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CNN Live Today

Front & Center; Gay Marriage; Monkey See, Monkey Do; 'Dodgeball'

Aired June 18, 2004 - 10:28   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: This hasn't happened in 62 years. Soldiers at Fort Lewis, Washington will see their commander in chief front and center. This morning, President Bush is visiting the Army base. It's largest such facility on the west coast.
It's also where we find our Elaine Quijano traveling with the president. She joins us from Fort Lewis.

Elaine, good morning.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Well, at a time when the Bush administration has faced continued criticism over the extension of some troops' deployments, President Bush is traveling here to Fort Lewis, where he's expected to deliver a message of appreciation. But also telling these soldiers that their sacrifices are very much necessary.

Now, thousands of people are gathering at a hanger here at Fort Lewis for the president's speech. This by the way, is the second time this week the president has chosen to speak to U.S. troops. Earlier this week, he visited MacDill Air Force Base in Florida for a rally there. During that the president focused mainly on Iraq. Today we're told the president will concentrate on the larger war on terror.

But the president is also turning his attention on this trip to the campaign trail. It was last night in Spokane, Washington that the president made an appearance at a fundraising event there. A fundraiser for GOP, Senate challenger George Nethercutt; an event, we're told raised some $750,000. Meantime, back here at Fort Lewis, the president, after his speech, is expected to meet with wounded soldiers at the nearby Madigan Army Medical Center. We're also told that separately the president will meet with the families of soldiers killed overseas.

And then later today, the president hitting the campaign trail again, heading to Reno, Nevada, for a speech there to talk to supporters there. We're told he will be joined by Arizona Senator John McCain -- Daryn.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Elaine Quijano, Fort Lewis, Washington. And of course we'll be seeing that speech later today live right here on CNN.

President Bush is also seeing some of his congressional troops lay out a battle plan this hour. Senate Republicans are on Capitol Hill right now making an announcement about gay marriage. They're discussing GOP plans to hold a summer vote on a constitutional amendment on gay marriage. President Bush has called for such a ban.

But the next battle over this volatile issue is headed to the courtroom. At least 8 same-sex couples and 13 municipalities are filing lawsuits today. They are challenging the law in Massachusetts. This one goes back to 1913. It has come to limit the recently approved gay unions.

And our Dan Lothian has more on that from Boston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The honeymoon is already over in the gay marriage legal battle in Massachusetts.

ED BUTLER, PLAINTIFF: We want to be able to hear someone say, "I now pronounce you married."

LOTHIAN: Wendy Becker lives in Rhode Island and feels gays and lesbians from anywhere should have the right to be married in the only state that has legalized gay marriages.

WENDY BECKER, PLAINTIFF: We want the social recognition and the legal protection that goes with being married.

LOTHIAN: This double wedding with couples from out of state was just one of many such unions that took place last month in Massachusetts. Some clerks issued licenses to out-of-state residents, openly defying warnings by Governor Mitt Romney and his attorney general that their actions violated the law.

GOV. MITT ROMNEY (R), MASSACHUSETTS: I do believe that we should not export same-sex marriage to other states that have Defense of Marriage Acts.

LOTHIAN: The state attorney general quickly issued an order that halted non-resident licenses. But these couples, who were either recently married in Massachusetts or were turned away, say the segregation era law passed in response to interracial marriages is not only discriminatory but unconstitutional.

MARY BONAUTO, GLAD ATTORNEY: You can't dust off this law that hasn't been in force for many years and now rely on this law that has very disreputable racist origins.

LOTHIAN: Clerks in Province Town, a gay vacation hot spot, and in cities like Somerville, north of Boston, did issue some marriage licenses to non-residents. They are now part of the lawsuits.

MAYOR JOE CURTATONE, SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS: Our clerks have never been asked to act as marriage police before. They shouldn't be required to do so now.

LOTHIAN (on camera): Since there is pending litigation, Governor Romney's office said he would have no comment. His attorney general, who also had no comment, has said in the past that his office is just upholding the current law and that nothing would change until a court rules otherwise.

Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And we'll take a look at what is on the docket today and our look at legal briefs.

Attorneys for Kobe Bryant will be allowed access to cell phone text messages between the woman accusing him of rape and former boyfriend and an unidentified third person. Bryant's defense team believes the text messages may support their theory that the teenage accuser had sex with her boyfriend just after the alleged assault.

Prosecutors are trying to show Scott Peterson had financial incentives to kill his wife. A jewelry store clerk testified that Laci Peterson had sought appraisals on newly inherited jewelry worth more than $100,000. The clerk quoted her husband as saying that her husband wanted the appraisals and was going to be very happy with the amount.

