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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Buried in Boston; Crisis in Ukraine: How to End the War; The War on ISIS: New Terror Video Released; Alabama Same Sex Marriage Fight; Popovich Wins 1,000th Career Game

Aired February 10, 2015 - 05:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Records shattered, again. A monster snowstorm buries millions on the East Coast. We will show you the areas hardest hit and here's the thing: there is a new storm fast approaching.

Ending the war in Ukraine. President Obama clashes with world leaders on how to stop pro-Russian rebels. This morning, we will explain the disagreements and what comes next.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. It is Tuesday, February 10th, 5:00 a.m. in the East. Christine Romans is off today.

We begin with a state of emergency in Massachusetts. The city of Boston at its breaking point, buried by two new feet of snow. This is the third major storm in two weeks. It is shattering snowfall records in the region. The snow depth in Boston registers 37 inches. That is the deepest ever recorded there.

The weight of all that snow is too much to bear for so many roofs. Check out this sheet metal plant. Seven workers are trapped inside when the roof collapsed there. Luckily, they did make it out safely.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Suddenly heard a big hissing sound. Knew right away what it was.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was real quiet. And all of a sudden, it was like a hissing sound and like a creaking sound. And all of a sudden, ceiling just started buckling underneath.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The guys I work with just started yelling, you know, get out, get out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Let's get to the snowy streets of Boston. Rosa Flores is there.

Good morning, Rosa.

ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, John.

You said it just right. I mean, so much snow can take a dangerous turn. Just take a look around me. The snow banks are turned into snow hills. Now, let me measure this quickly here. You can see and this is probably hitting some ice. This is about 30 inches right here.

But let me show you how these 30 inches can turn very, very dangerous. Take a look at the narrow street. You will see why. The streets on both sides, these mounds and mounds of snow, which makes it very narrow. Visibility can be very low.

Now, the snow, not just packed on the ground, it packs on roofs and structures. So, take a look at this video because my crew and I were on the top of a roof with a crew that as a contractor, they get paid to remove the snow from rooftops. They have been inundated with phone calls from people who are hoping that they can remove this snow. It is a dangerous tedious job. It is something that has to be done. Officials have been urging residents to do just that.

Now, somewhere does the snow go? Snow farms. Snow farms are pretty much parking lots with mounds and mounds of snow, and snow-melter that can reduce those mounds of snow to simply water.

Now, as for everybody else, now, schools are closed. Non-essential personnel are asked to stay home. What are they doing? They are having to shovel snow.

Now, a lot of people are shoveling not only for themselves, but also for their elderly neighbors, which is recommended.

And here is the other thing, I got to show this -- this baby, you have to keep it clear. Not just for your property, but for the property of everybody else around them.

And here is the thing. You have to shovel the snow, but you can't shovel the snow to the street. John, hear this, more than 1,500 people have already been cited for either not shoveling their sidewalk or for shoveling into the streets.

So, a lot of dangers with a lot of snow. But people are handling it like they always do -- John.

BERMAN: Let's get the rulers and you get shovel. You can go to my mother's place and shovel off the stairs. She will be forever grateful. So, thanks for that. I appreciate it.

Rosa Flores in Boston, thanks so much.

A dangerous mix of snow and ice triggered a deadly 15-vehicle pile up on the New Jersey highway last night. One person was killed and dozens injured near Cranberry, New Jersey. That's just outside Manhattan. Four tractor-trailers and two box trucks were involved in the wreck. Police say the I-95 corridor turned slick very quickly when temperatures plunge to below freezing. A snow emergency has been declared in Upstate New York. A new foot of

snow falling there in the Albany area. Up to 18 inches reported in the Catskills and the southern Adirondacks. A snow emergency in New Hampshire, where 15 inches of fresh snow fell.

All parked cars in Manchester ordered to get off the road or you will be towed. The Manchester airport there, we should tell you, is open. There could be more of this on the way, more extreme weather for the Northeast.

We better get to meteorologist Pedram Javaheri for an early look at the forecast.

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, John.

Yes, it's hard to believe potential for another storm system later in the week. This will be for Thursday into Friday. Another storm that has the potential for a nor'easter in the making here. So, you take a look.

