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CNN Live Today

Prisoners Released in Palestine; Changing Dynamics in Iraqi Politics

Aired February 21, 2005 - 10:30   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.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: We're at the midpoint now. Happy to be here for you. I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News." President Bush today called for a new era of transatlantic unity. The president spoke in Brussels at the beginning of a European trip. Mr. Bush also called on Syria to end its occupation of Lebanon and he said the U.S. is making a diplomatic effort to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. Mr. Bush meets French president Jacques Chirac this evening.

Two Indonesian journalists taken hostage in Iraq have been freed. That's according to Indonesian officials. A video released today shows the journalist with a masked man. CNN cannot confirm the authenticity of the video. The journalists were last seen in the city of Ramadi six days ago. They were stopped by men in uniforms. A video released later showed the two being held at gunpoint.

About 300 British troops left southern Iraq today, following a short deployment. The troops have been transferred from their base in Cyprus to thwart any possible election violence. The election was mostly peaceful in southern Iraq but the troops' commander said its forces helped give soldiers already in Iraq a much-needed rest.

And the latest series of storms to hit Southern California is leaving the region on shaky ground. Up to five inches of rain is expected in some areas by later today. Two deaths have been linked to the storms. A teenager was killed in her home by a rockslide and a city worker fell into a 30-foot sinkhole.

SANCHEZ: Turning now to Israel and the release today of some 500 Palestinian prisoners, which is part of a package that's going to include the removal of Israeli settlers. These are, no doubt, some treacherous waters for Ariel Sharon, who's hoping to break new peace ground with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Here's CNN's John Vause with the story. from Tulkarem, which is in the West Bank.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At five check points like this one across the West Bank in Gaza, 500 Palestinian prisoners were released. For many, an emotional reunion with family they have not seen for years.

This is a confidence-building measure, agreed to by Israeli and Palestinian leaders earlier this month. At the moment, about 7,000 Palestinian prisoners are being held in Israeli jails. Palestinians want them all to be released. Israel says, that won't happen. But 400 more prisoners will be set free in the next three months.

The 500 released today have signed agreements not to be involved in attacks on Israelis. None have been released before under previous deals. And none have been involved directly in attacks on Israeli targets.

(on camera): For the newly elected president of the Palestinian authority Abbas, this is a test of credibility. A major release of prisoners will give him the boost he needs amongst many Palestinians. 900, they say, is a good start, but many believe it's still not enough.

John Vause, CNN, in the West Bank.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Behind-the-scenes deal making is going on in Iraq. After the election, they're talking about who should become prime minister. The Iraqi list today formally nominated interim prime minister Ayad Allawi. But the United Iraqi Alliance, which won last month's vote, may have the leading candidate for the post. That party has not announced its nomination yet.

Ibrahim al Jaafari, seen here on the right, is believed to the to be the frontrunner. He is ahead of a religious Shiite Muslim party. Ahmed Chalabi is mounting a challenge. You might remember Chalabi. He fed the U.S. information about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction or alleged weapons of mass destruction, intelligence that turned out to be false.

Under Saddam Hussein, Sunnis held all of the top security jobs in the Iraqi government. Now, that has changed clearly. Recent elections, mostly boycotted by Sunnis, were a sweeping victory for the Shia majority. Our Nic Robertson takes us to Falluja to look at how Sunnis are preparing for the change.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At Falluja's main traffic intersection, the city appears to be returning to some normality following last November's joint U.S. and Iraqi offensive to oust insurgents. But windowless stores on once-crowded shopping streets and reconstruction down its back alleys hint at how much further this city of one-quarter million Sunnis has to go.

The question is, in this largely Sunni province, where only one in 50 voted in the elections, will they embrace Iraq's new Shia- dominated government?

ADNAN PACHACHI, SUNNI POLITICIAN: I think there would be a wait and see attitude, they'd take such an attitude. I believe there is going to be today, that's what we heard, a meeting of tribal leaders. ROBERTSON: A wait and see to determine how the new government acts and who emerges from the closed door political horse trading now under way. For the influential posts of prime minister, interior and defense ministers.

PACHACHI: The national assembly would also exercise some control. So there would be more checks and balances, but still this -- the jobs are extremely -- are crucial, really.

ROBERTSON: Under Saddam Hussein, security was dominated by Sunnis. A reversal of that by the newly empowered Shias would send the wrong signal to the Sunnis sitting on the sidelines.

ASIZ AL TA'AIE, SHIA POLITICIAN: The more they are involved in the political process, the less terrorist activities we'll see in Iraq.

