Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Sunday Morning

Two Rival Illinois Towns Get Set to Walk All Over Each Other in Fitness Competition; Alleged Spain Bombing Ringleader Dead

Aired April 04, 2004 - 09:30   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.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Two rival towns in Illinois get set to walk all over each other in the name of fitness. That story coming up, but first, a look at what is happening at this hour.
The man behind the March 11 Spain terror bombings is dead, according to Spain's interior minister. The alleged ringleader, as well as three other suspected terrorists, died after setting off explosives in a building on the outskirts of Madrid. Police are also investigating a car in the parking lot of that same building. Initial reports suggest that it may be packed with explosives.

In Iraq, a car bomb detonated in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk today, wounding at least five Iraqis. That's according to an Iraqi police commander. And at least 19 Iraqis killed in a gun battle between Shiite demonstrators and Spanish soldiers in Najaf. Paul Bremer, the chief U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq, said today such violent protests have crossed the line and will not be tolerated.

Iran's foreign minister says his country has nothing to hide and has no secret nuclear facilities. The statement comes two days before the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to arrive in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian state TV quotes the head of Iran's atomic energy agency as saying the country has resumed enriching uranium for nuclear fuel for civilian power plants only.

We're awaiting word from police this morning after an overnight incident at Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Officers have been tight-lipped, but initial reports indicate a large confrontation and weapons being involved. We're also told some people sought treatment at an area hospital, but we're still trying to get further details from authorities as to exactly what happened there.

We've been asking you is the high price of gas going to deflate your vacation plans? Look at that, right there. $2.20 regular in San Francisco. Well, the national average last week was $1.77 for a gallon of regular. But a good part of high gas prices apparently comes from taxes. So what's the true cost of gas for American drivers? CNN's Kathleen Koch is live at a gas station in the nation's capital to tell us more about that. Kathleen?

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredricka, it's interesting that you showed prices in San Francisco, because when it comes to gasoline prices, it's very much like real estate right now. It's location, location, location. California, as people might have guessed, does have the highest cost for gasoline in the country, an average of $2.12 a gallon. South Carolina has the lowest cost, with an average price of $1.62 a gallon. Now, here in Washington, D.C., the station where I am downtown, it's $1.89 per gallon. So it sort of falls somewhere in the middle, there.

Now, should report though, interesting that these higher prices have not really caused Americans to change their driving habits or their buying habits. So, those gas-guzzling SUVs, the sales of them are still outpacing the sales of small and medium-sized vehicles. Now, where the pinch is being felt is in the transportation industry. Jet fuel costs are up; diesel fuel costs are up. We're seeing that small companies, small trucking companies, many of them are just parking their big rigs until the prices come down. The larger companies, though, are managing to get buy by buying their fuel in bulk and using sophisticated satellite navigational systems to guide their drivers to the cheapest places to fuel up.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB COSTELLO, AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION: High fuel prices are always going to be hard on the trucking industry. I mean, it is the whole -- they run on trucks, and trucks run on diesel fuel, and it's a very high percentage of their operating expenses. It's always going to be hard. But certainly, I think they have gotten smarter about fuel surcharges, about using technology to their advantage, so that they can help minimize the added increase.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: So anyway, here in Washington, again, the prices are still kind of in the middle of the country. But just for a little bit of perspective, the prices have been quite high for about seven, eight weeks, going up. Adjusted for inflation, the highest prices were way back in 1981, when they were roughly $2.99 a gallon.

Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Kathleen Koch, in a very windy Washington, D.C. Thanks very much.

Well, what do you think? Are your vacation plans begin affected by the rising costs of gas? We're asking for your e-mails, want to know are you altering your plans?

Well, Dave says, "This summer my planned vacation trip to a beach in North Carolina from Indy will take about 76 gallons of gasoline and means an increase of about $35 for gasoline for my entire trip. All I have to do to compensate is drive a little slower and stay in one day in lieu of eating out and make some home cooked meals for my three kids." That from Dave.

A little advice, and doesn't look like he's going to alter his plans altogether, just how he goes about it.

Saturday night with the Donald. Trump the comedian, now?

And four minus two equals a championship show down. We recap Saturday's college basketball semifinals when we come right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, BILLIONAIRE: This is a tough one. You're fired.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: It doesn't look so tough for him, does it?

Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" is one of the most popular programs on television today. The billionaire, who once dreamed of becoming a big-time movie producer, has taken the reality TV world by storm.

Well, despite the success of the television program there's much speculation that his famed Trump Casinos could be facing bankruptcy when the note on bonds are due in two years. Don't bet on it, says Gwenda Blair, author of "The Trumps: Three Generations That Built an Empire." She's followed the entrepreneur's career for more than 20 years now.

All right, Gwenda. Thanks very much for joining us. Well, the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City is the casino that we're talking about, or at least, the rumors have been floating about that he may be facing bankruptcy. Why do you say, no way?

GWENDA BLAIR, AUTHOR, "THE TRUMPS": Donald Trump's ace in the hole is that he was able -- he caught on to the idea that branding himself was how he was going to succeed. So he's not attached, really, to any particular product. He started out with real estate, which wasn't a branded commodity at the time, and managed to brand himself through that. But now, the brand extension has gone on to every possible thing, including now being a TV star.

WHITFIELD: But that doesn't answer why you feel the Taj Mahal probably is really not in trouble, as is being reported, based on a lot of rumors out there. What do you...

BLAIR: Oh, I'm not saying that the Taj isn't in trouble. I'm saying I'm not sure if Donald's in trouble. Donald the brand.

WHITFIELD: I got you. All right. Well, let's talk about Donald the brand and all that he's done. He really, you know, isn't completely a self-made man. He got a chance to ride on the coattails of his dad and granddad; he certainly transformed the family business, didn't he? He can at least be credited with that.

BLAIR: Absolutely. The whole family is just a marvelous case study in capitalism. When I looked at them and realized his grandfather was in the Yukon in the gold rush. His father was in on what we might call the next gold rush, which was the federal government during the New Deal and the kind of mortgage financing that was available for real estate, and then Donald in the '70s realized that it was a whole different landscape, and that the idea of a kind of high-end, luxury real estate was going to be the next gold mine.

WHITFIELD: In fact, he applies himself. He said he's been very successful in helping to transform the skyline of New York City, a city that he loves, and he's not done yet.

BLAIR: Apparently not. I'm sure he's not. He'll keep transforming as much as he can.

WHITFIELD: So what's the secret to his success, do you believe? You mentioned the branding, for one, but certainly a lot of charm that we've been able to see from his show. A lot of folks thought he was rather one-dimensional. But he's a fairly complex individual, isn't he?

BLAIR: Well, I think that, what fascinated me about him was, by the mid-80s, when I began thinking of doing a book, that he was famous for being famous, but he was famous for being an in-your-face guy with a remarkable amount of braggadocio, or really, an over-the-top person. A lot of quality that you wouldn't necessarily think on a personal level would lead to success. How did he manage to harness those qualities? How did he manage to take the kind of, really obnoxiousness sometimes, that on a personal level would seem to be the kiss of death, how did he harness that and make it work for him?

WHITFIELD: And he's got the answer, and he's not sharing, because he's turned it into a mega-billion empire, for sure.

All right, Gwenda Blair, "The Trumps: Three Generations That Built an Empire," thanks very much for joining us from New York.

BLAIR: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, Donald Trump has many endearing qualities. He's rich, he's famous, and now, he's a bona fide TV star for sure. And he's also demonstrated last night, as a host for "Saturday Night Live," that he also has quite a bit of humor.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: It's great to be here at "Saturday Night Live," but I'll be completely honest. It is even better for "Saturday Night Live" that I'm here. Nobody's bigger than me. Nobody's better than me. I'm a ratings machine.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Well, curious to know more about Donald Trump? Then tune in tonight at 7:00 p.m. eastern to see "People in the News." The Donald will be profiled, along with actor Kevin Spacey.

A walk to the moon, perhaps, and back? Well, not necessarily. But it may feel like it. Two Illinois towns are squaring off and putting their best feet forward in the name of health.

And good morning to all my friends out there in Dallas. We'll have your complete weather forecast in about eight minutes. CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Final four frenzy, and the University of Connecticut is heading to their second championship game. UConn made a late run against the Blue Devils of Duke, and held on to win by one over Duke.

Georgia Tech can do UConn one better; the Jackets won a berth in their first ever NCAA basketball championship by hitting a last-second lay-up to beat Oklahoma State by two points, 67-65. Georgia Tech and UConn met once before this year, with Tech winning that November contest. Now they'll do it again, Monday night.

In the '60s, the Americans and Russians took part in the great space race to see who could first reach the moon. Well, now that same battle rages between two Illinois communities, kind of. For an explanation, we are joined on the phone by Peoria Mayor David Ransburg, and Rockford Mayor Doug Scott.

All right, gentlemen, glad you could be with us. Mayor Scott, let me begin with you. Explain this challenge.

DOUG SCOTT, MAYOR, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: Well, good morning. The city of Peoria started this last year; they'd actually done a drive to try to have their citizens walk the distance to the moon and back, which is some 477,000 miles. This year, they challenged our community to try to match them. We're always up for a challenge with Peoria, so we thought it would be a great idea. So our community is doing it as well.

WHITFIELD: So it's all in fun, but Mayor Ransburg, it really is all in health, as well, for you guys, isn't it?

DAVID RANSBURG, MAYOR, PEORIA, ILLINOIS: Well, that's true. This really started, as Mayor Scott said, a year ago, something the Peoria Area Labor Management Council started, because health care costs really are a big problem for labor and management, and certainly a big problem for our cities, and they thought, if there is something we can do to encourage people to better health, perhaps health care costs will be reduced. So this started out as something we thought it would be fun to do, symbolically walk to the moon. They made it to the moon in four months, and said, well, let's see if we can't make it all the way back, and they got left in space. But this year, we'll make it to the moon and back. And we have challenged Rockford in a friendly way to encourage health for all our people.

WHITFIELD: And so, Mayor Scott, what is this rivalry all about? Why is it that you two cities are duking it out, and this being the forum of your challenge?

SCOTT: Well, you know, Peoria and Rockford have a long history of friendly rivalry. For years we were battling which one could be in second place in terms of population in the state. While we don't have that kind of intense rivalry anymore, there are still vestiges of that left over. When Peoria called for a challenge, they asked me about it, and I said yes, we were absolutely up for it, and our health council got behind it for the same reasons that Dave did. So it's a friendly challenge with Peoria, and you know, Dave and I, neither one of us is Jack Lalane, so we have to do our part to do the walking, too.

WHITFIELD: So Mayor Ransburg, we're looking at a shot right now of the moon, kind of symbolically, this is the distance, 477,000 miles going to the moon and back. So how many troops do you have in this walk, so far, representing Peoria?

RANSBURG: I think we have over a thousand, and I think last year, they ended up with 2600. But we would like to end up with four or five thousand people doing it.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And Mayor Scott, how about you? How about your team? I understand you won't be able to walk because you recently had a knee injury, right?

RANSBURG: He's on the disabled list.

SCOTT: That's right. I played at a charity basketball game, but I can do the bike. So there's ways I can contribute, too. We just actually got in to this, just a couple of weeks ago, after the challenge was laid down by Peoria. We have about 50 teams already signed up. So we've already got several hundred people. We've got some large employers, including the city, that are doing this, so we expect to have several thousand people involved before we're done.

WHITFIELD: Wow. So Mayor Ransburg, you're going allow Mayor Scott to bike it because he can't walk it?

RANSBURG: We feel sorry for him.

But I've got my pedometer on, so every step I take is counting.

WHITFIELD: Excellent. Any step you take, from your house to the car, anything like that?

RANSBURG: That's right. Went out and fed the birds this morning, that counted a little bit, and they appreciate it.

WHITFIELD: OK. All right. Well, Mayor Doug Scott of Rockford, and Mayor David Ransburg of Peoria, Illinois, good luck to both of you. The walk began last Thursday, and you guys have a bit of a ways to go, it'll end sometime in the fall. Thanks very much for joining us, and good luck to both of you.

RANSBURG: Thank you.

SCOTT: Thanks.

