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CNN Sunday Morning

Saudi Troops Rescue 50 Hostages; Interview With Editor of 'Travel Girl' Magazine

Aired May 30, 2004 - 09:00   ET

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

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


DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Here's a look at of what's ahead in the next hour.

A bold response to a bold attack, we'll have the latest on how the Saudi government brought an end to a very tense and deadly 24-hour ordeal in Khobar.

GRIFFIN: Also ahead, more than 90 of these scary things hopscotched across the landscape yesterday. More may be on the way today. We're going to tell you where.

NGUYEN: And later, vacation season is on time, but getting there could be a little delayed. The editor of "Travel Girl" magazine will be along with some timely tips for safe travel. First let's check the headlines.

GRIFFIN: Saudi troops arriving by helicopter killed or captured the gunmen who were holding hostages today in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The troops rescued as many as 50 hostages including Americans and other foreigners, most of them believed to be in good condition. The hostages were taken yesterday, after the gunmen killed at least 11 people at a residential compound housing oil workers.

In Afghanistan, four U.S. troops have been killed in action this weekend. Military officials say they were killed yesterday in the southern part of the country. The troops were assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operation Operations Task Force.

In the Middle East, an Israeli helicopter fires two rockets at a motorcycle in Gaza City today. Palestinian sources say three Palestinians were killed, including a top leader of the military wing of Hamas and his assistant. An Israeli spokesman says the Hamas leaders were responsible for many attacks against Israelis, including suicide bombings.

Angry protesters burning cars and throwing rocks today in the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, after an Islamic scholar was killed by gunmen. The scholar was an outspoken critic of the American policy Iraq and Afghanistan. Three men with him were wounded, when the gunmen opened fire on their car.

NGUYEN: Now to our top story this Sunday morning. A deadly attack by gunmen in Saudi Arabia followed by a hostage standoff in the oil port of Khobar. But it's over now, ended by Saudi troops who rescued the hostages.

Details from CNN's David Clinch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID CLINCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Saudi Special Forces leaping from helicopters on to the roof of a building, in which American, European and other western hostages were being held by a group of heavily armed gunmen.

(GUNFIRE)

CLINCH: Sounds of heavy gunfire and then silence. Hours later, Saudi newspaper quotes officials as saying the rescue operation has ended. Most of the hostages are safe; the gunmen are either dead or in custody. But few details as to any other deaths. Ambulances stream into the building, as the Special Forces move out. Details still as sketchy as they have been throughout the just over 24 hours since the armed group opened fire on compounds, housing western workers in the oil port of Khobar. Officials report one American and a Britain were among those killed in that shootout just before the assailants moved on to seize a high-rise building.

Declaring the attack was inspired by al Qaeda, Saudi officials said the group's goal was to disrupt their economy and destabilize the kingdom. At a time when the Saudis have pledged to work to bring down soaring oil prices, the targeting of oil workers brought a promise from the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar, to destroy the terrorists.

As a U.S. embassy in Riyadh passed on the State Department's advice for all Americans to leave Saudi Arabia, one American who had already decided to leave was caught up in the crisis for hours before being taken to safety.

MERWAN MOWAD, AMERICAN WITNESS: It was a company decision, as well as a personal decision and family decision. Not specifically because of the threat, but add all this together, made the decision easier to leave.

CLINCH: as the Saudis wrapped up the operation, the British Foreign Office warned the oil rich kingdom is likely to see more of such terrorist attacks in the very near future.

David Clinch, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And coming up a little bit later in this hour, we'll have a live report on who is claiming responsibility for these attacks -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Some bumps in the road today, as Iraq's Governing Council met to choose a new government for the country after the June 30 transfer of power, one month from today. At issue: the choice for the figurehead position of president. A senior Iraqi politician says most of the 23 members favor Ghazi Yawar, an engineer over Foreign Minister Adnan Pachachi. Sources say there is tremendous pressure from the U.S. and the U.N. to choose Pachachi.

Still in Iraq, peace in the Shiite holy city of Najaf still looks like war. Fighting between U.S. and Shiite militia continues for a third day despite a deal to end the bloody standoff.

CNN's Guy Raz has this videophone report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Three days after a pledge by the young Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr to reign in his fighters with the Mehdi militia, there are no visible signs here in Najaf and Kufa the fighting has come to an end. In Najaf earlier this morning, U.S. checkpoint came under small arms attack by suspected fighters. U.S. forces returned fire. There is no word on whether there were any Iraqi casualties and no U.S. casualties in those clashes.

Now, in Kufa, a neighboring town, a U.S. recognizance patrol on the east side of that city came under small arms rocket propelled grenade fire. Again, no word on whether there were Iraqi casualties, but there were no U.S. casualties in those clashes.

Meanwhile, potentially disappointing news coming out of Najaf, earlier today, U.S. forces and Iraqi police were scheduled to begin joint patrols in the city of Najaf. And those patrols simply didn't happen. The Iraqi police vanished, abandoned their post and returned to Baghdad. It's unclear why, but U.S. military officials here say they largely expected that to happen, because these Iraqi police came down to Najaf, they simply weren't given the proper protection or body armor. And these Iraqi police have often been the target of insurgents; long have regarded these Iraqi police as collaborators with the U.S. and coalition forces.

Guy Raz, CNN, Najaf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: The weather has been especially rough in many places this weekend. This was the frightening view over Sumner County, Kansas. Check it out. Some homes were reported damaged but no serious injuries. Twisters were also spotted across the Midwest, including this one near Oklahoma City. This particular system knocked out power to about 7,000 people in the northern suburbs.

GRIFFIN: And we'll be right back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: The latest terror warnings have everyone taking notice. But have they changed the way we travel? Coming up, we're going to look at ways to stay safe when we're on the road. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: On this day, in their honor we will raise the American flag over a monument that will stand as long as America itself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: A day in the sun for heroes of the Greatest Generation. We'll look back at the World War II Memorial dedication, when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM HANKS, ACTOR: You, our extended national family, declared by your actions; but yes, our flag still flies. We do come from a land of the free. And America is a home of the brave.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: For thousands of World War II veterans it was a long time coming. They gathered in Washington Saturday for the dedication of a memorial honoring their service and sacrifice. And Tom Hanks wasn't the only prominent guest who spoke.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

BOB DOLE (R), FMR. KANSAS Senator: What we dedicate today is not a memorial to war. Rather, it is a tribute to the physical and moral courage that makes heroes out of farm and city boys, that inspires Americans in every generation to lay down their lives for people they will never meet, for ideals that make life itself worth living.

BUSH: Here in the company of the generation that won the war, I proudly accept the World War II Memorial on behalf of the people of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

GRIFFIN: More than 100,000 people crowded on to the National Mall for that ceremony. Many of the veterans say the new memorial will teach younger generations about their fight and the future of America. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the day.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

DORIS DAY, ENTERTAINER (voice-over): Going to take a sentimental journey, going to set my heart at ease. Going to make a sentimental journey to renew old memories. Got my bag, got my reservation, spent each time I could afford like a child in wild anticipation, long to hear that, "All aboard."

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

GRIFFIN: You can see a replay of our coverage of the World War II Memorial dedication. It will start at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, 12:00 Pacific, right here on CNN hosted by Paula Zahn -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Now we want to talk about the war on terror. We want to take you live now to Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com. She is in Amsterdam on the phone to talk about the latest in the Saudi Arabia attacks, which are over right now. The hostages have been set free, but there is information on who's claiming responsibility.

Caroline, what do you know?

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNNARABIC.COM CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, just a few minutes ago we knew and we read a statement issued by a group, they claim responsibility -- and a audiotape as well, to the person that the Saudis believe he is the main coordinator for al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. His name is Abdul Aziz al Muqrin. And he is on the top of the wanted list for the Saudi government.

In this claim, he says that -- he claims, of course, the militants attack and he said that we -- it was a victorious attack. And they managed to reach their target. He also says that his people killed two Americans and that then they dragged the body of one of them, according to the claim in the statement. They dragged the body in the streets. And it was a lesson for everybody. They also claim that they killed other westerners, like British and also Italians, and other nationalities, including Saudis. And he continues the same statement as usual, which is vowing to continue the attack on the Americans until they leave the Saudi soil -- Betty.

