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CNN Sunday Morning
Injured in Daytona Crash; Pistorius' Brother Accused of Killing Woman; Duo of Storms Dumping More Snow; March 1st Deadline For Forced Cuts
Aired February 24, 2013 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Standing down the shock (ph) announcement February 11th, saying that he would resign. We'll see him in general audience on Wednesday and then he will leave here, the Vatican, on Thursday.
You're now looking at Benedict XVI at his window. Let's listen in.
POPE BENEDICT XVI (through translator): Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for your affection today the second Lent (INAUDIBLE) we have -- we are (INAUDIBLE) the transfiguration of (INAUDIBLE). The evangelist has emphasized the fact, while praying, Jesus transfigured his profound experience of (INAUDIBLE) with the Father due to this (INAUDIBLE) retreat. He went to the mountain together with John and James, the three disciples who was present in the manifestation.
The Lord, who had earlier declared his death, offered an anticipation of his glory. And given the transfiguration, the voice of the Father resounds. This is my son, the chosen one. Listen to him. The presence of (INAUDIBLE) representing the law of the old alliance was more significance. All this story of the event (ph) was oriented (ph) to him, the Christ, who has started a new exodus (ph) not towards the promised land, for the Moses (ph) temple, but towards heaven. (INAUDIBLE) teacher (ph) it's beautiful (ph) to be here. This represents impossible (ph) temptation to stop the mystic experience.
St. Augustine (ph) has (INAUDIBLE) on the mountain had Christ who had afoot (ph) the soul, the spirit, and had to -- should have gone down to fatigue and pain and God was inspiring him towards (INAUDIBLE). Meditating these fragments from the (INAUDIBLE), we can come to a beautiful teaching. Especially the importance and supremacy of prayer, without the -- this is important to charity (ph) and it will be revealed (INAUDIBLE).
In this land, we have to give the sense, the right sense to prayer, to personal prayer, and also community. Prayer to inspire our special life in northern (ph) so that praying is not to be isolated from the world and its contradictions, but prayer must lead us to the path to action. In the (INAUDIBLE), created (ph) in the message for this Lent, it consists and it continues going down -- going up the mountain to our encounter to God and to come down afterwards with love and a strength in order to share our brothers and sisters with the same love of God.
Dear brothers and sisters, these words of God, I feel it especially towards me in this moment in my life. The Lord -- thank you. The Lord -- the Lord is calling me to go up the mountain to devote myself a lot more to prayer now and to meditation. But this doesn't -- this doesn't mean that abandoning the cherish and those, if God has requested me to do so, is for me to be able to -- for me to be able to continue serving the church with the same dedication, the same love, I have done so far. But (INAUDIBLE) to my age and my forces, less invocate intercession of the virgin Mary and to guide and continue always with Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and also in charity.
Holy Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Let us pray. Amen.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HENDRICKS: From CNN world headquarters in Atlanta, welcome back to EARLY START WEEKEND. Good to see you. It is Sunday, February 24th. I'm Susan Hendricks, in this morning for Randi Kaye.
You have been watching live coverage of Pope Benedict's final angelus. He told a packed crowd gathered outside St. Peter's Square that he's not abandoning the church, but that God has called him to climb the mountain. This was the pope's final Sunday blessing before he officially retires on Thursday. We're going to take you live to Vatican City all morning for this historic event.
Back here in the U.S. now, where we are watching the fallout from a fiery wreck in Daytona Beach, Florida. It happened during yesterday's race at the Daytona International Speedway. The crash on the last lap of the race sent debris flying into the stands. Twenty- eight spectators were injured. Want to bring in Joe Carter, live from Daytona.
Joe, any update? Are you hearing about how the injured fans are doing?
JOE CARTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, good morning to you, Susan.
Yes, CNN can confirm that as of 5:30 this morning there were four patients remaining at the Halifax Medical Center. That's the location in Daytona Beach. Three of those four patients do remain in the intensive care unit. One of those ICU patients is a male minor.
Now, yesterday, Joie Chitwood, the Daytona International Speedway president, did confirm, as you said, 28 people, 28 spectators were hospitalized. Fourteen of those were treated at the track hospital. Fourteen were taken off site to local hospitals.
To recap what happened yesterday. This was the final lap of the race. It was a climactic moment in the race. Cars going around 200 miles per hour, just inches from each other. Regan Smith was leading the race. He tried to do a blocking maneuver on Brad Keselowski. The two bumped bumpers. That sent Kyle Larson's car airborne into the stands. You see it shred across the fence. His engine block sheared right through the fence and actually rolled onto the concourse walkway. A tire from Kyle Larson's car flew over the fence and into the grandstand. Debris was sprayed all over fans. The number 32 car, driven by Kyle Larson, was missing the entire front end as the car rolled out into the grass area.
Fortunately, all 12 drivers that were involved in the crash walked away. Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood said other than repairs to the track, that the race will go on as scheduled. We came out here earlier this morning, before doing our live shot, and walked out to the area in which the fence was needed to be repaired. And at this point the fence has been completely repaired. The retaining wall that is up against the track has been repainted. And the surface that the racers drive on is OK.
We can't show it to you right now, Susan, because there's a huge stage that's been set up for a concert that's going to take place before the race today, but they're scheduled to start the Daytona 500 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. And as of now, unless weather holds us up, it looks like this race is going to start on time.
Susan.
HENDRICKS: Joe, I know the drivers were tweeting, wishing the fans well that were injured. Appreciate that live report in Daytona Beach this morning. Thanks so much.
You know, Oscar Pistorius isn't the only one in his family accused of killing someone. About an hour ago we learned that his brother is charged in the death of another woman. That's according to our affiliate ENCA in South Africa. Now lawyers for Carl Pistorius are speaking out. Joining us now from Johannesburg is CNN's Nkepile Mabuse.
Nkepile, what are they saying?
