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CNN Live Saturday

Will New Orleans Be Ready for Hurricane Season?

Aired May 20, 2006 - 17:00   ET

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

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: A race against time -- will the City of New Orleans be ready for hurricane season? Still ahead, how today's election could make the difference.
Plus, a fascinating medical mystery about a disorder you've probably never heard of. It makes you tall, it makes you thin and it can also kill you without warning.

And we've heard of all the people being addicted to smoking or gambling, but tanning? The surprising euphoria that could lead to cancer.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

I'm Carol Lin.

That and more after this check of the headlines.

Hurricane evacuees come home to vote. Their ballots determine who leads New Orleans. We are going to have a live report on the mayoral runoff election in one minute.

And new details about beefing up security along America's southern border. The mission has a time frame and a game plan. But no definite word on cost or who's paying for it.

The political wrangling is over and the cabinet posts are filled. And today Iraq's unity government officially gets down to business.

In Gaza, an Israeli air strike targets and kills a chief Islamic Jihad militant. Two women and a little boy were also killed by that missile.

And a new report on federal air marshals says their boss's dress code and lodging requirements will blow their covers.

Our top story all day long -- New Orleans decides its future today and polls close just four hours from now, this run-off for mayor.

Now, you know the faces, especially incumbent Ray Nagin. His opponent, Mitch Landrieu, is Louisiana's lieutenant governor.

It is a massive job these two men want. But just look at this video that came into the CNN Center, just shot yesterday.

Sections of New Orleans are uninhabitable and more than half of the city's residents have not moved back.

Hurricane season begins in two weeks and the city's levees will not be ready.

Standing by live in New Orleans is CNN's Susan Roesgen -- Susie, how is the turnout now?

A lot at stake.

SUSAN ROESGEN, GULF COAST CORRESPONDENT: I'm hearing that it's light but brisk. Usually in a runoff election, Carol, the turnout is going to be lighter than in the primary because people who voted for candidates in the primary who did not make it into the run-off usually say that's it, I don't care, I give up. If my guy isn't in, I'm not going to vote this time.

That's not the case here, of course, now in New Orleans. Many people, we believe, are coming to the polls. Perhaps more than the 36 percent turnout which we had in the pees.

I'm, in fact, at the gym at the University of New Orleans, one of four consolidated voting sites where thousands of voters from across the city, from many different damaged neighborhoods, are coming here to vote today. And, also, evacuees -- four busloads of evacuees from Houston have come here to vote.

It's a critical election, Carol, as you mentioned. So much of the city is still damaged. I have to tell you that today when I went to vote in my own neighborhood, I walked past four burned houses, houses that caught fire and burned during Hurricane Katrina, and they have not been rebuilt.

So even in my own neighborhood I see signs of Katrina always, always remembering what's been done in this city and what hasn't been done. And that's the key vote here tonight, Carol. People need to decide whether they want to stick with the man they've got, incumbent Mayor Ray Nagin, who says that he's been tested, he will be better. He says that he's arranged better financing for the City of New Orleans. He announced a $150 million credit line this week.

But there are critics who say that money is going to cost us a lot in terms of interest and that the mayor hasn't done enough for the recovery of this city. That vote, of course, goes to Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu. He says the recovery has not been fast enough. He says the nation and the city expect new leadership and he wants to give it.

And I want to show you something, Carol, out of the local newspaper. I took it off my coffee table just yesterday. This was something I've never seen in New Orleans -- a full page ad by the Mayor Nagin campaign. Now, sometimes you'll see supporters of one of the candidates taking out ads in the newspapers saying vote for our guy. Here's the mayor himself with a full page ad. And then not more than six pages later, look at this, an advertisement for Doug Brinkley's book, "The Great Deluge," which, as you know, slams Mayor Nagin for his performance during Hurricane Katrina. So some very strong feelings, Carol, in this very critical election for the City of New Orleans.

LIN: Critical, critical, also, for what may or may not happen all along the Gulf Coast, Susan.

So what are the fundamental differences between these two men? Or is it really just a vote for or against Ray Nagin?

ROESGEN: I think that a large part of it is a vote for or against Ray Nagin. I've talked to people who said they voted for him four years ago and will not vote for him now. You know, there are also those who believe it's simply a style difference. Mayor Nagin is a laid back kind of guy. Mitch Landrieu is out there. He's always kind of moving. He's on the balls of his feet. He's on the edge of his seat. He plans, you know, some aggressive things for this city, trying to get the city back on track.