NGUYEN: So continuing attacks, at least that's what he's claiming. What's being done to catch him?

FARAJ: Well, as I said, he's on the wanted list. He's the No. 1 person for the Saudis. They've been trying to catch him; there's a lot of promos in the state-owned television and newspapers, in order to encourage people to give information about him. And they're even saying that whoever knows anything will be also part of this -- of this crime. So they're trying their best, they're increasing and tightening security all over the place.

But yesterday's crisis, if you like, proved that whatever security measures they are taking, these Saudi militants, they have their own ways and means, in order to get inside and to complete their mission. So the Saudis, I believe, they are now in the process of reconsidering their security measures and they have to do it as quickly as possible, Betty, especially after yesterday's announcement by the U.S. embassy calling on all U.S. nationals to leave. It was a clear alarm and clear message that your country, Saudi Arabia, is not safe anymore. We have to take our nationals. So this is a clear message and I think the Saudis are -- they know that the statement is clear, and they have to take measures -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Definitely a developing story there. Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com. We thank you for that information. GRIFFIN: One of the other stories we're following is the continuing threat of bad weather in the Midwest and the forecast is ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: John, a corporate -- corporate sponsorship cancellation there. What was the solution to this? Obviously, your son was disappointed he couldn't compete?

JOHN WHISLER, "SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS": Well, he was. We all were at first. But the editor of the paper, Bob Rivard, came up with the idea of Colin going as a cub reporter and kind of offering an inside view -- behind the scenes view of what goes on at the National Spelling Bee. So really, it was a neat idea and we're just really happy to be here.

GRIFFIN: Colin, what's your stories going to be like? Do you have any angles you're approaching on the National Spelling Bee?

COLIN WHISLER, 11 YEAR OLD REPORTER: I think I'm covering mainly the kids -- the two kids from San Antonio that are going to the National Spelling Bee here.

GRIFFIN: And what have you learned about them so far? Are they nervous?

C. WHISLER: Um, kind of. They're studying a lot. I hope they do really well.

GRIFFIN: Are you nervous?

C. WHISLER: Um, well, I've written some things in the paper before, so I, you know, I've had a little bit of experience writing. And I've, you know, interviewed the two kids earlier, so.

GRIFFIN: Dad, he's an 11-year-old, he's an old vet. No longer a cub reporter, is he?

J. WHISLER: No. He's really been around the paper most of his -- most of his life. We've taken him down there a lot of times while we worked. He's written some stories, three book reviews for the paper already. So he does have some experience; but this will be a little different, having to interview people and take notes. So I think this will either turn him on or completely turn him off to the business.

(LAUGHTER)

GRIFFIN: Either one, it will be nice to get out of the way at 11 years old.

J. WHISLER: Right.

GRIFFIN: Are you giving him any guidance as to what he covers or how he covers it? J. WHISLER: Yes. He'll be doing most of the work, but we'll be there as kind of to support him in case he has any trouble. We interviewed -- he interviewed the two children from San Antonio that are competing here, and so he had to learn how to write fast. And that was kind of difficult. So we'll be there to provide some pointers and assistance. But you know, it has to be his work and so he's excited about it.

GRIFFIN: Now, who checks the spelling in the newspaper?

J. WHISLER: Well, I guess my wife and I both will. You know, Colin's a very good speller in his own right, so you know, I don't think that will be a problem, hopefully.

GRIFFIN: Colin, are you up to the task? How many inches are they allowing in the paper? And are you going to be on the front page?

C. WHISLER: I don't know.

GRIFFIN: John you got to help him out.

J. WHISLER: I don't think so.

(LAUGHTER)

J. WHISLER: I don't think he'll be on the front page but we'll see what we can do. He'll be writing every day, though. So he'll get a little taste of what his parents do every day, and is that kind of write on deadline. So he'll get a taste of what it's all about.

GRIFFIN: Colin, any decisions yet on whether or not you want to follow your mom and dad in the newspaper biz?

C. WHISLER: There are a lot of things out there that I might want to be. I haven't quite decided yet, but I have thought about writing in a paper. I like writing and words.

GRIFFIN: All right, Colin.

C. WHISLER: And I've had a little bit of experience.

GRIFFIN: All right. Colin and John Whisler, good luck. We will try to follow the San Antonio paper to see how these bylines come out. Thanks for joining us, guys.

J. WHISLER: All right. Thank you very much. Thanks for having us.

C. WHISLER: Yes.

NGUYEN: And you know those articles will be spelled correctly. All those I's dotted and T's crossed.

GRIFFIN: Even if they include "pococurante."

NGUYEN: Can you spell that?

GRIFFIN: Yes. I've got it right here.

NGUYEN: That's the only way, right? Well, Rob Marciano is our resident master speller and he joins us now with a look at the weather.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: All right.

NGUYEN: Can you spell tornado? That's what we're dealing with today, uh?

MARCIANO: Interesting you should make note of that. Tornado plural can be spelled with either the E or without the E. Did you know that?

NGUYEN: I did not know that. I always use an "E."

MARCIANO: Yes, we're going with the "E" here at CNN to be consistent. NGUYEN: All right. Thank you, Rob.

We want to give you a look at today's top stories. In Saudi Arabia, Saudi security forces stormed a building, ending a daylong hostage standoff in Khobar. Authorities say most of the estimated 50 hostages are safe. But at least one American is among the 11 people killed earlier, when suspected Islamic militants blasted their way into a western housing complex. We have since learned from CNN's Caroline Faraj that al Qaeda has taken responsibility for those attacks and that they are saying more attacks could be coming soon.

Two prominent figures from the Washington Watergate era have died. Former special prosecutors Archibald Cox died at his home in Maine. He was 92 years old. Cox was fired by President Nixon when he refused to drop the search for special White House tape recordings.

And Sam Dash had the chief counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee -- or was head of that. Dash became a household name for his questioning of the key players during the televised Watergate hearings. Sam Dash was 79 years old.

GRIFFIN: Terror alerts and warnings for tourists may have put a damper on your holiday and summer travel plans. But we'll tell you what to do to stay sharp and safe when you're away from home. That's when CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: To bus or not at school? The question never seems to go away, neither does the debate. We're going to look at the issue coming up.

NGUYEN: Welcome back. That story is coming up as you mentioned. But first, here's a look at the headlines at this hour.

In Iraq, it looks like the Najaf peace deal is crumbling bit by bit. U.S. officials say about 100 Iraqi police who had been set to begin joint patrols with coalition forces have suddenly left town. U.S. troops also clashed again today with Shiite gunmen in the city, despite a deal last week to end fighting there.

Hundreds of volunteers are helping police search for a missing Brigham Young University student. 19-year-old brook Willberger has been missing since Monday. Police worked to excavate parts of a gravel pit in the area after searchers saw freshly moved dirt and noticed a foul smell. Police have also rearrested a man in connection with that disappearance. Right now they're just calling him a person of interest and not a suspect.

In Indianapolis, the stage is set for the 88th Indy 500. 33 drivers will make the drive for more than $10 million in prize money.

GRIFFIN: Well, the summer vacation season is upon us and for the first summer since 9/11 the travel industry's prospects are actually looking brighter. But there are challenges of terror warnings, travel advisories and, of course, fuel prices going through the roof. So what is a vacationer in to do? We're going to see if Stephanie Oswald of "Travelgirl" magazine has some answers, the editor and co-founder of this magazine.

STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR, "TRAVELGIRL" MAGAZINE: Hi.

GRIFFIN: Hi, how are you? What are people doing? More people are supposedly traveling. Where?

OSWALD: Well, that is the good news, people are traveling and as you said we're finally seeing the numbers go back to where they were before 9/11 and people are traveling domestically and internationally. A survey just came out last week that said that London was one of the top destinations for the summer and that is the first time since before September 11th that an international destination has been in the top ten.

GRIFFIN: So despite the terror warnings and, obviously, despite the fuel prices, people are traveling overseas?

OSWALD: They are. They are.

