Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Pakistan Arrests CIA Informants; Boehner Warns Obama on Libya; Massive Protests in Greece; Governor Christie Not Running in 2012; Privacy Groups Take on Facebook; TSA Targeted Mexicans, Dominicans; NYT: FBI Looking at Lance Armstrong; Looking Back on Bachmann

Aired June 15, 2011 - 09:00   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Hello.

Well, it's 9:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 6:00 a.m. out West. Here's some of the stories that have us talking this morning.

A showdown looms between the White House and Congress. Lawmakers demanding that the president explain the military mission in Libya and fast.

The prosecution expected to rest in the case of -- or in the -- Casey Anthony trial. Her mother burst into tears as she testified about the items found with the remains of her 2-year-old granddaughter Caylee.

In England media reports that singer Josh Stone was the target of a bizarre murder plot. Swords, rope, and a body bag found in the suspect's car. They are now in custody.

We begin with the shocking update on the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the informants in Pakistan who helped the CIA track him down. Now, in the U.S., they'd be heroes. But in Pakistan, they are arrested.

CNN's Reza Sayah is in Islamabad. He's spoken actually with Pakistani officials.

Reza, what are they saying?

REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra.

According to those he Pakistani officials, the ISI, Pakistan's top spy agency, has arrested several suspected informants with the CIA. These are Pakistani men who allegedly helped the CIA, fed them information before the big raid on the bin Laden compound last month.

It's not clear why these men were arrested, when they were arrested, and what, if anything, they're being charged with. One of the men is reportedly an army major who allegedly wrote down license plates of cars going in and out of the bin Laden compound. One of our sources, a security official, says that's not true. He flatly denies that one of the individuals arrested is an army officer.

We do know that some of the individuals were staying at a safe house rented by the CIA that served as a lookout on to the bin Laden compound. These arrests, obviously, raise questions. Why is the ISI arresting informants for the CIA when they were supposed to be on board with U.S. efforts to go after bin Laden?

We caution that we don't have a lot of details but, if indeed, Kyra, these men are in trouble, it further clouds that big pressing question that never goes away. Is Pakistan a U.S. friend or, at times, do they deceive the U.S. by playing a double game?

PHILLIPS: Just increases the tension between the U.S. and Pakistan.

Reza Sayah, live in Islamabad. Reza, thanks.

Well, a testy battle is brewing over presidential powers in the U.S. military action in Libya. House Speaker John Boehner says the White House needs to explain this costly mission to Congress.

CNN's Brianna Keilar joining us to talk more about this.

So the whole thing could actually come to a head today, right, Brianna?

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it could be, Kyra.

The White House is set to essentially defend U.S. military involvement in Libya to Congress. The White House saying this will probably happen today. Congress, of course -- and we are talking Democrats and Republicans -- have had a lot of questions about the U.S. military involvement in Libya.

Some of the questions we expect to be answered today, why the president hasn't sought congressional authorization for having troops. The White House has said that they're in compliance with the war powers resolution that says he can have troops overseas for -- or abroad for up to 60 days and, after that, if he doesn't have congressional authorization, they need to be pulled out within 30 days.

Well, Friday is the deadline for that. That's where that letter came from Speaker Boehner yesterday.

But also, some of the other questions, what is the goal in Libya? How does the president hope to achieve it and also what is the cost going to be?

A lot of tension between Congress and the White House, and we're seeing it come, as you said, Kyra, to a bit of a head today.

PHILLIPS: Well, and then we've got this congressional picnic that's going to be there on the White House lawn. You know I can just imagine what the dinner talk is going to be. This could be a little awkward.

(LAUGHTER) KEILAR: Yes. You know, and also let's be honest. There's a whole other battle going on as well, right, over the deficit reduction talks? Very politically certainly charged issue as the White House and Congress tries to strike some sort of deal on that.

I mean, yes, I think you could say that it could be -- it could be a little awkward, perhaps, but also this is one of those events where it's sort of a summary fair, there's hundreds of people, it's very cordial, it's supposed to be fun, so maybe they can just sort of stick to the pleasantries and not get upset with each other which is what I would expect would happen -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Turn into another, quote/unquote, "beer summit."

Brianna Keilar, live on the White House lawn.

KEILAR: Hamburger summit.