One of the models, of them suggests this comes closer to land. If that's the case, based on this American model, that produce far more heavy snowfall around eastern portions of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, in Connecticut. The European model wants to take offshore. If that plays out, then we see far less snowfall.

So, how much are we talking? The lesser amount would be six to eight around Boston. Two to four around New York City, but Friday afternoon and Friday night, the higher amount if the storm comes closer to land, would be over a foot yet again around Boston, four to six inches in the forecast for New York City.

The Massachusetts governor saying, hey, the amount of snow we had to remove across the state so far this season could fill up Gillette Stadium, home of the Patriots, 90 times over. That's how much snow fall has come down. Of course, top ten in the way of snowiest seasons of all time. Notice, another 10 to 15 in the forecast potential there would take the 77 we have on the ground and put it in the top two scale for some of the largest snowfall in any season we've seen in recorded history -- John.

BERMAN: Even the lower amounts bring eight inches of snow to Boston. That does not look good.

All right. Pedram, thanks so much.

Secretary of State John Kerry, the highest ranking U.S. official to support sending arms to Ukraine. He shared those feelings with lawmakers on Monday. President Obama right now taking a wait-and-see approach. The president met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday, agreeing to hold off on a decision until Merkel meets Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Let's get more now from senior White House correspondent Jim Acosta -- Jim.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM ACOSTA, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: John, President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to show a united front when it comes to dealing with Russian aggression in Ukraine. But the two leaders, they sounded very far apart on that key question of sending arms to the Ukrainian military. President Obama made it clear he may will take his confrontation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to the next level and ship arms to Ukraine to fight those pro- Moscow separatists.

Here's what the president had to say to news conference here at the White House.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: What I've asked my team to do is to look at all options. What other means can we put in place to change Mr. Putin's calculus. And the possibility of lethal defensive weapons is one of those options that's being examined. But I have not made a decision about that yet.

ACOSTA: Chancellor Merkel wants the White House to wait at least until Wednesday when she's expected to sit down with Putin to try to hammer out a peace deal, but with Russia already accused of violating past agreements and sanctions having little effect on Putin, the Obama administration is dropping plenty of hints it may move forward with those armed shipments if the talks fail. But in a sign of the internal debate within this administration, the president downplayed the impact of helping Ukraine to defend itself.

It's worth nothing the president was asked whether he had a red line for dealing with Vladimir Putin, he offered no red line for when Russia might go too far -- John.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: A crucial meeting scheduled in Belarus. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany scheduled to meet face to face tomorrow. The presidents of all four countries have been communicating for days. Can they reach a deal to end the bloodshed in Eastern Ukraine?

Let's go to Moscow right now, get a sense of where things are headed from Erin McLaughlin.

Good morning, Erin.

ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

Today, President Putin spokesperson saying that Russia is interested in a peaceful settlements, the question, though, of course, being what sort of compromises are necessary to stop the bloodshed? Now, today, as well, the Russian defense ministry announced that it will allow Ukrainian military inspectors into the Rostov region of Russia which borders southeastern Ukraine. They'll be allowed there until February 12th. Unclear if the Ukrainian military is taking them up on the invitation. It's an attempt on the Russians to counter accusations from the West

that Russia is supplying military personnel and equipment fueling the crisis in Eastern Ukraine. That announcement could potentially be seen as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the Minsk talks scheduled for tomorrow.

Now, President Putin is in Egypt today, meeting with leaders there. He is expected in Minsk for those talks. Although his attendance is not 100 percent guaranteed. He wants all sides to agree on certain issues beforehand -- John.

BERMAN: Erin McLaughlin for us in Moscow -- those talks scheduled. Let's hope all leaders make it there. Thanks, Erin.

President Obama scheduled to formally ask Congress to authorize the use of military force against ISIS. That could come as soon as today. This one day after the release of the latest ISIS propaganda video which shows hostage John Cantlie, a British journalist, forced to report for ISIS. His opening comments sound ominous.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN CANTLIE, ISIS HOSTAGE: Hello, I'm John Cantlie. In the last film in the series, we're in a city that has been at the heart of the fighting since summer of 2012.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Note there, he says "last in the series". That has some people concerned that ISIS might have some devious plans for him soon.

