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New Measures of the Economy; President, Security Advisers Continue Afghanistan Policy Discussions; Protecting Yourself While Traveling for Holidays; White House Prepares for State Dinner

Aired November 24, 2009 - 10:00   ET

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

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: This morning fresh clues about the economy and where it may be headed. Last hour some good news on the housing market. Home prices rose for the second straight quarter. Prices are still nine percent lower than one year earlier. But the declining losses mean the housing market is finally beginning to recover.

And earlier this morning the Commerce Department bumped down its earlier estimate of the gross domestic product. That of course is not good. The GDP is one of the broadest measures of the U.S. economy. So here to break it all done, CNN's Susan Lisovicz at the New York Stock Exchange this morning.

So we have a number. We don't have a number. We change it. It was just an assessment. You know, I think people are saying where are we really? And that's always the big question.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, one of the reasons why we have these revisions, Heidi, is because it is the broadest measure of economic activity in the U.S.. The GDP is the mother of all economic reports. So there is actually two revisions. This is the first one.

The good news is that the economy grew from July to September. It grew for the first time in a year and at the fastest rate even with this revision downward, Heidi, the fastest rate since early 2007. The actual rate now 2.8. That compares to growth of 3.5 percent that we got earlier. Why the difference?

Well, one of the things that we saw is that the trade deficit widened. That means that we are importing more than we are exporting. Also, consumer spending, which is really the engine of growth. Let's face it. It wasn't quite as strong as expected. And businesses weren't investing as much as we originally thought.

Nonetheless, 2.8 percent pretty good, Heidi, given 26-year high on unemployment and the fact is that this recovery is expected to be slow. This may be the best growth we see in the next few quarters given the headwinds that people like Ben Bernanke keep talking about. Tight credit. High unemployment. And consumers who are reigning it in. Not using plastic. Using cash and debit. It's a real sea change in the way we live and the way we spend and that may be reflected in the GDP going forward. But not bad given the state of affairs -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Yes. All right. Susan Lisovicz, thanks so much.

LISOVICZ: You're welcome.

COLLINS: A quick look at the big board now for you now. As you see we're down double digits at the moment, about 60 points or so, resting at 10,390. We'll keep watching those numbers for you.

The war strategy in Afghanistan, months of discussion behind closed doors. Well, now the White House says a long awaited decision on sending more U.S. troops is days away. Last night, the president met with his top advisers again on what could be the last major discussion before the announcement.

And CNN's Elaine Quijano is at the Pentagon with more on this. So Elaine, what have your sources told you about the current timeframe? Any more information you hear this morning?

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: We're waiting to hear back on that point, Heidi. I can tell you that the meeting last night we're told lasted just under two hours. It took place of course in the White House situation room wrapped up around 10:00 local time. And after that meeting, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that it was a rigorous final meeting and he said that the president now has all the information that he wants and needs to make a decision.

He also said that that decision is expected to be announced within days here. Obviously this being a holiday week, all eyes are looking to next week. But so far the White House is not confirming any kind of date just yet. The president has met with his war council nine times since September.

Interesting to note on the president's schedule today, Heidi, is a meeting in the Oval Office with President Obama as well as Defense secretary Robert Gates and Vice President Joe Biden. Not clear if Afghanistan is going to be the main topic there or what they're going to be discussing. It's a closed meeting. But that is on the president's schedule for later today -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Yes. And talking about the price tag often times we feel like we really can't just ignore that. The price tag of the Afghanistan war. Was that part of the discussion last night any way to know?

QUIJANO: You know, it is interesting that the White House photo, take a look at this that was released last night in addition to sort of the usual players, the Secretary of State, we see also the president's national security adviser Jim Jones.

In addition to that, we also saw Peter Orszag. Now he's not a household name but he's certainly a powerful player in the administration. He's the White House budget chief. And very clearly here, an important seat at the table as these discussions are moving forward. He was not on the list of the White House attendees that the White House put out yesterday as far as the meeting goes but clearly there the White House trying to send a signal that it has budgetary issues in mind.

That of course is part of the considerations here not just the cost in lives but obviously the cost that you were talking about. There's been a lot of talk here in Washington about how exactly to pay for this ongoing effort in Afghanistan. Certainly there, the signal from the White House, they understand that that is a concern and Peter Orszag, very much having a prominent place at the table for the discussion last night -- Heidi.

