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CNN Sunday Morning

Is There a Port Security Compromise in the Works?; Neo-Nazi Rally Ends With Over Dozen Arrests

Aired February 26, 2006 - 09:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: It is an issue that is sparking congressional outrage -- labor protests and outright fears for our national security. But is there a compromise in sight when it comes to managing U.S. ports?
Good morning, everybody.

It is Sunday, February 26.

From the CNN Center right here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris.

Good morning, everyone.

We will take you live to the White House for the latest on the port controversy in just a moment.

But first, some other stories making news right now.

Authorities in Texas now think the powder found at a college dorm is probably not the deadly poison ricin. While an early test indicated it was, two additional tests were negative. Students at the University of Texas at Austin dorm were allowed to move back in. We're still waiting to hear the results of the final tests being done at an Army lab in Maryland.

In Mexico, we're hearing there's no hope left for the 65 miners trapped underground after a coal mine explosion. The mine's owners say it is not possible they survived. The search was called off on Friday. Rescuers couldn't reach the men because of deadly levels of methane gas.

And police in Afghanistan have surrounded a prison outside of Kabul, where a riot has broken out. Taliban and al Qaeda inmates have taken control of a wing of the high security facility. The unrest started after the prison tried to require inmates to wear uniforms. So far, 30 prisoners have been wounded.

NGUYEN: Neo-Nazi rallies -- a march through a mostly black neighborhood in Orlando, Florida. And it ends with more than a dozen people arrested. Fights broke out between Nazi supporters and protesters, as you see right there.

Athletes are taking their final shots for the gold in Torino today. The Olympics are coming to a close, with final competitions and closing ceremonies. The U.S. remains in the number two position in the overall medal count, with nine golds and 25 medals overall. Germany is number one, with 11 gold medals.

HARRIS: And, Betty, coming up, sad news from Hollywood.

We say good-bye to the bug-eyed comic genius who made us laugh for years and years.

NGUYEN: He did.

HARRIS: And, also, a very familiar face from the big and small screens. And when it comes to spring break, for some kids there might not be beer and there might not be bikinis...

NGUYEN: Yes?

HARRIS: Instead, they want you to come on down to the Gulf Coast and join the Storm Corps.

NGUYEN: Topping our news, a congressional showdown over an Arab company managing terminals at key U.S. ports may have been diffused.

There is word Republican leaders are crafting a compromise that would allow the deal to move forward.

Here's what we know.

Sources tell CNN weekend talks call for the deal to first get a 45-day security investigation and talks also call for the Arab owned company in question to request that review itself. Any recommendation from the review must go to President Bush. And if he approves the deal, he is required by law to tell Congress why.

This is a story that CNN first broke.

And we want to get more on this political maneuvering from our White House correspondent, Elaine Quijano -- Elaine, good morning.

Who's behind this compromise?

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Betty.

Well, really it was the office of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist that had been talking about this compromise deal. As you mentioned, CNN broke this news yesterday.

The majority leader, Senator Frist, essentially is encouraging that Dubai-based company, Dubai Ports World, to go ahead and ask the government panel that's in charge of reviewing these kinds of deals -- it's called CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment, to take another look, the company itself to take another -- to ask the government to take another look at this deal.

Now, the thinking really was that because D.P. World was sort of separating out the U.S. portion of this deal -- because this involved ports not just in the U.S. The whole transaction involved many, many ports. But what they decided to do is separate the six U.S. ports in question that were the cause of so much concern on Capitol Hill. And that provided an avenue, they thought, for allowing D.P. World to then approach CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment.

But really this effort spearheaded by congressional -- Republican congressional leaders -- Betty.

NGUYEN: So, let's get down to it, Elaine.

How does this compromise satisfy both sides -- the concerns on all sides, in fact?

QUIJANO: Well, yes, that's right. I mean they were really digging in on this. Lawmakers, on the one hand, were threatening to block this deal with legislation. They wanted a 45-day review. They said they had a lot of questions about the national security implications of this transaction.

