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Ship Trapped in Ice in Antarctica; Target Customers PIN Numbers Possibly Compromised by Hackers; Anti-Government Protests Take Place in Egypt

Aired December 28, 2013 - 14:30   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here are the top stories in the CNN NEWSROOM.

We have new video from that ship stuck in the frozen waters of Antarctica. It has been four days since it got stranded, and although a rescue vessel is within sight, it's not able to get close enough to the ship. But Chris Turney, the expedition leader, and others on board say everything is actually going well.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEX JHA, SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT, "THE GUARDIAN": I don't think anyone's fearful. Chris is the expedition leader. No one's fearful, right?

CHRIS TURNEY, EXPEDITION LEADER: No, people have been remarkably good, actually. Morale's high, actually, at the moment. We have wonderful food, three meals a day.

LAURENCE TOPHAM, "GUARDIAN" VIDEO PRODUCER: It doesn't seem to run out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: They actually seem pretty excited about this adventure. So, we hope to hear more from Chris Turney live from that stranded ship in the next few minutes.

And here in the U.S., a lot of jobless Americans might be considering Congress the Grinch that stole Christmas and New Year's. They won't be getting federal emergency unemployment benefits after today. The program passed during the recession ends today for 1.3 million people. Last week Congress failed to pass the extension as part of the budget deal. Lawmakers are expected to consider it again when they return from their holiday recess. One New Jersey woman who has been out of work for a year says she will probably have to apply for food stamps, and she might lose her car.

And a frightening new development in the Target credit card breach. The retail giant now says hackers did steal the PINs that you punch in when you use your debit card, but Target says they are heavily encrypted and impossible to decode. Alexandra Field is live for us now in New York. So, is that the case, very difficult to, I guess, decode?

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fred, Target is telling shoppers they believe that the information is safe, secure, and protected, but some security experts are saying it's possible that that information might not be. There are sophisticated hackers out there who are right now trying access those PIN numbers, so really no reason for shoppers to wait and find out.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FIELD: Just a day after saying there was no evidence that personal identification numbers, or PINs, were accessed in its massive security breach, a turnaround from Target. The retail giant saying debit card PIN numbers were stolen along with names and card numbers as part of the recent hacking. Still, Target insists the PIN code information is safe and secure, in a statement, saying, quote, "The PIN information was fully encrypted at the keypad, remained encrypted within our system, and remained encrypted when it was removed from our systems."

The company insists it would be unlikely that hackers would be able to unscramble the data, but some experts remain concerned.

DAVID KENNEDY, CEO, TRUSTEDSEC: The encryption itself is actually an industry-grade standard, data encryption standard, and they use something called triple DES, which definitely allows it to be protected. But unfortunately, the problem with PIN numbers is they're only four characters, which means there are only about 10,000 different combinations you can do in order to get it. So altogether, it's not going to hold up because what hackers can do is called brute forcing it to essentially grab those PIN numbers itself.

FIELD: The security breach affecting an estimated nearly 40 million customers who shopped at Target between black Friday and December 15th. If you're concerned about your account, experts say be vigilant.

SHAWN HENRY, PRESIDENT OF CROWDSTRIKE SERVICE: They should be talking to their bank, they should be looking for unusual transactions, any type of anomalous behavior that they may recognize as fraudulent and contact the authorities, contact their bank officials immediately.

KENNEDY: I know it's a pain, but change your PIN number, call your bank and get a new card. That's the easiest way to do it. They say you have fraud monitoring and monitoring protection in place there, but as a peace of mind, just change it so you don't have to deal with it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FIELD: If you don't have a new card yet, if you don't have a PIN number yet, again, it is important to check your statements regularly. You want to alert your bank or credit card company to fraud as quickly as possible, Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, good advice. Thanks so much, Alexandra. All right, let's talk about some pop culture and what's on reality TV. Phil Robertson's suspension from "Duck Dynasty," well, it didn't last too long. A&E reinstated the reality star. The network suspended him after he made controversial comments about homosexuality and race. I asked Brian Stelter, the host of CNN's "Reliable Sources," about how the "duck dynasty" star's comments became politicized.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN STELTER, CNN HOST, RELIABLE SOURCES: The show's become politicized. I don't think that's going to go away anymore. I think that's the new normal for the show, which may or may not be a good thing over the long term. I think we'll find out when we start to see the ratings in January.

