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CNN Live Saturday

Is New Orleans Ready for Hurrican Season?; Many Seniors Hesitant Of new Medicare Plan;

Aired May 13, 2006 - 18:30   ET

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

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Now in the news. President Bush tried to reassure Americans that the government is not snooping on their personal phone calls. But a published report says the feds are keeping close tabs on phone records to fight terrorism. And immigration is taking center stage on Capitol Hill and the White House on Monday.
And we will be pushing towards the president's Oval Office address with an important evening programming schedule. It all gets started with a special edition of "THE SITUATION ROOM" at 7:00 p.m. eastern. And then find out what Lou Dobbs has to say on the subject, followed by "LARRY KING LIVE." Now at 10:00 p.m. eastern, join Anderson Cooper for a Special Report on illegal immigration reform.

In the meantime, graduates of New Orleans' Tulane University had not one but two former presidents for their commencement today. George Bush and Bill Clinton made today's graduation ceremony just nine months after Hurricane Katrina.

Not much time's left to sign up for the Medicare prescription drug coverage. Monday midnight is the deadline. And if you are interested, you can logon to the Medicare web site at medicare.gov. That's a good place to get started. But we think it's easier if you call the 800 number.

In the meantime, violent clashes between police and a powerful criminal gang in Brazil. At least 30 people are believed to have been killed. And local media say the gang launched at least 55 coordinated attacks Friday night. That included attacks on police stations and huge revolts inside some prisons.

A mass evacuation right now in Indonesia. More than 22,000 people on the move to get out of the way of the lava if Mt. Murapi actually explodes. Experts say the lava dome is forming and a large eruption is imminent.

On alert in Florida. The dry, windy conditions continue in parts of The Sunshine State. Fire safely officials remain on the look-out for new wild fires. The fire and the smoke forced I-95 to be shutdown for three days this past week.

New Orleans says it's ready for the hurricane season. Ready with a new evacuation plan. But as CNN's Susan Roesgen reports, the city may be far from ready to help. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN GULF COAST CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): We know what went wrong in the New Orleans evacuation during Katrina. Just about everything. People who had a car got out. Those who didn't or their own.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And saved some other folks' lives too.

ROESGEN: Longtime resident Ben Hunter paddled out in a canoe.

This year the city is promoting a new evacuation plan, city buses would round up people who don't have cars and then the state would bus them to shelters away from the city.

Amtrak trains would evacuate the sick and elderly. And the airlines would keep their planes at the New Orleans airport until all of the tourists got out.

When I asked the mayor how firm the plan is, he said everything is good to go.

RAY NAGIN, MAYOR, NEW ORLEANS: The fundamentals of this plan is basically to get as many people out as possible, pre-event and right after the event.

ROESGEN: But we found out the plan isn't so solid after all. Amtrak says it hasn't actually signed on the dotted line. It's not a done deal and even if there is a deal, state officials tell me there aren't enough doctors to put on the trains to care for the sick and elderly being evacuated.

As far as the airlines evacuating tourists, that's not a done deal either. The Transportation Security Administration says it's still just being talked about.

But how about the buses to get people out? The city estimates that 10,000 people will need help getting out, but New Orleans has fewer than 100 city buses. And the city is still negotiating with the bus drivers who haven't agreed to stay.

Finally, shelters, less than three weeks before the start of hurricane season, city officials admit not a single out of town shelter has been lined up.

We asked the new Orleans emergency management chief, Terry Ebbert, the architect of the mayor's plan, if it's really ready to go. He says the city is counting on the state and federal government to make it work.

TERRY EBBERT, HOMELAND SECURITY SEC. DIR., NEW ORLEANS: The plan is land-based transportation out of the city on buses. That's the plan. These other areas are improvements to the planned, which I believe that the federal government will make good on.

ROESGEN: Will that happen or will people like Ben Hunter have to paddle out of his neighborhood in a canoe again?

BEN HUNTER, HURRICANE VICTIM. O'BRIEN: We've been through Katrina, you know. I mean -- it's like, we're from Missouri, now, you've got to show me. I don't have the faith.

ROESGEN: Hunter says this year he won't wait around for the city's help, he'll leave before a hurricane even gets close.

Susan Roesgen, CNN, New Orleans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: So let's say you don't have a canoe. But you need a plan. Maybe you can't depend on the government, but you can do things for yourself. That's what meteorologist Bonnie Schneider's been working on right now.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: For Hurricane 101 your factoid today is your own personal evacuation kit. You probably know the obvious. Prepare with bottles of water and have extra food handy. But you may not think of some other items that come into play.