COLLINS: All right. Elaine Quijano, thank you.

Regardless of what the president decides, he'll face public doubts and criticism. I want to show you this new national poll on just how divided American opinion is. Here's the very latest now. CNN Opinion Research Corporation survey, Americans were asked about a middle ground option deploying about 34,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

50 percent saying they would support that decision. 49 percent would oppose it. Very, very tight there. The sense of pessimism about the war has risen steadily. In March, 55 percent of Americans say the war is going badly. Today the majority has grown to two out of three Americans.

Federal prosecutors indicted eight Minnesota men on terrorism related charges but only one of them is in custody at the time. The Somali-Americans are accused of attending terror training camps, fighting against the U.S.-backed government in Somalia and providing financial support for a terror group in Somalia. That group has suspected ties to Al Qaeda.

In news surrounding the upcoming the trial of five 9/11 defendants, New York City Police Chief Ray Kelly will announce today Michael Blake will be in charge of security for the trial. Blake is an inspector who has been working in the department's counter terrorism office and is being promoted to deputy chief.

Also, an attorney for one of the defendants says they now plan to plead not guilty and air their grievances over what they believe to be America's aggressive foreign policy.

Take a moment to check on holiday travel weather with Jacqui Jeras who is standing by at the holiday travel headquarters.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: OK. Very good. Jacqui, thank you. We'll check back later on.

Government tests confirm homeowner's fears that their dry wall is actually hurting their homes. Is it hurting their health, too?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Last hour at the White House President Obama and the first lady welcomed India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the first state visit for the Obama White House.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This visit reflects the high esteem in which I and the American people hold your wise leadership. It reflects the abiding bonds of respect and friendship between our people including our friends in the American community who joined us here today.

But above all, your visit at this pivotal moment in history speaks to the opportunity before us to build the relationship between our nations born in the last century into one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: Tonight, President Obama will hold his first ever state dinner, more than 300 people expected to attend the black tie event. It will be held inside a tent on the south lawn of the White House.

Now after the president and the prime minister of India have time to talk behind closed doors, they will hold a news conference coming your way at 11:35 Eastern. We, of course, we'll have it for you live.

Extensive government tests have confirmed what thousands of homeowners expected. Chinese dry wall is linked to a long list of problems in new homes especially in Virginia, Louisiana and Florida. But what government tests have not confirmed is whether the dry wall is actually making people sick.

CNN's Sean Callebs explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The federal government is confirming what Joan Glickman of Pompano Beach, Florida suspected all along. Tainted drywall from China is giving off a harmful gas that's turning her air conditioning wiring black causing it to fail. It's also destroying electrical wiring and corroding metal throughout her home.

But what the Consumer Product Safety Commission can't tell her is whether the hydrogen sulfide gas coming from the tainted drywall is making her sick.

JOAN GLICKMAN, HOMEOWNER: they can't tell me what's happening to me now and more importantly they can't tell me what's going to happen to me in 20 years. You know, am I going to end up with like an asbestos person with lung cancer?

CALLEBS: Federal investigators say they will need more time to determine possible health risks but Florida Senator Bill Nelson, whose state has seen more complaints than all others combined, agrees with Joan Glickman.

SEN. BILL NELSON (D), FLORIDA: I said well when are you going to know? They said we're going to do another test. They said they didn't know when that was going to be done. Well, our people are tired of waiting.

CALLEBS: Hydrogen sulfide is a noxious gas that smells like rotten eggs and corrodes metal throughout affected households. Environmental health engineers did the study for the CPSC and says warm, humid conditions magnify the problem.

JACK MCCARTHY, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & ENGINEERING INC.: We found a direct relationship between temperature and humidity levels in the homes and the amount of hydrogen sulfide that is being given off by the wall board.

CALLEBS: There have been thousands of complaints about Chinese drywall and on the heels of this new report, the government is expecting more answers. But still to come, a plan for fixing the problem.

GLICKMAN: It was a huge letdown because it still didn't tell me how to fix it, who is going to fix it, how we do we go about fixing it? Where the money comes from? This has left us in such a mess.

CALLEBS: For now, Glickman and her family have moved in with her mother. Her mortgage company is giving her a temporary break on payments but she and homeowners like her will have to wait wondering if their dream home is actually a ticking time bomb.

