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Police Officers Ended Their Career Over Rayshard Brooks Death; John Bolton Shares to Media Excerpts from His Controversial Book; Land Disputes Killed Indian Troops; Trump Campaign Says Rally Must Go on No Matter What; America In Crisis, Floyd's Brother To United Nations, Help Us Get Justice; Aunt Jemima Out And Uncle Ben's To Rebrand; Weekly U.S. Jobless Report Due In Coming Hours; U.S. Unemployment Claims Surge During Pandemic; How Companies Are Responding To Racial Tensions; Coronavirus Pandemic; Coronavirus Outbreak At German Slaughterhouse Forces Local Closures; English Premiere League Back In Action; Spanish Island Test Tourism Reopening Plan; Teams Pay Tribute To Black Lives Matter Movement; Family Walks 550 Kilometers To Escape Virus In Lima. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired June 18, 2020 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[03:00:00]
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. You are watching CNN Newsroom. And I'm Rosemary Church.
Just ahead.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOMIKA MILLER, RAYSHARD BROOKS' WIDOW: I was very hurt. I can't imagine being there. Because I don't know what I would have done if I would have seen that for myself. But I felt everything that he felt just by hearing what he went through. And it hurt. It hurt really bad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Rayshard Brooks' widow overcome with grief as she described her husband's death. Now the two police officers involved are facing serious charges including felony murder.
And the things that president doesn't want you to know. Why Donald Trump is trying to block the publication of a former adviser's new bombshell book. Plus.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (on screen text): I am thinking because I am almost home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: We'll bring you the story of one woman's harrowing to escape COVID-19. Just fives after a black man was shot and killed by police in the city
of Atlanta, charges have now been filed against the former officer who fired those fatal shots in a restaurant parking lot and his partner. The killing of Rayshard Brooks has sparked a new wave of protests against police brutality.
CNN's Victor Blackwell has the latest developments from Atlanta.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL HOWARD, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: These are the 11 charges against Officer Rolfe, the first charges felony murder. This is a, the death that is as the result of an underlying felony and in this case the underlying felony is aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. And the possible sentences for a felony murder conviction would be life, life without parole, or the death penalty.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A felony murder charge and 10 other charges for former Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe who shot and killed 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks after a scuffle outside a Wendy's restaurant on Friday night. Included in those charges are multiple aggravated assault charges.
The other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, also charged with aggravated assault and two other charges of violating police rules. But the twist announced by Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Brosnan is now a cooperating witness and will testify against former Officer Rolfe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD: Within a matter of days, he plans to make a statement regarding the culpability of Officer Rolfe. But he indicated that he is not psychologically willing to give that statement to date.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: During the explanation of those charges, Howard repeatedly said Mr. Brooks was not a threat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD: We have concluded at the time Mr. Brooks was shot that he did not pose an immediately threat of death.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: It started with a 911 call.
(BEGIN VOICE CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Does he appear to have any weapons from where you can see him?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, no. I think he is intoxicated.
(END VOICE CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Police were called to a Wendy's restaurant after the caller said a car was blocking the drive-thru lane. Brooks was found by police seemingly asleep at the wheel. Police body camera video shows that 20-minute interaction between Brooks and the two officers to be calm. The officers conduct a sobriety test on the 27-year-old.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know, I know you're just doing your job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Brooks failed the breathalyzer test and as Rolfe began to arrest him the struggle began. Brooks resisted arrest. All three fell to the ground. Brooks got away, taking the other officer's taser with it. A chase ensued and Brooks turned back towards the officer pointing the taser. That's when Rolfe shot Brooks in the back.
He was hit twice, according to the medical examiner. Disciplinary records show Rolfe received a written reprimand for a use of force complaint in 2016 with several more citizen complaints. But no action was taken on those. Officer Brosnan has two firearm discharges on his record, including Friday night shooting.
The district attorney says that Officer Brosnan is cooperating with the investigation and potentially would testify against ex-Officer Rolfe. But in a statement, Officer Brosnan's attorney says that the officer has not agreed to testify, has not agreed to plead guilty, and has not agreed to be a state's witness.
We also heard from the attorney for ex-Officer Garrett Rolfe who says the shooting was justified.
In Atlanta, Victor Blackwell, CNN.
[03:05:02]
CHURCH: Areva Martin is a CNN legal analyst and civil rights attorney and she joins us now from Los Angeles. Thank you so much for being with us.
AREVA MARTIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Thank you, Rosemary.
CHURCH: So, Garrett Rolfe, the former Atlanta police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks has now been charged with felony murder and 10 additional charges.