PHILLIPS: Yes, there you go.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Well, the Committee on Homeland Security is about to hold another hearing on radical Islam in America. Remember the hearing in March that drew protests from Muslim groups who felt singled out? Well, this time the committee will hear about inmates locked up in U.S. prisons who convert to radical Islam then pose a threat once they go free.

And next hour, we'll ask committee chair, Peter King, just how big of a problem he thinks that is, and what he thinks Congress should actually do about it.

In Greece, tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets, striking labor unions, and it brings much of the country to a standstill. They're protesting the government's stifling budget cuts and deepening financial crisis.

Zain Verjee in London.

First, Zain, let's explain how bad things are right now at this moment.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Things are pretty bad and tempers are flaring.

Basically, what's happened here, Kyra, is that the problem is that the Greece government has spent too much money. It has lived for years above its means. What they need to do now is to launch this austerity plan which means raise taxes, cut government spending, ultimately more jobs will be lost.

And they have to do it because if they don't, they're not going to get a critical bailout that they need from their European buddies who are pretty angry they have to do this again with Greece. And if they don't do that, they will default on a crucial debt within the next two years.

Look at the scenes out on the street. You can see how mad people are. Thousands of them out on the streets in Athens. And what they have done, Kyra, is they've surrounded parliament because they don't want to let the lawmakers in there to even debate the austerity plan for the next five years.

PHILLIPS: Well, and we saw protests like this -- gosh, it was about six months ago or so. We saw how it impacted the markets and monies here and overseas. Now you're getting a lot of coverage again. You've been looking at the international papers.

What exactly are they reporting?

VERJEE: Yes, well, it is grabbing headlines in this part of the world. Let's go straight to the "International Herald Tribune." Now this is on the opinion page. It says, "Greece talks are rooted in unreality." "Rather than figuring out how to keep Greece upright without knocking over the banks, the authorities would have been far better off figuring out how to make the banking system solvent and sound."

And check out "The Guardian." At any moment, Greece could go up. It says, "With Europe's debt crisis intensifying by the day, fear appears to be the single biggest factor motivating those in charge of policy on the common currency."

And Kyra, you know, the reason that this is such a big deal to all these other European countries is because Greece is part of the Eurozone. There are 16 other countries that use the euro currency, so if Greece tanks, they are going to get hurt.

PHILLIPS: All right. We'll follow it.

Zain Verjee out of London. Zain, thanks.

Chris Christie says that he won't make a White House run in 2012. But the New jersey governor also says he can't find anybody in the GOP field that he can actually support right now.

CNN's deputy political director Paul Steinhauser here with more on what Christie had to say.

Hey, Paul.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Hey, good morning, Kyra. And guess who Chris Christie is meeting with today?

The New Jersey governor is having lunch with Rudy Giuliani. We know the former New York City mayor is thinking about running for the White House.

Now Christie has been meeting with a lot of these candidates or potential candidates. As you said, he was on "PIERS MORGAN" last night. He said once again no way, running this time in 2012. And it appears that he really doesn't have anybody yet to endorse. Take a listen to what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R), NEW JERSEY: I don't think any of them have yet distinguished themselves to say this is the best person, not only to take on Barack Obama but, more importantly, to lead our nation in the next four years after this election.

(END OF VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: You know a lot of Republicans very high on Chris Christie. So when he actually does have somebody he wants to endorse down the road, I think that he could be pretty influential -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Well, another governor, Texas' Rick Perry, on the sidelines but if you listen to his speech the other day, it sounded pretty presidential. So what's going on? Do you think he could jump in?

STEINHAUSER: It sure did sound like it last night. In New York City he was speaking to a Republican group there. He was the headliner. He was talking about taking our country back. Really did sound and look like a presidential candidate.

Now today Perry is meeting with Giuliani. He's still in New York City so that should be interesting. I'd love to find out what's going on there at that meeting right now.

And guess what, Kyra, later this week, on Saturday, Perry is going to be speaking in New Orleans at a major Republican conference where a lot of the other candidates are speaking so let's keep our eyes on Rick Perry and see what he does.

Maybe, maybe there will be a Rick Perry on the stage at the next debate. Stay tuned for that one -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. We will. Paul, thanks.

We'll have your next political update in just about an hour. And a reminder for all the latest political news, you can always go to our Web site 24/7, CNNPolitics.com.

Consumer groups fight back against what they call Facebook's invasion of privacy. Complain is over the new facial recognition technology. Up next, a congressman joins the battle against the social network giant.

Will and Kate all set to make their first royal tour together. One destination? California. From the red carpet to Skid Row. The royal couple, they are going to try and see every side of L.A.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's check stories "Cross Country."

Union supporters back at the state capital in Madison, Wisconsin. They're protesting a state Supreme Court decision to uphold anti-union law. The controversial measure curbs collective bargaining rights of teachers and other state employees.

In Arizona a camp fire is reportedly to blame for this wildfire. The largest in state's history. U.S. Forest Service officials tell affiliate KNXV that two people are being investigated in connection with this blaze. The fire has scorched more than 733 square miles in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.

Finally in suburban Atlanta, a telephone utility truck crashes into a pool filled with 12 swimmers. Luckily, no one was hurt. Police say the driver lost control of the truck after slipping into a diabetic coma.

All right. So this is a pretty scary thought. A stranger taking a picture of your child uploading the photo and then using facial recognition technology to learn personal details about his or her life.

Well, and you wouldn't even know about it. Here's how it works. If you Facebook, you tag photos. It makes it easier to find pictures of you and all your friends, but it also takes a lot of time so that's why facial technology was introduced.

But as you can imagine, not everyone is very happy about this. So now advocacy groups have filed a complaint with the FTC over the use of this technology, actually asking Facebook to stop.

Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts is also concerned.

Congressman, let's talk about why you're backing this complaint.

REP. EDWARD J. MARKEY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: Well, I think that your privacy is the most important thing that you have. And for Facebook just to assume that everyone would want to have this facial recognition technology built into their use of Facebook to allow for basically a resetting of all of the privacy protections that individuals had established for themselves, so that Facebook would decide that this facial recognition technology would be part of your use of Facebook, is just way over the line.

They should have to get permission. That is, Facebook should have to get permission from each user before such a sensitive change in the way in which people can be recognized just becomes part of the Internet without your control.

PHILLIPS: And I want to point out. We did reach out to Facebook to get its response to this FTC complaint via e-mail and didn't receive a response.

Now, you Facebook, Congressman. Are you worried about your personal information and how far this could go?

MARKEY: Now, my Facebook is in my office and we put up statements, videos and we abide by all privacy and security laws. But I'm not concerned there. I'm more concerned about an individual out there, or a child, that just doesn't understand the implications of a picture or any other information being made more public and available to everyone. And I think that we need to actually implement new regulations, new laws in order to give that power over to consumers, rather than giving it to Facebook or other information companies.

PHILLIPS: And let's just be really direct. We sort of mentioned it at the beginning here. I mean, the situation could be, let's say, your 12-year-old has a Facebook page and a pedophile spots her coming out of school, takes a picture of her, uploads it, does the facial recognition technology, and, poof! All of her information comes up. This pedophile could find out where she lives, what she likes to eat, who her friends are. Correct?

MARKEY: That is correct. Obviously, children especially using this technology, they are 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and that's why I've introduced legislation to create a child online privacy Bill of Rights so that the information that is being gathered that the parent has knowledge of it, that noticed that it might be used for other purposes, and the parent has a right to say, no, they don't want that to happen.

And to demand the company erase any information about that child that the parent does not want to have online. We need something like that in an era where predators are out there roaming throughout cyberspace, looking for opportunities to take advantage of children.

PHILLIPS: We will definitely follow up on the Bill of Rights.

But, real quickly, just to play devil's advocate here, this story just came across yesterday. Actually, my copy editor, Tracy, brought it to my attention. It was out of San Diego. The family -- and we have a picture of this Marine major actually put their father's picture on Facebook and they believe that facial recognition actually helped him find his half-brother that the officer had never met. And now, they are communicating.

So, there's a positive story about what facial recognition technology can do.

MARKEY: And the key there, as you just said, is that the family decided to put the photo up. It was the family's decision. It's not Facebook's decision that a child's picture is up or someone who wants their privacy protected, for whatever reason, puts their picture up. It's that the family decided to use it as a tool.

And that should be the balance. It should not be facial recognition. It should be Facebook's recognition that family should be making these decisions and not a corporation.

PHILLIPS: Congressman Ed Markey, thanks so much for your time.

MARKEY: Thank you. PHILLIPS: If you're worried about facial recognition on Facebook, you can opt out. Just go to CNN.com and you can find the instructions there on how exactly you can do that.

Well, coming up, the royal newlyweds getting ready to head out on their first official tour together. They'll be touching down in California. Some will be paying thousands of dollars to meet them while donating money to charity at the same time. We are live from Buckingham Palace.