Sean Callebs, CNN, New Orleans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: China has executed two people in connection with the deadly tainted milk scandal. At least six babies died from tainted formula. Around 300,000 people got sick. Well, the government said melamine was added to the baby mild to give it the appearance of having a higher protein content. We told you about the story here. A total of 21 people were convicted for their parts in the scandal.

Every year there are the must have toys but consider these the must not have toys. The U.S. Public Interest Research Groups just released their annual report on unsafe toys. It lists toys that have choking hazards, toxic chemicals or loud noises. So it might be a good idea to double-check your black Friday shopping list.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ELIZABETH HITCHCOCK, U.S. PIRG'S PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE: For parents and consumers about to head out on their holiday shopping, we offer the following advice. Remember that the PIRG report includes only a sampling of potentially hazardous toys. You should always examine toys carefully for potential dangers before you make a purchase.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: For the full list of this year's unsafe toys, just check out uspirg that's P-I-R-G, at the very bottom of your skin there, .org, to see more of the unsafe toy list.

What do you do if you're trapped with coughing and sneezing at 30,000 feet? Tips for traveling this holiday season without getting sick.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: So what's it like running thousands of flights out of the world's busiest airport? Rob Marciano knows. He is down below in the operation center with a behind the scenes look. Where are we talking? Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, I bet, right?

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: You better believe it. And Delta Air Lines is the world's largest. And this is the Operations Control Center. The first time ever that the media has been allowed to broadcast live here. And well, the Delta planes are cooperating. Zero cancellations. There was one emergency declared but the plane landed safely. We're going to take you inside this place. A live report coming up later in the program.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: The first step in a process that could oust South Carolina's governor. Today, a legislative panel is debating whether to recommend impeachment against Governor Mark Sanford. This just one day after an ethics commission accused Sanford of 37 violations. The Republican disappeared for a while back in June. He told people he was hiking but he later admitted he was seeing his mistress in Argentina.

Plenty of hands ended up in Paula Deen's oven but one finally got his revenge. (INAUDIBLE) on the celebrity chef in Atlanta. Deen was at a food bank passing hams on the relay line. She playfully tossed one like a football but when she wasn't looking another hand smack here in the face. She had to ice down the nose but fortunately it is not broken.

Is there anything you don't want to hear from a flu clinic it's probably we shot you up with the wrong thing. That's what happened to 47 people in Needham, Massachusetts. They thought they were getting the H1N1 vaccine but it was actually for a whole different strain of the flu. The incident led the CDC to issue a warning over label mix- ups.

Cramped quarters, recycled air and nowhere to go if someone next to you is sneezing and sniffling. How can you stay well when you're flying this holiday season? Senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is joining us now live with all kinds of tips on how we should actually take your families on the planes or the trains or wherever we may be and not get sick.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Because you have to watch out. Because you know what, germs are everywhere. H1N1 even though the cases might be on the decline, it is still out there. And when you're in that crowded security line, you're surrounded by people who could get you sick. When you're on the plane, of course, you're surrounded by people.

COLLINS: As always.

COHEN: As always, so let's take a look at this. There's some wonderful animation from Purdue University that really shows what happens. You sneeze. The guy in red sneezes, those germs go to people sitting next to him. Several rows next to him and in addition the rows behind him. So it is not just immediate person sitting next to you. You have to worry about people who are in your vicinity as well. So those pink people could get sick from that one sneeze.

COLLINS: Danger. Danger. You would hope though that other people on the, you know, plane wouldn't travel while they're sick but actually we know - I mean, I would like to be one person who is going to say I don't feel so well. I'm going to give back my ticket or I'm going to cancel the flight or I'm going to pay the change fee, all of that.

COHEN: Well, I think what people don't know is that a lot of airlines now if you have a doctor's note they will allow you to rebook and not charge you any kind of a fee. Not all airlines but some airlines. But you're right. I think a lot of people say I paid for this ticket, I'm getting on that plane.

There was a very unscientific survey but a survey nonetheless done by tripadviser.com. And what they found, they said would you fly when you're sick with the flu in order to avoid paying a booking change fee and yes, said I would still fly if I were sick. So that's a lot of people who would still fly.

COLLINS: The rest may be lying.

COHEN: And the rest of them may be lying. That's true.

COLLINS: Doctor's note, do you have any idea on know what the stipulations are? What does it have to say?

COHEN: (INAUDIBLE) you know, Heidi Collins came in to see me. I diagnosed her with the flu. I advised her not to fly. Something like that. I mean, I don't think it has to say much. It needs to be on a doctor's letterhead. I think it's one of the crucial thing.