ROBERTSON: Perhaps most intimidating for Sunnis recently has been watch Shias, fresh from political victory, celebrate their religious festival Ashura on TV, Acts of faith banned under Saddam Hussein as part of his repression of the Shia, tens of thousands strong. A sign of their unity and strength. It is a changing dynamic. The Sunni insurgents are keen to exploit repeatedly attacking and killing Shia.

AYATOLLAH HOSSAIN TAQI MODERRESI, SHIA CLERIC (through translator): At this time, the Shiites could attack and revenge. We could blow up one of their mosques, but the Shiite people reject injustice and hatred.

ROBERTSON: But tolerance does have its limits. Some in the Ashura crowds did chant anti-Sunni slogans, calling Sunni attacks treachery. So how much time will it take for the Sunnis to get off the political fence and possibly trigger the marginalization of insurgents? According to Pachachi, that depends on the new government.

PACHACHI: They should exercise a lot of restraint in the early stages. And do not -- should not be tempted by -- to undertake measures that could be divisive in this country.

ROBERTSON (on camera): Giving top government jobs to moderates and making sure no one running security does it for ethnic or sectarian benefit should send the right signals to Sunnis. In Falluja at the moment, most people are concentrating on just putting their lives back in order.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: As always, CNN "Security Watch" helps you keep up-to- date with your safety. Stay tuned to us day and night as we bring you the very latest development that could affect your own security.

Now, here's another story we're following. Al Jazeera played a new tape reportedly from al Qaeda's number two in command yesterday. On the tape, Ayman al Zawahari scoffs at President Bush's explanation of spreading democracy around the world. As he warns, it will, as he puts it, end with your defeat, referring to Mr. Bush, the killing of your sons and the destruction of your economy. And of course we will continue to bring you the very latest on "Security Watch" right here on CNN -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Former presidents Bush and Clinton are spreading Presidents' Day in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. They continue their tour of tsunami-ravaged areas throughout Southern Asia. The presidents spent time with children, taking in the emotional impact of the disaster, as well as the physical destruction. The former leaders head efforts to raise private donations for tsunami relief.

SANCHEZ: An Atlanta filmmaker journeyed to Sri Lanka three days after the tsunami and he spent three weeks capturing the human side of the disaster. His name is Eric Williams. He's preparing a documentary that's going to be entitled, "Walking Wounded." William (sic) shared with CNN a few of the highlights from the film, as well as his own emotional response to what he saw. Here now in his own words, his story.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "WALKING WOUNDED")

ERIC WILLIAMS, FILMMAKER: Here rescue workers dispose of bodies. There is babies bodies being tossed into the grave. Another body being tossed into the grave. You can't hold back, you know, your feelings inside when you see stuff like that. It's about honestly letting people experience what I experienced.

They bring the bodies in in these trucks and all throughout here from this point, all the way down are nothing but bodies. And the smell was so strong that you could only stay there for a couple of seconds before you had to back away. You ride from neighborhood after neighborhood, body after body, road after road, flat, gone.

This was the first scene that I witnessed in Banda Aceh. I had to really sleep in the car for the majority of the time, and I subsisted on crackers and water. These people have been left in utter poverty. Just like all of the other people in America that was moved to send money, I felt like I was compelled to by God to go. This mosque was totally underwater. People had to seek refuge on the top of the mosques.

My assignment was to show a personal, human side to the tragedy. And I think that when people watch this film, you know, if you don't become moved by it, then surely you need to check yourself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Eric Williams is going to premiere his documentary. It's called "Walking Wounded." It's tomorrow at Emory University in Atlanta. He's also going to release his movie online at www.otbox.org. We'll check on that. But I believe it's correct, www.otbox.org. There you have it.

KAGAN: All right, well, they are putting their best foot forward in the Big Apple.

SANCHEZ: Still to come, a look at why the city is trying to razzle and dazzle, oh, just a few of its visitors.

KAGAN: And the next time you head to a professional basketball game, beware, there are a few new rules about what you wear and what you drink.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast. An Amber Alert for a missing pregnant woman and her 7-year-old son has been expanded from Texas to four bordering states. Police say there's evidence that Lisa Underwood and her son, Jaden (ph), are victims of a crime. A police report says relatives checking out the woman's home in Fort Worth, Texas found blood on the living room floor. Mother and child were reported missing Saturday after she failed to show up for a baby shower.