Yes, I think we have to separate what Phil Robertson said to "GQ" from the show itself, because lots of people can enjoy watching "Duck Dynasty," which is a lighthearted family comedy, and not agree with what he said to "GQ." I think what we'll find out next year when the ratings come in is whether viewers hold the show accountable for what Phil Robertson says or not.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And GLAAD reacted to A&E's decision, saying this, quote, "If dialogue with Phil isn't part of next steps, then A&E has chosen profits over African-American and gay people, especially its employees and viewers."

All right, your phone and Internet records are still fair game for the National Security Agency. A federal judge says the NSA's spying program that includes those records is constitutional, and a critical weapon in the fight against terrorism. The program is part of the Patriot Act. Just last week, another federal judge ruled the program was likely unconstitutional.

The U.S. State Department says it's still trying to piece together details in Libya after four Americans were detained and then released late last night. The four military personnel were working to strengthen security at the U.S. embassy in Tripoli. The White House says the president was briefed but offered no further comment.

And a senior State Department official says Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to the Middle East next week for peace talks. Kerry has been working with Palestinian and Israeli officials on a peace accord. Peace talks stalled in November with both sides digging in their heels. Key points of contention continue to be the Israeli troop presence in the Palestinian territories and the construction of settlements in the West Bank.

All right, now to the separate situation in Juba, South Sudan. More than 5,000 more U.N. peacekeepers are on the way, but people are crowded into U.N. compounds and they won't leave because they're afraid of being killed. After ethnic violence rocked the country over the past two weeks, senior international correspondent Arwa Damon has details. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARWA DAMON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: East African leaders have issued a warning to the warring factions following a meeting that took place on Friday giving them four days to lay down their weapons or face the consequences. Exactly what those consequences are at this stage is unclear. South Sudan's government has said that it is willing to come to the negotiating table without preconditions. And the South Sudanese vice president is blaming rebel leader and form the former vice president for the fighting.

JAMES WANI IGGA, SOUTH SUDAN VICE PRESIDENT: Dr. Riek has put obstacles to this genuine call by issuing preconditions, mainly that the ceasefire or peace cannot be reached unless a negotiation is conducted, and added a number of obstacles.

DAMON: Among those potential obstacles is Mashad's demand that his political allies be released from jail. The South Sudanese government saying they have to go through the judicial process. Meanwhile, the first of the U.N. troops have arrived in country, just a handful, though, of the 5,500 that are expected. Their main focus, of course, to protect the civilian population. Tens of thousands of which continue to seek shelter on U.N. bases. Doctors without Borders also issuing a statement, calling on both sides to lay down their weapons and allow them access into various areas where people are in desperate need of medical care.

Just to give you an idea, we only just arrived here in the capital Juba. A curfew is in place. And even though the capital, relatively speaking to other parts of the country, has been stable, safe, for the last week or so, civilians are still refusing to leave the U.N. compound here. That is just how terrified they are. That is just how traumatic the ordeal that they've gone through has been.

Arwa Damon, CNN, Juba.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And a confrontation between enforcers and student protesters backing the Muslim Brotherhood turns deadly in Egypt. State media reports one student died in clashes on the campus of Cairo University. More than 60 others were arrested. Unrest has escalated in Egypt this week after the government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group.

And a python is on the loose in Bali, Indonesia. We'll tell you why authorities are desperate to find that snake.

Also ahead, more on the ship stranded in the Antarctica and what's being done to help rescue the 74 people on board.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: After a week of ice storms and power outages, parts of the U.S. are now in store for a one-two punch of rain and then more frigid weather. CNN meteorologist Alexandra Steele has the forecast. ALEXANDRA STEELE, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Fred. There are two big stories, the cold air moving from the Midwest to the east and the rain train coming up and down the eastern seaboard.

So, here's a look. These are high temperatures today, in Minneapolis, 38 degrees, Chicago 41. Up and down the eastern seaboard, 40s and 50s, so the rain moving in certainly won't be snow. But then look what happens on Sunday. The cold air drops, Minneapolis dropping 26 degrees for a high of four degrees below zero. Chicago drops as well. East coast stays in the 30s, but then by the time we get to Monday, those temperatures continue to drop as do these right along the eastern seaboard, so out of the 40s.

So that's why with this big moisture system moving in this weekend, tomorrow morning it's here in Washington and Baltimore, just a rainmaker, though, certainly too warm for snow. And then by Sunday night it moves into the northeast. The only place we'll see snow, Fred, here in northern New England, they'll pick up a few inches, and western New York.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks so much, Alexandra.

All right, now back to Antarctica, where a Russian ship with 74 people on board is stuck in the ice. Expedition leader and scientist Chris Turney is also on board. He and another passenger were thrilled to see the Chinese rescue ship.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's that on the horizon, Chris?