Mayor Nagin, in his laid back kind of way, says I've got it under control, trust me.

So I think their differences may be stylistic more than philosophical, Carol. But voters have to decide which is the man who's going to move this city forward.

LIN: Credibility and confidence at stake.

Susan, thank you.

We want to show the folks who have been following this election, and even many of you who haven't, this particular shot is something we don't see very often, for sure. Both Nagin and Landrieu turned up today at a rally. But don't blink, there it is. They gave each other a little hug.

The run-off race has been noted for a lack of rancor, so let's hope it bodes well for the future of New Orleans.

Now, Iraq has finally done it. As of today, Iraq has a unity government elected by the people. The new parliament convened in Baghdad today. Members signed off on a cabinet and the incoming prime minister addressed the Iraqi people.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NOURI AL-MALIKI, INCOMING IRAQI PRIME MINISTER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I'm honored to be the first prime minister since the new constitution and in a democratic election place great responsibilities on my shoulders.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Here's what hasn't changed, though, the brutal war not ending overnight, to be sure. There was a deadly bombing in Baghdad today. But Iraqis finally taking charge is critical to the U.S. getting out. The U.S. ambassador noted that today, as well. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZALMAY KHALILZAD, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ: I believe the direction is -- as we anticipate things moving in the right direction -- would be to -- although there may be tactical increases here and there, but strategically, we're going to be moving in the direction of downsizing our forces.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: And no word of leaving from President Bush.

He released a statement today saying: "Iraq's new leaders face a great challenge." And he assured them that their nation will not bear the burdens alone.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is sounding optimistic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: This is the critical moment if the government is able to succeed. And you're not going to be able to tell that until you look back on it. But the fact that you've got a government for the first time that is one of genuine national unity voted for by over 12 million people, I think that is a very, very crucial change in Iraq.

And the question now is can they, then -- and this is what we've got to support them doing -- make their writ run-throughout the country and get to the point where Iraq can take control of its own destiny, because potentially it is a wealthy country, a stable partner for the region.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: But a dangerous country. Attacks across Iraq today killed at least 33 people. And police found the bodies of 22 people who were apparently kidnap victims, and they were tortured.

New details tonight about President Bush's plan to send National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico-border. A Pentagon memo obtained by the Associated Press says the mission would last at least two years. But no word on troop withdrawal or the costs. A high ranking official in the California National Guard says that they were told deployments might not begin until early June.

Now, the immigration battle is back on the streets and on the Hill. Demonstrations are taking place around the country this weekend, including two today in New York. Rallies for reform are being held while an immigration bill moves through the Senate. A vote is expected next week.

Now, President Bush and the Democrats used their weekly radio addresses to tackle immigration today.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP) GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This week, I asked Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border. We'll hire thousands more Border Patrol agents and to help these agents do their jobs, we will deploy advanced technologies such as high tech fences in urban areas, infrared cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

REP. MIKE HONDA (D), CALIFORNIA: On what little substance the president did offer, he left out critical answers on costs at a time when our nation faces record high deficits and a soaring national debt. He left out critical answers on practicality at a time when the brave men and women of our National Guard are already stretched thin.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

LIN: OK, let's put politics aside for just a moment, because it was a tragic day in Kentucky. A coal mine explosion kills five people. The blast rocked Darby Mine Number One in Harlan County, Kentucky just after midnight.

Now, a short time ago, Kentucky's governor, Ernie Fletcher, told us what investigators now know about that explosion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. EARNIE FLETCHER (R), KENTUCKY: They do know it was very similar to the previous mine that's, as you know, in West Virginia, where there was a sealed off area that apparently was leaking. Methane collection there, with the seal being broken, allowed some oxygen to get in. We don't know what ignited the methane to cause the explosion, but that appears the cause.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Now, CNN has learned that since 2001, that mine has had 254 safety citations. Thirty-one coal miners have died this year compared to 22 deaths back in 2005.

All right, is there more rain in store for the Northeast?

Well, we're going to check it out here. It wouldn't be good for parts of New England, where they're hoping to dry out after flooding.

Now, homes in dozens of Massachusetts communities were damaged by flooding earlier this week.

So, we're going to check in with meteorologist Jacqui Jeras to take a look at that forecast -- Jacqui, they just need some dry weather out there. JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, they really do. You know, they had some breaks over the last couple of days. It's been a little bit more on and off and plenty of sunshine has dried them out a bit. The rivers still not quite below flood stage. A few of them, like the Merrimack and the Spickett Rivers, but they are expected to go within their banks by tomorrow afternoon.

