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U.S. Announces $250M In Military Aid For Ukraine As Future Aid Remains In Limbo; Palestinian Poet Details Time In Israeli Custody; Change To Asthma Inhalers Could Cause Problems For Patients; Top-10 Sports Stories Of 2023. Aired 2:30-3p ET

Aired December 28, 2023 - 14:30   ET

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

[14:30:00]

MAJOR MIKE LYONS, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED: Well, what's missing are any offensive weapons. If Ukraine is to change the game here, they have to show that they could go on the offense.

Unfortunately, this past year, their counteroffensive has not worked. Started back in June-July timeframe. It was not the kind of tactics.

And given the fact they never had the air support they really needed to perform the kind of counter offensive in order to feed Russia, Russia digs in with defensive belts on their side in the occupied areas that they have.

There is no long-range missiles, ATACMs in particular. That is something that would bring Russia to the negotiating table. That would be important right now.

If Ukraine can show they can actually take some of the land back that Russia has, then perhaps Russia decides to negotiate.

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN HOST: So, big picture, what does this chapter of the war mean long term? Is it a further stalemate? Do you see a path towards the kind of negotiation that you were just alluding to?

LYONS: Well, this year has not been successful for either side. Either side is going to decide what they want to do going forward.

If Ukraine does not get the support from NATO and the United States, I'm afraid they are in for another tough year. Russia can re-arm itself and can re-constitute its military machine.

If the United States decides to send $60 billion an aid, as the Senate should pass, as well as $50 billion coming from the European Union, that sends a signal to Russia that the West is not going to allow it to take over.

I think that is what's got to happen here early in the year. Ukraine has to get that level of support from the United States in order to show Russia that it will have the capability to go on the offense and change the game.

Maybe perhaps, that brings pressure to the negotiation table. BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN HOST: I know it's, Mike, really perplexing to the

military community about why there is this kind of what would be unconventional Russian Republican opposition to finding Ukraine.

Put it into context to you what is really at stake in this war.

LYONS: Brianna, you're right on. I don't get it. This is what NATO was created for. NATO was created to stop Russian aggression and advancement.

Maybe not allowing Ukraine into NATO, I understand that. I recognize that putting them in right now draws the West into a large conflict in Europe.

But providing the support that we could provide them, with the offensive weapons, more airplanes, more tanks, more overall long-range rocket fire systems that actually threaten Russia.

Force Russia to do more mobilization because we don't see them on their side -- this hasn't affected their economy as well.

Use the levers of soft American power. We haven't done that, as well we haven't got other countries mobilized here.

Again, I don't get it. I think this is a literally no-brainer for the United States to continue support with what Ukraine is trying to do here to stop Russian aggression here and what is NATO's backyard.

KEILAR: Retired U.S. Army Major Mike Lyons, thank you as always for taking us through that.

LYONS: Thanks.

KEILAR: Now, to the latest in the Middle East. Egyptian officials say 15 U.S. citizens were among the more than 700 foreign nationals who left Gaza today and crossed into Egypt.

Earlier this month, a Palestinian poet and writer was able to flee Gaza with his family after being detained by the Israeli military in November. He says the Israeli soldiers mistreated and terrorized him.

He spoke with CNN's Phil Mattingly on "CNN THIS MORNING." Here he is describing what happened after being separated from his family and detained with a group of other Palestinian men.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOSAB ABU TOHA, PALESTINIAN POET & WRITER: We are surprised that they were asking us to strip off all of our clothes. So we had nothing to do but to take off our boxer shorts.

And then when I was naked for the first time in my life in front of strangers, I was asked to turn around. So, I did what they asked for. Then I was handcuffed and I was blindfolded,

And then I was taken to a very close area and I was interrogated. You have any evidence any proof that I am a Hamas activists or photograph, video satellite image showing anything?

He slapped me across the face. He said, you give me a proof. I was wondering, how could I give you proof that I am not Hamas?

