Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Saturday Morning News

A look at Latest News About attack in Khobar, Saudi Arabia; A look Back on World War II with one of its Veterans

Aired May 29, 2004 - 07:00   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: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
It's May 29.

Good morning.

I'm Drew Griffin. BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

Thanks for being with us this morning.

Today marks the start of the official Memorial Day holiday, when a grateful nation reflects on the cost of liberty. Join us as we prepare for today's dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IRENE HURLEY: A little kiss about right around through here, waltzed on a little bit farther and did the same thing in the next one. Then we get back out on the floor just like nothing ever happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: For an entire generation uncertain of survival, every kiss became a cherished memory. We'll step back in time to an old dance hall still echoing with the sound of people desperate to forget about war just for a little while.

And if playing in the dirt is on your calendar this weekend, some expert advice on what you can do now to ensure a garden of earthly delights.

But first, our top stories.

GRIFFIN: Six killings, hostages taken and a police chase in the city of Khobar in eastern Saudi Arabia. Saudi police pursuing groups of gunmen suspected of killing six people in a series of shootings. These are happening near an oil company compound. Reports say the gunmen have released some hostages, but are still holding an undetermined number. We will have a live report on this shortly.

The U.S. Army has concluded that former football star Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Tillman was killed April 22 while serving with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan. Tillman's family and some members of Congress were told of the findings.

An American Airlines flight attendant faces federal charges of interfering with an airline. An FBI official says she wrote the threatening note that she claimed to have found aboard a jet liner Thursday. The Dallas to Boston flight was diverted to Nashville because the note warned of a bomb in the plane. No bomb was found.

NGUYEN: Turning now to our top story, millions of people are traveling this Memorial holiday weekend. And in light of renewed terror warnings, there is increased security, especially at airports. Federal aviation officials say more screeners have been deployed to some of the nation's bustiest airports. They're asking for the public's help in spotting anything suspicious. They also say photographs of seven suspected terrorists released this week by the FBI are posted everywhere.

GRIFFIN: Many people in the nation's mid section will spend the holiday weekend knee deep in clean up from devastating storms. An apparent tornado destroyed dozens of homes in Kentucky. The governor declaring a state of emergency there. Disaster emergencies also have been declared in Indiana and West Virginia in the wake of flooding and storm damage. Four deaths are blamed on these storms.

NGUYEN: Thousands of World War II veterans are in the nation's capital for this afternoon's dedication of the World War II Memorial. It comes nearly 60 years after their fighting ended and many vets say it is long overdue.

Security is extremely tight for the dedication, which will be attended by President Bush; his father, former President Bush; and former President Clinton.

GRIFFIN: And in the war on terror, confusion about an alert this summer. On Wednesday, Attorney General John Ashcroft said credible intelligence pointed to an al Qaeda attack this summer. But Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge suggested the intelligence wasn't really that new and Ridge was more worried about terror during the Christmas holidays.

Now, Ridge and Ashcroft have issued this joint statement, saying, "We are entering a season of symbolic events that could be attractive targets for terrorism. In the months to come, we will hold significant national celebrations, host important international meetings and conduct our democratic political process, leading to our elections. Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States during this period."

NGUYEN: An update now on a developing story -- those killings this morning in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The gunmen suspected of killing six people near an oil company compound are now holding hostages.

Caroline Faraj is an editor at cnnarabic.com and she joins us live now from London with the latest.

What have you found out so far -- Caroline. CAROLINE FARAJ, EDITOR, CNNARABIC.COM: Well, indeed, Betty, we just heard right now from the Lebanese ambassador in Riyadh. He just confirmed the release of around four to five people of the Lebanese nationals. Some of them are carrying American nationalities, were released. But the Saudi officials are not confirming the numbers nor the nationalities of the hostages, as well as those who were killed during the attack.

As you just mentioned, the attack took place in several places, but the compound got almost the same type of workers over there. It is an expatriates living in this compound -- in these compounds and working in oil companies -- Betty.

NGUYEN: I know information is very sketchy right now, but any indication as to who these attackers are and how close they are to catching some of them?

FARAJ: Well, we -- some of the Islamic Web sites just mentioned briefly a statement that we are not able up to now to authenticate this statement, claiming that it is the al Qaeda group in the Arab Peninsula. However, it was a bit strange to see that this statement was deleted and it's not on the Web site anymore after almost half an hour after it was published, after half an hour.

So up to now, we are not clear; more, the Saudis are not clear who exactly this group is. The only statement that we heard directly from the officials in Saudi Arabia, that these are wanted people and these people are supposedly working closely to al Qaeda. However, they did not confirm -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com.

Thank you for that information.

And, of course, we will continue to follow this story. It is a developing story, so you want to keep it tuned to CNN.

GRIFFIN: Now for some stories making news across America this Saturday.

In northern California, two missing children found in a cave more than 24 hours after being lost during a school filed trip. The cave is in the Lava Beds National Monument. Professional spelunkers were brought in to help find the two 11 year olds, who became separated from the group while hiking in that cave.

The father-in-law of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is in trouble at his Nebraska retirement community because of that flag. Community directors say the rules prohibit the display of flags on apartment balconies.

Donald Lamp, whose daughter is married to Justice Thomas, says none of his neighbors have complained about the flag and he plans to keep it there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DONALD LAMP, DEFIANT FLAG-OWNER: It just happened that this hit at the season when we're doing nice things, remembering our people that preceded us in the Army and Navy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: A vanishing generation at last gets a fitting shrine in the nation's capital to commemorate its hard won victory nearly 60 years ago. A live report from the National Mall just ahead.

NGUYEN: And you can escape the summer heat with an epic disaster film about the new ice age. "The Day After Tomorrow" engulfs movie theaters this weekend.

GRIFFIN: And later, if you can still eat tomorrow, you can cultivate a green thumb. Expert gardener William Moss joins us to lend a hand.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: There's a live picture from Washington, D.C. Thousands of World War II veterans are in Washington this morning to share their memories and be honored at the new memorial. The official dedication ceremony comes later today, but as CNN's Brian Todd reports, the memories, both good and bad, are already flooding back for a lot of vets.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

05280103.v67

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Sixty years of memories. President Bush and his father are expected at the dedication ceremony, along with former President Clinton. During a week when we heard a lot about potential terror attacks this summer, you can imagine security is tight.

Joining us to talk about that is our Washington bureau CNN military intelligence analyst Ken Robinson.

Ken, obviously this is a tantalizing target for terrorists.

How is the security and how is it changing the way we hold these major functions?

KEN ROBINSON, MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: Well, this is a special event and this is the largest gathering of World War II veterans in many, many years. The last larger gathering of veterans was in 1995, when the veterans for the Korean War memorial met in Washington. And unfortunately in today's environment of terror threats, these events have to be declared special security events, where there is an enormous amount of cooperation and coordination between about 35 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to make the event secure. GRIFFIN: And, Ken, when we're talking about these special events, this is one of many we're going to have throughout the summer, beginning with this, the G8 summit, the conventions.

What kind of security is in play here that we are seeing and that we are not seeing?

