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American Morning
Saudi Officials Find Head of Hostage Paul Johnson; Animal Abuse Charge; Search Continues for Missing Jogger
Aired July 21, 2004 - 07:30 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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: There is breaking news out of Saudi Arabia we want to pass along to you in news of a very grizzly form. The head of American Paul Johnson apparently has been found after a raid in the capital of Riyadh. This according to the Associated Press, which is quoting a statement off of Saudi television. Found in a raid apparently earlier today or late on Tuesday.
Johnson, you might remember, beheaded back on the 12th of June, a 49-year-old American, had been working in Saudi Arabia, living there for really more than a decade. Apparently the head of Paul Johnson has been found after a raid in Saudi Arabia.
More news on this when we get it here on AMERICAN MORNING. Tough news to start your morning this morning.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That's for sure. Maybe a little bit feeling a little bit better for the family, though.
It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. Coming up, we'll hear from the family of a missing Utah woman. She disappeared this week while jogging and is now the subject of a massive search. We'll also hear from a detective and find out what message they want to get out.
HEMMER: Also this hour in a moment, the animal rights group, PETA, has released evidence allegedly showing the abuses in a chicking -- chicken, rather, processing plant. We'll look at how this could affect Kentucky Fried Chicken, long a target of PETA, now also a part of that controversy as well.
COLLINS: Also "90-Second Pop" coming up a little bit later. This morning we're talking about new rumors surrounding Michael Jackson. His spokesperson is strongly denying reports that the singer will be the father of quadruplets. We'll get into the details of this with our panel in just a moment.
Meanwhile, shocking video showing chickens being abused has been released by the animal rights group, PETA. The video is part of PETA's campaign against the fast-food chain, KFC.
A note to viewers, this report by Jen Rogers contains disturbing pictures.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEN ROGERS, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For a company that sells food, this unappetizing video can't be good for business. Shot secretly by PETA at a poultry supplier for KFC, it's the latest salvo in a long-running battle between the animal rights group and the nation's number one fast-food chicken chain, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken.
DAN SHANNON, PETA: On their suppliers' farms, animals are being stomped on while they're still fully conscious. They're being thrown into walls as if they're nothing more than a Nerf ball. You know, these animals are being abused, and KFC isn't doing enough to stop it.
ROGERS: KFC, which does not own or operate any poultry farms, buys hundreds of millions of chickens from suppliers every year.
In a statement, the company says it "finds the actions in the videotape appalling, wherever they have occurred. We do not tolerate animal abuse by any of our suppliers, under any circumstance."
KFC says it has placed an inspector at the facility in question to monitor the activity.
For its part, the supplier, Pilgrim's Pride, said, quote: "The practices portrayed in this video are not in any way condoned by management and are not routine, normal ongoing incidents."
PETA, while applauding the company's responses Tuesday, called it a Band-Aid approach, and repeated the need for a comprehensive animal welfare plan that includes unannounced visits from inspectors.
(on camera): KFC and its suppliers aren't the first to face off against animal rights activists. Other major fast-food chains, including McDonald's and Burger King, have tangled with PETA before. The result? PETA claims improvements have been made.
Jen Rogers, CNN Financial News, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: In its three-year campaign against KFC, PETA has also called for a boycott and sued the company.
HEMMER: Hip-hop star "P. Diddy" Combs wants to help register young people to vote this year. He's been a vocal activist to encourage young people around the country to make a difference this election year. He'll be everywhere from MTV to BET. And last night, he was with Paula Zahn here on CNN.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEAN "P. DIDDY" COMBS, CITIZEN CHANGE: We, just like politicians have a responsibility. We have a responsibility, and that's to vote. And this year is a great year to do it, because it's neck and neck.
That this year that this community of voters -- we call them the forgotten ones -- will be forgotten no more. They're going to stand up and be heard, because we're going to make it relevant. I've put together a coalition of the willing, of our willing, you know, as diverse as Ellen DeGeneres to 50 Cent to Jay-Z to Leonardo DiCaprio.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: P. Diddy and Paula, "Rock the Vote" from last night.
A reminder: We'll have coverage from the Democratic National Convention as week starting on Monday. I'll be in Boston at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Our coverage kicks off then.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: In a moment here, we're going to get you out to Salt Lake City. There is a pregnant young woman who went jogging earlier in the week. She is now missing. The latest, we'll talk with her family and a detective on that story here.