COLLINS: Maybe even more importantly, if you are well and would like to stay well, what's the best thing to do if you're going to be in a situation where there are, you know, a lot of people around you and you're in a tight space.

COHEN: All right. Here's a couple of tips. Avoid people who are sick. I know that sounds like a (INAUDIBLE) kind of thing but if you are standing around and you see someone sick, walk away. If you are sitting next to someone on the plane who is sick and you can't walk away. Turn away. Turn your head away. That will do a lot to keep those germs away.

Also, turn that air vent above your head towards the sick person and away from you. It won't do a whole heck of a lot necessarily but might do a little to get that air flowing away from you and towards the sick person. Also, sanitize and wash your hands often.

For example, you know those kiosk we all use now. We get heated and whatever. Do you know how many people touched that before you? Exactly. It doesn't mean don't touch them. Do what you need to do and then sanitize your hands.

COLLINS: Yes. Absolutely. All right. No duh. I think it will be a new segment for us here. No duh.

COHEN: Sure.

COLLINS: Sure absolutely. Our senior medical correspondent, Elizabeth Cohen, thank you.

Plan to limit your spending by using debit card this year, well the banks are counting on it and you may end up paying more than you're expecting.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live in the CNN NEWSROOM, Heidi Collins.

COLLINS: President Obama's first state dinner tonight. That's what's happening in Washington. The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife are the guests of honor. That dinner will begin at 8:15 p.m. Eastern under a tent on the south lawn. Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black tie crowd and she also sang the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention.

It is really tough to score an invite to a White House state dinner but that doesn't stop people from trying because it's a night where the White House goes all out. White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's the most treasured and formal honor the president can offer. The First Couple literally roll out the Red Carpet. The event is timed down to the second. A state dinner is the ultimate prize.

AMY ZANTZINGER, FORMER WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL SECRETARY: Invitations from the White House...

MALVEAUX: Social Secretary for President George W. Bush, Amy Zantzinger coordinated a few of these dinners, but she says this one will be different.

ZANTZINGER: First, they'll bring the newness, the quote, "Newness of the whole day" because this is their first big dinner.

MALVEAUX: The big dinner will not be in the White House, but under a big tent on the South Lawn. Several hundred lucky guests will have the invites.

(on camera): How do I get an invite to the dinner? How hard is that?

ZANTZINGER: It is very hard to get an invitation. It is very hard. Some invitations are complete surprises to people when they get them and others are a bit more expected.

MALVEAUX (voice-over): Like foreign dignitaries, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, lawmakers, artists and entertainers.

ZANTZINGER: The word's out that the state dinners are a tough one to crash.

MALVEAUX (on camera): Ok, just in case, I'm planning on it.

ZANTZINGER: Exactly. Exactly.

MALVEAUX (voice-over): Seating is critical. Deciding just not who should sit together, but who should be kept apart, especially for politicians.

ZANTZINGER: It's always nice to be aware who's run against who and how bitter was the race.

MALVEAUX: The White House pays close attention to every detail.

ZANTZINGER: The appetizer with the lobster...

MALVEAUX: From the silverware.

ZANTZINGER: Some people get overwhelmed by the number of forks and spoons and knives.

MALVEAUX (on camera): It's overwhelming.

(voice-over): To the finger bowls.

ZANTZINGER: But you can always see people looking around to figure out, what are they supposed to do with this? You just hope people don't drink it.

MALVEAUX (on camera): Don't drink the bath water, ok.

(voice-over): And of course, there's the menu.

ZANTZINGER: The chef will have done tasting menus prior to the dinner for the President and the First Lady to taste.

MALVEAUX: The First Lady will choose the flowers, the table cloths and the china to be used that night. She will be presented with the completed centerpieces and place settings to pick from.

(on camera): Do you ever find people take the China or take a silverware as a memento.

ZANTZINGER: It's very sad. Unfortunately, it does happen and it's really upsetting because they are part of the White House history. MALVEAUX (voice-over): Coordinating the wardrobe is so important. Aides talk ahead of time to make sure that dresses don't clash.

ZANTZINGER: The personal aides will sort of communicate. And it's really more so that they don't duplicate, you know, for them both not to be wearing the same color.

MALVEAUX (on camera): What about the heads of state? The president and the heads of state and the other presidents?