The other officer, Devin Brosnan faces three charges and the D.A. says he agreed to be a state witness but his legal team now denies that. How significant is all this in terms of justice and police accountability?
MARTIN: Well it's a very significant development today, Rosemary, because not only did the district attorney charge both of these officers, he threw the proverbial book at both of the officers, particularly the one, Rolfe, who was involved in the shooting of Mr. Brooks.
And not, again, didn't charge him with lesser offenses, charged him with the most serious offense a felony murder. And in the state of Georgia that offense carries live imprison without parole and even possibly the death penalty.
So, these are very serious charges filed against both offices. A significant day as it relates to whether this second officer will in fact be a witness for the state as the district attorney indicated.
District Attorney Paul Howard said he had never had one officer testify or agreed to testify against another officer. Now we are hearing from Brosnan's legal team that he in fact is not going to testify on behalf of the prosecutor.
So, there is some confusion about whether he, you know, has made this commitment to be a witness or not. I think that will be worked out obviously in the next, you know, days and upcoming months as we learn more about this case.
CHURCH: Yes, that was very confusing, certainly when that all started to play out. And we also learned Wednesday for the first time that the former officer who shot Rayshard Brooks said, I got him. And kicked Brooks while the other officer stood on Brooks' shoulder.
And we also learned they didn't provide medical aid to him for over two minutes. How significant are these shocking details from a legal perspective, and how big a part did they play in the charges the officers now face?
MARTIN: Yes, Rosemary, those developments today were indeed shocking. They play into this narrative that African-American men who have encounters with the police are not only 2.5 times more likely to end up dead as Mr. Brooks did, but that also certain police officers don't see African- American men as human, they see them as less than human.
And to not only stand on his body but to kick him after he has already been shot twice in the back, just really show the lack of humanity they have for him. The excited utterance which is what it was, that statement that we got him, or I got him, would be very significant as the jurors have to wait his state of mind.
And as the district attorney indicated that comment and the gestures and the actions of these office officers after Mr. Brooks is laying there dying, you know, those actions and that statement don't suggest that they were fearful of him, or that they had any remorse with respect to the shooting.
In fact, they play into this narrative that they were purposely trying to shoot him or that one officer intentionally tries to shoot him.
CHURCH: And Areva, just finally, African- Americans have been dealing with police brutality for hundreds of years. And now through all this video evidence, the rest of America and indeed the world, are seeing what goes on for themselves. Because this -- because of this, of course, there is a possibility that things may be very different this time around.
Do you think that's the case in terms of police reforms, accountability and justice?
MARTIN: I think we're having some very difficult conversations, Rosemary, but I'm cautiously optimistic. One thing happens in these cases and it's almost like a playbook. And that is we have intense media attention around these high-profile cases.
There's protests that happened in cities and in this case, all over the world, and we start to have these very difficult and uncomfortable or conversations about race. And just as we get very close, we tend to pull back, we retreat, we recoil because it is so difficult to have these conversations.
And we see that happening with the order, the executive order signed by Donald Trump, which is more window dressing, nothing with any real substance or teeth. We saw that with the GOP police reform bill that was, you know, rolled out this morning. Again, not very much substance. Not, you know, not any real consequences to the kinds of actions of the police officers we saw in the Rayshard Brooks case.
So, the conversation has started yet again, but where that conversation ends up, it's not clear to me that is going to end in the kind of sweeping and broad criminal justice reform and policing reform that we need to end the kind of violence against African-American men and women that we've seen played out there was the last several months.
[03:15:10]
CHURCH: Areva Martin, I thank you for your legal analysis.
MARTIN: Thank you.
CHURCH: With tensions high between the U.S. and China, top diplomats of the two countries met for seven hours in Hawaii. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with a counterpart from the politburo. The secretary of state reportedly stressed the need for fully reciprocal security and commercial dealings and transparency in combatting COVID- 19.
While the officials from the two countries were meeting, an explosive allegation emerged that President Trump sought China's help in the upcoming presidential election.
In his new book, former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton claims Mr. Trump personally appealed to China's President Xi Jinping to aid in his reelection. And even told him to move ahead with detainment camps for China's Uyghur Muslims.
Bolton also says Democrats should have broadened their impeachment investigation beyond Ukraine, suggesting President Trump committed similar offences with China and Turkey.
The Trump administration has been waging a legal battle to keep the book from being published. Some Democrats are ripping Bolton for refusing to tell any of this at last year's impeachment inquiry. And President Trump is calling Bolton a liar who is breaking the law.
More now from CNN's Jeremy Diamond.