And there are a lot of things you can do to lower the stress level at the airport. And I want to mention some of those things. First of all, you can dress right. When you're going through security, think about what you're wearing. By now most of us know what shoes we have that will set off the alarms, most of us know what clothing we have that has metal on it that we should avoid. You can do little things like pack socks in your computer carry-on, so when you go through security you can slip off your shoes and put your socks on.

Things like planning for time at the airport. So much is changing now that we just need to accept the fact that it's going to take longer and you need to plan accordingly. If you can, avoid the peak travel times. Don't plan a flight for early in the morning because those are the times when the line is going to be especially a lot longer. GRIFFIN: Are people becoming more easy with the security, accepting it more? Because there was a lot of frustration early on in this 9/11 post-season.

OSWALD: You're right. I think part of it is people are realizing that long lines at security are a fact of travel. And people have come to accept it and they're tired of staying home. They've got that travel itch. They want to satisfy their wanderlust and they're taking off. We're also seeing a lot of people saying that, you know, it's summer and we have a little extra money to spend and we're going to spend it traveling.

GRIFFIN: What about the domestic locations, are there any places where people aren't flying to but maybe are going to drive this year?

OSWALD: We're seeing a lot of driving. This weekend, exactly, it's a kickoff a record-breaking weekend for travel. 37 million Americans are expected it to drive more than 50 miles from their home, and that's huge. Another thing is, people are looking for places, California is huge, Hawaii is huge, and New York, Florida. People are driving and some of the other destinations we're seeing are island destinations in the United States. That's a big trend we're seeing at "Travelgirl" magazine. People are looking for that feeling of escape and they realize that they don't need to have a passport in order to get it.

GRIFFIN: So when you talk about islands in the United States, you're talking about the eastern seaboard islands?

OSWALD: I'm talking about all over the place. On the east coast you can go to Martha's Vineyard, you can go to Nantucket. On the west coast there's the San Juan Islands, Michigan, there's Mackinaw Island, or the Florida Keys in the south. Any part of the United States has islands that you can go to.

GRIFFIN: Stephanie Oswald. I hope you take me to an island right now. Thank you so much for joining us. Suppose there are jitters that have changed your vacation plans after you bought your tickets, made the reservations. Can you claim any money from your travel insurance company? Good question, right?

About 80 percent of travel insurers offer coverage if a terror act occurs in a destination city within 30 days of departure. Some companies will include the departure city as well. Some travel agencies selling trips to the Summer Olympics in Greece are offering travel insurance with terrorism coverage including trip cancellations.

If the State Department issues a warning to your destination chances are you'll get it covered, but only if the warning came 7 to 15 days after you bought your insurance. But if you're just afraid that there might be a terrorist attack at your destination, don't bother. Chances are good that's a claim they are not going to pay.

NGUYEN: And speaking of traveling, all morning long we've been asking you for your thoughts on our e-mail question of the day. And that question is, are the recent terror alerts changing your holiday plans?

We've received a lot of information and John writes, saying, "Due to the elevation in our terror alert, I am staying home and keeping close to my family. In past years, I have always gone to Manhattan, but I do not believe security is safe enough within the United States."

GRIFFIN: "Not at all," says Sandra of Fort Hood, Texas. "As an Army wife with a husband stationed in Iraq, I had planned on spending it writing to him, daydreaming about what we would do if he were here. We haven't spent any major holiday together in so long that I accuse him of joining just to avoid them."

NGUYEN: I kind of doubt that. We want to thank all of you for your e-mails this morning. Just to keep you ahead of the curve, let's fast forward now to a look at a few things coming up this week.

Tuesday is the tentative date for opening statements in the Scott Peterson trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Connor, in December of 2002.

Wednesday, leading scientists from four continents will talk about human cloning and stem cell research at the United Nations. Right now the world lacks any governing policy on cloning.

Thursday, President Bush heads to Rome for meetings with Italian leaders and Pope John Paul II. Mr. Bush will then continue on to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of the D-day landings.

Well, public schools have been desegregated by law for 50 years now, but segregation remains, in fact, in some schools, because achieving racial equality in the classroom is easier said than done. CNN's Denise Belgrave reports from Charlotte, North Carolina.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENISE BELGRAVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's as controversial today as it was 30 years ago when it first started. Mandatory school busing to achieve equal education for America's black and white children.

Charlotte, North Carolina, where court-ordered busing began in 1970, still struggles with very same issues today. In 1997, Bill Capacchione, an insurance consultant now living in California, filed a suit that questioned mandatory busing.

BILL CAPACCHIONE, PLAINTIFF: I don't believe black children need white children in their schools to be able to learn, as white children don't need black children in their schools to be able to learn.

BELGRAVE: Capacchione won, and busing in Charlotte ended. After busing, the school board offered parents of a choice of a number of schools around the district. Since then, the overwhelming choice has been the school closest to home.

But the debate continues. And it revolves around how a school's location can affect its financial resources. Terry Belk is another plaintiff from the 1997 case, and he says that white flight from the inner city ensures that majority black schools will suffer.

TERRY BELK, PLAINTIFF: You have all the white kids on one side of town and all the blacks on one side of town, the political wheel says where the money is going. They have resegregated the schools. Now they want all the money for the suburban white areas. And I will say they will get it.

BELGRAVE: School board member Larry Gauvreau says demographic changes have not affected decisions about where the money goes.

LARRY GAUVREAU, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, CHARLOTTE, N.C.: $974 million have been placed from 1999 to right now, more than 75, 80 percent of that in the inner city, and schools are half-empty. People don't live there.

BELGRAVE: The end of forced busing appears to have reignited an old debate. How do you achieve equal opportunity in public education for America's children?

Denise Belgrave, CNN, Charlotte, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Looking for a summer getaway that won't cost you too much? May we suggest there's no better way to lose yourself than in a good book? And this summer, supposedly, there's plenty of tales hot off the press. Who doesn't want a good read? We're going to offer up some suggestions ahead.

And look out for more storms today across the already ravaged Midwest. The latest weather forecast coming up, that's in about ten minutes from now.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: That'll get you grooving, maybe not in the newsroom, but we have plenty of ways to spend your summer nights or days at the beach. Books, and books and more books. John Searles is "Cosmopolitan" magazine's book editor and he joins us now from Boston.

Hello to you.

JOHN SEARLES, BOOK EDITOR, "COSMOPOLITAN": Hi, Betty. Thanks for having me.

NGUYEN: Sure. We want to talk about these books coming out. Of course, former President Clinton's book has got to be big on the list.

SEARLES: This will be, without a doubt, the biggest book of the summer. Until now, the publisher was being so secretive about it they wouldn't even tell me date it was being released. Last week they announced that it will be out June 22. When I begged them for a little tidbit to share on the air this morning, what they would tell me was it's 900 plus pages. He's going to talk about everything, so take that the way you want to, from his childhood years to his years in the White House. So it's a really big book to watch for this summer.

NGUYEN: And that includes Monica Lewinsky?

SEARLES: I don't know for sure.

NGUYEN: You said everything.

SEARLES: Yes.

NGUYEN: What else is coming out this summer?

SEARLES: The next book is David Sedaris' book, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim." And anyone who knows David Sedaris' writing knows that he's this laugh out loud humorist who writes these funny series essays about everything from his childhood to buying an apartment in Paris to attending his brother's wedding. What's so great about his writing is it's like he takes the world and looks at it through a funhouse mirror. All these normal situations are just suddenly warped and very funny.

NGUYEN: That's always a good read. There are a lot of good books out there for summer reading?

SEARLES: Yes. There are some great books. The next one on the list is Carl Learner's book "Cursed By a Happy Childhood." I love that title. He started writing this book as a diary for his 11-year- old daughter to show her that he knew a thing or two about growing up. The diary took a life of its own and he decided to publish it as a book.

I put it on the list because it's a sweet and sincere collection of essays that I think any parent interesting in reading about the bond with their child would love. I also think it would be a great Father's Day gift, and that's around the corner.

NGUYEN: That is around the corner. There's another book out called "Truth and Beauty".

SEARLES: "Truth and Beauty." This is probably the most heart- wrenching book on the list. I just finished it last night. It's very powerful. Ann Patchett is the author. She's also the author of "Bel Canto." She writes about her friendship with Lucy Grealy, who wrote the book "Autobiography of a Face" which viewers might remember from a few years ago. That picture is when the two of them met at Ann Patchett's book party.

