, I empower them, I empower the courts, I empower the hospital and doctors to terminate, take off the artificial support. That's what this does.

WILLIS: Avery, tell me, if I have a living will, will my wishes actually be followed? Is there any situation where somebody else jumps in and makes a difference, changes my wishes? FRIEDMAN: That's a great question. The assumption is that when you sign this directive, when you sign a living will, you are, of course, lucid and capable and aware of what's going on. One of the questions that, of course, will be commonly asked is whether this -- well, almost always asked, whether it's a voluntary act. Whether the individual understood what he or she was signing. So I think if you look at yourself, be very selfish about it and say, do I want to burden my family? Do I want to burden others that care about me with the decision in the event tomorrow I'm in an automobile accident and I'm incapacitated?

WILLIS: Avery, I'm going to --

FRIEDMAN: Do I want to let them know.

WILLIS: We are going to have to leave it there. Avery Friedman, Richard Herman, thank you so much.

FRIEDMAN: Take care.

HERMAN: Nice to be with you Gerri.

HARRIS: It is a fishing contest like none you have ever seen before. Thousands rush to cast their nets and hope for the catch of the day. Look at the scene. Just how big was the winning fish? We'll tell you ahead.

And it is a symbol that spring has sprung. The natural Cherry Blossom Festival is under way. And we will have a preview.

But first, on this weekend's edition from tips from the top, how to succeed in business with entrepreneur Kaleil Isaza Tuzman is sausatuslain (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE, TIPS FROM THE TOP: At 18, he started his own apparel company. Thirteen years later serial entrepreneur Kaleil Isaza Tuzman he founded Recognition Group, the first Hispanic corporate restructuring firm and investment bank in the U.S. In just four years, he has raised over $150 million.

KALEIL ISAZA TUZMAN, PRES. RECOGNITION GROUP: The biggest hurdle that entrepreneurs will tell you they have in business is lack of access to capital. I call it the if only disease. If only I had the money to open up a location, I'd be off to the races. It's not really that way. I think it's our own inability to overcome our fear, and to really make our dreams a reality. We have the capacity within us. We just don't often allow that capacity to really shine.

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HARRIS: This is a fish story. Are you ready?

WILLIS: I'm ready. You go.

HARRIS: More like a fishing tournament. It's been going on in Nigeria for years. Every year, fishermen from all over the country compete for the chance to win money and prizes. But there's a catch.

WILLIS: What's that?

HARRIS: Why don't you stop me from saying that terrible pun? Our Jeff Koinange explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Now in the 71st year, the annual Arugungu-Argungu Fishing Festival in northern Nigeria pits thousands of prospective fishermen and the chance to display their bare-handed skills in bagging the big fish. In keeping with tradition, a musket is fired, signaling the start of the event.

A 100-meter dash as the competitors rush headlong into a muddy river in the pursuit of Nile perch and catfish. They carry the arcate (ph) tackles used by their ancestors. Giant butterfly nets and equally giant gourds used for both flotation and as vessels to store their catches. The basic principle behind this competition is straightforward. You rush in, you cast your net. You look for the biggest fish, and the biggest fish wins.

Oh, there's one more thing, the water in the river Arugungu- Argungu at its deepest point, seven to eight feet. Thousands of bobbing heads dip into the muddy waters, while other contestants just float about on their giant calabashes. And lifeguards patrol the river in canoes just in case someone needs help.

In the suddenly frothing waters of the Arugungu-Argungu, it's a picture of chaos and confusion. Exactly an hour after the starting gun and it's all over. The prize catches are tagged and laid out for all to see. And then -- the moment of truth. A whopping 165-pound perch caught by a local hero Timothy Olou (ph). So large, two men struggle to hold it up. To the winner the spoils. With his shiny trophy and $1,000 in cash, Olou (ph) walks away -- or rather, drives away in this brand-new mini bus, which is now also his. But perhaps most importantly, he carries off bragging rights as Nigeria's number one fisherman.

Jeff Koinange, CNN, Cabestate (ph) in northern Nigeria.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Now that is a big fish.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's a fish story. Yes, yes.

WILLIS: A gift of friendship from Japan, over 90 years ago. Our nation's cherry blossom trees. The festival begins today. We will have a preview straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Weather Center. Time for the cold and flu report. Out of the CDC lesser on the map nine states in total reporting widespread activity. That's the red and darker blue regional activity. These colors becoming a little bit more, well, mundane, as we go through time. Getting closer now to summer. Hope you're feeling well today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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WILLIS: Welcome back. It's one of the first rights of spring. The National Cherry Blossom Festival. Executive director Diana Mayhugh joins Robert Novak to talk about the history of the festival and to preview the festivities.