COLLINS: Plus, some lighter news. No hand-me-downs for Jessica Simpson's little sister, Ashley. Her new album, "Autobiography," is out now. Good music, good marketing, or neither? "90-Second Pop" ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Jack now and the "Question of the Day." Hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hello. Thanks, Heidi.
There is a story in "The New York Times" this morning that says that Greece is going to allow 400 armed American soldiers to accompany the U.S. Olympic team under the auspices of NATO. A hundred more armed Americans will be used as bodyguards for our athletes, according to the "Times" story.
The agreements will not be formerly announced. They go against Greek law, which prohibits foreigners from carrying weapons on Greek soil. Greek officials responded to the "Times" report, saying that it will not let foreign guards carry weapons to protect the athletes.
The question is: Should the U.S. send armed troops to the Olympics in Greece?
John in Willard, Ohio writes: "These are sporting games, not war games. Keep American troops where they belong: in America."
Paul in Hellertown, Pennsylvania: "Greece has been forced to spend $5 billion on security, and yet ticket sales for the events are way off. Consequently, the terrorists have already won, and there is no need for them to mount an attack. Sending additional American Special Forces troops will only enhance the terrorists' bloated perception about their self-proclaimed victory."
Lucinda in Tampa: "No, we should not send armed soldiers to the Olympic games. We already look like a bunch of cowboys to the rest of the world. If the athletes aren't going to be safe, we should keep them home."
And Dean in Marlton, New Jersey: "Yes. And to circumvent Greek law, we'll stash them in a large wooden horse."
HEMMER: They've seen the movie.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: Listen, the last time the Olympics were in Europe in 1972 in Munich. It is a big concern. Jack, thanks for that.
We want to get to Salt Lake City right now and talk about this story. More than 1,000 volunteers are joining police in the search for a missing woman there. Lori Kay Hacking, who is five weeks' pregnant, was last seen Monday while jogging.
I talked with Lori's family, her mother, her father, her father- in-law, along with a detective on that case, Dwayne Baird.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Detective, what's the latest in your investigation?
DET. DWAYNE BAIRD, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: The latest in this investigation is that overnight we've been able to maintain security here at the scene, where she was last reported being seen here at Memory Grove in Salt Lake City. But right now, we're still in a search mode, and we have no idea where she may be.
HEMMER: No idea. So, you're saying no leads at all?
BAIRD: Well, we have leads, and we're following up on those, but nothing concrete. And we haven't been notified as to where she may be.
HEMMER: I understand it's a very rugged area, this area known as Memory Park. How is that affecting your search?
BAIRD: Well, we had more than 1,000 volunteers here yesterday, and we patterned out this search in grids on maps. We sent out teams of six people at a time with a team leader, and we were able to go through this area more than six times yesterday in the search. So, we're very confident that we've covered this area quite thoroughly. However, the search will be expanding out in other areas this morning.
HEMMER: To Ms. Soares, tell us about your daughter. What kind of a girl is she -- a woman?
THELMA SOARES, LORI HACKING'S MOTHER: She's a wonderful young woman. She's bright. As can you see by this picture, she's beautiful. She was five months -- excuse me -- five weeks' pregnant. And she had graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business. So happy to be finally moving with Mark so that he could go to medical school in North Carolina. She's -- everyone loves Lori. She just sparkles. We want her back.
HEMMER: If I could talk to Mr. Hacking for a second here. Your son and the husband of Lori, what has he spoken to about with detectives and police about, about the last contact he had? DOUGLAS HACKING, LORI'S FATHER-IN-LAW: Well, the first day when he reported her missing, the whole family was interviewed by the police. Mark was interviewed extensively and which is appropriate. We thought very appropriate that a thorough investigation be done so that any suspicion of wrongdoing can be cleared up right away.
HEMMER: Tell us a little about the relationship. How close were they as husband and wife?
HACKING: Well, we've been asked that many times. And I want to emphasize that as far as I'm concerned, I wasn't aware of any problems in their relationship. They -- they've had a wonderful relationship. They don't -- I wasn't aware of any arguments in our presence.
