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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Test of Homeland Security Takes Place in Seattle; Bomb Explodes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Mother Accused of Beating Her Children to Death with Rocks

Aired May 12, 2003 - 17:00   ET

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

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


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A mother accused of the unthinkable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was no indication whatsoever that was going to happen.

SAVIDGE: Two young boys beaten to death, a third in critical condition. Their mother facing a judge as prosecutors face the public.

Their stunts caught the nation's attention.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're in violation of the school hazing policy.

SAVIDGE: Now the high school weighs in on a proper punishment. Will criminal charges be next?

Preparing for the worst.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This test scenario that we'll be responding to in Seattle will be a dirty radioactive bomb.

SAVIDGE: We're live at the most extensive bioterrorism drill in U.S. history.

And the president and the intern. New allegations about JFK's love life.

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS live from the nation's capital. With correspondents form around world, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: It is Monday, May 12, 2003. Hello from CNN Center in Atlanta. I'm Martin Savidge reporting. Wolf Blitzer is off today.

We start with a chilling story out of east Texas. A mother is accused of killing her two young sons and severely beating the third. Deanna Laney allegedly committed the crimes on the day before Mother's Day. We expect to hear from the district attorney handling her case at any moment. We'll bring it to you live when that happens.

Meanwhile, Laney must face a judge and enter a plea in the charges against her. CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin standing by live with a look at what may happen next. But, first, a look at when and how this crime happened. John Prong from CNN affiliate WFAA has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN PRONK, WFAA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Eight-year-old Joshua Laney and brother Luke, age 6, were found dead after a 911 call by their mother where she reportedly admitted killing them. Fourteen- month-old Aaron Laney was in critical condition at Dallas Children's Hospital. Authorities say all three were beaten by rocks. Keith Laney says he was asleep during the crime.

The Laneys live in New Chapel Hill, just east of Tyler, where neighbors are stunned at the tragedy.

RICHARD MAYNE, NEIGHBOR: Trying to figure out what's going on. You know, everybody's in shock about it.

JOE SMITH, NEIGHBOR: There's no way in the world that I would have believed she'd do this without something taking over her and something snapping in her and something making her do this. It is absolutely devastating to the neighborhood.

PRONK: Deanna Laney is in Smith County Jail under suicide watch. Her bond is set at $3 million.

John Pronk, Channel 8 News, Smith County.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: This story brings up memories of the Andrea Yates case. She is the Houston, Texas mother convicted of drowning her children. Here to talk more about how the justice system handles mothers accused of murdering their children is CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin.

Jeffrey, this is a tough one because you automatically have to think any mother that would do this cannot be psychologically all there.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: You know this is an area where the legal system just doesn't work very well because I think all of us understand there is some difference, morally, legally, in every way between a mother who does this to a child and a Mafia hit man. Both of them may be murderers, but there is a difference in how the legal system ought to deal with them.

But we haven't really figured out a way. The definitions of what is insanity what is adequate mental state for homicide, these things the courts have struggled with for decades and there's never been a very satisfactory resolution.

SAVIDGE: Can it be possible that you can murder your own children and still be sane?

TOOBIN: It is hard to imagine. But, I mean, just remember the Andrea Yates case. The jury did find she was sane but they found that she didn't deserve the death penalty. That is often how juries come out in cases like this. They don't -- they don't want to give someone a walk. They don't want to say, well, you're insane and thus not guilty. But they also are very reluctant to impose the death penalty. Not fortunately that there are lots of cases like this.

SAVIDGE: If you are her attorney what do you advise, what do you say?

TOOBIN: I think -- and again, we need to know a lot more of the facts here. Have to know what the circumstances were, what was the relationship with the husband. I mean obviously he was present in the house. He will be a critical witness. You have to know what his role is both in this incident and in the family.

But, you know, the reaction that we all have is that someone just can't be in their right mind to have done something like this, if, in fact, she did it. And to have the legal system take cognizance of that is a goal of what a defense attorney would be seeking here.

SAVIDGE: Jeffrey Toobin, thank you very much, on what is obviously a very, very difficult case for any parent to try to come to grips with and especially a jury and judge. So we will wait to see what happens. Thanks very much.

We also want to remind you that coming up tonight on "LARRY KING LIVE," Russell Yates will be the guest. That'll be tonight at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Also, we want to remind you there is another story here. Some of the students who took part in that widely publicized school hazing incident have been suspended from school. Next, though, they could face criminal charges. CNN's Jeff Flock following this story live now from Glenview, Illinois. And, Jeff, what's the latest? We already know about these suspensions, is that right?

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF: Suspensions to start with. And then the school administrators say they will move to expel those students as well. And then as you report, criminal charges perhaps down the road.

Here's what else they did. If the expulsion takes effect there will be no prom, no graduation and no further setting foot on school property for these students. The school board will be the ultimate determinant as to whether they get expelled.

Now, why did school officials first say we don't think it is our jurisdiction and why now have they changed their mind and said they're going to expel them? Well, it was partially those videotapes. They've gone back to the videotapes and in fact they tell us that what they did was take a look at the tapes and identify students. And based on the tapes those are the students they decided to go ahead and discipline. Now, all of the students so far that have been suspended and prospectively expel are seniors. They have all been informed of their potential expulsion and suspension and they have all been escorted from the school. That took place today.

And in terms of the reaction on the part of the parents, well, the most outspoken parent on the subject of pushing for strong penalties for these students on the part of the school administrators told us a little while ago she jumped for joy at this news.

Now the only thing that school administrators did not reveal today is the number of students who have been suspended and prospectively expelled, nor did they say who specifically it was. Principal at Glenbrook North is Mike Riggle.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL RIGGLE, PRINCIPAL: Due to the ongoing investigation process that is being conducted at the school, as well as the confidential nature of student disciplinary action, it is not appropriate to share information regarding the number or names of students who have received suspensions.

This confidentiality is in accordance with existing school policy and federal and state law. We continue to cooperate and work with law enforcement agencies from the North Brook Police Department, the Cook County Forest Preserve Police, the Cook County Sheriff's Department and the office of the state's attorney.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: And now, Marty, that's the important point there. All of those agencies are investigating the potential of criminal charges, we hear not today, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

And one final note on criminal charges, they do have anonymous reports so far that parents, some parents did supply the alcohol that fueled this binge. Nobody on the record so far. But they are asking for anyone to come forward who has any information about that.

That's the latest. Back to you.

SAVIDGE: Thank you very much, Jeff Flock, live from Illinois.

Now we want to take you live to Texas. Show you the scene here inside as the prosecutors hold a news conference regarding the mother alleged -- or accused of killing her two young children.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

SAVIDGE: Let's bring back Jeffrey Toobin to talk about this,

The potential for punishment here -- this is a capital offense. You think they'll really go for the death penalty?

TOOBIN: Well, this is Texas, after all and Texas executed more people than -- more than any other state since the death penalty has been returned to the United States in 1976.

Judge Cynthia Kant, who will be presiding over this case, is known as one of the toughest judges in Texas. She's based in Tyler, Texas, where this took place.

You know, Texas prosecutors tend to ask for the death penalty when it is possible to ask for it. And based on the limited amount we know so far, it certainly seems possible here and their attitude is often, well, if it's -- if it's not to be given, let the jury decide. But we're going to at least give the jury the option.

SAVIDGE: Quickly before you go, I want to ask you about the husband. He was supposedly asleep at the time of this terrible attack allegedly occurred. Is there any way he is culpable?

TOOBIN: Well, you know, it is really early to tell in this investigation. If he was, in fact, asleep during the entire episode it's hard to imagine he could be culpable at all.

But you'd have to know a lot more about what this family dynamic was. you know, how much warning there was, what was the relationship between the mother and the children, what was the relationship between the mother and father, was any medication involved, was there any history of psychiatric illness? All of this needs to come out.

But, you know, the law is based on the idea of personal responsibility. And even if this wasn't a great marriage, even if her husband did something wrong, if she's the one who beat these kids to death with a rock, she's the one who's going to pay the price.