Sadly, Lucy Grealy passed away a few years ago. She struggled with childhood cancer, which left her face disfigured and she had to have 38 operations in her lifetime. The loss was so devastating for Patchett that she decided to write about it in this book. It's a beautiful tribute that's really a tribute to their friendship.

NGUYEN: Let's talk about some other books now that have female readers in mind as well. SEARLES: These are a little bit more fun than the last one I mentioned. It's the chick lit category. The first two on the list are both -- one's a mystery, one's a thriller.

The first is "'Til Death Do Us Part" by Kate White. Kate White writes this riveting series of mysteries that all center around a character named Bailey Weggins, who is a true crime writer for a woman's magazine, so I can relate. In this book, Bailey finds out that a number of bridesmaids from the same wedding party are being murdered. The thing is, Bailey was in the same wedding party so she has to find the killer before the killer finds her. It's a real page- turner.

NGUYEN: And what's another one out there in that category?

SEARLES: The next one is "Killer Smile" by Lisa Scottoline. "People" magazine calls Lisa Scottoline the female John Grisham. This is her 11th book. She's a bestseller every summer. They all center around a female law firm in Philadelphia. This one's a real page- turner, too.

NGUYEN: Speaking of page-turners, quickly, you have a book out, don't you?

SEARLES: This summer, yes. I was joking with the producers saying this was my favorite book on the list. It's called "Strange But True;" it's out this summer...

NGUYEN: You're not biased.

SEARLES: ... exactly. It's about a young woman who finds herself suddenly pregnant. The thing is, she's only ever been with one person, and that was her high school boyfriend on the night of their prom five years before...

NGUYEN: Five years ago but pregnant now. That's going to be an interesting story.

All right, John Searles, "Cosmo's" book editor, we thank you.

SEARLES: Thanks for having me.

GRIFFIN: Well, keeping up with the Joneses was never this tough. We're going to track down the Spry family as they continue their quest across America in search of the perfect place to live and we quest with them.

And good morning, Denver. We will have your complete weather forecast in about ten minutes. CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: So many of you have been living the American dream for the past few weeks via the Internet and CNN as the Spry family, formerly of Silicon Valley, California, treks across the U.S. in search of a family friendly place to call home. Silicon Valley just too expensive for them.

We followed Steve and Colleen from the beginning of their quest. This week they've gone from Austin, Texas, to Houston, to New Orleans; they're taking in the sights from Lake Austin and all the stops along the way. They have gotten hundreds e-mails from many of you who are tracking their progress on their Web site. Along for the ride is their 4-year-old son Ryan and his teddy bear, Travis. Part of the motivation for their trip is to find a place where they want to raise Travis, and keep in mind this is more than a summer vacation. They've packed up everything, sold their house and are now living on the road until they see exactly where it leads them.

Steve Spry e-mailed from Austin this week. Here's what he said. "It's amazing to see a different quality of life and what appears to be the impact of down-to-earth housing prices. Imagine getting off work at 5:00 p.m. and having your boat in the water by 5:45. No lines, and free." And here's another of Steve's observations from the road. "The lifestyle in Austin seems as if people work to live instead of live to work."

You can hear more about the lessons from the highways and byways of America next week, when Steve, Colleen and Ryan are pulling their RV into CNN's parking lot and stopping by right here for a visit. You can check on the Spry's progress any time, just go to www.luvtohavefun.com. Love, L-U-V.

NGUYEN: How great is that, just to pick up and say I'm headed on the road where I stop is where I stop. That's the kind of life. That's what we need to do.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, you just did it, both of you kind of.

NGUYEN: Kind of sort of.

MARCIANO: You ended up in Atlanta, where we're glad to have you.

NGUYEN: As they're traveling around they may want to watch out for severe weather.

MARCIANO: Yes, it's going to be another rough day, across the mid-section of the country especially. Let's take you to Denver, actually where it's going to be pretty quiet although breezy, and comfortably cool. KUSA is our affiliate out that way. You should see plenty of sunshine, winds gusting at times, but generally speaking, good-looking day, and tomorrow looks to be even nicer.

Here's a look at what the weather headlines are for today. The tornadoes that broke out yesterday, we had 91 of them, and we'll probably see a similar situation as we go on through this afternoon. Good news is that tomorrow doesn't look to be nearly as active. And if we could roll the beautiful footage.

Anyway, it's been rough morning. And it looks like my clickers not even working on this Sunday. Guys, I'm going to toss it back to you and get this thing rolling and maybe run upstairs and we'll get through this weather forecast because it is a holiday weekend.

NGUYEN: The beauty of technology.

MARCIANO: And we want to give you not only today, but tomorrow as well.

GRIFFIN: It's a Memorial Day that we'll always remember, Rob. Thank you.

NGUYEN: Time for a quick check of the headlines now.

The man believed to be the top Al Qaeda figure in Saudi Arabia is claiming responsibility for this weekend's attacks in Khobar. Abdel Aziz Moqrin made the claim in an audiotape posted on an Islamic Web site. Saudi security forces stormed the area earlier today putting an end to the hostage situation.

The push for peace in Najaf took a hit today when the Iraqi police disappeared. The U.S. military says about 100 Iraqis deserted their post. They had been expected to begin joint patrols with U.S. forces in the city.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Gas prices are ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Getting outrageous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Insane right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: So insane that Jeanne Moos has taken matters into her own hands. We'll fill the tank a little bit later on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: There's plenty more ahead here on CNN this Sunday.

Up next, "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY." Former Vice President Al Gore may not be running but he's certainly playing a role in the current campaign.

At 11:00 eastern "CNN LIVE SUNDAY" with the latest on the weather damage across the Midwest and the rest of the day's top stories.

And at 11:30 it is "RELIABLE SOURCES." Drew?

GRIFFIN: It's become the water cooler question of the summer driving season, where is the cheapest gas, how do I get there? If you're trying to lessen your pain at the pump, CNN's Jeanne Moos has tips.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When it comes to gas prices, there is no escape. Listen to the sound of money flowing out of your pocket.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Gas prices are ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Getting outrageous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Are insane right now.

MOOS: With the screws tightening, it helps to have a strategy.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I drive an SUV, and my strategy is to turn this car in for a four-cylinder car.

MOOS: A worthy thought befitting a guy who asked the attendant if he could pluck roses for his mom.

MOOS (on camera): Smell the roses on gas prices?

MOOS (voice-over): Even a few gas stations themselves are making fun of their own prices. New Yorkers, who don't want to pay, say $2.47 for regular, can tunnel through to New Jersey and save 10 to 40 cents a gallon. Drivers are deserting familiar brand name gas and fleeing to so-called no names. As for those accustomed to nothing but the best...

JAIME CARACAPPA, GAS STATION OWNER: People who used premium are backing down and going for the regular.

MOOS (on camera): When you come to place like this, where there's six stations, do you go to the cheapest one?

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: You want to know something, I own stock in Exxon so I go to Exxon.

MOOS (voice-over): Exxon stock, by the way, is up about 20 percent from last year. Some folks don't worry about gas prices.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I figured I'm getting hosed either way. God bless Bush.

MOOS: God bless the gas saving tips, such as keep tires properly inflated, use less air conditioning. Fat chance.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I'm a big guy. I don't like to be warm.

MOOS: With prices this high, station owners get some odd requests.

CARACAPPA: Give me a dollar's worth. I'm like, where are you going with a dollar's worth?

MOOS: And just when you think you've stumbled upon a miracle, gas at $1.05 a gallon, don't get too pumped up. $1.05 is just a rusty, weed-choked memory. Here's reality.

MOOS (on camera): What's the most times a day you've had to change...

CARACAPPA: Three times.

MOOS: Three times on one day.

MOOS (voice-over): Imagine the thrill when station owner Jamie Caracappa let me personally raise gas prices.

CARACAPPA: You're going to be an expert by the time I get done with you. Slap this on. It's a suction cup. In at the top.

MOOS: So what if bystanders booed. It's not every day I get to throw in my two cents.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, Union City, New Jersey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And that does it for us. Thanks for watching.

