[Announcer:] From the Time Warner center in New York, this is DAYBREAK, with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
[Valerie Morris, Cnn Anchor:] Good morning to you. I'm Valerie Morris in today for Carol Costello. Also coming up this half-hour, divorce is on the rise among military couples. We'll look at why it may be harder to keep a military marriage together. And if safety is a top concern for airlines, why would there be fewer inspectors because of FAA budget cuts? But first, "Now in the News." British Foreign Minister Jack Straw made an unannounced visit to Baghdad today. He and two European Union officials met with Iraqi leaders about a conference on developing Iraq. That conference is set for Brussels later this month. The Senate is expected to vote today on the federal appeals court nomination of Judge William Pryor. He is the last of three nominees that Democrats said could have a final vote as part of the agreement on filibusters. And Arizona firefighters are battling a fast-moving brush fire. It's charred about 1,000 acres and forced the evacuation of at least 30 people from their homes near the town of Wickenburg.
[Morris:] Moving now to CNN's "Security Watch." A fifth person is in custody as part of that federal terror investigation in Lodi, California. Let's get more on this latest story from our Chris Lawrence in Lodi Chris.
[Chris Lawrence, Cnn Correspondent:] Yes, good morning, Valerie. Yesterday, we were telling you that CNN sources and law enforcement were giving us an indication that this wasn't over; that more arrests could follow. And today, we have heard that a fifth person has been detained in the Lodi terrorism investigation. He is Mohammed Hassan Adil. He's the 19-year-old son of one of the spiritual leaders, who was detained on an immigration violation, like his father and the other spiritual leader. The spokeswoman would not discuss exactly how he would be tied to the other two men who were arrested, two U.S. citizens, Umer Hayat and his son, Hamid Hayat, who were charged with lying to federal officials about Hamid Hayat's involvement in a terrorist training camp in Pakistan.
[Morris:] A story that has obviously prompted neighbors to say what they feel about these people. It's just so difficult for them to their mind around the fact that these people, their neighbors, could have been involved.
[Lawrence:] That's right. We spoke with several neighbors, one of them Kareena Morrillo, who said in talking about Umer Hayat, who has been in the community for some time, said he was very friendly with the kids, he never did anything to make us believe he was planning something like this. And we have to remember, when you say the word "terrorism," it has such connotations. We also spoke with Umer Hayat's attorney, Johnny Griffin, who said, you know, it's important for everyone to push the pause button. He said, he's not charged now with anything that has to do with terrorism. He's only charged with making a false statement to federal agents. Also, a distinction I'd like to point out also, when we read the original federal affidavit, it listed potential specific targets as hospitals and grocery stores in this alleged plot. So, federal officials are now backing off that statement. In a press conference yesterday, they indicated that, although they believe acts of terrorism were being planned to be committed against us, they said we don't have exact plans, timing or even specific targets. And in speaking with District Attorney McGregor Scott, he said that the initial affidavit was a draft. And even though it was regularly referenced throughout the day, there were things in there like specific targets that just were not true.
[Morris:] All right, Chris, thank you.
[Lawrence:] So, the first federal officials are backing off a bit.
[Morris:] It seems that there's lots of paperwork to untangle, and also people need to keep in mind innocent until charged and proven guilty. Christ Lawrence reporting from Lodi, California. And this reminder to you. Do stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security. A new announcement today from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Let's check in with Carol Costello for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING." Hi, Carol.
[Carol Costello, Cnn Anchor:] Good morning, Valerie. You're right. A father is the new head of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Glenn Burch is the first man ever chosen to head the organization in its 25 year history. Burch says a personal tragedy led him to the organization. We will hear that story and his plans for the organization as he takes over as head mom. And just in time for bathing suit season, we're talking diets. The American Heart Association says forget all of the fads. It says it's a simple formula for losing weight called the no-fad diet. Are you listening, Chad Myers? The Atkins Diet is out. In this diet, all you have to do is focus on three central ideas. We'll tell you what they are just ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING." Back to you Valerie.