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, just one day after the Justice Department sought to block John Bolton from publishing his forthcoming book, the former national security adviser is releasing several excerpts of his book, publishing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal and also providing copies of the book to the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and the New York Times and, now CNN has also obtained a copy of the book.
And John Bolton is making a series of explosive allegations about how President Trump has conducted himself as president in office, particularly in the realm of foreign policy.
And amid those allegations that John Bolton is making, one in particular strikes at this issue of President Trump seeking the help of foreign advertisers in the U.S. elections. We know of course that that was the subject of President Trump's the impeachment that he faced with regards to seeking help from Ukraine, now John Bolton is also saying that the president appeared to have sought help from China as it relates to the 2020 election.
Let me read you a part of these experts that Ambassador Bolton wrote in the Wall Street Journal. It says, Trump said approvingly that there was great hostility to China among Democrats. Trump then stunningly trying to conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election alluding to China's economic capability and pleading with Xi -- that's Chinese President Xi Jinping -- to ensure he'd win. He stressed the importance of farmers and increase Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat in the electoral outcome. I would print Trump's exact words but the government's prepublication review process has decided otherwise.
Now what Ambassador Bolton is alluding to there is the fact that he did have to submit his manuscript to the White House's National Security Council for review to determine if there was any classified information. There were several edits that were made to this book to take out classified information but the Justice Department and the White House are claiming that there is still classified information in this book. And President Trump in fact is responding to Ambassador Bolton by alleging just that. Listen.
(BEGIN VOICE CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: But he broke the law. Very simple. I mean, as much as it's going to be broken, this is highly classified, that's the highest stage, it's highly classified information. And he did not have approval. That's come out now very loud and very strong.
(END VOICE CLIP) DIAMOND: Now even as President Trump claims that there is classified information in this book that should not be release to the public, he is also saying that what Ambassador Bolton is writing in this book isn't untrue. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the president is also calling John Bolton a liar.
So, the president, it seems, would like to have it both ways here, both saying that there is sensitive classified information that shouldn't be out there, and also saying that what Ambassador Bolton is writing simply isn't true.
Jeremy Diamond, CNN, the White House.
CHURCH: China and India are blaming each other for a deadly fight in the Himalayas that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. And what China is saying dialogue is the way to resolve the tensions, an Indian defense official is threatening a befitting reply.
CNN has obtained satellite images that could shed light on what is happening in the remote region.
Sam Kiley reports.
[03:14:58]
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: A forbidding landscape where no quarter is given. The view from space of the invisible line which separates the armies of India and China along a three and a half thousand-kilometer disputed border. A place where men can die over buildings like these, or less.
India lost at least 20 men in the bloodiest clash in four decades which was, the Indians say, over a Chinese attempt to put a small structure in Indian territory.
Recent encounters were brawls like this. But that's changed. India says that men died when they fought with fists, clubs, and rocks. And that some perished from their wounds and hypothermia. Grim details for the wife and mother or a fallen Indian soldier.
The Galwan Valley clash shed blood in a remote Himalayan flash point where Indian troops eye territory their country has claimed for decades but that's the administered by China. Beijing has not said if any of that blood was Chinese.
This is the biggest escalation since 1975 and has brought back memories of bloody but short conflicts in the 1960s and 70s as India has rushed reinforcements to the region. Tensions along this border area have been rising for weeks.
China conducted military exercises into bed, far enough away from the border not to provoke. But close enough to be heard. China shifting the message is being delivered by men of war to men in suits.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman saying that the situation was now stable. But as the coffins began to come home, India is taking a different view. He said, India wants peace, but is always capable of giving a befitting reply if provoked. And he is under pressure to reply with violence.
In New Delhi, veterans and others calling for revenge. And the destruction of Chinese imports. Demands that neither India nor China can't afford to meet.
Sam Kiley, CNN.
CHURCH: COVID-19 is spiking in the city where Mr. Trump plans a campaign rally this weekend. But the Trump campaign says it's not responsible if people get sick at the event. We'll explain, just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: When President Trump restarts his mass campaign rallies this Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it will be against a backdrop of rising cases of coronavirus in the city. Tulsa reported 96 new cases on Wednesday, a daily record for the city. One local official predicts those numbers will climb after Saturday's rally.
[03:20:02]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAREN KEITH, COMMISSIONER, TULSA COUNTY: We should have done any and everything that we could to move this to some other time. Because as you all heard, our numbers are spiking. This could be a super spreader, but given two weeks after this event, I can promise you that we are going to see issues in this community.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: More now from CNN's Jim Acosta.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: With President Trump expected to hold a rally this weekend in Oklahoma, White House officials are dismissing any questions that the administration might be responsible for exposing the thousands of supporters expected to attend to the coronavirus. In other words, rally at your own risk.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA: The president whether White House take responsibility if people get sick and catch the coronavirus at this rally on Saturday?