At the same time, here at the White House you had President Bush saying look, I will veto any legislation, any move to block this deal. The president was adamant. Officials here adamant. As late as Friday, in fact, we heard the president's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, said look, this process is over as far as the administration was concerned. The review was thorough. This transaction was very closely examined and all of those issues of national security had already been looked at.

Now, what's interesting is that this deal basically lets both sides save face, Betty.

What it does is it gives lawmakers this 45-day review that they had been requesting and at the same time it's not the administration that is saying yes, we'll proceed with this review, it is the company itself that's going to be asking for this. So it allows the Bush administration to say it is not us. We are not changing our position and our before that the original review was, in fact, thorough. Instead, they can now say yes, it's the company requesting this, so we will go along with it.

So a lot of developments here, Betty.

But in the end, the deal may go through and everybody gets what they wanted -- Betty.

NGUYEN: I see.

A lot of political maneuvering going on in this one.

Elaine Quijano at the White House, thank you for clarifying.

We do want to know what you think about this ports deal controversy.

Would turning over terminal operations at U.S. ports weaken U.S. security? What do you think? E-mail us, weekends@cnn.com.

We're going to read some of those responses a little later in the show.

HARRIS: Two U.S. soldiers are dead following a roadside bomb explosion in western Baghdad and another bombed mosque brings protesters out in force in southern Iraq. Two people were reportedly hurt following a blast at the Ali Shia Shrine in Basra earlier today. It is one of four mosques to come under attack so far today in Iraq.

Further north, in Hilla, a car bomb was remotely set off at the main bus terminal roughly seven hours ago. Five people were hurt in that blast. Hilla is considered a mostly Shiite city.

And just about an hour ago, Iraq's national security adviser addressed the quickly crumbling situation there. Observers believe the violence may be a precursor to an all-out civil war between Iraq's Shiite majority and the Sunni minority.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOWAFFAK AL RUBAIE, IRAQ NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: The blueprints of al Qaeda in Iraq is there. It's the same design, the same method, the same objective they wanted to achieve, which is a civil war. They wanted to drive a wedge between the two communities in Iraq, between the Shia and Sunnis.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: And be sure to join Wolf Blitzer for "LATE EDITION."

Wolf has more with Iraq's national security adviser, as well as his U.S. counterpart, Stephen Hadley.

That's later this morning, 11:00 Eastern, right here on CNN.

NGUYEN: Stories Across America now.

A Texas judge has declared a mistrial in the case of a woman accused of cutting the arms off her 10-month-old daughter. The woman claims she was insane when she dismembered her 10-month-old. Police found her covered in blood, holding a knife and listening to a hymn while the baby lay in her crib. The jury says they deadlocked during deliberations.

A helicopter crashes in a remote area north of Los Angeles. A flight student was killed and a flight instructor was injured. Power lines were downed near the crash site, but officials say they're not sure about the cause of the accident just yet. They're still investigating.

A snorkeler bitten by a shark off the coast of Maui may have been dead before that attack. An early autopsy report says there is no clear indication the man was alive at the time he was bitten. There's no word on the exact cause of death. HARRIS: And a North Carolina teacher is in jail on $100,000 bond, accused of having sex with an 11-year-old student. At a hearing, the boy's mother begged the judge not to let the teacher out, saying her son was terrified.

And look closely. Do you see Jesus there? Well, this guy...

NGUYEN: A little bit. Yes, a little bit, maybe...

HARRIS: You do?

NGUYEN: I see a face.

HARRIS: This guy that you're about to see in a second here says he did. A worker at a hardware store says he was unloading supplies when he saw the image of Jesus on a piece of sheet metal. Now he's sharing his religious experience with the highest bidder.

NGUYEN: Of course.

HARRIS: Yes.

The sheet metal is on sale on eBay and you can bid on it or buy it outright for $10,000.