There has been no, you know, leaving or stomping off or conflicts that I'm even aware of. They tend to do everything together. They don't go their separate ways, and they just do everything together.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: We are told several thousand people are already joining in that search for Lori. There's a police number that has been given out. But also helping in that assist for that search is Elizabeth Smart's family in the Salt Lake City area. More when we get it here -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, one of the biggest stars in the NBA gets fitted for a new suit. A look at that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: It's 47 minutes past the hour now, and time for a look at some of today's other news with Fredricka Whitfield.
Good morning to you -- Fred.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello again, Heidi.
We begin with a gruesome story out of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. embassy confirms that the head of slain U.S. hostage Paul Johnson been found in Riyadh. The discovery was made in a villa forces raided last night. Johnson was beheaded by militants last month.
Former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger says he's cooperated fully with the 9/11 Commission. Berger is being investigated for removing classified documents from the National Archives while preparing to testify before the panel. He says it was an honest mistake, and he got some support from his old boss yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILLIAM J. CLINTON (D), FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I believe his explanation. He did a fabulous job against terrorism. All of those records were documented, and the ones in question involved what we did in the lead-up to the millennium where we had no terrorist incidents and we prevented a lot of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Berger has been serving as a foreign policy advisor for the Kerry campaign, but stepped down from the post yesterday.
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice is getting an early briefing on the findings and recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. According to the White House, Rice will meet today with Commission Chairman Tom Kean and Vice Chair Lee Hamilton. President Bush is expected to get a copy of the briefing tomorrow morning.
California firefighters are chasing fresh wildfires. The new blazes come as crews work to gain control of an inferno in northern Los Angeles County. That blaze has burned more than 6,000 acres but is now more than 80-percent contained. All evacuated residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
And finally, Botox has a new use. The wrinkle-smoothing agent can now be used to curb excessive sweating. The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved Botox for treating underarm sweating that can't be controlled with other products. The average cost is about $750 for both arms.
Now back to you -- Heidi and Bill.
HEMMER: Times two! Fredricka, thanks for that.
In a moment here, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but in reality TV at least one network says it's just a rip- off. Who's fuming over FOX's "Trading Spouses?" "90-Second Pop" is next, back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Isn't that nice? Time for Wednesday's edition of "90- Second Pop." Joining us this morning, B.J. Sigesmund, staff editor for "US Weekly." Shanon Cook, music correspondent for CNN Headline News.
Welcome to you, Shanon.
SHANON COOK, MUSIC CORRESPONDENT, CNN HEADLINE NEWS: Thank you.
COLLINS: And comedian Greg Fitzsimmons.
GREG FITZSIMMONS, COMEDIAN: Hi, mom!
COLLINS: Second timer. First timer, right? OK.
Let's talk first, B.J., about Michael Jackson. What's going on here?
B.J. SIGESMUND, STAFF EDITOR, "US WEEKLY": Let's talk about it.
COLLINS: We're hearing something about the possibility of him being the father of quadruplets.
SIGESMUND: That's right.
COLLINS: His people are strongly denying that.
SIGESMUND: That's right. Well, "US Weekly" broke this story. It's in our next issue out Friday. What I'm here to tell you is that Michael Jackson is indeed going to be the father -- going to be a father again, and not just of one kid, but of quadruplets. He has a woman in Florida who he's been visiting who is pregnant with four of his kids. So, he's going to have seven.
COLLINS: Who is this woman?
SIGESMUND: Well, we can't talk too much about the woman, but what I'm here to tell is that you we are sticking by the story and our sourcing. And that Michael Jackson's PR team has a long history of denying things that later prove to be true.
Think about two years ago when they refused to confirm that he had a third child. Well, then everyone, of course, saw that third child when he dangled him from a roof in Berlin. And that kid was born, too, from a surrogate, I might add.
And then just last year, Michael Jackson was on TV saying that he had only had two surgeries his entire life.
COLLINS: Well, that wasn't true?
SIGESMUND: Anyone can see that that's not true!
COLLINS: What?
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COOK: I think one of the main issues here is that -- or one of the big challenges for Michael, if this is indeed true, is how do you dangle four babies over a balcony all at once? You're going to need two bionic arms for that.