KAYLEIGH MCENANY, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: So, the campaign has taken certain measures to make sure this is a safe rally. Temperature checks, hand sanitizers, and masks, so we are taking precautions.
ACOSTA: But you are not requiring people to wear a mask?
MCENANY: They will be given a mask, it's up to them whether to take that decision. CDC guidelines are recommended but not required.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA: The Trump campaign has already posted or disclaimer for the Tulsa rally, telling attendees that the president and other event organizes cannot be held liable for any illnesses. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tried to compare the potential for exposure at the rally to the dangerous pose by attending a baseball game. But hold on, pro-sports events with crowds have been scrapped for weeks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCENANY: As in any event, you assume a personal risk on that. It's just what you do. When you go to a baseball game you assume a risk. That's part of life. It's a personal decision of Americans as to whether to go to the rally or whether not to go to the rally.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Tulsa, Oklahoma health officials are urging attendees to be tested for the virus before and after the event. Public health experts are warning the White House they could be putting lives at risk.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARTHUR CAPLAN, PROFESSOR, NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: The people come to the rally they don't care about them except there's a photo-op because they're going to kill some of them and some of their family and friends.
TRUMP: The disinfectant would knock it out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Ever since the president suggested Americans can inject themselves with disinfectants to ward off COVID-19, Mr. Trump has sidelined his own coronavirus task force. An administration official tells CNN they just want to deal with the reality of it. They are in denial.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is blasting Mr. Trump's handling of the pandemic.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We've lost lives. We've lost businesses. We've lost paychecks. And now thanks to Donald Trump's bungling, we may lose some of the progress we have begun to make, all because he's lost interest.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Ask whether he would attend the Tulsa rally, task force Dr. Anthony Fauci who is 79 years old told The Daily Beast, I'm in a high- risk category. Personally, I would not, of course not.
On the administration's efforts to curb police brutality White House officials said the president would support proposals being proposed by GOP Senator Tim Scott aimed at cleaning up law enforcement practices.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. TIM SCOTT (R-SC): We hear you. I think this package speaks very clearly to the young person who is concerned when he is stopped by the law enforcement officers. We see you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Democrats insist the Republican bill doesn't go far enough.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. NANCY PELOSI (D), UNITED STATES SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: We don't need a window dressing toothless bill. We need to take action that is real.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Press secretary was asked why so many White House officials are no longer wearing masks after a brief period when staffers were using them in response to an aide of Vice President Mike Pence who contracted the virus. McEnany said the masks are recommended but not required at the White House. Another reminder that the president and his team aren't really interested in being public health role models on the issue.
Jim Acosta, CNN, the White House.
CHURCH: For more, I'm joined now from New York by Dr. Celine Gounder. She is a CNN medical analyst and host of the Epidemic podcast. Good to have you with us.
CELINE GOUNDER, CNN MEDICAL ANALYST: My pleasure.
CHURCH: So more than 117,000 deaths in the United States from COVID- 19 and cases are increasing in about 21 states including Oklahoma. And yet, President Trump is going ahead with a rally in that state in the city of Tulsa Saturday that could potentially see 20,000 people packed in tightly together. How concerned are you about this?
GOUNDER: Well, Rosemary, I think it really depends on what additional measures are being taken by his supporters. If they are all wearing masks, if they are practicing good hand hygiene and to the degree possible in a packed rally, trying to maintain six feet apart, they probably can minimize most of the risk. It is after all outdoors.
But I think the biggest red flag for me is that many Trump supporters including the president himself have expressed an antagonism to wearing masks. And that has been shown now in country after country that is practicing rigorous use of masks, whether it's Japan, or Singapore, South Korea, that it really does make a difference in terms the transmission.
So, I'm concerned that that message has not gotten through and that people won't be taking the precautions necessary to protect themselves.
[03:25:02]
CHURCH: And that's a valid concern, because we know that participants at this rally will not be required to wear masks. We even heard from President Trump's press secretary that those in attendance assume a personal risk. So, what would your advice be to those potential participants?
GOUNDER: Look, you know, I think the data is very clear. We should all be wearing masks when we are around people who are not from our own household. That's the best way to be preventing transmission of the virus.
I think you know, for example, Japan has not had to implement very strict lockdowns the way very many other countries have and they've actually been able to do a pretty good job of controlling the virus, you know, wearing masks complemented with testing and contact tracing and isolation.