NGUYEN: I'm not sure if it's Jesus, but I do see kind of a face there if you look closely.

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: Well, beaches, parties, heavy drinking -- that is the scene that you usually expect from coast to coast during the spring break season. But this year, some students choose a surprising alternative. No, they won't be watching any of that. But you'll have to stick around to see what they will be doing.

HARRIS: Take a look.

Take a look.

Plus, we take you live to New Orleans with a glimpse of the first Mardi Gras since Hurricane Katrina.

What is the weather going to be like for Fat Tuesday?

Bonnie Schneider -- good morning.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Tony.

We're looking at some nice conditions today, and better than yesterday. At least no rain is in the forecast.

See those kind of -- that breeze going on there. The current temperature in New Orleans is 51 degrees. And as we get ready for Fat Tuesday, the weather gets better and better. Look at this -- 75 degrees. After a chilly Mardi Gras last year, this is going to be gorgeous, really warm and very spring like across much of southeast Louisiana for the entire week.

Now, coming up, I'll take a look at the rest of the nation's weather in just a bit.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Six months later, we trek through the rubble of Hurricane Katrina. And we take the music of the Blind Boys of Alabama with us. That story and some unforgettable images. That's later on CNN SUNDAY MORNING:

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, if you are a college student right now, which one of these settings would you choose for your spring break -- party like a rock star with hundreds of crazy coeds or help cities shattered by the hurricane season put the pieces back together?

This morning, we're going to tell you about some students who are choosing a meaningful trip to the Gulf Coast.

The Storm Corps is a partnership between MTV and the United Way and it's a way to get young people involved in mending communities and rebuilding lives.

Joining us now is MTV vice president of publicity, Ian Rowe.

Thanks so much for being with us today.

IAN ROWE, MTV: Good morning.

How are you?

NGUYEN: I am doing fabulous.

And these teens are going to be doing such good work down there.

One hundred young people will be chosen for this Storm Corps.

What exactly will they be doing?

ROWE: Well, you know, MTV, you know, we reflect what's going on in the lives of young people. And we've just seen an incredible surge of interest in young people doing something meaningful, as you just said, with their time during their spring break.

You know, most of the coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath has focused on New Orleans. But on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, of the 171,000 homes there, only 1,300 were unaffected. More than 100,000 were either destroyed or severely damaged. And when young people see that, they want to help and they want to take action.

So we at Think MTV, our ongoing effort to engage young people on a wide range of social issues, including disaster relief, have had the great fortune to partner with the United Way to create Storm Corps, where 100 amazing young people -- and we've received thousands of applications...

NGUYEN: I beg you have.

Well, what do they do? What will they be doing exactly?

ROWE: They're going into two areas -- Foley, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi. They'll be doing things like rebuilding a playground center at a center for the deaf. They're rebuilding the Southern AIDS Task Force. They're going to be digging ditches, fixing houses, redoing gardens, anything to really help the people that were devastated by these storms.

NGUYEN: A hundred young people participating.

Why just 100? Why not more?

ROWE: Well, it's just 100 for Storm Corps, but realize that we actually -- we're encouraging all young people across the nation, even if they can't travel, to construct their own alternative spring break. So they can go to think.mtv.com, type in their zip code and actually find thousands of volunteer opportunities, whether it's in the Gulf Coast, whether it's in their neighborhood or, in fact, if it's overseas.

During the week of March 20 to the 24th, we're actually dedicating a whole week of programming not only to young people who are going to be in the Gulf Coast, but to kids in San Diego State or...

NGUYEN: So while these kids, these 100, are down there doing the work, you're going to be creating a documentary of sorts about what they've been doing?

ROWE: Absolutely. It's called "Amazing Break" and it's going to be airing on March 25 at 4:00 p.m. to culminate this week where we're really celebrating young people taking action.

NGUYEN: I want to ask you, MTV has taken on a lot of social issues with Rock The Vote and some of the other programming.