ZANTZINGER: They have it easy. They're just in black ties.

MALVEAUX (voice-over): But just in case there's a spill or a split, the usher's office is at the ready.

ZANTZINGER: Mending issues that they've dealt with.

MALVEAUX (on camera): Wardrobe malfunctions.

ZANTZINGER: Exactly. Wardrobe malfunctions.

MALVEAUX (voice-over): But surprisingly, what makes a successful dinner, it's what you don't plan.

During President Reagan's dinner, Princess Diana and John Travolta took to the dance floor.

ZANTZINGER: You had one of the most beautiful women in the world with one of the best dancers in the world come together in this incredible place. And I think the spontaneity of it and the combination of the two of them was perfection and really livened up a dinner.

MALVEAUX: Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: A growing number of Americans are planning to leave the credit cards at home this holiday season and use debit cards instead. And with debit card use exploding, banks are looking to cash in. Stephanie Elam is in the CNNmoney.com newsroom right now in New York. So, Stephanie, more fees coming our way if we use the debit card?

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: You can just bet on that one, Heidi. Banks looking for a way to generate a little bit more cash, and the popularity of debit cards makes them a likely target.

This year, Americans will spend more money using debit cards than credit cards. That's the first time that's ever happened. So, that's a big deal. Banks hope to turn those debit cards into cash cows, especially as they face new restrictions on credit card fees.

So, what's the plan? Yes, you probably guessed it. Debit reward programs with annual fees. And we're seeing more banks do this. About half of the nation's banks offer some kind of debit card loyalty program, and the number is likely to keep on he growing. But here's the thing. Some of these programs have annual fees of up to 55 bucks. So, Heidi, it takes away the benefit, obviously, of just using the debit card.

COLLINS: Yes, I don't know why you use it then. In fact, a lot of consumers will say I'll use my debit card anyway, so why not rack up rewards at the same time?

ELAM: Yes, that's true. And there's no question these programs may work for some people.

But you really do have to read the fine print. A lot of debit card reward programs don't kick in until you've tallied up some serious spending. To give you an idea here, according to a consulting firm Towergroup (ph), a consumer looking to earn $100 toward an airline purchase would have to spend more than $33,000 on a debit card. Thirty-three thousand.

And, keep in mind, most plane tickets are well over 100 bucks. That's just for a practical -- that's just not practical for a lot of Americans and the way they spend money. They don't have $33,000 to tally up.

There can also be security concerns. Because debit cards don't have the same safeguards as credit cards, debit card protections tend to be more limited, and it can take time to get money back if something happens. And remember, debit cards -- they're a gateway to your entire bank account. So, you really do need to protect them.

Of course, if you have more questions on this, just want to read more about it, you can always head out to money.com -- CNNmoney.com right here and read this story right here to get more info on this one, Heidi.

COLLINS: OK. Very good. Great tips. Stephanie Elam, thank you.

For the second day in a row, we have an upbeat housing report. Yesterda,y we learned existing home sales surged by double digits, and today a new report shows home prices are stabilizing a bit. Susan Lisovicz on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange with details here. Hi, Susan.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Heidi, I'm going to say that it's even better than stabilizing. Let's just say that home prices rose.

Home prices rose 3 percent in the third quarter, and that's the second consecutive quarter we saw home prices rise. Now, OK, let's put it in perspective. Year-over-year, we're still talking a 9 percent decline.

But the fact is when you start to see home prices rise, it is one of the factors that can lead to fewer foreclosures. When we start to see improvement in the jobs market as well as home prices -- a separate report today show that 25 percent of all mortgages are upside-down. That is the mortgage is worth more than the house is worth. That's a problem. So, we're starting to see some improvement in home prices. That's a good thing.

What's not a good thing is that we're seeing stock prices lower today. Of course, we had a terrific rally yesterday. Dow is down 59 -- 61 points right now. NASDAQ is down 16. Heidi?

COLLINS: Yes, but Susan, what happens when you break down those home price numbers city by city?

LISOVICZ: Right. All real estate is local. The fact is you are still seeing another trend here. Eight of the 20 cities posted month- to-month increases, and one of the big surprises and delights, let's face it, is Detroit. Making a big comeback from August to September, it saw home prices rise nearly 2 percent. So, terrific news for that very beleaguered city.

San Francisco, Chicago, also saw increases of over 1 percent in just one month. But again, we still have a lot of ground to make up because basically the level we see overall housing prices are where they were in the fall of 2003.