WHITFIELD: All right. On now to Jacqui Jeras, and I'd say, Jacqui, in some parts of the U.S., some nice weather for a little walking today.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Absolutely. Illinois should not have any problem getting outside walking. You might have to wear a jacket, however. But I think it's going to be the treadmill at the gym for you, or in your house, if you live across west Texas. Showers and thunderstorms there today, and yesterday, and the day before. Unfortunately, it looks like this whole system is going to continue to shift on off to the east and spread across the rest of Texas.

Dallas, enjoy today, because your beautiful weather isn't going to be lasting long. A gorgeous start there, this morning in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Got a live picture there to show you. And we've been debating what this place is. Can we get that picture up? We've got some, I'm guessing those are Texas long horns. If you know the name of this park, send me an e-mail, jacqui.jeras@turner.com, because we're going to try and figure this one out for you.

Anyway, your high temperature today in Dallas, about 72 degrees with partly cloudy skies. Thunderstorms should be moving in this evening, probably after 7:00, 8:00. And that's when you're going to start to see some of those changes. In fact, thunderstorms are going to stay in the forecast for you in the DFW area right through the next three days or so.

New cold front moving in through the Pacific Northwest, bringing in wind to the northern plain states, but nice warm winds. Here is the sunshine, into Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Snow in the interior right now, that rain will change over to snow, and in Washington, D.C. The high temps are you seeing here, most have been seen already. Maybe snow in New York City. We will see thunderstorms in Phoenix, and Las Vegas for tomorrow. From Seattle to San Diego, looking very nice for your weekend and early next week.

WHITFIELD: All right, not bad. You know that little live shot you showed in Dallas. I'm just guessing. I'm thinking it might be a park in Turtle Creek in Dallas. That would be my guess. It's a beautiful park in Dallas. I want to know from those who really know the answer.

JERAS: And I want to know the story behind those bulls, there, too, the long horns, is that it?

WHITFIELD: I would go for that.

JERAS: I believe so.

WHITFIELD: Either than, or hang 10.

Thanks.

All right. Here is a look at the top stories right now.

Police in Spain are investigating a vehicle that may be packed with explosives and is parked outside the apartment complex where four suspected terrorists blew themselves up yesterday. Meanwhile, authorities say one of the four suspects killed in that blast was a Tunisian man identified as the ringleader in last month's Madrid train bombings.

And in Iraq, the U.S. civilian administrator has announced the creation of three Iraqi civilian security services designed to help Iraq defend itself against attacks. This comes after a violent clash between Iraqi Shiite protesters and Spanish police in Najaf that left 19 dead.

Up next, the professional debut for Freddy Adu.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's perhaps the most anticipated testimony before the 9/11 commission. Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to address the panel Thursday morning at 9:00 eastern. We expect to have live coverage of the national security adviser's appearance right here on CNN beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Plenty more ahead on CNN today. Up next, it's "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY" and the race for the White House. Candy Crowley is joined by Bush-Cheney Communications Director Nicolle Devenish and Kerry National Campaign Chairwoman Jeanne Shaheen.

At 11:00, it's "CNN LIVE SUNDAY." Demonstration, and deadly violence in Iraq. We head live to Baghdad for the latest.

And at 11:30, on "RELIABLE SOURCES," the powerful images of war. Should the media show bloody pictures of murdered Americans in Iraq?

He's being called a superhero, been compared to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, and even to Mozart. Not bad for a 14-year-old. So, who is he? As Joyce Jackson from our affiliate WUSA reports, America should get ready for Freddy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOYCE JACKSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT, WUSA: As the world waited with bated breath, Freddy Adu entered the world of professional soccer in the 61st minute of the United's opener against Santa Fe. Each time he touched the ball the crowd cheered with anticipation. Nothing spectacular happened, but there is the promise of a brilliant future and the relief that the first game is over.

FREDDY ADU, SOCCER PLAYER, D.C. UNITED: It went great. Something I'm going to remember for a long time. I had fun out there. It was a great atmosphere. Obviously, I would like to play a little bit more, but you know what, it's my first professional game and I take it one game at a time.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He has the talent, you know. It's a game that's very physical, and still a little guy. I'm sure he's going to grow. Like I said, the people have to think that, you know, he's only 14. And I know that people probably expect a little more, but you've got to give him a chance to show all his stuff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think Freddy likes being on the field. Obviously today was a little bit nervous, because of all the people and everything, but Freddy is best when he's on the field and away from everything and just doing what he knows how to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That report from Joyce Jackson. That'll do it for us.