ROBERT NOVAK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Welcome to the "Novak Zone." We're in Washington, D.C., with Diana Mayhugh, the executive director of one of the nation's capitol's rites of spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Miss Mayhugh tells us a little bit about the background of this festival. Where do these cherry blossom trees come from, and when did they arrive here?

DIANA MAYHUGH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: About 93 years ago, we received -- the United States received them from Japan. And it all started at that point. It was a gift of friendship during the Taft years, and we have been celebrating it ever since.

NOVAK: And how many trees are there?

MAYHUGH: The original gift was 3,000 trees. And now, of those original trees there's about 100 left. But we do have about 3,700 trees now around the title base.

NOVAK: So they have been replenished it, is that right?

MAYHUGH: Yes.

NOVAK: How many people come to this festival a year?

MAYHUGH: Over the two weeks -- the festival's March 26th through April 10th -- and over those two weeks about one million people come down to participate in the festival events and see the trees.

NOVAK: Some come from Japan, is that correct?

MAYHUGH: Oh, absolutely. Many groups coming from Japan this year. We have several performing groups coming from Japan.

NOVAK: What kind of activities are going on besides -- going and watching the cherry blossoms? You say there are performing groups. Are there things for tourists to see as well?

MAYHUGH: Oh, sure. We have over the two-week time period, there are over 90 events and 150 performances and cultural demonstrations. Starting on the -- for the opening ceremony, continuing to the middle of the weekend, for the fireworks down at southwest waterfront. And then Southwest Airlines presents a National Cherry Blossom Festival parade on the last weekend, last Saturday, April 9th. NOVAK: Miss Mayhugh, I was looking at an old clipping of the "Washington Post" after the World War II began with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And it said that the Cherry Blossom Festival was being canceled because the traffic was so tough for the war effort. It would confuse Washington. But that wasn't the real reason it was canceled, was it?

MAYHUGH: No, I don't think so. I think there was a lot of debate whether they should not have the festival for that year. I think that was one of the only years that it just didn't happen.

NOVAK: It didn't happen throughout the war years, isn't that correct?

MAYHUGH: That's correct.

NOVAK: There was also a story I read about that some protester about the war chopped down four trees? Was there much vandalism of that kind going on during the war, do you know?

MAYHUGH: I think there was just a lot of conversation about whether those trees should be chopped down or stay. But I think the final decision, which thank goodness, was a good decision that the beautiful trees should stay right where they are.

NOVAK: They talk about the peak, what is the peak?

MAYHUGH: The peak means that 70 percent of the trees are bloomed at the same time. So the peak can last five to ten to -- seven to ten days. However, you still have blooming three or four days before, and three days after. So you're blooming period can be 10 to 14 days.

NOVAK: I understand that you do have a -- some charitable fund- raising events in connection with the Cherry Blossom Festival. Could you tell us about that?

MAYHUGH: Sure. The downtown Jaycees (ph) benefit from the parade. We do fund-raising for that as well. We have a golf tournament that supports the Boys and Girls Club. We also work with different organizations and our sponsors come aboard to help support the National Park Service Cherry Tree Endowment Fund. And that helps us fund the -- care for the trees to supplement what the park service does, to keep them living for the rest of our lives.

NOVAK: And now, for the big question for Diana Mayhugh, executive director of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Miss Mayhugh, today is Saturday, March 26th. Beginning of the Cherry Blossom Festival. For a tourist, for somebody wanting to come to Washington, what's the best time to come, do you think? And what's the -- what's a good time to stay here and get the most out of the festival?

MAYHUGH: I think the way the blossoms are looking now; I'm thinking it's starting next weekend to the following week. So the second week of the festival, as far as the trees are concerned. But this first week, there are still wonderful things to do. Every single day at the Jefferson Memorial, target sponsors, performances. We have over 60 performances starting March 26th, going all the way through April 10th. So every day there is something to do. The blossoms are just starting to bloom. So if you're here, you know if you're here for some events this week, come back next week and you'll probably see a lot of the blossoms.

NOVAK: And pray for no rain, is that correct?

MAYHUGH: We have a two-week festival and it's outdoors and its in spring. So we deal with Mother Nature.

NOVAK: That is right. Diana Mayhugh, thank you very much.

MAYHUGH: Thank you very much for having me.

NOVAK: And thank you for being in the "Novak Zone."

WILLIS: For more of Bob Novak, tune in tonight at 7:00 Eastern, where the "Capital Gang" will look at the political impact of Terri Schiavo.

HARRIS: And as we go to break, just another reminder that we're expecting a news conference at the top of the hour, just four minutes from now, from George Felos, Michael Schiavo's attorney. He will have an update on Terri Schiavo's condition in a news briefing scheduled just four minutes from now at 4:00. We are back with more CNN SATURDAY:

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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