NKEPILE MABUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Susan, I'm South African. I've lived here all my life. I've been covering this country for many, many years. I have never come across a more bizarre story. We've got two women dead and we've got two brothers accused of allegedly killing them. And it's not just an ordinary family. This is the family of Oscar Pistorius, world famous Paralympian.
I'll tell you what we know at this stage. The Pistorius family has said that they will give out a press conference or release a statement at some point. Until that time, we're having to rely on information that we're getting from our affiliate, ENCA. And according to them, they say Carl Pistorius, who is Oscar Pistorius' older brother, has been charged with culpable homicide. And this is because of an incident that happened in 2010 when he knocked over a woman on a motorcycle, allegedly killing her.
ENCA is reporting that Carl Pistorius' lawyer, who is the lawyer who's also representing Oscar Pistorius in his murder case, has said Carl Pistorius did not test positive for alcohol. This is what his lawyer has told ENCA. And he's due to appear in court in March.
This is what we know at the moment. We're trying to get the South African authorities to confirm this information, but they have not yet done so. As I said, the Pistorius family expected to speak out today either through a press statement or a press conference.
Susan.
HENDRICKS: Unbelievable what that family must be going through. Nkepile Mabuse, thanks so much.
Meanwhile, parole officers are already checking up on Oscar Pistorius. The Olympic runner is staying at his uncle's secure mansion in South Africa as part of the conditions of his bail. That's because his home is a crime scene now. Oscar Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day. He says he thought he was shooting an intruder at the time. His next court appearance is set for June.
Las Vegas Police have identified a suspect in Thursday's shooting and car crash that left three people dead. They're looking now for this man, 26-year-old Ammar Harris. They have impounded his black Range Rover they said was used in the shooting. Aspiring rapper Kenneth Cherry was shot as he drove his Maserati on the Vegas Strip. That is the aftermath after he crashed into a taxi, which burst into flames. The cabbie and his passenger were killed along with Kenneth Cherry.
How about we take a look now at the forecast. It's not just the Northeast that is getting walloped by heavy snowfall. Another system is also targeting the Plains and the Midwest. It's already dumped about two inches of snow in the Denver area. And more is still coming down. Want to check in with meteorologist Karen Maginnis.
Karen, March is just a few days away, but more snow is not something folks really want to see right now.
KAREN MAGINNIS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: These late winter storm systems really can impact a broad area, especially when you're really anticipating that springtime to occur a little rapidly, other than what the calendar is saying. But it does look like across the Northeast, or New England more specifically, we still have these winter weather advisories which have been issued.
A warning out for coastal sections of Maine. A couple of more inches expected there. Boston was always in that question mark zone. We didn't know if it was going to be rain or snow or just all snow or just a heavy, wet snow. Last night, not much in the way of snowfall, but it looks like it just kind of lingers. But I think you're right on the verge of picking up another batch of snow as a little kind of lobe of snowfall moves across the region.
Well, across the deep south, there is going to be additional rainfall. A very stubborn weather system still kind of stalled out across the southeast. Could see a couple more inches of rainfall, particularly from coastal South Carolina through central Georgia, all the way down towards coastal sections of Alabama and Mississippi.
What about the Daytona 500? Well, it looks like a pretty good chance of some storms.
And then, Susan, as if that weren't enough. An area of low pressure is blasting the central Rockies. It will pull in across the south central Plains, then move into the lower Great Lakes. And beyond that point in time, Susan, we're not exactly sure where this storm is headed, but the snowfall could really begin to pile up. In some cases, more than a foot with blizzard conditions. Back to you.
HENDRICKS: Wow, I thought an early spring was coming. Apparently not. Karen, thank you.
North Korea issues a warning to the U.S. over planned military exercises with South Korea. The details ahead.
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HENDRICKS: Twenty-two minutes past the hour.
New Secretary of State John Kerry hits the road today for the first time since he took over for Hillary Clinton. Kerry's 11-day meet and greet starts in England before taking him to other key allies, like Germany and France. He will also stop in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
North Korea is threatening, quote, "miserable destruction," ahead of routine military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. Similar threats have been made by North Korea in the past. But these latest warnings come on the heels of the country's nuclear tests just two weeks ago. South Korea's military is already in a heightened state of alert.
Cuban President Raul Castro is expected to be sworn in for another five-year term today or tomorrow. But just this past week, he joked about retiring. He told reporters, quote, "I am going to turn 82. I have a right to retire already." Then he said, "you don't believe me?" Raul took over for his brother, Fidel Castro, in 2008. His new term will last until 2018.
Congress gets back to work tomorrow. The first thing on the agenda is the looming for spending cuts. House Republicans say they won't act until the Senate votes on a plan. That could come on Wednesday. But there are still several road blocks that could keep a deal from getting done.
So, what if no deal gets done? Well, the immediate effect is an $85 billion cut to federal spending. CNN's Athena Jones takes a look at one of those consequences.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KEISHAE HARRISON, SINGLE MOTHER: Come on. Let's go.
ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Keishae Harrison and her son, Kyre (ph), have been living in this emergency shelter for a year. She's hoping to get help from the government to pay for more permanent housing.
HARRISON: I'm on a waiting list for public housing, section eight. And I've been on the waiting list for four years.
JONES: If lawmakers can't reach a deal to stop forced spending cuts by Friday, Harrison and others like her could find themselves waiting much, much longer. As funds for public housing are slashed by $300 million and more than 100,000 families lose rental assistance, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
BARBARA SARD, CENTER ON BUDGET AND HOUSING PRIORITIES: It's not like we're in good shape today. The need -- the need for housing assistance is vastly outstripping the availability. This is going to make us go backwards, and it's going to make the problem even worse.
JONES: Harrison's shelter is run by a nonprofit that gets some funding from donations. Critics of government housing programs believe they limit this kind of private sector support.
ALISON FRASER, HERITAGE FOUNDATION: We know there's very, very broad, robust research that says, for every dollar government spends on sort of these kinds of programs, it actually crowds out 75 cents of private donation to charities.