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 April 4, 2004 - 09:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Two rival towns in Illinois get set to walk all over each other in the name of fitness. That story coming up, but first, a look at what is happening at this hour.
The man behind the March 11 Spain terror bombings is dead, according to Spain's interior minister. The alleged ringleader, as well as three other suspected terrorists, died after setting off explosives in a building on the outskirts of Madrid. Police are also investigating a car in the parking lot of that same building. Initial reports suggest that it may be packed with explosives.

In Iraq, a car bomb detonated in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk today, wounding at least five Iraqis. That's according to an Iraqi police commander. And at least 19 Iraqis killed in a gun battle between Shiite demonstrators and Spanish soldiers in Najaf. Paul Bremer, the chief U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq, said today such violent protests have crossed the line and will not be tolerated.

Iran's foreign minister says his country has nothing to hide and has no secret nuclear facilities. The statement comes two days before the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to arrive in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian state TV quotes the head of Iran's atomic energy agency as saying the country has resumed enriching uranium for nuclear fuel for civilian power plants only.

We're awaiting word from police this morning after an overnight incident at Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Officers have been tight-lipped, but initial reports indicate a large confrontation and weapons being involved. We're also told some people sought treatment at an area hospital, but we're still trying to get further details from authorities as to exactly what happened there.

We've been asking you is the high price of gas going to deflate your vacation plans? Look at that, right there. $2.20 regular in San Francisco. Well, the national average last week was $1.77 for a gallon of regular. But a good part of high gas prices apparently comes from taxes. So what's the true cost of gas for American drivers? CNN's Kathleen Koch is live at a gas station in the nation's capital to tell us more about that. Kathleen?

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredricka, it's interesting that you showed prices in San Francisco, because when it comes to gasoline prices, it's very much like real estate right now. It's location, location, location. California, as people might have guessed, does have the highest cost for gasoline in the country, an average of $2.12 a gallon. South Carolina has the lowest cost, with an average price of $1.62 a gallon. Now, here in Washington, D.C., the station where I am downtown, it's $1.89 per gallon. So it sort of falls somewhere in the middle, there.

Now, should report though, interesting that these higher prices have not really caused Americans to change their driving habits or their buying habits. So, those gas-guzzling SUVs, the sales of them are still outpacing the sales of small and medium-sized vehicles. Now, where the pinch is being felt is in the transportation industry. Jet fuel costs are up; diesel fuel costs are up. We're seeing that small companies, small trucking companies, many of them are just parking their big rigs until the prices come down. The larger companies, though, are managing to get buy by buying their fuel in bulk and using sophisticated satellite navigational systems to guide their drivers to the cheapest places to fuel up.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB COSTELLO, AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION: High fuel prices are always going to be hard on the trucking industry. I mean, it is the whole -- they run on trucks, and trucks run on diesel fuel, and it's a very high percentage of their operating expenses. It's always going to be hard. But certainly, I think they have gotten smarter about fuel surcharges, about using technology to their advantage, so that they can help minimize the added increase.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: So anyway, here in Washington, again, the prices are still kind of in the middle of the country. But just for a little bit of perspective, the prices have been quite high for about seven, eight weeks, going up. Adjusted for inflation, the highest prices were way back in 1981, when they were roughly $2.99 a gallon.

Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Kathleen Koch, in a very windy Washington, D.C. Thanks very much.

Well, what do you think? Are your vacation plans begin affected by the rising costs of gas? We're asking for your e-mails, want to know are you altering your plans?

Well, Dave says, "This summer my planned vacation trip to a beach in North Carolina from Indy will take about 76 gallons of gasoline and means an increase of about $35 for gasoline for my entire trip. All I have to do to compensate is drive a little slower and stay in one day in lieu of eating out and make some home cooked meals for my three kids." That from Dave.

A little advice, and doesn't look like he's going to alter his plans altogether, just how he goes about it.

Saturday night with the Donald. Trump the comedian, now?

And four minus two equals a championship show down. We recap Saturday's college basketball semifinals when we come right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, BILLIONAIRE: This is a tough one. You're fired.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: It doesn't look so tough for him, does it?

Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" is one of the most popular programs on television today. The billionaire, who once dreamed of becoming a big-time movie producer, has taken the reality TV world by storm.

Well, despite the success of the television program there's much speculation that his famed Trump Casinos could be facing bankruptcy when the note on bonds are due in two years. Don't bet on it, says Gwenda Blair, author of "The Trumps: Three Generations That Built an Empire." She's followed the entrepreneur's career for more than 20 years now.

All right, Gwenda. Thanks very much for joining us. Well, the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City is the casino that we're talking about, or at least, the rumors have been floating about that he may be facing bankruptcy. Why do you say, no way?

GWENDA BLAIR, AUTHOR, "THE TRUMPS": Donald Trump's ace in the hole is that he was able -- he caught on to the idea that branding himself was how he was going to succeed. So he's not attached, really, to any particular product. He started out with real estate, which wasn't a branded commodity at the time, and managed to brand himself through that. But now, the brand extension has gone on to every possible thing, including now being a TV star.

WHITFIELD: But that doesn't answer why you feel the Taj Mahal probably is really not in trouble, as is being reported, based on a lot of rumors out there. What do you...

BLAIR: Oh, I'm not saying that the Taj isn't in trouble. I'm saying I'm not sure if Donald's in trouble. Donald the brand.

WHITFIELD: I got you. All right. Well, let's talk about Donald the brand and all that he's done. He really, you know, isn't completely a self-made man. He got a chance to ride on the coattails of his dad and granddad; he certainly transformed the family business, didn't he? He can at least be credited with that.

BLAIR: Absolutely. The whole family is just a marvelous case study in capitalism. When I looked at them and realized his grandfather was in the Yukon in the gold rush. His father was in on what we might call the next gold rush, which was the federal government during the New Deal and the kind of mortgage financing that was available for real estate, and then Donald in the '70s realized that it was a whole different landscape, and that the idea of a kind of high-end, luxury real estate was going to be the next gold mine.

WHITFIELD: In fact, he applies himself. He said he's been very successful in helping to transform the skyline of New York City, a city that he loves, and he's not done yet.

BLAIR: Apparently not. I'm sure he's not. He'll keep transforming as much as he can.

WHITFIELD: So what's the secret to his success, do you believe? You mentioned the branding, for one, but certainly a lot of charm that we've been able to see from his show. A lot of folks thought he was rather one-dimensional. But he's a fairly complex individual, isn't he?

BLAIR: Well, I think that, what fascinated me about him was, by the mid-80s, when I began thinking of doing a book, that he was famous for being famous, but he was famous for being an in-your-face guy with a remarkable amount of braggadocio, or really, an over-the-top person. A lot of quality that you wouldn't necessarily think on a personal level would lead to success. How did he manage to harness those qualities? How did he manage to take the kind of, really obnoxiousness sometimes, that on a personal level would seem to be the kiss of death, how did he harness that and make it work for him?

WHITFIELD: And he's got the answer, and he's not sharing, because he's turned it into a mega-billion empire, for sure.

All right, Gwenda Blair, "The Trumps: Three Generations That Built an Empire," thanks very much for joining us from New York.

BLAIR: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, Donald Trump has many endearing qualities. He's rich, he's famous, and now, he's a bona fide TV star for sure. And he's also demonstrated last night, as a host for "Saturday Night Live," that he also has quite a bit of humor.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: It's great to be here at "Saturday Night Live," but I'll be completely honest. It is even better for "Saturday Night Live" that I'm here. Nobody's bigger than me. Nobody's better than me. I'm a ratings machine.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Well, curious to know more about Donald Trump? Then tune in tonight at 7:00 p.m. eastern to see "People in the News." The Donald will be profiled, along with actor Kevin Spacey.

A walk to the moon, perhaps, and back? Well, not necessarily. But it may feel like it. Two Illinois towns are squaring off and putting their best feet forward in the name of health.

And good morning to all my friends out there in Dallas. We'll have your complete weather forecast in about eight minutes. CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Final four frenzy, and the University of Connecticut is heading to their second championship game. UConn made a late run against the Blue Devils of Duke, and held on to win by one over Duke.