TURNEY: That's the icebreaker coming to rescue us, Alec.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brilliant!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: It's almost like they're own comedy hour. Well, well, Chris Turney is joining us right now on the phone from the ship. So, Chris, you're making it look like you guys are having a blast in all of this. Are you?

TURNEY: Well, not really.

WHITFIELD: OK.

TURNEY: At the time, I think that clip you were playing, hopes were very high. We did see the Chinese icebreakers, making good progress, but sadly, that's not the case anymore. The ship's -- I think we are just getting prepared for the next stage of the expedition and hopefully we can get broken out.

WHITFIELD: Well, let's hope that that Australian ship -- apparently, it's a bigger ship -- might be able to break through as an icebreaker and come to your rescue and perhaps even that Chinese vessel. But at this point, you and the other crew members, are you thinking about all of your options, the what-ifs?

TURNEY: Oh, absolutely. I mean, it would be outrageous if we didn't, if we hadn't been talking about that with the rest of the team, about the whole host of options. There are some. At the moment, we're concentrating on looking to see whether the Snow Dragon can get through to us. And if not, we've got other options working with the authorities about how to get the team home safe and sound.

We're very fortunate at the moment the weather is relatively fine, and it's set that way for the next couple days, so that's good for us. We'll just take it from there, really. I think at the moment, we're just keeping morale up, and trying to keep morale up and working hard to get everyone home safe and sound.

WHITFIELD: And right now the mission is to be rescued. The mission is to try and get to your mission. But can you remind us of what were you all setting out to do in the first place before this happened?

TURNEY: Can you just repeat that? The phone signal's not so hot.

WHITFIELD: Sure. I'm just wondering what the primary mission has been for you. What were you setting out to do as part of this expedition? What's the research?

TURNEY: Oh, the research, yes, absolutely. We're following in the footsteps of a great Australian explorer and scientist, Sir Douglas Morrison. A hundred years ago, he basically took the Antarctic expedition off the map. It was the equivalent of space travel. It was to see what lay south of Australia. In the process two of years, and they had amazing adventures in their own right. They made a raft of fantastic observations, which the pages would fill a bookshelf.

And there's a baseline of data, but we're comparing. And many parts of Antarctica relied heavily on satellite data, which, of course, started in the late 1970s. So, this is a unique thing to compare. Not just time graphic but geographic and multinational. We've got an incredibly strong group, working really well, the team, just to compare how much time is happening. People want to learn more, they can go to the website, SpiritofMorrison.com.

WHITFIELD: And so this is indeed an amazing adventure that you're on now, that you are all on, even though you're trying to repeat someone else's amazing adventure. And this one's unique. So, now, what in your view is, I guess, going to be the most indelible or memorable about this experience? How is this particular experience right now kind of enhancing your trip?

TURNEY: Well, it certainly wasn't planned, I'll give you that.

(LAUGHTER)

TURNEY: I think there's probably two. The first one was getting across the sea ice Cape Denison. That was a 65-kilometer journey over half a kilometer of ocean below, and we pioneered the route provided we were seeing an icescape that no one has ever seen before, big, towering bergs, just coming with force all the way and not knowing if we'd get through. We got two teams and got lots of science done, which I'm really incredibly pleased with. And I have to saw, this particular part of the expedition as well is certainly memorable for different reasons.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

TURNEY: But I think the team spirit has been fantastic and that's the thing I'm particularly proud of.

WHITFIELD: So, even though you all are stuck right now, have you seen any remarkable wildlife, marine life? Have you seen anything that has been completely eye-opening about what your expectations of this part of the world would be like?

TURNEY: Oh, the wildlife here is extraordinary. Where you are, I don't know if you're familiar with them, the penguins, they're about a foot tall, white with a very black top and very white eyes. They always find you, no matter where you are. They come and look at you. They're magnificent creatures, not quite as standoffish as average penguins, and they're always there. They're remarkable. And after a while, they just get bored and move on or chase off on their stomach.

Then we had a hangout on the edge just a week or so ago, just before we got into Cape Denison, and we were broadcasting to the public live and we had an interview of all the penguins. And remarkably, we were on film and an orca, a killer whale, suddenly turned up in the shot and we got a hissing, blowing, diving. So, that was an amazing moment, which I think many of us that were there will never forget.

WHITFIELD: Wow, that's incredible. Well, Chris Turney, all the best. And we wish you all of the best in your research and your amazing adventure. And try to stay as comfortable as you can, but keep us posted along the way. We love how you are keeping us all updated on your magnificent journey and doing it with such enthusiasm. Thank you, Chris.