But this is clearly a measure that works. And the Southeast Asian countries have experience with SARS before this. They know what the risks are, what worked in that context, and I think it would behoove us to really take a page from that and learn from that.
CHURCH: Yes, it's such an easy solution and yet so much resistance in this country to the wearing of masks. I wanted to ask you this because the White House Coronavirus Task Force has been sidelined for about a month now and one White House official close to that task force told CNN that they just don't want to deal with the reality of it. They're in denial.
Referring to the Trump administration there. And we've seen the images of President Trump and Vice President Pence not wearing masks, not social distancing, giving the impression that everything has moved on. What could be the consequences of a leadership that essentially ignores a health crisis at this magnitude?
GOUNDER: Well, to be fair, Rosemary, I don't think it's just the Trump administration. I think government officials, I think the news media for example, has gotten sort of fatigue with the COVID story, I think. My own colleagues at the hospital are really tired and burned out. And the general public too, of course.
And I think the natural human response, but as we let our guard down, we really are exposing ourselves to increase transmission. And I'm profoundly concerned for what this will mean for us in the fall.
CHURCH: And we know that top doctors on the Coronavirus Task Force have been meeting without Mr. Pence, but on Wednesday they had a closed meeting with him about the increasing number of cases, and perhaps also the false information he has been putting out, including blaming the surge in cases of an increased testing. What do you make of those false claims?
GOUNDER: Well, the increased testing, one it's a good thing that we are testing more, but it does not account for the increase in cases that we are seeing. And I do think it's interesting that the increase in cases is predominantly in states, Florida, Texas, Arizona, that were slow to implement shelter in place measures or lockdown measures in the first place, and that were also very quick to lift those measures afterward.
So, they had those measures in place for shorter and none of those three states as well as some of the others that are experiencing surges in cases really did what they needed to do to prepare for the next phase of control, which is really to not just scale up testing but to hire legions of contact tracers we can identify the people who are infected and then try to identify who else they may have exposed.
Because that's really the only way right now, based on the technology that we have right now, that we can block the ongoing transmission. And none of those states have done that. And you know, it's also an interesting thing that all three of those states as well of some of the other places we are seeing ongoing transmission our southern states where the weather is hot and people are actually endorsed more.
Usually we think of the summer months as when we spend more time outside and the winter when we're inside. But that's a part of the country where it's flipped. And I do wonder if that's part of the reason on top of the relaxation of social distancing measures that those areas are especially high risk for resurgences in transmission.
CHURCH: Dr. Gounder, always good to talk with you. Thank you so much.
GOUNDER: My pleasure.
CHURCH: Well, for more than a century, Aunt Jemima pancakes and syrup have been a U.S. breakfast staple. Now the brand with its stereotyped roots in Minstrel shows is coming off the shelves. We will tell you why just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[03:30:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PHILONISE FLOYD, GEORGE FLOYD'S BROTHER: You watch my brother die. That could had been me. I am my brother's keeper. You and the United Nations, are your brothers and sisters keepers in America. And you have the power to help us give justice for my brother George Floyd. I'm asking you to help him. I'm asking you to help me. I am asking you to help us. Black people in America.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: An impassioned plea there from George Floyd's brother. Philonise Floyd is urging the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate police brutality in the United States. The council has been holding an urgent debate on systemic racism in the U.S. However, the United States is not taking part as it pulled out of the human rights council two years ago. Well America's never ending struggle against racism is forcing big
changes for some well-known U.S. brands. Quaker Oats is discontinuing its 130-year-old at Aunt Jemima syrups and pancake mixes, and the mars company says it will evolve its Uncle Ben's Rice by changing its visual brand identity. Although it's not clear what will replace the familiar Uncle Ben character. Both brands evoke racist tropes, Old Aunt Jemima was a minstrel song wipe before Didi and black face. Uncle Ben evokes servitude and even the terms aunt and uncle have racial undertones. They were used on Southern plantations for all the salves.
Well other U.S. companies are also rethinking their products and strategies. Johnson and Johnson announced it will sell its Band-Aid bandages in a range of skin shades, from light to deep brown and black. Land or Lakes butter removed the controversial Native American woman from its packaging. The company said the change was made to better reflect its culture. And last month, Crayola released packs of crayons with 24 new colors meant to represent people around the world.
Well as more U.S. states open up for business, we are learning more about who is working and who is not. The U.S. Labor Department is expected to announce soon that another 1.3 million Americans filed initial jobless claims last week. The total claims number has fallen for 11 straight weeks but remains high. More than 44 million Americans have filed for benefits since the coronavirus pandemic ripped the nation in mid-March.