GRIFFIN: "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY" is next.

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 30, 2004 - 09:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Here's a look at of what's ahead in the next hour.

A bold response to a bold attack, we'll have the latest on how the Saudi government brought an end to a very tense and deadly 24-hour ordeal in Khobar.

GRIFFIN: Also ahead, more than 90 of these scary things hopscotched across the landscape yesterday. More may be on the way today. We're going to tell you where.

NGUYEN: And later, vacation season is on time, but getting there could be a little delayed. The editor of "Travel Girl" magazine will be along with some timely tips for safe travel. First let's check the headlines.

GRIFFIN: Saudi troops arriving by helicopter killed or captured the gunmen who were holding hostages today in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The troops rescued as many as 50 hostages including Americans and other foreigners, most of them believed to be in good condition. The hostages were taken yesterday, after the gunmen killed at least 11 people at a residential compound housing oil workers.

In Afghanistan, four U.S. troops have been killed in action this weekend. Military officials say they were killed yesterday in the southern part of the country. The troops were assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operation Operations Task Force.

In the Middle East, an Israeli helicopter fires two rockets at a motorcycle in Gaza City today. Palestinian sources say three Palestinians were killed, including a top leader of the military wing of Hamas and his assistant. An Israeli spokesman says the Hamas leaders were responsible for many attacks against Israelis, including suicide bombings.

Angry protesters burning cars and throwing rocks today in the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, after an Islamic scholar was killed by gunmen. The scholar was an outspoken critic of the American policy Iraq and Afghanistan. Three men with him were wounded, when the gunmen opened fire on their car.

NGUYEN: Now to our top story this Sunday morning. A deadly attack by gunmen in Saudi Arabia followed by a hostage standoff in the oil port of Khobar. But it's over now, ended by Saudi troops who rescued the hostages.

Details from CNN's David Clinch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID CLINCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Saudi Special Forces leaping from helicopters on to the roof of a building, in which American, European and other western hostages were being held by a group of heavily armed gunmen.

(GUNFIRE)

CLINCH: Sounds of heavy gunfire and then silence. Hours later, Saudi newspaper quotes officials as saying the rescue operation has ended. Most of the hostages are safe; the gunmen are either dead or in custody. But few details as to any other deaths. Ambulances stream into the building, as the Special Forces move out. Details still as sketchy as they have been throughout the just over 24 hours since the armed group opened fire on compounds, housing western workers in the oil port of Khobar. Officials report one American and a Britain were among those killed in that shootout just before the assailants moved on to seize a high-rise building.

Declaring the attack was inspired by al Qaeda, Saudi officials said the group's goal was to disrupt their economy and destabilize the kingdom. At a time when the Saudis have pledged to work to bring down soaring oil prices, the targeting of oil workers brought a promise from the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar, to destroy the terrorists.

As a U.S. embassy in Riyadh passed on the State Department's advice for all Americans to leave Saudi Arabia, one American who had already decided to leave was caught up in the crisis for hours before being taken to safety.

MERWAN MOWAD, AMERICAN WITNESS: It was a company decision, as well as a personal decision and family decision. Not specifically because of the threat, but add all this together, made the decision easier to leave.

CLINCH: as the Saudis wrapped up the operation, the British Foreign Office warned the oil rich kingdom is likely to see more of such terrorist attacks in the very near future.

David Clinch, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And coming up a little bit later in this hour, we'll have a live report on who is claiming responsibility for these attacks -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Some bumps in the road today, as Iraq's Governing Council met to choose a new government for the country after the June 30 transfer of power, one month from today. At issue: the choice for the figurehead position of president. A senior Iraqi politician says most of the 23 members favor Ghazi Yawar, an engineer over Foreign Minister Adnan Pachachi. Sources say there is tremendous pressure from the U.S. and the U.N. to choose Pachachi.

Still in Iraq, peace in the Shiite holy city of Najaf still looks like war. Fighting between U.S. and Shiite militia continues for a third day despite a deal to end the bloody standoff.

CNN's Guy Raz has this videophone report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Three days after a pledge by the young Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr to reign in his fighters with the Mehdi militia, there are no visible signs here in Najaf and Kufa the fighting has come to an end. In Najaf earlier this morning, U.S. checkpoint came under small arms attack by suspected fighters. U.S. forces returned fire. There is no word on whether there were any Iraqi casualties and no U.S. casualties in those clashes.

Now, in Kufa, a neighboring town, a U.S. recognizance patrol on the east side of that city came under small arms rocket propelled grenade fire. Again, no word on whether there were Iraqi casualties, but there were no U.S. casualties in those clashes.

Meanwhile, potentially disappointing news coming out of Najaf, earlier today, U.S. forces and Iraqi police were scheduled to begin joint patrols in the city of Najaf. And those patrols simply didn't happen. The Iraqi police vanished, abandoned their post and returned to Baghdad. It's unclear why, but U.S. military officials here say they largely expected that to happen, because these Iraqi police came down to Najaf, they simply weren't given the proper protection or body armor. And these Iraqi police have often been the target of insurgents; long have regarded these Iraqi police as collaborators with the U.S. and coalition forces.

Guy Raz, CNN, Najaf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: The weather has been especially rough in many places this weekend. This was the frightening view over Sumner County, Kansas. Check it out. Some homes were reported damaged but no serious injuries. Twisters were also spotted across the Midwest, including this one near Oklahoma City. This particular system knocked out power to about 7,000 people in the northern suburbs.

GRIFFIN: And we'll be right back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: The latest terror warnings have everyone taking notice. But have they changed the way we travel? Coming up, we're going to look at ways to stay safe when we're on the road. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: On this day, in their honor we will raise the American flag over a monument that will stand as long as America itself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: A day in the sun for heroes of the Greatest Generation. We'll look back at the World War II Memorial dedication, when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM HANKS, ACTOR: You, our extended national family, declared by your actions; but yes, our flag still flies. We do come from a land of the free. And America is a home of the brave.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: For thousands of World War II veterans it was a long time coming. They gathered in Washington Saturday for the dedication of a memorial honoring their service and sacrifice. And Tom Hanks wasn't the only prominent guest who spoke.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

BOB DOLE (R), FMR. KANSAS Senator: What we dedicate today is not a memorial to war. Rather, it is a tribute to the physical and moral courage that makes heroes out of farm and city boys, that inspires Americans in every generation to lay down their lives for people they will never meet, for ideals that make life itself worth living.

BUSH: Here in the company of the generation that won the war, I proudly accept the World War II Memorial on behalf of the people of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

GRIFFIN: More than 100,000 people crowded on to the National Mall for that ceremony. Many of the veterans say the new memorial will teach younger generations about their fight and the future of America. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the day.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

DORIS DAY, ENTERTAINER (voice-over): Going to take a sentimental journey, going to set my heart at ease. Going to make a sentimental journey to renew old memories. Got my bag, got my reservation, spent each time I could afford like a child in wild anticipation, long to hear that, "All aboard."

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

GRIFFIN: You can see a replay of our coverage of the World War II Memorial dedication. It will start at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, 12:00 Pacific, right here on CNN hosted by Paula Zahn -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Now we want to talk about the war on terror. We want to take you live now to Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com. She is in Amsterdam on the phone to talk about the latest in the Saudi Arabia attacks, which are over right now. The hostages have been set free, but there is information on who's claiming responsibility.

Caroline, what do you know?

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNNARABIC.COM CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, just a few minutes ago we knew and we read a statement issued by a group, they claim responsibility -- and a audiotape as well, to the person that the Saudis believe he is the main coordinator for al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. His name is Abdul Aziz al Muqrin. And he is on the top of the wanted list for the Saudi government.

In this claim, he says that -- he claims, of course, the militants attack and he said that we -- it was a victorious attack. And they managed to reach their target. He also says that his people killed two Americans and that then they dragged the body of one of them, according to the claim in the statement. They dragged the body in the streets. And it was a lesson for everybody. They also claim that they killed other westerners, like British and also Italians, and other nationalities, including Saudis. And he continues the same statement as usual, which is vowing to continue the attack on the Americans until they leave the Saudi soil -- Betty.