JONES: After losing her job at a clothing store three years ago, Harrison has finally had success in finding a new one, at the Washington National's baseball stadium.
HARRISON: I'll be doing the promotion. I'll be at the front entrance, you know, passing out t-shirts and key chains, and stuff like that.
JONES: The position is part-time, but Harrison hopes it will lead to other jobs that will help provide a better, more stable life for her son.
HARRISON: I just want the best for him, you know. I just want the best for him.
JONES: One key to that is finding a more permanent home.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
JONES: The administration says these budget cuts will mean fewer families will get foreclosure prevention help and communities won't be able to build and renovate as many affordable housing units.
Susan.
HENDRICKS: Athena Jones, thank you. Appreciate that.
How about this. Can you imagine a tire and an engine flying into the stands? That is what we saw in Daytona. Dozens of fans were injured, including a child. We're going to take you there live.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HENDRICKS: Welcome back and thanks so much for starting your morning with us. And a special welcome to our troops watching on the American Forces Network. Thank so much for your service. I'm Susan Hendricks, in this morning for Randi Kaye. It is half past the hour.
And racing's premiere event, the Daytona 500, will go on as scheduled today, even after a crash at the track yesterday injured at least 28 fans. Take a look.
(VIDEO CLIP)
HENDRICKS: It happened on the race's last lap. One car careened into the catch fence and broke apart. There was a lot of flying debris that went into the stands, including a wheel assembly that weighed over 100 pounds. Three people are in intensive care this morning.
In Iran now, the government says they have shot down a "enemy drone." It's supposedly happened during military maneuvers in southern Iran. Now, Iran has not released any pictures of that drone, which they had done when they claimed to have captured two U.S. drones. This video is from one Iran says they got in 2011, that is, President Obama asked for it back, but Iran refused.
When the Senate gets back to work this week, they will take up the confirmation of Chuck Hagel, again. On Tuesday, they are expected to vote on whether to end the filibuster that has kept the full Senate from voting on Hagel to be the new Defense Secretary. Republicans have blocked the vote and 15 of them sent a letter to President Obama demanding that Hagel's name be withdrawn.
Back to the crash now at Daytona. None of the drivers were injured in that spectacular crash, but as I said, at least 28 fans were injured. Most were treated and released other the medical center at the track or from a nearby hospital. Joining me on the phone is Rick Hendrick (ph) who was in the stands when the wreck happened. Rick, what did you see? How close were you to the wreck?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We were, me and my brothers approximately one section over and I'd say maybe about seven or eight rows from where the crash actually happened.
HENDRICKS: And when did you see it? When did you realize just how bad it was?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, of course, as you heard many times before. It all happened so fast that we saw the wreck happening, actually, in turn four and then the car just literally exploded right in front of us and then we saw the most visual was the tire flying into the actual, into the stands. And when that happened, it was obvious to everybody in that section, somebody had to have been hurt. There was no way that there couldn't be a serious injury from that tire. More specially that entire tire assembly going into the crowd.
HENDRICKS: So, what was the reaction right after the wreck? Were people coming to the aid of those that were injured? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, it was. I mean you could see from our vantage point, you could see people in the crowd just automatically doing what they can to help the person next to them or the person close to them, screaming and yelling for police, paramedics. It's just somebody to come and help because there were obvious injuries. So, the people were responding to, you know, spectators that were sitting right next to them, almost as immediate as the crash.
HENDRICKS: Did you ever have an opinion on the catch bench (ph)? Did you ever think this may happen because of the way it's situated?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've always, you know, been a Nascar fan and I've always thought that, you know, those fences were secure and, you know, they always had the opportunity to protect the spectators. And they have in year's past. This particular incident is a little scary. The fact that it actually happened and that, you know, spectators were hurt by, you know, the fact that the fence didn't do its job. So, that's a bit of a concern.
HENDRICKS: Do you think they should delay the Daytona 500 today, which they are not doing, by the way?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I don't think so. I think this, they need to take a look at that particular part of the fence as to why it happened, but, for the most part, I think it is secure. And there's no reason to delay the Daytona 500.
HENDRICKS: All right, Rick Hendrick, thanks so much, I appreciate your time.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
HENDRICKS: We're heading overseas now, 30 minutes ago we saw Pope Benedict XVI give his final "Angelus" prayer in front of a massive crowd. We heard him tell the crowd that he's not abandoning the church and that he is going to spend more time praying and meditating now. CNN senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman was in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City today. We're going to talk to him coming up.
You may not recognize this man, but for South Africa, Sixto Rodriguez was their answer to Bob Dylan. The only problem, they know absolutely nothing about him. Now, the world is taking notice and so has the Academy Awards. Stick around for that, we'll explain.
(VIDEO CLIP)
HENDRICKS: Remember that? That is a memorable Oscar moment. It's Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's first win for "Good Will Hunting."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HENDRICKS: Just about 30 minutes ago we saw Pope Benedict XVI give his final "Angelus" prayer in front of the massive crowd. We heard him tell the crowd that he's not abandoning the church and that he is going to spend more time praying and meditating now. CNN senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman is at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. And Ben, how are people reacting today?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, people were very respectful, listening quietly to his "Angelus" prayer. And, of course, when he was done, they applauded. It was interesting - he spoke in a variety of languages, in Italian, in French, in Spanish, in German, Polish, English and Portuguese and this really underscoring the international nature of the Catholic Church. Many people coming specifically to attend this last "Angelus" prayer by Benedict XVI here in St. Peter's Square. Susan?
HENDRICKS: Anyone speculating quickly about why the pope is stepping down? Any talk of that?
