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Iraqi Honored for Sacrificing Self to Save Voters; Pope Addresses Faithful from Hospital Window
Aired February 07, 2005 - 14:30 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: Now in the news, Israeli and Palestinian leaders are expected to announce a cease-fire during tomorrow's summit in Egypt. Israel would halt incursions into Palestinian territories, and Palestinian leaders would order various factions to stop their attacks on Israel. The agreement raises hopes of more substantial results from the meeting.
Congressional Democrats are wasting no time attacking President Bush's 2006 budget proposal. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calls it a hoax that leaves out big items like Iraq and Social Security reform. The $2.5 trillion spending program reduces or eliminates dozens of programs. Mr. Bush said it will significantly trim the deficit.
The United Nations has suspended the former head of the oil-for- food program and another top official. Benon Sevan was singled out last week in a scathing report. Independent investigators accuse the pair of misconduct in the $64 billion humanitarian program in Iraq.
And the way appears to be clear for one-time presidential candidate Howard Dean to head the Democratic Party. Dean's last remaining opponent for the DNC chairmanship, former congressman Tim Roemer, says is bowing out. The vote is this Saturday.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, a company that's looking at paying out millions of dollars to its clients might be getting a huge tax break as a result.
HARRIS: Wow. Susan Lisovicz joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange with more on this story. Hi, Susan.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Courage, valor, bravery. We're seeing a lot of it in Iraq, and not just from U.S. troops. An Iraqi policeman is being honored as a hero today for his selfless act to protect voters during Iraq's election. But his sacrifice may have endangered his own family's life.
Our Nic Robertson has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A picture of grief. Abdul Showaili's family is in mourning. But beneath the surface, among this now dead policeman's relatives, there is pride. Pride he gave his life stopping a suicide bomber attacking a polling station.
SAMIRA AL-SHOWAILI, ABDUL'S SISTER (through translator): I'm proud of my brother because he is a patriot, proud of him because I brought up such a man who sacrificed his life for his people. And now all Iraqis consider him their brother.
ROBERTSON: Abdul is being remembered a hero. His brothers still absorbing the magnitude of his election-day actions.
SAMIR KHADOUM AL-SHOWAILI, ABDUL'S BROTHER (through translator): what he did is a medal of honor to me, for my family and all Iraqis because he gave something no one can give.
ROBERTSON: What he got for his sacrifice is the highest accolade yet for an Iraqi serviceman, a national tribute.
AYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER (through translator): Abdul Amir Mohamad Khadoum (ph) recognized a terrorist wearing a suicide belt, heading toward a polling station. He ran toward him and sacrificed himself to save the voters. Abdul Amir (ph) is a true Iraqi hero.
ROBERTSON: But with the glory, there may be danger. Just days after his death, as the family were receiving well wishes, three armed insurgents were captured just near his house. The family is convinced they were to be attacked. Their vision is the future won't be easy, and others will to have pay the ultimate price, too.
SAMIR AL-SHOWAILI (through translator): I want all national guards and Iraqi policemen to be like my brother. I want them to take my brother's martyrdom as an ideal and a motive to finish their duty.
ROBERTSON: A poster in Abdul's bedroom conveys his religious culture of sacrifice, depicting the historic Shia martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson.
SAMIRA AL-SHOWAILI (through translator): Martyrdom is a heroic action, although it means that you will lose someone dear. It is a heroic action for Abdul Amir (ph) or any Iraqi to take this job.
ROBERTSON: A noble calling. But in this country, already awash with victims, the challenge will be remembering Abdul Amir (ph).
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Naming, shaming and going after the insurgents. Coming up in the next hour of LIVE FROM, Nic Robertson shows us new tactics the Iraqi government is using to fight terrorists in Iraq.
HARRIS: The faithful send prayers for the pontiff. Pope John Paul II remains a Rome hospital this afternoon. A papal spokesman says the pontiff will stay there for a few more days, but his condition is improving.