SAVIDGE: All right. Jeffrey Toobin, so much to think about and yet so much we don't want to think about at all. Thank you very much for your legal insight.

TOOBIN: OK, Marty.

SAVIDGE: In a moment, the search for the anthrax killer. Does this pond hold any secrets? Find out what authorities are looking for underwater.

Also, Kennedy's intern. Bill Clinton may have not been first one after all. Details from a new biography.

And photo finish. The Kentucky Derby winner faces some shocking allegations.

But first, in case you were out enjoying the days off, here's a "Weekend Snapshot."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE (voice-over): More storms, more victims. Parts of the South and Midwest are cleaning up from tornado damage. Funnel clouds swept across parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky over the weekend. Since first of the month, almost 400 tornadoes have battered the South and Midwest, killing dozens of people. Shooting rampage update. Charges are pending against the gunman who allegedly killed one person and wounded two others at Case Western University. Police say the 62-year-old man is a former student who lost a lawsuit against a school employee.

Climber recovering. The man who amputated his own arm after he was pinned by an 800-pound boulder is out of a Colorado hospital. Aron Ralston was released Saturday. His family says he's in good spirits.

Coach takes time out. Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is recovering from surgery. He underwent an angioplasty Saturday. Assistant Jim Cleamens is coaching the team while Jackson recovers.

A mother's hope. Mary Vandross says she believes her son, Luther Vandross, will recover from a stroke. The singer has been unconscious and in critical condition for almost a month. Mrs. Vandross says -- quote -- "He has to recover. He's all I have left."

Mutant power. "X2: X-Men United" is still beating all of the competition at the box office. It remains the no. 1 movie in the U.S., taking in more than $41 million in its second weekend. The movie is based on the comic book about genetic mutants with superpowers.

And that is our "Weekend Snapshot."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: The probe into the 2001 anthrax attacks is refocusing on a Maryland pond which may now be drained as authorities search for more evidence. CNN Justice correspondent Kelli Arena has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The FBI's interest in this state park in Frederick, Maryland dates back to last December. Officials got a tip back then that someone may have dumped equipment into one of the park's ponds. Officials say they found the tip significant because the pond is about ten miles from Fort Detrick where the Army has experimented with anthrax.

Agents have searched the area at least four times since then. And Frederick's mayor says the FBI is now considering draining one of the ponds. Frederick Police Chief Ken Dine has been in regular contact with the FBI.

CHIEF KEN DINE, FREDERICK, MARYLAND POLICE: ... number of facets to this investigation. It's very, very significant. After all it is a murder investigation, multiple murder investigation. So I'm sure there are a number of avenues that they're looking into.

ARENA: According to government sources, agents in December found a large plastic enclosed contain with two openings in the side, similar to those used to limit exposure during scientific tests. But still, officials say, there is no evidence connecting anything found in the park to anthrax or the anthrax attacks. Nor is there any evidence linking any individual to the deadly anthrax letters.

The FBI has said nothing publicly about anyone it may be investigating, but Attorney General John Ashcroft did refer publicly to Stephen Hatfill, a former researcher at Fort Detrick, as a person of interest.

Hatfill has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence. And his spokesman told CNN, quote, "The FBI can drain the Pacific Ocean, but it is never going to find any evidence that Steve Hatfill was the anthrax killer because Steve Hatfill had nothing to do with the anthrax attacks."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: some involved in the case are clearly frustrated. More than 18 months later there still has not been one single arrest for attacks that killed five people and sickened 13 others -- Martin.

SAVIDGE: Thank you, Kelli, very much.

Meanwhile, efforts by authorities to prepare for the worst. The most extensive terror drill in U.S. history, under way featuring mock radioactive and biological attack. CNN's Jeanne Meserve is live in Seattle with the details on that.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Marty this exercise got under way a little more than two hours ago with a bang.

And that was the simulated explosion of a dirty bomb a few miles from the center of the city of Seattle. Within about ten minutes, the first responders were on the scene and the game has been in play ever since then with about 200 actors out there portraying the dead and injured. There are even fake news crews from what's called "The Virtual News Network." This network is being watched by officials here in Washington State, in Washington, D.C. and officials all across the country who want to monitor what's going on.

We're told a short time ago the mayor of Seattle used this Virtual News Network to announce to the citizens of Seattle that they should shelter in place because the radiological plume from this explosion is heading towards west Seattle, and that was the recommended course of action rather than an evacuation.

We're told that all along wait in the exercise, new scenarios are being injected into the exercise to increase the element of surprise and hopefully test the system to find out where the stresses are in this system. That, in fact, is the exact point of the exercise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL BROWN, DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY: The lessons to be learn ready frankly where are the holes. What do we need to fix in terms of our response to the incidents of 9/11? Where go need to turn to make our response mechanism better? Where do we need to return to make citizen preparedness better?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: In that videotape you saw the first responders on the scene. You might have seen some gentlemen walking around with clip boards. These are people who are collecting data about this exercise so there can be an evaluation. Experts say there has to be a hard- hitting after action report so officials here and all around the country reap the benefits from this $16 million exercise. Marty, back to you.

SAVIDGE: Jeanne Meserve live in Seattle, Washington, thank you.

Now for more on the drill in Seattle, I'm joined by Washington Governor Gary Locke. Governor, thanks very much for being with us. Only a few hours into this exercise, but I'm wondering, have you learned anything yet?

GOV. GARY LOCKE (D), WASHINGTON: Well actually it's too early to tell but I'm really pleased that all of our local, state and county governments are responding. There are elements to this that no one ever ever anticipated before, so we'll see how we respond.

But when the federal government asked us if we wanted to participate, when the federal government asked us over a year ago, we all jumped at this opportunity because we view this as a method by which we can learn more about our response systems. Hopefully, so that we can learn and improve so that in the event of a real terrorist attack or even a natural disaster, we're better prepared, we can better respond and protect the people of our communities.

SAVIDGE: Well, Governor, I don't want to throw cold water on what is obviously a very worthwhile exercise, but some have criticized saying, well, look, a lot of people already knew it was going to happen and the way it was going to happen. So how much of a realistic scenario is this?

LOCKE: But it's still -- there are elements of surprise, parts of the scenario no one has been briefed on before. And what we're really trying to do is measure the realtime response because as it unfolds, we're actually using the normal length of time that it would take, for instance, for the firefighters to respond to the scene of the incident. Then to discover that maybe there's some radioactive material, to see who they alert and then test the responses of everyone else. To even the responses of the top officials. So do we decide to shut down the freeways, do we close down the ferries and things like that?

So it's still a worthwhile exercise because the ultimate objective is simply to learn, to see when our shortcomings might be so that we can plug those in the event of a real terrorist attack or even a natural disaster because here we're prone to a lot of earthquakes and flooding. We'll be -- we will all benefit form this exercise. And the tens of millions of dollars, the $16, $17 million also includes the cost of the exercise in Chicago, it includes the cost of the federal monitors and things like that.

And so this is really money well spent if we share the information not just within our local agencies, but with people all around the country, and in fact there are many observers here from other states and other agencies.

SAVIDGE: Well before I let you go, money is the issue you just mentioned there. Are you getting enough money from the federal government, do you think, when it comes to dealing with this very thing, if it really were to happen?

LOCKE: Well I think all the governors and all the mayor and local officials would say that we definitely need more money. More money for training of our personnel, our first responders as well as equipment. And we need here in the Pacific Northwest because we're so close to the Canadian border, we need beefing up of the border patrols as well as because we're a port city. We need more personnel equipment to inspect the cargo coming in so that there is not in fact some sort of biochemical threat or radioactive threat or a dirty bomb that might be contained in some of these cargoes that are sitting in our ports.

So we can all use more money and clearly we're working with the Congress for them to appropriate more money for homeland security.

SAVIDGE: Governor Gary Locke of Washington, thanks for joining us. We wish you well on the exercise. Thank you.

LOCKE: Thank you.

SAVIDGE: A collapsing house of cards. Iraq's top germs scientist in U.S. hands. Does she hold the secrets of Saddam?

Plus, President Kennedy's love affairs. Did he have an attraction with an intern?