WEDEMAN: Well, of course, there have been in the Italian media, specifically, in two publications "La Republica", the daily newspaper here in Rome and "Panorama, " a weekly news magazine talking about the role that an investigation may have played in his decision to resign. On 17th of December of last year, three cardinals submitted to the pope a 300-page dossier about alleged wrongdoing within the Vatican. This according to these two Italian publications suggesting that there was a network of gay priests within the Vatican who were being blackmailed by a network of gay prostitutes, or male prostitutes in Rome. In addition to that, suggestions of serious financial misdoing or wrong doing within the Vatican. Although, of course, officially, the pope has said that he is stepping down because he is simply too old and too unwell to carry on with his duties. Now, the Vatican roundly condemned or rather denied these reports in the Italian media saying they're unverified, unverifiable or completely false news stories. Susan?
HENDRICKS: Yeah, the media is saying one thing, the Vatican another. Ben Wedeman, thank you.
Yes, the red carpets are rolled out in Hollywood, just waiting for the stars to arrive. But while films like "Lincoln and "Argo" make up most of the attention, it's a documentary nomination that is hitting close to home for one of our producers.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's 40 years since this LP, called "Cold Facts" by Rodriguez, was released, and in South Africa it was a very popular album, such as - it was one of the biggest albums of the day. But the thing was, we didn't know who this guy was. All the other rock stars we had all the information we needed. But this guy, there was nothing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENDRICKS: It is that hunt in South Africa for '60s folk singer Rodriguez that inspires the film "Searching for Sugar Man." Tonight, the movie could take home the award for best documentary. I'm joined now by CNN producer and South African Nadia Bilchik. Nadia, you have been raving about this film. Tell us about it.
NADIA BILCHIK, CNN EDITORIAL PRODUCER: Well, raving about this film. And I grew up on the music of Rodriguez and why it's so extraordinary, is it documents the search for Sixto Rodriguez, who was so famous in South Africa, as famous as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, but lived as a laborer in Detroit, virtually poverty stricken and didn't know that he was absolutely a cult figure in South Africa.
HENDRICKS: Why do you think so many people, Nadia, in South Africa are responding to this as they are?
BILCHIK: Well, South Africans resonated with his music. Particularly during the oppress of Apartheid regime. He sang about the anti-establishment blues. He had a wonderful song called "I Wonder Will This Hatred Ever End." So, his lyrics resonated with a whole generation of South Africans. And then, they didn't know who he was.
HENDRICKS: And it's incredible that they find him. What is he doing now?
BILCHIK: Well, they find him because they realized that you can't get the album in America, but you can in South Africa. So, right now, Rodriguez is doing concerts in South Africa. After they found him, he's done numerous concerts, sold out concerts in South Africa. His first concert was in 1998. He walks into the stadium. There is a standing ovation. He literally reels backwards because he has been a laborer in Detroit, he didn't know he was famous. And suddenly he is on a stage and famous with roaring crowds of 50,000 people. So, now he lives in Detroit, still. And Susan, I spoke to his daughter yesterday, he still lives in the same house ...
HENDRICKS: Wow.
BILCHIK: And she says with the same furniture. But he now is playing to sold out concerts in South Africa and you can, actually, see him in the U.S. in certain concerts, and that's what the documentary "Searching for Sugar Man" looks at, his life and this extraordinary man.
HENDRICKS: I'm looking forward to seeing it. I haven't seen it yet. So, what about all the record sales, no one knew where he was. Where did all the money go, did it go to his family?
BILCHIK: Well, they didn't know in the beginning where the money went, because a lot of it was pirated. So, that is part of the controversy. And they discussed it in the film. Now he is getting the royalties, but his daughter says, he gives the money away. He doesn't even use or spend the money. And when he's staying in a lavish hotel room in South Africa, he still insists on sleeping on the couch.
(LAUGHTER)
BILCHIK: That's one of the things they speak about, he's got this Zen spirituality. Rodriguez, Sixto Rodriguez is a poet along the lines of Bob Dylan. And it would have been so interesting and different if he had been made famous and how different his journey would have been. His daughter was telling me last night, he is now 70 years old ...
HENDRICKS: Wow.
BILCHIK: He's sold out in Cape Town on Friday night and he is hopefully flying back and we may see him tonight at the Academy Awards. We're not sure if he is going to be up for it, but he's certainly been invited.
HENDRICKS: Well, we're pulling for him tonight to bring home the Oscar.
BILCHIK: And for the filmmaker, Malik Bengel, a Swede who found out about the story and on a shoe string budget, filmed and brought this extraordinary story to the world and the fame of Rodriguez and you can now get his music, "Cold Fact," and "Coming From Reality."
HENDRICKS: Someone to root for tonight. Nadia, thanks so much, I appreciate it. And be sure to watch our red carpet special tonight. The road to gold begins at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. Don't miss it.
You know, every year more than 400,000 American teens who are qualified to go to college don't. Many simply don't know how to get in or aren't even aware that going beyond high school is an option. That's where this week's CNN hero comes in. Meet Michael Carter.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The state took me and my siblings away from my mom when I was 14. Now, we live with our grandparents. I don't want to be faced with the limits that my mom faced, and that's why I want to go to college. My grandparents only went to grade school. There is nobody at home that could help me figure out how I could reach my dream.
MICHAEL CARTER: Applying to college can be very bewildering. There is over 400,000 low-income students every year who graduate, qualified to go to a four-year college, and they just don't go. My name is Michael Carter, and I help qualified, underserved students apply to, pay for and stay in college. We bring college student mentors to high schools to help students through the entire process.
How many more apps do you have to do?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: None. I did them all.
CARTER: That's pretty good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's completely free. Students pick their mentor and they meet weekly until they're accepted into college.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have never really thought of myself as the greatest student. Like, college was not on my mind. Now I'm a sophomore at (inaudible) state university, and my full tuition is covered and I'm mentoring a high school student. I am proof that strive for college works.
CARTER: Together, we are going to solve this problem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HENDRICKS: Welcome back. Time to get you ready for the week ahead and a big week ahead. On Monday, the BP trial begins. The oil giant is found guilty of gross negligence in the 2010 Deepwater horizon oil spill. The company could face roughly $20 billion in fines.