COLLINS: Ah. Yes. Good perspective.

LISOVICZ: So, a lot of ground to make up but we're inching higher.

COLLINS: Definitely. All right. Susan, thank you.

LISOVICZ: You're welcome.

COLLINS: Keeping an eye on the world's biggest airline. Our Rob Marciano getting rare access. He'll give us a bit of a tour coming up in just a couple minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Keeping an eye on the skies and the ground and the passengers. It's a tall order for the world's largest airline. And CNN's Rob Marciano is inside Delta's command center at Hartsfield- Jackson airport right here in Atlanta. So, Rob. What's going on down there? An awful lot, I imagine.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, you would expect the operations control center at Delta to just be bedlam, pandemonium. And it may have been that way a week ago when that FAA computer went down.

But today, the FAA thinks they have things under control and Delta for the most part as well. Take a look at some of these screens. They're really reminiscent of mission control. All sorts of screens up, including CNN. Because if there's breaking news that may affect the airline industry, they want to know about it. Often, they will base some of their decisions on what they say. OK. This is what's called the bridge here. Lots of managers and liaisons coming together to keep this operation running. Customer service here. Mary (INAUDIBLE) is running the rock desk. She's in charge of basically getting you on another flight if a flight gets canceled or delayed. So far today, we're talking about zero. Everything really in the green as far as that is concerned.

You have liaisons for pilots, for mechanics that line this area. Flight attendants if they have any sort of emergency or issue here, dealt by this desk. And dispatchers on either side of this. This is the international side for dispatchers. They are ones who basically file a plight -- a flight plan. Tell the pilots this is your best route, this is how much fuel I think you should load up and get back to me if there's any sort of problem.

And then one of my favorite spots is this, meteorology department. Where my people are. This is Conrad (ph) right here. He's working on turbulence forecasting. Are we looking pretty smooth today, or ...

CONRAD (ph): Beautiful trip across the north Atlantic. If you're going to Europe tonight, be clear and smooth. And you'll have a nice nap.

MARCIANO: How does that sound? Going to Europe tonight and nice nap. Do we want to show the piece -- I was told we were doing a walk and talk of what's going on. Heidi, I know you are a fan of the airline business.

(LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: I am?

MARCIANO: Have you seen this place before? It's pretty impressive.

COLLINS: I've been down in NORAD, which is a little bit different, obviously. It's military instillation there inside of a mountain. But kind of the same idea. The center of everything. Sort of the heart of where it all happens. Love that.

Hey, Rob, we'll try to show that piece a little bit later on, I believe. Do you have something else?

MARCIANO: I just do what I'm told. They wanted me to...

COLLINS: Okay. I saw you looking over your shoulder. I thought you had something else. Very good. Appreciate it, Rob. Thanks very much.

A lot of people traveling over the holidays. And they want to know, like now, if there's any way to know if there will be delays. Let's get to meteorologist Jacqui Jeras standing by. Wait -- the Severe Weather center or Holiday Travel Headquarters?

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It is your Holiday Travel Headquarters. Absolutely. We'll be throughout the entire Thanksgiving holiday and then those holidays that come in December and any holiday. We'll bring you travel information, and here's the most up to date info that we have for you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right. Thanks so much, Jacqui.

Take a look at our top stories now. The U.S. future in Afghanistan. The White House says President Obama will announce a decision on additional troops within days. Last night, the president met with his war council to discuss the future strategy once again. The White House described it as, quote, "a rigorous final meeting." Military officials and others expect the president to settle on a middle-ground option that would deploy up to 35,000 more troops.

Federal prosecutors indicted eight Minnesota men on terrorism- related charges, but only one of them is in custody. The Somali- Americans are accused of attending terror training camps, fighting against the U.S.-backed government in Somalia and providing financial support for a terror group there. That group has suspected ties to al Qaeda.

A massive recall on baby cribs. Storkcraft is recalling more than 2 million drop-side cribs sold in the U.S. and Canada. The Consumer Product Safety Council says -- Commission, I should say, says children can get caught and suffocate. Many of the cribs were sold in the U.S. under the Fisher-Price name. For more information on the cribs and what stores sold them, check out CNN.com.