FITZSIMMONS: Well, that's why he has assistants. I think there is a -- you've got to forget about the ethical and moral implications of this. I'm fascinated by the fact that his DNA still matches human DNA for reproduction.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Wow! OK, that being said, interesting. We'll keep up on this one definitely, B.J.
"Trading Spouses," Greg, this thing's getting ready to debut -- or it did debut, I'm sorry, on FOX last night.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COLLINS: I didn't catch it myself. Did you catch it? FITZSIMMONS: I didn't catch it either. No, no. I don't know if I have FOX.
COLLINS: OK.
FITZSIMMONS: I've got to upgrade my cable system.
COLLINS: But there are others, other networks, ABC in particular, who are not so happy about this.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COLLINS: They say they're copying them. They're copying something, you know, an idea that they already have.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes. I think -- yes. There's a big cry of foul among the networks that FOX has stolen that idea. Like, I guess it's OK to steal somebody else's TV show. It's not OK to steal a TV show, but it's OK to steal a mother and give her to another group of kids.
COOK: Right.
FITZSIMMONS: Because that's what they're doing. And I basically think -- you know, the show is, you take a mom, you take a woman, make her the mom, and raise a bunch of kids, clean the house. And I mean, I've got that. Her name is Consuella (ph). It's $11 an hour.
SIGESMUND: The whole notion of networks stealing from each other is so ridiculous. That is the way television works.
COOK: Right.
SIGESMUND: And the best example is NBC scoring a huge hit with "The Apprentice" and Donald Trump. Well, as soon as those numbers came in, ABC decided to announce that they were going to do "The Benefactor" with Mark Cuban, and FOX is doing "The Billionaire" with Richard Branson. This is the way television works, and reality TV in its short history has been the best example of that. Everything gets stolen from other networks.
COLLINS: My question would be, though: Is this something that you want to copy? Let's see, the show is called "Trading Spouses" and then "Wife Swap" was the name on ABC, right?
COOK: Don't you think reality TV is just maxed out? Like, where does reality TV go now?
SIGESMUND: Well, I've been saying that for years though.
COOK: But what do they do next? Create a reality TV show about the making of a reality TV show?
FITZSIMMONS: I just pitched that. Don't take that from me.
COOK: Oh, did you? Sorry. It's a great idea. I like it a lot.
COLLINS: Maybe there's some reality TV to be done here about this whole sister-of-the-star thing.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Talk to us about that a little bit, Shanon.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Right now, in particular, we're talking about Jessica Simpson's little sister, Ashley.
COOK: Right.
COLLINS: She's got an album out.
COOK: Right.
COLLINS: What do you think of it? Is this...
COOK: You've got other sisters, like Britney Spears' sister wanting to do the same.
COLLINS: Right.
COOK: Haley Duff, Hilary Duff's sister, wanting to do the same thing. I don't think these sisters have a chance at success. How can they be bigger than their big star sisters?
COLLINS: Well, what if they're really talented?
COOK: Well, I don't think it really matters, because this is just nepotism totally at work, but nepotism isn't cool.
SIGESMUND: No, but nepotism -- without nepotism, we wouldn't have Julia Roberts. Everyone forgets about Eric Roberts...
COLLINS: Eric, right.
SIGESMUND: ... her older brother, who starred in "Star 80."
COOK: Yes, that's true.
SIGESMUND: That helped Julia get her start. Without nepotism, we wouldn't have Michael Douglas, son of Kirk Douglas.
COOK: That's true. I think...
SIGESMUND: I mean, everyone does deserve a start.
COOK: But I think the female pop world is a little bit more fickle than that. And I think if these girls really want to be noticed, there are other options available to them aside from, say, posing for "Playboy." They should all just band together and create their own girly band, the "Just Sisters" or something like that.
COLLINS: There you go.
COOK: Or call themselves "Chopped Liver."
FITZSIMMONS: Or show their breast out there in the Super Bowl.
COOK: And...
COLLINS: Worked for some people.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: All right. You guys, thanks so much today. Appreciate it. B.J., Shanon and Greg, thanks again -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
Let's get a break. Here in a moment, following the very latest out of Riyadh, the word coming to us about 30 minutes ago that the head of Paul Johnson has been found after a raid in the capital city.