SANCHEZ: It's a whole lot of cheering there. It's a cheering crowd of New Yorkers welcoming International Olympic Committee delegates. The delegates will feel some more love today at the Rockefeller Center pep rally that they're going to have for them. New York is one of five finalists seeking to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The other cities are Madrid, London, Moscow and Paris. The final decision will be made in July.

KAGAN: Also in New York today, family, friends and scholars will mark the 40th anniversary of Malcolm X's death. The event will take place at the Audubon ballroom, where the former Nation of Islam leader was assassinated. The ballroom is being converted into a Malcolm X history center. That center is scheduled to open in May.

SANCHEZ: (INAUDIBLE) three prominent figures in American culture, and now their lives are being remembered. First, a hard- drinking rebel who wrote about the dark side of American life, Hunter S. Thompson. He committed suicide according to reports. He pioneered the personal writing style known as gonzo journalism in books like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Generation of Swine." His son says Thompson shot himself at his Colorado home last night. Hunter Thompson was 67 years old.

Here's another Broadway legend, John Raitt is dead. His baritone voice graced the stage in "Carousel," "Annie Get Your Gun" and "The Pajama Get Your Gun," among others. He was the father of singer Bonnie Raitt. He died Sunday at his California home. John Raitt was 88 years old.

KAGAN: And American sweetheart and teenage heartthrob actress Sandra Dee died in California Sunday of complications from kidney disease and pneumonia. She attracted a large teen audience during the '60s in movies like "Gidget" and "The Summer Place."

Stay with us, CNN LIVE TODAY continues after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) KAGAN: Let's talk All-Stars. An all-star performance from Allen Iverson led the Eastern conference to a ten-point win over the West in the last night's NBA All-Star game. The 76ers -- Iverson finished the game with 15 points, nine assists, five steals and was named the game's MVP. It was Iverson's second All-Star MVP and the first time that the East has beaten the West since 2001.

All-Star game weekend also marking the implementation of new NBA code of conduct rules for fans. Perhaps the most important change is that arenas will stop serving alcohol at start of the fourth quarter and will limit to two the number of alcoholic beverages served to each fan. Among other changes, a new rule stipulate players will respect and appreciate each and every fan. Rules also include no throwing objects on to the court. No obscene or indecent messages are permitted on fans' clothing, either.

SANCHEZ: Now they just have to execute it. Jeff Gordon's name is added to the list of Daytona's three-time winners, whose come from behind victory this weekend at Daytona made for one of most thrilling finishes in the race's history. It was good.

CNN's Steve Overmyer, well, he was there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEVE OVERMYER, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Maybe they should have called this the Daytona 50. After 450 miles of drivers playing it cool, they managed to squeeze all of the excitement in the final 20 laps.

JEFF GORDON, 3-TIME DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION: I can't even really relive all of moments that happened. I'm going to have to watch it on video because I don't really know how everything transpired at the end. All I know is I saw the checkered flag waving and I was excited.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., 3RD PLACE FINISH: If I had been up there and kind of had to drive from the back to get there. And I'd been there working all day long, I might have had a little more help. But the guys were, like, surprised to see me there. I don't think they had much confidence in my car.

OVERMYER: The race was so spectacular, it needed overtime. After 200 laps, we still didn't have a winner. It took the first ever green-white checkered finish history in Daytona 500 history to settle this mess.

JIMMIE JOHNSON, 5TH PLACE FINISH: Definitely wild racing. Everybody's trying to do all that they can. You know, you try to help out but you also have to defend your own territory and do the best you can for your racecar.

GORDON: We've been coming here for quite a while, we've won two of these things. It's been awesome, but I got to say, this one was one of the most spectacular finishes, one of the greatest battles and one of the greatest team efforts that I've ever been a part of. So this is definitely the sweetest Daytona 500 I've ever had. ROBERTSON (on camera): This was an emotional victory for Jeff Gordon for more than one reason. He dedicated this race to those who lost their lives in the Hendriks (ph) Motor Sports plane crash late last year.

Steve Overmyer, CNN, Daytona Beach, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: 10:52 on the East Coast, 7:52 on the West. Stay with us. We're going to take you to the West, where it's no secret that -- why children of all ages are smiles at least in snow country.

SANCHEZ: We're also going to have a quick check of the forecast to go along with the great white pictures.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: We're going to check more on that deadly weather in the West, the rockslides, sinkholes, downed power lines. A live report just ahead.