[Morris:] OK, thank you very much, Carol. Some sniping is going on outside the jury room at the Michael Jackson trial. The latest twist is a spat over who speaks for the pop star while the jury decides his fate. Spokeswoman Ramone Bain says Jackson returned to a hospital for some follow-up back pain treatment. Bain insisted she has the lead attorney's blessing to talk to the media. However, says Tom Mesereau quote: "I have not authorized anyone to speak or hold any press conferences on behalf of Michael Jackson or his family. A gag order is in effect, which the defense team will continue to honor" end quote. Jurors in Jackson's child molestation trial return today. They deliberated for more than three full days without reaching a verdict. Now to the political hot button issue of Guantanamo Bay. The big question in recent days has been: Should the detention center for suspected terrorists be shut down? The Bush administration is weighing in with some seemingly conflicting thoughts. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld talked about the issue before heading off to a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels. He said quote "I know of no one in the U.S. government in the executive branch that is considering closing Guantanamo" end quote. Meanwhile, President Bush seemed to have left the door open to possible closure in the future, saying on another news network quote: "We are exploring all alternatives as to how best to do the main objective, which is to protect America. What we don't want to do is let somebody out that comes back and harms us" end quote. Texas Governor Rick Perry, he's being criticized by gay groups for remarks he made over the weekend. Perry went to a church to sign a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage, on Sunday he went there. During the ceremony he said, and I am quoting again: "Texans made a decision about marriage. And if there is a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that's a better place for them to live" end quote. Lesbian and gay rights groups are demanding an apology. Now, few people would argue with this: Keeping a successful marriage going can be a challenge. But when spouses are active-duty soldiers, it takes it to a whole new level of stress, and the divorce rate shows it, as our Jamie McIntyre reports.
[Jamie Mcintyre, Cnn Senior Pentagon Correspondent:] War is hell on marriages, especially for Army officers who are responsible for two families: their comrades in arms and their spouses at home. Just look at the numbers from last year. In 2004, 3,325 Army officers' marriages ended in divorce, compared to 1,866 in 2003 and 1,060 in 2002. That's a jump of 78 percent in one year and triple the number from three years ago. If you combine enlisted soldiers and officers, the numbers are still dramatic. More than 10,000 divorces last year, a jump of more than 3,000 from the year before. That pushes the overall Army divorce rate from just under 3 percent to just over 4 percent. The Army says the reason is obvious: the stress of combat and long deployments, both in Iraq and Afghanistan.
[Lt. Col. Gerald Nelson, U.s. Army Chaplain:] Everyday routine is completely different. They've been told what to do. They know where to go. And they come back, and civilian life is really quite a change.
[Unidentified Female:] Welcome home.
[Unidentified Male:] Thank you, sweetie.
[Mcintyre:] Army Major Bob Cabell and his wife, Elizabeth, hope to avoid becoming just another divorce statistic. So, when he returned from Iraq, they enlisted in the Army's "Building Strong and Ready Families Program."
[Maj. Bob Cabell, U.s. Army Reserve:] There was a disconnect in our relationship with just general stuff, making decisions and how we do that.
[Elizabeth Cabell, Wife:] Because I didn't stop.
[B. Cabell:] Me trying to fit in...
[E. Cabell:] Right, yes.
[B. Cabell:] Me trying to be the round peg in the square hole.
[Mcintyre:] With Internet and cell phone technology, it's easier for soldiers to keep in touch from the battlefield, but experts say that doesn't always help a shaky marriage.
[Kathleen Moakler, Nation Military Family Assn:] Communication is both a blessing and a curse, because the service members know more about what's going on at home, and the families know more about what's going on in the field. And while for many that's a comfort, for others, it could be a detriment, because it gives them more to worry about.
[Mcintyre:] The Army says it is well aware of the strain that long and dangerous deployments put on families. And it has a number of counseling and education programs aimed at keeping marriages together. But experts say that doesn't change one essential fact: It's not easy being married to a soldier serving in a faraway war zone. Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.
[Morris:] Still to come, are the major airlines putting costs above your safety? Some answers when DAYBREAK continues.