And sneaking across the border. We'll show you how this 7-year- old slipped through all that security.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: Dirt dug up on a former U.S. president. What a new accusation says about JFK. That's coming up on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Martin Savidge filling in for Wolf Blitzer.

Coming up, presidential follies. Did Kennedy beat Clinton to the punch? A new accusation surfaces.

(NEWSBREAK)

SAVIDGE: Iraq's notorious Dr. Germ, Rihab Taha, is in the United States custody. Iraq's notorious Dr. Germ, Rihab Taha, is now one of those that will have to do some explaining because she is the former head of Saddam Hussein's biological weapons program . Her nickname comes from her reported work in creating weapons grade anthrax.

Well, while the coalition's most wanted list continues to shrink, the search goes on for the key card still left in the deck of those now famous playing cards.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE (voice-over): The cloud that hovers over the allies every time one of these captures is announced still hasn't drifted away.

Saddam Hussein and his two sons are still not accounted for.

U.S. officials say they have to go with a working assumption that Saddam is still alive, a strategy adopted by U.S. allies.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (on camera): You believe based on everything you know now right now -- and you know a lot -- that he's alive or dead?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know, but I cannot say he's dead because there is no enough evidence that he dead. I think he's alive. I think he's inside Iraq.

SAVIDGE: U.S. officials say they too believe Saddam is most likely still in Iraq. Many believe it would be easier for him to hide inside his country than anywhere else.

Recently, U.S. Commander Tommy Franks said allied forces have DNA samples that would help them identify any remains that might be Saddam's. It's not clear if those sample are from the Iraqi leader himself or a relative.

No remains have been recovered from that missile strike on Baghdad's Monsour neighborhood last month that targeted Saddam.

For clues, we are left with a series of electronic appearances by Saddam Hussein, the latest a scratchy audiotape said to have been recorded last week.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SADDAM HUSSEIN, FMR. PRESIDENT OF IRAQ (through translator): I'm going to focus on how to face these invaders and kick them out from Iraq.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

SAVIDGE: U.S. intelligence officials say it will take them longer than usual to analyze that tape because the quality is so poor. And it may never be possible to say for sure if that is Saddam's voice.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(INTERRUPTED BY CNN COVERAGE OF BREAKING NEWS)

SAVIDGE: Moving on, along with the hunt for Saddam Hussein, the search goes on for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The latest intelligence says if he's alive, bin Laden is likely along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Well, the new U.S. civil administrator for Iraq admits that he has a tough job ahead. Paul Bremer arrived in Baghdad today. The former ambassador and counterterroism specialist for the State Department will replace Jay Garner. He's the retired lieutenant general who is expected to stay in Iraq several more weeks.

But Barbara Bodine, the coordinator for central Iraq, is leaving Baghdad immediately. U.S. officials have not linked the departure to Garner and Bodine to recent criticism of the civil administration's performance.

A long exiled Shia Muslim leader who returned to Iraq over the weekend is drawing big crowds as he travels in southern Iraq. Ayatollah Mohammed Bahir Al-Hakeen (ph), the head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq addressed supporters today in Najaf. Because of his opposition to Saddam Hussein, Hakeem spent 23 years in exile in neighboring Iran.

President Bush is on a three-state swing to push his big tax cut plan. Right now he's in Omaha, Nebraska, after a stop in New Mexico.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux checks in now with more on Mr. Bush's trip outside Washington -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Marty.

Well, President Bush is promising Americans new jobs. He says more than a million new jobs by the end of next year. But that is only if Congress passes his jobs and growth package.

As you mentioned, the president swinging through three states in two days. Earlier today he was in New Mexico. He is now in Nebraska. Tomorrow he'll be traveling to Indiana. It is all a part of the White House strategy to push as big a tax cut plan as possible. Friday, the House approved a $550 billion version. As you know, the president wanted $726 billion. And now the Senate has begun to debate its $350 billion package.

Earlier today the president's first stop, a warehouse company outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As long as our fellow citizens are looking for work, we must act. So long as families are struggling to pay the bills, we must act here in America. So long as small businesses are hesitant to expand and to create new jobs, we must act and the we in this case is the United States Congress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: And the president, we're now waiting for him to speak. He's in Omaha, Nebraska, at a company called Air Light Plastics.

And you should know that already controversy say taking center stage even before the president does. The workers there were told that if they were going to watch the president give his speech they would have to put in vacation time or unpaid leave. Got a lot of publicity. Since then, the managers have reversed. They've flip- flopped and said No, they will go ahead and pay workers. A White House spokeswoman earlier today saying that the White House did not have nothing to do with that decision but that it was a right one -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Suzanne Malveaux, live at the White House, thank you.

Rumors that President John F. Kennedy had extramarital relationships aren't anything new. But in the new biography title "An Unfinished Life," he's accused for the first time of carrying on an affair with an intern. In the book she as described as -- quote -- "A tall, slender, beautiful, 19-year-old college sophomore and White House intern who worked in the press office during two summers. She had no skills, a member of the press staff recalled. She couldn't type."

CNN's Jonathan Karl live on Capitol Hill with more on this story -- Jonathan.

JONATHAN KARL, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Marty, as you can imagine that revelation attracted a lot after tension. Dallek brooks will be in stores tomorrow. It is more than 700 pages, and includes only those couple lines about that intern. It is one of many things he ferreted out from newly released documents. Many of them at the Kennedy Library up in Massachusetts. Some of the more interesting revelations on another issue that is Kennedy's problems with his health.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL (voice-over): His public image was one of youthful vigor. But in truth, JFK battled serious medical problem his whole life. Twice before becoming president, he was so sick a priest was brought in to give him last rights. While researching his new book on JFK, Historian Robert Dallek uncovered previously sealed medical records that detailed the extent of his medical troubles and the lengths he went to conceal them from the public. 1941 he tried to get into the military but flunked two medical exams. His powerful father intervenes getting him another exam.

Reading the report of his exam Dallek writes "Reading the report of his exam, one would think he never had a serious physical problem in his life. It was a complete whitewash that would never have been possible without his fathers help."

Kennedy entered the navy earning hero status for saving his ship natures when his boat PT-109 was sunk by the Japanese. Dallek said Kennedy's brushes with death combined with the untimely deaths of his brother Joe and sister Kathleen fueled the ambition that led him to become the youngest person elected president. Kennedy told a friend before he entered politics, "you've got to live every day like it's your last day on earth. That's what I'm doing."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KARL: Now, Dalleck finds all this effort to conceal his medical problems makes him a more attractive historical figure. He said if you had truly know known the problems he was going through, his efforts to save his crew mates on the PT-190 during World War II were all the more impressive given the incredible physical pain he must have been in at the time -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Thanks very much. This reminder, tomorrow on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, Robert Dallek joins Wolf with more on the secret life of John F. Kennedy as revealed in his new book "An Unfinished Life."

We told you about a reported explosion taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly it is a vehicle that was packed with explosives that went off in a housing compound. There are casualties no reports yet of any deaths.

CNN terrorism expert Mike Boettcher joins us now with more on this. Let's talk about what the threats were in Saudi Arabia. There have been many.

MICHAEL BOETTCHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Saudis have been chasing 19 people who they believed were trying some sort of plot. It is unclear who is directing the plot. Was it an al Qaeda-inspired plot or a plot directed by Iraqis as part of the entire campaign to get back at the United States after or during the Gulf War. We have been told by sources that there was an arrest of one man in recent days who had five suitcases full of explosives. And obviously over the past few days the Saudis have been very concerned about a specific threat.

Right now we're trying to find out is this part of that?

It would seem so because Americans in the area have been on alert for quite some time to be prepared for any sort of attack against westerners in Saudi Arabia and in the entire Gulf area.

SAVIDGE: And how do we know how tough the Saudis are really truly being when it comes to trying to crackdown on terrorism.

BOETTCHER: When it occurs in their country, they've been very rigorous in trying to do that. They do not like the embarrass of a terrorist attack against westerns. It is bad for business, bad for the reputation of their country. When it comes to something like that, they're on top of it and have been cooperative with other agencies around the world. SAVIDGE: And how big a problem is terrorism in Saudi Arabia today?