ROBINSON: Well, it's enormous security. We've got some slides to be able to talk through it, if we can reveal those. There are six scenarios that they try to work through in preparation for these types of events.

And the first is air interdiction. You know, there's a no fly zone around the city of Washington, D.C. at all times and this air interdiction plan is coordinated with the Customs, United States Customs Service. And in the event that some airborne threat comes into the city, they have UH-60 helicopters that are planned to interdict and to attempt to redirect or force down any aircraft.

As well, they concern themselves with hostage barricade situations. In that situation, if there's something that occurs at the venue or something that occurs in the vicinity because we have two former presidents, a current president and a hopeful president all attending the same event, there's a lot of coordination between the FBI and the Secret Service.

The large vehicle explosion threat scenario is always a problem. If you think Oklahoma City and you think a large 18 wheeler or a rental vehicle that might have a large bomb that can cause mass casualties.

And then there's the scenario of a chemical release like a chemical tanker or a chemical device or a biological release, which would not be immediately recognized. But there are sensors for that.

And then radiological devices that could cause meters to go off. Many of the park police and FBI in the area are carrying pagers.

And then the ultimate scenario, the unthinkable, the nuclear device.

GRIFFIN: Yes, Ken, let me ask you, though, about the terrorists. They're not likely to hit where we're the strongest. They look for the weakest point.

Is all this preparation designed to defend ourselves against them or steer them away?

ROBINSON: Well, the United States government has a problem. It has to assume the worst and hope for the best when you have special security events. And so the law enforcement community and the federal government come together and they coordinate on the high impact/low probability events like these, and they also worry about the every day average things that could happen, from an automatic accident in the area to common street crime.

Unfortunately, they've got to plan for both.

GRIFFIN: Ken, let me just switch gears and ask you about our breaking news this morning on Pat Tillman. CNN now reporting that it is likely Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan under friendly fire. You are a Ranger. You're just back from Afghanistan. This is obviously devastating news.

But tell us about the friendly fire aspect. It's always there.

ROBINSON: Well, combat operations, training for combat operations is inherently dangerous and there are times when you do live fire maneuver exercises, even in training, where soldiers are potentially lost.

In a combat situation, command and control, especially in an ambush like a Kurd with this case with Tillman, things become very chaotic. It's organized violence that you try to direct against the opposing force that's attacked you and it can be very chaotic.

Unfortunately, friendly fire is something that's inherent in war. It makes it all the more tragic in terms of the loss, the sacrifice that these men incur.

You know, the interesting thing about Tillman is I could introduce you to 500 guys exactly like Pat Tillman. The only thing about Pat Tillman was is that he was known in terms of giving up a large amount of income and was a pro-football player. However, in terms of the type of sacrifice and the types of people that join the service, the profession of arms, there's thousands just like him.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

Ken Robinson joining us from our Washington bureau.

We'll see you later on.

There's another World War II memorial, or a world war memorial, that isn't getting nearly the same attention this day. In fact, the World War 1 memorial is actually falling into a state of disrepair -- the monument, dedicated to those who died in the war that was supposed to end all wars. President Herbert Hoover dedicated the memorial on Armistice Day in 1931 -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Well, there's one last stop to have fun, do some smooching and swing into a timeless dance. This ballroom has seen it all. The greatest generation heading off to the front and coming back today to show off some fancy footwork. Check it out. Their memories are ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: There's lots of new openings on the big screen this weekend -- comedy, romance and fiction bordering reality. It's enough for any appetite.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "RAISING HELEN") UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh, look.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, no, Vivo.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, you got the hats. Where did you find these?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I couldn't believe it, online, of all places.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Career in fashion, life in Manhattan, this should be enough to keep Helen busy. But her Paris Hilton days, well, they're done when her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident and Helen becomes guardian to their three children. So, does she hang onto her old dreams or take a chance on a new one? The "Cincinnati Inquirer" calls "Raising Helen" as glossy as it is forgettable. Ouch.

(VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW")

NGUYEN: Special effects steal the scene in "The Day After Tomorrow." The setting is a new ice age caused by global warming and the greenhouse effect. New York City is hit by hurricanes, earthquakes and huge tidal waves. So can a professor of paleoclimatology save Manhattan? "USA Today" says the Oscar caliber effects are fine, but what about script, characterization and logic?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SOUL PLANE")

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, y'all, what's cracker like? This is your soul plane chauffeur, Captain Antoine Max speaking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He sounds nice.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Oh, yes, and welcome to the first all black airline, NWA. The "Soul Plane" has it all -- in flight dance club and even bathroom attendants. But watch what happens when a white family accidentally gets on board. The "Chicago Tribune" says let's make this simple, if you spend money on "Soul Plane," well, you've been played. That thing has spinners. I don't know if you've seen all the clips on it -- Rob -- Rob Marciano joins us now with a look at weather.

But, I mean, spinners. It has hydraulics. This is a plane like no other.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So you've seen it?

NGUYEN: I just saw the clips.

MARCIANO: Oh.

GRIFFIN: And Snoop's in the cockpit. NGUYEN: I wasn't played just yet.

MARCIANO: Yes, Snoop's a big draw. No, I want to see that. The critics say I'm going to waste my money, basically?

NGUYEN: That's what they're saying, but they say that a lot about a lot of the comedies, and they're funny anyways.

MARCIANO: I think maybe that weather related one may be a waste of money, but I haven't seen that.

NGUYEN: Yes, "The Day After Tomorrow?"

MARCIANO: Right. Right.

Hey, Drew.

GRIFFIN: How are you, Rob?

MARCIANO: Good.

Good to see you.

Were you on last weekend, as well, or -- you're fairly new here.

GRIFFIN: Yes, pretty new.

MARCIANO: Yes.

GRIFFIN: I was on this week a little bit.

MARCIANO: Did Betty tell you about the little tradition we have of new anchors hosting a barbecue for everybody here at the CNN Center?

NGUYEN: Oh, you're in for it.

GRIFFIN: Not yet.

NGUYEN: Memorial Day weekend.

MARCIANO: Yes.

GRIFFIN: Maybe we'll get around to it.

NGUYEN: Yes? Oh, look at that.

MARCIANO: We'll fire that up. Pass along your address and we'll Map Quest everybody.

NGUYEN: Exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: A quick check of the headlines coming up here. Saudi police are in pursuit of suspects involved in several shootings. They took place just hours ago in the city of Khobar. At least six people killed in the attacks. The gunmen also have taken several hostages.

It has been learned Pat Tillman, who quit pro-football to join the Army, was killed by friendly fire. That determination made following an Army investigation. Tillman, an Army Ranger, died in Afghanistan in late April.

NGUYEN: A triple murder baffles Baltimore. We know what happened. Police even think they have the weapon and know who did it. But the question the entire city is asking still has no answer.

GRIFFIN: And later, are these the new foot soldiers in the war on terrorism? Guys who normally get tips may soon be the ones giving them.

COMMERCIAL

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The FDA has ruled that Plan B, the emergency contraceptive now sold by prescription only, will not be made available over the counter. The drug, also called the morning after pill, is basically two high dose birth control pills that disrupt a woman's normal menstrual cycle. Taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it can prevent a pregnancy.