A NASCAR driver who doesn't brag or fight or bang into other cars, but he does win. Jimmie Johnson joining me live in just a moment. Hi, Jimmie.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. He has an active foundation that helps people in need. And his career? Not too shabby, either. He set a NASCAR record on Sunday when he won his fourth consecutive championship. Jimmie Johnson joining me live from New York. Good morning to you. Thank you for being with us.

JIMMIE JOHNSON, SET NASCAR RECORD WITH FOURTH CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIP: No problem. Thank you for having me on.

COLLINS: Hey, I'm sure you read, I'm sure you've heard that people are comparing you to -- I don't know, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, several people who have really sort of made their own names in their sports. How does that feel to you?

JOHNSON: It's amazing. I never thought my name would be linked in with those others. Just honored to be linked into that group of people. And very fortunate that things have gone my way the last four years, and proud of what we've accomplished as a race team. COLLINS: Yes. I know you always talk about your race team. You often say things like, you know, "me and the team and the car" and all of that. You do it together. Tell me more about that and your relationship with your team.

JOHNSON: Yes. Without a doubt. In motor sports, it takes a lot of people to get stuff done. In Hendrick Motor Sports, we have over 500 employees that build the four race cars for myself, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Then my traveling road crew guy that goes to the track is around 15, then there 7 that go over the wall to work on the race car. All of those people put in a lot of work to let me go out there and drive in circles. So, I'm very thankful for all their work.

COLLINS: Yes, a lot of people are making you look good. I understand. In fact, your teammate, Mark Martin is in second place right behind you.

JOHNSON: Yes. We finished one, two, three in points with myself as the champion, Mark in second, and then Jeff Gordon was third.

COLLINS: Yes. And Jeff Gordon, who kind of brought you into this whole thing years ago. What was that conversation like between the three of you after the race?

JOHNSON: Just so happy. Our boss, Mr. Hendrick, is such a great man and has dedicated his life to the sport. We like making him smile. Obviously, we all three had great years. Looking forward for what next year will bring for the company.

COLLINS: Has it been a little bit tough, though, when we talk about the fans and the economy and -- what is the state of NASCAR right now? I know because things are a lot more expensive for a lot of people, we have seen a bit of the numbers in the stands and so forth going down. Is that something that you notice or something that you feel?

JOHNSON: We do. We know it's tough out there right now for everyone. We really appreciate our fans and all of their support. And our numbers have been down in some respects but it's been that way in every sport and television ratings and everything.

So, we're in that category with everyone else, but it's a good time. An example of how strong our sport is that Lowe's, my primary sponsor, is coming back and has extended for a few more years. So, it shows how important the marketing program is for these major corporations, and there's an adjustment taking place right now with ticket prices and hotel prices...

COLLINS: Really?

JOHNSON: ... that will benefit the fans once the fans have some income again to -- some discretionary money to use once again.

COLLINS: Exactly. I think there will be a lot more fans when there are more girls drivers out there. You know? (LAUGHTER)

COLLINS: I'm not sure about that, but I think that may be part of it. Hey, where's Jeff Gordon in your life now? I know he's such a mentor to you. What's the relationship like?

JOHNSON: It's great. He's been such a friend and certainly the competition is difficult on friendship from time to time, and we've done great job of maintaining that and having a working relationship be there as well and make our cars as fast as they can be. Because people may not understand the fact that we have four teams together, the closer all four drivers and teams work together, the more ground we can cover with technology. And there's a lot of things to juggle, and we've done a very good job of that.

COLLINS: Yes. So, who don't you like on the circuit?

(LAUGHTER)

JOHNSON: What's that?

COLLINS: I said, so, who don't you like out there? I'm trying to get some gossip. I have a feeling you're not going to go there.

JOHNSON: Well, there are certainly moments that are heated. No, no, there's heated moments. We all have road rage driving down the street. And it changes from week to week. You know, that somebody might do something wrong on the track -- you're vocal about it. There's a button for radios to talk. It's amazing when I push that button and talk how many people really listen and where it really goes.

COLLINS: Yes, I'm familiar. And which choice words you likely use, and how edited they will probably end up being. I got it.

All right. Jimmie Johnson, it's been a pleasure. Sure do appreciate it. And congratulations on the career so far. I have a feeling a lot of people will be watching. Thanks again.

JOHNSON: Awesome. Thank you very much.

COLLINS: Honoring our heroes. Peter Kithene was one of our Heroes of the Year for 2007. And as Erica Hill reports, he's kept his promise to help people in his home country.