Here's a look at some of those. Looking at clothing, first aid kit and make sure you have all of your prescription medications. Flashlights and batteries, personal hygiene items. That May include moisture wipe, or antibacterial, soap. Battery operated radio and a NOAA weather radio.

You are probably wondering why you need one of these if you are already on your way out. Once hurricanes come on shore, they often spawn tornadoes. And that's why you want this radio handy in case a warning goes off in your county, you'll know about it and be prepared. Now if you would like more information on Hurricane 101. Go right to our Web site CNN.com/weather. CNN is your hurricane headquarters.

LIN: Thanks, Bonnie.

We're really trying to help people decide if they want to join this Medicare prescription drug program. And the process for signing up has been so confusing and very controversial for a lot of seniors. It's the Medicare prescription drug plan that we are talking about. Doctors and pharmacists and patients are scrambling to meet Monday's deadline to sign up. So I spoke with Medicare's chief administrator, the top guy, Mark McClellan, this is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARK MCCLELLAN, MEDICARE & MEDICAID ADMINISTRATOR: I've heard from two different types of seniors as I have gone around the country. One are people who have not yet looked into the coverage and found out what it means for them personally. And the other are people who have taken advantage of the help that's available now until May 15th to find out what this coverage means for you.

The people who have looked into the coverage are overwhelmingly saying it was worth the effort. They are saving a lot more than expected and getting better benefits than expected. And they are overwhelmingly satisfied with the coverage.

LIN: I'm just wondering the seniors trying to make this decision in the hours to come. Why does this have to be so confusing for them? What do you think in terms of settling it up on the Internet when so many seniors don't have Internet access. Now there is an 800 number for folks to call. Do you agree that it has been confusing for seniors?

MCCLELLAN: Carol, no one needs to go on the Internet. It's completely understandable that a lot of people would have a lot of questions. This is the most important new benefit and Medicare in 40 years. But there are three simple steps that can help people take advantage of the coverage. Number one, make a list of your drugs or put your pill bottles in front of you. Number two have your Medicare card handy because it has your Medicare number and we can use that to give you personalized help. Number three call us at 1-800-medicare or go to one of more than a thousand events taking place all over the country.

LIN: All right. So in terms of when you take a look at the sign-up process and how many seniors may not sign up for this, how do you quantify success when it has been so confusing for so many seniors as to how to make your decision?

MCCLELLAN: Carol, we are running ahead of expectations about enrollment. A lot of predictions had expected around 28 million people to 30 million people that would be enrolled in the program by the end of the year. Last week we reached 31 million already. And we are still going. There are about six million people in Medicare that have coverage there other sources. So there are about five million or six million people who don't have coverage yet. Those are the people that we are focusing on reaching right now. We could get to 90 percent or more people in Medicare with coverage by May 15th. That's why we are working so hard through the weekend.

LIN: All right. Thanks very much.

MCCLELLAN: Carol, great talking with you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Dr. McClellan also said it's bettor pick a plan. Go ahead and pick a plan. Even if it's not the right one. In the next year, you will be able to have another choice again. And you can always have an appeal process through your doctor.

Now the National Council on Aging also has a Web site with answers to frequently-asked questions about the drug benefit plan. And you can find it at mymedicarematters.org. For Spanish speakers it is mimedicareimporta.org.

Even more help for seniors. Tomorrow right here on CNN at 9:00 a.m. eastern, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt will join us. He's going to take your e-mail and he's going to answer any of the questions that you might have. Let's check the news across America right now. Zacarias Moussaoui has arrived at the place he's likely to spend the rest of his days, The Supermaxx Federal prison in Florence, Colorado. Moussaoui was sentenced to life without parole for his role in the 9/11 attacks.

Doctors say the Carlson sisters are doing well at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. The formerly conjoined twins underwent a marathon separation surgery yesterday, and today five month old Abigail and Isabel are in separate beds but in intensive care and breathing with the aid of ventilators.

Anti-war protesters marched on the nation's capital today. Conscientious objectors from around the world gathered in Washington calling for an end to the bloodshed in Iraq.

And San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds is looking to enter the record books today. He enters today's game against the L.A. Dodgers one home run shy of Babe Ruth's record

The problem with pachyderms, it's mired many of the nation's zoos in controversy. Animal rights activists say it's inhumane to keep the world's largest land mammal in captivity. Jen Rogers has more from the Los Angeles Zoo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEN ROGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If some animal rights groups have their way, seeing an elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo will be a thing of the past.

CHRIS DEROSE, LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS: Kids come here. They don't see elephants. They see a shell that looks like an elephant. They don't see elephant behavior or the environment of an elephant. It's all artificial and it's wrong.