Also, defensive linebackers are being evaluated and linemen in front of the NFL. Coaches, general managers and scouts leading up to the draft, and Manti Te'o girlfriend hoax is expected to factor into the NFL draft evaluation.
And Wednesday, there is an assault weapons hearing that we're expecting. The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 10:00 am. Eastern time to consider whether or not to reinstate the ban on assault weapons. Thursday here, I did practice this, the pope steps down, as you know. Pope Benedict will hold a meet and greet with cardinals before stepping down. He will then begin his retirement in the summer residence before he withdraws to a monastery being built for him in Vatican City.
And Friday is the first day of March, and those forced spending cuts are scheduled to kick in, cutting $85 billion from federal agencies over the next seven months. And also on Friday, Space-x prepares for its second flight to the International Space Station. The launch is scheduled for 10:10 Eastern time at Cape Canaveral Air Force station, and that will happen, as you know, in Florida. And that's a look at the week ahead.
Well, the Oscars are the night's big attraction tonight, but today it will be on the track. The Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of motor sports, it's called. The speedway was the site of a horrific crash yesterday. (inaudible) Joe Carter is live in Daytona Beach. Joe, good morning.
JOE CARTER, BLEACHER REPORT: Hi, good morning, Susan. Yes, as you can imagine, all the talk here at Daytona is about that crash in the nationwide race yesterday, but crews did work through the night to repair the fence, repair the retaining wall and the track. So we will have the Daytona 500, as scheduled, 1:00 p.m. Eastern start today. But that was a scary scene yesterday as the number 32 car driven by Kyle Larsen smashed into the fence. The entire front end ripped off the car, including the engine. At least a dozen cars were caught up in the crash, but one driver who made it through and won the race was Tony Stewart. He talked about the crash afterwards.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONY STEWART, NASCAR DRIVER: I've never seen anything like that. We've seen Petty, you know, we've seen a lot of big ones here and I've been a part of a couple big ones, but I've never seen anything like that. That's one of the times when I wish I didn't have a rear view mirror, because that was an ugly sight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CARTER: Danica Patrick also missed that nationwide wreck, that's because she had other problems early in the race, in the nationwide race, she did the dreaded walk through the garage after her car lost power. Today she'll be back out there in her cup series car on the pole at the Daytona 500, where she is ready to open it up.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DANICA PATRICK, NASCAR DRIVER: As Tony said, I can go out there and treat it like a video game and just get after it and give it all I got and not have to be concerned about being smart and taking care of the car. I mean, can I win? Yeah, absolutely.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CARTER: And finally, talk about girl power. We previewed this fight for you yesterday. Last night Ronda Rousey remained undefeated by beating Liz Carmouche, in the first-ever all-women's matchup in UFC history. Carmouche, she got a couple of good shots in early, but Rousey came back, put her in a submission move to get the win. She's 7-0 all-time in MMA fights. For more information on Ronda Rousey and all your entertaining sports news, of course, go to bleacherreport.com. Again, Susan, the Daytona 500 will go on as scheduled. 1:00 p.m. Eastern start. The track, the fence and the retaining wall have all been repaired.
HENDRICKS: All right. Joe Carter live at Daytona, thanks.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HENDRICKS: Welcome back. Forget the winners and losers. One of the most watched stars at tonight's Oscars will be the new host, Seth MacFarlane. CNN entertainment correspondent Nischelle Turner had a chance to talk with him and get some behind the scenes scoop on his hosting plans.
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NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: This is the first time you're hosting. So is there an added pressure or is it just, you know, I know how to do this. I have been in this game for a long time?
SETH MACFARLANE, OSCAR HOST: You know, the mechanics of it are surprisingly the same as a lot of other stuff that I've done. It's the, you know, the audience is, obviously, a billion times bigger.
TURNER: It's a tough room.
MACFARLANE: It's a tougher room. It's a very thin skinned room.
TURNER: You have an edgy esthetic. So how do you watch that line? MACFARLANE: So it's a really bad match is I think what we've arrived at here. I'm the wrong guy to do this.
I'm Seth MacFarlane and I'll be hosting the Oscars this year, where we'll be celebrating all your favorite films.
TURNER: We saw Amy Poehler and Tina Fey do such a great job, they were pretty much widely lauded.
MACFARLANE: I hadn't read any (inaudible) reviews.
TURNER: No, not at all.
MACFARLANE: Did they get good reviews for it?
TURNER: A couple, I read a couple.
MACFARLANE: If I had had one review for anything in my career as good as their worst review for that, I would be a happy man.
TURNER: Does that put more pressure? Because this is like, this is how you host a show.
MACFARLANE: I thought they were fantastic, but they are also beloved by the press. So even if they had not done as great a job as they had done, I still sort of think, there are certain people who have kind of carte blanche, you're awesome, we love you no matter what you do. That said, they were fantastic. But I wouldn't know if they weren't from reading the press because of those reasons. So, I am kind of the opposite. I go in about minus ten with the press. So it's like, I have got to get to myself at least to a level where they can tolerate me, and then maybe from there I have a shot at actually getting a positive review.
TURNER: Do you reach out to those people who you know have killed at the Oscars, who have done it really right?
MACFARLANE: I have talked to Billy Crystal, and he was super nice guy and genuinely helpful. Took a lot of time out of his schedule to sit down with me, and I came out of it with some practical, practical stuff, and it was, I'm very grateful to him for taking his time.
TURNER: Can you tell me one thing he told you?
MACFARLANE: Get comfortable with your shoes before you get on stage.
TURNER: I like that. That's a girl thing. We have got to walk in our heels before we get on the big stage. Good point.
MACFARLANE: Sure. So my strappies will be well worn in before I get out there.
TURNER: I don't know what the protocol is. I don't know if you say good luck, break a leg, or just give you a pounce. So I'm going to give you a pounce, that's what I do, so good luck to you, OK?
