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CNN Live Today

Remembering Johnny Carson; Weekend Blizzard; Firefighters Killed

Aired January 24, 2005 - 10:59   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening right "Now in the News."
Iraqi forces nab an insurgent leader said to be responsible for nearly three dozen car bomb attacks. Within the last few hours, officials announce the arrest of Abu Omar al-Kurdi earlier this month. They say he is behind some of the most ruthless attacks in Baghdad over the past two years, including the attack on the U.N. compound in 2003.

An Internet message says followers of wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi carried out a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad today. The bomb exploded near the party headquarters of interim Prime Minister Allawi. Authorities say 12 people were wounded, including 10 police officers. Now, that attack comes just six days before the Iraqi elections.

People in parts of New England are beginning -- are being told to stay home today as the area digs out from a weekend blizzard. More than two feet of snow fell across southern New England. Flights just resume at Boston Logan Airport within the past three hours. We will take you live to Boston in just about five minutes from now.

In the meantime, the D.A.'s office in Milwaukee is expected to announce charges this hour stemming from vandalism on Election Day. Someone slashed the tires on 20 cars and vans rented by the Republican Party on November 2. A news conference is set to begin any minute now in Milwaukee. And we will let you know what authorities have to say.

Well, good morning. It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Rick Sanchez today.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

We're going to start this hour with the kind of late night television. Tributes are pouring in this morning for Johnny Carson. For 30 years, Americans welcomed Carson into their homes at the end of the day. He died at his Malibu home this weekend from emphysema.

Our entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas is in Hollywood this morning with more on the life and times of Johnny Carson.

Good morning.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

You know, as an entertainer, Johnny was a man who needed very little introduction. In fact, for 30 years, two words were -- sufficed, "Here's Johnny." And that's because so many millions of Americans knew who this man was, and millions of Americans loved him.

Now, behind me at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can see that on his star there have been flowers that have been laid out, as well as candles. And as the day progresses, more and more people will know that this man has passed away. And you can imagine that this place will be filled with flowers when the word gets out.

But Johnny Carson was incredible. Now, he fought emphysema. And it was a long battle with that. But you know what? His legacy will love on forever.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED MCMAHON, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Ladies and gentlemen, here's Johnny.

VARGAS (voice-over): For nearly three full decades, he was the reigning king of late night.

JOHNNY CARSON, ENTERTAINER: I could never have imagined I would walk through that curtain almost 5,000 times in 30 years.

VARGAS: Johnny Carson was born in 925, in Corning, Iowa. He moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, as a boy, bought his first mail-order magic set and began his career as an entertainer known as "The Great Carsoni." He performed in the Navy, graduated from the University of Nebraska, and went on to work at Omaha radio stations.

His first televised show, "Carson's Cellar," debuted in 1952 and led to a job as a staff writer on Red Skelton's variety show. In 1954, Carson got his big break when Skelton was knocked unconscious an hour before air time and Carson was asked to step in.

His natural ease in front of the camera led to a contract with CBS. After a short stint as an emcee of "Earn Your Vacation," Carson got his own half-hour comedy show, called "The Johnny Carson Show."

Carson moved to ABC for the daytime game show "Who Do You Trust?," where in '58 he was joined by his sidekick, Ed McMahon. In that same year, he was asked to sit in for Jack Paar on "The Tonight Show."

CARSON: I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you.

VARGAS: Perhaps more important than anything else to Carson was that he loved making people laugh.

CARSON: I am one of the lucky people in the world. I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. (END VIDEOTAPE)

VARGAS: And we were certainly lucky enough to be entertained by such a great man.

Now, he was also a very private person. And that's what a lot of people don't understand, because he was such an incredible TV icon. But he was private. And his family members are definitely respecting that.

There has been an outpour of love, but they are not having a public memorial service. So they're definitely going to respect that in him.

But as far as the outpour of love from his peers, his colleagues, it has been tremendous, Daryn. I can't tell you the amount of e-mails that we have gotten for this man. He -- like I said, his legacy will love on. And we, here in Hollywood, definitely miss him already -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And you can see signs of that on his star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame right behind you. Sibila, thank you for that.

We're going to have a CNN primetime exclusive. Ed McMahon talks with Larry King tonight about his 30 years in the chair next to Johnny Carson, 9:00 Eastern, right here on CNN.