(WEATHER REPORT)

LIN: Well, the FBI is asking Arab-Americans for help.

But will they get it?

And this mom saved her son's life. When the medical world said nothing was going to be wrong with him, she had to do something.

And can you be addicted to tanning?

That's coming up in about 15 minutes.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Well, if you've been watching to see whether the man tapped to be the next CIA director would make it through the Senate confirmation hearings whole, well, General Michael Hayden told a Senate committee that he would like to see a greater emphasis on the development of language skills at the CIA.

General Hayden talked about his vision for the agency at confirmation hearings this week before the Senate Intelligence Committee and he vowed to encourage risk taking and to remake the CIA into the nation's premier intelligence gathering agency.

And that takes a lot, and the FBI knows that. In fact, that agency is reaching out to Arab-Americans for help as investigators and translators.

Today, FBI agents went to Giants Stadium in New Jersey. They're trying to recruit Arab-Americans to join the Bureau. Agents say the meeting is, well, part of an effort to build bridges to Arab- Americans, as well as to address some of their fears.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LES WISER, SPECIAL AGENT, NEXT WEEK DIVISION: We're trying to reach out to the kids of the Muslim community I think it's very important that we establish a dialogue with them and let them get to know who we are. I think every time that we have an opportunity to be close with them and talk with them, I think it serves everybody better.

KAREEM LOUTFY, MEMBER, EGYPTIAN-AMERICAN GROUP: It's just removing the negative stigma of law enforcement to the people, making -- showing them that law enforcement are just regular people, that you shouldn't be scared of them at all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Well, joining me from New York is former FBI Agent Foria Younis.

Ms. Younis, one thing you did when you were with the FBI was recruit Arab speakers for the Bureau.

Was it difficult?

FORIA YOUNIS, FORMER FBI AGENT: Yes, at most times it was an uphill battle. What you had is first generation immigrant community people who just did not look at the law enforcement as a job that they would be going into.

LIN: And especially after 9/11, so many stories of Arab-American young people being rounded up, taken off of buses, taken into custody for questioning.

Is there still that cloud over law enforcement here in the United States?

YOUNIS: I do think that cloud still exists, that there was a large wall that went up between the immigrant community and law enforcement community, and it's going to take a few years before that wall comes back down.

LIN: Because some of that can be coupled, too, with family history. I mean if first or second generation kids, parents lived in the Middle East, in the Middle East, trust in law enforcement is not necessarily something very commonplace, where people just couldn't trust the local police officer or the security force.

YOUNIS: That's absolutely right, Carol.

I do a lot of teaching overseas, all over the world. And I have noticed that in most countries that I teach at, the people generally do not trust the law enforcement of that country.

LIN: So in terms of the FBI's motivation, I mean how are these recruits going to be used? Will they be used in undercover operations?

YOUNIS: Well, I think what we'll do is most recruits, obviously, go through Quantico, a 16-week training program at the FBI academy. And after that, depending upon where their skills are needed, they get placed appropriately.

Obviously, there will be some people that will eventually join some of the undercover programs that...

LIN: But isn't that the -- wouldn't that be one of the big missions in this reporting? I mean if you can get Arab speakers, I mean, that we know the FBI has. What they can't necessarily get are people who can infiltrate terrorist societies, right, have the language skills, the look?

YOUNIS: Absolutely, Carol.

That is one -- a very difficult task that the FBI, along with all the other federal agencies have. And that is finding that right person that not only speaks the language, but has just recently arrived so that he has very good contacts and he's able to do some of that work.

The problem with some of that is that when you get newly -- new immigrants that have just arrived to the United States, even if they pass all the eligible requirements, they still have to pass a very difficult background check.

So it's a very difficult job that the FBI has, along with other federal agencies.

LIN: And if there is family overseas, would the background check be any different for an Arab-American who wants to join the FBI?

YOUNIS: The background check is very extensive. So somebody like myself, who I was born overseas, they actually do background checks in the country that you came from. So it's more difficult and more extensive if you're from an overseas country.

LIN: Farina, thank you very much.

Really interesting that they're reaching out in this way.

YOUNIS: Thank you, Carol.

A pleasure.

LIN: A CNN Security Watch.

Well, you might think when the Coast Guard searches ships, they have the element of surprise on their hand, right, because you never know what you're going to find?

