Updated

On today's edition of DaySide with Linda Vester:

America on Alert: The nation prepares to celebrate New Year's (search) amidst unprecedented security. What are authorities doing to keep you safe? We’ll ask Peter Brookes, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a former CIA operations officer.

Plus, it's not just a high alert New Year's in America. We’ll take a look at the celebrations and security preparations over in Iraq with retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Scales, FNC military analyst.

Probe Prosecutor: Why did Attorney General John Ashcroft disqualify himself from the investigation into the CIA leak probe? We’ll get a fair and balanced debate from Susan Turnbull, deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee, and Rick Reed, Republican strategist.

The Glove Comes Off: We’ll get reaction to Michael Jackson’s claim that he was roughed up during his arrest from Ernie Rizzo, private investigator who was hired by the alleged victim's family in the 1993 molestation case.

Mepham High School Hazing Case:

If you would like to contact the parents seeking policy changes in Mepham High School, please e-mail them at: Mepham Parents 4 Change mhsp4c@yahoo.com

About the Show:

DaySide with Linda Vester, FOX News Channel's brand new daytime talk show, takes you beyond the headlines for a closer look at the stories that newsmakers and your neighbors are talking about.

To be part of the LIVE studio audience click here or please call: 1-887-FOX-TKTS (1-877-369-8587).

Plus, we want your feedback: Send your comments to dayside@foxnews.com.

DaySide with Linda Vester airs weekdays at 1 p.m. ET. You won't want to miss it!