BOETTCHER: Good question. How many of the old Wahabi followers that transformed into al Qaeda and other splinter groups still remain? I would say there are quite a few because it is something that is prevalent, a school of thought of radical Islam that is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. You can't just stamp that out with a few arrests. The Saudis know it the U.S. Knows it as well and we have another problem.

SAVIDGE: All right, CNN's Mike Boettcher, thanks very much.

We recap for you now what has taken place. Reportedly interest there has been an explosion, a car bomb or a car packed with explosives going off Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a housing complex. It is perhaps a housing complex involving international workers. There are casualties no reports of any deaths as yet. Of course the moment we get more information we will bring it to.

On the same subject but in this country, homeland security may be getting tighter. But even a 7-year-old can still sneak across the boarder. A story of a boy who blew past the guards when we come back.

And a photo finish, the Kentucky Derby winner accused of cheating learns his fate.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: At time when law enforcement agencies are cracking down on border security, one boy showed that getting into the U.S. is so easy even a child can do it.

Stephanie Hoey, from CNN affiliate WKBW has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's a runner. He sees something he likes, or whatever and he goes.

STEPHANIE HOEY, WKBW CORRESPONDENT: That's how Mark Harnard (ph) describes his 7-year-old son Mitchel who suffers from mild autism. And no question Mitchell was on the go Saturday when he took off on his sister's bike from his home in Niagara Falls, Ontario, headed for the Whirlpool bridge to the U.S.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel horrified. I never thought Mitchell would have even gone down that far anyway, but to go over to the other side was horrible.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The big bridge.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, did you ride your bike there?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With the roof on top.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you ride your bike there?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: yes.

HOEY: Mark says his 7-year-old rode the bike part way across the bridge that is until he saw a sign reading no bikes. At that point he dumped the bicycle into the gorge and walked the rest of the way across the bridge, walked right past U.S. customs.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It wasn't a border patrol that call and said we caught your kid on the bridge. He passed right through their customs into their city, into the street, into the downtown before he was picked up.

HOEY: Mitchell ended up getting picked up by police in Niagara Falls, New York, at the time he was running in and out of traffic at this intersection, Walnut and Niagara Falls Boulevard, about six miles from the Whirlpool Bridge.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's definitely something unusual, something I'm sure everybody that was here is going to remember. I know I will.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: And that was reporter Stephanie Hoey why affiliate WKBW.

We want to update you on a story, in case you're just joining us, an explosion that rocked Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reportedly now there is a car that was packed with explosives that has gone off inside of a housing complex there in that capital. A housing complex that may be home to a number of westerners. There are emergency crews responding to the scene. And we understand that there have been a number of casualties. It is not clear if there have been any deaths as yet there have been a number of threats that had been made in Saudi Arabia and warnings issued by the American embassy to be aware of the potential for terrorism. It is still unclear exactly if that is the case. But it appears that a car packed with explosives have gone off. We'll continue to update you on that story.

Moving on, a photo finish at the Kentucky Derby. A picture perfect moment leads to accusations of cheating. That when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: We continue to follow the breaking news coming out of Saudi Arabia. Specifically the capital there, Riyadh in the eastern part of that city, said to be an explosion coming from a car packed with explosives that apparently has struck in an area described that is described as a housing compound. A housing compound that is used by Westerners.

Emergency crews are responding to the scene. There are some wire reports that say as many as three explosions have been heard in the area. And there had been threats that had been made by various terror organizations and warnings have been given to Americans in Saudi Arabia that they could be the target of terrorist attacks.

Again, an explosion in Riyadh the capital of Saudi Arabia. There are casualties. We'll continue to give you more information as becomes available.

The controversy that has overshadowed the winning jockey in this year's Kentucky Derby is over. An investigation has cleared Jose Santos of any wrongdoing. CNN's Arthel Neville joins with us what all the fuss was about -- Arthel.

ARTHEL NEVILLE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Marty, it all started with a photo, this one we're going to show you which is taken as jockey Jose Santos rode Funny Cide to it an upset victory at the Kentucky Derby a week ago Saturday.

Now "The Miami Herald" ran photo this weekend calling attention to the dark area in the space between Santos' right hand and his whip. Now there is speculation he could have been hold something sort of electrical device and using it to make the horse run faster. This wouldn't be the first time that has happened at horse racing. The winner of the 1999 Arkansas Derby was suspended for racing for five years for using a battery to spur his horse.

But getting back to the story of Funny Cide, of course, the accusation was very upsetting to Santos. Three officials from Churchill Downs spent the weekend pouring over a tape of the race and the photo. They also searched the racetrack. Now, their conclusion, the dark area was just part of the goggle strap of the jockey behind Santos. That may -- they made that announcement at a news conference this afternoon which of course was welcome news for Santos.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSE SANTOS, JOCKEY: Anybody when have some faults (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and they have to be very angry. i mean I couldn't sleep. I mean it's terrible especially for my family and my little boy. He's my No. 1 fan. And he was pacing at home. And I told him everything going to be OK and he was telling me (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that people (UNINTELLIGIBLE) doing and I believe, Daddy, you're not a cheater.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEVILLE: Well, Santos already said he is ready to move on to the Preakness which is the second part of racing's Triple Crown. He'll ride Funny Cide this Saturday in Baltimore -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Arthel, thank you very much.

We want to go now to the State Department and CNN's Andrea Koppel with more on a story that's coming could out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That an explosion has apparently taken place in a compound that may be home to Westerners. Andrea, what do we know?

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, Martin, State Department officials have told me that in fact there are three Western compounds, some of which may house Americans, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, that have been targeted by attacks.

There has been information that the U.S. has had now for several months, in fact, they got information as recently as this past weekend that there were plots that perhaps were in the works, targeting American interests in Saudi Arabia.

And we know that just last week in fact, Saudi authorities had a raid in which they netted tons of explosives and various other equipment that could be used terrorist attacks and they had basically put out an all alerts bulletin that there were 19 individuals, most of them Saudi citizens who they believed were planning these terrorist attacks.

So we know -- at this point we don't know any casualties. There are obviously U.S. diplomats that are on the ground in Riyadh, trying to get as much information as possible and pass it back here to the State Department.

But as things stand now, the only information that State Department officials say they have is that there have been three compounds in Saudi Arabia known to house Westerners, which may have Americans living there that have been targeted by various attackers in the capital -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: And, Andrea, in a case like this what is usually the warning? Is it just be careful, be aware of your surroundings or is it get out of the country?

KOPPEL: Well we know that since before the war in Iraq began, there were various ordered departures and various travel warnings that had gone out throughout the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia obviously included in that and that Americans were supposed to be on alert, in fact were told not travel 20 some of these countries. And clearly the United States, since 9/11, has been on alert that there were al Qaeda operatives around the world that were still plotting, still planning attacks against Americans.

One official I spoke with here at the State Department, Marty, said that this really was the modus operandi of al Qaeda. Obviously at this stage it's too soon to say whether this, or these were attacks that were planned by al Qaeda.

But it certainly does have all the markings of an al Qaeda attack. They've been known to try to stir things up in the Saudi capital ever since American forces were first stationed there after the first Gulf War -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: And Osama bin Laden was a former Saudi citizen. That has now been renounced.

Secretary of state Colin Powell, wasn't he traveling to Saudi Arabia later?

KOPPEL: That is correct. At this stage he's still in Jordan. He left Israel earlier today, was in Egypt, and was supposed to be overnighting in Jordan. But you're absolutely correct. Secretary of State Powell is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia tomorrow as part of his tour through the region and then he heads on to Europe.

So clearly this is not something that is going to make State Department officials be at ease at this point -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: All right, no, it will not. Andrea Koppel joining us live from the State Department. Thanks very much.

We want to pass along now to Lou Dobbs as he will be picking up the programming from here. Obviously stay with CNN for more information regarding the bombing that has taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For the time being, I'm Martin Savidge at CNN Center in Atlanta.