MACFARLANE: Do the thing where it (inaudible).
(LAUGHTER)
TURNER: Thank you, sir.
MACFARLANE: OK, thank you.
TURNER: Have a good one.
(CROSSTALK)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HENDRICKS: I'm looking forward to him hosting the Oscars tonight. That was our Nischelle Turner from Hollywood.
Coming up, we're going to have more on the movies, the celebrities and, of course, the fashion. The Academy Awards are tonight. Piers Morgan covers it on our red carpet special, "Road to Gold," tonight at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
Thanks so much for starting your morning with us. We have much more ahead on CNN SUNDAY MORNING which starts right now.
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HENDRICKS: And good morning to you. I'm Susan Hendricks, in this morning for Randi Kaye. It is 7:00 on the East Coast, 4:00 a.m. out West. Thanks so much for starting your morning with us.
Last hour, Pope Benedict XVI gave his final Angelus prayer in front of a massive crowd. He also included a personal message. We heard him tell the crowd that he's not abandoning the church and that he's going to spend more time praying and meditating.
Our senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman is at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Ben, how are people reacting there?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: People reacted very positively. We had well over 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square and the area around it, the city of Rome had provided additional security, additional buses to bring the people here. There were pilgrims from all over the place. We heard the Pope addressing the people in St. Peter's square in Italian and French and Spanish and Portuguese and Polish. So, a very large crowd.
And when he finished his address in all those language, a very loud applause to Pope Benedict. He only has five days left before he officially steps down as Pope at 8:00 p.m. on the 28th of February -- Susan.
HENDRICKS: And, Ben, are people speculating more about why the Pope is resigning? I know he said it has something to do with his health, but there is gossip and rumors surrounding the real reasons why he is stepping down. Anyone talking about that?
WEDEMAN: Oh, yes, many people are. And, of course, this is all based upon these reports and two Italian media, "La Repubblica", which is daily newspaper here, and "Panorama", a weekly news magazine, which suggests that the pope was inspired to resign when he received a 300- page dossier, an investigation by three cardinals he had signed, he had charged with investigating wrongdoing in the Vatican.
Now, according to these reports in the Italian media, the report, the dossier, documented allegations of sexual misconduct by priests within the Vatican, and financial misconduct, as well, by Vatican officials.
Now, the Vatican itself reacted very strongly to these Italian media reports saying these reports are unverified, unverifiable or completely baseless -- Susan.
HENDRICKS: Yes, the media and the Vatican really have two different versions of exactly what's going on on the inside. How soon, Ben, are we expecting the cardinals to meet and choose a new pope to take over?
WEDEMAN: Well, those, that sort of process won't really begin until the 1st of March after the pope steps down officially. And then there's discussion of holding the conclave, that meeting of 116 cardinals to elect a new pope as early as the 15th of March, possibly earlier if all the cardinals are in place for that conclave to take place -- Susan.
HENDRICKS: All right. Ben Wedeman, thanks so much for that live report. Appreciate it.
Meanwhile, one U.S. cardinal who will take part in electing the new pope was interviewed by police before flying to Italy. We are talking about Cardinal Roger Mahony. He answered questions under quote for more than 3 1/2 hours.
It was all about a priest accused of molesting dozens of boys in the L.A. area while Mahony was in charge at the time. Now, he has been deposed before, but this was the first time he was asked about new reports that he shielded priests who were accused of abuse.
The latest now on Oscar Pistorius, he isn't the only one in his family accused of killing someone, you heard right. Overnight, we learned his brother is charged in the death of another woman.
CNN's Nkepile Mabuse joins us now from Johannesburg.
Nkepile, you just heard from his attorney, is that right?
NKEPILE MABUSE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, indeed. I just got off the phone with his attorney, Kenny Oldwage, who has confirmed that Carl Pistorius, Oscar Pistorius' older brother, has been charged -- he says the main charge is culpable homicide, with an alternative charge of reckless and negligent driving. He's confirmed in relation to an incident that happened in 2010 when he collided -- his car collided with a woman on a motorcycle. He tells me that this woman then was taken to hospital and died a few days later.
As you can imagine, such a bizarre twist to this Oscar Pistorius matter. It's a huge story here in South Africa and a huge story around the world.
Everybody watched Carl Pistorius by his brother's side ever since he was arrested outside the house. They took him to the police station. Carl Pistorius has been there supporting his brother and now we find out he is facing very serious charges himself, Susan.
HENDRICSK: Certainly a trying time for that family, no matter what you believe regarding both of the brothers. Nkepile, thanks so much.
And parole officers are already checking up on Oscar Pistorius. The Olympic runner is staying at his uncle's secured mansion in South Africa as part of the condition of his bail. That's because his home is a crime scene.
Pistorius, as you may know, accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day. He said he thought he was shooting an intruder. His next court appearance is set for this summer, for June.
Now to Daytona Beach, Florida, where three race fans remain in the ICU this morning, including a child, we're hearing. They are among the 28 people injured by flying debris after a massive crash at the speedway last night. Repairs have been made at the track and tonight's Daytona 500 will go on as planned, on schedule.
Joining me now on the phone is CNN associate producer, John Newsome, who was there at the race yesterday when the crash happened.
John, how close were you? You were there as a spectator, as a fan, isn't that right?
JOHN NEWSOME, CNN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER (via telephone): Yes, good morning, Susan. That's correct. I was actually sitting in the sprint tower, which is the main grandstand along the front straight away, and I was sitting with my family as these cars made the final turn around, turn four, coming to the finish line and that's, obviously, when the crash happened.
I think it was initially, we didn't realize how bad it was. I mean, obviously, we see sort of crashes frequently in the sport. It is rare that you see a car airborne. Obviously, that's what NASCAR try to not let happen, to let cars go airborne, to try to keep them on the ground. And, obviously, when we saw the debris start flying over the fence, all the way up to (INAUDIBLE), I think we sort of realized this is potentially more than just a bad wreck at least on the track itself.