What kind of long-term effects do these types of initiatives have on young people?

Do they stick with it?

ROWE: Oh, there's no question. And we stick with them. You know, it's often said that young people are apathetic, but we saw -- we find the exact opposite.

Immediately after Katrina, we saw a huge surge in young people wanting to take action. Now, six months later, they're just as dedicated, whether it's fighting discrimination, helping out in disaster relief, voting, mobilizing young people to make change. There's a new movement of leadership and we're really excited to document young people doing it.

NGUYEN: That is great to hear.

And, you know, just to clarify for the folks who want to watch spring break and all the fun that goes on, besides the hard work that's being done, you're not changing your programming, per secure? You're still going to be showing this, what we're putting up on the air right now, the fun of spring break, correct?

ROWE: Well, as I said, young people spend their break in a variety of ways. But what we are focused on is this huge surge of interest of young people who want to spend it in a more meaningful way. And we're really excited to make that part of our spring break programming this year.

NGUYEN: So you're adding to the programming and showing Storm Corps and the good work that they'll be doing down there?

ROWE: Absolutely.

NGUYEN: Best of luck to you guys and the 100 young people who are going to be participating. This is a great project.

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: Thanks so much for being with us today.

ROWE: Thank you very much.

HARRIS: Put your doubts aside. The spirit of Mardi Gras is, indeed, alive. Not even Hurricane Katrina could stop the floats from rolling down Canal Street. We will take you live there.

Plus, hey, wait a minute, Chris Lawrence is there, isn't he?

NGUYEN: Yes, he's there, having a good time.

HARRIS: OK.

And still ahead, the Olympic flame will soon move on. The sight of world class athletes on the slopes of Torino will disappear. We're headed live to Italy on the last day of the Winter Games. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Bonnie Schneider maps buttons and all kinds of graphics and everything to sort of walk us through weather this morning.

NGUYEN: Yes, she does.

HARRIS: She's following the situation.

SCHNEIDER: I've got all my gadgets.

HARRIS: You ready to go?

SCHNEIDER: Yes, sure. HARRIS: Good morning, Bonnie.

SCHNEIDER: Yes.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: Far and away from both New Orleans and Rio, it's carnival time, even in Torino, Italy. Honest.

The 20th Winter Olympics winds its way through its conclusion tonight with a huge celebration, complete with crowns, crooners and promised celebrities.

Our man in Torino, Larry Smith, joins us live now -- Larry, good morning to you.

LARRY SMITH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, good morning.

Good afternoon here in Torino.

Yes, a carnival atmosphere for tonight's closing ceremony, just two days before Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, as you've been talking about.

One more event to come to a completion here in Torino. It is the men's gold medal hockey game. Finland leading Sweden 1-0 after the first period. Now in the second period there as we close out these games. USA coming in, a second place showing, but a very strong showing, with 25 medals overall in these Games. And what a couple of weeks it's been.

Two weeks, two days and now these 20th Winter Games are coming to a close. The doping scandals that dominated the scene at the Athens Summer Games just 18 months ago were barely a distraction here in Torino. Instead, it was a new snapshot and a new story that it seemed awaiting around every corner.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

SMITH (voice-over): Found in the largest city ever to stage a Winter Olympics, a host of fresh faces colored in gold and with personalities to match.

JULIA MANCUSO, WOMEN'S GIANT SLALOM GOLD: And they're like do you know you won gold? I'm like I don't know. Really? Yes! I don't know, it's just -- everything is so exciting.

SMITH: Of the nine Americans who won individual gold in Torino, seven were making their Olympic debut, leaving an indelible mark on the 2006 Games.

Some made history.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm very proud of these and I can't wait to show my friends back at home.

SMITH: Some made a name for themselves.

SHAUN WHITE, MEN'S SNOWBOARD HALF-PIPE GOLD: The people that don't really speak English as well, they're like tomato, tom-ato, hey, you know? I'm like yes, I'm the tomato.