Those who are in favor of making the drug available without a prescription say it would reduce t estimated 800,000 unwanted teen pregnancies each year. The FDA says it's concerned Plan B might be misused by teens, but will revisit the issue if its maker can supply further studies of its safety.

Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Incidents between U.S. troops and Sadr militia members have continued today in Najaf. The small scale fighting comes after the U.S. halted offensive operations in the city as part of a tentative peace deal. Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said most of his militia would pull out of Najaf if the U.S. withdrew, as well.

Needless to say, security is intense around the National Mall in Washington today. This is a live picture. President Bush will officially dedicate the World War II Memorial. He'll share the stage with his father, a World War II Navy pilot, former President Clinton and former Senator Bob Dole, a World War II veteran, as well.

That dedication ceremony is live on CNN at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

GRIFFIN: A Baltimore community hurting, confused this morning after the grizzly killing of three young children. Two suspects who police say are related to those children are being held without bail. Police are still trying to figure out a motive for these killings.

CNN's Kathleen Koch reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

05280103.v67

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: And it's happened again -- a toddler abandoned. Police in the nation's capital asking for the public's help identifying a child. She's two years old. Police say she was dropped off at D.C.'s child welfare agency two weeks ago by a man and a woman. The couple says the mother left the girl in their care earlier this month and never came back. The child is now in foster care. Anybody with information should call the D.C. police.

NGUYEN: Twenty-eight thousand doormen in New York will get special training in how to spot terrorism threats like suspicious packages and cars parked too long at the curb. Porters in 3,500 apartment buildings will also get the training, about four hours of classroom instruction, to be exact. Off duty New York police officers will teach those courses.

Well, every weekend we catch you up on the latest developments in the war on terror. And it's been a week of notable updates.

On Wednesday, U.S. officials warn of a potential major terrorist attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. While details are few, officials are emphasizing there is no highly credible intelligence regarding a specific threat. The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security also offered some conflicting assessments on just how serious the threat is.

FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General John Ashcroft also released several photographs of individuals sought in connection with ongoing terror investigations. They say the individuals being sought are wanted for questioning and are not necessarily suspected of actively plotting attacks in the U.S.

And British police arrested a Muslim cleric at the request of the U.S. Washington has petitioned for the extradition of Abu Hamza al- Masri, accusing him of supporting the al Qaeda terrorist network and plotting to build an Islamic militant training camp in Oregon. U.S. prosecutors also say he played a role in a 1998 kidnapping in Yemen.

With the current news about threats here at home, please join CNN SATURDAY MORNING next weekend when we look at where we stand in terms of being prepared for a potential bioterror attack.

GRIFFIN: She is a former sex slave convicted in a murder. Now, is she victimized by the American criminal justice? Our legal eagles are on the case in the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING. Then, at 8:30 Eastern on our Weekend House Call, summer is almost here. Are your kids safe? From water, bites, to sunscreen tips, Holly Firfer is going to explain it all.

And in the 9:00 a.m. hour, the orphans of the Second World War finally get their wish come true.

But up next, do you know how to grow your vegetables?

William Moss digs in with some advice when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: It's tough enough to find anywhere, but you sure can't look for cheap gas in Minnesota. You'll be surprised to find out why. Details ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: On this holiday weekend, are you ready to dig in the dirt? How about planting your own vegetable garden? We've got everything you need to know to get started.

And our guest, William Moss, a fitting name, is a landscaping expert and host of "Rally Round The House" on the Discovery channel.

He's with us today from Chicago.

Good morning to you.

WILLIAM MOSS, HOST, "RALLY ROUND THE HOUSE": Good morning.

NGUYEN: Well, first of all, we are almost halfway through the year.

Is this a good time to start a vegetable garden?

MOSS: This is a great time to go out with the plants and put them out, because you can get in fabulous stuff. You can get a great selection by growing your own foods.

NGUYEN: OK. But we look at it and we see all these foods and these products, it looks great.

How difficult is it?

MOSS: It's really not that hard, you know. They make things so much easier for you now with all these new varieties that produce a lot of fruit and stuff. All you really need to do is get some strong, healthy plants. You need a good patch of soil and you also need bright sunlight. If you've got that, you're good.

NGUYEN: But which plants should you pick, just the ones that, say, you want to eat? Or are there ones that are easer to grow than others? MOSS: Well, I'm really big on this -- grow what you like to eat. It doesn't matter how many tomatoes you can grow, if you don't like tomatoes, what's the point?

NGUYEN: That makes sense, yes.

MOSS: Grow things that you like. Like my wife loves tomatoes so we grow lots of tomatoes. I like okra, so we grow lots of okra. Grow those things that you can't always find at the grocery store or things that you need to get fresh, like fresh corn or fresh sweet peas, things like that.

NGUYEN: I'm looking at the plants around you and some of these items, though, can't be grown inside, like in the kitchen. You have to go outside for some of it, correct?

MOSS: Yes, you do. Yes, you do. We do have containers up here that can be grown like on patios or roof decks. But most of these fruits and vegetables need to go outside somewhere where they can get plenty of good sunlight.

NGUYEN: And when we're looking at fruits and vegetables, I know fertilizer has to be key.

MOSS: Fertilizer is key. But I'm going to tell you one of my huge, huge points on this. Here's a tip. I fertilize a lot of times by mulching. What mulch does is it kind of helps cover the ground and it keeps the plants at a good temperature. It also helps stop weeds. But it has a lot of good fertilizer and stuff in it.

So I just cover the top of all my pots and all my plantings with this compost and what that does is act as a mulch and feeds at the same time.

NGUYEN: I got you.

OK, now, there are a lot of mistakes when you're trying to grow vegetables. My mother is a big gardener and I think she waters too much.

Is that one of the big no-nos?

MOSS: That is a problem. You know, watering is tricky. You should get about an inch of water on your garden a week, not much more than that. And...

NGUYEN: Just an inch?

MOSS: Yes, see, that's really hard to tell. That's really hard to tell.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MOSS: You can always get a rain gauge. But the best way to do this is to go out on like two days a week and just really water thoroughly. You don't want to go out every day and just sprinkle a little water on the garden. You want to go out once, twice a week and really soak it good. That way the water soaks down to the roots and things will grow much better than just that little shower sprinkling.

So once or twice a week, lots of water, that'll get you through it.

NGUYEN: Good tips there.

And growing a vegetable garden, it's not only good for the tummy, but it's also therapeutic, isn't it?

MOSS: It is very much therapeutic. It gets you outdoors. It gets you active, you know? You get a chance to be in tune with nature. It's just another form of exercise to add to your weekly routine. It's a wonderful thing. Get out there and grow some vegetables.

NGUYEN: Exactly. And, quickly, it can be fun for the whole family.

MOSS: Fun for the whole family, especially when it comes to things like pests. You know, kids don't really get too much into growing the plants at a certain age. But they love to like count grasshoppers or pick off ladybugs or find a big, fat caterpillar.

NGUYEN: Just don't eat those, right?

MOSS: Well, I wouldn't advise that.

NGUYEN: Only the vegetables.