ROGERS: Chris DeRose is one of several activists leading a campaign against a controversial elephant enclosure for the L.A. Zoo. The city council approved a plan for a new $39 million three and half acre facility. Although it could still be blocked by a bill in the state legislature that requires more even space for the animals.

Supporters of the plan say it's an educational opportunity that shouldn't be missed.

TOM LABONG, LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCILMAN: We can't get on an airplane and fly to some spot. There's really only a few places you can see an elephant in person. And all these children here in Los Angeles in southern California can experience it firsthand here. They would muss it if it was not here.

ROGERS: But critics of the plan charge the zoo's elephants who can roam up to 50 miles a day in the wild, still won't have enough space. They fear that could lead to health problems and even death. And the hefty price tag has created an unlikely alliance between animal rights groups and fiscal conservatives. KATHERINE DOYLE, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST: I want to let you know that the tax payers of Los Angeles do not want to spend $40 million on this elephant exhibit.

ROGERS: A zoo bond and private fundraising will help pay for the facility which will include a variety of environments, including a swimming hole and a mud area.

JOHN LEWIS, DIRECTOR, L.A. ZOO: When we break it down to a square foot it's about $204 a square foot. In the L.A. market, that's a bargain. But that is a big part of what drives it here. L.A. construction right now is very expensive.

ROGERS: Still, the Nashville Zoo built a comparable enclosure for about five million dollars last year. And the Oakland Zoo, also faced with the high cost of doing business in California, built its enclosure for just $10 million back in 1998.

(on camera): Regardless of the final figure, some argue any cost is too high for a city already strapped for cash. While others contend a visit to the zoo, and seeing your first elephant, is priceless. Jen Rogers, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: Imagine making three million dollars in a single day. Those are the stakes for the paparazzi chasing Angelina Jolie and we are along for the ride. Plus, gas thieves uncover new ways to get the goods. But it could cost them their lives. The story coming up on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: What'd you pay for gas this week? I paid $3.05 a gallon. Motorists are so desperate to beat the soaring fuel costs, some are crossing the line. Nicole Chavez with CNN affiliate KXTV has this story from Citrus Heights, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICOLE CHAVEZ, KXTV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a tiny hole costing a big chunk of change.

ANTHONY VERA, GAS THEFT VICTIM: It takes about $500 to replace that tank. It is very sad.

CHAVEZ: Sad that Anthony Vera says thieves have resorted to drilling straight into gas tanks in order to steal fuel.

VERA: I drove around the neighborhood to see if anybody else had anything similar and just noticed a couple of Dodge 1500s just like mine that had the same thing. I'm sure it will start happening more.

CHAVEZ: Dodge service manager Ron Moore says he's not surprised. He's had two truck owners in addition to Vera come to him with similar scenarios, indicating the old days of siphoning gas are over. RON MOORE, DODGE SERVICE MANAGER: Now they can't siphon it because there's a roll over inside the tank. This is the first they've gotten this sophisticated.

CHAVEZ: Sophisticated and dangerous.

MOORE: If a spark comes off the drill or something, it's going to start whoever is doing it on fire.

CHAVEZ: That's exactly how fire officials believe a fire started back in January. Three Sacramento postal service trucks caught on fire after suspected thieves drilled into their gas tanks.

While his truck will get a new tank, Vera fears this could be the beginning of an expensive trend.

VERA: My biggest fear really is that, I mean you can replace that tank and they can come back and do it two weeks from now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: That was Nicole Chavez with our Northern California affiliate KXTV. Our thanks to her for that great reporting. All right, $3 million. One estimated pay-off for the first picture of Branjelina, the baby of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Well, there's plenty of competition. So the paparazzi will go to whatever lengths they must to get the goods. Here's our Kyra Phillips.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A couple of the guys were doing the stake-out at Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's house in Malibu. And apparently Jolie is on the move.

PHILLIPS (voice-over): The hunt is on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm going to get on the 405 and go south. Are you still south PCH?

PHILLIPS: The prey, red-hot actress Angelina Jolie.

Ben, a 26-year-old photographer, works for one of the biggest paparazzi agencies in Hollywood, Bower-Griffin (ph). He has asked us not to use his last name.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's nothing. I'm coming behind you. No cops anywhere. The 405 is right hear. The Ten is right here. And she's right here on the Ten going this way. I'm trying to catch up as fast as I can. Give me your location. Did you guys pass West Channel yet? Copy that.

PHILLIPS: Ben is coordinating with two other paparazzis from his agency hot on Angelina's tail. He finally catches up -- but he's on the wrong side of the freeway.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's all the competition right there. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Copy that. I just saw you guys go by. That's funny.