Well, it turns out the Coast Guard actually gives advanced notice.

Kathleen Koch has been investigating this and she joins us now -- so, how likely is it that they're going to find any contraband or smuggling or terrorist activity, then?

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, I know to us this seems ludicrous. The Coast Guard says that what they are doing makes sense.

You've got to remember that the ports that these great large immense ships are headed to are hubs of commerce. And there's a lot of pressure to keep those ships moving. And so the Coast Guard does confirm to CNN that they do, from time to time, give some advanced notice to the captains of the ships.

It was a "New York Times" that first reported this story and they heard from some port commanders that sometimes ships are given as much as 24 hours of advanced notice.

And it's important to point out the ships are searched for a variety of reasons. Yes, sometimes security reasons, but also, say, for safety reasons, to check on the seaworthiness of the vessel.

And the Coast Guard insists the advance heads-up "does not compromise the integrity of the boarding," a spokesman saying, "every commercial ship should expect to be boarded. And the notice is not such that any ship at sea can manipulate cargo or personnel to avoid detection."

And the Coast Guard points out that each of the 361 ports in the U.S. handles this differently. There is a port commander who is in charge of each port and it's really up to them to decide when you give advanced notice and when don't u.

LIN: All right, Kathleen Koch, thank you very much.

KOCH: OK.

LIN: CNN is committed to providing the most reliable coverage of news that affects your security. So stay tuned to CNN for the latest information day and night.

So why do some people love to tan and other people hate it?

Well, we have been talking to the experts.

And we have a story, also, about a Samaritan kayaker.

Be right back.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: At 5:00, I'm ready to run-out the door screaming.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The current work environments are probably not very efficient.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Some workspaces can be sort of cramped.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have a cubicle. They tend to have less privacy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Phone calls were like heard all over the place.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The future office might have more technology.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A relaxation room.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lighting actually plays a huge key into an office space.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You just want to be more relaxed. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're there most of your day. It really matters.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: A noisy newsroom, glaring studio lights, a guy in a tie yammering over your shoulder. If you had the chance, you probably could come up with some pet peeves about your workspace, as well.

So if life in your cube seems as grim as a Dilbert cartoon, we have some new ideas for you to consider.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

O'BRIEN (voice-over): When it comes to office space, steel case designer James Ludwig is thinking out of the cube. He's trying some new shapes and sizes in office design.

JAMES LUDWIG, DESIGNER: But it's about bringing architecture, furniture and technology together in new ways to make their people more effective.

O'BRIEN: For noise control, how about a real life cone of silence, ala "Get Smart?"

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "GET SMART," COURTESY ABC TELEVISION)

DON ADAMS, ACTOR: There's something wrong with the cone of silence.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Step into the cell, cell.

LUDWIG: The industrial cell is a sound absorbent material and the ambient lighting is created by LED, which also brightens when the space is occupied.

O'BRIEN: Need to collaborate with a co-worker? Have a seat in the digital yurt (ph). Its hard outer shell reflects outside noise. The felt-lined walls inside keep conversations private.

LUDWIG: When two people come together, decisions are made more quickly. They tend to be smarter and they tend to have deeper impact. Innovation flows more quickly through a network.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: These are the headlines making news across America.

The Blue Angels buzz the nation's capital today. Every year they do this over at the Andrews Air Force Base. And this competition is just wrapping up. But the show goes on tomorrow, as well. And in Washington State, a small plane crashes into the Puget Sound yesterday. Now, you can barely see, well, almost the craft's outline. Blats. This is the person who helped rescue these people, a kayaker. One of the two survivors hitched a ride on the back of that kayak. Amazing.

And Babe Ruth, move over. San Francisco's Barry Bonds topped his 714th career home run-about an hour ago and he now sets his sights on Hank Aaron's all time record of 755 homers.

Now, if you love keeping a nice tan, scientists say there is a good reason for it. You could be addicted.

CNN's John Zarrella has more details.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): What is it? What kind of spell does a broiling sun-hold over some people? What makes people like Vince and Ursula Celeste (ph) soak it in for hours at a time?

URSULA CELESTE: It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel like there's nothing that can go wrong.

VINCE CELESTE: I always felt better about myself.

ZARRELLA: And Bob Lubart (ph)?

BOB LUBART: The heat just feels nurturing.

ZARRELLA: Three days a week, he's in a tanning bed. Indoor tanning is one of the nation's fastest growing industries -- $5 billion a year. A good tan seems synonymous with good health.