MOSS: Just eat the other things. Just the vegetables.

NGUYEN: All right.

MOSS: Just the vegetables and fruits.

NGUYEN: William Moss with "Rally Round the House."

We thank you for your time and your tips.

MOSS: You're quite welcome.

All right.

NGUYEN: Drew.

GRIFFIN: I wish William could grow gas.

Everyone's looking for a break at the pump, but one state is on a drive against gas that is too cheap. We're going to tell you where and why.

Also, did Diana DeGarmo know she lost before the "American Idol" finale? Hmmm. CNN's Larry King asked her.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo have become household names after their stint on "American Idol." The winner and runner-up of the competition appeared last night on CNN's "Larry King Live" and DeGarmo came clean about rumors that she knew who won the contest before it was announced.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")

LARRY KING, HOST: There was a headline I saw in a paper that you knew the outcome before it was announced.

Is that true?

DIANA DEGARMO, "AMERICAN IDOL" RUNNER-UP: Different suspects, you know, different things. But like we were singing different songs and they said well, whoever wins will be singing "I Believe." And they were like well, so during the show, Diana, you're going to be singing "I Believe" and then Fantasia it going to be singing "Dreams." So whoever wins, you're going to be singing the other song. And I had already been told that the winner will be singing "I Believe." So I was like I know Fantasia is going to win.

FANTASIA BARRINO, "AMERICAN IDOL" WINNER: But you remember we flipped a coin, though.

DEGARMO: I know. It's cool, though. No, you know, it's no big deal. It was funny. But I, you know, I had accepted that. I was like you know what? I'm cool if I win or if I lose. It's no big deal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Well, Fantasia Barrino captured the "American Idol" title, edging out DeGarmo by 1.3 million votes.

GRIFFIN: Didn't have time to keep up with the news this week? That is what we're here for. We're going to rewind.

The FBI issuing a warning to local law enforcement Wednesday about a potential major terrorist attack in the U.S. this summer. According to the FBI, intelligence indicating an al Qaeda plan to hit the U.S. is nearly complete, though officials say they have no specific information as to possible time or place.

Football coach Gary Barnett stays at the University of Colorado in the wake of a recruiting scandal. The athletics director stays, also. But school officials say they will overhaul the athletic department. The scandal involved accusations of sexual misconduct. A grand jury looking into whether university funds were used to hire prostitutes. An independent commission concluded earlier that some players arranged for sex and provided alcohol to recruits.

And if you think the price of gas might be coming down any time soon, keep thinking. World oil prices are hitting record highs. U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, though, says that OPEC members are promising to boost supplies, something he calls "very positive."

Tomorrow we're going to fast forward to the week ahead and tell you which stories are likely to grab the spotlight.

NGUYEN: Well, with gas prices rising higher and higher, the State of Minnesota has begun fining gas stations for prices that are too low. That's right. State law says the stations must make a minimum profit plus taxes for each gallon of gas. The law is intended to keep large corporations from selling gasoline below cost in order to drive smaller competitors out of business.

GRIFFIN: Well, who says you don't play with your food? With a little know how, it's possible to squeeze an entire orchestra out of your grocer's produce section.

NGUYEN: What?

And as we look ahead to the dedication of the World War II Memorial this afternoon, some vets savor the parts of the past and help them through those dark days.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: All right, time for the Wows of the Week.

Meet Jumping Jack Dugger. He is the latest edition to what has become quite a brood. Jack, number 15, the 15th child for Michelle Dugger, who has given birth to all of them over the past 16 years.

NGUYEN: Yikes!

GRIFFIN: Man. We don't have time to name them all, but every single one of them starts with the letter J.

Have you ever seen a sunburned hippo? Of course not. Scientists say hippo sweat is a natural sunblocker. We're not sure why they needed to know that, but nevertheless it's true. Don't go looking to swipe any hippo sweat, though, just yet. Some say it doesn't work on humans. And guess what? It really smells bad.

I'm sure you've heard of stomp, but how about squash? A group of performers in Germany have chosen vegetables as their instrument of choice. Members of the First Vienna Vegetable Orchestra say the veggies make for a colorful and aromatically pleasing performance and one heck of a nice tossed salad as an encore.

NGUYEN: I was going to say, they don't have much of a shelf life with those instruments, huh?

Well, we want to go now to Rob Marciano for a look at the weather.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Time now to check the headlines. At least six people are dead following a series of attacks by gunmen in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Several foreigners were among those killed in the attacks. Saudi police say the gunmen have also taken several hostages.

Security is tight at the World War II Memorial ahead of today's planned dedication ceremony. Among the guests expected to take part in the dedication are both President Bushes, President Clinton and former Senator and World War II vet Bob Dole. The memorial opened to the public back in April.

GRIFFIN: Not all the memories from World War II can be summed up at the national memorial in Washington. For some, the best memories are traced back to a little amusement park dance hall.

Jeanne Meserve reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're still swinging in the Spanish ballroom just like they did during World War II. When he was home on leave from the Navy, John Matwey remembers dancing there four or five nights in a row.

JOHN MATWEY, World War II VETERAN: Basically we tried to have a good time, those of us who had been in action or were going to go into action. We wanted to enjoy ourselves.

MESERVE: Enjoy themselves they did, throughout the Glen Echo Amusement Park, but particularly in the ballroom, where, John Matwey says, you could escape the sometimes gruesome, often difficult war.

MATWEY: That was your release. That take, took you away from everything. You forgot about these things and you enjoyed yourself.

MESERVE: Enjoyed yourself with young women like Irene Hurley, who worked in the War Department. She remembers not just dancing, but smooching.

HURLEY: You could feel a little kiss about right around through here. We waltzed on a little bit farther and did the same thing on the next one. And then we'd get back out on the floor, just like nothing ever happened.

MESERVE (on camera): About how many guys did you do this with?

HURLEY: I lost count.

Six tickets for $4.50.

MESERVE (voice-over): In retirement, Irene Hurley has returned to this park just outside Washington, selling tickets to ride the antique carousel. She says her life, like the merry-go-round, has come full circle.

(on camera): When you look around this ballroom... HURLEY: Oh, my.

MESERVE: What comes flooding back?

HURLEY: Oh, what comes flooding back to me? Well, the good times I had, I guess. Just the good times.

MESERVE (voice-over): The good times continue at Glen Echo, where some World War II veterans still join Saturday night swing dances.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My cardiologist told me well, what have you been doing? I said dancing. He says don't stop. He says keep it up.

MESERVE: And the younger dancers? They think it's swell.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Some of the best dances that I have are with people that could be my grandfather. And they can do all these awesome moves that the younger guys, you know, they're learning how to do.

MESERVE: A ballroom where anyone can step in time and some can step back in time.

Jean Meserve, CNN, Glen Echo, Maryland.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: That is so true. You know, the best dancers at every wedding I've ever been to are all World War II vets.

NGUYEN: Absolutely. And they still have the moves, you know? It seems like time is just not stopping. They were just moving out there and grooving out there. We could learn a few lessons from that.

GRIFFIN: Yes.

NGUYEN: Well, I'm worse than you.

GRIFFIN: I haven't yet, but maybe we can.