HENDRICKS: John, for those who have never been to a race, what does it sound like to be there and what does it sound like to hear a crash?
NEWSOME: I think even at the beginning of the race, you sort of feel the deep rumble of engines. I mean, it sort of vibrates you to your core, just because the engines are so powerful, with a pack of 40 cars. But with 40 cars or at least 20 in this case, a couple of them crashing at 200 miles an hour, it's very, very loud and it sort of shakes the grandstand with a level of intensity that sort of is alarming, I think, to a lot of people.
I think initially we were sort of shocked at what had happened and on further inspection, we could tell this is clearly unusual, but I think it is a little bit shocking for those of us, even who have been going to races for a number of years.
HENDRICKS: And what was the reaction in the crowd? I understand one of the pieces of debris was a wheel assembly that weighed more than 100 pounds. Once the crowd realized what had happened, what was their reaction? Were they trying to kind of gather around those that were hurt?
NEWSOME: I think it was initially everybody was just trying to figure out what had actually happened. I mean, I think everybody was trying to get a sense of, is everything OK? I think once they realized there was debris scattered throughout the stands, people tried to take pictures and then I think people started to realize there were potential injuries with this and very quickly, they sent had a medical crew and had medics out there fairly quickly. And that point they sort of ushering fans out to try to give those people who were injured a sort of a sense of privacy and clear to way to get them out.
HENDRICKS: I know you have been calling in since last night, since it happened. We appreciate your first-hand account of it, thanks.
NEWSOME: You got it, Susan.
HENDRICKS: A look now at two storm systems moving across parts of the U.S. you could see it behind me. One is targeting the Plains and Midwest. It has already dumped about two inches of snow in the Denver area.
Yes, the snow is still coming down. The area could see up to a foot by the end of the day. It's the second major storm in less than a week to hit Colorado.
The other storm system in the Northeast, it is the third straight weekend of heavy snowfall there, as well. Not as much as expected.
I want to check in with meteorologist Karen Maginnis. But they really can't seem to catch a break no matter how little the snowfall is. They're still getting it.
KAREN MAGINNIS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. And as you said earlier, you were hoping it would be springtime. But, no, we've got these back-to-back storm systems. HENDRICKS: Punxsutawney Phil said early spring, right?
MAGINNIS: That's true. Exactly. And I think that got our hopes up. But now, this major winter storm system is going to eject out of the four corners, move right across the southern Great Plains, and rival some of the snow totals that we saw across the central U.S. -- Wichita, Kansas City, wow, did they see just a pummeling of snowfall?
Well, the track after the next several days is going to be a little iffy. But it is going to produce a little bit of snowfall into Midland, Texas. Denver could see about a foot. Wichita, Kansas City -- already, Kansas City has seen nine, 10, 11 inches of snowfall for the month. But we could see an additional, maybe six inches of snow. So, it looks like it's going to be one of those of kind of Februarys that is just going to linger for a little while longer.
Area of low pressure, as I said, moves across the Ohio River Valley. This is almost one of those triple threats, again, with the snow, little bit of ice and some thunderstorms out ahead of it. But take a look at this. Forecast snowfall totals going into about Wednesday. A foot, a foot and a half, and these are areas that have been blasted over the winter.
Now, some folks, especially across the Southeast in the mid- Atlantic wondered, wow, is winter ever going to arrive? Well, it did. It took until 2013 for the winter season to really start to kick in. Blizzard warnings just to the east of Denver could see those winds gusting up to around 60 miles per hour, very dangerous driving conditions. If you're going up to steam boat, if you're going over to Aspen or Vail, those road conditions are going to be very slick. Salt Lake City, fog and temperatures only in the 20s. Denver is reporting 26 degrees right now and some light snow.
Here's the view across Denver right now. As I mentioned, they could see six to 12 inches of snowfall with some very gusty winds. Into New England, not quite the storm system we were looking at, but definitely has produced some snow. Not for Boston. Boston, you've had enough, haven't you? Still the winter weather advisories in effect.
It looks like Portland down east in Maine. You would expect the heaviest snow. In the Deep South, storms and showers developing later, including Daytona, Susan. Could see a 50 percent chance of showers.
HENDRICKS: Yes, I heard that. I think they delay the race if it rains pretty hard. We shall see what happens.
Karen, thanks. See you.
Nineties rap icon MC Hammer was arrested near his hometown and now he's tweeting about it. Telling his version of what went down.
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HENDRICKS: Good morning, Washington, D.C.
A live look outside the White House this morning.
The president accompanied his daughter, Sasha, to a dance last night.
D.C., you're looking at 52 degrees and partly cloudy conditions today.
Las Vegas police have identified a suspect in Thursday's shooting and car crash that left three people dead. They're looking now for this man, 26-year-old Ammar Harris. They have impounded his black Range Rover they say was used in that shooting. Aspiring rapper Kenneth Cherry was shot as he drove his Maserati on the Vegas Strip. He then crashed into a taxi, which bursts into flames. The cabbie and his passenger were killed, along with Kenneth.
Rapper MC Hammer is taking to Twitter to tell his side of the story following his arrest on Thursday night. He is accused of obstructing an officer during a traffic stop. He says the arresting officer approached him by asking whether he was on parole or provision.
He tweeted this, quote, "It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns blew his whistle and yelled for help. But make no mistake, he's dangerous." Police have until next month to decide on any charges against MC Hammer.
Former Temptations singer Damon Harris has died.
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HENDRICKS: That brings you back, doesn't it? The Grammy Award winner sang lead vocals for songs like "Plastic Man" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone". Harris joined the group in the 1970s. He had been battling prostate cancer for over 14 years. He was 62 years old.
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HENDRICKS: Rise and shine on this Sunday morning. Good morning to you, Atlanta. You see the sun peeking out, 65 degrees and partly cloudy, it should get there later on this morning.