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





Explodes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Mother Accused of Beating Her Children to Death with Rocks>


Aired May 12, 2003 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A mother accused of the unthinkable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was no indication whatsoever that was going to happen.

SAVIDGE: Two young boys beaten to death, a third in critical condition. Their mother facing a judge as prosecutors face the public.

Their stunts caught the nation's attention.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're in violation of the school hazing policy.

SAVIDGE: Now the high school weighs in on a proper punishment. Will criminal charges be next?

Preparing for the worst.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This test scenario that we'll be responding to in Seattle will be a dirty radioactive bomb.

SAVIDGE: We're live at the most extensive bioterrorism drill in U.S. history.

And the president and the intern. New allegations about JFK's love life.

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS live from the nation's capital. With correspondents form around world, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: It is Monday, May 12, 2003. Hello from CNN Center in Atlanta. I'm Martin Savidge reporting. Wolf Blitzer is off today.

We start with a chilling story out of east Texas. A mother is accused of killing her two young sons and severely beating the third. Deanna Laney allegedly committed the crimes on the day before Mother's Day. We expect to hear from the district attorney handling her case at any moment. We'll bring it to you live when that happens.

Meanwhile, Laney must face a judge and enter a plea in the charges against her. CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin standing by live with a look at what may happen next. But, first, a look at when and how this crime happened. John Prong from CNN affiliate WFAA has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN PRONK, WFAA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Eight-year-old Joshua Laney and brother Luke, age 6, were found dead after a 911 call by their mother where she reportedly admitted killing them. Fourteen- month-old Aaron Laney was in critical condition at Dallas Children's Hospital. Authorities say all three were beaten by rocks. Keith Laney says he was asleep during the crime.

The Laneys live in New Chapel Hill, just east of Tyler, where neighbors are stunned at the tragedy.

RICHARD MAYNE, NEIGHBOR: Trying to figure out what's going on. You know, everybody's in shock about it.

JOE SMITH, NEIGHBOR: There's no way in the world that I would have believed she'd do this without something taking over her and something snapping in her and something making her do this. It is absolutely devastating to the neighborhood.

PRONK: Deanna Laney is in Smith County Jail under suicide watch. Her bond is set at $3 million.

John Pronk, Channel 8 News, Smith County.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: This story brings up memories of the Andrea Yates case. She is the Houston, Texas mother convicted of drowning her children. Here to talk more about how the justice system handles mothers accused of murdering their children is CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin.

Jeffrey, this is a tough one because you automatically have to think any mother that would do this cannot be psychologically all there.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: You know this is an area where the legal system just doesn't work very well because I think all of us understand there is some difference, morally, legally, in every way between a mother who does this to a child and a Mafia hit man. Both of them may be murderers, but there is a difference in how the legal system ought to deal with them.

But we haven't really figured out a way. The definitions of what is insanity what is adequate mental state for homicide, these things the courts have struggled with for decades and there's never been a very satisfactory resolution.

SAVIDGE: Can it be possible that you can murder your own children and still be sane?

TOOBIN: It is hard to imagine. But, I mean, just remember the Andrea Yates case. The jury did find she was sane but they found that she didn't deserve the death penalty. That is often how juries come out in cases like this. They don't -- they don't want to give someone a walk. They don't want to say, well, you're insane and thus not guilty. But they also are very reluctant to impose the death penalty. Not fortunately that there are lots of cases like this.

SAVIDGE: If you are her attorney what do you advise, what do you say?

TOOBIN: I think -- and again, we need to know a lot more of the facts here. Have to know what the circumstances were, what was the relationship with the husband. I mean obviously he was present in the house. He will be a critical witness. You have to know what his role is both in this incident and in the family.

But, you know, the reaction that we all have is that someone just can't be in their right mind to have done something like this, if, in fact, she did it. And to have the legal system take cognizance of that is a goal of what a defense attorney would be seeking here.

SAVIDGE: Jeffrey Toobin, thank you very much, on what is obviously a very, very difficult case for any parent to try to come to grips with and especially a jury and judge. So we will wait to see what happens. Thanks very much.

We also want to remind you that coming up tonight on "LARRY KING LIVE," Russell Yates will be the guest. That'll be tonight at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Also, we want to remind you there is another story here. Some of the students who took part in that widely publicized school hazing incident have been suspended from school. Next, though, they could face criminal charges. CNN's Jeff Flock following this story live now from Glenview, Illinois. And, Jeff, what's the latest? We already know about these suspensions, is that right?

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF: Suspensions to start with. And then the school administrators say they will move to expel those students as well. And then as you report, criminal charges perhaps down the road.

Here's what else they did. If the expulsion takes effect there will be no prom, no graduation and no further setting foot on school property for these students. The school board will be the ultimate determinant as to whether they get expelled.

Now, why did school officials first say we don't think it is our jurisdiction and why now have they changed their mind and said they're going to expel them? Well, it was partially those videotapes. They've gone back to the videotapes and in fact they tell us that what they did was take a look at the tapes and identify students. And based on the tapes those are the students they decided to go ahead and discipline. Now, all of the students so far that have been suspended and prospectively expel are seniors. They have all been informed of their potential expulsion and suspension and they have all been escorted from the school. That took place today.

And in terms of the reaction on the part of the parents, well, the most outspoken parent on the subject of pushing for strong penalties for these students on the part of the school administrators told us a little while ago she jumped for joy at this news.

Now the only thing that school administrators did not reveal today is the number of students who have been suspended and prospectively expelled, nor did they say who specifically it was. Principal at Glenbrook North is Mike Riggle.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL RIGGLE, PRINCIPAL: Due to the ongoing investigation process that is being conducted at the school, as well as the confidential nature of student disciplinary action, it is not appropriate to share information regarding the number or names of students who have received suspensions.

This confidentiality is in accordance with existing school policy and federal and state law. We continue to cooperate and work with law enforcement agencies from the North Brook Police Department, the Cook County Forest Preserve Police, the Cook County Sheriff's Department and the office of the state's attorney.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: And now, Marty, that's the important point there. All of those agencies are investigating the potential of criminal charges, we hear not today, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

And one final note on criminal charges, they do have anonymous reports so far that parents, some parents did supply the alcohol that fueled this binge. Nobody on the record so far. But they are asking for anyone to come forward who has any information about that.

That's the latest. Back to you.

SAVIDGE: Thank you very much, Jeff Flock, live from Illinois.

Now we want to take you live to Texas. Show you the scene here inside as the prosecutors hold a news conference regarding the mother alleged -- or accused of killing her two young children.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

SAVIDGE: Let's bring back Jeffrey Toobin to talk about this,

The potential for punishment here -- this is a capital offense. You think they'll really go for the death penalty?

TOOBIN: Well, this is Texas, after all and Texas executed more people than -- more than any other state since the death penalty has been returned to the United States in 1976.

Judge Cynthia Kant, who will be presiding over this case, is known as one of the toughest judges in Texas. She's based in Tyler, Texas, where this took place.

You know, Texas prosecutors tend to ask for the death penalty when it is possible to ask for it. And based on the limited amount we know so far, it certainly seems possible here and their attitude is often, well, if it's -- if it's not to be given, let the jury decide. But we're going to at least give the jury the option.

SAVIDGE: Quickly before you go, I want to ask you about the husband. He was supposedly asleep at the time of this terrible attack allegedly occurred. Is there any way he is culpable?

TOOBIN: Well, you know, it is really early to tell in this investigation. If he was, in fact, asleep during the entire episode it's hard to imagine he could be culpable at all.

But you'd have to know a lot more about what this family dynamic was. you know, how much warning there was, what was the relationship between the mother and the children, what was the relationship between the mother and father, was any medication involved, was there any history of psychiatric illness? All of this needs to come out.

But, you know, the law is based on the idea of personal responsibility. And even if this wasn't a great marriage, even if her husband did something wrong, if she's the one who beat these kids to death with a rock, she's the one who's going to pay the price.

SAVIDGE: All right. Jeffrey Toobin, so much to think about and yet so much we don't want to think about at all. Thank you very much for your legal insight.

TOOBIN: OK, Marty.

SAVIDGE: In a moment, the search for the anthrax killer. Does this pond hold any secrets? Find out what authorities are looking for underwater.

Also, Kennedy's intern. Bill Clinton may have not been first one after all. Details from a new biography.

And photo finish. The Kentucky Derby winner faces some shocking allegations.

But first, in case you were out enjoying the days off, here's a "Weekend Snapshot."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE (voice-over): More storms, more victims. Parts of the South and Midwest are cleaning up from tornado damage. Funnel clouds swept across parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky over the weekend. Since first of the month, almost 400 tornadoes have battered the South and Midwest, killing dozens of people. Shooting rampage update. Charges are pending against the gunman who allegedly killed one person and wounded two others at Case Western University. Police say the 62-year-old man is a former student who lost a lawsuit against a school employee.

Climber recovering. The man who amputated his own arm after he was pinned by an 800-pound boulder is out of a Colorado hospital. Aron Ralston was released Saturday. His family says he's in good spirits.

Coach takes time out. Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is recovering from surgery. He underwent an angioplasty Saturday. Assistant Jim Cleamens is coaching the team while Jackson recovers.

A mother's hope. Mary Vandross says she believes her son, Luther Vandross, will recover from a stroke. The singer has been unconscious and in critical condition for almost a month. Mrs. Vandross says -- quote -- "He has to recover. He's all I have left."

Mutant power. "X2: X-Men United" is still beating all of the competition at the box office. It remains the no. 1 movie in the U.S., taking in more than $41 million in its second weekend. The movie is based on the comic book about genetic mutants with superpowers.

And that is our "Weekend Snapshot."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: The probe into the 2001 anthrax attacks is refocusing on a Maryland pond which may now be drained as authorities search for more evidence. CNN Justice correspondent Kelli Arena has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The FBI's interest in this state park in Frederick, Maryland dates back to last December. Officials got a tip back then that someone may have dumped equipment into one of the park's ponds. Officials say they found the tip significant because the pond is about ten miles from Fort Detrick where the Army has experimented with anthrax.

Agents have searched the area at least four times since then. And Frederick's mayor says the FBI is now considering draining one of the ponds. Frederick Police Chief Ken Dine has been in regular contact with the FBI.

CHIEF KEN DINE, FREDERICK, MARYLAND POLICE: ... number of facets to this investigation. It's very, very significant. After all it is a murder investigation, multiple murder investigation. So I'm sure there are a number of avenues that they're looking into.

ARENA: According to government sources, agents in December found a large plastic enclosed contain with two openings in the side, similar to those used to limit exposure during scientific tests. But still, officials say, there is no evidence connecting anything found in the park to anthrax or the anthrax attacks. Nor is there any evidence linking any individual to the deadly anthrax letters.

The FBI has said nothing publicly about anyone it may be investigating, but Attorney General John Ashcroft did refer publicly to Stephen Hatfill, a former researcher at Fort Detrick, as a person of interest.

Hatfill has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence. And his spokesman told CNN, quote, "The FBI can drain the Pacific Ocean, but it is never going to find any evidence that Steve Hatfill was the anthrax killer because Steve Hatfill had nothing to do with the anthrax attacks."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: some involved in the case are clearly frustrated. More than 18 months later there still has not been one single arrest for attacks that killed five people and sickened 13 others -- Martin.

SAVIDGE: Thank you, Kelli, very much.

Meanwhile, efforts by authorities to prepare for the worst. The most extensive terror drill in U.S. history, under way featuring mock radioactive and biological attack. CNN's Jeanne Meserve is live in Seattle with the details on that.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Marty this exercise got under way a little more than two hours ago with a bang.

And that was the simulated explosion of a dirty bomb a few miles from the center of the city of Seattle. Within about ten minutes, the first responders were on the scene and the game has been in play ever since then with about 200 actors out there portraying the dead and injured. There are even fake news crews from what's called "The Virtual News Network." This network is being watched by officials here in Washington State, in Washington, D.C. and officials all across the country who want to monitor what's going on.

We're told a short time ago the mayor of Seattle used this Virtual News Network to announce to the citizens of Seattle that they should shelter in place because the radiological plume from this explosion is heading towards west Seattle, and that was the recommended course of action rather than an evacuation.

We're told that all along wait in the exercise, new scenarios are being injected into the exercise to increase the element of surprise and hopefully test the system to find out where the stresses are in this system. That, in fact, is the exact point of the exercise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL BROWN, DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY: The lessons to be learn ready frankly where are the holes. What do we need to fix in terms of our response to the incidents of 9/11? Where go need to turn to make our response mechanism better? Where do we need to return to make citizen preparedness better?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: In that videotape you saw the first responders on the scene. You might have seen some gentlemen walking around with clip boards. These are people who are collecting data about this exercise so there can be an evaluation. Experts say there has to be a hard- hitting after action report so officials here and all around the country reap the benefits from this $16 million exercise. Marty, back to you.

SAVIDGE: Jeanne Meserve live in Seattle, Washington, thank you.

Now for more on the drill in Seattle, I'm joined by Washington Governor Gary Locke. Governor, thanks very much for being with us. Only a few hours into this exercise, but I'm wondering, have you learned anything yet?

GOV. GARY LOCKE (D), WASHINGTON: Well actually it's too early to tell but I'm really pleased that all of our local, state and county governments are responding. There are elements to this that no one ever ever anticipated before, so we'll see how we respond.

But when the federal government asked us if we wanted to participate, when the federal government asked us over a year ago, we all jumped at this opportunity because we view this as a method by which we can learn more about our response systems. Hopefully, so that we can learn and improve so that in the event of a real terrorist attack or even a natural disaster, we're better prepared, we can better respond and protect the people of our communities.

SAVIDGE: Well, Governor, I don't want to throw cold water on what is obviously a very worthwhile exercise, but some have criticized saying, well, look, a lot of people already knew it was going to happen and the way it was going to happen. So how much of a realistic scenario is this?

LOCKE: But it's still -- there are elements of surprise, parts of the scenario no one has been briefed on before. And what we're really trying to do is measure the realtime response because as it unfolds, we're actually using the normal length of time that it would take, for instance, for the firefighters to respond to the scene of the incident. Then to discover that maybe there's some radioactive material, to see who they alert and then test the responses of everyone else. To even the responses of the top officials. So do we decide to shut down the freeways, do we close down the ferries and things like that?

So it's still a worthwhile exercise because the ultimate objective is simply to learn, to see when our shortcomings might be so that we can plug those in the event of a real terrorist attack or even a natural disaster because here we're prone to a lot of earthquakes and flooding. We'll be -- we will all benefit form this exercise. And the tens of millions of dollars, the $16, $17 million also includes the cost of the exercise in Chicago, it includes the cost of the federal monitors and things like that.

And so this is really money well spent if we share the information not just within our local agencies, but with people all around the country, and in fact there are many observers here from other states and other agencies.

SAVIDGE: Well before I let you go, money is the issue you just mentioned there. Are you getting enough money from the federal government, do you think, when it comes to dealing with this very thing, if it really were to happen?

LOCKE: Well I think all the governors and all the mayor and local officials would say that we definitely need more money. More money for training of our personnel, our first responders as well as equipment. And we need here in the Pacific Northwest because we're so close to the Canadian border, we need beefing up of the border patrols as well as because we're a port city. We need more personnel equipment to inspect the cargo coming in so that there is not in fact some sort of biochemical threat or radioactive threat or a dirty bomb that might be contained in some of these cargoes that are sitting in our ports.

So we can all use more money and clearly we're working with the Congress for them to appropriate more money for homeland security.

SAVIDGE: Governor Gary Locke of Washington, thanks for joining us. We wish you well on the exercise. Thank you.

LOCKE: Thank you.

SAVIDGE: A collapsing house of cards. Iraq's top germs scientist in U.S. hands. Does she hold the secrets of Saddam?

Plus, President Kennedy's love affairs. Did he have an attraction with an intern?

And sneaking across the border. We'll show you how this 7-year- old slipped through all that security.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: Dirt dug up on a former U.S. president. What a new accusation says about JFK. That's coming up on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Martin Savidge filling in for Wolf Blitzer.

Coming up, presidential follies. Did Kennedy beat Clinton to the punch? A new accusation surfaces.

(NEWSBREAK)

SAVIDGE: Iraq's notorious Dr. Germ, Rihab Taha, is in the United States custody. Iraq's notorious Dr. Germ, Rihab Taha, is now one of those that will have to do some explaining because she is the former head of Saddam Hussein's biological weapons program . Her nickname comes from her reported work in creating weapons grade anthrax.

Well, while the coalition's most wanted list continues to shrink, the search goes on for the key card still left in the deck of those now famous playing cards.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE (voice-over): The cloud that hovers over the allies every time one of these captures is announced still hasn't drifted away.

Saddam Hussein and his two sons are still not accounted for.

U.S. officials say they have to go with a working assumption that Saddam is still alive, a strategy adopted by U.S. allies.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (on camera): You believe based on everything you know now right now -- and you know a lot -- that he's alive or dead?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know, but I cannot say he's dead because there is no enough evidence that he dead. I think he's alive. I think he's inside Iraq.

SAVIDGE: U.S. officials say they too believe Saddam is most likely still in Iraq. Many believe it would be easier for him to hide inside his country than anywhere else.

Recently, U.S. Commander Tommy Franks said allied forces have DNA samples that would help them identify any remains that might be Saddam's. It's not clear if those sample are from the Iraqi leader himself or a relative.

No remains have been recovered from that missile strike on Baghdad's Monsour neighborhood last month that targeted Saddam.

For clues, we are left with a series of electronic appearances by Saddam Hussein, the latest a scratchy audiotape said to have been recorded last week.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SADDAM HUSSEIN, FMR. PRESIDENT OF IRAQ (through translator): I'm going to focus on how to face these invaders and kick them out from Iraq.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

SAVIDGE: U.S. intelligence officials say it will take them longer than usual to analyze that tape because the quality is so poor. And it may never be possible to say for sure if that is Saddam's voice.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(INTERRUPTED BY CNN COVERAGE OF BREAKING NEWS)

SAVIDGE: Moving on, along with the hunt for Saddam Hussein, the search goes on for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The latest intelligence says if he's alive, bin Laden is likely along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Well, the new U.S. civil administrator for Iraq admits that he has a tough job ahead. Paul Bremer arrived in Baghdad today. The former ambassador and counterterroism specialist for the State Department will replace Jay Garner. He's the retired lieutenant general who is expected to stay in Iraq several more weeks.

But Barbara Bodine, the coordinator for central Iraq, is leaving Baghdad immediately. U.S. officials have not linked the departure to Garner and Bodine to recent criticism of the civil administration's performance.

A long exiled Shia Muslim leader who returned to Iraq over the weekend is drawing big crowds as he travels in southern Iraq. Ayatollah Mohammed Bahir Al-Hakeen (ph), the head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq addressed supporters today in Najaf. Because of his opposition to Saddam Hussein, Hakeem spent 23 years in exile in neighboring Iran.

President Bush is on a three-state swing to push his big tax cut plan. Right now he's in Omaha, Nebraska, after a stop in New Mexico.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux checks in now with more on Mr. Bush's trip outside Washington -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Marty.

Well, President Bush is promising Americans new jobs. He says more than a million new jobs by the end of next year. But that is only if Congress passes his jobs and growth package.

As you mentioned, the president swinging through three states in two days. Earlier today he was in New Mexico. He is now in Nebraska. Tomorrow he'll be traveling to Indiana. It is all a part of the White House strategy to push as big a tax cut plan as possible. Friday, the House approved a $550 billion version. As you know, the president wanted $726 billion. And now the Senate has begun to debate its $350 billion package.

Earlier today the president's first stop, a warehouse company outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As long as our fellow citizens are looking for work, we must act. So long as families are struggling to pay the bills, we must act here in America. So long as small businesses are hesitant to expand and to create new jobs, we must act and the we in this case is the United States Congress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: And the president, we're now waiting for him to speak. He's in Omaha, Nebraska, at a company called Air Light Plastics.

And you should know that already controversy say taking center stage even before the president does. The workers there were told that if they were going to watch the president give his speech they would have to put in vacation time or unpaid leave. Got a lot of publicity. Since then, the managers have reversed. They've flip- flopped and said No, they will go ahead and pay workers. A White House spokeswoman earlier today saying that the White House did not have nothing to do with that decision but that it was a right one -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Suzanne Malveaux, live at the White House, thank you.

Rumors that President John F. Kennedy had extramarital relationships aren't anything new. But in the new biography title "An Unfinished Life," he's accused for the first time of carrying on an affair with an intern. In the book she as described as -- quote -- "A tall, slender, beautiful, 19-year-old college sophomore and White House intern who worked in the press office during two summers. She had no skills, a member of the press staff recalled. She couldn't type."

CNN's Jonathan Karl live on Capitol Hill with more on this story -- Jonathan.

JONATHAN KARL, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Marty, as you can imagine that revelation attracted a lot after tension. Dallek brooks will be in stores tomorrow. It is more than 700 pages, and includes only those couple lines about that intern. It is one of many things he ferreted out from newly released documents. Many of them at the Kennedy Library up in Massachusetts. Some of the more interesting revelations on another issue that is Kennedy's problems with his health.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL (voice-over): His public image was one of youthful vigor. But in truth, JFK battled serious medical problem his whole life. Twice before becoming president, he was so sick a priest was brought in to give him last rights. While researching his new book on JFK, Historian Robert Dallek uncovered previously sealed medical records that detailed the extent of his medical troubles and the lengths he went to conceal them from the public. 1941 he tried to get into the military but flunked two medical exams. His powerful father intervenes getting him another exam.

Reading the report of his exam Dallek writes "Reading the report of his exam, one would think he never had a serious physical problem in his life. It was a complete whitewash that would never have been possible without his fathers help."

Kennedy entered the navy earning hero status for saving his ship natures when his boat PT-109 was sunk by the Japanese. Dallek said Kennedy's brushes with death combined with the untimely deaths of his brother Joe and sister Kathleen fueled the ambition that led him to become the youngest person elected president. Kennedy told a friend before he entered politics, "you've got to live every day like it's your last day on earth. That's what I'm doing."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KARL: Now, Dalleck finds all this effort to conceal his medical problems makes him a more attractive historical figure. He said if you had truly know known the problems he was going through, his efforts to save his crew mates on the PT-190 during World War II were all the more impressive given the incredible physical pain he must have been in at the time -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Thanks very much. This reminder, tomorrow on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, Robert Dallek joins Wolf with more on the secret life of John F. Kennedy as revealed in his new book "An Unfinished Life."

We told you about a reported explosion taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly it is a vehicle that was packed with explosives that went off in a housing compound. There are casualties no reports yet of any deaths.

CNN terrorism expert Mike Boettcher joins us now with more on this. Let's talk about what the threats were in Saudi Arabia. There have been many.

MICHAEL BOETTCHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Saudis have been chasing 19 people who they believed were trying some sort of plot. It is unclear who is directing the plot. Was it an al Qaeda-inspired plot or a plot directed by Iraqis as part of the entire campaign to get back at the United States after or during the Gulf War. We have been told by sources that there was an arrest of one man in recent days who had five suitcases full of explosives. And obviously over the past few days the Saudis have been very concerned about a specific threat.

Right now we're trying to find out is this part of that?

It would seem so because Americans in the area have been on alert for quite some time to be prepared for any sort of attack against westerners in Saudi Arabia and in the entire Gulf area.

SAVIDGE: And how do we know how tough the Saudis are really truly being when it comes to trying to crackdown on terrorism.

BOETTCHER: When it occurs in their country, they've been very rigorous in trying to do that. They do not like the embarrass of a terrorist attack against westerns. It is bad for business, bad for the reputation of their country. When it comes to something like that, they're on top of it and have been cooperative with other agencies around the world. SAVIDGE: And how big a problem is terrorism in Saudi Arabia today?

