CUOMO: Welcome back. A lot of news this morning. Let's get over to Don Lemon, in for Michaela, with today's top stories.</s>LEMON: And of course the biggest story of the day, an exclusive interview with Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Questions whether Magic Johnson should be a role model because he has HIV and suggests Johnson hasn't done enough to help the black community. NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded in a statement. And here's what he says, quote, "While Magic Johnson doesn't need me to, I feel compelled on behalf of the NBA family to apologize to him that he continues to be dragged into this situation and be degraded by such a malicious and personal attack." The NBA Board of Governors is continuing with its process to remove Mr. Sterling as expeditiously as possible. We're gonna have much, much more, of course, on Sterling's interview next hour on CNN, throughout the day as well. Now to the latest in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Separatists in Donetsk celebrate and now say they're ready to join Russia after declaring a landslide vote for self rule. Kiev has blasted the referendum and is now pivoting to the general elections set to happen in less than two weeks. Separatists say they won't participate. But some experts say they fear the separatists may actually disrupt or block the general vote. This is a tragic twist in a North Carolina congressional race between Clay Aiken and Keith Crisco. The 71-year-old Crisco died Monday, reportedly from an accidental fall at his home. Well, the Democratic primary contest had been too close to call with Aiken leading by more than 300 votes. Officials are expected to certify the results today, but Aiken suspended all campaign activities after news of Crisco's death. It's certainly a very interesting turn. I mean --</s>BOLDUAN: It was already getting more attention than a normal Democratic primary does in a congressional race in a red district.
Tragic Twist in NC Congressional Race