PHILLIPS: Paparazzi aren't the only ones desperately seeking Angelina.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's not fitting into her clothes?

PHILLIPS: That happens.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She hates, you know the hormones raging. She's very uncomfortable.

PHILLIPS: Star magazine's Bonnie Fuller is chasing down any salacious tidbits on the actress, her Hollywood hunk boyfriend, and the girl next door he left behind.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I like this. Jennifer's turning to hypnosis therapy to get over Brad. That's fabulous.

I mean, how can you not be nosy about people that are as fascinating to look at as a Jen, a Brad and an Angelina. How can you not.

PHILLIPS: Over at "People" magazine, managing editor Larry Hackett is salivating over a scoop Jolie's camp is promising.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got the call in the morning that something was going to be discussed. And then I got the call about what was being discussed. I was thrilled.

PHILLIPS: And Mark LaSanti (ph), the blogger behind the Internet gossip site defamer.com is snarking about official word that Angelina is pregnant.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Once you get a publicist's real name on something, you know, it then becomes reality. And we can all rejoice and start it knitting the baby bootys.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: Oh, but there's more. Tune in this weekend to catch "CNN PRESENTS. Chasing Angelina: Paparazzi and Celebrity Obsession." Tonight and tomorrow at 8:00 and 11:00 eastern. Right here only on CNN.

Off the streets and onto the greens. How the game of golf helped change the lives of these four kids. That's next. But first, here's what's coming up on CNN's "ON THE STORY."

ALI VELSHI, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Ali Velshi and we are "ON THE STORY." Suzanne Malveaux is on the story of new information about how the government collects telephone records. David Ensor has the latest on upheaval inside the CIA. And Gary Tuchman gets a look at the lives of polygamists. All coming up all "ON THE STORY."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: This is a great story. From a housing project to a college scholarship in golf. An unlikely journey but four Atlanta teens are proof that all some kids need is an opportunity to prove what they can do. Here's CNN's Larry Smith.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are the product of a successful urban redevelopment program. Four boys, living in East Lake, once one of Atlanta's poorest neighborhoods, before it was transformed into a new community that introduced them to the game of golf.

ROD LOWERY, GOLFER: From, I would say about the age nine, I knew that I really wanted to play golf because I can use that for a ticket to get out of there. I was like, I don't want to sell drugs, I don't want to locked up or killed, so I use golf as a tool to get me out of there.

SMITH: Thanks to their participation in The First Tee of East Lake, a year round golf instruction and mentoring program, Rod Lowery, Willie Brown, Shelton Davis and Brandon Bradley will all be leaving the neighborhood in the fall to attend Grambling State University on golf scholarships.

R. LOWERY: I want to kind of show off my skills and show them that people from the project have more to offer if they just step up to the bat and try different things instead of sticking to the mentality of I'm oppressed, I'm not going to do that.

SAM PURYEAR, FMR. PROGRAM DIRECTOR: It means that dreams come true. It shows that a lot of hard work, patience, preparation and a lot of faith definitely can make dreams come true. These kids have worked very hard to achieve a certain goal and they believed, even when sometimes it looked pretty bleak.

SMITH: Beyond college, golf has provided Lowery and the others with an opportunity to see the world by travelling to places like Bermuda and Scotland.

R. LOWERY: I think I have been to more places than people have been in their lifetime.

GERALDINE LOWERY, ROD LOWERY'S MOTHER: They've been places that I never could afford to do and through that, he really -- have enjoyed themselves, traveling and playing golf different places around and I've enjoyed it with them.

SMITH (on camera): Most of the boys have dreams of a pro golf career, but regardless of whether they make it to the next level, their current success has been a beacon for an entire community.

Larry Smith, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: You can handicap the president's plan for immigration reform by watching our in-depth coverage of Monday's presidential address on immigration. It gets started with a special edition of THE SITUATION ROOM at 7:00 p.m. eastern. Find out what Lou Dobbs has to say on the subject followed by "LARRY KING LIVE."

And then at 10:00 p.m., join Anderson Cooper for a SPECIAL REPORT on illegal immigration reform. All on CNN's Monday night. In the meantime, there's still lots more ahead on CNN tonight. Up next, at 7:00 eastern "ON THE STORY." Then at 8:00, "CNN PRESENTS" tonight, "Chasing Angelina," a look at the paparazzi and how far they are going to go to chase celebrities. You are going to want to hear about that.

And then at 9:00 Larry King. His guest tonight, the feisty and outspoken Judge Judy and why she cracks the whip. And a special edition of "ANDERSON COOPER: 24 Hours on the Border." A fascinating look at illegal immigration as it happens right on the border. A check of the hour's headlines next. And then "ON THE STORY."

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