Also, with all of the worries about a possible terrorist attack at the conventions this summer, could there actually be too much security? A look at that when we continue here on AMERICAN MORNING.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired July 21, 2004 - 07:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: There is breaking news out of Saudi Arabia we want to pass along to you in news of a very grizzly form. The head of American Paul Johnson apparently has been found after a raid in the capital of Riyadh. This according to the Associated Press, which is quoting a statement off of Saudi television. Found in a raid apparently earlier today or late on Tuesday.
Johnson, you might remember, beheaded back on the 12th of June, a 49-year-old American, had been working in Saudi Arabia, living there for really more than a decade. Apparently the head of Paul Johnson has been found after a raid in Saudi Arabia.
More news on this when we get it here on AMERICAN MORNING. Tough news to start your morning this morning.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: That's for sure. Maybe a little bit feeling a little bit better for the family, though.
It is just about half past the hour on this AMERICAN MORNING. Coming up, we'll hear from the family of a missing Utah woman. She disappeared this week while jogging and is now the subject of a massive search. We'll also hear from a detective and find out what message they want to get out.
HEMMER: Also this hour in a moment, the animal rights group, PETA, has released evidence allegedly showing the abuses in a chicking -- chicken, rather, processing plant. We'll look at how this could affect Kentucky Fried Chicken, long a target of PETA, now also a part of that controversy as well.
COLLINS: Also "90-Second Pop" coming up a little bit later. This morning we're talking about new rumors surrounding Michael Jackson. His spokesperson is strongly denying reports that the singer will be the father of quadruplets. We'll get into the details of this with our panel in just a moment.
Meanwhile, shocking video showing chickens being abused has been released by the animal rights group, PETA. The video is part of PETA's campaign against the fast-food chain, KFC.
A note to viewers, this report by Jen Rogers contains disturbing pictures.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEN ROGERS, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For a company that sells food, this unappetizing video can't be good for business. Shot secretly by PETA at a poultry supplier for KFC, it's the latest salvo in a long-running battle between the animal rights group and the nation's number one fast-food chicken chain, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken.
DAN SHANNON, PETA: On their suppliers' farms, animals are being stomped on while they're still fully conscious. They're being thrown into walls as if they're nothing more than a Nerf ball. You know, these animals are being abused, and KFC isn't doing enough to stop it.
ROGERS: KFC, which does not own or operate any poultry farms, buys hundreds of millions of chickens from suppliers every year.
In a statement, the company says it "finds the actions in the videotape appalling, wherever they have occurred. We do not tolerate animal abuse by any of our suppliers, under any circumstance."
KFC says it has placed an inspector at the facility in question to monitor the activity.
For its part, the supplier, Pilgrim's Pride, said, quote: "The practices portrayed in this video are not in any way condoned by management and are not routine, normal ongoing incidents."
PETA, while applauding the company's responses Tuesday, called it a Band-Aid approach, and repeated the need for a comprehensive animal welfare plan that includes unannounced visits from inspectors.
(on camera): KFC and its suppliers aren't the first to face off against animal rights activists. Other major fast-food chains, including McDonald's and Burger King, have tangled with PETA before. The result? PETA claims improvements have been made.
Jen Rogers, CNN Financial News, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: In its three-year campaign against KFC, PETA has also called for a boycott and sued the company.
HEMMER: Hip-hop star "P. Diddy" Combs wants to help register young people to vote this year. He's been a vocal activist to encourage young people around the country to make a difference this election year. He'll be everywhere from MTV to BET. And last night, he was with Paula Zahn here on CNN.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEAN "P. DIDDY" COMBS, CITIZEN CHANGE: We, just like politicians have a responsibility. We have a responsibility, and that's to vote. And this year is a great year to do it, because it's neck and neck.
That this year that this community of voters -- we call them the forgotten ones -- will be forgotten no more. They're going to stand up and be heard, because we're going to make it relevant. I've put together a coalition of the willing, of our willing, you know, as diverse as Ellen DeGeneres to 50 Cent to Jay-Z to Leonardo DiCaprio.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: P. Diddy and Paula, "Rock the Vote" from last night.
A reminder: We'll have coverage from the Democratic National Convention as week starting on Monday. I'll be in Boston at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Our coverage kicks off then.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: In a moment here, we're going to get you out to Salt Lake City. There is a pregnant young woman who went jogging earlier in the week. She is now missing. The latest, we'll talk with her family and a detective on that story here.
