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Putin Gives Defiant Speech During Scaled-Back Victory Day; Task Force Recommends Breast Cancer Screening Start At 40. Girl Scout Troops 6000, First Of Its Kind, Serving NYC Shelter System. Aired 11:30a-12p ET

Aired May 09, 2023 - 11:30   ET

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

[11:30:00]

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: In commitments to Ukraine in terms of military equipment since the beginning of the war. It's worth pointing out that this is more medium and long-term not pulled directly from DOD stocks, so this will take some time to arrive in country. One other element here that's interesting is equipment needed to integrate all of Ukraine's different air defense systems. So, some of their older Soviet-era equipment like S-300s as well as what we just saw not only get into the country but be used for the first time, and that's the advanced Patriot system.

We got one of our rare looks at U.S. training on Patriot systems for Ukrainians as well as German and Dutch trainers for Ukrainians. And this is the final stage of validation in mid-April before it went into the country. And we have already seen how effective the Patriots can be.

For the first time, according to Ukraine intercepting the Russian Kinzhal ballistic missile known as the killjoy according to NATO, this was a missile that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was impossible to intercept. Ukraine just proved otherwise. So, you see how important this is especially the long-term commitment, John, to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to fight back against Russia and for that counteroffensive that we all expect is looming.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. The Patriot missiles are very important for air defense. Oren Liebermann at the Pentagon, thank you very much. Kate?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: And Russian President Vladimir Putin, he delivered a defiant speech at Russia's annual Victory Day celebrations this morning. The annual military parade to mark the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany was also noticeably scaled back this year. Russia usually never misses a chance, especially on this significant anniversary to flex its military might. Well, this year, here's what's -- was -- here's what was noteworthy.

Take a look at your screen. There was only one tank on display, and it was a Soviet-era tank no less, seen on the left side of your screen. During last year's procession seen on the other side of your screen, you can see a much larger procession of more modern tanks. The size of the crowds at this year's parade was also visibly smaller. Here you can see a side by side the difference in Parade participants. Roughly 4000 fewer troops this year than last.

CNN's Matthew Chance is joining me now for much more on this. Matthew, you were at last year's parade. What sticks out to you about this?

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, they scaled back on my presence as well. I didn't get an invite this year. But look -- I mean, yes, it was definitely much smaller. There were definitely fewer troops, as you pointed out.

But you know, I think it's important to remember that it was still a major show of Russian strength. I mean, the centerpiece of this military parade, as it is every year, was still Russia's intercontinental ballistic missiles. They were paraded across the cobbles of Red Square just like they are every year. And it's a potent reminder of the nuclear threat that Russia poses, of course.

But yes, you're right, it was a much -- it was a much smaller presence, otherwise. There was that one tank, as opposed to the columns of tanks we've seen in previous years. Now, that may have been for security reasons but it's there's a whole load of speculation that this was actually because Russia -- Russian armor is getting such a pounding in the field in Ukraine, that they weren't able to muster enough armor to bring onto Red Square.

That's probably an exaggeration but the fact that Russia is currently digging in in Ukraine, or waiting for the Ukrainian counteroffensive that we've been talking about. You know this is an indication that they don't have an excess of weaponry that they can just throw onto Red Square, sort of at will. And so, I think that's potentially quite significant, Kate.

BOLDUAN: Yes. But also, as you perfectly mentioned, of course, Matthew, says nothing about how relentless though the bombardment continues during in -- with -- in the offensive in Ukraine. It's good to see you, Matthew. Thank you. Sara?

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: All right. There's new information in the fight against breast cancer. How are health experts now saying women should start getting screened earlier?

And it's the ultimate survival kit. A woman stranded in the bush for five days manages to survive. How did she survive? Bottles of wine and lollipops. My kind of lady.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDIAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dr. Sanjay Gupta, host of CNN's "CHASING LIFE" podcast.

GUPTA (voiceover): Do you keep your cell phone by your side almost all the time? Do you check it as soon as you wake up? If so, you are not alone as you might imagine. 83 percent of the United States' adults say they are always by their phone during the day. 64 percent admit to checking it as soon as they wake up. That's according to a 2022 Gallup poll.

The average number of times someone picks up their phone, 300 times in a single day. Let's be real. It's hard to totally get away from your phone, especially in this modern world.