BOETTCHER: Good question. How many of the old Wahabi followers that transformed into al Qaeda and other splinter groups still remain? I would say there are quite a few because it is something that is prevalent, a school of thought of radical Islam that is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. You can't just stamp that out with a few arrests. The Saudis know it the U.S. Knows it as well and we have another problem.

SAVIDGE: All right, CNN's Mike Boettcher, thanks very much.

We recap for you now what has taken place. Reportedly interest there has been an explosion, a car bomb or a car packed with explosives going off Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a housing complex. It is perhaps a housing complex involving international workers. There are casualties no reports of any deaths as yet. Of course the moment we get more information we will bring it to.

On the same subject but in this country, homeland security may be getting tighter. But even a 7-year-old can still sneak across the boarder. A story of a boy who blew past the guards when we come back.

And a photo finish, the Kentucky Derby winner accused of cheating learns his fate.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: At time when law enforcement agencies are cracking down on border security, one boy showed that getting into the U.S. is so easy even a child can do it.

Stephanie Hoey, from CNN affiliate WKBW has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's a runner. He sees something he likes, or whatever and he goes.

STEPHANIE HOEY, WKBW CORRESPONDENT: That's how Mark Harnard (ph) describes his 7-year-old son Mitchel who suffers from mild autism. And no question Mitchell was on the go Saturday when he took off on his sister's bike from his home in Niagara Falls, Ontario, headed for the Whirlpool bridge to the U.S.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel horrified. I never thought Mitchell would have even gone down that far anyway, but to go over to the other side was horrible.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The big bridge.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, did you ride your bike there?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With the roof on top.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you ride your bike there?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: yes.

HOEY: Mark says his 7-year-old rode the bike part way across the bridge that is until he saw a sign reading no bikes. At that point he dumped the bicycle into the gorge and walked the rest of the way across the bridge, walked right past U.S. customs.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It wasn't a border patrol that call and said we caught your kid on the bridge. He passed right through their customs into their city, into the street, into the downtown before he was picked up.

HOEY: Mitchell ended up getting picked up by police in Niagara Falls, New York, at the time he was running in and out of traffic at this intersection, Walnut and Niagara Falls Boulevard, about six miles from the Whirlpool Bridge.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's definitely something unusual, something I'm sure everybody that was here is going to remember. I know I will.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: And that was reporter Stephanie Hoey why affiliate WKBW.

We want to update you on a story, in case you're just joining us, an explosion that rocked Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reportedly now there is a car that was packed with explosives that has gone off inside of a housing complex there in that capital. A housing complex that may be home to a number of westerners. There are emergency crews responding to the scene. And we understand that there have been a number of casualties. It is not clear if there have been any deaths as yet there have been a number of threats that had been made in Saudi Arabia and warnings issued by the American embassy to be aware of the potential for terrorism. It is still unclear exactly if that is the case. But it appears that a car packed with explosives have gone off. We'll continue to update you on that story.

Moving on, a photo finish at the Kentucky Derby. A picture perfect moment leads to accusations of cheating. That when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SAVIDGE: We continue to follow the breaking news coming out of Saudi Arabia. Specifically the capital there, Riyadh in the eastern part of that city, said to be an explosion coming from a car packed with explosives that apparently has struck in an area described that is described as a housing compound. A housing compound that is used by Westerners.

Emergency crews are responding to the scene. There are some wire reports that say as many as three explosions have been heard in the area. And there had been threats that had been made by various terror organizations and warnings have been given to Americans in Saudi Arabia that they could be the target of terrorist attacks.

Again, an explosion in Riyadh the capital of Saudi Arabia. There are casualties. We'll continue to give you more information as becomes available.

The controversy that has overshadowed the winning jockey in this year's Kentucky Derby is over. An investigation has cleared Jose Santos of any wrongdoing. CNN's Arthel Neville joins with us what all the fuss was about -- Arthel.

ARTHEL NEVILLE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Marty, it all started with a photo, this one we're going to show you which is taken as jockey Jose Santos rode Funny Cide to it an upset victory at the Kentucky Derby a week ago Saturday.

Now "The Miami Herald" ran photo this weekend calling attention to the dark area in the space between Santos' right hand and his whip. Now there is speculation he could have been hold something sort of electrical device and using it to make the horse run faster. This wouldn't be the first time that has happened at horse racing. The winner of the 1999 Arkansas Derby was suspended for racing for five years for using a battery to spur his horse.

But getting back to the story of Funny Cide, of course, the accusation was very upsetting to Santos. Three officials from Churchill Downs spent the weekend pouring over a tape of the race and the photo. They also searched the racetrack. Now, their conclusion, the dark area was just part of the goggle strap of the jockey behind Santos. That may -- they made that announcement at a news conference this afternoon which of course was welcome news for Santos.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSE SANTOS, JOCKEY: Anybody when have some faults (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and they have to be very angry. i mean I couldn't sleep. I mean it's terrible especially for my family and my little boy. He's my No. 1 fan. And he was pacing at home. And I told him everything going to be OK and he was telling me (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that people (UNINTELLIGIBLE) doing and I believe, Daddy, you're not a cheater.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEVILLE: Well, Santos already said he is ready to move on to the Preakness which is the second part of racing's Triple Crown. He'll ride Funny Cide this Saturday in Baltimore -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: Arthel, thank you very much.

We want to go now to the State Department and CNN's Andrea Koppel with more on a story that's coming could out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That an explosion has apparently taken place in a compound that may be home to Westerners. Andrea, what do we know?

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, Martin, State Department officials have told me that in fact there are three Western compounds, some of which may house Americans, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, that have been targeted by attacks.

There has been information that the U.S. has had now for several months, in fact, they got information as recently as this past weekend that there were plots that perhaps were in the works, targeting American interests in Saudi Arabia.

And we know that just last week in fact, Saudi authorities had a raid in which they netted tons of explosives and various other equipment that could be used terrorist attacks and they had basically put out an all alerts bulletin that there were 19 individuals, most of them Saudi citizens who they believed were planning these terrorist attacks.

So we know -- at this point we don't know any casualties. There are obviously U.S. diplomats that are on the ground in Riyadh, trying to get as much information as possible and pass it back here to the State Department.

But as things stand now, the only information that State Department officials say they have is that there have been three compounds in Saudi Arabia known to house Westerners, which may have Americans living there that have been targeted by various attackers in the capital -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: And, Andrea, in a case like this what is usually the warning? Is it just be careful, be aware of your surroundings or is it get out of the country?

KOPPEL: Well we know that since before the war in Iraq began, there were various ordered departures and various travel warnings that had gone out throughout the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia obviously included in that and that Americans were supposed to be on alert, in fact were told not travel 20 some of these countries. And clearly the United States, since 9/11, has been on alert that there were al Qaeda operatives around the world that were still plotting, still planning attacks against Americans.

One official I spoke with here at the State Department, Marty, said that this really was the modus operandi of al Qaeda. Obviously at this stage it's too soon to say whether this, or these were attacks that were planned by al Qaeda.

But it certainly does have all the markings of an al Qaeda attack. They've been known to try to stir things up in the Saudi capital ever since American forces were first stationed there after the first Gulf War -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: And Osama bin Laden was a former Saudi citizen. That has now been renounced.

Secretary of state Colin Powell, wasn't he traveling to Saudi Arabia later?

KOPPEL: That is correct. At this stage he's still in Jordan. He left Israel earlier today, was in Egypt, and was supposed to be overnighting in Jordan. But you're absolutely correct. Secretary of State Powell is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia tomorrow as part of his tour through the region and then he heads on to Europe.

So clearly this is not something that is going to make State Department officials be at ease at this point -- Marty.

SAVIDGE: All right, no, it will not. Andrea Koppel joining us live from the State Department. Thanks very much.

We want to pass along now to Lou Dobbs as he will be picking up the programming from here. Obviously stay with CNN for more information regarding the bombing that has taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For the time being, I'm Martin Savidge at CNN Center in Atlanta.

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Explodes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Mother Accused of Beating Her Children to Death with Rocks>