Then I was taken, I was beaten, I was violently treated along with other young people like me.

Later, I was interrogated by an Israeli captain. I told him about myself everything. It was not a tough day for me but for other people it was tough.

And then he said, OK, we are going to verify the information you gave us. Two hours later, an Israeli soldier said, we are sorry about the mistake, you are going home.

Then I said, are you serious about that? I mean, I'm going to be with my family and kids? He said, I'm serious.

[14:35:00]

I later thought to myself, how many mistakes has the Israeli army committed against other Palestinians?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: The Israel Defense Forces acknowledge that Mosab was mistakenly identified and says that individuals detained are, quote, "treated in accordance with international law."

It is a vital medication for the tens of millions of Americans who have asthma. Now it is set to change. So, what you need to know to avoid any potential confusion in the new year, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KEILAR: There's one thing that anyone with asthma knows that is that you don't go anywhere without your inhaler. That could get a lot harder starting next month.

The manufacturer of Flovent says it will discontinue that brand in favor of a generic version starting on Monday.

SANCHEZ: The problem is that that version may not be covered as widely by insurers. That could force patients to get new prescriptions and then figure out coverage options right at the height of the winter virus season.

Let's get some analysis with CNN medical analyst, Dr. Jonathan Reiner.

Dr. Reiner, thanks so much for sharing part of your afternoon with us.

How big of a concern is this?

[14:40:00]

DR. JONATHAN REINER, CNN MEDICAL ANALYST: Well, it's a big deal, because it is probably the most popular anti-inflammatory inhaled corticosteroids used in patients with asthma.

As you said at the open, there are millions of Americans, probably about 25 million Americans have asthma, about five million kids.

This is -- Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation, helps to open some of the small airways. It is used as a chronic medicine to prevent flare-ups of asthma.

There are other alternatives. The problem with the abrupt change in the manufacturer of this drug is that many of the pharmacy benefit plans have not yet included the alternative generic in their list of drugs.

In those that already have, the generic, the new generic produced by GlaxoSmithKline is not yet one of their preferred drugs.

The list price of this medication is not cheap. It's almost $200 a month. So this can create significant hardships, not just in terms of acquisition but in terms of affordability for millions of Americans.

KEILAR: Tell us about this new generic version. Is it truly just the same thing?

REINER: Yes, it's actually the same drug.

What happened was a change in the law two years ago, from the American Recovery Act, it actually changed how much money drug manufacturers might be at risk if the price of their medication has been raised at a level higher than the rate of inflation.

Flovent, over the last nine years, has gone up about 50 percent. The rate of inflation in that period of time has been about 23 percent. GSK did the math and realized that they might be liable for higher rebates than the price they actually charged for the drug.

Which is why they've created this generic, which has never been sold and has no price history, and therefore, won't be potentially liable for the inflation rebates that Medicaid demands. So, this is basically just a cost decision.

Flovent it's a 20-year-old drug, incredibly successful, very popular drug. There is no other reason to discontinue it other than this potential financial downfall for the manufacturer.

SANCHEZ: As with so many things in life, the answer comes down to money.

Doctor, what is your advice to patients who might be worried about getting that new inhaler?

REINER: So, in the short term, pharmacies will have stock of this drug for a period of time. The company is going to cease manufacturing it, essentially this weekend.

I would say, if it's time to renew your drug, go ahead and do that now. Then talk to your insurance company about whether the new generic formulation of Flovent will be covered by your insurance.

But get that it now, before you need to renew your medicine.

If you get pushback from your pharmaceutical insurance benefit plan about whether they'll cover this drug, talk to your doctor or provider about alternatives.

There are other inhaled corticosteroids that can be appropriate for you but not necessarily interchangeable.

The time to discuss this with your physician is not when you are basically using the last of a severe drug. Do it now, sort it out now. And then maybe bring in a supply that will cover you for the next month or two until all of that is straightened out.

SANCHEZ: Dr. Jonathan Reiner, appreciate the advice. Thank you so much.