COLLINS: Plus, some lighter news. No hand-me-downs for Jessica Simpson's little sister, Ashley. Her new album, "Autobiography," is out now. Good music, good marketing, or neither? "90-Second Pop" ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Jack now and the "Question of the Day." Hello.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hello. Thanks, Heidi.
There is a story in "The New York Times" this morning that says that Greece is going to allow 400 armed American soldiers to accompany the U.S. Olympic team under the auspices of NATO. A hundred more armed Americans will be used as bodyguards for our athletes, according to the "Times" story.
The agreements will not be formerly announced. They go against Greek law, which prohibits foreigners from carrying weapons on Greek soil. Greek officials responded to the "Times" report, saying that it will not let foreign guards carry weapons to protect the athletes.
The question is: Should the U.S. send armed troops to the Olympics in Greece?
John in Willard, Ohio writes: "These are sporting games, not war games. Keep American troops where they belong: in America."
Paul in Hellertown, Pennsylvania: "Greece has been forced to spend $5 billion on security, and yet ticket sales for the events are way off. Consequently, the terrorists have already won, and there is no need for them to mount an attack. Sending additional American Special Forces troops will only enhance the terrorists' bloated perception about their self-proclaimed victory."
Lucinda in Tampa: "No, we should not send armed soldiers to the Olympic games. We already look like a bunch of cowboys to the rest of the world. If the athletes aren't going to be safe, we should keep them home."
And Dean in Marlton, New Jersey: "Yes. And to circumvent Greek law, we'll stash them in a large wooden horse."
HEMMER: They've seen the movie.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: Listen, the last time the Olympics were in Europe in 1972 in Munich. It is a big concern. Jack, thanks for that.
We want to get to Salt Lake City right now and talk about this story. More than 1,000 volunteers are joining police in the search for a missing woman there. Lori Kay Hacking, who is five weeks' pregnant, was last seen Monday while jogging.
I talked with Lori's family, her mother, her father, her father- in-law, along with a detective on that case, Dwayne Baird.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Detective, what's the latest in your investigation?
DET. DWAYNE BAIRD, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: The latest in this investigation is that overnight we've been able to maintain security here at the scene, where she was last reported being seen here at Memory Grove in Salt Lake City. But right now, we're still in a search mode, and we have no idea where she may be.
HEMMER: No idea. So, you're saying no leads at all?
BAIRD: Well, we have leads, and we're following up on those, but nothing concrete. And we haven't been notified as to where she may be.
HEMMER: I understand it's a very rugged area, this area known as Memory Park. How is that affecting your search?
BAIRD: Well, we had more than 1,000 volunteers here yesterday, and we patterned out this search in grids on maps. We sent out teams of six people at a time with a team leader, and we were able to go through this area more than six times yesterday in the search. So, we're very confident that we've covered this area quite thoroughly. However, the search will be expanding out in other areas this morning.
HEMMER: To Ms. Soares, tell us about your daughter. What kind of a girl is she -- a woman?
THELMA SOARES, LORI HACKING'S MOTHER: She's a wonderful young woman. She's bright. As can you see by this picture, she's beautiful. She was five months -- excuse me -- five weeks' pregnant. And she had graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business. So happy to be finally moving with Mark so that he could go to medical school in North Carolina. She's -- everyone loves Lori. She just sparkles. We want her back.
HEMMER: If I could talk to Mr. Hacking for a second here. Your son and the husband of Lori, what has he spoken to about with detectives and police about, about the last contact he had? DOUGLAS HACKING, LORI'S FATHER-IN-LAW: Well, the first day when he reported her missing, the whole family was interviewed by the police. Mark was interviewed extensively and which is appropriate. We thought very appropriate that a thorough investigation be done so that any suspicion of wrongdoing can be cleared up right away.
HEMMER: Tell us a little about the relationship. How close were they as husband and wife?
HACKING: Well, we've been asked that many times. And I want to emphasize that as far as I'm concerned, I wasn't aware of any problems in their relationship. They -- they've had a wonderful relationship. They don't -- I wasn't aware of any arguments in our presence.