Pop star Michael Jackson is blasting the unknown person who leaked details of his 1993 child molestation settlement. The performer says on his Web site that the report threatened to taint the child molestation charges that he now faces. Earlier this week, Court TV cited confidential documents showing Jackson paid out more than $20 million.

Life with a disability made a little bill easier, you're going to meet a little helper named Mini. You will see the difference that Mini makes in one man's life.

Later, how to avoid not taking one for the team. The inside story on a new movie "Dodgeball" told by its underdog star. Vince Vaughn is money and he is with us just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

MARY SNOW, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: CNN's LIVE TODAY continues right after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's take a look at some other news that's happening coast to coast.

First, to Phoenix, Arizona, southwest of downtown, this spectacular fire video coming from our affiliate KTVK. This was, as I said, just southwest of downtown. It took 90 firefighters about two hours before they could get the upper hand on this blaze. One of the reasons, all the fuel that is there, that is a lumberyard and a large number of pellets there. No injuries reported. And this is largely an industrial area, but there were some evacuations. No immediate word on the cause or the damage estimates. To Massachusetts now, a state trooper is held as a hero for coming to the aid of a baby who wasn't breathing after his roadside delivery in a Boston tunnel. Trooper Mark Gifford (ph) cleared the baby's mouth and nose, got him breathing and handed him off to paramedics. The mother and baby are doing just fine this morning.

The Olympic torch is winding its way to the Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Today the flame passes through Atlanta. That is the host city of the '96 Summer Games. Tomorrow it's on to New York, the fourth and final American city to host the torch run.

Fido may be man's best friend, but a helper monkey can be most useful. A Boston-based group is calling itself Helping Hand. It trains monkeys to serve as the arms and legs of people with physical challenges. Pablo Pereira of our CNN affiliate KBC in Los Angeles has more on one man and his monkey.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CRAIG COOK, QUADRIPLEGIC: That a girl. That a girl. That a girl. Good girl!

PABLO PEREIRA, KBC-TV REPORTER (voice-over): When lifelong Angel fan Craig Cook needs help with his baseball cap, Mini (ph) isn't far behind.

COOK: Pretty cool, huh? Come here. I mean that's good enough. You see what I mean? And now I can go ahead and grab the hat and put it whatever way I need, you know?

PEREIRA: The 38-year-old quadriplegic who lost the use of his legs and much of his arm movement in a car accident eight years ago acquired his very own rally monkey in April. Now the 18-year-old capuchin primate handles many of the daily chores Cook can no longer perform.

COOK: Definitely pick things up off the ground if I drop them, especially like a phone or a piece of paper with an emergency number on it or something like that. Good girl. See what I mean?

PEREIRA: Because of restrictive state codes, the Lahabra (ph) man is the first in California to receive a helper monkey from the Boston-based group Helping Hand. Cook has spent weeks now building a rapport with Mini, getting her to respond to commands learned through repetition and rewards.

COOK: Me and her got along like day one. I started giving her little pieces of, you know, monkey biscuits and treats. All right. OK. All right. All right.

PEREIRA: Mini will eat just about anything her new owner will, but especially enjoys whipped cream. The average life span for capuchins is about 40 years. But this five-pound bundle of fur has already become much more than a pair of extra hands around the house.

COOK: Since Mini's got in -- you know been a part of my life, that's for sure. I mean it's like almost like having a kid, you know. She's all over the place. You know I'm always like watching her and looking out where she is. OK, close your door. That a girl.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Again, that was Pablo Pereira of KBC reporting. By the way, the productive primates can live, as he reported, to be 40 years old or more.

Straight ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY, he may be able to dodge a ball, but he couldn't dodge me. Actor Vince Vaughn talks about his new movie.

And this is what we're working on for next hour.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ahead on CNN, the most trusted name in news, did Saddam Hussein's regime plan terror attacks against the U.S.? Vladimir Putin says so. At 11:00 CNN has the latest details from Russia.

Then, the U.S. Open. Will the surprises of round one continue? We're live from Shinnecock Hills.

And at noon, the effort to save American hostage Paul Johnson.