Georgia Tech can do UConn one better; the Jackets won a berth in their first ever NCAA basketball championship by hitting a last-second lay-up to beat Oklahoma State by two points, 67-65. Georgia Tech and UConn met once before this year, with Tech winning that November contest. Now they'll do it again, Monday night.

In the '60s, the Americans and Russians took part in the great space race to see who could first reach the moon. Well, now that same battle rages between two Illinois communities, kind of. For an explanation, we are joined on the phone by Peoria Mayor David Ransburg, and Rockford Mayor Doug Scott.

All right, gentlemen, glad you could be with us. Mayor Scott, let me begin with you. Explain this challenge.

DOUG SCOTT, MAYOR, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: Well, good morning. The city of Peoria started this last year; they'd actually done a drive to try to have their citizens walk the distance to the moon and back, which is some 477,000 miles. This year, they challenged our community to try to match them. We're always up for a challenge with Peoria, so we thought it would be a great idea. So our community is doing it as well.

WHITFIELD: So it's all in fun, but Mayor Ransburg, it really is all in health, as well, for you guys, isn't it?

DAVID RANSBURG, MAYOR, PEORIA, ILLINOIS: Well, that's true. This really started, as Mayor Scott said, a year ago, something the Peoria Area Labor Management Council started, because health care costs really are a big problem for labor and management, and certainly a big problem for our cities, and they thought, if there is something we can do to encourage people to better health, perhaps health care costs will be reduced. So this started out as something we thought it would be fun to do, symbolically walk to the moon. They made it to the moon in four months, and said, well, let's see if we can't make it all the way back, and they got left in space. But this year, we'll make it to the moon and back. And we have challenged Rockford in a friendly way to encourage health for all our people.

WHITFIELD: And so, Mayor Scott, what is this rivalry all about? Why is it that you two cities are duking it out, and this being the forum of your challenge?

SCOTT: Well, you know, Peoria and Rockford have a long history of friendly rivalry. For years we were battling which one could be in second place in terms of population in the state. While we don't have that kind of intense rivalry anymore, there are still vestiges of that left over. When Peoria called for a challenge, they asked me about it, and I said yes, we were absolutely up for it, and our health council got behind it for the same reasons that Dave did. So it's a friendly challenge with Peoria, and you know, Dave and I, neither one of us is Jack Lalane, so we have to do our part to do the walking, too.

WHITFIELD: So Mayor Ransburg, we're looking at a shot right now of the moon, kind of symbolically, this is the distance, 477,000 miles going to the moon and back. So how many troops do you have in this walk, so far, representing Peoria?

RANSBURG: I think we have over a thousand, and I think last year, they ended up with 2600. But we would like to end up with four or five thousand people doing it.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And Mayor Scott, how about you? How about your team? I understand you won't be able to walk because you recently had a knee injury, right?

RANSBURG: He's on the disabled list.

SCOTT: That's right. I played at a charity basketball game, but I can do the bike. So there's ways I can contribute, too. We just actually got in to this, just a couple of weeks ago, after the challenge was laid down by Peoria. We have about 50 teams already signed up. So we've already got several hundred people. We've got some large employers, including the city, that are doing this, so we expect to have several thousand people involved before we're done.

WHITFIELD: Wow. So Mayor Ransburg, you're going allow Mayor Scott to bike it because he can't walk it?

RANSBURG: We feel sorry for him.

But I've got my pedometer on, so every step I take is counting.

WHITFIELD: Excellent. Any step you take, from your house to the car, anything like that?

RANSBURG: That's right. Went out and fed the birds this morning, that counted a little bit, and they appreciate it.

WHITFIELD: OK. All right. Well, Mayor Doug Scott of Rockford, and Mayor David Ransburg of Peoria, Illinois, good luck to both of you. The walk began last Thursday, and you guys have a bit of a ways to go, it'll end sometime in the fall. Thanks very much for joining us, and good luck to both of you.

RANSBURG: Thank you.

SCOTT: Thanks.

WHITFIELD: All right. On now to Jacqui Jeras, and I'd say, Jacqui, in some parts of the U.S., some nice weather for a little walking today.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Absolutely. Illinois should not have any problem getting outside walking. You might have to wear a jacket, however. But I think it's going to be the treadmill at the gym for you, or in your house, if you live across west Texas. Showers and thunderstorms there today, and yesterday, and the day before. Unfortunately, it looks like this whole system is going to continue to shift on off to the east and spread across the rest of Texas.