There has been no, you know, leaving or stomping off or conflicts that I'm even aware of. They tend to do everything together. They don't go their separate ways, and they just do everything together.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: We are told several thousand people are already joining in that search for Lori. There's a police number that has been given out. But also helping in that assist for that search is Elizabeth Smart's family in the Salt Lake City area. More when we get it here -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, one of the biggest stars in the NBA gets fitted for a new suit. A look at that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: It's 47 minutes past the hour now, and time for a look at some of today's other news with Fredricka Whitfield.
Good morning to you -- Fred.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello again, Heidi.
We begin with a gruesome story out of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. embassy confirms that the head of slain U.S. hostage Paul Johnson been found in Riyadh. The discovery was made in a villa forces raided last night. Johnson was beheaded by militants last month.
Former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger says he's cooperated fully with the 9/11 Commission. Berger is being investigated for removing classified documents from the National Archives while preparing to testify before the panel. He says it was an honest mistake, and he got some support from his old boss yesterday.
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WILLIAM J. CLINTON (D), FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I believe his explanation. He did a fabulous job against terrorism. All of those records were documented, and the ones in question involved what we did in the lead-up to the millennium where we had no terrorist incidents and we prevented a lot of them.
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WHITFIELD: Berger has been serving as a foreign policy advisor for the Kerry campaign, but stepped down from the post yesterday.
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice is getting an early briefing on the findings and recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. According to the White House, Rice will meet today with Commission Chairman Tom Kean and Vice Chair Lee Hamilton. President Bush is expected to get a copy of the briefing tomorrow morning.
California firefighters are chasing fresh wildfires. The new blazes come as crews work to gain control of an inferno in northern Los Angeles County. That blaze has burned more than 6,000 acres but is now more than 80-percent contained. All evacuated residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
And finally, Botox has a new use. The wrinkle-smoothing agent can now be used to curb excessive sweating. The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved Botox for treating underarm sweating that can't be controlled with other products. The average cost is about $750 for both arms.
Now back to you -- Heidi and Bill.
HEMMER: Times two! Fredricka, thanks for that.
In a moment here, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but in reality TV at least one network says it's just a rip- off. Who's fuming over FOX's "Trading Spouses?" "90-Second Pop" is next, back in a moment.
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COLLINS: Isn't that nice? Time for Wednesday's edition of "90- Second Pop." Joining us this morning, B.J. Sigesmund, staff editor for "US Weekly." Shanon Cook, music correspondent for CNN Headline News.
Welcome to you, Shanon.
SHANON COOK, MUSIC CORRESPONDENT, CNN HEADLINE NEWS: Thank you.
COLLINS: And comedian Greg Fitzsimmons.
GREG FITZSIMMONS, COMEDIAN: Hi, mom!
COLLINS: Second timer. First timer, right? OK.
Let's talk first, B.J., about Michael Jackson. What's going on here?
B.J. SIGESMUND, STAFF EDITOR, "US WEEKLY": Let's talk about it.
COLLINS: We're hearing something about the possibility of him being the father of quadruplets.
SIGESMUND: That's right.
COLLINS: His people are strongly denying that.
SIGESMUND: That's right. Well, "US Weekly" broke this story. It's in our next issue out Friday. What I'm here to tell you is that Michael Jackson is indeed going to be the father -- going to be a father again, and not just of one kid, but of quadruplets. He has a woman in Florida who he's been visiting who is pregnant with four of his kids. So, he's going to have seven.
COLLINS: Who is this woman?
SIGESMUND: Well, we can't talk too much about the woman, but what I'm here to tell is that you we are sticking by the story and our sourcing. And that Michael Jackson's PR team has a long history of denying things that later prove to be true.
Think about two years ago when they refused to confirm that he had a third child. Well, then everyone, of course, saw that third child when he dangled him from a roof in Berlin. And that kid was born, too, from a surrogate, I might add.
And then just last year, Michael Jackson was on TV saying that he had only had two surgeries his entire life.
COLLINS: Well, that wasn't true?
SIGESMUND: Anyone can see that that's not true!
COLLINS: What?
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COOK: I think one of the main issues here is that -- or one of the big challenges for Michael, if this is indeed true, is how do you dangle four babies over a balcony all at once? You're going to need two bionic arms for that.
FITZSIMMONS: Well, that's why he has assistants. I think there is a -- you've got to forget about the ethical and moral implications of this. I'm fascinated by the fact that his DNA still matches human DNA for reproduction.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Wow! OK, that being said, interesting. We'll keep up on this one definitely, B.J.