Stay with CNN for complete coverage.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're expecting in just a few minutes President Bush. He will be speaking from Fort Lewis, Washington, largest Army facility on the West Coast. You will see that speech live right here on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Globo Gym hoping to drop an A-bomb here on Kamikaze.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know how they can play in diapers, Cotton. I never could.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ouch. Tell them population you, bro.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: White (ph) could be they are pulling his patent in peak-a-boo style...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: If your childhood memories include dishing out a few welts to your playmates on the schoolyard, then this is the movie for you. It's called "Dodgeball," a true underdog story. It opens today and it may appeal to you, depending on whether you were conquering or cowering when the gym teacher's whistle blew.

The flick star's Ben Stiller, his real life -- his real life wife Christine Taylor and Vince Vaughn who stopped by. And I had a chance to speak with him earlier this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: So Vince Vaughn, you play the "Dodgeball" hero, Peter LaFleur.

VINCE VAUGHN, ACTOR: Yes, Peter LaFleur, owner and operator of Average Joe's Gym.

KAGAN: Which he's described as a charismatic -- as a charismatic underachiever. Is this a nice way of saying loser?

VAUGHN: It's kind of a backhanded compliment. I guess it's like saying you don't sweat much for a fat girl.

KAGAN: Not a nice way to put it. But, Vince, this is huge film history. I mean never in the history of Hollywood has anybody undertaken such a huge project as to do something on dodgeball. The significance of that?

VAUGHN: And not to come off arrogant, but I believe we've made the greatest dodgeball film in cinema history.

KAGAN: And what does that mean to you, personally, in terms of your overall career and what you've achieved in your life?

VAUGN: Well, you know, really none of it will be complete until dodgeball becomes an Olympic event. I mean that was sort of the purpose and the reasoning behind even doing the movie in the first place.

KAGAN: And so I can tell "Dodgeball" really means a lot to you. Can you take us back to your childhood to any dodgeball memories that you might have? Were you picked to be on the team or were you the guy left on the bench?

VAUGHN: I was -- no, I was picked to be on the team. I wasn't like the best player, but I was -- I was pretty good. And I liked playing dodgeball, you know, because I thought it was fun.

KAGAN: So you weren't one of the kids that was beamed in the head and went running home to mom?

VAUGHN: No, I got beamed in the head a few times, but I didn't run home to mom. I loved it. I thought it was fun. But you know people go one way or the other on dodgeball. They either remember with trauma dodgeball experiences or they remember -- or they remember really loving it.

KAGAN: Talking of experiences. You're racking up quite a few of experiences with your costar and the producer Ben Stiller just coming off of "Starsky & Hutch" and now taking on "Dodgeball." What is it about you guys that you like making these funny movies?

VAUGHN: I think Ben's really funny and really talented, obviously. So you know when he brought me this particular project, I thought the script was really great.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BEN STILLER, ACTOR: You should quit now and save yourself the embarrassment of losing with these losers in Las Vegas -- LaFleur.

VAUGHN: Alliteration aside, I think I'll take my chances in the tournament.

STILLER: Yes, you will take your chances.

VAUGHN: I know, I just said that.

STILLER: I know you just said that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VAUGHN: I started laughing as soon as I heard it was about dodgeball. And it's not dissimilar from a lot of sports-themed movies, and it has a lot of heart but it also is very, very funny. So, you know, and plus, obviously, with Ben producing it, I knew that the movie would really have a shot to be great.

KAGAN: Let's look at some of your recent filmography here. You have "Dodgeball," which is just coming out, and "Starsky & Hutch." And then, of course, so many fans of "Old School." A lot of laughs out there, not exactly a huge drama, but this is what you're looking to put laughs out in the world?

VAUGHN: Yes, you know, I did a lot of -- I started off, I guess, with comedy in a way with "Swingers," and then I did, you know, more dramas and that kind of stuff. And then "Old School" came about and I thought "Old School" could be really funny, so I was happy to do "Old School." And then it's just sort of been things in my career have sort of gone in trends.

I've been very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to go between both, so I feel thankful for that. But you know I've done a bunch of stuff in a row now that's comedies. I just did another comedy with Owen Wilson called "Wedding Crashers," where we go to weddings pretending to know someone, we actually don't know anyone, just trying to meet girls. And you know I don't know what I'll do next, but I've had a good time doing comedies.

KAGAN: Well I have to ask you about one that we're particularly excited about coming out later this summer and that is "Anchor Man" with Will Ferrell.

VAUGHN: Yes, you know Will called me and asked me to do a couple of scenes in the movie. So I'm in a couple of scenes with Will. But I think Will is, you know, obviously very funny and very talented, so I was happy to go play around with him. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What are you doing on our station's turf -- Burgundy?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come get a taste.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And so all this that you've done and all that you've achieved, how many people still come up to you on the street and make reference to "Swingers" and just tell you, Vince Vaughn, you are money?

VAUGHN: Yes, "Swingers" still is has stayed with people and that's great.

KAGAN: Very good. Well, Vince Vaughn, the movie is "Dodgeball," thanks for taking time to dodge in here for just a minute or two and visit with us. Appreciate it.

VAUGHN: Nice talking with you.

KAGAN: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Yes, "Dodgeball" is good but what we're really looking for is "Anchor Man." "Dodgeball," by the way, is a true underdog story. It is rated PG-13 for sexual humor and language.

From material girl to spiritual, pop star Madonna has adopted a new Hebrew name, Esther. It's in honor of the biblical queen celebrating the Jewish festival of Koram (ph). Madonna tells the ABC program "20/20" that the move stems in part from her faith in Kabalah, the study of Jewish mysticism.

And "Forbes" magazine says that Mel Gibson is this year's most powerful celebrity. Gibson directed, produced and co-wrote the year's most talked about movie, "The Passion of the Christ," which also earned $210 million. Golfer Tiger Woods was ranked second on the list and Oprah Winfrey was third.

You can read about all this and this weekend's new movie releases on our Web site. Keep an eye on entertainment 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment.

We are back in a moment with your weekend forecast.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Want to tell you about something that we're hearing about out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. An apartment rental agency. We're getting these pictures from WXOW. Destroyed today. An explosion apparently rocked the business in downtown La Crosse. It's a two- story structure. It was destroyed by some kind of explosion. No reports of any injuries there.

Which is interesting that this story happens just as we're about to bring in Rob Marciano to talk about weather radio. But a new use for weather radio.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, there was a time for years weather radios have been used in like Tornado Alley. So you know if there was a tornado or some...

KAGAN: It's that sound.

MARCIANO: It goes off in your house...

KAGAN: Right.

MARCIANO: ... when there's something bad going on in your area so that you know that bad weather is coming.

Now along with Amber Alerts and Homeland Security has teamed up so that they can feed that information. Say there is a bomb goes off in your area or something bad, then you can get that information at home. So not only people in Tornado Alley may want to pick one of these up, but just about everybody else.

Here's what one would look like, a typical one, about 50 bucks. And you pick it up at RadioShack or just about any other place. And here's what a typical alert or tornado warning would sound like. I think we have sound of what it would typically sound like.

(ALARM SOUNDING)

MARCIANO: A bit obnoxious. Then a computerized voice comes on to tell you what's going on. About 50 bucks. You want to get what's called SAM Technology, and that means that that is specific for your area. So if it's only in your county, you can program it for your county, as opposed, you know, if it's happening in your county, not my county, I don't want to be waking up in the middle of the night.

KAGAN: I don't want to know about your tornado.

MARCIANO: Anyway, so that's big doings NOAA teaming up with Homeland Security. Pick one up.

KAGAN: A new thing.

We are getting very close to President Bush speaking in Fort Lewis, Washington. But while we wait for that, can you fit in a bit of weather?

MARCIANO: How much time do you think we have?

KAGAN: Give me 30 seconds.

MARCIANO: All right. Let's go.

KAGAN: OK. (WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Daryn, I think that was a little bit longer than 30 seconds. Thanks for the extra time.

KAGAN: For you and on behalf of our president, no problem, Rob. Thank you very much.

MARCIANO: See you later.

KAGAN: We will see you in the next hour.

Meanwhile, lets get started with that second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY which begins right now.

We begin with the latest developments we're following at this hour. Live picture there from Fort Lewis, Washington. Soldiers getting a morale booster from their commander in chief. President Bush will be speaking to the troops at Fort Lewis. That is, by the way, the home of the Army Stryker Brigades. His speech is set to begin any minute, and we will go live when the president does begin.

Meanwhile, Democrat John Kerry says that President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq is not supported by the facts. Kerry is campaigning in northern Virginia. He continues to challenge President Bush on the economy, despite continued evidence of a rebound. Kerry is calling for an increase in the minimum wage to $7 an hour.

An Iraq official says the country could declare as marshal law if car bombings and other attacks continue. The interim interior minister says the security of Iraq and the lives of its people are at stake. Insurgents have stepped up their attacks as the June 30 handover date approaches. A car bombing yesterday killed 35 people.