SMITH: And some just made you smile.

HANNAH TETER, WOMEN'S SNOWBOARD HALF-PIPE GOLD: Everything just clicked, the sun and the vibe and the people. And all the riders were super stoked. So that just made me excited. It was awesome.

SMITH: The youngsters helped take the sting out of the biggest U.S. disappointments -- Michelle Kwan forced out by injury a day after she arrived; the men's hockey team, a winner just once; and Bode Miller, Daron Rahlves and Lindsey Kildow leaving the Alps without a single medal.

TIM LAYDEN, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": Basically, Bode came here out of shape and disinterested and has skied accordingly.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They can talk all they want about how the World Cup is more important, but the fact is to their entire country, this is the only thing that matters.

JIM SCHERR, USOC PRESIDENT: We've had very high expectations and we did, as an Olympic Committee, for a certain number of high profile athletes. But if you look at some of the performance leading into the Games, it -- they weren't clearly on top of their game coming here.

SMITH: The snowboarding and the speed skating carried the Americans, combining for 14 of 25 medals. But the latter won gold for its ongoing controversy. Chad Hedrick won three medals and Shani Davis two. But their feud cast a cloud over an otherwise bright spot for the U.S.

CHAD HEDRICK: Well, we're going to butt heads every now and then and if you don't butt heads, that means you really didn't have the hunger to go out there and win.

SHANI DAVIS: I'm sure that our relationship will be fine. I mean we're just competitors. We want to win, so that's all we want to do.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

SMITH: Well, while they quarreled, Joey Cheek went out and made some more -- a little more quiet noise. He won gold and silver in speed skating here and then donated his $40,000 in bonus money to charity. And getting something in return that money can't buy. He will be the flag bearer for the U.S. in tonight's closing ceremony.

Let's go back to you -- Tony.

HARRIS: That's good stuff.

All right, Larry Smith for us in Torino, Italy. Larry, thank you.

NGUYEN: Well, the parade rolls on in New Orleans. It is the last big weekend for Mardi Gras. You see all the trash along the side of the streets here. They have been partying down there in The Big Easy.

HARRIS: We are going to take you live to the big easy in just a couple of minutes.

Wait a minute, Chris is there.

NGUYEN: Chris is there.

HARRIS: Chris is there.

NGUYEN: Having a good time.

HARRIS: But before we do that, we're going to get to Danielle Elias, who has a look at international headlines for us this morning -- good morning, Danielle.

DANIELLE ELIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That looks like a fun party.

But first, Iran's disputed nuclear program has been at an impasse, until now.

Is progress being made as a top ally steps in?

We'll have the details for you when we go global, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: "Now in the News" a congressional showdown over port security may be averted. Sources tell CNN republican leaders are shaking a compromise that would allow an Arab owned company to take control of six American ports. One proposal calls for the Dubai Company to ask the U.S. government to conduct a 45-day security review. We'll stay on top of this story for you.

From rescue to recovery in Mexico, mine owners say all 65 men trapped underground in an explosion six days ago are dead. The owners say there is no way the men could have survived a lack of oxygen and the toxic gases for so long. The owners plan to recover the bodies.

HARRIS: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran today. The crowd was protesting the bombing of a Shiite Muslim shrine in Iraq last week. Iran accusing Western forces in Iraq of orchestrating Wednesday's blast in order to spark a civil war between Sunnis and Shiites.

An update now on that ricin scare in Austin, Texas. Emergency officials say it looks increasingly unlikely that the white powder found at a university of Texas dormitory is the deadly poison. That's because no one has shown symptoms. Still, more tests are being performed at an Army lab. You may recall an initial test indicated the powder was ricin.

Attention filled neo-Nazi rally ended in more than a dozen arrests in Florida. Police say at least a dozen counter protesters clashed with neo-Nazi supporters -- look at all of this -- in a mostly black neighborhood of Orlando. The charges include disorderly conduct, battery, and wearing a mask.

