BALDWIN: Now to some of the hottest stories in a flash. Rapid fire, roll it. First up here, the country's midsection is bracing for what could be the worst day of severe weather. For the first time this year the Storm Prediction Center is using its highest alert level. Translation, possible tornadoes, hail, flooding in parts of Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, including Chicago. The same storm system may also be felt all the way to Maryland. Former South African President Nelson Mandela is reported to be, quote/unquote, "responding better to treatment." South Africa's current, President Jacob Zuma, announced that good news today while speaking to parliament. Family members also visited Mandela today and expressed thanks for the worldwide outpouring of prayers and goodwill. Carnival "Triumph" is sold out for a weekend cruise starting tomorrow. Right now the ship is docked in Galveston, Texas preparing for the cruise to Mexico. Keep in mind, this is "Triumph's" first voyage since it was towed back to port, remember, back in February with passengers who had been stranded on board for days.</s>ANN BARLOW, STRANDED ON CARNIVAL "TRIUMPH" IN FEBRUARY (via telephone): The smells are -- I can't even describe them. There's sewage, raw sewage, pretty bad. You walk in the hallway. You have to cover your face. We don't have any masks for breathing.</s>BALDWIN: We remember hearing those stories, don't we? Apparently February's ordeal, though, did not sink other people's interest in this ship. Carnival says "Triumph's" first two cruises are sold out. Coming up next, an orphan at 9 years of age forced to scavenge through a garbage dump to make money until she met someone who offered her an escape. Don't miss this story.
"High Alert" Level For Midwest; Mandela "Responding To Treatment"; Carnival "Triumph" To Cruise Again