And it's said to be one of the most expensive homes in the country. After sitting on the market since 2009, well, it's sold. We're going to show you the former home of TV producer Aaron Spelling.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Will and Kate getting ready for their first royal tour together. One stop? Los Angeles. Kate will look gorgeous, of course.

But we are told the couple, mindful of the economy -- well, they won't bring up full staff along.

Max Foster is joining us from London where their itinerary has been released this morning. And it is the talk of the morning, afternoon, evening.

Hi, Max.

(LAUGHTER)

MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It really is. I spent the morning in St. James Palace where they outlined details of what's effectively (AUDIO GAP) they will take in everything from (AUDIO GAP) big red carpet event, sit-down dinner with all of the Hollywood great figures (AUDIO GAP) some celebrities as well, all war veterans.

A very busy three days. And no time we are told to meet old friends who they have in L.A. like the Beckhams.

This is what David had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID BECKHAM, SOCCER STAR: We know, obviously, they are going over to the States, but I'm sure their diary is more than full for them to be doing so many events. So, it's going to be exciting for them, I'm sure. They've got many other things going on in their lives, but, you know, it's incredible to have them together and have them married.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: There he is, David Beckham. We're told this isn't about meeting celebrities. It's all about promoting U.K. interests.

But the crucial information for you, Kyra, is the entourage, lots of questions about that. They'd be seven people traveling with them -- two with Kate and assistant dresser and her hairdresser from the wedding.

Also, no speeches from her, no interviews from her, but she's very wary about speaking in public, still -- although we will hear from Prince William on several occasions.

No idea what they're wearing, either of them. But we understand that Kate will try to be trying to wear British designers, not American ones. Is that controversial? What's the forum in these things?

PHILLIPS: Oh, boy. Well, you know what? No matter how controversial it may be, all eyes definitely will be on her. It seems that Americans can't get enough of what she is wearing, what she looks like.

We'll, of course, be following that trip. And so will you, Max Foster. Thanks so much.

Well, the housing market still struggling, but you wouldn't know it from this story. The home of the late TV producer Aaron Spelling has sold. Are you ready for this? It was listed at $150 million. It's said to be one of the most expensive homes in the country.

Alison Kosik, who bought this house?

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Who bought it? Petra Ecclestone. Who is she? She's the 22-year-old British heiress to the Formula 1 racing empire.

Now, we're really not sure just how much she paid for it. But "The Wall Street Journal" says the home was listed for $150 million in 2009 and the price was never reduced. Look at this house.

So, what's she getting with this? She's getting a 57,000 square foot French chateau style house, five acres of prime L.A. real estate. There's a bowling alley in there, beauty salon, a china room, a flower cutting room, something we all need, dog grooming room, and even a gift wrapping room.

Here's the kicker in all of this, Kyra. Petra only plans to live there part-time. She winds up splitting her time between California and Great Britain. How about that?

PHILLIPS: Oh, boy. It's a little over the top for me, Alison.

OK. Let's talk about Wall Street.

KOSIK: I agree.

PHILLIPS: Finally got a rally going yesterday, right? So, what do you think about today?

KOSIK: Right. Yes, the good times are over, at least for today. Yesterday, the Dow jumped 123 points. We are expecting a sell-off today, partly because of the protests and debt worries happening in Greece.

We also found out that consumer prices jumped up more than 3 percent -- 3.6 percent in May compared to last year. Those higher food prices we are all dealing with, that was a big factor in it.

Also, the New York area manufacturing report that we got was weaker than expected.

All of this, signs of a slowing economy, inflation heating up. It really makes for a bad combo. And Wall Street is not liking it.

We'll see it at the opening bell in about five minutes -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Sounds good, Alison. Thanks.

Shocking government report about a major U.S. airport. TSA agents singling out Mexicans and Dominicans. Some agents reportedly called their coworkers, quote, "Mexican hunters." We'll have more straight ahead.

And British sole singer Josh Stone reportedly the target of a bizarre murder plot. Two people are in custody. A live report from London, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking top stories.

Pakistani says it has arrested several informants who helped the CIA find and kill Osama bin Laden. It's not clear exactly why they were taken into custody.

Congressman Anthony Weiner's wife Huma Abedin returns today from her week-long trip overseas. The New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy says she is hearing that Weiner might resign in a couple of days and that he was waiting for his wife to come home.