Dallas, enjoy today, because your beautiful weather isn't going to be lasting long. A gorgeous start there, this morning in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Got a live picture there to show you. And we've been debating what this place is. Can we get that picture up? We've got some, I'm guessing those are Texas long horns. If you know the name of this park, send me an e-mail, jacqui.jeras@turner.com, because we're going to try and figure this one out for you.

Anyway, your high temperature today in Dallas, about 72 degrees with partly cloudy skies. Thunderstorms should be moving in this evening, probably after 7:00, 8:00. And that's when you're going to start to see some of those changes. In fact, thunderstorms are going to stay in the forecast for you in the DFW area right through the next three days or so.

New cold front moving in through the Pacific Northwest, bringing in wind to the northern plain states, but nice warm winds. Here is the sunshine, into Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Snow in the interior right now, that rain will change over to snow, and in Washington, D.C. The high temps are you seeing here, most have been seen already. Maybe snow in New York City. We will see thunderstorms in Phoenix, and Las Vegas for tomorrow. From Seattle to San Diego, looking very nice for your weekend and early next week.

WHITFIELD: All right, not bad. You know that little live shot you showed in Dallas. I'm just guessing. I'm thinking it might be a park in Turtle Creek in Dallas. That would be my guess. It's a beautiful park in Dallas. I want to know from those who really know the answer.

JERAS: And I want to know the story behind those bulls, there, too, the long horns, is that it?

WHITFIELD: I would go for that.

JERAS: I believe so.

WHITFIELD: Either than, or hang 10.

Thanks.

All right. Here is a look at the top stories right now.

Police in Spain are investigating a vehicle that may be packed with explosives and is parked outside the apartment complex where four suspected terrorists blew themselves up yesterday. Meanwhile, authorities say one of the four suspects killed in that blast was a Tunisian man identified as the ringleader in last month's Madrid train bombings.

And in Iraq, the U.S. civilian administrator has announced the creation of three Iraqi civilian security services designed to help Iraq defend itself against attacks. This comes after a violent clash between Iraqi Shiite protesters and Spanish police in Najaf that left 19 dead.

Up next, the professional debut for Freddy Adu.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's perhaps the most anticipated testimony before the 9/11 commission. Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to address the panel Thursday morning at 9:00 eastern. We expect to have live coverage of the national security adviser's appearance right here on CNN beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Plenty more ahead on CNN today. Up next, it's "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY" and the race for the White House. Candy Crowley is joined by Bush-Cheney Communications Director Nicolle Devenish and Kerry National Campaign Chairwoman Jeanne Shaheen.

At 11:00, it's "CNN LIVE SUNDAY." Demonstration, and deadly violence in Iraq. We head live to Baghdad for the latest.

And at 11:30, on "RELIABLE SOURCES," the powerful images of war. Should the media show bloody pictures of murdered Americans in Iraq?

He's being called a superhero, been compared to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, and even to Mozart. Not bad for a 14-year-old. So, who is he? As Joyce Jackson from our affiliate WUSA reports, America should get ready for Freddy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOYCE JACKSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT, WUSA: As the world waited with bated breath, Freddy Adu entered the world of professional soccer in the 61st minute of the United's opener against Santa Fe. Each time he touched the ball the crowd cheered with anticipation. Nothing spectacular happened, but there is the promise of a brilliant future and the relief that the first game is over.

FREDDY ADU, SOCCER PLAYER, D.C. UNITED: It went great. Something I'm going to remember for a long time. I had fun out there. It was a great atmosphere. Obviously, I would like to play a little bit more, but you know what, it's my first professional game and I take it one game at a time.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He has the talent, you know. It's a game that's very physical, and still a little guy. I'm sure he's going to grow. Like I said, the people have to think that, you know, he's only 14. And I know that people probably expect a little more, but you've got to give him a chance to show all his stuff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think Freddy likes being on the field. Obviously today was a little bit nervous, because of all the people and everything, but Freddy is best when he's on the field and away from everything and just doing what he knows how to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That report from Joyce Jackson. That'll do it for us.

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