NGUYEN: So continuing attacks, at least that's what he's claiming. What's being done to catch him?

FARAJ: Well, as I said, he's on the wanted list. He's the No. 1 person for the Saudis. They've been trying to catch him; there's a lot of promos in the state-owned television and newspapers, in order to encourage people to give information about him. And they're even saying that whoever knows anything will be also part of this -- of this crime. So they're trying their best, they're increasing and tightening security all over the place.

But yesterday's crisis, if you like, proved that whatever security measures they are taking, these Saudi militants, they have their own ways and means, in order to get inside and to complete their mission. So the Saudis, I believe, they are now in the process of reconsidering their security measures and they have to do it as quickly as possible, Betty, especially after yesterday's announcement by the U.S. embassy calling on all U.S. nationals to leave. It was a clear alarm and clear message that your country, Saudi Arabia, is not safe anymore. We have to take our nationals. So this is a clear message and I think the Saudis are -- they know that the statement is clear, and they have to take measures -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Definitely a developing story there. Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com. We thank you for that information. GRIFFIN: One of the other stories we're following is the continuing threat of bad weather in the Midwest and the forecast is ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: John, a corporate -- corporate sponsorship cancellation there. What was the solution to this? Obviously, your son was disappointed he couldn't compete?

JOHN WHISLER, "SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS": Well, he was. We all were at first. But the editor of the paper, Bob Rivard, came up with the idea of Colin going as a cub reporter and kind of offering an inside view -- behind the scenes view of what goes on at the National Spelling Bee. So really, it was a neat idea and we're just really happy to be here.

GRIFFIN: Colin, what's your stories going to be like? Do you have any angles you're approaching on the National Spelling Bee?

COLIN WHISLER, 11 YEAR OLD REPORTER: I think I'm covering mainly the kids -- the two kids from San Antonio that are going to the National Spelling Bee here.

GRIFFIN: And what have you learned about them so far? Are they nervous?

C. WHISLER: Um, kind of. They're studying a lot. I hope they do really well.

GRIFFIN: Are you nervous?

C. WHISLER: Um, well, I've written some things in the paper before, so I, you know, I've had a little bit of experience writing. And I've, you know, interviewed the two kids earlier, so.

GRIFFIN: Dad, he's an 11-year-old, he's an old vet. No longer a cub reporter, is he?

J. WHISLER: No. He's really been around the paper most of his -- most of his life. We've taken him down there a lot of times while we worked. He's written some stories, three book reviews for the paper already. So he does have some experience; but this will be a little different, having to interview people and take notes. So I think this will either turn him on or completely turn him off to the business.

(LAUGHTER)

GRIFFIN: Either one, it will be nice to get out of the way at 11 years old.

J. WHISLER: Right.

GRIFFIN: Are you giving him any guidance as to what he covers or how he covers it? J. WHISLER: Yes. He'll be doing most of the work, but we'll be there as kind of to support him in case he has any trouble. We interviewed -- he interviewed the two children from San Antonio that are competing here, and so he had to learn how to write fast. And that was kind of difficult. So we'll be there to provide some pointers and assistance. But you know, it has to be his work and so he's excited about it.

GRIFFIN: Now, who checks the spelling in the newspaper?

J. WHISLER: Well, I guess my wife and I both will. You know, Colin's a very good speller in his own right, so you know, I don't think that will be a problem, hopefully.

GRIFFIN: Colin, are you up to the task? How many inches are they allowing in the paper? And are you going to be on the front page?

C. WHISLER: I don't know.

GRIFFIN: John you got to help him out.

J. WHISLER: I don't think so.

(LAUGHTER)

J. WHISLER: I don't think he'll be on the front page but we'll see what we can do. He'll be writing every day, though. So he'll get a little taste of what his parents do every day, and is that kind of write on deadline. So he'll get a taste of what it's all about.

GRIFFIN: Colin, any decisions yet on whether or not you want to follow your mom and dad in the newspaper biz?

C. WHISLER: There are a lot of things out there that I might want to be. I haven't quite decided yet, but I have thought about writing in a paper. I like writing and words.

GRIFFIN: All right, Colin.

C. WHISLER: And I've had a little bit of experience.

GRIFFIN: All right. Colin and John Whisler, good luck. We will try to follow the San Antonio paper to see how these bylines come out. Thanks for joining us, guys.

J. WHISLER: All right. Thank you very much. Thanks for having us.

C. WHISLER: Yes.

NGUYEN: And you know those articles will be spelled correctly. All those I's dotted and T's crossed.

GRIFFIN: Even if they include "pococurante."

NGUYEN: Can you spell that?

GRIFFIN: Yes. I've got it right here.

NGUYEN: That's the only way, right? Well, Rob Marciano is our resident master speller and he joins us now with a look at the weather.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: All right.

NGUYEN: Can you spell tornado? That's what we're dealing with today, uh?

MARCIANO: Interesting you should make note of that. Tornado plural can be spelled with either the E or without the E. Did you know that?

NGUYEN: I did not know that. I always use an "E."

MARCIANO: Yes, we're going with the "E" here at CNN to be consistent. NGUYEN: All right. Thank you, Rob.

We want to give you a look at today's top stories. In Saudi Arabia, Saudi security forces stormed a building, ending a daylong hostage standoff in Khobar. Authorities say most of the estimated 50 hostages are safe. But at least one American is among the 11 people killed earlier, when suspected Islamic militants blasted their way into a western housing complex. We have since learned from CNN's Caroline Faraj that al Qaeda has taken responsibility for those attacks and that they are saying more attacks could be coming soon.

Two prominent figures from the Washington Watergate era have died. Former special prosecutors Archibald Cox died at his home in Maine. He was 92 years old. Cox was fired by President Nixon when he refused to drop the search for special White House tape recordings.

And Sam Dash had the chief counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee -- or was head of that. Dash became a household name for his questioning of the key players during the televised Watergate hearings. Sam Dash was 79 years old.

GRIFFIN: Terror alerts and warnings for tourists may have put a damper on your holiday and summer travel plans. But we'll tell you what to do to stay sharp and safe when you're away from home. That's when CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: To bus or not at school? The question never seems to go away, neither does the debate. We're going to look at the issue coming up.

NGUYEN: Welcome back. That story is coming up as you mentioned. But first, here's a look at the headlines at this hour.

In Iraq, it looks like the Najaf peace deal is crumbling bit by bit. U.S. officials say about 100 Iraqi police who had been set to begin joint patrols with coalition forces have suddenly left town. U.S. troops also clashed again today with Shiite gunmen in the city, despite a deal last week to end fighting there.

Hundreds of volunteers are helping police search for a missing Brigham Young University student. 19-year-old brook Willberger has been missing since Monday. Police worked to excavate parts of a gravel pit in the area after searchers saw freshly moved dirt and noticed a foul smell. Police have also rearrested a man in connection with that disappearance. Right now they're just calling him a person of interest and not a suspect.

In Indianapolis, the stage is set for the 88th Indy 500. 33 drivers will make the drive for more than $10 million in prize money.

GRIFFIN: Well, the summer vacation season is upon us and for the first summer since 9/11 the travel industry's prospects are actually looking brighter. But there are challenges of terror warnings, travel advisories and, of course, fuel prices going through the roof. So what is a vacationer in to do? We're going to see if Stephanie Oswald of "Travelgirl" magazine has some answers, the editor and co-founder of this magazine.

STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR, "TRAVELGIRL" MAGAZINE: Hi.

GRIFFIN: Hi, how are you? What are people doing? More people are supposedly traveling. Where?

OSWALD: Well, that is the good news, people are traveling and as you said we're finally seeing the numbers go back to where they were before 9/11 and people are traveling domestically and internationally. A survey just came out last week that said that London was one of the top destinations for the summer and that is the first time since before September 11th that an international destination has been in the top ten.

GRIFFIN: So despite the terror warnings and, obviously, despite the fuel prices, people are traveling overseas?

OSWALD: They are. They are.

And there are a lot of things you can do to lower the stress level at the airport. And I want to mention some of those things. First of all, you can dress right. When you're going through security, think about what you're wearing. By now most of us know what shoes we have that will set off the alarms, most of us know what clothing we have that has metal on it that we should avoid. You can do little things like pack socks in your computer carry-on, so when you go through security you can slip off your shoes and put your socks on.