And today could be the day that Peru files murder charges against Joran van der Sloot. He's accused of killing a woman in a hotel room in Lima last year. He's been linked to American teen Natalie Holloway's disappearance back in 2005. He's never been charged in that case.

TSA agents are targeting air passengers from Mexico and the Dominican Republican, giving them a harder time than other passengers. A federal report says that happened for two years at the airport in Newark, New Jersey.

Jeanne Meserve is here to tell us what exactly we know about this -- Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, this based on a federal report obtained by the "Star Ledger" newspaper which says in 2008 and 2009, Mexicans and Dominicans were singled out for scrutiny at Newark's Liberty International Airport. Specifically, they were asked additional questions. Their travel documents like passports and visa would get additional scrutiny and their bags were being searched. According to the newspaper, the report says that this happened because the airport wanted to make their behavior detection officers look better.

Now, the TSA has responded to this report saying we do not condone racial profiling at Newark. The boundaries were overstepped. They say that 18 months ago, all of the behavior detection officers at Newark were retrained and four managers did receive some sort of discipline. One of them, in fact, no longer with the agency.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right. So, Jeanne, you obtained the list of indicators that behavior detection officers are supposed to use to identify people who might pose a threat on planes.

So was race or ethnicity on that list?

MESERVE: No. There were about 70 indicators, we made only one of them public for security reasons. But we read all of them. None of them made any reference to race or ethnicity or could even be construed in that way.

There were about 3,000 of these behavior detection officers around the country. It's a favorite of the TSA Administrator John Pistole. He wants to expand this program, but there have been concerns and, of course, this report our Newark underlines what those concerns are, that some people may, indeed, overstep the bounds at some times.

Kyra, back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right. Jeanne, thanks.

And a hearing about to start on Capitol Hill any minute now. The Committee on Homeland Security will discuss on how inmates in U.S. prisons are turning into radical Islamists. They pose a terror threat, they say, once they get out.

Kate Bolduan's on Capitol Hill.

So what are we expecting to hear, Kate?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Kyra.

Well, this, as you probably mentioned, is part two of a series of hearings that has been broadly described as looking into the radicalization of the Muslim-American community. The first of these hearings, Kyra, sparked quite a bit a controversy and protest especially amongst religious groups and civil rights groups.

This committee is chaired by New York Congressman Peter King and he says that these hearings are too important -- this topic is too important to the country's security to not continue with these hearings. The focus of this one is specifically on what he considers a threat of radicalization in the prison system and he'll be hearing from witnesses -- law enforcement from New York and California will be testifying.

As I mentioned, it sparked quite a bit a controversy. While some groups have labeled these series a somewhat of a witch hunt, if you will, because he is targeting one group, Peter King says the goal of the first hearing was accomplished and that's what he wants to continue the conversation. He says it's about starting a dialogue on a politically sensitive and delicate -- he even acknowledges a politically incorrect topic. But he says it's too important not to talk about this and why he's continuing the conversation today, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You got it. Kate, thanks so much.

And we're actually going to talk to him, as well. We're talking about committee chair Peter King, just about how big of a problem he thinks this is and what he thinks Congress should do about it.

British soul singer Joss Stone reportedly the target of a bizarre murder plot. Two men in custody now.

Zain Verjee joining us live out of London.

And Zain, reports that these suspects had swords and ropes and do -- what else do we know?

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Yes. You know, it's really disturbing. UK media outlets are saying that on the mend, they found swords, they found body bags and these forensic-style overalls, ropes, things like that. So they've been arrested, their detained. The situation is being investigated.

Now, this is a statement that police put out with a little more specifics on the men themselves. It reads, in part, "A 30-year-old man was arrested for driving while disqualified, possession of an offensive weapon and going equipped to steal. A second man, 33, was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and going equipped to steal. Both men from the Manchester area."

It's unclear, according to different reports, whether Joss Stone, herself, was on the property. Now, CNN cannot independently confirm that she, herself, was the intended target, but this is being widely reported in the UK media, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. We'll follow it, Zain. One of my favorite musicians, as a matter of fact.

Zain Verjee out of London, thanks.

VERJEE: Me, too.

PHILLIPS: Yes, great music.

Many journalists risk their lives pursuing important stories. They understand that risk but none may be taking a bigger risk than a Mina Hadbib (ph). She's a female reporter on the streets in Afghanistan. Her incredible story, next. Plus, the FBI reportedly investigating a confrontation between Lance Armstrong and one of his former teammates, a teammate who has accused him of doping on TV and in court. We'll have much more on that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, many journalists have lost their lives searching for the truth. It's a risky job and what can make it even riskier, asking questions in a place like Afghanistan, and if the person asking those questions is a woman. This is Mina Hadbib.

HLN's Asieh Namdar actually had a chance to talk to her. She is taking a tremendous risk. Any woman that does this is taking a tremendous risk.

It's a big deal that she's reporting.

ASIEH NAMDAR, SENIOR WRITER, HLN: It's a huge deal, Kyra. It's a tremendous risk. It's a big deal.

When I had my conversation with her last week, I said aren't you afraid for your life? I mean, when we think about women in Afghanistan, I think about women in burqas during the Taliban era. Here she is, with her scarf, with a tape recorder in people's faces, asking some very tough questions.

And she said, you know what? I know of risks involved. I wanted to do this since I was a little girl, I'm pursuing my dream. This has been her lifelong dream and she's doing it and she's not going to stop.

PHILLIPS: OK. And we know there's been threats against her life but she continues to pursue these stories. Are the stories making a difference? Is it worth the risk in her eyes?

NAMDAR: She spoke of one story that she said she's extremely proud of and her passion -- the story she's passionate about are stories that involve children. And the story she was trying to expose was people who exploit sick children as beggars on the street. They put them on the street, they ask them to beg for money. And she said this has to stop. She did a story on in. The government came up with a commission. The practice did stop.

PHILLIPS: Wow, that's amazing.

NAMDAR: Listen, she makes our job look really easy.

PHILLIPS: I'm going to be following her work, for sure. And I know now, Washington-based group has nominated her for a courage award.

NAMDAR: Yes.

PHILLIPS: We'll follow that up.

NAMDAR: Yes, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Terrific. Asieh, thanks so much.

NAMDAR: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: All right. Well, for more on this incredible woman's story and other great international stories and video, you can always go to CNN.com/world and look for Asieh's byline.

Serena Williams, back on the tennis tour after nearly a year off due to injuries. Well, Williams is warming up for Wimbledon now, playing in a tournament in Eastborne, England. And yesterday's opening round, she looked pretty rusty against Bulgaria's number one player, actually losing the first set. But she came back to take the match. Williams' style. 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 . Wimbledon begins Monday.

And LeBron James didn't get a championship ring but that's not stopping a minor league baseball team for honoring him.

More sports in 15 minutes.

Also, straight ahead, unexpected encounter with a former teammate. Now, Lance Armstrong is reportedly being investigated by the FBI. Sunny Hostin weighs in on this.

And praying to St. Anthony. The patron saint of lost and missing items for a return of 780-year-old relic stolen from a church that bears his name.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Stores Cross Country now.

In California, supporters of Prop 8 promise an appeal after the court upholds the ruling of a gay judge that overturned the ban on same-sex marriage. It reaffirms the original ruling by Judge Van Walker that the voter approved ban was unconstitutional.

Now in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo announces Marriage Equality Bill which would allow gay couples to tie the knot. If approved, New York would become the sixth state in the U.S. allowing same-sex unions.

Police in Long Beach, California, released this sketch of a person of interest in the theft of a near 800-year-old religious relic. The item was stolen Monday from the St. Anthony Church. St. Anthony is the patron's saint of missing or lost items, by the way.

And Redmond, Oregon's Leo Plass is proof that you're never too late. Just a couple of months shy of a 100-years-old, by the way. Plauss got his long-awaited college diploma!

According to the "New York Times" the FBI is investigating a run-in between cycling great Lance Armstrong and his former teammate Tyler Hamilton. Hamilton has accused Armstrong of doping and is a witness in the federal case against him now. Hamilton's lawyer says during Saturday's encounter, Armstrong threatened to make his client's life a living bleeping Hell and the "Times" reports that the FBI is trying to determine if the confrontation amounts to witness tampering by Lance Armstrong.

Let's talk more about this with Sunny Hostin. She's our legal contributor for "In Session" on TruTV and also a former federal prosecutor, I might add.

So Sunny, what do you make of this?

SUNNY HOSTIN, CNN LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR: Well, you know, certainly it's obvious now that the grand jury is investigating Lance Armstrong, that he is probably the target of the investigation. I say we think we know because grand jury proceedings are secret.

Now, if Tyler Hamilton has already testified in front of the grand jury and the grand jury indicts, then he would be a probable witness at any sort of proceeding against Lance Armstrong.

So certainly it would be against the law, Kyra, for Lance Armstrong to try to threaten, to try to intimidate Tyler Hamilton because the sort of leap that you then make is, perhaps he was doing that because he doesn't want Tyler Hamilton to testify against him.

So witness tampering in federal court is very serious, it's punishable up to 20 years in prison and possible fines. And so I would say if the FBI is asking for videotapes of that encounter at that restaurant which my understanding it's been reported that they are looking at that, that's -- spells some serious allegations.

PHILLIPS: Ok so let me ask you a question then, because the FBI is -- is reportedly going after surveillance video of the incident. That's -- that's what we are -- that's what we understand, that it's possible it doesn't have the video right there in the hands of agents.

So it's apparently happened to this restaurant, as you pointed out. But the owner says that the tape only shows the kitchen. So Sunny, let me ask this, if there is no record of what was said, is all of this, you know, going to go away? Is it just a moot point?

HOSTIN: Well, not necessarily because if Tyler Hamilton talks to the FBI Kyra and then says, you know, I did feel intimidated, I did feel threatened, Lance Armstrong said this to me, that would be enough for witness tampering.

It's not usually the case that you actually have a videotape of witness tampering. Witness tampering usually occurs on a side street. It usually occurs at someone's home. Sometimes it's just the mere presence of someone staring down at someone else.

When I was a federal prosecutor, I had to deal with witness tampering, especially with gang cases. And so Tyler Hamilton, talking to the FBI, that would be enough to sustain a witness tampering charge.

PHILLIPS: All right Sunny, we'll follow it and we'll see what happens. Thanks so much. Well, she held her own at Monday's Republican debate but Michelle Bachmann has held our attention for years now.

Coming up, Jeanne Moos looks back at some of the Congresswoman's greatest hits.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Looking ahead at some other headlines that will be making news later today.

On Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chair Admiral Mike Mullen will testify before a Senate committee on the Defense Department's budget request for next year. That gets underway at 11:00.

Then tonight at 7:00. It's time for some R&R. The President and Mrs. Obama will host a picnic for members of Congress on the South Lawn.

And at 8:00 Eastern, Boston Bruins take on the Vancouver Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup finals.

Well, we're following lots of developments in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM. Let's start first with Reza Sayah -- Reza.

REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, Pakistan is supposed to be partners with Washington in the fight against extremists. So why have they arrested a number of informants that have helped the U.S. track down Osama bin Laden? That story coming up at the top of the hour.

BRIANA KEILAR, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I'm Brianna Keilar at the White House as tensions rise between President Obama and Congress over U.S. involvement in Libya. The President is set to make his case for military involvement there and explain why he hasn't asked for Congress's ok.

MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And I'm Max Foster in London where I've seen details of what's expected to be the most high profile royal tour in years. Catherine and William are heading to L.A. More on the next hour.

PHILLIPS: All right. Thanks, guys.

Also next hour: kidnapped over Shaquille O'Neal's sex tape that may or may not exist. We've got more.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: So close to matching history. A guy you and I watched a lot.

(CROSSTALK)

JEFF FISCHEL, HLN SPORTS ANCHOR: Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: You were very close watching --

FISCHEL: I was a big Angels fan growing up watching Nolan Ryan; he threw seven no-hitters more than anybody ever in baseball history. And last night we almost saw someone duplicate the Ryan express. Justin Verlander, the Tiger's ace, he's kind of the modern Nolan Ryan, a 100-mile-per-hour fastball, devastating curve.

Well, he had a no-hitter earlier this year and last night came oh, so close to a second one. Look at the curveball, 12th strikeout for Verlander, he was six outs away from that second no-hitter this year when single to center field.

Ok, so Nolan Ryan is still the last guy to do it. Two no-hitters in a season in 1973. But Verlander got the shutout, the Tigers win to take first place -- sole possession in the AL Central.

I want to show you Ryan Ludwig, give him some love for some good glove. In fact, three nice plays in one inning versus the Rockies. Ok that's kind of the warm up back, a slight golf clap. Next batter, the San Diego left fielder, just absolutely lays out to make that one. That is a nice catch. The very next batter, we're talking back-to- back-to-back plays or stains on Uni. Ludwig also got an RBI, but the Padres did lose 6-3.