CNN's John Defterios is with me now from Abu Dhabi. Good to see you John. So this forecast of 1.3 million Africans is an improvement, but still historically high and we can't overlook the fact that so many people around the world, what is the likely outlook here?
JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: Well Rosemary, let's say we can't grow numb to these numbers because as you suggested they are high, remain that way, and could do so for another four to six weeks.
[03:35:08]
So, 1.3 is well-above the average run rate pre-covid 19, let's put it that way, of 200,000 to 300,000 claims at the time. If you put up the chart, this report will be remembered though, because last week we crossed 44 million to 44.2 and this will cross over to 45. And again, focus on the chart and the write-up from 3 million up to nearly 7 million, 6 million, 5 million. These are numbers I have never seen in my kind of 30 years of covering business news.
And then we have that stair case lower, that is an improvement, but as Ben Bernanke was suggesting, the former Fed chairman and also another one, Janet Yellen, let's support the current Fed chairman, Jay Powell and when he suggested we should have a diversified stimulus package to follow. Because it could have double digit unemployment going in to 2021. We have 13.3 percent. We have improvement in the business as well. That's great, we are adding jobs to the economy.
But with the snap back off covid, we don't know how aggressive the companies will be in rehiring. What's the consumer sentiment going forward? And we do know from Donald Trump that they do have a $2.5 trillion package or floating on Capitol Hill, but it's mainly a payroll tax cut for companies to come back to U.S. soil and reducing the supply chain reliance on China.
But not a lot of discussion about the long-term benefit packages for workers that could be lost out for a decade. I'm not exaggerating, the new graduates, Rosemary, and also we starting to look at those above 55 and before retirement. What do you do now, in a shrunk down economy?
CHURCH: Yes, indeed. And John, we were just reporting. We are seeing some soul searching going on in corporate America, or especially when it comes to major food companies and racial stereotyping brands like, (inaudible). You know, they are being retired, and other companies are being forced to rethink their strategies. It's long overdue. So what is the likely impact of these, do you think?
DEFTERIOS: You know, Rosemary, as I go by, my coverage goes back to -- look, the early 1990s and the L.A. riots. This feels different. It feels more pervasive and something that's going to be sustainable in terms of the campaign. So, I think that is the big difference here. Racial stereotyping in brands is not exclusive to the United States, but as America can say, it's obviously much more prevalent. And it is so long over for due for change. And I think the campaigns are having success.
Now, you talked about all the brands, but let's just tick off those that are dealing with the black community right now. And what Pepsi Co., with John's Quaker oats is doing here. They are retiring. But what I found was interesting about it. It doesn't have a replacement as a company yet. So what do you do, eat through the existing stock and then work aggressively to launch a new brand? And what would that new brand look like?
They acquired, Quaker Oats back just before 2001 for nearly $14 billion. They wanted it because these brand had equity. But this is a multi-billion dollar decision by Pepsi Co. to shelf it, to put $400 million over five years into the black immunity. That's a lot of money by the way. Mars has the Uncle Ben's brand. It is privately held, and the difference here, the pressure will remain, but will it be sustain?
And the same thing when it comes to anti-minor and the brands that we have today, the company is saying we are reviewing. Is that review going to be leading to real change, is the question that we are asking right now? And the list goes on and on, Rosemary, into the Native American community as well. It could last for years in this change.
CHURCH: Yes. We will keep a very close eye on all of this, watching a lot of change right now. John Defterios joining us from Abu Dhabi, many thanks.
Well there has been a huge coronavirus outbreak at one of Germany's largest slaughterhouses. Local media reporting that some 400 employees were infected. The plant was ordered to shut down by officials, and local schools have been closed as a precaution. The case adds to a string of outbreaks at slaughterhouses across Europe. And CNN's Anna Stewart is following this story for us from London. She joins us now live. Always good to see you Anna. So, what's the latest on this and what measures that could in place to try to prevent more infections?
ANNA STEWART, CNN PRODUCER: So, as he said, 400 cases so far. So this is a really major outbreak. And in the area 7,000 people have now been asked to quarantine themselves. As you mentioned, schools have been shut, child care facilities have been shut, all to try and limit the further spread of the virus.
But watch that case number, because it could cause get higher as more test results come back. Now, what's so worrying is this is not the first as you mentioned meat processing plant to have issues. Certainly not in Germany. It is actually the latest in a string of outbreaks at very similar factories? And it raises two really key issues, I guess.
[03:40:02]
The first, health and safety within meat processing plants. We were told by Tany, one of the managers at the company said, this facility was not designed with the pandemic in mind. Social distancing is very hard to maintain. Firstly we see factories and all sorts of industries across the world adapting your processes to ensure social distance where possible, providing PPE for employees and showing them how to use it where it's not. Those are all really key factors.