TURNEY: Well, thank you very much. It is lovely to know there's so much support back home. Do give our family and friends lots of love for us.

WHITFIELD: We will indeed, thanks so much. All the best.

TURNEY: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Chris Turney there. All right, a Christmas day outing on a beach in Argentina turns into a nightmare for dozens of people there. And this little fish you're about to see there, that one and a slew of others all responsible for it. We'll tell you what happened.

And up next, Americans are losing out on money that could help put food on the table over the New Year's holiday, and Congress is getting the blame.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: As we approach the New Year, many jobless Americans are worried about a new problem. Today, 1.3 million people are losing their federal emergency unemployment benefits. Congress left town for the holidays without extending the benefits. And our Tom Foreman breaks down the numbers.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Fredricka, who is affected by this change? First of all, is the long-term unemployed. These are people who have used up all their regular unemployment insurance over 26 weeks and are now getting this extra supplemental insurance that has been out there since around 2008 when Congress said you might need extra help because the unemployment situation was so, so bad in this country. How much help is it? About $300 a week has been helping these folks out, and about 1.3 million people will be immediately affected by this money disappearing from their paychecks.

So, is it going to be the same all over the country? No. Some places will be hit harder than others because they have more people who have been without work longer. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Texas, California, those are the places that will be hit the hardest.

And what will happen as a result of all this? There are a lot of uncertainties. People who like the idea of cutting these extra payments say, look, it'll save $25 billion for the government this year and maybe some people will accept previously rejected jobs. People who said maybe it doesn't pay as much, it's not up to my skill level, maybe they'll say without that other help, I'll go out and get those jobs now. That's the theory of people who support this.

Those who oppose it say, look, long-term unemployed people are that way for a reason. They're less likely to find work. That's why they've been out of work and they're not going to magically find it now. If you push them, you're just visiting hardship upon them.

And, of course, here's the greatest uncertainty of all, what does this do to the economy? You take that money out of the equation, people aren't spending it anymore, does that result in more job loss and problems for all sorts of other people. Fredericka?

WHITFIELD: All right, Tom Foreman, thanks so much in Washington.

Up next, a hotel guard is killed in the middle of the street -- the culprit, a python. That story is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A very large python is reportedly on the loose after killing a security guard near a luxury hotel in Bali, Indonesia. Doctors say the giant snake, which may look similar to this one, but this is not it, actually, apparently suffocated the guard who was trying to capture it. A hotel spokesman expressed condolences to the victim's family and said the hotel is closed for renovation until 2015.

Dozens of swimmers in Argentina are recovering after being attacked by a swarm of piranhas. It happened at a beach on the river near Rosario on Christmas Day. The Associated Press reports seven children lost parts of their fingers and toes. And I asked George Parsons, senior director of fishes at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, if this kind of attack was unusual.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE PARSONS, DIRECTOR OF FISHES, SHEDD AQUARIUM: We did some work down in Argentina and Brazil and Amazon, and we actually went looking for piranhas. They are very skittish fish. I think all the conditions were so right and so rare they all came together in one big thing. And this is an unusual freak occurrence.

WHITFIELD: Really. So you say the conditions were so right, meaning, what, food supply was down. Is it because this time of year? And it just so happened that all of these people in the water just seemed like perfect prey?

PARSONS: Yes. So we're at the end of the dry season, the beginning of the rainy season. So a lot of the times the water level will be down, the temperature was really warm. So the piranhas go up to the surface to get more oxygen. And at that point, maybe at that point the swimmers were -- there were more swimmers in the water, because I know they're having an unseasonable heat wave, as well. So it's just all the conditions were right.

WHITFIELD: Oh, interesting. So it is common knowledge, though, dry season means that's when piranhas were most active. It would seem that people in that area would know that.

PARSONS: Yes, well, food supply gets a little lower in the dry season. And, like I said, it's a super rare occurrence. It's just -- there must have been some other external influences, as well, maybe some fishermen might have been throwing some carcasses over or something like that. But generally they do not go after human. We were doing work in the Amazon. We had to hunt them down to even see them. And once they saw us, they just took off. So they're really, really skittish animals.

WHITFIELD: Wow. So ordinarily, really quickly, what do they usually like to go for? Just to kind of comfort people who might be swimming in waters that piranha are known to be.

PARSONS: Sure. Mostly piranhas are fish eaters. They do eat insects, as well, a lot of times. And some even eat fruit and nuts that fall in the rain forest.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right, that was George Parsons, senior director of fishes at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium.