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Flight 370 Data Release; June 3 Vote on Sterling; Airplane Germs; Families Rebuild after Devastating Tornado

Aired May 20, 2014 - 09:30   ET

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

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. I'm Carol Costello. Thank you so much for joining me. Checking our top stories at 31 minutes past.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is on the ballot in one of the primary races now underway in six states. McConnell is expected to coast through his party's nomination. Republicans hope big wins today will set the stage for recapturing the Senate later this year. To do that, the GOP needs to flip six seats and further marginalize the Tea Party.

In Thailand, the army declared martial law this morning. They say it's designed to bring peace and stability to the country, but government aids are calling the surprised military action a, quote, half a coup. Since 1932, there have been at least 18 actual attempted military takeovers in Thailand.

The FDA is linking more than 1,000 dog deaths and another 4,800 illnesses to jerky treats. The agency has not pinpointed which brand of treats is killing the dogs, but note that the -- most of the illnesses have been linked to chicken jerky treats Tender n Strips - Chicken Jerky Treats Tender n Strips, I want to say that right for you - which have been imported from China. So be ware and be careful.

We are following major developments in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 this morning. Just days after refusing to release the plane's satellite data, Inmarsat, the company that detected the plane's final pings, says it will now reveal all flight data communication logs to the public. Officials say it's all in the name of transparency, but some families say it's not enough.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARAH BAJC, PARTNER WAS ON FLIGHT 370: Just stating that they're going to release the raw data doesn't tell us what to expect. In the formal requests that we have made, it was actually to release all ping data from that particular airplane for the week prior to this occurrence. So starting on -- on March 1st, all the way up through to when the plane went silent.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: So what will this newly released data reveal? We're joined by CNN contributors Mary Schiavo and David Soucie. Of course both are flight analysts. And, David Soucie, you wrote that great book and Mary Schiavo you were with the Department of Transportation. So let's go.

So, Mary, how optimistic are you that the raw data will reveal new clues about Flight 370?

MARY SCHIAVO, CNN AVIATION ANALYST: Well, it will certainly reveal new information that people haven't had a chance to see before and there will be lots of different takes on it. A lot of people will be analyzing it differently, et cetera. If it will bring us any closer to the plane itself, that remains to be seen. But I would look for a lot of people to start analyzing this data. In reality, there's nothing wrong with that. The Malaysians have the authority to release this. They had that authority all along, according to ICAO annexes. So I think it's a good move and more eyes certainly can't hurt.

COSTELLO: How long do you think it will take to go through this data, David?

DAVID SOUCIE, CNN: Well, it depends on how much they release. If they release the meta data with it, what, for example, what type of equipment was installed? Was it the Honeywell MC204200 (ph), what was it? That's all information that wouldn't necessarily be part of raw data or the communication logs. That's going to be critical. That has to be issued as well to calculate the air to earth satellite orbits and differentials. So it's going to be important to have that. If they don't have it, it could take a long time to weed through all that information.

COSTELLO: OK, Mary, I've got to ask you about this. The former Malaysian prime minister, he seems to be adding fuel to the fire when it comes to conspiracy theories. Listen to what he said. He said, "clearly Boeing and certain agencies had the capacity to take over uninterruptible control of commercial airliners of which MH-370 is one." What does he mean by that?

SCHIAVO: Well, what he's talking is about remote control of that airplane. And we've heard these same theories in -- after September 11, 2001. I mean when I was inspector general, I can't tell you how many conspiracy theories I had to investigate and clear off in the government. But, you know, for this particular plane to have been fixed up with a remote control, yes, the FAA did do a couple of tests with that, but a 777 is not a drone and this plane, to anyone's knowledge, was not equipped for remote control. And besides, if it was, think how many people would have to know that and how many people in our government do you know that can keep a secret like that? So I think this is just, you know, just imagination. Somebody's wild imagination. And I certainly don't see any, any evidence of it.

COSTELLO: So, David, you wrote a book about why planes crash. Was it ever by remote control?

SOUCIE: No. No. I was working on the Airbus 380 certification, and there was discussions about that. (INAUDIBLE) they have engineering and it's equipped to be remotely controlled but that's not at all installed in any aircraft at this point. So the fact that they are implying this is way, way, way off base.

COSTELLO: OK. Enough said. Mary Schiavo, David Soucie, thanks so much.

Filmmakers say a new movie based on Flight 370 is actually in the works. As you might expect, many people are not happy about that. They're outraged. Is it too soon to be turning the aviation mystery into a blockbuster? I feel stupid even asking that question. Of course it's too early. CNN's John Berman and Michaela Pereira ask the director of "Vanishing Act" later today, 11:00 a.m. Eastern. I can't wait to hear that conversation.

Still to come in the NEWSROOM, Donald Sterling formally charged by the NBA and now facing termination as a Clippers owner. Jean Casarez is following that story for us.

Good morning.

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Yes, we do have formal charges now. It is the NBA verse Donald Sterling. And there are allegations here that are brand new and make this much more serious. We'll have more right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It is now official, the NBA formally charging Donald Sterling and setting the stage to strip him of the L.A. Clippers. Sterling has one week to respond to the league. He'll be allowed to present his case at a June 3rd hearing where owners can vote on terminating his ownership. CNN Jean Casarez joins us from New York, but I expect he won't go down without a fight.