And good morning, everyone. Welcome back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING, I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks for joining us.

Mardi Gras revelers can see clearly now that the rain is gone, finally. And hopefully it hold off long enough to get in the big parades which were delayed yesterday. The parties had to move indoors last night so folks will be up for getting things rolling for a little real fun today. CNN's Chris Lawrence is right there in the middle of things, live on Bourbon Street, today.

Chris, there must have been a lot of partying going on last night because we have seen the trash just lined up along the streets.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, as much as these people were drinking last night, I don't know how clearly they really are seeing early this morning. Some of these people were stumbling down the street up until a couple of hours ago. I mean, you can take a look -- live look down Bourbon Street right now. You know, the street cleaners are out. It's a quiet start to the morning. You know, pretty raucous crowd last night. Bourbon Street was jammed with people, a lot of people coming out, drinking, partying. The balconies were just packed with people throwing the beads down. That's a lot of what needs to be cleaned up now. Because those crowds will start to trickle back in here by the afternoon.

You know, you stand here on Bourbon Street and you'd almost be hard pressed to find any evidence that Hurricane Katrina even happened. But we know that's not the case. You get out into some of these neighborhoods around New Orleans, you see just an entirely different picture than what goes on here in the heart of the French Quarter. Some of these neighborhoods just feel very devastated. People cannot get back into their homes, if their homes are still standing at all.

And I know a lot of our viewers around this time on a Sunday morning are getting ready to go to church. You know, that's not an option for a lot of people here. You know, there is an estimate that some 900 houses of worship, in the entire Gulf area, were either badly damaged or destroyed. The Catholic church, the archdiocese, here in New Orleans area, is shutting down about -- has shut down or will shut down about seven churches. So, there's been a lot of damage to the places of worship, here in the area. A lot of people are going on the internet, going to parking lots. Some have set up small trailers trying to keep their congregation going, so to speak. But again, with the population reduced so much, we're hearing that a lot of these churches just may not reopen -- Betty. NGUYEN: Well, Chris, there has been, as you well know, some controversy over whether this Mardi Gras should even happen at all. I have to ask you, as you've been watching the crowd, being among them, are people really embracing this? Are they using it as a release and a relief at a time when there's so much still to be done?

LAWRENCE: Yeah. You've really got two Mardi Gras, Betty, you've this Mardi Gras here on Bourbon Street, which draws a lot of tourists and a lot of people from out of town, and then have you the parades, which are heavily patronized by the folks who actually live here in the Gulf area. A lot of tradition there, a lot of people who are involved in some of the crews and the parades for years and grew up with that. A lot of them are using the parades kind of to catch up with old friends, some of them seeing each other for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. So in that sense, you know, it's been a real emotional lift for them. The only problem is, you know, when Mardi Gras ends on Tuesday, you're kind of hit with this reality again of wow, it's over, and we're right back to where we were before.

NGUYEN: And so much still to be done and rebuilt in that city. Chris Lawrence, thank you.

LAWRENCE: Yeah.

HARRIS: Well, many are concerned about Iran's potential nuclear activity.

NGUYEN: But, talks are underway to bypass a potential global conflict. Our Danielle Elias joins us from the international desk with all the details on this.

Danielle, what do you know?

ELIAS: Well Betty, as you mentioned, uranium activity tops our stories this hour. Russia's news agency, Interfax, is reporting progress in a proposal for joint uranium enrichment programs between Iran and Russia. And Iran's vice president is record saying the two countries will continue to talk soon.

Now, Russia has offered to host Iran's uranium enrichment program. This would break the existing impasse. As one of Iran's trading partners and their largest, as one of their largest, Russia is trying to resolve the nuclear dispute that has caused major international concerns, especially from the U.S. They're also trying to avoid a potential U.N. sanction.