The pope gathered his strength Sunday to speak to Catholics from his hospital room.
CNN Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Barely able to pronounce even just a few words, but nevertheless, determined to come out before the world, Pope John Paul II made his first public appearance since last Sunday. But he needed to read his short blessing to the faithful, a simple message he has delivered thousands of times in the past. His face partly hidden by the sheet of paper he was reading for led some in the media to speculate his voice was recorded and not live, something the Vatican flatly denies.
The pope sat for 10 minutes at his hospital window, thrown wide open as an aide read the message and a prayer on his behalf. The pontiff's blessing was relayed live on giant screens at St. Peter's Square, reassuring a few thousand pilgrims who had gathered, as they do every Sunday at midday.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are concerned about his health. We think that he's helped by something bigger than him. So he's in good hands.
VINCI: Traditionally, the pope's Sunday prayer and message are delivered from his Vatican study window. And though he could not be there this time, his message was clearly aimed at those who might be doubting his ability to lead the church.
"Also in this hospital in the middle of other sick people to whom my affection and thoughts go out," the pope said through his aide, "I can continue to serve the church and all of humanity."
Under the watchful eye of numerous police officers, a group of faithful were happy to have caught a glimpse of the ailing pope.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Even though he's so -- he's sick at this moment, in spirit, he's really healthy and praying for us. And also, I think lots of people are praying at the same time, and he's going to be in real good health, I hope soon.
VINCI (on camera): Despite Sunday's appearance, concern over the pope's health remains high. We still don't know when he will be leaving this hospital. And for the first time in his papacy, John Paul II will not be attending services on Ash Wednesday at the Vatican, marking the beginning of Lent.
Alessio Vinci, CNN, Rome.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: A search and rescue team reaches the mountain crash site of an Afghan jet liner. That story tops our look at around the world. The search team arrived southwest of Kabul. The team had to leave a few hours later due to poor weather. The Afghan passenger jet with 104 people aboard crashed last week. There's been no signs of survivors.
In Switzerland, a standoff at the Spanish consulate. It's over a police storm -- or is over, rather, after the police stormed the building. Spain's foreign ministry says that three armed suspects took three hostages. They've been released, but the assailants have not been found.
In Britain, more pints in the pub starting today. Bars and pubs across England can apply for a license to stay open for up to 24 hours a day. Supporters of the longer hours say it will help curbing binge drinking. Critics say it will only exacerbate the problem.
Picasso's works go under the hammer in Britain. A number of his post-war paintings worth millions are up for auction today at Christie's in London. The auction house is selling 12 paintings by impressionists and modern masters.
HARRIS: So, if someone in New Hampshire tells you to go jump in a lake, you know, don't worry. And don't do it. It's probably not smart. In fact, it's all for a good cause.
PHILLIPS: It's one of the greatest mysteries of the 21st centuries. We're not talking that. That's obvious.
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: But this, Deep Throat, the speculation is starting again. We're going to tell you why.
HARRIS: And Ford recalls thousands of cars because a door may not latch correctly. Details ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Let's check news across America now.
A Massachusetts jury has its a second full day of deliberations in the Paul Shanley trial. The former priest is accused of repeatedly molesting a boy 20 years ago.
Jury selection in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial is on hold due to an illness in the family of Jackson's lead attorney. Meantime, the city of Santa Maria reportedly may ask the state to help pay for the trial, estimated to cost around $40,000 a day.
And speaking of costs, the Lundberg survey says gas prices rose more than 6 cents the past two weeks to an average of $1.91 a gallon. Some analysts predict prices will hit new highs this spring when highway travel picks up.
PHILLIPS: Now from our "What the Heck Were They Thinking?" file. Almost 800 people plunged into the freezing ocean off the coast of New Hampshire Sunday for a good cause. They raised money for Special Olympics. They say laughter warms the heart and soul. We also hope it was enough to ward off those goose bumps.