NGUYEN: All right, well, the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

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 29, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
It's May 29.

Good morning.

I'm Drew Griffin. BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

Thanks for being with us this morning.

Today marks the start of the official Memorial Day holiday, when a grateful nation reflects on the cost of liberty. Join us as we prepare for today's dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IRENE HURLEY: A little kiss about right around through here, waltzed on a little bit farther and did the same thing in the next one. Then we get back out on the floor just like nothing ever happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: For an entire generation uncertain of survival, every kiss became a cherished memory. We'll step back in time to an old dance hall still echoing with the sound of people desperate to forget about war just for a little while.

And if playing in the dirt is on your calendar this weekend, some expert advice on what you can do now to ensure a garden of earthly delights.

But first, our top stories.

GRIFFIN: Six killings, hostages taken and a police chase in the city of Khobar in eastern Saudi Arabia. Saudi police pursuing groups of gunmen suspected of killing six people in a series of shootings. These are happening near an oil company compound. Reports say the gunmen have released some hostages, but are still holding an undetermined number. We will have a live report on this shortly.

The U.S. Army has concluded that former football star Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Tillman was killed April 22 while serving with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan. Tillman's family and some members of Congress were told of the findings.

An American Airlines flight attendant faces federal charges of interfering with an airline. An FBI official says she wrote the threatening note that she claimed to have found aboard a jet liner Thursday. The Dallas to Boston flight was diverted to Nashville because the note warned of a bomb in the plane. No bomb was found.

NGUYEN: Turning now to our top story, millions of people are traveling this Memorial holiday weekend. And in light of renewed terror warnings, there is increased security, especially at airports. Federal aviation officials say more screeners have been deployed to some of the nation's bustiest airports. They're asking for the public's help in spotting anything suspicious. They also say photographs of seven suspected terrorists released this week by the FBI are posted everywhere.

GRIFFIN: Many people in the nation's mid section will spend the holiday weekend knee deep in clean up from devastating storms. An apparent tornado destroyed dozens of homes in Kentucky. The governor declaring a state of emergency there. Disaster emergencies also have been declared in Indiana and West Virginia in the wake of flooding and storm damage. Four deaths are blamed on these storms.

NGUYEN: Thousands of World War II veterans are in the nation's capital for this afternoon's dedication of the World War II Memorial. It comes nearly 60 years after their fighting ended and many vets say it is long overdue.

Security is extremely tight for the dedication, which will be attended by President Bush; his father, former President Bush; and former President Clinton.

GRIFFIN: And in the war on terror, confusion about an alert this summer. On Wednesday, Attorney General John Ashcroft said credible intelligence pointed to an al Qaeda attack this summer. But Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge suggested the intelligence wasn't really that new and Ridge was more worried about terror during the Christmas holidays.

Now, Ridge and Ashcroft have issued this joint statement, saying, "We are entering a season of symbolic events that could be attractive targets for terrorism. In the months to come, we will hold significant national celebrations, host important international meetings and conduct our democratic political process, leading to our elections. Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States during this period."

NGUYEN: An update now on a developing story -- those killings this morning in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The gunmen suspected of killing six people near an oil company compound are now holding hostages.

Caroline Faraj is an editor at cnnarabic.com and she joins us live now from London with the latest.

What have you found out so far -- Caroline. CAROLINE FARAJ, EDITOR, CNNARABIC.COM: Well, indeed, Betty, we just heard right now from the Lebanese ambassador in Riyadh. He just confirmed the release of around four to five people of the Lebanese nationals. Some of them are carrying American nationalities, were released. But the Saudi officials are not confirming the numbers nor the nationalities of the hostages, as well as those who were killed during the attack.

As you just mentioned, the attack took place in several places, but the compound got almost the same type of workers over there. It is an expatriates living in this compound -- in these compounds and working in oil companies -- Betty.

NGUYEN: I know information is very sketchy right now, but any indication as to who these attackers are and how close they are to catching some of them?

FARAJ: Well, we -- some of the Islamic Web sites just mentioned briefly a statement that we are not able up to now to authenticate this statement, claiming that it is the al Qaeda group in the Arab Peninsula. However, it was a bit strange to see that this statement was deleted and it's not on the Web site anymore after almost half an hour after it was published, after half an hour.

So up to now, we are not clear; more, the Saudis are not clear who exactly this group is. The only statement that we heard directly from the officials in Saudi Arabia, that these are wanted people and these people are supposedly working closely to al Qaeda. However, they did not confirm -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Caroline Faraj with cnnarabic.com.

Thank you for that information.

And, of course, we will continue to follow this story. It is a developing story, so you want to keep it tuned to CNN.

GRIFFIN: Now for some stories making news across America this Saturday.

In northern California, two missing children found in a cave more than 24 hours after being lost during a school filed trip. The cave is in the Lava Beds National Monument. Professional spelunkers were brought in to help find the two 11 year olds, who became separated from the group while hiking in that cave.

The father-in-law of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is in trouble at his Nebraska retirement community because of that flag. Community directors say the rules prohibit the display of flags on apartment balconies.

Donald Lamp, whose daughter is married to Justice Thomas, says none of his neighbors have complained about the flag and he plans to keep it there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DONALD LAMP, DEFIANT FLAG-OWNER: It just happened that this hit at the season when we're doing nice things, remembering our people that preceded us in the Army and Navy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: A vanishing generation at last gets a fitting shrine in the nation's capital to commemorate its hard won victory nearly 60 years ago. A live report from the National Mall just ahead.

NGUYEN: And you can escape the summer heat with an epic disaster film about the new ice age. "The Day After Tomorrow" engulfs movie theaters this weekend.

GRIFFIN: And later, if you can still eat tomorrow, you can cultivate a green thumb. Expert gardener William Moss joins us to lend a hand.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: There's a live picture from Washington, D.C. Thousands of World War II veterans are in Washington this morning to share their memories and be honored at the new memorial. The official dedication ceremony comes later today, but as CNN's Brian Todd reports, the memories, both good and bad, are already flooding back for a lot of vets.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

05280103.v67

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Sixty years of memories. President Bush and his father are expected at the dedication ceremony, along with former President Clinton. During a week when we heard a lot about potential terror attacks this summer, you can imagine security is tight.

Joining us to talk about that is our Washington bureau CNN military intelligence analyst Ken Robinson.

Ken, obviously this is a tantalizing target for terrorists.

How is the security and how is it changing the way we hold these major functions?

KEN ROBINSON, MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: Well, this is a special event and this is the largest gathering of World War II veterans in many, many years. The last larger gathering of veterans was in 1995, when the veterans for the Korean War memorial met in Washington. And unfortunately in today's environment of terror threats, these events have to be declared special security events, where there is an enormous amount of cooperation and coordination between about 35 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to make the event secure. GRIFFIN: And, Ken, when we're talking about these special events, this is one of many we're going to have throughout the summer, beginning with this, the G8 summit, the conventions.

What kind of security is in play here that we are seeing and that we are not seeing?

ROBINSON: Well, it's enormous security. We've got some slides to be able to talk through it, if we can reveal those. There are six scenarios that they try to work through in preparation for these types of events.

And the first is air interdiction. You know, there's a no fly zone around the city of Washington, D.C. at all times and this air interdiction plan is coordinated with the Customs, United States Customs Service. And in the event that some airborne threat comes into the city, they have UH-60 helicopters that are planned to interdict and to attempt to redirect or force down any aircraft.

As well, they concern themselves with hostage barricade situations. In that situation, if there's something that occurs at the venue or something that occurs in the vicinity because we have two former presidents, a current president and a hopeful president all attending the same event, there's a lot of coordination between the FBI and the Secret Service.

The large vehicle explosion threat scenario is always a problem. If you think Oklahoma City and you think a large 18 wheeler or a rental vehicle that might have a large bomb that can cause mass casualties.

And then there's the scenario of a chemical release like a chemical tanker or a chemical device or a biological release, which would not be immediately recognized. But there are sensors for that.

And then radiological devices that could cause meters to go off. Many of the park police and FBI in the area are carrying pagers.

And then the ultimate scenario, the unthinkable, the nuclear device.

GRIFFIN: Yes, Ken, let me ask you, though, about the terrorists. They're not likely to hit where we're the strongest. They look for the weakest point.

Is all this preparation designed to defend ourselves against them or steer them away?

ROBINSON: Well, the United States government has a problem. It has to assume the worst and hope for the best when you have special security events. And so the law enforcement community and the federal government come together and they coordinate on the high impact/low probability events like these, and they also worry about the every day average things that could happen, from an automatic accident in the area to common street crime.

Unfortunately, they've got to plan for both.

GRIFFIN: Ken, let me just switch gears and ask you about our breaking news this morning on Pat Tillman. CNN now reporting that it is likely Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan under friendly fire. You are a Ranger. You're just back from Afghanistan. This is obviously devastating news.

But tell us about the friendly fire aspect. It's always there.

ROBINSON: Well, combat operations, training for combat operations is inherently dangerous and there are times when you do live fire maneuver exercises, even in training, where soldiers are potentially lost.

In a combat situation, command and control, especially in an ambush like a Kurd with this case with Tillman, things become very chaotic. It's organized violence that you try to direct against the opposing force that's attacked you and it can be very chaotic.

Unfortunately, friendly fire is something that's inherent in war. It makes it all the more tragic in terms of the loss, the sacrifice that these men incur.

You know, the interesting thing about Tillman is I could introduce you to 500 guys exactly like Pat Tillman. The only thing about Pat Tillman was is that he was known in terms of giving up a large amount of income and was a pro-football player. However, in terms of the type of sacrifice and the types of people that join the service, the profession of arms, there's thousands just like him.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

Ken Robinson joining us from our Washington bureau.

We'll see you later on.

There's another World War II memorial, or a world war memorial, that isn't getting nearly the same attention this day. In fact, the World War 1 memorial is actually falling into a state of disrepair -- the monument, dedicated to those who died in the war that was supposed to end all wars. President Herbert Hoover dedicated the memorial on Armistice Day in 1931 -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Well, there's one last stop to have fun, do some smooching and swing into a timeless dance. This ballroom has seen it all. The greatest generation heading off to the front and coming back today to show off some fancy footwork. Check it out. Their memories are ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: There's lots of new openings on the big screen this weekend -- comedy, romance and fiction bordering reality. It's enough for any appetite.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "RAISING HELEN") UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh, look.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, no, Vivo.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, you got the hats. Where did you find these?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I couldn't believe it, online, of all places.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Career in fashion, life in Manhattan, this should be enough to keep Helen busy. But her Paris Hilton days, well, they're done when her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident and Helen becomes guardian to their three children. So, does she hang onto her old dreams or take a chance on a new one? The "Cincinnati Inquirer" calls "Raising Helen" as glossy as it is forgettable. Ouch.

(VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW")

NGUYEN: Special effects steal the scene in "The Day After Tomorrow." The setting is a new ice age caused by global warming and the greenhouse effect. New York City is hit by hurricanes, earthquakes and huge tidal waves. So can a professor of paleoclimatology save Manhattan? "USA Today" says the Oscar caliber effects are fine, but what about script, characterization and logic?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SOUL PLANE")

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, y'all, what's cracker like? This is your soul plane chauffeur, Captain Antoine Max speaking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He sounds nice.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Oh, yes, and welcome to the first all black airline, NWA. The "Soul Plane" has it all -- in flight dance club and even bathroom attendants. But watch what happens when a white family accidentally gets on board. The "Chicago Tribune" says let's make this simple, if you spend money on "Soul Plane," well, you've been played. That thing has spinners. I don't know if you've seen all the clips on it -- Rob -- Rob Marciano joins us now with a look at weather.

But, I mean, spinners. It has hydraulics. This is a plane like no other.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So you've seen it?

NGUYEN: I just saw the clips.

MARCIANO: Oh.

GRIFFIN: And Snoop's in the cockpit. NGUYEN: I wasn't played just yet.

MARCIANO: Yes, Snoop's a big draw. No, I want to see that. The critics say I'm going to waste my money, basically?

NGUYEN: That's what they're saying, but they say that a lot about a lot of the comedies, and they're funny anyways.

MARCIANO: I think maybe that weather related one may be a waste of money, but I haven't seen that.

NGUYEN: Yes, "The Day After Tomorrow?"

MARCIANO: Right. Right.

Hey, Drew.

GRIFFIN: How are you, Rob?

MARCIANO: Good.

Good to see you.

Were you on last weekend, as well, or -- you're fairly new here.

GRIFFIN: Yes, pretty new.

MARCIANO: Yes.

GRIFFIN: I was on this week a little bit.

MARCIANO: Did Betty tell you about the little tradition we have of new anchors hosting a barbecue for everybody here at the CNN Center?

NGUYEN: Oh, you're in for it.

GRIFFIN: Not yet.

NGUYEN: Memorial Day weekend.

MARCIANO: Yes.

GRIFFIN: Maybe we'll get around to it.

NGUYEN: Yes? Oh, look at that.

MARCIANO: We'll fire that up. Pass along your address and we'll Map Quest everybody.

NGUYEN: Exactly.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: A quick check of the headlines coming up here. Saudi police are in pursuit of suspects involved in several shootings. They took place just hours ago in the city of Khobar. At least six people killed in the attacks. The gunmen also have taken several hostages.

It has been learned Pat Tillman, who quit pro-football to join the Army, was killed by friendly fire. That determination made following an Army investigation. Tillman, an Army Ranger, died in Afghanistan in late April.

NGUYEN: A triple murder baffles Baltimore. We know what happened. Police even think they have the weapon and know who did it. But the question the entire city is asking still has no answer.

GRIFFIN: And later, are these the new foot soldiers in the war on terrorism? Guys who normally get tips may soon be the ones giving them.

COMMERCIAL

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The FDA has ruled that Plan B, the emergency contraceptive now sold by prescription only, will not be made available over the counter. The drug, also called the morning after pill, is basically two high dose birth control pills that disrupt a woman's normal menstrual cycle. Taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it can prevent a pregnancy.

Those who are in favor of making the drug available without a prescription say it would reduce t estimated 800,000 unwanted teen pregnancies each year. The FDA says it's concerned Plan B might be misused by teens, but will revisit the issue if its maker can supply further studies of its safety.

Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Incidents between U.S. troops and Sadr militia members have continued today in Najaf. The small scale fighting comes after the U.S. halted offensive operations in the city as part of a tentative peace deal. Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said most of his militia would pull out of Najaf if the U.S. withdrew, as well.

Needless to say, security is intense around the National Mall in Washington today. This is a live picture. President Bush will officially dedicate the World War II Memorial. He'll share the stage with his father, a World War II Navy pilot, former President Clinton and former Senator Bob Dole, a World War II veteran, as well.

That dedication ceremony is live on CNN at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

GRIFFIN: A Baltimore community hurting, confused this morning after the grizzly killing of three young children. Two suspects who police say are related to those children are being held without bail. Police are still trying to figure out a motive for these killings.

CNN's Kathleen Koch reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

05280103.v67

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: And it's happened again -- a toddler abandoned. Police in the nation's capital asking for the public's help identifying a child. She's two years old. Police say she was dropped off at D.C.'s child welfare agency two weeks ago by a man and a woman. The couple says the mother left the girl in their care earlier this month and never came back. The child is now in foster care. Anybody with information should call the D.C. police.

NGUYEN: Twenty-eight thousand doormen in New York will get special training in how to spot terrorism threats like suspicious packages and cars parked too long at the curb. Porters in 3,500 apartment buildings will also get the training, about four hours of classroom instruction, to be exact. Off duty New York police officers will teach those courses.

Well, every weekend we catch you up on the latest developments in the war on terror. And it's been a week of notable updates.

On Wednesday, U.S. officials warn of a potential major terrorist attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. While details are few, officials are emphasizing there is no highly credible intelligence regarding a specific threat. The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security also offered some conflicting assessments on just how serious the threat is.

FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General John Ashcroft also released several photographs of individuals sought in connection with ongoing terror investigations. They say the individuals being sought are wanted for questioning and are not necessarily suspected of actively plotting attacks in the U.S.

And British police arrested a Muslim cleric at the request of the U.S. Washington has petitioned for the extradition of Abu Hamza al- Masri, accusing him of supporting the al Qaeda terrorist network and plotting to build an Islamic militant training camp in Oregon. U.S. prosecutors also say he played a role in a 1998 kidnapping in Yemen.

With the current news about threats here at home, please join CNN SATURDAY MORNING next weekend when we look at where we stand in terms of being prepared for a potential bioterror attack.

GRIFFIN: She is a former sex slave convicted in a murder. Now, is she victimized by the American criminal justice? Our legal eagles are on the case in the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING. Then, at 8:30 Eastern on our Weekend House Call, summer is almost here. Are your kids safe? From water, bites, to sunscreen tips, Holly Firfer is going to explain it all.

And in the 9:00 a.m. hour, the orphans of the Second World War finally get their wish come true.

But up next, do you know how to grow your vegetables?

William Moss digs in with some advice when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: It's tough enough to find anywhere, but you sure can't look for cheap gas in Minnesota. You'll be surprised to find out why. Details ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: On this holiday weekend, are you ready to dig in the dirt? How about planting your own vegetable garden? We've got everything you need to know to get started.

And our guest, William Moss, a fitting name, is a landscaping expert and host of "Rally Round The House" on the Discovery channel.

He's with us today from Chicago.

Good morning to you.

WILLIAM MOSS, HOST, "RALLY ROUND THE HOUSE": Good morning.

NGUYEN: Well, first of all, we are almost halfway through the year.

Is this a good time to start a vegetable garden?

MOSS: This is a great time to go out with the plants and put them out, because you can get in fabulous stuff. You can get a great selection by growing your own foods.

NGUYEN: OK. But we look at it and we see all these foods and these products, it looks great.

How difficult is it?

MOSS: It's really not that hard, you know. They make things so much easier for you now with all these new varieties that produce a lot of fruit and stuff. All you really need to do is get some strong, healthy plants. You need a good patch of soil and you also need bright sunlight. If you've got that, you're good.

NGUYEN: But which plants should you pick, just the ones that, say, you want to eat? Or are there ones that are easer to grow than others? MOSS: Well, I'm really big on this -- grow what you like to eat. It doesn't matter how many tomatoes you can grow, if you don't like tomatoes, what's the point?

NGUYEN: That makes sense, yes.

MOSS: Grow things that you like. Like my wife loves tomatoes so we grow lots of tomatoes. I like okra, so we grow lots of okra. Grow those things that you can't always find at the grocery store or things that you need to get fresh, like fresh corn or fresh sweet peas, things like that.

NGUYEN: I'm looking at the plants around you and some of these items, though, can't be grown inside, like in the kitchen. You have to go outside for some of it, correct?

MOSS: Yes, you do. Yes, you do. We do have containers up here that can be grown like on patios or roof decks. But most of these fruits and vegetables need to go outside somewhere where they can get plenty of good sunlight.

NGUYEN: And when we're looking at fruits and vegetables, I know fertilizer has to be key.

MOSS: Fertilizer is key. But I'm going to tell you one of my huge, huge points on this. Here's a tip. I fertilize a lot of times by mulching. What mulch does is it kind of helps cover the ground and it keeps the plants at a good temperature. It also helps stop weeds. But it has a lot of good fertilizer and stuff in it.

So I just cover the top of all my pots and all my plantings with this compost and what that does is act as a mulch and feeds at the same time.

NGUYEN: I got you.

OK, now, there are a lot of mistakes when you're trying to grow vegetables. My mother is a big gardener and I think she waters too much.

Is that one of the big no-nos?

MOSS: That is a problem. You know, watering is tricky. You should get about an inch of water on your garden a week, not much more than that. And...

NGUYEN: Just an inch?

MOSS: Yes, see, that's really hard to tell. That's really hard to tell.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MOSS: You can always get a rain gauge. But the best way to do this is to go out on like two days a week and just really water thoroughly. You don't want to go out every day and just sprinkle a little water on the garden. You want to go out once, twice a week and really soak it good. That way the water soaks down to the roots and things will grow much better than just that little shower sprinkling.

So once or twice a week, lots of water, that'll get you through it.

NGUYEN: Good tips there.

And growing a vegetable garden, it's not only good for the tummy, but it's also therapeutic, isn't it?

MOSS: It is very much therapeutic. It gets you outdoors. It gets you active, you know? You get a chance to be in tune with nature. It's just another form of exercise to add to your weekly routine. It's a wonderful thing. Get out there and grow some vegetables.

NGUYEN: Exactly. And, quickly, it can be fun for the whole family.

MOSS: Fun for the whole family, especially when it comes to things like pests. You know, kids don't really get too much into growing the plants at a certain age. But they love to like count grasshoppers or pick off ladybugs or find a big, fat caterpillar.

NGUYEN: Just don't eat those, right?

MOSS: Well, I wouldn't advise that.

NGUYEN: Only the vegetables.

MOSS: Just eat the other things. Just the vegetables.

NGUYEN: All right.