Studies found the number of people using tanning salons is increasing. And among 16- to 18-year-olds, 30 percent to 40 percent are tanning booth regulars.

(on camera): There may be a reason those sun-worshipers simply can't get enough. Doctors here at Wake Forest University's Tanning Research Center say frequent tanners may, in fact, be addicted.

DR. STEVE FELDMAN, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY: They decided -- they couldn't tell the two beds apart?

DR. MANDEEP KAUR, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY: No.

ZARRELLA (voice-over): Doctors Steve Feldman and Mandeep Kaur, dermatologists at Wake Forest, knew that skin cells exposed to ultraviolet light appear to produce endorphins, the human body's natural feel good molecules, kind of like narcotics. Suddenly, a light bulb went off.

FELDMAN: Whoa! That explains why people go to the beach, you know? That explains why tanning is an epidemic in America. ZARRELLA: To prove people can be addicted to tanning, two tanning beds were set up in this room at the tanning center. Tara Burton and 11 other frequent tanners, people who tanned more than eight times a month, were selected. What they didn't know was that the U.V. light was being blocked in one bed.

FELDMAN: What we did was we put people in both beds on Monday, both beds on Wednesday, and then said to them on Friday, get in whichever bed you want.

KAUR: Eleven out of 12 ended up preferring the U.V. bed.

ZARRELLA (on camera): Not knowing that it was the U.V. bed?

KAUR: Not knowing that it was the U.V. bed.

ZARRELLA (voice-over): Then, eight frequent tanners and eight infrequent tanners were selected. Again, Tara Burton participated.

KAUR: So our next step was, how about if we block those feel good receptors, the endorphins, and see what happens to these people.

ZARRELLA: The test subjects were given a drug, a narcotic blocker, to see if it interrupted their ability to distinguish between the two beds.

FELDMAN: We had no idea people could get sick. When you think about it, it makes sense.

ZARRELLA: Four of the eight frequent tanners suffered withdrawal-like symptoms, including Tara Burton.

TARA BURTON, STUDY VOLUNTEER: I took the drug, and on the first -- I had to drop out on the first time that I tanned. I had jitteriness. I had nausea.

ZARRELLA: None of the infrequent tanners suffered any reaction, further convincing the doctors that frequent tanning is addictive and may lead to a dramatic increase in skin cancer.

(on camera): If you know tanning is bad for you, Tara, how come you do it?

BURTON: Well, from what I know of addicts, which I may be one...

ZARRELLA: Apparently you are.

BURTON: Apparently I'm an addict and I didn't know it. They're in denial.

ZARRELLA (voice-over): The dermatologists worry that as more and more people seek out that bronzed is beautiful look, many will, like Tara Burton, become addicted to tanning. Getting high on sunshine and not even know it.

John Zarrella, CNN, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (END VIDEO TAPE)

LIN: Wow!

That story comes to us from "AMERICAN MORNING."

Be sure to join Soledad and Miles weekday mornings bright and early at 6:00 a.m. Eastern.

Well, this debris on the streets of New Orleans could hold the key to the election.

Who's most trusted to clean up the Crescent City and rebuild?

And you could have it and not know it. The condition can kill u. How to tell if you're at risk for Marfan's Syndrome, when we come back.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): People are living longer and able to stay active in their golden years. With that in mind, aircraft manufacturer Boeing is working to make air travel easier for the elderly.

VICKI CURTIS, BOEING SENIOR ENGINEER: The goal of the experienced agents are to teach the younger engineers by turning them over and then having them on an airplane flight so that they can firsthand relate to how difficult it is to get in and out of seats.

UNIDENTIFIED CORRESPONDENT: Engineers wore suits that simulate what it's like to walk in the shoes of an older person -- things like poor vision, back pain and flexibility problems.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That hurts.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. I'm not a big fan of sitting. It's a lot easier to stand.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I need more leg space.

CALSEE ROBB, BOEING ENGINEER: It's harder to walk. It's harder to carry things. It's harder to see where you're going.

PHILLIP AYOUB, BOEING ENGINEER: I just kind of want to lay there and just be very still and just kind of get it over with.

CURTIS: The project was pretty much an awareness for the engineers that things are going to need to change. The lighting has improved, better signage, bin latches that will open a little easier, lavatory door latches. Oh, I think you'll start seeing them with the 787 in 2008.

(END VIDEO TAPE) (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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