REINER: My pleasure.

SANCHEZ: We're learning more about that stunning rescue story out of Indiana. Two fishermen discovering a driver trapped in his pickup truck nearly a week after he crashed off a bridge.

CNN has now obtained audio of the 911 call that the fishermen made just moments after realizing the driver was still trapped inside.

Listen to this.

(BEGIN AUDIO FEED)

NAVARDO DELATORRE, FISHERMAN: There is the car, it's been here since Wednesday. And there is a person inside of it. He's still alive, too.

They're on the way, buddy! They're on the way!

I'm surprised nobody also seen him. There's guys fishing down here.

I just walked up and I seen the truck underneath the bridge. I thought it was kind of weird.

911 OPERATOR: Yes, that's -- that's definitely good you managed to see him.

(END AUDIO FEED)

SANCHEZ: Definitely good.

Police say the driver was tightly pinned in his seat for six days after he careened off the highway and into that creek. He apparently survived by drinking rainwater.

[14:44:53]

From up-and-comers like Coco Gauff to longtime vets like LeBron James, a lot of sports stories grabbed our attention this year. Next, find out which ones topped our top-10 list.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, 2023 had plenty of both.

KEILAR: Sure did.

CNN's Andy Scholes looks back at the top-10 sports stories of the year, change, controversy and comebacks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, 2023 saw some of the greatest ever say good-bye to their sport, while others made triumphant returns.

We had a new sports power couple, many first-time champions, a new king of scoring and one of the most remarkable sports comebacks of all-time.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Gymnast Simone Biles has made history again.

SCHOLES (voice-over): Simone Biles making her return to competition in 2023 for the first time since suffering a case of the twisties at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 26-year-old winning five more medals at the world championships, making her the most decorated gymnast of all-time. And she now has her eyes set on the 2024 Paris games.

SIMONE BILES, PROFESSIONAL GYMNAST: Right now, I would say that's the path that I would love to go.

[14:50:02]

SCHOLES: At number nine, 19-year-old Coco Gauff becoming a grand-slam champion for the first time, winning the U.S. Open in thrilling fashion.

COCO GAUFF, PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER: Getting through that final was like a hurdle that I needed to cross, a mental blockage that I needed to cross. And I did. And hopefully, I can continue to do that many more times.

SCHOLES: Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, continued his dominance in 2023, winning three of the four grand slams, overtaking Rafael Nadal for the most all-time on the men's side with 24 now for his career.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC, PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER: Knowing that I play at such a high level still and I win the biggest tournaments in a sport, I don't want to leave this sport if I'm still at the top.

SCHOLES: At number eight, 2023 saw many teams celebrate a championship for the first time ever. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic leading the Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat to win their first ever NBA title. (CHEERING)

SCHOLES: Texas Rangers topped the Ariona Diamondbacks to end their 63- year World Series wait.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Congrats world champions.

(CHEERING)

SCHOLES: Kim Mulkey and Angel Reese winning LSU their first ever women's national title.

(CHEERING)

SCHOLES: While the Las Vegas Golden Knights got to celebrate on the strip with the Stanley Cup for the very first time.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The city of Las Vegas, we're champions.

SCHOLES: At number seven, the Vegas Strip saw a lot of partying this year. Las Vegas Aces, the first team in 21 years to win back-to-back WNBA titles.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're coming back. We're coming back, baby.

(CHEERING)

SCHOLES: 2023 also saw the return of Brittney Griner to the WNBA. Griner missed all of the 2022 season after being wrongfully detained in Russia.

BRITTNEY GRINER, PROFESSIONAL WNBA PLAYER: You know, I'm no stranger to hard times. So, you're going to be faced with adversities throughout your life. This was a pretty big one.