Kobe Bryant's defense team wins access to his accuser's cell phone text messages. A judge said that text messages between Bryant's accuser and her boyfriend must be turned over to the defense and the prosecution. Bryant's lawyers say the messages were sent within hours of the alleged assault. The NBA star denies sexually assaulting the woman at a Colorado resort last year. 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 June 18, 2004 - 10:28   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: This hasn't happened in 62 years. Soldiers at Fort Lewis, Washington will see their commander in chief front and center. This morning, President Bush is visiting the Army base. It's largest such facility on the west coast.
It's also where we find our Elaine Quijano traveling with the president. She joins us from Fort Lewis.

Elaine, good morning.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Well, at a time when the Bush administration has faced continued criticism over the extension of some troops' deployments, President Bush is traveling here to Fort Lewis, where he's expected to deliver a message of appreciation. But also telling these soldiers that their sacrifices are very much necessary.

Now, thousands of people are gathering at a hanger here at Fort Lewis for the president's speech. This by the way, is the second time this week the president has chosen to speak to U.S. troops. Earlier this week, he visited MacDill Air Force Base in Florida for a rally there. During that the president focused mainly on Iraq. Today we're told the president will concentrate on the larger war on terror.

But the president is also turning his attention on this trip to the campaign trail. It was last night in Spokane, Washington that the president made an appearance at a fundraising event there. A fundraiser for GOP, Senate challenger George Nethercutt; an event, we're told raised some $750,000. Meantime, back here at Fort Lewis, the president, after his speech, is expected to meet with wounded soldiers at the nearby Madigan Army Medical Center. We're also told that separately the president will meet with the families of soldiers killed overseas.

And then later today, the president hitting the campaign trail again, heading to Reno, Nevada, for a speech there to talk to supporters there. We're told he will be joined by Arizona Senator John McCain -- Daryn.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Elaine Quijano, Fort Lewis, Washington. And of course we'll be seeing that speech later today live right here on CNN.

President Bush is also seeing some of his congressional troops lay out a battle plan this hour. Senate Republicans are on Capitol Hill right now making an announcement about gay marriage. They're discussing GOP plans to hold a summer vote on a constitutional amendment on gay marriage. President Bush has called for such a ban.

But the next battle over this volatile issue is headed to the courtroom. At least 8 same-sex couples and 13 municipalities are filing lawsuits today. They are challenging the law in Massachusetts. This one goes back to 1913. It has come to limit the recently approved gay unions.

And our Dan Lothian has more on that from Boston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The honeymoon is already over in the gay marriage legal battle in Massachusetts.

ED BUTLER, PLAINTIFF: We want to be able to hear someone say, "I now pronounce you married."

LOTHIAN: Wendy Becker lives in Rhode Island and feels gays and lesbians from anywhere should have the right to be married in the only state that has legalized gay marriages.

WENDY BECKER, PLAINTIFF: We want the social recognition and the legal protection that goes with being married.

LOTHIAN: This double wedding with couples from out of state was just one of many such unions that took place last month in Massachusetts. Some clerks issued licenses to out-of-state residents, openly defying warnings by Governor Mitt Romney and his attorney general that their actions violated the law.

GOV. MITT ROMNEY (R), MASSACHUSETTS: I do believe that we should not export same-sex marriage to other states that have Defense of Marriage Acts.

LOTHIAN: The state attorney general quickly issued an order that halted non-resident licenses. But these couples, who were either recently married in Massachusetts or were turned away, say the segregation era law passed in response to interracial marriages is not only discriminatory but unconstitutional.

MARY BONAUTO, GLAD ATTORNEY: You can't dust off this law that hasn't been in force for many years and now rely on this law that has very disreputable racist origins.

LOTHIAN: Clerks in Province Town, a gay vacation hot spot, and in cities like Somerville, north of Boston, did issue some marriage licenses to non-residents. They are now part of the lawsuits.

MAYOR JOE CURTATONE, SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS: Our clerks have never been asked to act as marriage police before. They shouldn't be required to do so now.

LOTHIAN (on camera): Since there is pending litigation, Governor Romney's office said he would have no comment. His attorney general, who also had no comment, has said in the past that his office is just upholding the current law and that nothing would change until a court rules otherwise.

Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And we'll take a look at what is on the docket today and our look at legal briefs.

Attorneys for Kobe Bryant will be allowed access to cell phone text messages between the woman accusing him of rape and former boyfriend and an unidentified third person. Bryant's defense team believes the text messages may support their theory that the teenage accuser had sex with her boyfriend just after the alleged assault.

Prosecutors are trying to show Scott Peterson had financial incentives to kill his wife. A jewelry store clerk testified that Laci Peterson had sought appraisals on newly inherited jewelry worth more than $100,000. The clerk quoted her husband as saying that her husband wanted the appraisals and was going to be very happy with the amount.

Pop star Michael Jackson is blasting the unknown person who leaked details of his 1993 child molestation settlement. The performer says on his Web site that the report threatened to taint the child molestation charges that he now faces. Earlier this week, Court TV cited confidential documents showing Jackson paid out more than $20 million.

Life with a disability made a little bill easier, you're going to meet a little helper named Mini. You will see the difference that Mini makes in one man's life.

Later, how to avoid not taking one for the team. The inside story on a new movie "Dodgeball" told by its underdog star. Vince Vaughn is money and he is with us just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

MARY SNOW, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: CNN's LIVE TODAY continues right after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's take a look at some other news that's happening coast to coast.

First, to Phoenix, Arizona, southwest of downtown, this spectacular fire video coming from our affiliate KTVK. This was, as I said, just southwest of downtown. It took 90 firefighters about two hours before they could get the upper hand on this blaze. One of the reasons, all the fuel that is there, that is a lumberyard and a large number of pellets there. No injuries reported. And this is largely an industrial area, but there were some evacuations. No immediate word on the cause or the damage estimates. To Massachusetts now, a state trooper is held as a hero for coming to the aid of a baby who wasn't breathing after his roadside delivery in a Boston tunnel. Trooper Mark Gifford (ph) cleared the baby's mouth and nose, got him breathing and handed him off to paramedics. The mother and baby are doing just fine this morning.

The Olympic torch is winding its way to the Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Today the flame passes through Atlanta. That is the host city of the '96 Summer Games. Tomorrow it's on to New York, the fourth and final American city to host the torch run.

Fido may be man's best friend, but a helper monkey can be most useful. A Boston-based group is calling itself Helping Hand. It trains monkeys to serve as the arms and legs of people with physical challenges. Pablo Pereira of our CNN affiliate KBC in Los Angeles has more on one man and his monkey.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CRAIG COOK, QUADRIPLEGIC: That a girl. That a girl. That a girl. Good girl!

PABLO PEREIRA, KBC-TV REPORTER (voice-over): When lifelong Angel fan Craig Cook needs help with his baseball cap, Mini (ph) isn't far behind.

COOK: Pretty cool, huh? Come here. I mean that's good enough. You see what I mean? And now I can go ahead and grab the hat and put it whatever way I need, you know?

PEREIRA: The 38-year-old quadriplegic who lost the use of his legs and much of his arm movement in a car accident eight years ago acquired his very own rally monkey in April. Now the 18-year-old capuchin primate handles many of the daily chores Cook can no longer perform.

COOK: Definitely pick things up off the ground if I drop them, especially like a phone or a piece of paper with an emergency number on it or something like that. Good girl. See what I mean?

PEREIRA: Because of restrictive state codes, the Lahabra (ph) man is the first in California to receive a helper monkey from the Boston-based group Helping Hand. Cook has spent weeks now building a rapport with Mini, getting her to respond to commands learned through repetition and rewards.

COOK: Me and her got along like day one. I started giving her little pieces of, you know, monkey biscuits and treats. All right. OK. All right. All right.

PEREIRA: Mini will eat just about anything her new owner will, but especially enjoys whipped cream. The average life span for capuchins is about 40 years. But this five-pound bundle of fur has already become much more than a pair of extra hands around the house.

COOK: Since Mini's got in -- you know been a part of my life, that's for sure. I mean it's like almost like having a kid, you know. She's all over the place. You know I'm always like watching her and looking out where she is. OK, close your door. That a girl.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Again, that was Pablo Pereira of KBC reporting. By the way, the productive primates can live, as he reported, to be 40 years old or more.

Straight ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY, he may be able to dodge a ball, but he couldn't dodge me. Actor Vince Vaughn talks about his new movie.

And this is what we're working on for next hour.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ahead on CNN, the most trusted name in news, did Saddam Hussein's regime plan terror attacks against the U.S.? Vladimir Putin says so. At 11:00 CNN has the latest details from Russia.

Then, the U.S. Open. Will the surprises of round one continue? We're live from Shinnecock Hills.

And at noon, the effort to save American hostage Paul Johnson.

Stay with CNN for complete coverage.

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(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're expecting in just a few minutes President Bush. He will be speaking from Fort Lewis, Washington, largest Army facility on the West Coast. You will see that speech live right here on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Globo Gym hoping to drop an A-bomb here on Kamikaze.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know how they can play in diapers, Cotton. I never could.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ouch. Tell them population you, bro.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: White (ph) could be they are pulling his patent in peak-a-boo style...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: If your childhood memories include dishing out a few welts to your playmates on the schoolyard, then this is the movie for you. It's called "Dodgeball," a true underdog story. It opens today and it may appeal to you, depending on whether you were conquering or cowering when the gym teacher's whistle blew.