SANCHEZ: And it's not how they're designed, but tasers can be deadly. Should they be banned? It's the second hour of CNN LIVE. It begins right after just a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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 21, 2005 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: We're at the midpoint now. Happy to be here for you. I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News." President Bush today called for a new era of transatlantic unity. The president spoke in Brussels at the beginning of a European trip. Mr. Bush also called on Syria to end its occupation of Lebanon and he said the U.S. is making a diplomatic effort to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. Mr. Bush meets French president Jacques Chirac this evening.

Two Indonesian journalists taken hostage in Iraq have been freed. That's according to Indonesian officials. A video released today shows the journalist with a masked man. CNN cannot confirm the authenticity of the video. The journalists were last seen in the city of Ramadi six days ago. They were stopped by men in uniforms. A video released later showed the two being held at gunpoint.

About 300 British troops left southern Iraq today, following a short deployment. The troops have been transferred from their base in Cyprus to thwart any possible election violence. The election was mostly peaceful in southern Iraq but the troops' commander said its forces helped give soldiers already in Iraq a much-needed rest.

And the latest series of storms to hit Southern California is leaving the region on shaky ground. Up to five inches of rain is expected in some areas by later today. Two deaths have been linked to the storms. A teenager was killed in her home by a rockslide and a city worker fell into a 30-foot sinkhole.

SANCHEZ: Turning now to Israel and the release today of some 500 Palestinian prisoners, which is part of a package that's going to include the removal of Israeli settlers. These are, no doubt, some treacherous waters for Ariel Sharon, who's hoping to break new peace ground with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Here's CNN's John Vause with the story. from Tulkarem, which is in the West Bank.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At five check points like this one across the West Bank in Gaza, 500 Palestinian prisoners were released. For many, an emotional reunion with family they have not seen for years.

This is a confidence-building measure, agreed to by Israeli and Palestinian leaders earlier this month. At the moment, about 7,000 Palestinian prisoners are being held in Israeli jails. Palestinians want them all to be released. Israel says, that won't happen. But 400 more prisoners will be set free in the next three months.

The 500 released today have signed agreements not to be involved in attacks on Israelis. None have been released before under previous deals. And none have been involved directly in attacks on Israeli targets.

(on camera): For the newly elected president of the Palestinian authority Abbas, this is a test of credibility. A major release of prisoners will give him the boost he needs amongst many Palestinians. 900, they say, is a good start, but many believe it's still not enough.

John Vause, CNN, in the West Bank.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Behind-the-scenes deal making is going on in Iraq. After the election, they're talking about who should become prime minister. The Iraqi list today formally nominated interim prime minister Ayad Allawi. But the United Iraqi Alliance, which won last month's vote, may have the leading candidate for the post. That party has not announced its nomination yet.

Ibrahim al Jaafari, seen here on the right, is believed to the to be the frontrunner. He is ahead of a religious Shiite Muslim party. Ahmed Chalabi is mounting a challenge. You might remember Chalabi. He fed the U.S. information about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction or alleged weapons of mass destruction, intelligence that turned out to be false.

Under Saddam Hussein, Sunnis held all of the top security jobs in the Iraqi government. Now, that has changed clearly. Recent elections, mostly boycotted by Sunnis, were a sweeping victory for the Shia majority. Our Nic Robertson takes us to Falluja to look at how Sunnis are preparing for the change.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At Falluja's main traffic intersection, the city appears to be returning to some normality following last November's joint U.S. and Iraqi offensive to oust insurgents. But windowless stores on once-crowded shopping streets and reconstruction down its back alleys hint at how much further this city of one-quarter million Sunnis has to go.

The question is, in this largely Sunni province, where only one in 50 voted in the elections, will they embrace Iraq's new Shia- dominated government?

ADNAN PACHACHI, SUNNI POLITICIAN: I think there would be a wait and see attitude, they'd take such an attitude. I believe there is going to be today, that's what we heard, a meeting of tribal leaders. ROBERTSON: A wait and see to determine how the new government acts and who emerges from the closed door political horse trading now under way. For the influential posts of prime minister, interior and defense ministers.

PACHACHI: The national assembly would also exercise some control. So there would be more checks and balances, but still this -- the jobs are extremely -- are crucial, really.

ROBERTSON: Under Saddam Hussein, security was dominated by Sunnis. A reversal of that by the newly empowered Shias would send the wrong signal to the Sunnis sitting on the sidelines.

ASIZ AL TA'AIE, SHIA POLITICIAN: The more they are involved in the political process, the less terrorist activities we'll see in Iraq.