"Trading Spouses," Greg, this thing's getting ready to debut -- or it did debut, I'm sorry, on FOX last night.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COLLINS: I didn't catch it myself. Did you catch it? FITZSIMMONS: I didn't catch it either. No, no. I don't know if I have FOX.
COLLINS: OK.
FITZSIMMONS: I've got to upgrade my cable system.
COLLINS: But there are others, other networks, ABC in particular, who are not so happy about this.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes.
COLLINS: They say they're copying them. They're copying something, you know, an idea that they already have.
FITZSIMMONS: Yes. I think -- yes. There's a big cry of foul among the networks that FOX has stolen that idea. Like, I guess it's OK to steal somebody else's TV show. It's not OK to steal a TV show, but it's OK to steal a mother and give her to another group of kids.
COOK: Right.
FITZSIMMONS: Because that's what they're doing. And I basically think -- you know, the show is, you take a mom, you take a woman, make her the mom, and raise a bunch of kids, clean the house. And I mean, I've got that. Her name is Consuella (ph). It's $11 an hour.
SIGESMUND: The whole notion of networks stealing from each other is so ridiculous. That is the way television works.
COOK: Right.
SIGESMUND: And the best example is NBC scoring a huge hit with "The Apprentice" and Donald Trump. Well, as soon as those numbers came in, ABC decided to announce that they were going to do "The Benefactor" with Mark Cuban, and FOX is doing "The Billionaire" with Richard Branson. This is the way television works, and reality TV in its short history has been the best example of that. Everything gets stolen from other networks.
COLLINS: My question would be, though: Is this something that you want to copy? Let's see, the show is called "Trading Spouses" and then "Wife Swap" was the name on ABC, right?
COOK: Don't you think reality TV is just maxed out? Like, where does reality TV go now?
SIGESMUND: Well, I've been saying that for years though.
COOK: But what do they do next? Create a reality TV show about the making of a reality TV show?
FITZSIMMONS: I just pitched that. Don't take that from me.
COOK: Oh, did you? Sorry. It's a great idea. I like it a lot.
COLLINS: Maybe there's some reality TV to be done here about this whole sister-of-the-star thing.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Talk to us about that a little bit, Shanon.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: Right now, in particular, we're talking about Jessica Simpson's little sister, Ashley.
COOK: Right.
COLLINS: She's got an album out.
COOK: Right.
COLLINS: What do you think of it? Is this...
COOK: You've got other sisters, like Britney Spears' sister wanting to do the same.
COLLINS: Right.
COOK: Haley Duff, Hilary Duff's sister, wanting to do the same thing. I don't think these sisters have a chance at success. How can they be bigger than their big star sisters?
COLLINS: Well, what if they're really talented?
COOK: Well, I don't think it really matters, because this is just nepotism totally at work, but nepotism isn't cool.
SIGESMUND: No, but nepotism -- without nepotism, we wouldn't have Julia Roberts. Everyone forgets about Eric Roberts...
COLLINS: Eric, right.
SIGESMUND: ... her older brother, who starred in "Star 80."
COOK: Yes, that's true.
SIGESMUND: That helped Julia get her start. Without nepotism, we wouldn't have Michael Douglas, son of Kirk Douglas.
COOK: That's true. I think...
SIGESMUND: I mean, everyone does deserve a start.
COOK: But I think the female pop world is a little bit more fickle than that. And I think if these girls really want to be noticed, there are other options available to them aside from, say, posing for "Playboy." They should all just band together and create their own girly band, the "Just Sisters" or something like that.
COLLINS: There you go.
COOK: Or call themselves "Chopped Liver."
FITZSIMMONS: Or show their breast out there in the Super Bowl.
COOK: And...
COLLINS: Worked for some people.
COOK: Yes.
COLLINS: All right. You guys, thanks so much today. Appreciate it. B.J., Shanon and Greg, thanks again -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that.
Let's get a break. Here in a moment, following the very latest out of Riyadh, the word coming to us about 30 minutes ago that the head of Paul Johnson has been found after a raid in the capital city.
Also, with all of the worries about a possible terrorist attack at the conventions this summer, could there actually be too much security? A look at that when we continue here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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