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Flight False Alarm; Eye on Safety
Aired May 13, 2005 - 13:30 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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The headlines this hour. On the stand for the Michael Jackson defense, Mark Geragos, Jackson's former attorney. He was subpoenaed. Trial watchers aren't clear as to exactly what he will testify about
Not many confirmed details out of Uzbekistan today, but disturbing reports of violent clashes between troops and anti- government protesters. A journalist there tells us that at least nine, possibly 20 demonstrators have been shot to death. Protest rallies have grown recently, calling for the Uzbek president's resignation. More details as we get them.
It's the news that people in military towns from coast to coast have been dreading. The Pentagon today released a list of about 150 defense facilities to reduce or close. They range from small offices to major bases. The DoD says that means billions of dollars in savings. Several governors are vowing to fight the proposals that affect their states.
Checking our security watch now, another no-fly list mistake and delay puts a planeload of people in Bangor, Maine, instead of Boston. U.S. authorities ordered an Air France flight to divert yesterday. It turns out it was an unlucky passenger whose name was similar and birthdate matched someone on a terror watch list. Once again, we ask, why didn't somebody catch this before the tray tables and seats were upright and locked?
CNN's Kathleen Koch reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The plane was over the Atlantic, bound for Boston, when Transportation Security Administration officials discovered the no-fly list hit. So the Airbus 330, carrying 169 passengers, was diverted to Bangor, Maine. Upon arrival, FBI and TSA agents boarded the plane and questioned the passenger. While the plane was still in the air, a TSA spokesperson said Air France missed the fact this passenger's name was on the no- fly list.
But Air France said in a written statement that it is, quote, "fully compliant with U.S. authorities," and that "the safety and security of our passengers are our highest priority."
Right now, the TSA e-mails the no-fly list to airlines overseas, which are supposed to check the passengers' names against it before they board. Then after the plane backs away from the gate, airlines outside the U.S. electronically transmit the passenger manifest to the U.S. government, where it's double checked against an even larger terrorist watchlist.
U.S. law enforcement would like to get that passenger manifest sooner, at least an hour before takeoff, to prevent such incidents. This is the fourth plane diverted to Bangor because of a no-fly list hit.
The most prominent match, former pop singer Cat Stevens, on the list because of concerns his charitable contributions funded militant groups.
(on camera): Federal officials say the man's name was a near match to one on the no-fly list, but that he does not, for now, appear to be a threat. After being questioned about a possible visa violation, he, his wife and two children were released.
Kathleen Koch, CNN, Washington
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: A new technology being tried out to make sure that people with access to commercial planes really should be there.
Reporter Gerald Resnick (ph) of our CNN affiliate WKMG has details from Orlando.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GERALD RESNICK (ph), WKMG REPORTER (voice-over): Florida's busiest airport will no longer simply rely on passes and pass codes.
Now, like a 007 movie, the eyes will tell a computer if someone has access to a restricted area.
BRIGITTE RIVERA GOERSCH, ORLANDO INTL. AIRPORT SECURITY: This will be an additional layer of information that is enrolled, which will be biometric information. The employer's iris' will be enrolled for the additional layer of security.
RESNICK: The Airport Access Control Pilot Program, or AACPP, is a first of its kind. Employees and vendors will not have one, but both irises scanned. They look into a special mirror. The computer processes the image, and then grants them access or locks them out.
GOERSCH: It has to verify both irises, not just one irises, which is double. I guess, mathematically, you'd have to compute that. Statistically, it is very reliable. Iris scanners, the technology of iris scanning is considered one of the most reliable biometric technologies.
RESNICK: To filter out possible terrorists who may do harm.
ART MEINKE, FED. SECURITY DIR., ORLANDO: Just like we did with cockpits, you know, the cockpit doors and air marshals and all that kind of stuff. So it's just another step to try to figure out what can we do better.
RESNICK: The 90-day test could be expanded and eventually moved to airports nationwide.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: And we thank our affiliate, WKMG, and Gerald Resnick in Orlando for that report.
CNN, committed to providing the most reliable coverage of news that affects your security. Stay tuned to CNN for the latest information day and night.
Back with more in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: She was attacked by a shark, but lived to turn her tragedy into triumph.
As part of CNN's anniversary series, "Then and Now," we take a look back at the story of Bethany Hamilton and where she is today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Thirteen 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was just out to catch a wave on a beautiful Hawaiian morning, and ended up catching the attention of a nation after she was attacked by a shark. On October 31st, 2003, Bethany lost 70 percent of her blood, her left arm, and maybe her dream to surf professionally one day.
But Bethany when the on to surf again without fear on a specially made board.
BETHANY HAMILTON: I'm there to have fun and not be scared, because it's pretty rare for someone to get attacked twice.
ZAHN: Only months after the shark attack, Bethany placed fifth in the National Scholastic Association Surfing Championships and secured a spot on the U.S. national surfing team. She also won the 2004 ESPY Award from ESPN for best comeback athlete and a special courage award at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards. Bethany has just launched a perfume, Stoked, for girls and a fragrance, Wired, for boys, and has written a book called "Soul Surfer" about her experience and desire to motivate others.
HAMILTON: Encourage people, and let them know that they can do whatever they want if they just set their heart to it and just never give up. And just go out there and do it.
ZAHN: A movie based on the book begins filming this year.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
O'BRIEN: As we leave this hour, a little LIVE FROM pallet cleanser, you might say. You have to supply your own orange wedge, but Jeanne Moos is serving up the fortune cookies.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Confucius says...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Secret of getting ahead is getting started.
MOOS: Especially if you start with a fortune cookie that wins the lotto.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Happy all the way around.
MOOS: This Arizona couple won 100,000 bucks by using the lucky numbers they found in a fortune cookie to play Powerball.
So did Mark Hofmeister.
MARK HOFMEISTER, POWERBALL WINNER: Well, I just got tired of picking numbers, so I thought, huh, I'll just write these down.
MOOS: So did Patty Meeks.
PATTY MEEKS, POWERBALL WINNER: It says the stars of riches are shining upon you.
MOOS: A hundred and ten winners around the country used the same fortune cookie numbers to win at least $100,000 each. And every one of those cookies came from Wonton Foods just across the East River from Manhattan.
(on camera): How do you guys pick the numbers for your fortune cookies?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Basically, in the beginning, we started using just a bowl and just pick out numbers. Now, it's mostly computer- generated now.
MOOS: Talk about fortunate fortune cookies.
(voice-over): The first five numbers were a match. The sixth wasn't. But five were enough to win Powerball's second prize.
(on camera): This is a weird thing that happened, huh? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. It's very exciting. And next time we are going to hit six numbers.
MOOS: You think so?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Absolutely.
MOOS (voice-over): At first, Powerball officials feared fraud.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew that something unusual had caused those people to pick those numbers.
MOOS: They even checked TV shows like "The Young and the Restless."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, read me the numbers.
MOOS: That featured Powerball plot twist to see if that's where folks got the same numbers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forty-five and Powerball 24.
MOOS: Wrong number for real-life Powerball. But when winner after winner told officials they picked their numbers from a fortune cookie, the mystery was solved. He also solved the mystery of who makes up those dumb sayings.
(on camera): It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bait.
(voice-over): There are reams of them at the Wonton plant, thanks to the marketing department.
(on camera): Many people will be drawn to you for your wisdom and insight. Marketing department.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Marketing department.
MOOS (voice-over): The lottery results didn't make believers out of skeptics.
(on camera): You don't believe fortune cookies?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, not at all.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you're really desperate, you believe in them. At my age, who cares.
MOOS: Even some of the winners used the lucky numbers, but gave away the cookie.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's not much flavor to them.
MOOS: Fortune, yes. Cookie, no. That's the way the fortune cookie crumbles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: On the hit TV show "CSI," it only takes investigators an hour to catch their criminal. But is the show's popularity having an adverse a effect on real-life investigators?
Plus, she's the woman to have claimed to have found a finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Police say they have a major announcement to make in this case. We're bring that to you live, in a news conference.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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 May 13, 2005 - 13:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The headlines this hour. On the stand for the Michael Jackson defense, Mark Geragos, Jackson's former attorney. He was subpoenaed. Trial watchers aren't clear as to exactly what he will testify about
Not many confirmed details out of Uzbekistan today, but disturbing reports of violent clashes between troops and anti- government protesters. A journalist there tells us that at least nine, possibly 20 demonstrators have been shot to death. Protest rallies have grown recently, calling for the Uzbek president's resignation. More details as we get them.
It's the news that people in military towns from coast to coast have been dreading. The Pentagon today released a list of about 150 defense facilities to reduce or close. They range from small offices to major bases. The DoD says that means billions of dollars in savings. Several governors are vowing to fight the proposals that affect their states.
Checking our security watch now, another no-fly list mistake and delay puts a planeload of people in Bangor, Maine, instead of Boston. U.S. authorities ordered an Air France flight to divert yesterday. It turns out it was an unlucky passenger whose name was similar and birthdate matched someone on a terror watch list. Once again, we ask, why didn't somebody catch this before the tray tables and seats were upright and locked?
CNN's Kathleen Koch reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The plane was over the Atlantic, bound for Boston, when Transportation Security Administration officials discovered the no-fly list hit. So the Airbus 330, carrying 169 passengers, was diverted to Bangor, Maine. Upon arrival, FBI and TSA agents boarded the plane and questioned the passenger. While the plane was still in the air, a TSA spokesperson said Air France missed the fact this passenger's name was on the no- fly list.
But Air France said in a written statement that it is, quote, "fully compliant with U.S. authorities," and that "the safety and security of our passengers are our highest priority."
Right now, the TSA e-mails the no-fly list to airlines overseas, which are supposed to check the passengers' names against it before they board. Then after the plane backs away from the gate, airlines outside the U.S. electronically transmit the passenger manifest to the U.S. government, where it's double checked against an even larger terrorist watchlist.
U.S. law enforcement would like to get that passenger manifest sooner, at least an hour before takeoff, to prevent such incidents. This is the fourth plane diverted to Bangor because of a no-fly list hit.
The most prominent match, former pop singer Cat Stevens, on the list because of concerns his charitable contributions funded militant groups.
(on camera): Federal officials say the man's name was a near match to one on the no-fly list, but that he does not, for now, appear to be a threat. After being questioned about a possible visa violation, he, his wife and two children were released.
Kathleen Koch, CNN, Washington
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: A new technology being tried out to make sure that people with access to commercial planes really should be there.
Reporter Gerald Resnick (ph) of our CNN affiliate WKMG has details from Orlando.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GERALD RESNICK (ph), WKMG REPORTER (voice-over): Florida's busiest airport will no longer simply rely on passes and pass codes.
Now, like a 007 movie, the eyes will tell a computer if someone has access to a restricted area.
BRIGITTE RIVERA GOERSCH, ORLANDO INTL. AIRPORT SECURITY: This will be an additional layer of information that is enrolled, which will be biometric information. The employer's iris' will be enrolled for the additional layer of security.
RESNICK: The Airport Access Control Pilot Program, or AACPP, is a first of its kind. Employees and vendors will not have one, but both irises scanned. They look into a special mirror. The computer processes the image, and then grants them access or locks them out.
GOERSCH: It has to verify both irises, not just one irises, which is double. I guess, mathematically, you'd have to compute that. Statistically, it is very reliable. Iris scanners, the technology of iris scanning is considered one of the most reliable biometric technologies.
RESNICK: To filter out possible terrorists who may do harm.
ART MEINKE, FED. SECURITY DIR., ORLANDO: Just like we did with cockpits, you know, the cockpit doors and air marshals and all that kind of stuff. So it's just another step to try to figure out what can we do better.
RESNICK: The 90-day test could be expanded and eventually moved to airports nationwide.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: And we thank our affiliate, WKMG, and Gerald Resnick in Orlando for that report.
CNN, committed to providing the most reliable coverage of news that affects your security. Stay tuned to CNN for the latest information day and night.
Back with more in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: She was attacked by a shark, but lived to turn her tragedy into triumph.
As part of CNN's anniversary series, "Then and Now," we take a look back at the story of Bethany Hamilton and where she is today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Thirteen 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was just out to catch a wave on a beautiful Hawaiian morning, and ended up catching the attention of a nation after she was attacked by a shark. On October 31st, 2003, Bethany lost 70 percent of her blood, her left arm, and maybe her dream to surf professionally one day.
But Bethany when the on to surf again without fear on a specially made board.
BETHANY HAMILTON: I'm there to have fun and not be scared, because it's pretty rare for someone to get attacked twice.
ZAHN: Only months after the shark attack, Bethany placed fifth in the National Scholastic Association Surfing Championships and secured a spot on the U.S. national surfing team. She also won the 2004 ESPY Award from ESPN for best comeback athlete and a special courage award at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards. Bethany has just launched a perfume, Stoked, for girls and a fragrance, Wired, for boys, and has written a book called "Soul Surfer" about her experience and desire to motivate others.
HAMILTON: Encourage people, and let them know that they can do whatever they want if they just set their heart to it and just never give up. And just go out there and do it.
ZAHN: A movie based on the book begins filming this year.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
O'BRIEN: As we leave this hour, a little LIVE FROM pallet cleanser, you might say. You have to supply your own orange wedge, but Jeanne Moos is serving up the fortune cookies.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Confucius says...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Secret of getting ahead is getting started.
MOOS: Especially if you start with a fortune cookie that wins the lotto.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Happy all the way around.
MOOS: This Arizona couple won 100,000 bucks by using the lucky numbers they found in a fortune cookie to play Powerball.
So did Mark Hofmeister.
MARK HOFMEISTER, POWERBALL WINNER: Well, I just got tired of picking numbers, so I thought, huh, I'll just write these down.
MOOS: So did Patty Meeks.
PATTY MEEKS, POWERBALL WINNER: It says the stars of riches are shining upon you.
MOOS: A hundred and ten winners around the country used the same fortune cookie numbers to win at least $100,000 each. And every one of those cookies came from Wonton Foods just across the East River from Manhattan.
(on camera): How do you guys pick the numbers for your fortune cookies?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Basically, in the beginning, we started using just a bowl and just pick out numbers. Now, it's mostly computer- generated now.
MOOS: Talk about fortunate fortune cookies.
(voice-over): The first five numbers were a match. The sixth wasn't. But five were enough to win Powerball's second prize.
(on camera): This is a weird thing that happened, huh? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. It's very exciting. And next time we are going to hit six numbers.
MOOS: You think so?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Absolutely.
MOOS (voice-over): At first, Powerball officials feared fraud.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew that something unusual had caused those people to pick those numbers.
MOOS: They even checked TV shows like "The Young and the Restless."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, read me the numbers.
MOOS: That featured Powerball plot twist to see if that's where folks got the same numbers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forty-five and Powerball 24.
MOOS: Wrong number for real-life Powerball. But when winner after winner told officials they picked their numbers from a fortune cookie, the mystery was solved. He also solved the mystery of who makes up those dumb sayings.
(on camera): It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bait.
(voice-over): There are reams of them at the Wonton plant, thanks to the marketing department.
(on camera): Many people will be drawn to you for your wisdom and insight. Marketing department.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Marketing department.
MOOS (voice-over): The lottery results didn't make believers out of skeptics.
(on camera): You don't believe fortune cookies?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, not at all.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you're really desperate, you believe in them. At my age, who cares.
MOOS: Even some of the winners used the lucky numbers, but gave away the cookie.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's not much flavor to them.
MOOS: Fortune, yes. Cookie, no. That's the way the fortune cookie crumbles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: On the hit TV show "CSI," it only takes investigators an hour to catch their criminal. But is the show's popularity having an adverse a effect on real-life investigators?
Plus, she's the woman to have claimed to have found a finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Police say they have a major announcement to make in this case. We're bring that to you live, in a news conference.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