The second issue that's very specific to this sector is the use of migrant workers. Again, this is something the company did address. Actually, they did apologize for this outbreak. But they pointed to the fact that many of their workers are foreign and they said many of them had gone home for holidays in May and June, a hit there that they could have brought the virus back with them, that is a factor.
But also the issue of migrant workers at this meat plants has been really a focus throughout this -- throughout all the outbreaks in recent weeks. Many of these workers are hired by subcontractors and they often put in the communal housing we're living conditions are incredibly cramped. So that doesn't help of course when you are looking at the spread of a virus.
Now Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, is speaking right now. She hasn't addressed a specific plan. But she has said that the new outbreaks have happened because social distancing measures were not always being followed. I would expect plenty of questions on the specific plan to come shortly. Rosemary.
CHURCH: Yes. Seeing a problem there with this in Europe and across the United States. Anna Stewart bringing us the very latest from her vantage point in London, many thanks.
Well, the English Premier League made its return Wednesday to empty stadiums. Now they are sending a clear message in support of racial equity.
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CHURCH: While Spain has opened its borders to the first wave of international tourists since its lockdown started in March. The program is a test of how tourism will work in popular Spanish islands in the Mediterranean. Hundreds of sun seekers from Germany arrived early this week on the Island of Mallorca. It comes two weeks before the rest of the country reopens to international tourists. Let's go to Atika Shubert, who is on the Spanish Island of Mallorca and Atika, good to see you. How is this all going to work? What measures had already been put in place?
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it really starts at the airport, as soon as people arrive, they had their temperature check. They have to fill-out health questionnaire and of course give their contact details, so that in the event of an outbreak, they can be trace. But they will not be quarantined, they don't have to be tested for the coronavirus. Once they get to the hotels there's a lot of these safety measures you are seeing in places.
You know, mandatory masks, gel disinfectant and so forth. But the thing is it's really only a few hotels at this moment that are participating and as you can see, this is Palma Beach in Mallorca and it usually packed with people. It's still empty now. And this is particularly popular for German tourists and there's beer hall down the road, completely shuttered up. And it just goes to show why this pilot program is so critical for the economy.
[03:45:10]
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SHUBERT: This is a test. A safety test. Because even if we take a holiday, coronavirus does not. So to rest virus safety precautions, the Balearic Islands in Spain have offered nearly 11,000 lucky German tourist, the first summer holiday places here. Director of Tourism, Rosana Morillo explains.
ROSANA MORILLO, DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, BALEARIC ISLANDS: We didn't know what was going to be their reaction of the German market to a pilot program that consisting open everything earlier. You know, so, we are really hoping that the German market will still trust in the Balearic Islands and in fact it has been like that, because everything was almost still out in the first days.
SHUBERT: The real hotels are working overtime to assure the safety of their new guests with a plethora of disinfectant stations. A thermal camera checks temperature at the door. And arrows on the floor remind guests to move in a single file two meters apart.
Now, if I'm going to have breakfast or dinner, means I've got to wear my gloves, masks and, have my temperature checked. Then I'm ready to eat.
The hotel is operating at a maximum of half capacity. That's not ideal, but necessary to ensure safety and still survive the economic impact of the pandemic, says hotel Director Sergio Navarro.
SERGIO NAVARRO, HOTEL DIRECTOR: They will always going to see us as an example, a positive example, we feel very brave to show the world, we are (inaudible) people are doing fantastic effort so far and guests are responding so well. SHUBERT: Covid-19 vigilance has not put a damper on the sunny holiday
vibes. No fighting over beach towels here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Normally the beaches are full. The shops are full, everything is full. And now nobody is there.
SHUBERT: How do you feel about all of these new precautions?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A little bit complicated.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The mask and the hand wash. But I don't know, everything is OK. So in Germany, we have all the same.
SHUBERT: After three long months of homebound coronavirus restrictions, it seems masks and disinfected are small price to pay for proper beach holiday.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SHUBERT: Really, this seems to be a test not only of the island's coronavirus precautions, but also of tourists, you know, so they get used to the new normal, not just here in Mallorca, but in other parts of Spain, really anywhere you go on holiday, these are the things, the new rules that tourists will have to follow if they want to travel. Rosemary.
CHURCH: Yes. Understood, and a beautiful destination indeed. Atika Shubert, many thanks to you indeed.
Well the English Premier League is back exactly 100 days after its last match. Wednesday mark the first matches since it close due to the coronavirus. But with no fans present matches between Aston Villa and Sheffield United and Manchester City and Arsenal featured tributes to the black lives matter movement and coronavirus victims.