Things like planning for time at the airport. So much is changing now that we just need to accept the fact that it's going to take longer and you need to plan accordingly. If you can, avoid the peak travel times. Don't plan a flight for early in the morning because those are the times when the line is going to be especially a lot longer. GRIFFIN: Are people becoming more easy with the security, accepting it more? Because there was a lot of frustration early on in this 9/11 post-season.

OSWALD: You're right. I think part of it is people are realizing that long lines at security are a fact of travel. And people have come to accept it and they're tired of staying home. They've got that travel itch. They want to satisfy their wanderlust and they're taking off. We're also seeing a lot of people saying that, you know, it's summer and we have a little extra money to spend and we're going to spend it traveling.

GRIFFIN: What about the domestic locations, are there any places where people aren't flying to but maybe are going to drive this year?

OSWALD: We're seeing a lot of driving. This weekend, exactly, it's a kickoff a record-breaking weekend for travel. 37 million Americans are expected it to drive more than 50 miles from their home, and that's huge. Another thing is, people are looking for places, California is huge, Hawaii is huge, and New York, Florida. People are driving and some of the other destinations we're seeing are island destinations in the United States. That's a big trend we're seeing at "Travelgirl" magazine. People are looking for that feeling of escape and they realize that they don't need to have a passport in order to get it.

GRIFFIN: So when you talk about islands in the United States, you're talking about the eastern seaboard islands?

OSWALD: I'm talking about all over the place. On the east coast you can go to Martha's Vineyard, you can go to Nantucket. On the west coast there's the San Juan Islands, Michigan, there's Mackinaw Island, or the Florida Keys in the south. Any part of the United States has islands that you can go to.

GRIFFIN: Stephanie Oswald. I hope you take me to an island right now. Thank you so much for joining us. Suppose there are jitters that have changed your vacation plans after you bought your tickets, made the reservations. Can you claim any money from your travel insurance company? Good question, right?

About 80 percent of travel insurers offer coverage if a terror act occurs in a destination city within 30 days of departure. Some companies will include the departure city as well. Some travel agencies selling trips to the Summer Olympics in Greece are offering travel insurance with terrorism coverage including trip cancellations.

If the State Department issues a warning to your destination chances are you'll get it covered, but only if the warning came 7 to 15 days after you bought your insurance. But if you're just afraid that there might be a terrorist attack at your destination, don't bother. Chances are good that's a claim they are not going to pay.

NGUYEN: And speaking of traveling, all morning long we've been asking you for your thoughts on our e-mail question of the day. And that question is, are the recent terror alerts changing your holiday plans?

We've received a lot of information and John writes, saying, "Due to the elevation in our terror alert, I am staying home and keeping close to my family. In past years, I have always gone to Manhattan, but I do not believe security is safe enough within the United States."

GRIFFIN: "Not at all," says Sandra of Fort Hood, Texas. "As an Army wife with a husband stationed in Iraq, I had planned on spending it writing to him, daydreaming about what we would do if he were here. We haven't spent any major holiday together in so long that I accuse him of joining just to avoid them."

NGUYEN: I kind of doubt that. We want to thank all of you for your e-mails this morning. Just to keep you ahead of the curve, let's fast forward now to a look at a few things coming up this week.

Tuesday is the tentative date for opening statements in the Scott Peterson trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Connor, in December of 2002.

Wednesday, leading scientists from four continents will talk about human cloning and stem cell research at the United Nations. Right now the world lacks any governing policy on cloning.

Thursday, President Bush heads to Rome for meetings with Italian leaders and Pope John Paul II. Mr. Bush will then continue on to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of the D-day landings.

Well, public schools have been desegregated by law for 50 years now, but segregation remains, in fact, in some schools, because achieving racial equality in the classroom is easier said than done. CNN's Denise Belgrave reports from Charlotte, North Carolina.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENISE BELGRAVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's as controversial today as it was 30 years ago when it first started. Mandatory school busing to achieve equal education for America's black and white children.

Charlotte, North Carolina, where court-ordered busing began in 1970, still struggles with very same issues today. In 1997, Bill Capacchione, an insurance consultant now living in California, filed a suit that questioned mandatory busing.

BILL CAPACCHIONE, PLAINTIFF: I don't believe black children need white children in their schools to be able to learn, as white children don't need black children in their schools to be able to learn.

BELGRAVE: Capacchione won, and busing in Charlotte ended. After busing, the school board offered parents of a choice of a number of schools around the district. Since then, the overwhelming choice has been the school closest to home.

But the debate continues. And it revolves around how a school's location can affect its financial resources. Terry Belk is another plaintiff from the 1997 case, and he says that white flight from the inner city ensures that majority black schools will suffer.

TERRY BELK, PLAINTIFF: You have all the white kids on one side of town and all the blacks on one side of town, the political wheel says where the money is going. They have resegregated the schools. Now they want all the money for the suburban white areas. And I will say they will get it.

BELGRAVE: School board member Larry Gauvreau says demographic changes have not affected decisions about where the money goes.

LARRY GAUVREAU, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, CHARLOTTE, N.C.: $974 million have been placed from 1999 to right now, more than 75, 80 percent of that in the inner city, and schools are half-empty. People don't live there.

BELGRAVE: The end of forced busing appears to have reignited an old debate. How do you achieve equal opportunity in public education for America's children?

Denise Belgrave, CNN, Charlotte, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Looking for a summer getaway that won't cost you too much? May we suggest there's no better way to lose yourself than in a good book? And this summer, supposedly, there's plenty of tales hot off the press. Who doesn't want a good read? We're going to offer up some suggestions ahead.

And look out for more storms today across the already ravaged Midwest. The latest weather forecast coming up, that's in about ten minutes from now.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: That'll get you grooving, maybe not in the newsroom, but we have plenty of ways to spend your summer nights or days at the beach. Books, and books and more books. John Searles is "Cosmopolitan" magazine's book editor and he joins us now from Boston.

Hello to you.

JOHN SEARLES, BOOK EDITOR, "COSMOPOLITAN": Hi, Betty. Thanks for having me.

NGUYEN: Sure. We want to talk about these books coming out. Of course, former President Clinton's book has got to be big on the list.

SEARLES: This will be, without a doubt, the biggest book of the summer. Until now, the publisher was being so secretive about it they wouldn't even tell me date it was being released. Last week they announced that it will be out June 22. When I begged them for a little tidbit to share on the air this morning, what they would tell me was it's 900 plus pages. He's going to talk about everything, so take that the way you want to, from his childhood years to his years in the White House. So it's a really big book to watch for this summer.

NGUYEN: And that includes Monica Lewinsky?

SEARLES: I don't know for sure.

NGUYEN: You said everything.

SEARLES: Yes.

NGUYEN: What else is coming out this summer?

SEARLES: The next book is David Sedaris' book, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim." And anyone who knows David Sedaris' writing knows that he's this laugh out loud humorist who writes these funny series essays about everything from his childhood to buying an apartment in Paris to attending his brother's wedding. What's so great about his writing is it's like he takes the world and looks at it through a funhouse mirror. All these normal situations are just suddenly warped and very funny.

NGUYEN: That's always a good read. There are a lot of good books out there for summer reading?

SEARLES: Yes. There are some great books. The next one on the list is Carl Learner's book "Cursed By a Happy Childhood." I love that title. He started writing this book as a diary for his 11-year- old daughter to show her that he knew a thing or two about growing up. The diary took a life of its own and he decided to publish it as a book.

I put it on the list because it's a sweet and sincere collection of essays that I think any parent interesting in reading about the bond with their child would love. I also think it would be a great Father's Day gift, and that's around the corner.

NGUYEN: That is around the corner. There's another book out called "Truth and Beauty".

SEARLES: "Truth and Beauty." This is probably the most heart- wrenching book on the list. I just finished it last night. It's very powerful. Ann Patchett is the author. She's also the author of "Bel Canto." She writes about her friendship with Lucy Grealy, who wrote the book "Autobiography of a Face" which viewers might remember from a few years ago. That picture is when the two of them met at Ann Patchett's book party.