And chances are it's the social media apps on your phone that are sucking up a lot of your time, not your banking app, or even the actual phone on your phone. If you know that you spend too much time on a specific app, consider taking it off your phone.

GUPTA: Another suggestion, instead of checking in on friends via Facebook, maybe actually use your phone to call them instead.

[11:35:06]

GUPTA (voiceover): A quick phone conversation with a friend is a really meaningful thing to do much more so than simply liking their photo.

GUPTA: And rule number one in the Gupta household. Always put your phone away when you sit down for dinner with your family.

GUPTA (voiceover): And you can hear much more about how to optimize your health and chase life wherever you get your podcast.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:40:35]

BERMAN: In Serbia, thousands filled the streets of the Capitol to demand gun reforms in the wake of two recent mass shootings. The Serbian President has proposed a two-year moratorium on issuing new gun permits and a national buyback program. Gun ownership is high in Serbia but mass shootings there have been extremely rare.

A wild scene in Pakistan today. The former prime minister was arrested when paramilitary troops smashed a window at Islamabad's High Court. They apprehended Imran Khan and he was -- as he was making a court appearance. He is now facing corruption charges.

His political party calls it an abduction and defense of Khan saying he has "always followed the law." There have been protests across the country today. Hundreds of men broke into the general headquarters of Pakistan's army. They were not met by the military. No signs of arrests there.

And a bottle of wine helped save a woman who was stranded in the Australian bush for five days. The 48-year-old got lost while on vacation or her car apparently got stuck in the mud and she had no cell service. She only had a few snacks on hand, lollipops, no water. But she did have a bottle of wine that she had bought as a gift for her mother which apparently helped keep her alive. She was taken to a hospital when she was found and treated for dehydration. Kate.

BOLDUAN: Proof yet again that wine saves lives. This just in to CNN. Women as young as 40 should now be screened for breast cancer every two years. That is the new recommendation just coming out from a key group of medical experts. These draft guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is lowering the recommended age to begin regular mammograms by 10 years.

CNN's Jacqueline Howard has the details on this and she's joining us now. This is a really important group. They have a very big impact on how -- what insurance plans cover, on what doctors recommend. But first and foremost, what is driving this change in recommendation?

JACQUELINE HOWARD, CNN HEALTH REPORTER: Well, Kate, I can tell you previously, the task force said that women in their 40s had the choice, an individual choice to start mammograms in their 40s. But now, they're coming down stronger on this saying all women should start breast cancer screening at age 40.

And we already know that it's estimated that nearly 13 percent -- 12.9 percent of women born in the United States could be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their life. And I spoke with task force members, they said that we are seeing an annual increase in breast cancer diagnoses in this country. So, that's why they're recommending to start screening for average-risk women at age 40 to catch cancers earlier, which will reduce the risk of dying from the disease and enhance their survival.

Now, another important note, Kate, other groups have already been recommending to start mammograms in your 40s. So, this is the task force kind of catching up with what other organizations have been saying, and what as a society some doctors have been telling their patients to do is to start in your 40s as well.

BOLDUAN: As you just mentioned, this new recommendation is for women with an average risk for breast cancer.

HOWARD: Yes.

BOLDUAN: Does this mean then that women with a higher risk for breast cancer should start even earlier?

HOWARD: So, this does not change things for women at high risk. If you are at an increased risk, keep doing what your doctor has told you to do. This recommendation is for average-risk women. It is a draft recommendation. It's available for public comment until June 5.

But for all of us, Kate, it's important to talk to your doctor about your family history, your breast density, if you can ask for a breast exam, and also ask them when you should start mammograms and how often because we all have our own individual risk factors. So, for all of us, it's kind of -- you know what's different is we could be recommended to do annual screenings start at this age, that age, or have forts. So, it's important to have these conversations with your doctor, Kate.

BOLDUAN: Early and often. Good to see you, Jacqueline. Thank you.

HOWARD: Early and often.

BOLDUAN: Sara?

SIDNER: Time is running out to get those yummy thin mints or do-si-dos or whatever cookie you fancy. Girl Scouts have a suggestion for where to get your cookies this year. A first of its kind group of girls we highlight Troop 6000. Next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:49:28]

BERMAN: "ON THE RADAR" this morning. In Philadelphia, a manhunt is underway after two inmates including one accused of multiple murders, escaped from a correctional facility. Police say 18-year-old Ameen Hurst and 24-year-old Nasr Grant were not discovered missing until nearly a full day after they slipped through a hole in the fence. They are considered dangerous.