MOSS: Just the vegetables and fruits.

NGUYEN: William Moss with "Rally Round the House."

We thank you for your time and your tips.

MOSS: You're quite welcome.

All right.

NGUYEN: Drew.

GRIFFIN: I wish William could grow gas.

Everyone's looking for a break at the pump, but one state is on a drive against gas that is too cheap. We're going to tell you where and why.

Also, did Diana DeGarmo know she lost before the "American Idol" finale? Hmmm. CNN's Larry King asked her.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo have become household names after their stint on "American Idol." The winner and runner-up of the competition appeared last night on CNN's "Larry King Live" and DeGarmo came clean about rumors that she knew who won the contest before it was announced.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")

LARRY KING, HOST: There was a headline I saw in a paper that you knew the outcome before it was announced.

Is that true?

DIANA DEGARMO, "AMERICAN IDOL" RUNNER-UP: Different suspects, you know, different things. But like we were singing different songs and they said well, whoever wins will be singing "I Believe." And they were like well, so during the show, Diana, you're going to be singing "I Believe" and then Fantasia it going to be singing "Dreams." So whoever wins, you're going to be singing the other song. And I had already been told that the winner will be singing "I Believe." So I was like I know Fantasia is going to win.

FANTASIA BARRINO, "AMERICAN IDOL" WINNER: But you remember we flipped a coin, though.

DEGARMO: I know. It's cool, though. No, you know, it's no big deal. It was funny. But I, you know, I had accepted that. I was like you know what? I'm cool if I win or if I lose. It's no big deal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Well, Fantasia Barrino captured the "American Idol" title, edging out DeGarmo by 1.3 million votes.

GRIFFIN: Didn't have time to keep up with the news this week? That is what we're here for. We're going to rewind.

The FBI issuing a warning to local law enforcement Wednesday about a potential major terrorist attack in the U.S. this summer. According to the FBI, intelligence indicating an al Qaeda plan to hit the U.S. is nearly complete, though officials say they have no specific information as to possible time or place.

Football coach Gary Barnett stays at the University of Colorado in the wake of a recruiting scandal. The athletics director stays, also. But school officials say they will overhaul the athletic department. The scandal involved accusations of sexual misconduct. A grand jury looking into whether university funds were used to hire prostitutes. An independent commission concluded earlier that some players arranged for sex and provided alcohol to recruits.

And if you think the price of gas might be coming down any time soon, keep thinking. World oil prices are hitting record highs. U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, though, says that OPEC members are promising to boost supplies, something he calls "very positive."

Tomorrow we're going to fast forward to the week ahead and tell you which stories are likely to grab the spotlight.

NGUYEN: Well, with gas prices rising higher and higher, the State of Minnesota has begun fining gas stations for prices that are too low. That's right. State law says the stations must make a minimum profit plus taxes for each gallon of gas. The law is intended to keep large corporations from selling gasoline below cost in order to drive smaller competitors out of business.

GRIFFIN: Well, who says you don't play with your food? With a little know how, it's possible to squeeze an entire orchestra out of your grocer's produce section.

NGUYEN: What?

And as we look ahead to the dedication of the World War II Memorial this afternoon, some vets savor the parts of the past and help them through those dark days.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: All right, time for the Wows of the Week.

Meet Jumping Jack Dugger. He is the latest edition to what has become quite a brood. Jack, number 15, the 15th child for Michelle Dugger, who has given birth to all of them over the past 16 years.

NGUYEN: Yikes!

GRIFFIN: Man. We don't have time to name them all, but every single one of them starts with the letter J.

Have you ever seen a sunburned hippo? Of course not. Scientists say hippo sweat is a natural sunblocker. We're not sure why they needed to know that, but nevertheless it's true. Don't go looking to swipe any hippo sweat, though, just yet. Some say it doesn't work on humans. And guess what? It really smells bad.

I'm sure you've heard of stomp, but how about squash? A group of performers in Germany have chosen vegetables as their instrument of choice. Members of the First Vienna Vegetable Orchestra say the veggies make for a colorful and aromatically pleasing performance and one heck of a nice tossed salad as an encore.

NGUYEN: I was going to say, they don't have much of a shelf life with those instruments, huh?

Well, we want to go now to Rob Marciano for a look at the weather.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Time now to check the headlines. At least six people are dead following a series of attacks by gunmen in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Several foreigners were among those killed in the attacks. Saudi police say the gunmen have also taken several hostages.

Security is tight at the World War II Memorial ahead of today's planned dedication ceremony. Among the guests expected to take part in the dedication are both President Bushes, President Clinton and former Senator and World War II vet Bob Dole. The memorial opened to the public back in April.

GRIFFIN: Not all the memories from World War II can be summed up at the national memorial in Washington. For some, the best memories are traced back to a little amusement park dance hall.

Jeanne Meserve reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're still swinging in the Spanish ballroom just like they did during World War II. When he was home on leave from the Navy, John Matwey remembers dancing there four or five nights in a row.

JOHN MATWEY, World War II VETERAN: Basically we tried to have a good time, those of us who had been in action or were going to go into action. We wanted to enjoy ourselves.

MESERVE: Enjoy themselves they did, throughout the Glen Echo Amusement Park, but particularly in the ballroom, where, John Matwey says, you could escape the sometimes gruesome, often difficult war.

MATWEY: That was your release. That take, took you away from everything. You forgot about these things and you enjoyed yourself.

MESERVE: Enjoyed yourself with young women like Irene Hurley, who worked in the War Department. She remembers not just dancing, but smooching.

HURLEY: You could feel a little kiss about right around through here. We waltzed on a little bit farther and did the same thing on the next one. And then we'd get back out on the floor, just like nothing ever happened.

MESERVE (on camera): About how many guys did you do this with?

HURLEY: I lost count.

Six tickets for $4.50.

MESERVE (voice-over): In retirement, Irene Hurley has returned to this park just outside Washington, selling tickets to ride the antique carousel. She says her life, like the merry-go-round, has come full circle.

(on camera): When you look around this ballroom... HURLEY: Oh, my.

MESERVE: What comes flooding back?

HURLEY: Oh, what comes flooding back to me? Well, the good times I had, I guess. Just the good times.

MESERVE (voice-over): The good times continue at Glen Echo, where some World War II veterans still join Saturday night swing dances.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My cardiologist told me well, what have you been doing? I said dancing. He says don't stop. He says keep it up.

MESERVE: And the younger dancers? They think it's swell.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Some of the best dances that I have are with people that could be my grandfather. And they can do all these awesome moves that the younger guys, you know, they're learning how to do.

MESERVE: A ballroom where anyone can step in time and some can step back in time.

Jean Meserve, CNN, Glen Echo, Maryland.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: That is so true. You know, the best dancers at every wedding I've ever been to are all World War II vets.

NGUYEN: Absolutely. And they still have the moves, you know? It seems like time is just not stopping. They were just moving out there and grooving out there. We could learn a few lessons from that.

GRIFFIN: Yes.

NGUYEN: Well, I'm worse than you.

GRIFFIN: I haven't yet, but maybe we can.

NGUYEN: All right, well, the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com