ROBERTSON: Perhaps most intimidating for Sunnis recently has been watch Shias, fresh from political victory, celebrate their religious festival Ashura on TV, Acts of faith banned under Saddam Hussein as part of his repression of the Shia, tens of thousands strong. A sign of their unity and strength. It is a changing dynamic. The Sunni insurgents are keen to exploit repeatedly attacking and killing Shia.

AYATOLLAH HOSSAIN TAQI MODERRESI, SHIA CLERIC (through translator): At this time, the Shiites could attack and revenge. We could blow up one of their mosques, but the Shiite people reject injustice and hatred.

ROBERTSON: But tolerance does have its limits. Some in the Ashura crowds did chant anti-Sunni slogans, calling Sunni attacks treachery. So how much time will it take for the Sunnis to get off the political fence and possibly trigger the marginalization of insurgents? According to Pachachi, that depends on the new government.

PACHACHI: They should exercise a lot of restraint in the early stages. And do not -- should not be tempted by -- to undertake measures that could be divisive in this country.

ROBERTSON (on camera): Giving top government jobs to moderates and making sure no one running security does it for ethnic or sectarian benefit should send the right signals to Sunnis. In Falluja at the moment, most people are concentrating on just putting their lives back in order.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: As always, CNN "Security Watch" helps you keep up-to- date with your safety. Stay tuned to us day and night as we bring you the very latest development that could affect your own security.

Now, here's another story we're following. Al Jazeera played a new tape reportedly from al Qaeda's number two in command yesterday. On the tape, Ayman al Zawahari scoffs at President Bush's explanation of spreading democracy around the world. As he warns, it will, as he puts it, end with your defeat, referring to Mr. Bush, the killing of your sons and the destruction of your economy. And of course we will continue to bring you the very latest on "Security Watch" right here on CNN -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Former presidents Bush and Clinton are spreading Presidents' Day in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. They continue their tour of tsunami-ravaged areas throughout Southern Asia. The presidents spent time with children, taking in the emotional impact of the disaster, as well as the physical destruction. The former leaders head efforts to raise private donations for tsunami relief.

SANCHEZ: An Atlanta filmmaker journeyed to Sri Lanka three days after the tsunami and he spent three weeks capturing the human side of the disaster. His name is Eric Williams. He's preparing a documentary that's going to be entitled, "Walking Wounded." William (sic) shared with CNN a few of the highlights from the film, as well as his own emotional response to what he saw. Here now in his own words, his story.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "WALKING WOUNDED")

ERIC WILLIAMS, FILMMAKER: Here rescue workers dispose of bodies. There is babies bodies being tossed into the grave. Another body being tossed into the grave. You can't hold back, you know, your feelings inside when you see stuff like that. It's about honestly letting people experience what I experienced.

They bring the bodies in in these trucks and all throughout here from this point, all the way down are nothing but bodies. And the smell was so strong that you could only stay there for a couple of seconds before you had to back away. You ride from neighborhood after neighborhood, body after body, road after road, flat, gone.

This was the first scene that I witnessed in Banda Aceh. I had to really sleep in the car for the majority of the time, and I subsisted on crackers and water. These people have been left in utter poverty. Just like all of the other people in America that was moved to send money, I felt like I was compelled to by God to go. This mosque was totally underwater. People had to seek refuge on the top of the mosques.

My assignment was to show a personal, human side to the tragedy. And I think that when people watch this film, you know, if you don't become moved by it, then surely you need to check yourself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Eric Williams is going to premiere his documentary. It's called "Walking Wounded." It's tomorrow at Emory University in Atlanta. He's also going to release his movie online at www.otbox.org. We'll check on that. But I believe it's correct, www.otbox.org. There you have it.

KAGAN: All right, well, they are putting their best foot forward in the Big Apple.

SANCHEZ: Still to come, a look at why the city is trying to razzle and dazzle, oh, just a few of its visitors.

KAGAN: And the next time you head to a professional basketball game, beware, there are a few new rules about what you wear and what you drink.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's take a look at other stories making news coast to coast. An Amber Alert for a missing pregnant woman and her 7-year-old son has been expanded from Texas to four bordering states. Police say there's evidence that Lisa Underwood and her son, Jaden (ph), are victims of a crime. A police report says relatives checking out the woman's home in Fort Worth, Texas found blood on the living room floor. Mother and child were reported missing Saturday after she failed to show up for a baby shower.