The founder of failed crypto exchange FTX is trying to get several of the fraud charges he is facing dismissed. Sam Bankman-Fried's attorneys file motions claiming the government failed to properly explain what offenses he committed. The government has two weeks to respond.

[11:50:06]

In Texas today, Fort Hood is being renamed Fort Cavazos. The sign was revamped for today's ceremony. The new namesake is General Richard Edward Cavazos, the Korean and Vietnam War hero who was born in Texas in 1982. He became the first Hispanic four-star general.

The post is one of nine U.S. Army installations being re-designated to get rid of Confederate symbols. Fort Hood was named after Confederate General John Bell Hood. Sara?

SIDNER: It is that time of year again, but it's almost over. This is the final week of Girl Scout cookie sales for many troops, including Troop 6000. A very special troop, unlike many others. This troop is making a real impact on New York City's shelter system.

CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich has more on that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VANESSA YURKEVICH, CNN BUSINESS & POLITICS CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): For over one hundred years, Girl Scouts across the country have sold their famous cookies.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Two boxes of Trefoils. Two boxes of Tagalongs.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): But in New York City, a troop, unlike many others, is holding its annual cookie sale. Troop 6000 for girls experiencing homelessness or living in shelters. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

GILLESY BURGESS, MEMBER, TROOP 6000: I was like can I have a Samoas because does all -- those are my favorite.

YURKEVICH: These are my fav -- my favorite.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): Nine-year-old Gillesy was an early member of Troop 6000 formed six years ago. Her mom, the program's director, is the reason it exists.

GISELLE BURGESS, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, TROOP 6000: Back in 2017, my kids and I had lost their home and ended up in the New York City shelter system. I was already an employee at Girl Scouts of Greater New York. But how do I tell them that I want to start a troop here and why? They walked in. It was like absolutely extraordinary.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): The first troop started with just seven girls at Giselle Burgess's shelter. Now, it's more than 2500 women and girls across more than 20 shelters. It also inspired similar troops countrywide.

YURKEVICH: What do you think it was about Girl Scouts being there that attracted the girls to the program so quickly?

GISELLE BURGESS: It's such a discouraging scary time already. It was exciting to see girls as they were walking by participating and laughing in one room and they're like, I want to hang out with them every week.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): Giselle and her children are now out of the shelter but are still a part of Troop 6000. For families still in shelters, the program is free, which includes trips, camps, and weekly activities. The cookie sale helps cover the costs.

YURKEVICH: Is there anything special in order to be a part of Troop 6000?

GILLESY BURGESS: Oh, yes. Make sure you want to make new friends. And if you're shy, you should join because if you're shy, that's how they help you because they make you not shy.

YURKEVICH: What do you want to be when you grew up?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to be like a therapist for like younger kids.

GILLESY BURGESS: I like what she said. I'd like to be a therapist.

YURKEVICH: Is that something that you feel like you learned here and you want to give back to other kids?

GILLESY BURGESS: Yes.

MERIDITH MASKARA, CEO, GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER NEW YORK: This population of young women have seen incredibly traumatic events. So, by them seeing us care for them so much. And of course, they're learning that I can give that back.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): And they're giving it back in real-time. In January, Troop 6000 expanded to shelters with immigrants and asylum seekers.

MASKARA: Girl Scouts doesn't care about her status. She's in New York City. She needs to be taken care of.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): 11-year-old Laura from Colombia and her 16- year-old friend Julissa from Nicaragua arrived in the U.S. about six months ago. Now New Yorkers, Yankee hats and all they are new members of Troop 6000.

LAURA, GIRL SCOUT, TROOP 6000 (through translator): I've only seen this in the movies. It's always been a dream of mine to do this. She says.

YURKEVICH (voiceover): And for many of the mothers of the girls in Troop 6000, the program is as much for them as it is for their children.

YURKEVICH: Why is it so important for you and your daughters?

YURKEVICH (voiceover): It gives us opportunities that we don't have in our own country. It gives us the opportunity to be ourselves. She says.

YURKEVICH: Do you ever think that one conversation many years ago would lead to this?