Thousands of people watched the annual Penguin Plunge. The event raised a cool 450,000 bucks.
(WEATHER REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Four years old and behind the wheel. Police in western Michigan won't charge a 4-year-old boy, though, who drove his mother's car to the video store and back.
Still don't know what video he picked up, but he took off at 1:30 Friday morning. His mother didn't know. The toddler couldn't reach the accelerator but did put the car in gear, and the idling engine provided power for the quarter-mile trip.
Well, police officers spotted the car, followed it. The boy hit two parked cars and the patrol car. And his mother says he learned how to drive by just sitting on her lap.
HARRIS: Get out of here.
Well, that gets us to Ford. Sorry.
PHILLIPS: Somehow.
HARRIS: Yes. Recalling thousands of vehicles.
PHILLIPS: Susan used to always take off in her mom's car.
HARRIS: Oh.
PHILLIPS: I'll admit I did it in fifth grade.
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: Come on, we all did it. But not at 4 years old.
HARRIS: No.
SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No. I think I would have had an even bigger accident report after that occasion.
HARRIS: That's for sure.
(STOCK REPORT)
PHILLIPS: Thanks, Susan.
HARRIS: You pimp out a Pepsi truck, you could pimp out a Bonneville.
PHILLIPS: A Bonneville? You can still rent them, I think. HARRIS: OK.
PHILLIPS: Don't worry.
All right. Next a CNN.com bonus section for our web users. We're going to preview it.
HARRIS: Also, using the insurgents' own propaganda tapes against them. The latest way to fight terror.
PHILLIPS: And what security experts were watching while you were watching the Super Bowl. We're going to take you behind the scenes in Jacksonville.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: American dreamers, engine steamers and the real McCoy, just some of the wonderful stories coming from our dot-com desk to celebrate Black History Month.
Here's our Christina Park.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTINA PARK, CNN.COM CORRESPONDENT: Many of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans were not given, but won, in part by the blood, sweat and tears of African-Americans.
CNN.com brings you an intimate look of Black History Month from a cultural, literary and musical perspective, starting with the real McCoy.
Bet you didn't know that phrase was invented by the innovator, Elijah McCoy, a man who made America's trains run faster, farther and more efficiently. In fact, McCoy patented a self-lubricating device for steam engines in 1872.
The real McCoy had 57 inventions in all, including ones for a lawn sprinkler and an ironing board. But he's just one of the American dreamers featured in our online gallery.
For instance, imagine a world without the sounds of this artist.
BILLIE HOLIDAY, SINGER (singer): I'm traveling light.
PARK: Born Eleanora Fagan in 1915, Billie Holiday fell in love with music while scrubbing floors and running errands in Baltimore, Maryland. At the tender age of 16, she made her professional debut singing in a Harlem nightclub. This musical legend tackled issues such as racism and poverty through her songs.
CNN.com celebrates Black History with you both online and off. Reporting from the dot-com desk, I'm Christina Park.
(END VIDEOTAPE) PHILLIPS: Now in the news, the budget battle is on. President Bush sent his $2.5 trillion spending plan to Capitol Hill. He calls it lean, though some Democrats call it a hoax. We're going to tell you what's on the chopping block and what's not, straight ahead.
A sign of good will between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Officials on both sides say Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will announce a cease-fire at their summit tomorrow. The Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, is hosting those talks at the Red Sea Resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Word today on an Islamic web site that an Italian journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on Friday will be freed in the coming days. The message was from an Iraqi group which claims it is holding Giuliana Sgrena of the communist newspaper, "Il Manifesto." The claim could not be independently corroborated.
And an Egyptian diplomat tells CNN U.S. forces have helped free four Egyptian technicians held hostage in Iraq. They were abducted outside their home in western Baghdad yesterday.