Still no word on the fate of American hostage Kayla Mueller. The State Department says that he's working around the clock to determine whether she is still alive. New intelligence reveals that ISIS is plotting to kidnap more Western and international hostages in countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. That as a Iraqi troops prepare to launch a major ground offensive to take back parts of that country that are now controlled by extremists.

Our Phil Black reported from there a short time, the Iraqi forces are making up considerable ground right now against ISIS.

Time for an early start on your money. Business correspondent Cristina Alesci is here -- Cristina.

ALESCI: It is too calm for me right now. I want a little bit more action.

U.S. stock futures are barely moving. And it is still too early to tell if stocks can shake off yesterday's slide. The Dow dropped 95 points, worries about Greece's debt and bailout conditions are dragging down markets around the world. Investors are, of course, weighing the possibility of a Greek default or even worse, an exit from the Eurozone entirely.

Now, the only sector that actually rose yesterday was energy. That is a welcome change for the sector which has been hammered for months because crude oil prices have been slashed in half since July.

But prices seem to be stabilizing a bit now. Hovering at about $52 for a few days. So, is it a floor or a pause? Not a lot of consensus on this. One Citigroup analyst says we could be looking at $20 oil very soon. As you pointed out, John, "The Wall Street Journal" out with a story that says the complete opposite.

BERMAN: Yes, oil prices going up. So --

ALESCI: Yes, exactly. No one knows the answer.

BERMAN: One or the other, or option C, they'll stay the same.

ALESCI: That's probably actually more likely.

BERMAN: All right. Cristina, thanks so much.

A battle brewing this morning over same-sex marriage. Dozens of counties in Alabama refusing to issue licenses. This on the first day that gay marriage was to become legal. So, what comes next? We'll explain.

Plus, breaking overnight. Jesse Matthew reportedly charged with murder in the death of Virginia student Hannah Graham. We have new information, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Despite getting a legal go-ahead from the U.S. Supreme Court, many Alabama counties have refused to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. Instead, those judges are following the lead of the Alabama chief justice in defiance of the federal court order. Still, gay couples across Alabama are determined to wed.

Let's get more now from CNN's Suzanne Malveaux.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That was an extraordinary scene on Monday in Alabama. This is where same sex couples lined up outside the courthouses to get married. In counties like Birmingham, Montgomery and Huntsville, they were successful. But in other counties, like Mobile, Florence and Pike, they were denied.

Amidst the confusion, marriage equality advocates were reporting that 53 of 67 counties in Alabama were not issuing marriage licenses. At the epicenter of the dispute is Alabama's Chief Justice Roy S. Moore, who ordered the judges to defy the federal court.

Well, the conservative judge, he is no stranger to controversy. Back in 2003, he was removed from his seat for defying a federal order to take down a display of the Ten Commandments at the state's judicial building. Well, voters put him back on the bench in 2012.

Well, his actions on Monday led to confusion and chaos throughout the state, as some judges, they complied with Moore's demand to deny the marriage licenses to gay couples, while other judges gave the green light.

Some in Alabama, they are comparing the political standoff to the historical battle that took place in the state over the federally ordered racial integration. Well, Moore has called for Alabama's governor, Robert Bentley, to punish any judges issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. The governor says he'll do no such thing, that the debate over same sex marriage must be worked out through proper legal channels.

And in April, the U.S. Supreme Court will, indeed, take up the issue.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Suzanne Malveaux, thanks so much.

The measles outbreak spreading to three more states and Washington, D.C. The Centers for Disease Control now reports that 121 cases of measles have hit 17 states and the nation's capital. The largest number of cases, 88, are in California where the outbreak began at Disneyland theme parks. Officials say the resurgence of measles, which is very contagious, is due largely to the growing number of people not having their children vaccinated or delaying vaccinations.

He was already charged in the disappearance of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham. Now, reports say that Jesse Matthews has been charged with first degree murder. A formal announcement is expected at a press conference this morning.