GISELLE BURGESS: Never. Never. I just thought I was doing the right thing, you know.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

YURKEVICH (on camera): And in the six years since Giselle Burgess helped found Troop 6000, the girls have raised $1.6 million through cookie sales --

BERMAN: Wait, what?

SIDNER: 1.6 million.

YURKEVICH: $1.6 million. They've had some help from corporate sponsors that would match a lot of the cookie sales.

BOLDUAN: They still get --

SIDNER: They still -- I know.

BERMAN: Yes.

BOLDUAN: They still get to take that to the bank.

SIDNER: Huge.

YURKEVICH: They do. It's huge. And you know, I watched these girls at this public cookie sale. They were little businesswomen in the making.

I mean, they were learning how to market, how to close deals, how to exchange money, get their crack change. A lot of them said that they felt like they were learning how to be a little businesswoman. And, of course, guys, I had to bring some from my personal stash from Troop 6000.

BERMAN: Then I will say no a lot from your personal stash.

YURKEVICH: Well --

BERMAN: You know I've been critical here.

(CROSSTALK)

BOLDUAN: (INAUDIBLE) but your free stuff, you got to work for it.

[11:55:01]

BERMAN: I don't know. I completely -- I saw Vanessa -- I saw Vanessa this morning as you said she was bringing food and I -- and I didn't realize it was like free for one and a half people.

YURKEVICH: When I say --

BOLDUAN: Stop jumping and attack her.

YURKEVICH: When I say personal stash, it's because I had -- you know I ate a lot of them.

SIDNER: Do you eat half of them? Yes.

YURKEVICH: I ate half of them so this is what's left. But if you do want to buy cookies, they still can through Mother's Day.

BOLDUAN: You're like nibbled on.

BERMAN: Were they such good business people that they like marked it up so much you can only afford eight cookies?

YURKEVICH: I had to buy boxes for a lot of people. I could only get two for myself and they're gone.

SIDNER: You do not have to defend yourself to John -- do not have to defend.

BOLDUAN: I was going to say to Vanessa, you apologize (INAUDIBLE) that you're getting from this --

(CROSSTALK)

SIDNER: No, please stay. I just want to ask you what -- I don't recognize some of these.

YURKEVICH: Where?

BOLDUAN: What's the top?

SIDNER: What is the top one? But first Randi -- Randi Furman, my producer --

YURKEVICH: Yes.

SIDNER: -- asked me which cookie was my favorite, and I said all.

YURKEVICH: Yes.

SIDNER: And she's like no but which one's your favorite? I was like yes, all of them.

YURKEVICH: Everyone has a favorite. This would be --

BOLDUAN: Yes, for sure.

YURKEVICH: This would be adventurefuls.

BOLDUAN: Would they be to profit?

BERMAN: Adventurefuls.

(CROSSTALK)

YURKEVICH: Wow.

BOLDUAN: With my hero one seven years ago. I mean, what the?

SIDNER: Oh, we are really -- OK. All right. That's a -- that's just rude. I mean, look. Look at mine.

BOLDUAN: Wait, look. Old Kate Bolduan here which is always you focus on. Look we -- key Thin Mints.

SIDNER: Join writes a Samoas.

BOLDUAN: Thin Mints are great but they're even more great when you put them in the freezer.

SIDNER: Absolutely. But what are -- what are the --

YURKEVICH: I'll list that.

SIDNER: What are those?

YURKEVICH: These are the Adventurefuls. These are newer cookies. I love these.

BOLDUAN: (INAUDIBLE)

SIDNER: John, try it.

BERMAN: Is it?

YURKEVICH: These are the Trefoils. (CROSSTALK)

SIDNER: Might be. He likes it.

BOLDUAN: Just what I learned.

SIDNER: What do you learn?

BOLDUAN: You are dipping your toe at -- or need to in the gluten-free world. There is a gluten-free world.

YURKEVICH: Yes.

SIDNER: What?

BOLDUAN: Oh, fantastic.

YURKEVICH: And the girls know that. They know how to --

BOLDUAN: What? It's to -- look.

YURKEVICH: They know how to talk about the vegan cookies.

BERMAN: The Adventureful?

YURKEVICH: Yes.

BERMAN: The adventure in my mouth. That is all for CNN NEWS CENTRAL. "INSIDE POLITICS" is up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)