And clearing the air in Cuba: a ban on smoking in public places took effect in the island nation, which is famous for its fine cigars, as you know. That ban is aimed at reducing high lung cancer rates in Cuba, where some 40 percent of the population where some 40 percent of the population smokes.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired February 7, 2005 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Now in the news, Israeli and Palestinian leaders are expected to announce a cease-fire during tomorrow's summit in Egypt. Israel would halt incursions into Palestinian territories, and Palestinian leaders would order various factions to stop their attacks on Israel. The agreement raises hopes of more substantial results from the meeting.
Congressional Democrats are wasting no time attacking President Bush's 2006 budget proposal. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calls it a hoax that leaves out big items like Iraq and Social Security reform. The $2.5 trillion spending program reduces or eliminates dozens of programs. Mr. Bush said it will significantly trim the deficit.
The United Nations has suspended the former head of the oil-for- food program and another top official. Benon Sevan was singled out last week in a scathing report. Independent investigators accuse the pair of misconduct in the $64 billion humanitarian program in Iraq.
And the way appears to be clear for one-time presidential candidate Howard Dean to head the Democratic Party. Dean's last remaining opponent for the DNC chairmanship, former congressman Tim Roemer, says is bowing out. The vote is this Saturday.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, a company that's looking at paying out millions of dollars to its clients might be getting a huge tax break as a result.
HARRIS: Wow. Susan Lisovicz joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange with more on this story. Hi, Susan.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Courage, valor, bravery. We're seeing a lot of it in Iraq, and not just from U.S. troops. An Iraqi policeman is being honored as a hero today for his selfless act to protect voters during Iraq's election. But his sacrifice may have endangered his own family's life.
Our Nic Robertson has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A picture of grief. Abdul Showaili's family is in mourning. But beneath the surface, among this now dead policeman's relatives, there is pride. Pride he gave his life stopping a suicide bomber attacking a polling station.
SAMIRA AL-SHOWAILI, ABDUL'S SISTER (through translator): I'm proud of my brother because he is a patriot, proud of him because I brought up such a man who sacrificed his life for his people. And now all Iraqis consider him their brother.
ROBERTSON: Abdul is being remembered a hero. His brothers still absorbing the magnitude of his election-day actions.
SAMIR KHADOUM AL-SHOWAILI, ABDUL'S BROTHER (through translator): what he did is a medal of honor to me, for my family and all Iraqis because he gave something no one can give.
ROBERTSON: What he got for his sacrifice is the highest accolade yet for an Iraqi serviceman, a national tribute.
AYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER (through translator): Abdul Amir Mohamad Khadoum (ph) recognized a terrorist wearing a suicide belt, heading toward a polling station. He ran toward him and sacrificed himself to save the voters. Abdul Amir (ph) is a true Iraqi hero.
ROBERTSON: But with the glory, there may be danger. Just days after his death, as the family were receiving well wishes, three armed insurgents were captured just near his house. The family is convinced they were to be attacked. Their vision is the future won't be easy, and others will to have pay the ultimate price, too.
SAMIR AL-SHOWAILI (through translator): I want all national guards and Iraqi policemen to be like my brother. I want them to take my brother's martyrdom as an ideal and a motive to finish their duty.
ROBERTSON: A poster in Abdul's bedroom conveys his religious culture of sacrifice, depicting the historic Shia martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson.
SAMIRA AL-SHOWAILI (through translator): Martyrdom is a heroic action, although it means that you will lose someone dear. It is a heroic action for Abdul Amir (ph) or any Iraqi to take this job.
ROBERTSON: A noble calling. But in this country, already awash with victims, the challenge will be remembering Abdul Amir (ph).
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Naming, shaming and going after the insurgents. Coming up in the next hour of LIVE FROM, Nic Robertson shows us new tactics the Iraqi government is using to fight terrorists in Iraq.
HARRIS: The faithful send prayers for the pontiff. Pope John Paul II remains a Rome hospital this afternoon. A papal spokesman says the pontiff will stay there for a few more days, but his condition is improving.
The pope gathered his strength Sunday to speak to Catholics from his hospital room.
CNN Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Barely able to pronounce even just a few words, but nevertheless, determined to come out before the world, Pope John Paul II made his first public appearance since last Sunday. But he needed to read his short blessing to the faithful, a simple message he has delivered thousands of times in the past. His face partly hidden by the sheet of paper he was reading for led some in the media to speculate his voice was recorded and not live, something the Vatican flatly denies.
The pope sat for 10 minutes at his hospital window, thrown wide open as an aide read the message and a prayer on his behalf. The pontiff's blessing was relayed live on giant screens at St. Peter's Square, reassuring a few thousand pilgrims who had gathered, as they do every Sunday at midday.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are concerned about his health. We think that he's helped by something bigger than him. So he's in good hands.
VINCI: Traditionally, the pope's Sunday prayer and message are delivered from his Vatican study window. And though he could not be there this time, his message was clearly aimed at those who might be doubting his ability to lead the church.
"Also in this hospital in the middle of other sick people to whom my affection and thoughts go out," the pope said through his aide, "I can continue to serve the church and all of humanity."
Under the watchful eye of numerous police officers, a group of faithful were happy to have caught a glimpse of the ailing pope.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Even though he's so -- he's sick at this moment, in spirit, he's really healthy and praying for us. And also, I think lots of people are praying at the same time, and he's going to be in real good health, I hope soon.
VINCI (on camera): Despite Sunday's appearance, concern over the pope's health remains high. We still don't know when he will be leaving this hospital. And for the first time in his papacy, John Paul II will not be attending services on Ash Wednesday at the Vatican, marking the beginning of Lent.
Alessio Vinci, CNN, Rome.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: A search and rescue team reaches the mountain crash site of an Afghan jet liner. That story tops our look at around the world. The search team arrived southwest of Kabul. The team had to leave a few hours later due to poor weather. The Afghan passenger jet with 104 people aboard crashed last week. There's been no signs of survivors.
In Switzerland, a standoff at the Spanish consulate. It's over a police storm -- or is over, rather, after the police stormed the building. Spain's foreign ministry says that three armed suspects took three hostages. They've been released, but the assailants have not been found.
In Britain, more pints in the pub starting today. Bars and pubs across England can apply for a license to stay open for up to 24 hours a day. Supporters of the longer hours say it will help curbing binge drinking. Critics say it will only exacerbate the problem.
Picasso's works go under the hammer in Britain. A number of his post-war paintings worth millions are up for auction today at Christie's in London. The auction house is selling 12 paintings by impressionists and modern masters.
HARRIS: So, if someone in New Hampshire tells you to go jump in a lake, you know, don't worry. And don't do it. It's probably not smart. In fact, it's all for a good cause.
PHILLIPS: It's one of the greatest mysteries of the 21st centuries. We're not talking that. That's obvious.
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: But this, Deep Throat, the speculation is starting again. We're going to tell you why.
HARRIS: And Ford recalls thousands of cars because a door may not latch correctly. Details ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Let's check news across America now.
A Massachusetts jury has its a second full day of deliberations in the Paul Shanley trial. The former priest is accused of repeatedly molesting a boy 20 years ago.
Jury selection in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial is on hold due to an illness in the family of Jackson's lead attorney. Meantime, the city of Santa Maria reportedly may ask the state to help pay for the trial, estimated to cost around $40,000 a day.
And speaking of costs, the Lundberg survey says gas prices rose more than 6 cents the past two weeks to an average of $1.91 a gallon. Some analysts predict prices will hit new highs this spring when highway travel picks up.
PHILLIPS: Now from our "What the Heck Were They Thinking?" file. Almost 800 people plunged into the freezing ocean off the coast of New Hampshire Sunday for a good cause. They raised money for Special Olympics. They say laughter warms the heart and soul. We also hope it was enough to ward off those goose bumps.
Thousands of people watched the annual Penguin Plunge. The event raised a cool 450,000 bucks.
(WEATHER REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Four years old and behind the wheel. Police in western Michigan won't charge a 4-year-old boy, though, who drove his mother's car to the video store and back.
Still don't know what video he picked up, but he took off at 1:30 Friday morning. His mother didn't know. The toddler couldn't reach the accelerator but did put the car in gear, and the idling engine provided power for the quarter-mile trip.
Well, police officers spotted the car, followed it. The boy hit two parked cars and the patrol car. And his mother says he learned how to drive by just sitting on her lap.
HARRIS: Get out of here.
Well, that gets us to Ford. Sorry.
PHILLIPS: Somehow.
HARRIS: Yes. Recalling thousands of vehicles.
PHILLIPS: Susan used to always take off in her mom's car.
HARRIS: Oh.
PHILLIPS: I'll admit I did it in fifth grade.
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: Come on, we all did it. But not at 4 years old.
HARRIS: No.
SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No. I think I would have had an even bigger accident report after that occasion.
HARRIS: That's for sure.
(STOCK REPORT)
PHILLIPS: Thanks, Susan.
HARRIS: You pimp out a Pepsi truck, you could pimp out a Bonneville.
PHILLIPS: A Bonneville? You can still rent them, I think. HARRIS: OK.
PHILLIPS: Don't worry.
All right. Next a CNN.com bonus section for our web users. We're going to preview it.
HARRIS: Also, using the insurgents' own propaganda tapes against them. The latest way to fight terror.
PHILLIPS: And what security experts were watching while you were watching the Super Bowl. We're going to take you behind the scenes in Jacksonville.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: American dreamers, engine steamers and the real McCoy, just some of the wonderful stories coming from our dot-com desk to celebrate Black History Month.
Here's our Christina Park.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTINA PARK, CNN.COM CORRESPONDENT: Many of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans were not given, but won, in part by the blood, sweat and tears of African-Americans.
CNN.com brings you an intimate look of Black History Month from a cultural, literary and musical perspective, starting with the real McCoy.
Bet you didn't know that phrase was invented by the innovator, Elijah McCoy, a man who made America's trains run faster, farther and more efficiently. In fact, McCoy patented a self-lubricating device for steam engines in 1872.
The real McCoy had 57 inventions in all, including ones for a lawn sprinkler and an ironing board. But he's just one of the American dreamers featured in our online gallery.
For instance, imagine a world without the sounds of this artist.
BILLIE HOLIDAY, SINGER (singer): I'm traveling light.
PARK: Born Eleanora Fagan in 1915, Billie Holiday fell in love with music while scrubbing floors and running errands in Baltimore, Maryland. At the tender age of 16, she made her professional debut singing in a Harlem nightclub. This musical legend tackled issues such as racism and poverty through her songs.
CNN.com celebrates Black History with you both online and off. Reporting from the dot-com desk, I'm Christina Park.
(END VIDEOTAPE) PHILLIPS: Now in the news, the budget battle is on. President Bush sent his $2.5 trillion spending plan to Capitol Hill. He calls it lean, though some Democrats call it a hoax. We're going to tell you what's on the chopping block and what's not, straight ahead.
A sign of good will between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Officials on both sides say Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will announce a cease-fire at their summit tomorrow. The Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, is hosting those talks at the Red Sea Resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Word today on an Islamic web site that an Italian journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on Friday will be freed in the coming days. The message was from an Iraqi group which claims it is holding Giuliana Sgrena of the communist newspaper, "Il Manifesto." The claim could not be independently corroborated.
And an Egyptian diplomat tells CNN U.S. forces have helped free four Egyptian technicians held hostage in Iraq. They were abducted outside their home in western Baghdad yesterday.
And clearing the air in Cuba: a ban on smoking in public places took effect in the island nation, which is famous for its fine cigars, as you know. That ban is aimed at reducing high lung cancer rates in Cuba, where some 40 percent of the population where some 40 percent of the population smokes.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