JAKE TAPPER, CNN ANCHOR: Kind of an outrageous story. One might be tempted to say that PGA Tour merging with Saudi-backed LIV Golf creates strange bedfellows, except we know how the Saudis got the PGA Tour into that bed, with a lot of money.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As a player on tour, we still didn't really have a bunch of -- a lot of clarity as to what's going on. And that's a bit worrisome.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I still -- (INAUDIBLE) -- LIV. Like I -- (INAUDIBLE) -- LIV. Like I -- I hope it goes away.

SCHOLES: And the framework of how it will all work is still a mystery with a deadline for the two sides to reach a formal agreement set for the end of this year.

LAURA COATES, CNN ANCHOR: LeBron James tonight breaking the record to now become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, passing a fellow Laker, Kareem Abdul Jabar.

LEBRON JAMES, PROFESSIONAL NBA PLAYER: This was not a goal for me. That's why it's probably so surreal. I've been able to do some incredible things in this league and, hopefully, I can do some more incredible things before I'm done.

SCHOLES: In February, LeBron James became the king of scoring, passing Kareem Abdul Jabar.

And over the summer, the James family was dealt a scare as LeBron's oldest son, Bronny, went into cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at USC.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Listen -- listen -- listen -- listen -- listen to me. So, OK, get an ambulance here now.

UNIDENTIFIED NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Just five months after collapsing on the court from cardiac arrest, LeBron James' son, Bronny, is back playing, making his collegiate debut for the USC basketball team.

BRONNY JAMES, COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYER: I just want to say I'm thankful for everything.

SCHOLES: At number four, the U.S. women's national team's quest to become the first ever team to win three straight World Cups was dashed by Sweden in the round of 16.

And the team saying goodbye to retiring stars Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz.

MEGAN RAPINOE, PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER: It has been such an honor to be able to wear this shirt and to play with all these amazing players. And to just live out my childhood dream.

SCHOLES: Spain would host the cup for the very first time, but their win and celebrations were marred by an unwanted kiss.

Spain's Football Association president, Luis Rubiales, receiving fierce criticism for forcefully kissing star player, Jenni Hermoso.

Now, Rubiales was banned from all soccer activities for three years by FIFA. And despite being defiant, eventually resigned his post.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER: The best number 10 in the world, Lionel Andres Messi!

(CHEERING)

SCHOLES: Number three, Messi mania taking Miami by storm. The world's best soccer player shocking the world by making the move to Inter Miami. And Messi's arrival to the MLS saw ticket prices soar and fans come from all over to see the Argentinian star.

(CHEERING)

SCHOLES: At number two, the Chiefs and the Eagles playing an absolute thriller in Super Bowl LVII. Patrick Mahomes leading a game-winning drive to beat the Eagles for his second title.

TRAVIS KELCE, PROFESSIONAL NFL PLAYER: In all reality, this was the best season of my life.

SCHOLES: And Travis Kelce celebrating another championship for Kansas City. And he would become the story of the 2023 season as fans couldn't get enough of his budding romance with pop star, Taylor Swift.

[14:55:03]

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: There's breaking news right now, a serious injury on the field during the Buffalo Bills/Cincinnati Bengals game.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't like how he went down.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to need everybody. All call! All call!

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: The condition of Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, the 24-year-old is in critical condition tonight after suffering a cardiac arrest and collapsing on the field.

SCHOLES: Hamlin said his cardiac arrest was caused by commotio cordis, but thanks to the heroics of first responders and medical staff, they were able to resuscitate him.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: I mean, you can write a Hollywood script about perseverance, the power of faith, about people rallying and rising up for others when they're down. This story about Hamlin turned into a story about humanity.

SCHOLES: Now, Hamlin would return to the field playing for the Bills in the fall, completing one of the greatest comebacks in history.

DAMAR HAMLIN, PROFESSIONAL NFL PLAYER: This event was life changing but it's not the end of my story.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KEILAR: There are now plans to reopen several crossings along the U.S./Mexico border that were closed amid a surge in migrant encounters.

SANCHEZ: Yes, we will take you live to the border as officials in both the U.S. and Mexico look for solutions to stem the tide.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)