It's been called the little indie that could. "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and tonight's breakout star, Quvenzhane Wallis, could take home the award for best actress. At just 9 years old, she is taking it all with grace. Here she is.
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QUVENZHANE WALLIS, OSCAR NOMINEE: It is about being there and being nominated. It's not about like trying to win the award. It's just about having the pride enough to be nominated or being in the history book and be nominated, or just being nominated. Everything is great with what you have. And if you win, that's great, too.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENDRICKS: She is way beyond her years at just 9.
Quvenzhane isn't the film's only nominee. The film is also picking a nomination for best adapted screenplay.
Victor Blackwell spoke with screenwriter Lucy Alibar in her nomination. Take a look.
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LUCY ALIBAR, NOMINATED FOR "BEST ADAPTED SCREEN PLAY": I feel -- I feel really happy. I mean, I feel really good to be here with all my friends and just to see so much support and love for the movie is so incredible and humbling.
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN ANCHOR: I have not seen a lot of the nominated movies. This one I saw and it is amazing and I know that a lot of it was unscripted. What was it like for you as the writer?
ALIBAR: Well, it was a real process of working with Quvenzhane and Dwight on really fitting the roles of Wink and Hushpuppy to them and they are both such incredible actors that give some masterful performances. So, that was such a blessing to work with them.
And it was just an incredible journey from taking this from a play through the Sundance labs and making a movie with about 100 of our friends in south Louisiana. It was just incredible.
BLACKWELL: Are you surprised by the reaction? I mean, it has been huge. Everyone from Oprah to the critics, to people you meet on the street.
ALIBAR: Yes, it's been again, it's just such a blessing that people connect with it. I think it's a father/daughter story and a story of community and what you hold on to. It's -- we tried to make it about, about our own families, I think. And I think people connect to that.
BLACKWELL: Yes. And this relationship between father and daughter, the character of Hushpuppy played by Quvenzhane Wallis, n for best actress. What was it like working with her?
ALIBAR: It was -- it was a beautiful experience. I mean, she's very funny. She's very alert and just a delight to have on set. We would have dance parties every once in a while, hourly.
BLACKWELL: With a 5-year-old, 6-year-old you could have dance parties between takes.
Let me ask you this, what do you think her chances are of winning?
ALIBAR: You know, I don't know. I haven't paid too much attention to that since the nominations were announced. I really think our win is being here and the fact that the movie is so out there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HENDRICKS: And best of luck to Lucy Alibar and Quvenzhane tonight at the Oscars.
And be sure to watch our red carpet special tonight. "The Road to Gold" begins, 6:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.
Tonight's Oscars will honor the best in cinema, but last night at the Holiday Inn Express, the worst in film were honored. The annual Razzie Awards make light of bad acting and awful films. "Twilight's Breaking Dawn Part 2" nominated in most categories. It's true. It is the final installment in "Twilight" series and it's based on the best- selling book. The film won for worst film in 2012.
Here are some of the categories. "Twilight" won, so to speak, or lost. Kristen Stewart won for worst actress. Taylor Lautner won for worst supporting actor. And Bill Condon for worst director. They don't like him.
Before the Oscars, there was the Daytona 500 today. But will the race go on as planned after the stands were torn apart by a horrific crash? The latest ahead.
But, first, let's check in with Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a look at what's coming up on "SGMD" at the bottom of the hour.
Sanjay, good morning.
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DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Susan, it's the biggest buzz in Washington. These forced spending cuts that will take effect in less than a week. If Congress can't reach a deal, some real consequences for your health. We'll talk about that.
Plus, the filmmaker behind the Oscar nominated "How to Survive a Plague." It's a documentary about the early days of the AIDS epidemic.
And also, the secrets of happy families -- how to improve your morning, to rethink family dinner, even how to argue smarter. How does that sound?
See you in just a few minutes, at the bottom of the hour.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HENDRICKS: Top stories now.
In racing's premiere event, the Daytona 500 will go on as scheduled today even after a crash at the track yesterday injured at least 28 fans.
(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS) HENDRICKS: It happened on the race's last lap. One car careening into the catch fence, breaking apart. There was a lot of flying debris that went into the stands. Three people remain in the intensive care unit this morning.
Las Vegas police have identified 26 years old Ammar Harris as the suspect in the shooting and car crash that let three people dead. They have impounded his Range Rover they say was used in the shooting, and the search for him continues this morning.
Aspiring rapper Kenneth Cherry was shot as he drove his Maserati on the Vegas Strip. He then crashed into a taxi which bursts into flames. The cabbie and his passenger were killed along with Cherry.
Parole officers are already checking up on Oscar Pistorius. The Olympic runner is staying at his uncle's secure mansion in South Africa, as part of the conditions of his bail. That's because his home is part of a crime scene now. Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day. He says she was -- shoot an intruder, that he was shooting an intruder. His next court appearance is set for June.
Last hour, the pope gave his final Sunday blessing at the Vatican and it added a personal message to it, as well. He thanked the crowd for their affection and said he's not abandoning the church. He said he will spend time praying and mediating when he officially leaves office Thursday night.
Pope Benedict XVI is the first pope to reign in 600 years -- to resign that is. The Vatican hopes to have a new pope by Easter.
In Iran, the government says they have shut down a, quote, "enemy drone." It supposedly happened during military maneuvers in southern Iran. Now, Iran has not released any pictures of the drone which they had done when they claimed to have captured two U.S. drones. This video is from the one Iran says they got back in 2011. President Obama asked for it back, but Iran refused.
It is not just the Northeast that is getting buried by heavy snowfall. Take a look -- fierce winds and blinding snow pounding areas of Colorado, dumping about two inches in the Denver area overnight, with more expected today.
I'll see you back here at the top of the hour, 8:00 Eastern Time.
But first, "SANJAY GUPTA, M.D." starts right now.