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ANNOUNCER: This is CNN Heroes.

SANJAY GUPTA, CNN PRESENTER: Let's marvel at Peter Kithene.

VOICE OF PETER KITHENE, ONE OF CNN'S HEROES FOR 2007: It was just a fantastic thing at the right time. Remember, two weeks after that, my country went into flames.

HILL (voice-over): In late 2007, Kenya erupted in ethnic violence. Yet in the face of this tragedy, Peter's Kithene's clinic, Mama Maria Kenya, thrived.

KITHENE: Going through that as a hero, I was just like, wow. I can do something. I can show some kind of leadership. While 40 percent of clinics are closing across the country, I didn't close.

HILL: Today, there are two Mama Maria clinics with a third on the way, and the care was far beyond basic medical needs. Growth Peter credits to overwhelming support he's received since becoming a CNN hero.

KITHENE: The life (INAUDIBLE) Mama Maria, and my dream has been completely altered. I mean, people listen to me when I talk.

HILL: The clinics treat more than 14,000 people each year. But for this native son, it is just the beginning of a pledge he made when he was orphaned at the age of 12. A pledge and dream to make a difference.

KITHENE: The goal is to reach as many communities as possible. There's still a lot of work to do.

HILL: Though already, Peter Kithene has come so far.

KITHENE: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: To see whose lives will be changed this year, be sure to tune in on Thanksgiving night for "CNN Heroes, An All-Star Tribute" hosted by Anderson Cooper only on CNN.

A quick look at the Big Board on Wall Street. Not exactly what we want to see. Middle of the road there. Down by 27 points or so. Dow Jones Industrial Average resting at 10,423. We're back in a moment.

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COLLINS: Retail revisionism. Local merchants find a niche that the big chains cannot match. CNN's national correspondent Jason Carroll has the story.

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JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They've dominated American consumer culture. Wal-Mart, Target, Costco. Mega chain stores. But in one Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood, a phenomenon is taking hold, the local chains, small businesses linked by a common theme and unlike their big chain rivals, these little upstarts are located practically right next to each other.

PATRICK WATSON, LOCAL CHAIN OWNER: We're not cloning one thing and putting it somewhere else. We're trying to target a neighborhood that we know and love incredibly well and fill the gaps in.

We did have to move about a block. CARROLL: Patrick Watson and his wife, Michelle Pravda, first opened Smith and Vine, a wine shop. Then came their cheese stores, "Stinky Brooklyn," across the street.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is probably definitely the consistency of the cheese.

CARROLL: Finally, opening their bar "Jaywalk" about a block away, doing it just four months after Wall Street crashed.

CARROLL (on camera): Any nervousness at all given the economy knowing what you guys are doing?

MICHELLE PRAVDA, LOCAL CHAIN OWNER: You know, I just think we were kind of young and let's just do it.

CARROLL (voice-over): The local chain concept is simple -- identify your customer, cater to their tastes and once successful, expand within a neighborhood where you've already established a following. The couple knew their Brooklyn neighborhood was gentrifying and opened businesses to reflect a hipper crowd.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can really trust the product if I go here. It's knowledgeable people. It's not everyday crowd.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, definitely, I go get my cheese over there and I come back here to get the wine. And then I'll have a little drink at the bar.

CARROLL (voice-over): Loretta Gendville gets the appeal. She owns seven stores, also in the same Brooklyn neighborhood, under the generic name "Area," ranging from a boutique spa to a toy store.

LORETTA GENDVILLE, LOCAL CHAIN OWNER: We have kind of a history with customers. We get to know our customers and they get to know us.

CARROLL: Experts say more local chains could be on the way.

RAY KEATING, SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL: Entrepreneurs are innovators and once this word gets out that this is going on in certain areas, I think you'll have more entrepreneurs considering it, absolutely.

CARROLL: Patrick and Michelle say they've been rewarded not only with profits but something else they value, loyalty.

WATSON: You can never expect someone to care about your business as much as you do, but I find that that's sort of a contradiction around here.

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CARROLL: Here's an update. Patrick and Michelle's businesses are doing well. Their bar, JakeWalk, had only one month in the red. Their cheese-and-wine store had never had a down month, despite stiff competition from Trader Joe's just a few blocks away. Heidi? COLLINS: All right, Jason. Thank you.

I'm Heidi Collins. CNN NEWSROOM continues now with Tony Harris.