SANCHEZ: It's a whole lot of cheering there. It's a cheering crowd of New Yorkers welcoming International Olympic Committee delegates. The delegates will feel some more love today at the Rockefeller Center pep rally that they're going to have for them. New York is one of five finalists seeking to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The other cities are Madrid, London, Moscow and Paris. The final decision will be made in July.

KAGAN: Also in New York today, family, friends and scholars will mark the 40th anniversary of Malcolm X's death. The event will take place at the Audubon ballroom, where the former Nation of Islam leader was assassinated. The ballroom is being converted into a Malcolm X history center. That center is scheduled to open in May.

SANCHEZ: (INAUDIBLE) three prominent figures in American culture, and now their lives are being remembered. First, a hard- drinking rebel who wrote about the dark side of American life, Hunter S. Thompson. He committed suicide according to reports. He pioneered the personal writing style known as gonzo journalism in books like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Generation of Swine." His son says Thompson shot himself at his Colorado home last night. Hunter Thompson was 67 years old.

Here's another Broadway legend, John Raitt is dead. His baritone voice graced the stage in "Carousel," "Annie Get Your Gun" and "The Pajama Get Your Gun," among others. He was the father of singer Bonnie Raitt. He died Sunday at his California home. John Raitt was 88 years old.

KAGAN: And American sweetheart and teenage heartthrob actress Sandra Dee died in California Sunday of complications from kidney disease and pneumonia. She attracted a large teen audience during the '60s in movies like "Gidget" and "The Summer Place."

Stay with us, CNN LIVE TODAY continues after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) KAGAN: Let's talk All-Stars. An all-star performance from Allen Iverson led the Eastern conference to a ten-point win over the West in the last night's NBA All-Star game. The 76ers -- Iverson finished the game with 15 points, nine assists, five steals and was named the game's MVP. It was Iverson's second All-Star MVP and the first time that the East has beaten the West since 2001.

All-Star game weekend also marking the implementation of new NBA code of conduct rules for fans. Perhaps the most important change is that arenas will stop serving alcohol at start of the fourth quarter and will limit to two the number of alcoholic beverages served to each fan. Among other changes, a new rule stipulate players will respect and appreciate each and every fan. Rules also include no throwing objects on to the court. No obscene or indecent messages are permitted on fans' clothing, either.

SANCHEZ: Now they just have to execute it. Jeff Gordon's name is added to the list of Daytona's three-time winners, whose come from behind victory this weekend at Daytona made for one of most thrilling finishes in the race's history. It was good.

CNN's Steve Overmyer, well, he was there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEVE OVERMYER, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Maybe they should have called this the Daytona 50. After 450 miles of drivers playing it cool, they managed to squeeze all of the excitement in the final 20 laps.

JEFF GORDON, 3-TIME DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION: I can't even really relive all of moments that happened. I'm going to have to watch it on video because I don't really know how everything transpired at the end. All I know is I saw the checkered flag waving and I was excited.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., 3RD PLACE FINISH: If I had been up there and kind of had to drive from the back to get there. And I'd been there working all day long, I might have had a little more help. But the guys were, like, surprised to see me there. I don't think they had much confidence in my car.

OVERMYER: The race was so spectacular, it needed overtime. After 200 laps, we still didn't have a winner. It took the first ever green-white checkered finish history in Daytona 500 history to settle this mess.

JIMMIE JOHNSON, 5TH PLACE FINISH: Definitely wild racing. Everybody's trying to do all that they can. You know, you try to help out but you also have to defend your own territory and do the best you can for your racecar.

GORDON: We've been coming here for quite a while, we've won two of these things. It's been awesome, but I got to say, this one was one of the most spectacular finishes, one of the greatest battles and one of the greatest team efforts that I've ever been a part of. So this is definitely the sweetest Daytona 500 I've ever had. ROBERTSON (on camera): This was an emotional victory for Jeff Gordon for more than one reason. He dedicated this race to those who lost their lives in the Hendriks (ph) Motor Sports plane crash late last year.

Steve Overmyer, CNN, Daytona Beach, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: 10:52 on the East Coast, 7:52 on the West. Stay with us. We're going to take you to the West, where it's no secret that -- why children of all ages are smiles at least in snow country.

SANCHEZ: We're also going to have a quick check of the forecast to go along with the great white pictures.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: We're going to check more on that deadly weather in the West, the rockslides, sinkholes, downed power lines. A live report just ahead.

SANCHEZ: And it's not how they're designed, but tasers can be deadly. Should they be banned? It's the second hour of CNN LIVE. It begins right after just a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com