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No. And according to "Sports Illustrated," he's asking for a three-month continuance, we could say, in this court of the NBA to offer a rebuttal to all of this. And the hearing is set for June 7th at this point -- June 3rd at this point.

And here is what the allegations are. First of all, conduct that is demeaning to the NBA. That he disparaged African-Americans. That he directed a female to not bring African-Americans to games or associate with African-Americans. And critical of African-Americans in general, not supporting their own causes.

But here is what we learned that I think really elevates this to a much more serious situation. It was released late last night that in the course of the NBA continuing investigation, so they're investigating this, that they have discovered that relevant evidence was destroyed. It doesn't say, Carol, by whom, and it doesn't say what evidence, but that is very, very serious there. It also says that there was false and misleading evidence that was handed over to the NBA. Also extremely serious.

Now, if it's true, Carol, that his attorney wants three months to prepare for this hearing, which "Sports Illustrated" is also reporting that NBA will not do, but I understand why they would want those three months. There are serious allegations here. And furthermore, his side may want a psychological exam. COSTELLO: Oh, that's so fascinating. You know, I was -- I was just thinking that some owners, you know, might have felt reluctant about removing Sterling, you know, for the - for having a private conversation in his home and it was taped, but that the most damaging thing to Sterling was his interview with Anderson Cooper, for example (ph).

CASAREZ: I know. And that will be able to be used at evidence, quote/unquote, in this NBA court. Of course, it's not a court of law, but there is -- are going to be two sides and evidence is presented in this hearing. And what he says there really takes it to a more serious level on his part of intending what he meant to say. He did try to explain it, though.

But, also, Carol, if you look at the other side, I like to look at both sides, some of the things he said in that interview with Anderson had no basis in fact at all. For instance, he called Anderson a racist at one point. So that could give fodder to his side that he needs a psychological evaluation of why he makes these excited utterances that his side will say are false, he doesn't realize it.

COSTELLO: Well, and, of course, Mrs. Sterling came out and said he had early onset dementia.

CASAREZ: Right.

COSTELLO: So that might figure into things, too, right?

CASAREZ: No question about that, on his side. I don't think the NBA cares about that. The NBA cares about what he said. That he knew what he was saying. He intended to say it. And it disparages the NBA, and the other owners, and the fans, and it even talks about governmental officials here that it disparages.

But also, one other aspect, in these documents that I've read from the NBA, it cites some law. It says there's a duty of loyalty of the owners based on New York law. So I think his side is going to say, well, if the NBA is relying in part on some law, then we can relate in part and rely on some law, which I think will be interesting as we go forward.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes. Ugly and interesting. Jean Casarez, many thanks.

CASAREZ: Thanks, Carol.

COSTELLO: You're welcome.

Still to come in the NEWSROOM, you might be shocked to find out you're flying the germy skies. Airplanes, well, you could say they're breeding grounds for super bugs. Elizabeth Cohen joins us with the dirty details.

Good morning.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. Carol, it is amazing how long bad bacteria can live on things like armrests and tray tables. I actually flew across the country last night. I'll share my airplane selfies with you after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Still to come in the NEWSROOM, you might be shocked to find out you're flying the Germy Skies. Airplanes, well, you could say they're breeding grounds for super bugs. Elizabeth Cohen joins us with the dirty details. Good morning.

COHEN: Good morning, Carol. Carol -- it is amazing how long bad bacteria can live on things like armrests and tray tables. I actually flew across the country last night. I'll share my airplane selfies with you, after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: That seat backpocket on an airplane, do not touch it. It is home to more than an airplane safety information card. It could be helping a deadly superbug survive. Researchers found you're flying with some nasty germs everything from e Coli to MERS. And it is all around you in an airplane.

Senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen join -- I don't even know if I want to hear this since I fly every other weekend.

COHEN: I know well I just flew last night Carol and I'm here to say I'm here and healthy. So you know that's a good thing. But I have to say that I really was shocked to hear how long these bacteria can live on surfaces. So the FAA and others gave money to Auburn University to actually put bacteria on surfaces like arm rests and tray tables that you touch all the time and lots of people touch all the time when you're on an airplane and here's what they found out.

They found out that MRSA, which is a bug that is resistant to regular antibiotics which makes it so scary, they found that MRSA can live for five days on those window shades. You know those window shades that you touch to pull up and down.

COSTELLO: I thought you had selfie sitting by that window shade and touching it yes.

COHEN: There I am last night on my flight. Yes you can see I'm like -- should I be touching this? I didn't -- I must say I did sanitize my hands after all this. And the leather seats the MRSA can live for six days on the leather seats.

You know the seat that you're sitting on and on the tray table it can live for five days and e. coli which can cause terrible gastrointestinal problems and other problems can live for three days.

So it can live longer than you think. You know these are hardy bugs that have survived zillions of years. And they live a long time.

COSTELLO: Well no -- I mean so often I think that I have come down with something and it's after I have flown with an airplane. Because you know they don't really have time to clean the airplane in between trips, is that what causes it to be so germy?