NGUYEN: Our other big story today requires some folks to grab a shovel. Boston is still digging out from a blizzard today that buried the city under two feet of snow. And CNN's Chris Huntington is there in the thick of it. Joins us now.

Good morning to you.

CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

Well, it is clear, cold and relatively calm here in Boston. That, of course, was not the case 24 hours ago. The storm that whipped through here, while not as devastating as some had feared, was nonetheless a world-class blizzard.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HUNTINGTON (voice-over): The storm battered the Bay State from Cape Cod in the south to the north shore near Gloucester, and, of course, downtown Boston in between. The peak hours early Sunday morning, snow fell at more than three inches an hour, dumping close to three feet in many towns and more than two feet in Boston Common, where temperatures hovered around 10 degrees for most of the day.

But it was the hurricane-force winds that caused most of the trouble. Driving snow into dangerous whiteout conditions, plundering the plows' best efforts, and whipping 10 to 15 feet waves on top of a storm surge along the coast.

The entire island of Nantucket lost power. Across the state of Massachusetts 30,000 homes went dark. Governor Mitt Romney declared a state of emergency, putting National Guard troops on alert for evacuation and rescue operations and clearing the way for federal funding to help cover the considerable cost of snow removal.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced that he would order only essential city personnel to work on Monday. And he said that Boston public schools would be closed through Tuesday.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HUNTINGTON: Well, the situation here is pretty much getting back to normal. As you can probably see behind me, there are trucks moving about and deliveries being made.

Of course, most folks are staying home. Schools are closed here in Boston. That caused a bit of a controversy, certainly not for the kids involved, but there was some call that perhaps Mayor Menino was overreacting.

But frankly, the word from the mayor's office, no overreaction at all when you look at the fact that none of the sidewalks are passable. There's no safe place for kids to sit and wait for school buses -- Betty.

NGUYEN: A reason for his warning. All right. CNN's Chris Huntington in Boston for us. Thank you for that, Chris.

So, when will New England finally start to thaw out? For that, we want to go to CNN's Jacqui Jeras in the weather center.

Hi, Jacqui.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Betty.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: We'll look forward to that. Thank you, Jacqui.

KAGAN: The New York City Fire Department is in mourning today over the deaths of three veteran firefighters. They all died in the line of duty while battling two separate apartment fires. CNN's Mary Snow reports on the deadliest day for the department since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As if battling a three-alarm blaze wasn't enough, 35 units of the New York City Fire Department also had to battle the elements. Temperatures were below freezing. There was more than a foot snow. Officials say there was a report of people trapped, which led six firemen to the top floor of a burning apartment building with no way out.

ANTHONY ORTEZ, WITNESS: I heard a lot of screaming. Then I saw them breaking like the windows. The glass was shattering. Then I saw people on the roof, the firefighters. Then at that point the smoke was getting real dark.

SNOW: The fire department says the fire started by an overloaded extension cord that ignited a mattress. Flames raced to the fourth floor of the Bronx building, leaving the firemen 50 feet above the ground.

MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK: They had to make a choice. They were going to be burnt to death or jump. It's a terrible choice.

SNOW: Two veteran firefighters were killed, four others were critically hurt. While the fire department says the bad weather did not play a part, firefighters say it certainly didn't help. A fire hydrant at the scene was reported frozen. And the department is looking into a temporarily loss of water.

CHIEF PETER HEYDEN, NYC FIRE DEPT.: There was a temporarily loss of water at the time of the fire. And during that period of time, during the loss of water, the conditions deteriorated rapidly.

SNOW: Hours later, a veteran firefighter was killed in a separate blaze in Brooklyn. And for a department that lost 343 of its members on September 11, its union said it's another painful reminder of the sacrifices of New York's bravest.

NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA, NYC FIRE COMMISSIONER: Just another really terrible example, but powerful example, of what firefighters do every day, put their lives on the line.

SNOW: Mary Snow, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Well, intelligence agencies report no signs of Osama bin Laden for months now.

KAGAN: The United States is trying a new strategy in the hunt for the world's most wanted man. You're going to hear about that.

NGUYEN: And a new study finds that the popular drug Viagra may have other beneficial side effects. Our "Daily Dose" of health news is just ahead.

KAGAN: And as friends and colleagues mourn the death of Johnny Carson, we're going to have a sentimental look back as you watch CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In our CNN "Security Watch," the State Department is stepping up its publicity campaign in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. They want to remind Pakistanis and Afghans about the $25 million bounty for the al Qaeda leader. Ads are running in a popular Pakistani newspaper, and they will be followed by TV and radio ads.

Now, Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk talked with CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" about this campaign.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. MARK KIRK (R), ILLINOIS: The radio campaign is going to announce several other locations where a young Pakistani who wants to leave town can contact us. We feel that we need to make these changes to the program and make the rewards more flexible, like offering seeds or a truck or farm implements that mean a lot more to rural families up in that region that would like to provide this information.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Congressman Kirk has also written legislation that could double the bounty for bin Laden to $50 million.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. You'll want to stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

KAGAN: "News from CNN" about your safety and security is available 24/7, even when you're away from your television. Here now is Christina Park.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTINA PARK, CNN ANCHOR: At the cnn.com news desk, we've been monitoring what you need to know about terrorism. We've done the research, analyzed the data, and now we're launching a brand new special report for you. Track terrorism instantly at cnn.com/securitywatch.

This week, we are asking you who's the world's most dangerous terrorist, Osama bin Laden or Abu Musab al-Zarqawi? CNN senior producer Henry Schuster breaks it down for you in his weekly column.

While you're there, you can e-mail us right off the site, who do you think poses the greatest threat to national security? Your thoughts could make it into our next column.

But before you click, send, take a journey with us back in time as we take a hard look at Osama bin Laden's taped terror messages, from what he said just after the September 11 attacks to what his most recent message claims. Remember, you've got the power to inform yourself, and we've got the tools at cnn.com cnn.com/securitywatch.

Reporting from the dot-com desk, I'm Christina Park.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: There's six days to go before Iraqis vote. And Iraqi authorities announced today that they've arrested a number of expected insurgent leaders. One takes credit for 32 bombings in Baghdad alone, including the attack on U.N. headquarters. Despite the violence, U.S. troops are on the street urging Iraqis to take part in the democratic process on Sunday. We have our Jane Arraf embedded with U.S. Marines in Falluja. We are working on bringing her to you using our videophone technology. And we will do that in just a minute.

NGUYEN: But in the meantime, a new team of deadly accurate sharp shooters will soon be headed for Iraq. They're remote controlled robots mounted with four cameras and a machinegun that fires 350 rounds before reloading. The gun is controlled by a human operator, watching images sent back by the vehicle's cameras. The Army plans to send 18 of these robotic warriors to Iraq in March or April.

KAGAN: How about now some news from other parts of the world.

Ukraine's new president in Moscow today to mend fences has reportedly appointed a prime minister that the Kremlin does not like. News agency -- a news agency says Viktor Yushchenko has named one of his top allies to the post. Yushchenko was inaugurated in Kiev on Sunday.

Rescue crews in Austria are looking for a missing skier from the United States after a massive avalanche in the Alps killed at least four over the weekend. Officials say there is little hope that the 21-year-old American will be founded alive.

And in southern Asia, two earthquakes, both magnitude 6.3, hit India and Indonesia. The first hit an island in Indonesia, causing many to flee for higher ground. Eight hours later, a second quake struck the Indian coast city of Madras on the same fault that caused last month's devastating tsunami. At least one person has died.

And now we have been able to make a connection with our Jane Arraf in Falluja, embedded with the U.S. Marines -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Daryn, we are here near Falluja with the commander of the Regimental Combat Team 7 from the 1st Marine Division who has been here, in country, for 11 months. Actually, longer than a lot of Marine commanders.

Colonel Craig Tucker, thanks very much for being with us.

I wanted to ask you, first of all, the insurgency, you've seen it change. You've seen it shift. What inroads do you think you've made against it, if any?

COL. CRAIG TUCKER, U.S. MARINE CORPS: Well, first of all, I wouldn't call it an insurgency. That implies that its elements of -- they can offer an alternative better future for the people of Iraq, and they don't. They employ murder and terror for their own selfish ends, and that's what we have to call it, murders and terrorists.

We continue to see it alternate between a loose cooperative of violent, organized crime, anywhere from junior varsity, professional- level terrorists. And we've seen it dissipate or be destroyed as we have effect against different pockets and elements of it (UNINTELLIGIBLE). So that interaction is beginning to take place. But as is evident, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the battle of Falluja, in the area we're in right now, it is possible, and we have had success, and we'll continue to have success in destroying and neutralizing them.

ARRAF: Whatever you want to call it, clearly this group, this collection of forces that are attacking you and attacking Iraqis, have learned something in the time since the end of major combat. And they remain a threat. How do you think that threat is going to continue to be overcome with -- particularly with Iraqi security forces still relatively weak?

TUCKER: Well, I would -- first of all, I think I would take some -- disagree with the adjective "weak" in terms of the Iraqi security forces. I've been working with Iraqi army elements for the last three months and have been impressed with the professionalism, their continued professional maturity and the capabilities they bring to the -- securing their country.

It's -- there's always going to be interaction. I mean, that's the nature of war. And the enemy is going to learn and we're going to learn, but we're going to learn faster that pure objective, I think. And as the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police and the Iraqi border police continue to improve in the professionalism, the capability, then I think we're going to see a fairly steep progress in defeating this.

ARRAF: It was a very fierce battle in Falluja. What lasting impact do you think that's had on the attacks?

TUCKER: On the attacks in the area, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the lasting impact, well, I'll tell you what we know right now. And that is that the frequency of the attacks, the number of attacks and complexity of attacks has dropped off to near nothing. Very secure area.

I expect it to be secure come 30 January, when the Iraqi people have a chance to vote. We're seeing a much more -- a lot more vibrancy in the communities as the terror and intimidation has been removed. And I think that will continue to provide an opportunity for the Iraqi people to take charge of their communities, an opportunity for the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police to step in and provide security. And I think we've done that here and it will continue to improve.

ARRAF: Thank you so much.

That was Colonel Craig Tucker, commander of Regimental Combat Team 7 here with the Marines, in an area around Falluja that is certainly much calmer than we left it in December -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane Arraf from Falluja, Iraq. Thank you.

NGUYEN: An historic moment today at the United Nations. A special session commemorating one of the greatest atrocities in history.

KAGAN: A survivor looks back. Hear his reflections after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) NGUYEN: The United Nations is holding a special session this hour to mark 60 years since the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. This is the first time the world body has devoted an extensive meeting to the Holocaust. Thursday, ceremonies in Poland will mark the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops in 1945.

KAGAN: And by the time help arrived, more than a million people had lost their lives at Auschwitz. A handful of Holocaust survivors will return there this week. It is an emotional and a painful journey. CNN's Chris Burns has more from Berlin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Adam Koenig was one of eight siblings in a Jewish family in Frankfurt. A week after World War II began, the Nazis sent him to a concentration camp. He was just 16 years old. The beginning of nearly six years of horror.

ADAM KOENIG, HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR: The first thing I thought, that was the impression maybe like that's the kind hell would look like.

BURNS: Koenig survived Saxenhausen and other death camps as a manual laborer. In October 1942, he was transferred in a cattle car to Auschwitz.

KOENIG: Wasn't able to work. They sent to Berkinow (ph), which meant to be -- to come to the killing factory. It smells like -- like burnt meat, sweet, a certain smell. You -- it's hard to forget it.

BURNS: With Soviet troops advancing on Auschwitz in January 1945, the Nazis moved tens of thousands of prisoners, Koenig included, to other death camps.

KOENIG: Those who couldn't continue, were too weak to continue to march, they were shot.

BURNS: When British troops liberated Koenig at Belkin Besan (ph) April 15, it wasn't a day of joy for him.

KOENIG: Maybe I felt that the damage must have been so much for the family that I couldn't expect any good things.

BURNS: Indeed, Koenig would learn that four of his younger brothers and sisters died in the Holocaust, as well as his parents. His father at Auschwitz.

KOENIG: After 20 years, I decided to talk about it. And if I wouldn't manage to keep my feeling in a certain way, I wouldn't do that. It would be too hard.

BURNS: Koenig's wife, Maria, was also at Auschwitz. They met as they and other survivors searched for loved ones. As retired teachers, they continue to lecture, to keep the Holocaust memory alive. At 82, and a great grandfather, Koenig remains on a mission.

KOENIG: People who have the experience to have to do something, they have a certain responsibility that the things which happened shouldn't be for nothing.