The flick star's Ben Stiller, his real life -- his real life wife Christine Taylor and Vince Vaughn who stopped by. And I had a chance to speak with him earlier this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: So Vince Vaughn, you play the "Dodgeball" hero, Peter LaFleur.

VINCE VAUGHN, ACTOR: Yes, Peter LaFleur, owner and operator of Average Joe's Gym.

KAGAN: Which he's described as a charismatic -- as a charismatic underachiever. Is this a nice way of saying loser?

VAUGHN: It's kind of a backhanded compliment. I guess it's like saying you don't sweat much for a fat girl.

KAGAN: Not a nice way to put it. But, Vince, this is huge film history. I mean never in the history of Hollywood has anybody undertaken such a huge project as to do something on dodgeball. The significance of that?

VAUGHN: And not to come off arrogant, but I believe we've made the greatest dodgeball film in cinema history.

KAGAN: And what does that mean to you, personally, in terms of your overall career and what you've achieved in your life?

VAUGN: Well, you know, really none of it will be complete until dodgeball becomes an Olympic event. I mean that was sort of the purpose and the reasoning behind even doing the movie in the first place.

KAGAN: And so I can tell "Dodgeball" really means a lot to you. Can you take us back to your childhood to any dodgeball memories that you might have? Were you picked to be on the team or were you the guy left on the bench?

VAUGHN: I was -- no, I was picked to be on the team. I wasn't like the best player, but I was -- I was pretty good. And I liked playing dodgeball, you know, because I thought it was fun.

KAGAN: So you weren't one of the kids that was beamed in the head and went running home to mom?

VAUGHN: No, I got beamed in the head a few times, but I didn't run home to mom. I loved it. I thought it was fun. But you know people go one way or the other on dodgeball. They either remember with trauma dodgeball experiences or they remember -- or they remember really loving it.

KAGAN: Talking of experiences. You're racking up quite a few of experiences with your costar and the producer Ben Stiller just coming off of "Starsky & Hutch" and now taking on "Dodgeball." What is it about you guys that you like making these funny movies?

VAUGHN: I think Ben's really funny and really talented, obviously. So you know when he brought me this particular project, I thought the script was really great.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BEN STILLER, ACTOR: You should quit now and save yourself the embarrassment of losing with these losers in Las Vegas -- LaFleur.

VAUGHN: Alliteration aside, I think I'll take my chances in the tournament.

STILLER: Yes, you will take your chances.

VAUGHN: I know, I just said that.

STILLER: I know you just said that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VAUGHN: I started laughing as soon as I heard it was about dodgeball. And it's not dissimilar from a lot of sports-themed movies, and it has a lot of heart but it also is very, very funny. So, you know, and plus, obviously, with Ben producing it, I knew that the movie would really have a shot to be great.

KAGAN: Let's look at some of your recent filmography here. You have "Dodgeball," which is just coming out, and "Starsky & Hutch." And then, of course, so many fans of "Old School." A lot of laughs out there, not exactly a huge drama, but this is what you're looking to put laughs out in the world?

VAUGHN: Yes, you know, I did a lot of -- I started off, I guess, with comedy in a way with "Swingers," and then I did, you know, more dramas and that kind of stuff. And then "Old School" came about and I thought "Old School" could be really funny, so I was happy to do "Old School." And then it's just sort of been things in my career have sort of gone in trends.

I've been very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to go between both, so I feel thankful for that. But you know I've done a bunch of stuff in a row now that's comedies. I just did another comedy with Owen Wilson called "Wedding Crashers," where we go to weddings pretending to know someone, we actually don't know anyone, just trying to meet girls. And you know I don't know what I'll do next, but I've had a good time doing comedies.

KAGAN: Well I have to ask you about one that we're particularly excited about coming out later this summer and that is "Anchor Man" with Will Ferrell.

VAUGHN: Yes, you know Will called me and asked me to do a couple of scenes in the movie. So I'm in a couple of scenes with Will. But I think Will is, you know, obviously very funny and very talented, so I was happy to go play around with him. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What are you doing on our station's turf -- Burgundy?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come get a taste.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And so all this that you've done and all that you've achieved, how many people still come up to you on the street and make reference to "Swingers" and just tell you, Vince Vaughn, you are money?

VAUGHN: Yes, "Swingers" still is has stayed with people and that's great.

KAGAN: Very good. Well, Vince Vaughn, the movie is "Dodgeball," thanks for taking time to dodge in here for just a minute or two and visit with us. Appreciate it.

VAUGHN: Nice talking with you.

KAGAN: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Yes, "Dodgeball" is good but what we're really looking for is "Anchor Man." "Dodgeball," by the way, is a true underdog story. It is rated PG-13 for sexual humor and language.

From material girl to spiritual, pop star Madonna has adopted a new Hebrew name, Esther. It's in honor of the biblical queen celebrating the Jewish festival of Koram (ph). Madonna tells the ABC program "20/20" that the move stems in part from her faith in Kabalah, the study of Jewish mysticism.

And "Forbes" magazine says that Mel Gibson is this year's most powerful celebrity. Gibson directed, produced and co-wrote the year's most talked about movie, "The Passion of the Christ," which also earned $210 million. Golfer Tiger Woods was ranked second on the list and Oprah Winfrey was third.

You can read about all this and this weekend's new movie releases on our Web site. Keep an eye on entertainment 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment.

We are back in a moment with your weekend forecast.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Want to tell you about something that we're hearing about out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. An apartment rental agency. We're getting these pictures from WXOW. Destroyed today. An explosion apparently rocked the business in downtown La Crosse. It's a two- story structure. It was destroyed by some kind of explosion. No reports of any injuries there.

Which is interesting that this story happens just as we're about to bring in Rob Marciano to talk about weather radio. But a new use for weather radio.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, there was a time for years weather radios have been used in like Tornado Alley. So you know if there was a tornado or some...

KAGAN: It's that sound.

MARCIANO: It goes off in your house...

KAGAN: Right.

MARCIANO: ... when there's something bad going on in your area so that you know that bad weather is coming.

Now along with Amber Alerts and Homeland Security has teamed up so that they can feed that information. Say there is a bomb goes off in your area or something bad, then you can get that information at home. So not only people in Tornado Alley may want to pick one of these up, but just about everybody else.

Here's what one would look like, a typical one, about 50 bucks. And you pick it up at RadioShack or just about any other place. And here's what a typical alert or tornado warning would sound like. I think we have sound of what it would typically sound like.

(ALARM SOUNDING)

MARCIANO: A bit obnoxious. Then a computerized voice comes on to tell you what's going on. About 50 bucks. You want to get what's called SAM Technology, and that means that that is specific for your area. So if it's only in your county, you can program it for your county, as opposed, you know, if it's happening in your county, not my county, I don't want to be waking up in the middle of the night.

KAGAN: I don't want to know about your tornado.

MARCIANO: Anyway, so that's big doings NOAA teaming up with Homeland Security. Pick one up.

KAGAN: A new thing.

We are getting very close to President Bush speaking in Fort Lewis, Washington. But while we wait for that, can you fit in a bit of weather?

MARCIANO: How much time do you think we have?

KAGAN: Give me 30 seconds.

MARCIANO: All right. Let's go.

KAGAN: OK. (WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Daryn, I think that was a little bit longer than 30 seconds. Thanks for the extra time.

KAGAN: For you and on behalf of our president, no problem, Rob. Thank you very much.

MARCIANO: See you later.

KAGAN: We will see you in the next hour.

Meanwhile, lets get started with that second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY which begins right now.

We begin with the latest developments we're following at this hour. Live picture there from Fort Lewis, Washington. Soldiers getting a morale booster from their commander in chief. President Bush will be speaking to the troops at Fort Lewis. That is, by the way, the home of the Army Stryker Brigades. His speech is set to begin any minute, and we will go live when the president does begin.

Meanwhile, Democrat John Kerry says that President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq is not supported by the facts. Kerry is campaigning in northern Virginia. He continues to challenge President Bush on the economy, despite continued evidence of a rebound. Kerry is calling for an increase in the minimum wage to $7 an hour.

An Iraq official says the country could declare as marshal law if car bombings and other attacks continue. The interim interior minister says the security of Iraq and the lives of its people are at stake. Insurgents have stepped up their attacks as the June 30 handover date approaches. A car bombing yesterday killed 35 people.

Kobe Bryant's defense team wins access to his accuser's cell phone text messages. A judge said that text messages between Bryant's accuser and her boyfriend must be turned over to the defense and the prosecution. Bryant's lawyers say the messages were sent within hours of the alleged assault. The NBA star denies sexually assaulting the woman at a Colorado resort last year. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com