Eighteen-year-old Hannah Graham was last seen in September, leaving a Charlottesville bar with Jesse Matthew. Her body was found just over a month later. Matthew is currently behind bars for a 2005 rape case. The DNA has linked him to the death of another Virginia Tech student in 2009.

Convicted killer Drew Peterson is now charged with trying to hire a hit man to kill the lead prosecutor in one of his cases. The former Illinois police officer is currently serving a 38-year prison sentence in the drowning death of his third wife. He is also the prime suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife. Peterson is accused of plotting to kill the prosecutor in the 2012 trial that ended with his conviction for murdering ex-wife Kathleen Savio.

The family of Bobbi Kristina Brown is praying for a miracle as she fights for her life in a Georgia hospital. A public candlelight prayer vigil was held Monday night just outside of Atlanta. Several family members were there. Bobbi Kristina remains in a medically induced coma. She was found unresponsive in a bathtub at her home.

A close friend of her father Bobby Brown spoke exclusively to CNN and says everyone is staying hopeful.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNNY GILL, BOBBY BROWN'S CLOSE FRIEND: There has been some little improvement here and there. So, you know, ultimately, it's -- when you put it in perspective, it is really about -- she's fighting and she's strong. That's the one thing that has been that Bobby has been talking about and has -- if there was one thing that he is hanging his hopes on is the fact that she's a fighter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: The 21-year-old Bobbi Kristina is the only child of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Police are trying to determine how she ended face down in a bathtub.

NFL star Greg Hardy appealing a domestic violence conviction, but his accuser failed to show up in court. So, prosecutors are throwing out the charges. Will the NFL discipline him anyway? Andy Scholes has the details in the "Bleacher Report" next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Domestic violence charges against Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy have been dismissed because his accuser cannot be found.

Andy Scholes has more in his morning's "Bleacher Report".

Good morning, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, John.

Yes, Greg Hardy was already convicted of domestic violence last year. But he appealed the ruling requesting a jury trial and between the time he was convicted and the appeal, prosecutors suspect Hardy reached a civil settlement with his accuser. And they believe that's why she did not show up to the hearing and has -- intentionally she's made herself unavailable.

Now, without her testimony, the district attorney's office has decided to dismiss the case. The question now is, what will the NFL do? The league says they are currently reviewing the matter. New rules call for a six-game suspension for domestic violence.

After making $13.1 million after playing just one game last year, Hardy is set to be a free agent this summer.

All right. Spurs head coach Greg Popovich reaching a milestone last night, earning his 1,000th win. San Antonio rallied from 14 points down in the fourth quarter, and Marco Belinelli hit a baseline jumper with just two seconds left to give the Spurs the victory. Popovich, the third fastest to reach 1,000 wins behind Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. And when asked about reaching the milestone, Pop said, "I have been here a long time and had a lot of good players. That's the formula."

All right. In intense scene in the Indiana high school basketball game on Saturday night after a hard bout of fast break. Players from both teams started throwing punches, igniting an all-out brawl. Fans including adults ran in on the court, joined in on the melee. The game eventually had to be called midway to the first quarter. Police are currently reviewing this video to see if any adults threw punches. According to an ESPN report, the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles

are both interested in playing an exhibition game in Cuba this spring. This is on the heels of President Obama's announcement last month that the U.S. would begin restoring relations with Cuba. There are no official plans for the game just yet. Major League Baseball, the player unions and both governments would, of course, have to sign off on the deal.

John, there are some heavy hitters working on this to get it done, though. Secretary of State John Kerry, a huge Red Sox fan, like yourself, is reportedly in on talks to try to help make this happen.

BERMAN: I would be interesting to see what this normalize relations with Cuba mean for baseball, because there's been this slow influx of players from Cuba already. But that could be a wave soon.

SCHOLES: Yes.

BERMAN: Andy Scholes, great to see you. Thanks so much.

SCHOLES: All right. Good to see you, too.

Happening now, the East Coast digs out from a record-breaking snowstorm, but there is more to come. A new storm on the horizon. We'll tell you when, next.

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