Sadly, Lucy Grealy passed away a few years ago. She struggled with childhood cancer, which left her face disfigured and she had to have 38 operations in her lifetime. The loss was so devastating for Patchett that she decided to write about it in this book. It's a beautiful tribute that's really a tribute to their friendship.

NGUYEN: Let's talk about some other books now that have female readers in mind as well. SEARLES: These are a little bit more fun than the last one I mentioned. It's the chick lit category. The first two on the list are both -- one's a mystery, one's a thriller.

The first is "'Til Death Do Us Part" by Kate White. Kate White writes this riveting series of mysteries that all center around a character named Bailey Weggins, who is a true crime writer for a woman's magazine, so I can relate. In this book, Bailey finds out that a number of bridesmaids from the same wedding party are being murdered. The thing is, Bailey was in the same wedding party so she has to find the killer before the killer finds her. It's a real page- turner.

NGUYEN: And what's another one out there in that category?

SEARLES: The next one is "Killer Smile" by Lisa Scottoline. "People" magazine calls Lisa Scottoline the female John Grisham. This is her 11th book. She's a bestseller every summer. They all center around a female law firm in Philadelphia. This one's a real page- turner, too.

NGUYEN: Speaking of page-turners, quickly, you have a book out, don't you?

SEARLES: This summer, yes. I was joking with the producers saying this was my favorite book on the list. It's called "Strange But True;" it's out this summer...

NGUYEN: You're not biased.

SEARLES: ... exactly. It's about a young woman who finds herself suddenly pregnant. The thing is, she's only ever been with one person, and that was her high school boyfriend on the night of their prom five years before...

NGUYEN: Five years ago but pregnant now. That's going to be an interesting story.

All right, John Searles, "Cosmo's" book editor, we thank you.

SEARLES: Thanks for having me.

GRIFFIN: Well, keeping up with the Joneses was never this tough. We're going to track down the Spry family as they continue their quest across America in search of the perfect place to live and we quest with them.

And good morning, Denver. We will have your complete weather forecast in about ten minutes. CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: So many of you have been living the American dream for the past few weeks via the Internet and CNN as the Spry family, formerly of Silicon Valley, California, treks across the U.S. in search of a family friendly place to call home. Silicon Valley just too expensive for them.

We followed Steve and Colleen from the beginning of their quest. This week they've gone from Austin, Texas, to Houston, to New Orleans; they're taking in the sights from Lake Austin and all the stops along the way. They have gotten hundreds e-mails from many of you who are tracking their progress on their Web site. Along for the ride is their 4-year-old son Ryan and his teddy bear, Travis. Part of the motivation for their trip is to find a place where they want to raise Travis, and keep in mind this is more than a summer vacation. They've packed up everything, sold their house and are now living on the road until they see exactly where it leads them.

Steve Spry e-mailed from Austin this week. Here's what he said. "It's amazing to see a different quality of life and what appears to be the impact of down-to-earth housing prices. Imagine getting off work at 5:00 p.m. and having your boat in the water by 5:45. No lines, and free." And here's another of Steve's observations from the road. "The lifestyle in Austin seems as if people work to live instead of live to work."

You can hear more about the lessons from the highways and byways of America next week, when Steve, Colleen and Ryan are pulling their RV into CNN's parking lot and stopping by right here for a visit. You can check on the Spry's progress any time, just go to www.luvtohavefun.com. Love, L-U-V.

NGUYEN: How great is that, just to pick up and say I'm headed on the road where I stop is where I stop. That's the kind of life. That's what we need to do.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, you just did it, both of you kind of.

NGUYEN: Kind of sort of.

MARCIANO: You ended up in Atlanta, where we're glad to have you.

NGUYEN: As they're traveling around they may want to watch out for severe weather.

MARCIANO: Yes, it's going to be another rough day, across the mid-section of the country especially. Let's take you to Denver, actually where it's going to be pretty quiet although breezy, and comfortably cool. KUSA is our affiliate out that way. You should see plenty of sunshine, winds gusting at times, but generally speaking, good-looking day, and tomorrow looks to be even nicer.

Here's a look at what the weather headlines are for today. The tornadoes that broke out yesterday, we had 91 of them, and we'll probably see a similar situation as we go on through this afternoon. Good news is that tomorrow doesn't look to be nearly as active. And if we could roll the beautiful footage.

Anyway, it's been rough morning. And it looks like my clickers not even working on this Sunday. Guys, I'm going to toss it back to you and get this thing rolling and maybe run upstairs and we'll get through this weather forecast because it is a holiday weekend.

NGUYEN: The beauty of technology.

MARCIANO: And we want to give you not only today, but tomorrow as well.

GRIFFIN: It's a Memorial Day that we'll always remember, Rob. Thank you.

NGUYEN: Time for a quick check of the headlines now.

The man believed to be the top Al Qaeda figure in Saudi Arabia is claiming responsibility for this weekend's attacks in Khobar. Abdel Aziz Moqrin made the claim in an audiotape posted on an Islamic Web site. Saudi security forces stormed the area earlier today putting an end to the hostage situation.

The push for peace in Najaf took a hit today when the Iraqi police disappeared. The U.S. military says about 100 Iraqis deserted their post. They had been expected to begin joint patrols with U.S. forces in the city.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Gas prices are ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Getting outrageous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Insane right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: So insane that Jeanne Moos has taken matters into her own hands. We'll fill the tank a little bit later on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: There's plenty more ahead here on CNN this Sunday.

Up next, "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY." Former Vice President Al Gore may not be running but he's certainly playing a role in the current campaign.

At 11:00 eastern "CNN LIVE SUNDAY" with the latest on the weather damage across the Midwest and the rest of the day's top stories.

And at 11:30 it is "RELIABLE SOURCES." Drew?

GRIFFIN: It's become the water cooler question of the summer driving season, where is the cheapest gas, how do I get there? If you're trying to lessen your pain at the pump, CNN's Jeanne Moos has tips.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When it comes to gas prices, there is no escape. Listen to the sound of money flowing out of your pocket.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Gas prices are ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Getting outrageous.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Are insane right now.

MOOS: With the screws tightening, it helps to have a strategy.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I drive an SUV, and my strategy is to turn this car in for a four-cylinder car.

MOOS: A worthy thought befitting a guy who asked the attendant if he could pluck roses for his mom.

MOOS (on camera): Smell the roses on gas prices?

MOOS (voice-over): Even a few gas stations themselves are making fun of their own prices. New Yorkers, who don't want to pay, say $2.47 for regular, can tunnel through to New Jersey and save 10 to 40 cents a gallon. Drivers are deserting familiar brand name gas and fleeing to so-called no names. As for those accustomed to nothing but the best...

JAIME CARACAPPA, GAS STATION OWNER: People who used premium are backing down and going for the regular.

MOOS (on camera): When you come to place like this, where there's six stations, do you go to the cheapest one?

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: You want to know something, I own stock in Exxon so I go to Exxon.

MOOS (voice-over): Exxon stock, by the way, is up about 20 percent from last year. Some folks don't worry about gas prices.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I figured I'm getting hosed either way. God bless Bush.

MOOS: God bless the gas saving tips, such as keep tires properly inflated, use less air conditioning. Fat chance.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I'm a big guy. I don't like to be warm.

MOOS: With prices this high, station owners get some odd requests.

CARACAPPA: Give me a dollar's worth. I'm like, where are you going with a dollar's worth?

MOOS: And just when you think you've stumbled upon a miracle, gas at $1.05 a gallon, don't get too pumped up. $1.05 is just a rusty, weed-choked memory. Here's reality.

MOOS (on camera): What's the most times a day you've had to change...

CARACAPPA: Three times.

MOOS: Three times on one day.

MOOS (voice-over): Imagine the thrill when station owner Jamie Caracappa let me personally raise gas prices.

CARACAPPA: You're going to be an expert by the time I get done with you. Slap this on. It's a suction cup. In at the top.

MOOS: So what if bystanders booed. It's not every day I get to throw in my two cents.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, Union City, New Jersey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: And that does it for us. Thanks for watching.

GRIFFIN: "INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY" is next.

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