Police and soldiers are in standoff with inmates at what is considered one of the most notorious jails in Afghanistan. This, after an uprising, broke out in three sections of the prison with hundreds of inmates. Afghan officials say the Pul-e-Charkhi Prison holds Al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners. The inmates were heard chanting slogans such as "God is great," "death to America," and "down with Karzai," referring to the Afghan president. Government negotiators are at the scene.

Well, wearing black hats and fancy costumes, fans of the magical fictional hero, Harry Potter, flocked to bookstores in Argentina. After waiting half a year, they're there to buy the sixth Spanish language installment of the best-selling series. J.K. Rowling book was released simultaneously for Spanish speakers around the world. They look pretty excited to me. Now, for the U.S. it went all the way from the U.S., the Americas, all the way across the sea, to Spain -- Tony.

HARRIS: That's just amazing.

NGUYEN: Harry Potter mania continues.

ELIAS: Potter mania all over the world, now.

HARRIS: Danielle, thank you.

ELIAS: In multiple languages.

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: Yeah, that's right. Thank you.

ELIAS: Thank you.

HARRIS: Sad news out of Hollywood this morning with the deaths of not one, but two highly regarded actors. The "Associated Press" reports 83-year-old Darren McGavin passed away last night at a Los Angeles hospital. The tough-talking TV star may be best remembered for his series work in " Kolchak: The Night Stalker," "Mike Hammer" or "Riverboat," but his big screen claim to fame was his portrayal of the cranky father in the 1983 comedy "A Christmas Story," a lot of that short in Cleveland, Ohio (INAUDIBLE) Darren McGavin, dead at the age of 83.

Don Knotts, he was small in stature, but a giant in his craft. The 81-year-old actor-comedian died Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital. His family and long-time friend, actor, Andy Griffith by his side. Tonight, you can you catch one of his last TV appearances on a special LARRY KING LIVE rebroadcast of the Mayberry reunion with Andy Griffith. It's at 9:00 Eastern.

Right now, CNN's Sibila Vargas has more on the life of Don Knotts.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DON KNOTTS, ACTOR: We got to nip it. Nip it in the bud. You got that?

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Don Knotts created the lovable, high-strung Deputy Barney Fife on classic '60s sitcom, "The Andy Griffith Show." This Mayberry maverick earned the actor five Emmy Awards.

KNOTTS: Well, I guess you would be happy too if you had just about an offered an important job. I have had, over the years, I don't know how many people say -- guys come up and say, hey, I've got a -- we've a Barney Fife down at our station.

VARGAS: A native of West Virginia, Knotts was a decorated Army veteran for his service in World War II. Back home and a moved to New York, the comedian found work in television. He first made a name for himself on the jittery guy on the "Steve Allen Show."

KNOTTS: We take this tube -- excuse me. We take this tube...

KNOTTS: When I started out in the business, and I didn't have any originality, I came across the nervous character in the "Steve Allen Show," actually dreamed that character.

VARGAS: A slapstick movie career followed in 1958. The Griffith-Knotts pairing debuted in "No Time for Sergeants." He stared in 1966 Mayberry-esque "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" and in 1967's madcap comedy "The Reluctant Astronauts." On the small screen, Knotts became a series regular on "Three's Company," then in the late '80s there was a reteaming of the famous TV duo in "Matlock."

KNOTTS: Me? No. I'm retired.

VARGAS: Well into his 70s, Knotts played the TV repairman in the fantasy "Pleasantville." The next year he published his autobiography, "Barney Fife and Others Characters I Have Known." Two marriages and two children added to his story. Knotts was a brilliant comedian and writer who spent a lifetime making people laugh.

Sibila Vargas, CNN, Hollywood.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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NGUYEN: Well, for those of you just joining us, let's take a look at our top stories this morning. Republican lawmakers may have a compromise in place on this controversial Dubai World Ports deal that would allow a company to manage six U.S. seaports. It's based on a 45-day study to see if the proposed acquisition would threaten U.S. domestic security.

In other news, a neo-Nazi rally in central Florida yesterday ends in fist to cuffs and at least a dozen arrests. Look at this, Orlando police say violence broke out as about 30 neo-Nazis tried to march through a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The marchers were met by more than 100 counter demonstrators.

And the 2006 winter Olympics draws to a close today. Can you believe it? It's almost over. So, get your souvenirs while you can. Two more medal contests and closing ceremonies are on tap for later today. Organizers say they have a surprise for a celebrity to snuff out the Olympic flame. They're going to be doing that in style. Wonder who that is going to be. HARRIS: We'll find out soon, that's for sure. Bonnie Schneider's upstairs in the CNN Weather Center, she's talking about a pineapple -- what was it?

NGUYEN: Express?

HARRIS: What is that Bonnie?

NGUYEN: We want to hop onboard.

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NGUYEN: We like the sound of it down there where the good times are rolling. Thank you, Bonnie.

HARRIS: How good is that going to feel? Wow, 75.

OK, when we asked the group of blind boys of Alabama if we could use their music to help tell the story of New Orleans devastation, we had our fingers crossed.

NGUYEN: Yeah we...

HARRIS: They're hall of famers here...

NGUYEN: We were hoping they would say yes.

HARRIS: And they did.

NGUYEN: Yes, they did. And when we come back, poignant images of the city both before the hurricanes and after put to the sound of incredible music by them, "Amazing Grace" is the song.

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HARRIS: Time to check in with Howard Kurtz in Washington to see what's ahead on CNN's "Reliable Sores."

Howard, good morning.

HOWARD KURTZ, "RELIABLE SOURCES": Good morning to you, Tony.

Coming up, Gloria Borger, John Roberts, and Frank Sesno weigh in on the Dubai ports deal. Are the media going off the deep end on this one? And the explosion of violence in Iraq.

We'll also talk to Anderson Cooper from the Gulf about whether journalists have lost interest in the New Orleans story, except for this week's Mardi Gras, of course. Plus, should a newspaper need to apologize for inaction during the holocaust. And why Donald Trump and Martha Stewart are trashing each other. It's all next on "Reliable Sources."

HARRIS: OK, Howard. All right, let's set the table for you here. "Reliable Sources" is coming up at 10:00 Eastern, that's followed by Wolf Blitzer and "Late Edition," you see there, at 11:00 and "On the Story" at 1:00. Stay tuned to CNN as we go in depth into the stories of the day.

NGUYEN: Right now we want answers to our e-mail question today. All morning we've been asking you for your thoughts on this: Would turning over terminal operations at U.S. ports weaken U.S. Security?

And Jeannie from Louisiana says, "Would we give control of our airports to a foreign government? The ports are a wide-open venue for terrorists...the containers aren't inspected; they are on railroad cars and trucks and ships all over the U.S. This is just one more example of how this administration is selling our country to the highest bidder."

HARRIS: And this from Paul who writes, "This deal will give us a zealous ally in the war against terror right on the Persian Gulf. It's not like we're turning over the keys to Al-Qaeda; Dubai is by far the most westernized, market driven enclave in the Arab world."

NGUYEN: This from Betty in Chattanooga, Tennessee -- nice name, Betty -- "How many of their airport or of their ports in general do we own, and are any of them in the oil fields? How much kick back is the president anticipating, and will any of it go to repay the Social Security funds that he borrowed to fight the enemy?"

Very good responses today. People are rally standing their ground on both sides.

HARRIS: This Tuesday holds a special significance. Not only is it Mardi Gras with Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, but it's just one day shy of the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall.

NGUYEN: Showing you a live picture right now of Bourbon Street as they're cleaning up, getting ready for today's party. But since the storm, one song, as performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama, has given "Amazing Grace" to thousands of evacuees.

HARRIS: And as we leave you this morning, we want you to take a look at New Orleans through the eyes of photographers Harold McKay (ph) and David Galleon (ph).

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