COHEN: Well I want to emphasize that they didn't actually test on an actual plane. What happened is that Delta Airlines gave things like arm rests and tray tables to the researchers so that they could sort of play with them in a lab and simulate a cabin experience.

Now, the seat pocket actually that big that the bugs could live for seven days on the seat pocket those cloth seat pockets. The seat pockets actually which we do touch to put things in and out, the cloth prevents the bacteria from spreading easily because the cloth kind of absorbs the bacteria. So I suppose that's -- that's good news.

But you know we spoke to -- we tried to get people at various airlines, Delta returned our calls. And they said look we clean surfaces thoroughly every day and they are actually are so interested in this topic that as I said they gave the arm rests, et cetera, to the researchers.

But you know of course they're not cleaning every minute. So could it be possible that you're going to run into one of these bugs? Absolutely. Not to mention bugs from the flu or the cold or whatever from the person sitting next to you.

So you know people say they get sick after flying in an airplane. Who knows if it's the airplane? But yes you are touching surfaces that a ton of other people have touched and you're sitting knee to knee with someone who might be sick.

COSTELLO: Well I'm going to encase myself in plastic the next time I fly. That should do it.

COHEN: Actually you know what Carol? You don't even have to do that. It's so much easier. Just bring wipes. Bring alcohol based wipes if you are worry about this. Wipe down the tray table. Wipe down the arm rest. That will kill them. So you can see I decided to do this after reading this study.

COSTELLO: Look at you doing that.

COHEN: There I am -- I'm wiping down my tray table. Now as far as the guy next to me who really was sort of coughing up a storm, I couldn't wipe him down with alcohol wipes as much as I wanted to. So when he started his little coughing fits, I would just turn my head the other way and cross my fingers.

COSTELLO: You put your surgical mask on and you were fine.

Elizabeth Cohen thanks so much.

COHEN: Sure thanks.

COSTELLO: Still to come in the NEWSROOM, one year ago today a devastating tornado ripped through the town of Moore, Oklahoma. Some families are only now starting to rebuild. George Howell is back in Oklahoma this morning.

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning. The construction process, rebuilding, it continues here in Moore but the feeling for people who escaped that storm remains. A live report from Moore, Oklahoma, is next as the CNN NEWSROOM continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A somber anniversary in Oklahoma this morning. One year ago today a devastating tornado ripped through the town of Moore 24 people died including seven children looking for shelter inside their school. For some the rebuilding process is only just the beginning.

George Howell is live in Moore, Oklahoma -- Moore, Oklahoma, this morning. Good morning, George.

HOWELL: Carol, good morning. I can tell you personally that that was a day, May 20th, a year ago that I will never forget. You now my team and I we heard the sirens blaring in the neighborhood. We got to an underground shelter to get into safety. And then we arrived in this neighborhood where we saw homes destroyed but look around. I mean you see signs of progress. Homes like this are being rebuilt.

But for everyone who was on the ground that day, they remembered vividly the desperate dash to get out of the way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL (voice over): Never before seen video.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can hear the roar.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's right there.

HOWELL: Of a family on the run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's it. It's right there.

HOWELL: A monster in the rearview mirror.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh my God.

HOWELL: Every second, every decision -- a matter of life and death.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to be good down here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Drove south through fields and over curbs and fences to get out.

HOWELL: The Brodericks returned only to find that they had lost everything. But they had a much bigger concern in mind that night. Digging through debris and finding the missing and that is when we first met -- UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was just carnage. You know, but it had to be done. People needed to be helped. And so I started rounding everybody up. People were just running up and down the streets. And I got them hollering out if you can hear me, call out.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He is my hero. I mean not only did he save our lives but I know he saved other lives.

HOWELL: The Brodericks consider themselves among the lucky.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The door, the front to be here.

HOWELL: Slowly but surely rebuilding their home. But this community also suffered some heartbreaking loss; 24 people died that day. Seven of the dead were students killed inside Plaza Towers Elementary School when the building was all but leveled. One of them, Danny Moore's son.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My son, Christopher, had a little friend down the hall that was crying and that's sad throughout the weather and he asked his substitute that day if he could move down the hall. She allowed him to. And he covered his little friend when the wall came down.

HOWELL: The old building didn't have storm shelters. The new school that's going up will. And you find throughout this community that new homes are being built with storm shelters in place just as the Brodericks are planning.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're going to build our storm shelter right here kind of between the second and third car.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's right there.

HOWELL: After what this family, like many others saw and experienced one year ago, not being prepared for a disaster like this is no longer an option.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: There is still a push to get storm shelters on all school campuses here in the state of Oklahoma. There is no statewide mandate to require it and the debate continues about how to make that happen and how to pay for it. Critics say there's no excuse for schools not to have shelters given what happened here in Moore, Oklahoma, but Governor Mary Fallon says this should be an issue that is handled by communities, decided by communities, she says it is top priority for her but Carol fair to say the debate continues a year later after that tornado came through here.

COSTELLO: George Howell reporting live from Moore, Oklahoma, this morning.

The next hour of NEWSROOM starts now.