BURNS: Chris Burns, CNN, Berlin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Another thoughtful story of remembrance, friends and family mourning the death of Johnny Carson today. We're going to take a look at his legacy and hear some fond remembrances just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired January 24, 2005 - 10:59   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening right "Now in the News."
Iraqi forces nab an insurgent leader said to be responsible for nearly three dozen car bomb attacks. Within the last few hours, officials announce the arrest of Abu Omar al-Kurdi earlier this month. They say he is behind some of the most ruthless attacks in Baghdad over the past two years, including the attack on the U.N. compound in 2003.

An Internet message says followers of wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi carried out a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad today. The bomb exploded near the party headquarters of interim Prime Minister Allawi. Authorities say 12 people were wounded, including 10 police officers. Now, that attack comes just six days before the Iraqi elections.

People in parts of New England are beginning -- are being told to stay home today as the area digs out from a weekend blizzard. More than two feet of snow fell across southern New England. Flights just resume at Boston Logan Airport within the past three hours. We will take you live to Boston in just about five minutes from now.

In the meantime, the D.A.'s office in Milwaukee is expected to announce charges this hour stemming from vandalism on Election Day. Someone slashed the tires on 20 cars and vans rented by the Republican Party on November 2. A news conference is set to begin any minute now in Milwaukee. And we will let you know what authorities have to say.

Well, good morning. It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Rick Sanchez today.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

We're going to start this hour with the kind of late night television. Tributes are pouring in this morning for Johnny Carson. For 30 years, Americans welcomed Carson into their homes at the end of the day. He died at his Malibu home this weekend from emphysema.

Our entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas is in Hollywood this morning with more on the life and times of Johnny Carson.

Good morning.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

You know, as an entertainer, Johnny was a man who needed very little introduction. In fact, for 30 years, two words were -- sufficed, "Here's Johnny." And that's because so many millions of Americans knew who this man was, and millions of Americans loved him.

Now, behind me at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can see that on his star there have been flowers that have been laid out, as well as candles. And as the day progresses, more and more people will know that this man has passed away. And you can imagine that this place will be filled with flowers when the word gets out.

But Johnny Carson was incredible. Now, he fought emphysema. And it was a long battle with that. But you know what? His legacy will love on forever.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED MCMAHON, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Ladies and gentlemen, here's Johnny.

VARGAS (voice-over): For nearly three full decades, he was the reigning king of late night.

JOHNNY CARSON, ENTERTAINER: I could never have imagined I would walk through that curtain almost 5,000 times in 30 years.

VARGAS: Johnny Carson was born in 925, in Corning, Iowa. He moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, as a boy, bought his first mail-order magic set and began his career as an entertainer known as "The Great Carsoni." He performed in the Navy, graduated from the University of Nebraska, and went on to work at Omaha radio stations.

His first televised show, "Carson's Cellar," debuted in 1952 and led to a job as a staff writer on Red Skelton's variety show. In 1954, Carson got his big break when Skelton was knocked unconscious an hour before air time and Carson was asked to step in.

His natural ease in front of the camera led to a contract with CBS. After a short stint as an emcee of "Earn Your Vacation," Carson got his own half-hour comedy show, called "The Johnny Carson Show."

Carson moved to ABC for the daytime game show "Who Do You Trust?," where in '58 he was joined by his sidekick, Ed McMahon. In that same year, he was asked to sit in for Jack Paar on "The Tonight Show."

CARSON: I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you.

VARGAS: Perhaps more important than anything else to Carson was that he loved making people laugh.

CARSON: I am one of the lucky people in the world. I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. (END VIDEOTAPE)

VARGAS: And we were certainly lucky enough to be entertained by such a great man.

Now, he was also a very private person. And that's what a lot of people don't understand, because he was such an incredible TV icon. But he was private. And his family members are definitely respecting that.

There has been an outpour of love, but they are not having a public memorial service. So they're definitely going to respect that in him.

But as far as the outpour of love from his peers, his colleagues, it has been tremendous, Daryn. I can't tell you the amount of e-mails that we have gotten for this man. He -- like I said, his legacy will love on. And we, here in Hollywood, definitely miss him already -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And you can see signs of that on his star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame right behind you. Sibila, thank you for that.

We're going to have a CNN primetime exclusive. Ed McMahon talks with Larry King tonight about his 30 years in the chair next to Johnny Carson, 9:00 Eastern, right here on CNN.

NGUYEN: Our other big story today requires some folks to grab a shovel. Boston is still digging out from a blizzard today that buried the city under two feet of snow. And CNN's Chris Huntington is there in the thick of it. Joins us now.

Good morning to you.

CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

Well, it is clear, cold and relatively calm here in Boston. That, of course, was not the case 24 hours ago. The storm that whipped through here, while not as devastating as some had feared, was nonetheless a world-class blizzard.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HUNTINGTON (voice-over): The storm battered the Bay State from Cape Cod in the south to the north shore near Gloucester, and, of course, downtown Boston in between. The peak hours early Sunday morning, snow fell at more than three inches an hour, dumping close to three feet in many towns and more than two feet in Boston Common, where temperatures hovered around 10 degrees for most of the day.

But it was the hurricane-force winds that caused most of the trouble. Driving snow into dangerous whiteout conditions, plundering the plows' best efforts, and whipping 10 to 15 feet waves on top of a storm surge along the coast.

The entire island of Nantucket lost power. Across the state of Massachusetts 30,000 homes went dark. Governor Mitt Romney declared a state of emergency, putting National Guard troops on alert for evacuation and rescue operations and clearing the way for federal funding to help cover the considerable cost of snow removal.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced that he would order only essential city personnel to work on Monday. And he said that Boston public schools would be closed through Tuesday.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HUNTINGTON: Well, the situation here is pretty much getting back to normal. As you can probably see behind me, there are trucks moving about and deliveries being made.

Of course, most folks are staying home. Schools are closed here in Boston. That caused a bit of a controversy, certainly not for the kids involved, but there was some call that perhaps Mayor Menino was overreacting.

But frankly, the word from the mayor's office, no overreaction at all when you look at the fact that none of the sidewalks are passable. There's no safe place for kids to sit and wait for school buses -- Betty.

NGUYEN: A reason for his warning. All right. CNN's Chris Huntington in Boston for us. Thank you for that, Chris.

So, when will New England finally start to thaw out? For that, we want to go to CNN's Jacqui Jeras in the weather center.

Hi, Jacqui.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Betty.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: We'll look forward to that. Thank you, Jacqui.

KAGAN: The New York City Fire Department is in mourning today over the deaths of three veteran firefighters. They all died in the line of duty while battling two separate apartment fires. CNN's Mary Snow reports on the deadliest day for the department since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As if battling a three-alarm blaze wasn't enough, 35 units of the New York City Fire Department also had to battle the elements. Temperatures were below freezing. There was more than a foot snow. Officials say there was a report of people trapped, which led six firemen to the top floor of a burning apartment building with no way out.

ANTHONY ORTEZ, WITNESS: I heard a lot of screaming. Then I saw them breaking like the windows. The glass was shattering. Then I saw people on the roof, the firefighters. Then at that point the smoke was getting real dark.

SNOW: The fire department says the fire started by an overloaded extension cord that ignited a mattress. Flames raced to the fourth floor of the Bronx building, leaving the firemen 50 feet above the ground.

MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK: They had to make a choice. They were going to be burnt to death or jump. It's a terrible choice.

SNOW: Two veteran firefighters were killed, four others were critically hurt. While the fire department says the bad weather did not play a part, firefighters say it certainly didn't help. A fire hydrant at the scene was reported frozen. And the department is looking into a temporarily loss of water.

CHIEF PETER HEYDEN, NYC FIRE DEPT.: There was a temporarily loss of water at the time of the fire. And during that period of time, during the loss of water, the conditions deteriorated rapidly.

SNOW: Hours later, a veteran firefighter was killed in a separate blaze in Brooklyn. And for a department that lost 343 of its members on September 11, its union said it's another painful reminder of the sacrifices of New York's bravest.

NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA, NYC FIRE COMMISSIONER: Just another really terrible example, but powerful example, of what firefighters do every day, put their lives on the line.

SNOW: Mary Snow, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Well, intelligence agencies report no signs of Osama bin Laden for months now.

KAGAN: The United States is trying a new strategy in the hunt for the world's most wanted man. You're going to hear about that.

NGUYEN: And a new study finds that the popular drug Viagra may have other beneficial side effects. Our "Daily Dose" of health news is just ahead.

KAGAN: And as friends and colleagues mourn the death of Johnny Carson, we're going to have a sentimental look back as you watch CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In our CNN "Security Watch," the State Department is stepping up its publicity campaign in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. They want to remind Pakistanis and Afghans about the $25 million bounty for the al Qaeda leader. Ads are running in a popular Pakistani newspaper, and they will be followed by TV and radio ads.

Now, Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk talked with CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" about this campaign.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. MARK KIRK (R), ILLINOIS: The radio campaign is going to announce several other locations where a young Pakistani who wants to leave town can contact us. We feel that we need to make these changes to the program and make the rewards more flexible, like offering seeds or a truck or farm implements that mean a lot more to rural families up in that region that would like to provide this information.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Congressman Kirk has also written legislation that could double the bounty for bin Laden to $50 million.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. You'll want to stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

KAGAN: "News from CNN" about your safety and security is available 24/7, even when you're away from your television. Here now is Christina Park.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTINA PARK, CNN ANCHOR: At the cnn.com news desk, we've been monitoring what you need to know about terrorism. We've done the research, analyzed the data, and now we're launching a brand new special report for you. Track terrorism instantly at cnn.com/securitywatch.

This week, we are asking you who's the world's most dangerous terrorist, Osama bin Laden or Abu Musab al-Zarqawi? CNN senior producer Henry Schuster breaks it down for you in his weekly column.

While you're there, you can e-mail us right off the site, who do you think poses the greatest threat to national security? Your thoughts could make it into our next column.

But before you click, send, take a journey with us back in time as we take a hard look at Osama bin Laden's taped terror messages, from what he said just after the September 11 attacks to what his most recent message claims. Remember, you've got the power to inform yourself, and we've got the tools at cnn.com cnn.com/securitywatch.

Reporting from the dot-com desk, I'm Christina Park.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: There's six days to go before Iraqis vote. And Iraqi authorities announced today that they've arrested a number of expected insurgent leaders. One takes credit for 32 bombings in Baghdad alone, including the attack on U.N. headquarters. Despite the violence, U.S. troops are on the street urging Iraqis to take part in the democratic process on Sunday. We have our Jane Arraf embedded with U.S. Marines in Falluja. We are working on bringing her to you using our videophone technology. And we will do that in just a minute.

NGUYEN: But in the meantime, a new team of deadly accurate sharp shooters will soon be headed for Iraq. They're remote controlled robots mounted with four cameras and a machinegun that fires 350 rounds before reloading. The gun is controlled by a human operator, watching images sent back by the vehicle's cameras. The Army plans to send 18 of these robotic warriors to Iraq in March or April.

KAGAN: How about now some news from other parts of the world.

Ukraine's new president in Moscow today to mend fences has reportedly appointed a prime minister that the Kremlin does not like. News agency -- a news agency says Viktor Yushchenko has named one of his top allies to the post. Yushchenko was inaugurated in Kiev on Sunday.

Rescue crews in Austria are looking for a missing skier from the United States after a massive avalanche in the Alps killed at least four over the weekend. Officials say there is little hope that the 21-year-old American will be founded alive.

And in southern Asia, two earthquakes, both magnitude 6.3, hit India and Indonesia. The first hit an island in Indonesia, causing many to flee for higher ground. Eight hours later, a second quake struck the Indian coast city of Madras on the same fault that caused last month's devastating tsunami. At least one person has died.

And now we have been able to make a connection with our Jane Arraf in Falluja, embedded with the U.S. Marines -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Daryn, we are here near Falluja with the commander of the Regimental Combat Team 7 from the 1st Marine Division who has been here, in country, for 11 months. Actually, longer than a lot of Marine commanders.

Colonel Craig Tucker, thanks very much for being with us.

I wanted to ask you, first of all, the insurgency, you've seen it change. You've seen it shift. What inroads do you think you've made against it, if any?

COL. CRAIG TUCKER, U.S. MARINE CORPS: Well, first of all, I wouldn't call it an insurgency. That implies that its elements of -- they can offer an alternative better future for the people of Iraq, and they don't. They employ murder and terror for their own selfish ends, and that's what we have to call it, murders and terrorists.

We continue to see it alternate between a loose cooperative of violent, organized crime, anywhere from junior varsity, professional- level terrorists. And we've seen it dissipate or be destroyed as we have effect against different pockets and elements of it (UNINTELLIGIBLE). So that interaction is beginning to take place. But as is evident, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the battle of Falluja, in the area we're in right now, it is possible, and we have had success, and we'll continue to have success in destroying and neutralizing them.

ARRAF: Whatever you want to call it, clearly this group, this collection of forces that are attacking you and attacking Iraqis, have learned something in the time since the end of major combat. And they remain a threat. How do you think that threat is going to continue to be overcome with -- particularly with Iraqi security forces still relatively weak?

TUCKER: Well, I would -- first of all, I think I would take some -- disagree with the adjective "weak" in terms of the Iraqi security forces. I've been working with Iraqi army elements for the last three months and have been impressed with the professionalism, their continued professional maturity and the capabilities they bring to the -- securing their country.

It's -- there's always going to be interaction. I mean, that's the nature of war. And the enemy is going to learn and we're going to learn, but we're going to learn faster that pure objective, I think. And as the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police and the Iraqi border police continue to improve in the professionalism, the capability, then I think we're going to see a fairly steep progress in defeating this.

ARRAF: It was a very fierce battle in Falluja. What lasting impact do you think that's had on the attacks?

TUCKER: On the attacks in the area, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the lasting impact, well, I'll tell you what we know right now. And that is that the frequency of the attacks, the number of attacks and complexity of attacks has dropped off to near nothing. Very secure area.

I expect it to be secure come 30 January, when the Iraqi people have a chance to vote. We're seeing a much more -- a lot more vibrancy in the communities as the terror and intimidation has been removed. And I think that will continue to provide an opportunity for the Iraqi people to take charge of their communities, an opportunity for the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police to step in and provide security. And I think we've done that here and it will continue to improve.

ARRAF: Thank you so much.

That was Colonel Craig Tucker, commander of Regimental Combat Team 7 here with the Marines, in an area around Falluja that is certainly much calmer than we left it in December -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane Arraf from Falluja, Iraq. Thank you.

NGUYEN: An historic moment today at the United Nations. A special session commemorating one of the greatest atrocities in history.

KAGAN: A survivor looks back. Hear his reflections after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) NGUYEN: The United Nations is holding a special session this hour to mark 60 years since the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. This is the first time the world body has devoted an extensive meeting to the Holocaust. Thursday, ceremonies in Poland will mark the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops in 1945.

KAGAN: And by the time help arrived, more than a million people had lost their lives at Auschwitz. A handful of Holocaust survivors will return there this week. It is an emotional and a painful journey. CNN's Chris Burns has more from Berlin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Adam Koenig was one of eight siblings in a Jewish family in Frankfurt. A week after World War II began, the Nazis sent him to a concentration camp. He was just 16 years old. The beginning of nearly six years of horror.

ADAM KOENIG, HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR: The first thing I thought, that was the impression maybe like that's the kind hell would look like.

BURNS: Koenig survived Saxenhausen and other death camps as a manual laborer. In October 1942, he was transferred in a cattle car to Auschwitz.

KOENIG: Wasn't able to work. They sent to Berkinow (ph), which meant to be -- to come to the killing factory. It smells like -- like burnt meat, sweet, a certain smell. You -- it's hard to forget it.

BURNS: With Soviet troops advancing on Auschwitz in January 1945, the Nazis moved tens of thousands of prisoners, Koenig included, to other death camps.

KOENIG: Those who couldn't continue, were too weak to continue to march, they were shot.

BURNS: When British troops liberated Koenig at Belkin Besan (ph) April 15, it wasn't a day of joy for him.

KOENIG: Maybe I felt that the damage must have been so much for the family that I couldn't expect any good things.

BURNS: Indeed, Koenig would learn that four of his younger brothers and sisters died in the Holocaust, as well as his parents. His father at Auschwitz.

KOENIG: After 20 years, I decided to talk about it. And if I wouldn't manage to keep my feeling in a certain way, I wouldn't do that. It would be too hard.

BURNS: Koenig's wife, Maria, was also at Auschwitz. They met as they and other survivors searched for loved ones. As retired teachers, they continue to lecture, to keep the Holocaust memory alive. At 82, and a great grandfather, Koenig remains on a mission.

KOENIG: People who have the experience to have to do something, they have a certain responsibility that the things which happened shouldn't be for nothing.

BURNS: Chris Burns, CNN, Berlin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Another thoughtful story of remembrance, friends and family mourning the death of Johnny Carson today. We're going to take a look at his legacy and hear some fond remembrances just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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