U.S. soccer playing in the Gold Cup against teams from Canada, Central America and Caribbean last night against Guadalupe and Jose Altidore (ph), the ninth minute just fires from 25 yards, that's a goal and it holds up, one-nil the final of the U.S. advances to the quarterfinals.

Minor League Baseball teams, they have the best promotions. Check out this one by the Peoria Chiefs, they're holding Lebron James NBA championship give-away night, all fans get replica rings, actually air right? Since Lebron didn't get a ring.

The Chiefs are thinking about not coming out in the fourth inning because Lebron didn't show up in the fourth quarter against Dallas. Plus, Heimlich maneuver classes to keep you from choking.

That reminds me of a joke, there's a joke going on right now. Lebron -- Lebron, a guy goes up to Lebron and a new change for a $1. Lebron is ok, sure, hands him 75 cents and he's like hey, what's up? He's like -- he's like, you didn't give me a fourth quarter.

PHILLIPS: Oh boo -- clean though.

FISCHEL: Ok. All right, I'm only tossing them.

The best golfers are all gearing up for the U.S. Open this week, it's such an individual sport. But for the best who are teaming to form a boy band. Check out the golf boys.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want my buddies all day long when the ball goes with the -- hey.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: if you want to play with the pros now?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got to hit it in the hole now.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You want to reach that tuff yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've got to give it all you got.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FISCHEL: Ben Crane, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan. Bubba Watson --

PHILLIPS: Yes.

FISCHEL: Look at those overalls, the bare feet --

PHILLIPS: The overalls, oh Bubba.

FISCHEL: The chest hair -- a solid representation there too. Look at that.

PHILLIPS: Rickie looks pretty good.

FISCHEL: Rickie fowler is trying to get -- and those guys.

PHILLIPS: They're bringing back the '80s spandex, that's pretty frightening.

FISCHEL: Wow.

PHILLIPS: They can golf, they can sing, they can dance.

FISCHEL: See? The U.S. Open will be far more exciting than anyone even knows. They'll just break it out right before us.

PHILLIPS: There you go. Thanks, Jeff.

FISCHEL: Ok.

PHILLIPS: Well, after her performance at Monday's Republican debate, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is the new darling of the right but that doesn't mean that she gets everything right. CNN's Jeanne Moos takes a look back at some of her most memorable moments.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Enter Michele Bachmann --

MICHELE BACHMANN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It's going to be a wonderful evening. MOO: -- actually when she tried to enter arriving at the debate she was stymied by a locked door, but she was right about having a wonderful evening.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Big night for Bachmann.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She stole the headline.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A steal-the-show performance.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She had charisma.

MOOS: But a mere four and a half years ago she was star struck.

Michele Bachmann first popped up on our radar screen back when she was a rookie congresswoman. We never even heard of her. Michele who?

We were doing a story on how people fall all over the President after the State of the Union speech and there she was clutching at then President Bush. We even timed her.

Freshman Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota latched on to the president for a record-breaking 24 seconds.

After that, there was no kissing Michele Bachmann good-bye.

There've been some funny moments, for instance when her supporters mocked host Chris Matthews for saying an uplifting Obama speech sent a thrill up his leg, while he mocked her.

CHRIS MATTHEWS, MSNBC HOST: Congresswoman Bachmann, are you hypnotized tonight? Has someone hypnotized you? Because no matter what I ask you, you give the same answer.

MOOS: Then there was the time she misplaced the start of the revolutionary war.

BACHMANN: Near the state where the shot was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord.

MOOS: The thing is Lexington and Concord are in Massachusetts while she was speaking in New Hampshire.

One of her most uncomfortable faux pas wasn't even her fault.

BACHMANN: Good evening, my name is Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

MOOS: If her eyes seem to be wondering off camera during her Tea Party reply to the State of the Union, that's because they were. Instead of looking at the network pull camera, she was looking further over at the teleprompter mounted on this Tea Party camera where she looked fine.

BACHMANN: It was an honor for me to speak with you.

MOOS: It was an honor for "Saturday Night Live" to lampoon her. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The economy is headed for a disaster as you can see from this chart.

MOOS: The Real Michele Bachmann --

BACHMANN: A staggering 10.1 percent.

MOOS: Fake Michele Bachmann.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As this chart clearly shows.

MOOS: Well, the Michele Bachmann is back, instead of grabbing the President, she is trying to be president.

BACHMANN: As president of the United States --

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)