Well, CNN world sports Alex Thomas joins me now from Manchester in England, good to see you Alex. So, talk to us about these tributes to black lives matter and of course the victims of the pandemic, as well as how the game is played out.
ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORTS: Yes, Rosemary, a fascinating contrast. Here was the Premiere League suspended back in March by the coronavirus, and then resuming with another major global issue front and center. Wearing black lives matter on the backs off their shirts instead of their names, every player took a knee just after kickoff, in both of Wednesday's games. The coaches and the referees did as well. An unprecedented, unprecedented gesture during these unprecedented times. And certainly with this city boss Pep Guarciola spoke about after the game. .
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PEP GUARCIOLA, MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER: Well, we should say that white people is apologizes, sorry, the way we treat black people in the last 400 years of four centuries. So, I feel ashamed what we have done for these marvelous black people around the world. It's not a problem about the USA, United States of America, what happened for Mr. Floyd, I think it's a problem of racism is everywhere. And maybe our generation is too late. But hopefully a new generation, the young generations can understand that racism is our (inaudible) is our service, rather human beings, not because of the color of the skin, but every justice is important but it's a fight for day-by-day and day by day, during months and years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS: So it's perhaps fitting that Star forward Rahim Sterling, a vocal critic of racism in football, scored the opening goal. As Manchester City beat Arsenal in the stadium here behind me.
[03:50:10]
That sort of gesture, the black lives matter tribute, overshadowed the return of football, which got very -- many people here excited because they have all been stuck and lockdown like so many others. In Wednesday's earlier game, we saw a nil-nil draw this lead, Arsenal and Manchester United, both matches with no fans. But no spectators didn't mean no excitement.
Because in the Villa United game, the ball crossed the line at one stage, but it didn't register as a goal. Normally the referee gets a signal to his watch through goal line technology. The company that runs it later apologizing, admitting it was an error, saying all the cameras in the stadium were blocked from the view, because the key (inaudible) was holding it, he was over the line behind the post as well. So a bit of interest on the opening day of Premier League action resuming. Rosemary.
CHURCH: A lot of progress on all fronts there. Alex Thomas, many thanks to you for bringing us up to date, I appreciate it.
Well after almost two months of living in fear and poverty because of the coronavirus, one family in Peru tries to escape the pandemic by walking 550 kilometers home to their rural village. We will show you their harrowing journey. That's next.
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CHURCH: Well, Peru has been one of the hardest hit countries in Latin America for covid-19, with more than 240,000 confirmed cases, and 7,200 deaths. And it has now surpassed Italy with the 7th highest infection total in the world.
In Peru's capital Lima, the pandemic is forcing some families to leave the city to seek shelter hundreds of kilometers away. Guillermo Galdos followed one family who made a harrowing 550 kilometer journey home to their rural village, 350 miles on foot.
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GUILLERMO GALDOS, JOURNALIST: These bus terminal is overwhelmed with people desperate to get out of Lima. About 70 percent of Peruvians working in the formal colony and live hand to mouth. When President Martin Vizcarra imposed a street lockdown for coronavirus, it's sparked an economic crisis. Maria and her three daughters move to Lima for the sake of her oldest child's education, but now she is desperate to get back home, back to her husband, back to safety.
With no planes, trains, or buses, she is starting the 350 mile journey on foot.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: It's hot and food and water are scarce. A passing's truck driver throws the family something to eat.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: After three days on the road, Maria is struggling to carry on. She is 4,500 meters high in the Andes. The air is thin. The journey relentless.
[03:55:03]
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: The truck driver takes them to the next town. From there, the family must continue on foot.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: That night, Maria and her daughter's set up camp in a clearing in the rainforest.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: After seven days and 300 miles traveled, Maria and her family have made it through their home province. The land of the indigenous Ashaninka people. They're only 50 miles from home, but there is a problem.
Maria and her daughters had just heard that the local indigenous communities have shut down completely the area and they are not allowing anybody in.
The indigenous people are right to be worried. (Inaudible) region is one of the most badly affected areas in the country for coronavirus. After delicate negotiations, she's allowed to pass, on the agreement that she self isolates on her farm once she gets there.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: After all the pain and suffering, the final moment. The family cannot hold one another, in case someone transmits the virus.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GALDOS: Not everyone leaving Lima will return home safely. For some, the dangers found on the road will be greater than the poverty and disease they are fleeing from. But Maria and her family are some of the lucky ones reunited.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: And we thank you for joining us. I'm Rosemary Church. I'll be back with more news in just a moment.
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